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Nintendo announces new Wario Land for Wii, Kirby for DS
With E3 just around the corner, we've begun to brace ourselves for the deluge of new game announcements that always accompany the annual event, the latest of which has come from Nintendo. This morning the company announced a trio of new titles set to be shown during next month's conference, including Wario Land: Shake It! for the Wii, as well as Kirby Super Star Ultra and Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir, both for the company's touchable portable.As previously announced for both Japan and Europe, Nintendo describes Wario Land: Shake It! as a "classic side-scroller," and notes that the game will have players controlling Mario's portly nemesis with the Wii remote turned sideways on September 25. Kirby Super Star Ultra, on the other hand, will re-imagine the SNES classic platformer starring everyone's favorite perpetually-hungry cream puff when it debuts four days later on September 29. Finally, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir brings Big Fish Games' line of casual PC puzzlers to the DS earlier in the month on September 8. The games join the previously announced Mario Super Sluggers, giving us an early look at what Nintendo will have on tap at the LA Convention Center in a few short weeks.
Wario Land Shake gets dated for Europe, among others
We've been following Wario Land: The Shake Dimension for quite some time now. After the numerous scans and screens, we're about ready to hear something on a release date for the game. Well, as ready as we are in North America, it looks like Europe is the only region with a cemented release for the game. Wario Land: The Shake Dimension will release in Europe on September 26th. Aside from that game, Nintendo of Europe also dished out release dates for plenty of other Wii games, including Baroque (July 18) and Manhunt 2 (August). To check out the full list, head on past the break.
Wario Land Shake scans show more shaking
The same screens of Wario Land Shake keep on popping up in different places, but the latest scans from Coro Coro Comics reveal a bit more about the controls. As you probably deduced from the game's title, being the genius that you are, Wario Land Shake will involve quit a bit of shaking. We already went into a little detail on the controls a few weeks ago, but these new scans show more pictured instances of the scheme in action.As you can see above, you hold the Wiimote horizontally and use it like an old-school controller. Attacking enemies will be one instance that you need to shake and bake, since you can turn your foes into treasure this way. Google translator also tells us that climbing ropes will involve "moving the Wiimote up and down," which is pretty much the definition of shaking. It looks like most actions in the game will force you to shake the Wiimote, but we think Wario Land sounds awesome enough to warrant the waggle and ensuing Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Wario Land Shake sees an old favorite return
Scans of Famitsu's Wario Land Shake preview just hit the 'net, and although we've already seen most of the screens and art they contain (in various dimensions), there is the odd new screenshot to squint at, not to mention a synopsis of the story, which has been handily translated by a Something Awful forum member.Usually, we wouldn't even glance twice at a storyline from a Wario game, but Shake's narrative deserves a mention simply because it features the extremely welcome return of Captain Syrup, last seen pinching Wario's loot in Wario Land II for the Game Boy Color (over a decade ago, and yes, that makes us feel old).She's not the villain this time, however; instead, that role has been left to another pirate, Shay King (har), who invades the world of Yuretopia to nab its legendary "Deldel Purse" treasure. It's up to our dungaree-sporting anti-hero to take on Shay King and grab a slice of coin for himself.[Thanks, creamsugar! Story translation via NeoGAF]
Some slightly less tiny Wario Land Shake screens
The first Wario Land Shake screens we received were utterly minuscule, but we didn't care, because hey: fully 2D Wario game. Now, one NeoGAFfer has managed to lay their hands on a further four screenshots, all with slightly larger (though still not large) dimensions.While still only about half the size that they should be, these images do at least begin to show off some of the game's lovely hand-drawn art; that jungle area made us think of another game famous for its lovingly crafted 2D backgrounds. Hit the jump for all four shots.
Wario to shake up Australia
The original source of this image is unknown, but Jeux-France seems to have found a tiny rendition of Wario Land Shake's (potential) Japanese boxart. It's small and blurry, but it's clear enough to see that, as they have in the game, Nintendo put aside their usual 3D renders of the Mario series cast. While the game relies on cel-shading, this looks like it could be original, hand-drawn art. We'll get a better look at it soon enough.We may also get a good look at some English-language boxart soon, according to the new OFLC rating for "Wario Land: The Shake Dimension." We expected to hear about a localization eventually, but not so soon! Of course, it could still be forever before the game really comes out.[Via NeoGAF]
First Wario Land details Shake things up
Given Sega's apparent inability to commit to a fully 2D platformer on the Wii, we might have to rely on Nintendo to deliver the goods. Which is to say: a Wario Land Shake fact sheet has found its way on to the 'net, and appears to suggest that the game, revealed only yesterday, will be a brand new, exclusively 2D platform title on a home console -- in 2008. Sweet!Obviously, while we're not quite jumping from armchair to sofa in excitement just yet, Japanese blogger Sinobi also describes Shake as a "2D action" game, while NeoGAF users Anihawk and Teknoman translated some of the small print, and discovered that it promised cel-shaded characters, hand-drawn animation and backgrounds, and that the game was, in their words, "most likely 2D."According to the NeoGAFfers, there will also be 20 stages (taking in jungle, ruins, desert, and ocean locations), vehicles such as rockets and submarines, but no multiplayer. As for the Shake in the title, that refers to a whole range of actions that can be performed with the Wiimote -- by shaking your controller, you'll be able to uncover hidden locations, shake enemies (who then dispense coins), and much more.Make the jump for the full, larger version of the fact sheet.
Wario Land Shake jiggling its way to Japan
Now officially listed on Nintendo Japan's official site, we can celebrate the unveiling of the latest game featuring pseudo-evil badass Wario. The kanji is translated into English as simply Wario Land Shake, which is a natural connection to the whole motion-sensing thing the Wii's got going on.Now, despite the fact that Wario has been featured in a pile of different games in recent years, the inclusion of Land in the title brings hope to the possibility that this will be a full-fledged platformer that follows on from Wario Land 4 which was released way back in 2001. No longer is our portly friend relegated to hosting mini-game compilations and riding go-karts; he's in the spotlight and heading for the store shelves of Japan on July 24. Stay tuned for more details![Via GoNintendo]
Six-year-olds and their (slightly twisted) view of Mario
When Japan-based 4cr staffer and elementary school teacher Vinnk tried using the Mario universe to teach his young students the English words for family members, he can't have been expecting a lesson of his own on the Mario family tree from a classroom of six-year-olds.That's exactly what he did get however, with his pupils patiently pointing out that Wario, Mario, Luigi, and Peach were all siblings, that Bowser is either their father or uncle, and that Luigi must be older than Mario because he's taller. We're still no clearer on what Yoshi's role is in this incestuous mess, and it's not something we wish to dwell on for longer than is necessary.Anyway, for the full hilarious/adorable transcript of this exchange, hit the "Read" link below. It made our morning.
Wario: Master of Bargains
Apparently, Amazon had such a wonderful turnout the last time this game went on sale, they decided to do it again. For just $12.99, you can snag Wario: Master of Disguise from the online retailer. This deal is only valid today, however, so if you're going to pick this up, you're going to have to get clicking immediately.Any of our readers looking to nab this?
Dojo update: Wario gets classic
Today's dojo update doesn't bring us anything too exciting, especially considering that Christmas is right around the corner (yes, we're spoiled, what of it?). Wario fans will be pleased to know, however, that the flabby mischief-maker is not limited to his WarioWare outfit. Yep, that's right, the purple suspenders are back. That's not all, you greedy piglets. Aside from Wario's six standard color variations, the classic version also has its own choosable colors for you to pick from. In the end, though, we think the best outfit for Wario in Brawl is this one.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Dojo update: Wario-Man
Not all of Brawl's Final Smash moves will be spectacular, screen-filling affairs. Take Wario's, for example. When the yellow and purple one scarfs down some garlic, he turns into (trumpet and clarion calls, please) ... Wario-Man! And even when the transformation is complete, you'll still control him as you normally would.However, by using this particular Smash, you do gain a whole bunch of neat new maneuvers, including a handy sideways-sliding shoulder tackle, and an assortment of midair moves that see the mighty Wario-Man take to the skies. Okay, it's not quite an iceberg that crushes all before it, or the highly destructive flatulence attack we had our fingers crossed for, but we'll still look forward to taking Wario's superhero alter ego out for a spin.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Bwahahaha! Wario Land Advance for $9.99!
Still upset over Wario's lackluster return to platforming, Wario: Master of Disguise? Why not wash that awful taste out of your mouth with one of the anti-hero's more polished titles? Import shop Play Asia is clearing out its stock of Wario Land Advance (Wario Land 4 in the US) by putting up Japanese copies of the GBA game for $9.99.This sale ends next Tuesday, so you have several days to ask yourself, "Do I want to play an awesome game or not?" Jump past the break for Wario Land Advance's opening movie and a speedrun of the first level.
Reminder: This Wario pumpkin could win Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles
Michael McAfoos got his entry into our Joystiq pumpkin carving contest in early and, we gotta say, we're impressed. Like, really impressed. This puts our pumpkin carving of the sun to shame ...You've still got about five days left, including the weekend, to share your pumpkins with us and potentially win a copy of the beautiful Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles. Check out the rules and get carving.
Dojo update: Footstool Jump technique
Today's Dojo update reveals the Footstool Jump technique. Basically, it's possible for players to use their enemies as a sort of springboard now, provided that the jumping player has impeccable timing. And, with Smash Bros. often putting us on the edge of levels, fighting our enemies, we imagine we'll have the opportunity to deny many a hopeful player who've been recently knocked off the side of said level and trying to jump back on, with this maneuver. It looks as if once you squish your opponent, they'll be stunned, resulting in an instant death for them and a fond memory for you, should our described scenario become a reality for yourself.You can see some more images of the maneuver being demonstrated in our gallery below.%Gallery-3347%
Cha-Ching! WarioWare: Smooth Moves for $25
This item has been going in and out stock all morning, so it will require a bit of patience and providence to take advantage of this one-day deal at Amazon. If you don't mind spending the rest of your day watching the product page, however, WarioWare: Smooth Moves could be yours for only $25 (s/h included), half of its regular price! Just think of it as another minigame -- every click on your browser's reload button is another opportunity for you to win! Bwahahaha! [Thanks, Adam!]
Dojo update: Wario's special moves
We are so happy when the new Brawl info is new for real! Today's update is about Wario's special attacks, which are unexpectedly awesome.We've all seen the amusing flatulence attack from the original trailer. That's the Down special attack, and it gets more powerful the longer the interval between uses. It turns out we saw another Wario special move too.Wario's other special attack, the Side attack, is the business, and is probably going to make Wario quite a popular character. He summons a motorcycle! You can do 180's with the Control Stick (or D-pad?) and jump off with an attack button. You can apparently also be knocked off. The bike seems to be persistent, so can other players hop on and steal it?
Wario: Master of Temporary Price Drops
Amazon's Deal of the Day has allowed Wario to put on a mask and transform into Much Cheaper Wario. For today only, you can pick up Wario: Master of Disguise for $12.99. That's ridiculously cheap for a first-party Nintendo game. That's approaching Geist levels of markdown.We support even the temporary cheapening of games. If you've been waiting for a reasonable price on Wario, now you're somewhere closer to it.[Via CAG]
Don't buy these Virtual Console games
Aeropause's Steven Munn has compiled a list of potential Virtual Console games for suckers. These are all games that have superior versions that could show up on the Virtual Console, or, in the case of Street Fighter II, superior versions that already have shown up. Even without taking the arcade versions into consideration, there's still one more SNES Street Fighter II that could come out, so can you ever feel confident about buying one? We take issue with a couple of the items on the list. Munn recommends against buying Super Mario Bros., because buying it later as part of Super Mario All-Stars with Super Mario World will be cheaper. We disagree, only because we think the NES version is the definitive version of that game. Same with Ninja Gaiden Trilogy: should Tecmo ever decide to release the SNES compilation on the VC, it will be cheaper than buying all three NES games. However, those SNES remakes are a mess of barely-upgraded graphics and ruined music. The article does raise a good point, however. Why should we be expected to pay over and over again for inferior versions of the same game, when the best versions exist and can easily be ported? We're thinking of arcade games, here.
Dojo update: Wario and Fox
Another Dojo update hits, bringing us a better look at newcomer Wario and resident cheap jerk Fox. We got an intimate look at Pikachu's Final Smash the other day, but with Fox and his reflection, and Wario with his gigantic bite, we think Pokemon's resident rat thing is going to have a tough time in this installment in the franchise. As usual, you can check out some images of Wario and Fox in action through our gallery below.%Gallery-3347%Read - Fox move listRead - Wario bio
