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Topics - NWR_pap64

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TalkBack / Nintendo Could Charge for Online Play

« on: May 07, 2010, 12:53:01 PM »

Nintendo's lead designer Shigeru Miyamoto expresses his thoughts on online play.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23039

In an interview with Edge, Shigeru Miyamoto commented on Nintendo's current online model. He expressed that Nintendo needs to decide whether to keep their online services free or to implement an online subscription mode.

Probably the other thing that we are desperate to realise is the core [online] business structure, do we need to demand customers pay monthly fees to enjoy online activities? Or give an online subscription that is free of charge, but then offer something extra for people that pay, so that they get some extra value? With these core business strategies I think we are less active than we should be.

Regardless of his thoughts on the current online model, Shigeru Miyamoto stated that,

It is true, though, that Nintendo hasnt been very proactive in developing such online activities as an MMOG. But when it comes to our endeavours that try to take advantage of internet technology, where we can provide our customers with more fun and entertainment, then I think we can say we have been very, very proactive and well-received. And that attitude wont be changed at all in the future.

TalkBack / Wii Sports Resort Tops 14 Million Copies Sold

« on: May 06, 2010, 10:31:37 PM »

Along with this reached milestone, Nintendo's Wii now has 79 million-seller games.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23032

Regardless of the sales drop that occurred for both the Wii and DS this year, Nintendo's Wii console now has 79 million sellers on the platform. Including third party titles, the sales figure grew from the last fiscal year (which was 54 million sellers).

Wii Sports Resort was the year's biggest seller, with 16.14 million copies sold worldwide. The title has been in the NPD top ten since its July 2009 release, and was the second best selling title in 2009. Wii Fit Plus was another best selling title with 12.65 million copies sold worldwide. New Super Mario Bros. Wii has sold 14.6 million copies worldwide.

On the DS, Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver was the best seller with 8.4 million copies sold.

TalkBack / PREVIEWS: Disney Guilty Party

« on: May 06, 2010, 08:59:06 AM »

Disney wants you to solve the case while having fun with your friends.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=23031

First revealed at Nintendo's Q1 2010 Media Summit, Guilty Party is an original family game from Disney Interactive. Developed by Wideload Games, the object of Guilty Party is to solve crimes in a family-friendly setting. But unlike other mystery games, you won't be going solo; other players can join in and try to solve the mystery as partners, hence the "party" portion of the game's title.

When you start the game you will be able to play as one of seven detectives from the Dickens Detective Agency: Max the classic gumshoe; Phoebe the tough girl; Kid Riddle the superhero; Charlotte the elegant senior citizen; Ling-Ling the spunky teenager, and Butch the tough detective. These characters are clearly based on famous mystery novel archetypes, and are presented in a fitting cartoony manner. Once you choose your character, you will be able to play one of seven cases (prologue included), all of them with one thing in common: all of them have been conducted by the evil Mr. Valentine. Once the case starts you will be able to explore the settings in manner resembling classic point-and-click games as well as classic board games such as Clue. When a clue is spotted, you can click on it to reveal more info. These can be collected in your case notebook and used later to solve puzzles.

Interaction with these elements is presented in the form of mini-games. For example, if you found a clue that is dirty, you engage in a mini-game in which you point the Wii Remote at the screen and shake it to remove the pieces of dirt.

Witness interrogation is also vital in solving a case. You can click on the characters present at the scene of the crime, and then you will be given the person's basic information before you engage in the interrogation process. Like the clue search, the interrogations are conducted via mini-games. You can hypnotize the suspect by swinging the Wii Remote as a pendulum, and even stare right into the character's eyes by pointing at the screen with your controller. You can even bribe certain characters into talking in these mini-games. When these games are won, you will be able to get their testimonies and include them in your notebook.

One of the most interesting aspects of Guilty Party is that the suspects, clues, and witnesses will change with each gameplay session, making the cases different every time it's played. Lastly, the cases will have different endings according to the decisions made during the game.

Guilty Party allows up to four players in its multiplayer mode. Each player takes turns solving one part of the case and they cooperate in other aspects of the investigation, such as the mini-games. Competitive play is also offered. When Guilty Party is played as a competitive title, it employs an interesting game mechanic. When a clue is uncovered, only one player is allowed to know the truth behind it, leaving the other players to try and guess how it fits into the mystery. Players can also choose their difficulty level when selecting a character so every player can play at their pace and desired difficulty setting without affecting the rest of the players.

The accessible multiplayer along with the Disney-inspired story and characters could make Guilty Party a hit for families when it's released July 27, 2010.

TalkBack / This Week in Nintendo Downloads

« on: May 04, 2010, 12:30:12 AM »

Virtual Console sees no releases today, while DSiWare gets the most releases with five titles.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23019

This week sees an oddball selection of titles for Nintendo's downloadable services. The Virtual Console didn't receive a title this week. WiiWare, however, did receive two titles. The first of these is Zombie Panic in Wonderland by Akaoni Studio, an action shooting game taking place in a fairy tale world where the main objective is to kill as many zombies as possible. The title will feature multiplayer for up to 2 players, seven playable characters, multiple weapons and hidden levels. Downloading this title will set player's back 1,000 Wii Points ($10).

From Stickmen Studios comes Kung Fu Funk: Everybody is Kung Fu Fighting. The title is a multiplayer mini-game collection with a 70s Kung Fu theme. Up to four players can join in several activities modeled after classic Kung-Fu films from the 70s. The title is available now for 500 Wii Points ($5).

DSiWare sees the most releases this week with five titles. The first of these is BLOONS from Hands-On Mobile. The title is a puzzle game in which players pop as many balloons as possible. The game includes a stage builder as well as 70 levels. BLOONS can be downloaded for 500 DSi Points ($5).

The second DSiWare title this week is Sokomania from CINEMAX. The object of the title is to push crates into their proper places. The puzzle title can be downloaded for 200 DSi Points ($2). From Enjoy Gaming Ltd. is Bounce and Break, an universe hopping title where players can interactive with different universes set in different seasons. Bounce and Break can be downloaded for 500 DSi Points ($5).

1001 Crystal Mazes Collection from Teyon is a jewel based puzzle title in which players move several jewel pieces into their proper place. For 500 DSi Points ($5) players can solve over a thousand puzzles. The final title this week is Crazy Golf from dtp entertainment AG. Players will play in wacky golf courses while avoiding obstacles. The arcade golf title will set back players 500 DSi Points ($5).

In addition to the downloadable releases, a new WarioWare D.I.Y's Big Name Game by Todd Lewis from 5th Cell, the creators of Scribblenauts was released today.

Stay Motivated in May with Marvelous New Game Downloads

May 3, 2010 - What's your motivation? It all depends on which of this week's downloadable games you choose to play. In Zombie Panic in Wonderland for the WiiWare service, the goal is survival. In both Sokomania and 1001 Crystal Mazes Collection for the Nintendo DSiWare service, you're driven by a need to arrange objects in their proper places. With seven new titles added to the ever-growing library of downloadable games from Nintendo, players can be motivated and mesmerized in more ways than ever.

Also this week, 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. The latest addition comes from Todd Lewis of 5TH Cell, developer of the award-winning Scribblenauts. 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 watch a video of ace designer Todd Lewis working on his original microgame, Fly Home!

WiiWare

Zombie Panic in Wonderland

Publisher: Akaoni Studio Players: 1-2

ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Mild Suggestive Themes, Fantasy Violence Price: 1,000 Wii Points

Description: A sudden wave of zombies is attacking Wonderland. To save your friends from the spell of the "amorous zombies," you'll have to solve the mystery of the "scented dwarves" in time and put an end to the evil power hidden in the castle in the northern city. Game features include cut scenes, music with lyrics, seven playable characters, hidden levels, final bosses, multiple weapons, nonstop zombie attacks, explosions, demolitions and fire.

Kung Fu Funk: Everybody is Kung Fu Fighting!

Publisher: Stickmen Studios

Players: 1-4

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Mild Cartoon Violence

Price: 500 Wii Points

Description: Kung Fu Funk is an off-the-wall 1970s kung fu movie-themed party game. Challenge up to three of your friends to see who has what it takes to become the ultimate kung fu master. There are many trials to overcome in three zany game modes. True to any kung fu movie, you start by learning the Zen arts - a chilled out stage to get you familiar with the controls. Once your skills are fully waxed, enter the kung fu training movie montage, which consists of insane mini-games. Once your skills are honed, enter the ultimate battle as the instructor in your own disco kung fu dojo.

Nintendo DSiWare

BLOONS

Publisher: Hands-On Mobile

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points Description: BLOONS is an exciting puzzle game based on the simple fact that popping balloons is fun. Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure. Each level will have a different arrangement of balloons. Use darts to try and pop as many as you can. Watch for special balloons, blocks and darts, and have fun discovering what they do. BLOONS is a great game that you can pick up and play for a few minutes while you're queued up at the store, or sit on the couch for hours as you work your way through 70 included levels. As an added bonus, there's also a level editor that you can use to create your own balloon puzzles.

Sokomania

Publisher: CINEMAX

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points

Description: Several crates have been placed on the playing area. Players must control a figure that can push the crates forward. The aim is to get all the crates to their designated places. Players select the episode they want to play and the level they wish to start at. Only completed levels (highlighted in green) and the first unfinished level in each episode are accessible. By repeating previously finished levels, players can try to finish them with fewer crate movements. But be warned: Those movements are added to the total movement number of the actual game, so for the best (i.e., the lowest) number of movements, it's advisable to finish the game in one run.

Bounce & Break

Publisher: Enjoy Gaming Ltd.

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points

Description: In this Zen world, you will play in four different universes. Each universe is divided into four seasons. The best two scores are saved in the Top Ranking table. Be the best player to enter this Hall of Fame. There are two different game modes: classical and orientation. Depending on which mode that has been selected, the game's rules will change slightly. There are many different bonuses that can be collected during the game.

1001 Crystal Mazes Collection

Publisher: Teyon

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points

Description: Give your brain a workout with 1001 Crystal Mazes Collection, the deceptively simple jewel logic game. It's easy to learn but hard to master. Your task is to push the crystals forward to their target destinations one at a time. It sounds simple, but be careful. You can push your jewel into an impossibly locked position if you don't plan ahead. As the mazes get harder and the crystals pile up, you'll need clever thinking to clear the labyrinth. With more than 1,000 jewel-filled puzzles, this fun collection will challenge your mind and push your skills to the limit.

Crazy Golf Publisher: dtp entertainment AG Players: 1-4

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points

Description: Welcome to Crazy Golf, where seven different courses with six different holes will put your skills to the test. Guide your ball to the hole, navigating tricky corners and avoiding wacky obstacles along the way. Accurate controls give you complete control over the ball. Play alone or challenge your friends in multiplayer mode and show them who's the true champ.

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.

TalkBack / XSEED to Publish Ivy the Kiwi in North America

« on: May 03, 2010, 11:55:17 AM »

PROPE's quirky platformer will be released in North America courtesy of XSEED.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23012

XSEED Games has announced that they have secured the North American publishing rights for PROPE's Wii and DS title "Ivy the Kiwi?".

The title is a 2D platformer in which players take on the role of a baby kiwi named Ivy. Ivy will search for his mother in fairytale book inspired worlds. Using either the Wii Remote or the DS's touch screen, players will create vines for Ivy to use to avoid obstacles in his travels. Both versions will feature over a hundred stages, as well as multiplayer for up to four players.

PROPE, founded by former Sega developer Yuji Naka, is known for their WiiWare effort Let's Catch as well as the Wii party title "Let's Tap".

XSEED aims to release Ivy the Kiwi? In Summer 2010.

XSEED Games Secures North American Publishing Rights for Ivy the Kiwi? for Nintendo DS and Wii

Independent-Minded Game Publisher Hatches Deal with Legendary Game Creator Yuji Naka and PROPE to Release Innovative New Platform Action-Puzzle Game

Torrance, Calif., (May 3, 2010) XSEED Games today announced it has secured publishing rights to Ivy the Kiwi?, an all-new IP created by legendary game talent Yuji Naka, best known for his development ties to Sonic the Hedgehog. Developed by PROPE, an independent studio led by Yuji Naka, Ivy the Kiwi? follows the storybook adventures of a lonely baby bird Ivy as she traverses beautiful 2-D landscapes and challenging obstacles in search of her mother.

I am thrilled to work with XSEED Games on this special new game property, said Yuji Naka, CEO and President of PROPE. This game idea has been something that Ive had in my mind so Im really looking forward to entrusting Jun Iwasaki and his talented team to bring Ivy the Kiwi? to market so that fans can have an opportunity to engage with the endearing cast of characters and experience the magical world of Ivy. Under the terms, XSEED Games retains exclusive North American publishing and distribution rights toIvy the Kiwi? for Nintendo DS and Wii. The game is currently under development and is scheduled for release in North America in Summer 2010.

We are honored to be working with Mr. Yuji Naka on Ivy the Kiwi?, said Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games. He is a legend and one of the most well-respected game creators; his vision for Ivy the Kiwi? is one that we are deeply excited by and supportive of, so we look forward to collaborating on such an amazing game.

Players of all ages are instantly drawn to the plight of Ivy, introduced to the charming bird through an unfolding storybook style, first seen as her orange head and beak break out of her shell and cries for her mother. Receiving no response, Ivy sets off through a dreamy forest, meeting many birds but none who share her resemblance. As she wanders, she stumbles upon a single glowing red feather and the first clue of her mothers whereabouts.

Presented in a beguiling storybook-like art style, Ivy the Kiwi? utilizes a unique control scheme on both the DS and Wii to guide Ivy through her daunting journey. Ivy moves back and forth freely and independently of the player through timed 2-D side-view landscapes, and is guided by the use of vines created and controlled by either the stylus or Wii Remote as players aim to collect more orange feathers through the stages to boost their overall score. These stretchy vines herd Ivy forward, upstairs, over walls and dangerous spikes and other menacing obstacles. Multiple vines may be created and used in conjunction, and an existing vine can be pulled in a slingshot motion to propel flightless Ivy skyward or forward as a projectile to drill through barriers and enemies. Vines bend and flex with the motion of the stylus or Wii Remote, but pulled too far and they snap!

Ivy the Kiwi? features over 100 hundred stages for both the DS and Wii versions. In addition to the single-player storyline, up to four players can compete using a single-card via local wireless connection on DS or in split-screen mode on Wii.

Currently in production, Ivy the Kiwi? will be released in North America by XSEED Games on DS and Wii during Summer 2010.

TalkBack / WiiWare Super Meat Boy Lacks Additional Content

« on: May 03, 2010, 11:49:35 AM »

Due to the platform's size limitations, Team Meat was forced to cut content from the game.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23009

In the official development blog for Super Meat Boy, developer Edmund McMillen confirmed that the WiiWare version of the game will have content cut due to the service's limitations.

McMillen explained to a reader that "We are running into file size issues on the Wii (meaning we will have to cut some music and other things to make it fit). We are also not doing any online stuff on the Wii because we dont want to push the game back till next year, but these additions won't really effect the main game much at all."

Super Meat Boy is scheduled to come to WiiWare this Summer.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase

« on: April 22, 2010, 07:47:34 AM »

WiiWare game more than complements the already excellent DS release.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22954

Wario Ware D.I.Y for the DS presents the Wario Ware franchise at its most complex phase yet: micro-game creation. Once you figure out how to create micro-games the experience becomes very fun and compelling. Wario Ware D.I.Y Showcase for WiiWare hopes not only to extend the DS game's replay value but also to further inspire gamers to create better, more elaborate micro-games.

There are three main options: Wario-Man Super Store, Distribution Center, and Survey Box. At the Super Store, you will be able to play pre-made and custom games, read comics and listen to music. Like the DS version, Showcase has a very limited number of pre-made games. Four of the characters missing in the DS version make an appearance here: Wario-Man, Kat and Ana, Dribble and Spitz, and 18-Volt. Each character has 18 games for a total of 72 micro-games, fewer than the DS version, which has 90 games in total.

You can play each game individually or through the Game Blender, giving you all of a character's games in random order for a high score. In music, you can listen to the game's own tracks as well as your own. What's so neat about this section is that you can listen in two ways. Dressed up in a Balloon Fight theme, you can watch the character flying through the song, or you can take control and grab all of the notes for the highest score possible. Closing the Wario-Man Super Store is Comics. You can read from the game's own selection and imported comics you made on the DS.

The Distribution Center is where the game gains its depth and becomes an essential part of the DS title. Connecting your DS to the Wii allows you to upload games you created to the Wii version, which can then be played on your TV. What's even better is that you can also download the built-in games and play them on the DS, see how they were made, and interact with it using the game editor. Using the Wii option you can send games to other friends who are connected and have the title. Finally is the NinSoft Store, which is exactly like the DS version. Players can download the latest micro-games, including those in the "Big Name Games" section, where there are games created by developers like Team Meat (Super Meat Boy), and Gaijin Games (The Bit.Trip series).

On its own, the WiiWare game is a great way for players to play the latest games as well as experience some custom made ones if they happen to lack a DS and a copy of the DS version. There is one flaw, though. While you can export content from the WiiWare version, you can't upload the pre-made micro-games, comics and songs from DS version. It's unfortunate, especially since the interaction between the DS and Wii is perhaps one of the best in years.

The last option is Survey Box. In here, you will be able to see the comments and ratings your friends have left about your games. Regardless of its simplicity, this is integral if you plan to spend your time creating micro-games, and further extends the game's social ideals.

As a standalone game, Wario Ware D.I.Y Showcase is a fun WiiWare title that is somewhat shallow. But when combined with the DS version it completely enhances the game creation aspect and actually inspires gamers to create the best game possible. If you enjoyed what D.I.Y had to offer don't hesitate to pick up Showcase and complete the whole experience.

Pros:

Play your custom games on the TV

Download and upload games

Great online features

Cons:

Only a handful of pre-made games

       Graphics: 8.0
   Like the DS version, Showcase features colorful and wacky graphics that presents the player's creativity in a top-notch manner. The frame rate is very smooth and the menus are clean and easy to navigate.

       Sound: 7.5
   The music in this iteration of the Wario Ware series is actually the weakest of the bunch. Still, they provide a nice diversion and a quirky atmosphere. The custom music sounds great on the TV screen.

       Control: 10.0
   Showcase uses the Wii Remote's pointer for menu interaction and gameplay, and it works splendidly.

            Gameplay: 8.5
   As its own game, Showcase is very limited, with only 72 pre-made games available and a handful of options. But as a complementary element of the DS version, Showcase shines thanks to its sharing capabilities.

Lastability: 9.0
The pre-made games take only around an hour to find and complete. However, the replay value skyrockets when the game is used to present your own creations as well as learning what your friends think of them.

Final: 8.0
For players who have invested a great deal of time with the DS title, Wario Ware D.I.Y Showcase is a must. While it is limited as a game title, as a tool it more than completes the user-generated experience D.I.Y has to offer.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: WarioWare: D.I.Y.

« on: April 19, 2010, 09:56:23 AM »

D.I.Y. is easily the most complex WarioWare title yet.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22945

Ever since the series made its debut on the Game Boy Advance in 2003, WarioWare has been about one thing: providing the player with wacky fun while presenting Nintendo's technology in an appealing manner. WarioWare: Twisted introduced tilting controls on the handheld. WarioWare: Touched utilized the intriguing DS touch screen and WarioWare: Smooth Moves cemented the Wii as the best console for family entertainment. Now, the fifth game in the series, WarioWare: D.I.Y. returns to the DS, and this time its mission is far more serious and complex than ever before: letting players create their own games.

Right from the start you are not placed into the series staple of high frenzy microgames with as little explanation as possible. D.I.Y. instead introduces the player to the concept of microgame creation. You will be able to create everything from the characters and objects to the music and even the AI (Action Instruction, or what the games do during gameplay). Due to this complexity, the first few hours of gameplay will be spent teaching you how to create games as good as Wario's own.

While the avalanche of information can be hard to digest, and at times it can get very boring, it is important that the player understands this concept since the game revolves solely around it. Like I explained earlier, you will be able to create the characters, the background, the music, and the action. In objects, players can design what they see on the screen, whether it's a character or an object. Everything from the color to the animation can be created and altered in nearly every manner. You can slightly alter the frames to create more vivid animation, and even change the speed in order for the animation to be more convincing.

Once you have all the objects you must then create a backdrop, which is a very simple task. If the players desires, they can also create the music that will be heard in the microgame. There are a lot of options to choose from when creating a song. But if you aren't the musical type you have the option of letting a maestro "compose" the song for you. You can even choose the type of mood the song expresses.

Finally there's the hardest and deepest element of game creation: the gameplay. This is where you design how the game plays and interacts with the player and where the Action Instruction comes in. Every element of the game must have a command to follow. This can be programmed by tapping on the object and programming its actions, whether it's a simple animation loop or a complex command issued forth by the player. D.I.Y. spares no expense in bringing every option possible to this element of game creation. Even the winning conditions must be set here; otherwise you will have a useless and unplayable game.

The amount of options can be very overwhelming, and it's the area that requires the most practice before you can create a great microgame. But the more time you spend on this, the more likely you are to create a memorable microgame, especially since D.I.Y. brings you the tools needed to create anything you can come up with. For example, to compensate for the challenge of making your own game, you can borrow elements from the pre-made games, including their AI, and use them on your own games in the event that you lack the advanced skills for more in-depth endeavors.

Microgames are not the only things you can create in D.I.Y. Players can also create four-panel comics using the same tools offered in the microgame creation modes. Finally, musical tracks can also be created independently from the music creation software in the microgame modes.

One important element of the WarioWare franchise is that it encourages social interaction between players, whether they are in the same room or across the globe. D.I.Y. keeps this tradition alive and well despite its game creation moniker. Players who spend countless hours creating games and wish to show them off can upload them to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and have their friends download them. They too can download other titles available on the service, including Big Name Games, which are created by some of the most famous names in the industry. Some of these include Masahiro Sakurai (creator of Kirby and the Super Smash Bros. Series) and Yoshio Sakamoto (the man behind the Metroid series). Future updates will bring even more game creations from the likes of Team Meat (Super Meat Boy) and Gaijin Games (BIT.TRIP series). Finally, Nintendo will also offer special competitions with different themes. The best game that represents the theme will be featured and available for download.

There's no denying that Wario Ware: D.I.Y. is the most robust game in the series. The development team didn't skim on any features and options just to make sure any idea, no matter how basic or surreal can be brought to life. The additional downloading and sharing options are quite brilliant and encourages players to do their best so that their work can be featured and appreciated by other players.

But if there is one thing that D.I.Y. fails at is instant accessibility. The WarioWare games were always about offering gameplay that is very easy to comprehend, making the gaming session one that anyone can get into in a matter of minutes. With the focus being on user-generated content, the iconic ease of use has now taken a back seat, likely to alienate long-time fans and casual DS gamers.

The other problem lies in the microgames themselves. While in the past the games boasted over 200 microgames to discover, D.I.Y. only features 90, and they are unlocked once per day. This effectively forces the player to spend his or her time on the game creation aspect, leaving the actual gameplay at a distant second. There's no denying that the tools being offered are some of the deepest Nintendo has ever released, but it's disappointing that the game is limited when it comes to actual gameplay.

Regardless of this, though, it would be foolish to ignore what Nintendo has accomplished here. Everything you could ever need to create the best microgame on the planet is in Wario Ware D.I.Y. Even if the learning curve is steep, you will be amazed at how much freedom the game offers when it comes to creativity. The additional comic and music modes, as well as the online modes, sweeten the deal even further. As long as you realize that this experience will be radically different from the rest of the series, WarioWare D.I.Y. should delight players.

Pros:

Deep game creation tools

Excellent online features

Cons:

Learning curve is very high

Few pre made microgames

       Graphics: 8.0
   The trademark wacky presentation makes a welcomed return in D.I.Y. The menus in the game creation tools are very clean, accessible, and easy to read, making the already daunting task of game creation easier and more fun to enjoy.

       Sound: 7.5
   The WarioWare franchise is known for its creative and addictive music, and sadly D.I.Y. is the weakest of the bunch. On the upside, the music creation tools are quite good, and the fact that you can create your own music makes up for the so-so soundtrack.

       Control: 10.0
   The game is controlled solely through the touch screen, and it works perfectly. Drawing on the touch screen takes a steady hand, but rarely will you experience a game-breaking problem, and in a game as gamer-focused as D.I.Y, this is important.

            Gameplay: 8.5
   The game creation tools offered are some of the best Nintendo has ever offered in a game like this. The ability to download and share microgames, as well as create comics and songs, complement the game very well. But the actual gameplay the series is known for takes a back seat, which might not appeal to long-time fans.

Lastability: 9.0
Once you comprehend all of the features the game offers, you can spend a lot of time creating and tinkering with your own microgames. Being able to download new games, including those made by renowned developers, extends the gameplay significantly and should inspire gamers to show off their skills.

Final: 8.5
Nintendo took a risk with Wario Ware: D.I.Y., and for the most part, the gamble paid off. As a creativity tool, D.I.Y. shines magnificently, offering all the tools necessary to create a micro-game presented in a nostalgic Mario Paint manner. As an actual game, though, it makes a lot of sacrifices in order to present its ambitious ideas. However, the overall game is definitely one of the most polished entries in the series yet.

TalkBack / This Week in Nintendo Downloads

« on: April 19, 2010, 05:12:00 PM »

Survive high school with Mega Man and Game and Watch games in this week's set of titles.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22944

In this week's update, DSiWare gets the most titles, while Virtual Console and WiiWare only get one game each. The Virtual Console receives Capcom's Mega Man 4, originally released for the NES in 1992. Like past Mega Man titles, Mega Man 4 offers a high degree of shooting and platforming challenge at 500 Wii Points ($5.00).

WiiWare sees Bang Attack from Engine Software as its sole release this week. Bang Attack is a puzzle game in which players destroy objects with a hammer. The title features over 40 levels as well as a two player mode. The title will set players back 500 Wii Points ($5.00).

DSiWare receives three new Game and Watch games based on the classic LCD games of the same name: Game and Watch: Donkey Kong Kong Jr., Game and Watch: Flagman and Game and Watch: Ball. All titles cost 200 DSi Points ($2.00) to download.

From EA comes Surviving High School, an adventure title where the choices the player makes alters the story. It offers various episodes as well as alternate endings depending on how you play the game. Surviving High School is available for 800 DSi Points ($8.00).

The final game this week is myPostcards from Nnooo, a postcard app in which players can take pictures using the DSi's cameras, write notes and send them to other players as postcards. myPostcards can be downloaded for only 200 DSiPoints ($2.00).

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: SURVIVE AND THRIVE WITH NEW DOWNLOADABLE GAMES FROM NINTENDO

April 19, 2010

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 myPostcardsyou 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.

TalkBack / New Super Mario Bros. Wii Tops Japanese Sales Charts Once More

« on: April 14, 2010, 10:45:09 AM »

After an eleven week break, the multiplayer Mario title returns to the top of the charts in Japan.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22904

Based on a report by Famitsu.com, New Super Mario Bros. Wii returns to the top of the Japanese sales charts after an eleven week break. The Enterbarin software sales chart places the Wii title at first place. No detailed sales numbers were offered, but the jump in sales is attributed by the lack of notable software releases this week. Other Nintendo titles in the chart include Friend Connection for the DS at number five, Pokemon Ranger Path of Light for the DS following at six, and Wii Fit Plus at number seven.

The full chart is as follows:

1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo, Wii)

2. Fist of the North Star Musou (Tecmo Koei, PS3)

3. Pro Baseball Spirits 2010 (Konami, PSP)

4. Pro Baseball Spirits 2010 (Konami, PS3)

5. Friend Collection (Nintendo, DS)

6. Pokemon Ranger Path of Light (Pokemon, DS)

7. Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo, Wii)

8. Etrian Odyssey III (Atlus, DS)

9. Yakuza 4 (Sega, PS3)

10. Atelier Judie (Gust, PSP)

TalkBack / Interactive Fitness Company Sues Nintendo Over Patent Infringement

« on: April 14, 2010, 05:40:54 PM »

The technology behind Wii Fit is the subject of this latest lawsuit.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/22903

Maryland based company IA Labs, also known as Powergrid Fitness, has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo, claiming that they have infringed two of IA Labs' patents when creating Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus and several other peripherals. The company claims to have been "irreparably harmed" by the release of the titles.

The patents behind the lawsuit are "Computer interactive isometric exercise system and method for operatively interconnecting the exercise system to a computer system for use as a peripheral" and "Force measurement system for an isometric exercise device". IA Labs claims to have been in contact with Nintendo since 2007 over the possible overlaps of their patents. In several e-mails it showed that IA Labs wanted to license its technology to Nintendo.

They were also in talks about releasing a new peripheral for the Wii and PC called Sqweeze, a controller created to increase physical activity during gameplay. According to IA Labs' founders Greg Merril and Phil Feldman the technology was used in Kilowatt Sport, the Exer-Station controller, Exer-Station Pro and the PowerSquad Leg Joystick.

TalkBack / The Last Story Nearly Completed

« on: April 14, 2010, 08:39:34 AM »

The Wii-exclusive role-playing game from Mistwalker is nearing the final stages of development.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22902

The latest Last Story development blog update reveals that the game is nearing the end of its development cycle. According to Director Hironobu Sakaguchi, Development of The Last Story is at last at the finale. The tense feeling is pleasant."

Despite the game being nearly completed, no screens or video have been released by Nintendo or Mistwalker nor has an official release date been confirmed. Currently, the game has only been announced as a Japanese release.

TalkBack / Reggie Fils-Aime: 'The 3DS is our Next Generation Handheld'

« on: April 14, 2010, 08:36:04 AM »

The Nintendo of America president talks about the 3D-enhanced successor to the DS.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22901

In an interview with Business Week, Reggie Fils-Aime offered comments regarding the recently confirmed new handheld from Nintendo, the Nintendo 3DS.

Despite having just launched the Nintendo DSi XL in North America, the company is already looking forward to the release of the new handheld.

"We have ideas of what we want to bring to the consumer that we can't do with the current [DS model]. The Nintendo 3DS for us is our next handheld platform," Fils-Aime said.

He went on to call the 3DS "the biggest handheld product since 2004", referring to the launch of the Nintendo DS.

TalkBack / Nintendo Announces Special Monster Hunter Tri Launch Party in the UK

« on: April 14, 2010, 06:56:39 AM »

Players in the United Kingdom will be able to meet the game's producer and director as well as receive a special item.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22898

Nintendo announced that they will be hosting a special Monster Hunter Tri launch event in the United Kingdom. As special guests, Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujomoto and director Kaname Fujioka will be at the event singing copies of the game.

In addition, the first 50 players who buy the game at the event will receive a Monster Hunter bag that includes additional Monster Hunter titles. The event encourages its attendees to wear their best "hunting" attire.

The Monster Hunter Launch event will take place on GAME 100 Oxford Street, in London W1D 1LL. The event will start Friday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. and will end at 7:30 p.m. The event is free for everyone.

MONSTERS WILL BE UNLEASHED AT THE OFFICIAL UK LAUNCH OF MONSTER HUNTER TRI Monster Hunter Tri roars to life with an exclusive developer signing and must-have giveaways only at GAME, Oxford Street

14 April 2010 The phenomenon of Monster Hunter Tri is almost upon us as Nintendo and Capcom announce plans for the official UK launch event of this years must-have title for Wii.

On Friday 23rd April, UK fans of the Monster Hunter series will be treated to rare opportunity to meet the infamous series producer Ryozo Tsujomoto and director Kaname Fujiok as they come to London for an exclusive signing at GAME, Oxford Street.

The first 50 people in line to buy the game at the launch event will take home a very special Monster Hunter bag that includes some exclusive Monster Hunter items not available in the UK.

All attendees will then get the chance to meet the legendary producer and developer of the series to have their copy of this highly anticipated game signed in person. Fans are encouraged to dress in their best hunting attire to celebrate the games arrival in the UK.

MONSTER HUNTER TRI EXCLUSIVE UK LAUNCH

DATE: Friday 23rd April 2010

TIME: 5.30pm 7.30pm

ADDRESS: GAME,100 Oxford Street, London, W1D 1LL

ENTRY: Free to everyone

About Monster Hunter Tri Monster Hunter Tri is an action game with a difference. Your adventure is built interacting with and battling the scores of incredible beasts that inhabit your world a living, breathing ecosystem. The monsters behaviour is modelled on real animals with territorial displays designed to keep you away if you get too close, migrations and a realistic food chain that sees the strong prey on the weak. This is a world where the monsters deserve your respect and where the hunt is not for entertainment, but for your survival and improvement.

Monster Hunter fans can get together with fellow fans of the series and check out everything Monster Hunter Tri at the brand new one stop shop for the game www.theyrehere.co.uk

90

TalkBack / Level 5 Hints at Time Traveling Game
« on: April 14, 2010, 06:54:39 AM »

According to the Japanese developer, the game is for a system that has yet to be released.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22897

In a Famitsu interview, Level 5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed that they are working on a new title that deals with time traveling for a system that hasn't been released. Naturally, that led to speculation that the game might be for Nintendo's new handheld, the 3DS.

The storyline for this unknown title will be penned by Jiro Ishii, who worked with Sega on the Japanese-only Wii game, 428. Hino said that this new game has the potential to be a popular series for Level 5.

Level 5 is known best for the Professor Layton series, their work on the most recent Dragon Quest titles, and the Dark Cloud series. In North America, their next release will be Dragon Quest IX, which is slated to come out this summer for the DS and will be published by Nintendo.

91

TalkBack / Square Enix Announces Dragon Quest Spinoff for Wii
« on: April 14, 2010, 06:52:54 AM »

The arcade card game will be seeing a home console release in Japan soon.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22896

Square Enix announced that their card-based arcade game, Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road Victory, will be coming to the Wii in Japan.

In the game, players use physical cards to summon Dragon Quest monsters into battle. The Wii version will retain the gameplay seen in the original arcade game, and will include four-player battles on one console as well as online play through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Wii version will also have an exclusive tournament mode where players can collect cards while facing off against other players.

The title will also make use of the DSi to link the console and arcade versions. Players will be able to download a special app called "Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road Victory Color Code Scanner" and scan arcade cards for use on the Wii version.

At the moment, only a teaser site is available.

92

TalkBack / Frogger Returns Announced for DSiWare
« on: April 13, 2010, 04:03:51 AM »

After making a grand return on WiiWare, Frogger continues his street crossing adventure on DSiWare.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22895

Konami has announced that Frogger Returns will be released for DSiWare later in the spring. This also happens to be the first game by Konami released for DSiWare. Frogger Returns is an updated version of the classic arcade game. Players guide a frog named Frogger through very busy and dangerous streets. The object is to get to the other side. The DSiWare version will retain the 3D graphics seen in the WiiWare version, as well as power-ups and a new perspective.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES FROGGER RETURNS FOR NINTENDO DSiWARE Konami's First DSiWare Title Leaps Onto Handhelds for an All-New Adventure This Spring El Segundo, Calif. - April 12, 2010 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced its first ever Nintendo DSiWare title, Frogger Returns. Based on the highly successful WiiWare version,Frogger Returns will soon be delivering the classic dodge-and-run gameplay fans remember and still love as a downloadable game on Nintendo's portable handheld platform. "As Konami's first foray into the DSiWare space, we wanted to provide consumers with a fan favorite that would have mass appeal across a broad audience," said Shinji Hirano, President of Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., "With Frogger Returns, we are taking the heart-pounding challenge of arcade Frogger, and giving it a new look for the Nintendo DSi with colorful graphics, updated gameplay, new obstacles and much more." In Frogger Returns, players guide Frogger out of the hectic commotion of city streets and back to the safety of his home marsh. Staying true to its origins, Frogger Returns offers classic gameplay with colorful 3D graphics, as well as a new perspective, all-new levels and enemies. Game-changing power-ups add a fresh spin, while multiple gameplay modes raise the stakes and give players the freedom to attack their top scores, race against the clock, or simply get Frogger to his home pad. Frogger Returns will be available for download this Spring on Nintendo DSiWare. For more information, please visit www.konami.com/froggerreturns.

93

TalkBack / Nomura Discusses Lost Pinocchio Level in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
« on: April 13, 2010, 04:01:00 AM »

Nomura answers fan questions about the origin of Xion and a deleted Pinocchio level.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22894

In a fan Q&A session hosted by Square Enix, Kingdom Hearts producer and creator Tetsuya Nomura answers questions regarding the DS Kingdom Hearts spin-off, 358/2 Days. When asked about a deleted Pinocchio level, Nomura stated that "Set in a circus and playing off the story of Pinocchio, a puppet with a heart, and the Nobodies who possess no heart, we planned for a sad episode with Roxas and Xion looking for hope for themselves".

Nomura also talked about the origin of Xion, the female Organization XIII member introduced in 358/2 days. "The name Xion and her background story was thought of and constructed during the production of this title, but we actually had the concept for a girl character like Xion drawn up since Roxas defection from Organization XIII. Therefore during the production of this title, we just worked on expanding on the ideas we had for that girl character and wrote Xions story around that concept."

Click here to read more questions and answers from Nomura.

94

TalkBack / Dark Void Zero Developer Hints at Future Retro Titles
« on: April 13, 2010, 03:58:08 AM »

The success of Dark Void Zero could inspire similar titles in the future.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22893

In an interview with Game Set Watch, Mike Mika, developer behind the DSiWare title Dark Void Zero, expressed his desire to create similar titles in the near future. Dark Void Zero, inspired by the recent HD console release, is a DSiWare title that emulates a classic NES game, complete with a fictional back story about the game's existence. Mika expressed the following:

"When we were doing this, about halfway through we realized that this was actually turning out to be something really fun and that other people would enjoy it. For a while, we just though, 'Hey, this is satisfying our geeky needs, and we dont know how many people out there would really like it.' But now, its starting to look like a lot of people like this sort of thing. And the response weve gotten is so positive that its going to be hard to think that we wouldnt follow up with something along these lines".

Dark Void Zero is currently available on the DSi Shop for 500 DSi Points ($5).

95

TalkBack / Wii Netflix Service Begins Today
« on: April 12, 2010, 10:21:34 AM »

Wii players with a Netflix account can finally see their movies on the system today.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22891

Nintendo and Netflix have announced today that their movie streaming service begins now. At no additional cost for existing users (a basic account costs $8.99 a month), players will receive a special instant streaming disc when they order it at www.netflix.com/wii. Players will then be able to choose from thousands of movies available on Netflix's catalogue and stream them directly to the Wii console. The partnership was first announced last January after months of speculation.

Thousands of Movies & TV Episodes from Netflix Now Available via Nintendos Wii Console Now Wii Owners Can Use One System for Movie & Game Night

REDMOND, Wash. & LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nintendo of America Inc. and Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced that Netflix members who own Nintendos 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.

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.

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 movies over, everyone can try out some table tennis all on the same Wii console. The addition of Netflix streaming to the Wii consoles already wide range of capabilities makes it even more appealing for group enjoyment.

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

Launching Netflix on the Wii home console marks a significant advance in the evolution of our service, said Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings. 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 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 members 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 Wii Remote controller, 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 consoles 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.

96

TalkBack / This Week in Nintendo Downloads
« on: April 12, 2010, 06:57:55 AM »

Live it up in L.A., or take to the skies with up to six players in this week's batch of digital games.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22890

This week we have six new titles across the various Nintendo download platforms.

First up on WiiWare, we have just one game: Military Madness: Nectaris. This turn-based military strategy game is based on the long-running Nectaris series from Hudson Entertainment which started on the TurboGrafx-16 in 1989. This game boasts four-player online multiplayer in either co-op or versus modes, as well as detailed leaderboards. The game is available from the Wii Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points ($10).

On Virtual Console this week the only release is Zaxxon, an arcade title developed by Sega in 1982. The game is a single-player, isometric shooter, and was one of the first games to attempt to simulate a 3D environment. Zaxxon is available from the Wii Shop Channel for 800 Wii Points ($8).

On DSiWare this week we have four games. The first is Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A., a single-player GTA-style open world game from Gameloft, which puts you in the shoes of a gangster in Los Angeles. The game features 75 missions, but emphasizes a play-at-your-own pace style of gameplay. Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A. is available on the DSi Shop for 500 Nintendo DSi Points ($5).

The next DSiWare game this week is Alphabounce from Mad Monkey Studios. Alphabounce is a Breakout-style game with RPG features, including items, levels, and a universe to explore. The objective is to make your way back home to Earth, after having been taken prisoner. Alphabounce is available for 500 Nintendo DSi Points ($5).

The third DSiWare game is 7 Card Games from Cerasus Media. This single-player card game collection features popular games such as Blackjack, Freecell, Klondike, and four others. 7 Card Games is available for 500 Nintendo DSi Points ($5).

The last DSiWare game this week is AiRace from QubicGames. This is a fast-paced airplane racing game for up to six players, featuring six different locations and multiple modes. It includes AiRace: Tunnel as one of those modes, which was released as a standalone game on DSiWare in January. AiRace is available from the DSi Shop for 800 Nintendo DSi Points ($8).

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: NEW DOWNLOADABLE GAMES PROVE ANYONE CAN BE CROWNED KING

April 12, 2010

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.

97

TalkBack / Nintendo Announces Second Quarter Wii and DS Titles for Europe
« on: April 08, 2010, 10:36:37 PM »

European players will have a fun summer thanks to Mario and friends on the Wii, and Jam With The Band with extra tracks.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22877

Nintendo of Europe has released a list of the upcoming summer games for the Wii and DS. The first of these titles is the anticipated sequel to Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2. Set to be released in May, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will feature even more intergalactic platforming, as well as new powerups and Yoshi's return.      April sees the release of Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies, the sequel to the cult classic N64 title Sin and Punishment. Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri will also see a release in April.European players will also finally get to experience No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle. The sequel to the cult Wii classis, which has been in North American shores since January, will be available in Europe courtesy of Rising Star Games.

Other notable Wii releases include Konami's Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3, Disney Interactive's Toy Story 3, Activision's Shrek Forever After, Samurai Warriors 3, created by Tecmo and KOEI and published by Nintendo, Sega and High Voltage Software's Tournament of Legends, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands from Ubisoft and EA Sports' 2010 FIFA World Cup.

On the DS, Wario's ultimate micro-game maker, Wario Ware: D.I.Y, will see a European release on April 23. Also from Nintendo is Jam with the Band. Jam with the Band is the English release of Daigasso Band Bros., a music and rhythm title that has not seen a release outside of Japan until now. Hudson Soft's Rooms: The Main Building will see a release in Europe thanks to Nintendo. Capcom will release Mega Man Zero Collection on June 24. The title is a collection of the Mega Man Zero games first released on the Gameboy Advance. From Warner Bros. Interactive comes Galactic Taz Ball, a game starring the famous Looney Tunes character.

GET SET FOR A SIZZLING SUMMER, AS NINTENDO ANNOUNCES THE LATEST LINE UP FOR NINTENDO DS AND Wii

8th April 2010: Summer is set to sizzle with some epic game launches in the latest line up of action packed games from Nintendo for Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi and Wii.

Get starry-eyed over the captivating galactic world of Super Mario Galaxy 2 and the fast paced shooting action of Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies, both on Wii. Youll also find no end of fun on Nintendo DS with mysterious puzzler, Rooms: The Main Building, portable music maker Jam with the Band and with WarioWare: Do It Yourself., where you can create your own microgames.

This June sees the launch of the anticipated Super Mario Galaxy 2, the sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original. The game builds on the gravity-defying exploration and 3D platforming fun of the first game, and is packed with entirely new galaxies, puzzles and features. Mario can now pair up with his friend Yoshi, who features new and fun abilities: including the ability to move elements of the environment with his tongue! Players can also have fun with new items, including a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid rock. Super Mario Galaxy 2 will launch across Europe on 11th June 2010.

Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies, the breakthrough shooter game for Wii from legendary developer Treasure, will launch across Europe on May 7th 2010. The game features non-stop, 60 frames-per-second, action with two playable characters and international online leader boards to track high scores. The game is specifically designed to play on different controller configurations and that supports the way you like to play!

Also new to Wii this year is the epic action game developed by Capcom, Monster Hunter Tri, launching across Europe on 23rd April 2010. Players assume the role of an up-and-coming hunter in a land where humans and monsters co-exist. In the deep story led single-player mode, players can immerse themselves into a full living and breathing ecosystem, during which players will learn the skills required to successfully hunt the majestic monsters that live there. Battles with the fearsome creatures will be challenging, tactical and players will need to learn to pick them wisely. Players must respect the creatures and seek to defeat them, in order to gain vital items to support their village which is under threat by strange earthquakes. The game is fully Wii Speak compatible, and offers extensive online gameplay which will be available for all players across Europe with broadband internet access at no additional cost.

Nintendo recently unveiled a unique partnership with Tecmo Koei to publish Samurai Warriors 3, the newest title in the Samurai Warriors franchise, exclusively for the Wii. Launching across Europe on 28th May 2010, Samurai Warriors 3 is an evolution of the Warriors series, featuring an innovative new game mode and a completely fresh new storyline. As well as introducing additional characters to the franchise, battlefield strategy and tactics will become more challenging in Samurai Warriors 3 with new combat and gameplay elements

Nintendo has also announced an incredibly creative line up for the Nintendo DS, kicking off with the puzzle-filled Rooms: The Main Building. Set in a dark and mysterious house called Rooms Mansion, the game plunges players into a virtual world based around 90 challenging sliding puzzles, each with a brain busting twist. In each room or level, players must think carefully and strategically to safely navigate their character to the rooms exit by sliding sections of the room, the same way as a slide puzzle. The main character can walk from tile to tile, but remember that only the tile that the character is standing in can be moved. Puzzlers will be forced to use all of their ingenuity to escape each level and to finally unveil the mystery contained in Rooms: The Main Building, when this launches in Europe on June 4th!

If you are a music lover, then the unique new game Jam with the Band will help transform your Nintendo DS family of handheld consoles into a fun, portable music maker allowing you to get creative with your friends. Program a selection of famous songs and share with other players, or jam with up to seven other Nintendo DS owners to a collection of popular songs from a song library which boasts such classics as ABC to more contemporary chart toppers such as Im a Slave 4 U. If you are after a unique and addictive gameplay experience this Spring then be sure to turn up the volume and Jam with the Band as it launches exclusively on Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi across Europe on 21st May 2010.

WarioWare: Do It Yourself for Nintendo DS, DSi and DSi XL features over 100 fantastic microgames to play and, best of all, the ability to create and share your own home-made microgames, comics or even music. WarioWare: Do It Yourself Showcase on WiiWare is a separate product containing more than 70 new microgames which allows players with WarioWare: Do It Yourself to transfer microgames from their Nintendo DS console onto the Wii and play them on the TV. WarioWare: Do It Yourself is available for the Nintendo DS family of products on 30th April. WarioWare: Do It Yourself Showcase on available on WiiWare will be downloadable from April 30th 2010.

Wii Software Q2 2010 Release Date
NewU Fitness First Mind Body Yoga & Pilates Workout (Black Bean Games)
02-Apr
Monster Hunter Tri (Capcom)
23-Apr
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (EA SPORTS)
29 Apr
Circus Party (505 Games Ltd)
30-Apr
Iron Man 2 (SEGA)
April
Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies (Nintendo)
07-May
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (UBISOFT)
13-May
No More Heroes 2 (Rising Star Games)
22-May
Samurai Warriors 3 (Nintendo)
28-May
B-Unts-Build It! (505 Games Ltd)
28-May
Shrek Forever After (Activision)
May
All Star Karate (THQ)
May
Repetto presents Ballerina (Deep Silver)
May
Tournament of Legends (SEGA)
May
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Nintendo)
11-Jun
Toy Story 3 (Disney Interactive Studios)
17-Jun
NatGeo Quiz! Wild Life (Black Bean Games)
June
DanceDanceRevolution HOTTEST PARTY 3 (Konami)
June
U-SING Girls Night (Mindscape)
June
Vacation Isle: Beach Party (Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment)
June
top model academy (SevenGames)
Q2
The Crown of Midas (SevenGames)
Q2

Nintendo DS Software Q2 2010
Release Date
Runaway A twist of fate (Focus Home Interactive)
15-Apr
Diva Girls: Diva Ballerina (505 Games Ltd)
23-Apr
Mind, Body & Soul: Spellbound 2 (505 Games Ltd)
23-Apr
Emergency Rescue (505 Games Ltd)
23-Apr
Mind, Body & Soul: Blend It! (505 Games Ltd)
23-Apr
WarioWare: Do It Yourself (Nintendo)
30-Apr
Iron Man 2 (SEGA)
April
Sonny With a Chance (Disney Interactive Studios)
07-May
Petz Fantasy (UBISOFT)
12-May
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (UBISOFT)
13-May
Galactic Taz Ball (Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment)
14-May
Jam with the Band (Nintendo)
21-May
B-Unts-Build It! (505 Games Ltd)
28-May
Shrek Forever After (Activision)
May
Shooting Watch (HUDSON SOFT CO.,LTD.)
May
Repetto presents Ballerina (Deep Silver)
May
Sports Island DS (Hudson Soft)
May
Cradle of Egypt (Rising Star Games)
May
Rooms: The Main Building (Nintendo)
4 - June
Club Penguin : Herberts Revenge (Disney Interactive Studios)
17-June
Toy Story 3 (Disney Interactive Studios)
17-Jun
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Osborne House (Focus Home Interactive)
24-Jun
Mega Man Zero Collection (Capcom)
June
top model academy (SevenGames)
Q2
The Crown of Midas (SevenGames)
Q2

98

TalkBack / Pokémon Black and White Announced
« on: April 09, 2010, 06:16:24 AM »

The 5th game in the Pokémon series gets an official title, promises series reinvention.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22876

Nintendo has officially announced the 5th generation of Pokémon games as Pokémon Black and Pokémon White. The game will be a DS title, due for release in Japan this year in the Fall. The official website promises that the new games will be a completely new and changing everything. The page adds that more details will be available on Thursday April 15.

In February, Nintendo showed off one of the new fifth generation Pokémon, Zoroark.

99

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Grill Off with Ultra Hand!
« on: April 08, 2010, 10:33:06 AM »

Is the Ultrahand the best cooking utensil EVER?
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22874

Before Nintendo become a powerhouse in the videogame market they were primarily toy makers in Japan. One of the many toys released in those days was the Ultrahand, an extending arm that can conveniently grab anything from afar. While Nintendo's toy making days are long over they still pay tribute to their humble beginnings in the form of parodies and tributes in their titles. Grill-Off with Ultrahand is one example of this.

Available only for Club Nintendo members, Grill-Off with Ultra Hand is a very simple game. The object of the game is to grab as many pieces of meat as possible without dropping them or letting them burn to a crisp. If one of these two things happens the game is over. Timing is of the essence in this title. For a split second the meat will be "just right". Grab it and the points will be higher. If you grab it before or after the points will be lower. Timing is also important in that the more "just right" pieces of meat you grab the better the combo will be.

In order to deliver an experience as realistic as possible, Grill-Off features motion controls that emulate the mechanics of the original Ultrahand toy. The Wii Remote and the Nunchuck serve as the Ultrahand's handles. Moving both together will make the Ultrahand stretch and close. While at first it took me a while to get used to the controls, once you have them down pat it becomes second nature and even fun. Like the core gameplay, timing is important when you are opening and closing the Ultrahand. The quicker you act the better your performance will be.

Grill-Off with Ultrahand features two main modes: Single player and two player. Single player acts like an endless arcade mode. You keep grabbing the meat while the difficulty keeps rising. As soon as you drop a piece of meat or let it burn the game is over. The higher the level you reach the more points you will accumulate. Like a classic arcade title you can then enter your initials and display your highest score. Two player mode has the exact same mechanics, except now you are competing against another player. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

And that's Grill-Off with UItrahand in a nutshell. The lack of substantial game features turn this into a novelty mainly hardcore Nintendo fans will appreciate. But despite its lack of depth the gameplay is quite polished and the controls add to the frenetic fun, making it a perfect game to enjoy in very short gameplay sessions. The visual presentation is also very minimalistic but filled with a lot of Nintendo charm and color.

Overall, Grill-Off with Ultrahand is merely a novelty that should provide brief moments of fun. But at a mere 80 Club Nintendo coins, it is an enjoyable piece of Nintendo memorabilia that old school Nintendo fans should appreciate.

Pros:

Simple, arcade gameplay

Fun motion controls

   Cons:

Lack of additional features

Controls take some time to get used to

       Graphics: 7.0
   The graphics in Grill-Off are very clean, polished, and colorful. A trademark many Nintendo games share.

       Sound: 6.5
   Only a few tracks are featured throughout the game, but the charming disposition means no bother to the player.

       Control: 8.0
   While getting used to the controls take some time and practice they add a lot of authenticity to the gameplay. Timing is important. Once you get it the controls become second nature.

            Gameplay: 7.0
   Grill-Off with Ultrahand is designed to resemble classic arcade games where the goal is to get the highest score possible. The frenetic gameplay along with the fun controls make the experience enjoyable, if very short lived.

   Lastability: 6.0
   With only two modes of play, Grill-Off's lasting appeal fades very quickly after the first playthrough. Despite this, the game is designed greatly for playing in short bursts, whether alone or with a friend.

   Final: 7.0
   Club Nintendo members that appreciate classic arcade gameplay shouldn't hesitate in picking this reward up. At only 80 Club Nintendo coins it will provide brief but memorable sessions, thanks to the Nintendo's ingenuity in toy and game design.

100

TalkBack / Activision Announces First Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions Details
« on: April 08, 2010, 05:06:07 AM »

Players will take control of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in different dimensions.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22870

The concept behind Activision's newest Spider-Man title, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, is that players will control the Marvel hero as he travels through four different dimensions, according to an Activision press release.

Each dimension will have a different style of gameplay, unique graphics, and a recurring final boss. Activision has offered details on the first two dimensions: The Amazing Spider-Man Dimension and Spider-Man Noir Dimension.

Each dimension will consist of a few levels, with all sorts of mini-bosses coming up along the way. It'll be the first linear Spider-Man game on a console since Spider-Man: Friend or Foe.

The Amazing Spider-Man one is an action-based world inspired by the classic Spider-Man comics and will feature web-based combat. This dimension's boss will be Kraven the Hunter.

The Spider-Man Noir world takes a stealth approach to the gameplay. Taking place in the 1930s, Spider-Man will use shadows and stealth will be his main attack. This dimension will feature Hammerhead as the boss.

The storyline in Shattered Dimensions will be handled by Marvel Comics scribe Dan Slott. In the Shattered Dimensions, the object is to recover the Tablet of Order and Chaos, which has been destroyed and scattered throughout various dimensions.

The Wii version will be developed by Beenox, who are also developing the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions. The Wii version will reportedly be feature complete with the other versions.

Griptonite Games will be in charge of the DS version. The same team that made the Metroidvania-like Spider-Man: Web of Shadows will be working on this game, so it can be assumed that Shattered Dimensions will retain the same gameplay as the previous iteration.

ACTIVISION ANNOUNCES FIRST DETAILS OF SPIDER-MAN: SHATTERED DIMENSIONS
Santa Monica, CA March 31, 2010 Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Marvel Entertainment (NYSE: MVL) have released the first details of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, the newest entry of non-stop heroic action to star the iconic wall-crawler. The video game is scheduled for release in September 2010 and will allow players to travel through four different worlds as distinctly different versions of Spider-Man from four universes across Marvel lore, two of which are announced today: TheAmazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man Noir.

As Spider-Man, players will experience a wide variety of gameplay and dramatic environments. The Amazing Spider-Man experience delivers innovative web combat and visuals in a world that pays tribute to the classic era of the legendary Super Hero. In contrast, Spider-Man Noir features a cunning and covert depiction of Spider-Man, who utilizes shadows to perform stealth takedowns in a 1930's-influenced, black-and-white cinematic environment.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions delivers an original storyline that bridges four unique worlds, said Rob Kostich, Head of Marketing, Activision Publishing, Inc. Each action-packed universe will have its own detailed art design and thrilling missions, challenging gamers to use new skill sets to defeat enemies as they unlock powerful new moves and progress through the game.

Penned by acclaimed Marvel comic book writer Dan Slott, the story takes players on a mission to capture the magical energy of the Tablet of Order and Chaos, which has been shattered and scattered across parallel universes. Gamers are challenged to battle fan-favorite villains such as the lethal Kraven and a custom, never-before-seen Noir version of Hammerhead, in a quest to restore the fabric of reality.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is developed by Beenox and not yet rated. Fans can learn more about Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions and the next worlds to be revealed by visiting www.SpiderManDimensions.com.

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