April 5 release date for American Nintendo DSi Europe to follow

New version of the venerable handheld will hit North American shores in April at US$169.99; along with a brand new colour.

Since the DSi was first announced in October 2008, Nintendo has remained coy about its release in the US market. The only word from Nintendo US had been pessimistic, warning that it wouldn't release the redesigned console until "well into 2009". Thankfully though, that doubt has improved to a more 'glass half full' approach, as Nintendo has just announced that the console will arrive in time for Easter in the US, on April 5.

The console, which has been on sale in Japan since November 2008, will cost US$169.99, and will be available in black as well as a brand new blue colour. Nintendo's release also confirms that the DSiWare application will also be making its way to the US, allowing owners of the console to download new software from the internet, starting at 200 DSi points.

Nintendo's announcement also confirms that the game Rhythm Heaven will make its American debut on April 5. The rhythm action title has proved to be incredibly popular in Japan, and following on from success on the Game Boy and in arcades, it's sold 1.6 million copies on the DS since launch. You can find out more about the minigame collection in our hands-on preview of the US version.

Contacted by GameSpot UK for a European announcement, Nintendo Europe declined to comment on the DSi's release in its final major territory. To find out more about the DSi, be sure to check out GameSpot's hands-on with the console.

Source: gamespot Australia

Super Smash Bros Brawl - Masahiro Sakurai talks about his next Project Sora

Super Smash Bros Brawl is at the heart of a rather amazing phenomena, which I was witness to at the recent Miami NARP. When we got there to set up, there were some students playing Brawl in the room adjacent to us. This was around 11 am. As the day went on, I noticed the same gamers still glued to the screen. By ten pm that night, they hadn't moved. ELEVEN HOURS of Super Smash Bros Brawl. It's rare that I've ever spent that much time on one game ... at least in such a big chunk of time, anyway.

Surely those same guys and countless other fans will be thrilled to hear that the creator of SSBB, Masahiro Sakurai, is hard at work creating a new title. On January 22nd of this year, Sakura's company, Sora Ltd., formed a new project in cahoots with Nintendo, which goes by the moniker of Project Sora.

All Sakurai had to say about the new project was, "I can promise an experience that's different from anything [you've played] up until now." I can't begin to imagine what that might be, but I'm sure you guys have some ideas, don't you?

Source: destructoid

Super Street Fighter II HD Remix on PlayStation store tomorrow

Want more Ryu, extra helpings of Chun-Li? Then this is your week. Not only is Capcom releasing Street Fighter IV on PS3 & 360 this Friday, but tomorrow Thursday 19th February, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to play the game that laid the foundations for SFIV with the release of Super Street Fighter II HD Remix on the European PlayStation Store.
SSFII HD Remix is priced at €14.99 or £11.99.

Rare restructure may cost jobs

Microsoft Game Studios' Rare team is to restructure, with the possibility of a number of redundancies at the Viva Pinata studio.

As part of Microsoft's wider restructuring announced last month, the company plans to shift focus and embrace new business models designed to speed up and simplify the games development process.

"As the entire industry struggles to address the increasing scale and cost of development, we too have felt a need to restructure our current approach so we can speed development and better manage the scale required to create high quality games," commented Mark Betteridge, studio manager.

"With four projects recently underway, now is the right time to make this change. Throughout its history, Rare has demonstrated a willingness to embrace new approaches and commitment to delivering game-changing experiences to our customers.

"This announcement is no different and builds on that tradition as we work with MGS to make interactive entertainment as culturally relevant in people’s lives as books, movies and television are today," he added.

Rare has drawn up three key areas where it intends to focus its developments going forward.

As an internal studio, the team will continue to focus on expanding the user base of the Xbox 360, a process it has already started with the release of distinctive offerings such as Viva Pinata and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.

The studio will also help grow the Xbox Live experience, following its success in designing the avatars used for NXE.

But it hasn't stepped away from the blockbusters either, as the team promises to "continue delivering AAA gaming experiences that excite both our current and future customers."

Rare said that it hopes its restructuring and adoption of new business practices can influence the wider games industry, but also admitted some team members may lose their positions as a result.

"In order to achieve these goals, the company is reviewing the current composition of its development teams and there is the possibility that a small number of current positions could be lost as a result of these changes."

Source: GamesIndustry

Last year half the games sold in Japan were for Nintendo DS...

Famitsu has released data on the top 100 best-selling games in Japan for 2008, with DS sales making up 51 per cent of the region's market.

The home console race was unsurprisingly won by Nintendo's Wii. The console saw 15 titles in the top 100, the star performer being Wii Fit at number three, with 2,149,131 units sold in the year and lifetime sales just below 3 million.
This represents a market share of 15.4 per cent, down by 5.5 per cent year-on-year.

Sony's PlayStation 2 was close behind with 12 titles in the chart, although its best performer, Super Robot Taisen Z, peaked much further down at number 20. However, the platform's market share increased 6.7 per cent from last year to make up 17.5 per cent, according to figures re-published by PS3 Hyper.

PlayStation 3 titles took ten spots, with Metal Gear Solid 4 securing 11th place at 686,254 units, and Grand Theft Auto IV making an appearance at number 66, at 195,779 units. Sony's latest console saw its share of the market drop by 50 per cent to take up 3.9 per cent.

Comparatively, Microsoft's Xbox 360 performed poorly with only one title making it into the top 100. Taking its place at number 82, Tales of Vesperia sold 161,070 units. The console saw its share of the market drop 0.7 per cent to just 2 per cent.

Home console sales paled in comparison to those of the Nintendo DS, which saw 47 titles occupy the chart, accounting for 51.6 per cent of the market - an increase of 8.8 per cent from 2007. The platform's top title, Pokemon Platinum, took second place overall at 2,187,337 units.

Sony's PlayStation Portable had 15 titles in the top 100, with Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, securing the top spot in the chart with 2,452,111 units. However, PSP market share declined to 8.8 per cent, compared to 14.8 per cent the previous year.

Nintendo was the most successful publisher for the second year running, with sales growing from 19 million to 23.5 million units. Namco Bandai was the next most successful, with 8.5 million units sold.

Source: GamesIndustry

X3 - Terran Conflict 2.0 - The Aldrin Missions Coming Soon to US Retailers

EGOSOFT's X3 - Terran Conflict 2.0 available April 7, 2009

EGOSOFT, renowned developer of the acclaimed X franchise of computer games for PC, Mac and Linux, announced today that the latest version of its critically acclaimed title, X³: Terran Conflict, will be available at all major US retail outlets beginning April 7, 2009.

X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions will feature a host of new missions, new ships and much more – and will be available at all major US retail outlets and on Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games and digital content with over 15 million accounts around the world. The release at retail and on Steam will be simultaneous.

Entitled X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions, this updated version of X³: Terran Conflict is being published by IGS Interactive and will feature a host of new missions, new ships and much more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to get X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions into our customers’ hands,” said Bernd Lehahn, managing director of EGOSOFT. “With this new version, we will build on the fantastic critical response to X³: Terran Conflict and will deliver a truly memorable experience to the gamer.”

As with the previous titles in the X series, X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions is a single-player space simulation featuring fast-paced first-person space combat, free-form open exploration of a huge dynamic universe, and large-scale management of the player’s own intergalactic corporation.

In X³: Terran Conflict (the predecessor to 2.0), the long-lost Terran colony of Aldrin was rediscovered. Now, after numerous years of isolation, the Terrans are keen to bring the Aldrans back into the fold as part of their massive effort to colonize areas of space thought lost or inaccessible. No colonization is easy, however, and you will be asked to not only help in the shaping of the new frontier, but will also be called upon to provide protection for the colonization effort against forces determined to oppose the Aldrin Expansion. New Terran stations and complexes, a new Terran ship and a host of other new features are introduced as you play a decisive role in the shaping of this new Terran frontier.

“We are honored to be publishing the latest installment in such a proven franchise,” said Paul Lombardi, CEO of IGS Inc. “The Aldrin Missions is a more than worthy successor to the outstanding Terran Conflict, and this version will further solidify EGOSOFT’s already stellar X franchise as one of the best in gaming.”

X³: Terran Conflict was released in European retail outlets and on Steam on October 17, 2008. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and X³: Terran Conflict currently boasts a 78.2% ranking on Game Rankings. IGN, the largest and most influential videogame site in the world, said that “Clearly crafted by a design team on a mission and with a vision, X3: Terran Conflict is a pretty and impressively ambitious voyage into the heavens that should satiate the thirst of anyone who pines for life away from earthly confines.”

Street Fighter IV video game on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 this Friday

Capcom announce that Street Fighter IV has shipped to retail for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system ahead of its official release date this Friday 20th February. The long-awaited Street Fighter IV is posed to redefine the fighting game genre with a return to the classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action mixed with new characters, high definition 3D visuals, and next-generation fluid gameplay.

“Long time Street Fighter fans and those new to the series will be blown away by the all new Street Fighter IV,” said Ben Wyer-Roberts, European Marketing Manager. “From a game series that has over 20 years of heritage, Street Fighter IV is the perfect blend of well loved characters and features from the past and some amazing new ones. Street Fighter IV is undisputed heavyweight champion of the next generation fighting genre.”

Street Fighter IV features a mix of returning favourites such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile along with new characters created exclusively for this game such as Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. 

Characters and environments are rendered in high definition 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the input system. Street Fighter IV also incorporates state of the art online match making and worldwide online gameplay. 

Mixing classic genre-defining game mechanics the franchise is known and loved for with all-new, never-before-seen gameplay systems, Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over. With the inclusion of Capcom's latest advancements in new generation technology, Street Fighter IV promises to deliver an extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honoured art of virtual martial arts.

Features:

• Classic 2D Street Fighter gameplay with stunning high definition 3D characters and environments
• New special moves that go beyond any Street Fighter fan's wildest imagination, including Focus attacks, Super Combos, and the revenged-fueled Ultra Combo system.
• Classic Street Fighter characters recreated for a new generation of gamers, including the original cast of Street Fighter II
• New brawlers: female super-spy Crimson Viper, lucha libre wrestler El Fuerte, mixed martial artist Abel and more!
• New gameplay elements provide new challenges for both newcomers and the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.
• Online gameplay features, including instantaneous online challenges, versus mode, tournament mode, and world wide online gameplay.

Metal Slug 7 on Nintendo DS video game review

Metal Slug 7 (MS7), the latest instalment in SNK Playmore's popular "run and gun" shoot-'em-up series, is unique because it does not have an arcade counterpart like each of the other core Metal Slug releases. Despite this break from tradition, MS7 otherwise fully embraces its heritage in almost every conceivable way.

For the uninitiated, that means plenty of frenetic shooting action, gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, screen-filling boss encounters, swarms of foes and, of course, Metal Slugs (powerful tank-like contraptions).

If you're a fan of the series you will soon find that there is very little here you haven't seen before. In fact, despite being a Nintendo DS title, MS7 makes almost no effort to embrace the console's unique features - the touch screen houses a map but little else, and wireless multiplayer is entirely absent. Instead of startling innovation, then, Metal Slug 7 offers polish, and plenty of it.

Read full review on Cubed3 here...

Two hundred million video games sold by Gameloft most to iPhone and iPod Touch

The Gameloft catalogue now contains nearly 300 games available for download

Gameloft, the worldwide leader in mobile game publishing, today officially announces it has sold over 200 million mobile games since starting in 2003.

The Gameloft catalogue now contains close to 300 entries in all existing categories and suited to every culture. Gameloft games are now available in more than 80 countries, thanks to a very strong distribution network (telecom operators, phone and console manufacturers and media partners).

Gameloft games are distinguished by their availability since they are generally adaptable to all phones and platforms, so each person can enjoy the game he or she wants, regardless of their hardware. Apple (and the Appstore) has become Gameloft’s single biggest sales channel for mobile games in 2008, overtaking all the mobile operators.

“At Gameloft, we believe that consumers are uncompromising,” said Michel Guillemot, President of Gameloft. “They want the best games for the mobile phone or console in their pocket or at home. They also want immediate access at the lowest cost. We channel our creativity and our determination into creating entertainment that corresponds to their expectations and their need for diversion. That includes adapting it to their lifestyle and their budget. These are the reasons they buy our games in such great numbers.”

In 2009, Gameloft announced it will publish a significant number of games for the iPhone and for all devices connected to downloadable networks. It will continue to simultaneously publish games for 1,200 telephones and consoles accessible through the PlayStation Network, PlayStation Store, Nintendo WiiWare, Nintendo DSi and Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Tokyo Beat Down Nintendo DS video game - meet the cast

Atlus profiled two more of the main characters of Tokyo Beat Down for Nintendo DS in "Meet the Cast" Beast Cops Lewis Cannon and Rika Hyodo are dedicated to protecting the citizens of Tokyo by beating the sin out of evil-doers, but someone needs to supervise and keep them in line! Meet the Captain and Inspector below...

"Look, kid, I know I shot you, but if you get blood on my backseat, I'm gonna really hafta get violent on you..."

Takeshi Bando

Captain 

Tak has been at Yaesu Station for many years, and he's a trusted friend. He's the only man who can keep the other beast cops in line... although sometimes, even his tactics can be a bit excessive.

He's recently gained some weight, and he's a bit sensitive about it. So careful what you say around him!

Fighting style: All-out offense. He hits hard and gets hit hard.

"This station is full of amateurs. My dog could run the place better!"

Jean Saburo

Inspector

He's an elitist, and his standards are uncompromising. He was sent from main headquarters, downtown, to ensure the investigations run smoothly.

Others think he definitely does not have what it takes to be a beast cop. That's alright, though; Lewis and Rika'll scare him off soon enough.

About Tokyo Beat Down
Who has it within them to rise up against the ever growing threat of violence, crime, and terrorism on the streets of Tokyo? Enter the Beast Cops, tireless servants of justice. These men and women struggle night and day for the heart of the city. They'll match any villain punch for punch, kick for kick, bullet for bullet. They're Beast Cops because they will do whatever it takes, pay any price, inflict as much damage as necessary, in order to restore peace and security to the streets of Tokyo.

Key Features

• Beat 'em up that lets you shoot 'em up - When fisticuffs aren't enough, add guns to deliver a whole new brand of justice to the mean streets of Tokyo. Pick up a variety of weapons, ranging from handguns to rocket launchers, for intense action on each level.
• Badass 70's cop show vibe - Outrageous style, over-the-top substance, and no holds barred hardboiled police action mix with madcap humor and sharply-written dialogue. Dishing out justice to the seamy underbelly of Tokyo has never been this satisfying.
• Multiple characters & endings - This sordid tale of Tokyo's criminal set unfolds through the eyes of three different cops with unique play styles. Story branches lead to multiple endings that determine whether you'll get your shot to beat down the ultimate crime boss.

Tokyo Beat Down is scheduled for release on March 31, 2009 with a MSRP of $29.99.