WiiNintendo

None of us really care for the Star Wars spinoff, The Clone Wars, and we like to pretend that it doesn’t exist, but TT Games is hard at work on a LEGO game based on it.

As indifferent as I am to the animated Star Wars series, I think that if anyone can make it worth noticing, it is TT Games. Sure, their LEGO franchise is childish, easy and pointless. But they’re just plain fun.

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will include “new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat and an upgraded level builder, allowing the creation of customized bases and in-game battlefields. Play either as a Jedi or Separatist with all-new character abilities, such as Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups, all within a new, easy-to-navigate hub.”

The source article says that the game will include “all the characters from both seasons of the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, in addition to some fan-favorite characters from the theatrical Star Wars Saga,” but I am fairly sure whether “all the characters. . .” means all of the main characters.

LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is forecast to hit the Wii and DS shelves this fall.

Via The Wiire

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"It was a bigger iPod Touch," quoth Nintendo president Satoru Iwata on Apple’s iPad. He added that there were “no surprises” for him.

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, is toting their new hardware as the “future of gaming”. It’s bigger than the iPod Touch, it is faster, and it… it… it’s made by Apple and it’s shiny.

I have to side with Iwata on this one (shocked, aren’t you?). The iPad made no significant leaps from the iPod Touch, and I frankly can’t see where all of it’s hype is coming from. Sure, it is cool and shiny and stuff, and I’d love it if I could get one for free… But, I see no real incentive to upgrade from my iPod.

The hype isn’t what bothers me though, but rather that fact that the iPad is put forth as serious competition to the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. Games on the all-touch screen is fun and all, but it gets old. It is great for casual gaming (yes, we “core” gamers like to kick back every now and then), but I just don’t think it will work for deeper games for various reasons (cheap competition on the App Store being one of them).

Anyway, enough of my opinions on the iPad – this isn’t Macworld. Iwata also commented on 3D video-gaming, which he does not expect to catch on.

"I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play games at home. How is that going to look to other people?"

This is both good and bad judgment in my opinion. 3D isn’t cheap to work with, and it murders the eyes over time. But, Sony is pouring their assets into 3D TVs, and we can rest assured that the PS4 will make use of this technology. No-glasses 3D television sets are already on the market for roughly the price of a used car.

This kind of set may very well become the standard of the industry within a decade, and I have to admit that gaming would be just plain awesome in 3D.

Via MercuryNews.com

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Video game legend Shigeru Miyamoto made a passing mention about “new Nintendo hardware in development and multiple Motion Plus game projects” at the 13th Annual Japan Media Arts Festival.

The rumor mill is already running (as if it ever stopped), with many speculating that the mentioned “hardware” is the Wii’s successor.

I personally don’t think this is anything to get too excited over. We all know that Nintendo has been hard at work on “N6” from the moment the Wii was launched, if not earlier. It would not surprise me in the least if there are several working prototypes, and a number of amazing demo applications. What would surprise me would be to see hide or hair of it within the next year. I just don’t think it is going to happen.

In all likelihood, this “hardware” is just another peripheral. And who really cares? I have yet to milk all that I can out of the Wii itself, and I still don’t have all of the games that are on my wishlist. I think I can wait a bit longer for the next iteration.

Via The Wiire, AndriaSang.

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Update: “LUVNU” will not stack with “SAVER”.

Apply 15% Coupon Code = “LUVNU”
Free shipping coupon code = "SAVER"

These great deals were found by DJ3xlusive at SlickDeals.net using the above coupon codes:

• Legend Of Zelda [gamestop.com] (2010) $42 AC
• Metroid: Other M [gamestop.com] $42 AC
• Arc Rise Fantasia [gamestop.com] $42 AC
• Red Steel 2 Wii Motion Plus Bundle [gamestop.com] $51 AC

Pre-Order Detaills (Varies with each title):

• Eligible for GameStop In-Store Pickup
• Billing does not occur until shipment is processed
• Pre-order low price guarantee

Zelda or Metroid for $42? I’m game.

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Via GoNintendo:

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Online and on your TV, Monster hunting is bigger than ever with Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii. Electric Playground TV takes a look.

Thanks for the video Jason!

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Sega of America has recently interviewed High Voltage Software concerning their upcoming Wii game Tournament of Legends. Check out the question and answer session below.

Tournament of Legends is another Wii exclusive from HVS. Why is that — is Wii your favorite platform?

[Kerry Ganofsky] Wii is an amazing platform but asking us to choose a favorite is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. (laughs) We decided to release Tournament of Legends on the Wii for two reasons: first, the gameplay was designed specifically for the platform and second, building on our Quantum3 technology, we were able to take advantage of all of the bells and whistles that we used in The Conduit right from the start.

[Eric Nofsinger] Some of it boils down to what types of games we like to play around the office and if we feel there is a particular gap in the Wii’s library. This was a big reason why we chose to make The Conduit for the Wii after all. In regards to Tournament of Legends, we realized that there weren’t many unique fighters on the Wii, so we decided that a uniquely mythological themed, weapons-based title would be a perfect fit. Players can get a sense of dual weapon fighting with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. With the Wii technology behind our Quantum 3 engine, we are able to bring great looking characters and environments to the Wii audience.

Can you give us some background information about Tournament of Legends please? When did this project kick off? What do you love about it? And what gave you a headache?

[KG] Tournament of Legends really started when we were deciding what our next original project would be after The Conduit. We evaluated the market for potential opportunities and weighed that against our manpower and interests. We found that there were very few unique fighting games coming for the Wii, and we’ve got a wide range of developers with a true passion for the genre in-house, so we decided to create our own!

[EN] I loved the process involved with creating the look of the characters. It was a flurry of great ideas swirling around the office with many people collaborating together – a very eye-opening experience. Getting the balance between each character and their vast array of special moves was a headache. Ultimately though, it paid off; we feel the special moves give a unique flavor to the game. Where else can play a game where you throw a steak at your opponent to lure a ravenous lion? (laughs)

[KG] I must say that the sheer variety in the combat is my favorite feature in the game. Unlike many fighting games that limit you to punches and kicks or a single weapon, ToL allows you to use incredible magic attacks that really add a level of depth and strategy to an already compelling fighting system. The biggest thing that gave me a headache was trying to remain competitive against our Lead Designer, Pat Dolan… I still swear he was cheating. (laughs)

What’s your favorite character? And why?

[KG] Hands down, Narcia is my favorite character. First and foremost, she looks amazing but I feel that she features some of the most compelling strategies in the game. Her Petrify, Snake Swarm, and Viper Strike make her a devastating opponent, in the right player’s hands.

[EN] I love the Oni character. He is my favorite due to his unique design as well as his crazy attacks and great set of special moves.

Would you rather be involved in a gun or sword fight?

[KG] I will answer with one of my favorite quotes of all time, “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

[EN] Let’s see…how about a Gun Kata fight!

In Sonic and the Black Knight, Sonic was using a sword. Can you confirm that this was your inspiration so we can charge you some money for it?

[KG] This was not at all an inspiration for our game, otherwise we’d have a Werewolf instead of a Minotaur (laughs).

[EN] Though to be honest, in the first draft of the game, our Minotaur was actually a giant blue hedgehog… (laughs).

Tournament of Legends will be out in May 2010 exclusively on the Wii.

[SoA Blog]

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*Click Picture for Huge Version

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What a week for the download services on Nintendo consoles! Today, we get 10 titles.  On the WiiWare side, we’ve got 4 new titles — Blaster Master Overdrive, Tomena Sanner, Bloons, and Hubert the Teddy Bear Winter Games. On the handheld side, we get 5 new DSiWare games — Oscar in Movieland, Link’n'Launch, Fieldrunners, Sudoku4Pockets, and Extreme Hangman.  On the Wii Virtual Console, we get 1 classic NES game — Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom. As always, be sure to check out the official press release below, where we have embedded gameplay videos and screen shots.

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: DEADLY VIRUSES AND HEROIC VEGETABLES MAKE FOR A MEMORABLE WEEK

Feb. 8, 2010

From pulse-pounding action to mind-bending puzzles and beyond, this week’s lineup of new downloadable games offers a dizzying variety to satisfy players of all stripes. New additions for the WiiWare™ service include the sci-fi adventure of BLASTER MASTER™ OVERDRIVE and the speedy fun of Tomena Sanner, plus a pair of family-friendly games to help parents and their kids brighten up the dog days of winter. For the Nintendo DSiWare™ service, new attractions include the rocket-powered puzzles of Link ‘n’ Launch™ and the tower-defending thrills of Fieldrunners. And lest you should think cucumbers are only good for snacking, the Virtual Console™ debut of Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom lets Wii™ owners enjoy a quirky classic from the NES™ era.

WiiWare

BLASTER MASTER OVERDRIVE
Publisher: SUNSOFT
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: BLASTER MASTER OVERDRIVE is an action-adventure game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex, who happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists and specializes in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation. Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just might have a chance.

Tomena Sanner
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Businessman Hitoshi Susumu is behind schedule and in quite a rush. In fact, once he starts running, he won’t stop! Dashing past samurais, T-Rexes, cowboys and all manner of wacky obstacles, Mr. Susumu must get to the goal as fast as he can for the ultimate 2-D dance party. Tomena Sanner is a high-speed side-scrolling action game with a unique timing-based control system that’s as challenging as it is fun. As they fly, jump and dance over the many zany obstacles, players need to time their moves to keep their speed up and perform awesome tricks. Using just one button on the Wii Remote™ controller, players of all ages and skill levels will be able to play and help Mr. Susumu get to his goal. Four players can compete to see who is the fastest at running through the bizarre and comical world of Tomena Sanner.

Bloons®
Publisher: Hands-On Mobile
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Bloons is an exciting puzzle game based on the simple fact that popping balloons is fun. Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure. Each level will have a different arrangement of balloons. Using the darts you’re given, try to pop as many as you can. Look out for special balloons, blocks and darts, and have fun discovering what they do. You can pick up and play for a few minutes or spend hours working your way through the game’s 70 levels. As an added bonus, there’s also a level editor that allows you to create your own balloon puzzles.

Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games
Publisher: Teyon
Players: 1-16
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Hubert The Teddy Bear is a party game in which players confront crafty bunnies. Outsmart them in eight winter activities including snow fight, sleigh ride, Christmas tree decoration, fishing, catching a bunny and more. Create a teddy bear and customize it to fit your own style. Choose its name and gender and dress it up by combining elements from plenty of clothes and accessories. Play solo or engage your family and friends by competing in one of the multiplayer modes. As many as 16 players can take part in one competition. Thanks to the balanced levels of difficulty – kid, youngster and adult – everyone can enjoy the game. This collection of casual winter sports provides a new experience for the whole family.

Nintendo DSiWare

Oscar in Movieland
Publisher: Virtual Playground
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Following his Oscar in Toyland escapades, Oscar now plays the leading actor in sensational worlds of hit movies and TV shows. From Sci-Fi to Cartoon, Western to War, Horror to Jurassic and more, this is a game not to be missed. Oscar in Movieland features eye-popping graphics, parallax scrolling backgrounds and fabulous game play. This jump-and-run game is easy to play and packed with hours of fun and nonstop action. Use Wings to Fly, Springy Boots to Jump, and Oscar’s secret weapon – his magical Yo-Yo – to swing on and zap enemies in some of the craziest platform levels you’ll ever play.

Link ‘n’ Launch
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Take your puzzle-solving skills to new heights in Link ‘n’ Launch, a puzzle game in which you must move tiles to create a path that connects fuel to your rocket, blasting it through space. Complete the basic training mode to learn how to play Link ‘n’ Launch, and then buckle in for the ride through the robust Missions and Puzzles modes. Missions mode has you propelling the rocket through space to reach the target planet within a three-minute time limit, while Puzzles mode challenges you to clear all fuel and pipe tiles from the screen. In both modes, not only do you need to create a path to keep your rocket fueled, but you’ll also have to account for immovable tiles and special tiles that upgrade your rocket or give you additional time to complete the level, all while keeping your rocket’s flight path within the established boundaries. The launch countdown has begun – are you prepared?

Fieldrunners
Publisher: Subatomic Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Descend into the world of Fieldrunners, one of the most anticipated and visually stunning games in mobile tower defense history. Defend and control the field with a diverse selection of upgradeable towers, using a wide array of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air combatants. Enjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challenges. Do you have what it takes to dominate the fieldrunners and rise to the top as the ultimate tower defense master?

Sudoku 4Pockets
Publisher: 4Pockets.com
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Sudoku 4Pockets offers you 3,600 puzzles, and your assistant Kiku will be there to guide you through each of the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels. The aim of sudoku is to complete a grid of nine-by-nine squares with the numbers 1 through 9 in each square, row and column. As you play, Kiku will guide you: She can tell you if you’ve entered an incorrect number, offer you hints and explain the moves and terms as you play. The simple-to-use number entry makes it easy to select numbers and add possible number candidates to aid your thought process. Whether you’re new to sudoku or an advanced player, you can have fun playing and learning on your quest to become a sudoku master.

Extreme Hangman
Publisher: Gamelion
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: There’s never been a Hangman game like this before! The world’s favorite time-killer game takes an absurdist twist of comical proportions. Taking place in various settings, the game challenges players to save the Hangman from his enemies by guessing hidden words correctly. When players guess incorrectly, he is put one step closer to being shot, strangled, erased or hanged by his enemies. Play a single-player game or challenge your friend to a duel. Extreme Hangman features seven different settings with fun animations, over 2,000 words in various categories, and three difficulty levels.

Virtual Console

Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Original platform: NES
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Featuring a cast of cute characters and an endearing sense of humor, this unique title has gained a dedicated following since its release on the original NES system. The wicked Minister Pumpkin, a nobleman in the Salad Kingdom, has rebelled and kicked King Broccoli off the throne. Worse yet, he has kidnapped Princess Tomato and, with the help of the treacherous Farmies, proceeded to abolish all truth, justice, sweetness and light from the Salad Kingdom. Players take on the role of the brave Sir Cucumber, hero of the kingdom, and set out on a quest to rescue the princess and topple Minister Pumpkin. Progress through multiple locations using set commands (such as MOVE, LOOK and TALK) while winning bouts of Finger Wars (Rock-Paper-Scissors), collecting information and items and heeding helpful clues from your faithful companion, Percy (a persimmon). If you fail, the entire Salad Kingdom will be tossed into frenzy. Sir Cucumber, your princess awaits!

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

[Nintendo PR]

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Pokemon Sunday unveiled this silhouette from a fifth generation Pokemon yesterday:

There has already been much speculation concerning this image, the prominent theory being that this is an evolved form of Lucario (see the legs?).

Speculate as much as you want, but remember that the “full reveal” is only in two weeks.

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A recent report shows that video game sales have declined by 8% over the year of 2009 in the top global markets.

While Japan only suffered a 2% decline, software sales in the United States dropped by 7% and are down by a staggering 14% in the United Kingdom.

The report shows that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, as expected, was the top-selling game of 2009. Surprisingly, however, Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus (combined) came in a close second, only 800k units short of Warfare’s 12 million.

Via USA Today.

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