- New Play Control!
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The New Play Control! series,[1][2] known in Japan as Wii de Asobu (Wiiであそぶ , lit. Play on Wii)[3] is a program by Nintendo to upgrade several GameCube games for release on the Wii. These re-releases incorporate graphical improvements, which include 16:9 widescreen support.[4] They also feature reconfigured controls to fit the Wii Remote.[5] The Australian/New Zealand Official Nintendo Magazine has used the term "Wiimakes" to describe the series.[6]
Contents
Summary
The first game released for New Play Control! was Donkey Kong Jungle Beat on December 11, 2008 in Japan, followed by a new version of Pikmin on December 25, 2008 and Mario Power Tennis, also in Japan.[3] Other games, such as Chibi-Robo!, Pikmin 2, Metroid Prime, and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes were all released in 2009.[7]
The adaptations of the Pikmin games allow players to point-and-click with the Wii Remote to select and direct units. The adaptation of Mario Power Tennis draws on the swinging motions seen in Wii Sports, while it is also possible to move the character directly with the control stick. The adaptations for the Metroid Prime series use the same control functions as in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. An earlier prototype of the control scheme had already been used with Metroid Prime 2, back when the remote was first announced.[4]
Some of the games feature improvements beyond the graphics and control scheme. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat features new levels, modified level design for existing levels, and has more emphasis on traditional platform gameplay.[8] Pikmin features a more flexible save game system, where players can restart play from prior in-game dates.[9] Metroid Prime uses the achievements system from Metroid Prime 3 to unlock bonus content, as well as the ability to take snapshots.
The games all have reversible cover art (besides Metroid Prime: Trilogy, which comes in a metal box case); reversing the cover shows a version of the box-art with no white border and subdued New Play Control! branding.[10]
The updated Wii versions of Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes were released alongside Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in a compilation called Metroid Prime: Trilogy, released in 2009: August 24 in North America,[11] September 4 in Europe and October 15 in Australia.
The New Play Control! lineup was intended primarily as extra support due to Nintendo having a slow year in 2008-2009 before announcing their next big titles. However, due to the poor sales of each game in the NPC! lineup, it was ultimately discontinued from June 2009 onwards.
List of games
Nintendo GameCube games currently planned for the New Play Control! range confirmed for release in Japan, Australasia, Europe, and North America:
Title Japan Australasia Europe North America Donkey Kong Jungle Beat December 11, 2008[12] June 18, 2009[13] June 5, 2009[14] May 4, 2009[15] Pikmin December 25, 2008[16] February 26, 2009[16] February 6, 2009[17] March 9, 2009[18] Mario Power Tennis January 15, 2009[19] March 26, 2009[20] March 6, 2009[17] March 9, 2009[21] Metroid Prime February 19, 2009[19] October 15, 2009*[22] September 4, 2009*[23] August 24, 2009*[11] Metroid Prime 2: Echoes June 11, 2009[24] October 15, 2009*[22] September 4, 2009*[23] August 24, 2009*[11] Pikmin 2 March 12, 2009[25] May 14, 2009[26] April 24, 2009[27] no release Chibi-Robo! June 11, 2009[24] no release no release no release *Released as part of the Metroid Prime: Trilogy compilation in Australasia, Europe, and North America.
The reason for Pikmin 2 seeing no NA release is unknown.
See also
- Touch! Generations
- Classics HD
References
- ^ "Pokémon Platinum Tops Nintendo's Diverse Game Lineup For Early 2009". Nintendo. 2008-12-17. http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/G6PiPIsjd31GkQ2_yG31S9BeReS-QsdW. Retrieved 2008-12-17.
- ^ Put a spring in your step next year with Nintendo - Nintendo - News
- ^ a b Snow, Jean (2008-10-03). "New Wii-Specific Pikmin in the Works". Wired. http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2008/10/new-wii-specifi/. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
- ^ a b Thomas, Lucas (2008-10-02). "Presenting the "Play it on Wii Selection"". IGN. http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915548p1.html. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ Logan Frederick (2008-10-03). "Gamecube Ports Pikmin, Metroid for Wii". The Escapist. http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/86630-Gamecube-Ports-Pikmin-Metroid-for-Wii. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
- ^ "Official Nintendo Magazine Australia/New Zealand: In This Issue". Future Publishing. http://www.officialnintendomag.com.au/. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
- ^ John Tanaka (2008-10-02). "First Look: Wii de Asobu Pikmin". IGN. http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915529p1.html. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
- ^ "New Elements for Play it on Wii Selection Titles". IGN. 11-12-2008. http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/929/929327p1.html. Retrieved 11-12-2008.
- ^ "New Features for Wii Pikmin and Mario Tennis". IGN. 2008-12-10. http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/937/937178p1.html?RSSwhen2008-12-10_045300&RSSid=937178. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ^ New Play Control! at Nintendo :: Wii
- ^ a b c DiMola, Nick (24 August 2009). "Metroid Prime Trilogy Review (North America)". Nintendo World Report. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=19850. Retrieved 14 December 2009. "Metroid Prime Trilogy, though not specified by name, is actually a part of the New Play Control! series."
- ^ New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat Release Information for Wii - GameFAQs
- ^ Nintendo.com.au - Wii - NEW PLAY CONTROL! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat
- ^ http://nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/wii/new_play_control_donkey_kong_jungle_beat_12465.html
- ^ New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat at Nintendo :: Games
- ^ a b New Play Control! Pikmin Release Information for Wii - GameFAQs
- ^ a b Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis powered up and ready for Wii! - Nintendo - News
- ^ New Play Control! Pikmin at Nintendo :: Games
- ^ a b http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2009/090130e.pdf
- ^ New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis Release Information for Wii - GameFAQs
- ^ New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis at Nintendo :: Games
- ^ a b "Metroid Prime Trilogy at ebgames.com.au". Electronics Boutique. http://www.ebgames.com.au/wii/product.cfm?id=15444&refer=productsearch. Retrieved 10-08-2009.
- ^ a b "Q3 2009 Release Schedule UK". http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/downloads/Q3_2009_Release_Schedule_UK.pdf.
- ^ a b Siliconera » New Play Control Closes In June With Chibi-Robo And Metroid Prime 2
- ^ Pikmin 2 Release Information for Wii - GameFAQs
- ^ Nintendo.com.au - Wii - NEW PLAY CONTROL! PIKMIN 2
- ^ "In shops now: New Play Control! Pikmin 2". Nintendo of Europe. http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2008/in_shops_now_new_play_control_pikmin_2_12462.html. Retrieved 2009-04-29.[dead link]
External links
- Official website (English)
- Official website (Japanese)
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- New Play Control! games
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