Messages

[Henry Hatsworth provides a brand new experience, tasking players with controlling both puzzles and action across both DS screens.]

101

TalkBack / PREVIEWS: Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure

« on: October 04, 2008, 12:57:41 PM »

Henry Hatsworth provides a brand new experience, tasking players with controlling both puzzles and action across both DS screens.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=16857

 EA Casual Studios' latest game is the brand new DS title, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure. The player controls Mr. Henry Hatsworth, a unique, light-hearted character who is your guide throughout his journey.    

Unlike most DS games, both screens serve their own gameplay purpose. One screen is responsible for displaying the puzzle elements of the game while the other reflects the adventure part of the level. Action on either screen has a direct influence on the occurrences on the other. Activating power-ups on either screen will cause cascading effects on both screens. In order to complete the level, the player is required to successfully navigate through both the adventure and puzzle halves.The constant screen switching gameplay will provide a fast-paced, unique DS experience.    

Five exotic worlds have been created, with more than thirty unexplored areas and over a dozen hidden levels the player can discover. The player must also keep a close eye out for treasure, which will gain them the ability to purchase new items and weapons to aid in their quest.    

Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure is expected to ship in early 2009 for the DS.

[The sequel to the original point-and-click PC adventure game is due for release in Europe on Wii and DS.]

102

TalkBack / Deep Silver Announces Secret Files 2 - Puritas Cordis Details

« on: October 03, 2008, 06:21:18 PM »

The sequel to the original point-and-click PC adventure game is due for release in Europe on Wii and DS.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16845

 Deep Silver recently announced details of their upcoming game Secret Files 2- Puritas Cordis, a sequel to Secret Files Tunguska, for Wii and DS    

The original Secret Files followed heroine Nina Kalenkow, a young girl investigating her Russian scientist father's mysterious disappearance. Players controlled Nina and occasionally an alternate character. The story from the first title continues in Secret Files 2.    

The world is in a state of chaos, ravaged by disasters not caused by anything natural. When Nina discovers that a secret society, the Puritas Cordis are responsible for the tragedies, a race against time to save humanity begins.    

Exploration, puzzle elements, and the occasional switching between characters have all returned. However, new control schemes designed to highlight each console's innovative attributes have been included. A two player cooperative mode will now be available as well as the same cinematic experience and professional voice actors found in the first.    

Secret Files 2 - Puritas Cordis is a Europe-only release and is expected in 2009.    

  Secret Files 2 - Puritas Cordis: The adventure continues on Nintendo DS™ and Wii™    

As announced by Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, the company keen games in Frankfurt is developing the handheld and console versions of the Secret Files brand's second installment, “Secret Files 2 – Puritas Cordis”. The production for the two popular Nintendo platforms is already underway.    

"We are very happy to join Deep Silver once again in producing the second part of Secret Files for Wii and Nintendo DS. The games will be tailored to the platforms' specialties, with puzzles and gameplay features developed specifically to achieve the ultimate in gaming fun with Wii Remote™ and the innovative Nintendo DS Touch Screen controls," says René Lange, Producer at keen games.    

About Secret Files 2 - Puritas Cordis:    

Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis... the world is on the brink of disaster. By the time Nina Kalenkow realizes that the recent catastrophes were caused not by nature, but by an unscrupulous secret society known as Puritas Cordis, it is almost too late.    

While her ex-boyfriend Max, a scientist, witnesses the brutal methods of Puritas Cordis at the excavation site of an ancient Indonesian temple complex, Nina joins forces with a priest in France to investigate the connection between the secret society's sinister prophesies and the creepy leader of an ancient order. A dramatic race against time begins.  Will the protagonists be able to avert the impending apocalypse?    

FEATURES  

 
• Official sequel to Secret Files: Tunguska, now on Nintendo DS and Wii
 
• Puzzles and elements of gameplay tailored to the specific features of Wii and Nintendo DS
 
• Spectacular graphics and cinematic cutscenes
 
• Four playable, sometimes cooperating characters
 
• Comfortable controls with a diary, puzzle help and hotspot display
 
• Professional voice actors (Wii)
 
• Two-player mode for cooperative gameplay (Wii only)
 

 

[Has the All-Play label actually scared gamers away rather than attract them?]

103

TalkBack / NPD Comparison of Madden's Year-to-Year Wii Sales

« on: October 02, 2008, 12:30:26 PM »

Has the All-Play label actually scared gamers away rather than attract them?
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16840

 In a recent study, Gamasutra's Matt Matthews compares the NPD sales data of Madden NFL 08 with Madden NFL 09 All-Play.    

In 2007, Madden NFL 08 was released on Wii and was met with disappointing launch numbers. However, the number of units sold steadily increased during the following months. In fact, less than twenty five percent of all Madden NFL 08 copies sold in 2007 were during the launch month.    

Following their modest success with Madden NFL 08, EA decided to re-brand the series on Wii as a part of their All-Play series. At the launch time of Madden NFL 09 All-Play, the Wii's install base had grown approximately three times from its size at the time of the Madden NFL 08 launch. Due to the much larger pool of Wii owners, it was expected that sales of Madden NFL 09 All-Play would grow as well. Unfortunately for EA, sales remained flat from one year to the next. Whereas in 2007 one out of every 35 Wii owners purchased Madden NFL 08, in 2008 only one out of every 100 owners bought a copy of Madden NFL 09 All-Play.    

At first glance it seems as if the All-Play label may have actually harmed the game's image and scared away potential consumers. However, given last year's sales trends, it is possible that most consumers have yet to discover the title and better sales may still be coming. Interestingly, this does not match typical software trends, as first month data will show the majority of sales the game will make in its lifetime.    

Upon release of the end of year sales figures, it will be easier to tell if EA's All-Play re-branding was a blessing or a curse.

[Mama's trading in her oven mitts for gardening gloves.]

104

TalkBack / Gardening Mama Coming to DS

« on: October 02, 2008, 01:21:18 AM »

Mama's trading in her oven mitts for gardening gloves.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16815

 Earlier this week, Famitsu revealed a new iteration of the well known Cooking Mama series from Taito, called Gardening Mama.    

As with Cooking Mama, Gardening Mama consists of mini-games controlled through precise motions of the stylus. Featured mini-games will include digging, seed planting, weeding, and watering to maintain a healthy, prosperous garden. Plants include all kinds of flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The player will also be responsible for mixing fertilizer along with ridding their garden of pests and disease.    

Care requirements will differ depending on which plant breed the player is tending to. These can range from using specific fertilizers to drawing rainbows which make the plant happy. Nine special breeds can be unlocked after certain requirements are met, and obtaining all nine will net the player a special prize.    

In addition, Gardening Mama will feature a multiplayer mode for up to four players, of which more details will be revealed by Taito at this year's Tokyo Game Show.     Gardening Mama has only been announced in Japan and is scheduled for a winter release with a price of 5040 yen (approximately $48).    

James Charlton contributed to this article

[Brett Caird, co-founder of 5th Cell, discusses Drawn to Life, Lock’s Quest, and future projects.]

105

TalkBack / 5th Cell Talks DS Development and Future Projects

« on: October 01, 2008, 05:48:30 PM »

Brett Caird, co-founder of 5th Cell, discusses Drawn to Life, Lock’s Quest, and future projects.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16795

 In a recent interview with Vooks, 5th Cell co-founder and game designer Brett Caird provided insight to the development processes of the company, future projects, and past projects, including the recently released Lock's Quest.    

According to Caird, while developing Drawn to Life they "learned an immense amount about the DS platform" and were able to create the "engine underpinning Lock's Quest [which] is vastly improved." The team was also able to more effectively produce a challenging experience, one which "most fans" felt was lacking in Drawn to Life. Caird was proud of this achievement as it "was exactly what [he] set out to do."    

Caird mentioned that if the team was to make a sequel to Lock's Quest, "Wifi multiplayer is the big [feature]" they would seek to include. "A city build mode where there [are] additional customisation options" also "might be fun to bring back for a sequel."    

Finally, the interview revealed some unique insight into future projects. "We have 2 more DS titles currently in development" says Caird, "but other platforms are also on our radar … Wii is one of the front runners."

[Featuring up to eight player online matches and Mii support. The first online tournament, to be held October 6, is already accepting registration.]

106

TalkBack / Bomberman Blast Released for WiiWare

« on: September 30, 2008, 10:55:36 AM »

Featuring up to eight player online matches and Mii support. The first online tournament, to be held October 6, is already accepting registration.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16781

 Yesterday's new WiiWare Bomberman Blast title combines classic traits from the series alongside new features made possible through the Wii's motion control. Three brand new items, the bomb change, rocket, and shield, were developed specifically to complement the Wii's abilities. Through a shake of the remote each of these new items comes to life; the bomb change disguises players as a bomb, the rocket allows them to jump to avoid bomb blasts, and the shield protects players from damage.    

The game's classic multiplayer gameplay returns, now with support for up to eight players through the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection. Players will also have the choice to either compete alone or as a team. A new rankings feature has also been added, allowing players to upload and keep track of their scores.    

Hudson Entertaiment will be hosting several online tournaments and handing out prizes to the winners. Players can register for the first tournament, and an additional sweepstakes, until October 3. The first tournament itself will be played live on October 6.      

Ten new levels have also been created specifically for the game. Upon completion, players gain the ability to use Miis as character in the game.    

Bomberman Blast, rated E for everyone is available now for download on the Wii Shop Channel for 1000 Wii points ($10).    

HUDSON ENTERTAINMENT'S BOMBERMAN BLAST NOW AVAILABLE FOR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ON THE Wii    

Players Can Now Bomb It Up Against 8 Players With Online Multiplayer Combat And Mii Support    

REDWOOD CITY, CA - September 29, 2008 - Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for HUDSON SOFT, today announced the official launch of Bomberman Blast, an all-new Bomberman available for digital download on WiiWare for the Wii. Retaining many of the classic features that fans of the award-winning series have come to love, such as online multiplayer battles and numerous arenas, Bomberman Blast also incorporates exciting new gameplay elements like Mii support and 8-person online play.    

"We are thrilled to deliver Bomberman Blast to the WiiWare gamers," said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. "Hardcore fans and casual gamers alike will enjoy this new rendition of classic Bomberman created specifically for play on the Wii with three new Wii-specific items and Miis."    

Bomberman Blast features 3 new shake-it-up items specifically created for play on the Wii. Each of these new items can be used by shaking the Wii Remote to add an entirely new aspect of play to multiplayer Bomberman battles. Players can use the Bomb Change to disguise themselves as a bomb, the Rocket to jump up high in the air to avoid bomb blasts and the Shield to block bomb blasts as long as they keep shaking the Wii Remote.    

There are 10 unique level designs included in the game. Once all 10 levels have been played, gamers are able to unlock the ability to blow away the competition by using a Mii as their Bomberman. Various arenas are included, ranging from the Classic level to levels with unique and exciting twists including Hyper Feet, Bomb Bowling, and Potholes.    

Players will be able to compete either solo or as part of a team against the best Bomberman players worldwide, as Bomberman Blast delivers 8-player multiplayer battles online. Players can bomb it up on one console or can compete against their friends, family, and even players from all over the world with deeply customizable Wi-Fi Battles over the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. Players can also submit their scores and track them using the new Rankings feature.    

With the release of Bomberman Blast on WiiWare, Hudson Entertainment will offer several online tournaments, including one that coincides with the game's launch. The first tournament will be a live, online, head-to-head competition between 49 randomly-selected entrants, hosted by Hudson Entertainment. Registration for the tournament and an associated sweepstakes begins immediately and runs until 5:00 p.m. PST on October 3, 2008. The competition itself will take place starting at 2:00 p.m. PST on October 6, 2008. For more information on the upcoming tournaments and to register, players can visit www.Hudsonentertainment.com.    

Bomberman Blast is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

[Do you have what it takes to survive the wilderness?]

107

TalkBack / Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 Releases for Wii

« on: September 29, 2008, 06:58:39 PM »

Do you have what it takes to survive the wilderness?
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16762

 Nature shows its deadly side in Activision's newest addition to its Cabela series released earlier this week, Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009. The player takes on the role of Flint Abrahams, an experienced hunter with a desire for rare trophies.    

The game forces players through nine of the most unforgiving terrains in the world including the South American jungle, Alaskan wilderness, and the Russian tundra. Players will encounter battles with twenty-five different beasts such as lions, grizzly bears, Cape buffalo, rhino, and jaguars. Set in first-person mode, precision shooting is a necessary skill to have; without it, players will be left to engage in hand-to-hand combat with enraged animals.    

Furthermore, players will need to survive the various natural disasters included in the game such as plane crashes, avalanches, stampedes, and treacherous boat rides through piranha-infested waters.    

The game also features a Bonus Hunt Mode, where players are able to use the skills they have acquired throughout the game's hunting challenges. The fan favorite mode Action Zone has also returned, requiring players to fight off waves of unexpected animals attacks.    

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 is available now for the suggested retail price of $39.99    

Nature Bites Back In Activision Publishing's Newly Released Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009    

SANTA MONICA, CA – September 23, 2008 – Be afraid... very afraid. Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today released Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, and Wii™, rendering no hunter safe amidst scores of savage animals in the world's most treacherous hunting locales. The latest title in the best-selling Cabela's Dangerous Hunts franchise turns the food chain upside down, where you will need to rely on precision shooting and quick reflexes to make it out of the wilderness alive.    

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 is all about nonstop danger and fast action – this is a thrilling hunting experience for both hunting enthusiasts and first-person action fans. The stats speak for themselves: the game has 25 of the world's most dangerous animals, including lions, grizzly bears, Cape buffalo, rhino, jaguars and more in 9 exotic, rugged locations like the South American jungle, Alaskan wilderness, and the Russian tundra. To top it off, ferocious beasts aren't the only way you can meet your maker – you must survive plane crashes and boat down treacherous rivers, as well as avoid avalanches, stampedes, and piranha-infested waters.    

"We've created an intense wilderness experience where hunting for sport is taken to a new level," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "The onslaught of danger is relentless. The question is, how long can you survive?"    

You play as Flint Abrahams, a seasoned big game hunter on a quest to hunt the world's deadliest trophies. Equipped with Cabela's gear, the most respected outdoor recreation brand in the world, one would think the odds are on your side. But no one has even seen animals this fierce – they will charge you if you miss your shot, then you will be forced to fight them via melee defense. But pay attention, nearby animals may join the attack, which means dire consequences for those without the requisite combination of brawn and pinpoint shooting ability.    

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 will also feature a wide variety of gameplay modes, including fan favorite Action Zone, where the player will fight off waves of surprise animal attacks, and Bonus Hunt Mode, where you use the skills you gained in a series of intense hunting challenges.    

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 is available for $39.99 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Wii™, and $29.99 for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. For more information visit www.activision.com.

[Test your SAT skills with 2,000 questions on your DS.]

108

TalkBack / My SAT Coach Available Now

« on: September 29, 2008, 10:56:13 AM »

Test your SAT skills with 2,000 questions on your DS.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=16761

 Earlier this week Ubisoft announced the release of the newest addition to its My Coach series, My SAT Coach.  Working side-by-side with the Princeton Review, Ubisoft developed the DS title as a portable training tool focused on building basic mathematics, vocabulary, and grammar skills.    

Students are able to access over 2,000 practice questions, including timed drills and two complete exams. Each section of the SATs can be broken down in order to focus on one particular subject at a time. As the student follows their progress, the game will provide study and strategy suggestions on how to enhance their skills in that particular academic area.    

In addition to general training tools, My SAT Coach provides valuable stress reduction and time management suggestions in order to prepare the student not only in knowledge but in technique as well. My SAT Coach helps players recognize common tricks put in place to confuse students throughout all sections of the test.    

For players lacking valuable study time, seven mini-games were added to allow a player to focus on one subject in particular for a short amount of time. On the other hand, for students with more time there are complete diagnostic exams using the same tools they would encounter while taking the real SAT exam.    

My SAT Coach is rated E for Everyone and is available now at the suggested retail price of $29.99.    

UBISOFT'S MY SAT COACH WITH THE PRINCETON REVIEW AVAILABLE IN STORES NOW    

SAN FRANCISCO — September 25, 2008 — Today Ubisoft announced that My SAT Coach with The Princeton Review has shipped to retailers nationwide and is available exclusively for the Nintendo DS™ system. Developed in Ubisoft's Montreal studio and in partnership with The Princeton Review, the video game will help students prepare for the SAT exam with timed drills and mini-games where scores are tracked and the player is given recommendations on how to improve testing performance. With more than 2,000 new practice questions and two diagnostic exams, My SAT Coach with The Princeton Review is an invaluable test preparation tool. My SAT Coach with The Princeton Review is rated "E" for everyone and has an MSRP of $29.99.    

My SAT Coach is test prep with:    

 
• Speed – Unlike traditional test preparation methods, using My SAT Coach will strengthen your speed skills by drilling you on proven Princeton Review techniques and not just practicing typical SAT questions.
 
• Efficiency – Through practice and repetition, My SAT Coach will build your basic skill sets, allowing you to focus your "studying" time more effectively.
 
• Convenience – Got some time on your hands? Try taking one of the sample tests and track your progress. Have only a few minutes? No problem! Use one of the multiple mini-games to sharpen your skills. Either way, with My SAT Coach on Nintendo DS, you can practice however, whenever and wherever you want!
 

   

Key features:    

 
• SAT Tests and Sections
   




 
• Select and test your strength in each subsection of the SAT
 
• Use the same tools used in a real-life test
 
• Pinpoint and strengthen your weaknesses with a Review System covering each answer
 
• Two diagnostic tests to gauge your progress
 
   




• Seven Mini-Game Drills
   




 
• Train yourself in mathematics to elude the common tricks of the SAT
 
• Train yourself in vocabulary and grammar
 
• Learn helpful methods to better time management and reduce stress
 
   




• Personal Follow-Up
   




 
• Track your progress in quizzes and follow the recommendations to boost your score
 
   




• The Real Expert
   




 
• Ubisoft partnered with The Princeton Review to bring you the best tools from the expert in SAT preparation.
 
   

   

The My Coach brand, part of Ubisoft's Games for Everyone division, consists of a series of games that encourages players to improve themselves while being entertained at the same time. Other titles in the brand include: My Word Coach, for a stronger vocabulary; My Spanish Coach, My French Coach, My Chinese Coach and My Japanese Coach, for foreign language development; and My Weight Loss Coach, for a healthier lifestyle.    

About The Princeton Review    

The Princeton Review (Nasdaq: REVU) is a pioneer in the world of education. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in New York City, the Company offers private tutoring and classroom and online test preparation to help students improve their scores in college and graduate school admissions tests. The Company's free website, www.PrincetonReview.com, helps over half of university-bound students research, apply to, prepare for, and learn how to pay for their higher education. In addition, The Princeton Review works with school districts around the U.S. to measurably strengthen students' academic skills by connecting ongoing assessment with professional development and instruction and by providing districts with college and career resources for both students and guidance counselors. The Company also authors more than 200 print and software titles on test preparation, college and graduate school selection and admissions, and related topics.

[vudu]

109

General Chat / RE:Newbie Check-In ... right this way!

« on: May 03, 2007, 04:47:55 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: vudu
Tingle, Tingle! Kooloo-limpah! These are Tingle's magic words that he made himself! Don't steal them.

What if I do..... KOOLOO-LIMPAH!

[GoldenPhoenix]

110

General Chat / RE:Newbie Check-In ... right this way!

« on: May 03, 2007, 03:49:30 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix

Quote
Originally posted by: Mrs.Jack
Hi, I just joined the forums and wanted to introduce myself. I'm Mr.Jack's fiancee. He explained to me the whole dupe account thing before I started this and how he told me many people would think I am one. *sigh* (I knew I should have gone with some zelda/anime obsessed username ). Anyway well I guess I'll be meeting you guys around the forums

I can confirm Mr. Jack has a fiancee, in fact him moving is one reason why he hasn't been on. So welcome Mrs. Jack.

Thanks so much for backing me up  and the warm welcome!! ^_^ Nick always says such nice things about you and everyone else on the forums so I'm very happy I can finally partake in the fun

111

General Chat / RE: Newbie Check-In ... right this way!

« on: May 03, 2007, 03:40:06 PM »

Hi, I just joined the forums and wanted to introduce myself. I'm Mr.Jack's fiancee. He explained to me the whole dupe account thing before I started this and how he told me many people would think I am one. *sigh* (I knew I should have gone with some zelda/anime obsessed username ). Anyway well I guess I'll be meeting you guys around the forums

[Mr. Jack]

112

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Two DSs (DSes?) and one ID?

« on: May 03, 2007, 02:28:19 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Mr. Jack

Quote
Originally posted by: UncleBob
What use is a wife unless you beat her?

But not at Dr. Mario.  I swear, she's crazy at that game...

Anywhoo, I know that *officially* there's no way to do it, but there's gotta be a work around...

What is it with significant others (women) and Dr. Mario! My fiancee is ridiculously good at it and I swear there is no way I could ever beat her at it...

You feel like less of a gamer don't you! Don't forget that I kick your ass at Tekken too