Maboshi's Arcade (Nintendo, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring three distinct modes and simultaneous play across three game windows, the constantly changing environment of Maboshi's Arcade creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Each of the modes is based on one of three familiar shapes (circle, stick and square) and offers the same goal: score a million points. Use the intuitive controls to bash enemies in Circle mode, weave your way through Stick mode or burn a path around obstacles in Square mode-all while dealing with power-up items and keeping watch on which effects the other game windows may have on your own. Also featuring Mii characters, action replays that you can send to your Wii Friends via WiiConnect24, and the ability to download a version to a Nintendo DS, you may never want to leave this arcade.
Cue Sports – Pool Revolution (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Grab your Wii Remote controller and take a shot at this virtual billiard game. Enjoy match-ups, playing classic favorites such as 9 Ball, 8 Ball, Rotation and Snooker, as well as walk-through trick shots in Puzzle mode. Connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection (Nintendo WFC) to go head-to-head with your friends, or even hustle opponents across the world in Nintendo WFC match-ups. This game offers two types of controls, allowing you to virtually strike the cue ball with your Wii Remote controller or use the buttons to adjust the strength of your shot and then strike. Hone your skills in Practice mode, learning all the cool techniques you need to be a true hustler. Use the edit feature to create your own challenge and nail the trick shot you've always dreamed of sinking. Pull off an amazing shot and show everyone who's the biggest shark in the pool.
Virtual Console
Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Take on the role of Mike Jones, intrepid hero of the StarTropics universe, and once again battle the evil alien Zoda to control the fate of the Argonian people. In this journey, the island hopping of Mike's original adventure gives way to traveling through time and visiting locations around the world. And you never know what famous historical figures may appear along the way, giving Mike helpful advice or useful items. Luckily, Mike also has a wider range of weapons and improved play control on his side, so he may yet stand a chance against Zoda. Can you help Mike stand the test of time and save the world again?
Towers, Golf, and RPGs for Xmas WiiWare/VC Monday [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Tiki Towers (RealArcade, 1 -2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Tiki Towers is a game of construction, destruction, problem-solving and monkeys. Reclaim the islands of your tribe by defeating a series of evil enemy chiefs. Work with your monkey friends to build towers out of bamboo poles, coconuts and vines. Match wits against the enemy chiefs bent on destroying your towers and driving you from the islands. Navigate levels filled with crazy building challenges, and deal with unfriendly wildlife and other environmental obstacles. Get your monkeys to chant for the BananaMana necessary to counter enemy attacks. Play in either single-player or two-player cooperative mode in this game where monkeys rule.
Fun! Fun! Minigolf (Shin'en Multimedia, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): Play minigolf with your friends in beautiful environments. Choose a character and turn your Wii Remote controller into a golf club. With its easy-to-use controls, all you need to do is aim, swing and see who's the best putter. Play 27 holes spread across America, Asia and Europe. Enjoy exotic locations all over the world. Go for gold in single-player mode, or invite your friends. Fun! Fun! Minigolf supports up to four players. You can use one to four Wii Remote controllers. Fun! Fun! Minigolf is the ultimate party game for everyone.
Virtual Console
Phantasy Star IV (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Fantasy Violence, Mild Sexual Themes, 800 Wii Points): Phantasy Star IV is the fourth released game from SEGA's epic Phantasy Star series, one of SEGA's biggest RPGs on the SEGA GENESIS. In the year AW 2284, planet Motavia is once again plagued by strange biocreatures, and it's up to the brave men and women of the Hunters Guild to exterminate them. You are Chaz Ashley, a rookie Hunter straight out of training who is supported by Alys Brangwin-a crafty veteran whose good looks and prowess with the blade have earned her an awesome reputation. These two Hunters, along with a cast of supporting characters, will go beyond Motavia to unwittingly save their entire solar system.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, December 22 2008 13:25 PM [Top]
Pokémon, Pikmin, and Mario Tennis Head Nintendo's Early 09 [ Nintendo ]
Continuing its commitment to create fun and engaging experiences for everyone, Nintendo of America Inc. today unleashes a broad list of exciting new games for the first quarter of 2009. Topping the list is Pokémon Platinum version for Nintendo DS, a remarkable new entry in the beloved Pokémon series, slated for a March 22 launch across North America. Nintendo's roster of more than 100 new games includes an impressive array of challenges and experiences for new players and loyalists, as well as everyone in between. Notable titles include the enhanced New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis and New Play Control! Pikmin for Wii, and Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, Personal Trainer: Math and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for Nintendo DS.
Pokémon fans in particular will have plenty to cheer about as Pokémon Platinum is readied for its U.S. debut. Following the vast popularity of Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon Platinum is the newest in the core series of Pokémon games. Pokémon Platinum features a new story full of adventure, never-before-seen forms of powerful Pokémon – including the legendary Giratina's Origin Forme – and the Distortion World, a mysterious new world that suddenly appears in the Sinnoh region. In addition, with Pokémon Platinum up to 20 players can interact with other Pokémon fans from around the world in the new Wi-Fi Plaza, featuring mini-games and activities. Players can also enjoy the new features in the Global Terminal, such as posting battle videos using the new "Vs. Recorder." In addition, Pokémon Platinum features a new Battle Frontier, where the toughest Trainers can test their skills in new ways. Pokémon Platinum already has broken previous Nintendo DS sales records in Japan, selling more than 1 million copies in its first two days of release.
For the portable Nintendo DS, Personal Trainer: Math builds on the new Personal Trainer series, which launched with Personal Trainer: Cooking, now extends its reach beyond the stomach to the brain. Personal Trainer: Math introduces 40 fast-paced exercises to give players a fun way to improve their arithmetic skills. The Personal Trainer series is designed to help users enrich their lives and learn new skills in fun and interesting ways. Also for Nintendo DS, fans of the Fire Emblem franchise will enjoy the arrival of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, a revamped and re-imagined version of the NES classic, featuring touch-screen controls. Players with a broadband Internet connection can enjoy worldwide battles over Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's online gaming service.
Meanwhile, for the Wii console, Nintendo is offering up two classic Nintendo GameCube games: New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis and New Play Control! Pikmin enhanced for play using the Wii Remote controller. The enhanced New Play Control! Pikmin game lets players point the Wii Remote controller at the screen and use it as a cursor, making it easy to select either a single Pikmin or an entire army. When a player tosses Pikmin, they fly wherever the cursor is pointing. New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis lets players enjoy an afternoon on the court as their favorite characters from the Mushroom Kingdom, complete with motion-controlled serves and swings. With Wii controls, players can swing the Wii Remote controller to hit forehands and backhands and to apply spin. Experienced gamers can also attach a Nunchuk controller for additional precision. Both games are scheduled to launch next March.
Third-party publishers continue to bring diverse, creative games like FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time from Square-Enix for Wii and Nintendo DS. These games offer unique features that allow users to play multiplayer across Nintendo platforms. MADWORLD from Sega will be available exclusively for Wii, and the highly acclaimed franchise Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars from Rockstar Games will be available for Nintendo DS.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, December 17 2008 20:17 PM [Top]
Nintendo's promised by-year's-end launch of their Club Nintendo game registration came today...and was subsequently taken down minutes later. However, due to the time it was up, we have confirmation of how the points breakdown will work.
When Wii games are registered, they net the user 50 coins to spend, while DS games earn 30 and WiiWare and Virtual Console titles earn 10. Members can also earn an additional 10 coins for filling out a survey about a game, and then purchasing the title within 30 days time, by filling out a survey after the game's registration, or by filling out a post-play survey within 30 days of the game's purchase.
Many items will be available at the launch of the service, with the headlining choice being Game & Watch Collection for the Nintendo DS, a previously Japan-only compilation of three Game & Watch dual-screen games, which can be purchased for 800 coins. Also available will be a set of Nintendo Hanafuda cards for 800 coins, Mario Party or Animal Crossing playing cards for 500 coins, Mario, Animal Crossing, and Nintendo DS stylus and game card packs for 600 coins, and tons more.
Of course, one question yet to be answered is how the points from one's My Nintendo account will be transferred over to Club Nintendo, but we'll have to wait and see on that one. For now, click on over and begin the agonizing wait for the service's launch.
EDIT: No sooner did we post this and the service is now up. Have at it, kids.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, December 15 2008 22:14 PM [Top]
GTA: Chinatown Wars Launches March 17th [ Rockstar Games ]
Rockstar Games is proud to announce the release date for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, the latest entry into the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto series. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will be available for the Nintendo DS on March 17 and 20, 2009 in North America and Europe, respectively.
"Rockstar Leeds have once again created a game that far exceeds our standard for deep and innovative entertainment," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "We are incredibly excited to share this enormous and uncompromising Grand Theft Auto experience with DS fans."
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, December 15 2008 15:21 PM [Top]
Strong Bad's Season Finale Headlines WiiWare/VC [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Strong Bad Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points): Trogdor, the beefy-armed dragon of legend, has shaken free from his video game and is running through the countryside, "burninating" everything in sight. With a dragon on the loose and 8-bit classics leaking into the real world, it's all fun and games until the proud land of Strong Badia falls to Trogdor's fiery wrath. Now Strong Bad must take back the night by sending this scorching menace back into his arcade cabinet once and for all. Just one problem: Does anybody know how to kill a dragon?
Big Kahuna Party (Reflexive Entertainment Inc., 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Embark on a tropical adventure with the explosively charged Big Kahuna Party. Looking to make the ultimate party game, we started with a concept that's accessible to the whole family-the popular match-three game. On top of that, we crafted a unique multiplayer experience in which you can choose to work together to complete the challenging levels before the timer runs out, or go head-to-head and compete in a frenzy of fun. To top it off, we added 99 uniquely free-flowing levels, the challenging Tiki Pole, 20 hidden tropical sea creatures to unlock, the strategic Fish Net and more. The result is a family party game like no other, easy to pick up but impossible to put down. Play alone or with friends, and unleash the Tiki spirit within.
Virtual Console
Enduro Racer (SEGA Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Based on the popular SEGA arcade game and redesigned for the SEGA Master System, Enduro Racer takes you on an intense set of adrenaline-designed courses containing diverse and rough terrain that will test your skills and reaction time. Ride as fast as you can to pass as many cars and bikes as possible while also avoiding obstacles and pitfalls such as debris on the road. Take jumps off ramps and try to keep your speed up, but make sure to keep an eye on your bike so it doesn't blow up in your face. Are you ready for the challenge?
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, December 15 2008 15:07 PM [Top]
Wii Breaks 2 Million as Nintendo Utterly Owns November [ Nintendo ]
With more than 3.6 million combined systems sold in November, Wii and Nintendo DS set new hardware sales records, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. The Wii console sold more than 2 million in November, a new all-time record for a non-December month. The Nintendo DS system sold more than 1.56 million in November, which is now the second-highest total for a non-December month in history. The Wii console has sold 15.4 million in the United States since it launched in November 2006, and Nintendo DS has sold nearly 24.6 million in the United States since it launched in November 2004.
Four games made for Nintendo systems placed in the top 10 U.S. best-sellers for November, representing the diversity of people who play Nintendo games. These included Wii Play (for casual and lapsed players) at No. 3 with more than 796,000 sold, Wii Fit (for new gamers) at No. 4 with more than 697,000 sold, Mario Kart Wii (for both core and casual payers) at No. 5 with nearly 637,000 sold and Wii Music (for everyone) placed at No. 9 with more than 297,000 sold, following its long-tail trend.
Looking at the industry as a whole, Nintendo products continue to fuel the engine of the video game industry. In November alone, Nintendo represented 198 percent of industry growth over 2007. Nintendo systems represented 66 percent of all hardware sales in November, including 59 percent of all console sales and 79 percent of all portable hardware sales.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 11 2008 21:42 PM [Top]
SEGA announced today that the exclusive Nintendo DS title, Sands of Destruction, will be releasing in North America. Critically acclaimed in Japan and gaining recognition through the television anime World Destruction: Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokuni, gamers will experience an action-packed story featuring a unique range of characters, a gorgeous artistic atmosphere and an intense RPG battle system.
In Sands of Destruction, a race of powerful beastmen known as the Ferals rule over the human population with tyranny and prejudice. A group of warriors, the World Annihilation Front, believe their only option for ending the corruption of the Ferals is to end the world as they know it. This intense game puts gamers in control of an intriguing cast of characters including the crusading Morte Ashera as well as Kyrie Illunis, who unknowingly holds the key to global destruction. Gamers will explore a fantastic world, traveling across oceans of sand, battling colossal enemy monsters and unraveling the mystery of the creation of the world.
Featuring an all-star team of Japanese RPG developers, Sands of Destruction utilizes the upper and lower DS screens for its dynamic battle system, including major boss battles where elite monsters take up both DS screens. Mixing traditional turn-based tactics with fighting game mechanics to create an intense gameplay experience, Sands of Destruction also features an innovative “Quip system” where characters utter inspiring battle commands that enhance abilities and boost attributes to give them various advantages during battle. As the story unfolds new battle commands will be discovered and gamers will be able to customize the different commands to each character.
Sands of Destruction will be released in fall 2009, exclusively for Nintendo DS.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 11 2008 17:15 PM [Top]
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine has confirmed that acclaimed Strategy RPG developer Nippon-Ichi will be making their debut on the Wii in 2009, with a port of their epic 2004 PS2 SRPG Phantom Brave. Set in a world where a malevolent interdimensional evil encroaches upon the human plane, a young girl, Marona, together with a phantom named Ash, must recruit an army of kind spirits to do battle against the forces of evil. Phantom Brave Wii will likely feature new characters, items, and missions, as well as new Wii Remote-powered controls. Check out the announcement scan below.
Over the past few years, it's been hard for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to find anything resembling a good game, after the heroes in a half shell dominated the arcade scene of the late 80's and early 90's. All this may be soon to change, however, as the January issue of Nintendo Power magazine has confirmed that the legendary foursome will return for a new 2.5 fighting game set for release by Ubisoft in the fall of 2007. What's more, the company developing the game will be made up of staffers who have previously worked on both Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as well as with Tecmo's Team Ninja: makers of the acclaimed Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises. Like Brawl, the game will feature a 4-player versus mode, as well as Story, Tournament, Battle Royal, and Practice modes. The game will also feature plenty of unlockables such as hidden characters and stages, and all stages will be interactive.
Stay tuned for more details when Ubisoft makes them official.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 11 2008 16:25 PM [Top]
At a press conference in Japan to promote the March 28th release of Dragon Quest IX for the DS, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii spilled the beans on the upcoming tenth installment of the legendary RPG series. Dragon Quest X has officially been confirmed for the Wii, marking the series' first appearance on a Nintendo home console since Dragon Quest VI, as well as marking what may be the first major Japanese RPG announcement since the console's launch in 2006. Nothing else was announced about the game, but hopefully more news will surface regarding this major announcement soon.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, December 10 2008 4:08 AM [Top]
5th Cell invites players from all backgrounds to use their imagination and wit in this groundbreaking, original IP for the Nintendo DS!
It's Scribblenauts, the new game from the creators of Drawn to Life and Lock's Quest. Using the Nintendo DS stylus, you write anything that comes to mind, and it appears on the bottom screen. Want a birthday cake? How about some Dynamite? Bring that Fairy Princess alive and watch a Dragon chase her across the screen. Every object behaves as it would in the real (or fantastical) world, and you can combine objects together to create completely new behaviors.
This game is all about experimentation, imagination and endless replay value. Think of any person, place or thing, write it down, and watch it come alive! Write Anything,
Solve Everything!
Scribblenauts places you, the player, in control of the world. Unlock your imagination, Fall 2009.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, December 9 2008 2:51 AM [Top]
Nintendo Co Ltd said it has not felt any particular impact from the economic slowdown, with sales of its Wii video game console and DS handheld game player still strong.
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata told Reuters in an interview that Wii sales during the Thanksgiving holiday week came to about 800,000 units in the United States, more than double the 350,000 units it sold in the same period a year earlier.
"When the economy is strong, people tend to buy three things from the top of their wish list. But when things are bad, people often buy only the first thing on their list," Iwata said. "Fortunately for us a lot of shoppers put our products at the top of their list."
Iwata said sales of its DS handheld were up about 20 percent during the Thanksgiving holiday week in the U.S. compared with a year earlier.
Puzzles, Hockey, and Sonic For Download This Week [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Bruiser and Scratch (Steel Penny Games, Inc., 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Bruiser and Scratch are stranded in a strange world with a dark secret. Their only hope in finding a path home is to unravel the mystery of this place, one oversized puzzle at a time. Along the way, they make new friends and meet up with old adversaries, each of whom plays a role in their journey. Bruiser and Scratch offers a number of tutorial levels to bring the player up to speed gradually. The story unfolds over 48 puzzles and six landscapes. And for players who can't get enough, Challenge mode offers 75 additional puzzles that range from child's play to mind-bogglingly difficult.
Hockey Allstar Shootout (Big Blue Bubble Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Use the Wii Remote™ controller as a stick and take the shot as you compete in three exciting Hockey Skills Challenges. In Head 2 Head, it's just you versus the best goalies in the world in a five-puck shootout. Race against the clock to post the most goals in the fastest time. The three difficulty levels will place you against three increasingly talented goalies, each donning the jersey of their home country. In two-player mode, each player will take a turn as shooter and as goalie, and the player who scores the most goals in five shots is the winner. In Sharp Shooter, you post a high score in one of three difficulty levels by breaking as many targets as you can. Each time a shot fails to break a target, an X will appear in the upper left corner. Three misses and the game is over. Power Shot has you take your best shot and watch the Shot-Speed Clock light up. You have three attempts to blast the fastest shot you can, and only the best speeds will grace the high score list.
Virtual Console
Sonic The Hedgehog™ 2 (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Play the popular Sonic The Hedgehog sequel, made specifically for the SEGA MASTER SYSTEM. Sonic returns home to his island just in time to see Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) run off with Tails. In fact, Dr. Eggman has kidnapped all of Sonic's animal friends and placed them in robotic mind-controlling suits. He demands the six Chaos Emeralds, hidden on the island, in exchange for their safe return. Explore underground mine shafts, dash through underwater tunnels and hang glide through the clouds in Sonic's search for the Chaos Emeralds. Once Sonic's found them all, he must face off with the evil Dr. Eggman and thwart his plan for global domination.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, December 8 2008 11:40 AM [Top]
GameVideos has put up the first full trailer for Deep Silver's upcoming Wii-exclusive survival horror game, Cursed Mountain. Set in the late 1980's, players must guide a lost hiker in the Himalayas as he does battle with the vengeful spirits of those who have perished on the mountain. Check out the awesome new trailer below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 4 2008 22:18 PM [Top]
New Dead Rising: Chop 'Till You Drop Trailer [ GameTrailers ]
Capcom has unleased a new trailer of it's upcoming zombie massacre-fest for Wii, Dead Rising: Chop 'Till You Drop. Fans of the original Xbox 360 title will be glad to know that this game is looking far better than before, adding more zombies to what looks to be some already fun core gameplay. For more, check out the trailer embedded below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 4 2008 21:16 PM [Top]
Electronic Arts announced today that NASCAR Kart Racing, the first and only NASCAR racing title available for the Wii, will ship to retailers in North America on February 10, 2009, just in time for the Daytona 500 and the official start of the 2009 NASCAR season. Designed exclusively for the Wii, NASCAR Kart Racing enables players to grab the steering wheel as a famed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and speed through treacherous landscapes, wind around rocky cliffs, jump rivers and dodge falling boulders. Up to four players can go head-to-head, via split screen, in a mad dash to the checkered flag, making NASCAR Kart Racing an ideal game to play with family and friends.
Enjoy the thrill of racing as three-time consecutive Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson or choose from 13 additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers. Players can also compete as one of 10 original animated characters. Each driver has personal attributes that will determine how the kart will perform on a course, so strategy is key when choosing a driver and a teammate. Teams that work together win championships!
Licensed NASCAR Drivers:
• Jeff Burton • Kevin Harvick
• Kyle Busch • Jimmie Johnson
• Dale Earnhardt, Jr. • Kasey Kahne
• Carl Edwards • Matt Kenseth
• Jeff Gordon • Elliot Sadler
• Denny Hamlin • Tony Stewart
• *Two Unlockable Mystery Drivers*
The courses in NASCAR Kart Racing feature a vast range of exhilarating terrain. Experience 24 entertaining race layouts that wrap through deserts, freeways, back roads, canyons, junkyards and more. Drivers will also push the pedal to the metal in areas surrounding four popular NASCAR tracks: Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Dover International Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. Each track in NASCAR Kart Racing can be reversed to provide two unique racing experiences.
Your journey to become a champion in NASCAR Kart Racing begins by competing in 13 series against featured drivers from different racing backgrounds. Defeat the rivals of each series to unlock new courses, drivers, game modes and the next series. Beat all of the events at a track and you will receive a track sponsorship complete with billboards featuring your driver’s face—an obvious statement to your family and friends that you are the top competitor. Race throughout the series, to earn the championship title that affords stunning trophies and the glory of being recognized as the ultimate NASCAR driver!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 4 2008 14:25 PM [Top]
The hilarious Ready 2 Rumble franchise is flexing its muscles and planning a major, star-studded return to the ring in spring 2009 with the launch of Ready 2 Rumble Revolution, the newest game in the much-loved series. Bringing the franchise to Wii for the first time, the game retains all the knockout features of best-sellers Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 1 and Round 2, while delivering a knockout punch of style and attitude. Tailored to take advantage of the motion-controlled realism of Wii, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution makes landing a punch more fun than ever.
Sure to satisfy newcomers and boxing fans alike, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution features a roster of 18 wildly caricatured cartoony boxers based on celebrities from the worlds of sports, music and movies. Celebrities enter the ring as larger-than-life "Rumble-ized" versions of themselves. Players will step right up and see if they can knock these super-sized egos down a peg or two!
The game is hosted by "The Voice of the Champions" Michael Buffer, famous for his "Let's Get Ready to Rumble®" trademark call. Characters are brought to life with hilarious moves, detailed facial animations, damage textures and fighting techniques including special moves, combos, extreme knockdowns and special "Rumble" combos. An all new Championship Mode lets gamers create their own unique boxer and nurture his skills through mini-games, developing him as a fighter and creating a completely personalized Ready 2 Rumble Revolution experience.
Developed by AKI who bring their formidable fight game know-how to the franchise, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution brings a virtual boxing arena to the living room and delivers a fun and intuitive experience in either single player or multiplayer mode. The Wii controllers provide would-be pugilists with an intuitive and realistic feel. Using the Nunchuk controller as one glove and the Wii Remote controller as the other, players dodge, weave and throw the big punches to KO their opponents.
Virtual heavyweights can fight from the backstreet gym all the way to the big Las Vegas showdown with vivid new visuals bringing the five spectacular ring environments to life. The arcade experience is made even better thanks to advanced Artificial Intelligence allowing more strategic fights.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, December 4 2008 0:15 AM [Top]
Activision Announces Four Huge New Games [ MTV Multiplayer ]
Activision has become perhaps the most powerful third-party in the world, rivaling even EA in size and scope. At a media briefing alongside game advertiser Massive Inc., the company officially announced it is planning four follow-ups for four of their biggest franchises in 2009. First off is Guitar Hero 5, which was only given an announcement, but nobody is really surprised that there will be a 2009 sequel to the world's biggest music gaming franchise, as much as there's little doubt that we'll see this one on Wii. Next will be a brand-new Tony Hawk game that will make use of a new peripheral, so that we won't be controlling the games with our hands, but rather with our feet like an actual skateboard. While this new peripheral will likely be made available for the Xbox 360 and PS3, we think the Wii Balance Board may have things covered on the Nintendo front.
Perhaps the most surprising announcement is the return of international superspy James Bond next year...only, not in the way one would think. Activision is teaming up with Bizarre Creations, the developer behind the popular Project Gotham Racing series, to develop a James Bond Racing game, described as "Mario Kart" meets "Forza". Our hearts may shudder at the thought of this, considering how good the last 007 racing title was, but we shall see how this one turns out.
Finally, the Call of Duty franchise will return next year as Activision sets a new standard for confusing sequel numbering with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. This, one would assume, is a direct sequel to Call of Duty 4, returning to modern times after a detour back to World War II in 2008. Call of Duty creators Infinity Ward will likely be back at the helm for this one, which calls into question if this game will come to Wii - after all, no Infinity Ward-developed CoD game has ever made its way to a Nintendo home console. Still, with the success of the Wii version of Call of Duty: World at War, we may be finally getting the chance to waggle our Wiimotes at terrorists yet.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, December 3 2008 22:16 PM [Top]
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Announced for NA [ Square Enix ]
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days, the first entry in the franchise for Nintendo DS, has been confirmed for a North American release.
Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the "other" hero from
KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora, and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, December 2 2008 23:13 PM [Top]
Atari to Publish New Wii Game From Mizuguchi [ Atari ]
Tetsuya Mizuguchi should be a name no stranger to gamers, as the eclectic Japanese game designer and head of Q Entertainment has been the brains behind such titles as Space Channel 5, Rez, Lumines, and Meteos. Now, Atari has officially confirmed that they will be publishing his new game for the Wii, codenamed "QJ". While no details exist for the title, one can only surmise it will make use of rhythm in its gameplay, something Mizuguchi is known for. Expect more details on the mystery title when they become available.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, December 2 2008 22:16 PM [Top]
SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN (Taito, 1 player, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older-Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): The Space Invaders are back, and this time they're out to get even. Take control of a UFO and make those Earthlings pay by unleashing your fleet of heroic invaders against their puny tanks, fighter jets and artillery-but watch out for the massive boss awaiting you at the end of each stage. Use your invaders' five attack types and the might of the mother ship to rack up high scores, then upload them via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and see where you stand in the global rankings. (Note: Router and broadband access required for online play. For more info, visit www.nintendo.com.)
Pit Crew Panic! (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Pit Crew Panic! is a frantic, action-packed game that unfolds on the racing circuit. During the game, the pit crew is not only faced with repairing vehicles, but also various WHATSITs. Handling the WHATSIT repairs is a pit crew made up of legendary beauties. The controls are simple: Just grab a member of the crew with the Wii Remote controller's A Button, then release the button when the Pointer is over the damaged PART, and that crew member will begin repairs. Assign repairs to the members of your team and provide support using the Wii Remote to send a fully repaired WHATSIT out of the pit as quickly as you can. The game features Normal mode, which can be played using one of two rules: Abnormal mode (players split into two teams and compete against each other) and Ranking mode (compete with players around the world for the top record). Each mode can be played with a maximum of four Wii Remote controllers, allowing you to team up with friends and family. Your teamwork could lead to outstanding records.
Virtual Console
METAL SLUG 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen-Blood and Gore, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1998 by SNK, METAL SLUG 2 is a side-scrolling military-action game. Players choose from Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio, setting their sights on wiping out Morden's newly remobilized Rebellion Army. Just like the original METAL SLUG, players blaze a trail by shooting and jumping, but METAL SLUG 2 adds a new arsenal for you to command, including a heavy machine gun, a shotgun and even a laser gun, providing players with rich variety. Battle effects are packed in, as well-players turn into mummies after getting caught in poison gas coughed up by mummies. After picking up too many food items, characters turn fat, but they get an attack-strength upgrade. Two-player action is supported, too, so players can have a blast with their friends.
Last Download Monday of 2008 [ 
