Great news for Melee fans today, as the Dojo has revealed that tournament mode will once again be returning for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Like in Melee, tournaments can feature anywhere from 4 to 32 players, with the last fighter standing becoming champion. Of course, the mode isn't very interesting if you don't have that many friends, something Sakurai hopes to alleviate. Online tournaments in Brawl? We can only hope.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, September 28 2007 17:08 PM [Top]
Another One Bites the Dust: Llewelyn Calls it Quits [ GameDaily Biz ]
The hammer has finally dropped, and following on the heels of George Harrison's retirement, Beth Llewelyn will be leaving Nintendo as of September 28, 2007. Llewelyn's job, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, has been advertised for a while now, and rumors of her departure were only bolstered by the fact that Harrison is retiring as well. Perrin Kaplan, VP of Corporate Communications, is the only one left who is supposedly departing now. It appears it will only be a matter of time now.
It has also been discovered that Nintendo PR head Julia Roether of GolinHarris, Nintendo's PR agency, has also left.
Llewelyn plans to take some time off to be a full-time mom, and Wii Café wishes her and Julia the best in all of their future endeavors.
Joe McCollum
-- Posted on Thursday, September 27 2007 21:25 PM [Top]
Today's update over at the Dojo reveals the Final Smash finishing move of another of the game's new characters, the Pokémon Trainer. His move, the Triple Finish, is an amalgamation of the powers of each of his three Pokémon: Charizard, Ivysaur, and Squirtle. When a Smash Ball is collected by any of the trio, all three Pokémon appear and charge up their most powerful attacks: Charizard uses Fire Blast, Ivysaur uses Solar Beam, and Squirtle uses Hydro Pump. The power of the move also apparently increases when the opponent is close to the Pokémon. Oh yeah, and there's Pokémon-esque text boxes. Certainly super effective.
Check out some screens of the attack in action below.
Famitsu has revealed some more information about Square-Enix's upcoming Kingdom Hearts game for the DS, 358/2 Days. As previously revealed, the game will be in full 3D with the player primarily playing as Roxas from Kingdom Hearts II, while he is still a member of the fiendish Organization XIII. Also, the game will feature up to four player co-op gameplay, with each player taking the role of a different Organization member. Also, a new member of Organization XIII will be revealed for the first time. No Nintendo Wi-Fi online was confirmed for the game.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, September 26 2007 23:51 PM [Top]
SEGA Confirms Mario and Sonic Olympic Events [ SEGA ]
SEGA today revealed details of the exciting holiday blockbuster title Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.
This exciting new game for the Wii video game system and Nintendo DS system, is packed with all-new interactive features and includes 20 authentic Olympic events – played out in stylized Olympic venues. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, players can have an unparalleled interactive experience and compete using one of 16 characters – 8 from the world of Mario and 8 from the world of Sonic. The Wii controls are created specifically to replicate the actions that offer the best results for each event which include:
* Fencing – Individual epée
* Archery
* Shooting – Skeet
* Gymnastics - Trampoline
* Gymnastics - Vault
* Field - High Jump
* Field - Pole Vault
* Field - Long Jump
* Field - Triple Jump
* Field – Javelin Throw
* Field - Hammer Throw
* Rowing – Single Sculls
* Table Tennis - Singles
* Aquatics – 100m Freestyle
* Aquatics – 4x100m Freestyle
* Track – 110m and 400m Hurdles
* Track – 4x100m Relay
* Track –100m and 400m
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Wednesday, September 26 2007 20:32 PM [Top]
The Dojo's latest update concerns another of the game's new Assist Trophies, namely Mr. Resetti from Animal Crossing. Resetti is unique as an Trophy in that he doesn't do anything to actually affect the field of play...he just rants continuously. On and on and on. You gotta admit, that's pretty funny.
Check out some screens of Resetti in "action" below.
Today's Dojo update details the Final Smash finishing move of Diddy Kong, the Rocketbarrel Barrage. When Diddy grabs a Smash Ball, he pulls out his Rocketbarrel jetpack and both of his peanut popguns, then flies into the air, shooting everything in sight. You can tilt the control stick left or right to move Diddy left or right as well. The popguns always fire straight down, so you can move Diddy to change the guns' angle. When time is up, the jetpack explodes. Also, any peanuts that have missed can be eaten from off the ground, restoring some health.
Check out some screens of the Rocketbarrel Barrage in action below.
Kirby's Avalanche (Super NES, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Everyone's favorite round, pink hero takes a break from swallowing his enemies to put your brain to work in this fast-paced puzzle game. Players take control of Kirby and match wits with well-known enemies from the Kirby series (including his archrival, King Dedede) in an effort to win the First Annual Dream Land Avalanche Competition. The simple-but-addictive game play revolves around brightly colored blobs and boulders. When the right amount of matching blobs are stacked, they explode and rain down on your opponent's field of play. Repeat this until your screen is clear to move on to the next round. But be careful—the farther you advance, the faster the blobs fall and the smarter the opponents get. Are you good enough to help Kirby become the avalanche king?
Streets of Rage 3 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated E 10 for Everyone 10 and Older - Violence, 800 Wii Points): Just when you thought the world was safe from the Syndicate and its shady leader, Mr. X, they have returned to torment the city once again. Mr. X has developed lifelike robots to take the place of various city officials so he can be in complete control. Now it's up to our old heroes Axel, Skate and Blaze to stop the threat with their amazing fighting skills. With more weapons and combat moves, as well as secret characters and various endings, this return to the streets is one you won't want to miss.
LEGEND OF HERO TONMA (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone - Mild Cartoon Violence, 600 Wii Points): LEGEND OF HERO TONMA is an action game that puts players in control of the magic-user Tonma, whose role - as was typical for game heroes of the day - is to travel to another world and save the princess. Fight your way through seven stages using Tonma's jump ability and shot power. Collect power-ups and barriers to grow in strength and pummel your enemies. Bring that strength to the end of each stage to face off against and defeat the menacing bosses that aim to keep you from the princess. This well-detailed game's comic visuals and feel will have players wanting to come back for more frantic and exciting action.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, September 24 2007 13:16 PM [Top]
Smash Bros. fans, rejoice, as one of the most popular features of Melee will be making a return in Brawl. The Dojo has confirmed that Trophies, collectible figurines featuring Nintendo characters and other items, will be once again obtainable within the game. Each trophy has a profile of the character or item featured, and the trophy list now has pictures to make the trophies easier to identify. Also, trophies can now be arranged by series, as well as organized however you like in a new bonus mode. You can even change the background.
Happy birthday Kevin! Man, time flies as we get older doesn't it? How's 23 feel? Pretty good hopefully. Surely you've been out enjoying your newfound power today. I'd be disappointed if you weren't. I'd offer to take you casino hopping down here in the great state of Mississippi, but they don't quite let me gamble yet. But hey, that's what next year is for, right? I hope you've had a blast, good sir, and we shall, as always, look forward to next year! Happy birthday!
Nintendo has revealed on their press site that the upcoming Wii diving simulator Endless Ocean won't be diving into stores for its scheduled October release date. Instead, the game will be released sometime in Q1 of 2008. Still very little is actually known about the game, so the delay was probably necessary. Also, October was looking to be a stacked month for Wii, with Donkey Kong Barrel Blast and Batallion Wars II both set to hit stores.
We'll have more as it breaks.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, September 23 2007 22:40 PM [Top]
The ultimate Nintendo hero is taking the ultimate step ... into space.
* Become Mario as he traverses a galaxy of gravities, traveling in and out of gravitational fields by blasting from planet to planet. Players experience dizzying perspective shifts as they run upside down through wild alien worlds that need to be seen to be believed.
* Controlling Mario is as simple as can be with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Players move Mario with the Control Stick and shake the Wii Remote to perform a spin move or cue stars that launch him to and from planetary objects. Players can even point at bits of stardust to collect them or latch onto stars to blaze a magnetic trail through the heavens.
* Don't want to head into space alone? With a second Wii Remote, another player can play alongside by pointing at and collecting bits of stardust, then launching them at enemies. The second player can even sweep aside projectiles or stall enemies to help make Mario's adventure easier.
Check out some new character art of one of the Wii's big killer aps below. The game hits stores November 12th.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, September 22 2007 21:28 PM [Top]
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn Boxart, Logo, and Artwork [ Nintendo ]
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.
* The best-selling strategy title makes its Wii debut, with 16:9 widescreen support, newly added for the North American version, bringing a truly epic experience.
Check out the game's official boxart and logo, as well as some new character art, below.
Hot off the heels of news that No More Heroes has been given a US release date, Marvelous Interactive, the game's Japanese publisher, has revealed a new trailer for the hotly-anticipated action game. The trailer gives a bit more insight on the characters and storyline, and shows off some incredible-looking gameplay. This game truly keeps looking better and better, and February 2008 cannot come soon enough. Check out the trailer, direct from YouTube, below. The trailer does have some harsh language, so you may not want to watch it if you're offended by that sort of thing. Enjoy.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, September 22 2007 1:41 AM [Top]
Link's Crossbow Training Fact Sheet, Box Art [ Nintendo ]
The other day it was officially announced that the Wii Zapper would come packaged with a game called Link's Crossbow Training. Now we have the boxart and a fact sheet to go along with that announcement:
Link returns from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess to pick up the Wii Zapper and take aim at a host of targets in this shooting-gallery-style game.
* Anyone can pick up the Wii Zapper and become a master marksman in the quick-play shooting galleries of Link's Crossbow Training. Dozens of fast-paced stages offer a wide variety of game play, from shooting stationary targets to defending a supply wagon from onrushing hordes of enemies. Multiplayer modes let players and their friends share a Wii Zapper to shoot for the high score.
* Link's Crossbow Training comes bundled with the Wii Zapper. After a few rounds of Link's Crossbow Training, players will be more than ready to pick up any of the future Wii Zapper titles, like Medal of Honor Heroes 2, Ghost Squad and Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles.
Using the Wii Zapper: The Wii Zapper requires the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, housing both in a comfortable and intuitive frame. The control stick on the Nunchuk controls player movement (on stages that allow player movement), while simply aiming the Wii Zapper moves the targeting reticule on the screen. Pulling the trigger fires Link's crossbow. By aiming off screen, players can turn Link to face in a new direction (again, on stages that allow this).
Link's Crossbow Training contains three basic game styles: target shooting, defender and ranger. There are 27 stages in total, and these categories represent only generally how each individual stage operates. Each stage's goal is to earn the highest score possible within the time limit. All rounds can be played with multiple players: Players pass the Wii Zapper around and then play one at a time and compete for the high score.
Target Shooting: In target-shooting rounds, players shoot bull's-eyes as they pop up on the screen. In early stages, targets are stationary. As the game difficulty increases in later levels, the targets move. Hitting the center of the bull's-eye nets more points, and hitting targets in succession without missing earns combo multipliers. Link can aim anywhere on the screen.
Defender: In defender rounds, players remain stationary but can look and aim in all directions - sometimes even in a full 360 degrees - by aiming off screen. Hordes of enemies assault Link, and he must fight them off. These battles have a great deal of variety, from fighting off skeletons in a desert to defending a wagon from boar-riding Bokoblins.
Ranger: In ranger rounds, players can move throughout the level using the control stick and aim anywhere they want by aiming the Wii Zapper wherever they want to look. In these missions, Link storms enemy encampments, fights his way through a forest and seeks out his foes while exploring the environments.
In honor of the ongoing Tokyo Game Show, today's Smash Bros. Update is dedicated to Super Smash Bros. Brawl's most shocking new character, Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid. As you may expect, Snake is armed with a ton of weapons, as well as several stealth-based attacks (yes, including the infamous cardboard box). Some of Snake's own Smash Attacks will even make use of weapons, as he can fire mortars into the air or plant mines in the ground.
As for his special moves, Snake can use his Nikita Missile launcher to take out foes with a remote missile. Once the rocket is fired, players can control the missile themselves - just be aware that Snake is open to attack the whole time. Also, Snake can utilize hand grenades as his standard special move, which work much like Link's bombs. Snake can even throw the grenades different distances by holding different directions on the control stick. Lastly, as a recovery move, Snake will pull out his Cypher aerial camera and float to the ground.
And that's not even all. We also get Snake's official theme for the game, a new arrangement of Metal Gear Solid 4's "Love Theme". You can check that out by hitting the source link. As for a ton of new screens and art of Snake in action, check below.
Nintendo and Future US, Inc. announced today that they are teaming up to publish Nintendo Power magazine, which has offered millions of Nintendo fans a comprehensive mix of tips, tricks, reviews, maps and strategies each month for nearly 20 years.
Future US will produce the title, which was formerly produced in-house by Nintendo of America Inc. Future US will also produce the magazine's Web site.
The first full Future US-published issue of Nintendo Power will be the December 2007 edition (volume 222), on sale in October. Initial circulation will be 300,000 copies, with the magazine continuing to ship to subscribers monthly, with an additional holiday bonus issue each year.
Future Publishing is no stranger to gaming magazines, as it already publishes Official Xbox Magazine (OXM), PlayStation Magazine (PSM), PC Gamer, and runs the popular gaming websites GamesRadar and Next Generation.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, September 21 2007 1:28 AM [Top]
Dinosaur King: As Max or Rex, otherwise known as the D-Team, players will collect over 100 dinosaurs, each with its own special moves totaling over 240 in all. Traveling to five different territories around the globe, players will dig for fossils that are indigenous to that region. Once the player has collected their dinosaurs, exciting battles can begin with the evil Dr. Z, a greedy scientist bent on destruction and world domination.
Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer: The game, from the creators of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, takes place in a fantastical version of feudal Japan and stars a Ronin (a masterless samurai) named Shiren who travels with a weasel named Koppa. Together they are on a quest to discover the mystical Land of the Golden Condor, said to be the home of the legendary city of gold known as El Dorado. Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer features a turn-based control scheme and an inventory system that harkens to the days of classic 16-bit RPGs. The game will also feature three new areas not found in the original SNES version as well as new monsters, updated graphics and sounds, and a tutorial mode.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 21:54 PM [Top]
The latest issue of Famitsu magazine as revealed that SNK Playmore's popular Metal Slug franchise will come to the Nintendo DS with the release of Metal Slug 7, the latest in the long-running series of side-scrolling shooters. While the game will retain it's 2D-graphical essence, the newest Metal Slug will also throw in some new features such as a new "combat school" mode, where players play through completed missions to get a better ranking. No release date was announced.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 12:08 PM [Top]
Capcom has officially announced at the Tokyo Game Show that the popular Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney franchise will be continuing on the Nintendo DS in North America, with the release of Gyakuten Saiban 4 - or as we'll call it, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney. The game stars a new main character, the young attorney Apollo Justice, set to take his very first case. He'll be joined by Trucy, an apprentice magician, as well as his mentor, attorney Kristoph Gavin. Expect several new cases, plus new gameplay elements that could make this the best Ace Attorney yet. The game will release in North America sometime in 2007.
Check out a trailer direct from YouTube below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 12:02 PM [Top]
Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, today announced Bomberman Land, the award-winning series, is coming to the Wii, and BOMBERMAN LAND Touch! 2 is coming for the Nintendo DS. Published by Hudson and distributed in North America by Konami Entertainment, all three versions are planned to release in January 2008.
Bomberman Land brings together 3 exciting game modes into one. The series introduces a bevy of mini-games, where most can be played in multiplayer mode. the Wii version features 50 mini-games, and the DS has 40. In addition, the Bomberman Land series features a robust single-player Story Mode, where players can explore a fantasy land and solve quests and puzzles with the ultimate goal of restoring peace and tranquility to the beleaguered Bomberman world.
Best of all, the game includes the Battle Pack Mode, the classic multiplayer Bomberman experience that gamers know and love. The DS version allows gamers to share one game cartridge and network with friends to create the ultimate party game.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 11:53 AM [Top]
Today's Smash Bros. Update details one of Brawl's many new Pokémon. This time, it's Piplup, which made its debut in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Once released from a Poké Ball, Piplup activates its Surf ability and begins sliding around the stage, capturing all players who cannot avoid it in its wake. It will then wash those players off the stage, where they'll be forced to recover.
Capcom has released their TGS 2007 trailer for We Love Golf, their anticipated Wii golf title set for this year. The game is developed by Camelot, the same guys behind several Mario sports titles like Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour and Mario Power Tennis. Check out the trailer by clicking here.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 2:23 AM [Top]
With its unique visual style and downright insane storyline, No More Heroes, developed by Koichi Suda (Killer7, Contact) has become one of the most anticipated titles for the Wii. However, the game was without a publisher to handle the game in the US and Europe - that is, until now. Ubisoft announced today to IGN that they have obtained the North American and European publishing rights to the Wii-exclusive title, and will release the game in February of 2008. The game will retain all of the Japanese craziness that makes the game so unique, and will also feature all of the blood and violence the game promises to have. IGN also has an interview with Ubisoft's president of publishing, Jay Cohen, on the decision to localize the game, as well as a new trailer, both of which you can check out by clicking the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 2:09 AM [Top]
The Kingdom Hearts games have become one of Square-Enix's most popular franchises, and it looks like it's set to make a return to a Nintendo portable. Along with new Kingdom Hearts games for the PSP and mobile phones, Square-Enix has announced Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days for the Nintendo DS, which supposedly takes place during Kingdom Hearts II. According to 1up, the game will be a side-story starring Roxas from Kingdom Hearts II, featuring four-player co-op play. Also, the game will be in full 3D. Kingdom Hearts is no stranger to Nintendo, with Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories being released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. No official release date for 358/2 Days was announced.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 20 2007 1:52 AM [Top]
Capcom today showcased Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo at Tokyo Game Show 2007. The game will include a two-player co-op mode and support for the Wii Zapper for even more intense light-gun style shooting action. Resident Evil is the highest selling Capcom series with more than 30 million games sold worldwide. Rated M for Mature by the ESRB, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles will be available on November 13 at a suggested retail price of $49.95.
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a brand new game in the Resident Evil franchise, with familiar locales from the entire series, created specifically for the unique characteristics of the Wii console. This action/shooter hybrid reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3 as well as new never-before-seen locations, such as Umbrella’s stronghold. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines first-person, light-gun style combat with interactive pathways, multiple weapons and new enemies to create an entirely new Resident Evil experience that could only be delivered on the Wii.
Check out some new screens from the game below. There's also a new trailer you can check out by clicking here.
LucasArts today revealed that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will come to the Wii home videogame system from Nintendo next spring, offering owners the unique chance to live out their Jedi fantasies by wielding the Wii Remote as a lightsaber while using the Nunchuk controller to torment foes with their Force powers.
The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The game’s expansive story is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.
The Wii version, in development by Krome Studios, will also add an exclusive duel mode in which players can compete head-to-head with their friends to determine the ultimate Jedi Master.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, September 18 2007 17:00 PM [Top]
Looks like Sakurai has come through on his promise. In arguably the biggest Smash Bros. Update yet, the Dojo has confirmed that Super Smash Bros. Brawl will use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online multiplayer. Brawl's Wi-Fi play will consist of two modes - "With Friends" and "With Anyone".
"With Friends" allows players who have registered one another (via friend code) to check each other's online status and set up matches. Friends can see each other's icon (which can be set as character logos, faces, or even Miis) and even send little smack talk messages during the fight by pressing a direction on the control pad. It's not exactly voice chat, but we'll take what we can get. You can also battle random ranked opponents with the "With Anyone" option. However, you will not know the players' names or logos, and cannot send messages. Also, before each match starts, each player gets a little time with Sandbag (from the Home Run Contest in Super Smash Bros. Melee) to work on their skills.
With all that said, Sakurai admits online will not be perfect. Lag will likely be present in battles between gamers in different countries (such as between Japan and America), which he apologizes for in advance. However, the good news is that there are other online services still yet to be revealed, which will be shown off in future Dojo updates.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, September 18 2007 3:25 AM [Top]
New Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Trailer [ Wii Café ]
Sega has released the latest trailer for the upcoming Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, set for both the Wii and Nintendo DS. While none of the trailer is actual gameplay footage, it gives a good idea of the various events featured in the game, from track events, to the triple jump and high jump, to swimming, archery, the hammer throw, hurdles, and even Ping-pong (or as the Chinese call it, Ping-pong). Check it out below, and watch as the game strives for the gold this November.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, September 18 2007 3:08 AM [Top]
Hudson Adds Turbo CD and Super CD Games to VC [ Hudson Soft ]
Hudson Soft is pleased to announce that Turbo CD and Super CD game software will be available for download via the Virtual Console feature on Nintendo's Wii. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download these classic games through the Wii Shop Channel. Soon, Wii owners will be able to enjoy even more software titles previously released on other platforms. These titles will be available for download beginning in October of this year in Japan, and thereafter will extend to North America, Europe and Australia. Now Wii gamers will be able to play games originally created specifically for CD-ROM media, in addition to TurboGrafx-16 game titles already available via Virtual Console.
Players will simply select their favorite games in the Wii Shop Channel to download the software via the Internet. Each Turbo CD and Super CD download will be priced at 800 Wii Points, which can be purchased either by credit card or through a Wii Points Card which are available at various retail locations.
In November 2006, Hudson Soft launched its Virtual Console business in North America, extending the service to Japan and Europe in December and to Australia in July of this year. As of the end of August 2007, 49 titles were available in Japan, and an impressive amount of titles were being distributed outside Japan (including third-party software). Hudson Soft will continue adding to the lineup of popular games for Virtual Console.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, September 17 2007 23:13 PM [Top]
NiGHTS To Feature Two-Player, Network Play [ SEGA ]
Sega Europe Limited today announced that NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will feature a two-player mode and network support at launch. SEGA also unveiled plans to reawaken the Artificial Life (A-Life) feature in NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, which gives gamers the freedom to oversee and develop their own sandbox environment enabling them to capture, raise, and even combine the inhabitants from the world of Nightopia.
Unlike any other game available today, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will deliver the feeling of flight through the innovative Wii Remote. Players will glide, spiral and loop through a variety of mystical dream worlds packed with action and adventure as they dive and blast through rings, gather orbs and come up against fantastic and unforgettable boss battles. Anchored by a storyline about courage, hope and inspiration, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is an ideal game for the entire family.
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams unfolds in Nightopia, the spectacular dream world of two young characters, Helen and Will. Struggling to overcome the every day challenges of growing up, these two 12-year-olds find their real life experiences spilling over into their dreams. As Helen and Will fall into a deep sleep, they are greeted by NiGHTS, a fantasy jester, who leads them to explore the rich and vibrant land of Nightopia. Along the way, NiGHTS helps the youngsters bravely face their fears by finding inventive ways to confront, outpace, and outwit foes - such as the villainous Nightmarens. Through the freedom of flight, execution of stunning acrobatic moves and tapping into special abilities that enable gamers to combat danger and restore peace to Nightopia.
Today's Dojo update reveals that one of the most popular Smash Bros. items, the hammer, will be making a return. However, it will do so in two forms, the regular old black hammer, and a much rarer new golden variety. The Golden Hammer has far more power than the regular version, and can also allow the wielder to float in mid-air by tapping the button rapidly. Also, like the original hammer, the Golden Hammer can malfunction and become completely useless. While the regular hammer merely loses its head, the Golden Hammer instead becomes the Golden Squeaky Hammer.
They invaded. They evolved. And now they'll be traded - across oceans, and without regard for national borders or native tongue.
Nintendo today announces the Pokémon GTS (Global Trade Station) Web site goes online worldwide Sept. 15 and will be a great resource for Pokémon fans interested in learning more about trading their favorite characters.
The Global Trade Station already allows the trade of millions of Pokémon between trainers worldwide. Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl are the fastest-selling games in the history of the series, with worldwide sales in excess of 10 million games. Players use their Nintendo DS portable game systems to link wirelessly to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing them to scan which Pokémon are available from different nations and offer to trade with other players.
The new Pokémon Global Trade Station Web site, www.pokemon-gts.net, can be reached via any Internet-connected computer. The site will let users see which Pokémon are the most popular to trade, provide statistics about the number of trades completed and allow them to bookmark their favorite Pokémon. The site will operate in seven different languages and inform users about the nation they're "visiting" electronically. Visitors can even listen to audio files to learn how to say "hello" and "thank you" in select countries languages.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, September 17 2007 12:16 PM [Top]
Yoshi's Story (Nintendo 64, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): The evil Baby Bowser has cast a spell turning Yoshi's Island into a picture book. Worse yet, the Super Happy Tree has been stolen, making the island dark and gloomy. Players must take control of six Yoshis, each a different color, and travel through six pages (worlds) of platforming adventure to recover the tree and return the island to normal. Featuring huge character models and bright, vibrant colors, the game's various environments (such as woods, caves, mountains and oceans) come alive in a uniquely gorgeous 2˝-D look. Eat fruit, avoid enemies and obstacles, and throw eggs from the Yoshis' never-ending supply in your quest to stop Baby Bowser's plan from succeeding. If you're good enough, you can aim for higher scores by being picky about the fruit you eat. And who knows, you might even find the mysterious black and white Yoshis.
Super Thunder Blade (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this follow-up to Thunder Blade, you'll fly a new and improved attack helicopter in a series of attacks against guerilla armies that are bent on taking over the world. Although your aircraft is formidable, your enemies are vast and varied. You'll have to take on submarines, tanks, fighter planes and more. Your command of this state-of-the-art battle copter must be top notch, as you'll have to dodge oncoming fire and use your various weapons to eliminate all enemy targets so you can reach the guerilla base and end their nefarious plans once and for all. Put on your flight suit and step into the thrilling action of Super Thunder Blade.
World Class Baseball (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Acclaimed for its steady game play, World Class Baseball is the definitive baseball game on the TurboGrafx16. Battle the computer in OPEN MODE or play a friend in VERSUS MODE. Customize your team in EDIT MODE or even watch a game between two computer opponents in WATCH MODE. World Class Baseball offers the complete baseball gaming experience. Of course there's also plenty of single-player action. The main feature is PENNANT MODE, where the player chooses a team from one of the world's leagues and strives to win their team's league. Beat league rivals and save your progress with passwords on your way to becoming league champions. After winning your league, get ready to the face the other league's champion in the heated series for the world championship.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, September 17 2007 12:13 PM [Top]
George Harrison Officially Leaving Nintendo [ Reuters ]
It's been all but confirmed for months now, but it's finally official. Nintendo's senior vice president of sales and marketing, George Harrison, will be leaving the company at the end of the year when Nintendo moves the sales department to San Francisco. "I have confirmed to all employees that I will be leaving at the end of December and not making the move to California", Harrison said in a statement through Reuters earlier today. Harrison has been with Nintendo since 1992, and was a fixture at Nintendo's events until 2004, when Reginald Fils-Aime became Nintendo of America's star executive (and now, president). It's still unclear if Harrison will move on to another company or retire altogether. Also, we've yet to hear confirmation on if Nintendo's public relations director Beth Llewelyn and VP of marketing and corporate affairs Perrin Kaplan will be leaving the company as well, as has been heavily rumored. We at Wii Café want to wish George the best on all of his future endeavors.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, September 15 2007 1:57 AM [Top]
Reggie: Wii Shipments Will Increase for Holidays [ Mercury News ]
The Wii has been extremely hard to find since the system's launch, with no sign of demand slowing down. With word coming out that Nintendo has delayed plans to increase shipments of the console, most thought that the Wii would go from hard to downright impossible to pick up in a store. Fortunately, it appears that will not be the case, in a video interview with the Mercury News, Nintendo president Reginald Fils-Aime has confirmed that Nintendo will be increasing Wii shipments to an "unprecedented" level for the holiday season. That said, the console will be extremely hard to find due to the extreme level of demand, so Reggie still recommends doing whatever it takes in order to procure yourself one.
To see the full video interview for yourself, click the source link.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Saturday, September 15 2007 0:21 AM [Top]
As a fantasy jester called NiGHTS, players will fly through Nightopia, a rich and vibrant world where dreams come to life. With the innovative Wii Remote, gamers will experience a heightened sense of gliding, spiraling, and looping through a variety of mystical dream worlds packed with high-flying adventure. Players must find inventive ways to confront the “Nightmarens” from the neighboring dark world of Nightmare using amazing acrobatic skills, freedom of flight, and other special abilities to protect Nightopia. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is an adventure filled with courage, hope and inspiration that the whole family will enjoy this holiday season.
There's two versions of the trailer below, one giant QuickTime file, and one smaller AVI file. It shows off a lot of gameplay with NiGHTS as well as the two kids, Will and Helen, mixed with some pretty cutscenes.
Capcom today announced a partnership with Camelot Software Planning to develop We Love Golf! for the Wii home video game system. Best known for developing Hot Shots Golf and the Mario Golf series, Camelot has a proven track record of creating entertaining, successful sports video games. This latest title transforms the Wii Remote into a virtual set of golf clubs, creating the most immersive golfing experience available off the greens. Capcom plans to release We Love Golf! in North America in 2008.
We Love Golf! presents a realistic golfing experience with a fresh new spin, incorporating the Wii Remote’s unique motion-sensing functionality. Players will use the controller to choose clubs, line up shots, swing and even add a touch fade or draw with a flick of the wrist. Just as on a real course, gauging wind conditions, correct club selection and careful reading of the greens are all essential for victory. A variety of game modes, multiple characters, and unlockable content will provide endless hours of putting heaven.
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a brand new game in the Resident Evil franchise, with familiar locales from the entire series. This action/shooter hybrid reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3 as well as new never-before-seen locations, such as Umbrella’s stronghold. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines first-person, light-gun style combat with interactive pathways, multiple weapons and new enemies to create an entirely new Resident Evil experience that could only be delivered on the Wii.
The new screens show Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, two of RE's most famous heroes, as well as some new baddies and arch villain Albert Wesker, in a new winter setting. The game launches this November.
Just when you thought that everyone's favorite eskimo duo would be missing the Smash Bros. Brawl cut, the Dojo has officially confirmed that the Ice Climbers will be returning from Super Smash Bros. Melee for another round. As always, it's Popo in the blue parka and Nana in the pink one, with both sporting their trademark hammers, as well as some more-detailed designs.
Check out the first screens and art of the Ice Climbers in action below.
The latest Dojo update concerns another returning feature from Super Smash Bros. Melee. Brawl players will be able to add special rules to their matches in order to make the smashing experience more interesting. However, not only are their far more options to choose from, players can now combine any option to create different match types as they see fit. They can make the match a Stamina match, get a Bunny Hood, be set on fire, become metal, and even change the camera angle. They can even create a "Stamina Mega Flower Curry Heavy Slow Angled Brawl" (say that three times fast).
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, September 13 2007 12:47 PM [Top]
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [ Previews ]
Everyone's favorite green-hatted Hylian returns for his first DS adventure. Eric checks out if the newest Zelda game looks to be up to snuff with the enormous standards of the series.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Wednesday, September 12 2007 21:29 PM [Top]
Conspiracy Entertainment Europe is pleased to announce that they have secured the publishing rights to one of the world’s best known gaming franchises -- Dragon’s Lair. They will be releasing the original Dragon’s Lair for the Nintendo DS and as part of this deal they also plan to publish the DS versions of Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp. United Coders (formerly announced as Wizardry Engineering) are developing all versions of the games.
Dragon’s Lair DS features two modes of play: 1983 Arcade mode and Director’s Cut.
The 1983 version plays just like the original arcade release. Designed for the hardcore Dragon’s Lair fan who wishes to re-live the arcade experience, this is the first ever handheld version of Dragon’s Lair that is 100% true to the original and has all the scenes, all the death scenes, and all the quirks and oddities found in the original release.
The Director’s Cut is aimed mostly at players who have never experienced the game before, offering new and unique gameplay options that improve the flow and interaction of the game plus full support for Rumble Pak, Stylus Support and Voice Recognition.
Dragon’s Lair is due to ship in the 1st quarter of 2008 with Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp to follow at a later date.
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Wednesday, September 12 2007 17:47 PM [Top]
SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced that the Company will release several of their greatest NEOGEO arcade games via the Virtual Console feature on Wii. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download these classic games through the Wii Shop Channel. D4Enterprise, Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, will manage the release of the titles.
Key NEOGEO titles will include "Fatal Fury," "World Heroes," and "Art of Fighting." Each title is expected to cost 900 Wii Points. More titles will follow over the coming months
Carl DeNovio
-- Posted on Wednesday, September 12 2007 14:16 PM [Top]
We've seen the stage since the very first trailer for the game, and now the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has finally revealed Battleship Halberd, the official stage of Meta Knight. The stage starts off in a ship's hangar, where Meta Knight's ship is docked. Later, both the ship and the platform players are battling on will take off, the platform eventually landing on the ship itself. Once their, players will not only have to battle each other, but now the ship's battery of laser guns will take aim at the players, as well as blasting out missiles and utilizing its grappling arm.
Today's Smash update deals with the latest Assist Trophy character, Lyn from Fire Emblem on the GBA. When released, Lyn builds power and moves extremely fast, attacking other enemies with powerful sword strikes. To use her best, players should grab their opponents so it's hard to avoid Lyn's attacks.
Check out some screens and art of Lyn in action below.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Tuesday, September 11 2007 3:14 AM [Top]
Wii Zapper Release Date, Pack-In Announced [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo announced today that the Wii Zapper interface for the hit Wii home video game system will come packed with Link's Crossbow Training. The software is based on the hugely popular Legend of Zelda series and provides a perfect demonstration of the way the Wii Zapper could be used in other games. The Wii Zapper casing houses both the motion-sensitive Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in a single unit for precision targeting. It goes on sale Nov. 19 at an MSRP of just $19.99.
Link's Crossbow Training drops players into a world in the style of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Players assume the identity of hero Link, who progresses through a series of tests to perfect his crossbow marksmanship. Start with stationary bull's-eyes and graduate to moving targets before defending Link against all kinds of enemies.
Third-party publishers have lined up to support the Wii Zapper. EA's Medal of Honor Heroes 2 lets players take World War II into their hands with the Wii Zapper. The game features an all-new Wii-exclusive Arcade Mode that offers accessibility to gamers of all skill levels, a full single-player campaign and support for up to 32 players in multiplayer. Capcom's Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3, as well as new never-before-seen locations like Umbrella's stronghold. One or two players use the Wii Zapper to take aim against a horde of zombies in first-person perspective. SEGA's Ghost Squad lets players replicate the arcade light-gun experience at home with the Wii Zapper.
VC Update: Sonic Plays Football in Neutopia [ Nintendo ]
NES Play Action Football (NES, 1-4 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): "Ready! Hut hut hut..." Nintendo takes to the gridiron with the classic football powerhouse NES Play Action Football. Featuring a distinct overhead viewpoint that creates an almost 3-D field, the action is more simulation-based than many of the more arcade-based games of the time. Play through four 15-minute quarters (in accelerated time) and even substitute players when your first-stringers get tired. Want more options? Each of the eight available teams has multiple running/passing plays to choose from while on offense, as well as a wide selection of defensive schemes that can be run when you're on the other side of the ball. And in addition to viewing two full teams on the screen at once without any slowdown, you'll hear voice snippets at key points of the game. Line up, and see if you have what it takes to win the Power Bowl.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Sonic and Tails are back for another adventure as they again battle the evil Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik), who is desperately trying to collect all the Chaos Emeralds to rebuild his Death Egg. Our heroes must again find the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, but winning the race won't be easy this time – a new adversary, Knuckles the Echidna, has arrived on the scene and will do whatever he can to keep Sonic and Tails from reaching their goal. Grab all the golden rings, find various bonus zones and overcome Knuckles and Dr. Eggman as you rocket through the third chapter in Sonic's adventures.
Neutopia II (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Experience improved graphics and controls in this exciting sequel to the action role-playing game Neutopia. Take on the role of the main hero's son and watch as the story begins with the apparent revival of Dirth, the evil demon. Once again you'll need to rely on your magic compass and the information you've gathered to find entrances to labyrinths and defeat the bosses in them. Make your way through the field, which can be tricky at times, to search for and find hidden information and items, or move blocks and destroy walls to uncover secret rooms. Like the original, this game has a save function, a finely tuned difficulty level and a fast-paced story, making it truly an RPG that everyone can enjoy.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, September 10 2007 13:32 PM [Top]
The newest Pokémon addition to Super Smash Bros. Brawl will be the mischievous Munchlax, the pre-evolution of Snorlax. When released from his Pokéball, Munchlax will wander the field aimlessly - until he comes across a discarded or unused item. He will then devour the item whole, removing it from play.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, September 10 2007 13:29 PM [Top]
Nintendo Magic Becomes Master of Illusion [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo announced at E3 that they would be bringing the game Magic Taizen from Japan to the US, with the greatly unimaginative title Nintendo Magic. Fortunately, this name has magically disappeared, and is replaced by something much cooler: Master of Illusion. Master of Illusion is essentially a "magic training" game, teaching players how to do various tricks through the use of touch screen-based mini games. In Japan, the game came with a deck of cards so players could show how to do these tricks in real life - it's unknown if this will transfer over to the American release as well.
Master of Illusion poofs into stores on November 26th.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, September 9 2007 22:09 PM [Top]
Red & Black DS to be Sold Seperately [ GoNintendo ]
Looks like those who would like the new Red & Black Nintendo DS will soon get their chance to purchase it without having to pick up Brain Age 2 as well. A standee in various GameStop stores across the country advertising the impending release of Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass also features a small advertisement revealing the Red & Black DS will, in fact, be available alone starting in October. This is great news for those wanting the DS and not wanting Brain Age 2 along with it. Nintendo should be confirming this news sometime this week, so we'll keep you posted. Our buddies at GoNintendo have some pictures as proof, so click the source link to check those out.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, September 9 2007 19:10 PM [Top]
The official Super Smash Bros. Brawl website has powered out a trio of updates today, all centering around the game's music. First off is a new feature for the game - "My Music" which allows players to select the likelihood that a certain track will play on a certain stage. Each stage will have several tracks to choose from, and they can all be sampled from the menus as well. Also, Sakurai reveals that there may be songs in the game that are actually the original tune, not using a new arrangement. Lastly, a new item called the CD will pop up in battles - collecting it unlocks a new song, so be sure not to miss it.
Second, two new songs from the game are featured. While one is one we've heard before (the Super Smash Bros. Brawl main theme, featured in the game's first trailer), the second is a brand-new arrangement of Pokémon themes for the Pokémon Stadium 2 stage. The songs featured are the Gym theme and the Evolution theme, both Pokémon standards since Red and Blue. You can check out both songs by clicking the source link, and check out a couple new screens of the game below.
Smash Bros. Update - Tourneys [ 
