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Star Fox 64 3D multiplayer is local-only, supports Download Play
A few more details about the upcoming Star Fox 64 3D for Nintendo 3DS have emerged from a Japanese retailer, specifically about the game's multiplayer mode. Unfortunately, it won't be playable online, but there will be local four-player versus battles and the game will use Download Play so your friends won't need their own cartridges. (Those cheapskates!) The retailer also says that players will be able to take photos of themselves that will show up above ships in-game, similar to the functionality used in Ridge Racer 3D. Star Fox 64 3D is still set for a July 14 release in Japan. No date has been announced for its North American arrival.
Hands-on: Guitar Hero 5 'Roadie Battle' mode (Wii/DS)
The biggest surprise of Activision's Guitar Hero 5 pre-launch event in San Francisco wasn't the addition of a hot band to the song list or something to do with DLC; it was a game mode exclusive to the Wii version called "Roadie Battle," which wound up being the most refreshing and fun addition to the series since ... ever.In this guitar-only duel, two players can assist the pair battling on the big screen using Nintendo DS. Using DS Download Play, the Wii transfers the Roadie Battle "app" to both DS units (two human "roadies" aren't required; the CPU can fill in for the friend-deprived) and the (frantic) fun begins. %Gallery-69695%
Nintendo updates DS baseball app with live ESPN data
For the 2009 baseball season, Nintendo has announced new updates to the Nintendo Fan Network, the suite of utilities and games available only at Seattle's Safeco Field. The new version of the Nintendo Fan Network features ESPN content including news about Mariners baseball and other sports, ESPN baseball columns, fantasy sports information, and "ESPN Zoom Game, a photo-matching game for sports." The new updates also feature closed captioning for PA announcements!The Fan Network retains its previous features, including weather information, video, networked trivia games, and a food and drink order service.If you don't have a DS with which to access the service, or if you just want to mess with a DSi, NIntendo is offering free rentals of the device for the first 150 people to ask for one during home games in the season's first three months.%Gallery-4854%
Download play is enjoyable
Gamers like download play. Hardly a shocking statement. But it seems that of all of the DS' amenities, the ability to share your games with nearby friends gets less attention than, maybe, it should.Aeropause's George Walker discovered this while in line for the Transformers movie (the new one, not the good one), when he broke out his DS to ameliorate his 2+ hour wait and found himself accosted by kids begging for some downloadable games. He suggested some Meteos, they agreed, and an impromptu fun-having event occurred.What can we learn from this event? First off, that Meteos is pretty great. We can also take away the notion that people like it when you can give them free games-- so much so, that they may even elect to play those free games with you. Try it next time you're in line for hours! Which we hope isn't soon. That sounds tortuous, even with a DS.
Ecolis boxart reveals WiFi and panda support
Online support seems like a prerequisite for any decent RTS release, but it's never safe to assume with DS and Wii games. Thankfully, the boxart for Ecolis indicates that the InterChannel title will make use of Nintendo's WiFi connection in addition to its "download play" features. We're not sure if that means online duels, item shops, or a near-useless messaging system, but it's something -- a quantity that's arguably better than nothing. If you haven't been properly introduced, Ecolis is a strategy title in which you command an army of woodland creatures against the pollution and deforestation taking over their homes. You'll also be tackling issues like global warming and recycling while you plant new trees to restore damaged forests. The eco-friendly message doesn't end there; as evidenced by the panda stamped on the game's packaging, a portion of Ecolis' proceeds will be donated to Japan's World Wide Fund for Nature.%Gallery-4106%[Via Ruliweb]
