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Today's Special Archives: June 2007
News Archives Index
Manhunt 2: Nintendo Made the Wrong Call [ Home Brewed ]
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Carl takes a look at the recent developments surrounding the Manhunt 2 issue, from a slightly different angle.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Saturday, June 30 2007 23:44 PM
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Final Reminder: No More Free Opera Browser [ Wii Café ]
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Just one final reminder, this weekend marks your last chance to download the Wii Opera browser for free. Starting either tomorrow or Monday, depending on when they update, it'll cost you 500 Wii Points to get the Internet browser.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Saturday, June 30 2007 10:04 AM
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Okay, it was actually two days ago, but still, we want to wish our Staff Writer Will Szwagiel a happy 21st birthday. Yes, he's probably partying it up at the bars as I speak. Anyway, I've known Will about 3 years now, and he's truly one of the nicest, most well-mannered people I've ever met. So have one on me, Will.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 29 2007 1:18 AM
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Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Boxart, Rating [ Nintendo ]
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Six months have passed since the events on the planet Aether. The Galactic Federation's network computer, Aurora Unit, is suddenly and completely corrupted with something like a virus. The Federation believes Space Pirates may be behind the problem and, beginning with Samus, starts to contact bounty hunters. As they explain the situation to the assembled hunters, the Federation is attacked by the pirates. Samus and the other hunters leap to the defense of the Federation capital, only to find that the enemy the hunters face is the presumed-dead Dark Samus. Dark Samus is armed with immense power that no one can withstand. It soon becomes obvious that the forces controlling Dark Samus and the terror of the contaminated Phazon are a dire threat that could corrupt the entire universe.
The game has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
Images:
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Boxart
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Friday, June 29 2007 0:44 AM
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Midway Announces 2007 Nintendo Lineup [ Midway ]
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Midway today announced that five new titles are in development exclusively for Nintendo systems. Only for Wii, experience the rebirth of action racing with Cruis’n and a collection of classic skill games with Game Party. Ultimate Mortal Kombat, The Bee Game and a title based on Cartoon Network’s top-rated, kids animated series Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends are all in development exclusively for Nintendo DS. All of the titles are custom designed to take full advantage of the unique controls and interface of the Wii and Nintendo DS and are scheduled to be available in 2007.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat (Nintendo DS, November) -- Ultimate Mortal Kombat combines the visceral thrills of the classic Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and the addictive puzzle action of the Puzzle Kombat component of Midway’s best-selling Mortal Kombat: Deception in a single DS-friendly package. With new record-keeping capability, and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer, players will be able take UMK anywhere for fighting action on the go.
Cruis’n (Wii, November) -- An all new version of the classic Midway arcade racer, Cruis’n is coming exclusively to the Wii. Choose your ride from an impressive lineup of licensed cars and experience a rush of adrenaline as you race opponents through twelve different street circuits using the Wii Remote to steer and perform outrageous stunts. Win races and earn upgrades including: turbos, body kits, neon and nitrous, allowing you to create the ultimate ride.
Game Party (Wii, November) -- Game Party for the Wii is a collection of classic skill games from around the world, from American sports venues to European gathering spots. Using the Wii’s unique control interface, you can play classics such as darts; modern favorites such as table hockey and hoop shoot, or participate in multiplayer trivia contests. More than a half dozen games are available. It’s the ultimate party game.
Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders (Nintendo DS, November) -- For the first time on the Nintendo DS experience the fun of Cartoon Network’s hit show in Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders, playing as head mischief-maker Blooregard Q. Kazoo. Goo has done it again…her overactive imagination has conjured up a group of diabolical cosmic invaders, the Space Nut Boogies. They’ve raided Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and taken Madame Foster hostage in search of The Greatest Thing in the Universe, and it’s up to you to stop them! Play as Bloo as you explore the Foster’s house, sneak past the Space Nut Boogie guards, and gather Mac, Coco, Eduardo and the rest of the gang to rescue Madame Foster!
The Bee Game (Nintendo DS & Game Boy Advance, November) -- The Bee Game for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance lets players experience the adventures of Maya the Bee and her friend Willie as they search for their friends. A strong storm has blown through corn poppy meadow and some of the residents of the hive are now missing! Help Maya and Willie by taking on challenges and completing mini-games to find clues in the meadow, dark forest, blue pond, deep caverns and the garden to locate the other bees.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, June 28 2007 23:57 PM
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The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with two new pieces of info. First up is another new weapon, the Banana Peel. As you may expect, players will toss the item on the ground, and unsuspecting players will...well, you can probably guess.
As for the other feature, the ability to have individual player names will return from Melee, so players will know where they are at all times. This time around, names will actually be player's individual profiles, with each able to store a player's preferred control configuration. Game producer Masahiro Sakurai did say that he's working on a way to store profiles to a Wii Remote so they can be transferred to other Wiis, but apologized in advance if he couldn't make it happen.
Check out some new screens of the game below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, June 28 2007 23:49 PM
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Innovative New Sidescroller from Majesco [ Majesco ]
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A frenetic geometric battle is heading to the Wii home video game system as Majesco Entertainment has announced Blast Works: Build, Fuse & Destroy. Developed by Budcat Creations Blast Works is a side-scrolling shooter that lets players craft the game to their liking by building their own levels, ships and enemy ships. In addition, players can “absorb” the pieces and weapons of destroyed enemy ships to bolster their own defenses during battle.
“Gamers can literally build their own shooter experience via Blast Works’ easy-to-use, multiple in-game editors,” said John Merchant, Marketing Manager, Majesco Europe. “This exceptional customisation combined with the unique “stickiness” of enemy debris and bright geometric graphics delivers a standout game that never plays the same way twice.”
Across more than 15 different land, air and sea missions, the goal of Blast Works is to destroy enemy ships while continually growing your own into a massive craft by absorbing their fragments. The larger a “fused ship” is, the easier it is to protect from the growing onslaught of enemy firepower. Players can also upgrade their ship in the Hangar by customising weapons, propulsion systems and armour. Creative types will further enjoy building a ship from scratch with the Ship Editor and then testing it out in combat on a custom level they’ve built with the Level Editor. To defend the Hangar, players must use the Wii Remote like an anti-aircraft turret to shoot down enemies attacking from all angles. Finally, the game’s 2-player cooperative mode lets players work together to blast enemies, fuse debris to grow their ships and finish the mission as a team.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, June 28 2007 22:44 PM
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The search for the next ingeniously ground-breaking video game has begun. At a private developers conference this week, Nintendo announced the introduction of WiiWare, a game-creation service that will allow developers large and small to create new downloadable video game content for sale by Nintendo through the Wii Shop Channel of the hot Wii home video game system. WiiWare paves the way for smaller, more creative games to make their way to the public at lower prices, without any inventory risk to developers. The first WiiWare content will launch in early 2008.
"Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners."
Matthew Silver
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 27 2007 8:42 AM
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Through the magic of the Internet we are currently transporting you back in time to... yesterday. Yeah, now it is totally the 25th. Hey, you might be able to prove me wrong, but that doesn't mean I have to listen. My choosing not to listen to your lies of logic means that I can claim we didn't forget to post something about our IT Director's glorious celebration of birth.
AJ's been with us for a while, and he mostly works behind the scenes making sure shit doesn't go wrong with the site, like keeping the e-mail up and stuff. He's an old friend of Silver and mine, I've personally known him since around middle school. He's a geek and he's getting married - so there's hope for some of you out there. Happy birthday, AJ...now do something useful. What? How old is he? What do I look like, his mom? I think he's like 23...something like that. I don't know, ask him if it's bothering you that much.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 26 2007 21:08 PM
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The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website's latest update deals with another new song from the game, this time taken from the Legend of Zelda series. It's a medley of various songs from Ocarina of Time, and eagle-eared listeners will be able to catch tunes like the Song of Storms, Epona's Song, Saria's Song, and the Song of Time intermixed throughout. The song was composed by Zelda composer Koji Kondo, with arrangement handled by Michiko Naruke. Masahiro Sakurai, producer of Smash Bros. Brawl, considers the song the "preeminent Zelda listening experience". Is it? Click the source link to hear the song for yourself.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 26 2007 13:01 PM
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Reminder: Free Opera Browser Download Period Ending [ Wii Café ]
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Hey all, just a friendly reminder from your friends at WiiC that this week marks your last opportunity to download the Opera Browser for Wii at no cost. Starting next Monday, July 1, anybody who wants to download the Internet browser will need to cough up 500 of their Wii Points. We'll be back this weekend with a final reminder and, inevitably, a press release from Nintendo detailing the end of the download period.
Of course, anybody who has already downloaded the browser need not worry about this, as your free versions will continue to work.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 26 2007 12:26 PM
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Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman will demonstrate it’s her brain as much as her beauty that matters when she appears in the pan–European campaign for Nintendo’s Brain Training series.
Nicole will be seen across print and television in Europe keeping her brain in shape as part of a 60 day brain exercise programme for More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain? which launches across Europe on the Nintendo DS on 29th June. Fans won’t have long to wait long to see her Nintendo debut - the esteemed actress will first be seen tonight on ITV1 at 19.45.
Kidman comments: “I love the concept that Nintendo is reaching out to new audiences with their self improvement products like Brain Training. Most importantly, I’ve quickly found that training my brain is a great way to keep my mind feeling young.”
Nicole joins over 10 million people who have made Brain Training part of their lives. Kidman was chosen by Nintendo because of her universal appeal to mainstream audiences of all ages and backgrounds, as well as her reputation for being intelligent, entertaining and genuine. Her personality and ability to combine the world of film with a family centric home lifestyle was felt to be a strong fit with the Nintendo DS, which prides itself in creating entertainment and experiences that enrich people’s lives – no matter what their age or previous gaming experience is.
In the adverts, fans will see Nicole as they’ve never seen her before. We see Nicole in a home setting, relaxing and training her brain. She is seen speaking into the Nintendo DS to complete the exercises and memorising numbers.
Nintendo feel that working with the award winning actress as the personality of this campaign reflects a long-term pioneering philosophy from Nintendo. The aim of this philosophy is to broaden the gaming audience with software that isn’t just fun but also enriches your life, whether training your brain or practicing language skills. The software is relevant and accessible for everyone from the age of 9 to 99.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Monday, June 25 2007 12:47 PM
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Virtual Console Weekly Update [ Nintendo ]
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F-Zero X (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Choose from 30 different hover-car racers, including updated versions of the Blue Falcon and other vehicles from the original F-Zero, and get ready to play one of the fastest racers ever. You'll speed to the finish line on tracks that twist and turn through the air, doing your best to avoid the other 29 cars on the track. If you're in a competitive mood, try to win a Grand Prix Cup, get the fastest lap time in a Time Trial or destroy the competition in a Death Race. You can also challenge three friends in the Versus mode. With five separate play modes, hidden vehicles and courses, and an excellent soundtrack, F-Zero X still represents one of the best racing titles to date.
Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting (Super NES, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen –Violence, 800 Wii Points): Street Fighter II defined gaming in the 1990s by revolutionizing the fighting-game genre. Regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, Street Fighter II' Turbo: Hyper Fighting was the third and final release in the original series. Featuring the eight original World Warriors (including Ryu, Chun Li and Guile) along with playable boss characters (Balrog, Sagat and M. Bison), this classic title offered enhanced playing speed and improved character balancing.
China Warrior (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older –Violence, 600 Wii Points): China Warrior is a side-scrolling action game that was released around the same time as the TurboGrafx16 in Japan. It's up to the kung fu master Wang to defeat the Dark Emperor, who stands atop the kung fu world in China. Punch, kick and jump-kick enemies along the path that lies between you and the three bosses of each stage. Skillfully fight your way through all four stages, and be sure not to miss recovery items while dodging enemy attacks. China Warrior boasts character size and detail that rivaled all other games at the time of its release. Exciting one-on-one fights against the game's realistic bosses will make you feel like you're in the middle of a kung fu movie.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Monday, June 25 2007 9:34 AM
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Finally, the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with the debut of a new character for the game. It looks like Princess Zelda will make her return from Super Smash Bros. Melee, with a design based upon her Twilight Princess incarnation. Like in Melee, she'll be especially strong with magic attacks, but will have low physical strength. However, no mention was made on if she will retain her ability to transform into Sheik and back.
Check out the first images of Zelda in action below, as well as her character art.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 25 2007 3:11 AM
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Leaving home this summer doesn't mean leaving behind the fun of your Wii video game system. Nintendo's hot-selling system is making appearances in fun locations around the country to give people of all ages a chance to sample it and experience a whole new way to play video games.
Some of the places people can find Wii this summer include:
* Six Flags Theme Parks: Wii is the Official Gaming Console of Six Flags parks. Six Flags offers complimentary game playing at Wii gaming stations throughout select Six Flags-branded theme parks.
* Norwegian Cruise Line Ships: Wii systems are currently on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The systems are equipped with Wii Sports, Wii Play, WarioWare: Smooth Moves and Excite Truck.
* Nintendo Street Team: The Nintendo Street Team includes a trailer and two SUVs equipped with all the hottest and upcoming Wii and Nintendo DS games. The Street Team will be touring the country attending fairs and festivals, local events and select NASCAR races all summer long to give people the chance to sample games for both casual players and the hard-core gamer. For a complete calendar of where to find the Nintendo Street Team, visit Nintendo.com.
* The Dick's Sporting Goods Kick-It 3v3 Soccer Tour presented by Sports Illustrated For Kids: Nintendo will join this 53-city soccer tournament, which runs now through August. Wii systems will be on display showing off sports-themed games like Wii Sports and Mario Strikers Charged (after it launches on July 30).
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 22 2007 13:14 PM
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The newest incarnation of the popular fighting game franchise, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, comes to the Wii courtesy of Aksys Games. Developed by Arc System Works, this latest iteration returns with its trademark high-resolution graphics along with an entirely retuned fighting system, new stages, new characters, graphics, voices and the ability to create matches between old and new characters in the Generations Mode.
Gamers can test their fighting game prowess by mastering the new Wii Remote controls that lets you pull off the fighters’ punches, kicks and special moves with simple gestures. For purists, GGXXAC will also support the Nintendo GameCube and Classic Controllers.
The game will be released for Wii this fall.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 22 2007 13:08 PM
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The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with the first look at a new stage. Called "Lylat Cruise", the stage is set in the Star Fox universe, and will feature players fighting on the back of a massive spacecraft, Pleiades, as it warps to various areas within the Lylat system. The ship will travel from an asteroid belt (where the Star Fox team will assist the ship), to the atmosphere of Corneria, to a massive space battle. Of course, the entire level brings to mind the question of how players are able to breathe and freely move in the vacuum of space, but Masahiro Sakurai requests we not think about it too much.
Check out some screens of the new stage below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 22 2007 13:02 PM
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Developer Epicenter Studios has officially announced their first project - a Wii-exclusive firefighting game entitled Real Heroes: Firefighter. Placing players in the boots of a novice firefighter who's just been transferred to a big-city station, the game will use Epicenter's new "Real Fire" technology, with fire that moves as real and as unpredictable as the real thing. Players will use the Wii Remote to spray down fires with a fire hose, bust down doors with an axe, and even extract victims with the Jaws of Life. The game is yet to find a publisher, but Epicenter is hoping for a holiday 2008 release.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 22 2007 3:41 AM
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Rockstar Games has officially announced that Manhunt 2, set to be released for the Wii this July, has now been delayed indefinitely. The move comes after a harsh week for the game, as it was rejected from review by the BBFC (effectively banning the game in the UK), and then received an initial rating of AO for Adults Only from the ESRB in North America. Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has stated they will review their options in releasing the game, saying they will continue to stand by what they feel is an "ordinary game". Stay tuned for more on this story as it develops.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 22 2007 3:24 AM
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In a fantasy world devastated and scorched by powerful dragons, you will rise from the ashes a hero. But to fight fire with fire, you must find the pieces of the Dragon Blade—a sword that contains the soul and abilities of a dragon—and unleash a power unlike any seen before! Created specifically for the Nintendo Wii, Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire is a 3rd person action-adventure game where players unleash the supernatural powers of a magical dragon, creating a unique and visually stunning weapon through their sword and arms. Players are immersed in the action as they experience parallel movement between themselves and their in-game character by using their dragon powers and hundreds of combat options to battle colossal enemies and embark on quests to upgrade their weapons and make them even more powerful. Offering an original storyline from best-selling fantasy author Richard A. Knaak, Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire immerses players in an epic action-packed, arcade-style adventure through multiple unique fantasy worlds.
Brand New Weapon System – Dragon Blade’s weapon system is unlike anything seen before as players unleash the dragon’s supernatural powers in the form of a flaming sword, dragon wings, claws, tail, fire-breathing head and more.
Uniquely designed, two-handed Wii control scheme – Players will use both arms simultaneously to emulate the flaming sword and dragon powers.
Original Storyline Exclusively On The Wii – Original story by Richard A. Knaak, one of the best-selling authors behind the immensely popular DragonLance series as well as other popular series based on Warcraft, Diablo, and the Age of Conan.
Upgradeable Combat Systems – Players will utilize hundreds of combat options and experience the freedom and creativity to use them at any time during their adventure.
Richly Detailed Fantasy Worlds and Challenging Environments – Embark on epic quests through 20 unique environments and 6 visually stunning worlds.
Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire gets its flame on for the Wii this Fall.
Images:
Dragon Blade Artwork 1
Dragon Blade Artwork 2
Dragon Blade Artwork 3
Video:
Dragon Blade Trailer (5.97 MB)
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Thursday, June 21 2007 23:32 PM
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We return as promised with the second volume of our audio roundtable. This volume of Open Mic Night touches on a few subjects, ranging from Manhunt 2's UK banning/presumed AO rating, No More Heroes, and more, including Kevin, Joe, and myself just chatting for a few minutes, giving you a chance to get to know us a bit better. This one's a bit shorter than the last one, you'll only need to set aside about 40 minutes to listen. Check it out via the source link as we continue to keep them in our Home Brewed section until we come up with a better system, if we decide we need one.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, June 21 2007 18:51 PM
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The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with a look at Fox's special moves. Both moves make a return from Super Smash Bros. Melee, as Fox will be able to use both his Reflector and Blaster attacks. The Reflector blocks enemy attacks, and while the Blaster itself has been redesigned, it still retains its rapid-fire capabilities. Check out some new screens of Fox in action below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, June 21 2007 13:20 PM
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Sega, Bioware Team up for Sonic RPG [ SEGA ]
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SEGA and Canada-based developer studio BioWare Corp. today announced a partnership to create a new video game based on the classic SEGA flagship icon Sonic The Hedgehog. The exact name of the game is undetermined, but it will ship in 2008 for the Nintendo DS.
"BioWare is one of the hottest names in RPG development in the world," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "Everyone at SEGA has huge confidence that Sonic is in the safest of hands, and that BioWare can Create the ultimate handheld RPG experience for gamers of all ages."
BioWare is the award-winning independent developer that has created some of the world's best-selling titles including the Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, June 21 2007 11:41 AM
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Wii Software - Release Date
Resident Evil 4: Wii edition (Capcom) 29th June 2007
Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix (EA) 29th June 2007
Scarface (Vivendi Games) 30th June 2007
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (Midway Games) June 2007
Mario Party 8 (Nintendo) 13th July 2007
Big Brain Academy for Wii (Nintendo) 20th July 2007
King Of Clubs (Oxygen Games) 20th July 2007
William Pinball Classics (System 3) July 2007
Transformers The Game (Activision) July 2007
Trauma Center: Second Opinion (Nintendo / Atlus) 10th August 2007
Tamagotchi Party On! (Namco Bandai Games) August 2007
California Games (System 3) August 2007
Alien Syndrome (SEGA) 7th September 2007
Super Paper Mario (Nintendo) 14th September 2007
Dragon Blade: Wrath Of Fire (D3Publisher of Europe) 14th September 2007
World Championship Poker Featuring Howard Lederer: All In Wii 21st September 2007
(505Games)
Brunswick Bowling pro (505Games) September 2007
Cosmic Family (Ubisoft) September 2007
My Word Coach (Ubisoft) September 2007
Ratatouille (THQ) Q3 2007
Toot & Puddle: Call Of The North (Zoo Digital Publishing) Q3 2007
Nintendo DS Software - Release Date Q3 2007
More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima: How Old Is Your
Brain? (Nintendo) 29th June 2007
Puzzle League DS (Nintendo) 29th June 2007
Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix (EA) 29th June 2007
Dino Master (Majesco / Eidos) 29th June 2007
F24 stealth Fighter (Majesco / Eidos) 29th June 2007
MechAssault Phantom War (Majesco / Eidos) 29th June 2007
Nacho Libre (Majesco / Eidos) 29th June 2007
Super Black Bass Fishing (Majesco / Eidos) 29th June 2007
Herbie: Fully Loaded (|Disney) 6th July 2007
Elite Beat Agents (Nintendo)
13th July 2007
Brain Buster (505Games) 13th July 2007
ANNO 1701 (Disney) 13th July 2007
Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl (Nintendo) 27th July 2007
Transformers The Game: Autobot (Activision) July 2007
Transformers The Game: Decepticon (Activision) July 2007
Guilty Gear Dust Strikers (Majesco / THQ) July 2007
The Settlers (Ubisoft) July 2007
Powershot Pinball Constructor (Oxygen Games) 10th August 2007
Dragonball Z GOKU DENSETSU (Namco Bandi Games) August 2007
California Games (System 3) August 2007
8 Ball All Stars (Oxygen Games) 7th September 2007
Freshly Picked - Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland (Nintendo) 14th September 2007
Heroes of Mana (Square Enix) 14th September 2007
King of Clubs (Oxygen Games) 21st September 2007
Sonic Rush Adventure (SEGA) 28th September 2007
Cookie & Cream (505Games) September 2007
Fishing DS (505Games) September 2007
Happy Cooking (Ubisoft) September 2007
Jam Sessions TM (Ubisoft) September 2007
Panzer Tactics DS (10Tacle Studios) Q3 2007
Godzilla Unleashed (ATARI) Q3 2007
Cake Mania (Majesco / Eidos) Q3 2007
New York Times Crossword (Majesco / Eidos) Q3 2007
Operation Vietnam (Majesco / Eidos) Q3 2007
Toot & Puddle – An Artic Adventure (Zoo Digital Publishing) Q3 2007
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (THQ) Q3 2007
Ratatouille (THQ) Q3 2007
ToonDuko (Majesco / Eidos) Q3 2007
Bratz Ponyz (Game Factory/K.E. Media) Q3 2007
Worms: Open Warfare 2 (THQ) Summer 2007
Race Driver: Create & Race (Codemasters) Summer 2007
Marvel Trading Card Game (Konami) Summer 2007
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, June 21 2007 11:39 AM
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Contra 4 Announced for DS [ Konami ]
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Konami today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.
Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.
Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree. Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.
Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 20 2007 12:23 PM
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Another new character has been profiled over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website. This time, it's Wario, who will apparently "will give birth to a form of martial arts that other characters cannot even see", whatever the heck that means. Check out some new screens of Wario in action below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 20 2007 3:53 AM
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Good vs. Wiivil Wins the Nintendo Short Cuts Showcase [ Nintendo ]
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A film depicting Wii at the center of a cosmic battle between benevolent and malevolent forces earned top honors at the inaugural Nintendo Short Cuts Showcase. The open-call competition invited aspiring filmmakers to flex their creative skills by creating a three-to-five-minute Nintendo-themed video or film. New York-based filmmaker Jack Paccione Jr. wowed festival judges with his short featuring a hapless ice cream shop worker whose actions are controlled by dueling Wii Remotes.
The 10 finalists can be viewed at Nintendo Short Cuts, where visitors continue to vote for their favorites. Each of the nearly 200 Nintendo Short Cuts entries from across the nation was judged on its originality, creativity and uniqueness. Filmmakers were required only to make their entries Nintendo-themed in some way. Clips included everything from mockumentaries and love stories to animated tributes and wild live-action parodies.
As the best of the bunch, "Good vs. Wiivil" will be screened along with the second- and third-place winners as part of the Tribeca Drive-In Short Film Series at Top of the Rock, at the Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. Director Paccione also will receive a $10,000 cash prize toward his next film, a Wii system, a Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendo games. Paccione also receives a "power lunch" with Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Craig Hatkoff.
Runners-up in the competition included Second Prize winner Marc Duddleson of Monroe, N.C., whose animated "Koopa Force" short sets the stage for an epic Mario-based battle in the form of a movie trailer. Christopher Preksta of Pittsburgh took Third Prize for "The Nintendo Office", incorporating a host of classic Nintendo characters into what life might be like at Nintendo HQ. Both Duddleson and Preksta will be awarded a Wii and a Wii game. Seven additional finalists will receive a Nintendo DS Lite and a DS game. Check them out at the link above.
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 19 2007 18:35 PM
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BBFC Rejects Manhunt 2 - UPDATED [ BBFC ]
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UK gamers waiting to get ahold of Rockstar's ultra-violent Manhunt 2 may be disappointed at this news. The BBFC, which rates movies and games in the United Kingsom, has rejected the game. This means that it cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK. In a statement, BBFC Director David Cooke explained the decision:
"Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board’s published Guidelines. In the case of Manhunt 2 this has not been possible. Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game."
This is the first game since Carmageddon in 1993 to be rejected. Rockstar has the right to appeal the decision and/or resubmit the game, so we'll keep you updated on the situation if anything happens. The ESRB has not yet given the game, set for a July release, a US rating, but with this news, it wouldn't be surprising to see it get the dreaded AO for Adults Only.
UPDATE: Publisher Take-Two Interactive has revealed to GamePolitics that the game has in fact received an initial rating of AO by the ESRB. Take-Two believes that the game should receive an M rating, however, and will re-submit the game and appeal the ESRB's decision. Stay tuned for more as it breaks.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 19 2007 11:49 AM
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The latest update over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website concerns another of the "Final Smash" finishing moves. This time, featured is Pikachu's "Volt Tackle" attack, activated when he grabs a Smash Ball. For the Volt Tackle, Pikachu transforms into a ball of light which can then be controlled. Anyone who gets hit by the ball takes heavy damage, but the move can be canceled in mid-air by a well-placed attack. This can cause Pikachu to plummet to its doom.
Check out the screens of the Volt Tackle below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 19 2007 11:29 AM
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Pro Evolution Soccer Returns to DS [ Konami ]
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Konami has announced that PES 2008 will be released in Autumn 2007. The latest edition to the multi-million-selling Pro Evolution Soccer series will be released for Nintendo DS, and promises to be the definitive football title for any format.
Key to PES 2008 is a proprietary adaptive AI system entitled Teamvision. Unique to the Konami game, Teamvision is a sophisticated AI programming that learns and adapts according to an individual’s style of play. As such, it will learn new ways to build attacks and to counter specific movements and previous attacking or defensive errors, ensuring games are more in line with the tactical but flowing nature of the real thing.
With the Pro Evolution Soccer series renowned for its fluid, realistic gameplay, the new game builds on the implementation of Teamvision with additional key advances. As with previous releases since its inception in 1996, the ball is again treated as a separate entity, with the timing of shots entirely down to the player, while the new AI ensures that defenders work to close down space and block efforts on goal. Similarly, distribution of passes works along the same lines, with players using the space available to them to switch the ball. Close control has also been enhanced with more control when dribbling the ball, and a number of subtle moves added to bypass defenders and move the ball into space.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 18 2007 21:15 PM
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NES Open Tournament Golf (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): We all knew that Mario was a top-notch plumber, but did you know that he could also be a world-class golfer? You can challenge another player in Stroke, Match and Tournament modes. Play on three fantasy courses in the USA, the UK and Japan and try to win a million dollars. Make sure you keep an eye on the wind and distance to the hole before selecting your club, or else you'll be racking up some high scores - which is exactly what you don't want to do in this game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, NES Open Tournament Golf is perfect for those days when you just can't get to the local golf course.
World Sports Competition (TurboGrafx-16, 1-5 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Play through a total of 18 Olympic events in this action/sports title. Players compete in six categories of events that include shooting, archery, rowing, swimming and track and field. The game features Olympics mode, where you play all the events over the course of a few days, and Training mode, where you can choose individual events to play. After practicing in Training mode, go for the gold in Olympics mode and break world records. Depending on your play time and ability, you can enjoy the game a number of different ways. Gather friends and play in competitions with up to five players to get even more out of this great game.
Bloody Wolf (TurboGrafx-16, 1 player, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older - Animated Blood, Violence, 600 Wii Points): Enter alone, deep into enemy territory to rescue the kidnapped President in this overhead-view action shooter. Take on the role of a commando in a Special Forces team and face your enemies with an onslaught of weapons, including machine guns and grenades. Earn valuable information, weapons and items by rescuing POWs. Fight your way to the end of each stage and defeat the boss by effectively using your weapons and equipment. This port of the insanely popular arcade game features refined graphics, story and cut-scenes, making this action game a must-have. This new and enhanced version includes the never-been-told second half of the story that was left out of the arcade version.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Monday, June 18 2007 14:20 PM
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Today's update over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website deals with another of the super-charged Final Smash finishing moves. This time Link's finisher is featured: the devestating Triforce Slash. When Link grabs a Smash Ball, the Triforce on his hand captures his opponent, trapping them. Link then unleashes a bevy of strikes to his opponent, finishing them with a mighty thrust. The attack is hard to survive, but there's always a chance players might find solid ground.
Check out screens of Link's Triforce Slash attack below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 18 2007 14:02 PM
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The official Smash Bros. website has updated with the first gameplay images of Samus Aran in her full, armored form. Like before, it appears her arm cannon will be able to fire numerous weapons, which must all be mastered as the key to victory. However, no info was given as to how Samus will be able to change into her Zero Suit form. Check out the first screens of Samus below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 15 2007 13:32 PM
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H.A.M.M.E.R. Gets Slammed? [ IGN Wii ]
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It looks like it could be the end of the Heavy-Ass Metal Motherf***** Enraged Righteously (TM Mike Twomey). Nintendo sources have revealed to IGN that Project H.A.M.M.E.R., first revealed for the Wii at E3 last year, has been quietly canceled by Nintendo. Developed by Nintendo's own American in-house developer, NST, the game features a massive cyborg character wielding a giant hammer, who takes on armies of evil robots. The sources also reveal that NST has moved on to work on new "expanded audience" games for Wii. Nintendo neither confirmed or denied the game's cancellation, and the game is still showing up with a release of "TBA" on Nintendo's press site, so anything's possible. We'll pass on any new information as it becomes available.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, June 14 2007 19:17 PM
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Crates and barrels have been a Smash Bros. standard since the N64 games, usually carrying within them large amounts of items to improve the smashing experience. However, for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, they'll be going through a few changes. For example, crates and barrels will change form visually between different stages, such as becoming futuristic looking in space-based stages, or looking like presents in lighter stages. Also, certain crates will not explode when hit, but will instead slide forward, taking out anything in their path. For the new looks of crates and barrels, check out the screens below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, June 14 2007 19:09 PM
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Soul Calibur Legends Famitsu Scan [ Famitsu ]
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The latest issue of Famitsu has an article on the upcoming Soul Calibur Legends, the upcoming Wii-exclusive action-adventure game set in the Soul Calibur universe. The article shows off the first screens of the game, as well as revealing that popular character Taki (and her two friends) will be playable in the game. Also, the game will be set between Soul Blade for the Playstation and Soul Calibur for the Dreamcast, showing the series of events that turn Siegfried into Nightmare.
Update: A little more has come to light on the game. The game is mostly set in third person sword-based play. Characters face off against many enemies at once. Depending on which character is being used, the control scheme differs. Slashing the Wiimote slashes with your character, buttons are for jumping and guarding, and the control stick moves the character around. Levels span about 5-15 minutes each with a large number of levels in the works. Playable characters and weapons will continue to grow as the player progresses and a multiplayer mode is being considered. The game is roughly 40% complete.
Check out the Famitsu scan below.
Images:
Soul Calibur Legends Famitsu Scan
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 13 2007 13:56 PM
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One of the most anticipated Wii games has been No More Heroes, directed by Killer 7's Suda 51. The game's unique style of combat combined with a terrific visual style has Wii gamers excited for a new, mature title, and it looks like we won't have to wait long for more info. Marvelous Interactive (the game's Japanese publisher), has placed a countdown on the game's official site, counting down to...well, something. A new trailer? New screens? Maybe a US release date? We'll find out in 9 days. For now, you can check out the site by clicking the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 13 2007 13:35 PM
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The offical Super Smash Bros. Brawl website's latest update features yet another song from the game. This time, it's a remix of Ridley's classic theme from the Metroid series, composed by Minako Hamano and arranged by Yusuke Takahama. To hear the song for your self, click the source link to head on over to the official Smash Bros. site.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 13 2007 13:23 PM
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Another day, another update, and this time we see a new stage for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Yoshi's Island, as was seen in previous trailers, will be a stage and will change seasons as players brawl to their hearts content, from Spring, to Summer, to Fall, to Winter. Also, a helpful ghost will occasionally lift a platform to assist players falling to their doom, and Shyguys will make periodic appearances. For a look at the stage, check out the screens below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 12 2007 11:53 AM
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In today's update over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl site, more info was revealed on one of the game's many characters, Star Fox's Fox McCloud. Fox will apparently be completely redesigned for the game, and will retain his trademark speed. Check out some new screens of him in action below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 11 2007 23:10 PM
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Reggie Sets the Record Straight on Sales and Marketing [ GameDaily BIZ ]
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Nothing like getting an answer right from the horse's mouth, or at least most of the answer. According to Reggie, roughly 60%, not 90%, of NOA's Sales and Marketing Staff have chosen not to relocate to Manhattan and Silicon Valley. About 55 jobs will move to Silicon Valley and 25 will go to Manhattan. Reggie also notes that while very important, the Sales and Marketing team only represents 10% of NOA. He goes on to wish those who have chosen not to relocate the best in their future endeavors, but there is still no word on the fates of Harrison, Kaplan, and Llewelyn. Once something becomes clear though, we'll let you know.
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Monday, June 11 2007 14:51 PM
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Another Virtual Console Monday [ Nintendo ]
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Lode Runner (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This landmark action-puzzle game has been a worldwide fixture in video games from the moment of its inception until today, producing many sequels and related products along the way. The player controls the hero, or "Runner," who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by enemy robots. The action itself is simple, but the stages are designed as increasingly challenging puzzles, and none of the 50 stages is as easy as it seems. The Runner avoids enemies by digging holes in the floor to the right and left of his position—by doing this, he can clear a path to places that, at first glance, seem unreachable. Players must use their brains to collect all the gold nuggets in every puzzling stage if they want to escape to the next. In addition to normal play, this version of the game features an Edit Mode that allows players to design their own stages, adding a new level of enjoyment to the game.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) is back to continue his zealous search for the Chaos Emeralds needed to fuel his new Death Egg contraption. The evil doctor secretly follows Sonic to his vacation spot, Westside Island, and launches a full-scale attack, imprisoning all the helpless animals of the island and turning them into mindless worker drones. Now Sonic must thwart the doctor's plans at all costs. This time he isn't alone, as a peculiar two-tailed fox named Miles Prower (aka Tails) decides to aid him in the battle. Together they must locate the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, and put an end to his diabolical scheme.
Golden Axe II (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Not long after the devastating reign of the wicked Death Adder, another evil arose. Dark Guld and his minions invaded and took hold of the prized Golden Axe with plans to destroy it. Once again, as a fierce barbarian named Ax-Battler, a fearless female Amazon known as Tyris-Flare or a ferocious dwarf named Gilius Thunderhead, you will wield steely swords and powerful magic in an all-out war to recover the sword. Once you slash your way through the six side-scrolling levels, you'll get the chance to defeat Dark Guld once and for all.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Monday, June 11 2007 9:52 AM
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Today Wii Café introduces its newest feature, Open Mic Night. Essentially it's a podcast, but not done through iTunes so it's really not. Click the source link to check it out. We'll be launching new OMNs every two weeks, give or take. This premiere edition runs just under an hour, and tackles a range of subjects. Hope you enjoy, and we always appreciate feedback!
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Friday, June 8 2007 22:11 PM
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The official Smash Bros. site has come through with the first major announcement in regards to the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl - namely, how exactly you'll be playing the game. The game's control scheme has been one of the most talked about topics in gaming, and now Masahiro Sakurai has revealed that there will be four different styles of control available for the game. Players can either use a Wii Remote turned on its side, a Remote with Nunchuk, a Classic Controller, or a GameCube controller to play the game. Of the four, Sakurai recommends the GameCube controller the most (due to the built-in rumble, which Brawl will apparently support), but also says that the other control schemes are worth trying as well. No details were made on if any Wii Remote or Nunchuk motion-sensing functionality will be used.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 8 2007 3:07 AM
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ESRB Reveals New VC Games Again [ ESRB ]
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The ESRB has once again updated their list of rated Wii games, and with it some previously unannounced Virtual Console games are shown, including a new N64 game, racing classic F-Zero X. Check out the list:
Virtual Console
Dead Moon (1991, TurboGrafx-16): E - Mild Fantasy Violence
F-Zero X (1998, Nintendo 64): E - No descriptors
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992, Sega Genesis): E - No descriptors
Wii
Mini Desktop Racing: E - No descriptors
The BIGS: E - Mild Violence
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, June 7 2007 20:33 PM
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Today's Smash Bros. update is much like the Aerial Recovery update. The site profiles Smash Bros. veterans Kirby and Pikachu. Nothing new revealed here, but more shots of pink puff and electric rat. Hit the links and take a look.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 7
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 8
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Thursday, June 7 2007 20:11 PM
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PC Classic Myst DS-Bound [ Midway ]
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Myst is an immersive experience that draws you in and won't let you go. You enter a unique setting, venturing alone to varied times and places, the worlds that compose Myst. There are no instructions, and you encounter no living beings but soon realize your actions may help individuals who are somehow trapped in a parallel dimension.
You don't so much play Myst, as experience it. Of course you must solve a multitude of puzzles, mazes, and problems, but Myst's principal attractions are its environment and the underlying intrafamily drama that unfolds as you explore.
Unlike most adventure games, Myst offers no inventory, no death, and no dialogue. Although puzzles don't seem to have much direct connection to the game, they share a commonality. They take on many forms but follow a consistent thread. Some puzzles are very challenging, even obtuse, creating an odd paradox: many buy Myst, but few complete it. It is immensely popular, but most nonadventurers quit in frustration. Fortunately, Myst's popularity has spawned several online sites for hints, walk-throughs, and even saved games.
The nonlinear gameplay of Myst lets players go anywhere at any time. Unlike other adventure games, Myst has no inventory, and players never die. Incredibly detailed, Myst offers more depth than any other CD-ROM game to date.
Features:
All source code has been re-written specifically for Nintendo DS performance and gameplay.
A complete all NEW Age, the RIME AGE, to explore and uncover mysteries on DS
NEW sounds, effects, and video clips added throughout. All newly created graphic sets for the added RIME AGE specifically done for the DS
Newly re-mastered Video and audio
Save Multiple games for various players.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, June 7 2007 12:19 PM
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As previously reported, Nintendo recently decided to move its Sales and Marketing Division from Redmond, WA to San Francisco and New York. Employees were given a choice of staying with the company or receiving a severance package. The June deadline has come, and the rumor is that not only did 90% of Nintendo's Sales and Marketing staff take the severance package, but long time, well-known employees Perrin Kaplan (Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs), George Harrison (Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications), and Beth Llewelyn (Senior Director of Public Relations) did the same. There is no word at this time about when the three execs will be leaving their posts, but it will probably be after E3 this July.
If true, Wii Café wishes Perrin Kaplan, George Harrison, Beth Llewelyn, and the other Sales and Marketing employees the best in all of their future endeavors.
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 6 2007 21:20 PM
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The official Smash Bros. site has updated, this time with info in the "How to Play" category. Unfortunately, featured this time are aerial recoveries, something any Smash player already knows how to do from previous games in the series. Either way, we still get a few new screens out of the deal. Check them out below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, June 6 2007 12:50 PM
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The official Smash Bros. website has updated with info on the return of one of the most popular items in the series, Poké Balls. The page confirms that Pokémon like Chikorita and Goldeen will be returning, along with a new arrival - Groudon from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Groudon's power will apparently be to superheat himself, making any player who touches him get burned. The shots also confirm the return of the popular Pokémon Stadium stage, though no indication of whether it will morph as it did in Melee. Check out some new screens and art below.
Images:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 7
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, June 5 2007 15:11 PM
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The Wii has been on a tear all over the world since its launch, and May was no exception. In Japan, the Wii sold over 251,000 units for the month while the PS3 managed just 50,000--a decline from April's 82,000. The DS saw similar successes, selling 620,670 units compared to the PSP's 123,673 units. This was also about a 5:1 ratio. For any regular follower of the weekly numbers, none of this is to any surprise. Also unsurprisingly, the Xbox 360 picked up the tail-end of things, selling 11,082 units for the month of May.
Things are certainly looking bright for the boys in Kyoto.
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Monday, June 4 2007 20:05 PM
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Naruto Clash of Ninja Revolution Fact Sheet [ D3Publisher ]
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D3Publisher has officially announced that Naruto Clash of Ninja MVZ has been renamed Naruto Clash of Ninja Revolution.
NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution is an original Nintendo Wii game exclusive to the North American Market. Based on the hit series currently airing on Cartoon Network, this first game for the Nintendo Wii released in North America will include characters that have never been featured in the Clash of Ninja game series. The game will follow the storyline of the television series and will take advantage of the Wii Remote in fast-paced ninja action for up to four players in nine different gameplay modes. The next generation in NARUTO games will also include all new character animations, new interactive environments and special mini-games created exclusively for the Wii Remote.
Among the available characters will be original characters such as Naruto, Sasuke or Sakura, but other characters will include some never seen before in the Clash of Ninja series. Plus, the characters will have all new animations for the Wii!
Battle it out in one of six stages – Each of the six stages will have two distinct combat zones that allow players to beat their opponent in one stage and then continue to pile on the punches as they transition to the next combat zone.
Exclusive content for North America – This game will include all new game effects, new interactive environments and an all new special attack animations which will deliver exclusive content for North America.
Various game modes - Game modes include: story mode, score attack, timed attack, survival, 2P Versus, 2P Score Attack, 2P Survival and 1-4 Multiplayer Versus. Three special mini-games created especially for the Wii Remote – Shuriken Throw, Rasengan Training and Shadow Clone Trick.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 4 2007 12:37 PM
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The official Smash Bros. website has updated with a brand-new song from the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. The song is a new version of the ending theme from the N64 classic Yoshi's Story, co-produced by Kazumi Totaka and Masafumi Takada. With this in the game, you can expect confirmation rather soon that Yoshi will likely be a part of Smash Bros. Brawl (as we're all expecting anyway). For now, check out the song by clicking the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 4 2007 12:30 PM
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Publisher O3 Entertainment has officially announced that they will be canceling the upcoming GameCube shooter Radio Allergy, originally set for release last month. The game had been delayed numerous times, and, due to the fact that the GameCube is no longer being produced by Nintendo, most retailers were not willing to stock the game. The game may not be dead just yet, however, as developer Milestone is looking into releasing the game as part of a Wii-exclusive shooter compilation. We'll have more as it breaks.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, June 4 2007 12:06 PM
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Milon's Secret Castle (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): It is a world where music is the language of the people. An evil warlord from the north arrives and captures the castle. The princess is imprisoned deep within the castle, and the world's musical instruments are taken and hidden away. Our hero, Milon, takes it upon himself to fight the warlord, rescue the princess and recover the people's musical instruments. He has only his wits and the magical Bubble to aid him on his quest. Help Milon along the way by looking for hidden doors, finding secret items and defeating fierce enemies. Make sure to look for the shops inside the castle, where you can buy hints and valuable items. Whenever Milon finds a Music Box, he will be transported to a bonus stage. Each instrument you find will add a layer to the background music. Try to grab all seven instruments to create a performance worthy of a music-themed game.
ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): During ToeJam and Earl's trip back home, a number of Earthlings hitchhiked on their spaceship and are now infesting planet Funkotron. ToeJam and Earl must track down the Earthlings in order to capture them in large jars and ship them back to Earth in spaceships. It is also their funky mission to find 10 beloved objects belonging to Lamont the "Funkapotamus," the source of all funk in the universe, so they can persuade him to return to his favorite funk-filled planet. ToeJam and Earl must use their "funk powers," such as Funk Move and Funk Scan, to assist in evading and capturing the Earthlings.
Dead Moon (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): This side-scrolling shooter includes a total of six scenes spanning areas from Earth to the moon. The story begins with a comet discovered in the vicinity of Pluto that is headed on a sudden collision course with Earth. Mankind narrowly succeeds in diverting the comet's course, and it crashes into the moon. However, investigations into the damage uncover that what hit the moon was not a comet, but a gigantic mother ship. Power up your ship, destroy enemies and fight your way through the bosses in an attempt to reach the moon's core and protect Earth from alien invasion. Enjoy the unique world of Dead Moon, including various stages with beautiful backgrounds, a power-up system that increases your attack as well as your defense and bosses that have you altering your ship's direction to fight them.
Zelda II - The Adventure of Link (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): Link returns to Hyrule to search for the Triforce and to awaken Zelda from an endless sleep. Embark on a quest to find the Triforce of Courage and save Hyrule from ruin. Learn magic spells, talk to people in towns to get clues, collect items to increase your power and explore six palaces where the underlings of the evil Ganon await you. This sequel to the Adventure classic uses a side-scrolling visual engine unique to the series for more technical combat, and features more in-depth world roaming as Link encounters townsfolk while on his quest.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Monday, June 4 2007 9:37 AM
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Nintendo Announces 100th VC Game - Zelda II [ Nintendo ]
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Nintendo is giving video game fans a way to access their favorite classic games, all without leaving the comfort of their homes. And gamers have responded en masse as the library of downloadable game classics continues to grow. The upcoming addition of Zelda II – The Adventure of Link on June 4 marks the 100th classic game available on the Wii Shop Channel. And since going online Nov. 19, owners of Nintendo's hot Wii video game system have downloaded more than 4.7 million classic games from Wii's Virtual Console, a rate of more than 1,000 games every hour since launch. The top five classic game downloads globally to date, and their original system are:
1) Super Mario Bros. (NES)
2) Super Mario 64 (N64)
3) Mario Kart 64 (N64)
4) Super Mario World (SNES)
5) The Legend of Zelda (NES)
Wii lets players visit the Wii Shop Channel to redeem Wii Points to download classic video games from the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the Super NES and the Nintendo 64, and the Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx16 consoles. These games are nostalgic totems to veteran gamers, and simultaneously, new, easy-to-play entries for younger players. These games demonstrate Nintendo's staying power across generations by letting veteran gamers relive their glory days while their children play them for the first time. The addition of Zelda II – The Adventure of Link brings a fourth Legend of Zelda game to the Wii Shop Channel from three classic Nintendo platforms, providing exciting adventures that span the decades. Additional classic games are added to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, June 1 2007 12:05 PM
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