Games I added to my collection: February 2010

I thought that January was big, but February actually topped it, just. Same number of games as January (16), but $32 more in monetary value. Here is how it played out, with accumulated figures in [brackets]:

Games: 16 (New - 12, Used - 4) [Year: 32 @ New - 25, Used - 7]

Cost: $348 (Average $22 a game) [Year: $664 Average $21 a game]
DS - 7 games (All new, 1 imported) $124 (Average - $18 a game)

[13 games, 12 new, 1 used, 2 imported - $263 @ average $20 a game]
Wii - 2 games (All new) $54 (Average $27 a game)

[5 games, all new, 1 imported - $146 @ average $29 a game]

Xbox 360 - 3 games (2 new, 1 used) $110 (Average $37 a game)

[6 games, 4 new, 2 used - $202 @ average $34 a game]

PSP - 1 game (New) $20 (Average $20 a game)

[2 games, all new - $40 @ average $20 a game]

PS2 - 3 games (All used) $40 (Average $13 a game)

[3 games, all used - $40 @ average $13 a game]

PC - 0 games

[3 games, 1 new, 2 used - $15 @ average $5 a game]

No surprise to me that the DS is opening up a large lead. I wouldn't expect the 360 to stay in front of the Wii for very long.

Luminous Arc - DS

$13 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: Strategy RPG

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 71 (High - 85, Low - 40)

Description:

Take control of the Garden Children, a group of fighters and mages trained since childhood and dedicated to eradicating the Witch threat, and discover the mysteries behind their return, their motives, and their history. Create new weapons and equipment with the Vitae Imbuing system. Strengthen your friendship with comrades and improve your attacks on the battlefield. Compare your friends' strategic prowess against your own with Wi-Fi multiplayer. A variety of unique characters drive an epic story featuring voiced dialogue.

Yet another of the many RPG I have collected for the DS and no, I haven't played it yet.

Luminous Arc 2 (with CD soundtrack) - DS

$35 New - imported (playasia) - February

Genre: Strategy RPG

Released: 2008

Metacritic Average: 73 (High - 80, Low - 50)

Description:

For most of the past four millennia, peace has reigned over the Kingdom of Carnava. "The Grand Kingdom" has flourished due to its close cooperation with the Witches of the Rev Magic Association and the ever-present usage of magic. Unfortunately, the era of peace has come to an end. Fatima, the Shadow Frost Witch, broke from the Magic Association and has taken over Granend, the Forbidden Land, with the use of magic. This infighting, dubbed the "Witch Conflict," has pushed Carnava to the brink of chaos. When the young squire Roland gains magnificent powers due to a chance encounter, Sophia, the Queen of Carnava, calls upon him to bring about an end to the discord.

Well, I haven't played the first one yet, so this sequel isn't about to get played in any hurry.

Deep Labyrinth - DS

$13 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: Action RPG

Released: 2006

Metacritic Average: 57 (High - 75, Low - 38)

Description:

Deep Labyrinth lets you explore a world populated by magical creatures and monstrous foes. Descend, if you dare, into the dark heart of the Labyrinth, in the first 3D first-person RPG for the Nintendo DS. Take advantage of the DS's dual screens and touch screen to explore dozens of dungeon levels, fighting hordes of hideous monsters in real-time with swords and spells. Two engrossing scenarios weave two amazing stories -- one for newcomers to role-playing games, and one for RPG veterans.

This certainly has a low score, but that didn't deter me, after all, an average JRPG is still miles better than a high rated puzzle game - for me anyway. Haven't played it yet.

Anno: Create a New World - Wii

$25 New - promotion (Game) - February

Genre: RTS, Simulation

Released: 2009

Metacritic Average: 81 (High - 90, Low - 70)

Description:

Build and sustain your own expansive empire. Explore the beautifully detailed world and discover new places to create your civilization. Set up trade posts in the spice mines of the Orient and explore new trade routes to keep your nation growing. Learn from other nearby cultures to expand your horizons and master the challenges of establishing a prosperous society.

I really love these kind of games on the PC, like The Settlers. I also have, played and loved the original DS version of this game series, so getting this was a no-brainer. I was right. For what I have played, though not a lot, is an excellent game and certainly one that I will go back to again and again.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Xbox 360

$25 New - promotion (Game) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2006

Metacritic Average: 94 (High - 100, Low - 80)

Description:

Oblivion features a groundbreaking new AI system, called Radiant AI, which gives non-player characters (NPCs) the ability to make their own choices based on the world around them. They decide where to eat or who to talk to and what they say. They sleep, go to church, and even steal items, all based on their individual characteristics. Full facial animations and lip-synching, combined with full speech for all dialog, allows NPCs to come to life like never before.

I really wanted to like this game, I really did. I have III on the Xbox and couldn't get into it but was still wanting to persist. Unfortunately, I didn't get into it. I didn't much like the look of it and I got bored quickly. Still, I may yet again try to get further into it.

Phantasy Star Portable - PSP

$20 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2009

Metacritic Average: 63 (High - 91, Low - 30)

Description:

The infestation of the alien SEED was thought to be under control by the end of PSU, but a new menace has stricken the Gurhal system. Alongside a new character named Vivienne, players must investigate the contamination and clear out the affected wildlife. In this intriguing new installment, players will delve deeper than ever before into the mysteries of Phantasy Star Universe.

Yet another game for my much unloved PSPs. The gulf between the best and worst reviews is staggering. It is both great and truly awful at the same time. I couldn't say which yet, as after giving up after 30 minutes, it is too early to know.

Spectral Force Genesis - DS

$20 New - clearance (EB Games) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2010

Metacritic Average: 45 (High - 68, Low - 33)

Description:

A very complete tactical RPG with One goal: conquer the world (you start as the ruler of a single country), Battle strategies, troop placements, and an extensive view of the battlefield.

Wow, was this game given some bad reviews. Only one was above 50 and that wasn't flattering anyway. When I play it, I will know.

.Hack//Mutation Part 2 - PS2

$13 Used (Cunninghams) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2003

Metacritic Average: 76 (High - 95, Low - 55)

Description:

In part 2 of this episodic, 4-part double-disc masterpiece, your remarkable party members meet up with the characters from .hack//SIGN television series, to support you through your painstaking journey to the truth. What is the developer of "The World" hiding? Kite continues his quest, armed with the forbidden abilities of Data Drain and Gate Hacking. Will he be able to save Orca and the other coma victims...?

One of many RPG I just keep adding to my PS2 collection. I came in late on the PS2, so I have tried to build up the collection, but almost only the JRPG. I have hardly played any of them, so this will just join the list.

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time - PS2

$13 Used (Cunninghams) - February

Genre: 3rd Person Action, RPG

Released: 2004

Metacritic Average: 80 (High - 94, Low - 42)

Description:

STAR OCEAN's protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hyda for a long-deserved vacation. Their dreamy holiday turns into a nightmare when Hyda is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from Sophia and his family and begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones.

I have never played a game in this series, although the 360 game got a lot of play by my daughter. This is one I really want to try out, but the list is long.

Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga - PS2

$14 Used (Cunninghams) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2005

Metacritic Average: 78 (High - 100, Low - 50)

Description:

Junkyard, a town of endless rain. With his four companions, Serf, the main character and a member of a tribe called Embryon, sets out for Nirvana, a land that can only be reached by the champions of Junkyard. They devote themselves to fighting against the never-ending resistance mustered by other tribes. In the midst of chaos, a mysterious object, the Pod, suddenly appears. Countless spheres of light are emitted by the Pod and infect Serf and his comrades, awakening their demonic powers. An unimaginable battle unfolds within their faint conscience. They develop a desire to tear the flesh and shatter the bones of their enemies, who have also been transformed. Their instincts tell them to devour every being in their path.

Ever since I stumble on Persona 3, I have been very attracted to this series. I now have 5 games in the series. Yet another game high on my list to play.

Guitar Hero: On Tour: Decades - DS

$13 New: Game Only - clearance (EB Games) - February

$15 New: Game & Controller - clearance (JB Hi-Fi) - February

Genre: Action Music

Released: 2008

Metacritic Average: 72 (High - 90, Low - 40)

Description:

Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades allows gamers to unleash their inner rockstar anytime, anywhere and for the first time ever share their music with friends as they embark on a tour through the decades of rock. Compatible with Guitar Hero: On Tour, the game leverages the technology of its predecessor and expands the experience with a new progression taking players on a musical journey from the classics of the 1970’s through today’s greatest hits.

I got these games separately. I got the game only, as we already had a controller from the first game. Then I saw the game again, very cheap, with a controller, so I figured it would be good value and fun for multiplayer - it is.

Crackdown - Xbox 360

$10 New - clearance (Myer) - February

Genre: Action, Driving

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 83 (High - 100, Low - 55)

Description:

Thanks to an amazing amount of props and a deep physics system, use whatever you can get your hands on as weapons—trashcans, vehicles, even people—to clean the streets of crime. From its initial concept to its final design, Real Time Worlds focused on delivering dynamic, engaging, cooperative gameplay for double the carnage, action, and intensity. Wage war on the syndicates by taking part in high-octane chases on foot and on wheels while using any appropriate route along, around, across, over, under, or through the environment.

Well, it reviewed nicely and it was only $10 - I could hardly pass it by. Haven't played it though.

Punch-Out!! - Wii

$29 New - clearance (JB Hi-Fi) - February

Genre: Sports, Boxing

Released: 2009

Metacritic Average: 86 (High - 100, Low - 70)

Description:

Grab a Wii Remote controller in one hand and a Nunchuk controller in the other and step back into the ring with a modern update of the classic Punch-Out!! Little Mac is back! Everyone’s favorite underdog from the 1980s joins the best of the original Punch-Out!! cast in a modern re-imagination of the series. Players will find familiar names like Glass Joe, King Hippo and trainer Doc Louis. These boxers come to life again in cel-shaded 3-D, complete with hilarious fighting animations and back stories that capture all the fun and flair of the original Punch-Out!! games.

I was a bit surprised to see this game as cheap as it was, so I wasn't going to pass it by. I have played some of it and, well, I am crap at it. It is very taxing on the body if you really give it a flat out go. Thoroughly enjoyable and probably better still in multiplayer.

Rockband - Xbox 360

$35 Used (EB Games) - February

$40 New: Full instrument pack - clearance (Harvey Norman) - February

Genre: Music, Rhythm Action

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 92 (High - 100, Low - 80)

Description:

Play together in your living room or across the world! Rock Band offers deep online functionality, allowing players to rock together whether they’re in Rhode Island or Reykjavik. Major record labels and leading music publishers have signed on to provide unrivaled access to master recordings and legendary rock artists – from punk, metal and alternative to classic and southern rock. Rock Band ships with 45 fearsome tracks from artists like Bon Jovi and The Ramones to Black Sabbath and Stone Temple Pilots.

I saw the complete instrument pack for $40 and decided I couldn't pass it up. Then however, no-one had a copy of the game. That is why I paid $35 for a used game - I never do that. It is effectively out of print and the instruments are useless without a game. Anyway, I did have fun playing it, except I found it really odd and somewhat backward, having cables connecting everything. After all the time with the wireless instruments on the Wii and Guitar Hero, it just seemed bad.

Lunar Knights - DS

$15 New - clearance (JB Hi-Fi) - February

Genre: RPG

Released: 2007

Metacritic Average: 82 (High - 100, Low - 67)

Description:

Descend into the gothic Sci-Fi world of Lunar Knights and take control of two warriors on a quest to reclaim the world from the vampiric legion. Spin together tornados, guide down flaming meteors, and blow together snowstorms in Kojima Productions first ever title on the DS. Two different heroes with unique powers and weapons. In-game day/night cycle and weather affects gameplay. Use the touch pen to solve puzzles and guide your vehicle through 3D shooter mini games.

I never did play the earlier GBA games of Boktai, so this is new to me. I have played about an hour of it and it looks promising.

DS news that caught my interest - w/c 31st May.

Looking back over the last week, this is the news on the DS that caught my interest:

DS game releases.

A list of games coming to the DS in NA in June.

Source

DS Release List

• Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert's Revenge - 1st of June
• Diamond Trust of London – 1st of June
• Horrid Henry – 1st of June
• Wizardology – 1st of June
• Nancy Drew Model Mysteries – 4th of June
• Rooms The Main Building – 4th of June
• Mega Man Zero Collection – 8th of June
• Beat City – 11th of June
• Playmobil Knights – 11th of June
• 100 Classic Book Collection – 14th of June
• Legend of Kay – 14th of June
• Toy Story 3 – 15th of June
• Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville – 15th of June
• Shrek Forever After - 18th of June
• America's Next Top Model – 22nd of June
• Chuck E. Cheese's Party Games – 22nd of June
• Dragon Ball: Origins 2 – 22nd of June
• Puzzle Quest 2 – 22nd of June
• TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line – 22nd of June
• Transformers: War for Cybertron – 22nd of June
• Wipeout: The Game – 22nd of June
• Mean Girls – 24th of June
• Bermuda Triangle – 25th of June
• Lego Harry Potter – 29th of June
• The Last Airbender – 29th of June
• Runaway: A Twist of Fate – 29th of June
• Vampire Legends: Power Of Three – 29th of June
• Secret Files: Tunguska – 30th of June

That isn't a list that excites. In fact, I am interested in zero. The truly great games for the DS are now starting to thin out a little. No surprise really considering the age of the DS

and the impending launch of the 3DS. I am assuming that many developers are already working on new titles for the 3DS. I also expect to see the quality of the games coming to the DS head more and more towards what we see on the PS2 - very casual and mainly for the younger audience. Still, it has been one hell of a ride on the DS and the library is thebest of any in history in my opinion.

World's Biggest DS Party.

The Poms finally beat the Aussies at something.

Source

At the London MCM Expo, 586 English fans smashed the Australian record of people playing the DS in a single location. It is also the biggest gathering of virgins in a single location - not really. Apparently, it is also the record holder of the most people in costume to a video game character, so maybe the virgin thing is right.

Considering there is maybe 40 million of these machines in Japan, how is it that they don't have the record? Oh well, as long as they were having fun and I have been known to go to Anime conventions, so who am I to speak.

DSi XL

New DSi XL colours and price drop in Japan.

Source

DSi price in the UK.

Source

If you are not hanging out foe the 3DS and didn't like to 2 rather sombre colours of the DSi XL, then Nintendo are putting some colour in your life. Although the Green, Yellow and Blue are only in Japan, you can guarantee they will eventually make it across the waters. I am rather fond of the Blue one myself, and despite the 3DS, I am still getting a DSi XL for my birthday in August.

There is also a price drop, plus a DSi price drop in the UK. This isn't unexpected for a console of this age and being so close to a replacement. It just makes good business sense.

Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem - Hero of Light & Shadow

Official site opens and Japan release soon.

Source

In what can only be described as SUPER AWESOME for me, a new Fire Emblem is on the way. I say new, but I mean old. It is a remake of a Super Famicon game from 10 years ago.

I am told that there will be 4 difficulty levels - Normal, Hard, Maniac and Lunatic. Lunatic you say? I'm there. There is also a Casual mode for newbies, as the characters don't die, but regenerate. Fire Emblem is amongst the hardest and most challenging games there are, so a mode like that is a good thing for those just trying to get a handle on it.

You can also create your own character and there are 2 new stories in which the My Unit plays a large part. With wi-fi multiplayer on offer, this could be the best Fire Emblem game yet and that is saying a lot for me. Counting down the days has begun for this excited gamer.

Love Plus

Only in Japan, special edition schoolgirl on your DSi XL bundle.

Source

The world of Japan is so far removed from our own world, and Love Plus shows how far apart it is. You can only imagine how the press and lobby groups would react if these games got a Western release. You can only imagine how creepy your friends and family would think you are for even owning it.

Thing is, I am actually curious to see what the hell these games are all about. Maybe we misjudge them. However, with no translation available, we may never know. This is a dating sim. Some fans take it way too far, including "marrying" a character. Those characters are Manaka, Rinko and Nene. Funny thing is, when I type Nene into my Mac translator in French, it says "tit". Yep, that's right.

Apparently these bundles come with a character doll. So I can see men buying all three versions and it being a runaway success. That is gaming in Japan for you and part of the reason I love it.

......... and that is it for gaming news on the DS that caught my interest this week. The very mention of a new Fire Emblem game has made my week alone. I hope you enjoyed reading, and feel free to add some comments and we will do it all again next week.

Wii news that caught my interest - w/c 31st May.

Just so you don't have to search for the news, here is what caught my interest on the Wii news front this week:

The Last Story.

The main characters revealed.

Source

RPG is my big love when it comes to gaming. More specifically, I love JRPG and unlike some, am far from tired of it. That is why I look forward so much to this Mistwalker game. It has a terrific developer behind it, so I look forward to the arrival of this game.

The latest news is the names of the lead characters. Not big news I know, but still news. The main hero of the game will be Elza, a mercenary with dreams of being a knight. The other is the heroine, Kanan, who appears to be a noble.

Also news on the game is that production time has been extended and a Japanese release may not occur this year.

Mario Kart Wii.

Race in your very own inflatable kart.

Source

In what could only be described as awesome, if you were still a little kid, comes this inflatable kart that has a steering wheel to attach your wiimote to, for the ultimate racing accessory.

Sure, it is pointless, but if my kids were still 6 years old, I would have considered it, especially at $40 US. Pity there seems no other racing game on the Wii genuinely worth using it for, perhaps excluding Excite Truck and that my arse would probably not fit in it - it is rated to 300lb, so maybe.

Treyarch - Call of Duty: Black Ops

"We are committed to the Wii"

Source

The story goes that Treyarch has a dedicated Wii team, trying to make the game as similar as possible to the PS3/360 version. This is the 4th Call of Duty game on the Wii and you have to give Treyarch credit here, as they all have been reviewed well and have sold at decent levels.

I personally haven't played any of the games, and part of me assumes it would be better to play it on the 360. However, the joy of using the wiimote as a gun for me is substantial. Maybe as a person who does not play FPS, due to motion sickness, that using the wiimote will be a significant improvement (for me) over the 360 controller (which I really suck at and dislike).

The odd thing about the Call of Duty games is that they never seem to get a decent price reduction on the Wii, unlike the other versions. If I could get it cheap, I may be more willing to give it a go.

This is what Tryarch had to say:

"Whereas we're able to create the same assets that can be used on PC, PS3 and 360,

we actually have to do quite a bit of work on both the technology and assets for Wii. The investment is heavy to get it working on the Wii, but we're committed to it as we were with Modern Warfare, World at War and Call of Duty 3.

"It'll be our fourth Wii shooter. Is there another team that's put out four Wii shooters? There probably is, but certainly not online. And look, we have a huge online fanbase and they're playing it over and over. We obviously want to please that audience - the Wii has been great."

"The Wii community is very vocal," added Community Manager Josh Olin.

"People think that they're just casual gamers and don't go onforums, but they can be very opinionated."

The game will be released alongside the other versions on November 9th.

NHL Slapshot.

EA & Wayne Gretzky bring new peripheral with first NHL Wii game.

Source

Ignorant comment first up - Wayne Gretzky? He is the Don Bradman (cricket) of Ice Hockey? Clearly I know nothing of this game other than what Emilio Estevez taught me in The Mighty Ducks.

I have never played a computer version of ice hockey, but I imagine you need friends so you can belt the crap out of each other, just like the real thing.

Anyway, more seriously, EA appear to have put some effort into this, as I am sure Wayne Gretzky didn't come cheap as the face on the cover. That peripheral looks odd and I am not sure how comfortable or effective it will be. The game has you starting out as 12 year old "peewees", so maybe The Mighty Ducks isn't too far off. The game arrives on September 9, alongside the PS3/360 versions, but being an American/Canadian sport, I imagine a PAL release may be later.

Guitar Hero 6: Warriors of Rock

Gene Simmons narrates new game.

Source

The whole guitar game genre is starting to get a little tiring for me. Sure, I enjoy playing, even if I can never make it past medium difficulty level, but most of the worthwhile songs have been done and I am not the biggest fan of "rock". Hell, some of the 70s stuff, hello Ted Nugent, can send me to sleep.

Maybe the addition of of the story and Gene Simmons to guide you through could make all of this worthwhile. What is good though, is that the Wii version has 3 "Roadies" modes that link the DS to the game, using the DS Guitar Hero controllers. I have 2 of those, so maybe I can get some fun out of it.

The game launches September 19, but I am going to wait for a decent price drop on this one. This is some of the track list, which isn't bad - I have made bold those which I genuinely like:

AFI - "Dancing Through Sunday"
Anthrax - "Indians"
Avenged Sevenfold - "Bat Country"
Black Sabbath - "Children Of The Grave"
Buzzcocks - "What Do I Get?"
Children Of Bodom - "If You Want Peace... Prepare For War"
The Cure - "Fascination Street"
Def Leppard - "Pour Some Sugar On Me (Live)"
Dethklok - "Bloodlines"
Dire Straits - "Money For Nothing"
DragonForce - "Fury of the Storm"
Drowning Pool - "Bodies"
Fall Out Boy - "Dance, Dance"
Foo Fighters - "No Way Back"
Foreigner - "Feels Like The First Time"
The Hives - "Tick Tick Boom"
Jane's Addiction - "Been Caught Stealing"
Jethro Tull - "Aqualung"
KISS - "Love Gun"
Linkin Park - "Bleed It Out"
Megadeth - "Sudden Death"
Metallica & Ozzy Osbourne - "Paranoid (Live)"
Muse - "Uprising"
My Chemical Romance - "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)"
Night Ranger - " (You Can Still) Rock In America"
Nine Inch Nails - "Wish"
The Offspring - "Self Esteem"
Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Rammstein - "Waidmanns Heil"
The Rolling Stones - "Stray Cat Blues"
Silversun Pickups - "There's No Secrets This Year"
Slayer - "Chemical Warfare"
Slipknot - "Psychosocial"
Stone Temple Pilots - "Interstate Love Song"
ZZ Top - "Sharp Dressed Man (Live)

Arc Rise Fantasia

Release date pushed back a month.

Source

Arc Rise Fantasia, a JRPG originally down for a June 20 release in the USA, has been pushed back to July 20. No reason has been given for the delay.

I remember reading a while back that the English dub for this was atrocious. Perhaps, with luck, they are fixing it. While they are at it, maybe they could put the Japanese version back in as well, as sometimes it is seriously preferable to some horrid American acting (no offence intended - I just prefer listening to English actors).

I look forward to this, as it will help with my JRPG bug.

The end of Nintendo.

Masato Kato (Final Fantasy VII) sees the iPad as the end of Nintendo - no really.

Source

In a bold prediction, Masato Kato (now a freelance writer), has called it - the end of Nintendo:

"With the iPad going on sale, the epoch of Nintendo is finished. But with the DS and Wii, it's been digging its own grave."

I am just going to say, he needs to either up or lower the dose on his medication. Whilst I think that Nintendo won't repeat the success of this generation with the next, it sure as hell will do very well anyway. As for the iPad? I am a Mac man myself and I really can't see that happening at all. It will be a success, but as a games device, not at the mass market level attained by the DS. It is just a completely different demographic.

Samurai Warriors 3

Nintendo publish Tecmo Koei game in Europe.

Source

Nintendo appear to be getting quite good at publishing major games from other developers and this is usually a good thing. This time it is Samurai Warriors 3 from Tecmo Koei which got a European release last week.

This Wii exclusive is a new story in the series, bringing with it new characters, combat and gameplay. I have never played a game in this series (shocking yes), and it appears that it won't change soon, as the reviews make it look average to say the least (range from 30 to 80, with an average of 56).

Epic Mickey.

New version for E3?

Source

So, apparently fans were not happy with the original look of the work on Epic Mickey, and the rumour is that it will be shown as completely different in style at E3.

If this is true, I will be disappointed, as I really like the whole steampunk look it had going. They are promising improvements. What that means, we will have to wait for E3 to see. Also rumoured is a September 17th USA release.

It has been so long since Mickey Mouse meant anything to me outside Kingdom Hearts, so I hope they get this right.

Earth Seeker

Scans for a game we appear to know nothing about.

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These cans come from Famitsu and little appears to be known about what kind of game this is, other than being on the Wii. It looks interesting though. Maybe an RPG? I am curious and interested at this stage, but it could be one of those games that never makes it outside Japan.

Wii Party.

Play some clever wiimote minigames.

Source

This game arrives in July, and as much fun as these Nintendo games are, you have to ask the question, "is too much of a good thing, a bad thing?"

Well, there are over 80 minigames, and thankfully, it does use Motion Plus. Some of the games do sound interesting as well, but you certainly need friends (and probably alcohol), or in my case, children. These games sound interesting:

Wanwan Karuta

The Wiimote for each of four players plays back a different sound. Which sound matches the animal that's shown on screen?

Remote Control Hide and Seek

Hide your Wiimote somewhere in the room and have other players search for it, relying only on the sound made by the Wiimote.

Sensitive Bomb

Hold the Wiimote like a bomb, and try to pass it off to other players without shaking it.

I can see the Nintendo staff up on the stage at E3 already.

Xenoblade.

New characters to look at.

Source

Juju
Race: Homs, Gender: Male, Age: 13, Height: 153cm

Carne’s brother. After the Colony 6 was attacked, he fled with his brother Carne to a camp outside the city.

Odama
Race:Homs – Gender: Male – Age: 60 – Height: 165cm

Commander of the Colony 6. He protected the city from repeated attacks by the Kishin army.

Gad

Race: Homes – Gender: Male – Age: 26 - Height: 191cm

One of the brave soldiers in Colony 6. He master at using the Ether Rifle.

This RPG is looking very nice indeed and yet another JRPG to look forward to on the Wii.

There you have. That is what caught my eye on the Nintendo Wii news front this week. I hope you found it worth the read and saved you some search time.