Some big news for Sonic fans, Sega's 2D revival game previously codenamed Project Needlemouse is coming to WiiWare. Its proper title is Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, leading us to believe it will be episodic in nature.
This new foray into the world of Sonic will run at 480p and will use motion controls in some areas. Here's a trailer:
Could this be Sonic's long overdue return to form?
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.
Nintendo has put out a list of upcoming games and hardware with release dates for all three major territories. Some dates are very vague but it's better than nothing.
JapanZangeki no Regenleiv (Wii - February 11th, 2010)XenoBlade (Wii - Spring 2010)Metroid Other M (Wii - Summer 2010)Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii - 2010)The Last Story (Wii - 2010)Kensakusu (Wii - TBA)Span Smasher (Wii - TBA)Start With 100 Words: English Conversation (Wii - TBA)Hoshi no Kirby (Wii - TBA)Line Attack Heroes (Wii - TBA)The Legend of Zelda (Wii - TBA)Last Window Mayonaka no Yakusoku (NDS - January 14th, 2010)Otona no Renai Syosetsu DS Harlequin Selection (NDS - February 25th, 2010)Pokemon Ranger Hikari no Kiseki (NDS - March 6th, 2010)Golden Sun DS (NDS - TBA)Famicom Wars DS2 (NDS - TBA)USNintendo DSi XL (Q1 2010)Endless Ocean: Blue World (Wii - February 22nd, 2010)Sin & Punishment 2 (Wii - Q1 2010)Metroid: Other M (Wii - 2010)Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii - 2010)Span Smasher (Wii - TBA)Line Attack Heroes (Wii - TBA)XenoBlade (Wii - TBA)Glory of Heracles (NDS - January 18th, 2010)Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver (NDS - March 14th, 2010)WarioWare DIY (NDS - March 28th, 2010)America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking (NDS - March 28th, 2010)Golden Sun DS (NDS - 2010)Picross 3D (NDS - TBA)Europe / AustraliaNintendo DSi XL (March 5th, 2010)Endless Ocean 2: Adventures of the Deep (Wii - February 5th, 2010)Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies (Wii - 2010)Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii - 2010)Metroid: Other M (Wii - 2010)Span Smasher (Wii - TBA)Picross 3D (NDS - March 5th, 2010)Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver (NDS - March 26th, 2010)Golden Sun DS (NDS - 2010)WarioWare: DIY (NDS - TBA)What are you most excited about in that list?
If you're curious to learn more about some of today's WiiWare releases, here are a couple of trailers.
Aha! I Found It! Hidden Object Game
bittos+
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.
Monday brings a few more WiiWare games into the fold.
Uno (WiiWare)bittos+ (WiiWare)Aha! I Found It! Hidden Object Game (WiiWare)Ghoul Patrol (SNES)Any Uno fans reading this? Sound off like you've got a pair.. of fives.
Sega and Chiquita, the leading distributor of bananas in the US, have struck a mutually beneficial deal.
The agreement means Chiquita will apply stickers to their bananas promoting Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll. In return, Sega have packed the game full of Chiquita branding (similar to the Dole brand seen in earlier SMB titles).
Sean Ratcliffe (Sega's Marketing VP): We are thrilled to partner with Chiquita. This is a fun way to get the whole family together and we're proud to have Ai-Ai and MeeMee featured on clusters of Chiquita bananas.
