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Delightful deal on bundles at Amazon
If you're in the market for a new DS Lite for yourself or a lucky giftee, you may want to have a look at this Amazon deal. From now until November 15, if you purchase a DS Lite and one of a selection of games, the game's price will be knocked down to $4.99. The eligible games include, among others, Millionheir, Flash Focus, Cooking Mama, Clubhouse Games, and both Brain Ages. It's clear that these selections were chosen with the "expanded audience" in mind, and consequently, this deal is a great way to get someone started with the DS. Oh, and if you want a second $5 game, today's Deal of the Day is The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
Gaming to Go: Clubhouse Games
Remember checkers? How about chess? And blackjack? What about dominoes? And Shogi and Ludo and Hasami Shogi and Koi-Koi and -- ahem. Don't recognize those last few names? No worries! I didn't know them either. There's still time to learn, however, and this is where Nintendo's Clubhouse Games comes to party. It contains 42 -- yes, 42 -- classic games for your enjoyment, running the gamut from bowling and billiards to Mahjong solitaire and Pig. An incredible amount of variety exists in this tiny DS cart, making Clubhouse Games one of the most involving titles the DS has seen in recent years. The mind-boggling amount of games also makes it ideal for this week's edition of Gaming to Go. Sure, I might not recommend starting up a game of chess on your next lunch break, but why not go for a quick game of Connect Five? Whatever your mood fancies, Clubhouse Games has you covered. Want to hear more? Click that big grey button there to see what you've been missing. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } %Gallery-32851% Tick tock of the clock ringing in your ears? Tell your timepiece to shove it! We live busy lives, but remember this: there's always time to game. Check back with Gaming to Go every week for the latest and greatest titles you should spend your precious few minutes with.
Clubhouse Games and Hotel Dusk: new Player's Choice?
We've been hearing word recently of restocks of Clubhouse Games and Hotel Dusk: Room 215, but as CAG forumite worrybomb reveals, the new cartridges are more than a simple reprint. Hotel Dusk has been labeled as a Touch Generations game, for one thing, and both games now sport orange banners with content descriptions (the real one, by the way, is posted after the break, as is the new Clubhouse Games box). Could this be the new iteration of Player's Choice? Both games are now selling for $19.99, and the orange bar evokes the yellow bar of the GameCube/GBA Player's Choice line. It's pretty smart to maintain consistent budget-rerelease marking while also providing info about the games. [Via NeoGAF; the CAG link requires registration]
This Wednesday: Lost Cities found on XBLA
Lost Cities will continue in the proud tradition of XBLA games born of German card or board games when it arrives on the service this Wednesday. The card game, designed by Reiner Knizia, pits two players against eachother as they try to mount the most profitable expedition to the the titular lost cities.You can try your hand at venturing to the Lost Cities for 800 points ($10). For the benefit of those of us on the fence: Have any of you played the game in real life? What did you think? %Gallery-19079%
Extra Legends of Norrath drops, new cards this weekend
SOE is promoting its new-ish Legends of Norrath online card game with the not-cleverly-named "Legends of Norrath Promo Weekend." The event begins at 2:00 PM PST this Friday (November 30th) and ends at 11:59 PM PST on Sunday (December 2nd).Players of the game both new and old will "enjoy an increased rate of card pack drops." Additionally, two nice new cards called "Laricel the Gatekeeper" and "Skyshield Maiden" will be obtainable only this weekend. So if you're a hardcore collector in the game, you'd better get to playin'! If you're not already familiar with Legends of Norrath, it's a trading card game playable inside EverQuest and EverQuest II as well as on its own through the Station portal. Players can receive special drops in both games that add cool new cards to their decks. Think of the card game in Final Fantasy VIII, only, y'know ... less lame.
Off the Grid reviews Zombie Fluxx
Every other week Scott Jon Siegel contributes Off the Grid, a column about card games, board games, and everything else non-digital. I'm a little late for Halloween, but that shouldn't mean I have to miss out on all the spooky fun. Luckily, Looney Labs have sent along Zombie Fluxx, a standalone expansion to their ever-popular card game with the ever-changing rules.Zombie Fluxx isn't just a clever re-skinning of the original, but rather a new set of rules and cards built on to the existing mechanics. The base game remains the same: 2-6 players amend and append the game's starting rules, while attempting to win by collecting Keepers to meet the conditions of the goal, which is constantly in a state of, well, you know.This time around, Looney Labs have included some new mechanics to spice up the gameplay. Zombies enter the fray as "Creeper" cards. Unlike the helpful Keepers the Creepers can actually prevent players from winning, as some goals dictate that a player needs to be zombie-free to claim victory. Unlike all other cards, Creepers go immediately into play once drawn, rather than into the player's hand, making every draw from the deck a possible immediate zombie encounter.
WoW TCG: Interview with Mike Hummel, Senior Game Designer
Mike Hummel has been playing collectible card games since the beginning. As leader of the R&D team at Upper Deck, he created the Marvel/DC VS system, as well as worked on Yu-gi-oh, one of the most successful CCGs of all time. And he's one of three main designers behind the World of Warcraft card game. So when I asked for a demo game, and he sat down to play across from me, I was suitably intimidated.It didn't help that I had never actually played the game before. But Hummel knows card strategy in and out (he should know this card game-- he made it), and so I followed his instructions as I laid down my first quest cards and resources. I took his advice in choosing my first allies and playing my abilities. I was given a Warlock deck to start with, and it became a classic PvP duel when his Druid dropped into Cat Form and started ripping me apart.
This Wednesday: Soltrio Solitaire shuffles onto XBLA
As with the wildly popular Uno, Xbox Live Arcade is once again becoming a safe alternative for those that love card games but are utterly terrified of coming into contact with actual cards. This Wednesday, May 16th, sees Soltrio Solitaire sliding onto the service, offering "a collection of 18 compelling solitaire games" at 800 MS Points ($10).We feel particularly compelled to tell you about the game's "Voyage Adventure" mode, which has you traversing a map and playing different versions of Solitaire to unlock new card designs. Naturally, no Xbox Live Arcade game is complete without mutliplayer options, and so Soltrio Solitaire defies its lineage by providing two-player cooperative and competitive modes. Why not grab a friend and spend a quiet afternoon playing virtual cards? It's not like there'll be anything else to play.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Wi-Fi Table Games: like Clubhouse Games but smaller and more competitive
A new Game Night contender is on the way to Japan. Hudson released some screenshots of Selected Wi-Fi Table Games, a collection of six classic games in the vein of Clubhouse Games. And by "in the vein of Clubhouse Games" we mean "pretty much the same as Clubhouse Games." The major difference seems to be nationwide ranking, which is admittedly pretty cool. The included games are Go, Renju, Reversi, Hanafuda, Mah-jongg, and something called Oodomi that uses Western playing cards. The bottom screen shows the game board or table, while the top screen displays character avatars and score information. At the risk of editorializing too much, the online competition had better be mind-blowing to make up for the severe lack of selection.
PSP Fanboy review: Warhammer: Battle for Atluma
When I first heard of Warhammer: Battle for Atluma's pending release on the PSP, I got really excited. I've never played a Warhammer game, but I am a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and have been waiting for a good collectable card game for the PSP for a long time.Unfortunately, it looks like I may be waiting a little longer for that game.Now don't get me wrong, Battle for Atluma isn't terrible game, but I don't think it's going to win over many newcomers to the Warhammer universe.
Delta debuts airport download stations
In one of the best ideas we've seen in a while, Delta Airlines is partnering with Nintendo to bring DS download stations to the airport. What better time to test out a new title than a four hour flight? The new program is currently in place at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, though we expect it will expand if successful. If your holiday flights include a stopover in Atlanta, try to patronize one of the stations at a Delta terminal -- this is one test program we want to support! Currently, demos of Elite Beat Agents, Brain Age, and Clubhouse Games are available at the terminals in Atlanta.
Nerds rejoice - Warhammer screens & video released [Update 1]
You know you're a pretty big nerd when screens of card-based battle games get you hot and sweaty, but I've kept my eye on Warhammer: Battle for Atluma ever since I got wind of its development. But now that I've seen what the game looks like, it just makes me want it all the more.While it's plain to see Warhammer isn't pushing the PSP to its limits in the graphics department, the cards do show some nice artwork and the game seems straight forward enough.You better get ready, because the game's coming out Nov. 14. Now I just need to find someone else as nerdy as I am to play some wireless multi-player![Update 1: IGN just posted a video revealing how incredibly boring this game looks. You sure you still want this, Chris? - Andrew]
Metareview: Clubhouse Games
Featuring more than 20 classic board, card, and party games, Clubhouse Games allows gamers to play alone or take things online via Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connect service and is the latest entry in Nintendo's Touch Generation line of games. Released in Europe as 42 All-Time Classics, the gameplay of both titles is identical. Featuring plenty of gameplay and a budget price, Clubhouse Games has plenty to offer. Is what it offers worth the price of admission, however? IGN - 80%: "The entire package is about casual, portable pick-up-and-playability when you've got some time to kill. That being the case, the variety on offer here is simply staggering. The fact that Nintendo's poured so much energy into ensuring everything is solidly entertaining - with particular props going to the multitude of mulitplayer and online options - just sweetens things further." Cubed3 - 80%: "Whilst games like Billiards border on the unplayable you will cherish that cart next time you are stuck in a tunnel on the way home from work/uni/college/school and can pull out your DS for a quick game of blackjack or solitaire. Or to see if you can finally get 3 strikes in a row for the bowling mission. It this is a highly personal choice for any gamer as strictly speaking these games are nothing new; but in terms of affordability, replayability and downright fun we feel it's worth it." Nintendo Power - 70%: "If you plan on playing with your friends, it's indespensible; if you'll be going at it alone, there's a fair amount to do but you may lose patience with the scoring and lack of single-player variety. [Nov. 2006, p.87]" The points made that many of these games can be played for free via several different online outlets is certainly a valid one, however with the convenience of clumping all these games together for a small price, along with Wi-Fi Connect support, we certainly feel the package is worth the price. What about you, fine reader?
Namco Bandai officially announces Warhammer
Last month, we reported that Warhammer would be coming to the PSP, but just recently Namco Bandai has officially announced it plans to ship Warhammer: Battle for Atluma, a card-based battle game, this fall."One of the more compelling card-based games to date, Warhammer: Battle for Atluma goes beyond simple player interaction and encourages an inclusive sense of community among players through head-to-head battles, card collecting, trading and strategy sessions," said John Whitmore, Director of Internal/External Development at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "This unique dynamic coupled with the strategic, fast-paced nature of the game certainly sets Warhammer: Battle for Atluma apart from other games in its genre."While the press release didn't offer up any new gameplay information, it did mention the game will be rated "T" for teen, and the title's developer is JV Games, which has most recently developed James Bond 007: Nightfire for the Gameboy Advance.
Warhammer WarCry: Battle for Atluma coming to the PSP
While Namco appears not have struck gold with its most recent title, it may be able to strike it with its newest upcoming game – Warhammer WarCry: Battle for Atluma, which will be the PSP's first card-based battle game.The game will be based on the Warhammer card game and will give players the option of leading the Grand Alliance or Hordes of Darkness to victory. Allowing players to collect more than 450 cards, 90 different units and the ability to wirelessly connect with a friend to battle it out for each other's cards has me tickled to death with excitement. Warhammer WarCry also allows for the building of custom decks and features an extensive tutorial system for us noobs out there. I gotta be honest, I'm not too familiar with the Warhammer series; instead I've been more of a Magic: The Gathering kind of guy. But I'm up for any decent card-based battle game on the go, and we won't have too wait long, either, as Warhammer WarCry is set to ship Oct. 17.(Via Playstation.com forums)
Poker, quick, get it while it's free!
That's right folks, another Wednesday is upon us. You know what that means. More Cloning Clyde gamer pictures? No, silly, it's time to come get you some Texas Hold 'em! If you've managed to snag a Vision camera already, you can even join in the inevitable strip poker fun (you just know some guy will use a picture of his junk as his gamer pic...shudder). So, if you haven't already stayed up past midnight to grab the game, go get it. Now! It's poker. Hooray, poker!
World of Warcraft TCG: Armor Cards
This TCG preview tells all there is to know about "armor" cards by showing off the Deathdealer Breastplate card. This article doesn't seem give us as much new game information as yesterday's preview - armor works much as you might expect it to work if you play World of Warcraft. The more I read about it, the more it sounds quite like the Azeroth I know and love, only without the need for an internet connection - and I'm all for that. Again, WoW TCG news has a nice summation of the information given in the preview.
Nintendo confirms Wi-Fi play for '42 All-Time Classics'
Before you confuse the DS title 42 All-Time Classics for a compilation of Nintendo's best of yesteryear, know that it's merely a collection of popular card, board, and parlor games. Also known as Clubhouse Games (in North America), the latest entry in the 'Touch! Generations' series has finally been confirmed to feature Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection play, with the ability to "PictoChat" in-game. Its bland presentation won't appeal to all gamers, but for anyone who has remote interest in card games (or chess, backgammon, etc.) and also has wi-fi access, 42 All-Time Classics is a must-have. 42 All-Time Classics is scheduled for release in Europe on September 29 for an estimated £20. Clubhouse Games will follow in North American on October 9. [Thanks, cringer8; via Nintendojo]
Sunday at X360F: arcade madness results
The results from last Sunday's poll are in and it was a major upset to say the least. In a come-from-behind victory that nobody was expecting even in their wildest of wild dreams, Street Fighter II -- the plucky underdog that nobody believed in -- has come out on top with an astonishing 32% of the poll totalling 763 votes. Now, with the sarcastic statement of the obvious out of the way, let's look at the results. It seems SFII has a monopoly on gamer nostalgia, as the other retro classics, Galaga, Pac-Man, and Frogger gather a paltry 11% of the vote with 242 votes combined. It should be noted that Galaga seems to be the favored retro hit outside of SFII, though. By far the most interesing aspect of this poll is the performance of Lumines Live, Small Arms, and Texas Hold 'em, with a combined 47% of the vote. This is evidence that the real strength of Live Arcade is its ability to bring us original content (just as Cloning Clyde project lead, John Nielson told us earlier this week). No doubt had titles like Castle Crashers and RoboBlitz been on the poll, they would have shown a strong performance as well. So, to wrap up, Capcom is the king of selling us our youth, and people want to see more games that you can't get anywhere else. Here's to the 360 for making Wednesdays a little brighter. Cheers.
UNO gets patch love for matchmaking
Thanks to the thunderous celebration and endless trumpeting that accompanied Microsoft's announcement of XBLA Wednesdays, not many became aware of an UNO patch sheepishly arriving on the scene. The update fixes a rather glaring fault in the game's ranked matchmaking system -- the glaring fault being that it didn't actually work. The update (downloaded automatically next time you play) also addresses "other bugs" and improves theme deck support. Though the game remains a Joystiq favorite and is amusingly inexpensive, developer Carbonated Games still deserves a specially designed + 32 card for letting these errors slip through. We might have been more forgiving had the game supported voice recognition. Seriously, it just has to recognize one word. Just UNO.[Via GameSetWatch]
