Posted by Jim Avery in General News | Comments Off

Osu! Tatakae! Objection

There exists on the Internet a program called Osu!, which is a homemade PC program designed to play like Elite Beat Agents (or Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan in Japan, hence the name) with fan-made tap charts applied to existing videos. One dedicated group of fans has combined this EBA-style gameplay with the story of Phoenix Wright, and added in a dash of Queen to boot. This took a team of people six months to complete, and it shows. Check it out:

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen. I greatly adore Phoenix Wright, Elite Beat Agents and Queen. I wish Nintendo would give us a sequel to EBA already.

Posted by David Craig in Nintendo DS, Reviews | Comments Off

Review: Avalon Code (DS)

Avalon Code is an action RPG from the devs that brought you the recent Final Fantasy remakes on the DS. You can tell that much just be looking at the graphics – these guys know how to make the DS hardware work for them. However, they don’t seem to know how to make a game that isn’t based off an existing title.

The story is bland and uncreative. I don’t even remember all of the details, because the motivation to continue slogging through the repetitive landscapes is practically nil. There’s something about elemental spirits, and there’s probably a dragon or two in there as well. The only really creative hook story-wise is the fact that your task in the game is not to save the world, but rather take stock of all its inhabitants, both flora and fauna, before the planet’s inevitable demise.

Unfortunately, the novelty of running around and slapping things with your book quickly grows old, and the rest of the gameplay can’t make up for it. The game is an utterly confusing mess of impossible-to-navigate menus, and although it contains a tutorial, offers no explanation on how to do what should be the simplest of things, such as equipping a weapon. It took me quite some time to figure out how to equip things, and I never fully grasped the Code system.

You see, each item or person you compile in your book has a unique code; a strange take on genetics where people are made of three parts sick, one part hope, or two parts evil and two parts… fire? You can rearrange anyone and anythings’ codes, although 90% of the time this seems to be pointless. If I add hope to bread, it makes Hope Bread. But what does this Hope Bread do that regular bread does not? The game won’t tell you, and good luck figuring it out on your own.

Dungeons are interesting only because each room contains a single challenge, such as defeating all enemies or hitting a switch, that you must pass to move on. However, these challenges are mostly unoriginal and repetitive.

Sadly, the unique ideas that seemed so promising in Avalon Code ultimately fall short, creating an ambiguous mess of tangled cliches. I’m sure some people will find something to love here, but I really can’t recommend it to anyone but the diehard RPG fan.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Wii Menu 4.2

Nintendo has updated the Wii Menu to version 4.2 today. Once you download it, you won’t find any added features, but those with homebrew installed on their Wii are likely to find it no longer functional, or in existence at all. 4.2 seems to exist to eliminate the Homebrew Channel and related efforts, while non-homebrewers are unlikely to see any changes in functionality or improved performance, according to reports.

Nintendo and the Pirates: it’s practically like a sitcom now. I can’t really fault Nintendo, though; piracy is easier than they would like, and that probably eats into their profits by a noticeable amount.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Rock Band DLC Update: 9/29/09

Once again, Wii owners will be receiving their updates in time with the 360 and PS3 versions of Rock Band 2. Celebrating the release of new albums by Alice in Chains (their first new album in 14 years) and Breaking Benjamin, Harmonix is offering up a smattering of tracks from both bands. "A Looking in View" and "I Will Not Bow" both are singles from the two new albums, which came out today; otherwise, there are a selection of hit tracks from both bands. We also have one track from Just Kait at half-price, and some happening tracks from Kula Shaker. All tracks, except the one from Just Kait, cost 200 Nintendo Points and are downloaded in-game.

Alice in Chains – “A Looking in View”
Alice in Chains – “Check My Brain”
Alice in Chains – “No Excuses”
Alice in Chains – “Rooster”
Alice in Chains – “Would?”
Breaking Benjamin – “I Will Not Bow”
Breaking Benjamin – “So Cold”
Breaking Benjamin – “The Diary of Jane”
Just Kait – “U Suck” *
Kula Shaker – “Hey Dude”
Kula Shaker – “Knight on the Town”

* Costs 100 Wii Points.

I downloaded "Rooster", "So Cold" and "Hey Dude", the last of which surprised me with how much fun it was. Give those tracks a try.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News | Comments Off

Nintendo Download: 9/28/09

DSiWare: Dragon Quest Wars, 500 Nintendo Points

This strategy title features "all your favorite monsters" and has a simple set of rules with deep gameplay, though neither of these were particularly revealed in the press release. The game allows for 4-player play over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

DSiWare: Art Academy: Second Semester, 800 Nintendo Points

Picking up where First Semester left off, Second Semester introduces you to more tools, techniques, and famous artists for you to study. You’ll try to capture objects in motion, as well as large, sprawling landscapes, and you’ll learn more of the particulars of color use. Free Paint mode is included once again.

WiiWare: Arkanoid Plus!, 600 Nintendo Points

Arkanoid returns with a vengeance and an upgrade, as well as the block-busting gameplay it’s famous for. Play through 61 rounds in single-player mode, take on a friend or CPU in VS Mode, or try to clear stages as fast as you can in Time Mode.

WiiWare: DRiiFT Mania, 800 Nintendo Points

This Konami game offers little details about itself. We know that it is a top-down racer, that up to eight players can compete (presumably over NWC), that there are multiple gaming modes, and that different environments control differently. Beyond that, this racing title is a bit of an enigma.

Arcade: Altered Beast, 1,000 Nintendo Points

The arcade version of the earlier-released Genesis port has arrived. In this side-scrolling brawler, you are commanded by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena from the underworld; as you progress, you’ll collect Spirit Balls to power yourself up, and transform yourself into a number of mythical beasts.

I was rather confused about the Altered Beast entry on the press page, as the page itself didn’t indicate a price or a system, and the Genesis version has already seen release. Besides that, a new Dragon Quest entry is intriguing.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

New Super Media Bros. Wii

Nintendo has uploaded what will be the official box art for the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii, due for release on November 15. Have a look (and click for a better look):

Additionally, screenshots and other media can be found by clicking the Media tab above this article.

It seems like kind of a silly box art, but I like it for some reason. I also find it interesting that Nintendo has taken the route of "lots of words on the front". Shows the kind of audience they’re after.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Wii Sports Resort And MotionPlusPlus

If you’re like me, you need a second MotionPlus for your Wii Sports Resort, since your sister loves to bring her friends over to play it. Nintendo has answered that call for future consumers: beginning October 12, there will be made available a WSR limited-edition package that includes two MotionPlus peripherals instead of one. Click the image to enlarge the boxart:

It will have a MSRP of $59.99 and will only be available while supplies last.

Why does this sort of thing always have to happen when I’ve already invested in the game?

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Wii Price Drop Next Week

Nintendo of America has announced that, after an amazing 34 months without a SKU change, the price of the Wii will be dropping by $50 to $199.99 on September 27, once again making it the cheapest console on the market (tied with the Xbox 360 Arcade). Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo’s VP of marketing, noted that there are 50 million more people in the United States with the potential to buy a Wii and become gamers, and hopes that a price beginning with a "1" will do the trick.

The press release also noted the upcoming releases of Wii Fit Plus, slated for October 4, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which will be released on November 15.

I so called it. Ever since Nintendo released their Q1 financial standings, I knew that they were going to drop the price to $200 closer to the holiday season. A 60% drop in profits would probably do that to anybody.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo DS | Comments Off

Professor Layton Lives, Gives Prizes

To promote their recently-released puzzler, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, Nintendo is sending the professor himself out into the world to test your puzzling skills. Between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from September 23 through 30, Layton will be appearing in Minneapolis, Miami, Boston and Seattle; if you can find him and tell him "every puzzle has an answer", he’ll offer you the chance to solve a puzzle. Solving the puzzle enters you into a drawing to win a free copy of Diabolical Box. For full contest rules, and clues on where you can find the professor, head to the official website.

I’ll certainly be attempting to find the professor here in Minneapolis; I love a good puzzle (and free stuff). I just hope he sounds something like Professor Layton; I could care less about how he looks.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Rock Band DLC Update: 9/22/09

It’s another no-back-catalog week for Wii owners, as they’ll be receiving this week’s DLC on time. Pearl Jam’s new album, Backspacer, is now available for download in its entirety on the Wii’s Rock Band 2 Music Store; eleven tracks are up, each one costing 200 Wii Points and downloadable in-game.

“Gonna See My Friend”
“Got Some”
“The Fixer”
“Johnny Guitar’
“Just Breathe”
“Amongst the Waves”
“Unthought Known”
“Supersonic”
“Speed of Sound”
“Force of Nature”
“The End”

They need to work out some way to allow Wii users to download entire albums at a discount price. The two other systems can do it, but Wii owners are forced to pay more for song packs.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News | Comments Off

Nintendo Download: 9/21/09

DSiWare: Clubhouse Games: Strategy Pack, 500 Nintendo Points

This newest Express pack of fun family games puts an emphasis on, you guessed it, strategy. Up to eight players can play Backgammon, Field Tactics, Turncoat, Connect Five and Grid Attack.

DSiWare: MySims Camera, 200 Nintendo Points

If the real world doesn’t prove picturesque enough for you, spice it up with MySims Camera. Take pictures with the Nintendo DSi Camera, then add in MySims, drawings, stamps and other features to make the picture more interesting and unique. These edited photos can be shared with others.

WiiWare: You, Me, And The Cubes, 1,000 Nintendo Points

This first-party title has an interesting new style to it. You control the fate of small creatures called Fallos; you need to fling them onto elaborate cube structures with your Wii Remote, positioning your numerous Fallos in such a way that the structure is balanced, lest it tip over or break and your creatures tumble off the edge. There are dozens of levels in the single-player mode, or you can try two-player co-op.

WiiWare: Family Tennis, 500 Nintendo Points

Mom, Dad, Billy and Sarah are at it again, this time ditching their ping-pong table for a full-scale tennis court. Take on computer opponents in Elimination Match, play against whoever you like in Free Match, or race to 100 points in Thrilling Rally.

Commodore 64: Last Ninja 2, 500 Nintendo Points

The evil shogun Kunitoki has somehow gathered his minions and his powers into present-day Manhattan for a massive assault; as Armakuni, the last ninja, it is up to you to stop him. This game, like its predecessor, features a blend of combat, puzzles and exploration.

Those Family titles must sell well if they keep making so many. Besides that, Cubes is a rather intriguing concept for me. Reminds me of their Art Style series.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News | Comments Off

Nintendo Releases Release Dates

Nintendo has released a new list of upcoming titles for the next several months, including the highly expansive holiday lineup. Both the Wii and the DS/DSi have at least a hundred titles lined up over the next three months, most of them falling on the same few days. The list is highly lengthy and contains some highly anticipated titles in addition to what will probably be grade-A shovelware. If you browse through the list carefully, however, you’ll find some rather interesting gems hiding around, including a long-awaited sequel to Shantae, a critically-acclaimed game from the days of the Game Boy Color. Take a look at my "diamond in the rough" picks below, then read on to see the entire release list.

Nintendo Wii
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage (Ubisoft) – Nov. 8
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing™ (Sega) – Feb. 10
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll™ (Sega) – Early 2010

WiiWare
Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth (Konami) – Q3
Cave Story (Nicalis) – Q3
LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias (Frontier) – Q4
Pokémon™ Rumble (Nintendo/TPC) – Q4

Nintendo DS/Nintendo DSi
Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop (Majesco) – Oct. 27
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®: Mobilized (Activision) – Nov. 10
Phantasy Star™ Zero (Sega) – Nov. 10
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing™ (Sega) – February

Nintendo DSiWare
Bomberman Blitz (Hudson) – Q4
Electroplankton™ (10 titles total) (Nintendo) – Q4
Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (WayForward) – Q4

Nintendo Wii

Animal Planet Vet Life (Activision) – Sept. 15
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs™ (Ubisoft) – Sept. 15
Marvel™: Ultimate Alliance 2™ (Activision) – Sept. 15
NHL® 2K10 (2K Sports) – Sept. 15
Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2010 (Activision) – Sept. 22
Family Party: 30 Great Games™ Outdoor Fun (D3Publisher) – Sept. 22
MySims™ Agents (Electronic Arts) – Sept. 22
Our House: Party! (Majesco) – Sept. 22
The Price is Right ® 2010 Edition (Ubisoft) – Sept. 22
Rapala We Fish (Activision) – Sept. 22
Scooby-Doo™! First Frights (Warner Bros.) – Sept. 22
Spyborgs™ (Capcom) – Sept. 22
Sudoku Ball Detective (Playlogic) – Sept. 22
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Smash-up (Ubisoft) – Sept. 22
Wacky World of Sports™ (Sega) – Sept. 22
Where’s Waldo®: The Fantastic Journey (Ubisoft) – Sept. 22
Baseball Blast! (2k Sports) – Sept. 28
Army Rescue™ (UFO Interactive) – Sept. 29
Dead Space™ Extraction (Electronic Arts) – Sept. 29
Family Feud® 2010 Edition (Ubisoft) – Sept. 29
Family Fun Football™ (Tecmo) – Sept. 29
Shimano Xtreme Fishing (Mastiff) – Sept. 29

Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo) – Oct. 4
The Biggest Loser (THQ) – Oct. 6
The Island of Dr. Frankenstein (Storm City) – Oct. 6
NBA 2K10 (2K Sports) – Oct. 6
Star Wars® The Clone Wars™: Republic Heroes™ (LucasArts) – Oct. 6
Spore™ Hero (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 6
A Boy and His Blob (Majesco) – Oct. 13
Cars Race O Rama (THQ) – Oct. 13
JU-ON: The Grudge (XSEED) – Oct. 13
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games™ (Sega) – Oct. 13
We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Destineer) – Oct. 13
Where the Wild Things Are (Warner Bros.) – Oct. 13
Astro Boy®: The Video Game (D3Publisher) – Oct. 20
Bakugan® Battle Brawlers ™ (Activision) – Oct. 20
Buck Fever (Destineer) – Oct. 20
CHARM GIRLS CLUB™ Pajama Party (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 20
CSI™: Deadly Intent (Ubisoft) – Oct. 20
iCarly™ (Activision) – Oct. 20
Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 (Majesco) – Oct. 20
Madagascar Kartz (Activision) – Oct. 20
Marvel® Super Hero Squad™ (THQ) – Oct. 20
Medieval Games™ (Vir2L Studios) – Oct. 20
Mountain Sports (Activision) – Oct. 20
Rock Blast ™ (UFO Interactive) – Oct. 20
THE SECRET SATURDAYS™: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN (D3Publisher) – Oct. 20
WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010 (THQ) – Oct. 20
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader: Game Time (THQ) – Oct. 26
SimAnimals™ Africa (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 26
SpongeBob Truth or Square (THQ) – Oct. 26
World of Zoo™ (THQ) – Oct. 26
101-in-1 Party Megamix™ (Atlus) – Oct. 27
Alien Monster Bowling League (Destineer) – Oct. 27
All Star Cheer Squad™ 2 (THQ) – Oct. 27
Arcade Shooter: Ilvelo (UFO Interactive) – Oct. 27
Barbie™ and the Three Musketeers (Activision) – Oct. 27
BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE™: Vilgax Attacks (D3Publisher) – Oct. 27
DJ Hero™ (Activision) – Oct. 27
Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (THQ) – Oct. 27
Geon Cube (UFO Interactive) – Oct. 27
Hidden Mysteries Titanic (Activision) – Oct. 27
Jurassic Hunter (Activision) – Oct. 27
Monster 4×4™ Stunt Racer (Ubisoft) – Oct. 27
Remington Great American Bird Hunt (Mastiff) – Oct. 27
Vegas Party (Storm City) – Oct. 27
Disney Sing It: Pop Hits (Disney Interactive) – October
Dragon Ball®: Revenge of King Piccolo (Namco Bandai) – October
FIFA 10 (Electronic Arts) – October
Game Party® 3 (Warner Bros.) – October
HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 2 (Electronic Arts) – October
LITTLEST PET SHOP™ FRIENDS (Electronic Arts) – October
NERF 2: "N-Strike"™ Elite (Electronic Arts) – October
Walk It Out! (Konami) – October

JumpStart® Escape from Adventure Island (Knowledge Adventure) – Nov. 1
Academy of Champions™ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 3
Marines: Modern Urban Combat (Destineer) – Nov. 3
Rabbids Go Home™ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 3
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage (Ubisoft) – Nov. 8
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral (Storm City) – Nov. 9
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®: Reflex (Activision) – Nov. 10
Chaotic™: Shadow Warriors (Activision) – Nov. 10
Hot Wheels™ Battle Force 5™ (Activision) – Nov. 10
Smart Series Presents: JaJa’ Adventure (UFO Interactive) – Nov. 10
Just Dance™ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 17
My Baby and Me (Aspyr) – Nov. 17
NARUTO™ Shippuden: Clash of Ninja® Revolution 3 (TOMY) – Nov. 17
Need for Speed™ Nitro (Electronic Arts) – Nov. 17
Planet 51 (Sega) – Nov. 17
Rec Room (Destineer) – Nov. 17
Resident Evil®: The Darkside Chronicles (Capcom) – Nov. 17
Satisfashion (Destineer) – Nov. 17
Tony Hawk®: RIDE™ (Activision) – Nov. 17
James Cameron’s Avatar™ The Game (Ubisoft) – Nov. 24
Your Shape™ Featuring Jenny McCarthy (Ubisoft) – Nov. 24
Baby and Me (505 Games) – November
Band Hero™ (Activision) – November
Chicken Riot (City Interactive) – November
DanceDanceRevolution Hottest Party 3 (Konami) – November
EA SPORTS Active™ More Workouts (Electronic Arts) – November
Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked (Namco Bandai) – November
Karaoke Revolution (Konami) – November
My Ballet Studio (505 Games) – November
pop’n music (Konami) – November
Princess and the Frog (Disney Interactive) – November
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Konami) – November
Storybook Workshop (Konami) – November
Ultimate Party Challenge (Konami) – November
We Cheer™ 2 (Namco Bandai) – November

Dora the Explorer™: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom™ (2K Play) – Fall
LEGO® Indiana Jones 2™: The Adventure Continues (LucasArts) – Fall
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Super Game Day (2K Play) – Fall
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey™ Circus (2K Play) – Fall
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga (XSEED) – Fall

The Daring Game for Girls (Majesco) – Holiday
LEGO® Rock Band™ (Warner Bros.) – Holiday
My Baby First Steps™ (SouthPeak) – Holiday
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo) – Holiday
SCENE IT?® BRIGHT LIGHTS! BIG SCREEN!™ (Warner Bros.) – Holiday
Sushi Go Round™ (SouthPeak) – Holiday

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (Majesco) – Dec. 1
Guitar Hero® Van Halen® (Activision) – Dec. 22
FINAL FANTASY® CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS® (Square Enix) – Dec. 26

Jambo! Safari:™ Animal Rescue (Sega) – Q4
Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 (Konami) – Q4

Daniel X (THQ) – Jan. 12
Combat Wings: The Great Battles of WWII (City Interactive) – January

World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars (THQ) – Feb. 2
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing™ (Sega) – Feb. 10

Kamen Rider Dragon Knight (D3Publisher) – Winter

Art of Murder (City Interactive) – March

Shiren the Wanderer™ (Atlus) – Spring
Trauma Team™ (Atlus) – Spring

Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll™ (Sega) – Early 2010

WiiWare

Arkanoid Plus! (Taito) – Q3
BIT.TRIP VOID (Aksys) – Q3
Carnival King (Incredible Technologies) – Q3
Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth (Konami) – Q3
Cave Story (Nicalis) – Q3
Ghost Mansion Party (Gameloft) – Q3
Moki Moki (Natsume) – Q3
Tales of Monkey Island™: Lair of the Leviathan (Telltale) – Q3
You, Me, and the Cubes™ (Nintendo) – Q3

The Amazing Brain Train (NinjaBee) – Q4
And Yet It Moves (Broken Rules) – Q4
BIT.TRIP series (3 additional titles) (Aksys) – Q4, Q1 2010
Eco Shooter: Plant 530™ (Nintendo) – Q4
Frogger Returns (Konami) – Q4
Harvest Moon: My Little Shop (Natsume) – Q4
LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias (Frontier) – Q4
Max & the Magic Marker (Press Play) – Q4
The Oregon Trail (Gameloft) – Q4
Pokémon™ Rumble (Nintendo/TPC) – Q4
Tales of Monkey Island™: The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood (Telltale) – Q4
Tales of Monkey Island™: Rise of the Pirate God (Telltale) – Q4
Toribash (Nabi Studios) – Q4

Archon: Classic (React Games) – Q1 2010
La Mulana (Nicalis) – Q1 2010
Night Game (Nicalis) – Q1 2010
Rage of the Gladiator (Ghostfire) – Q1 2010
Super Meat Boy (Team Meat) – Q1 2010

Nintendo DS/Nintendo DSi

Animal Planet Vet Life (Activision) – Sept. 15
Bleach:™ The 3rd Phantom (Sega) – Sept. 15
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs™ (Ubisoft) – Sept. 15
IL2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey (505 Games) – Sept. 15
James Patterson Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion (THQ) – Sept. 15
Marvel™: Ultimate Alliance 2™ (Activision) – Sept. 15
NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 (TOMY) – Sept. 15
Scribblenauts™ (Warner Bros.) – Sept. 15
Fabulous Finds (THQ) – Sept. 21
Just in Time Translations (THQ) – Sept. 21
MySims™ Agents (Electronic Arts) – Sept. 22
Our House – (Majesco) Sept. 22
The Price is Right® 2010 Edition (Ubisoft) – Sept. 22
Scooby-Doo™! First Frights (Warner Bros.) – Sept. 22
Where’s Waldo®: The Fantastic Journey (Ubisoft) – Sept. 22
Battle of Giants™: Dragons (Ubisoft) – Sept. 29
Family Feud® 2010 Edition (Ubisoft) – Sept. 29
Imagine® Salon Stylist (Ubisoft) – Sept. 29
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 DAYS (Square Enix) – Sept. 29
Sideswiped (Majesco) – Sept. 29
Smart Boy’s Gameroom 2® (UFO Interactive) – Sept. 29
Smart Girl’s Playhouse 2® (UFO Interactive) – Sept. 29
Smart Kid’s Mega Game Mix™ (UFO Interactive) – Sept. 29
THE WIZARD OF OZ™: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road (XSEED) – Sept. 29

Imagine® Sweet 16 (Ubisoft) – Oct. 4
The Biggest Loser (THQ) – Oct. 6
Imagine® Zookeeper (Ubisoft) – Oct. 6
Spore™ Hero Arena (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 6
Star Wars® The Clone Wars™: Republic Heroes™ (LucasArts) – Oct. 6
A Witch’s Tale (NIS America) – Oct. 6
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (Nintendo) – Oct. 12
Cake Mania® 3 (Majesco) – Oct. 13
Cars Race O Rama (THQ) – Oct. 13
Hands On! Tangrams (Storm City) – Oct. 13
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games™ (Sega) – Oct. 13
PETZ® PONY BEAUTY PAGEANT™ (Ubisoft) – Oct. 13
Reversal Challenge (UFO Interactive) – Oct. 13
Sushi Academy (City Interactive) – Oct. 13
Where the Wild Things Are (Warner Bros.) – Oct. 13
Astro Boy®: The Video Game (D3Publisher) – Oct. 20
Bakugan ® Battle Brawlers ™ (Activision) – Oct. 20
CHARM GIRLS CLUB™ My Fashion Mall (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 20
CHARM GIRLS CLUB™ My Fashion Show (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 20
CHARM GIRLS CLUB™ My Perfect Prom (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 20
CSI™: Deadly Intent – The Hidden Cases (Ubisoft) – Oct. 20
iCarly™ (Activision) – Oct. 20
Imagine® Fashion Designer World Tour (Ubisoft) – Oct. 20
Jam Sessions 2 (Ubisoft) – Oct. 20
Jewel Master Egypt (Storm City) – Oct. 20
Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 (Majesco) – Oct. 20
Madagascar Kartz (Activision) – Oct. 20
Marvel® Super Hero Squad™ (THQ) – Oct. 20
Montessori Music™ (SouthPeak) – Oct. 20
Nostalgia (Ignition) – Oct. 20
THE SECRET SATURDAYS™: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN (D3Publisher) – Oct. 20
SPACE INVADERS EXTREME™ 2 (Square Enix) – Oct. 20
WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010 (THQ) – Oct. 20
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader: Game Time (THQ) – Oct. 26
The Backyardigans (2K Play) – Oct. 26
Dora the Explorer: Dora Puppy (2K Play) – Oct. 26
Fighting Fantasy™: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (Aspyr) – Oct. 26
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year’s Celebration (2K Play) – Oct. 26
SimAnimals™ Africa (Electronic Arts) – Oct. 26
SpongeBob Truth or Square (THQ) – Oct. 26
World of Zoo™ (THQ) – Oct. 26
Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island (NIS America) – Oct. 27
Barbie™ and the Three Musketeers (Activision) – Oct. 27
BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE™: Vilgax Attacks (D3Publisher) – Oct. 27
Chronicles of Mystery: Curse of the Ancient Temple (City Interactive) – Oct. 27
Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop (Majesco) – Oct. 27
Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (THQ) – Oct. 27
Flaw (Storm City) – Oct. 27
Imagine® Artist (Ubisoft) – Oct. 27
Might and Magic® Clash of Heroes® (Ubisoft) – Oct. 27
PETZ® DOLPHINZ ENCOUNTER (Ubisoft) – Oct. 27
TouchMaster® 3 (Warner Bros.) – Oct. 27
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (Disney Interactive) – October
FIFA 10 (Electronic Arts) – October
HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 2 (Electronic Arts) – October
LITTLEST PET SHOP™ BEACH FRIENDS (Electronic Arts) – October
LITTLEST PET SHOP™ CITY FRIENDS (Electronic Arts) – October
LITTLEST PET SHOP™ COUNTRY FRIENDS (Electronic Arts) – October

Foto Frenzy (Storm City) – Nov. 2
Style Savvy (Nintendo) – Nov. 2
C.O.P. The Recruit™ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 3
Imagine® Babyz Fashion (Ubisoft) – Nov. 3
My Hero: Astronaut (Majesco) – Nov. 3
Rabbids Go Home™ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 3
Star Wars Battlefront™: Elite Squadron™ (LucasArts) – Nov. 3
Fairyland Melody Magic™ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 8
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral (Storm City) – Nov. 9
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®: Mobilized (Activision) – Nov. 10
Chaotic™: Shadow Warriors (Activision) – Nov. 10
Hot Wheels™ Battle Force 5™ (Activision) – Nov. 10
Junior Brain Trainer (Virtual Play) – Nov. 10
Junior Classic Games (Virtual Play) – Nov. 10
PETZ® NURSERY (Ubisoft) – Nov. 10
Phantasy Star™ Zero (Sega) – Nov. 10
Style Lab™ Jewelry Design (Ubisoft) – Nov. 10
Style Lab™ Makeover (Ubisoft) – Nov. 10
Balloon Pop (UFO Interactive) – Nov. 12
PETZ® DOGZ® TALENT SHOW (Ubisoft) – Nov. 17
Planet 51 (Sega) – Nov. 17
Satisfashion (Destineer) – Nov. 17
James Cameron’s Avatar™ The Game (Ubisoft) – Nov. 24
PETZ® HAMSTERZ® SUPERSTARZ (Ubisoft) – Nov. 24
Animal Country: Life on the Farm (City Interactive) – November
Band Hero™ (Activision) – November
Discovery Kids SpiderQuest (505 Games) – November
Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Disney Interactive) – November
Dragon Ball® Z: Attack of the Saiyans (Namco Bandai) – November
Dream Diary (505 Games) – November
JONAS (Disney Interactive) – November
My Ballet Studio (505 Games) – November
Party Designer (City Interactive) – November
Picture Perfect Hair Salon (505 Games) – November
Princess and the Frog (Disney Interactive) – November
WireWay (Konami) – November

LEGO® Indiana Jones 2™: The Adventure Continues (LucasArts) – Fall
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (2K Play) – Fall

Crime Scene™ (SouthPeak) – Holiday
The Daring Game for Girls (Majesco) – Holiday
LEGO® Rock Band™ (Warner Bros.) – Holiday
MX vs. ATV™ Reflex™ (THQ) – Holiday
My Baby First Steps™ (SouthPeak) – Holiday
Sushi Go Round™ (SouthPeak) – Holiday

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (Majesco) – Dec. 1
Bookworm™ (Popcap) – Dec. 1
Dawn of Heroes (Majesco) – Dec. 1
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo) – Dec. 7
My Hero: Firefighter (Majesco) – December

Jambo! Safari:™ Animal Rescue (Sega) – Q4

Sands of Destruction™ (Sega) – January

Art of Murder (City Interactive) – February
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing™ (Sega) – February

Kamen Rider Dragon Knight (D3Publisher) – Winter

Jewels of Sahara (City Interactive) – March

Infinite Space™ (Sega) – Spring

Nintendo DSiWare

Art Academy™: Second Semester (Nintendo) – Sept. 28
Art Style™: DIGIDRIVE™ (Nintendo) – Q4
Bomberman Blitz (Hudson) – Q4
Electroplankton™ (10 titles total) (Nintendo) – Q4
Fieldrunners (Subatomic) – Q4
Picturebook Games™: The Royal Bluff (Nintendo) – Q4
Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon™ (Nintendo) – Q4
Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (WayForward) – Q4
Sparkle Snapshots™ (Nintendo) – Q4
Uno (Gameloft) – Q4

I am excited for LostWinds, Shantae, Cave Story and Castlevania, and intrigued by new Phantasy Star, Electroplankton, Bomberman and Super Monkey Ball. What about you guys?

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Rock Band DLC Update: 9/15/09

In an interesting change of pace, Wii owners will receive no tracks from the back catalog this week, but will be updated on-time with the same tracks as 360 and PS3 versions of the game, including Tenacious D’s hilarious single "Tribute". All songs cost 200 points and are downloaded in-game.

Anvil  – “666”
Anvil – “Metal on Metal”
Anvil – “This is Thirteen”
Dinosaur Jr. – “Pick Me Up”
Dinosaur Jr. – “The Wagon”
The Guess Who – “Hand Me Down World”
The Guess Who – “No Time”
Tenacious D – “Rock Your Socks”
Tenacious D – “Tribute”

We’re not done filling out the back catalog yet; still a couple hundred tracks left to put up. I wonder why the change of pace? Perhaps it’s related to the recent release of Beatles: Rock Band.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Nintendo Channel Gets Upgrade

Today, Nintendo of America announced the relaunch of its Nintendo Channel. In addition to a new look, the new design adds features such as better video quality, the ability to rate Nintendo DS games, and free chips on the side. This update also includes a new weekly feature called Nintendo Week, which includes special features such as interviews, previews, and behind-the-scenes looks at new and upcoming Nintendo titles. The Nintendo Channel is free to download.

The Nintendo Channel was always a pretty neat device, I thought; I certainly enjoyed downloading demos to my DS.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News | Comments Off

Nintendo Download: 9/14/09

DSiWare: Art Academy: First Semester, 800 Nintendo Points

Nintendo wants to teach you to make art. Your stylus becomes your pencil/paintbrush, as you go through training exercises designed to teach you to draw, shade, and do other artsy things. You can also go into Free Paint mode to manipulate your DSi photos.

DSiWare: Oscar In Toyland, 800 Nintendo Points

This platformer will have you swinging about, zapping enemies, and collecting numerous random objects as you play through its crazy levels. You’ll also meet new characters by exploring hidden rooms and mini-games.

WiiWare: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, 600 Nintendo Points

This game hopes to be the complete poker package. After learning the rules and strategy of poker with the tutorials, go head-to-head in numerous casino locales with opponents with their own personalities, who may taunt you as you play. You can also play online with up to four other players.

WiiWare: Spaceball: Revolution, 800 Nintendo Points

This puzzle game is listed under the "Arcade" genre and challenges you to "reconstruct impossible figures with help from space energy balls" by lighting up various boxes. The game has four difficulty levels and online leaderboards.

WiiWare: Mart Racer, 800 Nintendo Points

This kart-style racer, instead of making you run laps around a predetermined course, challenges you to find all the items you need in a grocery store before your rivals do. Use items to give yourself an edge against your opponents, but watch out for fun-spoiling mall cops. This game also features online play.

NES: Crash N’ The Boys Street Challenge, 500 Nintendo Points

Those darn Southside Boys, led by Crash, are just too much of a pain, and you’re going to try and stop them. As one of four high school teams, you’ll compete against the Southside Boys in five different sporting events (hurdles, pole vault, hammer throw, swimming and judo), in this clearly movie-inspired title.

We have some rather costly downloadables this week, it seems.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo DSi | Comments Off

Gamestop Holding DSi Giveaway

Gamestop is holding itself a contest regarding the newest iterations of Nintendo’s ultra-popular handheld. Using the DSi Camera, take a picture of yourself, then use the various editing lenses to make it unique and interesting. Then, head to this page and fill out the form, and Gamestop will provide you with a way of getting your picture to them. The winner receives a new white Nintendo DSi, while the runner-up receives a variety of DS games.

I don’t think I need to point out the absurdity of them trying to give away something you need to have to enter in the first place. Though I already did, I suppose.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Rock Band DLC Update: 9/8/09

This week, Wii owners won’t get any tracks from the back catalog, just a smattering of songs released last week on the other consoles, including the highly entertaining and difficult "Bat Country" by Avenged Sevenfold. All songs cost 200 points and are downloaded in-game.

Avenged Sevenfold – “Bat Country”
The Jam – “A Town Called Malice”
The Jam – “Going Underground”
Oasis – “Supersonic” (Live)
Rage Against the Machine – “Guerrilla Radio”
Talking Heads – “And She Was”
Talking Heads – “Crosseyed & Painless”
Talking Heads – “Girlfriend is Better”
Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
Talking Heads – “Take Me to the River”

"Guerrilla Radio" is also a good choice. If you were saving your money for Beatles, though, I sympathize wholeheartedly.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News | Comments Off

Nintendo Download: 9/7/09

Pictures are currently unavailable.

DSiWare: Clubhouse Games Express: Family Favorites, 500 Nintendo Points

This downloadable version of the entertaining Clubhouse Games includes five games: Hearts, Contract Bridge, Dominoes, Ludo, and the highly fun Dots and Boxes. Up to eight players can play through only one download with DS Download Play.

WiiWare: Contra Rebirth, 1,000 Nintendo Points

Another franchise has received the Mega Man 9 treatment, the excessively difficult run-and-gun game Contra. The Neo Salamander Force has traveled back to the year 1973 to invade Earth, and Contra operative Lance Bean has gone missing; it’s up to you and a friend (you are playing it with a friend, right?) to take down the forces of evil. It’s worth mentioning again that Contra is known for excessive difficulty, so beware if you’re purchasing.

WiiWare: ColorZ, 700 Nintendo Points

You and two other players must take off in your colored spaceships to battle against the also colored enemy forces; your ship can absorb viruses of its own color but you must avoid the others. If you’re good, you can merge spaceships together to create new colors. Comete for a high score or play with your friends cooperatively.

SNES: Super Return Of The Jedi, 800 Nintendo Points

This super trilogy wraps itself up with Super Return of the Jedi. You’ll re-enact several scenes from the movie, battling the galaxy’s most villainous scum, while playing as one of five characters, including Princess Leia or Wicket the Ewok. Save the galaxy, as you are our only hope, according to this here droid.

Even though it was ridiculously difficult, I always enjoyed playing Contra with a friend. Co-op gameplay is the ultimate gaming mode.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Facebook, Nintendo Team Up

Nintendo of America today unveiled that it has generated a new Facebook application linked to Wii Sports Resort, named the Wii Party Time Generator. This application is used to generate party times; you can invite your friends to a WSR event, challenge somebody to a duel, showcase your scores and victories, and even host pictures of the party. To install the application to your Facebook page, go to http://apps.facebook.com/wiisportsresort/.

Well, Wii Sports Resort is certainly popular for get-togethers at my place. I wonder how popular this application will be.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Muramasa Armory Trailer Revealed

Ignition Entertainment has released yet another trailer for their upcoming title Muramasa: the Demon Blade. Named the "Armory Trailer", this shows off the weapons you’ll be using on your adventure.

Muramasa is due for release this Tuesday, September 8.

I have to say, this game is looking rather decadent. The gameplay and plot seem to basically be "kill everything all the time forever", which is a genre that appeals to me.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Rock Band DLC Update: 9/1/09

The number of songs available in the Wii’s Rock Band 2 Music Store is now in excess of 674, according to this week’s press release. Last week’s 360/PS3 update arrives, with tracks from Billy Idol, Tom Petty, and a single off Jet’s new album Shaka Rock. In addition, the new tracks include several Christmas songs from the back catalog and the Screaming for Vengeance album from Judas Priest. All tracks cost 200 Wii Points except for those marked with an asterisk, which cost 100 Wii Points.

Billy Idol – “Mony Mony”
Billy Idol – “Rebel Yell”
Fleetwood Mac – “Don’t Stop”
Fleetwood Mac – “World Turning”
Jet – “She’s a Genius”
Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down”
Tom Petty – “Runnin’ Down a Dream”
Bare Naked Ladies – “Hanukkah Blessings” *
Billy Squier – “Christmas is the Time” *
Judas Priest – “(Take These) Chains”
Judas Priest – “Bloodstone”
Judas Priest – “Devil’s Child”
Judas Priest – “Fever”
Judas Priest – “Pain & Pleasure”
Judas Priest – “Riding on the Wind”
Judas Priest – “Screaming for Vengeance”
Judas Priest – “The Hellion/Electric Eye”
Judas Priest – “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”
Nikko – “Break My Heart” *
Nikko – “Don’t Tell Me” *
Pretenders – “Blue Christmas” *
Pretenders – “Precious”

We’ve been listening to the new Jet album at work, and "She’s a Genius" is a rather fun song to listen to. Judas Priest, of course, is awesome.

Posted by Jim Avery in General News, Nintendo Wii | Comments Off

Internet Channel Now Free

Nintendo announced today that their Internet Channel, which previously cost $5, is free once again, as it was upon the Wii’s release; in addition to that, the Internet Channel has been updated with a new version of Adobe Flash Player. For those who did happen to pay for the Internet Channel, never fear; starting sometime in October, you will be able to download, for free, a 500 point NES game of your choice. Keep an eye out for details regarding this.

This seems like something that should have happened a while ago; you can get a browser free for DSi, after all.