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Welcome to the fourth edition of our Wii Day series. During
the aftermath of the Games Convention 2006 in Leipzig and prior to
Nintendo’s own Wii Day’s, 14th September, 2006, in
the US and Japan and 15th September, 2006, in Europe,
there’s little happening in the interim period..jpg) However, as ever, Electronic
Articles has managed to burrow through the undergrowth of
the videogames industry cacophony to bring you a handful of brand
new, tantalising titbits.
Firstly, we have a few minor revelations concerning the
much-hinted Wii exclusive release in the Resident Evil
series. A source, whom requested to remain unnamed, stated: “Voice
actress Tara Platt is to voice Jill Valentine in the upcoming Resident
Evil Wii game. She confirmed to us that the game will feature
zombies (or at the least, zombie-like enemies) and plant creatures,
as well as a wide array of weaponry. The fact that Ms. Platt was
aware of the weapons in the game infers that she is voicing a
playable character and is not just doing a cameo. Jill being the
main character increases the likelihood of seeing Carlos or Barry
turn up as well.” However, shortly after we received these
comments, Tara Platt (the original voice of Jill Valentine) herself
released a statement, “I don't want to disseminate incorrect
information, and I cannot actually verify that I am in Wii or the Biohazard
5 game, all I know for sure is that the contract (for the game I
did work on) had the title BIOHAZARD (but it could be any
number of varying title offshoots from that same company). Like I
said, I only have the 'title' that was on the contract that I signed
which was BIOHAZARD -- so I really don't know if that relates
to either Biohazard 5 for PlayStation3 and Xbox360, or Biohazard
for the Wii. We recorded in December of '05 - so it was almost a
year ago, but these things often take a while....I'm sorry that I
can't be more helpful...as actors we are often only given so much
information anyway, on top of the Non-Disclosure Agreements we have
to sign, so there isn't much I can say. And with titles with so many
divisions and offshoots, you never really know where the particular
game or project you worked on will appear (as they don't give you
info that you may leak)....who knows, it may not even be either of
the two listed.”
Now, given that Ms. Platt made it quite apparent that she
could get into much trouble – being in breach of a contract with
Capcom is not a position I’d like to be in – it does appear that
her comments should be taken with a pinch of salt. However, given
that Barry Burton has been featured in many of the videos previewing
Resident Evil 5 on the Xbox360 and PlayStation3, it is
possible Jill Valentine will appear in that release also. Capcom are
yet to comment on where the Wii exclusive release will appear in
relation to the other Resident Evil games, and whether or not
it’ll act as an entirely separate experience much like the Resident
Evil: Dead Aim and Resident Evil: Outbreak titles that
have appeared on the PlayStation2.
In addition to this, we have a few new details concerning a
title we unveiled last week; BWii: Battalion Wars 2. The
title has been built from the ground-up using GameCube hardware.
Given that Wii architecture is incredibly similar to that of the
GameCube, Kuju have been able to begin production on the title
practically immediately after the release of the original Battalion
Wars. The title is currently running to GameCube specifics –
with Kuju stating that there’s still plenty of undiscovered power
in the system – and has been promised to look even prettier still
before rolling-out to retail in 2007. As well as adding Naval Units
to the operation, Facilities – Barracks, .JPG) Factories and Docks –
play a big part in the new title, especially in that of the
Multi-Player Modes. Lost units can now be respawned at these
locations, should the player have control of the Facility.
Lastly, we’ve had a few details revealed on the basic
premise of the Multi-Player Modes. Whilst only being playable
through Wi-Fi (no Split-Screen or LAN options are even being
considered currently), Kuju are looking into implementing a system
allowing up to four-players on the battlefield simultaneously. The Assault
Mode has been unveiled, and is a basic, all-out-action approach to
the title. One player begins in defence of a HQ, as the others
attempt to capture it. A Time Limit plays its part, removing much of
the strategy element and demanding a more quick-thinking, straight-shooting
approach to the title.
Finally this week, we bring you the latest Wii gameplay video
available. A bit tongue-in-cheek this one, looking at a more humorous
approach to gaming rather than actually revealing too much about the
title. With many rumblings on the Electronic Theatre Forum,
I’m sure there’s many of you who are going to enjoy this one…
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