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Wii Shop Channel Monday - World Of Goo, Art Style: Cubello, Secret Of Mana, and Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition

Source: infendo.com

Well, it’s pretty easy to say that I could spend almost thirty bucks on WiiWare and Virtual Console games this week.  We have World Of Goo, Art Style: Cubello, Secret Of Mana, and Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition.  Not sure why we need a fourth version of Street Fighter II.

Anything you’re going to buy?  I’m sure glad I have the day off of work!

Full game details after the break.

WiiWare

World of Goo (2D Boy, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,500 Wii Points): World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game made entirely by two guys. Grab living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins and giant tongues. The millions of Goo Balls that live in the beautiful World of Goo are curious to explore—but they don’t know that they are in a game, or that they are extremely delicious. World of Goo Corporation is contractually obligated to state that everyone is a winner, and is enthusiastic to celebrate everyone’s Goo building opportunities equally.

Art Style: CUBELLO (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Art Style: CUBELLO mixes the strategy and feel of a traditional puzzle game with the precision and reflexes required in a shooter. As each stage begins, various colored cubes form into one large object called a Cubello, which floats and rotates as you play. Launch additional cubes from your magazine and try to connect four or more of the same color, removing them from the Cubello and eventually leaving only its core. Take on the challenge of either Stage or Endless mode and watch what happens when Bonus Time is activated. The straightforward controls and goal ensure that anyone can play, while offering enough depth that even advanced players will find themselves quickly addicted to the unique world of Art Style: CUBELLO.

Virtual Console

SECRET OF MANA (Super NES, 1-3 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 800 Wii Points): Good and evil battle for a young warrior’s heart. There is one force in the universe that keeps good and evil in perfect balance. It is called the tree of Mana. But a magic sword has tricked a young warrior into upsetting this balance, spreading evil throughout the land. Thus, the warrior must undertake a dangerous journey to find the seeds of the Mana tree, which have been hidden for centuries. Only then can perfect harmony be restored. In this incredible adventure, things are not as they seem. Magic swords release evil as well as fight it. Treasure chests hold booby traps. Monsters are friends and friends are enemies. Potions give power, black magic takes it away. Dragons fly, weapons change. It’s a world turned upside down that you must help the warrior make right. And the only way to succeed is to solve the Secret of Mana.

STREET FIGHTER II’: SPECIAL CHAMPION EDITION (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Violence, 800 Wii Points): STREET FIGHTER II’: SPECIAL CHAMPION EDITION was the first STREET FIGHTER game released for the Sega Genesis console. The STREET FIGHTER series can be considered one of the first fighting games to popularize competitive video game fighting. This version of the game contains both the CHAMPION and HYPER rule sets, from the two editions released in the arcades. It also introduced an exclusive Group Battle mode that is now a general feature in most fighting games. Play as one of 12 different characters, each with their own distinctive fighting style. Try single-player mode or challenge a friend in this legendary, classic fighting game.

Published on October 13th, 2008 under , , , ,

On the Wii Shop today: World of Goo, Art Style: Cubello, Secret of Mana, Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Get a Wii Points Card at AmazonToday Nintendo adds new/classic games to the popular Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9AM Pacific time. 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 stores like Amazon (see Card above).

We’ve included videos of each of today’s games for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if it’s to your tastes.

This week’s new WiiWare games are:

World of Goo (2D Boy, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,500 Wii Points = $15): World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game made entirely by two guys. Grab living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins and giant tongues. The millions of Goo Balls that live in the beautiful World of Goo are curious to explore—but they don’t know that they are in a game, or that they are extremely delicious. World of Goo Corporation is contractually obligated to state that everyone is a winner, and is enthusiastic to celebrate everyone’s Goo building opportunities equally.

Art Style: Cubello (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points = $6): Art Style: Cubello mixes the strategy and feel of a traditional puzzle game with the precision and reflexes required in a shooter. As each stage begins, various colored cubes form into one large object called a Cubello, which floats and rotates as you play. Launch additional cubes from your magazine and try to connect four or more of the same color, removing them from the Cubello and eventually leaving only its core. Take on the challenge of either Stage or Endless mode and watch what happens when Bonus Time is activated. The straightforward controls and goal ensure that anyone can play, while offering enough depth that even advanced players will find themselves quickly addicted to the unique world of Art Style: Cubello.

This week’s new Virtual Console games are:

Secret of Mana on SNESSecret of Mana (Super NES, 1-3 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 800 Wii Points = $8): Good and evil battle for a young warrior’s heart. There is one force in the universe that keeps good and evil in perfect balance. It is called the tree of Mana. But a magic sword has tricked a young warrior into upsetting this balance, spreading evil throughout the land. Thus, the warrior must undertake a dangerous journey to find the seeds of the Mana tree, which have been hidden for centuries. Only then can perfect harmony be restored. In this incredible adventure, things are not as they seem. Magic swords release evil as well as fight it. Treasure chests hold booby traps. Monsters are friends and friends are enemies. Potions give power, black magic takes it away. Dragons fly, weapons change. It’s a world turned upside down that you must help the warrior make right. And the only way to succeed is to solve the Secret of Mana.

Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Violence, 800 Wii Points = $8): Street Fighter II’: Special Champion Edition was the first Street Fighter game released for the Sega Genesis console. The Street Fighter series can be considered one of the first fighting games to popularize competitive video game fighting. This version of the game contains both the Champion and Hyper rule sets, from the two editions released in the arcades. It also introduced an exclusive Group Battle mode that is now a general feature in most fighting games. Play as one of 12 different characters, each with their own distinctive fighting style. Try single-player mode or challenge a friend in this legendary, classic fighting game.

High Voltage Software announces ‘High Voltage Hotrod Show’ for Wiiware

Source: infendo.com

Hit the jump for press release, fact sheet, and a few more screens.

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HIGH VOLTAGE HOT ROD SHOW RUMBLES ONTO THE WII!!
High Voltage Software announces new multiplayer racer for WiiWare

Hoffman Estates, IL – October 10, 2008 - High Voltage Software, Inc., one of the world’s largest independent developers, today announced High Voltage Hot Rod Show, an intense new racing title scheduled for release on the WiiWare downloadable service later this Fall.

High Voltage Hot Rod Show requires players to master more than the basic racing skills to compete. A unique stunt system gives players multiple ways to build boost, which drastically increases a Hot Rod’s speed. If you get too greedy, you might crash and burn! The game utilizes the company’s proprietary Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, which provides graphical performance and game play not possible on other Wii titles.

“We wanted High Voltage Hot Rod Show to be a fresh and exciting racing title for the Wii that would provide up to four friends with endless replay value,” said Kerry Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software. “The result is a game that is easy to pick up and play, but maintains a core of skill-based racing, which gives it special appeal.”

“Style was important to us on this project,” said Benjamin Savage, Lead Artist on the title. “We were inspired by the work of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and that led us to design some really exciting characters, Hot Rods, and even music. We hope players will love the direction we’ve taken.”

“We set the bar for ourselves very high with each new title” said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software. “Not only have we created a fantastic racing title with support for split-screen racing and online leaderboards, but we’ve also demonstrated the incredible versatility of the Quantum 3 Game Engine.”

About High Voltage Software, Inc.

High Voltage Software is a game development company located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Established in 1993, employs more than 130 staff members. Red Eye Studios, a motion capture facility, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HVS. For more information, please visit their website at www.high-voltage.com.

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Fact Sheet:

High Voltage Hot Rod Show
Format: WiiWare™
Launch Date: Q4, 2008
ESRB: E (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Game Type: Racing
Players: 1-4
Developer: High Voltage Software, Inc.

Key Information
High Voltage Hot Rod Show is a slick and fast-paced racer that challenges up to 4 players to tear up the track on a variety of off-road courses, mastering death-defying stunts and building enough Boost to stomp the competition. Players must learn to tame their monster Hot Rods by nailing ramps, powerslides, bunny-hops and tricks, while avoiding mud pits and smashing through Boost Rings to fill their Boost Meters. Players can compete against seven CPU opponents in Championship mode, or set their best lap times in the Time Trials. Top times can be uploaded to an online scoreboard via Wi-Fi Connection and shared with players around the world. Multiplayer supports up to four players in split-screen mode, giving each player a wide range of controller choices. High Voltage Hot Rod Show is an addictive racer that fully leverages the company’s cutting-edge Wii technology!

• Boost or Die - Unique Stunt/Boost system rewards players with more speed for getting the biggest air and pulling off the wildest stunts. Be careful though, your Boost will evaporate if you crash and burn.
• Shake It Up – The default control scheme is similar to Mario Kart Wii, with motion-based steering and stunts.
• Racing, a la Mode – Three different game modes: Championship, Time Trial, and Multiplayer provide hours of white-knuckle competition.
• Choose your Poison – Players can choose from a variety of rockin’ Hot Rods, each associated with a unique character. Each Hot Rod has skins that can be unlocked by earning gold trophies in Championship mode.
• Bragging Rights – Post your top lap times for each of the tracks online and see how you fare against the world’s best.
• Couch Crashers – Fire up the game with up to four players in split screen mode and customize your multiplayer race series to suit your taste.

Gameplay Mechanics: High Voltage Hot Rod Show is an off-road racer with jumps and stunts. To win the race, players must not only successfully navigate each track at high speeds, but they must hit ramps and perform tricks in the air. These tricks build Boost in the Boost Meter. Boost kicks in automatically when the wheels hit the ground, providing a burst of speed. Other tools the player can use are the Powerslide, which makes handling more difficult but increases the speed through turns and maximizes boost, and Bunny-Hopping, which can be used to clear mud and obstacles and also to achieve maximum air off ramps. Players can also aim for lofty Speed Stars, which hover high above the track and reward skilled drivers with top speed bonuses.

How to progress through the game: The game is divided into three modes. The single-player Championship mode provides a series races with increasing AI difficulty. By winning races, the players unlock more races and skins for their Hot Rods. Time Trial mode encourages practice, helps players to learn the best lines through each track, and records their best times to be stored locally and compared with other players online. Multiplayer mode lets players customize a series of races with different tracks and lap counts to compete against up to three of their friends in split-screen fashion.

Track Features: There are various types of tracks: Island, Desert, Forest, and Ruins, each with a unique layout that challenges the player in different ways. Ramps, Powerstrips, Boost Rings, Mud Pits, Speed Stars, barriers and chasms all play a part. The more difficult tracks have fewer guard rails, more intense jumps, and more danger.

Difficulty: This is a skill-based game, but it is still fun and accessible for new players, even if they need a few races under their belts before they can hang with the veterans. Championship mode is geared to provide a few extra-easy races while players acclimate to the driving mechanics. Tips appear before each race begins to help players learn advanced techniques. Once players have the controls down to a science and the tracks memorized, they will find a whole new level of skilled gameplay that provides endless replay value.

Controls: It’s tough to be all things to all people, but High Voltage Hot Rod Show pulls it off by providing players with lots of control options. Controls default to the Wii motion-based scheme used by Mario Kart Wii and Excite Truck (players can use the Wii Wheel if they choose). Players can also plug in a Nunchuk for analog steering, or use the Classic Controller or GameCube Controller if they prefer a more traditional control scheme.

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Published on October 13th, 2008 under , , ,

Discipline WiiWare video confuses with bizarre Japanese-ness

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Discipline WiiWare game logo

Discipline is an upcoming WiiWare downloadable game developed by the same guy who brought the world Doshin the Giant and Tail of the Sun, director Kazutoshi Iida.

We know very little about this game . . . but the video kind of speaks for itself, don’t you think?

Published on October 11th, 2008 under , , , , , , , , ,

Cave Story original graphics vs. new updates

Source: infendo.com

Over at the official Cave Story blog, a recent update shows off one of the new in game sprite redesigns. Apparently people have been e-mailing them about seeing the difference between the original and the upscaled Wii version.

We want to show you a side-by-side comparison of what the original artwork looks like in contrast to the new pixel work done by Pixel (Daisuke Amaya). I probably don’t have to say much, but the image above has the idle frame for Toroko from both the original Cave Story (left) and the upcoming WiiWare version (right).

It should be also noted that it was mentioned that the Wii Update will have an option to choose between the original art style, and the improved one. This choice is will also work with the music of the game, which is receiving a remix as well. Which will allow you to mix and match what you prefer. It is really great to see that they are treating this remake/port with respect for the old fans.

[Cave Story - Nicalis Blog]

Published on October 10th, 2008 under ,

On the PAL Wii Shop today: Potpourrii and Midnight Bowling

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Get a Wii Points Card at Amazon UKToday Nintendo of Europe and Australia added new games to the popular Wii Shop Channel. The game went live at midnight CET. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the game. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at stores like Amazon UK.

The WiiWare games are:

Potpourrii: A delicate mixture of challenge and fun! (Abstraction Games, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points = €8 / £6 / AU$12): In the puzzle game Potpourrii, everything revolves around the seasons. For centuries, the seasons have followed a set pattern. But then things start to go awry in the forest. Suddenly it’s snowing while the sun shines and flowers bloom while leaves are falling. Then a strange purple goo appears. The leprechauns are stunned. Even worse, the magic oak of life loses its power. It all turns out to be the fault of an evil wizard. You must help the leprechauns defeat him and restore natural order. To do this, you need to collect seasonal spirits. Pick them up with the spirit cannon, shoot them at the center of the screen, group them and make them disappear. But watch out-they get faster and faster. In short: Potpourrii is a puzzle game that keeps you hooked with its colorful visuals, beautiful effects and easy-to-use controls using the Wii Remote controller. Play alone or with a second player, and even use your Mii character.

Midnight Bowling (Gameloft, 1-4 players, 800 Wii Points = €8 / £6 / AU$12): Plunge directly into the trendy and electric atmosphere of Midnight Bowling. With awesome playing sensations, prepare for ultra-fun gaming thanks to a new physics engine that lets you control your throws precisely and easily with your Wii Remote controller and make spectacular spins that will impress your opponents. Face up to three friends in the fun party mode, where your playing abilities will be put to the test. Whatever your experience level, launch yourself into the immersive career mode, where you will play in the trendiest bowling spots on the planet against charismatic characters that will give you a run for your money.

Mega Man 9  boxartToday Capcom will also release two Mega Man 9 downloadable content packs for their recent WiiWare release.

1. Mega Man 9 Endless Attack Content Pack (300 Wii Points = €3 / £2.25 / AU$4.50) - Test your skills on a stage without end. Try to break the record for getting the farthest. Results will be displayed in the Rankings page. Not compatible with other Challenges.
2. Mega Man 9 Proto Man Content Pack (200 Wii Points = €2 / £1.50 / AU$3) - Play the game as Proto Man. Some of Proto Man’s abilities may differ from Mega Man’s. Proto Man has the Charge Shot ability, Power Slide ability, and a shield that he can utilize to deflect bullets at enemies. However, Proto Man also takes double damage and has double bounce back when he is hit. There is no story for Proto Man and he is not compatible with Rankings or Challenges.

Published on October 10th, 2008 under , , , , , , , , , ,

Tetris Party multiplayer video and Wii Balance Board mode walkthrough

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Tetris Party logoTetris Party is a downloadable WiiWare version of the uber-popular and addictive puzzle game. Featuring online support that allows up to six players from around the world to face off or go at it in two-player co-op on the same playfield. Of course you also get the 15-level traditional single player marathon mode.

There are 18 game modes in all, with 10 never-before-seen single- player and multiplayer variations of Tetris. These include modes that use the unique point-and-shoot capabilities of the Wii Remote, as well as the recently released Wii Balance Board.

If you haven’t played Tetris DS yet, rearranging blocks has never been this exciting in these Tetris multiplayer modes.

Tetris Party producer Tony Tran discusses the miracle of Wii Balance Board controls in WiiWare Tetris.

To be honest, I yawned. All other modes look like great fun, though.

Nintendo Media Summit: Infendo’s Hands on Impressions

Source: infendo.com

Last week, Nintendo held it’s Fall Media Summit, dropping bombshells like the Nintendo DSi, a new Punch-Out!! for Wii, and the arrival of Club Nintendo to U.S. shores. I was lucky to be on site to mingle with Nintendo staff, talk to developers, and sample unreleased games. Keep an eye out for previews, hands-on impressions, interviews, and speculative analysis of the event in the coming weeks.

Hit the jump for some initial gameplay impressions on Animal Crossing, the Conduit, Call of Duty, and more!

Animal Crossing: City Folk is shaping up to be the definitive game the series. The rolling horizon has been brought over from the DS version, and now it actually increases your field of view. Some things are only visible from far away, like the clock tower in the city. (Which actually keeps time!) You can play with the wii-remote and the nunchuk, or just with the wii-remote. I found using the remote only setup very satisfying, it makes me dream of lazing away an afternoon on the sofa.

Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software, guided me through my first hands-on of The Conduit. I can see where the hype about this games graphics and controls come from, but what stood out to me was the AI. Enemy characters will react differently if you come out firing, or if you try to hit them with a melee weapon. Enemies will react differently each time you play the level through. Good AI is one of the most important aspects of a FPS, and in this respect, Conduit seems to be shaping up quite nicely. That said, the rumors are all true, the game looks great and it features the best custom control setup I’ve seen for a first person shooter on any platform.

It’s well known that Call of Duty: World at War is built on the engine from Call of Duty 4 and it shows, but it’s a little jaggy. The engine runs pretty smoothly on the Wii, but don’t expect the same visual experience as CoD4. The controls were among the best I’ve seen for a shooter on the Wii, and felt natural. Because all of the maps, missions, and resources are the same across every console, players on the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii will all play the same single player campaign. Still, the demo left me wondering if all platforms would truly get the same experience. Perhaps it’s because I had such a positive experience with The Conduit, but the AI in World at War, although better than other Wii shooters, seemed unimpressive. I’m somewhat concerned that Call of Duty for Wii will suffer diminished AI intelligence vs. it’s “next-gen” brothers. Then again, CoD4 on Xbox had it’s own AI problems.

Two DS games on demo at the media summit took my by surprise. The first, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure, hit me hard with its classic platforming action, fast paced puzzle element, smooth animation, and goofball humor. The bottom screen is home to the puzzle element of the game, where the player eliminates ascending bricks through color matching in order to gain power ups, regain health, or defeat certain enemies. If an “enemy block” makes it to the top of the screen without being eliminated, it seeps into the platfrming world of the top screen, and Henry Hatsworth must defeat it in order to return it to the puzzle. Despite how odd it sounds, the integration between the two styles of play is flawless, and feels natural.

The other DS title that caught my eye was Rhythm Heaven, a collaboration of the Wario Ware team and Japanese composer Tsunku. Rhythm Heaven takes music games on the DS in a new direction. Rather then focusing on completing a sequence of rhythmic button pushes (Guitar Hero) or sequential taps (Elite Beat Agents,) the player must listen for musical cues to know when to tap, flick, or hold their stylus to react with the action on the top screen of the DS. Although it seems simple, the game gets progressively more challenging as you go along. Because your performance effects how the music sounds, doing well in the game is extremely satisfying, relaxing, and quite fun. Rhythm Heaven may not be hardcore, but its addictively fun.

I’ve already shown you that Tetris Party is more than your average Tetris remake, and the new modes of play are really what makes this game great. I’m not a huge Tetris fan, and I usually don’t give the classic puzzle game more than a second thought, but the duel space and shadow modes really caught my eye. When I played Tetris for the first time as a child, I didn’t know what the rules were. I found myself building up designs and trying to draw pictures with the mysterious falling shapes. Tetris Party turns the game on its head and validates my younger self’s innocent, but incorrect gameplay approach. The new game modes are fun, innovative, and competitive. I found myself deeply impressed with how Tetris Party made an old game seem new again The only thing missing is Wii-Speak functionality.

That’s it for this initial sampling of post-media summit impressions. Keep watching the front page more detailed previews of these titles, interviews, and more.

Published on October 6th, 2008 under , , , , ,

Wii Shop Channel Monday - Midnight Bowling, MadStone, Mario Golf, and Shining Force II

Source: infendo.com

Mario Golf 64

Wow, a double-double with Midnight Bowling and MadStone for WiiWare plus Mario Golf and Shining Force II for the Virtual Console.  Looks like a good week to be a gamer.  Anybody up for some slots golf with Mario?

Full release info after the break.

WiiWare

Midnight Bowling (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Plunge directly into the trendy and electric atmosphere of Midnight Bowling. With awesome playing sensations, prepare for ultra-fun gaming thanks to a new physics engine that lets you control your throws precisely and easily with your Wii Remote controller and make spectacular spins that will impress your opponents. Face up to three friends in the fun party mode, where your playing abilities will be put to the test. Whatever your experience level, launch yourself into the immersive career mode, where you will play in the trendiest bowling spots on the planet against charismatic characters that will give you a run for your money.

MadStone (Riverman Media, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Time is short. Earth trembles as the forces of nature stir and grow restless. Can you turn the tide? In this dynamic puzzle game, you must clear the path for your elemental MadStones to reach the bottom of the screen. Blocks can be broken by striking them directly or by the force of falling objects. The novice tries frantically to break enough blocks, while the master sets up cascading collapses with only a handful of direct strikes. As two sides struggle for domination, titanic forces build, only to be unleashed in an earth-shaking final confrontation. Experience the mystical single-player journey, or challenge a friend in competitive two-player mode.

Virtual Console

Mario Golf (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Mario takes a well-deserved break from his role as the Mushroom Kingdom’s busiest hero and returns to the links for some world-class golfing action. Since no one likes to hit the fairways alone, he’s brought along a group of friends—both familiar characters and brand new ones. Choose from 10 different modes of play and six 18-hole courses in a variety of environments for a golfing experience with endless replay value. Add in fun, colorful graphics with a Mario touch (a Boo indicates wind direction), intuitive controls, incredibly deep game play and multiplayer support (taunt your opponents), and you have a game anyone will enjoy—even if you’ve never played a round of golf. Fore!

Shining Force II (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): It’s a dark and stormy night in the kingdom of Granseal when a thief steals two jewels from the Tower of the Ancients. He sets in motion strange events that lead to the resurrection of Zeon, the Devil King. Granseal’s king falls sick, the princess is kidnapped, and a door to Arc Valley, the Devil King’s home, is opened. The young swordsman, Bowie, realizing the grave danger Granseal faces, must lead the Shining Force to find the Holy Sword and the stolen jewels, and protect Granseal against the invading armies of Zeon.

Published on October 6th, 2008 under , , , ,

On the Wii Shop today: Midnight Bowling, MadStone, Mario Golf, Shining Force 2

Source: videogamesblogger.com

Get a Wii Points Card at AmazonToday Nintendo adds new/classic games to the popular Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9AM Pacific time. 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 stores like Amazon (see Card above).

We’ve included videos of each of today’s games for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if it’s to your tastes.

This week’s new WiiWare games are:

Midnight Bowling (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points = $8): Plunge directly into the trendy and electric atmosphere of Midnight Bowling. With awesome playing sensations, prepare for ultra-fun gaming thanks to a new physics engine that lets you control your throws precisely and easily with your Wii Remote controller and make spectacular spins that will impress your opponents. Face up to three friends in the fun party mode, where your playing abilities will be put to the test. Whatever your experience level, launch yourself into the immersive career mode, where you will play in the trendiest bowling spots on the planet against charismatic characters that will give you a run for your money.

MadStone (Riverman Media, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points = $8): Time is short. Earth trembles as the forces of nature stir and grow restless. Can you turn the tide? In this dynamic puzzle game, you must clear the path for your elemental MadStones to reach the bottom of the screen. Blocks can be broken by striking them directly or by the force of falling objects. The novice tries frantically to break enough blocks, while the master sets up cascading collapses with only a handful of direct strikes. As two sides struggle for domination, titanic forces build, only to be unleashed in an earth-shaking final confrontation. Experience the mystical single-player journey, or challenge a friend in competitive two-player mode.

Today Capcom will also release two Mega Man 9 downloadable content packs for their recent WiiWare release!

Mega Man 9  boxart1. Mega Man 9 Endless Attack Content Pack (300 Wii Points = $3) - Test your skills on a stage without end. Try to break the record for getting the farthest. Results will be displayed in the Rankings page. Not compatible with other Challenges.
2. Mega Man 9 Proto Man Content Pack (200 Wii Points = $2) - Play the game as Proto Man. Some of Proto Man’s abilities may differ from Mega Man’s. Proto Man has the Charge Shot ability, Power Slide ability, and a shield that he can utilize to deflect bullets at enemies. However, Proto Man also takes double damage and has double bounce back when he is hit. There is no story for Proto Man and he is not compatible with Rankings or Challenges.

This week’s new Virtual Console games are:

Mario Golf on N64Mario Golf (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points = $10): Mario takes a well-deserved break from his role as the Mushroom Kingdom’s busiest hero and returns to the links for some world-class golfing action. Since no one likes to hit the fairways alone, he’s brought along a group of friends—both familiar characters and brand new ones. Choose from 10 different modes of play and six 18-hole courses in a variety of environments for a golfing experience with endless replay value. Add in fun, colorful graphics with a Mario touch (a Boo indicates wind direction), intuitive controls, incredibly deep game play and multiplayer support (taunt your opponents), and you have a game anyone will enjoy—even if you’ve never played a round of golf. Fore!

Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing Shining Force II on Sega Genesis(Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points = $8): It’s a dark and stormy night in the kingdom of Granseal when a thief steals two jewels from the Tower of the Ancients. He sets in motion strange events that lead to the resurrection of Zeon, the Devil King. Granseal’s king falls sick, the princess is kidnapped, and a door to Arc Valley, the Devil King’s home, is opened. The young swordsman, Bowie, realizing the grave danger Granseal faces, must lead the Shining Force to find the Holy Sword and the stolen jewels, and protect Granseal against the invading armies of Zeon.


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