NintendoDsLite
Latest
Bubble Bobble getting second chance on DS
DS-x2 has received word that Rising Star Games is developing a new Bubble Bobble game for the DS. Publishing duties are being handled by Taito and, given the last disaster that was Bubble Bobble Revolution on the DS, this installment better deliver. It's no wonder that in this latest game, titled Bubble Bobble Double Shot, the focus is to re-create the appeal of the original titles through enhanced graphics and the same grassroots approach of simple gameplay. One new addition to the gameplay, however, has players needing to switch between characters on the fly as enemies are now color-coded and, as such, only weak to certain characters. As for multiplayer, only local wireless has been reported, so cross your fingers if you want to see some Wi-Fi Connect-enabled gameplay here.
ZOO Digital to publish new train sim
ZOO Digital, responsible for publishing past DS titles such as Sudokumaniacs and Snood 2: On Vacation, are at it again and look to bring their newest game, Lionel Trains on Track, to the DS. The game focuses on building a train empire from the ground up, asking the player to build virtual cities and fill it with glorious mass transportation. Players will also be able to research into new properties, allowing them larger and more impressive structures as their city grows.Some of the game's other features include: Cargo Chains: by taking your train to multiple towns and improving its cargo hold, you can gather each town's specific goods and sell it for a profit at a town in need The game will feature 3 modes of play: Campaign, Freeplay, and Sandbox You'll eventually unlock new trains and structures through the game by research
Reminder: DS Fanboy Tony Hawk contest
With only a short time left, we felt it was our duty to remind you that the time left to you for entering our contest is shrinking to a few mere days. Now, we don't want you to feel pressured or anything, but if you do not enter something by the deadline of 12:01AM Wednesday, November 29th, with which we absolutely, and almost immediately, fall in love with then we might be forced to take these games and give them away to someone totally undeserving. Don't you feel like, maybe, you deserve free stuff? Like one of these games are your property? Prove it and send something in!
What are you playing: mid-week holiday edition
For many Americans, today feels a lot like Friday and, as far as our employers and government are concerned, it might as well be. With tomorrow being the day we celebrate Thanksgiving by stuffing our faces (more than usual) with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and various delicious types of pie, we felt we'd ask what you're playing a little early. For all of our non-American readers whose country's past does not include Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together in peace, well ... be sure to rub your next exclusive holiday in our faces.So what will it be? A little multiplayer action with the family? Or will you be the loner in the corner, sweater stained in gravy and pie crust crumbs as you scream "Hold It!" into your DS, receiving nothing but puzzled looks from your grandparents?
DS sales reach 7 million in Europe, 27 million worldwide
In celebrating 7 million DS sales in Europe since its launch in March 2005, Nintendo is patting themselves on the back something fierce. With total sales reaching 11.5 million in Japan, as well as a total of 7.5 million in the Americas, this brings the DS to just a hair under 27 million units worldwide. Software sales, in Europe, have also reach a new high with six different games reaching the million mark. Those games are Brain Age, Animal Crossing, New Super Mario Bros, Super Mario 64, Mario Kart DS, and Nintendogs.[Via Joystiq]
New Harry Potter game under development
EA has announced a new Harry Potter game based on the upcoming movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The movie, which is based on J.K Rowling's fifth book, has Harry returning to Hogwart's only to be questioned about his previous year's encounter with Lord Voldemort. With the wizarding community questioning that Lord Voldemort has returned, as well as the Minister of Magic doubting Dumbledore, it's all up to Harry to set things straight.While this is the first Harry Potter game to grace the newest consoles, the DS and GBA versions of the game should not be excluded in the excitement of all Hogwarts-loving fans out there. With multiple characters at your disposal, the concepts presented by this game sound interesting and we'll update you as news develops.
DS Fanboy presents: Game Night (it was a hit!)
Going into last night's Game Night, we really did not know what to expect. We were hoping that a few of you would be available to totally kick our ass play a game or two, but the support we received and the number of you in the chat told us a different tale. It was a tale of turmoil and self-discovery, one that led a few staffers of a minor blog to a promised land filled with dual-screen delight. Considering the whole thing went extremely well, we're going to make this a regular thing. So we ask that you all vote for next week's game and we hope to see you there again, same place and same time. What game should we play on 11/28/06? Mario Kart again! Messing you all up was SO MUCH FUN! Star Fox Command; let's fly some Arwings! Clubhouse Games; I want a nice, relaxing game. Tetris DS; falling blocks FTW! Metroid Prime Hunters; blast everything!
DS Fanboy presents: Game Night (tonight!)
Tonight's the night! We introduced this feature last week and, as we had hoped, you guys (and gals) were totally on board with the idea. We're glad because spending Tuesday nights alone, chained to the radiator and whipped mercilessly as we blog our lives, and fingertips, away just isn't our ideal night. We need the hour-long break. We need the hope. So, read on ahead for all of the details you'll need to get your Mario Kart on with the DS Fanboy staff!
Heroes of Mana gets flying ship
Famitsu updated their website with some information pertaining to Heroes of Mana. Revealing the protagonist's airship, it turns out that utilizing it will become a critical aspect of the game. The aircraft will be present in battles and it is up to the player to defend it and ensure its safe escape once battle is complete. Translation isn't the best, so we do not have the name of the ship or any more information regarding its use in the game.See also: TGS 2006: Heroes of Mana trailer excites
PoR import copy reviewed
The folks over at Gamebrink imported a Japanese copy of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin and ran it through their gauntlet for review. What did they have to say about the game? Well, mostly good things mixed with great things, obviously! We wouldn't suggest reading the review unless you enjoy having things spoiled for you. Commenting on the new two-player combo aspect of the game, Gamebrink details how fighting and puzzle solving have been changed:"The first most obvious thing is that some enemies are pretty much immune to physical attacks and vice-versa so you'll find yourself making use of both characters' unique fighting abilities. Also, once you manage to collect the required scrolls, you can pull off a combo attack known as "Duel Crush" during battles to inflict some greater than average damage. As you explore Castlevania, you'll find areas that are too high to reach so when this happens, most of the time you'll be summoning your partner to give you a little boost up but sometimes, you'll just have to use the "stay" command. "
15th anniversary Puyo Pop screenshot explosion
Game Watch just updated their website with a ton of screenshots from the game, as well as a plethora of concept art for some of the game's proposed included characters. The game will be broken down better, in the hopes of making it easier for beginners to get into and play, with 3 different classes of difficulty. The game is currently scheduled for a December 14th release in Japan and will sell for 5,040 ¥ (or about $42 USD).We've included some of the screens and concept art into the post, past the break.
Nintendo announces MP3 player for Europe
Hitting Europe on December 8th, the Nintendo MP3 player is designed to take MP3s from a 512mb SD card and, with the included adapter, play them on your DS Lite. Song navigation will be handled via the touch-screen, where all song information will be listed, as well. This MP3 player isn't limited to the DS (and/or DS Lite), also being fully compatible with the Game Boy Advance SP and Game Boy Micro. The MP3 player will set back Europeans around 30 € when it releases next month.
Man goes ballistic, destroys DS Lite and game
In a move that would cause many to question his sanity, flickr user DannoHung is now without DS Lite. What could drive a man to such rage and destruction? Apparently, Elite Beat Agents will do the trick. Honestly, this man needs a straight jacket and 4 padded walls right about now. Citing his frustrations with the game as the camel that broke the straw's back (wait, that doesn't sound right, does it?), he destroyed both game and handheld console in a fit of rage and declares that he now hates Nintendo. Let us tell you something buster, Nintendo didn't make you suck at the game and hate beautiful, stylish electronics. No, clearly some horrible upbringing where the lesson of loving perfect gaming platforms and quirky, rhythm-based games is the cause for all of this. We blame the parents (and those Grand Theft Auto games) ... [Note: we've disguised the gentleman's identity for fear of retaliation against his actions.]
What are you playing: turn-based battle edition
Having just picked up a portable RPG title that has never been available in the states before, we're doing our best to win every turn-based round of combat. But forget about us! What about you? What are you playing? It's the holiday season, so there are definitely tons of games to choose from. Plan on placing some bombs in Bomberman Land Touch! or perhaps running your own shop in Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2? Oh wait, you're probably looking to ride the back of a dinosaur, am I right?
SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters screenshot explosion
Famitsu's website has a huge update on SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters. Featuring over 150 cards from SNK and another 150 from Capcom, the game is shaping up to be one excellent piece of fan service including such favorites as Joe Higashi and Captain Commando. Most of the game's controls are handled via the touch-screen, such as opening packs of cards and manipulating them during matches. For more artwork and screens, you would want to go here. We're crossing our fingers for a US localization, how about all of you?
The Gametech DS Lite charger for on-the-go
As far as DS Lite chargers go, this has got to be the Rolls Royce edition. Featuring an in-car charger for those road trips where battery power becomes an issue, the charger also has an extendable cord allowing you (the passenger) to charge the handheld while playing. Also, the charger has a breakaway USB adapter allowing you to power the handheld from a laptop, PC or one of those iPod charger things.Anyone plan on picking one of these up? We sure are ...[Via Go Nintendo]
Metareview: Tomb Raider Legend
It's been awhile since Ms. Croft has graced a Nintendo system and, according to the latest reviews of Tomb Raider Legend on the DS, it's for good reason. This port of an otherwise enjoyable title is apparently lacking some TLC, resulting in one unenjoyable time. That's a shame, we were hoping this would be more fun than it seems ... Nintendo Power - 45%: "In the future, hopefully Eidos's commitment to rejuvenating the series will carry over to the handheld installments, but this uninspired port feels like it belongs to the crumbling franchise of a few years ago rather than the new and improved Legend." [Dec. 2006, p.105] Games Radar - 50%: "Despite all of the frustration, however, Tomb Raider on DS can still be great fun at times - as long as you've got super-human patience and are prepared to squint a lot." Pocket Gamer UK - 40%: "Indeed, so much of what was an otherwise quality adventure has been lost in the transition, this is more like a book of the film where half of the pages have been torn out. Avoid."
Nintendo plans to ship 1.5 million DS Lites in Japan this December
With the upcoming launch of the Wii and the steady sales of the DS Lite in Japan, Nintendo is looking good going into the launch. It's no wonder that Nintendo shares have hit a record high and, in their infinite wisdom, Nintendo is planning on ramping up production to meet the insatiable demand the company has received as of late.Given that, Nintendo is planning on shipping 1.5 million DS Lites to the country for the critical end-of-year shopping season. This figure, which more or less doubles previous shipping numbers, is the result of a gradual raise in shipping output from the company. Just last month, Nintendo raised their DS sales target by 18 percent to 20 million units for the year to March.[Via DS-x2]
Chinese DS Lite mods
Color us impressed. Most of the mods we see and show you come from the US and consist of some pretty wacky stuff. Now, it is time for something completely different. The very talented moders over at YYJoy have been showing off their unique designs in an array of colors and prints. These mods can cater to any gamers taste. Even those who find themselves Mac lovers. See the pictures after the break! [Via 4cr]
DS Lite used to guide museum denizens
While not featuring games for attendees, the DS Lite is still helping mankind by acting as a tour guide for those attending select museums in Japan. A good move for Nintendo, the console is now able to get into the hands of more people and increase exposure, however we're not sure they can even increase exposure that much in Japan due to the country's rabid obsession with the handheld. [Via QJ]
