DS
21st January
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin / Dark Conflict
Region: North America/Europe Genre: Turn based strategy
Developer: Intellegent Systems Publisher: Nintendo
Two titles for this, the Europe one is called Dark Conflict and US one is Days of Ruin, two very generic titles. This time around the style of the game is much darker, with streets of death, blood and all that stuff. Features? Online WFC battles, voice chat and sharing your maps online were on the options. Fucked Nintendo why can't you do this with all of your games? The videos show an interesting story and it looks like it could be the best damn Wars games yet.
Video Link
Mazes of Fate DS Will now be released February 26
Region: North America/Europe Genre: Old School Dungeon Crawler
Developer: Sabaraza Entertainment Publisher: Graffiti Entertainment
Ok this is a port of the GBA version, back in 2006 the devs said that they weren't gonna port it to the DS but instead give it a sequel, I guess they changed their minds. Liked Orcs & Elves? Well try this as its about the same sort of game, generic dungeon crawler that would appeal to those who loved old PC games like Eye of the Beholder. To be honest I only played a little of the GBA version and I didn't like it but a lot of people have told me that it takes some time to get into so I guess I'll try the DS port. New features? Well erm it uses two screens and some touchscreen malarky and thats it really so those who have already finished it may give it a miss, but if you haven't and you're itching for some old school dungeon crawlery then go for it though be warned there is about 25+ hours to go through it. EDIT: Looks like I was wrong about it looking like the GBA one, it has had a bit of a 3D makeover. Looks horrid.
Video Link
Command & Destroy
Region: North America Genre: Real Time Strategy
Developer: Cypron Studios Publisher: DSI
Holy crap a real time strategy game! Oh its DSI, so I'm interested in playing another DSI game huh? Damn thats un-Hadrian. Ok this was in development for the GBA since 2003 and 5 years later its hitting the DS. It looks like a GBA game and yeah its a Command & Conquer rip off and yeah its a DSI published game BUT we gotta be positive people as we don't have many of these games. You may be please to hear that it will be point & click control but sadly there will only be two player wireless play. Shame that they couldn't stick WFC on it.
22nd January
Mario & Sonic at the Olympics
Region: North America Genre: Sports
Developer: Sega Publisher: Nintendo
Anyone played the Japanese version? Did you get bored after 30 minutes and just wished that this had online? Well its a fun game while it lasts. Time to copy & paste last weeks info, pics and vid (yeah I'm lazy): Events include 100m, jousting, swimming, high jump, pole volt, gymnastics, table tennis, skeet shooting, archery and others. There is 4 player wi-fi so I guess that'll do instead of WFC.
Video Link
Aquarium By DS
Region: North America Genre: Aquarium?
Developer: ? Publisher: Mercury Games
Its a game where you look after and collect fish. So if you have an desire to look after fish via your DS than erm this is the one for you. Screens & vids are of the Japanese version.
Video Link
Fantasy Aquarium By DS
Region: North America Genre: Aquarium?
Developer: ? Publisher: Mercury Games
So erm like the game before but this one you can also collect dolphins, penguins (they're birds for fuck sake!), whales, Stingrays and sharks making the title before pointless as anyone with an ounce of sense would rather go for this one.
Video Link
Also out is Mega Brain Boost which apparently is a 3 in 1 compilation of those crap shovelware Brain titles that came out last year. And of course where would we be without yet another pet title, Real Adventures: Wild Horses is also out but I can't be bothered to write about it.
24th January
Hijouguchi: Exit DS
Region: Japan Genre: Platform/Puzzle
Developer: Tatio Publisher: Tatio
After loving the PSP game, I'm looking forward to seeing how they have done this for the DS. There were reports that the touchscreen control was horrible but the developers have assured us that they've been fixed and that you can also play with d-pad and buttons if you wish. So what is it, well imagine games like Prince of Persia, Flashback and Blackthorne and that how it plays, add a comic book style and you're there. Mr. ESC, professional escape artist, must rescue people from burning buildings, flooded malls, and more in the creative puzzle game EXIT. Victims whom you've saved accompany you on your way out of the building, requiring your guidance every step of the way. The game includes over 100 scenarios in an array of settings, from burning hotels to a shopping center caught in a blizzard. I'm guessing people will see the screen shots and will give this a miss, they're idiots but those who will give it a chance will be rewarded with a great game, thats if its as good as the PSP game. I'm hoping theres English in this release as theres still no US/Euro date.
Video Link
Joshikousei Nigeru! Shinrei Puzzle Gakuen
Region: Japan Genre: Survival horror puzzler (really?)
Developer: Success Publisher: Success
I kinda like the look of this, it has a survival horror theme but is one of those grid based puzzle games. Ok theres these three schoolgirls and they get trapped inside a haunted schoolhouse and the only way to get out is erm by playing a Bejeweled type game. Could be a surprise like Puzzle Quest, could not but I'll give it a go.
Video Link
Also out in Japan:
Kawaii Koneko DS
Takahashi Shoten Kanshuu
Tennis no Oujisama: Driving Smash! Side King, which sounds the same as the one that was out last month but with little differences.
24th January
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Will now be released February 1st
Region: Europe Genre: Football
Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami
Can't say I bothered with the Japanese release, to be honest Fifa '08 is good enough for me and I'm kinda expecting this to be as meh as the last DS title. The game was due last year and then pushed back time and time again so lets see if it actually comes out this time. The 2008 edition of Winning Eleven features new modes and gameplay. The Nintendo DS version of PES 2008 includes Exhibition, Penalty Shoot-Out and Konami Cup elements, and a variant on the World Tour system where the player faces elite teams from every continent. The wireless elements of the Nintendo DS are also used, with a Network Mode facilitating multi-player games of up four users with copies of the game, while one-against-one matches can be played with just one copy of PES 2008. Players can also trade players with friends, while coins are collected and can be used to add the world’s best players to your team. Graphically it looks like crap, I'm sure Konami can do better than this.
Video Link
Ankh: Return of the Scarab King
Region: Europe Genre: Point & Click Adventure
Developer: VIS Entertainment Publisher: Xider
Now I first heard of this game last year when a mate of mine text me asking what it was as he saw it in Virgin Megastores, I googled and saw that it was some pointy clicky adventure game based off a PC one (like all DS ones seem to be nowadays). After that day I saw no dump of it whatsoever, late last year I emailed the publisher and they said that it had a limited a release but a full one will happen in 2008, last Monday they emailed me again saying that its out on the 25th January, and well Amazon & Play.com say it is too so I guess its finally out, enough of me chattering heres what the game is about. AAll Assil wanted was to enjoy the evening with his friends. He got into the new pyramid build by his father, gave a huge party and - got in serious trouble with the gods. Now he’s cursed and has got to find a way to get rid of this disgrace.Sneak into the pharaoh's pyramid and meet up with Assil and his crew of crazy friends. Just as the party starts to get hot. A silly accident turns life upside down! Unleashing a deadly curse and discovering a precious amulet as Assil, you will be immersed in Ankh's Amazing ancient world.. Well it looks good in the screens and I did have a go at a PC game in the series and it seemed decent enough to me, had the odd joke in it too. Lets hope the DS one is a good adventurer. Looking at the video it looks pretty much the same.
Video Link
Prey the Stars
Region: Europe Genre: Arcade platformer
Developer: Koei Canada Publisher: Koei
Wow how many times have I wrote about this? This was meant to be released in April and since has had several release dates, will this week be the week it finally comes out? In this bizarre game, you are one of masticating mutts progressing through a series of levels, eating increasingly large objects to make your pup grow bigger. Eventually, it seems, your pooch can munch massive items like vehicles and buildings. Sounds fun, apparently its like Katamari. I just hope it bloody comes out this time. The US date is July 28th.
Wii
22nd January
No More Heroes
Region: North America Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Grasshopper Publisher: Rising Star Games
Finally another title aimed at the hardcore gamer! And the US version will be the only one with blood as Europe/Japanese version didn't. Reviews say its fucking awesome. In this adventure game directed by Goichi Suda, you play as Travis Touchdown, a normal guy who wins a Beam Katana through an online auction and uses the weapon to start a new career as a professional killer. One day, an assassin named Helter Skelter appears before Travis and the two face off in a battle. Travis emerges victorious and finds himself in the presence of Silvia Christel, a mysterious French woman who claims to be an agent with the UAA. Silvia gives Travis official rank of 11 in the organization. Now, it's up to you to become #1. No More Heroes takes place in the city of Santa Destroy, and you are free to explore the town to your liking, taking on missions large and small to collect money and purchase new weapons as you work up towards the 10 main killing contracts. Gameplay is all about using your Beam Katana (via Wii remote) to defeat enemies. As far as I'm concerned 360/PS3 can keep GTA 4 as long as we get games like this!
Video Link
One Piece: Unlimited Adventure
Region: North America Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Ganbarion Publisher: Namco Bandai
This kinda looks like fun. In One Piece: Unlimited Adventure, the motley Straw Hat Pirates find themselves stranded in a mysterious land after a massive island rises to the ocean surface from underneath their pirate ship. Players must assume the role of their favorite One Piece persona and explore this newly formed terrain to uncover the secrets and powers that lie within this isle. With the Wii remote and Nunchuck controller, players pull, turn and swing to battle nefarious villains using each character’s own unique set of moves including Luffy’s Gum Gum Storm and Nami's Cyclone Tempo. Gamers can also journey through the exclusive new storyline in Adventure Mode using one of eight Straw Hat pirates or test their skills in Survival Mode and Vs. Mode to unlock more than 40 additional playable swashbucklers.
Video Link
Also out is the US version of the decent Endless Ocean that was out in Europe last year and I think works on NTSC machines and the shovelwaretastic Kawasaki Jet Ski which looks like crap so I won't write about it. Dairantou Smash Brothers X was due in Japan but sadly got delayed until 31st.
As usual don't expect a ROM/ISO on the day I say as those dates are sometimes shipping dates, I did triple check all dates but don't be surprised if some get delayed and maybe the odd game appearing that I haven't mentioned. Also don't expect early releases of the big games, sometimes they get dumped early sometimes they get dumped some time after.
21st January
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin / Dark Conflict
Region: North America/Europe Genre: Turn based strategy
Developer: Intellegent Systems Publisher: Nintendo
Two titles for this, the Europe one is called Dark Conflict and US one is Days of Ruin, two very generic titles. This time around the style of the game is much darker, with streets of death, blood and all that stuff. Features? Online WFC battles, voice chat and sharing your maps online were on the options. Fucked Nintendo why can't you do this with all of your games? The videos show an interesting story and it looks like it could be the best damn Wars games yet.
Video Link
Mazes of Fate DS Will now be released February 26
Region: North America/Europe Genre: Old School Dungeon Crawler
Developer: Sabaraza Entertainment Publisher: Graffiti Entertainment
Ok this is a port of the GBA version, back in 2006 the devs said that they weren't gonna port it to the DS but instead give it a sequel, I guess they changed their minds. Liked Orcs & Elves? Well try this as its about the same sort of game, generic dungeon crawler that would appeal to those who loved old PC games like Eye of the Beholder. To be honest I only played a little of the GBA version and I didn't like it but a lot of people have told me that it takes some time to get into so I guess I'll try the DS port. New features? Well erm it uses two screens and some touchscreen malarky and thats it really so those who have already finished it may give it a miss, but if you haven't and you're itching for some old school dungeon crawlery then go for it though be warned there is about 25+ hours to go through it. EDIT: Looks like I was wrong about it looking like the GBA one, it has had a bit of a 3D makeover. Looks horrid.
Video Link
Command & Destroy
Region: North America Genre: Real Time Strategy
Developer: Cypron Studios Publisher: DSI
Holy crap a real time strategy game! Oh its DSI, so I'm interested in playing another DSI game huh? Damn thats un-Hadrian. Ok this was in development for the GBA since 2003 and 5 years later its hitting the DS. It looks like a GBA game and yeah its a Command & Conquer rip off and yeah its a DSI published game BUT we gotta be positive people as we don't have many of these games. You may be please to hear that it will be point & click control but sadly there will only be two player wireless play. Shame that they couldn't stick WFC on it.
22nd January
Mario & Sonic at the Olympics
Region: North America Genre: Sports
Developer: Sega Publisher: Nintendo
Anyone played the Japanese version? Did you get bored after 30 minutes and just wished that this had online? Well its a fun game while it lasts. Time to copy & paste last weeks info, pics and vid (yeah I'm lazy): Events include 100m, jousting, swimming, high jump, pole volt, gymnastics, table tennis, skeet shooting, archery and others. There is 4 player wi-fi so I guess that'll do instead of WFC.
Video Link
Aquarium By DS
Region: North America Genre: Aquarium?
Developer: ? Publisher: Mercury Games
Its a game where you look after and collect fish. So if you have an desire to look after fish via your DS than erm this is the one for you. Screens & vids are of the Japanese version.
Video Link
Fantasy Aquarium By DS
Region: North America Genre: Aquarium?
Developer: ? Publisher: Mercury Games
So erm like the game before but this one you can also collect dolphins, penguins (they're birds for fuck sake!), whales, Stingrays and sharks making the title before pointless as anyone with an ounce of sense would rather go for this one.
Video Link
Also out is Mega Brain Boost which apparently is a 3 in 1 compilation of those crap shovelware Brain titles that came out last year. And of course where would we be without yet another pet title, Real Adventures: Wild Horses is also out but I can't be bothered to write about it.
24th January
Hijouguchi: Exit DS
Region: Japan Genre: Platform/Puzzle
Developer: Tatio Publisher: Tatio
After loving the PSP game, I'm looking forward to seeing how they have done this for the DS. There were reports that the touchscreen control was horrible but the developers have assured us that they've been fixed and that you can also play with d-pad and buttons if you wish. So what is it, well imagine games like Prince of Persia, Flashback and Blackthorne and that how it plays, add a comic book style and you're there. Mr. ESC, professional escape artist, must rescue people from burning buildings, flooded malls, and more in the creative puzzle game EXIT. Victims whom you've saved accompany you on your way out of the building, requiring your guidance every step of the way. The game includes over 100 scenarios in an array of settings, from burning hotels to a shopping center caught in a blizzard. I'm guessing people will see the screen shots and will give this a miss, they're idiots but those who will give it a chance will be rewarded with a great game, thats if its as good as the PSP game. I'm hoping theres English in this release as theres still no US/Euro date.
Video Link
Joshikousei Nigeru! Shinrei Puzzle Gakuen
Region: Japan Genre: Survival horror puzzler (really?)
Developer: Success Publisher: Success
I kinda like the look of this, it has a survival horror theme but is one of those grid based puzzle games. Ok theres these three schoolgirls and they get trapped inside a haunted schoolhouse and the only way to get out is erm by playing a Bejeweled type game. Could be a surprise like Puzzle Quest, could not but I'll give it a go.
Video Link
Also out in Japan:
Kawaii Koneko DS
Takahashi Shoten Kanshuu
Tennis no Oujisama: Driving Smash! Side King, which sounds the same as the one that was out last month but with little differences.
24th January
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Will now be released February 1st
Region: Europe Genre: Football
Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami
Can't say I bothered with the Japanese release, to be honest Fifa '08 is good enough for me and I'm kinda expecting this to be as meh as the last DS title. The game was due last year and then pushed back time and time again so lets see if it actually comes out this time. The 2008 edition of Winning Eleven features new modes and gameplay. The Nintendo DS version of PES 2008 includes Exhibition, Penalty Shoot-Out and Konami Cup elements, and a variant on the World Tour system where the player faces elite teams from every continent. The wireless elements of the Nintendo DS are also used, with a Network Mode facilitating multi-player games of up four users with copies of the game, while one-against-one matches can be played with just one copy of PES 2008. Players can also trade players with friends, while coins are collected and can be used to add the world’s best players to your team. Graphically it looks like crap, I'm sure Konami can do better than this.
Video Link
Ankh: Return of the Scarab King
Region: Europe Genre: Point & Click Adventure
Developer: VIS Entertainment Publisher: Xider
Now I first heard of this game last year when a mate of mine text me asking what it was as he saw it in Virgin Megastores, I googled and saw that it was some pointy clicky adventure game based off a PC one (like all DS ones seem to be nowadays). After that day I saw no dump of it whatsoever, late last year I emailed the publisher and they said that it had a limited a release but a full one will happen in 2008, last Monday they emailed me again saying that its out on the 25th January, and well Amazon & Play.com say it is too so I guess its finally out, enough of me chattering heres what the game is about. AAll Assil wanted was to enjoy the evening with his friends. He got into the new pyramid build by his father, gave a huge party and - got in serious trouble with the gods. Now he’s cursed and has got to find a way to get rid of this disgrace.Sneak into the pharaoh's pyramid and meet up with Assil and his crew of crazy friends. Just as the party starts to get hot. A silly accident turns life upside down! Unleashing a deadly curse and discovering a precious amulet as Assil, you will be immersed in Ankh's Amazing ancient world.. Well it looks good in the screens and I did have a go at a PC game in the series and it seemed decent enough to me, had the odd joke in it too. Lets hope the DS one is a good adventurer. Looking at the video it looks pretty much the same.
Video Link
Prey the Stars
Region: Europe Genre: Arcade platformer
Developer: Koei Canada Publisher: Koei
Wow how many times have I wrote about this? This was meant to be released in April and since has had several release dates, will this week be the week it finally comes out? In this bizarre game, you are one of masticating mutts progressing through a series of levels, eating increasingly large objects to make your pup grow bigger. Eventually, it seems, your pooch can munch massive items like vehicles and buildings. Sounds fun, apparently its like Katamari. I just hope it bloody comes out this time. The US date is July 28th.
Wii
22nd January
No More Heroes
Region: North America Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Grasshopper Publisher: Rising Star Games
Finally another title aimed at the hardcore gamer! And the US version will be the only one with blood as Europe/Japanese version didn't. Reviews say its fucking awesome. In this adventure game directed by Goichi Suda, you play as Travis Touchdown, a normal guy who wins a Beam Katana through an online auction and uses the weapon to start a new career as a professional killer. One day, an assassin named Helter Skelter appears before Travis and the two face off in a battle. Travis emerges victorious and finds himself in the presence of Silvia Christel, a mysterious French woman who claims to be an agent with the UAA. Silvia gives Travis official rank of 11 in the organization. Now, it's up to you to become #1. No More Heroes takes place in the city of Santa Destroy, and you are free to explore the town to your liking, taking on missions large and small to collect money and purchase new weapons as you work up towards the 10 main killing contracts. Gameplay is all about using your Beam Katana (via Wii remote) to defeat enemies. As far as I'm concerned 360/PS3 can keep GTA 4 as long as we get games like this!
Video Link
One Piece: Unlimited Adventure
Region: North America Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Ganbarion Publisher: Namco Bandai
This kinda looks like fun. In One Piece: Unlimited Adventure, the motley Straw Hat Pirates find themselves stranded in a mysterious land after a massive island rises to the ocean surface from underneath their pirate ship. Players must assume the role of their favorite One Piece persona and explore this newly formed terrain to uncover the secrets and powers that lie within this isle. With the Wii remote and Nunchuck controller, players pull, turn and swing to battle nefarious villains using each character’s own unique set of moves including Luffy’s Gum Gum Storm and Nami's Cyclone Tempo. Gamers can also journey through the exclusive new storyline in Adventure Mode using one of eight Straw Hat pirates or test their skills in Survival Mode and Vs. Mode to unlock more than 40 additional playable swashbucklers.
Video Link
Also out is the US version of the decent Endless Ocean that was out in Europe last year and I think works on NTSC machines and the shovelwaretastic Kawasaki Jet Ski which looks like crap so I won't write about it. Dairantou Smash Brothers X was due in Japan but sadly got delayed until 31st.
As usual don't expect a ROM/ISO on the day I say as those dates are sometimes shipping dates, I did triple check all dates but don't be surprised if some get delayed and maybe the odd game appearing that I haven't mentioned. Also don't expect early releases of the big games, sometimes they get dumped early sometimes they get dumped some time after.
