Now America gets Cruis’n USA!

It’s a week of fun-filled firsts at the Wii™ Shop Channel. Each of the latest game offerings represents the first title in a memorable series that has influenced many subsequent titles over the years. Whether you prefer high-speed drives or side-scrolling adventures, it’s clear that these classic games have lasting appeal. What’s more, Wonder Boy is the first-ever Sega Master System title to be made available via Virtual Console.

Nintendo adds new 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:

Cruis’n USA™ (Nintendo 64®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Ever felt like driving to the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore and the White House in one day? Well then, gear up to put your racing skills to the test in a frantic trip across the United States, following a route that you won’t find on any map. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Appalachia, the flowing cornfields of Iowa or the crowded tunnels below Chicago, you’ll find yourself too focused on the intense racing action to worry about the scenery. Get started by picking from a garage full of cars to find the one that best suits your style—if you’re good enough, you’ll even find a few hidden ones to round out your selection. Then choose one of three different playing perspectives and get ready to hang on tight. With five difficulty levels, the ability to remove traffic or other racers, and two- player simultaneous racing, it’s enough to make you forget all about finding that next rest stop. Just watch out for the cows, OK?

Wonder Boy (Sega Master System, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): As Tom-Tom the Wonder Boy, it’s up to you to rescue your girlfriend Tanya from the vile clutches of the monster that has kidnapped her. To do so, you must navigate a series of worlds in a race against time to reach your goal. Along the way, you’ll battle foes and collect fruit that will add to the amount of time you have to complete your mission. You can also receive helpful power-ups from various eggs, but make sure to avoid the bad eggs and poisonous mushrooms that sap your precious vitality. Find the magic doll in each level to open up hidden areas, and make it to the very end of your journey to rescue your one true love.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

Wow, Nostalgia! Never Played anything on Commodore 64. Slick Cruis’n USA. Why spend money on the game when I have an N64. :P

Enjoy Pure Gaming Nostalgia As Commodore 64 Titles See Virtual Console Hit 200 Games!

This week sees the 200th title hit Virtual Console as it once again expands its catalogue with the arrival of Commodore 64 games for all to enjoy! As the biggest selling personal computer of all time, the release of the Commodore 64 back in 1982 was an historic moment in the computer and video games industry. Now, for the first time Wii owners can experience some of the greatest titles from its impressive back catalogue.

First up, get ready for a high-speed galactic adventure! Originally seen on the Commodore 64 in 1986, Uridium sees the solar system invaded by fifteen Super-Dreadnoughts. Players must defend each of the fifteen planets in this classic shoot’em up to stop the enemy fighters draining precious mineral resources from the planetary cores. Developed by 8-bit shoot’em up pioneer Andrew Braybrook, this outer-space title is pure nostalgia! Uridium is available for download now for 500 Wii Points.

Next from the classic Commodore 64 is something a bit more down-to-earth; globe-trotting martial arts title International Karate. Released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, this one-on-one fighting game sees players compete in a karate tournament to become the international karate champion. Players must fly around the globe to various exciting locations, under the watchful eye of the old wise judge, winning bouts as they go. With points awarded for successful hits, either against a second player or the computer, get your black belt at the ready and take on International Karate on Virtual Console for 500 Wii Points.

Finally, get ready to put pedal to the metal as you head out on the drive of your life across the highways of America in Cruis’n USA™. Originally released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998, Cruis’n USA™ brought the classic arcade hit into the home. Racing along the highways of LA, the deserts of Arizona to the nations capital city Washington DC, get ready to feel the wind in your hair as you push for the finish line to gain glorious victory! Featuring a 14-stage cross country solo challenge, as well as a split-screen two player mode to take on a friend head-to-head, enjoy famous US sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Grand Canyon as you experience the thrill of street racing. Cruis’n USA™ is available to download now for 1000 Wii Points.

Virtual Console offers users the ultimate retro gaming experience. This week’s titles join the list of 197 classic titles already available for Virtual Console in Europe, bringing the total to 200 games!

Honestly, the last wrestling game I bought was for the Gamecube and let me tell you none of the games are even close to the N64 Wrestling games.

The Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns To The Virtual Ring With WWE® Smackdown® Vs. Raw® 2009

Leading Videogame Brand Set to Deliver the Definitive Sports Entertainment Experience With Added Depth, Explosive New Features and the Debut of Downloadable Content

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced that WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 is in development for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ videogame console, Nintendo DS™ and mobile devices. Joining the immensely successful World Wrestling Entertainment® roster of WWE SmackDown/SmackDown vs. Raw licensed videogames, which have shipped more than 37 million units worldwide since 1999, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is expected to begin shipping to retail outlets worldwide this fall.

“The ambitious cross-platform launch of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 last year yielded tremendous growth for the franchise, as we delivered multiple gameplay experiences across seven platforms and greatly expanded our audience of WWE videogame fans,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “With dynamic new features and the extension of our gameplay experience through downloadable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will bring more console, handheld and wireless gamers together to enjoy the virtual world of WWE.”

“We are tremendously excited about the next groundbreaking release in the billion dollar WWE SmackDown vs. Raw videogame franchise,” said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “Downloadable content, innovative experiences with tag teams and a new Create-A-Finisher feature, along with significant annual improvements across all platforms, combine to bring the sports entertainment experience to new heights and gratify our long-time fans, casual gamers and franchise newcomers alike.”

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchise’s commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming. The Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system versions of the game will unleash a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the “hot tag” for the win. The franchise’s renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the highly anticipated debut of downloadable content.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform’s unique pick-up-and-play experience. The game also takes full combat sports entertainment to the next level by giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will also include a wide variety of new weapons, the debut of online gameplay and much more.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar will provide players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.

More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.

EA Announces Madden NFL 09 Official Ship Date and Special Collector’s Edition

Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, including NFL Head Coach 09, Available This Summer

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today that Madden NFL 09 will be available in retail stores in North America on August 12, including a special collector’s edition in celebration of the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. The Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition will be the ultimate interactive NFL experience - featuring full versions of both Madden NFL 09 and the all-new NFL Head Coach 09, exclusive classic Madden NFL gameplay, and an extensive library of exclusive bonus video content.

“The Madden NFL franchise has a rich history, and we’re proud to be celebrating it with this definitive video game package,” says Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS. “Featuring two deep and innovative new standalone games, as well as a host of exclusive bonus content, the Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition is the ultimate interactive offering for both long-time Madden NFL fans and anyone who enjoys football on Sundays. I can’t think of a better way to get your NFL fix than to enjoy everything that’s unique about both Madden NFL 09 and NFL Head Coach 09, and then connecting and sharing content from both.”

Whether you prefer to make your moves on the field, from the sidelines or in the front office, the Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition has something for every football fan. Madden NFL 09 will feature the most immersive gameplay, the richest online offerings and the most comprehensive feature depth in the history of the franchise, while NFL Head Coach 09 has been reinvented to provide a unique new NFL experience by allowing fans to be in total control of their favorite franchises. The two games offer unique experiences and then can even interact with one another with gamers being able to import their user-designed plays from NFL Head Coach 09 and put them into Madden NFL 09 to create customized playbooks for complete control on the field.

“Both Madden NFL 09 and NFL Head Coach 09 are deep and unique gaming experiences that will truly immerse sports fans of all ages, skill levels and playing styles,” says Chris Erb, EA SPORTS director of marketing. “With the Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, we’re bringing two great NFL games together to create the definitive football offering.”

NFL Head Coach 09 provides the complete NFL coaching experience, offering a variety of different ways to control an NFL franchise, on and off the field, in-season and off-season. With strategic game-planning features, NFL Head Coach 09 places gamers in the coach’s seat by allowing gamers to comprehensively scout the opponent, build custom playbooks, and develop a team that will adapt to the philosophy and system of an NFL franchise.

Last year’s Madden NFL 08 was honored with various awards, including the 2007 Game Critics “Best Sports Game” award at last year’s E3 Media and Business Summit, “Best Team Sports Game” from the Spike TV Video Games Awards, “Best Sports Game of the Year” by GameTrailers’ 2007 Game of the Year Awards, GameSpot’s “Best Sports Game” Reader’s Choice Award, and the “Best Sports Games” of 2007 by MSNBC. Over the past 20 years, the Madden NFL franchise has sold over 70 million* copies and has been established as one of the most revered sports video games in the industry. Since 2002, Madden NFL has been the number one selling sports game** each year in North America.

Both Madden NFL 09 and NFL Head Coach 09 are developed in Orlando, Florida by the award-winning EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA(R) Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R) and NASCAR(R) racing.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox 360(TM) video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)2 and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment systems, Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated RP by the ESRB. NFL Head Coach 09 is scheduled to ship only as a part of the Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, which, at a suggested retail price of $89.99 for the complete package of Madden NFL 09 and NFL Head Coach 09 plus additional exclusive bonus content, will ship on the Xbox 360(TM) and PLAYSTATION(R)3.

We received our copy of Best of Tests DS for the Nintendo DS and we shall do a review on it about 2 weeks out. This review will be after our review of Cocoto Magic Circus, which I plan on doing this next coming week. And we also have a strange occurrence with a PS3 review of Rocketmen Axis of Evil, which I am still planning on doing the review for the PS3 section of our quite forgotten forum. I will also be posting a summary of the review up on the site as well.

Man what is with all these DS announcements!!

TURN YOUR DS INTO A TACTICAL BATTLEFIELD WITH

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY TACTICS® A2: Grimoire of the Rift will be released across PAL territories in Summer 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system.

Lead your party to victory across the famous world of Ivalice! FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift turns your Nintendo DS into a tactical battlefield where you can take control of a clan of fighters, mages and more. Summon mighty Scions and Espers to overcome the challenges that await, fulfill your destiny and return home victorious!

And with victory comes fame. Earn a reputation for your clan as you win battles and a whole new level of party customisation will open for you to enjoy. The stunning visuals, special effects, and orchestral soundtrack in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift immerse you in the world, while the soundtrack narrates the famous adventures and triumphs of your clan.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “To our fans’ delight, fun strategy gameplay and an engaging story come together in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift. Nintendo DS users will be able to enjoy a tactical and epic adventure while exploring the world of Ivalice.”

Squenix goes Classical!

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME AND ARKANOID DS

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that ARKANOID DS for the Nintendo DST handheld system and SPACE INVADERS EXTREME for the Nintendo DS handheld system and the PSP (PlayStation® Portable) system will be available across Europe in Summer 2008.

30 years after the original SPACE INVADERS ignited an entire entertainment medium and founded a gaming generation; players can now prepare to play the most extreme embodiment of the game ever created.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME combines the captivating essence of the original game with a stunning alliance of futuristic graphic design and cutting-edge audio. The gameplay experience has been developed to maximise on the consoles’ abilities, offering players a whole new range of amazing features including a vast array of new power-ups, DS Wireless Communications and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

ARKANOID DS updates the classic block-busting gameplay of the 1986 original, with the Vaus vessel, balls and bricks all still intact. Different modes of play provide unique challenges including Clear with 140 levels to complete and Quest mode that sets different rules for clearing each round. Points won in the game can be used to customize the game further, with new backgrounds, blocks and sound effects waiting to be unlocked.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Both ARKANOID and SPACE INVADERS transcend different generations and gaming abilities, they are as loved for the gameplay experience as they are for their iconic status. With the launch of SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS we can offer existing fans the chance to enjoy the next level of gameplay, while offering a new audience the chance to experience these classics in a contemporary way.”

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME features:
* Futuristic, techno-inspired graphic design takes SPACE INVADERS to new heights
* Interactive, totally immersive sound scheme where sound effects are synchronised to match the beats of the music
* Wide range of amazing new power-ups

Additional Nintendo DS version features:
* Play a friend with Nintendo DS Wireless Play
* Challenge other players with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
* High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
* Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play

Additional PSP version features:
* Play against another player via ad hoc mode
* Widescreen 16×9 support
* Soundtrack provided by critically acclaimed musicians and DJ’s including SUGIURUMN, WALL FIVE, DJ Aki, ATOMTM & MASAKI SAKAMOTO and ALTZ

ARKANOID DS features:
* Over 140 levels to complete in Clear Mode, Quest mode adds extra challenge with different rules for each level
* Customize your game by exchanging points earned for new design features such as new backgrounds, Vaus vessels, blocks and sound effects
* Power-up items carefully selected from the ARKANOID series plus exciting new Power-up items: Barriers, Warp and Vanish
* Compete against friends with 2 and 4-player DS Wireless Communications
* Share the multiplayer fun from a single cart with DS Download Play
* High-Score table supported by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Game Factory’s High Tech Heroes Return to the Nintendo DS in Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A

Previously entitled Code Lyoko 2; Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A scheduled for June Release

The battle continues as family-friendly video games publisher The Game Factory announced today its popular Teen action-oriented franchise will return to the Nintendo DSTM system in” Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A.” Boasting an exciting new storyline, multi-player modes and a unique real-time turned base-battle system, “Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A” offers a new role playing game experience and newly-designed characters. Based on the hit animated TV series CODE LYOKO, from Taffy Entertainment, players can expect fierce cyber action with challenging missions set in the CGI 3D world of Lyoko. “Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A” is set to be released in June 2008.

“Once again, we feel very proud to be partnering with Taffy to deliver a new sequel to the Code Lyoko video game universe. Responding to the success of the first installment, we felt compelled to give fans a new take on interacting with their favorite characters,” said Leah Kalboussi Vice President North America at The Game Factory. “With Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A, the role-playing experience is a natural evolution to developing the franchise, offering a deeper immersion into the Code Lyoko lifestyle.”

A brand-new tale, based on the fourth season of the show, unfolds as William is being held captive somewhere on Lyoko by the evil virus X.A.N.A. Gamers will follow our heroes on a quest to destroy X.A.N.A. Their final challenge is to defeat the mysterious and dangerous Volcano Replika containing the very core of X.A.N.A.: a crater containing a number of towers one of which holds William…

Code Lyoko: Fall of X.A.N.A features include:
• Control with your stylus fully-customizable characters with upgradeable attacks, Powers, Functions and virtual Items (Firewalls, Viruses, Bugs, programs…)
• Fight your way through the Digital Sea and battle more enemies using subterranean vehicles ( Navskids)
• Battle against your friends in 4 different multiplayer modes : normal, handicap, bet & challenge
• Play with the four Lyoko warriors and experience a Unique Real Time turn base Interactive battle system
• Defeat X.A.N.A’s minions in 100 different Battle Arenas
• Enjoy Newly-designed heroes in Super-Deformed style