Adam Shear's E3 2011 Predictions Part 3: Nintendo

Well it comes to the final part of my E3 predictions, Nintendo. In my opinion Nintendo's story for this year is definitely the most interesting with the recent launch of Nintendo 3DS and a drought of first party software on all of its systems. Not only that but Nintendo will be unveiling their next home console at their E3 press conference. It looks to be exciting and all of the current information makes it easy to predict what will happen. Nintendo has been more open this year than in the past but they still somehow have so much to still unveil. Remember, what you are about to read are my predictions and opinions so take it all in with a grain of salt.

First, let's focus on Wii games. Nintendo has not released much for Wii for the first half of this year. Their holiday lineup for 2010 was spectacular with Donkey Kong, Kirby, and Metroid leading the pack. The biggest Wii title for the first half of 2011 is Wii Play Motion which is somewhat sad. Obviously Nintendo is going to reveal some new Wii games to come out this holiday season. The only holiday showstopper we know of is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. There will no doubt be new information and I think Nintendo will also reveal a release date for Skyward Sword and will make it clear that this will be the year of Zelda. The 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda is also this year and Nintendo might tease their plans which they promise to be big. Another possible Wii game I think is Pokemon. Nintendo already confirmed that a new Pokemon game is in the works for Wii. It would make complete sense for it to be a sequel to the failed Pokemon Battle Revolution to feature the Black and White Pokemon. Again, this is just a guess but if it were true, it's gotta have some sort of single player mode that will keep fans coming back. There might also be more surprises for Wii like localizations of interesting games to recently hit Japan like Pandora's Tower and The Last Story.

For the Nintendo DS, there won't be much going on. I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo did not talk about Nintendo DS at all. I would still predict that the newest DS games to hit Japan like the Pokemon typing game and the new Kirby game will come to America later this year.

Nintendo 3DS will have the most interesting showcase of games out of all of Nintendo's existing consoles. The launch of the eShop will take place just hours before Nintendo's E3 press conference begins and I'm sure Nintendo will comment on it. I'm also hoping that 3D trailers for most or all of the new 3DS games will be available to stream and/or download from the eShop. New eShop content will definitely be shown. More 3D classics and at least two 1st party 3DSWare titles. I also think Nintendo might show off new AR and Streetpass games to download via the eShop. It's a stretch but it's definitely possible.

There will be a decent amount of downloadable 3DS titles but the amount of retail 3DS games shown will be enormous. Super Mario will definitely lead the pack as the marquee 3DS title for 2011. Kid Icarus: Uprising will also be important and will most likely receive a release date at the press conference. I also believe Star Fox 64 3D will be given a US release date or at least a release window. It hits Japan next month so the wait can't be too long. There are rumors going around that Mario Kart 3DS scheduled for release later this year might have been delayed to 2012. No matter what happens to the release date of the game, E3 2011 will hold its big debut and I'm sure Nintendo will have new game modes and features to surprise all Mario Kart players. Other 3DS games coming in 2012 like Animal Crossing and Paper Mario might get new trailers and playable demos on the show floor but there probably won't be much new info on those. 3rd party 3DS titles will also be important with Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D leading the pack.

One thing many people forget about is that Nintendo aims to make Nintendo 3DS a 3D entertainment platform. I think Nintendo might talk about an update for 3DS that allows 3D video recording but I honestly think that feature will make its way instead to the first redesign of Nintendo 3DS which will probably have better cameras. They pretty much have to talk about 3D movies and I really hope they are available on game cards instead of being downloadable or streamable. I believe either Disney or Dreamworks will be the first major studio on board. They have a lot of great 3D content that appeals to all types of people. I also think they will give a release date for Netflix on 3DS but I don't expect it to support 3D movies until maybe 2012. I could be wrong but we'll see.

But of course there's only one thing most people are interested in seeing and that is Project Cafe, the supposed codename for Nintendo's next console. So far the only things that have been confirmed is that it will be playable at E3 and it has enough processing power to match the graphical quality of its HD competitors, and obviously it will also be in HD. There have also been rumors of a six inch touch screen on the controller. This is a possibility but its probably not as crazy as everyone thinks. Nintendo usually aims to make a profit while keeping cost low. I don't think they will announce a final name at the show but maybe the real codename. Keep in mind, Nintendo never confirmed their new console was codenamed Project Cafe. Some journalists just said that and it kind of caught on. I believe it will exceed the power of PS3 but for disc format use a proprietary disc that can hold a decent amount of data, anywhere from 15-30GB minimum. There will be something unique about it and it will shock everyone. Figuring out how to please the hardcore and casual markets is easier said than done but Nintendo has got it figured out.

As for games, there will be mostly tech demos utilizing new innovations in control and interface. While new games might not be announced, I can pretty much guarantee that you'll see Mario, Link, Samus, and more in beautiful HD. Nintendo will probably announce a new Smash Bros. game and leave it at that, its probably years away. As for third parties, Nintendo's main goal with this new console is to bring the third parties back to Nintendo. The biggest rumor is that Rockstar Games is planning to bring Grand Theft Auto V to the new Nintendo console. This is probably believable. Rockstar has definitely been at work on the next GTA game for the last three years so I would not be surprised to see the first trailer exclusively at Nintendo's press conference. I would also expect Activision to be on board with a Call of Duty game at launch and obviously EA will put Madden out on day one as they always do. In terms of a release date and price, I can guarantee we won't hear a price but in terms of a release date, they will definitely announce what season in 2012 its coming out whether that is Spring or Fall.

Nintendo's press conference has the most potential to be amazing and I believe Nintendo will deliver and excite gamers even more than they did last year. See if I'm right and watch Nintendo's press conference on June 7 at 12pm EST. Check it out streaming live at e3.nintendo.com and keep an eye on this news for the updates.

Review: Spongebob Squigglepants for Nintendo 3DS

Spongbob Squarepants is easily the most popular children’s cartoon around. Just about every kid and even many adults watch Spongbob’s antics on Nickelodeon multiple times per week. Spongebob Squarepants video games are very popular and the newest one, Spongebob Squigglepants for the uDraw tablet on Wii and Nintendo 3DS is very different from any other Spongebob game around. Although for the most part, the two versions of the game are the same, the Nintendo 3DS version which I got to review also has an exclusive level aside from the addition of stereoscopic 3D. Is Spongebob Squigglepants a game that will entertain more than just younger gamers? Find out in my review.

Spongebob Squigglepants is basically WarioWare with Spongebob characters put into the mix. You go through microgames which are called nanogames and try your best to keep up as the nanogames as they become quicker and quicker. The nanogames take advantage of the Nintendo 3DS’s touch screen, accelerometer, and circle pad. Patchy the Pirate, the president of the Spongebob fan club acts as your guide as you unlock more microgames and extra minigames. Spongebob Squigglepants also has a drawing application built in which allows players to draw whatever they like and even save their creations to an SD card.



The game’s graphics are pretty much the same as the Wii version. The art style is very unique and different from any Spongebob game out there. You will be able to see your favorite Spongebob characters in ways you have never seen them before. It is all 2D but looks more like sketched drawings rather than like the cartoon. It’s kind of hard to explain unless you see screenshots or play the game. The 3D effect on Nintendo 3DS is incredibly subtle and just adds a little bit of depth to many of the nanogames. I would have liked to see a lot more effort with making the game 3D but it is clear that WayForward, the dev team that made the game did what they can. The 2D art style is meant more to be two dimensional but the layered look of the 3D works nicely with the 2D drawings. The cutscenes featuring Patchy the Pirate are all live action and in 2D but can sometimes look a bit pixelated. This is probably due to compressing the video files to fit on the 3DS game card. Although it probably would have taken some extra time and effort, a 3D conversion of the 2D live action cutscenes and the main menu could have been good for Spongebob Squigglepants. The soundtrack is very much like Warioware with stable tunes that let you know when you win and lose at microgames.

There are a lot of things I really like about Spongebob Squigglepants. I love that it is like Warioware and the game gets frantic and crazy. There are over 100 nanogames, each with their own themes and art style and each taking advantage of the 3DS’s touch screen, accelerometer, and circle pad. I love the 2D look of the game, simply because nobody has seen the Spongbob universe in the way it is portrayed in the game. The drawing studio is also great and kids will really have fun drawing with it since there really is not a way on the 3DS to draw pictures and save them to an SD card.



Spongebob Squigglepants also has plenty of flaws. I really had two major problems when playing it. The first is that the ideas for most of the nanogames were literally taken from Warioware. I’m glad it is in of the same genre but the fact that many of the nanogames are literally microgames from past Warioware titles with Spongebob characters in them really gets me annoyed. Copying something that’s great is not as good as an doing an original take. This in a way should be considered plagiarism. Those who have played Warioware games in the past might get annoyed with this. The next problem is that the game is way too short for most people. I played through the main story mode in an hour. Then, the game forces you to go through all the nanogames again just to unlock some more cut scenes. What’s great is that you can always challenge yourself to beat your high score but most gamers might consider themselves done with the game in just a couple of hours. In no way is Spongebob Squigglepants worth the $40 it’s asking for. It’s worth $15-$20 tops.

If you have not ever played a game like Spongebob Squigglepants and are someone who likes to compete for a high score, I would suggest looking into trying it out if you’re hungry for a new Nintendo 3DS game. I would not suggest picking it up at it’s current $39.99 price point. Finding it for cheap is great. Young kids will love the game. Adult gamers and Spongebob fans may find the game too short. If the game were worth a lot less, I would give it a higher score but I feel as if for being at times unoriginal and short, my final score is fair. This is by no means a bad game, it is just way too overpriced.

Final Score: 6.0

Special thanks to THQ for providing us with a copy of the game for review.

Wii Price Drop and Nintendo Selects Announced

In a move that is most likely preparing Nintendo for the end of it's current generation console, Nintendo dropped the price of the Nintendo Wii to $149.99. With this price drop, Nintendo is removing Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort from the console purchases and is now instead bundling all Wii Consoles with a copy of Mario Kart Wii and a Wii Wheel (which will match the color of the console purchased).

Alongside this announcement, Nintendo also announced their "Nintendo Selects" line of games. These game are basically the "Player's Choice" equivalent of this generation. Games which are branded as "Nintendo Selects" receive the branding on the box, as well as a price drop to $19.99.

The first games in the Nintendo Selects line include, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Animal Crossing: City Folk, and Mario Super Sluggers. Nintendo is also releasing Wii Sports as standalone software for the system, in case you still want Wii Sports after getting the Mario Kart bundled system.

The price drop, Mario Kart bundle, and Nintendo Selects line will begin to take effect starting on May 15th.

Rumor: Nintendo Ready to Reveal Its Next Console at E3

The rumors are flying today and they say that Nintendo is ready to pull the curtain on its next console. Game Informer has reported that they have heard from multiple sources that the next Nintendo console is being shown to publishers now and will have its first public unveiling at E3 with a plan to release it in late 2012. If the rumors are true, the new console will have HD visuals comparable to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This could mean it could have a little bit less power or it could be superior which will most likely be the case. One source has said "Nintendo is doing this one right. It's not a gimmick like th Wii." This could mean many things. Also, the rumored May 15 price drop bringing the Wii down to $149.99 could also be a sign that Nintendo wants to maximize the Wii audience before the new console arrives. You can check out the Game Informer article here

I personally think that this report is legitimate. It is about time that Nintendo talks about their next console. The HD consoles may be on a 10 year timeline but the Wii is probably not capable of keeping up after 4.5 years on the market. The next console needs to be more than just an Nintendo HD system. Knowing Nintendo, I'm sure they are working to make this console different than anything anyone has seen before. The only hope is that third parties will support it, especially if Nintendo is coming to them this early. I believe Nintendo will talk about the new console at E3 but will not reveal much. They might talk about a philosophy behind the idea of the system as well as system specs but that will most likely be about it. Don't expect software announcements and even if any software is announced, take it with a grain of salt. Back at E3 2005 when Nintendo revealed the first information on Wii or Codename Revolution at the time, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced that a new Super Smash Bros. game will come out for the launch of Wii in 2006 but we didn't see Super Smash Bros. Brawl until 2008. If revealed at E3, we will not hear the first information on the control methods or specific features and software until most likely Fall 2011 around the time the Tokyo Game Show is happening at earliest.

Nintendo Announces New Games and Important Release Dates

Today, Nintendo has announced the remainder of their lineup for the first half of 2011. Lots of great first and third party games. Release dates or release months have been announced for games like Dead or Alive: Dimensions which comes out in May, Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion on May 24, Spongebob Squigglepants 3D on May 17, and Cave Story 3D on June 28. This list also pretty much confirms that we won't be seeing the release of Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D until July at earliest. But of course the one Nintendo 3DS release everyone is looking forward to also got a release date today. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D will be released on June 19 and will include Master Quest

Also, Nintendo announced a couple of new Wii titles including Wii Play: Motion which is a new version of Wii Play utilizing Wii Motion Plus. The game which will release on June 13 will be bundled with a black Wii Remote Plus controller. A new Nintendo title Mystery Case Files: Dust to Dust has also been just announced and will release on June 27.

Below are all the games releasing on Nintendo systems for the remainder of the first half of the year courtesy of Kotaku.com

Wii

The Conduit 2 - April 12
Rio - April 12
SpongeBob SquigglePants - April 12
ExerBeat - April 26
Reader Rabbit Preschool - April
Reader Rabbit Kindergarten - April
Reader Rabbit 1st Grade - April
Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade - April
Thor: God of Thunder - May 3
Kung Fu Panda 2 - May 24
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game - May
Get Fit with Mel B - Spring
Karaoke Revolution Glee: Volume 2 - Spring
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters - June 7
Wii Play: Motion - June 13
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Stealth Force Edition - June 14
Mystery Case Files: Dust to Dust - June 27
Cars 2: The Video Game - Summer

DS Family

Rio - April 12
Squinkies - April 12
Paws & Claws Pampered Pets 2 - April 19
Match 3 Madness - May 3
Thor: God of Thunder - May 3
Loving Life with Hello Kitty and Friends - May 10
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's World Championship 2011 - May 10
Picture Puzzle Collection - May 17
Kung Fu Panda 2 - May 24
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game - May
Cake Mania Main Street - May
LEGO Battles: Ninjago - Spring
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters - June 7
Transformers: Dark of the Moon AUTOBOTS - June 14
Transformers: Dark of the Moon DECEPTICONS - June 14
Hollywood Files - June 14
Cars 2: The Video Game - Summer
Duke Nukem: Critical Mass - Q2

3DS

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Stealth Force Edition 3D - June 14
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II - May 24
Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion - May 24
Dream Trigger 3D - April
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game - May
DualPenSports - May
PAC-MAN & Galaga DIMENSIONS - June
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D - June 19
Cave Story 3D - June 28
DEAD OR ALIVE Dimensions - May
SpongeBob SquigglePants - May 17
Driver Renegade - Spring
Rabbids Travel in Time - April 10
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D - April 10
James Noir's Hollywood Crimes - June 7
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters - June 7

Source: Kotaku link

Spongebob Squarepants Making his 3DS Debut this May

Already making his debut on the uDraw GameTablet for Wii on April 12, the world's most famous sponge will get his very own game on the new Nintendo 3DS in May. Spongebob Squigglepants will have players going through over 100 nanogames through seven worlds. If you love the WarioWare franchise, you will be very familiar with the gameplay style of Spongebob Squigglepants. Live action cut scenes will feature Patchy the Pirate as he quides players through the story of the game. Squigglepants will also boast a unique 3D world that boasts a unique art style. Spongebob Squigglepants is being published by THQ and will be released on Nintendo 3DS this May. Stay tuned to GamersCast for more information on the game.

Nintendo Announces Big Things at GDC

Moments ago, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata left the GDC stage and left audiences with important messages about the industry. He and Nintendo of America's president Reggie Flis-Amie (who made a surprise appearance) announced some missing pieces to the Nintendo 3DS puzzle and announced an exciting new game. Here is a brief rundown of the major announcements

-Netflix streaming will be available on Nintendo 3DS this Summer

- The first worldwide update in late May will bring the e-shop, web browser, ability to transfer DSi Ware games, access to over 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots (in US at least), and 3D Hollywood movie trailers starting with The Green Lantern (trailers might not come until June)

-Aside from Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, Game Gear and Turbografx 16 games will be part of the 3DS' Virtual Console

- 3D video recording on Nintendo 3DS confirmed and will come eventually

- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D will be released in June

- Miyamoto is working on plans to help Nintendo celebrate The Legend of Zelda's 25th anniversary which is this year

- New The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword trailer was shown

- Iwata unveiled the first screenshots and information on the new Super Mario Bros. game on Nintendo 3DS tentatively called Super Mario and from the mysterious logo there looks to be an interesting twist to the gameplay. Super Mario will be fully unveiled at E3 in June.

If you would like to contact Adam Shear, the author of this post, you may do so at adam@gamerscastpodcast.com

Cartoon Network's Best Battling it Out in 3D

Crave Games has officially announced that Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion is coming to Nintendo 3DS. What is Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion? Think about a game like Super Smash Bros. only with Cartoon Network's most iconic characters. Favorites from shows such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, and more. You even get the not as good (that's just my opinion) characters from present Cartoon Network shows such as Chowder and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Eighteen characters will be included along with nineteen assist characters to help you in combat.

Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion will feature thirty two single player levels over twenty one arenas from your favorite Cartoon Network shows. There will a story mode and battle mode. Online multiplayer has also been announced for the game.

Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion looks to be a blast from the past for people my age who grew with many of these shows as well as kids who are growing up with Cartoon Network's current shows. Check out Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion when it releases on Nintendo 3DS in May. If you don't have a 3DS, you can always wait for it to come out on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii this holiday season.

Stay tuned to GamersCast Podcast's news feed for the latest news on Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion and all your favorite games.

If you would like to contact Adam Shear, the author of this post, you can do so at adam@gamerscastpodcast.com

Vote for the Best Game of 2010!

Vote now for what you think is the best game of 2010, and see the winner revealed on December 29th on our Best of 2010 podcast!

Best Games of 2010 nominees:
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
Fallout New Vegas
Call of Duty Black Ops
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Red Dead Redemption
Mass Effect 2

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Sonic Shows his True Colors

Sega has announced today the release of a brand new Sonic game. The game will be called Sonic Colors. Sonic Colors will feature our favorite blue hedgehog running through worlds inspired by amusement parks. A unique alien race known as Wisps have been kidnapped by Dr. Eggman and Sonic will have to save them. After arriving an a mysterious amusement park that is orbiting Sonic's home planet, Sonic will have to use the power of the Wisps to save the day and defeat Dr. Eggman.

Sonic Colors will be a platformer using both 3D and 2D perspectives. Sonic will use the unique "color power" of the Wisps as power ups to make him go even faster than ever before or it can give him items to create new paths and to easily defeat enemies. The Wisps are sure to create a fresh new game mechanic.

Sonic Colors will release this holiday season for Wii and Nintendo DS.

Editorial: E3 Predictions Part 1: Nintendo

Well its my favorite time of year again that is not the Holiday season. E3 is only weeks away and we at GamersCast Podcast can't wait to cover it from the homefront. This is the first of a three part series of editorials on my E3 predictions. These are my personal predictions and do not reflect the opinions of any of the other GamersCast staff.

I decided to go for Nintendo first. Nintendo has not really been pleasing me. I have been left with disappointment for the last two years but hopefully things will change. Nintendo has had an awesome lineup over the last year and I feel 2010 will be Nintendo's year, at least on the portable side of things with the anticipated reveal of Nintendo 3DS.

So what do I think Nintendo will show?

Games that Nintendo will definitely show

Metroid: Other M- The game would have been out within days after Nintendo's press conference but was delayed until the last week of August. Nintendo will definitely show the game off as one of its key titles.

Wii Party- The game debuted recently and this no doubt will be a party game marketed at casual players. Hardcore gamers will more than likely snooze while the game's details are being revealed.

Fire Emblem DS- It was briefly shown at Nintendo's last E3 press conference and is bound to make a return this time around.

The Legend of Zelda Wii- Nintendo has not kept this game a secret at all. So far, one piece of concept art has been released and the game will require Wii MotionPlus to play. Nintendo has hinted that they will show off this game and I believe they will finally do so. Zelda will definitely be at E3 in some form whether its a trailer or an actual demo. Hopefully this one will receive quite the fanfare like Twilight Princess did at E3 2004

Games Nintendo may show

Pokemon Black and White Versions- Usually new Pokemon games are not shown since E3 is an American convention but hopefully Nintendo will talk a little bit about the next generation of Pokemon.

Games Nintendo will probably not show

Pikmin 3: There have been hints of a new Pikmin game for a while but there really has been no confirmation as to whether the game exists. The Wii would work perfectly for Pikmin and there is still plenty of room for innovation in the franchise but I don't know if Nintendo has taken the opportunity to create a new Pikmin game.

Two pieces of hardware will be shown at Nintendo's press conference. The first of these pieces of hardware is the Wii Vitality Sensor. It debuted at last year's E3 but it has never been demoed. Nintendo promised they will show software that will work for it. Although its functions are still a mystery, I still cannot see how having my heartbeat monitored can effect my experience playing a game. Nintendo will surely surprise me.

The next piece of hardware Nintendo will unveil is their next big platform, Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo has already confirmed that it will be the successor to Nintendo DS and will be backwards compatible with all DS titles. The screens will be able to produce 3D effects without the use of special glasses. It is rumored that Sharp will be supplying their new a-stereoscopic screens meant for cell phones for this device. Those screens are able to produce a 3D effect without glasses and the screen can be a resistive touch screen, the same type of touch screen the current DS uses now.

I am sure the system will be wonderful but I think it will have a few more amazing features. I believe that 3DS Ware games will be downloadable at launch and that Nintendo will somehow make Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and buying games on the system a bigger part of the 3DS experience. I also believe the system could have an accelerometer for tilting. I am also pretty sure the system will be almost as powerful as a Nintendo GameCube. I think that 3D photos could also be a big feature. That would mean there would have to be four cameras (two on each side of the system) to capture the two perspectives required for 3D.

Following the trends of every other Nintendo system, Nintendo 3DS will most likely be under $200 and I believe it will release this Fall. Hopefully it comes with a game like the Wii comes with Wii Sports and the first shipment of DS was bundled with Metroid Prime: Hunters First Hunt. I'm sure Nintendo will provide Nintendo Points to the first paying consumers. I think 3D is the way of the future for games but Nintendo will have to be one of the main driving forces at this year's E3.

I think Nintendo will be successful this year at making all their consumers happy. The wait until the middle of June will be long but I am sure it will be well worth the wait.

Look for parts two and three coming soon where I will predict what Sony and Microsoft have to offer.

[Official SEGA Press Release] Sonic the Hedgehog 4 with new date and platform

SEGA is incredibly happy at the overwhelmingly positive response to Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I from both press and fans around the world. SEGA wants to ensure that we’re delivering the best Sonic experience possible.

With this dedication to quality and the Sonic experience in mind, SEGA has decided to extend the development of the game and will now release Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I in the latter half of 2010. The additional time will allow the Development Team to focus on keeping the game high-quality, continuing tuning and balancing of levels and interface and overall maintaining the kind of polish that an important game like this demands, ultimately providing fans with an unrivalled classic Sonic feel.

SEGA is also pleased to confirm that Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch via Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I is developed specifically for the download market and will be available via Microsoft XBLA, Sony PSN, Nintendo WiiWare and the iTunes App Store in late 2010.

For more information please visit www.sonicthehedgehog4.com

[OFFICIAL NOA PRESS RELEASE] Nintendo Reveals Software and Hardware Lineup For First Half of 2010

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 24, 2010 – Nintendo of America issued a surge of new information today about what consumers can expect from the company in the coming months. Let's get right to it:

• The new Nintendo DSi XL™ hand-held system launches March 28 at a suggested retail price of $189.99. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS™ Lite model, providing a more vivid and engaging play experience. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL also feature a wider viewing angle, letting friends and family members join the fun. The new system launches in both Burgundy and Bronze colors, and comes loaded with pre-installed premium software Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, as well as two free applications: the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio™. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with a larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that use the Nintendo DS touch screen. America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking and WarioWare™: D.I.Y. will also launch for the Nintendo DS family of products on March 28, providing consumers with new content that can be enjoyed on any Nintendo DS system. Games like these demonstrate the enhanced experience available with the Nintendo DSi XL.
  
  
• Super Mario Galaxy™ 2, the sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original game, launches May 23 for the Wii™ console. The game includes the amazing gravity-defying, physics-based exploration from the first game, but is loaded with entirely new galaxies and features to challenge and delight players. On some stages, Mario™ can pair up with his dinosaur buddy Yoshi™ and use his tongue to grab items and spit them back at enemies. Players can also have fun with new items such as a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid rock.
  
  
• Metroid™: Other M, the incredible new Metroid game developed for Wii through a collaboration by Nintendo and the world-renowned Team Ninja, launches June 27. The game looks at the classic franchise from a new perspective: While much of the game is reminiscent of 2-D side-scrollers, players can switch the perspective into 3-D at any time as they explore the twisting passages of a derelict space station and delve deep into a cinematic, never-before-told story of bounty hunter Samus Aran's past. This new approach uses a new control scheme in which players use the Wii Remote™ controller held sideways to battle enemies and navigate the expansive, gorgeous environments in classic Metroid fashion, then aim at the screen with the Wii Remote pointer to blast foes in first-person and hunt the world for clues and hidden passages.
  
  
• In a unique partnership with Square-Enix, Nintendo of America will publish Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies in the Americas when the game arrives in summer 2010. Dragon Quest IX has sold more than 4.15 million copies in the Japanese market. Nintendo and Square-Enix will now work together to bring this title to the Nintendo DS consumer base in the Americas.
  
  
• Capcom's Monster Hunter® Tri, an epic action game for Wii, launches in the United States on April 20. The game lets players customize their character, armor and weapons in order to protect a town from majestic monsters as that town rebuilds following a devastating earthquake. Online play will be available for all players with broadband Internet access at no additional cost. Online text chat is fully functional and online voice chat is enabled using the Wii Speak™ microphone, which is sold separately. At a suggested retail price of $59.99, limited quantities of Monster Hunter Tri will include the new Black Classic Controller Pro™, while both Black and White versions of the controller will be available separately at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also be available without a controller at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
  
  
• Sin and Punishment: Star Successor, the breakthrough shooter game for Wii from legendary developer Treasure, will launch across North America on June 7. The game features nonstop action with two playable characters and international online leaderboards to track high scores. Using the Wii Remote pointer functionality, the game offers unprecedented precision in the shooter genre.
  
  
• FlingSmash™ for Wii will test players' Wii Remote skills as they bounce a ball-like hero through countless side-scrolling stages, combining the precision of racket sports with the unpredictable fun of pinball. Playable only with the Wii MotionPlus™ accessory, the game will launch this summer.
  
  
• Picross 3D is poised to become a puzzle game phenomenon when it launches for the Nintendo DS family of products on May 3. In Picross 3D, players start with a cube and smash away smaller blocks to reveal an object, shape or symbol. Delivering more than 350 unique puzzles and more made available for download on a regular basis after launch via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required), the game takes the mind-bending fun of Picross into the next dimension.
  
  
• 100 Classic Books transforms the Nintendo DS family of products into a library of timeless literature when it launches on June 14 at a suggested retail price of $19.99, highlighted by 100 works from authors such as William Shakespeare, Jules Verne, Jane Austen, Mark Twain and more. Readers can adjust the size of text, place bookmarks and even download new content via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet connection required).
  
  
• Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands™ from Ubisoft will launch May 18 on both the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. Boasting amazing graphics with fantastic action and puzzle-solving game play, the Wii version will be the first in franchise history to feature a two-player cooperative experience. As an added bonus, the Wii version of the game will exclusively include the 1992 Super NES™ version of the original Prince of Persia game.
  
  
• Disney Guilty Party is the official title of the highly anticipated first collaboration between Disney Interactive Studios and its recently acquired studio, Wideload Games. The fun and hilarious mystery party game is set for release in the second half of 2010, exclusively for Wii.
  
  
• Majesco's Nintendo DSi exclusive Ghostwire: Link to the Paranormal uses incredible augmented reality technology through the Nintendo DSi Camera. Launching this October, the game lets players become a ghost hunter as they interact with the paranormal.

Nintendo also announced a variety of games available to download directly to the Wii console from the Wii Shop Channel via the WiiWare™ service, and directly to the Nintendo DS via the DSi Shop and DSiWare™ services. For WiiWare:

• Launching on March 1, Capcom's Mega Man™ 10 builds upon the huge impact of Mega Man 9, a completely new adventure rendered in classic 8-bit style. This new game looks and sounds as awesomely retro as its predecessor.
  
  
• Launching on March 8, Max & the Magic Marker from Press Play turns the Wii Remote into an orange magic marker that's literally magic. Players draw lines and objects to help Max reach objects and his ultimate goal.
  
  
• The long-awaited indie cult classic Cave Story comes to WiiWare with new game play, artwork and music enhancements on March 22. It's classic gaming reborn for 2010.
  
  
• Launching on March 29, WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase is a standalone product exclusive to the WiiWare service and available only from the Wii Shop Channel. The game contains more than 70 new microgames and features interoperability with the WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of products. Players that own both games can transfer content between the two via a local wireless connection, and can even play user-created microgames on their television using WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase.
  
  
• As the techno music pulses, Nintendo's Art Style™: light trax™ puts players in charge of a white beam of light as it engages in a surreal race against other beams across a dark track. Players must keep away from obstacles, use items and look for power boosts if they want to finish first. Art Style: light trax launches this spring.
  
  
• Swim and spin through the primordial ooze in Nintendo's Art Style: Rotozoa™ as you absorb tiny organisms that match the colors of your tentacles. As you absorb more organisms, your tentacles grow. The challenge increases as additional tentacles are gained, but power-ups can help you survive and thrive. Art Style: Rotozoa launches this spring.
  
  
• Launching this spring, Rage of the Gladiator from Ghostfire Games is an intense fighting game that asks players to perfect their well-timed moves against an array of opponents. The game is compatible with the Wii MotionPlus accessory.
  
  
• Launching this spring, And Yet It Moves from Broken Rules requires players to rotate the world to help their line-drawn protagonist progress. Walls become floors and floors become ceilings in this surreal twist on the platformer genre.
  
  
• Launching this summer, Independent Games Festival Seumas McNally Grand Prize Finalist Super Meat Boy from Team Meat sets a cube of meat off on an adventure to save Princess Bandage. This off-the-wall game is not for the faint of heart.

For Nintendo DSiWare:

• Nintendo's Photo Dojo™ is poised to be the cult hit of 2010 when it launches this spring. The game first asks players to pose for 13 pictures and input 10 sound effects. Once that's done, the player becomes the main character in a hilarious side-scrolling fighting game. Create up to eight characters and do battle alone or against a friend on a single Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system.
  
  
• Launching this spring, Nintendo's Metal Torrent™ delivers a frantic barrage of gunfire that fills the screen. Players try to convert opponents' bullets into cubes that, when collected, increase their score and fill an energy meter that powers special weapons. Online Leaderboards record scores and movies of top games.
  
  
• Launching this spring, X-Scape™ from Nintendo immerses players in an exploratory adventure involving more than 20 planets. Players will pilot their tank through 3-D tunnels, fire at enemies and even battle ancient weapons that resemble giant robots.

"Nintendo finished 2009 with a bang, and we're continuing our momentum into 2010," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With Nintendo DSi XL, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M coming in the first six months of the year, we're making sure all our fans have great game content to enjoy year-round."

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Announced

Many gaming sites, ourselves included have often wondered why the folks over at Sega can't just stick to the classic formula with new Sonic games. Well, wonder no more, cause the blue blur is back!

In a direct sequel to it's 16-bit Genesis predacessors, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is on its way to all of the major consoles in the form of downloadable content. Sega also said that the game will be arriving on a 4th platform, but is not saying what it is just yet.

What's even more interesting is that the title of the game is officially dubbed as, "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1" suggesting that it is part of an upcoming episodic series. Only time will truly tell though.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 will release this summer.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]

Info on New Zelda Game Leaked?

This is still a rumor for now, but according to the popular japanese message board 2chan (prior leaks by 2chan have proved to be accurate) here are some details of the new Zelda game coming for Wii.

- The game seems to be a sequel to "Majora's Mask".
- Will differ from the established dungeon-field-dungeon gameplay style (confirmed by Aonuma).
- Link will be right/left - handed according to player preferences.
- Gameplay and mechanics are done, story and characters still in progress.
- The girl shown in the original concept art will be called Aderu or Adella or Adelle and will contact with Link through his sword.
- Link's sword will not be the Master Sword.
- Horseback combat is back, with a more intelligent Epona.

Netflix Streaming for Wii

After a countless number of rumors, it's official. Netflix streaming is coming to Wii. However, most predicted a Netflix Channel. Instead, we get a disc-based type of channel. That's right, whenever you want to stream movies off of Netflix on your Wii, you'll have to pop-in your Netflix disc. Good news, is the disc is available for free for all Netflix subscribers.

The Netflix Instant Streaming Disc for Nintendo Wii will launch sometime this spring. You can get yours over on this page.

[NOA Official Release] Nintendo Holiday Sales

Nintendo Announces Healthy Holiday Sales Figures

As everyone looks ahead to the possibilities in store for 2010, Nintendo of America is looking to extend the glow of the holidays with some fresh December sales information. The following items were announced by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata in Japan:

• Although official U.S. sales data for December and all of 2009 will be announced by the NPD Group on Jan. 14, it appears that U.S. consumers responded enthusiastically to Nintendo’s Wii^™ home console in December. Nintendo estimates that December sales in the United States will exceed 3 million units.
• Nintendo estimates that the portable Nintendo DS^™ lineup, including the Nintendo DSi^™ video game system, set a new all-time calendar-year U.S. sales record for any console or hand-held system.
• Nintendo software also continued to perform well. Although the NPD Group will provide the full sales numbers for each game, Nintendo estimates that lifetime U.S. sales of New Super Mario Bros.^™ Wii are approaching 4 million. The game, which is the first Super Mario Bros. game to include simultaneous four-player action, launched in the United States on Nov. 15.

“The millions of people who bought Nintendo hardware during the holidays can look forward to enjoying great games on those systems now and in the future,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks for Nintendo DS, and Wii Fit Plus and New Super Mario Bros. Wii are all currently providing Nintendo fans with amazing experiences and fun adventures for the whole family.”

No More Heroes Finally Goes Next-Gen

Suda 51, the creator of the epic game series No More Heroes, a mature action game on Wii has talked about bringing this series to "next-gen" (now technically current gen) consoles for some time. The latest issue of Famitsu has revealed that this is in fact a reality.

No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise will be an HD port of the first epic game in the series. It will also include a game mode called "very sweet mode" in which every female character in the game will be wearing a very small amount of clothing if you know what I mean. It will also include Japanese voice acting.

No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise will release for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in Japan on February 25, 2010. There is no word yet on a plan to release the game outside of Japan.

Also remember that No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle will come out on Wii in the U.S on January 27, 2010. If you really need to find a great mature action game on Wii meant for hardcore gamers, this is one game you should consider picking up.





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Black is Beautiful

(click image to enlarge - opens in new window)

When Nintendo first unveiled their Wii console, it was released under codename Revolution, and was going to be released in only black. When the name changed to Wii, they decided to release the console in only white.

Well, Nintendo went back and said that eventually they would be releasing the Wii in other colors. But what did they do? They first put out a new controller color. Going back to Wii's original design, it's black. What's better is, it's bundled with motion plus for $50. Nunchuck was also re-released in black as well, for the typical $20 price tag.


Get the GamersCast Newsletter! All of the quality news you would find here can be sent directly to your e-mail's inbox or Wii's Message Board the instant news is posted here! Simply send an e-mail to GCnewsletter@gmail.com or register GCnewsletter@gmail.com into your Nintendo Wii's Address Book to subscribe!

Metroid Prime Trilogy

Back in the land of the rising sun, Nintendo released both Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes as part of their "New Play Control" series. And American gamers have grown impatient as to whether we would soon see these games here. And now, I think we may have one-upped them.

On August 24, Nintendo will be releasing the Metroid Prime Trilogy for Wii. The Metroid Prime Trilogy will include all 3 Metroid Prime games on one disc for the Wii. And the first two games are being released with the New Play Control scheme for Wii and redone in 16:9 widescreen display.

The Metroid Prime Trilogy will release for the Wii on August 24 for an MSRP of $49.99, which is currently the same price as Metroid Prime 3: Corruption alone. So, if you haven't played through the Metroid Prime series before, this is a great way to start.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPod touch]