Pandora's Tower coming to North America

I was totally not expecting this, almost two months after the Wii U was released, but here's the press release thing:


Fan Favorite Wii-Exclusive Action RPG to be Released for the North American Market

Torrance, Calif., (January 16, 2013) – XSEED Games, an independent-minded publisher, today announced they have come to an agreement with Nintendo that will bring the highly anticipated action role-playing title, Pandora’s Tower™, exclusively to Wii™ in Spring 2013. Developed in Japan by Ganbarion, Pandora’s Tower takes the classic fairytale theme of a maiden in distress and adds a violent twist, with the protagonist setting out to slay over a dozen giant monsters and collect their flesh in order to free his beloved from an evil curse. The agreement with Nintendo grants XSEED Games exclusive publishing rights to Pandora’s Tower in North America.

“It’s fantastic to be bringing such a highly-anticipated title like Pandora’s Tower to such a vocal fan base,” said Shinichi Suzuki, President and CEO of XSEED Games. “North American gamers have been very patient in waiting for this game to be released, and we’re confident they will be pleased when they get their hands on the title.”

A tale of unfortunate circumstances, Pandora’s Tower opens in the Kingdom of Elyria, where an unassuming singer named Elena succumbs to a wretched curse during a festival performance. Bearing an arcane mark on her back, she starts transforming into a savage monster, causing the town guards to attempt to kill her in order to prevent it. A young ex-mercenary named Aeron, whose heart has forever been pledged to Elena, whisks her away in the nick of time – and with the help of a mysterious witch named Mavda, he learns what must be done to avert her wretched fate. He must descend into The Scar, a massive chasm tied down by twelve chains connected to a floating island in its center, atop which sit thirteen interconnected towers. There, he must use his sword and a sacred chain to battle his way through each tower and extract the flesh of the boss “masters” that dwell within, which Elena must consume in order to reverse her ongoing transformation. But the clock is ticking! The longer Aeron takes to vanquish each beast, the less human Elena becomes, affecting her character and the game’s final outcome in a profound manner. Time is of the essence…

Pandora’s Tower was developed in Japan by Ganbarion in conjunction with Nintendo, exclusively for Wii. The game will be published by XSEED Games in North America in Spring 2013. XSEED Games will release more product updates in the coming months.

Source: Nintendo PR

The Nintendo 3DS Xl rumors ended up being true

Larger Version of Nintendo 3DS System Launches Alongside New Super Mario Bros. 2 on Aug. 19

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– A big year for the Nintendo 3DS system is about to get even bigger. In a Nintendo Direct video on June 21, Nintendo revealed plans to launch Nintendo 3DS XL, a new version of Nintendo 3DS with 90 percent larger screens. When it becomes available across North America on Aug. 19 at a suggested retail price of $199.99, the new system will create even more immersive entertainment experiences for users, delivering a wealth of games and video content that can be enjoyed on the go.

Nintendo 3DS XL features an updated form factor and will be available in Red or Blue. The new system’s battery life outperforms that of the original Nintendo 3DS, and it comes bundled with a 4 GB SD card, which owners can use to store content such as downloadable games and videos from the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo 3DS XL launches on Aug. 19, the same day as New Super Mario Bros. 2, a new installment in the fan-favorite Mario game series.

“No other hand-held entertainment experience compares to the fun of Nintendo 3DS,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “With the launch of Nintendo 3DS XL on Aug. 19, consumers will be able to enjoy the great lineup of current and upcoming games on an even grander scale. Plus, Nintendo 3DS XL gives owners even more real estate on their screens to enjoy entertainment applications like Nintendo Video and Netflix.”

To view the latest Nintendo Direct video, which contains more news about upcoming Nintendo products, visit www.nintendo.com/nintendo_direct or www.youtube.com/nintendo.

For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

Source: Nintendo PR

Quantum Conundrum now available on PC

LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, today announced Quantum Conundrum™, the newest game from PORTAL™ co-creator Kim Swift and developer Airtight Games, is now available on Windows PC for $14.99 through various digital retailers. Players can also purchase a Season Pass through Steam® for $19.99, and get an exclusive downloadable Quantum Conundrum soundtrack and two future downloadable puzzle packs. Quantum Conundrum will be available in North America on July 10 on the PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and on July 11 for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

One of the most decorated titles at E3 2012 in Los Angeles, Quantum Conundrum earned recognition as one the show’s top games, including 15 media nominations and awards for Best New Franchise, Most Innovative, Best Puzzle Game, Best of Show, Best Platformer, Best Original Game and Most Valuable game from outlets like IGN, Game Informer, PC Gamer, GameSpy, Destructoid and more. The E3 Game Critics nominated Quantum Conundrum Best Downloadable Game and Best Original Game.

“Quantum Conundrum is one of the most innovative, thought-provoking games of 2012 from one of the great designers of our industry, Kim Swift,” said Mike Fischer, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “We’re proud to bring gamers the next dimension of puzzle games.”

Source: Square Enix PR

Nintendo Download 3/1 North America

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
Crush™3D (demo version) – Over 50 levels of mind stretching puzzles spread across four stunning environments, each recreating a specific aspect of Danny’s inner world. This demo is now available on Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Nintendo eShop
Metroid™ – Packed with high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and hideous alien creatures, the first installment in the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
Aahh! Spot The Difference – Demonstrate your powers of observation in this engaging “spot the difference” game. Complete 40 challenging levels in four unique scenarios by spotting the differences between the upper and lower screen. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Also new this week:
Aya and the Cubes of Light (demo version) (WiiWare™)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit:

http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloadz3FN8s7e.php

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds.

Source: Nintendo PR

Sony refunding some users because of a sales tax error

If you were one of the people that purchased anything from the PlayStation Network that this applies to, you should have gotten or should be getting an e-mail like this:

Dear Sony Entertainment Network account holder,

After performing routine system maintenance, Sony Entertainment Network sales tax records were mistakenly modified and some customer’s accounts were charged sales tax in error.

Between November 18, 2010, and April 11, 2011, one or more transactions originating from your account was charged sales tax in error. Correcting this, we will refund the errant charges back to your account in the amount of $9.24 via your Sony Entertainment Network wallet. This will appear in your transaction history as a one-time inclusive credit.

We are diligently working to correct this error and will have your account refunded by March 31, 2012. If you do not see the credit to your account by March 31, 2012, or if you have further questions please contact our customer service department at: http://us.playstation.com/support/contact_options/

Thank you,
The Sony Entertainment Network Team

Xenoblade Chronicles North American release date

Nintendo Unveils Exciting Lineups for Wii and Nintendo 3DS

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo is loading 2012 with surprises for all kinds of gamers. Today Nintendo can confirm that the acclaimed role-playing game The Last Story™ will come to North America for the Wii™ console in 2012, published by XSEED Games. Nintendo also can reveal that Xenoblade Chronicles™ will launch on April 6, complete with fan-chosen artwork that will be featured in the game’s packaging.

“Together, these two games level up the excitement for RPG fans in America,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “Whether roaming the vast landscape of Xenoblade Chronicles or choosing crossbows to battle with or against companions in The Last Story, gamers will recognize these titles as benchmarks for the genre.”

Remember also that Rhythm Heaven™ Fever for Wii launched Feb. 13, while PokéPark™ 2: Wonders Beyond launches Feb. 27 and Mario Party™ 9 launches March 11.

On the portable gaming side, a sporty new Mario™ game for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system is on the way, and you don’t need to be a pro athlete to jump into the action. Mario Tennis™ Open, which launches May 20, offers immersive tennis action featuring everyone’s favorite characters from the Mushroom Kingdom in classic Mario style. With its intuitive game play, even novice tennis players can enjoy playing the game with friends and family. Mario Tennis Open also supports comprehensive online play, a first for the series. Players with a broadband Internet connection can play singles or doubles matches with friends near and far, or compete against single opponents of similar skill levels in Open Match mode. The game also supports leader boards and victory medals.

The parade of great games for Nintendo 3DS continues, particularly from third-party publishers. Games that launched during the past two weeks alone include Resident Evil® Revelations from CAPCOM, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ published by SEGA, TEKKEN® 3D Prime Edition™ from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and METAL GEAR SOLID® Snake Eater 3D from Konami Digital Entertainment. For more information and to see a listing of upcoming third-party games for Nintendo systems, visit http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew.

On March 23, Kid Icarus™: Uprising joins the Nintendo 3DS party, complete with online multiplayer battles. The 3D horror of Spirit Camera™: The Cursed Memoir ominously follows on Friday the 13th of April.

Lately the Nintendo eShop also has been on a roll, and today Nintendo unleashes Dillon’s Rolling Western™. Players take on the role of an armadillo ranger named Dillon who must defend Old West villages against mysterious rock-like enemies using strategy and his own unique fighting skills. This original action tower defense game is available for $9.99. Nintendo 3DS owners can find many exciting games in the Nintendo eShop, including the critically acclaimed Pushmo™, the stylish swordplay of Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword™ and Mutant Mudds™, a classic 2D platformer with a 3D twist.

Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

To watch a Nintendo Direct video of Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime discussing today’s announcements, visit http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo_direct. The video is also available at http://www.youtube.com/nintendo for viewing and embedding on other sites.

For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

Source: Nintendo PR

The Last Story confirmed for North America!!! :D

THANK YOU XSEED!!! :D :D :D


Torrance, Calif., (February 22, 2012) – XSEED Games, an independent-minded publisher, today announced a partnership with Nintendo that will bringThe Last Story™ to North America, exclusively for Wii™. Developed by legendary creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, and his studio, MISTWALKER, in conjunction with Nintendo, The Last Story has players taking charge of a band of mercenaries and journeying with them into a sprawling cinematic adventure. The agreement with Nintendo grants XSEED Games exclusive publishing rights to The Last Story in North America when the game ships this summer.

“I am very happy to be able to confirm that The Last Story will be released in North America,” stated Hironobu Sakaguchi, CEO of MISTWALKER. “XSEED Games has a reputation for bringing high-quality JRPGs to America, and I’m sure they will do a great job with this release too.”

Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games, shared Mr. Sakaguchi’s sentiments. “I am excited to have the opportunity to work on such a unique and ground-breaking RPG. I’m sure that North American gamers will love this title.”

The Last Story follows Zael and his band of fellow adventurers as they go to Lazulis Island, the only region prospering as the mainland of the Empire slowly rots away, in search of work and a better future. After securing employment with the ruler of the island, Count Arganan, Zael dreams of finally achieving a secure life as a knight and putting his unstable mercenary past behind him, but things don’t exactly go to plan when events during their first mission change his life forever…

The Last Story was developed by Nintendo and MISTWALKER, exclusively for Wii. The game will be published by XSEED Games in North America in Summer 2012. XSEED Games will release more product updates in the coming months.

Source: XSEED PR

Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC Announcement

New Episode and Costumes Available at the End of February

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2012) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas today announced the downloadable episode ‘Sazh: Heads or Tails?’ will be available at the end of the month for FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2. The episode will be released February 28 via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft priced at 400 Microsoft Points, and on February 28 via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $4.99.

Players will have the ability to take control of Sazh, the popular character from FINAL FANTASY® XIII, in a story that runs parallel to the main storyline. Once complete, the player is rewarded with the option of adding Sazh to their party. The downloadable content also includes two new card games, Chronobind and Serendipity Poker, in Serendepity, the Casino-style area that appears in the game in the second chapter and beyond.

Additionally, new outfits for both Noel and Serah will also be made available next week. Noel’s Spacetime Guardian outfit and Serah’s Beachwear outfit will be available on February 28 via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 priced at 240 Microsoft Points, and on February 28 via PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 system priced at $2.99. The player has the ability to access the outfits at any point in the game via the main menu.

Source: Square Enix PR

Rock Band Music Store Update 2/14

Cambridge, Mass. – February 10th, 2012 – Harmonix today announced a Valentine’s Day treat with music from Heart, Mr. Big, Poison, and Rick Astley headed to the Rock Band™ Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

Rock Band provides the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums through the Rock Band music platform, which features more than 900 artists and more than 3,000* tracks via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks atwww.rockband.com/songs). Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of any other rhythm video game on the market. More than 100 million songs have been sold through the Rock Band Music Store since its launch on Nov. 20, 2007.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Wii™

This Valentine’s Day, Harmonix proudly presents a collection of time-honored tunes about love and heartache… the “Gold Star My Heart Pack”!

Heart’s power ballad, “Alone,” from 1987’s Bad Animals kicks off the pack. This special collection also includes Mr. Big’s tender acoustic number 1 hit “To Be With You,” from their 1991 album, Lean into It. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison’s now classic rock and roll ballad is also included. And what would this special Valentine’s Day delight be without Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”?

This pack – which features something for everyone, whether you’re longing for love or snuggled up together with that special someone – will be available on February 14th. These timeless classics will also be available for individual download. Play them with someone you love.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii™and PlayStation®3 system (February 14th, 2012):

Heart – “Alone” O
Mr. Big – “To Be With You” X
Poison – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” O X
Rick Astley – “Never Gonna Give You Up” O

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation®3 system February 15th)

Tracks marked with “O” feature support for keyboards; tracks marked with “X” will offer Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song.

Price:
$6.99, £3.49 UK, €5.29 EU (560 Microsoft Points, 700 Wii Points™) for “Gold Star My Heart Pack”
$1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points, 200 Wii Points™) per song
$0.99 USD (100 Wii Points™/80 Microsoft Points), £0.59 UK, €0.79 EU per song for eligible Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

*Available on-disc, via download and disc export. Internet connection and export key purchase required. Wii™ Shop Channel has more than 1,500 song tracks available for purchase on the Rock Band platform on-disc, via song import, and download. Not applicable to Nintendo DS™.

Source: Harmonix PR

Nintendo Download 2/2 North America

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword™ – Travel a world rife with beauty and danger to rescue the legendary Princess Cherry Blossom. Her kidnapper has placed dozens of blade-wielding henchmen in your path. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
GO Series: Undead Storm – Six months after a mysterious meteorite strike, the undead have awoken and are taking over the city. What lies behind this zombie epidemic? Only you can uncover the truth. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Nintendo Video™
“Drown in the Now” by The Crystal Method (available Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. PST) – UVPHACTORY created a graphic black, white and red New York neighborhood that has been infested by small robots. The video culminates with Matisyahu’s rescue via boat by The Crystal Method. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Iwata Asks
Swapnote™ – Read the latest edition of Iwata Asks for an inside look at Swapnote, a new application that allows Nintendo 3DS owners to write, decorate and send handwritten 3D notes to people on their friend lists via SpotPass™ and StreetPass™. Swapnote is available to download from the Nintendo eShop at no cost.

Also new this week:
• Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Great Gateway Grab (WiiWare™)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/download3Cb1LaF8.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Source: Nintendo PR

Rock Band Music Store Update 1/31

Cambridge, Mass. – January 27th, 2012 – Harmonix has announced that singles from Sum 41 and English pop-rockers Tears for Fears are headed to the Rock Band™ Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.
Rock Band provides the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums through the Rock Band music platform, which features more than 900 artists and more than 3,000* tracks via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks atwww.rockband.com/songs). Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of any other rhythm video game on the market. More than 100 million songs have been sold through the Rock Band Music Store since its launch on Nov. 20, 2007.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Wii™

Resident Evil: Revelations price drop

Capcom has lowered the price for Resident Evil: Revelations for the 3DS from $49.99 to $39.99.

The statement from a Capcom representative:
“Late last year we announced the console-sized adventure that is Resident Evil Revelations would arrive on a 4GB card instead of the standard 2GB card; this increase in memory size led to an increase in price as well, raising the retail cost to $49.99. And while we’re confident in the game’s value at that price (and the reviews reflect that sentiment as well), we’re also exceedingly pleased to say that after weeks of effort, we’ve been able to lower the price to $39.99.

“Since the announcement of the $49.99 price point, we’ve spent weeks looking for a way to bring your cost down to standard 3DS pricing. Today we can finally confirm we were successful in this, and hope the reduced price encourages even more people to check out this strong entry in the Resident Evil canon.”

Kid Icarus: Uprising dated for Europe

Over 25 years after the launch of the original Kid Icarus, Kid Icarus: Uprising comes to Nintendo 3DS on March 23rd

Nintendo has revealed new details about the storyline and single-player game play in Kid Icarus™: Uprising, which will launch exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™ system across Europe on March 23rd. Over 25 years after the launch of the original Kid Icarus game for NES™, Kid Icarus: Uprising brings the action and adventure of this beloved series to new heights.

· Introduction: The game’s story begins with the return of the Queen of the Underworld, Medusa, and her Underworld Army. Pit, a heroic angel, with the help of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, must combat the forces of darkness as he battles Medusa and her minions by air and by land.
· Fiend’s Cauldron: An incredible new system that allows players to customise their play experience, the Fiend’s Cauldron lets players adjust their desired Intensity ranging from 0.0 to 9.0 for each individual Chapter. As the Intensity increases, enemies will be more aggressive, have more energy and hit harder but players will be able to earn more Hearts and more powerful weapon drops by defeating them. Hearts are also used by players to purchase new weapons. The standard Intensity is set at 2.0 but players can precisely adjust this by 0.1 increments. In order to increase the Intensity, players must bet by placing an increasing number of Hearts into the Fiend’s Cauldron. If the player is defeated during the Chapter, some Hearts will be lost and the Intensity will automatically be lowered.
· Weapons: A wide variety of collectible weapons offers an extraordinary amount of replay value. With 9 different categories of weapons, ranging from Divine Bows to Shot Claws, players can learn the unique characteristics of each weapon and determine which is best suited for each battle and their style of play.
· Vehicles: Pit will have access to special vehicles during certain parts of his adventure, such as the Exo Tank. Pit can use the tank’s powerful drift ability to defeat enemies with the tank’s ramming horn.
· Stand: Kid Icarus: Uprising uses a control scheme designed to fit the game’s unique blend of flight, shooting and melee combat, and offers tremendous precision, speed and depth that rewards dedicated players. The left hand uses the Circle Pad, while the right uses a stylus, both at the same time. Every copy of the game will come with a free stand that holds the Nintendo 3DS at an angle above any flat surface, and provides players with a new kind of gaming experience.
· Circle Pad Pro: Kid Icarus: Uprising is compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory, offering an alternate control scheme for left-handed players. With the Circle Pad Pro, the player holds the stylus in their left hand and uses the Circle Pad with their right hand.

More details about Kid Icarus: Uprising will be revealed prior to its European launch on March 23rd. For more information and to see the game in action, please visit http://www.nintendo.co.uk/kidicarus

Source: Nintendo PR

Nintendo Download 1/26 North America

Nintendo eShop
Mutant Mudds™ – Armed with a heavy-duty water cannon, Max must vanquish his nemeses, the Mutant Mudds, by blasting and hovering his way across the soiled landscape to seek out mysterious Water Sprites. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ (demo version) – Join Mario and Sonic in the world’s greatest sporting competition. With more than 50 playable events, the Olympic Games have never been so much fun. This demo is now available on Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS)

WiiWare™
Newton vs. The Horde – Scientists are being attacked by a horde of vicious monsters. Use physics to squash, skewer and explode those nasty creatures and do whatever you can to help our scientist friends survive. (Wii™)

Also new this week:
• Lola’s Alphabet Train (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare™)
• Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloadw4Yq21e6.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Source: Nintendo PR

North American release date for Puddle

Physics-Based Puzzle Game Hits Xbox LIVE® Arcade on January 25th and Playstation® Network on January 31st in North America

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today unveiled new screenshots and North American launch dates for Puddle, coming to Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on January 25th and PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on January 31st. The new screenshots feature peeks at the variety of courses available for play. Players must dodge heat beams and rays of electric current, handle a blob of radioactive fluid with care, guide a virtual puddle of rocket fuel through a hand drawn blueprint, follow a sip of water as it makes its way through a human body, and much more!

What began as a student project that won a Student Showcase prize at Independent Gaming Festival at the Game Developer’s Conference 2010, is now a full-fledged downloadable game like nothing players have experienced before. In Puddle, gamers guide puddles of fluid through a variety of novel, themed environments (the human body, a garden, a foundry, and more). But to do so, they must tilt the environment, balancing each fluid’s unique properties with the environmental factors of gravity, friction, and each course’s obstacles. With players never being able to see the entire level from the start, Puddle will offer plenty of unexpected twists, keeping players alert and ready for the next challenge waiting for them around the corner. Puddle initially began as a project from six students from the French videogame school ENJMIN, and was ultimately picked up and developed by Neko Entertainment.

Source: Konami PR

Demos being released on 3DS eShop in North America and Europe

North America:


Resident Evil Revelations Demo Available Tomorrow

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 18, 2012 – Nintendo 3DS™ owners soon will be able to play free downloadable demo versions of select games. Starting tomorrow, owners can go to the Nintendo eShop to download a free demo version of Resident Evil® Revelations from Capcom. A free demo version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ published by SEGA will launch on Jan. 26. The Nintendo eShop will be periodically updated with new game demos.

“The demo program allows Nintendo 3DS players to be among the first to test-drive select games,” said Tony Elison, Nintendo of America’s senior director and general manager of Network Business. “Players can try out new genres or series, often weeks before the full versions are available in stores.”

Additional demos coming soon include Rayman® Origins from Ubisoft and METAL GEAR SOLID® Snake Eater 3D from Konami Digital Entertainment. Specific dates and other games in the demo program will be announced at a later time.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

Source: Nintendo PR


Europe:

Nintendo Download 1/19 North America

Nintendo eShop:
Lock’N Chase – This classic arcade game invites you to play as a thief who’s trying to score big by collecting his weight in gold. Duck in and out of alleys while scooping up coins along the way. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

WiiWare™:
Stonekeep: Bones of the Ancestors – The legend of Stonekeep requires a new hero: you. Explore creepy dungeons, defeat monsters and take their loot in this fantasy RPG. (For Wii™)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
Gaia’s Moon – Something strange is causing changes to the balance of energy in Gaia. Use your skills to discover who’s behind these changes and return harmony to the Gaia system. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Nintendo eShop:
Resident Evil® Revelations (demo version) – An abandoned cruise ship holds the secret to a global bio-terrorism conspiracy in Resident Evil Revelations. A demo version is now available in the Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Also new this week:

• Anne’s Doll Studio: Gothic Collection (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Source: Nintendo PR

Mass Effect 3 demo releasing February 14th

BioWare Gives Everybody Something to Embrace this Valentine’s Day with the Release of the Single-and-Multi-Player Demo for 2012’s Most Anticipated Game

EDMONTON, Alberta – January 18, 2012 – Award-winning developer BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA), announced today that the demo for 2012’s first blockbuster game, Mass Effect™ 3 will be available beginning February 14, 2012. The extensive demo will allow players to experience the all-out galactic war against an ancient alien race known as the Reapers from multiple fronts, including the mind-blowing opening attack on Earth that kicks off the single-player campaign. Players will go deeper into the campaign and also get a taste of the franchise’s new co-operative multiplayer mode as they preview the epic story, adrenaline-pumping action and deep customization options that lie ahead when Mass Effect 3 launches on March 6, 2012. The Mass Effect 3 demo will be available for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. Mass Effect 3 will also be one of the first pre-launch demos to support full voice recognition functionality on Kinect™ for Xbox 360.

“We are excited to be able to give gamers an expansive demo that will put them right on the front lines of this all-out galactic war,” said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series. “The entire scale of the game is bigger than anything we’ve ever done. With its intense action, deep customization and raw emotional power, Mass Effect 3 will deliver a spectacular action RPG experience to fans of the series and newcomers alike.”

In Mass Effect 3, players will be thrust into an all-out galactic war to take Earth back and save the entire galaxy, assuming the role of Commander Shepard, a war-torn veteran who’s willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate this nearly unstoppable foe. With a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers at your side, each player decides how they will take Earth back, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break. Mass Effect 3 also features a new co-operative gameplay mode that allows fans to experience the war from a different perspective. Players who want to try this new mode will be able to do so on February 17, or by qualifying for early access to the co-op portion of the demo which begins February 14. Gamers qualify for early access if they have activated their Battlefield 3™ online pass* or though other opportunities that will be announced in the near future www.masseffect.com.

Recently named by over 100 outlets around the world as one of the most anticipated games of 2012, including winning the fan-voted Most Anticipated Game of 2012 award at the Spike TV VGAs, Mass Effect 3 is available for pre-order now at participating retailers. Fans who pre-order** have the opportunity to arm themselves with cutting-edge in-game weapons and armor to prepare for the all-out galactic war. Mass Effect 3 arrives on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit http://masseffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect or “like” the game on Facebook at http://facebook.com/masseffect.

Source: EA PR

Nintendo Download 1/12 North America

Nintendo eShop
Zen Pinball 3D™ – Zen Pinball 3D for Nintendo 3DS™ brings an incredible stereoscopic 3D experience to the acclaimed video game pinball series for the first time, featuring four original, beautifully crafted tables. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
Hip Hop King Rytmik Edition – Create rhythmic and melodic themes or compose whole songs using more than 170 carefully selected sound samples of drums, percussion, bass, melodic instruments and phonograph scratches. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Nintendo Video™
Kirby: Right Back At Ya! Volume 1 (available Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. PT) – Kirby’s ready for action in part one of this special, two-part 3D episode of Kirby: Right Back At Ya! (For Nintendo 3DS)

Also new this week:

Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Case of the Crumbling Cathedral (WiiWare™)
101 Pinball World (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)
To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloadUt621zy8.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Source: Nintendo PR

Rock Band Music Store Update 1/17

Cambridge, Mass. – January 13th, 2012 – Harmonix today announced that tracks from The Edgar Winter Group and KoRn are headed to the Rock Band™ Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

Rock Band provides the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums through the Rock Band music platform, which features more than 900 artists and more than 3,000* tracks via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/songs). Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of any other rhythm video game on the market. More than 100 million songs have been sold through the Rock Band Music Store since its launch on Nov. 20, 2007.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Wii™

In 1972, The Edgar Winter Group achieved commercial success with their fourth studio album, They Only Come Out at Night. The record contained two of Winters’ biggest hits – “Free Ride” and “Frankenstein” – both of which are headed to the Rock Band Music Store with full support for keyboards. A Pro Guitar and Pro Bass upgrade will also be available for the instrumental jam, “Frankenstein.”

More than 25 years later, metal band KoRn got their first taste of mainstream success. “Freak on a Leash,” off of 1998’s Follow the Leader, was one of the band’s most successful singles. The group found success again with their single “Falling Away from Me,” from 1999’s Issues, which peaked at number one on the Billboard charts.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii™and PlayStation®3 system (January 17th, 2012):
The Edgar Winter Group – “Free Ride” O
The Edgar Winter Group – “Frankenstein” O X
KoRn – “Freak on a Leash”
KoRn – “Falling Away from Me”
(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation®3 system January 18th)

Tracks marked with “O” feature support for keyboards; tracks marked with “X” will offer Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song.

Price:
$1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points, 200 Wii Points) per song
$0.99 USD (100 Wii Points™/80 Microsoft Points), £0.59 UK, €0.79 EU per song for eligible Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

*Available on-disc, via download and disc export. Internet connection and export key purchase required. Wii™ Shop Channel has more than 1,500 song tracks available for purchase on the Rock Band platform on-disc, via song import, and download. Not applicable to Nintendo DS™.

Source: Harmonix PR