This is the Sponsor List for the Tokyo Game Show 2008 [9-12 Oct 08]

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Hudson Entertainment and Konami today announced Fishing Master exclusively for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo, an arcade style fishing game that armchair angling aficionados of all skill levels can enjoy. Under a publishing deal, Hudson will publish this title, while Konami will handle sales and distribution in North America.

Fishing gets closer to home in the upcoming game Fishing Master, a title that takes arcade style fishing and updates it for a whole new generation. Utilizing both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, players will be able to bait, cast, hook, & battle a variety of different fish, all from the comfort of their living rooms.

In Fishing Master, players assume the role of an up-and-coming fisherman tasked by his grandfather to compete in increasingly difficult fishing tournaments to attain the coveted Fishing Master title. Deep in accessible and varied gameplay, Fishing Master sports an enthralling single-player mode and a four-player head-to-head multiplayer mode guaranteed to have players reeling in the fun for days.

“For years, gamers have looked to Hudson for innovative and enjoyable video gaming experiences, and we’re more than excited to say that we’re back with a great game like Fishing Master,” said John Greiner, President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. “Fishing Master is sure to become an instant hit with the entire family.”

Fishing Master will be on display for the first time in North America at Konami’s E3 booth on July 11th, 2007.

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More About: Konami, Fishing Master

Hudson Entertainment, Konami ship Kororinpa: Marble Mania

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – March 20, 2007 – Hudson Entertainment and Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Kororinpa: Marble Mania™ exclusively for the Wii™ has shipped to retail stores nationwide. With an inventive control scheme, Marble Mania offers a unique video game experience that is challenging for seasoned gamers, yet highly accessible for players of all ages. While tackling over 100 different obstacle-packed stages, players will experience non-stop action as they use the Wii Remote™ to twist, turn and bounce their marble around the game world.

In Marble Mania, players use 3D motion controls to tilt, spin and flip the environment on three axes and up to 180 degrees in order to guide marbles through each unique maze full of obstacles and contraptions. Adding to the innovative gameplay dynamic, players can gather crystals as they navigate through the maze to unlock new stages and unique marbles. Once each stage is completed, players can use other types of marbles – over 20 in the game with different characteristics and abilities – to retry levels, adding additional replay value.

Marble Mania immerses gamers in five worlds including colorful lands of candies and sweets, lush outdoor mazes and industrial cityscapes. All of these levels offer their own challenges for manipulating the path of your marble. For multiplayer fun, Marble Mania features a split screen mode where two players must race to reach the end goal while collecting the most crystals along the way. With wildly addictive gameplay and increasingly challenging levels, players will find it is hard to put down the Wii Remote once they have set their marble in motion.

REDWOOD SHORES, CA – February 22, 2007 – Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for Hudson Soft, today announced that they are bringing the classic puzzle game Chew Man Fu to both the Wii Virtual Console and mobile phones. Both versions of the game remain true to the original, combining colorful graphics with clever gameplay, and are expected to launch within the next month.

In Chew Man Fu, players must roll 4 magic spheres onto tiles that match the each sphere’s respective color, while avoiding enemies, in order to complete each level. Each sphere has unique properties to discover, which add another element of puzzle solving to the game; for example, one ball is better at breaking walls than the others. It is up to the player to free the Egg Roll Kingdom from the curse of the evil wizard, Chew Man Fu!

“Chew Man Fu represents an era of gameplay during which Hudson established itself as a creator of fun games that were easy to pick up and play, and also appealed to a wide range of gamers,” said John Greiner, president of Hudson Entertainment. “With such a fantastic catalog of games released over the last 30 years, Hudson is in a great position to bring back some of these classics to a whole new generation of gamers.”

About Chew Man Fu:
Originally launched on the TurbofGrafx-16 in 1990, the game charmed players with its colorful visuals and simple, yet addictive gameplay. This classic action/puzzle game saw limited release back then, but is now available to fans on both the Wii Virtual Console and on cell phones. The overall design appeals to gamers of all ages, and to both boys and girls.

Wii Virtual Console Version
The original Chew Man Fu is coming to the Virtual Console. Just like in the original Turbografx-16 version of Chew Man Fu, players must roll 4 magic spheres onto tiles that match the each sphere’s respective color, while avoiding enemies, in order to complete each level. Each sphere has unique properties to discover, which add another element of puzzle solving to the game; for example, one ball is better at breaking walls than the others. Fans can play through all of the original 50+ levels, culminating with a race against the clock to defeat Chew Man Fu’s toughest minions. The original version of the game also featured a 2-player kickball mode, which you can compete against a friend. It is up to the player to free the Egg Roll Kingdom from the curse of the evil wizard, Chew Man Fu!

Mobile Phone Version
For mobile phones, Chew Man Fu has been updated with all-new graphics and animation for a modern twist. The same gameplay principles apply to the mobile version of Chew Man Fu: players must roll 4 magic spheres onto tiles that match the each sphere’s respective color, while avoiding enemies, in order to complete each level. Each sphere has unique properties to discover, which add another element of puzzle solving to the game; for example, one ball is better at breaking walls than the others. The game has been optimized for cell phones, with levels designed specifically for mobile screens, and a control scheme that works with keypads. The game features 50 all new levels, as well as enhanced music.

More About: Chew Man Fu, Wii Virtual Console, Wii

An excerpt from a Game Informer interview with Hudson Entertainment’s Director of Marketing John Lee by Game Informer:

GI: What are Hudson’s other plans for next-generation consoles?

Lee: We have quite a number of things planned, so you’ll have to stay tuned. We’ll often times make announcements on our Web site before it goes out to masses first, so definitely check out www.HudsonEntertainment.com. Though mind you, our definition of next gen development is quite a bit different than most companies. We aren’t typically out to push specs. We always go back to the basic tenet that gaming needs to be fun. We try to innovate around the concept of fun. So for us, next-gen gaming includes the DS, the Wii and even XBLA. We’re interested in injecting new gameplay concepts into the playing field, and that isn’t defined by better-looking graphics; new and interesting things that you can do on the Wii. New and interesting things you can do over a network, playing against other people. New and interesting ways of buying games that you couldn’t do before. These are the changes in the market place that really get us excited the most!

GI: During his heyday, did anyone from Hudson ever think they’d see a Bonk game on a Nintendo system?

Lee: Actually, Bonk did come out on the SNES many years ago. I have it on my desk, and just finished it last month. It was called, get ready for this: SUPER BONK! Actually, one of the biggest questions I had when I started at Hudson in 2005 was: What in the world ever happened to Bonk? Here was this character that so many people loved. The game won numerous awards, sold like gangbusters, duked it out in a three-way war with Mario and Sonic, and was pretty darn funny as well. Yet by 1995, he just disappeared… And no new games were seen in the U.S. since then. This has led me on a quest to find out more, and what I’m discovering is very fascinating. I’m sure I’ll share it with you one day. If nothing else, the fact that Bonk is selling so well on VC, and has already shown up on two covers on two different gaming magazines in the past year, is another indication that he’s still very popular.

Full Interview 

Wing Island and Kororinpa US Bound

ESRB confirms it. But when will they ship stateside?
by Matt Casamassina

January 18, 2007 - The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), which evaluates soon-to-be-released software and rates it for age appropriate content, recently added two new titles to its online website. According to the organization, publisher Hudson Entertainment has submitted both Wing Island and Kororinpa for ratings approval, a very strong indicator that the Wii games are not far off from an American retail release.

Wing Island received an E for Everyone rating due to its cartoon violence and Kororinpa was given a similar E rating with no descriptors.

Wing Island is a Pilot Wings-style flight game in which players control bi-planes and other aircraft over simplistic terrain, performing stunts and collecting items. The title utilizes the Wii remote for added maneuverability and precision steering. Gamers simply hold the remote on its side in classic form and twist and turn to send planes diving and looping.

Kororinpa is a unique effort that seems inspired by both the Marble Madness and Super Monkey Ball franchises. Gamers roll balls over hovering maze-like boards in an attempt to navigate through a wide arsenal of 3D obstacles and puzzles. The import version of the game has captivated a handful of IGN’s editors.

Both titles are expected to debut in the US before the end of March.

When contacted, representatives for Hudson would only say that the publisher has not officially announced any plans to release the games stateside yet.

This is the list of the 101 Nintendo Wii Games Revealed by Nintendo

• Elebits / Konami Digital Entertainment / Launch
• Ennichi no Tatsujin / Bandai Namco Games / Launch
• Hajimete no Wii: Your First Step to Wii / Nintendo / Launch
• Kororinpa / Hudson / Launch
• Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess / Nintendo / Launch
• Machi-Kuru Domino (Working Title) / Success / Launch
• Necro-Nesia / Spike / Launch
• Red Steel / Ubisoft / Launch
• SD Gundam Revolution (Working Title) / Bandai Namco Games / Launch
• Super Monkey Ball: Ukiuki Party Daisuugou / Sega / Launch
• Swing Golf Pangya / Tecmo / Launch
• Tamagotchi no Pikapika Daitouryou / Bandai Namco Games / Launch
• Trauma Center: Second Opinion / Atlus / Launch
• Wario Ware: Smooth Moves / Nintendo / Launch
• Wii Sports / Nintendo / Launch
• Wing Island / Hudson / Launch
• Bleach Wii / Sega / Dec-06
• Cooking Mama: Minna to Issho ni Oryouri Taikai! / Taito / Dec-06
• Crayon Shin-chan / Banpresto / Dec-06
• Furifuri (Working Title) / Taito / Dec-06
• Mahjong Wii (Working Title) / Koei / Dec-06
• Need For Speed Carbon / EA / Dec-06
• Pokemon Battle Revolution / Pokèmon / Nintendo / Dec-06
• Rayman (Working Title) / Ubisoft / Dec-06
• Sengoku Musou Wave / Koei / Dec-06
• Sudoku / Hudson / Dec-06
• Tsuri Master (Working Title) / Hudson / Dec-06
• 3D Action game (Working Title) / Takara Tomy / TBA
• 3D Boxing Action game (Working Title) / AQ Interactive / TBA
• Action Game (Working Title) / ASNetworks / 2007
• Action Game (Working Title) / Epoch / TBA
• Action game (Working Title) / Takara Tomy / TBA
• Action Game (Working Title) / Banpresto / TBA
• Action Game (Working Title) / From Software / TBA
• Action RPG (Working Title) / From Software / TBA
• Bachindaa / Hudson / Feb-07
• Barnyard (Working Title) / THQ Japan / TBA
• Baseball Game (Working Title) / Konami Digital Entertainment / TBA
• Battle Action game (Working Title) / Takara Tomy / TBA
• Biohazard Umbrella Chronicles (Working Title) / Capcom / TBA
• Bokujou Monogatari Wii (Working Title) / Marvelous Interactive / TBA
• Bomberman Land (Working Title) / Hudson / Mar-07
• Call of Duty 3 / Activision / TBA
• Cars (Working Title) / THQ Japan / TBA
• Crossword / Hudson / Mar-07
• Dairantou Smash Bros. X / Nintendo / 2007
• Densha de Go! (Working Title) / Taito / TBA
• Disaster (Working Title) / Nintendo / Spring 2007
• Donkey Kong Taru Jet Race (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Doubutsu no Mori (Working Title) / Nintendo / TBA
• Downhill Jam (Working Title) / Activision / TBA
• Dragon Ball Z Sparking! NEO / Bandai Namco Games / Jan-07
• Dragon Quest Swords / Square Enix / Spring 2007
• Excite Truck / Nintendo / Jan-07
• Eyeshield 21 (Working Title) / Nintendo / TBA
• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearer (Working Title) / Square Enix / TBA
• Fire Emblem: Akatsuki no Megami / Nintendo / Feb-07
• Fishing Game (Working Title) / ASNetworks / Summer 2007
• Forever Blue (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• GT pro series / MTO / TBA
• Gun Shooting game (Working Title) / Sega / TBA
• Harry Potter (Working Title) / EA / 2007
• Heroes / Spike / 2007
• Horce Racing Action game (Working Title) / Koei / TBA
• Hoshi no Kirby (Working Title) / Nintendo / TBA
• Java / Spike / Spring 2007
• Jigsaw Puzzle / Hudson / Mar-07
• Kawano Nushi-Tsuri Series (Working Title) / Marvelous Interactive / TBA
• Mario Party 8 (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Mario Strikers Charged (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance / Interchannel-Holon / TBA
• Metroid Prime 3 Corruption (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Mobile Suit Gundam (Working Title) / Bandai Namco Games / TBA
• Music simulation game (Working Title) / Konami Digital Entertainment / TBA
• New Action Adventure Game 1 (Working Title) / Konami Digital Entertainment / TBA
• New Action Adventure Game 2 (Working Title) / Konami Digital Entertainment / TBA
• New RPG (Working Title) / Koei / TBA
• Noumiso Konekone Puzzle Takoron / Compile Heart / Summer 2007
• One Piece: Unlimited Adventure / Bandai Namco Games / TBA
• Original Action game (Working Title) / D3 Publisher / 2007
• Original Simulation game (Working Title) / Marvelous Interactive / TBA
• Pac-Man Carnival (Working Title) / Bandai Namco Games / TBA
• Princess Company / Starfish SD / TBA
• Project Hammer (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• RPG (Working Title) / Konami Digital Entertainment / TBA
• San-X Allstar for Wii (Working Title) / MTO / TBA
• Shooting Game (Working Title) / ASNetworks / Summer 2007
• Simple series (Working Title) / D3 Publisher / 2007
• Soccer Game (Working Title) / Konami Digital Entertainment / TBA
• Sonic and the Secret Rings / Sega / 2007
• Soothing character action game (Working Title) / MTO / TBA
• Sponge Bob (Working Title) / THQ Japan / TBA
• SSX (Working Title) / EA / 2007
• Super Mario Galaxy / Nintendo / 2007
• Super Paper Mario (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Sword Fighting Action game (Working Title) / Interchannel-Holon / TBA
• Sword of Legendia (Working Title) / Bandai Namco Games / TBA
• The Dog Island (Working Title) / Yukes / 2007
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour (Working Title) / EA / 2007
• Totsugeki Famicom Wars W (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Wii Music (Working Title) / Nintendo / 2007
• Wii Yawaraka Atama Juku (Working Title) / Nintendo / Spring 2007

More About: Nintendo Wii Games

Hudson Entertainment announced that Bonk’s Adventure Nintendo’s Wii version willl be a playable demo on the E3 2006

SAN MATEO, Calif. – May 9, 2006 – Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for Hudson Soft Co., Ltd, announced today that a version of Bonk’s Adventure for Nintendo’s recently-announced Wii™ gaming system will be playable at Nintendo of America’s booth at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

The game will ultimately be available for purchase on the Virtual Console, Nintendo’s game download service.

Designed for western audiences, Bonk’s Adventure is a side-scrolling action game that was originally launched in Japan in December 1989 under the title “PC Genjin” on the PC engine, and in the U.S. in 1990 on the TurboGrafx system.

A hit among critics, the title featured a prehistoric hero named Bonk who was characterized by his use of powerful headbutts as a favored form of attack. Bonk has a wide range of comical maneuvers. Bonk came to represent the TurboGrafx-16 system and he remains one of the most popular video game characters of all time.

About Virtual Console

Gamers can download classic games released through the Virtual Console on Nintendo’s new Wii™. Hudson will provide a large number games for the Virtual Console. Those games were co-developed with NEC corporation through a joint venture known as NEC-HE. Hudson also plans to release a number of third party titles originally released on the TurboGrafx as well.

About the TurboGrafx-16

The TurboGrafx system, also known as the PC Engine in Japan, was a popular video game system originally launched in the US in 1989. The system was based on the HE-SYSTEM code standard, and featured the LSI “C62 system,” which Hudson had originally developed.

It was the most powerful system on the market when it launched, realizing high CPU processing speed, a robust color palette of 512 colors, and a powerful sound system with 6 channel stereo, and 2 channel output.

Hudson also created the ROM “Hu-CARD” which could store a whole game on the size of a credit card size cartridge. Hudson released the PC engine CD-ROM2 video gaming system on December 4, 1988, which featured CD-ROM technology for the first time in gaming.

About Hudson Entertainment, Inc.

Hudson Entertainment is the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973.

Hudson introduced best-selling classic videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, and Super Adventure Island.
For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit www.hudsonent.com.

More About: Hudson Entertainment, Bonk’s Adventure, Nintendo, Wii, E3 2006