mini-games
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Let's have fun with Let's Tap
We're just gonna lay it out there: Let's Tap looks more like Let's Be Completely Freakin' Awesome (And Take That, Guitar Hero). The game debuted amidst excitement about Sin & Punishment 2 and Punch-Out!!, and so didn't get quite the attention it deserved. You wouldn't think it could then stand out at TGS, but the armchair-drumming (wait, tapping) game with the wild visuals managed to draw a little spotlight and snag some favorable impressions. What's really striking about Let's Tap, though, is that it seems to capture the anything-goes, nontraditional spirit of the Wii -- remember that? the promise of new and breathtaking vistas? -- in a way that software like Wii Fit cannot. You put the Wii remote on a box. Then you do the same thing you do anytime you're stuck waiting at a light, or standing by a file cabinet: you drum out rhythms with your fingertips and this translates to the screen. It's simple, wacky, brilliant, and we wish it was being released tomorrow.Sadly, we may be alone in this. Gallery: Let's Tap
Square Enix prepares another book of Chocobo Tales
The cute little Chocobo has really warked his way into the spotlight: after Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales on the DS, Square Enix was inspired to revive the Chocobo's Dungeon series on Wii ... and then, this summer, Square Enix announced one of each for the DS, as a follow-up to the success of Chocobo Tales. That's one busy little bird.New details and screenshots are available at last on Chocobo's foray into the land of Final Fantasy Fables. Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon: Majiyo to Otome to Gojin no Yuusha (Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch, The Maiden, and the Five Heroes) follows the fat chocobo as he ventures, this time, into a story book drawn by Cid. Both of Square Enix's new Chocobo games focus heavily on Cid, so we're not surprised to see the franchise staple putting pen to page in this game. Players will tackle more than 40 mini-games when the title is released in Japan this December.%Gallery-32947%[Via Siliconera]
New details surface about EVE's 'Walking in Stations' expansion
Ambulation, or 'Walking in Stations' as it now seems to be known, is a hotly anticipated feature coming to EVE Online. It represents the first effort by CCP Games to add a more interactive dimension to the game, where players will finally be able to step out of their ships to socialize, play games, and ... modify one another's bodies? Apparently so. While some information about Walking in Stations is already known, EVE Stratics recently turned up more details. Trish "Seridove" Bennon and Michael "Solace" Lutes recently got some face time at PAX 2008 with CCP Games devs Jeremy Albert (Associate Producer) and Noah Ward (Lead Game Designer, aka CCP Hammerhead) who talked about aspects of the expansion.
Guinness World Records : The Trailer
We've just received a new trailer for upcoming minigame compilation Guiness World Records: The Video Game. It was kind of a sleeper hit for this blogger at E3. Despite it being a minigame compilation, which usually elicits a rolling of the eyes, it managed to impress through some fun scenarios and tight controls. [Via press release]
Carnival Games 2 delayed due to first game's success
We like to bash the shovelware as much as anyone, but Take Two's Carnival Games must have been a real gem, because it has sold well consistently and "exceeded expectations" since its release. That's why Take Two has been taking their good old time in churning out a sequel to the game, which is now in the works."We saw the original title was a big success, and we had the developers [Cat Daddy] thinking down the line for the brand," said 2K Play marketing director Christina Recchio. "So there will be a 'Carnival Games 2,' but when that is, I can't say that right now. We just have to assess the market and see when the right time is to release the title." What does this mean? Well, that they won't need to rush development on the sequel so long as the first title keeps on selling. Any of you play the original Carnival Games? Think it got a bad rap from the critics? Or was it just a bad game?
E308: Rabbids TV Party flexes its muscle
While you may be able to play Raving Rabbids TV Party with your butt, you probably can't use your butt to look at the new screenshots that have surfaced. If you can? Well, we don't really want to hear about it, thanks.Once you start looking for butt, you realize that it's everywhere. Just check out this screenshot -- you've got a rabbid clinging to this poor bovine creature's ass with his ass ... and what's the move called? Backside tail grab. Listen, we're not insinuating anything about Ubisoft here. We're just pointing out the obvious.%Gallery-23883%
Shaun the Sheep screens taste good with mint sauce
Mention anything associated with Nick Park to animation aficionados and you will be met with squeals of delight. On second thought, don't mention anything -- just take solace in the fact that you know all about the mega-popular creator of Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts and now Shaun the Sheep.Our first look at Shaun was a positive one -- despite the possible trappings of the standard mini-game compilation, the light-hearted, mischievious nature of the trailer had people talking. D3 has released a whole batch of new screens today, which show the farm map along with several other characters. Judging by the dual-screen displays, it appears gameplay might mix with stop-motion cutscenes simultaneously -- which would be awesome. The overall polish of Shaun the Sheep is making a strong case for a decent game when it arrives in Q3 2008.%Gallery-26222%[Via press release]
The Daily Grind: What do you play while you play?
Let's face it ... sometimes MMOs have their 'slow moments'. Whether it's crafting, lengthy travel times, crafting materials gathering, crafting, endless grind sessions for rep or XP, waiting for guildies at an instance, or crafting, your average MMO player will experience a boring moment or two over the course of their gaming career. If you're anything like the bloggers around here, you'll have eventually realized that you can play two games at once if you put your mind to it. Casual games like the offerings of PopCap or PlayFirst can make the time go past oh-so-much faster. Some titles, like EverQuest, EverQuest 2, and soon Star Wars Galaxies, have their own TCG games embedded within the MMO itself.So what do you play while you play? Are you a Bejeweled fan, maybe a Diner Dash aficionado? Give us your mini-game best shots in the comments!
Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview
During our visit to Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's Arizona studio, we got to sit down with five of the top minds on the Stargate Worlds team -- studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine. This exclusive, in-depth, and conversational interview is overflowing with information about everything in the game, including TV series tie-ins and cameos, episodic content, combat, graphics, mini-games, and much, much more. This meaty interview is an essential read for any Stargate or MMO fan. We've split it up into four parts for easy reading. Enjoy!%Gallery-27249%
There's plenty to do in Dragon Quest V
Dragon Quest V is going to be one of the most feature-packed games on the DS. Don't try and argue with us, for Famitsu's recent look at the title only cemented that fact in our mind. There is a lot going on here. Famitsu's article highlights not only a DS-exclusive character, Deborah, but also documents some of the other timesinks available in the game, should you wish to take a break from the main story. You can enjoy some Poker or Slots over at the casino, or partake in one of the other many mini-games available. You can even enjoy some combat in the Fight Field. If you want to check out some new screens, head on over to Famitsu. %Gallery-12146%
A pint of Guinness World Records information
Underachievers can now take to the Wii in an effort to impress their friends with virtual accomplishments. TT Games has announced Guinness World Records: The Videogame (really? a game?) for the Wii and DS, so there's no reason for you not to be included in the book that features a new holographic cover every year. It's full of mini-games, of course, and features some of the most popular records -- like growing the longest fingernails, and eating a jumbo jet. Sounds ... gross. World Records enables players to compete in such prestigious events via "accessible game mechanics." No clue what these actually are, but if it involves sitting around for 50 years growing long fingernails, then at least it'll score highly for longevity. It's released in Q3 2008, if you can wait that long to participate in the "most remarkable activities in the world."[Via press release]
Driving on a DS-only permit
It should be good to drive emergency vehicles without the possibility of running people over, GTA-style. The DS enjoys the odd sunday drive, but the latest from Japan shows a different take on handling big vehicles and getting down to some serious work.Norimono DS from D3 serves up ten different vehicles, each with jobs to complete. For example, the fire engine needs to be driven to a rescue operation, the backhoe needs to dig some holes and unearth dead bodies (not really, but awesome anyway), while the garbage truck takes out the trash.Control will be handled by turning a steering wheel on the touch screen. Skills with each vehicle will increase upon the completion of each job; the aim of the game being to build up an impressive portfolio of driving abilities. More screens of this interesting import can be found after the break.
DS library plumps up before E3: Kirby and MillionHeir
Nintendo is proudly boasting that it won't be waiting until E3 to reveal some of their biggest upcoming games. The new DS announcements for today are Kirby Super Star Ultra and Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir, both with new screens in the galleries below!As a remake of the original SNES favorite, KSSU will use the touch screen to breathe new life into the existing mini-game compilation. Yeah, if the DS does anything well, it's mini-games. It'll be a totally revamped experience, with new Revenge of the King and Meta Knight Ultra modes in the works, including local wireless play. Kirby has done everything right so far on the DS, so we should expect greatness from the little pink blob on September 29th.<insert witty segue here>Yes, yes -- another mystery adventure game is on the way in the form of MillionHeir. Get over that delightful play on words, and check out some of the previous games in the Mystery Case Files range. The DS entry will be a "painted scene" point-and-click adventure, where a cluey detective needs to find the rightful heir to a fortune. It seems like the standard pixel-hunt for inventory items and evidence -- but a multiplayer mode is also included, which is a pretty nifty addition for an adventure game. MillionHeir hits the stores on September 8th.%Gallery-8402%%Gallery-26089%[Via press release]
Tiger Woods ponies up some videos for PGA Tour 09
If you're sick of Wii Sports golf (which you shouldn't be), then perhaps the greatest golfer of all time can tear you away from those charismatic Miis. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 has dug up some new gameplay videos from the rough, and the on-screen indicators give examples of the Wiimote in action. It looks good so far, and we're gunning for an improvement over the already pretty good gameplay of its predecessors.The two videos found after the break run Tiger through some basic holes, and show off the rather impressive graphics quite well. The trailer above, however, features some of the zany mini-games found within Golf Party, where the Wiimote is put to unique use in a bunch of different games for up to four players. Golf Party looks pretty gosh darn fun, and it's a welcome addition to the otherwise slow pace of the professional golf circuit.
Ubisoft announces Play Zone, we die a little inside
Ubisoft has continued on its quest to make us sneer at almost everything it attempts by announcing "Play Zone," a new Wii-exclusive division focused on "party games." Hey, we hear it's what's hot nowadays! Ubisoft's first contribution to this festival of mediocrity is Sports Party or, as North American readers will know it, Digital Embryo's Summer Sports: Paradise Island, which Ubisoft has snapped up the European publishing rights to.Says Ubisoft marketing director John Parkes: "With our new Play Zone party titles, the Wii gamers who like to spend time with friends and family will have fun with the Wii through innovative and involving mini-games." Join us in the gallery and we'll all hold each other and cry.%Gallery-25559%[Via press release]
Neotera justice, away!
An elite group of super-rangers are just sitting around, waiting for some kind of emergency so they can rush to the rescue. No, it has nothing to do with The Mattel and Mars Bar Quick Energy Chocobot Hour. A range of new helmet'd heroes has appeared in these new screens for Tomikahiro Resukyufosu DS (Tomy Hero Rescue or something), so action is on the agenda.What does the Neotera group do, exactly? Well, they handle super-disasters. A regular disaster is child's play. Judging by the images after the break, a flaming building (with faces in the fire) classifies as a super-disaster. Gameplay looks to be part driving, part mini-games. Seems to be a fairly linear story, with Neotera looking all badass as they handle the problems of the city. Just another seizure-inducing DS game, but all those Power Rangers and Voltron fans always do a double-take when metal jumpsuits are involved.
Get back at Carnival folk by scoring free stuff
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! You there, the big winner with the pretty lady! How about taking a shot at our fantastic Take-Em-Out game -- where everybody wins! The rules are simple -- grab your wallet, skillfully dig deep and take out $40! Hand it over to the smiling gentleman, and you have scored a great prize for your girlfriend! It's true, Take-Em-Out is the easiest way to have fun!If there wasn't any reason to pick up Carnival Games before, is the promise of a free t-shirt going to tip the scales in Wal-Mart's favor? Well, probably - Carnival Games is one popular piece of software, free T-shirt or not. If you buy (and wear) this, hundreds of Wii owners are sure to point and nod approvingly. Best of all, there's even more opportunities on the horizon to become popular with the Carnies.[Via GoNintendo]
Chocobo's Dungeon is cute, cuddly, mildly dangerous
Perhaps the updates on Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon have been few and far between, but Square Enix has made up for it with a sudden blitz of media from the upcoming title. The screenshots are bright and beautiful, though for the most part, they seem embiggened versions of the DS's Final Fantasy Fables title. Of course, the two are similar -- they feature a largely similar cast, mini-game elements, and obviously, supercute Chocobo himself. But while the DS game was simply a blend of adventure, mini-games, and card battles, the Wii title is set to focus on more dungeon-crawling, with a heavy dose of RPG elements.We're a little wary of the watered-down roguelike-lite gameplay in Chocobo's Dungeon, but when push comes to shove, we're suckers for Square Enix (and anything with a job system). Come July 8, any hesitation will probably disappear in a single squee of ultimate joy.%Gallery-9664%[Via press release]
Finding space for Wii Fit
The balance board is certainly smaller than most exercise equipment, which means it obviously requires less space, right? Not necessarily. Anyone who hasn't yet purchased Wii Fit, but is considering it, needs to sit down and consider a few things before bringing home the balance board. Space, room design, and location of the television can all impact your exergaming experience, so we've put together a quick guide to designing your optimal workout space for Wii Fit. %Gallery-4745%
Raving Rabbids balancing out their wacky life [update 2]
[Update: Screens available in our gallery!]After solving a moon mystery, the more astute Fanboy readers noticed the inclusion of a rather understated header on the latest cover of Nintendo Power. The game formerly known as Raving Rabbids 3 will henceforth be known as Raving Rabbids TV Party, as if we needed a reminder to plug our Wii into the TV instead of some shrubbery out the back. Despite the Rabbids showing us how the Balance Board ought to be used, we couldn't confirm that the next addition to the series would go nuts with the whole leaning and weight-shifting thing. However, the teaser wasn't teasing and among TV Party's 65 mini-games, many (maybe even most) will use the Balance Board. If using Wii Fit was enough to make your friends laugh stupidly (they are right to do so), then getting down with these crazy critters is enough for them to consider finding new people to hang out with. %Gallery-23883%[Thanks, RingmasterJ5!]
