Topics

[Jump for joy with online versions of Metroid and Tetris on your Nintendo DS.]

201

TalkBack / Nintendo Wi-Fi Recieves Two New Titles

« on: March 20, 2006, 09:57:22 AM »

Jump for joy with online versions of Metroid and Tetris on your Nintendo DS.

Metroid Prime Hunters and Tetris DS Begin a New Era of Competition    

Nintendo's Wireless Gaming Service Sets a New Standard    

REDMOND, Wash., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Nintendo's wireless gaming service welcomes two incredible new games that will raise the level of competition to dramatic new levels.  Metroid(R) Prime Hunters is Nintendo's first real first-person shooter for Nintendo DS(TM), while Tetris(R) DS features classic puzzle action remixed with retro Nintendo themes.  Both games launch today, and both are playable on Nintendo(R) Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service.  Together they reinforce Nintendo's commitment to making games that appeal to both hard-core and casual gamers.    

"These two games really showcase the range of abilities of the world's favorite new portable game system," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "They will further help drive Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection as the hottest Wi-Fi format ever introduced to games."    

In Metroid Prime Hunters, the legendary Metroid franchise continues with new hunters, new abilities, new weapons and new alternate forms.  With worldwide Wi-Fi connectivity, there's always a band of hunters eager to challenge a player's skills.  Metroid Prime Hunters is also the first Nintendo DS game to offer real-time voice chat, letting players talk to one another before and after they face off in a multiplayer match.  The chat technology functions much like a two-way radio and lets players intimidate opponents with some friendly trash talk.  With this free service, players who have exchanged their Nintendo DS friend codes can converse through Nintendo DS across the Americas.  Players must be logged on to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to use the chat feature.    

Metroid Prime Hunters lets players battle in more than 20 action-packed arenas across seven multiplayer modes, including Battle, Capture, Bounty, Survival, Defender and Nodes, as well as the exciting Prime Hunter mode, where players battle to become the most powerful hunter in the arena.  New hunters join the Metroid universe, including Trace, Sylux, Noxus, Spire, Kanden and Weavel, all battling against Samus in both single-player and multiplayer games. Each new hunter has a unique background, fighting style and individual alt forms to match up against Samus' Morphball.    

Not to be outdone, Tetris DS includes six modes, each based on a theme from a famous Nintendo character or game.  The classic block-building game finds new ways to entertain.  Some of the modes make use of the Nintendo DS touch screen.  Newcomers and longtime fans alike will find new surprises. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, up to four players compete in two- or four-player battles against friends or strangers.  And with just one game card, up to 10 players can clash using DS Download Play.    

The wildly popular Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection recently reached an all-time gaming record of more than 1 million unique users worldwide in less than four months.  That represents more than 29 million game-play sessions.  In November 2005, Nintendo of America's agreement with Wayport brought free wireless access to users at participating McDonald's restaurants in the United States. Since that union, players have connected at almost 6,000 McDonald's locations across the country.    

Metroid Prime Hunters is Rated T for Teen and Tetris DS is Rated E for Everyone.  To learn more about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or the extensive online stat tracking, log onto www.nintendowifi.com.  For more information about Tetris DS, visit www.TetrisDS.com.  And for more information and videos of the bounty hunters in action, visit www.metroidhunters.com.

[Recent reports have led us to believe that Capcom’s lawyer adventure is boosting its availability. Is it the truth? Updated yet again with availability and pricing info!]

202

TalkBack / RUMORS: Phoenix Wright Gets Appeal?

« on: March 12, 2006, 05:04:10 PM »

Recent reports have led us to believe that Capcom’s lawyer adventure is boosting its availability. Is it the truth? Updated yet again with availability and pricing info!

If you’ve had trouble buying a copy of Phoenix Wright, Capcom’s fantastic lawyer game on the DS, lately, you’re not the only one. Much to the chagrin of potential buyers, the game’s been out of stock with retailers for some time, due to low production numbers in the United States. There seemed to be some hope, however, when reports of a new shipment were confirmed. And soon, too, with a projected date of tomorrow. Oh yes, it would seem that gamers the country over would finally be able to experience this Triple-A game. It was a nice happy ending…    

HOLD IT    

PGC was as excited as anyone when we heard such reports, and so we went right to the source, hoping to make sure the claim was true. According to Capcom, though, the game is not sold out nationwide, so there is a chance your local store still has a copy from the original shipments.  But the company is finally starting to acknowledge the widespread shortages, saying that more units are on the way.  Here's the official statement from Capcom:    

"Based on demand we are shipping more units.  Consumers interested in purchasing a copy should check with their store."    

As of this writing, even Capcom's official game store is still sold out.  But it seems that supplies are on their way:    

"From our end, we can verify that units have been shipped and at the same price as we originally shipped them.  On the retail side, we can't control what they price the product at."    

It seems, then, that the distributor supplying NCS is simply marking up the game's price due to the high demand.  Normally priced copies should be entering the marketplace soon, so there is no reason to pay more than the suggested retail price of $30 USD.    

So what can you do if your local retailer doesn’t have a copy yet? You'll have to keep on asking your nearest outlet to order more copies. Until they arrive, though, practice those "OBJECTIONS!"

203

TalkBack / Louie's Goodbye

« on: March 12, 2006, 03:26:30 PM »

We're all gonna miss Louie here at Planet GameCube. He's been with us through a lot. Send him your love here.

Louie's Goodbye

204

NWR Forums Discord / Mock The Person Above You Mercilessly

« on: March 10, 2006, 10:53:50 AM »

It's the only way to keep tension down. NERD!

205

NWR Forums Discord / I found a possum in my garbage can...

« on: February 28, 2006, 04:26:20 PM »

The outside garbage can, of course. It looked at me with the face of a thousand demons and then went back to eating what was left of that week's trash. I thought about getting it out, but I was too impressed by the fact that, not only was the garbage can still up, the top was still on. Honestly, if he wants it that bad, I commend him for his effort.

I almost feel like I should buy the little guy a beer.

[Crossbeam Studios Entertainment is on board the Revolution train with at least two games.]

206

TalkBack / Indie Studio Developing Rev Games

« on: February 25, 2006, 07:46:45 AM »

Crossbeam Studios Entertainment is on board the Revolution train with at least two games.

Nintendo's platforms haven't always been the first choice for smaller, independent developers, but this may soon be changing with the Revolution. Most recently, Crossbeam Studios Entertainment updated their About page to include that they're working on three new projects on various platforms, "most notable, Nintendo Revolution." Two games that have info so far, Orb and Thorn, seem to be action/adventure games with dark, moody themes.    

The last game, Darkness, has not yet been expanded upon with info, and contains no platform confirmation. Check out The aforementioned games and the rest of Crossbeam Studios Entertainment here. Stay tuned to PGC as more info becomes available.    

A big thanks goes to Mario from the forums for tipping us off.

[Geist 2? Whatever they are, they're Rev-bound.]

207

TalkBack / n-Space Working on Revolution Titles

« on: February 21, 2006, 03:04:56 PM »

Geist 2? Whatever they are, they're Rev-bound.

In a recent article in The Orlando Sentinel, the publication notes that n-Space is expanding its territory by 7,000 square feet, no doubt to accomodate their search for new employees, also mentioned in the article. The real news here, though, is that this is all due to n-Space working on new titles; Revolution titles.    

Details are scarce on what kind of games they'll be - let's just hope the next one doesn't take three years to release.

208

NWR Forums Discord / Webcomics

« on: February 20, 2006, 01:39:09 PM »

I've been in rookie webcomic teams a couple times (although neither of them got to the net, even though the second one had around eight strips finished), and I always find it funny that the biggest argument you'll ever have has nothing to do with what art style you're going to use, whether or not you'll have story arcs, etc. It's the name. And man, my webcomics had some bad first-idea names. Here are a few examples:

Warez Waldo

ROMmates

I Think She Gave Me Pixelitus

Go After Monday, Energetic Robot! (G.A.M.E.R., get it? Oh, god... )

The final names were eventually Console Wars and High-Rez. The former lost its artist in pre-production and the second comic disbanded from inner conflict. I'd do my own but my art is crap; I mostly write. Anyway, feel free to pitch nonsense webcomic ideas here and make fun of the examples above.

209

NWR Forums Discord / Onimous Prime

« on: February 18, 2006, 09:51:41 AM »

Do you know where I can purchase fuel for my rocket? I'm heading for dark regions unknown.  

[An interview with Opera's Scott Hedrick clears up some of the mystery behind the DS's web capabilities.]

210

TalkBack / New Details on DS Browser

« on: February 16, 2006, 10:39:25 AM »

An interview with Opera's Scott Hedrick clears up some of the mystery behind the DS's web capabilities.

With recent news that Opera is developing a DS-based web browser, many have been wondering the specifics of the deal, specifically how advanced it was going to be. Luckily, Armchair Empire recently interviewed Scott Hedrick and found out a few new details.    

When asked about the browser's safety, Hedrick responded that "On the specialized OS in the DS, Opera should be even more protected from malicious code intended for desktop browsers." Unfortunately, he wasn't able to comment on whether or not it would be hitting North American shores, saying that it would be up to Nintendo but "Opera would like to see this browser solution for DS available to people everywhere." One of the last question dealt with the browser's actual power, to which Hedrick said the following:    

The version of Opera we have been working with Nintendo on for the DS can surf the full Internet, but the initial version does not include Flash support.    

Read the whole interview at Armchair Empire.

211

NWR Forums Discord / Newsbot is a Whore

« on: February 13, 2006, 12:55:59 PM »

I friggin' hate that guy. How about you?

212

General Chat / Damn Inflation...

« on: February 09, 2006, 12:47:10 PM »

I just ordered a pizza from Dominos. One medium cheese and an order of Cinnastix. With tip, it's $19. Can you believe that? Nearly 20 bucks for something that shouldn't be more than $15. I remember when you'd get a deal like that for $12.99, and I'm 17. I still got it, 'cause I'm really hungry, but damn, that inflation is just annoying.

Oh, I guess you can talk about inflation-related troubles of your own here.

213

TalkBack / REVIEW: Drill Dozer

« on: February 08, 2006, 01:23:51 PM »

Talk about the most fantabulous GBA game to hit us in a while here:

http://planetgamecube.com/reviews.cfm?action=profile&id=750

214

NWR Forums Discord / IWATATON Episode II: Attack of the PWNS

« on: February 07, 2006, 10:58:52 AM »

http://planetgamecube.com/news.cfm?action=item&id=6762

Let the festivities begin!

[Nintendo's President returns for another keynote address.]

215

TalkBack / Iwata to Speak at GDC Again

« on: February 07, 2006, 10:53:52 AM »

Nintendo's President returns for another keynote address.

Nintendo Head to Shed Light on the Design Opportunities Presented by  Nintendo's Video Game Systems    

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic game developer and president of  Nintendo Co., Ltd. Satoru Iwata returns for the second consecutive year to  deliver the keynote address of the 2006 Game Developers Conference (GDC).  GDC, the world's largest event exclusively devoted to the art of game  creation, will take place at the San Jose Convention Center Monday through  Friday, March 20-24.    

In his keynote, entitled "Disrupting Development," Iwata will inspire  developers to take risks and mine the depths of their imaginations to create  innovative games regardless of the size of teams or budgets. He will point  to the Nintendo DS(TM) "brain-training" games and Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection  to prove it is still possible to succeed at engaging new players and  surprising existing players. Iwata will also share his thoughts on the role  Nintendo's video game systems will play in expanding the market and widening  the possibilities for developers.    

"We are extremely honored to feature an experienced platform leader such as  Satoru Iwata as a keynote speaker," said Jamil Moledina, director, Game  Developers Conference. "As Nintendo reinvents the scope of what games can  be, it is ever more crucial to share their creative and market-growing  philosophies with the other leaders of the game creation industry."    

Born in 1959 in the Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan, Iwata studied at and  graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology University, where he  majored in computer science. Shortly after graduating, Iwata joined HAL  Laboratory, Inc. and in 1983 began coordinating the software production and  development of Nintendo titles, such as the Kirby series. By 1993, he had  become president of that company. In 2000, Iwata moved to Nintendo Co., Ltd.  as the head of the Corporate Planning division, where he was responsible for  Nintendo's global corporate planning. In 2002, he was named president of  Nintendo Co., Ltd. where he continues to guide development of games with the  passion of a game creator.    

Satoru Iwata's keynote, "Disrupting Development," is scheduled for Thursday,  March 23, from 10:30 to 11:30am.    

The GDC is the largest and most important professional development event for  the games industry. The conference will feature more than 300 lectures and  workshops designed to provide inspiration and build skills. The annual event  offers an independent forum for developers from around the world to set the  agenda for the next stage of interactive tools.    

The GDC will take place March 20-24 at the San Jose Convention Center. To  secure early rate pricing, be sure to register by February 15. Learn more at  www.gdconf.com.

[Thumper gets his mac on.]

216

TalkBack / Rabbits Rub To Retail

« on: February 07, 2006, 10:27:48 AM »

Thumper gets his mac on.

SEGA’S QUIRKY LOVE COMEDY 'THE RUB RABBITS!' SPRINGS INTO STORES    

SAN FRANCISCO (February 7, 2006) – SEGA® of America, Inc. today  announced the release of The Rub Rabbits!™ exclusively for the  Nintendo DS™ system. The Rub Rabbits! delivers an all new “rub comedy”  adventure that leverages the unique touch-screen and voice recognition  interface on the DS hardware by delivering quirky original music,  stylized art, and many new features and multiplayer modes.    

Developed by the creators of Feel the Magic™, The Rub Rabbits!  challenges gamers to switch from tapping and rubbing to screaming and  blowing as a means of controlling character actions. Four brand new  multiplayer modes are available including the Hullabaloo Mode in which  you and multiple friends get finger-tied in rounds of “Twister,” the  Baby Making Mode in which you and a friend can cut a cake to test your  compatibility, and the Connect Mode where you can play any of six  downloadable multiplayer games with up to four friends.    

“SEGA delivers on the innovative gameplay and robust content that DS  owners love, inspiring gamers to get creative and hands-on with The  Rub Rabbits!” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing,  SEGA of America, Inc. “This game pushes the limits of the DS  technology by fully integrating all of the DS’s features into the  gameplay -- stylus, touch pad, microphone, and dual screens.”    

Getting the girl is never easy, especially when competing against 12  other rivals. The hero must not only battle his rivals but also win  the affection of his love interest, and that’s just the beginning of  his troubles! The Rub Rabbits! offers over 35 chapters in Story Mode;  a newly expanded Memories Mode, which tests your skills at clearing  all stages for added bonuses; and Maniac Mode which is packed with  character customization options.    

The Rub Rabbits! is now available at GameStop, EB Games, Toys “R” Us,  Fry’s and Game Crazy.

[Laruent Fischer will be filling in the role formerly held by Jim Merrick.]

217

TalkBack / NoE Finds New Marketing Head

« on: February 01, 2006, 10:23:35 AM »

Laruent Fischer will be filling in the role formerly held by Jim Merrick.

When Jim Merrick announced that he'd be coming back to Nintendo of America from its European counterpart (before leaving the company altogether), Nintendo didn't say who'd be taking over for the marketing maestro. According to 1Up, Laurent Fischer is up for the job.    

Formerly the marketing director for France, he had this to say:    

"Nintendo is moving into a very exciting and innovative time as we expand the definition of gaming and broaden the population of video games players. I am looking forward to the new challenge of working for Nintendo at a European level in this particularly significant period."    

PGC would like to congratulate Mr. Fischer on his promotion and wishes him all the best.

218

NWR Forums Discord / Has anyone...

« on: February 01, 2006, 10:15:22 AM »

...ever actually had ants in their pants?

Just curious...

[ONLINE-GET!]

219

TalkBack / Nintendo WFC Hits 3 Million Connections

« on: January 25, 2006, 11:19:25 AM »

ONLINE-GET!

According to Nintendo UK General Manager David Yarnton, Nintendo's Wi-Fi service has just recently broken the three million mark as far as confirmed connections. Launching this past November, WFC has quickly grown to be quite popular, with more than an estimated half a million actual [active] users, according to Yarnton. To put that into perspective, it took Xbox Live three years to aquire 2 million subscriptions.    

In other Nintendo UK news, the company has taken steps to increase WFC's availability by equipping Britain with 1000 new hot spots, meaning you'll soon be able to duke it out in some Mario Kart and visit towns in Animal Crossing at your local cafe and public transit station.

[Well, not yet. Japanese gamers can mark their calendars for April 20th, though.]

220

TalkBack / Mother Finally Gives Another Birth

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:57:48 PM »

Well, not yet. Japanese gamers can mark their calendars for April 20th, though.

Mother 3 (or EarthBound 2 in North America) has been in development for a very, very long time; after a number of years some fans even considered it vaporware. Fortunately, gamers starved for info were finally thrown a bone this past November. However, even though the game was confirmed to still exist, creator Shigetsao Itoi was reluctant to give a release date.    

Until today, that is, when Itoi updated his website to let everyone in on the news: Mother 3 is hitting Japan on April 20th of this year. That's right; in a mere three months, Japanese gamers (and importers) will be able to get their hands on the RPG that's been a "work in progress" for over ten years. According to the Starmen translation, Itoi had this to say:    

Mother 3's release date has been set. It will be April 20th, 2006 (Thursday). At least it's spring. It'll go on sale before the start of Golden Week. We'll be doing an official announcement pretty soon, but this is the "final" date. Once the release date is set, there are no more additions of new specs or anything like that. We'll no longer be able to fiddle around with anything in the game, unless it's something especially important. It makes me a little sad, but I can't be selfish. Since it's GameBoy Advance software, that naturally means that you'll also be able to play it on the Nintendo DS that everyone's so crazy about these days.    

4/20/2006. Get ready, folks.

221

NWR Forums Discord / Who wants to play Internet Catch?

« on: January 23, 2006, 10:24:00 AM »

*Throw*

[Tommy Tallarico and crew bring a concert full of popular gaming music on the final night of Game Developers Conference 2006.]

222

TalkBack / Video Games Live Comes to GDC

« on: January 19, 2006, 10:17:19 AM »

Tommy Tallarico and crew bring a concert full of popular gaming music on the final night of Game Developers Conference 2006.

2006 Game Developers Conference to Host Video Games Live Concert as Closing  Night Performance    

Live Music Event to Feature Symphony Silicon Valley Performing Popular Video  Game Scores    

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Game Developers Conference (GDC)  is proud to present Video Games Live(TM) as its closing night performance.  Video Games Live(TM) is an immersive concert featuring music from the  biggest video games of all time.  At the GDC production, the renowned  Symphony Silicon Valley and its full chorus will be accompanied by exclusive  video footage and music arrangements, lasers, synchronized lighting, solo  performers, electronic percussionists, live action and creative interactive  segments to build an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.  The  concert will take place at the San Jose Civic Auditorium on Friday, March 24  at 8 p.m.  Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster.com.    

Video Games Live will be the first time video game music has been performed  in San Jose, the "birthplace of video games."  Music from some of the top  game franchises will be performed, including Mario(TM), Zelda(R), Halo(R),  Metal Gear Solid(R), Warcraft(R), Myst(R),  Castlevania(R), Medal of  Honor(TM), Sonic(TM), Kingdom Hearts, Tron, Final Fantasy(R), Advent Rising,  Beyond Good & Evil(TM), God of War(TM) and a special retro Classic Arcade  Medley featuring over 20+ games from Pong(R) to Donkey Kong(R) including  such classics as Dragon's Lair, Tetris, Frogger, Gauntlet, Space Invaders &  Outrun.    

"Video Games Live is a milestone in the evolution of games as an art form in  world culture," said GDC director Jamil Moledina.  "Featuring VGL at GDC  fits in perfectly with our goals of provoking innovation among game  creators, and producing ideas that have dramatic reach into the greater  entertainment audience."    

"Partnering with the GDC to present Video Games Live is an honor; not only  will fans of video games be amazed at what we have in store for them, but  presenting this performance in front of the entire industry will also prove  to be very special," Tommy Tallarico, co-creator of Video Games Live and a  leading game music composer, said.  "Video games have become one of the most  thrilling and electrifying forms of entertainment in the 21st century.  Video Games Live will capture that same excitement level to help create the  ultimate celebration of video games for everyone to enjoy."    

Video Games Live(TM) is a complete celebration of the video game industry  which includes pre- and post-show festival activities including a costume  contest and meet-and-greet with designers and composers.  Tickets for the  March 24 event are priced from $20 to $55, and are now available at  Ticketmaster.com.  You can also order tickets over the phone by calling  408-998-TIXS and 415-421-TIXS.    

The GDC will take place March 20-24 at the San Jose Convention Center.  To  secure early rate pricing, be sure to register by February 15.  Learn more  at www.gdconf.com.

223

NWR Forums Discord / OMG! Information Network

« on: January 16, 2006, 03:52:39 PM »

Here's where we post startling information:

- UncleBob is not really an uncle.

- InfernalMonkey is actually a chimp, not a monkey.

- Ty forgot to add Saiyan at the end of his username.

Discuss, and also reveal more stunning false truths in the world. Here's one to chew on:

Planet GameCube is actually The Matrix. Louie isn't Keanu Reeves, though.

[Well, he's not so much curious as he is... full of RAGE!]

224

TalkBack / Curious George Goes Gold

« on: January 09, 2006, 02:01:45 PM »

Well, he's not so much curious as he is... full of RAGE!

CURIOUS GEORGE ™  SWINGS TO GOLD!    

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. Teams with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to Star Curious and Kind-Hearted Children’s Character in Interactive Adventure    

SANTA CLARA , Calif. , (January 9, 2006) – Global video games developer and publisher, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced Curious George ™ has gone gold for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system , Xbox® video game system, Nintendo GameCube™ , Game Boy® Advance and PC.  An action adventure title, based on the February 10th animated feature film of the same name from Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, Curious George invites players to experience madcap mishaps and mischievous fun as the world’s most inquisitive chimp. Curious George will be available February 1st and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.    

For more than 60 years, children and adults alike have followed the tales of the lovable little Curious George – known for his insatiable inquisitiveness and taste for adventure.  The story begins as The Man with the Yellow Hat travels to Africa in search of a lost artifact and returns with some unexpected cargo — a precocious chimpanzee named George.    

Curious George allows players to meet and interact with their favorite characters from the animated film in this exciting and colorful game world.  As the fun-loving George, players can run, jump, climb and swing through 12 action-packed levels including the jungle, museum and Big City .  Players must also use the character’s skills, which include crafty escapes and distracting performances, to elude trouble and avoid one entertaining predicament after another.  Throughout George’s big adventure, players are encouraged to be curious and explore the “Curious Objects” in each environment – drawers to peek in, machines to activate, trunks to pop open and even chairs to bounce on!  Interacting with these objects awards players “Curious Points,” which enable them to purchase items in the Museum Gift Shop including concept art, scenes from the animated movie and accessories for George.  Curious George also features bonus features, special unlockables and challenging mini-games to provide players hours of replay after the main story is finished.    

“We are excited to be one step closer bringing this lovable character to life in console and handheld video games,” said Jeff Lujan, business director at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.  “By working together with Universal, we’re taking a fresh approach to a classic brand – offering plenty of fun, curiosity and family-oriented gameplay.”    

Curious George is developed for consoles and the PC by Monkey Bar Games and for handheld gaming systems by Torus Games through a licensing agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group.

[Mix music like a pro on Nintendo's latest non-game.]

225

TalkBack / Electroplankton: On Sale Now!

« on: January 09, 2006, 01:56:59 PM »

Mix music like a pro on Nintendo's latest non-game.

Nintendo's Electroplankton Turns Music Novices Into Mixing Maestros    

Users Create Magical Tunes on the Go    

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're musically inclined or  musically impaired, Nintendo's new Electroplankton(TM) will make you a  mixing maestro.  The musical experience, launching today exclusively for  Nintendo DS(TM), lets users score music by using the touch screen or  speaking into the microphone.  Sounds can be sampled, manipulated, changed  and rearranged to help even novices create engrossing beats and harmonies.    

Electroplankton exemplifies Nintendo's commitment to expand the frontier of  innovation in the video game universe.  Electroplankton, for instance, could  not be possible on any other system.  Only the special features of Nintendo  DS make it possible for users to compose music ranging from techno beats to  ethereal rhythms.  And because Nintendo DS is portable, users can make music  whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.    

"Electroplankton is a great way to kick off what promises to be an exciting  year for Nintendo," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive  vice president of sales & marketing.  "It's the kind of casual game that  will attract a broad audience and help Nintendo DS continue to expand its  lead as the most popular new hand-held system."    

Getting started with Electroplankton could not be easier.  Users simply  choose one of 10 music-making modes and dive right in.  One mode lets users  manipulate the leaves of a plant using the touch screen.  As colorful  plankton launch into the air, they bounce off the leaves in melodic  combinations. Another mode acts as a sampler.  Users record up to four  different sounds with the microphone and then layer them over drum loops to  create a personalized beat.    

The game was designed by renowned Japanese electronic artist Toshio Iwai.  His artistry adds both beauty and whimsy to Electroplankton and makes it as  much a delight for the eyes as it is for the ears.    

Nintendo has selected a distribution method for Electroplankton befitting  its quirky character.  Electroplankton, Rated E for Everyone, is available  now through Nintendo.com and major online retailers, as well as at the  Nintendo World Store in New York.