The Nestlekwik Happy Hour for July 19, 2008

The Nestlekwik Happy Hour for July 19, 2008

Nes: Welcome one and all once again to the spectacle that is The Nestlekwik Happy Hour - the podcast you have to read. I am your dedicated host Nestlekwik, but, as always, I have backup in the form of Flordia's Tekken Guru, MixMasterLar.

Lar: I didn't sense any energy in that. You look beat. What's wrong with you today. Did you stay up too late playing Pop'n Music again?

Nes: No, but that was a rough week. I wasn't even at E3 and I feel like it has ran me through the wringer.

Lar: What the hell is a wringer?

Nes: You know, after you wash your clothes in the tub, you turn the crank to feed the clothes through the wringer, which presses all of the excess water out of them.

Lar: You don't seriously wash your clothes in the tub do you? I hope you're not confusing things - taking baths in the toilet and using the restroom in your washing machine.

Nes: No, no. That would be silly since the bathroom is outside.

Lar: Ugh.

Random E3 Thoughts

Nes: I was overall really disappointed in the show, but that isn't the game companies' faults, but really more the fault of E3. It's pointless to reveal what was unvieled at the event since nothing really was much of a surprise. However, here are a handful of games that have had us talking:

Thoughts on Resident Evil 5

Lar: Well Nes, Im looking forward to testing out Resident Evil 5. The game looks like it'll be amazing.

Gameplay has stayed largely unchanged since RE4. The two biggest tweaks is that aiming will now be done with the right analog stick (instead of the left) and you can now either give orders to your AI partner, or have a buddy join in for some co-op horror action. Graphics are getting a nice little boost but from the vids I saw they wont be as ground breaking. My new favorite feature is the quick-swap where you can simply change between your most recently used weapons in real time. I think it'll have a bigger impact on the feel of the game more then some of the other change.

Nes: Everything is indeed looking great here and I can't wait to see how Capcom is going to take advantage of the current-generation hardware. Another tweak I'm heavily looking forward to in RE5 is the considerably enhanced hand-to-hand combat for the times where a gun just isn't enough. The Playstation 2 and Wii versions of RE4 fixed the disc space constraints of the title for the first time and with th extra boost in space, hopefully, we'll be continually exploring new environments instead of doing all of the backtracking found in previous entries.

Thoughts on Rock Band 2

Lar: So Nes, looks like Rock Band 2 will go on dispite the lawsuit that Konami is pressing.

Nes: That's how it goes sometimes.

Lar: I hope it gets released, it's looking pretty good so far

Nes: I wouldn't be worried. With as popular as the game is, Harmonix and MTV Games will get through it easily.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/bToFrYPukXk&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/bToFrYPukXk&rel=1</a>

Lar: With all the downloadable content that we've seen for the first Rock Band being playable on Rock Band 2, that alone should give fans of the game a reason to ugrade to the newer version. The game is boasting 84 songs on the disc, with all of your DLC, and anything else that comes out. It also seems that some RB1 songs will either be DLC soon or will also come on the disk. Gameplay has stayed the same from what we saw, but the controllers are getter a bit better it seems - or at least more quiet then before.

Nes: Yes, not only does your Rock Band DLC carry over to RB2 and most of the Rock Band songs will be downloadable into RB2 (if you own both games) but Harmonix and MTV Games has 20 unannounced free DLC songs in its launch window to go along with the 84 songs on disc. With so many song options, I bet youre looking forward to this one.

Lar: Actually, I'm looking forward to what's NOT comfirmed yet. It's no secret the developer's are hiding away info on new modes, but a consistent rumor is that the game might have a composer just like Guitar Hero IV will. Also, we were told earlier about a new gameplay feature that will be added. I'm looking forward to hearing about it.

Thoughts on Final Fantasy XIII

Lar: So Nes, what do we know about FFXIII?

Nes: Not much. The lead character is a female version of Cloud named Lighting, the battle system is reminding some of us of Star Ocean and it'll be released for the 360 in the U.S., meaning you can't make any excuses on why you won't pick up the title. In fact, with this year's E3 being quite a universal disappointment, many are ranking the FFXIII on 360 announcement as the event's biggest news.

Lar: That's it?

Nes: Well, the new teaser is pretty good. Lighting has a sword that can transform into a semi-automatic gun and can also defy gravity.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ephE0HMts0&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/_ephE0HMts0&rel=1</a>

Lar: A sword gun? Like Sin and Punishment?

Nes: Not exactly. I said "transform" didnt I?

Lar: Oh...

Final Fantasy looks to be shapping up nice. A multi-platform release and online modes are nice touches and the graphics are really beautiful. The battle system is going mostly real-time, but the attacks and actions will be issued by text on a scrolling bar at the bottom of the screen. Each command has a value, and using up too many points too soon will leave you with few options left. Summons are also playing a big role with classics like Ifrit, Siren and Carbuncle.

Nes: I'm surprised the lead is another female.

Lar: Why?

Nes: Dude, didn't you get your fill with FFX-2?

Lar: I never get enough of the ladies.

Nes: Only because you don't have a girlfriend, Lar ...

Thoughts on Prince of Persia

Nes: The new Prince of Persia is looking good so far.

Lar: Looking amazing. The game starts with a new prince as he is approched by a mysterious girl named Elica. She's being attacked by monsters and tells the Prince he must help her escape.

The gameplay looks like a typical PoP game, albelt more open and player choice friendly. The fighting engine is a lot more evolved, though, thanks to being able to have Elica help you double-team against opponents. The videos we saw were most impressive and reminded me of figure ice skating ... only with swords.

Nes: Only you could think of the battles in Prince of Persia as skating.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/Fo3zUXzeoEk&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/Fo3zUXzeoEk&rel=1</a>

Lar: Another point that the producer made in an interview is your new friend will use her powers to help you find objects, decide which way to go and jump higher and farther. This is probably the best example of co-op I have ever seen.

Nes: Wait, the game will have muti-player co-op?

Lar: No, no ... At least that isn't announced yet. It would be awesome, though. So far all we have are
some movies, a really fine looking lady and a PS3 release for the holidays. We'll keep you posted.

Thoughts on DDR: X

Lar: The arcade version of DanceDanceRevolution X is being tested in Japan this week. News of gameplay changes are being made public and it seems that X will be changing up a few things.

Nes: I understand the X represents 10 years of DanceDanceRevolution, but why does the logo look like Mario Strikers'?

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/ELM6ciHG2fM&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/ELM6ciHG2fM&rel=1</a>

Lar: Let's hope that the style passes soon. Anyway, two new gameplay changes are happening to the classic dance title. First up we have the inclusion of Mines.

Nes: They're called "Shock Steps", Lar.

Lar: No, they will always and forever be called mines. Anyway, most new charts will have these steps, and some of the returning songs will have them added.

Nes: Boss Songs just got alot harder.

Lar: The next change is the rating on songs. It has been upped to a scale of 1 to 20. That's crazy! Are the stepcharts going to be like Pump it Up now?

Nes: No, not really. Seems that it's simply getting expanded. At the testing, the old Butterfly Oni chart was rerated an 11 instead of Extreme's 9. Harder 9 footers like Cant Stop Falling in Love Speed Mix are now 17s, as are some of the older Boss songs. Gemubaka is guessing that 13-16 is about where all the 9s will go, 16-17 is where all the 10s will be, 18 is what ITG calls a 12 and 19-20 will more then likely be overstepped gimmick songs filled with mines ... I mean Shock Steps.

Lar: Heh, heh. The good news is that some older license songs that didnt make SuperNOVA's or SuperNOVA2's release will be re-added to the list (like Butterfly). No real complete list of what will be in at the moment yet, though.

Nes: Well, that kind of brings us to looking at how absurd of an impact DDR, Guitar Hero and Rock Band have had on the industry:

Music Gaming - Has E3's Showing Oversaturated the Market?

Nes: We Cheer, All Star Cheer Squad, Ener-G Dance Squad, Disney Sing It, Ultimate Band, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, High School Musical 3: Senior Year DANCE!, Karoke Revolution Presents: American Iold Encore 2, Major Minor's Majestic March, Guitar Hero: World Tour, DanceDancerevolution X, Korg DS-10, DanceDanceRevolution Universe 3, DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party 2, Patapon 2, Samba de Amigo, Guitar Hero: On Tour Decases, Wii Music, Rhythm Heaven, Rock Revolution, Lips and Rock Band 2 - if anything is clear by 2008's E3 event, rhythm-based gaming has definitely become a certified fad in the United States (only about 10 years after Japan). Unfortunately, if you look at the list and pull out the truly original high profile titles, you're only left with perhaps Major Minor and Rhythm Heaven (and depending on how you look at things, perhaps Korg DS-10). Through Guitar Hero's juices, we've birthed endless clones of the title, with next to none even coming remotely close to the success or quality of the game. Even Konami, who pioneered and trademarked the video game guitar and drum has dumbed down its legendary Gitadora! series to emulate Guitar Hero and Rock Band to less than stellar promotion. Last time I checked, music had more than guitars and drums to its credit, so where is the originality?

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/5fAeITB_s44&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/5fAeITB_s44&rel=1</a>

Well, seemingly, music gaming has finally found what it needs to succeed in the United States - licensing. Through Guitar Hero and DDR's irresistable allure, the companies are bringing recognizable acts to the table and turning heads and tapping feet - or stomping feet depending on the game you're playing. Thus, many of these games are falling under the annual game release cycle - why change up a game when all you need to do is keep producing the same crap, just with different songs? Oddly enough, it happens to sell that way. People buy the games in order to hear the songs on the game as opposed to enjoying a completely original experience. In earnest, it seems video gaming has become the second coming of the music industry. Anyone who needs proof of that should look to the massive lineup of songs on Guitar Hero and Rock Band that have been released exclusively to the format. In fact, some legendary artsits are releasing brand new full albums on these games before they even hit stores in CD form.

While, ultimately, DDR, Guitar Hero and Rock Band will perhaps be the only best-sellers on the list and the only titles we'll continue to see for at least another 5-10 years, you have to wonder how long other companies can continue to ride the coattails of these companies. Only the truly original titles will have any weight from this day forth, but unfortunately, even these titles without pop or classic licenses fall flat due to the minimal interest they draw up. Music games don't need more rock band games with new gimmicks, they need original music games with new gimmicks. It's sad to see the originality of new music games such as JuBeat will probably never be released in the U.S., but maybe if we just slap some Nine Inch Nails on it, we'll have a shot.

The Happy Hour Picks of the Week for the Week of July 21, 2008

*As a friendly reminder, these picks are based on hype and preview media and merely suggest what titles we are looking forward to most. We have not actually played builds of these titles unless indicated and do not guarantee their quality.

Nes: While E3 has been in gaming's limelight this week, everything release-wise has kind of eased off until the big guns of Soulcalibur IV and Madden NFL 09 hit in the following two weeks. Next week will be dry for most systems, but the DS isn't taking much of a vacation, netting all three games we're looking forward to next week.

Pick of the Week Runner-Up #1 - New International Track & Field - Nintendo DS

The classic button masher is revived in portable form, bringing in a big number of classic Konami characters along for the ride. Ever wanted to see Pyramid Head sprint the 100-meter dash? Ever wanted to see Simon Belmont toss a hammer? This will be the game for you! The portable title packs a surprising amount of athletics with more than 20 challenging events, four-player game sharing, worldwide rankings and online tournaments. The game comes as the series' 25th anniversary draws near and it comes in time to nab a runner-up honor in our pick of the week.

Pick of the Week Runner-Up #2 - Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns - Nintendo DS

While feelings were mixed about the first title's release, it evidentally had enough of a following that Atlus is releasing its sequel in the U.S. Izuna returns to the DS, emulating the brutally difficult dungeon RPG play found back in the day. The sequel allows for a more refined tag team system that allows players to take two party members into a dungeon. There will be plenty to do in this portable RPG with more dungeons, items, enemies, characters and side quests along with the standard RPG story.

Pick of the Week for July 21, 2008 - Final Fantasy IV - Nintendo DS

Final Fantasy steals another pick of the week, but you can't blame it this time. It's Final Fantasy IV we're talking about.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/eHl2lrj_6GQ&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/eHl2lrj_6GQ&rel=1</a>

While the upcoming Chrono Trigger remake might steal this classic's thunder, you just can't beat one of the best Final Fantasy games ever crafted, totally remade with 3D cutscenes and voiceovers for the Nintendo DS. The presentation is totally remade with new music and graphics so while the story may sound familiar, it will be told to players in an all-new way. With the Augment System, Active Time Battle and new mini-games, any one who appreciates RPGs will be able to jump into a timeless classic, revitalized for 2008.

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...

Lar: Nes? Aren't you going to close out the show?

Nes: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Lar: Crap, he's fallen asleep already. I guess he really was tired. Um. ... uh ... Let's see here. We have two minutes to go in the shhow. What to do? I know! I can fill the final few minutes by doing The Hustle!

Do The Hustle!

Good night everyone, see you next week!