Today's Special Archives: October 2005

News Archives Index Mario Gets Jiggy on All Hallow's Eve [ Nintendo ] Halloween brings with it candy apples, lollipops and everything sugar – not the healthiest food to gobble down right after a nice workout. So, boogie down with Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix for Nintendo GameCube. The highly interactive video game keeps players engaged as they dance their way to victory. The benefits will be monumental as players remove their hands out the Halloween candy jar and get their feet moving on the Action Pad. With an all-new Story Mode, five difficulty levels and a mode where players can stomp familiar Nintendo enemies, this new take on the popular arcade franchise will have players young and old working up a sweat. The creative storyline will keep players dancing for hours on end. The music keys have been stolen and someone has released the music. The Mushroom Kingdom is in turmoil as the unstable power of the music brings chaos to the land. Using the Action Pad, players must perform the correct steps and dance their way to victory. The kingdom will not be safe until all the Music Keys are collected. Mario, Luigi, Toad, Waluigi, Wario and Bowser make working out especially fun for younger players who can finally experience the thrill of stomping Goombas and other enemies. Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix also provides the means for children to work out in a group effort rather than simply by themselves. Learning to work out with Mario at a young age fosters a healthy routine for a lifetime. Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix is Rated E for Everyone. The family-friendly game is story driven and keeps players involved with hands-on – make that "feet-on" – entertainment. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 31 2005 20:54 PM [Top] New True Crime: New York City Media [ Activision ] Players wield the ultimate power as a rogue street cop in True Crime: New York City, the first in a two-part series of True Crime games set in New York. Gamers assume the role of Marcus Reed, a former criminal turned cop, and use and abuse their authority to hunt down the murderer of Marcus’ mentor while also cleaning up Manhattan neighborhoods from Harlem to Chinatown. Undercover investigations weave players through a murderous web of gangs and deceit as they battle crooks, Marcus’ past and everything else the city throws at them. True Crime: New York City hits stores for the GameCube next month, and you some new screenshots below, as well as a new gameplay trailer that you can click on to view in your browser or right-click on to save to your hard drive. Images: True Crime: New York City Screenshot 1 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 2 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 3 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 4 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 5 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 6 Video: True Crime: New York City Gameplay Trailer (19.2 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, October 30 2005 2:16 AM [Top] Pac-Man Can Talk? [ Namco ] Namco has announced that after 25 years of being a man...er...thing of few words ("wakka wakka"), the beloved gaming icon will finally be getting a voice. In the upcoming Pac-Man World 3, Pac-Man will be voiced by Martin T. Sherman, whose previous video game credits include voice work in Driv3r, Second Sight, and Timesplitters: Future Perfect. Sherman seems overjoyed to be stepping into the role of the legendary yellow dot. "I've been the voice of many different characters, but Pac-Man is without doubt the most fun and the most difficult -- I mean, what is a yellow, ghost-eating circle supposed to sound like? Me, apparently! I had a great time recording this voice and can't wait to see how people react to it." Pac-Man World 3 hits stores next month for the GameCube, with a version for the DS in the works as well. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 27 2005 22:34 PM [Top] New SBK: Snowboard Kids DS Trailer [ GameCube Café ] The Snowboard Kids are back and better than ever. Just when you thought it was safe to hit the slopes, these daring teens start tearing it up again in a series of fast and furious downhill events! SBK has all the elements you loved in Snowboard Kids 1 and 2, plus a slew of new features for a new generation of gamers. Featuring touch screen controls, wireless multiplayer competition, new weapons, new characters, and a souped-up sense of speed, this is the sequel you've been waiting for! Play with up to 4 friends at a time! 8 characters to choose from! Attack the slopes and your opponents to be the first to reach the finish line! Utilize special items and attacks during the race to win at any cost! Each character has their own unique projectile attack! Doing tricks will allow him to power up and become even more formidable! Score mad points by obtaining items, doing tricks, and earning a high ranking for each lap! Take advantage of key areas perfect for doing the hottest tricks! By pulling off sick tricks, fill your Trick Meter and unlock awesome special tricks unique to each character! Use money earned from any game mode to purchase new boards and other cool gear! Check out the latest trailer of SBK: Snowboard Kids DS below by downloading it to your hard drive, and look for the title to hit stores on November 15th. Video: SBK: Snowboard Kids DS Trailer (6.4 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 27 2005 20:48 PM [Top] Ys Strategy Announced for DS [ Famitsu ] The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that developer Marvelous Interactive is bringing a new installment in the Ys action-RPG series to the Nintendo DS - except for the fact that it won't be an action-RPG. The title, called Ys Strategy, will be a Real-Time Strategy title set in the Ys universe. War has erupted, and only a young mercenary, Abel Lenford, can save the continent. Gamers will issue commands to their units using the DS stylus, and keep track of the battlefield and their resources using the top screen. The title will also make use of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online skirmishes. Check out the first scans of this game in Famitsu below. Ys Strategy will hit stores in Japan in the Spring of 2006, so expect a US release to come soon after. Images: Ys Strategy Famitsu Scan 1 Ys Strategy Famitsu Scan 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 27 2005 19:55 PM [Top] New Touch Golf TV Commercial [ Nintendo of Japan ] Nintendo has released a new Japanese TV commercial for the upcoming DS golf title, Touch Golf. Touch Golf revolutionizes handheld golf titles with its unique touch screen interface, and features multiplayer for up to four players (using a single game card). Touch Golf has not been announced for a US release, but it should hit stores sometime next year. Check out the commercial by clicking the source link above. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 27 2005 18:28 PM [Top] Nintendo and Gamestop Announce Nintendogs Promotion [ Nintendo ] As if Halloween weekend didn't offer enough things to scream about, Nintendo and GameStop will offer owners of the wildly popular Nintendogs puppy communication program a free virtual gift. More than 3,600 GameStops across the country will play host to the Nintendogs Tricks and Treats Weekend event, which runs Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. People who bring a Nintendo DS and a copy of Nintendogs to a GameStop location during the weekend can receive a virtual pair of star-shaped sunglasses for their puppies to wear in the game, along with a voice greeting from Napoleon Dynamite star Haylie Duff. The exclusive sunglasses will be delivered using Nintendogs' Bark Mode, and cannot be accessed in the game any other way. And to demonstrate that virtual dogs can help out real-life ones, Nintendo and GameStop will donate $50,000 to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Nintendogs represents just one of the many ways that we're building communities and bringing people together through video games," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Through our partnership with GameStop, we can reward our countless fans for their loyalty and enthusiasm, which have made Nintendogs such a phenomenon." Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 27 2005 9:42 AM [Top] Nintendo Licenses Handwriting Technology for DS [ Zi Corporation ] Zi Corporation, a leading provider of intelligent interface solutions, today announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Nintendo. Under the agreement, Nintendo DS developers can employ Zi's Decuma handwriting recognition technology while creating software for the Nintendo DS handheld video game system. Decuma Alphabetic handwriting recognition software provides fast and natural handwriting input, enabling users to focus on the content rather than the writing. Users can closely mimic writing with pen and paper, with letters and words being written and interpreted in a natural flow, allowing for easy editing and correction. This news is certainly interesting, especially given Nintendo's jump into the online realm next month with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - could an online Pictochat be in the works? Hopefully the Big N will shed some light on this development soon. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 26 2005 21:17 PM [Top] New Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Screenshots [ Activision ] In Call of Duty 2: Big Red One, players experience the adrenaline rush and harsh realities of war as never before, get to know squadmates and fight alongside them through an epic story during the most harrowing moments of WWII. As a part of America’s most decorated and heroic fighting unit, The Big Red One, players work together with their squad to accomplish a variety of land, see and air combat missions spanning North Africa, Italy and Nazi-occupied Western Europe. Players are thrust into the role and story of a member of the U.S. Army’s famed Fighting 1st Infantry, the Big Red One, America’s most heroic and decorated infantry division. Experience the camaraderie of a single tight-knit squad, bound together through the chaos of battle. Through all-new A.I. and animation, allies and enemies take battle tactics to new heights. Squads will now make better use of environmental cover and tactical maneuvers, such as flanking, envelopment and fire-and-maneuver behaviors. Hear allies reacting to the events on the battlefield with contextually accurate battle chatter. Call of Duty 2: Big Red One will hit stores for the Nintendo GameCube next month. Click below for a few new screens. Images: Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Screenshot 1 Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Screenshot 2 Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Screenshot 3 Call of Duty 2: Big Red One Screenshot 4 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 26 2005 21:11 PM [Top] LEGO Star Wars Finally Cube-Bound [ Eidos Interactive ] Eidos Interactive Ltd today announced it will publish LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game for the Nintendo GameCube. The world's most successful film series meets the world's favourite toy in this epic video game. Blending the unique world and designs of LEGO play materials with the unforgettable characters, stories and vehicles of the prequel eras of the Star Wars universe: previously released on PS2, Xbox and PC to great acclaim, this multi-million selling title is set for its debut on the Nintendo GameCube platform in Autumn 2005. Play the most memorable and exhilarating scenes from The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith including pod racing on Mos Espa, the repelling of the droid onslaught in the Genosian arena and Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon's fatal fight with Darth Maul. Features: - Play the most memorable and exciting scenes from Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Massive array of vehicles including Naboo fighters, pod racers, speeder bikes, and vehicles from Episode III Revenge of the Sith - Use 'The Force' to manipulate environments and objects in order to solve puzzles - Over 30 playable characters - Two–player 'drop in, drop out' mode - Free-play mode where unlocked characters can be played in different scenarios to the films. - Collectables that can be used to unlock hidden levels and vehicles - Authentic sounds from the films provided by Skywalker Sound Hopefully this game is a hit and wakes LucasArts up to the possibility of returning to the GameCube. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, October 26 2005 12:14 PM [Top] Ultimate Spider-Man [ Reviews ] Carl doesn't like comic books. He reviews a comic book game. Hilarity ensues. Send any necessary hate mail to someone who gives a damn. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, October 25 2005 23:05 PM [Top] Iwata Confirms Global Release of Revolution [ Nikkei Business ] In an interview with Japanese business magazine Nikkei Business, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata confirmed that he's looking at a near-simultaneous worldwide release of Nintendo's upcoming Revolution console. Iwata confirmed rumors that the system will not ship until after the end of the current fiscal year (that's April), so it will probably hit stores after E3, possibly during the 2006 holiday season. Iwata also believes that if the system does not outsell the GameCube (currently at about 20 million sold worldwide) it will be a "failure". Considering no Nintendo console has ever outsold the one that came before it, Iwata's words are certainly ambitious, but if they can make some amazing software to reflect the new controller, it's a definite possibility. Stick with us at the Café as Nintendo reveals more information about the Revolution console. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 25 2005 15:19 PM [Top] New Info on Electroplankton US Release [ Nintendo ] The artistic musical experience Electroplankton will begin making beautiful music in the United States on Jan. 9. This should come as welcome news to gamers and music fans who have longed for the hit Japanese music-making title to arrive overseas. Electroplankton, made exclusively for Nintendo DS, doesn't fit the traditional definition of a video game. It features 10 different musical modes that let the user create melodies using the microphone and touch screen. Electroplankton is something that could only be played on Nintendo DS. Its dual screens, touch screen and microphone provide the perfect palette for artistic creation. Created by renowned artist Toshio Iwai, Electroplankton presents a beautiful combination of art and music that unfolds in a different way with every touch of the screen. Players might find themselves getting lost in the melodies they create before they share their masterpieces with friends. "Electroplankton represents just one of the many ways that Nintendo is developing new kinds of software to reach new audiences," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Even if you have never played a video game, you can pick it up and start making amazing musical combinations with no instruction." Electroplankton, Rated E for Everyone, will make a public debut befitting its creative, quirky nature. Electroplankton will be sold exclusively online and at the Nintendo World Store in New York. It will be carried by all major online retailers and at Nintendo.com. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 25 2005 14:50 PM [Top] New Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Info and Screens [ Nintendo ] And you thought their LAST adventure was insane? Get ready for twice the bros. and twice the laughs in this action-packed role-playing game. In this sequel to Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, the Mario Bros. team up with their young selves on a quest of lunatic proportions. Control both sets of bros. to explore the very fabric of time and take on an evil alien entity known as the Shroobs. Duke it out with crazy foes using the celebrated fast-action battle system unique to Mario & Luigi games. Dodge enemy attacks individually, then use items like the Trampoline and Cannonballer to team up all four bros. for super moves. The second screen will quickly become the players' best friend as they use it to study the land, keep track of the pair of bros. not under their control and even maximize combo moves in battle. When Princess Peach disappears into the past in Professor E. Gadd's time machine, Mario and Luigi travel back in time in hot pursuit, only to come face-to-face with baby versions of themselves, the princess and Bowser. Threatened by an evil race of aliens known only as the Shroobs, they must team up with their younger selves and travel back and forth through time to save the princess and her kingdom. Explore the many regions, working with both sets of bros. to jump gaps, solve puzzles and battle enemies. As players explore, they will level-up the characters by using timed button presses to defeat enemies and gain experience points. Players frequently will have to split up the pairs of bros. to solve puzzles, oftentimes exploring both screens on the DS. In battle, they'll use items and both sets of bros. to dodge enemy attacks and deal their own damage. As the game progresses, they'll learn more and more combination moves, like the Spin Jump, Hammer Dive and Ball Bros. The new Nintendo DS Rumble Pak fits into the secondary expansion slot that normally houses Game Boy Advance games on the DS. Multiple actions in the game, such as explosions, lucky hits or attacks, trigger vibrations from the Rumble Pak. Check out the latest screenshots of one of the DS's most anticipated new titles below, and watch for Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time to hit stores on November 28th. Images: Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 1 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 2 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 3 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 4 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 5 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 6 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 7 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 8 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 9 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 10 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 11 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 12 Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Screenshot 13 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 25 2005 13:57 PM [Top] New True Crime: New York City Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Players wield the ultimate power as a rogue street cop in True Crime: New York City, the first in a two-part series of True Crime games set in New York. Gamers assume the role of Marcus Reed, a former criminal turned cop, and use and abuse their authority to hunt down the murderer of Marcus’ mentor while also cleaning up Manhattan neighborhoods from Harlem to Chinatown. Undercover investigations weave players through a murderous web of gangs and deceit as they battle crooks, Marcus’ past and everything else the city throws at them. True Crime: New York City hits stores for the GameCube next month, and you can check out the latest in the "City Guide" series of trailers by clicking below to view in your browser or right-clicking to save to your hard drive. Video: True Crime: New York City Trailer (21.1 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 24 2005 3:45 AM [Top] First Look at Final Fantasy for GBA and DS [ Nintendo Dream ] We have obtained scans from the latest issue of Nintendo Dream magazine which take a look at Square-Enix's upcoming Final Fantasy titles for the GBA and DS. The scans show off the upcoming GBA versions of Final Fantasy V and VI, but the big attraction are the first high-quality screens of the upcoming remake of Final Fantasy III, the only FF title never to be remade or released in the US. With this first look we can see the game will feature a new 3D art style which looks to be influenced by Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. No US releases have been announced for these 3 titles, but it can be expected that all 3 will hit stores sometime next year. Check out the scans below. Images: Final Fantasy For GBA/DS Scan Close-Up Of Final Fantasy III Screens Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, October 23 2005 0:47 AM [Top] Namco Announces Pac-Man World Rally [ Namco ] Pac-Man isn't content with Mario getting the spotlight when it comes to arcade racers. Now, the mouth with arms and legs has jumped into a racer for Namco's upcoming Pac-Man World Rally. The title will feature characters like Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Blinky, Pinky, and the other ghosts racing through tons of unique locals with souped-up racers and high-impact weapons. The title also features four-player multiplayer. Pac-Man World Rally hits stores Summer 2006 for the GameCube. Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, October 23 2005 0:14 AM [Top] Resident Evil DS Confirmed for US [ Capcom ] Although this isn't exactly surprising, Capcom has officially announced that the first Resident Evil title for the Nintendo DS, Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, is on its way to the US. The title is a remake of the very first RE title, but this time making use of new 3D backgrounds as well as several features making use of the DS's touch screen and microphone. The game has now shifted to a heavy emphasis on action rather than puzzles, as gamers take on the roles of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine to do battle with the undead through the infamous mansion. The game is complete with stylus-controlled knife fighting, the ability to resusitate allies by blowing on the microphone, and for the first time, multiplayer. Players will be able to play in a 4-player versus mode, as well as something desired by RE fans since the game's original release: two player co-op. Resident Evil: Deadly Silence will hit stores for the Nintendo DS in Q1 2006, and for more information you can check out Will's always informative preview right here. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, October 22 2005 23:01 PM [Top] New Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Trailer [ GameCube Café ] The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace - only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him... Right click and save the trailer or open it in Windows Media Player to view it. Video: Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Trailer - "Chariot Race" (8.18 MB) Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, October 20 2005 12:19 PM [Top] Electroplankton Invades in 2006 [ Nintendo ] Nintendo announced today the official release date of the upcoming DS "game", Electroplankton. Showed off intensively this year at E3 as one of the premier examples of Nintendo's dedication towards innovation and games for people who don't normally play them, allowing gamers to compose their own original tunes on their Nintendo DS systems with an artistic yet simplistic touch-screen interface. The title will hit stores not too long from now, on January 9th, 2006. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 19 2005 23:01 PM [Top] Another Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Trailer [ GameCube Café ] No load times. No level-based gameplay. In Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, you travel throughout the vast urban terrain of Los Angeles including Hollywood, East L.A., and other landmark areas without restrictions or repetition. More tricks and expanded controls than ever before! New on the board tricks include the Bert slides, Natas spins handstands, and one-footed grinds and manuals. New off the board tricks include wall runs, wall flips, and charged jumps. For the first time, you can choose to ride BMX bikes throughout the entire game, with all-new physics, a BMX specific control system and several BMX-specific goals. Enter and explore dozens of shops in game to customize your gear and your look! Check out skate shops, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and clothing stores as you accomplish goals and earn cash. Check out the latest trailer for this title below, and watch for the latest Tony Hawk title to hit stores for the GameCube next week. Video: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Trailer (28.7 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 19 2005 22:45 PM [Top] Metroid Prime Pinball Ships [ Nintendo ] The October 24 launch of Metroid Prime Pinball will bring all the bumping, flipping and tilting of a real pinball table to a portable video game system. Metroid Prime Pinball, made exclusively for Nintendo DS, includes the Nintendo DS Rumble Pak, the first accessory that makes use of the secondary slot normally reserved for Game Boy Advance games. The Rumble Pak is the same size as a Game Boy Advance game, and delivers vibrations of various intensity and duration to immerse the player in a realistic pinball experience. Because the pinball is actually Metroid heroine Samus Aran in Morph Ball form, Metroid Prime Pinball delivers an earth-shaking experience beyond the usual pinball game. The Rumble Pak activates if the ball hits a bumper, or when Samus gets attacked by a host of nefarious Metroid enemies, such as Space Pirates, Metroids, the Omega Pirate, Meta Ridley and Metroid Prime. "This first accessory to make use of the expansion slot of Nintendo DS demonstrates the system's versatility and potential," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The Rumble Pak technology easily can be applied to future games, while the expansion slot could be used for a host of different peripherals. This is just the beginning, as Nintendo continues to explore creative ways for people to 'feel' their game experience." The dual screens of Nintendo DS show off an expansive pinball playing area, and players can even tap the touch screen of the DS to "nudge" the table to keep the pinball in play. DS Download Play allows for the world's first simultaneous eight-player game using just a single game card. Players drop enemies onto one another's pinball boards as they race to hit a high score. The Nintendo DS Rumble Pak also will be compatible with Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, which launches on Nov. 28. More information about Metroid Prime Pinball, Rated E for Everyone, can be found here. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 19 2005 17:57 PM [Top] Time Considers Revolution "Mind-Blowing" [ Time Magazine ] A recent Time Magazine article listed 5 things that would "blow our minds" in the coming years. Take a wild guess what was one of them? The Revolution's innovative, unique, and controversial controller was given the #2 spot on the list, which definitely gives some good press to the Big N. It all remains to be seen now if Nintendo can pull the rest of the enigmatic console together, so stay with the Café for news on the Revolution's official name, price, launch date, and most importantly, games. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 18 2005 21:58 PM [Top] Play Sudoku on GBA [ Mastiff Games ] Publisher Mastiff has announced they are working on a GBA version of the ultra-popular newspaper puzzle game, Sudoku. The title will feature hundreds of problems to solve, as well as tutorial and puzzle creation modes. "Parents will be fighting their kids to get the Game Boy," says Mastiff's Bill Swartz. "Sudoku fever is sweeping the country and the fiendishly addictive puzzle game play is perfect for Game Boy Advance. On Game Boy Advance we offer everything there is in the paper version, more volume than in any book, and a help system. The best of two worlds." Sudoku hits stores for the GBA on February 10th, 2006. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 18 2005 21:46 PM [Top] New Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Trailer [ GameCube Café ] No levels. No load times. Just never-ending action that doesn't stop until you leave the game! Tony Hawk's American Wasteland gives you - for the first time ever in a Hawk game - the freedom to skate, or bike, throughout a rich, expansive open environment. Once you arrive in Los Angeles, the vast city that gave birth to skate culture, the sky's the limit as you progress through the Wasteland story and choose missions that will have you immersed in the action without ever skating the same line twice! Check out the latest trailer of the game below, discussing the artwork contributed to the game by legendary skate artist Jimbo Phillips, by clicking the link or right-clicking to save to your hard drive. Tony Hawk's American Wasteland hits stores for the GameCube at the end of this month. Video: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Trailer (24.9 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 18 2005 13:50 PM [Top] Mario Teams Up with Hamburgler [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has signed an agreement with Wayport, a leading provider of wired and Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access in public locations, to extend Wi-Fi service to Nintendo DS users at nearly 6,000 McDonald's restaurants across the United States. Through the agreement with Wayport, Nintendo will offer complimentary access to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the video game giant's new wireless gaming service that goes online Nov. 14. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection creates a welcome, inviting community where gamers of all kinds can log on wirelessly and begin playing favorite franchise games like Mario Kart DS and Activision's Tony Hawk's American SK8Land, and future titles such as Animal Crossing: Wild World and Metroid Prime Hunters. Game play will be free, and users will be able to connect easily to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in a variety of ways. When a user brings a Nintendo DS unit and a Wi-Fi-enabled game into a Wayport-enabled McDonald's, the user simply launches the game in Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode. No setup is required. From home, if the user already has a Wi-Fi network, the Nintendo DS unit will connect directly to it with minimal setup procedures. Those who have a high-speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL, but no wireless network, can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, which will plug into the USB port of a PC running Windows XP to create a wireless access point to connect a DS to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector will be sold exclusively on Nintendo's official website. Finally, Nintendo DS owners who want to play games at Wi-Fi locations outside McDonald's or their home can use a laptop computer and the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector to access Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector enables the Nintendo DS to share an Internet connection established by a PC, providing a conduit to play games via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Detailed information about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, as well as a list of participating Wayport/McDonald's hotspots, will be available soon at the Nintendo Wi-Fi website. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, October 18 2005 11:22 AM [Top] Fire Emblem: Path of Radience Released [ Nintendo ] Most video games can be quite forgiving when it comes to matters of life and death. If a character dies at the hands of an overpowering foe or player error, no problem – just hit a button and restart. But Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, which launches today exclusively for Nintendo GameCube, doesn't let players cut corners. If someone in a player's band of mercenaries dies, that's it – the character is gone for good. "Like its predecessors in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance forces players to make tough choices to protect their characters, even as they become emotionally invested in their survival," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The combination of engaging emotions from the right side of players' brains and planning strategy with their left has contributed to the enormous fan base and success of the series and anticipation of this latest title, which includes even richer features on the Nintendo GameCube." This fantasy role-playing game features stunning 3-D graphics and an array of characters such as knights, monks and cavaliers that can turn the tide of battles. The game also introduces a race of half-human, half-animals known as the laguz, that take on the appearance of cats, ravens or dragons, each with special powers and abilities. The Fire Emblem series has a huge fan base in Japan, and a cult following in the United States. This is the first Fire Emblem game for Nintendo GameCube, although U.S. fans previously have enjoyed both the original Fire Emblem and Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones on Game Boy Advance SP. Combined, those games sold more than 600,000 units. And connecting a Game Boy Advance SP with a copy of either of those games to a Nintendo GameCube playing Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance will unlock exclusive character art and challenge maps. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 17 2005 17:44 PM [Top] Naruto Games For Nintendo Consoles Coming to US [ D3 Publisher ] After Bandai announced that it would soley be publishing Naruto games in the US exclusively for Sony consoles, many Nintendo-playing anime fans were left in to cold. However, this appears to no longer be the case: the GameCube and GBA-exclusive versions of the game will be localized by developer Tomy, and published by D3 Publisher. The first two games in the series, a fighting game for the GameCube entitled Naruto: Clash of the Ninja, and an action side-scroller for the Game Boy Advance called Naruto: Ninja Council, will be the first games to hit stores in the early part of 2006. They will be followed by another game for each console in the later part of the year, more than likely the sequels. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, October 15 2005 11:04 AM [Top] New Shrek SuperSlam Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Activision has released yet another trailer for their upcoming brawler set in the Shrek universe, entitled Shrek SuperSlam. In Shrek SuperSlam, players can hurl opponents through walls and windows and throw debris at their opponents. All 16 arenas are totally destructible and loaded with weapons, potions, magical items and environmental hazards. Characters can pick up more than 20 different weapons, potions, and magical items throughout the game to pound opponents with the Giant Ham Hock, become a battering ram with the Horned Viking Helmet, increase quickness with the “Speed of the Gato” potion, or enjoy many other unique power-ups. Players can also slam through over 30 mini games that test skills and fray nerves. Shrek SuperSlam launches this November for the GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS, and you can check out a new gameplay trailer by clicking on the link to view it in your browser or right-clicking to save to your hard drive. Video: Shrek SuperSlam Gameplay Trailer (16.6 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, October 14 2005 1:03 AM [Top] Nintendo Announces Red Hot DS Bundle [ Nintendo ] On November 28th, Nintendo will offer a special bundle of the new Wi-Fi-enabled Mario Kart DS racing game with the fifth new Nintendo DS color, Hot Rod Red. The package will be available at an MSRP of $149.99, for a savings of about $15. The Hot Rod Red DS will come with a checkered-flag wrist strap and a series of racing-inspired decals to let owners customize their rides with sporty numbers or red-hot flames. Mario Kart DS will be the first Nintendo game to take advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's free wireless gaming service. DS owners around the world will be able to race one another wirelessly using high-speed Internet connections at home or at Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots. With more than 30 new and classic racetracks, racers will be able to show their style as they aim for the finish line. Mario Kart DS, Rated E for Everyone, launches on November 14th. Images: Mario Kart DS/Hot Rod Red DS Bundle Boxart Hot Rod Red DS Image Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 20:28 PM [Top] New Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Trailer [ GameCube Café ] The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace - only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones will be released on December 6th. Hit the link below to watch the trailer. Video: Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Trailer (8.0 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 14:52 PM [Top] New Super Mario Strikers Screens [ Nintendo ] The superstars of the Mario universe now play soccer with major attitude. The look, feel and play are more aggressive than what everyone expects from a Mario sports title. Slide, tackle or die... Play individual grudge matches, compete in tournaments to win cup trophies and play the prestigious Super Cup Battles. Throughout the game players will unlock new cup challenges, new stadiums, power-up item cheats and secret characters. Strikers comes to North America on December 5. Images: Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 1 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 2 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 3 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 4 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 5 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 6 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 7 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 8 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 9 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 10 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 11 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 12 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 13 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 12:23 PM [Top] Animal Crossing: Wild World Boxart [ Nintendo ] Return to the world of Animal Crossing on the Nintendo DS with the hotly anticipated Animal Crossing: Wild World. In this sequel to the wildly popular GameCube game, players and up to three friends can hang out in the same village and interact in real time - either through wireless LAN or over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Now players can visit a friend's village from thousands of miles away. Players move into a town, buy a house and then do whatever they want. Time and seasons pass as they do in the real world, so there will always be something unpredictable happening. Collect or buy more than 1,500 items, talk to neighbors, go fishing, catch bugs, dig up treasure or hang out with human friends. Look for Wild World to hit North American shores on December 5. Images: Animal Crossing: Wild World Boxart Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 12:18 PM [Top] New Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Trailer [ GameCube Café ] The latest installment in the legendary Tony Hawk series, Tony Hawk's American Wasteland is the biggest version of the game yet. The game features a massive story mode with an open-ended world based upon Los Angeles where players can shred to their hearts content, taking on missions from some of today's top pros. Also, for the classic Hawk fan, players can take on the role of some of today's biggest skaters in Classic mode, featuring everything found in the classic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. The game also features some exclusive music with some of today's biggest bands such as Fallout Boy, Thrice, and Saves the Day covering classic tunes from the beginnings of the LA skate scene. Tony Hawk's American Wasteland will hit stores for the GameCube at the end of the month. Check out the latest trailer below, highlighting all the new tricks gamers will be able to pull off, by downloading it to your hard drive. Video: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Trailer (12.1 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 3:36 AM [Top] New Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screens [ Activision ] Enter the square if you dare, as Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D blasts the #1 selling extreme sport shooter game to a new level of intensity and innovation. With no health shields to rescue you and only one hit between you and elimination, gamers must master the innovative features of GHTP MAX’D to become a true “Freestyle Baller”. Building on the intense speed, tight controls and recognized innovative gameplay features that made the original GHTP the 2004 sleeper hit, this year’s title brings new gameplay features to the FPS genre. GHTP MAX’D enables you to control your teammates’ positions, moves and targets, build your own fields, plus multiplayer split-screen action for Co-Op and head-to-head play...and that’s just the beginning. Master these innovations to earn your degree from the GHTP Shooter School of Tricknology. Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D will hit stores for the Nintendo GameCube later this month. Images: Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 1 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 2 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 3 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 4 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 5 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 6 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 7 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 8 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 9 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 10 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 11 Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D Screenshot 12 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 3:28 AM [Top] New Shrek SuperSlam Trailer [ GameCube Café ] In Shrek SuperSlam, gamers choose to play as one of 20 fantastical characters from the movies – including heroes like Shrek, Donkey, Puss-in- Boots, and Princess Fiona, and villains like Prince Charming, Cap’n Hook, and many more. So many favorite characters, including some all new for the game, makes for endless combinations of multiplayer action. Players relive the twisted humor of the world of Shrek as characters deliver taunts and jokes and farcical environments parody TV shows, movies, and other pop culture icons. Shrek’s gaseous “Green Storm” clears the room, Puss-in-Boots’ disarming “Love-Stun” sweeps opponents off their feet and Pinocchio wields his lengthened nose, the “Hummingbird,” to spear enemies. These are among the game’s totally twisted and hilarious signature fighting moves. Up to four players can slam it out in multiplayer, free-for-all melee combat. Shrek SuperSlam will hit stores for the GameCube, GBA, and DS this November, and you can check out the latest trailer below by downloading it to your hard drive. Video: Shrek SuperSlam Trailer (10.7 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 12 2005 3:09 AM [Top] Ubisoft Announces Dogz for GBA [ Ubisoft ] Today Ubisoft announced they will publish Dogz, the first puppy simulation game to be available exclusively for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. Dogz is a pet simulation game that lets owners name, train and play with a realistic puppy. Players create and control a main character and choose one of 49 different dogs from 18 different breeds. As characters in the game, owners can take their puppies everywhere within the virtual environment, from through the house to around the neighborhood to visit friends. Gamers will earn their puppy's love and loyalty by remembering to feed and groom it and reward it when it does things correctly. Owners can train the puppy to lie down, shake, fetch and perform many other tricks. Gee, I wonder where they got this idea from. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 10 2005 23:33 PM [Top] EA Announces FIFA Street 2 [ Electronic Arts ] Electronic Arts has announced that EA Sports Big's popular Street series will be returning to the soccer field next year. FIFA Street 2 will feature new tricks, new location from around the world, and improved graphics and gameplay. The game will also feature more than 300 top players from all over the globe. FIFA Street 2 will hit stores for the GameCube in the spring of 2006. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 10 2005 23:25 PM [Top] Nintendo Announces Mario Party 7/GameCube Bundle [ Nintendo ] Seven proves to be an extremely lucky number for fans of the popular Mario Party series. Mario Party 7 launches Nov. 7 and can be purchased separately at an MSRP of $49.99 or as part of a special bundle. The bundle includes a Nintendo GameCube, two controllers and Mario Party 7, all at an MSRP of just $99.99. If purchased separately, these items could cost more than $175. Each copy of Mario Party 7 also comes packed with the Nintendo GameCube Mic, which accepts voice commands to control the action in some of Mario Party 7’s 80 new mini-games. And for the first time, up to eight players can compete at once in a family-friendly video game that plays like a virtual board game. The Mario Party series has sold more than 5 million copies, putting it in the ranks of the most popular video game franchises of all time. Mario Party 7 features all of the favorite characters from the Nintendo universe, including two new playable characters, Dry Bones and Birdo, and will be one of the best deals of the holiday season. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 10 2005 21:46 PM [Top] New True Crime: New York City Media [ Activision ] Players wield the ultimate power as a rogue street cop in True Crime: New York City, the first in a two-part series of True Crime games set in New York. Gamers assume the role of Marcus Reed, a former criminal turned cop, and use and abuse their authority to hunt down the murderer of Marcus’ mentor while also cleaning up Manhattan neighborhoods from Harlem to Chinatown. Undercover investigations weave players through a murderous web of gangs and deceit as they battle crooks, Marcus’ past and everything else the city throws at them. Last year's True Crime featured an appearance by rapper Snoop Dogg, and while he does not reprise his role, the hip-hop community will still be well-represented in this title. Rapper Redman makes an appearance in this game, and you can see the first screenshots of his character below, as well as the latest in the "City Guide" series by clicking to view in your browser or right-clicking to save to your hard drive. True Crime: New York City will hit stores for the GameCube this fall. Images: True Crime: New York City Screenshot 1 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 2 True Crime: New York City Screenshot 3 Video: True Crime: New York City Trailer (21.6 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, October 8 2005 1:48 AM [Top] Gamestop/EB Games Merger Approved [ Reuters ] Gamestop has announced that the merger with EB Games is complete. As of Thursday, stockholders approved the merging, which would make Gamestop the largest videogames-only retailer in the United States, owning 25% of the market. The deal will be finalized on Monday. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, October 7 2005 11:34 AM [Top] New Super Mario Strikers Screenshots [ Nintendo ] The superstars of the Mario universe now play soccer with major attitude. The look, feel and play are more aggressive than what everyone expects from a Mario sports title. Slide, tackle or die... Introducing Mario characters in a new type of Mario sports game. Select a captain, build a team with favorite characters from the Mario universe and hit the field for five-on-five soccer action in an easy-to-learn, fever-pitched soccer blowout. Armed with an arsenal of power-up items like giant shells, exploding bananas, freeze shells and many others, blow a path downfield and go for the goal. But watch out – that red shell flying downfield has your name on it. Play Grudge Match games against a buddy or grab some friends and extra controllers for fast-paced four-player action. Cup Battles Mode pits a player's team against all others in an electrifying, multi-tiered competition for the coveted Cup Trophy. Play through four different levels of difficulty as the challenge and action continue to build. Super Mario Strikers will hit stores for the GameCube on December 5th, and you can check out the latest screenshots below. Images: Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 1 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 2 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 3 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 4 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 5 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 6 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 7 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 8 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 9 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 10 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 11 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 12 Super Mario Strikers Screenshot 13 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 6 2005 22:58 PM [Top] New Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Media [ Ubisoft ] The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace - only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him... Click the links below for a trio of new screens from the game, as well as the latest in the Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Developer Diary series, this one concentrating on the game's Animation and AI. You can download that by clicking to view in your browser or right-clicking to save to your hard drive. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones will hit stores for the GameCube this December. Images: Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Screenshot 1 Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Screenshot 2 Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Screenshot 3 Video: Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Developer Diary 3 (26.7 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, October 6 2005 1:19 AM [Top] New Shrek SuperSlam Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Shrek SuperSlam pits the characters from the Shrek franchise against each other in the only game that combines the twisted humor and pop culture parodies of the Shrek universe with the fast-paced action of a melee fighting game. Signature fighting moves like Shrek’s “Green Storm,” Donkey’s “Juggle Punt,” and Puss-in-Boots’ “Love-Stun” bring variety and personality to the game. Fully destructible arenas like the Poison Apple Inn and Dragon’s Gate have walls toppling and debris flying while a multitude of weapons, potions, and magical items spell endless melee action for up to four players. Check out a gameplay trailer for the game below by right-clicking to download to your hard drive or clicking to view in your browser. Shrek SuperSlam hits stores for the GameCube this November. Video: Shrek SuperSlam Gameplay Trailer (16.5 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 5 2005 23:37 PM [Top] Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Details Announced [ Nintendo ] On Nov. 14, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will begin a new era of easy, social gaming. For the first time, characters from the Nintendo universe will be playable online, as part of a unique wireless community, accessible inside or outside the home. Nintendo DS games like Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing: Wild World and Metroid Prime Hunters will require no additional charge for online play. Each is scheduled to launch in the coming months, along with the first third-party title using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Activision's Tony Hawk's American SK8Land, developed by Vicarious Visions. From home, if the user already has a Wi-Fi network, the Nintendo DS unit will connect directly to it with minimal setup procedures. Those who have a high-speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL, but no wireless network, can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, sold separately, that will plug into a computer USB port to create a wireless access point to connect to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Outside of the home, players will be able to connect in a variety of ways, including at thousands of free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots nationwide. More details about these hotspots and how to connect outside of the home will be announced shortly. Nintendo DS is just the first Nintendo system to connect via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The same service will be incorporated into Nintendo's next-generation home console, code-named Nintendo Revolution, set for release in 2006. "Nintendo has taken the online video gaming model and rewritten the definition of community," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "With easy setup and no added service fees, players far and wide will log in and play with one another as easily as if they were sitting in the same room." Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will create a welcome, inviting atmosphere where video game players of all kinds can log on wirelessly and begin playing. The service will be used in different ways for different games. In Mario Kart DS, four players at a time can race over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Racers can pick opponents from their roster of friends, match up randomly against strangers of comparable skill levels or simply choose to race against anyone in the world. Mario Kart DS launches Nov. 14. People who hang out in Animal Crossing: Wild World can travel to other players' towns or invite up to three other players to visit their own towns, simply by opening the town gate. The four players then can interact and play together simultaneously in one town. Players must know one another and register to their respective friend rosters before they can connect. Animal Crossing: Wild World is set to launch on Dec. 5. Activision's Tony Hawk's American Sk8land will let players compete head-to-head in multiplayer games in a variety of modes. Players also can create custom skateboard art and graffiti tags, and share them with other players via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The service will track global high scores and stats. Tony Hawk's American SK8Land will launch on Nov. 14. Games in development include Metroid Prime Hunters, slated to launch in the first quarter of 2006. Players can hook up for play with registered friends, automatch with other players based on a skill-level match or play with anyone; Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection quickly finds the best match with other players online. Images: Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 5 2005 19:54 PM [Top] More Fantasies for GBA and DS [ Square-Enix ] Today at Nintendo's Wi-Fi Launch conference, Square-Enix announced that Final Fantasy IV, the latest of the legendary FF series brought to the Game Boy Advance, won't be alone. The company also announced that Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI will make their way onto the console sometime next year. Final Fantasy VI is well known to US gamers on the SNES as Final Fantasy III, while Final Fantasy V has never been released on a Nintendo console in the US. The company also showed off a short trailer for the upcoming DS remake of Final Fantasy III, which surprisingly enough will be a complete remake and not a port, complete with lush 3D graphics. Watch for US release dates of all of these titles to be announced soon. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 5 2005 19:51 PM [Top] Tons of New DS Games Revealed in Famitsu [ Famitsu ] A ton of new DS games (30, to be exact) have been revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu magazine, including several new first-party games from Nintendo itself. The largest of which is the DS's first Zelda game: but shockingly, Link isn't the star. Instead, Tingle (no joke) will star in his very own RPG. Also revealed are Brain Training 2, Mario Basketball (with Wi-Fi online!), Kaitou Wario, a new Wario side-scroller, and a new Custom Robo for the DS. Here's the full list of new titles. Seiken Densetsu DS (Children of Mana) Rainbow Island DS Gyakuten Saiban 4 [aka Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney 2] Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Tales DS Daikoukaijidai DS Magical Vacation: When the 5 Stars Line Up ASH (New RPG from Mistwalker) Wishroom Kaitou Wario Custom Robo DS English Training DS Tingle RPG Detect Hacker Densetsu no Starfi 4 Puzzloop DS Mario Basket 3 vs 3 Crossword Jigsaw Puzzle Sudoku Bomberman Story SD Gundam game Stylebook series (Bandai) Ocha Inu no Heya San-X Dreamland Dangerous Jiisan Nobunaga's Ambition (Dynasty Warrors) DS Dracula (Castlevania) DS 2 Yugioh Tenchu Vs. Puzzle Papi Inu Vector Wan!! Click the source link to view some screenshots of some of these new games. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, October 5 2005 10:06 AM [Top] New GUN Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Set in the untamed West of the late-1800s, GUN is a free-roaming action-adventure game that takes players to a world without laws where greed, lust and murder are rampant. As Colton White, a vengeful gunslinger, players must straddle the line between good and evil as they showdown against corrupt lawmen, a murderous preacher, renegade army psychopaths, merciless outlaws and unforgiving Native Americans, while waging war on horseback, collecting bounties, and commandeering trains. Players travel through an action-packed landscape of high mountain wilderness, deserts and bustling territorial towns in an epic story of betrayal, greed, and revenge. Check out the latest trailer of this hotly-anticipated title below by right-clicking and saving to your hard drive, or simply clicking to view in your browser. GUN hits stores for the GameCube this November. Video: GUN Trailer (15.8 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 4 2005 22:00 PM [Top] Splinter Cell 4 Official [ Ubisoft ] We all knew it was coming, but now it is official: Splinter Cell 4 is coming. The beloved series which revolutionized stealth-action gameplay will be coming to all current-gen (including the GameCube), and next-gen (including the Revolution) consoles. Said Yves Guillemot, President of Ubisoft: "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory received record-setting reviews and countless awards. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 4 will be even more thrilling and heart-pounding than its ground-breaking predecessors. This new version will both enrich the gaming experience on current consoles and take full advantage of the capacities of next-generation consoles to deliver players the most fabulous gaming experience ever." Guillemot also stated that the title will take Sam Fisher into "new territory, expanding the story and depth of his character." Splinter Cell 4 will hit stores next spring. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 4 2005 15:12 PM [Top] Nintendo Digs Into Turkey [ Games Industry ] Nintendo has announced they will enter the Turkish game market via an exclusive import and distribution deal with Nortec Eurasia. Says Nintendo's European Director of Marketing, Jim Merrick, "The Turkish economy is strong and growing, with about 15 percent of the population having enough disposable income to afford our products...We're an entertainment company, and it's a natural evolution to come to this market of young people, where the average age is 27 against numbers closer to 40 in Western Europe." The Nintendo DS will be the first console to launch in the country, with Nintendogs the first major game promoted, and a 2006 release of the Nintendo Revolution has also been announced. The company will also team up with a law firm, Turhan and Turhan, in order to control game piracy, something Turkey is a hotbed for. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 4 2005 14:05 PM [Top] Superman Returns To Games [ Electronic Arts ] Electronic Arts, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics announced today that Superman Returns: The Videogame is scheduled for a summer 2006 release in conjunction with the release of Warner Bros. Pictures' film Superman Returns on June 30, 2006. The game, which features storylines from both the movie and more than 60 years of comic book content, is being developed by Electronic Arts-Tiburon in Orlando, Fla., the award-winning studio that develops Madden NFL, the most popular sports franchise in videogame history. Superman Returns: The Video Game will be released on the Xbox 360 from Microsoft, as well as current generation platforms. "We have assembled world class talent at EA Tiburon to deliver this blockbuster experience and we are thrilled to team up with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics and have the opportunity to demonstrate our creative and technological expertise in the action/adventure category," said Steven Chiang, vice president and studio general manager, EA Tiburon. "We are creating a game that allows players to experience a real sense of flying, and master Superman's unrivaled super hero powers in order to save Metropolis. Only Superman can meet challenges of this scale." Let's just hope this game doesn't end up like Superman 64. Yeah, I said it. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 4 2005 13:50 PM [Top] Pokémon Franchise Approaches 150 Million Games Sold [ Nintendo ] Pokémon has not only proved itself as a leader in the video game industry, but it also has become an obsession for millions of zealous fans. Pokémon has spawned more than $15 billion in worldwide retail sales, while the franchise is on the verge of selling its 150 millionth game worldwide. Without fail, every new Pokémon game sells more than 1 million, while the legacy has grown in the United States since its introduction in 1998. But the newest game speaks for itself – Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness launches Oct. 3 for Nintendo GameCube and is the next step on the ladder of success for Pokémon. As fans have grown up, so has the game. The role-playing game brings with it nearly 40 hours of game play and a fantastic new storyline. The legendary Lugia tragically has been turned into Shadow Lugia: the ultimate Shadow Pokémon that supposedly can't be purified. The evil organization Cipher is dedicated to world domination and uses Shadow Lugia to steal a Pokémon-carrying cargo ship. Now players must snag and purify the Shadow Pokémon, saving them from a life of evil deeds. The game is inundated with fascinating and original features: Players can use a new method to help purify up to nine Pokémon at once in the Purify Chamber. Taking full advantage of the Purify Chamber means building up a collection of purified Pokémon to place around the Shadow Pokémon: the more the Pokémon, the faster the purification. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness also runs deep with inventive game-play components. The option-rich Vs. Mode allows players to compete in extreme 3-D battles with their favorite Pokémon. A mini-game called Battle Bingo appeals to players of all ages. It's much like real bingo: Players must fill in their card squares by battling Pokémon. In addition, the game is highlighted by great battles, astonishing graphics and mind-boggling effects. For Pokémon loyalists, Nintendo resourcefully incorporates the Game Boy Advance by offering players the ability to import their preferred Pokémon and watch them battle in full 3-D on Nintendo GameCube – the Vs. Mode allows players to import all their Game Boy Advance Pokémon from games like Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire, Pokémon FireRed, Pokémon LeafGreen and Pokémon Emerald. The craving for Pokémon continues to escalate with Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, launching today, which is Rated E for Everyone. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, October 4 2005 12:25 PM [Top] SSX On Tour Goes Up the Mountain [ Electronic Arts ] Electronic Arts has announced that the forthcoming EA Sports Big release, SSX On Tour, has had it's release moved up. Originally set for release on October 25th, the game will now launch 2 weeks earlier, on October 11th. The GameCube version should be especially interesting, since it will feature Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach shredding the mountain. Watch for SSX On Tour to hit stores next week. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, October 3 2005 21:09 PM [Top]