Today's Special Archives: May 2006

News Archives Index Wii Best of Show for 2006 Game Critics Awards [ Game Critics Awards ] The Wii has won. The Game Critics Awards, awards for the E3 expo voted on by representatives from various media sites, have chosen their Best in Show: the Nintendo Wii. The revolutionary game console from Nintendo beat out Gears of War, Spore, Bioshock, and Assassin's Creed for the honor, and marks the second time a Nintendo console has received the award, with the GameCube taking it home in 2001. The Wii also won for Best Hardware, beating out, among others, Sony's Playstation 3. In all, Nintendo had five big winners in the awards: more than any other company. Best Handheld Game went to Link's latest portable adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the Nintendo DS. Best Racing Game was won by Excite Truck, the upcoming Wii racer. And shock of all shocks, Wii Sports got the win in the Best Sports Game category, marking the first time in 3 years the award hasn't gone to the latest Madden game. Even more amazing, it beat not one, but TWO Maddens for the prize. For the full list of winners, hit the source link. Our congratulations go to Nintendo on a job well done at E3 2006. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 31 2006 23:41 PM [Top] DS Lite Street Date Broken! [ Cheap Ass Gamer ] It looks like Wal-Mart and Target have begun to sell DS Lites, June 11th street date be damned. Initially, one CAG user named Trakan found a ton of DS Lites at his local Target store. Since then, many other users have reported finding DS Lites for sale at other Targets and Wal-Marts. Not all stores seem to be selling them yet, but there seems to be a surprisingly high number breaking the date. Many other places (such as GameStop or EBGames) should be getting their shipments in today, so check all of your local game stores and see if you can snag the new beauty. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, May 31 2006 12:58 PM [Top] Nintendo Dates Several Titles [ Nintendo ] Following an extremely successful showing at the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo will continue riding its surge of momentum through the rest of 2006. While the new Wii console will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2006, Nintendo has plenty of other things to keep people busy until then. Nintendo DS June 5: Big Brain Academy June 5: Magnetica June 11: Nintendo DS Lite June 26: Sudoku Gridmaster Aug. 28: Star Fox DS Sept. 18: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team Sept. 25: Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Oct. 9: Clubhouse Games Oct. 30: Children of Mana Nintendo GameCube Sept. 25: Baten Kaitos Origins Oct. 9: Super Paper Mario Game Boy Advance SP Sept. 18: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, May 30 2006 13:42 PM [Top] DS Lite Gets a Rumble Of Its Own [ Nintendo of Japan ] With the fact that the DS Lite's slim size forces games and periphrials plugged into the system's GBA game slot to protrude from the otherwise-sleek console, it was looking like fans of the DS's rumble pack were forced to look forward to their sexy new DS Lites being a lot less sexy. However, they can worry no longer, as Nintendo has announced, at least for Japan, that a brand-new rumble pack is being made especially for the DS Lite. The new device is much slimmer and resembles the plug that covers the GBA Slot on the DS Lite to protect the console from dust and preserve form factor. You can check out an image of new device by clicking the source link to arrive at Nintendo's Japanese site. No word yet on if the DS Lite Rumble Pack will be coming stateside, but we'll keep you posted. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, May 29 2006 3:27 AM [Top] Star Fox DS Gets a New Name [ Nintendo ] According to the official game page for Star Fox DS at Nintendo.com (which you can see by clicking the source link), Nintendo is renaming the game. The new name is Star Fox Command, which makes sense given that Fox McCloud's latest adventure mixes classic shooting gameplay with RPG strategy elements, making for a completely unique experience. The game blasts off into stores on August 28th. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, May 26 2006 12:13 PM [Top] Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshots [ Atlus ] Atlus today announced the acquisition of the North American publishing rights to Summon Night: Swordcraft Story and Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2, a pair of exciting action RPGs for the Game Boy Advance. Both games were published by Banpresto Co., Ltd. and developed by Flight Plan. Summon Night: Swordcraft Story is scheduled for release in July 2006, followed by Swordcraft Story 2 in October 2006. Summon Night: Swordcraft Story has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Images: Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshot 1 Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshot 2 Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshot 3 Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshot 4 Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshot 5 Summon Night: Swordcraft Story Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, May 26 2006 1:29 AM [Top] Trauma Center: Second Opinion Screens and Info [ Atlus ] The sequel to the first surgery game for the Nintendo DS, Trauma Center: Second Opinion brings the thrill and tension of the emergency room to the Nintendo Wii. Returning to the role of ace surgeon Derek Styles, players will incise, suture, suction, and even defibrillate patients to get them back to perfect health. The game is set as a launch title for the Wii. Check out the first screens of the game below. Images: Trauma Center: Second Opinion Screenshot 1 Trauma Center: Second Opinion Screenshot 2 Trauma Center: Second Opinion Screenshot 3 Trauma Center: Second Opinion Screenshot 4 Trauma Center: Second Opinion Screenshot 5 Trauma Center: Second Opinion Character Art Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, May 26 2006 1:17 AM [Top] Wii Remote Gets Miked? [ IGN Wii ] After E3, Nintendo was consistant with statements that all of the Wii's secrets have yet to be revealed. The biggest of these rumored secrets was that, after the revelation that the controller would have a speaker built in, a microphone would be the next logical step. Now, Nintendo may have made a step forward towards confirming this, as they have registered the domain name wiikaraoke.com, which currently directs to the Nintendo of America official site. It's pretty clear from this that Nintendo is at least considering a possible Karaoke game for the Wii, which would, of course, need a mic. We'll keep you posted on this development. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 25 2006 19:25 PM [Top] New Rayman: Raving Rabbids Media [ Ubisoft ] Scheduled for current and next-generation video game consoles, Rayman Raving Rabbids also joins the line-up as an official launch title for Nintendo’s Wii, formerly known as Nintendo’s Revolution gaming system, and its innovative controller. Rayman Raving Rabbids is being developed by Ubisoft’s award-winning studio in Montpellier, France led by Michel Ancel, creator of the original Rayman game, the critically acclaimed Beyond Good & Evil and Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. Rayman Raving Rabbids marks the return of the iconic video-game hero, Rayman, in his funniest and zaniest adventure ever. When the world of Rayman is threatened by a devastating invasion of crazed, out-of-control bunnies Rayman must rise up against his furry foes to foil their wicked plans. Utilizing an array of amazing new abilities, and with the help of magical creatures, Rayman must break out all the moves to save his world from these delirious bunnies and their hare-raising antics. Check out the latest screens of the game below, as well as the official trailer of the Wii version of the game, and a "video interview" with Michael Ancel that you have to see for yourself. Images: Rayman: Raving Rabbids Screenshot 1 Rayman: Raving Rabbids Screenshot 2 Rayman: Raving Rabbids Screenshot 3 Rayman: Raving Rabbids Screenshot 4 Video: Rayman: Raving Rabbits Wii Version Trailer (39.9 MB) Rayman: Raving Rabbits "Video Interview" (19.8 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 25 2006 17:44 PM [Top] Reggie Promoted to King Shit [ Nintendo ] On the heels of the successful unveiling of the new Wii console, Nintendo of America Inc. today announced three key promotions at the executive level. Current President Tatsumi Kimishima is taking on the new role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, while Reggie Fils-Aime is being promoted to president and chief operating officer from his current role as executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. Additionally, Mike Fukuda is being promoted from senior vice president of Business Development to executive vice president of Business Development. All promotions are effective immediately. Kimishima was appointed president of Nintendo of America in January 2002. He joined Nintendo at the company's headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, in 2000. He served as chief financial officer of The Pokémon Company in 2000 and president of Pokémon USA Inc. in 2001. Prior to joining Nintendo, he spent 27 years with Sanwa Bank of Japan, serving in various management positions. As chairman of the board and CEO of Nintendo of America, he will oversee the overall management of Nintendo of America and continue to serve on the boards of Nintendo of America and Nintendo Co., Ltd. In his new role as president and chief operating officer, Fils-Aime will lead the day-to-day operations of Nintendo of America while continuing to oversee the Sales & Marketing Division as the company prepares for the launch of Wii. He joined Nintendo of America in December 2003 to lead all Sales & Marketing efforts in the United States, Latin America and Canada. Prior to joining Nintendo, he served as senior vice president of marketing at VH1. He also has held key marketing positions with Guinness Import Co., Derby Cycle Corp., Pizza Hut, Panda Management Co. and Procter & Gamble. Congrats Reggie, we raise our coffee mugs to you. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Thursday, May 25 2006 15:53 PM [Top] Video Games Cut Surgical Errors [ CNN ] A new study has come out that further backs up video games being a good thing for surgeons. A study was done with 303 surgeons with a focus on laproscopic surgery. Those who played games such as Super Monkey Ball 20 minutes before surgery finished an average of 11 seconds faster due to less errors being made. I bet these guys can't wait for Trauma Center: Second Opinion. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Thursday, May 25 2006 13:54 PM [Top] Nintendo Announces Wii Price (Sort of) and Projected Sales [ Nintendo ] Following its overwhelming debut at E3 2006, Nintendo today announced the current fiscal year unit shipment forecast for its new home game system, Wii. Nintendo also confirmed that the price of the Wii system, which incorporates unique freehand control, will not exceed $250 in America, or 25,000 yen in Japan. The company plans to ship 6 million systems to retailers around the world between its launch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2007. The projections are part of a full-year financial forecast that sees growth of 18 percent in sales globally, based on anticipated continuing strong demand for the Nintendo DS portable game system, as well as a successful launch for Wii. The company also said it expects to sell 17 million Wii games in the period. Exact launch dates, identification of the launch library of titles and details on the unique Virtual Console aspect of Wii will be announced soon. While it is nice to know that Nintendo realizes to ship a lot of systems in the first six months I think they will also realize come about January, that six million is going to be far too few. As far as the price goes, throwing out two hundred and fifty like they did almost surely means that will be the launch price. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Thursday, May 25 2006 8:38 AM [Top] Miyamoto Interviewed By CNN [ CNN Money ] CNN Money videogame columnist Chris Morris got the opportunity to interview legendary Nintendo producer Shigeru Miyamoto on his thoughts of this past E3. In the interview, Miyamoto, discussed a variety of topics from his own feeling on the Wii name, to his thoughts on the PS3's "new" controller, to some more surprises the Wii's controller might have in store for gamers. (On the name "Wii") "When we first thought about it, myself and others felt that the name Revolution was very appropriate to what we were doing, but [Revolution] is a name that was almost threatening to non-gamers. It wasn't acceptable. So we thought this was more friendly and inviting." (On the PS3 Controller's Wii-esque functionality) ""That always seems to happen and we kind of expected it. It reinforces for us that we've been on the right path all along," he said. "We've gotten used to others copying what we do – and we're having a lot of fun with it. ... On the flipside, I suppose they must be worried about any other functionality we may announce." (On possible Wii shortages) "I think one challenge we might face is similar to the one we are facing with the DS in Japan. We will have to work to make sure that doesn't happen." (On the Wii's lacking graphical capabilities) "I think there's more than one way to get the attention of consumers. Obviously, graphics are what the other two companies are doing. I think what we'll do for Wii is show people open interaction. We're designing a system that's relevant to everyone in the house. Our hope is that Wii will be something different." Miyamoto also hinted at some other functionality the Wii might possess, including referencing the demo of Wii Sports Tennis played at Nintendo's media briefing between Miyamoto, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, Nintendo of America VP of Sales and Marketing Reginald Fils-Aime, and contest winner Scott Dier. Each player (except Dier) had their face mapped into the game on their game character, and Miyamoto says that "we have some different ideas about how to take advantage of that functionality – and we will be sharing that type of functionality with third parties." A camera built into the Wii-mote, perhaps? Stay tuned for more as it breaks. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 25 2006 0:58 AM [Top] New Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshots and Info [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The official Smash Bros. website has updated with some new screens and information on two of the game's new characters: Zero Suit Samus and Wario. The site reveals that Zero Suit Samus will not in fact be a seperate character, but a transformation of regular Samus under "certain conditions" (perhaps similar to Zelda/Sheik?). Obviously, she will lose Samus's strength and firepower in this form, but will make up for it with increased speed and a weapon which can transform from a gun into a whip, as seen in the trailer. As for Wario, the site reveals that he will have some "excessive movements", but does not say anything more than that. It also is revealed that his fart move (as seen in the trailer) will be called the "Wario Waft" and will build up over time, perhaps similar to Samus's, Marth's, and Roy's charged attacks. You can check out new screens of the two characters in action below. Expect more next week with info on the game's biggest new addition: Konami's Solid Snake. Stay tuned. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 24 2006 22:57 PM [Top] Game Critics Awards E3 2006 Nominees Announced [ Game Critics Awards ] The Game Critics Awards, yearly awards deciding the best of E3, have announced their nominees for the 2006 expo, and Nintendo has taken hold of their share of nods. The biggest of which is the Nintendo Wii, which was nominated for Best of Show. Surprisingly, the Sony Playstation 3 was not nominated in that category. The Wii was also nominated for Best Hardware, where it will face the PS3 and Nintendo's own DS Lite, among others. As for games, Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Sports amassed the most nominations for the Wii, with Galaxy getting nominatations in the Best Console Game and Best Action/Adventure Game categories, and Wii Sports getting nods in the Best Original Game and Best Sports Game categories. Nintendo's Elite Beat Agents also picked up a pair of nods, getting nominations for Best Puzzle/Trivia/Parlor Game (along with Wario Ware: Smooth Moves for the Wii), and Best Handheld Game (along with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass). Excite Truck also picked up a nomination in the Best Racing Game category, and Madden NFL '07 for the Wii was nominated in the Best Sports Game category, where it will face the versions EA is making for the PS3 and 360. For the full list of nominations, click the source link. The awards will be announced on May 31st. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 24 2006 22:34 PM [Top] Japan Crazy for Wii [ Famitsu ] Japanese gaming mag Famitsu has surveyed Japanese gamers after the events of E3 2006 in order to gauge their feelings on the upcoming next-gen consoles and the titles being released for each. The resulted were, needless to say, surprising. Games most anticipated: 1. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, Nintendo) 2. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, Square-Enix) 3. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3, Konami) 4. Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and The Tower of Mirrors (Wii, Square Enix) 5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii, Nintendo) 6. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii, Nintendo) 7. Final Fantasy III (NDS, Square Enix) 8. Monster Hunter 3 (PS3, Capcom) 9. Resident Evil (Wii, Capcom) 10 Halo 3 (Xbox 360, Microsoft) As you can see, the list is dominated by Wii games, with Resident Evil for Wii placed above Resident Evil 5 (not even on the list), and Final Fantasy III for the DS on there as well. Now check out the list for most-anticipated console: 1. Nintendo Wii - 68.8% 2. PlayStation 3 - 21.0% 3. Xbox 360 - 7.2% 4. Nintendo DS - 3.0% And there you have it. Could the Wii be posed for a next-gen takeover in the Japanese console market, a market dominated by Sony for the better part of a decade? It's going to be an interesting fall. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 24 2006 13:00 PM [Top] Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis [ Taste-Tests ] Carl now controls an army of toys! Today, Aisle Six, tomorrow, the world! Bahahahahahaha! Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 23:14 PM [Top] Excite Truck [ Taste-Tests ] Eric keeps on truckin' with his look at Excite Truck for the Wii. Does the Wii-mote work well for racing games? Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 22:59 PM [Top] Wario Ware: Smooth Moves [ Taste-Tests ] Eric does squats, spins, and the hula to bring you his impressions of Wario Ware for the Wii. We won't give you his email because we know none of you want to see that anyway. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 22:42 PM [Top] Nintendo To Browse the Web with Opera [ IGN Wii ] Nintendo announced at E3 that they were bringing not only the Opera Browser for the Nintendo DS stateside, but that the Wii would make use of the Browser built-in so Wii owners could surf the web. IGN sat down with Scott Hedrick, president of Opera's mobile division, in order to obtain more info of how the browser would work. While he didn't reveal much, he did infer that the Wii Remote would be used as the substitute for the console's lack of a keyboard, similar to how the DS touch screen is used for the DS version. In the same way, the Wii version of the browser would be built into the console, instead of needing to be purchased like the DS's (which will come on a DS game card). He also revealed that the browser would work similarly to Opera's own PC browser, with many of the same features. To read the entire interview at IGN, click the source link. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 22:31 PM [Top] Wii Hardware Adds a Port [ IGN Wii ] IGN was glad to take some shots of the hollow shells for the Wii actually being run by GameCubes underne...I mean, Wii console at E3 2006, which revealed a minor change being made for the console. Fortunately, this isn't any mystery port: it's a port for the wired sensor bar which will attach to the front of the TV for use with the Wii controller. This confirms that the bar will be unfortunately wired and not wireless as initially hoped, but it does mean that the USB ports will be free for other, still unconfirmed reasons. Stay tuned for more. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 22:14 PM [Top] No Dolby Digital for Wii [ IGN Wii ] We should have seen the signs two weeks ago, when all Wii games shown were merely running in Dolby Pro Logic II. Now, official documentation from 3rd parties brings about the official word: the Wii will not support Dolby Digital optical sound output, instead sticking to the Pro Logic II simulated output utilized in the GameCube. While it should be noted that these specs are not final and could certainly change, and the fact that the controller will have a speaker built-in for it's own simulated sound, this news cannot be too good for tech-heads hoping the Wii will at least use their sound systems to their best ability. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 21:53 PM [Top] New Developer Working on Wii [ IGN Wii ] It's been a while since we've heard from famed japanese developer Kenji Eno, who, while the head of development company Warp, was behind the famed D series of survivor horror games for the 3DO and Dreamcast, as well as platforming game Enemy Zero. Now, the developer is back in the limelight with his new company, From Yellow To Orange, and has announced he has a new game in the works for a console with a "unique control device". Now gee, what console could he be talking about? We'll have more info about what Edo has planned for the Wii when it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 21:47 PM [Top] Nintendo Launches Mario Bros. Podcast Series [ Feedburner ] Nintendo has released a special video podcast series devoted to the release of one of the hottest games around, New Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo DS. The podcast series consists of four videos which will release over the span of four weeks, each consisting of something relating to the game. The first installment is already out, consisting of a greeting from Nintendo Marketing VP Perrin Kaplan, as well as an interview with Mario's legendary creator, Shigeru Miyamoto. The coming weeks of the podcast series will feature reviews of both New Super Mario Bros. and the soon-to be released DS Lite, as well as an interview with Mario himself (played by the always-awesome Charles Martinet). Check out the series by clicking the source link. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 23 2006 17:42 PM [Top] Ubisoft Gets Lost [ Ubisoft ] Ubisoft has officially announced that it has signed a deal to bring one of the hottest shows on television to the videogame world, when Lost: the videogame is released in 2007. Ubisoft confirmed that the game will release for PC, as well as various consoles and handhelds, but did not specify which ones. However, it wouldn't be a shock to see this game turn up on either the Wii or the DS, or perhaps both. Stay tuned for more information on the Lost videogame as it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, May 22 2006 23:50 PM [Top] Metroid Prime 3: Corruption [ Taste-Tests ] Joe suits up and blasts his way through the E3 demo of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Does it live up the hype that the Wii-mote is ideal for FPS games? Click to find out. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, May 22 2006 21:20 PM [Top] Nintendo Announces New Nintendogs for Europe [ Nintendo of Europe ] Since the launch of Nintendogs back in October 2005, copies of this title have been flying off the shelves, with over 2.5 million copies sold in Europe and 6 million copies globally. Now Nintendo is offering canine lovers the chance to own the much sought after Dalmatian puppy, as Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends Edition goes on sale across Europe, exclusively for the Nintendo DS from 16th June 2006. With an initial choice of six breeds to own and a further 14 to be unlocked, Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends Edition sees the previously hard-to-unlock Dalmatian amongst the initial choices, along with the most popular dogs from the previous versions - Dachshund & Friends, Labrador & Friends and Chihuahua & Friends. If you’ve missed out on the handheld phenomenon of the year so far or have just been as yet unable to unlock your very own spotted puppy, Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends is the companion for you. Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends bounds its way on to the Nintendo DS across Europe from 16th June 2006 for the estimated retail price of around £29.99. The game appears to be a European exclusive for now, but we'll keep you posted if any information on a US release becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, May 22 2006 12:16 PM [Top] Ninendo Announces European Release of DS Lite [ Nintendo of Europe ] The Nintendo DS Lite will become the new edition to Nintendo’s video game family when it launches in Europe on 23rd June 2006. Available in two colours from launch – a sleek black edition and a cool, stylish white edition, the summer really is looking brighter. Nintendo DS Lite is a lighter and brighter version of the highly successful Nintendo DS, which has sold more than 4 million units across Europe and 16 milllion units worldwide. It will join the Nintendo DS range as a ‘premium’ alternative to the current Nintendo DS and is expected to retail at the estimated price of around £99.99. Nintendo’s latest console includes all the existing features of the Nintendo DS, yet includes a variety of distinctive changes which truly sets it apart from other handheld consoles. Nintendo DS Lite retains the advanced touch screen technology, allowing players to control the software with a stylus or even their finger, as well as dual screens, voice recognition and Wi-Fi capabilities of the Nintendo DS but is now both smaller and lighter. Weighing nearly 60g less than the original, it is just two thirds of the original size. The redesign isn’t only cosmetic though, the Nintendo DS Lite features adjustable screen brightness with four settings, a repositioned microphone for ease of use and a larger and more comfortable stylus. With its new design and unique features, this console is perfect for everyone regardless of age, gender and gaming skills. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, May 22 2006 12:14 PM [Top] Sonic Wild Fire [ Taste-Tests ] 3D Sonics suck. This is 3D Sonic. This doesn't suck. Yeah, wrap your minds around that one. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Sunday, May 21 2006 22:50 PM [Top] Madden NFL 2007 (Wii) [ Taste-Tests ] We promise no endzone dances from Mike. Unless you want to see it, in which case e-mail mike@gccafe.com and he'll get right on making you a video... Mike Twomey -- Posted on Saturday, May 20 2006 23:57 PM [Top] Wii Sports [ Taste-Tests ] Carl will NOT send you an endzone dance, no matter how much you e-mail him. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Saturday, May 20 2006 23:54 PM [Top] Super Mario Galaxy [ Taste-Tests ] Mario blasts off for adventure on the Wii. Is the former Mario 128 worth the wait? Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, May 20 2006 22:56 PM [Top] The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Edition) [ Taste-Tests ] Link's still grown up. Eric still hasn't. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, May 20 2006 22:21 PM [Top] Sakurai Reveals More on Brawl [ Famitsu ] Super Smash Bros. Brawl director Masahiro Sakurai returned this week with a big post-E3 column in the latest issue of Famitsu magazine, the first since last week's shocking reveal of the game. In the column, Sakurai revealed the Japanese title for the game will be "Dairantou Smash Bros. X" - the X referring to the previously impossible character battles featured in the game, as a crossover between series. Of course, this could also be inferred as a subtle hint that "impossible character battles" will include more non-Nintendo characters than Solid Snake, as was hinted at last week at E3. Sakurai also confirmed that the game will make use of the standard GameCube pad, as the Wii's unique controller proved to be too difficult to implement in a fighting game. He also shared some of the difficulties with transitioning the game to online, and making the game fair for all players regardless of skill level. Sakurai also stated he'd like to work more with the Wii at some point, stating he believes it will "fix many of the problems in the game industry". Sakurai was also kind enough to update the official Super Smash Bros. website, including the official character art for one of the game's biggest new fighters: Kid Icarus's Pit. Check out the image below. UPDATE: Direct from the official site, some more new screenshots have surfaced. These center on Pit and Metaknight. Check them out below. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Character Art - Pit Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 21:14 PM [Top] Barnyard Screens and Info [ THQ ] Enter the world of Nickelodeon’s newest adventure and bring the Barnyard movie to life. Battle the coyote invaders, tee up for a game of golf, target the bulls eye with your flying chicken and race downhill on your speedy bike. Players will be able to explore a fully interactive, 3D world and prove they have what it takes to be the biggest party animal of them all. The game features all of your favorite Barnyard characters from the movie, as well as action packed games based on the wild antics of Otis and his friends. There is also addictive free-form gameplay through areas like Walnut Woods, Dankweed Pond and the Barnyard itself. Barnyard heads into stores for the GameCube and GBA later this year. Images: Barnyard (GCN) Screenshot 1 Barnyard (GCN) Screenshot 2 Barnyard (GCN) Screenshot 3 Barnyard (GCN) Screenshot 4 Barnyard (GCN) Screenshot 5 Barnyard (GBA) Screenshot 1 Barnyard (GBA) Screenshot 2 Barnyard (GBA) Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 18:43 PM [Top] Alex Rider: Stormbreaker Screens and Info [ THQ ] Embrace the role of Alex Rider to out-spy, outwit and out-cool evil on the DS and GBA! Based on this summer’s much-anticipated teen spy movie, Alex Rider: Stormbreaker starring Mickey Rourke, Alicia Silverstone and Ewan McGregor, the Alex Rider: Stormbreaker video game captures all the excitement and suspense of Anthony Horowitz’s best-selling novel about teenage superspy Alex Rider™ The book series has sold over nine million copies to date worldwide! Game play includes combat, stealth missions, vehicles and the use of gadgets to achieve mission objectives. Players can explore the vast Alex Rider: Stormbreaker universe, including Ian Rider’s house, the breaker’s yard, MI6’s secret Liverpool Street headquarters, M16’s training facilities and Darius Sayle’s complex. Players obtain mission briefings from Mrs. Jones and Alan Blunt before they go undercover, improve their problem-solving skills at M16’s top training camp and receive spy gadgets from Smithers to aid them in combat, navigation and unlocking special mini games. Alex Rider: Stormbreaker will be released for the DS and GBA later this year. Images: Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 1 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 2 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 3 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 4 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 5 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 6 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 7 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (DS) Screenshot 8 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 1 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 2 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 3 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 4 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 5 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 6 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 7 Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (GBA) Screenshot 8 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 18:32 PM [Top] Nicktoons Screens and Info [ THQ ] The sequel to last years Nicktoons Unite!, Nicktoons adds more characters and more mayhem to the already crazy concept. The game hits stores later this year for the GameCube, GBA, and DS. Images: Nicktoons (GCN) Screenshot 1 Nicktoons (GCN) Screenshot 2 Nicktoons (GCN) Screenshot 3 Nicktoons (DS) Screenshot 1 Nicktoons (DS) Screenshot 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 18:26 PM [Top] Monster House Screens and Info [ THQ ] Do you have what it takes to save the neighborhood? The Monster House videogames will allow players to experience key moments of the movie as they uncover the mysteries of the house in order to save their neighborhood. Players will also take on unique adventures that were inspired by the film. With three playable characters, fans of the film will enjoy seeing the movie come to life in their living rooms. Players will experience key moments of the movie and explore deeper and darker sections of the house. You can play as the three main characters from the movie, each with their own actions and abilities. Explore a living, breathing house full of traps and mystery. Use water blasters to battle creatures created from a combination of different household objects. Spooky surprises and unexpected random events keep players constantly on their guard. You can even play “Thou art dead”, the 2D arcade game that appears in the movie. Monster House, the official game of the movie, will hit stores later this year for the GameCube, GBA, and DS. Images: Monster House Screenshot 1 Monster House Screenshot 2 Monster House Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 17:58 PM [Top] Cars Screens and Info [ THQ ] Race to the finish line as you live all the fun and excitement of the next Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, “Cars.” Play as all your favorite characters as you help Lightening McQueen capture the coveted Piston Cup Championship. Cars features Story-based racing adventure game that will relive all of the key moments of the movie. It includes more than 10 playable characters from the film, an open world environment with more than 30 races and minigames, and authentic voice talent from the movie. Cars will hit stores next month for the GameCube, GBA, and DS, and later this year for the Wii. Images: Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 1 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 2 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 3 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 4 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 5 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 6 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 7 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 8 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 9 Cars (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 10 Cars (DS) Screenshot 1 Cars (DS) Screenshot 2 Cars (DS) Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 17:54 PM [Top] Avatar: The Last Airbender Screens and Info [ THQ ] Bring to life an adventure of intrigue, deceit and revelation in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Play as Aang, Katara, Haru and Sokka as you grow your team into an unstoppable force making discoveries in a thrilling blend of magic and martial arts combat. Use your fully customizable bending powers to master the four elements of Earth, Air, Water and Fire and explore the beautifully detailed environments of the Avatar nations. Avatar is a single-player game featuring unique martial arts style combat. The game features fully customizable “bending powers” mastering the four elements of Water, Air, Earth and Fire. Players will journey through all the Great Nations of the Avatar world and will enjoy environments and characters from the TV show plus never before seen enemies and creatures! Avatar: The Last Airbender will be released for the Wii, GameCube, GBA, and DS later this year. Images: Avatar: The Last Airbender (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 1 Avatar: The Last Airbender (Wii/GCN) Screenshot 2 Avatar: The Last Airbender (GBA) Screenshot 1 Avatar: The Last Airbender (GBA) Screenshot 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 17:43 PM [Top] SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab Screens [ THQ ] Bikini Bottom will never be the same! SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab brings the #1 kids gaming franchise and TV property into the bizarre and unusual, introducing never-before-seen art styles and brand new gameplay mechanics that will change your perception of Bikini Bottom forever! Embark on a series of fantastic tales through nine visually unique levels. Experience five brand new gameplay mechanics including rampaging, flying, skydiving, chase and hot rod racing. Rampage through Bikini Bottom as gigantic Plankton. Fly through the savage jaw of the enormous bull worm as SpongeBob. Blast off into outer space and survive a hi-speed asteroid field as Patrick. Plunge into the pages of a comic book as Starfishman and become the hero of the seven seas Speed through the metallic flames, chrome and smoke-filled world of Hot Rod racing. SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab will hit stores for the Wii, GameCube, DS, and GBA later this year. Images: SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab Screenshot 1 SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab Screenshot 2 SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 17:37 PM [Top] Freedom Wings Screens and Info [ Natsume ] It was the age of aircraft. Due to the necessity of travel between the great many islands of the South Sea, aircrafts were the main choice of transportation. Some flew for adventure...Some flew for wealth...For whatever the reason many took to the air. And there were those that used aircraft to prey upon them... The government had to put a stop to these evil pirates. They selected the world's top pilots and set up the Air Patrol Association (A.P.A) in hopes of making the skies safe once again. Beginning players can use AI COMBAT where the system will help lock on and fly the various planes or experienced players can use MANUAL COMBAT where they control all the action! Use the Touch Screen to control your plane, lock-on to various enemies or plan your flight path! Freedom Wings flies into stores for the DS this July. Images: Freedom Wings Screenshot 1 Freedom Wings Screenshot 2 Freedom Wings Screenshot 3 Freedom Wings Screenshot 4 Freedom Wings Screenshot 5 Freedom Wings Screenshot 6 Freedom Wings Screenshot 7 Freedom Wings Screenshot 8 Freedom Wings Screenshot 9 Freedom Wings Screenshot 10 Freedom Wings Screenshot 11 Freedom Wings Screenshot 12 Freedom Wings Screenshot 13 Freedom Wings Screenshot 14 Freedom Wings Screenshot 15 Freedom Wings Screenshot 16 Freedom Wings Screenshot 17 Freedom Wings Screenshot 18 Freedom Wings Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 3:06 AM [Top] Harvest Moon DS Screens and Info [ Natsume ] Return to Forget-Me-Not-Valley for another fantastic farming adventure with all your favorite Harvest Moon characters and a few new ones! It's not easy being legendary and magical, especially if you have a rival who is just as powerful but far more popular. That's probably why the Witch Princess put a spell on the Harvest Goddess, although she didn't mean to take it this far. Her spell was only supposed to prevent the Harvest Goddess from being so cheerful and not petrify her or even banish her to another world. Now it's up to you to restore the magic of Forget-Me-Not Valley. Seek out all 101 Harvest Sprites as you plant fields, tend livestock and find the right wife to share your farming dreams! Harvest Moon DS will hit stores in August 2006. Images: Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 1 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 2 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 3 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 4 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 5 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 6 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 7 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 8 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 9 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 10 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 11 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 12 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 13 Harvest Moon DS Screenshot 14 Harvest Moon DS Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 18 2006 2:51 AM [Top] More New Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screens [ Nintendo ] The awesomeness continues from the Big N as the company has revealed more screens of one of the biggest games for 2007, Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii. Check them out below. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 7 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 8 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 9 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 10 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 11 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 4:24 AM [Top] Mega Man Heading to Wii? [ Planet Mega Man ] In an interview with Mega Man fansite Planet Mega Man, conducted last week at E3 2006, Mega Man creator and series producer Keiji Inafune revealed his upcoming plans for the Blue Bomber. In the interview, Inafune announced heavy interest in bringing the franchise to the Wii. Says Inafune, "The Wii definitely has some potential, and it's maybe one where our target audiencecould embrace the Mega Man series. So while we haven't planned anything specific now at this time, I think probably that the potential is the highest on that piece of hardware." Good news here, as the possibilities for the Wii controller being used as Mega Man's Mega Buster are just too good to pass up. Expect more on a possible Mega Man for the Wii when Capcom makes it available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 4:21 AM [Top] Majesco Busts a Move on Wii [ Majesco ] Majesco today announced its inaugural Wii product, Bust-A-Move Revolution, is scheduled for early 2007. An iconic property within interactive entertainment, the Bust-A-Move video game franchise has been a worldwide favorite of puzzle fans, as well as hardcore and casual gamers for years. "We intend to maximize the intuitive nature of the Wii controller to create a revolutionary offering of the highly popular Bust-A-Move franchise," said Ken Gold Vice president of Marketing. We'll have more info about Bust-A-Move Revolution as it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 4:17 AM [Top] The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screens and Info [ Vivendi ] The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning, the latest installment to the 17 million-unit-selling Spyro franchise, is coming this Fall to the Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The completely new Spyro adventure, featuring gameplay focused heavily on dynamic action and fast-paced combat, uncovers the true origin of Spyro the Dragon as he evolves into a living, breathing weapon of explosive destruction! This epic story of Spyro’s quest to discover his roots and realize his destiny is amazingly brought to life by leading Hollywood voice-over cast members Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) as the new voice of Spyro; David Spade (The Benchwarmers) as Spyro’s sidekick, Sparx the dragonfly; and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black from the Harry Potter films) as Ignitus, the Fire Dragon Elder and Spyro’s mentor. In The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning, players will experience the awesome power of the purple dragon as they unleash devastating fury attacks, upgradeable breaths and ground-to-aerial melee combos in frenzied battles with hordes of menacing enemies and bone-chilling bosses. The action game also introduces a new dragon upgrade system, giving players the freedom to increase the power and variety of attacks to their liking. Developed by critically-acclaimed developers Krome Studios (console and Game Boy Advance) and Amaze Entertainment (Nintendo DS), The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning is scheduled to be released in October 2006. Images: The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screenshot 1 The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screenshot 2 The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screenshot 3 The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screenshot 4 The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screenshot 5 The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 1:06 AM [Top] Crash Boom Bang! Screens and Info [ Vivendi ] Crash Boom Bang! is an exciting, humorous game that will allow players to roll the dice and dive into one of 40 action-oriented, outrageously funny, multiplayer mini-games, as they communicate with and bet against opponents through the never-before-seen “Touch Panel Communication” in-game feature. Developed by critically-acclaimed Japanese developer Dimps, Crash Boom Bang! will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS system in October 2006. In Crash Boom Bang!, Crash and his friends embark on a worldwide race in a quest for its multi-million dollar prize. With hidden intentions of finding an ancient lost city and the famed magical “Super Big Power Stone” that grants its user one wish, the race’s sponsor Viscount Devil plans on using the contestants to solve the mystery. The map of the race checkpoints is based on the Viscount’s ancient map, and the evil Dr. Neo Cortex, also an invitee to the race, has figured out the Viscount’s master plan and in his own relentless pursuit for world domination, sets out to steal the map and retrieve the legendary stone. It’s up to Crash and his friends to win the big race...and save the world! Images: Crash Boom Bang! Screenshot 1 Crash Boom Bang! Screenshot 2 Crash Boom Bang! Screenshot 3 Crash Boom Bang! Screenshot 4 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 1:02 AM [Top] One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshots [ Namco Bandai ] Pirates! Set sail! Weigh anchors! Depart for the Grand Line, where battles and adventure await! One Piece, the popular comic and anime series featured in Shonen Jump, 4KidsTV and Cartoon Network, comes back to the console world with One Piece: Grand Adventure for the GameCube. The series features Monkey D. Luffy as an aspiring pirate searching for One Piece, the legendary treasure of King of the Pirates, Gold Roger. One Piece: Grand Adventure brings back the fun and excitement of the free-moving Vs. Battle action from past One Piece games with exciting new twists. The game also has been completely revamped with the inclusion of an engrossing Adventure Mode, sending players on mini-game filled quests for extended replayability. With the latest main and support characters, new moves, and stages, this is the ultimate One Piece game! Images: One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshot 1 One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshot 2 One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshot 3 One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshot 4 One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshot 5 One Piece: Grand Adventure Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 0:32 AM [Top] Pac-Man World Rally Screenshots [ Namco Bandai ] In Pac-Man World Rally, players can race through a variety of environments from Pac-Man World as Pac-Man, Pac Jr. and other beloved characters from past Namco classics. In one of the fastest and most exciting kart racing games ever, players will race for the win or fight it out in colorful Battle Arenas with special weapons, power ups and variety Pac-Man powers. Race against the computer or with your friends in the fastest, most exciting kart racer to date. Feel unprecedented sense of speed as you race on some of the most exciting tracks ever created! Play as either iconic characters from the Pac-Man universe or choose from an all-star cast of classic Namco characters like the ghosts, Ms. Pac-Man, and even the Prince from Katamari Damacy! Special power ups, tracks and abilities prove that it’s Pac-Man’s world, and we only live in it. Pac-Man World Rally will release for the GameCube later this year. Images: Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 1 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 2 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 3 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 4 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 5 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 6 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 7 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 8 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 9 Pac-Man World Rally Screenshot 10 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, May 17 2006 0:12 AM [Top] Metal Slug Anthology Screenshots [ SNK Playmore ] To gamers worldwide, the Metal Slug franchise is known as one of the greatest action arcade series of all time. First introduced in 1996, Metal Slug and its sequels have achieved massive popularity with arcade gamers due to the series’ highly detailed animations, impressive backdrops, and consistent sense of humor. Metal Slug Anthology is a full arcade collection including many additional surprises. Check out the first screens for the Wii version of the game below. Images: Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 1 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 2 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 3 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 4 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 5 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 6 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 7 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 8 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 9 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 10 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 11 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 12 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 13 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 14 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 15 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 16 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 17 Metal Slug Anthology Screenshot 18 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 16 2006 23:29 PM [Top] Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screens and Info [ Atari ] Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 takes the series’ popular acrobatic and intense 3D flying and fighting dynamic and takes it to a whole new level with over 100 playable characters, 15 vast and vibrant 3D destructible environments, and nine different game modes, including single and multiplayer battles. In addition to the unprecedented number of characters, wide selection of massive 3D destructible environments and abundance of game modes, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will feature in-game transformations, which players will be able to trigger in real-time, making battles even more dramatic and exciting than ever before. Using the Nintendo Wii controller, players will be able to mimic signature moves as they are performed in the Dragon Ball Z animated series, such as Goku’s Kamehameha, moving both hands to execute this devastating energy attack. Check out the first screens of the game below. Images: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 1 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 2 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 3 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 4 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 5 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 6 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 7 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Screenshot 8 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 16 2006 18:23 PM [Top] Spectrobes Screens and Info [ Buena Vista Games ] An original concept, Spectrobes introduces two junior Interplanetary Patrol officers named Rallen and Jeena who learn of strange, prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes that possess special powers. These Spectrobes hold the key to defeating a vicious and merciless force known only as the Krawl who threaten to destroy the galaxy. Our two heroes embark on a mission to save their galaxy – to do so they must excavate, awaken, train and collect all the Spectrobes they can and battle to defeat the Krawl! Check out the first screens of Spectrobes below. The game hits stores for the Nintendo DS later this year. Images: Spectrobes Screenshot 1 Spectrobes Screenshot 2 Spectrobes Screenshot 3 Spectrobes Screenshot 4 Spectrobes Screenshot 5 Spectrobes Screenshot 6 Spectrobes Screenshot 7 Spectrobes Screenshot 8 Spectrobes Screenshot 9 Spectrobes Screenshot 10 Spectrobes Screenshot 11 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 16 2006 18:14 PM [Top] MechAssault: Phantom War Screens and Boxart [ Majesco ] MechAssault: Phantom War brings the future of interstellar combat to today’s handheld gamers in a third-person futuristic shooter. Players assume the role of a MechWarrior, an elite fighter trained to control the ultimate war machine of the 32nd century...the BattleMech. Gamers experience fast-action, 3D ‘Mech combat on the top screen, while the lower touch screen positions them inside the cockpit at the controls. The year is 3134 and after 60 years of peace and prosperity, the Republic of the Sphere is now living in a dark age of ex-communication. Nearly all Hyperpulse Generators (HPGs), the pinnacles of interstellar communication, have been struck by a virus leaving worlds cut off from all information. With involuntary blinders on, no one in the Republic knows when, or where, the next attack could be coming from. Their only hope is to turn the HPG into an instrument of war. Check out the latest screens of the game below. Images: MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 1 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 2 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 3 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 4 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 5 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 6 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 7 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 8 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 9 MechAssault: Phantom War Screenshot 10 MechAssault: Phantom War Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 16 2006 18:05 PM [Top] Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screens and Info [ Activision ] In Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam, players can choose to play as Tony Hawk or one of eight original characters. In addition they can create their own character with the Create-A-Skater feature. Players can crouch for more speed, jump or grind over obstacles and pull off all of their favorite air tricks to gain boost as they race down the steepest terrains in the world. Players choose from a wide variety of skateboards such as current, old school “fishtails,” longboards and 70’s skateboards, all of which have different attributes that will have an effect on gameplay. Players can also challenge friends in competitions over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in a variety of modes: Race, Trick Attack, Slalom and Event, complete with real-time voice chat using the DS's built-in microphone. Check out the first screens of the DS version of Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam below. Images: Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 1 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 2 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 3 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 4 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 5 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 6 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 7 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 8 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 9 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, May 16 2006 17:39 PM [Top] Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (Wii) Screens and Info [ Activision ] For the first time ever, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam lets players experience the breakneck speed of downhill skateboard racing as they tear up the steepest terrains in the world while performing tricks and outmaneuvering opponents in locations such as the crowded streets of San Francisco and rocky terrain of Machu Picchu. Developed for the Nintendo Revolution, gamers utilize an innovative and intuitive control system as they take on the role of Tony Hawk or one of nine characters and compete in specific time-based challenges in one of three gameplay modes including race, trick and slalom. Gamers can also challenge friends in head-to-head competitions as they pull off a variety of high-velocity stunts and crashes in living, populated environments filled with cars, pedestrians and buildings. Check out the first screens of the Wii version below. Images: Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (Wii) Screenshot 1 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (Wii) Screenshot 2