April Showers Gaming Fans with Downloadable Action, Racing and Puzzles

In the world of downloadable video games, this week's forecast calls for nonstop showers of awesomeness. A flood watch is in effect as heavy levels of high-quality digital entertainment threaten to disrupt boredom and bad moods across the country. Gale-force fun is expected as games like Ferrari GT: Evolution, System Flaw Recruit and Scrabble Slam! arrive via the Nintendo DSiWare service. Wii owners are advised to stock up on snacks and fresh batteries for their Wii Remote controllers, as new titles for the WiiWare and Virtual Console services may keep them confined to their living rooms for quite a spell.

Meanwhile, the "Big Name Games" section of the WarioWare: D.I.Y. series continues to offer new downloadable microgames created by the industry's most talented designers. This week's entry comes from Edmund McMillen of Team Meat, the studio behind the upcoming Super Meat Boy, which launches for the WiiWare service this summer. New "Big Name Games" will be added every Monday through July 26, all available to download for zero Nintendo DSi Points to anyone with broadband Internet access and a copy of either WarioWare: D.I.Y. for the Nintendo DS family of systems or WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase software for the WiiWare service. Visit the Nintendo Channel on your Wii system today to learn more about these games and to see a video of Edmund McMillen creating his original microgame, Meat Boy!

As a special bonus this week, Nintendo Channel visitors can also access a free demo version of the game Picross 3D for the Nintendo DS family of systems. This remarkable new puzzle game is easy to play but hard to put down. It combines the fun of crossword puzzles and sudoku with delightful 3-D images. Players must use logic and deductive reasoning to reveal hidden objects within blocks of numbered cubes. This temporary demo version is available at no charge for a limited time, so log on now to discover the irresistible fun for yourself.

Nintendo DSiWare
Ferrari GT: Evolution
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Join the elite circle of Ferrari car owners and take part in exclusive races around the globe. Take on challenges for fame and pride as the fastest driver of the world's most prestigious car brand. The game includes 32 authentic Ferrari car models: Ferrari California, F430, Enzo Ferrari, F40, Testarossa, 250 GTO and more. Use DS Wireless Play to challenge your friends in heated multiplayer races. Complete driving courses to obtain your driver's license through fun challenges. Master a race track or race through the streets of seven famous cities including Paris, Rome and New York.

DodoGo!
Publisher: Neko Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: DodoGo! is an adventure set in the time of the dinosaurs. Save as many dodo eggs as possible by leading them to safety. The fascinating little eggs love to roll, jump and laugh together, blissfully ignorant of the dangers around them. Get creative with simple tools. Build dynamic structures and modify the terrain with a simple touch of the stylus. Shape, brush, saw, dig and even use explosives. Enjoy more than 100 captivating missions, with bonus levels for a change of pace and lots of surprises.

System Flaw Recruit
Publisher: Enjoy Gaming Ltd.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: This innovative action shooter uses the Nintendo DSi Camera application to turn your surroundings into the playing environment. You have been chosen to take part in the most arduous training program to combat the threat we call the Flaw. The invasion could take place at any time, so we need the best there is. Truly unique and totally physical with 360 degrees of intensity, System Flaw Recruit is the future of hand-held gaming excitement.

Don't Feed The Animals
Publisher: Electron Jump Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Don't Feed The Animals is a strategic defense game about children who have been hoarding their treats all summer in their backyard fort. They've attracted the attention of the local wildlife (the backyard is on the edge of a forest). To defend their treasure, the kids use all the materials at their disposal to create three types of robots: melee, sound and water bots. These bots act like a tower does in a tower defense game, keeping the enemy from the base. Each bot has certain strengths and weaknesses against different enemies. The enemies include bears, raccoons, rabbits, turtles and cats. Play through 50 levels consisting of waves of animals - increasing in difficulty - who attempt to steal the candy. Should a creature reach the base, it will take a treat; this treat must be recovered or it will be lost. Should a boss reach the base, the game is lost. Successfully fend off the animals so the children can enjoy their end-of-summer feast.

Puffins: Let's Roll
Publisher: Other Ocean Interactive
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: The baby puffins need your help! Reunite the missing baby puffin eggs with their mothers in Puffins: Let's Roll. Several eggs have been misplaced, and they're just about ready to hatch. Use an innovative new control scheme to roll the egg around 20 levels of fiendish puzzles. Race against the clock in two exciting game modes: Safely return the egg to its mother in Egg Roll or try to collect all of the Golden Capelin in Capelin Catch. Beware of rocks, trees, ice and other hazards as you roll the eggs back to the safety of their mothers. Take too long or bump into too many obstacles and you'll have a cranky baby Puffin on your hands.

Scrabble Slam!
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Scrabble, long considered to be one of the world's most popular board games, is enjoying a tremendous surge in popularity, both online and in the real world. Scrabble Slam! is a new way to play that challenges players to spell words as quickly as they can.

WiiWare
5 Arcade Gems
Publisher: Nordcurrent
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 700 Wii Points
Description: Welcome to 5 Arcade Gems, a collection of five wacky arcade games. Whether you play alone or together with your friends, you'll definitely find something to suit your taste, be it a medieval knights game or an ultra-modern space shooter. Compete with other knights to beat the Evil Wizard's challenge in Templar Bashing. No hazard gets in the way of the dutiful Pizza Jungle Delivery company, not even the fierce savages who won't tip. Outsmart your competitors in RC Buggy Madness. Demonstrate your skills and reflexes in Lumberjack Trials. And of course, no adventure is complete without some deep-space alien-bursting action in Whirling Rangers.

Brain Drain
Publisher: Enjoy Gaming Ltd.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Brain Drain is a funny and challenging puzzle game. Place the elements of a scrambled puzzle according to a given model. Select elements with your game cursor and spin them to move elements in the puzzle area. Some puzzles may feature malicious game effects that will slow you down during your puzzle solving. There are three game modes to choose from: Challenge (200 fixed puzzles with preset best times to solve and beat), Race (a stream of puzzles and best-time tables to beat in four difficulty levels) and Random (relaxed, random puzzling that continues endlessly).

Virtual Console
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '95
Original platform: NEOGEO
Publisher: D4 Enterprise
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Alcohol Reference, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Price: 900 Wii Points
Description: Released in 1995, THE KING OF FIGHTERS '95 is a fighting game that features main characters from the popular Fatal Fury, Ikari Warriors, Psycho Soldier and Art of Fighting games. They return to battle following the release of 1994's THE KING OF FIGHTERS '94. Kyo Kusanagi's rival, Iori Yagami, has also joined the fight to leave his lasting mark on the continuing storyline and on Kyo, the game's hero, so watch out. As with the 1994 release, you'll find three-on-three team battles, a power gauge that lets you store up energy to land a devastating blow, and the one-shot reversal super-special moves unique to the series. On top of all that, this release also adds a new "Team Edit" feature, allowing you to enjoy bouts with a level of strategy like you've never experienced before.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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Mega Man 4 on Virtual Console

The Blue Bomber is back in another classic released today on Virtual Console, along with a puzzle game on WiiWare.

Bang Attack (WiiWare)Mega Man 4 (NES)

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Survive and Thrive with New Downloadable Games from Nintendo

Which is more difficult to survive: a futuristic robot battle or high school? This week's downloadable game offerings from Nintendo invite you step up and find out for yourself. Mega Man 4 is now available to Wii owners via the Virtual Console service, sending players on a classic mission with one of the all-time great gaming heroes. Meanwhile, Nintendo DSi users can enjoy a more earthly brand of adventure in SURVIVING HIGH SCHOOL for the Nintendo DSiWare service. Other new arrivals include retro gems from Nintendo's Game & Watch series, a hand-held app that lets you create your own digital postcards and a new puzzle game for the WiiWare service that packs a real bang.
We've also got a fresh entry in the WarioWare: D.I.Y. "Big Name Games" series, which spotlights new downloadable microgames created by the industry's most talented designers. This week's microgame comes from WayForward Technologies' Matt Bozon, known for his work on hand-held classics like Shantae and Contra 4. New "Big Name Games" will be added every Monday through July 26, all available to download for zero Nintendo DSi Points to anyone with broadband Internet access and a copy of either WarioWare: D.I.Y. for the Nintendo DS family of systems or WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase software for the WiiWare service. Visit the Nintendo Channel on your Wii system today to learn more about these games and to see a video of Matt Bozon creating his original microgame, Shantae NAB!

Virtual Console
Mega Man 4
Original platform: NES
Publisher: Capcom
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: A year after the destruction of Gamma and Dr. Wily's defeat at the hands of Mega Man, the world is still at peace. One day Dr. Light receives a mysterious letter from an unknown scientist named Dr. Mikhail Cossack. Dr. Cossack plans to eliminate Mega Man and prove himself the greatest robot designer of all time. It's up to Mega Man to save the day once again. Mega Man 4 provides action-based game play like the earlier games in the series. In Mega Man 4, Mega Man has the ability to charge up energy inside his Arm Cannon, allowing him to fire larger and more damaging blasts.

Nintendo DSiWare
SURVIVING HIGH SCHOOL
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Suggestive Themes, Violent
References
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Welcome to Centerscore High, where the game changes with every choice you make. Of course, some choices are wiser than others. Play the premiere "Football Season" storyline plus seven episodes for hours of game play. Kick off your story-driven adventures as the new kid in school. See if you can earn a spot on the football team and win the heart of cheerleader Beth or goth girl Raven. Unlock custom looks for your character and meet other kids who can help (or hurt) you. You cause all the drama! Continue to play as different guys or girls in other storylines. Work at the bakery and take on a local mobster. Try out for the school play. Meet challenges on the tough side of town. You can even travel to Europe! Master intense minigames and ace pop quizzes along the way. The exclusive Trophy System tracks your results. Earn four "great endings" and unlock a special BONUS EPISODE. The game looks awesome on the Nintendo DSi system, which you hold sideways like a book. Best...high-school game...ever!

Game & Watch: Donkey Kong Jr.
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Donkey Kong is trapped! It's up to Donkey Kong Jr. to snag the key and set his father free from Mario's cage. Help Donkey Kong Jr. avoid crows and alligators as he swings his way to victory. Earn points by unlocking the cage, hitting crows and alligators with pieces of food or jumping over alligators. Receive mistake icons by running into crows and alligators or missing a jump for the key. Receive three mistake icons and it's game over!

Game & Watch: Flagman
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Memorize the order in which flags are raised, then raise them in the same order (GAME A), or raise the correct flag according to the corresponding number (GAME B). Earn a point each time you raise the correct flag, or lose one of your remaining tries if you raise a flag out of order or if you let the time bar run out. The game ends when you have no tries left.

Game & Watch: Ball
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Brush up on your juggling skills with Game & Watch: Ball. Move the juggler's arms to catch the balls. Drop a single ball and it's game over

myPostcards
Publisher: Nnooo
Players: 1
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Create your own postcards and send them to your friends! With myPostcards you can take a picture, write a quick note on it, then save everything as a postcard. Just open your Nintendo DSi system, take a photo and go. You can even customize your postcards by using 32 built-in background themes, various collectible stamps and unlockable elements. Create postcards for any occasion. Use the pen or pencil tools to write or draw. Simply erase anything you don't like. Five different inks let you add an extra splash of color to your words and your drawings.

WiiWare
Bang Attack
Publisher: Engine Software
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Bang Attack is a fun, colorful puzzle game for players young and old. You don't have to learn how to play Bang Attack - just pick it up as you go along. The objective is to find identical objects and smash them with your little hammer. Once you have enough points, you can use the Wii Remote controller to swing with the BIG hammer. If there's a banana in the way, simply whack it off the screen. If you have two Wii Remote controllers, you can challenge another player and find out who's the real champ. It's not easy, though. You'll have to deploy tactics and speed at precisely the right moment. You'll also need to use special bonus objects to hinder your opponent in order to win. Bang Attack features 40 levels over four crazy worlds, ensuring hours of fun for the whole family.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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Nintendo Reveals Hardware and Software Lineup for the First Half of 2010

Nintendo of America issued a surge of new information today about what consumers can expect from the company in the coming months. Let's get right to it:

•The new Nintendo DSi XL hand-held system launches March 28 at a suggested retail price of $189.99. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS Lite model, providing a more vivid and engaging play experience. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL also feature a wider viewing angle, letting friends and family members join the fun. The new system launches in both Burgundy and Bronze colors, and comes loaded with pre-installed premium software Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, as well as two free applications: the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with a larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that use the Nintendo DS touch screen. America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking and WarioWare: D.I.Y. will also launch for the Nintendo DS family of products on March 28, providing consumers with new content that can be enjoyed on any Nintendo DS system. Games like these demonstrate the enhanced experience available with the Nintendo DSi XL.
• Super Mario Galaxy 2 , the sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original game, launches May 23 for the Wii console. The game includes the amazing gravity-defying, physics-based exploration from the first game, but is loaded with entirely new galaxies and features to challenge and delight players. On some stages, Mario can pair up with his dinosaur buddy Yoshi and use his tongue to grab items and spit them back at enemies. Players can also have fun with new items such as a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid rock.
• Metroid: Other M , the incredible new Metroid game developed for Wii through a collaboration by Nintendo and the world-renowned Team Ninja, launches June 27. The game looks at the classic franchise from a new perspective: While much of the game is reminiscent of 2-D side-scrollers, players can switch the perspective into 3-D at any time as they explore the twisting passages of a derelict space station and delve deep into a cinematic, never-before-told story of bounty hunter Samus Aran's past. This new approach uses a new control scheme in which players use the Wii Remote controller held sideways to battle enemies and navigate the expansive, gorgeous environments in classic Metroid fashion, then aim at the screen with the Wii Remote pointer to blast foes in first-person and hunt the world for clues and hidden passages.
• In a unique partnership with Square-Enix, Nintendo of America will publish Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies in the Americas when the game arrives in summer 2010. Dragon Quest IX has sold more than 4.15 million copies in the Japanese market. Nintendo and Square-Enix will now work together to bring this title to the Nintendo DS consumer base in the Americas.
• Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri , an epic action game for Wii, launches in the United States on April 20. The game lets players customize their character, armor and weapons in order to protect a town from majestic monsters as that town rebuilds following a devastating earthquake. Online play will be available for all players with broadband Internet access at no additional cost. Online text chat is fully functional and online voice chat is enabled using the Wii Speak microphone, which is sold separately. At a suggested retail price of $59.99, limited quantities of Monster Hunter Tri will include the new Black Classic Controller Pro, while both Black and White versions of the controller will be available separately at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also be available without a controller at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
• Sin and Punishment: Star Successor , the breakthrough shooter game for Wii from legendary developer Treasure, will launch across North America on June 7. The game features nonstop action with two playable characters and international online leaderboards to track high scores. Using the Wii Remote pointer functionality, the game offers unprecedented precision in the shooter genre.
• FlingSmash for Wii will test players' Wii Remote skills as they bounce a ball-like hero through countless side-scrolling stages, combining the precision of racket sports with the unpredictable fun of pinball. Playable only with the Wii MotionPlus accessory, the game will launch this summer.
• Picross 3D is poised to become a puzzle game phenomenon when it launches for the Nintendo DS family of products on May 3. In Picross 3D, players start with a cube and smash away smaller blocks to reveal an object, shape or symbol. Delivering more than 350 unique puzzles and more made available for download on a regular basis after launch via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required), the game takes the mind-bending fun of Picross into the next dimension.
• 100 Classic Books transforms the Nintendo DS family of products into a library of timeless literature when it launches on June 14 at a suggested retail price of $19.99, highlighted by 100 works from authors such as William Shakespeare, Jules Verne, Jane Austen, Mark Twain and more. Readers can adjust the size of text, place bookmarks and even download new content via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet connection required).
• Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands from Ubisoft will launch May 18 on both the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. Boasting amazing graphics with fantastic action and puzzle-solving game play, the Wii version will be the first in franchise history to feature a two-player cooperative experience. As an added bonus, the Wii version of the game will exclusively include the 1992 Super NES version of the original Prince of Persia game.
• Disney Guilty Party is the official title of the highly anticipated first collaboration between Disney Interactive Studios and its recently acquired studio, Wideload Games. The fun and hilarious mystery party game is set for release in the second half of 2010, exclusively for Wii.
• Majesco's Nintendo DSi exclusive Ghostwire: Link to the Paranormal uses incredible augmented reality technology through the Nintendo DSi Camera. Launching this October, the game lets players become a ghost hunter as they interact with the paranormal.

Nintendo also announced a variety of games available to download directly to the Wii console from the Wii Shop Channel via the WiiWare service, and directly to the Nintendo DS via the DSi Shop and DSiWare services. For WiiWare:

•Launching on March 1, Capcom's Mega Man 10 builds upon the huge impact of Mega Man 9, a completely new adventure rendered in classic 8-bit style. This new game looks and sounds as awesomely retro as its predecessor.
• Launching on March 8, Max & the Magic Marker from Press Play turns the Wii Remote into an orange magic marker that's literally magic. Players draw lines and objects to help Max reach objects and his ultimate goal.
• The long-awaited indie cult classic Cave Story comes to WiiWare with new game play, artwork and music enhancements on March 22. It's classic gaming reborn for 2010.
• Launching on March 29, WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase is a standalone product exclusive to the WiiWare service and available only from the Wii Shop Channel. The game contains more than 70 new microgames and features interoperability with the WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of products. Players that own both games can transfer content between the two via a local wireless connection, and can even play user-created microgames on their television using WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase.
• As the techno music pulses, Nintendo's Art Style: light trax puts players in charge of a white beam of light as it engages in a surreal race against other beams across a dark track. Players must keep away from obstacles, use items and look for power boosts if they want to finish first. Art Style: light trax launches this spring.
• Swim and spin through the primordial ooze in Nintendo's Art Style: Rotozoa as you absorb tiny organisms that match the colors of your tentacles. As you absorb more organisms, your tentacles grow. The challenge increases as additional tentacles are gained, but power-ups can help you survive and thrive. Art Style: Rotozoa launches this spring.
• Launching this spring, Rage of the Gladiator from Ghostfire Games is an intense fighting game that asks players to perfect their well-timed moves against an array of opponents. The game is compatible with the Wii MotionPlus accessory
• Launching this spring, And Yet It Moves from Broken Rules requires players to rotate the world to help their line-drawn protagonist progress. Walls become floors and floors become ceilings in this surreal twist on the platformer genre.
• Launching this summer, Independent Games Festival Seumas McNally Grand Prize Finalist Super Meat Boy from Team Meat sets a cube of meat off on an adventure to save Princess Bandage. This off-the-wall game is not for the faint of heart.

For Nintendo DSiWare:

•Nintendo's Photo Dojo is poised to be the cult hit of 2010 when it launches this spring. The game first asks players to pose for 13 pictures and input 10 sound effects. Once that's done, the player becomes the main character in a hilarious side-scrolling fighting game. Create up to eight characters and do battle alone or against a friend on a single Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system.
• Launching this spring, Nintendo's Metal Torrent delivers a frantic barrage of gunfire that fills the screen. Players try to convert opponents' bullets into cubes that, when collected, increase their score and fill an energy meter that powers special weapons. Online Leaderboards record scores and movies of top games.
• Launching this spring, X-Scape from Nintendo immerses players in an exploratory adventure involving more than 20 planets. Players will pilot their tank through 3-D tunnels, fire at enemies and even battle ancient weapons that resemble giant robots.

"Nintendo finished 2009 with a bang, and we're continuing our momentum into 2010," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With Nintendo DSi XL, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M coming in the first six months of the year, we're making sure all our fans have great game content to enjoy year-round."

Remember that Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit www.Nintendo.com.

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Classic Controller Pro US release

North American users can now get their hands on the Classic Controller Pro. Formerly only available in Japan, they come in white or black and are priced at $19.99.

I like how the cable comes out the top of this one, it bothers me slightly the other way around.

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Dive: The Medes Islands Secret interview

A few days ago we saw the trailer for Dive: The Medes Islands Secret, a WiiWare game in the making. Cosmonaut Games, the developers were kind enough to answer a few questions on it.

WW: Hello, could you introduce yourself and describe your role at Cosmonaut Games?

My name's Jose A. Giacomelli but everybody calls me Giaco. I am 40 years :( and I had my first video game at 8, and then when I was 15, I got a Spectrum 48K. From that moment on I've got a Commodore 64, an Amiga, an MSX and a lot of PCs. I am very lucky as I've been managing different video game projects since 2001, and besides I have cooperated in PC projects, for Arcade machines, Slot machines, etc.

We created the commercial mark Cosmonaut Games at 2009, when we developed our first game: 5 Spots Party and nowadays, I am working as producer and game designer in Cosmonaut Games, settled in Barcelona (Spain).

WW: The trailer for Dive: The Medes Islands Secret looked great. Can you tell us more about the game?

The game looks great too! We have worked very hard to create these videos because we really tried to do our best to transmit the video game's grip and create high expectation. We thought it up last Summer and felt that a 2D platform genre would be a great idea.

5 Spots Party helped us to understand how the market works and how Nintendo is. We wanted our next title to be more advanced and to obtain good graphical results and an entertaining game.

We created a very elaborate script for a platform and we set internally different objectives: fun, graphics quality and gameplay duration.

We think that we'll really satisfy the players' prospects. The game lasts about 5 non-linear hours and if the players insists on obtaining all the achievements it can even last 7 hours. We have created a script game with a double objective which will extend the gameplay duration. Scenarios are quite big and full of enemies, caves, treasures and surprises. The players will enjoy it a lot!!

WW: In terms of controls, is the Nunchuk used or is everything done on the Wii Remote?

We have had a lot of internal discussion about the controls and at the end we decided to use only the Wiimote. With the pointer we can direct John Sanders and aim and shoot the enemies. When pressing and holding the B button the character swims. Pressing B twice you can give him an extra impulse. Button A shoots tranquilizer darts and the Control Pad let us see the map and activate the torch.

WW: With enemies like sharks and jellyfish, does combat feature in the game a lot? Or do you mainly try to avoid them?

The objective of the game is to find treasures but it's really difficult due to enemies. There are a great variety of aggressive enemies or mere obstacles but most of them just chase you, they are hidden behind the rocks and you lose a lot of oxygen because of them. Your speargun has very few darts so you have to ration them and reload your speargun looking for charges under the sea to pass the different levels.

WW: Since the game is based on a real-life place (The Medes Islands), have you been on location to learn about it? :)

;) Yes! Of course! I went to Medes and to Creus Cape. But I couldn't see in detail the rest of the Isles L. We have used Google and Wikipedia to learn about the history of the different locations we have chosen. In the case of the Medes Islands, a few Catalan institutions helped us with pictures and very valuable information for the game. We have not been able to reproduce the bottom of the sea at every level but all the pictures they sent us were very useful to inspire us to create the final result.

WW: Your blog indicates the game is already finished; do you have a release date yet?

Not yet. We are just testing it. We are in the final stage and very close to the release, but I don't know the fixed date. I will notify you as soon I know it.

Thank you Rob, Travis and WiisWorld to give us the chance to explain more about this wonderful game. I hope you all enjoy it playing it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

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Look Out for Numero UNO with New Game Downloads from Nintendo

You needn't be bilingual to appreciate the first of this week's fantastic downloadable game offerings. Like the classic card game upon which it's based, the new UNO game for the WiiWare service is all about inclusive, social fun that anybody can pick up and enjoy. Other fresh WiiWare fare includes the inventive puzzle title bittos+ and the hidden-object game "Aha! I Found It!" The Nintendo DSiWare service welcomes a trio of diverting hand-held delights this week: the strategy-based NUMBER BATTLE, the arcade-style AiRace: Tunnel and the action-packed Escapee GO! Last but not least, Virtual Console fans should prepare to vanquish spooky specters with the arrival of a true Super NES classic, Ghoul Patrol.

WiiWare
UNO
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-6
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Get ready to call "UNO" on your Wii system! The world-famous card game is faithfully reproduced for the Wii console with some exciting new rules. Thanks to a multiplayer mode (additional Wii Remote controllers required) that's playable on one Wii console or online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (broadband Internet access required), UNO has never been so fun and easy.

bittos+
Publisher: MACHINE
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: The next big thing in casual gaming, bittos+ is all about rotating, moving and placing game pieces onto a game board to make squares and, more importantly, squares within squares. Playing bittos+ provides hours and hours of entertainment for the whole family, with boatloads of challenge and replay value for even the most avid gamer. With luscious environments, multiple modes to unlock, game styles to suit every mood, multiple real-time reactive control methods, in-game Awards to collect and high-score boards for the entire your household, bittos+ is a new game-play experience that will sweep you away.

"Aha! I Found It!" Hidden Object Game
Publisher: Ateam Inc.
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: A hidden-object game for everyone has come to the WiiWare service. Try to find 12 particular items among a crowd of on-screen objects as fast as you can, from big fish to tiny earrings, easy-to-find items to well-hidden ones. Unlike most other hidden-object games, this one lets you play along with friends and family (additional Wii Remote controllers required) and compete to see who's best at finding the hidden objects in each stage. With 10 stages and more than 277 different items, there's plenty of searching fun to enjoy. Also, with items changing position each time you play, you can enjoy each stage again and again.

Nintendo DSiWare
NUMBER BATTLE
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: From Japan comes NUMBER BATTLE, a board game that invokes the ancient art of feng shui while challenging players to clear the playing field. Take turns against human or computer opponents to reach a target score by placing numbered tiles on the board and linking the arms of each tile in various ways. Watch for the Winds of Change to possibly blow over the board during a battle, resulting in special squares that will score bonus points or affect game play in new ways. Items that aid you in your pursuit of points can also be found, but they'll cost you points and must be placed strategically. Go it alone in the main Story or Puzzle modes, or battle against up to three opponents from around the world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (broadband Internet access required). You can even learn from your past with History mode, which shows the moves recorded during previous contests. This unique combination of puzzle and strategy elements results in an exciting battle of wits. Can you guide your Warrior to victory?

AiRace: Tunnel
Publisher: QubicGames
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: AiRace: Tunnel is an invitation to the newly started Project Tunnel. It was created to examine the quickness and attentiveness of aviation rookies. Think you've got the skills? Put your reflexes to the test and see how swift, precise and predictive you are. Maneuver your aircraft safely through specially created tunnels that are full of traps. Be careful: Your plane will speed up with every second, making each turn and each barrier harder to navigate. It's not just a game, it's a challenge.

Escapee GO!
Publisher: Gevo Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: In Escapee GO!, players take on the role of Claire, who awakens with no memory of who she is. Save for her name, all information about her has been destroyed. In its place, something within her has changed. Hunted down by an unknown enemy, she must find a way to escape her pursuers using her newfound powers. Will she be able to survive? Using her heightened senses, Claire is able to detect enemies before they come into visual range. During her daring escape, Claire will find mysterious items that can temporarily enhance her abilities, allowing her to level the playing field.

Virtual Console
Ghoul Patrol
Original platform: Super NES
Publisher: LucasArts
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: The main attractions at the library's Goblin exhibit have come to life! As the Ghoul Patrol, you'll go back in time and de-spook an encyclopedia of zombified historic dudes. Vaporize garbage-can ghosts and ninja spirits, rescue bug-eyed librarians and wigged-out pirates, dodge flying books and adolescent-eating plants, and ultimately put the beastly spirit back in the history books.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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Add Some Color to Your Gamer's Valentine's Day with New Pink and Blue Wii Remote Controllers

Are you tired of viewing the world in black and white? Do you think your gaming setup could use a little color? Are you desperately searching for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift for the gamer in your life? Nintendo is here to help.

Starting Feb. 14, Nintendo's iconic Wii Remote™ controllers will be available in both Pink and Blue. The new colors come bundled with a Wii MotionPlus™ accessory, which provides the most immersive and accurate motion-controls possible.

Now Wii owners can customize their setup with a different color Wii Remote for every player.

The new controllers are available with the included Wii MotionPlus accessory at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

For more information about Nintendo, please visit www.nintendo.com.

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March NPD sales figures

Last month's hardware sales figures for the US have been published by the happy folk at NPD Group.

March 2010 (US)Nintendo DS - 700,800Nintendo Wii - 557,500Xbox 360 - 338,400PlayStation 3 - 313,900PSP - 119,900

Nintendo cruisin' as always.

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Dive new WiiWare trailer

Cosmonaut Games has uploaded an impressive trailer for their upcoming WiiWare title Dive: The Medes Islands Secret.

The visuals look pretty sweet to me, maybe this is one to keep an eye on.

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Nintendo's Endless Ocean: Blue World Lets Players Dive into Adventure

The words "professional scuba diver" and "marine biologist" might not appear anywhere on your rsum, but thanks to an extraordinary new software title from Nintendo, people from all walks of life can enjoy an exhilarating undersea adventure without so much as a swimming lesson. Launching Feb. 22 exclusively for the Wii system, the game Endless Ocean: Blue World takes Nintendo's unique ocean simulation series to the next level, with new features and story elements that create a mesmerizing aquatic odyssey for players of any age or experience level.

Endless Ocean: Blue World features an original story that players can follow as they choose. The plot involves Oceana, a girl who investigates the "Song of Dragons," which her father, a prominent ocean explorer, sought before his death. Players can advance the story by exploring the game's stunning underwater environments at their own pace.

" Endless Ocean: Blue World gives Wii owners the chance to take a round-the-world vacation from the comfort of their living rooms," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With exotic locations and hundreds of new marine animals to encounter, the game's adventures are as vast as the ocean itself."

Two years ago, the original Endless Ocean invited Wii owners to embark on a relaxing, richly immersive dive through undersea environments filled with fascinating marine animals and plant species. Endless Ocean: Blue World dives even deeper with more captivating creatures, enhanced graphics, an engaging new story and support for the optional Wii Speak microphone, which allows players with a broadband Internet connection to chat with friends near and far who also have the Wii Speak accessory/microphone while they play and explore the ocean depths.

As they investigate marine environments in regions around the globe, players can access information about the habits and behaviors of hundreds of sea creatures, from tiny seahorses to tanker-sized whales. They can also interact with creatures in interesting ways, such as viewing the health status of local fish. A new Pulsar tool sends waves of healing energy to ailing animals or calms aggressive sharks and crocodiles. Players also can train dolphins at the scenic Nineball Island and even grab onto them for a speedy undersea dive. For deeper interactive kicks, divers can sell salvaged items and use the dividends to buy coral that will attract new species to their own customized reefs.

With a broadband Internet connection, Endless Ocean: Blue World becomes a one-of-a-kind social experience. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, two players with their own individual game discs can connect wirelessly and join up for a cooperative dive. Players with Wii Speak microphones can talk to each other in real-time as they navigate the watery depths in search of rare species or hidden treasure. To facilitate this undersea chatter, Endless Ocean: Blue World is available bundled with the Wii Speak microphone at a suggested retail price of just $29.99, a great value that's sure to set explorers of all ages off on new adventures.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features, visit Wii.com.

For more information about Endless Ocean: Blue World , visit www.endlessocean.com.

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New Downloadable Games Prove Anyone Can be Crowned King

Have you ever wanted to be a king? Maybe the king of Los Angeles? The new Nintendo DSiWare game Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A. gives you a shot at becoming Southern California royalty. Over on the Virtual Console service, old-school gamers will, like, totally love the chance to become king of the '80s with the gnarly original arcade version of Zaxxon available for download.

Meanwhile, Nintendo's WarioWare: D.I.Y. "Big Name Games" series continues with a new downloadable microgame created by top game designer Alex Neuse of Gaijin Games. Neuse is the designer behind the BIT.TRIP series, which is available exclusively on the WiiWare service. He believes meaningful experiences can be delivered through a minimalistic design approach. In his WarioWare: D.I.Y. game, Fire Bad! , you'll get a hint at CommanderVideo's next adventure. New "Big Name Games" will be added every Monday through July 26, all available to download for zero Nintendo DSi Points to anyone with broadband Internet access and a copy of either WarioWare: D.I.Y. for the Nintendo DS family of systems or WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase software for the WiiWare service. Visit the Nintendo Channel on your Wii system today to learn more about these games and to see a video of Neuse discussing Fire Bad!

Nintendo DSiWare
Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A.
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Suggestive Themes, Tobacco Reference, Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Move to the West Coast and immerse yourself in Los Angeles gang life with Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A. Complete 75 different missions that combine the best of action games and driving games.

• Explore Los Angeles and its famous neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, downtown, the suburbs and the harbor.
• A unique feeling of freedom: Drive or walk anywhere in massive, open environments. Feel free to complete missions at your own pace, or just do absolutely anything you want.
• A thrilling storyline with flashbacks and unexpected developments: Go from rags to riches, connect with relatives and help out their gang until you're living the golden life.
• Improved driving experience: Drive cars, quads, motorcycles and use the environment to perform unbelievable stunts.
• Use the inner camera or outer camera to decrease your wanted status, take a new photo of your face and fake your ID card to remain incognito.

AlphaBounce
Publisher: Mad Monkey Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Drug Reference, Violent References
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: AlphaBounce combines the classical brick-breaking concept with strong RPG features, offering you the chance to explore an endless universe with millions of levels. Discover items hidden in the deepest corners of the galaxy. Use these items to modify your spaceship and improve your firepower. You have been taken prisoner by an evil intergalactic mining corporation and exiled to outer space. With the help of your spaceship, your mission is to blast your way through the bricks in order to find a way back to Earth.

7 Card Games
Publisher: cerasus.media
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Simulated Gambling
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Who has the best hand? Take a seat, have a drink and get started: Keep a straight face during poker while you wager the bluff of your life. Put it all on one hit in Black Jack - and take the jackpot. You choose the number of opponents. Prefer something quieter? Then try a Solitaire game like Freecell or Klondike. Whether you prefer a quick round here and there or fun for the entire evening, now you can always have your favorite card games right at your fingertips. The detailed graphics and authentic atmosphere will wow you.

AiRace
Publisher: QubicGames
Players: 1-6
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: AiRace is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled air, speed and stunt game for the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems. AiRace is not your typical hand-held racing - it's high-sky racing at its best. There are no limits to your flight with 360 movement and unique steering with the Nintendo DSi stylus. AiRace offers you a chance to control one of nine planes and compete against AI or human opponents in six exotic locations. With great physics, plane upgrades, on-the-track power-ups and unique maps, AiRace offers a little bit more than your average racing. Now it's time to leave your cars and switch to airplanes.

WiiWare
Military Madness: Nectaris
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: The Military is back for a new generation of recruits. The classic turn-based strategy series Military Madness, aka Nectaris, is exploding onto the WiiWare service. With a new graphical barrage, a new commander unit, online team and vs. multiplayer modes, and a platoon of other new features, this is the maddest game in the series yet.

• 4-Person Online Multiplayer: Coordinate strategies or taunt foes in team or vs. multiplayer modes for up to four people.
• A new unit - Commanders: Choose a commander to lead your forces in multiplayer and choose from 20 unique abilities.
• Multiple command views: Plan out strategy in the overhead map view and watch glorious battles unfold with cinematic camera action.
• Detailed stat-tracking leaderboards: Increase your rank as you march up the leaderboards on your mission to prove you're the top general around.

Virtual Console
Zaxxon
Original platform: Arcade
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Travel back to a time when a lovable alien phoned home, gas cost a mere 90 cents a gallon and everyone was wearing high-tops, leg warmers and had big hair. This was the early '80s, and this was when video gamers nationwide were wowed by the cutting-edge graphics and sound effects of the first three-dimensional-like intergalactic arcade shooter: Zaxxon. Touted as the first game to put video display in perspective, Zaxxon featured "looks" and "sounds" like actual aircraft flight, allowing players to command their ship just like a real fighter pilot. Dive, bank, fly left and right, and up and down - Zaxxon had it all. Fly through heavily armored space fortresses while strafing fuel tanks, dodging walls and blowing up enemy missiles and gunnery. This game is littered with explosions. Then take the fight to the enemy fighter fleet and destroy the aggressor ships with extreme prejudice. Blasting pixels has never been so fun.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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Military Madness and Zaxxon downloads

Just two downloads released today on Wii across North America, one for the WiiWare service and the other an arcade classic from the early 80's.

Military Madness: Nectaris (WiiWare)Zaxxon (Arcade)

Military Madness is allegedly a good'n for strategy fans.

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Robox trailer

Here's the first trailer for Robox. It's an action platform game heading to WiiWare, developed by DreamBox Games.

How awesome is this looking!!

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Whether at Home or Out and About, Nintendo's Downloads Make for Great Fun

Let's say you're relaxing at home, but something doesn't seem quite right. Maybe your house has ghosts. Clearly you need to get GhostSlayer, with its Wii MotionPlus accessory functionality, to figure out how to deal with them. Or maybe your house has a mouse. Mouse House puzzles seem the logical choice for you. Maybe you just need to get out of the house and try some fresh air with Family Go-Kart Racing. If it seems a bit brighter than usual outdoors, that's probably because Aura-Aura, the star of Aura-Aura Climber, has fallen out of the sky. While you're out having fun, take and share some crazy pictures of your friends and family with Faceez, or spend a few relaxing hours directing flights with Flight Control. And while you're out there, you might want to spend some time helping a little boy recover his lost pet goldfish, Flipper.

WiiWare
GhostSlayer
Publisher: Gevo Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Blood, Violence
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: Embark on a thrilling ghost-fighting experience. Play as a Ghost Slayer as you battle evil spirits that plague the mortal world. Your sword is your only weapon against them. Eliminate all hostiles in your path and defeat the Ghost Queen in the final stage in order to save the world. Unlock new swords and acquire special techniques that you can use to your advantage. Test your skills by playing all three levels of difficulty. Enjoy the thrill of slashing ghosts and vaporizing them by swinging your Wii Remote controller and experience sword-fighting game play at a new level of realism by using Wii MotionPlus accessory (this game can be played with or without Wii MotionPlus). Brace yourself for the onslaught of blood-thirsty spirits.

Mouse House
Publisher: Big John Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: He's clever, he's daring, he's brave, he's ... a mouse! Mouse House is an accessible and fast-paced logic puzzle game in which you lead a lively little mouse on his hunt to collect the cheese in each of 100 challenging puzzles. But these are no simple mazes - our adorable hero has to weave his way though a cast of colorful critters, including stinger-shooting bees and nasty rats, as well as tricky traps like conveyor belts, collapsing floors and more. A true "pick up and play" game, Mouse House's combination of simple controls and multiple levels of challenge make it perfect for players of all ages.

Family Go-Kart Racing
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: It's Family Go-Kart Racing, the fantastic new racing game from Arc System Works. The Family is back: Billy, Sarah, Daddy, Mommy and new to the Family fun, Auntie and Gramps. Choose among the six family members and six karts to take on 12 exciting tracks and drift your way to victory. With the Wii Remote controller's tilt control, race against the clock in Time Attack to beat your personal records, or take on the entire family in a full Grand Prix. Steer your way through the Snowy Slopes, peel out in the World Bazaar and go-go-go for gold on the Go-Go Rollercoaster. Earn your place as the head of the family by outmaneuvering your kin with special items like Acceleration and Lighting to zip past your opponents. Or, unleash the Bowling Bomb and strike out the kart ahead of you.

Nintendo DSiWare
Aura-Aura Climber
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Aura-Aura has fallen out of the sky and landed on Earth. He is determined to return to his rightful place in the universe and become a bright star. Take control of Aura-Aura, and help him to accomplish this by using his grapple arm to grab a variety of grapple points and continuously climb higher in the sky. Along the way, collect items to aid him (bombs, extensions for his grapple arm) and avoid enemies that damage Aura-Aura's health. Two modes of play offer very different challenges: Score Attack, in which you try to get to the goal with as many points as possible, and Endless, in which your aim is simply to help Aura-Aura climb as high into the sky as possible within the time limit. And even if you think you've mastered the art of climbing, both modes offer numerous medals to find or earn by completing specific tasks. With its intuitive controls, straightforward game play, and incredible replay value, Aura-Aura's journey is arcade-style gaming at its best ... or should that be its highest?

Flight Control
Publisher: Firemint
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Keep the skies safe in Flight Control, the insanely popular worldwide hit from Firemint. In this action-packed game, take on the role of an air traffic controller at an increasingly busy airport. In complete control of the airspace, direct aircraft to their appropriate landing zones while avoiding collisions. Travel to airports set among green fields, a beachside resort, the Australian Outback, a winter wonderland and even an aircraft carrier. Learn how to land 10 different kinds of aircraft, including jets, seaplanes and helicopters. To direct aircraft, simply touch and drag them to their landing zones with the stylus without letting them collide. Sounds easy? You'll need smart strategy, keen eyes and a smooth touch to keep the chaos under control. You can even work alongside a friend in cooperative multiplayer mode, and guard the airways together. Flight Control only takes a minute to learn – just don't expect to put it down as quickly as you'll pick it up.

Faceez
Publisher: Neko Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Mild Blood
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Make your friends laugh with Faceez. Take pictures of their faces with the Nintendo DSi Camera and then mix them and animate them. Dress them up with lots of funny accessories. Place them in your own favorite settings. Give free reign to your imagination with millions of possible combinations. Thanks to the Nintendo DSi system's connectivity with Facebook, you can share your creations with your friends, who'll be rolling on the floor laughing. Photograph, disguise, decorate, animate and send ... FACEEZ.

Flipper
Publisher: Xform
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: The hero of the game is a courageous young boy. You must lead him through various worlds full of obstacles to retrieve his stolen goldfish called Flipper. Get ready for a 3-D puzzle platform game set in four different worlds with five levels each. The game features beautiful pixel-art backdrops, cheerful cartoon characters and catchy music. The voxel engine technology allows you to change the environment with some cool power-ups. You can pick up power-ups that let you blast holes in the environment while other power-ups restore it or build platforms. It's up to you to use the limited amount of power-ups wisely to complete each level. Flipper is a fun and challenging puzzle game that is suited for all ages.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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Swing True, Bet Big and Vanquish Evil with New Game Downloads

Golf fanatics who can't hit the real-life links again till springtime will be especially pleased with this week's new downloadable game lineup. True Swing Golf Express for the Nintendo DSiWare service delivers deep fairway action that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Another Nintendo DSiWare release, Legends of Exidia, offers a timeless clash between good and evil that RPG enthusiasts won't want to miss, while Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle lets players tilt and turn their Nintendo DSi system to complete fun puzzle challenges. For the WiiWare service, the fifth and final Tales of Monkey Island chapter brings an outrageous adventure series to a memorable close this week. Poker, solitaire, intrepid insects and a SEGA Master System classic help to round out a diverse and inviting set of new arrivals.

Nintendo DSiWare
True Swing Golf Express
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Tee off with power, drive with accuracy and putt with precision. True Swing Golf Express is a realistic golf simulation that makes full use of the Nintendo DSi touch screen to offer in-depth control over your actions. Vary shot power, apply topspin or backspin and more, all with a touch of the stylus. Beginners and experts alike can choose from two main modes. Round mode offers play across 3-, 9- or 18-hole courses, each with varying difficulty levels and some in an exciting tournament setting. Challenge mode puts a unique spin on golf with a wide selection of special tasks to complete. Completing these tasks in Challenge mode allows you to improve your character's skills and unlock new courses in Round mode. The fairway awaits!

Legends of Exidia
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence,Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: An army of demons called Morgost has invaded Exidia, defeating Princess Sofia and capturing the Orb of Spell. The Morgost's dark intentions include the resurrection of the almighty Daraka. Listen only to your courage and help Sofia drive back this threat. As a fearless warrior, you'll fight the most evil of creatures. With every quest, you'll get closer to discovering the source of the plague.

DOWNTOWN TEXAS HOLD'EM
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1-5
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Simulated Gambling
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Go all-in with EA's DOWNTOWN TEXAS HOLD'EM. Sharpen and show off your poker skills in two exciting game modes and take on up to 20 players in authentic showdowns. Put on your best poker face and challenge friends who also have a Nintendo DSi system and a copy of the game to a multiplayer match. Start with a practice game, play a round of classic poker, then jump into turbo tournament to win the grand prize. Buy your way into gambling halls and casinos, each with its own unique background, realistic tables, cards and chips.

Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle
Publisher: Assoria
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Help the ball of Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle to find the way out of each level. To do so, you must solve riddles and use your dexterity to escape enemies without falling. Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle uses the Nintendo DSi system's built-in camera to detect your movements. While playing, tilt the system to move the ball. Collect gold coins to open certain passages, activate switches to set off mechanisms, use catapults to jump over walls or use bumpers to climb ramps. Time to complete each level is limited, so hurry up!

5 in 1 Solitaire
Publisher: Digital Leisure Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Now you can take five of the most popular solitaire games with you on the go. 5 in 1 Solitaire features the always-popular Klondike, Spider and FreeCell games as well as the unique Golf and Gaps versions of solitaire. Each of these versions has a unique style of play that's easy enough for novice players to enjoy but will also challenge experts. You can also view tutorials for each game, track your scores and view gaming stats to see your progress.

WiiWare
Tales of Monkey Island: Chapter 5
Publisher: Telltale Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Alcohol Reference, Cartoon Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Here's a shocking series finale that's sure to shiver your timbers. With the Monkey Island world in tatters at the conclusion of the fourth Tales of Monkey Island chapter, we were left to wonder: Who can save the Caribbean?! LeChuck is revealing surprising new characteristics yet again, Guybrush has met a shocking fate and Elaine must confront the ultimate evil with everything at stake. This adventure takes you far beyond the stormy isles as you experience the Rise of the Pirate God.

Tumblebugs 2
Publisher: Gameshastra Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: There's a battle brewing in the backyard, and only you can save the day. Tumblebugs is the hit action-puzzler in which Black Bugs round up and trap the peaceful underground Tumblebugs. Now the Black Bugs are back - meaner, faster and nastier. They've crashed the garden party and are rounding up the colored beetles. Once again it's Tumble to the rescue, but this time she's got backup. Call on your friends to help you battle your way through 89 stunning new levels. Thrilling new power-ups can also help you free bugs like never before.

5 in 1 Solitaire
Publisher: Digital Leisure Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Now you can play five of the most popular solitaire games on your Wii console. 5 in 1 Solitaire features the always-popular Klondike, Spider and FreeCell games as well as the unique Golf and Gaps versions of solitaire. Each of these versions has a unique style of play that's easy enough for novice players to enjoy but will also challenge experts. You can also view tutorials for each game, track your scores and view gaming stats to see your progress.

Virtual Console
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
Original platform: SEGA Master System
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: What do you get when you combine the monumental SEGA classics Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Shinobi? Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, of course! Though never released in Japan, this game has it all: Alex Kidd, kidnapped princesses and evil Dark Ninjas, all played to a rockin', remixed Shinobi soundtrack. Run, jump, swim and slash your way through 12 stages teeming with monstrous foes from the world of Shinobi, plus some more lighthearted ones from Alex Kidd. Just don't let the barracudas turn you into sushi!

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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Netflix released on Wii

We've heard a lot of talk about this in the past few months, but Netflix on Wii is now a reality:

Nintendo of America and Netflix [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced that Netflix members who own Nintendo's Wii home console can now enjoy thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix via Wii. The two companies announced partnership plans in January and are making Netflix on the Wii console fully available as of today.

Streaming from Netflix via the Wii console is provided at no additional cost to Netflix members who have a plan starting at $8.99 a month, a Wii console and a broadband Internet connection.

The partnership between the two companies dramatically increases the reach of content streamed from Netflix. Wii remains the fastest-selling home console in history. Wii now reaches more consumers than any other device that currently supports streaming movies from Netflix, which had 12.3 million members at the end of 2009.

The launch of Netflix on Wii gives people the opportunity to gather with friends and family for a movie and game night. Everyone can join in the fun of a few heated rounds of Wii Sports Resort bowling before loading up a movie. When the movie's over, everyone can try out some table tennis ? all on the same Wii console. The addition of Netflix streaming to the Wii console's already wide range of capabilities makes it even more appealing for group enjoyment.

Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime: "More than 28 million people already use the Wii console to play games, stay fit and have fun. Now they have another reason to use the system every day - to enjoy great movies from Netflix and other video content."

Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings: "Launching Netflix on the Wii home console marks a significant advance in the evolution of our service. Wii has created immense consumer excitement and has meaningfully altered the consumer electronics landscape. Bringing Netflix to Wii catapults us toward our goal of being ubiquitous on the connected devices most popular with consumers."

Netflix continues to expand the ways in which its members can watch movies and TV shows streamed directly to TVs via a range of Netflix-ready devices such as the Wii console. With unlimited memberships starting as low as $8.99 a month, members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix and can also receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. In parallel, consumers continue to demonstrate a preference for Wii consoles and the great value they offer in fun games and shared experiences at a suggested retail price of just $199.99. Wii is the only video game system currently available with motion controls, which are included with the system at no extra charge.

To enable their systems to stream TV shows and movies from Netflix, Wii owners will need a broadband Internet connection, a Netflix unlimited membership and a Netflix instant streaming disc for the Wii console. Netflix members and Wii console owners can now receive a free instant streaming disc by going to http://www.netflix.com/wii. The discs will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after they are requested.

When the instant streaming disc is inserted into a member's Wii system, an array of movie and TV choices will be displayed right on the TV screen. These titles will be conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members' personal preferences and will include popular genres, new arrivals and members' individual instant Queues. Using the Wiimote, members will be able to choose a movie or TV episode to watch from their instant Queues or pick one directly from any of the lists. They will also have the ability to read synopses, rate movies, and will have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding their selection.

The Netflix functionality adds another dimension to the Wii console's diverse online features. With broadband Internet access, the Wii console gains access to a variety of entertainment, information and communication channels that add value to the system and make it a device the entire family can enjoy. For instance, Wii owners of all types can find great games from among hundreds of downloadable new and classic titles with Wii Points from the Wii Shop Channel. Or surf the Internet on the big screen via the Internet Channel, watch videos about new and upcoming games on the Nintendo Channel, and play specially designed games online with friends near and far.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features, visit Wii.com.

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Nintendo wins Anascape lawsuit

What seems like an age ago, we heard of a company called Anascape suing Nintendo for $21M related to patent issues. Judging by a new press release though, Nintendo appealed the decision and have now come out on top.

Today the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that none of Nintendo's video game controllers infringe on a patent asserted by Anascape Ltd.

Nintendo had been accused by Anascape Ltd of infringing on US Patent Number 6906700. The case was tried before a jury in the Eastern District of Texas in May 2008. The jury found that neither the motion-sensing Wiimote nor the Nunchuk controller infringes on the patent. However, the jury found that the Classic Controller for the Wii console and the WaveBird and standard controllers for Nintendo GameCube did infringe on the patent. Today's decision however, completely reversed the jury's findings of infringement.

Nintendo of America General Counsel Rick Flamm: "Today the Federal Circuit's ruling confirmed that none of Nintendo's controllers infringe. We appreciate that our position has been vindicated."

Good news for Big N there.

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Nintendo Asks Everyone to Muscle March in Formation

There's a lot to say about this week's downloadable games. You can check out the brain-training power of The Amazing Brain Train! or the cute puppies of Me And My Dogs: Friends Forever. Fans of more traditional games can protect their space fleet from waves of enemies in STARSHIP DEFENSE or explore the dual temporal world of Chronos Twins. Retro gamers will certainly like the ninja stylings of Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi on the Virtual Console service or the chance to try out the Nintendo DSiWare title Dark Void Zero, a mythical long-lost game from Capcom's vaults.

And then there's Muscle March.

A bunch of bodybuilders (and a polar bear) clad in bikini briefs chase after protein-powder thieves who can bash through walls at will. Strike your best bodybuilder poses to catch the thief and make the protein powder yours again. This surreal experience is best shared among friends, so start flexing!

WiiWare
Muscle March
Publisher: NBGI
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Muscle March is a quirky Japanese action game stuffed full of macho bodybuilders. The all mighty protein powder has been stolen, so it's up to Tony and his muscle-bound crew to catch the thieves. Choose from a variety of perfectly molded superstars and bring these terrible villains to justice. As the thieves attempt escape, they will smash through walls while making a variety of poses. You must match these poses to fit through the holes and catch up to the thieves. The protein powder will be yours again! Flex your muscles by yourself or with up to three friends in turn-based macho excitement. Posing for a few minutes not enough? Enjoy Endless Rush mode until your muscles bulge and explode! Muscle March will also be the first WiiWare title to offer a polar bear in tight swimwear!

The Amazing Brain Train!
Publisher: Wahoo Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: All aboard! Power up your intellect and embark on an epic quest aboard The Amazing Brain Train! Fueled by your mental energy, Professor Fizzwizzle's Brain Train will take you on a brain-boosting adventure. Put your mighty mind to the test and see how far you can go.

Nintendo DSiWare
STARSHIP DEFENSE
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: STARSHIP DEFENSE takes the tower defense genre into outer space. Defend your space fleet from wave after wave of enemy attacks by equipping a variety of weapons and using a combination of strategic skills and resource management. Attach weapons to your ships using the touch screen, making sure to place them for maximum effect when planning your defense. If you don't, the relentless nature of your enemies could overwhelm you. Increase your chances of success by using energy collected from defeated enemies to install new and more powerful weapons, destroying particular enemies to obtain weapon upgrades, and watching for rare power crystals that unlock advanced attacks, including a devastating black hole. And if you still find yourself in trouble, select an SOS card to call on a special kind of assistance. You'll have to defend your fleet across 30 intense sectors, some with specific challenges, while advancing your rank from lowly recruit all the way to fleet admiral. Are you up to the challenge?

Dark Void Zero
Publisher: Capcom Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: As the '80s were drawing to a close, the developers at Capcom began work on a top-secret project that aimed to set new standards for the platformer genre. That game was called Dark Void. Alas, Capcom suspended development on Dark Void as it began to evaluate the SNES. Before long, the game was shelved and drifted, unnoticed, into the annals of gaming history. Dark Void became a legendary "lost project" at Capcom. Now, nearly 20 years later, Dark Void is back! To commemorate the game's humble origins, Capcom has commissioned this recreation of the original 8-bit classic, now re-titled Dark Void Zero, on the Nintendo DSi system. You play as Rusty, the first human born in the Void, who must take on the Watchers in a quest to stop their domination of Earth. With the aid of Nikola Tesla and his state-of-the-art rocket pack, Rusty must take down the Watchers and their minions across three intense levels of action and intrigue.

Chronos Twins
Publisher: EnjoyUp Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Enter into the original world of Chronos Twins, where you'll live a fantastic adventure full of innovative ideas never seen before in any game. Thanks to its Dual Gameplay game system you'll be able to control Nec in two temporal scenarios at the same time. Chronos Twins mixes action, platforms, adventure and puzzles to challenge your intelligence and ability. If you like games with a real challenge, there's no doubt that Chronos Twins is the game you're looking for.

Me And My Dogs: Friends Forever
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Have you always dreamed of having a cute dog to cuddle? Thanks to Me And My Dogs: Friends Forever, you can have up to three of the cutest pups imaginable at the same time and take them with you everywhere you go. Choose from friendly Labradors, playful Chow Chows and smart Beagles. Like real dogs, you'll have to take care of them, feed them, wash them and give them lots of love. Play with them at the park and teach them lots of tricks or train them for competitions at the stadium. You can even call them like in real life thanks to the microphone.

Virtual Console
Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi
Original platform: Genesis
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Easy to play, hard to master, Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi, first released in 1987, is the sequel to the original Shinobi arcade game, and is one of the only games in the Shinobi series to feature true arcade-style game play. Play as Joe Musashi, the master ninja known to his enemies only as "The Shinobi." This battle is not one you must fight alone, as this is the first game in the Shinobi series to feature your ninja attack dog, Yamoto, who will charge foes on command, leaving them open to a powerful drop kick. Use your mastery of ancient ninja technique to topple the crime syndicate - the Neo Zeed Corporation - and free the foreign dignitaries they have taken hostage in New York City. Good luck, and may the ninja spirits help guide you in your journey.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com. For the latest WiiWare games, click here. Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

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