Sony PlayStationPortable PSP Go! Messenger Launched - Instant messaging Free at BT WiFi hotspots

We first caught a glimpse of Go!Messenger way back in August last year at the Games Convention, and now a mere five months later it's launched in the UK. If you fancy a bit of instant messaging and video conferencing on your PSP, for free at BT WiFi hotspots, then you'll want to pay attention.


Importantly, unlime many the recent additions such as Skype, you'll not need to have a Slim & Lite PSP, with its improved hardware specs, to get on the Go!Messenger gravy train, so there are no limitations. Also importantly there is no cost to actually download the program.

As well as simple text-based instant messaging, Go!Messenger will also allow purchasers of the optional Go!Cam to stream video and audio to any other PSP also using the program. While the appeal of doing so doesn't immediately seem as great as using, say, Skype or Windows Live Messenger, I have no doubt that it will prove popular.

Adding Go!Messenger to the PSP will work exactly like the Skype add-on, in that rather than requiring a software update, would-be users simply download the software to the console and install. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to actually grab the download, which will appear on the PlayStation store.

Source: Trusted Reviews

Nintendo Wii software update caused wireless network problems

My network problems, unable to connect to blogger or Google (a big problem!) was due to my Nintendo Wii wireless connection.

Previously we had network drop outs when the Wii was plugged in all the time but this was different.

After a few minutes of the Wii sitting on standby but allowed wireless access I couldn't connect to Google or other related site, YouTube, Blogger etc. All other sites worked OK.

After unplugging the Wii the problems have not re-occurred.

So, check out your Wii if you have network difficulties.

GEOMETRY WARS: GALAXIES HITS GOLD

NINTENDO WII SHIPPING ON NOVEMBER 20th AND DS SHIPPING ON NOVEMBER 27th

Galaxies to Include a Multitude of New Levels, Enemies and Weapons


Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games announced today that Geometry Wars: Galaxies has gone gold and will be available nationwide on November 20th for the Nintendo Wii and November 27th for the Nintendo DS.

The Geometry Wars: Galaxies videogame for both the Nintendo Wii and DS accelerates to warp speed with tons of enemies, more than 60 planets, bigger power-ups and a brand new Battle Drone to help players tear through the campaign mode. For the first time ever, Geometry Wars will also let players battle in a variety of planets in multiplayer mode.

Those that own both the Nintendo Wii and DS games can link the game together using Wi-Fi to unlock bonus levels to both videogames. As well, Geometry Wars: Galaxies is one of the first Nintendo Wii videogames to offer the ability to link the Nintendo Wii system via GameShare with the DS system to download a full, free version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved.

“We are excited to provide in Geometry Wars: Galaxies more than 60 times the amount of content than Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved with new levels, controls, weapons and enemies,” said Al Simone, senior vice president, global marketing for Sierra Entertainment.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies is now available for pre-sell and will be available on Nintendo Wii for $39.99 and the Nintendo DS for $29.99. Both games have an ESRB rating of “E” for Everyone. For more information, please visit the game’s official Website at www.geometrywarsgalaxies.com.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: JOKER

The Wild Card of Monster Hunting Games is Dealt to North American Retailers Today

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, has announced that DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker, available exclusively for the Nintendo DS, is being distributed to retailers across North America today.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the premiere RPG franchise that has sold over 43 million units worldwide. Combining ingenious gameplay elements from series creator Yuji Horii, character designs from famed artist Akira Toriyama and music from renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, the “big three” of game creators delivers the newest entry in a timeless franchise that continues to reinvent itself in new and exciting ways.

Capture, train and synthesise a powerful team from a selection of over 200 classic DRAGON QUEST creatures! Already achieving sales of more than 1.4 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.

Story
Enter the world of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker as the young hero, locked in a prison by your own father, the leader of a mysterious organization known as CELL. Released under orders to enter the Monster Scout Challenge, you will embark on a journey starting with a single monster and a scout ring, unaware of the dark and mysterious intentions that surround the competition.

Features

The “big three,” comprised of series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, teams up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

Witness the same breathtaking visuals that brought Akira Toriyama’s art to life in DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

Create new species as you synthesise customized monsters from a selection of more than 200 different DRAGON QUEST creatures

Experience an innovative and exciting mix of the monster arena battles from DRAGON QUEST VIII and traditional DRAGON QUEST gameplay

Challenge your friends via local wireless play to see whose team is the strongest

Robust Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection component allows players to upload and download monster team data for battle on their Nintendo DS systems

NEXT-GEN FEATURES FOR NiGHTS: JOURNEY OF DREAMS

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams for the Wii video game console will come complete with a variety of next-gen features that tap into the system’s hardware including “Weather Channel” support, a Wii-first! This feature enables the game’s “My Dream” area, a customizable sand-box environment that allows gamers to capture, raise, and even combine the inhabitants (A-Life) from the world of Nightopia, to generate real-time weather effects specific to the territory players previously registered with on the Wii. For example, if the current weather forecast is clear and sunny in the players’ resident territory, the “My Dream” environment will be clear and sunny as well. The game will also feature an online-enabled two-player mode allowing gamers to race and battle against one another via Wi-Fi connection at launch on December 18, 2007.

Unlike any other game available today, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will deliver the feeling of flight through the innovative Wii control system. With the help of Persona masks, players will glide, spiral and loop through a variety of mystical dream worlds packed with action and adventure as they dive and blast through rings, gather orbs and come up against fantastic and unforgettable boss battles. Anchored by a storyline about courage, hope and inspiration, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is the most unique and experience on the Wii.

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams unfolds in Nightopia, the spectacular dream world of two young characters, Helen and Will. Struggling to overcome the every day challenges of growing up, these two 12-year-olds find their real life experiences spilling over into their dreams. As Helen and Will fall into a deep sleep, they are greeted by NiGHTS, a fantasy jester, who leads them to explore the rich and vibrant land of Nightopia. Along the way, NiGHTS helps the youngsters bravely face their fears by finding inventive ways to confront, outpace, and outwit foes - such as the villainous Nightmarens. Through the freedom of flight, execution of stunning acrobatic moves and tapping into special abilities, gamers can overcome obstacles and restore peace to Nightopia.

What is A-LIFE: A-LIFE are creatures living in the world of dreams. There are 3 types of A-LIFE: "Nightopians" who reside in Nightopia, "Nightmarens" from the world of Nightmare, and "Mepians" who are a mix of the two creatures. A-LIFE live freely in the world of Nightopia and they multiply, learn, and evolve as they transform with generational changes.

What is "My Dream": "My Dream" is a customizable "sandbox" environment where players raise their A-LIFE creatures. By using NiGHTS’ ability to para-loop in the single-player game, the A-LIFE creatures can be captured and transferred to a player’s My Dream space. The My Dream world evolves dramatically depending on how the player nurtures the A-LIFE activities and the various objects that the player drops into the environment, creating a truly personal experience.

For new assets, full details on Persona masks, game trailers, and more!, please visit http://segapr.segaamerica.com

NINTENDO'S BATTALION WARS 2

Wii Goes to War with 20 Missions and Online Play

This week's launch of Nintendo's new Battalion Wars 2 game for the Wii system lets players take complete command of soldiers and vehicles to help turn the tide of war and defeat the foes. In this sequel to the well-received original, players can connect with friends and opponents from all around the world using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service. Players can battle head-to-head in the skirmish and assault modes or team up with another player in co-op mode.

Using the motion-sensitive Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Battalion Wars 2 lets players target enemies precisely while moving their characters through the field of battle. The game is an interesting hybrid of third-person action and real-time strategy games and features 20 single-player missions.

"Battalion Wars 2 promotes smarts over brute force," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Players are in complete control of what happens to them – and to their battalion – using the precision of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk."

Players can command a variety of vehicles, from tanks and helicopter gunships to battleships and submarines. But the real key to the game lies in the player's tactics. Players can rally their troops to attack a specific target or switch to take control of a vehicle to shoot down incoming fighter planes. As players progress through the game, new troops and new equipment – like tanks, bazookas and flame throwers – join the battalion. Players can then use these new elements in their arsenal to help reveal the true menace behind the war.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features, visit Wii.com.

Panzer Tactics DS - Video

The last in the series of "Producer in a Box" videos gives an impression of the comprehensive multi-player modes

Whether Hot Seat, LAN or Wi-Fi – the comprehensive multi-player modes in Panzer Tactics DS, the first authentic turn-based Second World War strategy game for the Nintendo DS, allow up to four strategists to pit their skills against one another and show their qualities as officer and commander. Starting today, Sproing project manager Johanna Schober gives prospective commanders a look at what possibilities the various multi-player modes have to offer, and how customizable settings guarantee each and every strategy fan the maximum in gaming fun. Panzer Tactics DS players can look forward to hours of excitement and gripping duels on the Nintendo DS starting in early December in Europe.

The video is available for download immediately at www.panzertactics.com!

Story

1939: The world stands on the brink of one of the greatest armed conflicts in the history of mankind: the Second World War. Players assume command of the most powerful armies of the time: The German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces. Experience the demanding strategic level of the conflict n three historically-based campaigns for the first time ever on a handheld platform.


Features

Three exciting single-player campaigns on the side of the German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces

30 nerve-wracking, historical missions, including undercover missions behind enemy lines

Over 150 different marine, land and air units as well as 20 different special attacks

30 heroic officers who provide their units additional motivation

Exceptional depth of play and complex computer opponent behaviour make the game playable again and again

Multi-player mode for up to 4 players on 10 different multi-player maps (LAN, Nintendo Wi-Fi-Connection, Hot Seat mode)

Online ranking table

Playable using Nintendo DS Touchpen, buttons or a combination of both

Optional bonus mission goals to unlock additional missions and tactical optimizations

Wide variety of combat animations for all units and a wide range of special effects for explosion and weather depiction

Stream Music, Movies And Digital Photos From PC To Wii

X-OOM MEDIA CENTRE FOR Wii PROMISES ALL ROUND ENTERTAINMENT

X-OOM Media Centre for Wii will turn your Nintendo Wii into your own multimedia centre allowing you to watch movies, listen to music and view digital photos by streaming files directly from your PC onto the Wii using Wi-Fi.

X-OOM Software, a leading publisher of digital media software for mobile devices, will be releasing X-OOM Media Centre for Wii in November 2007.

WATCH MOVIES

Rather than watching your favourite movie clips & downloads on PC, simply use X-OOM Media Centre for Wii to direct all your files straight into your living room and watch in comfort at your television using the Nintendo Wii.

LISTEN TO MUSIC

With its clear, accessible structure, the X-OOM Media Centre for Wii is an easy way to view the hundreds of multimedia files stored on your PC, meaning you can access and play your favourite music simply and easily through your TV.

VIEW DIGITAL PHOTOS

Showcase your latest photographs live on TV in your lounge. Use the Wii’s wireless remote control to browse and select your favourite files on PC to show friends & family at Christmas or family gatherings.

Due to the Nintendo Wii’s built-in Wi-Fi connection, there is no need to rely on cumbersome memory cards, CDs or cables in order to transfer data from one system to another. The software allows you to transfer all of your media files at the click of a button, giving you the option to store movies, music and photographs on your PC but access them in your living room.

X-OOM Media Centre for Wii will also provide access to 1000s of Web TV channels and radio stations.

Network connection through WLAN or LAN. Supports MP3, WMA, OGG, DivX, XviD, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, WMV, JPG, BMP.

X-OOM Software Launches New Media Centre For Wii

NINTENDO Wii NOW A FULLY FLEDGED PERSONAL ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM USING BUILT IN WI-FI TO ACCESS DIGITAL MEDIA FILES ON PC

X-OOM Software, part of bhv Software, a leading publisher of digital media software for media devices, will be releasing its X-OOM Media Centre for Wii in late October 2007. This ground breaking product turns your Nintendo Wii into a fully functional media centre, accessing all digital media on a PC via the Wii’s built-in Wi-Fi capability, allowing users to access their music, view photos and watch films on their Nintendo Wii.

NO CABLES, NO MEMORY CARDS, NO DISCS

X-OOM Media Centre for Wii will transfer media files to the Wii with a few clicks using the built in Wi-Fi connection, entirely eliminating the need for any cables, CDs or a memory card. This latest software for a PC will effectively transform a Nintendo Wii into a personal multimedia station for the sitting room in one, uncomplicated process.

With a PC at home usually located upstairs in a bedroom or a home office, and a Nintendo gaming console usually in the living room, X-OOM’s latest software will effectively bridge the gap between the two media devices. Now you will be able to access all digital media files normally stored on a PC directly on the Nintendo Wii in the living room.

Straight forward installation and a clear, accessible structure make this new innovative system really easy to use. X-OOM’s interface on the Wii is easily navigated using the Wii wireless remote control. Video and audio files are streamed direct to the Wii so users can watch or listen instantly. It will also provide access to more than 1000 TV channels and radio stations and caters for all your media files in one package.

Network connection through WLAN or LAN. Supports MP3, WMA, OGG, DivX, XviD, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, WMV, JPG, BMP.

Pokémon Trades Span The Globe

They invaded. They evolved. And now they'll be traded - across oceans, and without regard for national borders or native tongue.

Nintendo today announces the Pokémon GTS (Global Trade Station) Web site goes online worldwide Sept. 15 and will be a great resource for Pokémon fans interested in learning more about trading their favorite characters.

The Global Trade Station already allows the trade of millions of Pokémon between trainers worldwide. Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl are the fastest-selling games in the history of the series, with worldwide sales in excess of 10 million games. Players use their Nintendo DS portable game systems to link wirelessly to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing them to scan which Pokémon are available from different nations and offer to trade with other players.

The new Pokémon Global Trade Station Web site, www.pokemon-gts.net, can be reached via any Internet-connected computer. The site will let users see which Pokémon are the most popular to trade, provide statistics about the number of trades completed and allow them to bookmark their favorite Pokémon. The site will operate in seven different languages and inform users about the nation they're "visiting" electronically. Visitors can even listen to audio files to learn how to say "hello" and "thank you" in select countries languages.

"Pokémon is now truly global in nature," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "A Pokémon Trainer from Chicago can be traveling in Sydney and trade one of their Pokémon with another owner in Helsinki."

Pokémon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia which includes licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, an animated TV series, home entertainment, the official Pokémon Web site and an online retail center www.pokemoncenter.com. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 for play on Nintendo's Game Boy and has since evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Pokémon was introduced in North America in September 1998 and today is one of the most popular toy and entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.4 billion video games and more than 420 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.