Pirates, Puzzles, Rattlers and Role-Playing

"All for one and one for all" is an apt way to describe the latest lineup of downloadable games from the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop. Each of this week's new titles is a single-player affair, but they're all quite different in genre and style, offering something special for a variety of gaming tastes.

WiiWare
Tales of Monkey Island: Chapter 2
Publisher: Telltale Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Alcohol Reference, Cartoon Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Guybrush's adventures continue on the high seas as pox-plagued pirates lay siege to the innocent Mer-People. Between defending the Mer-People and dodging the persistent pirate hunter hot on his trail, Guybrush manages to catch up to his beloved wife and despised arch-nemesis, but the reunion is short-lived. Now Guybrush must focus on eradicating the Pox of LeChuck before more harm can be done. And as the Mighty Pirate draws closer to a cure, the waters will only grow murkier in this thrilling chapter of the epic saga.

3-2-1, Rattle Battle!
Publisher: Tecmo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: 3-2-1, Rattle Battle! is a party game packed with exciting mini-games. Intuitive controls mean that anyone can enjoy playing - just grab the Wii Remote and shake it to "rattle." Great fun for single players, but the party really gets started when you register high scores on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to see how you measure up against players from around the globe.

Virtual Console
Phantasy Star
Original platform: SEGA Master System
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone 10 and Older) - Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Originally released on the SEGA Master System, Phantasy Star is a pioneer in the role-playing game genre. Alis is the fearless female protagonist out to avenge her brother's death at the hands of cruel dictator King Lassic. Players must guide Alis and her troops through the sprawling environments of the Agol solar system in an attempt to defeat King Lassic and liberate the people of Agol. Engage in dynamic turn-based combat with dragons, ghouls, giants and magicians by using unique weapons such as glowing daggers, crossbows and magic spells.

Nintendo DSiWare
Puzzle League Express
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: The ever-popular Puzzle League comes to Nintendo DSiWare. As it is with all good puzzlers, the concept is simple: Connect blocks of the same color to clear them from the screen and prevent your stack from becoming too high. There are four single-player modes to choose from: Endless (survive to earn a top score), Clear (eliminate all blocks above the line), Score Attack (score as high as possible in two minutes) and Vs. COM (use items and combos to attack a computer opponent). You can choose from a variety of background music to help get you in the zone, and even play in horizontal or vertical mode by holding the Nintendo DSi system normally or like a book. Whichever way you play, you're guaranteed maximum 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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Monkey Island episode 2 released

Monday kicks off with the return of infamous pirate Guybrush Threepwood on WiiWare, ready for the second episode of his new Tales Of series.

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Y'arrrr?

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Nintendo Transforms Times Square into a Spectacular Wii Sports Resort - Updated

WHAT:
Nintendo is transforming New York's famed Military Island in Times Square into an urban island getaway to celebrate the launch of the Wii Sports Resort video game. On July 23, anyone who visits this Manhattan landmark will be treated to a mini-vacation, complete with a sandy beach, swimming pool and tropical lounge - all smack dab in the middle of the city - plus a chance to play Wii Sports Resort in advance of its U.S. July 26 release date. Based on the imaginative Wuhu Island locale featured in the game, this interactive oasis will also offer game demonstrations, giveaways (while supplies last) and a bar serving tropical non-alcoholic drinks. Adding to the excitement, actor Chace Crawford will be making an appearance.

Wii Sports Resort is the next phenomenon in active-play gaming and the first Nintendo game to feature the control enhancements of the Wii MotionPlus™ accessory. While enjoying resort-themed in-game activities such as swordplay, basketball, table tennis and archery, players will experience the unique motion-sensing controls of the Wii system with greater precision and accuracy than ever before. Just as the original Wii Sports™ attracted millions of casual and nontraditional players to the world of video games, the new Wii Sports Resort delivers an inclusive, interactive entertainment experience that consumers of all ages can enjoy.

WHO:
Adults, kids, seniors, families, tourists, New Yorkers and consumers of all kinds

WHEN:
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Event: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event will be held rain or shine

WHERE:
Military Island
7th Avenue and Broadway Avenue
Between 43rd and 44th streets, Manhattan, NY 10036

VISUALS:

• Crowds gathering on a tropical island in the middle of Times Square
• Chace Crawford competing against Denise Kaigler, vice president of Corporate Affairs for Nintendo of America, in Wii Sports Resort
• Experts in various sports going head-to-head with fans in Wii Sports Resort
• Visitors lounging on a simulated beach and enjoying Wii Sports Resort game play in the middle of Times Square
• Kids and parents wielding Wii Remote controllers to participate in activities like archery, table tennis, golf and basketball at interactive game kiosks
• Children and adults demonstrating the unique cross-generational appeal of the Wii console by playing Wii Sports Resort together
• B-roll and photos available

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Fun Keeps Popping Up, From Slot Cars to Rock Stars, Sudoku to Ninjutsu

Choosing a game to download from the Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop can be a little like taking a personality test. Do you like mystery and surprises? A new WiiWare game offers elements of magic and pop-up excitement. Are you an extrovert who craves the spotlight? Try a Nintendo DSiWare title that turns players into rock stars. Do you crave competition and fierce action? Choose from a new car racing game or a bona fide martial-arts classic. Or maybe you're more of a brainiac? Check out the sudoku-themed installment in the popular Brain Age series. This week's new downloadable games offer something for players of any disposition.

WiiWare
PictureBook Games: Pop-Up Pursuit
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Enter the world of PictureBook Games: Pop-Up Pursuit and enjoy a family board game set in a pop-up picture book. Instead of simply rolling dice to move along the map, you'll use cards (which can help or hinder progress) and coins (useful for buying more cards, but don't forget about your Coin Bonus at the end of the game). Spaces on the map play an important role in the game's outcome, and your computer-controlled opponents exhibit different personalities and behavior. Occasionally, the mysterious Book of Magick will be opened, causing an event that may change according to how you play. This mixture of exciting game play and charming, artistic atmosphere give Pop-Up Pursuit high replay value and unique depth—even if its characters are flat.
Family Slot Car Racing
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy are putting the pedal to the metal in Family Slot Car Racing. Race through three racing circuits, each composed of multiple racetracks and even bonus tracks. You can race against a friend for some friendly one-on-one racing action. Choose among multiple slot cars with varying designs to see which car has the best grip and speed. As you progress, you'll unlock new courses and even new slot cars to help you reach the top of the racing circuit. Do you have it in you to be the fastest racer on four wheels?

Virtual Console
The Revenge of Shinobi
Original platform: SEGA Genesis
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: This classic SEGA Genesis platformer features Musashi, a ninja out to defeat the evil Neo Zeed and his criminal empire. In this sequel to the arcade favorite Shinobi, traverse through various districts - from the bamboo forests of Japan to the streets of New York City - and fight incoming enemies by throwing Shurikens, performing special ninjutsu moves and slashing a katana sword. Battle against unique bosses at the last stage of each district and make your way to the final match with your nemesis, Neo Zeed.

Nintendo DSiWare
Brain Age Express: Sudoku
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Sudoku takes center stage in this edition of the popular Brain Age series. Solve a variety of puzzles at three different skill levels using the touch screen and an intuitive interface. Track your progress by completing three tests and finding out your Brain Age. The unique charm of the Brain Age series and the challenge of sudoku make for an enjoyable combination. Prepare for another round of training your brain in minutes a day.
Guitar Rock Tour
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: If you like rock music and have a sense of rhythm, your road to stardom starts here. Guitarist or drummer - choose your path and fire up the most famous concert stages with your band. For beginners or music experts, the engaging game play provides hours of fun. Tap the touch screen or press buttons to the beat of your favorite songs. Keep your cool in front of a hyped-up crowd and don't miss a note. Warm up your fingers and prepare your ears for the explosive track list of Guitar Rock Tour, mixing recent hits like "Girlfriend," "In the Shadow" and "Banquet" with rock classics like "Beat It," "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and more. Use the Nintendo DSi Camera to take a photo of yourself or your friends, then display it onstage and receive goodies at your effigy. A new rock idol is born!

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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Phoenix Wright cut from TvC

Everyone's favorite lawyer Phoenix Wright was originally intended to be a playable character in the beat 'em up Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes, along with his whip-cracking adversary Franziska von Karma.

Von Karma's attacks were a given, being whip-centric, but the moveset for Phoenix himself posed problems. The team first thought about an attack using the word "OBJECTION", but the difference between the English and Japanese lettering meant localization would have been made more difficult.

Ultimately these complications meant Phoenix and von Karma were cut altogether. Shame, there must be a plethora of other moves he could have used.

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EA Active - More Workouts

EA has put out this press release announcing the arrival of "More Workouts" in November, building on the existing fitness program called Active.

People around the world have experienced the revolution in interactive fitness with EA SPORTS Active Personal Trainer - the highest rated Wii fitness product to date. Developed in collaboration with fitness experts, EA SPORTS Active has proven to be the preferred fitness program for Wii owners, providing an effective, inexpensive way to burn calories, get fit and have fun from the comfort of home.

EA SPORTS Active now introduces More Workouts to provide new challenge and variety. It features over 35 new exercises to create unlimited combinations of customizable exercise routines that target the upper and lower body, as well as cardio.

New to the EA SPORTS Active franchise will be an emphasis on abdominal exercises including curl ups, crunch and punches, as well as a warm up/cool down feature. An all-new presentation will bring users to the tropics and will immerse them in warm weather activities like waterskiing and paddle surfing. The product will also feature the Six-Week Challenge ? another step in the journey towards better health and fitness with new daily workouts that ramp up in intensity each week.

EA SPORTS Active: More Workouts gives users the benefit of a personal trainer in a box and will help them to stay on track to reach their fitness goals. Get inspired, get motivated and get active!

Key FeaturesBenefit of a Personal Trainer in a Box - Similar to a personal trainer, the program provides clear instruction, feedback on technique and encouragement, while also providing calories burned in real time.Six-Week Challenge - This personalized full body challenge will give users a new customizable weekly schedule and a weekly check-in with the virtual trainer to track calorie, weight and workout goals.Full Body Circuit Workout Routines - The specially designed leg strap holds the Nunchuk and the Wiimote is held in hand to track upper and lower body movements. A resistance band increases the intensity of exercises such as bicep curls.Warm up and Cool down - Eight all-new warm up and cool down exercises that stretch muscles before and after workouts to help prevent aches and injury.Abdominal Exercises - All-new detectable abdominal exercises help tone abs and strengthen the mid-section of the body.Personal Trainer to More Workouts - Profiles and results achieved in Personal Trainer can be transferred to More Workouts.Track Your Journey - To encourage overall wellness, there is a journal that allows user to set goals and track progress - accounting for activities both in and outside of software ? while also providing all-new nutrition and fitness tips.Workout Your Way - For optimal personalization, circuits can be customized based on interests and fitness level and there is complete flexibility for the duration and intensity level.

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Nintendo's New Wii Sports Resort Sells More Than 500,000 Units

Nintendo has provided staycations to thousands of people nationwide since the July 26 launch of its Wii Sports Resort game. More than 500,000 units of the game for the Wii console sold in the United States through Aug. 3, according to Nintendo's internal tracking numbers. The collection of 12 fun resort-themed sports lets players of all ages escape to a tropical island for some year-round summer fun. The game comes with one Wii MotionPlus accessory, which brings unmatched accuracy to games that have been specially designed for it.

"Through Monday we sold one copy of Wii Sports Resort roughly every 1.5 seconds continuously since it launched in the United States," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "This tells us consumers were eagerly waiting to get their hands on these fun activities, and it's a great start for a game that will have long-lasting appeal."

Wii Sports Resort includes archery, Swordplay, table tennis, basketball, golf, bowling, Air Sports, Power Cruising, Frisbee, cycling, canoeing and wakeboarding. The game is easy enough for novices to pick up but contains a tremendous amount of variety and depth to keep veteran players and their friends and family members entertained for hours on end.

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.

Wii Sports Resort is available at a suggested retail price of $49.99. Additional Wii MotionPlus accessories are available at a suggested retail price of $19.99 each. For more information about Wii Sports Resort, visit www.WiiSportsResort.com.

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