GDC 2007: New Mii Channel In Development

At Nintendo’s keynote address earlier today in which creative genius Shigeru Miyamoto spoke to game developers about the creative process, he mentioned how Nintendo tossed around the idea of creating virtual avatars for 20 years without producing anything worthwhile and how pleased he was that his work finally came to fruition in the form of the Mii avatars on the Wii. Due to the increasing success of the Mii system, Nintendo will be creating a new Wii channel centered on Miis.

Very few details were divulged by the creator of the iconic Mario, but apparently, users from around the world will be able to compare their customized Miis with Miis from around the world in a sort of “popularity contest” over the internet. Other details such as a release date or even a name were not released.

GDC 2007: Wii to Go Online June 25

In a recent interview concerning the future games lineup for the Wii, release dates for the Q2 lineup have been revealed and thus, we now have a set date for the Wii’s first online enabled game. Wii owners looking for a little friendly competition in the online arena will soon be able to do so.

Pokemon Battle Revolution, the game already expected to be the first in what is hopefully a long line of online enabled games is the continuation of one of Nintendo’s largest and most powerful franchises. Gamers in Japan have already been taking their battles online since the console’s launch last November and US gamers will finally have their chance to do the same on June 25.

DS owners will be able to pair their DS and Wii together and utilize the DS as a touch sensitive controller and use their captured Pokemon in the soon to be released Pokemon Diamond and Pearl on the big screen. In addition to the DS versions planned friend versus friend online play, Pokemon Battle Revolution will allow players to take on other players from around the world through the game’s in game leaderboards.

Other online enabled games set to come are Super Mario Strikers and Battalion Wars. The first third party online enabled games are due to come out later this year, adding to the Wii’s catalog of online enabled games. More details to come as we hear them.

GDC 2007: Playstation Home Confirmed and First Details Released

Playstation fans have found a new Home. The Playstation Home was demoed early yesterday at the Game Developer’s conference and has since sparked much enthusiasm in both developers, and Playstation 3 fans across the globe. Sony’s answer to Xbox Live is finally taking form, and based on what was shown here, it’s going to be one heck of a step up from the current Playstation Network offerings.

The Playstation Home is a three dimensional world in which players can create fully customizable virtual avatars, similar to Nintendo’s Mii system, and walk around the virtual landscape, socializing with other Playstation 3 users and playing casual games. Each player is given their own virtual apartment space they can decorate as they see fit with furniture they acquire within the “game” and virtual trophies earned through your accomplishments in Playstation 3 games, sort of like the Xbox 360’s achievements.

The service itself is free to use and enjoy, but certain things such as special items of clothing for your avatar and special pieces furniture are made available for a small fee. In another effort to subsidize the costs of running the service and making it free for all Playstation 3 users, there will be dynamic advertisements posted at certain points within the world. Exact specifics of what sort of advertisements expected to be displayed are unknown, but we imagine there will be small things such as posters advertising upcoming games or short commercials playing on a virtual screen.

Sony’s worst kept secret as of late (and one worth fighting to keep secret) has turned out to be one of the most promising and potentially huge announcements for the Playstation 3 to date. Keep checking back to GameTime News Network for more updates as we go more in depth with the service later on this week.

Alien Hominid Invading Xbox Live Arcade This Wednesday

Alien Hominid, originally developed as a flash based game on the PC in 2002, has seen US releases on the Playstation 2 and GameCube in 2004 and now makes its way to the Xbox 360 in the form of Alien Hominid HD. In line with previous Xbox Live Arcade releases, the game is set to release this Wednesday at 1 A.M. PST.

For its release on the Xbox Live Arcade, the game will feature high-definition graphics, online and offline multiplayer support for up to four players in the minigames and up to two can play co operatively through the main game.

Alien Hominid HD will be priced at 800 Microsoft Points ($10) and is rated T for teen by the ESRB.

PRESS RELEASE: European Playstation 3 First Party Software Pricing Announced

London, 26 February 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced pricing details for its first party title launch line-up, to accompany the 23rd March 2007 launch of PLAYSTATION®3.

Providing details of the prices to be charged for first party software available on both disc and through the PLAYSTATION®Network1, SCEE confirmed that its five disc based launch titles, including the highly acclaimed Motorstorm™ and Resistance: Fall of Man™ will be priced at an RRP of €59.99 (£39.99, AUD 99.95, NZ 109.95).

In addition to the disc based games SCEE also announced that exclusive and innovative experiences developed especially for download from the PLAYSTATION®Network such as BlastFactor, flOw and Super Rub a Dub, together with iconic gaming brands such as Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection will be made available for an introductory period at prices which range from €2.99 to €9.99 depending on the specific title.

Other first party content available on the PLAYSTATION®Network such as game items and premium video content will be priced on an easy to understand sliding scale of charges starting as low as €0.99 and increasing depending on the scope of the product. This could range from a new SingStar track to a premium pack for MotorStorm, which would include a new track, additional vehicles, liveries and multiplayer modes.

In announcing these prices, David Reeves, President and CEO of SCEE said, “Not only will it be completely free to register on the PLAYSTATION®Network with no subscription fees and access to many free demos, but with these competitive prices for additional content we are able to offer the consumer both top quality games on Blu-ray discs and a whole range of downloadable content from the PLAYSTATION®Network. With over 30 first and third party disc and network games available at launch, we are confident that this will be one of the most successful launches of all time.”