Today's Special Archives: August 2006

News Archives Index New Spider-Man: Battle For New York Media [ Activision ] Spider-Man: Battle for New York allows gamers to take on the role of their favorite Super Hero, Spider-Man, and one of his famed nemeses, Green Goblin, in an original storyline which builds upon their legendary comic book rivalry. For the first time in a handheld Spider-Man game, players can personalize their gaming experiences by choosing what abilities and powers to upgrade and when, such as Spider-Man’s web maneuvers or Green Goblin’s fire attacks, as they progress through the game. Playing as both good and evil, gamers will experience levels packed with frenzied action, in-depth combat and a host of unique super moves as they embark on the ultimate quest to save New York City from almost certain disaster. Check out some new screens of both the GBA and DS versions of the game below, the game's logo, as well as a new trailer which you can click on to view in your browser or right-click on to save to your hard drive. Spider-Man: Battle for New York will be released this fall. Images: Spider-Man: Battle For New York (GBA) Screenshot 1 Spider-Man: Battle For New York (GBA) Screenshot 2 Spider-Man: Battle For New York (DS) Screenshot 1 Spider-Man: Battle For New York (DS) Screenshot 2 Spider-Man: Battle For New York Logo Video: Spider-Man: Battle For New York Trailer (19.5 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 31 2006 0:50 AM [Top] Sim City Opens on DS - UPDATED [ Famitsu ] The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that Electronic Arts is hard at work on a DS version of one of the most legendary strategy games of all time, Sim City. The game will be based off of Sim City 3000 for the PC, but will feature a new control system utilizing the touch screen and stylus, new touch-based minigames, and other new features. The game will allow for the classic city building mode, plus you'll be able to link up with over cities over the games local wireless (no word on Nintendo Wi-Fi being implemented), as well as various mission modes. The game is currently set to release in Japan this winter, but we'd be shocked if a US version wasn't announced very soon. Stay tuned. UPDATE: We have now obtained a scan from the latest issue of Famitsu showing off the game. It looks like players will be helped through the game by an assistant who looks suspiciously like Sim City creator Will Wright. Images: Sim City DS Famitsu Scan Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 30 2006 12:39 PM [Top] Nintendo Wi-Fi Reaches 2 Million, Star Fox Command Ships [ Nintendo ] Late on Thursday, a Nintendo DS owner logged onto Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection for the first time. That person unknowingly became the 2 millionth unique player to use Nintendo's wireless gaming service. To put that number in perspective, the population of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection users now surpasses the population of 15 different U.S. states, including Montana, Nebraska and New Mexico. In addition to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection surpassing 2 million unique players, the service has also logged more than 70 million individual game sessions in just more than nine months of operation, a number expected to soar as more and more Wi-Fi-enabled titles are released. "Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection continues to set the standard for easy, fun and safe wireless gaming," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Our hand-held leadership will continue unabated with today's launch of Star Fox Command and the anticipation of our upcoming Wi-Fi titles." Today the hugely popular Star Fox series goes wireless with Star Fox Command for Nintendo DS. The sci-fi space combat game marks the first-ever portable, Wi-Fi-enabled Star Fox game. Up to four players, be they friends or strangers, can meet up on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to blow each other out of the sky in white-knuckle dogfights. In addition to multiplayer Wi-Fi dogfights, the 3-D space shooter Star Fox Command also lets players use the DS touch screen to draw out their flight plans, steer their Arwing fighters and drop bombs on enemies. Rubbing the touch screen sends the fighter into a barrel roll. The game uses elements of both real-time combat and turn-based strategy games, and includes a familiar array of popular animal characters from the Star Fox universe, including Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Krystal and Slippy Toad. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, August 29 2006 2:36 AM [Top] Penny Arcade Coming to Next-Gen Consoles [ Hothead Games ] Penny Arcade and Hothead Games have announced they are collaborating on Penny Arcade webcomic-based games. The first such game will be titled Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, an adventure title for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and later, next-generation consoles. The games will come in an episodic manner and will be available via digital download. "We're really excited to be working with Hothead Games on our first electronic adventure," said writer Jerry Holkins. "From the moment we laid eyes on them, it was clear they had the technical and creative chops to execute our grim vision. Now that we have pooled our strengths, our dark work may truly begin." "All our developers are industry veterans with years of experience translating characters from other media into video games, having been involved with such hits as The Simpsons Hit & Run and The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. So working with Penny Arcade to create their first game is a natural fit, and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with them," said Vlad Ceraldi, President of Hothead Games, who added, "I've promised this with past games, and I stand by it: if the game sucks, I'll eat my shirt." Penny Arcade Adventures' release date is TBA. No word yet on if it will come to Wii, but keep your fingers crossed. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, August 28 2006 9:46 AM [Top] Zelda Enters Her Teen Years [ Game Informer ] According to an article in the latest Game Informer, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has been given a T rating. Nintendo of America’s Bill Trinen discussed the need for a higher rating compared to past titles, "With Twilight Princess, the depth of story and its connections to past games means not only does it have twice the text as Wind Waker, but it includes a fair number of legacy terms that originate in past games, so consistency is a big focus there. We've also been given the opportunity to provide a lot of input on everything from play control to character design, so over time our role has grown from simply localizing the Zelda games to almost being a branch of the development team itself... you may see scenes and situations in the game that wouldn't have fit in a game like Wind Waker." Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, August 28 2006 1:10 AM [Top] New Star Fox Command Screenshots [ Nintendo ] A menacing new evil has emerged from the toxic oceans of Venom, and now Fox McCloud and his elite team of pilots must reunite to defend Lylat from a massive invasion. This time, Fox returns to his roots with Star Fox Command, a blistering 3-D space shooter on the Nintendo DS. Lylat needs help! Fly with Fox McCloud in an advanced Arwing fighter and dogfight through an armada of hostile ships in the depths of space and high over enemy skies. Star Fox Command brings a whole new strategic element to the series with a commander's view of the mission. Players use the touch screen to draw the routes their fighter wing will take, then battle any enemies they encounter as they take over bases and strategically advance across the map. Players can blow their friends out of the sky! Dogfight with up to five players over local wireless or take on three other players from around the world on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Star Fox Command flies into stores on August 28, 2006. Images: Star Fox Command Screenshot 1 Star Fox Command Screenshot 2 Star Fox Command Screenshot 3 Star Fox Command Screenshot 4 Star Fox Command Screenshot 5 Star Fox Command Screenshot 6 Star Fox Command Screenshot 7 Star Fox Command Screenshot 8 Star Fox Command Screenshot 9 Star Fox Command Screenshot 10 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:36 PM [Top] New Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshots [ Nintendo ] A mysterious floating island has suddenly appeared over peaceful Yoshi's Island. Soon after its arrival, a gaggle of kids vanishes from the island school. Thankfully, Baby Mario, Baby Peach and Baby Donkey Kong manage to avoid being kidnapped. Now, Yoshi and the three young superstars must set out on a wild and colorful quest to rescue the kids and investigate the ominous island hovering overhead. Return to the colorful wilds of Yoshi's Island in a new platforming adventure for Nintendo DS. Saddle up for adventure. This time, Baby Mario, Baby Donkey Kong and Baby Peach are along for the ride – and each one gives Yoshi access to unique powers while they cling to his back. Thanks to the power of Nintendo DS, all of the lush vistas and perilous paths of Yoshi's Island span two screens. Check out the latest screens of the anticipated DS platformer below. Yoshi's Island 2 releases on November 13th. Images: Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 1 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 2 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 3 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 4 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 5 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 6 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 7 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:35 PM [Top] New Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshots [ Nintendo ] In the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario was trying to find all the Mini Marios ... but this time, it’s up to them to save the day. Players use the stylus and the touch screen to guide Mini Marios through mind-boggling, obstacle-filled levels. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 allows players to create their own maps with a new level editor. Once a map is created, players can send it across the world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Players also can use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to download maps created by others, check out a player-ranking system and access special bonuses. These unique features are sure to be a smash hit with puzzle fans everywhere. Pauline returns! Pauline appeared in the original Donkey Kong as the woman that Mario was attempting to rescue, and was one of the first recognizable characters created by Nintendo. After a decades-long hiatus, Pauline is finally returning to the world of video games in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2. Pauline is the object of Donkey Kong’s misplaced affections, so players must rescue her all over again. Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Mini Marios marches into stores on September 25, 2006. Images: Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 1 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 2 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 3 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 4 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 5 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 6 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 7 Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 Screenshot 8 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:30 PM [Top] New Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screens [ Nintendo ] It's a whole new ball game as Mario rocks the rim on the Nintendo DS! Players choose their teams of three characters from the Mario universe and hit the parquet. Power-ups like red shells and stars can turn the tide as players chase down coins – they affect the score, so players must collect as many as they can as they drive to the hoop. There are plenty of basketball games out there, but none with the hands-on control of Mario Hoops 3-on-3. Players use the touch screen to get their game on as they execute tricky dribbles, special passes and powered-up super shots – all with strokes and taps of the stylus. Whether playing against friends over local wireless, jamming through a tournament or just playing mini-games, there's a mode for everyone. Mario Hoops 3-on-3 ships into stores on September 11th. Check out the latest screens of the game below. Images: Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 1 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 2 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 3 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 4 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 5 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 6 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 7 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 8 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 9 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 10 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 11 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 12 Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Screenshot 13 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:30 PM [Top] New Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshots [ Square-Enix ] The classic FINAL FANTASY games that premiered on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System are now making their way to the Game Boy Advance! Hot on the heels of Final Fantasy IV Advance (now available in stores), Final Fantasy V Advance will soon be available to handheld gamers. However, this title is more than simple port — every aspect of the game has been reviewed and enhanced. Additionally, a host of brand-new elements have been seamlessly merged with the original game, providing unexpected surprises for longtime fans. With new dungeons, new job classes, and other exciting features, both old-school players and newcomers can enjoy Final Fantasy V in a portable format! Taking on the role of young warrior Bartz and a ragtag band of adventurers, gamers can change their class to unlock new abilities and devestating attacks. The magic of the Final Fantasy classics is returning to your hands—and soon the wait will be over. Check out the latest screens of the game below. Images: Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 1 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 2 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 3 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 4 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 5 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 6 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 7 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 8 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 9 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 10 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 11 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 12 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 13 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 14 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 15 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 16 Final Fantasy V Advance Screenshot 17 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:20 PM [Top] New Final Fantasy III Screenshots [ Square-Enix ] Square-Enix has released new screenshots of Final Fantasy III. The only Final Fantasy to never be released in America, Final Fantasy III is being completely revamped with new graphics, features, characters, and classes. The 3D remake comes out for the Nintendo DS on November 14, 2006. Images: Final Fantasy III Screenshot 1 Final Fantasy III Screenshot 2 Final Fantasy III Screenshot 3 Final Fantasy III Screenshot 4 Final Fantasy III Screenshot 5 Final Fantasy IIII Screenshot 6 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:18 PM [Top] New Clubhouse Games Screenshots [ Nintendo ] It's game night and everyone's invited. Play more than 20 classic board, card and party games alone or with friends. With familiar favorites like checkers, darts and poker, Clubhouse Games will appeal to everyone from kids to adults. Video game newcomers will appreciate the easy-to-use interface, while card game novices will appreciate each game's rules section. Players can challenge up to seven friends with one game card via Multi-Card Play or DS Download Play. Can't play checkers without shouting “KING ME!” across the table? The in-game (PictoChat-like) feature takes table talk to a new level. There's no need to lug around cards or boards when you want to play a quick game. Clubhouse Games is one-stop gaming that will appeal to everyone's tastes, whether they're in the mood for bowling, backgammon, bridge or billiards. Clubhouse Games is part of Nintendo's Touch Generations library, which includes uniquely engaging titles that have appeal beyond core gamers. Check out the latest screens below. Clubhouse Games, complete with online play over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, will be released on October 9th. Images: Clubhouse Games Screenshot 1 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 2 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 3 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 4 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 5 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 6 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 7 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 8 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 9 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 10 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 11 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 12 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 13 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 14 Clubhouse Games Screenshot 15 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:12 PM [Top] New Elite Beat Agents Screenshots [ Nintendo ] In a jam? Well, all these guys DO is jam! Prepare to rock as these beat masters use their groovy moves to save the day. As the music plays, players tap the screen, trace rhythmic patterns and keep the beat as the story unfolds on the top screen. Every scene is accompanied by rump-shaking tunes, but players have to keep the Elite Beat Agents grooving. The worse players do, the worse the story might end up. Rhythm games have come and gone, but no one has ever seen anything like the Elite Beat Agents. Whether they're helping a lost dog find its way home or helping a babysitter charm a hunky football player, no crisis is too weird. Elite Beat Agents, the Americanized version of Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! (one of the best DS games EVER), will be released in stores in Q4 2006. Check out the latest screens of the game below. Images: Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 1 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 2 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 3 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 4 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 5 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 6 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 7 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 8 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 9 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 10 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 11 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 12 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 13 Elite Beat Agents Screenshot 14 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, August 26 2006 16:05 PM [Top] New Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam Screenshots [ Activision ] For the first time ever, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam lets players experience the breakneck speed of downhill skateboard racing as they tear up the steepest terrains in the world while performing tricks and outmaneuvering opponents in locations such as the crowded streets of San Francisco and rocky terrain of Machu Picchu. Developed for the Nintendo Wii, gamers utilize an innovative and intuitive control system as they take on the role of Tony Hawk or one of nine characters and compete in specific time-based challenges in one of three gameplay modes including race, trick and slalom. Gamers can also challenge friends in head-to-head competitions as they pull off a variety of high-velocity stunts and crashes in living, populated environments filled with cars, pedestrians and buildings. Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam is set as a launch title for the Nintendo Wii. Check out the latest screens of the game below. Images: Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam Screenshot 1 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam Screenshot 2 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 24 2006 23:05 PM [Top] Black and Pink DS Lites to America [ Nintendo ] The only thing more fun than new Nintendo DS Lite hardware colors is trying to keep up with the breakneck sales of the software to play on the popular little portable! On Sept. 13, two new colors – Onyx and Coral Pink – join Polar White, which is enjoying its own incredible sales peak and getting noticed everywhere. The new colors also complement numerous DS games, including New Super Mario Bros., which has hit the 1 million unit sales mark after just 12 weeks on sale in the United States. That's an average of roughly eight games sold each minute continuously since launch, making it the fastest-selling DS title in the United States for a 12-week period. Overall, DS system and game sales are both up more than 300 percent in July alone. "Not only are the DS Lite screen and battery life incredible," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "but the new colors just add another element of fun, allowing people to ‘personalize' who they are by the color, or colors they pick." Images: Coral Pink DS Lite Image 1 Coral Pink DS Lite Image 2 Coral Pink DS Lite Image 3 Coral Pink DS Lite Image 4 Coral Pink DS Lite Image 5 Onyx DS Lite Image 1 Onyx DS Lite Image 2 Onyx DS Lite Image 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 24 2006 11:45 AM [Top] Wii to Cost Less than 250 Euros [ Reuters ] Earlier today at the Leipzig Games Convention, Nintendo's head of operations in Germany, Bernd Fakesch, revealed an official European price for the Wii - sort of. Like with Japan and the US, Nintendo of Europe has revealed a maximum price for the console, that being 250 Euro; similar to Japan's announcement of the console being less than 25,000 yen and the US's revealing of a less than $250 launch price. Fakesch would also budge no further on the Wii's launch date, saying it was undecided, but would be revealed "in due course." Hopefully we'll get the official word from Nintendo soon. However, for now, Wii continue to wait. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 20:43 PM [Top] Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2 Screens [ Nintendo ] It seems folks love those Mini Mario toys. So much so that the Mario Toy Company has expanded the line to include Mini Donkey Kong, Mini Toad and Mini Peach figures to the series. With all these toys bringing him more money than he knows what to do with, Mario decides to fulfill his lifelong dream and open a theme park called Super Mini Mario World. The opening-day crowd includes Pauline and Donkey Kong, who immediately falls head over heels for the lovely lass. The proud ape tries to show off his Mini DK toy to Pauline, but she picks the Mini Mario toy over his and the jealous Donkey Kong becomes enraged. He smashes the displays, destroys the toys and takes Pauline to the top floor of the amusement park. Players must find Pauline and save the day. More Leipzig goodies for you. You're welcome. Images: Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 1 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 2 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 3 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 4 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 5 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 6 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 7 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 8 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 9 Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Screen 10 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:45 PM [Top] Star Fox Command Screens [ Nintendo ] A menacing new evil has emerged from the toxic oceans of Venom, and now Fox McCloud and his elite team of pilots must reunite to defend Lylat from a massive invasion. This time, Fox returns to his roots with Star Fox Command, a blistering 3-D space shooter on the Nintendo DS. Leipzig screens below. Thank us with cake. Images: Star Fox Command Screenshot 1 Star Fox Command Screenshot 2 Star Fox Command Screenshot 3 Star Fox Command Screenshot 4 Star Fox Command Screenshot 5 Star Fox Command Screenshot 6 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:35 PM [Top] New Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshots [ Nintendo ] A mysterious floating island has suddenly appeared over peaceful Yoshi's Island. Soon after its arrival, a gaggle of kids vanishes from the island school. Thankfully, Baby Mario, Baby Peach and Baby Donkey Kong manage to avoid being kidnapped. Now, Yoshi and the three young superstars must set out on a wild and colorful quest to rescue the kids and investigate the ominous island hovering overhead. Return to the colorful wilds of Yoshi's Island in a new platforming adventure for Nintendo DS. Saddle up for adventure. This time, Baby Mario, Baby Donkey Kong and Baby Peach are along for the ride – and each one gives Yoshi access to unique powers while they cling to his back. Thanks to the power of Nintendo DS, all of the lush vistas and perilous paths of Yoshi's Island span two screens. Check out the latest screens of the game below. Yoshi's Island 2 will be released in stores on November 13th. Images: Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 1 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 2 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 3 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 4 Yoshi's Island 2 Screenshot 5 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:32 PM [Top] New Kirby: Squeak Squad Screenshot [ Nintendo ] Kirby's back and ready for a bellyful of adventure. When someone steals some strawberry shortcake, the pink powerhouse sets out after them, learning new skills. Players can expect all the floating, jumping and battling of a classic Kirby game, but this time, Kirby's copy abilities have been massively boosted. Not only can players mix and match copy abilities by using the stylus to drag them together inside Kirby's copy center (located on the touch screen), but the powers themselves now have the ability to affect the environment, as well as foes. Burn trees and grasses with the Fire ability or freeze water with the Ice ability. In sub-game mode, this game also features multiplayer fun for up to four players, using either Multi-Card or DS Download Play over DS Local Area Network. Check out a new screenshot of the game below. Kirby: Squeak Squad will be released for the Nintendo DS on December 4th. Images: Kirby: Squeak Squad Screenshot Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:31 PM [Top] New Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screens [ Nintendo ] The epic story of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker™ continues as Link finds himself lost and alone in unknown seas in a new adventure. Featuring intuitive touch-screen controls and innovative puzzles, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass offers new challenges for fans of the series and an easy-to-grasp introduction for gamers new to The Legend of Zelda. But time grows short, and only the Phantom Hourglass can buy Link the minutes he’ll need to survive. The stylus makes controlling Link easier than ever. Tap on the screen to make Link move, or sweep the stylus around him to swing the sword. Players can even draw a path for his boomerang and send it flying into hard-to-reach targets. Players can stash the map on the top screen for quick reference or drop it to the touch screen to make notes, study enemies, or chart a path for their boat to follow while they man the cannons. Compete with a friend over a local wireless connection: Guide Link through special dungeons to capture the Triforce, or command the forces that oppose him. Check out the latest screens of the game below. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is scheduled to hit stores in Q4 of 2006. Images: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 1 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 2 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 3 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Screenshot 4 Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:26 PM [Top] New Zelda Twilight Princess Wii Screens [ Nintendo ] Link, a young man raised as a wrangler in a small, rural village, is ordered by the mayor to attend the Hyrule Summit. He sets off, oblivious to the dark fate that has descended upon the kingdom. When he enters the Twilight Realm that has covered Hyrule, he transforms into a wolf and is captured. A mysterious figure named Midna helps him break free. With the aid of her magic, they set off to free the land from the shadows. When an evil darkness enshrouds the land of Hyrule, a young farm boy named Link must awaken the hero - and the animal - within. Here's some new screens of the Wii version from Leipzig. Images: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 1 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 2 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 3 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 4 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 5 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 6 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 7 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 8 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 9 The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Screen 10 Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:24 PM [Top] Mario Strikers Charged Images [ Nintendo ] Arguably the biggest thing revealed by Nintendo at today's Leipzig Games Convention was a new Mario Strikers game for the Wii. You can see the video a couple news stories below, but you can also check out these cool images of what will surely be a huge hit on the Wii (whenever the shit it gets released). Images: Mario Strikers Charged Logo Mario Strikers Charged Character Art Mario Strikers Charged Screenshot (with random kid) Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 16:14 PM [Top] Spider-Man: Battle for New York Boxart [ Activision ] Spider-Man: Battle for New York allows gamers to take on the role of their favorite Super Hero, Spider-Man, and one of his famed nemeses, Green Goblin, in an original storyline which builds upon their legendary comic book rivalry. For the first time in a handheld Spider-Man game, players can personalize their gaming experiences by choosing what abilities and powers to upgrade and when, such as Spider-Man’s web maneuvers or Green Goblin’s fire attacks, as they progress through the game. Playing as both good and evil, gamers will experience levels packed with frenzied action, in-depth combat and a host of unique super moves as they embark on the ultimate quest to save New York City from almost certain disaster. Check out the game's boxart below, and watch for the title to swing into stores this fall for the Nintendo DS and GBA. Images: Spider-Man: Battle for New York Boxart (DS) Spider-Man: Battle for New York Boxart (GBA) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 15:52 PM [Top] Leipzig Press Conference Video w/ Mario Strikers Charged [ Jeux-France ] So, you've been sitting there since this morning wondering about Mario Strikers Charged and how it's going to look, are you? Fear not, because our friends at Jeux-France have come through with a video (which you can reach by clicking the source link) showing off Nintendo's Wii presentation during this morning's press conference, where they debuted and demoed for the very first time the latest Mario sports title. Nintendo was also kind enough to reveal that the game will make use of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online play. While no footage was shown of Battalion Wars II, it was revealed that that game would feature new units, new theaters of combat (land, sea, and for the first time, air combat), six different armies to choose from, and best of all, online multiplayer. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 14:58 PM [Top] New Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailers [ GameCube Café ] We know you're sick of all of these Rayman trailers with the insane Rabbids proving they cannot do something, and thus proceeding to emit an ear-piercing scream, then commence disco dancing. However, you gotta admit that they're pretty funny. Ubisoft has just released two more, and while one follows the same formula as the others, the new one (made especially for the Leipzig Games Convention) is pretty cool. Check out the trailers below by downloading them to your hard drive. Rayman: Raving Rabbids will be a launch title for the Nintendo Wii. Video: Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailer 1 (5.9 MB) Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailer 2 (21.6 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 14:51 PM [Top] Konami Announces Lost In Blue II [ Konami ] Konami has officially announced that Lost In Blue II, the sequel to the unique adventure RPG released last year, it on its way again to the Nintendo DS. The game will follow the same structure as the original, seeing a young man finding a young girl on a deserted island, where together they must find a way to survive. The sequel will feature more extensive touch screen support, as well as new attributes for the game's characters, as well as a real-time weather feature with realistic climate changes and weather, such as storms and hurricanes. Lost in Blue II is set to hit stores in early 2007. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 14:02 PM [Top] Star Fox Command Updated Game Info [ Nintendo ] A menacing new evil has emerged from the toxic oceans of Venom, and now Fox McCloud and his elite team of pilots must reunite to defend Lylat from a massive invasion. This time, Fox returns to his roots with Star Fox Command, a blistering 3-D space shooter on the Nintendo DS. Lylat needs help! Fly with Fox McCloud in an advanced Arwing fighter and dogfight through an armada of hostile ships in the depths of space and high over enemy skies. Star Fox Command brings a whole new strategic element to the series with a commander's view of the mission. Players use the touch screen to draw the routes their fighter wing will take, then battle any enemies they encounter as they take over bases and strategically advance across the map. Players can blow their friends out of the sky! Dogfight with up to five players over local wireless or take on three other players from around the world on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Star Fox Command boasts a deep, branching storyline with memorable characters and multiple endings. The main plot of the story unfolds as follows... Years ago, a scientist named Andross went mad with power. Defeated by Star Fox and banished to the toxic planet of Venom, he dedicated his life to terraforming Venom into a lush, green world that his grandchildren would be happy to call home. Shut off from the rest of the galaxy and hated by all, Andross and his dream were eventually forgotten. Fast-forward to the present day. A group of aliens called the Anglars, who discovered a way to survive in the toxic Venom Sea, launch an all-out assault on the Lylat system. The Cornerian military turns to team Star Fox for help but are shocked to find that personal issues have forced the team to disband. Fox McCloud, the team leader, agrees to take on the Anglar threat alone ... but soon finds himself overwhelmed. After some consideration, he agrees to regroup the team and take another run at the Anglars. But in order to enter the Venom Sea and take out the Anglars, team Star Fox will need to find the device invented by Andross so long ago. Can they do it? Will the team survive long enough to put aside their personal differences and fight as one? The world waits... Fox McCloud is the hero of the day, but Star Fox Command also features a host of new and returning friends and foes. Returning characters are Falco, Krystal, Slippy, Bill, Wolf, ROB, Leon, Peppy and Katt. New characters are Octoman, Lucy, Dash, Amanda and Emperor Anglar. In a first for the series, Star Fox Command uses a hybrid real-time and turn-based battle system to give gamers the fight of their lives. While flying, players steer their Arwing and drop bombs with the touch screen, while firing their main cannons with the A, B, X, Y, L or R buttons. And if they need to evade incoming fire, they rub the touch screen for a barrel roll. During the real-time combat sections, the touch screen is the radar, showing the locations of allies, enemies and items. But don't stare at it too long ... if players run out of time, their mission will end in failure. Between fights, players plan strategies for up to four pilots by drawing their flight paths on the touch screen. Players must keep their heads and plot the best course – they'll often need to intercept an enemy on the quick. They also must keep an eye on their resources. They may need to pick up fuel or missiles as they soar through the skies. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 13:41 PM [Top] Batallion Wars Wii Revealed [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has now revealed a new Battalion Wars game for the Nintendo Wii. Entitled Batallion Wars 2 (or BWii, for short), the game will make use of the Wii Remote for an unmatched tactical shooter experience. More to come. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 5:23 AM [Top] Super Mario Strikers Wii Revealed [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has officially revealed a new Super Mario Strikers title for the Nintendo Wii. The game will feature playable characters such as Mario, Bowser, Peach, and Donkey Kong, as well as the same good old-fashioned arcade soccer action. Players will use the Wii Remote to do actual soccer activities like passes, shots, and blocks. The name? Mario Strikers: Charged. Stay tuned for more. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 5:20 AM [Top] Nintendo Announces European Release of Pink DS Lite [ Nintendo ] Nintendo just announced at their "Wii Prove our Promise" press breifing at the Leipzig Games Convention that the Nintendo DS Lite will be in the pink later this year. The new pink hue is just for the ladies, and will join new European launches of DS titles such as Actionloop (the new name of Magnetica), Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, and English Training. The new Lite launches across Europe on October 27th. More to come. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 4:56 AM [Top] Mulitplayer Elebits [ IGN Wii ] Fresh out of the Leipzig flood of news, Konami has released a new trailer of Elebits featuring four players controlling streams of gravity in the game. No other information was given. We'll have more as it breaks. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, August 23 2006 4:24 AM [Top] Ubisoft Announces Asphalt: Urban GT 2 [ UbiSoft ] Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it will publish Gameloft’s Asphalt: Urban GT 2, a driving simulation game for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Nintendo DS. Asphalt: Urban GT 2 is developed by Virtuos and Game Source and will be available for the DS in November 2006 and the PSP in March 2007. Asphalt: Urban GT has been critically acclaimed for its generous content and engaging game play and instantly became a hit new racing brand (selected 2005 Best mobile Racing/Driving game by IGN). Asphalt: Urban GT 2 shifts into gear with six game modes, numerous tuning possibilities, 30 tracks and 36 licensed cars and motorcycles – taking handheld racing simulations to a new level. To keep the action hot, Asphalt: Urban GT 2 features music from Moby and music and appearances from the Pussycat Dolls. “Ubisoft is excited to introduce the follow up to one of the best selling racing games on the Nintendo DS,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. “Asphalt Urban GT 2 is the most feature-rich racing game available for handhelds and will provide gamers with an exhilarating street racing experience.” Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, August 22 2006 23:23 PM [Top] Activision Announces New Over The Hedge Game [ Activision ] Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts! is an all-new adventure based on the woodland creatures from DreamWorks Animation’s hit film “Over the Hedge." Fan favorite Hammy the squirrel leads RJ the raccoon, Verne the turtle and all-new forest friends on another daring trip into the ‘burbs. When Hammy’s beloved cable TV goes out, his buddies have to scramble through the neighborhood to restore the signal—and Hammy’s happiness. Over the Hedge: Hammy Goes Nuts! for the Nintendo DS is rated “E" (“Everyone" – Comic Mischief) by the ESRB, and the GBA version is rated “E" (“Everyone") by the ESRB. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, August 22 2006 0:47 AM [Top] Atlus Announces Bomberman Land Touch! [ Atlus ] Atlus today announced the acquisition of the North American publishing rights to Bomberman Land Touch!, an action-adventure game for the Nintendo DS. Bomberman Land Touch! is a family-friendly action-adventure packed with explosive excitement! In the Story Mode, explore Bomber Island while solving unique puzzles, chatting with rival characters, and engaging in 36 different one-to-four-player “attractions” with action, racing, sports, and other themes. In Attraction Mode, enjoy any of the attractions you’ve unlocked in the Story Mode. In the Battle Mode, play classic multiplayer Bomberman with two to eight players via Wireless Single-Card or Multi-Card Play, or two to four players via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. • Touch Screen controls! Story Mode and Attraction Mode take full advantage of the Touch Screen and stylus. • Colorful Cast of Characters! Besides everybody’s favorite, the classic Bomberman, there are tons of interesting characters to interact with. • Up to 8-Player Wireless Single-Card Play! Attraction Mode and the Battle Mode both support multiplayer action with only one Game Card required! • Incredible longevity! A 15-hour Story Mode, 36 stages in the Attraction Mode, and 20 stages in the Battle Mode. Check out the first screens of the game below. Bomberman Land Touch! is set for release in early November 2006 Images: Bomberman Land Touch! Screenshot 1 Bomberman Land Touch! Screenshot 2 Bomberman Land Touch! Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 19:28 PM [Top] Wii Game Set for TGS [ IGN Wii ] Due to the fact that Nintendo will (as usual) not be exhibiting their wares at this year's Tokyo Game Show, it was looking very likely that the Wii, despite its strong E3 showing and subsequent positive reaction from Japanese gamers and press, would be a no-show at the event. Not so, says Marvelous Interactive, as they have announced they will be debuting the latest in the long-running Harvest Moon franchise, made exclusively for the Wii, at the event. It is not yet known if the game will be playable, or merely shown off in video form. Stay tuned for more on the game when TGS rolls around in September. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 19:19 PM [Top] Preorder Bonus for Pokémon Mystery Dungeon [ Nintendo ] Have you ordered your copy of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon yet? If so, great! If not, what are you waiting for? It's the first ever Pokémon game where you play as an actual Pokémon. If that's not enough to whet your gaming appetite, Nintendo is offering everyone who pre-orders the game (by placing a deposit at select retailers) a Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescuer's Guide, featuring a game preview and other Pokémon information. Pokémon games always sell about a bajillion copies, so you'll want to order early. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team plays on the new Nintendo DS Lite and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team plays on Game Boy® Advance SP. Both let you play as a Pokémon and talk to other Pokémon as you encounter randomly generated dungeons and work through the engaging storyline. Both versions launch Sept. 18 and are Rated E for Everyone. Starting Sept. 12, The Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide for Pokémon Mystery Dungeon will be available at retail. Readers will find all kinds of helpful information, including in-depth details about all Pokémon and where they can be found in the game, full walk-throughs of every dungeon and advanced battle tips. For more information about the game, visit the games' official website. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 19:15 PM [Top] Nintendo Reveals its Dark Secret [ Nintendo ] A new Nintendo DS game is arriving with the stealth befitting a ninja assassin. Tenchu: Dark Secret, made exclusively for Nintendo DS sneaks up on you – then grabs you by the throat. Be on your guard because it launches today. Keep in mind you can't just find a ninja on any old street corner. Thus, it'll take skill and knowledge to obtain Tenchu: Dark Secret. The game, Rated T for Teen, will be available exclusively at GameStop and EB Games stores nationally. Princess Shizu is a young woman married to a cruel warlord. After an attempt on her life, you must use your ninja skills to play through 40 missions to protect her and reveal her would-be killers. You can strike with a sword, plant secret grenades and even construct your own weapons. If you're running low on supplies in your single-player missions, connect to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service. There you can meet with friends and strangers to buy, sell and trade important items. The only thing more fun than playing as a ninja is fighting another ninja for supremacy. Just meet with another player on a local wireless connection and match wits until one of you reigns supreme. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 19:13 PM [Top] Final Fantasy III Release Date Announced [ Square-Enix ] Square-Enix has officially announced the release date for the highly-anticipated remake of Final Fantasy III, set for the Nintendo DS. The game will hit stores on November 14th, just in time for the holiday rush (and the Wii's launch, perhaps?). Final Fantasy III for the DS marks the first time that the 3rd Japanese installment of the legendary RPG franchise will be released in North America, with an overhauled 3D graphics engine, an evolved storyline, and the ability to send your friends messages over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in order to unlock new dungeons, items, and features. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 19:06 PM [Top] Happy Birthday Eric! [ GameCube Café ] Where oh where does the time go? It seems just like yesterday that Eric was only 22. Of course, that's probably because he was 22 yesterday, but that's only a minor detail. We're happy to have Eric here at GCC and he has proved to be quite an important part of our team. All of us here at the site wish you a happy 23rd birthday. Enjoy it, or I'll beat you with you with your shoe. And you know I'll do it. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 15:35 PM [Top] Nintendo Changes Zelda Control Scheme [ IGN Wii ] For everyone who was disappointed that you couldn't swing your controller for sword slashes in Twilight Princess, be disappointed no more. Although initially stating that users might get tired using the remote to swing the sword, Miyamoto now says this control scheme makes it "more interesting." Since the B button is freed up from sword attacks, shooting the bow and arrow has been moved from the D-pad to the B button for easier access. Many at E3 felt that the D-pad arrow shooting was too difficult. Which version of Twilight Princess would Miyamoto prefer to play? The Wii version, although he adds the GameCube version will still be quite fun. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 15:25 PM [Top] Miyamoto Comes Clean on Past Nintendo Projects [ IGN Wii ] In honor of Nintendo Dream's 10th anniversary, game legend Shigeru Miyamoto came clean on what happened to several projects of Nintendo's past: -Super Mario 64 2: Miyamoto was questioned about this game, and if it was supposed to be made on the 64DD with Luigi in it. He responded that some of it has gone on to be part of other games, and that from the start of developing Mario 64, Luigi was indeed moving together with Mario. However, they couldn't get it into a working form of a game. -Super Mario 128: Mario 128 essentially was technology from the original Mario 128 demo around when the GameCube first debuted. The demo featured many Marios running on a spherical surface, with much of that technology now being part of Super Mario Galaxy. The feeling of gravity in Mario Galaxy also originated from the Mario 128 tests. -Project Cabbage: A lesser known project on the 64DD by Shigesato Itoi (Earthbound) and Tsunekazu Ishihara (Pokemon). The game was a pet-breeding simiulator, with many elements now forming Nintendogs. Itoi and Ishihara "got busy," according to Miyamoto, and the 64DD was of course a failed peripheral. -Marionette: A project for GameCube that, despite initial reaction to the name, was not Mario based. The game featured the player manipulating marionette characters, but they discovered they couldn't make it work very well and not in a way that would last. Although only known previously as a GameCube project, Miyamoto states that they were working originally with the N64 controller. Although they are not working on it anymore, he does go on to say that it would be better suited today for the Wii, and a strong story would be helpful. -Stage Debut: Originally a 64DD title known as "Talent Maker" later cropped up on the GameCube with a GBA camera. Even though the game was cancelled, we've seen its technology recently. Miyamoto mentioned that the technology of Stage Debut helped to put in character models in Wii Sports Tennis. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 15:18 PM [Top] GameCube Wiimakes? [ IGN Wii ] In an interview with Nintendo Dream, Miyamoto stated that we may see some games from GameCube remade onto the Wii and sold low prices. These "Wiimakes" would have full support of the Wii remote. Some may not care about this news, but if the Wii is a runaway success, it could give new life to GameCube titles that didn't do well even if they were oustanding games. The first of these Wiimakes is sometimes referred to as Twilight Princess, but one could argue that is not the case for this game and it will have the best version on the Wii. Time will tell as we get closer to the Wii launch. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, August 21 2006 15:03 PM [Top] Liepzeig Hints On What to Expect From Nintendo [ IGN Wii ] IGN Wii has clued us in on what Nintendo might be planning for their speech "Wii Prove Our Promise" later this week at the Liepzeig Games Conference. The official invitation states the following: 8/23/06 Games Convention / Messe Leipzig 10:15, Nintendo Booth, Hall 5, F01 Be there when a new chapter is turned in the history of gaming. Dive into the world of Wii and make yourself a picture of the animated future of gaming. Games that will touch generations. Wii and where? At the press show of the Games Convention, to which we hereby invite you cordially. So, what can we gather from this? It's plausible that, as rumored, Nintendo will announce a new line of Touch Generations games for the Wii. The "Wii and where?" statement suggests a possible play on "when and where," perhaps suggesting we will indeed get global release dates. As for what else to expect, or even if these guesses are accurate, we'll know on Wednesday morning. We didn't get an official invite ourselves, as we don't have anybody in Europe to attend so we didn't bother applying to get in, but rest assured that our super-dedicated team of editors will be up at the crack of dawn on Wednesday providing real-time updates on what gets announced in Germany. Stay tuned for updates from Liepzeig all week as they become available. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Sunday, August 20 2006 21:25 PM [Top] New Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailers [ GameCube Café ] Rayman: Raving Rabbids is the latest in Ubisoft's famed Rayman series, and promises to be his biggest adventure ever. When a race of evil alien bunnies plots world domination, Rayman must jump into action, with the power of the Wii Remote to guide him along the way. Bash and smash enemies, change your costume, heck, even dance! Rayman: Raving Rabbids is set to be released as a launch title for the Nintendo Wii. Check out two new short trailers for the game below by downloading them to your hard drive. Video: Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailer 1 (1.1 MB) Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailer 2 (1.2 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, August 20 2006 1:56 AM [Top] Raid Over the River Video [ GameCube Café ] Polish developer Nibris has gained a lot of attention for announcing several projects exclusive to Nintendo's consoles, but as of yet we have not seen any of these games in motion. That is, until now. Nibris has officially revealed the first gameplay footage of their first DS title, Raid Over the River, which you can check out below. While it's extremely short at a mere 8 seconds long, it's certainly quite impressive, and gives us a lot of hope for the final game, as well as Nibris's future offerings. Check it out below by downloading it to your hard drive. Video: Raid Over the River Video (2.0 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 17 2006 20:49 PM [Top] The Force is Strong with DS [ Ubisoft ] Ubisoft has officially announced that a brand-new Star Wars game exclusively for handheld consoles is in development. Entitled Star Wars: Lethal Alliance, the game will be set in between Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Players take on the role of Twi’lek Rianna Saren and her security droid Zeeo, who have been hired by the fledgling Rebel Alliance. This deadly duo must work together to infiltrate Imperial planets and fight legions of evil fiends. Our heroes' ultimate goal: Uncover the Empire’s most deadly secret - a certain battlestation that looks a heck of a lot like a moon. Combine the elite weaponry and acrobatic skills of Rianna with the multifunctional defensive and slicing support of Zeeo to create a formidable team. Only by working together can you complete perilous missions and ultimately steal the plans for the Death Star. From the chaotic planet of Coruscant to the dusty, dangerous alleys of Mos Eisley, Rianna and Zeeo must use an arsenal of tricks to complete their mission. Set up holographic disguises to fool Imperial guards, commandeer gun turrets, master death-defying flying escapes and battle carnivorous beasts. Multiplayer modes enhance collaborative gameplay, while your mission takes you to classic destinations such as the Death Star and Tatooine, and allows you to discover never-before-seen locations on Despayre, Danuta and Alderaan. Each new environment offers encounters with unforgettable Star Wars characters and species, including Boba Fett, Kyle Katarn, Princess Leia Organa, Darth Vader, Imperial officers, Rodians, Quarren and stormtroopers. Star Wars: Lethal Alliance will be released worldwide for the Nintendo DS this December. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 17 2006 19:38 PM [Top] Sonic Wildfire Renamed [ Sega ] At E3, Sega revealed an exclusive Sonic title for the Nintendo Wii: Sonic Wildfire, which used the Wiimore as a steering wheel to move the ever-speedy Sonic through obstacles. However, while the name was certainly cool enough already, Sega maintained it was merely a working title. Now, Sega has revealed their lineup for next week's Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, and with it, reveals the official title of Sonic's Wii debut. Sonic Wildfire is now...Sonic and the Secret Rings. Okay, it's a tad lame, but the game looks pretty sweet so we'll let it slide. Sonic and the Secret Rings is scheduled for release shortly after the Wii launches. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 17 2006 10:16 AM [Top] No Cube Controller for Zelda on Wii [ Nintendo ] It's been heavily discussed since E3 if The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess's excursion onto the Wii would also allow gamers to use the standard GameCube controller, as opposed to merely the Wiimote. Well, an interview with Nintendo's VP of marketing, George Harrison, during Nintendo's yearly Camp Hyrule online event, reveals some bad news: the Wii build of Zelda will only be compatible with the Wiimote, and not the GCN controller. You can certainly play the GCN build on the Wii (minus the lovely 16x9 widescreen mode), but for those wanting standard controls with the Wii version, you should look elsewhere. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will launch this fall for the GameCube and as a launch title for the Nintendo Wii. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 17 2006 10:08 AM [Top] n-Space Wants You [ n-Space ] Got game talent? Well you may want to talk to n-Space. The company has several titles in development for the Wii, and is looking to expand its size. The company, known for its ghostly shooter, Geist, is looking to add artists, engineers, and production designers to its 70-person team. Those wishing to apply can click on the source link. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, August 15 2006 17:08 PM [Top] Diet Software for the Wii? [ IGN Wii ] It should come as no surprise that with "non-games" like Brain Age and Big Brain Academy on the DS that the Wii would receive some of its own "non-games." Bloomberg has reported that Nintendo has several of these kinds of titles in development for the Wii, specifically mentioning dieting software. Maybe we will see an expansion of the Touch Generations titles for the Wii. Look for more info next week at Leipzig. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, August 15 2006 17:03 PM [Top] Wii for Sub-$200? [ IGN Wii ] Ah, the speculation is still rampant in the run-up to the Leipzig Games Convention. In a new report by Tokyo-based Nikko Citigroup on Nintendo's rising stock, the company estimates a price of about 19,800 yen for the Wii. That translates to $170 here in the states. Even though this isn't confirmation of the Wii's price, and conversion rates don't translate into what actual prices may be, this would probably put the Wii around $175-200 here in the U.S. Certainly good news, but time will tell if this pans out. Hopefully all will be known next week at Leipzig. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, August 15 2006 16:58 PM [Top] Yoshi's Island 2 Boxart [ Nintendo ] Return to the colorful wilds of Yoshi's Island in a new platforming adventure for Nintendo DS. Saddle up for adventure. This time, Baby Mario, Baby Donkey Kong and Baby Peach are along for the ride – and each one gives Yoshi access to unique powers while they cling to his back. Thanks to the power of Nintendo DS, all of the lush vistas and perilous paths of Yoshi's Island span two screens. A mysterious floating island has suddenly appeared over peaceful Yoshi's Island. Soon after its arrival, a gaggle of kids vanishes from the island school. Thankfully, Baby Mario, Baby Peach and Baby Donkey Kong manage to avoid being kidnapped. Now, Yoshi and the three young superstars must set out on a wild and colorful quest to rescue the kids and investigate the ominous island hovering overhead. The game's boxart reveals two new characters taking part in the game: Baby Bowser, and for the first time ever, Baby Wario. It also reveals that Yoshi's Island 2 will be compatible with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, but in what way is not yet known. Check out the boxart below, and watch for the sequel to one of the greatest 2D platformers of all time when it releases on November 13th. Images: Yoshi's Island 2 Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, August 12 2006 19:00 PM [Top] CEA Forms Advisory to Explore Gaming Event Options [ BusinessWire ] The Consumer Electronics Association, the owner and producer of the International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, announced today that it is forming an advisory committee to solicit gaming industry feedback and explore the viability of a West Coast event in late spring 2007 focused on the gaming and entertainment marketplace. CEA attracts 2,700 member companies and exhibitors to its International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) - a majority of whom are active in both the entertainment and gaming categories. In fact, more than 11 percent (17,800) of those who attended the 2006 International CES expressed specific interest in gaming and gaming products. "Since ESA decided to eliminate the E3 event in its known format, we have been deluged with inquiries on whether we could fill the tradeshow needs of smaller video entertainment companies," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Our executive board met yesterday and unanimously asked staff to explore ways that we can help the gaming community." Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, August 11 2006 5:24 AM [Top] Call of Duty 3 Logo [ Activision ] The follow-up to the #1 next-generation game, Call of Duty 3 delivers the intensity of being closer than ever to the fury of combat during the Normandy Breakout, the historic campaign that made the liberation of Paris possible and brought the Allies a step closer to Berlin. Through a seamless narrative that delivers the rush of unrelenting battle and breathtaking action, players assume the roles of four ordinary Allied soldiers—American, British, Canadian and Polish—and are thrust onto an authentic, living battlefield for an unprecedented variety of combat, with advanced high-definition graphics, detailed character animations and explosive on-screen action, delivering the most immersive and cinematically intense war experience ever. Check out the game's logo below. Call of Duty 3 will be a launch title for the Nintendo Wii. Images: Call of Duty 3 Logo Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, August 10 2006 13:16 PM [Top] Brain Age Sets New World Record [ Nintendo ] The latest craze to sweep the planet is Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day for the portable Nintendo DS. Selling more than 4 million units worldwide, including 600,000 in the Americas, 3 million in Japan and 500,000 in Europe, the top-selling title redefines how millions of people now think about video gaming. Brain Age first took Japan by storm with its edition that includes a series of math and memory puzzles designed to keep the mind agile. Even after selling 3 million copies in the 15 months since launch, Japanese sales are not showing any signs of slowing. The title was launched in the Americas and Europe this year and maintains a similar trend of steady weekly sales. Around the world, game players, baby boomers and seniors are intent on keeping their minds sharp by making Brain Age part of their daily routine. For many of them, Brain Age is the first video game they'v