• Wii News & Updates 2008.08.11

This week's releases include a funny WiiWare title, two import VC titles, and MADDING MADDENING MADDEN~!

WiiWare


Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated T for Teen-Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points): Charming. Suave. Awesome. These are the words Strong Bad would use to describe himself. In a world gone mad, only one man can be trusted to save the day. A man with an attitude. A man called Strong Bad. As the star of the Homestar Runner Web cartoons, Strong Bad has been answering e-mails (in boxing gloves), pranking his friends, pummeling his enemies, and making people with questionable taste snort milk out of their noses for years now. And he's branched out to star in Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, a monthly five-episode series. In Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner, Strong Bad's plans to beat the snot out of Homestar backfire, and he ends up with an unwanted houseguest cramping his style. Now he needs to get life back to normal by any means possible. But wait, there's more: Teen Girl Squad comics, achievements, funny costumes and arcade games. You can even send pictures and messages to Wii Friends using Strong Bad's computer. So how about it? Can you handle Strong Bad's style?
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strong_...ractive_People
Official Site: http://www.telltalegames.com/strongbad
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYqITXXnPsA&fmt=18

Virtual Console


Break In (TurboGrafx16, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Tobacco Reference, 700 Wii Points): Gather up to four players for an authentic game of pool right in your own home. Choose from six billiards games including 9-Ball, Rotation and Carom (a game played without pockets). Use Simulation mode to calculate the perfect shot, or select Action mode and check out what went wrong with your missed shots. With all that to choose from, Break In gives players-from beginners to experts-all the elements necessary to enjoy a great game of pool. But it doesn't stop there. Select Technique to practice your angles or even go for a trick shot. Get some help from the CPU and hone your skills. With Break In, you'll be a pro in no time.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Break_In
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4z_7f2ivpY


Star Parodier (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): Star Parodier is the hilarious spoof of the classic Hudson shooter Star Soldier. In this parody, there are three playable ships for players to choose from: the ingratiating PAROCEASER, the hot-headed BOMBERMAN, and the ever-so-introverted PC-ENGINE. Players control one of these unique and original ships and set off to blast their way through eight stages on the planet PAROSON. The comical characters take the color and flavor of the Soldier series to the next level and are guaranteed to leave players mesmerized. In addition to the normal game mode, there are also the familiar two-minute and five-minute attack modes, making Star Parodier the complete package that is sure to have players coming back for more.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Parodier
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDo3y35IqlY

Wii
Madden NFL 09 All-Play Official Website; Wiki; IGN

Nintendo DS
Madden NFL 2009 IGN
Bangai-O Spirits Wiki; IGN
Imagine Teacher IGN

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Madden NFL 09 All-Play [Wii], new features incl. 5 on 5, Playcalling, Call Your Shots, Celebrate Your Success, Improved Tackling..
Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfdxwvV3qBA
Controls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN1msTmitrc

Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars [Wii] gameplay videos:
http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/88463...e-wars/videos/

The Conduit [Wii] gameplay videos:
http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14248..._080508_3.html

DDR Hottest Party 2 [Wii] trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27uhmWl-BiU&fmt=18

Rayman Raving Rabbids 3 [Wii] new video:
http://www.codenamerevolution.com/?p=7850

MySims Kingdom [Wii] official trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud4iAEgwkS4&fmt=18

Captain Rainbow [Wii] new trailer #5 with subtitles (brought to you by WiiFolder):
http://www.wipido.com/video/2721

Pokemon Platinum [NDS] new preview trailer (with new Pokemon!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdfkCKxfUro

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure [NDS] trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uYlVRLrPXE&fmt=18
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhapsod...ical_Adventure

Metal Slug 7 [NDS] debut US trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvHSrC9yAac&fmt=18

My Aquarium (previously known as Blue Oasis in Japan) debut English trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDsMnUrx7kw&fmt=18

Mega Man 9 [WiiWare] gameplay videos:
http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14260..._elephant.html

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Rockman 9 (Mega Man 9) soundtracks heading to Japan soon
- Choose between 8bit compositions or arranged tracks
- Part 1: 8-bit will be released on Sep. 12th, will include 35 original tracks
- Part 2: Arranged version will be released on Oct. 10

Pre-Order

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Nintendo Channel Updates

Videos
Strong Bad’s Info Video 2
Mario Kart Wii: Who’s playing Wii today? 2
Developer’s Voice 3: Madden NFL 09 All-Play
Developer’s Voice 4: Madden NFL 09 All-Play
How Do You Play? Nintendogs
Age of Empires: Mythologies Info Video
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell Info Video
Quantum of Solace Info Video
Digest Video

Demos (Expire 8/17)
Air Traffic Chaos
PICTOIMAGE
Carnival Games

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Guitar Hero: World Tour [Wii]

Songs confirmed so far..
* Airbourne - "Too Much Too Young…"
* Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Weapon of Choice"
* Bob Seger - "Hollywood Nights"
* Dinosaur Jr. - "Feel The pain"
* Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"
* Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger"
* Black Label Society - "Stillborn"
* Metallica - "Trapped Under Ice"
* System of a Down - "B.Y.O.B."

* Blink 182 - "Dammit"
* Linkin Park - "What I’ve Done"
* Paramore - "Misery Business"
* The Doors - "Love Me Two Times"
* The Eagles - "Hotel California"

* Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train"
* Ozzy Osbourne - "Mr. Crowley"
* Van Halen - "Hot for Teacher"
* Jimi Hendrix - "Purple Haze (Live, 1969)"
* Jimi Hendrix - "The Wind Cries Mary"
* At the Drive-In - "One Armed Scissor"
* Sublime - "Santeria"
* Billy Idol - "Rebel Yell"
* Foo Fighters - "Everlong"
* Steve Miller Band - "The Joker"
* Interpol - "Obstacle 1"
* The Doors - "Light My Fire"
* Michael Jackson - "Beat It"
* Linkin Park - "In The End"
* Smashing Pumpkins - "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"
* Lenny Kravitz - "Are You Gonna Go My Way"
* The Answer - "Never Too Late"

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_World_Tour
Official Website: http://www.guitarhero.com/

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Rock Revolution [Wii]

partial tracklist revealed..
* blink 182 - "All The Small Things"
* System Of A Down - "Chop Suey!"
* Quiet Riot (Slade) - "Cum On Feel The Noize"
* Fall Out Boy - "Dance, Dance"
* Kiss - "Detroit Rock City"
* Dream Theater - "Pull Me Under"
* The Killers - "Somebody Told Me"
* Rush - "Spirit Of Radio"
* Korn - "Falling Away From Me"
* Linkin Park - "Given Up"
more @

Source

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This week’s Game Savings

Amazon.com:
Madden 09 comes with $10 gift card

GameStop:
Madden 09 Midnight Launch & Preview: Pre-order Madden NFL 09, get exclusive coupon "playbook" worth over $50. (limited quantities)

GameCrazy:
Madden 09 Midnight Launch & Preview, Super Bowl tickets giveaway (see details in store)

Circuit City:
Order Madden 09, get free $5 gift card (CircuitCity.com)
Free EA Sports Mini Football with Madden 2009 Purchase
Rock Band Bundle [Wii]: $149.99
Super Smash Bros. Brawl [Wii]: $39.99
Mario Party 8 [Wii]: $39.99
MLB Power Pros [Wii]: $15.99
Imagine Teacher [NDS]: $19.99
Imagine Babyz [NDS]: $19.99
Madden NFL 2009 [NDS]: $14.99

Best Buy:
Madden 09 Midnight Launch: Order Madden 09, save $10 on another game priced $29.99+ (BestBuy.com)
Wii Fit IN STOCK
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games [Wii]: $39.99
Space Chimps [Wii]: $29.99
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 [Wii]: $19.99
Free $10 Best Buy Gift Card with purchase of Little League World Series Baseball 2008 [Wii]

Target:
Brain Age: $17
Brain Age 2: $17
CrossworDS: $17
Flash Focus: $17
High School Musical: $17
Hannah Montana: $17

Walmart:
Order Madden 09, get free $10 gift card (Walmart.com)

Kmart:
Little League World Series Baseball 2008 [Wii]: $29.99
Kung Fu Panda [Wii]: $29.99
Guitar Hero Aerosmith [Wii]: $39.99
Guitar Hero Aerosmith Bundle [Wii]: $89.99
Guitar Hero 3 Bundle [Wii]: $59.99
Free Mini Folio with purchase of any 2 of the following DS titles: (Brain Age 2, Flash Focus, New Super Mario Bros, Nintendogs Dalmation)

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Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Blogspot, Xanga, or Multiply.
Recent news about me:
- Mission Complete on SIREN: Blood Curse [PSN]. Videos available at my Ustream. Soon to be on the blog.
- Resident Evil 4 [Wii edition] live feed to start tonight. Either subscribe to my Twitter or Ustream.
- Got my mini Super Mushroom coin bank! Photo Green super mushroom coming soon..

// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.07.21

WiiWare

Pirates: The Key of Dreams (Oxygen Games, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Pirates: The Key of Dreams is a frantic nautical shoot-’em-up. Sail your way across the Caribbean, cannons blazing, looting booty, running blockades and ultimately battling Blackbeard himself. The player takes control of a navy captain sent deep undercover as a ruthless pirate in order to seek out and retrieve the Key of Dreams, a valuable and dangerous cursed artifact. Rescue castaways to bolster your ship’s crew, gaining performance increases to your navigation, weaponry, structural integrity and cartography skills. Collect increasingly powerful weaponry including rockets, mines, chain shot, saw blades and a flamethrower to hurl destruction into the path of your enemies. Play against three of your scurvy friends or A.I. opponents in pitched multiplayer battles over 35 levels, set in seven themed environments. Choose from different ship types that reflect your play style. Play in turbo mode if you’re pirate enough.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates:_The_Key_of_Dreams
YouTube "Gameplay": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4bTMedkonM

Virtual Console


Super Fantasy Zone (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): The last entry in the Fantasy Zone series, this side-scrolling shooter puts you in the shoes of main character Opa-Opa, who is on a mission to avenge the death of his father. To do so, you’ll have to battle a variety of Enemy Generators to clear out the various levels and finish off the Menon Guardian at the end of the level. Eliminating your enemies will let you rack up some gold, which you can use to buy even better weapons, upgrades and other equipment. Spend your gold wisely, as each different boss you need to defeat presents a unique challenge.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Fantasy_Zone


Gley Lancer (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): In the year 2025, a war breaks out between humans and a hostile alien race, and 16-year-old Lucia and the rest of the starfighter pilots in the Earth Federation must join the battle. When Lucia’s father is kidnapped by the aliens, she decides to take action and hijacks a brand new prototype starfighter, the Gley Lancer, in order to try to save him. In this side-scrolling shooter, step into the cockpit of the Gley Lancer as Lucia, rescue your father and destroy the evil aliens that are bent on destroying the human race.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gley_Lancer

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Wii

SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 IGN
Order Up! GameSpot

Nintendo DS


Final Fantasy IV Official Website; Wiki; IGN; YouTube "Official Movie I"
Izuna 2 The Unemployed Ninja Returns Official Website; IGN; Offcial YouTube

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Japan releases

Samurai Spirit (Rokuban Shoubu) [Wii] YouTube; Official Website; 1UP
Wario Land: Shake [Wii] Wiki; Official Nintendo Page

Metal Slug 7 [NDS] Wiki; YouTube "Mission 7 Gameplay"
KORG DS-10 Synthesizer [NDS] Official Japanese Website; YouTube "E3 Trailer"

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Nintendo Channel Updates

Videos
Get Wii Fit with Alyson: Aerobics
Pirates: The Key of Dreams Info Video
Madden NFL 09 Info Video
GRID Info Video
Hell’s Kitchen The Game Info Video
TNA iMPACT! Info Video
Master of the Monster Lair Info Video
Dinasour King Info Video
Guitar Hero: On Tour Duel Video
Digest Video

DS Demos *expire 7/27
Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2
Wall-E
Contra 4
PICTOIMAGE

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Exclusive Japanese Trailer for Pokemon Platinum (Platine), the remake of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS.
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uElgjICioPc&fmt=18

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According to the next issue of Nintendo Power magazine, Sonic and The Black Knight, sequel to Sonic and The Secret Rings, is now official.
Here's an excerpt from press release:

–SEGA of Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced Sonic™ and the Black Knight, an all-new Wii-exclusive adventure. Part of the storybook series of games that began with Sonic and the Secret Rings, this new title brings Sonic into the world of Arthurian legend and offers the worlds most infamous blue hedgehog the chance to become a knight. Using the unique Wii control system, this exciting game will take advantage of both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk to offer an interactive experience that any Sonic fans will love.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_%26_the_Black_Knight
Official Sega page: http://www.sega.com/games/?g=483

Source

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Last week right after Capcom's E3 conference, Famitsu announced in their latest issue that a port of the Xbox360 action adventure/sandbox/survival horror, Dead Rising, is indeed getting a port to Wii under the name Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop. Today, Capcom has made it official.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — July 21, 2008 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Dead Rising™: Chop Till You Drop is in development for the Wii™ home video game system. Based on the critically acclaimed Dead Rising™, which has sold in excess of one million units since its release in 2006, Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop is scheduled to hit store shelves this Winter.

Details:
• built on the Resident 4 Wii engine
• additional features including over-the-shoulder camera approach
• New levels of interaction: motion controls utilizing the Wii Remote aim and fire guns, swing and throw weapons and shake off zombie attacksHuge environment – expansive indoor and outdoor areas of the mall provide a variety of different locations to explore
• Improved save functionality allows for more seamless gameplay
• Hoards of enemies on screen at once resulting in non-stop, pulse-pounding action
• Anything in the mall is at Frank’s disposal
• Grab environmental objects like umbrellas and benches to use as improvised weapons
• Snatch items from different stores to use as weapons including golf clubs, lawnmowers, frying pans and more
• Consume food and drink to revive health

Famitsu scans @ http://wiieveryday.blogspot.com/2008/07 … 80718.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_risin … l_You_Drop

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If you're still bummed by E3, madfather has made another comic featuring Reggie and Miyamoto telling us pretty much all you need to know at the Nintendo E3 press conference as well as the private conference, Nintendo's Developer Roundtable, held right after E3 including private interviews with IGN, etc.



Basically, everything said there is indeed fact.
Look out for a new Pikmin, Kid Icarus, storage solution, etc.

Nintendo's E3 announcements:
Animal Crossing: City Folk, Wii MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort, Wii Music, Wii Speak (will be used in Animal Crossing: City Folk, and The Conduit), Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for Nintendo DS

You may now view the E3 Media Briefing at http://e3.nintendo.com/

Here are some interesting new Extended Cuts of the GameTrailers TV interview where Reggie tells us more on what "core" gamers can expect in the coming year.
GameTrailers (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 will auto follow): http://www.gametrailers.com/player/37265.html

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Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Xanga, Blogspot, or Multiply.


// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.07.11

Here are the releases for this Pre-E3 2008 week. (What is E3?)

WiiWare


SPOGS Racing (D2C Games, 1-2 players, 1,000 Wii Points): Coming at you full throttle is SPOGS Racing, an all-new racer from D2C Games featuring classic arcade racing, pick-up-and-play controls, all-new racing vehicles and Crash N' Grab instant upgrades. Jump in, gear up and modify your ride on the fly as you compete head-to-head for a totally outrageous arcade racing experience on your Wii console. Whether you're a casual gamer or hardcore racer, SPOGS Racing features fun for all and is a must-have download for your WiiWare digital game library.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPOGS_Racing

Virtual Console


King of the Monsters (Neo Geo, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): Released by SNK in 1991, KING OF THE MONSTERS is an action/fighting game that features city-destroying battles between huge monsters. Choose one of six monsters and travel around Japan, stopping to fight in various famous cities with the aim of becoming the ultimate winner. In addition to punches, kicks and other regular moves, each character has the ability to use more devastating maneuvers, like throwing flames and shooting laser beams, to defeat opponents. Wrestling elements are also incorporated, as you must completely exhaust your opponent and get a three-count to pin him and be victorious. Along with the player-versus-computer game, multiplayer options allow you and a friend to enjoy one-on-one matches and two-on-two tag-team matches against the computer. Take on the challenge and claim the title of King of the Monsters.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Monsters

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Wii
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Dungeon Official Website; Wiki; YouTube
Wonderworld Amusement Park IGN

Nintendo DS
Carnival Games GameSpot
Ducati Moto IGN

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This is probably the biggest news all year so far. Some of you may already know that the SNES cult classic RPG Chrono Trigger is making its reappearance onto the Nintendo DS.

Video game blogs from all over the net were raving when news broke out last week when Square Enix announced and launch the new official Chrono Trigger website.

Official Press:

CHRONO TRIGGER Returns! The Timeless Classic Teleports to Nintendo DS This Holiday Season

LOS ANGELES, CA USA
Journey Through Time with the RPG Masterpiece that Started It All

LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire/ — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it will release CHRONO TRIGGER(R) in North America this Holiday season. Remastered exclusively for Nintendo DS(TM), this marks the first time that the groundbreaking RPG will be available on a handheld console.

Originally released in 1995 on Super NES(R) and shipping more than 2.5 million copies worldwide, CHRONO TRIGGER has been hailed as one of the greatest games of all time by critics and fans alike. With a unique and multifaceted storyline, the game revolutionized the world of RPGs with
never-before-seen features, including an unprecedented soundtrack and multiple endings determined by side quests and the player's actions.

With artwork by famed manga artist Akira Toriyama and an unprecedented and inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda, CHRONO TRIGGER represents the best-in-class of the video game world. This newly revamped edition maintains all of the game's original elements and spirit while
introducing the portability, dual-screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality of Nintendo DS. Players will soon be able to rediscover the exhilarating RPG experience, breathtaking storyline and innovative gameplay in the palm of their hands.

STORY
When a newly developed teleportation device malfunctions at the Millennial Fair, young Crono must travel through time to rescue his misfortunate companion from an intricate web of past and present perils. The swashbuckling adventure that ensues soon unveils an evil force set to destroy the world, triggering Crono's race against time to change the course of history and bring about a brighter future.

FEATURES
— A masterpiece with an engaging and unparalleled storyline, leading to the discovery of multiple epic conclusions to a journey that transcends time
— An unprecedented and inspiring musical score created by Yasunori Mitsuda
— Intriguing battle system made possible by the unique combination of the Active Time Battle system and Tech skills
— Famed character designer Akira Toriyama lends his signature art style to create the vibrant world that has captivated gamers around the world
— Taking advantage of the Nintendo DS hardware, CHRONO TRIGGER makes its way onto the portable platform with all-new dual screen presentation and Touch-Screen functionality
— A brand new dungeon and a Wireless Play mode adds exciting new dimensions to this timeless classic

CHRONO TRIGGER has not yet been rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. The official website can be found at
http://na.square-enix.com/ctds.

US Debut Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir3sV0xHaeU
Japanese Debut Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqUdmHLITKY

Official North American Website: http://na.square-enix.com/ctds/
Official Japanese Website: http://www.chronotrigger.jp/

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According to Famitsu magazine, there will be download content available for Mega Man 9, upcoming WiiWare title in 8-Bit proportions. Nothing has been said what they will be, but with the game coming in just a couple of months, anything can be possible. Mega Man 9 will be available on WiiWare for 1000 Wii Points as well as on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Capcom announced that Mega Man 1 and Mega Man 2 will be on Virtual Console soon to promote the new title.

Debut Mega Man 9 Trailer now on IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/888/888041p1.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man_9

Source
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IGN released a new footage on The Conduit, an upcoming first-person shooter for Wii. IGN also posted some new screens and an interview.

New Gameplay Footage: http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14248157 … ignne.html

Details:
* The Conduit will be shown at E3 behind closed doors and demos will be given to a select few, like IGN.
* The E3 demo, which is what the video is of, is of the first half of one of the later missions in the game.
* Demo is set on the Easy difficulty.
* Currently, the single player is just being tested for bugs and being fine tuned, and the majority of development is focused on multiplayer now.
* The controls will be fully customizable, like mapping buttons and motions as well as cursor settings and more.
* Currently, online play features 16 players and will have Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.



Screenshots @ IGN: http://media.wii.ign.com/media/142/14248157/imgs_1.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conduit

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Wario Land: Shake It! / Wario Land: The Shake Dimension



Debut Gameplay Footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNVX_qhl0MU
Extended Japanese Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0kKeu4UnNw
Prologue Animation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKDKv7i7Few
Screenshots: http://www.gamekyo.com/news28216_wario- … -pics.html
Famitsu Scans:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/ … shake1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/ … shake2.jpg

Release dates:
JP - July 24, 2008
EU - September 26, 2008
NA - September 29, 2008
AUS - TBA

Official Japanese Website: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/rwlj/index.html
Japanese Wii Hub Page: http://wii.com/jp/articles/wariolandshake/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wario_Land_Shake

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New details arose on Castlevania Judgement, an upcoming 3D fighter for Wii.

- players will be able to interact with real-time environments by picking up weapons or set traps
- online mode has been included
- connectivity to the forthcoming DS title, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, to unlock a "very exciting bonus"

Screenshots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25792657@N … 068972854/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania_Judgement

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The Japanese site for Fatal Frame IV / Zero ~Mask of the Lunar Eclipse~ is now updated with character profiles.

Of these four characters, it's known that Ruka and Choushiro will be playable. The game is supposed to have a number of playable characters, so perhaps the other two will be playable as well.

This is a Suda 51, Grasshopper Manufacturer, Tecmo, and Nintendo tag-team production. Player can expect the game in just a 3 weeks.

Release date:
JP - July 31st, 2008

Official Japanese Website: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/r4zj/character/index.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatal_Frame_4

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The Japanese site for Fire Emblem DS has opened, and you can find a ton of goodies to check out. There are screens to view, videos to watch, new character art by Masamune Shirow to look at, and much more.

Official: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/yfej/
Videos: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/yfej/firststep/index.html
Art: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/fe/fet_info.html

Details:
- a remake of the first Fire Emblem
- Story: Marth is forced out of the kingdom of Altea when it’s attacked by the empire of Dolua
- Multiplayer battles via wi-fi connection
- new character classes
- new plot elements
- game kicks off with a prologue tutorial where you play as Marth and a few allies leaving Altea
- side-story can be unlocked while playing through, if conditions are met
- new recruitable characters (Etzel: a wizard)
- August 7th release in Japan

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New details of Pokemon Platinum from the latest CoroCoro magazine have been revealed.

* Pokemon Platinum will release in Japan on September 13th, 2008 for 4,800 yen.
* Team Galactic is the villain once again, but they have taken things up a notch.
* The Battle Frontier returns and is located in the Fight Area. There are various areas in the Battle Frontier, and one of them is the Battle Tower.
* The WiFi area has more features and can now host up to 20 people.
* There’s more to making Poffins now, and it involves throwing berries into a Swalot machine. This can be done in the WiFi area as well.
* You can now record your battles with the Battle Recorder. You can go to the improved GTS in Jubilife City and send your battles to your friends as well.
* Both of Shaymin’s forms will be in the game, as well as both of Giratina’s forms.
* Shaymin’s Sky Form’s ability is Serene Grace and Giratina’s Origin Form’s ability is Levitate.
* There are new sprites for Pokemon.
* Of the new characters that were revealed in the past, one is from Team Galactic and another is from a police force hunting down Team Galactic.

Scans available at PokemonPlatinum.net

Source
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First 4 Figures have just announced their new Metroid Phazon Suit figurine statue.
- 11 inches in length
- Price of $225
- available Q1-2009



Source: IGN (includ. more screenshots)

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Starting now (12PM), the guys over at Shamoozal is running a 24-hour NES marathon to raise money for Child's Play Charity.
Watch the live video feed and chat: http://www.shamoozal.com/nesathon/
They're running ustream, so here's the direct URL for that if rather: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/29053

All donations go directly to Child's Play Charity.

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Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Blogspot, Xanga, or Mulitply.
See you all next week when they announce new games at E3 2008! \/


// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.06.24

WiiWare™


Gyrostarr™ (High Voltage Software, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 700 Wii Points): Gyrostarr challenges you and up to three additional players to pilot your ships through a series of twisting, turning technoplasma tracks while battling a variety of deadly alien foes at ever-increasing speeds. While fighting and maneuvering, you must collect enough energy to activate the ancient warpgate at the end of each track. Succeed, and you can journey to the next, even deadlier track. Fail, and the gate will slam shut, destroying your ship. Enhance your ship with weapon pickups, coordinate attacks with your friends to fire powerful combined blasts and use your grapple to snag energy and pickups in the midst of combat. Control your ship with the Wii Remote™ controller, Nunchuk™ controller or Classic Controller™, or use the "paired" control system that allows two players to use a connected Wii Remote and Nunchuk or Classic Controller at the same time. Offering 50 levels of intense action, powerful pickups, high-speed bonus levels and mayhem for up to four players, Gyrostarr is a killer arcade challenge.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrostarr

Virtual Console™


Alex Kidd in Miracle World (Sega Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): In this platformer from the 1980s, you're Alex Kidd, looking for your lost brother Egle. In order to find your brother, you'll have to contend with the evil Janken the Great, who will send his henchmen and monsters at you to thwart your progress. One aspect of this adventure is that you'll have to play the classic game of "rock, paper, scissors" against the henchmen in order to defeat them. With 16 different levels to conquer in order to save Egle, this classic is sure to test your skills and your wits at the same time.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Kidd_in_Miracle_World


BURNING FIGHT (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1991 by SNK, BURNING FIGHT is a side-scrolling hand-to-hand-combat action game. In pursuit of Casterora, leader of a huge syndicate that has escaped from New York to Osaka, the protagonists are three detectives: Duke, Ryu and Billy. Each character fights using a combination of punches, kicks and jumps, plus his own particular special move, activated by simultaneously pressing the jump and attack buttons. These lethal techniques have enormous destructive force, but they also consume a great deal of energy. For this reason, players must use their special moves with skillful timing. Luckily for the detectives, new weapons and additional health can be found by breaking things like phone booths and street signs along the way. A boss, who must be defeated in order to continue the mission, awaits players at the end of each stage. You can also take on the gang with a friend, but beware-attacks by one player can damage the other, so keep an eye on where your partner is in the heat of the battle. End Casterora's reign of terror once and for all.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Fight

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Wii™

Alone In The Dark Wiki; IGN; Gametrailers
Rock Band Official Website; Wiki; IGN; YouTube
Guitar Hero Aerosmith Official Website; Wiki
Myth Makers Trixie In Toyland IGN
Big Beach Sports IGN


Nintendo DS™

Final Fantasy Tactics A2 Official Website; Wiki; YouTube
Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker X (Saurian + Ninja) Wiki; YouTube
Gourmet Chef IGN
Cake Mania 2 IGN
My Weight Loss Coach IGN
Shining Stars Super Starcade IGN

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The Pokémon Company has announced Pokémon 151, a new brand intended for adult Pokémon fans. An official Web site opens Thursday, and Japanese Pokémon Center stores have begun selling four types of stylized T-shirts. In addition, a Diamond and Pearl battle tournament for ages 15 and up will be held at the Tokyo store July 4.

The four T-shirts currently available for pre-sale feature stylized designs of Hypno, Cubone, Articuno and Mewtwo, respectively.



The website is set to launch on the 26th!

Official Website: http://pokemon151.jp/
Source

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Daigasso! Band Brothers DX (out in Japan on June 26th! Pre-order)

Players will also be able to connect their game to a Wii console and utilize a game-specific Wii Channel called the Speaker Channel which will transmit the game's audio through the television. Players can also download up to 100 songs out of 200 onto the game, via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, as well as play locally with up to eight people using single-card download play.

more details:
- Create your own songs in composer mode
- store up to 100 songs on the card
- alter the wave of the tone via visual effecter.
- upload finished songs to Nintendo’s database, where others can hear your work
- 63 legally licensed songs for download including: One Night Carnival, Real Life Real Heart, Love Story wa Totsuzen ni, CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA, and Doremon's Dream.
- play guitar via touch screen
- sing via the Karaoke mode

IGN hands-on: http://ds.ign.com/articles/883/883169p1.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daigasso%2 … rothers_DX
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/axbj/index.html

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Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility

New Trailer on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/ … 82RKOG5TC0
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Mo … ranquility

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Rune Factory Frontier

New site now open.
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/game/wii/runefactory/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rune_Factory_Frontier

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More details on Blue Oasis [WiiWare]: http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14244081.html

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Oasis
Debut Trailer on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=G3D6-AEEtz8

Blue Oasis [WiiWare] should be released right now in Japan along with other titles such as Super Mario RPG [VC]

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


// Roth

• PokeRanch (Day 3)

On Day 3 (June 11, 2008), I've accumulated enough Pokemon on the Ranch to expand my area.

I've also managed to unlock Free Mode camera and daily Toy Box which happens to be a Training Bag.

In-game Screenshots:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rothsothy/WiiScreenshots




// Roth

• PokeRanch (Day 2)

This third video I just uploaded demonstrates how to save your photos to the SD card and post them to the Wii message board. Also, it shows how to you can connect your DS wirelessly then transfer your Pokemon into the PokeRanch.
Oh, and Darkrai is featured in this footage as well! \:D/



Photo of Link & Epona:


// Roth

• Wii News & Updates 2008.06.09

WiiWare™ (What is WiiWare?)

My Pokémon™ Ranch (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The Pokémon phenomenon debuts on WiiWare with My Pokémon Ranch, a game that lets you watch as Pokémon and Miis interact with each other for the first time. Enjoy the relaxing ranch life by viewing your ranch and its Pokémon, taking pictures and sending those pictures to your friends via the Wii Message Board. The more Pokémon and Miis you bring to your ranch, the more fun it becomes. My Pokémon Ranch can be linked with the Nintendo DS™ Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon® Pearl Game Cards to deposit the Pokémon you’ve caught in these games in your ranch. You can deposit a maximum of 1,000 Pokémon from up to eight different game cards. Make your ranch livelier by playing with your friends and family.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Pokemon_Ranch
Official website: http://www.pokemon.com

Last week's releases
Protothea (UbiSoft, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Protothea is a top-down scrolling shooter game with free movement that puts players in complete control of a last-generation spaceship. The mission is to destroy the asteroid called Maqno 01 and finish with the plans of The Core. UbiSoft's Protothea introduces new concepts to a beloved, classic game style while mixing genres and utilizing the full capabilities of the Wii console, from graphics to controls. Players of all ages and experience levels will enjoy taking command of their ship, blasting through four different worlds in 10 challenging missions. Use your weapons arsenal and the special bonus items to help you accomplish your mission, and don't forget to slow down time and take an edge over the enemy.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protothea

Toki Tori (Two Tribes, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Toki Tori is his name, and collecting eggs is his game. In this puzzle/platform game, players use a variety of items such as the Telewarp, InstantRock and Slug Sucker. Clever use and combination of these items are needed to solve all the game's levels, of which there are more than 70. Levels range from easy to brain-teasingly hard, resulting in dozens of hours of puzzle play time. Toki Tori makes the most of what Wii has to offer. It uses the Wii Remote for a unique control scheme, which offers players a new and more relaxing play style. A second player can help you out by drawing hints while you are playing. The game even uses the Wii Message Board in a unique way.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toki_Tori#Remakes
Official Website: http://www.tokitori.com

Virtual Console™ (What is Virtual Console?)

DIG DUG™
NES®
1 player
Rated E for Everyone
600 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dig_Dug

Last week's release
Ninja Combat
NEOGEO
1-2 players
Rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Suggestive Themes, Fantasy Violence
900 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_Combat

I've just uploaded 2 video footages of My Pokemon Ranch [WiiWare] on YouTube.

Introduction:
Youtube link


Play:
Youtube link


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This week's Wii releases
*Blast Work: Build, Trade Destroy Official Website; Wiki; IGN
Backyard Baseball '09 IGN

This week's Nintendo DS release
Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles IGN
Looney Tunes: Cartoon Concerto IGN

Blast Works looks like a damn good game (plus being Wi-Fi and all), but it looks to be about 40$ so I'll have to see if I can find a deal on it. (10$ off 75$ @ BestBuy? Hell yea!)

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Advertising agency Leo Burnett sent word today that they won the Grand Effie at the 40th Annual Effie Awards for their "Wii Would Like to Play" marketing campaign. The campaign won for being the “most effective” marketing effort.

"The ‘Wii Would Like to Play’ campaign chose not to embrace an obvious strategy, namely fawning over the prized teenage male gamer. Instead, Wii targeted his mom, dad and grandmother. While the competition catered to a narrow audience, Wii invited everyone to play. As a result, the Wii has been sold out nationwide since the launch and ignited a cultural phenomenon in how people experience video games," Effie organizers said.

Source

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Mario Super Sluggers (Super Mario Stadium Family Baseball in Japan) is dated for June 19th, 2008 (Japan). There are 40 playable characters in all. 32 from the Gamecube game and 10 NEW characters will take the field.

Video + Screenshots: http://wiifolder.com/?tag=sluggers
Official Japanese Website: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/rmbj/index.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Super_Sluggers

Source

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Tenchu IV [Wii]
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJMShCUJvqA&fmt=18
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_Software#Wii
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14258123.html

Capcom/Bionic Games announced action comedy game, Spyborgs [Wii].
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyborgs
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/878/878628p1.html
Gametrailers: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/34726.html

Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 [Wii] is now official.
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naruto:_Clash_of_Ninja_%28series%29#Naruto:_Clash_of_Ninja_Revolution_2
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/965/965447.html

Neopets Puzzle Adventure is coming to Wii and Nintendo DS.
GamePro: http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/previews/189888.shtml

Fatal Frame 4: Project Zero [Wii] dated for July 31, 2008 (Japan)
Official Japanese Website: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/r4zj/index.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatal_Frame_4
Screenshots: http://the-magicbox.com/0806/game080606e.shtml

Wario Land Shake [Wii] dated for July 24th, 208 (Japan)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wario_Land_Shake
Box screenshot: http://www.ds-x2.com/images/news/dennis/wariolandshake.jpg
Closeup screenshot: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a224/risio/71881520080610_122337_0_big.jpg

Disaster: Day of Crisis [Wii] dated for July 3rd, 2008 (Japan)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disaster_day_of_crisis
GameSpot: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/strategy/disasterdayofcrisis/index.html
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/826/826985.html
Gametrailers: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/75643.html

Rune Factory Frontier [Wii]'s official Japanesewebsite now open.
Official Website: http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/game/wii/runefactory/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rune_Factory_Frontier

Densetsu no Starfy Taiketsu! for July 10th (Japan)

DS Rhythm Tengoku Gold for July 31st (Japan)

The Online Japanese Releases Date Schedule:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/schedule/index.html

IGN's List of Japan Summer Release Schedule:
http://wii.ign.com/articles/877/877073p1.html

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Guitar Hero: On Tour [NDS] | How to Rock Out **funny!
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzQIRTRHQ9wfmt=18

Guitar Hero: World Tour [Wii] | Drum Vignette
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGL0BHUlPfE&fmt=18

Special in-store event: Pre-order Guitar Hero: On Tour [NDS] at Toys R Us, get a limited edition guitar pick stylus free.

Also get free $10 gift card if you pre-order Guitar Hero: Aerosmith [Wii] game or bundle at Toys R Us.

Toys R Us details:
http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3088667

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_hero_on_tour
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_Aerosmith
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar_Hero_World_Tour

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AudiOdyssey is an experimental computer game designed to be accessible to both the visually impaired community and mainstream gamers. The user stars as Vinyl Scorcher, an up-and-coming DJ, on his quest to get club patrons dancing. Swinging the Nintendo Wii controller to the beat, Vinyl lays down the various component tracks of a song, and keeps the party jumping. If he does an especially good job, he can even freestyle! But beware - if dancers get too rowdy, they’re likely to bump into the turntables, messing up Vinyl’s tracks. Think you have what it takes?

AudiOdyssey was developed with four research goals:
* The visually-impaired and the sighted can enjoy the same level and quality of gameplay
* Navigate game’s menus with ease and efficiency approaching that of conventional UIs
* Create a fun and natural control scheme using the Wiimote
* An engaging game that relies more on high quality audio than visuals

Official Website:
http://gambit.mit.edu/loadgame/audiodyssey.php

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The first details on Call of Duty 5: World at War have been revealed by a UK magazine called gamesTM. The issue which was published today claims that the game is going to be grittier, have scarier enemies with new tactics and contain co-op modes.

"There will be co-op for the first time in a Call of Duty. Also there will be vehicles and squad-based elements to the multiplayer. Formats: PC, PS3, 360 and Wii. The Wii version is being worked on by a separate team within Treyarch. (The mag) reckons it’ll be a much closer comparison between the next-gen and Wii versions than any other Wii game on the market."

"Jeez, they have the CoD4 engine running on the Wii apparently. They are using (the CoD4 engine) for all the next-gen ones too. The Wii Zapper will be supported."

Source

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


// Roth