Today's Special Archives: July 2007

News Archives Index Smash Bros. Update - Pitfalls [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The latest item revealed for Super Smash Bros. Brawl is another of the game's items, the Pitfall. Taken from Animal Crossing, the pitfall creates an invisible hole on the stage which players will fall into if they aren't careful. Also, if it hits an opponent when thrown, the item will force their character through the floor, with embarrassing results. It's worth noting this is the second time Animal Crossing will be represented in Brawl, along with the already-revealed Smashville stage. Could an Animal Crossing character, such as Tom Nook, be making a playable appearance? Check out some art and 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 Tuesday, July 31 2007 21:42 PM [Top] Further Proof Kaplan and Llewelyn Out at Big N [ GameDaily ] It's well known that a good chunk of the sales and marketing staff at Nintendo won't be making the move from Redmond, but we still haven't known which big wigs would stay and which would go. While there is nothing certain about George Harrison yet, Perrin Kaplan and Beth Llewelyn seem to definitely be leaving. Nintendo has posted job openings for Vice President of Corporate Affairs (matching up with Kaplan's title) and Senior Director of Corporate Communications (matching up with Llewelyn's title). No comment from Nintendo yet on their official status other than they are still with the company. The truth should come out in September. Stay with us and we'll keep you posted. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, July 31 2007 12:44 PM [Top] Time Traveling on Your DS [ Oxygen Games ] Oxygen Games today announces the early autumn release of its delightfully nostalgic retro platformer, Chronos Twins for Nintendo DS. Playing with the concept of time travel, Chronos Twins, sees the player in the driving-seat, as Nec – the last best hope for his planet - not only battles to save his world but also to avenge the death of his brother. To successfully complete levels, players must initially use both screens simultaneously as s/he plays across two temporal dimensions (past and present) in a bid to meet (and defeat) the nameless entity head-on when it first appears on Nec’s homeworld. Manoeuvring through side-scrolling areas, the aim is to control both the present-time hero whilst exploring the planet’s past in order to conquer the alien threats. Chronos Twins has been designed with a gradual learning curve, which enables the player to ease into the game. Once the player has progressed through a number of stages, the game becomes increasingly challenging, when both screens merge into one. Chronos Twins, only on Nintendo DS, is scheduled for release this autumn. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, July 31 2007 11:27 AM [Top] Square-Enix Announces Dragon Quest Remakes [ Jump Magazine ] Forget those Final Fantasy remakes everyone, here comes some really big news: Not only is Dragon Quest IV being remade for the Nintendo DS (an open secret in the industry), but so is Dragon Quest V and VI. Most hardcore fans will probably be thrown for a loop over the last two titles, particularly DQVI, which has not so far been remade. The three SNES titles will, of course, receive a 3D graphical upgrade. DQIV will hit sometime this winter with the other two sometime later on in the next year. No word yet on if any of these will come to the US, but there is a good possibility. Stay tuned and check out the latest scans of the titles. Images: Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI Scans 1 Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI Scans 2 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, July 31 2007 0:19 AM [Top] Viva Pinata Breaks Onto DS [ Kotaku ] Rare isn't quite done with the DS yet. The now Microsoft-owned developer announced this past weekend at the San Diego Comic-Con that it will be bringing one of the Xbox 360's most valuable properties to Nintendo's dual-screened handheld, as Viva Pinata makes its way to the Nintendo DS. The game will be a port of the original 360 title, with a new top-down view and touch screen-based controls. Nothing else about the game, such as a publisher (certainly not Microsoft), or potential online play was revealed. Check out the first (blurry) image of the game below. More as it breaks. Images: Viva Pinata Announced for DS Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 30 2007 11:53 AM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - DK's Final Smash [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with yet another of the game's Final Smash finishing moves. This time, it's Donkey Kong's Konga Beat, an attack making use of, oddly enough, DK's Bongo controller. When activated, DK brings out his controller and rocks out with it, unleashing a bevy of sound attacks and claps to put the hurt on enemies. While the attack is effective on its own, players can increase the power by pressing buttons in time with the music. DK is invincible while performing, but players using the attack while the screen is scrolling (on certain stages) may be in for some pain. Check out some screens of the Konga Beat 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, July 30 2007 11:16 AM [Top] Mario Strikers Charges Up [ Nintendo ] It's gonna take more than a good pair of shin guards to protect Mario and his turbo-kicking teammates in Mario Strikers Charged, Nintendo's blistering new soccer title for Wii that launches today. Earthquakes, firestorms and electric shockwaves are just a few of the otherworldly hazards in this ball-chasing battle royal. And with players from coast to coast competing online, this wildly unpredictable pitch is for neither the faint of heart nor the heavy of foot. It's not just soccer, it's soccer - Mario style. Mario Strikers Charged introduces nine sensational new stadiums, plus a host of new characters with their own special abilities and power moves. Players create their own teams by mixing and matching captains and sidekicks, then use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to face opponents in single-player or multiplayer modes. Mastering Striker Challenges or the tournament-styled Road to the Striker Cup will unlock new elements and cheats. The excitement extends beyond your living room as Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service, enables players nationwide to meet and compete online. Participants are ranked using a positive structured points-based system, and rankings are reset to zero each week to keep the competition fresh and fierce. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 30 2007 10:32 AM [Top] Puzzles Go Wireless With Picross DS [ Nintendo ] Puzzle lovers, drop your newspapers. With today's release of Picross DS, Nintendo gives daily brain teasers a wireless jolt. Who needs inky fingers and eraser crumbs when players can use their hand-held Nintendo DS and stylus to solve a new type of challenging grid puzzle? Players can compete with others online or create their own puzzles to share. Picross DS is a remarkable mix of crossword and sudoku dynamics. Every Picross puzzle features an image hidden beneath a grid of numbered squares. Using simple logic, players reveal the hidden picture by decoding the number sequences in each column and row. Everyday puzzle fanatics will love using the Nintendo DS stylus like a high-powered pencil to write, draw, select and solve. In the game's Daily Picross mode, players can track their progress over time, opening up new activities as their skills increase. Race the clock to solve puzzles quickly or deduce errors in a filled grid. Switch over to My Picross mode and design custom puzzles or convert hand-drawn pictures into challenging Picross DS grids. Want to network with other puzzle lovers? Link up wirelessly with other local players to exchange puzzles and host multiplayer matches. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection also enables players to download exciting new puzzle packs, upload their own Picross DS creations, or compete in head-to-head puzzle-solving races. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 30 2007 10:29 AM [Top] Monday Means Virtual Console Update [ Nintendo ] Star Soldier (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): The standard for vertically scrolling shooters, Star Soldier is the original game that spawned all of the titles in the long-running Soldier series. Go inside a floating space station inhabited by a giant computer known as Starbrain. Your mission: to stop Starbrain's galactic invasion by piloting Caesar, a new, compact space fighter through 16 deadly stages. Collect power capsules to increase three different attributes of your ship: firepower, movement speed and defensive shields. Blast wave after wave of approaching enemies or use the innovative Trap Zone feature to fly beneath a land mass and avoid incoming fire. Conquer each stage to make your way to the final confrontation with Starbrain. Dynamite Headdy (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Headdy, a toy with a detachable head, arrives in North Town to find that the evil puppet king Dark Demon is causing serious problems. Dark Demon is gathering up all the puppets in town and turning some into his own evil minions, while eliminating the rest of the puppets that aren't good enough to join his legions. Headdy is captured and is targeted for the incinerator, but escapes in the nick of time. Now he's got to save the town. To do so, Headdy has to take on all manner of bad guys and even has to contend with his lifelong nemesis, Trouble Bruin the bear. Can Headdy overcome all his foes and take down Dark Demon? Drop Off (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Brave five rounds of haunting, nightmarish dreams in this take on the classic arcade puzzler. To save his dearly beloved from the malicious demon that controls her dreams and holds her captive, our brave hero plunges himself into the nightmare to vanquish this evil foe. Deftly use the arrow items and control the angle of the ball to shatter the blocks that descend from the top of the screen. Set your sights on the joints holding the blocks together and knock off multiple blocks in one exhilarating blow. As you drop more and more blocks, their shapes will change, allowing you to earn bonus points. You must use your concentration and reflexes to defeat the demon and save your beloved. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 30 2007 10:09 AM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Knuckle Joe [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] It looks like the Assist Trophies in Super Smash Bros. Brawl are going to continue on the way of the obscure, as the latest website update reveals that long-time Kirby enemy Knuckle Joe will be one of the many characters to randomly appear from the new item. Upon release from the trophy, Joe will be able to unleash a fury of Vulcan Jabs, following it up with one of two finishing attacks: a mighty punch called the Smash Punch, or a burst of lightning called the Rising Break. Check out some screens of Knuckle Joe in action 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 Friday, July 27 2007 14:24 PM [Top] Ubisoft Gets Heroic [ Ubisoft ] Today Ubisoft announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group to develop and publish a video game based on the television drama series “Heroes.” The first season of Tim Kring’s hit TV series has attracted over 14 million viewers each week and is one of the most popular shows among 18-49 year-olds. Time magazine named “Heroes” one of the Top 10 TV shows for 2006, and the phenomenon is now broadcast in more than 30 countries across the globe. “Heroes” is an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people across the world who discover they possess extraordinary abilities, such as telepathy, time travel and flight. They will soon come to realize that the fate of the world depends on them, and be forced to team up against someone seeking to eliminate them. No platforms for the game were announced. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, July 26 2007 23:32 PM [Top] Happy Crawl Out of Your Mother's Vagina Day, Joe! [ Wii Café ] Congratulations go out to our very own Joseph Ezekiel McCollum. Ok, that's not his middle name. I don't know his middle name. Hey Joe, what's your middle name? Anyway, today is the 20th anniversary of that glorious day when Joe burst from his mother's womb and graced this world with his wholly pointless existence, made useful only by the fact that he's awesome at writing news and other stuff about Nintendo and making us laugh. Some of you have gotten to know Joe a bit better in the past weeks in our Open Mic Night feature (returning soon), and for that we're sorry. Congrats, Joe...you're officially old enough to not be a teenager but not old enough to drink legally. Celebrate by sitting at home and wondering what the hell to do for the next year. And as always, we're happy to have you and privileged to call you a friend. Sappy moment over. Happy birthday, buddy. Update: Apparently his middle name is Brandon. Mystery solved. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 26 2007 23:26 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Footstool Jumps [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with a new move players can pull off during the game: the Footstool Jump. Players can now jump off of their opponents with good timing, allowing them to reach higher areas. While some may think this new move is ineffectual for battle, it's actually a great way to line up for a Meteor Smash attack. Check out some screens of a Footstool Jump 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 Thursday, July 26 2007 20:29 PM [Top] The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Boxart [ Nintendo ] Link, Tetra and Tetra's band of pirates have set sail in search of new lands at the end of the Wind Waker adventure. Several months later, they come across a patch of ocean covered in a dense fog, in which they discover a mysterious ghost ship. Tetra falls into danger when she sets out to explore the ship alone, and Link falls into the ocean when he attempts to rescue her. When he washes up unconscious, he is awakened by the sound of a fairy's voice. With the aid of this fairy and other allies, he sets off to explore waters unknown. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass launches in the US on October 1. Images: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Boxart Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, July 25 2007 19:00 PM [Top] Smash Bros Update - Skyworld [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] Today's Super Smash Bros. Brawl website update deals with yet another of the game's new stages. As has been seen in trailers, Skyworld (from Kid Icarus) will make an appearance, complete with floors that crumble under the weight of players. The floor will eventually regenerate over time, so it's important to use this to your advantage. Check out some screens of the stage below. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 25 2007 12:40 PM [Top] News Wii Missed [ Wii Café ] The gaming world kept turning during our downtime last week, and this, unfortunately, forced you guys to miss some really cool stories. Fortunately, we've compiled what we missed here in this post. Two from Rockstar: Rockstar Games is apparently making things up to Nintendo after the Manhunt 2 debacle, and will be bringing two of their company's most popular titles for the Wii. Both Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis (previously released on the Xbox 360) and Bully (previously released on PS2) will be coming Nintendo's way, with new Wii Remote motion controls. More Tales to be Told: Namco Bandai's popular Tales RPG series will be seeing two new installments hitting the Wii and DS at the end of this year and into the next. First off is Tales of Innocence, set for release on the DS. No word on a US release yet, but since we haven't even seen the first Tales game for the DS (Tales of the Tempest), we probably won't be seeing Innocence for quite some time. The second Tales game announced should make GameCube RPG fans very happy: it's a direct sequel to the ultra-popular Tales of Symphonia, exclusively for Wii. Called Tales of Symphonia: Knights of Ratatoskr, the game will pick up where Symphonia left off with new characters, improved visuals, and Wii Remote controls. Also, characters from the first game such as Lloyd will make appearances. Medal of Honor Becomes Heroes of Wii: Reggie touched on the game a tad at Nintendo's E3 press conference, but EA has officially confirmed that Medal of Honor Heroes 2, a sequel to last year's PSP title, is coming to the Wii. Along with a vast single-player campaign, the game will also have 32-player online capability. Also, the Wii Zapper attachment will be fully supported, with a new on-rails mode exclusive to the console. Puzzle Questing on Wii: One of the year's surprise DS hits has been Puzzle Quest, a unique puzzle game/RPG hybrid from D3Publisher. Now, the company is bringing the game to the DS's big brother, as Puzzle Quest for Wii promises to add some new Wii Remote action to what was already a fun concept. The game will be out later this year. CSI Comes to Wii: The most-watched show on TV is about to come to the most-purchased next-gen console, as Ubisoft will be bringing the hit CBS drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation to the Wii with CSI: Hard Evidence. Based upon the original Las Vegas show, players will be able to use the Wii Remote as a variety of tools, trying to solve one of 5 different cases. The game is due out this fall. Game Critics Awards Nominations Announced: The Game Critics Awards, yearly awards given by journalists for the best that E3 had to offer, have announced their nominations, and Nintendo certainly earned their fair share. In all, the company got 8 nods as a publisher, while Wii games (first and third-party) got 14 nominations, and DS games picked up another two. Some highlights include Wii Fit getting nods for Best Original Game and Best Social/Casual/Puzzle Game, Super Mario Galaxy getting nominated for Best Console Game and Best Action/Adventure Game, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass being nominated for Best Handheld Game, Metroid Prime 3 Corruption getting a nod for Best Action Game, and both the Wii Balance Board and Wii Zapper getting nominated for Best Hardware. For a full list of nominations, click here. The winners will be announced on July 31st. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 25 2007 3:37 AM [Top] Smash Bros. Updates - What We Missed [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] Like Carl said, our server has been on the fritz for a few days, so we haven't been able to post any updates from over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website. However, since we're so awesome, we were able to compile the updates from the last few days into one tidy little post for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy. Samus's Final Smash: Samus's Final Smash finishing attack will be the devastating Zero Laser, which fires a massive beam attack from her arm cannon, racking up massive damage on her opponents. However, the blast's tremendous recoil is enough to rip her armor from her body, transforming her into Zero Suit Samus. It's not all bad, however, as other players will be able to pick up the pieces of Samus's armor and chuck them at each other. Zero Suit Samus: Some small details were revealed about Samus's Zero Suit form, such as that her Paralyzer whip will have great reach, and she also has immense speed. This World...: This was a weird one. In a mysterious post, we got what apparently look like screenshots of the game's opening FMV, and it's looking like Brawl may be the first Smash Bros. game with an actual story to it. It looks like Meta Knight will play a large role (as his ship appears), as will a mysterious brand-new character. Rumble Falls: Donkey Kong's stage will be based upon Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, and will be constantly scrolling upward to keep players climbing and on their toes. The stage apparently will have an ending, however, but it's up to players to last that long to find it. Yoshi: Last, but certainly not least (and not exactly unexpectedly), everyone's favorite green dino will be returning to action in Brawl. Yoshi's Up Special, the Egg Toss, can now be used as a third jump - erasing what many considered to be a huge problem with his Melee incarnation. For a host of screens and art, get to clicking below. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Character Art 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Character Art 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 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 8 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 9 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 10 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 11 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 12 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 13 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 14 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 15 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 16 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 17 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 18 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 19 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 20 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 21 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 22 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 23 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 24 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 25 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 26 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 27 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 25 2007 3:02 AM [Top] Nintendo: We Rule the Proverbial School [ Nintendo ] In classic Nintendo fashion, a successful month of sales is followed by Reggie going out and getting stone cold drunk and muttering incoherently about how awesome he is. Before that, though, he made sure that his people put out this list of 10 facts about Nintendo's rockin' first half. * Through the first half of 2007, the total Wii hardware sell-through in the United States and Canada combined is more than 2.3 million units (2.1 million United States, 222,000 Canada). * For the first half of 2007, Nintendo represents nearly 70 percent of the industry growth in the United States and Canada combined. * In June alone, Wii was once again the top-selling home console with nearly 435,000 units sold in the United States and Canada combined (381,800 United States, 53,000 Canada). * In June alone, Nintendo DS was the top-selling video game system overall with nearly 608,000 units sold in the United States and Canada combined (562,000 United States, 46,000 Canada). * Nintendo remained the top video game publisher in the United States and Canada in June, as well as the top publisher for all of 2007. * In June alone, Nintendo has six of the top 10 best-selling games in the United States, including the top four: Mario Party 8 and Wii Play for Wii, and Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon Pearl for Nintendo DS. * Of the top 30 best-selling games in the United States for all of 2007, half are for Nintendo systems. * The three best-selling games in the United States for all of 2007 are for Nintendo systems: Pokémon Diamond, Wii Play and Pokémon Pearl. * Wii already boasts more than 180 games, including 120 downloadable Virtual Console titles. By the end of the year, that total number will climb to about 330 games, including an additional 100 new games from every major third-party publisher, along with an additional 50 Virtual Console titles. * Approximately 300 games are already available for Nintendo DS, with another 140 titles expected by the end of the year from every major third-party publisher. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, July 24 2007 19:43 PM [Top] Bit Late, but Here's the VC Update [ Nintendo ] Ok, so we've been having some technical issues lately, which basically meant we couldn't post anything. Whoops. In case you didn't get it elsewhere (and if you did, shame on you) here's this weeks Virtual Console update. Kirby's Dream Course (Super NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Step up to the tee for the wackiest golf game of your life. This one- or two-player game features a floating golf course in the sky. High above Dream Land, players can pitch and putt the ever-popular puff ball, Kirby, through a maze of three-dimensional obstacles on a zany checkerboard course. Players must aim for the multitude of enemies that are spread throughout each fairway. Kirby must hit all the enemies to make them disappear, and the last one becomes the hole. Sink Kirby into the hole to advance to the next stage and clear all 8 courses – 64 holes in all. Devil's Crush (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Devil's Crush is the exciting sequel to the hit pinball game Alien Crush and features even smoother ball movement and enhanced special effects. Shoot the ball onto the board with the Devil Shooter, then use flippers and nudging to keep it in play and rack up a high score. Complete certain conditions to play up to six different bonus stages. Get a "Perfect Clear" on those to earn a huge amount of points. The game's ominous theme is enhanced by its enemies: wandering skeleton knights, sorcerers and even a giant face that changes from a goddess to a sinister serpent. Shining Force (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In ages long forgotten, Light fought Darkness for control of the world. Finally, the Ancients defeated the evil ruler of the dark forces known as Dark Dragon and cast him into another dimension, though he vowed to return in 1,000 years. As time passed, all memory of Dark Dragon was buried, and the land of Rune enjoyed 10 centuries of peace. Yet, as promised, the dark ruler returned, along with hordes of evil creatures that ravaged the land. As chaos erupted, several strongholds of Good still held out, awaiting a hero who could wield the Powers of Light. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, July 24 2007 19:33 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Space Armada and Deoxys [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] We've got a couple of new updates from the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website to report on. The first is a brand-new song from the game, inspired by the Star Fox series, called "Star Fox: Space Armada". The song was composed by Hajime Hirasawa and arranged by Kenji Ito. The song certainly has a resemblance to classic Star Fox music, but maintain a style all its own. You can give the track a sneak peak by clicking the source link. Second, another Pokémon that will randomly pop out of the game's Pokéball item was revealed. This time it's Deoxys, the DNA-based legendary Pokémon with immense power. When activated, Deoxys will fly into the air and unleash his massive Hyper Beam attack, sending anything and everything in its way flying. Needless to say, it's something to watch out for. Check out some art and new screens of Deoxys in action 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 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 4:27 AM [Top] E3 2007: Harvest Moon Wii Assets [ Natsume ] You have moved to an island town that was once enchanted…however it has been years since the mystical Mother Tree has shown any signs of life and the Harvest Goddess has vanished. The island has lost its connection with nature and the inhabitants don’t know what to do. It is up to you to save the island! Till the earth, tend to and befriend animals, nurture friendships and build a family. When the giant Mother Tree awakens, the Harvest Goddess will smile upon the island once again. Harvest Moon will be released for the Wii this fall. Images: Harvest Moon Wii Screenshot 1 Harvest Moon Wii Screenshot 2 Harvest Moon Wii Screenshot 3 Harvest Moon Wii Boxart Harvest Moon Wii Character Art Harvest Moon Wii Logo Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 4:20 AM [Top] E3 2007: Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Assets [ Aksys Games ] Aksys Games will be hooking in fishermen and gamers alike when Hooked! Real Motion Fishing is released on the Wii this fall. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk control will allow players to relive all the excitement and tension of fishing, but all in the comfort of their own living room. •The only fishing game on the Wii with online multiplayer! Challenge the best virtual fishermen around the world via online Wi-Fi play. •Immerse yourself in the fight with realistic fishing controls! You’ll be working up a sweat as you lean your Wii Remote in every possible direction, all the while, reeling the Nunchuk like crazy to catch the big one. It’s as if you have a rod and reel right in your hands! •A wide range of fishing environments! Explore 6 photorealistic lakes, from a meteorite crater turned lake to a man-made recreational reservoir. •3 exciting single-player gameplay modes! Hone your skills in Practice or Time Attack mode. Then take on Tournament mode to see if you can become the next world champion! The game will be released this fall. Images: Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Logo Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 1 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 2 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 3 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 4 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 5 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 6 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 7 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 8 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 9 Hooked! Real Motion Fishing Screenshot 10 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 4:05 AM [Top] E3 2007: WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 Assets [ THQ ] The superstars of World Wrestling Entertainment are ready to lay the Smackdown for the very first time on both the Wii and Nintendo DS. In Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, players can choose from a multitude of top stars such as John Cena, Bobby Lashley, Triple H, Batista, and many others, as well as act out their moves with the uniqe controls offered on both platforms. The game will also feature a unique submission system giving the ultimate control over submission holds, as well as individualized wrestler fighting styles. Also, the WWE's new ECW brand will make its debut, bringing with it a new level of extreme carnage. The game will be released this fall. Images: WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 Logo WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) Screenshot 1 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) Screenshot 2 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) Screenshot 3 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) Screenshot 4 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) Screenshot 5 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (DS) Screenshot 1 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (DS) Screenshot 2 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (DS) Screenshot 3 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (DS) Screenshot 4 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (DS) Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:51 AM [Top] E3 2007: Drawn to Life Assets [ THQ ] A shadow-like evil has covered the Raposas’ village with darkness and has taken the sun, moon, sky and much more. You can help save their dying village and rebuild it back to greatness by creating a Hero! Play as your newly created Hero and fly, run, jump, swim or smash your way through new worlds and dangerous enemies. Complete your adventure by creating weapons, tools, animals, plants and almost everything in the game. Play as your creations and conquer a variety of different environments including snowy fields, tropical islands and dark forests. Drawn to Life is the first videogame were the pen – or the stylus – is mightier than the sword! Drawn to Life is a completely unique gaming experience – the first DS Action-Adventure game that lets you draw your own Hero! The game is set for release in the Fall of 2007. Images: Drawn to Life Logo Drawn to Life Boxart Drawn to Life Screenshot 1 Drawn to Life Screenshot 2 Drawn to Life Screenshot 3 Drawn to Life Screenshot 4 Drawn to Life Screenshot 5 Drawn to Life Screenshot 6 Drawn to Life Screenshot 7 Drawn to Life Screenshot 8 Drawn to Life Screenshot 9 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:45 AM [Top] E3 2007: New Super Swing Golf Announced [ Tecmo ] Swing into the action with your favorite characters as they return to the island to challenge new courses with all new story and tournament modes. New multiplayer modes have been introduced to keep the party going with friends and family. With completely new customizations, costumes, and secrets, Super Swing Golf Season 2 is a true hole-in-one! •New Single Player Modes: Test your skill in the new Tour Mode and follow the stories of each of the characters as you find your own way through the offered tournaments. •New Party Modes: Play together with friends and family in the new Party Modes including Golf Dart, Longest Drive, and Nearest to the Pin! •New Courses: Fun, original and colorful courses have been added to keep your golf experience fresh and exciting. •New Costumes: Super Swing Golf Season 2 wouldn’t be complete without all new costumes to appeal to the inner golfer in you. Fully explore the game to unlock a bevy of new and classic Tecmo character costumes! Images: Super Swing Golf Season 2 Character Art Super Swing Golf Season 2 Screenshot 1 Super Swing Golf Season 2 Screenshot 2 Super Swing Golf Season 2 Screenshot 3 Super Swing Golf Season 2 Screenshot 4 Super Swing Golf Season 2 Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:38 AM [Top] E3 2007: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Assets [ Tecmo ] Uncover all the mysteries of Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword as you fight enemy ninjas and battle various fiends while taking on the role of Master Ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, in an all new storyline for the Nintendo DS. •Innovative DS Stylus Functionality: Smoothly maneuver and fight through levels with the intuitive operation of the DS stylus. •Hold the DS Like a Book: Hold the DS with one hand like a book to assist in the operation of the stylus which allows players to view a wider range of scenes. •Cast Ninpo, Ninja Magic, by Symbol Input: Using the DS Stylus, draw various symbols to quickly execute numerous types of Ninpo. Images: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Logo Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Character Art Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 1 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 2 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 3 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 4 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 5 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 6 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 7 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 8 Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword Screenshot 9 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:35 AM [Top] E3 2007: Rygar: The Battle of Argus Announced [ Tecmo ] Grab your Diskarmor and swing into action on the Nintendo Wii as the legendary warrior, Rygar! Immerse yourself in Greco-Roman mythology as you journey through the sundered Island of Argus. Intuitive use of the Wii remote allows you to deftly and effectively control the use of the powerful Diskarmor to destroy enemies and maneuver on, around, over, and under obstacles to save Princess Harmonia! •Innovative Play Mechanics: The legendary Diskarmor shield can be used for attack, defense, or transportation all with the intuitive use of the Wii-mote •Action Packed Adventure: This action-adventure platforming title spans various unique zones and requires vanquishing the enemy and light puzzle solving •Intense Combo Attacks: Multiple Diskarmor weapons are available to be found and upgraded with elemental power-ups such as fire, ice, and lightning. Engage the enemy with over 30 different devastating combo attacks •Riveting Story: A story set in the Greco-Roman era surrounding a noble warrior attempting to save his Princess, bring the Island of Argus back to peace, and annihilate the Titans using only his wits, fabled Diskarmor, and captivating looks and charm Images: Rygar: The Battle of Argus Character Art 1 Rygar: The Battle of Argus Character Art 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:32 AM [Top] E3 2007: Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Assets [ Square-Enix ] DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America on November 6, 2007. Scout, train and synthesize a colorful array of over 200 classic DRAGON QUEST monsters as you compete in the Monster Scout Challenge. Already achieving sales of more than 1 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure. Images: Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Logo Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Screenshot 1 Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Screenshot 2 Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Screenshot 3 Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Screenshot 4 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:26 AM [Top] E3 2007: Front Mission Assets [ Square-Enix ] Square Enix is proud to present FRONT MISSION, the original installment of the mech strategy saga, reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS. With exciting new features including dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes, the game that gave birth to seven beloved sequels will captivate hardcore fans and new players around the world. Utilizing stylus and Touch Screen capabilities, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers, directing them through turn-based skirmishes through the battlefields of the 21st century. • Utilizing Nintendo DS Touch Screen functionality and stylus-driven controls, players can effortlessly navigate through the game’s menus with a tap of the screen • All-new dual screen presentation keeps gamers immersed in the action while providing them with vital information at a glance • Experience a rich storyline, including the addition of exciting new missions and new wanzers, along with the appearance of familiar characters from other titles in the FRONT MISSION series • Friends can now challenge one another to intense wanzer battles through the all-new multiplayer element, accessible via DS Wireless Play • Choose a side in the warfare between the O.C.U. and the U.C.S. and experience both sides of the conflict • Yoshitaka Amano, famed character designer of the popular FINAL FANTASY franchise, brings stunning character illustrations to the origin of the everlasting FRONT MISSION saga Images: Front Mission Logo Front Mission Screenshot 1 Front Mission Screenshot 2 Front Mission Screenshot 3 Front Mission Screenshot 4 Front Mission Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:23 AM [Top] E3 2007: Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Assets [ Square-Enix ] Following the story of the beloved classic that captivated more than 5 million players around the world, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS continues the tale that won numerous accolades from the industry’s top publications. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is an all-new experience that uses the unique features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest. Utilizing full Touch Screen functionality, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS allows players to control massive armies, unleash special attacks and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. The world of Ivalice comes alive through the respected musical styling of Hitoshi Sakimoto and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, director of FINAL FANTASY X-2 and the upcoming FINAL FANTASY XIII. • Stunning CG movies make full use of the Nintendo DS hardware – lavishly rendered sequences are displayed across both screens, giving users a new way of experiencing cinematic cutscenes • Intuitive Touch Screen functionality allows players to command, plan and execute attacks with ease – control massive armies, unleash special attacks and activate Gambits with the use of the stylus-driven interface • The Ring of Pacts enables users to pick and choose from over 50 familiar summons such as cactuars and chocobos • Reunite with the beloved characters of FINAL FANTASY XII, faithfully translated to the Nintendo DS Images: Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Logo Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Screenshot 1 Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Screenshot 2 Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:21 AM [Top] E3 2007: Geometry Wars Galaxies Assets [ Vivendi ] The planet’s most addictively fast-paced arcade shooter hits warp speed this Fall for Nintendo Wii and DS. Blast your way through all-new battle grids, upgrade your new Battle Drone and blast through relentless waves of enemies in first-ever Geometry Wars single-player campaign. Then join a friend for fast-paced multiplayer that’s out of this world. Geometry Wars: Galaxies also includes the full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, winner of IGN’s Best XBLA Title of The Year. •ALL NEW CONTROLS - Pull off hotshot moves with controls optimized for the Wii and DS. •ALL NEW SINGLE-PLAYER CAMPAIGN - Choose which solar system you’ll save first. Then pick back up where you left off, if you can ever put it down! •ALL NEW WEAPONS AND GRIDS – Use over a dozen new weapons and your trusty Battle Drone to tear through a galaxy of Battle Grids featuring both new and classic gameplay types. •ALL NEW MULTIPLAYER – Join together for co-op play or settle rivalries on the Nintendo Wii online leader boards. •WII AND DS LINKED CONTENT – Link the DS and Wii versions to unlock bonus content. Combine your high scores for Elite leaderboard rankings. Images: Geometry Wars Galaxies Boxart Geometry Wars Galaxies Logo Geometry Wars Galaxies (Wii) Screenshot 1 Geometry Wars Galaxies (Wii) Screenshot 2 Geometry Wars Galaxies (Wii) Screenshot 3 Geometry Wars Galaxies (Wii) Screenshot 4 Geometry Wars Galaxies (Wii) Screenshot 5 Geometry Wars Galaxies (DS) Screenshot 1 Geometry Wars Galaxies (DS) Screenshot 2 Geometry Wars Galaxies (DS) Screenshot 3 Geometry Wars Galaxies (DS) Screenshot 4 Geometry Wars Galaxies (DS) Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:15 AM [Top] E3 2007: Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Assets [ Vivendi ] The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night continues the strong action-infused gameplay focus established in The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning and takes it even further with exciting new powers, including: •Four new, upgradeable Breath Attacks (one for each element type), such as Ice Bomb, Electric Orb, Earth Vine, Enhanced Fire •Four new elemental melee moves, including Comet Dash, Artic Blast, Earth Pound, Electric Spin •Four new Fury attacks – Earth, Electricity, Ice, Fire •Monstrous new and explosive boss battles against the likes of Skabb the Pirate, Gaul the Ape King and more Introducing “Dragon Time” The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night will also expand Spyro’s combat arsenal by adding “Dragon Time,” a new advanced move that allows Spyro to bend time to his will. Players will be able to engage Dragon Time to dodge attacks, out-maneuver enemies or solve tricky time-based environmental puzzles. The game will be out this fall for Wii, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance. Images: Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Wii Boxart Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night DS Boxart Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night GBA Boxart Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Logo Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 1 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 2 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 3 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 4 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 5 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 6 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 7 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 8 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 9 Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night Screenshot 10 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 3:11 AM [Top] E3 2007: Crash of the Titans Assets [ Vivendi ] In Crash of the Titans, players will fight a nefarious plot hatched by Crash’s arch nemeses Neo and Nina Cortex to mutate the local creatures into titanic abominations. Using Crash’s legendary mix of outrageous antics and daredevil bravado, players will “hijack” enemies to take control of their action and use their fearsome powers against all manner of enemies. •“Jack to Attack!” – Control, play and battle as 15 outrageous, original enemies, including titanic creatures such as Scorporilla, Ratcicle, Magamadon and Shellephant. While in control of a monster or “jacked”, players can throw toxic stink bombs, call lightning down from the sky, fire lasers beams from their eyes or even impale enemies with a massive scorpion tail - use all of the creatures’ special abilities to defeat Neo and Nina Cortex. •Hyper-Dynamic Combat – For the first time ever, Crash now has a powerful acrobatic fighting system that includes punches and flying kicks, multiple attacks and special counter moves. Players can power-up skills to unlock new attacks and blazing combos. •Exploration and Adventure – With an amazingly expanded move set, Crash can now interact with his world in totally new ways. Players will be able to wall-run, swing from ropes and flip off springboards – Crash can even toss Aku Aku on the ground to surf, skate, grind and shred. •Wacky Co-Op Action –At any point in the game, a second player can join in the fun and play as Carbon-Crash to help unleash total chaos! In a totally innovative twist to co-op action gaming, Crash can even jack Carbon-Crash (or vice versa) for some hysterical Crash “jacked”-Crash mayhem. Crash of the Titans is expected to be available this fall worldwide on the Wii, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance. Images: Crash of the Titans Wii Boxart Crash of the Titans DS Boxart Crash of the Titans GBA Boxart Crash of the Titans Screenshot 1 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 2 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 3 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 4 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 5 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 6 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 7 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 8 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 9 Crash of the Titans Screenshot 10 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 2:28 AM [Top] E3 2007: Naruto: Path of the Ninja Assets [ D3 Publisher ] Following the story line from the Cartoon Network television show, in Naruto: Path of the Ninja players will be able to explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and the world of Naruto as you roam across forests, fields, rivers and mountains. Along the way players will encounter bosses and enemies that they must use their special techniques to defeat. What’s your nindo? •6 playable characters – Play as Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Shikamaru, Neji or Rock Lee, and as you travel through the various environments in the game you will encounter all of your favorite ninja’s from the TV show! •Unique time-based combat system – Each character has a unique attack method, some attack often with less power while others charge slower but offer much more powerful attacks. Players must choose different character’s for battles based on who they feel has the best strengths to defeat the enemy. •Original game for North America – All of the best elements of the NARUTO Nintendo Game Boy Advance and DS Role-playing Games in Japan have been brought together to create Naruto: Path of the Ninja, delivering a brand new game for North America. •Train your Ninja team to learn over 90 different Jutsu! – Utilizing one of the many fan favorite aspects of the series, Jutsu techniques are special martial art moves both good and evil characters has access to. Use the Nintendo DS touch screen to boost your Jutsu attacks to the next level. Images: Naruto: Path of the Ninja Screenshot 1 Naruto: Path of the Ninja Screenshot 2 Naruto: Path of the Ninja Screenshot 3 Naruto: Path of the Ninja Screenshot 4 Naruto: Path of the Ninja Screenshot 5 Naruto: Path of the Ninja Logo Naruto: Path of the Ninja Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 17 2007 1:43 AM [Top] N64, NES Classics Headline VC Monday [ Nintendo ] Paper Mario (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): Paper Mario is a graphically innovative game that breaks from the confines of the RPG genre. Now slimmed down, everyone's favorite plumber flips, spins, jumps and hammers his way through scads of exotic worlds that teem with a huge and hugely entertaining supporting cast. Players control numerous old and new characters in a complex, nonlinear story that follows different scenarios depending on player choices. A dizzying collection of spells, attacks, skills and special items can be collected by players willing to thoroughly explore the lush 3-D environments. Balloon Fight (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Control a character to pop your opponents' balloons before they pop yours. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Don't be fooled by this game's simple premise or cute exterior. Underneath you'll find a surprisingly addictive game with strategy to spare. After mastering the easy-to-learn controls, you still have to get a grip on the game's impressively realistic physics. And if that's not enough, there are the ever-increasing enemies and environmental hazards like lightning and water. Try the game's second mode, Balloon Trip, if you feel like taking a break from the action and just want to see how long you can stay aloft. And hey, who doesn't like popping balloons sometimes? Silent Debuggers (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Make your way through a dungeon-like space station and defeat the prowling monsters in this real-time first-person shooter. You're a member of the elite Debuggers, a group of warriors who are jacks-of-all-trades. Assigned to inspect an unmanned space station, you have exactly 100 minutes to get in, destroy the monsters lurking in each block, make your way to the lowest level and deactivate the automatic detonator placed there. With each monster that slips by you, the core block becomes harder to survive in, so speed is key in preserving the facility and each separate block. Experience the thrill of survival as the timer ticks away and you uncover the truth of the events that occurred. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 16 2007 11:35 AM [Top] E3 2007: Ubisoft Revs Up Nitrobike [ Ubisoft ] Ubisoft has announced it will release Nitrobike exclusively for the Wii. Developed by Left Field Productions, the creators of the classic Excitebike 64 for the Nintendo 64, Nitrobike will be published and distributed by Ubisoft for Holiday 2007. Players will navigate rocket-propelled motorcycles in this arcade-style game. Players can choose to race against the clock or against worthy opponents in Nitrobike's exciting multiplayer game mode and unique online mode. "Ubisoft is thrilled to be introducing the first Motocross game available for Wii," said Jay Cohen, vice president of publishing at Ubisoft. "Nitrobike's fun and fast-paced gameplay is sure to be a hit for Wii owners for the holiday season." Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 23:13 PM [Top] E3 2007: The Sims 2 Castaway Announced [ Electronic Arts ] The Sims 2 Castaway, a brand new game from The Sims Label, challenges your Sims to survive and prosper on an uncharted tropical island. Available on the Wii and Nintendo DS this Fall, the journey in The Sims 2 Castaway begins when your Sims are washed ashore and must overcome the forces of nature, craft tools for survival, and explore their surroundings to unravel the island’s mysteries. They’ll learn to build a life from scratch in an undiscovered paradise while unearthing clues that will lead them back to civilization. By discovering the many useful treasures and ancient mysteries hidden deep within a diverse jungle, your Sims will discover all the things a tropical island has to offer, including plants, fruits, wildlife and more! From tattered clothing to sunburned skin, your Sims will change as they take on the many challenges of tropical island life and learn to survive in style. Images: The Sims 2 Castaway Logo The Sims 2 Castaway Boxart The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 1 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 2 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 3 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 4 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 5 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 6 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 7 The Sims 2 Castaway Screenshot 8 Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 3:54 AM [Top] E3 2007: Game Party Boxart [ Midway ] 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. Images: Game Party Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 2:38 AM [Top] E3 2007: Cruis'n Boxart [ Midway ] 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. Check out the game's official boxart below. Images: Cruis'n Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 2:37 AM [Top] E3 2007: Ultimate Mortal Kombat Assets [ Midway ] Ultimate Mortal Komba combines the visceral thrills of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and the addictive puzzle action of the Puzzle Kombat component of Mortal Kombat Deception in a single DS-friendly package. With new record-keeping capability, and multiplayer Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players will be able take UMK anywhere for fighting action on the go. • First Mortal Kombat ever to appear on the Nintendo DS! • A faithful recreation of the original and highly successful arcade version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. • Puzzle Kombat, the addictive and popular Mortal Kombat-style puzzle game from Mortal Kombat: Deception is included…and is playable online! • Three ways to play against a fellow Mortal Kombat kombatant. Implementing the Nintendo Wireless ad-hoc with Game Sharing system using only one Game Card that allows two people with DS systems to play, with limited characters. Using Nintendo Wireless ad-hoc with two Game Cards allows two players to battle it out with the entire cast of characters. Best of all, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allow two players to battle against each other anywhere in the world via the Internet! • More than 20 playable Mortal Kombat characters and 15 arenas will keep gamers involved in the fight! • Classic finishing moves: Fatalities, Babalities, Friendships, Animalities and Stage Fatalities will give the player the chance to execute some of the most creative moves of the series. Images: Ultimate Mortal Kombat Logo Ultimate Mortal Kombat Boxart Ultimate Mortal Kombat Screenshot 1 Ultimate Mortal Kombat Screenshot 2 Ultimate Mortal Kombat Screenshot 3 Ultimate Mortal Kombat Screenshot 4 Video: Ultimate Mortal Kombat - E3 2007 Trailer (12.3 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 2:17 AM [Top] E3 2007: EA Playground Assets [ Electronic Arts ] Rain or shine, the fun doesn’t have to stop! EA Playground captures the exuberance and nostalgia of your neighborhood playground, turning your gaming space into an arena of interactive fun with immersive activities designed for kids, and the kid inside all of us. This is the definitive all-ages video game. Everyone has fun on EA Playground. Kids can bring the excitement of the playground home, and parents or even grandparents can re-experience their childhood thrills. EA Playground smartly delivers all your playground favorites on the Wii and Nintendo DS. Every game is easy to pick-up-and-play and uniquely capitalizes on the control mechanics of both platforms. Swing the Wii remote to excel in tetherball, blow into the Nintendo DS mic to fire spitballs or battle your friends and family in dodgeball. Every game brings its own twist to the controls for the ultimate, all-ages, party game. Explore the world and meet some wacky in-game characters who will challenge you to playground activities. Take them on and beat them at their own game! Play hard and prove you have what it takes to rule the playground! Images: EA Playground Screenshot 1 EA Playground Screenshot 2 EA Playground Screenshot 3 EA Playground Screenshot 4 EA Playground Screenshot 5 EA Playground Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 1:49 AM [Top] E3 2007: Dewy's Adventure Assets [ Konami ] The evil Don Hedron has descended upon the peaceful forest with Black Water and it’s up to Dewy, a small droplet of water, to eliminate the terrible scourge and save the towering Elder Tree. Take control of Dewy using the Wii Remote, rolling him around the environment and using special elemental powers with unique gesture-based controls to take on the dastardly forces of Don Hedron. Control heat and cold to transform Dewy into ice and steam to solve puzzles and restore a beautiful world of peace! • An original game for the Wii from the producer that created the acclaimed Elebits • Move Dewy around the world by tilting and twisting the Wii Remote • Unleash special elemental powers with the Wii Remote to take on enemies and solve puzzles – shoot bolts of lightning, create earthquakes or wind and more! • Control temperature that heats or cools Dewy down to turn him into ice and steam for even more choices in battle • Create your own levels at edit mode and play or exchange them with friends. Images: Dewy's Adventure Logo Dewy's Adventure Artwork 1 Dewy's Adventure Artwork 2 Dewy's Adventure Artwork 3 Dewy's Adventure Artwork 4 Dewy's Adventure Screenshot 1 Dewy's Adventure Screenshot 2 Dewy's Adventure Screenshot 3 Dewy's Adventure Screenshot 4 Dewy's Adventure Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 1:40 AM [Top] E3 2007: Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Assets [ Konami ] The global dancing phenomenon gets even more physical with an entirely new game designed for the Nintendo Wii. Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party enhances the series’ trademark interactive gameplay by combining the physically engaging, innovative and easy-to-pick-up-and-play mechanics of the Wii platform. DDR Hottest Party is sure to be the life of the party with 4 player multiplayer, Wii Remote and Nunchuk support, smash hits taken from the last 4 decades of music, entirely new modes and more! • Brand new DDR game designed exclusively for the Wii • Support up to 4 player simultaneous play ensures your house is the hottest party on the block • All-new soundtrack includes licensed smash-hits from the last 4 decades • Use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk while dancing for greater total body interaction • Swing the Wii controller to send obstructions to your opponents while competing • New gameplay twists, fun minigames and other challenges • Great family fun with added modes and difficulties for all ages, including Friendly Synch and Kind Support Mode Images: Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Logo Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Artwork Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Dance Pad Image Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Screenshot 1 Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Screenshot 2 Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Screenshot 3 Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Screenshot 4 Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Screenshot 5 Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party Screenshot 6 Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 1:30 AM [Top] E3 2007: Contra 4 Assets [ Konami ] The action franchise that started it all is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an all-new adventure on Nintendo DS! Set after the events of Contra III: Alien Wars, the game follows mercenaries Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battle to save the world from a new extraterrestrial threat. Contra 4 takes advantage of the dual screens of the Nintendo DS to deliver larger than life action, with massive enemies, detailed platforming and mind-blowing set pieces. Across a variety of game modes, including full cooperative play through the main story mode, two players can take the fight to the alien army of the Black Viper and reclaim Earth for mankind. Images: Contra 4 Logo Contra 4 Screenshot 1 Contra 4 Screenshot 2 Contra 4 Screenshot 3 Contra 4 Screenshot 4 Contra 4 Screenshot 5 Contra 4 Screenshot 6 Contra 4 Screenshot 7 Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, July 15 2007 1:18 AM [Top] E3 2007: Madden NFL 08 Assets [ Electronic Arts ] Anyone can play like a pro in Madden NFL 08, whether a new user or a long time fan. Play with only the Wii remote with EA SPORTS Family Play or use the Wii remote and nunchuck for more advanced controls; the decision is yours. Featuring an all-new Party Mode, play trivia or chose from 22 different mini-games. Break down plays and highlight key moments with all-new Madden NFL 08 telestrator. Bring the game online, play head to head with friends and keep up to date with the live sports ticker for the ultimate online experience. FUN, ACCESSIBLE FAMILY PLAY: Now anybody can play using the new EA SPORTS Family Play mode. Simple Wii-remote-base controls and in-game feedback make this the most accessible Madden NFL ever. JOIN THE PARTY: Enhance your skills, challenge rivals, or play against a group of friends for ultimate bragging rights in 22 adrenaline-pumping mini-games. ALL-NEW READ AND REACT SYSTEM: Scan the field to identify individual strengths and weaknesses before every play. Read, react, and exploit mismatches to gain the upper hand. SHOW ‘EM WHAT YOU GOT: Use the Wii remote to diagram key moments on the Madden NFL 08 telestrator, highlighting key blocks, moves, and more after each play. ALL-NEW ONLINE PLAY: Challenge friends and rivals online for the first time on the Wii. Go head-to-head in Play Now mode, take aim at players atop the leaderboard, and get up-to-the-minute scores and updates with the sports ticker. Images: Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 1 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 2 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 3 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 4 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 5 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 6 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 7 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 8 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 9 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 10 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 11 Madden NFL 08 Screenshot 12 Madden NFL 08 Boxart Madden NFL 08 Logo Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 14 2007 16:58 PM [Top] E3 2007: NBA Live 08 Assets [ Electronic Arts ] When the game is on the line and the ball is in your hands, what will you do? Will you penetrate the lane and rise above the rim for a monster slam, or find an opening around the perimeter and sink the game-winning basket? Now NBA LIVE 08 is fun for all on the Wii with a simple flick of the wrist. Get in on the ground floor of EA SPORTS critically acclaimed basketball franchise and show-off your Go-To Move on the Wii. The Wii allows you to actually perform a slam dunk by rotating your Wii remote downwards, or pull up for a jumper by flicking the Wii remote up and down. Blow by the defense with a quick crossover by tilting the nunchuck left or right. NBA LIVE 08 for the Wii gets off the couch and into the action! Now you have 2 ways to play with EA SPORTS Family Play. Introducing a new multiplayer, social experience for EA SPORTS Wii games that allows novice users to compete against advanced players and still enjoy success. Take control of the action using just the Wii remote and let the AI take care of movement to take the glory as you drive to the basket. But if you’ve already got game, plug in your nunchuck and play with the advanced control setting to get the depth that you crave. Now everyone can dominate with your Go-To Move on NBA LIVE 08 for the Wii. Images: NBA Live 08 Screenshot 1 NBA Live 08 Screenshot 2 NBA Live 08 Screenshot 3 NBA Live 08 Screenshot 4 NBA Live 08 Screenshot 5 NBA Live 08 Screenshot 6 NBA Live 08 Boxart NBA Live 08 Logo Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 14 2007 16:52 PM [Top] E3 2007: FIFA 08 Assets [ Electronic Arts ] FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii makes it easy for the whole family to play and enjoy soccer with a flick of the wrist. Featuring superstar Ronaldinho as the first soccer player created as a unique and playable mini character, you’ll experience soccer in a videogame like you never have before. There are two ways to play. In the main game, FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii is a truly authentic soccer experience with more control than ever before. Now you pass, shoot, and perform trick moves all with a flick of the wrist. The all-new unique Footii Party with Ronaldinho mode introduces three party games featuring Ronaldinho as his own unique avatar. Play Juggling, Table Soccer and Boot It with your self-created Mii character to unlock Ronaldinho and take on the champ. Have fun and watch the meter count your calories burned. The game’s revolutionary FreeMotion controls help level the playing field for all players and turns FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii into a physical, social activity. Use motions to control everything from tackling to shooting and throw-ins to freekicks. Send the ball exactly where you intended with a wave of the Wii remote and Nunchuk. It's easy to pick-up and play and with the in-game Soccer Academy you can learn basic and advanced controls in more than 30 interactive tutorials. Each lesson teaches you how to master the FreeMotion controls and perform all the necessary movements to dominate on the pitch. FIFA Soccer 08 thrusts you into the action and challenges you to play like a pro to win glory for your club. Mesmerize defenders with authentic individual skill and play like a real soccer player. Dictate the play with all-new controls for through-passing and crossing, or control your goalkeeper in one-on-one situations to deny an onrushing striker. Intelligently manage your club by preparing for each specific opponent using new custom formations. Design your own unique strategy to create the perfect formation and tactics. Assign roles and move players to the exact position in relation to team-mates to undermine the opposition. FIFA Soccer 08 delivers complete authenticity with licenses for all of the world’s top leagues, over 570 licensed teams and more than 14,000 players. Plus, the award-winning Interactive Leagues first introduced in FIFA Soccer 07, now comes to the Wii. Represent your club online against your rivals throughout the season in the F.A. Premier League, Bundesliga, French League or Mexican 1st Division. When they play, you play. Check out some new screens, and the game's logo, below. Images: FIFA 08 Screenshot 1 FIFA 08 Screenshot 2 FIFA 08 Screenshot 3 FIFA 08 Screenshot 4 FIFA 08 Screenshot 5 FIFA 08 Screenshot 6 FIFA 08 Screenshot 7 FIFA 08 Screenshot 8 FIFA 08 Screenshot 9 FIFA 08 Screenshot 10 FIFA 08 Screenshot 11 FIFA 08 Screenshot 12 FIFA 08 Screenshot 13 FIFA 08 Screenshot 14 FIFA 08 Logo Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 14 2007 16:46 PM [Top] E3 2007: Boogie Assets [ Electronic Arts ] Dance, Sing, Create! Play to an all-new beat in this singing and dancing game where you create and customize your very own Boog, and then take the stage to become a star. Using the unique Wii controls and a peripheral microphone, showcase your best singing and dancing moves. Use the fun and intuitive editing toy to create your very own music video, complete with multiple camera angles and cool special effects - this is the ultimate videogame party package! With a huge selection of hit songs from over four decades, a variety of lovable characters, and an intuitive controller scheme, Boogie is the must-have sing-a-long, dance-a-long party game for players of all ages. Boogie releases exclusively for the Wii next month. Check out the latest screens and the game's boxart and logo below. Images: Boogie Logo Boogie Boxart Boogie Screenshot 1 Boogie Screenshot 2 Boogie Screenshot 3 Boogie Screenshot 4 Boogie Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 3:56 AM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Smashville [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] It looks like just about every Nintendo franchise is getting some love in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as Animal Crossing will be getting its very own stage in the game. Called "Smashville", the stage will be covered with Animal Crossing characters going about their business and watching the chaos at hand. The stage will also change with the Wii's internal clock, much like Animal Crossing itself, with different events happening on different days and times. For example, if players play on Smashville on Saturday at 8 PM, K.K. Slider will show up to perform one of his popular tunes. Check out some new 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 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 3:41 AM [Top] E3 2007: Activision Announces Bee Movie Game [ Activision ] Based on DreamWorks Animation’s “Bee Movie” film due out this fall, Bee Movie Game lets players race, chase and fly their way through an adrenaline-fueled world of adventure as they experience the hilarious antics of Barry B. Benson, a dynamic and daring bee who knows there is more to life than making honey. The game is being developed by Smart Bomb for Wii and Vicarious Visions for DS. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Check out the game's logo below. Images: Bee Movie Game Logo Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 3:31 AM [Top] E3 2007: Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Assets [ Aksys Games ] 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. Check out some screens, art, and the official logo of the game below. Images: Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Logo Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Art 1 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Art 2 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Art 3 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 1 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 2 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 3 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 4 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 5 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 6 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 7 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 8 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 10 Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Character Screenshot 11 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 3:25 AM [Top] E3 2007: Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Assets [ D3Publisher ] 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. Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution will be released this fall. Check out some screens and the game's logo below. Images: Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Logo Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 1 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 2 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 3 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 4 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 5 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 6 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 7 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 8 Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Screenshot 9 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 2:18 AM [Top] E3 2007: Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Assets [ D3Publisher ] 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. Check out the latest screens, as well as the game's boxart and logo below. The game will be out this fall. Images: Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Boxart Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Logo Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Screenshot 1 Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Screenshot 2 Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Screenshot 3 Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Screenshot 4 Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 2:07 AM [Top] E3 2007: Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Assets [ Atari ] Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 takes the lightning fast fighting, flying and action that made its predecessor, DBZ Budokai Tenkaichi 2, last year’s #1 fighting game and takes it to a whole new level with exciting new features. For the first time in Dragon Ball Z history, the Wii platform will feature online gameplay, connecting DBZ fans around the country. In Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, all DBZ skills and abilities are intact including: free flight, range and melee attacks. With over 150 DBZ heroes and villains and more than 30 battle stages, players are given the power to engage in titanic battles with the ability to recreate some of the storied confrontations from the TV show, or they can create all-new showdowns of their own with characters that never actually fought in the animated series. The game also features exciting new game modes like the Battle Replay mode that lets players save and replay favorite battles. The game will be released in time for the 2007 holiday season. Check out the latest screens, character art, and the game's boxart below. Images: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Boxart Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Character Art 1 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Character Art 2 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Character Art 3 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Character Art 4 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 1 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 2 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 3 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 4 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 5 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 6 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 7 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 8 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 9 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 10 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 Screenshot 11 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 1:31 AM [Top] E3 2007: Activision Announces Spider-Man: Friend or Foe [ Activision ] Inspired by the Spider-Man film trilogy and the classic Spider-Man comics, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe challenges players to defeat and then join forces with notorious movie nemeses including Doc Ock, Green Goblin, Venom and Sandman, and embark on an epic quest to overcome a worldwide evil threat. Throughout the game’s original story and thrilling battles, fans control Spider-Man and one of numerous Super Hero or Super Villain sidekicks and master unique fighting moves and styles while switching between characters to execute team combos and defeat foes. For the first time ever in a Spider-Man game, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe features a unique co-op mode in which a friend can join the game at any time and take control of Spider-Man’s sidekick as they battle through the game side-by-side and replay favorite levels. Pick from a long list of Spider-Man’s powerful allies, like Blade and Iron Fist, and swap between the web-slinger and the chosen sidekicks at any time during gameplay. Each sidekick, good or evil, features their own unique attributes and powers that will assist Spider-Man throughout the game’s challenges. Check out some of the game's artwork, as well as the official logo, below. Spider-Man: Friend or Foe releases for the Wii and Nintendo DS this fall. Images: Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Logo Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Character Art 1 Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Character Art 2 Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Character Art 3 Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Character Art 4 Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, July 13 2007 0:46 AM [Top] E3 2007: The Golden Compass Assets [ Sega ] Discover a world of mystery and danger in The Golden Compass, the upcoming action adventure video game based on the best-selling novel by Philip Pullman and the major motion picture from New Line Cinema. Going beyond the film you can experience the unforgettable journey through the eyes of protagonist Lyra Belacqua on a quest to rescue her imprisoned uncle and kidnapped best friend. Joining Lyra on her mission is her spirit daemon, Pan, as well as a giant and powerful armored bear, Iorek, and the mysterious Golden Compass – a truth-telling device that will help lead the way. The Golden Compass promises to bring the beloved story to life through adventure and harrowing action sequences. As Lyra, players will evade dangers and traverse a magical landscape while uncovering the secret behind the disappearance of her friend and uncle. And as Iorek, the fearsome armored bear, players will smash through obstacles and enemies in order to protect Lyra along her way. Their travels will take them through a collection of unique locations, such as the port town Trollesund and a dark and foreboding research station in Bolvangar as well as areas not seen in the film. Together Lyra, Pan and Iorek embark on an epic journey of action, exploration, collaboration and discovery. Key Features · Authenticity to the movie: The official videogame of The Golden Compass movie from New Line Cinema brings to life characters, locations and scenes sure to captivate movie fans around the world as well as delivering film footage to guide you through the journey. · Vivid characters are brought to interactive life: Featuring the likenesses of the movie’s impressive cast, which includes Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Coulter, Daniel Craig as Lord Asriel and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards as Lyra Belacqua. · Heroic action sequences: Travel into the frozen north as the rebellious and headstrong heroine Lyra who uses her cunning to evade enemies. Or charge forward as her powerful friend and protector Iorek – a giant armored bear able to overcome any challenge with his brute strength. · Discover a powerful bond greater than friendship. Experience the collaborative bond between Lyra and her unique animal-companion Pan who has the ability to morph into four different creatures to help Lyra navigate her way around obstacles throughout her perilous journey. · Explore a parallel universe: Immerse yourself in the world of The Golden Compass movie and discover 11 otherworldly vistas, including locations not seen in the theatrical release. · Use quick wit to discover and evade. Participate in a variety of embedded mini-games to help Lyra gain further information about her expedition and avoid enemy confrontation. · The Golden Compass will lead the way. Use the truth-telling Golden Compass to solve in-game puzzles and unlock bonus content allowing players to explore the worlds as seen in the movie. · Wii will take advantage of motion control capabilities. The DS version promises unique and different gameplay mechanics as well as versus multiplayer mode. Images: The Golden Compass Logo The Golden Compass Screenshot 1 The Golden Compass Screenshot 2 The Golden Compass Screenshot 3 The Golden Compass Screenshot 4 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 20:02 PM [Top] E3 2007: Sonic Rush Adventure Assets [ Sega ] Sonic returns to the Nintendo DS with all the classic 2D, dual screen action the fans loved in Sonic Rush, as well as a new high-seas adventure where he clashes with ruthless pirates. As Sonic, players will set off from Windmill Village to explore seven action-packed levels featuring the classic 2D gameplay that the Sonic series is known for. Now players will get to explore the action stages to uncover valuable items and materials which allow Tails to build new ships that help Sonic explore the high-seas. With a fleet of up to five ships, including a submarine, water bike, and hovercraft, players will use the touch screen technology in exciting new ways to control their ships as they race across the ocean gathering rings, busting tricks, and torching pirate ships in fierce ship-to-ship battles. At the end of each level, players will test their skills in epic 3D boss battles that span both screens, including the ultimate showdown with the evil pirate, Captain Whisker. Let the adventure begin! Key Features · Classic Sonic 2D Gameplay with improved action stages. Sonic returns with his signature 2D gameplay presented seamlessly across both screens on the Nintendo DS. New action-packed gameplay will have gamers snowboarding down an avalanche, springboarding off giant mushrooms, and hang gliding across wide gaps. · A high-speed ocean adventure. Sonic travels from island to island in search of objects and materials to build up to five different ships and battles with wicked pirates both on land and at sea throughout 14 stages. · Enhanced touch screen controls. Players will navigate the oceans and perform aerial tricks to avoid treacherous water mines and aim their cannons during ship-to-ship battles by using the stylus and touch screen on the Nintendo DS. · Compete with friends via DS Download Play and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in two battle modes. Two players will face-off in intense dual screen races or collect the most rings spread throughout the map in exciting ring battles with the best times being posted to an online leader board. Images: Sonic Rush Adventure Logo Sonic Rush Adventure Boxart Sonic Rush Adventure Artwork 1 Sonic Rush Adventure Artwork 2 Sonic Rush Adventure Artwork 3 Sonic Rush Adventure Screenshot 1 Sonic Rush Adventure Screenshot 2 Sonic Rush Adventure Screenshot 3 Sonic Rush Adventure Screenshot 4 Sonic Rush Adventure Screenshot 5 Sonic Rush Adventure Screenshot 6 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 19:52 PM [Top] E3 2007:NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Assets [ Sega ] NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, the long awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed NiGHTS franchise that gave gamers the freedom to fly in a world of dreams and imagination. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is being developed for Nintendo’s Wii video game console and is scheduled to be released in Fall 2007. “We plan to deliver a gameplay experience never before seen on the Wii with NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. “The game takes full advantage of the unique Wii Remote controller enabling gamers to guide NiGHTS through spectacularly designed dream worlds intertwined with a story about hope and courage.” As a fantasy jester called NiGHTS, players will fly through Nightopia, a rich and vibrant world where dreams come to life. With the innovative Wii Remote, gamers will experience a heightened sense of gliding, spiraling, and looping through a variety of mystical dream worlds packed with high-flying adventure. Players must find inventive ways to confront the “Nightmarens” from the neighboring dark world of Nightmare using amazing acrobatic skills, freedom of flight, and other special abilities to protect Nightopia. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is an adventure filled with courage, hope and inspiration that the whole family will enjoy this holiday season. Images: NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Logo NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 1 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 2 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 3 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 4 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshot 5 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 19:37 PM [Top] E3 2007: Ghost Squad Assets [ Sega ] SEGA’s top grossing light gun game, Ghost Squad, comes to the Wii system and replicates the excitement of the arcade experience in your home! The Ghost Squad is a Special Forces unit established in strict secrecy by the U.N. to combat terrorism and carry out special highly-classified missions without leaving a trace. As an elite member of the Ghost Squad, players will complete dangerous missions such as eliminating terrorist groups, releasing hostages, deactivating bombs, and even rescuing the US President when terrorists hijack Air Force One! Using the Wii Remote, players will utilize revolutionary selectable weapons including a high powered rifle, sub machine and shot gun, or even engage in hand-to-hand combat. KEY FEATURES: o The full arcade experience of Ghost Squad comes to the Wii along with exclusive additional content, including a Multiplayer mode for 1- 4 players, a training mode and much more. o One of the first light gun games to arrive on the Wii, Ghost Squad will take full advantage of the unique controls of the Wii Remote. o Three dangerous missions bring a new gameplay experience every time with multiple levels, alternate routes, changing daylight, a variety of player choices and secret weapons and costumes to unlock. o Online ranking system allows you to track your status versus other players. o Alone or with up to three squad mates, players will rescue hostages, apprehend suspects and deactivate bombs as they eliminate terrorist threats around the world. o Unlock 25 different tactical weapons including sniper and assault rifles, submachine guns, hand guns, and more. o Ghost Squad operatives on missions in complete darkness will utilize night vision, thermo vision and a flashlight to ensure that the operation is a success. Images: Ghost Squad Screenshot 1 Ghost Squad Screenshot 2 Ghost Squad Screenshot 3 Ghost Squad Screenshot 4 Ghost Squad Screenshot 5 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 19:29 PM [Top] E3 2007: Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Assets [ Sega ] Two of the biggest icons in the entertainment industry, Mario and Sonic, are joining forces to star in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Developed exclusively for the Wii video game system and the Nintendo DS system, this momentous agreement marks the first time these two renowned stars have appeared together in a game. Featuring an all-star cast of characters from the amazing worlds of both Mario and Sonic, players will be able to compete as or against a range of familiar characters including Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, Tails and more. Innovative usage of the Wii and DS control systems to maneuver your favorite character will allow players to race the likes of Mario and Sonic down the 100m track, leap over the high jump or churn water in a swimming heat, all while competing for the much sought after Olympic gold medal. With up to four players on the Wii and on the DS, the stage is set to catch the fever this holiday with Mario and Sonic. Key Features · Compete in stylized Olympic venues with authentic events to choose from including track & field, archery, skeet shooting, table tennis, gymnastics and more. · Select your favorite playing style from the all-star cast of Mario and Sonic characters with four player types to choose from: all-around, technical, speed, and power. o Examples: Mario (All-around), Peach (Technical), Yoshi (Speed), Bowser (Power), Sonic (Speed), Knuckles (Power), Tails (Technical), Amy (All-around) · Game Modes: Try out each event individually with Single Match mode, compete for the highest overall score in a series of events in Circuit Mode, or take on challenges created specifically for each character in the Mission Mode. Up to four players can play together on the Wii. DS allows up to 4 players to compete via wireless connection. · Unlockable stages where familiar items from the worlds of Mario and Sonic enhance the challenge of each unique event. Look for both versions to hit the US for the holidays. Images: Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii Screenshot 1 Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii Screenshot 2 Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii Screenshot 3 Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii Screenshot 4 Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games DS Screenshot 1 Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games DS Screenshot 2 Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games DS Screenshot 3 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 19:25 PM [Top] E3 2007: 2007 Wii and DS Release Lists [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has revealed the upcoming release lists for both the Wii and DS for the end of the year. Both are Adobe Acrobat PDF files, so you need a program like Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. Check them out below. PDF Files Wii 2007 Release List DS 2007 Release List Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 0:38 AM [Top] Smash Bros Update: DK and Press Conference Video [ Smash Bros Dojo ] Well, the E3 press conference has come and gone, but that's no excuse for Sakurai-san to take some time off. He's graced us with two updates this evening, one of which is the 15-second clip they showed during the press briefing, featuring moves, characters and stages we haven't seen in action before (Zelda, Bridge of Eldin, Pikachu/Giga-Bowser final smash, etc.). Click the source link to check that out. The second update confirms a returning veteran fighter, as the original giant powerhouse Donkey Kong makes his triumphant return to the ring. His punch still packs a wallop, so don't get too close. Remember, the game launches on December 3 of this year, so we're less than five short months away from beating the tar out of each other! 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 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, July 12 2007 0:35 AM [Top] Wii Sold Out This Christmas? [ CNN Money ] Sounds kind of like deja vu doesn't it? Well be prepared, as it might happen again. George Harrison, Senior VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications at NOA, is warning that the Wii very well could still be sold out this holiday season. In an interview, George said, "There is no guarantee that we are not going to have 'out-of-stock' this holiday season. If you see one, buy it. Don't assume that you can come back later and find one." With the Wii still riding its popularity wave strong, and all the great things coming later this year, suddenly this scenario seems even more real. Harrison did mention that Nintendo is ramping up production to try and keep up with demand, but parts suppliers are also trying to gauge how much they will need to supply. We'll keep you updated as always. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 23:12 PM [Top] E3 2007: Batallion Wars II Artwork and Screenshots [ Nintendo ] It's odd that Batallion Wars II doesn't get a new trailer for it when even Nintendo Crossword does, but that appears to be the case as of right now. Just screenshots and artwork for the GameCube game's sequel. BWii comes out October 29, 2007. Check out the media below. Images: Batallion Wars II Logo Batallion Wars II Artwork 1 Batallion Wars II Artwork 2 Batallion Wars II Artwork 3 Batallion Wars II Screenshot 1 Batallion Wars II Screenshot 2 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 20:09 PM [Top] E3 2007: Fire Emblem Wii Artwork and Video [ Nintendo ] Still no official title for Fire Emblem Wii yet, but that isn't going to stop a whole lot of fans from getting very giddy about any news pertaining to Fire Emblem. Just some new artwork, a couple screenshots, and a video today for the game. Fans will be happy to know Fire Emblem comes out November 5, 2007. It's going to be a very busy holiday season. Check it all out below. Images: Fire Emblem Wii Artwork 1 Fire Emblem Wii Artwork 2 Fire Emblem Wii Artwork 3 Fire Emblem Wii Screenshot 1 Fire Emblem Wii Screenshot 2 Fire Emblem Wii Screenshot 3 Fire Emblem Wii Screenshot 4 Fire Emblem Wii Screenshot 5 Video: Fire Emblem Wii - E3 2007 Trailer (9.58 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 19:47 PM [Top] E3 2007: Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Artwork and Video [ Nintendo ] Donkey Kong Bongo Blast has become Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. Another game Nintendo has put out media for, but no information. There hasn't been any word on whether or not the GameCube Bongos will still be playable with Barrel Blast, but I know many people hope so. Here's hoping this one surprises everyone. Artwork, screenshots, and a new trailer are all below. Donkey Kong Barrel Blast arrives in stores October 8, 2007. Images: Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Logo Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Artwork 1 Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Artwork 2 Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Artwork 3 Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Artwork 4 Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Screenshot 1 Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Screenshot 2 Video: Donkey Kong Barrel Blast - E3 2007 Trailer (14.2 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 19:40 PM [Top] E3 2007: Endless Ocean Screenshots and Video [ Nintendo ] Remember the diving game Forever Blue from E3 2006? Well now it's got a new name: Endless Ocean. No new information on it, but looking at the video, it definitely has a lot of potential. Endless Ocean comes out on the Wii October 29, 2007. Check out the screenshots, artwork, and trailer below. Images: Endless Ocean Artwork 1 Endless Ocean Artwork 2 Endless Ocean Artwork 3 Endless Ocean Screenshot 1 Endless Ocean Screenshot 2 Video: Endless Ocean - E3 2007 Trailer (10.1 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 19:30 PM [Top] E3 2007: Wii Fit Assets and Trailer [ Nintendo ] The hit combination of Wii Sports and the Wii Remote brought golf swings and tennis serves into people’s homes. Now Nintendo turns the living room into a fitness center for the whole family with Wii Fit and the Wii Balance Board. Family members will have fun getting a “core” workout, and talking about and comparing their results and progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu. • Lean to block soccer balls, swivel hips to power hoop twirls or balance to hold the perfect yoga pose. As users stand on the Wii Balance Board, included with Wii Fit, their body’s overall balance is tied to the game in a way they’ve never experienced before. • Wii Fit also uses the Wii Balance Board for daily tests. These evaluate two key measures that a household can track via progress charts: - Body Mass Index (BMI): A weight evaluation based on a ratio of weight to height. - Wii Fit Age: The Wii Fit Age is measured by factoring the user’s BMI reading, testing the user’s center of gravity and conducting quick balance tests. • Wii Fit includes more than 40 types of training activities designed to appeal to all members of a household. Training falls into four fitness categories: - Aerobic Exercise: 10-minute exercises that are designed to get the heart pumping. - Muscle Conditioning: Controlled motions using arms, legs and other body parts. - Yoga Poses: Classic poses that focus on balance and stretching. - Balance Games: Fun activities, such as ski jumping and heading soccer balls, that challenge the player’s overall body balance. Check out the first screens, art, and a trailer for Wii Fit below, as well as an image of the packed-in Wii Balance Board. Images: Wii Fit Logo Wii Fit Balance Board Image Wii Fit Screenshot 1 Wii Fit Screenshot 2 Wii Fit Screenshot 3 Wii Fit Screenshot 4 Wii Fit Screenshot 5 Wii Fit Screenshot 6 Video: Wii Fit - E3 2007 Trailer (22.3 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 18:45 PM [Top] E3 2007 - Wii Zapper Image and Trailer [ Nintendo ] Nintendo announced today the release of a new attachment for the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The Wii Zapper houses both devices, and promises to revolutionize shooting games as well as make them more accessible to first-time players. The device will launch later this year and will be packed in with several games, as well as be sold alone for $19.99. Check out an image of the Zapper below, as well as a trailer showing it in action with one of the Wii's upcoming shooters, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles from Capcom. Images: Wii Zapper Image Video: Wii Zapper w/ Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles - E3 2007 Trailer (12.7 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 18:31 PM [Top] E3 2007: Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] A pollution epidemic is transforming the local park into a contaminated wasteland. It’s up to Chibi-Robo to return the park to its former glory and defeat Sergeant Smogglor, champion of all things toxic and gross. With his trusty squirter and boom box in hand, Chibi must raise flowers, defeat noxious Smoglings and save the world. • Touch controls let players interact with the world in new ways. Slide the stylus with good timing to squirt enemies, water flowers, pedal a bike and blast a boom box. • Chibi’s mission is bigger than ever this time around. Instead of living in a single home with one family, Chibi’s on his own in the park now, spreading happiness to an entire town. The screen might be smaller, but the world is much bigger. • As Chibi progresses in this green adventure, he’ll meet all sorts of colorful characters, like marionette Francois, football mascot Bull and soda “spokesanimals” Pop and Fizz. If Chibi befriends these toys, they will help him in his quest to fix the park. Game storyline: A pollution epidemic is killing off flowers and ravaging parks worldwide. To combat this threat, Citrusoft Robotics has developed an eco-friendly model of Chibi-Robo and sent it to parks everywhere. As Chibi-Robo, players restore their local park to its former glory by raising flowers and plants, building park equipment and defeating toxic enemies called Smoglings. How to progress through the game: Chibi-Robo runs on watts, and his battery size increases as he plants flowers, builds park equipment and does other good deeds that earn him Happy Points. Happy Points are converted into watts that power Chibi-Robo and his toy friends. Watts are also this game’s currency, and Chibi can use watts to purchase new gear and fund different park projects. Chibi also can build equipment like trampolines and bowling sets in the park for him to play with and earn Happy Points. As Chibi meets more toys, they will become his friends and help him with various park projects. If Chibi helps them accomplish their missions, they will work for a discounted price. Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol releases September 24, 2007 for the DS. Check out some screens, artwork, and a trailer below. Images: Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Logo Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Artwork 1 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Artwork 2 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Artwork 3 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol 4 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Screenshot 1 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Screenshot 2 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Screenshot 3 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Screenshot 4 Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol Screenshot 5 Video: Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol - E3 2007 Trailer (5.75 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 18:21 PM [Top] E3 2007: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker closed with Link and Tetra setting sail for waters unknown ... but their story was just beginning, and it continues on the Nintendo DS. When a mysterious fog waylays their band of pirates and leaves Link alone on an unfamiliar island, a new adventure begins. • All game control is via the touch screen, and the stylus makes controlling Link more natural than ever. Touch the screen to guide Link through the world, or sweep the stylus around him to swing his sword. Players can even make notes on the map, chart routes for their boat or draw paths for their boomerang. • With Tetra missing, Link must enlist the aid of several fairies as he explores dangerous wilds, uncharted seas and baffling dungeons. As he does, he meets an array of fascinating characters, hunts for powerful weapons and collects sand for a mysterious artifact called the Phantom Hourglass. Over time, it will enable him to progress deeper and deeper into the ultimate dungeon. • Players compete with a friend over local wireless or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection as they guide Link through special battle stages to capture Force Gems or command the forces that oppose him. Game storyline: Link, Tetra and Tetra’s band of pirates have set sail in search of new lands at the end of the Wind Waker adventure. Several months later, they come across a patch of ocean covered in a dense fog, in which they discover a mysterious ghost ship. Tetra falls into danger when she sets out to explore the ship alone, and Link falls into the ocean when he attempts to rescue her. When he washes up unconscious, he is awakened by the sound of a fairy’s voice. With the aid of this fairy and other allies, he sets off to explore waters uknown. How to progress through the game: Players can play the entire game with only the Nintendo DS touch screen. Walk up to characters and tap them to start a conversation. Slash the stylus across the touch screen to swing Link’s sword. If players touch an enemy with the stylus, Link attacks. Players can even navigate their ship or set a route for their boomerang simply by drawing a path on the touch screen. The stylus controls offer a more intuitive means of playing the game and open up new possibilities for puzzle solving. The game action takes place on the touch screen, with a map on the top screen. However, players can inspect the map on the touch screen and make notes using the stylus. The notes on these maps are saved for review on the top screen during game play. Players will use the map to chart courses for their ship too by using the stylus to draw a path through the islands. Then, as the ship automatically follows the paths drawn, they can control the ship’s cannons to target oncoming enemies, go fishing or search for salvageable treasure. Players also can customize the ship and upgrade it during the course of the game. Players can use the touch screen to control the boomerang, sending it flying around corners and into unreachable areas. During the course of the game, players frequent an ultimate dungeon where they are limited by time – as they get more sand for the Phantom Hourglass, they can delve deeper and deeper. Characters: Link, Tetra and a host of new characters. Special features: A two-player battle mode (playable over local wireless or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection) pits one player, as Link, against another player who controls the enemies pursuing him. Link must collect enough Force Gems before the enemies close in, depositing them in his base. With tons of defensive and offensive strategies (including stealing an opponent’s Force Gems) and many maps of varying sizes, the replayability is endless. The legend comes to the DS when The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass sails into stores October 1, 2007. Drool over the artwork, screens, and trailer below and make the wait even harder. Images: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Logo Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Artwork 1 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Artwork 2 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Artwork 3 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Artwork 4 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 1 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 2 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 3 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 4 Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 5 Video: Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - E3 2007 Trailer (4.05 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 18:15 PM [Top] E3 2007: DK Jungle Climber Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] King K. Rool is up to no good again, and it’s time for Donkey Kong to swing into action. • Simple controls make the game easy and fun to play, so that players of all skill levels can swing and climb their way to new heights. • Team up with Diddy Kong for even more attacks and abilities, or call on Cranky Kong for some quick tips and advice. The whole Kong crew is here to help – even Funky Kong chips in to fly players off for exciting challenges. • If players are more in the mood to rumble, they can take on up to three friends in fun multiplayer challenges using DS Download Play via local wireless. Pick from DK, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Funky Kong, and let the monkey business begin. Game storyline: DK and friends were enjoying their vacation on a tropical island. However, King K. Rool’s sinister schemes have ruined Donkey Kong’s tropical vacation. King K. Rool and the Kremling Krew were up to no good. This time, King K. Rool is plotting to steal the Crystal Bananas from a visiting alien and use them to take over not just the jungle but the whole universe. How to progress through the game: DK: Jungle Climber’s simple controls set it apart from any other platformer on the market. Players need only three buttons to play the game: The L button controls DK’s left hand. The R button controls his right hand. Pressing the A or B button makes DK do a jumping attack. When DK is holding onto a peg with just one hand, he spins around that peg, and by timing the release just right, players can launch DK wherever they want to go. By using the L and R buttons, players grasp onto pegs and jump, climb and fling their way through different settings. Diddy Kong chips in to help from time to time, offering a more powerful attack with a longer range. Diddy Kong’s added range helps DK strike far-off barrels to open up new pathways in a level. With Diddy Kong’s help, Donkey Kong can use certain special items, like the feathers: Diddy Kong flaps a small feather on the right, and DK flaps a larger one on the left. Together, they can fly. With the hammer, Diddy swings around in a circle behind DK and bashes away at obstacles DK couldn’t clear on his own. The game introduces basic game-play mechanics in minigames that can be replayed at any time. These minigames include a jumping game, in which DK must jump oncoming logs, a juggling game, where players control DK’s hands in order to juggle bananas, and a climbing race. Characters: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong (primary characters). Cranky Kong (tutorials, major story role). Xananab (a banana alien). King K. Rool (primary villain). Kremlings (King K. Rool’s minions). Multiplayer: Some of the minigames can be played in multiplayer mode for high scores. Additionally, up to four players can race using a single game card. Players will choose from Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Funky Kong and race through game levels to beat the other players to the end. DK Jungle Climber swings onto shelves September 10, 2007. Go bananas and check out the screenshots and trailer below. Images: DK Jungle Climber Logo DK Jungle Climber Artwork 1 DK Jungle Climber Artwork 2 DK Jungle Climber Screenshot 1 DK Jungle Climber Screenshot 2 DK Jungle Climber Screenshot 3 DK Jungle Climber Screenshot 4 DK Jungle Climber Screenshot 5 Video: DK Jungle Climber - E3 2007 Trailer (4.23 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 17:45 PM [Top] E3 2007: Mario Strikers Charged Assets and Info [ Nintendo ] The captains from Super Mario Strikers are back, joined by four new ones, and now players can create their own original teams by mixing and matching their captain with a new cast of sidekicks. All characters have their own sets of special abilities, making each one play completely differently from the others. New captain super-abilities and sidekick skill-shots add a new level of depth to already crazy soccer battles on the most unpredictable and hazard-filled pitches in the Mario universe. Each field features its own set of interactive hazards that alter game play during the course of the game. • There are tons of new single-player modes, from tournaments to challenges to tutorials, but the game truly shines in multiplayer. The game features a robust multiplayer mode: Up to four players can battle locally, or they can go on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (by themselves or with a friend) to compete with friends and rivals. • Building on the frantic fun of Super Mario Strikers, this game gets players into action only possible on Wii. Primary game-play controls use both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers. Players use the Nunchuk to control their characters and deploy items. Flick the Wii Remote to perform the defensive “Big Hit” move and flatten foes. To defend against a “Mega Strike” goal attempt, use the Wii Remote to point at the screen and manually defend against multiple balls as they rocket toward the screen. Check out the latest screens of the game below, in addition to some new artwork and a new trailer. Images: Mario Strikers Charged Artwork Mario Strikers Charged Screenshot 1 Mario Strikers Charged Screenshot 2 Mario Strikers Charged Screenshot 3 Mario Strikers Charged Screenshot 4 Mario Strikers Charged Screenshot 5 Video: Mario Strikers Charged - E3 2007 Trailer (11.5 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 17:32 PM [Top] E3 2007: Mario Party DS Screenshots and Video [ Nintendo ] Mario and the gang are bringing the party to the DS in Mario Party DS. The DS is far more powerful than the GBA was, so this game should easily eclipse its predecessor, Mario Party Advance. Nintendo has no information for the game right now, but you can bet that Nintendo will probably include online play in this guaranteed hit. Check out the screens and trailer below and get ready to get the party started all over again on November 19. Images: Mario Party DS Logo Mario Party DS Artwork Mario Party DS Screenshot 1 Mario Party DS Screenshot 2 Mario Party DS Screenshot 3 Mario Party DS Screenshot 4 Mario Party DS Screenshot 5 Video: Mario Party DS - E3 2007 Trailer (2.28 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 17:25 PM [Top] E3 2007: Brain Age 2 Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] The game that launched a new generation of gamers is back. Based on the theories of neuroscientist Dr. Kawashima, Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day contains new activities to challenge a player’s gray matter. • The title is a series of training activities designed to give the brain a workout. The 15 new, engaging activities all are designed to help work the brain. Whether players are playing simple songs on a piano keyboard or monitoring the photo finish of a footrace, they’ll love this new mental workout. • When starting a new game, players take a series of tests and get a score that shows how “old” their brain is. This number is called the “DS Brain Age.” With daily training over weeks and months, players strive to improve their mental acuity and lower their DS Brain Age. Progress is charted in graph form. • Players can keep up to four save files on one game card. Sharing a game allows players to engage in a picture-drawing quiz or other challenges with family and friends. Players also can use DS Download Play to send a demo to friends or compete with up to 16 players in one of four fun modes. How to progress through the game: When starting a new game, players will be given a Brain Age Check that determines their DS Brain Age. Each day, players can compete for the high score in any activities that they have unlocked. They also can record the age of their brain once per day. The more players train, the more activities they will unlock. The title is designed to be played in small chunks over a long period of time and can hold data from a full year of activity. Special features: Players who play wirelessly with friends or have multiple save files on one game card can compare scores or rank other people’s creative efforts. Solo players also can unlock a mode called Virus Buster, which is a new take on the Nintendo classic Dr. Mario. Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day hits the DS on October 20, 2007. See the screens and video of more mental exercising below. Images: Brain Age 2 Logo Brain Age 2 Screenshot 1 Brain Age 2 Screenshot 2 Brain Age 2 Screenshot 3 Brain Age 2 Screenshot 4 Brain Age 2 Screenshot 5 Video: Brain Age 2 - E3 2007 Trailer (1.86 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 17:16 PM [Top] E3 2007: Flash Focus Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] After training their brains with Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day, users can now sharpen their Focus Power with Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day. Fast, fun activities and quick-play sports challenges give eyes the challenging workout they need. • Boost Your Focus Power: Train with quick, fun activities based on vision-training programs used by top athletes. • Put eyes to real-world tests: Take a swing at a speeding pitch, outmaneuver incoming linebackers and strike the soccer ball into the goal in fun, sports-based training activities. • Pick up and play every day: Users complete daily training activities to challenge Hand-Eye Coordination, Peripheral Vision, Dynamic Visual Acuity, Momentary Vision and Eye Movement, then track their results with a calendar and easy-to-understand charts. Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day has many activities to test your focus power, including some sports-based games. Flash Focus hits the DS on October 15, 2007. Check out the screens and video below. Images: Flash Focus Screenshot 1 Flash Focus Screenshot 2 Flash Focus Screenshot 3 Flash Focus Screenshot 3 Flash Focus Screenshot 4 Video: Flash Focus - E3 2007 Trailer (1.58 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 17:10 PM [Top] E3 2007: Nintendo Crossword Screenshots and Video [ Nintendo ] Keeping in the casual market of DS games, today Nintendo announced Nintendo Crossword. A little plain, but Nintendo is letting us know that this name is subject to change. No information on the game so far, but Nintendo was nice enough to at least give us screens and video. Check them out below. Images: Nintendo Crossword Screenshot 1 Nintendo Crossword Screenshot 2 Nintendo Crossword Screenshot 3 Video: Nintendo Crossword - E3 2007 Trailer (2.53 MB) Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 17:03 PM [Top] E3 2007: Mario Kart Wii Screens and Artwork [ Nintendo ] In a surprise announcement at Nintendo's E3 press conference today, Nintendo announced that the legendary Mario Kart franchise would be making a return to the Wii. Tentatively titled Mario Kart Wii, the game will feature online multiplayer, and will be packed in with a special shell that turns the Wii Remote into a steering wheel. The game should be released in early 2008. Check out the first screens and art for the game below. Images: Mario Kart Wii Logo Mario Kart Wii Artwork Mario Kart Wii Screenshot 1 Mario Kart Wii Screenshot 2 Mario Kart Wii Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 16:46 PM [Top] E3 2007: New Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] Truly feel what it is to be the bounty hunter behind the visor. • Players become Samus with the Wii controls. By moving around with the Nunchuk and aiming Samus’ gun with the Wii Remote, players do more than look through the eyes of Samus – they experience a quantum leap in first-person control. Fire on the run, grapple enemies and yank off their shields or manipulate machinery with movements of the Nunchuk and Wii Remote – it all adds up to a level of immersion only possible on Wii, and the best first-person controls on any platform, period. • Corruption is everywhere... Dark Samus, Samus’ longtime nemesis, is corrupting entire planets by launching enormous seeds called Leviathans into them. Samus must travel to multiple planets – each with unique alien landscapes and dangers –to prevent the planets from being completely corrupted, all the while fighting the spreading Phazon that threatens to take over her body completely. As it corrupts her, it also grants her incredible powers. • Enter Hypermode! Samus employs a never-before-used device called a Phazon Enhancement Device (PED) that harnesses the Phazon within her and puts her into a state called Hypermode. In Hypermode, Samus can destroy Phazon impediments and annihilate enemies with superpowered weapons ... but it drains her health to use it. If she doesn’t empty her Phazon meter within a certain time frame she risks utter corruption under the control of Dark Samus. Players need to carefully balance their need for ultimate power with the inherent danger of corruption. Check out some new info, screens, artwork, and a new trailer for the game below. Images: Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Artwork 1 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Artwork 2 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Artwork 3 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Screenshot 1 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Screenshot 2 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Screenshot 3 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Screenshot 4 Metroid Prime 3 Corruption Screenshot 5 Video: Metroid Prime 3 Corruption - E3 2007 Trailer (17.5 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 16:19 PM [Top] E3 2007: Nintendo Announces New DS Lite Color [ Nintendo ] Nintendo quietly has announced a new DS Lite color, tucked away in the DS Lite's updated hardware specifications sheet. In the specifications, all of the current colors of the DS Lite are listed, plus "Crimson/Onyx coming soon." No pictures yet, but details will surely be forthcoming on what this new DS Lite will look like. We'll keep you updated as always. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 16:13 PM [Top] E3 2007: Super Mario Galaxy Info and Assets [ Nintendo ] The ultimate Nintendo hero is taking the ultimate step ... into space. • Become Mario as he traverses a galaxy of gravities, traveling in and out of gravitational fields by blasting from planet to planet. Players experience dizzying perspective shifts as they run upside down through wild alien worlds that need to be seen to be believed. • Controlling Mario is as simple as can be with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Players move Mario with the Control Stick and shake the Wii Remote to perform a spin move or cue stars that launch him to and from planetary objects. Players can even point at bits of stardust to collect them or latch onto stars to blaze a magnetic trail through the heavens. • Don’t want to head into space alone? With a second Wii Remote, another player can play alongside by pointing at and collecting bits of stardust, then launching them at enemies. The second player can even sweep aside projectiles or stall enemies to help make Mario’s adventure easier. Check out some new artwork, screens, and a new trailer for Super Mario Galaxy below. Images: Super Mario Galaxy Artwork 1 Super Mario Galaxy Artwork 2 Super Mario Galaxy Screenshot 1 Super Mario Galaxy Screenshot 2 Super Mario Galaxy Screenshot 3 Super Mario Galaxy Screenshot 4 Super Mario Galaxy Screenshot 5 Super Mario Galaxy Screenshot 6 Video: Super Mario Galaxy - E3 Trailer (14.6 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 15:47 PM [Top] E3 2007: More Upcoming Wii and DS Release Dates [ Nintendo ] Nintendo just sent out another press release showcasing some additional upcoming games for Wii and DS. Check them out below. Wii: Mario Strikers Charged (July 30) Donkey Kong Barrel Blast (Formerly Donkey Kong Bongo Blast) (Oct. 8) Battalion Wars 2 (Oct. 29) Endless Ocean (Oct. 29) Fire Emblem (Nov. 5) DS: Picross DS (July 30) DK Jungle Climber (Sept. 10) Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol (Oct. 2) Mario Party DS (Nov. 19) Nintendo Magic (Nov. 26) (name not final) Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Dec. 3) Nintendo Crossword (name not final) (2007) Expect media and screens of these games soon. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 14:31 PM [Top] Nintendo E3 Conference Press Release [ Nintendo ] The world used to be divided into two camps: gamers and non-gamers. In the first group: young men. In the second: everyone else. Then came Wii and Nintendo DS. The remarkable Wii Remote( and touch screen and voice recognition of Nintendo DS removed the barriers to entry and put video games into the hands of young women, moms, dads and grandparents. Gamers now find they have a whole new population of people willing to join them in their gaming passion. At its media briefing today at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Santa Monica, Calif., Nintendo announced multiple new games and accessories designed to reinforce that bridge and further demonstrate everyone is a gamer. "Games like Wii Sports and the original Brain Age proved anyone can pick up a video game system and immediately have fun," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "We're building on that foundation with games and accessories appealing to our current fan base and drawing in even more new players." New games and accessories not only demonstrate that Nintendo is not going to coast on its momentum, but they also show how the power and versatility of Nintendo's systems have only just begun to be explored. What might the future bring? These are the kinds of "what-if" questions firing the imaginations of consumers when Nintendo dares to explore them. For now, the following is a roundup of Nintendo's major announcements. Wii -- Wii Fit: This experience builds on the active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports. It comes packed with the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board (name not final) that measures users' actions in fun aerobic, toning and balance activities. Wii Fit also promotes communication about health among family members, as everyone can review one another's progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu. Coming in the first half of 2008. -- Mario Kart Wii (name not final): Nintendo's classic racing franchise goes online. It launches with the Wii Wheel (name not final), a steering wheel housing for the Wii Remote that lets veterans and newcomers compete together. Launches globally in early 2008. -- Super Mario Galaxy: This amazing achievement by legendary Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamoto inspires awe with its amazing sense of gravity and fun replayability. Launches Nov. 12. -- Wii Zapper (name not final): This unit houses both a Wii Remote and a Nunchuk and comes packaged with Nintendo software to show off its applications. Third-party developers have multiple games in the pipeline that will use this dynamic new interface. Launches 2007. -- Check Mii Out Channel (name not final): This free Wii channel builds on the phenomenon of people creating fun Mii caricatures. Now people can show off Miis they have created either on their own or for Nintendo-suggested competitions. Coming in 2007. -- Super Smash Bros. Brawl: New characters, new moves and new arenas highlight this highly anticipated game, which launches Dec. 3. -- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption: The precision aim of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk make this one of the best-controlled first-person games ever. Launches Aug. 27. -- Third-Party Support: Wii has nearly 100 titles in the works from every major publisher. Nintendo DS -- Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!: This brain-training game offers more than a dozen new brain-stimulating activities that challenge the mind. Launches Aug. 20. -- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: This first Zelda game for Nintendo DS can be played with the stylus and sets a new standard for the graphics capabilities and immersive play of this system. In Japan, the game launched in late June and is selling well to both avid and casual gamers, including female players. Launches Oct. 1. -- Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day: This program is designed to help users sharpen their "Focus Power" through a series of fun activities and sports challenges that test hand-eye coordination, reaction time and peripheral vision. Launches Oct. 15. -- Third-Party Support: DS has more than 140 titles in the works from every major publisher. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 13:58 PM [Top] Wii Café's Nintendo E3 Media Briefing Coverage [ Wii Café ] The press conference begins with a montage of various news clips, YouTube videos, and other clips showing off the media's attention on Nintendo over the past year. Features are the Wii, DS, and the Touch Generations series. Reggie takes the stage. "My name is Reggie, and I...am...happy." Says that the Wii and DS have made everyone into gamers. The US gaming business is up 46%, and the UK is up 42%. Japan is up 114%. The Wii and DS have given gaming to everyone. Nintendo has contributed 69% of gaming's growth. DS is leading industry growth, doubling sales between 2005 and 2006. Older players have increased to account for much revenue, and this is where potential lives. Players 24 and up account for 25% of Nintendo's sales, while gamers 18-24% have doubled. Female gamers now account for one-third of Nintendo sales, in the US. 95% of males 6-24 play Wii, while 66% are 25 and up. Females make up a large portion as well, as well as those 50-and-up. Reggie calls this a first in gaming history. Games like Nintendogs, Brain Age, and Wii Sports appeal to hardcore players, and allow non-gamers to enter as well. Addresses the "Wii is a fad" statement, showing that the Nintendo DS is now 40 million sold worldwide, and the Wii is sold out worldwide for 33 straight weeks, and will take over #1 very soon. Nintendo is not a fad, it's the future. 60 current games for Wii, 300 for DS. 140 upcoming titles for DS, and 100 for Wii in the next year. 14 of the top 20 Wii games are 3rd party, while more than half of Wii game sales are from 3rd parties. "Everyone is a gamer" says Reggie. More YouTube and news clips, some taken from the Wii Film contest. Wii Zapper revealed! Redesigned, holds both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Will change the dynamic of first-person shooters. Made for Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, Ghost Squad, and a new Medal of Honor. Medal of Honor will have 32-player online play. Nintendo is also working on a Wii Zapper project. Will be packaged with software, and sold separately for $19.99. Reggie now shows off Soul Calibur Legends and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 08 for Wii. He then shows off Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword for DS and Dragon Quest Swords for Wii. Now, he shows off Mario & Sonic Olympics, with a bit of footage. Now, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It will be out December 3rd, 2007. A new video is shown, featuring staff from TheHylia.com, talking about how they love the Wii and DS. Mike from TheHylia joins Bill Trinen on stage to demo Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Bill calls it his favorite Zelda game ever, and it's one of the fastest selling in Japan. Now, Jackie from theHylia comes on stage to play Metroid Prime 3. The game will feature "lock-on free aiming", allowing players to still aim while locked-on to enemies. Reggie comes back to the stage. Set to talk about Wii online. Another montage of news clips. 5.5 million users have signed onto Nintendo Wi-Fi, with 230,000,000 gameplay sessions. 5.6 million downloads from the Virtual Console, with 112 games available. Also, Wii Ware: unique content beginning next year. Also, we get a new Wii Channel - Check Mii Out. You can show off your Miis to the world, and have them rated on. Now, time to talk about online gaming. Pokémon Battle Revolution is already online, and Mario Strikers Charged is coming this month. Madden NFL 08 and FIFA Soccer 08 will both have online play from EA, and Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker for DS will be online. Guitar Hero III for Wii will be online as well. MARIO KART WII Announced! Will have online, and a variety of control options, including a packed-in wheel shell. Coming early next year. Another new montage, concentrating on the Wii's all-ages appeal. Satoru Iwata now takes the stage. States that a paradigm shift is taking place, as Iwata loves the new cookbook software - he's learned to make dinner for his family. Addresses worries that Nintendo has lost their passion for traditional games, but what we've seen so far shows this is not the case. Asks hardcore gamers to remember when they started gaming. Nintendo's goal is to destroy the barrier between gamers and non-gamers, and will make new proposals to show that games are for both hardcore and novice players. The Wii Zapper erases the boundaries for casual gamers. Mr. Miyamoto is about to debut a new title that will appeal to both. Not new games forever, but new gamers forever. Another montage, centering on a family from Texas talking about how they all love Wii. Shown off is Super Mario Galaxy and Brain Age 2. Reggie retakes the stage to say that Brain Age 2 is already more popular than the original in Japan. Super Mario Galaxy is the first worthy successor to Super Mario 64, and sets a new standard for gaming interface. It comes out on November 12th, 2007. EA will be bringing Boogie for Wii, and Disney Interactive brings High School Musical for Wii and DS in August. Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 comes out this fall. New vision training game for DS, Flash Focus. It allows for eye training. Ubisoft is bringing My Word Coach and My Life Coach for DS. Now, a montage for Wii Sports, and its fitness abilities. Now, we see Wii Fit, a fitness trainer for Wii. Comes with a packed-in foot pad controller, allowing players to do various aerobic exercises. Also features a soccer game, and a dancing game. Out comes Shigeru Miyamoto. Bill Trinen is out to translate. 3 fitness trainers will demo the game. First, we see some stretches. Then, the step-aerobics game. Finally, a twist-aerobics game. The game will have over 40 activities. The special controller is called the Wii Balance Board, it's completely wireless, and has full motion sensing to check your balance. Now, they demo a "body check" on Reggie. He leans slightly to the right. Who knew? Reggie comes back with a rather sizable Body Mass Index. Ouch. Now, we get a soccer heading competition between Miyamoto and Reggie. Reggie wins. Reggie says this is Nintendo's moment to lead. People no longer want to consume entertainment, they want to create it. And when video games become the ultimate form of entertainment, then Nintendo will be satisfied. This ends the conference. Stay tuned for all the info from Nintendo's press kit, as well as links to where you can download the event for yourself. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 10:11 AM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Bumpers [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] Fans of the original Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 should be pleased with the latest update over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website, as a classic item will be making its return to the series. Bumpers can be tossed onto the battlefield to wreck havoc on opposing players, and can also be placed in mid-air to assist with keeping players off of the stage. Of course, bumpers should not be thrown randomly, as work best in conjunction with regular attacks. Check out the bumper in action 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 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 11 2007 4:01 AM [Top] Open Mic Night: Pre-E3 Edition [ Home Brewed ] Kevin, Joe and I are back with the fourth edition of Open Mic Night. This time, we take a break from our usual every-two-weeks release schedule to take you on an audio tour of our minds, discussing this week's E3 showing and what we think will happen, what we want to happen, and what probably won't happen. The show runs just under an hour, and we even touch on Sony and Microsoft a bit. Download and enjoy. We'll be back next week with our Post-E3 edition. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, July 10 2007 18:22 PM [Top] Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Coming to Wii and DS [ 2K Games ] Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution will be the first offering in the legendary Civilization series to appear on next generation consoles and handheld systems. In development by legendary designer Sid Meier and Firaxis Games, this game will deliver Civilization’s renowned epic single-player campaigns featuring vast re-playability and unmatched addictive gameplay. In addition, with revolutionary features like real-time interaction with leaders and advisors, extensive multiplayer capabilities and integrated video and voice chat, Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution will completely transport the Civilization series to a level of gameplay that fans have never seen before. Civilization Revolution will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and DS this fall for the Wii in Spring 2008. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, July 10 2007 17:37 PM [Top] New Trauma Center Announced for Wii [ Atlus ] Atlus today announced Trauma Center: New Blood, a new entry in the award-winning Trauma Center franchise, exclusively for the Wii. Keep your hands steady and your mind focused – this time around there’s a lot more on the line. Every cut of the scalpel, every pinch of the forceps, each and every second that ticks by is of the absolute greatest importance. If you think it's too much to handle alone, invite a friend to assist with the operation and work together to save patients from flat-lining. The adrenaline is pumping, lives are at stake, and only you can save the day. Have you got what it takes? Trauma Center: New Blood has not yet been rated by the ESRB. About Trauma Center: New Blood: At a remote hospital in Alaska, Dr. Markus Vaughn quietly toils, a surgeon who has forsaken the politics and power struggles of his former ward. He is content to use the power he has discovered within himself, the Healing Touch, to positively affect the lives of those in need. His partner is Valerie Blaylock, a promising young doctor eager to unlock her own dormant abilities. When the facility unexpectedly closes, they are forced to return to Concordia Medical Institute, where politics are more important than patient’s lives, and doctors more concerned with image than their ministration. There they are recruited into the government organization Caduceus, where they will learn of a conspiracy with dire ramifications, and their lives will be changed forever! Key Features: • Two Player Cooperative Play! For the first time in the series, work with a friend to race against the clock and save lives…success will require teamwork and communication – Every second counts! • All-New Story, Characters, and Operations! Depend on a brand new medical team for support and advice as you tackle new emergencies. • Fully Voiced Dialogue! Characters will come to life as never before as they speak to you during operations and story cutscenes. • Full 480p and 16x9 Widescreen Support! • Online Score Ranking System! Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 10 2007 12:45 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Dr. Wright [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with a new Assist Trophy character that will appear at random. The character is Dr. Wright, best-known as the guide from Sim City for the SNES. When appearing, Dr. Wright will launch opponents sky-high by making buildings pop out of the ground, just like in the game. Check out Dr. Wright in action 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 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 10 2007 11:26 AM [Top] Midway's E3 Lineup [ Midway ] 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 unlockable content, new record-keeping capability, and Wi-Fi-connected 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 Nintendo 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 Nintendo 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. TNA iMPACT! (Wii, Spring) - TNA iMPACT! is set to be the most complete wrestling videogame to date. Featuring top talent such as Kurt Angle, Christian Cage, Rhino, Christopher Daniels, Jeff Jarret, AJ Styles and more, TNA iMPACT! will deliver all of the excitement and action of the top-rated weekly television show. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, July 10 2007 0:29 AM [Top] ASH Website Opens [ Nintendo of Japan ] It's been seemingly forever since we've heard about ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat, the upcoming Mistwalker-developed strategy RPG for the Nintendo DS. Now, Nintendo has finally opened the official website of the game, accompanied by a piece of the game's soundtrack. While that's all there is to the site so far, we can hopefully expect more on the game soon - perhaps as early as this week at E3. To check out the site for yourself, click the source link. The game should be out in Japan this year. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 21:53 PM [Top] Guitar Hero III Controller, Title Revealed [ Activision ] Activision has officially announced that Guitar Hero III, set to be released on the Wii this fall, will now be called Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Made by Tony Hawk developer Neversoft, Guitar Hero III will feature a new multiplayer battle mode, boss battles, tons of unlockable and downloadable content, and a variety of songs from both major and independent record labels. Also, the guitar peripherals that will be used with the game were revealed. As expected, the Wii's guitar will have a slot for the Wii Remote, and resembles the classic Gibson Les Paul guitar. The guitar will ship with a plain white faceplate, but others will be available for would-be rockers to customize their axes. As expected, the guitar will also be completely wireless Check out the first image of the Wii's guitar controller below. Images: Wii Guitar Hero III Controller Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 21:32 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Standard Combos [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website's latest update deals with how combos will be executed during gameplay. While previously rapid button presses were required to execute the game's basic combos, Brawl's combos will be executed by merely holding the attack button. This will make it easy for every player to execute combos, no matter which control configuration they choose. Each character will have a variety of combos, from a bevy of strikes to some short slashes. Meta Knight, however, executes a rapid assault of sword strikes. Check out the latest Smash Bros. 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 Monday, July 9 2007 21:16 PM [Top] Square-Enix's E3 Lineup [ Square-Enix ] DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker Platform: Nintendo DS Release Date: November 6, 2007 DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the venerable RPG franchise, developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS and arriving in North America on November 6, 2007. Scout, train and synthesize a colorful array of over 200 classic DRAGON QUEST monsters as you compete in the Monster Scout Challenge. Already achieving sales of more than 1 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure. DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors Platform: Wii Release Date: TBA Developed from the ground up to take advantage of the Wii and its motion-sensing technology, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is set to slice its way onto Nintendo’s next-generation platform. This exclusive title utilizes the Wii’s motion-sensing controls as players use the Wii Remote to slash, parry and blast their way through a land filled with trademark DRAGON QUEST foes. Developed with both longtime fans and casual players in mind, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is poised to take video gaming to an entirely new level of fun and interaction. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates Platform: Nintendo DS Release Date: Spring 2008 Primed for a release on the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique games: a fully fleshed single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players. FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS Platform: Nintendo DS Release Date: November 20, 2007 Following the story of the beloved classic that captivated more than 5 million players around the world, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS continues the tale that won numerous accolades from the industry’s top publications. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is an all-new experience that uses the unique features of the Nintendo DS to their fullest. Utilizing full Touch Screen functionality, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS allows players to control massive armies, unleash special moves and activate Gambits, all with the use of the stylus. As the next installment in the IVALICE ALLIANCE, the world of Ivalice comes alive through the respected musical stylings of Hitoshi Sakimoto, the guidance of Akitoshi Kawazu and the direction of Motomu Toriyama, director of FINAL FANTASY X-2 and the upcoming FINAL FANTASY XIII. FRONT MISSION Platform: Nintendo DS Release Date: October 23, 2007 Discover the origins of the FRONT MISSION series in this explosive handheld saga that was never before localized for North America. Reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS, FRONT MISSION introduces exciting new features, such as dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes, that update the classic that gave birth to seven beloved sequels. Using Touch Screen functionality, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers and direct them through turn-based skirmishes across the battlefields of the 21st century. HEROES of MANA Platform: Nintendo DS) Release Date: August 14, 2007 Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, HEROES of MANA breathes new life into the WORLD of MANA by taking it into an entirely new dimension. For the first time in the history of the series, stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and strategize their way to victory on the battlefield. Utilizing the Touch Screen to the fullest, players take full control of the battle as they gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the world of MANA. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 20:48 PM [Top] Atari's E3 Lineup [ Atari ] Here's a look at the games Atari will be showing off for Nintendo at E3: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (Wii) combines the lightning fast fighting and action that have made Budokai Tenkaichi 1 and Budokai Tenkaichi 2 the #1 fighting games of 2005 and 2006. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 delivers an extreme 3D fighting experience, improving upon last year's game with over 150 playable characters, enhanced fighting techniques, beautifully refined effects and shading techniques, making each character's effects more realistic, and over 30 battle stages. The immensely popular Dragon Ball Z series is the gold standard of anime-based video games, with more than 25 different games and over 10 million units sold since May 2002. Godzilla: Unleashed (Wii, DS) offers fighting on a giant scale. The game stars the legendary Godzilla and a slew of the most renowned monsters of all-time. Gamers are challenged to ultimately save the planet from mayhem and destruction. Set in urban arenas, Godzilla: Unleashed's interactive 3D cityscapes, big destructible buildings, soaring skyscrapers and towering alien formations provide the backdrop to epic worldwide destruction. Godzilla: Unleashed is slated for a fall release on the Wii and Nintendo DS. For the first time, the beloved family game Jenga (Wii, DS) comes to the world of videogames, utilizing the innovative controls of the Wii and DS for unpredictable, quick-paced, tactical gameplay that combines suspense and risk- taking, where mounting anticipation comes to a crashing climax. The game will contain all the fun, intensity and challenge of the original boxed game with a wealth of exciting new enhancements, power-ups and twists that are possible only in the videogame world. Simple to learn and fun to play, Jenga promises great entertainment for all ages when it releases for the Wii and Nintendo DS this fall. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 16:43 PM [Top] Namco Bandai's Nintendo Lineup for E3 [ Namco Bandai ] Check out the offerings Namco Bandai will have for Nintendo consoles at E3 this week: Digimon World: Dawn/ Digimon World: Dusk Release date: Fall 2007 Platform: Nintendo DS Parallel games with intertwining storylines, Digimon World: Dawn and Digimon World: Dusk immerse players in the Digital World on a quest to fight a dangerous virus. Both games are packed with more than 400 different Digimon across eight distinct species for players to capture, train and evolve. Furthermore, rare Digimon can only be found in each respective version of the game. Featuring full online play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players will be able to trade and battle their unique Digimon teams against others from around the world. Namco Museum DS Release date: Fall 2007 Platform: Nintendo DS Namco Museum DS delivers seven all-time arcade classics to the Nintendo DS – no quarters required! Featuring arcade-perfect renditions of Pac-Man, Galaga, Xevious, Dig Dug II, Galaxian, Mappy and Tower of Druaga, and the handheld debut of the critically acclaimed Pac-Man® Vs. with wireless multiplayer support, there’s something for every gamer in this timeless compilation. Namco Museum REMIX Release date: Q4 2007 Platform: Wii The ultimate cure for gaming nostalgia, Namco Museum REMIX gives gamers a dose of classic gaming with nine arcade hits and five remixed classics. Choose from original versions of arcade hits Galaxian, Dig Dug, Mappy, Xevious, Gaplus, Super PAC-MAN, Pac & Pal, Pac-Mania and Cutie Q or put your Wii Remote to the test with all new 3D versions of Pac’n Roll, Galaga, Pac-Motos, Rally-X and Gator Panic. SOULCALIBUR Legends Release date: Q4 2007 Platform: Wii The unparalleled weapon-based fighting series redefines itself on the Wii with SOULCALIBUR Legends, an original action-adventure that lets players battle around the world to unify the pieces of the cursed sword, Soul Edge. Bringing unprecedented combat depth to the genre, this tale of souls and swords burns with upgradeable weapons, a variety of playable characters as well as competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes. Space Station Tycoon Release date: Q3 2007 Platform: Wii Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test with Space Station Tycoon! Build an intergalactic business from the ground up while managing the desires of a wacky group of space castoffs. Using the Wii Remote, create gravity points and easily expand your space station, or work together with a friend to run the competition into the ground. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 11:55 AM [Top] Nanostray 2 Details Emerge [ Shin'en ] Shin'en has put out some new info on Nanostray 2, the sequel to the sleeper hit DS space shooter, featuring "fast paced gameplay, more intense than any other game for your handheld and ultra smooth graphics that easily surpass anything you have seen on the Nintendo DS before." GAME FEATURES Game Modes Adventure Arcade Challenge 2 Player Simulators Comprehensive Adventure Mode Discover the truth about the Nanostray Virus. Experience an exciting story, excellent cutscenes, extensive voice acting, and never seen before special effects. 32 Challenges Master 32 challenges, each located in a unique environment. A broad range of different tasks have to be solved, ranging from easy to ambitious. Complete a set of 8 challenges to unlock one of the four extra 'Simulator' games. 4 Unlockable Simulators The simulators are fast paced arcade style games, focused on hiscore hunting. They are all designed in a unique futuristic 'simulator' style. Each game is a complete new experience, no remake of classic arcade games. Configurable Weapons Setup your custom weaponry. Unlock six powerful weapons. Adapt and customize your arms before starting for a new area. Use three different systems at once. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection support All players can compete in the N2 world championship. You can directly upload all your scores from ARCADE MODE to the world championship board and browse it online in a number of categories. Local wireless co-op play is also supported. Three Control Schemes 1: Classic Control (doesn't force any touch screen usage) 2: Left Handed Touch Control (using the stylus and buttons) 3: Right Handed Touch Control (using the stylus and buttons) The Touch Controls give a complete new feeling to an arcade game like N2. Those control schemes are very accessible for players who haven't played many arcade games before. Skilled players will enjoy the new controls as a new experience to the genre. Other features 16 giant bosses Over 100 different enemies Great Soundtrack. Containing more then 30 energetic songs and over 200 sfx New scoring mechanisms including the Nanogauge Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 11:38 AM [Top] MX Vs. ATV Rides to Wii and DS [ THQ ] THQ today announced MX vs ATV Untamed, the world’s best selling off-road racing franchise, is scheduled to debut on the Wii and Nintendo DS in January 2008. The largest cross-platform launch in the franchise’s history includes its Nintendo debut and will feature bigger, more populated outdoor open-world environments, an X-cross career mode showcasing all eight vehicles and the all-new EnduroCross mode. EnduroCross will pit gamers against logs, rocks, mud-pits and more, illustrating the full potential of the franchise’s cutting-edge Rhythm Racing physics engine. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 11:02 AM [Top] Today's VC Update [ Nintendo ] Mach Rider (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): It's the year 2112. Earth has been invaded by the forces of evil. Battle the invaders as you race from sector to sector on your motorcycle, searching for survivors. Feel the incredible sense of speed as you zip past evil Quadrunners and zigzag between treacherous rocks, oil spills and other obstacles on the course. For a different challenge, create your own course in Design Mode, using the various twists, turns and straightaways the game has to offer. Remember, you are Earth's only hope—you are Mach Rider. Yoshi (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Yoshi is an action/puzzle game starring Mario's dinosaur buddy, Yoshi, who has been imprisoned in an egg. Now it's raining Goombas, Bloopers and Boo Buddies, and you have to help Mario stop the airborne invasion. As the critters fall, catch them on trays. Stack two of a kind and they both disappear, or capture the whole bunch in between eggshells. When the eggshells match, out hatches Yoshi and up goes your score. The action heats up as the characters fall faster and faster. To save the day, switch and shuffle, and don't let your piles get too high. Air "Zonk" (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Cartoon Violence, 600 Wii Points): Air "Zonk" is a spin-off of the popular Bonk's Adventure series. This side-scrolling shooter retains the same cartoonish style of Bonk but is set in a cyberpunk future. The powered-up "Zonk" gathers his friends to form Team Cool, and they set out to stop King Drool's plan to conquer the world. Choose from three levels of difficulty and three Friend Modes. Shoot King Drool's cyber-robots and avoid their attacks while collecting the Air Bones to unleash a variety of unique attacks. Combine with a friend to create an invincible hybrid form or blast enemies with a charged attack. Air "Zonk" is filled with humor, made evident by the wacky theme song that plays when you post a huge score or when your game is over. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 9 2007 9:54 AM [Top] Spielberg Returns to the World of Video Games [ MSNBC ] Who would have thought so much could come from Spielberg and Miyamoto playing Wii Sports Tennis at E3 2006? After playing, the two got together and began brain-storming. Spielberg now has a Wii project going on: Code-named PQRS, the game is an "action-puzzle simulator" for the Wii and is a blend of Jenga and the feel of a Saturday morning cartoon. Only time will tell what is meant by that, but it sounds interesting to say the least. The physics engine lets you manipulate the blocks with the Wiimote as if it were your hand. Steve seems to have some extremely pent up ideas and hopefully his mind will churn out a few more. No idea so far on when the release of PQRS might be, but maybe E3 will shed some light. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Sunday, July 8 2007 22:01 PM [Top] The Legend of Spyro Continues [ Vivendi ] Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night, the latest installment in the 17 million-unit-selling Spyro franchise and a continuation of the new The Legend of Spyro trilogy of games. The game is expected to release this autumn for the Wii, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The legend continues in the second installment of The Legend of Spyro trilogy with the Ape King arriving at the Temple of Souls in an effort to usher in a new age of darkness. As Spyro, players must unlock the secrets behind a series of strange visions that he is having and find the power to defeat this terrifying new force. Returning to provide voices for The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night are leading Hollywood actors Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) as Spyro and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black from the Harry Potter films) as Ignitus, the Fire Dragon Elder and Spyro’s mentor. The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night will expand Spyro’s combat arsenal by adding “Dragon Time,” a new advanced move that allows Spyro to bend time to his will. Players will be able to engage Dragon Time to dodge attacks, out-maneuver enemies or solve tricky time-based environmental puzzles. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 7 2007 20:31 PM [Top] EA Sports Announces "Family Play" for Wii Games [ Electronic Arts ] Electronic Arts has made it easier for players of all ages and skill levels to play its most popular EA SPORTS games on the Wii through the all-new EA SPORTS Family Play style of gameplay. Debuting in the Wii versions of Madden NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 and FIFA Soccer 08, EA SPORTS Family Play is a new way to play that enables players of all abilities to play with their friends and family without a competitive disadvantage. Advanced controls are also available for more experienced players, providing two compelling ways to play, and ensuring everyone can enjoy playing EA SPORTS games on the Wii together. In the main game of Madden NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 and FIFA Soccer 08, players have the choice to play the style that best suits their skills. When entering a contest, players now have the option to choose Advanced or Family Play. Once in the game, Advanced users take complete control of all aspects of the gameplay through intuitive Wii gestures using both the Nunchuck and Wii remote. EA SPORTS Family Play offers a simplified control system using just the Wii remote that enables novice players to focus on having fun while the console does the rest. With the Wii remote in hand, players control key actions – such as shooting, passing, snapping, and throwing – while the console controls the rest. It’s like having an invisible helper on your team. Plus, as novice players gain confidence in their ability they can gradually begin to use Advanced controls simply by plugging in the Nunchuck. It’s that easy. The following three EA SPORTS games feature EA SPORTS Family Play: Madden NFL 08 on the Wii Anyone can play like a pro in Madden NFL 08, whether a new user or a long time fan. Play with only the Wii remote with EA SPORTS Family Play or use the Wii remote and Nunchuck for more advanced controls; the decision is yours. Featuring an all-new Party Mode, play trivia or chose from 22 different mini-games. Break down plays and highlight key moments with all-new Madden NFL 08 telestrator. Bring the game online, play head to head with friends and keep up to date with the live sports ticker for the ultimate online experience. NBA LIVE 08 on the Wii When the game is on the line and the ball is in your hands, what will you do? Will you penetrate the lane and rise above the rim for a monster slam, or find an opening around the perimeter and sink the game-winning basket? Jump in on the NBA action with EA SPORTS Family Play that gives every user the opportunity to enjoy success in NBA LIVE 08. You control your team’s shooting, passing, and steals on defense with the Wii remote, and leave the rest up to the AI. If you’re already a pro, use both the Wii remote and Nunchuck for more advanced controls. FIFA Soccer 08 on the Wii The whole family can play FIFA Soccer 08 with a flick of the wrist. Play the traditional and authentic way or in a new party mode called Footii Party with Ronaldinho where you can play Juggling, Table Soccer or Boot It with your own Mii characters to unlock a customized Ronaldinho character to take on the champ. The in-game Soccer Academy makes it easy to learn the basic and FreeMotion advanced controls in more than 30 interactive tutorials, or let the game give you an assist with EA SPORTS Family Play. EA’s award-winning Interactive Leagues online play is also featured. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 7 2007 18:20 PM [Top] Jenga Crashes Into Wii, DS [ Atari ] Atari today announced that it will publish Jenga, based on the world famous wooden block tower building game. Designed to make the most of the innovative control systems on Wii and DS, the game will offer unpredictable, quick-paced, tactical play that combines suspense and risk-taking, where mounting anticipation comes to a crashing climax. Licensed by Pokonobe Associates and developed by Atomic Planet, Jenga for the Nintendo DS and Wii will ship in November 2007. Players of the Wii version can get physical with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers as they battle to keep the Jenga tower from falling, while on the DS the touch screen provides equally intuitive control of the fast-paced action. Players will experience sophisticated physics, and a multitude of game-play options (single and multiplayer). The game will contain all the fun, intensity and challenge of the original boxed game with a wealth of exciting new enhancements, power-ups and twists that are possible only in the videogame world. Simple to learn and fun to play, Jenga promises great entertainment for all ages. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 7 2007 18:11 PM [Top] Bleach on Wii and DS [ Sega ] Sega announced that Bleach: Shattered Blade will be available on the Wii video game system from Nintendo and that Bleach: The Blade of Fate will be released on the Nintendo DS portable handheld system. Based on the forthcoming and eagerly awaited Bleach animated series, Bleach: Shattered Blade and Bleach: The Blade of Fate offer relentless action and dazzling swordplay with crisp, stylised graphics that deliver an authentic anime experience. Both versions feature a strong cast of characters voiced by the actors from VIZ Media’s award-winning BLEACH anime. The TV show, is scheduled to air across Europe later this year. With a lively cast of over twenty characters, including Rukia, Kon and hero Ichigo, gamers will spend hours furiously fighting and unlocking individual character stories, all based on the animated series’ story arc. Bleach: Shattered Blade for Wii and Bleach: The Blade of Fate DS will be released in the US later this year and across Europe in early 2008. Bleach: Shattered Blade for the Wii enables players to wield the Wii Remote and Nunchuk as their weapons – slashing, jabbing, and lunging in furious battles like a real Soul Reaper. Bleach: Shattered Blade offers an exclusive storyline created specifically for the Wii with 32 characters to choose from. Once a new character is unlocked, players can replay the story episodes utilizing the characters special moves and weapons adding a whole new perspective to the storyline. Bleach: The Blade of Fate for the DS also allows gamers to build Spirit Card Decks to strategically access power-ups and power-downs to perform special attacks, cast healing spells on themselves, displace opponents, or prohibit them from using their own Spirit Cards. Additionally, gamers can take to the streets battling against enemies in fast-paced combat via the Nintendo DS’ Wi-Fi capabilities. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 7 2007 17:50 PM [Top] New Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Trailer [ Capcom ] Capcom has released a new trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, exclusively for Wii. The trailer is the longest yet, detailing the game's storyline (which spans all numbered RE games), as well as showing off a ton of new gameplay footage. Also, the trailer shows off the game's co-op gameplay for the very first time. To check out the trailer for yourself, click the source link, then the center button on the bottom of the page. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles hits stores this fall. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, July 7 2007 17:36 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Bridge of Eldin Stage [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] We've all seen it in the Smash Bros. trailers, and now one of the mystery stages is revealed. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' Bridge of Eldin will be a stage in Brawl. King Bulbin and Lord Bulbo will occasionally ride in on the flat stage and cause havoc, including tossing bombs to create holes in the bridge. Don't worry though, the teleporation portals come in to drop in new pieces for the bridge. Check out the screens below. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Bridge of Eldin Screenshot Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Bridge of Eldin Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Bridge of Eldin Screenshot 3 Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Bridge of Eldin Screenshot 4 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Friday, July 6 2007 13:36 PM [Top] Open Mic Night: Volume III [ Home Brewed ] It's the third edition of the Café's Open Mic Night! This week we discuss Metroid, more Manhunt, the ESRB system, online games, and short shorts. Confused? You won't be for long. Step over the colorful language, pull up a chair, and relax. Come join Kevin, Carl, and myself for this slightly after the 4th of July audio event. Hit the source link and enjoy. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Friday, July 6 2007 0:45 AM [Top] Nothing Moves de Blob! [ THQ ] THQ Inc. today announced de Blob, currently in development exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS, is scheduled to spread color and fun to gamers worldwide in February 2008. Developed for the Wii by THQ’s Australia-based studio, Blue Tongue Entertainment, and Nintendo DS by THQ’s Helixe studio, de Blob’s innovative style features ground and aerial maneuvers and color-spray gameplay that take full advantage of the Wii Remote and DS Stylus. Players will take on the form of de Blob in a bouncing battle to explore, liberate and revitalize Chroma City, which has been drained of all color and life by the evil I.N.K.T. Corporation. de Blob is an action puzzle title that allows players to explore and liberate an alien city from the evil, monochromatic I.N.K.T. Corporation that has taken over the city and outlawed all color and fun from daily life. Playing as de Blob, gamers will embark on a quest to re-animate the city of Chroma, and bring spunk and character back to the oppressed, by splattering buildings, landmarks, and citizens with color. de Blob features an intricate single player campaign as well as a multiplayer experience that supports up to four competitors via split screen. The game was conceived for the Windows PC by a team of nine students studying Game Design & Development at Utrecht University’s School of the Arts in the Netherlands. At the time of conception, sections of Utrecht were being rebuilt and the principal task in creating the game was to convey how the railroad station area of Utrecht would look in 10 years. The city of Utrecht has since adopted the character of de Blob to be its mascot. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, July 5 2007 18:13 PM [Top] New Thrillville for Wii and DS [ Lucasarts ] LucasArts today announced that Thrillville, the videogame where players create and experience the theme park of their dreams, will open its gates for a whole new season in Thrillville: Off the Rails. Featuring some of the most outlandish roller-coaster concepts ever imagined, as well as new ways to talk to park guests and a wider array of carnival games, this October release amps up the family-friendly mix of gameplay that made the original Thrillville such a hit. Frontier Developments returns to create Off the Rails, onto the Wii and, with the help of developer DC Studios, Nintendo DS. Off the Rails lives up to its name with 20 death-defying rides so outrageous, they inspire the same word from every park visitor who sees them: “WHOA!” Players build these incredible “WHOA Coasters” to leap from one track to another, launch through the air like cannonballs, blast through burning rings of fire and more. A new lighthearted story ties together more than 100 missions, complete with 34 playable multiplayer theme-park games and improved social interaction with park guests. The in-depth conversations both advance the plot and suggest better ways to manage the park. But is every guest to be trusted? One never knows when a rival from the nefarious Globo-Joy might attempt to sabotage Thrillville parks with deceptive information. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 4 2007 18:08 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Update - Wario, Assist Trophies, Bowser [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with some new recent developments. Wario's Special Moves: Two of Wario's moves have been detailed in the game. The first is his side special, the Wario Chopper. When activated, Wario will actually jump onto his motorcycle and run over everything in his path. Players can tilt the control stick in the other directio to do a 180 degree turn, or hit any attack button to jump off. Other opponents can knock Wario off of the cycle, however, and use it for themselves. Wario's down special is the now-infamous Wario Waft, which unleashes a mighty fart attack. Once activated, the fart builds power - using it after a short charge unleashes merely a small poot, while holding it for a long time...well, you do the math. Assist Trophies: Assist Trophies are new items which unleash various Nintendo characters onto the playing field, similar to Pokéballs. Shown off were Hammer Bros., a Nintendog (already seen in the E3 trailer), and F-Zero's Samurai Goro. Assist Trophy characters are mostly invincible, and each uses a different ability, such as the Nintendog blocking the screen or Goro utilizing a bevy of sword slashes. Bowser: Last but not least, the latest Smash character has been revealed as the king of all Koopas, Bowser, will make his return from Super Smash Bros. Melee. Like in Melee, Bowser will be the biggest and heaviest fighter, but he will have "a different flavor" this time around. What this means, we don't know. What we do know is that Bowser will have a unique new Final Smash, allowing him to transform into the form first seen in Super Smash Bros. Melee: the unstoppable Giga Bowser. The transformation only lasts for a short time, however, so time is of the essence when using it. Check out a horde of new screens from the game below. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Artwork 3 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 4 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 5 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 6 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 7 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 8 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 9 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 10 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 11 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 12 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 13 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 14 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 15 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 16 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 17 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 18 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 19 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 4 2007 18:00 PM [Top] Smash Bros. Not Playable at E3? [ IGN Wii ] According to IGN Wii, it appears that one of the most anticipated upcoming titles for Wii may not be getting the debut we've been hoping for. Super Smash Bros. Brawl will apparently not be playable at E3, as Nintendo would prefer to show off their other games, including a few "surprises". This is not to say that Brawl will not make an appearance at the event in another form, such as a new trailer or an eyes-on demonstration, just that attendees will not be able to play the game at the event. Worried Nintendo fans who may read into this as a possible delay should take heart, however, as Nintendo representatives assured IGN the game would indeed release in 2007. We'll have more as it breaks, including all the latest Nintendo info at the upcoming E3 Media and Business Summit next week. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, July 4 2007 1:20 AM [Top] Metroid Prime 3 Delayed - Updated [ Nintendo ] Looks like Samus' latest landing will come a tad later than expected. Nintendo's official press site is reporting that Metroid Prime 3 Corruption, originally set for a release date of August 20th, has been pushed back a week to August 27th. It'll be hard to wait seven more days for one of the most anticipated upcoming titles for Wii, but somehow we'll manage, I guess. Stay tuned for more as it breaks. Update: Nintendo has updated the entry for the game on their online press room with a "Players: 1" notation, confirming that the crappy multiplayer from Prime 2 will not be included in this game, nor will there be any online multiplayer. Presumably Retro realized it sucked in the last game and they'd be better off focusing on the actual game. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, July 2 2007 23:23 PM [Top] It's Another Virtual Console Monday [ Nintendo ] Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Join Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool and Toad in an incredible fantasy world on a quest to save the day. This time, they have little more than vegetables to defend themselves with. Pick up items and throw them at your adversaries to clear levels in seven massive worlds. Even enemies can be picked up and tossed across the screen. Each character has a unique set of abilities: Luigi can jump higher and farther than any of the other characters, Toad can dig extremely fast and pull items out of the ground quicker than anyone and the princess is the only one who can jump and hover temporarily. This unique installment in the Mario series will keep you coming back for more. Ecco: The Tides of Time (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): In this sequel to Ecco the Dolphin, everyone's favorite underwater hero must battle the Vortex Queen and her hive of drones. The wicked queen followed Ecco back to Earth from the future and quickly established her hive. It's up to Ecco to defeat this alien threat by navigating the depths of his side-scrolling world, solving puzzles and receiving help from his marine-mammal friends. When Ecco used the time machine to save his pod, he split the stream of time in two. He must now restore the rift before the world is permanently changed into a mechanical world, sucked dry by the Vortex. DRAGON SPIRIT (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): A fantastic world of adventure unfolds in this vertical-scrolling shooter. Sealed away by the gods long ago, the Evil Demon of Darkness, Zawell, seeks to rise again and unleash a new reign of evil. The brave warrior Amur races to rescue Princess Alicia from the demon's wretched clutches. Amur takes the form of the legendary Blue Dragon and fights his way through the legions of monsters that await in the sky. Battle your way through eight different areas, using your Dragon Breath to bring down airborne targets and Fireballs to wipe out targets on the ground. Destroy flashing enemies and smash Eggs to uncover different kinds of power-up items. Boost your firepower by increasing the number of heads your dragon has, and defeat all the bosses as you make your way to Zawell's dark lair. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 2 2007 9:24 AM [Top] Zelda DS Gets a Release Date (Finally) [ Nintendo ] What do you get when you combine the world's best-selling video game system, the Nintendo DS, with one of Nintendo's best-loved franchises, Zelda? An epic new adventure that satisfies longtime fans but draws in new players with intuitive touch-screen controls. Launching Oct. 1, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, complete with crisp 3-D cartoon graphics and multiplayer battles over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, marks the debut of the franchise on Nintendo DS. The game involves legendary hero Link and Tetra, the leader of a band of pirates, as they discover a ghost ship in dense fog. Link falls into the ocean when Tetra gets into trouble, and he wakes up alone on the shore of a mysterious island. Throughout the game, Link collects sand for his Phantom Hourglass, which allows him to explore deeper and deeper into a time-limited dungeon in his quest to find Tetra. You can play the entire game with only the Nintendo DS touch screen. Walk up to characters and tap them to start a conversation. Slash your stylus across the touch screen to swing Link's sword. If players touch an enemy with the stylus, Link attacks. Players can even navigate their ship or set a route for their boomerang simply by drawing a path on the touch screen. The robust single-player adventure will have Zelda veterans and newcomers alike engrossed by the story as they move through the game with the stylus. A special two-player battle mode lets players connect locally or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. One player controls Link as he tries to gather as many Force Gems as possible, while the other player manages the enemies who pursue Link. The replayability of these winner-take-all matches is virtually endless. In both style and characters, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass echoes the smash-hit The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for Nintendo GameCube, which sold more than 2.2 million in the United States alone. But the inviting, easy-to-understand story and ease of control will attract casual and younger players who might be new to Zelda games. As a special bonus for Nintendo's rewards club, My Nintendo members who register the game and their Nintendo DS hardware at MyNintendo.com and fill out a short survey will receive a special Nintendo DS stylus that looks like an old-fashioned quill pen, modeled after an item in the game (subject to availability). The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass hits US shores on October 1, 2007. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, July 2 2007 9:23 AM [Top]