Word Wrap Updated

June 1st, 2007, 00:31 Posted By: wraggster

Bob Fossil has released a new version of his Word game for the DS:

I've been fiddling around with a combined arm9/arm7 build which does music , thanks to DekuTree64's mod playing code and which also has sleep support when you close the lid - though the led stays green.

Thanks to Lizard/Spaceballs (if memory serves) for the title tune and TDK/Anthrox for the ingame music.

For those brave souls that want to have a try

Interested to hear if I've broken anything.

NDSWebRadio v0.2

June 1st, 2007, 00:50 Posted By: wraggster



loloz3 posted this news/release:

Hello with All, I am initial and I wanted to modify the webradio dissonance. Thing made! I chose Fréquence3 (one needs a streaming mp3 for 24bps max) I have to also change the name: NDSwebradio .

NeonDS 0.0.4 released

June 1st, 2007, 00:50 Posted By: JKKDARK

New version of the Nintendo DS emulator for PC.

Changelog:

Implemented background alpha blending
Improved game compatibility
Support DirectInput joystick input
Support customize keyboard and joystick input map

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Universal Studios to open Harry Potter theme park!

June 1st, 2007, 00:59 Posted By: wraggster



Latest Developments (10 AM EST):
- Official park website now open; visitors can sign up for e-mail updates.
- JK Rowling: "The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."

Universal Studios and Warner Brothers made a joint announcement this evening from Leavesden Studios on the set of Dumbledore's Office to reveal that a Harry Potter theme park is currently in development. The image to the left is the first piece of concept art for the park: Hogsmeade Village.

Here's what we learned from Potter set designer Stuart Craig and a representative from Universal Studios (both of them hosted the big reveal):

- "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort"
- Announcement was made live via internet at 12:01 AM EST today to select media, including MuggleNet.
- Areas of park to include Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, and the Forbidden Forest.
- 20 engineers working on project.
- Universal came to WB looking for authenticity.
- Potter park to be built in "Islands of Adventure" area of Universal.
- Stuart wants to "take his grandchildren" to the park.
- Opening early 2010.
- Universal's Potter website to be available at this link.
- JK Rowling has been involved "since the very beginning" of the project. Also "supportive and encouraging."
- Stuart thinks that the park will be better off in the United States.
- Have been in design "for at least a year and a half."
- "Important that the theme park represents the entire saga from Book 1 to Book 7"

In a rather cute way to end the announcement, the Universal representative asks Stuart Craig, "Now where's Dumbledore?" Stuart paused for a moment, looked around the office, and replied, "He was just here."

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter

ShugenDo a 2D Fighting Engine for PSP

June 1st, 2007, 01:41 Posted By: wraggster

Sakirsoft has released a video of a WIP port of ShugenDo a 2D Fighting Engine:



More Info

New York Assembly Restricts Game Sales

June 1st, 2007, 01:42 Posted By: kcajblue

via IGN,

In yet another bid to restrict the purchase of M-rated games by minors, New York assemblyman, Joseph Lentol, has gotten a new piece of legislation past the New York Assembly, reported GameDaily BIZ today. The newly-passed bill will make it a felony to sell M-rated videogames to minors. Transgression of this law could result in 1-4 years of jail-time.

Lentol's A08696 bill would create an Advisory Council on Interactive Media and Youth Violence, which would be responsible for evaluating the ESRB's ratings policies. The bill is purposely vague, and would punish the sale of games depicting "depraved violence and indecent images" as class E felonies. The bill defines "depraved violence" as any representation of "rape, dismemberment, physical torture, mutilation, or evisceration of a human being." The bill also contains a provision which obliges new game consoles to come with built-in parental controls. Of course, this is redundant, as the Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 all have parental controls in place already.

The Entertainment Merchants Association stood up in defiance of the legislation, and its proposed harsh penalties. "This bill is ill-conceived and unconstitutional," stated EMA President Bo Andersen. "The proposal to jail retailers and clerks for up to four years for selling certain video games to persons under age 17 is apparently based on misunderstandings about what retailers are doing currently. The requirement that video game consoles include parental controls ignores the fact that the new generation of consoles include them already. Finally, nine similar proposals that have been enacted around the nation in recent years have all been blocked by federal courts on First Amendment grounds. For such an ill-conceived and unconstitutional law, ignorance is no excuse."

"This bill is impermissibly vague," Andersen continued. "A8696 seeks to apply real-world standards of violence to the fictional and fanciful world of video games, an environment in which they have no meaning. As a result, retailers and clerks will not and cannot know with certainty which video games could send them to jail under A8696. It was depressing to hear members of the Assembly note the constitutional problems with the bill and then state that they were voting for it."

As stated by Anderson, there have been numerous similar bills passed across the U.S. in recent years, all of which have been shot down in federal appeals courts on constitutional grounds. This newest piece of legislation may find a comparable fate.

Dosbox - 1/06/2007 Update - DOS Emulator For PSP

June 1st, 2007, 01:52 Posted By: wraggster

Crazy C has posted a new binary/patch for the Dosbox - Dos Emulator for the PSP.

First heres the news from todays release:

This patch, when applied to dosbox 0.60 and linked with these library functions, arwin's p-sprint and SDL (with 8-bit surface patch), gets dosbox running on the psp.

I've also posted a new binary to really fix the bad video mode problem. The clever solutions didn't seem to work well and were fragile so I just copy the whole frame to a GU-acceptable buffer. There'll be a performance hit but it will only affect those few games which use unusual video modes. Also, support for 640x480x16bit mode was added although I doubt that any games which use it will run well.

Review: Wii Multi-Functional Carry Bag

June 1st, 2007, 01:58 Posted By: bandit

Wii Multi-Functional Carry Bag
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site: Buy from Goldenshop.com.hk
Price: $13.00

Overview : Carry your Nintendo Wii, controllers, cables, etc. in a multi-functional carry bag. You can also play your Wii without having to remove it from the bag.

Features :

• Prevent any shock and scratch
• Compact size design with shoulder strap for carrying
• Super strong protect function with console and accessories
• Fully compatible with different version and model of Wii console
• No need take-out console can direct connect with home set TV system
• Storage function with Wii console, game card, AV cable, AC adapter/adaptor, remote controller, nunchuk pad, sensor bar, stand and other accessories

US Firmware 3.50 Released

June 1st, 2007, 02:48 Posted By: wraggster

Less than a day after the Japanese update comes the USA update, heres the info of whats new in english:

Digg This

The PSP® system software version 3.50 update includes the following:

Network
You can now connect a PSP® system to a PS3™ system via the Internet using [Remote Play].
[Communication Settings] has been added as an option to the [Remote Play] menu.
[RSS Channel Guide] has been added as a feature under [RSS Channel].

Metallic Rose and Glossy Silver DS Lites Announced

June 1st, 2007, 02:57 Posted By: wraggster

XCM XFPS 360 PRO in action

June 1st, 2007, 02:57 Posted By: bandit

Team Xtender has released a video of their XCM XFPS 360 PRO in action. You can purchase XFPS 360 PRO from Divineo US and Divineo China. We will have a full review shortly. For now, enjoy the video and images.

Review: Nyko Wireless Sensor Bar

June 1st, 2007, 03:46 Posted By: bandit

Nyko Wireless Sensor Bar
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo UK / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Divineo Germany / Buy from Divineo Spain
Price: $21.95

Overview : Simplify and enhance your Wii set up with Nyko’s Wireless Sensor Bar for Nintendo Wii. The Wireless Sensor Bar allows full Wii Remote functionality without the hassle or mess of any wired connection to the console. The infrared field created by the Wireless Sensor Bar allows for play up to 25 feet away, perfect for larger or wall-mounted TVs. Compatible with Nintendo's official Sensor Bar stand, the Wireless Sensor Bar is easy to set up, requiring no software or hardware installation on the Wii. Featuring 30 hours of battery life off 4 AA batteries (included) and a unique power saver mode with audible alarm, the Wireless Sensor Bar is designed for ultimate convenience.

Features :

• Design: Sleek design blends in with TV and is compatible with standard sensor bar stand
• Power Saver Mode: Audible alarm warns when powered for too long and will even automatically shut off the device
• Superior IR Field: The IR field created by the Wireless Sensor Bar allows for play up to 25 feet away
• Battery Powered: 4 AA batteries (included) provide up 30 hours of use; No cords needed
• Compatible with the Nintendo Wii sensor bar stand
• Ideal for wall-mounted flat screens

[PSP] 3.03-3.40 Icon Converter

June 1st, 2007, 06:42 Posted By: ICE

Just extract the file and put your topmenu_plugin.rco in the 303_to_340 folder. next run US_Upgrade.bat and your done.

i didnt make this i just found it somewhere. dont give me credit.

but do enjoy

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Framed Xmb Icons

June 1st, 2007, 12:46 Posted By: evolve

Framed Xmb Icons - Created by Vibestar

- Sign Up if you like the site!



Download

SCEE Rejects PS3 Price Cut Forecasts

June 1st, 2007, 13:09 Posted By: Triv1um

Via Next-Gen

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has moved to reject speculation that a PS3 price may be in the works.

Sony's director of communications Nick Sharples told MCV that analysts’ recent conjecture concerning a PS3 price cut based on new manufacturing strategies was unfounded.

"There’s absolutely nothing you can read from that. The idea of price certainly doesn’t follow on to any adjustment in production. Analysts may wish to think so, but there’s no basis of fact in any of it,” he said.

“We announce when changes in price will happen and we don’t discuss them beforehand.”

A number of analysts have suggested that a reduction of PS3 component costs coupled with a need to boost sales will force Sony to drop the console’s price at some point this year, a move that industry figures such as Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot also feel is necessary if Sony is to boost its market share.

Wii gamers get brainy in July

June 1st, 2007, 13:14 Posted By: Triv1um

Via Virgin.net

'Big Brain Academy' for Wii, the follow up to the Nintendo DS version, launches across Europe on July 20 as part of Nintendo's Touch! Generations range of games, designed for people of all ages, gender and gaming experience.

'Big Brain Academy' contains a selection of mini-games which are designed around the Wii Remote pointer. They are divided into five categories: Visualise, Memorise, Analyse, Compute and Identify, and contain a variety of activities. All of these allow you to push your brain by answering them as quickly as possible, whilst maintaining accuracy within three different difficulty settings.

In the single player Test mode, you play through all five categories after which your 'Big Brain Academy' brain weight is calculated based on your reaction speed and number of correct answers. In addition, you will be given a grade for your Student Record, where all game data is saved, and a spider graph is generated showing you your individual strengths and weaknesses within the game in these five areas.

'Big Brain Academy' will retail at the estimated price of £35.

Live ban for modded Xbox 360 cracked

June 1st, 2007, 13:20 Posted By: Triv1um

The Inquirer

You can't stop the resistance

THE MODDED XBOX 360 console got banned last time that Microsoft updated its console firmware.

As usually happens, this ban did not last for long as hacking groups found a way around this protection and with the latest iXtreme firmware, modded Xboxes are back on-line.

The latest firmware for TS-H943 DVD drive, the iXtreme firmware 1.0 promises to defeat all current and some future Xbox Live detection attempts, and will enable pirated software to be played on the console. The media type can only be Stealth Xtreme Xbox 360 backup or Stealth Xtreme Xbox backup. It, of course, boots all of the original software for both Xbox 360 and the first console.

Hitachi drives are not supported with this release, and there is no announcement about the timeframe when that drive will get patched.

Nintendo Employees Generate $2.5 Million Each

June 1st, 2007, 15:38 Posted By: JKKDARK

via GameDAILY BIZ

Nintendo was so successful last year that each employee generated $2.5 million, more than double what Google's employees generated. And with the Wii off to a red hot start, Nintendo is set for another fantastic year. In fact, according to Fortune, the Wii has already "won." More within...

The latest issue of Fortune magazine has a well-written cover story on "How Wii Won," detailing some of the same "Blue Ocean" philosophy we've heard dozens of times at this point, but perhaps more interestingly detailing some of the financial aspects of what's contributed to Nintendo's success.

Judging by Nintendo's last fiscal year in which the company produced $8.26 billion in revenue, Fortune points out that each of Nintendo's 3,400 employees generates a staggering $2.5 million. How does that compare with other corporate juggernauts? Microsoft's employees generated $624,000 each last year, while Google's generated $994,000 each – still less than half of Nintendo's employees. On a profit scale, Nintendo's total income was almost $1.5 billion, or $442,000 per employee, last year, compared with Microsoft's $177,000 and Google's $288,000. It's astounding no matter how you look at it.

As opposed to Sony's game division, which has been languishing with a nearly $2 billion loss in the last fiscal year, and Microsoft's game division, which has yet to become profitable, Nintendo's Wii has turned a profit on every unit sold from day one. The console is far less powerful than either the Xbox 360 or PS3, and that's made it much easier for Nintendo to make money with the machine. In fact, the chip that makes the "magic" (i.e. motion sensing) happen (ADI's three-axis accelerometer) costs just $2.50.

The article is full of effusive praise from industry leaders as well. "We looked at the capabilities of the Wii early on and saw that it was solving the most important element in the game industry - accessibility," said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. "Nintendo has been very open with us," he added. "They're willing to do things that are a bit crazy. They see what we want to do and help us to make it as good as possible."

"Nintendo is a pioneer," said John Schappert, COO of EA Studios. "They're zigging when others are zagging. It's another growth curve for the industry."

Even Microsoft Corporate VP Peter Moore couldn't help but praise the Wii. "Nintendo has created a unique and innovative experience," he said. "I love the experience, the price point, and Nintendo content." He was quick to add, however, that Microsoft "provides experiences that Nintendo cannot provide."

The only executive who truly questioned the Wii was Jack Tretton, the president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "You have to give Nintendo credit for what they've accomplished," he admitted. "But if you look at the industry, any industry, it doesn't typically go backwards technologically. The controller is innovative, but the Wii is basically a repurposed GameCube. If you've built your console on an innovative controller, you have to ask yourself, Is that long term?"

Whether it's long term or not no one can really say, but it sure is paying off for Nintendo now. The company can't even keep up with demand. "We cannot simply make 1.5 times as much or two times as much," said Nintendo President Iwata. "When you're making one million a month already, getting to 1.5 million or two million is not very easy."

Mushroom Men Coming to Wii & DS

June 1st, 2007, 15:41 Posted By: JKKDARK

via Cubed3

Publisher Gamecock has revealed that it is working with developer Red Fly to bring Mushroom Men to both Nintendo's Wii and the DS in Autumn 2008. The 'backyard battlefield' action title promises to utilise all of the respective unique controls of both Nintendo systems, and both parties state that the game will feature "amazing gameplay that draws players into an incredibly lush and treacherous stylized world."

In the game you will be able to "jump into the fantastic microcosm that is the backyard battlefield," create weapons from day-to-day items and woth alongside sentient plants to use the Wii remote as a bazooka or the DS stylus as a rapier as they take down household pests, for example.

"From the minute we signed Mushroom Men, we've worked to bring it to the Wii and DS. Both platforms are going to give Mushroom Men a life of their own as Red Fly Studio is building unique stories specific to each system."
- Rick Stults, Gamecock console chief.

With the Red Fly Studio team being founded by a group of individuals with a wealth of experience, ranging from the likes of Star Wars Galaxies, BloodRayne, Nocturne, FIFA Football 2005, Anachronox, SSX3 and Deus Ex, this should definitely be on to watch.

2K Sports Reveals Features for The BIGS on Nintendo Wii

June 1st, 2007, 15:43 Posted By: JKKDARK

via WebWire

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today features for The BIGS on Nintendo’s Wii™. The BIGS, 2K Sports’ new Major League Baseball® title, brings authentic MLB® action to epic arcade proportions with larger-than-life ballparks, over-the-top action, and stunning special effects. The BIGS is the first 2K Sports title available on the Wii and takes full advantage of the Nunchuk™ and Wii Remote™, making it one of the most innovative titles on the Wii system to date.

"We are very excited to bring our first 2K Sports title to the Wii," said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. "With The BIGS we really focused on ways to maximize the Wii’s very unique controls by applying them to all the significant actions in baseball. We’re always looking to deliver unique gaming experiences and the fun gameplay of The BIGS on the Wii demonstrates our commitment to innovation in sports video games."

The BIGS will be the first licensed baseball sports title on the Wii to demonstrate every aspect of baseball through the revolutionary controls of the system. Players will experience instantaneous feedback with every motion on the Wii Remote whether they’re batting, pitching, fielding, or running the bases:

Batting - The Wii controls sense swinging angle, timing, and pre-swing motion, allowing gamers to aim their hits anywhere in the outfield, display their own unique pre-at-bat "waggles," and unleash power or contact swings, all based on the motion of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Pitching - With Wii pitching gamers can throw distinct types of pitches using a different motion. Pitch type and speed are determined by a combination of arm speed, wrist movement, and button selection.

Fielding - Both fielding and throwing are controlled through directional motions of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk which allow you to make spectacular plays on the field including jumping catches, wall climbs, and double plays.

Base Running - Sprint fast and slide into bases with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. A "drumming" motion with the controls allows you to control running speed while pointing the controls down allows you to hit the dirt and slide into base.

The BIGS will be available this summer for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Nintendo’s Wii™. The BIGS is rated E for Everyone.

NFS ProStreet set to do donuts this Fall

June 1st, 2007, 15:59 Posted By: -Xandu-

EA has revealed that they intend on bringing forth a new game into this wonderful world, which is a new installment in their racing franchise Need for Speed (surprise!). Titled Need for Speed ProStreet, the game is going to focus mostly on street racing, but according to EA will feature more customization options for players. EA says we'll get our hands on the game come Fall 2007, but in the meantime we'll have to settle for the teaser trailer after the break.

Trailer.

Too bad these aren't Wii graphics .

Need For Speed ProStreet announcement

June 1st, 2007, 16:02 Posted By: -Xandu-

Need for Speed Turns a Corner
EA announces Pro Street, the world's first street racing simulation. First media included.
by Jonathan Miller

May 31, 2007 - The new Need for Speed is here: Pro Street.

Don't get confused. This isn't like other EA Street titles with over-the-top arcade slam dunks and impossible maneuvers. This is Pro Street. In fact, EA did the exact opposite and created an entire new genre of racer: the street racing simulation. "The Fast and the Furious" meets Forza.

Well, don't tell that to producer Michael Mann. His team at EA Black Box, responsible for NFS: Most Wanted, wants to distance Pro Street as far away from "The Fast and the Furious" as possible. Pro Street isn't about a glowing, fluorescent purple underbelly to your car. Pro Street is 100 percent about performance and the culture of street racing.

And if you didn't know, street racing happens to be illegal. To accommodate, professional race tracks are opening their doors to street racers in unheard of numbers. Pro Street will feature real world locations like Sears Point Raceway (now Infineon Raceway) near Sonoma, Calif. While EA wouldn't go into detail on the other tracks, it did say that you can expect a number of "iconic locations" in Asia, Europe and the States.

What we didn't expect from EA was just how "real world" it was taking NFS. We watched a developer do a quick lap at Sears Point and this is unlike any NFS you've ever seen. It actually looks real. Sears Point was bordering on photorealism. More importantly, the sense of intense speed is gone -- this game plays more like Forza than previous NFS titles in which you dodged cops and knocked opponents off cliffs. We watched as he apexed turns and scratched our heads as he used these strange contraptions known as brakes.

The biggest question we had for EA was this: Why? Pro Street is a not really a sequel -- it's a distinct departure from the franchise's roots, a turn in a completely new direction. Quite simply, said EA, street racing fans have been demanding real-world believability. That all starts with the race weekend.

The race weekend will be a spectacle.

It's then that the street racing community gathers, car enthusiasts that like to build and show off their high-performance racers. They do that in a number of ways, and EA has included a few in several events that comprise the race weekend in Pro Street: Drag, Drift, Grip, Circuit and Speed Challenge. The career goal is focused around working your way up the ladder in each event and eventually becoming "king of the street."

Read.

Playstation 3 Advertisement too violent

June 1st, 2007, 17:33 Posted By: JKKDARK

via My Broadband

A recent advertisement depicting a seriously hurt man fighting over a Playstation 3 gaming console was deemed too violent for public consumption.

The Musica Playstation 3 advertisement depicts a man with a black eye, scratches, stitches and stab wounds. The words: “STOCKS ARE LIMITED. THINGS COULD GET UGLY” appear at the top of the advertisement.

Philippa Judith Maartens complained to the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA), saying that the advertisement is irresponsible and offensive as it encourages crime and violence.

New Clicks Holdings Limited, trading as Musica, said that they will not use this advertisement again in future.

This agreement was accepted by the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa, with the agreement that it is withdrawn with immediate effect.

Supercard: firmware 1.80 and software 2.60! Cheat system for nds games!

June 1st, 2007, 18:52 Posted By: jojotjuh

Update(2007.05.02):SOFTWARE: SuperCard V2.60 & Firmware V1.80(2007.06.01) for slot 2 cards

1. Added Real time cheat code system. (Hotkey: L+R+UP+START)
a. Exclusive EC, Dipstar and AR mixed code program tech. Support EC, Dipstar and AR cheat code at the same time.
b. Exclusive cheat code setting tech. can enter the setting menu at any time.
c. Exclusive cheat code running tech. All cheat code on will not slow down the game speed. Other flash card open all the cheat code will slow down game speed.
d. "SELECT" can on/off cheat code. ON:Green color, OFF:Red color.
2. Added Real time game guide. (Hotkey L+R+DOWN+START)
3. Player can press Hotkey to on/off the cheat code in the game. ON:L+R+LEFT+START, OFF:L+R+Right+START
4. Cheat Code Support slow motion function. (Should add *.scc + slowmotion.scc.)

Updates can be found here

New Sony-Ericsson patent may be the real PSP phone!

June 1st, 2007, 20:35 Posted By: -Xandu-

New Sony-Ericsson patent may be the real PSP phone
But will it see the light of day?

by Fraser MacInnes



We have been speculating about the possibility of a PSP phone for a while now, mostly because we desperately want one. But given the announcement of Sony's new deal with BT to turn the original hardware into a telecommunications device, our hopes of ever seeing some sort of PSP branded Sony Ericsson had all but faded.

A recently-unearthed patent however seems to indicate that Sony-Ericsson has at the very least been thinking about releasing a more gaming centric phone.

It's unlikely that this device is directly compatible with PSP software, as even though it has clearly been designed with a focus on making mobile games easier to control, it certainly doesn't have the sort of set-up that would accommodate PSP games. Having said that, the rotating screen does bear a remarkable resemblance to the PSP's, and if the device ever does see the light of day it is conceivable that it will be branded with the PSP logo.

As we pointed out in our in-depth PSP phone article linked to above, Sony has converged its other brands with Sony Ericsson mobile handsets before – most notably with the Walkman branded mobiles, but also with the Cybershot branded camera phones and the Japanese-only Bravia branded mobile TV phone.

We're going out on a limb here, but we're thinking that a PSP branded mobile would likely command a development platform of its own. With Sony announcing just yesterday that it's setting up a first-party development initiative for mobile games, we smell a coincidence. Then again, perhaps that's just because we want it so badly. More on this story as soon as we have it.

trailer of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes

June 1st, 2007, 21:37 Posted By: gunntims0103

Here is a new trailer of the upcoming video game on the PSP, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes. As most of you know this soon to be released game is based on the Naruto series. It has a story mode along with several fighting modes. With quite a few mini games. Those American Naruto dub fans will especially be excited since this is the first Naruto game on PSP actually done in English. This is in fact a English translated version of Japan's Naruto Narultimate Ninja Portable on PSP.

Namco Bandai and CyberConnect2 are the game developers. This game is said to be released some time in August of this year.

Trailer


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Wii Gamers Are Old School

June 1st, 2007, 21:44 Posted By: gunntims0103

news via wral

Nintendo Wii has not only changed the way people play games, thanks to the motion-sensor controller, it's also issued in a new digital delivery system that's taken the world by storm. The Wii Virtual Console now has 100 classic Nintendo, Sega and TurboGrafx 16 games available for people to buy and download.

And people have been doing just that--to the tune of 1,000 downloads per hour. Over 4.7 million classic games have been downloaded worldwide since Nintendo launched Wii. These old school games come from every Nintendo console ever made, as well as Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx16. The top five downloaded games are no surprise--Mario and Zelda. "Super Mario Bros." (NES), "Super Mario 64" (N64), Mario Kart 64 (N64), Super Mario World (SNES) and "The Legend of Zelda" (NES) are the most popular games to date.

On June 4, "Zelda II--The Adventure of Link" will be the 100th title available on Wii. And plenty more are coming. The Wii holds about 64 games and any game purchased is yours forever, which means if you erase it, you can download it again at any time. These classics, which can be played with a new Wii classic controller.

The good news for Nintendo is that 40 percent of Wii owners are already online. I was able to play some new games in Seattle last week that actually offer online gameplay, like "Marios Strikers Charged," which plays great online. It features two-on-two gameplay with no lag time. Another online game coming out on Wii is "Pokemon Battle Revolution," which also should be a hit with the huge Pokemon fan base.

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UK: Wii VC Update 6/1

June 1st, 2007, 21:47 Posted By: gunntims0103

news via gaming.monster

Four new games for the UK, including some Mega Drive classics.

There seems to be no shortage of Wii titles to download, ready to fill up all your channels, and certainly no shortage of demand for them.

This week’s headliner has to be Kid Chameleon and right behind it the classic SEGA beat ‘em up Streets of Rage 2 and ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Planet Funkotron. In a nice move Ninty has packaged all three of these beauts for 800 Wii points. Lastly, World Sports Competition, from the Turbografx collection, should add some sporty fun into your Wiikend.

All four games are available to download, bringing the number of downloadable games on the European Virtual Console to 92.

Virtual Console European Releases, June 1

Turbografx - 500 Wii Points

World Sports Competition (1992)

SEGA Mega Drive - 800 Wii Points

Kid Chameleon (1992)

Streets of Rage (1993)

ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Planet Funkotron (1993)

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Nintendo getting WLAN routers for the Wii?

June 1st, 2007, 21:53 Posted By: gunntims0103

news via gamepro

A report today from DigiTimes indicates that Taiwanese company Gemtek Technology is currently slated to produce a Nintendo-branded WLAN router to be exclusively used with the Wii. The news comes by way of market sources in Taiwan, who claim that the company could ship out as many as 50,000 of these router units per month within the second half of 2007.

The sources also claim that Gemtek is increasing production of the Wii's WLAN modules to reach a quota of two million units for the 2007 calendar year. This would represent a sharp increase from 2006's total of 1.2 million units.

The report did not name these sources, leaving the validity of these claims in question. When asked for a comment from Gemtek, the company declined in the interest of client confidentiality.

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FIFA Wii To Feature Miis?

June 1st, 2007, 21:57 Posted By: gunntims0103

news via totalvideogames

US reports suggest that Electronic Arts could be using the caricatures in the upcoming football title...

Despite being used in the likes of Wii sports and Wii Play, Wii's Mii characters have so far been left on the periphery, forming their own parades between consoles and not doing much else. In a report from US-based Fortune however, it's suggested that Electronic Arts will use the little caricatures in a more active role later in the year.

According to the report, EA is planning to use Miis as players in the upcoming Wii version of FIFA 08. Further information on their appearance, including official confirmation, is yet to be made by Electronic Arts themselves - though representatives for the publisher has confirmed to TVG that further information on the Wii version will be released at a later date.

Supposing that their appearance in FIFA on Wii is accurate, where next for the Miis? How about behind the wheel of a souped up car in the Wii version of Need for Speed ProStreet? Or teaming up to form a Wii adaptation of PS3/Xbox 360 title Army of Two? One thing is for sure, their use by third-party publishers will at least raise the Miis' exposure beyond their current levels.

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DrumMe

June 1st, 2007, 22:04 Posted By: wraggster

News/release from NexFerret of a new Drumkit for the DS:

You need headphones, a rubber stylus or big speakers to appreciate this. Two crash cymbals, two hats, two snares and three kicks are on the touch screen for you to play with. Enjoy. I'll make the GUI pretty tommorrow, with any luck. Spent most of the devtime trying to get my head around some files that didn't update.

Galaxy DS Beta 2

June 1st, 2007, 22:42 Posted By: wraggster

Escamuche has posted a new version of his game for the DS:

A side scroller space shooter with a bit of retro-feeling. Created with the fantastic PAlib and devkitpro as an experiment to learn nds programming. It has evolved a bit since last beta, but still its only the first level. It has some intro scenes to introduce the background story and characters. I tested it on no$gba and hardware (on an M3). For others devices it may require DLDI patching.


What is new since last version:


Sound support, and background Music.

Game is easier now, but don't expect a walk in the park.

Laboratory is ready! recover tech pods during stages and mix them to create new weapons.

Saving to a Fat file (DLDI support). Also a SRAM version.

Final boss (stage 1) came back from its vacations.

New weapons for you to discover, including some support systems. But you'll have to work hard to get them!


What it is missing:


The rest of the levels (3 more planned) and intro scenes

Fixing some bugs. (background corruption, slowdowns)

Rest of the weapons.

better sounds, music and graphics (maybe).

Colored DS Lite chargers

June 1st, 2007, 22:45 Posted By: bandit

Nintendo has released a handful of different DS Lite colors around the world, but all of them ship with the standard black AC adapter. If you want to be chic and carry an ice blue DS Lite with a matching AC adapter ToyTech has a solution for you. They are selling third party “powerful charger” AC adapters in five colors: pink, light blue, white, black and navy blue. Each one costs 2,079 yen ($17) and I guess Nintendo didn’t tip them off about the two new colors because there is no Gloss Silver AC adapter for sale.

DiceSoldiers Beta 0.55

June 1st, 2007, 22:49 Posted By: wraggster

T4ils has released a new version of his DiceSoldiers game for the DS:

Version Beta 0.55:

Additions:
[+] Finely controllé with the stylet
[+] the natural disasters can be decontaminated
Corrections:
[+] Quitter the courrante part by maintaining L+R+Select does not take any more three lead
[+] a natural disaster which killed a player made return the play in an infinite loop

Omok DS v1.1

June 1st, 2007, 22:54 Posted By: wraggster

Beodeulpiri has released 2 quick releases of his game for the DS, heres the info:

It's looks like GO(baduk) game but the game rule is different.
It has a very simple game rule that player will be an winner if he first placed five stones(not 6 ,7 stones) in series.
Unblocked 3X3 attack is not allowed but 3X4 attack is OK.
Because of max. 128 sprite per one screen on Ninendo DS, if player placed over 126 stones, The games will be drawn and restarted.
However the game will be all over but the shouting in 126 stones.
Enjoy your time.

Unofficial MapThis!! (gracefully finished)

June 1st, 2007, 22:58 Posted By: atari800

This is the unofficial Map This!
Deniska, In7ane, MIB.42 (and maybe others) are the REAL brilliant wizards behind this. There is mind-boggling math in this to interpret coordinates, speed of map movements based on zoom factors, how to rotate a map and point up based on direction you are travelling...blah blah blah
There is no way I could ever come close to trying to develope any of that.
I just added some little features - I am not a C programmer - I got TONS of help from google and the code they provided.

But if you see any of them on the boards - tell them how cool of a program this is and thank them for there pain-staking efforts to create such a project.

Unofficial mapThis!!
It was brought to my attention that this UNOFFICIAL release of mapthis may cause difficulties in the development of the OFFICIAL version
If everybody starts releasing code, it will end-up with lots of independent releases and forks.
Deniska and the crew have been working for a while now and have a routine. Someone submits changes of the code to Deniska, with desciptions and marking of what changes have been done. Deniska checks it out and integrates it if possible or whatever he sees fit. It is his project. And a very cool project at that.

Releasing lots of small independent increments will lead to feature losses due to lack of integration.

So I am removing my versions to keep the REAL MAPTHIS from slowing down development-wise.

I was not asked to remove this - I think it is best for the project if I do.

These guys are great. I will make contributions to Mapthis in the proper way.

*maybe you will see some of my features in upcoming versions

Cheers

/|\

Cheesy programming? You bet

June 1st, 2007, 23:26 Posted By: gunntims0103

News via theglobeandmail

Hunk of English cheddar becomes an unlikely Internet star

A large block of English cheese has become an unlikely star of the Internet. As of yesterday, 1.38 million people had visited http://www.cheddarvision.tv to watch a 20-kilogram round of traditional cheddar slowly age online. That's slowly as in very, very slowly. Indeed.

The round of Westcombe cheddar from the West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers co-operative has caught the public attention and attracted viewers from more than 100 countries during the 160 days since it was first put in front of a webcam last December.

Dom Lane, a spokesman for the co-operative, told Double Take that the cheese makers wanted to highlight the difference between a genuine hand-made farm cheddar and a cheese made in a large, commercial creamery. "So we stuck a webcam in front of a cheese." That way, people could watch it age.

Meanwhile, for thrill-seekers who prefer more heart-pounding action in their cheese viewing, there's a link to a time-lapse video on YouTube that shows the cheddar aging three months in a mere minute, from young and smooth to older and mouldy.

Mr. Lane said the co-operative had received lots of e-mails from people asking what the cheese looked like when it was first made. "So we created this time-lapse film and decided that great place to put it was on YouTube."

So far, it has had more than 285,000 viewings there, which is not bad, Mr. Lane said, "considering a late-night political program on BBC-2 television probably wouldn't get that many viewers."

And if you really get caught up in this cheese thing, you can subscribe to the cheese's very own fan club. When asked what benefits club members received, Mr. Lane said: "We didn't know at the beginning and we're not even sure now. But you do get bulletins and we ran a competition recently to name the cheese, so we'll let everybody know what name we choose as the winner. And at the end of the year we're going to run some competitions for people to win a slice of it."

The cheese should be fully mature in December, a year after it was made, and slices will be auctioned off for charity.

After that, is there going to be a sequel? "Well, we could go the route of the Rocky films and make four too many," said Mr. Lane, "but maybe it's best to just finish."

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PS3 sales healthy at HMV

June 1st, 2007, 23:55 Posted By: Triv1um

Via pspsps

HMV has said that the PS3 is meeting sales targets, according to a recent story over at gamesindustry.biz. HMV Head of Games Tim Ellis stated that "Sales remain in line with expectations, occasionally even exceeding them.”

"We're looking forward to further games releases, and when the time's right, a suitable price revision to take the console to its next level of sales.” Apparently all three next-gen consoles have been selling well, with Ellis stating that "From a retail and customer perspective it's great to have three games heavyweights relatively matched and vying for market domination. This creative tension is leading to fantastic innovative technology and brilliant games."

Even if sales of the PS3 are going OK in the UK, they've been less than stellar elsewhere. The PS3’s high price point is definitely off-putting to some. Sony may be planning to support the PS3 for a while, but high sales of the console now will help the PS3 to secure some more of those elusive exclusives.

HBASP: Homebrewers Against Software Piracy

June 1st, 2007, 23:56 Posted By: TeenDev

Nintendo’s image of Homebrewers is this: Software Pirates. Even when a lot of us are not pirates. We need to let them rethink their image of us. We need to put an end to software piracy! Sure, most flashcarts are made to play romz and if you took those devices away we would have really only three ways to play homebrew. We need to ask the companies to stop supporting piracy. So far the only one close to stopping support piracy is SuperCard as they ask to ‘Only play Freeware & Personal Backups’. That is not enough though. Nintendo will just keep building up security to prevent roms from being played. This will also prevent good wholesome Homebrew. Homebrewers should not be punished for criminal’s mistakes. Just like people are not

punished if someone around them commits a crime. Something must be done about this or homebrew could end up being a thing of the past.

Sign this: http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/hbaspantipirate

Please support this and post this photo on your site:

European commission investigates XBOX 360 failures

June 2nd, 2007, 00:02 Posted By: Triv1um

Via Game Blorge