This week Nintendo celebrates the 1 year anniversary of DSiWare. I hope no one was expecting big things for this anniversary. While one title sounds promising (Mr. DRILLER: Drill Till You Drop), I doubt it’s really fantastic. Nevertheless in the press release for this anniversary, Nintendo lets us know about a few upcoming titles: Earthworm Jim, Tetris Party Live, Surviving Highschool and Frogger Returns. At least DSi owners have that to look forward to!

The Virtual console pick this week is a side-scrolling shooter from the NEOGEO. I’m not familiar with it but it’s probably a safe pick if you are in the mood for a shooter.

This weeks lineup:”

WiiWare: FISHIE FISHIE, Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 2

Virtual Console: IRONCLAD

DSiWare: Game & Watch: Manhole, Game & Watch: Helmet, Game & Watch Vermin, Mr. DRILLER: Drill Till You Drop

Read on for the full press release:

Official press release from press.nintendo.com: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=23094

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: GET INSTANT GAMING GRATIFICATION FOR YOUNG’UNS AND OLD-SCHOOLERS ALIKE
April 5, 2010

With new games available for easy download to your Wii™ console or Nintendo DSi™ system each week, players of all ages, tastes and experience levels are enjoying an ever-growing library of top-quality entertainment options. This week’s additions include an arcade-style game set in a fish-eat-fish world, an engaging game for young kids and the North American debut of a side-scrolling gem from the NEOGEO era. Also, the Nintendo DSiWare™ service offers another round of retro gaming in the form of three more Game & Watch™ titles from Nintendo’s classic 1980s series of hand-held games, plus the latest version of the Mr. DRILLER® franchise, which invites fans to drill through multiple game modes and a variety of stages.

Meanwhile, Nintendo’s WarioWare™: D.I.Y. “Big Name Games” series continues with two new downloadable microgames created by top game designers. Suck Goo! is an imaginative offering from 2D BOY’s Ron Carmel, co-creator of the award-winning World of Goo™ for the WiiWare™ service. You’ll also find Ikachan!, an original microgame designed by Daisuke Amaya (a.k.a. Pixel), whose popular Cave Storyis also available for the WiiWare service. New “Big Name Games” will be added every Monday through July 26, all available to download for zero Nintendo DSi Points™ to anyone with broadband Internet access and a copy of either WarioWare: D.I.Y. for Nintendo DS™ orWarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase software for the WiiWare service. Visit the Nintendo Channel on your Wii system today to learn more about the games and view an exclusive behind-the-scenes video featuring 2D BOY’s Ron Carmel.

Also, a special reminder for Club Nintendo™ members: You can now redeem 80 Coins to download Grill-off with Ultra Hand!™, a wild game for the Wii console that challenges players to cook a variety of meats with an extendable arm. For details on this delicious new offering, visit http://grilloff.nintendo.com.

WiiWare

FISHIE FISHIE
Publisher: DK GAMES
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points™
Description: Welcome to FISHIE FISHIE, a game that can be played with just one button. You’re going to experience something extraordinary that will really test your reflexes. The game contains a series of tutorials that will teach you not only how to control your fishie, but also how to use the various game modes. In Fishie Fishie, you are a fish that must eat all the time. You also have to finish several different game modes as quickly as possible. Every second counts. To win, you’ll have to get through more than 100 levels spread over seven game modes: Story, Soccer, Capture the Star, Survival, Skill and a large competition. Play solo or allow up to four people to play on the same screen.

Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 2
Publisher: Lexis Numérique
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: EC (Early Childhood)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Welcome to the world of the PooYoos, the first fun, poetic trainer for children aged 3 to 6. With the PooYoos, a merry band of adorable baby animals, children will have fun while learning the basics: numbers, letters, lateralization, shapes, colors and more. Children get to dance with their new friends and earn lovely interactive rewards. With two levels of interactivity, children of any age and development level can enjoy activities based on plants and music. This game was designed for children who have not yet grasped reading. The instructions are spoken in French, English or Spanish, depending on the language setting of the Wii console.

Virtual Console™

IRONCLAD
Original platform: NEOGEO
Publisher: D4 Enterprise
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: IRONCLAD is a side-scrolling shoot-’em-up originally developed by SAURUS in 1996. You operate a warship and team with the mighty Iron Clad in order to fight the Iron Mask Republic and save the Kingdom of Chop. The biggest appeal of this game comes from discovering all the ways you can attack your enemies. Your weaponry includes three main blast weapons upgradable by collecting more items, a charged attack you can use when Iron Clad is attached to your ship, three types of melee weapons you can brandish to show off your strength in close-range combat, a bomber that clears all enemy bullets, and shooting patterns that change based on whether the Iron Clad is attached or disconnected from your ship. A vast array of weaponry lies waiting to become part of your arsenal. You can even select the stages you want to play, feeding your hunger for combat and allowing you to see different endings for each play-through.

Nintendo DSiWare

Game & Watch: Manhole
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Move quickly and use your manhole cover to prevent the pedestrians from falling through the holes. Pedestrians appear from the left on the upper path and from the right on the bottom path. Earn a point every time a pedestrian walks safely over a covered manhole, or receive a mistake icon for every pedestrian who falls down an uncovered manhole. Receive three mistake icons and it’s game over!

Game & Watch: Helmet
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Tools are falling from the sky! Help the worker at the construction site move from the building on the left to the office on the right while avoiding the hammers, wrenches and pliers dropping from above. Earn five points for entering the office and one point for every three tools that hit the ground. Receive a mistake icon each time the worker gets hit with a falling tool. Receive three mistake icons and it’s game over!

Game & Watch: Vermin
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: It’s time to clean up the neighborhood. Move the player to the left or right and hit the moles that pop out of holes in the ground. Moles appear from four holes in GAME A and from five holes in GAME B. The moles in GAME B move faster than those in GAME A, and they also appear more frequently. Earn one point for each mole hit, or receive a mistake icon for each miss. Receive three mistake icons and it’s game over!

Mr. DRILLER: Drill Till You Drop
Publisher: NBGI
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Drill till you drop with the latest version of Mr. DRILLER, created exclusively for the Nintendo DSi system. Featuring the classic game play that the series is known for, Drill Till You Drop has three different game modes and more than 40 stages of nonstop drilling action. Go underground with Mission mode and dig into various locales with deeper and more challenging goals. Race against the clock to reach the goal in Time Attack mode. Drill through a labyrinth of stones to collect the rare and precious Dristones in the Dristone mode, exclusive to the Nintendo DSi system. Choose from six different drillers, drill through a seemingly endless onslaught of colored blocks, avoid falling obstacles and strategically manage your oxygen on the go.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

Another Monday means new downloads from Nintendo! This time Nintendo is actually helping us fight the Monday blues rather then contributing to them as the Virtual Console gets a little more love. There’s lots to love about this weeks Virtual Console release. Not only is it a rare N64 release, its a Strategy Role-playing Game (usually referred to as SRPG)! Of course there will be those who complain because it’s not a title they are familiar with or because it’s not some other title they’ve been hoping for. Nevertheless if you’re looking for a new game to play, this is probably worth a try!

WiiWare this week brings a couple titles. WarioWare looks to basically be a port of the DS versions for WiiWare. Not familiar with the WarioWare series myself, but if you’re a fan it’s probably worth a go. Diner Dash is another puzzler game… no comment.

DSiWare includes a Disney title. Looks like you’re paying for the name on this one. This is something you’d expect to pay no more than $2 for on the iPhone… and probably less even. Yet it will set you back about $8 (800 points) on DSiWare (ouch)! Nintendo has it figured out though with a couple of music apps priced around $2 (200 points) each. There’s also a title called Save the Turtles for 500 points that shows promise. And another puzzle game in there too!

Here’s the quick list:

Virtual Console: Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Calibre

WiiWare: WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, Diner Dash

DSiWare: Disney Fireworks, Save the Turtles, Nintendo DSi Metronome, Nintendo DSi Instrument Tuner, Super Yum Yum Puzzle Adventures

Read on for the full press release from Nintendo:

Official Press release from http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=22978

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: WIIWARE AND WARIOWARE JOIN FORCES FOR MAXIMUM DOWNLOADABLE EXCITEMENT

March 29, 2010

Wario™ may be known as a troublemaker, but this week he deserves a friendly high-five for helping to deliver a mother lode of downloadable fun for Wii™ owners. The new WarioWare™: D.I.Y. Showcase game for the WiiWare™ service lets users with broadband Internet access download all kinds of outrageous content, from music and microgames to four-panel digital comics – some created by users themselves. Meanwhile, a classic RPG has arrived on the Virtual Console™ service, while Nintendo DSiWare™ users will find new ways to tune musical instruments, rescue turtles, launch their own fireworks display and more.

This week also marks the kickoff of Nintendo’s WarioWare: D.I.Y. “Big Name Games” series. Several of the industry’s most talented game designers are using WarioWare: D.I.Y. software for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems to create their own one-of-a-kind microgames. New microgames will be added every Monday through July 26, all available for download to anyone with broadband Internet access and a copy of either WarioWare: D.I.Y. for Nintendo DS or WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase software for the WiiWare service. The series gets underway with inventive new microgames from Super Smash Bros.™ creator Masahiro Sakurai and Metroid™ designer Yoshio Sakamoto. To learn more about the games and view an exclusive behind-the-scenes video featuring Masahiro Sakurai, visit http://www.wariowarediy.com.

And just for Club Nintendo™ members, we’ve got a little something extra to offer this week. Starting March 31, members can redeem 80 Coins to download Grill-Off with Ultra Hand!™, a wild game for the Wii console that challenges players to cook a variety of meats with an extendable arm. What better way to prepare for barbecue season than some fast-paced grilling drills on your Wii system? For a taste of the action, visit http://grilloff.nintendo.com.

WiiWare

WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: The frantic fun of WarioWare is available for the first time on the WiiWare service! WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase shows off all the different elements found on the WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of systems. The WiiWare software includes microgames, music and four-panel comics – all with simple controls using only the Wii Remote™ controller. Use the Game Blender and its many modes to play microgames featuring Wario™, ninjas, animals and even classic Nintendo franchises. Check out the Music section to hear or play a selection of songs using a character from Balloon Fight™. In addition to the bevy of preloaded products, you can also receive content from friends, play with products made using WarioWare: D.I.Y. or download games from the NinSoft Store. Let your creativity run wild – even Wario would be impressed with the possibilities for new content!

Diner Dash®
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Use of Alcohol
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Diner Dash, a popular PC action-puzzle game, has landed on the WiiWare service. Guide Flo, an office worker-turned-restaurateur, as she builds up her empire over four unique diners. Go online to face players in head-to-head. If you feel up to the challenge, join up with a friend or another player online for a Team Dash game where your team will take on six other players to see whose diner is the best in town. (Broadband Internet access is required for online play.) Players take direct control of Flo as she runs around to seat patrons, take orders, deliver food, take payment and bus tables as efficiently as possible within the time allowed. Players who are fond of traditional control schemes may also use a point-and-click style with hotkeys to aid Flo in her quest for customer satisfaction, which is reflected in a heart meter that empties as customers lose patience. If the meter empties completely, then the customer will leave the restaurant.

Virtual Console

Ogre Battle® 64: Person of Lordly Caliber™
Original platform: Nintendo 64™
Publisher: Square Enix
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Mild Language, Mild Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber is a tactical RPG originally released for the Nintendo 64™ system. Featuring a gripping storyline with many possible endings, plus a genre-defining character class system, this strategic epic has rightly retained its place in the hearts of tactical RPG fans for more than a decade. The game tells the story of Magnus Gallant, a recently graduated officer of the Palatinean Army who is assigned to the troubled southern region of his native land. There he witnesses the plight of the lower classes – the victims of a tyrannical ruling elite whose only thought is for the preservation of its own lofty status. With civil war brewing, Magnus is faced with a terrible choice: to betray his own noble origins in the name of liberty, or to turn a blind eye to the evils of his rotten society.

Nintendo DSiWare

Disney Fireworks
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Light up the night with Disney Fireworks! Touch and flick to trigger a dazzling nighttime extravaganza of color and fun. Aim rockets to their matching colors in the sky to set off an explosion and score points. Time them perfectly to improve your Wow Meter and unlock special surprises and rockets. Disney Fireworks comes with five themed environments, original music, 15 challenging levels for each world, high-score tracking and much more.

Save the Turtles
Publisher: Sabarasa
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Save the Turtles takes players to more than 32 of the world’s most exotic beaches in a quest to help tiny turtles find their new home. Players must use the stylus to rub and tap the touch screen of the Nintendo DSi system, digging eggs from the sand and lining up cute reptiles while avoiding crabs, seagulls and litter on their way to the safety of the sea. The game features four modes, including a never-ending survival mode called Turtles Forever, plus several unlockable trophies. Give Mother Nature a hand and help save the turtles.

Nintendo DSi™ Metronome
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: The Nintendo DSi Metronome software can be used to help keep tempo –when playing an instrument, for example. It creates a rhythm by playing sounds based on beat and tempo settings, both of which allow a wide range of adjustments. Choose from three metronome designs (including one based on Nintendo’s Game & Watch™: Ball title) and record your own sounds for the metronome to use. Or, if you want to take a break, enjoy a unique minigame: Donkey Kong™ Metronome, in which you make sounds into the microphone to match the beat and have Mario™ jump over Donkey Kong’s barrels.

Nintendo DSi Instrument Tuner
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: The Nintendo DSi Instrument Tuner software can be used to tune an instrument by aligning tonal pitches. The software offers two methods of handling this: feeding sounds into the microphone to measure the difference with a target pitch, or listening to a sample tone. In addition, the standard musical pitch and notation can be changed, as well as the design of the tuner (choose one of three designs). If you’re feeling especially in tune, test your ear by taking on the Tuner Fight minigame’s challenge: Pop balloons as they rise from pipes by making tones that match the displayed pitches.

Super Yum Yum Puzzle Adventures
Publisher: Mastertronic
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Super Yum Yum Puzzle Adventures is a multi-award-winning puzzle game starring a chameleon called Leon. Featuring 48 levels across four worlds and exclusive Nintendo DSi features, the game asks players to navigate many hours of mind-bending game play while trying to rescue Leon’s babies from the belly of Ms. Tum Tum. Leon must eat his way through fruity, fiendish puzzles, licking fruit to change color and choosing the right combinations of fruit to finish each level.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

Nintendo continued to extend their middle finger towards Virtual Console fans this week with another week with no titles for the Virtual Console and another list of yawners and shovel-ware (okay as you’ll see below that was somewhat of an exaggeration but my annoyance with Nintendo dumping on the VC fans continues).

No doubt the WiiWare and DSiWare will be of interest to someone… maybe. Apparently Cave Story was a popular PC game. I missed that one.  Once again the DSiWare is somewhat surprising to me. Drift Street International has promise as a multi-player racing game. I think it has a tough job to compete with Mario Kart DS though, which is a fantastic game and apparently so much in demand that it’s still one of the most expensive DS games out there.

Libera Wing is a strategy tower defense game. Given the huge amount of fans of these types of games it should also do well if it’s executed half decently. I’ve never heard of or at least paid attention to Game & Watch titles before. Apparently they’re popular. At least they don’t look to be straight puzzle games?

So here’s the short-list of this weeks titles.

WiiWare: Cave Story

DSiWare: Drift Street International, Libera Wing, Games & Watch: Mario’s Cement Factory, Game & Watch: Chef, Game & Watch: Judge

For the full press release from Nintendo, read on below:

From: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=22929

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: CAVE STORY MAKES A MOMENTOUS WIIWARE DEBUT

March 22, 2010

When it first appeared on PC screens in 2004, Cave Story captivated gamers with its mysterious plotline, imaginative characters and otherworldly sense of adventure. Now, for the first time ever, fans and newcomers can experience this extraordinary game on the Wii™ system. Available for download via the WiiWare™ service, this version of Cave Story delivers all the action and intrigue of the original, plus added enhancements by creator Daisuke Amaya and a newly remastered soundtrack.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo DSiWare™ service offers five new titles for on-the-go enjoyment, including three games from the classic Game & Watch™ series, which Nintendo first began releasing in 1980. Experience a piece of Nintendo history as you master each title’s two modes of play, presented in all their old-school glory. Racing enthusiasts can get their high-speed fix with Drift Street International, while fans of strategy-driven action will dig the pulse-pounding thrills of Libera Wing.

WiiWare

Cave Story
Publisher: Nicalis, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Language
Price: 1,200 Wii Points™
Description: Cave Story takes you into a rare world where a curious race of innocent, rabbit-like creatures called Mimiga run free. You wake up in a dark cave with no memory of who you are, where you came from or why you’re in such a place. Uncovering Mimiga Village, you discover that the once-carefree Mimiga are in danger at the hands of a maniacal scientist. Their only hope rests squarely on the shoulders of a quiet, amnesiac boy who can’t remember his own name. Take control, learn the origins of this world’s power, stop the delusional villain and save the Mimiga.

Nintendo DSiWare

Drift Street International
Publisher: Tantalus
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Drift Street International is the ultimate high-speed, white-knuckle street racing experience, made exclusively for Nintendo DSiWare. Slide and boost your performance car around challenging city streets in high-intensity midnight races across the United States, United Kingdom and Japan. Precise, responsive controls give you total control of your car – push yourself to the edge and own your opponents. Drift sideways through corners, building your nitrous meter to let you boost past opponents on the next straightaway. Test your skills against challenging, aggressive AI drivers, or take on your friends in four-player head-to-head wireless races. Additionally, each track plays host to arcade-style checkpoint races and challenging speed trials in which you must keep the speed close to the max to avoid elimination. Unmatched speed, smoothness and draw distance are only possible by taking full advantage of the Nintendo DSi hardware.

Libera Wing
Publisher: Pixel Federation
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Earth Union controls a large part of outer space. Suddenly, the connection with some of its stations is aborted and there are rumors of enemy ships approaching. Only the captain of the elite fleet Libera Wing can save the people from destruction. Become the captain of Libera Wing and save Earth Union from destruction in this tower- defense-style action-strategy game. Your objective is to combine the right strategy, item usage and abilities of your command ship. There are 36 story levels and 24 quick-play levels waiting for you.

Game & Watch: Mario’s Cement Factory
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Conveyor belts carry tubs of cement to the mixers below. Use the elevators to move Mario to different levels of the factory, dumping cement from the top mixers to the mixers below and into the trucks. Earn points for every load of cement you drop from the mixers to the cement truck. Receive mistake icons by letting a mixer overflow with cement, trying to get on an elevator when you are not level with it, or hitting the floor or ceiling while riding an elevator. Receive three mistake icons and it’s game over!

Game & Watch: Chef
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Move the chef to catch and flip the falling ingredients before they hit the floor. Contend with three ingredients in GAME A or four in GAME B. Earn one point for every ingredient the chef successfully flips into the air, or a mistake icon for each time you drop an ingredient. Receive three mistake icons and it’s game over!

Game & Watch: Judge
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: You have a split second to decide: whack your opponent or duck out of the way? Numbers appear on two large signs. If you think your number will be as big or bigger than your opponent’s, whack him with a mallet. Dodge if you think your number will be smaller. Earn points based on correctly whacking your opponent or dodging an attack. The first player to reach 99 points wins.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.
Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

It has been forever since I’ve bothered posting here, maybe I’ll try and post a little more now. Good day to restart today as Final Fantasy II (Actually its more commonly known as Final Fantasy IV these days but Nintendo prefers to keep to the original name as they were released back in the day.)

Since I last wrote, DSiWare has come quite a long way. At first it was all puzzle games and useless clock skins and while the majority of titles may still fit those descriptions, there is a lot more variety available today.

Another cool thing about today’s releases, although I don’t know the quality of the game itself, nice to see Dracula – Undead Awakening released on both DSiWare and WiiWare at the same time.

see below for the full release from: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=22673

Today’s Summary:

Virtual Console: Final Fantasy II

WiiWare: Max & the Magic Marker, Dracula – Undead Awakening

DSiWare: Elemental Masters, 4 TRAVELLERS – Play Spanish, Dracula – Undead Awakening, Flips: The Bubonic Builders

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: WITH FANTASY GAMES THIS GOOD, WHY SETTLE FOR REALITY?

March 8, 2010

Sometimes realism is overrated. Don’t we all need a regular jolt of fantasy to keep our imaginations alive and kicking? For Wii™ owners, this week’s new game lineup is set to deliver exactly that. Max & the Magic Marker for the WiiWare™ service imagines what would happen if your own artistic creation turned against you, while the Virtual Console™ service features a big dose of otherworldly action with the classic FINAL FANTASY® II. Browse all the latest downloadable games for the Wii and Nintendo DSi™ systems to help keep your imagination fueled to the max.

We’ve also got some free bonus inspiration for you this week: At last September’s Penny Arcade Expo, Nintendo invited professional artists to create one-of-a-kind animations using the Flipnote Studio™ application for the Nintendo DSi system. The results are now online and ready for viewing at the Flipnote Hatena site (http://flipnote.hatena.com), including cool clips from top comic artists like Eric Jones, Christina Strain and Mike Choi. Check them out and treat your brain to extra helpings of creative juice.

WiiWare

Max & the Magic Marker
Publisher: Press Play
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: One day Max gets a mysterious marker in the mail. Not knowing better, the first thing he draws is a wacky, purple monster. As soon as the marker leaves the paper, the monster comes to life and jumps off the paper and into another drawing. With the monster on the loose and messing with Max’s drawings, Max has no choice but to go after it. Armed with the magic marker, you must help Max track the monster through 15 inventive and challenging levels. You’ll need more than good will and quick reflexes to tackle the challenges ahead. Draw freely inside the game to help Max defeat enemies, overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. As you draw stairs, seesaws, balloons, surfboards and whatever else you can think of, your creations will interact with the physical environment, making every session unique.

Dracula – Undead Awakening
Publisher: Chillingo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Are you a vampire hunter? Are you ready to battle legions of undead foes including zombies, ghouls and werewolves? You’ll need to wield an arsenal of powerful weaponry while using your skill and intelligence. Uncover devastating firepower – machine guns, buzz-saws, flamethrowers and more – and choose upgrades for them as well as unique new perks for your character as your enemies increase in number and ferocity. You’re a tough customer, but beware – Lord Dracula is always on the hunt, and you are his prey. Enemies in Dracula have one thing in common: Undead, lycanthrope or mutant, they’re all after your flesh.

Virtual Console

FINAL FANTASY II
Original platform: Super NES™
Publisher: Square Enix
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Follow the dark knight Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings – as he embarks on a fateful journey riddled with trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Plagued with uncertainty over his monarch’s motives, can Cecil turn away from the path of darkness and destruction?

Nintendo DSiWare™

Elemental Masters
Publisher: lbxgames
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: In this fantasy card game, stand your ground in a quest filled with magic and adventure, and experience a thrilling combination of strategy and role-playing. Choose your character, build up your army in your card deck and fight the mystical creatures of Elendior. With thoughtful use of your cards, you’ll obtain the monsters of your enemy and support your attacks by using arcane spells and the rules of dark magic. Dive into this captivating story in the quest mode or duel with your friends in multiplayer mode. More than 100 creatures in numerous maps are waiting for you.

4 TRAVELLERS™ – Play Spanish
Publisher: AGENIUS Interactive
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Whether played alone or together with friends, 4 TRAVELLERS can teach you new words in Spanish. The game is suitable for both young and old, and no previous knowledge is necessary. The more you play, the more your Spanish vocabulary increases. You can also play and learn with the game’s unique learning mode. The game is perfect to bring on your trip, with more than 240 carefully selected words included specifically for this occasion.

Dracula – Undead Awakening
Publisher: Chillingo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Are you a vampire hunter? Are you ready to battle legions of undead foes including zombies, ghouls and werewolves? You’ll need to wield an arsenal of powerful weaponry while using your skill and intelligence. Uncover devastating firepower – machine guns, buzz-saws, flamethrowers and more – and choose upgrades for them as well as unique new perks for your character as your enemies increase in number and ferocity. You’re a tough customer, but beware – Lord Dracula is always on the hunt, and you are his prey. Enemies in Dracula have one thing in common: Undead, lycanthrope or mutant, they’re all after your flesh.

Flips: The Bubonic Builders
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Not Rated
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Flips Interactive Books are the fun new way for kids to read. The builders are in to replace the girls’ toilet block, but they’re more interested in cups of tea and instant noodle snacks than doing any work. James suspects foul play, but Alexander and Lenny are doubtful until a strange accident hammers the truth home. How will the three friends stop St. Sebastian’s from being reduced to rubble?

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

Another week of Nintendo downloads has arrived (I know I skipped the last 2 but it doesn’t matter no one reads this anyway). Although there weren’t any releases that I’d consider earth-shattering it still appears to be a decent week overall.

The biggest surprise for me was DSiWare. For the first time, something was released that I’m actually interested in and I’d probably buy it if I had a DSi. Oscar in Toyland looks interesting to me and amazingly enough it doesn’t look to be just another puzzle game! Read below to get the full description of the game from Nintendo’s official press release.

WiiWare brings us Texas Hold’Em Poker, Spaceball: Revolution and Mart Racer. Poker might interest me if I didn’t have a PC and a Steam account with which I could just buy the game. I’d rather play a game like Poker on my PC. Spaceball: Revolution and Mart Racer also interest me but I always worry with motion control games (Mart Racer at least appears to use motion controls)… I’ll let some other people try it and see their reviews before I actually purchase either of them.

And surprisingly enough, even with three WiiWare titles, Nintendo still gives a nod to the Virtual Console lovers out there! Honestly, I had never even heard of the NES game Crash ‘N The Boys Street Challenge. From the description it appears to be some sort of street track and field game? Doesn’t sound overly appealing to me but hey, a VC game is a VC game!

Read on for the full announcement

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: SPEND A REVOLUTIONARY FIRST SEMESTER RACING FROM TEXAS TO TOYLAND

Sept. 14, 2009

Even if you’re no longer a student, the back-to-school season is bringing all kinds of youthful kicks to the Wii™ Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi™ Shop. The latest Nintendo DSiWare™ titles feature creative art activities and an imaginative, toy-filled joyride. Three new WiiWare™ games invite you to play cards with friends, dodge intergalactic obstacles and compete in wild grocery cart races. A new Virtual Console™ release even challenges players to partake in some heated high school hijinks. And no matter what your grade level, be sure to take advantage of this special offer: Consumers can receive 1,000 bonus Nintendo DSi Points™ by purchasing a new Nintendo DSi™ game system and connecting to the Nintendo DSi Shop by 11:59 pm Pacific time on Oct. 5, 2009. For full offer details, please visit DSiOffer.Nintendo.com.

Nintendo DSiWare

Art Academy™: First Semester
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Art Academy is a portable art course that replaces the lecture-like structure of art school and the trial-and-error of working on canvas. Art Academy: First Semester can guide you through the basics of pencil and paints, using Nintendo DSi controls to draw like the real things. With your own paintbrush set and color palette, you’ll learn texturing and blending techniques, plus ways to depict light and shade. There’s also Free Paint mode, which allows you to select and draw from photos in your Nintendo DSi Camera Album. In just a few lessons, you’ll be discovering your inner artist and creating your own masterpieces with art skills that you can apply with real-life materials.

Oscar in Toyland
Publisher: Virtual Playground
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Meet Oscar, the new kid on the block. This fabulous jump-and-run game is easy to play, packed with hours of fun and nonstop action, hundreds of collectibles and surprises. In psychedelic worlds of candy, soda pop, amusement park rides, board games, fairy tales and more, you’ll meet cool toys and animals in hidden rooms, bonus and bogus mini games. Use Wings to fly, Springy Shoes to jump, and Oscar’s secret weapon, his magical Yo-Yo, to swing and zap enemies in some of the craziest platform levels you’ll ever play.

WiiWare

Texas Hold’Em Poker
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-6
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Simulated Gambling
Price: 600 Wii Points™
Description: Prepare to experience the intensity of a real Texas hold’em poker tournament. Whether you’re a poker novice or a veteran, you’ll enjoy Tournament, Cash Game and Heads-up modes with the simple-to-use Wii Remote™ controller. Hit the tables as one of six fun and charismatic characters, or import your own Mii™ character to really put on your poker face. Take on the world’s most prestigious casinos, from Monaco to New York, and challenge opponents who won’t hesitate to taunt or comment on your style, creating a very realistic poker atmosphere. You can also impress friends with wild poker parties, thanks to an online mode that allows you to play with up to five friends and create your own tournaments or join official Gameloft tournaments. You can even challenge random online opponents of any skill level. Even if you’ve never played poker before, you can learn all the rules and strategy with an Advanced Tutorial that teaches you everything from winning hands and betting to bluffing. Broadband Internet access required for online play. For more info, go to www.Nintendo.com.

Spaceball: Revolution™
Publisher: Virtual Toys
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Steer your way through 15 diabolical levels in which you’ll have to reconstruct impossible figures with help from space energy balls. Race against the clock and evade obstacles to activate the correct boxes. Spaceball: Revolution will put your ability and your concentration to the test. The game also lets you compare your score with the best players around the world in various difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, Advanced and Master.

Mart Racer
Publisher: JoJu Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: You’re a sharp-elbowed shopper racing through the store to find items before your rivals do. Use your Wii Remote controller like a handlebar to control your shopping cart as you race through different types of stores. Vex your competitors by stunning them with plungers and stealing groceries out of their carts. Outrun them by using your drifting and aisle-jumping skills. Keep away from the security guards who want to stop the mall melee. The first player with a completed shopping list at the cash register wins. A simple and fun game that’s suitable for all ages, Mart Racer pits you against the computer or up to four players. Play with your friends and family on a split screen or compete online via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. (Broadband Internet access is required for online play.)

Virtual Console

Crash ‘N The Boys™ Street Challenge
Original platform: NES™
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Todd Thornley, son of the head of Thornley Industries, has had it with Crash and the Southside boys. With help from other high schools, Todd decides Hiller High will take down Crash and his Southside High cronies in an unsanctioned street challenge. Take control of one of four high school teams (with four playable characters per team) and make your way through five different sporting events. Dash and bash through the 400 meter hurdles; swing to victory in the hammer throw; swim and knock out your opponent while swimming; pole vault, jump and ride a unicycle across rooftops; and use judo to fight your opponent in a one-on-one brawl. Can you lead your high school to the top of the Street Challenge?

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

The force is strong with Nintendo once again this week! Another SNES release from the Star Wars franchise has arrived. Compared to Nintendo’s releases for the last year or so, this is a welcome title. Well, let’s be honest, anytime Nintendo releases a title for the Virtual Console that you actually recognize is a big deal lately. For some reason the original press release which I read off press.nintendo.com this morning has since been removed but thanks to nsider.com I was able to grab an unformated copy of the original.

Jedi Battles, Marvelous Bubbles and Frantic Underground Action

Faraway galaxies and otherworldly fun are within easy reach, thanks to the latest downloadable game offerings from Nintendo. If the recent Virtual Console™ debut of Super Star Wars™ had you cheering, you’ll be doubly pleased to see its action-packed sequel in this week’s lineup. Speaking of sequels, you’ll also find a new WiiWare™ title that puts a fresh spin on an “underground” favorite. Meanwhile, Nintendo DSiWare™ fans will discover a puzzle game that truly pops.

Virtual Console

Super Empire Strikes Back™
Original platform: Super NES™
Publisher: LucasArts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Pursued across the galaxy, Rebel forces now marshal new strength on the remote ice world of Hoth. Though tracked by probe droids, attacked by ice monsters and confronted by an army of gigantic Imperial Walkers, you must not give in. You are the Alliance’s only hope. Learn the ways of the Force, then test your skills in this fast-paced, action-packed sequel to the hit game Super Star Wars.

WiiWare

Mr. DRILLER® W
Publisher: NBGI
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: Mr. Driller W is the newly updated version of the exciting game that challenges players with level upon level of frantic underground drilling action. Experience more than 20 varied stages and missions. Drill through a seemingly endless onslaught of colored blocks while avoiding falling obstacles and strategically managing your air supply. Multiple degrees of difficulty now challenge everyone from novices to hardcore Mr. Driller veterans. A tutorial will even help first-time players learn the rules quickly and easily. Vibrant graphics, engaging game play and loads of characters make this a modern twist on a gaming masterpiece.

Nintendo DSiWare

Pop+ Solo™
Publisher: Nnooo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Pop bubbles, build chains and try to keep the timer alive in this awesome puzzle/shooter. Pop your way through 16 waves of bubbles in Adventure, Normal or Advanced modes. Race against the clock in a one-, two- or five-minute run. Try the new Bonus Round mode, where each bonus round can be played in three, five or 10 rounds of increasing difficulty. Or just chill out in the relaxing Chill mode with no score or time pressures to worry about. Pop+ Solo comes to the Nintendo DSi™ system with eight modes and five bonus rounds, plus plenty of new badges to collect. Adventure mode introduces some new elements to the game with mines, golden fish, jets of water and four boss battles. The new Challenge mode lets you create and customize your own challenges to play again and again.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop™ and the Wii™ Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

Another Monday, and with it comes some more releases for Nintendo’s Wii and DSi stores. As usual I really only care about the Virtual Console releases. This week is pretty decent though! The Revenge of Shinobi from the Sega Genesis console hits the store. The VC is still horribly neglected by Nintendo, but at least the lone title is a decent one!

The WiiWare releases look to be about their normal mediocrity. The racing game might be alright, or one might just be better off shelling out for Mario Kart Wii which is still a stellar game! DSiWare could be either way. I’m sure the BrainAge game is decent, and there’s probably a lot of people that will be interested in Guitar Rock Tour.

As always I use the DSiWare to help me answer this question: Do I really want a DSi yet? As always, based on the DSiWare, there is absolutely no compelling reason to buy a DSi if you already own a DS/DS Lite.

Aug. 17, 2009

Choosing a game to download from the Wii™ Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop™ can be a little like taking a personality test. Do you like mystery and surprises? A new WiiWare™ game offers elements of magic and pop-up excitement. Are you an extrovert who craves the spotlight? Try a Nintendo DSiWare™ title that turns players into rock stars. Do you crave competition and fierce action? Choose from a new car racing game or a bona fide martial-arts classic. Or maybe you’re more of a brainiac? Check out the sudoku-themed installment in the popular Brain Age™ series. This week’s new downloadable games offer something for players of any disposition.

WiiWare

PictureBook Games™: Pop-Up Pursuit
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: Enter the world of PictureBook Games: Pop-Up Pursuit and enjoy a family board game set in a pop-up picture book. Instead of simply rolling dice to move along the map, you’ll use cards (which can help or hinder progress) and coins (useful for buying more cards, but don’t forget about your Coin Bonus at the end of the game). Spaces on the map play an important role in the game’s outcome, and your computer-controlled opponents exhibit different personalities and behavior. Occasionally, the mysterious Book of Magick will be opened, causing an event that may change according to how you play. This mixture of exciting game play and charming, artistic atmosphere give Pop-Up Pursuit high replay value and unique depth—even if its characters are flat.

Family Slot Car Racing
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy are putting the pedal to the metal in Family Slot Car Racing. Race through three racing circuits, each composed of multiple racetracks and even bonus tracks. You can race against a friend for some friendly one-on-one racing action. Choose among multiple slot cars with varying designs to see which car has the best grip and speed. As you progress, you’ll unlock new courses and even new slot cars to help you reach the top of the racing circuit. Do you have it in you to be the fastest racer on four wheels?

Virtual Console™

The Revenge of Shinobi™
Original platform: SEGA Genesis
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: This classic SEGA Genesis platformer features Musashi, a ninja out to defeat the evil Neo Zeed and his criminal empire. In this sequel to the arcade favorite Shinobi, traverse through various districts – from the bamboo forests of Japan to the streets of New York City – and fight incoming enemies by throwing Shurikens, performing special ninjutsu moves and slashing a katana sword. Battle against unique bosses at the last stage of each district and make your way to the final match with your nemesis, Neo Zeed.

Nintendo DSiWare

Brain Age Express: Sudoku
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Sudoku takes center stage in this edition of the popular Brain Age series. Solve a variety of puzzles at three different skill levels using the touch screen and an intuitive interface. Track your progress by completing three tests and finding out your Brain Age. The unique charm of the Brain Age series and the challenge of sudoku make for an enjoyable combination. Prepare for another round of training your brain in minutes a day.

Guitar Rock Tour®
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: If you like rock music and have a sense of rhythm, your road to stardom starts here. Guitarist or drummer – choose your path and fire up the most famous concert stages with your band. For beginners or music experts, the engaging game play provides hours of fun. Tap the touch screen or press buttons to the beat of your favorite songs. Keep your cool in front of a hyped-up crowd and don’t miss a note. Warm up your fingers and prepare your ears for the explosive track list of Guitar Rock Tour, mixing recent hits like “Girlfriend,” “In the Shadow” and “Banquet” with rock classics like “Beat It,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and more. Use the Nintendo DSi Camera™ to take a photo of yourself or your friends, then display it onstage and receive goodies at your effigy. A new rock idol is born!

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

I’m not doing anything else with this blog so I guess I may as well start posting these! For once there’s actually some titles that interest me except for the DSiWare. Months after the release of the DSi, there is still not a title in DSiWare that makes me regret chosing a PSP over the DSi. Sure there are still great titles being released for the DS in general but overall DSiWare is a flop (in my opinion of course).

Official release from http://press.nintendo.com posted below:

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: BIG NAMES AND BRILLIANT GAMES MAKE FOR A MUST-SEE DOWNLOADABLE LINEUP

August 10, 2009

There’s one word to describe the latest downloadable game offerings from Nintendo: phenomenal. For starters, Wii™ owners can dive into a space adventure for the ages as the Super NES™ classic Super Star Wars™ makes its Virtual Console™ debut. WiiWare™ devotees have two extraordinary new titles to choose from, including the high-flying NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits and the super-charged Rock N’ Roll Climber™. And don’t miss this week’s Nintendo DSiWare™ Brain Age™ title, which will help keep your mind buzzing wherever you go.

WiiWare

NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits
Publisher: Over The Top Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Experience the awesome story of Nyx, an enigmatic winged girl who must descend from heaven in search of her missing friend, Icarus. Fly over the ruins of ancient Greece and avoid falling into blazing sands or perishing in the claws of cruel harpies and hydras. You will need the help of Zeus and other benevolent gods from Olympus to summon their powers. They will let you cast rays, modify the scenery and control winds as you wish. By making your own wrist movements and pointing to the game screen, you will be able to achieve these and many other feats. Fly, aim and shoot using your Wii Remote™ controller. Play with a friend and maximize your abilities: While one controls Nyx, the other will control the powers from the gods.

Rock N’ Roll Climber
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Prepare to “rock out” like never before in Rock N’ Roll Climber. Climb rocks using the innovative control scheme, which has you controlling your character’s movement using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ controllers. If you want an even more immersive experience, optional support for the Wii Balance Board™ is also available. Make your way up an array of courses, ranging from the Pop level’s indoor rock wall to the Heavy Metal level’s waterfalls (watch out for those moss-covered rocks – they’re slick). In addition to the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel upon reaching the top, you might just be rewarded with your own guitar.

Virtual Console

Super Star Wars
Original platform: Super NES
Publisher: LucasArts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Risk your life as a Jedi Knight. Join Luke, Han and Chewbacca in their fierce war against the Evil Empire. Battle treacherous aliens. Pilot two vehicles in high-speed, first-person 3-D sequences. Rip through the desert in Luke’s landspeeder. Clash with aliens in the Mos Eisley Cantina. Blast menacing boss monsters and Imperial stormtroopers. Attack TIE fighters in the trenches of the Death Star. Fight your way through the wastelands of Tatooine to the hostile streets of Mos Eisley and beyond. Grab your blaster, strap on your lightsaber and take on the fight for galactic freedom.

Nintendo DSiWare

Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Language
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: This edition of the popular Brain Age series offers players a mix of new and familiar exercises, all with an artistic focus. Test your spelling in Word Attack, enjoy literary classics in Reading Aloud and tune your musical skills in Piano Player. A new Themes mode challenges you in drawing, photography and voice acting and lets you share your creativity with friends and family. And if you need a break, the always-enjoyable Virus Buster makes its return. Prepare for another round of training your brain in minutes a day.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.