Smash Bros. Brawl.Release Date Revealed :december 3rd.

Updated Sega E3 Lineup and Release Dates:

Bleach: Shattered Blade (Wii) - Release: Fall 2007
Bleach: The Blade of Fate (DS) - Release: Fall 2007
Ghost Squad (Wii) - Release: Holiday 2007
The Golden Compass (Wii, DS) - Release: December 2007
Iron Man (Wii, DS) - Release: Spring 2008
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS) - Release: Holiday 2007
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (Wii) - Release: Fall 2007
Sonic Rush Adventure (DS) - Release: Fall 2007

More Details

Mario Kart Wii In Europe This Year?

Sources say that the Wii version of Mario Kart - which is said to be revealed at E3 - will be out this year in Europe…

One of our trusted sources has given us some news about the Wii version of Mario Kart.

The game will be shown at this year’s E3, which is something that everything expects anyway. What’s more is that it will be release this year in Europe. Specific details on the game are still unknown - just the planned release date and the fact that it exists is known - but we will find all that out next week anyway.

Mario Kart for the Wii will be a “replacement” for Super Smash Bros. Brawl in Europe, which will sadly miss Europe this year, and it will be out early 2008 instead. However, this also means that the US will not see Mario Kart until early 2008, and they will be getting Smash Bros. Brawl in 2007. This means that Nintendo fans in both Europe and the US will have something to moan about (they’ll have something to be glad about, too….but there will probably be more moaning).

Also note that at the beginning of June Patrick Nagel, Deputy Marketing Manager for Nintendo Germany, stated that Europe will see Metroid Prime 3 and Mario Kart in 2007. We have reason to believe that he really was speaking the truth then.

As we have already said, we trust this source, but have put this up as rumour rather than news because we have no official way to back it up. You’ll just have to wait and see.

Source 

More About: Mario Kart Wii

This is the EA Sports Family Play official press release :

CHERTSEY, UK. – July 5, 2007 – Watch out sports fans, the playing field has been leveled! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) has made it easier for players of all ages and skill levels to play its most popular EA SPORTS™ games on the Wii™ through the all-new EA SPORTS™ Family Play style of gameplay. Debuting in the Wii versions of Madden NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 and FIFA 08, EA SPORTS Family Play is a new way to play that enables players of all abilities to play with their friends and family without a competitive disadvantage. Advanced controls are also available for more experienced players, providing two compelling ways to play, and ensuring everyone can enjoy playing EA SPORTS games on the Wii together.

In the main game of Madden NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 and FIFA 08, players have the choice to play the style that best suits their skills. When entering a contest, players now have the option to choose Advanced or Family Play. Once in the game, Advanced users take complete control of all aspects of the gameplay through intuitive Wii gestures using both the Nunchuk and Wii remote. EA SPORTS Family Play offers a simplified control system using just the Wii remote that enables novice players to focus on having fun while the console does the rest. With the Wii remote in hand, players control key actions – such as shooting, passing, snapping, and throwing – while the console controls the rest. It’s like having an invisible helper on your team. Plus, as novice players gain confidence in their ability they can gradually begin to use Advanced controls simply by plugging in the Nunchuk. It’s that easy.

“EA SPORTS Family Play on the Wii creates an incredibly accessible and user-friendly experience that the whole family will enjoy,” said Dave McCarthy, Executive Producer for the three games developed at EA Canada. “While many fans love to control every piece of the action, novice players can have just as much fun jumping in to throw a touchdown pass, nail a three pointer or take a shot on goal. Family Play brings together fans of all ages to enjoy playing EA SPORTS games, and even let’s them ease in to Advanced play if they desire.”

The following three EA SPORTS games feature EA SPORTS Family Play:

Madden NFL 08 on the Wii
Anyone can play like a pro in Madden NFL 08, whether a new user or a long time fan. Play with only the Wii remote with EA SPORTS Family Play or use the Wii remote and nunchuck for more advanced controls; the decision is yours. Featuring an all-new Party Mode, play trivia or chose from 22 different mini-games. Break down plays and highlight key moments with all-new Madden NFL 08 telestrator. Bring the game online, play head to head with friends and keep up to date with the live sports ticker for the ultimate online experience.

NBA LIVE 08 on the Wii
When the game is on the line and the ball is in your hands, what will you do? Will you penetrate the lane and rise above the rim for a monster slam, or find an opening around the perimeter and sink the game-winning basket? Jump in on the NBA action with EA SPORTS Family Play that gives every user the opportunity to enjoy success in NBA LIVE 08. You control your team’s shooting, passing, and steals on defense with the Wii remote, and leave the rest up to the AI. If you’re already a pro, use both the Wii remote and nunchuck for more advanced controls.

FIFA 08 on the Wii
The whole family can play FIFA 08 with a flick of the wrist. Play the traditional and authentic way or in a new party mode called Footii Party with Ronaldinho where you can play Juggling, Table Soccer or Boot It with your own Mii characters to unlock a customized Ronaldinho character to take on the champ. The in-game Soccer Academy makes it easy to learn the basic and FreeMotion™ advanced controls in more than 30 interactive tutorials, or let the game give you an assist with EA SPORTS Family Play. EA’s award-winning Interactive Leagues online play is also featured.

The Article:

GamesPress

More About: EA Sports Family Play

According to Matt Casamassina, Super Smash Bros. Brawl will feature online play

Smash Bros. Not Playable at E3
Wait, what? Nintendo says its flagship brawler is untouchable… for now.
by Matt Casamassina

July 3, 2007 - Nintendo of America said on Monday that its hotly anticipated new Wii fighter, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, will not be playable at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2007. According to representatives for the subsidiary contacted by IGN, Nintendo has chosen not to display the game in playable form because it has a wealth of other products to show, including some surprises. This, however, does not mean that a formally playable Brawl will not be unveiled in the near future - perhaps shortly after E3 - at a separate event.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl was originally set to release at Wii launch, but was delayed to 2007 in order to give the team working on it more development time. The game features a huge cast of mascot fighters, a great many recognizable background stages and more musical compositions from famous videogame composers than any other videogame in existence. In addition, gamers will be able to choose their favorite fighter and battle online against friends.

Although Brawl will not be playable by E3 attendees, that does not mean the game will not be on display, or, for that matter, demoed by Nintendo representatives.

Furthermore, reps for the company said that the decision to hold off on unveiling Smash in playable form at E3 had nothing to do with the progress or quality of the game. “I wouldn’t read anything into this as far as release date. It’s still 2007,” said a spokesperson for Nintendo.

Space Station Tycoon Press Release:

Description:
Follow the adventures of Shawn and Tam on an intergalactic journey through Pirate infested space, meteor fields, supernovas, and countless dangers as they seek out fame and fortune in the high-stakes world of Space Station management.

Station Tycoon is a fast paced, simulation game focusing on character interaction and humor, light puzzle solving, and customization in a free form, non-linear world. Meet exciting characters, buy new stations to customize, and try to keep an insane collection of clientele satisfied.

Features:
• Tons of customization: Continually expand your empire with an increasing number of islands and customize each one to attract business. Add Galactic Taverns and overflowing treasure chests to befriend the unruly Space Pirates. Looking for a livelier crowd? Build luaus and water parks to attract the fun-loving Party Pigs!

Full press release, screens, and boxart after the jump

• Awesome cast of characters: Play as entrepreneur Shawn, with the help of his monkey sidekick Tam, and keep a crazy cast of quirky characters happy so they will gladly spend their money! Make the right friends and you will run your competition into the ground. But, it’s not so easy when your competition seems to have ties to Space Pirates, Ninjas and mysterious voodoo-practicing Chickens!
• Physics-based object interaction: Create gravity points with your Wii controller and interact with objects in the environment. Catch asteroids to keep them from smashing your space station, bounce rowdy ships, retrieve tips from visitors and even lob cannonballs at those troublesome pirates that keep attacking!
• Goal-based gameplay: Manage stations all over the galaxy and take advantage of the ebb and flow of the economy to maximize your income. Meet the objectives of each level in order to continue to expand your empire and become the ultimate Space Station Tycoon!
• Multi-player Party Mode, Co-op play and more!

Game Summary:

Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
Developer: Wahoo Studios
Release Date: Summer 2007
Platform: Wii
Genre: Simulation/Adventure
Player: 1 – 2 Players
ESRB Rating: RP

More About: Space Station Tycoon

This is an excerpt from the Preview of the Nintendo Wii game Need For Speed: ProStreet by 1up

To demo the effect, Little swings the camera around to the side of the RX-7 and lights up the tires. As he nails down the power, wisps of smoke start to swirl near the contact patch of the tire and slowly get sucked into the wheel well. As the volume of smoke increases, the rotation of the wheel sucks the smoke around, and you can see it vortex before it billows out and starts to obscure the rear of the car. Seen through the smoke, the car within appears out of focus and blurry, and eventually the tire is burning up so much that the whole screen is full of smoke. As Little lets off the gas, the smoke starts to clear and you see it quickly dissipate in a very realistic way. If there’s a feature we’re going to see copied by every racing game in 2008 and beyond, this is it. Though seemingly little more than a cute cosmetic addition, it adds tremendously to the vibe of ProStreet and actually evolves into an important gameplay mechanic. One-on-one drift races take on a whole new dynamic when your opponent hits a corner first and lights up his tires so much that you can’t see the road ahead.

The team is understandably enthusiastic about what it has achieved so far, but there is still much about ProStreet yet to be revealed. Specific information about car lists, additional track locations, and, most significantly, the online gameplay modes is being withheld until later in the year, with a steady flow of information planned between now and the game’s expected release date in November.

Full Preview

More About: Preview, Nintendo, Wii, Need For Speed: ProStreet

NARUTO: Clash of NinjaTM Revolution official fact sheet

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution is an original Nintendo Wii game exclusive to the North American Market. Based on the hit series currently airing on Cartoon Network, this first game for the Nintendo Wii released in North America will include characters that have never been featured in the Clash of Ninja game series. The game will follow the storyline of the television series and will take advantage of the Wii Remote in fast-paced ninja action for up to four players in nine different gameplay modes. The next generation in NARUTO games will also include all new character animations, new interactive environments and special mini-games created exclusively for the Wii Remote.

KEY FEATURES:

• 14+ available characters – Among the available characters will be original characters such as Naruto, Sasuke or Sakura, but other characters will include some never seen before in the Clash of Ninja series. Plus, the characters will have all new animations for the Wii!

• Battle it out in one of six stages – Each of the six stages will have two distinct combat zones that allow players to beat their opponent in one stage and then continue to pile on the punches as they transition to the next combat zone.

• Exclusive content for North America – This game will include all new game effects, new interactive environments and an all new special attack animations which will deliver exclusive content for North America.

• Various game modes - Game modes include: story mode, score attack, timed attack, survival, 2P Versus, 2P Score Attack, 2P Survival and 1-4 Multiplayer Versus.

• Three special mini-games created especially for the Wii Remote – Shuriken Throw, Rasengan Training and Shadow Clone Trick.

Publisher: TOMY Corporation
Distributed by: D3Publisher of America
Developer: Eighting
Release Date: Fall 2007
Platform: Nintendo Wii™
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending

More About: NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution, Nintendo Wii

King of Clubs fact sheet:

Release Date/Platforms - August 2007: Wii, PS2, & PC

Release Date/Platforms - Sep/Oct: DS & PSP

1-4 players

£24,99

Key Features Collect, unlock, or buy rewards to complete a variety of puzzles across five themes including Egyptian, Prehistoric, Medieval, Futuristic and Tropical – each with its own quirky resident pro/boss.

Outwit your friends or beat the pros over 96 puzzling levels – and a chance for a ‘hole in none’ on every one.

Endless ways of completing each puzzle, King of Clubs offers enormously long-lasting playability.

Multiple game modes and a choice of matchplay or strokeplay for up to four players

Customise the colour, pattern and trail of your ball in the pro shop;

“Quack packs” to personalise the sounds made by the player’s club and balls.

On-course ‘pick up’ items to be collected to throughout each round – such as cash bags, shot savers (reduces stroke count), bonus letters & mulligan tokens (which can be used to replay a bad shot at no cost to stroke count).

Don’t just use a standard putter and ball – try out the speed ball, flight lite ball or glue ball and give it some welly with a selection of crazy clubs including the power putter 2000, or even the guide supreme!

The Article:

GamesPress

This is an excerpt from a Gamasutra interview with Christian Svensson, Sr. Director of Strategic Planning & Research for Capcom:

GS: Resident Evil seems very Wii-focused right now.

CS: It is in the near term. Resident Evil 4 has been very well received and has gotten good feedback from retail, in response to our pricing strategy [of $29.99 in North America].

GS: Some people said that it was under-served by being on the GameCube, in terms of the market that it could reach. Do you think that that’s going to finally be realized now?

CS: I think that anytime you can sell another copy to another new user, it expands the brand. A lot of people knock the decision to put it on GameCube, but at the same time, Resident Evil 4 was the number-one selling title for the GameCube in 2005, which is hard for a third-party. So it’s hard to say that that was really a bad decision. It’s gone on to sell very, very well on PS2.

On PC, when it gets released by Ubisoft a little later this month, I’m sure it will do well. It’s already out in Europe and Asia, and a new patch fixes a lot of the criticisms that people had. I’m glad that it’s coming at a time when it’s a bit more polished than it was initially for some of the other territory releases. And I think the Wii version is going to be the best version of the four.

GS: Do you know anything yet about downloadable original content on the Wii?

CS: We know a lot about that. There are some file size limitations that don’t dovetail well with what we’ve currently got on PS3 and Xbox 360. I would love to put the content that we have on the Wii, and I think it’s a great audience for the type of content, especially for Street Fighter and Puzzle Fighter. We’re still thinking about ways that we can get that content to them, perhaps not downloaded, but perhaps with a consolidated retail SKU. We’re still just tossing around ideas in our head.

GS: But downloadable original content is possible? It’s been hinted that it’s possible, but it’s still not coming yet.

CS: It’s possible. I think you’ll have to talk more to Nintendo about that. It’s not a technical limitation thing, though. We’re certainly going to be able to deliver. It’s really more of them getting their process in place for approvals and their pipeline in place.

I know they have loads of people who want to make content, but I think it’s a matter of some people turning on the spigot. We’ve been asked about bringing our stuff over. It’s going to happen. Once that spigot is opened and the floodgates are unleashed, I’m sure you’ll see loads of it.

Full Interview