by Gregory Gay - 03.02.09

Just when you thought that Nintendo had given up on game development in favor it spending even more time in their money vault, they put out a list detailing their spring releases! So, Wii owners, what do you have to look forward to over the coming months? Let’s take a quick look.
On March 9th, we’ll see the release of New Play Control! Pikmin and New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis. These aren’t exactly new games, but Pikmin is worth a look if you missed out on it the first time. The Wii release of New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat will follow a little later, on May 4th. What about new games? Well, the new Punch-Out!!! hits stores on May 18th. This time, they will probably leave out the blatant ethnic stereotypes.
The last Wii game on their list is not only a new announcement, but one that excites me in particular. Yes, Nintendo announced Excitebots: Trick Racing. Ok, that may not be what you were expecting. In fact, you probably didn’t even play Wii launch title Excitetruck. Feel free to be ashamed. I’ll understand. Excitebots, which I can only assume involves both excite and robots, hits stores on April 20th and is compatible with the Wii Wheel.
DS owners won’t be left out. The incredibly awesome Rhythm Heaven will make it out on April 5th. If you don’t buy this game, I will find you and ridicule you. May 25th sees the release of Personal Trainer: Walking . It should prove valuable to those who are new to the use of their legs. Finally, on June 8th, The Legendary Starfy will be the first entry in the platformer series to hit US shores.
Of course, with every little nugget of happiness comes another nugget of disappointment. None of the Nintendo games that I was actually interested in were mentioned. Where is Professor Layton and Pandora’s Box? What about Trace Memory R or Mario & Luigi 3? Hell, New Play Control! Metroid Prime wasn’t even mentioned. Oh well, looks like I will have to be content with Excitebots for awhile.











WHERE IS DISASTER: DAY OF CRISIS?
GAAAH. D:
Matt L. - 03.02.09 1:27 am
I’m with Matt here… where is Disaster. You know, I’ve heard it’s a decent game… sure not AAA quality and so forth, but still it would be another title to increase the Wii’s North American library and earn it a little more credit as a serious system (although I’ve always taken it seriously, others seem to think the system is simply a toy).
Also I hope they will give a solid release date for Trace Memory R, and the New Play Control! Metroid Prime. I’d also like to hear if Fragile will make it to our shores…
Perhaps Captain Rainbow… now that would be a surprise. Another dream would be a sequel to Okami.
Anyways I’m really getting off topic now and onto other games and series, lol. Basically holding out on some optimism here.
The Maverickk - 03.02.09 4:18 am
I’m starting to wonder what Nintendo does all the time. Half of these are updates and the other half are handled by external teams.
Tony - 03.02.09 11:12 am
Just import Disaster and Trace Memory/Another Code from Europe.
Dascu - 03.02.09 11:24 am
Punch-Out leaving out the ethnic stereotypes? I don’t think so! In the trailer, when you punch the Frenchman, CROISSANTS COME OUT.
Harfatum - 03.02.09 3:08 pm
I beat Excite Truck in every way possible thank you very much. S ranks on everything. And it was totally worth it even for the crappy final truck and sad excuse for a bonus (special point icons? Come on, that’s just lazy.)
A.J. - 03.02.09 5:01 pm
Excite Truck is pretty much the best Wii game ever.
4ndii - 03.02.09 11:33 pm
Excitebots box art: http://tinyurl.com/azr8s7
shouamabane - 03.03.09 2:30 am
From that box art it looks like Excite Truck with stupid looking robots. Weird !!
bodo - 03.03.09 6:01 am
So, Nintendo is re-making games for the GCN? With only updated controls?
And everyone is fine with that?
Shiro786 - 03.03.09 9:27 am
Excitebots robots better transform! Also - soccer on Easter Island? Bizarro.
Shaun Hatton - 03.03.09 10:32 am
Punch-Out!!: “This time, they will probably leave out the blatant ethnic stereotypes.”
I sure hope not.
Simon - 03.03.09 11:59 pm
In case, you’re wondering:Nintendo is making MONEY, big MONEY, that’s all folks ! It’s just about time to sell this crappy system !
Nintendo, you betrayed your fan !
You won’t get twice on these updated games.
JHB. - 03.04.09 2:16 pm