N-Europe

News: Dead Rising Release Date Revealed

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:23:14 +0000

The Zompocalypse will be hitting you sooner than you think - details inside...

Capcom have finally revealed the release date for Dead Rising : Chop Till You Drop. The Wii remake of the acclaimed Xbox 360 title hits both American and European shores on February the 27th.

Is this title one of your most anticipated for 2009? Why not let us know in the comments section conveniently placed below.

Media: Another Code: R Videos

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:37:57 +0000

Watch the brand new Wii sequel in all it's gorgeous, adventuring glory...

Announced in October, Another Code: R, Gateway of Memory sees the popular DS mystery game treated to a fully fledged Wii sequel. The game sees original heroine Ashley Mizuki Robbins reurn for another bout of mystery solving.

Four new videos of the game in action have been release. Deep breath...

Another Code: R is due out this Summer!

News: 360 Beats Wii, PS2 Beats All

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:04:33 +0000

How much have the Americans been gaming? Find out inside...

By the amount of consoles sold, the Wii certainly dominates the current console market. But in terms of how much those consoles are actually played, it seems the Wii is lagging behind a little.

A new study by the Nielson group in the U.S. has studied the amount of minutes games consoles were used over the pond last year. Top dog was Sony's PS2, with 31.7% of American console gamers playing it. Second up was the Xbox 360 with 17.2%, in front of the Wii which came in third place with 13.4%.

Unfortunately for Sony, the PS3 only took up 7.3% of American gamer's total gaming time - less than even the original Xbox, which had 9.7%.

Brighter news for Nintendo is that the Wii's usage-to-units ratio rose from 5.5% in 2007 to 13.4% to 2008, the highest such rise. Both the 360 and PS3 saw their respective ratios rise as well, but by a more modest amount.

How much do you play your Wii, compared to other consoles? Let us know below!

Retro - VC Weekly #83

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:07:43 +0000

Welcome to VC Weekly, N-Europe�s guide to the wonderful world of Nintendo�s download service. Written by Sam C Gittins.

Hopefully you will all of had a cracking Christmas but what with all the presents now opened it's a shame there aren't any more surprises but fear not for Nintendo have given us a couple of belated presents in the form of two more titles to download and enjoy. Anyway enough from me and on with the games!

Available for download this week we have...

Secret of Mana
Sonic 2 (MS)

Points: 800
Publisher: Square
Developer: Square
Released: 1993
System: SNES

When you want to play an RPG these days there are plenty of variants available be they action, turn or tactical based to name but a few offshoots of the main genre but in the beginning it was mainly turn-based or nothing, until the nineties that is. This is when the action RPG started to gain in popularity; of course being a regular RPG creator Square quickly decided to jump on the bandwagon and had a good deal of success with Soul Blazer but it wasn't until their next action orientated effort that they decided to take things to the next level.

Step into the world of Secret of Mana where attacking is action-based, characters are fresh-faced and the storyline is interlaced with mana, magic, monsters and much more besides. Everything starts out relatively peaceful as a trio of youngsters set off toward a waterfall in search of a mysterious ghostly apparition that one of them claims to have seen; that is until the ever so slightly clumsy Randi falls to the waterfall base below and happens upon a mystical sword which calls upon him to remove the blade and in doing so he unknowingly sets a series of epic events in motion.

Combat works in conjunction with a counter which starts at one hundred percent, when you use your weapon it then depletes to zero and then goes all the way back up again within the space of three seconds. It's this element that adds a small amount of strategy to the proceedings as while you can press the action button constantly this will result in the least amount of damage so it can be worthwhile waiting inbetween hits to achieve massive damage.

As you progress through the game you will team up with two additional party members who can both be assigned many weapons with little restriction, this is especially useful as certain weapons are required at specific points; each one gains experience of sorts too so you can effectively level three at once. Quite a groundbreaking feature is that you can have up to two other people controlling the remaining members of your party, back in the day you would have needed a Multitap to get the full benefit of this feature but now you can just add an additional Wii-mote, Classic controller or Gamecube pad and enjoy co-operative play throughout the whole adventure.

As this is a Square RPG you can expect a great deal of finery in many areas, while the main story may not be anything of typical Final Fantasy standard the visuals are well realised and utilise the Super FX chip to near-full capacity to create some evocative effects in places. Composed music is another forte of the developer and the talent of Hiroki Kikuta brings the whole experience together with many stirring pieces that complement each area wondrously and adds atmosphere to it all.

Essentially what you get with this title is something that feels similar to Zelda but with all the guts of a Square RPG and though it may be action orientated it still feels like a more traditional example of it's genre thanks to the strategic elements that are employed. It has it all where it matters with plenty to keep you playing from start to finish, in comparison to other RPG's it may fall slightly short on the storyline but based on it's own merits it is another exceptional example of role-playing perfection that you won't want to miss.

Verdict : It's no secret that this is an awe-inspiring adventure.

Points: 500
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Aspect
Released: 1992
System: Master System

When the Megadrive version of this game was released it very quickly became a stunningly successful sequel for Sonic and would forever be regarded as one of his best ever outings but if you didn't the console at the time, what then? Well if you owned a Master System then you may be more familiar with this, the completely different version of what is labeled as being the same game.

For those unaware this version was actually released slightly before the superior MD version but was quickly overshadowed in many cases when both versions were on the market, thats not to say it's terrible, far from it but it is drastically different in many ways.

To begin with, Miles 'Tails' Prower who became a new playable character in the 16-bit version is actually fox-napped in this version by none other than Dr Robotnik who has also once again enslaved all of Sonics other animal friends and won't release them until he gets hold of the Chaos Emeralds, of course the blue blur won't have any of this and so he speeds off across the lands to acquire the emeralds and put a stop to Robotniks evil plans.

You will get to journey through many different zones which range from mine shafts, underwater passages and even a hang-gliding level where you soar through the skies, emeralds are as with the previous MS title hidden in the level and not in special stages and you don't have the 'turbo-dash' ability that Sonic famously acquired in the MD version but despite this everything about the levels, boss battles and sense of speed are still decent and original.

When the two versions are compared then you know that this will lose out every time but as a Sonic game in it's own right it is very accomplished for the hardware that it was released on. It has some rewarding elements as well such as only getting the true final zone if you collect all emeralds which is a challenge in it's own right, if you have already played the MD version to death but missed out in this back in the day then give it a try if you're curious as it's well worth the points.

Verdict : A splendid Sonic sequel.

Thats it for another installment of VC Weekly which will return again soon. So until then, enjoy the rest of the week and Game On!

Sam Gittins
sam.gittins@n-europe.com

Looking for reviews on other Virtual Console games? Or a full list of games available on the system? Then Check out our Virtual Console Index Page.

News: Famitsu Ed Speculates On DQIX Lanuch

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:49:57 +0000

The chief editor or Japan's largest gaming publication draws out his predictions for the nation's most wanted...

It would be difficult to comprehend the popularity of the Dragon Quest series in Japan with western comparitives. Games like Halo don't even come close. Such is this so that a recent survey polled the upcoming DS title Dragon Quest IX as the country's most wanted game, trumping sure-to-be big hitters like Resident Evil 5, Final Fantasy XIII and Monster Hunter 3.

With less that three months to go to the game's big release, the editor-in-chief of Famitsu has set down his estimates for just how successful he expects the RPG to be at its launch...

�March [DQIX�s launch month] will be bigger than the year-end sales war. Even side-stories (such as Dragon Quest Monsters) have sold a million copies, and the previous title in the series (DQVIII) sold 8 million plus (lifetime). It [DQIX] should be expected to sell from 4 million to 5 million copies..."

He also went onto praise Nintendo for their release of the brand new DSi console:

"During the first half of 2008, DS sales were starting to drop, but then the DSi came out. And with Dragon Quest IX, it was terrific timing on Nintendo�s part."

Dragon Quest IX descends on Japan on March 28th. No American or PAL release has been announced at this time.

News: Terrorise Toad's Factory In New MK Compo

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:21:38 +0000

Set your sights on that little fungi's place of work in the latest online Mario Kart Wii competition.

Start your engines, strap yourself in and prepare for a bumpy ride again, as it's time for the first Mario Kart Wii competition of 2009!

Running from now until the 10th of January, this time around you'll have to take an allegedly surprising shortcut and a new route through Toad's Factory in order to set a decent time (only to have it smashed apart by hackers shortly after you spend hours perfecting your driving - such is life).

Happy blue-shelling!

Media: Rock Out With Dead Rising

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:22:07 +0000

Capcom release a bizarre new trailer for their upcoming Dead Rising: Chop 'Til You Drop...

It was just the other day that we here at N-E Towers wondered what would happen if zombies ever formed a heavy metal band. Thankfully, it looks like someone at Capcom was thinking about it too, as the company have just released a surreal new trailer for the Wii version of Dead Rising, to coincide with title's upcoming Japanese release.

Dead Rising: Chop 'Til You Drop takes the original game template to new levels of mindless fun; utilising the Wii Remote in all manners zombie-abusing mayhem. The game runs on the same engine as Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, making it certainly a game to watch out for.

Chop 'Til You Drop is due out in Japan next month.

News: Out On WiiWare Today...

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:59:20 +0000

Minigolf and more Strong Bad make up the first WiiWare releases of 2009!

Available to download on European and Australian Wii consoles from today are two new WiiWare titles, including the fifth episode of TellTale's epic Strong Bad series. Indeed, Strong Bad Episode 5 - 8-Bit Is Enough is out now for 1000 Points, and includes Strong Bad fighting the beefy-armed dragon Trogdor. A must for fans of the series!

Also available today is FUN! FUN! Minigolf, which features some tough miniature golf courses themed to look like locations all over the world. Motion-sensing Wii gestures are of course required while putting. It's available now for 900 Points.

Will you be downloading either of these titles? Let us know in the comments below!

News: Brand New Wii Video Channel Details!

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:50:58 +0000

Plenty of new titbits about the upcoming Wii "TV Channel" - now named the Wiinoma Channel!

Last week we reported that Nintendo were prepping an on-demand video distribution Channel for the Wii. Now, in an new article in today's Times, more light has been shed on the whole situation!

To be named the "Wiinoma" Channel, it will apparently provide a "family-oriented blizzard of cartoons, �brain-training� quizzes, cookery, educational and other lifestyle shows" - all content produced exclusively for Nintendo - these aren't shows you'll see anywhere else.

Japanese production begins this Spring, and Nintendo is firmly considering the rest of the world being able to access the service by the end of the year. The Channel will take the form of a video on-demand download service as expected, with most programs free but including advertising, though some use of Wii Points to pay for special programming is probable.

According to the Times, other Japanese TV networks aren't so chuffed, with one senior executive at Japan's biggest commercial broadcaster, Fuji Television, saying that the plans to make the Wii the "centrepiece of the living room ... [were] the stuff of television producers' nightmares."

Will Nintendo be successful in this new venture? Stick with N-Europe for all the news as the Wiinoma Channel project progresses!

News: Tomb Raider Underworld Soundtrack Free!

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:49:05 +0000

Fancy a free download of Tomb Raider: Underworld's excellent score? High quality linkage inside...

One of the many highlights of the frankly rather great Tomb Raider: Underworld was Colin O'Malley's memorable score, which is now being provided for free download on the official Tomb Raider Chronicles website.

You can choose on the above link to download packs of tracks chapter by chapter, or the whole caboodle in one go via this very link here. There are 71 tracks in total (198MB in 320kbps MP3 format).

Get downloading!

Rumour: Pilotwings Wii For 2009?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:07:59 +0000

Could gamers be seeing a return from the much-loved flying sim sooner than we expect?

With still no sign of Star Fox, the future of Kid Icarus looking to be in jeopardy and a home-console showing for Kirby not in sight, you'd be forgiven for thinking Nintendo has put many of its classic franchises on the top shelf. That may be about to change though.

French gaming site LiveWii have grappled hold of an interesting rumour which suggests fan-favourite Pilotwings will be making a long-awaited return on Wii in the first half of next year. The article goes on to hint that Miis will feature in the game, as well as Balance Board support for such activities as parachuting.

Since the plane-flying demo from E3 2006, Nintendo has kept the possibility of a new Pilotwings game close to its chest, but rest assured we'll keep an extra ear to the ground and hope things clear up soon.

For a crudely-translated version of the article, follow the link below.

Thanks to dazzybee on the forums.

News: Thompson Cites God For Take-Two Share Slide

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:52:40 +0000

The disbarred attourney has credited God as being responsible for video game publisher Take-Two's recent fall in share price.

Not content with getting himself permanently disbarred, Jack Thompson has once again gone on the offensive against Take-Two: publishers of the controversial Grand Theft Auto franchise.

In a heated e-mail exchange with GamePolitics, Thompson cited God as the reason for 35 percent drop in T2's share price, not long after chairman Strauss Zelnick assumed the company's immunity from the economic recession. The first e-mail from Thompson is as follows:

GOD STRIKES TAKE-TWO DOWN

Take-Two dropped $2.35 to $9.72 in extended trading after the announcement and fell as low as $9.60. The shares... have declined 35 percent this year. The results contrast with comments Zelnick made in an interview on Nov. 3, when he said sales of the company�s video games hadn�t been hurt by the recession...

To which, a spokesperson from GamePolitics replied:

So, if T2�s business reverse was God�s vengeance, does that mean that God struck you down too when you were disbarred?...

With his feathers clealy russled, Thompson came back with this comment:

...If you had any understanding of the Bible and of God you would understand that persecution comes Christians' way, and we are blessed by it. There is no blessing for Zelnick, who is not a Christian, when he gets what he deserves...

The full exchange (which makes for good reading) can be found via the link below...

News: Rune Factory Delayed Until October

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:02:47 +0000

Rising Star pushes back Rune Factory's European debut until Autumn 2009.

Rising Star Games have delayed the launch of Rune Factory: Frontier in Europe, from a near-simultaneous release with the US in March until the October of next year. The game has only been released a month in Japan.

Sprung from the Rune Factory titles for the DS, this Wii version allows players to rejoin returning characters Raguna, Mist and Rosetta, meet new friends, battle and capture new monsters, and help make the island of Tranrupia develop into a better place.

Now out October '09!

News: Free Radical Up For Sale

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:40:13 +0000

TimeSplitters developers Free Radical Design are now on the market to be sold...

Woolworths, Zavvi. It seems no business is safe from the current credit crisis. Free Radical closed its doors earlier this month, in a tragic move which has put 140 staff out of work - and has called into question the existence of another TimeSplitters game.

The company still exists, but the 140 redundancies so far make up 75% of the staff. The rest of the company, (including its IPs such as TimeSplitters) are now up for sale, though the good news is that there has been "a lot of interest from third-parties" in buying up the struggling studio - according to the administrators brought in to help solve the current crisis.

The best chance for the studio now is to be bought up by another developer, friendly to the old Free Radical's designs. Could we yet see another TimeSplitters? Only time may tell.

News: Sonic & Mana Hit Euro VC

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:30:33 +0000

A little recap for those who missed it over the holiday season - Secret of Mana and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are now available on VC!

A quick shout out to any one still not aware - last Friday (that's Boxing Day to the UK), the Wii's Virtual Console saw a pair of classics being added, most notably the epic role-playing game Secret of Mana, originally released on the SNES.

Square's three-player classic will cost you just 800 Wii points - well worth it in our opinion. Sega also delivers the goods with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, originally available on the Master System, also available and for just a mere 500 Wii Points.

Which will you choose?

Media: New Fragile Trailer!

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:52:51 +0000

The simply beautiful Fragile is nearing release in Japan - here is its launch trailer.

Launching in less than a month in Japan, Namco Bandai's upcoming Fragile is looking like a must-buy. Beautiful animation and anime cut-scenes mixed with haunting scenery and lots of Japanese kookiness? Consider us highly excited!

Behold the launch trailer for the title, courtesy of our friends at Gamekyo:

Fragile launches in Japan on January 22nd.

News: Original Smash Bros. Heading To VC

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:45:54 +0000

Japan will receive the original N64 classic Super Smash Bros. on Virtual Console!

After a long wait and a stunning new version for the Wii itself, Nintendo will finally be taking gamers back to the Smash Bros. series roots with the original title for the N64 next year.

January will see Nintendo All Star Dairantou Smash Brothers hit the Japanese Virtual Console for 1,200 Wii Points. That's a rather inflated price tag, but from past experience with Zelda: Ocarina of Time when the same amount was charged in Japan, Nintendo will probably just charge the usual 1000 Points upon its inevitable launch here.

Which, now the Japanese date is close, shouldn't now be too long away...

News: One Man Zelda Orchestra

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:16:16 +0000

Head inside to see one man play an incredible orchestral rendition of Wind Waker's main theme, all by himself...

Screw Wii Music, this here is the real deal. On a combination of guitar, piccolo, drums, spoons, voice and much more, this clever chap has created a version of the Wind Waker theme that is music to our ears, and certainly worth you checking out:

News: Food Delivery Channel Coming To Japan!

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:03:30 +0000

Another Wii Channel for the Japanese - this time to order their favourite take-aways!

After recently getting a Channel for Fortune Telling, Wii owners in Japan are set to receive a new way to order their favourite take-aways.

From this Spring the "Food Delivery Channel" will become available to download for free. Utilising the Japanese Demae-can.com online food ordering service, the Channel will facilitate the ordering of pizza, curries, sushi... even Japanese food.

Better still, the Channel's music will change to match the type of food you are browsing, and there is a roulette mode to randomly pick your meal for you if you're feeling indecisive.

Unsurprisingly, there are no plans to bring this to the West!

News: Monster Hunter G Heading To Wii

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:16:22 +0000

Capcom plan to re-release the popular adventure epic on Wii...

With each game selling millions, the Monster Hunter series has fast become one of Japan's most popular franchises. With Wii seeing the release of Monster Hunter 3 next year, Capcom have announced plans to swiftly port Monster Hunter G in time to whip up some support for the series on Wii.

The original Monster Hunter G was a deluxe edition of the very first game on PS2, with brand new missions and monsters added. It only saw a western release in the form of the PSP title Monster Hunter Freedom. The Wii port of Monster Hunter G will support widescreen, classic controls, and will release in Japan some time in Spring.

No western release has been confirmed for the port. Has Capcom managed to grab you western gamers with their new focus of the series being Nintendo systems?