More snippets from the Ubisoft interview:
Q: Ubisoft was pretty proactive when the Wii first launched, getting some titles on there - how do you appraise that initial push, and what would you say the lessons were now you're coming on to the second and third iterations of titles?
Alain Corre: It's true we were early on the system, with Rayman and Red Steel. Both games were in the top ten of the Wii chart for the first 6-9 months of the machine. We came down a bit in year two, for a number of reasons, but it also takes time to create great products on the Wii - despite what some people say. When you make a great game, you need more than one year of development.
A lot of games are made in less than a year, but they're not great products and they're not selling at all. So it takes some time to develop good games. This year we're coming with Shaun White, which we've developed over 18 months, and the same for Rayman 3. I think these two games can be in the top ten of the Wii charts at Christmas again, and there will also be new Wii games announced soon - more games dedicated to capturing this new audience.
So I think our Wii share that we lost a bit last year, versus year one, we'll grab it back this Christmas. We have started the development of a lot more games on the Wii for Christmas 2009, so it's in place.
We should have developed even more games in year one, to be ready for year two, but now we've switched a lot of our people in development to the Wii, so our ambition is that our market share on Wii grows starting this Christmas - and I think we're on the right track.
------------------------------------------------------------
Looking at Rayman Raving Rabbids sales it's at 1.2 million already and Shaun White Wii version is nearing a million and has sold twice as much as the 360 version. So they are doing well. That quote is interesting, they have a lot of Christmas 09 Wii games lined up?
So Red Steel 2, lets assume another Raving Rabbids game. And what else?
gamingeek said:
So Red Steel 2, lets assume another Raving Rabbids game. And what else?
Ass Creed PSP port with tacked-on waggle.
Ravenprose said:A real Far Cry game?
Oh yeah, TMNT fighter. Forgot about that one.
Wii-motion-plus 1:1 sword demo video.
Nice.
gamingeek said:Wii-motion-plus 1:1 sword demo video.
Nice.
If they pack in the motion plus with wii sports 2 I'll be pissed off.
Foolz said:gamingeek said:Wii-motion-plus 1:1 sword demo video.
Nice.
If they pack in the motion plus with wii sports 2 I'll be pissed off.
Why?
Nintendo has already stated that it will be packed it, but also stated that they'll be selling it separately too.
Foolz said:Because I'm interested in getting Red Steel 2 and a pack-in is usually cheaper, but I'm not really interested in wii sports 2. Now if there was more tennis and less frisbee with motion-plus I'd change my mind immediately.
There is sword fighting and Wave Race with Mii's.
Foolz said:Because I'm interested in getting Red Steel 2 and a pack-in is usually cheaper, but I'm not really interested in wii sports 2. Now if there was more tennis and less frisbee with motion-plus I'd change my mind immediately.
Yeah it's like Wii Fit and the balance board. Pack it in with the next SSX and I'm there. Wii Fit me and they can F off.
Iga_Bobovic said:Foolz said:Because I'm interested in getting Red Steel 2 and a pack-in is usually cheaper, but I'm not really interested in wii sports 2. Now if there was more tennis and less frisbee with motion-plus I'd change my mind immediately.There is sword fighting and Wave Race with Mii's.
Sold! I'd buy it solely for the Wave Race Mii-make, but throw in sword fighting and we've got a K.O. punch! Wii Sports reminds me of old arcade games, and I love old arcade games. 
I vaguely remember Nintendo saying that there will be 10 different games in Wii Sports Resort. They've only revealed 3 games so far, and that was last July. Hopefully, Nintendo will come through with some more fun games that make great use of Motion Plus.
As far as Red Steel 2, I enjoyed the first one, so I'm interested in seeing what they'll do with a sequel.
Ravenprose said:Iga_Bobovic said:Foolz said:Because I'm interested in getting Red Steel 2 and a pack-in is usually cheaper, but I'm not really interested in wii sports 2. Now if there was more tennis and less frisbee with motion-plus I'd change my mind immediately.There is sword fighting and Wave Race with Mii's.
Sold! I'd buy it solely for the Wave Race Mii-make, but throw in sword fighting and we've got a K.O. punch! Wii Sports reminds me of old arcade games, and I love old arcade games.
I vaguely remember Nintendo saying that there will be 10 different games in Wii Sports Resort. They've only revealed 3 games so far, and that was last July. Hopefully, Nintendo will come through with some more fun games that make great use of Motion Plus.
As far as Red Steel 2, I enjoyed the first one, so I'm interested in seeing what they'll do with a sequel.
Me too, just wish Ubi were not making it!
Ravenprose said:I vaguely remember Nintendo saying that there will be 10 different games in Wii Sports Resort. They've only revealed 3 games so far, and that was last July. Hopefully, Nintendo will come through with some more fun games that make great use of Motion Plus.
They added boxing to wii sports right? What about that plane game they had running?
Ravenprose said:A real Far Cry game?
Oh yeah, TMNT fighter. Forgot about that one.
Just remembered, Prince of Persia based on the movie of the game. Oh yeah and today they announced...... World Sports Party. Ugh.
Red-Steel-2-cancelled-version-pics
Red Steel 2 is the presumed sequel for the famous FPS that was released for the Wii in 2006, a project that was in development at Ubisoft Montreuil (this studio was also responsible for Red Steel 1) in 2007. It seems that these screens and documents were taken from an early concept of the project, some of which are from a set of “fantasy themed” levels (probably for bonus missions or multiplayer modes).
Development of this Red Steel 2 prototype was stopped in October 2007 when Ubisoft raised concerns about the game’s quality. Since then, Ubisoft Paris started from scratch and a “new” Red Steel 2 is planned for a release in 2009. Ubisoft Montreuil went on with making Rayman Raving Rabbits 2 and TV Party.
wtf?
So with these Red Steel 2 cancelled pics I went and played the airport level last night.
Visually this game is REALLY underated. At launch there were no component cables availible and people didn't realise that playing on an HDTV was like hitting the zoom button on your dvd player.
On my SDTV last night this game looked beautiful on that airport level. The lighting matches the best looking Splinter cell games.
Otherwise, it all came back, the good and the bad. The aiming was quite involving at the time, but every other FPS on the system has better aiming. The enemies are dead eyes, even from miles away. You can get killed really quickly so you have to take cover. The sniper rifle is awful as they black out most of the screen. To turn you have to almost bash the sides of the screen.
The good? Visually its still one of the best looking Wii games, apart from the unfinished textures. The swordplay is still fun and responsive and should be better for the sequel. The guns are visceral and the game has impact, it's explosive and gunplay is satisfying. If Ubisoft released a Control + version of this game, exactly the same with better control I would buy it - tommorrow.
Looking at this pic from the cancelled version of RS2 I thought it was a 360 pic. So upon booting up RS1 last night I looked at the roof lighting of the airport level and yes, it is as gorgeous as that, often. The controls are fucked but RS1 is a good game underneath that. I really hope they fix RS1 controls and re-release it.
“It’s incredibly satisfying, really exciting. I’ve been working in games for 12 years and this is the first time that I feel we’re going to give the fans something really cool that they’ve never seen before. And I genuinely mean that. It’s not just marketing bullshit, this is something new that you’ve never done before and it’s really fun. It’s a great feeling to be able to say that” - Creative Director, Jason Vandenberghe
ABOUT
Ubisoft announced Red Steel 2, exclusively for the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo. Red Steel remains one of the most successful Wii titles and the only brand created specifically for the launch of the platform. Red Steel 2 is being developed by Ubisoft Paris.
Red Steel 2 returns with an artistic style and flair created just for Wii. Set in a desert-bound, high-tech metropolis, Red Steel 2 is a revolution in the action-fighting genre, taking full advantage of the capabilities of the Wii MotionPlus(TM) accessory. Your movements are faithfully replicated on-screen, putting the emphasis on swinging, shooting and fun! With the ability of the Wii MotionPlus to sense the strength of a swing, you will literally be able to make an impact on your adversaries through power and precision.
“Red Steel was a unique opportunity for Ubisoft to work in tandem with Nintendo to create a title exclusively for the launch of the Wii console,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing US at Ubisoft. “Red Steel 2 is another milestone for the company as it is the first Ubisoft title with full Wii MotionPlus integration.”
Just as Red Steel broke ground as the only third-party brand created for the launch of the Wii, Red Steel 2 will be the must-have game of Spring 2010 for those who wish to stretch their own capacities and fully experience a game that was built from the ground up to take advantage of the Wii MotionPlus.
Release Dates
USA
March 23rd
Europe
March 26th
TRULY BEAUTIFUL 60 FPS VIDEOS AND GAMERSYDE PREVIEW:
http://www.gamersyde.com/news_gamers...2-9004_en.html
REVIEWS
Official Nintendo magazine
"This is probably the best third party wii game we've played in recent memory. A great deal of thought has gone into every aspect of Red Steel 2. The visual design is stellar, but most importantly its evident that ubisoft has put the necessary amount of time into making sure the controls and the balance are (almost) pitch perfect. It's been a long time coming but finally we have it. After watching Shiggy waggle the wii remote on stage at E3 2006 and having our ballooning expectations deflated, we now have the sword game we all wanted. It's taken new technology and the best part of three and a half years to get it, but precious few will argue that it hasn't been worth the wait. Red Steel 2 is finally here and it's awesome."
93%
Kotaku review
http://kotaku.com/5500030/red-steel-2-review-if-only-2006-was-this-good
"In the same month that Red Steel 2 reaches Wii owners, Sony has loudly proclaimed that its Wii-style Move controller is the device that will enable the best motion-controlled gaming experiences that appeal to fans of so-called hardcore games. But you don't need a Move to feel just how impressive and involved an action game can be when controlled by your motions. Red Steel 2, a game any PS3 owner ought to hope comes to the Move, shows that Sony's console wasn't essential to make this happen. Ubisoft is on a streak of sequels-as-atonement that began with Assassin's Creed II. It has now built not just one of the Wii's best games and not just one of the most radically improved sequels in many years but a motion-controlled game with previously unfelt depth of control and excitement of action. To understand how well motion-gaming can feel, Red Steel 2 is a must play. This is a 2006 Wii promise delivered."
Examiner Red Steel 2 review
http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner
"If Red Steel 2 was what Red Steel was back in 2006, then this series would be the top Wii third-party franchise. You have to disregard the existence of Red Steel and go into this series with untainted eyes because Red Steel 2 is everything Ubisoft promised and plenty more. It's one of the best video game sequels ever made and not playing this groundbreaking Wii game would be an injustice. Ubisoft has finally shown us what kind of games can be made for Wii and has set a new benchmark for Wii FPS titles and any Wii game that may use a sword. Red Steel 2 is the top Wii game of 2010 right now."
Gamesradar review Red Steel 2
http://www.gamesradar.com/wii/red-steel-2/review/red-steel-2/a-20100322174021138019/g-20090430135117953091
"The first let so many down, while part two succeeds in just about everything it set out to do. Maybe it’s the bundled MotionPlus, maybe it’s just better programming, but we left Red Steel 2 thinking it could be the most improved sequel of all time. If you’ve given up on Wii shooters, here’s a reason to rethink your stance."
9/10
MSNBC Red Steel 2 video review
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30501433/vp/35989744#35989744
9/10
Red Steel 2 NWR review "Plain and simple, this is one of the finest games to grace the Wii console."
Red Steel 2 Gameinformer review 8/10
Gaming Nexus reviews Red Steel 2 "Are you a gamer? Do you own a Wii? Then you need Red Steel 2. In fact, this game is a reason to own a Wii all by itself."
EUROGAMER ITALY
http://www.eurogamer.it/articles/red-steel-2-wii-recensione
"After years of vain promises and long before Move, Natal and who knows whatever else, Red Steel 2 finally delivers. Swordfighting has never been so fun and intense: don't skip this amazing Wii exclusive, this is the game we've all been waiting for... Now get ready to fight!"
9/10
Aussie Nintendo review
http://aussie-nintendo.com/reviews/21947/
"Quite possibly the most enjoyable, adrenaline-charged combat system I've ever experienced. Fans of the genre really need to check this one out, it's fantastic."
9/10
ONM Red Steel 2 review
http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=16114
"Red Steel 2 looks superb and after a wobbly first section settles into a very enjoyable first person action romp. It's a gameplay experience unlike any other, and that needs to be applauded."
86%
IGN
http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/107/1079106p2.html
"While the gameplay's impressively done, the overall presentation is freakin' top notch. Red Steel 2 is easily one of the best looking and sounding games on Wii to date. The visual style is incredibly sharp with a graphic novel influence, and its look is reinforced with a game engine that runs at a silky smooth 60 frames per second. The awesome background music matches the visuals extremely well – it's been a long time since I've fallen in love with a game's soundtrack, and Red Steel 2's atmospheric melodies are incredibly good. Red Steel 2 is absolutely an "A product." It's clear that the development team wanted to right the wrongs of the original game and produced an all new design with controls that actually work. There are still some issues, both in game balance as well as wishy-washy motion sensing control, but the awesome style and energetic gameplay are enough to make this one of the top titles on Wii."
8.6
Gametrailers
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-red-steel-2/63525
8.6
IGN UK REVIEW
http://wii.ign.com/articles/107/1079264p1.html
"There's no doubt that designing Red Steel 2 around Wii MotionPlus controls was an inspired decision, and Ubisoft deserves enormous credit for demonstrating just how much potential resides in Nintendo's woefully underused tech. As a template for how to combine shooting and swordplay within one intuitive, fluid control system, Red Steel 2 is an incredible achievement. But the bottom line is that the game takes a little too long to get going, and when it does it's all over way too soon." - they say its 8 hrs, others have said 10-12
8.5
IGN AU REVIEW
http://wii.ign.com/articles/107/1078690p1.html
"In the end, Red Steel 2 is well worth playing, especially if you bought Wii Sports Resort and want to give MotionPlus another whirl. Just think of it as a fighting game, as opposed to an action adventure."
8.4
Digital Chumps
http://www.digitalchumps.com/game-reviews/36-wii/4732-red-steel-2.html
"Few other Wii games provide a comparable sense of hard-hitting action fused with the gritty and rugged nature of a true action title. You really do feel like a sword-swinging, gun-toting badass in the heart of the Wild West, and you hold no remorse for your shameful adversaries. You can truly “feel” the impact of your actions on your enemies, and this sensation is only accentuated by the application of the Wii motion controls."
8.6
NGamer Holland
"MotionPlus's first test, and it passes with flying colours"
Score: 8.5/10
Eurogamer review:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/red-steel-2-wii-review
In the end, you'll likely forgive Ubisoft's game its shortcomings on the strength of its energy, obvious good will, and deep sense of craft. There are some thrilling set-pieces in here, along with moments that rank amongst the Wii's most beautiful, including a midnight rooftop race to catch a train which plays out under a huge cream-coloured moon. It's a lovely sequence.
As with any good Western - or any good samurai film - Red Steel 2 is ultimately about character: it's flawed, certainly, but entirely honourable with it.
7/10
G4 review:
http://g4tv.com/games/wii/43463/red-steel-2/review/
"Red Steel 2 is definitely a big step forward when compared to the original. It’s not perfect, and you will find yourself rolling your eyes at the tedious training sessions, groaning while yet another door stands in your way, and wishing the game was just a little bit more responsive to your every move. However, there’s still plenty of fun to be had and the eight to ten hours you'll spend working your way through the campaign will deliver many smiles."
3.5 out of 5.0
LATEST UPDATES:
Red Steel 2 Enemies Trailer
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/r...nemies-trailer
Super Powers trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJnA...layer_embedded
Studio Interview VIDEO from IGN
http://uk.media.wii.ign.com/media/86...31/vids_1.html
WEAPONS TRAILER
http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=237706
GAMESPOT TRAIN RIDE VIDEOS
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/r...gameplay-movie
Red Steel 2: The Last Kusagari footage
http://www.officialnintendomagazine....e.php?id=15382
First 20 minutes
http://www.viddler.com/explore/ContraNetwork/videos/34/
LATEST PREVIEWS
GAMETRAILERS VIDEO PREVIEW
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/pr...-steel-2/62644
VOOKS
http://www.vooks.net/story-18978-Red...pressions.html
"The first time I played Red Steel 2 I came away impressed but not astounded. This time I was blown away. It was genuinely fun to play and I just wanted to keep going and going with it. The swordplay/gunplay mashup is awesome fun and you’ll find different combos and moves that work better."
IGN
http://wii.ign.com/articles/107/1070807p1.html
"I was only allowed to plow through the first few missions, but these at least show the variety of levels and the balance and variety they have. In some you'll just have to take down waves of bad guys from the other clan, while in others you'll have to seek out their trucks and blast them out of commission. Along the way you'll find crates, barrels, bottles and other items that can be opened and smashed for cash, and you'll turn this extra money into additional moves and weapon upgrades. There are even hidden treasures like Sheriff Stars tucked away that'll earn you even more money. "
G4
http://g4tv.com/games/wii/43463/red-...eel-2-Preview/
"Fantastic swordplay would have been enough, but judging from the couple hours I spent putting the game through its paces, Red Steel 2 fixes and awesome-ups everything about the original. It's just pure, drool-inducing video game fun. Red Steel 2 looks amazing; The shooting game is spot-on, the Wii MotionPlus-exclusive controls are as tight as a rich guy’s fist, the action is frenetic and non-stop, and while there's nothing heavy and "important" here, it's all-out, kickass jaw-dropping action fun... and isn't that what's really important?"
Eurogamer
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/re...ds-on_4?page=1
"The main difference between Red Steel 2 and the original, however, may not be the improved controls so much as the fact that you'll genuinely want to put in the time to master them in the first place. With a sugary rush of missions, dungeons, and upgrades riddled with collectable Sheriff's badges and oddball unlocks, 2010 might just be the year that face buckles finally go mainstream"
Kotaku
http://kotaku.com/5476604/hands+on-s...th-red-steel-2
"Its combination of broad and precise motion, its colorful aesthetic, come together to deliver an experience far more fun than the original Red Steel. Being only about half-way through the title, it's too early to tell if there will be enough of those complex fights and blending of motions to make the game the sort of deep experience I want, or whether the end result will be a game that feels too light, too easy to be satisfying."
Joystiq
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/red-steel-2-preview/
"Red Steel 2 may have received a cosmetic makeover from its predecessor, but it's still lacking a key element: fun. Perhaps 2010 will change all that, and I'll be able to enjoy an inspired version of Red Steel 2 ... on my space ship, with my robot buddies "Chuck" and "Max." I can't wait for 2010!
Best of luck,
2009 "
NGamer preview
http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=236506
Consider our expectations slashed. Red Steel 2 takes what you thought you knew and carves it up.
Travelling to Paris to stink up Ubisoft's offices with a MotionPlus-enabled sweat, our three-hour playtest reveals a game quite unlike its forebear.
CUBED 3
http://www.cubed3.com/preview/329/
"Red Steel 2 has come along nicely since it was first shown off at E3 last year . The swordplay mechanics have been refined to the point that - with minor exceptions when performing very broad motions - the game responds perfectly to your actions, resulting in a satisfying and immersive experience. The coalescence of Japanese, Western and modern inspirations into a cohesive visual style is also a treat for the eyes, and especially impressive at a consistent 60 FPS. Worth a look from any self-respecting Wii owner."
Red Steel 2 screens and interview From Wii Italia - yet its in English
http://www.wiitalia.it/2010/03/04/re...erghe/lang/en/
(Red Steel 2 Interview With Roman Campos Oriola GS
Red Steel 2 Video Preview IGN
Three more interviews
"Now, Red Steel 2 is a Wii exclusive and we're not going anywhere with it. This is going to stay Wii exclusive."
Red Steel 2 CVG interview)
All here: http://thevgpress.com/forumtopics/re...0#comment58039
Dev diary video: Taking controls to the next level
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=208tA...er_profilepage
This is really worth watching.
"We actually shifted to the Lyn Engine, which is internal Ubisoft tech. It's being used for a lot of projects and being developed across multiple platforms, but was originally developed specifically for Wii. We were able to start over with an engine that from the beginning gave us a real head start," said Vandenberghe.
Massive Q and A here with the producer.
http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/t...7/m/7461098867
Badass Mega interview here with lead designer and creative lead
http://www.livewii.fr/article/123537...eel-2.html?c=0
Interview with Lead game designer
http://wii.nintendolife.com/news/200..._campos_oriola
Red Steel 2 Caldera trailer
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ca...-steel-2/61235
Bad Day trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyEmaIhG8fw
Payne trailer
http://media.wii.ign.com/media/867/867131/vids_1.html
Exclusive Red Steel 2 video interview
http://www.eurogamer.net/videos/excl...el-2-interview
E3 2009: Red Steel 2 Hands-on - June 1, 2009, Previews
http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/988/988473p1.html
We shoot 'em down and cut 'em up in Ubisoft's gorgeously stylized first-person shooter / sword-fighter sequel.
E3 2009: Red Steel 2 Interview - June 1, 2009, Features
http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/989/989002p1.html
The game's creative director explains the story, setting, art style, MotionPlus, and why it all took so long.
Cancelled version pics
http://www.unseen64.net/2009/03/05/r...el-2-wii-beta/