Coming from a 4Gamer interview with Sonic Lost World producer Takashi Iizuka...
“While talking with the designers, we were wondering how we could have Sonic wear these clothes and look normal while covering his spikes. In any case, I was definitely worried at the time of designing.”
I don't see what the big worry was. Sonic was going to look weird no matter what!
A portion of a Nintendo Life interview with Tom Create's Noriyoshi Takagi...
NL: Smash Cat Heroes is next up on the 3DS eShop. Does this game make use of any 3DS-specific features, such as StreetPass, SpotPass, the 3D screen, motion controls and so on?
NT: When we develop a game we’re always looking to see if there are any hardware features that can enhance the game, but in the case Smash Cat Heroes we didn’t think there was anything that would add to the game.
NL: Will there be any form of multiplayer in this title, either local or online?
NT: No, it’s a one player game.
NL: Is DLC a possibility for Smash Cat Heroes?
NT: No plans. There’s already quite a lot in the game!
NL: Can you tell us anything about future projects on Nintendo hardware? Are you planning more games for the eShop platforms?
NT: Last year we only released one game in Japan on eShop but I’m hoping we will release a lot more in the future and are already hard at work on the next game!
This rating does not include the Wii U version, but content-wise, they should all be the same.
Rating Category: Mature
Content Descriptors: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Other:
Includes online features that may expose players to unrated user-generated content (Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Rating Summary: This is third-person shooter/action game in which players assume the role of Aiden Pearce, a hacker trying to find an evil mastermind. Players use pistols, machine guns, assault rifles, and explosives to kill various human enemies (e.g., criminals, police officers). When close to an enemy, players are able to shoot them in the head or knock them out with a black jack. Players have the ability to kill captives after (mostly) off-screen interrogations. Cutscenes depict further instances of violence (e.g., a man stabbed in the neck and shot multiple times). Combat is highlighted by cries of pain, blood-splatter effects, and realistic gunfire. The game includes several depictions of topless female characters. One prolonged scene depicts a topless women standing in a bedroom; another sequence depicts close-ups of topless women sitting down. The game also includes a few instances of sexual activity, including an obscured depiction of masturbation; a woman performing fellatio on a man; and a man thrusting against a woman from behind—camera angles obscure the sex act and no nudity is shown. During the course of the game, the central character is sometimes consumes large amounts of alcohol (the screen turns blurry); one sequence depicts characters using needles to inject themselves with drugs. The words “f**k,” “sh*t,” and “a*shole” can be heard in the dialogue.
Capcom Co., Ltd. (Capcom) is pleased to announce that construction is under way on two R&D buildings located near the Osaka head office building.
The appearance of next-generation consoles with a variety of network functions has shifted the focus of sales from conventional package software to digitally distributed content. The profit structure and business model are changing at an increasing speed as a result. Furthermore, the popularity of social games due to the widespread use of smartphones is enabling games to reach more user segments and enlarging the entire game market.
To succeed in this challenging environment, Capcom has been focusing resources on strategic and growing areas under a policy of selection and concentration in order to operate with speed and flexibility. Constructing these new R&D buildings will make game development operations more efficient by centralizing these operations and upgrading speed and control. Another goal is to improve quality while holding down development expenses by accumulating development technologies and other knowledge. To accomplish this goal, Capcom plans to hire about 100 developers every year, mostly new graduates, and raise the share of game development work that is performed internally. By March 2022, Capcom plans to have a workforce of 2,500 developers. Capcom believes that these actions will give the company a competitive advantage due to the more powerful development capabilities in the rapidly growing mobile content and PC online games markets.
The two R&D buildings will have a variety of latest facilities. Examples include a motion capture room, a studio for producing and recording sound effects, and multi-purpose spaces that can hold more than 100 people. Both buildings will use seismic isolation systems for protection even during a major earthquake. The buildings are also designed to be environmentally responsible. One illustration is exterior walls with uneven surfaces on the north and south sides to block the afternoon sun, thereby reducing the energy needed for the climate control system.
The two buildings will enable Capcom to utilize its outstanding game development skills even more effectively. Capcom is determined to use the new facilities to create highly original games that can meet the expectations of users.
There's a lot of joy in the aesthetic of Lego the Hobbit — in just seeing how, say, Rivendell was Lego-fied. Lego Middle-earth is an exciting place to explore — and I loved that the game let me run amok in it. In fact, Lego the Hobbit's succinct storytelling and engrossing world actually added a lot to my appreciation of the fiction. This stands as my favorite adaptation of the book.
A portion of a TGPS interview with CEO of Ludosity, Joel Nyström...
TGPS: What made you guys decide to bring Ittle Dew over to Wii U & how is the Wii U GamePad utilized?
JN: When we decided on porting to the Wii U, the console hadn’t even launched yet so we were naturally really excited to have one of our games on there. We also think the game fits perfectly on the platform with really nice controls and HD graphics. We’re using the GamePad pretty much as you’d expect, with a map that updates as you go. We didn’t want to make something gimecky with it so we kept it simple.
It’s taken a lot of time to come out on the Wii U, and as we all know it’s kind of struggling sales wise. However I’m ever the optimist and I think it can pick itself up and become a solid platform over time. If nothing else, maybe it’ll become something of an indie station and hopefully we’ll see more innovation coming from that direction. Nintendo is certainly very open to us small-time studios so no problem there.
TGPS: What is Ludosity going to do next after Ittle Dew? Any particular genre you want to tackle? Any more plans for the Wii U or 3DS?
JN: We tend to move from genre to genre. We have already released two more titles after Ittle Dew first came out on PC last year; Muri which is an honest-to-god DOS game, and Card City Nights which is a “card-adventure” game on PC and tablets.
Right now we’re working on Scrolls with Mojang, helping them with the tablet versions, and (this is a scope! =) the prototype for Ittle Dew 2. For the sequel, we’re doing both PC and consoles. We’re also working on a new concept for the 3DS, but it’s in even earlier stages so I can’t say much more than that.
TGPS: Could you tell us anything about Ittle Dew 2?
JN: We’re always prototyping stuff, I’m sure we have way over 100 prototypes floating around the office. So obviously one of them is Ittle Dew 2 =) We really don’t have anything to announce today, but one thing is for certain – we’re not abandoning this universe any time soon!
TGPS: When can we expect Ittle Dew to release on Wii U & how much will it cost?
JN: Ittle be out in May and the price will be on par with the PC version!
Command your fleet to victory in this epic battle on open seas!
Hidden in the untamed ocean awaits an enemy ready to attack. Launch strikes and counter-strikes with missiles and powerful torpedoes to locate and submerge your enemy’s entire fleet in this new rendition of the classic paper and pencil game, Battleship.
Use additional content such as scanners to gain intelligence and detect the location of your enemy. Challenge your friends to battles against your fleet to see who really rules the seas with DS Wireless Play or tackle missions and battles on your own in three different single player modes. Your only hope of survival is to uncover your enemy’s whereabouts before they uncover yours!
Features:
Based on the iconic naval battle-themed paper and pencil game with exciting new features
Battle in Classic mode, Missions mode or the new Modern mode which includes additional features such as mines and diagonal ship placement
DS Wireless Play feature available for wild sea battles against friends
A range of map sizes with increasing difficulty levels for progressively intense battles
Please note that this game is being considered for both 3DS and Wii U, but has not been confirmed just yet. No platforms have officially been confirmed.
- recommended game download offered as a bonus when you purchase a new Nintendo 3DS XL
- campaign starts April 26th
- 3DS XL will come with a voucher redeemable for a game chosen by Nintendo
- first two recommended titles are Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Yo-kai Watch
- both games available until May 31
- another set of recommended games will be announced after that date
- get a voucher for your 3DS XL purchase between April 26 and September 30
- voucher expires on Sept. 30th
