Today's Special Archives: April 2007

News Archives Index Japanese 2007 Wii Lineup Revealed [ Nintendo of Japan ] Nintendo has finally revealed their year-end lineup for the Wii in Japan, which thankfully reveals that several major games (including the three we're all looking forward to) will be releasing this year. Here's the list: * Donkey Kong Taru Jet Race (DK Jet/DK Bongo Blast) - June 28, 2007 * Wii Health Pack -- 2007 * Disaster: Day of Crisis - 2007 * Mario Party 8 - 2007 * Project H.A.M.M.E.R. - 2007 * Wii Music - 2007 * Super Mario Galaxy - 2007 * Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 2007 * Battalion Wars II - 2007 * Forever Blue - 2007 * Mario Strikers Charged - 2007 * Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - 2007 * Mario and Sonic at the Olympics - 2007 This list reveals that the games that many believe will be the Wii's biggest, namely Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, and Smash Bros. Brawl, will all be released in Japan this year. While this doesn't necessarily mean all of these games will be out this year in the US, it's looking very likely. Stay tuned for more as it breaks. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 30 2007 23:15 PM [Top] Three New VC Games, Including Castlevania [ Nintendo ] Castlevania (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): Step into the shadows of the deadliest dwelling on Earth. You've arrived at Castlevania, and you're here on business: to destroy the curse of the Evil Count, once and for all. Make your way through six monstrous floors filled with bats, ghosts, zombies and every kind of ghoulish creature you can imagine. Use the legendary whip Vampire Killer and a host of deadly weapons to battle your way to Dracula's chamber and the ultimate duel of good vs. evil. The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (Super NES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): In The Legend of The Mystical Ninja, take control of Kid Ying and Dr. Yang in an action adventure through feudal Japan. A curse has stricken the village of Horo-Horo, and its beloved princess has vanished. Together Kid Ying, a daring young mystical ninja, and Dr. Yang, master of the invincible spirit transformation, must overcome 10 levels of the Dragonbeast to save Princess Yuki. Each stage contains intense 3-D and 2-D zones where the duo must perform dozens of attack moves and solve magical problems and puzzles before advancing. Battle humorous enemies like the Carp Meister, who stuns victims with poisonous fighting fish, Tanaka-U-Out, a knockout artist who wallops opponents with a bone-crushing hammer, and the Sumo Tag Team, kings of the unbeatable belly-buster crunch. Collect coins to buy new equipment and to receive clues, spend some time playing minigames in the arcade or try your luck and increase your fortune at the Quiz House and Horse Races. Shockman (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points): It's been two years since Arnold and Sonya were made into Shockmen. A message from the professor to return to their bodies has them head to his laboratory, but they are ambushed by a mysterious enemy along the way. After narrowly defeating the enemy, they catch a TV news flash announcing the Ryo Empire invasion. They find that the professor has been abducted and set out to rescue him. Shockman is a side-view action shooter that has eight stages, including Action Stages, where you jump and use special techniques, and side-scrolling Shooting Stages. This game expands on the well-paced story from the previous version and contains cooperative elements like shared life and a powerful Team Shockbeam that can be used during two-player simultaneous play. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 30 2007 11:28 AM [Top] Monolith Goes Nintendo [ Namco Bandai ] The Nintendo family just got a little bigger. Namco Bandai Games has announced that effective May 1st, 80% of the company's owning stock in developer Monolith Soft will be transferred to Nintendo, thus making the Big N the new majority owner. Monolith Soft should be no stranger to Nintendo fans: the company previously worked on both Baten Kaitos games for the GameCube, and are also working on the upcoming Disaster: Day of Crisis for the Wii. Monolith also worked on the popular Xenosaga series for the PS2. What this means for Nintendo is anyone's guess, but it's likely we'll be hearing more about Disaster very soon. Until then, stay tuned. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, April 27 2007 2:34 AM [Top] Nintendo's Year Breaks Records [ Nintendo ] Nintendo Co., Ltd., today reported final consolidated fiscal year revenues of 966.5 billion yen (~$8.15 billion) and operating profits of 226 billion yen (~$1.91 billion)for the year ending March 31, 2007, an increase of 90 percent and 150 percent, respectively, over the same period one year ago. Both numbers are record highs for the company. The results are due largely to full-year sales of more than 23 million portable Nintendo DS systems globally, along with 123 million Nintendo DS games. Since introduction, the Nintendo DS has now eclipsed lifetime sales of 40 million systems. In addition, in less than five months since introduction, the company sold 5.84 million of its new Wii home video game systems globally, virtually every one snapped up immediately by consumers, along with nearly 29 million Wii games. Wii has taken a step toward becoming a cultural phenomenon, appealing widely to both avid and previously disinterested game-playing audiences. For the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2007, Nintendo projects sales of 14 million Wii systems and 55 million games worldwide. The company projects sales of 22 million Nintendo DS hardware unit sales and 130 million software units sales. Nintendo forecasts consolidated sales increasing nearly 18 percent to 1.14 trillion yen (~$9.6 billion), and operating profits growing nearly 20 percent to 270 billion yen (~$2.3 billion). All financial projections are based on an anticipated ratio of 115 yen to the U.S. dollar, and 150 yen to the euro. Using this estimate, recurring and net profits for the year are projected to be flat in anticipation of a foreign currency reevaluation loss. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Thursday, April 26 2007 14:32 PM [Top] Pokémon Selling Better Than Ever [ Nintendo ] It's only been five days since Diamond and Pearl hit U.S. shores, but it's already sold over 1 million copies. That's faster than any other game in the series in the U.S. Since launching on September 28, 2006 in Japan, the games have already sold more than 5 million overseas. There were more than 500,000 pre-orders for the game in America, with thousands attending the Nintendo World Store's launch event in New York City. Diamond and Pearl will almost assuredly be one of the top selling games of this year, and they haven't even launched in other territories outside of North America and Japan. Pokémon Battle Revolution is also launching on the Wii June 25, so there's a lot more critter love to be had. Look for Pokémon to be a force to be reckoned with for quite some time. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Thursday, April 26 2007 14:25 PM [Top] New Dragon Quest IX Details [ Famitsu ] One of the most anticipated games for the Nintendo DS has just gotten a bit of a change made to it. An article in the latest Famitsu reveals that while Dragon Quest IX is still coming to DS, and will still feature numerous multiplayer modes, it will now return to the classic turn-based gameplay that made the series famous. Players will also be able to customise their player character much like a Mii, with a variety of clothes, hair, and facial expressions. The game is set for release in Japan this year. Check out the scan from the game below. Images: Dragon Quest IX Famitsu Scan Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 22:33 PM [Top] Transformers Rolls Out Twice on DS [ Activision ] Based on Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS property and upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures due out on July 29th, TRANSFORMERS: AUTOBOTS and TRANSFORMERS: DECEPTICONS lets gamers control the outcome in the battle for Earth. Players can choose to protect the Earth as AUTOBOTS or destroy it as DECEPTICONS and will also experience the unstoppable power and massive scale of their favorite ROBOTS IN DISGUISE such as BUMBLEBEE, BARRICADE and others. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection enables players to engage in the “AllSpark Wars” where they must help their side win the global conflict between AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS via daily challenge missions and global player stats comparisons. Each Nintendo DS game features 20 unique story missions plus more than 20 challenge missions as well as local wireless multiplayer modes (up to four players) such as Team Death Match and AllSpark Sports. In addition to playing as some of the most well-known TRANSFORMERS robots, fans are able to scan over 30 unique vehicles and customize their paint schemes. Gamers can instantly morph from a larger-than-life robot to a high-powered vehicle, such as a sports car, fighter jet or helicopter, as quick conversions leave enemies in the dust and enhance player’s combat strategy. Players take on enemy AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS to build up their custom TRANSFORMERS stats and abilities. Both games feature huge open environment city levels which include Casino Town and Hoover Dam while Antarctic levels are exclusive to the TRANSFORMERS: AUTOBOTS game and desert levels are featured in the TRANSFORMERS: DECEPTICONS game. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 22:06 PM [Top] Call of Duty 4 Confirmed [ Activision ] Activision has officially announced that the biggest World War II shooter franchise of all time, Call of Duty, will be seeing its fourth installment later this year. There's just one catch: it won't be set during World War II. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare takes the ultra-popular franchise into the present day, putting gamers up against terrorists using modern equipment and weapons. The game will be developed by series creator Infinity Ward, who previously worked on both the original Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2 for PC. Little is known about the games, but the debut trailer will air for the first time this Sunday during ESPN's coverage of the NFL Draft. It is not known what platforms the game will be heading to, but the fact that Call of Duty 3 did so well on Wii means a Wii release is likely. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 21:54 PM [Top] Guilty Gear Wii-Bound [ Famitsu ] It looks like PS2 owners won't be the only ones to have some Guilty Gear love. In the latest issue of Famitsu, it is revealed that Guilty Gear X2 Accent Core will be making its way to the Wii on July 26, 2007 in Japan with its PS2 companion version. Much like Mobile Suit Gundam MS Sensen 0079, no word yet on a U.S. release. As details become available, we'll let you know. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 21:00 PM [Top] Gundam and FPS Come Together on Wii [ Famitsu ] BandaiNamco is almost notorious for its many Gundam games. Of course, why not? The games sell like crazy in Japan. Now comes word that Mobile Suit Gundam MS Sensen 0079 is coming to Wii. This is the second Gundam title on Wii, as the system launched with SD Gundam G Breaker in Japan. This title will have first person controls with the Wii Remote used for aiming and blasting away at your enemy. The control stick on the nunchuck will move around your realistic looking and proportioned Gundam. No word on a US release yet, but this is looking like it could be a good one. MS Sensen 0079 hits Japan on July 28, 2007. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 20:57 PM [Top] SNK Brings Classic Fighter to the DS [ SNK ] SNK Playmore, today announced that SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS for the Nintendo DS is shipping to retailers nationwide. With an array of favorite SNK and Capcom characters, and engaging card-battle gameplay, SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS infuses the winning formula of the original SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters' Clash for NeoGeo Pocket Color with updated graphics, an expanded card library and touch-screen capability. Two single-player campaigns, one SNK and one Capcom, are included, as well as an ad-hoc wireless multiplayer mode. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 13:54 PM [Top] New Tom Clancy Series from Ubisoft [ Ubisoft ] Set on the battlefields of World War III, Tom Clancy’s EndWar will push the standards of technology, showcasing artificial intelligence, graphics, physics and animations that were not possible prior to the launch of the new hardware systems. Tom Clancy’s EndWar has been built from the ground up as a revolutionary war strategy game solely for next-generation consoles. “Our development teams are invigorated to be creating the first 100 percent next-generation Tom Clancy brand,” said Serge Hascoët, chief creative officer at Ubisoft. “Our success with Tom Clancy franchises is unparalleled in the next-generation and Tom Clancy’s EndWar will be a marvelous addition to the already critically acclaimed library of games. A strategy game like no other, EndWar will allow gamers to lead their own armies against hundreds of others online in real global locations on the massive battlefields of World War III.” Tom Clancy’s EndWar is featured in a world-exclusive first look in the June issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly, available on news stands in North America on 8th May, 2007. We'll keep you updated on any announcements of a Wii edition of Tom Clancy's EndWar. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, April 25 2007 12:00 PM [Top] New NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshots [ Sega ] The critically-acclaimed franchise that gave gamers the freedom to fly in a world of dreams is coming to the Wii! As a fantasy jester called NiGHTS, you will experience a heightened sense of gliding, spiraling, and looping through seven extraordinary worlds of Nightopia where the ocean resides in the sky and glass-formed cliffs overlook a castle of mirrors. When the “Nightmarens” from the neighboring dark world of Nightmare infiltrate the idyllic Nightopia, NiGHTS must defend the dream world to keep it safe for all dreamers. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will take you in a voyage filled with courage, hope and inspiration. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams releases for the Wii this fall. Check out the first official screens of the game below. Images: NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 1 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 2 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 3 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 4 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 24 2007 19:43 PM [Top] The BIGS Detailed [ 2K Sports ] 2K Sports, announced today features for The BIGS, the larger-than-life Major League Baseball licensed title coming out this summer. The BIGS delivers a unique pick-up-and-play baseball video game experience driven by quick reflex timing and smart power-up strategies, with highlight reel moments on every play. Fans will redefine the baseball highlight reel by performing dramatic wall grabs, spectacular diving plays, and epic homeruns. Unique and intuitive gameplay controls deliver a new baseball experience, while advanced power-up mechanics add exciting depth with each turn. Turbo gameplay raises the action bar to new heights, and culminates in the ultimate batter pitcher power-up duel, where either the pitcher’s Big Heat will be the turning point, or the batter’s Power Blast will be the explosive end to the game. In The BIGS, every play is a big play. In The BIGS, each MLB player has been individualized to emphasize their extraordinary athletic attributes. The development team paid great attention to detail to portray a player’s face and physical characteristics so baseball fans will easily recognize their favorite players. To deliver the authentic MLB atmosphere, stadium landmarks have been stylized to highlight the unique architecture of each MLB ballpark. Whether it’s the glove at San Francisco’s AT&T Park resized to mammoth proportions or the left field wall in Boston’s Fenway Park made into a real “Green Monster," gamers will be in awe at the grandeur of each stadium in The BIGS. The game will be released for the Wii this summer. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 24 2007 18:12 PM [Top] And This Week's VC Games Are... [ Nintendo ] GradiusIII (SNES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Return as the pilot of the Vic Viper starfighter to battle the onslaughts of the Bacterion Empire. Blast through 10 action-packed levels in space, destroying everything in your path. Customize and power up your ship with weapons and upgrades including speed-ups, missiles, lasers, options, and shields. Wonder Boy in Monster World (Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Monster World was a peaceful, happy place until one dark day when an army of BioMeka monsters invaded. As a young man named Shion, you've vowed to defeat the hostile foes and make the land peaceful again. You'll attack enemies with swords and spears and guard against incoming projectiles with shields and armor. As you travel through the many different regions of Monster World, you'll talk to the townspeople, collect money to buy items, and gather a large variety of weapons and magic. The further you venture, the more powerful your weapons and equipment, including suits of armor and boots, will become. Battle Lode Runner (TurboGrafx 16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points): This upgraded edition to the famous Lode Runner series includes a 5-player versus mode. Gold funds have been stolen from the Time Machine Research Center, and the group responsible used a time machine to escape and hide the gold throughout time. The center sends an elite team of "Runners" to go and retrieve the gold. In addition to the familiar Puzzle mode, the game features Battle mode, where up to 5 players can compete, and Edit mode, where you can create your own original stages. You can enjoy Battle mode in a number of different ways. Be the last one standing to win in Survival. Grab items from enemies and escape to win in Escape. With 4 players, you can separate into two teams to do battle in Tag Match. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, April 23 2007 11:59 AM [Top] NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams [ Previews ] Sleepy? Doesn't matter. Come see what the fuss is all about and why you should be excited for the return of NiGHTS. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Saturday, April 21 2007 23:49 PM [Top] Codemasters Brings Race Driver to DS [ Codemasters ] Enabling race drivers to create their own championship circuits, Codemasters today announces Race Driver: Create & Race, an original title in the exhilarating motorsport series, coming exclusively to Nintendo DS this summer. Race Driver: Create & Race has been designed from the ground up for Nintendo DS and lets players thrash the most formidable sports cars through closely-fought races on the world’s most prestigious circuits… and then lets players create their very own circuits with a full track construction kit. Using the Nintendo DS stylus, the game’s track editor lets players select and place race track elements, such as hairpin corners, long straights and chicanes, to design unique circuits. Once all the pieces are placed to perfection, players can take to their track and experience exactly what it’s like in aggressive multiple car races. In addition to the track editor, the game features 32 real-world circuits – from Silverstone and the Nurburgring to Bathurst – and 25 officially licensed race cars, including the Koenig GT, the AMG Mercedes C Klasse D, and the Chevrolet Silverado Truck. Making use of the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi connection capabilities, players can challenge others to races on the game’s official tracks as well as the circuits of their creation. Race Driver: Create & Race also enables up to four players to go head-to-head in races gamesharing from only one cartridge. Further championships and cars can be unlocked from the World Tour Mode and then raced in realtime online and ad hoc multiplayer modes. Race Driver: Create & Race will be available this summer. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, April 21 2007 1:37 AM [Top] Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Boxart [ Nintendo ] Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree features 15 new activities challenge brains in five categories: memory, analysis, number crunching, visual recognition and quick thinking. Activities are designed around the Wii Remote, so players can have fun learning with one Wii Remote, or two for group competitions. Players can also exchange training data wirelessly with other players and compete against their save data. The game will be released for Wii on June 11th. Check out the game's official boxart below. Images: Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, April 20 2007 0:17 AM [Top] Sega Brings Four More to VC [ Sega ] SEGA today announced that four titles from its SEGA Genesis library, Streets of Rage 2, Toe Jam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron, Shining in the Darkness and Kid Chameleon, will soon be available for download on the Wii Shop Channel. Streets of Rage 2 - To celebrate their defeat of the syndicate exactly one year before, Blaze, Adam and Axel met for drinks. The next morning, Axel received a frantic phone call from Eddie 'Skate' Hunter, Adam's younger brother, whom he was living with on the edge of the city. Blaze and Axel found Adam and Skate's house wrecked and a picture of Adam chained to a wall at the feet of Mr. X. The city then once again returned to its nightmarish state and criminals ran rampant. Unable to contact their old friend from the military, Axel and Blaze team up with Skate and Max Thunder to free the city and rescue Adam from the Syndicate. It is up to you to take down Mr. X once and for all! Toe Jam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron - A number of Earthlings hitchhiked on Toe Jam and Earl's spaceship on their trip back home after the first game, and are now infesting Planet Funkotron. Toe Jam and Earl must track down the Earthlings and capture them in large jars and ship them back to Earth in space ships. It is also your funky mission to find 10 beloved objects belonging to Lamont the "Funkapotamus," the source of all funk in the universe, to persuade him to return to his favorite funk-filled planet. Use your "funk powers" to assist in evading and capturing the earthlings, such as Funk Move and Funk Scan. Shining in the Darkness - Dark Sol has vowed to reign over the enchanted Kingdom of Thornwood and only you can stop him. Roaming the dark labyrinth, you will seek out enemies and collect weapons, all of which will help you pass the test of the Ancients and become a shining knight. Get into the adventure with a stunning 3D perspective, amazing cinematic views, and fast-paced scrolling. You'll move from battle to battle, solving puzzles and discovering secret items in this engrossing struggle between good and evil. Find the powerful Arms of Light and battle the deadly beasts that keep your people desperate and starving in this epic journey for peace. Kid Chameleon - The local arcade is packed with kids, all lining up to play the latest, most realistic video game they've ever seen. It's called Wild Side, and it uses holographic images to immerse the player in a strange world. But there's a problem, kids are being sucked into the game and now several of them are trapped. With more than 100 levels to adventure through, you'll take on several different forms such as a Berzerker, a Micromax, a Maniaxe, or a Skycutter, which will make you much more powerful. It's up to you, Kid Chameleon, the best gamer in town, to get yourself inside the game so that you can defeat the games' boss and bring your friends back to reality. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, April 19 2007 23:42 PM [Top] NPD: Nintendo Continues to Dominate [ Nintendo ] Nintendo once again claimed the top two spots among the best-selling new video game systems in America in March, according to independent sales data gathered by the NPD Group. Despite widespread shortages for both systems, more than half a million buyers snapped up the portable Nintendo DS, and Wii was once again the top-selling new home video game console. With the first quarter of 2007 now completed, Wii has already notched over a million systems sold in America this year, while the DS now stands just shy of 1.25 million for the same period. Wii remains the fastest-selling new console in more than a decade, based on NPD sell-through information over the first five months of availability. So far this year, Nintendo has sold more video game systems than all other manufacturers combined. While shipments of Wii hardware are expected to grow this month due to increased production, demand for the system remains at unprecedented levels. And it's destined only to intensify with the just released Super Paper Mario and the impending release of Mario Party 8, which brings a new experience to the classic mini-game series using the Wii controllers. For Nintendo DS, the year's most anticipated software release so far this year comes with the arrival of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl arriving at retail on Sunday. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, April 19 2007 23:25 PM [Top] Three Games from Codemasters [ Codemasters ] Codemasters has announced three new upcoming titles: Operation Flashpoint2 will mark the long-awaited return of the total conflict simulator, which won international acclaim. Now in development, it is Codemasters Studios’ most extensive R&D project to date. With the studio’s largest development team ever assembled, Operation Flashpoint2 has already benefited from over two years of pre-production on a closed set basis and will use a new FPS variant of Neon technology, the studio’s proprietary middleware. Check out the game's official site here. Race Driver One will be a true evolution for the series, which first appeared as the TOCA (DTM/V8) Touring Car games (1997-2000) and became the TOCA (DTM/V8) Race Driver series (2002-2006). Taking the series from ultimate racing simulation to ultimate racing stimulation, Race Driver One will be the next technical showcase for Neon, the studio’s proprietary middleware system that is already driving Colin McRae: DIRT in incredible detail. Rise of the Argonauts will immerse gamers in a gladiatorial adventure, set in wondrously imagined vision of ancient Greece. With deep exploration and epic quests, players will live a life of brutal combat as they lead a team of iconic warriors - including Jason, Hercules and Atalanta - through a world ruled by mythological gods. All of these games are set to release in 2008 for "leading console platforms" and PC. We'll keep you updated on any announcements of Nintendo versions of these games. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, April 19 2007 12:37 PM [Top] Sega Expands Relations With Marvel [ Sega ] Sega has announced that it is expanding its relationship with Marvel Entertainment. Sega has already partnered with Marvel to create video games based on the super hero Iron Man (game and film slated for a Summer 2008 release), but now the publisher will also have the rights to develop and distribute games based on the characters Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and Thor. This multi-year global licensing agreement will see Sega create games for consoles, handhelds and the PC. The titles will be based on both the classic comic books and the upcoming movie adaptations. The first game under the agreement will be based on the next Incredible Hulk feature film. Marvel says that the film will "return the larger-than-life Super Hero to the roots of the long-running comic series and television show with an all-new action-packed storyline directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed)." The game from Sega will be released in conjunction with the film. Sega noted that the release timing for the Captain America and Thor projects has not been determined yet. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, April 19 2007 12:28 PM [Top] NeoGeo Games Come to VC This Summer [ IGN Wii ] In an interview with IGN, SNK Playmore USA president Ben Herman confirmed that Wii owners would see games from SNK's NeoGeo console on Wii "around mid-summer". The games would be priced "a little higher that SNES games", so expect around a 900-1000 Wii point price. Herman also stated that some of SNK's most popular titles such as the King of Fighters and Metal Slug series will likely not be the first games out, as the company would prefer to put some of their lesser-known titles for the NeoGeo out first. Expect more info as it breaks. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 18 2007 23:30 PM [Top] Vince Young Named Madden 08 Coverboy [ Electronic Arts ] Electronic Arts Inc., announced today that the NFL’s 2006 Rookie of the Year Vince Young will appear on the cover of Madden NFL 08, the latest iteration of the EA SPORTS best-selling football franchise with the official video game license of the NFL and its players. The Tennessee Titans quarterback’s appearance on the cover of Madden NFL 08 makes him the youngest NFL star to grace the cover. Last year’s Madden NFL 07 sold over 7 million copies and was the number one selling game in North America in 2006. Madden NFL 08 will be available for purchase beginning August 14. “It is truly an honor for me to be on the cover of Madden NFL 08, every NFL player dreams of being on the cover,” said Young. “After being named Rookie of the Year and going to the Pro Bowl my first season – this is a perfect way to start my second season in the NFL.” As the first rookie quarterback to go to a NFL Pro Bowl, Vince Young has already emerged as one of the most exciting athletes in the NFL. The 2006 NFL Rookie of the Year was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and started in 13 games for the Titans. Young ranked second on the team with 552 rushing yards and tied a team high with seven touchdowns. The Houston native also became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to exceed 500 rushing yards. Madden NFL 08 will be released for every console in existence, including the Wii, DS, GBA, and even the GameCube. May the curse predictions commence! Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 18 2007 16:07 PM [Top] Pokémon Fans Still Trying to Catch 'em All [ Nintendo ] Pre-orders for the upcoming Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl video games for the portable Nintendo DS have topped one half million in the United States, and Nintendo is advising fans to brace themselves for the next wave of Poké-mania. Based on the huge pre-sales for Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl, Nintendo expects them to be among the top-selling games for all of 2007. With four days to go until they arrive, more than 533,000 pre-orders have been taken for Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. Already these games have more than doubled the pre-sale numbers of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, which launched in 2004. Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen went on to sell more than 3.4 million combined in North America. Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl have consistently ranked among the top-selling video game products on Amazon.com, and there are still four days until launch. Pokémon became a nationwide hit the instant it arrived in the United States in 1998. Now a new wave of Pokémon excitement is on its way, complete with more than 100 new Pokémon characters, the ability for players to battle wirelessly on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and voice-chat abilities, which act like a cell phone but with connection among friends only. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, April 18 2007 13:08 PM [Top] New Nintendo-Centric Developer Opens [ Jet Black Games ] More and more developers seem to be seeing Nintendo's return as the biggest player in the industry, and numerous newly-formed development studios are hopping on the bandwagon. Jet Black Games is a newly-formed independent developer made up of former EA Canada employees, and is set to begin work on games for both Wii and Nintendo DS. While working for EA Canada, the development team worked on the popular Need for Speed, FIFA Soccer, and James Bond 007 franchises, meaning we can expect the same quality from the titles the company produces. Jet Black is yet to announce any actual titles, but we'll let you know if anything from the company enters the pipeline in the near future. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 17 2007 18:16 PM [Top] Next Fire Emblem Could Be Online [ IGN Wii ] In an interview with Japanese gaming mag Dengeki DS & Wii Style, Nintendo's Hitoshi Yamagami, and Intelligent Systems' Toru Narihiro and Masahiro Higuchi confirmed that the next installment of Fire Emblem, the popular strategy RPG series, might have some online features. According to Higuchi, items like new maps, missions, and units could be sent to players via WiiConnect24 to enhance the gaming experience. While this feature was left out of Goddess of Dawn (the first Fire Emblem for Wii), it could very well be implemented into the next game. Also confirmed is that a DS version of the game is likely in the works, after Yamagami stated that the DS would be perfect for an SRPG game. To read the entire translated interview, click the source link. Goddess of Dawn will likely be released for Wii here in North America later this year. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 16 2007 15:30 PM [Top] Guitar Hero III Will Use Standard Guitar Controller [ IGN Wii ] While it was confirmed a while back that Guitar Hero III would be coming to Wii, one thing that was a question would be if RedOctane, the game's developer, would be making a standard controller for the game, or if they would be forcing players to strum away with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Fortunately, it seems a guitar peripheral is in the works, and will be "similar to a guitar we've seen in the past", according to an IGN interview with RedOctane CEO Kai Huang. The question remains as to how said guitar will interact with the remote, but hopefully that information will be made to light when the game is officially announced. Also revealed will be that the Wii version of the game will support online multiplayer, as well as downloadable content. Also, an interview with GameSpot confirms that RedOctane is in fact looking into a DS version of the game. However, it will not launch this fall, but sometime early next year. Stay tuned for more. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 16 2007 14:16 PM [Top] New Sonic Rush for DS [ Sega ] Sega today announced the development of Sonic Rush Adventure for the Nintendo DS system. Sonic Rush Adventure will seamlessly utilise both screens of the Nintendo DS to navigate the high seas in search of pirate treasure, delivering Sonic’s classic high-speed 2D gameplay in the ultimate Sonic handheld experience. Developed by SEGA Studios, Sonic Rush Adventure for the Nintendo DS will be available in Autumn 2007. Sonic returns to the Nintendo DS in an all-new frantic adventure complete with dizzying dives, near vertical curves and brain twisting loops. Sonic Rush Adventure will retain the DS action that fans loved so much from Sonic Rush, as well as providing a new high seas adventure where Sonic clashes with ruthless pirates. Players will set off from Windmill Village as Sonic and blast their way through seven action-packed and widely diverse levels. Sonic Rush Adventure will make full use of the DS Download Play feature and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which enables gamers to compete with friends in wireless racing and mission-based battles. Guide Sonic through numerous action stages in the fast and furious single player mode, whilst collecting valuable items and materials that enable Sonic and Tails to track down the villainous pirates. With a fleet of up to five ships, including a submarine, water bike and hovercraft, Sonic Rush Adventure uses the Touch Screen technology in exciting new ways. Use the Nintendo DS Stylus to help control vessels as they race across the ocean gathering rings, performing tricks, and torching pirate boats, whilst engaging in fierce ship-to-ship battles. At the end of each level, epic 3D boss battles spanning both screens will test gamers skills to result in an ultimate showdown with the evil boss character, Captain Whisker. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 16 2007 13:59 PM [Top] Virtual Console Update [ Nintendo ] Punch Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): As young boxer Little Mac, players have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle the big guys of the World Video Boxing Association circuit. Take them on one by one, starting with skinny Glass Joe. Battle up through King Hippo and all the way to the WVBA Champion himself. Players use their best jabs, hooks and power uppercuts to knock out opponents, but must pay attention to subtle changes in their body position to dodge jaw-breaking blows. With great graphics, addictive action and a touch of humor, this game will keep players entertained for hours. Virtua Fighter 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Virtua Fighter was the very first 3-D fighting game in the industry and introduced six unique characters, each with their own martial arts style. In Virtua Fighter 2, the intrepid fighters return to the World Fighting Tournament. Players take to the stage to see who will claim the championship title. Will it be Lau Chan, Kage-Maru, Wolf Hawkfield, Jeffry McWild, Akira Yuki, Jacky Bryant, Sarah Bryant or Pai Chan? The answer lies within. Players immerse themselves in this technically challenging game and see if they have what it takes to be the champion of the second World Fighting Tournament. Bonk's Revenge (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): The "hardheaded" hero is back for more in the second installment of the Bonk series. Taking place in the Monster Kingdom, Bonk the Caveman makes his way toward King Drool III. Bonk's Revenge is a side-scrolling action game in which players Jump and "Bonk" (head-butt) their enemies while they make their way to the goal at the end of each stage. Double, even triple, attack power by eating the meat that appears in a stage. There are eight different hidden bonus stages, and the Dinosaur Train that appears after players defeat a boss will change depending on how many Smileys they've collected. With new actions such as the Triangle Jump and the ability to climb trees, as well as seven variety-packed stages, Bonk's Revenge will keep players playing over and over. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, April 16 2007 12:01 PM [Top] New Mega Man Series to DS [ Capcom ] Capcom today showcased Mega Man Star Force for the Nintendo DS, the first game in a new Mega Man series, debuting in three versions – Pegasus, Leo and Dragon , a first for any Mega Man title. Capcom plans to release Mega Man Star Force in North America this August. This unique action RPG blends exploration with fast-paced battles, as players travel between the real world and virtual Wave World. Developed by the team behind the popular Mega Man Battle Network series, the game marks the start of a new era for Mega Man, which celebrates his 20th anniversary this year. In Mega Man Star Force, players explore towns and interact with people in the real world while the action-packed battles take place in the virtual dimension. Enemy encounters take place on a three by five grid, where players use a portfolio of Battle Cards that each have distinct attributes and attack powers. As the story progresses, players will acquire additional cards and can build an arsenal that reflects their personal strategy. Players can also connect wirelessly via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection with friends to create a “Brother Band” network, where they can share cards and status upgrades. Set in the year 22XX, Mega Man Star Force introduces all new characters in a fresh, futuristic storyline with interspatial themes based on astronomy and wireless wave signals. As main character Geo Stelar, players must vanquish a new breed of enemies that have emerged from the distant planet FM. Using a pair of special “visualizer” glasses that let him see wave signals that are otherwise invisible to the human eye, Geo and a mysterious ally named Omega-Xis must join forces to transform into Mega Man in order to enter the virtual “Wave World” and defeat the aliens from FM. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, April 13 2007 20:13 PM [Top] Mega Man ZX Advent Announced for DS [ Capcom ] Capcom today announced that Mega Man ZX Advent for the Nintendo DS will be released in North America in October 2007. As a flagship franchise for Capcom, the Mega Man series has garnered sales in excess of 26 million units worldwide. Mega Man ZX Advent follows two heroes, Grey and Ashe, on two separate but intertwining adventures as they search for answers amidst a chaotic war between humans and robots. They will fight against a menacing, evil force in a battle unprecedented in the Mega Man series. The title takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS features to enhance the action-packed gameplay and story line of the popular series. A dynamic “Biometal” system is central to gameplay, allowing players the ability to change into several forms, including eight bosses, each with a variety of unique abilities and powers. With a touch of the Nintendo DS screen, players can easily switch back and forth between the Biometal and Map navigation screens. Bosses can be fought in several different ways, testing players’ skills and rewarding them with nearly 24 different items depending on how they take on a boss. Further gameplay options are available as players explore and open up new areas of the map. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, April 13 2007 20:09 PM [Top] Capcom Announces Phoenix Wright 3 [ Capcom ] Capcom today announced Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations for Nintendo DS. The third installment in the popular courtroom battle series from Japan features the completion of Phoenix Wright’s story, as players explore both the past and present of the idiosyncratic lawyer. Capcom plans to release Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations in North America in September 2007. In Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations players star as a defense attorney, who must prove a seemingly guilty client’s innocence no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. Phoenix will face the toughest prosecutor yet as the mysterious hard-boiled “Godot” will try to take him down at any cost. The complete story of Phoenix Wright comes together as truths are revealed in twisting storylines and intriguing gameplay. Players must collect evidence, survey crime scenes, weed through inconsistent testimonies, and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails. With the return of the popular “pysche-lock” interrogation tool from the previous title, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All, players will have to overcome even more intense courtroom standoffs in order to close the case. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, April 13 2007 20:04 PM [Top] New Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Trailer [ Capcom ] Hot on the trails of the new trailer for RE4: Wii Edition comes another new Resident Evil trailer, for the upcoming Umbrella Chronicles, also set for Wii. This trailer shows off the shooting gameplay for the first time, and it actually looks like a lot of fun. The game should be out by the end of the year. Check out the trailer here. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, April 13 2007 18:51 PM [Top] Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Trailer [ Capcom ] Capcom has revealed the first trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, set to be released this June. The trailer shows off how the Wii's controller will work with the game and...well...I don't want to spoil anything, but it may very well be one of the cheesiest Wii videos we've ever seen. Check it out by clicking here. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, April 13 2007 18:17 PM [Top] Manhunt 2 Trailer [ Wii Café ] An experiment at a secret research facility has gone catastrophically wrong. Daniel Lamb and Leo Kasper are the only surviving subjects. The Pickman Project will stop at nothing to hunt them down and stop the truth from getting out. Demented screams echo around the dank asylum that has caged you for the last six years. You open your eyes. A white-coated body slumps to the floor through your shaking hands. A bloody syringe slips from your arm. Waves of confusion and paranoia crash over you. You have no idea who you are or how you got here. The door to your cell is open. One choice. One chance. They took your life. Time to take it back. Manhunt 2. Coming Summer 2007. Check out the latest trailer below. Video: Manhunt 2 Trailer (38.9 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, April 13 2007 3:21 AM [Top] Official Nintendo Press Release on Internet Channel [ Nintendo ] Search, surf and shop with family and friends, all from the comfort of your living room with the Internet Channel on Wii. Featuring a number of enhancements to improve the user experience as well as a host of added extras, the full version of the Internet Channel powered by Opera is now available for free download across North America. Fans of the innovative Wii channels already will be familiar with the Internet Channel, which delivers their high-speed Internet access via their television sets. Based on feedback from Wii owners, Nintendo has created a new and enhanced version of the browser featuring improvements to the user experience as well as a performance upgrade. Users of the trial version will notice the improved usability of the full version. The browser now features a manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous version, allowing more viewing flexibility. When zooming in and out of a page, text is kept crisp and readable at all sizes. The new version of the Internet Channel also features improved scrolling functionality, as well as the collapsible toolbars and multiple on-screen cursors. As search functions have become an essential part of our everyday Internet experience, the Internet Channel now features a built-in function allowing users to search without having to select a search engine each time. Wii owners are given the choice of either Google or Yahoo! Search as a pre-selected search engine to power their built-in search button. The selection can be changed at any time, or a different search engine can be used by typing in that search engine's address. Users also will have the ability to easily access Nintendo, Yahoo!, Google and My Opera from pre-loaded bookmarks. The full version of the Internet Channel is available as a free download through June 30, after which it will cost 500 Wii Points. Once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the lifetime of the system. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, April 12 2007 11:16 AM [Top] New Wii Games Coming: Wii Music, Health Pack [ Joystiq ] Joystiq today reports that, in an interview with Greek gaming site Contra.gr, George Katrinakis, head of Nortec Multimedia (Nintendo's Greek distributor) may have inadvertently spilled the beans on two major Nintendo-published Wii titles coming this year. First is Wii Music, revealed at E3 last year in the form of a simple conducting demo. Apparently, the full version of the game will also allow the player to use a number of instruments, as well as create their own compositions and send them to other Wii owners via WiiConnect24. Could Wii Music be Nintendo's answer to Guitar Hero? Also announced was Wii Health Pack, which has appeared on various retailer release lists in previous weeks. The game sounds like it will be similar to Wii Sports in that it will have a number of activity-based mini-games, but will be unique in that it will transmit the data the game collects and send to a local hospital, which will then send back its findings to the player. Obviously, since the person interviewed is not directly employed by Nintendo, what he says must be taken with a grain of salt. However, these two games sound like ambitious, but certainly interesting releases. We'll have more as it breaks. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, April 12 2007 0:47 AM [Top] Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Logo and Screens [ Capcom ] The celebrated Resident Evil 4 now comes to the Wii with added Wii Remote and Nunchuck support, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game as never before. With RE4 Wii Edition, Capcom is offering new and more immersive sense of control to players, while keeping all of the game’s incredible game systems intact. As Leon Kennedy, players will explore a town overrun by cultists, mutants and mind-controlled villagers, using the Wii Remote to aim, fire, slash and avoid oncoming adversaries with intuitive motions and movements. RE4 Wii Edition will also contain the additional content included in the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version of the game. The game releases into stores on June 23rd. Images: Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Logo Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Screenshot 1 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Screenshot 2 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Screenshot 3 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Screenshot 4 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Screenshot 5 Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, April 12 2007 0:18 AM [Top] Final Wii Opera Browser Released [ Nintendo ] The full version of the Opera web browser for the Wii has just gone live. By downloading a simple update and then downloading the channel from the Wii Shop, Wii owners can utilize the final version of the Internet Channel, free of charge. Some changes added include: - Parental Control support - Optional Internet content filter - Improved start-up speed - Clearer text when zoomed-in - Improved Wii Remote navigation - Improved scrolling and zooming - Built-in search via Yahoo! or Google - Option to hide Toolbar - New cursor animations and operation sounds - Ability to view page security information - Option to delete cookies - Built-in support manual Definitely download the channel as soon as possible, as it will only be free until the end of June, after which it will cost 500 Wii points. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 11 2007 23:52 PM [Top] RE:UC Artwork and Screens [ Capcom ] Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a brand new game in the Resident Evil franchise, with familiar locales from the entire series, created specifically for the unique characteristics of the Wii hardware. This action/shooter hybrid reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3 as well as new never-before-seen locations, such as Umbrella’s stronghold. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines first-person, light-gun style combat with interactive pathways, multiple weapons and new enemies to create an entirely new Resident Evil experience that could only be delivered on the Wii. Images: Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Logo Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Artwork - Billy Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Artwork - Chris Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Artwork - Jill Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Artwork - Rebecca Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Artwork - Wesker Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 1 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 2 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 3 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 4 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 5 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 6 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 7 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 8 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 9 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Screenshot 10 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, April 11 2007 21:08 PM [Top] Mercury Meltdown Revolution Delayed to June [ Ignition Entertainment ] The launch date for Ignition Entertainment’s Mercury Meltdown Revolution for Wii, which was originally slated for May 1, is now set for June 12. This challenging puzzler takes full advantage of the Wii’s tilt controller. For the time being, you can immerse yourself in the latest game trailer, which is available below, along with a boxart and a bunch of screens. Images: Mercury Meltdown Revolution Boxart Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 1 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 2 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 3 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 4 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 5 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 6 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 7 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 8 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 9 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 10 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 11 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 12 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 13 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 14 Mercury Meltdown Revolution Screenshot 15 Video: Mercury Meltdown Revolution Trailer (14.0 MB) Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, April 11 2007 17:48 PM [Top] Namco Museum Comes to DS [ Namco Bandai ] Namco Bandai announced today that that Namco Museum DS is bringing its popular arcade games to the Nintendo DS this summer. Namco Museum DS introduces a new generation of gamers to an era of timeless games and non-stop entertainment. Namco Museum DS allows gamers to experience a virtual arcade portal where they can choose from up to eight games: Pac-Man, Pac-Man VS, Galaga, Xevious, Dig Dug II, Galaxian, Mappy, and The Tower of Druaga. Bringing back the meaning of family-fun, Namco Museum DS delivers excitement to gamers of all ages and offers entertainment all can enjoy. Features that are unique to Namco Museum DS include a screen mode selection that allows the use of different screen combinations on the Nintendo DS. This will allow players the chance to fit their classic games specifically to the Nintendo DS or in the "stand-up" arcade style. Players can also enjoy wireless battles in Pac-Man VS, an addictive take on Pac-Man which was previously only available exclusively with the purchase or pre-order of previous games. This version of the game features downloadable play where up to four players can battle using only one Game Card. Namco Museum DS will have a suggested retail price of $19.99 when it hits shelves this Summer. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 10 2007 15:05 PM [Top] Nintendo Teams With the US Against Piracy in China [ Nintendo ] Nintendo today announced its strong support of the U.S. Trade Representative seeking formal consultations with China regarding its failure to meet World Trade Organization obligations concerning intellectual property protection and enforcement in China. As part of its uncompromising campaign against international piracy, Nintendo continues to be an outspoken supporter of the U.S. government, given that more than 7.7 million counterfeit video game products from more than 300 Chinese factories and retailers have been seized during the past four years. Despite aggressive efforts for the past decade, China has built itself to be the leading production site and exporter for counterfeit Nintendo video game products, and has the largest domestic consumption. Despite the millions of counterfeit Nintendo products seized from retailers and manufacturing plants in China through the years, there has only been one criminal prosecution. Numerous factories, where tens of thousands of counterfeit Nintendo products were seized, escaped with only trivial fines or no penalty at all. And often these production sites continue to operate after products are seized. In order to avoid punishment, many counterfeiters are sophisticated and keep stock levels below the criminal thresholds and avoid keeping sales records. Each year Nintendo participates in the Special 301 process - the annual process by which the U.S. Trade Representative solicits views from the industry and makes judgments about the adequacy of intellectual property laws and enforcement in foreign countries. This year, Nintendo provided evidence to the U.S. Trade Representative regarding piracy in China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Mexico and Paraguay. The piracy not only affects Nintendo, but also more than 100 other companies who independently create, license, market and sell Nintendo products. In 2006, the estimated loss due to piracy was $762 million. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 10 2007 9:50 AM [Top] Super Paper Mario Ships [ Nintendo ] Today’s launch of Super Paper Mario for Nintendo’s red-hot Wii system transports players into another dimension. Like a story ripped from the pages of a paperback novel, Mario has the ability to switch between a 2-D and 3-D perspective. With the motion-sensitive and pointing abilities of the Wii Remote, this first Mario game for Wii delivers the goods. At the start of the story, a mysterious villain kidnaps Princess Peach and Bowser, and forces the unlikely couple to get married without any paperwork. Mario, always the hero, sets out to save the day before a rift of dark energy tears the universe apart. Players solve puzzles, perform new actions, learn fresh abilities and beat bosses using the innovative and action-sensitive remote. Players can even navigate through parts of the game as Peach, and of course, Bowser, whose devastating fiery breath burns like lemon juice on a paper cut. Super Paper Mario, Rated E for Everyone, launches today. For more information about the game, visit the official site. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 10 2007 0:26 AM [Top] THQ Announces New Cars Game [ THQ ] THQ today announced plans to bring a new video game based on the highly successful Disney-Pixar’s Cars film to retail this fall. Cars Mater-National is scheduled to ship for the Wii, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance Cars Mater-National will offer fans of the film a fresh adventure set in the super-fueled world of Radiator Springs. The video game will feature all-new international characters vying for their chance to compete against Lightning McQueen in the First Annual Mater-National Race Festival. Players will explore the new and improved open world of Radiator Springs, complete with new tracks, mini-games and more than 10 multiplayer games. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 10 2007 0:15 AM [Top] First Spider-Man 3 Wii Screens [ Activision ] Activision has revealed the first screens from the Wii build of Spider-Man 3. Developed by Vicarious Visions, the game will be built completely from the ground-up for Nintendo's new system, complete with some great-looking graphics and Wii Remote/Nunchuk controls to control Spidey's web-shooters. The game will also feature a unique system which allows the player to switch between Spidey's standard red suit and his vicious new black suit at will. Check out the screens below, and remember that Spider-Man 3 will be released for the Wii and Nintendo DS on May 5th. Images: Spider-Man 3 Wii Screenshot 1 Spider-Man 3 Wii Screenshot 2 Spider-Man 3 Wii Screenshot 3 Spider-Man 3 Wii Screenshot 4 Spider-Man 3 Wii Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 9 2007 12:40 PM [Top] Today's VC Games [ Nintendo ] Galaga (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Players control their fighters, with their unique ability to combine with other fighters and shoot down the invading aliens. Aliens attack in formations using a variety of attack patterns. Rescue a captured fighter to combine with it, forming a Dual Fighter with twice the firepower. Earn Perfect Bonuses more easily by using a Dual Fighter on the Challenging Stages. Galaga was released in 1981 and became an instant classic with its innovative fighter-combination system and varied enemy attack patterns. BRAVOMAN (Turbografx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): The village of Nitta has been invaded by the army of Dr. Bomb, an evil scientist who is plotting to take over the world. Facing this crisis is Bravoman, who received his powers from Alpha Man to stand up against Dr. Bomb in the name of justice. The village of Nitta consists of 22 stages - action stages that take place on the ground and shooting stages that take place underwater. Action stages use a unique control system in which the height of a jump and the distance of an attack changes depending on how long players hold down the button. Players collect the Luck Symbols that appear when they defeat enemies and give them to Lottery Man to get recovery and power-up items. Stop Dr. Bomb and bring peace to the village of Nitta and the rest of the world. Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): When King Thor was kidnapped, his son, Alex Kidd, held out hope that his father would return to their kingdom on Planet Aries. Finally, it was revealed that he was being held captive on Planet Paperock. As Alex, players race to his rescue through 11 levels, battling enemies and avoiding obstacles while winning coins that will buy special items and vehicles. At the end of each level, players encounter a boss and enter into a match of "Rock, Paper, Scissors." Throwing the right symbols puts players ever closer to bringing King Thor home; throwing the wrong symbols squashes them beneath a heavy weight. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, April 9 2007 10:11 AM [Top] Capcom Officially Announces RE4 Wii and RE: UC [ Capcom ] Capcom announced today that the Resident Evil is coming to the Wii video game system from Nintendo with two new titles. This summer, Capcom will release Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, a new version of the award-winning game that incorporates the control functionality of the Wii Remote. Capcom will be bringing a new game, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, to the Wii at a later date. The celebrated Resident Evil 4 now comes to the Wii with added Wii Remote and Nunchuck support, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game as never before. With RE4 Wii Edition, Capcom is offering new and more immersive sense of control to players, while keeping all of the game’s incredible game systems intact. As Leon Kennedy, players will explore a town overrun by cultists, mutants and mind-controlled villagers, using the Wii Remote to aim, fire, slash and avoid oncoming adversaries with intuitive motions and movements. RE4 Wii Edition will also contain the additional content included in the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version of the game. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a brand new game in the Resident Evil franchise, with familiar locales from the entire series, created specifically for the unique characteristics of the Wii hardware. This action/shooter hybrid reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3 as well as new never-before-seen locations, such as Umbrella’s stronghold. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines first-person, light-gun style combat with interactive pathways, multiple weapons and new enemies to create an entirely new Resident Evil experience that could only be delivered on the Wii. Capcom has also released the first trailer from Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. Check it out here, as well as the game's official site here. You can also see the official site for RE4 Wii here. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, April 7 2007 19:12 PM [Top] Big Brain Academy Gets A New Name [ Nintendo ] The Wii edition of Nintendo's edutainment franchise Big Brain Academy is now officially called Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree. * 15 new activities challenge brains in five categories: memory, analysis, number crunching, visual recognition and quick thinking. * Activities are designed around the Wii Remote, so players can have fun learning with one Wii Remote, or two for group competitions. * Players can exchange training data wirelessly with other players and compete against their save data. Check out the logo and some character art below. Images: Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Logo Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 1 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 2 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 3 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 4 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 5 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 6 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 7 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 8 Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Character Art 9 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, April 6 2007 13:58 PM [Top] Nintendo's European Release Schedule [ NOE ] Nintendo of Europe has just put out a release schedule for Q3 2007. Leading Nintendo’s Wii line-up for the period is the highly anticipated Mario Strikers Charged Football (that's soccer for those of us across the pond) which allows you to play football like you have always dreamt of -with no rules! Mario Strikers Charged Football will also be the first European Wii title to utilise the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service, allowing players to compete against the rest of the world to become that all important champion. Check out the full list: Wii Hardware and Software - Release Date Q2 2007 Wing Island (Nintendo / Hudson) - 13th April 2007 Chicken Little: Ace in Action (Disney Interactive Studios) - 20th April 2007 Cooking Mama Wii (505 Games) - April 2007 Elevator Action (505 Games) - April 2007 Pop’n Pop (505 Games) - April 2007 Heatseeker (Codemasters) - April 2007 BIONICLE Heroes (Eidos / TT Games) - April 2007 Eledees (Konami) - April 2007 Impossible Mission (System 3) - April 2007 Mario Strikers Charged Football (Nintendo) - 25th May 2007 Brunswick Bowling Wii (505 Games) - May 2007 World Championship Poker Featuring Howard Lederer: All In Wii (505 Games) - May 2007 Spider-Man The Movie 3 (Activision) - May 2007 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Disney Interactive Studios) - May 2007 Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (Midway) - May 2007 Puzzle Balls (System 3) - May 2007 Chicken Shoot Egg Catcher (ZOO Digital Publishing) - May 2007 Pangya! Golf with Style (Nintendo) - June 2007 Dave Mirra Racing Wii (505 Games) - June 2007 Transformers - June 2007 Mercury Meltdown Revolution (Ignition) - Q2 2007 Metal Slug Anthology (Ignition) - Q2 2007 Nintendo DS Hardware and Software Pokémon Ranger (Nintendo) - 13th April 2007 Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (Nintendo) - 13th April 2007 Harvest Moon DS (Nintendo / Rising Star Games) - 13th April 2007 The Settlers (Ubisoft) - 19th April 2007 Diddy Kong Racing DS (Nintendo) - 20th April 2007 Jin Jin (505 Games) - April 2007 Wild Wild Western (505 Games) - April 2007 Zendoku (Eidos) - April 2007 Lunar Knights (Konami) - April 2007 Lost in Blue 2 (Konami) - April 2007 Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007 (Konami) - April 2007 Impossible Mission (System 3) - April 2007 Final Fantasy III (Square Enix) - 4th May 2007 Nicktoons Battle Volcano Island (THQ) - 4th May 2007 Chicken Shoot Egg Catcher (ZOO Digital Publishing) - 4th May 2007 Picross DS (Nintendo) - 11th May 2007 Custom Robo Arena (Nintendo) - 25th May 2007 Fishing DS (505 Games) - May 2007 Tangram (505 Games) - May 2007 Spider-Man The Movie 3 (Activision) - May 2007 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Disney Interactive Studios) - May 2007 Pony Friends (Eidos) - May 2007 Death Jr and the Science Fair of Doom (Konami) - May 2007 Marvel Trading Card Game (Konami) - May 2007 Steel Horizon (Konami) - May 2007 Power Play Pool (System 3) - May 2007 Super Fruit Fall (System 3) - May 2007 Herbie: Fully Loaded (Disney Interactive Studios) - 1st June 2007 ANNO 1701 (Disney Interactive Studios) - 8th June 2007 8 Ball All Stars (Oxygen) - 8th June 2007 Powershot Pinball Constructor (Oxygen) - 8th June 2007 Mahjong (dtp) - 15th June 2007 Wario: Master of Disguise (Nintendo) - June 2007 Kirby Mouse Attack (Nintendo) - June 2007 Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo) - June 2007 Puzzle League DS (tentative title name) (Nintendo) - June 2007 Shrek The Third (Activision) - June 2007 Meteos: Disney Magic (Disney Interactive Studios) - June 2007 Best of tests DS (Neko Entertainment) - June 2007 Code Lyoco (Game Factory/K.E. Media) - Q2 2007 Pet Alien (Game Factory/K.E. Media) - Q2 2007 Panzer Tactics DS (10tacle Studios) - Q2 2007 Dino Master (Majesco) - Q2 2007 F24 Stealth Fighter (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Mech Assault Phantom War (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Nacho Libre (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Super Black Bass Fishing (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Guilty Gear Dust Strikers (Majesco / THQ) - Q2 2007 B-17 Fortress in the Sky (ZOO Digital Publishing) - Q2 2007 Frisbee Freestyle/Frisbee Golf (ZOO Digital Publishing) - Q2 2007 Game Boy Advance Hardware and Software Final Fantasy V Advance (Nintendo) - 13th April 2007 Another World (ZOO Digital Publishing) - 27th April 2007 Nicktoons Battle for Volcano Island (THQ) - 4th May 2007 Final Fantasy VI Advance (Nintendo) - June 2007 F24 Stealth Fighter (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Teen Titans (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Teen Titans 2 (Majesco) - Q2 2007 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, April 6 2007 13:35 PM [Top] Brothers In Arms Official for Wii and DS [ Ubisoft ] Today Ubisoft and Gearbox Software announced that the critically acclaimed and multimillion-unit selling Brothers In Arms franchise is in development for the Nintendo DS and Wii. Scheduled to ship this year, Brothers In Arms Double Time (fall) and Brothers In Arms DS (summer) will, for the first time, immerse Nintendo system owners into the intensity of World War II through the stories of Sergeants Baker and Hartsock and their squad of paratroopers during the Normandy invasion. “Brothers In Arms on the Wii and DS systems is really exciting for us,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “I am a huge fan of both systems and thrilled about making games for the two platforms. In the entire space of first-person shooters on video game systems, Brothers In Arms really lends itself to both the Wii and DS interfaces. Imagine using the Wii Remote to give actual hand signals or aiming with the DS stylus from a covered position. That’s what you can look forward to with Brothers In Arms Double Time and Brothers In Arms DS.” Brothers In Arms Double Time brings the best of this acclaimed WWII action franchise to the Wii system, while adding the use of innovative gameplay with the Wii Remote. Brothers In Arms DS brings all the action and strategy of the series to a handheld, utilizing the DS Touch Screen to control the squad. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, April 4 2007 22:04 PM [Top] RE4 Wii-Make Confirmed - UPDATED WITH SCANS [ Famitsu ] Looks like the latest issue of Famitsu magazine in Japan has confirmed the recent rumors that Resident Evil 4 would be remade for the Wii. According to the magazine, the game will make full use of the Wii controls as far as aiming with the infrared pointer, reloading with a shake of the remote, and other functions. It seems as though we'll also get the PS2 extras that were added, including the Separate Ways campaign. Look for the disc to also include a trailer for RE: Umbrella Chronicles, set to hit the Wii exclusively this year. As for UC, it looks like Famitsu has also noted that the game may be a first-person rail shooter, not a full 3D exploration game, which sucks. Dear Capcom: Don't do that. Please. Don't. UPDATE: We've now obtained the scans from Famitsu for both Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition and Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. As reported, RE: UC will indeed be a first-person on-rails shooter; however, the game will allow for limited control between various checkpoints, as well as full 360 motion for exploration purposes. The game will also feature such classic Resident Evil characters as Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, Billy Coen, and Wesker, and content from all games from RE0 to RE4. The game will also feature RE4-esque interactive cutscenes, where players must make quick Wii Remote motions in order to progress through the game. No word on the game's release, but it should be out this year. Images: Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition Famitsu Scan 1 Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition Famitsu Scan 2 Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles Famitsu Scan 1 Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles Famitsu Scan 2 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, April 4 2007 16:32 PM [Top] Sega Makes NiGHTS Official [ Sega ] SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, the long awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed NiGHTS franchise that gave gamers the freedom to fly in a world of dreams and imagination. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is being developed for Nintendo’s Wii video game console and is scheduled to be released in Fall 2007. “We plan to deliver a gameplay experience never before seen on the Wii with NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. “The game takes full advantage of the unique Wii Remote controller enabling gamers to guide NiGHTS through spectacularly designed dream worlds intertwined with a story about hope and courage.” As a fantasy jester called NiGHTS, players will fly through Nightopia, a rich and vibrant world where dreams come to life. With the innovative Wii Remote, gamers will experience a heightened sense of gliding, spiraling, and looping through seven mystical dream worlds packed with high-flying adventure. Players must find inventive ways to confront the “Nightmarens” from the neighboring dark world of Nightmare using amazing acrobatic skills, freedom of flight, and other special abilities to protect Nightopia. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is an adventure filled with courage, hope and inspiration that the whole family will enjoy this holiday season. For further information, visit the game's official website. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, April 3 2007 16:19 PM [Top] Mario Strikers Charged Hits Europe This May [ Nintendo of Europe ] Now’s your chance to bend it like Beckham, score like Shevchenko and hit it like Henry or, failing that, floor the opposition with a well aimed Blue Shell! What’s more, with Mario Strikers: Charged Football you really can compete in a world cup, thanks to the multiplayer mode via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Make sure you’re wearing your team colours as ‘Mario Strikers: Charged Football’ kicks off across Europe on Wii on 25th May 2007. Nintendo has taken one of the world’s most popular sports and made it even better by throwing in some of Nintendo’s most popular characters, 5-a-side teams and well and truly throwing out the rulebook! What’s more now it is available on Wii! The innovative Wii Remote will allow players to immerse themselves deep into the action translating real movement into on-screen action. The Wii Remote brings a dynamic new element to Mario Strikers: Charged Football, encouraging the player to make instinctive physical movements to achieve the desired effect within the game. Basic movement and strikes are executed using the analogue stick and buttons on the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, but when the pressure is on, players can use their instinctive movements to affect the gameplay. Flicking the Wii remote will cause the character to check their opponent, hopefully stealing the ball in the process. Players can also use the Wii Remote to perform cat-like saves, defending their goal from MegaStrikes by grabbing the balls out of the air. One of the many modes this game features is the multiplayer mode which can see up to four players in any one game (players must split between two teams). Players can also utilise Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to take on players from across the globe! Multiplayer modes include Ranked mode where players can compete to climb up leaderboards and Unranked mode where they can quickly select and play friends. We'll likely hear more on a release date for the US very soon. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 3 2007 14:05 PM [Top] Rock Band IS Coming to Wii [ IGN Wii ] This morning, Wii fans everywhere were disheartened to hear that Harmonix and EA's brand-new ambitious rhythm title, Rock Band, would only be coming to PS3 and Xbox 360. But wait! It looks like the rocking may soon commence on Wii as well in some form or another, as Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos confirmed to IGN Wii that Nintendo's new system will "absolutely" see a version of Rock Band released somewhere down the line. The game promises to take what Harmonix's previous title, Guitar Hero, achieved and amplify it to 11 (bad rock pun intended), allowing players to take on the role of guitarist, bassist, drummer, and vocalist, with full online capability. It remains to be seen when the game will come to Wii, but we'll give you more info as soon as it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, April 3 2007 0:18 AM [Top] Three Added to Virtual Console [ Nintendo ] Star Fox 64 (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): Players take the controls of their Arwing and complete 15 missions to reach the final objective: a showdown on Venom, the home planet of the interplanetary tyrant, Andross. Throughout the adventure, players have to accomplish challenging objectives in order to reach and conquer every mission. Skim over the surface of an alien sea, weave through the concrete canyons of a futuristic metropolis or dodge planetoids the size of mountains. Between missions, players will be treated to real-time 3-D movies that progress the story of the Star Fox team of space mercenaries in their struggle against the evil ape emperor, Andross. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): Cowabunga! Players take control of the turtles in a half shell and rescue reporter April O'Neil from the clutches of the evil Shredder. Battle against the Foot Ninja Clan as Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello and Raphael with their trademark weapons and ninja abilities. Search through five stages and dozens of areas throughout the New York City sewers, rooftops and ultimately Shredder's Technodrome to save April. Players must scarf down some pizza to keep up their energy, as they'll need it to defeat Shredder. Turtle Power! Dragon's Curse (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): After defeating the Mecha Dragon in the depths of the Dragon Castle, the wounded beast casts a spell on the hero, turning him into an ugly creature. To return to human form, he must find the Salamander Cross, which can break any curse. This side-scrolling action role-playing game is nonlinear, allowing players to venture freely. Collect gold and items while upgrading equipment and powering up stats. The hero starts as Lizard-Man but, upon defeating the dragon bosses, is changed into other creatures such as Mouse-Man, Piranha-Man, Tiger-Man and Hawk-Man. Each creature possesses distinct abilities such as the ability to fly, swim, walk on ceilings or cling to walls. Players use each creature's special skills to widen your search for the Salamander Cross and bring the hero back to his human form! Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, April 2 2007 19:46 PM [Top]