The object of the Wario Ware games is to complete a series of super-short minigames in the fastest amount of time. That experience will now be brought to Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with the brand-new Wario Ware stage. During gameplay, the stage will randomly change into a Wario Ware minigame, which the players must complete, or take damage. For each cleared, there is a "reward", but Sakurai didn't specify what. Either way, this looks to be one of the most unique stages in Smash history. Check out some screens of it below.
THQ today announced Worms: A Space Oddity, the newest iteration of the popular turn-based strategy game, is scheduled for release in spring 2008. Retaining the humor synonymous with the Worms brand, Worms: A Space Oddity marks the franchise debut on the Wii with a fresh visual style, new environmental settings, intuitive controls and even more customization options. Players will be closer to the action than ever before, launching attacks through a wide range of gesture-based maneuvers only possible with the Wii Remote.
In Worms: A Space Oddity, players will enjoy the ultimate blend of classic Worms game modes and re-invented single-player missions, as well as multiplayer modes that include a host of all-new party games and even more customization options. The game takes advantage of the Wii's intuitive controls, on-screen hints and the redesigned interface with an in-game help system. Worms: A Space Oddity demonstrates significant visual, technical and design advancement over its predecessors with a new visual style that abandons the traditional drawn approach and replaces it with a distinctive style inspired by classic Sci-Fi looks. The Worms battles take place across six planets, each with its own, unique environments and global events. The online multiplayer experience pits up to four Worms fiends from all over the world against each other.
Worms: A Space Oddity is being developed by Team17 Software Ltd out of West Yorkshire, UK.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 30 2007 21:43 PM [Top]
In today's Dojo update, it's revealed that winged characters such as Pit, Meta Knight, and Charizard will be able to take to the sky and glide throughout the arena. To glide, simply execute a double jump, holding the button on the second jump. Players can control the trajectory of their flight by pressing up and down on the control stick - however, they cannot turn around. Also, the flight will be canceled if they stall out or get attacked in mid-air.
Check out some screens of gliding in action below.
Developer Camelot is no stranger to Nintendo, having worked on many top games like Golden Sun, Mario Power Tennis, and Mario Golf Toadstool Tour. Now, Camelot is once again hitting the links with the Wii, as they are creating a brand-new golfing title for the console. However, Mario, and Nintendo for that matter, are nowhere to be found.
Published by Capcom, Wii Love Golf has more in common with Camelot's original golf title, Hot Shots Golf, released way back on the PS1, combining the controls of Wii Sports Golf with the features of a standard golf game. The game also features colorful anime-inspired character designs. Camelot states in an interview with Famitsu that they have created the best playing Golf game on the console. We'll have to see if that remains true when the game is released in Japan this winter. Check out a scan below.
Level 5 has quickly become one of the biggest developers in Japan, on the heels of major hits like Dragon Quest VIII for PS2 and Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village for the DS. Now, the company has announced that it is not only working on a Professor Layton sequel, but another new Nintendo DS title that merges the worlds of RPGS and...soccer?
Called Inazuma Eleven (Inazuma: Japanese for lightning), the game forces players to create teams and gauge the abilities and emotions of their teammates. Over 1000 characters can be recruited for the team, some harder to recuit then others. Actual soccer matches are completely stylus-controlled, and the game also uses a unique turn-based system for one-on-one confrontations. The game also features local wireless multiplayer - no Nintendo Wi-Fi yet.
The game is currently without a release date. Check out some scans below.
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine has revealed a brand-new RPG for the Wii, to be published in Japan by Marvelous Interactive. Previously codenamed "Project O", Ousama Monogatari (King Story) will be a title that combines simulation gameplay with RPG elements. Playing as a young boy who becomes a king by finding a magic crown, players will be charged with increasing the size of their kingdom, keeping their townspeople happy, and fending off enemy attacks. The title also has quite the pedigree, as Marvelous is enlisting staff from games such as Final Fantasy XII, Dragon Quest VIII, and the Harvest Moon series on the project. The game is set for release in 2008, and you can check out the first scans of the game below.
The game formerly known as Donkey Kong: Bongo Blast for the GameCube now has a boxart on the Wii. DK: Barrel Blast uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in shaking motions to race through jungle environments and...stuff. Still no word on if it'll support the Bongo Drums. The game hits shelves October 8.
And the latest training game has a new boxart. Nintendo's pseudo-follow up to Brain Age and Big Brain Academy, Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day. Fast, fun activities and quick-play sports challenges give eyes the challenging workout they need. Check out the boxart below, as always. The game launches October 15.
Somebody must have told Nintendo that the original Super Mario Galaxy boxart was kinda weak, so they went ahead and made a new one, and it's a lot cooler looking. Check it out below. As you likely know, Super Mario Galaxy invades North American Wiis in November.
Fire Emblem Wii Gets a Name (and a Factsheet) [ Nintendo ]
So Nintendo has decided to put out a new fact sheet on the upcoming Wii Fire Emblem game, now officially titled Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn. Here's what whoever writes these things wants you to about the game:
Three years have passed since the great war that ended in the death of Mad King Ashnard. His country of Daein suffers under the rule of the war's victors. Now, a small band of freedom fighters struggle to end the long, dark night of Daein's oppression. Micaiah, Sothe and a host of others - the infamous "Dawn Brigade" - rally under the banner of Daein's long-lost prince to bring a new day to this ravaged land.
* Command the Dawn Brigade and learn the story of their struggle. Then, gain a new perspective by joining Ike and the Greil Mercenaries as they watch Daein's battles spread throughout all of Tellius. * Players can shape their armies to suit their strategy by choosing from dozens of unique characters. Should they use close-range attacks, like the brash Edward's sword, or attack from afar using Leonardo's bow or Ilyana's lightning magic? * Players can build support relationships between their characters - as their relationships grow, so do their strengths as they fight together on the battlefield. Players should guide their armies wisely, because if a character falls on the battlefield, he or she is lost forever.
How to progress through the game: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn is a turn-based strategy game with a fantasy setting. Players alternate turns with the computer opponent, moving pieces (units) and attacking enemy units on the battlefield. There are dozens of units and different weapons and magic spells, each with its own strategic benefits: armored knights wield swords, fast-moving mounted cavaliers can use swords and lances, unarmed monks use healing staves, and so on. As units grow closer together in the story, players can initiate support conversations to enhance their effectiveness together.
Characters: Two groups dominate the storyline: the Dawn Brigade, made up of Micaiah, Sothe and other new characters, and the Greil Mercenaries: Ike, Mist, Shinon, Rolf and other familiar faces from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. Additionally, the laguz characters from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance return. Ranulf, of the beast tribe, is joined by the new Skrimir. The leadership of the other tribes also appear in critical roles. Zelgius, who (as the Black Knight) killed Ike's father, returns in his true identity as one of the primary antagonists.
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: In addition to the traditional game play seen in previous Fire Emblem games, Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn introduces new strategic elements. For example, the magic system from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance now includes elemental magic that follows the "trinity of magic" from earlier Fire Emblem games. Players familiar with the series remember that healing units and untransformed laguz were unable to counterattack when struck by foes. Now, these units have a special move that can be used only when attacked. These units can defend themselves, even if they cannot initiate an attack.
New skills customize units with special abilities that allow them to attack multiple times, move through foes (who typically block the path) and much more. Skills can be assigned to any unit, but because each unit can have a limited number, players will need to be careful in how they assign them. Additionally, the game now includes a terrain-height system that allows characters to move from low ground to high (on certain levels). High ground features special advantages against foes below.
Several other new features enhance the Wii version: The game now supports 16:9 widescreen (newly added for North America), giving players a better view of the battlefield. Trailer cinemas have been added in key sequences to help add to the cinematic and epic feel of the game. A new "Battle Save" function allows novice players to create a permanent save mid-battle. This feature is new to the Fire Emblem series and is designed to make the game more accessible to new gamers. Additionally, players have a number of controller options, from using the Wii Remote on its own (vertically or horizontally) to using a Classic Controller or even a Nintendo GameCube controller (for fans who were familiar with the controls from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance). Find the game in North America on November 5.
Smash Bros. Update - Pokémon Trainer Special Moves [ Smash Bros. Dojo ]
The Dojo's newest update details the wide variety of special moves that can be done by the new Pokémon Trainer and his trio of Pokémon. As stated before, each Pokémon has three special moves (a normal, up, and side special) making for nine special moves in total, and each Pokémon can be swapped out with the Pokémon Change ability (down special). Squirtle's up special is Waterfall, with which he can shoot a massive plume of water which Squirtle then rides. His side special is Withdraw, which works much like a Koopa shell in that Squirtle retracts into his shell and slides along the ground.
As for Ivysaur, his normal special attack is the Bullet Seed, which allows him to shoot a barrage of seeds straight up in the air. His up special is the trademark Vine Whip attack, allowing him to both grab enemies and also ledges for a recovery.
Lastly, we come to Charizard. His standard special move is a Charizard signature, the Flamethrower attack, with which he shoots a mighty wave of damaging flames. Charizard can also use the Rock Smash attack, letting him break rocks with his head.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 29 2007 8:23 AM [Top]
Smash Bros. Update - Andross and Special Moves [ Smash Bros. Dojo ]
It's another double update over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website, starting with a brand-new assist trophy. Andross, the main villain from Star Fox and Star Fox 64, will make an appearance in his Star Fox incarnation. Much like he did in the game, Andross will suck in a large number of tiles, then spit them back out at the hapless players, causing damage.
Also, the site has posted info about how to perform the game's special moves. While every self-respecting Smash player already knows how to do this, what's more interesting is that Meta Knight's various special moves are revealed. His normal special move is a spinning sword attack called the Mach Tornado. His side move is a dashing strike called the Triple Dash. His up move, or recovery move, is an upward slash called the Shuttle Loop. Lastly, his down move is a protective shield called the Dimension Cape.
Today's launch of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for Wii marks the end of a trilogy – and the start of the most active and dynamic Metroid adventure yet. With the motion-sensitive Wii Remote, you become one with heroine Samus Aran's powerful arm cannon, while the Nunchuk can literally yank armor off enemies.
The rich story requires players to use their heads as much as their hands. Complex puzzles, tough enemies and new challenges put players inside the visor of the story's heroine. As deadly Phazon threatens to corrupt Samus, she harnesses its power and attacks her enemies with superpowered weapons. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption features voice acting, new bounty hunters and three adjustable control settings for players of all skill levels.
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, rated T for Teen, launches today exclusively for Wii. For more information about Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, visit www.Metroid.com.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 27 2007 22:38 PM [Top]
Three sequels hit the Virtual Console this week, and they are...
Super C (NES, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): In this action-packed sequel to the popular Contra, players have little time to think. Experience run-and-gun game play at its best as you take control of Mad Dog or Scorpion and once again battle the forces of Red Falcon. Stages feature a combination of perspectives (side scrolling, top down, etc.) and intense battles against huge bosses. Use a variety of powerful weapons and tap into your killer instinct to survive the deadly waves of enemies. And if you're scared, recruit a friend to help you. Because if your trigger finger lacks stamina, then Earth will lack a future!
BREATH OF FIRE II (Super NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): Featuring a wide range of characters and personalities and a vast, endless world to explore, Breath of Fire II is the sequel to the original smash-hit role-playing game. In a world set 500 years after the previous installment, in a frontier village known as Gate, the father and sister of a young boy known as Ryu are suddenly abducted. Strangely, all the villagers appear to have completely forgotten everything about the incident, and Ryu has instantly become an orphan. At a church, Ryu meets Bow, another orphan in a similar predicament, and they slip away from town together to begin their adventure. Take advantage of the multiple game-play viewpoints found in the game (such as the quarter-view perspective during battles that made the original game so popular) to use exciting abilities like shaman fusing and dragon transformations and help these two heroes complete their mission.
Ghouls'n Ghosts (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone –Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Ghouls'n Ghosts is the sequel to the popular action game Ghosts'n Goblins, originally released in the arcades and later ported to the Genesis. One full-moon night, three years after the battle with Astaroth, a ray of light shoots through Princess Prin Prin, and her soul is stolen right in front of Arthur's eyes. To save his bride's soul, Arthur the knight must battle all manner of evil undead creatures with a variety of weapons, powerful magic and new actions.
The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has now unleashed information on one of the more unique new items in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Superspicy Curry. Based on the popular Japanese dish, those that eat the curry will be set ablaze, and spit out flames. Unlike with a fire flower, players can still use attacks while spitting the fire, allowing for new combos to be created.
Check out new screens and art of the curry in action below.
Nintendo has released the official minute-long TV spot for the upcoming Metroid Prime 3 Corruption. The ad should start airing this week, promoting the game's highly-anticipated release on Monday. It also features the return of the creepy Japanese guys. Gotta love the creepy Japanese guys.
Check out the trailer below by clicking the link to play it in your browser or right-clicking to save it to your hard drive.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, August 26 2007 0:39 AM [Top]
Manhunt 2 Re-Rated M, Set for Halloween [ Rockstar Games ]
Rockstar Games today announced it will release Manhunt 2 for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo in North America on October 31, 2007. This announcement follows the submission of a modified version of Manhunt 2 to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), who has now rated the title “M” for Mature for ages 17 and older.
In June, Take-Two was compelled to suspend the release of the horror title when the ESRB issued an AO (Adults Only) rating. Along with the Mature rating, the ESRB also assigned the following content descriptors to Manhunt 2: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 24 2007 19:04 PM [Top]
Today's dojo update concerns the mysterious appearance of Mario nemesis Petey Piranha in the latest video for Super Smash Bros. Brawl's "Subspace Emissary" mode. It turns out Petey is one of many boss characters players will have to face within the game, with the player in this case being Kirby. Petey holds a cage in each hand, each holding Princess Zelda and Princess Peach, and the only way to defeat him is to break one of the cages, saving one of the Princesses. Only one can be saved, however, with Sakurai posing the question "What will happen to the one you don't save?". Could this mean that Subspace Emissary will feature branching paths throughout the game? Only time will tell.
Check out some new screens and art of Brawl below.
And let the Nintendomination commence. Just one day after the Wii effectively passed the Xbox 360 in worldwide sales to once again become the #1 console maker, the July NPD numbers have been released, with Nintendo once again at the top. Wii emerged as the month’s best-selling video game system of any type in the United States and achieved its highest weekly sales rates since December, despite a PS3 price drop. Wii and Nintendo DS remained the two best-selling video game systems in the United States, with Nintendo hardware outselling all other systems – combined.
Here's some other quick facts direct from Nintendo on the July NPD numbers.
- Nintendo remained the top U.S. game publisher for the sixth consecutive month.
- So far this year, Nintendo titles claim six of the industry’s top 10 best sellers, including the top three: Pokemon Diamond (overall No. 1) and Pokemon Pearl (No. 3) for Nintendo DS, and Wii Play (No. 2) for Wii.
- Nintendo DS, with more than 300 titles available, has the largest game library for any current generation system.
- Wii has added new titles (averaging nine per month since launch) at a faster rate than any other new home system.
Pretty impressive, to say the least. Congrats to Nintendo on another month at the top.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 23 2007 22:56 PM [Top]
It's two for the price of one with today's Dojo update, with two new updates added. First up, we've got Yoshi's special Final Smash finishing attack, the Super Dragon. When active, Yoshi gains a couple of his shell powers from Super Mario World, growing a pair of wings and gaining the ability to breathe fire automatically. Plus, players can spit fireballs by pressing the attack button. However, they should be careful, as like all Final Smash transformations, it only lasts a limited time.
Second is a brand-new song featured in the game, which will be played in the Smashville stage. "Go K.K. Rider!", originally featured as a K.K. Slider song in Animal Crossing, was chosen due to the fact that it's the only song in the game that lends itself well to a fighting game. The song, which is inspired by legendary Japanese superhero Kamen Rider, reminds Sakurai of one phrase - "Heroes always arrive late.", whatever that means.
You can check out some screens of Yoshi's new attack below. To hear the new song for yourself, click the source link to head over to the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 23 2007 7:48 AM [Top]
International Bands Rock Guitar Hero III [ Activision ]
Activision revealed today an international track list for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. As a testament to the widespread anticipation of the hit franchise and global phenomenon, Activision’s newest music sensation will include a diverse assortment of hit songs from across the globe, that include all master tracks from the following original artists:
Minus Celsius (by Backyard Babies)
Hier Kommt Alex (by Die Toten Hosen)
In the Belly of a Shark (by Gallows)
I’m in the Band (by The Hellacopters)
Avalancha (by Heroes Del Silencio)
Take This Life (by In Flames)
Ruby (by Kaiser Chiefs)
Closer (by Lacuna Coil)
Generation Rock (by Revolverheld)
Mauvais Garcon (by NAAST)
Radio Song (by Superbus)
Guitar Hero III hits stores for Wii on October 28th.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 23 2007 0:29 AM [Top]
Today Ubisoft announced an agreement with Cranium, Inc. to create a Cranium video game for the Wii. Cranium Kabookii will be one of the richest Wii gaming experiences to date, bringing friends and family together through an interactive family party experience with something for everyone. Cranium Kabookii debuts worldwide December 2007.
Cranium Kabookii brings a new dimension to Wii play by celebrating the amazing things friends and family can do as they create, perform, discover and connect with one another. Using the Wii Remote and special Kabookii Decoder Glasses, Cranium Kabookii changes the television screen into a living canvas where teams jam, draw, act, puzzle and even crack codes to win.
New questions and activities get players to spray paint the solar system on a wall (you actually hear the can shaking in your hand!); use the Wii Remote as a mallet to hammer out “Auld Lang Syne" on a xylophone; solve word puzzles (what word is both a face card and car lifter?); or trot the globe to test their knowledge of world flags, landmarks and national anthems (frequent flier miles not included!). Kabookii Decoder Glasses add an extra twist, allowing one player at a time to view hidden clues on the screen.
Cranium Kabookii will play globally and act locally. Cranium Kabookii is the first Wii game with custom international questions crafted to celebrate the unique culture and sense of humor of players in Canada, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. All Cranium Kabookii editions are created specifically by and for people from the countries for which the game is created.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 23 2007 0:25 AM [Top]
According to the highly reliable sales tracking site VGChartz, the Wii has officially overtaken the Xbox 360 in worldwide sales to become the reigning king of the current console generation. The numbers now stand with the Wii at 10.57 million units sold, the 360 at 10.51 million. and the PS3 with 4.32 million. You can see regional breakdowns and a press release by clicking the source link.
What does this mean? It means our favorite game company is officially back on top for the first time in over a decade. Party at Reggie's! We'll bring the coffee.
Konami Brings Pro Evolution Soccer to Wii [ Konami ]
Konami has announced it will be bringing its multi-million-selling Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series to Nintendo Wii, with a bespoke version of the game being developed for the system for release in 2008.
Scheduled for a Q1 launch, the Wii version of PES will offer the same level of realism that has established the series as the definitive football title, but has been undergone a radical rethink to make the most of the Wii’s motion-sensitive control system. The game will make full use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, offering total control over every aspect of the players and their movements both on and off the ball. The clever use of the Wii controllers will allow users to send players running into space, and to distribute the ball with ease.
PES (Provisional Title) will be released for Nintendo Wii in Q1 2008.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 16:32 PM [Top]
Get ready for an iconic debut as Link and the world famous Legend of Zelda series, makes its very first appearance on the Nintendo DS! Retaining the elements which have made the Zelda series such a worldwide hit, having sold over a staggering 52 million units globally, this latest full-scale adventure adds a new and exciting level of interaction by allowing players to intuitively control the entire game utilising the Nintendo DS touch screen controls. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass hits the shelves across Europe on 19th October 2007.
Taking the helm, in this direct sequel to the Nintendo GameCube hit, The Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass picks up with our legendary hero Link, along with Tetra (also known as Princess Zelda from the fallen kingdom of Hyrule) and her crew of Pirates setting sail in search of new lands. On their journey they encounter a dense area of fog, home to a lone Ghost Ship, which Tetra boards to explore alone. However, evil awaits her and she is kidnapped! As the Ghost Ship and Tetra are whisked away to far off lands, it’s down to Link and his fairy companion Ciela to fill the Phantom Hourglass. This ancient artefact can help protect them from cursed dungeons and once again help them to save the day and the princess in this brand new adventure!
The fun doesn’t stop once players have completed their adventure to recover Tetra. For the first time in a Legend of Zelda series, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass features an exciting multiplayer mode which allows two players to take on a battle of their own through either the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or the Nintendo DS’s Wireless connection. One player assumes the role of Link, with the aim of gaining as many points as possible by carrying Force Gems back to their base, whilst their opponent controls the Phantoms trying to make Link drop his precious treasure!
With over seven new dungeons to explore and a new and exciting way to control our hero, this latest adventure is for you, whether you are an experienced Zelda fan of old or this is your first adventure! The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass launches across Europe on 19th October for the Nintendo DS at an estimated retail price of around Ł30.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 16:27 PM [Top]
The final installment to the stellar Metroid Prime series is close on the horizon! Step into the shoes of the legendary bounty hunter, Samus Aran, this time with the most tactile and innovative controls the series has seen to date. Join the battle as Samus’ final epic adventure. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption hits shelves across Europe on 26th October 2007.
Never before has a Metroid game allowed you to feel more in the heat of the action! When players take control of Samus in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, they will experience a whole new style of gameplay through the Wii’s unique controls. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk attachment, players are able to intuitively aim their weapon by pointing the Wii Remote at the screen, whilst moving Samus around her various destinations with the analogue stick on the Nunchuk.
Set six months on from the events of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes on planet Aether, which saw the confrontation between Dark Samus, the Galactic Federation’s computer network has been hit by something which resembles a crippling virus, and only quick action will save the entire network from going down. Believing Space Pirates are behind the attack, The Galactic Federation calls upon Samus and a band of bounty hunters to jump into action. However, they soon discover the enemy at hand is greater than just the Space Pirates. The presumed-dead Dark Samus has returned with a sinister plan to corrupt the universe with the deadly Phazon! In their first face-off Dark Samus blasts the player and their allies with a blast of corrupted energy. What sort of effect will the Phazon have on them?
As an additional bonus, players will be rewarded throughout the game with Special Achievement Points, which can be used to unlock additional content. So, with plenty of hidden areas and secrets to uncover, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption will not disappoint as it launches only on Wii across Europe on 26th October 2007 for an estimated retail price of approximately Ł35.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 16:18 PM [Top]
New Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 Screens and Video [ Ubisoft ]
After invading the world of Rayman, the insane Rabbids have a new objective: THE INVASION OF PLANET EARTH! Setting their home base at a shopping mall, the Rabbids try to study human behavior and mimic everything humans do in funny, illogical ways. As part of their training, the Rabbids must carry out several missions around the globe to prepare themselves for world domination. Rayman will attempt to infiltrate the Rabbids, disguised as one of them, in a mission to foil their crazy plans and save Earth.
Check out the latest screens of one of the most-anticipated Wii titles below. You can also check out a new trailer direct from YouTube below. Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 launches into stores this November.
2K Sports announced today it will be releasing Top Spin Tennis for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo. As part of 2K's critically acclaimed Top Spin franchise, Top Spin Tennis features fun, flawless tennis action and the most real life tennis experience to date for the Wii. Developed by 2K's Paris studio PAM Development in conjunction with 2K Shanghai, Top Spin Tennis will be available exclusively on the Wii in spring 2008.
The intuitive pick-up-and-play action in Top Spin Tennis allows gamers to use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in a way that matches the movements players would make on a real court. The Nunchuk controls the player and aim, while the vibration-enabled Wii Remote hits the ball like a tennis racquet and determines the style of shot ranging from a top spin move to a slice. The Wii Remote also allows players to control the power and the quality of the shot and to serve in many different ways.
The gameplay in Top Spin Tennis will feature an array of modes including singles, doubles, mixed and non-mixed matches, exhibition, tournament and more, with four levels of difficulty and ten international venues. It will also feature more than a dozen licensed tennis stars as well as ten original characters. Up to four players can play Top Spin Tennis using as many as four sets of controllers. To add to the group fun, there are a collection of party games included.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 15:05 PM [Top]
Konami fans were extremely excited when the classic Contra series was revamped for a DS release later this year. Now, Konami is bringing another classic NES franchise back from the dead, with International Track & Field set for the Nintendo DS. The game will feature 20 different track & field events, with 8 playable characters (one of whom is "special Konami character). Also, there will be 4 championship modes and a vast online mode, with worldwide rankings, tournaments, and downloads.
No word on a release date yet. We'll have more info when it becomes available.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 14:57 PM [Top]
Sega has officially announced at the Leipzig Games Convention that a sequel to 2006's Sonic Riders is in the works for Wii, with Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. Not much was revealed beyond that, except that the Babylon Rouges gang will be returning, with Jet the Hawk as a playable character. Hopefully, we'll get more info when it becomes available. No release date was announced, but release lists have shown the game to be coming out before the end of the year.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 14:32 PM [Top]
Chalk up another new fighter into the Super Smash Bros. Brawl mix. Today's update confirms that Donkey Kong's simian buddy Diddy will be making his debut when the game launches in December. According to Sakurai, "screenshots fail to truly capture the way he moves," whatever that means. He uses whimsical fighting movies, scurrying around the battlefield, and makes use of his Rocketbarrel Boost and the Peanut Pop Gun from the wholly forgettable Donkey Kong 64. Check out the first screens of Diddy in action below.
So today Eric celebrates his 24th birthday (well, yesterday, I missed it by a few minutes). I have known Eric for only about four years, but it seems like so much longer than that. Eric pretty much does all the news these days since I decided to be lazy a few years back. We usually say something witty for birthdays but I am drawing a blank, which is odd considering how easy it usually is to come up with a story about Eric that is just shockingly hilarious. Happy birthday, Eric.
The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with some more info on the games Subspace Emissary mode, revealing a tad more about the game's storyline. Apparently, the mysterious group invading Nintendo World is the Subspace Army, led by the Ancient Minister. He and his army of Primids (the little robot dudes from previous trailers) plan to take over the world by destroying parts of it with Robotic Operating Buddy (ROB)-controlled Subspace bombs, which then suck parts of the world into Subspace.
Check out some new screens of the game below, plus check out a brand-new cutscene from the game by clicking the source link. The video reveals that Mario baddie Petey Piranha will be making an appearance in the game, but it's unknown if he will be playable.
Link has always well-known for his arsenal of weaponry, and it's looking like he'll be bringing a majority of it for his appearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Link will retain all of his moves from Super Smash Bros. Melee, including the Bow & Arrow, Bombs, Boomerang, Clawshot, and Spin Attack. There's a couple of changes, however - first, Link's boomerang is now the Gale Boomerang, first seen in Twilight Princess. The move now spins around his opponent, slightly pulling them towards Link. Also, the Spin Attack can now be charged up to increase its power, and the Clawshot (Link's grab move) automatically seeks out ledges to perform a Tether Recovery.
Check out some screens of Link's moves in action below.
Have the lazy days of summer slowed your brain? Have you read one too many trashy beach romance novels? Is a fifth grader smarter than you? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it's time for you to sharpen up with a copy of Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, launching today exclusively for the portable Nintendo DS.
Brain Age 2 has 15 new, intensely engaging activities designed to give your brain a daily workout. Millions of men, women, students and seniors worldwide picked up the original Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day game, ushering in both a new genre of video games and a new audience of players. Brain Age 2 includes a fresh set of tests for people who enjoyed challenging themselves with the original.
You don't have to have played the original to enjoy Brain Age 2, which offers activities like winning (or intentionally losing) at rock, paper, scissors; repeated subtraction of a small number from a larger one; quickly making change; unscrambling letters to form a word; and playing notes on a virtual piano keyboard. With 100 new sudoku puzzles and ways for users to compete against friends and family members, Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day appeals to everyone, no matter their age or prior experience with video games.
The original Brain Age has sold a stunning 8.61 million copies worldwide, including more than 1.4 million in the United States alone, while its sequel has already posted sales of 5.33 million in Japan. The U.S. version retails at an MSRP of just $19.99. It also is available bundled with a new dual-toned Crimson/Onyx Nintendo DS Lite at an MSRP of $149.99 at select retailers.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 20 2007 11:34 AM [Top]
VC Gets More Metroids, Dungeons, and Ninjas, Oh My! [ Nintendo ]
Super Metroid (Super NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): The Space Pirates, merciless agents of the evil Mother Brain, have stolen the last Metroid from a research station, and once again Mother Brain threatens the safety of the galaxy. Samus Aran must don her awesome array of high-tech weaponry to retrieve the deadly Metroid hidden deep within the cave-riddled planet Zebes. Super Metroid features excellent graphics, with a huge variety of enemies and worlds to explore. The side-view action will be familiar to many players, only now there are new weapons and items, including the Grappling Beam, which allows Samus to swing across large chasms, and the X-Ray Scope, which reveals secret passages.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E10 for Everyone 10 and Older – Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this thrilling sequel to The Revenge of Shinobi, Joe Musashi finds that Neo Zeed – the crime syndicate he believed he had wiped out two years earlier – is indeed still alive and well. The return of Neo Zeed and its leader, the mysterious Shadow Master, forces Musashi to return from exile and confront the growing evil. As the Shinobi, the master of long-forgotten Oboro Ninjitsu martial arts, Musashi must utilize all his powers to overcome his various enemies. Thanks to his considerable combat skills and special Ninjitsu moves, only the Shinobi can thwart Neo Zeed and vanquish the Shadow Master.
Neutopia (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): In this action role-playing game, you take control of a brave boy who sets off on a journey to rescue the kidnapped princess and reclaim the eight medallions that were stolen by the evil demon, Dirth. You'll need to rely on your magic compass and information you've gathered to find entrances to labyrinths and defeat the bosses in them. Solve puzzles, avoid traps, move blocks and destroy walls to uncover secret rooms in the labyrinths. Carefully use your map to uncover hidden treasure and powerful equipment. Travel the land, underground, sea and sky on your quest to recover the medallions. With a save function, the right difficulty level and a system that doesn't include experience points, this is truly an RPG that anyone can enjoy.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 20 2007 11:30 AM [Top]
Wii Production Expansion Plans Delayed [ DigiTimes ]
According to Taiwanese tech newspaper DigiTimes, Nintendo may be putting its plans to expand Wii production on hold. Many of Nintendo's component-makers for Wii based in Taiwan have stated that the tight supply of IC chips and PCBs have prevented Nintendo's planned production increase, set for June of 2007. This delay means that the already hard-to-find and highly-demanded console will likely remain that way through the end of 2007, and into early 2008.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 17 2007 15:54 PM [Top]
Sega today announced that two titles from its Genesis library, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master and Landstalker, will soon be available for download on the Wii Shop Channel. Prices start at 800 Wii Points for SEGA Genesis titles.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master - In this thrilling sequel to The Revenge of Shinobi, Joe Musashi finds that Neo Zeed – the crime syndicate he believed he had wiped out two years earlier – is indeed still alive and well. The return of Neo Zeed and its leader, the mysterious Shadow Master, forces Musashi to return from exile and confront the growing evil. As the Shinobi – the master of long-forgotten Oboro Ninjitsu martial arts – Musashi must utilize all his powers to overcome his various enemies. Thanks to his considerable combat skills and special Ninjitsu moves, only the Shinobi can thwart Neo Zeed and vanquish the Shadow Master.
Landstalker - After hearing of the legendary treasure of King Nole, the elvish treasure-hunter Nigel undertakes a quest to gather various pieces of the famed loot. His journey takes him through villages, caves and dungeons that hold King Nole’s riches, and along the way, he’ll have to help the inhabitants of the island while fighting against the treachery of Duke Mercator, who is searching for the treasure as well. A variety of obstacles and foes will try to deter Nigel, who must use all his wits and skills to defeat Duke Mercator and uncover the secret of King Nole’s treasure.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 17 2007 14:41 PM [Top]
While it's certainly not a surprise reveal (seeing as how she was featured in the Subspace Entity trailer two weeks ago), Princess Peach will be making her return to Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a playable fighter. Peach will have a new, more detailed design (sort of a fusion between how she looked in Super Mario Sunshine and Super Smash Bros. Melee) and will retain many of her trademark moves, such as her floating jumps, her use of Toad to reflect projectiles, and her parasol.
Today's Smash Bros. Update deals with the new Tether Recovery feature. Characters such as Zero Suit Samus will be able to use certain special moves to grapple ledges to assist with recovery when knocked off the stage. Other characters are able to perform this move as well (presumably Link and Regular Samus, who were able to do it in Melee).
Check out some screens of a Tether Recovery in action below.
The latest Dojo update deals with a new feature in Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Stickers. Collected in battles, stickers act much like trophies did in Melee, with added customization features. Players can use them to decorate their in-game notebook, as well as create their own one-page comics. They can even save their own screenshots for the future.
Check out some screens of stickers in action below.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl's latest assist trophy has been revealed - Devil from the Japan-only Famicom release Devil World. When released from the trophy, Devil will fly into the air and point to one side of the screen. This forces the entire screen to scroll to the side temporarily, taking all of the players with it. Thus, strategies change, and panic ensues. Masahiro Sakurai notes that it's really a misnomer to call Devil an "assist" trophy, since he really isn't assisting anyone.
Capcom have just put out a bunch of new screenshots, and a couple of character arts, showcasing one of Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles' many areas, the classic Raccoon City, where you'll fight as STARS member Jill Valentine and, just now confirmed, her old ally Carlos Oliveira. Check out the screen below. This game is looking cooler all the time.
Nintendo has come forward with a couple of updates for the Wii tonight. First off is a minor update fixing some bugs with the Wii's Internet Channel, which prevents the console from locking up when you press the Reset button on the console or the Home button on the Wii Remote. Also, some stability issues with the Nintedo Wii LAN Adapter have been fixed.
Also, two new videos have been posted at the Metroid Prime 3 Preview Channel, which launched last week. One shows off Samus's popular Spider Ball ability, while the other reveals a bit more of the game's story, confirming that a legendary series villain will be making a return in Corruption.
Both are live on the Wii now, so get to downloading!
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, August 14 2007 2:52 AM [Top]
Metroid (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): The first installment of the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the hideous title creatures and the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. As Samus, your mission is to penetrate the space pirates' home planet, Zebes, and keep them from destroying the galaxy with the dangerous life forms known as Metroids. Metroid has all the high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and crawly alien creatures that anyone could ask for. With its deep and complex game play, excellent music and a rare sense of setting, it establishes a frightening ambience that will haunt and entertain you for a very long time.
Shining in the Darkness (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Dark Sol has vowed to reign over the enchanted Kingdom of Thornwood, and only you can stop him. Find the powerful Arms of Light and battle the deadly beasts that keep your people desperate and starving in this epic journey for peace. Roaming the dark Labyrinth, you'll seek out enemies and collect weapons, all of which will help you pass the test of the Ancients and become a shining knight. Get into the adventure with a stunning 3-D perspective, amazing cinematic views and fast-paced scrolling. You'll move from battle to battle, solving puzzles and discovering secret items in this engrossing struggle between good and evil.
Cratermaze (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points): Cratermaze is a comical action game set in a parallel world. While on a trip through time, you and your friends are confronted by Kublai, henchman to the evil Zenzombie. He traps your friends at separate points in the space-time continuum. Now you must fight your way through 60 rounds of mazes to save your friends. Dinosaurs, ninjas, robots and other enemies lurk within the mazes, spanning from primitive times to the future. Escape the enemies by digging holes to trap them in and then filling the holes to finish them off. Collect all the chests within the time limit to get the key and exit to the next round. With special items such as shovels and spring platforms, Cratermaze takes its game play to new heights, making for an unforgettable gaming experience.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 13 2007 10:08 AM [Top]
The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has updated with a shocking new character, as well as one of the most unique the series has seen yet. The Pokémon Trainer will not participate in battles directly, but instead will send out one of three Pokémon to do the fighting for him - Charizard, Ivysaur, and Squirtle, each with their own abilities and moves. By using the Pokémon Change ability, the player can swap out one Pokémon for another in a set order (Squirtle -> Ivysaur -> Charizard) in order to bring in a fresh fighter. Each Pokémon share the same damage meter, as well as a specific amount of "stamina", which weakens each individual Pokémon if they battle or change out too much. The key is to balance your use of the three Pokémon and best account for their strengths and weaknesses in order to be a capable Pokémon Trainer.
It looks like the popular RPG Mother 3, never released in America, will be making SOME sort of appearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with one of its items being featured in the game. The Franklin Badge, which can be picked up and attached to the player character, bestows upon the user the power of invulnerability to projectile attacks. Normal attacks can still do damage, however. Also, the badge only lasts a short time, so players should make sure to notice when it comes off at the end of the match.
Just as certain people became critical of Nintendo's lack of hype for the upcoming Metroid Prime 3 Corruption, Nintendo has responded in spades by announcing a month of Metroid-related downloads at the Wii Shop channel. Today, Nintendo launches the new Metroid Prime 3 Preview Channel, which will allow users to check out some exclusive, awesome-looking trailers for the game. Two are available at the moment, but two more will be coming in the coming weeks. The channel is downloadable from the WiiWare menu.
Also, two classic Metroid titles are set to be downloadable from the channel very soon. The original Metroid, which set the standard for adventure platforming on the NES, will be available on August 13th for 500 Wii Points. Then, on August 20th, the legendary Super Metroid for the SNES launches at a cost of 800 Wii Points.
Of course, Metroid Prime 3 Corruption launches on August 27th.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 10 2007 13:34 PM [Top]
The love for Kid Icarus's Pit continues over at the Smash Bros. Dojo, as his Final Smash finishing move has been revealed. Called "Palutena's Army", it involves Pit summoning his mistress, the Goddess Palutena, who appears in giant form over the entire battlefield. She then summons an armada of centurions, who each dive bomb the battlefield, doing a ton of damage to all hit by them. However, it looks like a well-placed attack may be able to defeat the centurions themselves.
Check out the screens of Palutena's Army in action below.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will launch the Speed Racer videogame based on the upcoming film written and directed by the Wachowski brothers. The game will be available in 2008 on the Wii and Nintendo DS systems as the Speed Racer film hits theaters.
In the Wii game, developed by Sidhe Interactive and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, players will be able to take on the role of the characters from the film, getting behind the wheels of each character's signature vehicles to experience firsthand the film's high adrenaline, combative racing style. The car-fu style of action within the game will closely represent the action style being designed by the Wachowski brothers for the film itself as they lend direction and assets to the development team directly from their Berlin set. John Gaeta, a long time Wachowski collaborator and Co-VFX Supervisor on the Speed Racer film, is working with Sidhe and WBIE to assist in maintaining a close film-to-game aesthetic connection.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 8 2007 19:45 PM [Top]
It's been a while since we've had a new music update over at the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website, so it's good to see one pop up over there for one of the game's new characters. Pit's theme, "The Underworld" is a combination of both the legendary opening theme to Kid Icarus, as well as the themes of the Grim Reaper enemy and the game's Game Over screen. It was composed by Hirokazu "Hip" Tanaka (who also worked on the original game) and arranged by Sakai Shougo.
To check out the track for yourself, click the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 8 2007 8:02 AM [Top]
After seemingly forever, Nintendo has finally released a brand-new update for the Wii console, which you can download now. The update only makes a few minor changes to the console, but all are welcome additions. First off, Wii owners can now see the current weather right from the Wii's main menu on the Forecast Channel icon. Also, the Wii Shop channel has been redesigned, with a new layout and new searching options (you can now search by keyword, publisher, or genre, as well as see the most popular titles on the service). Lastly, a helpful digital clock has been added to the bottom of the Wii's main menu. There's also a few other minor changes: for example, the Wii's blue light will come on when inserting or removing a Wii disc, or selecting a certain channel. You can also view two headlines at a time in the News Channel, and each entry on the Wii's Address Book can now be shifted around.
To download the update, merely check the message that has likely already arrived in your Wii's message board, or download a Wii system update from the Wii options.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, August 7 2007 23:06 PM [Top]
New Nintendo Boxarts, Logos, and Artworks [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo released some new assets today for numerous upcoming titles. Included are the official boxarts for Battalion Wars II and Super Mario Galaxy, and the official logos of Flash Focus and Mario Party DS. Battalion Wars II also has an official rating, as it will be rated T for Teen by the ESRB. Check them all out below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, August 7 2007 13:16 PM [Top]
New DS Color to have Brain Age 2 Pack-In [ Nintendo ]
The first new color scheme to hit the hot-selling Nintendo DS system in the United States in nearly a year will come bundled with Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, all at an MSRP of $149.99. The bundle hits stores Aug. 21.
The top half of the new Nintendo DS sports a smooth, glossy Crimson, reminiscent of a dangerous shade of lipstick or a cherry-red sports car. The bottom is a matte black – an Onyx yin that complements the Crimson yang.
Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day is the sequel to the smash-hit original that got baby boomers and seniors playing and redefined the concept of what video games could be. This new title includes 15 fun new activities designed to help users exercise their brains. It challenges players in areas like math, memorization and even music. For more info on the game, check out the Brain Age 2 website.
Today's Dojo update concerns the signature moves of Ike from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance - just revealed last week as a new playable character. As mentioned in his profile, his signature move is Aether, which is an attack where he tosses his sword in the air and then leaps after it, hitting the opponent with a devastating downward slash. After performing the move, Ike can still take damage, but won't flinch when hit by enemy attack. Sakurai lets us know that several large characters also can do this after special attacks, so watch out for that.
His second special move is the powerful Eruption, which looks to be similar in structure to the standard special attacks of fellow Fire Emblem alumni Marth and Roy, back in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Instead of a mighty slash, however, Ike strikes his sword into the ground, creating a massive fireball around him. The move can be charged up as well.
Check out some new screens of Ike in action below.
Today's Dojo update concerns a brand-new weapon Smash players will have in their arsenal when Brawl hits store shelves. Called the Smoke Ball, the item actually has no effect on other players, but instead shoots out a cloud of colored smoke after being thrown. Obviously, this obscures the battlefield, making it difficult to see the action. Fortunately, the ball can be picked up after being thrown in order to be thrown off the battlefield...or carried somewhere else.
For some images of the Smoke Ball in action, click below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 6 2007 12:50 PM [Top]
Lolo Races Galaga on the Waves (VC Update) [ Nintendo ]
Ok, I admit it, I'm running out of original Virtual Console update headlines. You try coming up with something fresh for what's essentially the same story every week. Regardless, here's this week's VC games:
Wave Race 64 (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Take to the waves on your own personal watercraft and experience some of the best water effects in video game history. Choose one of four characters, each with his/her own unique abilities and style, and master the game's excellent controls. Make your way through nine courses, each with its own challenges. If the ramps, mines and hairpin turns aren't enough, you'll also have to deal with varying weather conditions that can make the water choppy or cover the course with fog. And if you ever feel like taking a break from racing, then try out Stunt Mode to polish your skills by pulling off handstands, rolls and more. Get good enough and you might even be able to ride a dolphin-just don't get seasick.
ADVENTURES OF LOLO (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This was the first game in the Eggerland puzzle series to be released in North America. After the love of his life, Lala, is kidnapped by the Great Devil and taken to a haunted castle, our hero Lolo sets out to rescue her. The journey is perilous because the Great Devil's fortress is guarded by a massive army. But Lolo has a few tricks up his sleeve, including a Magic Shot that turns enemies into eggs and an Emerald Framer that shields him from attacks. Combining clever environmental puzzles with tricky enemies and an engaging style, ADVENTURES OF LOLO is a true classic.
GALAGA '90 (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): This is an updated version of the classic arcade shooter Galaga. Set in the vast reaches of space, you will fight your way through all 29 rounds to reach the enemies' stronghold on Planet Galaga. Game levels consist of a few rounds with changing enemies and backgrounds. To top it off, the nostalgic "Galactic Dancing" lives on to mark the end of each level. With the new addition of dimensions, you can choose your attack route. Collect capsules and open dimension warps at branch sections to take on even tougher enemies. GALAGA '90's inclusion of the triple fighter, scrolling backgrounds, boss Galaga and even new system effects make it nothing less than a masterpiece.
Kevin takes a spin with Activision and Amaze Entertainment's latest license based on the popular Shrek series. How does the game stack up against the blackened history of licensed games? Click to find out.
It's that time again! Join Kevin, Carl, Eric, and myself in the Post-E3 Edition of Open Mic Night. In this edition we discuss how E3 went, what we liked, what we didn't, and what we expect next year. There's also a little about Michael Vick in there. There's four of us this time around, but don't worry, we always leave plenty of room for you guys.
Bethesda Softworks today announced its next STAR TREK videogame, STAR TREK: Conquest, a blend of strategy and intense action set in “The Next Generation” era. Conquest will be available for the Wii.
Players take control of Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Dominion, and Breen forces and lead them in a campaign to control the Galaxy, one planet at a time. Build and manage your growing empire in turn-based strategy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote as you select and maneuver your starships throughout the large, galactic map.
Strategically, you must effectively manage limited resources to expand your empire. You decide how to best achieve objectives by managing your fleets and admirals, building support structures, researching technology, and engaging your enemies in combat.
Once battle is initiated, Conquest switches to a ship level tactical view allowing direct command of your ships as you engage in real-time combat. While maneuvering your starship with the Nunchuk, take direct aim and fire away with the Wii Remote.
Conquest has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Scheduled for a simultaneous release this Holiday at an estimated MSRP of $29.99 on the Wii. For more information visit startrek.bethsoft.com
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 3 2007 18:00 PM [Top]
2K Sports and Konami announced today a new and exciting Major League Baseball title - MLB Power Pros. The game is developed by Konami and based on the best selling "Power Pro" baseball series in Japan, which also provided the engine for Mario Superstar Baseball on the GameCube.
MLB Power Pros delivers an original visual style to America's favorite pastime. Every MLB player will be represented in the "Power Pro" character style - a miniature toy-like figurine model. Gamers will recognize their favorite baseball stars through comic usage of facial expressions, facial hair, and hair styles. Every MLB ballpark has been faithfully replicated with their respective famous landmarks, bringing astounding authenticity to every game. This visual combination is certain to delight baseball fans of all ages.
Solid gameplay features and responsive controls provide an exciting baseball experience in MLB Power Pros. The easy pick-up-and-play mechanics in both pitching and batting allow for instant fun. Amazing animations will be seen in the field with incredible double plays, diving catches, and even home-run-robbing wall catches.
Featuring over a dozen different game modes, MLB Power Pros offers great long-term playability highlighted by the detailed Season Mode and popular Success Mode. With Season Mode, players become an MLB team general manager with the goal of winning the World Series by controlling all aspects of the team including training players, purchasing better equipment, making trades, and much more. Success Mode combines traditional role-playing elements with baseball scenarios to create one of the most unique and compelling game modes in any sports title. This story-based mode puts the user in the role of a college baseball player with the goal of becoming a Major League player - gamers will train the player in numerous games while dealing with real-world situations of academics, part-time jobs, and other social situations.
MLB Power Pros will be available on the Wii in Fall 2007.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 3 2007 16:31 PM [Top]
It's been a week for huge updates over at the Smash Bros. Dojo. Earlier this week, Ike from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance was revealed as the latest newcomer to the title. And now, we have the first info on the game's Adventure mode, making a return from Super Smash Bros. Melee. However, Brawl's adventure mode, called "Super Smash Bros. Brawl: The Subspace Emissary" will be bigger and more fleshed out than ever before, standing on its own as a side-scrolling action game.
Unlike Melee's adventure mode, Brawl's will have a cohesive storyline and will feature numerous Nintendo characters working together. Full-motion video cutscenes will hasten along the storyline, and will see many of Nintendo's best and brightest join forces for an experience you won't get anywhere else.
It appears that the mysterious robot character seen in the "This World..." update will fit into the Subspace Emissary mode. Also, it's now confirmed that Princess Peach will be making an appearance in the game, although it isn't confirmed if she'll be playable or not (although there's little doubt that she will be).
Check out a host of new screens of the mode below. You can also check out a short FMV from the game by clicking the source link.
Guitar Hero III Cranks it to Eleven (Songs) [ Activision ]
Activision announced today 11 new songs for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, the next installment in the #1 best-selling music and rhythm based game franchise, including master tracks from rockers AFI, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer and the Strokes.
The 11 additional tracks include:
* Miss Murder (by AFI)
* Through Fire and Flames (by Dragonforce)
* Number of the Beast (by Iron Maiden)
* 3’s and 7’s (by Queens of the Stone Age)
* Suck My Kiss (by Red Hot Chili Peppers)
* Raining Blood (by Slayer)
* Reptillia (by The Strokes)
* Paranoid (as made famous by Black Sabbath)
* Cities on Flame (as made famous by Blue Oyster Cult)
* Mississippi Queen (as made famous by Mountain)
* La Grange (as made famous by ZZ Top)
In addition to the newly announced tracks, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock’s previously announced tracks include:
* Slash’s Original Boss Battle Recording
* Welcome to The Jungle (by Guns N’ Roses)
* Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
* Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
* Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
* The Metal (by Tenacious D)
* My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
* Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
* Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)
* Lay Down (by Priestess)
* Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
* Rock and Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
* School’s Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
* Rock You Like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)
* Slow Ride (as made famous by Foghat)
* Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)
The game will be released for the Wii this October.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 2 2007 20:02 PM [Top]
One day after the big reveal of Ike from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance making his playable debut in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the dojo has seen fit to now show off his personal stage. Castle Siege (which has been seen in previous trailers) isn't taken from any one particular game in the series, so Sakurai states we can imagine it being from our favorite Fire Emblem if we so choose. What's unique about the stage is that it is multi-tiered, and as time passes players will fall deeper into the castle. Players start on the rooftop, but can then fall into the castle's interior, complete with destructible statues. They then fall into the final area, the underground - but Sakurai isn't ready to show us that quite yet.
Possibly the biggest update so far from the Dojo, Sakurai has announced a completely new character in the form of Ike. Many of you may know Ike from a little game called Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. Ike will come complete with his signature move, "Aether." While it doesn't rule it out, it certainly makes the likelihood of Marth and Roy returning much smaller. Check out the artwork and screens of Ike in action.
Earlier today, we reported that Nintendo had posted job openings for the positions of Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Senior Director of Corporate Communications, matching up with the positions of Nintendo execs Perrin Kaplan and Beth Llewelyn respectively. However, no information was given on the fate of Nintendo's Senior Vice President of Marketing, George Harrison, also rumored to be leaving the company upon the marketing division's upcoming move to San Francisco and New York. Well, we may have found out his fate, as GameDaily BIZ is reporting through sources that Harrison has announced his "early retirement" from the company.
While its not clear if Harrison is retiring altogether or merely leaving Nintendo, he will apparently remain with the company through the marketing division's upcoming move. Harrison has been a fixture at Nintendo since 1992, joining just after the release of the SNES, and overseeing the release of the N64, GameCube, and Game Boy Advance. While this is still unconfirmed news, we should be hearing more in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, August 1 2007 0:17 AM [Top]
If you have any
questions, comments or suggestions for the site, please email them to webmaster@wiicafe.com
Smash Bros. Update - WarioWare [ 
