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Topics - Penguin_Of_Thyme

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101
TalkBack / ESRB Gives Rating to Guitar Hero: Modern Hits
« on: December 29, 2008, 09:00:03 AM »
The Entertainment Software Rating Board has leaked the existence, and E 10+ rating, of a new Guitar Hero title for the DS.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17462

 Guitar Hero Modern Hits for the Nintendo DS was recently rated E 10+ by the ESRB. Activision-Blizzard has not made an official announcement for a new Guitar Hero bearing the Modern Hits subtitle. However, Activision did file a trademark for the title in October.    


The short synopsis of Modern Hits from the ESRB website does not make it seem like the game will revolutionize the Guitar Hero series: "players follow on-screen prompts to hit notes in-time with the music and are scored based on their accuracy." However, the ESRB does give some insight into the track list for Modern Hits by mentioning some of the objectionable lyrics that led to the game's E 10+ rating. Expect the game to include Franz Ferdinand's "The Fallen," Sum 41's "Still Waiting," and Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer."    


The last two Guitar Hero games for the DS utilized a Guitar Grip accessory that slides into the GBA slots of the DS and DSLite. However, Nintendo's upcoming DSi version of their portable game player does not feature a GBA slot. Whether Activision has found a workaround to this obstacle is unknown, as is any release date for Modern Hits.


102
Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company has sued Nintendo for $236,304, claiming a faulty DS Charger caused a Kentucky home to catch fire.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17443

 On December 17th, Nintendo of America was issued a lawsuit by Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance. The insurance company believes a Kentucky household went ablaze because of a defective DS AC Adapter, and that Nintendo is liable.    


The insurance company wants $236,304 from Nintendo for the damages they awarded French Harmon, the owner of the home that was ravaged by flames. Many charges are made in the complaint, including the claim that fire was the direct result of Nintendo failing "to adequately, properly and safely design, manufacture, assemble inspect and test" the DS AC Adapter.    


One piece of evidence that the complaint mentions to support its case is that Nintendo had previously recalled DS Adapters for their "their risk of overheating and fire." However, the suit fails to mention that the DS Lite chargers that were recalled had solely been sold in Japan.


103
TalkBack / Pokémon Marathon Raises Money for Charity
« on: December 19, 2008, 11:54:04 PM »
The Speed Gamers are conducting a marathon to raise money for the autism support group ACT Today.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17429

 Over the last year, The Speed Gamers have raised money for a variety of charities by holding gaming marathons. In the past, they have played through all the core games in the Mario, Metroid, Zelda, and Earthbound series while raising over $10,000 for charities. Today, they have already begun a 72-hour Pokémon marathon in which they hope to raise a lot of money for ACT Today, a group dedicated to helping people with autism.    


Over the course of the marathon, The Speed Gamers plan on catching the 491 Pokémon that are possible to catch without special means. This will be accomplished by playing through a multitude of games including Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Pokémon Ranch.    


Their progress through the Pokémon titles can be watched live on their website. Also, contests will be held for viewers and donors during the marathon, with the prizes available ultimately including the game card of Pokémon Diamond containing the 491 pocket monsters that they hope to collect.


104
TalkBack / Gamestop Brings Back Holiday Reservation Program
« on: December 19, 2008, 07:11:19 PM »
Gamestop customers having trouble finding the DS Lite this holiday season can reserve the portable and guarantee they will receive it sometime between December 28th and January 15th.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17426

 Last year, Gamestop introduced a reservation program that allowed customers on Friday, December 21st to pay upfront for a Wii console and then pick up the system when it arrived sometime in January. This year, with a shortage of DS systems, Gamestop has instituted a similar program that allows shoppers to put a reservation down on the Cobalt/Black, Crimson/Black, and Metallic Rose DS Lite systems.    


In order to place the reservation, buyers must put down the full $129.99 price tag for the DS. Customers who make DS reservations will immediately receive a special gift card tin. The reserved systems are expected to arrive sometime between December 28th, 2008 and January 15th, 2009.    


DS reservations can be made at any Gamestop store in the United States of America.    


  GameStop Announces Holiday Nintendo DS Reservation Program    


GRAPEVINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer, today announced a reservation program to assist customers wishing to give the highly sought-after Nintendo DS this holiday season. This program, created by GameStop, specifically focuses on the metallic rose, cobalt/black and crimson/black Nintendo DS systems. Reservations must be made in-person at any GameStop location in the U.S., including those in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.    


The reservation process requires payment in full at $129.99 plus tax, with projected delivery between Dec. 28, 2008 and Jan. 15, 2009. Customers will receive a co-branded GameStop and Nintendo DS gift card tin to ensure that special someone has a great gift to open this holiday season.    


When the reserved Nintendo DS system arrives, the gift-giver will receive a telephone call indicating that their system is available for pick-up. Nintendo DS systems must be picked up at the store location where the reservation was placed.  


105
TalkBack / Nintendo of Australia Giving Animal Crossing Replacement Discs
« on: December 19, 2008, 07:05:04 PM »
Nintendo will replace Animal Crossing: Let's Go to the City discs for players wishing to import their Wild World character data.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17425

 Finally, Nintendo has responded to the complaints of Australian Wii owners who could not transfer their Animal Crossing: Wild World data to Animal Crossing: Let's Go to the City due to incorrect region coding. The solution Nintendo has cooked up is simple:  they are offering replacement discs.    


In order to receive the replacement disc, a Let's Go to the City owner must contact Nintendo Australia Customer Support and give them the serial numbers of their game and their Wii console. Once Nintendo has this information, they will send out an express post bag for players to ship off their defective discs, after which Nintendo will send a brand new disc.    


Sadly, players who have already started up a game in Animal Crossing: Let's Go to the City will need to begin again if they wish to use their Wild World data.


106
TalkBack / Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Arriving in March
« on: December 15, 2008, 08:40:31 AM »
Explore Liberty City on the go in the first DS iteration of Grand Theft Auto.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17393

 Rockstar Games recently announced that Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for DS will hit stores shelves on March 17th in North America and then appear a few days later at European retailers on March 20th.    


Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is a collaboration between Rockstar North, creators of Grand Theft Auto 4 and Space Station Silicon Valley, and Rockstar Leeds, co-developer of the PSP GTA games. Just like in Grand Theft Auto 4, players will have the freedom to cause mayhem in Liberty City, a fictional land that closely resembles New York City. The developers are working hard to make Chinatown Wars a full featured Grand Theft Auto with all the mature content one would expect, including drug dealing and a story centered on gangsters and revenge. Using the stylus, gamers will be able to hot wire cars, create tattoos, and use a PDA.  In addition, the game is in full 3D using a top-down isometric view and a cel-shaded art style.    


Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for the Nintendo DS™      


Critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto franchise makes its DS debut this March    


New York, NY – December 15, 2008 - Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce the release date for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, the latest entry into the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto series. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will be available for the Nintendo DS™ on March 17 and 20, 2009 in North America and Europe, respectively.    


"Rockstar Leeds have once again created a game that far exceeds our standard for deep and innovative entertainment," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "We are incredibly excited to share this enormous and uncompromising Grand Theft Auto experience with DS fans."    


Edge Magazine commented, "How does Rockstar follow Grand Theft Auto IV? By rebuilding Liberty City from the ground up on DS - and not compromising its vision one iota."    


Nintendo Power added, "...it's undeniable that Chinatown Wars is doing something no other DS game has come close to: creating that living, breathing world the Grand Theft Auto games are known for."    


For more information about Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, please visit: www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars.


107
TalkBack / Australian Wii Consoles No Longer Susceptible to Modchips
« on: December 11, 2008, 01:44:51 AM »
Nintendo is shipping Wii systems in Australia with a revised DVD drive that makes them incompatible with all modchips.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17363

 Nintendo has thrown a wrench into the modchip industry's plans by releasing an updated revision of their Wii console. Discovered in Australia, the new Wii systems do not support modchips due to changes made to the DVD drive. Specifically, Nintendo has made soldering a modchip into the Wii pointless by altering the controller chip on the optical drive.    


Modchip makers do not appear to be daunted by the new drives and are already working on new ways to modify the Wii.


108
TalkBack / New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fighting Game Coming to Wii
« on: December 11, 2008, 01:40:36 AM »
The heroes in a half shell return in a fighting game designed by former members of Team Ninja and Sakurai's Super Smash Bros. Brawl team.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17362

 The latest issue of Nintendo Power has revealed that Ubisoft is publishing a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fighting game for the Wii. According to the magazine, the fighter is being developed by ex-Team Ninja employees and former staff members of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl development team.    


Similar to the Viewtiful Joe and Smash Bros series, the game is rendered in 3D, but gameplay occurs on a 2D plane. Up to four players will be able to fight it out in a variety of interactive stages and modes, including Battle Royale, Story, Tournament, and VS. Additionally, the developer is promising that the finished product will have a better online mode than the one featured in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.    


The new title is far from the first fighting game to include the anthropomorphic turtles. Konami previously released TMNT: Tournament Fighters in the early 90s and TMNT: Mutant Melee in 2005.    


The currently unnamed TMNT fighter has been in development since early this year and is scheduled to hit store shelves in September 2009.


109
TalkBack / Nintendo Console Sales are Robust Despite the U.S. Recession
« on: December 09, 2008, 09:52:13 AM »
According to Satoru Iwata, Nintendo sold around 800,000 Wii systems in the United States during the week of Thanksgiving.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17338

 In a recent interview with Reuters, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata revealed that Americans had purchased about 800,000 Wii systems in just the last week of November. During that same time frame in 2007, Nintendo sold 350,000 Wii systems. Furthermore, Iwata stated that sales of the Nintendo DS had increased by close to 20 percent over the sales made during the previous Thanksgiving holiday.    


Iwata seemed confident that the recession would not have a negative effect on the sales of Nintendo products. "When the economy is strong, people tend to buy three things from the top of their wish list. But when things are bad, people often buy only the first thing on their list," he commented. "Fortunately for us a lot of shoppers put our products at the top of their list."    


While it seems likely that Nintendo will surpass the 981,000 Wii consoles they sold last November, it won't be confirmed until the NPD Group releases their video game sales numbers on Thursday, December 11th.


110
TalkBack / Fake Nintendo Portables Surface in Britain.
« on: December 05, 2008, 05:10:31 AM »
Potentially dangerous counterfeit Nintendo DS systems, bought for cheap at Asian websites, could cause harm to consumers.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17301

 Parents should be especially careful this holiday season because they may accidentally purchase a counterfeit DS Lite. In the United Kingdom, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reported that they have intercepted a large number of phony Nintendo DS and DS Lite consoles. Not only did Nintendo confirm that the systems were counterfeit but that they were also coupled with power adapters that were not Nintendo-manufactured. Such power adapters may not have been properly tested for safety and could potentially cause great harm to users.    


Many of the fake game systems had been purchased at bargain prices from Asian websites which had claimed that they were "genuine Nintendo products." HMRC's Pamela Rogers implored consumers to "buy from a reputable or regulated site." Mike Rawlinson, Managing Director for the UK's Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) also advised caution despite the holiday rush. "We are asking all concerned parents to be diligent," he commented, "often when a bargain seems too good to be true it actually is."


111
TalkBack / Awesome New Let's Tap Trailer
« on: December 04, 2008, 03:35:13 AM »
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=17294

  Video game designer Yuji Naka has been involved in the creation of many of my favorite games of all time. If it weren't for his programming prowess who knows if games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Nights: Into Dreams would have ever been made. Did you know he may have programmed an NES emulator for the Sega Genesis?    


After leaving Sonic Team in 2006, Naka-san created the independent development studio Prope. Because of the wonderful titles he helped to create in the past I am extremely excited about Prope's first game, Let's Tap.  Please enjoy this lovely new Let's Tap trailer and this link to a 2001 Planet GameCube interview with Yuji Naka.    




 

   
 

   


  Also, I must mention that the lesser known participants in the creation of Sonic the Hedgehog, Naoto Oshima and Hirokazu Yasuhara, are awesome.


112
TalkBack / Atari Publishing The Tale of Despereaux For DS and Wii
« on: December 03, 2008, 06:31:09 AM »
Atari will publish the game based on the mouse tale, instead of the departed Brash Entertainment
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17288

 According to a story in Variety, Atari will be publishing the video game adaptations of the upcoming animated film, The Tale of Despereaux for Wii and DS. Both versions were originally to be published by the now defunct company Brash Entertainment. The Wii version was being produced by Brash which successfully released the poorly reviewed Six Flags: Fun Park before going under. On the other hand, the DS version is developed by the Foundation 9 studio, Fizz Factor, and is entirely funded and produced by Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group.    


Both versions of The Tale of Despereaux were scheduled to be released on December 2nd. It is unclear if the new publishing deal has had any effect on the release date, but both games should be on shelves before the animated feature film hits theaters on December 19th.


113
TalkBack / Gardening Mama Arrives Spring 2009
« on: December 03, 2008, 06:21:34 AM »
Mama is back, but this time she is equipped with gardening tools.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17285

 Majesco Entertainment recently announced that Gardening Mama will be released on DS next year in North America and Europe. Players will have the opportunity to grow and nurture a virtual garden that can produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.    


In Gardening Mama, the DS stylus will become a versatile gardening tool that can carve pumpkins and dig up vegetables. Players can create strawberry jam, pergolas, and even change Mama's gardening threads. Up to four gamers can try their best to grow the most bountiful harvest in the multiplayer mode.    


Developed by Cooking Mama Limited, Gardening Mama is set to release this spring.    


MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES 'GARDENING MAMA' FOR NINTENDO DS    


New Handheld Game Stars Mama from the Multi-Million Selling Cooking Mama Franchise    


EDISON, N.J., December 2, 2008-Rising out of the rich soil sprouts Gardening Mama, a new Nintendo DS™ gardening simulation that was announced today by Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market. Developed by Cooking Mama Limited, the team that created the award-winning Cooking Mama franchise that has sold 2.5 million units domestically, Gardening Mama brings back the beloved matron to cultivate a cornucopia of fruits, flowers and vegetables in her backyard.    


"Mama has become a certifiable icon since her original introduction in Cooking Mama DS," said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco. "Her first brand offshoot captures those features that made the Cooking Mama series a best seller-an innovative concept, full Touch Screen control, approachable gameplay for everyone and, of course, a charismatic mentor who pushes you in her own endearing way to give a gold medal performance every time."    


Gardening Mama transforms the DS stylus into a universal gardening tool that players will use to plant, nurture and harvest flowers, fruits and vegetables. Gamers can manage their garden through the seeding, blooming and maturation phases, and then produce items from the plants they've grown (i.e. grow strawberries to make jam or raise pumpkins and then carve a jack-'o-lantern). A robust multiplayer mode lets up to four friends compete to grow the biggest harvest and Treasure Box mode lets players share items they've grown with online friends. Gamers can also decorate various gardens while creating goods like pergolas and hanging baskets. In addition, players can change Mama's outfit to their liking while customizing the screen design to their preference.    


Just as millions of players enjoyed slicing and dicing with Mama in the kitchen, they can now move to the great outdoors-planting, pruning, picking, and creating-in Gardening Mama!    


Gardening Mama for DS is expected to release in Spring 2009. For additional information about Majesco's exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.


114
TalkBack / New Info on Blood of Bahamut
« on: December 02, 2008, 05:24:07 PM »
Players will be able to defeat monsters that span both DS screens in the upcoming RPG from Square Enix.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17281

 A recent issue of Famitsu revealed a number of new details about Square Enix's upcoming RPG, Blood of Bahamut. Designed for the DS, players will face an assortment of giant beasts that fill both screens.    


Blood of Bahamut is set in a world where humans have created their homes on top of humongous creatures that have been sleeping for ages. Unexpectedly, the beasts wake up and disrupt the civilizations living on them. The main protagonists are seven heroes that come from different lands and posses their own unique skills for defeating the beasts. It is currently unknown if Blood of Bahamut will have any story relation to the Japan-only Super Famicom RPG, Bahamut Lagoon.    


The game is being designed by Think and Feel, the creators of Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings. Motomu Toriyama, story event planner for Bahamut Lagoon, is directing the game and Eisuke Yokoyama, assistant producer for Dragon Quest VIII, is producing. Yokoyama said that the original objective of the project was to give players a very direct set of controls and to deliver a dynamic feel that wouldn't normally be thought possible on the DS.    


Defeating the gigantic beasts is not the only problem that players will face as the screen covering the beasts will summon smaller creatures to help them. Local wireless play is supported because, as Yokoyama explained, the fun never ends when you are destroying really big monsters with friends. Overall, players will have around 130 missions to complete.    


Currently, Blood of Bahamut does not have a release date.


115
TalkBack / REVIEWS: Dokapon Kingdom
« on: December 02, 2008, 05:08:38 AM »
Sting Entertainment has successfully created an innovative RPG party game that is tons of fun with family and friends.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17274

 Nintendo consoles have long been blessed with enjoyable multiplayer games. This tradition has continued with the Wii, which has already received great party titles like Boom Blox, Wii Sports, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Joining the already stellar list of party games is Dokapon Kingdom. Sting Entertainment, developer of the cult classic Riviera: The Promised Land, has used their extensive knowledge in making role-playing games to create a unique and highly addictive game that is at its best when played with friends and family.    


Dokapon Kingdom is a virtual board game where up to four players compete to earn the most cash. A spinner determines the amount of spaces a player can move each turn. In normal mode, you can choose the number of weeks the game will last. A full day of game time passes once all players have completed their turns.  On-screen prompts help explain the rules as you play, making it easy for anyone to jump into the game. Thankfully, the prompts only appear the first time you encounter something new and can easily be turned off.    


The story is simple: Dokapon Kingdom has been invaded by monsters, and the king has assembled a ragtag group of heroes to bring peace back to the land. As players explore the world of Dokapon, they may encounter traveling merchants, a friendly anthropomorphic mole, or even robot assassins. Landing on an empty space, or one already occupied by another hero, triggers an RPG-style battle.  During combat, you get an offensive and defensive turn. A battle will resume on the next day if neither combatant can muster a lethal attack. Battles are actually very similar in practice to a game of Rock Paper Scissors. An attack may be very effective against one defensive move while almost powerless against another. The battle system is very gratifying, especially when successfully countering an opponent's attack and defeating him.      


At the start of the game there are only three jobs to choose from -- Warrior, Magician, and Thief. Each hero must also be assigned a name, gender, and favorite color before the game has begun.  As players defeat monsters they will level up their job and eventually master it. At any time in the game you can visit Dokapon Castle and switch your job. To unlock new jobs you must meet a predetermined set of requirements. For example, a player who has mastered the Warrior and Thief jobs will be able to become a Ninja. Changing jobs gives you access to new field and battle skills, such as a full HP heal, and may increase the number of items you can carry. Discovering all the jobs can take a long time, especially when some of the necessary items are well hidden. New jobs often come with a new haircut that might come in handy during the king's hair styling contests.    


While players have a wide variety of methods to accrue cash, the most lucrative strategy is by liberating and taking control of monster-infested towns. The monsters occupying towns are usually a bit more difficult to defeat than those roaming about on the empty spaces. Once a player gains control of a town, he or she can invest money in it to make it even more valuable. Taxes can be collected from towns, which can be a great source of income when you want to buy a new weapon.  At the end of every week, the game details how many towns and cash each hero has collected.    


Balance and fair rules are very important in a strategic game like Dokapon. Sometimes, special events will occur at the end of a week that will try to knock a player off balance. For instance, everybody might get sent to the coliseum, where they must all battle to the death. Ultimately, players will decide who wins for themselves through the successful domination of towns, smart use of items, properly supplying a character with the best equipment and skills, and defeating and stealing from other players. That isn't to say the game won't ever give out a helping hand to someone in need. It is sometimes possible for the person losing to become an evil Darkling, who can return monsters to captured towns and perform other dastardly deeds.    


The artificial intelligence in the game is very good. Often, it will behave like you would expect a human opponent to play. Playing the game alone can be fun for a short period of time, but just like in the Mario Party series, it becomes extremely annoying having to watch the moves made by the computer characters.  While the game does allow you to speed up the computer's turn, there is no way to completely skip it. Also, the computer seems to have a knack at getting a perfect spin when it needs it the most.    


There is only one board in Dokapon Kingdom, but it is extremely large, filled with multiple shops and caves to visit.  One of my favorite features is the ability to save your game at any time. This feature comes in handy when playing through the Story Mode, which can last over ten hours. The Story Mode doesn't actually have all that much of a plot, but the king does offer a large number of side quests within the overall quest. There are also a few extra modes in which players can change the game objective, such as declaring the winner to be the first person to capture a certain town.    


Atlus did a wonderful job of translating the game. I personally got a kick out of the feline merchant who always makes cat noises. Usually, NPCs have voice acting for select parts of their conversations. The mix of spoken word with reading is a bit strange, but it works. The music is quite good and perfectly fits the game. Even though you will hear some tracks constantly, like the battle music and the map screen theme, they never become bothersome. Dokapon Kingdom has a very appealing anime art style, but it does not push the Wii hardware. Because the game was released on the Wii and Playstation 2, there are no enhancements to the graphics other than adding 480p and widescreen support. Sadly, Dokapon Kingdom is lacking online play, which would have been blissful. Hopefully, Atlus will see the potential for a Dokapon sequel that supports Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and WiiSpeak.    


Dokapon Kingdom can elicit a roller coaster of emotions from a participant. There are some frustrating moments, but skilled players will be able to persevere through the worst the game throws at them. Not everyone will be drawn to Dokapon Kingdom, but I think anyone willing to give it a chance, especially those who enjoy Japanese RPGs, will find a deep and enjoyable multiplayer experience.

Pros:
       

  • Diverse variety of weapons, jobs, and items to collect
  •  
  • Great fun when played by more than one human
  •  
  • Plenty of silly Japanese humor


  •        Cons:
           
  • Forced to watch computer make selections
  •  
  • No online play
  •  
  • Looks good for a first-generation PlayStation 2 game


  •                Graphics:  6.0
           The graphics are very colorful, but they don't come close to using the power of the Wii.

                   Sound:  8.0
           Well-composed music is appropriate to the setting and will be heard over and over again. The limited voice acting is intentionally humorous.

                   Control:  8.0
           The game works great with the Wii Remote, Classic Controller, and GameCube controller. If necessary, you can just pass around a single controller during multiplayer. Motion controls are not utilized in any way.

                          Gameplay:  8.0
           Strategy and skill are needed to succeed. The game is fun as long as it isn't the computer's turn.

     


           Lastability:  9.0
           Well-balanced multiplayer is fun in long and short sessions. Just don’t expect a deep single-player experience.

     


           Final:  8.0
           Dokapon Kingdom is a smartly designed party game that is hard to put down when playing with friends.      


    116
    TalkBack / Nyko Wing Classic Controller Now Available for Wii
    « on: November 20, 2008, 11:19:15 AM »
    The wireless controller is a viable new option for players who enjoy the oldies on Virtual Console.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17238

     For the last twelve years Nyko Technologies has been creating third-party accessories for video game systems. Earlier this year, Nyko released the Kama wireless Nunchuk for the Wii. Nintendo sued Nyko because of extreme similarities between the Kama Nunchuk and the official Nunchuk. Nyko recently shipped to stores their newest accessory for Wii, the Wing wireless controller. Shaped very differently from Nintendo's Classic Controller, the Wing allows gamers to play through any Virtual Console game without the hassle of  wires.    


    In addition to working with all Virtual Console games, the Wing is fully compatible with games that support the Classic Controller, such as Geometry Wars: Galaxies, Dokapon Kingdom, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Recent Nintendo controllers have had octagonal housings for their analog sticks, which has limited movement to eight directions. The analog sticks of the Wing feature a round housing, which makes a game like Nights: Journey of Dreams control more like its Sega Saturn precursor thanks to the sticks' unrestricted movement. Like the GameCube and Playstation 2 controllers, the Wing features handles to make it easier to grip. Racing fans who have long enjoyed pretending their controller was a steering wheel may find the Wing's lack of wires beneficial. Both the Kama Nunchuk and the Wing controller give players wireless freedom.    


    The Wing controller is available at retailers across the nation for $29.99. Batteries are included.    


    Nyko Wing™ Classic Controller for Wii™ Flies Into Stores    


    Nyko Technologies Levels Up Retro Gaming with Wireless Technology    


    LOS ANGELES - Nov. 11, 2008 - Nyko Technologies®, the premier game console peripherals manufacturer, today announced its new Wing™ wireless controller for the popular Nintendo Wii™ game console has shipped to stores. Debuting as the market's premier wireless classic controller designed exclusively for the Wii, the Wing is the controller of choice for fans of Virtual Console™ games.    


    Engineered for comfort, utility, and style, the Wing improves on previous controllers for the Wii with smooth contours that are ergonomically designed for a comfortable fit and a better grip. The Wing's buttons are durable, responsive, and sport a unique aesthetic color scheme. Play freely through your Virtual Console games with up to 10 feet of wireless connectivity via a small dongle fitted to the bottom of the Wii Remote™. The two included AAA batteries provide up 30 hours of battery life, or gamers can opt to use their own rechargeable batteries which can be conveniently charged through the Wing's Mini USB port using any standard Mini USB cable (not included).    


    "The Wing is a great example of what we at Nyko aim to do: improve the gamer's experience with a quality made product", said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "There have been very few options for classic gaming control designed specifically for the Wii until now, and the Wing provides a comfortable and affordable wireless alternative that fans of Virtual Console games will enjoy using."    


    Nyko's wireless Wing classic controller is available now for the suggested retail price of $29.99. Please visit www.nyko.com for more information.


    117
    TalkBack / Populous DS Arrives in Stores
    « on: November 15, 2008, 02:26:56 AM »
    Wield the might of the gods in a new version of the classic PC game.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17196

     In 1989 British developer Bullfrog Productions released Populous for the home computer. As one of the original God games, if not the first, Populous was critically acclaimed and sold phenomenally. XSEED Games recently announced that Populous DS has begun shipping to retailers. Like in the original, players assume the role of a god who can manipulate the landscape and create disasters like volcanoes and earthquakes.    


    As one of the five deities, players can utilize the stylus control to cast an assortment of miracles and disasters. Maps from the original Populous are included. Populous DS also features a local wireless mode that allows up to four players to compete against one another.    


    Populous DS is now available for the suggested retail price of $29.99.    


    POPULOUS™ DS FOR THE NINTENDO DS SHIPS TO RETAILERS IN NORTH AMERICA    


    The Re-Imagined Remake of the Original PC Classic is Now Available in North America    


    Torrance, Calif., (November 11, 2008) – Videogame publisher XSEED Games announced today that Populous DS has started shipping to retailers in North America for the Nintendo DS. Populous DS puts the power of the gods in to the palm of the players' hands.    


    Based on the original Populous PC classic from Electronic Arts, Populous DS brings a re-imagination of the classic game which pioneered the God simulation genre. The unique features of the DS improve upon the original as the touch-screen controls utilize the dual screens allowing players to manipulate 5 elementally-imbued gods, each with their own unique miracles, within an extensive single-player campaign. Within the multiplayer wireless mode, up to 4 players can unleash earthquakes, tidal waves and raging volcanoes to wreck havoc on opponents' lands.    


    The Populous DS game play is fresh for returning players as additional gods, each with their own miracles and demon counterpart, have been added, while returning fans will recognize the classic maps from previous editions of Populous in homage to this legendary series.    


    Populous DS carries a suggested retail price of $29.99 and is rated "E10" for "Everyone 10 and Older." For more information on Populous DS, please visit the website at www. populousds.com.


    118
    TalkBack / Rubik's World Hits Store Shelves
    « on: November 07, 2008, 04:32:02 AM »
    Enjoy mind twisting fun in the new puzzle game that draws inspiration from the Rubik's Cube.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17145

     The Game Factory recently announced that their latest DS game, Rubik's World has shipped to stores shelves. Players can challenge their minds with eight different activities and games that utilize puzzles, quizzes, and sound. As players progress through the game, new assignments and harder challenges will become available    


    Alongside the brand new activities designed specifically for the puzzle video game, there is a virtual Rubik's Cube for players to decipher. Rounding out the Rubik’s World package, is local wireless play where players can challenge friends and family in three different games.    


    Developed by Two Tribes, Rubik's World is available on the DS for $29.99. A Wii version of Rubik's World is scheduled to be released on November 11th with a suggested retail price of $39.99.    


      THE GAME FACTORY SHIPS RUBIK'S WORLD, THE FIRST CONSOLE VIDEOGAME BASED ON THE ICONIC PUZZLE GAME    


    Nintendo Wii™ Version Will Ship to Retail November 11; DS Version Available Now    


    SANTA MONICA, Calif. - November 6, 2008 – The Game Factory, an international publisher of family-friendly and casual videogames, today announced that Rubik's World for Nintendo DS has shipped to retail stores across North America and is available for a suggested retail price of $29.99. Rubik's World is a mind bending puzzle game created by developer Two Tribes that is inspired by the original Rubik's Cube. The uniqueness and originality of the gameplay elements, combined with the classic Rubik's Cube references offer an appealing new puzzle videogame that caters to casual and hardcore gamer's alike, delivering hours of fun for the whole family.    


    The game is deeply rooted into the Rubik's Cube core puzzle mechanics but at the same time enables players to test their logical skills with brand new innovative puzzle games. According to Matthew Kato from Game Informer, "There's plenty here to twist and turn your brain" in Rubik's World for the DS.    


    Rubik's World DS Key Features    


       
    • Play eight unique games and activities that mix puzzles, quizzes, music, and sound activities – including the classic cube solving game!
    •  
    • Multiplayer lets you share the fun with family and friends. Challenge them in three different games.
    •  
    • Each game requires forward thinking and involves complex mechanics with a simple interface
    •  
    • Increasing levels of difficulty ensure long lasting playability
    •  
    • Expand your Rubik's universe. The better you play, the more Rubik's World comes to life, unlocking new assignments in the process
    •  
    • Cubies behave like living and learning beings. Play and interact with them as you educate and entertain them!
    •  
    • Crisp and light colour palette to create a unique minimalist look and feel.
    •  
       


    The Rubik's World for Nintendo Wii will be hitting the retail shelves nationwide next week on November 11 and will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.99.    


    The Game Factory is also releasing Zenses™ Ocean and Zenses™ Rainforest for Nintendo DS this week. Both games are designed to instantly transport players to the sights, colors and sounds of the world's most incredible environments. Created specifically for women of all ages, Zenses™ Ocean and Zenses™ Rainforest include six different puzzle games that take relaxation and brain training puzzles on the go.    


    Rubik's Cube Facts    


    In 1980, the Rubik's Cube, was launched on an unsuspecting world with a Hollywood party hosted by the "other" famous Hungarian Zsa Zsa Gabor little did anyone know it would become the world's biggest-selling puzzle. Today it looks the same, it works the same and it's still incredibly popular. So iconic did the puzzle become that it earned a place in New York's Museum of Modern Art, and its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary; not to mention worldwide sales exceeding 300 million copies. Rubik's Cube has featured in major movies, ad campaigns, generated huge sales of T-shirts and apparel, been used as an iconic image for lottery games and scratch cards and along with the brand's other 3D twisting puzzles still generates a huge amount of public interest, recognition and affection.


    119
    Take good care of animals in these new games for DS and Wii from Legacy Interactive.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17143

     Legacy Interactive recently announced that Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals for the DS and Pet Pals: Animal Doctor for the Wii are on their way to store shelves. Both games give players a taste of what it's like to be a veterinarian.      


    In Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals, players take on the role of a veterinarian who works at an urban zoo. Taking care of the zoo's many animals, like elephants and hippos, is aided by the use of the stylus. The game increases in difficulty and offers more advanced medical tools as players complete each of the thirty medical cases. There are also six mini-games which vary from brushing an animal's teeth to throwing fish into a penguin's mouth.    


    Pet Pals: Animal Doctor lets players step into the shoes of a veterinarian who must treat and care for pets for everything from sunburn to tumors. Using the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk, players can wield different medical tools to help cure the animals that are brought to their practice. As gamers progress through the thirty medical cases they can receive job promotions and unlock new features.    


    Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals and Pet Pals: Animal Doctor are available now for the suggested retail price of $29.99. Part of the money earned from sales of Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals will go to the African Wildlife Foundation.    


    LEGACY INTERACTIVE LAUNCHES ITS FIRST NINTENDO DS™ TITLE WITH ZOO VET: ENDANGERED ANIMALS    


    A Percentage From The Sale of Each Game Is Donated To The African Wildlife Foundation    


    LOS ANGELES, CA (November 4, 2008) – Legacy Interactive announced today the launch of their first game on Nintendo DS™, Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals, a breakthrough title for animal lovers and aspiring vets that will provide both children and adults with compelling educational experiences that emphasize learning through activity. In this new simulation game set in an urban zoo, players will quickly find out that being a zoo vet is an adventurous and exciting job as they do things like watch a baby flamingo take her first steps, amputate an orangutan's finger and they even get to stick their heads in a hippo's mouth! A portion of the game's proceeds will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation that provided fascinating conservation information used in the game.     In the game players assume the role of a newly employed veterinarian caring for a diverse group of animals, like gorillas, elephants, penguins, polar bears, komodo dragons and more. They will get to move around the zoo performing check-ups to treat the animals--some require treatment in their habitats, while others are transferred to the animal hospital for further care.    


    The game includes 30 newly written medical cases contributed by veterinarians practicing throughout the world, with two levels of difficulty. As players succeed in caring for the animals, the cases become increasingly difficult and they unlock more of the sophisticated medical tools players' need to progress through the levels to achieve the highest vet ranking. The game takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS capabilities allowing players to make precise incisions with the stylus during critical surgeries and also taking advantage of the dual screen capabilities, which allow users to see animal stats while they continue with their procedures.    


    Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals also includes six different mini-games, played on the office computer, where players interact with the animals in their natural habitats. For example, in one game you can use the microphone to blow on the animal's fur to check and remove their fleas, in another you can use the stylus to brush and clean the animal's teeth, and in another you use it to fling fish into a penguin's mouth. There are also jigsaw puzzles, trivia and memory games.     "We are proud to add Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals to our library of Zoo Vet titles and to be donating a portion of the sales from each game to the African Wildlife Foundation which is a worthy cause. This title is perfect for Nintendo DS and we are pleased that we chose this title as our first on the platform," stated Ariella Lehrer, President and CEO, Legacy Interactive. "Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals is easy to learn and fun for both casual gamers and animal lovers, an ideal game for the entire family."    


    Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals has an MSRP of $29.99 is rated E 10+ and is available at retailers nationwide. For more information on the game, visit legacygames.com.    


    About the African Wildlife Foundation    


    Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the leading conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF's programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa's people. Since its inception AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted partnerships with the private sector for ecotourism to benefit local African communities as a means to improve livelihoods, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation - all to ensure the survival of Africa's unparalleled wild life heritage. AWF is a non-profit organization headquartered in Kenya with offices in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Washington, DC, and Zambia and is a registered 501(3) in the United States. Visit www.awf.org to learn more about the work of the African Wildlife Foundation.
       


    LEGACY INTERACTIVE'S 'PET PALS: ANIMAL DOCTOR' FOR Wii™ SHIPS TO RETAIL TODAY    


    Holding the Wii Remote and Nunchuk Lets Players Operate Like a Real Vet    


    LOS ANGELES, CA (November 4, 2008) – Casual games developer and distributor Legacy Interactive today announced that their award-winning vet simulation game, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor, is now available for Wii™.    


    Pet Pals: Animal Doctor gives animal lovers and aspiring animal doctors the chance to assume the role of a veterinarian. The simulation videogame is comprised of 30 true-to-life medical cases where players treat multiple animal patients brought in for minor problems like sunburn, cuts and infections to more serious ailments like diabetes, tumors and snakebites.    


    Players heal over 30 animals, including a Saint Bernard, a Shetland pony, rabbits, turtles, hamsters, clown fish, and many more familiar and exotic breeds. The healing is done using an assortment of realistic medical tools that, for the first time, are available via the Wii Remote™, making it seem as if players are performing actual surgeries when they are holding the controller and Nunchuk™ in their hands.    


    The situations that the players encounter are incredibly interesting yet very realistic. For example serious conditions such as, a cat having a seizure or a German Sheppard with a bone tumor; and more out of the ordinary cases like a bullfrog with a sunburn. First, the players will listen to a short introduction from the owner about the animals' problem and then they choose which three questions are the more relevant to ask out of five possible questions. The players then have to decide a plan of action and pick the correct tools in order, out of more than 50, to best cure their animal patient.    


    Gamers also get to care for pets in recovery where they are responsible for the animals' health, grooming and food. In this area they can also play with the pets and provide some much needed TLC.    


    The game offers three different levels of play along with mini games, including puzzles and matching games, as well as a variety of interesting animal trivia. As the game progresses, players are rewarded with job promotions, awards, and new game features as it gives the player the feeling of actually being a vet in a practice.    


    "Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is great for pet-lovers, not only do they get to treat animals, but the players also learn helpful facts about pet diseases," Ariella Lehrer, President and CEO, Legacy Interactive. "This is our first foree onto this platform and players will get a game that is not only fun to play, but that also takes full advantage of Wii's unique capabilities."    


    Available at retailers nationwide, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is rated E 10+ and has an MSRP of $29.99. For more information visit legacygames.com.


    120
    TalkBack / Study for the SATs Using the DS
    « on: November 05, 2008, 06:27:31 PM »
    Kaplan has shipped their new SAT preparation title, futureU.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17139

     Aspyr Media and Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions have announced that their new DS game, futureU, has shipped to stores across the nation. The goal of futureU is to help prepare students for taking the SAT test.    


    The game features six different mini-games that are split into the categories of reading, writing, and math. There are hundreds of questions included which seek to improve a player's skills in a number of areas and topics like algebra, geometry, statistics, passive voice, tenses, idioms, vocabulary, pronouns, themes, and conjunctions. In addition, futureU tracks progress through the test preparation material.    


    Published by Aspyr Media, futureU is available in stores for the suggested retail price of 29.99.    


    Aspyr Media Ships New SAT Prep Video Game, futureU™, for Nintendo DS™    


    Interactive Test Prep Game Based on Study Material from Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions Designed for Studying While On The Go    


    AUSTIN, TX - November 5, 2008 - Aspyr Media, in collaboration with Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, announced today that futureU™, a first-of-its-kind SAT prep video game, has shipped to retail stores nationwide for Nintendo DS™. Following on the heels of the PC/Mac version of the same name, futureU represents a new medium for supplemental SAT prep by adapting test preparation material into a collection of fun interactive games.    


    Utilizing the touch screen capabilities of DS, futureU offers a complete interactive experience unlike any standard test taking method to date. Designed for studying at home or on the go, the game consists of six distinctive mini-games that are divided into three main categories - Math, Reading and Writing. Developed as a complement to traditional SAT study methods, the game is grounded in Kaplan curriculum and features hundreds of questions and track-able player progress.    


    futureU incorporates a wealth of in-game content that challenges and sharpens skills including:    


       
    • Reading: Focuses on refining players' reading skills, vocabulary, main idea identification, themes and arguments, technique, and recognizing word meanings based on context.  
    •  
    • Writing: Concentrates on improving players' writing skills by covering topics such as passive voice, run-on sentences, misplaced modifiers, parallelism, conjunctions, fragments, coordination and subordination, pronouns, subject-verb agreement, tenses, adverbs and adjectives, gerunds, idioms, wrong words, and double negatives.  
    •  
    • Math: Enable players to practice critical math areas such as algebra, geometry, data, statistics, probability, polynomials, and sequences.  
    •  
       


    futureU for Nintendo DS™ is rated "E" for Everyone by the ESRB and is available for an SRP of $29.99. For more information, please visit www.aspyr.com.    


    futureU is the latest supplementary test prep offering from Kaplan which adapts test preparation content into a medium relevant for today's teens. Last year, Kaplan launched SAT prep for iTunes® and a score-raising graphic novel series.    


    *SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board, which neither sponsors nor endorses this product.     *Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo.    


    About Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions    


    Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (www.kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books and software, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and college and graduate admissions consulting services.


    121
    TalkBack / Game Featuring Beatles Music in Development
    « on: November 05, 2008, 10:09:50 PM »
    The very first video game to features Beatles music will arrive next year from the creators of Rock Band.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17132

     MTV Games, Apple Corps, and Harmonix recently announced that they are working together to deliver a video game centered on Beatles music. Harmonix, the developers of Guitar Hero 1 & 2 and the Rock Band series, will be creating the game. Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon, and Olivia Harrison fully support the game.  Giles Martin--son of Sir George Martin, who produced most of the Beatles records--has signed on as Music Producer for the game. Variety reports that Harmonix will be able to include 45 Beatles songs from the years 1962-1969 when the band recorded at the label EMI.    


    The Untitled Beatles Music Game is slated to appear in 2009. It is not currently known what consoles the game will debut on.    


    The Beatles Inspire New Music Video Game; Apple Corps Ltd., MTV and Harmonix Come Together for Unprecedented Deal    


    NEW YORK, Oct 30, 2008 -- Exclusive Agreement Set to Bring The Beatles Music to Fans for the First Time in Interactive Form Here, There and Everywhere in 2009    


    The Beatles' extraordinary music and phenomenal legacy is set to rock across the universe in the form of a video game through an exclusive partnership between Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks.    


    This partnership marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. Published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world's premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band(R), the game will be an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles. The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.    


    "The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out," Sir Paul McCartney said.    


    "It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership," said Ringo Starr. "The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence."    


    "It's cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades," said Yoko Ono Lennon.    


    "People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate," said Olivia Harrison. "If you like the music, it doesn't take much persuasion to get you to play."    


    "Introducing the genius of The Beatles to a whole new generation of music lovers through original and inspired ways is extremely exciting to us at Apple Corps," stated Jeff Jones, CEO, Apple Corps. "We are truly pleased to be working with the innovative forces at MTV and Harmonix as they embody our mutual passions for music and creativity."    


    "Many of us have been part of a generation that has long enjoyed an enduring love affair with The Beatles and now we're looking to extend that love affair for future generations to enjoy," said Van Toffler. "Our inspiration for this project comes from a keen sense of history and a place of utmost reverence and respect for the band, their music and their heritage."    


    "The impact of The Beatles is forever ingrained in the hearts, minds and souls of millions the world over," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "The Beatles are the reason many of us are WHERE we are, and some of us are WHO we are."    


    "We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover the timeless music and art of The Beatles -- the most creatively and commercially successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band in the history of popular music," stated Paul DeGooyer, MTV's Senior Vice President of Electronic Games & Music.    


    "By presenting their music and artistry through the creative filter of a groundbreaking video game, we are giving legions of fans and music lovers all over the world a profound, new way to experience The Beatles," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix. "This game will be a celebration of the Beatles undeniable legacy."


    122
    TalkBack / Renegade Kid 'liked the challenge' of Developing for DS
    « on: November 05, 2008, 07:42:35 PM »
    Renegade Kid talks about Dementium: The Ward, their upcoming DS shooter Moon, and gives advice on entering the games industry.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17129

     In 2007, Jools Watsham and Gregg Hargrove formed the development studio Renegade Kid.  The developer first gained notice in the gaming community with their survivor horror title Dementium: The Ward. N-Europe recently had a chance to chat with Jools Watsham the Creative Director of Renegade Kid. In the interview, Watsham discussed Dementium: The Ward and their upcoming first-person shooter Moon.    


    Watsham revealed that developing a first-person shooter for the Nintendo DS was an "easy decision." He stated that the studio was always confident in the handheld's ability to deliver such a title and that the lack of survival horror and mature software on the platform would allow Dementium "to stand out a little from the crowded DS shelves."    


    When asked what measures his team took to deliver a frightening experience on such a tiny screen, Watsham responded, "it never occurred to us that we needed a large screen, surround sound, and all of that other fancy stuff to make something scary." Furthermore, Watsham explained that the team wanted players to question the safety of every nook and cranny of the game world. "Our hope is that you are always looking around not sure if something is going to jump out at you," said Watsham.    


    Renegade Kid's next game, Moon, takes place in the year 2058 when players must investigate the discovery of a hatch on the lunar surface. Watsham said that the game is divided into eighteen story episodes with an additional six hidden episodes. Watsham mentioned that the game will take about nine to twelve hours to complete, but that players will have the option of collecting all alien artifacts in the game as well as replaying missions they've already completed on a harder difficulty.    


    Asked whether Moon was influenced by the Metroid series, Watsham said, "we can't help but be influenced by such great games." He further cited Bioshock, Goldeneye, and Call of Duty 4 as other sources of inspiration.    


    In addition, Watsham detailed some of the game's unique weapons like the Muon Pistol, which packs a lot of power in a tiny form, and the Lepton Spread, which can destroy multiple targets with a single shot. He also described the LOLA buggy vehicle which allows players to travel on the moon's surface. Watsham explained that the team had a great deal of difficulty creating the LOLA buggy, but in the end, "it adds a lot to the overall experience of Moon."    


    Watsham confirmed that one of their upcoming projects deals with the vampire Count Dracula. He was not willing divulge what system the game was in development for or what genre it would belong to, but did say the game would be a single player experience. He also stated that Renegade Kid would like to continue developing titles for the DS.    


    Finally, Watsham also gave some advice to gamers wishing to enter the industry. "The video game industry needs people who are passionate about making great games," he pointed out.  He further said that studying 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, Maya, and learning level editors can help those who aspire to enter the industry.    


    Dementium: The Ward is currently available at North American retailers. Moon will be available at stores across North America on January 13th, 2009. Presently, Moon and Dementium: The Ward do not have European release dates.


    123
    TalkBack / Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff and Robocalypse Will Arrive in Stores Soon
    « on: November 03, 2008, 12:46:48 AM »
    The real-time strategy game Robocalypse and the football game Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff are heading to the DS later in November.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17114

     Tecmo recently announced that Robocalypse and Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff have gone gold and will be released on the DS later this month. Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff hopes to deliver an updated version of the classic arcade style gameplay that the gridiron series is known for. Set in the future, Robocalypse is a real-time strategy game that allows players to control all the action with the stylus.    


    Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff features 32 selectable teams, cut-scenes, stylus control, super abilities, and remixed songs from earlier games. Players have a variety of options to customize their football team and their playbook. The game also supports online and local wireless play.    


    In Robocalypse, players must defeat an evil robotic army with their own humanoid machines. The tide of a battle may be turned through the use of Heroes who have many special abilities, including turning enemies into refrigerators.  Spongebob Squarepants writer Jay Lender scripted the game's 17 mission campaign. Up to four players can participate in local wireless play.    


    Robocalypse and Tecmo Bowl: Kick Off will be available in stores on November 18th for the suggested retail price of $29.99.    


    ROBOCALYPSE™ and TECMO BOWL®: KICKOFF HAVE GONE GOLD    


    Robocalyptic Real-Time Strategy and Everyone's Favorite Football Game Hit Nintendo DS™ on November 18    


    TORRANCE, Calif., October 30, 2008 —Tecmo® announced today that ROBOCALYPSE and TECMO BOWL: KICKOFF, both Nintendo DS™ exclusive titles, have gone gold and will be shipping to retailers across North America on November 18th.    


    ROBOCALYPSE – Shipping November 18    


    Developed by Vogster Entertainment™, ROBOCALYPSE is an innovative real-time strategy game (RTS) that offers deep strategic warfare with a twist of humor. Players can compete head-to-head in wireless multiplayer matches with up to four people or lead an army to victory in the comical single player story mode campaign penned by Jay Lender (SpongeBob Squarepants™).    


    The title received IGN's Best of E3 2008 runner-up spot for Best Strategy Game for Nintendo DS.    


    Features:    


       
    • Robots with Attitude: Choose from over 10 different robot units with specialized skills and weapons all with their own distinct attitudes and personalities.  
    •  
    • Wacky Weapons: Over 20 groundbreaking weapon types with spectacular visual effects, including, Converter Cannons, Falling Anvils, Head-Crack'n Gauntlet and Digitizers.  
    •  
    • Total Stylus Control: Simplified controls and innovative Action Flag system reduces the complexity of commanding units. No buttons – just point and tap.  
    •  
    • Multiplayer Mayhem: 2 to 4 multiplayer local wireless DS multi-card play– Play head to head or co-op with unique maps and multiple play modes, then track your progress in the Hall of Fame.  
    •  
    • Heroes Win the War: Courageous Heroes embody powerful abilities and can be controlled directly in combat. Rampage Mode, Conversion (turn enemies into refrigerators) and Leadership (unite soldiers into a single fighting unit) are just a few of their supreme capabilities.  
    •  
    • Epic Storymode: A hilarious storyline by Jay Lender, a writer and director of the acclaimed cartoon series SpongeBob Squarepants™ and his writing partner Micah Wright, known for his writing contributions across multiple mediums. Military routines are accidentally installed into prototype robots, turning them into hunter killers. Disaster ensues and to save humanity, a new batch of robots is implanted with the brain scans of retired WWII vets, giving rise to an oil-swilling, brawling, robotic dirty dozen. Campaign includes 17 unique missions, hidden objectives and a robust reward system.  
    •  
       


    Pre-order your copy of ROBOCALYPSE today at GameStop (www.gamestop.com) and receive a custom DS skin! Robocalypse has been rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and will carry a suggested retail price of US $29.99. More information on the title including screenshots and a trailer can be found at www.robocalypse.com.    


    TECMO BOWL: KICKOFF- Shipping November 18    


    Based on the wildly popular Tecmo Super Bowl™, TECMO BOWL: KICKOFF adapts the old-school style and revitalizes it for a newer generation of gamers. The classic, over-the-top, all-American football game enables players of all levels to engage in a fun filled, fast paced, arcade style of football.    


    The title earned IGN's Best of E3 2008, Best Sports Game for Nintendo DS as well as a runner-up spot for 1UP's Best of E3, Best Nintendo DS Game.    


    Features:    


       
    • Customize your team: Choose your team colors, emblems, player names, team cities and abilities.
    •  
    • Wi-Fi and Wireless Multiplayer: Play against your friends across the country or across the room.  
    •  
    • Variety of teams: Choose from 32 different teams across the country.
    •  
    • Cut-scenes: All-new cut-scenes showing off the dramatic presentation of various plays.
    •  
    • Super Abilities: Tactical use of the abilities will devastate the opposition.
    •  
    • Stylus Control: Feel the action as you use the stylus to control your player.  
    •  
    • Customizable Playbook: Choose four running and four passing plays to your liking.  
    •  
    • Music and sound effects: Turn up the heat on your opponent as you play the game to rock 'n' roll remixes of the most memorable tunes in football gaming history!  
    •    


      Pre-order your copy of TECMO BOWL: KICKOFF today at GameStop (www.gamestop.com) and receive a TECMO BOWL t-shirt! TECMO BOWL: KICKOFF has been rated "E" (Everyone) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and will carry a suggested retail price of US $29.99. The Tecmo Bowl franchise website, including information on the upcoming title is available at www.tecmobowlgame.com.


    124
    TalkBack / NERF N-Strike is on Store Shelves
    « on: November 01, 2008, 02:23:18 PM »
    Using the included NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster peripheral, players can complete digital missions in the video game or shoot real darts at their buddies.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17108

     Electronic Arts recently announced that NERF N-Strike for Wii has hit store shelves nationwide. Players are encouraged to enter the secret NERF training facility with guns-a-blazing so that they can conquer the various missions and become the greatest NERF sharpshooter in the universe.    


    A diverse arsenal of NERF blasters, both popular retail models and fictional creations, can be used in the game. Choosing the correct blaster may be the difference between completing a mission successfully and getting berated by NPCs. Each mission has a different task the players must complete, such as destroying fast moving targets in a short time frame or operating a blaster with a long-range scope. Up to four players can engage in the NERF blaster action.    


    Every copy of NERF N-Strike comes bundled with the NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster. The blaster can be used as an accessory to play the game or as a classic NERF toy depending on what it's loaded with: a Wii Remote or a dart cartridge.    


    NERF N-Strike is rated E10+ by the ESRB and is available now for the suggested retail price of 59.99. Additional NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blasters can be purchased for the suggested retail price of $14.99.    


    EA Blasts Onto Wii With NERF "N-Strike" Unleashing Over-the-Top Action on the Digital Playground    


    NERF "N-Strike" Marks First 2-in-1 Video Game and Toy Bundle to Hit Retail    


    REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts, Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced the release of NERF "N-Strike"™ for the Wii™. The game, inspired by the globally popular franchise from Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS), features non-stop NERF-style pandemonium where players are faced with a series of challenging missions that put blasting strategies and skills to the ultimate test. NERF "N-Strike" also ships with a custom NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster, the first ever 2-in-1 video game and toy peripheral bundle to hit the market.    


    "EA and Hasbro are breaking new ground in the consumer space with the launch of NERF 'N-Strike'," said Chip Lange, General Manager and Vice President of EA Casual Entertainment. "NERF 'N-Strike' is the ultimate blend of each company's leadership and expertise in their respective industries – video games and toys – and has allowed us to deliver the first 'mom approved' kid-friendly blaster game for the Wii bundled with an official NERF blaster ratcheting up the mayhem on both the digital and asphalt playground."    


    The bundled NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster, which offers two ways to play, can be used in-game by snapping the Wii remote into the chamber or swapping in the dart cartridge to transform the blaster for classic NERF indoor and outdoor play.    


    "NERF 'N-Strike' truly showcases the power of the Hasbro-EA relationship in terms of innovation and integration," said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. "We're delivering a toy and video game industry first by bundling NERF 'N-Strike' with a custom NERF blaster that can be used for both traditional and digital play – a big win for consumers in terms of fun and value. EA has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the ultimate NERF battleground on the Wii platform delivering over-the-top action heightened by the in-game use of the NERF blaster."    


    NERF "N-Strike", which targets boys 10 and older, features more than 25 unlockable in-game blasters including digital replicas of popular real world NERF toy line blasters such as the Longshot CS-6 and Vulcan EBF-25 as well as never-before-seen fantasy blasters like the Crusher and Semper Fire created exclusively for the video game. As players enter the top-secret NERF training facility and begin to engage in the high-octane action, they quickly discover the importance of choosing the best blaster for the job as they pull down big victories or fall short and get taunted by in-game characters who have already achieved top blaster status.    


    NERF "N-Strike" gameplay progresses through various chambers, each featuring a series of missions and characters that must be overcome before moving to the next level. Example missions include "Dawn of Machines" which puts players behind the NERF blaster long-range scope and "Onslaught" which overloads the screen with moving targets that must be cleared as quickly as possible. NERF "N-Strike" offers multiplayer capabilities for up to four players to battle and determine who has what it takes to become the top Elite Striker.    


    NERF "N-Strike" for the Wii comes bundled with the NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster and has a MSRP of $59.99. For expanded multiplayer fun, additional SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blasters are available in retail toy aisles and can be purchased separately for $14.99. Both the video game and blaster are available now at stores nationwide and will ship internationally in 2009. NERF "N-Strike" is rated "Everyone 10+" by the ESRB. For more information, visit http://nerf.ea.com.


    125
    TalkBack / PBR Out of the Chute Now in Stores
    « on: November 01, 2008, 06:15:16 AM »
    PBR allows Wii players to experience the excitement of bull riding from the perspective of the rider or that of the bull.
     http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17106

     Crave Entertainment and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) recently announced that PRB Out of the Chute for Wii is on its way to stores. Thrust into the adrenaline filled world of bull riding, players can compete in the PBR season as popular riders like Justin McBride and Chris Shivers. Players can also create their own personalized character to play as. In a unique twist, they can even approach the game from a completely different perspective and play as the bull.    


    In the unlimited play modes, players will be challenged to hold on for dear life for over eight seconds while riding a bull, or use the same amount of time to knock a rider off their back. In Multiplayer Mode  players compete head to head as one player controls the bull and the other the bull rider.    


    PBR Out of the Chute is available now for $29.99 on the Wii.    


    PBR Out of the Chute Enters the Retail Arena    


    Crave Entertainment's Professional Bull Riding Game Ships to Retailers Across North America    


    Newport Beach, CA -- Oct 28, 2008 -- Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) in partnership with D2C Games, Inc. today announced that PBR Out of the Chute for Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system is shipping to retail stores across North America. Capturing all the adrenaline and challenge of the Toughest Sport on Dirt(tm), the game lets you play as a pro bull rider or as a bull in multiple events leading up to the World Finals.    


    "As the fastest growing sport in North America, PBR is the perfect fit for the video game world," says David Burchi, Sr. Vice President of Crave Entertainment / SVG. "We are thrilled to be bringing the high-octane thrills and excitement of the PBR to the living room with PBR Out of the Chute."    


    "A two ton bull is a lot less dangerous on Wii or PlayStation 2 than it is in a PBR arena, but Crave and D2C managed to capture the essence of the sport in this game", says Sean Gleason, COO of PBR. "We are extremely proud of PBR Out of the Chute and couldn't be happier about the relationship with such great game developers and publishers."    


    Players may create their own character and compete as a professional rider or a tenacious bull throughout 10 three-round events in multiple locations, including New York, Anaheim and Atlanta. Challenge the best or play as top riders, including Guilherme Marchi, Justin McBride, and Chris Shivers. Even compete as one of the tour's ferocious bulls! Unlimited play modes test players' skills in either staying on for at least eight seconds or bucking off the rider before his time is up. Season Mode features unlockable riders and bulls as players compete to become the best rider or bull through the nation touring PBR season ending with the Finals in Las Vegas. Multiplayer Mode allows players to compete against each other as rider vs. bull for ultimate battle of man vs. beast. Become part of the Millionaire's Club by beating some of the meanest, toughest bulls in the history of the PBR. Intuitive controls and multiple difficulty levels allow anyone to pick up and play, and realistic sounds from screaming crowds to bone-crunching falls max out the realism.    


    PBR Out of the Chute is now available for Wii™ at a suggested retail price of $29.99, and for PlayStation®2 system at a suggested retail price of $14.99.


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