Report: Dead Space Extraction Will Not Have MotionPlus Support

March 2nd, 2009, 01:48 Posted By: wraggster

IGN is saying that earlier news that Dead Space: Extraction would support Wii's MotionPlus technology "is merely misinterpretation," according to an unnamed Electronic Arts representative.

http://kotaku.com/5162357/report-dea...onplus-support

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ScummVM 0.13.0 Released - "More Guests" enter(s) the house

March 2nd, 2009, 02:16 Posted By: wraggster

The ScummVM Team have released a new version of ScummVM for nearly every system released, heres the details and whats new etc:

Information about scummvm

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ScummVM 0.13.0 Released - "More Guests" enter(s) the house

March 2nd, 2009, 02:19 Posted By: wraggster

The ScummVM Team have released a new version of ScummVM for nearly every system released, heres the details and whats new etc:

Information about scummvm

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Hackmii News - Why the Wii will never get any better

March 2nd, 2009, 02:34 Posted By: wraggster

Yes, this is another Wii rant. There are plenty of other articles talking about the poor recent game offerings, the hardware limitations, and the primitive online play. I’m not here to talk about those. Instead, I’m going to talk about the Wii’s software stack, and how it compares to other consoles.

The Wii’s software architecture sucks.

If you look at lists of software updates for the PS3 or the XBox 360, you’ll find things such as PS3 update 2.40, which made XMB available in-game, or XBox 360 update 2.0.7357.0, which added the New XBox Experience, among many smaller updates are stability fixes, new peripheral support, and new features like in-game screenshots. A large amount of the features affect or improve the in-game experience.

Meanwhile, the Wii got all of:

Things, such as copying saves to SD, which should have been there from the start
Support for new features for new games, with zero improvements for any games already released (USB keyboards, WiiSpeak, etc).
Updates to built-in channels (WiiShop, etc)
Wii menu or messageboard tweaks, like moving channels or, get this, a clock.
Security updates, or their failed attempts at stopping homebrew.
This isn’t a coincidence. As it turns out, Nintendo chose not to have any operating system or common code at all running on the Broadway CPU. When you run a game, everything that shows up on your screen, ever, is being loaded from that spinning polycarbonate disc. And there are no mechanisms for anything else to run on that CPU: no update infrastructure, no Home Menu updates, nothing. If they ever want to have a “hypervisor” run above games, they’ll need to get a new CPU with full-blown virtualization capability (or an emulator), because games assume they have direct access to the CPU and most of the hardware.

If you’ve been following the Wii scene, you might be thinking, “what about IOS?” Indeed, Nintendo’s security and I/O Operating System runs alongside games (on a separate CPU built in to the Hollywood chipset) and it is updated as part of system updates. It includes some important bits and pieces like some peripheral drivers. However, as it turns out, Nintendo has decided that every new feature will be developed as a separate fork. Your Wii contains many IOS versions, and the older have never been updated except for security reasons (to fix our exploits). Not that they’ve added many new features, but if you look closely, new IOS features do not operate when you’re playing older games. This includes any updates to the WiiConnect24 downloads code, and even some minor things like the “slot LED blinks when you eject a disc” feature - try it when you’re playing Zelda and you’ll see that it doesn’t work, because it’s using the very old IOS9.

There are 23 IOS versions installed with current updates (this is also wasting the scarce 512MB internal memory!). Any new feature that they want to use in older games would have to be retroactively and individually added to each version, and it could create compatibility concerns because the interfaces with IOS functions aren’t all that stable either. Just doing these updates would cost them an immense amount of effort - it took them well over half a year to fix the fakesigning exploit and ship the IOS updates for all 23 versions, and that’s a minor update that can’t possibly affect games. Every time they’ve added a new feature (for example, the recent Wii Speak support, or USB keyboard support, or USB mouse support) they’ve just made a new fork of IOS for it. And IOS is limited to what it already handles - the ARM CPU that it runs on has no access to the graphics capabilities of the Wii (nor is it fast enough anyway - it has no floating point capability and it is a lot slower than the Broadway), so they can’t add any user-interface features to it.

Even worse - some things that should have been implemented in IOS aren’t. Like the Bluetooth stack and the Wii Remote code. Forget about any Bluetooth device support in older games - they couldn’t pull off a VoIP feature, ever. The SD card filesystem code is implemented in the games, which means that they can’t possibly add any code that uses SD card files, because two filesystem drivers can’t be used on the same device at the same time. Some things, such as saving games to SD for titles that don’t otherwise use the SD slot, are possible, but the changes needed to accomplish them would be so hacky and intrusive that I doubt they’re ever going to happen. One of the few things they can update with relative ease is networking (because the TCP/IP stack runs in IOS), but even then they still need to touch all IOS variants to fix it retroactively in older games. We’ve seen some changes but I doubt we’ll see many more.

As a specific example, let’s look at the much-discussed future ability to load Virtual Console and WiiWare titles from an SD card (seriously, what the hell were they thinking with 512MB of internal storage and no sane infrastructure to ever expand it externally?) There are three possible solutions to get this to work:

Add FAT filesystem code to IOS retroactively, disabling any SD access for titles that launch from SD
Add FAT filesystem code to IOS retroactively and push title updates for everything that uses SD, to remove the in-title FAT code and replace it with a new interface to IOS
Just fake it and transparently copy titles to the Wii system memory when you want to launch them, causing more Flash wear and tear and longer launching times
Chances are they’re going to go for number 3. And the only reason 1. and 2. exist is because downloadable content access is implemented through a unified “application security” subsystem, which forced them to define a sort-of-standard interface for it. They wouldn’t have done it otherwise.

While other consoles get firmware updates, new peripheral support, bugfixes, and even major updates like the XBox New Experience, pretty much everything on the Wii will remain just as it is now. The best Nintendo can do is update the Wii Menu, but once you get into a game, there’s nothing it can do. Forget about an improved Home Menu. Forget about any changes to online gaming beyond minor server-side tweaks. A unified friends system to avoid having to enter friend codes for every game? Not going to happen. Bad game bugs? Tough luck, there’s no patching system (remember the Zelda issue?) Some future proper online support with social features, like the other consoles have? Will never work with older games. Worse, Nintendo are really proud of themselves, so they won’t admit that they screwed up their software by releasing such big new features and having them only work for newer games. Instead, they’ll wait until Wii2 (or worse, Wii3), lag behind their competitors, and the features still won’t work in backwards-compatibility mode.

All in all, the Wii’s software stack is designed with little to no future proofing. There are basically zero provisions for any future updates; even obvious things like new storage devices or game patches. What’s worse is that this will affect the compatibility mode of any future Wii successor. Just like DS titles won’t get WPA support on the DSi, effectively making the DSi’s WPA mode useless if you ever want to use DS titles on-line. The DS WiFi drivers and configuration stack are built in to every game.

Remember, when Nintendo fails to deliver new Wii features, it won’t be because they aren’t trying. It’ll be because they’ve killed their chances from the start.

http://hackmii.com/2009/02/why-the-w...et-any-better/

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Toddtris 1.0:

March 2nd, 2009, 02:40 Posted By: wraggster

sammystag has released Toddtris 1.0:

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Wii-kly Update: 03/02/09

March 2nd, 2009, 17:15 Posted By: wraggster

In like a lamb and out like a lion, or vice-versa? Whether March finds you digging out from a late-winter blizzard or reeling in the spring thaw, the fun is both mild and wild at the Wii Shop Channel. Even the littlest lambs in your household can take part in a cool new family-friendly WiiWare game, while strategy-loving gamers will be roaring like lions as they battle evil foes in a classic Virtual Console title.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Family & Friends Party (Gammick Entertainment, 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Have fun with all your friends and family as you take on some very exciting challenges. This is an interactive board game for as many as eight players of all ages. The goal is to be the first to complete a series of challenges. During each turn, a challenge will be played by one or two players per team depending on the type of challenge you've been given. (Other players on your team can still help and support you). There are six different "Single" challenges that must be played cooperatively by members of the same team. Family & Friends Party can also suggest "Versus" challenges, which must be played competitively by all teams at the same time.

Virtual Console

Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): It's up to you to defeat the Empire. It's been nearly a quarter of a century since the Zetegenian Empire first conquered the Kingdoms of Zenobia with a wrath of fear and bloodshed. You are the leader of a band of rebels who've fought to preserve the last shred of honor in this desperate time of treachery. Manage the ranks of a full-blown rebel army, complete with hundreds of characters, magic items, weapons and mystical Tarot cards. You must succeed in ousting the evil usurpers-your fate, and that of the entire population, depends on it.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/958/958273p1.html

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MPlayer_CE v0.3a released - Media Player for Nintendo Wii

March 2nd, 2009, 17:19 Posted By: wraggster

The Media Player for Nintendo Wii has again been updated:



Mplayer CE is a fork of the Team Twiizers MPlayer port, combining elements of MPlayerWii and GeeXboX.

Changelog
v0.3a
Fixed a little bug in keepalive issue that hangs the wii

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Take the eggs! Ornithorhynchus Anatinus GO GO GO! DS v1.0

March 2nd, 2009, 17:28 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from Retrohead:

I have just uploaded the most recent version of Take The Eggs for everyone to enjoy. It has taken longer than expected to get this game to this stage but now I am happy to say that the game seems to be complete with the exception of any bugs that people may find.

It is disappointing that I was not able to implement a multiplayer option for this due to several restrictions, the main one bein the current libs, but everything else that I planned to add is now n there including some secrets for you to find.

I hope you enjoy this and be sure to let me know if you notice any bugs.

changelog
Vehicle speed on world 2 increased to be closer to the original game.

Time stop active time decreased to be closer to the original game.

Ghost / Death Messenger can now hit eggs and loose babies.

Added 5 new stages.

Added 4 new characters.

Score sprites positioning improved.

Added Hi-Score menu and awards for story mode.

Story sections incorperated.

2 hidden modes available for ranking high in story mode.

Options screen with sound level options added.

Save game support added to keep your Hi-Scores and unlocked modes etc.

Beat characters in story mode to unlock them in versus mode.

Play worlds in story mode to unlock them in versus mode.

Various bugs fixed.

Download Here --> http://files-ds-scene.net/take_the_eggs/?s=download

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Ioceropong

March 2nd, 2009, 17:31 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from BEYZz

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Text Os

March 2nd, 2009, 17:33 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from funkystuff

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Poppin

March 2nd, 2009, 19:30 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from jgc146

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DSpertator_v2.0

March 2nd, 2009, 19:34 Posted By: wraggster

News via Nintendomax

copete23 updates homebrew "Dspertator" which I recall, is an alarm clock.

The author has corrected the following aspects:

Quote:
Warning if inconsistent color depth
Without exception if saved palette name
Message after loaded
Preview updated after load
Preview updated after tab change
New button 'Update Row'
No more minitemp.png
Correct aspect ratio in preview
Error handling in file access

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The Unlockables of TrackMania DS

March 2nd, 2009, 19:38 Posted By: wraggster

Oh, copper. For so many years, you've been second fiddle to silver and gold. Sure, you get the wiring and pipes, but most of the time it's because you're the cheapest of the bunch. When folks are handing out medals, you go to third place, and not even in your pure form. We all see your dark reddish-orange facade, but on the inside, we know you're blue.

But in the world of TrackMania DS, Coppers are everything. For every successful race, players receive Coppers, credits that can be used to unlock a variety of game content from the Shop. Want more tracks to race on? Fork over some Coppers and discover new courses to master (and some of the best ones really must be unlocked). Want more track editor parts to spice up your custom courses? Spend and you shall receive. Tired of the same old texture for your car? New skins are on sale now. There are three different sets of unlockables to shop, based on the environment (Stadium, Desert, Rally) of your choosing.

See, copper, things aren't so bad. You may be the whipping boy of the precious metals, but in TrackMania DS, you're the currency of choice.

TrackMania DS is currently scheduled for release on March 17th.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/958/958314p1.html

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Wii PES: New trailer, details

March 2nd, 2009, 20:10 Posted By: Shrygue

via Computer and Video Games


Konami's released a new trailer and details on the Wii version of PES 2009... which should probably be renamed PES 2010 now.

The Wii version boasts "enhanced AI, "added game modes" and "improved controls" over last year's game, including an enhanced version of the 'point and drag' system. Options for Classic Controller or the Wii Remote held sideways are now also included.

New modes include the introduction of the UEFA Champions League, an expanded Champions Road mode and PES Master League from the other console versions.

"A greatly improved online mode" is also promised, with support for up to eight players competing online at once, using two consoles with four players on each.

It's out on March 17. Enjoy the video.

Update: A Konami spokesperson has contacted CVG to amend its 17th date, which is actually March 27.


Trailer at CVG

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Court Injunction Or Not, R4 Devices Still On Sale In Akihabara

March 3rd, 2009, 01:23 Posted By: wraggster

The Tokyo District Court ruled an injunction against the Chinese R4 makers for "violation under Japan's laws". You'd think that would mean one couldn't walk into a game shop and buy one. You'd think.

In late 2008, Nintendo (and 53 other companies) took legal action against the makers of the R4 cart, a device which allows, amongst other things, the pirating of games on a DS.

In the wake of last week's injunction, Yahoo! Auctions Japan has issued a notice that putting R4 devices up for sell on its site is now prohibited.

Even after the Tokyo District Court's injunction, stores in otaku shopping paradise Akihabara continue to opening advertise the R4, and the device seems widely available. Sure, there might be a lag for retail to catch up with the recent decision to prohibit selling the devices, but don't expect the R4 business in Japan to dry up any time soon.

http://kotaku.com/5162563/court-inju...e-in-akihabara

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The Thinking Behind DSi Sound

March 3rd, 2009, 01:26 Posted By: wraggster

The Nintendo DSi’s two cameras are the system’s most noticeable feature and are often perceived as the major advantage it has over the DS Lite. However, that’s not quite how Nintendo’s internal development team sees it.

In the latest volume of Iwata Asks, we learn quite a bit more about the thinking behind the DSi’s sound features. Yusuke Akifusa of the Entertainment Analysis and Development team sees it as the DSi’s second supporting pillar. Says Akifusa-san:

This time, when I heard Miyamoto-san thought Nintendo DSi needed music, it kicked off my own train of thought. I thought, we’ve already got the cameras as one important pillar, so why not institute music as another one, reinforcing the appeal of Nintendo DSi?

Akifusa-san is the man behind “DSi Sound,” the DSi’s music player and its many sound-editing features, which include changing the pitch and speed of sounds. DSi Sound also lets you distort sounds to make them sound like they’ve gone through a voice changer. Hmm… I wonder if I could use that to make myself sound like L’s electronic voice from Death Note.

Also present in the conversation, Miyamoto adds:

We talk about suddenly adding Nintendo DSi Sound, so people might think we just threw it in in a burst of enthusiasm, but it’s not really so. Nintendo has a proper sound team and each of its members perform multiple tests in compression and editing. Akifusa-san’s flurry of activity was able to bring something to shape because he could gather the already-existing sound technology and channel it into the Nintendo DSi system. All at once he brought together the sound technology being developed by other teams around the company.

Miyamoto also mentions that there was talk of using sounds recorded through the DSi’s microphone as startup sounds, which actually sounds very cool. I hope they decide to add the feature through a future update as it falls completely in line with Nintendo’s concept of a customized DSi. There’s a ton of potential for games to use it, too. Coming back to Akifusa-san for a second:

Also—and this is another idea that came from a different in-house team–you can play drums in time with music. The L Button is your bass drum and the R Button, your snare. As you listen to the music, you can be all boom bap bap! ♪

Yeah, he put the musical note in there, too. Speaking of the microphone, I can think of another couple features for it that would be very neat… like the ability to switch between menus and channels using your voice or sending voice messages to other DSi users. It would also be neat to be able to command party members in an RPG using the mic. Keep in mind that the DSi features louder volume settings and “better sound quality” than the Lite, too. Although Nintendo isn’t making a big deal out of the latter, so it probably isn’t as noticeable as one might imagine. I just hope they plan to add MP3 support to that list of sound features someday.

Make sure to read both DSi-related Iwata Asks volumes. The entire feature is pretty enlightening. I’d love to meet the people behind the DSi someday…they all sound fascinating. But more importantly…Daigasso Band Brothers DSi with proper downloadable content, anyone?

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/01...ind-dsi-sound/

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How Hudson Uses The GBA Slot On The DS

March 3rd, 2009, 01:27 Posted By: wraggster

Sega, Nintendo, Activision, and Hudson share at least one thing in common. They all use the DS’ GBA slot for accessories. Since the Nintendo DSi is the new toy on the block you would think publishers would quit building devices that require a GBA slot now. Not Hudson!

Specific for Metal Fight Beyblade is a Beypoint Reader. This GBA slot device acts as an adapter that connects the Nintendo DS game to a Beypointer, a device that keeps track of your top spinning Beyblade stats in real life and now the Nintendo DS game too. Another interesting idea and another device for collectors to track down.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/02...lot-on-the-ds/

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NDS Lite Game Selector

March 3rd, 2009, 01:50 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released today over at SuccessHK



NDS Lite Game Selector is the worlds first DS Lite game selector!It can select from 3 DS games at once,simply flick the switch to change the game you are playing. Easy to fit and use,simply clip the DS Game Selector onto the back of your NDS Lite and plug in the connector to the game card slot.
Ergonogic design, comfortable to use and ideal for use when travelling too.

Worlds first DS Lite game selector
Simply flick the switch to change the game you are playing
Easy to fit and use
Ergonogic design, comfortable to use
Ideal for use when travelling

Priced at USD 13.42 and made by Blazepro.

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iDeaS 1.0.3.0 beta for Windows

March 3rd, 2009, 18:58 Posted By: wraggster

Lino has released a new versionn of the Nintendo DS Emulator for Windows:

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Hackmii News - Would the pirates please stop copying our software?

March 3rd, 2009, 19:02 Posted By: wraggster

News from the Hackmii Team:

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Hackmii News - Multiimpersonator

March 3rd, 2009, 19:04 Posted By: wraggster

News from Team Hackmii:

Since System Menu 3.5K recently came out, and it makes sense to monitor the activity of updates separately for each region, I’ve updated Wiimpersonator to check the USA, EUR, JPN, and KOR regions individually. As a reminder, it checks for updates hourly and produces a report if any new titles or updates are detected. You can check the update lists and reports here. Have fun .

http://wii.marcansoft.com/wiimpersonator/

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More Rock Band on Wii

March 3rd, 2009, 19:05 Posted By: wraggster

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the addition of fourteen tracks to the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content for Wii home videogame console from Nintendo, including tracks from electric blues artists Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble as well as alternative bands Jimmy Eat World and No Doubt.

All ten tracks from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's debut album Texas Flood (1983) will be made available in the Wii Rock Band Music Store. Tracks include the popular studio cuts of "Pride and Joy," "Texas Flood" and "Rude Mood,"as well as "Love Struck Baby," "Tell Me," "Testify," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Dirty Pool," "I'm Cryin" and "Lenny."

In addition, the lineup will also include "New" from the alternative rock pioneers of No Doubt. The track is featured on the band's album Return of Saturn (2000). As previously announced, the aforementioned tracks from No Doubt and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble will also be available to Rock Band owners of Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system this week.

Wii owners can also look forward to three tracks from alternative band Jimmy Eat World including "Lucky Denver Mint" from the band's 1999 album Clarity, "Futures" (Futures, 2004) and "Sweetness" from the band's 2001 album Bleed American. The tracks come from the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content just released last week to owners of Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system.

Wii fans can expect a rollout of previously released downloadable Rock Band content until the entire back catalogue of more than 570 songs is available. In addition, the regularly scheduled future DLC releases for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system will also be available for Rock Band 2 Wii owners soon.

Release Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

Tracks:



Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Love Struck Baby"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Pride and Joy"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Texas Flood"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Tell Me"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Rude Mood"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Testify"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Dirty Pool"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "I'm Cryin"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble "Lenny"

No Doubt "New"

Jimmy Eat World "Futures"

Jimmy Eat World "Lucky Denver Mint"

Jimmy Eat World "Sweetness"


(All tracks are original master recordings)

Price: $2.00 (200 Wii Points) per track

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/958/958311p1.html

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System Menu 3.5 Released

March 3rd, 2009, 19:14 Posted By: wraggster

News from Wiibrew:

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Wii Homebrew Launcher v1.0

March 3rd, 2009, 19:19 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from Hell Hibou:

Wii Homebrew Launcher is an interface similar to that of the Wii menu. It allows you to start homebrew stored on your SD card in the Wii front SD slot. Each program is represented by its own customizable "channel".

A new version of Wii Homebrew Launcher is available, plus the source code of this project are now available.

As a reminder, here is a summary of the main functionalized homebrew:

Launch a homebrew Wii or ELF to DOL from an SD card, an SD-gecko, a DVD or a shared folder (Samba).
Opportunity to learn the homebrews in sub-folder (allows to set up categories Emulators, Games, eg ....)
Opportunity to start a ROM directly with an emulator developed for this purpose.
Launch a Channel on your Wii any area without having to change the area of your Wii.
Can be installed as a chain or be run directly with the fault Zelda TP (for those who do not want to install in console)
A mode 'Lite' (a kind of safe mode) is accessible by launching this homebrew from the game in Zelda TP trucsigné autoboot.
Customizable with themes

It was some time that he had not been updated and inspiration missing me, so I decided to put the sources online. This allows me to re-do the music (which had been disabled for licensing reasons) and include a loader for homebrew GameCube 'Wii GameCube Homebrew Launcher' to MegaMan. I hope that the dissemination of these inspirational source developers and that the loader will evolve.


Here is a list of changes in this version that passes for the occasion in version 1.0:

The file path dol / elf password as an argument to homebrew is correct (he pointed to the parent folder).

Various changes related to libfat.

The chain was moving subjects.

Re-activation of the music font.

The music is re-refresh when changing theme.

Pooling of some source files with the library MyFS.

Inclusion of Wii GameCube Homebrew Launcher to launch GameCube homebrew.

The GameCube loader tries again to play a DVD GameCube (better compatibility with SD-Boot) and creates a dummy if GameId
there is not in the drive.

Dissemination of sources under the GNU General Public License


Using the loader for GC homebrew


To launch a homebrew GC, you will need a patched MIOS,

be included in the 'Wii Gamecube Homebrew Launcher' to MegaMan

be included in the 'Gamecube Backup Launcher' WiiGator

Then create a folder GAMECUBE at the root of the SD card, the USB stick, DVD or the shared folder.

As for Wii homebrew, create a folder for each homebrew

Place the homebrew GC which must be in DOL only and name it BOOT.DOL

[Optional] To give a name to hombrew, title.txt create a file, edit it and enter the name you want.

[Optional] To give a specific icon, create an image 132 pixels wide and the height of which is multiple of 95. The image must be either 24-bit BMP format and named the title.bmp or PNG and appointed title.png. Copy it into the directory homebrew.

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Read Jeff Lait's Menoetius on the DS

March 3rd, 2009, 19:29 Posted By: wraggster

news via http://www.drunkencoders.com/

Jeff Lait, world famous author of Powder, one of the best NDS homebrew games on the DS has recently released a science fiction novel, both in print, and digital form.

The Moon Books Project has made available a version specifically formatted for viewing on the Nintendo DS, with the blessing of the author.

Visit the Menoetius website for the physical and digital versions, and the Moon Books Project for the NDS version.

http://moonbooks.info/moonbooks/news.php?item.45.6

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Nintendo Advises to Buy DSi Early

March 3rd, 2009, 19:35 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo has advised people to buy a Nintendo DSi early, as demand could easily outstrip supply during the busy festive period at the end of the year.

Recent Christmases have seen Nintendo's hardware top the must-have lists, with stocks of the Wii falling short of demand consistently since its release in 2006 – and it looks like it could be a similar situation with the soon to be released Nintendo DSi.

"I always advise people to buy early," Nintendo's UK general manager David Yarnton told The Times in a recent interview, picked up by gamesindustry.biz. "One of the things that people don't seem to understand is that factories are producing constantly; they don't peak and trough. So we're producing product all the time, but then everyone wants it all at the one end of the year. It's just so hard to try and keep up."

Retailers are already reporting huge demand for the new handheld, the third iteration of Nintendo's DS hardware that introduces multimedia capabilities. It's slated for an April 3 release in Europe, with a US launch coming two days after.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/958/958610p1.html

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Kanji Strike 1.0

March 3rd, 2009, 19:46 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from kkd

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Challenger Sports Pack X2 *RED/BLUE*

March 3rd, 2009, 22:34 Posted By: wraggster

New from Divineo China



Zoozen brings Wii owners the first truly realistic and professional Sports Pack. But why stop there; we have doubled most of the accessories, for the ulimate two player experience!

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5-Year-Old Stabs Older Sister to Get Nintendo DS

March 3rd, 2009, 22:39 Posted By: wraggster

A five-year-old boy allegedly stabbed her ten-year-old sister over a Nintendo DS. The prosecutor says that little Chucky here thought the knife was part of a Power Rangers game. Yeah, let's blame games again.

It happened in Uckange, France. Apparently, the prosecutor thinks the Power Rangers may be the key to his behavior because in that game there is a part in which you have throw knives, which completely explains why a kid would try to kill her sister to get a Nintendo DS.

Fortunately, there's also another explanation: The mother—who was sleeping in the house while all this happened—was a victim of domestic violence. Whatever it was, the good news is that the life of the stabbed kid is not at risk.

http://i.gizmodo.com/5163726/5+year+...et-nintendo-ds

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A Boy And His Blob Return To Wii

March 3rd, 2009, 22:47 Posted By: wraggster

Not only does the latest issue of Nintendo Power have the scoop on Excitebots, it also features the return of the game that sold a million jelly beans, A Boy and his Blob.

The classic NES adventure game A Boy and his Blob is being "reinvented" for the Nintendo Wii. So says the April issue of Nintendo Power, indicating that Pitfall creator David Crane's jelly-bean eating hero Blobert and his pal, the boy, will soon be making their triumphant return.


Remember A Boy and His Blob in NES? Then you're old! But this reinvention of the property on Wii is simply stunning.

How stunning is it? We'll have to check back on March 5th for that particular information, as right now Nintendo Power is teasing us with a blurry image of the article. That, or wait for the April issue to go on sale March 17th.

http://kotaku.com/5163631/a-boy-and-...-return-to-wii

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First Screens, Details On Nintendo's ExciteBots

March 3rd, 2009, 22:48 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo's announcement of the existence of Excitebots: Trick Racing—the sequel to Wii launch title Excite Truck—was annoyingly short on details. Consider us detail-free no more, thanks to the latest issue of Nintendo Power.

Excitebots: Trick Racing gets properly previewed in the mag's April issue, a portion of which is now available online. Don't worry, these scans are kosher, coming direct from Nintendo Power itself.

Perhaps most exciting about the Excitebots blowout is our first look at the game's visuals. Yes, you'll be piloting robot frog cars.

http://kotaku.com/5163762/first-scre...dos-excitebots

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Puchi Puchi Virus Recovers From Delay Bug In May

March 3rd, 2009, 22:54 Posted By: wraggster

Before Disgaea DS and Rhapsody were even announced for Japan NIS America jumped to publish Nintendo DS games starting with Puchi Puchi Virus. I played a build of the US version a year ago, but the match-three-make-a-triangle puzzle game still hasn’t arrived in stores. What’s the deal?

We spoke with NIS America about the status of Puchi Puchi Virus and like Cross Edge it’s slated to come out sometime in May. No changes were described, but I hope they keep the localization. Star Wars, Naruto, and Adam Sandler references snuck their way in an early build.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/03...ay-bug-in-may/

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Ogre Battle Wages War In The West

March 3rd, 2009, 22:56 Posted By: wraggster

Between all the Alex Kidd and Wonder Boy games we got a quality release that should keep you busy until the next major retro RPG. Square Enix put Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen on the Virtual Console for 800 Wii Points ($8).

First released on the Super Nintendo and later ported to the PsOne, Ogre Battle has warriors fighting against an evil empire. While the plot sounds cliche, Ogre Battle makes use of a unique real time strategy meets classic RPG combat system. It’s different from your run of the mill grid based strategy RPG and has multiple endings to find. The Super Nintendo cartridge was quite a rarity so it’s a good thing Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen is getting a digital re-release.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/02...r-in-the-west/

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Seventh Dragon

March 3rd, 2009, 23:04 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released:



description
Because of the invasion of the dragons, the world Eden ends up being covered by a killer flower called Furowaro. To prevent the flowers from taking over the world, expatriates are sent to defeat the dragons that currently infest the land.

Form your party with the characters you like and assign them with different job classes, each job has 30 skills, learn them all and apply them on different dragons. Given the cute character designs and the array of colors on the palette, this game is providing you with a wonderful experience in an art book.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-376b.html

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Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X.

March 3rd, 2009, 23:09 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released:



features
E.R.S. is in-game technology that helps turn novice aviators into elite pilots of the future. The Enhanced Reality System is the core of the HAWX flight experience: aircraft interception trajectories, incoming missile detection, anti-crash system, damage assessment, tactical map, and weapons trajectory control. E.R.S. also allows players to issue orders to their squadron and other units, making this system as iconic to HAWX as the Cross-Com system is to Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter®!
Players can ease into their flight missions and gain a level of comfort with the use of the assistance mode. Once employed, players can take full advantage of their technological support through the E.R.S and gain maximum piloting security. If the situation calls for the player to unleash the full potential of the aircraft, the assistance mode can be switched off and all safety features will be deactivated. This comes with increased risks, but allows the player advanced dogfighting maneuvers and stunning third-person views
For the first time ever in the air-combat genre, players will be able to experience the entire solo campaign with seamless JUMP IN/JUMP OUT functionality. In PVP mode, players can challenge each other in intense dog-fighting sessions and find out who's the top gun. Winning players are rewarded with experience points and money to unlock more weapons
Players have the opportunity to take the throttle of over 50 famous aircrafts, and take them over real world locations & cities in photo-realistic environments created with the best commercial satellite data on the civilian market

description
As the era of the nation-state draws toward its end, the world of warfare is evolving rapidly. New challenges demand new solutions, sometimes with unpredictable outcomes.

For many years, state-sponsored militaries have struggled to maintain and modernize their forces. Increasing budget restrictions and difficulties in recruiting skilled personnel have led many countries to seek other solutions. More and more nations now rely increasingly on Private Military Companies (PMC) – elite mercenary groups staffed with equally elite personnel - to support their field operations.

PMCs have proven to be excellent partners in respect to efficiency, skills, low prices, and reliability. They’ve been able to fulfill most of the mission normally handled by regular armies, without risking political fallout.

In time, these private military corps diversified their field of operations, from mere securing land objectives to motorized assault and counter-intelligence. It was not long before a few of these PMC secured enough resources to require being involved complete support air and sea-bound operations.

With each passing year, the PMCs expand their influence and scope of activity. Initially just consultants, they are now involved in surveillance, logistics, site security, and other essential roles. In order to keep the war machine going most of the PMC warranted firms dealing with other sources of income such as mining, oil extraction, airliners, goods manufacturing etc. Ensuring a steady flow of currency allowed these companies to operate a tighter game against their opposition. Each year, they come closer to serving as fully operational field units, and their services are so widely used they’re already essential. Pandora’s Box has been opened. There’s no getting rid of the PMCs now.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2ovw.html

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Namco Bandai Dishes up The Munchables

March 4th, 2009, 17:05 Posted By: wraggster

Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced The Munchables an entertaining romp into a colorful and delicious action adventure for Wii. Exploring rich and vibrant environments, players will devour delectable enemies as they guide their quirky heroes in this zany alien munching mash-up filled with fun and addictive gameplay. The Munchables will chomp its way to stores this May.

"NAMCO BANDAI Games is thrilled to provide such a fun and exciting addition to the vast library of quality Wii titles," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "With colorful characters and eye-popping worlds, The Munchables will delight players of all ages."

The home planet of the hungry Munchables is at stake when it is invaded by the evil Don Onion and his vicious band of space pirates. As their lively planet has been usurped, the embattled Munchables have only one hope; to devour their food enemies to grow large enough to defeat Don Onion and inevitably return peace to their captive land.

In The Munchables, players are called upon to eat and defeat over 150 insidious enemies who have taken over the planet including Eggplanter, Space Shroom and Rice Baller. With each fallen foe, the daring omnivorous Munchables grow in size and power in their brave struggle. In this tantalizingly addictive game, players can also enjoy Mirror Mode, where stages are in reverse order and they must beat the clock in order to save the world. Eating your way to take on Don Onion and his delicious minions, The Munchables will leave you hungry for more!

For more information on The Munchables, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com/

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Punch-Out!! Supports Classic Control

March 4th, 2009, 17:06 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo of America officially revealed this week that the upcoming Wii boxer, Punch-Out!!, based on the classic franchise of the same name, will support multiple control options when it debuts exclusively for the platform later this year. According to the company, players will be able to use the Wii remote motion or classic control to play the game. Control descriptions below:

Motion Control (Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers)
Punch-Out!! uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to simulate throwing punches. Use the Nunchuk to throw a left punch and the Wii Remote to throw a right punch.

Classic Control (Wii Remote NES style)
Fans of the NES version and core gamers will be excited to see Nintendo has also included the option to play Punch-Out!! using the classic layout from the original NES controller. Use the 1 and 2 buttons along with the cross pad to throw hooks and jabs or to dodge.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/958/958936p1.html

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Scrabble Comes to Nintendo DS and Playstation Portable On March 17

March 4th, 2009, 17:23 Posted By: wraggster

Every word's a winner in this revamped digital version of everyone's favorite word game! SCRABBLE on the Nintendo DS and PSP will offer something for every crossword puzzle fan. Fans of the traditional version of SCRABBLE can get the authentic SCRABBLE experience in Classic mode, and more experienced players can race the clock in Speed mode. Those who want a new twist on the classic SCRABBLE experience can battle it out against friends or the computer in the fast-paced SCRABBLE SLAM mode, based on the upcoming spring 2009 card game from Hasbro in which players try to be the first to discard all their SLAM cards by making four letter words. SCRABBLE SLAM will be available for the first time digitally on the handheld versions of SCRABBLE.

With six difficulty levels, SCRABBLE will also serve up a Training mode with six training exercises that enable new or rusty players to polish their skills before their first big showdown. SCRABBLE comes loaded with extras such as the Official SCRABBLE Players Dictionary, SCRABBLE Word Finder, which provides hints on best words, and Wi-Fi multiplayer capability (both single and multi-cart play for Nintendo DS).

GAME FEATURES

Three Modes of Play



Choose Classic mode to play the timeless, traditional version of SCRABBLE.

Race the clock as you take on the computer or friends in Speed mode.

Put your skills to the test in the SCRABBLE SLAM card game, the newest take on the classic SCRABBLE experience.


Your SCRABBLE Trainer!


Like never before, you can strengthen your vocabulary, pattern recognition, and point strategies through fun and interactive training exercises.

You then can apply your newfound skills in real games against your friends and family as well as our adaptable computer A.I.

Track your progress with the game's built-in Skill Tracker and see how you've improved in each training category.


Wi-Fi Multiplayer Fun


Challenge your friends and connect with up to four players in Classic, Speed, or SCRABBLE SLAM modes.

Nintendo DS multiplayer modes include Hot Seat (multiple players passing one console), DS Download play (one-cartridge multiplayer) and Multi-Cart play (multiple cartridges allow players to customize game rules and enable additional game features).

PSP multiplayer modes include Hot Seat and Ad Hoc play (head-to-head multiplayer).


EA Brings SCRABBLE Full Circle


In 2008, EA launched authentic digital versions of SCRABBLE online at Pogo.com, three separate mobile versions on iPod, iPhone and mobile phones as well as social networking sites.

2009 rounds it out with SCRABBLE on the Nintendo DS and PSP handhelds as well as a version for Xbox LIVE Arcade.


Pricing, Rating and Availability


SCRABBLE on DS and PSP is rated "E for Everyone", will carry as MSRP of $29.99 and be in stores on March 17, 2009.

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Nintendo Power hints at June MotionPlus

March 4th, 2009, 20:33 Posted By: Shrygue

via Eurogamer


Speculation is mounting this week that the Wii MotionPlus add-on will be released before the end of June, but Nintendo remains tight-lipped.

Sharp-eyed Wii watchers at GoNintendo noted today that EA's MotionPlus-compatible Grand Slam Tennis is due out in the US on 18th June - and that a recent preview in the official US magazine Nintendo Power referred to the MotionPlus as "due out prior to Grand Slam's release".

Meanwhile, another publisher with a MotionPlus-supporting project under way has told Eurogamer that it expects the add-on to launch in June as well, although as of late February Nintendo had yet to brief third parties about the exact timing.

Speaking to Eurogamer today, a Nintendo UK spokesperson said "the release date is still TBC", and anything else was "rumour and speculation".

The MotionPlus, announced at E3 last year, enhances the precision of the Wii remote, allowing games to achieve almost one-to-one movement recognition. Games that will support MotionPlus include Nintendo's own Wii Sports Resort, EA's Grand Slam Tennis, Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Ubisoft's Red Steel 2.

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A Boy And His Blob And Their Screenshots

March 4th, 2009, 20:43 Posted By: Shrygue

via Kotaku


Majesco's official announcement for A Boy and His Blob for the Nintendo Wii comes with a little more information and twelve new screens of the beautiful game in action.

First revealed to varying degrees yesterday via Nintendo Power, A Boy and His Blob is indeed a rebirth of the classic NES adventure game, developed by Contra 4 developer WayForward. Along with the gorgeous graphical redesign, the new title expands upon the original, delivering 40 levels of gameplay filled with hidden treasures and unlockable bonus content. New jellybean flavors have been added to the games repertoire of shaft-shifting sweets, including Bubble Gum Bubble and Caramel Cannon, adding a new twist to the already tried and true experience.

A Boy and His Blob for the Wii is due out later this year in the U.S. and Europe. Until then, enjoy the 12 new jellybean-flavored screens here!

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DSi region locking a response to age ratings

March 4th, 2009, 20:47 Posted By: Shrygue

via MCV


DSi software will be region locked because of the growing number of different age ratings and restrictions seen in the world’s varying games markets, Nintendo has stated.

Speaking to The Times, UK boss David Yarnton explained: “There are many different age requirements with games around the world. I’ve been involved with the industry body, and we’ve just had the Byron review, so it’s quite topical.

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Codemasters wants 'gamer's games' on Wii

March 4th, 2009, 21:07 Posted By: wraggster

Codemasters has a couple new execs talking about the publisher's "cautious strategy" on the Wii -- and, by "cautious," they mean making titles that appeal to core gamers. UK General Manager Jeremy Wigmore and Marketing VP Alex Bertie tell MCV that Codemasters "can't ignore Wii," despite the publisher's emphasis on next-gen titles.

Bertie finds it "bewildering" to see what other companies are doing with Nintendo's juggernaut. He expresses that Codies isn't going to make "cheap, crappy ports" and expects the company to produce "gamer's games." Wigmore believes that other publishers constantly going to retail with a "mass-market product" only makes those games become "white noise." It'll be interesting to see if Codemasters retains its thinking about Wii after Overlord: Dark Legend releases in a few months and the publisher starts seeing sales figures.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/co...her-publisher/

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Who needs Wii Fit when you've got Weight Fat?

March 4th, 2009, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster



This item found inside a Japanese crane machine by CAG's CheapyD is about as no-nonsense as anyone could want. Clearly, the title is inspired by Wii Fit, but this thing has no time for "fitness" or "health"-related euphemisms, and no interest in softening the blow.

Weight Fat Checker. It's a foregone conclusion that you are fat, and this device's function is to measure exactly how much all of your winter insulation weighs. We personally appreciate the honesty from this Wii Fit knockoff, whose actual mechanics we don't understand. Is there glass on top of the steering-wheel looking thing? Do you just balance on top of it? Update: as commenters pointed out, it's a body fat monitor. You hold it. That makes sense.

The Weight Fat is completely inspiring us to change our lifest-- oh, it comes with strawberry Hi-Chews! Delicious!

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/wh...ot-weight-fat/

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New Season Of Fullmetal Alchemist Gets Wii Game

March 4th, 2009, 21:13 Posted By: wraggster

A new season of Fullmetal Alchemist airs in Japan this April and a Wii game is already in the cards. A scan from this week’s issue of Famitsu reveals the game, but the teeny tiny text doesn’t offer much in details. Well, Edward is in the game, but I bet anyone could have guessed that!

I wonder who the developer is. Racjin developed most of the Fullmetal Alchemist games in the past and are a licensed Wii developer so they could be a candidate for a new Fullmetal Alchemist game. Also will this get picked up for North America? Square Enix published two of the three Fullmetal Alchemist games on the PlayStation 2 before giving up on the game that included co-op play.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/04...gets-wii-game/

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Knights In The Nightmare Gets Obstacle Dodging Spin-Off

March 4th, 2009, 21:15 Posted By: wraggster

Sting is carrying their tradition of taking their franchises to mobile phones with Knights in the Regains. The game puts players in control of a wisp. Your job is to guide it around obstacles and try to beat the clock as they race through random maps. Knights in the Regains drops the strategy RPG complexity introduced in the DS game in exchange for twitch action. While this doesn’t have a place as a domestically boxed DS game Sting could have luck porting Knights in the Regains to another service like DSiWare or the PlayStation Store.

We’re not there quite yet, though. Atlus still has to bring its predecessor, Knights in the Nightmare, over here which doesn’t come out until June 2. As a bonus, Atlus is bundling the game with a soundtrack CD and if you pre-order Knights in the Nightmare you get a bonus artbook as a pre-order gift to sweeten the deal.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/04...ging-spin-off/

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Littlest Pet Shop: Spring US version

March 4th, 2009, 21:20 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHK



Littlest Pet Shop Spring bounces you right into the middle of all the fun in the Littlest Pet Shop world. Add to your Littlest Pet Shop video game collection with the fourth game for the Nintendo DS! With more mini-games, accessories, and playsets, the fun keeps on growing! Explore four worlds, including a new Spring world, where you can care for and play with your pets. You can even share your pets with your friends! The more time you spend having fun with your pets, the more great stuff you unlock for your pet shop, including new exclusive pets, playsets, accessories, and more. Experience your Littlest Pet Shop in a whole new way!

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Mario Kart Vol. 1 Plush Doll

March 4th, 2009, 21:31 Posted By: wraggster

newly released:



features
Official Mario Kart Plush Doll
Height: approx. 100mm
Limited availability

description
These are the supplements you get during the race in Mario Kart. They grant you temporary status effects that carries you to through the race and if used properly, you win the championship with their aid.

After the numerous candy and capsule toys that feature the drivers and the karts, it's time to pay attention to these supplements.

As a series of plush toys, they soften the tones of the room, although they would not give you status boosts as in the game, time would seem to flow faster when they are around. Brightly colored, these toys bring on a cheerful air to your room, office or car.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3a6e.html

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New Play Control Boxes 'Flipper' in US

March 5th, 2009, 17:42 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo today sent over final retail copies of New Play Control: Pikmin and New Play Control: Mario Power Tennis in time for our review in the next few days. We have confirmed that the boxes feature double-sided liners featuring two different covers.

Though the official package artwork features "New Play Control" prominently displayed on the cover, owners of the game can opt to pull the liner out of the case and flip it to use more traditional package art for their collection:

This mirrors the Japanese release of New Play Control, which also features double-sided package artwork. Thank you Nintendo -- we definitely appreciate having the option!

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/959/959183p1.html

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Beatles Game Gets Date

March 5th, 2009, 17:46 Posted By: wraggster

The Beatles catalog contains some the most requested tracks for the recent Rock Band craze, so it was pretty gear when Sir Paul revealed last month that the Fab Four would finally be featured in their very own release from MTV and Harmonix. That information is, by itself, more than enough to justify our frenzied shaking and shrieking (and, yes, even some panty-throwing), there's still a lot we don't know about the game, such as which tracks will be included, where the boys will play and when the game is coming out.

Fortunately, the game's website revealed one of those answers today, letting us know that the game will be arriving not on the one after 909, but actually on 9-09 itself. Whether this is a mere coincidence or not remains to be seen, but the September release date means we've got all summer to start dating Japanese conceptual artists.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/959/959606p1.html

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Alarmii v0.8

March 5th, 2009, 17:59 Posted By: wraggster

News via nintendomax

blitter realize an application that turns your wii in alarm, "Alarmii v0.8.

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X-Soft v7.0

March 5th, 2009, 18:01 Posted By: wraggster

News via nintendomax

hiei03 and sonic master performs a new version of "X-Soft, an application that includes several utility incorporating the theme of windows. A lot of changes and additions for this version 7.0, not good at English I leave unchanged the changelog.

Quote:
Version 7.0
Improvements provided by the authors:
* Save the settings and background of the mouse.
* The desktop icons are not ordered to move from one application to another.
* The display of information is added the color.
* The display of information A and B are to regulate the light and not to turn off the ignition.
* Limitations Added to maps.
* Now you can quit all the programs on the sides.
* Added new keyboard soft-x, and salts and re-enter the notepad where you can continue typing vat.
* Re-present the option to load the saved text in the notepad.
* Added the game pulse.
* Added the credits section.
* Added style windows 7.
* Added a calculator.
* Added nds loader, and a periodic table.

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Kingdom Hearts DSi bundle launching May 30 in Japan

March 5th, 2009, 21:01 Posted By: Shrygue

via Joystiq


Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days finally has a release date in Japan: May 30. Not only will Goofy fans be able to pick up the new action-RPG then (for 5,980 yen, or $60!), they will have the option of dropping even more money on the Kingdom Hearts Edition DSi bundle, which contains this specially decorated black DSi and the game, for 24480 yen ($246). Even as people not particularly into Goth Disney, we happen to think it's rather fetching!

The existence of this bundle sort of validates a rumor we received a while back: while there is a 358/2 Days DSi bundle as predicted, there has been no mention of an included Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories game nor of this special DSi having a Game Boy Advance slot. We expect that the Japanese sites would have mentioned that if it had been the case.

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Video: Nyko Wand Wii remote flung wildly in Wii Bowling

March 5th, 2009, 22:24 Posted By: wraggster

While focused on little gizmos like the Palm Pre at CES, we somehow missed the opportunity to play with Nyko's Wiimote wannabe back in January. Thankfully, the peripheral company was on hand here in Germany with its full lineup, and we dropped in for a few snapshots as well as a hilarious visual demonstration of just how suitable this thing is at replacing bona fide Wiimotes. As you'll notice in the gallery below, Nintendo's version is just a smidgen taller while the Nyko edition sports a covered back that's easier to grip; outside of that, however, the two feel generally alike when held. It should be noted that the Nyko reps had outfitted the actual Wiimote with its backing in order to prevent any unwanted LCD shatterings, and hey, we can respect that. We also threw in a few shots of the Wii Wand strapped inside the now-ancient Perfect Shot gun holster -- for no other reason than to say we wielded a weapon on company time, really.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/v...n-wii-bowling/

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Stats Suggest RPGs Are An Untapped Wii Genre

March 5th, 2009, 22:32 Posted By: wraggster

“Wii Fit” may be the game that sells Wiis, but it’s role-playing games fans who give the console some of its heaviest use.
***

Role-playing game fans love the Wii, it seems.
Among the standout trends in the Nintendo Wii usage stats I’ve been tracking here each month has been the dedication that role-playing game fans show to the RPGs on the system.
Take the November-released “Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World,” which has garnered an average playing time of more than 31 hours per player among the users of Wii’s Nintendo Channel.
“Tales” isn’t alone. “Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn,” released in November of 2007, has an average playing time of over 44 hours. (Maybe it’s a “Dawn” thing?)
That puts these games up with the likes of “Super Smash Brothers,” “Wii Sports” and “Animal Crossing” among the games that are in heaviest rotation among the Wii owners who have them. Maybe this is no surprise to fans of these role-playing games. The games are long, and they are designed to be finished. But, frankly, they also tend to be afterthoughts.
Few people consider the Wii to be an RPG system. Maybe sales figures bear that out. Nevertheless, the feverishness with which Wii owners play the RPGs that they do get suggests that there’s an appetite there hungry for more.
So, what’ll it be, Wii publishers? Time to test more RPGs on Nintendo’s console, perhaps.

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/...ped-wii-genre/

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Nintendo scoffs at mobile games

March 5th, 2009, 22:36 Posted By: wraggster

Console giant says it's "still waiting for mobile games to happen".
Nintendo UK boss David Yarnton has said that his firm didn’t feel the need to cram its upcoming DSi handheld with the latest gadgetry seen in mobile handsets, primarily because mobile gaming is not yet a realistic rival to portable consoles.

Speaking to The Times last month, Yarnton claimed: “Mobile phone gaming has been ‘going to happen’ for a long time. We’re still waiting.

“There are always going to be competitors in certain areas.

And sometimes it can focus your attention to make sure that you do things the right way. We could have added lots of things, but then you become a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.

“One of the things we are really honest about is that we stay faithful to our roots, of being a games company. The most important criterion is to make sure that what we’re offering can do the best games.”

Nintendo's DSi console launches next month and will offer camera, audio playback functionality and online capabilities.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/32817...t-mobile-games

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These DSiWare Games Are Likely Launch Candidates

March 5th, 2009, 22:55 Posted By: wraggster

The camera is nifty, the sound feature is cool, but at its core the Nintendo DSi is a handheld game system. And most people are wondering whether the purchase will be worth it for exclusive Nintendo DSi games. No such retail games have been announced, but Nintendo is preparing a lineup of downloadable DSiWare software. We know what games are out in Japan, but which ones will Nintendo localize for the West?

The OFLC gives us a pretty good clue by leaking three of them: Paper Plane, Pyoro, and Clubhouse Games Express: Classic Cards. Pyoro sounds like the international name for Tori to Mame (Bird and Bean). Nintendo also used this name for the stretchy-tongue bird when he appeared in the WarioWare series. The same red bird also stars in the DSiWare game Tori to Mame.

It looks like the stripped down “Chotto” series will come over as “Express” titles. Clubhouse Games Express: Classic Cards is the first such title. Don’t be surprised to see Dr. Mario Express and eventually Planet Puzzle League Express in the future. Art Style: Decode, Wario Ware Snapped, and the freebie Moving Memo Pad have also been mentioned as DSiWare games for North America. So, it looks like Nintendo is preparing most of the initial line up of DSiWare games for an international release

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/05...ch-candidates/

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Official! Guitar Hero Modern Hits on DS

March 6th, 2009, 17:34 Posted By: wraggster

Activision has officially announced Guitar Hero Modern Hits, the next GH game for Nintendo's DS. It's also officially doled out some official screens for your official enjoyment.

Yes, we know, the phrase 'modern hits' makes SPOnG suspicious, too. The announcement pegs the artists Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Tenacious D, Weezer and The Strokes as contributors to the track list, which will comprise upwards of 25 songs.

They join Sum 41's Still Waiting, Franz Ferdinand's The Fallen and Finger Eleven's Paralyzer - tracks already revealed by the game's ESRB rating. (Yes, this has been one leaky game. It's existence was suggested even before the ESRB listing thanks to a trademark listing.)

The game will also feature a 'Fan Request' system. Activision describes it like this: "By completing Fan Requests players build their fan base and open up new challenges to rock-out like never before including jamming to an entire song in Hyperspeed, battling it out in a Guitar Duel with active Bomb Notes or whammying every single hold note in a song."

There's also mention of "exciting non-linear gameplay progression". So what does that mean? It means players can choose how they get from the garage to the stadium on their road to becoming rock gods. Clearer now? We thought not.

The game will enable players to wirelessly make use of tracks from the two previous Guitar Hero DS games, On Tour and Decades. Also on the connectivity front - expect multi-player modes.

http://news.spong.com/article/17345/...s_on_DS?cb=307

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Klonoa for Wii headed to Europe

March 6th, 2009, 17:40 Posted By: wraggster

Namco Bandai's Wii remake of 1997 PlayStation platformer Klonoa: Door to Phantomile will be getting a European release in 2009.

The title sees you set off on a mission to save Phantomile, "a land formed by the dreams of its inhabitants, and recently besieged by an unknown evil".


You're aided in your quest by your friend Hewpoe, "a benevolent spirit who resides in the ring from which Klonoa is able to fire his Wind Bullet", a weapon that gives the character the ability to grab and inflate enemies and use them to his advantage.

"Vibrant graphics, motion control and new secrets" have been promised for the remake, which will support Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls, Wii Remote only, Classic Controller and GameCube controller.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=209979

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Wonder Boy III now on Virtual Console

March 6th, 2009, 20:33 Posted By: Shrygue

via Eurogamer


Polish your rose-tinted spectacles and set your sat nav to Memory Lane – another pair of olden days games are now available on the Virtual Console.

First up is Clu Clu Land, a maze game that first appeared on the NES. You must manoeuvre bubbles around, avoiding spiky sea urchins and defending yourself with sonic shockwaves. Yours for 500 Wii Points (GBP 3.50 / EUR 5).

For something a bit more contemporary, how about Mega Drive title Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair? Save the world of Xenobia by battling enemies, collecting power-ups and battling more enemies. A friend can join in, playing as the lovely Priscilla. The game costs 800 Wii Points (GBP 6 / EUR 8).

The new additions bring the total number of games available on the Virtual Console to 280. Crumbs.

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23 Pokémon Platinum screens

March 6th, 2009, 20:41 Posted By: Shrygue

via Computer and Video Games


Having sold over 2.4 million copies to date in Japan, DS title Pokémon Platinum is being readied for a May 22 launch in Europe.

Basically it's a beefed-up version of the Diamond and Pearl games that released in 2007 but with an added load of features and areas to explore.

It offers "new ways to play online at the Wi-Fi Plaza over the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection and the ability to save your greatest victories in the Vs. Recorder", plus you'll get to explore a "brand new Distortion World, governed by neither time nor space".

Battling has also been updated, and you can find out more about the additional features in our previous coverage here, but be sure to check out these new screens first.


Screenshots

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AT&T to Subsidize DS?

March 6th, 2009, 20:44 Posted By: Shrygue

via IGN


Apple's iPhone is quite the success story, and some of that success must be attributed to the AT&T-subsidized price tag. AT&T keeps the cost of the iPhone down at $200 in exchange for a two-year contract that locks consumers to the device (and AT&T). The company is very pleased with this approach.

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Big Bang Mini Soundtrack Set Free

March 6th, 2009, 22:11 Posted By: wraggster

Due to overwhelming fan demand, Arkedo Studio and Southpeak have released the soundtrack to their unique Nintendo DS shooter Big Bang Mini as a free download.

Big Bang Mini ended up being a very pleasant surprise for the DS, combining simple yet addictive fireworks launching gameplay and great use of the touchscreen to create a shooter experience that is completely unique to the handheld. The experience is greatly enhanced by the soundtrack, created by French electronic group Yubaba, Smith & Fortune, adding life and atmosphere to the game's varied levels. Now the entire soundtrack is available to download for free at the Big Bang Mini website, with 24 tracks encompassing music styles from all around the world.

To get the free soundtrack, simply head to the official Big Bang Mini website and click on the floating download link. It's 102mb of zipped auditory goodness.

http://www.bigbangmini.com/

http://kotaku.com/5165454/big-bang-m...track-set-free

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Police Warning Parents About DSi

March 6th, 2009, 22:13 Posted By: wraggster

Watch out parents! The DSi could put your kids at the mercy of child predators alert Arkansas police.

A local news report points out the the DSi doesn't only have a web browser, but it has a web browser and an embedded camera. Cue the hyper-active alarm bells!

"Now not only can the children be contacted, but they can be asked to provide pictures, video," says Sergeant Adam Holland, who investigates internet crimes against children.

See, before parents were worried about people drawing lewd pictures on the DS's PictoChat and now they're worried about people taking them. Or something.

It's really a good thing that kids these days don't have cell phones and that cell phones don't have cameras or internet browsers!

The local news report does point out that the DSi does have parental features — such as the ability to lock out certain websites. Explains, Sergeant Holland, "If the only website you want your kids to go to is YouTube, you go into the parental lockout feature, put in YoutTube's URL, and that's the only website your kids will be able to go to."

Phew, because there's nothing inappropriate on YouTube at all. Nothing.

http://kotaku.com/5165341/police-war...ents-about-dsi

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Nintendo To Let Market Decide Fate of DS Lite

March 6th, 2009, 22:15 Posted By: wraggster

When Nintendo introduces a new product, it phases out the older model. Presently, though, handheld consumers have two choices: the DS Lite or the DSi. Does that mean eventually we'll only have one choice?

When game site MCVUK ask Nintendo's David Yarnton if the company was planing on phasing out the DS Lite, he replied:

We'll let the market decide. We expect some people will upgrade, but we also anticipate that we'll win over people who were still undecided on DS — the extra features will help convince them. There's an extra incentive.

A more expensive upgrade leaves us wondering whom this is exactly an extra incentive for? Customers or Nintendo?

http://kotaku.com/5165253/nintendo-t...ate-of-ds-lite

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Ninety One Days Until Arc Rise Fantasia

March 6th, 2009, 22:20 Posted By: wraggster

Arc Rise Fantasia, an RPG developed by Imageepoch and published by Marvelous for Wii, is nearing completion. Japan will see the game in stores on June 4 in Japan. Xseed and Marvelous USA will publish Arc Rise Fantasia in North America this year, but a specific date has not been announced.

When we spoke to Imageepoch President Ryoei Mikage he explained the story revolves around fallen dragons that contaminate the world and a mystical energy known as “Ray” that countries are fighting over. Arc Rise Fantasia uses a turn based combat system with a shared action point meter. You can expend all of your AP on L’Arc (he’s the sword wielding character wearing red) or split up AP between the three member party and set up combo attacks.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/05...rise-fantasia/

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Namco Bandai Gets Serious With Courtroom Drama Games

March 6th, 2009, 22:21 Posted By: wraggster

Taking a cue from the Phoenix Wright series Namco Bandai is developing a courtroom drama game of their own. Yuzai X Muzai (Guilty X Innocent) puts players in a different position. You are a juror and need to analyze the presented evidence to decide if the accused is innocent or guilty. To keep the courtroom feel authentic a former prosecutor was hired to keep to supervise the game.

There are four scenarios to play and it sounds like each one will have a different path depending on the verdict you pick. If you feel like your language skills are up to par (this is going to be a text heavy game!) you can import Yuzai X Muzai on May 21. Since this was just announced for Japan it’s too early to tell if Namco Bandai will localize this, but I wouldn’t count on it.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/06...m-drama-games/

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ELSPA celebrate another UK piracy bust

March 6th, 2009, 23:09 Posted By: wraggster

press release from elspa

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GRRLib 4.0.0 Released

March 6th, 2009, 23:13 Posted By: wraggster

GRRLIB for GX Rgb Renderer Library, some very very nice function for noob coder.

Versions of the library before 3.0 are no longer supported due to the lack of real full GX support.

http://grrlib.santo.fr/ / http://grrlib.santo.fr/release/GRRLib4.0.0.rar

http://wiibrew.org/wiki/GRRLIB

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Wii Quizz 2.07

March 6th, 2009, 23:21 Posted By: wraggster

CashMan has released Wii Quizz 2.07

Wii Quizz is a quiz/puzzle homebrew application. You can play lots of quiz modes (other modes will be added in the future).

changelog
2.07
Added new cursors (thanks DayDreamOz !)
Fixed a graphical bug : the text "Français" was not aligned in the language menu.
Downsizing Wii Quizz.
Fixed a bug with the banner of notification of a new version : it now appears in all pages of the game.
Fixed a bug with the banner of notification of a new version : it is no longer on the menu buttons.
Fixed a bug with the banner of notification of a new version : it disappeared at an activity with the server.

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Blisterball v1

March 6th, 2009, 23:23 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from Jon Conrad

Here is a remake of the classic Apple ][ game. I loved this game as a kid. I hope you like it.

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MyLittleBall v1.0.1

March 6th, 2009, 23:25 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from pinecone

MyLittleBall (the most unfortunately titled form of entertainment since the console on which it is played) is the game that puts you, the player, in the position of a bouncy little red ball with an undying urge to further elevate himself by means of randomly arranged platforms.

Challenge a friend and then try to defend your high-score by blasting him off the screen!

v1.0.1

Date Released: 06/03/09

2 player mode! Features:
Starts automatically when 'B' is pressed in gameplay
Point at screen and drop bombs on Ball!
Removed some debugging information
Made 'cheating' nearly impossible
Basic framework for internationalisation, but alternative languages not yet supported.
Added some translations to XML description
Sound effects finally implemented
'Falling platforms' animation added
Used a GRRLIB fix to strange images appearing on start-up
Optimization on storing high scores

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HyBBoX v1.0

March 6th, 2009, 23:36 Posted By: wraggster

News via Nintendomax

Sonic and Master Almamu create a first draft of "HyBBoX" which is an adaptation of the universe "Habbo" virtual world where you can meet new people. This version proposes the creation of a customizable character and the purchase of multiple items, the online mode via wifi should make its appearance soon.

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Ands-PDF - PDF Viewer for DS

March 6th, 2009, 23:44 Posted By: wraggster

Albinofrenchy has posted a new version of the release for the DS:

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MoonShell Version2.00 beta.6.1

March 6th, 2009, 23:49 Posted By: wraggster

Moonlight has released a new version of his Media Playing OS/Shell for the Nintendo DS, heres whats new:

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Nintendo on DSi Browser: Make It Snappy!

March 6th, 2009, 23:51 Posted By: wraggster

In his latest "Iwata Asks" column at nintendodsi.com, the Nintendo President hosts a Q&A session with the team that worked on the DSi's internet browser.

It was a priority for the team to get the DSi browser to run quickly and smoothly. The team came up with the slogan, "Make it snappy!" An almost simultaneous response time of 1/60 of a second was the goal. Some "fun" and "convenient" ideas were dropped in order to ensure a snappy browser. If a webpage is loading slowly, the DSi will still show the user something moving so that they aren't left hanging, wondering if the page will ever show up. The effect is similar to what you find on the Wii internet channel.

Satoshi Furukawa, the team member in charge of creating the DSi browser, said it has more of the "Nintendo touch" than the original DS browser did. When asked to describe his definition of this touch, he said "it's the aggregate of characteristics that aren't quite visible to the eye, such as how satisfying the unit's response is when you press a button and the speed when you scroll." Furukawa likes the idea of children experiencing the internet for the first time on their DSi.

Webpages are displayed in one of two ways on the DSi, as they were on the DS. The page can be displayed either as it would on a personal computer, or the words can be wrapped to fit neatly on the DSi screen. Users can switch between these two modes on the fly.

The DS would display an entire webpage on the top screen and an enlarged image on the bottom. You could flip the two, but the images would simply switch positions. Now on the DSi, the transition is animated so that the screens shrink and enlarge. Another new feature is the ability to highlight words on a page with the stylus and perform a search for them.

The team is happy with its results, believing the DSi browser to be easier and faster to use than other handheld devices on the market.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/960/960155p1.html

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Wii's Resident Evil fans will be 'very happy very soon,' Capcom says

March 7th, 2009, 10:07 Posted By: wraggster

Though we're usually reticent to make a connection between ravenous undead hordes and happiness, Capcom's Resident Evil franchise has proven adept at uniting dire consequences with gaming euphoria. With Resident Evil 5 set to launch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 13th, Wii owners may have felt somewhat left out of all the neck-chomping fun.

While submitting that Resident Evil 5 "pushes the boundaries of graphics and gameplay," Capcom's Associate Product Marketing Manager, Matt Dahlgren, had something more to say when prodded about a Wii version. "It was made for the Xbox 360 and PS3," he told our correspondent, Xav de Matos, at a recent Capcom event in Toronto. "That being said, Nintendo Wii fans will be very happy very soon."

When asked if we could expect an announcement during this month's GDC or E3 later this year, Dahlgren only offered, "Very soon." The exact nature of this impending happiness is up for speculation (examples: Biohazard 0's Wii port coming stateside! A remake! Umbrella Chronicles 2!), so we'll leave that to you.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/wi...-soon-says-ca/

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What Is The Last Wii Game You Bought?

March 7th, 2009, 10:15 Posted By: wraggster

it's Saturday Time for TELL US DAMMIT, a day late and a dollar short. Oh my.

Here's how it works: We ask a question, you answer it. Simple and no strings attached! This isn't some marketing survey or whatever. It's an emotional investment in you. Yes, we're interested in knowing you, reader person.

You probably know oodles about us - more than you even want to, we're sure. But, hey, we'd like to know about you. That way you won't be some faceless blob - and we might feel a tinge of guilt when we ban your ass. Or not, because really we're incapable of human emotion.

Question: Next week, Wii title MadWorld will be released in the U.S. Everyone's quite excited! What we want to know: What is the last Wii game you bought and when?

http://kotaku.com/5165960/what-is-th...ame-you-bought

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Bubble Bobble Plus And Silver Star Chess Leaked

March 7th, 2009, 10:17 Posted By: wraggster

Look, Bubble Bobble Plus has always been on track for an international release. An ESRB leak (thanks Justin!) just reaffirms Bub is coming to our shores sometime in the future.

Also found on the ESRB is a rating for Silver Star Chess, a WiiWare chess game published by Electronic Arts in Japan. Agetec, who has been very quiet recently, will publish it here.

I know you must be jumping out of your seat because a WiiWare chess game is coming, but seeing Agetec license Silver Star chess is more interesting than the actual release. Plenty of small Japanese publishers released titles on WiiWare which have been for Japan only since they don’t have an international base. Silver Star Chess, even though it’s published by a local US company, was one of WiiWare’s orphaned games. Now we know Agetec is starting to look at licensing some of these games. Perhaps, they will be brave enough to pick up Sorcery Blade or the wacky Shootanto.

Sudoku - We All Play and Battle Poker sound like other WiiWare leaks from the ESRB. See if you can match the description with the title.

This is a puzzle game in which players arrange groups of jumbled cards to create five-card poker hands. Players earn points for each hand created and are rewarded more points for higher five-card combinations.

This is a puzzle game in which players assign numbers to a grid to solve various mathematical sequences. The game provides varying degrees of difficulty along with thousands of number grids.

Easy right?

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/06...-chess-leaked/

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A Short Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Special Trailer

March 7th, 2009, 10:19 Posted By: wraggster

Square Enix eager to remind us about Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days uploaded a new old video. Sounds paradoxical, but this clip was shown at some other event since the tail end says coming in spring when we know the exact release date is May 30.

Still always nice to see four player wireless footage of Organization XIII even if the screens are contained in a rotating polygon.



http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/06...ecial-trailer/

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Originally, Avalon Code Had A Virtual Book Of Prophecy To Write In

March 7th, 2009, 10:20 Posted By: wraggster

One of the key elements in Avalon Code is the Book of Prophecy. This item starts the quest and it’s your job to mark items worth saving into the books pages for the new world. The book is also used as a weapon since you can hit monsters with it and rearrange their weaknesses. Players do this by switching code fragments with the stylus.

In the early stages of development Avalon Code’s Book of Prophecy was a virtual book. “The inspiration [for the Book of Prophecy] actually came from the DS game system itself,” Yoshifumi Hashimoto, Scenario Writer and Producer at Marvelous Entertainment, explains. “When you hold the DS sideways it looks like a notebook, so I thought it’d be fun to write things in there. From that concept I thought of making a game that you can rewrite what happens in the game.”

Unlike the final game Hashimoto envisioned players would actually write and edit text in the book. “I thought it would be fun to see an enemy that read ‘Fire resistant monster’ and erase the ‘Fire’ to make it an ordinary monster.”

What do you think of the theoretical system Hashimoto described? Would you want a book you could write in or is flipping codes more efficient?

On Monday we’ll have more about Avalon Code where Hashimoto shares his thoughts about the combat system and details the game’s romance system.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/06...y-to-write-in/

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App Viewer v0.1

March 7th, 2009, 10:35 Posted By: wraggster

Roboprez has released App Viewer v0.1:

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The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy'

March 8th, 2009, 10:52 Posted By: wraggster

It's been a while since we've seen anything out of High Voltage's little-shooter-that-could, The Conduit -- a problem that was expediently rectified on last night's episode of GameTrailers TV. In addition to the revelation that the game won't support Wii MotionPlus but will allow users to chat via Wii Speak, the latest trailer for the shooter, titled "Conspiracy," was aired.

In addition to showing a sizable chunk of gameplay, the trailer (which we've posted after the jump) gives further hints regarding the game's plot. Here's what we've pieced together: There's a conspiracy (Aliens? Illuminati? Grassy Knoll?), which appears to be causing protagonist Michael Ford to have a very bad day.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/th...with-conspira/

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gpSP-mod-20090307 - GBA Emulator for PSP

March 8th, 2009, 11:09 Posted By: wraggster

The GBA Emulator for the PSP based on gPSP and gPSP kai source code has been updated.

Changes:
- improved sound syncronization.

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thanks emurussia for the news.

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QuakeGX v0.04 with SDHC support.

March 8th, 2009, 11:19 Posted By: wraggster



QuakeGX v0.04 with SDHC support has been Compiled by Oscar Portela. cant tell you any more details as theres no info on the google site.

Download Quake Shareware Here

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cIOS usb2 beta1 - USB 2 on the Wii Released

March 8th, 2009, 11:22 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from Kwirk

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Melty Blood DS v0.2

March 8th, 2009, 11:33 Posted By: wraggster

news via nintendomax

djidane produces a small update for its fighting game 2D "Melty Blood DS", note that this version is still a demo.

Quote:
06/03: ~ ~ VERSION 0.2
Not much new for this release. I missed time recently and the leap took me considerable time.
Content:
- Adjust the speed of walking
- Vertical jump (with a possible small movement in the air)
- Double jump
- Vertical Scrolling

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Natura No Story WIP 2

March 8th, 2009, 11:35 Posted By: wraggster

news via nintendomax



morukutsu launches a new video of his platform game Natura No Story "which should soon go out" I assure you it is a game lover even if it is professional. " The game looks very promising as you can see, discover this movie just for the pleasure.

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Wanna Drive The Zelda-Mobile?

March 8th, 2009, 20:52 Posted By: wraggster



Well, with an outlay of just $500, you can. The owner of this 1978 Ford Fairmont - which we've seen before - has had enough of his Hylian steed, and is selling up.

http://kotaku.com/5165848/wanna-drive-the-zelda+mobile

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RedSquare 0.91

March 8th, 2009, 21:08 Posted By: wraggster

wplaat has released RedSquare 0.91:

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The Legend of Hyrule - Alpha

March 8th, 2009, 21:34 Posted By: wraggster

news via nintendomax ((thanks also for the image)

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Weeky Wii Update: New Gradius, Old Kidd

March 9th, 2009, 17:22 Posted By: wraggster

Two old favorites return in this week's Wii Update, with the rebirth of Konami's classic shooter, Gradius, and the re-release of Sega's Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars.

Gradius ReBirth (1,000 Wii points) is a remix of Konami's classic shoot em up series. Players get five levels worth of frantic shooter action, which can be played in their entirety with unlimited continues in standard mode, or taken on in Score Attack mode, where players have a single credit to beat the game. Score Attack mode also supports online leaderboards, and the kids do love online leaderboards.

Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (500 Wii points) is of course the classic Sega Master System platformer, released on the Virtual Console in its original glory.

http://kotaku.com/5166613/weeky-wii-...adius-old-kidd

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How To Play Famicom Games On A Famicom Cartridge

March 9th, 2009, 17:25 Posted By: wraggster



Step 1: buy a business card holder that looks just like a Famicom cartridge. Step 2: crack that card holder open. Step 3: put the guts of a cheap, emulator-capable media player inside

http://kotaku.com/5166498/how-to-pla...icom-cartridge

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JMEBoy und JSwingBoy v1.2.8

March 9th, 2009, 19:00 Posted By: wraggster

News via http://www.aep-emu.de/

JMEBoy is a Game Boy emulator available for mobile phones using J2ME. JSwingBoy runs on PCs.

http://sourceforge.net/project/showf...roup_id=219240

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N64 Homebrew To Include Retro Nintendo News

March 9th, 2009, 19:08 Posted By: wraggster

Hi all from now on this Nintendo64 Homebrew site will also feature the following Nintendo consoles, the Snes and Nes and also Virtual Boy and any emulators/homebrew that are released for them.

the next update of the site will have new sections for each console.

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Gameboy News Coming to GBA Emulation

March 9th, 2009, 19:13 Posted By: wraggster

Hi all from now on this GBA Homebrew site will also feature the gameboy and any emulators/homebrew that are released for it from now on.

the next update of the site will have new sections for each console.

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FCEUltra Win32 mappers modified 07.03.2009

March 9th, 2009, 19:24 Posted By: wraggster

news via http://www.aep-emu.de/

A new build from the NES emulator FCEUltra-Win32-mappers-modified has been released. This emulator is based on FCEUltra source code snapshot (fceu-0.98.13).

http://cah4e3.shedevr.org.ru/fceultra.php

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bsnes 0.040

March 9th, 2009, 19:26 Posted By: wraggster

News via http://emu-russia.net/en/

SNES emulator has been updated recently. Changes:
- interface has been re-written from scratch. It is now far more polished and professional;
- this release is approximately ~12% faster than v039.

http://byuu.cinnamonpirate.com

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Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis Lead Nintendo's New Play Control! Lineup

March 9th, 2009, 21:25 Posted By: wraggster

Unique motion-sensing controls have already helped to make Wii the nation's top-selling video game console. With today's launch of the New Play Control! series from Nintendo, Wii owners can use those same fun, intuitive controls to discover – or rediscover – some of the coolest and most well-received games made famous on the Nintendo GameCube system, each updated with a new wireless, active control scheme and a widescreen presentation.

New Play Control! Pikmin and New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis are the first two games in this new series, taking all the action and imagination of the originals and giving them a new control scheme. Not only do both new games make use of Nintendo's simple-to-use Wii Remote controller, but they're also presented for the first time ever in an eye-pleasing 16:9 widescreen format.

"On all of its platforms, Nintendo has consistently delivered irresistible games that fans can enjoy for years on end," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With the New Play Control! series, we're giving Wii users new ways to tap into some great titles using the latest and greatest controls."

New Play Control! Pikmin puts players in the role of Captain Olimar, a space traveler who's stranded on a strange alien planet. Only an army of quirky creatures called Pikmin can help him repair his ship and survive the elements. With New Play Control! enhancements, players can now maneuver and command up to 100 Pikmin with a point of the Wii Remote controller, dodging obstacles and foes while working toward a heroic escape. Visit www.Pikmin.com to learn more.

New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis finds Nintendo's superstar plumber storming the court for some outrageous tennis action, joined by a roster of his unpredictable pals. Building on the skills they've honed with the Wii Sports video game, players can now use the Wii Remote controller like a tennis racket to make characters hit forehand or backhand, applying spin and charging up to perform devastating special moves. Seasoned pros can even attach the Nunchuk controller for added precision as they play their way through traditional matches, mini-games and crazy Gimmick Courts. Visit www.MarioTennis.com to learn more.

Forthcoming New Play Control! titles include New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, scheduled for release on May 4. Whereas the original version had players beating on a pair of bongos to drive Donkey Kong through wild jungle activities, the New Play Control! edition lets players use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to enjoy the game's rollicking rhythmic challenges.

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Guitar Hero World Tour Bundle Still Sells

March 9th, 2009, 21:28 Posted By: wraggster

According to research done by Matt Matthews at Gamasutra, the Guitar Hero World Tour full band kit sells surprisingly well, making up 41 percent of the game's units sold from October 2008 to January 2009, based on figures from Michael Pachter at Wedbush Morgan Securities. 35 percent of the units sold are the guitar bundle while 24 percent of the units are the standalone game. Matthews comments on how impressive it is that, despite the harsh economic times and other plastic instruments saturating the market, the band kit still sells the most units during its launch and the following months.

By estimating the game's revenue by type, it's also clear that the band kit pulls in the most money with 61 percent of total revenue in the aforementioned time frame, according to Matthews. But only time (and educated guesses) will tell how future rhythm games will sell in these troubled times.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/960/960414p1.html

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Cave Story to Emerge Soon

March 9th, 2009, 21:30 Posted By: wraggster

Nicalis, developer of Cave Story, has announced on its official blog that the team is now in crunch mode and expects to release the game in either late April or early May. The online manual is being written, final testing is in progress, and all of the new artwork is being scrutinized. The audio guys are working on a speed synthesizer that will sing lyrics over each song in the game. Also mentioned are plans for downloadable content.

Cave Story originally appeared as a freeware PC game in 2004 and is now being produced for WiiWare. It features classic platforming gameplay similar to Blaster Master or Super Metroid.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/960/960509p1.html

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Shiny Red Tank v0.1a

March 9th, 2009, 21:34 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from MetaFight

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SignCheck

March 9th, 2009, 21:37 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from The_Lemon_Man

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Parallel Worlds: Alpha 5

March 9th, 2009, 21:58 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from strata8

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Wii MotionPlus Delayed, According to IGN

March 10th, 2009, 00:33 Posted By: wraggster

According to a recent IGN podcast, Nintendo is having problems in development of Wii MotionPlus. "Hiccups" need fixing.

Kotaku points out that the "Spring 2009" release for Wii Sports Resort has been quietly adjusted to just "2009." But with a few different companies bragging about their MotionPlus functionality for games hitting around June, coupled with the pretty extensive hands-on with the peripheral we were allowed almost a year ago, it's hard to believe that technical glitches could be all that devastating at this point in time.

If anything, it seems like IGN is confirming what we already suspected after Nintendo kept so quiet since E3. Wii MotionPlus was delayed. Now it's on schedule for a June-ish release.

http://i.gizmodo.com/5166589/wii-mot...cording-to-ign

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The Conduit's Dropping Of Wii MotionPlus Explained

March 10th, 2009, 00:37 Posted By: wraggster

The Conduit's contribution to the Wii library is exciting. It's easy on the eyes, seems like a smart publishing decision by Sega, and planned for Wii Speak and Wii MotionPlus support from the get-go.

For better or worse, Wii MotionPlus support has since been dropped from The Conduit, a seemingly curious decision for a first-person shooter. 1UP decided to find out, straight from High Voltage Software, why the Wii game has shunned the Wii Remote add-on.

http://kotaku.com/5167084/the-condui...plus-explained

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Dawn Of Fullmetal Alchemist Wii Details

March 10th, 2009, 00:43 Posted By: wraggster

A Fullmetal Alchemist game is coming to the Wii. Unlike the other Fullmetal Alchemist games from Square Enix this doesn’t look like an alchemic beat ‘em up. Fullmetal Alchemist: Prince of Dawn is being billed as an “adventure / anime” game that captures your senses. Players us commands like talk, look, and touch to interact with the world and gather clues. During missions the motion controls are used. A screenshot shows us an example of the remote being used as a screwdriver to tweak auto-mail.

The other screenshots suggest this is going to be a story based game. Square Enix says the game will connect to the new anime series somehow, but doesn’t explain how. While this might be tempting to import you might want and see how text heavy this is. We’ll keep following Fullmetal Alchemist: Prince of Dawn as it marches towards a scheduled summer release in Japan.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/09...t-wii-details/

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Sega Busy With Another DS Bleach Game

March 10th, 2009, 00:46 Posted By: wraggster

Making the most of their licensing agreements, Sega is preparing their yearly Nintendo DS Bleach game. Details about Bleach DS 4th: Flame Bringer are scarce since the announcement comes from a teaser site. The first two Bleach DS titles were Treasure developed fighting games while Bleach DS: The 3rd Phantom was a strategy RPG.

What will Bleach DS 4th: Flame Bringer be? Post your guess in the comments!

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/09...s-bleach-game/

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Role-Playing Potential On Wii

March 10th, 2009, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster

Stephen Totilo over at MTV has been tracking the usage stats of Wii games religiously for the past few months now. Using data he extracts from the Wii Usage stats obtained from Nintendo’s online service, Stephen has been piecing together just what games Wii owners spend time with (those of them that allow for their stats to be recorded anyway), and what games they enjoy.

This month, he discovered something very interesting. Something that a lot of us Wii owners have known for a while, but apparently, developers had no clue: Wii owners seem to love role-playing games. Says Stephen:



Among the standout trends in the Nintendo Wii usage stats I’ve been tracking here each month has been the dedication that role-playing game fans show to the RPGs on the system. Take the November-released “Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World,” which has garnered an average playing time of more than 31 hours per player among the users of Wii’s Nintendo Channel. “Tales” isn’t alone. “Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn,” released in November of 2007, has an average playing time of over 44 hours. (Maybe it’s a “Dawn” thing?)



He goes on:



Few people consider the Wii to be an RPG system. Maybe sales figures bear that out. Nevertheless, the feverishness with which Wii owners play the RPGs that they do get suggests that there’s an appetite there hungry for more.



Of course, we’re going to be seeing quite a few RPGs on Wii in the near future. Crystal Bearers, Monster Hunter Tri and Arc Rise Fantasia are a few off the top of my head, but there are more coming. If you look at Stephen’s stat analysis for March (linked to above), you’ll see good playtimes for Okami and Call of Duty as well. Developers might want to keep an eye on his column if they aren’t already. Nintendo’s stat-tracking service is genuinely useful for developers planning their next project.

This post is secretly a hint to Namco that they need to localize Fragile, stat. No, we don’t want an English dub.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/08...ential-on-wii/

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New Details About EA’s Wii-Exclusive ‘Spore: Hero’

March 10th, 2009, 01:07 Posted By: wraggster

Set for release this fall, the Wii version of EA’s universe-creating “Spore” is designed for adventure and a heavy use of motion control.
***
Few games have transitioned from the PC to the Wii. There is no “World of Warcraft” Wii, no “Company of Heroes” Wii, not even — yet — a “Peggle” Wii. But EA has been trying, first with “MySims” for Nintendo’s home system and, coming this fall, “Spore Hero.”
New parts, new controls.
EA has shed almost no light on “Spore Hero” since announcing it in January as part of the 2009 line-up of “Spore” spin-offs. MTV Multiplayer can change that today.
Last month in Las Vegas, I met with the general manager for EA’s “Spore” and “Sims” studio, Lucy Bradshaw, who talked to me, among other things, about how “Spore” for the Wii is taking shape.
Bradshaw said that this “Spore” for the Wii was built from the ground up. She described a game comprised of a significantly beefed-up version of “Spore”’s creature stage, served with a heavy helping of motion control.
The game brings the PC game’s full creature editor and procedural animation system, enabling gamers to assemble their beasts from a Potato-Head’s worth of parts. The mouse-driven interface of the editing tools in the PC game turns into a pointer-driven interface for the Wii.
Players have direct control of the lifeform they are shaping. Adding parts to the creature adds new motion-controlled maneuvers customized to the player’s creature. New parts, new controls. “That’s really fun to take advantage of,” Bradshaw said. “With the controls of the mouse, it’s point and click and you do feel a distance. Now we’re in there and it’s just really fun as you gain new abilities.” She suggested that dancing and singing were just some classic “Spore” behaviors that would be more fun driven by a Wii remote than by the click of a computer mouse.
“When you see the game, you’ll go, ‘Oh yeah, that’s definitely a Nintendo Wii game.’”
The PC “Spore” started in the primordial ooze of its Cell stage, graduating to a primitive 3D action game in the Creature stage before evolving into strategic Tribe, City and Space stages. Bradshaw said that this game, which won’t connect to the PC version, operates in just that creature slice but still presents an expansive evolution-based experience. “Your planet that you’ve lived on has had a catastrophic event and you’re essentially plummeting to a new planet on the tail of a meteor,” she explained. “You arrive there and you start encountering new creatures. This is a new planet that you’ve got to make as your own. So you start in a series of quests and adventures in a kind of open world that you can take at your own pace. You start encountering other creatures and can interact with them in either combat or social [ways], but you can also do things on their behalf.”
Some quests help the player’s creature evolve. Others, called Evolutionary Quests, require your creature to meet the needs of other species and guide those beast’s evolution. So you’ll be shaping not just your species but a menagerie of planetary lifeforms. Gaining an ability for your own creature, like jump, might allow access to otherwise unreachable areas. In that regard, exploration of the terrain is encouraged in ways that “Spore” PC did not. Said Bradshaw, “We’ve brought in action quests [consisting] of games that you play in the overall landscape of the creature that really do take advantage of those evolutionary steps that you’ve taken.”
While no screenshots have been released of the game yet, Bradshaw described a cheerful experience that suits Nintendo’s image. “This is very playful,” she said, explaining why the game wasn’t slated for, say, the PlayStation 3. “It takes advantage of the controls explicitly. And even stylistically, when you see the game, you’ll go, ‘Oh yeah, that’s definitely a Nintendo Wii game.’” As for the controls, she said that the team is “taking a look” at the Motion Plus option for even better Wii motion-sensitivity than what is available directly out of the box.
This Wii debut for “Spore” is sounding to be more like an action-adventure driven by the changing shape of life than the cell-to-stars skip through evolution that the original “Spore” was.
“Spore Hero” is one of the many Wii titles from EA, which has pledged to back Nintendo’s console in 2009 in ways that could rival even the house of Mario itself. It is slated for a fall release, alongside “Spore Hero Arena,” a companion game for the Nintendo DS.

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/...-hero-for-wii/

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Wii Goes LightSpeed with Gamebryo

March 10th, 2009, 01:10 Posted By: wraggster

Emergent Game Technologies today announced that they have integrated NVIDIA's PhysX technology with the Gamebryo development platform on Wii. The integration gives Wii developers "an unprecedented level of physics support to make more immersive and interactive titles."

"With our launch of Gamebryo LightSpeed we wanted to create the most flexible, powerful and user friendly environment for game developers possible," said Geoffrey Selzer, CEO, Emergent Game Technologies. "The performance of PhysX is well known and with NVIDIA's commitment to tools, partners and this integration relationship we are offering the industry an unparalleled solution."

"The response we've gotten from the development community since we first began working with Emergent has been incredible," said Roy Taylor, vice president of content relations at NVIDIA. "Our shared approach of creating world class technology that is customized to each platform to obtain the highest level of performance has been very successful. The titles being developed using PhysX and Gamebryo are going to set the benchmarks for achievement in game development."

The PhysX integration for Gamebryo on Wii follows Emergent's recent announcement of Gamebryo LightSpeed, which was designed to help speed up the development process with faster prototyping and iteration, and real-time updates.

http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/ne...amebryo/?biz=1

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Hori Classic Controller

March 10th, 2009, 01:23 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHk



The Classic Controller is equipped with Turbo function,which cab be set on each button (a,b,X,Y,L,R,).The Turbo speed can be adjusted to two stages (about 20 times and 10 times for one second).
It is the best analog controller,matchn with the best soft and for GameCube too.It is easy to use.

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We Ski & Snowboard US version

March 10th, 2009, 01:24 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHk




Fresh powder, miles of pristine slopes and unstoppable winter fun drift onto the Nintendo Wii in this exciting, fun and feature-packed snowboarding and skiing sequel to the critically acclaimed We Ski.

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Spongebob vs the Big One: Beach Party Cook - Off US version

March 10th, 2009, 01:26 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHk



You run the Krusty Krab! When Mr. Krabs agrees to a cook-off to decide who gets to cater The Big Beach Party, you need to help SpongeBob train a group of Plankton?s cousins to b ecome the b est chefs in Bikini Bottom! Lead the restaurant to success by picking the b est menu, stepping in to directly create dishes wi th stylus-controlled mini-games, and guiding SpongeBob ?s staff to victory!

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Sonic and the Black Knight US version

March 10th, 2009, 01:29 Posted By: wraggster

New from SuccessHk



Sonic’s storybook series, which kicked off with the hit Sonic and the Secret Rings, continues in a fast-paced, sword-filled action adventure! In Sonic and the Black Knight, Sonic is drawn into the rich, colorful world of King Arthur’s Camelot by the granddaughter of the legendary wizard Merlin who asks him to harness the power of a sacred sword. The heroic hedgehog must fight off the fearsome knights, avoid obstacles and unravel the mystery of a villain who threatens the very existence of Camelot. Designed exclusively for Wii, Sonic and the Black Knight brings a new twist to Sonic gameplay with frenetic swordplay, making full use of the intricate controls of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

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Peggle Dual Shot

March 10th, 2009, 01:35 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released today:



features
Stylus, 2 player duel mode

description
Launch your ball at pegs, bricks, and obstacles to clear levels and challenges. Meet all 10 fantastic Peggle Masters, complete 2 full adventure modes, encounter 120 levels, experience the all-new DS-exclusive Bonus Underground, and try your hand at 90 challenge stages to complete your trophy room & reign as the Grand Master of Peggle Dual Shot!

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-351j.html

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Pikmin Prima Official Game Guide

March 10th, 2009, 01:37 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released today:



features
Full details on your Pikmin helpers. What each color can do, what the buds on their heads mean, how to cultivate them, and how to order them to complete tasks.
Maps and charts for every area show all Rocket Parts, obstacles, and the best paths to take. Know where you're going and what you'll find when you get there!
Complete entries on all enemies. When they appear, what they can do to your Pikmin, and which tactics are most effective against them.
The new Wii controls covered completely. Learn how to use the Wii controllers to effectively order your Pikmin helpers and get Olimar back into space!
Platform: Wii

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-3a3p.html

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Dolphin SVN 2630 - Gamecube and Wii Emulator for Windows

March 10th, 2009, 20:15 Posted By: wraggster

The dolphin team have released a new version of the Gamecube and Wii Emulator for Windows:

- Anti-Aliasing support in the GL plugin;
- major advance in wii emulation (wiios works);
- better regional support;
- usual bug fixes.

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments

thanks emurussia for the newstip.

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Dolphin SVN 2630 - Gamecube and Wii Emulator for Windows

March 10th, 2009, 20:15 Posted By: wraggster

The dolphin team have released a new version of the Gamecube and Wii Emulator for Windows:

- Anti-Aliasing support in the GL plugin;
- major advance in wii emulation (wiios works);
- better regional support;
- usual bug fixes.

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments

thanks emurussia for the newstip.

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UK Film Board Confirms Silent Hill Game

March 10th, 2009, 20:20 Posted By: Shrygue

via IGN


You might recall rumours of a Silent Hill remake heading toward both Wii and PSP, following website VG247's recent noises regarding secret toil happening down at developer Climax's UK studio.

Well, the British Board of Film Certification (eagle-eyed overseas readers might more readily remember it as the entity which twice banned Rockstar's Manhunt 2 in the UK) has added weight to rumours by publishing certification details for a new Silent Hill game, submitted by Konami and classified on March 9, 2009.

That - '15'-rated - certification covers various components, listed on the game's BBFC classification page, including the game itself, plus numerous video submissions. With names like "BAD+ ENDING PT.1.WMV", these are clearly cut-scene elements.

According to the BBFC's extended classification information, "SILENT HILL is a horror / survival game that is played from the third person perspective. It was originally released on the Sony PlayStation in 1999. The player assumes the role of Harry Mason, a writer who has visited the town of Silent Hill with his young daughter, Cheryl. Following a car crash Harry regains consciousness to discover that Cheryl is missing."

So yes, it's a version of the franchise's seminal first outing but, with no mention of remakes or specific formats, it's still entirely open to speculation as to exactly what this recent content submission refers to. Obviously, expect more information as and when we get it.

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Wii MotionPlus not delayed, says Nintendo

March 10th, 2009, 20:22 Posted By: Shrygue

via Computer and Video Games


In light of recent rumours, Nintendo has told CVG that Wii MotionPlus technically isn't delayed because it was never officially dated.

The new motion-sensing peripheral was widely expected to release this spring - when Nintendo had originally dated the peripheral's showcase title, Wii Sports Resort, to hit shelves.

Wii Sports Resort, however, recently dropped off Nintendo release shedules, and rumours suggest Nintendo is still ironing out some creases with the new MotionPlus tech, which may see its release fall beyond June.

But a Nintendo rep told CVG: "No date was ever announced for MotionPlus - so technically it can't be delayed."

Doesn't sound like it'll be out any time soon.

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VBA rerecording (svn wip r30) - gba emulator for windows

March 10th, 2009, 20:31 Posted By: wraggster

VBA1.7.2-re-recording19.4 is the re-recording branch of VisualBoyAdvance.

This is the development project for this branch of VBA. Its primary function is to expand features related to the creation of Tool-Assisted movies.

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Little League World Series Baseball 2009 Announced For Wii and DS

March 10th, 2009, 20:37 Posted By: wraggster

Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Little League World Series Baseball 2009, the sequel to 2008's acclaimed hit baseball game, will be released this June for Wii and Nintendo DS. The title is a natural progression for the franchise, offering Little Leaguers and their families more features and refined, accessible gameplay.

"We are very proud of the warm reception our first Little League baseball video game received last year," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Little League World Series Baseball 2009 aims to broaden the franchise's appeal even wider, giving experienced gamers a sense of depth and to feel more challenged while still making it easy for parents or grandparents to pick up and play!"

Little League® World Series Baseball 2009 is the second officially licensed Little League video game for next-generation consoles, and once again it is being developed by world renowned Japanese studio NOW Production. Players will have the chance to become a Little League World Series baseball Champion, or play with up to three other friends in a variety of exhibition modes. New features include a full team editor, regional tournaments, all new stadiums, new skills challenges, an expanded set of collectible content and much more. Both versions improve upon the popular motion and stylus controls, respectively, for batting and pitching.

"The response to last year's game was phenomenal, and Little League fans have been enthusiastic in giving us ideas for the 2009 version," Jud Rogers, Sr. Marketing Executive, Little League International. "Activision and NOW Production are the best partners imaginable and we look forward to creating the best family-friendly baseball game of all time."

For more information, visit www.activision.com.

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Little League World Series Baseball 2009 Announced For Wii and DS

March 10th, 2009, 20:37 Posted By: wraggster

Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Little League World Series Baseball 2009, the sequel to 2008's acclaimed hit baseball game, will be released this June for Wii and Nintendo DS. The title is a natural progression for the franchise, offering Little Leaguers and their families more features and refined, accessible gameplay.

"We are very proud of the warm reception our first Little League baseball video game received last year," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Little League World Series Baseball 2009 aims to broaden the franchise's appeal even wider, giving experienced gamers a sense of depth and to feel more challenged while still making it easy for parents or grandparents to pick up and play!"

Little League® World Series Baseball 2009 is the second officially licensed Little League video game for next-generation consoles, and once again it is being developed by world renowned Japanese studio NOW Production. Players will have the chance to become a Little League World Series baseball Champion, or play with up to three other friends in a variety of exhibition modes. New features include a full team editor, regional tournaments, all new stadiums, new skills challenges, an expanded set of collectible content and much more. Both versions improve upon the popular motion and stylus controls, respectively, for batting and pitching.

"The response to last year's game was phenomenal, and Little League fans have been enthusiastic in giving us ideas for the 2009 version," Jud Rogers, Sr. Marketing Executive, Little League International. "Activision and NOW Production are the best partners imaginable and we look forward to creating the best family-friendly baseball game of all time."

For more information, visit www.activision.com.

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Penguin United Launches Safe Sports Pack

March 10th, 2009, 20:40 Posted By: wraggster

Penguin United is doing its part to contribute to the world of video game sports by offering the ultra soft Safe Sports Pack for Nintendo Wii. Designed for comfort and versatility, the Safe Sports Pack provides consumers with a three-in-one kit for tennis, golf and baseball games for Nintendo Wii. The Safe Sports Pack is a must-have for any serious fan of Wii sports.

The Safe Sports Pack adds realism and improves game play to any tennis, golf or baseball video game for Nintendo Wii. The Safe Sports Pack's ultra soft design is child-safe, extremely durable and has a suggested retail price of only $29.99.

"In terms of comfort and game play, the Soft Sports Pack is perfect for Wii sports fans," stated Richard Huang, Penguin's President. "Each attachment -- for tennis, golf and baseball -- is molded in ultra soft, durable material which makes the Soft Sports Pack exceptionally reliable and safe."

Product Highlights:

Soft, Safe and Durable Spongy Material Design

Includes Tennis, Golf and Baseball Attachments

Easy Fit Design with Interlocking Handle

Port Access for Nunchucks

SRP: $29.99

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/960/960786p1.html

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Wii to get Vertigo next month

March 10th, 2009, 20:42 Posted By: Shrygue

via Eurogamer


New ball rolling game Vertigo has been confirmed for a release next month.

The Wii version can be played using either the remote or the balance board. There are more than 50 levels, three classes of ball and a host of unlockable upgrade options. You can also customise balls to suit your playing style.

There's a deathmatch mode for multiplayer action, along with mini-games such as ten pin bowling and football.

Vertigo will be released for PC and Wii on 3rd April.

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Konami Announces Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Titles For Wii and DS

March 10th, 2009, 21:19 Posted By: wraggster

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers for the Nintendo Wii and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 for the Nintendo DS are currently in development and set to launch in May 2009. The latest iterations in the popular franchise are based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's series on the 4Kids Network, which takes place in the future and features Yusei Fudo and Jack Atlus, the hottest duelists in Neo Domino City.

Based on "Riding Duel" in the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's animated series, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers introduces players to a fast-paced twist on a racing game. Yusei and Jack duel in a new motor sport called "Wheelie Breakers" that combines card dueling with duel wheel racing. As they race around the track in their Duel Runner motorcycles, players call upon monsters from their decks to battle their opponents and prevent them from finishing the race. Using achievement points which players receive based on their race results, they can purchase new cards and add them to their decks providing upgrades.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers takes full advantage of the Nintendo Wii as players use the Wii Remote for competitive card dueling and Duel Runner racing. Gamers can also use the Nunchuk during races, allowing for split-second maneuvers including, acceleration, steering and recovery. Various gameplay modes are also offered including Story Mode, Grand Prix Mode and Competition Multiplayer Mode with up to 4 friends in racing split screen.

In Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009, players can experience the most robust offering in the World Championship franchise to date with up to 2,800 playable cards. The title features multiple gameplay modes including Story Mode, where players journey from Satellite to Neo Domino City and duel with characters from the animated series in various situations. Players can also compete in the World Championship Mode, where head-to-head battles take place against Yu-Gi-Oh! gamers around the world.

Offering more playable cards than any other Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship title, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 includes playable cards from the latest booster pack "Crimson Crisis," as well as three exclusive trading cards bundled in the package.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers for the Nintendo Wii and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 for the Nintendo DS are scheduled to launch in May 2009. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

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Konami Announces Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Titles For Wii and DS

March 10th, 2009, 21:19 Posted By: wraggster

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers for the Nintendo Wii and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 for the Nintendo DS are currently in development and set to launch in May 2009. The latest iterations in the popular franchise are based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's series on the 4Kids Network, which takes place in the future and features Yusei Fudo and Jack Atlus, the hottest duelists in Neo Domino City.

Based on "Riding Duel" in the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's animated series, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers introduces players to a fast-paced twist on a racing game. Yusei and Jack duel in a new motor sport called "Wheelie Breakers" that combines card dueling with duel wheel racing. As they race around the track in their Duel Runner motorcycles, players call upon monsters from their decks to battle their opponents and prevent them from finishing the race. Using achievement points which players receive based on their race results, they can purchase new cards and add them to their decks providing upgrades.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers takes full advantage of the Nintendo Wii as players use the Wii Remote for competitive card dueling and Duel Runner racing. Gamers can also use the Nunchuk during races, allowing for split-second maneuvers including, acceleration, steering and recovery. Various gameplay modes are also offered including Story Mode, Grand Prix Mode and Competition Multiplayer Mode with up to 4 friends in racing split screen.

In Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009, players can experience the most robust offering in the World Championship franchise to date with up to 2,800 playable cards. The title features multiple gameplay modes including Story Mode, where players journey from Satellite to Neo Domino City and duel with characters from the animated series in various situations. Players can also compete in the World Championship Mode, where head-to-head battles take place against Yu-Gi-Oh! gamers around the world.

Offering more playable cards than any other Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship title, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 includes playable cards from the latest booster pack "Crimson Crisis," as well as three exclusive trading cards bundled in the package.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Wheelie Breakers for the Nintendo Wii and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator: World Championship 2009 for the Nintendo DS are scheduled to launch in May 2009. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

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NIMF Disappointed with Nintendo

March 10th, 2009, 21:21 Posted By: wraggster

Hardcore gamers have been anxiously awaiting MadWorld for a long time. But not everyone is happy to see the stylish, kill-happy game arrive. The National Institute on Media and the Family (NIMF) issued a press release this morning complaining that Nintendo has "shed its 'family friendly' reputation with MadWorld's release."

"The release of MadWorld for the Wii brings violent videogames to a once family-friendly platform," said Dr. David Walsh, president of the National Institute on Media and the Family. "In MadWorld, gamers use the Wii Remote to make the necessary physical actions to chainsaw an opponent in half, impale an enemy with a signpost or decapitate a victim with a golf club. MadWorld is another reminder that parents need to make sure they watch what their kids watch and play what their kids play.

"In the past, the Wii has successfully sold itself as being the gaming console for the entire family and a way to bring family-game nights back into people's living rooms. Unfortunately, Nintendo opened its doors to the violent videogame genre. The National Institute on Media and the Family hopes that Nintendo does not lose sight of its initial audience and continues to offer quality, family-friendly games."

The press release goes on to quote IGN's review of MadWorld in order to describe some of the possible kills players can perform.

Each year, NIMF issues a videogame report card, grading the industry on its efforts to regulate violent games. In 2008, the industry was given an "A." Over the years the organization has singled out many games it found objectionable, such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2005, NIMF famously accused the videogame industry of promoting cannibalism because of the Xbox game Stubbs the Zombie.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/960/960820p1.html

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Pachther Says Wii is "Fast Food"

March 10th, 2009, 21:27 Posted By: wraggster

Industry analyst Michael Pachter says the Nintendo Wii has become "fast food" that appeals to a wide but less sophisticated range of gamers based on its great concept, presentation and strong brand recognition.

Pachter said that while game quality is important, concept and recognition are even more vital in determining how successful a console will be in drawing an audience. Wii owners are less likely to own other consoles and, generally speaking, aren't "sophisticated enough" to know, or even care, how a game they're interested in compares to hit titles for the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.

"They buy the Wii games that they buy for the same reason that people go to McDonald's. McDonald's doesn't win a lot of restaurant critic awards but they are approachable, they're consistent, and you know what they're going to serve you," Pachter told Gamasutra. "I mean, who sells more food - McDonald's or Ruth's Chris Steak House, which certainly serves better meat? Nintendo has become the fast food machine. Sony is very much the high-end restaurant. And Microsoft is somewhere in between."

Case in point: de Blob, which Pachter called a great Wii game, and which was outsold by both The Price Is Right and Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader: Make the Grade. "That's sad," he said. "But it tells you who the audience is."

"If the concept is right, if the recognition factor is there, if you 'get it' from what's on the box, sometimes the game doesn't even have to be that good in order for it to sell," he continued. "When a housewife is in Wal-Mart and sees Jillian Michaels' face on Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for Wii, nobody has to explain it to them. They recognize her from TV's Biggest Loser, they know they have a Wii Fit Balance Board at home, and they buy the game. Do they know whether it's a good game or not? Doesn't matter."

Reminds me of an old saying about steak and crap. But Nintendo appears to have found the Grail of gaming and while it may be accurate to refer to mainstream Wii fans as unsophisticated when compared to the hardcore, it's also rather silly to rail against the system's success as some people tend to do. Begrudging the mass market is a waste of time.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news...i-is-Fast-Food

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SpaceBubble 0.90

March 10th, 2009, 21:36 Posted By: wraggster

wplaat has released SpaceBubble 0.90:

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Banner Signer 0.5

March 10th, 2009, 21:45 Posted By: wraggster

icefire has released Banner Signer 0.5

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iDeaS 1.0.3.0 - Nintendo DS Emulator for WIndows/Linux

March 10th, 2009, 22:04 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from Lino of a new version of the Nintendo DS Emulator for WIndows/Linux: