Welcome to another week of JOE’s videogame round-up. As always, we’re looking to provide you with up-to-the-minute news, download reviews, weekly charts and forthcoming release dates on a weekly basis. So if there’s anything you think we’re leaving out, or would like us to shine a spotlight on, feel free to leave a comment below.
News
US analyst reckons Tiger Wood’s reputation to blame for underwhelming sales
A digitised Tiger can only react with glum disappointment
Cowen Group analyst Doug Creultz has spoken how the scandal involving Tiger Wood’s private life may have hurt sales of the recent Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, with Wii version sales in particular described as “particularly catastrophic”. Speaking to Gamasutra, Creultz explained that sales of Tiger’s latest fell 68% compared to last year’s title, with the Wii version seeing an 86% decline.
“We are concerned that Wood’s scandal woes may have permanently damaged the sales potential of what we believe to be EA’s third most important sports franchise, behind Madden and FIFA,” said Creutz. Analysing June 2010 sales data, Creutz also said both Skate 2 and Green Day: Rock Band under performed, with Green Day selling a palty 82,000 copies across Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii combined.
Discounted Xbox 360’s outsell new ‘Slimline’ model in first month of US launch
Why isn’t it selling more – it’s shinier!
Although the Xbox 360 Slim was just released in Europe this past Friday, gamers have had the chance to pick up the 250gb, redesigned console for the last few weeks in the US – and have promptly plumped for discounted versions of its predecessor instead. According to Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, Microsoft’s latest accounted for just 40% of all Xbox 360’s sold in the month of June.
In all, 451,700 consoles were sold for the month, with the cheap Arcade model accounted for 35% of sales (having been discounted to clear) and the comparatively expensive Pro and Elite models, also reduced in price, accounting for the remainder. Microsoft shouldn’t be too dismayed, however, as sales of the Xbox 360 rose by a huge 88% year-on-year in the US for June.
Purchase/Download of the Week
Limo (Xbox 360 Live Arcade, 1200 Microsoft Points – out July 21)
Limbo boasts a creepy, but very unique art style
With it’s gorgeously minimalistic monochrome graphics, Xbox Live release Limbo has been on plenty of gamer’s wishlists for quite some time. A puzzle platformer, Limbo is minimal almost to a fault, mostly devoid of enemies or even music for huge stints of the title. If you’re looking for a short and satisfying, unique experience though, Limbo looks to be a fantastic addition to Microsoft’s ‘Summer of Arcade’ promotion.
Friday Releases 09/07/2010
Â
They’re pretty fond of Dragon Quest in Japan – it even makes their heads go fuzzy
The weather may be soaking us every day but the videogames drought continues. Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is the only physical release this Friday, but in fairness, is getting great reviews so far. For the unitiated, the Dragon Quest franchise has been around in 1986 and is the biggest Japanese videogame series, even outselling Final Fantasy titles in the land of the rising sun. To prove this point, Dragon Quest IX was released in Japan on Saturday, July 11, and is the only Japanese game allowed to be released outside of the mid-week – as the entire country comes to a standstill for each release. DQIX has already sold over 4 million copies in its native land, and it’s Western-friendly multiplayer options and simplified combat should ensure a raft of new fans this weekend.
Limbo (XBLA)
None
None
None
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
Cats and Dogs 2: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Alien Swarm (released Monday 19th)
