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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]
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection reaches 5 million
Nintendo announced today the free online gaming service Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection has reached more than 5 million unique DS owners worldwide. Nearly 65 games support online multiplayer through the service, accumulating over 200 million gameplay sessions since its launch in late 2005. Not surprisingly, the five most popular games are all from Nintendo: Animal Crossing: Wild World, Mario Kart DS, Metroid Prime: Hunters, and Pokemon Diamond and Pearl.Barely nine months ago the service hit 2 million, showing an impressive growth in a short amount of time. For comparison, Xbox Live has just over 6 million subscribers, including paid members. Even though we feel the multiplayer gaming support for Wi-Fi Connection is a bit thin, a lot of gamers love them some online pokemans.
Voice chat in the works for Phantom Hourglass?
Last week's issue of Famitsu hid more in its Japanese text than just the June 23rd release date for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Zelda Universe's novice translation of the scanned pages indicates that the title might support online voice chat. Though this feature doesn't seem useful beyond setting up matches and trash-talking with your friends, it's a nice addition to the meager multiplayer mode.With upcoming games like Pokemon Diamond/Pearl and Panel de Pon also planning to use the Nintendo DS' VoIP capabilities, purchasing the uncomfortable-looking, official headset is beginning to make a lot more sense to us. Of all the titles we expected to eventually include voice communication, Phantom Hourglass was definitely not one of them. Update: Having a bit more experience with the Japanese language, The Hylia translated the Famitsu scans in an effort to confirm this news. Much to our dismay, The Hylia found that there is no voice chat support planned for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.[Via Digg]
GoPets: Konami does DS virtual pets ... on an island!
Arrr, says the pirate cat stranded on Konami's Vacation Island. Squeezing in somewhere between Nintendogs and Animal Crossing, GoPets is Konami's attempt to capture some of the virtual pet niche's market share on DS. Players will be tasked with nurturing the growth of either a virtual cat or dog, and then presumably must send their pets off to an anthropomorphized island community where minigames are the way of life.While derivative, GoPets will support the underused Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing pet groomers to share their experiences through a text-based chat system, complete with universal icons for cross-language communication -- it's unclear if friend codes must first be exchanged in order to chat (a requirement that has limited Animal Crossing's online mode). Apparently, the handheld version will also share some level of compatibility with a planned PC iteration of the GoPets franchise.
Maple Story: 2D side-scrolling MMORPG is DS-bound
Who says DS can't handle an MMORPG? South Korean publisher Nexon has finally confirmed its bringing a version of Maple Story to Nintendo's handheld. Unlike standard sprawling MMOs, Maple Story is a side-scroller with chibi-style visuals and an emphasis on shopping. Peep this ridiculous teaser trailer.Maple Story will debut on DS this September. Nexon has yet announce plans to release the game outside of South Korea.[Via DS Fanboy]
Animal Crossing Mafia now accepting applications
'Animal Crossing Mafia.' Sure sounds like an oxymoron, don't it? Well, for the gang that boasts, "you hit me, we hit you," it's serious business.Of course, Animal Crossing: Wild World is not without its limitations, and we suppose there's not much risk in wronging this mafia. What's the worst they could do? Chop down your tree? Regardless, if you're in need of ACWW buddies, this might not be a bad crew to get involved with. After all, thy claim to "do many things other clans won't try..." Sounds like fun. Where do we sign up?[Thanks, Fish]
Final Fantasy III gameplay footage
A Final Fantasy III (DS) video -- minus the fluff -- has surfaced on YouTube. Although edited, this clip is 3:44 of gameplay footage: a lil' exploring ... a surprise skirmish ... some more explorin' ... a lethargic giant-tortoise boss battle ... a shiny crystal -- you know, classic Final Fantasy. Sure it's garden variety, but it's a proven formula and looking extremely polished at home on DS.
