Rumors: Okami Wii, Kingdom Hearts prequel and 'GTA Batman'
by Ross Miller 
{ Aug 29th 2007 at 5:55PM }
On the Square Enix front, rumor has it that Kingdom Hearts has a "series of prequels currently in-the-works for a number of consoles and handhelds." That would fall in line, at least partially, with what Tetsuya Nomura said back in May that the next KH game would not be KHIII but rather a spin-off for portables.
The third rumor presented is that "a popular studio" is working on an open-ended, Grand Theft Auto-style title based on Batman.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brymo @ Aug 29th 2007 5:57PM
GTA Batman - I just did my 'O' face.
ThornedVenom @ Aug 29th 2007 6:36PM
Batman is a crimefighter simulator!
Name @ Aug 29th 2007 6:01PM
I guess part of the reason that EGM is going to the crapper is that people read their stories online before the magazine even gets released.
Good-bye EGM!
Macroy @ Aug 29th 2007 6:40PM
Replace "EGM" with "print media," thanks.
Emceay @ Aug 29th 2007 7:36PM
EGM on e-paper would fix that problem.
hvnlysoldr @ Aug 29th 2007 6:01PM
All totally awesome!
Zertoss @ Aug 29th 2007 6:05PM
I imagine a GTA Batman would be like Spiderman 2 was, where you can jump and swing around the rooftops and quickly transition down to street level. Given that Spiderman 2 was fairly well received, I think that's the most likely scenario.
The KH rumor seems the most likely, given that we already know a new non-3 KH game is in the works.
I wouldn't be surprised if Okami gets ported. That game deserves another shot at the market, more exposure.
Noshino @ Aug 29th 2007 6:09PM
there are 2 things that I don't understand,
1)"...that the next KH game would not be KHIII but rather a spin-off for portables."
well, first, the rumor also mentions consoles, so yah, oh, and hopefully he'll focus on the PSP to make it, I hate when they focus on the less powered machine.
2)Why is this only filled under "Nintendo Wii"? o__o
Sonicandtails @ Aug 30th 2007 2:42AM
Because the less-powered machine kicks your higher-powered machines ass, right?
Crono @ Aug 30th 2007 8:18AM
1) Why focus on PSP when KH target audience by and large owns DS. Also, I bet you were pretty pissed off all of last gen when developers made all the games for the least powerful hardware.
2) Because Wii is the only one that matters anymore
flameofdoom666 @ Aug 29th 2007 6:11PM
OKAMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
StrangeBum @ Aug 29th 2007 7:27PM
That's precisely what I was thinking. The game was absolutely stunning and amazing. I resent Capcom for ridding themselves of the very artistic Clover Studios.
And the thought of actually having to make brush strokes to play the game really piques my interest. I will buy it again, most definitely.
ALH @ Aug 29th 2007 6:12PM
BAWWWWWWWWWWW.
As much as its good that okami is potentially getting a second run, im kind of sick of games i already own showing up on the wii with 'improved controls'.
The irony here is that i bought the wii to avoid ports,sequels and rehashes, but it seems the 360 ( which i thought would be nothing BUT ) is providing me with a heck of a lot more new experiences. I'm probably not the only one here who thinks this either.
flameofdoom666 @ Aug 29th 2007 6:21PM
lol
mr nimblewick @ Aug 29th 2007 6:25PM
I've never played Okami, but I would on the Wii. But I agree it is getting too many ports.
I disagree that the 360 is getting a whole bunch of new experiences. Any of the game types available for it also existed before, with the same control scheme.
ALH @ Aug 29th 2007 6:43PM
'I disagree that the 360 is getting a whole bunch of new experiences. Any of the game types available for it also existed before, with the same control scheme.'
Control schemes arent the be all and end all of innovation/fun. For one, The fact that the console can handle a shitton of enemies on screen at once ( something older consoles could not do so well) makes for some hectic, amazing situations and frantic battles in games like dead rising, or even something as simple as Earth Defence Force. Those two games control like anything we've seen before, but play completely differently.
Then theres the easy to use online ( with no lame friend code bull), the free downloadable demos, the achievements.
What does the wii have at the moment? DS/GC/PS2 ports and wiisports? 'omg new controls!' is not really that good an inscentive to rebuy a game you've already put time and money into on another console.
mr nimblewick @ Aug 29th 2007 6:56PM
I agree that motion controls are not necessarily a good reason to rebuy a game. In some cases, however, they are enough to make me buy a game I otherwise wouldn't have (RE4 and, if true, Okami).
And you talk of new gameplay experiences, I simply don't qualify having more enemies on screen that you use the same button presses to kill a new experience, nor is simple online gaming anything that I haven't experienced on the PC.
Yes, friend codes suck (though mostly just because there is not a good way to meet people and exchange them), but I have never played a game like wiisports before. Heck, even Red Steel's gun parts were fun, and I typically hate console shooters. (The sword parts were terrible though. If only the swordfighting didn't exist.)
ALH @ Aug 29th 2007 7:09PM
'And you talk of new gameplay experiences, I simply don't qualify having more enemies on screen that you use the same button presses to kill a new experience'
But youre forgetting the most important thing here- a game is not a sum of its controls, the control system does effect how a game plays- yes, and it can lead to new ways of playing- yes- but this is not the be all and end all of gaming.
Ever since the wiimote was announced a certain group of people have turned their backs on traditional gaming and now turn their noses up at anything which is not 'Innovative', without looking at the big picture, and personally im sick of hearing about it.
Shagittarius @ Aug 29th 2007 7:19PM
A new way of controlling a game doesn't make it a new gaming experience. I can't figure out why some people seem to think swiping your arm around to trigger the same thing a button press could do is a new experience.
Even aiming with the Wiimote in shooters isnt a new gaming experience its just a new interface for the same games. This misconception is the biggest scam of the Wii marketing scheme. They pretended they needed new controls to create new game experiences but they give you the same old experiences with a different interface. Anyone with 2 brain cells to scrape together can see this unless blinded by fanboy f3v0r.
mr nimblewick @ Aug 29th 2007 7:30PM
I'm not forgetting that there are other aspects to games. Not at all. But without a controller, the game is nothing more than a movie. It's a part we don't think about often (or at least, never used to). But when you look at what separates this "generation" (I think we should retire that term, consoles are more or less just becoming entertainment products... different discussion) from the previous one, there is very very little.
The 360 has HD graphics (most people don't have HDtvs), LIVE (which the original had, though not as robust) which requires a hard-drive (which is no longer standard). Sure, you can have more enemies, but you could have had them by taking a hit in graphics in the last generation. So the core experience is still the same, just with better visuals.
The controller is dual analog, which, while very ergonomic, is the same basic design from 2 systems ago.
I don't know if you have only just started playing games or if you are an old NES/Atari veteran, but I for one was sick of playing the same types of games the same way I had been 3D, and even 2D back to the NES.
Oh and shag, it's different because it is different. I don't know how you don't see the difference between a button press and an arm swing. Really mind boggling.
Emceay @ Aug 29th 2007 7:36PM
They just need time to get used to the controls. But excite truck is something I wouldn't have any fun playing with an analog stick. So, you shouldn't be so quick to thumbs down the wiimote as innovation. There's plenty more games already out I'd like to play with wiimote and refuse to play on another system UNTIL they're ported.. So, once size doesn't fit all.
Yes, they need to start using the wiimote for new styles of gameplay, and just general interactivity on the various channels; but I don't mind using the wiimote much at all, and having multiple control styles to choose from is always appreciated. I was sick of having basically the same controller every year anyway.
Honestly, the graphics difference doesn't bother me as much as some developers choice to skip the wii altogether BECAUSE of the graphics gap. I don't need gritty realism to enjoy the game play, celshading would do just fine for me.
Something I would really like to see nintendo do though is get back into 2.5D and incorporating the classic controller into more non-VC games. I want a fighter or fast paced side scroller. All the potential is there, and the nostalgic feeling would be fantastic.
ALH @ Aug 29th 2007 7:46PM
'I for one was sick of playing the same types of games the same way I had been 3D, and even 2D back to the NES. '
Well, I guess we all have our different ways of viewing the issue, but to insinuate that it is impossible to make a new/fun gaming experience with using a traditional controller is rather closed minded.People are welcome to their opinions,but the thought of genuinely awesome traditional-controller games taking a back seat and being snubbed because they dont have wiggle unnerves me.
Emceay @ Aug 29th 2007 8:04PM
'What does the wii have at the moment? DS/GC/PS2 ports and wiisports? 'omg new controls!' is not really that good an inscentive to rebuy a game you've already put time and money into on another console.
2 hearts'
I like trauma center better without the stylus, I didn't own a GC, and I only have a handful of ps2 games.
Now, it's easier to convince the people around me to play because it's not that hardcore 10 button setup.
It's not that people turn their backs because it's not innovative, there's the factor that they simply don't have the time or patience to fiddle with buttons for a game like baseball. Also, I hated using the analog stick for driving games, and the digital always had to be successively tapped to steer carefully.. tilting is so much easier. Not only that, but it's easier to invite someone else to play a game with me. Having two hand motion inputs is pretty cool too. And just in case you want buttons and analog sticks, there's always the classic controller. 360 had a year head start, I think you're just waving the checkered flag a little too soon. Not all of us have actually bought the original games that are being ported, either.
SKI @ Aug 29th 2007 10:23PM
They never said that it was a port, they just said Okami was coming to the Wii. It could very easily be a Okami 2.
mr nimblewick @ Aug 29th 2007 10:49PM
"the thought of genuinely awesome traditional-controller games taking a back seat and being snubbed because they dont have wiggle unnerves me."
I never said traditionally controlled games couldn't be good, or that there couldn't be new experiences with one. There are a lot of good games for the 360. I don't see any of what I would consider new experiences yet, but maybe they will come. Who knows.
Mr Khan @ Aug 29th 2007 6:20PM
There's no part of that sentence i didn't like.
Slvrgun @ Aug 29th 2007 7:29PM
Well the Wii doesn't really offer as much as the 360 but as a supplemental console say for bouts of play with your girlfriend or drunken friends it is pretty fun. By itself the Wii probably is less than stellar.
Emceay @ Aug 29th 2007 7:48PM
Somehow, the movements seem like they'd fit quite well on Wii.
As for the less than stellar comment, I could never get anyone in my family, young or old, to focus on playing a game with me until the Wii. My sister, her husband, and my parents don't have time to learn what X and Y, L and R do, let alone have the patience to know when to use them. Motion controls help cut the learning curve down and they accept playing much easier, sometimes even requesting to play. I don't think I could ever get that from the 360. 360 might have more games, but no one will actually have the time to play them with me. The Wii is great for the short bouts of gameplay the people around me only have time for. Yeah, online play isn't so hot on the Wii, but what I really care about is connecting with my friends and family, online play can't really give me that.
rom @ Aug 29th 2007 6:24PM
Hey! I use that same picture as a background on my 360. Beautiful game.
Oreo @ Aug 29th 2007 6:25PM
Maybe it will be Lego GTA Batman! :)
Sean @ Sep 1st 2007 3:27AM
I was thinking it but you posted it. Lego GTA Batman is actually the most likely I believe.
muppetmeth @ Aug 29th 2007 6:35PM
I was thinking about a sandbox Batman title a few months ago...
Fucking telepaths.
ThornedVenom @ Aug 29th 2007 6:39PM
Long live sandbox games NOT based on New York city... unless Gotham is just a disguised name for New York.
Oh wait, Gotham IS a nickname for New York! DAMN YOU DEVELOPERS! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City
LegendarySyko @ Aug 29th 2007 7:29PM
Gotham is more Chicago based I thought. I could be wrong though.
Crono @ Aug 30th 2007 9:29AM
Its a combination of both.
Korova @ Aug 30th 2007 1:01PM
Gotham is a combination of NYC and absolutely nothing, because NYC is the best city EVAR!
Seroth @ Aug 29th 2007 6:46PM
Hopefully this means a Batman game that doesn't suck.
Thierry @ Aug 30th 2007 10:00AM
I wished Okami was ported to the DS.
Thierry @ Aug 29th 2007 6:55PM
I wished Okami was coming to the DS.
Chris @ Aug 29th 2007 7:05PM
it would suit it with the paint thingy you can do.
Meowzers @ Aug 29th 2007 7:39PM
I didn't even think of that; that would so rock.
Chris @ Aug 29th 2007 7:03PM
stick a cap on the agent in crackdown and take away the guns, then you have batman to the EXTREME!
KH 0: fight you way through the line to a ride! battle bordem in the never ending line. I shouldn't base the game on the rides is very fanboy like XD.
Epileptic Fury @ Aug 29th 2007 7:30PM
GTA Batman? It was already done folks back on PS1.
Who remembers Batman and Robin? I dont mean to bring up such a bad game, but it's been attempted and boy did it suck!
http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/batmanrobin/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review
Meowzers @ Aug 29th 2007 7:41PM
I WANT OKAMI! It'd totally rock on the Wii. After awhile on the PS2, with all the drawing, your knuckles can go numb. And it's seriously annoying when you want a lily pad and the bloody thing gives you wind.
Bluebrake @ Aug 29th 2007 7:42PM
Badass. GTA-style is exactly the way to do a superhero game: give us free reign over a city where we roam around kicking ass and stopping crimes instead of starting them. They should do Superman this way too.
And Okami on Wii? I can get behind that. Oh yeah.
REUYL @ Aug 29th 2007 7:47PM
A sandbox Batman game has the potential to be FREAKING WIN!
J-Guy @ Aug 29th 2007 8:18PM
Sandbox Batman FTW!
Word of the street. @ Aug 29th 2007 8:21PM
I hope Batman Gta hot coffe mod doesn't involves Robin,Yuck.
Emceay @ Aug 29th 2007 8:43PM
Hahaha.. nah, Commissioner Gordon mustache ride FTW.
Slvrgun @ Aug 29th 2007 8:52PM
@Emceay
Why are you on the defensive. I got my Wii so I could enjoy the interactive games with my girlfriend, friends, and family who normally don't play games. But even having said all that, playing the Wii does not blind me from its serious limitations, namely the line-up of games that utilize the best the Wii has to offer.