• Mega Man x Wario: The Return of 2D

I admire Capcom and Nintendo. They've been making the best games for all these years and haven't lost a single touch. With the success of their new games, I become accustomed to playing and enjoying them to the fullest.

Even though Wario Land: Shake It! got overshadowed by Mega Man 9, I support both equally as the returning age of old school 2D games.
Wario Land took 2D to a new level similar to what Super Paper Mario did.
Mega Man 9 took it much further by going 8-bit.
This game has set a new landmark and paving the way for other classic franchises to make their comeback return in retro style. I'm talking games like Castlevania, Sonic The Hedgehog, Contra, Bionic Commando, etc.
It's not necessary that these games are to go 8-bit/16-bit but to go to a form where they once shined their brightest. And only Mega Man can do it best.
In fact, it's ground-breaking for its time - in the world of High Definition 3D graphics.

Mega Man 9 is built for nothing short of perfection. And to have played this on a Nintendo system on Day 1 release, everything just felt so right for once.

And because of that, I've become as much of a fan as anyone else.
Here are some photos of some things I bought in hype of the game.

Leaping 8-Bit Mega Man T-Shirt:


click to view gallery

I also have my Mega Man 9 Original Soundtrack CD:


click to view gallery

As you might see, I too am a fan of everything 8-Bit and its underground music scene/culture.
My favorite track from the soundtrack is the Magma Man Stage theme, "Magma Burning".

At last, here's a piece of art work I made prior to the release of Mega Man 9 [WiiWare] and Wario Land: Shake It! [Wii].
It's a concept I've been thinking of for a few months.
A joint-project between two of the best game companies, Capcom and Nintendo.
I present to you, Mega Man x Wario wallpaper.



1280 x 1024 - click to download @ my deviantArt

Only one size is available at the moment, but if there are enough requests I'd be obliged to create more sizes.

// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.06.30

WiiWare


Magnetica™ Twist (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The classic puzzle game Magnetica is now available on WiiWare , putting its own unique "twist" on the puzzle-game experience. You're surrounded by marbles, marching slowly but surely down a track. Use a launcher (piloted by a Mii™ of your choice) to shoot marbles with matching colors and wipe them out before they reach the end of the track. Control couldn't be simpler, as all you need to do is twist the Wii Remote™ controller to aim and press the A button to shoot. And the game play remains as addictive and deep as you've come to expect in Nintendo's puzzle games, with five varied play modes, advanced mechanics such as the ability to lob marbles, and a never-ending supply of combos. This definitely isn't your typical game of marbles.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetica#Wii_version

Virtual Console


FATAL FURY 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen-Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1992 by SNK, FATAL FURY 2 is the second installment in the renowned fighting-game series. In addition to Terry, Andy and Joe, who appeared in the original game, another five distinctive fighters gather from around the world to compete for the championship title. Also newly added are stage-specific hazards and the ability to perform desperation attacks when a character's strength is low. These particularly deadly techniques create the chance for a come-from-behind victory achieved with a single strike. Moreover, the innovative two-line battle, which proved popular in the previous version, also has been radically enhanced. Pressing the weak-attack and strong-attack buttons simultaneously enables players to move their fighters to another line themselves, or to launch an attack that pushes opponents back to another line. This game mechanic, unique to this title in the series, allows the player to take advantage of the depth of the screen and create even more exciting bouts. Can you prove yourself the king of fighters again?
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatal_Fury_2

-----------

Wii

Purr Pals (also on Nintendo DS) IGN

Nintendo DS

Trauma Center Under The Knife 2 Official Website; Wiki; IGN; Official YouTube

USA Today Crossword Challenge IGN

AMF Bowling Pinbusters IGN

1 Vs 100 IGN

Journey To The Center Of The Earth IGN

-----------
Sweet News from the latest issue of Nintendo Power!
Mega Man 9 is announced to be set for WiiWare!
The little blue bomber will be back in an 8-bit art style like the original NES games. Robots on a rampage; Dr. Wily is back; only this time, he says that the robot attacks are the fault of Mega Man's creator, Dr. Light. So it's up to Mega Man to prove his creator's innocence.

Fansite The Mega Man Network has gotten its hands on a couple (blurry) scans from the next issue of Nintendo Power. The screenshots look like the classic 8-bit Mega Man we all know and love. Capcom is apparently going old school with this one. Mega Man Network lists the following robot bad guys:

* Magma Man
* Galaxy Man
* Jewel Man
* Concrete Man
* Hornet Man
* Plug Man
* Tornado Man
* Splash Woman (first female Robot Master)



Nintendo Power scans in low-res:
Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Screenshots from scan:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Mega Man 9 is being developed by Inti Creates, a team made up of former Capcom devs that brought us the first three Mega Man X games, Mega Man Zero, and the Mega Man ZX series.

IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/884/884605p1.html
The Mega Man Network: http://blue-bomber.jvmwriter.org/index. … =Main_Page
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man_9

--------------
Also in the latest issue of Nintendo Power is a screenshot of Konami next installment of the Castlevania series.
The following scan unveils a 3D fighter, Castlevania Judgement.



confirmed characters so far:
Dracula, Simon Belmont, Alucard, Maria Renard and Shanoa (from Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia)

weapons include:
holy water, daggers, boomerangs, magic spells, and will be able to set traps

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania_Judgement

---------------
The Official site for C.O.R.E, an upcoming Quake-like FPS title for Nintendo DS is now open.
Here an intro trailer: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5yspw … videogames

Official Website: http://www.corethegame.com/

---------------
Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates on my Blogspot, Xanga, or Multiply.
See you all next week! \;D/


// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.05.28

^ Not that I can find, all Wii Shop titles aren't revealed unless the publisher decides to announce a press release for that specific title or unless the info is leaked. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for Monday morning every week to find out. But you can check to see if ESRB has even rated that game you're waiting for. Usually when ESRB updates it means the game's coming soon for release.

The Wii Shop releases are different regionally, and this thread is based on the North American releases, of course, but some Japanese releases are mentioned. If in case the game you're looking for is released on a foreign system, you can try changing your Country/Language in the Wii option settings.

Here are the lists of Virtual Console releases so far:
Japan
North America
Europe
Australia
South Korea

------------------
WiiWare™ (What is WiiWare?)

Dr. Mario® Online Rx (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): The doctor is in! Mario™ takes a break from his adventuring ways and once again dons his stethoscope for a new generation of germ-battling mayhem. In addition to the classic mode of using vitamins to exterminate viruses, you’ll find two battle modes and an online multiplayer mode where you can hone your skills against players from around the world. Feel like challenging a friend who doesn’t have Dr. Mario Online Rx? Then the WiiWare-exclusive Friend Battle Demo is just what the doctor ordered. Or maybe you’d like some help taking on those nasty viruses? Try out Virus Buster, where four players can simultaneously move capsules simply by pointing at them with a Wii Remote™ controller. Any way you look at it, Dr. Mario Online Rx is a prescription for fun that everyone can enjoy.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Mario_Online_Rx

Family Table Tennis (Aksys Games, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): It’s time for some good old family fun, and what’s more fun than table tennis? Just like a real family, choose your character from a cast of four, which includes Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy. There are four table tennis-tastic stages where it doesn’t matter if you’re an indoors or outdoors table-tennis player. Pick your poison from a gymnasium, a forest park, a beach or even an amusement park. Choose from Single or Versus mode, or select a minigame to play. In Versus mode, you and a friend can play against each other to see who is the better table-tennis player. And if Single and Versus modes aren’t enough, select between three minigames, which include Target Table Tennis, Thrilling Table Tennis and Matching Table Tennis. The appealing cell-shaded graphics and endearing music, on top of the super-fun game play, will have you and your family playing from morning till night. Get your paddles ready.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Table_Tennis

Virtual Console™ (What is Virtual Console?)


City Connection™ (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, Tobacco Reference, 500 Wii Points): Based on the arcade hit, a young man born in California sets out to tour famous sites and cities around the world. As he drives the highways surrounding these locations, the road is painted white as proof of his visit. Only once all sections of the road have been painted will he move on to the next location in his world tour. Not surprisingly, the local police will chase the driver and do their best to stop him from completing his goal. In addition, cats roam the highways and spikes lie in wait for unsuspecting drivers. To combat these dangers, the driver’s customized car can jump, fire cans of oil and collect balloons to warp to a new stage. It’s the ultimate road trip.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Connection


Metal Slug (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen - Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1996 by SNK, Metal Slug is a side-scrolling military-action game. Players control Marco and Tarma, both members of the special-ops force Team Peregrine Falcon (commonly known as Team PF), and battle their way through stage after stage of intense action. The goal is to try to overthrow General Morden and win back the stolen weapon, the Metal Slug. Players must blast through waves of enemies and machines (while also jumping over any obstacles in the way) to advance through the stages. It’s not as hopeless as it might sound, though—weapons such as heavy machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers and flamethrowers, as well as the Metal Slug itself (which appears frequently in the game), will make the battle easier. Take on General Morden with a friend to lighten your load and ramp up the excitement even more.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Slug

*Due to my Wii being out of memory, I'm not able to download any new WiiWare or VC games this week.
But if I were to pick one for this week, it would be Dr. Mario Online Rx which is a classic puzzle built on the same engine as Tetris: Grand Master. Also, the neat thing about it is you can send demos to your Wii friends to try and play 2P online. Sort of invitation-only thing.

-----------------
This week's North American Wii releases:
Monkey King: The Legend Begins Wiki; 1UP
Emergency Heroes 1UP
Death Jr Root of Evil Wiki; 1UP

This week's North American Nintendo DS releases:
Super Dodgeball Brawlers Wiki; 1UP; YouTube

-----------------
Alright, time for some old news.

LostWinds is becoming quite popular, and is still my current favorite WiiWare title.
Now there are new screenshots and artwork of the next episode here at:
http://www.wiiz.fr/article.php?a=17999

-----------------
Samba de Amigo [Wii] details

- 40 songs, most new, some from the Dreamcast version
- Some of the modes: solo, quick-play, classic, battle, survival, hustle, mini-games, and more
- online rankings included
- 2 player local multiplayer (co-op or versus)

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samba_de_Amigo#Wii_version

-----------------
Try out the online flash demo of English of the Dead, coming soon to Nintendo DS (Japan):
http://eod.sega.jp/taiken/

-----------------
Metal Slug 7 trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bpCBXJTXh8

-----------------
Daigasso! Band Brothers DX details, Wii connectivity

- download a "Speaker Channel" to your Wii, via the Wii Shop channel
- Speaker Channel allows you to play your music through the TV
- no confirmation on price of channel, may be free
- upload compositions to a server in order to share your work with others

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daigasso%21_Band_Brothers_DX

-----------------


New Nintendo DS Lite colors are arriving for the summer.
Red, Turquoise and Green Nintendo DS Lites hitting shelves across Europe on 13 June 2008 and Cooking Guide: Can’t Decide What To Eat? arriving on 20 June 2008.

Source

For North America, we will be getting the Metallic Rose version of the Nintendo DS Lite, this time as a single release without the Nintendogs pawprint on the front. You can watch the promotional commercial featuring America Ferrera and Carrie Underwood on the Nintendo Channel.

------------------
So the clues of that full moon on last month's issue of Nintendo Power was actually leading to the new Castlevania.
Konami finally announced Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for Nintendo DS which will due out Fall 2008.

Press:
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia exclusively for Nintendo DS™. Introducing the all-new Glyph attack system, players will be able to use special attack combinations as they attempt to defeat Dracula and his horde. Also introduced to the series are new outdoor locales ranging from forests to the ocean, giving players the chance to explore outside of Dracula’s Castle. Developed by legendary Castlevania producer Koji “Iga” Igarashi, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is poised to set a new standard for side scrolling action on DS™.

"We have always felt that the Castlevania franchise has been an excellent fit on Nintendo DS, and based on the popularity of the DS classics, Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin, our fans agree,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “We fully expect Order of Ecclesia to ignite the fan base once again as it combines the classic Castlevania gameplay with an all-new combat system and outdoor environments."

In Order of Ecclesia players take the role of a member of the Ecclesia, an organization that has sworn to defeat the evil forces of Dracula. By using the new Glyph attack system, players can unleash more than 100 different combinations to battle Dracula’s minions throughout 20 explorable areas. Utilizing the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection™, players can choose to compete head-to-head, or trade items and equipment they have found while exploring the environments. Multiple endings that can be unlocked depending on how the player completes the game adds even more replay value to the game with plenty of addictive exploration, combat and items to discover.

Developed by Konami, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is planned for release on Nintendo DS™ in Fall 2008. For more information on the games, please visit: www.konami.com.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania:_Order_of_Ecclesia
Official Website: http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_ds3/

---------------------
Mega Man Zero: Official Complete Works (art book) hits stores today. UDON, the guys who have worked on many a project related to and for Capcom, including the art for the upcoming Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, are releasing an English version of the same book in America, which will be available in stores on May 28th. Capcom has begun taking orders for it, as well as Amazon, and you may be able to order it through outlets such as Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, or even your local comic book store (be sure to check first, just to be sure).

Capcom Store

----------------

Check up on previous Wii News & Updates on my Xanga, Multiply, and now Blogger/Blogspot!
See you all next week! \:D/


// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.04.30

This week's North American release on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console is..


Double Dragon
NES
1-2 players
Rated Everyone 10+ — Mild Violence
500 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Dra … eo_game%29

------------
We have a public chat set up on Skype for those interested in finding people to race in Mario Kart Wii or fight in Brawl.
Link

or just simply add my Skypename: rothsothy
and I'll add you to the chat.

------------
TIME is holding their annual Top 100 most influential person, and Shigeru Miyamoto has landed the number 1 spot.
Check up on his profile and/or cast your vote at:
Source

------------
Excerpts from TIMEonline interview:

Nintendo guru Shigeru Miyamoto realizes there are parallels to be drawn between Wii Fit and real, live actual exercise, so he wants to make sure you understand that there’s no substitute for going outside and "moving around."

"Spending too long, staying in and playing any video game is not good,” said Miyamoto. “I always tell my children to get out on a sunny day and I, myself, went jogging in Central Park yesterday. But I do my stretching on Wii Fit. They work together."

"Web-enabled Wii Fit Balance boards will be hooked up to the internet to enable users to compete live against anyone, anywhere. If Miyamoto has his way, we’ll all be doing press-ups at dawn and comparing ourselves with millions of others."

Full interview at:
Source

--------------


White GameCube controllers are now available at Play-Asia.
Some comparison photos of the item:
http://i30.tinypic.com/359gvug.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/28ruab.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/20th3m0.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/f44v34.jpg

*courtesy of cvxfreak @ NeoGaf forums

---------------
For those who have recently purchased Okami [Wii], you may have noticed the IGN logo watermark on the front cover.

Capcom is now offering new cover arts free of charge. There are 3 unique covers to choose from.
http://www.capcom.com/artredemption/

*US and Canada only.
Europe gets an official release date for Okami [Wii] on June 13th, 2008.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okami

While you're at it, Capcom also has just released an 8-Bit leaping Mega-Man T-shirt at their shop.
Hurry while supplies last!

----------------
Last but not least, Grand Theft Auto IV is making quite a stir all over, and kicking The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time off the number 1 spot for #1 Best Rated Video Game of All-Time over at GameRankings.
It's not too common that I talk about other games beside Wii/DS games, but I did mention Halo 3 before and this deserves a mention as well.
I fully recommend it for all current Xbox360 and PS3 owners and soon for PC (I hope).
Have a great gaming week! I'll see you all in the next. \:D/


// Roth