Oz
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Let's Tap down under
A rating for Yuji Naka's latest project, Let's Tap, has popped up on the OLFC and would appear to indicate the title is destined for an Aussie release. Seeing as how we haven't heard anything on a North American or European release, this is likely going to be good news to folks outside of Australia. If Sega plans to localize the game down under, there's a very good chance that those of us who are looking forward to tapping away with the quirky title will get a chance to. %Gallery-33707%
Pantech's Sky IM-S400L slider with "Glide Sensor" keypad debuted in Korea
Pantech's SKY division has just released the quite handsome, Korea-only IM-S400L. The CDMA slider boasts a 2.6-inch LCD, and a keypad using the company's new "Glide Sensor" technology which it says operates like a laptop trackpad. We don't have much else in the way of specs for this puppy, but we do know that it's available in white, pink, blue and green for ???500,000 -- about $395. Crème brulée is, sadly, not included.[Via Akihabara News]
Oz to soon be covered in goo
It's no secret that we love World of Goo. The game is great and if you don't like it, we don't like you then we appreciate you giving the game the old college try. Now, 2D Boy's most excellent title has been rated by the OFLC, meaning a down under release is closing in. With the news that Europe would be getting the game, we're now happy to see just about every territory getting in the action. Any of our Aussie readers looking forward to this one? You should be!See also: Wii Fanboy interviews 2D Boy (World of Goo)%Gallery-16000%[Via Go Nintendo]
Oz developers love de Blob
Move over, Paul Hogan. Aussies have a new hero: de Blob.Even though the game wasn't a commercial success, the game won the hearts of gamers and critics alike. In fact, it might as well be Australia's favorite game, as the title has dominated the Australian development awards. Every year, the GDAA (Game Developers Association of Australia) bestows honors on outstanding games and this year, a majority of those awards were dropped on THQ's title. Among those nods were several big ones, including best console title, best gameplay, best audio, best graphics and the GDAA's game of the year award.%Gallery-17709%
Aussie classification reveals new Hudson WiiWare title
A classification for Australia has popped up, showing that Hudson is working on a new game for WiiWare. The new game, called Snowboard Riot, will have the player fighting dragons, saving damsels in distress and will feature Bomberman in a medieval setting. We kid, it's a snowboard game!Sadly, all we have to go on right now is a name, other than it looks like the game will also be hitting Xbox Live and PSN. Stay tuned to Wii Fanboy for more info on the game as it's made available.[Via GamerBytes]
Rock Band finally releasing to Oz on Nov. 7
Well, Australian readers, if you've been waiting on something pertaining to the first Rock Band game, then today brings good news. You all are finally getting Rock Band ... on November 7th (rumors originally stated the game would release in October). Ridiculous, right? Hey, we're right there with you, pal. The game will release separately from the peripherals, just as it did in the UK. Unlike the UK, however, Aussies won't have to pay as much. The whole bundle, all said and done, will only set you back $250 AUD ($208). That's a lot of money for a year-old game, if we may say so. Especially one that already has its sequel sitting on store shelves.%Gallery-19119%[Via Joystiq]
One Shots: Where's a Baby Ruth when you need one
Many people are now in the open pre-launch beta for Warhammer Online and by most accounts we're hearing, having an absolute blast! Of course, in traveling around this strange new land, there's lots of interesting... people... to meet. Today's One Shots comes to us from Oz, who has been in WAR, and sent along this screenshot of his Mage, as he was at the docks preparing to head for Nordland. We're just hoping that Mhurhg and Grug there didn't give Oz too much trouble. (Of course, we wonder if we're the only one having Goonies flashbacks looking at Sloth's twins with a boat as a backdrop.) Have you been playing in the WAR beta? How about Wrath? If you're in a beta with an NDA that's open and would like to show off all your grand adventures, send those screenshots our way at oneshots AT massively.com. We'll be glad to share them with all the Massively readers and give you the credit! %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: Welcome to RVR
The Massively offices have been abuzz lately over Warhammer Online -- as I'm sure our coverage of it shows! With the recent preview weekend, many people are chomping at the bit to get back into the game. Today's One Shots comes to us courtesy of Oz, who played through quite a bit of RVR. Oz writes: This was taken outside Nordland where during preview weekend many braves have fallen. Waaaagh!Were you in the preview weekend? Did you get screenshots? Did you want to share? If so, send them to us here at oneshots AT massively.com along with a quick description. We'd love to see them. %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: WAR is bringing sexy back
We never thought we'd be saying that about a screenshot of Warhammer Online, but you have to admit, the gratuitous butt shot here really makes you wonder. We've seen all manner of screenshots, but this one that came to us from Oz who is participating in Warhammer Online's preview weekend is a new look at this game for us. Oz writes: Here is a shot from WAR preview weekend. My zealot and friend playing a witch elf. The building behind us is a checkpoint located on one of the RvR maps.Have you found a surprisingly skimpy set of armor in your favorite game? Does your gear look like it came from Trash & Vaudeville? Would your character be right at home at a Juggalo convention? If so, send those screenshots our way at oneshots AT massively DOT com. We're always on the lookout for something off the beaten path!%Gallery-9798% Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
One Shots: The art of Spellweaving
From what we've seen and heard, Spellweaving is a lovely animation, perhaps best suited to just running around in a small team and taking things out. Today's Age of Conan One Shot comes to us from Oz who says: Here is an awesome screenshot of Valn and myself. Spellweaving has to be one of the more interesting features when it comes to AoC. That is if you look past all the unpolished content and the fact that this product was rushed out the door. While some may beg to differ on that last statement, we have to agree that Spellweaving is really quite an interesting concept. Beyond that, it looks absolutely cool. Do you have a screenshot from a game you're playing that shows off one of the more insteresting designs from that game? Send them to us! The email address is oneshots AT massively.com; be sure to include a blurb about what we're seeing. Yours could be one of the next One Shots!%Gallery-9798%
One Shots: I've got a theory, it could be witches
Or bunnies. Nah. Whatever it is this Priest of Mithra is doing with this spell rotation in Age of Conan, it certainly looks pretty cool. Today's One Shots comes in to us from Oz, who snapped this a few days ago. We have no idea what area in Age of Conan this is, nor why one might want to stand there and put on the mother of all light shows. But we're certainly glad Oz caught a screenshot of it and sent it our way to share!Have you found an area with dancing demons, vengeance demons, witches, bunnies, or anything of the like on your travels? If so, bundle those screenshots up and send them to us here at oneshots AT massively.com along with a quick blurb about what we're looking at. Otherwise, we're left to our own devices to explain what's going on -- which can involve things far stranger than musicals. %Gallery-9798%
One Shots: A Zelata adventure
For all that the game may still have a way to go, many people are very fond of the looks of Funcom's Age of Conan. This landscape including volcanoes and cliffs comes to us from Oz, who said it was taken some time ago. Oz writes: Here is a shot from a while ago when I explored the wild lands of Zelata on my Ranger. You can see the Sanctuary of the Burning Souls dungeon in the background. If Age of Conan isn't your thing, that's totally cool -- send us screenshots of whatever game you're playing! All MMOs, big or small, are welcome. Just grab those screenshots, write up a quick description of what we're seeing, attach them to an email to us at oneshots AT massively.com and send 'em. We'll happily take them!%Gallery-9798%
Images from Nintendo's DS training down under
Click to enter gallery tour Reader Jessica is a wonderful and kind soul. She took our advice and attended the DS how-to training that recently took place in Melbourne, Australia. She was even so kind as to hook us up with some pictures from the event. And, there's a surprise at the end of the gallery, which is a gift she received while attending the event. She says that while the event was mostly dominated by children, she did manage to see a couple older people enjoying themselves.Hit up the gallery below for some pictures from the event.%Gallery-22944%[Thanks, Jessica!]
Nintendo provides game-playing training down under
Nintendo is an odd company. While we won't argue the merits of doing something like this, we will argue that Nintendo could've used some new games. Confused? So are we, so let's break it down.Basically, Nintendo is conducting an hour-long "beginner's class" with Animal Crossing: Wild World and Nintendogs, in the hopes that they can show people how great their really old games are. In all seriousness, we imagine the classes will mostly revolve around introducing the device to skeptical folks, as well as the ease of using the stylus on the touch-screen. It all takes place at ACMI, Screen Pit Room, Federation Square, Flinders Street Melbourne, so if you're anywhere near there this Thursday between 6:00pm – 7:00pm, show up and take some pictures. Then send those pictures to us!
Oz needs better cooks, so Nintendo sends Cooking Navi to the rescue
It looks like we have some good news for Australians who need some help in the kitchen. Shaberu! Cooking Navi, the DS guide to preparing tasty food, is heading down under, according to a recent filing with the Australian Classification Board. The game will be called Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat?, and will hopefully be available in the country soon. But, the way Europe is still waiting, we're not sure you should be holding your breath down there.
Club Nintendo heads down under
Aussie readers, take note of this day. It is one that shall go down in history for you if you're the kind of bloke or sheila who likes to own odd and wonderful things, like the Game & Watch collection or that Exclamation Warriors game. Club Nintendo is officially launching in Australia next Thursday, alongside the release of Mario Kart Wii.This means that you fine readers in Australia and New Zealand will be able to redeem points from the games you buy and use them towards goodies in the Club Nintendo catalog. The idea of being able to alone gets us all hot and bothered, so we can imagine how excited you all must feel right now. No longer will you need to box kangaroos and wrestle deadly gators for kicks.[Via Aussie-Nintendo]
LG's 5.1 megapixel OZ: a Casio W53CA hides behind the curtain
Well lookie here, LG just announced a followup to its LH2300 Touch Web phone. This one's for the twisty-fold clamshell fans -- a design which makes it look positively Japanese superphone-like. In fact, we're pretty sure it's just the Casio W53CA with LG branding and new Hello UI for Korean consumption. Interesting given that Korea certainly isn't lacking in mega-spec'd phones. Anyway, given the Exilim underpinnings it's no surprise to find a 5.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 28-mm lens, color correction, 9-point auto focus, and built-in anti-shake technology bunged into the backside. The LCD measures 2.8-inches (down from the LH2300's 3-inch LCD) yet still manages the same 800 x 480 pixel resolution for DMB television and landscape or portrait web browsing. Inside the little 18.9-mm thin handset you'll find 4GB NAND / 1GB SDRAM and microSD expansion for all your snaps and VGA / 30fps video. Coming to a 3G, CDMA network near you in April... just long as you live in South Korea or Japan.%Gallery-19108%
Nintendo of Australia makes one little girl's Christmas extra-special
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/nintendo/Nintendo_makes_one_little_girl_s_Christmas_extra_special'; Everyone likes an uplifting story during the holidays, don't they? Heck, we like to read or hear about them any chance we get. And this story is no different, as one little girl in Australia suffering from arthrogryposis, a degenerative muscle disease, recently got a wonderful gift from Nintendo.After trying a family friend's console and having a great time, that same wonderful friend wrote to Nintendo directly and got little Taylor a console sent to her, free of charge. As you might imagine, she was absolutely thrilled to receive something that can keep her active without pushing her so hard, but also something that brings a smile to her face and is quite fun. Merry Christmas, little Taylor![Via The Tanooki]
Oz gets Zack & Wiki in February, Wii Fanboy suggests everyone buy it
Gamers down under are getting a treat come February 21st when Capcom's stellar title Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure hits retail shelves. Australia, we have one thing to ask you: will you please buy this game? Seriously, you need it. When we reviewed the game, we found it to be one of the absolute best games on the system. It's such an amazing game on all levels that we're incredibly surprised that nobody else thought so, as the game's sales were incredibly poor. We wondered if complex games such as this would even have a future on the Wii. Actually, we still do. So, Australia, do your part. Make sure you buy this amazing game. %Gallery-3283% [Via Go Nintendo]
Ubisoft to bring Square Enix games down under [update]
Ubisoft loves Australia, it seems, as they've worked out a deal with RPG powerhouse Square Enix to bring some of their games to the region. Ubisoft will be bringing two titles to the country in Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates. Gamers down under can look forward to getting these titles in early 2008.Any Aussies here glad they won't have to import these games?Update: According to JeuxFrance, Ubisoft is going to be bringing the games to not only Australia, but also to Europe. So, good news is now made even better.
