Today's releases of classic titles on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console include the following.


BUBBLE BOBBLE
NES
1-2 players
Rated E for Everyone
500 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_bobble


Light Crusader
Genesis
1 player
Rated E for Everyone-Animated Violence
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Crusader

[img]http://www.videogamecritic.net/images/neogeo/top_hunter_(cd).gif[/img]
TOP HUNTER
NEOGEO
1-2 players
Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older-Cartoon Violence
900 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Hunter

-----------------
I hope everyone is having a good 1st year with their new video game systems.
2007 was a great year that will surely be a very important one to remember in the future as the year where the revolution began.
Let's hope the next and following years will be as good if not better.

Happy New Year! \/



// Roth

___________________

Welcome to the new year everybody! 2008 looks yet to be another interesting year.

Today brings two releases of classic games on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console.


Star Tropics™
NES®
1 player
Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence
500 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_tropics


THE KING OF FIGHTERS ‘94
NEOGEO
1-2 players
Rated T for Teen-Animated Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Alcohol & Tobacco Reference, Violence,
900 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_of_Fighters_'94

-----------------
New Wii titles this week:
Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity Wiki
Balloon Pop GameSpot
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law Wiki
Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge IGN

New Nintendo DS titles this week:
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin Wiki
Pocket Pets GameSpot
Corvette Evolution GT GameSpot
Miami Nights IGN
Jackass: The Video Game Wiki
Barnyard Blast IGN
Command and Destroy IGN

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Good news for Guitar Hero III owners! If you live in North America, you can pre-register for your new copy of Guitar Hero III for Wii.

We recently became aware that some consumers have not been able to enjoy the full audio output in the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. We are currently working with Nintendo and are planning to issue an improved audio experience in future versions of the game. We expect to have re-mastered discs available by early 2008 and we will be offering consumers replacement discs at no cost once they become available. Should you have any further inquiries, please contact Activision customer support at http://www.activision.com/support. Customers based in North America wanting to pre-register for a free replacement disc can call (866) 780-8286 from 8:00am-8:00pm EST, Monday-Friday, and we will notify you once the replacement discs are available. We thank all of our customers for their support and patience.

If you wish to be notified by email as the information on this page is updated, please click the ‘Notify Me by Email if this Answer is Updated’ button. Please note- you must have an account with us to use this feature. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one by clicking the My Stuff tab and then ‘Create a New Account’.

Source

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According to a GameDaily.biz report, Nintendo has clarified Reggie Fils-Aime's statements regarding the future connectivity possibilities of Wii and DS.

"An article about the Nintendo DS video game system in the December 31 Business Day section (of the NYT) incorrectly referred to future capabilities of the device," a company representative told GameDaily.biz. "The statement that complete Nintendo DS games will eventually be able to be downloaded into the device via a wireless connection with the company's Wii game console is incorrect. Users can download games to play on Wii, and, in the future, the Nintendo DS will be able to receive demo versions of some DS games from Wii, but not the entire game. The demo will be erased once the Nintendo DS is turned off."

---------------
Baroque, an upcoming action RPG title for Wii, will include a new first-person perspective that utilizes motion controls and can be switched to anytime during gameplay. Developer Sting also intends to fine-tune some of the balance and difficulty, and will add a quick save feature that can be used in dungeons.
The Wii version of Baroque will support two control schemes: Wii Remote and Nunchuk, and Classic Controller. Widescreen will additionally be implemented.
Baroque is a post-apocalyptic dungeon-crawling action-RPG. The game is expected to be released in North America during February 2008. The Wii version will also ship in Japan around the same time, but a PAL release has not been mentioned.

Official website: http://www.atlus.com/baroque/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lELJP5X3gDw

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Speaking with Web site GamesIndustry.biz, Creative Director for developer Beenox Thomas Wilson revealed the development of a new James Bond title for Wii. The game is expected to be released alongside the new movie later this year.
"Right now we're working on a James Bond Wii title in conjunction with Treyarch and we're rolling with it because we're really good at what we're doing and Activision doesn't want to send their ports anywhere else," said Wilson.
He continued: "One thing we want to make sure of if we're making the Wii version is that we absolutely want the controls to be top notch. Although we don't fully control the original development content because it's in collaboration with Treyarch, that's one thing that we can do - make sure we put out a strong Wii title."
Owned by Activision, Beenox has previously been responsible for porting the publisher's franchises - such as the X-Men, Spider-Man and Shrek games - to various platforms. The studio developed the recent Bee Movie Game from scratch; the overall success of the title has allowed Beenox to expand into more original projects, while continuing to handle licensed content.
The next James Bond movie, a sequel to 2006's Casino Royale currently under the working title of Bond 22, is expected to appear in North American theaters on November 7. The film will see Daniel Craig reprising the role of Bond; screenwriters Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade will also return.

Source

---------------
Konami Digital Entertainment has announced the development of Target: Terror for the Wii.

Raw Thrills originally developed Target: Terror and published the game for arcades in 2004. A special edition of the game titled Target: Terror Gold awarded players with medals earned through bonuses and included mini-games accessible by damaging select areas within the environment.

Leviathan Games is handling development of the Wii version, basing the port off of the Gold edition. Like in the original, players will face off against various terrorist groups across the United States. Some of the battlegrounds include the Denver Airport, Golden Gate Bridge and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The game will mark Konami's first attempt to utilize the Wii Zapper.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target:_Terror

---------------
Publisher Hudson Entertainment announced that their upcoming title, Deca Sports, will feature ten events: Beach Volleyball, Snowboard Cross, Badminton, Basketball, Curling, Figure Skating, Archery, Supercross, Soccer and Kart Racing. Each sport will use the Wii Remote in "unique yet accessible ways", according to Hudson. Additionally, all events will be playable in both single-player and multiplayer, although online play is not expected.
"We have seen tremendous growth in the casual sports gaming market in the last few years, and saw an opportunity that would be a perfect fit for the Nintendo Wii," said John Greiner, president and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. "With Deca Sports we wanted to offer a sports package that is unrivaled in terms of sheer number of available sports. More importantly, the game is easy to play, but offers layers of depth that even hardcore sports enthusiasts will love to play."
Deca Sports is expected to be released in North America during Summer 2008. The Japanese version will ship first on March 19. No PAL release date has been issued.

Official website: http://decasporta.com/
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deca_Sports

--------------
Hudson Soft has also developed the upcoming Bomberman Land for Wii which is ready set for a North American release next week on January 15th. The game is essentially a series of minigames set in the Bomberman universe that are meant to show off some simplistic, but cute, examples of Wii functionality. It was released in Japan for Nintendo's Wii last year on March 8, 2007.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hCsXXpzFPE
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bomberman_Land_%28Wii%29
Official website: http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/...d=100&console=1

--------------
Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates us aplenty with the following.

Stage: Frigate Orpheon (from Metroid); Melee Stages: Yoshi's Island, Corneria (from Star Fox), Onett (from Earthbound), Brinstar (from Metroid), and Rainbow Ride.


Subspace Emissary Movie
View: http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/game...ea/modea10.html

Classic Wario w/ Overalls


Music Theme: Sonic The Hedgehog: Angel Island Zone
Listen: http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/music/music19.html

Sonic's Final Smash: Super Sonic


Trophy Stands - acts somewhat as a 'Pokeball', where you must first weaken your enemy in Adventure mode and turn them into trophies by throwing the Trophy Stand at them, add to your collection.

Coin Launcher - a shooting minigame where you can earn trophies and stickers


Smash Service - a Wi-Fi feature that must be turned ON to recieve/share/send data such as Custom Built Stages and Snapshots.


Item: Dragoon - a 3-part item that, once complete, you can aim and fire it at an opponent and instant K.O.!


Release Dates: JP - Jan 25th, NA - Feb 5th!
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash_bros_brawl
Official website: http://www.smashbros.com/

--------------

Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Xanga blog.
See you all next week! \:D/


// Roth

___________________

Today brings two releases of classic games on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console.


Pac-Attack
Super NES®
1-2 players
Rated E for Everyone
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pac-Attack


Riot Zone
TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM
1 player
Rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Tobacco Reference, Violence
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riot_Zone

------------------
New titles for Wii this week:
*Nitrobike Wiki
*Furu Furu Park Wiki
Samurai Warriors: Katana Wiki
CSI: Hard Evidence Wiki
Action Girlz Racing Wiki

------------------


Bionic Commando Petition! I think some of you may know that the classic NES title, Bionic Commando. Capcom is looking to bring back the sequel to the next generation for Xbox360, PS3, and PC systems. This is a petition to get them to work on a version for Wii system as well. Hopefully this will go through and inspire Capcom to bring this monstrous title for Wii. Already, there are over an astounding 5000 signatures!

Read and Sign the online petition here: http://www.petitiononline.com/0819/petition.html
Also please help by spreading the word to your friends, family, neighbors, classmates.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionic_Commando

-------------------
Guitar Hero III [Wii] owners! For those of you who haven't seen this yet or those who do not want to call in to have their replacement disc mailed, you can visit the Activision disc replacement website.

Here's what Activision says will happen:
"Once the replacement discs are available, the replacement program will begin. We will send you a disc replacement package which will consist of exchange instructions, a replacement disc claim form, and a postage paid envelope for you to return your current copy of the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Once you receive your package, please complete the claim form and return your original game as directed. Once we receive your game, we will mail you the free replacement disc."

Just fill out the form at the following link to take part in the replacement disc program.
http://www.activisiongameexchange.com/

kpd, that's a good question that might've been asked at the Activision website's FAQs. I'm sure DLC is a given for sometime in 2008 as they mentioned months back. No matter which version of the disc, both should auto update when you load up the game at the time they release the content which may probably be on WiiWare.

------------------
The WiiWare service, expected to launch this March, will allow users to download original software titles through the Wii Shop Channel using Wii Points.

Source

-------------------
Shin'en Multimedia, a game creator and leading audio producer for Nintendo platforms, has announced plans to lend the company's audio outsourcing services to WiiWare developers.

The aural experts at Shin'en Multimedia will create and offer custom data solutions for WiiWare titles. Shin'en expects original sequenced soundtracks to use only a fraction of the resources normally required for streamed audio. The studio did not say when these tools will become available or for what price.

Founded in 1999, Shin'en Multimedia has provided audio middleware and soundtracks for nearly 200 games. Their official Web site provides further information about their services.

http://www.shinen.com/

-------------------


Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword has been given a firm Japanese release date of March 20th, 2008. Not yet has it been announced for North America, but let's hope it'll be around the same time.

New screenshots arose at Dengenki: http://dol.dengeki.com/data/news/20...31574bc614.html

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_Gaiden_Dragon_Sword
Official website: http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/ngds/

-------------------
Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates us with the following.

Newcomer: Captain Olimar & Pikmin (from Pikmin)


His moves include.. Standard Special Move: Pikmin Pluck, where he plucks out Pikmin from the ground (up to 6 max).
Side Special Move: Pikmin Throw, where Olimar throws Pikmin and latches onto an opponent and drain their energy.
Up Special Move: Pikmin Chain, where Olimar can use a chain of Pikmin to perform a recovery move in case of a fall.
Down Special Move: Pikmin Order, where Olimar can recall and change the order of his Pikmin.


Theme: "Pikmin: World Map"

Challenges, a game mode that gives you hints about what you need to do to unlock items such as trophies, stickers, music, etc.


STADIUM: Multi-Man Brawl, which is a battle against various enemy robots.

This time around you battle against the Red Alloy, Blue Alloy, Green Alloy, and Yellow Alloys. Now it even includes 2-player mode as well as an online co-op mode with a friend.

Snake's Final Smash: Grenade Launcher


Some online stores have been updating theirs site with a North American release date for Brawl a month later on March (rumor of another delay?). Though, the official site still says February, so we'll stick to that.

Release Dates: JP - Jan 25th, NA - Feb 5th!
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash_bros_brawl
Official website: http://www.smashbros.com/

--------------

Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Xanga blog.
See you all next week! \:D/


// Roth

___________________

rumor is true. thanks to vernon for alerting me to this. smash bros. brawl will be release march 9

Today brings two releases of classic games on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console.


ADVENTURES OF LOLO 2
NES®
1 player
Rated E for Everyone
500 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_Lolo_2


SUPER STREET FIGHTER™ II: THE NEW CHALLENGERS
Super NES®
1-2 players
Rated T for Teen - Violence
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Street_Fighter_II


-----------------
New Wii game releases this week:

*Endless Ocean: Dive, Discover, Dream Wiki
*No More Heroes Wiki
One Piece: Unlimited Adventure Wiki

New Nintendo DS game releases this week:
*Advance Wars: Days of Ruin Wiki
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Wiki
Mega Brain Boost GameSpot

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Guitar Hero III Replacement Disc Update
A piece of an Activision automated-email update:

"We wanted to provide you with an update regarding the status of the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Wii replacement discs. The game has been approved by Nintendo and is currently in manufacturing. We expect to have the replacement discs available in February. Once we have the discs, we will contact you and then pro actively send you a prepaid return envelop with a game exchange claim form. You should return the completed form with your current copy of the game. Once we receive a completed claim form and game, we will send you the replacement disc. We thank you for your patience and support."

-----------------


Wii Music details:
- gameplay centered on ‘Play Sessions’
- music from Nintendo Sound Team (old BGMs and new music)
- Over 40 parts/instruments available: Folk Guitar, Bass Guitar, Trumpets, Maracass, Marimbas and much more.
- Be the conductor as well
- Each part has different controls (ex - trumpet makes strong sounds if Wiimote is at high angle, weak sounds if held low. Play drums with two Wiimotes. Guitar has you using the C button as a pick.)
- You can play 6 parts together: 4 for humans, 2 for AI
- Replay options
- Release date in 2008 TBA

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Music

----------------


Details on WiiWare title, PLÄTTCHEN
- the name PLÄTTCHEN is final, worldwide
- it’s a mix between a shooter and a puzzle game
- you can switch the color of every ‘plate’ in a level by shoot at it
- playing with the Wii Zapper brings some advantages, so the developers say
- no online mode, but offline multiplayer for 12 people at the same time
- 100 CLASSIC levels
- Copycat and Mission modes
- rotate the Wiimote to select different colors
- DK Bongo support!
- second quarter 2008 release, 1,500 Wii Points
- Dev Bplus is planning a series of games for DS, all the games following the same story, but telling different parts of it. Project has been delayed for a bit due to the wrapping-up of Plättchen.

Thanks to n-knight for translating an interview from GamesCathedral

----------------
Publisher Atlus U.S.A.'s upcoming RPG Baroque has been delayed until March 18 in order to launch the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions simultaneously.

In reparation, Atlus cracked the lid on the Wii version's differentiating features. The Wii version will support widescreen and progressive scan. Subtle motion control integration for "power attacks" will compliment the Wii Remote and Nunchuk control scheme. As reported previously, Baroque will also support the Classic Controller.

Additionally, Atlus provided information on the various types of items that will aid players in their quest through Neuro Tower (click the name for an image of the item):

Angelic Rifle: A uniquely shaped rifle that can annihilate any meta-being with one shot. However, its specialized ammunition is very limited.
Sword: A melee weapon to attack the enemy. There are swords that will possess enhanced attributes and added effects.
Coat: Protective gear to resist attacks. There are some coats that will have other effects besides just raising defense.
Torturer: Item that causes a variety of area effects depending on the type of Torturer. They can be combined with others to enhance their effects.
Parasite: It can grant a variety of effects by fusing it with the protagonist or equipment. You can also fuse a parasite with another parasite.

Official website: http://www.atlus.com/baroque/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lELJP5X3gDw

-----------------
Speaking of delays, it's official that Super Smash Bros. Brawl is delayed yet again. It's most likely due to low initial shipments, and Nintendo would sure like to print more copies of the game since America is a much larger country than Japan. I bet they added Rockman (Megaman) at the last minute.

Here are the DOJO!! updates:

Shiek (from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) is confirmed for Brawl.


Pikmin & Olimar's Final Smash: End of Day


Sticker Power-ups


Zelda's Final Smash: Light Arrow


New Release dates: [JP] January 31, 2008; [NA] March 9, 2008; [EU] TBA 2008, [AUS] TBA 2008
Official website: http://www.smashbros.com
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash_bros_brawl

---------------

Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Xanga blog.
See you all next week! \:D/


// Roth

___________________

Yeah, I've been thinking about limiting the number of photos also so that the page would load up faster for others to read.

Today's release on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console is..


1080 SNOWBOARDING
N64
1-2 players
Rated E for Everyone
1,000 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1080_Snowboarding


------------
According to Japanese publication IT Media, games from the SEGA Master System will soon become available on Virtual Console.

Fantasy Zone and Fist Of The North Star - priced at 500 and 600 Wii Points, respectively - will lead the February debut of Master System in Japan. It is unknown when other territories will begin distributing Master System games and at what cost.

The Master System first appeared in 1986 as a direct competitor to the Nintendo Entertainment System. Despite garnering mixed global success, the console gave rise to the SEGA Genesis and SEGA Game Gear, as well as franchises like Ys and Alex Kidd.

-----------
Super Smash DOJO!! updates us with the following.

Pokemon: Manapy


Stage: Mushroomy Kingdom


Super Mario Bros.: Ground Theme

Game Mode: Masterpieces (VC Demos)

Designer Masahiro Sakurai announced that Super Smash Bros. Brawl will offer a variety of game demonstrations based on Virtual Console titles. The downloads will come on the disc and therefore not require an online connection to play.

The original Super Mario Bros., Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Kid Icarus, Kirby's Adventure, Super Metroid, Star Fox 64 and other unnamed games will be playable. All of the announced games, except Super Metroid and Star Fox 64 (third and second installments, respectively), are the original appearances of each hero or heroine. Some titles reach back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System's console release in 1985.

Some games, like Super Metroid, will have pre-designed saved data for players looking to experience a major boss battle. All available demonstrations will expire after a set period of time. Sakurai mentioned, however, that the full game can be purchased from the Wii Shop Channel should the demo incline players towards that decision.

Release dates: Jan. 31st [Japan]; Mar. 9th [North America]
Official website: http://www.smashbros.com
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros_Brawl

----------


// Roth

___________________

Yesterday's North American releases for the Wii Shop's Virtual Console:


Operation Wolf
NES
1 player
Rated E10+ for Use of Tobacco and Violence
500 points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operat...28video_game%29


Columns III: Revenge of Columns
Genesis
1-5 players
Rated E for Everyone
800 points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columns_3

-------------------
New Wii releases this week (North America):

Bomberman Land Wiki YouTube

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore (Bundle w/ Microphone) Official Website

My Horse and Me Official Website YouTube

Kidz Sports: Ice Hockey IGN YouTube

The Spiderwick Chronicles Official Website Wiki

Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue GameSpot


New Nintendo DS releases this week (North America):

Bomberman Land Touch 2 Official Website YouTube

Professor Layton and the Curious Village Official Japanese Website Wiki YouTube

Assassin's Creed Altair's Chronicles Official Website Wiki YouTube

Zoo Tycoon II

My Horse and Me

Pet Pals: Animal Doctor

Paws & Claws: Pet Resort

Puppy Palace

-----------------
North American Release Dates : UK: Japan : Australia
Note that these are tentative release dates and are subject to change. Since release dates change on an almost daily basis, be sure to call your local retailer to make sure the game you're looking for is available (TBA indicates that no release date has been determined yet).

Q1 = January - March/Q2 = April - June/Q3 = July - September/Q4 = October - December

February 11, 2008 Go, Diego, Go! Safari Rescue Take-Two Interactive Adventure

February 12, 2008 Balloon Pop UFO Interactive Puzzle

February 12, 2008 Jumper Brash Entertainment Action

February 12, 2008 London Taxi: Rush Hour Bold Games (Destineer) Racing

February 18, 2008 MX Vs. ATV Untamed THQ Racing

February 19, 2008 Pimp My Ride Activision Value Action

February 20, 2008 Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection Crave Entertainment Pinball

February 25, 2008 Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None The Adventure Company Adventure

February 25, 2008 Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed THQ Adventure

February 25, 2008 Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors Square Enix Action

February 25, 2008 Rebel Raiders: Operation NightHawk Jack Of All Games Flight Action

February 26, 2008 Cocoto Magic Circus Conspiracy Entertainment Shooter

February 26, 2008 Kidz Sports International Soccer Destineer Sports

February 26, 2008 SEGA Bass Fishing SEGA Hunting

February 26, 2008 WWII Aces Destineer Flight Simulation

March 3, 2008 Bully: Scholarship Edition Rockstar Games Action

March 3, 2008 Major League Baseball 2K8 2K Games Sports

March 4, 2008 Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 Ubisoft Shooter

March 4, 2008 Ninja Reflex Electronic Arts Party

March 9, 2008 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo Fighting

March 10, 2008 Indoor Sports Konami Sports

March 10, 2008 Worms: A Space Oddity THQ Strategy

March 11, 2008 George of the Jungle Crave Entertainment Action

March 18, 2008 Baroque Atlus RPG

March 18, 2008 House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return SEGA Shooter

March 18, 2008 SEGA Superstars Tennis SEGA Sports

March 18, 2008 Target: Terror Konami Shooter

March 25, 2008 Obscure: The Aftermath Playlogic Action Adventure

March 25, 2008 Okami Capcom Adventure

March 25, 2008 Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Konami Sports

March 27, 2008 Summer Sports: Paradise Island Destineer Sports Compilation

March 28, 2008 MiniCopter: Adventure Flight Aksys Games Flight Simulation

March 31, 2008 Kitty Luv Activision Value Virtual Pet

March 31, 2008 Monkey King: The Legend Begins, The UFO Interactive Shooter

April 1, 2008 Dream Pinball 3D SouthPeak Interactive Pinball

April 1, 2008 Garfield Gets Real Destination Software, Inc. (DSI) Action

May 2008 Alone in the Dark Atari Adventure

May 2008 Blast Works: Build, Fuse & Destroy Majesco Action

May 2008 Boom Blox Electronic Arts Puzzle Action

May 2008 Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The Disney Interactive Studios Action Adventure

May 2008 Dog Island, The Ubisoft Adventure

May 2008 Harvest Moon Heroes Natsume Adventure

May 2008 Iron Man SEGA Action Adventure

May 2008 Rygar: The Battle of Argus Tecmo Action

June 2008 Incredible Hulk (2008), The SEGA Action

June 2008 LEGO Indiana Jones: The Videogame LucasArts Adventure

June 2008 Let's Off Road Destination Software, Inc. (DSI) Racing

June 2008 Samba de Amigo Wii SEGA Music

June 2008 TNA iMPACT! Midway Games Wrestling

Q2 2008 1701 A.D. Ubisoft Simulation

Q2 2008 Brave SouthPeak Interactive Action Adventure

Q2 2008 Castle Shikigami 3 Aksys Games

Q2 2008 Cid the Dummy Oxygen Games Platformer

Q2 2008 Emergency Mayhem Codemasters Action

Q2 2008 Mario Kart Wii Nintendo Racing

Q2 2008 Monster Lab Eidos Interactive Simulation

Q2 2008 Mushroom Men Gamecock Action

Q2 2008 Pop *TBA Action

Q2 2008 Protöthea *Independent project Shooter

Q2 2008 Top Spin Tennis 2K Games Sports

Q2 2008 WALL-E THQ Action Adventure

Q2 2008 Wild Earth: African Safari Majesco Adventure

July 2008 Cabela's Monster Bass Activision Value Sports

July 2008 Space Chimps Brash Entertainment Adventure

August 2008 Madden NFL 09 Electronic Arts Sports

August 2008 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed LucasArts Action

September 2008 Heroes Over Europe Red Mile Entertainment Flight Action

Q3 2008 Deca Sports Hudson Soft Sports Compilation

Q3 2008 Ghostbusters: The Video Game Sierra Action

Q3 2008 Igor: The Movie Legacy Interactive Action

Q3 2008 Professional Bull Riders Crave Entertainment Sports

Q3 2008 Wonderworld Amusement Park Majesco Simulation

Q4 2008 Major Minor's Majestic March Majesco Music

Q4 2008 Mortal Kombat Next-Gen [untitled] Midway Games Fighting

Q4 2008 New Beginning, A Daedalic Adventure

TBA 2008 100 Bullets D3 Publisher Action

TBA 2008 Active Life: Athletic World Sports Compilation

TBA 2008 Alive Ubisoft Action

TBA 2008 Animal Crossing Wii Nintendo Simulation

TBA 2008 Black [next-gen] Electronic Arts Shooter

TBA 2008 Blitz 2008 Midway Games Sports

TBA 2008 Blitz: The League Midway Games Sports Action

TBA 2008 Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting *TBA Productivity

TBA 2008 Bruiser & Scratch in Case of the Puzzling Paw *TBA Adventure

TBA 2008 C.I.D 925: An Ordinary Life Oxygen Interactive Platformer

TBA 2008 Cake Mania Wii Majesco Simulation

TBA 2008 CCTV *TBA Action

TBA 2008 Crack Down [Virtual Console] SEGA Action

TBA 2008 de Blob THQ Action

TBA 2008 Deal or No Deal Destination Software, Inc. (DSI) Trivia

TBA 2008 Destiny of Zorro , The Action

TBA 2008 Disaster: Day of Crisis Nintendo Action Simulation

TBA 2008 Don King Presents: Prizefighter Take-Two Interactive Sports

TBA 2008 Dragonology Codemasters Adventure

TBA 2008 Elf Bowling (Collector's Edition) Detn8 Games Sports Action

TBA 2008 ESWAT: City Under Siege [Virtual Console] SEGA Action

TBA 2008 FaceBreaker Electronic Arts Sports Action

TBA 2008 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers Square Enix Action RPG

TBA 2008 Ford Racing Off Road Empire Interactive Racing

TBA 2008 Gravitronix Action

TBA 2008 Harker *TBA Action Adventure

TBA 2008 Hell's Kitchen *TBA Simulation

TBA 2008 Hogan's Alley [Virtual Console] Nintendo Shooter

TBA 2008 James Bond 007 (2008) Activision Action

TBA 2008 Kawasaki Quad Bikes Bold Games (Destineer) Sports

TBA 2008 King of Clubs Oxygen Interactive Puzzle Action

TBA 2008 LEGO Batman: The Videogame Warner Bros. Interactive Action

TBA 2008 Line Rider inXile entertainment Puzzle

TBA 2008 Madagascar 2 Activision Action

TBA 2008 Mario's Super Picross [Virtual Console] Nintendo Puzzle

TBA 2008 Merscom Project 2008 [untitled] Merscom Other

TBA 2008 Mind Games *TBA Productivity

TBA 2008 Mythmakers: Orbs of Doom Bold Games (Destineer) Action

TBA 2008 n-Space Wii project [untitled] Nintendo Action

TBA 2008 Petz Ubisoft Simulation

TBA 2008 Prince of Persia Next-Gen [untitled] Ubisoft Adventure

TBA 2008 Project Bang! Action

TBA 2008 Project Witches *TBA Adventure

TBA 2008 Real Heroes: Firefighter *TBA Simulation

TBA 2008 Rock Band MTV Games Music

TBA 2008 Sadness *TBA Action Adventure

TBA 2008 Secret Files: Tunguska DreamCatcher Interactive Adventure

TBA 2008 Space Station Tycoon Namco Bandai Simulation

TBA 2008 Speed Racer Warner Bros. Interactive Racing

TBA 2008 Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers [Virtual Console] Capcom Fighting

TBA 2008 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Ubisoft Shooter

TBA 2008 We Love Golf! Capcom Sports

TBA 2008 Wii Fit Nintendo Sports

TBA 2008 Wii Motor Sports Airplane Nintendo Flight

TBA 2008 Wii Music Nintendo Music

TBA 2008 Wizardology Codemasters Action

TBA 2008 World of Goo *TBA Puzzle

TBA 2008 XGen Wii Ware Project [untitled] XGen Studios Action

TBA 2008 Yamaha Super Cross Racing

Q2 2009 Avatar, The Ubisoft Action

Q2 2009 Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins Action

TBA 2009 Alien -- FPS Project [untitled] SEGA Shooter

TBA 2009 Alien -- RPG Project [untitled] SEGA RPG

TBA 2009 Factor 5 Wii Project [untitled] *TBA Other

TBA 2009 Merv Griffin's Crosswords ValuSoft Puzzle

TBA 2009 Planet 51 *TBA Action

Source

-----------------

Catch up on previous Wii News and Updates on my Xanga blog
See you all next week! \/


// Roth

___________________

^ Go in to the Wii Options, and look for Location or Country to select language or etc. Otherwise it could be the hardware since it's a Japanese SKU rather than a US. Wii Shop is varied by the region where the system is made for.

Virtual Console releases for today include the following.


Harvest Moon
Super NES
1 player
Rated E for Everyone
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Moon_%28SNES%29


Lords of Thunder
TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM
1 player
Rated E for Everyone Fantasy Violence
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lords_of_Thunder

--------------
Wii releases this week (North American):
MX vs. ATV Untamed Wiki

Nintendo DS releases this week (North American):
Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of Ancient Arts IGN YouTube
Command and Destroy IGN
Barnyard Blast IGN YouTube
FIFA Street 3 IGN Official Website
New Zealand Story: Revolution IGN

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Japanese publication Famitsu magazine has revealed a number of new details for Mario Kart Wii.

Famitsu has now confirmed that the bikes are allowed use in Cup races, along with their ability to perform special tricks like wheelies. Each driver will come with different vehicles.
Baby Peach and Boo will join the roster of playable characters. Gamers will be able to race with their Miis as well.

New Courses:
"Mushroom Cup"
Luigi Circuit
Moo Moo Country
Mushroom Canyon
Toad Factory

"Flower Cup"
Mario Circuit
Coconuts Mall
DK Snowboard Cross
Wario Mines

Old Courses:
"Shell Cup"
GC Peach Beach
DS Yoshi Falls
SFC Ghost Swamp 2
64 Mario Circuit

"Banana Cup"
64 Sherbert Land
GBA Hey Ho Beach
DS Monty Town
GC Waluigi Stadium

Mario Kart Wii will be the first home console edition of the franchise to feature online play. Races will expand to include 12 players instead of the typical eight. Players will also be able to share time attack scores and race "ghosts" online.

Global and local rankings will be available to online players. Famitsu mentioned an online league, but did not clearly specify how people can participate. Outside of racing, players can partake in the online battle mode.

Mario Kart Wii is expected to be released in Japan on April 10, with a North American and Europe somewhere around the same, Australia late March 2008.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_kart_wii

---------------
The latest issue of Edge magazine has revealed new information about the upcoming Wii game LEGO Indiana Jones.

The game will parody the three Stephen Spielberg-directed films originally released during the 1980s. Players will lead Indiana Jones through 18 levels filled with Lego-sized renditions of the main characters and classic moments from the movies.

Jones' iconic whip will be used to attack enemies, latch onto objects in the environment and more. Players will also be able to dig for weapons and other bonus items. Unlike in the Lego Star Wars games, Lego Indiana Jones will impose an ammo limit.

According to Edge, Lego Indiana Jones is funnier and more open than its Star Wars counterpart, with Traveller's Tales Director Jon Burton describing the game as a "careful next step" for the LEGO game franchise.

The 'careful' approach led, in part, to the removal of Nazis and Nazi references in the title. "Lego [has] already replaced them with an anonymous genocidal, occultist, trenchcoat-wearing master-race," the studio explained. "That said, we like to reinforce the fact that these really are terrible, terrible people."

Lego Indiana Jones is expected to be released on multiple platforms including Wii this June.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_I...:_The_Videogame

--------------
Stephen Spielberg has finally revealed his latest video game creation, in partner with EA, here's Boom Blox.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpMkCF3AdMY

BOOM BLOX offers action-packed interactive activities that takes Wii play to a new level of creativity and fun with single player, co-op, and versus gameplay. Players can explore the visceral gameplay-perfectly suited for the Wii's interactivity-that keeps them destroying their way through brain-twisting challenges. They can interact with entertaining characters such as the Blox-laying chickens or the baseball throwing monkeys, who bring personality to the Tiki, Medieval, Frontier, and Haunted themed environments. Additionally, players can remix any level of the game in Create Mode using props, blocks, or characters that have been unlocked during the game. Players can also virtually build anything they can dream up. Plus, their designs can then be shared with friends or used to challenge others to solve their newly created puzzle via WiiConnect24™.

Launching in May 2008 for North America and Europe.
Official website: http://www.boomblox.ea.com/

--------------

Catch up on previous Wii News & Updates on my Xanga blog.
See you all next week! \:D/

// Roth

___________________

some good classice there! Star Tropics was alot of fun.

^Yeah, I got StarTropics once it released for VC. It's one of those underrated gems.. deserves a sequel.

Today's releases of classic games on the Wii Shop's Virtual Console include the following.


Ninja Gaiden™ III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
NES®
1 player
Rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence
500 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_Gaiden_III


Phantasy Star™ II
Sega Genesis
1 player
Rated E for Everyone - Mild Animated Violence
800 Wii Points
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantasy_Star_II

----------
North American releases for Wii this week:
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and Tower of Mirrors Wiki
Pimp My Ride Official website
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection IGN Wiki

North American releases for Nintendo DS this week:
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Wiki

-----------
Capcom's blog a poll recently concluded that asked fans to pick two characters from the game company's stable to lend their outfits to the upcoming Wii Love Golf!. Enthusiasts were asked to choose one female and one male character to be used for alternate costumes in the golf game.

Female choices were: Morrigan (Darkstalkers), Roll Caskett (Mega Man Legends), Ashley Graham (Resident Evil 4), Cammy (Super Street Fighter II), and Rouge (Power Stone).

Male choices: Ken (Street Fighter II), Frank West (Dead Rising), Captain Commando (from the arcade game of the same name), Dhalsim (Street Fighter II), Guy (Final Fight), Balrog (Street Fighter II).

And the winners: Morrigan and Ken. These two characters will appear as alternate costumes in Wii Love Golf! later this year.

IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/959/959941.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Love_Golf
Official website: http://www.capcom.co.jp/golf

-------------
Okami [Wii] gameplay footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhfEbS8GFgM
screenshots and more at
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/884/884970.html
Official website: http://ww2.capcom.com/okami/

Baroque [Wii] footage, new RPG:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9FuiFNkTQc
screenshots and more at
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14223943.html
Official website: http://www.atlus.com/baroque/

Deadly Creatures [Wii] trailer, a new survival horror:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11rTWv1SXYc
IGN: http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14235413.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadly_Creatures
Official website: http://www.thq.com/games/gameinfo.php?id=1315&upc=30159

----------
Official boxart image of Mario Kart Wii (incl. Wii Wheel peripheral) confirmed.



----------
Activision announced the next evolution in its rock-simulation franchise -- Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Focusing on the music of the iconic American band, players will pick up the picks of Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar) and Tom Hamilton (bass). We'll also get a chance to play songs that influenced the band. The game will take heroes through Aerosmith's career, from their first gig to writing cheesy ballads for blockbuster movies (we kid). Guitar Hero: Aerosmith will ship in June, also available for pre-order at official website.

Official website: http://www.guitarherogame.com/ghaerosmith/
Source: IGN

-------------
Some hands-on details about THQ's upcoming rhythm/music game, Band Mashups [Wii]

It is a rhythm game in a similar style to the Guitar Hero series, however does not use any peripherals outside of the standard Wii Remote.

The game feature 30 licensed songs with 5 cover versions done in completely different styles. The five main genres of music are Rock, Funk/Hip-Hop, Country Western, Latin, and Marching Band. There will also be three tracks performed with an orchestra.

IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/850/850132p1.html
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band_Mashups

-------------
As some of you may know, there are already huge Super Smash Bros. Brawl tournaments all over the States right now.
Nintendo and Best Buy team up to crown a national champion.

Attention all Smash fans: Put up your dukes! Just before the launch of the much-anticipated Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario and friends are hosting four regional Wii tournaments. The competitions will visit Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and finally New York for a Midnight Madness Launch event at the Best Buy store at 622 Broadway in New York. All of the 256 participants at each location will receive a $10 Best Buy gift card. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a custom-designed, crystal-covered Wii, a home theater system from Best Buy and other prizes.

"Super Smash Bros. is one of the world's most popular game franchises
because it draws in characters from across the Nintendo universe and beyond
for some all-out fighting fun," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's
executive vice president of sales & marketing. "Super Smash Bros. Brawl has
extreme appeal among our core audience, but these tournaments are a great way
to get new fans involved as well -- before the game is even available in
stores."

Each regional tournament will provide the first 256 people in attendance
the chance to "brawl" one-on-one with other contestants in a
single-elimination tournament to determine a winner in each market. Regional
winners will face off in a final multiplayer "brawl" at the New York City
tournament.

The grand prize winner will receive a crystal-coated Wii with a design
from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a home theater system from Best Buy and a copy
of the game. The second-place finisher will receive one Wii system and Wii
Remote, one copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl and a $1,000 Best Buy gift card.
The third-place finisher will receive a Wii and Wii Remote, a copy of the game
and a $500 Best Buy gift card. The fourth-place finisher will receive a Wii,
an extra Wii Remote, a copy of the game and a $250 Best Buy gift card. For
more information about the tournaments, visit Nintendo.com.

The tournaments will take place at the following times and locations:

Feb. 16
Doors open at 3 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Feb. 23
Doors open at 2 p.m.
Ten15 Folsom
1015 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

*March 1
Doors open at 3 p.m.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Olden Hall
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609 ~ I'll be going to this one!*

March 8
Doors open at 5 p.m.
Best Buy (NOHO)
622 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Super Smash Bros. Brawl features dozens of Nintendo characters, from Mario
to Link to Pikachu, as well as new characters like Solid Snake, a
gritty soldier from Konami's hugely popular Metal Gear series, and Sonic The
Hedgehog. The combat-filled game lets characters of all kinds brawl until only
one is left standing. Its predecessor, Super Smash Bros. Melee, was the
best-selling game of all time for Nintendo GameCube. Super Smash Bros.
Brawl has more characters, more features and more action-packed fun. What's
more, Super Smash Bros. Brawl uses Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which allows
up to four players to simultaneously brawl no matter where they are based. For
a complete list of characters and features, visit http://www.SmashBros.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive
entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets
hardware and software for its Wii, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
and Nintendo GameCube systems. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.5
billion video games and more than 430 million hardware units globally, and has
created industry icons like Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda
and Pokemon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in
Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the
Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's
Web site at http://www.nintendo.com.


Source: IGN
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros_Brawl
Official website: http://www.smashbros.com

-----------

Check up on previous Wii News & Updates at my Xanga blog.
See you all next week! \:D/

// Roth

___________________

Thanks for the updates always appreciated