Party Crashers on Wii
May 9, 2008
The Wii has given rise to casual gamers who crave nothing but casual games. To add to their lust comes Twelve Interactive, an Italian console game developer, and US publisher Detn8 Games, who announced Party Crashers, a spin-off sequel to CID The Dummy, for the Wii. Set for release in April 2009, the game will feature 25 party games, including action games, brain teasers, puzzle games and even a music-based dance game.
Familiar characters from the original CID The Dummy platform will be present alongside totally new characters. As expected, it will make use of the Wii Remote’s motion-sensitive aspects. Also, it will feature both single and multiplayer modes.
Jeff Hill, Vice President of Detn8 Games Ltd. says, “We’re delighted to work with Giuseppe Crugliano and his team at TWELVE INTERACTIVE. Party Crashers will be a fun game to make, and I’m confident that together we’ll produce a product that the Wii audience will get a big kick out of.”
The Mummy Game Announced
May 9, 2008
In more movie-game tie-in news, Sierra sent out word that it is developing The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, a title based on this Summer’s upcoming highly anticipated second sequel from Universal Pictures. In development at Eurocom Studios for the Wii and PS2, and A2M for DS, the game is said to mirror the fast-paced action and adventure depicted in the coming film.
It is being developed in collaboration with the film’s creative talent, with the publisher hoping that it will “deliver an exciting extension” to the film. Players take on the roles of Rick O’ Connell and his son Alex as they journey across exotic locations from ancient Chinese catacombs to the beautiful Himalayan peaks to defeat the revived servants of the Dragon Emperor. It will feature both gunplay and hand-to-hand melee attacks, and more.
The film itself is due out August 1, with the game following soon thereafter.
Japan Has a New Richest Man
May 8, 2008
While its no surprise, considering Nintendo’s success with both it’s Wii and DS consoles, former Nintendo chairman Hiroshi Yamuchi, 80, has recently been knighted Japan’s richest inhabitant.
With a net worth of over $7.8 billion, which grew $3 billion in the past year alone, Hiroshi ousted last year’s rich-man Akira Hori whose net worth, due to being the biggest landlord in all of Japan, stands at an impressive $7.7 billion.
Of course, Hiroshi wouldn’t be worth anything had it not been for Nintendo being worth around $79 billion, of which Hiroshi owns a 10% stake in. Lets see how much both Nintendo’s and Hiroshi’s values rise as the Wii continues to dominate.
Dr. Mario Online Rx Details Surface
May 8, 2008
Gamers of yesteryear are sure to remember the Mario branded puzzle game, Dr. Mario, which we first saw on the SNES and then again on its successor the N64. Well, Dr. Mario is back, this time as a 1000 Point WiiWare title that is expected to coincide with WiiWare’s North American launch on May 12th.
Previously thought to be titled either Dr. Mario’s Virus Buster or Dr. Mario & Bacteria Extermination, Dr. Mario Online Rx will give players the chance to revisit the almost forgotten series in the classic game play, color coordinating capsules to progress through different stages.
New to the series though, is multiplayer gameplay over Nintendo’s WFC which will allow players to go head-to-head online. Again, Dr Mario Online Rx is excepted to hit Nintendo’s WiiWare on May 12th for a slightly hefty 1000 Points.
Samba de Amigo May Feature DLC
May 7, 2008
The detectives at NeoGAF have unearthed quite a strange finding: the box art for Samba de Amigo for Wii found on GameStop’s website indicates that the game will support some sort of pay-to-play content. Although not necessarily finalized, the box features the red Nintendo Wi-fi Connection logo, which indicates pay-to-play functionality in the game.
Interestingly, the original Dreamcast title released back in 2000 let users download tracks from the Internet using the console’s 56k modem. However, these downloads were basically keys that unlocked content available on the disc, seeing as how the console had no storage space.
Publisher Sega of America is yet to comment on the matter. The game, originally expected for release this Spring, is set to launch later this year.
Blendtec At It Again
May 6, 2008
Yep, those crazy Blendtecers are at it again. This time setting their sights on the poor, innocent, little Wii. Well, 2 Wiimotes to be exact, putting them through the old Blendtec blender test.
While we already know what will happen, which involves complete and utter destruction, it’s still funny and strangely satisfying to see items of so many peoples desire be reduced to a pile of debris. Perhaps they should have 3 blenders side-by-side, each with a different next-gen console controller and see which one blends faster, fanboys everywhere would go crazy.
Nintendo Remaining Tight-Lipped on WiiWare Launch
May 6, 2008
Want to know what games will be available next week on WiiWare? Well a part from assembling select titles that 3rd party publishers have confirmed for release, the rest of the list remains a complete mystery.
Reggie has already gone on record that they want to spread things out a bit more then the flood and sudden drought that was the Japanese release. But in speaking with Nintendo, Game|Life confirmed WiiWare would be handled in the exact same manner as the virtual console, absolutely secrecy.
With Ubisoft pulling back the curtain on a title releasing just next week, there is no saying how many titles wait hidden in the wings, but we certainly can’t expect any help from Nintendo on that topic.
Ubisoft Slips in Last Minute WiiWare Effort
May 6, 2008
Ubisoft has promised to avoid crappy ports, but they aren’t avoiding ports altogether with their first WiiWare effort just announced that will actually join the service when it launches next week.
For a price of 1000 WiiWare points, or 10 dollars, you can get your hands on a copy of Protothea, which is a remake of the 2005 PC game designed with the with in mind.
The team behind the project has rounded it out with 3 additional missions of the original project, a new fully 3D look and naturally sporting Wii controls. You’ll actually be using both the Wii remote with IR and nunchuk to control the game.
Ubisoft has proven in the past to be a master of capitalizing on the Wii’s launch and with Protothea it appears WiiWare launch will certainly be no exception. Although hopefully it falls on the Raving Rabbids end of the scale, rather than Red Steel.
Ubisoft Promises ‘No Crappy Prince of Persia Ports’
May 5, 2008
Wii owners have quickly shifted their opinions on Ubisoft. From what was deemed the strongest third party out of the gate, now to one of the most easily dismissed, Ubisoft dug their own grave with many, many sub-par ports. One of which was Prince of Persia, which turned out to be another “quick cash” effort like the company’s other ports. Thus, it wasn’t that highly received. But the days of ports are over, with Ubisoft promising Wii owners they will not be seeing a dumbed down version of the new Prince of Persia game for next gen consoles. Instead, Prince of Persia would only return if it actually carries some weight and effort behind it (in other words, a title built from the ground up for the Wii).
So if all indications are a go, the Wii will be receiving its own distinct Persia game alongside Xbox 360 and PS3. Of course at this point, Ubisoft may certainly like to claim one thing, but what actually ends up happening is another.
Retail Week: Boom Blox and not much else
May 5, 2008
So what exactly were you expecting the week following GTA IV and Mario Kart, good games? Surprisingly, there is just one such gutsy title which will probably go on to under perform as it is lost in the storm so to speak. Boom Blox, if nothing else attaches Steven Spielberg’s name to the project, and immediately draws interest, but behind the boxy exterior is an interesting puzzle game well suited to wii mechanics. As for every other system did you really expect good games following GTA IV? Until the masses are finished with Niko, don’t expect retail to start bouncing back until June. Unless it is the Wii which seems to be simply ignoring the game altogether, and dropping Wii Fit shortly as well.
Nintendo Wii:The Dog Island
Boom Blox
Speed Racer
Rebel Raiders: Operation NighthawkPS3: Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition
PSP: SNK Arcade Classics V.1
R-Type CommandNintendo DS: Brain Voyage
Crosswords DS
Speed RacerPC: Great War Nations: The Spartans
Supreme Commander Gold Edition
Baseball Mogul 2009
Neverwinter Nights 2 Gold
Iron Man
Sword of the Stone: Collector’s Edition
New Rock Band Songs for PS2, Wii Rockers
May 5, 2008
Feeling sad that they were leaving PS2 and Wii gamers in the dark, Harmonix and MTV today announced an expansion pack for the aforementioned versions of Rock Band, revealing a game disc containing 20 new tracks which have previously been released as downloadable content for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game.
It has to be noted that it is still only a fraction of the amount of DLC available for the game for the current-gen consoles. The game disc will cost $29.99, meaning that each song will come in at roughly $1.50, comparable to the average price of $1.99 for songs made available online. Below is the track list:
30 Seconds to Mars - “The Kill”
All American Rejects - “Move Along”
Blink 182 - “All the Small Things”
Boston - “More Than a Feeling”
David Bowie - “Moonage Daydream”
Faith No More - “We Care A Lot”
Grateful Dead - “Truckin’”
The Hives - “Die, All Right!”
KISS - “Calling Dr. Love”
Lynyrd Skynyrd - “Gimme’ Three Steps”
Nine Inch Nails - “March of the Pigs”
Oasis - “Live Forever”
Paramore - “Crushcrushcrush”
The Police - “Synchronicity II”
Queens of the Stone Age - “Little Sister”
Ramones - “Teenage Lobotomy”
Smashing Pumpkins - “Siva”
Stone Temple Pilots - “Interstate Love Song”
Weezer - “Buddy Holly”
Wolfmother - “Joker & the Thief”
All the songs are master recordings. The expansion is due out July 15 under the name of Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1.
Pokemon Puzzle League and Renegade on Virtual Console
May 5, 2008
Nintendo, having released only one title last week on Virtual Console, is back this week with two games, both of which are pretty cool: Pokemon Puzzle League and Renegade.
Puzzle League, developed by NST and Intelligent Systems, is a Nintendo 64 game that contains the addictive gameplay of Tetris combined with the sugary coating of Pokemon. It will cost a mere 1000 Wii points, giving the purchaser hours of block-smashing bliss.
Renegade is the latest side-scrolling beat ‘em up game from Technos Japan, the studio behind the classics River City Ransom and Double Dragon. Originally released for the NES, the game had players beat up gangs and kung-fu girls, among others. It will cost 500 Wii points.
Get Your Kama
May 5, 2008
If you’re a big gadget fan or have a problem with enthusiastic cats grabbing at dangling Wiimote cords during gaming sessions, a wireless nunchuck is finally available. Made by Nyko, the ‘Kama’, as it is called, the wireless nunchuck interfaces with the Wiimote via a dongle that plugs into the usual spot.
It features full motion-sensing capabilities and is compatible with any game that uses the standard nunchuck. The wireless connection between the two is supposed to work up to three meters, so unless you’ve got a friend who’s a wookie there shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately most people already have nunchucks and with a suggested price of $34.99 it might feel a little too steep of a price to replace something that still works.
Westin Goes Wii Crazy
May 4, 2008
The popularity of Wii keeps growing as Westin Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership that will allow guests to experience Wii games at its chain of hotels throughout the States. A special version of the console will be installed in their hotels, allowing guests to choose games using a simple menu without having to insert any game discs. Games include Wii Sports, Big Brain Academy and Wii Play, among others. They will also install Wii Fit once it becomes available.
“We jumped at the chance to be the first hotel to partner with Nintendo and add interactive entertainment to our successful WestinWORKOUT program,” said Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “We think our guests will be eager to make Wii a part of their workouts during their stay with us.”
This will kick off in the Westin at Times Square in New York. Other Westin properties will join in on the fun later throughout the month.
Sushi Eating Record Broken at MLE Press Event
May 1, 2008
People are proud of eating, and it shows. Mastiff proudly notes that “ingestion history” has been made on April 11, when professional eater, Tim ‘Eater X’ Janus, set the world sushi eating record with 141 pieces of sushi eaten in six minutes at a San Fransisco press event to preview the upcoming WiIWare game Major League Eating: The Game.
Yes, disgusting as it may sound, there is indeed a competitive eating circuit, and yes, there’s a game coming out, too. It will make its debut on the downloadable game service for the Wii which launches May 12 in North America. The game will have gamers play as any one of 10 MLE “athletes” and duke it out against the CPU or another friend. As expected, it will have multiplayer support and over 12 different foods.
I cannot write more about the game, though, if you are interested, check out its official website.
P.S. I feel sorry for those who had to witness such an atrocity at the press event.
Rabbids Go Balance Board Crazy
May 1, 2008
A short trailer for a new title in the Rayman Raving Rabbids series has been released, revealing that the game will make use of the Wii Balance Board peripheral. This is the third title in the mini-game focused series, with the original coming out alongside the Wii in 2006 and a sequel last year.
As funny as the rabbids can get, no details were provided. Nope, no release dates either.
The Wii Balance Board peripheral is included with Wii Fit, which is now available in Europe and Japan, with North America getting it later this month for $90.
Crash Bandicoot Returns, Rips Off Pokemon
April 30, 2008
Everybody’s favorite marsupial hero, Crash Bandicoot, is returning in Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant, an upcoming action-adventure title in the long-running series. In development at Radical Entertainment, the game is set for release this Fall on the Wii, PS2, PSP, DS and Xbox 360.
In Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant, a rejuvenated Neo Cortex is taking over the world one brain at a time! Cortex and N. Brio devise a new kind of evil – a text-messaging, do-anything device which controls both mutant and bandicoot minds. Armed with his quick-wits and lightening agility, Crash must free his friends, the titans and save the day!
Sounding a lot like Pokemon, the game will let Crash store monsters in his pocket, upgrade them and utilize their powers when they are most advantageous. It will feature a free roaming game world, ala GTA, allowing players to travel and explore through intersecting worlds, with different gameplay options available depending on the creature by the player’s side. Crash also gains new abilities, including a counter-combat system, digging and climbing, among other things.
More information on the game can be found on its official website.
Lone Virtual Console Addition: Double Dragon
April 29, 2008
This week’s release list is bare, with a certain little game called GTA 4 due out in a couple of hours. Seeing as how even Hollywood is scared of that game, Nintendo was brave enough to release just one title on the Virtual Console service: Double Dragon.
Originally released for the NES, the classic beat-em-up game has players beating up gangsters in city streets, buildings, jungles, temples and various other locations to rescue the main character’s girlfriend. A variety of fighting techniques are present in the game, unlocking more powerful moves to use against enemies. The game is already available for 500 Wii points.
Mastiff Hands Out Pizzas and Burgers to Gamers
April 29, 2008
Food addicts listen up! Publisher Mastiff has awarded 16 lucky gamers each a $15 certificate for pizza during the first two weeks of its Major League Eating: The Game “Food of the Week” contest. Additionally, this week the company will be handing out eight more $15 gift certificates for burgers to gamers who have registered for it on the game’s official website. They point out that a “damn good burger” can be had for the amount. Below are the winners, who will be adding much fat to their bodies thanks to Mastiff.
Week One
Lily P. - San Jose, Calif.
Marcos S. - Dix Hills, N.Y.
Caesar M. - Sylmar, Calif.
Michael B. - Cheektowaga, N.Y.
Jeremy M. - Pensacola, Fla.
Max H. - San Diego, Calif.
Brandy S. - Muncie, Ind.
Cody B. - Dorr, Mich.
Week Two
Cristian B. - Winter Haven, Fla.
Jason V. - Newport, Ore.
Hallie L. - Woodland Park, Colo.
Alexander M. - San Diego, Calif.
Gesnele P. - Roxbury, Mass.
Paul D. - Long Beach, Calif.
Rob M. - Marysville, Wash.
Hillary M. - Northbrook, Ill.
The MLE game is being built for WiiWare, having gamers fight to eat more… and disgust the opponent by burping, biting and belching, among other things.
Nintendo: Wii Sells 25M, DS 70M
April 28, 2008
Nintendo has been on a roll ever since it launched the DS and the Wii. The company recently released financial documents which reveal that the Wii has sold 24.45 million units worldwide since its 2006 release, eclipsing the Xbox 360’s 20 million. It has also sold a staggering 70.6 million units worldwide since its debut in 2004.
Over 18 million Wii and 30 million DS units were sold in the company’s 2008 fiscal year alone, which ran from April 1 to March 31. Nintendo saw its net income jump to 1.67 trillion yen ($16 billion US), a 73% increase over the past fiscal year.
Yes, Nintendo executives are currently swimming around in money. And no, they aren’t going to share it with you.
Latest Headlines
- First Gears of War 2 Gameplay Footage
- Guitar Hero 4 At the Drive-In
- Mass Effect, Spore "Draconian" Online Check Removed (Partially)
- EA Gets $1B More for Take-Two Purchase
- Sonic Youth, Clash, Blondie in Rock Band
- Call of Duty 5 Announced
- No Tony Hawk Game This Year
- Burnout Paradise on PC, First Screenshots
- Bizarre: No PGR4 DLC From Us
- Codemasters Gets F1 License, Developing Multiplatform Game
- Battlefield: Bad Company Demo on June 5
- Bioshock Coming To Big Screen
- Everyday Shooter on Steam
- Vampire Rain Drizzling on PS3
- Activision Reveals Massive Profit
- Party Crashers on Wii
- Wrestlemania Game Announced
- The Mummy Game Announced
- THQ Gets Master Mind
- Coming Tonight: Gears Of War 2
Sections
- Action
- Adventure
- Analyst
- Articles
- Business
- Culture
- DLC
- Driving
- E3
- eSports
- Featured story
- FPS
- Free
- GameCube
- Gear
- Hardware
- Leak
- Media
- MMO
- Mobile
- Multiplayer
- Music
- N-Gage
- News
- Nintendo DS
- Offbeat
- Online
- PC
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- Portable
- PSP
- Puzzle
- Racing
- Reviews
- RPG
- Rumor
- Simulation
- Software
- Sports
- Strategy
- Technology
- Video
- Wii
- Wiiware
- Xbox360