Nintendo Offers Hardcore Gamers Wii-a Culpa
by Justin Arnold on July 22, 2008

To many E3 attendees this year, the Nintendo press conference was more of a self-congradulatory pat on the back. Instead of the new, exciting titles that gamers had expected, Nintendo rolled out a list of casual games that left hardcore gamers feeling dejected by the industry’s top innovator.
In an interview with Forbes magazine, Nintendo president and CEO, Satoru Iwata, said that this year’s E3 was neither the time nor the place to announce platform favorites.
“If there is any perception that Nintendo is ignoring the core gamers, it’s a misunderstanding and we really want to get rid of that misunderstanding by any means,” says Iwata. “We are sorry about [the E3] media briefings, specifically for those who were expecting to see Nintendo show something about ‘Super Mario’ or ‘Legend of Zelda.’
“However, the fact of the matter is the so-called ‘big titles’ need a long, long development period. … We really didn’t think this year’s E3 media briefing was the time to do so.”
While core games such as Zelda and Mario may be in development, the Wii is still getting exclusives that look promising such as the ultra-violent Mad World by Sega.
Source: Forbes
PC Review: Tower Bloxx Deluxe
by Andrew Podolsky on June 13, 2008

Tower Bloxx Deluxe is certainly not a recognizable name when it comes to casual games. Bejeweled and Diner Dash are the undisputed champs when It comes to bored housewives and office workers, but I enjoyed the mobile version of this game and thought the PC port might actually have a shot at winning over a casual audience. Unfortunately, this $20 PC version is a step down in quality from the mobile game. Read more…
Study Suggests Casual Games Are Therapeutic
by Toni Dimayuga on April 30, 2008

Can playing Bejeweled every day keep the doctor away? A recent study by the East Carolina University’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies suggests that casual games can relieve stress and improve one’s mood. Read more…
GDC 08: Day One
by Dan Landis on February 19, 2008

If you had ever wondered what it would be like to meet up with a bunch of nerds and go to the Game Developer’s Conference, then wonder no more. We’re here to walk you through the ins, outs, and slightly-to-the-lefts of GDC day one. Read more…
Review: High Velocity Bowling
by Cavin Smith on December 6, 2007

Don’t laugh. This is probably going to be you in thirty years.
I didn’t think last week’s Pain was worth a Hamilton, so what about Sony San Diego’s second attempt on the PSN, High Velocity Bowling? Coming from Team Ramrod (hi, Super Troopers reference), this game of ten-pin features waggle, online leaderboards, and, wait a tic… custom soundtracks using an in-game XMB! Sure, it all sounds a lot like Wii Sports, but will it make Grandma Bessie want a Playstation 3 for Christmas? Read more…






