gamezplay

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Guitar Hero World Tour line up R.E.M. Blind Melon, Metallica and Classic Rock Anthems Headlining

With music ranging from one of the first and most influential alternative rock bands, R.E.M., to the timeless GRAMMY award-winning rock anthem “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield, Activision today announced a rich and diverse lineup of launch week downloadable content for the highly-anticipated Guitar Hero World Tour. Available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for two weeks starting October 30, the R.E.M. Track Pack features three songs, which can also be downloaded as singles, from the band’s newest album, Accelerate, “Horse to Water,” “Man-Sized Wreath” and “Supernatural Superserious.”

Available at the launch of Guitar Hero World Tour is the Classic Rock Track Pack that offers fans three rocking party anthems “Rock and Roll Band” by Boston, “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner and “Jessie's Girl” by Rick Springfield, also available for download individually.

Created specifically for Guitar Hero World Tour, the Guitar Duels, original compositions by Ted Nugent and Zakk Wylde, will be available for free at launch to download and play outside of the Career.

The 1990’s era-defining “No Rain” by alternative rock group Blind Melon will be available as downloadable content during the launch week of Guitar Hero World Tour. The breakthrough single off the band’s quadruple platinum, self-titled album reached No. 1 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock and U.S. Modern Rock charts and firmly planted the group in 1990s pop culture.

Fans who have been shredding to Metallica’s critically acclaimed Death Magnetic on Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock since its day-and-date release with the album need not purchase the album again as it is forward compatible and will integrate seamlessly with Guitar Hero World Tour. The Death Magnetic downloadable album, compatible with both Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero World Tour, will continue to be available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and in the PLAYSTATION Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment.

The R.E.M Track Pack, Classic Rock Track Pack and “No Rain” single will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and in the PLAYSTATION Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment.

When the house lights go down in November, a new generation of guitarists, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour.

The latest installment in the No.1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever.

The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunesSM where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations.

Far Cry 2 video game Map editor screenshots PC PS3 X360

A series of screen shots from Far Cry 2 - Real Time Map Editor

Halo 3 - recon video game - Fact Sheet

Halo 3 - Recon - Fact Sheet

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo 3: Recon” is a stand-alone expansion that extends the award-winning “Halo 3” experience with hours of new campaign and multiplayer gameplay.* The release adds a new dimension to an all-encompassing universe that gamers around the world have known and loved for more than six years.

The new campaign chapter predates the events that unfold in “Halo 3” and gives players a new perspective through the eyes of a new hero in the “Halo” universe. New multiplayer maps ensure that the award-winning Xbox LIVE experience of “Halo 3” continues to thrive.

Features:

Top features include the following:

• All-new campaign content. The “Halo 3: Recon” campaign is an intriguing side story that takes place during the terrifying events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in “Halo 3.” Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy’s finale. While the feel of this new chapter will greatly resemble that of previous “Halo” experiences, “Halo 3: Recon” will require players to employ more elements of stealth and cunning than ever before.

• A new hero: Prepare to drop. Known for their courage, valor and, at times, insanity, ODSTs are among the fiercest UNSC soldiers, priding themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations. While not as large or supernaturally gifted as their Spartan comrades, these “Hell Jumpers” more than compensate with their ferocious attitudes and unwavering nerve.

• Expanded multiplayer collection. No “Halo” experience would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content,* and “Halo 3: Recon” gives fans more of what they love. With exclusive new maps and full Forge options, players will find more multiplayer content than ever before with “Halo 3: Recon.”

• Ever-growing community options. Players will continue to enjoy all the great “Halo 3” technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring and four-player co-op. All of the new multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering endless gameplay customization possibilities for fans.

“Halo 3” is the conclusion to the epic trilogy and picks up where “Halo 2” left off, answering questions about the fates of the beloved protagonist Master Chief and his artificial intelligence sidekick Cortana as they struggle to save humankind from destruction at the hands of the alien coalition known as the Covenant. In addition to the rich storyline, “Halo 3” continues the franchise’s grand tradition of delivering innovative online multiplayer experiences via Xbox LIVE.

Title: Halo 3 - Recon
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Bungie
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game system; Xbox LIVE-enabled
Availability: Fall 2009

Nintendo Wii Music video game out 14th November in Europe

Get ready to broaden your musical horizons and perfect that inner beat as Wii Music beats onto Wii across Europe on 14th November. Making sure everyone is a member of the band no matter what their musical or gaming experience, Wii Music reveals the hidden musician allowing them to play a vast array of differing musical instruments like a true professional!

Discover the sweet sounds of over 60 instruments and experiment to recreate any one of the 50 included tracks. Featuring music of all styles, from the best of the classics to cult pop, and even some gaming tunes like Super Mario Bros; and instruments including steel drums, bass guitar, the saxophone and even a barking dog, Wii Music lets everyone easily re-create and perform their own interpretations in a way the whole family can enjoy.

‘Jam’ is the main game mode in Wii Music for creating your musical masterpieces. Split into ‘Improvise’, ‘Quick Play’ and ‘Custom Jam’, play as part of the six-member band, with the remaining instruments controlled by the Wii as ’Tute’ characters.

‘Improvise’ allows for the chance to rehearse and master playing styles, while ‘Quick Play’ creates a totally randomised performance where all aspects of the set are chosen by the Wii, producing a unique experience every time. ‘Custom Play’ gives you full control, from choosing a musical style for the Tute accompaniment, to setting the speed, to choosing the instruments, to deciding where to perform - creating the ultimate performance!

Once the song is complete, it can be saved as a video clip, personalised with its own record sleeve and uploaded and shared with friends and family over WiiConnect24. This gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy your creation, rate it and even remix to collaboratively create the ultimate track!

In order to help players become more accustomed to certain styles of music and ensure a superstar performance, Wii Music offers numerous tutorials for tightening playing techniques, arranging tracks, playing drums and aural training. With regular practice players will find that simply reproducing music will not be enough, and improvisation and creativity will flow from the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to produce remixes that may outshine even the original version!

As if ‘Jam’ wasn’t enough, Wii Music offers budding musicians several other modes to keep their musical skills in tip-top condition. The ‘Virtual Drum Kit’ brings the heart of any band to the Wii by mimicking a real set of drums. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck as drumsticks, and the Wii Balance Board as foot pedals, almost every aspect of a standardised drum kit can be simulated including bass drum, cymbals, snare and hi-hats! With 15 interactive drumming lessons, free play and a one-player jam session with any of the 50 featured tracks; the Virtual Drum Kit is ensured to bring people closer to a bass drum than ever before!

Ever dreamed of conducting an orchestra? Now here’s your chance to step up to the challenge! Using the Wii Remote like a baton, you can control the speed and volume of the rendition, and even create strategically placed moments of intense musical climaxes guaranteed to bring the house down! With up to four players able to conduct at once, the action becomes fast and furious, as the conductors need to remain synchronized to ensure a high score is awarded for the performance!

Need to scrub up on the fundamentals of music and sound? Not sure how to compare pitches, construct basic harmonics or tell the difference between consonance and dissonance? Then you need the Wii Music Pitch Perfect music quiz! With eight difficulty levels, the quiz tests the contestants to a range of tasks such as choosing or sorting notes by their pitch, identify matching sounds and spot the wrong note in a piece of music. Challenging friends and family adds to the excitement, ultimately improving everyone’s ear for music!

Wii Music offers complete musical freedom and is an engaging and fun way for all the family to learn more about musical instruments and styles. So what are you waiting for? Get your groove on and get your copy now!

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Xbox 360 video game - Fact Sheet

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - Fact Sheet

Famed game developer Rare Ltd. is reviving one of its most beloved and successful franchises exclusively on Xbox 360 with the third installment of the “Banjo-Kazooie” series. “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” embraces new and old fans alike, as the famous bear and bird duo return in stunning high definition for a unique adventure of epic proportions. The Lord of the Games (aka LOG) is tired of the petty squabbling between Banjo and the evil witch Gruntilda (aka Grunty), and has arranged a showdown to decide the rightful owner of Spiral Mountain. Claiming to have created every video game ever made, LOG has built the game worlds in which the contest’s challenges take place. Banjo must complete LOG’s challenges to win, while Grunty tries to stop him using every method her devious mind can muster.

Throughout their adventure, players create their own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, sea and air. Vehicle parts, which range from simple devices such as engines and wheels to more unusual equipment such as springs and egg guns, are earned and collected throughout the game. Players use their imagination to combine parts in any order to create whatever vehicle they choose. LOG’s challenges have one goal, but players’ choice of vehicle and tactics will determine how it gets accomplished. By exploring worlds and solving puzzles, players both young and old will be rewarded with more advanced and diverse vehicle parts in their quest to defeat Grunty once and for all and lay claim to Spiral Mountain.

With the power of Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” brings an entirely new experience to the console and takes the franchise to a whole new level of enjoyment. High-definition graphics, user-created content and online gameplay are just three of the many advances people of all ages and skill levels will discover as they embark on their adventure.

Top features include the following:

banjo kazooie nuts and bolts gamezplay.org

• An adventure that starts with your imagination. If you can imagine it, you can build it in the Mumbo’s Motors easy-to-use workshop. Then put your creation to the test as you take on Grunty in your quest for Spiral Mountain. Unlike other games, where the player progressively picks up new skills or abilities at points predetermined by the game’s creator, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” puts the power of improving Banjo’s abilities into the hands of the players as they build vehicles that allow Banjo to progress through the game. Vehicle parts include a wide variety of body panels, engines, wheels, wings, propellers, fuel and weapons, plus many more weird and wonderful gadgets such as floaters, Mumbo Bombos and the versatile sticky ball. Players can design and create anything from a simple object-carrying truck to a space-age flying saucer. Once players have designed their creation, they give it the finishing touch by painting it and choosing a suitable name before Banjo jumps in and pilots it into action.

• Customizable experience. With more than 100 contraption parts and unlimited possible combinations, no two players will have the same experience in “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.” By exploring the vast game worlds, discovering hidden secrets and solving puzzles to win rewards, players continually find more and more ways to customize and improve their contraptions, creating an unprecedented level of user-generated content for a 3-D platform adventure game.

• Fun right out of the box. Don’t worry if you aren’t the world’s greatest inventor or want to skip the workshop and get straight to the action, because “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” comes with a fully loaded experience right out of the box. Pre-built vehicles are included so players can jump right in and get started, with many more contraptions available for purchase throughout the adventure using the in-game currency system of musical notes.

• Xbox LIVE gets in on the fun. For the first time in franchise history, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is going to include competitive multiplayer gameplay. Now players can face off head-to-head in multiple multiplayer modes via Xbox LIVE.* And with the title’s online blueprint sharing system, players can share their designs over Xbox LIVE with friends and gamers everywhere. Rare has an extremely dedicated and active fan base, and we expect this addition combined with the unlimited user-generated content of “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” to help further grow and inspire that community, and push their creative limits!

• Engaging storyline and entertaining characters. Two of Rare’s most beloved characters have returned from retirement, making their debut on Xbox 360. To win the deed to their homeland and prevent the evil witch Gruntilda from developing it into tower blocks and malls, Banjo and his best friend Kazooie battle over land, sea and air against their longtime rival. Familiar faces such as Mumbo Jumbo, Bottles, Captain Blubber and the Jinjos are also back to lend a hand, along with an equally colorful cast of new friends and foes. Players can look out for Trophy Thomas, Piddles, Lord of the Games and Grunty’s mechanically menacing army of Gruntbots.

• Innovation connecting the franchise’s past and present. With the power of Xbox 360, this newly activated feature, known as Stop ‘N’ Swop, connects “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” to the upcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade release of the original “Banjo-Kazooie.” Players’ accomplishments in the new game will be rewarded with extra content and features in the Xbox LIVE Arcade game, encouraging fans to dive into as much “Banjo” as they can get their hands on!

• Enjoy alone or with friends. “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” offers complete single-player and multiplayer experiences. Gamers can play through the adventure alone in the single-player campaign, or compete head-to-head with friends in multiplayer challenges on Xbox LIVE.

• Fun for everyone. Xbox 360 is the home to the best entertainment experiences for everyone. With “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts,” Xbox 360 continues to build its impressive lineup of content that appeals to people of all ages and types.

All Banjo Kazooie gamezplay.org including video here...

Title: “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts”
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Rare Ltd.
Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game system
ESRB Rating: E10+
Availability: November 11, 2008
Price: $39.99 USD

Tekken 6 video game PS3 Xbox360 PC

Blockbuster Fighting Series Makes its Way onto Multiple Platforms For First Time in Franchise History

Leading video games publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe., today announced that it’s highly anticipated fighting title, TEKKEN 6, is scheduled to be released worldwide in Fall 2009 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Ready to set the standard for fighting games with stunning realism and uncompromising quality, TEKKEN 6 promises to deliver a pulse-pounding edge-of-your-seat experience with bone jarring punches and gut wrenching grapples.

Spanning over a 14 year legacy, Tekken is among the most popular and well-known gaming brands in the world with the entire franchise selling more than 33 million units to date. Displayed in astonishing HD detail, a new era begins in the sixth King of the Iron Fist Tournament complete with intense gameplay modes as well as new features and environments.

A must-have for Tekken aficionados, TEKKEN 6 sees the return of many familiar faces as well as new characters to create the largest line-up the series has ever seen. With a growing roster of fighters, each equipped with their own deadly techniques, moves and attack combinations, TEKKEN 6 will be the best King of Iron Fist Tournament yet.

Adding to the already rich gaming experience, a deeper character customization feature will only further enhance the incredible fighting intensity as players go mano-y-mano. Players can also take the battle online for classic match-ups and to compete for world domination.

New Xbox experience launch 19th November

Get ready. The evolution is coming. Microsoft Corp. today announced at the Tokyo Game Show 2008 that the New Xbox Experience, a transformation in home entertainment, will launch on Wednesday, 19th November. On that day, millions of Xbox 360 owners worldwide will experience a completely new Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft that is fun, social and simple to use – and puts more entertainment at their fingertips than any other device connected to the TV.

“Our industry is defining the future of entertainment,” said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Studios, while at the Tokyo Game Show 2008. “When the New Xbox Experience launches in just six weeks, we will be inviting the whole world to play. We will also have the games that everyone will want, including all-new social experiences like ‘Lips,’ ‘Scene It? Box Office Smash,’ and ‘You’re In the Movies,’ all launching this Christmas all exclusively on Xbox 360.”

With the launch of the New Xbox Experience[1] on 19th November, Xbox 360 owners will enjoy the following:

• Xbox LIVE Party: Xbox 360 allows you to create a virtual party on your TV with up to seven friends. With LIVE Party, voice chat while you play games, share photos in real-time[2] and entertain friends all over the world.

• Personality plus. Create a customisable, animated avatar and literally jump into the world of Xbox LIVE. Your avatar is your game-face throughout the New Xbox Experience and represents your personality – whether you are a LIVE Party host or chatting with a friend. With custom avatars created by the more than 14 million members worldwide, Xbox LIVE will have as many avatars as Tokyo has residents[3].

• On-demand entertainment. Xbox 360 is home to the best movie and music entertainment, including a large online library of on-demand high-definition movies from partners like Warner Bros. Entertainment, Constantin and MGM.

• Games for the community, by the community. For the first time in the history of console gaming, thousands of games developed by the creative community will be available to the public. The Community Games channel on Xbox LIVE will include games made by students, hobbyists, and everyday people all around the world and will be exclusive to Xbox LIVE.

When the New Xbox Experience launches this autumn, it will join the best and broadest Xbox 360 entertainment line-up of games ever. Whatever your passion, Xbox 360 has games for you. Only on Xbox 360 can you unleash your inner diva with “Lips;” live your favourite movie moments with “You’re in the Movies” and “Scene It? Box Office Smash;” and find Xbox LIVE Arcade favourites like “Castle Crashers” alongside indie favourites like the smash hit “Braid.”

• Music. Xbox 360 is the preferred stage for the best music games, including “Lips,” “Rock Band 2,” and “Guitar Hero World Tour” and “DanceDanceRevolution UNIVERSE3.”

• Family. Xbox 360 gets the whole family playing with titles such as “Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts,” “Dig Dug Stylish Edition,” “PacLand” and “Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise.”

• Sports. Xbox 360 remains the best place to play sports titles, including leading franchises like “PES 2009,” “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR,” “NBA LIVE,” “NHL 2K” and more.

Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce PSP Monster Racers DS 6 Empires Xbox Exclusive video game at Tokyo Games Show

KOEI announces details on two exclusive titles, Dynasty Warriors - Strikeforce for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and Monster Racers for Nintendo DS, and also unveils Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system

KOEI revealed new details on the company’s upcoming portable exclusives. These latest offerings are designed to create communities for gamers, centered on fun and engaging multi-player experiences.

“KOEI is taking new steps, in new directions, to bring the world together through entertainment,” said Kenji Matsubara, of KOEI, Co., Ltd.

Dynasty Warriors - Strikeforce is a game unlike any other in the franchise. Until now, the quintessential Dynasty Warriors experience pitted a lone warrior against thousands of enemies. For the first time, up to four friends can join together to form a “Strikeforce”. Working as a team, players can plan coordinated assaults to conquer massive armed fortresses and colossal beasts.

While immense castles, towers and ships serve as the settings for these legendary quests, the lighting-fast action will go where it has never gone before- the skies above. Gifted with new supernatural abilities characters can streak across the skies and battle enemies at high-altitude.

With both single-player and multi-player quests, new “air” fighting techniques, radical character customization, new challenges to conquer, and downloadable content, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce will forever change the way gamers experience the Dynasty Warriors universe when it comes to North America and Europe in 2009.

Developed by KOEI’s Omega Force, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is exclusive to the PSP (PlayStation Portable).

Set in a world very similar to our own, Monster Racers will take players on a journey where they will build lasting friendships with new allies and encounter daunting challenges from a bevy of rival racers. The fun begins on Star Island, the official home of Monster Racing. From there, players will embark on a quest that will take them around the globe in search of monster breeds to train, nurture and race.

Players can choose to be either one of two characters at the start of their adventure. As players progress, they’ll explore different regions, race wild monsters in their native habitats, and see how their relationships develop with the game’s heroes and villains.

Monster Racers utilizes side-scrolling platform-style action to create a racing experience that everyone can easily learn and enjoy. For first time in the genre, challenges will use the player’s skill in controlling speed and reaction time, in fun and familiar settings. Throughout each race, players will gather power-up items while avoiding obstacles such as “icicles”, or "meteors”. With a wide variety of courses and monsters, players can choose which monster is best suited for each race.

Up to four friends can compete in race tournaments. “Monster Racers will feature Wireless DS Single-Card Download Play and Wireless Multi-Card Play. Players can also download courses and share their race times via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection,“ said Hisashi Koinuma, KOEI’s producer for Monster Racers.

Developed by KOEI Co., Ltd. Monster Racers comes to North America and Europe in 2009.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite PSP - Fact Sheet

Japan’s most successful PSP title, Monster Hunter Portable 2G, is heading to Europe this coming Spring. Renamed Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, this latest installment in the epic Monster Hunter series delivers over 500 hours of gameplay spanning some 400 missions. Add in previously unreleased monsters, weapons and missions and you have the biggest Monster Hunter game to date.

Using the Ad-Hoc connection players can adventure with up to three friends for a savaging multiplayer hunting party. From devising the strategy to executing the attack, players will need to work together in order to hunt down the ferocious beasts and progress through the wide range of quests on offer. Players will be rewarded for their use of deep fighting combat systems, encouraging them to seek out the more experienced hunters and team up in order to learn from their experience.

Even in single player mode Hunters won’t be alone thanks to the introduction of the new AI Felyne feature. Accompanying players on quests your furry ally will helping them battle monsters and gather extra resources.

Features:

• The biggest Monster Hunter title to date with over 500 hours of gameplay

• Huge variety of character customisations including 1500 weapons and 2000 armour sets

• Players can form a team of up to 4 players through Ad-Hoc play and experience the multiplayer social gaming phenomenon

• Media Install option where players can save the game to a memory stick, allowing the game to load from the memory stick and UMD simultaneously for faster loading times

• AI Felyne companion who will accompany players on quests and gather extra resources. With the ‘felyne casting’ feature players can share their companions with other players, transferring data using the PSP’s sleep mode.

• Fans of the series can transfer their data from Monster Hunter Freedom 2

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Fact Sheet
Release Date: Spring 2009
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PlayStation Portable
Players: 1-4

Midnight Bowling - MadStone Shining Force and Mario Golf video game to download on Nintendo Wii

Pop quiz: What do you get when you add together 10 pins, 18 holes, two stolen jewels and hundreds of tumbling blocks? Never mind arithmetic-the answer lies in this week's excellent additions to the Wii Shop Channel. Wii lovers on the lookout for fresh gaming thrills can take their pick from a lively lineup that includes electrified bowling, Mario-styled golf, inventive puzzles and fantastic battles. Better yet, try out all four games and watch the fun grow exponentially.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time 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:

Nintendo WiiWare

Midnight Bowling (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Plunge directly into the trendy and electric atmosphere of Midnight Bowling. With awesome playing sensations, prepare for ultra-fun gaming thanks to a new physics engine that lets you control your throws precisely and easily with your Wii Remote controller and make spectacular spins that will impress your opponents. Face up to three friends in the fun party mode, where your playing abilities will be put to the test. Whatever your experience level, launch yourself into the immersive career mode, where you will play in the trendiest bowling spots on the planet against charismatic characters that will give you a run for your money.

MadStone (Riverman Media, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Time is short. Earth trembles as the forces of nature stir and grow restless. Can you turn the tide? In this dynamic puzzle game, you must clear the path for your elemental MadStones to reach the bottom of the screen. Blocks can be broken by striking them directly or by the force of falling objects. The novice tries frantically to break enough blocks, while the master sets up cascading collapses with only a handful of direct strikes. As two sides struggle for domination, titanic forces build, only to be unleashed in an earth-shaking final confrontation. Experience the mystical single-player journey, or challenge a friend in competitive two-player mode.

Virtual Console

Mario Golf (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Mario takes a well-deserved break from his role as the Mushroom Kingdom's busiest hero and returns to the links for some world-class golfing action. Since no one likes to hit the fairways alone, he's brought along a group of friends-both familiar characters and brand new ones. Choose from 10 different modes of play and six 18-hole courses in a variety of environments for a golfing experience with endless replay value. Add in fun, colorful graphics with a Mario touch (a Boo indicates wind direction), intuitive controls, incredibly deep game play and multiplayer support (taunt your opponents), and you have a game anyone will enjoy-even if you've never played a round of golf. Fore!

Shining Force II (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): It's a dark and stormy night in the kingdom of Granseal when a thief steals two jewels from the Tower of the Ancients. He sets in motion strange events that lead to the resurrection of Zeon, the Devil King. Granseal's king falls sick, the princess is kidnapped, and a door to Arc Valley, the Devil King's home, is opened. The young swordsman, Bowie, realizing the grave danger Granseal faces, must lead the Shining Force to find the Holy Sword and the stolen jewels, and protect Granseal against the invading armies of Zeon.

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Thursday, October 09, 2008