New video game releases week 21, 2009
Here’s a list of this weeks game releases. The most popular titles are Infamous on PS3, Damnation on Xbox 360, PS3 & PC, Cross Edge on PS3, and The Muchables on Wii. On the downloadable games front we’ve got today’s Wii Shop and DSiWare titles Bubble Bobble Plus, Adventure Island: The Beginning, Clay Fighter, American Popstar, Photo Clock, as well as Wallace & Gromit Episode 1: Fright of the Bumblebees & Yosumin Live on Xbox Live Arcade (updates Wednesday), and Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries on GameTap Gold (updates Thursday). No word yet on any PlayStation Network games (updates Thursday).
A little note for current Amazon.com bargains: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS) for $24 (down from $35) and The Last Remnant (PC) for $27 (down from $40).
Monday:
Adventure Island: The Beginning - $8 (Wii Shop)
American Popstar: Road to Celebrity - $8 (DSi Shop)
Bubble Bobble Plus! - $6 (Wii Shop)
Photo Clock - $2 (DSi Shop)
Clay Fighter - $8 (Wii Shop)
Tuesday:
Crimson Gem Saga (PSP)
Cross Edge (PS3)
Damnation (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Fallout 3 Game Add-On Pack - The Pitt and Operation Anchorage (PC, Xbox 360)
Imagine: Makeup Artist (DS)
Infamous (PS3)
Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past (DS)
Necrovision (PC)
Personal Trainer: Walking (DS)
Puffins: Island Adventure (Wii, DS)
Rolling Stone Drum King (Wii)
Secret Agent Clank (PS2)
Space Camp (Wii, DS)
Speed Zone (Wii)
The Muchables (Wii)
UP (PC, PS2, Xbox 360, DS, Wii, PS3, PSP)
Wednesday:
Boggle (added to Hasbro Family Game Night) - $10 (Xbox Live Arcade)
Wallace & Gromit Episode 1: Fright of the Bumblebees - $10 (Xbox Live Arcade)
Yosumin Live - $10 (Xbox Live Arcade)
No comments »
The best (Top 10) videogame Cannon Fodder of all time
My friends, we are going to take a moment today to honor a very important part of villainy: cannon fodder. If you are unfamiliar with the term, “Cannon Fodder” are brave souls whose sole purpose is to throw themselves in the way of oncoming bullets.
No evil genius, diabolical tyrant or power-crazed overlord would be complete without an endless supply of minions to throw against every hero or protagonist who dares try to oppose them.
Thus I have devised a list of the best of these endless hoards. I humbly submit to you the Greatest Videogame Cannon Fodder of All Time.
10. Prinnies
This is a shameless plug from a blatant Nippon Ichi fan. As this isn’t the number one series of all time . . . yet, I’ll explain the Disgaia series and their lovable cannon fodder briefly. Disgaia is set in the Underworld. It is full of all manner of demons and monsters. Amidst all of these powerful and dangerous creatures vying for power, there must be useless peons to do the grunt work. Prinnies are those peons. They look like penguins with fanny packs. They are actually the vessels for human souls who are atoning for the sins from their life. They use knives and bombs and overuse the word “Dood.” They are quirky and lovable and are fun to beat up. Oh, they also explode when you throw them. For more information, be sure to check out my Disgaia: Hour of Darkness review.
9. Gangs/Thugs
Ever since the golden age of Double Dragon and River City Ransom gangs and thugs have been stealing girlfriends and getting in a hero’s way; armed with guns, knives and lead pipes. No one is quite sure why they have been doing this. Have they been hired? Were they bored? Did they just need a hug? We may never know. What we do know is that they will be obtruding the paths of heroes until the end of time.
8. Koopas and Goombas
No matter what generation you grew up in, if you grew up playing videogames there is a pretty good chance you spent some quality time killing the Mario classics: Koopas and Goombas. Vicious turtles and shambling mushrooms of death have been a training ground for the untrained thumbs since 1985, with no sign of letting up. They have a warm spot in the hearts of most gamers and definitely deserve a spot on this list.
Launch party giveaway Day 8: Ubisoft game of your choice
UPDATED TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER IS: ARRAKIS who gets Rayman Raving Rabbids: TV Party.
Congratulations to the winner! You’ll be contacted via email shortly.
If you didn’t win, the next daily giveaway is for an Xbox 360 console!
Welcome to DAY EIGHT of our mega fantastic, super duper, relaunch party. You can look forward to two weeks of daily giveaways! We’re celebrating and that means:
Welcome to the “GAME OF CHOICE” contest where you can win a recent Ubisoft game of your choice. You can either choose one of the games we gave away in the past week, or choose between some of these recent games: Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy’s EndWar, Grey’s Anatomy, Wheelman, etc.
What do you need to do to win? Answer the question “What recently released Ubisoft game would you like to win?” in a comment below.
Because I’m such a fan, here’s my favorite trailer for the recommended Prince of Persia.
What are the rules? Winner must be located in the USA or Canada. All you have to do is leave one comment (per person) on this page with your answer, before today has passed by. The winner will be announced the next day on this page (we’ll update it). Fill out your real email so we can contact you if you win (your email will be invisible to other readers, only the site staff can see it). Good luck!
On Wii Shop and DSiWare today: Bubble Bobble Plus, Adventure Island: The Beginning, Clay Fighter, American Popstar, Photo Clock
Nintendo downloads for the week: Wii owners can transform into bubble-bursting dragons or hunt for melons on a mysterious island. And be sure to check out this week’s Virtual Console debut, which features clay figures and stop-action animation to create a comedic twist to the street fighting genre. Nintendo DSi users can become world-famous pop stars or use a new photo application to view their pictures in interesting new ways.
Nintendo has added new/classic games to the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop. The games go live at 9AM Pacific time. Users with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations or Amazon (see Card on the right).
Where available, we’ve included videos of each of today’s games. Either for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if any new game is to your taste.
This week’s new WiiWare games are:
Bubble Bobble Plus! (Taito, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points = $6): Bubble Bobble Plus! is a simple yet exhilarating action game where you control the bubble-blowing dragons Bub and Bob, trapping enemies in bubbles and then popping them. You can play all 100 of the Standard Mode rounds, which faithfully recreate the nostalgic arcade game, or try 100 new Arrange Mode rounds, which allow up to four players to play on stages with exciting new features such as new enemies and stage layouts. There are also Super Mode rounds for you to enjoy. Determine the true ending by solving puzzles hidden on each stage to defeat the final boss. In Ranking Mode, players with broadband Internet access can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service to compete with players from around the world. Enjoy an additional 100 rounds and face off against new boss characters by purchasing “Expert Mode 1” and “Expert Mode 2” add-on content.
Adventure Island: The Beginning (Hudson Entertainment, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points = $8): Adventure Island: The Beginning comes to the Wii console with exciting new skills and elements. Learn how to use new skills while exploring Adventure Island from coast to coast. Search for Golden Melons hidden throughout the stages and mini-games. When obtaining Golden Melons, you’ll be able to purchase various items to help you on your adventure. These items can increase your attack power or enable you to reach places you couldn’t get to before. Fulfill certain requirements while playing in any of the modes to achieve a “Master Higgins Feat” and you’ll be awarded a Master Higgins costume.
This week’s new Virtual Console game is:
Clay Fighter (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen – Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points = $8): In this zany 2-D fighter, it’s just another day for a humble traveling circus troupe when a meteor crash-lands in their camp. The otherworldly orb, made entirely out of interstellar clay, contaminates all the circus employees, turning them into bizarrely superpowered versions of themselves. Choose from among the unique clay creatures, such as Bonker, the cheerfully manic clown, or Blue Suede Goo, the mild-mannered Elvis impersonator turned violent vocalist. Master their “Claytalities,” like the operatic Helga’s deadly high note and Bad Mr. Frosty’s fists of snowball fury!
This week’s new DSiWare game is:
American Popstar: Road to Celebrity (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Nintendo DSi Points = $8): This is your enthralling and interactive success story as a young hopeful in the music milieu. The adventure begins when you get the chance to audition at your Hollywood high school. But the road to celebrity isn’t an easy one: Your secret crush is also auditioning, and so is your evil rival. This unique mix of music-themed gaming and social adventure will let you show your talents to the world, take your best photo with the Nintendo DSi system’s built-in camera and meet lots of people who may help you build your career. You’re about to become the greatest pop star in the world. Talk, share activities and be friendly or unfriendly with numerous characters. Customize your character’s name and appearance, and develop skills and personality through your actions. Four musical mini-games include Guitar, Singing, Drums and Dance. Record your voice, take your own photos and sign autographs.
Photo Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points = $2): Photo Clock allows you to enjoy the photos taken with your Nintendo DSi Camera application in a new way. Watch your images appear on the top screen of your Nintendo DSi system according to your chosen display settings (specific photos or all photos; in order or randomly displayed). Select from either an analog or digital clock, using the system’s internal clock or offsetting the time however you like. Program up to three alarms – with snooze functionality for those who need it – and assign them a preset ring or use a sound created in Nintendo DSi Sound. Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won’t lose track of the time.
Wii Play cheats, tips and hints on earning Platinum Medals and more
Wii Play cheats have been part of the top-selling videogame since its launch. Below you will find numerous fun tips along with guides to earning Platinum medals for the Wii-exclusive mini-game collection.
In order to unlock a Platinum Medal for each event you will need to complete the corresponding task below.
For tips to beat the last level in Tanks:
Watch level 100 being completed:
As for getting a Gold Medal in Laser Hockey, here is a tip:
You need to score ten or higher AND win the game in order to get the Gold Medal.
Here is how to score Double shots in the Shooting Range:
While playing a single-player game in the Shooting Range, press any button on a second Wii Remote that’s hooked up to the system. Now you will have two sets of crosshairs instead of one. Thus if you are fast enough you can get twice the shots!
Having fun with Mii movements
At the main menu you can make your Mii do different movements by playing around with it and using the A Button. For a Thumbs Up, use the cursor to point at its right arm. To make it wave, point at its left arm. To make it shake its head, point at its head. If you point at its middle, it will jump. To make it lift up with its hands point at the right left. Finally, the Mii will act like its going to fall if you point at its left leg.
How to activate an alternate paddle in Laser Hockey:
Press the A and B Buttons together before the timer starts to use a different paddle.
Activating the Screen Saver:
If you wait long enough at the main menu, your Mii will fall asleep! Keep it there without touching anything or pressing any buttons and new music will start to play. Eventually your Mii will wake up and the music will return to normal.
How to easily find the different Mii in the “Find Mii” mini-game:
While playing the “Find Mii” mini-game, you will be asked to find the “different” Mii. This can be easily done by simply pointing at all the Mii’s. If you see a Mii stand up that is NOT the one you are pointing at then that other Mii is the “different Mii”. Cause it’s disobedient! And stands up without being pointed out.
Wii Sports cheats and tips guide for every sport!
Wii Sports is the best-selling game of all time. As such, here are cheats, tricks, tips and codes for the Wii launch and pack-in title that is still played and loved by Wii owners, new and old, of every stripe.
Infinite Fitness Tests
In Wii Fit you can only take a fitness test to determine your stamina, power and speed, once a day. In order to take the test as much as you want, go into the Wii System Settings and select the Calender. Then simply move the date up one. When you resume the game it will think a day has passed therefore allowing you to retake the test.
Never Lost Skill Points (Tennis, Baseball, Boxing)
While playing any of the games above, immediatly press the Home button just before the game displays “You Lose”. Then exit to the Wii Dashboard. If you timed it correctly then your skill level for the above sports will not have decreased when you start the game up again.
BOWLING CHEATS
How to get a straight shot
Hold B as you bowl. However do not release it. This will cause the ball to leave your Mii’s hand in mid-air. Keep B held down and you will then have your hand in the air with the Ball. Now, bowl as you would normally. Your Mii will drop the ball and it will roll perfectly straight.
Training Power Throws in Bowling
When on the “final lane” of Power Throws, move all the way to the right (or left, depending on which hand you use). Turn toward the wall two to four notches then release the ball on top of the wall. If done correctly, the bowling ball will travel down the top of the wall past the pins, and all 92 pins will fall down at once.
Strike Tips
Tip #1: Hold B for about three seconds while you are holding the Wii Remote up and behind you (like you are getting ready to release the ball). As you swing release the B Button when your swing slightly passes your leg and your Mii character is at the line. The Mii should take about three steps.
Tip #2: Go to the third dot to your right (or left depending on which way you bowl). Throw the ball hard.
Tip #3: Turn your character so that they are facing the space between the #1 and #2 pins (press Up on the D-Pad). Then while swinging, DO NOT release the B Button. Hold it through the top of your swing and then pull it back again and swing through again, all the while keeping it held. But do it as fast as possible. When you have finished your second swing, b sure to release the ball with little to no spin. This should allow you to get a strike on most occasions.
Tip #4: Move your character to the gutter (at the left of the lane) Go to the left of the lane (gutter). Then switch modes and pivot to around the middle of the lane. Roll the ball from here and you have a better chance of getting a strike.
Scare spectators in Bowling
To scare spectators, release the ball when you are on the backswing. This will cause you to throw the ball into the crowd and scare the spectators.
How to get an alternate ball color in Bowling
When starting the game of Bowling hold the D-Pad Up to get a blue ball, Left to get a pink/red ball, Down to get a green ball and Right to get a gold-colored ball.
How to get an alternate ball design in Bowling
To get an alternate ball design you must achieve the “Pro” level. You will then unlock a sparkling new ball design.
Training Mode Tips
How to pick up the Spares Gold Medal
You need to knock down the pins with a single throw. Twist your wrist to curve the ball. If you knock down all the pins on seventeen lanes you will earn a Gold Medal.
How to pick up the Spares Platinum Medal
You need to knock down the pins with a single throw. Twist your wrist to curve the ball. If you knock down all the pins on all twenty lanes you will earn a Platinum Medal.
91 Pin Stage Tip
Press A, then press Right on the D-Pad twice. Press A once more and move all the way to the right until you reach the barrier. Then swing the ball up onto said barrier and make sure it doesn’t fall off. If it does fall off the trick won’t work. Do this correctly and you will hear a rock fall. Although it may take a few attempts, this will knock all the pins down.
BOXING CHEATS
Getting easy wins
Once you have reached a skill level of 600, your boxing opponents will start throwing even more punches at you than before. In order to win you will need to do lots of dodging side to side. Naturally, this will make you hard to hit. When your opponent punches and it goes into slow motion, punch at your opponents face once or twice. This will do more damage than normal allowing you to defeat them quicker.
How to earn Silver Gloves in Boxing
In order to earn Silver Gloves you need to defeat Matt, the Grand Champion. Once you have unlocked the Silver Gloves, you can select them by holding down the 1 Button when the screen goes black after a boxing match.
TENNIS CHEATS
How to enter the crowd
Flick your wrist when your opponent hits the ball out on either side. Your Mii will jump for the ball and end up in the crowd with the fans!
How to perform a Super Serve
Flick your wrist when the ball is at its highest point during your serve. You will see white smoke come off the ball and it will make it difficult to hit. It may take a bit of practice before you can get the super serve down.
Alternatively: Hold your arm in the air above your head so the Wii Remote is pointing upwards as you are serving. Afterwards hold B and move your arm downwards. However don’t move your arm too quickly or slowly. Do it right and the ball should travel fast and you’ll see a white glow coming from it. Like the above Super Serve this one may take some practice to master.
Hit ball by themselves in Tennis
This one is just for fun. But do make a Mii hit the ball all by himself try throwing the Wii Remote up into the air and then catching it. If you can do it right and with some practice you can make your character hit the ball all by himself each time you do it.
How to change the court color
Hold down the 2 Button before starting a game of Tennis or immediately after choosing “Star Over” on the “Position Select” screen).
How to create a hole in wall in Tennis
When playing Target Practice, intentionally miss the target so that the ball strikes the brick wall. You will see it darken slightly. Keep hitting it until you see the bricks begin to break. After you break enough bricks, a large hole will form. If your ball goes through the hole then the training session will end.
How to play on both sides with one Wii Remote
Right before the screen where the computer randomly selects an opponent ends, select the black silhouette of the characters to control both sides. The game will have a split screen.
GOLF CHEATS
How to get a perfect shot on the Beginner course hole 3
If you look at the map of this hole you will notice a small island far off to the left side of the fairway. If you can hit the ball there you will have a perfect shot at the green.
How to turn the maps and meters off
On the Course Selection Screen, hold down the 2 Button. The power meter, map and wind speed indicator will no longer appear.
How to read the green in Golf
Press the 1 Button while on the grass. This will allow you to see a detailed viw of the green from where the level of the green changes.
BASEBALL CHEATS
How to have better pitching
If the batter is on the right, hold the A Button when you throw the ball. This throw is harder to hit because it spins in the other direction. If the batter is on the left, then hold B when you throw the ball. Finally, hold A and B when you throw and the ball will slow down just as it’s about to reach the batter.
How to get easy Homeruns
Try to swing your arm in an upwards motion while batting. This makes it more likely for you to hit a homerun.
How to pitch combos
While pitching, hold A for a Screw Ball, hold B for a Curve Ball, or hold A and B for a Splitter.
How to throw a Hard Fastball
While pitching, flick your wrist as if you were throwing a curveball and you will throw a hard fastball.
How to perfect pitching
While pitching, flick your wrist to get a perfect throw.
How to pitch Underhand
While pitching, press 2 before throwing. To return to a normal delivery, press 1.
How to earn a Gold Medal in Homerun training sessions
To get a gold medal, hit a homerun with all ten balls pitched to you.
Modern Warfare 2 gameplay reveal trailer
Infinity Ward is striking back with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, fully revealed including tons of gameplay footage in an all-new wizbang trailer.
As you can tell from the very impressive footage below, Infinity Ward is taking the series in an entirely, less realistic and more big-budget action film direction with a deep storyline and big set pieces that are sure to impress. Even if I thought the graphics were a little TOO colorful.
Either way it’s really interesting to see them go in this direction. But I will say no more. Check out the an all-new trailer for Modern Warfare 2 (no Call of Duty attached this time).
Spoiler warning: video shows the end of Modern Warfare 1.
Punch-Out Wii review. Little Mac returns to prove himself King of the Ring once again
Punch-Out Wii returns Nintendo to the classic boxing franchise that has been completely missing in action since Super Punch Out was released for the SNES in 1994.
As in past titles, the game is a behind-the-back boxing title in which you play as Little Mac, an up and coming boxer who must take on a series of colorful and crazy challengers while being trained by the eccentric chocolate-bar-loving coach Jerome “Doc” Louis.
No knowledge of previous Punch-Out titles is required for you to enjoy Punch-Out Wii. In fact you will probably enjoy it even more if, like me, you are a newbie to the series and haven’t played the previous titles.
Although the game features the returns of all the old characters you know and love, it does feature some new ones as well (although most of them are not new).
So how does the classic Punch-Out gameplay hold up in today’s world?
Article continues »
Launch party giveaway Day 7: World in Conflict
UPDATED TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS ARE: BRANDON AND KEV.
Congratulations to the winners! You’ll be contacted via email shortly.
If you didn’t win, the next daily giveaway is for a Ubisoft game of your choice.
Welcome to DAY SEVEN of our mega fantastic, super duper, relaunch party. You can look forward to two weeks of daily giveaways! We’re celebrating and that means:
Welcome to our “CONFLICT” competition where 2 copies are available to win of the World in Conflict real-time strategy game on the PC!
What do you need to do to win? Answer the question “What’s the name of the ‘littlest monkey you’ve ever seen’ from the below World in Conflict trailer?” in a comment below.
What are the rules? Winner must be located in the USA or Canada. All you have to do is leave one comment (per person) on this page with your answer, before today has passed by. The 2 winners will be announced the next day on this page (we’ll update it). Fill out your real email so we can contact you if you win (your email will be invisible to other readers, only the site staff can see it). Good luck!
Top 9 Gaming System Brands in 2009
Research firm Millward Brown has released its fourth annual list and report, which ranks the most valuable brands in the world, titled the “BrandZ Top 100: Most Valuable Global Brands 2009″.
It’s the world’s largest study of consumers and business-to-business users’ brand preferences. Google is #1 with $100 billion, followed on #2 by Microsoft at $76.2 billion! Nintendo comes in with $18.2 billion at #32 and is the last videogames-related company in the top 100 brands. While technology giants top the list, our favorite gaming systems have also been very successful in business and brand management. Let’s forget about value and take a look at their popularity in the Top 9 gaming console and handheld brands.
Popular Gaming Brands — Brand Value in Millions of Dollars
1. Nintendo DS — 9,659
2. Nintendo Wii — 8,256
3. Microsoft Xbox 360 — 4,681
4. Sony PlayStation 3 — 341
5. Microsoft Xbox — 313
6. Nintendo Game Boy — 222
7. Sony PSP — 144
8. Sony PlayStation 2 — 119
9. Nintendo GameCube — 96
“The economy may challenge the industry, too. Reduced disposable income could have an immediate impact on sales. And any layoffs among game producers could have the long-term effect of reducing the supply of new, compelling games in an industry that depends on them. Still, with more people spending time at home with family, seeking security and saving money, these difficult times could actually drive sales.”
To quote the report’s findings:
“The leading players in the home console market are the Nintendo Wii, the Microsoft Xbox 360 [which has the most brand momentum], and the Sony PlayStation 3.
Nintendo Wii revolutionized gaming by allowing the player to control the game with body motion rather than the traditional joystick. The console also encourages gaming as a social rather than a solitary pursuit, often crossing the generations in family groups. And it delivers all of these benefits at a competitive price.
The relatively expensive Sony PlayStation 3 also reflects a corporate strategy. The console comes with a Blu-ray device, which can be used with a television to watch movies and helps Sony distribute its proprietary Blu-ray technology into the market.
The category’s leading brand, Nintendo DS, with about 34 million units sold [in America in 2008], is a handheld console. While it can be played at home, its main advantage is its portability.
Portability poses a challenge to the gaming console category. Many of the latest mobile phones, such as the iPhone, come with interactive screens that can provide a portable console alternative.”
Sources: Millward Brown Optimor, including data from BrandZ (PDF), Datamonitor, Bloomberg.
