Microsoft is extending their family friendly stance to Japan. On December 15, they held a Merry Christmas event at Tokyo Bay. Kids could meet the characters from Viva Piñata and try out a handful of CERO A video games like Beautiful Katamari. Microsoft is trying to capture another niche. This strategy worked well for CERO Z games, which are starting to pick up in Japan. (Contributor's Notes: CERO is the rating system in Japan. CERO A is for all. CERO Z is for ages 18 and up only.)
However, Microsoft faces a problem when it comes to attracting families. Many multiplatform kid's games like Cars never get an Xbox 360 release in Japan. THQ tends to only support the Wii and PlayStation when it comes to Disney games and few Japanese developers are making child friendly exclusives.
Words: Spencer, Siliconera (December 19th, 2007)
Photos: Xbox.com Japan
Viva Piñata could well make a come back after Microsoft moved to renew the trademark, along with Blast Corps.
Rather see Banjo-Threeie
Hell a remake-revamp of Grabbed by the Ghoulies, great concepts, not executed the best but having everything around you as a weapon was great, with new tech they could get more creative
Microsoft has been gradually rebooting Rare IPs. I wouldn’t be surprised if MS announces another Rare IP reboot after Perfect Dark release in 2023-2024. Based on popularity you would think Banjo, Viva Piñata and Conker would be the next likely candidates for rebooting [or a new release].
Agree completely with you but Viva Pinata would be beautiful with modern graphics
This game rocked. It was so relaxing making a little garden and getting pinatas to... Dance with each other.
Jared writes: "With the Battletoads having made a triumphant return, let's look at the rest of Rare's back catalog for which series deserves a return to form next."
I actually don't want them. I'm not a big fan of Microsoft rehashing IPs they had nothing to do with creating just because they happen to own them.
Before you call me fanboy tell me a game they did that to that actually lives up the the original?
Just leave our beloved memories alone. You want to bring something back, redo crimson Skies or Brute Force. At least they were your games and they need updates.
I'm all for The Initiative rebooting perfect dark as a third person though, sounds like its trying something new and not just rehashing with a new coat of paint with this idea. Hope we see a tease of it in the next showcase.
Rumor is The Initiative is working on rebooting Perfect Dark in third person, normally I wasn't a fan of taking existing IPs but if its something new like this I'm up for it.
Donkey Kong Country is probably my favorite game of all time but I've not connected with much else Rareware has made since other than maybe Killer Instinct. Sea of Thieves has got to be close to my worst $60 purchase I've ever made.
Kaan writes: "Rare is easily the most historic Xbox Game Studio. Founded in 1985, Rare may have begun life churning out middling titles for Nintendo but in the '90s Rare became a juggernaut within the games industry. They released classic after classic in quick succession and the most impressive part was the variety in titles. Beat 'em ups, Kart racers, platformers, first-person shooters, third-person action games; Rare did it all. But they need to bring some of these games back. Now."
Yeah I got an S for rare replay and halo collection and horizon 3 not much else haha
Kameo
Conker
Banjo
Perfect Dark
Viva Piñata (multiplat/cross play)
Jet Force Gemini
I suppose you would do anything when your desperate.
Sony fanboys that there was a 3 month period when U.S. 360 sales was crushing PS#3 worldwide sales.
Videogame4life is another xbots that has no idea what he's babblin about again. 40 gig ps3 plays PS1 games. Plus price cuts are good when technology becomes cheaper.Do some research xbots before you become xbottards..
M$ desperation tactics in Japan are a joke you got to feel sorry for them.
anyone who spoke to the 2 people at the event?