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MadWorld producer talks mature Wii titles, sequels, minigames
by Ross Miller 
{ Jan 14th 2009 at 11:30PM }
Inaba also said that they're (gasp!) considering a sequel should the game be successful. If that's not enough of a non-surprise for you, he reminds us that there will be minigames -- known here as "Blood Bath Challenges." This is a Wii title, after all.
Gardening Mama says put it in the ground
by Alisha Karabinus { Oct 27th 2008 at 1:45PM }
Mama's so talented. No more is she limited to the kitchen, sweetly suggesting you chop vegetables before she tans that behind. Now she's free to rove in the gardens as well, pointing at the shrubbery and essaying commands. Of course, after this screenshot, we fully expect an English-Teaching Mama in the future. The sky's the limit, Mama! So long as you stick to traditionally feminine roles, anyway.505 Games just announced that they'll have the latest in Mama's franchise on shelves in Europe in the spring, to coincide with the release of that region's Cooking Mama 2: World Kitchen for the Wii. Since World Kitchen is slated for November in the U.S., and no similar announcement has yet been made for Gardening Mama here, it doesn't look like we'll see the same dual release.
Gallery: Gardening Mama
DS Daily: Chocobo vs. chocobo
by Alisha Karabinus { Oct 26th 2008 at 10:30AM }
If forced to choose, which would be your one chocobo game to rule them all: Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Maze of Time DS+ or Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch and the Girl and the Five Heroes.
Let's have fun with Let's Tap
by Alisha Karabinus { Oct 14th 2008 at 10:50AM }
What's really striking about Let's Tap, though, is that it seems to capture the anything-goes, nontraditional spirit of the Wii -- remember that? the promise of new and breathtaking vistas? -- in a way that software like Wii Fit cannot. You put the Wii remote on a box. Then you do the same thing you do anytime you're stuck waiting at a light, or standing by a file cabinet: you drum out rhythms with your fingertips and this translates to the screen. It's simple, wacky, brilliant, and we wish it was being released tomorrow.
Sadly, we may be alone in this.
Gallery: Let's Tap
Square Enix prepares another book of Chocobo Tales
by Alisha Karabinus { Sep 29th 2008 at 12:00PM }
The cute little Chocobo has really warked his way into the spotlight: after Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales on the DS, Square Enix was inspired to revive the Chocobo's Dungeon series on Wii ... and then, this summer, Square Enix announced one of each for the DS, as a follow-up to the success of Chocobo Tales. That's one busy little bird.New details and screenshots are available at last on Chocobo's foray into the land of Final Fantasy Fables. Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon: Majiyo to Otome to Gojin no Yuusha (Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch, The Maiden, and the Five Heroes) follows the fat chocobo as he ventures, this time, into a story book drawn by Cid. Both of Square Enix's new Chocobo games focus heavily on Cid, so we're not surprised to see the franchise staple putting pen to page in this game. Players will tackle more than 40 mini-games when the title is released in Japan this December.
[Via Siliconera]
Guinness World Records : The Trailer
by David Hinkle { Aug 29th 2008 at 6:16PM }
We've just received a new trailer for upcoming minigame compilation Guiness World Records: The Video Game. It was kind of a sleeper hit for this blogger at E3. Despite it being a minigame compilation, which usually elicits a rolling of the eyes, it managed to impress through some fun scenarios and tight controls.
[Via press release]
Carnival Games 2 delayed due to first game's success
by David Hinkle { Aug 21st 2008 at 5:32PM }
We like to bash the shovelware as much as anyone, but Take Two's Carnival Games must have been a real gem, because it has sold well consistently and "exceeded expectations" since its release. That's why Take Two has been taking their good old time in churning out a sequel to the game, which is now in the works."We saw the original title was a big success, and we had the developers [Cat Daddy] thinking down the line for the brand," said 2K Play marketing director Christina Recchio. "So there will be a 'Carnival Games 2,' but when that is, I can't say that right now. We just have to assess the market and see when the right time is to release the title." What does this mean? Well, that they won't need to rush development on the sequel so long as the first title keeps on selling.
Any of you play the original Carnival Games? Think it got a bad rap from the critics? Or was it just a bad game?
E308: Rabbids TV Party flexes its muscle
by Alisha Karabinus { Jul 16th 2008 at 10:45AM }
Once you start looking for butt, you realize that it's everywhere. Just check out this screenshot -- you've got a rabbid clinging to this poor bovine creature's ass with his ass ... and what's the move called? Backside tail grab. Listen, we're not insinuating anything about Ubisoft here. We're just pointing out the obvious.
Gallery: Raving Rabbids TV Party
Shaun the Sheep screens taste good with mint sauce
by Phil Larsen { Jul 14th 2008 at 11:45AM }
Mention anything associated with Nick Park to animation aficionados and you will be met with squeals of delight. On second thought, don't mention anything -- just take solace in the fact that you know all about the mega-popular creator of Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts and now Shaun the Sheep.Our first look at Shaun was a positive one -- despite the possible trappings of the standard mini-game compilation, the light-hearted, mischievious nature of the trailer had people talking. D3 has released a whole batch of new screens today, which show the farm map along with several other characters. Judging by the dual-screen displays, it appears gameplay might mix with stop-motion cutscenes simultaneously -- which would be awesome. The overall polish of Shaun the Sheep is making a strong case for a decent game when it arrives in Q3 2008.
Gallery: Shaun the Sheep
[Via press release]
There's plenty to do in Dragon Quest V
by David Hinkle { Jun 30th 2008 at 6:00PM }
Dragon Quest V is going to be one of the most feature-packed games on the DS. Don't try and argue with us, for Famitsu's recent look at the title only cemented that fact in our mind. There is a lot going on here.Famitsu's article highlights not only a DS-exclusive character, Deborah, but also documents some of the other timesinks available in the game, should you wish to take a break from the main story. You can enjoy some Poker or Slots over at the casino, or partake in one of the other many mini-games available. You can even enjoy some combat in the Fight Field.
If you want to check out some new screens, head on over to Famitsu.
Gallery: Dragon Quest V
A pint of Guinness World Records information
by Phil Larsen { Jun 27th 2008 at 10:15AM }
Underachievers can now take to the Wii in an effort to impress their friends with virtual accomplishments. TT Games has announced Guinness World Records: The Videogame (really? a game?) for the Wii and DS, so there's no reason for you not to be included in the book that features a new holographic cover every year.
It's full of mini-games, of course, and features some of the most popular records -- like growing the longest fingernails, and eating a jumbo jet. Sounds ... gross. World Records enables players to compete in such prestigious events via "accessible game mechanics." No clue what these actually are, but if it involves sitting around for 50 years growing long fingernails, then at least it'll score highly for longevity. It's released in Q3 2008, if you can wait that long to participate in the "most remarkable activities in the world."
[Via press release]
Driving on a DS-only permit
by Phil Larsen { Jun 25th 2008 at 2:45PM }
It should be good to drive emergency vehicles without the possibility of running people over, GTA-style. The DS enjoys the odd sunday drive, but the latest from Japan shows a different take on handling big vehicles and getting down to some serious work.Norimono DS from D3 serves up ten different vehicles, each with jobs to complete. For example, the fire engine needs to be driven to a rescue operation, the backhoe needs to dig some holes and unearth dead bodies (not really, but awesome anyway), while the garbage truck takes out the trash.
Control will be handled by turning a steering wheel on the touch screen. Skills with each vehicle will increase upon the completion of each job; the aim of the game being to build up an impressive portfolio of driving abilities. More screens of this interesting import can be found after the break.
DS library plumps up before E3: Kirby and MillionHeir
by Phil Larsen { Jun 25th 2008 at 10:15AM }
As a remake of the original SNES favorite, KSSU will use the touch screen to breathe new life into the existing mini-game compilation. Yeah, if the DS does anything well, it's mini-games. It'll be a totally revamped experience, with new Revenge of the King and Meta Knight Ultra modes in the works, including local wireless play. Kirby has done everything right so far on the DS, so we should expect greatness from the little pink blob on September 29th.
<insert witty segue here>
Yes, yes -- another mystery adventure game is on the way in the form of MillionHeir. Get over that delightful play on words, and check out some of the previous games in the Mystery Case Files range. The DS entry will be a "painted scene" point-and-click adventure, where a cluey detective needs to find the rightful heir to a fortune. It seems like the standard pixel-hunt for inventory items and evidence -- but a multiplayer mode is also included, which is a pretty nifty addition for an adventure game. MillionHeir hits the stores on September 8th.
Gallery: Kirby Super Star Ultra
Gallery: Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir
[Via press release]
Tiger Woods ponies up some videos for PGA Tour 09
by Phil Larsen { Jun 24th 2008 at 12:30PM }
If you're sick of Wii Sports golf (which you shouldn't be), then perhaps the greatest golfer of all time can tear you away from those charismatic Miis. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 has dug up some new gameplay videos from the rough, and the on-screen indicators give examples of the Wiimote in action. It looks good so far, and we're gunning for an improvement over the already pretty good gameplay of its predecessors.
The two videos found after the break run Tiger through some basic holes, and show off the rather impressive graphics quite well. The trailer above, however, features some of the zany mini-games found within Golf Party, where the Wiimote is put to unique use in a bunch of different games for up to four players. Golf Party looks pretty gosh darn fun, and it's a welcome addition to the otherwise slow pace of the professional golf circuit.
The two videos found after the break run Tiger through some basic holes, and show off the rather impressive graphics quite well. The trailer above, however, features some of the zany mini-games found within Golf Party, where the Wiimote is put to unique use in a bunch of different games for up to four players. Golf Party looks pretty gosh darn fun, and it's a welcome addition to the otherwise slow pace of the professional golf circuit.
Ubisoft announces Play Zone, we die a little inside
by Chris Greenhough { Jun 19th 2008 at 10:00PM }
Ubisoft has continued on its quest to make us sneer at almost everything it attempts by announcing "Play Zone," a new Wii-exclusive division focused on "party games." Hey, we hear it's what's hot nowadays! Ubisoft's first contribution to this festival of mediocrity is Sports Party or, as North American readers will know it, Digital Embryo's Summer Sports: Paradise Island, which Ubisoft has snapped up the European publishing rights to.
Says Ubisoft marketing director John Parkes: "With our new Play Zone party titles, the Wii gamers who like to spend time with friends and family will have fun with the Wii through innovative and involving mini-games." Join us in the gallery and we'll all hold each other and cry.
Gallery: Summer Sports
[Via press release]
