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You Blog = Fun, Relaxing - Blogging about your job = Workless (Remove “Priceless”)

Filed under Off Topic Rant on September 29th, 2007

A Nintendo contract employee found herself on the unemployment line recently over blog postings. The news of this was reported on Seattle alternative paper The Stranger, Jessica Zenner was let go by Mario & Co. on August 31st. Just when you thought it was safe to blog.

Zenner… can now be added to the ever-growing list of casualties in the workplace war on blogs… All they did was participate in the great American pastime: bitching about work

Zenner says she was never informed of any blog policy at Nintendo, but even so, she wrote under the pen name “Jessica Carr”—although she posted pictures of herself on her site—and never mentioned her employer by name. Somehow, Zenner’s bosses at Nintendo still found her site.

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Orcs & Elves Nintendo DS Fact Sheet

Filed under Handheld News on September 28th, 2007

Enter an ancient world where good and evil collide in an epic adventure with Orcs & Elves for Nintendo DS.

The award-winning fantasy RPG mobile game, created by id Software and developed by Fountainhead Entertainment comes to the Nintendo DS, with more levels, weapons and fierce foes.

Orcs & Elves offers a breathtaking dungeon-crawling experience for any fantasy RPG gamer, featuring an Award-winning storyline spanning twelve sprawling levels within an ancient Dwarven kingdom.

As a young half-elf, a player will explore the ancient mountain-citadel of Zharrharag, a massive Dwarven fortress riddled with ancient treasure, powerful weapons, and waves of ruthless enemies.

Gamers can use the DS touch screen to solve devious puzzles, overcome deadly traps and unleash magical powers with an arsenal of arcane items like magic potions, enchanted rings, dragon scale armor and an enchanted wand.

Gamers will find and master thirteen mystical weapons including magical swords, deadly crossbows, and a powerful war hammer as they fight through waves of legendary beasts each with their own tactics and powers. Along the way, players will also befriend unique characters such as an ancient dragon to help them fight their way into the deepest reaches of the mountain fortress on a quest to expel the ultimate evil from the mountain’s core.

  • Explore a Dungeon Teeming with Adventure: Travel through a Dwarven citadel’s twelve massive levels, each riddled with evil forces and ancient treasure.
  • Put your Best RPG Strategies to the Test: Solve devious puzzles, overcome deadly traps, and battle massive forces of foul beasts.
  • Master Unique Weapons and Items: Wield extraordinary weapons including a sentient wand, a powerful warhammer, and magic swords. Use the DS Touch Screen to cast spells and make use of magic potions, enchanted rings, and dragonscale armor.
  • Unravel an Award-Winning Storyline: With over ten hours of handheld gaming, escape to a place of adventure, mystery, and sorcery with Orcs & Elves, the new first-person adventure from id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment.
  • New For the DS: A 3D game engine, new creatures, three new levels, new potions, and four new spells will thrill even the most seasoned adventurer, giving them reason to journey back into Zharrharag.
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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Gets Dated + Video and Screenshots

Filed under Handheld News, wii on September 27th, 2007

SEGA today revealed details for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. (One of the worst titles they could have given this game) Produced for the Wii and Nintendo DS systems and includes 20 authentic Olympic events. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck control system, players can have an unparalleled interactive experience and compete using one of 16 characters – 8 from the world of Mario and 8 from the world of Sonic.

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

The Wii controls are created specifically to replicate the actions that offer the best results for each event which include:

  • Fencing – Individual epée
  • Archery
  • Shooting – Skeet
  • Gymnastics - Trampoline
  • Gymnastics - Vault
  • Field - High Jump
  • Field - Pole Vault
  • Field - Long Jump
  • Field - Triple Jump
  • Field – Javelin Throw
  • Field - Hammer Throw
  • Rowing – Single Sculls
  • Table Tennis - Singles
  • Aquatics – 100m Freestyle
  • Aquatics – 4×100m Freestyle
  • Track – 110m and 400m Hurdles
  • Track – 4×100m Relay
  • Track –100m and 400m

The interactive Wii controls include actions like swinging the Wii Remote to simulate hammer throw, notching the Nunchuk to shoot arrows, and replicating swimming strokes. Players can also discover the best way to win a game by experimenting with different movements to discover secret boosts to propel them towards a win.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will be in-stores across Europe and US on November 23, 2007 for Wii, and Q1 2008 for the Nintendo DS.

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X-OOM The Media Centre for Wii

Filed under wii on September 24th, 2007

nintendowii.jpgX-OOM Software will be releasing its in late October 2007. This turns your Nintendo Wii into a fully functional media centre, accessing all digital media on a PC via the Wii’s built-in Wi-Fi capability, allowing users to access their music, view photos and watch films on their Nintendo Wii.

X-OOM Media Centre for Wii will transfer media files to the Wii with a few clicks using the built in Wi-Fi connection, entirely eliminating the need for any cables, CDs or a memory card. This latest software for a PC will effectively transform a Nintendo Wii into a personal multimedia station for the sitting room in one, uncomplicated process.

With a PC at home usually located upstairs in a bedroom or a home office, and a Nintendo gaming console usually in the living room, X-OOM’s latest software will effectively bridge the gap between the two media devices. Now you will be able to access all digital media files normally stored on a PC directly on the Nintendo Wii in the living room.

Straight forward installation and a clear, accessible structure make this new innovative system really easy to use. X-OOM’s interface on the Wii is easily navigated using the Wii wireless remote control. Video and audio files are streamed direct to the Wii so users can watch or listen instantly. It will also provide access to more than 1000 TV channels and radio stations and caters for all your media files in one package.

Network connection through WLAN or LAN. Supports MP3, WMA, OGG, DivX, XviD, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, WMV, JPG, BMP.

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Medal Of Honor Heroes 2 Screenshots for The Wii

Filed under wii on September 21st, 2007

Have a few Medal Of Honor Heroes 2 screenshots, games are starting to look better on the Wii all the time. It’s due later this year on Wii of course but also the PSP.
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Wii Virtual Console releases for September 17th, 2007

Filed under wii on September 17th, 2007

nintendowii.jpgYoshi’s Story (Nintendo 64, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): The evil Baby Bowser has cast a spell turning Yoshi’s Islandâ„¢ into a picture book. Worse yet, the Super Happy Tree has been stolen, making the island dark and gloomy. Players must take control of six Yoshis, each a different color, and travel through six pages (worlds) of platforming adventure to recover the tree and return the island to normal. Featuring huge character models and bright, vibrant colors, the game’s various environments (such as woods, caves, mountains and oceans) come alive in a uniquely gorgeous 2½-D look. Eat fruit, avoid enemies and obstacles, and throw eggs from the Yoshis’ never-ending supply in your quest to stop Baby Bowser’s plan from succeeding. If you’re good enough, you can aim for higher scores by being picky about the fruit you eat. And who knows, you might even find the mysterious black and white Yoshis.

Super Thunder Blade (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this follow-up to Thunder Blade, you’ll fly a new and improved attack helicopter in a series of attacks against guerilla armies that are bent on taking over the world. Although your aircraft is formidable, your enemies are vast and varied. You’ll have to take on submarines, tanks, fighter planes and more. Your command of this state-of-the-art battle copter must be top notch, as you’ll have to dodge oncoming fire and use your various weapons to eliminate all enemy targets so you can reach the guerilla base and end their nefarious plans once and for all. Put on your flight suit and step into the thrilling action of Super Thunder Blade.

World Class Baseball (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Acclaimed for its steady game play, World Class Baseball is the definitive baseball game on the TurboGrafx16. Battle the computer in OPEN MODE or play a friend in VERSUS MODE. Customize your team in EDIT MODE or even watch a game between two computer opponents in WATCH MODE. World Class Baseball offers the complete baseball gaming experience. Of course there’s also plenty of single-player action. The main feature is PENNANT MODE, where the player chooses a team from one of the world’s leagues and strives to win their team’s league. Beat league rivals and save your progress with passwords on your way to becoming league champions. After winning your league, get ready to the face the other league’s champion in the heated series for the world championship.

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Wii Virtual Console for Sept 14th 2007, Hanabi Festival Edition

Filed under wii on September 14th, 2007

Apparently, the next 2 weeks is something known in Japan as the Hanabi Festival. This means that there will be some specially selected titles on Virtual Console.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, NES, 600 Points was originally only available for the Famicom Disk System in Japan and expands on the original with all-new level designs, trickier enemies and obstacles, and secret worlds to explore.

For the Mario purist this is the ultimate gaming treat, but make sure you hurry; this title will be a collector’s item and will only be available for download until the last day of the event on 30th September (all other Hanabi Festival titles will remain available after the event).

Mario’s Super Picross, SNES, 900 points. This classic picture crossword game, previously available only in Japan, features hundreds of challenging yet relaxing puzzles. Each puzzle features a grid of tiles that reveal a picture when filled correctly. Like Picross DS, Mario’s Super Picross includes a save function allowing players to return to puzzles later and a selection of changeable background melodies.

One game that isn’t part of the Hanabi Festival…
Neutopia II, Turbografx, 600 points. In the first Neutopia title (also available on Virtual Console) the heroic Jazeta destroyed Dirth the emperor of darkness. Many years later, the shadow of darkness is spreading across the land and Jazeta must once again take up his arms to save his father and defeat Dirth once again.

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New Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Screens - DS, xbox 360 and Wii

Filed under Handheld News, Xbox, wii on September 10th, 2007

Here are 4 new Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Screens for each platform DS, xbox 360 and the Wii.

Spider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__NDS__-_Doc_Ock__Spider-Man_and_Green_Goblin.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__NDS__-_Spider-Man_Spinning.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__NDS__-_Spider-Man_Rooftop.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__NDS__-_Doc_Ock_Fighting.jpg

Nintendo DS

Spider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__Wii__-_Rhino_Spidey_Jump_Web.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__Wii__-_Rhino_Knock_Down.jpgSpiderman_Friend_or_Foe__Wii__-_Island_Face_Kick.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__Wii__-_Egypt_Lm_Submission_Hold.jpg

Nintendo Wii

Spider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__360__-_Venom_and_Prowler.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__360__-_Spider-Man_kicks_Venom.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__360__-_Spider-Man_and_Scorpion.jpgSpider-Man_Friend_or_Foe__360__-_Spider-Man_and_Green_Goblin_Tokyo_rooftop.jpg

Microsoft xbox 360

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Wii Virtual Console releases for September 10th, 2007

Filed under wii on September 10th, 2007

Nintendo has reveled today’s additions to the Wii Virtual Console. The following downloadable retro releases will benintendowii.jpg available today:

NES Play Action Football (NES, 1-4 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): “Ready! Hut hut hut…” Nintendo takes to the gridiron with the classic football powerhouse NES Play Action Football. Featuring a distinct overhead viewpoint that creates an almost 3-D field, the action is more simulation-based than many of the more arcade-based games of the time. Play through four 15-minute quarters (in accelerated time) and even substitute players when your first-stringers get tired. Want more options? Each of the eight available teams has multiple running/passing plays to choose from while on offense, as well as a wide selection of defensive schemes that can be run when you’re on the other side of the ball. And in addition to viewing two full teams on the screen at once without any slowdown, you’ll hear voice snippets at key points of the game. Line up, and see if you have what it takes to win the Power Bowl.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Sonic and Tails are back for another adventure as they again battle the evil Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik), who is desperately trying to collect all the Chaos Emeralds to rebuild his Death Egg. Our heroes must again find the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, but winning the race won’t be easy this time – a new adversary, Knuckles the Echidna, has arrived on the scene and will do whatever he can to keep Sonic and Tails from reaching their goal. Grab all the golden rings, find various bonus zones and overcome Knuckles and Dr. Eggman as you rocket through the third chapter in Sonic’s adventures.

Neutopia II (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Experience improved graphics and controls in this exciting sequel to the action role-playing game Neutopia. Take on the role of the main hero’s son and watch as the story begins with the apparent revival of Dirth, the evil demon. Once again you’ll need to rely on your magic compass and the information you’ve gathered to find entrances to labyrinths and defeat the bosses in them. Make your way through the field, which can be tricky at times, to search for and find hidden information and items, or move blocks and destroy walls to uncover secret rooms. Like the original, this game has a save function, a finely tuned difficulty level and a fast-paced story, making it truly an RPG that everyone can enjoy.

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Wii Virtual Console releases for September 3, 2007

Filed under wii on September 3rd, 2007

The latest batch of Virtual Console games has now hit US Wii systems across the country, with four new titles added to the strong line-up. Check out what is on offer below:

Adventure Island (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
A mysterious tropical paradise known as Adventure Island is the setting for this side-scrolling action game. The evil Witch Doctor has kidnapped Tina, the true love of Master Higgins. To save her, you must safely guide Master Higgins through eight perilous stages - including dense forests and creepy caves - while defeating all of the enemies in your path. Each area is made up of four rounds filled with enemies determined to stop you in your tracks. In addition, as time passes, Master Higgins’s vitality is automatically drained. To keep going, he must eat constantly by grabbing fruit, milk and whatever other goodies he can as he races toward his goal. Sometimes eggs containing miraculous items like axes to throw at enemies or honey that grants temporary invincibility will appear. Use items skillfully to help you clear the areas. At the end of each area you’ll face the Witch Doctor, who you must defeat to advance. Go, Master Higgins, go!

Donkey Kong Jr. Math (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points)
Learning can be fun, especially when you play along with Donkey Kong Jr. Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division by directing Junior, a cute little monkey who must climb up and down vines to collect numbers and math symbols to solve the math problems his father gives him. Compete with a friend in a race to solve problems in Game A or add more challenge with Game B. Of course, you can also practice on your own. This game is perfect for younger players who are looking for a fun and easy way to develop their math skills.

Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole (Sega Mega Drive, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
After hearing of the legendary treasure of King Nole, the elvish treasure hunter Nigel undertakes a quest to gather various pieces of the famed loot. His journey takes him through Mercator Island’s villages, caves and dungeons that hold King Nole’s riches. Along the way, he’ll have to help the inhabitants of the island while fighting against the treachery of Duke Mercator, who is searching for the treasure as well. A variety of obstacles and foes will try to deter Nigel, who must use all his wits and skills to defeat Duke Mercator and uncover the secret of King Nole’s treasure.

Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points)
The hard-headed hero is back for more side-scrolling action in the third installment of the popular Bonk series. It’s up to Bonk once again to thwart the plans of the relentless evil King Drool. There are seven rounds scattered throughout the Dinosaur Kingdom, each one filled with fun contraptions and comical enemies. Grab a Flower Copter or exchange 16 Smileys at the end of each round to play up to eight different bonus stages. Or you can change the size of Bonk by grabbing the new red or blue candy items. Depending on the situation, you can change your size to bonk your way through a dead end or to get a hard-to-reach item. And if that’s not enough, you can grab a friend and put your heads together to defeat King Drool in the new two-player mode.

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