Archive for October, 2007

Virtual Console Update: October 29, 2007

Monday, October 29th, 2007

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Today We get a little Hallo-Wiin Updated.

WII-KLY UPDATE: THREE NEW CLASSIC GAMES ANNOUNCED FOR WII SHOP CHANNEL
Oct. 29, 2007

This Halloween, you needn’t leave your own living room to encounter spooky spirits and creepy creatures from mysterious otherworlds. The Wii Shop Channel is celebrating the year’s most frightfully fun holiday by offering a mix of eerie games that’ll keep players’ spines tingling. Mash with monsters in a classic Castlevania sequel, tangle with supernatural samurai or battle as a powerful magician-you’re bound to discover cool tricks and visual treats no matter which titles you choose. Happy Hallo-Wii!

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:

Castlevania® II Simon’s Quest (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): In this one-player adventure, you’ll take on the role of Simon Belmont once again and duel to the death with Count Dracula. Grab your legendary whip, Vampire Killer, and roam freely through Transylvania on a quest to find the count’s missing body parts-these are the key to breaking an evil curse. This quest won’t be easy, though, for you must battle hideous fiends who stalk the land. In addition to the intense action and tight control the Castlevania series is known for, this sequel also introduced several unique game-play elements into the fold. Build experience the longer you play, buy weapons and items from merchants, or talk with villagers to get clues (some of which are false). Watch as day turns to night and then back again. Take a deep breath, steady your nerves, and help Simon end his curse and defeat the count once and for all.

SAMURAI-GHOST™ (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older – Animated Blood and Violence, 600 Wii Points): This action platformer features a samurai ghost from the depths of the underworld. In a past war, Kagekiyo managed to defeat the shogun Yoritomo and his clan. However, their evil spirits were not completely destroyed, and now, in the world known as Dark Side, they seek the time of their rebirth. In order to shatter those ambitions, Kagekiyo must make his way across seven zones and head for “The Heart of the Darkside” where Yoritomo lies in wait. Use spirit weapons to power up your sword, or other items, such as candles to recover health, and defeat the endless hordes of enemies. Each zone is not only protected by a boss but also includes demons as well as real samurai from 12th-century Japan. Get ready for some intense one-on-one combat action.

MAGICIAN LORD (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen – Blood and Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1990 and regarded as one of the NEOGEO’s earliest signature games, this side-scrolling platformer mixes action with the mystical world of fantasy. A magician named Elta, last descendant of the famed Magician Lord, takes on an epic adventure to save the world from the evil Gul-Agieze. Elta must battle through eight stages, collecting the eight tomes of power that are key to defeating Gul-Agieze and his evil plans. By obtaining orbs in one of three colors (elements) that appear during the game, Elta’s offensive powers and jumping abilities can be strengthened. The effect varies considerably depending on the combination of elements, though, and Elta can transform into six different forms: Waterman, Dragon Warrior, Shinobi, Samurai, Raijin or Poseidon. Can you help Elta to become the new Magician Lord?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.


Press Release

Okami Coming to the Wii

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

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It was finally announced by Capcom, one of the greatest games to see the PS2, who would be making its way to the Wii. It seems the only difference between the PS2 version and the new Wii version is the control scheme, but many fans are split on whether they want more improvements. The game will most likely be released in the spring of 2008, with no price announced as of now. Below is the press release.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — October 17, 2007 — It’s finally time to experience the magic of Okami™ as it was always meant to be played. Capcom’s award winning game — hailed as “Game of the Year”for 2006 by multiple magazines and websites including Associated Press, PSM, Village Voice, IGN.com, Game Revolution and more — is set for release on the Wii™ home video game system in Spring 2008. Featuring a re-imagined control scheme built around the intuitive Wii Remote™, Okami offers players an unparalleled level of control and an opportunity to rediscover a critically-acclaimed and beautifully crafted adventure.

Okami tells the story of a mythical sun god who sets out to restore a dismal world, decimating the forces of evil who stand in the way by commanding the elements and mythical abilities the deity possesses. Mixing Japanese folklore and a stunning traditional Japanese art style, players must utilize an inventive control scheme to overcome the challenges and evil that await. By enhancing the unique gameplay, visual style and story line of Okami with the control of the Wii Remote, it is sure to be the ultimate version of the game.

Originally designed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and released in 2006, Okami now comes alive in an entirely new way on the Wii with its visually stunning art style and beautiful scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Throughout the vibrant and distinctive surroundings, players must use the Wii remote to interact with a dynamic world and cast of characters. The blend of stylized graphics, movements and unique gameplay will result in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before.

Okami includes the following features:
• Innovative gameplay and control scheme optimized for the Wii – Defeating monsters requires both motion-controlled physical attacks, but also use of the Wii Remote as Amaterasu’s ‘Celestial Brush’ to paint the desired powers for decimating enemies and solving puzzles.
• Create and destroy at will – Play as a god to re-establish order and beauty to a world laid barren by evil.
• Intense action-packed battles – Rooted in Japanese folklore, fight against a diverse line-up of demons and monsters.
• Utilize various gameplay styles – In addition to the Celestial Brush, Amaterasu can wield three types of offensive weaponry, each with their own unique abilities and effects. Depending on how a weapon is equipped, it can be used as the main or sub weapon:
o Reflectors – These well-balanced weapons are suited for close range combat
o Rosaries– Sacred magatama beads are great for quick long range attacks
o Glaives – These can be charged up to unleash powerful close range attacks
• Intriguing main character – Assume the role of the sun god, Amaterasu, who descends upon the earth in the form of a wolf. The Japanese translation of the word wolf is “Okami”.
• Original visuals and revolutionary design– Vibrant and inspiring graphics, reminiscent of traditional Japanese art created on paper scrolls, produce a large variety of stages with a watercolor-esque appearance.
• Interact with a unique and dynamic cast of characters.

Press Release

Video of the Day: October 25, 2007

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Video of the day

Wario Makes an Appearance on South Park

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Yet another Nintendo character makes their way onto South Park. That’s right, it’s a him, Wario, or maybe Vario.

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SSBB: Target Smash and Videos

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Today the DOJO was updated with information on target practice. That’s right, target practices returns once again to the Super Smash Bros. franchise, but now it’s bigger and better than ever. You still have to break 10 targets in a set amount of time, but now speed runners get a new helping of speed running goodness. The mini game has five stages, and five levels of difficulty, making a total of 25 possible ways to play. The stages also take place outside, unlike in previous games of the franchise.

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Sakurai also state something that “appears to sound like” a reverse double negative; “There is another announcement I’d like make simultaneously.” What’s his announcement? Willie says that these three minute speech runs can be recorded, and the recording can be sent through Nintendo’s 24 connect service. Personally I believe that that should’ve been the title of the entry, rather than “target smash”.

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Smash Bros DOJO!!!

Tony Hawk Balance Board Game?

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Tony Hawk Wii Board

It appears that Tony Hawk maybe considering a Tony Hawk title of the Wii that will utilize the Wii Balance Board. It’s kind of hard to guess how the controls would work, but if a solid control scheme is made, they could definitely make a great and unique game; the game would be unique enough to sell quite a few units, simply because there is nothing like it out their right now.

Eurogamer: Have you seen much of Wii Fit? Do you think a Tony Hawk game would work well with the Wii Fit board?

Tony Hawk: I’ve seen a little bit of it. I think it’s possible to incorporate the Wii Fit board into one of our games, but it would change the control scheme dramatically and we’d have to figure out how to make that work. So I don’t know yet.

Euro Gamer

SSBB: Donkey Kong Makes His Stand

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Yesterday, the DOJO was updated with a little movie, a little teaser, for Donkey Kong and his role in the Adventure Mode in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Click the Image below to see the Video.

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Smash Bros DOJO!!!

Nsider 2.0?

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

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It appears that Nintendo’s Nsider might see new life. Personal I thought that Nsider was all over the place, discussion used to be repetitive and substantial; hopefully if Nintendo makes a new forum it will be more controlled.

The Bell Tree

SSBB: PictoChat

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

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Yesterday, the DOJO was updated with information on a stage called PictoChat. PictoChat is of course based on the program packed in with the Nintendo DS’s firmware. while battling on the stage, you may notice that the drawings in the background change. These new drawings can either be platforms or hazards. The music accompanying this stage can either be PictoChat, Mii Channel, Wii Channell, of Brain Age: Train Your Brain and Minutes a Day.

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Virtual Console Update: October 22, 2007

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

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WII-KLY UPDATE: THREE NEW CLASSIC GAMES ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

October 22, 2007

Autumn leaves aren’t the only reason your October is about to get a lot more colorful. The latest additions to the Wii Shop Channel deliver a brisk, eye-pleasing mix of classic gameplay for fall. Dive into this pile of vibrant titles for a timeless dose of fun and fantasy.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop 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:

Lunar Pool® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Lunar Pool takes the historical game of billiards and reinvents it with a unique and futuristic flair. The rules are simple: All you need to do is use your cue stick to hit the white cue ball, causing it to hit the other numbered balls and make them go into the pockets. You can enjoy nearly unlimited game play with 30 tables, two different ball arrangements, and the ability to change the degree of friction on the table. You can play against a computer or another human player, so try challenging someone once you’ve got the hang of the game.

Ninja JaJaMaru-kun® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Take on the role of a ninja called JaJaMaru and rescue the captured Princess Sakura from the evil Namazu Dayuu in this action-packed game, previously unreleased outside of Japan. JaJaMaru must use his throwing stars to defeat the monsters lurking in each of Dayuu’s many hideouts. JaJaMaru has to be careful though, as each monster has its own unique weapon and method of attacking. The only way for him to advance is to break the floor bricks above him and move up and down between the levels of each round, defeating monsters as he goes. To help him, broken bricks sometimes reveal items that JaJaMaru can use to his advantage, possibly leading to the ultimate power-up: a ride on Gamapakun, the giant frog. Throw in some bonus stages and you’ve got a game with a style all its own.

Golden Axe™ III (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): The once-peaceful kingdom so familiar to fans of the original Golden Axe is under threat once again. The Prince of Darkness has stolen the invaluable Golden Axe, taken over the kingdom and rendered its warriors harmless with an evil curse. One warrior breaks free from the curse and must defeat the prince and regain the Golden Axe to save the kingdom. In this one- or two-player action game, play as a giant, a panther or a sword-wielding human and fight your way to victory once again.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.


Press Release

Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground Review

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

A few days ago, I bought Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground for the Wii, And recently I got my hands on Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground for the DS. The PS3/Xbox 360 versions were developed by Neversoft, The PS2/Wii versions were developed by Page 44 Studios. The DS version was, once again, Developed by Vicarious Visions.

I’ve seen the PS3/Xbox 360 version of the game, and the graphics are amazing, and gameplay is on par with previous titles in the series. before buying the wee version or the PS2 version it’s worth noting at the east to versions do not have the online features on the The PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo DS, despite the fact the GameStop has listed otherwise. I have called GameStop, and inform them of this mistake, and the Wii listing has been corrected, but so far at the PS2 listing is has not been changed. this lack of online capabilities is probably due to the fact that the game was not developed by Activision, Page 44 Studios is probably not familiar with the protocol involving Activision’s servers. The Wii, PS2, and Nintendo DS also does not feature the Create-a-Park and Video Editor featured in the PS3/Xbox 360 versions.

When the Wii didn’t see Tony Hawk Project 8, instead giving giving us the kiddy Downhill Jam, I was pretty crushed. if you don’t know Donnell jam was more of an SSX style game, which dropped the open environment type of game four a more rigid gameplay style. is pretty glad to see a true Tony Hawk game come to the Wii.

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I’ve got several e-mails requesting to know how the controls are part of the game, so here they are. For controls for the Wii Version, To perform the Grab Trick press the Z button in combination with any direction on the control stick. To perform the Flip Trick press the C button in combination with any direction on the control stick. To perform the Grind Trick press the B button in combination with any direction on the control stick, including the idle state as always. Now to the motion sensing; motion sensing controls are used to enter Focus Mode, for the Aggro, Spine Transfers, Agroo Skitch Boosts, Flatland Tracks, Acid Drops/Bank Drafts,Grind/Lip/Stalls/Notas Branching, Nail-A-Trick, and Nail-A-Grab.

I really don’t feel that Page 44 Studios created the controls as best they could, I don’t consider them tacked on, but they don’t seem perfect. Subtle movements are not always pick up. As always, the game is full of glitches.

Below is one of the glitches that I found, where when looking behind the layer that shadows a tree the characters hair and other accessories become invisible. In addition to this cosmetic glitches, many other glitches involving the character are present. Many times when the character bails, portions of his body appear to go through the ground. Often when the characters standing on a small object or a corner of an object whose body itself appears to be standing on the flat object whereas environment only contacts 1 foot.

The most innovative version of the game, is the DS version. the DS version dropped the previous Toon-shading from Tony Hawk’s American Sk8land and Downhill Jam, instead using graphics similar to the console equivalent. Below is a quick preview of the game.

The DS version seems quite developed, in addition to the levels mirroring quite well the console versions. The game also features a large soundtrack and unlockable videos. Below is a listing of the soundtrack and a preview of one of the videos.

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Surprisingly there was no PSP version of the game release, but you might expect a remix version like we saw for Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 Remix.

So who do I suggest Getting the console version of the game? And who do I suggest not getting console version of the game? Will you have to look at the franchise itself. Over the years, the Tony Hawk franchise has become less innovated from the previous year, franchise seems to be adding less new abilities to upcoming titles. Don’t get me wrong, I personally liked the game, but the franchise seems to be getting kind of stale. Personally I believe the franchise would better be suited for a two-year release cycle, rather than one every year. In terms of game play Proving Ground seems pretty similar to Under Ground. Little has been added to the series. For those of you who have bought a Tony Hawk game, not including Downhill Jam, and did not enjoy playing it, the Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground game does not offer many more features that could change you’re mind. For those of you who have played at Tony Hawk game in the past and want more, could like this game. for those of you who have never played a Tony Hawk game, I don’t know what to tell you; you could like it or you could hate it.

I believe the shining diamond of the Tony Hawk franchise this year was the DS version. The Nintendo DS version packs quite a punch, with big levels, nice controls, great graphics, and online gameplay. For those of you who have played a tony on franchise and liked it, would love the game. For those of you who have bought into it and didn’t like American Sk8land or Downhill Jam, this game offers a lot more than the previous titles, so you may like this game. For those of you would’ve never played a Tony Hawk game on the DS may like it or maybe just think it’s okay, I don’t think that you would hate it.

PAL Virtual Console Update: October 19, 2007

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

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NES

  • Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest

TG-CD

  • Gate of Thunder

NeoGeo

  • World Heroes

SSBB: Peach’s Final Smash

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

Friday the DOJO was updated with information on Peach’s Final Smash, a move called Peach Blossom. After peach picks up the Smash Ball. A plethora of peaches fall from the sky, and the character around Peach fall asleep. beach can either eat the beaches for a health restoration, or she can launch her foes of the screen.

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Smash Bros. DOJO!!!