Everyone needs a little bit of news. That's why they made newspapers. And that's why I made this page: for the Wii and it's exciting news. All this news comes from me, and some other news makers on DS-Play, and will be frequently updated each time we hear something new from our 'top secret' sources. Word up, y'all.

Activision & EA's Lineup of Nintendo Titles- Thanks to Fizz | 08/05/2006

The industry's best third-party game publishers reveal their game lineups.

Activision and Electronic Arts, the industry's two biggest third-party publishers, have revealed their upcoming game lineup for next-gen systems, and believe it or not, Nintendo isn't going to be ignored as much this time... Well, at least from Activision.

Call of Duty 3 is coming out this fall, and strangely not to the PC. But it has been confimed that the popular WWII FPS will be released on PS3, XBox 360, and Wii. A developer hasn't been mentioned, but rumor has it that it'll be Treyarch, the team behind Call of Duty: Big Red One for PS2, XBOX, and GameCube, rather than Infanity Ward which did COD2. COD3 will be set when the Allied Forces liberated Paris.

While PS2, PSP, PS3, Xbox 360, and Xbox owners are gettin' air and bustin' kickflips on their consoles with the confirmed Tony Hawk's Project 8, Nintendo fanboys will get their own Tony Hawk game in Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam. This one is aimed at a more younger audience, and is more of a downhill racer rather than a 'do the best trick' themed Tony Hawk game. The game will have 9 premade characters, and it'll appear on the Wii, DS, and GBA soon.

A new action RPG in the Marvel universe is in the works, named Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. More than 140 characters from the Marvel universe, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade, and Captain America will save the day for the Wii and GBA toward the end of the year. Oh yeah, and you can play as the heroes evil nemeses.

Along the lines of super heroes, Activision also announced that X-Men: The Official Game will have almost nothing to do with the mutant's upcoming movie X-Men: The Last Stand. "The game will feature an all-new storyline that will act as a "prelude" to the movie's mutant-on-mutant action." says GameSpot. The game is ready to mutate your DS, GameCube, and GBA by next week.

EA's List of Nintendo Games:

Madden NFL 07--Xbox 360, PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, PSP, DS, GBA (August 2006)

Superman Returns: The Videogame-- GameCube, DS (Q4 2006)

Nintendo/pigskin gamers regoice! Madden NFL 07 returns gamers to the gridiron and will be released, as usual, in August, tackling the GameCube, DS, Game Boy Advance and a special Wii version. And Kal-El would be delighted to hear that Superman Returns: The Videogame will be coming out from EA about around the time of the movie release. This list may seem a bit lacking but EA has not fully announced their FULL game lineup, so expect a bit more from EA on the Wii.

Activison and EA's lineup of games are merely just a taste of what we're going to be getting for Nintendo's Wii. We here on DS-Play will keep you updated.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz for the Wii- Thanks to anime_joey | 08/05/2006

The first Super Monkey Ball game for the Wii

Sega announced the development of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz for the Wii. Sega says that it will have the most party games ever in a Super Monkey Ball game!It will have new party games that use the Wii controller features! For emample: You can play a game of ring toss or even whack-a-mole! Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz will be like the 1st and 2nd and will not be an adventure game like Super Monkey Ball Adventure. A cool new feature is that you will now be able to jump! All you have to do is flick your Wii controller! Sega did not tell a release date but we will hear more when this E3 rolls around.

Kirby's New DS Adventure- Thanks to Fizz | 11/05/2006

The pink blob is back on the DS, and he's not a ball this time.

In 2005, Kirby came to the DS with Kirby: Canvas Curse, a new take on the Kirby franchise, where Kirby is transformed into a ball, and you have to guide him across the levels throughout the entire game. Well, Kirby is coming back to the DS, and this time, he'll be adventurin' old skool style.

The story of this game is that someone steals some strawberry shortcake, and Kirby is out to get 'em, learning new skills along the way. Hmm... More moves this time instead of jumping, floating, and sucking up enemys? Let's hope so...

Along the lines of Kirby's sucking ability, (which allows him to gain special abilities,) in this DS version, the copy ability has been massively enhanced. Sort of like in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, the pink powerhouse can mix his abilities, using the stylus to drag the enemies' abilities together on Kirby's Copy Center (the Touch Screen.) And Kirby will be using the power ups on more than just the enemies. This time he'll use them on the environment as well. Ex: Burn trees and grass with the Fire ability and freeze water using the Freeze ability.

And unlike Canvas Curse, this Kirby game will feature Mini Games, similar to the ones in the GBA games. Players will be able to compete in the 'multiplayer fun' (for up to 4 players) using DS Download Play or Multi-Card.

No ESRB rating, release date, or official name for the game has been announced, and probably won't for a couple of months or so. But here are a few screenshots and artwork for the game below. DS-Play'll keep you updated.

 

 

Resident Wii-vil?- Thanks to Mikagami | 10/05/2006

 

Capcom sheds light on its darkest series.

 

Resident Evil 4 for the GameCube was one of 2005's most acclaimed games. It recieved many Game of the Year rewards, and was even near the top of Nintendo's Top 100. When Resident Evil 5 was announced near the middle of '05, Capcom revealed that it would be heading for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but the Nintendo Wii was left out of the mix.

However, out of Japan, there is good news for Nintendo fans. A new Resident Evil game is in the works for the Wii.

Although details are few other than the fact that it'll take full control of the Wiimote, the game's title will be, "a new game in the Resident Evil franchise" so it may not exactly be Resident Evil 5. Since Resident Evil is one of its giant franchises, Capcom might rework existing Resident Evil games, or perhaps create a spin-off.

We'll keep you updated.

 

A Classic Wii Controller- Thanks to Mikagami | 09/05/2006

 

 

Wii will learn from our past.

 

The Big N has included an image of a new, more classic looking Wii controller hidden within a package of hardware screenshots available for download on the Nintendo press site. The image, titled "Wii_classic_0501" shows a gamepad-shaped controller. The Wii logo is placed front and center.

This image was found in a package of hardware screenshots on Nintendo's press site to download. The image titled "Wii_classic_0501" shows a Super Nintendo-like controller with a Wii logo front and center.

It contains basic oval shape, D-Pad, X, Y, A, and B buttons (all in diamond formation). There also appear to be 4 buttons along the top of the controller. In front, there are also 2 analog sticks, similar to the setup of the GameCube controller.

The classic controller is to play old games on using the Wii's virtual console, it seems.

You can check out this controller here. 

 

You can also Digg this article here.

 

Sonic Wild Fire- Thanks to Mikagami | 09/05/2006

 

 

Sega announces a Sonic exclusive to the Wii.

 

Last year, Sega announced that its trademark character, Sonic the Hedgehog, would make his next-gen debut on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. However, as many have rumored, Sonic will be rolling on to the Nintendo Wii, quite literally, actually.

"Sega is excited to lead the gameplay revolution through its support of Wii with a Sonic release built exclusively for this new system," said Scott Steinberg, Sega of America's vice president.

Sonic Wild Fire (tentative title) is an adventure game inspired by the classic fairy tales of the Arabian Nights. As many expected, it will take advantage of Wii's motion censor controller. Players will hold the controller horizontally, tilting it forward quickly to perform Sonic's signature "dash-attack".

Besides the main adventure mode, Sonic Wild Fire will contain an assortment mini-games aswell.

Though unrated, Sonic Wild Fire is expected to hit shelves in '07. We will keep you updated with details as they become available.

 

Grand Theft... Controller?- Thanks to Mikagami | 09/05/2006

 

 

Sony copies a key element in Nintendo's revolutionary controller.

 

Sony, creator of the popular PlayStation and PSP has announced the controller setup for their upcoming console, PS3. Sony made the announcement that the contoller would support tilt sensitivity.

Do Wii notice a similarity?

The Big N has been an innovator from the very beginning. IGN says, "...and the best compliment is imitation."

Although PS3's and the Nintendo Wii's controller may be similar in some regards, there are major differences in the two controllers.

IGN says, "We've known for over a year now that the Wii's input device is what makes it special. The Wii Controller, has the ability to point at any television with pixel-perfect control. In addition, it also can move in three dimensional space, meaning that if a player wants to punch an enemy in the face, they can by simply moving the controller forward. To add to the control, the nunchuck unit can team along with the Wii Controller, giving tilt functionality to any game, as well as an analog joystick.

Luckily, Sony's technology isn't quite the same. Here's why:

The technology inside Sony's controller is a basic tilting accelerometer device. In a sense, that's the same style of control as the left hand of the Wii combination. Think of the technology as true 3D movement vs. basic tilt. The Wii Controller will sense all pointing, motion and a new dimension of control, while the PS3 controller will expand only on the specific tilt functions."

 

Bonk's Adventure on Wii- Thanks to Mikagami | 09/05/2006

 

 

E3 showing for TurboGrafx mascot will be playable at E3 on the Hudson booth.

 

Bonk's Adventure will be playable on the Nintendo Wii at this year's E3, and is being showcased at the Hudson booth. The game is a port of the 1990 TurboGrafx classic and will be released through the Wii's Virtual Console download service. Hudson has also announced plans to release third party titles originally released on the TurboGrafx system.

Bonk’s Adventure was originally launched in Japan in 1989 for the PC Engine, and in the US in 1990 on the TurboGrafx system. The game is a side-scrolling action game set in a prehistoric world, and many gamers may remember Bonk's signature headbutt attack.

 

Opera Browser Screenshots- Thanks to Mikagami | 09/05/2006

 

 

You will soon be able to see double on the internet.

 

The Nintendo DS will soon have the ability to go online with the Nintendo DS using the Opera web browser. You will be able to surf the internet using the bottom screen as a PDA-like input to type out your web address, and perform basic functions.

New Screenshots has surfaced of Opera in action. Here they are...

Corrupting the Youth- Thanks to FlameBlack | 10/05/2006

Samus is back to battle more Ugly Space Pirates...

Ms. Aran is back after a short vacation from the gaming world. Samus's adventures expand to the Wii this time, in Metroid Prime 3: Corrution. From the two short trailors shown at E3, this game looks to be an exact replica of the Metroid Prime formula, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Metroid Corruption (From appearence) will use the Wii's revolutionary controller design to aim and move arround whatever her hunting grounds. There's also a short clip of what appears to be Samus using her grapple beam to pull in or hold down an enemy while she blasts the brains out of it. Needless to say Aran's arch rivals the Space Pirates will be back, along with the new fan-favourite "Dark Samus". Judging from the artwork released by Nintendo for the game, Dark Samus is getting quite a bit of an update looking more sleek and overall more bas-ass. So far, nothing's been released as far as the storyline or multiplayer options, but expect it to be thrown out arround the release of the Nintendo Wii.

Set Phasers To Stun!- Thanks to FlameBlack | 10/05/2006

Fox McCloud is coming back "home"

Nintendo's Ace Pilot Fox McCloud is back and better than ever before. After a huge belly flop from Nintendo after the two Gamecube Starfox titles, McCloud returns to his roots: Aerial Battles. Nintendo announced a new Starfox tittle for the Nintendo DS at E3, featuring none other than Airwing battles. Fox will jump back into the cockpit of his trusty airwing and take the battles to the sky through an all-new story mode, and even against other players. You heard right folks, the new Starfox game will have multi-player. Already announced is an eight-player local play and Everyone's favourite Wi-Fi play with four players. After the succes of Metroid Prime: Hunters there is now doubt that this is going to be a huge success. Nintendo hasn't released much info yet, but expect a launch date and plotline by the end of the year.

A Rare Event- Thanks to Mikagami | 11/05/2006

 

 

Diddy Kong Racing: more details revealed.

 

Rare, as you might know, was the developer of the '97 N64 hit, Diddy Kong Racing. However, since Rare was bought by Microsoft, they said that they not be making games for its rivals' home consoles. However, they never said anything about DS -- and now, Diddy Kong Racing is coming...

...and it's bringing along Wi-Fi support.

According to Rare's website, they say Diddy Kong Racing will be "based on the N64 classic but improved and expanded in ways that only the DS allows."

Though details are few, Diddy Kong Racing will take advantage of DS's touch screen and mic. It have support for 8 players via download play, and as mentioned earlier, it will be Wi-Fi enabled. Gameplay wise, it will have new weapons, modes, characters, challenges, remodeled tracks from the original, as well as TT's Wish Races, where you can create your own track!

Screenshot added by Dr.McFizzle

 

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis- Thanks to Fizz | 12/05/2006

 

 

The sequel to a remake of one of the games that started it all: Donkey Kong!

 

1981: Donkey Kong, Mr. Miyamoto’s first arcade achievement that we will come back to play forever, is put into arcades everywhere.
1982: Donkey Kong Jr. arrives in arcades, making Mario the bad guy.
1983: Donkey Kong 3 hits arcades… not making good success.
1994: The classic Donkey Kong arcade game gets a huge remake for the Game Boy in Donkey Kong ‘94.
2004: DK’94 gets it’s own sequel in the insane Mario Vs. Donkey Kong for the GBA.
2006 (or ‘07): Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis comes out to the Nintendo DS.

Just a brief overview of the Donkey Kong arcade games and their dates. But anyhoo, if you ever played the GBA game, Mario Vs. Donkey Kong, you’d remember the Mario Minis, and throughout the whole game, Mario was out to save the little toys. Well, this time, it’s the Minis’ turn to save the day. This time, you use the stylus and the touch screen to guide the Minis across the obstacle-filled, nostalgic levels.

The story continues right where the first left off: Everyone’s in love with these Mini Mario toys, so much that the Mario Toy Company has expanded it’s toy line to include Mini Donkey Kong., Mini Peach, and Mini Toad figures to the series. With Mario bustin’ a Bill Gates, and rolling in all the money, he finally gets to fulfill his life-long dream: open a theme park called Super Mini Mario World. The first couple of guests includes the long-lost Donkey Kong and Pauline, the girl Mario had to save in the original Donkey Kong, finally appearing in a game since the last 25 years. Well, Donkey Kong, in love with Pauline (as you can see from the arcade game,) tries to impress Pauline by showing her his new Mini Donkey Kong. But the proud ape gets his heart broken when Pauline picks the Mini Mario toy. DK comes enraged, smashing the Mini displays and toys, and kidnaps her once again, (somehow) leaving it up to the Minis to save her.

One anticipated feature for the new Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2 is the ability to create their own maps with a new map editor and send it across the world with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Players can also download other players levels, check out player-ranking system, like in MPH, and get special bonuses. This feature could attract several puzzle fans and waste hours of players time creating maps to show off.

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is due to be in stores on September 25, 2006 in the USA. Seeing Pauline back for the first time in decades and making maps with the map-editor, this new Donkey Kong spin-off could be one of the best. Here’s a couple of screenshots from the game. And remember, DS-Play’ll keep you updated.

 

Yoshi's Island 2- Thanks to Fizz | 12/05/2006

Ah... Yoshi's Island (Super Mario World 2...) In my opinion, the greatest Super Nintendo game, and 5th best game of all time. And now, Nintendo announces a DS sequel. Yes, Yoshi and Baby Mario are back, and this time, they got a little bit more help. Yes, Baby Peach and Baby Donkey Kong are here to saddle up for adventure with Yoshi. The platforming genre stays true to Yoshi's Island 2, almost exactly the same as it's SNES predecessor. A video has already been shown and it looks shuper shweet. And this time, we get to see the 'lush vistas' of Yoshi's Island X2 thanks to the DS's two screens.

The Story: "A mysterious floating island has suddenly appeared over peaceful Yoshi's Island. Soon after it's arrival, a gaggle of kids vanishes from the island school. Thankfully, Baby Mario, Baby Peach, and Baby Donkey Kong manage to avoid being kidnapped. Now, Yoshi and the three young superstars must set out on a wild and colorful quest to rescue the kids and investigate the ominous island hovering overhead."

Hmm... Who stole the kids? Baby Bowser? The Shroobs? Michael Jackson? Who knows? We'll find out when it's released on it's unannounced release date. But one thing we know, is that this platformer will be in Dr.McFizzle's Nintendo DS the day it comes out. And, of course, here's some screenshots for the game. And remember that DS-Play'll keep you updated.

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy- Thanks to tendodweeb | 13/05/2006

 

 

The Lego form of Star Wars hits DS!

 

The Empire strikes back in this sequel to the endearing Star Wars game made all of LEGOs. LEGO Star Wars II follows the Rebel Alliance's battle to dismantle the Galactic Empire and rebuild a galaxy in pieces. From Darth Vader's pursuit of Princess Leia aboard her blockade runner to a showdown on the reconstructed Death Star, the game includes even more of the family-friendly LEGO action. The sequel finally allows you to build with your LEGO blocks, as a new Free Play mode allows gamers to customize the vehicles for new ship designs, as well as Free Play all of the playable characters (over 100 in total) by mixing and matching body parts, forming the likes of "Stormbacca", "Chew Vader" and "Leia Wan Kenobi." Other additions include cool new character-specific attacks and maneuvers, Power Brick items, playable mini-kit vehicles, an exclusive four-player Versus multiplayer mode (with DS Download features), touchscreen features, and more.

 

Fire Emblem Wii- Thanks to tendodweeb | 13/05/2006 10:07:03

 

 

Tuesday's E3 events showcased an exclusive video for Fire Emblem.

 

Along with a few of the other heavy-hitting franchises at Nintendo's conference on Tuesday, a brief full motion video sequence of a new Wii-exclusive Fire Emblem game made a brief appearance. The clip, which lasted only seconds, set the mood for the next adventure, as fans witnessed brief cuts of an action sequence showcasing smooth visuals and a beautiful art style.

Though there is no other mention of this game from Nintendo, the characters in the teaser seem to be an entirely new cast. A fighter can be shown fending off guards while a female mage builds up a spell. Aside from the brief taste of design, the video leaves us with far more questions than answers.

We'll have more on the unnamed Fire Emblem sequel as news breaks. Be sure to check back with the DSP team as we continue to uncover more info on this sequal.

The Video: http://media.revolution.ign.com/media/826/826984/vids_1.html

 

Super Smash Bros. Dojo- Thanks to Hawk502 | 12/05/2006

 

 

Nintendo has opened its new Smash Bros. website

 

The newly opened Smash Bros. Dojo features some useful info as you can see from the links on the left. I highly recommend watching the movie, and the "How this game came to be made" section is very interesting. It features an English translation of a monologue by the director explaining some of the decisions that resulted from Nintendo announcing the game.

Most interstingly, Nintendo apparently announced the game at E3 last year without informing the game's original creator (at that time, no longer an employee), Masahiro Sakurai. Apparently if they could not get him to return, they were simply going to use the same characters from Melee and simply add online functionality. However, with the return of Sakurai to the helm (a difficult decision for him about which he goes into much detail), we will now be awarded with a true Super Smash Bros. Melee sequel as recent news clearly indicates. This likely explains why the game won't be ready in time for launch.

One last bit of information from the site is that the music for the trailer was composed by Nobuo Uematsu of Final Fantasy fame. It was not suggested that he would compose for the rest of the game though. However, it was revealed that a full orchestra would be used to compose the rest of the game's music complete with "lyrics" in latin. That will certainly provide a unique aural experience.

 

Microsoft and Sony Surrender- Thanks to braulio09 | 15/05/2006

 

Nintendo has Been Called the Winner in this War

 

Although the loser of the next-generation is still under debate, the winner has been unanimously decided as the Nintendo Wii.

Last Thursday Peter Moore, vice president of Microsoft's Games Division, told Reuters that he predicts consumers will choose two consoles: Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360. "Tell me why you would buy a $600 PS3?" he asked. "People are going to buy two machines. They're going to buy an Xbox and they're going to buy a Wii...for the price of one PS3."

Phil Harrison, executive vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment, has responded to Moore's statement in partial agreement. "I think Peter Moore is exactly right," he told GamePro in an interview. "I think Nintendo will be the second system consumers purchase after PlayStation 3. I haven't had a chance to check out the Wii myself, but Nintendo has a great history of innovation and has always done great things for gaming and long may they do so. But as it relates to our strategy they are very much in a different market."

On forums there are groups forming. On one side are those in the PSWii camp. On the other side are those attached to the Wii60. If there is one thing that can be gained from this movement, it's the Nintendo Wii will be anyone's console of choice.

 

Hotel Dusk: Room 215- Thanks to Fizz | 14/05/2006

 

 

Another DS mystery, similar to Trace Memory, but in a strange hotel…

 

“Oh my God!! I can’t believe all the great Nintendo DS games that were confirmed at E3! Let’s go through the list! Yoshi’s Island 2, Mario Vs. Donkey Kong 2, Big Brain Academy, Star Fox DS, NEW! Super Mario Bros, Magical Vacation, Chibi Robo: Park Patrol, Children of Mana, Diddy Kong Racing DS, Mario Hoops 3-on-3, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Magnetica! Wait… What’s this ‘Hotel Dusk’ game?”

Ah, that’s something I was saying a bit earlier myself. Well, then I found out about a game called. Hotel Dusk: Room 215. Hotel Dusk follows the tradition of games like Myst and the recent DS game, Trace Memory, and uses the DS capabilities to solve riddles. This gritty game has a unique hand-drawn character portrait and their animations are in black and white, making them really stand out in the game.

The game takes place in Los Angeles, 1979, where ex-cop, Kyle Hyde, is trying to track down a missing friend. Some clues lead to an eerie, old hotel that’s rumored to have a very strange room where any wish can be granted. “Check in and get ready for a night of surprises as you meet a cast of unusual characters and try to unravel the mystery in Hotel Dusk: Room 215.”

A unique feature to this game is that you have to hold the DS as if you were holding a book. You use the touch screen to search for clues, solve strange puzzles, grill characters, and all that stuff. It’s been confirmed that this game is only a single player adventure, and is being developed by Trace Memory developer, Cing. Thing is, will this game be a hit with all the other DS games coming out? We’ll wait and see. And, as always, here’s a couple of screenshots from the game. And remember, DS-Play’ll keep you updated.

 

 

Pokémon Diamond/Pearl: What We Know- Thanks to Mikagami | 15/05/2006

Coro Coro reveals Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS.

You are in the land of Shinou, in your home town, Futaba, and this is where your Pokémon catching adventure begins on the Nintendo DS.

Though little is known about this game, Coro Coro recently revealed screenshots and information about the upcoming Pokémon game. It is said that you will have the ability to tranfer Pokémon from your Gameboy Advance Pokémon games after certain criterea are met in the game. As in all of the next-gen Pokémon games, we plan that there will be about 100 new Pokémon. However, only five are known about. Diamond and Pearl will also use the Nintendo DS's LAN capabilities to connect 16 people in a "Union Room-styled" situation -- similar to FireRed and LeafGreen. Mafani, one of the new Pokémon, is known to be obtainable through the Ranger series. It will be transferable via Wi-Fi between 2 DS's -- one containing D/P, and one containing Ranger. We also know about a new attack featured in this game. In a recent contest, a fan was awarded the honor of creating attack. Thus, Meteoric Swarm was created, with a powerful 140 attack! However, there is a down-side to this attack, it sharply lowers the user's Special Attack.

We will keep you updated -- for now, we'll leave you with some screenshots.

Wi-Fi USB Connector software updated- Thanks to Hawk502 | 16/05/2006

Nintendo DS fans should be aware that Nintendo's Wi-Fi USB connector driver software has been updated.

The new software is an update of the data that's found on the CD Rom, supplied when you purchase the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. You should uninstall the previous software and replace it with this new data to improve your playing experience.

Note - If you have already successfully installed the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector and are able to play online, there is no need to download or install another version of the software. There is no benefit to doing so, and it is not recommended for those who currently have a working connection.

For the software update and full details on how to install it, head over to http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/software/nintendods/winxp/en now.

Magical Vacation: When the 5 Stars Line Up- Thanks to Fizz | 14/05/2006

A new RPG game that might throw Lost Magic in the stardust.

Watch out Lost Magic… Magical Vacation: When the 5 Stars Line Up, a sci-fi fantasy RPG is coming to the Nintendo DS. This DS version is a sequel to the GBA version, which had one of the best artwork on any Game Boy Advance game out there. But if anyone remembers, Magic Vacation developers (Secret of Mana team, Brownie Brown) dr0pped the bomb that it’d only be released in Japan. Well, Brownie Brown is going to hopefully bring Magical Vacation’s sequel out of Japan in this DS version.

The Story: Madeline, a respected and powerful teacher at Will O’ Wisp magical academy, tells her students that she will undertake a dangerous mission in space and trains them for combat should the need arise. After not hearing from her for some time, the kids stumble upon a hangar of rocket ships. One by one, they board individual ships and crash-land on distant planets alone. Players will hop from planet to planet assembling the group of classmates. Once together, they learn of an evil sorcerer - a former student of the academy who now has ambitions to destroy reality - and set out to stop him.
___
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
O RLY?

Story sounds good… What about the playable character? The character you play as is differed between a male of female, which you pick at the beginning of the game. The rest of your party are the academy classmates. Each unique character will have a sign linked to one of the planets that determines what magic they’ll use. As the planets move through the solar system, the effectiveness of each attack shifts, requiring a different battle plan time after time. Even the monsters will also grow stronger and weaker depending on where each planet is. The game is also played completely by stylus, from combat to conversations with allies. Simple controls make the game easy to learn, but a challenge to master.
___
{o.o}
|)_(|
-"-"-
YA RLY

Players can link up with 5 friends - via Multi-Card Play - and explore ‘amigo’ dungeons together. “Find incredible awards and unending challenges into the depths of the unique multiplayer challenge.” There’s also a tag mode in which players can exchange date with each other and grow unique ‘egg’ characters that’ll slowly grow and hatch over time.
___
{o,o}
(__(|
-"-"-
NO WAI!

Magical Vacation: When the 5 Stars Line Up plays just like any traditional RPG game. Y’know, the old ‘fight monsters to gain experience points to level up, and money to buy weapons and items’ stuff. But the difference comes from the ‘command wheel’ and stylus play. EX: players will tap on attacks and tap on the enemy they want to attack. The game has not been confirmed whether it’ll have WiFi compatibility or not, but regardless, keep an eye out on this game. As always, some screenshots from the game are shown below. And remember, DS-Play’ll keep you updated. Wait... where'd those owls come from?

WarioWare: Smooth Moves Thoughts- Thanks to UrbanYeti | 11/05/2006

WarioWare anyone?

How many times have you been frustrated when you are in the middle of a level, searching for the next checkpoint when one of your parents yells, "come take the dog for a walk," or, "get off your lazy butt and do something!!" You yell back "Just a minute!" or "I’m saving!" But soon your parents start screaming at you and begin threatening to take that 'dang thing' away. Well, your problems are solved because WarioWare Inc. has been confirmed for the Wii.

WarioWare Inc. is a hit series of games across the globe. The game is basically strings of minigames in which you must complete. If you fail at so many games, you lose. The games last for about 5 seconds before they are over and go by at a rapid speed. You can pick them up and put them down at anytime without being worried. You’ll never have to worry about saving again. That’s what makes them fun.

While some of the minigames in the past are as basic as turning a faucet or jumping over the car or as crazy as picking a nose or hiding Wario’s belly, the new Wii controller will bring a whole new look to the WarioWare series. Sure, using the Touch Screen on the DS or twisting your GBA (which I was very embarrassed to do in public) were some innovative features to an awesome game, but the Wii will bring a new level of immersion. Flicking your wrist to cast a fishing rod, coloring circles and moving the controller to sautee vegetables are just a few of the minigames rumored to be included into the game. Some minigames I would love to see include serving a volleyball, jabbing a thug, guiding Link through a maze, wielding a sword and of course, picking a guys nose (I know you may not admit it but I know you want to.) The possibilities are endless. You could bring back classic NES games or put everyday chores in it. It doesn’t matter because the game will still be fun.

One thing I was really impressed with for the lone title to wield multiplayer in this series was how fun it was and how long you could play it without getting bored. With some minigames that you could only dream of and fun Multiplayer Scenarios (such as balancing on turtles and losing a minigames adds more turtles to your pile) left my friends trash talking (and saying things that I cannot repeat on this site,) and often laughing at each others failures. I can only imagine what the Wii will bring. People shouting, curious parents wondering "what the heck is going on" and the stray arm hitting you in the nose. It would be mayhem, and that’s what makes this game so appealing.

With WarioWare Inc. being one of my favorite game series to come out for a while (see the Wii Wishlist,) I know this will be good. You can play it by yourself, or bring it out for a good time at a party. This proves positive to the whole reason of the Wii’s existence. Anyone can play it anytime and it will bring people together. I know this game will be good and I’m sure one of the only complaints we will here about this game is 'My arms are tired'.

Duck Hunt Wii- Thanks to UrbanYeti | 14/05/2006

Hide the ducks, the Zapper returns

Go way back. A time before what we know as Nintendo today. Back to the time of mullets and hippies. A small trading card company decided to release a "Video Game System". Adults and old people (much like today) dismissed this idea as to “crazy” or “a waste of money.” Nonetheless, this company still decided to release this system. Thus forth, Nintendo was born. Among their first few games included a game about some plumber trying to rescue a princess (seems familiar.) Bundled with this game was another game called Duck Hunt (no connection to the pant less duck Donald.) Thus, the legend is born.

If you ask most kids, they will say one of their favorite is Duck Hunt, unless you ask those raving Dragon Ball Z nerds (I kid the Dragon Ball Z nerds.) Duck Hunt was a game where you have the granddaddy of all peripherals, the Zapper Gun, and you aim it to shoot ducks on screen. If you miss a set amount, it’s game over and a wretched dog laughs at you. (Its voice still pierces through my brain.) Also, included was a game, which was called Clay Shooter. It was basically Duck Hunt minus the moronic dog and those ducks with their awesome noises.

The Zapper gun was an awesome device which would fire bursts of light at the television. For a split second, everything on the screen turns white except for the ducks. So basically, hit color and you kill the duck and hit white and its a miss. With Nintendo re-inventing the Zapper gun, I have high hopes. Just imagine playing Duck Hunt with a scope. It would be a dream come true.

Now, as for Duck Hunt, not much has been announced but I have already begun to ponder what they could add. They could have the classic version, as well as a version where you could spin three-sixty. They could improve the graphics and to many gamers delight, replace the dogs high pitched giggle (Maybe this dog is just going through a "stage" in life) with a guffaw or something. Also, it would be cool if they added some new weapons such as a shotgun, the gatling gun, grenade launcher and the harpoon launcher (just kidding about them all.) But it would be cool to add new weapons.

With the Wii having more blasts from the pasts then a Cheech and Chong movie, Duck Hunt will have no problems fitting in. Let’s just hope we don’t go quackers (did I just say that?) waiting for it to come out.

Mario Hoops 3-on-3- Thanks to Fizz | 14/05/2006

Mario and Co. bring it to the courts of West-Philly.

Okay, Mario ain’t gonna bust it like the Fresh Prince, but the Mushroom Kingdom is slam dunkin’ in this new Mario Sports title for the Nintendo DS, planned to be released on September 11th. One thing that hit me was that the game is being developed by Final Fantasy creators, Square Enix. Could this mean the game could be an RPG/Sports game in a way? I doubt it. But anyhoo, let’s get on with the features:

Not ever has a b-ball game ever had Red Shells or bananas scattered across the parquet. Yes, the classic Mario items will be used frequently, almost like in Mario Kart, where item boxes are spread on the court, and players can pick them up for their advantage. Players will also be tracking down coins on the court, which will effect the score of each player.

There’s loads of basketball games out there, but none of them have the insane touch screen controls like in Mario Hoops. Use the touch screen to get your game on as you execute dribbles, passes, and shots all with the stokes and taps of the stylus.

Player Lineup: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Wario, Waluigi, Yoshi, Birdo, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Koopa Paratroopa, and Fly Guy.

Multiplayer madness is an essential element in every Mario sports game. So there’s no question about it that there’s 4 player tournaments, mini games, and exhibitions. There’s been a lot of talk that this game could be Wi-Fi enabled, which would be great so I could bring my A-level moves from West Philly: Yoshi style. Below are some screenshots showing Mario and friends dribblin’ up and down the court. Look for more info on Mario Hoops 3-on-3 soon. And remember, DS-Play’ll keep you updated.

 

 

Clubhouse Games- Thanks to Fizz | 18/05/2006

 

It’s game night… And the world’s been invited.

This new game in Nintendo’s lineup for video games newcomers, named Touch Generations, will even have hardcore gamers buying it, mostly because of three words: Nintendo WiFi Connection. Let’s start off with what the game is actually about. Clubhouse Games consists of 20 board, card, and party games that you can play alone, with friends, or with strangers around the world. With favorites like darts, poker, and checkers, this new title could easily appeal to gamers of all ages.

A Sample of the 20+ Games!:
Texas Hold ‘Em
Five Card Draw
Spades
Contact Bridge
Poker
Nap
Bowling
Billards
Darts
Chess
Checkers
Backgammon
Tic-Tac-Toe

And that’s only a taste of the games in Clubhouse Games. Anyhoo, I should mention the thing about multiplayer mode having 1-8 players in each game, along with Nintendo WiFi mode. And when you’re playin’ Checkers, Nintendo knew we couldn’t fully experience the game on the DS without shouting “KING ME, BABY!” So, they’ve added on a little PictoChat-like drawing system for each and every game- WiFi or not. It’ll take table talk to a new level.

Some smaller features include a clock in the upper-right hand of the top screen, a easy-to-read rules option for players new to the games, a mission mode and ‘stamp’ mode, and the emblem feature is back. (Note: The emblem part isn’t confirmed; there might be a limited library of pre-made images for your icon.)

Now, if my favorite game, Bulls**t, is on the list of games (since it’s Nintendo, a rename would be a must,) this game is a definite buy for Dr.McFizzle. But what about other gamers? Will this appeal to the other 1,000,000+ WiFi gamers out there and make Clubhouse Games a hit? Or will it face the fate of games like Tetris and Tony Hawk and only be played by a small majority of people? All I know, is that all these shuper shweet games makes me want to pull out a Chess board and start practicin’. Old people are good at these kind of games… Oh yeah, the old screenshots are down below, along with my usual saying.

DS-Play’ll keep you updated.