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

Official press release: Opera announced that Opera partners with Nintendo to put browser on the Wii™ game console

Oslo, Norway and Los Angeles, Calif., May 10, 2006

Opera Software, a world leader in Web browser technology, today announced that Nintendo’s much anticipated new generation game console, Wii, will use the Opera browser.

Users of the Wii console will browse the Internet using their consoles. Navigating via the innovative new Wii Remote controller, users can visit Web sites in between gaming sessions.

“Nintendo is clearly visionary in leading the gaming industry into the new era in gaming, and a wonderful partner for Opera,” says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Nintendo, and work with them to deliver the best gaming experience on the Wii console and the Nintendo DS™.”

“For our Wii console launch in 2006, we required a browser that was fast and secure with support for the latest standards including AJAX. Opera proved perfect for our purposes and is an exceptional addition to both the Nintendo DS and the Wii console,” said Genyo Takeda, senior managing director and general manager, Integrated Research & Development Division, Nintendo Co., Ltd.

Opera and Nintendo announced their partnership to deliver the full Opera browser for the Nintendo DS on February 15, 2006. The Nintendo DS browser is scheduled for release in Japan this summer. Nintendo has not yet announced its global launch plans for this product.

About Opera for Devices

Opera provides an optimized implementation of Internet technologies for handheld devices, digital TV and other devices, with innovative and powerful features that seamlessly adapt the Internet experience to suit varying screen sizes and input devices. In addition to being a full Internet browser, Opera is a high performance execution environment for Web applications and dynamic user interfaces based on interoperable open Web technologies such as AJAX.

http://www.opera.com/products/devices

About Opera Software ASA

Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera’s cross- platform Web browser technology is renowned for its small size, performance and standards-compliance, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

About Nintendo

The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 360 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario(R) and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda(R) and Pokemon(R). Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular video game systems, including the Nintendo GameCube™, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS™.

source: Opera

More About: Opera, Nintendo, game console, Wii, Wii console

The first screenshots of Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam for the Nintendo Wii have been released.

The screenshots graphics are quite low quality fir a next-gen console, but we hope that nintendo can change this in the future.

Screenshots of Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam for the Wii

More About: Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam, Nintendo Wii, screenshots, nintendo

Sega Has announced a new Sonic game for Wii, Sonic Wild Fire , this time Only Sonic will hit The Arabian Nights. Sonic The Hedgehog Rewrites the Arabian Nights in a Completely New Adventure Exclusive to the Wii Console.

Article:

“SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (May 9, 2006) - SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced Sonic Wild Fire (working title) exclusively for the Wii™. Developed by SEGA Studios, Sonic Wild Fire stars the Blue dude with the ‘tude on his first solo adventure since the original Sonic The Hedgehog™ in 1991. This intense and exciting action game takes advantage of the innovative Wii™ controller as Sonic combines his trademark high-speed action with easy to play controls to offer a brand new experience!

Sonic’s new adventure unfolds from a storybook of the classic tale, Arabian Nights, the last several pages from the book have gone missing, and it’s up to Sonic to re-create the story. The vibrant environments provide for a refreshingly new look to the franchise filled with brightly colored mosaic tiles, glistening oases, swaying palm trees, and crumbling stone columns. Sonic activates specific areas in the prismatic environment to pull off new tricks and stunts, in addition to interacting head-on with various obstacles by jumping, dodging, and dashing.

“Sonic Wild Fire and the innovative Wii controller changes the way gamers play interactive entertainment,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of SEGA of America, Inc. “SEGA is excited to lead the gameplay revolution through its support of Wii with a Sonic release built exclusively for this new system.”

Gamers will use the Wii controller to steer Sonic and experience an untapped freedom in gameplay and control. Hold the controller horizontally with two hands and tilt left and right to steer Sonic on different paths and maneuver deftly from obstacles and enemies. Continue to tilt and fling forward to dash-attack ground and air enemies and to break down barriers. In addition to the main game is an array of unique controller-focused mini-games which make Sonic Wild Fire fun to play alone or as a multiplayer game with friends. Get ready for a refreshing adventure that puts you on the forefront of gaming!”

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Wii Game Revealed

Star Wars Wii Game to be Revealed at E3

Andreas Garbe, gaming journalist and blogger, has posted message on his personal blog,that an exclusive Star Wars Game for the Wii console will be announced and revealed on tuesday.

The Star Wars cant be out of the new nintedo wii console, it has been the desire of many video game fans to see a Star Wars game appear on the machine to figth with ligth sabers in real life with the inovations of the wii controller.

According to Garbe, Nintendo and Lucasarts will unveil the new game during Nintendo’s media briefing which begins tomorrow at 9.30am L.A. time.
It is good to note that Falafelkid has been privy to exclusive gaming information before and posted about it on his personal blog. A good example is recently when he let the cat out of the bag regarding Ubisoft’s upcoming FPS for Wii, Red Steel.

Andreas Garbe is a freelance reporter for a private television station called RTL II but has become well known in web circles through his personal blog.

source: nintendo-revolution.blogspot.com

More About: Star Wars Game, Wii, nintedo wii, ligth sabers, Lucasarts

Atari has officially announced Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 for Nintendo Wii and reveled some aspects of the gameplay with the wii controler.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 combines game aspects of RPG, fighting, and action games.

With over 100 playable characters, 3D destructible environments, and nine different game modes, this installment promises to at least be the most comprehensive Dragon Ball title to date.

And its storyline spans Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Z. But what about the wii controller?

Matt Collins, Director of Marketing, Atari, Inc., said:
“The innovative controller featured with Nintendo wii is perfectly suited for Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2, which engages players with fast-paced fighting moves. Gamers will be able to play in a very physical way, mimicking several of the show’s most popular character moves and pull off awesome combos and attacks.”

The press release mentions in specific that players will be able to execute Goku’s Kamahameha move by “moving both hands to execute this devastatng energy attack.

source:gamesarefun.com

More About: Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2, Nintendo Wii, wii controler

Activision Got the Global rights to develop console, handheld and PC games based on Hasbro’s renowned TRANSFORMERS brand, and in the press release states that a Transformer Game will be Released in July 2007.

“The first game will be tied to the much-anticipated July 4, 2007 movie release of the live action TRANSFORMERS film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures.”

So maeby we can Expect a new Transformers WII game for the next year.

Press Release:

PAWTUCKET, R.I., Feb 13, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Hasbro Properties Group, the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) and Activision, Inc, (NASDAQ: ATVI), a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software products, announced today a license that grants Activision the global rights, excluding Japan, to develop console, handheld and PC games based on Hasbro’s renowned TRANSFORMERS brand. The first game will be tied to the much-anticipated July 4, 2007 movie release of the live action TRANSFORMERS film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

The TRANSFORMERS brand has been one of the best-selling boys’ action brands in a wide-range of categories, from toys to publishing to apparel, since its launch as a global property in 1984. Hasbro is currently gearing up to activate one of the Company’s most ambitious worldwide marketing and merchandising programs yet to coincide with the live action movie in 2007.

“We are thrilled to work with Activision to bring the widely popular TRANSFORMERS brand to the world of digital entertainment and introduce millions of consumers to our best-known TRANSFORMER and biggest hero of all time–OPTIMUS PRIME,” said Jane Ritson-Parsons, president of the Hasbro Properties Group (HPG). “As the leading developer of video games, Activision shares our passion and excitement for the TRANSFORMERS story line. We know this world-class and creative team will bring TRANSFORMERS to life in powerful and exciting ways as we immerse a broad audience in this pop-culture phenomenon.”

“TRANSFORMERS has all of the elements necessary to translate incredibly well into video games,” said Mike Griffith, president and CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. “We look forward to bringing the TRANSFORMERS robots to life with the latest interactive technology and graphics.”

The announcement of Activision as the global game publisher for the TRANSFORMERS brand marks the beginning of Hasbro’s commitment to bring its well-known toy and game brands further into the digital media space. This effort follows the reacquisition of its video gaming rights from Infogrames Entertainment SA in June 2005.

“Video gaming is a natural next step for our classic properties as children and adults alike live more of their lives around technology,” said Ritson-Parsons. “We see the digital arena as a great complement to the lifestyle experiences that we’re providing to consumers in a variety of categories.”

In addition to console, handheld and PC-based games, Hasbro plans to expand the TRANSFORMERS brand’s reach through ring tones, mobile gaming and a host of other products for gaming fans of all ages.

More About: Activision, Hasbro, TRANSFORMERS, Game, WII

Ubisift Gets public their Next-Gen Game titles that will present during the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) May 10–12, 2006, For the Nintendo Wii they will present RedSteel.

Press Release:
SAN FRANCISCO – MAY 3, 2006 – Today Ubisoft announced its lineup of titles for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) May 10–12, 2006 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Ubisoft will showcase its titles at booth #924 in the South Hall.

“Our E3 lineup demonstrates Ubisoft’s profound commitment to the next-generation of video games,” said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer of Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is very excited to be introducing ground-breaking new intellectual property and showcasing how we bring innovation to our best-selling franchises. Our award-winning development teams are pushing the limits of what can be achieved and leading the industry into the future.”

Ubisoft lineup for E3 2006:

1. Assassin’s Creed™: Experience the power of a feared Assassin in the game that will redefine the action adventure genre for the next generation. Players’ actions will throw the immediate environment into chaos and shape events in this pivotal moment during the Third Crusade.
2. Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway™: Gearbox Software’s critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter launches into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and cutting-edge game play features powered by Unreal Engine 3 and a completely redesigned online component. As Matt Baker, lead a squad of real soldiers who think, relate and fight together through the brutal trials of the dramatic Operation Market Garden.
3. Dark Messiah™ of Might & Magic®: Discover a new breed of PC game that will redefine the Action-RPG genre. Powered by an enhanced version of the Source engine from Valve, the second chapter in the new Might & Magic® franchise allows players to experience ferocious combat as an expert warrior, mage, or assassin using a vast array of devastating weapons against vicious creatures in a captivating fantasy environment.
4. Enchanted Arms™: The first RPG developed exclusively for Xbox 360™, this epic adventure created by FromSoftware in Japan is arriving for the first time in North America and Europe. Enchanted Arms allows players to escape to a fantasy world filled with beautiful cinema-quality graphics, unique characters and bizarre creatures.
5. Game to be Unveiled: Experience the next-generation project from Ubisoft and Free Radical, the developers of the critically-acclaimed Timesplitters® series for the first time at E3.
6. Open Season™: Team up with the cast of characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s feature-length CGI film Open Season coming in September. It’s a riotous romp in the great outdoors for kids of all ages when a rowdy brood of forest animals turn the tables on unsuspecting hunters.
7. Rayman Raving Rabbids™: Developed by famed creative director Michel Ancel, this new installment of the Rayman franchise will be the funniest and zaniest yet. Rayman’s world is threatened by a devastating invasion by the most unexpected creatures and Rayman must battle to save his world and its inhabitants.
8. Red Steel™: The only original first-person game built from the ground up and exclusively for the Wii™ launch. Red Steel takes full advantage of Nintendo’s innovative controller and provides the unique experience of combined gunplay and swordplay.
9. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent™: The best-selling Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® saga is taking an entirely new direction. In the highly anticipated next chapter, play as a double agent spy for the first time. Take on dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where choices of whom to betray and whom to protect affect the outcome of the game.
10. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Vegas: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® makes its dramatic next-generation debut. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in “Sin City” threatens to take world terrorism to new heights.

More About: Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo Wii, RedSteel, Ubisoft