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[Nintendo and Paon partner to bring another virtual aquarium to the WiiWare service.]

226

TalkBack / Paon Announces Aqua Living for WiiWare

« on: March 01, 2010, 12:38:00 PM »

Nintendo and Paon partner to bring another virtual aquarium to the WiiWare service.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22673

 My Aquarium is one of the best-selling WiiWare games to date and it’s rather surprising that other developers haven’t tried jumping on the bandwagon and releasing knock-offs of Hudson’s successful virtual aquarium program. All that’s about to change come next week as Nintendo and developer Paon have teamed up to release Aqua Living: The FIsh You Can Watch On Your TV.    

Scheduled for a release in Japan on March 2, Aqua Living is a virtual aquarium simulator in which you pick an aquarium and design it, right down to the fish and its layout.    

There’s also a decent amount of customization as well. Besides having a huge amount of control over your own aquarium, Aqua Living allows players to play the game from various angles. focus on particular fish, and add your Mii to your aquarium to swim around and interact with its surroundings. When using your Mii, you can even choose to feed your fish.    

Aqua Living is due out this Tuesday in Japan. No word on an international release has been planned, but due to the broad appeal of the game and Nintendo’s track record with localizing its WiiWare games, it would be rather surprising if it remained a Japanese exclusive.

[It's time to hit the trail and head for the beautiful state of Oregon.]

227

TalkBack / REVIEWS: The Oregon Trail

« on: February 25, 2010, 03:15:57 PM »

It's time to hit the trail and head for the beautiful state of Oregon.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22645

 Out of all the third-party developers to release games on the DSiWare service, Gameloft is unquestionably the biggest supporter of the service when it comes to both quantity and quality. Their latest title is certainly no exception as The Oregon Trail may just very well be the best title to come from the developer for Nintendo's handheld downloadable service.    

The Oregon Trail is often considered an educational title, and for good reason too; the game filled with historical information about many people's lives during the 19th century.  The Oregon Trail gets its name from a path that spread from the Missouri River to Oregon. It's a lengthy route that is filled with dangerous animals and events, and thankfully everything exciting about it carries over onto the handheld interpretation of the adventure.    

Your quest begins as you and your four other family members depart from the eastern side of America to the Pacific Northwest. The premise is simple: get to the other side of the country while keeping on schedule and maintaining a high level of health. You'll spend most of your time on the overworld screen in which you can observe your family and determine the rate at which you want to travel. Speeds run from a rapid run to a turtle's pace.    

And this is where the game starts to get exciting. If you decide to run fast, you'll deplete your food stocks a lot faster than you would if you take your time. On the other hand though, if you run fast you'll be able to stay ahead of schedule whereas you're more likely to fall behind if you move at a slower pace.    

Besides keeping an eye on your progress and your food stocks, which can be observed on the upper screen, you'll also want to keep observing your wagon's condition. A damaged wagon is more likely to cause problems for your family whereas a good quality one will make the ride a lot smoother. Your wagon will take small amounts of damage periodically on the way, but there are certain opportunities where it can take quite a hit, such as when you're giving the chance to travel around a rocky section or walk through it. By walking through it you're going to take a hefty amount of damage, but by avoiding it you'll keep your wagon in good condition and also lose a couple of days.    

The choices don't stop there either. Along the way you'll be given the chance to participate in some mini-games that will help you. There's a hunting mini-game that allows you to shoot a certain amount of prey within an allotted amount of time, while the berry-picking diversion requires you to tap fruit as it appears on screen. The mini-games aren't for everyone, but it's a good opportunity to try and restore some of your supply instead of having to buy it when you reach a town.    

The Oregon Trail is a great game, mainly due to the many decisions that gamers have to make along their journey to Oregon. Not only do you have to manage your time wisely but you also have to manage your resources. If your resources drop low enough, your family's health will go down with it, which can result in some of your family members dying.    

The overall design of The Oregon Trail is worth praising as it has a very cartoonish look to it. It isn't difficult to have fun with the game and the graphics certainly help enhance one's enjoyment as the style helps take realism away from the game, something you won't want to be feeling when one of your family members passes away.    

In case you weren't already aware, The Oregon Trail is a port of the iPhone/iPod Touch version, which means you're essentially getting the same experience for a couple of dollars more. On the bright side, the DSiWare version utilizes the camera, which allows you to take photos of yourself to publish in in-game newspapers.    

The Oregon Trail is a great premium-priced title on the DSiWare Store and stands out as one of the best titles on the service. Not only is the gameplay engaging and fun, but it's also educational. In short, The Oregon Trail is one game you're not going to want to miss, whether you like educational games or not.

Pros:
       

Engaging experience

 

Educational title disguised as an adventure game

       Cons:
       

Mini-games may not be everyone's cup of tea

               Graphics:  9.0
       The graphics have a nice cartoonish look that is very clean and polished.

               Sound:  7.0
       The game has typical western music that is a little repetitive at times.

               Control:  8.5
       The stylus control is great, especially in the mini-games.

                      Gameplay:  9.0
       The Oregon Trail gives players the opportunity to craft their own adventure due to all the decisions they make, and the core gameplay is  engaging and enjoyable.

 

       Lastability:  9.0
       The Oregon Trail is one of those games you can play through quite a few times thanks to the different decisions players make along the way. The addition of different difficulty levels further helps make replaying the game worthwhile.

 

       Final:  9.0
       The Oregon Trail is one of the best third-party efforts on the DSiWare service so far, and it is definitely worth investing it. If you're looking for a great adventure game, look no further than The Oregon Trail.      

[Trajectile is a repetitive but enjoyable action game from Q-Games.]

228

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Trajectile

« on: February 22, 2010, 03:52:56 PM »

Trajectile is a repetitive but enjoyable action game from Q-Games.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22605

 Since late last year, Q-Games has hopped onto the DSiWare bandwagon and released quite a few games. Already we've seen them take on the Art Style series with Art Style: Digidrive and head to the depth of outer space in Starship Defense. In their next title, Q-Games decided to take a trip down memory lane in a game that plays and feels very reminiscent to Arkanoid.    

Trajectile is a rather simple game in which the goal is destroy a set of targets that are mixed with blocks on the upper screen. Using the lower screen, players adjust the direction of a variety of missiles that can bounce off walls and smash, blast, or drill through targets and other blocks. Completing each stage is no easy feat either. Not only are players faced with the task of getting rid of blocks that surround targets, there are also multipliers scattered among some stages that can help boost your score.    

There is a lot of strategy in the game as well. Instead of just firing missiles at your own will, each level has a set amount of turns with different types of missiles at specific places each turn. There are only three different types of missiles: ones that bounce around the blocks, ones that drill through them, and bomb-like ones that explode the nearby area. It's nice to see different types of missiles included, but it does little to add variety to the gameplay.    

Still, Trajectile is a solid game. The game offers a large amount of stages in a variety of different categories, starting with the bronze class. There are 200 stages present in the game, which is quite a hefty amount and sure to be a delight to many gamers looking for a lengthy game.    

From a visual perspective, Trajectile has a very nostalgic look to it. It's certainly nice to see this design, but the stages all look a little generic. The only major difference between stage backgrounds is the background color, which can range from red to green to blue.    

Trajectile has quite a lot going for it, but it's ultimately flawed by a couple of minor problems. For one, the gameplay can be somewhat repetitive, as can the graphics. The hefty amount of stages is certainly nice, but it's useless when the game is repetitive. Still though, those who can adapt to that problem are sure to have a good time.    

Another minor complaint is that after successfully lining up your missiles to the direction you want them to fire, you have to keep it in place for a few seconds before releasing. When the grey projection turns white, you can lift up your stylus and see your missiles fly off. The problem with this is that you sometimes have to experiment a little before successfully finding the point where you want to fire. After finally finding it, it's a little difficult to keep it in place. Regardless though, this is only a small problem in an otherwise great game.    

After Starship Defense and Art Style: Digidrive, it was certainly nice to see Q-Games take a different approach with their latest game. While the repetitive nature of the game may discourage some players, those who stick to their guns are bound to find an enjoyable experience.

Pros:
       

Plenty of stages

 

Appealing retro look

       Cons:
       

Repetitive

 

Loose controls

               Graphics:  7.0
       The retro look of the game is pleasing, but can get somewhat repetitive.

               Sound:  7.0
       Some nostalgic tunes are present, but it is pretty forgettable and bland for the most part.

               Control:  8.0
       The stylus is pretty responsive for the most part, but can be a bit of a bother at certain points in the game, specifically when lining up shots.

                      Gameplay:  8.5
       Trajectile plays similarly to Arkanoid except levels are a lot shorter. Still, the core gameplay is decent and enjoyable.

 

       Lastability:  9.0
       There are 200 stages present, but due to them being pretty short and repetitive, it'll probably seem like a lot less.

 

       Final:  8.0
       There's no doubt about it that Trajectile is a great game, but it's flawed by its repetition. Those who manage to get past that will ultimately be rewarded with an enjoyable experience, but for everyone else, it'll be prove to be a little bit of a bore.      

[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has surpassed six million units on Wii and DS as the real life event rages on.]

229

TalkBack / Latest Mario & Sonic Game Sells More Than Six Million Units Worldwide

« on: February 18, 2010, 07:12:08 AM »

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has surpassed six million units on Wii and DS as the real life event rages on.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22587

 Sega announced thatMario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games have sold more than six million units worldwide across both the Wii and Nintendo DS since its launch in October 2009.    

With 2010 Olympic Winter Games underway, Sega has promised to support the two games with increased marketing activity. New television campaigns have been scheduled for North America and other major European territories for the month of February.      

"The start of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games is a perfect time to ensure Sega is at the forefront of the consumer's mind when it comes to recreating that Olympic Winter Games feeling in living rooms everywhere," said Mike Hayes, CEO for Sega America and Sega Europe. "Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is one of the leading third party games for Wii and DS and we were confident the title would have longevity within retail."        

Mario & Sonic CONTINUE TO SHARE WORLDWIDE SUCCESS    

Official Olympic Winter Video Game Hits 6 Million Units Worldwide!    

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (February 19th, 2010) – SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. are thrilled to announce that the Nintendo platform-exclusive game – Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games™ - has sold over 6 million units worldwide since its launch in October 2009 and is available for the Wii™ system and the Nintendo DS™ handheld system.      

With the Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony on February 12th marking the start of the Games themselves, SEGA has big plans to support the title across the globe with increased marketing activity.  New television campaigns for the game are planned for North America (running from February 1st to 28th) and other major European territories including France, Benelux, Austria and the Nordic countries.  As Olympic Winter Games fever hits, SEGA will also be participating in events celebrating the Games around the world in cities such as London, Washington DC and San Francisco.      

“The original Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games™ was a huge success for SEGA” commented Mike Hayes, CEO for SEGA America and SEGA Europe.  “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is one of the leading third party games for Wii and DS and we were confident the title would have longevity within retail.  The start of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games is a perfect time to ensure SEGA is at the forefront of the consumer’s mind when it comes to recreating that Olympic Winter Games feeling in living rooms everywhere.”    

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is available on Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ systems exclusively.

[Intelligent Systems have managed to craft another excellent puzzle game.]

230

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Link 'n' Launch

« on: February 18, 2010, 11:46:16 AM »

Intelligent Systems have managed to craft another excellent puzzle game.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22586

 Intelligent Systems have developed quite a few impressive games, ranging from the popular Paper Mario series to the strategic Fire Emblem franchise. Besides these big-name titles, the developers are also known for developing niche games such as Planet Puzzle League. Their latest game is the DSiWare game Link 'n' Launch, and it is a worthy addition.    

Link 'n' Launch is a rather simplistic game in which your goal is to launch a rocket to a destination at the end of a course. To do this, you must move tiles scattered across the touch screen into a certain position so fuel can travel from a fuel cell on the bottom screen to the rocket on the upper screen.    

Doing this is easier said than done, though. For one, these pieces can't simply be dragged into position. In order to line up the pieces, they must be rolled around the course. But they must always be rolling along another object, whether it is a piece of land or another tile. Each tile also has a different shape engraved in them that symbolizes how it energy can move through it, ranging from one direction to four. Upon successfully creating a path from the fuel cell to the rocket at the top of the screen, it'll take off and head to the next part of the stage where you’ll have to do the same thing again except with a different arrangement.    

Another strategic element of the game is that the rocket can move vertically straight or to the left or right depending on which of the rocket's thrusters you connect the energy cell to. The purpose of this is that you can have a different experience each time you try a level, as each area that your rocket heads to boasts a different puzzle. If you connect it to the middle one, it'll move straight, and if you connect it to the right and it'll head to the left and vice-versa for the left side. Be careful though, as there are boundaries on the side of the course, and if you direct your rocket out of the course, you'll have to restart the stage. The purpose of this is that you can have different experiences each time you try a level as each area that your rocket heads boasts a different puzzle.    

Besides trying to get your rocket to the finish as fast as possible, the option is also available to try and connect screws scattered across each area. These items are easy to distinguish from the pack and work very similar to an ordinary tile except if you make the energy move through it, you'll gain the screw. By collecting three of these golden screws, you can upgrade your ship, which will increase its energy efficiency.    

Link 'n' Launch is definitely not an easy game. Besides the constant stress of trying to connect the tiles in order to make a path to one of the rocket's thrusters, players are also faced with a three-minute time limit. To extend the amount of time you get, there are special objects scattered across each stage that will help increase your time limit by a little.    

There are two different modes that compose Link 'n' Launch. There's a mission mode in which you attempt to propel your ship to a destination planet. This is where players will spend the bulk of their time, but the game's challenge mode is also a nice diversion. Players are presented with the task of using all the tiles in an area to provide the ship with energy. There are quite a few stages here too, making this a very worthwhile addition to the game.    

Link 'n' Launch may not be the most innovative new title from Intelligent Systems, but it's still a blast to play. Gamers are getting a rather hefty game that has quite a bit of replay value. If you're looking for a fun new take on the puzzle genre, look no further than Link 'n' Launch.

Pros:
       

Two different modes with plenty of content

 

Accurate and responsive controls

 

High amount of replay value

       Cons:
       

No multiplayer mode

 

Can get repetitive

               Graphics:  7.0
       The art direction is pretty nice for the most part, but most of the levels look rather bland after awhile.

               Sound:  7.0
       The background music is decent but forgettable.

               Control:  8.5
       Using the stylus is a breeze and feels very natural.

                      Gameplay:  8.5
       Link 'n' Launch is a rather entertaining game, but the gameplay can become a little repetitive.

 

       Lastability:  8.5
       There are quite a few missions in the game's main mode and the addition of a challenge mode further expands the replay value of the game.

 

       Final:  8.5
       While Link 'n' Launch plays well, it would've been nice to see a little more variety in the gameplay. Regardless though, what gamers are investing in is a solid puzzle game that can prove to be quite entertaining.      

[Get ready to blast some ghosts in this great budget-priced game.]

231

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Spotto!

« on: February 17, 2010, 07:32:53 AM »

Get ready to blast some ghosts in this great budget-priced game.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=21178

 The DSiWare Shop has been overflowing with great content since the New Year rang in, ranging from the strategic Number Battle to the family-friendly Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever. Developers are turning things up a notch by releasing quality titles are a small price. While Nintendo's latest title is certainly at a low price, does it pack enough content and appeal to justify the price?    

Spotto is a very simple game at heart. In short, players play as the world's marvelous "Bombirdier" known as Spotto in his self-titled game. His goal is to defeat ghosts in order to rescue Chikkie Wowwow, President Wowwow's daughter.    

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Spotto is the way the game plays. Being a Bombirdier, Spotto must fire bombs at ghosts in order to defeat them. To do this, players must adjust his aim using the stylus. On the lower screen, to the left of Spotto, who remains stationary throughout the game, is a dial that can be turned to adjust his aim, which is outlined in red on both screens. Once Spotto's aim has been adjusted, he'll fire away with a click of a button, hoping to defeat some of the ghosts.    

It's a simple concept overall that is made difficult by the limited amount of bombs that players are presented with. At the beginning of each stage, players are given a mere five bombs to shoot down all the ghosts in an area, which can range anywhere from two to five. If the bomb successfully falls into the mouth of a ghost, it'll explode and that bomb will be added back to their supply. On the other hand though, if the bomb falls to meet contact with the ghost's inside, you will lose it.    

Further complicating the mix are the obstacles that pollute each stage. Everything from wardrobes to bookshelves lingers in the air, and they must be utilized in some cases to get the bomb to reach a ghost's mouth. Ghosts and obstacles sometimes move too, making the game more difficult.    

Thankfully, the game starts players off slowly turns up the difficulty level. After some courses, players will face a boss, which players the exact same as any other stage except it's a much larger enemy.    

In terms of content, Spotto packs 50 stages, each of which is highly entertaining. Though the graphics are somewhat repetitive over the majority of the game, the visual appeal and simplicity of the visuals adds a very unique feel to the game.    

Besides the main story mode, which should last a couple of hours, there's also a challenge mode in which players progress through a variety of stages with a limited supply of bombs. The intention is to see how many stages you can get through before your bomb supply depletes. It's a nice addition to the game, but players will probably be spending most of their time with the story mode.    

While Spotto is a simple game at heart, the amount of enjoyment one can have playing the game is unbelievable.  If you're looking for a simplistic game, look no further than Spotto. Not only does it boast hours upon hours of replay value, but it's also priced at a mere 200 points.

Pros:
       

Simple, easy-to-learn concept

 

Very stylized

 

Tons of replay value.

       Cons:
       

Some backgrounds look generic.

               Graphics:  9.0
       Spotto is a very stylized game, though some backgrounds are a little generic.

               Sound:  6.5
       The music is made up of simple pieces that are pretty forgettable, but the the minimal amount of voiceover when you select "yes, sir!" or "maybe later" is very cute and appealing.

               Control:  9.0
       Using the stylus to control the angle at which Spotto will throw his bombs works great and feels very natural.

                      Gameplay:  9.0
       Spotto is an easy game to get into and very difficult to put down. It is an addicting and enjoyable game that's bound to keep you occupied for quite some time.

 

       Lastability:  9.0
       There are 50 stages in the story mode, and the challenge mode adds even more content.

 

       Final:  9.0
       Spotto is a highly enjoyable budget-priced game that's difficult to put down once you get into it. The stylized graphics are very appealing and the game has practically unlimited replay value. When everything is said and done, this is one game you're not going to want to miss.      

[A long-lost DS game makes its way overseas thanks to the DSiWare service.]

232

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Number Battle

« on: February 15, 2010, 08:24:22 AM »

A long-lost DS game makes its way overseas thanks to the DSiWare service.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=21167

 It isn't difficult to tell that Number Battle is a niche game. Heavily based on Japanese culture, it would have made little sense for Nintendo to bring the game overseas for retail release back when it came out for the DS in 2007. Thanks to the availability of the DSiWare service, Nintendo has finally decided to bring Mitchell Corporation's fun and enjoyable puzzle game to North America.    

Number Battle is a new kind of board game that combines various classic games, such as Dominoes, with strategy. At the start of each match, each player is assigned five tiles with numbers inscribed on them. They then take turns placing them on a grid. The goal is simple: reach a certain score before your opponent does.    

This sounds like a straightforward goal, but victory doesn't happen by simply throwing random tiles on the board. In fact, Number Battle is likely one of the most strategic games on the DSiWare service. In each round, players take turns placing one of their tiles on the game board, while trying to predict what their opponent will do during their turn.    

To complicate things even further, tiles can have up to four "connectors." What this means is that they all have branching ends that can be connected to other tiles. In order to earn points, players will need to connect these ends while making sequences with their tiles, such as connecting two tiles with the same number inscribed on them, or lining up a series of consecutive numbers.    

Each player has their own unique color of tile, as well. Points can only be earned by connecting their own tiles without using any of their opponent's. Special rainbow tiles can also be used, but unlike player-specific colored tiles, anyone can take advantage of them.    

If you haven't already noticed by now, Number Battle is a little difficult to explain in words, so the addition of a tutorial is greatly appreciated (even if the instructions are a bit tedious to play through). Strategy plays a large role in the game, and as players progress through the story mode, more and more concepts are thrown into the mix, resulting in a steady learning curve.    

The single-player mode is a great way to get into the game and learn the basics of Number Battle, but players will unquestionably spend the majority of their time online playing with up to three other gamers. Number Battle is part of the "Express" line of games in Japan, and seeing as this downloadable version is the localized version of the Express edition, it was especially heart-warming to see online included, as many of the other games in the line have omitted it.    

Number Battle is steeped in Japanese culture. The aural and visual presentation has a very Japanese feel to it, bringing the game together and making Number Battle one of the most unique offerings on the DSiWare service.    

The level of enjoyment that gamers will get from Number Battles will be largely based on whether or not they can adapt to the game's strategic gameplay. While it can be a little frustrating at first, those who stick with it will find a very rewarding experience. Number Battle may be a niche title, but don’t let that discourage you from trying one of the most enjoyable games in the DSiWare Store.

Pros:
       

Gameplay is different and enjoyable

 

Presentation is unique and fitting

 

The addition of online play is quite welcome

 

The story mode is rather long for a downloadable game

 

The addition of a tutorial is great for newcomers

       Cons:
       

Rules can be a little difficult to learn

               Graphics:  8.5
       The entire game has a Japanese feel to it, but Number Battles just wouldn't be the same without its Japanese-style graphics.

               Sound:  8.0
       Players will need as much concentration as possible when playing, and Mitchell Corporation added some casual tunes with an Asian feel to them to soothe the mind.

               Control:  8.0
       Using the stylus to drag tiles onto the board works wonders, but rotating pieces into place can be a bit tricky.

                      Gameplay:  9.0
       While the rules are a little difficult to learn, Number Battles proves to be very enjoyable and compelling once players get into it.

 

       Lastability:  9.5
       Number Battles packs in a large amount of content. The main story mode is rather lengthy and online play is just icing on the cake.

 

       Final:  9.0
       Number Battles is a niche game that would have never made it overseas if it weren't for the DSiWare service. While it isn't for everyone, those searching for an addictive and strategic title should look no further.      

[Step on to the Wii Balance Board and you're bound to roll off the course frequently.]

233

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll

« on: February 15, 2010, 05:57:26 AM »

Step on to the Wii Balance Board and you're bound to roll off the course frequently.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=21163

 The Wii Balance Board has allowed some developers to expand upon their gaming franchises and explore new ideas that just wouldn’t be possible without Nintendo’s peripheral. Hudson and Ubisoft have both tried their hands on the device with Marble Saga: Koropina and Shaun White Snowboarding, respectively, but now it’s time for Sega to see what they can pull off with the Super Monkey Ball franchise.    

While the Super Monkey Ball brand has already visited the Wii with Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, Sega has decided to take everything one step further in Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll. Besides new levels and new mini-games, Step & Roll changes up the gameplay by allowing players to use the Wii Balance Board as an alternate control scheme to play.    

Like previous games, players are faced with the task of rolling a ball with a monkey imprisoned inside to a goal  on a   linear stage. It’s a fairly simple concept but can prove to be quite challenging as a timer is constantly ticking, and you’ll want to attempt and collect as many bananas as possible which are scattered across each stage.    

Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll can either be played in a traditional form, like in Banana Blitz, in which players use the Wii Remote to control the ball, or using the Wii Balance Board. Due to the not as accurate motion controls of the Wii Remote and the balancing controls of the Wii Balance Board, the courses are generally much wider than they would be in past Super Monkey Ball games.    

Even with that being said, Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll is certainly not easier. While the Wii Remote controls just as well as they did in Banana Blitz, the Wii Balance Board can be more frustrating than enjoyable. As players have seen in other games that utilize the accessory such as Marble Saga; Koropina, the amount of accuracy isn’t as good as using the Wii Remote, and with a game like Super Monkey Ball, you’re going to want accurate controls in order to win.    

Even in the earlier levels you’ll find yourself constantly falling off into an endless pit when using the Wii Balance Board. There’s no doubt about it that the Wii Balance Board is a much more accessible way for casual gamers to play the game, but it can result in some frustrating moments. The control scheme has a rather steep learning curve, but with some dedication and practice, can be mastered.    

Fortunately the Wii Remote is a much different story. Not only is this control method simple to use and precise, but it’s also the best way to play the game. Levels aren’t nearly as difficult when using this control scheme and the entire experience is just a whole lot more enjoyable.    

Besides the main mode, which consists of 100 hundred stages spread across 10 different themed worlds, there’s also a co-op mode which allows two players to team up and play through stages together. One player will control the ball while the other will destroy obstacles scattered across the course.    

There are also 11 new mini-games thrown into the game for good measure. Even though they’re a fun time waster at first for solo players, they quickly lose their shine and become a little dull. Unlike an actual mini-game collection, Step & Roll doesn’t have quite another appeal or flare to make them compelling, but by throwing in a few friends you’re guaranteed to have a blast with them.    

Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll retains much of the cute visual appeal of its predecessors, but it turns things up a notch. The entire game just feels a lot more vibrant this time around and it results in a very satisfying experience. It also runs at a smooth 60 frames per seconds like Banana Blitz, which is certainly nice to see.    

 Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll is a fun and enjoyable successor to the decent Banana Blitz, despite its issues with the Wii Balance Board. Some games sound like a perfect fit for the Wii Balance Board and Step & Roll was one of them, but the game lacks the polish and precision its Wii Balance Board control scheme needs. As a whole, the game plays much better with just the Wii Remote. Still, even with its problems, the entire package is pretty good overall.

Pros:
       

Multiplayer is fun and entertaining.

 

Single-player mode works well with the Wii Remote

       Cons:
       

Wii Balance Board doesn’t work all that well.

 

 

               Graphics:  7.5
       The game looks great and is very vibrant. Not a whole lot has been changed since Banana Blitz, but the game is definitely a lot more festive.

               Sound:  7.0
       While not as lively as past games, Step & Roll boasts some impressive and catchy tunes.

               Control:  7.0
       The Wii Remote works wonders, but the Wii Balance Board is a different scenario due to its lack of accuracy.

                      Gameplay:  8.0
       The single-player mode is enjoyable for the most part when using the Wii Remote, and the mini-games and co-op mode can be fun when played with others.

 

       Lastability:  8.0
       There are over 100 different stages to play by yourself and there’s quite a few mini-games to play with friends.

 

       Final:  7.5
       Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll is a great game that’s flawed by its frustrating Wii Balance Board control scheme. If you can get over that problem and you’re comfortable with using the Wii Remote by itself, you’re bound to have a blast playing the game.      

[Nintendo continues to see huge sales in North America in the new year.]

234

TalkBack / Nintendo Continues to Dominate the Sales Charts

« on: February 11, 2010, 11:18:24 AM »

Nintendo continues to see huge sales in North America in the new year.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21150

 January is generally considered a slow month in terms of sales, but Nintendo has once again managed to prove that they can continue to see huge numbers even in the new year.    

In an unsurprising turn of events, New Super Mario Bros. Wii continues its run in the top spot for another month, while titles such as Wii Fit Plus, Mario Kart Wii, and Wii Sports Resort continue to show off their great legs.      

Nintendo isn’t the only developer seeing big sales on Wii. Ubisoft launched Just Dance in December, and it has already turned out to be a surprise hit. Last month the game managed to crack the top 20, but this month it breaks into the top 10 with sales just short of 200,000 units.    

On the hardware front, Wii continues to be the top seller with the Nintendo DS following closely behind, with sales of 465.8k and 422.2k, respectively.      

The hardware sales for the month were as follows:    

1.  Wii 465.8K
   

2.  Nintendo DS 422.2K
   

3.  Xbox 360 332.8K
   

4.  PlayStation 3 276.9K
   

5.  PSP 100.1K
   

6.  PlayStation 2 41.6K
  The top 10 broke down as follows:   1.  New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii, Nintendo of America) Nov-09 656.7K
   

2.  Mass Effect 2 (360, Electronic Arts) Jan-10 572.1K
   

3.  Wii Fit Plus w/Balance Board (Wii, Nintendo of America) Oct-09 555.7K
   

4.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (360, Activision Blizzard) Nov-09 326.7K
   

5.  Mario Kart w/Wheel (Wii, Nintendo of America) Apr-08 310.9K
   

6.  Wii Sports Resort w/Wii MotionPlus (Wii, Nintendo of America) Jul-09
297.6K    

7.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3, Activision Blizzard) Nov-09 259.0K
   

8.  Army of Two: The 40th Day (360, Electronic Arts) Jan-10 246.5K
   

9.  Just Dance (Wii, Ubisoft) Nov-09 191.9K
   

10.  Darksiders (360, THQ) Jan-10 171.2k

[Nintendo and Q-Games deliver a unique take on the tower defense genre.]

235

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Starship Defense

« on: February 11, 2010, 08:27:08 AM »

Nintendo and Q-Games deliver a unique take on the tower defense genre.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=21149

 The DSiWare service has allowed developers to experiment with new ideas without having to take a huge loss. Nintendo and Q-Games have already shown us that they can create great games with the recently released Art Style: Digidrive and now they're ready to bring us into the depths of space with Starship Defense, a game that puts a unique twist on the tower defense genre.    

The main goal in Starship Defense is to protect your starship fleet from increasingly difficult waves of enemies. In order to reach this goal, you'll use a special form of energy to equip your starships with various weapons that will attack incoming invaders. Each weapon consumes a different amount of your energy supply, but by defeating the incoming enemies you can gain energy that then can be used to build either more weapons or demolish pre-existing ones.    

There is a lot of strategy to this game. At the beginning of each level you're given a limited amount of energy, barely enough to build two or three weapons. The key to winning is to build turrets that can destroy the enemies in the first wave, and then use their energy to build weapons to take care of the next wave. If by chance the enemies manage to sneak past your weapons, then they'll launch an attack on your fleet and you'll be damaged.    

On a happier note, there are a wide variety of power-ups to help you gain the upper hand. Every now and again, special items will drift down from the upper screen where the enemies are displayed. By tapping on the item, you'll take advantage of its powers, such as restoring your shield's energy. Other power-ups can be discovered by defeating enemies, such as stat-boosting power-ups that will increase the capabilities of your weapons.    

In all, Starship Defense boasts 30 stages filled with enemies just waiting to be blasted. The game has a steadily increasing difficulty level that will keep players entertained rather than frustrated. But if it just so happens that they're having trouble with a particular stage, they can use an S.O.S. card they they've obtained by finishing past levels to help change the flow of the battle. Be warned though, these cards require crystals that can only be obtained by defeating waves of enemies or by sacrificing 200 points of energy. As the game progresses, it doesn't take long to tell that crystals are a key item to victory.    

The game also rewards players for defeating every enemy in a stage without using an S.O.S. card. This starts off as a rather simple task as the beginning stages are rather slow-paced, but things quickly become difficult. It's not that the stages as a whole are harder, it's just that the size of enemy waves increase and it's difficult to manage both sides of your starship fleet.    

Starship Defense has a very futuristic look to it as the majority of the game is presented in white with some bright colors thrown in for emphasis. The clean, polished look of the game leaves little to be desired, and the same can be said about the audio. The minimal amount of audio present fits the game and certainly helps build on the futuristic atmosphere of the game.    

Starship Defense isn't a game for everyone, but for those looking for a unique take on the tower defense genre, the game won’t disappoint. The thrill of protecting your starship fleet is highly entertaining, and the gentle learning curve makes it even better. Starship Defense stands out as one of the most enjoyable on the DSiWare store.

Pros:
       

Gameplay is fresh and appealing.

 

Graphics add a futuristic atmosphere to the game.

 

30 fun and progressive levels.

       Cons:
       

Visual style is a little bland.

               Graphics:  8.0
       Clean and polished graphics create a very futuristic atmosphere.

               Sound:  7.0
       The minimal amount of audio present fits the game and helps build on the overall atmosphere, but it's all forgettable.

               Control:  9.5
       Managing your starship fleets and navigating menus with the stylus works wonderfully.

                      Gameplay:  9.5
       Starship Defense proves that the tower defense genre is far from growing stale. Not only is it a fresh and enjoyable take on the genre, it also offers plenty of room to expand on if there is a sequel.

 

       Lastability:  9.0
       30 stages may seem like a small amount, but thanks to the medals awarded for destroying all the enemies in the stage without using an S.O.S. card, players will find themselves defending their starship fleet for quite some time.

 

       Final:  9.0
       Q-Games and Nintendo have partnered to bring gamers one of the most enjoyable tower defense games in quite some time. It's pretty hard to resist the temptation of blasting through wave after after wave of enemies in 30 action-packed stages.      

[The identities of two recent Pokemon silhouettes have been revealed.]

236

TalkBack / New 5th Generation Pokemon Revealed

« on: February 10, 2010, 01:32:53 PM »

The identities of two recent Pokemon silhouettes have been revealed.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21141

 With the next era of Pokemon games being released in Japan later this year, it shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise that new Pokemon are starting to be revealed. Pokemon Sunday revealed a silhouette of the first fifth-generation Pokemon over the weekend, saying that its identity would be announced on February 21st.    

That didn’t stop CoroCoro magazine from announcing the Pokemon early, though. According to the magazine, the silhouette is of a new Pokemon named Zoroark.  Zoroark plays a vital role in the upcoming Pokemon movie, scheduled for a summer release in Japan.    

Zoroark is described as being a “Monster Fox Pokemon”, with the ability to stand on all four legs or its hind legs. Besides this new Pokemon, CoroCoro revealed its pre-evolution, Zoroua, which is the “Evil Fox Pokemon.”

[Sunsoft is bringing Blaster Master: Overdrive to WiiWare next Monday.]

237

TalkBack / Blaster Master Sequel Headed to WiiWare

« on: February 06, 2010, 06:51:17 AM »

Sunsoft is bringing Blaster Master: Overdrive to WiiWare next Monday.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21128

 The game, a sequel to Blaster Master, which was released on Virtual Console last year, is an action-shooting game that takes place after Earth has been infected by a virus. Players jump into the shoes of the biologist Alex and travel around the planet in S.O.P.H.I.A., a powerful four-wheel vehicle, in hopes of ridding the land of the animals that have been consumed by the virus.    

It will retain the original gameplay of the NES classic, alternating between side-scrolling and overhead sections. Each area features a mutant boss that impedes Alex's progress.    

Blaster Master: Overdrive will be available on the North American Wii Shop Channel on February 8, carrying a price tag of 1,000 Wii Points ($10).    

BLASTER MASTER™ OVERDRIVE HEADED TO WIIWARE    

Redding, CA –  February 6, 2010 – SUNSOFT, a division of SUNCORPORATION  (JASDAQ: 6736), has today announced that BLASTER MASTER™:OVERDRIVE will be available in North America on February 8th for WiiWare.    

BLASTER MASTER™:OVERDRIVE is an action-shooting game that takes place on  an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide infected by the virus have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex. And, even more coincidentally, he happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists - specializing in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation.      

Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception.  He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just may have a chance.    

Gameplay in BLASTER MASTER™:OVERDRIVE retains the critically acclaimed format of the original NES BLASTER MASTER™, alternating between side-scrolling platforming in S.O.P.H.I.A. and overhead-perspective blasting and exploration when controlling Alex. Upgrades for S.O.P.H.I.A. must be collected to access progressively more challenging terrain and a total of eight distinct areas. Each area features a mutant boss that must be defeated to progress.    

The sublime blend of side-scrolling shooting/platforming mixed with overhead perspective action/shooting areas is just as addictive now as it was in the original game.  The game is rated E10 for Mild Fantasy Violence and can be purchased from the Wii Store online for 1000 Wii points beginning February 8th, 2010.    

As with the BLASTER MASTER NES Virtual Console release, fans are encouraged to improve their skills completing this game so they can compete and win in a coming promotion that will test their skill for collectible prizes.

[Follow-up to Ace Attorney re-release coming earlier than expected.]

238

TalkBack / Justice For All Releasing Early on WiiWare

« on: February 05, 2010, 11:41:39 AM »

Follow-up to Ace Attorney re-release coming earlier than expected.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21125

 While originally scheduled for a March 2010 release, Capcom has announced that the WiiWare follow-up to the original Phoenix Wright has been moved up to a February 15, 2010 release in North America.    

Priced at 1,000 Wii Points, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All is a remake of the original that was released on the Nintendo DS in 2007. Promising a similar experience to last month’s re-release of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, players can pick up their Wii Remotes and head to the courtroom to correctly solve a variety of suspense-filled, mind boggling cases.

[Nintendo recently announced a follow-up to Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, and it's coming sooner than you think.]

239

TalkBack / New Pokemon Title Hitting Japan This Year

« on: February 03, 2010, 08:34:24 AM »

Nintendo recently announced a follow-up to Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, and it's coming sooner than you think.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21097

 Never before have two different generations of mainline Pokemon titles hit the same platform, but that’s all about to change. Nintendo announced late last week that a new installment in the franchise will hit the Nintendo DS in Japan before the end of 2010.    

This new Pokemon title will build upon elements introduced in the Diamond & Pearl generation, and turn everything else up a notch. Typical additions such as new Pokemon to catch and battle, new areas to explore, and new gym leaders are all but guaranteed, but Nintendo also promises new gameplay elements and additional online and touch screen functionality that Nintendo thinks "will be an explosive hit".    

Additional details have yet to be released, but we’ll keep it on our radar as this is one game that no one will want to miss.    

Due to technical difficulties, this news was a little late getting to press.  Be sure to check out the existing topic in the NWR Forums!

[More than just a bite-sized version of Nintendogs?]

240

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever

« on: February 02, 2010, 03:38:59 PM »

More than just a bite-sized version of Nintendogs?
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=20894

 Pet simulators are nothing new on the Nintendo DS. After the success of Nintendo’s Nintendogs, developers such as Ubisoft started joining the fray, releasing games such as Catz and Dogz.    

Joining the bandwagon this time, though, is Gameloft. Released exclusively on the Nintendo DSiWare service, Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever is Gameloft’s attempt at bringing the popular kid-friendly genre to Nintendo’s portable download service.    

Like any other pet simulator where you take care of dogs, Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever allows players to raise their pet in a small village full of parks and scenery. Due to the size limits of DSiWare, you won’t find as much content and variety here as you would find in a stand-alone release, but the amount of content packed into the game more than justifies the premium price.    

One particular area that is particularly lacking compared to retail games is that players are limited to selecting one of three breeds of dogs: Labradors, ChowChows, and Beagles. Due to this limitation, players may not be able to fully connect with their puppy like they would in Nintendogs as the experience isn’t as refined as Nintendo’s own creation, but for the audience this is aimed at, it shouldn’t make too much of an impact on their adventure.    

After successfully registering your new dog and registering yourself as the owner using the DSi’s camera, players can then begin their day-to-day life of raising it. Like real dogs, players will be faced with tasks such as feeding, washing, playing, learning tricks and competing in competitions like obedience contests, just like one would do with Nintendogs.  Again though, due to the size restrictions on DSiWare titles, these everyday tasks aren’t as fleshed out as they would be in Nintendo’s own pet simulator, but what’s present here proves to be more than entertaining.    

 Borrowing a page from Nintendogs , Me and My Dogs allows players to raise their dogs to participate in competitions. By heading on over to the playground and getting some one-on-one time with your dog, players can teach their dogs all sorts of neat treats, ranging from sitting to running, all of which are done by using the touch screen of the Nintendo DSi.    

Another element of the game that adds to the overall atmosphere   of the game is the visuals. As a whole, the game feels very entertaining and has a very relaxed feel to it, due mostly to the cute visual style. In the end, it was almost unbelievable to see how much the graphics added to the experience of the game. The cuteness and appeal really add a very relaxing feel to the game, despite being a little generic.    

Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever is one of the more enjoyable titles from Gameloft on the DSiWare service. The thrill of raising a virtual pet will make some young gamers scream with envy, and for good reason, too. Compared to Nintendogs, Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever is a steal seeing as the game is only a quarter of Nintendo’s own creation. The lack of a fourth pet or the visual style may make some gamers a little turned off from the game, but don’t be fooled - Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever is a great piece of software and a bargain  . If you enjoy pet simulators, don’t hesitate in giving it a try.

Pros:
       

Gameplay is simple and easy to understand

 

Option to raise up to three puppies.

 

Visual style is very appealing.

 

Use of the DSi’s capabilities, such as the DSi camera.

       Cons:
       

Not a lot of unlockables.

 

Doesn’t have quite as much replay value as Nintendogs  

               Graphics:  7.5
       While a little generic at times, the graphics help establish a positive atmosphere and mood within players.

               Sound:  6.0
       Music is largely forgettable, but it does suit the audience that the game is catered towards.

               Control:  8.0
       Controlling your puppy with the stylus works well and feels very natural.

                      Gameplay:  7.5
       While the game doesn’t have quite as much variety overall as Nintendogs, there are quite a few places where you can go, such as beaches and your backyard.

 

       Lastability:  8.0
       The amount of content present is fairly large considering that the game is only $8. If you’re into pet simulators, the game could keep you hooked for quite some time.

 

       Final:  7.5
       Me and My Dogs: Friends Forever is a good attempt at bringing a pet simulator to the DSiWare service. While not quite as  well developed as Nintendogs, the game is entertaining and packs enough charm to appeal to almost any audience.      

[Square Enix’s latest Dragon Quest remake garners initial sales far beyond previous titles.]

241

TalkBack / Dragon Quest VI Debuts Big in Japan

« on: February 02, 2010, 07:34:43 AM »

Square Enix’s latest Dragon Quest remake garners initial sales far beyond previous titles.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20892

 Square Enix shifted 909,981copies of Dragon Quest VI in its first four days on the market, making it the best-selling Dragon Quest remake on the Nintendo DS in Japan. For comparison, Dragon Quest IV started out with first-week sales of approximately 602,000, while Dragon Quest V debuted with sales of 679,000.    

One possible explanation as to why Dragon Quest VI debuted so strongly is that it hasn’t been remade on any other platform prior to being released this past week. Regardless, Dragon Quest VI will be the best-selling video game in Japan for the week ending January 31, dethroning long-time champion New Super Mario Bros. Wii on the Media Create charts.

[Nintendo's plumber is back on top.]

242

TalkBack / New Super Mario Bros. Wii Reclaims Sales Throne in Japan

« on: January 29, 2010, 04:31:20 PM »

Nintendo's plumber is back on top.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20855

 New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a monster. Not only is the game the fastest-selling Wii title in Japan, but it’s managed to keep quite a few high-profile games off the top spot of the sales charts. Through the eight weeks that it’s been available, it has reigned supreme on five different occasions, preventing some big-name games like The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Tomodachi Collection from reaching the summit.      

This week, New Super Mario Bros. Wii beat out Valkyria Chronicles 2 for the number one position on the Media Create charts.  Wii Fit Plus shifted down one spot to sixth, with Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles trailing it at seventh. Wii Sports Resort rounds out the Nintendo portion of the list, holding strong at ninth.    

Outside the top 10, things are pretty quiet. Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver continues to flirt with the top 10 for another week, while Wii Sports rocketed from 47 to 26. Evergreen titles such as Wii Play, Mario Kart Wii, PokePark Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and New Super Mario Bros. continue to perform well, while others key first-party titles, such as Last Window and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, continue their descent.    

Here’s the full top 50 for the week ending January 24th:    

  Media Create - Jan. 18-24, 2010    

01. / 02. [WII] New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo) - 110.918 / 3.117.087 (-20%)
   

02. / 00. [PSP] Valkyria Chronicles 2 (Sega) - 94.444 / NEW
   

03. / 00. [PSP] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Battle of Aces (Namco Bandai) - 76.088 / NEW
   

04. / 01. [PSP] Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (Square Enix) - 59.566 / 682.933 (-66%)
   

05. / 04. [NDS] Friend Collection (Nintendo) - 45.002 / 2.696.047 (-18%)
   

06. / 05. [WII] Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo) - 33.640 / 1.550.162 (-21%)
   

07. / 03. [WII] Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Capcom) - 23.245 / 96.049 (-68%)
   

08. / 13. [PSP] Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP the Best Reprint) (Capcom) - 16.117 / 102.000
   

09. / 09. [WII] Wii Sports Resort (Nintendo) - 15.753 / 1.707.000 (-29%)
   

10. / 10. [NDS] Inazuma Eleven 2: Threat of the Invaders - Fire / Blizzard (Level 5) - 13.951 / 1.047.000 (-32%)
   

11. / 11. [NDS] Pokemon Heart Gold / Soul Silver (Pokemon Co.)
   

12. / 08. [NDS] The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo)
   

13. / 06. [PSP] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai)
   

14. / 00. [PSP] Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires (Koei)
   

15. / 16. [NDS] New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo)
   

16. / 07. [NDS] Last Window: Mayonaka no Yakusoku (Nintendo)
   

17. / 15. [WII] Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo)
   

18. / 14. [PSP] Phantasy Star Portable 2 (Sega)
   

19. / 17. [PS3] Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Square Enix)
   

20. / 22. [WII] PokePark Wii: Picachu's Great Adventure (Pokemon Co.)
   

21. / 21. [PSP] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010 (Konami)
   

22. / 18. [WII] Taiko Drum Master Wii 2 (Namco Bandai)
   

23. / 23. [WII] Momotaro Railway 2010: Sengoku Ishin no Hero Daishuugou! no Maki (Hudson)
   

24. / 24. [NDS] Professor Layton and the Flute of Malevolent Destiny (Level 5)
   

25. / 12. [PS3] Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix)
   

26. / 47. [WII] Wii Sports (Nintendo)
   

27. / 19. [PSP] Kentoushi: Gladiator Begins (Acquire)
   

28. / 29. [PS3] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010 (Konami)
   

29. / 20. [PS3] Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising (Codemasters)
   

30. / 27. [WII] Samurai Warriors 3 (Koei)
   

31. / 38. [PS3] Yakuza 3 (PlayStation 3 the Best) (Sega)
   

32. / 28. [PSP] Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam Vs. Gundam Next Plus (Namco Bandai)
   

33. / 36. [PS3] Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Legendary Hits) (Activision)
   

34. / 00. [NDS] Stitch! DS Rhythm and Ohana Adventure (Disney Interactive)
   

35. / 25. [PS3] Batman: Arkham Asylum (Square Enix)
   

36. / 40. [WII] Karaoke Joysound Wii DX (Hudson)
   

37. / 30. [NDS] Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo)
   

38. / 31. [NDS] Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (Square Enix)
   

39. / 34. [NDS] Pen 1 Grand Prix: A Penguin's Trouble Special (Konami)
   

40. / 50. [WII] Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo)
   

41. / 00. [WII] Wii Play (Nintendo)
   

42. / 37. [PS2] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010 (Konami)
   

43. / 35. [NDS] Powerful Pro-Kun Pocket 12 (Konami)
   

44. / 32. [NDS] Mario Kart DS (Nintendo)
   

45. / 39. [PSP] Naruto: Shippuden Narutimate Accelerator 3 (Namco Bandai)
   

46. / 43. [PS3] Assassin's Creed II (Ubisoft)
   

47. / 00. [PS3] Grand Theft Auto IV (PlayStation 3 the Best) (Capcom)
   

48. / 46. [NDS] Metal Fight Beyblade: Bakutan Cyber Pegasus (Hudson)
   

49. / 49. [NDS] Love Plus (Konami)
   

50. / 41. [PSP] Queen's Blade: Spiral Chaos (Namco Bandai)
   

00. / 00. [ALL] Weekly Software Sales (All Publishers) - 961.643 / 6.347.777 (-20%)
   

Games in Top 50, by Platform    

NDS - 15
 WII - 13
 PSP - 12
 PS3 - 9
 PS2 - 1
 360 - 0
   

Hardware continued to drop this week as we leave the holiday season. PSP reigned supreme for another week, thanks largely in part to Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, while the Nintendo DS and Wii both remain neck-and-neck for the runner-up spot. Next week should see the Nintendo DS take the top spot thanks to Dragon Quest VI, and the PS3 should see a small rise due to some new RPGs being released this week.    

Hardware    

PSP - 54.682 (PSP - 52.909, PSPgo - 1.773)
 NDS - 49.398 (DSi - 20.373, DSiLL - 24.059, DSL - 4.966)
 Wii - 45.167
 PS3 - 26.966
 360 - 3.344
 PS2 - 2.088

[Square Enix brings another installment of the Dragon Quest spin-off series to the DS.]

243

TalkBack / Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 Announced

« on: January 29, 2010, 08:12:30 AM »

Square Enix brings another installment of the Dragon Quest spin-off series to the DS.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20854

 It’s undeniable that Square Enix has struck a gold mine on the Nintendo DS with the Dragon Quest series in Japan. Remakes of both Dragon Quest IV and V and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker have both managed to cross the million sales mark in the region, along with the four-times platinum Dragon Quest XI.    

A scan from Jump has spilled the beans on Square Enix’s next Dragon Quest title. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 will expand on its predecessor by increasing the amount of content, including over 300 monsters to scout out. Online play will still be present in the sequel, but players will be allowed to fight other monster teams directly rather than having to use the data download system from the previous game.    

Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 hits Japan later this year. An overseas release has not been announced at this time.

[Upcoming slate of games includes an unannounced title, as well as a release window for a highly-anticipated one.]

244

TalkBack / Nintendo Reveals Japanese Wii Release Schedule

« on: January 29, 2010, 11:54:23 AM »

Upcoming slate of games includes an unannounced title, as well as a release window for a highly-anticipated one.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20852

 As part of its recent financial report, Nintendo has provided its upcoming Japanese release schedule.  The Wii games listed are:    

 
• The Legend of Zelda (Wii, TBA)
 
• Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii, 2010)
 
• Metroid Other M (Wii, Summer 2010)
 
• Xenoblade (Wii, Spring 2010)
 
• The Last Story (Wii, 2010)
 
• Span Smasher (Wii, TBA)
 
• Hoshi no Kirby (Wii, TBA)
 
• Kensakusu (Wii, TBA)
 
• Line Attack Heroes (Wii, TBA)
 
• Start With 100 Words: English Conversation (Wii, TBA)

   

Most notable is the summer release window for Metroid: Other M, the first confirmation of when the Team Ninja-developed action game will be launched in any territory.    

Xenoblade is the new name for Monolith Soft's Monado: Beginning of the World, while The Last Story is a new title from Mistwalker. Cosmic Walker appears to have fallen off the list released last October.    

Thanks to BlackNMild2K1 for the news tip!

[The Nintendo and Monster Games racer is finally coming to the PAL regions.]

245

TalkBack / Excitebike Races Onto European WiiWare

« on: January 29, 2010, 01:31:20 AM »

The Nintendo and Monster Games racer is finally coming to the PAL regions.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20845

 While North American Wii owners have been enjoying Excitebike: World Rally for several months now, Europeans have been anxiously awaiting the day when they could join in on all the fun. That day is rapidly approaching as World Rally is hitting the European WiiWare service  as Excitebike: World Challenge on February 5.    

Drawing on the retro appeal of the NES original, this newest Excitebike installment features 9 different locations, 16 different tracks, Wi-Fi play, and a track editor.  It was developed by Monster Games, creators of Excite Truck and last year's Excitebots: Trick Racing.    

Excitebike: World Rally was originally released in North America on November 9, 2009.    

EXCITEBIKE WORLD CHALLENGE BRINGS ENGINE-REVVING, STUNT-DRIVING FUN TO WiiWARE    

28th January 2010 – Pull a wheelie, face daredevil jumps and go up against other crazy racers in the newest instalment of the legendary Excitebike series, available to download only from WiiWare next week!    

In Excitebike World Challenge, you will race your way to glory through 9 exotic locations worldwide, and compete with friends using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection as you choose from multiple camera angles and tilt your way to smooth landings, all with the precision of the Wii Remote. An intuitive Track Editor also allows you to choose from all available obstacles and put together your dream course, then share courses with friends to see whose creation skills reign supreme.    

Drive your motorbike through an obstacle course and attempt to reach the finish line in the shortest amount of time. Each of the 16 different tracks has a finish time goal that you must beat in order to unlock additional feature of the game, ranging from the next set of tracks to new bike colours.    

The first Excitebike game debuted in Japan in 1984. Since then, the series has built up a loyal fan base who love the thrill of the high octane action. This latest instalment for WiiWare returns to the series roots by remodelling the original classic.    

Devilish multiplayer tactics add to the fun. The terrain-altering effects introduced in Excite Truck, on Wii allow you to create ramps to give you a shortcut over an obstacle, or hills to confuse rival drivers around you, for example. In terms of action, Excitebike World Challenge will be as exciting for newcomers to the series as for fans of the previous games.    

See why this game became a legend more than twenty years ago and experience it updated for 2010, when Excitebike World Challenge becomes available to download on WiiWare on Friday 5th February for 1000 Wii Points.    

As the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop are continually updated with exciting and refreshing games and applications, make sure you keep checking the Nintendo Channel, Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop for all the latest news and releases on already available and upcoming Virtual Console, WiiWare and Nintendo DSiWare titles.    

Be sure to also check out Nintendo of Europe's WiiWare portal, which functions as the main hub for the latest WiiWare news and game sites, while at the same time providing the perfect entry point for newcomers to the service. Weekly and all-time Top 10 lists show which WiiWare titles the UK's Club Nintendo members are currently downloading most, and which are the most popular of all time.    

The portal also provides step-by-step tutorials explaining how to connect the Wii console to the Internet and how to download WiiWare games, as well as a video showing how to use Nintendo Points. Visit www.wiiware.co.uk for all the details. Downloaded games can be saved to Wii's internal memory or SD card and added to the console's Wii Menu or SD Card Menu for anytime easy access.    

Besides Excitebike: World Challenge hitting WiiWare next Friday, European gamers can also enjoy Eco Shooter: Plant 530, which is releasing tomorrow.

[Is PokéPark Wii another quick Pokémon cash-in?]

246

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Pokepark Wii

« on: January 26, 2010, 07:00:21 PM »

Is PokéPark Wii another quick Pokémon cash-in?
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=20837

 It's not every day that a quality Pokémon spin-off for a home console comes along. So when Poképark Wii: Pikachu's Great Adventure came along, many people were expecting a low-quality cash-in from Nintendo. Surprisingly, Creatures Inc. has managed to take the Pokémon license and put it to good use in what is most likely the best home console Pokémon spin-off since Pokémon Puzzle League.    

PokéPark Wii is far from your typical Pokémon game. In fact, it plays more like the poorly received Pokémon Channel released for the Nintendo GameCube back in 2003. In PokéPark Wii, players play as Pikachu as he falls into a mysterious world filled with surprises and Pokémon. He discovers a vibrant park filled with challenges waiting to be solved. The game plays similarly to an action-adventure game, but instead of embarking on a quest to save the land, Pikachu helps the Pokémon in each of the park's different locales. For example, one of the quests has Pikachu helping the beaver-like Bidoof and its evolved form, Bibarel, build a dam at the base of a waterfall. By playing as Pikachu, players will navigate the park searching for crates with wood inside of them. By breaking the crate and carrying the wood back to Bidoof and Bibarel, they'll be one step closer to having their home built. Of course, a handful of wood certainly isn't enough to build an entire dam, so Pikachu must repeat this process several times before it's finally built. While it may sound a little dull on paper, it's actually pretty enjoyable for the most part, as long as you're willing to understand that it isn't supposed to be difficult.    

The entire game isn't centered around tasks like that, though. In addition to helping Pokémon build attractions, Pikachu can also try out some of them. In Bulbasaur's Foot Race, Pikachu must compete in a standard sprinting race with six other Pokémon. The race is controlled by shaking the Wii Remote, and while it may appear a little gimmicky, it's actually more fun than you would expect.    

Another attraction that proves to be enjoyable is Gyrados' Marine Slide. As you'd expect, this is basically the same thing as Bulbasaur's Foot Race, but set in the water rather than on the ground. By pressing the 2 button to accelerate, and using the Wii Remote's motion control to steer, Pikachu must race through the attraction as fast as he can, avoiding obstacles and passing through gates along the way.    

   Those two attractions are just two of the many featured in PokéPark Wii. Some other notable attractions include Empoleon's Snow Slide, Venusaur's Rope Swinging, Tangrowth's Swing Race, and many others. While some of them share the same basic concept, each has its own unique spin on things, resulting in a very enjoyable experience.    

Besides playing as Pikachu in these races, additional Pokémon can be added to your roster by completing special side quests, referred to as Trials of Strength. One of these tests is hide-and-seek in which you must search for a certain Pokémon in specific areas. Some of the Pokémon hide in obvious spots while others hide behind objects. In the end though, it all proves to be entertaining.    

Battling is what the Pokémon franchise is primarily known for, but instead of turn-based battles like on the handhelds, another one of PokéPark Wii's Trials of Strength has Pikachu battling his opponents in real time. Within 99 seconds, Pikachu must deplete his opponent's health bar while making sure he doesn't get knocked out. You can choose from short and long-range attacks, as well as type-based moves, which work the same way as they do in the handheld games. For example, that means your thunderbolt won't work on ground-type Pokémon.    

While those are the two primary Trials of Strength, there are a couple of others, such as Tag Races, Quizzes, and Jumping Challenges. As with the attractions, all of these play decently for the most part, but become a little dull after awhile.    

In the middle of all these different locales is the hub world, which acts as a base for Pikachu. Here he can socialize with some Pokémon that will provide services to him, such as Electabuzz, who will power up Pikachu's thunderbolt attack for him. After adventuring through certain areas and completing certain objectives, more Pokémon will start to appear here and provide additional services to you.    

One thing that should probably be mentioned is that PokéPark Wii doesn't include every Pokémon. In fact, it doesn't even come close to containing half of the 493 available. Out of the approximately 190 Pokémon available, 14 of those are legendaries that can be unlocked by mastering certain events. Still, with that being said, the character models that are present are miles better than those of the WiiWare Pokémon games.    

Another notable thing about PokéPark Wii is the presence of a password system to unlock special items and make certain Pokémon appear. Most of the items that appear are rather iconic to Pikachu, such as his balloons and his surfboard, but it was somewhat surprising and enjoyable to see these make an appearance.    

When everything is said and done, PokéPark Wii is the most visually impressive Pokémon title to date, as well as the best-playing spin-off Pokémon game on a home console to date. While it isn't difficult to tell that the game is aimed primarily at younger audiences, people of all ages can enjoy what the game has to offer. While the game hasn't been confirmed to be released overseas yet, due to the nature of the series, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise if the game hits sometimes before the year closes. For now though, Pokémon fanatics will have to sit tight and wait for Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver to hit this March.

[Nintendo and Genius Sonority team up to bring a wide variety of novels to the Nintendo DS.]

247

TalkBack / Nintendo to Publish Digital Romance Novels in Japan

« on: January 22, 2010, 08:17:20 AM »

Nintendo and Genius Sonority team up to bring a wide variety of novels to the Nintendo DS.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20823

 In the past, whenever Genius Sonority had partnered with Nintendo, the games were usually about Pokémon. While they did develop the well-received 100 Classic Book Collection for the Nintendo DS, their efforts with Nintendo have been somewhat limited to the Pokémon franchise.    

Their latest title though, scheduled for release in Japan late next month, is a collection of digital romance novels from the Harlequin Series. Entitled Love Stories for Adults: DS Harlequin Selection, the game contains 33 novels, including five of which have never been released in Japan. The titles span quite a few genres as well, including Passion, Tender, Suspense, and Historical.    

Besides reading, the program also includes a character relation chart which is developed as readers progress through the stories. In addition to this, font sizes can be adjusted for people with poor vision, and the ability to look through a glossary to find definitions for key terms and names is present.    

The collection is priced at ¥3,800.

[Zangeki no Reginleiv is the first game to get this special treatment.]

248

TalkBack / Nintendo Color-Codes Mature Game Boxes in Japan

« on: January 22, 2010, 02:54:09 AM »

Zangeki no Reginleiv is the first game to get this special treatment.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20822

 Starting next month, all games published in Japan by Nintendo that receive a rating of CERO C or above will hit retailers in a special black box designed to warn parents of the mature nature of the title.    

The first game to receive this special treatment will be Zangeki no Reginleiv, which is slated for a mid-February release.  Reginleiv is also the first Wii game in Japan to receive a retail demo that gamers in the region can rent for free.    

These special black boxes are currently only being used by Nintendo of Japan, and there's no word on whether or not Nintendo of America will apply a similar approach to their mature titles.

[Seven games, including Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Arc Rise Fantasia, will kick it off in late February.]

249

TalkBack / Nintendo Starts Wii Greatest Hits Line in Japan

« on: January 21, 2010, 05:33:28 PM »

Seven games, including Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Arc Rise Fantasia, will kick it off in late February.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20817

 Starting late next month, Nintendo will kick off their new budget line of Wii titles in Japan. Called the Minna no Osusume Selection, which roughly translates to "Everyone's Recommendation Selection," the line will focus on rereleasing quality third-party software at budget prices.    

In order to qualify for this branding, a game must have reached either bronze, silver, gold, or platinum status on the Nintendo Channel. In other words, gamers get to decide which games can qualify for this line. According to Nintendo, there are already 75 games that qualify for this line, but they have decided to kick it off with the following titles:    

 
• 428 (Sega, Platinum)
 
• Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Marvelous, Gold)
 
• Arc Rise Fantasia (Marvelous, Silver)
 
• We Ski & Snowboard (Namco Bandai, Silver)
 
• One Piece Unlimited Cruise Episode 1 (Namco Bandai, Silver)
 
• Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World (Namco Bandai, Bronze)
 
• Dragon Ball Z Sparking! Meteor (Namco Bandai, Bronze)
 

   

Each of these games will cost ¥2,800 ($31) and will be available on February 25. There has been no word on whether or not the brand will introduce any more titles, or if Nintendo of America will start a similar line.    

Be sure to check out the thread for this story in our forums!

[Is it worth getting excited over a remake of a 25 year-old game?]

250

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Excitebike World Rally

« on: November 10, 2009, 06:06:04 AM »

Is it worth getting excited over a remake of a 25 year-old game?
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=20286

 The original Excitebike has always been held close to the heart’s of gamers who grew up during the Nintendo Entertainment System era, and for good reason, too. Not only was the game revolutionary for its time, but it was also one of the first titles available for the NES. By combining intuitive controls with a great idea, Nintendo hit a home run with the title, as reflected in its sales.    

Excitebike: World Rally is essentially a recreation of the beloved NES gem that many gamers have fond memories of. While the game has been stripped of its vintage look, Monster Games has managed to maintain the feeling and vibe of the original, and it shouldn’t take long to figure out that Excitebike is still just as fun 25 years later.                For those who have not experienced the original, Excitebike is, at heart, a single-player time-trial arcade racer. The main goal in each race is to attempt to cross the finish line in the shortest amount of time possible, while at the same time avoiding other racers and obstacles that pollute each track.    

Your bike has two speeds: fast and very fast. Most people are probably going to end up using the latter option the most, it does have some consequences seeing as it heats up your bike's engine, and once the temperature reaches a certain point, your bike will lose a tremendous amount of speed. While there are places on the tracks that will allow your engine to cool off, you'll probably want to stick with the normal pace if you want to get a good time.    

Each track is composed of four lanes, all of which have a variety of obstacles, ranging from a typical mud pile to a hill that you can jump off. By successfully making a jump, players can then angle their bike while airborne so that it hits the ground in the right position and get a temporary speed boost.    

The Wii iteration of the Excitebike series takes players on a trek across the globe, many of which they may have visited if they have experienced a past Excite title on Wii. This time around, tracks can be found in exotic locations such as the Canadian Rockies, the United States, and even Japan. Each area has several different tracks, similar to what Monster Games did with Excite Truck and Excitebots. Also making a return are trophy races, in which players must compete in a series of tracks and earn a set rank or higher in order to move on.    

Another welcome addition is the different control schemes that Monster Games have included. Not only is a classic control scheme present for gamers who enjoy playing their NES games in that manner, but there’s also a motion-based scheme available for players who want a more intuitive experience. Both control schemes work fine, but it would've been nice to see some others implemented as well.    

Since the game has been translated into 3D this time around, players can now adjust the camera to the liking, whether it a side-scrolling view as in the original or a more angled view to get a better idea of what’s ahead. It was certainly nice for the developers to go an extra mile and try and make this a game that both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike could enjoy.    

One of the most compelling features of Excitebike: World Rally is the ability to head online and engage in multiplayer races with both friends and random players. The online mode is set up much in the vein of Excitebots in which up-to-four players can compete in a group and the winner earns points that will unlock additional content in the game.    

Another feature that has been heavily hyped this time around is the new track editior that allows players to create their own tracks to race on. The track editor is easy to use and navigate and it certainly adds a fair amount of replay value to the game. Tracks can be saved this time around, and perhaps even more delightful is the ability to send them to friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.       Excitebike: World Rally is certainly worthy of bearing the Excite name, even if it isn’t a new entry in the series. Veterans of the series will find plenty to love here and newcomers will easily be able to jump in on all the action. The game not only goes above and beyond my expectations, but probably most other gamers as well. Don't hesitate in downloading the game as you are sure to find hours upon hours of high-speed fun.

Pros:
       

Online racing.

 

In-depth track editor.

 

Some new gameplay mechanics thrown in for good measure.

       Cons:
       

Might not have enough new content for some.

               Graphics:  7.5
       While it borrows a page from Excitebots, it would've been nice to see a little more variety among the tracks.

               Sound:  7.5
       Some new musical tracks have been remixed this time around, and some new ones have been thrown in for good measure.

               Control:  7.5
       There are two control schemes to choose from, both of which work fine.

                      Gameplay:  8.0
       The core mechanics from the original are still present, but new ones have been added to make the game feel more modern.

 

       Lastability:  9.0
       Thanks to the track editor and the ability to race online, Excitebike: World Rally will keep you playing for hours upon hours.

 

       Final:  8.0
       Excitebike: World Rally is a worthy addition to the WiiWare library and one well worth investing in.