Wiiva la Revolution!! {News Topic}

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Wii repairing brain damage

 

UK brain-injury charity Headway believes patients playing Wii are recovering more quickly.

 

It bought the console originally for younger patients, but has been surprised by its popularity among the older crowd and the effect it has had.

 

 

"Brain-injury victims have trouble with all sorts of things, such as hand-eye coordination, concentration and attention span. The Wii seems to improve all of them," suit Jean Robinson told The Sun newspaper.

 

Scientifically, when hands cross the middle of the body both halves of the brain become involved, a crucial process in stimulating signalling pathways.

 

Success stories from Headway include a 38 year-old man who can now grasp objects like mugs in his right hand after playing Wii Sports, and a 62 year-old fellow glad to have his heart rate pumping after being confined to a wheelchair in 2004.

 

Videogames given a thumbs-up from the Tabloids, then. Mel, 24, from Morecambe, agrees

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Mario Kart Wii in Q2 2008

 

Mario Kart Wii will be released in Q2 2008, Nintendo said today, along with its steering wheel attachment.

 

You see, having trussed up its Christmas tree with Super Mario Galaxy, the Wii Zapper and Metroid Prime 3 in recent weeks, Nintendo has set its sights on the inevitable 2008 hangover and announced some release dates to soothe it.

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January should be a fun month for Nintendo fans, immediately, with Wii Chess and Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure thinking and yarring their way to retail on the 18th, to be joined a week later by Donkey Kong Jet Race.

 

Perhaps of greater interest though is the presence of DS title Advance Wars: Dark Conflict that self same 25th January. "Players will have to plan the perfect attack with their armed forces as they complete single player missions or challenge the world through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection," says Nintendo.

 

February is fun too, with Battalion Wars 2 (15th) and No More Heroes (29th), while the DS embraces the tentatively titled Professor Kageyama's Maths Training on the 8th, and then in March we'd promised Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice - the latest instalment in the series that now seems to be done with Phoenix Wright.

 

Here's the full list cribbed from Nintendo's press release:

Wii Software 2008

 

* PDC World Championship Darts 2008 (Oxygen Games) 11th January 2008

* Wii Chess (Nintendo) 18th January 2008

* Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbarosʼ Treasure (Capcom / Nintendo) 18th January 2008

* Donkey Kong Jet Race (Nintendo) 25th January 2008

* Hamster Heroes (Data Design Interactive) January 2008

* Kawasaki Jet Ski (Data Design Interactive) January 2008

* Kidz Sports: International Football (Data Design Interactive) January 2008

* Urban Extreme (Data Design Interactive) January 2008

* NiGHTS: journey of Dreams (SEGA) January 2008

* Ghost Squad (SEGA) January 2008

* Last Ninja (System 3) January 2008

* Battalion Wars 2 (Nintendo) 15th February 2008

* No More Heroes (Rising Star Games) 29th February 2008

* Call For Heroes: Pompolic Wars (Data Design Interactive) February 2008

* EARACHE Extreme Metal Racing (Data Design Interactive) February 2008

* Bleach (SEGA) February 2008

* Kawasaki Snow Mobiles (Data Design Interactive) February 2008

* London Taxi: Rush Hour (Data Design Interactive) February 2008

* Pool Party (SouthPeak Games) February 2008

* Destroy All Humans 3: Big Willy Unleashed (THQ) February 2008

* Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis (THQ) February 2008

* ATV Thunder Ridge Riders & Monster Trucks (ZOO Digital Publishing) 7th March 2008

* The Wizard of Oz (ZOO Digital Publishing) 7th March 2008

* Naruto Wii (tentative title) (TOMY/Nintendo) 28th March 2008

* Bomberman Land Wii (Rising Star Games) March 2008

* SEGA Superstars Tennis (SEGA) March 2008

* Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (SEGA) March 2008

* MX vs ATV Untamed (THQ) March 2008

* Harvest Moon Magical Melody (Rising Star Games/ Nintendo) Q1/Q2 2008

* Worms: A Space Oddity (THQ) Q1 2008

* PES 2008 (Konami) Q1 2008

* Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo) Q2 2008

* Dancing stage HOTTEST PARTY (Konami) Spring 2008

* Iron Man (SEGA) Spring 2008

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Wii shortages "unfortunate"

 

Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo in the US, has hit back at claims that shortages of the Wii console may have been artificially created in order to generate marketing hype, GamesIndustry.biz reports.

 

In an interview with MSNBC Fils-Aime stated: "In absolute terms, it is highly, highly unfortunate that consumers cannot find a Wii to purchase.

 

"And anyone who suggests that a shortage is good for business really doesn't understand business. We want the consumer to walk into any retail establishment and find the product. And that's what we're working tirelessly to make happen."

 

 

The comments come following continued supply problems for the console globally, and echo his previous statement on the subject.

 

Fils-Aime, who was awarded Marketer of the Year by Brandweek earlier in the year, also went on to discuss the DS and how Nintendo sees it developing in the future.

 

"Our goal is certainly to have the DS be the dominant handheld device forever. And as we create new software and new content, that is absolutely our intent."

 

And when asked whether Nintendo was still out to cater to hardcore gamers, Fils-Aime was quick to put forward the company's all-inclusive policy.

 

"The answer to those fans is Super Mario Galaxy, which on every major gaming publication is receiving near-perfect scores.

 

"We have games that satisfy the core, but in our view, that is but a small part of the total gaming market. There are more than twice as many consumers that used to game, but donʼt game today. We need to make sure that we include them in the mix as well."

 

Nintendo's stock price has performed strongly in the past year, and currently sits at USD 613.12.

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GH3 Wii replacements in 2008

 

Activision has promised Wii owners of Guitar Hero III that it will replace their fault discs early next year for free.

 

Problems first arose when fans noticed surround sound failing to play, an issue later clarified by this crafty version being restricted to mono playback only. This prompted page after page of angry customers on the official forums, many emailing the publisher and being told the same thing.

 

 

"We recently became aware that some consumers have not been able to enjoy the full audio output in the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock," responded Activision, a bit like a robot.

 

"We are currently working with Nintendo and are planning to issue an improved audio experience in future versions of the game. We expect to have re-mastered discs available by early 2008 and we will be offering consumers replacement discs at no cost once they become available."

 

Activision was unable to comment on specific European plans at the time of writing, but we expect its policy to be the same for every territory the game is on sale in. Or else. Or else what? Exactly.

 

Other versions of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock do not have this problem, which prompted us to heap high praise upon it for its most excellent thrills.

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Nintendo clarifies Q2 dates

 

Nintendo has sent out a note this morning explaining that Nintendo software release dates issued yesterday for Q2 2008 and beyond "have not been finalised or confirmed", although it did describe Mario Kart's as "fixed".

 

The information came after some (us included) got excited about Mario Kart Wii's presence in a Q2 slot, while others said, hang about, where's Super Smash Bros. Brawl?

 

 

"The Nintendo first and third party software line-up release schedule which was distributed by Nintendo on Thursday 6th December confirmed launch dates for Nintendo titles launching in Q1 2008," the statement today says.

 

"Nintendo also included some titles which were fixed for release beyond Q1 2008 such as Mario Kart Wii. All Nintendo software titles launching in Q2 2008 have not been finalised or confirmed to date. Nintendo will communicate on all software titles launching in Q2 2008 for Wii and Nintendo DS at a later date."

 

For the full release date list (for Q1 anyway!), check out our previous item.

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Retailers Favor Nintendo in Japan: Famitsu

Strong demand expected for Wii and DS Lite overseas.

 

http://wii.ign.com/articles/840/840166p1.html

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Hit the Ranges as Chun Li

Capcom character costumes to appear in We Love Golf.

 

Capcom has provided yet another reason to pick up We Love Golf when it hits Japan next week. Yes, aside from the mere fact that it's being developed by Camelot and has full Mii support.

 

According to the latest Famitsu, a number of recognizable Capcom characters will lend their attire to the game. The magazine gives a first look at costumes for Chun Li, Arthur (from Ghouls and Ghosts), Jill Valentine, and the main character from Gyakuten Saiban 4 (Apollo Justice in America). These costumes will be selectable as alternative attire for your characters.

 

Depending on the in-game counterpart you select, you might actually think that the classic Capcom characters are making cameo appearances in the game.

 

Capcom hasn't yet revealed how to get your hands on these costumes. You'll have to figure that out for yourself when We Love Golf hits Japanese retail on 12/13.

[nkarafo]

Super Smash Bros Brawl Delayed in Europe....

 

Επιβεβαιώθηκε πράγματι από κάποιον της Nintendo ότι το Smash Bros για Ευρώπη θα κυκλοφορήσει μετά τον Ιούνιο 08 ?!?

Fighting είναι!!! Αν είναι ποτέ δυνατόν!? Πόσους μήνες δηλαδή χρειάζονται για να μεταφράσουν το Fight ή το Go ή το KO. ????

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Nyko Reveals Wireless Wii Nunchuck

Exclusive news and first pictures revealed.

 

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Wii Fit Debuts at #2 in Japan

The fitness title was knocked off-balance by Professor Layton.

 

With casual games continuing to storm the Japanese market, it seemed Wii Fit's balance board was set to top the charts. But as reported by GamesIndustry.biz, it actually premiered in second-place. Wii Fit sold about 250,000 units in its first week, outsold by Professor Layton and the Devil's Box, with 300,000 copies sold on Nintendo DS.

 

Also notable on the list is Assassin's Creed at #8 on Xbox 360, with 40,000 units moved. Considering the machine's install base and more western-style game design, that's pretty respectable.

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Capcom Retailer-List

 

Bionics

 

Devil Kings 3

 

Mega Man Scramble Battle

 

Moto GP 08

 

We Love Golf

 

Zack & Wiki 2

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Don King Presents: Prizefighter brings an innovative feature set and story line to set the standard in boxing video games

 

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced the spring 2008 release of Don King Presents: Prizefighter, the most realistic boxing video game simulation, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendoʼs Wii™ home video game console and Nintendoʼs DS™ portable system. This in-depth, documentary-style title will provide the deepest, most authentic and entertaining experience ever seen in a boxing video game.

 

“The combination of real-life fight scenarios, story-driven gameplay and photo-realistic graphics will set this title apart from the competition,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “Our goal has always been to deliver the most engaging and realistic titles, and Don King Presents: Prizefighter will exceed these expectations. Based on the gameʼs innovative features and high-profile fighters, this title will be a ʽmust haveʼ for any sports gamer.”

 

"In all my years working in professional boxing, I have never seen anything come as close to recreating the thrill, the intensity, the courage and the spectacle of the sport," said legendary boxing promoter Don King. "Don King Presents: Prizefighter is more than a game -- it is a glimpse at what life is like in and out of the ring for these incredible athletes."

 

Developed by Venom Games, the 2K studio that brought Rocky and Rocky Legends to the Xbox and PlayStation 2, Don King Presents: Prizefighter will bring the realism of live action match-ups and the true tactics of the sweet science together for the first time. More than just a night at the fights - players will be responsible for building a career by overcoming adversity, avoiding temptation, and balancing their commitments to train and promote, all while focusing on the goal of ultimately winning and defending the title belt. The story will be told by a revolutionary sports documentary-style narrative never before seen in a video game.

 

Don King Presents: Prizefighter will be available in spring 2008 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendoʼs Wii™ home video game console and Nintendoʼs DS portable system, leveraging the unique hardware features of each platform.

 

For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com/prizefighter.

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Gore cut from No More Heroes

 

Rising Star Games has confirmed reports that the European version of No More Heroes will be based on the censored Japanese version.

 

"We're publishing the same version of No More Heroes that has been successfully received in Japan," Rising Star MD Martin Defries said in a statement issued in response to inquiries.

 

 

"Ultimately, it's a fantastic game to play and that's all we care about at Rising Games."

 

No More Heroes is the latest game from Killer 7 director Goichi Suda, and is typically violent, starring an otaku who becomes an assassin and has to climb a sort of assassin leaderboard.

 

In the US, that violence is preserved by publisher Ubisoft, but in Japan and Europe that's not going to be the case. Unless we all shout at Rising Star about it, presumably.

 

Still, if you do want some gore, you could always watch the Machine Girl trailer. TEMPURA!

 

Check out our No More Heroes gamepage for trailers. The full game is due out on 29th February 2008.

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PaRappa devs doing Wii game

 

Majesco has announced that it will be bringing the creators of PaRappa the Rapper together again to develop an original music-based game for Nintendo Wii.

 

Masaya Matsuura and his NanaOn-Sha studio will combine forces with New York artist Rodney Alan Greenblat on the game, which is scheduled for release in late 2008.

 

 

"Masaya Matsuura and Rodney Alan Greenblat are industry visionaries whose legacy was built on crafting groundbreaking, genre-defining entertainment experiences that everyone can enjoy," said Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton.

 

"Majesco's publishing know-how and retail relationships allow us to stay focused on creating a game that is conceptually unique and, above all else, fun. Working with Rodney is a true creative collaboration," said Matsuura. Greenblat said he "welcomed the opportunity to re-team" with Matsuura and NanaOn-Sha.

 

More details will be announced in early 2008.

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Super Smash Bros. Brawl