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Monday, January 15, 2007
Nintendo Wins Emmy Award
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has awarded Nintendo an Emmy® Award for its invention of the plus-shaped D-pad, one in a long string of Nintendo's controller innovations. The award was presented in recognition of the technological achievement of the D-pad, which radically changed how people interact with their video games and, by extension, their televisions. Nintendo received the award in Las Vegas during the Technological & Engineering Emmy Awards, which kicked off this week's Consumer Electronics Show.
The D-pad first debuted on the controllers for the Nintendo Entertainment System® in 1985, and has been standard on all video games controllers ever since. The D-pad replaced joysticks and represented an early example of how Nintendo was willing to shake up the status quo in the search for a better gaming experience.
"Nintendo has long been a pioneer in the way that people interact with their games," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "Our commitment to pushing the envelope continues today with our motion-sensitive Wii Remote controllers, which again rewrite the rules. We are grateful for this award and thank the academy for the honor."
Mini Mario-Mayhem Throughout The World!
Mario v Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is let loose on Nintendo DS
Hold on to your hats! Mario Vs Donkey Kong is back, and this time our favourite duos mean business! In our last outing it was up to Mario to save the day by finding all the Mini Mario’s, but this time roles have been reversed and he must rely on them! Featuring easy accessible touch screen controls, over 80 different levels and utilising the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service. Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is sure to provide all with endless amounts of mind boggling fun as it marches on to Nintendo DS across Europe on 9th March 2007.
A whole host of Nintendo world famous characters make a welcomed return in this game, including Mario, Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong’s long lasting love Pauline. Enraged and jealous by Pauline’s preference for Mini Mario over Mini DK, Donkey Kong kidnaps Pauline during the opening ceremony of Mario’s new theme park – Super Mini Mario World. It’s now up to the Mini Mario’s, on orders from Mario to brave mind bending obstacle filled levels and reach the top floor of the theme park where Pauline is waiting to be rescued by her mini heroes.
The player’s simple touch on the Nintendo DS touch screen using the stylus influences and guides the path the Mini Mario’s take, you can also move blocks using the stylus to create new paths, ride elevators and conveyor belts and avoid hazards like fireballs. ‘Thwomps’, lethal lava and deadly water traps all lie in wait for our mini heroes on there march and therefore quick reactions, puzzle skills and a steady hand will stand you in good stead in this game. Donkey Kong isn’t planning to play fair either, with new weapons in the form of Crash Kong and Capture Kong to use against our heroes. Sidekicks Mummy Guy and Snap Claw will do everything in their power to ensure the Mini Mario’s do not reach the exit door preventing our Mini Mario’s from moving onto the next level.
This game features over 8 themes and over 80 diverse and rich levels packed with hazards and puzzles, which will present new challenges to all players. What’s more players can also create their own levels and maps with the ‘new level editor’ before sharing them with others across the world using the unique Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. This feature brings a whole new dimension to gameplay creating an interactive gaming context in which you and others can compete in levels you have created, as well as competing in levels created by others. Players cannot only download levels from friends using the Friend Code system but can do so from anyone around the world ensuring that players really are spoilt with long-term endless fun without restriction.
This is the perfect fusion of retro action and cutting edge contemporary puzzles and is sure to be even more exciting and fun than its predecessor. Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis storms into stores across Europe on Nintendo DS on 9th March 2007 at an estimated retail price of around £30.
Hold on to your hats! Mario Vs Donkey Kong is back, and this time our favourite duos mean business! In our last outing it was up to Mario to save the day by finding all the Mini Mario’s, but this time roles have been reversed and he must rely on them! Featuring easy accessible touch screen controls, over 80 different levels and utilising the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service. Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is sure to provide all with endless amounts of mind boggling fun as it marches on to Nintendo DS across Europe on 9th March 2007.
A whole host of Nintendo world famous characters make a welcomed return in this game, including Mario, Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong’s long lasting love Pauline. Enraged and jealous by Pauline’s preference for Mini Mario over Mini DK, Donkey Kong kidnaps Pauline during the opening ceremony of Mario’s new theme park – Super Mini Mario World. It’s now up to the Mini Mario’s, on orders from Mario to brave mind bending obstacle filled levels and reach the top floor of the theme park where Pauline is waiting to be rescued by her mini heroes.
The player’s simple touch on the Nintendo DS touch screen using the stylus influences and guides the path the Mini Mario’s take, you can also move blocks using the stylus to create new paths, ride elevators and conveyor belts and avoid hazards like fireballs. ‘Thwomps’, lethal lava and deadly water traps all lie in wait for our mini heroes on there march and therefore quick reactions, puzzle skills and a steady hand will stand you in good stead in this game. Donkey Kong isn’t planning to play fair either, with new weapons in the form of Crash Kong and Capture Kong to use against our heroes. Sidekicks Mummy Guy and Snap Claw will do everything in their power to ensure the Mini Mario’s do not reach the exit door preventing our Mini Mario’s from moving onto the next level.
This game features over 8 themes and over 80 diverse and rich levels packed with hazards and puzzles, which will present new challenges to all players. What’s more players can also create their own levels and maps with the ‘new level editor’ before sharing them with others across the world using the unique Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. This feature brings a whole new dimension to gameplay creating an interactive gaming context in which you and others can compete in levels you have created, as well as competing in levels created by others. Players cannot only download levels from friends using the Friend Code system but can do so from anyone around the world ensuring that players really are spoilt with long-term endless fun without restriction.
This is the perfect fusion of retro action and cutting edge contemporary puzzles and is sure to be even more exciting and fun than its predecessor. Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis storms into stores across Europe on Nintendo DS on 9th March 2007 at an estimated retail price of around £30.
Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Announced For Wii Shop Channel
Today Nintendo adds three new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the 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:
Xevious (NES®, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Players control their Solvalou ship and destroy the XEVIOUS forces. Fire the zapper missiles against air-based enemies and drop the blaster bombs down upon ground-based targets. Destroy Andor Genesis to earn bonus points. Unique enemies, interesting background music, a variety of vertically scrolling background environments and many hidden game play features differentiated Xevious from the other shooting games released at the time. Are you devious enough to beat Xevious?
R-Type III: The Third Lightning (Super NES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): It was believed on Earth that the deadly BYDO Empire had been destroyed - but now they've returned, as nasty as ever. Their ships and armies are more powerful than before, and Earth will surely be conquered unless the new R-90 ship can destroy them. Powered with engines that launch it into different dimensions, and armed with the Round, Shadow and Cyclone Forces, the R-90 has what it takes to wipe out the BYDO threat. The BYDO mother ship must be found and destroyed to entirely erase the species from our galaxy.
Moto Roader (TurboGrafx16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points): Moto Roader is a futuristic racing game that allows up to five players to compete against each other. Players use the cash earned when they win a race to power up their machine. Not only can they change the "TIRE" and "BODY" of their vehicles, but they also can add "SPECIAL" parts. Jump over tall obstacles with a "HOPPER" and blast past rivals at incredible speeds with "NITRO." What multiplayer game would be complete without attack items? Use a forward-launching "GRENADE" or a backward-dropping "BOMBER" to blow up and knock away rivals. Outmaneuver rivals in all eight heats to become the champion. Any combination of Wii Remote™ and Nintendo GameCube™ controllers can be used in multiplayer games.
Xevious (NES®, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Players control their Solvalou ship and destroy the XEVIOUS forces. Fire the zapper missiles against air-based enemies and drop the blaster bombs down upon ground-based targets. Destroy Andor Genesis to earn bonus points. Unique enemies, interesting background music, a variety of vertically scrolling background environments and many hidden game play features differentiated Xevious from the other shooting games released at the time. Are you devious enough to beat Xevious?
R-Type III: The Third Lightning (Super NES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): It was believed on Earth that the deadly BYDO Empire had been destroyed - but now they've returned, as nasty as ever. Their ships and armies are more powerful than before, and Earth will surely be conquered unless the new R-90 ship can destroy them. Powered with engines that launch it into different dimensions, and armed with the Round, Shadow and Cyclone Forces, the R-90 has what it takes to wipe out the BYDO threat. The BYDO mother ship must be found and destroyed to entirely erase the species from our galaxy.
Moto Roader (TurboGrafx16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points): Moto Roader is a futuristic racing game that allows up to five players to compete against each other. Players use the cash earned when they win a race to power up their machine. Not only can they change the "TIRE" and "BODY" of their vehicles, but they also can add "SPECIAL" parts. Jump over tall obstacles with a "HOPPER" and blast past rivals at incredible speeds with "NITRO." What multiplayer game would be complete without attack items? Use a forward-launching "GRENADE" or a backward-dropping "BOMBER" to blow up and knock away rivals. Outmaneuver rivals in all eight heats to become the champion. Any combination of Wii Remote™ and Nintendo GameCube™ controllers can be used in multiplayer games.
Battlestations - Midway Europe out 9th February
Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, today confirms that the highly anticipated Battlestations: Midway will be released on 9th February, 2007 on Xbox 360 and PC.
Battlestations: Midway brings to life the epic naval battles of World War II from Pearl Harbour to the Battle of Midway itself. Featuring an innovative blend of action and real-time strategy gameplay, players can instantly switch between every vehicle under their command throughout the course of any battle.
“Battlestations: Midway has definitely been worth the wait. It will offer players a genuinely new gameplay experience in the single player campaign and the online multiplayer will give PC and 360 gamers something totally unique to sink their teeth into” said Matt Russell, Brand Manager.
The single player mode features 11 large-scale campaigns with 12 bonus challenge missions, while the online multi-player combat offers an entirely new online battle experience with head-to-head and co-operative style gameplay with battles boasting over 100 units.
2007 marks the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the single most decisive naval battle in US history, which served as a turning point of World War II.
Battlestations Midway will be released on 9th February on Xbox 360 and PC.
Battlestations: Midway brings to life the epic naval battles of World War II from Pearl Harbour to the Battle of Midway itself. Featuring an innovative blend of action and real-time strategy gameplay, players can instantly switch between every vehicle under their command throughout the course of any battle.
“Battlestations: Midway has definitely been worth the wait. It will offer players a genuinely new gameplay experience in the single player campaign and the online multiplayer will give PC and 360 gamers something totally unique to sink their teeth into” said Matt Russell, Brand Manager.
The single player mode features 11 large-scale campaigns with 12 bonus challenge missions, while the online multi-player combat offers an entirely new online battle experience with head-to-head and co-operative style gameplay with battles boasting over 100 units.
2007 marks the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the single most decisive naval battle in US history, which served as a turning point of World War II.
Battlestations Midway will be released on 9th February on Xbox 360 and PC.
Namco Sequel to Pool Pro Online
Head-to-head pool with customizable games plus networking
Think you’re a pool shark? Get ready to hustle your way through 8- or 9-ball games and play head-to-head with opponents in real-time in Pool Pro Online II, the newest mobile game from Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of wireless games and content.
Pool Pro Online II lets players create a personal profile, choose an in-game look and enter the virtual pool hall to compete in real time and head-to-head against players vying for fame and in-game cash. The game also offers offline one-player or two-player versus mode for those looking for a little practice.
The sequel to Pool Pro Online, which has been played online more than 4.4 million times and proved players’ desire to play against others across the country, Pool Pro Online II, builds on the success of Pool Pro Online by offering players a fully customizable experience, while maintaining backwards compatibility to the original game and its established player network.
“The Pool Pro Online franchise of games has been extremely successful, since its launch less than a month ago, an average of 5,000 online games of Pool Pro Online II have been played daily,” said Scott Rubin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Namco Networks. ”Our top player plays an average of 40 online games per day, and with the new features, like betting in-game cash and weekly tournaments, this player has even more to keep him busy.”
With the customizable features, players looking to upgrade their cue or customize their felt can visit the Pro Shop, where they can use the in-game cash (won in tournaments or hustled from other players) to purchase new cue sticks, pool tables and in-game backgrounds. Because the Pro Shop is server based, new customization items will frequently become available.
Individual profiles track players’ skills, wins, loses and tournament rankings. Players can search for opponents online by skill, rank or the size of their in-game bank account. With a buddy list, players can keep a list of favorite opponents and praise or taunt them using the game’s messaging feature.
"Pool Pro Online has always been about its online head-to-head component, and this is where it leaves all other pool titles in the dust," said Hugo Reyes, WGWorld.com. “Giving players the ability to play in real-time against players across the country increases the competitive nature, making it a more enjoyable and interactive experience.”
Pool Pro Online II is available today on select national wireless carriers and will be available on other carriers in the future. Visit Pool Pro Online for more information.
Think you’re a pool shark? Get ready to hustle your way through 8- or 9-ball games and play head-to-head with opponents in real-time in Pool Pro Online II, the newest mobile game from Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of wireless games and content.
Pool Pro Online II lets players create a personal profile, choose an in-game look and enter the virtual pool hall to compete in real time and head-to-head against players vying for fame and in-game cash. The game also offers offline one-player or two-player versus mode for those looking for a little practice.
The sequel to Pool Pro Online, which has been played online more than 4.4 million times and proved players’ desire to play against others across the country, Pool Pro Online II, builds on the success of Pool Pro Online by offering players a fully customizable experience, while maintaining backwards compatibility to the original game and its established player network.
“The Pool Pro Online franchise of games has been extremely successful, since its launch less than a month ago, an average of 5,000 online games of Pool Pro Online II have been played daily,” said Scott Rubin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Namco Networks. ”Our top player plays an average of 40 online games per day, and with the new features, like betting in-game cash and weekly tournaments, this player has even more to keep him busy.”
With the customizable features, players looking to upgrade their cue or customize their felt can visit the Pro Shop, where they can use the in-game cash (won in tournaments or hustled from other players) to purchase new cue sticks, pool tables and in-game backgrounds. Because the Pro Shop is server based, new customization items will frequently become available.
Individual profiles track players’ skills, wins, loses and tournament rankings. Players can search for opponents online by skill, rank or the size of their in-game bank account. With a buddy list, players can keep a list of favorite opponents and praise or taunt them using the game’s messaging feature.
"Pool Pro Online has always been about its online head-to-head component, and this is where it leaves all other pool titles in the dust," said Hugo Reyes, WGWorld.com. “Giving players the ability to play in real-time against players across the country increases the competitive nature, making it a more enjoyable and interactive experience.”
Pool Pro Online II is available today on select national wireless carriers and will be available on other carriers in the future. Visit Pool Pro Online for more information.
Nintendo celebrates successful Christmas
Nintendo has announced that according to Chart-Track figures, almost 200,000 Wii units were shifted in the UK over the Christmas period - while DS sales topped the half-million mark.
The Wii launched in Europe on December 8 and became the fastest-selling home console ever during its opening weekend. More than 700,000 units were purchased by European consumers, leading to empty shelves across the continent.
First-party title The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess also proved popular, with more than 500,000 copies sold - meaning that over 70 per cent of Wii owners bought the game. Around 320,000 copies of Wii Play, which comes bundled with a remote controller, were also sold.
In the UK, the number of DS handhelds sold during December topped 500,000 units. According to Nintendo, again quoting Chart-Track figures, it was not only the best selling console over the Christmas period but throughout 2006.
The figure for December DS sales across Europe stood at 1.7 million units. It was the best-selling console across the continent in 2006, and accounted for more than half of all December hardware sales.
"We have enjoyed one of the most successful Christmas holidays ever, with both Nintendo DS and Wii selling at staggering rates," said Nintendo Europe marketing director Laurent Fischer.
"We are facing such high demand for both platforms that unfortunately we are facing stock shortages. However we are doing everything possible to combat this by attempting to deliver both consoles and games to retailers on a daily basis."
Nintendo also enjoyed a successful Christmas in the US - more than 1.1 million Wii units have now been sold since launch, and 1.6 million DS handhelds were sold during the month of December alone.
The Wii launched in Europe on December 8 and became the fastest-selling home console ever during its opening weekend. More than 700,000 units were purchased by European consumers, leading to empty shelves across the continent.
First-party title The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess also proved popular, with more than 500,000 copies sold - meaning that over 70 per cent of Wii owners bought the game. Around 320,000 copies of Wii Play, which comes bundled with a remote controller, were also sold.
In the UK, the number of DS handhelds sold during December topped 500,000 units. According to Nintendo, again quoting Chart-Track figures, it was not only the best selling console over the Christmas period but throughout 2006.
The figure for December DS sales across Europe stood at 1.7 million units. It was the best-selling console across the continent in 2006, and accounted for more than half of all December hardware sales.
"We have enjoyed one of the most successful Christmas holidays ever, with both Nintendo DS and Wii selling at staggering rates," said Nintendo Europe marketing director Laurent Fischer.
"We are facing such high demand for both platforms that unfortunately we are facing stock shortages. However we are doing everything possible to combat this by attempting to deliver both consoles and games to retailers on a daily basis."
Nintendo also enjoyed a successful Christmas in the US - more than 1.1 million Wii units have now been sold since launch, and 1.6 million DS handhelds were sold during the month of December alone.
March 23 launch date likely for PS3
The PS3 is still on track to reach Europe in March. But Sony has not yet to reveal an official date and price.
The speculation is that the PS3 launch will be towards the end of March.
Sony are set to announce the final details of the launch within the next fortnight.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard is going into the final stages of beta testing and Sigil has revealed that this new MMORPG will launch on January 30th. "The immersive fantasy world is comprised of three massive, uniquely-themed continents for players to discover new creatures, new items and unlimited adventure. Players have complete freedom to roam the world whether flying dragons to islands in the sky or riding swift steeds to exotic lands." I've posted some screenshots for your perusal.
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