Today's Special Archives: June 2005

News Archives Index Top Gun Announced for Nintendo DS [ Mastiff Games ] One of the most beloved movies of the 1980's is making a transition to the video game world when Mastiff releases Top Gun for the Nintendo DS later this year. Players will get a chance to step inside of the movie by playing as various characters from the film, as well as utilizing numerous Navy aircraft. The game features 10 missions, numerous different weapons, realistic 3D graphics and weather effects, and wireless multiplayer for up to 4 players. Take a look at the first screenshots of the game below, and watch for when Top Gun targets stores later this year. Images: Top Gun DS Screenshot 1 Top Gun DS Screenshot 2 Top Gun DS Screenshot 3 Top Gun DS Screenshot 4 Top Gun DS Screenshot 5 Top Gun DS Screenshot 6 Top Gun DS Screenshot 7 Top Gun DS Screenshot 8 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 30 2005 19:43 PM [Top] Happy (Belated) Birthday Will! [ GameCube Café ] Okay, it was actually Monday, but still, happy birthday to Staff Writer Will Szwagiel, who just turned 19. Will was hired about 6 months ago and since then he has proven to be a great asset to the site, a capable reviewer, and overall just an awesome guy. Stop by the forums if you'd like to give Will congrats. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 30 2005 15:41 PM [Top] Advance Wars: Dual Strike Japanese TV Spot [ GameCube Café ] Advance Wars, the award-winning turn-based strategy game, makes its debut on the Nintendo DS. Players lead their new Commanding Officers to fend off the Black Hole Army's latest invasion. With massive battles that sweep across both of the DS screens, Advance Wars: Dual Strike will change the face of war forever. On the heels of its last defeat, the nefarious Black Hole Army has fallen under the control of a deadly new commanding officer. He has sent its new COs to attack the nations of Wars World once again, and it's up to the allied armies of Orange Star, Blue Moon, Yellow Comet and Green Earth to put an end to Black Hole once and for all. Dual Strike will be released in the North America on August 22nd. Hit the link for the video. Video: Advance Wars: Dual Strike Japanese TV Spot (3.1 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Thursday, June 30 2005 12:22 PM [Top] Mario Baseball Box Art [ Nintendo ] Continuing the tradition started by such games as Mario Power Tennis and Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, Mario Superstar Baseball brings a new brand of fun to the world of baseball. The game combines an intuitive hitting system with easy-to-learn fielding and pitching controls – making it an arcade-like experience that will appeal to baseball novices and hard-core fans alike. Players can try their hands at Challenge Mode, where they must wander the land clearing baseball-related trials. Or they can sit down for a game in the Toy Field, where they hit balls at circles in the outfield to earn coins and other prizes. With multiplayer options for up to four players, wild, character-specific power moves, crazy mini-games and more than 50 characters from the Mario universe, Mario Superstar Baseball is sure to be the new favorite pastime. Mario Superstar Baseball will be released on August 29th. Hit the link for the image of the box art. Images: Mario Baseball Box Art Matthew Silver -- Posted on Thursday, June 30 2005 12:16 PM [Top] Lord of the Rings Strategy RPG in the Works? [ 1up.com ] According to 1up.com, a mysterious listing appeared on retailer Gamestop's official website today (which has since been taken down) for a new Lord of the Rings game from EA entitled Lord of the Rings: Tactics. With this listing, it looks very much like that EA will continue the RPG kick the Lord of the Rings franchise has been on starting with last year's The Third Age, this time with strategy-based gameplay. Also, considering all previous LOTR games from EA have found their way onto the GameCube, there is no reason to believe this won't as well, not to mention versions possibly in the works for the GBA and DS. Expect more information on Lord of the Rings: Tactics when it comes straight from EA's mouth. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 30 2005 4:31 AM [Top] Konami to Support Revolution [ Toyo Keizei ] According to Japanese news magazine Toyo Keizei, Konami has plans to support all three major consoles next gen, including the Nintendo Revolution. The titles for each system will be exclusive franchise titles making use of each platform's capabilities, meaning the Revolution's unique controller, of course. Several multiplatform games would be created as well, as the company believes it is important to create an environment where everyone can play. Expect to hear more on Konami's contributions to the Revolution in the coming months. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 29 2005 15:55 PM [Top] The Café Celebrates 50 Banners [ GameCube Café ] Well I said a few months ago that there would not be another banner news post update until we reached the fifty mark. Obviously, seeing as how I am making a news post, we have reached the big five zero. You also have probably been noticing new banners when you come to the site every day. News has been slow the last month and now you all know what I do when I am bored; practice my photoshopping skills. A lot of the original banners that launched with the new layout have been touched up and/or redone completely in the last month as well. Just about every banner I do is associated with a particular game, but there are a few that are just generic for a specific franchise. Don't want to keep hitting refresh to see all the banners? Ok, you can go ahead and hit this link and check them all out. Some future banners to expect are (but definitely not limited to) Prince of Persia 3, Super Mario Strikers, Eternal Darkness (art for this game is hard to come by. I have some decent stuff, it's just going to be a lot of work and I haven't gotten that bored yet), Zelda (duh), Mario (duh again), and hopefully Mega Man. Too bad Capcom has made Mega Man way too anime or there would already be a banner for him. If you guys have any requests for specific banners, e-mail me with the subject "Banner Request." I hope you guys enjoy them! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 28 2005 12:12 PM [Top] Ghost Recon 3 Gets Official Title [ Ubisoft ] Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, announced that Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 3 (working title), the next installment in the smash-hit squad-based action franchise, will officially be known as Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Scheduled to ship for Holiday 2005, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter focuses on the deployment of the Soldier of the Future – the "warfighter,: in military parlance, into the chaos of urban warfare. In 2013, the U.S. Army will implement the Integrated Warfighter System evolving what we know as the modern soldier. IWS combines advanced weapon systems, satellite communication devices and enhanced survivability into one fully integrated combat system. The IWS program has been developed to meet these new threats head on. Now, it can be tested on the battlefield. Following an insurgence in the heart of Mexico City, the U.S. Army's most elite Special Forces team is deployed to the center of the conflict to regain control of the city. Greatly outnumbered but fully equipped with the IWS, this elite team is the first and last line of defense on the battlefield. They are the "quiet" professionals. They are the Ghosts. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 28 2005 8:19 AM [Top] Nintendo Power's Major Overhaul [ Nintendo ] The oldest video game magazine is now also the hippest. Seventeen-year-old Nintendo Power has decided to grow up a little, just as its fans have. A major redesign, spearheaded by top designers Roger Black and Robb Rice, appeals both to adults who have grown up playing video games as well as to kids who may be discovering them for the first time. "The new look of Nintendo Power just brings the magazine in line with its readers," Black said. "They've become more sophisticated and more diverse. Nintendo games appeal to a wider group, beyond the teenage base. Guys in their 30s still love Nintendo, and, hey, there are a lot of girl gamers now. We just wanted to make the magazine right for the whole Nintendo community." Black is a legendary designer, best known for helping set the look of iconic magazines like Rolling Stone and Newsweek. The redesign he led will help Nintendo Power cater to multiple audiences while giving readers the same top-quality information that they have come to expect. "Our redesign goal for Nintendo Power was to broaden the magazine's appeal by creating a fresh, unified look and focusing on the stories that really matter to Nintendo gamers," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "It's all about empowering our readers, giving them the most authoritative, timely and entertaining content for the games they love." If you'd like to take a look at the newly-redesigned Nintendo Power, you can receive a special 3-month trial subscription if you are a member at Nintendo's official website. Simply register three games and you subscription will be sent directly to your mailbox. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 28 2005 8:15 AM [Top] Meteos Rocks...Literally [ Nintendo ] Nintendo's new video game, Meteos, won't hurt your brain with its dramatic storyline. It has no characters with complex personalities or conflicted motivations. And it resolves without teaching any Important Lessons. In short, it's the video game equivalent of a perfect summer novel or blockbuster movie. Just like any good captivating page-turner, Meteos, a puzzle game that launches today exclusively for Nintendo DS, provides hours of nonstop, visceral action and can't-put-it-down entertainment. And as with any good Earth-destroying, fireball-filled summer movie, it features a hard-core baddie as its main character. Meteo is an evil planet who looks like an evil eye and likes to hurl planet-pulverizing meteors across the galaxy – and it's your job to stop them. Meteos was created by Bandai & Q Entertainment and is published by Nintendo. Players use the stylus on the touch screen of Nintendo DS to move multicolored meteor blocks up and down the columns. When three blocks of the same color line up, they launch into the air with dramatic sound effects to help clear the board. Players will defend more than 30 different planets. Each one has its own aliens, theme music, meteor style and gravitational laws that affect game play. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, June 27 2005 14:44 PM [Top] Kirby: Canvas Curse Commercial [ Nintendo ] Kirby: Canvas Curse was released a couple weeks ago and Nintendo has released another one of their classically hilarious commercials for the game. You might have seen it already but if you haven't you can click the link below and watch it here at the Café. Below is a little bit about the game. Look for our review of it shortly. An evil witch turns Dream Land into a "picture" world, and when Kirby confronts her, she uses her magic to turn him into a ball. Luckily, he finds a magic paintbrush she left behind and uses it to turn the DS stylus into a magic item capable of drawing rainbow paths. Kirby then sets out to regain his shape and save Dream Land. Video: Kirby: Canvas Curse Commercial (3.7 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, June 27 2005 10:16 AM [Top] Reggie Opens Up to EGM [ EGM ] This month's issue of EGM had a pretty good blurb interview with Nintendo's own Reggie Fils-Aime. He addressed that third party developers have seen a lot of what the Revolution will be capable of first hand and that they have seen the controller. This can only mean that Nintendo is close to releasing to the public more details about their "big secret." Quotes are below, read on. “The thing that I always find surprising, and certainly in the last year I've had wonderful opportunities to spend quality time with a number of our key third-party publishers, is when you sit down and share the innovation with them, just how excited they get,” he said. “I saw it firsthand with DS; we're seeing it now with Revolution. The fact that you and your fans haven't seen the controller doesn't mean that no one else has.” “I mean, again, and Mr. Iwata did this during his presentation – if you just think about it, we're going to have the ability through wireless internet to download all of your great games from NES, SNES, N64. Think about it: Each of those controllers were different. How are you gonna play? That captured some the imagination of what our controller needs to be able to do, and certainly as you get into the meat of that type of innovation with the developers, their eyes truly light up because they start to imagine what's possible with that type of configuration, which is vastly different than a sheer horsepower type of game.” Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, June 27 2005 10:07 AM [Top] DS Sells a Million in Europe [ Nintendo of Europe ] Nintendo of Europe has announced today that over this past weekend they have sold their millionth Nintendo DS unit. Worldwide sales of the Nintendo DS have been better than Nintendo had anticipated, having sold well over the six million mark already. The DS has sold well because of strong titles like Super Mario 64 DS, Yoshi Touch & Go, WarioWare Touched, and the recently released Kirby Canvas Curse. You can pick up a DS if you haven't already and get a free copy of Super Mario 64 DS if you buy the brand new cobalt (blue) color. If you are curious, the PSP has sold less than three million units worldwide. Seems that Nintendo has finally silence all the naysayers. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, June 27 2005 10:03 AM [Top] Happy Birthday AJ! [ GameCube Café ] Today our awesome IT Director turns 21. Normally you associate this age with being able to go out the bar and have a few drinks with your closest friends. However, AJ has no desire to consume alcohol. Instead, he spent today calling around trying to find out where he could buy a Glock. Yes, 21 is also the legal age you can own a firearm. Yeah, I know, a geek with a firearm, this only spells disaster. But he wants to be in the FBI, so I guess it makes sense. AJ really is the heart and soul of the Café. You never see him doing anything but he is the backbone of the site. Since coming on staff back in November 2003, he has completely changed over the way the site is run, increasing productivity tenfold. AJ has also been hard at work the last month editing the E3 DVD (which is just about finished!). Happy birthday AJ, from all your friends at the Café. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Saturday, June 25 2005 20:06 PM [Top] Pokémon Emerald Biggest Game of May [ Gamespot ] According to Gamespot and the NPD, Nintendo had the biggest-selling game of May with the release of the latest installment of the Pokémon franchise. Pokémon Emerald for the GBA sold a whopping 882,000 units, scoring Nintendo a cool $24 million from retail. In fact, Pokémon Emerald outsold the combined total of the second and third place games (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith for PS2 and XBox, respectively). Pokémon Emerald is just the latest in a string of one of gaming's most popular franchises, pulling in a ton of money for Nintendo. The Pokémon franchise is nowhere near running out of steam either: later this year will see the release of a brand-new GameCube RPG, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and next year will give way to the newest portable Pokémon games, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 24 2005 18:14 PM [Top] Aonuma Speaks on Zelda [ Wired News ] In an interview with tech news site Wired, Eiji Aonuma, producer of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, revealed some minor tidbits about the upcoming GameCube megahit. Aonuma revealed that unlike Wind Waker, Twilight Princess was made mostly with the North American market in mind. He also adds that the transition to a realistic game was difficult in that doing so forces the design of the game to be realistic as well. Aonuma also confirmed that there will be no spoken dialogue in the game, although he is working on some ideas on using voice in a unique way that could not be shown off in time for E3. Aonuma also confirms that he is not only hard at work on a DS version of Zelda, but is also working on the version for Revolution that was confirmed at E3. In regards to the DS, the only information given was that the touch screen and stylus will be the game's main control device. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will launch this holiday season at an undisclosed date. Expect more info on everything Zelda as it becomes available, and don't forget to check out GameCube Café's E3 2005 DVD, complete with a whopping 53 minutes of Zelda footage you won't find anywhere else. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 24 2005 17:58 PM [Top] Mario Superstar Baseball Logo [ Nintendo ] Continuing the tradition started by such games as Mario Power Tennis and Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour, Mario Superstar Baseball brings a new brand of fun to the world of baseball. The game combines an intuitive hitting system with easy-to-learn fielding and pitching controls – making it an arcade-like experience that will appeal to baseball novices and hard-core fans alike. Players can try their hands at Challenge Mode, where they must wander the land clearing baseball-related trials. Or they can sit down for a game in the Toy Field, where they hit balls at circles in the outfield to earn coins and other prizes. With multiplayer options for up to four players, wild, character-specific power moves, crazy mini-games and more than 50 characters from the Mario universe, Mario Superstar Baseball is sure to be the new favorite pastime. Mario Superstar Baseball will be released on August 29th. Our E3 DVD has awesome exclusive Mario Superstar Baseball footage on it, so make sure to pick that up! Hit the link for the logo. Images: Mario Superstar Baseball Logo Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, June 24 2005 10:37 AM [Top] A Boy and His Blob Screenshots [ Majesco ] One of the NES's most legendary titles returns on the Nintendo DS! In A Boy and His Blob, gamers will once again take control of the twosome as they solve puzzles and defeat enemies by working together: using the boy to feed the blob jellybeans, he can transform him into practically anything! A Boy and His Blob will hit stores later this year for the Nintendo DS. Check out the screens below. Images: A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 1 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 2 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 3 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 4 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 5 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 6 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 7 A Boy and His Blob Screenshot 8 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 22 2005 21:24 PM [Top] Hulk: Ultimate Destruction to Feature Hollywood Talent [ Vivendi Universal ] Vivendi Universal Games has announced that the upcoming Hulk game, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, will feature voice acting from several of today's hottest actors. Ron Pearlman, who played Hellboy in the film of the same name, will take on the role of the Hulk's longtime nemesis Emil Blonsky, aka the Abomination. Neal McDonough, who played the role of both Bruce Banner and the Hulk in the Incredible Hulk animated series in the mid-90's, will reprise that role for this game. Lastly, Richard Moll, best known for his role as Slan Quince in the Highlander TV series, will portray the voice of the evil Devil Hulk. Recently, developer Radical Entertainment also announced that the GameCube version of the title will feature progressive scan capability, after it was initially removed. The game will hit all consoles, including the GameCube, on August 23rd. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 22 2005 18:25 PM [Top] True Crime 2 Titled [ Activision ] According to Activision's official site for the upcoming True Crime 2, the game will be seeing a change of scenery for the next installment. Now titled True Crime: New York City, the game will head from LA to the Big Apple for a new era of crime and destruction. Watch for True Crime: New York City to hit all consoles, including the Nintendo GameCube, sometime at the end of 2005. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 22 2005 18:13 PM [Top] Classic Nintendo Games Upgraded for Revolution? [ 1up ] According to 1up, by way of an interview with Electronic Gaming Monthly, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revels that the company is not only interested in bringing back classic titles for play on the Revolution, but upgrading them graphically as well. Says Iwata: "We are doing several experiments, including working with the original Super Mario Bros., with the new technology. The game itself and the gameplay shall be identical, but the look will be different; it's possible that with Revolution, we may be able to see the old games with new looks." Playing Nintendo games with upgraded graphics would most certainly be awesome, but it remains to be seen if Nintendo will in fact utilize this. Expect more info on Nintendo's mysterious next-gen console as it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 21 2005 20:14 PM [Top] DDR: Mario Mix Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Players shake their things to more than 25 dance-flavored songs, from classic Nintendo themes to familiar favorites. With five difficulty levels, dancers of all abilities will be able to get into the groove. Have fun getting in shape! The special "Workout" feature tracks the calories burned while playing. Players control Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix by stepping on different arrows on the Action Pad. Players can finally experience the thrill of stomping Goombas and other enemies firsthand. As players clear songs, they will unlock more songs, minigames and difficulty levels. DDR: Mario Mix will be released in October, hit the link to check out the new trailer. Video: DDR: Mario Mix Trailer (7.8 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 21 2005 17:47 PM [Top] Killer 7 Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Step inside the mind of a killer. Killer 7 is a hard-boiled, visually stunning and surreal action adventure game that pits 7 alter egos of an eccentric hitman, Harmon Smith, against a powerful underworld kingpin and the advancing epidemic of the deadly Heaven's Smile virus. Harnessing the unique powers of his multiple personalities, Harmon's, Killer 7 must navigate a post-modern landscape to track down and assassinate the evil Kun Lan before his terrorist tactics and a depraved disease destroy the world. Killer 7 Will be released on July 7th. Hit the link to check out the new video. Video: Killer 7 Trailer (15.9 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 21 2005 17:47 PM [Top] Nintendo Fans Show Creativity [ Nintendo ] Some were touching, some needed touch-ups and others were just, well, touched. Nintendo's Touching is Good contest produced more than 1,000 original photos and videos of mannequin hands in action. The winners, and some of the more interesting entries, are now on display at Touching Is Good. They prove once again that Nintendo has some of the most loyal and creative fans on the planet. Most of the entries included at least one of the nearly 7,700 mannequin hands that Nintendo sent out for free before supplies ran out. Others included paper versions of hands or just creative riffs on the Touching is Good theme. The contest highlighted the unique touch-screen abilities of Nintendo DS. Submissions ranged from the serious to the silly, from artistic to downright confusing. Steve Barnes of Bellingham, Wash., won the grand prize for his video, "Touching is Good in Video Games," a fruit-tossing farce that brings video game powers into the real world. Barnes will receive $1,000 in cash, a Nintendo DS system and four DS video games. Eric Garrison of Modesto, Calif., won first prize for his photo, "Touch! Jungle Beat," which shows a mannequin hand tapping a DK Bongos controller, complete with a real gorilla in the background. Garrison will receive $500 cash and a Nintendo DS. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 21 2005 17:28 PM [Top] DS Gets Romantic [ Koei ] Koei has announced that the upcoming Dynasty Warriors title for the DS is not the only game from the company hiting the system this year. Koei has also announced that a DS version of its popular strategy RPG series Romance of the Three Kingdoms, complete with wi-fi multiplayer, is in the works. Previous Romance games have seen their way to the U.S. for release, so expect word on a release for this title soon in all territories. Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, June 19 2005 0:05 AM [Top] DDR With Mario Website Launched [ Nintendo of Japan ] Someone has stolen the Music Keys and released the music they held. Without the Music Keys, the unstable power of the music is wreaking havoc on the land. Mario must recover them before the chaos destroys the entire Mushroom Kingdom! The path to the keys is simple: Left, Right, Up, Down, Right, Down. In Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix, players clear levels by performing the correct steps. Once they clear all the levels in a particular world, they'll collect a Music Key. Collect all the Music Keys to win. Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix will be released in October. Hit the source link to check out the Japanese website. We also have awesome footage of staff writer Eric Jones making a complete jackass out of himself playing this game at E3. Good times and hilarity you do not want to miss. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, June 17 2005 15:25 PM [Top] Prince of Persia 3 Screenshots [ Ubisoft ] The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace - only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him. Prince of Persia 3 will be released this Fall. Check out our DVD for an awesome exclusive interview with the games Lead Animator. Images: Prince of Persia 3 Screenshot 1 Prince of Persia 3 Screenshot 2 Prince of Persia 3 Screenshot 3 Prince of Persia 3 Screenshot 4 Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, June 17 2005 15:23 PM [Top] Sonic Not Alone in Gems [ Gamespot ] According to Gamespot and various Japanese retail sources, the upcoming GameCube-exclusive Sonic compilation, Sonic Gems Collection, will not solely be starring everyone's favorite mach speed mammal. Several other Sega titles will supposedly be a part of the game as well: joining Sonic CD, Sonic R, and Sonic the Fighters will be the legendary beat-em-ups Streets of Rage I, II, and III, as well as action game Bonanza Brothers. Sonic Gems Collection will release for the GameCube on August 16th. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 16 2005 21:50 PM [Top] DS Gets a Dose of Strategy [ Strategy First ] After games from such strategy franchises as Advance Wars and Age of Empires were announced for Nintendo DS, it came as no surprise that another highly-lauded RTS developer has jumped onto the dual-screened bandwagon. Strategy First, a long-running PC developer who excels in RTS games, has announced a partnership with developer Pocket PC Studios to produce several of Strategy First's various titles for the Nintendo DS. Also, two games were announced for the console resulting from this partnership: Jagged Alliance and Disciples, which are both based on existing PC titles. Also, Strategy First promises more games are coming to the console as well. Expect word on the new releases for the DS from Strategy First and Pocket PC Studios when it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 14 2005 21:37 PM [Top] All-American Nintendogs [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has officially announced that, like in Japan, the U.S. release of Nintendogs will see the game split into three versions: Chihuahua and Friends, Miniature Dachshund and Friends, and Labrador Retriever and Friends. However, one thing that the U.S. version of Nintendogs will have over the Japanese version was previously confirmed: new U.S. exclusive dog breeds. The first breed, a Boxer, will be available in the Chihuahua version of the game, while the Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky will be available in the Miniature Dachshund version. The game was a huge hit in Japan, bolstering DS sales through the roof, and is sure to make a similar splash in the U.S. Nintendogs will hit stores in August. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 14 2005 1:47 AM [Top] Burnout Legends to hit DS? [ Gamespot ] According to Gamespot, several sources, and supposedly leaked pictures, Burnout Legends, once thought to be a PSP-exclusive, will also hit the Nintendo DS at an undetermined date. For those who were unsure, the Burnout series, created by Criterion games, was pulled from the GameCube after the second installment due to the GameCube's lack of online play. Burnout Legends, which was revealed for the PSP just before E3, is a Burnout all-stars game featuring cars and tracks from all three previous Burnout games for consoles. We will give more word on the DS Burnout when it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 14 2005 1:16 AM [Top] Real Time Conflict: Shogun Empires Trailer [ Namco ] In the dark and violent world of feudal Japan, two brothers are bound by blood, yet locked in battle for the title of Shogun king. Real Time Conflict: Shogun Empires is a dynamic, real-time tactical strategy game that takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screen and puts you in charge of the battlefield. Choose your warrior prince and prepare for battle. Your goal is to conquer all neighboring armies and become the ultimate ruler of Japan. Once Japan is yours, you will unlock the secret to the legend of the lost army of rebel monks. Prepare for battle! Shogun Empires hits North America this October. Right click and save the trailer to view it. Video: Real Time Conflict: Shogun Empires Trailer (3.1 MB) Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, June 13 2005 12:41 PM [Top] From Russia With Love Trailers [ GameCube Café ] The year is 1963. Your name is Bond, James Bond. And your mission is to slip inside the dangerous and debonair world of the original 007 played by none other than Sean Connery. Travel to exotic destinations such as Istanbul and the Orient Express, connect with a beautiful Russian double agent, and immerse yourself into an authentic re-creation of the classic Bond world. In missions that combine driving and stealth, delve deeper into the plot of the legendary film in an experience that will leave you shaken... and stirred. From Russia With Love will be released on November 1st. Hit the links below to check out the new trailers. Video: From Russia With Love Trailer 1 (5.4 MB) From Russia With Love Trailer 2 (1.7 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, June 13 2005 12:27 PM [Top] Kirby Is Having a Ball [ Nintendo ] Kirby is having a ball this summer, taking his own path in his new adventure, Kirby: Canvas Curse. Launching today for Nintendo DS, this game sets Kirby on a quest to rescue Dream Land from the curse of an evil witch. Multiple game reviewers have noticed how Kirby: Canvas Curse truly maximizes the unique touch-screen control features of Nintendo DS. Game play proves natural and enjoyable, as players use the stylus to draw rainbow paths for Kirby to travel upon. Players can draw defensive walls, tap enemies to stun them or draw loops to help Kirby build up speed. Kirby is a longtime fan favorite, and even stars in his own hit Saturday-morning cartoon show on 4Kids.tv. For more information about Kirby: Canvas Curse, Rated E for Everyone, visit Kirby. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, June 13 2005 10:15 AM [Top] LucasArts to Return to Nintendo? [ PC Boomtown ] In an interview with PC Boomtown, Jim Ward, President of LucasArts, confirms that his company plans to work with all next-gen consoles, which we can only assume that LucasArts will be developing for Revolution, even after they said they would no longer develop for GameCube following the disappointing sales of Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike. However, that's not all - in regards to handheld gaming, Ward confirms that LucasArts is currently working on several titles for the Nintendo DS. Expect news on LucasArts' next-gen offerings when they become available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 10 2005 21:41 PM [Top] New Zelda Hottest Anticipated Game [ Nintendo ] Nintendo's highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has been honored as the best console game and the best action/adventure game by the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2005. This award comes as no surprise to Nintendo or to the thousands of video game fans who waited in line up to three hours to play the game at the Electronic Entertainment Expo last month in Los Angeles. This latest accolade adds to the stable of awards already won by The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, which will be available this holiday season exclusively for Nintendo GameCube. As the most anticipated game on any platform this year, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will drive hardware sales for Nintendo GameCube. For the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2005, the nominees were judged by 33 media outlets, including Time, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Maxim, Vibe, USA Today, Electronic Gaming Monthly, IGN.com, Yahoo! Games Domain, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN/Money and The Washington Post. You can check out our awesome E3 Zelda coverage by going to the E3 Media page. If you want over an hour of brand new exclusive Zelda footage then you definitely want to head to our store. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, June 10 2005 1:35 AM [Top] Nintendo Releases Official Sales Numbers [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has finally released a set of official numbers of hardware and software for their most current systems and software. Below is the list. GameCube: U.S.: GCN Hardware: 9.6 million units GCN Software: 72.5 million units Worldwide: GCN Hardware: 18.50 million units GCN Software: 156.29 million units Nintendo DS: U.S.: DS Hardware: 1.72 million units DS Software: 2.75 million units Worldwide: DS Hardware: 5.27 million units DS Software: 10.49 million units Game Boy Advance: U.S.: GBA/GBA SP Hardware: 28.5 million units GBA Software: 117.2 million units Worldwide: GBA/GBA SP Hardware: 66.79 million units GBA Software: 268.36 million units Total Worldwide: Total Hardware: 347.92 million units Total Software: 2.03 billion units Franchise Sales Figures [as of May 2005]: Total Mario series: more than 182 million units sold worldwide Total Zelda series: more than 43 million units worldwide Total Metroid series: more than 10 million units worldwide Total Pokémon series: more than 140 million units worldwide Total Donkey Kong series: more than 43 million units worldwide Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, June 10 2005 1:31 AM [Top] GBA Goes Hollywood [ DreamWorks Animation ] While the PSP has been movie-capable since launch, the GBA's popular Game Boy Advance Video format, developed by Majesco, has only seen various kids' TV programs placed onto the system. This is no longer the case, as the GBA Video format will be receiving its first full-length motion picture releases soon when DreamWorks Animation releases three of its most popular CG-animated films for the console. The movies - Shrek, Shrek 2, and Shark Tale, will be released later this summer at an unknown MSRP. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 9 2005 23:24 PM [Top] The DS Can Dig It, Sucka [ Famitsu ] One of Namco's most legendary arcade franchises is set to make a return on the Nintendo DS, according to Famitsu, as Taizo Hori will hit the system in Dig Dug: Drilling Strike. Drilling Strike will make use of the twin screens in a unique way: the top screen will feature a top-down view of the island, similar to Dig Dug 2, with the ultimate goal of sinking the island. To do so however, the player will have to go through various holes, which will lead to a game played on the touch screen similar to that of the original Dig Dug, where players must drill through enough rocks to sink part of the island. The game will also feature a wireless multiplayer mode for two players. Dig Dig: Drilling Strike will hit the Nintendo DS in Japan on September 8th. A U.S. release is expected, and will probably be announced soon. Hit the links below for the scans from Famitsu. Images: Dig Dug: Drilling Strike Scan 1 Dig Dug: Drilling Strike Scan 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 8 2005 23:12 PM [Top] Pennant Chase Baseball Delayed Indefinitely [ Nintendo ] Nintendo's media page has updated its release listing for Nintendo Pennant Chase Baseball. Formerly slated for release in the middle of next month, the game now has a TBA listing. The game was playable for the first time at E3 last month, and the general opinion towards the game was that it was pretty decent, but needed a bit more work. Whether this is related to the apparent delay is unknown at this time, but we'll be sure to keep you up to date as we get more information and hopefully a more concrete release date. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, June 8 2005 22:56 PM [Top] Even More Revolution Details [ Nintendo ] The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors were showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it's displayed vertically or horizontally. A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory. Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content. The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution's technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible. The system will have wireless controllers. In addition, your GameCube Wavebirds will work with the system, which likely means the controller for the Revolution will be very similar to the Cube controller. Hit the links for the pictures. Images: Revolution Image 1 Revolution Image 2 Revolution Image 3 Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, June 8 2005 0:54 AM [Top] E3 2005 Game Critics Awards Announced [ Game Critics Awards ] The Game Critics Awards for E3 2005 have been announced, and Nintendo took home its fair share of gold at a true battle of an E3. Nintendo's big GameCube gun, the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, took home two trophies: one for Best Console Game, and the other for Best Action-Adventure Game. Best in Show, however, went to another hotly anticipated game: Will Wright's highly-anticipated PC life simulator, Spore, which picked up all 4 awards it was nominated for. Also receiving an award was the ultra-cute DS dog simulator Nintendogs, which took home the award for Best Handheld Game. Last but not least, the venerable Madden franchise took home yet another crown as Madden NFL 06 won E3's Best Sports Game award. For the full list of winners, click the source link above. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 7 2005 23:51 PM [Top] Iwata Talks Revolution, DS [ Nintendo of Japan ] At a press conference this morning in Japan, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed a few more choice details about the upcoming Revolution console and also clarified some points of discussion that the system has invoked since E3. First, Nintendo debunked the rumor from Famitsu stating that all 221 Nintendo-published titles would be available for download from launch. Iwata said it was unclear that every game would be available, but that several of Nintendo's most popular and legendary titles would be. Iwata also debunked rumors that the downloads would in fact be free, stating that most games will have to be paid for. However, it was stated that several special deals could be put into effect, such as limited free downloads for purchasing games or the console itself. In regards to backwards compatibility with the GameCube, Iwata clarified that the Revolution will be practically a GameCube in and of itself. All GameCube controllers, including the Wavebird, DK Bongos, Microphone, and the Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix dance pad will be available for use with the system through its compatible ports, as well as all sizes of memory card. In regards to the system's use of 512 MB of built-in flash memory, Iwata stated that the decision to use this rather than a hard drive was due to a hard drive being easy to damage. Also, cost-effectiveness and the reliability of flash memory as opposed to a hard drive were deciding factors. Game saves and downloaded classic games will be able to be downloaded into the internal memory, as well as easily mananged with SD memory cards. Iwata also stated that the downloading of Revolution game demos would be possible as well. However, once again, Iwata fell short of talking about any of the system's big mysteries - namely the controller, price, release date, and launch lineup. He did say, however, that the Revolution's controller would "be surprising", as if we didn't know that already. Moving onto the DS, Iwata stated that the popularity of Nintendogs has moved the company into creating special areas where DSes can share dog data and other information, opening on June 21st. The company also said that the new title Otona no DS Training, an educational title for the DS, is selling extremely well. Iwata stated that games like that are what Iwata is hoping will be a focal point for attracting new gamers to DS, and in turn Revolution, but also stated that core gamers will still get massive epics like Mario and Zelda as well. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 7 2005 15:01 PM [Top] Tamagotchi Comes to Nintendo DS [ Bandai of Japan ] According to Bandai's official website, one of the biggest 15 minute crazes to ever hit the world in the 1990's is making a comeback on the Nintendo DS. A game based on Tamagotchi, the beloved digital pet which captivated audiences and drove parents absolutely crazy, is now in development for the console. Bandai probably felt that with the runaway success of Nintendogs in Japan, a return to the granddaddy of all digital pets was a no-brainer. The new Tamagotchi game is set for release in September, with no U.S. release date scheduled as of yet. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 7 2005 14:25 PM [Top] Little Red DS [ Shonen Jump ] According to a scan from the latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine, the DS will be seeing red in a few months. With the upcoming release of the Super Smash Brothers-esque manga all-star fighting game Jump Superstars, Nintendo has announced that a new red-colored DS will accompany the release of the title, and will be sold at the same price as the original DS system. As for a release on our shores, none has yet been announced. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 7 2005 14:18 PM [Top] New Revolution Info Revealed in Famitsu [ Famitsu ] Famitsu magazine is reporting several new tidbits of information regarding Nintendo's upcoming Revolution console. The first of which should make Donkey Kong fans very happy, as Famitsu reports that a Revolution game starring everyone's favorite ape is coming to the console. Considering that titles starring such Nintendo mainstays as Mario and Link were confirmed at E3, it comes as no surprise that DK would join them eventually. The other bit of information is both shocking and awesome, to say the least. At E3, Nintendo confirmed that the Revolution would be capable of not only backwards-compatibility with the GameCube, but also the ability to download games from the NES, SNES, and N64 via Nintendo's online service. However, we never received the scope of Nintendo's download plan, until now. According to Famitsu, every single Nintendo-published title ever released across the three consoles will be available at launch for the Revolution - that's about 221 games, for those keeping track. This would be arguably one of the greatest launch lineups for any console, and looks to be a huge selling point of Revolution. As for more info on the console, we'll have to wait: Nintendo has promised that the veil which has already been somewhat lifted will be completely thrown off by the end of the year. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 7 2005 0:32 AM [Top] REAL Mushroom Final Hits Newgrounds [ Newgrounds ] The REAL Mushroom Kingdom Final has hit Newgrounds. Head on over by clicking the source link and voting it a 5 so AB can get the top flash animation of the day. You can see all the previous REAL Mushroom Kingdom episodes by visiting our screening room. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Saturday, June 4 2005 15:58 PM [Top] Nintendo DS Heading to China [ IQue ] On the official website of IQue, the company that distributes Nintendo's products in China, there is now an advertisement for the Nintendo DS. Based upon this, it is now safe to say that Nintendo will be moving the DS into China via the IQue company. The ad also features a countdown scheduled to end on June 15th, when more information on the system's release in the nation is expected to be revealed. Check back here as more news on the DS in China as it becomes available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 4 2005 2:54 AM [Top] Ubisoft Officially Announces Lunar: Dragon Song [ Ubisoft ] Ubisoft confirmed today that they will indeed be publishing the U.S. version of the upcoming Lunar game for the DS, now titled Lunar: Dragon Song. For the uninitiated, Lunar is a series of RPGs creating by developer Game-Arts, which has previously seen release on the Saturn, PlayStation, and other consoles - although the series hasn't seen a game in years. This will change with Dragon Song, which will be a prequel to the previous games in the series. Players will take control of a party of adventurers: Jian, Lucia, and Gabriel, in their quest to expell the darkness from their world. The game will apparently be card-based, as "battle cards" can be collected to increase party skills, attacks, and magic. Players will also be able to trade items with friends using the DS's wireless connection. However, here's the kicker: the game is listed for a release date of July...just one month away. Expect more info on what is sure to be a huge RPG hit for the Nintendo DS to come. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 4 2005 2:50 AM [Top] Nintendo Reveals Japanese Release Dates [ Nintendo of Japan ] Nintendo has revealed their release plans for all three of their consoles for the rest of the year in Japan. Check it out below, with the Japanese title first, and the english title, if any, in parenthesis next to it. GameCube: June 9 Killer 7 (Capcom) June 23 Chibi-Robo (Nintendo) June 23 Hoshi No Kirby (Kirby GC) (Nintendo) July 14 Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix (Nintendo) July 14 Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu 12 (Konami) July 21 Super Mario Stadium Miracle Baseball (Mario Baseball) (Nintendo) July 28 Robots (Vivendi Universal) August 04 Pokemon XD (Pokemon Company) August 11 Sonic Gems Collection (Sega) Game Boy Advance: June 09 Mahou Sensei Negima! (Marvelous Interactive) June 16 Nonono Puzzle Chai-Rian (Nintendo) June 23 Beetle MushiKing: Road to Greatest Champion (Sega) June 30 Oshare Princess 5 (Brain Culture) June 30 Marheaven: Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Konami) June 30 Momotarou Densetsu G (Hudson) July 07 Lego Star Wars (Eidos) July 07 Pro Mahjong Tsuwamono Advance (Brain Culture) July 07 Elemental Gerald (Tomy) July 21 Bleach Advance (Sega) July 21 Disney's Kim Possible: Revenge of Monkey Fist (D3 Publisher) July 21 Lilo and Stitch (D3 Publisher) July 21 Kidou Gekidan Haro Ichiza: Haro no Puyo Puyo (Bandai) July 28 Robots (Vivendi Universal) July 28 Boktai 3: Shin Bokura no Taiyou (Konami) July 28 Konjiki no Gashbell!! The Card Battle for GBA (Banpresto) August 04 B-Densetsu! Battle B-Daman Honoo Tamashii (Atlus) DS: June 04 Jissen Pachislot Hisshohou! Fist of the North Star (Sega) June 16 Caduceus: Surgical Operation (Trauma Center: Under the Knife) (Atlus) June 16 DS Dictionary Software (Nintendo) June 23 Famicom Wars DS (Advance Wars: Dual Strike (Nintendo) June 23 Ganbare Goemon: Toukai Douchuu (Konami) June 30 DS Rakuhiki Jiten (Nintendo) June 30 Atari Classics: Happy 10 Games (Retro Atari Classics (Atari) June 30 Asphalt Urban GT (Taito) June 30 Simple DS Series Vol.1: The Mahjong (D3 Publisher) June 30 Simple DS Series Vol.2: The Billiards (D3 Publisher) June 30 Simple DS Series Vol.3: The Mushitori Oukoku (D3 Publisher) July 14 Naruto RPG 2: Chidori vs. Rasengan (Tomy) July 21 FullMetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy (Bandai) July 21 GoldenEye: Rogue Agent (Electronic Arts) July 21 Rockman EXE 5 DS: Twin Leaders (Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team) (Capcom) July 21 Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour (Konami) July 28 Ouendan (Nintendo) July 28 Pac 'n Roll (Namco) July 28 Robots (Vivendi) August 04 Power Pocket Koushien (Konami) Augusr 08 Jump Superstars (Nintendo) August 25 Akumajou Dracula: Aoitsuki no Juujika (Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow) (Konami) August 25 Lost in Blue: Futari no Survival Life (Konami) August 25 Puzzle Bobble (Bust-a-Move DS) (Taito) August 25 Lunar Genesis (Marvelous Interactive) Of course, notably absent for this list is Nintendo's biggest release for 2005, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Nintendo has maintained that the game will release in all regions by the end of the year, so hopefully they'll shine some light on it soon. These release dates also give a good idea of when games should be released by the end of the year here in the States as well. Expect more news as it breaks on Nintendo release dates to come. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 4 2005 2:41 AM [Top] Kojima and Next-Gen Thoughts [ Spong ] Interesting comments have come out of Metal Gear Solid producer Hideo Kojima recently. He says that he has not begun development on the next-generation consoles yet and that he thinks Sony may be aiming too high. He stated, "My impression is, for PS3, Sony is aiming for a very high level. I’m not sure if everyone can live up to that high standard that Sony is expecting. So if everyone is expected to meet that high level, I am not sure that every creator, every publisher will be able to meet these high expectations." On the other hand, Kojima seems to think the Xbox 360 is far more practical and down to earth. On the Revolution, he said that even though he doesn't know all of its secrets, he seems to like the idea of being able to download past games as well as create great games without having enormous budgets. We'll have to wait and see how things go and if Kojima's comments begin to echo throughout the gaming community. If so, we'll of course keep you updated. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, June 1 2005 14:18 PM [Top] Killer 7 Delayed [ Capcom ] Capcom has announced that they will be delaying the release of Killer 7 to July 7th. Killer 7 was playable for the first time at E3 last month and did not disappoint. Sure it was a little weird, but then again, it is a Mikami games. You can go to the E3 Media page and check out our several Killer 7 trailers. For an even more in depth look at Killer 7 make sure to pick up one of our E3 2005 DVDs, which will be shipping later this month. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, June 1 2005 13:31 PM [Top] Aonuma Talks Zelda [ Nintendo ] Just as a warning, the following information could be construed as SPOILERS. If you want to know as little as possible about the storyline for this game, do not read on. First off, Eiji Aonuma, director of Twilight Princess, confirmed that the cloaked woman in the trailer is indeed Princess Zelda, and that she is wearing a traditional Japanese funeral robe. The reason for her mourning is the transformation of Hyrule into a darkened state, allowing monsters from the mysterious Twilight realm to roam free. Hyrule needs a hero, and that’s where the new Link, an outsider who travels to Hyrule while trying to save a kidnapped child, comes in. "Chronologically speaking, the game takes place a few decades after The Ocarina of Time," said Aonuma, which places it between Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker. But the version of Link is different than that of any other Legend of Zelda title. Like all of the Links before him, though, he carries a wide assortment of weapons and explores dungeon-like surroundings. As far as Link's wolf identity goes, it appears that when Link enters the alternate version of Hyrule that makes up the Twilight realm, he turns into a wolf with the ability to communicate with other animals and attack enemies using a combo system that is much improved from that of The Wind Waker. Link’s movement from the normal world to the Twilight realm is reminiscent of the hero’s travel between the two worlds introduced in A Link to the Past. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, June 1 2005 10:47 AM [Top]