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Hardboiled detective action from Hudson Soft: Miami Law
In the midst of all the new release dates, a totally new Hudson DS game almost eluded our attention. We had no idea what Miami Law was when it showed up on Nintendo's press release. Hudson just sent the first screens and info about the DS action-adventure game, which distinguishes itself from Atlus's Tokyo Beat Down through multiple styles of play. Miami Law, according to the press release, is "packed with all of the ingredients of a prime-time TV show," following FBI agent Sara Starling and Miami cop Law Martin (LAW MARTIN: MIAMI LAW has a pretty nice ring to it) on two separate adventures. Sara's game is a mostly investigation-based adventure game, as she searches crime scenes and solves puzzles; Law's half of the game is all car chasing and shooting segments. Miami Law also includes unlockable Texas hold 'em and sudoku games for "when the tension gets thick."We don't believe we've seen this game before -- while it looks like a rebranded Japanese game, we don't recognize it from anything we've come across, from Hudson or anyone else. Miami Law hits the streets in June.%Gallery-45960%
Wiikly Wares: C64 games launch an Onslaught on Wii
Click image for more bug blastin' screens There are plenty of new goodies to check out on Wii this week. including a whole new system on the Virtual Console! We won't bother wasting any more time here typing out words you're going to just ignore, so shoot down for the details you crave.Virtual ConsoleInternational Karate (C64, 1 - 2 players, 500 Wii Points): Features man-vs-man karate fighting to the death. Well, not really, but it is karate sparring. Do you need to know anything else?The Last Ninja (C64. 500 Wii Points): Armakuni is literally the last ninja ever, and takes up a quest to destroy the evil Shogun Kunitoki. You'll have to rely on all of your ninja abilities if you hope to survive this one!Pit Stop II (C64, 1 -2 players, 500 Wii Points): Enjoy split-screen action, or merely play alone in this C64 F1 racer. It's the first game to bring racing to the home computer and features six different tracks to race on, as well as true-to-life pit stop technology.WiiWareOnslaught (Hudson, FPS, 1,000 Wii Points): Hudson's FPS focuses on the war between humans and space bugs. The game features wave after wave of space bug baddies and includes boss fights and leaderboard support via Nintendo WFC. Sadly, though, the game does not include Michael Ironside.%Gallery-43939%
First screens of Adventure Island: The Beginning
Finally, Hudson has revealed the first screens of the new WiiWare Adventure Island game. It looks like a return to the style of gameplay from the original NES game -- which means that axes and skateboards are in, and dinosaur riding (as seen in Adventure Island 2 and 3) is out. While we're suitably (extremely) excited about playing a new Adventure Island game, we do wish that Hudson had taken the Mega Man 9 route, because the 3D makeover isn't working. The GameCube remake of Adventure Island looked a lot better, in fact. The new game includes some exciting new features, like multiplayer and Adventure Island-themed minigames. Our favorite is the in-game version of the Shooting Watch, the button-press-timing toy made famous by Hudson's Takahashi Meijin, who is the inspiration for the Master Higgins character.
Hudson denies dropping Virtual Console support
Rumors have been going around that Hudson, once one of the most consistent sources of Virtual Console content, has officially decided to stop supporting the service. The evidence seems to support this claim -- specifically the fact that Hudson hasn't released a VC game outside of Japan since October. But is this policy, or is the company just busy with WiiWare games?Siliconera asked Mike Pepe, Hudson's director of marketing, about its Virtual Console plans. "Although WiiWare has been very successful for Hudson," Pepe said, "we have every intention to continue supporting Virtual Console." He then asked the Siliconera audience what games they'd like to see on the Virtual Console from Hudson. We'd spam the comments with Dracula X: Rondo of Blood requests, but we don't know if Hudson has any say over games from their parent company, Konami. So we're just going to spam the comments with Ai Cho Aniki requests.
VC Friday: Pop-Up Onslaught!
It's a pretty cool WiiWare day on the PAL Wii Shop. Hudson decided to spring its WiiWare FPS, Onslaught, on an unsuspecting audience. Somehow, we doubt PAL gamers will mind waiting an extra month or so for Snowboard Riot and playing an online FPS in the meantime.The other game up today is something that we personally think looks delightful: Pop-Up Pirate!, the WiiWare version of the classic toy in which players stick swords into a barrel until someone accidentally stabs the imprisoned pirate. Fun for the whole family! Onslaught (1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points) Pop-up Pirate! (1-4 players, 500 Wii Points) Onslaught footage can be viewed after the break, along with a commercial for the Pop-Up Pirate toy (since we couldn't find any video of the Wii game).%Gallery-37658%%Gallery-43939%
NYCC 09: Marble Saga Kororinpa hands-on (Wii)
If you ever find yourself in need of something a little different, then Marble Saga Kororinpa has you covered. It's a puzzle game that caught our eye at this year's New York Comic Con, particularly because it utilizes the Wii Balance Board for some of its levels. There's a lot of variety and challenge within its stages, and players can even create their own if they don't find what they're looking for in the preset levels. Read on after the break for our impressions on the title, including impressions on the Balance Board support and level creator. %Gallery-30046%
NYCC 09: Bomberman Ultra hands-on (PSN)
Bomberman isn't Bomberman if it isn't done in that classic 2D, top-down style. It's a simple formula that has transcended generations, making hits when staying true to its roots ... and making facepalms when it doesn't. It's with this thought in mind that we're left unsurprised to see what Hudson has decided to do with Bomberman Ultra -- the latest entry into this 26-year old series. Hudson is sticking to tradition with this PlayStation Network title.Bomberman Ultra is, in a nutshell, a slightly upgraded port of Bomberman Live! which debuted on Xbox Live back in 2007. The visuals are virtually identical as this PS3 version retains a crisp and clean look along with some very vibrant colors. Other identical features include the very same power-ups and character customization options found in Live!. Ultra also contains all of Live!'s additional levels from the Bomb-Up Pack DLC, as well as three all-original stages for a total of 17 playable levels. Gallery: Bomberman Ultra
First images of Hudson's FPS Onslaught
Click image for more bug blastin' screens Hudson has launched an online space for its upcoming WiiWare FPS, Onslaught. Courtesy of the site, we've got a bunch of new screens to drool over. If anything, we'd say they emit a Starship Troopers vibe ... which is totally a good thing. After checking out these screens, you can bet we can't wait to shoot our share of space bugs. How about you all? Gallery: Onslaught [Thanks, Russel!]
Hudson confirms new Adventure Island and online FPS for WiiWare
This June, none other than Hudson's Master Higgins himself, Takahashi Meijin, revealed early plans to make a new Adventure Island game for the Wii. We've heard almost nothing since then, until today! Hudson has told WiiWare World that a new Adventure Island is on the way to Europe for this April. We can assume it'll show up worldwide at some point as well, like every other Hudson WiiWare game. In addition, the company has announced a new WiiWare FPS called Onslaught, whose defining characteristic is that it isn't Adventure Island. We're willing to look past that flaw, however, for a four-player online multiplayer WiiWare FPS (seriously) about "blasting a massive number of enemy creatures to feel the exhilaration". Onslaught is set for European release in March.
Bomber man threatens to blow up Bomberman dev
A 29-year-old man in Japan has been arrested for threatening to blow up Bomberman developer Hudson's offices. The publisher obviously had a sense of humor about being torn apart in a fiery blast, as the man had sent 11 terrorizing emails during a four-month period before the company finally decided to do something about it. The misguided gentleman allegedly made the bomb threats because he was unhappy with the quality of Hudson's products.Protip: When unhappy with a company's product or service, don't threaten harm to it or yourself. Make a clear statement by using your wallet as a tool of consumer activism.[Via Kotaku]
Wiikly Wares: LONPOS, Snowboard Riot, and Sonic Chaos
It's a full week on WiiWare and the Virtual Console for Wii owners. We've got two new WiiWare games, but, sadly, only one Virtual Console game. Looks like that streak Nintendo's been on for a while now will continue. Oh well, onto this week's releases:WiiWare LONPOS (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): A puzzle game not for the weak of heart, LONPOS tasks players with solving puzzles revolving around a rectangular area comprised of 55 spaces. Using 12 different pieces, the goal is to fill the entire playing field and not have any pieces left over. Snowboard Riot (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Hudson's snowboarding game takes advantage of the Wii Balance Board and is full of ... well, racing down mountains covered in snow. Virtual ConsoleSonic Chaos (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Players can go through the game as either Sonic or Tails in an attempt to stop Dr. Eggman, who has nabbed the Red Chaos Emerald and plans to use it to create nuclear weapons. No, we did not just make that up. Gallery: Snowboard Riot
Hudson brings Fishing Master to the DS
Hudson's Fishing Master World Tour on Wii caught our eye, and now the game is being adapted for the DS, exchanging motion-based controls for the stylus and touch screen. As big fans of Animal Crossing: Wild World, we've enjoyed quite a bit of fishing on our DS. Although AC's fishing is a bit more on the tranquil side, Hudson's offering looks to be a bit more intense. Don't worry: Hudson presents Super X-Treme Bass Fishing sponsored by Mountain Dew this is not.Hudson's Fishing Master DS (Mezase! Tsuri Master DS) is due for release in Japan on April 23.%Gallery-43511%
VC Friday: A new day for Samegame
This week on the PAL Wii Shop, it's WiiWare's time to ... uh ... "shine", with two new family-friendly multiplayer experiences -- one of which may be fun! Arc System Works' Family Glide Hockey is pretty much a non-starter, but Hudson's Pop Them, Drop Them SameGame might be of interest, should you be able to surmount the mental hurdle of oh come on another puzzle game. The core gameplay is, shall we say, proven (read: old), and the "Fame Game", "Shame Game", and "Blame Game" multiplayer modes are certainly named cutely enough to attract our attention. Family Glide Hockey -- WiiWare -- 500 Wii Points Pop Them Drop Them SAMEGAME -- WiiWare -- 500 Wii Points Glide past the post break for videos of both games.%Gallery-42363%
Hit the slopes with new Snowboard Riot screens
Click image to head down the mountain of screens Hudson has just sent over some new screens for its upcoming snowboarding game, Snowboard Riot. While we've yet to see any folks vandalizing storefronts or yanking truck drivers out of their vehicles, we will say there is plenty of snowboarding going on. So, at least Hudson got that half of the game's name right. Check out the new screens in our gallery below.%Gallery-36618%
Mercs on Virtual Console in North America soon, Twinbee, Bomberman '94 in Australia
Capcom announced today via their official blog that Mercs, the Sega Genesis sequel to Commando, will be available "soon" on the Virtual Console in North America. It's changing the title to Wolf of the Battlefield: Mercs, which both matches the Japanese title for the game and makes the connection more explicit between this game and Capcom's XBLA/PSN release, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3. The name change, as implied by Capcom's Seth Killian, has less to do with branding and more to do with the Mercenaries series: "Let this be a lesson kids, register your IPs!"In other Virtual Console news, the OFLC ratings board has revealed that Konami's Twinbee and Hudson's Bomberman '94 could show up on the VC soon. Twinbee for the Famicom never left Japan, though we got a sequel, Stinger.
Bring a friend to the latest Tetris Party tournament
Tetris Online is gearing up for a Tetris Party ... party. It's announced the second in its series of tournaments, this time featuring the WiiWare puzzler's co-op mode. Between February 1 and 15, registered teams of two will be able to compete to get the highest score and fastest time to 150 lines. The top 100 teams will receive 1200 Wii Points, just enough to get that copy of Tetris Party they clearly already have.These tournaments finally justify all that time and effort most of us have put into Tetris. Extreme line-clearing skill always seemed like the kind of thing that should help people get ahead in life, but until these tournaments, it just hasn't. %Gallery-18122%
The saga continues in latest Kororinpa trailer
Hudson has dished out a new trailer for its upcoming puzzle game, Marble Saga: Kororinpa. As one might expect, it's full of tilting levels and rolling balls. That's pretty much how it goes in the world of Kororinpa. Of course, the game will support the Balance Board, so we're anxious to see how that all works out. How about you all?Marble Saga: Kororinpa is set for release in North America this spring.%Gallery-30046%[Via press release]
Samegame, different region
In a move that surprises approximately nobody, Hudson has announced a North American release for their WiiWare game Samegame Wii, under the title Pop 'Em Drop 'Em Samegame. Of course, being a downloadable Wii game, no release date is given.Samegame is a puzzle game in which players click on groupings of two or more same-colored blocks to clear them and move the remaining blocks into the new void. It features three multiplayer modes with cute names: Fame Game, Shame Game, and Blame Game. Thankfully, these rhyming names provide a clue about the English pronunciation of the game's title. You'd think it's obvious (and it is), but we've never heard it out loud and the Japanese title is actually pronounced "sah-may-gah-may". We're finding ourselves fairly optimistic about this game, because we adored the freeware Sega Swirl, another Samegame implementation. We also like the ability to customize the field with Bomberman stuff and various other block designs and backgrounds.%Gallery-42363%
Bomberman 2 exploding in Europe next month
Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Konami has revealed it will bring Custom Battle Bomberman to Europe next month, on February 13 (so now you know how to win our hearts, in time for the following day). For its western debut, the game will be known by the far blander moniker of Bomberman 2. As the Japanese title suggests, customization is the name of the game here. An extensive (and busy-looking) create-your-own-Bomberman mode will allow you to design your own explosives-toting hero, to be used in the rest of the game. According to Konami's press release, over 160,000 combinations will be possible. According to us, all will look better than the Bombermen from Bomberman: Act Zero.After bolting your Bomberman together, you'll be able to use your creation in Wi-Fi battles for up to four players, or fight in wireless matches for up to eight. Sure, it doesn't beat the ten-player matches of Saturn Bomberman that molded us into the people we are today, but it's not such a logistical nightmare!%Gallery-40903%[Via press release]
Deca Synchronized Swimming, and more new sports
The first Deca Sports, while selling well, wasn't a perfect game, generally failing to achieve the (high) standards Wii owners expect from their sports minigame collections. Maybe Hudson will work to improve the quality of the gameplay in the new sequel, Deca Sporta 2. Or maybe they'll just present a bunch of new sports in the same way.All we can tell for now is that there are new sports involved. The latest set of screens reveals ice hockey, speed skating, tennis, mogul skiing, and, amusingly, synchronized swimming. We look forward to seeing how Deca handles tennis, a sport that is already pretty well done on the Wii. And, of course, we look forward to seeing how the game makes a single-player game out of something like synchronized swimming, the whole point of which is that it is done by multiple people. That's what makes it hard! Maybe you control one member of a team and have to mirror the other swimmers' movements.
