Gaming NDS & Wii Titles Expected: Week of 2nd December 2008

<img src="http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6922/dswiikr2.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

December already. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/frown.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="frown.gif" />

A few games but they are fairly big hitters and it looks like there is something to play on both consoles.

<!--colorourple--><span style="colorurple"><!--/coloro--><b><u>Read to know when a game could be dumped:</u>
These dates are what retailers say is out unless stated otherwise, sometimes they make dates up for pre-ordering purposes. These dates could also be "shipping dates" which usually means that that's the date when games get shipped to stores so a game could either be in stores on that day or after. Some games may get delayed some others not listed may appear but at the moment of posting these are correct. Also just because a game is released in stores it doesn't mean that they'll appear on our internets but NA titles usually appear on our 'nets Wednesday night UK time. I love you like a something loves something.</b><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->


<!--sizeo:5--><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>DS Releases</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->


<b><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->2nd December<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></b>


<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Animal Boxing</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<b>Region</b> North America <b>Genre:</b> Boxing...with animals...what else? A game where you put animals in boxes?
<b>Developer:</b> Gammick Entertainment <b>Publisher:</b> Gammick Entertainment

From the makers of Red Riding Hoods Zombie BBQ & the nice looking forthcoming game, Elite Forces 77 comes a boxing game where you beat up animals, but its ok because you are an animal too.

<i>Boxing comes to the Animal Village. Fight against the most beastly boxers you've ever seen in the ring with Animal Boxing for the DS. With the innovative system SD (Slam Down), the player can face their animal opponents without fighting dirty and giving low blows. The Nintendo DS touch screen shows the torso and face of your opponents, which is where you must strike mercilessly… but also must be attentive to the unpredictable movements of legs that let them dodge your attacks!</i>

Reviews are saying its pretty meh.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/262/reviews/945867_20080919_screen004.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/262/reviews/945867_20080919_screen008.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/262/reviews/945867_20080919_screen010.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />




<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<b>Region</b> North America <b>Genre:</b> Platform Adventure
<b>Developer:</b> Red Fly Studio <b>Publisher:</b> Gamecock

I was looking forward to this for quite a while but over time my interest has waned slightly.

<i>After a comet had passed the earth, all the planet's researchers concluded its strange green dust had no effect on the world. None noticed that tiny plants and fungi were acting strangely. Mushrooms, cacti, kudzu and other formerly-normal plants had awoken to full consciousness. Tribes quickly formed among the various mushroom species: the primitive Boletes, the aggressive Amanitas, and the inventive Morels. With nations formed, war inevitably followed.

Mushroom Men shows gamers the mundane world from the surreal perspective of a three-inch-high Mushroom Man. Unnoticed by humans, a war rages between the spore factions. As a brave Bolete Mushroom Man, players are given the opportunity to wreak havoc by transforming common household trinkets and trash into weapons and tools. </i>

The DS version will follow a different story to the Wii version. Reviews so far say the game is good but not great. However the Wii version is getting pretty good reviews.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/01/80/ME0001018013_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/01/80/ME0001018017_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/01/80/ME0001018009_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />



<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Prince of Persia: The Fallen King</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<img src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/687/approvege0.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>Region</b> North America <b>Genre:</b> Platform adventure
<b>Developer:</b> Ubisoft Casablanca <b>Publisher:</b> Ubisoft

The DS finally gets its first proper Prince of Persia game! Holy shit Ubisoft are actually putting some effort into a DS title! PRAISE THA LOORRD!

<i>Facing imminent danger, the Prince flees to a deserted kingdom that seemingly offers sanctuary. Already touched by the evil Corruption, a dark substance that physically contaminates the land and the skies, the kingdom is filled with adventure, challenge and intrigue. As the Prince seeks a way to fight the spreading Corruption destroying the land, he encounters a partially infected creature that promises salvation. But is the creature truly an ally or merely an enemy in disguise? It seems this perilous alliance may be the only way for the Prince to face the forces of darkness and save the Persian kingdom from the Corruption once and for all.

* The award-winning Prince of Persia franchise, built exclusively for Nintendo DS: Use the DS stylus to master the acrobatics, strategy and fighting tactics of the most agile warrior of all time
* The epic journey continues in an all-new adventure: Immerse yourself in the captivating Prince of Persia universe with an original and independent story that closely coincides with the action of the console & PC editions of the game
* Unique visual style: Brand-new art design delivers incredible environments in over 50+ maps. Explore deserted cities, dark labyrinths and forbidding jungles to battle the evil Corruption.
* Play as the all-new character: the Magus: Switch between the Prince and this mysterious new ally to fight, solve puzzles and utilize his magical powers to make your way through the corrupted land</i>

It sounds pretty good, the DS is at its best when in the realm of 2D. Apparently its actually Ubisofts most ambitious DS titles to date and one that has had the most development time from Ubisoft. Those who have played it are raving about how good it plays. Its also been said that the screenshots don't give it justice and like most DS games needs to be seen on an actual DS.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<img src="http://medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_13869.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_13863.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://medialib.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/screens/screenshot_13864.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />


<b>Also out on this day:</b>
Slingo Quest
My Fun Facts Coach
Dreamer: Puppy Trainer
Happy Cooking
Emma at the Farm
The Tale of Despereaux



<b><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->4th December<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></b>


<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>M&Ms® Adventure DS</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<b>Region</b> North America <b>Genre:</b> Generic Platformer
<b>Developer:</b> DSI Games <b>Publisher:</b> DSI/Zoo Digital

What is it about Zoo Digital that makes them release games based on franchises that no one has asked for? Yes DSI Games have now been bought out by Zoo Digital...rejoice or die? Either way Greg Woggerman can now devote his full attention to the Tempcast...hurrah!

<i>Your favourite colourful candy characters (there are others?) are back in their first free-roaming adventure! It's the end of the day at the M&M's® Candy Factory, but one packet of candy is missing from the delivery truck! It's your mission to explore each sector of the factory and discover all of the scattered hidden candies in order to make the delivery on time. Run on conveyor belts, jump around packing crates, and sneak your way around the factory-but be prepared for the Bosses that are waiting to thwart the mission and keep the candies from leaving!

# Each character has their own special abilities-essential to use them all to collect all the hidden candies
# Explore 6 different adventure themed divisions of the factory including the Valentine and Halloween rooms
# Take on unique Bosses at the end of each level
# Play as one of your three favourite M&Ms® colourful characters-Red, Yellow, and Green.</i>

Hey its in teh 3D! [sarcasm]That makes it sooo much better![/sarcasm] It does look like one of the better games from DSI/Zoo but expect it to have bad clipping and broken controls. Also...WARNING CONTAINS MILD CARTOON VIOLENCE!

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/324/955026_20081119_screen001.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.zoogamesinc.com/boxart/8%20copy.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.zoogamesinc.com/boxart/4%20copy.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />




<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Custom Battler Bomberman</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> aka <!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Bomberman DS 2</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<img src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/687/approvege0.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>Region</b> Japan <b>Genre:</b> Action
<b>Developer:</b> Hudson <b>Publisher:</b> Hudson

So far none of the DS Bomberman games have impressed me, they were ok but nothing compared to the awesomeness that was Bomberman Tournament on the GBA.

<i>- different costumes give Bomberman different abilities
- fast Bomberman, or a war-machine Bomberman are a pair of examples
- mix Bomberman parts to create the optimal Bomberman for each mission
- take your creation online for WFC battle</i>

Thats pretty much all I know. The game has been confirmed for a Europe release next year as Bomberman DS 2 but no word on NA release.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/10/01/pc_fc_n_gs/01_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/10/01/pc_fc_n_gs/01_3.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/10/01/pc_fc_n_gs/02_1.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />



<b>Out in Japan:</b>
Asoberu Eigo: Word Magic DS
Blazer Drive
Chou!! Nep League DS
Custom Battler Bomberman
Drawn to Life: Kamisama no Marionette
Eiyuu Senki Leavadein
Game o Shinagara Kaiwa o Tanoshimu! Voice Chat DS
Gokuhou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou: Mecha Mote Days, Hajime Masuwa!
Hajime no Ippo The Fighting! DS
Hisshou Pachinko*Pachi-Slot Kouryaku Series DS Vol. 1: Shinseiki Evangelion - Magokoro o, Kimi ni (Special Price)
Hisshou Pachinko*Pachi-Slot Kouryaku Series DS Vol. 3: Shinseiki Evangelion - Yakusoku no Toki
Itouke no Urawaza DS
Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! DS: Mafia Daishuugou Bongole Festival
Kikiite Hajimaru: Eigo Kaiwa Training - KikiTore
kirihara Shoten Kanshuu: Daigakusei Ryoku Kentei DS
Mori no Cafeteria DS: Oshare na Cafe Recipe
Motto Hayaku! Seikaku Ni! Suu Sense Keisan Ryuoku Up Training - SuuTore
Princess on Ice
Sekai no Gohan Shaberu! DS Oryouri Navi
Uchi no 3 Kyoudai DS



<b><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->5th December<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></b>


<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<img src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/687/approvege0.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>Region</b> Europe <b>Genre:</b> Turn Based Strategy
<b>Developer:</b> Intelligent Systems <b>Publisher:</b> Nintendo

A remake of the SNES game which was also a remake of a NES game both of which were Japan only. Nintendo have no new ideas for the DS do they? Still its an official English translation of the very first Fire Emblem game so I welcome it.

<i>Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon will finally introduce longtime fans to the stories that gave birth to the series nearly 20 years ago in Japan, while introducing the Fire Emblem franchise to a broader audience of strategy and chess fans. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon also reveals the back story of Marth, the original lead character in the Fire Emblem series. You play via touch screen and there are also WFC modes.</i>

Ok it doesn't really look that much better than the SNES version but still Fire Emblem is Fire Emblem and its about time Nintendo gave us this 20 year old game and to the DS too! I hope they localise the rest of the series but put them on DSiWare or Virtual Console.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/275/943695_20081002_screen004.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/275/943695_20081002_screen005.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/275/943695_20081002_screen002.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Also out in Europe on the 28th:
Baby Life
Golden Balls (first Noel Edmonds now Jasper Carrot invades the DS!)
The Magic Roundabout (based on the look of the shit film and not the classic series)
My Animal Centre
Colour Cross



<!--sizeo:5--><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Wii Releases</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->


<b><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->2nd December<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></b>


<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<img src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/687/approvege0.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>Region</b> North America <b>Genre:</b> Platform Adventure
<b>Developer:</b> Red Fly Studio <b>Publisher:</b> Gamecock

Currently a well rated game, but will it do well against all of the big hitters out? It's Wii/DS exclusive too & has some very nice art and character design.

<i>After a comet had passed the earth, all the planet's researchers concluded its strange green dust had no effect on the world. None noticed that tiny plants and fungi were acting strangely. Mushrooms, cacti, kudzu and other formerly-normal plants had awoken to full consciousness. Tribes quickly formed among the various mushroom species: the primitive Boletes, the aggressive Amanitas, and the inventive Morels. With nations formed, war inevitably followed.

Mushroom Men shows gamers the mundane world from the surreal perspective of a three-inch-high Mushroom Man. Unnoticed by humans, a war rages between the spore factions. As a brave Bolete Mushroom Man, players are given the opportunity to wreak havoc by transforming common household trinkets and trash into weapons and tools. </i>

So its the same company blurb for the Wii version then? Well as I said the Wii version does follow a different story and instead of being side scrolling it is in full 3D. Reviews have been very positive stating that its very well made and fairly different to other games in the genre. Also it has co-op play which is welcoming.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<a href="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/99/72/ME0000997232_2.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/99/72/ME0000997232_2.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/99/72/ME0000997230_2.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/99/72/ME0000997230_2.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/99/16/ME0000991643_2.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/00/99/16/ME0000991643_2.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a>



<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Space Invaders Get Even</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<img src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/687/approvege0.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>Region</b> North America <b>Genre:</b> Shooter
<b>Developer:</b> Taito <b>Publisher:</b> Nintendo

A WiiWare title, ok its already out in Europe but its passed some people by so I'm writing it up.

<i>The Space Invaders are back, and this time they're out to get even!

Take control of a UFO and make those Earthlings pay by unleashing your fleet of heroic invaders against their puny tanks, fighter jets and artillery.

Use your invaders' five attack types and the might of the mother ship to rack up high scores, then upload them via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and see where you stand in the worldwide rankings!</i>

I had a hell of a lot of fun with this game. The game will cost a cheap 500 points but you only get two missions which are fairly easy, you can however pay another 1000 points for 4 extra missions. For me its not quite worth it (1200 points yes) so buy one pack and DL the others if you can, though I'm not sure as I legally bought the game. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" />

Click spoiler tab for video:

<a href="http://www.wiiware-world.com/images/screenshots/11647/large.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://www.wiiware-world.com/images/screenshots/11647/large.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://www.wiiware-world.com/images/screenshots/11649/large.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://www.wiiware-world.com/images/screenshots/11649/large.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://www.wiiware-world.com/images/screenshots/11650/large.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://www.wiiware-world.com/images/screenshots/11650/large.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a>

<b>Also out this week in North America:</b>
My Fitness Coach
Cate West: The Vanishing Files
Family Party: 30 Great Games
Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek
Tale of Despereaux
M&M's Adventure (see the DS version and imagine the graphics in a slightly higher res)



<b><!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->2nd December<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></b>


<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>Kaze no Klonoa: Door to Phantomile</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<img src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/687/approvege0.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>Region</b> Japan <b>Genre:</b> Platform
<b>Developer:</b> Namco Bandai <b>Publisher:</b> Namco Bandai

I love Klonoa games, and though this is a remake of a PSX game I already own, its a mighty fine looking remake.

<i>Why is that people cannot remember their dreams? It is because the energy from dreams is collected in the Moon Kingdom where it is given substance. This rule was broken when Klonoa, a cat-like creature with wings on his ears, dreams that an airship crashes violently into a hill and a mysterious shadow hangs over the wreckage. When the dream comes true, Klonoa and his friend Huepow go to investigate. You take control of Klonoa as he travels through a dozen levels of action. As luck would have it, Klonoa will encounter a number of enemies who want to stop him. Fortunately, Klonoa can grab enemies and use them as weapons to destroy other bad guys, or throw them to the ground and propel himself upward. Besides grabbing enemies, Klonoa can also pump up larger enemies and make them explode.

Remade for the Wii with enhanced graphics and other improvements, now is your chance to help discover the reason for the dream in Klonoa: Door to Phantomile. </i>

Granted I'd would have preferred a new game rather than a remake but a lot of people wouldn't have played this game the first time around and more need to. Lookwise its beautiful. There is no date for release outside of Japan but there will be one, sadly though Namco Bandai may change the design of the main character for reasons unknown to me.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<a href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/286/954341_20081013_screen003.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/286/954341_20081013_screen003.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/286/954341_20081013_screen002.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/286/954341_20081013_screen002.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/123/123068/c20081121_klonoa_26_cs1w1_640x360.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/123/123068/c20081121_klonoa_26_cs1w1_640x360.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a>



<!--sizeo:4--><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>428: Fuusa Sareta Shibuya de</b><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

<b>Region</b> Japan <b>Genre:</b> Adventure Novel?
<b>Developer:</b> Chunsoft <b>Publisher:</b> SEGA

Famitsu recently gave this a perfect score, which is not something they do that often.

I've not really followed this much at all but I believe its a FMV/still photo style adventure game, you know the ones we had on the Mega CD back in the 90's that were a bit crap. Not sure how it got a perfect score, perhaps the story is amazing or something

<i>Set in modern Tokyo, 428 tells the story of a mysterious event that occurs in the city's bustling Shibuya region. You follow the events from the perspective of Achi Endo and Shinya Kano.
</i>
It probably won't come out of Japan.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<a href="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/11/15/pc_fc_n_gs/081114_428_05.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/11/15/pc_fc_n_gs/081114_428_05.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/11/15/pc_fc_n_gs/081114_428_06.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/11/15/pc_fc_n_gs/081114_428_06.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/11/15/pc_fc_n_gs/081114_428_07.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/11/15/pc_fc_n_gs/081114_428_07.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a>


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