SEGA today announced a worldwide partnership with High Voltage Software to publish and distribute the Wii home video game system-exclusive title, The Conduit. The first-person shooter garnered multiple awards at E3 2008, including Best Wii Game by GameTrailers and three awards from IGN: Best Shooting Game (Wii), Best Graphics Technology (Wii) and Best Overall Wii Game. The Conduit is a stunning, futuristic title powered by a new game engine technology that delivers remarkable visuals and effects, as well as a rich interactive experience that is unlike any other title on the Wii.
The Conduit takes players into a dark story in Washington D.C. after a vicious alien invasion has rocked the country. An organization called the Trust has sent in Secret Service agent, Mr. Ford, to go up against the insect-like alien race known as “The Drudge.” Armed with an array of futuristic weaponry and an intelligence-gathering device simply called the “All-Seeing Eye,” players follow an intricate storyline filled with conspiracy, shady government activity and terrifying aliens.
The Conduit’s detailed control system allows players to customize and configure look sensitivity, turning speed, the dead zone and much more. As players delve further into the mystery behind the extraterrestrial invasion, shocking details reveal that the invasion may have been brought on with help from the government itself.
Powered by High Voltage Software’s groundbreaking Quantum 3 engine, The Conduit ensures that players will experience single and multiplayer gameplay with graphical fidelity never seen before on the Wii. The Conduit will also support the recently announced Wii Speak peripheral, allowing online multiplayer gamers the ability to chat as they destroy aliens in each terrifying level. Additionally, the game will take advantage of the Wii MotionPlus for optimal control.
The Conduit, exclusively for the Wii, is slated to ship in spring 2009.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 29 2008 14:04 PM [Top]
Celebrate Halloween Animal Crossng Style [ Nintendo ]
Fans of Nintendo's Animal Crossing franchise are some of the most loyal in the world. To reward them for their devotion to these community-building games and to get players fired up for the Nov. 16 release of Animal Crossing: City Folk for Nintendo's Wii console, Nintendo is hosting an outrageous animal costume contest.
Critter lovers can show their creativity by submitting the most original images of animals dressed in costumes or even as characters from the hit video game franchise Animal Crossing. The entrants of the top 50 photos in the "Animal Crossing Welcome Waggin' Costume Contest" will win membership to the exclusive Welcome Waggin' Committee. All committee members will receive a Wii video game system, a copy of Animal Crossing: City Folk, a Wii Speak microphone, access to exclusive information about the game and more.
Expanding on the popularity of the Animal Crossing series, Animal Crossing: City Folk lets every member of the household partake in the fun of a unique animal-filled town. Players use the simple controls of the wireless Wii Remote controller to customize their own characters and surroundings. And for the first time, players can take their adventure to the city, complete with shopping and theater excursions. It's also the first game to make use of the Wii Speak microphone, a new accessory that enables players to use voice chat over a broadband Internet connection. The Wii Speak microphone is sold separately.
Daily photo picks and details about the "Animal Crossing Welcome Waggin' Costume Contest" will be posted at WelcomeWagginContest.com. Entries will be accepted Oct. 27 - Nov. 16. For more information about Animal Crossing: City Folk, please visit www.Animal-Crossing.com.
Strong Bad and Earthworm Jim Headline WW/VC [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Strong Bad Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older - Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points): Rock and roll! Hurting for cash, Strong Bad sets out to dominate the “Battle Royale of the Bands.” Can he rule the stage and win the big prize? Or will he be drowned out by the competition? Find out in this high-voltage episode.
Art Style: ROTOHEX (Nintendo, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Use colored triangular panels to create a vibrant mosaic of stained glass in Art Style: ROTOHEX. As triangles fall from the top of the screen, rotate them to group six panels of the same color and create a matching hexagon, or HEX. Once the HEX has been formed, it will disappear, allowing the existing panels to shift and more panels to fill the playing field. A clear-cut goal and two different styles of intuitive controls allow you to focus solely on the game play-which is vital, as the playing field will be full of panels before you know it. With multiple modes (unlock more as you progress further in SOLO mode), special item panels at your disposal, and the ability to play cooperatively or competitively with a friend, there will always be another HEX to create.
Virtual Console
Earthworm Jim (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): Jim was an ordinary earthworm who did very earthworm-like things, such as flee from crows and eat dirt. One day, during an outer space fight, a suit drops to Earth and falls around Jim. It mutates him into a large and intelligent (at least by earthworm standards) superhero. Play as Jim in this Sega Genesis classic. When Jim learns of the evil plans of Psy-Crow and Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, he decides to rescue Princess What's-Her-Name. Run, gun, swing on hooks by your head and launch cows at the interesting characters you meet along the way, such as Major Mucus, Chuck and Fifi, Evil the Cat, and Bob the Killer Goldfish.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, October 27 2008 11:39 AM [Top]
One of the most heralded action RPG franchises of all time is coming to Nintendo DS. Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delivers the first two epic tomes of the famed saga on one cartridge, presented with a series of never-before-seen enhancements.
Presented in 3D for the first time, Legacy of Ys offers remastered graphics, a remixed music score, optional touch screen control, and local wireless multiplayer for up to four people.
For younger gamers, this is the kind of action RPG classic your older friends are always deriding you for having no memory of, and Legacy of Ys offers a perfect introduction to the long-beloved saga. Hardcore fans of the franchise will find plenty of new features to immediately post about in message boards, as Legacy of Ys offers the best version yet of a true legend of gaming.
Don’t miss your chance to condescend to the next generation of gamers. On February 10, 2009, experience these two celebrated classics - together on a single cartridge - as never before!
Check out the game's first trailer via YouTube below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 22 2008 20:20 PM [Top]
The 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will take place from June 2-4, 2009, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. The expanded E3 will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology.
After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees— these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry.
The event will be open to ESA members and non-members alike. Organizers noted they are expanding the list of companies eligible to participate. Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals can exhibit. Additional details, including registration, hotel and travel accommodations, and media credentialing, will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and will be available at www.e3expo.com.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 22 2008 19:13 PM [Top]
In case you missed the big reveal on X-Play moments ago, here’s the word on E3 2009:
* It will happen on June 2nd-June 4th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. * While E3 2009 still won’t be technically open to the public, the ESA plans on getting rid of the rigorous vetting procedure that has kept attendance down for the last couple of years. So expect attendance to shoot up by the thousands! * As for the return of booth babes… that’s still to be determined, but we have our fingers crossed.
So it looks like a return to the E3 of old is in the cards, folks. Keep your web browsers tuned to G4tv.com and your TV tuned to X-Play tomorrow, and we'll bring you the official E3 details from the Entertainment Software Association.
While it's not confirmation that E3 will go back to the old ways, it's more than a start and it's very possible more announcements will be coming in the months to follow...keep your fingers crossed. Check out the X-Play report below.
The sound of trumpets, the clash of cymbals and the thunder of drums herald today's launch of Wii Music. Just as Wii Sports attracted millions of new players to the world of video games and Wii Fit showed people that fitness could be fun, Wii Music creates a whole new genre in video games, one that lets players have fun experimenting with music as they strive to produce fun, masterful arrangements.
Wii Music brings more than 60 instruments to your living room, where you're free to experiment with them in a variety of different ways. Unlike other music video games, Wii Music lets you put your own spin on songs. It's all about improvisation, creativity and fun. The goal is to explore your inner musician to find creative and interesting new blends of instruments, tempos and styles.
To play each instrument, you use the motion-sensing abilities of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to mimic the real-life motions of instruments: bow a violin, strike a vibraphone or pluck a sitar. The controllers know if you're playing fast or slow, hitting the notes gently or really jamming. Musical novices can understand how to play and start carrying a tune instantly, while people who are really into music will have fun creating mixes, rearranging tunes and sharing them with friends.
Songs in the Wii Music catalog can be rearranged with different instruments for a virtually endless variety of sounds. Imagine putting a reggae spin on Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" or turning pop favorites like "Every Breath You Take" or "Please Mr. Postman" into heavy metal tunes. The song list contains everything from American classics like "The Entertainer" to international favorites like "La Cucaracha." Video game fans will find several Nintendo favorites, like the themes from Super Mario Bros. , The Legend of Zelda and even Wii Sports.
Wii Music builds on the social gaming trend that Nintendo has pioneered. Not only can up to four musicians jam together on the same song, but once you've created your masterpiece, you can send it electronically to friends and family members who have Wii Music so that they can bask in your musical mastery. After they've had a listen, they can take your arrangement and add their own flavor to it with new instruments or a different tempo and send it back to you. This allows you to jam together even if you are miles apart.
Finally, Wii Music includes a variety of mini-games that let players create music videos, conduct an orchestra, play in a handbell choir, test their musical ears or even rock out on a virtual drum set. Drum Mode lets you use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers as drumsticks to play like you have a real-life drum set. Drummers who purchase Wii Fit separately also can use the Wii Balance Board accessory as virtual pedals for the bass drum and the hi-hat cymbal. But the basic Wii Music experience does not require any extra accessories. All 60 instruments and 50 songs are included at an MSRP of just $49.99
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, October 20 2008 12:02 PM [Top]
Two For VC and Two For WiiWare This Week [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Tetris Party (Tetris Online, Inc., 1-6 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,200 Wii Points): Tetris Party is a deceptively simple, totally addictive puzzle game that is sure to keep you and all of your friends and family entertained for hours on end. The WiiWare game features 10 never-before-seen single-player and multiplayer variations of Tetris, including Field Climber, Stage Racer, Shadow and Wii Balance Board-enabled modes (Wii Balance Board accessory sold with Wii Fit). Several of the modes give users the chance to take advantage of the unique point-and-shoot capabilities of the Wii Remote controller. The party doesn't stop there, though. Take the Tetris fun online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, where you can play multiplayer Tetris against up to five friends at a time. You can also see how your Tetris Party skills stack up against the rest of the world using the global ranking system.
The Incredible Maze (Digital Leisure Inc., 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Get lost in The Incredible Maze! Simply tilt your Wii Remote controller to navigate a series of exciting and twisted mazes. Entering the maze could not be easier, but finding your way out will require a keen eye and a steady hand. Obstacles and traps are around every corner, so move your ball around the maze without falling off the edge. But watch out, there are lots of surprises in store. You can hunt for gems in a timed challenge, or test your abilities in a race against the clock. The Incredible Maze is also compatible with the Wii Balance Board, so you can really put your weight into it. This is the way in, but you'll have to find your own way out.
Virtual Console
Digital Champ Battle Boxing (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older - Mild Violence, 700 Wii Points): Set in the near future, Digital Champ Battle Boxing is a first-person-perspective boxing title that plunges players into the raw intensity of the ring! Determined to thwart Mother Computer's plot to conquer mankind, you infiltrate the enemy's domain, using your boxing skills to vanquish your foes. Each round is three minutes, with a total of 12 rounds to a match. Advance to the next contest through either a KO or by flattening an opponent three times in a round for a TKO. Utilize an arsenal of left and right jabs, hooks, power-charged crosses and three different kinds of "Devastator" punches. Deftly block and slip your opponent's attacks, and look for your chance to lay them out. Master these techniques and take down the greatest opponent of them all, DIGITAL CHAMP!
GRADIUS II GOFER NO YABOU (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): This shooter is the sequel to the seminal masterpiece, GRADIUS. Two years after its last epic battle, the GRADIUS army recommissions the VIC VIPER super-dimensional warplane to combat the invasion of a new nemesis known as GOFER. Piloting the latest model of the VIC VIPER, players can select between multiple WEAPON MODULES and SHIELDS to tackle the varying stages and enemy attack patterns they come up against. With a total of nine stages, this perfect port of the original boasts one of the longest adventures in the series and features more of its trademark fast-paced background music to accompany the intense action.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, October 20 2008 11:45 AM [Top]
Another Month, Another Nintendo Beatdown [ Nintendo ]
Backed by a variety of unique interfaces, Nintendo's Wii console topped the U.S. video game hardware sales charts with nearly 687,000 units sold in September, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. Nintendo DS was the No. 2 best-selling system, with nearly 537,000 sold.
Wii enjoyed the biggest monthly unit sales increase with 234,000 more units sold in September than August. Wii also saw a year-over-year increase of more than 37 percent over September 2007.
Four games made for Nintendo systems placed in the top 10 best-selling games of the month, including Wii Fit at No. 2 with nearly 518,000 sold, Mario Kart Wii at No. 4 with more than 353,000 sold, Wii Play at No. 7 with nearly 243,000 sold and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii at No. 8 with more than 223,000 sold.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, October 16 2008 23:04 PM [Top]
World of Goo (2D Boy, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,500 Wii Points): World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game made entirely by two guys. Grab living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins and giant tongues. The millions of Goo Balls that live in the beautiful World of Goo are curious to explore—but they don't know that they are in a game, or that they are extremely delicious. World of Goo Corporation is contractually obligated to state that everyone is a winner, and is enthusiastic to celebrate everyone's Goo building opportunities equally.
Art Style: CUBELLO (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Art Style: CUBELLO mixes the strategy and feel of a traditional puzzle game with the precision and reflexes required in a shooter. As each stage begins, various colored cubes form into one large object called a Cubello, which floats and rotates as you play. Launch additional cubes from your magazine and try to connect four or more of the same color, removing them from the Cubello and eventually leaving only its core. Take on the challenge of either Stage or Endless mode and watch what happens when Bonus Time is activated. The straightforward controls and goal ensure that anyone can play, while offering enough depth that even advanced players will find themselves quickly addicted to the unique world of Art Style: CUBELLO.
Virtual Console
SECRET OF MANA (Super NES, 1-3 players, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 800 Wii Points): Good and evil battle for a young warrior's heart. There is one force in the universe that keeps good and evil in perfect balance. It is called the tree of Mana. But a magic sword has tricked a young warrior into upsetting this balance, spreading evil throughout the land. Thus, the warrior must undertake a dangerous journey to find the seeds of the Mana tree, which have been hidden for centuries. Only then can perfect harmony be restored. In this incredible adventure, things are not as they seem. Magic swords release evil as well as fight it. Treasure chests hold booby traps. Monsters are friends and friends are enemies. Potions give power, black magic takes it away. Dragons fly, weapons change. It's a world turned upside down that you must help the warrior make right. And the only way to succeed is to solve the Secret of Mana.
STREET FIGHTER II': SPECIAL CHAMPION EDITION (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Violence, 800 Wii Points): STREET FIGHTER II': SPECIAL CHAMPION EDITION was the first STREET FIGHTER game released for the Sega Genesis console. The STREET FIGHTER series can be considered one of the first fighting games to popularize competitive video game fighting. This version of the game contains both the CHAMPION and HYPER rule sets, from the two editions released in the arcades. It also introduced an exclusive Group Battle mode that is now a general feature in most fighting games. Play as one of 12 different characters, each with their own distinctive fighting style. Try single-player mode or challenge a friend in this legendary, classic fighting game.
According to a press event from Marvelous Entertainment, international publishing rights for No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle are be being handled, with former publisher Ubisoft nowhere to be seen. The game, confirmed as a Wii exclusive, will be put out by Rising Star games in Europe and co-published in the US by Marvelous and Xseed Games.
Additionally, Suda51 has confirmed to Eurogamer that the European version of the game will see two releases - one the standard super-violent fare, and the other a watered-down to be less extreme to please appease censors.
Straight from TGS, Capcom has revealed the latest trailer for the (absolutely gorgeous) Monster Hunter 3. Check it out and be amazed - very possibly the best graphics seen on Wii to date.
XSEED Brings Two from Marvelous to NA [ XSEED Games ]
Games being shown at TGS 2008 under the Marvelous Entertainment USA and XSEED Games partnership are:
Arc Rise Fantasia Wii.
From Marvelous Entertainment and Image Epoch, the same tandem that created the highly lauded Luminous Arc, comes Arc Rise Fantasia, an epic RPG exclusively developed for the Wii. Arc Rise Fantasia is a product of old and new, combining gorgeous graphics with modern gameplay while bringing classic Japanese high fantasy role-playing action involving airships and dragons, exclusively to the platform. Arc Rise Fantasia Wii is being co-developed by Image Epoch and scheduled for release 2009.
Flower, Sun, and Rain DS
Flower, Sun, and Rain DS is a unique mystery adventure from the twisted mind behind Killer 7 and No More Heroes. Originally released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and quickly gaining notoriety for its eccentricity, Flower, Sun, and Rain had never been available outside of Japan. This updated Nintendo DS release features all the creative quirks that made the original a cult hit while adding Touch Screen functionality and 50 new puzzles in what’s sure to please loyal fans of its creator, “Suda51.” The story starts on a tropical island in a seaside resort unlike any other called the Flower, Sun, and Rain resort. But all is not well in paradise as Sumio Mondo, a searcher, has been urgently summoned to the island by the owner of the hotel. Upon arrival, Sumio becomes caught in a time loop as the events of the same day are played out over and over again, with each day coming to an explosive end at the hands of some terrorists that have targeted the island for an unknown reason. With the Flower, Sun, and Rain as his base of operations, Sumio travels the island questioning the residents and following up on clues in order to get to the bottom of the mystery. Flower, Sun, and Rain DS is scheduled for release 2009.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, October 10 2008 4:28 AM [Top]
Marvelous Interactive has announced a brand-new downloadable title being made exclusively for WiiWare, and are showing it off at the Tokyo Game Show. Entitled Discipline, the features a character taking tests and trials in a high security facility, called "Discipline". Apparently, the player character comes to find out the tests have malicious consequences, and must rebel against his captors and escape. Check out the official website by clicking the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, October 10 2008 4:23 AM [Top]
The just-announced sequel to No More Heroes (trailer below) has been given official release dates by Marvelous Entertainment via a TGS press release. The US will see the game in January 2010 with European releases to follow in February or March. Hit the source for the full (Japanese) press release.
Also in the press release are announcements of Wii games Discipline (2009), Muramasa: The Demon Blade (2009), Little King's Story (March 2009), Arc Rise Fantasia (TBA), Valhalla Knights: Elder Saga (2009), and a Wii and DS game whose logo I can't read.
According to our buddies at VGC, the hierarchy of Nintendo consoles has officially shifted, with the Wii overtaking the N64 in lifetime sales, and the DS overtaking the Game Boy Advance. Not much else to say other than congrats to Nintendo on having two awesome systems that people want to play. Hit the source link for the full article and numbers breakdown.
TGS 2008: No More Heroes 2 Announced [ GameTrailers ]
Looks like we haven't seen the last of Travis Touchdown. In one of the most out-of-left-field announcements in recent memory, Marvelous Interactive and Grasshopper Manufacture have announced No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, exclusively for the Wii - the sequel to one of the year's biggest sleeper hits. Little is known about the game or its storyline, but expect the same insane beam saber combat, the same insane storyline and over-the-top action, and if the trailer is any indication, a chick with tentacle lasers. Yeah, you know you want this. On a personal note, thank you so much, Suda. Check out the trailer, direct from GameTrailers, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 8 2008 22:33 PM [Top]
Midnight Bowling (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Plunge directly into the trendy and electric atmosphere of Midnight Bowling. With awesome playing sensations, prepare for ultra-fun gaming thanks to a new physics engine that lets you control your throws precisely and easily with your Wii Remoteâ„¢ controller and make spectacular spins that will impress your opponents. Face up to three friends in the fun party mode, where your playing abilities will be put to the test. Whatever your experience level, launch yourself into the immersive career mode, where you will play in the trendiest bowling spots on the planet against charismatic characters that will give you a run for your money.
MadStone (Riverman Media, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Time is short. Earth trembles as the forces of nature stir and grow restless. Can you turn the tide? In this dynamic puzzle game, you must clear the path for your elemental MadStones to reach the bottom of the screen. Blocks can be broken by striking them directly or by the force of falling objects. The novice tries frantically to break enough blocks, while the master sets up cascading collapses with only a handful of direct strikes. As two sides struggle for domination, titanic forces build, only to be unleashed in an earth-shaking final confrontation. Experience the mystical single-player journey, or challenge a friend in competitive two-player mode.
Virtual Console
Mario Golf (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Mario takes a well-deserved break from his role as the Mushroom Kingdom's busiest hero and returns to the links for some world-class golfing action. Since no one likes to hit the fairways alone, he's brought along a group of friends, both familiar characters and brand new ones. Choose from 10 different modes of play and six 18-hole courses in a variety of environments for a golfing experience with endless replay value. Add in fun, colorful graphics with a Mario touch (a Boo indicates wind direction), intuitive controls, incredibly deep game play and multiplayer support (taunt your opponents), and you have a game anyone will enjoy, even if you've never played a round of golf. Fore!
Shining Force II (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone: Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): It's a dark and stormy night in the kingdom of Granseal when a thief steals two jewels from the Tower of the Ancients. He sets in motion strange events that lead to the resurrection of Zeon, the Devil King. Granseal's king falls sick, the princess is kidnapped, and a door to Arc Valley, the Devil King's home, is opened. The young swordsman, Bowie, realizing the grave danger Granseal faces, must lead the Shining Force to find the Holy Sword and the stolen jewels, and protect Granseal against the invading armies of Zeon.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade Announced by XSEED [ XSEED Games ]
Game publishers Marvelous Entertainment USA and XSEED Games announced today that the highly anticipated title, Muramasa: The Demon Blade (known in Japan as “Oboro Muramasa Youtouden”), is currently in development and will be released for the North American market. A unique, highly stylized action RPG (role playing game) videogame, Muramasa: The Demon Blade will ship in North America in 2009, exclusively for the Wii.
Based on ancient Japanese lore, Murumasa: The Demon Blade plunges players into the mystical Genroku era, ruled by the skilled shogun Tsunayoshi Tokogawa. But this culture is threatened; Tokogawa’s thirst for power leads to a conflict over the enormously powerful, though cursed, Demon Blades. Used in hatred, drenched in blood, the cursed blades condemn those who use them to tragedy, madness, and untimely deaths. As chaos spreads, denizens from the netherworld breach their realm as these malevolent swords summon evil spirits - and the Dragon and Demon Gods as well.
Featuring hand-drawn 2D art reflecting the heritage and tone of the storyline, Muramasa: The Demon Blade transports players into a little known mythology, envisioned by the creators of the critically acclaimed Odin Sphere. Players take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing their ninja prowess to traverse the clever side-scrolling levels that feature vertical progression as well as the traditional horizontal stage advancement.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade is currently in development by Marvelous Entertainment and Vanillaware exclusively for the Wii, and will be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show in Japan (October 9-12). The game will be co-published by Marvelous Entertainment USA and XSEED Games in North America and is expected to ship in 2009.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, October 3 2008 16:43 PM [Top]
Nintendo Announces Tons of Stuff at US Press Event [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo today disclosed a number of surprises, including new games, the ability to use the Wii console to chat with friends near and far, and the expansion of the popular Club Nintendo rewards program to North America.
Continuing its commitment to supply new game experiences for every level of player, Nintendo revealed a wide range of games for the 2008 holiday season and beyond. A number of games are slated for 2009, including a new Punch-Out!! and Sin & Punishment 2 for Wii, and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Mario & Luigi RPG 3 for Nintendo DS. Consumers also can expect a new "Personal Trainer” series of titles designed to help users enrich their lives and learn new skills in fun and interesting ways.
Nintendo also announced that North American supplies of the Wii video game console between October and December will see a significant increase from 2007's levels, and that Nintendo DS will also be available in greater abundance than ever before.
The new Wii Speak Channel arrives on Nov. 16 and uses the Wii Speak, a microphone that sits on top of your television. This accessory is sold separately at an MSRP of $29.99. People who buy the microphone are given a code that allows them to download the Wii Speak Channel from the Wii Shop Channel at no charge. The Wii Speak lets people in up to four locations who have traded Friend Codes chat with one another at no extra cost. When you use Wii Speak in real time, your Mii appears on your TV screen and mimics your chat. You also can leave audio messages for your friends and family members or use Wii Speak to narrate captions for your photos.
Gamers have longed for the expansion of Club Nintendo to North America for years, and now Nintendo is making it a reality for everyone. Club Nintendo rewards Nintendo loyalists who complete surveys and register Nintendo products with loyalty coins that can be redeemed for exclusive items available only to Club Nintendo members. Club Nintendo is set to debut in North America this holiday season.
Key software available for Wii this holiday season includes:
* Wii Music: It's a new Wii experience that launches on Oct. 20 and gives you the ability to play a wide variety of musical instruments by using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to mimic the motions used to play real instruments. Everyone in the family will enjoy jamming together, while music fans will enjoy creating their own fresh, stylized takes on a variety of songs. Songs range from classical favorites like Beethoven's "Ode to Joy,” to pop hits like "Material Girl” or "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” to Nintendo standards like the Super Mario Bros. theme.
* Animal Crossing: City Folk: This game lets you live your life in a virtual community that's all your own. You can interact with the fun characters in your town, customize everything from your house to your clothing and even chat with other friends in the game using the Wii Speak. Animal Crossing: City Folk launches on Nov. 16.
o WiiWare delivers great new games directly to Wii consoles that are connected to the Internet. Nintendo's downloadable game service will see games like:
o Tetris Party: This game will feature 18 game modes, including 10 never-before-seen single-player and multiplayer variations of Tetris. Some modes will use the unique capabilities of the Wii Remote and the Wii Balance Board.
o Strong Bad Episode 3: This third episode in the series features humorous story-driven game play, music-themed collectibles and achievements and an old-school side scrolling shoot 'em up mini-game, as well as a special celebrity guest appearance by rock gods Limozeen!
o World of Goo: This title is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game. Grab living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins and giant tongues.
o Cave Story: This title is an action-adventure game with new, exclusive content and features created only for the WiiWare version.
o Boingz: Developed by the award-winning studio NinjaBee and published by RealNetworks, Inc., Boingz introduces players to bendy, stretchy little critters who've found themselves scattered about an alien world. Using the Wii Remote, players can grab, stretch and fling the rubber-band bodies of the Boingz to bounce them around the environments and help them find their way home.
Key games planned for Wii in 2009 include:
* Punch-Out!!: Nintendo is reviving one of its most storied and popular franchises with the first new Punch-Out!! boxing game in 15 years. Players will once again follow the exploits of the up-and-coming challenger, Little Mac, and take on a series of opponents, including favorites from the past like Glass Joe and King Hippo.
* Sin & Punishment 2: The announcement of a sequel to one of the most popular Japanese import titles ever is a dream come true for avid Nintendo fans. This new sequel blends intuitive Wii Remote pointing controls with the shooting and sword-swinging game play that made the original an instant classic and fan favorite.
Some Nintendo products available this fall for Nintendo DS include:
* Personal Trainer: Cooking: This title launches on Nov. 24 as the first in Nintendo's new Personal Trainer series. Personal Trainer: Cooking includes more than 200 recipes from around the world and transforms the Nintendo DS into an electronic, interactive cookbook, complete with a glossary of terms and even instructional videos. In 2009, the Personal Trainer series will expand with Personal Trainer: Math, a collection of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division drills based on the Kageyama method. Meanwhile, Personal Trainer: Walking will introduce a wireless pedometer, letting consumers not only track every step they take, but also turn walking into interactive entertainment.
* Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia: On Nov. 10, this new installment in the Pokémon Ranger series allows you to use the power of Pokémon to protect nature and help people in need as you strive to become a Top Ranger. Use the DS stylus to encircle and capture Pokémon with the "Capture Styler” as you explore the vast new Almia region.
Key games planned for Nintendo DS in 2009 include:
* Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon: A reinvention of the original NES titles with revamped graphics and intuitive touch control, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon will finally introduce longtime fans to the stories that gave birth to the series nearly 20 years ago in Japan, while introducing the Fire Emblem franchise to a broader audience of strategy and chess fans. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon also reveals the back story of Marth, the original lead character in the Fire Emblem series introduced and made popular in North America by the Super Smash Bros. series of fighting games.
* Mario & Luigi RPG 3: The acclaimed Mario & Luigi series returns with another hilarious action role-playing game. Join the Mario Bros. as their travels take them far and wide.
* Rhythm Heaven: If you can snap your fingers in time to music, you're ready to play this simple but infectious rhythm game. Just tap your stylus on the touch screen to the beat of the music.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, October 2 2008 19:15 PM [Top]
We've now got the official videos from last night's/this morning's conference showing off the various Wii and DS and DSi games...very cool stuff, check them out below via YouTube.
Nintendo Press Conference - Nintendo DSi Announced [ Wii Café ]
Iwata immediately takes the stage and announces the new Nintendo DS...the Nintendo DSi. The new unit is a redesign of the original hardware, is 12% smaller and removes the GBA cartridge slot. As rumored, the device also adds an 0.3 megapixel camera and audio playback of music. In addition, the new device has larger screens at 3.25 inches. Plus, players will be able to edit pictures on the touch screen, as well as adjust the music pitch and playback speed. In addition, the DSi will have an SD card slot, so players can import photos to the system from their digital camera or Wii, and...even cooler, will support the download of Virtual Console games bought on Wii with Wii Points, which have now been renamed Nintendo Points. It has not been confirmed if this means already-accessible downloadable games from the Wii Shop, new Game Boy downloadable games, or (hopefully) a combination of the two. In addition, the Nintendo DS Web Browser is built-in to the system.
In addition, there will be a new Nintendo DS Ware section added to the Wii Shop, which will allow for the downloading of new software to the DSi, including original downloadable games. The price points will be split four ways, with items for free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800 points. In addition, and this may be just for Japan only, anyone who purchases a DSi until March 2010 will get 1,000 Nintendo Points free. Also, the DS download stations in Japan will be renamed "Nintendo Zones", where players can download additional content.
As rumored, the system will launch in Japan this year, on November 1st. It'll be available in two colors, white and black, and will retail for 18900 yen, about $180. New titles will include a new Wario Ware, a Karaoke game, and Mario & Luigi 3. Also announced are a new 3D version of Picross DS and a new health game that will also make use of a packed-in pedometer. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is now being showcased to the crowd. Now, a new trailer for Dragon Quest IX.
It's now been confirmed that players will FINALLY have a Wii storage solution. Wii Shop content can now be downloaded directly to a Wii SD card, and can then be "easily copied" to the Wii. This will take effect in Spring of 2009. Nintendo is also heavily pushing online for the Wii, packaging in a DVD with all new Wii systems entitled "Things You Can Do With Wii". Yes, that is a very horribly innuendoed title. The new Wi-Fi adapter is also coming out, plus, as part of a new campaign, if a Wii owner helps someone get online, both will receive 500 Nintendo Points. Animal Crossing: City Folk will be released in Japan on November 20th, and will be available in a bundle with Wii Speak for 7800 yen.
Next up is Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus. Nintendo now reveals a new game called "Let's Tap", being released by Propé, Yuji Naka's new studio. Also, certain GameCube titles will be re-released by Nintendo, such as Pikmin.
Now, THREE HUGE games have been announced. First up is a Wii version of the NES classic, Punch-Out!!. Next, a Wii version of the DS adventure title Trace Memory. Lastly, Sin and Punishment 2, the sequel to Treasure's classic N64 shooter, just released for the American Virtual Console. In addition, Samurai Warriors 3 will be coming from Koei exclusively for the Wii, as well as a new Tales game from Namco Bandai. Also shown off was Monster Hunter 3 from Capcom, announced at this very conference last year.
Now, Miyamoto takes the stage to demo Wii Music. It's coming out this month, y'know. He invites people on stage to play it.
For videos of the new Wii and DS games shown, click here.
The event is officially over.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, October 2 2008 0:40 AM [Top]
Perhaps Japan's biggest upcoming game just got a release date. Famitsu.com has confirmed that Square-Enix's major DS RPG release, Dragon Quest IX, has received a release date of March 2009. You can expect this will be treated with the same veracity as a national holiday in Japan, where Dragon Quest is easily the biggest franchise. No North American date as of yet, but I'd presume sometime in 2009 is looking like a good bet.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 1 2008 19:38 PM [Top]
The latest issue of Famitsu has revealed a new Action RPG, entitled Destiny Links, is being brought to the Nintendo DS. Very little is known about the game, but it's being developed by Bandai itself. Check out the scan below.
Yet another Sony-based franchise will be making its way to Nintendo's shores, as the latest issue of Famitsu reveals that Marvelous Interactive's previously PSP-exclusive Action RPG franchise, Valhalla Knights, will have a new installment exclusively for Wii in Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga. Although little is known about the game, it will, of course, sport improved visuals from the PSP releases, as well as feature Wi-Fi online play. Check out the first scan of the game below.
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine has revealed that one of the buried treasures of the PlayStation era, Namco's lovable mascot Klonoa, will be making a return to videogames with the release of the upcoming Klonoa: Door to Phantomile for the Wii. The game will be a remake of the original Klonoa for the PS1, with improved, cel-shaded graphics. The game, which was a 2D-sidescroller with 3D graphics, will remain that way on Wii, using the Wii Remote in the classic position (on its side like an NES controller) for gameplay. Check out the scan of the game below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 1 2008 18:18 PM [Top]
New Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles for Wii [ Jump Magazine ]
While it seems as though Crystal Bearers has gone the way of the dodo, Square-Enix will be bringing a new disc-based Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles game to the Wii after all. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time will be similar in structure to the original Crystal Chronicles that was released for the GameCube, and will use DS connectivity to provide a multiplayer experience (but will hopefully not force them like last time). In addition, players will be able to play as their Miis. Check out the first scan of the game below. The game will be released in Japan next January, and we can likely expect something about this game at tonight's press conference, so stay tuned.
A report by gaming blog What They Play gives word from various sources that Nintendo is planning a redesigned Wii for release sometime in 2011. The new Wii would feature High-Definition compatibility and greatly-enhanced graphics, while keeping a majority of the console's features, such as the controller, intact. The console will also feature "a greater emphasis on digitally distributed and backwardly compatible content", which may mean an increased hard drive space. The explanation for this could be because Nintendo is apparently spending a greater amount on Research & Development sectors, as R&D costs for fiscal year 2007 were $370 million, ten times greater than what they were five years ago. It's also expected Nintendo will keep the "Wii" name or some form of it, so "Wii HD" would likely be a good codename for this system (and sounds a hell of a lot better than "N6"). Satoru Iwata and company are giving their annual fall retail briefing tonight, and we'll have live coverage of the event to see if anything on a Wii HD console or the also-rumored DS successor pops up.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 1 2008 13:35 PM [Top]
Hudson Entertainment today announced that it is bringing Marble Saga: Kororinpa, an exciting puzzle adventure centering around a marble, exclusively to Wii next spring. The sequel to Kororinpa: Marble Mania, Marble Saga: Kororinpa is full of new levels for gamers to explore, 4-person multiplayer gameplay, tons of customization features, the ability to connect and compete online and the use of the Wii Balance Board as features.
The story takes place with players heading out on a journey with Anthony the Ant as he searches for the Golden Sunflower. By guiding Anthony’s marble around the Ant World and searching for items which are valuable to help reach the Golden Sunflower, gamers will help Anthony save his colony. Along the way players will face dangerous mazes and use cool and amazing widgets and gadgets to guide Anthony to his objective. With multiple levels to explore and three difficulty stages within each level, no area is ever the same.
Unique features in Marble Saga: Kororinpa allow fun customization for players. From designing the ball with attributes to helping players navigate through stages easier, to Miis and preset fun images, to an Edit Mode which allows for custom design of a unique stage, gamers can really make this entertaining experience their own. For a more competitive tone, a 4-person multiplayer mode allows players to compete with three other opponents on the same map as each races to the finish line. For more customization and group fun with others, the Wii Connect 24 feature allows gamers to share the unique stages they created with their friends or to receive extra stages from Hudson after the game’s launch via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Additionally, Wi-Fi Leaderboards let players compete online against each other to see who can navigate through the world the fastest. For those who can’t live without gaming peripherals, the Wii Balance Board can be used as players navigate through the world as the ball with this new feature. In addition, gamers can utilize 40 innovative and useful widgets to help assist them in guiding their marble, including shrinking machines, movable bridges, vacuum tubes, cannon vaults and more!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 1 2008 1:51 AM [Top]
AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack will feature the master recordings from the best of the band’s live performances. The live recording was specially remixed for Rock Band by Mike Fraser. The game features 18 tracks, with more than 99 minutes of game play for each instrument:
“Thunderstruck”
“Shoot to Thrill”
“Back in Black”
“Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be”
“Heatseeker”
“Fire Your Guns”
“Jailbreak”
“The Jack”
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
“Moneytalks”
“Hells Bells”
“High Voltage”
“Whole Lotta Rosie”
“You Shook Me All Night Long”
“T.N.T.”
“Let There Be Rock”
“Highway To Hell”
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
The AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack will be available in the U.S. exclusively at Wal-Mart on November 16th for Wii. Pricing for AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack on Wii is MSRP $39.88
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, October 1 2008 1:02 AM [Top]
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