(WARNING: The following Smash Bros. update reveals one of the game's hidden stages. If you'd rather not be spoiled, please don't read on.)
Today's Dojo update reveals another hidden stage. This time it's the official stage of Lucario, the Spear Pillar, taken from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. In the game, the Spear Pillar is the home of numerous legendary Pokémon, and the stage will feature appearances by these Pokémon as well. Both Dialga and Palkia will make an appearance, each causing a different effect to make the battle more interesting. Dialga will cause a laser beam to crash in from the sky, and cause the fight to go into slow motion, while Palkia will send a laser through the stage, as well as make parts of the stage break away. In addition, both will be able to flip the stage upside down, making battles even more interesting.
Other than Dialga and Palkia, even more Pokémon will make cameo appearances, such as Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. Even the ultra-rare Pokémon Cresselia will appear from time to time, but what it does will remain a mystery.
Capcom has opened up the official website of the upcoming Resident Evil Zero: Wii Edition (viewable here), and with it, revealed the first full screens from the upcoming remake. Unfortunately, it looks as though the game will remain exclusive to Japan for now (according to forum posts by Capcom staff), but we wouldn't be surprised to see this game make it to North America sooner rather than later. Check out the screens below.
(WARNING: The following Smash Bros. update reveals one of the game's hidden characters. If you'd rather not be spoiled, please don't read on.)
Today's Dojo update reveals another of the game's hidden characters, and this time it's a newcomer to the Smash Bros. franchise. Lucario, the Aura Pokémon, brings his unique fighting style to Brawl with intense attacks and swift speed. Lucario's main attacks revolve around his Aura power - the more damage he takes, the greater his range and the more damage his attacks do. This carries over to his special attacks: Lucario's standard special, the Aura Sphere, charges up a mighty blast of Aura energy similar to Mewtwo's old Shadow Ball. The maximum charge of the attack is dependent upon the strength of Lucario's aura.
Lucario is also equipped with the Force Palm, his side special. When used, it can blast the opponent away from a distance, or hit hard up close. His Double Team attack (down special), works like a Counter, luring in an enemy's attack, and striking hard to counterattack.
Lucario's Final Smash is the devestating Aura Storm, a powerful Aura-powered Beam. He leaps into the air and delivers it in a sweeping pattern, controlled by the Control Stick.
Check out some screens of Lucario in action below.
Disney Interactive Studios announced today, Ultimate Band, an all new music experience for fans of the Wii and Nintendo DS. Gamers and music lovers of all ages will realize their dream of becoming a rock legend when they build their own band or jam alone, all fueled only by the power of the Wii controllers and the DS stylus. Disney is working with some of the very biggest names in rock, alternative, popular, emo and indie rock music, allowing band mates to play sets from a broad selection of current hits and all-time rock favorites. Friends and families can rock out on guitar, bass, drums or as the front man.
Working with leading London-based music consultants, Radial Music, Disney has chosen to combine familiar classics with today's hottest songs in creating Ultimate Band - a product with global appeal across all age groups. Instantly-recognizable songs from classic rock to current hit singles will bring players together for endless hours of entertainment.
Ultimate Band for Wii allows players to live the life of a rock star, by advancing their music careers and popularity from playing in a neighborhood garage to performing in front of an international audience at a world famous venue. Ultimate Band utilizes the innovative Wii Remote and Nunchuk to give fans the ability to play the drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, or take on the role of the front man. Players can also create and customize characters that reflect their own unique personalities and attributes. Along the way, players will unlock new songs, venues, and accessories that can be used to customize their band members.
Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS is a rhythm-based music game with a built-in recording studio. Players can jam to current and classic songs using the drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, or rhythm guitar. Players can also create their own original songs using the DS touchscreen and stylus to lay down tracks for each instrument and apply creative mixing effects. Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS will also include DGamer functionality which will allow players to engage with others in a secure online community via their DS (Wi-Fi or ad hoc) or computer.
Ultimate Band will be rated E10 (anticipated) and available this holiday season for Wii and Nintendo DS.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, February 28 2008 2:02 AM [Top]
New Tales of Symphonia Confirmed for North America [ Namco Bandai ]
Namco Bandai today announced Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for Wii. Set two years after the events of the award-winning Tales of Symphonia for the Nintendo GameCube, Dawn of the New World follows the journey of two new young heroes, Emil Castagnier and Marta Lualdi, as they seek to uncover the mystery of why their world has fallen into ruin. In their quest, their paths will cross with the original cast of Tales of Symphonia including Lloyd and Colette, as well as a summon spirit known as Ratatosk who claims to be the lord of all monsters.
Advancing the combination of story, characters and real-time battles that made Tales of Symphonia one of the best-selling and highest-rated role-playing games for the Nintendo GameCube, Dawn of the New World introduces a new monster recruitment feature in which players can capture more than 200 unique enemies and train them to actively participate in battle. Players can then feed these monsters to make them more effective, and even evolve them into several new fearsome forms. The game also features an updated real-time battle system that lets players move freely in all directions around the battlefield, execute powerful unison attacks and take advantage of a new elemental alignment system for even more strategic depth. Dawn of the New World gives players complete control over a full roster of Tales of Symphonia characters and ally monsters, letting them customize their adventure party into hundreds of unique combinations.
Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for Wii will be available in stores later this year.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, February 28 2008 1:57 AM [Top]
Today's Dojo update goes into more detail on Super Smash Bros. Brawl's Subspace Emissary mode, explaining the game's clear percentage. As you play through the game, the percentage level on the main map will increase based upon your progression. In order to get 100%, players will have to open all doors throughout the mode, clear all stages, and get all of the orange cube boxes (which contain valuable items), and get all character trophies. When you complete a stage, if you obtain a flag, it means there are still more things to obtain. If you get a crown, the stage has been fully completed.
The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that Capcom is set to bring Resident Evil Zero, originally released on the GameCube in 2003, to the Wii with new motion controls. The game will be a straight port of the original, still allowing players to battle zombies as Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen, and will control entirely with the Wii Remote. No word was given on exactly HOW the game will work - all we know is that it is coming. The game is set to release in Japan this summer, and will likely see our shores by the end of the year. Check out a scan from Famitsu below.
Thrilling casual and hardcore gamers alike with the announcement, D3Publisher today confirmed their partnership for the development of brand new videogame Puzzle Quest: Galactrix, a rich new addition to the beloved Puzzle Quest universe. The game incorporates a powerful blend of casual and hardcore gameplay elements, similar to those adored by fans of the critically acclaimed Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, into an all-new futuristic, science-fiction setting. Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is scheduled for release in Fall 2008.
In Puzzle Quest: Galactrix a horrifying scientific accident has provoked another race to attempt extermination of humankind; players will create a persistent pilot who gains skills, crafts items, maneuvers among the universe’s political factions, and upgrades the ultimate space fleet as they attempt to end the genocide. An innovative hexagonal puzzle board allows for a wide range of strategic depth as it heeds to gravity according to a player’s location in the game universe. A rich and detailed storyline and fresh gameplay elements make the world of Puzzle Quest: Galactrix a captivating new adventure to explore and conquer.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, February 27 2008 0:54 AM [Top]
Today's Dojo update is yet another double shot of two Smash Bros. veterans getting their special attacks revealed to the world. Today we've got the most famous of all Pokémon, Pikachu, and famed bounty hunter Samus Aran.
Pikachu: The yellow rat retains all of his Melee moves, and does high damage with his electrifying attacks. His up special, the Quick Attack, can jump Pikachu to several different points to tackle enemies. It's best used as a recovery move. His down special, the mighty Thunder attack, causes major damage to all above and around him, launching them into the air. Be warned, however, as the attack can be absorbed.
Samus: Metroid's main character also retains her Melee attacks, with some new twists. She can obtain consecutive hits from many of her Smash attacks, and her down aerial attack is a Meteor Smash. Plus, she's equipped with her Grapple Beam as a throw. Her side special, the Missile, shoots a homing missile at the closest foe. It can also be charged up into the more powerful Super Missile, which does more damage and flies straight ahead. Her standard special, the Charge Shot, has varying power levels based upon how much the attack is charged. You can hit the shield button to save your charge for later, when you really want to put the hurt on opponents. However, the attack can be reflected, so watch out!
Check out some new screens of both characters in action below.
A jewel of a game will cross the Pacific and delight gamers as Bangai-O Spirits was confirmed today for the North American market by D3Publisher. Bangai-O Spirits is a compelling blend of twitch-fest shooter and puzzler genres, seasoned with strategic and tactical elements. Developed in the eccentric, much-loved style of TREASURE Co., Ltd., it is a re-imagination of their ‘90s cult classic game Bangai-O, perfected for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Bangai-O Spirits will incorporate a powerful level editor tool, as well as revolutionary new technology known as Sound Load that allows gamers to transfer data among DS systems via sound files—a first for DS handheld systems. The game is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2008.
Bangai-O Spirits provides gamers with addictive shooter gameplay, punishing supermoves and a sensory overload of fireworks onscreen, with strategic and tactical elements and TREASURE’s quirky design style. The game also offers co-op, competitive multiplayer for 1-4 players via local wireless, a powerful level editor tool which allows players to edit in-game levels or create new ones from scratch, and the revolutionary new ability to transfer data among DS systems through sound data transfer technology known as Sound Load.
Never before utilized for DS systems, the Sound Load technology in Bangai-O Spirits allows players to transfer level data among DS handheld systems via the use of sound and the DS microphone. This technology works by taking the level data and turning it into a sound file which is output through the host DS speaker. This data is then interpreted through the microphone of the recipient DS, and the level transfer is complete!
It is also possible to upload and circulate sound files of level data from Bangai-O Spirits online via the Internet, or to save files to a recording device like a PC or jump drive for transport and distribution, allowing gamers to catalog, share and compare levels online easily with gamers all over the world! Widening the range of play and interaction even further, gamers can also deliver high score and gameplay footage as transferable sound files by using Sound Load. More details about this unique feature will be forthcoming soon.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, February 26 2008 23:28 PM [Top]
Mario Kart Wii Fact Sheet - Text Chat Confirmed [ Nintendo ]
The next generation of Mario Kart is blazing a new path on Wii! New tracks, new racers (including Miis), new rides and 12-player racing via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection makes for the ultimate Mario racing experience!
With all the new additions, don’t expect Mario Kart Wii to skimp on the details. All your favourite Mario Kart franchise features return, such as classic tracks, cup modes, battles, boosts and ghost data. Mario Kart Wii isn’t an update – it’s a breakthrough!
Similar to Mario Kart DS, players will be able to take full advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. You’ll be able to race against up to 11 other players from around the world in massive online races or race against your friends. You can create rooms for friends to join and even text chat while you’re waiting for other racers. The online function of Mario Kart Wii also lets you join a friend’s race in action and be a spectator until the next course launches.
When you’re not going full-throttle toward the finish line, you can see how you stack up against others in the Mario Kart Channel . Here, your best times on tracks are compared to other racers from around the world. You can also see which characters and control methods were used to record this time. See someone with a better time than yours? The Mario Kart Channel also lets you download their ghost data to your Wii and race against the best!
The other massive expansion to come to the Mario Kart franchise is the addition of a new type of vehicle: bikes! Although bikes have fewer wheels than karts, they have a different set of advantages. On a bike, you can pop a wheelie, which can make you go faster but also makes you vulnerable to other racers and environmental effects. Plus, bikes and karts can launch into the air from certain boost ramps, and once in the air, you can perform special tricks to gain a boost when you hit the ground.
All these new bikes and cool karts won’t just tear up new courses. Retro tracks are back! Along with new courses like Mushroom Canyon and Wario Mines, you’ll be racing on old favourites such as Sherbert Land, Waluigi Stadium, Peach Beach and 13 others. How will riding a bike on these new retro tracks stack up to the karts? You’ll just have to play it to find out.
You’ve been racing as the Mushroom Kingdom’s finest for a long time, but now there’s a new racer in town: Your Mii! Put your Mii behind the wheel and take on all comers! For those who want to get in the game even more, Mario Kart Wii comes packed with the Wii Wheel. Shaped like a steering wheel, you place the Wii Remote inside the Wii Wheel’s casing and get ready to ride! In addition to the Wii Remote, you can also use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in combo, or use a GameCube Controller to take those tight turns and challenges Mario Kart Wii throws at you.
A new experience in racing is here! The world is waiting for you. Whether you get behind the wheel to go online, race solo or take on up to three friends at your home, you’ll find Mario Kart Wii to be a one-of-a-kind experience!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, February 26 2008 23:23 PM [Top]
2K Sports today officially announced Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, an exciting new baseball title that will put fans into the action like never before. Available exclusively for Nintendo DS, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will offer fans of all ages a wildly fun experience featuring starting lineups from all 30 Major League Baseball clubs, a variety of exhibition and tournament modes, All-Star training mini-games, along with fantasy-themed baseball stadiums.
Utilizing the functionality of the Nintendo DS touch screen, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will provide fans the unique opportunity to control the power and technique of their swings and the speed and accuracy of their pitch by performing specific gestures and intuitive usage of the stylus. Fielding, baserunning and other controls will also utilize the DS touch screen, as players drag and trace lines to execute these specific baseball actions.
Adding to the addictive gameplay experience, players will also have the ability to obtain special “power ups” to complete incredible batting, pitching, and fielding performances. Players can force their opponents to chase after the “chicken ball” that runs away from fielders once it’s on the ground, or confuse them with a “crazy ball” that takes an unpredictable flight path. Pitchers can throw amazing new pitches such as a “super splitter” that splits the ball into two pieces to confuse the batter or a “fireball” that screams over the plate at rocket speeds while engulfed in flames. Fielders can join in the power up fun with the “brick wall” that causes a wall to instantly rise out of the ground to stop the ball in its tracks or the “super jump” that allows them to jump incredibly high toward the ball in flight.
Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, developed by Deep Fried Entertainment and published by 2K Sports, will be available exclusively for Nintendo DS this April and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, February 26 2008 23:16 PM [Top]
Ever wondered what it would be like to become a Pokémon? With the April 20 launch of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness for Nintendo DS, hand-held gamers will soon find out.
In this pair of action-packed adventures, players journey as actual Pokémon through a fantastic land untouched by humans. Before the game starts, players take a test to help them figure out which of 16 Pokémon best represents their personalities. Players then experience their adventure through the eyes of a Pokémon as they explore the land and embark on an epic journey through time and darkness. They talk and team up with other Pokémon to set out on an epic voyage while navigating an endless array of randomly generated dungeons.
More than 490 Pokémon populate these new games, guaranteeing strategic, intense battles and infinite possibilities, no matter which Pokémon players become. To widen their circle of Pokémon friends, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection lets users engage in wireless rescue operations and send alerts to their friends via e-mail or mobile text message.
Today's Dojo update reveals two popular returning bosses entering Brawl from Super Smash Bros. Melee - the creators of the Smash Bros. world, Master Hand and Crazy Hand. You'll battle Master Hand at the end of Classic mode, or both of them if you play on Hard mode or finish in less than 9 minutes. Master Hand will also appear in the Subspace Emissary mode.
Master Hand retains many of his moves from previous games. He can shoot lasers from his fingertips, grab and crush you, and rocket into the background in order to slam you from the side.
Crazy Hand is basically Master Hand, but...well...crazier. He can drop bombs out of his palm, writhe on the floor, and do various combo attacks with his brother.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards: (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Kirby's first 3-D adventure is also his Nintendo 64 debut, and it finds the always-versatile hero battling a new enemy called Dark Matter. Dark Matter is after a distant land's powerful crystal, but a young fairy named Ribbon attempts to save it by escaping with the gem to Dream Land. Now the crystal has been broken, and it's scattered around the world. Take control of Kirby and help him journey across six worlds, battling a wide variety of enemies and challenging bosses, as he tries to collect all 100 pieces of the shattered crystal. Along the way, you'll use Kirby's trademark copying ability to use enemies' strengths against them. Not only that, but try combining any two abilities to create a brand-new one that is usually stronger than the original. Throw in three exciting multiplayer minigames, and you've got a package of which even King Dedede would be proud. Fans of Kirby and action games with bright, colorful graphics should vacuum this one up.
Psychosis: (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): This is a side-scrolling shooter played in a world created from the mind of a twisted demon. Your soul has suddenly wandered into that evil world that exists in every person's heart. The only way out is to blast your way past the grotesque creatures that block your path in five "causes" (stages). You must face the dangers of this psychedelic world by making full use of three shot types and the satellite option. With power-ups, you can change your shots to a wide-coverage beam, a satellite-generated laser and more. Each shot type can be powered up to three levels. You can also block enemy fire by rotating the satellites to a desired position. How you use these features will be the key to successfully escaping this strange and surreal world.
(WARNING: The following Smash Bros. update reveals one of the game's hidden characters. If you'd rather not be spoiled, please don't read on.)
Today's Dojo update is a big one, as it reveals that one of Super Smash Bros.'s most popular fighters will be returning to Brawl as a hidden character. Yes, F-Zero's Captain Falcon has finally come to show us his moves. Falcon brings to the table increased speed, great strength, and of course, his giant golden nipples.
Falcon's standard special is, you guessed it, the legendary FALCON PUNCH!!! It still works best in the fray with many enemies, and has a new twist for its Brawl appearance. If you hold the other direction to where Falcon is standing, you can unleash a Reverse Falcon Punch, attacking in the other direction, packing more power than the original move. The also famous Falcon Kick is included as well, kicking straight ahead on the ground and downward at an angle in the air.
For Falcon's Final Smash, he calls on his Blue Falcon F-Zero machine, and runs into all opponents caught in the attack. The move actually sends the players onto an F-Zero racetrack, making Falcon the only player with a cinematic Final Smash move.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, February 22 2008 15:58 PM [Top]
GDC 08: Downloadable Content, "Pay to Play" to Wii [ Game|Life ]
Nintendo project leader Takashi Aoyama, creator of the Wii's menu interface, made two huge announcements today during his speech in regards to the future of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Wii. First, the announcement was made that Nintendo will finally begin offering downloadable content for both Wii disc and WiiWare-based games, using Wii Points to download them. While WiiWare content will be downloaded through the Wii Shop Channel, disc-based games will actually have their content purchased in-game. No word was given on possible prices for said content or when it will start to be released to the public.
What's more, an even more shocking announcement was made in that Nintendo will soon be charging for online play for specific games. Called Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Pay to Play, these games will be denoted by a different Nintendo Wi-Fi logo on the game's box, as opposed to the current blue logo. Gamers will be able to subscribe on a game-by-game basis, with each game requiring a separate subscription and payment, presumably through Wii Points. It also can be assumed that these games will offer online services surpassing those currently offered by Nintendo's current online library. Once again, no word was given on what the first Pay to Play online games would be, or how much the online fees would cost. It was also not announced if the games would be only on Wii, or could possibly pop up on the Nintendo DS as well.
Stay tuned for more as it breaks.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, February 22 2008 14:25 PM [Top]
It's double update time at the Smash Bros. Dojo, revealing two more features about Super Smash Bros. Brawl as we get ever closer to the game's March 9th release date.
Bowser's Special Moves: Bowser has a brand-new side special, the powerful Flying Slam. When used, he grabs an opponent, jumps into the air, and executes a mighty bodyslam that sends the opponent flying. You can also grab opponents in midair, slamming them off the stage. The opponent can fight back during the move as well, giving them control over where both of them land. Bowser's down special, the Bowser Bomb, is a powerful ground pound attack, hitting opponents on the ground, or in midair for a combination attack. However, missing leaves Bowser in danger of being attacked.
Meteor Smashes: In the last segment of the Smash 101 feature, Sakurai discusses Meteor Smashes, or "spikes" as they are more often called. These are special, advanced attacks that send opponents careening downward, making recovery impossible if they are smashed off of the stage. Each character has different Meteor Smash moves, and some don't have them at all.
Already a firm favourite with Wii owners, Virtual Console is once again expanding its catalogue, this time with the addition of a whole new games format. Later this year, Wii owners will be able to enjoy classic titles from the best selling personal computer of all time, the Commodore 64. These titles join classic gems from the likes of Nintendo, SEGA, Turbografx and NEOGEO already available via the Wii Shop Channel.
The release of the Commodore 64 in 1982 was an historic moment for the computer and video games industry. According to the Guinness Book of World Records it remains the best selling single computer model of all time, with an estimated 22 million units sold. Its immense popularity saw an unrivalled collection of over 4,000 rich games titles released through its production lifetime (1982-1994), helping to establish the C64 as a ‘gamers favourite’. Now, some of the greatest Commodore 64 titles will be made available for Wii owners to download and play via the Virtual Console service.
Among the first titles from Commodore 64 which will be made available on Virtual Console are International Karate and Uridium. These great titles will be bolstered by regular updates to the line-up from the Commodore 64 back catalogue.
Virtual Console games from Commodore 64 will be available from the Wii Shop Channel soon and can be downloaded for 500 Wii Points each. Currently these titles will only be available on the European Wii Shop Channel.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, February 21 2008 17:18 PM [Top]
THQ today announced Big Beach Sports, anticipated to bring outdoor sports action to beach goers worldwide in summer 2008. Currently in development exclusively for the Wii, Big Beach Sports will let gamers compete in a number of exciting outdoor sports including American football, volleyball, soccer, cricket, disc golf and bocce right on the beach.
Developed by HB Studios Multimedia, Big Beach Sports drops players into a seaside resort setting where up to four players can compete in sports including volleyball, soccer, American football, bocce, disc golf and cricket. The single player tournament structure encourages players to master each sport through the use of creative control combinations and real-life sport motions.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, February 21 2008 17:14 PM [Top]
2K Sports is pleased to announce the all-star player lineup for Top Spin 3, the industry's most realistic and action-packed tennis video game experience. The star-studded lineup features today's sensations, including Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, as well as Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles, three of the sport's legendary players. Top Spin 3 marks the first time these iconic pros have appeared in a next-generation video game.
Created by PAM Development, a 2K studio, Top Spin 3 is slated for a spring 2008 release for the Wii and Nintendo DS.
The Top Spin 3 player lineup includes the following:
* Mario Ancic
* Tomas Berdych
* James Blake
* Roger Federer
* Tommy Haas
* Justine Henin
* Svetlana Kuznetsova
* Amelie Mauresmo
* Gael Monfils
* Andy Murray
* David Nalbandian
* Mark Philippoussis
* Andy Roddick
* Maria Sharapova
* Nicole Vaidisova
* Caroline Wozniacki
Top Spin 3 offers the most authentic gameplay and features, including signature player animations and expressions, weather changes and situation-specific behaviors, along with revamped audio with enhanced crowd reaction.
Fans will also have the opportunity to play on more than 40 prestigious and visually stunning venues from around the world such as Roland Garros in Paris (French Open) and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (Australian Open). Adding to the immersive gameplay experience, fans can utilize a new and innovative Player Creator to customize their own unique tennis stars with free-form body sculpting, makeup and tattoos. Competitive players will also be able to create matches online and test their skills against friends or other ranked players around the world.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, February 20 2008 23:19 PM [Top]
(WARNING: The following Smash Bros. update reveals one of the game's hidden characters. If you'd rather not be spoiled, please don't read on.)
Today's Dojo update reveals yet another of Super Smash Bros. Brawl's hidden characters - Star Fox's high-flying Falco Lombardi. While Falco's special moves remain the same as those of fellow Star Fox competitor Fox McCloud, his standard attacks are completely different, including a spinning strike and a mighty Smash Attack using his wings. Falco's side special is the Falco Phantasm, which allows him to quickly dash into foes, or use for recovery. Falco's down special, the Reflector, can be kicked away from him as an offensive move, as well as be used to deflect attacks. Like Fox, Falco also uses the Landmaster as a Final Smash - unlike his fellow Star Fox pilot, Falco's Landmaster is slower and has less firepower. However, it can hover into the air, taking any opponents onboard with it, taking them off the stage for an instant KO.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, February 20 2008 23:00 PM [Top]
GDC 08: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Fact Sheet, Screens [ Nintendo ]
KEY INFORMATION
Welcome to a brawl for the ages, where anything can happen, anyone can show up and all bets are off.
• This action-packed fighting game features a ridiculous number of characters that have appeared on Nintendo platforms, from Mario to Link to Pikachu ... to Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog! As they square off in famous locales drawn from the rich history of Nintendo, literally anything can happen – and usually does. With limitless customizing options, items and weapons that boggle the mind and a wealth of modes, this game has truly infinite replayability.
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl features a sprawling adventure mode called “The Subspace Emissary” that’s a full game in and of itself. Players jump and brawl their way through enemy-packed side-scrolling levels, meeting up with other characters, watching incredible cinematics and taking on massive bosses. It can even be played by two players cooperatively.
• For the first time, this celebrated series is going Wi-Fi, allowing up to four players to brawl, no matter where they may be. Not only can you brawl with friends or strangers, but you can also send custom-made stages or screenshots to pals.
Game storyline: In multiplayer games, characters from all Nintendo universes meet up in Nintendo locales to duke it out. In the solo mode called “The Subspace Emissary,” the world of Smash Bros. is invaded by an entity called the Ancient Minister and his army of creatures, called “The Primid.” Normally, characters come alive in the world of Smash Bros. to do battle, then turn back into trophies when defeated. However, the Ancient Minister starts turning characters into trophies to harness their power, then detonates bombs that suck pieces of the world back into his realm of Subspace. Eventually, all the characters must work together to defeat the invading creatures from Subspace – this is accomplished by playing through side-scrolling levels.
How to progress through the game: For multiplayer games, players pick characters, set rules and locations for where they want to play and then duke it out. In Solo Mode, characters play through a long, side-scrolling adventure, beating up enemies along the way as they watch short cinematics starring their favorite characters.
Characters: Mario, Samus, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Solid Snake, Meta Knight, Kirby, Pikachu, Zero Suit Samus, Link, Zelda, Pit and Wario, to name just a few. Anyone and anything from a Nintendo universe could appear in this game in one form or another.
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Anything from a Nintendo game could conceivably be in this game, whether it’s a musical score, an obscure item or a character that shows up to help the fighters. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is eminently customizable, so players can choose the frequency of items appearing, adjust musical scores and basically play the game however they’d like. Items range from baseball bats to proximity mines to Poké Balls to Assist Trophies, which spawn characters like Hammer Bros. and Sim City’s Dr. Wright to attack others.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, of course, launches on March 1 in the US (finally). If you haven't been overloaded with screens of the game in the last 8 months, here's a few more. On another note, usually I'd shrink the artwork down to a more manageable size, but I wanted you guys to be able to see the incredible details clearly (and potentially make your own wallpapers), so I left the high res images as they were.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Wednesday, February 20 2008 22:58 PM [Top]
GDC 08: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles WiiWare Screens [ Nintendo ]
Earlier today it was announced that Square-Enix will be releasing Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King as a downloadable title for Nintendo's WiiWare service later this year. The game deviates from previous Final Fantasy games in that it is not a standard role-playing game, but rather a simulation-style game where players will build kingdoms, keep their townspeople happy, and command armies against invading forces. Check out some screens and art from the game below.
Step onto the Wii Balance Board and into a fun way to get fit.
• Control on-screen action with your movements on the balance board as you work your way through a variety of challenges aimed at getting you off the couch and into the action. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI), see your Wii Fit Age and keep tabs on your daily progress towards a more fit you. • Get fit with more than 40 activities and exercises, including strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance games. Whether you’re doing a yoga pose or snowboarding down a slalom course, there’s an activity for everyone. • Challenge your family and friends to get in shape! Create your own personal profile and set goals, test your balance, track your progress with daily workouts and unlock new exercises and activities. Create a Profile: Before you jump into doing exercises and activities, you’ll start by creating your own profile. Choose a Mii, enter your height and age information, and do a few quick tests: • BMI Check: BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that is the standard used by agencies such as the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health. To check your BMI, you’ll enter your height then stand on the Wii Balance Board and let it read your weight. • Wii Fit Age: After you’ve checked your BMI, you’ll do a basic balance test and find out your current Wii Fit Age. This basic balance test measures how well you can control your left and right balance. Based on the results, you’ll be assigned a Wii Fit Age.
Categories: Wii Fit features four main categories to choose from: Strength Training, Aerobics, Yoga and Balance Games. As you spend time exercising, you’ll earn Fit Credits that unlock additional exercises and activities within these categories. Wii Fit also tracks the activities you do the most and puts them into the Favorites category. • Strength Training: Put your strength to the test with muscle-toning exercises like Single Leg Extension, Sideways Leg Lift, Arm and Leg Lift, Single-Arm Stand, Torso Twists, Rowing Squat, Single Leg Twist, Lunge, Push-Up and Side Plank, Jackknife, Plank and Tricep Extension. Challenges include Push-Up Challenge, Plank Challenge and Jackknife Challenge. • Aerobics: Get your heart pumping with fun, interactive Aerobic exercises like Hula Hoop, Basic Step, Basic Run, Super Hula Hoop, Advanced Step, 2-P Run, Rhythm Boxing, Free Step and Free Run. • Yoga: Work on your balance and flexibility with Yoga poses and activities like Deep Breathing, Half-Moon, Dance, Cobra, Bridge, Spinal Twist, Shoulder Stand, Warrior, Tree, Sun Salutation, Standing Knee, Palm Tree, Chair, Triangle and Downward-Facing Dog. • Balance Games: Get into the action with fun, balanced-based games like Soccer Heading, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump, Table Tilt, Tightrope Walk, Balance Bubble, Penguin Slide, Snowboard Slalom and Lotus Focus. Tracking Results: • Keep tabs on your daily progress with easy-to-understand graphs and charts. Using your personal profile, you can set goals, view a graph of your BMI results over time, see how many Fit Credits you’ve earned, check your Wii Fit Age and even enter exercise time you’ve done outside of Wii Fit. It’s all about coming back and exercising a little every day, and the personal profile makes tracking your daily progress simple and easy. • You can quickly check your Wii Fit Age and BMI without even putting the game in the console by going directly to the Wii Fit Channel. • Up to eight family members can create their own profiles in Wii Fit. On the profile-selection screen, everyone in the family can see each other’s recent BMI progress and Fit Credit total. This will allow families to have a friendly competition to exercise and get fit.
Already a million-seller in Japan, Wii Fit launches May 19 in the States.
David Braben’s Frontier Developments, one of the games industry’s leading independent developers, today announced its first title for WiiWare - LostWinds; a high quality, enchanting adventure bursting with new gameplay ideas that embrace the innovative controller of the Wii.
Built with Frontier’s in-house 3D game-engine technology LostWinds puts “the power of the wind in the palm of your hand” as you wield the awesome powers of Enril the wind spirit - from raging tornados to the gentlest breeze – to guide and protect Toku, a young boy who is the only one who can help you release the curse placed upon the world of Mistralis by evil Balasar. Mistralis is a stunningly presented, magical land full of wonder and intrigue that bursts to life with your every action and exploration. The game’s novel, playful control mechanism lets you use Enril’s elemental powers to help Toku in your quest to overcome Balasar – powering his jumps and glides through Mistralis’ different regions, buffeting and smashing enemies, and solving puzzles.
LostWinds will be available exclusively via WiiWare.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, February 20 2008 22:15 PM [Top]
GDC 08: Nintendo Dates WiiWare, Wii Fit [ Nintendo ]
The Game Developers Conference in San Francisco attracts the top creative minds in the video game industry. With that audience on hand, Nintendo announces news that reinforces its commitment to provide entertaining and enriching experiences for veteran and new gamers alike. WiiWare, Nintendo's new downloadable game service, launches May 12 and expands development opportunities for developers the same way Wii expanded the world of video game players. Wii Fit, the upcoming title for Wii, launches May 19 and introduces the Wii Balance Board peripheral. And Super Smash Bros. Brawl draws in fans of all kinds.
At the conference, Nintendo speakers will outline a number of plans for the coming months on their respective panels:
WiiWare: Nintendo's upcoming WiiWare changes the way both developers create and consumers access video games. Through WiiWare, Nintendo hopes to offer developers a virtual laboratory that serves as a breeding ground for new games, which encourages great ideas that creators always wanted to develop. The combination of low development barriers and unique game experiences found only on Wii should enable developers to try new ideas with lower risk in a quicker, more creative and affordable way.
Meanwhile Wii owners can download a multitude of cool new games from different genres, including some that are unprecedented, which can be purchased from home at a dynamic price range. WiiWare also empowers consumers to determine with their Wii Points which games have the right stuff to become the next big thing.
WiiWare will be a repository for all types of experiences – literally, something for everyone. Early WiiWare games will come from celebrated developers like Square Enix, which is creating FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King, a simulation game for all ages. Also watch for games from up-and-coming developers like Frontier with its fresh, enchanting platform adventure LostWinds and a new episodic game series from Telltale. The first U.S. WiiWare games will be available on May 12.
Wii Fit: Wii Fit demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to gamers of all kinds. It combines fun and fitness for every member of the family to keep active and play together. Wii Fit launches May 19 in the United States and comes with the weight-and-motion-sensing Wii Balance Board that Nintendo representatives demonstrated could hold great promise for future game development as well. Third-party publishers are already working on new games and applications that will make use of the Wii Balance Board. Additionally, Wii Fit includes access to the Wii Fit Channel, an interactive channel that lets users check in each day to track their fitness progress through weight and BMI. In Japan, Wii Fit has sold more than 1.4 million units since its Dec. 1 launch.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl: This action game launches March 9. With dozens of characters, settings, options and ways to play, it has something for everyone. The game includes characters from all across the Nintendo universe. The previous installment in the franchise went on to become the best-selling game of all time for Nintendo GameCube.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, February 20 2008 17:04 PM [Top]
Today's Dojo update features the special moves of both Princess Zelda and the Ice Climbers.
Ice Climbers: As was the case in Melee, the Ice Climbers are far more effective as a duo than when separate. As a standard special, the Ice Shot launches chunks of ice, and is doubly dangerous when Nana and Popo are together. The Side Special, the Squall Hammer, sends the duo careening into their foes. You can also rapidly press the button to send Nana and Popo skyward. The up special, the Belay, is useless with Popo alone, but is a powerful recovery move when in tandem with Nana. Last but not least, the Blizzard move will freeze enemies where they stand.
Zelda: Zelda retains all of her moves from Melee. Nayru's Love, her standard attack, reflects projectiles. Her side special, Din's Fire, can pack a mighty punch if charged properly. Her up special, Farore's Wind, teleports Zelda to safely if she is knocked offstage, and can be aimed up, left, or down.
(WARNING: The following Smash Bros. update reveals one of the game's hidden stages. If you'd rather not be spoiled, please don't read on.)
The latest Dojo update reveals another hidden stage: Luigi's Mansion, the official stage of Luigi. The entire stage is supported by four pillars, which can be destroyed by being attacked, in turn destroying part of the stage. When all four are destroyed, the mansion comes crashing to the ground, putting everyone on an equal playing field. However, that's to the mansion's haunted properties, it'll soon rebuild itself for your smashing pleasure.
To unlock the stage, simply play as Luigi three times.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, February 18 2008 13:10 PM [Top]
Ninja Gaiden and Phantasy Star Hit VC [ Nintendo ]
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom: (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): Join master ninja Ryu Hayabusa, last member of the famous Dragon Clan, in the third and final chapter of the legendary Ninja Gaiden saga. Ryu is framed for FBI agent Irene Lew's murder, and it's up to him to clear his name. Defeating superior life-forms created out of "life energy" called BIO-NOIDs and avoiding enemy ambushes are among the many obstacles which Ryu faces in this unpredictable adventure of mystery, deceit and destruction. Noticeable changes to the game-play mechanics include Ryu's ability to grab on to horizontal surfaces, his reduced falling speed and altered jumping maneuvers, and visible power-ups. Help Ryu defeat the forces of evil once more and discover the real culprit behind Irene's death as one of the most loved trilogies in video-game history comes to a close.
Phantasy Star II: (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): Hailed as one of the greatest games of all time by fans and media alike, Phantasy Star II is an RPG that features an epic story line and turn-based battles. Play as Rolf, Nei, Rudo or several other characters as you navigate through the Algol star system battling the evil Dark Force. Build your characters, select the right weapons and armor, and take on the forces of evil through various missions as you find the right combination of characters to complete each objective. Experience the magic once again in this great sequel.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, February 18 2008 12:58 PM [Top]
Today Wii Cafe's own Mike Twomey turns the ripe old age of 23!
Mike has been with us since way back in the day and was one of the founding members of the original GameCube Cafe, and here he remains today.
It has been a busy few months for Mike, as he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh this past December, and gets to celebrate his birthday in the company of friends. We all congratulate Mike, albeit a little belatedly, for his graduation and for living to see one more mile marker on life's highway.
I have known Mike for a decade now and can say he has been a true friend. Anyone looking to wish Mike a happy one can drop a line in the forums or even mention it in the chat.
Eidos has confirmed that Death Jr.: Root of Evil, a spine-tingling, humorous platform shooter from developer Backbone Entertainment, will be released on Nintendo Wii in summer 2008.
Take on the role of the Grim Reaper’s teenage son, Death Jr., as he and his friend Pandora, whilst arguing over a cocoon they’ve collected for a school biology project, accidently release an evil and powerful spirit called Furi. In order to stop Furi and her hordes of nasty minions, Death Jr. and Pandora must team up with their wacky group of friends and fight their way across a series of crazy, fun-filled locations.
Play as Death Jr. or Pandora or choose to play cooperatively with a friend using both characters. Battle your way through 19 levels, fighting over 60 unique enemies and bosses in a seamless blend of 3D platforming and intense shoot 'em up action. Use Death Jr’s famed scythe and Pandora’s whip, as well lots of cool upgradeable weapons including everything from twin pistols to C4 Hamsters! Unlock new exciting moves and combos and learn to perform them to great effect using the Wii Remote.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, February 16 2008 0:50 AM [Top]
THQ today announced Deadly Creatures, an original action thriller title coming exclusively to the Nintendo Wii console in 2008. Developed internally by THQ's critically acclaimed Rainbow Studios, Deadly Creatures throws players into a venomous world of desert terror, where the greatest victory is survival. Players will follow the entwined adventures of an armored scorpion and a stealthy tarantula as they struggle against a variety of creatures including vicious Gila monsters, tarantula wasps, black widows, and the most dangerous predator of all - Man. Deadly Creatures takes full advantage of the Wii's unique motion-based control scheme and allows players to fully experience every pounce and tail sting.
Deadly Creatures is a 3rd person action thriller set amidst a desert world of venomous terror, built exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. Players will control an armored Scorpion and a deadly Tarantula as they fight for survival against Gila monsters, lizards, black widows and many more terrifying creatures. Featuring intuitive motion controls and a deep combo-based combat system, Deadly Creatures is a thrilling mix of brutal creature-crushing action and suspenseful exploration of vast 360 degree desert and man-made environments. Gamers will explore this darkly compelling story through the eyes of two of the world's most deadly creatures.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, February 16 2008 0:46 AM [Top]
Nintendo has released a new trailer, direct from YouTube, for the upcoming US release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl I don't think we need to say anything more about this game, so just sit back and enjoy. The game will be released for the Wii on March 9th.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, February 15 2008 18:15 PM [Top]
Fire up the fret board, crank the amp to 11 and get ready to rock this way with Activision's Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, the first game built around the legendary music of America’s Greatest Rock ‘N Roll Band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer. Slated for release this June, this latest installment from the franchise with the #1 best-selling video game in 2007, puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer. Gamers will experience Aerosmith’s GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers.
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith brings these quintessential rock legends to the interactive realm to create the ultimate gaming experience. As fans progress through their careers in the game, they can rock out to scores of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, as well as songs from celebrated artists that the band has either performed with or has been inspired by in some way. Venues from historical moments during the band’s illustrious career offer the experience of “sweet emotion” and further capture the essence of the band’s rise to fame.
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is being developed by Vicarious Visions for the Wii. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, February 15 2008 18:06 PM [Top]
Smash Bros. Update - Third Hidden Character [ Smash Bros. Dojo ]
(WARNING: The following Smash Bros. update reveals one of the game's hidden characters. If you'd rather not be spoiled, please don't read on.)
Today's Smash Bros. Update reveals yet another hidden character, Mario's less famous but equally beloved brother Luigi. While he's lacking in confidence, he makes it up by being absolutely frigging hilarious.
Luigi retains his moveset from Super Smash Bros. Melee, including his Super Jump Punch, where if executed just right, can send enemies rocketing away in flames. He also uses his unique Green Missile maneuver, when he can use to rocket into enemies or back onto the stage. It also can explode 1/8th of the time, doing more damage.
Luigi's Final Smash could be the weirdest yet, and that's saying something. The Negative Zone sends out a circular field of energy around Luigi, where all opponents caught inside will suffer from a random negative effect.
For some art and screens of the man in green, check below.
Nintendo has finally revealed the official title for the upcoming Wii racing title Mario Kart Wii. The game's official name is...
...wait for it...
...Mario Kart Wii.
Yeah, it's not the most original name in the world, but considering the game will feature the insane Mario Kart racing action we've come to know and love, as well as be the first console Mario Kart title to have online gameplay, we're willing to let that slide. Also, the game will be packed in with the brand-new Wii Wheel attachment, transforming the Wii Remote into a steering wheel to give players precise control over Mario and pals. Check out the game's official logo and boxart below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, February 14 2008 23:21 PM [Top]
Nintendo Plans Nationwide Brawl Tournaments [ Nintendo ]
Attention all Smash fans: Put up your dukes! Just before the launch of the much-anticipated Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario and friends are hosting four regional Wii tournaments. The competitions will visit Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and finally New York for a Midnight Madness Launch event at the Best Buy store at 622 Broadway in New York. All of the 256 participants at each location will receive a $10 Best Buy gift card. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a custom-designed, crystal-covered Wii, a home theater system from Best Buy and other prizes.
Each regional tournament will provide the first 256 people in attendance the chance to "brawl" one-on-one with other contestants in a single-elimination tournament to determine a winner in each market. Regional winners will face off in a final multiplayer "brawl" at the New York City tournament.
The grand prize winner will receive a crystal-coated Wii with a design from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a home theater system from Best Buy and a copy of the game. The second-place finisher will receive one Wii system and Wii Remote, one copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl and a $1,000 Best Buy gift card. The third-place finisher will receive a Wii and Wii Remote, a copy of the game and a $500 Best Buy gift card. The fourth-place finisher will receive a Wii, an extra Wii Remote, a copy of the game and a $250 Best Buy gift card. For more information about the tournaments, visit Nintendo.com.
The tournaments will take place at the following times and locations:
Feb. 16
Doors open at 3 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Feb. 23
Doors open at 2 p.m.
Ten15 Folsom
1015 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
March 1
Doors open at 3 p.m.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Olden Hall
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
March 8
Doors open at 5 p.m.
Best Buy (NOHO)
622 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, February 14 2008 22:57 PM [Top]
Nintendo Calls for US Government to Target Piracy [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo has asked the U.S. Trade Representative to encourage specific governments around the world to take a more aggressive stance to combat piracy of Nintendo video games and systems. Nintendo filed its comments under a "Special 301" process, in which the U.S. Trade Representative solicits input from the public to underscore specific areas of concern.
While China remains the primary source of manufacturing pirated Nintendo DS and Wii games, Korea has emerged as the leader in distributing illegal game files via the Internet. Despite aggressive anti-piracy actions taken by Nintendo, Brazil and Mexico remain saturated with counterfeit Nintendo software. Meanwhile, Paraguay and Hong Kong continue to serve as major transshipment points for global distribution of illegal goods.
Below is a summary of Nintendo's filing:
OVERALL: Nintendo recommends stronger laws in all countries against the circumvention of technological security measures. Video game pirates have developed DS game-copying devices and modification chips to target the security found in Nintendo's hardware systems and allow the play of counterfeit software or games illegally downloaded via the Internet.
CHINA: China must pursue criminal prosecutions against people involved in large-scale piracy operations. Nintendo works with Chinese authorities, who seized more than 1 million fake Nintendo products in China during the past year. But not one counterfeiter has been prosecuted.
KOREA: Nintendo supports the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, but suggests that it must be ratified immediately to address service providers who are profiting from the uploading and downloading of illegal Nintendo content. Korea is an important market for Nintendo, and Internet piracy is seriously affecting the growth of the video game industry in the country.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA: Latin America remains a haven for piracy. Evidence supporting this claim includes escalated violence in Mexic
Smash Bros. Update - Fourth Hidden Stage [ 
