Gaming NDS & Wii Titles: Week of January 27th + Preview + A Look At Febru

Hadrian · Jan 22, 2009

<img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/releases.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Its getting weaker isn't it? Only one or two games that are worth trying. The week after is even worse but the week after that there are some good lookers on the way not just for the DS but also the Wii, when it rains its pours huh?

Read to know when a game could be dumped:
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.

Releases For Nintendo DS

January 27th

SimAnimals

Wanted level: 6

Region: North America Genre: Virtual Life Sim
Developer: Electronic Arts Publisher: Electronic Arts

Don't have a Wii? Well you can get your SimAnimals fix on the DS instead. Some gamers may dismiss this as another Sim Pets or one of Ubisoft dreaded petz titles but it looks like its closer to the EA Sim titles of old and might appeal to those who enjoyed Viva Pinata.

In SimAnimals, players can engage with the wild world of animals in their natural surroundings in an immersive and tactile way. In this game you are challenged to engage, touch, move and try to control more than 60 animals as you journey deeper and deeper into the forest. You control an on-screen animated hand that allows you to reach out and touch, pick up and move everything in the game from foxes and bears to trees and flowers. Cohabitate with these animals in their natural surroundings, and based on how you treat them, the animals will come to know and love – or dislike you! Have fun developing relationships with wild animals and their families, and experience the humor and drama of surviving in the wilderness.

A suprise hit? Who can tell, I do reckon people will overlook this due to a sickness of pet sims on the DS but this looks to be different to those.

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/259/953917_20080916_screen002.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/259/953917_20080916_screen004.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/259/953917_20080916_screen003.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Coraline 

Wanted level 3

Region: North America Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: ART Publisher: D3 Publisher

A game based on a film based on a very good Neil Gaiman book.

Coraline lets players take on the role of the adventurous heroine Coraline and interact with the wondrous characters from the movie while navigating the scheming Other Mother's web of deceit in a fantastical adventure through two distinct and interactive worlds. Players engage in unique mini-games and adventures with Coraline's friends Wybie and Cat as they collect items that will unlock the mysteries of the Other World.

Sounds generic sadly.

<a href="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb//GamesRadar/us/Games/C/Coraline/Bulk%20Viewers/DS/2009-01-13/Coraline_DS_OW_FatherStudy--screenshot_viewer_medium.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb//GamesRadar/us/Games/C/Coraline/Bulk%20Viewers/DS/2009-01-13/Coraline_DS_OW_FatherStudy--screenshot_viewer_medium.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb//GamesRadar/us/Games/C/Coraline/Bulk%20Viewers/DS/2009-01-13/Coraline_DS_OW_PinkPalaceOutside02--screenshot_viewer_medium.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb//GamesRadar/us/Games/C/Coraline/Bulk%20Viewers/DS/2009-01-13/Coraline_DS_OW_PinkPalaceOutside02--screenshot_viewer_medium.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb//GamesRadar/us/Games/C/Coraline/Bulk%20Viewers/DS/2009-01-13/Coraline_DS_OW_Bobinsky--screenshot_viewer_medium.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb//GamesRadar/us/Games/C/Coraline/Bulk%20Viewers/DS/2009-01-13/Coraline_DS_OW_Bobinsky--screenshot_viewer_medium.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a>

The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity

Wanted Level: 5

Region North America Genre: Platformer
Developer: Razorback Developments Publisher: Atari

Remember Yoshi Touch & Go & Kirby's Canvas Curse? After something similar? Here is something that you might wanna look into.

Join in the adrenaline rush by jumping in the shoes of Felix or Felicity to race across town in time to rendezvous. To make it unscathed, players need to deftly navigate a series of obstacle-laden environments without ever letting up the break-neck pace. Run, jump, dodge and slide through hectic scenarios while desperately trying to stay ahead of the clock and weather. The pick-up-and-play gameplay makes great use of the Nintendo DS stylus to draw platforms to climb and hop across, dodging difficult barriers and any cold-hearted misanthropes who get in the way.

* Draw, climb and jump your way through the city, zoo, carnival, park and beach
* Impress your sweatheart by bowling over bad guys and collecting fruit and stars

I was interested in this but the reviews haven't been too kind to this game, most say its below average at best.

Click to view video:

<img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/04/26/ME0001042653_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/03/21/ME0001032188_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/03/21/ME0001032181_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Release For Nintendo DS & Wii

January 29th

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

Wanted Level DS 6 Wii 4

Region Japan Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Square Enix Publisher: Square Enix

Well this came out a bit soon didn't it? You may be wondering "why no approval?" Well if this wasn't a FF game no one would probably care that much and it looks a bit meh to me.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>A triumphant return from a monster-infested forest marks the completion of the 16-year-old hero's coming-of-age ceremony. However, the hero's joy is short-lived as a young village girl is found to be afflicted by a mysterious illness known as "crystal sickness." Determined to obtain the cure, the hero steps out of the secluded village for the first time, only to discover a world in which crystals are merely artefacts of the past and no longer exist...

Maintaining the intuitive control scheme of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates and enhancing the gameplay experience with an integrated system that allows players to switch between the single and multiplayer modes in-game, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is set to take multiplayer gaming to new heights as it brings together Wii and DS users from around the world.

* Play anytime, anywhere with anyone! Multiplayer connectivity reaches new heights in FINAL Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, where players can team up or compete with friends and players around the world
* The intuitive control scheme introduced in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates returns
* Players can switch between single and multiplayer modes within the game world itself, giving them two great gaming options in one integrated experience
* A personalized hero can be generated from a choice of the four familiar races of the series; Clavats, Lilties, Selkies or Yukes
* A vast selection of quests provides hours of fun, even after completion of the main adventure</div>

After a countless amount of FF games released in the last few years, I really couldn't care less about this game. Famitsu rated the DS version 30/40 & the Wii version 29/40 but they seem to like rating Square Enix games high. They say that both versions have really bad lag when you play online. RPG fans will surely fap over this and its Wii counterpart. This will be released in the US on March 24th so don't bug the translation folk to localise this you impatient smoes. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="

" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" />

For Wii owners...its the same game...it even looks the fucking same, shame on SE for giving Wii owners the shortend of the straw. In fact I declare shovelware (in the TRUE sense of the word) on the Wii version, sure it COULD be a good game but the lack of effort in the Wii version is up there with those PS2 to Wii ports that DDI do.

Click to view video:

DS Screens:
<img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/04/90/ME0001049000_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/04/89/ME0001048997_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/04/90/ME0001049003_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Wii Screens:
I wasn't sure if they were Wii or DS screens so I didn't post them.

Releases For Nintendo Wii

January 13th

Rygar: The Battle of Argus

Wanted Level: 6

Region North America Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Tecmo Publisher: Tecmo

Old PS2 port ahoy! How long has this been in development?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Grab your Diskarmor and swing into action on the Nintendo Wii as the legendary warrior, Rygar! Immerse yourself in Greco-Roman mythology as you journey through the sundered Island of Argus. Intuitive use of the Wii remote allows you to deftly and effectively control the use of the powerful Diskarmor to destroy enemies and manoeuvre on, around, over, and under obstacles to save Princess Harmonia!

* Innovative Play Mechanics: The legendary Diskarmor shield can be used for attack, defense, or transportation all with the intuitive use of the Wii-mote
* Action Packed Adventure: This action-adventure platforming title spans various unique zones and requires vanquishing the enemy and light puzzle solving
* Intense Combo Attacks: Multiple Diskarmor weapons are available to be found and upgraded with elemental power-ups such as fire, ice, and lightning. Engage the enemy with over 30 different devastating combo attacks
* Riveting Story: A story set in the Greco-Roman era surrounding a noble warrior attempting to save his Princess, bring the Island of Argus back to peace, and annihilate the Titans using only his wits, fabled Diskarmor, and captivating looks and charm</div>

The PS2 version was actually pretty good, I enjoyed it though its been years since I last played it and personally I find that older PS2 games haven't aged too well I'm hoping that this game isn't one of those. Reviews have been saying its good but not great but I find that reviewers don't seem to rate Wii games well nowadays so I'll ignore them and give this a try.

Click spoiler tab for video:

<a href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2007/264/939462_20070922_screen001.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2007/264/939462_20070922_screen001.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/245/939462_20080902_screen008.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/245/939462_20080902_screen008.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a> <a href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/245/939462_20080902_screen004.jpg" target=_blank title="Click to view full size"><img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/245/939462_20080902_screen004.jpg" height="150" alt="User posted image" /></a>

And that is all for the releases, now lets get on to...

Nintendo DS Games Coming Soon in 2009

A look at some lesser known DS titles coming out this year. Will any be worthy additions to the DS line up?

Lux-Pain

Released 13th March Genre: Adventure
Developer: Killaware Publisher: Ignition Entertainment

A potential cult hit? Fans of detective games will be intrigued by this title.

Lux-Pain is set in historical Kisaragi City, a town plagued by mysteries from small mishaps to murders - with no logical explanation as to why these events occur. It seems "Silent", a worm born through hate and sadness, has infected humans and forced them to commit atrocious crimes. The hero's parents are victims of such crimes. To avenge his parents, Atsuki goes through a dangerous operation to acquire Lux-Pain in his left arm, a power so strong that his left eye turns golden when using it to seek and destroy Silent for good.

Showcasing the work of hot Japanese animator Robin Kishiwada, whose credits include cover illustrations for Eureka Seven series, Lux-Pain features music composed by Kenji Ito, well-known for the music in SaGa, Mana, and Culdcept series’, and Yasuyuki Suzuki, of Operation Logic Bomb, Tail of the Sun, and Space Invaders Extreme fame.

* Investigate your surroundings and gather hints by conversing with characters in the game
* Explore the massive world of Kisaragi City
* Use your stylus to conduct autopsies of Silent worms found throughout the game
* Psychic Powers enable you to save potential victims from Silent. Use your stylus to find the parasite before it reaches the heart of the victim.

Famitsu gave the game 29/40 so expect it to be decent at the very least. I can see a lot of people on the forum digging this.

Click spoiler for video:

<img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/04/57/ME0001045720_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/03/40/ME0001034065_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://media.cnetnetworks.fr/gamekult-com/images/photos/00/01/03/40/ME0001034067_2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

The Humans

Released 17th April Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Blue Monkey Studios Publisher: Deep Silver

An new version of the puzzler from the Amiga years.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>"Humans" is a quirky, humerous puzzle game, combining classic old school game play with strategic puzzle based elements which come together to create a fun, action packed, thought provoking arcade puzzle game.
Features

* 80 fun packed, challenging levels.
* A large variety of npc types consisting of evil tribe members and dinosaurs.
* Ability to control multiple characters via waypoints and intuitive controls.
* New Human characters which are all aesthetically different, including, Regular Humans, The Woman, The Boy, The Girl, The Baby, The Witchdoctor, The Village Elder.</div>

I enjoyed the original games on the DS, though it could never live up to the "new Lemmings" title and I hope that the developers put enough effort in it to win over gamers of today.

Click Spoiler For Video:

<img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/328/952635_20081124_screen004.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/328/952635_20081124_screen005.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/328/952635_20081124_screen007.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Umihara Kawase DS

Released TBA Genre: Platformer
Developer: Genterprise Publisher: Genterprise

A remake of the PSX classic, Umihara Kawase Shun Second Edition. Lets hope its better than the PSP remake of the same game that was bug ridden, thankfully this is handled by a different developer and actually has the supervision from the original series programmer Sakai Kiyoshi, something that was missing from the PSP version. Not only that but he has also contributed a few new levels for the games.

Description of the original PSX game:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>The game world of Umihara Kawase is constructed from a set of interconnected levels known as fields. Each field connects to one or more fields deeper within the game via doors.

Fields are enclosed areas containing a number of static and moving platforms, ladders, spikes, enemy sea-life and one or more exit doors. The doors are often positioned in hard to reach places and it is the player's goal to plan a safe route to one. Each exit door in a field takes the player to a different field.

One completes the game by finding a safe route through the fields and finding a door to exit the world. Each of the Umihara Kawase games contains multiple routes through the fields and multiple exits.

The Umihara Kawase games have simple controls, she is able to run, jump, climb onto ledges, climb ladders and most importantly throw her fishing line.

Her fishing line when thrown will hook onto nearly all surfaces within the games. When the line is firmly hooked onto a surface or an enemy fish the line is able to take her weight. From here Umihara is able to swing between platforms, lower herself down to other ledges and swing herself up to higher ledges. Due to the rubberised nature of her line she can also catapult herself great distances by stretching the line to breaking point. The line can also be used to stun fish and reel them in, once reeled in Umihara will store them in her rucksack and score points in doing so.

While the controls are simple and responsive, an uncompromising physics model means that graceful control of the game's swinging techniques will not come immediately. Out of this though too comes great scope for advanced techniques through full utilization of the physics. Perfect execution of techniques such as the one and two step rocket jump are required both in later fields and for those who intend to improve their field completion times.</div>

Not that much has been said about the game, nothing about touchscreen control or anything. The PSP version was actually protested against by fans of the series so the developers/publishers are making sure that this isn't a mess like that version.

<img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/12/29/pc_fc_n_gs/05.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/12/29/pc_fc_n_gs/07.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <img src="http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/__icsFiles/artimage/2008/12/29/pc_fc_n_gs/02.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

January is coming to a close soon, next week is fairly poor worse than this week but fret the not as February is gonna be great! I won't do a preview but below are trailers for the games that I'm expecting to rock the DS & Wii. I won't state any dates as you know they usually change around.

DS

Legacy of Ys: Books I & II RPG

Retro Game Challenge Various Genres

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride RPG

C.O.R.E. First Person Shooter

Black Sigil: Blade of the Exile RPG, it might not come out in February but who knows.

Wii

New Play Control! Pikmin Real-time Strategy

Deadly Creatures Action Adventure

House of the Dead: Overkill On-Rails Shooter

Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop Beat-em-up zombie slaughter

Tenchu: The Art of the Ninja/Shadow Assassins Stealth Action

Exbaddude · Jan 22, 2009

YAY! More Games!

JDandy · Jan 22, 2009

Thanks for the write-up, Hadrian!

YES. UMIHARA KAWASE!
I LOVE THAT GAME, AS EVIDENCED BY MY USE OF CAPS-LOCK!
Seriously though, played the shit out of the SNES version. As long as they refrain from adding touchscreen controls there's no way it can go wrong.

...and for some bizarre reason I am not completely repulsed by The Chase: Felix meets Felicity.
It even looks like it could be fun... ...must be...getting... ill...

dice · Jan 22, 2009

Hadrian Uranium said:
Wii Screens:
I wasn't sure if they were Wii or DS screens so I didn't post them.

Is that you having a dig at the wii?

Hadrian · Jan 22, 2009

dice said:
Hadrian Uranium said:

Wii Screens:
I wasn't sure if they were Wii or DS screens so I didn't post them.

Click to expand...

Is that you having a dig at the wii?

No not at all, its just that the Wii version is said to look the same as Square Enix are cheap.

Edgedancer · Jan 22, 2009

No title I am really looking forward to this week. At least I still have a couple of other games such as Moon to keep me occupied.

Vague Rant · Jan 22, 2009

That Retro Game Challenge looks awesome.

Raven Darkheart · Jan 22, 2009

nice review but i could've sworn that black sigil looks like an updated CT clone

Ferrariman · Jan 22, 2009

I see nothing is approved, shame, this week looks bleak.

CockroachMan · Jan 22, 2009

I'm quite interested in the DS version of Echoes of Time. Rings of Fate was nice.

Now.. I think I'll try the Wii version out of curiosity but I'm not expecting much.. making a Wii game with DS graphics is an awful idea IMO.

da_head · Jan 22, 2009

hmm a lot of things to look forward too ^^

i still gotta beat fire emblem, moon, and dragon quest iv first lol

Hop2089 · Jan 22, 2009

You forgot a game

Annie no Atelier: Sera Shima no Renkijutsushi 1/29

I'm deciding if I want to import the above listed game or FFCC: EOT.

Hadrian · Jan 22, 2009

Hop2089 said:
You forgot a game

Annie no Atelier: Sera Shima no Renkijutsushi 1/29

I'm deciding if I want to import the above listed game or FFCC: EOT.

Not forgot just couldn't be bothered, there were other games to be released in Japan that I didn't write up. I'm only gonna write up notable Japanese titles that are either gonna get a release outside of Japan, look interesting or funny. That particular game just looks like another generic game.

War · Jan 22, 2009

Can't wait for Retro Game Challenge!

Fabis94 · Jan 22, 2009

This week doesn't look that interesting...i'm more focused on getting the ROM for Big Bang Mini. Though i might try out FF. Not sure though...

Raestloz · Jan 22, 2009

Looking forward to SimAnimals and Lux-Pain! Another visual novel for DS! Hope it's good

And while I'm at it, I forgot, when will CHinatown Wars come out?

Rock Raiyu · Jan 23, 2009

Lux Pain looks awesome. Can't wait to pick that up. Also, Tenchu & C.O.R.E.!

Wabsta · Jan 23, 2009

C.O.R.E Looks so fucking awesome!

Raika · Jan 23, 2009

C.O.R.E looks freaking awesome! *runs off to finish Moon*

SleepingDragon · Jan 23, 2009

I agree with some of your statement about FFCC:Ring of Fates. If it had to stand alone on it's "single player" merits, the first installment of this particular Final Fantasy offshoot, would have to be considered a mediocre rpg. BUT, BUT, BUT, multiplay is where this game really shines!! Being able to play virtually the entire story in 4 play co-op mode is a blast!! And now that they have added the Wii/DS multiplay compatibility to EoT, this should clearly be considered among the top 5 of any multiplay games available on the DS, ranking up there with such multiplay gems as Soma Bringer, Mario Kart, Daigasso BB DX, etc.

Gaming NDS & Wii Titles: Week of January 27th + Preview + A Look At Febru

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