Two WiiWare games were released for Europe this morning, neither of them much to get excited about imo.
Snowboard Riot (WiiWare)Pong Toss: Frat Party Games (WiiWare)News of the US releases on Monday, have a bitter weekend.
Nintendo has released a list of titles coming to the Wii throughout the second quarter of this year:
MarchMajor League Baseball 2K9 (2K Sports) - March 3rdNew Play Control: Pikmin (Nintendo) - March 9thNew Play Control: Mario Power Tennis (Nintendo) - March 9thM&M's Beach Party (Zoo) - March 10thGuilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus (Aksys) - May 12thReady 2 Rumble Revolution (Atari) - March 17thBackyard Baseball 10 (Atari) - March 31stDon King Boxing (2K Sports) - March 31stPuzzle Kingdoms (Zoo) - March 31stTrivial Pursuit (EA) - MarchMySims Party (EA) - MarchAprilDance Dance Revolution: Disney Grooves (Konami) - April 2ndGarfield Gets Real (Zoo) - April 7thRoogoo (Southpeak) - April 7thPennzoil's Build-N-Race: Speed Demons (Zoo) - April 14thExcitebots: Trick Racing (Nintendo) - April 20thJelly Belly Ballistic Beans (Zoo) - April 21stPirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball (Southpeak) - April 21stSmiley World Island Challenge (Zoo) - April 28thReal Heroes: Firefighter (Conspiracy) - AprilProfessor Heinz Wolff's Gravity (Deep Silver) - AprilHannah Montana: The Movie (Disney) - AprilMayNew Play Control: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (Nintendo) - May 4thPunch-Out!! (Nintendo) - May 18thActive (EA) - May 19thYu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers (Konami) - May 19thFritz Chess (Deep Silver) - MayVirtua Tennis 2009 (Sega) - MayX-Men Origins: Wolverine (Activision) - MayJuneGarfield's Pet Force (Zoo) - June 9thIce Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Activision) - June 30thTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Activision) - JuneThe Conduit (Sega) - JuneLet's Tap (Sega) - JuneTiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (EA) - JuneVagueMotoGP (Capcom) - SpringIndiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (LucasArts) - SpringOverlord: Dark Legend (Codemasters) - SummerBoom Blox: Bash Party (EA) - SpringMySims Racing (EA) - SummerHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (EA) - SummerG.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra - SummerEA SPORTS Tennis (working title) (EA) - SummerHelp Wanted (Hudson) - SummerKlonoa (Namco Bandai) - Q2How many games on there are you interested in?
Ahh the Japanese, they're way ahead over there. Nintendo has already revealed plans to bring out the DSi handheld in three new colors, this is how they look:
So that's pink, light green (..or is it yellow?) and dark blue.
They'll be released on March 20th, priced just the same as the black and white models. Would you pick up one of these over the standard colors?
Here are the top 20 charts for downloadables as they stand this week, for both WiiWare games and Virtual Console.
WiiWareTetris PartyMy AquariumWorld of GooPool Revolution: Cue SportsDr Mario Online RxMy Pokemon RanchBrain ChallengeFun Fun MinigolfMidnight BowlingTarget Toss Pro: BagsLITSandy BeachSnowboard RiotDefend Your CastleTV Show KingWild West GunsOnslaughtFinal Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a KingTiki TowersBomberman BlastVirtual ConsoleSuper Mario Bros 3Super Mario BrosSuper Mario WorldSuper Mario Bros 2The Legend of ZeldaPunch OutPac-ManMario Kart 64Super Mario 64Donkey KongDonkey Kong CountryThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeSuper Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven StarsSonic the Hedgehog 2ExcitebikeGalagaTecmo BowlThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the PastSonic the HedgehogLife Force
Another day, another action packed trailer for Sonic and the Black Knight from Sega. This one features Knuckles the echidna, playing as "Sir Gawain" and wielding two curved blades.
The first string of Commodore 64 games have been released on the US Virtual Console, to the delight of many an old man.
Onslaught (WiiWare)The Last Ninja (C64)International Karate (C64)Pitstop 2 (C64)To my knowledge, Onslaught is the first FPS game to hit the WiiWare service. Excited about it?
Nintendo is trying to give mathematics a makeover by partnering with MATHCOUNTS, a nonprofit organization that promotes math education. Between now and March 25, MATHCOUNTS is challenging its middle school math clubs across the country to boost their membership in a quest to win Nintendo DS systems and copies of the new Personal Trainer: Math software.
MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment, coaching and competition program that promotes mathematics at more than 48,000 middle schools in every U.S. state and territory. Personal Trainer: Math plays on the portable Nintendo DS system and includes more than 40 fun, fast-paced math exercises, from basic addition and subtraction to more extensive multiplication tables and calculation ladders. Up to 16 players with Nintendo DS systems can wirelessly race to finish their problems, even if only one player has a game card.
Nintendo will provide Nintendo DS systems and an equal number of Personal Trainer: Math software to MATHCOUNTS. How many? (2 x 4 x 5 x 2)! You figure it out. As an incentive to get clubs to participate and increase membership, MATHCOUNTS will randomly select four schools with at least 12 participating students in their MATHCOUNTS Club Programs to each receive 20 Nintendo DS systems and 20 copies of Personal Trainer: Math.
"Anything that gets kids more interested in math helps prepare them for whatever careers they eventually choose," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Personal Trainer: Math is great in a competitive club environment."
"Math teaches kids how to solve problems creatively and develop critical-thinking skills that will help them in the future," said Lou DiGioia, executive director of the MATHCOUNTS Foundation. "Personal Trainer: Math will be another helpful tool that students in our programs can use to make learning mathematics fun, exciting and challenging."
For details about the program and more information about MATHCOUNTS, visit www.mathcounts.org. For more information about Personal Trainer: Math, visit www.PersonalTrainerMath.com.
For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
There's speculation going around that a Silent Hill game may be on the cards for Wii. Konami has given an untitled Wii project to developers Climax Group.
Climax are the team behind Silent Hill Origins on PSP and PS2. The "jobs" page of their website also indicates that a "stunning and refreshing take on the horror genre" is being worked on, which would seem to tie into a Silent Hill Wii title.
Biodroid Productions have revealed a new title they're working on for Nintendo Wii. It's called Zblucops, an action adventure which aims to bring back storytelling and wacky humor found in traditional adventure games.
Cel-shaded graphics and co-op gameplay are among its features, here's a teaser trailer:
Don't ask me what's going on in that video.
To celebrate the launch of the DSi on April 5th, Nintendo has put together a promotional video showing off the machine's capabilities:
They make a convincing case?
It's Virtual Console day for Europe and Australia, two new offerings for your consideration:
MERCS (Genesis)Winter Games (Commodore 64)Note that C64 games are only available in Europe. More news for WiiWare/VC on Monday with the North American releases.
Hang onto your hats – and your Wii Remote controllers – as we unveil a set of exciting firsts for the Wii Shop Channel this week. For starters, the new Onslaught marks the first-ever first-person shooter to be released via the WiiWare service. Using the intuitive wireless controls Wii is known for, the game puts players at the center of a pulse-pounding adventure that fans of futuristic sci-fi and multiplayer action will love.
The other big news this week is the hotly anticipated launch of Commodore 64 game titles on Virtual Console. Starting with two classic martial arts games and an awesome car racing title, we're thrilled to add yet another old-school gaming platform to the mix. Virtual Console already offers classic games that originally appeared on a variety of platforms, and with the addition of Commodore 64, Wii owners can expect even more vintage games to rediscover and enjoy. (Congratulations to those of you who deciphered our hidden hints in last week's Wii-kly Update – you'll find a key to all the clues at the end of this installment.)
Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
WiiWare
Onslaught (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated T for Teen—Animated Blood, Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Onslaught is an FPS that puts you in the middle of a futuristic war between humans and insectoid aliens. Become part of the Elite Interstellar Strike Force and fight against an overwhelming onslaught of alien life forms. Enjoy the rush of mowing down wave after wave of aliens with machine guns, grenades and more. Feel your heart pound as you battle gigantic boss aliens. Beyond the normal game, Onslaught includes additional modes that let you play with rivals from around the world using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Team up with as many as three other players in Free Battle mode, or compete on special maps to see who can get the most points by killing enemies before time runs out in Ranking Battle mode. (Router and broadband access required for online play. For more info, go to www.nintendo.com.)
Virtual Console
The Last Ninja (Commodore 64, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Animated Blood, Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): The evil Shogun Kunitoki has long envied the powers of the Ninja brotherhood and would do anything to acquire their knowledge. To this end, he has sworn an oath to their total destruction. Once every decade, all Ninja must travel to the Island of Lin Fen, where they pay homage to the Shrine of the White Ninja and receive further teachings from the Koga Scrolls. Seizing the opportunity, Kunitoki summoned forth all the spirits from the depths of the Nether World and flung their full force against the amassed Ninja. None escaped the wrath of Kunitoki. Word of this unnatural disaster soon reached Armakuni, the last Ninja. Gathering all his courage, he has sworn to wreak a terrible revenge on the Shogun and all his followers. What unforeseen hazards await him?
INTERNATIONAL KARATE (Commodore 64, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): INTERNATIONAL KARATE is a simulation of a karate tournament in which one person can play against the computer or two players can compete against each other. During the game, you'll fly to various locations around the world. In all stages of the game, a wise old judge will watch over you and award you either a half-point or a full point, depending on how successful a hit has been.
Pitstop II (Commodore 64, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Pitstop II was the first game that brought serious auto racing action to the computer screen—the thrill of battling an opponent, the excitement of fighting for the lead out on the track, and the suspense of struggling to be the first out of the pits. Third-person graphics and a split-screen display allow one or two players to experience the challenge of car racing head-to-head. Six of the world's toughest tracks are waiting, from Brands Hatch and its hairpin turns to the mile-long straight of Vallelunga. You can practice against the computer, but nothing will compare to the fun of racing against another person. Indeed, Pitstop II proves that car racing was never meant to be a solo sport.
As promised, here's a list of the Commodore 64-related clues that were embedded in last week's newsletter:
In the second paragraph, each sentence contains exactly 64 letters and numbers (not counting spaces or punctuation). U.S. Route 64 runs from Arizona to North Carolina. The third sentence ends with a comma and the word "door," hinting at the name Commodore. "Brick House" was a hit for R&B group The Commodores. The athletic teams of Vanderbilt University are known as the Commodores. Pennsylvania's Route 286 passes through a town called Commodore. The phrases "birthday greetings" and "who could ask for more?" are found in the classic Beatles tune "When I'm 64."
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
For the latest WiiWare games, click here.
Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.
Nintendo announces a new online series of "Iwata Asks" sessions covering a topic that is sure to be hot for the video game industry in 2009: Nintendo DSi. The first installment of the Nintendo DSi series runs today and features a discussion with the hardware development team. Stay tuned for additional volumes, which are scheduled to be posted in the coming weeks. They aim to shed some light on the creative forces behind Nintendo's new hand-held system. To read the "Iwata Asks" transcripts, please visit www.nintendodsi.com
The Nintendo DSi system will be available in the U.S. on April 5, 2009. The new hand-held system will provide customized gaming experiences through built-in features, including dual cameras, an interactive voice recorder and music player, Nintendo DSiWare downloadable content via Nintendo DSi Shop and more. Nintendo DSi also demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to transforming the way people play video games.
A representative for Nintendo has offered up an explanation on why they chose to use "i" in the name of the new DSi handheld. Any similarities with the iPod are purely coincidental.
" The "i" is symbolic of the subject "I" and its personal aspect. Plus, the addition of two cameras gives the system its own "eye" on things. Nintendo hope that the Nintendo DSi becomes more than a game system and more of a personal tool to enrich our daily lives ".
So there's We (Wii) and I (DSi). What will those geniuses think of next.
The DSi poll is over, it turns out that the majority of Wii's World visitors will be getting their hands on one. This makes Shigsy weeerrry happy.
Now for something else. MadWorld is being hyped up by many as a must-sell game for the Wii hardcore audience, even going as far as to say that future hardcore titles depend on it. Even with the heavy promotion work from Sega, can an ultraviolent game in black and white really bring in big sales?
Vote with your clicky fingers in our new poll, where we ask:
Are you getting MadWorld?
Nyko, popular makers of 3rd party accessories have been busy again. This time they're bringing out some addons for their existing version of the Wii remote, known as the Wand.
The first is a wired Nunchuk with a difference, in that it actually vibrates for your gaming pleasure.
Secondly there's a gun attachment known as the Pistol Grip. This isn't like other gun shells available on the market however, since A and B button presses are replicated digitally. This means it doesn't rely on clumsy mechanics and won't suffer any delay times.
Unfortunately the Wand itself looks like this:
Nyko's Chris Arbogast had the following to say:
" The Wand opens up a myriad of new features and accessories for us to improve how consumers experience games on Nintendo Wii. Recognized as the Best of CES 2009 in the Gaming category, the Wand will ship as a stand alone unit and in both the Action Pak and Core Pak so users can customize their gaming experience. We are pleased to reveal these two new Wand-compatible accessories and look forward to innovating new ways of using Trans-Port technology in future ".
The Wand and its addons will be available to buy from stores like Amazon.
Sega has put up another trailer for Sonic and the Black Knight. It boasts more gameplay footage and shows Sonic squaring off against Percival (aka Blaze the Cat).
It's fair to say Sonic's console games have gone astray over the past 5 years or so, will Black Knight be a step in the right direction? Looks to me like it just might be.
Sonic and the Black Knight hits the shelves on March 3rd.
In a press release Majesco has just announced a new party game for Nintendo Wii. It's called Go Play Lumberjacks.
This game aims to bring all the thrills and spills of being a lumberjack into your living room, sawdust and all, using the Balance Board and Wiimote to perform a number of actions like:
ChopClimbSawLogrollGo Play Lumberjacks is coming out this May (dismay?), some screens are now up on the game's page.
One of the developers at Platinum Games has put up a blog post discussing music used in MadWorld. There are a total of 20 tracks used, all of them original pieces of work created for the game. Among the artists are:
OxDoujah RazeSick YGBandy LeggzWordsmithS.O.U.L PurposeOptimusNames you haven't heard before in all likelihood, I know I hadn't. All of the names above have Myspace pages, some of the tracks are shown off in this video:
The soundtrack CD is available as a free gift when you preorder MadWorld from certain stores.
The SNES-styled Classic Controller previously limited to Club Nintendo members in Japan is now available to buy online.
Unfortunately these things are fetching a high price, probably due to rarity. Play-Asia has them in stock but they're going for USD $74.90. Too steep?
Team Meat has put out a promotional video for Super Meat Boy on WiiWare. Designed by Edmund McMillen, this here SMB promises to be one of the most hardcore platformers ever to grace planet earth.
Food for thought?
Fans of the arcade series Mr Driller are in for a treat. Famitsu magazine has uncovered that Namco is busy working on 2 games, one for WiiWare and the other for DSiWare.
The WiiWare version is called Mr Driller World and will be priced at 800 Nintendo Points. Both games are hitting Japan towards the end of February, this year, so not long to wait.
Any love for Mr Driller?
A week or so back EA revealed that a Dead Space game was in the works for Wii. At the time we were left wondering whether it would be a port of the original, a spinoff, or god knows what else.
Today we've learned the game has been given a subheading "Extraction", making the full title Dead Space: Extraction. Built from the ground up for Wii, Extraction will be prequel to the first game. It's said to include a new female lead character, new weaponry and co-op gameplay.
There's also a trailer, although it's a little hard to tell whether gameplay is being shown or just cut-scenes. Some are speculating this game will actually be an on-rails light-gun game.
Are you scared yet? How about now?
Dead Space: Extraction is being handled by EA's Redwood studio and will be released this Fall.
Nintendo pioneered hand-held entertainment in the ’80s and made it fully mobile with the Game Boy video game system. Now, Nintendo is transforming the way people access, experience, create and share content with the new Nintendo DSi system, the third iteration of the world’s best-selling portable video game system. Nintendo DSi launches in the United States on April 5, 2009, at an MSRP of $169.99. The colors available at launch will be Blue and Black.
"Ever since the arrival of the first Game Boy, consumers worldwide have turned to Nintendo for their portable gaming," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Nintendo DSi builds on Nintendo’s commitment to bringing fun and creative entertainment to everyone, and will allow consumers to personalize and share their very own experiences.”
Some features that will be built into the system and ready to enjoy upon purchase include the Nintendo DSi Camera, Nintendo DSi Sound and Nintendo DSi Shop. The most noticeable feature of the slim Nintendo DSi system is its two cameras – one camera is on the external body, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open. As the first truly interactive digital camera in a video game system with 10 different interactive “lenses” that can manipulate your photos, the Nintendo DSi Camera offers an easy way to take and share your photos with family and friends. The cameras also present people with unprecedented ways to interact with their games while giving developers a new tool to devise creative games and experiences. If the touch screen gave Nintendo DS a sense of feel and the microphone allowed it to hear, the two cameras give Nintendo DSi the sense of sight.
Another enhanced feature is the Nintendo DSi Sound application, which serves as both an interactive voice recorder and music player that allows users to play with their music while they listen to it. Users can access different audio filters or control the pitch and speed of recorded voice or music files to alter voices or change the tempo of a song. The mic is located between the two screens when the device is flipped open, and there is also a stereo headphone output that lets users listen to music saved on an SD card, even with the screen shut.
In the world of software, Nintendo DSi will be the platform for the most relevant and fun on-the-go games and applications. The Nintendo DSiWare application will populate Nintendo DSi with software that can be downloaded using Nintendo DSi Points directly to the portable system, just as WiiWare has with Nintendo’s Wii console. Developers big and small are invited to create software that makes use of the properties and functions of the hardware. Nintendo DSiWare games and applications will be available at a range of values, starting at 200 points.
In addition to downloadable games, Nintendo DSi is able to play games made specifically for the system and sold at retail. The system can also play most Nintendo DS™ games, and will have access to a library of more than 850 titles originally made for that system.
Also on April 5, a new Nintendo DS game, Rhythm Heaven, will join this roster of games available for both Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS owners in the United States. Having sold more than 1.6 million copies since its July 2008 launch in Japan and still increasing sales today, this infectious game challenges players to tap and slide the stylus on the touch screen in time to original music created by legendary Japanese pop-star producer TSUNKU♂. Simple gestures with the stylus combined with fun music and quirky visuals make Rhythm Heaven a completely unique musical experience for players of all ages.
Additional features and news of Nintendo DSi will be revealed as April 5 approaches. For more information about Nintendo DSi, visit www.nintendodsi.com.
According to an article on USA Today, the episodic series Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People will be making it to store shelves on a disc next month.
The WiiWare series by Telltale Games ran for five episodes in total and ended in December. Depending on price, would you be interested in buying it at retail?
New reports are suggesting that the SNES cult-classic Earthbound may never be released on the Virtual Console, in the US at least.
The reason for this? Licensing issues. Nintendo of America feels that some of the music used in-game is too similar to real-life songs which are copyrighted, potentially leading to legal problems. Unfortunately, NCL (Nintendo's Japanese arm) isn't willing to approve changes, leaving things in deadlock.
Earthbound came first in ONM's readers request poll for the VC, so this is likely to dismay a few people.
SEGA Corporation and Nintendo Co., Ltd today announced that two of the biggest video game heroes, Mario and Sonic, will be coming together again, this time taking their rivalry to the snow and ice in another officially licensed Olympic-themed smash hit Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Heading to stores late in 2009 on the Wii home video game system and Nintendo DS, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games will take players to Vancouver, Canada, host city of the official 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This gaming experience invites players of all ages and skill sets to face-off in some of the most intense winter competitions available for the Nintendo platforms.
Developed by SEGA of Japan, under the guidance of Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games will take players to lifelike Olympic venues where they can choose from a legendary cast of playable characters, including new faces to the series to be revealed later this year. Following the phenomenal worldwide popularity of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, this fresh gaming experience will feature completely new Olympic Winter Games events from the official competition schedule including Alpine Skiing and Speed Skating with more events announced throughout the year.
Tailored to the specific system controls, Nintendo DS and Wii gamers will enjoy completely unique experiences thanks to each platform having its own specific gameplay features and modes. Players of all skill levels will enjoy the intuitive controls of both the Wii and Nintendo DS systems, in both single and multiplayer gaming modes. The Wii game will offer an even richer multiplayer experience offering co-op and competitive gameplay where the Nintendo DS brings an intense competitive element using the Nintendo DS wireless capabilities. Additionally, one of the new features to be found in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the inclusion of the Wii Balance Board which can be used in some events featured in the Wii version, allowing for a more interactive and realistic gaming experience.
Published by SEGA across Europe and North America, and published by Nintendo in the Japanese market, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is again licensed through a worldwide partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"We are extremely happy to again team up with Nintendo and ISM on what promises to be another global success." says Naoya Tsurumi, CEO, SEGA of America and SEGA Europe. "Sonic will partner with Mario once more beneath the spotlight of the legendary Olympic Games. Together they will face new athletic challenges that will provide gamers with more of the exciting experiences unique to this series."
"SEGA has been a valued publishing partner of Nintendo for many years and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is the ultimate representation of that relationship," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president and COO, Nintendo of America. "We look for this game to continue the tradition its predecessor started by bringing new events, new characters, and new gameplay experiences to fans worldwide."
"To once again have Mario and Sonic and friends compete in Olympic sports and events in a winter setting is tremendously exciting for the Olympic Movement and the millions of gamers worldwide who enjoyed the characters’ previous match up", says Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman & CEO of ISM.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games will be in stores late 2009. For more information about the game, please visit www.sega.com or www.olympicvideogames.com. For any assets, please visit the SEGA FTP site at http://segapr.segaamerica.com.
Another WiiWare game is available to download in the US as of today, as well as a Virtual Console classic.
Evasive Space (WiiWare)Life Force (NES)Evasive Space from YUKES is set in space, and you must evade things. Here's a trailer:
Set at 1,000 Wii Points it's not the cheapest of games, but it does look pretty good to me.
Today's DLC for Rock Band 2 (Wii version) has been revealed on the official Harmonix forums. Seven songs from 90s grungers Nirvana, all taken from the Nevermind album:
Nirvana - BreedNirvana - Lounge ActNirvana - On a PlainNirvana - PollyNirvana - Something in the WayNirvana - Stay AwayNirvana - Territorial Pissings
Nintendo DS system owners take note – the next game to engage your brain has arrived: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon. A unique strategy adventure, the game grants players full control over a powerful fighting force in a captivating fantasy setting, putting virtual tacticians to the test as they implement creative battle strategies, improve the skills of their warriors and outthink their opponents on the way to glory and victory.
The Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon video game lets players alternate turns with opponents, moving their units to attack enemies on the battlefield and advance to more advantageous locations. There are dozens of units with different weapons and magic spells to wield, each with their own strategic benefits: high-flying Pegasus Knights move effortlessly over varied terrain, Archers can attack from a distance with their bows and arrows, and unarmed Curates use healing staves to help the wounded. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and local wireless play modes, players can now test their skills against opponents, borrow units from others to use in their armies, talk with friends using the built-in Nintendo DS microphone and even use in-game currency to buy rare and powerful items from the Online Shop.
Building upon the series' storied history, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon tells the tale of Marth, a young prince with wisdom and valor beyond his age. Marth has appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series and has earned a loyal fan following, but Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon marks his first appearance in a Fire Emblem game in the United States.
"Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon gives Nintendo DS owners the kind of thought-provoking experience that they crave, letting them guide a team of warriors to victory through cunning battle tactics and shrewd strategy," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Giving players the option to do battle alone at their own pace or compete with others online in head-to-head skirmishes, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon offers countless hours of game play in an engaging setting that everyone can enjoy."
For more information about Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, visit www.Fire-Emblem.com.
Outer space meets inner space at the Wii Shop Channel this Presidents Day. A new WiiWare title will have you soaring across the astral plane, while a vintage NES shooter for the Virtual Console invites you to battle your way through the innards of an alien creature. Choose a hot new WiiWare game or a Gradius spin-off. It’s what the presidents would have wanted.
In other news, the Wii-kly Update has a fun surprise coming soon for all our fans. We can't tell you the secret just yet but maybe we’ll offer you some hidden clues. From AZ to NC, if you’re a fan, your applause could rattle your walls, windows, door. You might enjoy this news whether you live in a brick house or Vanderbilt dorm. Even people living along Route 286 in rural Pennsylvania ought to be excited. It’ll feel like a bunch of birthday greetings and, really, who could ask for more? But that's about all we can say for now, so be sure to check future Wii-kly Updates.
Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:
WiiWare
Evasive Space (Yukes Company of America, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Launch a one-of-a-kind mission to rescue the stars. The universe is going dark, and it’s up to you, Konki the Stellar Guardian, to set things right. Dr. Dark Matter and his roving band of space thieves have stolen many of the Constellation Stones that make up the heavens. It's time to suit up, power up, recover the Stones and once again bring light to the night sky. Using the Wii Remote controller's unique pointer capabilities, simply point and thrust Konki through 20 dangerous time- and collection-based missions in the harshest of environments. Navigate through narrow, mazelike astral caves riddled with space worms, steam pipes and mining drills. Explore vast space stations while avoiding turret fire, mines and huge crushing gears. Weave through cluttered asteroid fields and gaseous planetary rings. Evade the hazards, pick up precious items and ship upgrades, and save the Constellation Stones before the night sky is lost forever.
Virtual Console
Life Force (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): This classic shooter, originally ported to the NES in August 1988, is a spin-off of the seminal Gradius series. Pilot the Vic Viper through six stages of intense action, alternating between horizontally and vertically scrolling environments, and take on wave after wave of enemies. Destroy particular enemies throughout the game (which takes place within the body of an enormous alien) to release power-up capsules and equip your ship with your choice of more powerful weapons, extra speed and shields. Utilize the power-ups carefully, though, as a fearsome guardian lurks at the end of each stage and won't be easily defeated. You can go it alone or bring along a friend to take on the challenge simultaneously. Do you have what it takes to save your planet?
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
For the latest WiiWare games, click here.
Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.
Sega has put out this trailer promoting MadWorld.
Man Darts, can it catch on? MadWorld is coming out in March.
Hasbro's famous G.I. Joe franchise is heading to the Wii and DS in the form of video games. They're under development by EA to coincide with the new live action movie G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra. EA's Chip Lange said:
" As Hasbro and Paramount Pictures reignite the G.I. Joe property this year with a new line of toys and movie, EA is excited to play a major role in bringing this icon of pop culture history to a new generation of enthusiasts through interactive gaming. G.I. Joe offers exceptionally rich story lines and a cast of characters that lends itself well to creating an over-the-top action adventure video game that will thrill gamers as well as existing G.I. Joe fans ".
The game is said to include 12 characters from the G.I. Joe universe and a co-op mode for two players. Release is scheduled for this Summer.
An early trailer for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has been made available on the game's official website.
One thing's for certain, it will have snowboarding. Support for the Wii Balance Board is also present. Exclusive to the Wii and DS, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (mouthful) is coming out at the end of 2009.
Sega has announced that Virtua Tennis 2009 is coming to Wii in the US and Europe. It will feature, among others, players like:
Roger FedererRafael NadalMaria SharapovaVenus WilliamsAndy MurrayAna IvanovicSega's Vice President of Marketing, Sean Ratcliffe commented:
" The Virtua Tennis series is perfect for the Wii platform. SEGA is excited to be able to bring this uniquely interactive experience to Wii. The multiplayer court games in particular will be a feature that family and friends can enjoy together ".
Over 40 styles of court are said to be included. Virtua Tennis 2009 will be out in May this year.
Some new WiiWare games have hit the PAL region of this world.
Onslaught (WiiWare)Pop-Up Pirate (WiiWare)Some DLC for Lonpos - content packs featuring 25 new levels each and extra backgrounds.Why are pirates called pirates? They just arrrrr. Ba-dum tsshh. More downloadable game news on Monday, check back then.
The hardware sales figures for January 2009 are in, courtesy of the NPD group. *SPOILER ALERT* Nintendo wins again!
Nintendo Wii - 679,200Nintendo DS - 510,800Xbox 360 - 309,000Sony PS3 - 203,200Sony PSP - 172,300Big N laughin' all the way to the bank. As if that wasn't enough, they've dominated the software chart for the month too:
Wii Fit (Wii, by Nintendo) - 777,000Wii Play (Wii, by Nintendo) - 415,000Mario Kart Wii (Wii, by Nintendo) - 292,000Left 4 Dead (360, by EA) - 243,000Call of Duty: World at War (360, by Activision) - 235,000Skate 2 (360, by EA) - 199,000Guitar Hero World Tour (Wii, by Activision) - 155,000New Super Mario Bros. (NDS, by Nintendo) - 135,000Mario Kart DS (NDS, by Nintendo) - 132,000Lord of the Rings: Conquest (360, by EA) - 113,000
Publishers Oxygen issued a press release earlier on today announcing a new medical-themed game: Hysteria Hospital: Emergency Ward for Wii, DS and the PC.
Your career as a nurse (male or female) starts out in a local clinic, but you can progress through a variety of seven wards and end up in a general hospital. Patients come in with a number of funny ailments and it's your job to take care of them, using tools like x-rays, steam therapy and the de-stress machine. Oxygen's Jim Scott spoke:
" We have spent a lot of time researching what audiences want in a good casual game and we've incorporated these into Hysteria Hospital: Emergency Ward. Hysteria Hospital is funny, very frantic and is sure to entertain gamers of all ages ".
Gamers of all ages! Can't go wrong. HH:EW is being discharged this April.
Pokmon games have always required players to have a sense of timing and good strategy. So here's one move that's sure to produce awesome results. Beginning Feb. 15, Pokmon fans who reserve a copy of the upcoming Pokmon Platinum Version game for the Nintendo DS system will receive a Giratina Origin Forme figure, while supplies last.
The Giratina Origin Forme has never been seen before and appears for the first time in the Pokmon Platinum Version video game, which launches in the United States on March 22. The figure will be available nationwide through participating retailers, which might require a deposit to reserve the game. Most retailers will provide the figure when a reservation is made, though consumers are advised to check with their preferred retailer for details.
Pokmon Platinum Version is the latest epic Pokmon adventure. With new features, Pokmon formes and online options, it expands on the best elements from previous Pokmon titles to reach new levels of fun and adventure. Pokmon Platinum Version follows on the heels of the very popular Pokmon Diamond Version and Pokmon Pearl Version, which launched in the United States in April 2007. According to independent data from the NPD Group, more than 5.3 million copies of those two games have been sold in the United States alone.
"Pokmon fans know all about one-of-a-kind characters, and this figure is sure to get them fired up for Pokmon Platinum Version," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "More than 186 million Pokmon games have been sold around the world, making it one of consumers' favorite video game franchises. Pokmon Platinum Version builds on that strong tradition of great games."
The sculpted Giratina Origin Forme figure strikes a dramatic pose and stands about 2.75 inches tall. It is crafted by Kaiyodo, an internationally renowned figure-making company. In Pokmon Platinum Version, Giratina appears in its Origin Forme in the mysterious new Distortion World. Giratina is classified as a Renegade Pokmon of the Ghost/Dragon type. Giratina Origin Forme has the special Ability to Levitate, which makes Giratina immune to Ground-type attacks. Giratina will revert to its "Altered Forme" (seen in Pokmon Diamond Version and Pokmon Pearl Version, each sold separately) once a player encounters and catches it in Pokmon Platinum Version. Players may transform Giratina back into its Origin Forme by having it hold a special item found in the game.
For more information about Pokmon Platinum Version, visit www.PokemonPlatinum.com.
Sega has released this trailer for the blue blur's next Wii outing, Sonic and the Black Knight. It's said to be in the same vein as The Secret Rings, but this time Sonic gets to swing a sword around.
How do you like it?
In more Sonic-related news, it's been revealed that a sequel to the hit Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games could well be coming, this time for the Winter Olympics. The licensing and merchandising director for Vancouver 2010, Dennis Kim commented:
" Last year, in 2008, they had a very successful game using Mario and Sonic at Beijing, as well as a multi-sport simulation type of game. That's what's being discussed and planned for Vancouver. We're feeling optimistic about sales because of the Beijing experience ".
The first M&S Olympics game scored reasonably well in reviews, would you be interested in a Winter version?
A spooky looking action puzzler has hit the WiiWare download service, along with another Virtual Console classic.
LIT (WiiWare)MERCS (Genesis)Here's a trailer for LIT, showing some of the bosses in-game:
More WiiWare/VC news on Friday for the PAL region.
The underground maintenance tunnels are a well known part of the original Dead Rising game. A video of the tunnels in Wii's Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop has now surfaced.
Unfortunately it doesn't look too hot.. the zombies don't even move!
Will you be getting this game?
No matter what you've got planned for Valentine's Day, the latest additions to the Wii Shop Channel have what it takes to get your heart pounding. A new WiiWare game transports you to an eerie high school haunted by supernatural villains, while a classic Virtual Console title puts you in the heat of battle as a heroic mercenary. And remember: Just because these games are made for single-player action doesn't mean you can't share the excitement with your special someone.
Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
WiiWare
LIT (WayForward Technologies, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Violence, 800 Wii Points): Dark creatures have taken over Jake's high school, and it's up to you to guide him through each classroom in order to be reunited with his girlfriend Rachael. Existing light sources must be used smartly to create bridges of light for Jake to cross. One false step and Jake gets pulled into the darkness. Along the way he'll encounter twisted versions of his school's faculty, which must be battled in order to advance. LIT is a horror/puzzle game that requires the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers. It contains 30 levels, five boss battles, replay modes and several unlockables, including multiple endings, Dark Mode timed challenges and an unlockable character.
Virtual Console
Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): Following a rash of terrorism outbreaks and increasing opposition from guerilla fighters, the U.S. government has decided to hire a group of professional mercenaries to undergo secret missions, battling through enemy lines to go where no ordinary soldier would dare to go. Based on the popular arcade game, the SEGA GENESIS version of MERCS lets you play as a MERC and also adds an original mode, allowing players to choose from five different characters. Take no prisoners as you shoot, drive jeeps and tanks, and clash against huge bosses to accomplish your mission.
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
For the latest WiiWare games, click here.
Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.
In some big news, during a conference call publishers EA confirmed that a version of Dead Space is coming to Nintendo Wii.
Originally released in October last year, Dead Space is a survival horror game set in outer space. You play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer who has to battle his way through a mining ship infested with "Corruption", which is an alien virus capable of reanimating the dead.
Dead Space scored highly in reviews and is generally likened to Resident Evil 4 (can't be bad). EA's John Riccitiello commented:
" A good example of this is Dead Space. We're bringing a Wii title to market this year and it absolutely has the quality and fear factor that you got on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC last year ".
No release date for the Wii version is available yet.
Police in Japan have arrested a man for making bomb threats to offices belonging to beloved publishers Hudson.
Over a period of four months, 29 year old Takao Ike sent a total of 11 emails to Hudson Entertainment claiming he was sending bombs to kill everyone, as well as demanding 80 trillion Yen.
On questioning, Ike claimed his actions were caused by the quality of Hudson's games not improving.
Semnat Studios has put out a trailer for the upcoming Eduardo the Samurai toaster on WiiWare. Eduardo and up to three friends in local multiplayer have to shoot their way through 13 levels in this unique looking side-scroller.
I was skeptical when I first heard about this game, but seeing it in motion now I think it actually looks cool.
Two releases on the European/Aussie Virtual Console this week. This is how they look:
Clay Fighter (Genesis)Sonic Chaos (Master System)More downloadable goodness on Monday with the US releases. Have an ok weekend.
Neither sleet nor snow nor ice-cold winter winds shall keep Wii Shop Channel users from enjoying the best new and classic games. In fact, this week's offerings include a hot new strategy-based puzzle game that promises to keep everyone in the household enthused, no matter how frightful the weather outside may be. Harrowing puzzles, hockey pucks and a world-famous hedgehog are all featured in the latest downloadable lineup, providing red-hot gaming thrills to counter the imminent December chills.
Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
WiiWare
Bruiser and Scratch (Steel Penny Games, Inc., 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Bruiser and Scratch are stranded in a strange world with a dark secret. Their only hope in finding a path home is to unravel the mystery of this place, one oversized puzzle at a time. Along the way, they make new friends and meet up with old adversaries, each of whom plays a role in their journey. Bruiser and Scratch offers a number of tutorial levels to bring the player up to speed gradually. The story unfolds over 48 puzzles and six landscapes. And for players who can't get enough, Challenge mode offers 75 additional puzzles that range from child's play to mind-bogglingly difficult.
Hockey Allstar Shootout (Big Blue Bubble Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Use the Wii Remote controller as a stick and take the shot as you compete in three exciting Hockey Skills Challenges. In Head 2 Head, it's just you versus the best goalies in the world in a five-puck shootout. Race against the clock to post the most goals in the fastest time. The three difficulty levels will place you against three increasingly talented goalies, each donning the jersey of their home country. In two-player mode, each player will take a turn as shooter and as goalie, and the player who scores the most goals in five shots is the winner. In Sharp Shooter, you post a high score in one of three difficulty levels by breaking as many targets as you can. Each time a shot fails to break a target, an X will appear in the upper left corner. Three misses and the game is over. Power Shot has you take your best shot and watch the Shot-Speed Clock light up. You have three attempts to blast the fastest shot you can, and only the best speeds will grace the high score list.
Virtual Console
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Play the popular Sonic The Hedgehog sequel, made specifically for the SEGA MASTER SYSTEM. Sonic returns home to his island just in time to see Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) run off with Tails. In fact, Dr. Eggman has kidnapped all of Sonic's animal friends and placed them in robotic mind-controlling suits. He demands the six Chaos Emeralds, hidden on the island, in exchange for their safe return. Explore underground mine shafts, dash through underwater tunnels and hang glide through the clouds in Sonic's search for the Chaos Emeralds. Once Sonic's found them all, he must face off with the evil Dr. Eggman and thwart his plan for global domination.
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
For the latest WiiWare games, click here.
Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.
Starting today, Nintendo welcomes its North American fans to Club Nintendo™, a special club that rewards members for registering Nintendo products and completing surveys. Nintendo fans can sign up by visiting Club.Nintendo.com. After joining, fans can register select Nintendo hardware and Nintendo-published games in exchange for Nintendo Coins, which can then be redeemed for limited-edition Nintendo rewards available only to Club Nintendo members.
"Club Nintendo gives fans what they want - access to exclusive rewards for their loyalty to our brand and our products," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America Inc.’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "We’re offering some unique items as a way to say thanks for their support of Nintendo."
Once they become Club Nintendo members, Nintendo fans and former My Nintendo members can create a profile and register select Nintendo products on the site by inputting a product serial ID (a list of compatible products is posted on the site). The user is then asked to complete a survey about the product. Coins are awarded once surveys are complete. That’s when the fun begins. Some of the exclusive rewards include the Game & Watch Collection for the Nintendo DS and a set of traditional Hanafuda cards printed with Nintendo characters.
Customers who purchase a new Wii or Nintendo DS system can register the product with Club Nintendo and complete a survey to extend the product warranty. Club Nintendo members can reach Gold and Platinum status by collecting a certain amount of Coins each year. Gold and Platinum members will be eligible to receive exclusive rewards. As members, fans can also sign up for personalized newsletters to learn about upcoming products that best match their interests.
For more information about Nintendo, please visit www.Nintendo.com.
A new trailer for the turtle-based fighter TMNT: Smash Up has been put out by publishers Ubisoft.
Nice cinematics, but note the lack of any actual gameplay footage. They seem to be making a lot of noise about this game being from the same team behind Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
