This game will apparantly take the empire-building elements from My Life as a King and adapt them in a darker way. Players will be pitted against an onslaught of adventurers from who they must protect a tower from with an arsenal of traps and monsters.

There are two more WiiWare titles along with a DSiWare title included in this same update all of which you can read more about after the break.

WiiWare

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Step into the royal shoes of the Darklord’s daughter as she installs traps and monsters inside her tower to fight back the endless waves of invading adventurers in this world-conquest RPG. Known as Artifacts, these monsters and traps are your only hope in keeping the adventurers from destroying the Dark Crystal on the top floor. Fly your tower across the land and conquer every stage on your way to dominating the entire world.

Battle Poker
Publisher: Left Field Productions
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Battle Poker is a family-friendly card game with up to four players battling against the clock to make the best five-card hand possible. Battles are played across multiple rounds, and points are scored for each round based on the quality of the hand. Each player uses a Wii Remote™ controller to point and click on a standard deck of cards on the screen. The first click flips the card over, at which point it can be grabbed by anyone else. You’ve got to have fast fingers and eyes to grab the cards you need before someone else snatches them.

5 Spots Party
Publisher: Cosmonaut Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Have fun with the entire family and compete in three different play modes. 5 Spots Party is a game of skill for all ages based on the popular game of finding five differences. The goal is to find the greatest number of differences in the pictures shown. In the party modes, you must compete with other players and find as many mistakes as possible. In the 1-Player mode, you must find the differences before time runs out in order to beat the game’s highest scores. How far do you think you can go?

Nintendo DSiWare

Art Style: ZENGAGE™
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Do you dream of relaxing with a great puzzle game? Art Style: ZENGAGE revolves around sliding cells (squares) to match colors with cores (beads) located on the board. Clear each stage by matching all of the cores and cells. As you progress through the game’s 100-plus stages, you’ll encounter cells with special characteristics, such as immovability, which further add to the challenge. To truly master ZENGAGE, you must keep your mind sharp and employ careful strategy to complete stages in as few moves as possible. Combining wistful graphics and mesmerizing sound, ZENGAGEcreates a surreal world that should be experienced by all puzzle gaming fans.

Originally it was a PC adventure series of the old fashioned point-and-click variety, with some simple inventory puzzles. The games ranged from simple 2-D pixellated art to 3-D extravaganzas with voice acting and music. Now the classic series is being brought back in a two-pronged sales attack. First there’s an entirely new, episodic series being brought to the PC and WiiWare called Tales of Monkey Island. The first of five episodes will be released in the next few weeks with Guybrush Threepwood accidentally unleashing a voodoo pox in his battle against his nemesis, the zombie pirate LeChuck.

Later this summer The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition will be released for the Xbox 360 and PC. It’ll feature the same storyline as the original with the benefit of upgraded HD visuals, soundtrack, voice acting and a hint system.

Nintendo has just released details on exactly what this week’s update, spanning the DSiWare, WiiWare and Virtual Console services, includes.

Well, most importantly we have Clay Fighter for the Virtual Console which made its original debut on the Sega Genesis in 1994. This is the classic 2D fighter in which the developers photographed actual clay models and then digitized them to make for the game’s graphics.

Other than that, we have ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning and BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! for WiiWare and American Popstar: Road to Celebrity and Photo Clock for DSiWare. Yeah, we weren’t kidding when we said this weeks update is unexciting.

You can read more about the update including the pricing for all above mentioned titles in the press release after the break.

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: POP-POWERED ADVENTURES BUBBLE UP THROUGH THE CLAY

May 25, 2009

With summer just around the corner, this Monday finds an especially hot mix of downloadable game offerings for the WiiWare™ and Nintendo DSiWare™ services, as well as for the Virtual Console™. Nintendo DSi™ users can become world-famous pop stars or use a new photo application to view their pictures in interesting new ways. Wii™ owners can transform into bubble-bursting dragons or hunt for melons on a mysterious island. And be sure to check out this week’s Virtual Console debut, which features clay figures and stop-action animation to create a comedic twist to the street fighting genre.

Nintendo DSiWare

American Popstar: Road to Celebrity (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Nintendo DSi Points™): This is your enthralling and interactive success story as a young hopeful in the music milieu. The adventure begins when you get the chance to audition at your Hollywood high school. But the road to celebrity isn’t an easy one: Your secret crush is also auditioning, and so is your evil rival. This unique mix of music-themed gaming and social adventure will let you show your talents to the world, take your best photo with the Nintendo DSi system’s built-in camera and meet lots of people who may help you build your career. You’re about to become the greatest pop star in the world. Talk, share activities and be friendly or unfriendly with numerous characters. Customize your character’s name and appearance, and develop skills and personality through your actions. Four musical mini-games include Guitar, Singing, Drums and Dance. Record your voice, take your own photos and sign autographs.

Photo Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Photo Clock allows you to enjoy the photos taken with your Nintendo DSi Camera application in a new way. Watch your images appear on the top screen of your Nintendo DSi system according to your chosen display settings (specific photos or all photos; in order or randomly displayed). Select from either an analog or digital clock, using the system’s internal clock or offsetting the time however you like. Program up to three alarms – with snooze functionality for those who need it – and assign them a preset ring or use a sound created in Nintendo DSi Sound. Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won’t lose track of the time.

WiiWare

BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! (TAITO, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points™): BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! is a simple yet exhilarating action game where you control the bubble-blowing dragons Bub and Bob, trapping enemies in bubbles and then popping them. You can play all 100 of the Standard Mode rounds, which faithfully recreate the nostalgic arcade game, or try 100 new Arrange Mode rounds, which allow up to four players to play on stages with exciting new features such as new enemies and stage layouts. There are also Super Mode rounds for you to enjoy. Determine the true ending by solving puzzles hidden on each stage to defeat the final boss. In Ranking Mode, players with broadband Internet access can use the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service to compete with players from around the world. Enjoy an additional 100 rounds and face off against new boss characters by purchasing “Expert Mode 1” and “Expert Mode 2” add-on content.

ADVENTURE ISLAND® The Beginning (Hudson Entertainment, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning comes to the Wii console with exciting new skills and elements. Learn how to use new skills while exploring Adventure Island from coast to coast. Search for Golden Melons hidden throughout the stages and mini-games. When obtaining Golden Melons, you’ll be able to purchase various items to help you on your adventure. These items can increase your attack power or enable you to reach places you couldn’t get to before. Fulfill certain requirements while playing in any of the modes to achieve a “Master Higgins Feat” and you’ll be awarded a Master Higgins costume.

Virtual Console

Clay Fighter™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen – Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this zany 2-D fighter, it’s just another day for a humble traveling circus troupe when a meteor crash-lands in their camp. The otherworldly orb, made entirely out of interstellar clay, contaminates all the circus employees, turning them into bizarrely superpowered versions of themselves. Choose from among the unique clay creatures, such as Bonker, the cheerfully manic clown, or Blue Suede Goo, the mild-mannered Elvis impersonator turned violent vocalist. Master their “Claytalities,” like the operatic Helga’s deadly high note and Bad Mr. Frosty’s fists of snowball fury!

Now, there has been no official word from Konami regarding the release of a Contra: ReBirth, but if a Japanese product listing on their official website is to be believed, this game may actually be on its way.

The listing has the game priced at 1000 Wii Points and from the looks of the above screenshots will be a more modern take on the hugely popular 1987 title Contra.

If you can decipher Japanese, which I can’t, head over to the product listing and see what information you can come up with.

Nintendo has recently released details on their weekly update for the DSi and WiiWare services, along with the Virtual Console.

This week, Mario will make his debut on the DSiWare starring in Dr. Mario Express. If you’ve played the previous Dr. Mario titles you’ll be familiar with the Tetris like gameplay. The game will hit the service for 500 Nintendo DSi points.

For everything else included in the update read on:

Nintendo DSiWare

Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Master of Illusion Express titles offer mind-bending magic tricks pulled from the popular Nintendo DS™ game. Learn the illusions, practice up and amaze your friends.Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche asks a series of pointed questions and reveals a startling truth.

WiiWare

CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1 (SQUARE ENIX, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points™): In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1, you must deploy various units such as Soldiers and Black Mages to stop wave after wave of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party’s crystals. There are many different types of units to choose from, some specializing in powerful short-range attacks, some wielding far-reaching magicks, and still others equipped with bows that enable them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map’s exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1 comes complete with a plethora of exciting stages, each varying in layout and difficulty. Can you defend them all without losing a single crystal?

Virtual Console

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): The once-quiet town of Xenobia is under attack from fierce and gruesome monsters. As Leo, it’s up to you to save Xenobia from danger as you navigate through a series of worlds in a race against time. Use your sword and jumping abilities to battle foes. Watch for power-ups that will increase your health and add to the amount of time you have to complete your missions. Go it alone or play co-op with a friend who can take the role of Priscilla. Do you have what it takes to save the world?

It looks like we’ll have to change the name from Weekly Wii Update to Weekly Nintendo Update as Nintendo has recently announced they will being updating the DSiWare service along with the WiiWare and Virtual Console services.

Retro gamers will be happy to hear that Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure, which originally made its debut on the Sega Genesis, was added to the Virtual Console this week for 800 Wii Points. Other than that, we have puzzle and party games added for both the Wii and DSi which you can read about below:

Nintendo DSiWare™

Mixed Messages (Activision, 2-21 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Mixed Messages is the hilarious party game of mixed-up miscommunication. Sketch a picture to capture your friends’ sentence, or try to figure out what in the world they’ve drawn. You might start with, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” and end up with “A crazy surfer outruns flying sticks of dynamite while his fans cheer!” Two to 21 players take turns writing sentences and drawing pictures to pass along a message. This isn’t a game about winning and losing – it’s all about the funny miscommunications that happen along the way. You’ll laugh when you see just how wacky things can get. Get together with your friends and mix it up.

Master of Illusion™ Express: Shuffle Games (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Master of Illusion Express titles are mind-boggling magic tricks pulled from the popular Nintendo DS™ game. Learn the illusions, practice up and amaze your friends. Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games will boggle your audience members’ minds as they try to figure out how you know exactly what they’re thinking. Also included is the bonus Vanishing Card trick, which the Nintendo DSi system performs for your enjoyment.

WiiWare

Party Fun Pirate™ (TOMY Corporation, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Based on the popular Pop-Up Pirate toy, players take turns thrusting swords into a barrel that holds your captain captive, trying to see who can insert the most swords into the barrel. Thrust a sword into the wrong hole and you’ll send your captain flying, which means it’s game over for you! Unique Wii features add to the excitement, making for a fun-filled party game. Try swapping out the captain and putting your custom Mii character in the barrel for some real laughs!

Nintendo has launched a new DSi but it looks like it is not solely for the portable gamers. The handheld gaming system will come complete with two new built-in cameras and an SD card for saving music files. The gadget comes complete for social networking abilities and priced at $169.

Nintendo DSi handheld is compatible with all 850 titles available for the DS and is supercharged with characteristics not found in the original handheld gaming system. The device comes with two cameras and 10 different interactive lenses that can be used for snapshots. Furthermore, gamers can fully engage with other players by using the new digital camera which offers a greater interactive experience.

DSi is also ideal for social networking Web sites including Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Users can merely save photos and share them across the Internet. Nintendo designed the new handheld to provide a better gaming experience.

While the Nintendo DSi Camera is one of the most distinct features, it also comes with a complete sound application, microphone, stereo headset, and offers full voice recording solutions. Users can actually modify their voices and change the rhythm and beat of a song when utilizing the application. Music files can be saved on an SD card for better portability.

Another impressive feature is the new Nintendo DSiWare application which lets users download new software for the device. This is similar to Nintendo’s WiiWare where developers can create new applications and make them ready for use online.

(Source) NEWSOxy

Both games will feature enhanced graphics and new online multiplayer features. Dubbed Bomberman Blast, the game will feature 8-player internet multiplayer and 4-player local play on the same screen. Alien Crush Returns will include head-to-head online multiplayer and online leaderboards.

No release dates or prices were disclosed, though Alien Crush Returns is now available from Japan’s WiiWare service for 800 Wii Points ($8).

Nintendo has recently announced that Midnight Pool, developed by Gameloft, has been added to the WiiWare service today for 800 Microsoft Points.

You can read more about the game in the official description from Nintendo below:

Midnight Pool (Gameloft, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, 800 Wii Points): Take a trip across America to make your dreams come true in a pool tournament worth millions. Visit the most colorful bars and meet seven of the coolest players on the circuit, from country music star Travis to Alison the biologist and John the sheriff. Learn the tricks of the trade through tutorials along the way, while advanced players can take on challenges to show off their trick-shot abilities. Keep things interesting with three sets of rules.

This problem only affects people who are playing in widescreen and 480p resolution. The glitch causes the system to lock up during the trophy presentation ceremony.

While Telltale Games, the developer, is yet to offer a permanent solution, the studio wrote on its official forums that “you might want to try switching to 480i from 480p, or turning off widescreen.”

Read (Wired)