As if the trailer for Gladiator A.D. wasn't awesome enough, IGN has posted the other title currently being developed by High Voltage Software exclusive to the Wii, The Grinder. The trailer shows the game in action for the first time, and yes, it's looking awesome. Expect plenty more this week at E3, but for now check out the trailer below.
Japanese financial news source Nikkei is reporting that Nintendo is set to launch the previously all-but-announced Wii Fit Plus this fall, along with a brand-new Mario title. According to the story, Wii Fit Plus will feature online functionality, as well as more accurate measurements thanks to the enhanced functionality of Wii MotionPlus. However, what's more of a mystery is the new Mario game. While we've known a new Mario was in the works for quite some time, it certainly would be a surprise to see it released this year. Then again, this could be another spinoff, and not a true Mario platformer i.e. Super Mario Galaxy. Either way, we should find out all the details this Tuesday at Nintendo's E3 press event, so stay tuned.
DJ Hero Website Opens with Trailer and Gameplay [ Activision ]
Activision is looking to take music games to a place they've never been with the newly-revealed DJ Hero, the game that takes the Guitar Hero franchise to brand-new places with a new turntable peripheral. Along with officially confirming that the game will be coming to Wii (was there any doubt?), the website also shows off some slick gameplay footage, a list of tracks in the game, and a new trailer. However, it stops short as to showing how we'll play the game, but I guess Activision is saving that for E3. Click the source link to check it out.
No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle Teaser Trailer [ IGN Wii ]
IGN Wii has revealed the first trailer of the enormously-anticipated No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, and based on the trailer alone the game will be more than worth the wait. The video shows off some improved graphics, intense battles, and gives a little taste of the story. Oh yeah, and dual wielding beam sabers. And some guy in a wrestling mask. This game has everything!
LucasArts and TT Games today announced that LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues will whip onto Wii and, Nintendo DS in the Fall of 2009. Developed by the same team at Traveller’s Tales that created the award-winning LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and the LEGO Star Wars series, LEGO Indiana Jones 2 presents a tongue-in-cheek take on all four cinematic adventures of pop culture’s most iconic archaeologist, including for the first time ever Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and will give players the ability to create levels of their own!
“LucasArts and TT Games continue to set the bar for next-generation family entertainment with the LEGO Indiana Jones franchise,” said Darrell Rodriguez, president of LucasArts. “LEGO Indiana Jones 2 delivers something a little different for everyone. Parents will enjoy the humorous take on the classic moments from their favorite movies, and their kids have an opportunity to experience the most authentic LEGO experience by building their own fun levels brick by brick.”
Atlus today announced Trauma Team for Wii, an entirely new medical entertainment experience from the makers of the award-winning Trauma Center series. Encounter unprecedented depth across six distinct fields of medicine: play as a general surgeon, diagnostician, E.M.T., orthopedic surgeon, endoscope technician, and medical examiner. Follow the story as never before with all-new dynamic story sequences inspired by Japanese animation and comics; each dramatic chapter comes vividly to life with distinct style! Hand-drawn art, innovative animation, and quality voice acting perfectly capture the raw intensity, excitement, and danger of every heart-pounding moment!
Bigger, more exciting, and more balanced than ever before, Trauma Team is the ultimate medical entertainment experience!
Trauma Team is currently scheduled for release in spring 2010.
IGN keeps the Wii love coming tonight by revealing the debut trailer for Gladiator A.D., showing off the game's gladiatorial combat for the first time. Needless to say, it looks incredible, and if you're a fan of the films Gladiator or 300, you're in for a real treat. Check it out below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 22:19 PM [Top]
New Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Trailer [ IGN Wii ]
IGN has posted some new details and a new trailer for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, the upcoming Wii-make of the horror classic. The hands-on goes more in-depth on the game's puzzles, controls, and new features, while the trailer shows how technically exciting the game is proving to be. For the trailer, thanks to IGN, click below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 22:15 PM [Top]
New Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Trailer [ IGN Wii ]
IGN and Capcom have revealed another new trailer for the hotly-anticipated Wii exclusive Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles. The trailer reveals the CODE: Veronica scenario for the very first time, showing the trek of Claire Redfield and Steve Burnside through Rockfort Island. it also shows that Steve has been given a new design, and thankfully, a new voice. Check out the video, straight from IGN, below.
Legendary hip-hop record label Def Jam, in conjunction with developer 4mm Games, have announced to IGN their first title, Def Jam Rapstar. While previous Def Jam titles were all about brawling and fighting, this game will be closer to what makes up the heart of Def Jam - rap music. According to 4mm's Nicholas Perrett, the game is a karaoke title that allows players to rap along with their favorite tracks, as well as experience the lifestyle of a Def Jam rapper. The game did not have any specific platforms announced (but IGN has it listed for Wii), and is without a publisher, but should be set for a Winter release. For the first trailer, via IGN, click below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 22:04 PM [Top]
Marvel's Heroes Get Small with Super Hero Squad [ THQ ]
THQ today announced plans to deliver Marvel Super Hero Squad, the first video game based on the animated series, The Super Hero Squad Show, scheduled to debut this fall on Cartoon Network. Marvel Super Hero Squad will mark the first title in THQ’s licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc., and is currently in development for the Wii and Nintendo DS. The multiplayer adventure game will feature nonstop action-adventure gameplay and epic battles, as well as a breadth of the new, super-stylized Marvel characters.
Set in the ever popular Marvel Universe, the Super Hero Squad is on a dire mission against Dr. Doom’s Lethal Legion of villains to recover the hidden Infinity Fractals; fragments of the all-powerful Infinity Sword. Each Infinity Fractal holds incredible power and can have significant effects on its possessor, giving each character special abilities that could alter the game’s rules and playing field. With more than 20 Marvel characters to mix and match, players can choose to take on the role of their favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains, such as Captain America, Dr. Doom, Falcon, Hulk, Iron Man, Juggernaut, Ms. Marvel, Silver Surfer, Thing, Thor and Wolverine, to name a few. Using character-specific super powers and customized combo attacks, players will blast, punch, and bash in fast-moving combat with their nemesis. Players can either jump into a battle arena against up to three opponents in Battle Mode, or choose to relive six campaigns as depicted from the animated series in Adventure Mode. Marvel Super Hero Squad is an immersive, single and multiplayer game filled with dramatic, interactive environments where players are given extraordinary powers to fight for good or evil, depending on which Super Hero Squad character they chose to play as.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 21:56 PM [Top]
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced a long-term partnership with The Saul Zaentz Company and New Line Productions, Inc. for literary and film rights to develop and publish games based on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. As part of the game franchise, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will publish multiple games across many genres designed to appeal to a wide range of unique gamers, including hard-core RPG fans and families. The first game will be The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest, a new third-person action adventure videogame offering an authentic gameplay experience based on The Lord of the Rings that all ages can play together on Wii and Nintendo DS in Fall 2009.
In The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest, preparations are underway in Hobbiton for a great party to welcome Aragorn, King of Gondor, and honor Samwise Gamgee for his service during the War of the Ring. The children of the town are eager to learn more of this great man and so Samwise, now Mayor, embarks on a tale of the revered warrior, Strider—as Aragorn is known in his Ranger days—and his most valiant battles. Players assume the role of Aragorn and embark on his greatest quests from The Lord of the Rings trilogy as they wield his sword, bow or spear on foot and on horseback through an action-packed gameplay experience. On the Wii platform, two-player co-op gameplay featuring Gandalf will allow kids, families and friends to work together in the heart of the action.
The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest is being developed for Wii by Headstrong Games and for Nintendo DS by TT Fusion.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 21:40 PM [Top]
IGN's got a direct feed video of the entire demo of Dead Space: Extraction, the upcoming rail-shooter in the style of RE: Umbrella Chronicles based on the hit Dead Space. The game looks to maintain much of what made the original great, including a variety of weapons, use of stasis and grabbing, and, yes, plenty of gore. Look for the game to release on September 29 this year. Check out the full demo below.
XSEED Localizing Fragile for North America [ IGN Wii ]
In what is sure to be huge news for Nintendo fans, XSEED Games revealed to IGN today that the acclaimed Wii-exclusive Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon, developed by tri-Crescendo and Namco for release in Japan, will be finally coming to North America. The game, set after the end of the world, features a young boy trying to discover what brought about the apocalypse - and find anyone else alive. The game will not be release until late this year, since there is a heavy amount of voicework that will be needed to translate. Still, it's just great to see that this top-notch title is coming overseas. For a full interview between IGN and XSEED's localization manager, Kenji Hosoi, click the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 14:01 PM [Top]
According to a a teaser video for their E3 press event, Ubisoft might have let slip that they will be publishing No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, one of the most highly-anticipated games coming to Wii. In the video the acronym "NMH2" is visible on a post-it note on the bottom of one of the girl's sandals, which pretty much makes this an open-and-shut case. Ubisoft also published the first game in the series, released in North America in January 2008. We'll have much more on the game at E3 next week, so stay tuned.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 13:57 PM [Top]
EVERYBODY’S Super Sonic Racing… or they soon will be. We’ve just announced a new title coming to Wii and DS in 2010 - Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing.
In a frantic battle to the chequered flag, Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing sees Sonic and friends speed around tracks set in mediaeval castle ramparts, lush rainforests and bustling cities, all taken from the visually rich and varied universes of Sonic and SEGA. Fan favourites such as Dr. Eggman, Tails, AiAi, Amigo and many more will join Sonic in their custom built vehicles, revving their engines and jostling to stay ahead of the pack. Each character will race around the track in cars, planes, motorbikes, and in AiAi’s case - a banana mobile! Secret short cuts, swift handling and avoiding strategically placed obstacles are certainly the best way to get to the top of the podium.
And winning is only part of the fun in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing! Each character has a specific All Star move such as Super Sonic, Banana Blitz and Tails Tornado, allowing a quick way for competitors to get back into the race! Power ups and weapons can also be collected around the tracks and used against the opposition to ensure they don’t become a threat to that number one position… Players can battle it out in single or multiplayer mode, allowing up to four friends to race in frantic split-screen action, or up to eight players to compete online in the ultimate racing showdown.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 28 2009 13:53 PM [Top]
Late last night, we showed you the Famitsu article giving the world the first look at No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, the sequel to one of the Wii's breakout hits. Now, we can garner a few more details on the game from 1up.com, who have translated the article. In Desperate Struggle, set three years after the first game, Travis Touchdown has left his assassin gig to live a life of anime and pro wrestling geekdom in his posh Santa Destroy motel, having dropped to #51 on the United Assassin Association's ranking list. The city has changed drastically, becoming a tourist hot spot that looks completely different than it did in the first game
However, things go south when Travis's video store-owning buddy Bishop becomes a target of gun-wielding thugs. What's more, Travis' former flame Sylvia Christel has returned, who looks to bring the beam katana-wielding star out of retirement. The new character, Nathan Copeland, is actually #50 on the rankings list, and is a huge fan of our hero - as well as his first opponent.
So wait...#51...does this mean the game will have 50 BOSS BATTLES? We may not have to wait long to find out, as a new trailer for the game will debut on May 30th, and the game will be shown off at E3 2009 as well.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2009 22:21 PM [Top]
Atlus's Trauma Center franchise has been well-known to Nintendo gamers who wish to step into the shoes of a surgeon and tackle numerous challenges in an operating room environment. However, what about the rest of the characters and jobs that make up a hospital? Atlus plans to answer that, as the latest issue of Famitsu magazine reveals a Wii-exclusive spiritual successor to the Trauma Center franchise, aptly named Hospital. According to a translation provided by 1up.com, the game features six playable characters, each of which with a different job (leading to a different gameplay style) and individual scenarios. Players can also team up for two-player co-op.
Gabriel Cunningham is a Dr. House-esque diagnostician, who uses a stethoscope and other tools to find out what is wrong with the patient. Prisoner CR-SO1 (yes, that is his name), is an expert young surgeon who also just so happens to be serving a 250 sentence in a cryogenic prison. Obtaining a reduced sentence in exchange for the use of his surgery talents, his gameplay is very similar to the Trauma Centers of old. Also, there's Hank Freebird, a cosmetic surgeon, performs prosthetic and plastic surgery, and Tomoe Tachibana, a young kimono-clad Japanese girl who is an expert in endoscopic surgery, diagnosing patients through the use of a tiny intrinsic camera. Lastly, there's Trauma Center veteran Naomi Kimishima, who has moved on from her surgery career into that of a forensic specialist. Her job is to go into crime scenes, using tools to reconstruct organic-based evidence.
For the scans from Famitsu, click below. Expect more on this game at E3 2009.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2009 21:54 PM [Top]
Ubisoft Announces Shaun White Sequel Exclusive to Wii [ Ubisoft ]
Today Ubisoft announced that it is collaborating again with Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White in Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage. Developed by Ubisoft Montréal, the game will be available exclusively for the Wii system from Nintendo and will be on store shelves holiday 2009.
Players will hit the slopes with Shaun White and his crew, but this time the stakes are higher as you pursue the world's top competitions from a half-pipe in the middle of New York's Time Square to the most prestigious competitions of France, Canada and Japan.
Shaun White Snowboarding was a worldwide success for Ubisoft, selling over 3 million copies since its November 2008 launch and establishing a new sports brand for Ubisoft. The title was also one of the first and most popular video games compatible with the Wii Balance Board accessory. Players will be able to break out their Balance Boards once again for Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage when they flex their board skills either alone or together with family and friends.
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage will be showcased at the Ubisoft press conference during E3 at the Los Angeles Theater on June 1st at 5 p.m.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2009 14:54 PM [Top]
Live to tell the tale of becoming a notorious pirate captain or suffer a fate of eternal damnation. Disney Interactive Studios today announced the development of Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned, an epic, action role-playing game (RPG) from Propaganda Games, Disney’s video game development studio in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Armada of the Damned is an entirely new experience within the Pirates of the Caribbean universe. The game takes place before the events of the blockbuster films. Players will take on the role of a pirate and embark on epic land and sea adventures. Numerous moral and character choices will need to be made that affect their character and the original story within the world. Players will explore a massive open world while fighting enemies, mystical creatures and Mother Nature, both to gain experience and stay alive. Supernatural elements familiar to the Pirates of the Caribbean world will also affect their character’s story and influence their choices.
Armada of the Damned is scheduled to be released in Fall 2010 for next-generation consoles.
Armada of the Damned is an extension of the globally successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which began more than 40 years ago as a theme park attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. The franchise continues to excite park goers with millions of visitors experiencing the four current theme park attractions at Disney parks around the world. The three blockbuster films grossed more than $2.6 billion worldwide in theaters and have continued to be successful on home video. Disney Interactive Studios has shipped more than 6 million units worldwide of self-published multiplatform Pirates of the Caribbean video games, which were inspired by the “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” films.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2009 14:52 PM [Top]
Nintendo Trademarks Wii Fit Plus, Art Academy [ Siliconera ]
Today, the Japanese trademark database may have blown the lid off of two Nintendo-published Wii titles set to be announced at E3. Unfortunately, these games aren't the ones hardcore Nintendo fans wanted to hear about. First up is Wii Fit Plus, which in all likelihood is a MotionPlus-enhanced sequel to last year's ultra-popular fitness title. The second is Art Academy, which sounds like it could be some kind of drawing or painting-based game centering around the Wii Remote to draw and paint images. I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being the game based on Miyamoto's latest hobby - not to mention takes up the last 30 minutes of the conference and leaves the hardcore audience in an awkward silence.
Remember, Wii Café will provide full coverage of Nintendo's E3 2009 press event, set to kick off next Tuesday at 12 noon EST.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2009 14:51 PM [Top]
We haven't hard much about No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle since the game was revealed at last year's Tokyo Game Show, but the latest issue of Famitsu magazine has the first screens and information on the new game. Apparently, Travis Touchdown will be bringing some new moves to the sequel, with new combos and the ability to dual-wield beam katanas. Femme fatale Sylvia Christel will also make a return, as well as new character Nathan Copeland, who battles against Travis with two bionic arms. In addition, a new recorder-playing character is hinted at as well.
For the scans from the article, click below. The game is currently set for a 2010 release.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 27 2009 0:32 AM [Top]
High Voltage's Other Game Revealed - The Grinder [ IGN Wii ]
Last night, High Voltage got Wii fans extremely happy with the announcement of the brutally violent brawler Gladiator A.D. However, just one night later, we think the developer has topped themselves with the announcement of their second upcoming Wii-exclusive project, The Grinder. Sharing influences from High Voltage's previous project Hunter: The Reckoning and highly-lauded co-op shooter Left 4 Dead, The Grinder is an online co-op FPS putting players into the shoes of four demon hunters, Hector, Doc, AJ, and Miko, who must battle against endless hordes of vampires, werewolves, demons, zombies, and other undead beasts. Each character has their own individual personalities, abilities, and signature weapons, as well as their own personal stories.
The game will utilize High Voltage's proprietary Quantum 3 engine to push an impressive amount of action, with initial testing putting the amount of possible enemies on screen at one time at 65. As in Left 4 Dead, players will need to work cooperatively to progress in the game, as enemies will work together in order to take players down. Stages will be laid out in succession, with branching paths, as well as "event triggers" making the game different on each playthrough. Players will be able to use a variety of weapons, including Colt .45s, SMGs, shotguns, and AK-47s, many of which can be dual-wielded. Also, Miko, an assassin, can use a samurai sword in combat, which can have its control enhanced through Wii MotionPlus. In fact, the game will feature even more control customization than The Conduit.
Of course, the game is based around co-op multiplayer, and High Voltage is bringing the goods there as well. 4-player online co-op is confirmed, as well as at least 2-player split-screen co-op, plus a single-player mode will be available with the other characters being controlled by AI partners. Also, WiiSpeak support will be included for VOIP chatting, and the developer is looking into some form of leaderboards and achievements. And this one isn't going to be for the squeamish, as High Voltage promises "several hundred gallons of blood" in the E3 demo alone.
Like Gladiator A.D., The Grinder is currently without a publisher, but the developer hopes to have it ready for a holiday 2010 release. Expect much more on this game (and Gladiator) at E3, and a personal thank you to High Voltage for bringing what should be an amazing experience to the console.
Star Wars Battlefront for DS Confirmed [ LucasArts ]
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron presents an expanded new take on the classic Star Wars Battlefront gameplay, resulting in new levels of interaction and excitement in handheld gaming. The massive, galactic campaign will ship this Fall for Nintendo DS.
For the first time ever in the Star Wars Battlefront series, players will be able to fight on multi-level battlefronts, on the ground and in space. Players can start the fight on foot, commandeer a vehicle to battle on the ground or dogfight in space, and land their craft and fight on capital starships. The battles waged on each front are all directly effected by the player’s actions, creating a combat experience where every shot fired and every enemy defeated can affect the outcome of a battle on another front.
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron features a deep and engrossing single player campaign that spans the entire Star Wars Saga — and beyond. Gamers assume the identity of X2, a clone trooper created from the DNA of a Jedi Master. Originally tasked with eliminating Jedi during Order 66, X2 decides to leave his blood-stained past behind and joins the Rebellion. X2 isn’t the only Force-sensitive clone, however. X1, his clone brother, chooses a much more sinister path, leading to a confrontation that could determine the fate of both the Empire and the Rebellion.
Additionally, players will have at their disposal massive amounts of pick-up and play action for seemingly endless replay value. On Nintendo DS, players can experience a unique class-based gameplay experience that allows them to outfit their characters with pre-determined weapon armaments, including heavy weapons, blasters and even lightsabers.
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron on the DS supports intense 4-player skirmishes across a wide number of modes, including the all-new “Heroes and Villains.” Take up arms as some of the most iconic Star Wars characters, including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Kit Fisto, Darth Maul and other familiar faces from Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. And battle for the fate of the galaxy on some of the most memorable Star Wars planets of all time, including the forest-covered landscape of Endor, the frozen wastes of Hoth and even the mysterious Yavin 4.
THQ today announced the next addition to its incredibly successful Drawn to Life franchise, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter is currently in development exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS. Featuring an innovative new action drawing feature and enhanced drawing tools, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter will give players new creative tools and immerse them into new worlds they create and explore. The game is scheduled for release in fall 2009.
In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Wii, players will draw their own heroes using the Wii Remote to find the Artifacts of Power and rid the Raposa village of an evil, shadowy figure that has taken over the land. Throughout the game, players will draw more than 100 unique items from robust drawing tools, such as vehicles, weapons and tools, to conquer their enemies. The all-new Action Drawing tool allows for objects to be drawn directly into the game to help navigate through several environments, including a sky world, a jungle and a shadow city. In addition, the game’s multi-player feature will allow players to draw their team members and equipment to compete against others in a variety of mini-games, such as soccer, hockey and basketball.
In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Nintendo DS, players will be able to draw their own heroes, be it humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures, and will embark on a brand new adventure aboard a Turtle Ship to defeat the evil Wilfre and restore color to the Raposa civilization. Players will have the ability to morph their hero into a blob or a spider, adding more gameplay and allowing for players to play each level a variety of different ways. The game’s Action Drawing Tool gives each color special properties when drawing objects into the game to help solve puzzles and progression through the game. Along the way, they will collect coins and color drops to unlock a variety of content, including challenges and quests, customization options and hero abilities. In addition, the game’s multi-player aspect allows players to trade heroes, weapons, items and accessories with friends.
Majesco today announced Flip's Twisted World exclusively for Wii. This unique puzzle platformer places the world literally in the palm of players' hands as they navigate topsy-turvy worlds where up and down, and left and right are only a matter of perspective. Developed by Frozen North Productions, Flip's Twisted World is expected to launch in January 2010.
In Flip's Twisted World, Master Fulcrum's curious apprentice Flip messes with the wrong magic artifact and gets sucked into a crazy cubed universe. To escape his cube prison, Flip must turn the entire world to reveal new paths and endless possibilities. Adventuring through five bizarre puzzle worlds, Flip must stop the destruction of the universe and restore The Master's home to normal before he returns!
Players help Flip navigate his world by rotating the environment 90 degrees in any direction with a simple twist of the Wii Remote. Pits become passages and obstacles transform into openings once players change their point of view. As Flip progresses through the game he'll meet many unique characters - some helpful, others hurtful - and collect five magic tools to aid his journey home. Optional side quests let players unlock bonus goodies and alternate costumes, while finding pieces of the Master's lost journal reveals secrets of the magic universe's past.
Flip's Twisted World features original music from prolific video game composer Tommy Tallarico, who has scored over 250 games and won numerous international awards for his work.
High Voltage showcased what they can do with the Wii with The Conduit, but it looks like Nintendo's console hasn't seen anything yet. The developer has confirmed to IGN their next game, set to be officially revealed at E3, an action/fighting game entitled Gladiator A.D. Set in ancient Rome, players choose between different gladiators, each with their own individual stories and fighting styles. The player then competes in a series of challenges, including one-on-one battles against other gladiators, gaining fame and accolades, and challenging champions, with the ultimate goal being to obtain freedom. Combat will have an emphasis on strategy, with an over-the-shoulder camera view and attacks based on Wii Remote motions. The game will also utilize Wii MotionPlus for enhanced controls, and will feature "realistic violence" with unique finishing moves. Multiplayer will also be featured for two players, but online was not confirmed.
The game is without a publisher (but based on Conduit, it should be getting one soon), and is set for a Q1 2010 release. For the full interview with High Voltage, click the source link. Expect plenty more on this game at E3, plus the reveal of a second game from High Voltage tomorrow.
Tecmo today announced Family Fun Football for Wii. In this fun, arcade-style casual sports game for everyone to enjoy, play against friends and family in vibrant themed football stadiums, or perhaps even in space! Choose to be one of the game's quirky characters, featuring animals, aliens and robots, or unlock the mode to play as your own Mii. The ability to coach teams with a simple offensive and defensive playbook coupled with intuitive Wii Remote controls makes the game appealing to all ages for a fun pick-up and play party experience.
- Simple Playbook: Catering to the casual gamers, Family Fun Football offers a coaching playbook that makes it easy for everyone to learn and understand the game of football.
- Colorful Stadiums: There will be a total of five stadiums that include a fun mix of realistic and fantasy worlds such as a space themed stadium.
- Power-ups: During gameplay, each player can be rewarded with a power-up from a slot-style system that can enhance certain attributes including speed, strength, passing, and interception for a limited amount of time.
- Mini-Games: Ten fun and simple mini-games can be played with up to four players.
- Teams: Ten unique teams with their own attributes that players can choose to play competitively with.
- Mascot Mode: Players can play as their default character or their team's mascot in Mascot Mode! Mascots include animals, aliens and robots and additional, unlockable mascot heads.
- Mii Compatibility: Unlock the ability to play as your Mii and load in your own caricatures and play against your friends' and family's Miis for a more personal experience.
Developed by Seamless Entertainment, the Wii exclusive Family Fun Football is scheduled for a fall 2009 release. The game has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).
American Popstar: Road to Celebrity (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Nintendo DSi Points): This is your enthralling and interactive success story as a young hopeful in the music milieu. The adventure begins when you get the chance to audition at your Hollywood high school. But the road to celebrity isn't an easy one: Your secret crush is also auditioning, and so is your evil rival. This unique mix of music-themed gaming and social adventure will let you show your talents to the world, take your best photo with the Nintendo DSi system's built-in camera and meet lots of people who may help you build your career. You're about to become the greatest pop star in the world. Talk, share activities and be friendly or unfriendly with numerous characters. Customize your character's name and appearance, and develop skills and personality through your actions. Four musical mini-games include Guitar, Singing, Drums and Dance. Record your voice, take your own photos and sign autographs.
Photo Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Photo Clock allows you to enjoy the photos taken with your Nintendo DSi Camera application in a new way. Watch your images appear on the top screen of your Nintendo DSi system according to your chosen display settings (specific photos or all photos; in order or randomly displayed). Select from either an analog or digital clock, using the system's internal clock or offsetting the time however you like. Program up to three alarms – with snooze functionality for those who need it – and assign them a preset ring or use a sound created in Nintendo DSi Sound. Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won't lose track of the time.
WiiWare
BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! (TAITO, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points): BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! is a simple yet exhilarating action game where you control the bubble-blowing dragons Bub and Bob, trapping enemies in bubbles and then popping them. You can play all 100 of the Standard Mode rounds, which faithfully recreate the nostalgic arcade game, or try 100 new Arrange Mode rounds, which allow up to four players to play on stages with exciting new features such as new enemies and stage layouts. There are also Super Mode rounds for you to enjoy. Determine the true ending by solving puzzles hidden on each stage to defeat the final boss. In Ranking Mode, players with broadband Internet access can use the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service to compete with players from around the world. Enjoy an additional 100 rounds and face off against new boss characters by purchasing “Expert Mode 1” and “Expert Mode 2” add-on content.
ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning (Hudson Entertainment, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning comes to the Wii console with exciting new skills and elements. Learn how to use new skills while exploring Adventure Island from coast to coast. Search for Golden Melons hidden throughout the stages and mini-games. When obtaining Golden Melons, you'll be able to purchase various items to help you on your adventure. These items can increase your attack power or enable you to reach places you couldn't get to before. Fulfill certain requirements while playing in any of the modes to achieve a “Master Higgins Feat” and you'll be awarded a Master Higgins costume.
Virtual Console
Clay Fighter (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen – Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this zany 2-D fighter, it's just another day for a humble traveling circus troupe when a meteor crash-lands in their camp. The otherworldly orb, made entirely out of interstellar clay, contaminates all the circus employees, turning them into bizarrely superpowered versions of themselves. Choose from among the unique clay creatures, such as Bonker, the cheerfully manic clown, or Blue Suede Goo, the mild-mannered Elvis impersonator turned violent vocalist. Master their “Claytalities,” like the operatic Helga's deadly high note and Bad Mr. Frosty's fists of snowball fury!
XSEED Games today announced that JU-ON: The Grudge is in development for Wii and scheduled for release in North America in October, 2009. The title is inspired by the Japanese classic horror movie, “JU-ON”, on which the American release of the hit horror film “The Grudge” was based upon. JU-ON: The Grudge for Wii is a “Haunted House Simulator” where accessibility and instant scares are given priority over all other game aspects, with the original creator of the movie, Takashi Shimizu, serving as a creative consultant to game development.
It is said that when a person dies with a deep and burning grudge, a curse is born. When an average housewife in Nerima, Japan, was murdered in a grisly fashion, it gave rise to a curse so powerful that it threatens to kill at a pace thought unimaginable before.
The curse manifests on those who encounter the curse by any means, such as entering the house or being in contact with somebody who was already cursed. Once Erika Yamada is exposed to the curse while searching for her dog in an abandoned warehouse, the entire Yamada family is put in grave danger as soon as she reunites with them at home. They must now face their individual challenges alone, and only by overcoming the curse together will their family truly be free again.
Using the Wii Remote as a flashlight, JU-ON: The Grudge has players move forward with the touch of a button and explore haunted areas such as an abandoned warehouse, a dimly-lit hospital, and a mannequin factory. Much like a haunted house, the player must proceed forward even after being frightened and running away from the initial threat. As much fun as it is to get scared, sometimes it’s even more fun to watch others play to observe their reactions. For instant gratification, grab a second Wii Remote and push buttons to make in-game events happen immediately to make the player jump and hate you forever.
XSEED Games partnered with AQ Interactive to secure the North American rights to publish and distribute JU-ON: The Grudge. The title is being developed by Feelplus and will be available October 2009 exclusively for Wii.
THQ today announced plans for the fall 2009 release of SpongeBob’s Truth or Square, in celebration of the 10th Anniversary year of SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob’s Truth or Square is currently in development for the Wii and Nintendo DS. The game will feature a unique and never-before-seen shape-shifting capability that will allow players to transform SpongeBob into zany objects. Filled with action-packed gameplay and numerous stimulating puzzle solving challenges, SpongeBob’s Truth or Square will draw upon some of the most humorous events from SpongeBob over the last 10 years.
In SpongeBob’s Truth or Square, players must journey through memorable SpongeBob locations to find the missing Krabby Patty formula in time for the Krusty Krab’s Eleventy Seventh Anniversary. From the Jellyfish Fields to downtown Bikini Bottom, players will run, jump, spin and hammer their way through 10 challenging levels. Each level will take players back to one of SpongeBob’s happy moments from the show, such as when he becomes a fry cook, gets into the Salty Spittoon or meets Sandy for the first time. Equipped with special morphing abilities, players can transform SpongeBob into bizarre objects, such as the Spatula Slam, Propeller Spin and Sledgehammer Smash, to help him conquer treacherous obstacles and legions of Plankton’s robots. Players will also be able to soak up water, hose down enemies, and jump into a bubble gum fling as they navigate their way through an obstacle course of traps. In two-player co-op mode, friends will be able to join in on the action and control Plankton to help SpongeBob solve puzzles, unlock new pathways and defeat super-powered creatures.
Nintendo Announces Metroid Prime Trilogy [ Nintendo ]
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption set a new standard for first-person motion controls in video games. Now it's bringing those controls to the rest of the celebrated series, allowing players to experience the entire Metroid Prime story arc with the peerless precision of the Wii Remote. Nintendo announces Metroid Prime Trilogy, a new premium three-game collection for the Wii console that bundles all three landmark Metroid Prime games onto one disc and revamps the first two installments with intuitive motion controls, wide-screen presentation and other enhancements. Metroid Prime Trilogy will be available exclusively for Wii on Aug. 24 at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Each game maintains its original storyline and settings, but now Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes let players use their Wii Remote to aim with precision as heroine Samus Aran. Based on the breakthrough control system that debuted in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, these new Wii controls bring an entirely new level of immersion and freedom to these milestone games.
All three games now reside on a single disc. Players can access the game they want from a unified main menu that ties together all three adventures. Through a new unlockables system, players can gain access to in-game rewards such as music and artwork by accomplishing objectives across all three games.
Metroid Prime Trilogy was developed by Retro Studios and Nintendo, the same developers that created the original games for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii systems.
The ESRB website has done it again, revealing a new game before it's officially announced. LucasArts is the victim this time, as a new Star Wars Battlefront game has been announced for handhelds, including the DS. Here's the description below:
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron
Platform: Nintendo DS
Rating: Everyone 10
Content descriptors: Fantasy Violence
Rating summary: ” Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron is an action adventure game in which players experience different battles from the Star Wars universe. From a third-person perspective, players engage in space battles, ’speeder bike’ chases, and top-down battling. The ground battle includes constant laserfire combined with hand-to-hand combat using ‘lightsabers.’ A depleting health bar and various “yelps” indicate damage inflicted upon certain characters.”
We'll have more details on Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron as soon as LucasArts makes them available.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 21 2009 10:26 AM [Top]
SEGA Announces Jambo! Safari for Wii and DS [ SEGA ]
SEGA sent us the following message today...check it out:
We’re pleased to announce Jambo! Safari, an action packed African adventure exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and DS. Hitting stores late in 2009, Jambo! Safari takes the fun and excitement of the classic 1990’s arcade action title and reinvents it with modern graphics and deeper gameplay, suited to today’s Nintendo consumers.
As with the original, the new Jambo! Safari allows you to play as one of four safari park rangers, but this time they are fully customisable. With the ultimate aim of becoming a fully qualified ranger, players must take on high speed challenges and exciting rescue missions across the rich and varied free-roaming landscapes of the African Plains. Using one of the four customisable vehicles, including the licensed Land Rover Defender 90 and 110, rangers will need to ensure the animals in their park are healthy and happy. The vast range of Jambo! Safari missions include rescuing animals in need, diagnosing and treating them before releasing them back to the wild, wildlife photography, sight seeing adventures and even hot air balloon rides!
Jambo! Safari Animal Rescue for Nintendo DS has been adapted to make full use of the stylus and double screens of the Nintendo DS system whilst interacting and caring for the animals of the African Plains. Swinging the Wii Remote like a lasso and using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to drive through the vast levels of Jambo! Safari Ranger Adventure and will immerse players in a true safari experience on the Wii console.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 21 2009 10:23 AM [Top]
Dragon Ball Goes on a Big Adventure on Wii [ Famitsu ]
We haven't heard from the Dragon Ball anime franchise on the Wii in some time, not since Budokai Tenkaichi 3 launched with the console in 2006. Now, after a few DS games and a horrible, horrible, horrible movie, the series is returning to the Wii with Dragon Ball Big Adventure, revealed in this week's edition of Famitsu magazine. According to the magazine, the game will be an action game using both 2D and 3D elements, and will be set in the original Dragon Ball world, placing it before the more well-known Dragon Ball Z series. Not even a release date was confirmed, but we might hear more soon, perhaps at E3.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, May 20 2009 22:42 PM [Top]
High Voltage Software, Inc., the independent developer behind the upcoming Wii first-person shooter The Conduit, today announced that it will host a booth at next month’s Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3), where visitors will have a chance to play the studio’s latest title. The company has chosen E3 as the venue to debut a previously unannounced IP behind closed doors to select media representatives.
“I won’t say much about our new property until we unveil it at E3,” said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software. “But I can guarantee that we are continuing to push our technology to the absolute limit in order to deliver experiences that are beyond jaw-dropping.”
Use Your Old System Controllers on Wii (Really) [ Innex ]
Backwards compatibility has reached a new level of cool with the launch of the 3-in-1 Virtual Retro Adaptor that allows gamers to connect NES, SNES, and N64 controllers directly to the Nintendo Wii video game console.
By accessing the GameCube port that is built in to the Wii system, the 3-in-1 Virtual Retro Adaptor allows gamers to enjoy older, “retro” games using the original controllers for NES, SNES, and N64.
The Retro Adaptor, developed by Komodo and exclusively distributed by Innex, will be available for demonstration at E3.
Product Highlights:
· Compatible with Nintendo Wii Virtual Console · Connects Through GameCube Port · Compatible with 1st and 3rd Party Controllers · Compatible with NES, SNES, and N64 Controllers · Analog Function Available for N64 Controllers · Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 · Launch Date: Mid June
Japanese MotionPlus Ads Show New Resort Games [ Nintendo Japan ]
Four new short videos of Nintendo's Japanese website showcase some new clips of MotionPlus in action, including two games added to the Wii Sports Resort lineup - Ping Pong, returning from Wii Play in what seems to be a much more detailed role, and Golf, the only (confirmed) returning activity from Wii Sports. Check out the videos by hitting the source link (look for the numbers 2, 3, and 4 next to some Japanese text under the video for the other clips).
In a GamesIndustry.biz interview with developer/publisher Bethesda Softworks' Sean Brennan, it was revealed that the company is working on a major title for the Wii. Brennan, whose company is best-known for games such as the Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 3, has already made several minor casual titles for the console, but promises this one to be "really big". Also, based upon comments Brennan made in the interview, it's looking like this will be something aimed at the hardcore. Brennan stated the announcement will be coming this year, so E3 could be a safe bet. For the interview, click the source link.
Japanese site 4Gamer (translated by 1up.com) is reporting that RPG powerhouse Square-Enix is set to continue their love for the DS, with a new DSiWare game entitled Dragon Quest Wars. A spinoff of the massively popular RPG series, Dragon Quest Wars will feature turn-based tactical combat as opposed to the standard turn-based combat the series is known for. The game is, oddly enough, being developed by a Nintendo-owned studio - Intelligent Systems, whose tactical RPG pedigree includes working on the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series. Also, the game will feature online play.
The game is set to be released in Japan in June for 500 Nintendo Points. Stay tuned for more, including if this game will come to North America.
Today the world of video game boxing returns to its roots with the launch of the new Punch-Out!! game for Nintendo's Wii console. The game brings immersive motion controls to an iconic franchise that has been around since the days of the NES. Players are invited to step into the ring as underdog Little Mac as they go toe-to-toe with an array of memorable characters, including familiar faces like Glass Joe, King Hippo and Don Flamenco.
The motion-sensitive Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers turn the swings players make in real life into on-screen punches. Both novice and veteran gamers can pick up Punch-Out!! and punch their way to the top. The optional Wii Balance Board accessory (sold separately with Wii Fit) can be added to provide an extra challenge for advanced players who want to literally bob and weave through their fights. For those who insist on old-school Punch-Out!! purity, the game also can be played with classic NES-style controls by turning the Wii Remote controller sideways.
Even players who have battled through the original games hundreds of times will find new challenges with Punch-Out!! for Wii. For instance, once Little Mac (with the help of trainer Doc Louis) has pummeled his way through all the contenders, they return to offer him new challenges in Title Defense Mode. Only this time, their traditional weaknesses have been eliminated and players must find new ways to achieve victory. In this mode, the once-harmless Glass Joe now wears headgear, and King Hippo's vulnerable belly is protected behind a manhole cover. The new twists ensure fans enjoy a completely new play experience.
For the first time in the Punch-Out!! series, a head-to-head multiplayer mode lets players compete against one another. Both players take on the role of Little Mac and match wits as they trade uppercuts, jabs and body blows. With a series of well-placed punches, Little Mac transforms into the gargantuan Giga Mac, who can land more powerful blows and is more difficult to take down.
Majora's Mask Grows VC to 300 this Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
Virtual Console The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Cartoon Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Link must save the world! This time, he finds himself trapped in Termina, an alternate version of Hyrule that is doomed to destruction in just three short days. Link must race to recover the Ocarina of Time (which allows him to manipulate time in multiple ways), defeat challenging bosses in dungeons spread across Termina and discover the key to the mystery of Majora's Mask. Along the way, he'll obtain new weapons and items and help other characters (some strangely familiar) in their everyday lives. In addition, Link must use a wide assortment of masks scattered throughout Termina, each with its own specific use or power. Never before have three days offered so much in the way of action, mind-boggling puzzles and depth. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is an adventure unlike any other!
Nintendo DSiWare Art Style: PiCTOBiTS (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success. By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.
WiiWare CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 (SQUARE ENIX, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2, you must deploy various units, such as Fencers and Black Mages, to stop waves of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party's crystals. There are many types of units to choose from: Some specialize in powerful short-range attacks, some wield far-reaching magicks and still others are equipped with bows, enabling them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map's exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 offers several new, challenging maps containing multiple entrances and exits. It also introduces three varieties of Power Crystals, allowing you to enhance the abilities of your units, while new jobs, including Flintlock and Tinker, set the stage for even more complex strategies. Can you defend all the maps without losing a single crystal?
Silver Star Chess (Agetec, Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Suggestive Themes, 500 Wii Points): Silver Star Chess has two modes: 1-Player and 2-Player. 1-Player mode allows you to play a chess match against the computer opponent. 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can select one of five different computer opponents, as well as turn the background music off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. Also, during the match, you can redo your last move, save the game at any point or resign from the game. After the match has ended, you can review each move made during the match. While reviewing the match in this way, you can resume that match at any point.
Confirmed: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom to North America [ Nintendo Power ]
In the latest issue of Nintendo Power, Capcom confirms that what was thought to be impossible has now happened. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, the all-star fighting game combining characters from Capcom's fleet of games and the characters created by anime company Tatsunoko, will be coming to North America sometime in the future. The Wii-exclusive features Capcom heroes like Street Fighter's Ryu, Mega Man (in his Legends incarnation), Morrigan from Darkstalkers, and Viewtiful Joe doing battle against Tatsunoko's lineup of Ken from Gatchaman, Casshern, Tekkaman, and Hurricane Polymar. What's more, in an interview with the game's producer, it was hinted that additional characters and online play will be added to the NA build. Hopefully we'll get official word from Capcom at E3 - the company was said to have some surprise games at E3, so this is probably one of them.
The latest episode of GameTrailers TV officially confirmed Activision's newest installment in the Tony Hawk franchise, Tony Hawk: Ride. The game makes use of a new peripheral that simulates riding a real skateboard, complete with the ability to do tricks, grinds, and manuals just like actual skateboarding. The peripheral was actually inspired by the Wii Remote, as a prototypee of the device was simply a skateboard with the wheels removed and a Wii Remote attached.
As for the Wii version, it was not confirmed if that version of the game would also get a specialized board peripheral, or if the game would simply use the Wii Balance Board - or perhaps both. We'll likely learn more at E3, so stay tuned.
THQ today announced MX vs. ATV Reflex, the next installment of the best-selling off-road racing franchise, is scheduled to release on the Nintendo DS in Holiday 2009. Developed by THQ’s award-winning internal studio Rainbow Studios, MX vs. ATV Reflex introduces revolutionary physics that allow for real-world terrain deformation and an intuitive, dual-stick control scheme that separates man from machine. MX vs. ATV Reflex will deliver a wide variety of race modes, vehicles and worlds to explore while utilizing the all-new Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine.
Fans of the popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series can continue the battle for galactic peace this September in an all-new videogame from LucasArts and Krome Studios. Based on the Cartoon Network series and utilizing materials straight from Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes allows players to take up arms on behalf of the noble Galactic Republic, while pursuing the mysterious bounty hunter Cad Bane and combating the all-new Skakoan super villain Kul Teska.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes allows players to fight as both Jedi Knights and clone troopers through over 30 unique missions, all created from shared visual assets from the TV series. Featuring a brand-new storyline, players will get the chance to take part in the key events that lead directly into the highly anticipated second season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Jedi characters can slice and dice their way through countless enemies, commandeer droids and show off their combat prowess on foot and in a variety of vehicles. Clone troopers fire things up with a heavy weapons armament that includes rocket launchers, thermal detonators and even jet packs in levels built specifically to take run-and-gun gameplay to exciting levels.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes supports two-player online and offline cooperative play.
In addition, the LucasArts Singapore team — in conjunction with The Clone Wars experts at Lucasfilm Animation — is developing an experience on Nintendo DS that takes full advantage of the platform’s touch-screen technology. That version will include an expanded storyline that offers players the chance to take part in key events and battles from season one while also featuring intuitive touch-screen controls for movement, attacks and puzzle solving.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes will release this September for Wii and Nintendo DS. More information about the game can be found at the official website
Nintendo has been putting some very...well...un-Nintendo-like promotion behind Punch-Out!! revival on Wii, and the latest trailer is no exception. It shows the history of the boxing franchise from its arcade roots to its NES and SNES installments, to what's sure to be a huge hit for Wii. It also reveals two new characters in action for the first time, Bear Hugger (from Super Punch-Out!!) and Don Flamenco (from the NES original). Check out the trailer, from YouTube, below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 14 2009 23:27 PM [Top]
Although it has been known about since this past December, today the official word came that San Rafel-based developer Factor 5 has officially closed its doors. Nintendo fans should best know the company for the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series of games, as well as the Turrican series on the Super Nintendo. However, recent financial woes brought on by the closing of publisher Brash Entertainment (whom Factor 5 was supposedly developing a Superman game for), and the failure of the PS3-exclusive title Lair proved to be the company's downfall.
However, while the US development house has closed, Factor 5's parent developer in Germany will continue on. This is certainly good news for Nintendo fans, as the developer was rumored to be working on a new Kid Icarus game before its closing. The company will be supposedly revealing its projects "over the coming months" (E3?) so we'll keep you posted.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 14 2009 22:49 PM [Top]
Powered by the launch of the new Nintendo DSi hand-held system, the Nintendo DS franchise set a new all-time U.S. record for April hardware sales for any video game platform, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. Nintendo sold more than 827,000 Nintendo DSi systems in April and an additional 215,000 Nintendo DS Lite systems, for a combined total of more than 1.04 million. This brings life-to-date sales of the Nintendo DS franchise in the United States alone to more than 30 million.
At the same time, Nintendo's Wii console remained the No. 1 home system in the United States, selling more than 340,000 in April, more than the other current-generation home console systems combined. Wii has sold through nearly 20 million in the United States since its launch in November 2006.
Six games published by Nintendo finished in the top 10 best-sellers of April, including the top four games of the month. These include Wii Fit at No. 1 with more than 470,000 sold, Pokémon Platinum Version at No. 2 with more than 432,000 sold, Mario Kart Wii at No. 3 with more than 209,000 sold, Wii Play at No. 4 with nearly 170,000 sold, New Super Mario Bros. at No. 7 with nearly 119,000 sold and Mario Kart DS at No. 8 with more than 112,000 sold.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, May 14 2009 22:21 PM [Top]
The Monster Hunter franchise is one of the biggest in Japan, and the anticipated Wii-exclusive third installment, Monster Hunter 3 tri~ looks like it's destined to become one of the biggest hits on the console. The game looks really good-looking as well, so that's certainly a plus. The game has been officially set for a Japanese release on August 1st, so we can probably expect a US release this year or early next year. Check out a brand-new trailer, direct from YouTube, below.
New developer Loose Cannon Studios formally announced itself to the world as a new independent developer of games today, even though it has already been around since 2005. The company is headed up by Dev Madan and Matthew Scott, previously of developer Sucker Punch, as well as Ricci Rukavina, formerly of Vivendi Universal. In total, the company has worked on games including the Crash Bandicoot series, Spyro the Dragon series, Jak and Daxter and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, which is impressive to say the least. Even more impressive, the developer is set to reveal their first game at E3, and lo and behold, it's coming to Wii. Stay tuned for more details.
Nintendo Licenses Anti-Piracy Technology for DS [ Gamasutra ]
One of the biggest thorn's in Nintendo's gold-plated side over the past few years has been the R4 card, a device allowing for the play of hacked titles on the DS system. Now, it appears Nintendo finally has a way to combat this, as they have licensed a new technology developed by UK-based company Metaforic, called MetaFortress. How MetaFortress works is that it detects that a copied version of the game is being played on the DS, and thus, kill the ROM and make it unplayable. What's more, the technology is unchanged by firmware updates, so hackers can't find another way in. Also, it was revealed that Nintendo will be installing this technology into its fall software, and six other publishers will be using MetaFortress in the future as well.
Today Ubisoft announced that it will launch a new title in the Might & Magic universe. Might & Magic Clash of Heroes, a puzzle RPG that was developed by Capybara Games, creators of award-winning handheld and mobile games, will be available on Nintendo DS and it will be released in August 2009.
Through five unique and epic quests, players will alternate exploration and turn-based puzzle battles in the game to save the world of Ashan from demonic chaos. Might & Magic Clash of Heroes also adopts a brand new manga-style art design that is perfectly suited to Nintendo DS. In a world populated by knights, elves, wizards, necromancers and demons, gamers can manage their own hero, customize their army and lead campaigns in the mythic Might & Magic world.
Created for Might & Magic fans, while also attracting new audiences, Might & Magic Clash of Heroes can be played in solo mode or shared with a friend in two-player peer-versus-peer mode.
Playlogic Entertainment, Inc., an independent worldwide publisher of entertainment software, announced today that it has become an official Publisher for Nintendo of America, Inc.
Playlogic has enjoyed numerous successful Nintendo platform releases in Europe and is pleased to bring new titles to the North American market. It will expand its Nintendo library of titles starting in 2009 and the first games to be released are Pool Hall Pro (Wii), Vertigo (Wii) Sudoku Ball - Detective (Wii/Nintendo DS), and the 20th Century Fox License Aliens in the Attic (Wii/DS) based on the upcoming feature film. Launch dates for these North American titles will be announced in the coming weeks.
First Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver Details [ CoroCoro Comics ]
As expected, Japanese magazine CoroCoro comics has revealed the first details on the anticipated remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, HeartGold and HeartSilver. According to the article (translated by NeoGAF user Dani), the game will now allow players to play as a boy or a girl trainer, who uses an upgraded Pokédex featuring a camera, plus a skateboard to get around. Also, much like in the original Gold and Silver, players can visit the new world of Johto, and when completed, can visit Red and Blue's world of Kanto.
Lastly, as anticipated, the game will be in fact coming to the US. Siliconera is reporting that Nintendo has trademarked the games' titles with the US Trademark Organization, meaning a release is in fact coming. The question is, when will it be announced? E3 seems like a good bet, doesn't it?
The latest issue of Nintendo Power features an interview with the developers behind the suddenly hotly anticipated (at least by us) Red Steel 2. In one clip from the interview, the game's creative director confirms that MotionPlus will be a requirement for the game.
From the interview: "It's a huge risk. We have no idea what the penetration rate for Wii MotionPlus will be. We assume high. We would like it to be high. I would love to say to you that it'll be compatible with just a regular controller, but the gameplay simply isn't there without MotionPlus. That core experience just isn't there without it."
We'll find out if it is worth the gamble when the game releases later this year.
Celebrating the Japanese release of Contra ReBirth on WiiWare, Konami has graced us with three trailers. Rooted in SNES style graphics and sound, this continues a new trend it seems Capcom started with Mega Man 9. Let's hope we get a US release of this thing, and maybe more retro rebirths to come.
Check out lots and lots of stuff blowing up below.
Nintendo Celebrates a Year of WiiWare [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare, the downloadable video game service for Nintendo's Wii home console, launched one year ago today. It arrived with a promise to provide a venue for game developers to showcase their ideas, while delivering to consumers the newest, most interesting games available at accessible prices, directly through the Wii Shop Channel in their Wii consoles. With 81 games in its library, WiiWare ensures that there's something for everyone. But beyond quantity, WiiWare offers quality games and experiences for all types of Wii owners.
WiiWare removes barriers that make console game development expensive, and helps developers connect directly with consumers. WiiWare games have been created by more than 40 different development studios, from large companies to small startups. In fact, more than half the games in the WiiWare library were created and self-published by small independent studios, many with five or fewer employees.
Looking ahead, consumers can anticipate yet another year of interesting WiiWare games, including:
* Cave Story from Nicalis, arguably the best-known indie game of all time. Cave Story takes players into a world where a race of rabbit-like creatures runs free on a serene island.
* Icarian Kindred Spirits from Over the Top Games, where players control Nyx, an enigmatic winged girl, who must descend from heaven in search of her missing friend Icarus.
* Super Meat Boy from Team Meat, an indie game in which players take the role of a cube of raw meat who must save his princess from the clutches of evil.
* BIT.TRIP CORE from Aksys Games, the follow-up to the well-reviewed BIT.TRIP BEAT with a similar graphic style and rhythm component, but featuring a completely different retro game mechanic.
* Final Fantasy IV: The After Years from SQUARE ENIX, the long-awaited sequel to Final Fantasy IV that takes place over a series of nine episodes.
Harmonix, MTV Games, along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, today announced plans for a July 21, 2009 North American release of Rock Band Country Track Pack for the Wii system from Nintendo.
Rock Band Country Track Pack is a standalone software product that allows owners of Rock Band and Rock Band 2 to keep the party going with 21 songs from an outstanding mix of country artists, including Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Rascal Flatts and the legendary Kenny Rogers. Many of the tracks will be exclusive to the Rock Band Country Track Pack disc for a limited time before joining the Rock Band Music Store as downloadable content. Additional artists and songs from the track list will be announced in the coming months.
In addition, Rock Band Country Track Pack, like all Rock Band software, is compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero and other current third party video game instrument controllers.
Capcom's latest financial report shows an interesting bit of information buried under pages of redundant numbers and confusing graphs. From the report:
Introduce versions of major game series for the extremely popular Wii
- Plan to start selling Wii titles in FY2009.
- 9 titles, including “Monster Hunter 3 (Tri-)” and “Resident Evil: Dark Side Chronicles.”
So, 9 titles currently int he works for the Wii. We know six of them - Monster Hunter 3 (Tri-), a port of Monster Hunter G (already out in Japan, so this may or may not be counted in the 9), Resident Evil: The Dark Side Chronicles, Resident Evil Archives, RE0 Archives (both also already out in Japan) and Spyborgs.
That leaves us with at least three unknown titles from the company in the works, potentially as many as six if already-released-in-Japan MH-G, RE, and RE0 are not being counted on the list.
Chances are we'll see at least one or two of these games surface at E3 next month...here's hoping we get something worth getting!
Starships, Soccer, and Pirates for Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo DSiWare
Real Soccer 2009 (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Nintendo DSi Points): It’s time to live the soccer season to the max with Real Soccer 2009 on Nintendo DSi. It will offer you a never-before-seen soccer experience with revolutionary yet easily accessible touch-screen controls. Take a photo of anything with the Nintendo DSi Camera and turn the image into your own custom ball or team flag, or even make yourself into your favorite player. With 198 teams using real player names, realistic opponent behaviors thanks to advanced artificial intelligence, and superior 3-D graphics, you’ll feel just like a professional soccer player. Go ahead, take your best shot!
WiiWare
Family Pirate Party (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, Rated E 10 for Everyone 10 and Older – Mild Cartoon Violence and Suggestive Themes, 500 Wii Points): Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy make their return as pirates sailing the seas and skies. Roll the dice and sail through the islands to gather the treasures each island holds. The person with the most gold at the end wins. Family Pirate Party shines with its appealing cel-shaded graphics and endearing music. Challenge up to three other players (friends, the CPU or both) for some four-player board-game fun. Do you have it in you to defeat your opponents and become the king of Family Pirate Party!?
Virtual Console
Galaxy Force II (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Galaxy Force II is an arcade shooter with a 3-D view from behind your spaceship. Fly through five different planets, taking on enemies in environments that range from a peaceful garden to lands made of fire or ice. Navigate treacherous landscapes by flying low over the planet’s surface and blowing up enemy robots, ships and turrets, then flying through a tunnel to destroy the alien stronghold on each planet. It is your duty as part of the Galaxy Force to defend against the alien invasion and maintain peace in the solar system.
First Footage of Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver [ GoNintendo ]
Although Nintendo jumped the gun on Thursday evening, Nintendo's Pokémon Sunday TV show has revealed the brand-new Pokémon games, HeartGold and SoulSilver. The program also revealed the first footage from the game...all 16 seconds of it. Although little more was revealed, it appears that the game will work similar to Pokémon Yellow in that your starting Pokémon (Cyndaquil, Chikorita, or Totodile) will walk behind you rather than be kept in a Poké Ball. Other than that, we can't speak Japanese, so don't ask us. Check out the reveal, direct from YouTube, below.
In a very un-Nintendo like move, the company has released several promotional videos for the upcoming release of Punch-Out!!, set for release in a few weeks. Check out each vid, direct from YouTube below. One is a making-of video, but the other two have to be seen to be believed.
I don't speak Japanese, but I can figure this out well enough. Konami's Japanese Wii site has a page up for a new addition to the famed Contra franchise, Contra Rebirth, a 1,000 point WiiWare game. Not much else to say. Click the source link for images of the game, and of course we'll keep you notified if there's an announcement of an American release.
Today Ubisoft revealed new gameplay details about the upcoming comedy-adventure Rabbids Go Home. The party is over and the Rabbids are ready to go home...to the moon! Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the game features a new wacky storyline, diverse gameplay and intuitive controls, and a vast array of environments that leads to hilarious capers as the Rabbids wreak havoc on the Humans in pursuit of their quest. Rabbids Go Home is scheduled to ship Holiday 2009 for the Wii system from Nintendo.
About the Game:
The Rabbids first comedy-adventure will take them to the moon or bust! Those crazy Rabbids have an infallible plan: collect all the human stuff they can find, heap it onto a giant pile and literally climb home to the moon. But not so fast! The Humans revolt, unleashing the Verminators whose only objective is to exterminate the Rabbids. Rabbids Go Home game features include:
* The Rabbids First Comedy-Adventure: Control two Raving Rabbids and their shopping cart and cause mayhem in a world full of uptight Humans with shopping on the brain. Collect varying sizes of human stuff to build the Rabbids sky-high pile of junk in their quest to reach the moon.
* Make a huge mess and provoke hilarious situations in over 15 striking game environments: Scour through supermarkets, race across rooftops, jet past airports and boost through the Bayou, visiting the game’s unique take on everyday places.
* Play over 40 missions: Race, chase, boost and generally run amok while scaring the Humans right down to their undies - literally! Ridicule reams of relentless enemies and their nasty pooches in an increasingly paranoid world of Rabbid-haters.
* Unique Art Direction: Encounter a cast of colorful, oddball characters and explore a remarkable parody of the modern world as if you were living inside an interactive cartoon!
* Variety of Gameplay: Soup up your shopping cart with a Jet Ski, an airplane reactor, or a hospital Bubble Bed to wreak endless havoc everywhere you turn. Learn to pilot your cart while boosting, jumping, gliding, floating and flying.
For more information about Rabbids Go Home, visit the official website.
It's been rumored for months, but this evening, Nintendo has made it official. Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver, the Game Boy Color RPGs that took the already-massive franchise to the next level by adding new Pokémon, new worlds, and new characters and features, will be remade for the Nintendo DS as Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver. The games will be full remakes of Gold and Silver, but with added additions and enhancements from the Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum series. The games will be released in Japan later this year, as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the release of the original games. No word yet on a US release, but don't be surprised if we hear something at E3 next month.
Activision Announces New Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Band Hero [ Activision ]
Activision is set to once again revolutionize how consumers interact with music by releasing three new titles this fall - DJ Hero, Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero - that will redefine the company's popular music gaming platform. The slate will transform the way consumers enjoy and engage with music by offering the largest variety of music genres, innovative technologies and new social entertainment experiences for existing fans and millions of new consumers who previously have not joined Guitar Hero's global community of fans.
The company's groundbreaking DJ Hero expands Guitar Hero's signature social gaming to all-new consumers with the addition of diverse music genres including hip-hop, R&B, Motown, electronica and dance. Introducing an all-new innovative turntable controller, DJ Hero transforms players into DJs who rule the club scene by creating original mixes of popular songs and music from the world's most exciting artists and DJs.
Letting fans continue to fulfill their rock fantasies, Guitar Hero 5 features the hottest rock and roll artists today as well as classic rock bands and gives players an unprecedented level of control over the way they play the game with the ability to drop in and out of songs and change band members, instruments and difficulty levels on the fly.
The franchises' first E10 rated console game, Band Hero delivers an exciting music collection featuring top-40 hits designed to expand the appeal to a broad family audience who can play together on the guitar, drums, bass and microphone and experience a new genre of music. The game builds upon Guitar Hero's easy-to-play, difficult-to-master signature gameplay and allows novice players and expert fans to join together on their favorite songs.
"Puzzle Racer" Set to Release June 16 [ Playlogic ]
Playlogic Entertainment, Inc. an independent worldwide publisher of entertainment software, announced today that Vertigo, the action-packed, futuristic racing puzzle game, is coming to the Wii system. Vertigo will be available in retail stores nationwide June 16, 2009.
Vertigo challenges players to take their Xorb across 54 hair-raising landscapes and nine different worlds, each with their own unique treacherous terrain and death defying obstacles. Along the way players can upgrade their Xorb, seek hidden shortcuts and collect power-ups to help them survive all with the goal of becoming the fastest and most envied Xorber in the Universe!
For added playability, Vertigo for Wii features Wii board compatibility, allowing players to use either the Wiimote or Wii balance board for an all-new realistic balancing experience.
Additional game features include:
• Four multiplayer modes: Time Trial, Xorb Football, Death Match, and 10-pin Xorb bowling
• Four trial modes: Arcade, Career, Practice, and Time Trial
• Fully Customizable Shell type: Bodywork and Hatch customization
• Three racing classes to progress through
Hot on the heels of the surprising announcement late last week, Ubisoft has revealed the first trailer for the anticipated sequel to one of the biggest-selling games on Wii, Red Steel 2. The trailer shows off the title's gameplay for the first time, including how the Wii's MotionPlus will revolutionize the game's swordfighting. It's worth a watch, so check it out below.
Pokémon Gold/Silver Remakes Announced Soon? [ Kotaku ]
According to an episode of Nintendo's morning Pokémon variety show "Pokémon Sunday", a major announcement is set to be made on the May 10th episode. Although nobody is sure what the announcement could be, the program had one significant hint, as two confetti balls dropped from the ceiling, colored gold and silver. It's looking very likely now that the new announcements will be remakes of the classic Pokémon RPGs that rocked the Game Boy Color nearly 10 years ago. Remakes wouldn't be unheard of for the franchise as well, as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, remakes of Red and Blue, were released about five years ago.
Tiger Woods and Grand Slam Drop a Week Early [ Electronic Arts ]
EA SPORTS today announced that both Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis will ship to stores June 8 in North America, one week earlier than originally announced. EA SPORTS recently announced that the Wii version of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 will be available packaged with the Wii MotionPlus accessory in both North America and Europe. In Europe only, EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis will be available with Wii MotionPlus at launch.
Both Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis have been rated “E” by the ESRB. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 has an MSRP of $59.99 when bundled with the Wii MotionPlus. Both products will be available for $49.99 without the accessory.
Donkey Kong Rides the Jungle Beat to Wii [ Nintendo ]
Legendary video game character Donkey Kong is on a quest to become king of the jungle, and he needs some help. Today's launch of the New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat video game for the Wii console lets players grab their Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to assist him. Players control Donkey Kong's running, jumping and banana grabbing by using the traditional control stick and buttons, while motion controls add a realistic feeling to actions like grabbing vines and boxing.
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat originally debuted on the Nintendo GameCube system. This new version has been remastered with motion controls, new enemies and obstacles, and a new final boss battle. Nintendo also has added special monkeys to each stage that give tips or let players save their progress. The new controls make this well-reviewed game accessible to new players while giving those who played the original new challenges.
The goal of the game is to guide Donkey Kong through beautifully rendered stages like lava caves, tempestuous oceans and even a ninja-chimp fortress. Racing through the game will get players to the goal, but the real skill comes from helping Donkey Kong perform multiple mid-air acrobatic moves as he collects bananas in each stage. The more sweet moves he does in a row, the more bonus bananas he gets at the end of the stage. To become the king of the jungle, he must team up with animal friends and defeat multiple contenders in boxing matches.
Two Animal Crossing Apps for Download Monday [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo DSiWare
Animal Crossing Calculator (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Need to figure out what you owe Tom Nook or the amount in your savings account? Animal Crossing Calculator features the full functionality of a traditional calculator, including a Memory key and the ability to display up to 13 digits, adding a layer of atmosphere unique to Animal Crossing. Use the Unit Converter to turn one unit of measure into another (such as length, weight, volume and age), or track the history of calculations you've performed. Listen to the Animalese pronunciation of numbers when you press them, and watch for a favorite Animal Crossing character to appear when your result meets certain criteria. Get ready for an inventive and practical way to experience the charm of Animal Crossing.
Animal Crossing Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Enjoy the atmosphere of Animal Crossing in a whole new way with Animal Crossing Clock. Select from either an analog or digital clock and set up to three alarms (with snooze functionality for those who need it). Make your own Town Tune or use sounds created in Nintendo DSi Sound, then assign them to the alarms you've set. Use the system's internal clock or offset the time however you like. Then sit back and watch as different characters from Animal Crossing appear and the color of the sky changes as time passes. You'll never miss an important appointment with one of your Animal Crossing friends again.
WiiWare
Penguins & Friends - Hey! That's My Fish! (Gammick Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points™): The penguins are hungry and need your help. Catch all the fish you can before someone steals them from you. Strategy is fundamental in this exciting game. Keep moving ahead of the other penguins so you don't get trapped, and try to get to the ice floes that hold more fish. One to four players can play Penguins & Friends at the same time, provided they can handle the polar cold. The board is made up of ice blocks with a set number of fish under them. The ice blocks are hexagonal and form a structure like a beehive. The starting position of the ice blocks can change, creating different game boards.
Virtual Console
Tower Toppler (Commodore 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Weird things are happening on Planet Nebulus. Someone or something has begun building huge towers on the sea floor without a construction license. Your mission is to ascend each of the eight cylindrical towers, passing various obstacles along the way, and to trigger the tower's destruction mechanism to demolish the evil threat. Praised upon its original 1987 release for its graphical innovation, this is considered to be the most outstanding game from Hewson. Don't miss out on this classic favorite.
XSEED Announces Valhalla Knights for Wii [ XSEED Games ]
XSEED Games today announced that Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga for Wii is currently in development and scheduled for release in North America in summer 2009. Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga is the third installment of the popular action RPG and marks the first time the title will be available on a home console. The Valhalla Knights series has previously been available on the PlayStation Portable system.
Enter into an epic tale that has endured for generations and generations. For centuries the land of Eldar has been synonymous with chaos and destruction; a place where monsters prey freely and demons wreak havoc, indiscriminate in their attacks. Legend tells of how, ages past, a being known as the Spirit King gained control of the creatures and waged an unrelenting war upon civilization. Order and life were brought to the brink of destruction, but an alliance of the four races was able to drive them back and seal the evil. Centuries have passed since that time, but once again the lands are slowly being overrun by the reemerging monsters. With the continent giving way to madness, a hero must come forth to reunite the races and confront the relentless enemy. And so the saga continues…
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga is an action RPG available exclusively on Wii. It is the follow up title to the original Valhalla Knights and Valhalla Knights 2, and expands upon the series by introducing a new online feature that allows two players to adventure through the land of Eldar co-operatively. Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga continues the series trademark of no random encounters while updating the real-time battle system to now include battles taking place on the world map instead of a separate battle screen for a seamless experience.
First Trailer for The Grinder [ 
