As a penny-pinching holiday season looms, video game companies are cutting game-console prices, beefing up supplies and releasing new games in hopes of attracting a wider audience.
Microsoft dropped the price of its Xbox 360 console to $199 from $279.
Nintendo has increased the supply of its Wii consoles by 50 percent in the U.S. from last year’s holiday season.
Both Microsoft and Sony are offering new online capabilities for their consoles, such as movie downloading.
In addition to feeding their core constituency with traditional shoot-’em-up offerings, video game makers have developed more “everyman” games. The titles feature creative themes, such as imaginary-world simulations, that a broader audience might enjoy. The hope is that more families will buy systems and games to play together.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
LittleBigPlanet ($59.99)
Spore ($29.99-$49.99)
In “LittleBigPlanet” (PlayStation 3), users can customize a character known as Sackboy or Sackgirl, who can run, jump, grab and climb as he or she solves puzzles and navigates dangers. The unique feature of the game is that users themselves can design new levels and share them with other players online.
“Spore” (Nintendo DS/PC), designed by Will Wright — the creator of “The Sims” — lets players shape the evolution of a species from tiny organisms to mature creatures to space beings that can colonize neighboring planets.
MUSIC GAMES
Guitar Hero World Tour ($49.99-$59.99)
Rock Band 2 ($49.99-$59.99)
Wii Music ($49.99)
Though previous “Guitar Hero” games were played with controllers that looked like guitars, “Guitar Hero World Tour” (Xbox 360/PS3/PS2/Wii) also features drum and microphone controllers. Creators also added a “beginner” level and a “Music Studio” feature that lets users create their own music and share it online. Look for bundles with the game and controllers ($89.99-$189.99), though older guitar controllers will work.
“Rock Band 2” (Xbox 360/PS3/PS2/Wii) cranks up the competition with 84 preloaded songs, 20 free downloadable songs and the promise of hundreds of others that will be downloadable for a small fee. That doesn’t include the songs from the original Rock Band that owners of the game can load onto the sequel. Bundles of games packaged with the controllers are available for $189.99.
Nintendo is taking a different approach with “Wii Music” (Wii). Instead of appealing to your inner rock star, it wants to bring out the musician in everyone. The aim of this game is to come up with the most creative arrangements to simple, well-known songs, such as “Yankee Doodle.”
SPORTS AND RACING
Shaun White Snowboarding ($29.99-$59.99)
Need for Speed Undercover ($39.99-$59.99)
Midnight Club: Los Angeles ($59.99)
“Shaun White Snowboarding” (most game systems) was developed in collaboration with Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. Players can create their own characters, which are given the freedom to choose how and where to ride. White appears in the game as a friend and mentor. The Wii version has gotten particular attention because players can simulate snowboard moves on the Wii Balance Board.
“Need for Speed Undercover” (most game systems) is the latest installment of the popular racing game series. Players, acting as undercover cops, compete in races and take on dangerous jobs to infiltrate an international crime syndicate in a fictional city.
Another racing sequel, “Midnight Club: Los Angeles” (Xbox 360/PS3), is a fast-paced competitive street-racing game by the developer of the popular “Grand Theft Auto” series that lets players race through a realistic recreation of the City of Angels.
ACTION
Gears of War 2 ($59.99)
Mirror’s Edge ($59.99)
Left 4 Dead ($49.99-$59.99)
Resistance 2 ($59.99)
Fallout 3 ($49.99-$59.99)
“Gears of War 2” (Xbox 360) is the sequel to the critically acclaimed third-person shooter game released two years ago, in which the soldier characters have to drill underground to fight an enemy that makes holes capable of sinking an entire city.
The fast-paced “Mirror’s Edge” (Xbox 360/PS3) features a female courier who runs messages in a totalitarian regime. The character, Faith, must rescue her sister, who was framed for a crime, while evading the government.
Horror survival game “Left 4 Dead” (Xbox 360/PC), first-person shooter “Resistance 2” (PS3), and the role-playing game “Fallout 3” (Xbox 360/PS3/PC) — the latter two sequels to popular games — are also expected to be among this year’s hits.
Source : http://www.thestate.com/
