Monday, August 3, 2009

Monster Hunter 3 set for US and Europe 2010

The Japanese mega hit Monster Hunter 3 (tri~) will indeed come stateside, Capcom confirmed. The game will release in early 2010 for US and European gamers. I would say there is a very good possibility that along with the title, we'll get the same black Wii bundle, and black Classic Controller Pro. Although it's complete speculation, the controller was designed specifically for that game after all.

So the game shall be bought, and monsters shall be hunted.
Joystiq

Fat Princess' getting big fixes

(What? This isn't the boxart?)

Sony has addressed the recent fan outcry of an ever present lag and connection issues with the new title Fat Princess. Have no fear though, as the company is aware of the issue.

"We are aware that some customers are experiencing connection issues and are working to address this asap," said a company spokesperson to G4's Patrick Klepek. "If there are lag issues during a game, there will be a snail image in the lower left corner. It is advised that if this snail appears for more than 30 seconds, the player should try another game."

Great to know! Looks like a fix should be available shortly.

G4

Wii's Miis coming back for more Guitar Hero


As your precious Xbox LIVE Avatars gear up to make their debuts as rockstars in Guitar Hero 5, Activision has confirmed that Miis will return in the Wii version of the game. Nintendo's Miis also appeared in last year's Guitar Hero: World Tour. What about your PS Home Avatars? "...there are no plans to have Home Avatars for the PS3 version...," Activision stated. Sorry Sony fanboys.

All versions of the game will release September 18th.
Eurogamer

OVERTURN: WiiWare, a first look video



Frugal with your Nintendo Points? Unsure what OVERTURN is all about. Well check out this video above which shows off the WiiWare title in all its (Japanese) glory. The game releases today at 12 noon/ Eastern Time. (Skip to about the 3:00 mark if you want to skip all the setup and story).
(Thanks, YouTube user NintenDaan)

Today's Nintendo Shop Download: 8.3.09 (Virtual Console strikes back with Tecmo Bowl)

Finally, after 2 straight weeks of a virtual vacation, the Virtual Console returns with this weeks offering. Check out the various Wii and DS download titles available today.
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WiiWare

OVERTURN
Publisher:
Studio Zan Inc.
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: OVERTURN is a futuristic robot-versus-robot fighting game. Choose from eight different robots to pilot and master, using various close-range and long-range weapons to blast away enemies in six single-player tournaments. Unlock secret modes and up to 12 new weapons. Customize your robot's color and weapons to prepare for your next battle. Then take the action online to play in a two-player Versus battle or a four-player Battle Royale match. Search the world for Friends or other players who are online and ready for battle. Players with the optional Wii Balance Board™ can use it to control their robots by shifting their weight.

Sexy Poker™
Publisher:
Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: M (Mature) - Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Get your pulse racing with a game of strip poker against a selection of six lovely manga-style women who may wind up in nothing but swimsuits or underwear when the final hand is dealt. Choose the classic Texas Hold'em Poker to be thrilled as the bets increase, or try the Black Jack game for a mix of chance and strategy. Discover the girls' personalities: they'll bluff you! Enter the photo gallery to see the pictures you've unlocked by playing and winning. If you're good enough, Emi, Sakura and their seductive girlfriends will bet their clothes to stay in the game.

Virtual Console

TECMO BOWL
Publisher:
Tecmo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: Released in 1987, the football game that took America by storm is back. This arcade version required a custom-made dual-screen cabinet and was popular for its large characters and intense graphics. The game is filled with great action as players take control of receivers and running backs, quickly moving the controller to break a tackle. Play alone or with up to four players in a two-on-two match. Experience the best moments of both competitive and cooperative play, finding holes in your opponent's defense, then savor the thrill of receiving a pass thrown by your teammate. In addition, game options such as play time, team division and difficulty level can be adjusted.

Nintendo DSiWare

Art Style: precipice™
Publisher:
Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: The sky is falling in the form of cubes in the action-oriented Art Style: precipice. Watch for the telltale shadow to avoid seeing your character get crushed by a falling cube while climbing the stacked cubes to ascend to the floors above. Push, pull or shove cubes to make your climb easier. Try to gain extra points by stepping on five cubes in a row on the same floor. In addition, you'll encounter special cubes that can either be helpful or harmful to your effort. Choose from either TEN FLOORS mode, which challenges you to reach the tenth floor while scoring as many points as possible, or TOWER mode, which gives you the chance to climb as high as you can. Do you have what it takes to make it to the top, or will you be crushed?

-Nintendo Press Release

Facebook integration launches today on Nintendo DSi

Good news social networking enthusiasts. The new Facebook photo functionality will debut today on Nintendo DSi's around North America. Starting tonight at 5pm Pacific time, you can download the system update.

This new update will allow users to take pictures using the DSi's dual cameras, and upload them to their Facebook accounts. Additionally, edited photos using the various DSi tools can also be uploaded.

"Facebook and Nintendo DSi build on the trend of personalization that is so important to consumers," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "We're giving people the tools to express themselves in creative new ways and show off the results to their friends and family on Facebook."
-Nintendo Press Release
(Photo Credit)

Sims 3 expansion pack "World Adventures" announced

"World Adventures," The Sims 3's first expansion pack, has been announced. EA plans to launch the expansion pack the week of November 16th. Here's the official EA press release below:

[“We’re thrilled with the global success of The Sims 3 over these last few months and are looking forward to expanding on the gameplay experience with one of the most robust expansion packs to The Sims yet,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims at EA. “Players will be able to take their Sims on the adventure of a lifetime and explore lands outside of Sunset Valley and Riverview, pursue thrilling new life destinies in locations around the world inspired by famous destinations, and immerse themselves in the open-ended gameplay where they’ll discover new cities in China, France and Egypt and share new stories.”

Players can take their Sims on new journeys to famous real-world inspired destinations around the globe for the first time ever and seek out new adventures. While exploring the landmarks of an exotic city, there is no telling what the Sims will find. From mastering martial arts in Shang Simla, China, discovering rich culture and famous landmarks on a romantic getaway to Champs Les Sims, France or exploring the depths of ancient tombs in Al Simhara, Egypt, players can take their Sims on a journey that will change their Sims’ lives. Players can accept challenges to search for secret treasures, learn new skills and chase down new personal opportunities, meet new Sims with unique personalities, share their culture and bring them home, discover new styles on their travels, and share everything they encounter on their adventures with the world through personal photographs, movies, and stories. Additionally, players will receive 1,000 SimPoints to be used online in The Sims 3 Store*** for the PC/MAC versions of the game. Exclusive online content, available only for the expansion pack at launch, will be revealed soon.

The Sims 3 World Adventures will also be available for feature phones, the iPhone™ and iPod touch® in early 2010 from EA Mobile™. These versions will have customized mobile gameplay features which will be revealed in the coming months. For information on carrier availability and pricing for all EA Mobile games, please visit www.eamobile.com.]

Super Mario 64's 'Dire, Dire Docks' on piano



Above is a video of a young lad playing one of the most underrated tunes in the Super Mario universe, the music from the levels "Dire, Dire Docks" and "Jolly Roger Bay" in Super Mario 64. Still gives me goosebumps! Well done sir, well done.
TheTanooki

Here's some 'The Beatles: Rock Band; videos, love








Joystiq

Marvel Anime Coming in 2010

Since I was a wee lad, I've loved comic books and anime. And while I've enjoyed the heck out of both, I've always wanted a direct fusion of western characters and eastern animation. You know, a Spider-Man anime.

Well color me excited as Comic-Con 2009 revealed two trailers from the newly founded Marvel Anime's 2010 slate with Iron-Man and Wolverine titles in the works.

But don't take my word for it, check out the trailers below! (Take note on the Iron Man action sequences Jon Favreau.)


Sunday, August 2, 2009

The new DDR is now DDR: Hottest Party 3

Well look what the cat dragged in. Konami temporarily planned on releasing the next title in the Dance Dance Revolution franchise under the concise title DDR. Instead, the company officially switched gears, announcing the next Wii DDR title will indeed follow suit under the already successful Hottest Party line. Considering I love the franchise but hate the kid-friendly Wii versions, I think that was a pretty poor choice. Consider my R.S.V.P. to the next hottest party a negative.

Tony Hawk reveals 'Ride' roster

Skateboarders looking for an authentic experience will have more than just the new Ride controller board, they'll have this updated roster of skateboarders!
  • Alex Olson
  • Cara Beth Burnside
  • Christian Hosoi
  • Daewon Song
  • Dustin Dollin
  • Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins
  • Mike Mo Capaldi
  • Mike Vallely
  • Nyjah Huston
  • Paul Rodriguez
  • Rodney Mullen
  • Ryan Sheckler
  • Steve Nesser
  • Stevie Williams
  • Tony Hawk
I know that Tony Hawk guy at the end of the list, but that's about it. Anyone else?

NyxQuest: Kindered Spirits has U.S. release date...

...but can you read it? Over The Top Games promises it will be revealed soon.

'Three Keyboard Cat Moon' shirt is so pimptastic

If you've been following up on nerd trends over the past few months, you undoubtedly know who Keyboard Cat is. Additionally you should be aware of Three Wolf Moon, a shirt on Amazon that is so heinously 1993, it's a must have. Well thanks to Threadless.com, you can have a hybrid shirt called Three Keyboard Cat Moon. These two nerd icons work together majestically , and for $20, you'll be the envy of your whole town.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Buy the Black Classic Controller Pro import for Wii

Jealous of the Monster Hunter 3 exclusives in Japan? Don't worry. PlayAsia has all the goods, and they are reasonably priced too. Check out the uber enticing Black Classic Controller Pro, specially made for Monster Hunter 3, but fantastic for all your retro needs. At $29.90, and little chance you'll see it in the U.S. for a long time, it's probably your best bet.

Nintendo shows Capcom appreciation with 'Monster Hunter 3 Tri'

So Monster Hunter 3 just went on sale in Japan and... well, the game is like rice in a famine. But that was to be expected. After all, this is one of the biggest Wii releases for Japan to date, and Nintendo was well aware of this long before today. Now just think about what Nintendo has allowed for this one title, thanks to company President Satoru Iwata. The release of a black Wii console, plus the release of a new standard controller, the Classic Controller Pro (in black as well).

Additionally, Nintendo allowed Capcom to bundle the Wii console with the software, which is just unheard of for third party titles. It's also been reported that Capcom worked with Nintendo in designing the Classic Controller Pro, although really it's just the Classic Controller with spaced out buttons and new handles.

During an Iwata Asks segment, President Iwata acknowledged some of the Wii's limitations, graphically and controller wise. Knowing there were not enough buttons to satisfy Monster Hunter fans, it allowed communications between Nintendo and Capcom to create a new controller. Additionally, Iwata admitted that the Zelda team has taken note of how hard Capcom worked to get their graphics to look as good as they do, which is promising for those hoping the next Zelda Wii title will look leaps and bounds better than Twilight Princess, which was originally made for GameCube.

It is refreshing that the Big N is opening its arms to other developers for the sake of making quality titles and quality products. If it takes a record selling third-party software title to get some colored consoles and new, adequate non-motion controllers, than so be it. This new initiative to please the gamer is a welcomed approach.

Neogaf

Europe gets 'Section 8' beta early

Presumably, the next big sci-fi first person shooter to grace the Xbox360 and PC will be next month's Section 8. The game is a space centered action title, placing you in a battle between the 8th Armoured Infantry and the Arm of Orion.

Lucky for those attending the Multiplay's M Festival in Europe, you'll be able to get your hands on a playable demo of the game before anyone else! The festival takes place on August 7 and 9. Additionally, European fans will receive the beta download of Section 8 three days before the launch of the open beta.

After all the love that Japanese and North American gamers get, it's nice to see Europe getting some love too.SouthPeak Press Release*

'Paradise LOST,' 2P Start's Wii Sports Resort web comic

Not only is Paradise Lost the name of the series finale of The Secret World of Alex Mack (only I would know that) but it's also the name of the amusing comic on 2PStart.com. Enjoy!

via Joystiq

'Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3,' the Jutsu Attacks Trailer


Above is the latest Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 trailer. The game will be out on Wii this fall.
Machinima

GameStop Used Game Coupon

This little number will get you 25% off any used games when you buy at least two and up to four. It's good through August 6th so drop it while it's hot.