The Games News

$600, too expensive or too cheap? It all depends on how you look at it, whether the glass is half full or the glass is half empty. Sony Computer Entertainment executive Ken Kutaragi seems to be look at the glass half empty. Kutaragi said at a recent press conference, “The PlayStation price, it was said to be expensive…same for the PlayStation 2. However, when released, both had sales that were unthinkable for previous game machines. This is because both offered experiences that could not be had on previous game machines.” With the Microsoft Xbox 360 at a price of $399 for its premium system and the Nintendo Wii possibly at a slim $199, the PS3s $599 60 GB premium system is already $200 more than its closest competitor’s price, not to mention the PS3’s 20 GB core system is $499 (still $100 over the price of the 360). However, with the PS3’s Blu-Ray capabilities and its ability to process graphics at an astonishing 1.8 Tera flops, the PlayStation 3 could be easily over $1000. Now, looking at $599 again, it doesn’t seem that bad.

With the war between the major video game companies (Microsoft, Sony,and Nintendo) beginning to start, Microsoft has begun Plan B of its continual domination by adding a USB wireless adapter for the Microsoft Xbox 360 controller to be used by Microsoft Windows PCs. Almost immediately loading up driver installation on many computers, the Xbox 360 controller will revamp the computer gaming industry, allowing gamers to play games that are only PC-compatible with the feel of playing them on an Xbox. Another benefit of the wireless Xbox 360 controller’s compatibility to the PC is that you will also be available to use your wireless headset and microphone as well, all you need to do is just plug them in and driver installation will load up just as quickly. This will give gamers an added boost of happiness and give Microsoft a few extra dollars.

With the Nintendo Wiimote already being such an upcoming revolutionary and innovate device in the video game industry, why not make it just a little bit better? The Wii Remote not only boasts motion sensor interactivity, but now adds a mini-speaker that is embedded in the controller itself. This will give Wii players an added near-reality bonus, making games seem even more realistic than they already are. The Nintendo Wiimote will also contain a small amount of memory (in comparison to the 512MB internal flash memory of the console) that it will use to store sound files which will be played using the controller’s mini-speakers. All of the benefits of the Nintendo Wiimote pose a single, simple question: Is there anything that this controller cannot do? As of this current moment, I believe not.

Your finished playing the latest game you purchased for your Nintendo Wii and power down the machine. A few hours later, you turn the machine back on and it informs you of an update it has received. You think to yourself, however, that no one has touched the system since you turned it off. How could it have gotten an update? Well, according to the Wii’s hardware specifications, “Wii can communicate with the Internet even when the power is turned off.” Nintendo has aptly named this service the WiiConnect24. Having wireless access to the Internet, the Wii acts as if it is “on standby” when it is powered down, leaving the WiiConnect24 accessible not only to Nintendo’s home servers for updates, but to mischievous hackers with the right intelligence and technology to get inside. The WiiConnect24 poses definite security risks, but Nintendo looks on the bright side by saying, “This WiiConnect24 service delivers a new surprise or game update, even if users do not play with Wii.” Hopefully, the “surprise” will be beneficial and not detrimental to the Wii.

Square Enix, a leading developer and publisher of the interactive entertainment software and services, also are the pioneers to jump to next-generation consoles. On 8th May, 2006, they announced the latest title of Dragon Quest series to be released for the Nintendo Wii. The title is named “Dragon Quest Swords - The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors”.

Dragon Quest series has gained fame all over the world since 1986. One of the main attractions throughout this year has been its simplicity. Everyone can enjoy it. The enthusiasm to perform heroics in this game makes it one of a kind. Now with the collaboration of Nintendo Wii, Square Enix believes that all these features of the Dragon Quest can be taken to a whole new level of gaming experience and entertainment. Yuu Miyake, the executive producer said that the Dragon Quest will be developed with every unique feature of the Nintendo Wii hardware.

Many of the fans are very excited about this latest title in the series. It is believed that this will be a good venture both for Dragon Quest and Nintendo. Dragon Quest has a very huge market especially in Japan. Nintendo can benefit from this. Also many fans of both Nintendo and Square Enix remember the announcement of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles sequel for Nintendo Wii. Many questions like shipping price and other details of the game will be announced on a later date.