Nintendo Power talks online and shows off new titles.
Nintendo Power Volume 191 features a big DS blowout with more details regarding online plans for Nintendo DS, new games shown off for the first time, and several developer interviews.
The online announcement echoes Iwata’s GDC speech, with one important distinction: Nintendo is partnering with GameSpy to set up the wireless network for free, global online play. GameSpy is set to deliver development kits to developers before E3, and it’s noted that developers currently working on local wireless modes will find it easy to expand to online. Animal Crossing is the only confirmed online title, allowing you to visit other villages across the globe.
Several new games are unveiled for the first time, and a few more previously unknown titles have sneaked into release lists.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is coming from Majesco as a “fast-paced” turn-based strategy game. Wi-Fi support for four players is mentioned, but it’s not clear if that refers to true online play or local wireless.Zoo Tycoon is revealed for the first time. It doesn’t appear to be radically different from the PC titles, but the developer interviewed continually raves that the game’s management-style wouldn’t be possible on consoles or handhelds without the touch screen. He also says that, while it’s based on the first PC title, the game will be a unique experience for fans of the series.Namco is planning Shogun Warrior, the system’s first RTS, utilizing touch-screen commands. Interestingly, skirmishes, sea battles, duels, and sieges are played out through mini-games, and the game will feature a 16-player wireless mode.Snowboard Kids DS will be an all-new title, and the developer has spent a lot of time analyzing the good and bad aspects of the previous games. There will be more of a focus on tricks with speed and shot rewards. Graphically, they are steering away from the super-deformed look with a slicker art style.Although no screens or info accompany it, Katamari Damacy is listed as an upcoming Japanese release. PGC staff are salivating for details on control and plans for the US. These are the more significant points, but there are a lot more details, screens, and interviews in the latest Nintendo Power, Volume 191.