Punch-Out!! Returns for Final Wii-Only Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Bonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The village residents are hungry for the latest in foliage fashion, and it's up to you, the new barber, to fix them up. Use the tools of your trade: scissors, clippers, spray can, and more in this humorous, first-of-its-kind "first-person-groomer" game. Bonsai Barber features a colorful cast of 12 intriguing customers, including a temperamental shallot starlet (don't call her an onion), an oddball strawberry boffin, a cactus cowboy, a daredevil carrot, and a suave banana with top-secret clearance. Each day, five customers arrive to test your stylistic skill. If the customer requests a specific style, you'll plow that furrow, or you can rely on your expertise to pick from more than 30 popular fashions. Or, why not turn over a new leaf? Be creative and see how they react. They're a demanding bunch, so if you miss an appointment, you'll hear about it-on your Wii Message Board. If you do a good job, you may receive a gift or even a postcard from an exotic destination as your happy customers travel to distant lands and show off their exquisite coifs.
Virtual Console
Super Punch-Out!! (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring the tight game play and humor the series is known for, this sequel to the NES classic sees Little Mac return to the ring with the World Video Boxing Association belt once again at stake. Slug your way through the grueling, sweat-pounding matches of the Minor, Major and World Circuits as you face off against some of Little Mac's greatest rivals, such as Bear Hugger, Bald Bull and Super Macho Man. With a cast of new challengers waiting, do you have what it takes to identify their unique patterns and exploit their weaknesses? Go to your corner and come out fighting, but remember what Doc Louis would say: "It's not about brawling-it's about finesse!"
Also, a statement from Nintendo:
"Starting next week, the name of this newsletter will be changed from Wii-kly Update to Nintendo Download. Why? With the April 5 launch of the new Nintendo DSi portable game system comes the opening of the Nintendo DSi Shop. Like the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Shop will offer a growing library of downloadable games, with new titles added every week. Accordingly, we'll be using this space to tell you not only about new games for Wii but also for Nintendo DSi. Watch for the first edition of Nintendo Download on April 6."
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 30 2009 13:30 PM [Top]
Namco Bandai Bringing 26 (Yes, 26) Games to VC Arcade [ Namco Bandai ]
Yesterday, the Wii Shop's Virtual Console Arcade service debuted, allowing Wii owners to download classic arcade titles to go along with the numerous other platforms available. Today, one of the service's biggest supporters has revealed their planned support of the system, as Namco Bandai has announced a lineup of 26 games coming soon. Here's the full list.
Assault
Burning Force
Cosmo Gang the Puzzle
Cosmo Gang the Video
Cyber Sled
Dragon Buster
Dragon Saber
Dragon Spirit
Emeraldia
Finest Hour
Galaga 88
Gaplus
Hopping Mappy
Knuckleheads
Mabael Land
Mappy
Numan Atheletics
Pacmania
Pehlios
Return of Ishtar
Rolling Thunder
Samurai Ghost
Shadow Land
Sky Kid
Solvalou
Splatterhouse
Starblade
Tower of Druaga
Wonder Momo
Xevious
Of course, Souvalou, Return of Ishtar, Gaplus, and Emeraldia are already available for download. Each game will cost 800 Wii Points.
More Professor Layton Games Coming to NA [ GoNintendo ]
Last year's Professor Layton & The Curious Village was one of the breakout hits for the Nintendo DS a game that flawlessly merged RPG and puzzle gameplay. However, gamers wondered when the rest of the franchise would be coming to North America, with three games released in Japan and yet another on the way. Well, it appears that we haven't seen the last of the series, as Level 5's Akihiro Hino confirmed that the second game is currently being localized by the company for a US release, and the rest of the series will follow shortly after. As for a release for Professor Layton 2, expect to see it in around six months.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 26 2009 12:14 PM [Top]
At a speech being given by the lead designer of the Nintendo DSi, Masato Kuwahara, he let loose the news that Nintendo fans have been dreading, which is that DSi will eventually getting its own, exclusive software. These games will come on new cards that are not compatible with earlier DS units. However, to soften the blow, he also confirmed games that will be able to work on all DS units, but will unlock additional enhancements when played on a DSi. This is similar to the path of the Game Boy Color, that debuted with hybrid software before switching to GBC-only cartridges.
Stay tuned for more as it breaks.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 26 2009 11:59 AM [Top]
New Final Fantasies for WiiWare Detailed [ Square Enix ]
Square Enix announced today at the Game Developers Conference the forthcoming releases of new downloadable titles including FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS and FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord for WiiWare, as well as the FINAL FANTASY series for the Virtual Console for Wii.
The release of these new downloadable titles represent Square Enix’s recognition of the growing demand for online distribution of content/services, and the commitment they have made to provide content/services that match the needs of their customers.
Square Enix will be offering two new releases for WiiWare: FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS and FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord. FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS is an RPG that continues the story that began in the 1991 Super Famicom title FINAL FANTASY IV. In Japan, this title was released as a downloadable cellular phone application in February 2008. It has since been lauded for its deep storytelling, and a year after its release, has been downloaded over 3 million times.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord is the newest installment in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series, which has shipped over 2 million copies worldwide and is set to grow further in 2009. This title will be a sequel to FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King, which launched simultaneously with the WiiWare service in May of 2008.
The Virtual Console allows Wii users to download and play classic titles released on previous game consoles, and now for the first time ever, the FINAL FANTASY series will be made available via home console download. The first installment of the series will be FINAL FANTASY, originally released for the Famicom in Japan in 1987, which will be available for download in May 2009 in Japan. The North American release is scheduled for a 2009 launch as well.
Please see below for product details:
FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Launch Date: 2009
18 years after FINAL FANTASY IV first stole the hearts of Japanese gamers, the adventure continues in FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS.
Released as a mobile phone game in Japan, this wildly popular sequel has topped 3 million paid downloads as of February 25, 2009. The game focuses primarily on Ceodore, son of FINAL FANTASY IV heroes Cecil and Rosa. He is ably supported by a host of familiar faces from the original cast who star in a series of additional tales.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Real Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Launch Date: 2009
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord puts players in the highly fashionable shoes of the Darklord’s daughter, a malevolent little Miss, charged with dispatching intruding do-gooders by strategically placing traps and monsters around the tower she calls home.
Players will need to get their hands on ever more diabolical traps and abominable monsters to stop those pesky adventurers from making it to the Dark Crystal at the top of the tower. Be warned, though - with heroes of all the races and job classes from the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series storming the Darklord’s lair in real time, traps and minions will count for nothing unless deployed like a true evil genius. Anything less and the Darklord’s beloved home will be reduced to rubble!
FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Launch Date: 2009
The historic first installment of the FINAL FANTASY series will now be available on Virtual Console. Players can select jobs to customize their party of four, and set off on an exciting adventure as the Warrior of Light. Staple FINAL FANTASY elements such as the job system and spells like Cure and Fire all began here!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 25 2009 20:41 PM [Top]
Nintendo has released the first screens for the upcoming Wario Ware Snapped, the latest, DSiWare exclusive installment in the Wario Ware franchise. The new Wario Ware makes use of the camera and touch screen for its gameplay, and will feature tons of new microgames. Check out the screens below.
Nintendo has revealed some screenshots for the US version of the DSiWare Shop channel. They reveal the shop's menu, as well as the point denominations. Check them out below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 25 2009 19:03 PM [Top]
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Trailer [ Nintendo ]
Here for you in beautiful high-res, it's the official trailer for the Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks for the Nintendo DS. Using the same visual style as Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks will feature the same touch screen controls as the previous DS iteration, plus will be using a train to get around. Also, Link will apparently be able to control giant statues by drawing their paths with the touch screen. Also, Princess Zelda will be making an appearance.
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata today revealed surprises for consumers and an expanded palette of video game development opportunities for the industry during his keynote address at the Game Developers Conference. Iwata announced a new storage solution for Nintendo's Wii home console and showed video highlights of a new Nintendo DS game from The Legend of Zelda franchise.
Video game developers now have expanded opportunities given that worldwide shipments for the Wii system surpassed 50 million units and worldwide shipments for the Nintendo DS franchise are at more than 100 million units. Iwata said, "It is in the power of game developers to invent things that gamers have never seen – or even imagined – before."
Nintendo also noted several key initiatives that are on the way for consumers, some of which are available at the Nintendo GDC booth.
Nintendo DSi
• The new portable Nintendo DSi system goes on sale in the United States on April 5. For the first six months after launch, consumers who buy the system and connect to the Nintendo DSi Shop will automatically receive 1,000 Nintendo DSi Points, which can be redeemed for downloadable Nintendo DSiWare games and applications through the Nintendo DSi Shop. In order to receive the free Nintendo DSi Points, consumers must access the Nintendo DSi Shop by Oct. 5, 2009, and the Nintendo DSi Points can be redeemed at any time after that (wireless broadband access required).
• Similar to how the WiiWare service works in the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Shop will feature a variety of downloadable Nintendo DSiWare games and applications. These games and applications will be available at four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800 points. Consumers can purchase Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop with a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo Points Card at retail locations for redemption in the Nintendo DSi Shop. All points from one Nintendo Points Card will need to be redeemed at the Nintendo DSi Shop. Nintendo Points Card will start to become available at select retail locations beginning Apr. 5.
• Iwata gave conference attendees a glimpse into some of the upcoming Nintendo DSiWare games and applications such as Moving Memo (name not final) and WarioWare: Snapped!. Moving Memo (name not final) lets users create animated digital flipbooks of their own design, while WarioWare: Snapped! uses Nintendo DSi Camera functionality for a fresh gaming experience.
• On the show floor, conference attendees are able to experience some of the Nintendo DSiWare games and applications that will be available soon. Bird & Beans and Art Style: Aquia are fun mini games that will be perfect to play on-the-go.
Nintendo DS & Nintendo DSi Software
• The new The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks game that Iwata announced will utilize the intuitive touch control of Phantom Hourglass in an all new adventure that will please longtime Zelda™ fans while keeping the game accessible to all DS owners. The concept behind this Zelda game includes utilizing a steam locomotive to travel around the world, switching Phantom and Link to explore the dungeons, and solving puzzles using new items.
Wii
• As the library of downloadable WiiWare and Virtual Console games continues to grow, Wii owners have asked Nintendo to provide easy, expanded storage space. Starting today, Wii owners will be able to save downloaded WiiWare, Virtual Console video games, and Channels directly to High Capacity SD cards, in addition to SD memory cards. To play games that have been saved to SD cards, consumers will be able to select and launch them from an SD Menu icon on the Wii Menu. (Note that when launching games or channels from an SD card, an equivalent amount of internal Wii memory is required. To clear space from the internal memory, users can transfer games or channels from the Wii Menu to the SD card). This feature is included in the latest version of the Wii System Menu Update, which owners will receive immediately after performing a system update today.
• Gamers will be glad to have that additional storage space, as the Virtual Console will expand to include the arcade versions of classic third-party games like STARFORCE by Tecmo Ltd., and Mappy, Gaplus and Tower of Druaga by Namco Bandai Games Inc. starting today.
• Upcoming games Punch-Out!! and Excitebots: Trick Racing are available to play at Nintendo's booth. Excitebots: Trick Racing, a new and refreshing take on the classic Excitebike series from the arcade and NES days, is slated to launch on April 20, while a new game in the classic Punch-Out!! series will be on store shelves on May 18.
WiiWare
• To highlight new development opportunities for independent developers, Iwata unveiled a game for the WiiWare downloadable game service called Rock N' Roll Climber, which uses the Wii Balance Board accessory to help users simulate the experience of rock climbing. The game is being developed by Vitei.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 25 2009 15:20 PM [Top]
Okay, looks like the conference WASN'T over after all. A new Legend of Zelda game has been confirmed. Called The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, it will be exclusive for the Nintendo DS. It features the cel-shaded style, and Link using a train, rather than a boat in Phantom Hourglass. Stay tuned for the trailer!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 25 2009 13:48 PM [Top]
Iwata takes the stage, and immediately brings up the success of the Wii console, shipments are more than 50 million, making it the fastest-selling game console ever. Nintendo is driving global growth, changing the stagnation of the market. Iwata thanks the audience, then shows that developers can compete with Nintendo on their own platforms. He recounts working with HAL Ltd., when he would have very limited time to finish a game. He speaks on Shigeru Miyamoto, how his interests have turned into games like Pikmin and Wii Fit. He can no longer talk about his hobbies to the press, as they often become new games
Miyamoto's design philosophy is referred to as an "upward spiral", by driving ideas from anywhere to a prototype, then using small development teams on multiple projects, with a trial and error focus. Often, even a prototype can take two or more years to complete, which exemplifies Miyamoto's abilities. This leads to the final project, when the game is presented to Iwata. This can be somewhat ironic, since Iwata used to be mentored by Miyamoto, and is now his superior. Often, ideas that were thrown out can return years later as a part of new games.
One of Miyamoto's favorite ideas is to often "kidnap" a Nintendo employee to test his latest game. He will often look over their shoulder, as they play - which likely greatly worries the employee. He also talks about Japanese musician Tsunku who teamed with Nintendo to develop Rhythm Heaven on the DS. A trailer for the game is now shown. Rhythm Heaven will be out in 11 days, and keynote attendees will get a free copy. It sold 1.7m in Japan, and Iwata hopes to replicate the success in North America.
Iwata continues to talk about Wii, saying that 20% of Wii owners don't own another system. This is Nintendo's expanded audience.
Nintendo now shows off a new WiiWare game - Rock and Roll Climber. This game makes use of both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, as well as the Wii Balance Board, to climb mountains. Looks pretty cool.
Nintendo now reveals Wii System Menu Version 4.0. The new software update features a new SD Card channel which allows Wii owners to...wait for it...download and play WiiWare and Virtual Console titles DIRECTLY from an SD card, with a short loading time. In addition, it allows the Wii to utilize High Capacity SD cards (YES!) to hold tons of titles. When will this be available? RIGHT NOW. GO DOWNLOAD IT.
Also, one of Nintendo's biggest partners has been Square-Enix. Two new WiiWare titles are coming from the company, the first is the previously-reported on sequel to Final Fantasy IV, The After Years. Next is a sequel to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, entitled Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord. As you may assume, you now play as the bad guy. Also, Final Fantasy is heading to the Virtual Console, as the original game and "five others" (II-VI likely) are coming in Japan, with I and IV scheduled for a US release. What, no II, III, V, and VI?
Bill Trinen takes the stage to show off the Nintendo DSi, and two of the first DSiWare games. The first is Moving Memo, allowing players to make flipbook animations. The second is Wario Ware Snaps, a Wario Ware game utilizing the onboard camera.
Next, the Wii's Virtual Console will be expanding with Virtual Console Arcade, which will be available for download later today. It will feature classic arcade titles like Mappy, the Tower of Druaga, the Return of Ishtar, Space Harrier, Gaplus, Souvalou, Star Force, and Emeraldia.
This ends the keynote. Stay tuned for more as Nintendo makes it available.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 25 2009 11:09 AM [Top]
Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature "Toy Story," will be released exclusively for the Wii home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar "Toy Story" franchise.
In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.
The Pixar-created "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D theatrical re-release of "Toy Story" is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of "Toy Story 2" opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of "Toy Story 3" in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games.
Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, March 24 2009 20:44 PM [Top]
While Nintendo has been relatively coy with the details about the highly-anticipated return of one of Nintendo's seminal franchises, Punch-Out!! for the Wii, the latest trailer, courtesy of GoNintendo, blows out the game with a haymaker. The trailer features knockout gameplay footage of Little Mac in action, facing off with the puny Glass Joe, the German steel machine Von Kaiser, the colossal King Hippo, and even newcomer Disco Kid. It also features Little Mac's legendary trainer Doc Louis cheering him on - and yes, the iconic pink sweatsuit has returned as well.
Check out the trailer, available from DailyMotion, below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, March 24 2009 20:33 PM [Top]
Game Boy/Game Boy Advance Games to DSiWare? [ Kombo ]
Gaming site Kombo, reporting from a Club Nintendo event for the new Nintendo DSi, have obtained big news in regards to the near future of the handheld's online shop. Along with original games and applications through DSiWare (available at free, 500, and 800 points respectively), DSi owners will be able to download classic Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles from the online shop's own personal Virtual Console. There will only be first-party Nintendo titles to start, but third-parties will likely jump on the bandwagon as well. Also, games can be saved and loaded directly from an SD Card - something the Wii's own VC cannot do.
Based on the source of this info, it should only be taken as rumor for now. However, we could hear confirmation on Wednesday, during Satoru Iwata's highly-anticipated keynote at GDC. Stay tuned.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 23 2009 22:33 PM [Top]
Rock Band Classic Rock Track Pack Announced [ Electronic Arts ]
Harmonix and MTV Games along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc., today announced plans for a North American release of Rock Band Track Pack Classic Rock for the Wii home video game console from Nintendo on May 19, 2009.
Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is a standalone software product that allows owners of Rock Band and Rock Band 2 to keep the party going with more hit songs from the pantheon of rock music. In addition, Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock, like all Rock Band software, is compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers and other current music-based video game peripherals. The 20-song pack features an outstanding mix of Rock Band fans’ favorite classic rock hits including songs by mega artists The Who, Rush, Boston and The Police.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 23 2009 22:04 PM [Top]
Turbografx Returns with Two for Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Pop'Em Drop'Em SAMEGAME (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): SAMEGAME is a simple yet engrossing puzzle game where you must clear matching blocks in sets of two or more. Score high by clearing out more blocks at once. If you manage to clear the entire grid, you can keep on playing with a whole new layout. Getting rid of all those blocks is the key to racking up points. Adjust the difficulty level in a one-player game by trying different grid sizes and multiple colors. Up to four players can face off in any one of three multiplayer modes. “Fame Game,” the most straightforward choice, is similar to the one-player version. “Shame Game” turns the tables by forcing players to go for the lowest score. “Blame Game” is a free-for-all as everyone vies for blocks on one big grid. Choose from different block styles, background graphics and music to customize your playing experience.
Virtual Console
Bomberman'94 (TurboGrafx16, 1-5 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 700 Wii Points): Bomberman has arrived to restore peace on the planet, which has been split into five parts by an evil hand. In addition to the nine members of the Bomber Family, the character Rooi shows up to lend a hand. Jump on the eggs that appear from destroyed soft blocks and you can ride one of five types of Rooi. Each Rooi has different special abilities—use them well and you'll ride to victory.
DETANA TWIN BEE (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Cartoon Violence, 700 Wii Points): It's the popular vertical-scrolling shooter renowned for its cute and comical world. Here come Twinbee and Winbee on a mission to save the planet from evil alien invaders. Standing in their way are six stages full of goofy enemies. Play as Twinbee in single-player mode, or team up with Winbee in two-player cooperative mode. With powerful attacks like Big Shot, or Twin Attack and Burst Attack in two-player mode, there's plenty of sting in their arsenal. Use your Shot to transform Bells into items with various effects. Stock up on these bad boys to expand your attack range and really have a blast.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 23 2009 14:28 PM [Top]
One of the biggest reasons for the success of Apple's iPhone has been the app store, an easy way to download thousands of helpful programs for one's everyday life. It looks as though Nintendo could be trying to get a piece of this action, as Develop Magazine has learned through their sources that Nintendo is asking developers to not only make simpler DSiWare games for the upcoming release of Nintendo's newest handheld, but smaller non-game applications as well. Given the console's touch screen, microphone, and camera, there could be many opportunities for unique applications on DSiWare outside of games.
Nintendo's plans for the DSiWare store could be announced as early as this Wednesday, when president Satoru Iwata takes the stage at the 2009 Game Developers Conference for a keynote to discuss new development opportunities. Keep it here for a usual blog of the event, starting at 12 Noon EST.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, March 22 2009 17:13 PM [Top]
Wii Play Passes 10 Million as Nintendo Rules February [ Nintendo ]
Wii Play, a collection of nine mini-games, has now sold more than 10 million units in the United States alone since its debut in February 2007, according to figures released today by the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. Wii Play, now the top-selling software on all consoles and portable systems in the United States, comes packaged with a Wii Remote controller.
Wii system sales were up about 74 percent over February 2008, and Wii and Nintendo DS finished February as the top-selling hardware systems. Wii sold nearly 753,000, bringing its lifetime U.S. sales to nearly 19 million, while Nintendo DS sold nearly 588,000 for a lifetime U.S. total of nearly 29 million.
Nintendo DS demonstrated continued strength, as "evergreen" games like Mario Kart DS (launched November 2005) and New Super Mario Bros. (launched May 2006) again placed among the top sellers for February. The strong showing for Nintendo DS hardware and software demonstrates continued consumer interest in the portable system as the United States preps for the April 5 launch of the Nintendo DSi system, the third iteration of the hardware.
Five games made for Nintendo systems finished in the top 10 best-sellers of February. These include Wii Fit at No. 1 with nearly 644,000 sold, Wii Play at No. 2 with nearly 386,000 sold, Mario Kart Wii at No. 6 with nearly 263,000 sold, Mario Kart DS at No. 8 with nearly 145,000 sold and New Super Mario Bros. at No. 9 with more than 144,000 sold.
Third-party Wii and Nintendo DS games also posted strong sales, with titles from LucasArts, Ubisoft, Majesco, Disney Interactive Studios, Electronic Arts and Activision/Blizzard all placing in the top 30 for the month.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 19 2009 21:50 PM [Top]
Nintendo Wins Everything...Even Lawsuits [ Nintendo ]
A U.S. District Court judge has summarily dismissed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Nintendo brought by Fenner Investments Ltd. Fenner had alleged that the Wii console and its controllers, as well as the Nintendo GameCube, infringed on one of its patents (U.S. Patent No. 6,297,751). Judge Leonard Davis of the U.S. District Court in Tyler, Texas, dismissed the case on Monday, and ruled that there was no need for a jury trial.
"We are very pleased with the court's decision," said Rick Flamm, Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President, Legal & General Counsel. "Nintendo has a long history of developing innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others. We also vigorously defend patent lawsuits when we firmly believe that we have not infringed another party's patent, despite the risks that this policy entails. I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the tireless efforts of our legal team, which represented us so well."
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 18 2009 23:38 PM [Top]
The March 22 launch of the Pokémon Platinum Version video game for the Nintendo DS system is almost upon us, and Pokémon fans are already buzzing with anticipation. This new game in the storied franchise brings a host of new features, including the mysterious new Distortion world, never-seen-before forms of powerful Pokémon, exciting online games in the new Wi-Fi Plaza and strategic battles that are the hallmark of the main Pokémon game series.
On March 21, Nintendo will host a blowout launch celebration for the game at the Nintendo World store in New York. Pokémon fans will be able to demo and purchase the game a day before it's available in other retail stores. Rockefeller Plaza will become a Pokémon fan's paradise with a myriad of Pokémon activities, including game-play kiosks showing off the game and its online capabilities, the "Pokémon Platinum Plunge," where Pokémon fans will get a chance to win a copy of the Pokémon Platinum Version video game, and opportunities to take photos with their favorite Pokémon characters.
Consumers enjoy Pokémon games, in part, for both their social aspect and their re-playability. For instance, in the new Wi-Fi Plaza, up to 20 players with wireless broadband access from around the world can connect together to experience mini-games, take part in parades and even see a fireworks show. And players who visit the Global Terminal can post their Pokémon for trade to other players around the world. This allows for a greater variety of Pokémon that a player can collect, and also allows players to get Pokémon from other countries, which have become sought-after by many fans. Also the new Global Terminal allows players to use a new item, the Vs. Recorder, to save and post "videos" of their best battles online for everyone to see.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 16 2009 22:35 PM [Top]
House of the Dead Sets a Record...We Swear [ Sega ]
Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking, today announced that recently released The House of the Dead: OVERKILL has broken into the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition for most swearing in a video game with a whopping 189 uses of the f-word.
Setting a record in this brand new category, the title recognizes The House of the Dead: OVERKILL as the most profane video game in history. During three hours of relatively limited dialogue, the campaign features 189 uses of the f-word, which equates to just over one per minute and three percent of all words spoken in the game.
Video Games Records Manager for Guinness World Records, Gaz Deaves, said: “This record category pre-existed for movies, music and television, but The House of the Dead: OVERKILL is the first video game to be awarded the title in the Gamer’s Edition. It’s a mark of the times.”
The new record will be shortlisted for inclusion in next year’s Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition. The 2009 Gamer’s Edition, which includes high scores and interesting facts from the world of video gaming, also dedicates a separate section to video game controversy; among the many nations listed in the chapter, Greece stands as the first country to ban all video games for an all-encompassing ban on electronic video gaming lasting two months during 2002. Mexico banned Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 in the state of Chihuahua because the state’s governor was offended by the game’s portrayal of the region and its people. The longest ban in gaming history is awarded New York City, whose mayor imposed a ban on pinball machines, which stood for 34 years from 1942.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 16 2009 22:18 PM [Top]
John McEnroe Headines EA Grand Slam Tennis [ Electronic Arts ]
Electronic Arts announced today that tennis legend John McEnroe will headline a roster of some of the sport’s all-time greats to be featured in EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis. An enigmatic personality both on and off the court, McEnroe will make his videogame debut in EA’s new tennis franchise. The game is being developed under the EA SPORTS brand by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It will be available first for the Wii and ships to North American retailers on June 16th, 2009.
One of the greatest tennis players of all-time, McEnroe won seven Grand Slams, including three at Wimbledon, and amassed 77 singles titles. He stopped playing singles on the main ATP tour at the end of 1992 but has remained heavily involved in tennis, playing on seniors tours and providing television commentary for a number of networks at the Grand Slams. McEnroe was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999. Off the court, he hosted his own talk show and written an autobiography, titled “You Cannot Be Serious”, a phrase he made famous through his on-court outbursts during his career.
Specifically designed for the Wii, EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis puts the racket in the palm of your hand and delivers the deepest tennis experience. Users will feel like they are actually playing tennis, performing real forehands and backhands in their living rooms. The game is one of the first to be compatible with Wii MotionPlus, which enhances the one-to-one motion with added shot depth and precise ball placement.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 16 2009 13:08 PM [Top]
Summer Games BIT.TRIPS Over Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
BIT.TRIP BEAT (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): BIT.TRIP BEAT is a rhythm game that brings retro action into the present, letting you use the motion-sensing Wii Remote controller to bounce beats. Retro visuals, classic game play, four-player multiplayer and an 8-bit soundtrack will get you in the zone and rock your world. The challenges are mighty, but if you can stay cool as the difficulty increases, you'll discover the beginnings of the BIT.TRIP saga.
Virtual Console
Summer Games II (Commodore 64, 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): A thousand athletes. A hundred countries. Billions watching around the world as you enter the stadium, marching confidently among your nation's strongest, fastest and boldest young men and women. Your gaze sweeps the crowd as you realize the scope of your achievement. You are about to compete against the world's best athletes in a 3,000-year-old competition. This is the pinnacle of athletic achievement: the Summer Games. Summer Games II challenges your competitive skills with a series of athletic contests for one to eight players. Experience the excitement and realism of eight different events: cycling, equestrian, fencing, high jump, javelin, kayaking, rowing and triple jump. Practice each event to sharpen your skills, then choose from the 18 countries you can represent in the competition.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, March 16 2009 12:39 PM [Top]
Electronic Arts announced today that the world’s #1 selling golf video game franchise tees off for a new season in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 takes golf fans inside-the-ropes to experience the drama and emotion of tournament golf. In addition, the U.S. Open, a USGA championship, and the USGA’s Rules of Golf will be available in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 for the first time in franchise history.
As you hear the roar of the crowd from the next hole over, can you handle the mounting pressure while you stand over your tournament-winning putt? Expanded crowds surround every hole; adding to the tension and excitement of each shot. A first for the franchise, real-time weather will be reflected on every course, ensuring the in-game experience matches that of the current weather conditions. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 will also feature a television broadcast style presentation, which include instantaneous updates and a new announcer team of ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt and the Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 on the Nintendo Wii will support the all-new Wii MotionPlus accessory, which brings an authentic sports motion to your golf swing; including the ability to draw and fade. Whether it’s opening up your clubface to take on that dogleg or tap in that five-foot putt – Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 with the Wii MotionPlus is like bringing a golf simulator to your living room.
This year’s 2009 U.S. Open course, Bethpage State Park (Black Course), will be available on the Wii version of the game. The USGA’s U.S. Open courses are known for being the toughest test in all of golf, and in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 golf fans can expect the same major championship conditions as found in the real world. Turnberry (Scotland), home to this year’s British Open, will also be featured in the game.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 12 2009 21:47 PM [Top]
Capcom Confirms RE: Darkside Chronicles, RE Classics [ Capcom ]
Last week, when it was rumored that a new Resident Evil game for Wii would be announced very soon, we thought it was either a US localization of the RE Wii ports (available in Japan) or a brand-new Umbrella Chronicles game. A little earlier this week, we thought the latter was the correct answer. As it turns out, it's both. Check out the full press release below.
Capcom today announced its plans for a big comeback of its multi-million-selling franchise, Resident Evil to the Wii video game system this year. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, the sequel to the highly successful Wii title Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, is in development exclusively for the Wii and is set to hit North American retailers this winter. Capcom also introduced its plans for a new Resident Evil “Classics” line, which will bring the critically acclaimed Nintendo GameCube classics, Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero exclusively to the Wii, allowing a whole new audience to experience the world of Resident Evil.
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles‘s story is based on Resident Evil 2 and includes the popular characters, Leon S Kenney and Claire Redfield. Its on-rails style gameplay and active camera will create a more immersive “Chronicles” survival experience. As in the last installment, this is a first-person game with extreme shooting gameplay and interactive pathways. Filling in many of the missing pieces of storyline that were not covered in the original “Umbrella Chronicles”, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles will give hardcore fans the chance to re-live some of the most classic moments of the Resident Evil franchise, while allowing new players to take advantage of the intense action-horror experience only possible on the Wii.
Gamers can choose to take on their enemies with the help of an A.I.-controlled character or enlist the help of a friend to fight via two-player co-op. Adding new dimension and strategy to the arcade-style gameplay in the “Chronicles” experience, the new Evade system will utilize the Wii Remote for a more intense experience when fighting enemies.
Capcom’s new Resident Evil “Classics” line will allow the new audience who has embraced the Wii to experience some of the greatest games in the Resident Evil franchise for the value price of $29.99. Both set to launch this year, the remake of Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero have been refitted to support the Wii Remote, giving the Wii audience easy access to the rich characters and in-depth storylines of the series and the chance to experience both games on a new platform.
Check out the first trailer for Darkside Chronicles, via GameTrailers, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 12 2009 15:06 PM [Top]
ExciteBots Trailer is Either Awesome or Insane [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo has unleashed the first trailer for their new racer ExciteBots: Trick Racing. To put it simply, it's pretty damn crazy. This is a racing game with soccer goals and bowling pins on the track, cars with arms, pie-faced clowns, and, uh, super sandwiches? I don't know either. Just watch the trailer. The game is sure to prove...interesting when it comes out on April 20.
TOMY Corporation today announced that NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 is currently in development exclusively for Nintendo DS. As the latest installment to the popular Ninja Council series of videogames that has sold more than 800,000 units to date in North America, NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 is the first DS game to feature the NARUTO Shippuden story arc in North America, allowing fans to play as Naruto and his friends in the next generation of the series. Based on the enormously successful animated series from VIZ Media, NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 introduces consumers to a host of playable characters sporting their updated NARUTO Shippuden looks, and wireless multiplayer battles for up to four players.
In NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4, players will experience the new Shippuden storyline for the first time on the DS. Set two and a half years after the events of the classic NARUTO series, Naruto fans are introduced to older characters as the storyline advances and unfolds with copious plot twists. NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 also allows gamers to follow an older Naruto and his friends on the quest to save Gaara from the sinister Akatsuki organization. Players are able to choose their allies and form a three-man squad with special jutsu techniques to ward off looming danger. Dedicated franchise fans and new Naruto fighters alike can utilize the touch screen to unleash their unique jutsu attacks and take on anyone that gets in their way. As an added bonus, unlockable jutsu allows aspiring ninjas to explore previously unreachable areas.
NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 will be available for Nintendo DS in Spring 2009.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 11 2009 14:46 PM [Top]
Somewhere - perhaps in Chicago, maybe in Paris, possibly in Tokyo - the 100 millionth system in the Nintendo DS franchise has been shipped to a distributor or a retailer as of March 6, 2009. The combined total sales of 100 million Nintendo DS systems, Nintendo DS Lite systems and Nintendo DSi systems represent a significant milestone in the life of this franchise, which is still going strong.
Since the original Nintendo DS launched in late 2004, its dual screens, touch screen and voice-recognition capabilities ushered in an era of new experiences not previously possible on portable systems. The successor, Nintendo DS Lite, launched with a slimmer, trimmer look.
The third iteration of the Nintendo DS hardware, Nintendo DSi, launches in the United States three and a half weeks from now on April 5. Nintendo DSi includes two cameras and the ability to record, manipulate and play sound files, and will allow consumers to personalize their very own Nintendo DSi experiences. It will again transform the way people access, experience, create and share portable content.
From the beginning, consumers around the world responded to the novel software options available on Nintendo DS. This is reflected by the fact that as of Dec. 31, 2008, there were 83 DS titles whose global shipment exceeded 1 million. Seven of these titles topped 10 million. Experiences like Nintendogs and the Brain Age™ series began a paradigm shift for the industry, as video games grew beyond the traditional audience of young men to include girls, adult men and women - and even seniors. Traditional games like New Super Mario Bros. and Mario Kart DS keep people coming back for more. Nintendo DS games demonstrate an “evergreen” quality: They frequently remain in the top-selling lists, months - or even years - after their launch. The system continues to expand into new territory with titles such as those in the Personal Trainer series.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 11 2009 14:32 PM [Top]
It looks like one of the most popular game series for the Nintendo DS has not seen its end, as the latest issue of Famitsu magazine has revealed the fourth Professor Layton game, The Devil's Flute. Once again developed and published by the acclaimed Level 5, the title will once again see the Professor uncover a mystery using both his wits and the DS touch screen. As to if the game will ever come to North America, we're still waiting on a US release of the second Professor Layton title, so fans should probably expect to wait quite some time. Check out the scan revealing the game below.
While Capcom is set to make an official announcement on Thursday, the latest issue of Famitsu has let the zombie dog out of the bag, and has confirmed a brand-new Resident Evil game exclusive to the Wii: Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles. As one might expect, the game looks to be a sequel to 2007's Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, featuring the same on-rails shooting gameplay and scenarios based on classic Resident Evil adventures. The scan only reveals one: Resident Evil 2, but previous comments from Capcom have practically confirmed that Resident Evil Code: Veronica will be a part of the title as well. Little else is known about the game, but certainly Capcom will make everything clear soon. For the scan from Famitsu, click below.
Activision announced today that Little League World Series Baseball 2009, the sequel to 2008's acclaimed hit baseball game, will be released this June for Wii and Nintendo DS. The title is a natural progression for the franchise, offering Little Leaguers and their families more features and refined, accessible gameplay.
Little League World Series Baseball 2009 is the second officially licensed Little League video game for next-generation consoles, and once again it is being developed by world renowned Japanese studio NOW Production. Players will have the chance to become a Little League World Series baseball Champion, or play with up to three other friends in a variety of exhibition modes. New features include a full team editor, regional tournaments, all new stadiums, new skills challenges, an expanded set of collectible content and much more. Both versions improve upon the popular motion and stylus controls, respectively, for batting and pitching.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 11 2009 0:21 AM [Top]
THQ today announced its plans to bring the Up video game, based on the highly anticipated Disney/Pixar film, to all major consoles worldwide beginning in spring 2009. Up is currently in development across seven game systems, including Wii home video game system and Nintendo DS.
Development for the Up video game is being led by THQ's Heavy Iron Studios, the same creative team responsible for the video games based on Disney/Pixar's Ratatouille and WALL-E. In 2007, Ratatouille received recognition from The International Animated Film Society's annual Annie Awards as the "Best Animated Video Game."
The Up video game will take players on an exotic adventure with Carl Fredricksen and his young sidekick, Wilderness Explorer Russell, as they set off on a wild journey through the undiscovered jungles of South America. Players will be able to experience all four main characters from the movie -- Carl, Russell, Dug the lovable dog or Kevin the prehistoric bird -- while playing as a single-player or with a friend cooperatively throughout the entire game. Players will encounter exciting, new environments as they navigate through treacherous jungle terrains, battle dangerous creatures and trek the slippery slopes of the Amazonian Tepuis. In addition, the game also features multi-player game modes, including an epic level that will allow up to four players to compete in aerial combat.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 11 2009 0:04 AM [Top]
New Play Control Series for Wii Launches [ Nintendo ]
Unique motion-sensing controls have already helped to make Wii the nation's top-selling video game console. With today's launch of the New Play Control! series from Nintendo, Wii owners can use those same fun, intuitive controls to discover – or rediscover – some of the coolest and most well-received games made famous on the Nintendo GameCube system, each updated with a new wireless, active control scheme and a widescreen presentation.
New Play Control! Pikmin and New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis are the first two games in this new series, taking all the action and imagination of the originals and giving them a new control scheme. Not only do both new games make use of Nintendo's simple-to-use Wii Remote controller, but they're also presented for the first time ever in an eye-pleasing 16:9 widescreen format.
New Play Control! Pikmin puts players in the role of Captain Olimar, a space traveler who's stranded on a strange alien planet. Only an army of quirky creatures called Pikmin can help him repair his ship and survive the elements. With New Play Control! enhancements, players can now maneuver and command up to 100 Pikmin with a point of the Wii Remote controller, dodging obstacles and foes while working toward a heroic escape.
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis finds Nintendo's superstar plumber storming the court for some outrageous tennis action, joined by a roster of his unpredictable pals. Building on the skills they've honed with the Wii Sports video game, players can now use the Wii Remote controller like a tennis racket to make characters hit forehand or backhand, applying spin and charging up to perform devastating special moves. Seasoned pros can even attach the Nunchuk controller for added precision as they play their way through traditional matches, mini-games and crazy Gimmick Courts.
Forthcoming New Play Control! titles include New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, scheduled for release on May 4. Whereas the original version had players beating on a pair of bongos to drive Donkey Kong through wild jungle activities, the New Play Control! edition lets players use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to enjoy the game's rollicking rhythmic challenges.
Today's Download Monday: More Gradius, More Alex Kidd [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Gradius ReBirth (Konami, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Blast your way through levels filled with alien spaceships and otherworldly creatures in this retro side-scrolling shooter. Pick your weapons carefully and upgrade them to create a devastating arsenal of space-aged weapons that will aid you in your challenging mission. Players can post their high scores to worldwide leader boards via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and see where they rank against all the other Gradius ReBirth players. Test your skills with Gradius ReBirth and see if you have what it takes to beat this action-packed arcade shooter.
Virtual Console
Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, Crude Humor, 500 Wii Points): In this platformer from the 1980s, help Alex Kidd in a race against time to find the 12 missing zodiac signs hidden in six challenging levels-including toyland, the robot factory and an outer-space level-all complete with crazy enemies.
Looks like we haven't seen the last of Resident Evil games on Nintendo consoles after all. In an interview with Joystiq, Capcom's Associate Product Marketing Manager, Matt Dahlgren, let it be known that while Resident Evil 5 won't be hitting Wii, owners of the console will be "very happy very soon." Unless you've gotten a massive injection of the T-Virus, you can probably figure out that this means a new Resident Evil game is headed for the Wii, so let the speculation begin. A sensible choice would be a US release for the Wii ports of Resident Evil 0 and the Resident Evil Remake, but a new Umbrella Chronicles or perhaps even a new original game could also be in the works. We'll keep you posted when Capcom sheds some light on the subject.
Kingdom Hearts Released in Japan May 30th [ Joystiq ]
Joystiq is reporting that the latest Kingdom Hearts game, 358/2 Days, is being released in Japan on May 30th. The game, developed by Square Enix exclusively for the DS console, will be also available in a special edition bundle with a new Kingdom Hearts-designed DSi, which you can check out an image of below. Also, a brand-new trailer for the game has been released via YouTube, which you can also check out below. No word yet on an American release date, but we'll keep you posted.
Apple Corps, Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games today announced the 9/9/09 worldwide release of The Beatles: Rock Band. The music-based video game, an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles, will be available simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Wii home videogame console from Nintendo.
The Beatles: Rock Band will allow fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. In addition, The Beatles: Rock Band will offer a limited number of new hardware offerings modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career.
The Beatles: Rock Band will be offered as standalone software and hardware as well as a limited edition bundle. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers and other current music-based video game peripherals.
Available on 9/9/09:
* The Beatles: Rock Band Software: $59.99 MSRP
* The Beatles: Rock Band Standalone Guitars: $99.99 MSRP
* The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle: $249.99 MSRP
The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. The Beatles: Rock Band will be published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts will serve as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, is providing his expertise and serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.
Exclusive content created by Apple Corps, MTV Games and Harmonix will be made available to fans over the next few months who participate in a pre-order campaign through major retailers. More details on The Beatles: Rock Band game and pre-order will be revealed in the coming months.
Guitar Hero Heads Back On Tour With Modern Hits [ IGN DS ]
Although we already knew about the game from Nintendo's release schedule last week, today IGN has gained confirmation from Activision that the third Guitar Hero On Tour game for the Nintendo DS is in the works. Once again developed by Vicarious Visions, Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits will solely feature songs from the past couple of years, as well as new exclusive characters and a brand-new non-linear song progression system. The songs will include:
Wolfmother – Dimension
Coldplay - Violet Hill
Lenny Kravitz - Where Are We Runnin
Evanescence - Sweet Sacrifice
The Strokes – Reptilia
The Bravery – Unconditional
Fall Out Boy - This Ain't A Scene (It's An Arms Race)
Weezer - Everybody Get Dangerous
The Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby
12 Stones – Adrenaline
Tenacious D – The Metal
Atreyu – Falling Down
Also, some bad news...since the game will use the same Guitar Grip peripheral as On Tour and On Tour: Decades, it will be only compatible with the original DS and DS Lite...not the new Nintendo DSi. However, Vicarious Visions is committed to the new handheld and are planning to support it in the future.
The Beatles Let It Be The Beatles: Rock Band [ Electronic Arts ]
While we have no new details on the previously announced game based on The Beatles' career, we now have an official name and release date. Although previously rumored not to be a part of the Rock Band brand, Harmonix, MTV Games, and EA have officially announced the game will be titled The Beatles: Rock Band, and is set for release on September 9th, 2009 (09-09-09, get it?). While little is still known about the game, only that it will feature a wide variety of Beatles songs from the Liverpool days to Ed Sullivan and Shea Stadium all the way to the psychedelic era of the late 60's. It has also been confirmed that the game is coming out for the Wii, and will be released day and date with the other versions of the game. Expect more information when we have it available.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 5 2009 14:13 PM [Top]
NAMCO BANDAI today announced The Munchables an entertaining romp into a colorful and delicious action adventure for Wii. Exploring rich and vibrant environments, players will devour delectable enemies as they guide their quirky heroes in this zany alien munching mash-up filled with fun and addictive gameplay. The Munchables will chomp its way to stores this May.
The home planet of the hungry Munchables is at stake when it is invaded by the evil Don Onion and his vicious band of space pirates. As their lively planet has been usurped, the embattled Munchables have only one hope; to devour their food enemies to grow large enough to defeat Don Onion and inevitably return peace to their captive land.
In The Munchables, players are called upon to eat and defeat over 150 insidious enemies who have taken over the planet including Eggplanter, Space Shroom and Rice Baller. With each fallen foe, the daring omnivorous Munchables grow in size and power in their brave struggle. In this tantalizingly addictive game, players can also enjoy Mirror Mode, where stages are in reverse order and they must beat the clock in order to save the world. Eating your way to take on Don Onion and his delicious minions, The Munchables will leave you hungry for more!
Check out the official trailer, via Wiiz.fr, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 5 2009 4:10 AM [Top]
With the addition of drums and vocals to Guitar Hero World Tour, it was inevitable that Activision would try to cash in on Guitar Hero's enormous back catalog. Today, IGN revealed that they plan to do just that with Guitar Hero Greatest Hits, a compilation featuring full band versions of the most popular songs from Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, and Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's. Developed by Beenox, the game will retail at $49.99 for the Wii and will also feature several enhancements from Guitar Hero World Tour, including a custom music studio and character creation. 48 songs will be available, including “Them Bones” by Alice in Chains, Queen’s “Killer Queen,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time” by Poison, Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing in the Name,” “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts’s “I Love Rock N Roll,” Heart’s “Barracuda”, and of course, Dragonforce’s “Through the Fire and Flames!”.
Check out the first trailer from IGN below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, March 5 2009 3:25 AM [Top]
In news that should make the prospective farmers and Mike Twomeys of the world very happy, Famitsu has confirmed that the popular Harvest Moon franchise will be coming to WiiWare with Harvest Moon: Ranch Store. Rather than having the goal be to enrich a farm, players will be given control of their own shop, where they can modify the interior and exterior, crate different types of stores like ice cream and juice shops, as well as build relationships with customers. The game will launch in Japan on April 28th for 1,500 Wii Points, and no US release has yet been announced.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 4 2009 21:29 PM [Top]
2K Sports has revealed the first trailer for the newly-announced The Bigs 2, a sequel to 2K's 2007 arcade-heavy baseball title. Although little is known about the game from the trailer, you can expect that several of baseball's legends will take part, such as Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Reggie Jackson. The bigger question is as to if the game will come to Wii or not, but we'll have to wait for official word. Check out the trailer, via IGN, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 4 2009 21:09 PM [Top]
Nintendo Power Reveals A Boy and His Blob for Wii [ Nintendo Power ]
The latest issue of Nintendo Power magazine has revealed a major upcoming Wii game that should make old-school NES fans very happy, a revival of the classic A Boy and His Blob. The game is being published by Majesco Entertainment and developed by WayForward, best known for their work on the WiiWare game LIT, Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS, and Shantae on the Game Boy Advance. The new Boy and his Blob will feature fully hand-drawn 2D graphics, as well as the same jellybean-based puzzle platforming of the original. Expect some new Wii Remote controls as well. A release date for the game is unknown, but you can expect to gain full details from the latest issue of Nintendo Power magazine, which should be hitting shelves very soon.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 4 2009 4:23 AM [Top]
One of the biggest names in boxing returns after a 15-year hiatus. Grab a Wii Remote controller in one hand and a Nunchuk controller in the other and step back into the ring with a modern update of the classic Punch-Out!!
Little Mac is back! Everyone’s favorite underdog from the 1980s joins the best of the original Punch-Out!! cast in a modern re-imagination of the series. Players will find familiar names like Glass Joe, King Hippo and trainer Doc Louis. These boxers come to life again in cel-shaded 3-D, complete with hilarious fighting animations and back stories that capture all the fun and flair of the original Punch-Out!! games.
The motion-sensitive controls of the Wii console mean that when players throw punches, Little Mac throws punches as well. Additionally, you can control hooks and jabs by combining motion control with control-stick movement. The motion-sensing Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers turn real-life swings into on-screen punches, so anyone can play. The game can also be played with classic NES-style controls by turning the Wii Remote sideways.
Characters: Little Mac, Glass Joe, King Hippo, Doc Louis, Von Kaiser and other unannounced favorites.
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Players can obtain special "Star Punches," which allow Little Mac to take more Health from his rival in a single punch.
Control options:
Motion Control (Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers)
Punch-Out!! uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to simulate throwing punches. Use the Nunchuk to throw a left punch and the Wii Remote to throw a right punch.
Classic Control (Wii Remote NES style)
Fans of the NES version and core gamers will be excited to see Nintendo has also included the option to play Punch-Out!! using the classic layout from the original NES controller. Use the 1 and 2 buttons along with the cross pad to throw hooks and jabs or to dodge.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 4 2009 4:18 AM [Top]
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis Boxart, Logo & Screens [ Nintendo ]
The wild multiplayer action of the Nintendo GameCube hit, Mario Power Tennis, returns with added Wii controls and widescreen presentation.
* With Wii controls, players simply swing the Wii Remote controller to hit forehands and backhands and to apply spin. The motion controls open this classic game to new gamers and offers experienced gamers the option to attach a Nunchuk controller for additional precision.
* Players can play as familiar characters from the Mario universe. Every character has a defensive and offensive Power Shot that can send opponents reeling or return out-of-reach balls.
* Players can be as crazy as they like. Play traditional tournaments, or hit the Gimmick Courts for wild matches not possible in the real world.
* This game was originally released for the Nintendo GameCube system. The ability to use Wii controllers has been added to this version.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 4 2009 3:55 AM [Top]
New Play Control! Pikmin Boxart and Logo [ Nintendo ]
Captain Olimar has crash landed on a strange, alien world. With the pieces of his ship scattered across the planet, his only hope for survival lies with curious creatures he calls Pikmin. The captain must rally his newfound Pikmin friends and find the missing pieces of his ship ... before it's too late.
* With newly added Wii motion controls, players simply point the Wii Remote controller at the screen to wrangle an army of Pikmin and put them to work.
* The New Play Control! features open this highly rated Nintendo GameCube game to a new generation of players while giving players who loved it the first time a new way to experience it.
* Players take command of up to 100 Pikmin and order them to swarm dangerous predators, demolish barriers and haul critical parts back to their ship. The game combines action and strategy with fun characters.
* A new world has appeared in the Sinnoh region: the mysterious new Distortion World, where the normal rules of Time and Space don't apply.
* Discover never-before-seen forms of powerful Pokémon. Beyond Time and Space lies a Pokémon unlike any other: Giratina Origin Forme. Players can witness an epic encounter between Legendary Pokémon.
* Travel across the Sinnoh region catching, training and battling with Pokémon.
* Players who have wireless broadband access can explore the new Wi-Fi Plaza, a virtual Pokémon amusement park filled with activities, including three new mini-games where up to four players can compete at once. Up to 20 players from around the world can connect together in the Wi-Fi Plaza to experience games, take part in parades and even see a fireworks show.
* The Global Terminal is where online players from all around the world can come to post their Pokémon for trade to other players without ever meeting or talking to them. This allows for a greater variety of Pokémon a player can collect, and also allows them to get Pokémon from other countries. Players can also use the new Vs. Recorder, which allows them to save and post "videos" of their most exciting battles online for everyone to see.
Last week, Nintendo's announcement of its Spring 2009 lineup revealed a brand-new upcoming Wii title, ExciteBots: Trick Racing. However, Nintendo fell short of revealing any details on the game, a fact that Nintendo Power has been able to take care of with their latest issue. As assumed, ExciteBots will be developed by Monster Games, who also worked on the Wii launch title Excite Truck. However, the trucks have been moved aside in favor of new robot vehicles based on various creatures, such as ladybugs, beetles, mice, bats, and frogs. The ability to morph the terrain in real time will return as well, and is amped up with more insane stunts. Also, the game will make full use of the Wii Wheel and will feature four-player multiplayer, both online and off.
Check out the game's boxart, as well as a scan from Nintendo Power below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, March 4 2009 3:37 AM [Top]
Party with Ogres for Today's Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Family & Friends Party (Gammick Entertainment, 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Have fun with all your friends and family as you take on some very exciting challenges. This is an interactive board game for as many as eight players of all ages. The goal is to be the first to complete a series of challenges. During each turn, a challenge will be played by one or two players per team depending on the type of challenge you've been given. (Other players on your team can still help and support you). There are six different "Single" challenges that must be played cooperatively by members of the same team. Family & Friends Party can also suggest "Versus" challenges, which must be played competitively by all teams at the same time.
Virtual Console
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): It's up to you to defeat the Empire. It's been nearly a quarter of a century since the Zetegenian Empire first conquered the Kingdoms of Zenobia with a wrath of fear and bloodshed. You are the leader of a band of rebels who've fought to preserve the last shred of honor in this desperate time of treachery. Manage the ranks of a full-blown rebel army, complete with hundreds of characters, magic items, weapons and mystical Tarot cards. You must succeed in ousting the evil usurpers-your fate, and that of the entire population, depends on it.
Punch-Out!! Returns for Final Wii-Only Download Monday [ 
