Posts with ‘Nicalis’ Tag

La-Mulana Returns to PC on July 13

By: Alehkhs

On: July 6th, 2012

Retro-inspired platformer and puzzler La-Mulana will be returning to its PC roots next week.

Priced at $15 USD, the PC version of this remake will include the Hell Temple and Attack Mode features that were made available as DLC on the WiiWare version, as well as support easy modification of the game.

La-Mulana will be available at the launch of Playism’s new English site on July 13, 2012. The original game can still be downloaded for free however, so be sure to check it out in the meantime!

La Mulana Not Coming to NA/EU Wii

By: Derek Yu

On: May 3rd, 2012

La Mulana, by NIGORO

Nicalis has decided to suddenly cancel the North American and European release of La Mulana, citing declining sales on WiiWare and developmental issues as the cause. Nicalis’s Tyrone Rodriguez told GoNintendo: “With the Wii U in the not too distant future and WiiWare sales almost non-existent, I had to make a call today. I wish them the best. They’re good game developers and good guys.” Click the link for the full statement, which points to the DLC as the main reason why La Mulana was having trouble passing certification in North America and Europe (it’s apparently more strict than in Japan, where NIGORO already self-published the game). You may also want to check the Twitter accounts of NIGORO and Nicalis for more details.

Thankfully, it’s not all bad news: according to NIGORO, a PC release of the new La Mulana is almost finished and will also be self-published. Distribution has yet to be determined.

Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s Get Teased

By: Derek Yu

On: March 26th, 2010

I love the art style and character designs of Tiny & Big – Up That Mountain. They seem inspired by comics. In the game you wield a laser that can slice through the environment at any angle. There’s a demo available for PC, Mac, and Linux. (Source: Attract Mode)

La Mulana for Wii is looking better and better each time I see it! (Source: Tim, via IndieGames.com)

Via Oddball, this teaser for Foppygames’ Ranger is pretty cool. I like the graphics and the use of line-of-sight in a top-down game. I do not like how the enemies simply pop out of existence when they die. But it’s early in development.

Finally, here’s another video of CutmanMike’s Mega Man 8-bit Deathmatch, showing a deathmatch in its entirety. According to his latest status update, the mod is progressing at full speed, with over half the robots and nearly all of the weapons done.

Cave Story: Developer’s Voice

By: Derek Yu

On: March 15th, 2010

If you’re a Cave Story fan I think you’re going to enjoy this video! The game is coming out for WiiWare (North America) on March 22nd. Check the Nicalis blog for more information and other goodies, like fan art.

Cave Story Wii Coming to North America on March 22nd

By: Derek Yu

On: February 24th, 2010

Igor from Cave Story

Cave Story Wii has finally been given a release date, at least in North America.

The game includes 5 game modes, including Easy Mode, Hard Mode, Boss Rush, and Sanctuary Time Attack.

Other features:

  • Standard definition and Wii-exclusive progressive (480p) graphics
  • New character designs by creator, Daisuke Amaya
  • Completely redrawn background and interface, exclusive to Wii
  • Remastered music as well as the original soundtrack
  • Mix-and-match new/old artwork and music!
  • Five new play modes (including Sanctuary Time Attack and Boss Rush)
  • Three-save files, as demanded by fans
  • Over 20 epic boss battles through Mimiga Island
  • 15 levels to explore in the vast world
  • 10 unique weapons to find and upgrade
  • Classic Controller compatibility
  • Three unique endings
  • A few surprises fans

You can read the full press release here.

Also, here’s a brief interview I did with Pixel about Cave Story Wii last year. Various constraints forbade me from posting it until now. Enjoy!

Derek: Hi, Pixel, it’s nice to get to speak with you again!

Pixel: Thanks!

D: How is the Cave Story Wii project going?

P: I’ve played it a few times to check the game’s progress through development. It feels very good. I find the newly re-drawn artwork agreeable and I’m happy with the newly re-mixed music.

D: Last time I talked with you, you said you were hesitant to do games commercially, and to work in a group where your vision might be compromised. What made you decide to work with Nicalis on this project?

P: I, myself, have thought about making commercial games, but I haven’t had any good ideas about it. When Tyrone first contacted me I was a bit puzzled and didn’t really understand entirely. After our continued discussions I could feel Tyrone’s passion for Cave Story. It surpassed my own and I felt that I could leave it up to him.

D: When did you start working on the project, exactly?

P: When was it? I think maybe Spring or Summer of ‘08? Tyrone, when was it?

(Tyrone: That’s right.)

D: What was the process like, working with Nicalis? Do you talk every day? How did you get around the language barrier?

P: Tyrone’s wife is Japanese and I am grateful for her help in advancing my conversations with Tyrone this far. He’s currently studying Japanese; we’re not able to communicate entirely with each other with just us when he visits my home. My English studies have not gotten far…I’m sorry.

(T: Derek, he’s being very modest, his English has come a LONG way.)

D: Are you happy with the new features, like the high resolution graphics? How did you and Nicalis decide on these features?

P: I am satisfied with how Cave Story turned out on the Wii. It’s fun to think about games, but to actually implement them is many times more difficult. Now that it’s come together I feel rewarded thanks to the support of all the players.

D: Are you interested in doing more commercial game development now?

P: I haven’t thought about it yet. I can’t think in my head of what’s necessary.

pixel

D: I noticed that fans sent you a DS last year, and you must also have a Wii now. Are you trying out a lot of new games? Are there any that captivate you?

P: I don’t have a Wii yet, but I plan on getting one.

D: Cave Story has made a huge impact on the Western independent game scene. Do you play any indie games or have any thoughts about them?

P: I don’t know too much about indie games. You mean games created by an individual and such, right? I have looked around for free games, but lately, due to time constraints, I haven’t had time to play much.

D: What has the response to the Cave Story Wii project been like in Japan?

P: I received many congratulatory words. I’m happy because many people have expressed interest in a Japanese version for Wii.

D: Have you worked on anything else game-related in the meantime?

P: I’m working a little bit on an RPG, but I’m still barely on the basic systems.

D: Have you worked on anything else creative, like art and music?

P: Right now I’ve just been making the RPG. I’ve made a bit of pixel art and music for the RPG, but it’s all still temporary.

D: You were a student when you started Cave Story, and you were an office worker when you finished. Now that Cave Story Wii is almost out, is your life even more different?

P: It stopped once I got job. Lately, I’ve been coming home late so I’ve left the house duties and child support to my wife. Saturdays and Sundays are spent doing household chores. Anything creative is typically done on nights during the week.

Cave Story Christmas

D: How often do you play your own games? Do you have any new thoughts about Cave Story now?

P: I test my games until they’re complete, until I hate them. So, I end up not playing the games I create. But I’m looking forward to playing Cave Story on the Wii.

I still receive requests for a sequel to Cave Story even now. I don’t have any ideas for a sequel to Cave Story, but if I started making it, I believe I could come up with something. Cave Story was actually developed in that manner.

D: It’s popular to ask a random question at the end of the interview. Last time I asked you what your favorite food was, and you said lightly-salted onigiri (Japanese rice balls). This time I’ll ask you what your favorite movie is!

P: My favorite movie is The Game with Michael Douglas. I watched it twice and enjoyed it both times. Also, A Chinese Ghost Story (Joey Wong) – I saw it when I was a kid, but it was a very uncomfortable feeling. Also, a few more I can recall are Mr. Vampire 2, Aliens, and Pom Poko.

D: Once again, if you have anything else you’d like to say to your fans…

P: Thank you for your support.

I hope that you will some day will be able to play the RPG being created now. Although it’s still into the unforeseeable future…

New La-Mulana Wii Screenshots

By: Derek Yu

On: October 21st, 2009

La Mulana

20 new screenshots on the official blog. Looking very, very good! I really like the direction they’re going with the artwork.

La Mulana Website

By: Derek Yu

On: August 14th, 2009

La Mulana

The Wii port of NIGORO’s La Mulana has a full site now, with information about the game and a blog (available in English or Japanese). The blog updated by the La Mulana staff, who say “Don’t think of this site as simple a general site for information to be released little-by-little. Think of it as a way to exchange ideas between the developers and fans. This official site is here with a purpose.”

Project Q: First Look

By: Derek Yu

On: August 1st, 2009

IGN’s embedded video player sucks. View it here.

Cave Story, Night Game, La Mulana… and now Q! Here’s a teaser video of a prototype platformer by Nicklas “Nifflas” Nygren and the Nicalis crew. IGN has an interview with Nicklas and Tyrone about the project (which is not yet confirmed for any one platform).

Fans who might be worried that all these new games are causing delays should take comfort in the fact that Nicklas has “wrapped up most of his work for Night Game.”

AH SO!

By: Derek Yu

On: July 24th, 2009

La Mulana

La Mulana

La Mulana

See: Nigoro and Nicalis Make Friends <3

(Source: enigmaopoeia_, via Madam Luna_’s Livejournal post, through Paul Eres’s Twitter)

La Mulana coming to WiiWare?

By: Xander

On: July 23rd, 2009

LaMulanaMaybe

Apparently this month’s Nintendo Power has a preview of La Mulana amongst its WiiWare pages. On top of this a new section on the Nigoro site appeared showing this countdown clock. I do so hate countdown clocks. However I’m sure a WiiWare port with some less alienating graphics wouldn’t be a bad idea, and this is only the start of the waiting the prospective purchasers will have to endure so we may as well start now.

Of course, you’ve already played the original game anyway. Right?

(This is in no way myself avoiding getting round to reviewing ‘Splosion Man. Not at all. Also, source: "Diverse’s Blog":http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Diverse/la-mulana-is-coming-to-wiiware-141028.phtml#story)