Need for Speed Goes Nitro Exclusive on Wii, DS [ Electronic Arts ]
Fifteen years; more than 40 countries; close to 100 million games sold. Need for Speed has helped to define automotive culture for millions of fans with its embrace of the car lifestyle and its cool rebellious attitude. Today, Electronic Arts unveiled the details of what is in store for the franchise over the next 12 months, as the property expands to new platforms, new categories and new media.
Need for Speed NITRO (Working Title) – Fall 2009
Developed by EA Montreal, Need for Speed NITRO for Wii and Nintendo DS will have players of all skill levels hooked from the moment they get into the action, while arcade racing fans will be exhilarated by the deep and challenging gameplay. EA Montreal has already established a strong track record of developing for these platforms and will bring their unique creativity and innovation to the Need for Speed franchise.
Gamers can build up their boost as they drift and drag behind their opponents and use it strategically to change the course of the race, but watch out for the cops! Offering a fresh and unique visual style, the game features a variety of licensed cars which can be fully customized to let the game reflect the player’s taste and personality. This evolutionary take on arcade racing, bringing back the best features found in Need for Speed games, comes exclusively to the Nintendo platforms this fall.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, January 30 2009 18:50 PM [Top]
Nintendo on Thursday (Japan time) reported 9-month (April to December 2008) global sales of 1,536 billion yen, an increase of nearly 17% over the same period in 2007, along with 501 billion yen of operating profits, up 27% from a year ago. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Nintendo Co., Ltd. has exceeded the previous results for the same nine month period. At the same time, recurring and net profits for the same nine month periods each declined about 18% due to 174 billion yen of foreign currency reevaluation losses from assets held in currencies other than Japanese yen (such as bank deposits without forward exchange contracts).
For the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, the company revised its unit sales forecast for the portable Nintendo DS system upward by 3% to 31.5 million globally, while the DS software forecast was lowered by 7% to 193 million. For the Wii system, with softness in the Japanese consumer market, full year global unit sales estimates for both hardware and software were revised downward by 3%, to 26.5 million systems and 193 million games, respectively, in spite of the overall robust sales outside Japan.
As a result, and with the changes in the anticipated foreign currency exchange ratios, Nintendo Co., Ltd. has revised estimates for fiscal sales and profit projections for the full year ending March 31, 2009. However, the company remained on pace to set historic records for Net Sales and Operating Profit for the full 12 month period.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, January 30 2009 18:45 PM [Top]
Get ready for the ultimate blox-busting action as Electronic Arts today announced BOOM BLOX Bash Party for Wii, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed BOOM BLOX game for Wii. EA’s collaboration with director and producer Steven Spielberg continues with BOOM BLOX Bash Party, and the destructive fun reaches new heights with richer multiplayer action and more than 400 new levels that will have players of all ages gaming together and solving action-packed puzzles under water, in zero gravity, and beyond!
BOOM BLOX Bash Party is even more fun to play with friends and family, featuring twice as many multiplayer challenges as the original, and now offers team-based challenges! Players can play with or against friends, solo or in teams, knocking down blocks, destroying towers, slinging and launching blocks and characters, for tons of high-energy, family-friendly fun!
BOOM BLOX Bash Party is packed with tons of new features that are sure to get the party started! The game showcases new block types, including: virus and conveyor blox, new blox shapes, such as: cylinders and wedges, and new tools that will make for even more destructive fun. Players will find twists on BOOM BLOX game play favorites like throwing and grabbing. Players now can also sling, launch, and blow the competition away with new cannon, paint ball and slingshot tools.
Even the characters are in on the action as BOOM BLOX Bash Party features a new cast of wacky blox characters. This time they don’t just cheer you on, they are now blox themselves and you can throw, stack or even launch them, utilizing them to create even more madness and mayhem!
The fun continues online as BOOM BLOX Bash Party enables players to download even more new levels via the Internet. With the press of a button, players will be able to grab, play and rate new levels from EA as well as levels created by members of the BOOM BLOX Bash Party community. Using the game’s easy-to-use Create Mode, players now have the power to share the levels they built with friends, or submit their masterpiece to be shared with the world! The expanded Create Mode lets players build and create like never before, giving them access to the same tool set the EA development team used to create each and every level in the game!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, January 29 2009 21:41 PM [Top]
New FFCC: The Crystal Bearers Trailer [ Wii Café ]
We're as surprised as you are. We thought this game was deep-sixed, buried, dead, but it appears Square Enix is still hard at work at the first-announced Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles RPG for the Wii, the Crystal Bearers. A brand-spanking new trailer is below, which showcases a lot of the cool features of the game, a little bit of the story, and a ton of gameplay. Check it out, via YouTube, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, January 28 2009 13:00 PM [Top]
Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd. will deliver a keynote address at the 2009 Game Developers Conference, kicking-off the main conference’s schedule of lectures, panel discussions and roundtables that provide the central forum for learning, inspiration, and networking in the games industry. The address, “Discovering New Development Opportunities” marks Iwata-san’s first return to the GDC keynote stage since 2006. The Game Developers Conference takes place March 23-27 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.
Being a developer himself, Iwata’s keynote lectures at the Game Developers Conference are known for inspiring other developers to think about creating games in new and different ways. His 2005 keynote gave developers the first information about the technology being used for the next-generation console then codenamed “Revolution” which has since become known as the Wii. In 2006, Iwata spoke about “disrupting development,” and introduced the Western development community to philosophies on engaging new players, surprising existing players and the role the company’s video game systems would play in expanding the market and widening the possibilities for developers.
Satoru Iwata’s keynote, “Discovering New Development Opportunities,” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PST in the Esplanade Room of the Moscone Center’s South Hall.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, January 27 2009 15:06 PM [Top]
New Crystal Chronicles Release Date Announced [ Square Enix ]
Square Enix announced today that FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time will be released simultaneously for both Wii and Nintendo DS on March 24, 2009.
An innovative new concept in multiplayer gaming, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time will enable Wii and DS users to play side by side for the first time. This breakthrough in gaming connectivity allows players on both Nintendo platforms to journey together in the fantastical world of the beloved FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time offers a gameplay system that allows for a seamless, hassle-free in-game switch from single to multiplayer mode. Play anytime, anywhere, with anyone and experience a new level of connectivity with this latest adventure in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series.
A triumphant return from a monster-infested forest marks the completion of the 16-year-old hero's coming-of-age ceremony. However, the hero's joy is short-lived as a young village girl is found to be afflicted by a mysterious illness known as "crystal sickness." Determined to obtain the cure, the hero steps out of the secluded village for the first time, only to discover a world in which crystals are merely artifacts of the past and no longer exist...
* Play anytime, anywhere with anyone! Multiplayer connectivity reaches new heights in FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time, where players can team up or compete with friends and players around the world
* The intuitive control scheme introduced in FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates returns, now adapted to Wii for double the action
* Players can switch between single and multiplayer modes at any time while playing, enjoying two great gaming options in one integrated experience
* A personalized hero can be generated from a choice of the four familiar races of the series; Clavats, Lilties, Selkies or Yukes. Players joining from the Wii can also introduce their Miis to the world of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES
* Create and customize materials, armor and equipment for characters with tailored appearances and abilities -- no two heroes will be the same!
* Players can continue to enjoy the game even after completing the main adventure, as the New Game feature provides increased difficulty and better items with every new round
* A vast selection of quests delivers hours of fun!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, January 26 2009 22:07 PM [Top]
Today Ubisoft announced that it will launch an all-new, original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game – the first that is not tied to a TMNT movie, television show or comic book – which will be a four-player action fighting title.
The game is being developed by Game Arts, noted for working on the critically acclaimed Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. Scheduled for release in fall 2009, the video game will be a key event in the year-long “Shell-ebration” of the 25th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which, in addition to the video game launch, will include new and exciting products and experiences for TMNT fans in the U.S. and around the world.
The official name of the game is TMNT: Smash Up. Platforms have not been announced, but we know the game is at least coming to Wii.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, January 26 2009 19:41 PM [Top]
Wonder Boy Rocks Balls on Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Niki - Rock 'n' Ball (Bplus, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Are you in love with those unforgettable arcade classics where the only goal is to vanquish all opponents to reach the next stage? Niki - Rock 'n' Ball is a new interpretation of those games with a completely innovative and unique gaming mechanism. Roll along with Niki through fantastic worlds, find all the ZeLeLi pearls, and liberate your village from cuddly-yet-evil monsters before it's too late. Timing is everything. Jump in the nick of time to avoid landing amid barbs. Hop across the stages thanks to the realistic gaming physics. Snap on the ZeLeLi amulet, transform yourself into Niki Rock, and force even the most obstinate monster to its knees. Explore all the stages and win valuable medals while dribbling through them, alone or with a friend. Use familiar controls in Retro style, or experience novel controls in the Wii style.
Virtual Console
Wonder Boy in Monster Land (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Alcohol Reference, Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): After the defeat of the evil king, the kingdom of Wonder Land was a paradise…for a time. The peace was broken when a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon struck without warning and took over Wonder Land with a swarm of evil, monstrous henchmen, turning the once-peaceful land into the utterly chaotic Monster Land. Unable to fight, the people now look to Wonder Boy. Realizing that he is Wonder Land's last hope, Wonder Boy sets out on an incredible journey to rid the country of the monsters and defeat the "invincible" evil dragon. Guide Wonder Boy through various environments and dungeons, and defeat enemies using Special Weapons and Spells.
LucasArts has finally put an end to the speculation, as they announced a new original adventure starring our favorite archeologist. No word yet on Wii Remote controlled whipping in Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, but we sure hope so. Check out the trailer via Joystiq below.
Capcom today announced that Mega Man Star Force 3 (MMSF3) for Nintendo DS will be coming to North America in early summer 2009. MMSF3 will come in two different versions, Black Ace and Red Joker, allowing two friends to share unique items and powers utilizing the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, enhancing their individual characters.
As in the previous games, MMSF3 is a unique blend of action and role-playing game (RPG), combining the high intensity combat that is the hallmark of Mega Man games with Star Force's strategic battle system. By defeating enemies and boss characters, players earn "battle cards" that enhance and evolve Mega Man's abilities and attacks.
New to MMSF3 are "Noise Changes," random enhancements that change Mega Man's form and unlock new abilities. The two versions of the game, Black Ace and Red Joker, each have over 100 unique Noise Types that can be combined with Mega Man to unlock elemental powers based on earth, air, water and fire. The new Noise feature will add an exciting randomness to battles, encouraging players to explore, collect and battle across the digital world of MMSF3.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, January 23 2009 0:39 AM [Top]
This week's edition of Famitsu magazine may just as well be the WiiWare edition, as three brand-spanking-new WiiWare games are revealed within it's pages. First off is Pole's Big Adventure, which comes to us from Sega's Sonic Team, direct by Takao Miyoshi. The title is a parody of the 8-bit era of platformers complete with NES graphics and outlandish power-ups.
Next up is Bubble Bobble, which as you may expect, is a port of the arcade and NES classic. While the game remains in its 8-bit form, it features new controls via the Wii Remote.
Lastly is Crystal Defenders R1, a unique new tower defense RPG by Square Enix. Basically, you use a variety of weapons to keep away hordes of characters representing the famed Final Fantasy classes with a variety of weapons.
None of these games has been confirmed for a US release.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, January 23 2009 0:17 AM [Top]
RUMOR: Mario & Sonic at the...Winter Olympics? [ Nintendo Accion ]
While the more publicized team-up of Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog came in 2008's Super Smash Bros. Brawl, another major success was the duo's battle for sports supremacy in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, which sold over 2 million copies with iterations on both Wii and DS. Now, with the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver approaching, it looks like the mascots of Nintendo and Sega will be putting away the track shoes and strapping on their skates for a snow-based team-up, as reported by Spanish Nintendo mag Nintendo Accion. If this comes to pass, you can expect more waggle-riffic minigames starring Sonic, Mario and their respective cohorts as they take on such games Downhill Skiing, Short-Track Speed Skating, and Ski Jumping. Our hope? Curling, baby...curling.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, January 22 2009 1:03 AM [Top]
For the past couple of years, IGN has teased an upcoming "dark" title in the works for Wii, giving no word as to what it might be, until they reported it had been canceled. Now, we see what the excitement was all about, as they have revealed that the game was an original survival horror game entitled Winter, developed by n-Space, the same company behind Geist for the GameCube. Winter's plot had Mia, a young EMT, entering a remote and deserted town in the midwest cut off by an enormously powerful snowstorm. It becomes apparent that the snowstorm is being controlled by something demonically evil, and thusly Mia must try to survive against evil beasts and the freezing cold. The Wii Remote would be used in several ways with the game, such as using it as a flashlight, opening doors, and of course, attacking.
Fortunately, n-Space hasn't completely given up on the game, and are asking for support to help it find a publisher. With games like The Conduit finding a home, it's certainly likely that Winter could be thawing out on shelves sooner rather than later. Check out the game for yourself by clicking the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, January 22 2009 0:51 AM [Top]
It is with great pride that Io Interactive unveils their latest videogame creation in a brand new game - MINI NINJAS, due for release Fall 2009 on Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.
Prepare yourself for a Ninja adventure like you have never seen before! Join Hiro, the smallest hero on the biggest adventure, as he embarks on an epic and electrifying quest to restore harmony to a world on the brink of chaos. Use your skills and mighty Ninja training to battle a magical army of evil Samurai. Harness the power of your Kuji magic and utilise the special skills of your Mini Ninja friends as you travel through a perilous world to reach the final confrontation with the Evil Samurai Warlord in his Fortress of Doom.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, January 20 2009 12:29 PM [Top]
Another Nintendo Download Monday Comes [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
High Voltage Hot Rod Show (High Voltage Software, Inc., 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): High Voltage Hot Rod Show is a slick and fast-paced racer that challenges up to four players to tear up the track on a variety of off-road courses, mastering death-defying stunts and building enough Boost to stomp the competition. Players must learn to tame their monster Hot Rods by nailing ramps, power slides, bunny hops and tricks while avoiding mud pits and smashing through Boost Rings to fill their Boost Meters. Players can compete against seven CPU opponents in Championship mode or set their best lap times in the time trials. Top times can be uploaded to an online scoreboard via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection* and shared with players around the world. Multiplayer supports up to four players in split-screen mode, giving each player a wide range of controller choices. (Router and broadband access required for online play.)
Family Glide Hockey (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy are back for more family fun, and this time it's glide hockey. Hone your skills in a gymnasium, a forest park, a beach, an amusement park, even the freezing Arctic. Family Glide Hockey sports appealing cel-shaded graphics and endearing music to go with its friendly, competitive match-ups. Choose between single-player mode, versus mode (up to four players can play), or challenge your skill in engaging minigames such as Glide Hockey Brawl, Glide Hockey Drill and Glide Hockey Tracer.
Virtual Console
MUSHA (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): MUSHA is a SEGA GENESIS game that shooter fans favor for its intense and exciting gameplay. Players must control Terri, a girl who pilots a MUSHA (Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor). Terri's goal is to eliminate Dire 51, an Intellicomputer that has gone out of control and is planning an offensive attack upon humanity. Use special weapons like the Vanishing Buster, Blazing Beam and Defensive Detonator, along with offensive options that allow six types of formation fire. Battle through seven exhilarating levels to finally reach and destroy Dire 51 once and for all.
Before 2008, no video game system had ever been purchased by ten million Americans in a single year. But according to independent sales data released today by the NPD Group, the Wii console from Nintendo did just that, even during these economic times, with 2008 unit sales of 10.17 million. The Nintendo DS portable handheld system came in a close second, with 2008 unit sales of 9.95 million. Each of them broke the previous yearly unit sales record set in 2007 by Nintendo DS with sales of 8.52 million.
Consequently, Wii represented 55% of all next generation home console sales in 2008, while Nintendo DS claimed 72% of all portable system sales in 2008.
NPD data released for December and all of 2008 also included the following:
* The industry's top 4 selling games of 2008 were: Wii Play at No. 1, Mario Kart Wii at No. 2, , Wii Fit at No.3, and Super Smash Brothers Brawl, at No. 4
* Industry annual revenues jumped 19% in 2008 over 2007, and Nintendo products were responsible for 99% of those additional retail dollars.
* Nintendo DS set another industry record for system sales in any month, with 3.04 million units sold in December.
* Wii broke its own monthly record, set in December 2007, by selling 2.14 million units last month.
* In December, Nintendo titles filled 20 of the top 30 spots on the best-seller list. Six games made for Nintendo systems placed in the top 10, including Wii Music for Wii (No. 9), which has now sold 865,000 units following its launch in October 2008, and Mario Kart DS for the Nintendo DS (No. 7), which has sold a total of 4.3 million units 38 months after launch.
* Activision's Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero World Tour, and MTV Games/EA's Rock Band Special Edition Bundle all sold more units on Nintendo platforms than any other platforms in 2008.
* More 3rd party units were sold for Wii than any other home consoles in December for the 2nd consecutive month.
* For the year, more than 132 million games were sold in America for play on Nintendo systems.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, January 16 2009 11:24 AM [Top]
Rumor: DSi Coming April 4th, at $179.99 [ IGN DS ]
One of the biggest question marks heading into 2009 was the planned North American release date and price of Nintendo's newest iteration of the DS handheld, the Nintendo DSi. According to sources speaking with IGN, we may have found our answer, as the console is apparently set to launch sooner than expected, on April 4th. What's more, the console would launch at an MSRP of $179.99 - $30 more expensive than the launch price of the original DS and $50 more than the current cost of the Nintendo DS Lite. Nintendo obviously denied this information, so we'll have to wait and see about its validity.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, January 14 2009 14:59 PM [Top]
We constantly bring up why Square Enix has transformed the DS into their home platform, so we won't go into that here. What we will go into is the tremendous number of classic titles that have been reinvented on the handheld, such as Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and the Mana series. Now, one of Square Enix's less-known franchises will be getting its dual-screened due, as a remake Makai Toushi SaGa 2 will be launched sometime this year. The SaGa series started on the original Game Boy with a trio of games better-known as the Final Fantasy Legend trilogy in the states, and later moved on to the Super Famicom and the PS1 and 2. The remake of SaGa 2 (Final Fantasy Legend II) will have improved 3D graphics, and looks to be the handiwork of Matrix Software, who also developed the DS remakes of Final Fantasy III and IV. Check out the scan below.
Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software, is pleased to unveil BIT.TRIP BEAT exclusively for WiiWare! Developed by Gaijin Games, BIT.TRIP BEAT marks the first adventure of Commander Video. Using the Wii Remote, players will test their twitch skills as they battle through a retro-esque universe, familiar to the old generation and yet reinvented for the new.
Everything comes from something. We were before we became. From life comes rhythm, and from rhythm comes life. We are beings of information. Everything is a conduit for learning. We communicate in bits and bytes. And we will return to something once we become nothing; after our BIT.TRIP is complete. “BIT.TRIP BEAT is a crazy mix of 80s aesthetics and modern game design,” states Michael Manzanares, Producer of Aksys Games. “It’s challenging, yet fair, and completely addicting.”
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, January 14 2009 3:26 AM [Top]
Nintendo has revealed several new boxarts and accompanying logos for many of their biggest upcoming titles, including Pokémon Platinum, Rhythm Heaven, Personal Trainer: Math, and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. Check out all four below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, January 14 2009 2:57 AM [Top]
Two for WiiWare and Castlevania III to VC [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Jungle Speed (Playful Entertainment Inc., 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Jungle Speed is a lightning-fast card game for the entire family, where quick reflexes and a keen eye will put you on top. Flip your cards, watch your opponents and grab the totem at the right moment to win the game. Just when you think you've got it down, a new card can temporarily change the rules and keep you on the edge. Play starts when the first person flips a card. Moving around the table, symbols are revealed until two of the exposed cards match. Players with matching cards must then scramble to grasp the totem in the middle of the table; the loser gets the winner's cards and anything in the pot. With paws flying, be the first person to get rid of all your cards and win the game.
Planet Pachinko (Allied Kingdoms Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): Can you survive the Pachinkeet Temples of Planet Pachinko? In the future of the future, an ancient civilization has sealed away its riches in elaborate temples dedicated to the game of pachinko. Now the Robot family must fight through these dangerous temples in search of their lost puppy. Using their rockets, lasers, grenades and slime launchers, will they be able to survive the challenges? They aren't the only ones adventuring through the temples. The pirate Vile Vill and his minions are looking to loot the temples and take on the Robot family. Play in single-player mode or with a friend in exciting two-player co-op.
Virtual Console
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): This is the third game in the popular Castlevania series and the last of the franchise released on the original NES console. Take on the role of Trevor Belmont, forefather of Simon, and battle Dracula in a time long before the events of the first two Castlevania games. In addition to his trusty whip, Trevor has a previously unseen power—the ability to transform into one of three different companion spirits that he meets during his quest: Syfa, a young vampire hunter capable of powerful magic; Grant, a ferocious pirate who can climb on walls; and Alucard, forgotten son of Dracula, able to shoot fireballs and transform into a bat. Use an assortment of weapons (some specific to each character) as you choose which path to follow in your fight against Dracula and his army. Loaded with replay value and featuring some of the best platform action ever, this title is not to be missed.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, January 12 2009 9:41 AM [Top]
Atlus today vowed to deliver great justice and honor to Nintendo DS with Tokyo Beat Down, a tale of greed, corruption, and good old-fashion violence. Experience the sweet nostalgia of classic coin-op beat ‘em ups, where you must rely on your fists, firearms, and anything else that happens to be lying around to beat the sin out of Tokyo’s criminals. What do you do when thugs and hoodlums put peace and freedom in jeopardy? YOU BEAT THEM DOWN!
Who has it within them to rise up against the ever growing threat of violence, crime, and terrorism on the streets of Tokyo? Enter the Beast Cops, tireless servants of justice. These men and women struggle night and day for the heart of the city. They’ll match any villain punch for punch, kick for kick, bullet for bullet. They’re Beast Cops because they will do whatever it takes, pay any price, inflict as much damage as necessary, in order to restore peace and security to the streets of Tokyo.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, January 10 2009 1:50 AM [Top]
NAMCO BANDAI announced today that Klonoa will be available in North America for Wii in 2009. Klonoa’s long-awaited return offers vibrant graphics, motion control and new secrets to discover in this update to the series’ debut adventure. Highly revered as one of the best platform games of the past 10 years, Klonoa will ignite Wii owners’ imaginations with addictive gameplay, exciting stages and a memorable story.
Help Klonoa save Phantomile, a land formed by the dreams of its inhabitants, and recently besieged by an unknown evil. Klonoa’s breathtaking journey takes him through a series of increasingly difficult stages across multiple kingdoms as he strives to save his friends and homeland. Throughout his quest, Klonoa is aided by his friend Hewpoe, a benevolent spirit who resides in the ring from which Klonoa is able to fire his Wind Bullet. The Wind Bullet gives Klonoa the ability to grab and inflate his enemies and use them to his advantage.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, January 10 2009 1:41 AM [Top]
SEGAtoday announced that Phantasy Star Ø (pronounced “zero”), the brand new Phantasy Star RPG adventure, will be coming to Europe and North America. Phantasy Star Ø is one of the most highly anticipated DS titles coming out in 2009, and will feature an innovative touch screen based Visual Chat interface, addictive action-RPG gameplay, impressive visual quality and thrilling multiplayer modes.
Phantasy Star Ø takes place on an alternate Earth 200 years after the “Great Blank,” a massive war that has reduced the once-prosperous civilization to almost nothing. The surviving Humans have worked hard to exist peacefully and have rebuilt thriving cities. Those that adventure past the outskirts of these cities, Hunters, explore the vast wilderness and hunt dangerous monsters in an effort to keep their cities safe. Players will take up the role of the Hunters and select from three types of races, classes and gender for a total of 14 customisable character types. Each character type will provide a unique experience and give players access to a great range of items, armour and weapons.
Featuring over 350 unique weapons, gamers will need to venture out to combat dangerous monsters, gain experience and meet new major characters. As players explore, they will unravel the mystery of the “Great Blank” and discover a dangerous new force that must be stopped.
Featuring both wireless and full Wi-Fi multiplayer options, Phantasy Star Ø takes advantage of the touch screen capabilities of the Nintendo DS and the new Visual Chat feature. Gamers can now design their own Visual Chat commands that can be used in multiplayer modes. These Visual Chat commands will be displayed as “text bubbles” above the user’s character, enabling easy and fun communication when adventuring with friends.
Phantasy Star Ø will be released in Winter 2009 exclusively for the Nintendo DS, more details will be revealed in the coming months.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, January 10 2009 1:37 AM [Top]
Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop...Trailer? [ Wii Café ]
We're not sure if we can clarify the following video for the upcoming Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop, released for the Wii this month, as a trailer. That said, it's quite awesome, if completely insane. Check it out, via YouTube, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, January 6 2009 18:44 PM [Top]
Kirby and Beaches for First WiiWare/VC of 2009 [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Sandy Beach (Konami, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Enjoy a fun day at Sandy Beach as you build elaborate sand castles. You can work peacefully on your sand castle or enter into a battle with invading crabs in Crab Battle mode. Players will strategically build their sand castle and use cannons to defend it against an army of destructive crabs. After successfully defending your sand castle, discover beach treasures and additional cannons with your metal detector to customize your castle even more.
Virtual Console
Kirby's Dream Land 3 (Super NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Kirby, Dream Land's resident hero (and everyone's favorite puffball), must once again save the day when the mischievous King Dedede starts causing trouble. Kirby must travel through an assortment of levels, battling an exotic array of enemies (both new and familiar) determined to stop him from completing his mission. Always armed with his trusty ability to swallow enemies and gain special attacks, Kirby can also unite with some of his animal friends and make use of their particular talents. Featuring detailed graphics, challenging boss battles and the distinct charm of a Kirby game, it's no wonder this title is considered a classic.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, January 5 2009 17:29 PM [Top]
Including VGChartz software data for the week ending 27th December 2008, Wii Sports has now passed sales of Super Mario Bros (NES) at 40.24 million units, making it the best selling videogame of all time. The game, bundled in every country outside of Japan and South Korea, reached that milestone after 110 weeks of sales.
Super Mario Bros, released between 1985 and 1987 across the USA, Japan, and Europe and came bundled with most NES consoles. The game accumulated its sales on an install base of 61.91 million NES. Nintendo’s Wii has sold more than 45 million units so far, according to the data provided by VGChartz.com, giving Wii Sports room for sales beyond the 50 million units mark.
Need for Speed Goes Nitro Exclusive on Wii, DS [ 
