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Wii Virtual Console releases for October 22, 2007

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday.

Lunar Pool® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Lunar Pool takes the historical game of billiards and reinvents it with a unique and futuristic flair. The rules are simple: All you need to do is use your cue stick to hit the white cue ball, causing it to hit the other numbered balls and make them go into the pockets. You can enjoy nearly unlimited game play with 30 tables, two different ball arrangements, and the ability to change the degree of friction on the table. You can play against a computer or another human player, so try challenging someone once you’ve got the hang of the game.

Ninja JaJaMaru-kun® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Take on the role of a ninja called JaJaMaru and rescue the captured Princess Sakura from the evil Namazu Dayuu in this action-packed game, previously unreleased outside of Japan. JaJaMaru must use his throwing stars to defeat the monsters lurking in each of Dayuu’s many hideouts. JaJaMaru has to be careful though, as each monster has its own unique weapon and method of attacking. The only way for him to advance is to break the floor bricks above him and move up and down between the levels of each round, defeating monsters as he goes. To help him, broken bricks sometimes reveal items that JaJaMaru can use to his advantage, possibly leading to the ultimate power-up: a ride on Gamapakun, the giant frog. Throw in some bonus stages and you’ve got a game with a style all its own.

Golden Axeâ„¢ III (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): The once-peaceful kingdom so familiar to fans of the original Golden Axe is under threat once again. The Prince of Darkness has stolen the invaluable Golden Axe, taken over the kingdom and rendered its warriors harmless with an evil curse. One warrior breaks free from the curse and must defeat the prince and regain the Golden Axe to save the kingdom. In this one- or two-player action game, play as a giant, a panther or a sword-wielding human and fight your way to victory once again.

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Burning Earth Xbox 360 Has Shipped

THQ Inc. today announced the release of the Avatar: The Last Airbender–The Burning Earth video game, based on the hit animated Nickelodeon television series.  Avatar: The Last Airbender–The Burning Earth is currently available for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo’s Wii home video game system, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.  In addition, the game is scheduled to be released for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft next month, marking the debut of the first Nickelodeon title for this system. 

Based on the popular Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series from Nickelodeon, players will follow the storyline of the second season as Aang puts up a courageous fight against the evil Fire Nation to restore balance in the war-torn Earth Kingdom city. Players will be able to experience an epic adventure playing as five new playable characters including Appa, Jet, Toph, Zuko and Uncle Iroh as they experience brand-new firebending moves and go head-to-head in the all new Arena Combat for intense fighting action. Dramatic air battles will also take place as players experience new flying levels while playing as Momo and Appa. 

“THQ has done a fantastic job translating the epic adventures of the Avatar: The Last Airbender television series into engaging interactive entertainment that brings an entirely new Avatar experience to fans,” said Shaul Olmert, vice president of digital products, Nickelodeon. “We’re excited to make our Xbox 360 debut with our new Avatar game.”

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trailer

There is something about this game that looks odd to me.

Super Mario Galaxy Trailer

The Simpsons Game: Super Big Happy Fun Trailer

The Simpsons Game: Super Big Happy Fun Trailer is the best tongue in cheek trailer from the game we have seen.

WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 Demo Hits live

The Xbox 360 demo of THQ’s upcoming WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 should now be available on Xbox live. This year’s incarnation of THQ’s wrestling franchise is currently scheduled to be released on November 13th on 360, PS2, PS3, Wii, DS and PSP

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 playable demo on Xbox Live Marketplace will offer players a taste of what the game has to offer prior to its release this November,” said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “The new Superstar Fighting Styles and Struggle Submission System significantly enhance gameplay, and players can take advantage of Superstar and arena options from RAW, SmackDown and ECW(R).”

Wii Virtual Console releases for October 15, 2007

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel 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:

Ninja Gaiden II™: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): In Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, a new villain, Ashtar, is revealed. Take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa and rescue Irene Lew, a former CIA agent, from Ashtar. Destroy the Sword of Chaos, a weapon of great power forged from the bone of a demon. Use techniques such as the Fire Wheel or the Windmill Throwing Star and attack while holding on to walls and ladders. Use the most innovative technique of all - the ability to create Shadow Clones, orange shadow versions of Ryu that will constantly follow him, repeating previous actions (moving or attacking) in a delayed cycle. Once again defeat henchmen, creatures and bosses with new fighting techniques and even more weapons as you progress through multiple stages on your way to destroying Ashtar, Jaquio and the Realm of Chaos.

Metal Marines® (Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Set in the near future, most of Earth’s land has been disintegrated in the chaos of the Anti-matter War. This real-time strategy game portrays the Colonies’ Allied Force - the Metal Marines - in their epic struggle against General Zorgeuf and the Imperial Federation, who are bent on world domination. Commanding the Metal Marines across a series of battles, the player must strategically allocate resources, ready supplies, manage funds and move troops in an effort to outwit and outmove the opponent. The real-time battle system rewards split-second decisions and adaptability in the struggle for military superiority. Unlike most turn-based strategy games, Metal Marines engrosses the player in a fast-paced and frantic battle in which both sides advance simultaneously. A constant eye must be kept on enemy movements to maintain a formidable defense and not miss the perfect chance to strike. Strategic foresight and quick judgment hold the key to victory.

Gate of Thunder (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): The legendary sci-fi shooter is back! Gate of Thunder is a horizontal side-scrolling shooter that places you in control of special undercover agent Hawk, whose mission is to stop the deadly army of Obbellon fighters. Jump into the action as Hawk gets aboard his ship, the Hunting Dog, and heads out toward the enemy. Blast through stages while effectively using all three of the weapons at your disposal and receiving support from ally Wild Cat ships. Switch through equippable power-up options on the fly to change the direction of your attack. You’ll have to blast in front of and behind you to survive all seven stages. Hard-core shooting-game fans looking for a challenge can select HARD or DEVIL mode to experience even more intense action!

Nintendo Reveals Wii, DS Lineups For Holidays And Beyond

Nintendo might have just delayed its biggest Wii title and our favorite new DS title, but it wants you to know that there are still plenty of Wii and DS games on the way for this holiday season and the first part of 2008.

To that end, they’ve released a giant list of games and release dates. There are a few surprises — Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed will be coming to DS in February, for example. For the List read More.

Full Story »

Still No ManHunt 2 For the UK Says BBFC

The British Board of Film Classification has announced that it has rejected Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 for a second time, following the recent submission of a revised version of the game.

An appeal against the organisation’s original decision in June was planned by Rockstar, but that was suspended while the revised game was considered for classification.

The director of the BBFC, David Cooke, explained, “We recognise that the distributor has made changes to the game, but we do not consider that these go far enough to address our concerns about the original version. The impact of the revisions on the bleakness and callousness of tone, or the essential nature of the gameplay, is clearly insufficient. There has been a reduction in the visual detail in some of the ‘execution kills’, but in others they retain their original visceral and casually sadistic nature.

“We did make suggestions for further changes to the game, but the distributor has chosen not to make them, and as a result we have rejected the game on both platforms. The decision on whether or not an appeal goes ahead lies with the distributor.”

Manhunt 2 has only been confirmed for release in North America, where it’ll debut on Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP on October 31, with an M rating for Mature audiences aged 17 and over.

Only the Facts: Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Format: Wii
Launch Date: 10/08/07
ESRB: E (Everyone): Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Game Type: Racing
Players: 1-4
Developer: Paon

Game Information

KEY INFORMATION
Race to victory with the DK Crew! Donkey Kong and friends have located high-powered barrel rockets, and now the battle for king of the jungle is on.

• Donkey Kong is Back! One of Nintendo’s most popular characters, Donkey Kong, is back with all of his friends … and a few enemies as well. Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, King K. Rool and the whole gang appear as playable characters in this fast-paced racing adventure.
• Shake, Rattle, and Roll! Simple Wii controls make racing a snap. Shake the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to accelerate, then shake one or the other to turn. Press a single button or shake the controller to jump, attack or use items.
• Rocket to Victory! Target enemies with a Pineapple Cannon, skillfully chain together Wild Moves or use the Wii Remote to blast out of a Style Barrel. Multiple game-play modes, 16 awesome courses and a rollicking four-player multiplayer game will keep players coming back for more.

How to progress through the game:

• Grand Prix: Race solo in 12 different cups across a variety of courses and difficulty levels.
• Time Trial: Pick the course and try to set a new record. Players can even save their best times in the form of ghost data.
• Practice: Race across any track without the pressure of time limits or other racers.
• Candy’s Challenges: Help out Candy Kong by taking on 32 unique challenges, such as grabbing 1,000 bananas, beating a course in a certain time or staying in first place wire-to-wire.
• Cranky’s Flight School: Learn how to play from Cranky Kong himself.
• Multiplayer: Players take on up to three friends in a high-flying free-for-all as they bash, smash and rocket their way to victory. Multiplayer is not a separate mode; players can simply choose to play the other modes with additional people.

Characters: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Lanky Kong, Tiny Kong, Funky Kong, Wrinkly Kong, Cranky Kong, Kritter, Kopter, Klump, King K. Rool, Kludge, Kalypso, Kip and Kass.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features:

• Wild Moves: Each course is littered with bananas. If players grab 50 of them, they can perform a Wild Move by pushing down on the control stick and then releasing it. Wild Moves propel racers forward at an insane rate of speed for a short period of time – they also allow them to run over enemies, other racers and most obstacles. Skilled players can extend the lives of their Wild Moves by hitting objects to create combos.
• Style Barrels: If players fly into a red Style Barrel, it will fire them high over the course. While in flight, an animation of the Wii Remote will appear on-screen and ask players to shake it in a certain direction. Each time players do so successfully, the rider will pose and get showered with bananas!
• Items: There are 15 crazy items that players can use – everything from offensive weapons like Backward Barrels and Pineapple Launchers to helpful power-ups like Banana Fairies and Crystal Coconuts. Using items effectively can turn the tide of a race.