April NDP's: Lesson 2

As we previously mentioned, the April sales numbers for the gaming industry have massive implications for where things are headed in this GTA IV-centric gaming quarter. Though impressive sales of the game weren't exactly a major blow to the Nintendo Wii, the game's impact on this month's sales numbers are inarguable (thanks mainstream media, for your lack of investigation!)

In case you missed it, the system sales for April were:

1. Wii: 714,200
2. Nintendo DS: 414,800
3. PSP: 192,700
   
4. Xbox 360: 188,000
5. PlayStation 3: 187,100
6. PlayStation 2: 124,400

Despite the release of the best-selling media in history, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 had relatively poor sales figures in April. Playstation 3 barely outsold Playstation 2 (that's two-- the old one). Meanwhile, the Wii continued it's rampage of domination, boosted by the release of Mario Kart Wii.

Next Generation has a pretty in-depth analysis of what the GTA IV release means to the console-war.

Arguably, Liberty City is more fun on a 360 than it is on a PS3 (though we couldn't tell you the difference.) And though the gaming public at large is spending their time arguing about native resolutions and pop-in, the poor sales figures for both consoles proves that not all consumers are looking for an expansive, in-depth gaming experience. Most just want to go curling, man.

Deca Sports? Yeah, We've Never Heard of it Either

And yes, it looks just as bad as you might think. However, boasting 10 sports, "...players can compete in beach volleyball, snowboard cross, badminton, basketball, curling, figure skating, archery, supercross, soccer and kart racing." and featuring waggle-icious control for every single one (oh boy! waggle curling!), Deca Sports is poised to take the 5 to 11-year old market by storm (especially at the Wal-Mart friendly price of $29.99.)

Let's be clear here folks: this game looks like junk. The trailer (which I very stupidly sat through in it's entirety) actually served to make me less interested in a game I already didn't care about -- the video equivalent of being told something meaningless while simultaneously being hit in the groin, if you will. I was left feeling anger towards the knowledge, though for reasons unrelated directly to it's content.

The cover and weak title should say enough but they don't quite convey the hopelessness found within the press release for this title. Usually feigned excitement sounds better than “With summer on the horizon, we anticipate Deca Sports being a popular choice for those looking for a fun-filled Wii experience.” Hell yes. Either way, GameRankings is already calling this game another piece for the pile of middling if not outright poor Wii games. As you might expect with a hit title like this, it's out this very minute. At least they didn't spend a lot of money on marketing, right? Seriously though, this is why I never play my Wii. If any of you out there are playing and enjoying/hating this game, feel free to drop us a line and let us know why it's amazing/terrible. Lord knows it ain't goin' on our GameFly queue. Thanks Hudson Soft.

Barbie Dream Bathroom Comes to Life

I came across this "Ultimate Ladies' Room" contest on Game|Life, and my immediate thought, right after "that's a shit-ton of pink," was, "why would I need so much stuff in the bathroom?" I can understand the TV, and the towel warmer does sound rather cool, but a fridge? Eating in the bathroom doesn't sound very sanitary, or appetizing. What makes this game-related is the Nintendo Wii that's included. How long am I going to be in the bathroom, anyway? Apparently long enough to collect some stars in Super Mario Galaxy, give myself a foot wash and a pedicure (!), have a snack and dry my hair, all while listening to my iPod and browsing the Internet. And if it takes me so long to do my dirty sinful business, I can just watch TV or read a magazine. Such choices!

I'm curious why they have the Wii and not something more logical, like a DS or a PSP. I guess there's something giggle-worthy about playing on the Wii while taking a wee, but it makes more sense to have something that you can take from the bathroom and continue playing once you're done answering nature's call.