Wii owners with an
Internet connection can download new games from a wide range of
developers, from large publishers to indie shops. "By reducing the barriers that make
console game development prohibitively expensive, WiiWare showcases
original ideas in the most democratic environment in industry history,
connecting the people who make games more directly with the people who
play them", said the official press release.
"WiiWare frees developers from the traditional constraints of video game development", the official press release went on. "WiiWare
lets developers experiment with big ideas and small budgets to the
benefit of players everywhere. Newer, smaller teams now have an outlet
for their creative ideas. The constantly growing WiiWare library will
have a regular flow of unique video gaming experiences consumers might
not otherwise have access to."
"WiiWare is to the video game industry what independent films are to Hollywood," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "WiiWare
lets developers experiment with new ideas and experiences. Combined
with our collection of classic Virtual Console games, Wii provides
one-stop shopping for the greatest games of the past - and the future."
WiiWare
games are easy to download. Just go to the WiiWare section of the Wii
Shop Channel, find the game you want, redeem Wii Points and start the
download. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at
retail outlets. New games, at various Wii Point values, will be added
to WiiWare on Mondays. The newly launched Nintendo Channel on Wii will
let people view videos of and read information about WiiWare games and
other Nintendo products. Users also can see player opinions to help
them decide what to play next.
here is the inaugural lineup of WiiWare games:
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King
(Square Enix, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence,
Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,500 Wii Points): FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL
CHRONICLES: My Life as a King takes a legendary franchise and launches
it into the realm of simulation gaming. Players are challenged to
rebuild a kingdom, leading its young king on a path of discovery
through an adventure bristling with mystery and intrigue.
LostWinds
(Frontier Development, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy
Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): A fresh, enchanting platform adventure
that puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand - from raging
tornados to the gentlest breeze. You'll wield your Wii Remote
controller to power Toku's jumps and glides, suspend and smash enemies,
meet friends and solve puzzles using LostWinds' novel, intuitive and
playful control system.
Defend your Castle (XGen
Studios, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone - Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii
Points): Defend your Castle takes place on a grassy plain surrounded by
invaders. You are the commander of your castle, and it is your duty to
fling the invading enemies sky-high, watching them plummet to their
demise. As you progress, add powerful spells and upgrades to your
arsenal for repelling the attacks. How long can you hold them off?
Pop
(Nnooo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Pop bubbles
to score points and stop the timer from running out. Pop can be enjoyed
by anyone - casual gamers can simply play to pop bubbles and keep the
game moving, whereas advanced players will need to pick their shots
rapidly and accurately and generate combos to maximize their score.
V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack
(High Voltage Software, Inc., 1-4 players, Rated T for Teen - Simulated
Gambling, 700 Wii Points): V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack re-creates the
casino experience, with fully animated players and a realistic Las
Vegas dealer. Single players can increase their bankrolls, while
multiple players can engage in a head-to-head mini-blackjack
tournament.
TV Show King (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated
E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): TV Show King transforms your living
room into a real TV quiz show studio where you'll face the challenge of
answering more than 3,000 questions across six different categories.
Compete against family and friends and use your Wii Remote controller
in original ways to make it to the finals to see who can win the
greatest amount of cash in one final, deciding duel.
