Iger aims to apply same strategy as for music
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that he regards videogames as "another promising creative engine" for the company.
Iger is quoted in today's New York Post telling investors that he intends to use a multi-platform approach, similar to Disney's recent music strategy, to push the company's game sales.
"We intend to use it to do exactly what we did in the music business to our video games business, but on a much larger scale," he said.
Tie-ins with popular movie and TV series, such as High School Musical, have seen Disney's music division produce USD 100 million in income. Disney has just launched a High School Musical game.
"We are a publishing company on the outside of the video games business," admitted Iger. "But where they [other companies] may not have a cable channel, or a movie company, or even a record business, or a radio business, or online - we have all of those. We intend to use them fully."
Iger said the company's intention was to focus on games it develops itself. It has increased spending on game development from USD 100 million in 2006 to a projected USD 175 million in 2008.
In July of this year, Disney announced that it had acquired the UK's Climax Racing Studio, and Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Why Disney love video games...
Iger aims to apply same strategy as for music
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that he regards videogames as "another promising creative engine" for the company.
Iger is quoted in today's New York Post telling investors that he intends to use a multi-platform approach, similar to Disney's recent music strategy, to push the company's game sales.
"We intend to use it to do exactly what we did in the music business to our video games business, but on a much larger scale," he said.
Tie-ins with popular movie and TV series, such as High School Musical, have seen Disney's music division produce USD 100 million in income. Disney has just launched a High School Musical game.
"We are a publishing company on the outside of the video games business," admitted Iger. "But where they [other companies] may not have a cable channel, or a movie company, or even a record business, or a radio business, or online - we have all of those. We intend to use them fully."
Iger said the company's intention was to focus on games it develops itself. It has increased spending on game development from USD 100 million in 2006 to a projected USD 175 million in 2008.
In July of this year, Disney announced that it had acquired the UK's Climax Racing Studio, and Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios.
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that he regards videogames as "another promising creative engine" for the company.
Iger is quoted in today's New York Post telling investors that he intends to use a multi-platform approach, similar to Disney's recent music strategy, to push the company's game sales.
"We intend to use it to do exactly what we did in the music business to our video games business, but on a much larger scale," he said.
Tie-ins with popular movie and TV series, such as High School Musical, have seen Disney's music division produce USD 100 million in income. Disney has just launched a High School Musical game.
"We are a publishing company on the outside of the video games business," admitted Iger. "But where they [other companies] may not have a cable channel, or a movie company, or even a record business, or a radio business, or online - we have all of those. We intend to use them fully."
Iger said the company's intention was to focus on games it develops itself. It has increased spending on game development from USD 100 million in 2006 to a projected USD 175 million in 2008.
In July of this year, Disney announced that it had acquired the UK's Climax Racing Studio, and Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios.
THQ to focus on Nintendo and XBox 360
Lazard's Sebastian predicts "slower ramp" on PS3
Lazard Capital analyst Colin Sebastian has predicted that THQ will retain its focus on Nintendo platforms and Microsoft's Xbox 360 - and be slow to increase its commitment to PS3.
Sebastian made his prediction after hosting investor meetings with THQ managament. The meetings followed the company's recent announcement of disappointing results for the second quarter of its fiscal 2008.
"We expect THQ to remain more closely aligned with Nintendo and Microsoft platforms over the next couple of years," Sebastian said.
"This reflects THQ’s historical strength on handhelds (GBA and DS), increasing development slate for Nintendo’s Wii, early success with titles on the Xbox 360 (e.g. Saints Row) and a slower ramp on the PS3."
He also said that THQ was optimistic for the success of its next title licensed from a Pixar fim. Wall-E is expected to have "broader consumer appeal" than recent release Ratatouille.
THQ also has high hopes for sequels to its own properties, Saints Row and Red Faction. It expects that 40 per cent of its revenues will come from internal studios in fiscal 2008, up from 30 per cent in fiscal 2006.
Lazard Capital analyst Colin Sebastian has predicted that THQ will retain its focus on Nintendo platforms and Microsoft's Xbox 360 - and be slow to increase its commitment to PS3.
Sebastian made his prediction after hosting investor meetings with THQ managament. The meetings followed the company's recent announcement of disappointing results for the second quarter of its fiscal 2008.
"We expect THQ to remain more closely aligned with Nintendo and Microsoft platforms over the next couple of years," Sebastian said.
"This reflects THQ’s historical strength on handhelds (GBA and DS), increasing development slate for Nintendo’s Wii, early success with titles on the Xbox 360 (e.g. Saints Row) and a slower ramp on the PS3."
He also said that THQ was optimistic for the success of its next title licensed from a Pixar fim. Wall-E is expected to have "broader consumer appeal" than recent release Ratatouille.
THQ also has high hopes for sequels to its own properties, Saints Row and Red Faction. It expects that 40 per cent of its revenues will come from internal studios in fiscal 2008, up from 30 per cent in fiscal 2006.
GTA IV still due in early 08
Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick has clarified that Grand Theft Auto IV will still release in the company's second fiscal quarter - between February and April 2008.
Last week, Zelnick told a BMO Capital Markets conference that the company was not ready to announce a firm date for the highly-anticipated title.
This was taken by some to mean that the previously announced launch window - between the start of February and the end of April 2008 - was not set in stone.
But Zelnick, speaking to Gamespot, has stated that he only meant that Take-Two and developer Rockstar did not want to name an exact date yet.
"I wasn't intending to be newsworthy," Zelnick said. "When asked about the release date, I confirmed the previous release date we'd given, which is our second fiscal quarter. That's to say sometime between the beginning of February and the end of April."
Last week, Zelnick told a BMO Capital Markets conference that the company was not ready to announce a firm date for the highly-anticipated title.
This was taken by some to mean that the previously announced launch window - between the start of February and the end of April 2008 - was not set in stone.
But Zelnick, speaking to Gamespot, has stated that he only meant that Take-Two and developer Rockstar did not want to name an exact date yet.
"I wasn't intending to be newsworthy," Zelnick said. "When asked about the release date, I confirmed the previous release date we'd given, which is our second fiscal quarter. That's to say sometime between the beginning of February and the end of April."
Monday, November 12, 2007
New "Codename Panzers: Cold War" screenshots released
Developer Stormregion and publisher 10TACLE STUDIOS today released new screenshots from upcoming PC release “Codename Panzers: Cold War” on www.panzers-coldwar.com. The new screenshots give a good impression of the performance delivered by the completely reworked Gepard3 graphic engine. The detailed graphics and visual effects create an authentic combat scenario destined to captivate real-time strategy fans starting in March of 2008. European distribution of the newest addition to the “Codename Panzers” series is being handled by Electronic Arts.
During the Cold War conflict, a period in which the differences of opinion between the occupying forces of the Allies and the Soviet Union become ever sharper, an aircraft accident occurs over Tempelhof Airport during the Berlin Blockade resulting in grave consequences. The tragic collision of an American airplane carrying relief goods with a Russian fighter plane costs not only the lives of both crews, but also overstretches the already tense relations between the occupying forces. Under the command of the merciless Stalin, the Red Army has undergone a tremendous expansion at the end of the Second World War and has more-or-less been waiting for the right time to extend their territory to the West by attacking the NATO forces. This incident thus gives Stalin all the incentive that he requires!
For more information:
www.panzers-coldwar.com
www.10tacle.com
www.stormregion.com
During the Cold War conflict, a period in which the differences of opinion between the occupying forces of the Allies and the Soviet Union become ever sharper, an aircraft accident occurs over Tempelhof Airport during the Berlin Blockade resulting in grave consequences. The tragic collision of an American airplane carrying relief goods with a Russian fighter plane costs not only the lives of both crews, but also overstretches the already tense relations between the occupying forces. Under the command of the merciless Stalin, the Red Army has undergone a tremendous expansion at the end of the Second World War and has more-or-less been waiting for the right time to extend their territory to the West by attacking the NATO forces. This incident thus gives Stalin all the incentive that he requires!
For more information:
www.panzers-coldwar.com
www.10tacle.com
www.stormregion.com
Gamespy Multiplayer Technology Into Epic's Unreal Tournament 3 On PC And PlayStation 3
Agreement Expands on Existing IPP Partnership and Licensing Deal between GameSpy and Epic Games
IGN Entertainment’s GameSpy, a leader in multiplayer and online gaming technology, and Epic Games today announced a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy’s multiplayer technology into Epic’s Unreal Tournament 3, the immensely popular first-person shooter franchise. This partnership comes on the heels of a recent announcement between GameSpy and Epic Games that included a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy’s online technology into Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 and GameSpy joining Epic’s Integrated Partners Program.
Under the terms of the agreement, GameSpy’s multiplayer technology - including multiplayer matchmaking, in-game and out-of-game messaging, deep player statistics, Voice over IP (VoIP) communication and a robust leaderboard and ranking system - will be incorporated into both the PLAYSTATION 3 and PC versions of Unreal Tournament 3. The new agreement expands on GameSpy’s current relationship with Epic Games, which created a one-stop solution for game developers by incorporating GameSpy’s online technology into Unreal Engine 3, one of the world’s most popular game engines.
“GameSpy is excited to expand our existing relationship with Epic Games and align ourselves with Unreal Tournament 3,” said Jamie Berger, senior vice president of consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. “As our technology continues to expand and evolve with next-generation consoles, we will continue to work with developers to provide an ease and expertise when it comes to online gaming technology.”
“Partnering with GameSpy for the second time and expanding on our IPP relationship furthers our commitment to including the highest level of online technology into our video games,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, Inc. “Unreal Tournament 3 is a leader in online gaming, and we will continue to push boundaries and technology to develop a game that satisfies the high expectations of our franchise fans.”
Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in their quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents. Unreal Tournament 3 will also be the first game to feature robust user-generated content on PLAYSTATION 3 including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and much more. Unreal Tournament 3 is scheduled for release November 19 on the PC and is coming soon for the PLAYSTATION 3.
IGN Entertainment’s GameSpy, a leader in multiplayer and online gaming technology, and Epic Games today announced a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy’s multiplayer technology into Epic’s Unreal Tournament 3, the immensely popular first-person shooter franchise. This partnership comes on the heels of a recent announcement between GameSpy and Epic Games that included a licensing deal to incorporate GameSpy’s online technology into Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 and GameSpy joining Epic’s Integrated Partners Program.
Under the terms of the agreement, GameSpy’s multiplayer technology - including multiplayer matchmaking, in-game and out-of-game messaging, deep player statistics, Voice over IP (VoIP) communication and a robust leaderboard and ranking system - will be incorporated into both the PLAYSTATION 3 and PC versions of Unreal Tournament 3. The new agreement expands on GameSpy’s current relationship with Epic Games, which created a one-stop solution for game developers by incorporating GameSpy’s online technology into Unreal Engine 3, one of the world’s most popular game engines.
“GameSpy is excited to expand our existing relationship with Epic Games and align ourselves with Unreal Tournament 3,” said Jamie Berger, senior vice president of consumer products and technology for IGN Entertainment. “As our technology continues to expand and evolve with next-generation consoles, we will continue to work with developers to provide an ease and expertise when it comes to online gaming technology.”
“Partnering with GameSpy for the second time and expanding on our IPP relationship furthers our commitment to including the highest level of online technology into our video games,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, Inc. “Unreal Tournament 3 is a leader in online gaming, and we will continue to push boundaries and technology to develop a game that satisfies the high expectations of our franchise fans.”
Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the industry's premiere first-person shooter franchise. In the latest installment of the award-winning Unreal franchise, players assume the role of a futuristic warrior engaged in contests of intense warfare against dedicated and skilled opponents, controlled either by human contestants online or by A.I. These brutal contests are fought with the most powerful military weapons and vehicles known to man. In Unreal Tournament 3, players can go face-to-face with devastating close quarters weapons like the flak cannon and rocket launcher, or pick off their enemies from a distance with a high-caliber sniper rifle. Players will also be able to fully access the universe's most capable and advanced set of vehicles in their quest to dominate and overwhelm opponents. Unreal Tournament 3 will also be the first game to feature robust user-generated content on PLAYSTATION 3 including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and much more. Unreal Tournament 3 is scheduled for release November 19 on the PC and is coming soon for the PLAYSTATION 3.
Electronic Sports World Cup
The Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) Organizing Committee today announced NVIDIA as the Worldwide and Main Partner of the Electronic Sports World Cup 2008. The ESWC is also announcing that the event’s Grand Final will be held in the USA in summer 2008.
NVIDIA will support the ESWC preliminaries in over 50 countries and finals in major cities worldwide. The company will also be part of the ESWC International Masters, which regulates the new e-sports pro-season until the ESWC Grand Final 2008.
Matthieu Dallon, CEO of Games-Services, explains: “NVIDIA has an international reputation for graphics excellence, so they are the ideal partner for us in this event. ESWC champions rely on NVIDIA technology to give them the killer edge in competition. ESWC 2008 is a milestone for us as the Grand Final will be held in the USA for the first time. We made the decision to move because we felt it will be great for competitors, spectators and e-sports as a whole. It’s part of our continuing efforts to ensure ESWC’s skilled cyber-athletes gain the recognition they deserve by creating our most spectacular event ever in California. With representatives from all over the world, this will be a truly global event.”
NVIDIA has supported ESWC with since the tournament’s creation and continues to be a proud sponsor as it grows and develops. “NVIDIA believes that ESWC is the most authentic and essential e-sports competition in the world,” says Daniel F. Vivoli, Senior Vice President of NVIDIA. “ESWC exists at a very exciting crossroads between new technology, entertainment and sport and we’re delighted to welcome its Grand Finals to California in 2008.”
NVIDIA will support the ESWC preliminaries in over 50 countries and finals in major cities worldwide. The company will also be part of the ESWC International Masters, which regulates the new e-sports pro-season until the ESWC Grand Final 2008.
Matthieu Dallon, CEO of Games-Services, explains: “NVIDIA has an international reputation for graphics excellence, so they are the ideal partner for us in this event. ESWC champions rely on NVIDIA technology to give them the killer edge in competition. ESWC 2008 is a milestone for us as the Grand Final will be held in the USA for the first time. We made the decision to move because we felt it will be great for competitors, spectators and e-sports as a whole. It’s part of our continuing efforts to ensure ESWC’s skilled cyber-athletes gain the recognition they deserve by creating our most spectacular event ever in California. With representatives from all over the world, this will be a truly global event.”
NVIDIA has supported ESWC with since the tournament’s creation and continues to be a proud sponsor as it grows and develops. “NVIDIA believes that ESWC is the most authentic and essential e-sports competition in the world,” says Daniel F. Vivoli, Senior Vice President of NVIDIA. “ESWC exists at a very exciting crossroads between new technology, entertainment and sport and we’re delighted to welcome its Grand Finals to California in 2008.”
Free Guild Wars mini-pet
Free Guild Wars mini-pet drives readers wild for free digital magazine for MMORPG gamers
MMOZine, the fifth regular, free videogames magazine from GamerZines, has achieved a record number of downloads in under two weeks. GamerZines launched its latest free magazine for gamers only a fortnight ago and already it has proved a huge success. Dedicated to all things MMO, the magazine brings news, previews, reviews and tutorials on all the popular MMORPG games.
As an amazing launch issue giveaway, MMOzine teamed up with NCsoft ® Europe and ArenaNet™ to offer the first 40,000 readers an exclusive pet for Guild Wars® players. It was the first time that a Guild Wars mini-pet has been given away online and the pet is a unique breed especially for MMOZine readers. It was only available via an interactive form within the magazine itself and formed the world’s first “e-covermount” for a digital magazine.
“Originally, we planned to try and attract 30,000 readers over the magazine’s 8 week cycle,” says Publishing Director, Dave Taylor. “It quickly became apparent that we had massively underestimated the demand for the magazine and we had to triple our server capacity in the first 24 hours, which proved something of a challenge.”
“The Guild Wars minipet acted as fantastic catalyst for the magazine, with word spreading across the Guild Wars community like wild fire and then out into the wider MMO community via forums and blogs. What was truly inspiring was the response and emails of support from gamers during the first day as we battled to bring enough servers online to cope with demand. Everyone was really positive, which goes to show just how sociable MMO gamers are.”
MMOZine is a GamerZine, from the publishers of established digital magazines 360Zine, P3Zine and others. Gamers simply require Adobe Reader 8 on Windows to read it. There is no charge and no registration is required. Best of all, the magazine is written entirely by professional journalists and the pages are enhanced with video and interactive screens that bring the pages to life.
“The gaming world is moving online and gamers love spending their time in our digital worlds,” says NCsoft’s PR Manager, David Blundell. “This is the ideal time for a magazine dedicated to MMOs, and clearly a digital format is perfect for gamers who are always online. We really pleased that Guild Wars gamers enjoyed the first issue of MMOZine and look forward to future issues pushing the boundaries of what a magazine can do.”
Given the success of issue 1, Cranberry Publishing Ltd has now raised its expected settle down readership figure for issue 2 to 50,000.
Issue 1 of MMOZine is still available for download from http://www.gamerzines.com/
MMOZine, the fifth regular, free videogames magazine from GamerZines, has achieved a record number of downloads in under two weeks. GamerZines launched its latest free magazine for gamers only a fortnight ago and already it has proved a huge success. Dedicated to all things MMO, the magazine brings news, previews, reviews and tutorials on all the popular MMORPG games.
As an amazing launch issue giveaway, MMOzine teamed up with NCsoft ® Europe and ArenaNet™ to offer the first 40,000 readers an exclusive pet for Guild Wars® players. It was the first time that a Guild Wars mini-pet has been given away online and the pet is a unique breed especially for MMOZine readers. It was only available via an interactive form within the magazine itself and formed the world’s first “e-covermount” for a digital magazine.
“Originally, we planned to try and attract 30,000 readers over the magazine’s 8 week cycle,” says Publishing Director, Dave Taylor. “It quickly became apparent that we had massively underestimated the demand for the magazine and we had to triple our server capacity in the first 24 hours, which proved something of a challenge.”
“The Guild Wars minipet acted as fantastic catalyst for the magazine, with word spreading across the Guild Wars community like wild fire and then out into the wider MMO community via forums and blogs. What was truly inspiring was the response and emails of support from gamers during the first day as we battled to bring enough servers online to cope with demand. Everyone was really positive, which goes to show just how sociable MMO gamers are.”
MMOZine is a GamerZine, from the publishers of established digital magazines 360Zine, P3Zine and others. Gamers simply require Adobe Reader 8 on Windows to read it. There is no charge and no registration is required. Best of all, the magazine is written entirely by professional journalists and the pages are enhanced with video and interactive screens that bring the pages to life.
“The gaming world is moving online and gamers love spending their time in our digital worlds,” says NCsoft’s PR Manager, David Blundell. “This is the ideal time for a magazine dedicated to MMOs, and clearly a digital format is perfect for gamers who are always online. We really pleased that Guild Wars gamers enjoyed the first issue of MMOZine and look forward to future issues pushing the boundaries of what a magazine can do.”
Given the success of issue 1, Cranberry Publishing Ltd has now raised its expected settle down readership figure for issue 2 to 50,000.
Issue 1 of MMOZine is still available for download from http://www.gamerzines.com/
Win £2000 - RewiredMind.com Birthday Bash
RewiredMind.com celebrates 6th birthday with a bang!
RewiredMind.com – the UK video game hub and the home of honest gaming opinion – turns six years old in November, and celebrates with colossal series of Xbox Live tournaments. The first annual RewiredMind.com Birthday Bash will give European gamers the opportunity to win over £2,000 worth of games and goodies from the biggest names in gaming.
On Friday, November 23rd the party will be just getting started with a massive Project Gotham Racing 4 tournament. Will you be ahead of the pack after five rounds of gruelling online competition against the finest players that Europe has to offer?
On November 24th it’s time to turn to Halo 3, where you’ll be a part of another 128-player event. Straight shooting is where it’s at, and if you can dodge the gunfire and be the last man (or woman!) standing, you’ll be taking home a share of the spoils.
And as if that wasn’t enough, November 25th sees you setting down your guns and bullets to take aim with your boots. Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is the name of the game, and if you didn’t know that RewiredMind.com doesn’t do things by halves, you will now. Yet another 128-player tournament means that players will have to battle through seven heart-pounding matches to reach their goal. Have you got the skill and stamina that it’ll take to walk away with the goodies?
With Microsoft providing free Xbox Live Gold access to all Xbox 360 owners between November 23rd and November 25th as a part of the Xtival 07 event, this is the perfect time for players to take their skills online and try to conquer the World.
Players will be playing for a share of a mammoth stack of prizes. RewiredMind.com be giving away a very cool Samsung MP3 player, masses of Xbox 360 Points, Xbox 360 Vision Cameras (Microsoft), limited edition Xbox 360 faceplates and a plethora of games such as Sega Rally (SEGA), Timeshift (Eidos), Stuntman: Ignition (THQ), Dynasty Warriors: Gundam (KOEI), Colin McRae DiRT (Codemasters), Clive Barker’s Jericho (Codemasters) and Overlord (Codemasters) and much, much more to give away. All of it must go, and on top of the prizes going to the best players, everyone is in the running to win spot prizes during each tournament for good play and sportsmanship.
The events – which are free to enter – will take place over Xbox Live on the dates listed above, and each one will begin at 19:30 GMT / 20:30 CET.
How To Enter
To register for the event, please visit http://www.rewiredmind.com/birthdaybash and fill in the required information.
RewiredMind.com – the UK video game hub and the home of honest gaming opinion – turns six years old in November, and celebrates with colossal series of Xbox Live tournaments. The first annual RewiredMind.com Birthday Bash will give European gamers the opportunity to win over £2,000 worth of games and goodies from the biggest names in gaming.
On Friday, November 23rd the party will be just getting started with a massive Project Gotham Racing 4 tournament. Will you be ahead of the pack after five rounds of gruelling online competition against the finest players that Europe has to offer?
On November 24th it’s time to turn to Halo 3, where you’ll be a part of another 128-player event. Straight shooting is where it’s at, and if you can dodge the gunfire and be the last man (or woman!) standing, you’ll be taking home a share of the spoils.
And as if that wasn’t enough, November 25th sees you setting down your guns and bullets to take aim with your boots. Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is the name of the game, and if you didn’t know that RewiredMind.com doesn’t do things by halves, you will now. Yet another 128-player tournament means that players will have to battle through seven heart-pounding matches to reach their goal. Have you got the skill and stamina that it’ll take to walk away with the goodies?
With Microsoft providing free Xbox Live Gold access to all Xbox 360 owners between November 23rd and November 25th as a part of the Xtival 07 event, this is the perfect time for players to take their skills online and try to conquer the World.
Players will be playing for a share of a mammoth stack of prizes. RewiredMind.com be giving away a very cool Samsung MP3 player, masses of Xbox 360 Points, Xbox 360 Vision Cameras (Microsoft), limited edition Xbox 360 faceplates and a plethora of games such as Sega Rally (SEGA), Timeshift (Eidos), Stuntman: Ignition (THQ), Dynasty Warriors: Gundam (KOEI), Colin McRae DiRT (Codemasters), Clive Barker’s Jericho (Codemasters) and Overlord (Codemasters) and much, much more to give away. All of it must go, and on top of the prizes going to the best players, everyone is in the running to win spot prizes during each tournament for good play and sportsmanship.
The events – which are free to enter – will take place over Xbox Live on the dates listed above, and each one will begin at 19:30 GMT / 20:30 CET.
How To Enter
To register for the event, please visit http://www.rewiredmind.com/birthdaybash and fill in the required information.
Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel
Winter vacation may be weeks away, but there's no need to wait for a fun-filled escape. The latest additions to the Wii™ Shop Channel can take you to places as familiar as a gymnasium or as fantastical as faraway planets. Fans of sports games, space-age shooters and intergalactic action will all find something to love in this week's lively lineup.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
Volleyball (NES®, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Step onto the court in one of the first volleyball games ever made. Select either the men's or women's competition, choose from one of eight available countries to represent, and prepare for some intensely fun game play. The straightforward controls include all the moves you'll need to effectively direct your six-person team. Take some time mastering them in the training mode, though, because you'll need all the practice you can get when competing against challenging computer opponents. If you feel like some multiplayer action, take on a friend in the two-player mode and see whose skills are more polished. Block, set and spike your way to victory.
AXELAY® (Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Mysterious aliens have invaded the Earth-like planet of Corliss, slowly draining the planet's resources. Take control of the prototype Axelay ship and use its wide range of advanced weaponry to battle enemy forces. Play through multiple stages of action —from other planets to space stations — all on your way to destroying the alien headquarters. You are Corliss' last line of defense, so be careful not to be too distracted by the excellent graphics (including great scrolling effects) and rocking music. Pilot the Axelay using Konami's famously tight play control and experience what many consider to be a classic of the shooter genre.
BLUE'S JOURNEY (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 900 Wii Points): The planet of Raguy has been invaded by the Daruma tribe, changing it from a beautiful and peaceful place into one filled with pollution. Released in 1991, this horizontally scrolling action game tells the story of an insectarian named Blue and his quest to save the planet and keep its inhabitants from being turned into slaves. Use Blue's main weapon, a leaf, to flip enemies onto their heads and then throw them at other members of the Daruma tribe, defeating anyone in your way. Additional weapons, such as bombs and boomerangs, are also available, or you can collect flowers to purchase other special items like honey or swim fins. Blue also has the special ability to change his size at will — if he's too big to fit in a particular area, then shrink him. The bright, colorful graphics, combined with lots of hidden items to find, ensure an enjoyable experience with plenty of replay value. Help Blue muster all his strength and eliminate the Daruma tribe.
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
Volleyball (NES®, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Step onto the court in one of the first volleyball games ever made. Select either the men's or women's competition, choose from one of eight available countries to represent, and prepare for some intensely fun game play. The straightforward controls include all the moves you'll need to effectively direct your six-person team. Take some time mastering them in the training mode, though, because you'll need all the practice you can get when competing against challenging computer opponents. If you feel like some multiplayer action, take on a friend in the two-player mode and see whose skills are more polished. Block, set and spike your way to victory.
AXELAY® (Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Mysterious aliens have invaded the Earth-like planet of Corliss, slowly draining the planet's resources. Take control of the prototype Axelay ship and use its wide range of advanced weaponry to battle enemy forces. Play through multiple stages of action —from other planets to space stations — all on your way to destroying the alien headquarters. You are Corliss' last line of defense, so be careful not to be too distracted by the excellent graphics (including great scrolling effects) and rocking music. Pilot the Axelay using Konami's famously tight play control and experience what many consider to be a classic of the shooter genre.
BLUE'S JOURNEY (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 900 Wii Points): The planet of Raguy has been invaded by the Daruma tribe, changing it from a beautiful and peaceful place into one filled with pollution. Released in 1991, this horizontally scrolling action game tells the story of an insectarian named Blue and his quest to save the planet and keep its inhabitants from being turned into slaves. Use Blue's main weapon, a leaf, to flip enemies onto their heads and then throw them at other members of the Daruma tribe, defeating anyone in your way. Additional weapons, such as bombs and boomerangs, are also available, or you can collect flowers to purchase other special items like honey or swim fins. Blue also has the special ability to change his size at will — if he's too big to fit in a particular area, then shrink him. The bright, colorful graphics, combined with lots of hidden items to find, ensure an enjoyable experience with plenty of replay value. Help Blue muster all his strength and eliminate the Daruma tribe.
For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.
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