Ubisoft Bringing 7 Wii Launch Titles

[bapenguin]

IGN (http://wii.ign.com/articles/723/723080p1.html) is reporting that UbiSoft (http://www.ubisoft.com) is stepping up big time with their Wii offerings. There will be no less than 7 launch titles published by UbiSoft available for the Wii.

Ubisoft today announced that it is in development with versions of Far Cry, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, Monster 4x4 World Circuit and Open Season for Wii. In addition, the studio is bringing an all-new racer called GT Pro Series to the system.

The publisher also said that it has "many more titles in development" for Wii.
It seems everyday more and more publishers/developers and jumping on the Wii bandwagon. Now lets gets a release date damn it!

Thanks to Zaro for pointing this out.

[Abednigo]

This site is becoming Wiivil Avatar. ;)

[bapenguin]

Lots of Wii news lately...It's getting close to launch...and we don't even know when it is! :)

[Kamalot]

I wonder how these games will turn out. I know Blazing Angels was a damn nice looking game. Will Wii be able to handle it?

[SexualChoc]

And that's why Ubisoft rocks.

[IRONGUSTAV]

I wonder how these games will turn out. I know Blazing Angels was a damn nice looking game. Will Wii be able to handle it?


blazing angles was mediocre at best,a waste of a good idea

[Cool AN]

I love Ubisoft.

[ArchVile]

Far Cry with the Wii controller sounds good, its just a shame that it will probably be 'Instincts' instead of the far superior PC version.

[kid cabelgo]

why am I so excited about far cry on the wii? I already have it for the PC.

I guess the prospect of playing it with such a radically new control scheme is more appealing than the graphics.

[Oddmaker]

What if Farcry isnt gonna use the advantage of the Wii controller?

[ArchVile]

What if Farcry isnt gonna use the advantage of the Wii controller?

Then Ubisoft are stupid, they have to utilize the control scheme.

[Zaro]

What if Farcry isnt gonna use the advantage of the Wii controller?

In the interview Laurent Detoc said that:
You will be able to shoot using the remote; you will also be able to throw grenades, punch, jump, run and balance to keep from plunging to your death. You will also be able to drive cars, trucks and boats. If you're looking for a game that allows you to experience the true beauty of the Wii and its revolutionary remote technology, this is it.

[Vermillion]

Aren't a lot of these games 3-6 months old already? Even older by release date? Sure it gives the consumers a lot of launch titles, but doesn't make the launch really that much more impressive.

[ArchVile]

Considering that its Ubi and not Crytek that are developing it, i'm considerably less bothered about it. (If you cant tell already, i thought that Instincts on the Xbox was crap)

[absolut taco]

I wonder how these games will turn out. I know Blazing Angels was a damn nice looking game. Will Wii be able to handle it?
They'll probably just port the xbox version...

[absolut taco]

I have a hard time imagining how driving games will be played with the Wii controller... Anyone have pics or videos?

[kid cabelgo]

I have a hard time imagining how driving games will be played with the Wii controller... Anyone have pics or videos?

I can't remember the screens, but from what I saw, the idea is that you hold the wiimote sideways with both hands on either side, and rotate it like a steering wheel. I looks like it will be super natural and intuitive.

found it (http://wii.nintendo.com/games_excite.html)

[Kamalot]

Aren't a lot of these games 3-6 months old already? Even older by release date? Sure it gives the consumers a lot of launch titles, but doesn't make the launch really that much more impressive.
If what they say about Far Cry is true (able to shoot using the remote; you will also be able to throw grenades, punch, jump, run and balance to keep from plunging to your death) then it sounds like a new immersive esperience, fresh enough for anyone to enjoy.

[Zaro]

If what they say about Far Cry is true (able to shoot using the remote; you will also be able to throw grenades, punch, jump, run and balance to keep from plunging to your death) then it sounds like a new immersive esperience, fresh enough for anyone to enjoy.

And he said:
First, Far Cry Wii will include elements from Far Cry Insticts Evolution, in addition to a fresh storyline, new maps, characters and equipment.

[NoName]

And he said:
First, Far Cry Wii will include elements from Far Cry Insticts Evolution, in addition to a fresh storyline, new maps, characters and equipment.
For someone who's yet to play Far Cry, this sounds great! After I get my Wii I think it's going to be awhile before I regain my social life O.o

[Kamalot]

Joystiq is posting some additional information...

"We made a bet by starting development for the Wii earlier than others and we intend to maintain our advance on the platform. You can see it as a double-down move. We don't have a crystal ball but we think the Wii is going to be a huge success right away and we want to be the number-one independent publisher for Wii in 2006."

[roboninja]

7 launch titles from UbiSoft alone?? That is insane. I think the PS and PS2 launched with around 6 titles total, IIRC. Looks like the Wii must have at least 15+ launch titles, once you combine this with 1st party and EA titles alone. Gonna' have to pick one up...

[EternalGamer]

The interesting thing about that quote from Laurent Detoc is that, even if it wasn't true, it will almost be a self fullfilling prophecy. I am sure other large publishers (like EA) look at Ubisoft's strategy and think they need to respond to grab a large chunk of market share as well. Lots of developers all developing lots of games means lots of interest in the console. It's the beginning of a good cycle of events for Nintendo.

[EternalGamer]

There are already at least 6 launch titles I absolutely will buy almost without question:

1) Zelda
2) Metriod
3) Rayman
4) Wii Sports
5) Dragon Warrior
6) Warioware

And that's not even counting the ones I have interest in depending on reviews like Excite Truck, Red Steel, Sonic Wild Fire, Monkey Ball, Fire Emblem, and Project Hammer. I'm hoping games like Wario and Wiisports might be value priced. I know when Warioware came out for the Cube it was at a lower price (and the portable versions have obviously all been around $30). Actually I'm hoping that Wii Sports will be packed in.

[DaedalusFolly]

For someone who's yet to play Far Cry, this sounds great! After I get my Wii I think it's going to be awhile before I regain my social life O.o

I picked up the xbox one, it was certainly fun but I didnt get past 25% of the way. The AI is poor and the game seems to stress going stealthy to kill when it's easier to take a point and spray approach.

The graphics, however, were pretty nice.

[Hellstorm]

This is nothing. Nintendo has TWO press conferences set for the liepzig game show. One is with EA. The Wii is going to have one of the largest launch libraries ever.

[thecrazyd]

This will be the greatest system launch ever. I can't fucking wait.

[Harlan Hoyt]

News like this makes me look at the news post yesterday talking about possible problems with the Wii controller (I mean, the PowerGlove? Really?) in an odd way. I'm sure it was said over there, but I really don't think the Wii could be getting this much love from developers if it didn't just work. Apart from the fact that Nintendo systems have always just worked. I've never had one break on me. I still have my NES and SNES.

Can't wait for Leipzig.

[EternalGamer]

I imagine the huge win at E3 has something to do with the developer announcements. if their stock holders saw the attention the Wii was getting they would probably want to know why there wasn't more plans to develop for that system over the others.

[Lister]

I'm starting to worry. Isn't there such a thing as TOO many launch titles? Isn't there a possibility that it will hurt other games because you just can't purchase enough of them!?

I would think that nintendo would want to launch with around 10 titles max, then release 1 or 2 a week for the first 2-3 months. THAT would maximize the number of game sales as you'd at least be able to pick up a few paychecks in between releases!

[Zaro]

I'm starting to worry. Isn't there such a thing as TOO many launch titles? Isn't there a possibility that it will hurt other games because you just can't purchase enough of them!?

I would think that nintendo would want to launch with around 10 titles max, then release 1 or 2 a week for the first 2-3 months. THAT would maximize the number of game sales as you'd at least be able to pick up a few paychecks in between releases!

It depend what mean "they'll all arrive in time for the platform's launch window."

What's a launch window? 6 Month?

[kickmybum]

Um.. I saw this news on here a week ago.

[Siraris]

I'd get excited about this, but it's a bunch of games I've already played with some Wii-features. That's my only complaint about Nintendo and what they do. They just recycle stuff over and over again. Far Cry was fun, but I don't know how much I want to go back and play through it again with some added story and a different controller.

I guess it's really hard for me to visualize this stuff until I try it out. Will the Wii be just a new way to control something, or will it really change my gaming experience? That's the biggest thing for me.

[Kelegacy]

This will be the greatest system launch ever. I can't fucking wait.
We should all get wasted and have a launch party. Or have a launch party and then get wasted. Whatever, I'm fine with either.

For party games we can play, Shave the Kelegacy. Or, Guess What's In My Bicycle Shorts.

[Kamalot]

I'd get excited about this, but it's a bunch of games I've already played with some Wii-features. That's my only complaint about Nintendo and what they do. They just recycle stuff over and over again. Far Cry was fun, but I don't know how much I want to go back and play through it again with some added story and a different controller.
You do realize this is Ubisoft, not Nintendo, making these decisions?

Yeah, and if you aren't excited to play games with the Wiimote, then Wii probably isn't for you. No need to hem-and-haw over it, just move on.

[Kamalot]

We should all get wasted and have a launch party.
Funny...for some reason I read this as "We should all get washed and have a launch party." I was like, "Oh yea, please. I don't wanna smell no unwashed Kelegacy."

[Zaro]

Probably one advantage Ubi have to release these kind of port, is the developement cost. Maybe they don't need to sell as much as the first version.
There's probably many nintendo fans who never play these games and will buy it.

[kid cabelgo]

We should all get wasted and have a launch party. Or have a launch party and then get wasted. Whatever, I'm fine with either.

For party games we can play, Shave the Kelegacy. Or, Guess What's In My Bicycle Shorts.

This is sounding like another one of your ploys to get us to come over to your house to shave your nethers.

For the last time, no means no! ;)

[Siraris]

You do realize this is Ubisoft, not Nintendo, making these decisions?

Yeah, and if you aren't excited to play games with the Wiimote, then Wii probably isn't for you. No need to hem-and-haw over it, just move on.

If you hate Sony so much, there's no need to be a flaming moron about it, just move on.

And I know that this is Ubisoft, but you're telling me that Nintendo doesn't recycle all of it's characters/ideas? How many Mario Party's/Mario Land-World-Galaxy-Universe-ParallellUniverse/Luigi/Peach/Yoshi/Metroid/Zelda/Wario Wares/smash brothers are there?

[thecrazyd]

If you hate Sony so much, there's no need to be a flaming moron about it, just move on.

And I know that this is Ubisoft, but you're telling me that Nintendo doesn't recycle all of it's characters/ideas? How many Mario Party's/Mario Land-World-Galaxy-Universe-ParallellUniverse/Luigi/Peach/Yoshi/Metroid/Zelda/Wario Wares/smash brothers are there?
Nintendo franchises characters, and does very litle rehashing. They may make a direct sequel, or MAYBE two, but then they completely change the game for the next iteration, or just use the characters in completely different genres of games. The notable exception to this is Mario Party.

[Kamalot]

If you hate Sony so much, there's no need to be a flaming moron about it, just move on.

And I know that this is Ubisoft, but you're telling me that Nintendo doesn't recycle all of it's characters/ideas? How many Mario Party's/Mario Land-World-Galaxy-Universe-ParallellUniverse/Luigi/Peach/Yoshi/Metroid/Zelda/Wario Wares/smash brothers are there?
Where do you see the Sony hate in my post?

Why are you bitching about Yoshi in a Ubisoft thread?

:confused:

[Kamalot]

I'd get excited about this, but it's a bunch of games I've already played with some Wii-features. That's my only complaint about Nintendo and what they do. They just recycle stuff over and over again. Far Cry was fun, but I don't know how much I want to go back and play through it again with some added story and a different controller.Clearly, this post is saying Nintendo has to do with the 7 launch titles from Ubisoft being rehashes.

In the first sentence, the word, "this" refers to the topic thread. The topic thread is, "Ubisoft Bringing 7 Wii Launch Titles". It is followed up with a dig at Nintendo rehashing games. Then, Far Cry, one of Ubisofts titles for Wii, is dragged back into the mix.

The post clearly blames Nintendo for Ubisoft decisions, which is either false, misguided, or retarded. Take your pick.

[Siraris]

Nintendo franchises characters, and does very litle rehashing. They may make a direct sequel, or MAYBE two, but then they completely change the game for the next iteration, or just use the characters in completely different genres of games. The notable exception to this is Mario Party.

I was going to make a post about one thing, but I changed my mind. Nintendo has the perfect formula, they have an extremely recognizeable group of characters that they can expand on and try new things with and people will buy it. It's really kind of incredible the characters they have established, it's almost like Disney.

I'd still like to see a bit of innovation away from the standard fare, though.

[thecrazyd]

I'd still like to see a bit of innovation away from the standard fare, though.
What do you mean by that? That you want to see innovation with different characters instead of established ones? They make innovative games with established characters, so they can be guaranteed money when trying new and dangerous things. I have no problem with it.

[Xenkylm]

If you hate Sony so much, there's no need to be a flaming moron about it, just move on.

And I know that this is Ubisoft, but you're telling me that Nintendo doesn't recycle all of it's characters/ideas? How many Mario Party's/Mario Land-World-Galaxy-Universe-ParallellUniverse/Luigi/Peach/Yoshi/Metroid/Zelda/Wario Wares/smash brothers are there?

Unless you think recycling characters is an equivalent sin to recycling ideas, I'd have to disagree. If you ignore the use of the characters themselves, nintendo generally doesn't release more than one or two similar titles per console (since NES/SNES, at least). There is usually one Mario Platformer per generation (after NES). One Zelda game (or two, for n64 and NES), one Metroid game (there wasn't one for n64, right?), and one smash brothers (I don't think that three versions of a unique fighting game is too much). Now, thankfully, they seem to be making at least one Paper Mario game per generation (those games freaking rock), one Mario Kart, etc. You're right about mario party though. It's the same game every time (though they're a lot of fun if you're actually having a party).

One updated version per console cycle is, as far as I'm concerned, pretty restrained. Typically, each of these games has added something new that was not previously possible from other generations. You can argue that it isn't true from n64 to gamecube, but aside from horsepower and graphics I don't really see a big difference in any game released between the two generations (I still don't see what the big deal is. We've been playing FPS since doom, the fact that the people I kill are shiny now doesn't make it a different game. alas.)

It's not that it's ok when nintendo does it but not other people, it's that if you've got a good product and can add something new to the experience, you should make a sequel. There are how many final fantasy games? How many based on the warcraft world? We're playing CivIV, Halo3, MGS4, and so on? That's absolutely fine, as long as they add something new each time, which they generally do. I like those characters, and I'd like to see them again (except the whiny brats in final fantasy. grow some nuts, fellas).

[Xenkylm]

I was going to make a post about one thing, but I changed my mind. Nintendo has the perfect formula, they have an extremely recognizeable group of characters that they can expand on and try new things with and people will buy it. It's really kind of incredible the characters they have established, it's almost like Disney.

I'd still like to see a bit of innovation away from the standard fare, though.

My previous post is a bit redundant now, though the main point (new characters ~= innovation and vice versa) still holds, I hope.

[BlackPete]

It's really kind of incredible the characters they have established, it's almost like Disney.

I'd still like to see a bit of innovation away from the standard fare, though.

It really is like Disney. I remember a poll a few years ago (can't be bothered to google it right now) where they asked kids who the most recognizable character was: Mario or Mickey Mouse, and more kids answered with Mario. I have to say Nintendo did a hell of a job establishing recognizable characters...

That's something I wish Sony would get around to -- get an established mascot! For a while it was looking like Crash Bandicoot was the one, but he seems to be all but forgotten now.

Innovation... care to give examples of how Nintendo's... um... stagnating or something? Remember, these are the guys who keep stirring the pot and refusing to follow a set formula (except Mario Party as others have already noted).

Or put another way: You pretty much know what to expect from a new Sonic game. You don't know what to expect from a new game that has Mario in it.

[Siraris]

Or put another way: You pretty much know what to expect from a new Sonic game. You don't know what to expect from a new game that has Mario in it.

Smash Brothers too.

And to be honest, the new Mario Brothers was fun for a bit, but it wasn't anything really new and innovative. Super Princess Peach wasn't that innovative (I just tried that out), Mario Baseball wasn't innovative, Mario Tennis wasn't really either.

I mean I could go on. Mario Baseball was just baseball with Nintendo characters, Tennis was the same, Smash Brothers hasn't changed except for bigger levels, a couple new characters and some dynamics in the levels. The new Mario Brothers was the same old Mario brothers with some mini games and pretty graphics.

I personally didn't want to buy Nintendogs, but that was a great idea. Big Brain Academy is really cool too. For some reason, I'm drawing a blank on other Nintendo specific games I think are innovative. Monkey Ball was REALLY innovative.

[shnastybiznastic]

I don't want to escalate this discussion into a flamewar, but...

And to be honest, the new Mario Brothers was fun for a bit, but it wasn't anything really new and innovative. Super Princess Peach wasn't that innovative (I just tried that out),
Gee, a game billed as retro fun isn't innovative, I wonder why that is... Can you give me an example of a puzzler/platformer with the same gameplay as SPP? The closest thing I can think of is Lost Vikings.

Mario Baseball was just baseball with Nintendo characters, Tennis was the same, Smash Brothers hasn't changed except for bigger levels, a couple new characters and some dynamics in the levels. The new Mario Brothers was the same old Mario brothers with some mini games and pretty graphics.
Haven't played Mario Baseball, but Tennis had quite a few innovations, trick courts, moving courts, and a myriad of gameplay options that are new to the genera. Smash brothers has had two iterations, judging change based on two iterations of a set is just stupid. Oh, and It dosent even need to be defended, since it's on par with the rest of the fighting game world. I already covered NSMB.

For some reason, I'm drawing a blank on other Nintendo specific games I think are innovative. Monkey Ball was REALLY innovative.Earthbound? Tetris Attack? I guess you were looking for cube games... Animal Crossing? Donkey Kinga? Eternal Darkness? Wario Ware? Odama? Pikmin?

Here, here's a list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_developed_by_Nintendo), tell me what you find innovative.

edit: geez, I didn't even touch on the innovative DS titles.

[Kamalot]

I mean I could go on. Mario Baseball was just baseball with Nintendo characters, Tennis was the same, Smash Brothers hasn't changed except for bigger levels, a couple new characters and some dynamics in the levels. The new Mario Brothers was the same old Mario brothers with some mini games and pretty graphics.I suppose one could say these things about any games. A platformer is a platformer. A FPS is a FPS. Baseball is baseball. Tennis is tennis.

Why do you bother playing games at all if none are innovative? Please show me some innovation. Wasn't there that crappy PS2 game where you control some girl with your voice? That was innovative. But you can't do that game twice cause, you know, not innovative any more.

If you have come down to complaining about Nintendo because they don't innovate, then your bitching has no bounds.

[t3kl3r]

I'd get excited about this, but it's a bunch of games I've already played with some Wii-features. That's my only complaint about Nintendo and what they do. They just recycle stuff over and over again.


Comments like this always puzzle me. As far as I can tell, Nintendo is one of the best at coming up with new game ideas. Sure, lots of their games contain the same characters, but honestly... analyze the Mario series for instance. From Super Mario Brothers to Mario Sunshine... each game was pretty different and absolutely added major new elements if not actually radically redefining the gameplay. Compare that series to Sonic, Crash, Jak & Daxter, Tomb Raider, Halo, GTA or any other popular series.

[Nessus]

There's probably many nintendo fans who never play these games and will buy it.

This is 100% true.

I haven't played FarCry or FarCry: Instincts yet, and I own an Xbox even (I have more games for GameCube). If this turns out to be a decent enhanced port then there's a good chance I'll finally pick it up.

As far as Nintendo franchises I'll just say this:

There have been 8 main series Mario games in 21 years with a new one in development:

Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA)
Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan)
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario World
Super Mario 64
Super Mario Sunshine
New Super Mario Bros.

Averages to 1 game approximately every 3 years.

There have been 5 main series Zelda games in 20 years with a new one in development:

The Legend Of Zelda
The Legend Of Zelda: Adventure Of Link (arguably)
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Averages to approximately one game every 4 years.

There have been 4 main series Metroid games in 20 years:

Metroid
Metroid II: Return Of Samus
Super Metroid
Metroid Fusion

Averages to approximately one game every 5 years.

There have been 2 main series Halo games in 5 years with a new one in development.

Average one game every 2.5 years.

There have been 3 main series GTA games in 8 years, though the unprecidented popularity of Vice City and San Andreas you might consider them as part of the main series as well, bringing the total to 5 with a new one in development.

Assuming 3 games, average one game every 3 years.

There have been 3 main series Metal Gear Solid games in 8 years with a new one in development.

One game every 3 years.

I'm not saying these other companies are worse than Nintendo, but they're certainly no better in terms of milking franchises. Their franchises are just younger.

[Chameleo]

nintendo is going to have the best launch line-up ever seen for any console. 7 titles - and thats only from Ubi! .....

at E3 they said they'd have XX amount of launch titles - i was skeptical - but now i'm turning into a believer. i've never baught a console at launch because the titles just aren't there - this may be the first console i buy at launch and actually spend a decent amount of time on....

[MoJoBehaumat]

I hope Ubisoft is not rushing too many games at once, I hope they take the time needed to make each game look and play great!

[PatrickRes9]

Clearly, this post is saying Nintendo has to do with the 7 launch titles from Ubisoft being rehashes.

In the first sentence, the word, "this" refers to the topic thread. The topic thread is, "Ubisoft Bringing 7 Wii Launch Titles". It is followed up with a dig at Nintendo rehashing games. Then, Far Cry, one of Ubisofts titles for Wii, is dragged back into the mix.

The post clearly blames Nintendo for Ubisoft decisions, which is either false, misguided, or retarded. Take your pick.

I love Kamalot. This Niglet gives me a huge rubbery one :X

[Kamalot]

I love Kamalot. This Niglet gives me a huge rubbery one :X
What on Earth is a "Niglet?" :confused:

[Xenkylm]

What on Earth is a "Niglet?" :confused:

Dude, i think he called your girlfriend a slut!

/RvB? Anyone?

[PatrickRes9]

What on Earth is a "Niglet?" :confused:

I dont actually know yet.

[Mr.Condescension]

I dont actually know yet.

It's a....um.....

young.....african....american.... :(

Not appropriate for EvilAvatar for sure.