Kotaku: Nintendo DS

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff Hurry Up Impressions

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:40:07 MDT

Portable football devoid of the NFL license may sound like the sports game that has the least likely chance of success, but Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff may just get by with its barebones, retro-styled gameplay and a heaping help of nostalgia. The game sticks close to the formula established in a handful of Tecmo Bowl games release in the late '80s and early '90s, offering basic side scrolling gameplay for casual fans of the sport.

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff offers d-pad and stylus control options, naturally, with the latter making for easy (possibly to easy) play-making. You can move your QB around and pass to your receiver with straightforward stylus drags and taps, leaving little to the imagination control-wise.

The DS version also adds Super Skills, buffs that give your quarterback, running back and receivers special abilities, adding to the arcade-style bent of Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff.

Tecmo's exhuming of the franchise may not appeal to the Madden set, with its faux teams, old school graphics and limited playbooks, but for lapsed football fans it might be worth checking out. We had fun, maybe you will too.

Nintendo E3 08 Press Conference Liveblog

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:15:00 MDT

Messrs. Fils-Aime, Miyamoto and Iwata of Nintendo are due to take the stage at the Kodak Theater in downtown Hollywood today, giving E3 attendees a look at what's in store for the Wii and Nintendo DS. The whole thing kicks off at 9 AM "sharp." Since these things always start a few minutes late and we've got some time to kill, join us in the comments as we await the megatons, Nintendo-style.

We'll be hosting another contest in the comments for fabulous prizes, etc., so keep an eye on the liveblog for details.

Hit the jump for our up-to-the-minute liveblog coverage of Nintendo's E3 2008 Media Briefing.

Watch this liveblog closely to win FABULOUS prizes. We'll be quizzing you based on how attentive you are to what goes down, so pay attention! Once you know the answer to a question, the first person to email kotakucontest@gmail.com will be the winner (you broke the comments, jerks!). You will be disqualified unless you put what question number you're answering in the email's subject line. Easy, right?

Rumor: Slim, Sub $100 Nintendo DS Coming

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:40:57 MDT

IGN is currently running a rumor sourced from "trusted insiders" that Nintendo may be planning to introduce a new, slimmed-down, sub-$100 Nintendo DS minus a GBA slot at its media briefing tomorrow morning. The new DS, the outlet writes, may come with a built-in accelerometer, bringing motion control to Nintendo's dual screen handheld. That news is paired with alleged details on an Activision designed accelerometer cart for the portable.

It would be surprising, considering the Nintendo DS Lite is just two years young and still moving through retail at a rate equal to hotcake sales. Still, after the Wii Remote Motionplus hardware announcement earlier today, it just goes to show you we never know what Nintendo will do next.

E3 2008: DS Accelerometer / New DS Forthcoming? [IGN]

Ubisoft Serves Up Hell's Kitchen: The Video Game

Mike Fahey — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:20:00 MDT

The latest season of the hit reality cooking show Hell's Kitchen has just wrapped up, leaving fans hungry for more of Gordon Ramsay's trademark spit and vinegar. Now relief is in sight, as Ubisoft announces Hell's Kitchen: The Video Game, coming this September to the Nintendo Wii and DS. The game offers a three-tiered challenge - preparation, cooking, and service - all watched over by a virtual version of Ramsay himself.

“I had a great time doing the voice for my own animation,” said Gordon Ramsay. “Being in a video game is a new experience for me and I’m very pleased with the results.”

And if he wasn't pleased, no doubt Ubisoft would know it. The game features a Career mode in which players earn stars and unlock authentic Ramsay recipes, some of which are exclusive to the game, along with an arcade mode with an ever-increasing difficulty level.

I must have this game. I have to admit I have become addicted to the show, and the prospect of having Chef Gordon tell me to fuck off and leave the kitchen is much more exciting that it should be. It's RAW!

Ubisoft Serves Up Hell’s Kitchen™: The Video Game
Video Game Based on FOX’s Hit TV Show Features Virtual Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay

SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Today Ubisoft announced that it will publish Hell’s Kitchen™: The Video Game, for Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PC and Mac®. Developed by Ludia, Hell’s Kitchen: The Video Game is based on the U.S. hit FOX television program from Granada America featuring world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay. The game will allow players to experience the show’s high-pressure kitchen and dining room challenges as a faithfully rendered 3D Chef Ramsay watches their every move.

“I had a great time doing the voice for my own animation,” said Gordon Ramsay. “Being in a video game is a new experience for me and I’m very pleased with the results.”

After executing the three phases of an order – preparation, cooking and service – Chef Gordon Ramsay will score each meal. As they progress through the game, players will be rewarded with access to recipes from Chef Ramsay’s own repertoire.

“Hell’s Kitchen has everything a great video game needs: pressure, excitement and intense competition,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft North America. “We are very excited to be bringing the intensity of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and the Hell’s Kitchen experience to the virtual world this fall.”

Hell’s Kitchen: The Video Game will be released worldwide September 2008.

Key Features:

Chef Ramsay watches players’ every move and judges them as they progress by yelling at them, praising them or shutting down the kitchen if their skills don’t meet his expectations.

As players progress, they’ll gain access to authentic Gordon Ramsay recipes, including many that are offered exclusively to game owners.

In Career Mode, players can earn stars to build their way up from a Single-Star restaurant to a prestigious Five-Star establishment. As the player advances through the ranks, their star rating advances and the recipes become more varied and intricate.

In Arcade Mode, the pressure builds as customers become increasingly demanding. Players will be challenged to keep up with the pressure before time is up, or Chef Ramsay loses patience and closes the kitchen.

Fire Emblem DS Boxart, Screens

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:00:00 MDT

As announced late last year, Fire Emblem is coming to the DS. The tactical RPG's first entry in the franchise, Fire Emblem: Shadown Dragons and the Blade of Light, is getting a DS remake, complete with online features, enhanced graphics and dual screenage. Players will be able to duke it over the Nintendo's WiFi connection. No word whether this will see a Western release. The game's out August 7th for ¥4,800 (US$45) in Japan.

Be warned: The screenshots are painfully small.

『ファイアーエムブレム』シリーズ第1作がDSでリニューアル！ Wi-Fi対戦にも対応 [Dengeki Online]

Nintendo Says DS Redesign Pics Are, Yes, "Rumor & Speculation"

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:30:00 MDT

That DS redesign concept in the Disgaea DS ad sure is nice, isn't it? But is it real? Who knows. We have our doubts. Redesigning the exterior of a DS is an "easy" thing, but adding widescreen would create a 16:9/4:3 gulf in DS gaming that we just can't see Nintendo going for. As for the official word, Nintendo are saying it's "purely rumour and speculation". Which, hey, we knew already.

Nintendo dismisses widescreen DS claims [Eurogamer]

Oh Look, Another Patent Lawsuit Filed Against Nintendo

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Yes, another Nintendo lawsuit. A Mr. John R. Martin, from Illinois, claims that the Nintendo DS infringes upon a patent he holds for "touch screen and pointing device gaming technology", filed in August, 2005 (pictured). Only problem? The DS was released in 2004. Bonus problem? While his patent applies to a touch-screen gaming device, it's for a gambling device, one more concerned with GPS and gambling laws than with male cheerleading or phantom hourglasses.

Nintendo Faces Patent Lawsuit, Apparently Over DS Touch Screen [GamePolitics]

UPDATE - While this particular patent is more recent, it's actually the continuation of a series of patents first filed all the way back in 1995.

Japan Presents Foreign Dignitaries With...A DS Lite

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:30:00 MDT

The Group of Eight - ie the cool, popular kids of the developed world - just had a meet-up in Kyoto, Japan. Seemed to go swimmingly enough. To mark the occasion, and to send their guests off in style, the hosts presented all the visiting politicians with some gifts unique to Japan, like some manga-style caricatures and that very snazzy-looking DS Lite console. They're double-lacquered to give the consoles a glossy finish, and each was topped off with a print depicting a pagoda and some cherry blossoms. Needless to say, these are probably now the most valuable/expensive DS Lites in the world, and needless to say, you will never own one. Unless you get lucky and see Condi or Gordon Brown hocking theirs on Craigslist.

【先週の政界名場面】Ｇ８外相も「ＤＳ」で遊ぶ？[MSN]

Fourth Of July Fireworks Courtesy Of Big Bang Mini

Mike Fahey — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:00:00 MDT

It's not just a Fourth of July fireworks display, it's a Fourth of July dual-display! The game is Big Bang Mini, a sort of space shooter in which you launch fireworks at your enemies to destroy them, much like the Americans did to the British back during the Revolutionary War, only in space and without muskets. You get 10 different world, each with their own distinct rules and abilities, and twenty-five music tracks from Yubaba, Smith & Fortune of Nervous Brickdown fame. It's due out this December from SouthPeak Games and developer Arkedo Studios. Kudos to their crack PR team for capitalizing on this most explodey of holidays!

There Will Be No More Brain Training

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:30:00 MDT

For a game built upon endless repetition, Brain Training's certainly making an impression on some people, because years on from release, the two games are still selling like fancy, heated cakes. So Nintendo are surely working on more, yes? Itprintsmoney.gif and all that? No. Having most likely noticed the fact people can't tell the two games apart, and still buy more of the original than the sequel, it's been announced by Nintendo (grain of salt notice: Nintendo Europe) that two will do, and they'll just keep on selling them for millennia until our sun expands, killing us all in a blinding flash of white.

More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima [TVG, via Go Nintendo]

Two More Tales Games Coming, Both For Handhelds

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:20:00 MDT

How many Tales games are already on their way? Dunno. We've lost count. Especially now that we know there are two more coming, one for the PSP, one for the DS. The PSP one's called Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2, which will feature the same main character as the upcoming Tales of Vesperia for the 360. The DS one's called Tales of The Heart (pictured). Both will be out in Japan by the end of the year, no word yet on Western dates.

[via Shonen Jump]

Majesco's Marker Man Adventures Sounds Crayon Physics-ish

Leigh Alexander — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:20:00 MDT

What does it mean when you win the Independent Games Festival? Our own Brian Ashcraft looked at the issue earlier this year, checking out a list of IGF 2008 finalists topped by Petri Purho's Crayon Physics Deluxe, a game in which you crayon-sketch objects and use their physics to solve puzzles.

Apparently, one of the things that happens is that your ideas seem to influence future commercial titles, as Majesco today announced Marker Man Adventures, developed by Glyphic Entertainment and slated for Nintendo DS come the holidays. It's based, said Majesco, on drawing and physics challenges to help stick figure Marker Man find his lost pal, Doodle Dog.

In Marker Man Adventures, players use the stylus and touch screen to "draw geometric shapes-including lines, circles, boxes, triangles and pivot points-to create simple machines that help Marker Man advance through levels from point A to point B." Though Purho's game had no pivot points, and Majesco's version is adding power-ups, hidden areas and "unique surprises" (surprises, yes!), the basic concept sounds enough like Crayon Physics to make me a bit optimistic at the degree to which indie invention often appears to infuse the commercial market.

Gamasutra's Brandon Boyer has a less-obvious but more likely suggestion regarding Marker Man Adventures' inspiration - PC downloadable Marker World, maybe? Full announcement follows the jump.

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
'MARKER MAN ADVENTURES' FOR NINTENDO DS™

Help Marker Man Find His Lost Doodle Dog This Holiday

EDISON, N.J., July 2nd, 2008 - Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Marker Man Adventures for Nintendo DS™. Developed by Glyphic Entertainment, this unique game based on drawing and physics challenges players to maneuver the charming stick figure, Marker Man, through 150 scrolling world puzzles in his attempt to find his best friend, Doodle Dog.

Players use the Touch Screen and stylus to draw geometric shapes-including lines, circles, boxes, triangles and pivot points-to create simple machines that help Marker Man advance through levels from point A to point B. Gamers use logic and can collect power-ups to help solve intricate themed puzzles set in underwater, outer space and ice environments, among others. Three difficulty modes and hidden areas within each level present unique surprises throughout Marker Man's quest to reunite with Doodle Dog.

Marker Man Adventures for Nintendo DS™ is expected to release this holiday. For additional information about Majesco's exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

About Majesco Entertainment Company
Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on leading console and portable systems. Product highlights include Nancy Drew™, Cooking Mama™ and Cake Mania® 2 for Nintendo DS™ and Cooking Mama: Cook Off for Wii™. The company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com.

Metal Slug 7 Is Official (It Wasn't?)

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:00:48 MDT

Oh yes, we've known about the existence of Metal Slug 7 for some time now, but today, Ignition and SNK Playmore make an honest game of the Nintendo DS title. You know the drill with this Metal Slug stuff. Walk right, occasionally left, you might possibly move vertically, and while you do, shoot everything. It should be on store shelves some time this fall.

This was in the press release and attributed to the President of Ignition Entertainment Ajay Chadha: "Truth be told, I have a pink DS and was embarrassed to play it in public. Now with Metal Slug 7 loaded, I have no qualms." Excellent.

SNK Playmore Corporation and Ignition Entertainment Announce Metal Slug 7 for Nintendo DS™

Glendale, CA - June 27, 2008 - Ignition Entertainment, a UTV Enterprise and worldwide publisher and developer of videogames, in conjunction with SNK Playmore announced today that Metal Slug 7 for Nintendo DS™ will be released this fall.

Developed by SNK Playmore Corporation and published by Ignition Entertainment, Metal Slug 7 follows in the footsteps of its predecessors by continuing to deliver the high-energy and frantic, fast-paced 2-D shooting action that the franchise has always been widely renowned for.

Players will join Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fiolina, Clark and Ralph as they prepare to take on Modern's Forces across 7 new missions that will bring them from Garbage Island to the Fortress of Ruins and beyond. Aside from featuring 7 brand new and fully detailed missions and six playable characters, Metal Slug 7 will also feature a host of new weapons, colossal new bosses, new Slugs to pilot and new gameplay modes for added replay value.

"Truth be told, I have a pink DS and was embarrassed to play it in public. Now with Metal Slug 7 loaded, I have no qualms," said Ajay Chadha, President of Ignition Entertainment. "Needless to say, and in all seriousness, we are very excited to announce our partnership with SNK Playmore USA to give both core and casual gamers a whole new insight into the unique, all-action, eye-popping world that is Metal Slug."

First released in 1996, the Metal Slug series has continuously dazzled legions of fans with its awesome variety of frenetic action and superbly balanced, non-stop gameplay. Its unique art style and memorable boss battles have been hailed as sheer artistry and have been acclaimed by game fans of all genres.

For more information on Ignition Entertainment or SNK Playmore USA please visit www.ignitionusa.com or www.snkplaymoreusa.com.

Official Metal Slug 7 website coming soon!

© SNK PLAYMORE
"METAL SLUG" is a registered trademark of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION.
ABOUT IGNITION ENTERTAINMENT LTD.:
Ignition Entertainment Limited is a UTV Media Communication company. Ignition was created by a core team of gaming industry veterans with the purpose of building upon their successful track record to develop and publish within the international games industry. You can find more information about Ignition Entertainment Ltd. at www.ignitionusa.com.

ABOUT UTV SOFTWARE COMMUNICATIONS LTD.:
UTV Software Communications Ltd. is India's foremost Media & Entertainment Company with leadership position in four Verticals that includes Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, TV Content and Interactive (i.e. Animation and Gaming). Listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange with the Motion Pictures business listed on the AIM, London Stock Exchange. Walt Disney Inc. holds a strategic stake in UTV. It has subsidiaries with offices across India, the UK and USA. More information on the group is available at www.utvnet.com.

ABOUT SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION:
Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN SNK continues to be an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at www.snkplaymore.co.jp SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in Wall, NJ. It handles operations in North America including publishing, marketing, development and localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at www.snkplaymoreusa.com.

Ubisoft + Prince Of Persia + DS Is What You'd Expect

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:40:00 MDT

Ubisoft today took the wraps off their upcoming Prince of Persia title for the DS, The Fallen King. Yes, Ubisoft. For the DS. So that pic's a joke, right? Oh, haha, Ubisoft are making a Prince of Persia game for the DS, they'll probably make the Prince a cute kid, call it Imagine: Prinze of Perzia or something. But no! No joke. Pic's real. The Fallen King's a real game - a platformer - and it's due around Christmas. Screen and presser follow.

AUSTRALIA – June 27, 2008 – Today Ubisoft announced Prince of Persia: The Fallen King, exclusively for the Nintendo DS™ system. Developed by Ubisoft’s Casablanca studio, Prince of Persia: The Fallen King complements the highly anticipated version of Prince of Persia coming out this holiday on consoles & PC. Expanding the saga with an independent storyline, Prince of Persia: the Fallen King utilises the unique stylus controls of the Nintendo DS™ system to deliver the extraordinary acrobatic and combat action that fans have come to expect from the Prince of Persia franchise. Prince of Persia: The Fallen King will be available at retailers nationwide for the 2008 holiday season.

About Prince of Persia: The Fallen King

Facing imminent danger, the Prince flees to a deserted kingdom that seemingly offers sanctuary. Already touched by the evil Corruption, a dark substance that physically contaminates the land and the skies, the kingdom is filled with adventure, challenge and intrigue. As the Prince seeks a way to fight the spreading Corruption destroying the land, he encounters a partially infected creature that promises salvation. But is the creature truly an ally or merely an enemy in disguise? It seems this perilous alliance may be the only way for the Prince to face the forces of darkness and save the Persian kingdom from the Corruption once and for all.

Game features include:

* The award-winning Prince of Persia franchise, built exclusively for Nintendo DS: Use the DS stylus to master the acrobatics, strategy and fighting tactics of the most agile warrior of all time.
* The epic journey continues in an all-new adventure: Immerse yourself in the captivating Prince of Persia universe with an original and independent story that closely coincides with the action of the console & PC editions of the game.
* Unique visual style: Brand-new art design delivers incredible environments in over 50+ maps. Explore deserted cities, dark labyrinths and forbidding jungles to battle the evil Corruption.
* Play as the all-new character: the Magus: Switch between the Prince and this mysterious new ally to fight, solve puzzles and utilize his magical powers to make your way through the corrupted land.

Sega Disagrees With Nintendo's Euro Release Schedule

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:00:00 MDT

Whoops! Looks like Nintendo of Europe's upcoming summer (and beyond) release schedule doesn't quite line up with Sega's. The publisher tells Eurogamer that some of the products Nintendo was touting simply don't exist. Sonic Unleashed, for example, is not getting a Nintendo DS release, nor is Beijing 2008 on the Wii.

Both products have since been removed from Nintendo's software release list. We hope this wasn't too crushing of a blow for your future Nintendo hardware-based purchases.

SEGA comments on Nintendo date listing [Eurogamer]

Nintendo Announces New Games, Dates For Europe

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:40:16 MDT

Nintendo of America has been quiet as a church mouse when it comes to its post-Wii Fit publishing plans. We know Mario Super Sluggers is coming, but after that? We're clueless. Nintendo of Europe on the other hand, has laid out its summertime plans for geeks and otaku across the pond, announcing Make 10: A Journey of Numbers for the Nintendo DS.

What is Make 10? Apparently, you "will be challenged to master mental arithmetic to overcome the inquisitive inhabitants and understand the true power of the number 10." Finally. Math.

NoE also dates Wario Land: The Shake Dimension for a September 26 release on the Wii. Surely the North American ship date can't be too far behind. European ates for many third party games, including Samba de Amigo, Manhunt 2, Okami and the lovely Soulcalibur Legends await you at the official site.

NOE announces summer 2008 release schedule [Nintendo]

Limited Premium DS Lites For Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 MDT

Chalk up yet another reason to hate Japan's Club Nintendo. From July 1st to August 31st, a limited number of "Premium" DS Lites will be made available to lucky folks. How limited? There are only 3,000 of these outside cover plated "Premium" DS Lites, Here's the breakdown: 1,000 Premium Silver; 1,000 Premium Black; 1,000 Premium Rose. As website Gpara explains, these are actually the standard-in-Japan "Gloss Silver", "Jet Black" and "Metallic Rose" DS Lites treated with a special metallic plating cover. Club Nintendo members interested in snagging one of these need to enter the serial numbers of two purchased DS titles that went on sale after August 2006 into the Club Nintendo online application. There's a limit of five entries per member! From that, 3,000 winners will be selected at random. Click through the gallery to get a look at the "Premium" DS Lites.

Premium DS [Club Nintendo via Famitsu]

EA Explores Children's Minds With Brain Quest

Mike Fahey — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:20:00 MDT

Electronic Arts is hopping on the Nintendo DS learning tool train with the announcement of two new games for the handheld based on the educational card series Brain Quest. The two titles, one focusing on third/fourth graders and the other on fifth/sixth, will translate the cards into a series of questions based around a light story mode, with more than 6,000 questions per game.

“Brain Quest is EA Casual Entertainment’s first educational game and we are thrilled to bring this beloved brand into the videogame space,” said Robert Nashak, VP of Casual Studios, EA Casual Entertainment. “By adapting the series to the DS, we are able to reach today’s tech savvy children and provide them with an educational experience that is interactive, engaging, and fun.”

EA's creation of educational DS titles could be a very good sign, indicating that U.S. publishers are beginning to get a grasp of the true potential of the handheld, much like Japan already has. That, or they just want some more of that delicious parent money. Mmmm.

EA Announces Nintendo DS Games Based on America’s #1 Educational Bestseller Brain Quest®

Top Curriculum-Based Quiz Series Offers New Way for Kids to Learn and Play on the Go

LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—The Casual Entertainment label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced plans to bring America’s #1 educational bestseller1, Brain Quest®, to the Nintendo DS™ handheld system, just in time for back-to-school this September. In partnership with the New York based Workman Publishing Company, Inc., EA will release two Brain Quest games centered on the curriculum-based series that has sold more than 28 million copies2: one for third and fourth graders, and another for fifth and sixth graders.

“Brain Quest is EA Casual Entertainment’s first educational game and we are thrilled to bring this beloved brand into the videogame space,” said Robert Nashak, VP of Casual Studios, EA Casual Entertainment. “By adapting the series to the DS, we are able to reach today’s tech savvy children and provide them with an educational experience that is interactive, engaging, and fun.”

Staying true to the curriculum-based card deck series, the Brain Quest video games are loaded with over 6,000 unique questions in each game, developed specifically for the third/fourth and fifth/sixth grade levels and can keep kids entertained whether in the car, at home, or while waiting for the school bus. The game’s Brain Mode provides quick to the fun action that enables kids to jump right in, immersing themselves in fast-paced quiz games, as they answer questions on their favorite subjects: English, history, math, science, and geography. Brain Quest adds another element to the fun — a Quest Mode where players follow a light story that pits them against successively more difficult challenges in each category. The game’s Multiplayer Mode allows players to challenge their friends and siblings or play cooperatively, so kids of all ages can get in on the action and enjoy the brain-twisting fun!

Throughout the game, players who answer questions correctly score points to redeem collectibles that can be unlocked by winning achievements. These collectibles can then be used to customize up to six scenes in the game.

The popular Brain Quest card decks, on which the games are based, are a phenomenon. “Brain Quest is a brand recognized by teachers, trusted by parents, and adored by kids,” said Janet Harris, Brain Quest® Publisher, Workman Publishing Company, Inc. “We are very pleased that Brain Quest will now be able to educate and entertain children through another medium, as a video game.”

Both Brain Quest games will be available September 2008 in North America and have a U.S. MSRP of $29.99. The games have not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information or assets, visit http://www.info.ea.com.

Hello Kitty Becomes DS PDA

Mike Fahey — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:20:00 MDT

This morning's giant pink wake-up call comes courtesy of European publisher Nobolis. They just announced Hello Kitty Daily for the Nintendo DS, coming to Europe in October. It's not so much a game as it is a personal digital assistant, allowing girls and ridicule-resistant boys to keep track of important dates, keep up with their spending money, take notes, manage contacts, and even calculate numbers, all with that trademark Hello Kitty flair.

It's actually a rather good idea. PDA software is an excellent fit for the DS, plus it would give you an excuse to carry it around everywhere you go. You wouldn't look so odd going into your workplace bathroom with your DS if it doubled as a PDA. Of course you probably wouldn't want to be rocking Hello Kitty at the office, but the point still stands.

Hit the jump for a shot from the title pasted into a pink DS, as required by international law.

A Look At Nintendo DS Piracy In Korea

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:00:00 MDT

It's no secret that piracy — especially game piracy — is widespread in South Korean. While there is no data, Gamasutra's Nick Rumas points out that it's evident to anyone with "a pair of eyes." Rumas takes a look at how the R4 is used in Korea, writing:

In Korea, piracy of video games isn't limited to the hardcore crowd; it's everywhere, prevalent in every age group and economic class that exists. And beyond being a matter of money - of not wanting to spend money, that is - piracy for Koreans is, perhaps even foremost, a matter of convenience.

Interestingly, Rumas points out that many Korean R4 owners aren't even that tech savvy and simply purchase pre-loaded flash cards! Swing by Gamasutra and check out the article. There's some some good insights there and good questions asked about Nintendo's piracy fight in Korea.

Piracy In Korea [Gamasutra via Phantom Leap]

Atlus Makes You Master Of The Monster Lair

Mike Fahey — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:00:00 MDT

Budding dungeon designers can get excited about Atlus' latest, Master of the Monster Lair, which challenges Nintendo DS gamers to build a better monster trap. A talking shovel recruits a young hero to build dungeons to bait and trap the wandering monsters plaguing the town of South Arc. Sounds almost like Dungeon Keeper, only for the good guys.

Over 20 different types of rooms are available to construct your dungeon, which you can then explore, killing monsters for weapons and items used to build more and more elaborate dungeon designs. Players will be able to trade their designs with friends via the DS wireless connection, allowing for almost limitless gameplay. Check out the gallery below to get a better feel for the title, launching September 2nd, and hit the jump for the announcement trailer and more info!

Atlus Unearths RPG Master Of The Monster Lair For Nintendo DS
If you build it, they will come…

Irvine, Calif. - June 19, 2008 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced the dungeon-designing, monster-hunting RPG adventure Master of the Monster Lair for Nintendo DS™. Dream it, design it, dig it… then explore it! In order to trap the freeloading monsters of South Arc, you must become the architect of a vast labyrinth, crafting intricate levels designed to lure and capture all manner of beasts. Level after level, every monster disposed of offers the promise of new weapons and items, allowing for more unique dungeon designs and more efficient means of ridding South Arc of the nasty baddies.

On September 2, shovel talks. You dig. Monsters die.

About Master of the Monster Lair

The quiet town of South Arc is about to have some monster trouble. Foul creatures with serious attitude problems have infested nearby forests and are now slowly moving into the village. The townsfolk, fearful for their safety, do not even dare to leave their homes. Calls for help have gone unanswered, likely because every other town in the Kingdom is similarly troubled.

As a young lad off in search of your calling, you stumble across a talking shovel. The verbose tool forcibly binds you to the task of digging a dungeon on the outskirts of South Arc, hoping to bait and trap the scrounging monsters.

Looks like you found your calling, Master of the Monster Lair. Now start digging!

Key Features
• It all begins with a talking shovel – The discovery of a talking shovel begins an eccentric adventure where you become the master of the monster lair! As the shovel’s new owner, you’re given the incredible job of digging a dungeon and hunting the monsters that come to live in it.
• Be the architect of your lair – Transform a small hole in the ground into a huge dungeon for hunting monsters! Fill it with over 20 different types of rooms, including Chapels, Cellars, Stables, Trash Dumps, and more to attract different types of monsters and help you obtain different items.
• Share your lair! – Challenge your friends to reach the end of your custom monster lair and see what monsters and items are waiting in theirs. Trade designs over local wireless and prove that you’re the best dungeon digger around!

Master of the Monster Lair has been rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older) with Language and Mild Fantasy Violence by the ESRB.

My Trip To Ninjatown

Leigh Alexander — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:20:00 MDT

This artwork by Shawnimals toy line creator Shawn Smith adorned one full wall at the PR office where I went to check out Southpeak's upcoming Ninjatown strategy title for DS. The game's based off of Smith's cute little ninja characters and quirky designs, and it's slated for an October release.

I got a chance to give it a try, and I had a hard time putting it down.

Ninjatown, the home of "Old Master Ninja," "Consultant Ninja," "Anti-Ninja" and yeah, a ninja that looks like a turd, among others, suffers a mysterious volcanic eruption, and now little red demons are marching on the town.

To defend it, you play top-down style on a plot of land, with a smaller mini-map in the top screen showing you where your forces are laid out and where the enemy's coming from. Basically, you pick a plot of land and decide what type of ninja hut to place down there.

There are two kinds of melee ninjas and three types of ranged ninjas, each with different strengths and weaknesses, and you strategize - y'know, 'cause it's a strategy game - who to put where based on what direction the little demons are marching in from, seen on your map. Once placed, the ninjas will attack on their own once the demons come in range, and your objective is to keep the devils from following their path all the way off of the screen into the town.

Each time the ninjas defeat an invader, you get points that can be used to buy more huts and plant more defenders. You can also upgrade your existing huts, increasing the strength of the ninjas fighting there. My first strategy of putting a lot of huts all over the place without upgrading the ones I had didn't work very well, as you can probably imagine - stronger ninjas equals a better front line.

One cool feature is that Old Master Ninja accompanies you - defeating demons also accumulates his power, and in the demo I played he could do two different types of attacks when I'd saved up enough. Tapping the picture of Old Master Ninja's staff let me choose between attacking physically and blowing some enemies back. With the physical "Hickory Lunge" attack, you touch as many enemies as you can within the time limit to have Old Master Ninja hit them all. With the blow-away attack, you choose a wind direction with the D-pad and blow into the microphone to push the advancing demons back away from your overwhelmed front lines.

Strategy titles tend not to be my favorite sort of game, personally, but I was surprised at how engaged I got with Ninjatown. The cute art style and the simple gameplay made it a lot more accessible than what one might normally think of in real-time strategy.

Benoît Sokal Goes Handheld With Last King Of Africa

Mike Fahey — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:40:00 MDT

One of the world's best PC adventure game creators is going handheld, as Focus Home Interactive and White Birds announce Benoît Sokal's Last King Of Africa for the Nintendo DS. While Sokal is probably best known for Syberia and Syberia 2, The Last King of Africa is a remake of the Ubisoft-published title Paradise, which tells the story of Ann Smith, the daughter of the king of a fictional African country who loses her memory in a plane crash en route to her seriously ill father's side.

The game has been reworked to take advantage of the DS's touch and microphone capabilities to solve puzzles, while the story has received tweaking to make it more coherent and enjoyable. Focus has also stripped the 3D action sequences from the game, making for a more traditional point and click adventure. Look for The Last King of Africa to be released to adventure-hungry portable gamers everywhere late this year.

Focus and White Birds announce Last King of Africa for the Nintendo DSTM

We are pleased to announce that Focus Home Interactive has settled on an agreement with White Birds to publish and distribute Last King of Africa, Benoît Sokal's first adventure game for the Nintendo DS. The game will be available end of 2008.

Last King of Africa on Nintendo DS invites you on a fantastic journey deep into an imaginary Africa where you will play the role of young Ann Smith, daughter of the last king of Maurania. Ann is on her way to assist her dying father on his deathbed when her plane crashes near a city held by a rebel faction, on the north side of the country. Ann lives through this terrible accident and wakes up with amnesia in a prince’s palace. That is how her extraordinary journey begins.

In order to develop the game on the Nintendo DS, this amazing adventure created by Benoit Sokal had to be totally rethought with regard to Paradise on the PC. The numerous puzzles and mind-teasers throughout the game have been completely reworked and now offer an original and intuitive gameplay that takes advantage of the Nintendo DS functions. The use of the stylus, microphone and your own logic will be of capital importance in solving the puzzles and mind-teasers.

The story itself has undergone some refreshing changes and is now much more coherent and surprising. These modifications are notable in the radical change in the relationships between the principal characters and in the combination and simplification of the dialogues that retain only the essential information needed to understand the story line without artificially prolonging the game. Still with the same intention of facilitating comprehension, Nintendo DS’s dialogue interface offers a more expressive identification of the characters. The characters are now displayed with a close up shot on the DS’ upper screen. Also, 3D action phases have been eliminated to make Last King of Africa a true, pure and traditional point & click adventure game.

Finally, Last King of Africa on Nintendo DS has equipped itself with a clear and detailed layout of the game’s zones for increased ease of orientation during the course of the adventure. The game has also equipped itself with a help system to lend a hand to players during exploration phases and to avoid fastidious « pixel hunting ». Thanks to its magnificent 2D scenes in which detailed 3D characters evolve, perplexing mind-teasers and exciting alternative stories, Last King of Africa has all the necessary qualities to make this a great Nintendo DS adventure.

Last King of Africa will be released on Nintendo DS end of the year 2008.

Aspyr And Kaplan Partner For More Test Prep Titles

Leigh Alexander — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:20:00 MDT

We heard back in April that Aspyr would be developing a Kaplan SAT prep game, but that collaboration has now developed into a multi-year agreement between the two parties.

The first title, based on SAT prep curriculum, is indeed coming to DS as we heard at the first announcement, but as you can expect from Aspyr, the companies also confirmed PC and Mac versions too, all for the Fall of this year.

It's been just about ten years since I was a high school senior, and I know I took the SATs, but I have no recollection. I still remember the nooks and crannies of the video games I played in 1999, though, so maybe if my SAT prep had been a game, I'd still remember how to multiply fractions or whatever.

Actually, I'm a little surprised that it took this long for a notable game developer to hook up with a test prep company. Seems kind of like a no-brainer, right?

Full announcement follows the jump.

SAT* Prep Enters the Videogaming World

Kaplan and Aspyr Team Up to Create

Dynamic Interactive Entertainment

AUSTIN, TX – April XX, 2008 – High school teens may soon be able to play their way to a higher SAT* score, thanks to a new collaboration between Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions and videogame developer and publisher Aspyr Media.

Kaplan and Aspyr have entered into a multi-year agreement in which Aspyr will bring Kaplan-branded interactive entertainment products to market. The first game under the deal will be an engaging, visually dynamic and unconventional title that is rooted solidly in Kaplan’s SAT prep curriculum. The game marks the first ever widely-released SAT prep video game in the market.

“Students learn best when they’re engaged with the study content. While a videogame shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for a full prep course, it’s an innovative and effective way to reinforce preparatory learning,” said Anthony Manley, General Manager of Pre-College Programs for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. “At Kaplan, we seek to adapt our offerings to students’ lifestyle needs. In Aspyr, we found a partner with a proven track record of creating engaging, dynamic titles that appeal to today’s teens.”

“Aspyr has proven over the years that it excels in caring for huge brands and successfully extending those brands to new audiences,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President for publishing at Aspyr. “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Kaplan, a trusted, high profile brand and a company that is the undisputed leader in its field. Aspyr will create games under this brand that will truly surprise and excite people with their originality.”

Scheduled for release in 2008, the SAT prep game is currently in development at Aspyr Studios and will be published by Aspyr Media for Nintendo DS™, PC and Mac. Additional information on Kaplan branded games from Aspyr will be announced later this year.

Last year, Kaplan introduced interactive SAT* prep programs that can be purchased and downloaded from iTunes®, as well as a unique SAT/ACT Vocabulary-Building Manga (Japanese word for comics and print cartoon) series.

###

*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board, which neither sponsors nor endorses this product.

About Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (www.kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books and software, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and college and graduate admissions consulting services.

About Aspyr Media

Aspyr Media, Inc. is a leading video game publisher that creates, packages and delivers fun to millions around the world. Hailing from Austin, Texas USA, Aspyr strives relentlessly to ensure a quality experience for consumers and industry partners.

To fall more deeply in love with Aspyr and its amazing line of products, visit www.aspyr.com and see just how much fun you can legally have.

The Week in Games: Handheld Week

Owen Good — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:20:00 MDT

Quiet week for consoles, but the DS has seven titles dropping in the coming week, and Secret Agent Clank for the PSP also hits the street. Also, if this Deadliest Catch game doesn't go out this week, I am de-listing it. So, spending your coin on handheld toys this week? Let us know in the jump, or tell us what you're playing instead. My guess is it rhymes with Shmetal Shmear Shmolid.

Monday (June 16)
The Political Machine 2008 (PC)
Requiem: Bloodymare (PC)
1701 A.D. Gold Edition (PC)

Tuesday (June 17)
Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm (360, PC)
Secret Agent Clank (PSP)
Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard (DS)
Space Invaders Extreme (PSP, DS)
Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A. (DS)
Wacky Races: Crash & Dash (Wii, DS)
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 3 (DS)
Arkanoid DS (DS)
Imagine Rock Star (DS)

Nintendo Responds To May NPD Sales, Seems Pleased

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:00:04 MDT

With over 1.1 million hardware units sold in the United States in May, Nintendo has a right to be pleased. Coincidentally, it is! It's also relatively measured in talking about its success, describing excellent software sales of Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii "healthy" and indicative of a "strong consumer response."

With seven of the top ten titles on Nintendo platforms and six of those published by the big N itself, we think Nintendo of America’s EVP of sales and marketing Cammie Dunaway could stand to sex up sales talk beyond "continued consumer response." But, hey, we don't run the place.

Other things Nintendo seems pleased about besides May's performance is its U.S. lifetime to date sales, with 10.2 million Wiis and over 20 million DSs in American hands. And 5.8 million copies of Wii Play in the wild? We expect the majority of games to have "Wii," "We" or "Oui" in the title by Summer 2009.

Full and classy Nintendo gloat after the break.

NPD Figures Show Strong Consumer Response to Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit

Two Nintendo video games designed to appeal to both novice and expert gamers posted healthy numbers in the May sales charts, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks sales of video game products in the United States. Mario Kart® Wii and Wii Fit™ finished No. 2 and No. 3 for the month, demonstrating continued consumer response to new controls and experiences.

“The Wii Wheel and Wii Balance Board accessories make game play fun for new gamers while presenting new challenges for those who have been playing a long time,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The diversity of the seven Nintendo games represented in NPD’s top 10 for May demonstrates how Nintendo has something for everyone.”

Other highlights from NPD’s May U.S. sales report include:

* Wii™ (675,089 sold) and Nintendo DS™ (452,608 sold) again emerged as the two top-selling video game systems.
* Wii represented 63 percent of all current-generation consoles sold in May, while Nintendo DS had a 71 percent share of the portable market.
* Lifetime sales of Wii now stand at nearly 10.2 million.
* Lifetime sales of Nintendo DS are now at more than 20 million.
* Wii Play™ sold more than 295,000 in May, bringing its lifetime sales to more than 5.8 million.
* Of the top 30 best-selling games of May, 19 are made for Nintendo systems, including third-party hits like Guitar Hero™ III: Legends of Rock from Activision, We Ski™ from Namco Bandai, Game Party™ from Midway and Boom Blox™ from Electronic Arts.
* Pokémon® Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon® Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness combined to sell more than 208,000 in May, with lifetime sales of more than 613,000.

Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ? Awesome!

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:40:47 MDT

It's bordering on impossible for Gammick Entertainment's Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ to be as good as its title—or its concept for that matter. The Nintendo DS top-down shooter promises "an invasion of leper zombies" that "won't stop at anything: from the succulent legs of ham of the Three Little Pigs to the sawdust brain of Pinocchio, they are all tasty morsels for the living dead." As either the flamethrower-wielding Little Red Riding Hood or the shuriken tossing Momotaro, you'll have to destroy zombie versions of the Three Little Pigs and Santa Claus in order to... well, we got that far and decided it was all we needed to know.

Little Red Riding Hood’s Zombie BBQ may not look like much and perhaps our zombie fetishes are getting the best of us, but we'll be watching the official site for more broken English goodness with breathless anticipation.

Deoxys Coming To Gamestop

Mike Fahey — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:40:00 MDT

Were you one of the thousands of Pokémon fans like me who missed out on getting Darkrai from Toys R Us, letting the whole thing completely slip your mind at the last minute? Well prepare to have your mind go completely blank later this month as GameStop is now pulling out their Pokémon and waving it about for all to see. Forget to visit GameStop on the weekends of June 20th and 27th and you'll be missing out on the chance to score a rare Deoxys, a Pokémon formed from a mutation of a extraterrestrial virus exposed to a laser beam.

Laser Pokémon? Count me in, at least until June 30th when I realize I never made it to the store!

Thanks to Gene for sending in this picture of the official advertisement. Thanks to him I'll be very curious as to why I set my DS on my bedside table come Monday following the event.

Ubisoft: Sony Need To Go Back To Drawing Board With PSP

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:20:00 MDT

Yeah, the PSP is doing well in Japan, and doing better than it was in the West, but it's no DS. And if there's one company that knows how to make a fast buck on the back of Nintendo hardware, it's Ubisoft! So it should surprise none of you to hear that Ubisoft are all up on Sony's back, telling them what's wrong with their handheld and what they need to do to make things better (ie more like the DS). Ubisoft UK managing director Rob Cooper:

I think that Sony is disappointed with sales and it's unsure as to which way to take it.

Sony needs to show us a bit more about what its plans are to convince the publisher to invest lots more money into it. Especially when you've got the DS selling at such a tremendous pace.

I suppose it's almost too technical for the casual person, those that are buying the DS at the moment, who want a few buttons and not a lot more. It's so simple what [Nintendo] has done. That's where I think Sony has gone a little bit too complicated, they've over-specced it, the price is too high and they need to go back to the drawing board and start again.

Uh, whuh? Rob, meet Japan. Japan, Rob. Don't think you've met. Japan, what he means is, making real games is hard, so why isn't the PSP more like the DS, where they can just dump any old shit on it and make some money?

Ubisoft urges Sony to act on 'directionless' PSP [GI.biz]

Get A Closer Look At Europe's Classy DS Lites

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Long given the royal shaft by Nintendo, it's heart-warming to see an instance where Europe gets something nice from the Kyoto-based company. And it doesn't come nicer than those new DS Lite colours announced for the region the other week. For your viewing pleasure today, then, some intimate shots of the new handhelds, which not only give you a good, proper look at them, but should get you close enough to the gorgeous lime one to let you taste its citrus, taste its zest.

Movie Voice Guy Does Sonic Chronicles

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:40:07 MDT

This Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood trailer one of those clips that marketing types refer to as a "sizzle" promo. That means that it's light on gameplay, but heavy on things like drama and Movie Voice Guy-style narration. We really wish he'd said "Sonic and his shitty friends" in his trademark gravely boom, but we don't write the checks over at Sega.

Age Of Empires: Mythologies Coming To DS

Mike Fahey — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:40:00 MDT

If I had any doubts at all about the Nintendo DS as a platform for turn-based strategy games, Age Of Empires: The Age of Kings from Backbone Entertainment and Majesco quashed them soundly. Now THQ is looking to bring another facet of the renowned series to Nintendo's handheld with Age Of Empires: Mythologies, which gives the DS treatment to the mythological spin-off. You play as one of three different cultures - the Greeks, Norse, and Egyptians - stepping into the role of legendary heroes leading massive armies.

“Age of Empires: Mythologies will combine one of the most successful Windows PC franchises of all time with the innovative style and controls of Nintendo DS, bringing a totally unique experience to handheld gamers,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of global brand management, THQ. “With three playable civilizations, a fast-paced combat system and extensive multi-player options, Age of Empires: Mythologies will be one of the must-have tactical strategy games this year.

As long as they stay true to the gameplay established in Backbone's first Age of Empires for the DS I've a feeling Mythologies will do just fine.

THQ Brings Legendary Franchise to Nintendo DS with Age of Empires: Mythologies
Epic Strategy Title Features Three Civilizations, Fast-Paced Combat and Engaging Multiplayer

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that Age of Empires: Mythologies is scheduled to debut on the popular Nintendo DS™ system in fall 2008. Inspired by the hit Windows PC series Age of Empires and developed from the ground up for Nintendo DS, Age of Empires: Mythologies will allow players to strategize as legendary heroes, commanding massive armies and shaping the destinies of three unique cultures in both single and multi-player campaigns.

“Age of Empires: Mythologies will combine one of the most successful Windows PC franchises of all time with the innovative style and controls of Nintendo DS, bringing a totally unique experience to handheld gamers,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of global brand management, THQ. “With three playable civilizations, a fast-paced combat system and extensive multi-player options, Age of Empires: Mythologies will be one of the must-have tactical strategy games this year.”

About Age of Empires: Mythologies

Age of Empires: Mythologies is inspired by the hit Windows PC series Age of Empires and built on the Age of Empires: Age of Kings’ critically-acclaimed game engine. Featuring three playable civilizations with individual campaigns – the Egyptians, Greeks and the Norse – Age of Empires: Mythologies will allow players to lead mighty heroes and legendary monsters, call down divine powers of the gods, and change the tide of battle with an all-new active combat system. Age of Empires: Mythologies will also offer an immersive multiplayer experience with unique maps, customizable rules, a new skirmish mode and single-cart game sharing, allowing players anywhere to go head-to-head worldwide.

New DS Colour Scheme For Guitar Hero DS

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:20:00 MDT

I’m officially losing track of the number of DS colour revisions we’ve seen in the past year or so. So I’d love to tell you this is the 17th such change to hit the market, but I couldn’t back that up with hard numbers, so let’s instead shoot for the moon and say that this black & silver DS, minted solely for inclusion in a Guitar Hero DS bundle, is the 1,174th new DS for the year. And possibly the worst. Not for the classy black/silver colour scheme, which is, yes, classy, but for the fact classy is not rock. That and that GH logo had better be easy to scratch off.

Portal for DS: Have Your Cake & Eat It Too

Owen Good — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:00:00 MDT

A homebrew programmer has cooked up a version of Portal for the Nintendo DS, titled "StillAliveDS." Naturally, this game plus an editor to create your own levels is free and available for download.

You move about the map, aiming a portal gun with your stylus to finish the level and grab pieces of cake along the way (naturally.) DS Fanboy raved about the game, conceding it lacks the graphics of the original but "it definitely has the feel and charm." Hell, I love the look on its own. Has a kind of Cartoon Networky mien about it. I just want to poke that guy in his tummy with the stylus, Pillsbury Doughboy style ...

Eh, er, OK, back to news. You can download it from the programmer T4ils, and if you need a guide on how to homebrew for the DS, DS Fanboy has that as well. There's also a screenshot gallery on DS Fanboy.

StillAliveDS: Portable 2D Portal for DS [DS Fanboy]

Fingers On With Guitar Hero: On Tour

Flynn De Marco — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:00:00 MDT

By now I'm sure most of you are familiar with the seemingly odd transition of Guitar Hero from consoles to handhelds, namely the DS. When Guitar Hero: On Tour was announced a few months ago it left many of us scratching our heads wondering how they would pull it off. Even with the addition of pictures of the add-on peripheral it was still hard to imagine exactly what it would be like trying to play. I finally got my chance to check it out for myself a few days ago and despite former misgivings I actually found it quite fun.

The first thing I took a look at upon arriving was the "guitar grip" peripheral. It was a pretty sturdy little piece of a equipment that fits snugly into the GBA slot of the DS. The clear plastic cover is removable and the logo can be pulled out so you can customize the look of it. The strap is likewise customizable, no doubt providing plenty of opportunity for merchandising. As you may know, there are only four buttons in this iteration of the game and while some players may find this disconcerting, there is actually a good reason for it. With the DS literally strapped to your hand, it would make it impossible for you to be able to slide your hand to reach the fifth button. Then of course there is the space issue. After looking at it close up, it seems the addition of the fifth button would make it a bit crowded.

I started out with a little solo play and was surprised how easy it was once I got comfortable with it. I will admit that the peripheral seems a bit awkward at first, but once you figure out how to hold it in a way that is comfortable for you, it just becomes an extension of your hand. Strumming is done on the touch screen with a guitar pick stylus and you can pretty much strum anywhere on the screen for it to work. The whammy bar is also controlled here in the same way for those long notes. The rest of the gameplay is pretty straightforward GH: follow the notes and hit your keys.

Next I checked out the multiplayer game (multikart only) with a fellow journalist. It was fairly easy to get the two DSs talking and once it started it was all out war. The DS multiplayer has the addition of attacks that can be pulled out at opportune times to foil your opponents playing. Set their guitar on fire, make them sign an autograph, cut their strings, the viscous fun never ends! While these attacks were cool and added a nice variance to the game, I sometimes found it difficult to launch the attacks since you have to touch little icons on the strum screen. If you are anything like me and are concentrating on the moving dots, sometimes it's hard to look away long enough to touch the icons. I still managed to launch some attacks but it was to the detriment of my playing. Still, if you can manage doing those things all at once, the attacks are a lot of fun.

Other additions to the game include some new venues (subway, rooftop, parade, Greek Arena) and two new characters (Gunner Jaxon and Memphis Rose). Guitar hero: On Tour will feature over twenty five songs, twenty of them being exclusive to the DS and the remaining being staff favorites from Guitar Hero III. For a handheld game taken from a popular console title, I have to say I was pretty impressed by the graphics. They looked sharp and didn't leave me feeling cheated or that I was missing something. All in all I had a good experience playing and this should be a great title for Guitar Hero fans and since it's rated E it will be a great fun for your rockin' little ones too! Take a look below for a partial song list of twenty songs. The remaing five will remain a mystery until the game launches or someone leaks it. Which one do you think will happen first?

Subway
Do What You Want – OK Go
All the Small Things – blink-182
Spiderwebs – No Doubt
Are you Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister

Rooftop
All Star – Smashmouth
Breed – Nirvana
Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
This Love – Maroon 5

Parade
Heaven – Los Lonely Boys
Helicopter – Bloc Party
China Grove – The Doobie Brothers
Rock And Roll All Nite – Kiss – *Cover
What I Want – Daughtry

Greek Arena
Jet Airliner – Steve Miller Band – *Cover
Black Magic Woman – Santana – *Cover
Stray Cat Strut – Stray Cats
La Grange – ZZ Top – *Cover
Youth Gone Wild – Skid Row – *Cover

Crappy Look At Potentially Cool Wario Land Shake

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Take a gander at the recently announced Wario Land Shake, which, crap scan aside, looks pretty great. The game will apparently have hand-drawn character animation, sport 20 stages and mix-and-mash straight up D-pad and buttion pressing with Wii-mote shaking. Squint at the above scan to see what kind of shake-action the game has.

Haven't had enough upcoming Nintendo game scan stuff? Hit the jump for looks at promotional images for Fatal Frame IV and Rhythm Heaven Gold.

New Nintendo Titles [NeoGAF via Game|Life]

Clone Wars Title For Wii, DS In The Fall

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:30:00 MDT

Anyone picking up a copy of Lego Indiana Jones when it ships will find this ad on the back of the game's instruction booklet. Yes, a Lucasarts game based on an upcoming Star Wars property. SHOCKING. Perhaps surprising, though, is the fact that the game hasn't been shown yet. And is due in the Fall. And is due for Nintendo consoles (at least this version is, there's probably a shinier 360/PS3 one). Guess we'll see more on this at E3. Where I'm sure Lucasarts will surprise is with a game of true quality, not just some bare-bones 3D action-adventure that's cashing in on a Star Wars movie. Because they wouldn't do that. Would they?

Clone Wars Coming to Wii and DS [IGN]

Tecmo Bowl Screens

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:30:00 MDT

No Bo in the new Tecmo Bowl? It's so. Best way to deal with it is to get over it, and move on with your lives. Focus on the future. A future where, despite featuring no NFL licenses and receiving a complete visual overhaul, Tecmo Bowl on the DS is looking as faithful an update as you could hope for.

An Even Fancier Bape DS Lite

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:20:00 MDT

The Bathing Ape/Nintendo collaboration on a limited run of DS consoles was a popular one. No, actually, not popular. Crazy popular. So one can only imagine the fervour Japanese collectors are going to whip themselves into for this: a gold one. Yes, same console, same print, just this time, it's gold, which is the universal symbol for "betterer and more expensive". Get a good look at it, because you'll never own one. Ever.

大好評☆毎日開催！！プレミアムオークション☆ [Cliffedge, via Hypebeast]

Nintendo Invades Japanese McDonalds With WiFine

Mike Fahey — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:40:00 MDT

Over in Japan, Nintendo is busy testing new functionality for the Nintendo DS that will allow users to download information of McDonald's food and sales campaigns at any one of twenty-one restaurants located around Tokyo. Now through June 28th, owners of the prevalent portable will be able to log in to WiFi via the restaurants, much like they can do now in the states, and pull up information on menu items, which in a perfect world would then cause them to stand up, look disgusted, and then leave, as long as they aren't too distracted by the game demos also on tap.

The test is part of a partnership with Japanese telecommunications giant NTT, which is also working with Nintendo on Wifine for DS, which will allow owners to connect at 20 train stations on the Tsukuba Express line, with information on train transfers, weather, and local restaurants at their fingertips.

It's just another way Nintendo is slowly making the DS a requirement for every man, woman and child, waiting until there is one DS for every member of the populace before unleashing their sinister "Phase Two".

Nintendo Japan starts new wireless data service for the DS [CrunchGear]