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Here is the first hour and 45 minutes of my time with the game. Thanks to Triple Point for allowing me to play and review this game. Expect my review within the next week.

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It looks like the rumors are true. Scribblenauts will, in fact, be getting a sequel this fall.  Check out the official press release below from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES THE NEXT SCRIBBLENAUTS GAME IS ON THE WAY! FOLLOW-UP TO GROUNDBREAKING GAME FOR NINTENDO DS WILL TAKE PLAYERS’ IMAGINATIONS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH FURTHER INNOVATIONS

Creativity abounds with a new adjectives system for even more ways to play!

BURBANK, Calif. – March 8, 2010 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces plans to create the next Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS, a follow-up to the revolutionary hit videogame where players use their imagination to write any word bring that object to life and use it to solve puzzles.  Available in fall 2010, the follow-up game expands the innovative elements from the acclaimed first title with many inventive new features, including an adjectives system that allows players to push the limits of their imagination to create their own experience.

In this new game created and developed by 5TH Cell, players use the stylus and touch screen to help Maxwell, the game’s hero, acquire the “Starite,” the prize earned from solving the puzzle in even more robust challenges and redesigned levels.  Players now have the ability to write any object that comes to mind and modify it in any way they desire using adjectives to reach the goal in each level.  Adjectives can change the color, size, elements, behaviors and many other aspects of the object they are describing. Multiple adjectives can be combined together to produce incredibly creative objects, allowing the player’s imagination to run wild for a truly unique and individualistic experience.

“The Scribblenauts sequel gives all players an enhanced game experience they will love and new challenges where they can use their imaginations even more,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “5TH Cell is a very talented and creative developer and we are excited to add to the Scribblenauts franchise with this new game.”

The next Scribblenauts broadens the players’ experience from the first Scribblenauts through more creativity, innovation and in-depth gameplay,” said Jeremiah Slaczka, Creative Director and Co-Founder of 5TH Cell.  “All of these enhancements give players even greater control over how they want to play the game.”

The new Scribblenauts game will offer more words, more creativity and limitless possibilities for gamers of all ages.

# # #

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

About 5TH Cell
5TH Cell Media, LLC is a leading independent developer of interactive entertainment software. Focused on original IP, 5TH Cell has established a track record of success on the Nintendo DS by providing a unique user experiences that cannot be found in other games. 5TH Cell’s primary studio is currently located in Bellevue, Washington. For more information on 5TH Cell products, please visit www.5thcell.com.

[PR Email from Warner Bros.]

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Today, it is all about the fantasy games for Nintendo.  On the Virtual Console, we get the SNES classic Final Fantasy 2 (which is actually Final Fantasy 4 in Japan and on DS).  For WiiWare, we get the interactive puzzle-platformer Max & the Magic Marker and a top-down shooter called Dracula – Undead Awakening.  The DSiWare lineup increases by four. A card game called Elemental Masters, a Spanish-learning game called 4 Travelers – Play Spanish, a handheld version of Dracula – Undead Awakening, and another Flips book entitled The Bubonic Builders all come to DSiWare today. Be sure to check out the official press release from Nintendo (below) where we have embedded gameplay videos and screenshots.

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: WITH FANTASY GAMES THIS GOOD, WHY SETTLE FOR REALITY?

March 8, 2010

Sometimes realism is overrated. Don’t we all need a regular jolt of fantasy to keep our imaginations alive and kicking? For Wii™ owners, this week’s new game lineup is set to deliver exactly that. Max & the Magic Marker for the WiiWare™ service imagines what would happen if your own artistic creation turned against you, while the Virtual Console™ service features a big dose of otherworldly action with the classic FINAL FANTASY® II. Browse all the latest downloadable games for the Wii and Nintendo DSi™ systems to help keep your imagination fueled to the max.

We’ve also got some free bonus inspiration for you this week: At last September’s Penny Arcade Expo, Nintendo invited professional artists to create one-of-a-kind animations using the Flipnote Studio™ application for the Nintendo DSi system. The results are now online and ready for viewing at the Flipnote Hatena site (http://flipnote.hatena.com), including cool clips from top comic artists like Eric Jones, Christina Strain and Mike Choi. Check them out and treat your brain to extra helpings of creative juice.

WiiWare

Max & the Magic Marker
Publisher: Press Play
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: One day Max gets a mysterious marker in the mail. Not knowing better, the first thing he draws is a wacky, purple monster. As soon as the marker leaves the paper, the monster comes to life and jumps off the paper and into another drawing. With the monster on the loose and messing with Max’s drawings, Max has no choice but to go after it. Armed with the magic marker, you must help Max track the monster through 15 inventive and challenging levels. You’ll need more than good will and quick reflexes to tackle the challenges ahead. Draw freely inside the game to help Max defeat enemies, overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. As you draw stairs, seesaws, balloons, surfboards and whatever else you can think of, your creations will interact with the physical environment, making every session unique.

Dracula – Undead Awakening
Publisher: Chillingo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Are you a vampire hunter? Are you ready to battle legions of undead foes including zombies, ghouls and werewolves? You’ll need to wield an arsenal of powerful weaponry while using your skill and intelligence. Uncover devastating firepower – machine guns, buzz-saws, flamethrowers and more – and choose upgrades for them as well as unique new perks for your character as your enemies increase in number and ferocity. You’re a tough customer, but beware – Lord Dracula is always on the hunt, and you are his prey. Enemies in Dracula have one thing in common: Undead, lycanthrope or mutant, they’re all after your flesh.

Virtual Console

FINAL FANTASY II
Original platform: Super NES™
Publisher: Square Enix
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Follow the dark knight Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings – as he embarks on a fateful journey riddled with trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Plagued with uncertainty over his monarch’s motives, can Cecil turn away from the path of darkness and destruction?

Nintendo DSiWare™

Elemental Masters
Publisher: lbxgames
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: In this fantasy card game, stand your ground in a quest filled with magic and adventure, and experience a thrilling combination of strategy and role-playing. Choose your character, build up your army in your card deck and fight the mystical creatures of Elendior. With thoughtful use of your cards, you’ll obtain the monsters of your enemy and support your attacks by using arcane spells and the rules of dark magic. Dive into this captivating story in the quest mode or duel with your friends in multiplayer mode. More than 100 creatures in numerous maps are waiting for you.

4 TRAVELLERS™ – Play Spanish
Publisher: AGENIUS Interactive
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Whether played alone or together with friends, 4 TRAVELLERS can teach you new words in Spanish. The game is suitable for both young and old, and no previous knowledge is necessary. The more you play, the more your Spanish vocabulary increases. You can also play and learn with the game’s unique learning mode. The game is perfect to bring on your trip, with more than 240 carefully selected words included specifically for this occasion.

[Sorry, no screenshots or gameplay video available at the time of posting.]

Dracula – Undead Awakening
Publisher: Chillingo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Are you a vampire hunter? Are you ready to battle legions of undead foes including zombies, ghouls and werewolves? You’ll need to wield an arsenal of powerful weaponry while using your skill and intelligence. Uncover devastating firepower – machine guns, buzz-saws, flamethrowers and more – and choose upgrades for them as well as unique new perks for your character as your enemies increase in number and ferocity. You’re a tough customer, but beware – Lord Dracula is always on the hunt, and you are his prey. Enemies in Dracula have one thing in common: Undead, lycanthrope or mutant, they’re all after your flesh.

[Above images thanks to NintendoLife.]

Flips: The Bubonic Builders
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Not Rated
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Flips Interactive Books are the fun new way for kids to read. The builders are in to replace the girls’ toilet block, but they’re more interested in cups of tea and instant noodle snacks than doing any work. James suspects foul play, but Alexander and Lenny are doubtful until a strange accident hammers the truth home. How will the three friends stop St. Sebastian’s from being reduced to rubble?

[Above image thanks to NintendoLife.]

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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New Super Mario Bros. Wii World Record Changes Hands
Twin Galaxies Announces South Carolina Gamer as New World Champ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TwinGalaxies.com (click for photo)(Press Release) – Mar 05, 2010 – A new official World Record score has landed in the hands of a gamer in Walhalla, SC.

32-year-old Brandon LeCroy has just racked up the new official World Record score on hit game New Super Mario Bros. Wii, according to famed video game scorekeepers Twin Galaxies. LeCroy racked up an impressive 3,647,680 points on Twin Galaxies Extreme Rules on the popular Nintendo title.

Under Twin Galaxies rules for the title, LeCroy had to rack up his score from the start of the game on just one life while maintaining foward progress along the way. The record score for this game has changed hands a dozen times already between gamers in the US, Canada, and The Netherlands.

“I’ve had the privilege to watch a few high level games so far on this title, and this guy has the point pressing down to a science,” said Eric Akeson, the Twin Galaxies official who verified the new record score. “Two and a half hours into this game, I was disappointed when he finally lost a life. I totally expect more from this guy”

Twin Galaxies was founded during the original video game boom in the early 1980s and still maintains a massive database of scores from it’s inception to modern hits on the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, XBox 360, and PlayStation 3 via it’s website and publications. Twin Galaxies scores have been reported by worldwide sources such as Guinness World Records, G4tv, MTV, Wired Magazine, CNN and more.

For more information, game reviews, gaming news, and score rankings, visit www.TwinGalaxies.com.

[Twin Galaxies PR] Thanks Scott!

For more information on Scott, check out Twin Galaxies interview with him by clicking here.

Below is some clips of his gameplay.

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Posted below is my first 15 minutes or so of Monster Hunter Tri (3) demo, from live stream recorded on March 5, 2010.  Also FYI, it is the streaming quality that was jumpy, not the game itself.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Overall, it seems just OK. I’d rather have a hunting team, and I think that would make it better. Also, I did not like that I had to keep changing the camera as I played. That got so annoying. While there was an option to change to an auto-camera, it did not work. Graphics are good, but I’m not sure they are the best of any game on the Wii. One last thing was that the button arrangement is odd, having the main attack button be X (on Classic Controller) instead of a A or B.  Also, the shooting-type weapons did nothing on the “Great Jaggi Hunt,” which is all I played through so far.  Why do they not work? There is no reason given. Maybe I will find out in the actual game.  Sure, it’s just a demo build, so maybe they will improve some aspects before release.

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RELEASE DATE: June 2010
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: FarSight Studios
ESRB RATING: RP
GENRE: Party Game
PLATFORMS: Wii
PLAYERS: 1-4

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

In Vacation Isle: Beach Party, up to four players can compete in eight unique vacation-style games, ranging from wakeboarding to surfing and even fire dancing. Players take on these exciting sports challenges and other activities using the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuck, with an option to use the Wii Balance Board accessory for a more engaging experience.

Developed by FarSight Studios, creator of the highly successful Game Party series, Vacation Isle: Beach Party keeps the party going by letting families and friends compete in exciting land or sea-based activities. Along the way, players collect hundreds of Sand Dollars that can be used to purchase a wide variety of sports accessories and beach gear from the Surf Shack to uniquely personalize their Vacation Isle avatar.

Vacation Isle: Beach Party delivers fun player customization; a wide variety of difficulty settings and a multitude of course options.  Catering to the young or the young-at-heart, and families looking for a fresh new game to play together on game night, Vacation Isle: Beach Party is the perfect destination for everyone from the casual to the most competitive beachgoers right in the comfort of their home.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Full Body Motion: Jump, shake and spin your way to victory using just the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuck, or add in the Wii Balance Board to get your entire body in motion. Either option allows players to fully experience all the vacation fun.

• Customizable Avatars: Create your own vacation persona using the game’s customizable avatar feature. With a variety of unique character profiles, you can select and accessorize a character that truly fits your vacation style.
• Exciting Island Events: Choose from eight exotic games: Slalom Skiing, Wake Boarding, Surfing, Stand Up Paddling, Ski Jump, Stunt Park and Hula and Fire Dancing. Each game is filled with obstacles, fun challenges and awesome awards.

• Accessible Fun: Adjustable difficulty settings help balance the fun for players of all skill levels.  Even the tiniest beachgoers can join in the fun with the game’s easy pick up and play features.
• Enchanting Environments: Set on a fictional island, the unique and lush sceneries will surely set the mood for family vacation fun.

[Warner Bros.]

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Just when you thought you had every game you needed for your Wii and DS consoles…

RELEASE DATE: Summer 2010
GENRE:Party Games
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
PLATFORMS: Wii™, Nintendo DS™
DEVELOPER:Ludia, Inc.
PLAYERS: Wii: 1-4; Nintendo DS: 1
ESRB RATING:Rating Pending

GAME OVERVIEW:

The drama unfolds in The Bachelor: The Videogame, the new Wii and DS adaptations of the hit ABC reality series!  Hosted by Chris Harrison, the real-life host of the TV series, players will compete in a collection of fun mini-game date challenges for a shot at romance. Success is measured with every date as players compete to win the attention and ultimately the heart of the Bachelor or Bachelorette. But beware, opponents can sabotage others’ dates and prevent them from receiving a rose or ring!

In The Bachelor: The Videogame, players compete for one of five Bachelors and five Bachelorettes based on real-life Bachelors and Bachelorettes from the TV series.  Players can choose from a selection of avatars that best suits their personality. In single player mode, the game is structured like the TV show. It is comprised of multiple “episodes” where the player competes against the game characters for time alone with the Bachelor or Bachelorette. The Wii version offers multiplayer mode for a fun party game enabling players to compete against their “frenemies.” Opponents can sabotage others’ dates and prevent them from receiving a rose!

During each “season” or game, contestants go on a variety of Group Dates and a One-On-One Date to earn hearts. These dates include fun challenges, puzzles and mini-games, which test skills such as memory, speed, observation and precision. At the conclusion of each “season,” players will participate in the rose ceremony, where the Bachelor or Bachelorette must take into account the number of hearts that each competitor gained throughout the dates. Who will receive the Final Rose and who will be eliminated? Stay tuned to find out!

GAME FEATURES:

• Familiar Faces: TV show favorites such as host Chris Harrison and past Bachelors and Bachelorettes will be featured in the game for an authentic experience
• Rings and Roses: Experience all the excitement of the tension-filled Rose Ceremony of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette hit TV series. Players can compete as female contestants for a Bachelor or as male contestants for a Bachelorette.  The winner will earn bragging rights among friends and also unlock a brand new Bachelor or Bachelorette to woo!
• Sabotage: Single Player Mode allows players to compete against game characters or, with the Wii, they can choose multiplayer mode to play with up to three other friends. But watch out, friends may quickly become “frenemies” in this game of love!
• The Test of Love: Take Personality tests to learn more about yourself in life and in game. Then, check your compatibility against past Bachelors/Bachelorettes and friends!  As you progress through the game, more personality tests unlock to help you find your perfect match.
• Location, location, location: Both the Group Dates and the One-On-One Dates take place in romantic and exotic getaways inspired by the show series. Locations include a beach house, a rooftop restaurant, the red carpet in Hollywood and a snowy mountain resort, and more.
• Unlockable Bonus Items: As you progress through the game, unlock additional personality tests, Bachelors and Bachelorettes, and new “seasons.”

[Warner Bros.]

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WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES

GALACTIC TAZ BALL

GAME WITH DUAL MODES OF PLAY FOR NINTENDO DS IS A WHIRLWIND OF FUN FOR KIDS

BURBANK, Calif. – March 4, 2010 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces Galactic Taz Ball, a new videogame for the Nintendo DS™ starring Taz, the frenetically fantastic Looney Tunes character beloved by all. The game will be available in Europe and Australia May 2010 and in North America Fall 2010.

“Taz is one of the most popular characters in the Looney Tunes family, and with Galactic Taz Ball kids can have fun for hours with action, exploration, platform challenges and puzzle solving,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “This creative game packs all of the wild fun that everyone loves about Taz into a handheld experience with two unique modes of play.”

In Galactic Taz Ball, Taz is accidentally kidnapped by Marvin the Martian who’s stealing the Earth’s landscape to make Mars more scenic. Taz must spin his way across pieces of Earth floating in space to stop Marvin from destroying the planet and get back home.

The game contains two worlds with completely different gameplay mechanics. The “Overworld” is an action-style 3-D game playable on the Nintendo DS top screen with unique track ball controls using the stylus on the bottom screen. When Taz moves fast enough he becomes a tornado that can destroy objects and enemies. The “Underworld” is a side-scrolling puzzle game played on the bottom touch screen in which Taz navigates a maze of active machinery and gadgets.  Both worlds combine for a uniquely fun and frenetic journey, perfect for Taz’s wild style.

Galactic Taz Ball is being developed by WayForward Technologies.

# # #

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

About WayForward Technologies

WayForward is an independent game developer located in Southern California.  For the past 20 years, WayForward has specialized in developing commercially successful and critically acclaimed products for multiple platforms including Nintendo DS, and Wii.  www.wayforward.com

[PR Email from Warner Bros.]

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Here’s a new trailer for the upcoming DSiWare title from Nnooo called “myPostcards.”

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The video quality is not the greatest, but here is a new Japanese trailer/commercial for Zangeki no Reginleiv.

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If you’re looking to get a Wii, now is your time! This weekend, WalMart will begin selling a “Special Value Edition” bundle (pictured above) that includes everything that comes with a Wii normally, as well as Wii Sports Resort and one Wii MotionPlus attachment. It’s currently unknown if this is a limited edition bundle or if it’s limited to WalMart. The best part is that the price is $200, the same as a normal Wii. There are rumors floating around the internet that this is a black Wii, but those are incorrect. The picture that is floating around with that rumor is just a picture of the European box for the black Wii, and the real bundle is pictured above. I repeat… it’s only available in white. Regardless, you get Wii Sports Resort and a Wii MotionPlus for no additional cost, so it’s a great deal.

[Via NeoGAF]

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