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Topics - Nick DiMola

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TalkBack / Nintendo President to Keynote Game Developers Conference

« on: January 29, 2009, 03:41:36 PM »

Satoru Iwata is returning to GDC 09 to kick-off the conference with a keynote focused on discovering new development opportunities.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17641

Earlier this week it was revealed that Nintendo President Satoru Iwata would deliver a keynote address at this year's Game Developers Conference. 2009 marks Iwata's third appearance as a speaker at GDC. In 2005, Iwata revealed the technology behind Nintendo's codenamed "Revolution" project, now known as Wii, with the following year's speech focused on "disrupting development," a concept that has propelled Nintendo to the market leader position this generation.

This year, Iwata's keynote, "Discovering New Development Opportunities," will likely give some insight into the current workings of Nintendo and hopefully inspire developers present at the conference.

Game Developer's Conference 2009 will take place at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco from March 23 to March 27. Iwata's keynote will be held in the Esplanade Room from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PST, Wednesday, March 25.

NINTENDO PRESIDENT SATORU IWATA TO KEYNOTE THE 2009 GAME DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE

Nintendo Chief Returns to the GDC to Kick-Off Main Conference With Lecture Focused on Discovering New Development Opportunities

SAN FRANCISCOJan. 27, 2009 Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd. will deliver a keynote address at the 2009 Game Developers Conference, kicking-off the main conferences schedule of lectures, panel discussions and roundtables that provide the central forum for learning, inspiration, and networking in the games industry. The address, Discovering New Development Opportunities marks Iwata-sans first return to the GDC keynote stage since 2006. The Game Developers Conference takes place March 23-27 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

Being a developer himself, Iwatas keynote lectures at the Game Developers Conference are known for inspiring other developers to think about creating games in new and different ways. His 2005 keynote gave developers the first information about the technology being used for the next-generation console then codenamed Revolution which has since become known as the Wii. In 2006, Iwata spoke about disrupting development, and introduced the Western development community to philosophies on engaging new players, surprising existing players and the role the companys video game systems would play in expanding the market and widening the possibilities for developers.

The Game Developers Conference is thrilled to welcome Satoru Iwata back to the keynote stage, said Meggan Scavio, Event Director of the GDC. His previous talks at the GDC can be credited with setting the stage for much of the huge growth the games industry has since seen, and attendees continue to talk about how both lectures impacted their perspective on development. We are confident that Iwatas keynote this year will be added to the list of memorable GDC talks. Attendees are eager to know how he will inspire them this year.

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 Nintendos 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 Iwatas keynote, Discovering New Development Opportunities, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PST in the Esplanade Room of the Moscone Centers South Hall.

The Game Developers Conference is the largest professional industry event dedicated to the creation of games, including computer, console, mobile, arcade, online games, and location based entertainment. It is the central forum for learning, inspiration, and networking in the games industry. The GDC attracts over 18,000 attendees, and is the main global forum where programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, business decision makers and others involved in the development of interactive games gather to exchange ideas and shape the future of the industry.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Rock Band 2

« on: January 29, 2009, 06:48:14 AM »

After a rocky start with Rock Band 1, Harmonix has returned to the scene with the definitive band simulation game for Wii.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17638

Last summer, Rock Band made its Nintendo debut. Unfortunately, it was not well-received by critics. A number of concerns were cited, such as its lack of online play and downloadable content, both of which were available on the competing Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms. Thankfully, both items have been addressed by developer Harmonix in this second edition of Rock Band, putting the Wii version on par with its competing versions for the first time.

Indeed, Rock Band 2 on the Wii is as feature-rich as its 360 and PS3 editions. Regardless of the Wii’s supposed hardware limitations, Harmonix has managed to include online band touring, downloadable content with SD card streaming, and all of the other available modes. Having played the Xbox 360 version of the game, I can verify that the only difference between the two lies in their graphical presentation.

The centerpiece of the game is Tour mode, allowing up to four people to perform together either locally or online. Players can perform as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, or vocalists on a large array of songs spanning five decades. During the tour, your virtual band will perform at a variety of clubs, playing either single songs or sets of songs. Unfortunately, as a result, you will be required to play a number of tracks multiple times. As time goes on this becomes frustrating, especially when you are forced to replay songs that aren't of particular interest.

Online play is implemented well on the Wii and works without a hitch. Players can hop into an incomplete band or allow friends or strangers to complete their empty lineup. Because players are immediately connected to the Nintendo WiFi Connection upon loading the game, finding people to play with is quick and easy and requires no traversal of extra menus. Additionally, purchasing and playing extra songs is also simple and works without a hitch. Loading songs from the SD card to play takes roughly the same amount of time as loading from a disc, which is also nice to see.

Progression through the tour will (slowly) unlock all of the available tracks in the game, allowing their use within Quick Play mode, where you will spend most of your time. Rock Band caters to all audiences by allowing players to each choose the appropriate difficulty setting for their instrument of choice, letting amateurs jam with experts. Note charts also never feel over-charted in order to create a false challenge, regardless of the difficulty level at which you’re playing.

One complaint I had with the first Rock Band was a lack of challenging guitar tracks, and Rock Band 2 undoubtedly addresses this issue. With selections like Metallica's "Battery," Dream Theater's "Panic Attack," and Megadeth's "Peace Sells," Rock Band 2 offers some of the most demanding guitar riffs of the series.

Aside from the main tour and quick play modes of the game, players have access to a variety of other modes such as band duels, practice mode, and even a drum trainer mode allowing players to learn basic drum beats and fills or just mess around with a variety of kits.

Players with HDTVs will find calibration to be a breeze in Rock Band 2 thanks to the brand new equipment supplied in the full band package. The included guitar allows players to auto-sync by simply holding the guitar approximately three feet from the television. No longer will players need to perform the tedious test found in prior editions of the game, or tweak the calibration to achieve that perfect synchronization.

On a similar note, the included peripherals are an excellent upgrade from the prior version of the game. Both the guitar and drum set are wireless, and easily connect to the Wii through the wireless USB adapter set included in the package. The drum kit now features pad silencers built right into each of the pads, as well an overhauled, sturdier kick pedal. Additionally, three expansion ports have been included in order to accommodate the cymbal expansion provided by MadCatz, which was developed to give the kit a more authentic feel.

With its large number of modes, weekly DLC that is accessible via the SD Card, online play, better instruments, a variety of modes, diverse soundtrack, and excellently charted songs, Rock Band 2 is the definitive band game for Wii. Anyone with Rock Band 1 instruments should pick this one up without question, and those who have yet to invest should consider Rock Band 2 before any other band game currently on the market.

Pros:

Excellent Equipment

Online play is well done

Varied track list

(Streaming) DLC

Drum Trainer Mode

Cons:

Replaying songs in the tour mode becomes tedious

       Graphics: 6.0
   I can't definitively say if Rock Band 2 is a port of the PS2 version, but it sure looks like it is. There’s great animation during songs and flawless presentation through all of the menus and modes, but the game simply looks terribly low-res and low-poly.

       Sound: 10.0
   The sound quality is fantastic and has no obvious flaws. The song selection is varied and interesting, giving the game broad appeal. All of the included songs are also master tracks, not remakes done by the internal Harmonix musicians.

       Control: 10.0
   Unlike the prior edition of the game and its associated track packs, calibration is a cinch. The included instruments are excellently constructed, and the game plays flawlessly when everything is properly set up.

            Gameplay: 9.0
   It's hard to conceive Rock Band 2 playing much better for what it is. The difficulty ramps up nicely, the included tracks are eclectic, and the game provides countless modes to enjoy in addition to the main Tour mode. The only aggravation is the necessity of constantly replaying the same songs in the touring mode in order to complete the game.

Lastability: 10.0
With 84 songs available on the disc, 20 for free download, and new content available weekly, players could conceivably play this game into perpetuity.

Final: 9.5
Rock Band 2 is the definitive band game experience on Wii. Players who own band equipment should not wait a moment to add this game to their collection. Others looking to invest should buy Rock Band 2 with its full peripheral set, as the provided instruments are wireless and fantastically crafted.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack

« on: January 28, 2009, 10:01:30 AM »

Unless you are a serious fan of the band, pass on this Walmart-exclusive track pack.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17625

Following the same structure as Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2, AC/DC Live features a number of live AC/DC performances. For those familiar with the band's discography, the game is simply a playable version of the Live at Donington album recorded mid-1991. As such, all of the titles on the disc are performed by Brian Johnson, including songs that were first performed by the original AC/DC front man, the late Bon Scott.

I must divulge that I am a fairly large AC/DC fan. That being said, I was quite upset when I discovered that all of this disc's tracks are from live performances. As I played through the title, I found myself enjoying the live renditions of the songs far less than their original recordings. Listening to Johnson perform numbers such as "Jailbreak," "T.N.T.," and "Whole Lotta Rosie" only makes me pine for the original Bon Scott versions of the songs.

Regardless, AC/DC Live is a competent enough track pack for fans of the band, covering all of their major songs. For players not fond of the band, there is not much to enjoy. Due to the band's simple song structures and similar-sounding tunes, these players will likely grow bored of the guitar, bass, and drum note charts, and will completely give up on Johnson's painfully hard vocals.

The game's sound quality is as good as a live recording gets, and the slight variations from the original recordings make the pack feel newer than if Harmonix had used the more well-known renditions. Like the other track packs, this one has no frills, is based on Rock Band 1, and includes no online play whatsoever.

Additionally, unlike its Xbox 360 and PS3 counterparts, the Wii version does not offer a way to download the tracks and play them within Rock Band 2. This is unfortunate, because the game suffers from the same calibration issues found in the other two track packs, and its tracks are not available through the Rock Band 2 online store. Of course, having to switch discs to play an AC/DC song is also an inconvenience.

Not much can be said about the AC/DC Live Track Pack. If you are a huge fan of AC/DC, don't mind live versions of their songs (all performed by Brian Johnson), and are fine with swapping out your Rock Band 1 or 2 disc, AC/DC Live is a worthy addition to your game collection. Players with only a passing interest in the band will likely want to skip the track pack due to the extremely simple note charts, limited song variety, and difficult vocals.

Pros:

AC/DC finally playable in a rhythm game

Live recordings introduce variations from the originals

Cons:

Live recordings introduce variations from the originals

No Bon Scott

Cannot play songs in Rock Band 2 using an SD card

No online play

Frustrating HDTV calibration

       Graphics: 6.0
   The title looks identical to the first Wii Rock Band; Models are low poly and look like an early PS2 game. The animations are all well mapped, but all that matters are the note charts, anyway.

       Sound: 8.0
   The sound quality is as good as possible for a live set, but most fans would prefer the original recordings. Brian Johnson performing Bon Scott songs feels weird and wrong.

       Control: 9.0
   The Rock Band (and Rock Band 2) equipment works without a hitch when you finally get it all calibrated properly to your TV. Unfortunately, calibration can be quite tedious.

            Gameplay: 7.0
   This release plays no differently from either Rock Band. Unfortunately you can't play any of the tracks online. The simple note charts will bore many, but the thrill of playing AC/DC will be enough for fans of the band to enjoy themselves.

Lastability: 6.0
With 18 songs on the disc, the selection is even lighter than the other two track packs. No online play and an inability to bring the songs into Rock Band 2 will undoubtedly lead to less play time.

Final: 6.0
Not being able to import the tracks as you can on the 360 and PS3 is a huge inconvenience. Major fans of AC/DC will likely want to pick this title up, but most players will find the note charts too simple, and Johnson's vocals are a tough act to mimic.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2

« on: January 27, 2009, 08:41:48 AM »

The twenty song expansion is a great addition to Rock Band 1, but owners of the sequel have a harder decision.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17611

Although technically a stand-alone title, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 is more of an expansion than it is a game. The first edition of Rock Band for Wii (and PS2) did not feature any sort of downloadable content. As such, a number of popular downloadable tracks for Rock Band 1 were bundled together to form Track Pack Volumes 1 and 2.

This second track pack features a nice selection of songs, ranging from The Police to Avenged Sevenfold. As a value proposition, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 is a smart investment. At $29.99, players can rock out to a total of twenty songs at $1.50 a track. Now that Rock Band 2 is out in the wild with full downloadable content, a number of the songs in this track pack are available online for 200 Wii Points ($2.00) each through the in-game store.

Of course, if you only own Rock Band 1 and its associated equipment, and you want more songs, the choice is easy. Players who do decide that the disc is a better investment won't be disappointed with the tracks and the quality of their note charts.

The choice is tougher for Rock Band 2 owners. If you are happy with the song selection and don't mind swapping discs in order to play them, this track pack is an excellent investment. Unfortunately, unlike the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, these tracks cannot be copied to your SD Card (HDD). Therefore, if you own Rock Band 2 and would like all of your tracks to be in a centralized area, you should avoid purchasing this disc and only buy the songs you really want through the online store. Also, just like the original Rock Band, none of the tracks can be played online, adding another disincentive to the pack.

All of the Rock Band 2 equipment works like a charm, and all of the tracks are available from the get-go without the need to unlock them through the included Tour mode.

Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 is a no-brainer for fans looking to cheaply expand their song list and only have the first Rock Band at their disposal. Owners of Rock Band 2 are better off picking their favorite tracks from the pack and buying them individually through the online store.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Afterlife"
Blondie - "Call Me"
Weezer - "El Scorcho"
Devo - "Girl U Want"
Maximo Park - "Girls Who Play Guitars"
Disturbed - "Indestructible"
Angels & Airwaves - "It Hurts"
The Cars - "Just What I Needed"
The Police - "Message in a Bottle"
Pixies - "Monkey Gone to Heaven"
Duran Duran - "Rio"
Mötley Crüe - "Saints of Los Angeles"
Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Simple Man"
Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Snow ((Hey Oh))"
Nine Inch Nails - "The Perfect Drug"
Fall Out Boy - "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race"
Papa Roach - "Time Is Running Out"
Garbage - "Why Do You Love Me?"
Judas Priest - "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"
Smashing Pumpkins - "Zero"

As of this article's publishing date, some of this track pack's songs are not available for purchase through the Rock Band 2 in-game store.

Pros:

If you want all of the tracks, this pack will save you $10.

Nice selection of songs

Cons:

Cannot play songs in Rock Band 2 via SD card.

No online play

Frustrating HDTV calibration

       Graphics: 6.0
   The title looks identical to the first Wii Rock Band; Models are low poly and look like an early PS2 game. The animations are all well mapped, but all that matters are the note charts, anyway.

       Sound: 10.0
   The sound quality is fantastic and has no obvious flaws. The song selection is varied and interesting, giving the track pack broad appeal. All of the included tracks are also master tracks, and not remakes done by the internal Harmonix musicians.

       Control: 9.0
   The Rock Band (and Rock Band 2) equipment works without a hitch when you finally get it all calibrated properly to your TV. Unfortunately, calibration can be quite tedious.

            Gameplay: 9.0
   This release plays no differently from either Rock Band. Unfortunately you can't play any of the tracks online.

Lastability: 8.0
There are twenty songs in the pack, and depending on your affinity for them, they will last a variable amount of time.

Final: 7.0
Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 is a great opportunity for fans with only the first Rock Band at their disposal to cheaply expand their song list. For owners of Rock Band 2, the online store is recommended, regardless of the additional cost.

TalkBack / This Week's Virtual Console and WiiWare

« on: January 26, 2009, 04:48:12 AM »

With only two releases this week, a Sega Master System classic and a WiiWare title that returns to classic gaming both grace the Wii Shop Channel.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17605

This week's Virtual Console and WiiWare brings us a light week of releases with only one new game for each service.

Niki – Rock 'n' Ball, this week's sole WiiWare title, comes to us as a throwback to arcade classics where the only goal was to vanquish all of the enemies. Players will roll around the world as Niki in search of the ZeLeLi pearls in order to liberate his village from evil monsters before it's too late. Players will need to tackle the game's realistic physics and enemies in both of Niki's forms. Additionally, co-op mode will be available for two players to tackle the same obstacles together. Niki – Rock 'n' Ball is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

Sega's Wonder Boy in Monster Land is this week's final title. Originating on the Sega Master System, Wonder Boy must rid the country of the monsters and defeat the "invincible" evil dragon in order to complete his most recent quest. Through the use of special weapons and spells, players can defeat the various monsters of Wonder Land and restore peace to the world. Wonder Boy in Monster Land is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

WII-KLY UPDATE: ONE WIIWARE GAME AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Jan. 26, 2009

You'll find plenty of monsters in your midst this week, courtesy of the Wii™ Shop Channel. A brand new WiiWare™ game invites you to battle an army of deceptively cute creatures, while a classic Virtual Console™ release pits players against ferocious foes and fire-breathing dragons. Think you've got what it takes to defeat these outrageous beasts? Grab a Wii Remote™ controller and get busy.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Niki - Rock 'n' Ball (Bplus, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Are you in love with those unforgettable arcade classics where the only goal is to vanquish all opponents to reach the next stage? Niki - Rock 'n' Ball is a new interpretation of those games with a completely innovative and unique gaming mechanism. Roll along with Niki through fantastic worlds, find all the ZeLeLi pearls, and liberate your village from cuddly-yet-evil monsters before it's too late. Timing is everything. Jump in the nick of time to avoid landing amid barbs. Hop across the stages thanks to the realistic gaming physics. Snap on the ZeLeLi amulet, transform yourself into Niki Rock, and force even the most obstinate monster to its knees. Explore all the stages and win valuable medals while dribbling through them, alone or with a friend. Use familiar controls in Retro style, or experience novel controls in the Wii style.

Virtual Console

Wonder Boy™ in Monster Land™ (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Alcohol Reference, Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): After the defeat of the evil king, the kingdom of Wonder Land was a paradise…for a time. The peace was broken when a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon struck without warning and took over Wonder Land with a swarm of evil, monstrous henchmen, turning the once-peaceful land into the utterly chaotic Monster Land. Unable to fight, the people now look to Wonder Boy. Realizing that he is Wonder Land's last hope, Wonder Boy sets out on an incredible journey to rid the country of the monsters and defeat the "invincible" evil dragon. Guide Wonder Boy through various environments and dungeons, and defeat enemies using Special Weapons and Spells.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

TalkBack / Meat Boy Being Remade for WiiWare

« on: January 22, 2009, 09:31:54 PM »

The popular Newgrounds Flash game is coming to Nintendo's downloadable service as Super Meat Boy in 2009.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17588

Earlier this week, Edmund McMillen, creator of the popular Newgrounds Flash game Meat Boy, opened a website announcing the enhanced remake of the game as Super Meat Boy for Nintendo's WiiWare service. The game is a platforming action game similar to the N series, which also started as a Flash game, and is now represented on the DS as N+.

Players control Meat Boy, a wall-jumping meat block who is questing to save his kidnapped girlfriend, Band-Aid Girl, from the villainous Dr. Fetus. Little in the way of gameplay will change from the no-frills action packed original; however, a number of changes are slated for the game otherwise. Graphically the game will look entirely fresh as the character art is being buffed, and lighting effects are being added. Over one hundred levels will be featured, spanning five chapters. A number of the featured levels will be dedicated to boss fights.

Super Meat Boy will also add versus and co-op modes, and a number of unlockables.

No region has been specified for release, but McMillen expects the game to release "by the end of the year." The game's website, Supermeatboy.com, will contain a development blog that will be updated as Meat Boy gears up to make his Nintendo debut.

Are you a fan of small cubes of animated meat?

Do you enjoy the sound of buzz saws?

When you hear the term "wall jump" do you get excited?

Well, what if you woke up to find you were made of a lump of juicy raw meat, your girlfriend was made of band-aids and to top it all off she had been kidnapped by a fetus in a jar wearing a suit and monocle? Would that be totally awesome? or just kinda awesome?

Well I'm hoping you chose totally awesome, because that's basically the premise of Super Meat Boy.

In Super Meat Boy you take the role of a small animated cube of meat on his quest to save his lady love Band-Aid girl from the clutches of the evil Dr. Fetus! Sliding his way through saw mills, salt factories and even hell itself, Meat boy jumps into action in this fast paced and extremely challenging platformer that will "melt your face off". Super Meat Boy is based off the popular flash game Meat Boy hosted by Newgrounds.com. http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/472826

Super Meat Boy will be completely remade from the ground up for its release on Wiiware™ and will feature over 100+ single player levels, insane boss fights, competitive vs modes, beefy co-op play and a slew of unlockables that are rumored to fill your life with great happiness!

SMB (best abbreviation ever) is being designed by Gish co-creator Edmund McMillen, Tommy Refenes and "Big" Jon McEntee.

We will be documenting Meat Boy's rebirth for Wiiware on our development blog via Supermeatboy.com so feel free to pop in and tell us all your lame ideas we will never use!

Thanks for the support! and keep indie gaming alive!

-Team Meat

TalkBack / This Week's Virtual Console and WiiWare

« on: January 19, 2009, 12:05:09 PM »

As expected, High Voltage's Hot Rod Show has arrived along with an air hockey simulator, and a 16-bit shooter.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17549

This week's Virtual Console and WiiWare release brings us two new titles for WiiWare and one for the Virtual Console, each representing a different genre: shooting, racing, and table top sports.

The single Virtual Console release of the week comes to us from the 16-bit era, specifically the Sega Genesis. MUSHA (Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor), the title and mechanism star character Terri will pilot, is another shooter requiring a single person to save the world. This time, Terri must battle through seven levels and defeat Dire 51, an Intellicomputer that has gone insane and plots to destroy humanity. MUSHA is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 800 Wii Points ($8).

The first WiiWare title of the week comes from The Conduit developer, High Voltage Software. Unlike the upcoming first person shooter, High Voltage Hot Rod Show is a four player racing title that puts players behind the steering wheel of a variety of hot rods. Players must master off-road courses, ramps, power slides, bunny hops, tricks, and hitting Boost Rings in order to dominate their seven opposing racers. High Voltage Hot Rod Show is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 1000 Wii Points ($10).

The final title of the week comes to us from Aksys Games and continues their Family brand with Family Glide Hockey. Players will be able to enjoy the table top sport in a variety of locales with the use of intuitive Wii controls. Aside from the basic sport, up to four players will be able to engage in minigames such as Glide Hockey Brawl, Glide Hockey Drill, and Glide Hockey Tracer. Family Glide Hockey is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO WIIWARE GAMES AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Jan. 19, 2009

Wii™ owners know all about the power of motion, and this week's additions to the Wii Shop Channel deliver some cool new reasons to keep on moving. Race, jump and skid in a high-powered hot rod. Slide, shoot and score in a glide hockey showdown. Soar, swoop and battle in a futuristic armored fighter. With fun, invigorating games like these, the only thing you won't be able to do is sit still.

WiiWare™

High Voltage Hot Rod Show™ (High Voltage Software, Inc., 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): High Voltage Hot Rod Show is a slick and fast-paced racer that challenges up to four players to tear up the track on a variety of off-road courses, mastering death-defying stunts and building enough Boost to stomp the competition. Players must learn to tame their monster Hot Rods by nailing ramps, power slides, bunny hops and tricks while avoiding mud pits and smashing through Boost Rings to fill their Boost Meters. Players can compete against seven CPU opponents in Championship mode or set their best lap times in the time trials. Top times can be uploaded to an online scoreboard via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection* and shared with players around the world. Multiplayer supports up to four players in split-screen mode, giving each player a wide range of controller choices. (Router and broadband access required for online play. For more information, go to www.Nintendo.com.)

Family Glide Hockey (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy are back for more family fun, and this time it's glide hockey. Hone your skills in a gymnasium, a forest park, a beach, an amusement park, even the freezing Arctic. Family Glide Hockey sports appealing cel-shaded graphics and endearing music to go with its friendly, competitive match-ups. Choose between single-player mode, versus mode (up to four players can play), or challenge your skill in engaging minigames such as Glide Hockey Brawl, Glide Hockey Drill and Glide Hockey Tracer.

Virtual Console™

MUSHA™ (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): MUSHA is a SEGA GENESIS game that shooter fans favor for its intense and exciting gameplay. Players must control Terri, a girl who pilots a MUSHA (Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor). Terri's goal is to eliminate Dire 51, an Intellicomputer that has gone out of control and is planning an offensive attack upon humanity. Use special weapons like the Vanishing Buster, Blazing Beam and Defensive Detonator, along with offensive options that allow six types of formation fire. Battle through seven exhilarating levels to finally reach and destroy Dire 51 once and for all.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Neopets Puzzle Adventure

« on: January 16, 2009, 08:55:39 AM »

It's like a modified Puzzle Quest where stats don't matter, the puzzle is Othello (Reversi), and Neopets rule the world.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17537

Designed by Infinite Interactive, the same team who brought us the critically acclaimed Puzzle Quest series, Neopets Puzzle Adventure is a pseudo sequel to the studio's previous work. As denoted by the title, the game carries Nickelodeon's Neopets branding, which provides the game's characters, environments, items, and (mundane) story. Though rough around the edges, Puzzle Adventure provides a solid experience that can be appreciated by fans of Neopets and puzzle games alike.

Othello, also known as Reversi, is the featured puzzle of the adventure, and it follows the basic rules aside from two small modifications. Players can use petpets to modify the status of the game. Certain petpets will remove pieces from the board, while others will lock certain pieces. Some even flip selected tokens, causing a chain effect. The second modification is the shockwave mechanic. Though the player doesn't have direct control over it, after a number of pieces are flipped in a continuous chain, a shockwave will often cause a several other unrelated pieces on the board to flip as well.

The game's story is strung along by a series of puzzle battles with either wild neopets or enemy combatants. Each battle places a unique spin on the game board and the number of petpets a player is allowed to bring into battle. As the game progresses, both you and your opponent have a larger array of petpets to work with in battle, drastically altering strategy. Furthermore, the standard 8x8 grid is modified for each individual match. Some games have patterned dead-zones that prohibit piece placement. As one would imagine, this requires adjustments to the standard Reversi strategy.

Puzzle Adventure, like Puzzle Quest, awards players experience points for completed battles; however, in Puzzle Adventure, leveling your character is completely worthless. Aside from unlocking some of the in-game achievements (which unlock things on the Neopets website), higher levels and greater experience make no difference in the game whatsoever. This begs the question: why was this mechanic even included? With its limited progression, the story mode drags significantly, and only serves as a means of unlocking new petpets and achievements for use outside of the game's main mode.

Regardless, Puzzle Adventure is actually quite a bit of fun to play. The small modifications made to the standard Othello gameplay keep things interesting. Additionally, players will see a decent challenge when the computer's skill level is set to Expert. Infinite Interactive also has included a secondary quick play mode to accommodate players interested in standard Othello gameplay. Local multi-card multiplayer rounds the title out nicely, giving players the definitive Othello experience with a perfect interface.

Children who are fans of Neopets could do much worse than Neopets Puzzle Adventure, as could serious fans of puzzle games. While the game is not quite of Puzzle Quest's caliber, it still offers a solid and fun experience that is only hampered by a lack of depth in its story mode.

Pros:

An excellent twist on Othello (Reversi)

Rewards tied to Neopets website

Cons:

Leveling up is completely worthless

       Graphics: 8.0
   The clean and colorful art directly matches the Neopets website, providing a recognizable and cheerful interface for the intended market.

       Sound: 6.0
   The game's sound effects are gratifying and effectual, though the ambient background music is not very memorable or interesting.

       Control: 10.0
   Simple, intuitive touch screen tapping will get you around Neopia and all of the in-game puzzles.

            Gameplay: 7.0
   Though the twists on the Othello gameplay are well done and interesting, over time, the game can grow tedious. If the RPG elements and branching paths were fully carried over from Puzzle Quest, the constant back-to-back puzzles would feel more meaningful; the halfway implementation currently in place is a disappointment.

Lastability: 7.0
Following completion of the ten-or-so hour story mode, not much is left outside of quick play matches versus the computer. Occasional local multiplayer matches will boost play time as well, but will likely be quite infrequent due to the necessity of multiple cartridges.

Final: 7.0
Neopets Puzzle Adventure would have made for a very respectable follow-up to Puzzle Quest had it fully implemented the predecessor's RPG elements. As it stands, Puzzle Adventure is merely a fun twist on Othello with a Neopets branding that will likely appeal to fans of the popular website.

TalkBack / PREVIEWS: Personal Trainer: Math

« on: January 12, 2009, 11:54:05 AM »

Need to brush up on basic math skills? Nintendo's latest Touch Generations game is here to help.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=17524

Correlating strongly with Nintendo's Brain Age and Big Brain Academy games, Personal Trainer: Math seeks to improve basic math abilities with fun and rewarding games. Personal Trainer: Math features the Hundred-Cell Method pioneered by the in-game host, Hideo Kageyama. This method requires players to do back-to-back, fast-paced arithmetic problems, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Starting with a 10x10 grid, with numbers populated along the top and left sides, players will need to perform the specified function and fill in the corresponding grid space. The exercise continues until all of the one hundred cells are filled.

Players will be asked to perform daily math drills in order to keep their skills fresh. The game will track attendance to the "Daily Test" and report this statistic to the player, along with speed and accuracy statistics. Excellent performance in any of the game's more than forty drills will net the player medals, which are also stored for the player to view anytime.

Up to sixteen players can practice their math skills together with just a single DS game card. Every player will be presented an instance of the 100-Cell quiz, and from there it is a race to the finish.

Personal Trainer: Math is available now at North American retailers.

TalkBack / This Week's Virtual Console and WiiWare

« on: January 12, 2009, 12:16:24 PM »

After more than a year since the last Castlevania Virtual Console release, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse comes to the service, alongside two new WiiWare titles focused on pachinko and cards.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17521

This week's Virtual Console and WiiWare update brings a total of three games: two for WiiWare, and one for the Virtual Console.

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, the lone Virtual Console update of the week, is the sequel to the already released Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. Even though it is the sequel, Castlevania III takes place long before the events of the first two games in the series and stars Trevor Belmont. Following the standard explore the castle and defeat Dracula formula set by the previous two games, players will have access to their trusty whip, yet they will also be able to transform into three companion spirits. Syfa, a vampire hunter with powerful magic, Grant, a wall climbing pirate, and Alucard, son of Dracula, who can shoot fireballs and transform into a bat. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

Jungle Speed, this week's first WiiWare title, is a card game for the entire family, requiring quick reflexes and a keen eye. Players will flip their cards one after another until two matching cards appear. At this time, the players with the matching cards must grab the totem in the middle of the table in order to unload their cards. The first player to get rid of every card wins. Jungle Speed is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points ($10).

The final title of the week is based around a popular Japanese gaming device used for entertainment and prizes. In order to claim the treasures hidden away by an ancient civilization, Planet Pachinko will have players experiencing a number of variations on the standard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachinko">pachinko experience in both single player and co-op modes. Planet Pachinko is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO WIIWARE GAMES AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Jan. 12, 2009

What's your weapon of choice? Is it a laser gun? Or maybe just a simple deck of cards? No matter what type of game gets you fired up, the latest additions to the Wii™ Shop Channel are sure to add something new and exciting to your arsenal. With fast-flying cards, tumbling pachinko balls and sinister vampires in your midst, you'll need every tool at your disposal.

WiiWare™

Jungle Speed® (Playful Entertainment Inc., 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Jungle Speed is a lightning-fast card game for the entire family, where quick reflexes and a keen eye will put you on top. Flip your cards, watch your opponents and grab the totem at the right moment to win the game. Just when you think you've got it down, a new card can temporarily change the rules and keep you on the edge. Play starts when the first person flips a card. Moving around the table, symbols are revealed until two of the exposed cards match. Players with matching cards must then scramble to grasp the totem in the middle of the table; the loser gets the winner's cards and anything in the pot. With paws flying, be the first person to get rid of all your cards and win the game.

Planet Pachinko (Allied Kingdoms Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): Can you survive the Pachinkeet Temples of Planet Pachinko? In the future of the future, an ancient civilization has sealed away its riches in elaborate temples dedicated to the game of pachinko. Now the Robot family must fight through these dangerous temples in search of their lost puppy. Using their rockets, lasers, grenades and slime launchers, will they be able to survive the challenges? They aren't the only ones adventuring through the temples. The pirate Vile Vill and his minions are looking to loot the temples and take on the Robot family. Play in single-player mode or with a friend in exciting two-player co-op.

Virtual Console™

Castlevania® III: Dracula's Curse (NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): This is the third game in the popular Castlevania series and the last of the franchise released on the original NES console. Take on the role of Trevor Belmont, forefather of Simon, and battle Dracula in a time long before the events of the first two Castlevania games. In addition to his trusty whip, Trevor has a previously unseen power—the ability to transform into one of three different companion spirits that he meets during his quest: Syfa, a young vampire hunter capable of powerful magic; Grant, a ferocious pirate who can climb on walls; and Alucard, forgotten son of Dracula, able to shoot fireballs and transform into a bat. Use an assortment of weapons (some specific to each character) as you choose which path to follow in your fight against Dracula and his army. Loaded with replay value and featuring some of the best platform action ever, this title is not to be missed.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

TalkBack / Phantasy Star Zero to Release in US and Europe

« on: January 10, 2009, 02:11:31 PM »

Already released in Japan, the latest in Sega's Phantasy Star series will grace DS systems worldwide later this year.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17510

Sega announced today that the latest in their Phantasy Star series will see a worldwide release this fall. Released in Japan just three weeks ago, Phantasy Star Zero features action RPG gameplay along with in-depth online play featuring touch screen-based visual chat through the Nintendo WiFi Connection.

Phantasy Star Zero is set 200 years after the "Great Blank" (a massive war that nearly exterminated mankind) on an alternate earth 200 years later. The survivors have taken on the role of Hunters, and explore the wilderness, eliminating deadly monsters in order to protect the cities. Players will take control of a Hunter character and select from three different races and classes. Through use of 350 unique weapons players will fight through the wilderness while discovering a threatening new force and unraveling the mystery behind the "Great Blank.

Phantasy Star Ø Announced For US And Europe Release

An All-New Phantasy Star Adventure Begins on Nintendo DS

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (January 9, 2009) – SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced that Phantasy Star™ Ø (pronounced "zero") the brand new Phantasy Star RPG adventure, will be coming to North America and Europe. Phantasy Star Ø is one of the most highly anticipated Nintendo DS™ titles coming out in 2009 with innovative features found only on Nintendo DS like the Visual Chat interface, addictive action-RPG gameplay, top-notch visual quality and exhilarating multiplayer modes.

"The Phantasy Star series has enjoyed great success because of its intuitive gameplay, unique style and engaging online multiplayer modes and we’re excited to premiere the first Phantasy Star game on Nintendo DS," states Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing for SEGA of America. "With the advanced features of Nintendo DS, that include touch screen-based Visual Chat and in-depth online play, Phantasy Star Ø will thrill fans of the series and also appeal to a new generation of gamers." Phantasy Star Ø takes place on an alternate Earth 200 years after the "Great Blank," a massive war that has reduced the once-prosperous civilization to almost nothing. The sole surviving Humans have worked hard to exist peacefully and have built thriving Cities. The Humans that adventure past the outskirts of these Cities, called Hunters, explore the vast wilderness and hunt dangerous monsters to keep Cities safe. Players will take up the role of Hunters and select from three types of races and different classes, as well as gender for a total of 14 customizable character types. Each character type will play very differently and give players access to a great range of items, armor and weapons. Featuring over 350 unique weapons, gamers will venture out on "Earth", combat dangerous monsters to gain experience and meet new major characters. As players explore further, they will unravel the mystery of the "Great Blank" and discover a dangerous new force that must be stopped.

Featuring both wireless and full Wi-Fi multiplayer options, Phantasy Star Ø takes advantage of the touch screen capabilities of Nintendo DS with the new Visual Chat feature. Gamers can now design their own Visual Chat commands that can be used in multiplayer modes. These Visual Chat commands will be displayed as "text bubbles" above the user’s character, enabling easy and fun communication when adventuring with friends.

Phantasy Star™ Ø is slated to release Fall 2009 exclusively for Nintendo DS™. More details and much more information will be revealed in the coming months.

TalkBack / ESRB Rates Upcoming Virtual Console and WiiWare Titles

« on: January 10, 2009, 03:40:35 AM »

The ratings group has just given ratings for two WiiWare games and two Virtual Console titles from the Super Nintendo library.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17506

A number of new ratings appeared on the ESRB web site today for both WiiWare and the Virtual Console.

Of the four rated titles, two are for the Virtual Console, and both hail from the Super Nintendo. Square Enix's Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen, the first game in the five episode series, and Nintendo's Super Punch Out!! will make their way to the service sometime in the future. With the upcoming release of Punch-Out!! Wii it is possible Super Punch Out!! will grace the service alongside the latest installment.

The other two titles revealed are both for WiiWare, one of which has already seen release in Japan. Lonpos, a Japanese WiiWare launch title published by Nintendo, will have players fitting pentomino pieces into open spaces on a rectangular board in order to complete puzzles. The final WiiWare title revealed, Equilibrio, is a physics-based ball-rolling puzzle game from DK Games.

However, just because a game has received an ESRB rating is not a guarantee it's going to be released in the near future. For example, the Super Nintendo title Zombies Ate My Neighbors received an ESRB rating in February 2007, yet it has not yet become available for download.

General Gaming / MOVED: My belated review of Fallout 3.

« on: January 09, 2009, 03:52:36 PM »

This topic has been moved to Reader Reviews.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=27111.0

TalkBack / This Week's Virtual Console and WiiWare

« on: December 29, 2008, 08:26:55 AM »

Mike Jones returns to the Virtual Console for his second adventure alongside two WiiWare titles, one from Nintendo and another from Hudson.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17459

This week's Virtual Console and WiiWare addition rounds out 2008 with a Virtual Console sequel, an original Nintendo WiiWare title, and yet another from Hudson.

Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II is a sequel to the obscure Nintendo-made, NES RPG Star Tropics. Mike Jones returns to the Virtual Console with his trusty yo-yo in hand, along with a multitude of other weapons, to once again battle the evil alien Zoda. In order to save the Argonian people, Mike will have to travel through time and around the world. Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

Maboshi's Arcade, this week's first WiiWare title, is published by Nintendo and features three distinct modes and simultaneous play across three game windows for anywhere from one to three players. Each mode is based around three shapes, circle, stick, and square, and all provide the same goal: scoring a million points. Players will bash enemies in circle mode, weave through puzzles in stick mode, and allow players to burn paths around obstacles square mode. Players will need to keep watch for power ups and the events in other windows in order to successfully complete their goal. Mii usage, video capture and transmission through Wii Connect 24, and the ability to download a DS version of the game are all included. Maboshi's Arcade is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 800 Wii Points ($8).

The final WiiWare entry of the week comes from Hudson, and features a game up to four people can enjoy. Cue Sports – Pool Revolution features traditional 8-ball pool along with 9-ball, Snooker, Rotation, and a unique Puzzle mode. Pool Revolution also features two control schemes and the ability to go head-to-head through the Nintendo WiFi Connection for extended play. Cue Sports – Pool Revolution is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO WIIWARE GAMES AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Dec. 29, 2008

Champagne? Check. Confetti? Got it. But you're not fully prepared for New Year's revelry unless your Nintendo game library is stocked with games to please everyone under the sun. As always, the Wii™ Shop Channel is open 24 hours a day for your downloading pleasure. The final slate of new game offerings for 2008 includes a couple of wild multiplayer titles on WiiWare™, plus an enthralling sci-fi title for the Virtual Console™. Load up and enjoy!

WiiWare

Maboshi's Arcade™ (Nintendo, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring three distinct modes and simultaneous play across three game windows, the constantly changing environment of Maboshi's Arcade creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Each of the modes is based on one of three familiar shapes (circle, stick and square) and offers the same goal: score a million points. Use the intuitive controls to bash enemies in Circle mode, weave your way through Stick mode or burn a path around obstacles in Square mode-all while dealing with power-up items and keeping watch on which effects the other game windows may have on your own. Also featuring Mii™ characters, action replays that you can send to your Wii™ Friends via WiiConnect24™, and the ability to download a version to a Nintendo DS™, you may never want to leave this arcade.

Cue Sports – Pool Revolution (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Grab your Wii Remote™ controller and take a shot at this virtual billiard game. Enjoy match-ups, playing classic favorites such as 9 Ball, 8 Ball, Rotation and Snooker, as well as walk-through trick shots in Puzzle mode. Connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection (Nintendo WFC) to go head-to-head with your friends, or even hustle opponents across the world in Nintendo WFC match-ups. This game offers two types of controls, allowing you to virtually strike the cue ball with your Wii Remote controller or use the buttons to adjust the strength of your shot and then strike. Hone your skills in Practice mode, learning all the cool techniques you need to be a true hustler. Use the edit feature to create your own challenge and nail the trick shot you've always dreamed of sinking. Pull off an amazing shot and show everyone who's the biggest shark in the pool.

Virtual Console

Zoda's Revenge™: StarTropics II™ (NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Take on the role of Mike Jones, intrepid hero of the StarTropics universe, and once again battle the evil alien Zoda to control the fate of the Argonian people. In this journey, the island hopping of Mike's original adventure gives way to traveling through time and visiting locations around the world. And you never know what famous historical figures may appear along the way, giving Mike helpful advice or useful items. Luckily, Mike also has a wider range of weapons and improved play control on his side, so he may yet stand a chance against Zoda. Can you help Mike stand the test of time and save the world again?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

TalkBack / What Bubble?

« on: December 15, 2008, 06:46:54 AM »

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blogArt.cfm?artid=17392

I've been hearing for a while now that somehow the bubble is going to burst with the Wii; that the fad is going to end. People surely won't care soon, right?

Wrong. The Wii is here to stay whether people like it or not. Did the DS bubble ever burst? Of course it didn't, because it wasn't (isn't) a fad. I find it particularly surprising that people still don't see the parallels between Nintendo's two systems.

Casuals signed on with the DS when Brain Age, Nintendogs, Animal Crossing, and New Super Mario Bros. made their debut, and since then the system has become one of the best selling pieces of hardware in gaming history. Furthermore, the system has become a haven for all games of any type, not just a dumping ground for shovelware and cash-in "casual" games.

I can only assume stubbornness has prevented most big companies from jumping on the Wii bandwagon, but it looks like with Dragon Quest X and Monster Hunter Tri in line for Wii releases, it's going to be impossible to eschew Wii development. Similarly, the "hardcore" crowd will be forced into a Wii purchase in order to continue playing the series they covet from prior generations.

A recession won't stop this train either. Even if it does drag down entertainment sales as a whole, the Wii is no more likely to lose sales than either the PS3 or the Xbox 360, especially with its competitive pricing.

Perhaps people want to keep predicting when the "fad" will end because they fear they will have to sacrifice what they covet about gaming. Traditional games will not cease to exist simply because companies shift focus to the Wii. More than likely, shifting these properties to Wii will ensure them a healthier future and a larger user base. Though games will suffer a resolution hit, it will hopefully allow a larger portion of the budget to be focused on substance rather than flash.

I say sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, because the Wii has got this generation on lockdown.

TalkBack / This Week's Virtual Console and WiiWare

« on: December 15, 2008, 04:42:46 AM »

Strong Bad's season finale is featured alongside one other WiiWare entry and a Master System Virtual Console title.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17389

The week's Virtual Console and WiiWare brings us the finale of the five episode Strong Bad series along with a WiiWare party game and a Master System racing game.

The final episode of Strong Bad, 8-Bit is Enough, features, naturally, the titular Strong Bad and the beefy-armed dragon, Trogdor. Having escaped from the video games, Trogdor is busy burninating the countryside, while 8-bit classics are also escaping from the video game into the real world. Strong Bad must save Strong Badia by returning Trogdor to the Arcade Cabinet, resolving the conflict once and for all. Strong Bad Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough is rated E10+ by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points ($10).

Big Kahuna Party, an up to four player match-three game, is the second and final WiiWare entry of the week. Bearing similarities to the popular Bejeweled game, Big Kahuna Party will allow players to work cooperatively or go head-to-head. With 99 puzzles, and a slew of unlockables, the whole family can get involved in the game. Big Kahuna Party is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 700 Wii Points ($7).

The lone Virtual Console release is a Sega arcade classic remade for the Master System. Enduro Racer puts players in a high speed bike to traverse a diverse array of terrains. Players must race past as many cars and bikes as possible while avoiding debris in the road and keeping your bike from exploding in your face. Enduro Racer is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO WIIWARE GAMES AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Dec. 15, 2008

Time may be getting tight for holiday shoppers, but the selection and excitement at the Wii™ Shop Channel just keeps on growing. There's no simpler way to access a brilliant variety of new and classic games, and they're all available for download directly to your Wii console-no ribbons or wrapping paper required. This week's additions bring a fresh mix of challenges for new and experienced players to enjoy: Slay a dragon in the season finale of Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, solve a multiplayer puzzle or race the clock on an arcade-style motorbike course.

WiiWare™

Strong Bad Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points): Trogdor, the beefy-armed dragon of legend, has shaken free from his video game and is running through the countryside, "burninating" everything in sight. With a dragon on the loose and 8-bit classics leaking into the real world, it's all fun and games until the proud land of Strong Badia falls to Trogdor's fiery wrath. Now Strong Bad must take back the night by sending this scorching menace back into his arcade cabinet once and for all. Just one problem: Does anybody know how to kill a dragon?

Big Kahuna Party (Reflexive Entertainment Inc., 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Embark on a tropical adventure with the explosively charged Big Kahuna Party. Looking to make the ultimate party game, we started with a concept that's accessible to the whole family-the popular match-three game. On top of that, we crafted a unique multiplayer experience in which you can choose to work together to complete the challenging levels before the timer runs out, or go head-to-head and compete in a frenzy of fun. To top it off, we added 99 uniquely free-flowing levels, the challenging Tiki Pole, 20 hidden tropical sea creatures to unlock, the strategic Fish Net and more. The result is a family party game like no other, easy to pick up but impossible to put down. Play alone or with friends, and unleash the Tiki spirit within.

Virtual Console™

Enduro Racer™ (SEGA Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Based on the popular SEGA arcade game and redesigned for the SEGA Master System, Enduro Racer takes you on an intense set of adrenaline-designed courses containing diverse and rough terrain that will test your skills and reaction time. Ride as fast as you can to pass as many cars and bikes as possible while also avoiding obstacles and pitfalls such as debris on the road. Take jumps off ramps and try to keep your speed up, but make sure to keep an eye on your bike so it doesn't blow up in your face. Are you ready for the challenge?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

TalkBack / PREVIEWS: Marble Saga: Kororinpa

« on: December 09, 2008, 09:02:29 PM »

Hudson's latest marble rolling game contains over 150 new levels and adds Wii Balance Board support, and custom stage creation.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=17351

Kororinpa, the marble rolling Wii game, has garnered a sequel from Hudson Soft. Marble Saga: Kororinpa seeks to correct any issues present in the original release, while adding a bevy of new modes and features.

Marble Saga will have players guide Anthony the Ant's marble around the ant world in an effort to reach the Golden Sunflower. Along the way, players will face a variety of mazes and gadgets, as well as items that need to be gathered to progress through the game. Upon reaching the Golden Sunflower, players will need to rescue him and save his colony.

The controls will remain the same as players hold the Wii Remote on its side and tilt it to tilt the in-game world. Additionally, ten unique levels have been included to be played specifically with the Wii Balance Board. The standard control scheme will take players through more then 150 new levels, all of which can be played across three difficulty levels.

In addition to the main storyline, players will be able to create their own stages and share them across Wii Connect 24. Following release of the game, Hudson will also distribute new stages for players to enjoy through the same means. Furthermore, players can customize their marble and even insert their Mii and watch them roll around the stages.

Rounding out the game's robust offering is a four player multiplayer mode where players can race one another to the finish line in a number of levels. For those without local friends to enjoy the title, Wi-Fi leaderboards will be available to race for the fastest worldwide times.

Marble Saga: Kororinpa is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available for Wii in spring 2009.

TalkBack / REVIEWS: Master of the Monster Lair

« on: December 08, 2008, 10:57:56 PM »

This casual dungeon construction RPG can be repetitive, but quite addicting.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=17337

Falling in line with many titles under the Atlus name, Master of the Monster Lair is a quirky take on the RPG genre. It abandons a number of the typical staples of the genre and swaps them for new ideas; some successful, others not.

The premise of the game involves digging out dungeons in order to attract monsters (and tourism) to the main character's home town. The story functions as little more than a purpose to do what you are doing, which is digging caves and building homes for monsters in order to fight them.

The progression of the game is quite odd. In many ways it bears stronger similarities to a Harvest Moon title than it does a dungeon-based RPG. At the start of each game day players can stock up on necessary items, including magic items, weapons, and room sets to build in the tunnels of the dungeon. Following the stocking period, players enter the dungeon and begin digging with their magical talking shovel. The purpose of digging is simply to create areas to place monster rooms, which depending on the room type will attract different monsters on subsequent days. The entire process proves to be extremely cyclical. Players want to attract monsters in order to defeat them, which in turn nets them new weapons and items that allow them to attract and defeat new monsters.

Given the situation, a significant amount of effort is put into digging hallways on each floor in order to put the proper number of rooms in the right areas to attract the most monsters. In this regard, building dungeons feels similar to a game like Harvest Moon. The departure from the Harvest Moon formula comes when players encounter the block on the grid of the dungeon that is adjacent to a monster room. This will bring the monsters out of their rooms, front and center for a battle. It is here that players will use their item arsenal and magic spells to defeat monsters and obtain new gear and cash. Battling is nothing out of the ordinary, and is nearly identical to older Dragon Quest titles.

Typically battles are a three-on-one affair due to the way you orient the monster rooms. Your talking shovel explains early on that you want to architect monster rooms to scare out the most monsters into a single battle. This turns out to feel slightly prohibitive, as it encourages floors to be built in a certain regard for maximum efficiency. For those with greater patience, the dungeon can be built out in any structure desired; the only effect is that it will take a greater number of days in order to reach the floor's goals.

Following a day in the dungeon, a hearty meal is in line. Oddly enough, meals serve as your means of leveling up. Furthermore, the meals you select force a leveling of different skills. As such, fighting monsters only indirectly cause players to level up; defeating more or less monsters only means a different or more plentiful set of ingredients to choose from when preparing your level up meal. Due to the limited number of enemies a player can encounter in a day, this unconventional system works and allows players to improve the parts they find most vital for dungeon excursions.

Master of the Monster Lair makes for a moderately enjoyable blend of old school RPG mechanics and Harvest Moon-type gameplay. Depending on personality, players will either grow tired of the unchanging formula after a few hours of gameplay, or identify with the sometimes tedious tasks and become addicted. In either case, the game is an interesting diversion from the typical RPG fare and makes for a fun experience at least for a little while.

Pros:

Dungeon design is fun

Relaxed pacing

Cons:

Can grow repetitive and boring

       Graphics: 7.0
   The game is presented in full 3D, but the texture work is fairly bland and ensures that the game has little graphical personality.

       Sound: 6.0
   The soundtrack and sound effects are fairly sparse, though what is present it fitting and never grating.

       Control: 7.0
   Using the D-Pad and buttons, players can successfully navigate the dungeon and all of the game's menus. Seemingly the game could've controlled more smoothly with stylus input.

            Gameplay: 7.0
   The combination of dungeon building and monster battling should be entertaining for anyone for at least a little while.

Lastability: 7.0
Depending on gaming preferences, the game will either hook with its simplistic laid back formula, or it will bore and force early retirement. In either case, the game has a tendency to suck hours away while you are still interested.

Final: 7.0
Master of the Monster Lair proves to be an interesting ride with many addictive qualities. Building out the dungeon and battling for new equipment is engaging for a while, but players with a low tolerance for repetition will grow bored after conquering a few floors in the dungeon.

TalkBack / This Week's Virtual Console and WiiWare

« on: December 08, 2008, 05:58:21 PM »

This week features a puzzle title from a group of ex-Naughty Dog employees, as well as a Hockey title for WiiWare, and the second Master System Sonic.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17325

This week's Virtual Console and WiiWare update brings us three new entries, with two for WiiWare and one for the Virtual Console.

The lone Virtual Console title is a sequel to the original Master System Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The title is entirely original, not being based on the Genesis title of the same name. Sonic is again questing for the Chaos Emeralds and seeks to stop the evil Dr. Robotnik who has transformed Sonic's animal friends into robots. Return of the emeralds and defeat of Dr. Robotnik is the only way for Sonic to prevent Eggman's global domination. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

The first WiiWare entry of the week comes from Steel Penny Games, a collection of ex-Naughty Dog employees. The puzzle title, Bruiser and Scratch, has the titular characters stranded in "a strange world with a dark secret." Players will guide the duo through the story mode and its 48 puzzles in six unique landscapes. Following completion of the story mode players will have access to the Challenge mode which offers 75 additional puzzles to satiate players of all skill levels. Bruiser and Scratch is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 1000 Wii Points ($10).

The final WiiWare title of the week focuses on the most basic aspect of a popular Canadian and American sport, Hockey. Hockey Allstar Shootout, as the title indicates allows players to partake in a hockey shootout. Head 2 Head mode will allow up to two players to battle it out as both shooter and goalie. A variety of other modes have been included that slightly alter the basic shootout concept. Hockey Allstar Shootout is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now through the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points ($5).

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO WIIWARE GAMES AND ONE VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAME ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Dec. 8, 2008

Neither sleet nor snow nor ice-cold winter winds shall keep Wii™ Shop Channel users from enjoying the best new and classic games. In fact, this week's offerings include a hot new strategy-based puzzle game that promises to keep everyone in the household enthused, no matter how frightful the weather outside may be. Harrowing puzzles, hockey pucks and a world-famous hedgehog are all featured in the latest downloadable lineup, providing red-hot gaming thrills to counter the imminent December chills.

WiiWare™

Bruiser and Scratch (Steel Penny Games, Inc., 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Bruiser and Scratch are stranded in a strange world with a dark secret. Their only hope in finding a path home is to unravel the mystery of this place, one oversized puzzle at a time. Along the way, they make new friends and meet up with old adversaries, each of whom plays a role in their journey. Bruiser and Scratch offers a number of tutorial levels to bring the player up to speed gradually. The story unfolds over 48 puzzles and six landscapes. And for players who can't get enough, Challenge mode offers 75 additional puzzles that range from child's play to mind-bogglingly difficult.

Hockey Allstar Shootout (Big Blue Bubble Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Use the Wii Remote™ controller as a stick and take the shot as you compete in three exciting Hockey Skills Challenges. In Head 2 Head, it's just you versus the best goalies in the world in a five-puck shootout. Race against the clock to post the most goals in the fastest time. The three difficulty levels will place you against three increasingly talented goalies, each donning the jersey of their home country. In two-player mode, each player will take a turn as shooter and as goalie, and the player who scores the most goals in five shots is the winner. In Sharp Shooter, you post a high score in one of three difficulty levels by breaking as many targets as you can. Each time a shot fails to break a target, an X will appear in the upper left corner. Three misses and the game is over. Power Shot has you take your best shot and watch the Shot-Speed Clock light up. You have three attempts to blast the fastest shot you can, and only the best speeds will grace the high score list.

Virtual Console™

Sonic The Hedgehog™ 2 (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Play the popular Sonic The Hedgehog sequel, made specifically for the SEGA MASTER SYSTEM. Sonic returns home to his island just in time to see Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) run off with Tails. In fact, Dr. Eggman has kidnapped all of Sonic's animal friends and placed them in robotic mind-controlling suits. He demands the six Chaos Emeralds, hidden on the island, in exchange for their safe return. Explore underground mine shafts, dash through underwater tunnels and hang glide through the clouds in Sonic's search for the Chaos Emeralds. Once Sonic's found them all, he must face off with the evil Dr. Eggman and thwart his plan for global domination.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

TalkBack / 5th Cell Unveils Scribblenauts

« on: December 05, 2008, 09:54:30 PM »

Creators of Drawn to Life and Lock's Quest have revealed their latest effort on the DS.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17305

In an exclusive interview with IGN, 5th Cell has unveiled its newest DS title, Scribblenauts. The game's tagline, "anything you write, you can use," effectively sums up Scribblenauts' gameplay. The puzzle title will have players spell out the name of an object, which will in turn spawn that item within the game world. Solving the game's puzzles is as simple as collecting the "starite" pieces found in each level. "[Players] could write anything," describes 5th Cell co-founder and creative director Jeremiah Slackzka, "[even if] it wouldn't help [them] at all in that puzzle."

According to 5th Cell, the game "is all based on real physics and interaction, so there's nothing pre-canned." Control within the game world will be achieved through usage of the DS touch screen. Players will tap anything or anywhere and the game will navigate to or interact with the world and items properly. In order to achieve such a flexible world with a robust catalog of objects/creatures, 5th Cell has created a dynamic system to manage interactions. For example, the game knows that a ladder can be used for climbing but can also be burned since it's made of wood, or since an elephant is an animal it is composed of edible flesh, which is a good thing for any carnivorous sharks that players spawn. Additionally, the team will be working from now until release to create as many objects as possible in order for players to never run out of items to spawn in the game's world.

While the game's main character, Maxwell, can be incapacitated, the true challenge of the game will come from the "par" system. Players will in many cases need to solve puzzles with the fewest number of items, similar to winning in golf with the fewest number of strokes. Completing tasks on or under par will result in gaining more "ollers," the in-game currency, which can be spent in the game's shop.

The game is said to also include local multiplayer, as well as some online features that will be revealed in the future. Players can look forward to a Scribblenauts release in the fourth quarter of 2009.

TalkBack / Nintendo Toys Available at Burger King

« on: December 04, 2008, 11:34:28 AM »

The ten toys, encompassing a variety of Nintendo characters, are available in Club BK meals.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17296

Burger King's latest Club BK toy promotion will feature ten unique Nintendo themed items. Including a couple entries from the Donkey Kong series, a few others from Super Mario Galaxy, and a Metroid magnetic ball puzzle, the toys encompass Nintendo's most recognizable characters. Many of the toys involve usage of a magnetic Wii Remote pointer toy to simulate real Wii control.

Pictures of the various toys have been included, with further information about each toy available on the Club BK website.

TalkBack / Rez Creator Reveals New Game

« on: December 02, 2008, 05:52:45 PM »

Q Entertainment's Tetsuya Mizuguchi is working on a new game exclusively for Wii.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17283

Rez creator and head of Q Entertainemnt, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, revealed today that he is currently working on an exclusive Wii music game. Published by Atari, the rhythm title, entitled QJ, is said to feature a unique premise and visuals alongside house techno music.

No other information or release dates were specified.

TalkBack / Kingdom Hearts 358/2 to Release in North America

« on: December 02, 2008, 09:41:26 AM »

With the release of Re:Chain of Memories on the PlayStation 2, Square Enix has snuck in a confirmation of the DS title's existence in North America.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17282

Square Enix and Disney Interactive Studios announced today that the Japanese DS entry to the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, is due for release in North America as well.

The game, as with the rest of the Kingdom Hearts games, will combine Final Fantasy characters along with staple Disney characters. This particular entry revolves around the "other" hero Roxas and Organization XIII at large. The game will follow both across various Disney Worlds and will reveal the connection between Roxas, Sora, and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his departure from the organization.

The game also features the first multiplayer mode of the series, allowing players to control the various Organization XIII members. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days will be available for the DS sometime next year.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days Announced for North America

LOS ANGELES (December 2, 2008) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, and Disney Interactive Studios, announced today that KINDGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories has shipped to North American retailers. Additionally, the release of KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days, the first entry in the franchise for Nintendo DS™, has been confirmed for a North American release.

With more than 12 million copies shipped worldwide, the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise is one of the most beloved RPGs in video game history. Disney and FINAL FANTASY® characters unite in a magical game world, engaging players across the globe with its gripping storyline and action-packed gameplay. Fans can now complete the experience with the arrival and announcement of two key pieces in the KINGDOM HEARTS saga.

About KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the "other" hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora, and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days is not yet rated by the ESRB. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information, visit http://www.square-enix.com/na.

TalkBack / Atari to Release Sam & Max Season Two for Wii

« on: December 02, 2008, 05:15:59 PM »

The dog and rabbity-thing will return to Wii in 2009 for a second season.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17280

Atari has announced today that they will publish the second season of TellTale's Sam & Max series for Wii. The episodic PC game will be bundled into a single retail package and shipped to retailers sometime next year.

Sam & Max Season Two will feature five intertwining, but separate episodes in which the duo investigates a mystery after a giant robot attacks. Though the first season was welcomed to lukewarm reviews, the second season will still have an opportunity to prove the merits of the series.

THE FREELANCE POLICE HIT THE STREETS AS 'SAM & MAX SEASON TWO' COMES TO RETAIL

- Atari Brings Acclaimed Adventures to Retail Worldwide with Boxed Releases Coming 2009 to PC and Wii -

LYON, FRANCE – 2 December 2008 – Atari and Telltale, Inc. today announced a new partnership to bring Sam & Max to retail stores worldwide with PC and Wii versions of the duo's most recent escapades, Sam & Max Season Two. Everyone’s favourite freelance police are back for more of the surreal stories and offbeat laughs that make the Sam & Max games series one-of-a-kind. Currently available as episodic downloads for PC only, publisher Atari is bringing Sam & Max Season Two to retailers worldwide for PC and Wii in 2009.

Sam and Max are on the job again in the critically acclaimed Sam & Max Season Two brimming with crime-fighting adventure and chaos. Structured like a TV season, each of the five episodes has its own self-contained plot while together they form part of a season-long mystery. Like the best TV series, Sam & Max Season Two draws the player in with great characters and multiple intertwined plot lines, building to a high stakes climax in the season finale.

The crazed journey begins with a giant robot attack and never lets up, taking the crime-fighters on a series of wild missions boasting twisted storylines and engaging gameplay with their own unique brand of justice that takes them from frozen arctic regions to the fiery opposite end of the spectrum.

As with DVD box sets of popular TV series, bringing the game to retail lets its creators reach a new audience of gamers who otherwise might have led a life deprived of the joy only Sam & Max can bring. Sam & Max Season Two for Wii and PC is the first time this release has been localised, with full French and German versions available on the disk along with Spanish and Italian subtitles, so international fans can enjoy the fun in their mother tongue.

Created by Steve Purcell, Sam & Max first got their start in the indie comic book scene in the 1980s and the duo have since become a well-loved phenomenon in both the comic scene and with the brilliantly addictive and entertaining video games.

100

TalkBack / Ready 2 Rumble Revolution Revealed by Atari

« on: December 02, 2008, 12:50:45 PM »

The Nintendo 64 boxing franchise returns to Wii early next year.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=17276

Atari announced today plans to publish a new iteration of the Ready 2 Rumble series, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution. Developed by AKI Corporation, the game will feature a roster of eighteen fighters all based on celebrities from the worlds of sports, music, and movies.

Players will throw punches using their Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination as well as, "special moves, combos, extreme knockdowns and special "Rumble" combos." The game is set to include a single player mode, Championship Mode, and classic one-on-one multiplayer matches.

With the series being published by Atari and developed by AKI Corporation, this removes the original owner of the property, Midway, entirely out of the equation. Given the state of the company just last week, the Ready 2 Rumble property may have shifted hands in an effort to buoy the sinking company.

Ready 2 Rumble Revolution will be available for Wii in spring 2009.

Atari LACES UP ITS GLOVES as 'Ready 2 Rumble Revolution' WARMS up FOR ITS Wii DEBUT

The Best-Selling Boxing Franchise Returns with a Huge Roster of Celebrity-inspired Fighters Looking to Land the KO Punch in Spring 2009

NEW YORK, December 2, 2008 – The hilarious Ready 2 Rumble franchise is flexing its muscles and planning a major, star-studded return to the ring in spring 2009 with the launch of Ready 2 Rumble Revolution, the newest game in the much-loved series. Bringing the franchise to Wii™ for the first time, the game retains all the knockout features of best-sellers Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 1 and Round 2, while delivering a knockout punch of style and attitude. Tailored to take advantage of the motion-controlled realism of Wii, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution makes landing a punch more fun than ever.

"Ready 2 Rumble Revolution is poised to take back he title as the undisputed champion of arcade boxing games and we hope to reach an even bigger audience than ever thanks to the huge popularity of Wii," said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames, the parent company of Atari. "The outrageous celebrity caricatures paired with a fun boxing experience made even more over-the-top thanks to the Wii controllers will make the newest version of this famed franchise a must-have for all fans of boxing and physical fun on Wii."

"Ready 2 Rumble Revolution will put the swagger back into the boxing ring and promote an adrenaline-boosting, positive will to win attitude in the hearts and minds of fans of all ages," said Gaspard de Dreuzy, President of Stereo Mode and executive producer of the game.

Sure to satisfy newcomers and boxing fans alike, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution features a roster of 18 wildly caricatured cartoony boxers based on celebrities from the worlds of sports, music and movies. Celebrities enter the ring as larger-than-life "Rumble-ized" versions of themselves. Players will step right up and see if they can knock these super-sized egos down a peg or two!

The game is hosted by "The Voice of the Champions" Michael Buffer, famous for his "Let's Get Ready to Rumble®" trademark call. Characters are brought to life with hilarious moves, detailed facial animations, damage textures and fighting techniques including special moves, combos, extreme knockdowns and special "Rumble" combos. An all new Championship Mode lets gamers create their own unique boxer and nurture his skills through mini-games, developing him as a fighter and creating a completely personalized Ready 2 Rumble Revolution experience.

Developed by AKI who bring their formidable fight game know-how to the franchise, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution brings a virtual boxing arena to the living room and delivers a fun and intuitive experience in either single player or multiplayer mode. The Wii controllers provide would-be pugilists with an intuitive and realistic feel. Using the Nunchuk™ controller as one glove and the Wii Remote™ controller as the other, players dodge, weave and throw the big punches to KO their opponents.

Virtual heavyweights can fight from the backstreet gym all the way to the big Las Vegas showdown with vivid new visuals bringing the five spectacular ring environments to life. The arcade experience is made even better thanks to advanced Artificial Intelligence allowing more strategic fights.

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