EL33TONLINE Previews

Preview: Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise (DS)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise is based on Rare’s original Xbox 360 game and places Nintendo DS gamers in charge of a neglected garden on Piñata Island. Gamers are charged with creating a paradise by cleaning and growing the garden while attracting Piñatas to breed and care for.

Pocket Paradise features seven new Piñata species, exclusive to this game. Each of these Piñata has new requirements, houses and unique cut scenes. Players will interact with the Piñata and garden by using the stylus on the DS touch screen and will even be able to acquire and trade rare Piñatas as well as transfer garden items by using the Nintendo DS local wireless connection.

Stars of the Fox4Kids Viva Piñata TV series including Hudson Horstashio, Fergy Fudgehog and Paulie Pretztail will be on hand to help you in twelve full motion tutorial video clips and the new Playground mode enables players to create a garden in a short space of time.

Head over to THQ’s website for two videos showing the first game play footage of the game as well as the first screenshots.

You can also take a look at the latest concept art below which gives you a sneak peak of which Piñatas will be appearing in your garden in Pocket Paradise. For more information on the game, check out the game’s official website.

Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise is scheduled to arrive on the Nintendo DS this September.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Resident Evil 5 (Xbox360)

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Resident Evil 5 is the next installment in Capcom’s popular survival horror series. Details have been scarce to date with a video interview with Jun Takeuchi, the producer of the game, providing the only clues so far.

Let’s recap on what we know then. Resident Evil 5 is set in Africa because Takeuchi “wanted to show the origins of the virus” and decided to use “the place were humankind was born.” Chris Redfield is back and heading to dusty Africa where a bioterrorism threat is transforming the people and animals into “mindless, maddened creatures.” The game will take the players outside as much as possible into a range of different situations and introduces variations including weather, passage of time and the use of light.

If you are anything like my friends you will insist on playing any Resident Evil game in the dark with the surround sound turned up real loud and you will be happy to know that the primary objective that the development team had was to escalate the player’s fear of the darkness.

Takeuchi gave us some insight into the creation of this fear. “The fact that you can’t see into the shadow is nothing major for a Biohazard title, but for any other game it would make creating the game itself very difficult; you can’t see your enemies, you can’t see any items, you can’t see your surroundings.”

“But for a Biohazard game that is a quintessential part of the game itself. By focusing on that element we’re able to escalate the player’s fear of the darkness.” To do so if a player is in a brightly lit area and then enters a dark area, it will take a little while to adjust to the dark and vice versa, just as a real human eye would. “It’s those few seconds where you can’t see that really fans the fires of panic.”

The game system will be similar to Resident Evil 4 but will also incorporate a system that is unique to Resident Evil 5. There will be more weapons, rejoice! “Biohazard was originally based somewhat on the idea of fighting enemies with a limited amount of weaponry. But when the number of enemies gets this large, things would be a bit tough with just the handguns and shotguns that we’ve used up until now, so we have greatly increased the number of weapon variations.”

Gamers will get a chance to learn more about Chris Redfield and what has happened in the ten years since STARS disbanded. “Everything he’d experienced in the past ten years we wanted to be able to allow the player to experience as well, so we’re preparing a few ways to encourage the player to do just that,” commented Takeuchi.

Resident 5 will also include hand to hand combat. The action button which was used in Resident Evil 4 will return but will be expanded on and will include increased variations.

Takeuchi’s final words were “For those who have been waiting a long time for Biohazard 5: with this game we’ve at last been able to use the power of the next-gen consoles, and everyone on the project agrees that it is shaping up to be something incredible. From the graphics, to the game play, to the storyline we think we have reached the pinnacle of Biohazard games with this title.”

Recently Capcom held their Captivate 08 event in Las Vegas where they revealed the latest Resident Evil 5 trailer. To say it is chilling could possibly qualify as the understatement of the year.

The trailer shows the African village where the game is set. A single African man with a loudhailer tells the crowds “Africa is our land. The land will guide us to paradise.” Chris comments that there is “no reason” and “no humanity,” that he is met with “vacant stares” and that “all [he] sees is death.” The trailer shows how players will fear both the darkness and the light in the game as discussed above.

You will get a glimpse of quite a few enemies that you will have to face in the game. Apart from the zombies with tentacles that erupt from their mouths and then retract and crazy mad dogs, you will also meet a hooded executioner armed with a chainsaw. Chris makes use of a shotgun, a pistol as well as a machinegun. You will also notice him shooting at a barrel on a distant bridge to defeat enemies.

Finally you are introduced to a new girl, complete with an African necklace dangling around her neck. After she welcomes you to Africa, she points out to Chris that “I may not be as big as you but I can still hold my own.” And we do not doubt that, not for a second. Apparently neither does Chris who simply comments “No worries, my last partner was a woman too.”

But we are worried Chris, we are. What is that parasite at the end of the trailer and why is it so important?

Resident Evil 5 is due to be released on the PS3 and Xbox 360 at the end of March 2009.

More details of Resident Evil 5 are promised at the E3 Media & Business Summit being held this July. Until then, head over to the game’s website for more screenshots and information to sate your appetite. And whatever you do, don't miss the trailer below.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Custom Robo Arena (DS)

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:03:29 +0000

Custom Robo: The sport of tomorrow

The not-too-distant future sees mankind relying on tiny, telepathically controlled robots to perform dangerous tasks including deep sea research, disaster relief and interplanetary exploration. These customizable Robos also form the favourite sport of tomorrow. Competitors battle robot warriors which they have customized in holographic battle arenas called ‘holosseums.’ Victory is determined by fighting skill and how well Robo Commanders design their robot gladiators. Players will soon learn that they need both brawn and brains to survive these battles.

Players will explore a science fiction landscape as they fight towards the Custom Robo championship. Players have complete control over how they fight their battles with endless possibilities of Custom Robo combinations. Using the touch screen, players can customize their Robo and polish it back up after battles.

Robo battle champion Saki is a young girl who won the championship partnered with her brother. Saki is looking for a new Robo Commander and sees potential in the young boy who has just transferred to her school. What he does not know is that she is hiding a secret which will change his world forever.

Design your own customized robot warrior

Players will spend the bulk of the game in the holosseums, pitting their Custom Robos against one another in fast paced, melee styled combat. Players can customize their Robos with different parts including arm-mounted guns and bomb launchers. Players can also add specialized pod weapons which each have their own unique behaviour, some might pursue opponents while others wait for enemies to draw nearer. Create combinations of attack, speed and defense to suit your gaming style and customize your robots by swapping weapons, legs and body framers.

When players are outside the battle arenas, Custom Robo Arena plays like a normal RPG. Players will walk through the futuristic city, interacting with characters as they attempt to win the Custom Robo championship. Two players can play against each other in multiplayer mode. Players will battle it out in the holosseum using either Mutli-Card Play or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and DS Download Play if only one player has a game card.

Custom Robos are made up of distinct parts, each providing unique abilities: a body, legs, a gun, a pod pack and a bomb launcher. Guns have different ranges, bombs different blast radiouses and, as previously mentioned, pods different behaviours. Players can attach any part to any Custom Robo body. Players will construct the robot which they think best suited to battle before entering the holosseum. Battles will test the player’s ability to design a superior Custom Robo as well as the player’s skill.

Custom Robo Arena, the action RPG for the DS, was released in the US on the 19th of March. You can check out the Custom Robo Arena website here.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: God of War II (PS2)

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:44:02 +0000

“To conquer his demons, To avenge his death, To change his fate”

SCEA introduced God of War in 2005 which sold over 1.67 million copies in the US alone. God of War II was officially launched in the US on the 13th of March, and apparently 1 million units of the PS2 game were shipped to stores ahead of the launch in anticipation of demand.

Retake the role of Kratos and embark on an odyssey

Players were introduced to Kratos, a mortal warrior, in God of War as he set upon a quest to dethrone a god. The journey did not end there. Kratos, the ex-Spartan warrior turned God of War, returns in God of War II, exclusively for the PS2. Kratos sits on his Olympus throne as the new God of War. More ruthless than Ares, Kratos strikes down anyone who crosses his path or the path of his beloved Sparta. Kratos must journey to the ends of the earth and face untold terror, beasts and horrors from his previous life to end his continued torment. Kratos sets out to change his fate, something which no mortal or god has ever changed. Yet this is Kratos, filled with so much defiance and arrogance that the Ancient World still trembles at his name, Kratos: God of War.

Players will embark on a new adventure as they retake the role of Kratos, armed with new moves and magic, and attempt to change the fate of both mortals and gods. Players can look forward to detailed environments, story driven puzzles, mini-games and epic boss battles as they progress on Kratos’ quest for revenge.

Mythological war to end all wars

God of War II features a vast collection of combat moves and players can use combo attacks from God of War along with new moves and magic. Magic is based on nature’s elements and players can utilize the power of wind, ice and more. Prepare to meet new characters from Cyclops and Cerebus to the Flying Gryphon along with great Greek mythological beasts as well as enemies and bosses. The game features puzzle solving and requires players to solve challenging puzzles which become progressively complicated and are woven into the story laced with brutal elements. Players will continue to explore the dark world of Greek mythology, building on their previous experience. Prepare to explore treacherous terrain ranging from the Sisters of Fate to the Dark Swap.

For more screenshots and videos you can check out the official God of War II website.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Tamagotchi Party On! (Wii)

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:03:00 +0000

Based on the popular Tamagotchi franchise, Tamagotchi: Party On! is a 3D party game which challenges you to become the most popular Tamagotchi on Tamagotchi Planet. You and up to three of your friends can join the campaign run to become the next president of Tamagotchi Planet.

Players will choose their favourite Tamagotchi and use the Wii Remote to swing, point, twist and turn as they turn the whole Planet into their playing board. Explore unique towns and fun locations within the Tamagotchi world and advance through the playing board as you meet exciting characters and experience fun events.

“Be happy! Be popular! Be president!”

Players can compete with up to three of their friends to become the president of Tamagotchi Planet. Up to four players can play with just one Wii Remote. Players can look forward to participating in more than 15 mini-games that will test their interactive skills. Players will earn popularity points and badges as rewards as well as Gotchi to level up their character and customize and decorate their campaign headquarters. As players upgrade their headquarter they should prepare to give their own Tamagotchi a new look!

Wacky but fun

“Tamagotchi Party On! is a seamless blend of both party game and board game as players swing, shake, and turn their Wii controllers in order to control their favorite Tamagotchi,” said Naruo Uchida, Namco Bandai Games America Inc.’s Vice President of Localization. “It’s the wackiest and cutest popularity contest ever as up-to-four players compete in fun mini-games to become the president of Tamagotchi planet.”

Mini-games to win popularity

Players need only swing the Wii Remote to turn the planet into their playing board. Players can choose their favourite virtual pet before they engage in a campaign to become the president of Tamagotchi planet. Players can earn popularity by going up against three friends, alternatively by playing alone in more than 15 mini-games, including shaking hands, finding lost children and putting their public speaking skills to the test. Players must swing, shake, turn, twist and point their Wii controllers if they are to succeed at the mini-games, thereby increasing their popularity.

Players can also use their earned Gotchi points to level up their characters and customise their campaign headquarters. Players can win over six different towns as well as popularity points in the mini-games to have fun in this politically charged but fun game.

Published by Namco Bandai Games and developed by h.a.n.d. Inc, Tamagotchi: Party On! is an easy to pick and play game because of the 3D board game style. It is due to be released on the Wii in quarter 2 this year.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Home (PS3)

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:00:00 +0000

Sony Entertainment announced, much to the delight of all current and future PS3 owners, that a whole new facet to the PS3 was about to be revealed. Yes, that new facet was the announcement of Home, a massive online virtual world populated by hundreds of PS3 users from around the world to make a completely interactive and living community. Home will enable users to create their very own avatar that will represent them in the online space, an environment so highly detailed that it feels like you are playing in a full scale game.

President Phil Harrison had this to say about the game when it was announced on the 7th March, “With an avatar uniquely customized according to each user’s preference, users can explore the 3D community that is Home – a sleek, modern environment featuring spacious common areas; custom spaces dedicated to specific games; and personal apartments. Each user is assigned an apartment in Home where they can invite others to join them as they show off their own style in an area they can personalize themselves with furniture, art and other items – even a different view from their windows. They can also show their personal video, pictures and other digital media content found on their PS3 hard drives in their apartments. Very rich interactive communication with others is achieved through built in text, audio and video chat, along with sophisticated emotional animations for each character.”

Apart from the features he mentioned, Home will also have a “Hall of Fame” for each user. The Hall of Fame will be an online trophy cabinet displaying all your achievements from games you have played on your system, these can include high detailed 3D trophies, video clips of exciting stunts or just general stats about your game play.

The world will also have entertainment areas where you could go to enjoy a game of bowling or arcade games, whilst the local cinema will be displaying video clips of upcoming game trailers.

Home is set to become very popular amongst the PS3 community, inviting your friends over to your virtual apartment could replace inviting them around to your actual real space apartment. You can chat to them using either a USB keyboard or an onscreen keyboard, or chat directly with VOIP using a Bluetooth headset. The possibilities are endless, and they have only just begun.

Contributor: Justin

Preview: SimCity DS (DS)

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:47:24 +0000

EA recently announced SimCity DS, developed especially for the DS platform. Players will be able to create and grow their own city on the go as well as discover a new way to play this celebrated franchise by making use of the unique features of the DS. SimCity DS will debut worldwide this summer.

SimCity remains true to the series with players being able to create and control their city. The game maximizes the stylus and built-in microphone controls of the DS and players will feel personally involved in their city like never before, putting out city fires by blowing into the microphone or signing mayoral proclamations with the stylus. Additional interactivity is provided with the wireless data exchange feature which enables players to communicate with each other. Keep a look out for recognizable international landmarks which feature in the game.

“We are very excited to bring the SimCity experience to the Nintendo DS platform,” said Takahiro Murakami, Producer of SimCity DS. “The unique Nintendo DS functionalities inspired us to incorporate many new features to delight the most dedicated SimCity fans. The game is filled with fun surprises that will appeal to new and existing fans of the franchise.”

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: MySims (Wii)

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:05:48 +0000

To the delight of most and detriment to some, you might find this news pretty darn exciting! It seems that EA have finally woken up to the potential of the biggest selling handheld console this side of Simsville, the Nintendo DS as well as the new Nintendo Wii!

MySims is almost “Animal Crossing” like in that it sees you coming to a new town, that hasn’t been doing too well recently, and follows your adventures as you help build this town into a little haven of joy and happiness. To do this you will need to use your creativity, imagination and designer skills to beautify the city so that it attracts special occupants such as a florist, DJ or even an Italian chef!

Not only will you be able to create your own character, by changing and chopping everything from the little guy’s hairdo to their shoe lace colour, but you will also be in charge of designing houses, office buildings and even interior decorating shops and restaurants! Already this game is starting to sound good just because of the fact that it has moved away from the tired conventional Sims game play.

You will also be able to make friends and enemies in the town. Of course because you run the place you will be able to banish anyone that you don’t get along with.

It has not been announced yet whether or not this game will make use of Nintendo WiFi. My guess is that it will and they are just keeping it behind closed doors for now to build up the hype. I foresee being able to visit your friend’s towns through the Nintendo WiFi and even being able to trade buildings, shirt designs or even residents. Also because of the nature of the DS and Wii I’m pretty sure that DS users will be able to visit towns that have been created by Wii owners and visa versa.

All in all it looks exciting, and it’s about time Animal Crossing got some good competition. Even though it’s EA, this is one game I’m looking forward to. It’s said to be coming out 3rd quarter 2007.

Contributor: Justin

Preview: Pokémon Ranger (DS)

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:00:00 +0000

Pokémon Ranger is launching across Europe on the 30th of March exclusively for the Nintendo DS. For the first time ever, fans will get the chance to be a Ranger, part of an elite task force who protect Pokémon.

Capture Pokémon and rescue the planet

Players will be invited to Fall City to learn from one of the top Ranger leaders, Spenser, as they train to become a licensed Pokémon Ranger. Players will have to learn how to use the powers of captured wild Pokémon to solve problems, help people and protect nature from adverse effects.

Players begin the adventure by selecting either male Lunick or female Solana as their character. Thereafter they will be transported to the Rangers Base where they will complete a series of missions which increase in importance as players gain experience. The Ranger will be pitted against the Go-Rock Squad and attempt to recover Professor Hastings’s Super Styler, a new version of the Capture Styler used to hold wild Pokémon, which has been stolen.

A friend to help you on your journey

Never fear – Rangers will be accompanied by a single partner Pokémon on their journey. This Pokémon will remain with the Ranger at all times and will provide valuable assistance in forming relationships between the Ranger and the captured wild Pokémon before they can harness their powers to assist them in the challenges that lie ahead of them.

This is the first time in a Pokémon game that players can control the Pokémon Ranger using the Nintendo DS touch screen. Draw circles with the stylus round the target to capture a wild Pokémon, but be careful that the size and the power of the Pokémon will determine the challenge of this capture. Once the wild Pokémon is captured, the Ranger’s partner Pokémon will facilitate the use of the wild Pokémon’s powers to solve puzzles and clear obstacles.

Discovering the Pokémon’s powers

Players should be aware that a wild Pokémon’s powers are not available forever. Once the power has been used, the Pokémon will be released back into the wild, so players need to ensure they choose to use the power at the correct moment. Captured Pokémon can help players by providing either a Poké Assist or a Field Move. The former allows a player to use an already captured Pokémon to capture another while the latter uses a Pokémon to clear an obstacle in the Ranger’s path.

The Ranger’s Capture Styler will become more powerful as the game progresses. This Capture Styler is used to hold wild Pokémon and provides more energy (meter) which allows more Pokémon to be held with them at one time. Wild Pokémon provide different powers depending on which group they belong to. Players will come across Grass, Fire, Electric and many more. Prepare to be challenged as the game progresses and it becomes increasingly difficult to capture the correct Pokémon while strategy becomes important with possibilities of group match-up advantages and disadvantages influencing their assistance to the player.

Apart from the main mission, Pokémon Ranger also features sub-quests which allow players to meet and capture legendary Pokémon such as Kyogre, Groudon and Rayquaza.

With over 200 Pokémon waiting to be caught, this is no easy mission for a Ranger. Do you have what it takes to catch them all and earn the Certificate of Completion? Find out when Pokémon Ranger is released across Europe on the 30th of March exclusively on the Nintendo DS for an estimated retail price of 40 Euros or £30.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Fight Night Round 3 (PS3)

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:00:00 +0000

EA Sports presents Fight Night Round 3, the most intense boxing videogame experience in the virtual ring. Already available for the Xbox 360, the PS3 version is slated to be launched in Europe this winter with new exclusive features.

The king of the virtual ring is back!

The PS3 version of Fight Night Round 3 features enhanced graphics and performance as well as a new first person mode called Get in the Ring. This mode places players in the first person perspective so expect to feel and experience the punches. The PS3 version will be available in Europe at the launch of the PS3 on the 23rd of March. The PS3 version of Fight Night Round 3 continues to innovate on the franchise with exclusive content including a comprehensive ESPN Intergration package and film quality graphics. The ESPN Intergration allows players to get the latest scores and news with ESPN Motion’s streaming video content, live ticker updates, ESPN Radio and ESPNews.

Knocking out the competition

Players can experience the fight through the eyes of the boxer in the PS3 exclusive game mode Get in the Ring. This experience is guaranteed to be the closest a gamer will ever come to getting in the ring and fighting all time boxing greats including Oscar De La Hoya and Muhammad Ali. With visual and audio effects like ear ringing, restricted vision, flashes of bright light, colour shifts and blur effects which simulate the sense and feeling of getting punched, this is bound to be the first time gamers will truly experience the boxing sensation. Players will have to rely on their instincts in this mode as they fight through the eyes of the boxer from the moment he enters the ring.

No doubt about it, this game packs a punch!

Clench down on your mouth guard and prepare to feel the impact of a punch, and witness the boxer’s face rippling from a super punch knockout. With devastating impact punches, players will soon learn that one punch can truly change a fight. Stay in the fight by triggering a Flash KO moment, Stun Punch or EA Sports Haymaker. The game features boxers that are more lifelike and details such as the boxer’s sweat and skin and the appearance of their muscles and veins ensure that players will experience realistic game play like never before.

Players can go head-to-head against friends in the PS3 exclusive split-screen battles in multiplayer mode. They can also engage in online game play with PS3 online.

Players can also witness boxing’s greatest rivalries as they watch recreations of ESPN classic footage of bouts or recreate the greatest fights from the past and present. Look out for Arturo Gatti vs Mickey Ward, Marco Antonio Barrera vs Eric Morales, and Ali vs Frasier.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 06:00:00 +0000

Castlevania appearing on PSP for first time

Konami recently announced that it will be bringing the popular Castlevania to the PSP in quarter 4. The vampire classic rises again in Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles. This is the first time that the Castlevania series has been released for the Sony handheld. An update of the classic PC Engine title, Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, it is also the first time that the PC Engine game has been released in Europe. The conversion has been updated, making use of the PSP’s capabilities and features new game play and 3D graphics. If you are a fan of the original game, you can look forward to unlocking a pixel-perfect version of the PC Engine game and of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night by achieving certain goals.

A little about the story…

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is set in 1792 and follows Richter Belmont as he battles to return Dracula to the void from which he came. When Richter’s beloved, Annette, is kidnapped by his vampiric nemesis, he and his loyal friend, Maria, must wield the legendary Vampire Hunter whip, fight through the countryside, enter Dracula’s Castle and ultimately stop him from destroying humanity.

Game play and new features

The PC Engine classic is brought to life by the first PSP Castlevania title. Featuring all new 3D graphics, but retaining the original side-scrolling game play, players will battle through more than 10 stages. Players can play as either Richter or Maria, each having their own unique skills and abilities. Players can also return to completed stages and compete for high scores and rare items.

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles also features new character designs by renowned Castlevania artist, Ayumi Kojima. It also introduces a new sound collection feature, allowing players to unlock music to listen to and assign as they wish to produce their bespoke soundtracks.

Bringing this Castlevania saga to life

“Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is one of the greatest games never to see a proper release in Europe – until now,” commented Christopher Heck, European Brand Manager, Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles will let players experience this incredible game for the first time on the PSP, while updating its timeless game play with new 3D graphics that bring this integral part of the ongoing Castlevania saga to life.”

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is set to be released on the PSP in quarter 4.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Dewy's Adventure (Wii)

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:41:00 +0000

Konami has announced a new title for the Wii. Provisionally entitled Dewy’s Adventure, the game has been designed by the same producer as Eledees, and is set to be released in 2007.

Dewy’s Adventure is about a heroic water droplet whose home is threatened by a mysterious dark force. It promises to immerse players in a fully interactive 3D world as they use the Wii Remote to control the elements and to tilt the ground of the game world to help Dewy.

Immersing players in a new world

Picture the scene. The world is comprised of pure water and green forests and, carefully watched over by the Elder Tree, has enjoyed peace and prosperity for centuries. Enter evil Don Hedron who has seized control of the Elder Tree, transforming the world and smothering it by Black Water. The Elder Tree uses the last of its power to create one small droplet of water, Dewy, to who it grants the power of the elements. Can Dewy eradicate the Black Water and restore peace to this world?

Unique use of the Wii Remote

Players will take control of the game world and elements in Dewy’s Adventures. Using the Wii Remote they must control Dewy and overcome the Black Water. Move and create inclines on the ground by tilting the Wii Remote, moving Dewy and rotating the environment to solve puzzles. Players will normally see Dewy as a small ball of water, however, Dewy can alter temperatures of its immediate surroundings to transform into ice and steam. Players can use these transformations to freeze or heat different parts of the world and ultimately solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

Shake it, wave it or summon it

The droplets three forms and landscape titling abilities will be used to unfold the story. Motion-specific gestures via the Wii Remote will effect its forms, for example shake it to cause an earthquake, wave it to build a windstorm or become a rain cloud to summon lightning bolts. Dewy’s Adventures will feature the story mode as well as an edit mode where users can create play areas for friends to enjoy and swap.

Dewy’s Adventure is set to be released on the Wii in 2007.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Kororinpa: Marble Mania (Wii)

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:18:05 +0000

The ultimate Wii puzzle game, Kororinpa: Marble Mania, is launching in the US in March 2007. This game, simply titled Kororinpa in Europe, is set to be released on the 23rd of February in Europe. The only other difference between the two, other than the name, is that Nintendo of Europe will distribute the game in Europe while Konami will distribute it in the US. Published and developed by Hudson, this title is available exclusively on the Wii.

Brief summary of the game

Marble Mania is a fun and addictive puzzle game in which players roll a ball around a maze towards a goal by titling and rotating the Wii Remote. The intuitive control system ensures that gamers of all ages and skill levels will be able to just pick-up-and-play this game and have fun doing it!

The game’s main features are the simple and intuitive control system; 20 kinds of marble variations with different control, playability, look and feel; full 3D control allowing players to tip the world around, on its side and even upside down; over 40 stages, each diverse and packed full of tricks, traps and secrets; and 2 player race mode in which players can compete against a friend.

Maze Madness

In this game players must make use of the Wii’s motion sensitive Wii Remote and navigate their balls through complex 3D mazes. The balls each have their own look, and players must use them wisely to take advantage of their varying benefits. No complicated button combinations are necessary, but be warned that although this is a pick up and play game and is intuitive, precision is key and it remains challenging. Players will need to tip and tilt their environment in all directions if they are to emerge victorious. Players may even go so far as to tilt upside down to 180 degrees.

Tilting and turning

If players are to keep their favourite ball on the right track, they will need a steady hand and a keen eye. As players tilt the maze, the ball will move as it would in real life, that is, as if the ball were being pulled by gravity. Should a player’s ball roll off the edge of the maze, they will have to begin at the start again. Also bear in mind that as players progress along the course they must collect the Red Crystals. These will unlock the goal, which will also unlock the next maze.

Fancy a bit of competition?

Should players choose, they can go head to head against a friend, one using the Wii Remote and one using the Nunchuck controller. The screen can either be split horizontally or vertically in this mode. In multiplayer mode the first player to reach the maze’s end, having collected all of their Red Crystals, will win.

Unlockables

Players can unlock over 50 quirky mazes in Kororinpa. With five different environments to experience, players are sure to always stumble across new challenges around every corner. Players will experience unique music, obstacles and visual styles in each environment. Keep an eye out for Green Crystals throughout the game, as these unlock secret environments and more stages.

The balls have varying levels of response, speed, slide and bounce, so players must select them carefully. As players complete more levels, more ball types will become available, including balls such as a ladybug, cat, penguin, watermelon and pig, each with their own characteristics and varying levels of control of course.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Devil May Cry 4 (PS3)

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:00:00 +0000

A New Hero Awakens

“Long ago the Dark Knight Sparda awoke to justice and rebelled against the dark emperor, to wage a one-man war to save humanity. Thousands of years later, a religious organization worships this renowned saviour and has taken it upon themselves to rid the world of all demons. Residing in Fortuna, a castle city on the coast, this ‘Order of the Sword’ has an elite group of ‘Holy Knights’ dedicated to carrying out this very creed. Rising among the ranks, a young cynical warrior named Nero witnesses Sparda’s legendary son Dante slaughter countless ‘knights.’ Has the renowned devil hunter turned his back on mankind? What does this encounter mean for these two individuals and why has destiny brought them together?”

All new fighting system

Devil May Cry 4 continues with the fast paced action that we all loved in the previous installments, but this time players will take control of Nero, the newly trained, ready to whip ass, warrior. The game features an all new fighting system that is said to improve on the already awesome combo making, power striking system used in 1, 2 and 3.

You have never seen Devil May Cry like this before, the PS3 game promises to bring you amazing visual effects, intricate and immense levels and a décor of realism all in high definition that only a system as powerful as Sony’s new brick house console can produce. All these combined with an intriguing and complex storyline is what will give this game the cool, slick and stylish attitude that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver.

Contributor: Justin

Preview: Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (DS)

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Explore the mystery in Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 will be available exclusively on the Nintendo DS, having just been released in the US, Europe and Japan on the 22nd, 24th and 25th of January, respectively. Hotel Dusk has been described as a ‘thinking person’s DS title,’ it will appeal to gamers interested in unique game play and will captivate anyone who loves a good mystery.

Mysterious Room 215

This graphic adventure takes place in one night, the 28th of December 1979 in LA. Kyle Hyde is a disgraced New York ex-cop who has become a salesman and is trying to track down his missing friend. Players will assume the role of Hyde as he books into a seedy hotel and finds himself involved in a 30 year old mystery involving lies, betrayal, kidnapping and murder. Players will follow clues to this old hotel and discover something special about Room 215, a room rumoured to grant wishes. After checking in players should get ready for a surprised filled night, as they meet unusual characters and attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding Hotel Dusk: Room 215.

Femme fatales and shady bellboys

Players will hold their DS sideways like a book, which allows characters on the screens to face left or right for realistic conversations. The touch screen controls will ensure that newcomers can just pick up and play. Simply point and click the touch screen, any player of any skill can play this game. This is ultimately another title which Nintendo is using to appeal to new audiences through the use of creative new interfaces.

The display is of stylized sketch animation which evokes a ‘comic-book-like film noir.’ Use the touch screen to interrogate over a dozen characters and search for clues as Hyde tries to piece together the story and ultimately solve the mysterious puzzles. Expect to see distinctive hand-drawn character portraits and their animations in black and white, and expect to use the DS to solve riddles in Hotel Dusk: Room 215 in the tradition of ‘Trace Memory.’

Gritty crime novel

Prepare to follow a twisting and turning plot as Hyde searches for his friend and explores the mystifying Hotel Dusk. Where the story goes next depends on players as they weigh their options and use the stylus to tap their decision on the touch screen. Players must choose before they begin a conversation – will they play it cool or will they threaten the subject? The branching storylines give players options of how to speak to characters, will you charm the hotel maid, strong-arm the hallway girl or listen patiently to the manager’s ramblings? Choose wisely because if you get thrown out of the hotel, you may never discover the mystery of what happened on that fateful Christmas Eve long ago.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 will appeal to mystery lovers and gamers alike, with its deep characters, grown-up themes and engrossing plot it resembles a gritty crime novel more than it does a video game.

New genre: the ‘video game book’

“Hotel Dusk: Room 215 could be considered a new genre for both video games and storytelling,” explains George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Just as audio books brought the printed word to a new medium, so does this new ‘video game book.'’”

You may be asking yourself just who is this Kyle Hyde and why is he haunted by his past and what exactly happened in Room 215? You will have to check into Hotel Dusk and play the game to find the answers to these questions as you unravel the mysteries behind Hotel Dusk: Room 215.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Excite Truck (Wii)

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0000

Excite Truck follows in the footsteps of the grand racing tradition of Excitebike. It is an arcade racer and you can expect to go fast, very fast in this game. Players should prepare themselves for a big-air experience as they rocket their trucks across terrain which changes dynamically. This off-road racing game promises to deliver break-neck speeds, treacherous roads and death-defying jumps. Excite Truck is set to roar onto European Wiis on the 16th of February.

Pick up and play

Nintendo’s first racing title for the Wii, Excite Truck is ready to set the standard for motion-sensitive racing. You don’t have to worry about complicated controls as Excite Truck’s ground-breaking control mechanism means anyone can pick it up and play. It makes use of the Wii Remote’s versatility, allowing players to tilt the controller on its side as it becomes a wireless steering wheel!

Learning to control your truck

Basically players hold the Wii Remote as they would a NES controller to control the truck. You hold the Wii Remote in a horizontal fashion, like the centre bar of a steering wheel. To steer players must tilt the Wii Remote right and left like a steering wheel, tilt your right hand up to turn left and your left hand up to go right. The basic controls are this: button 2 to accelerate; button 1 to brake; and the + control pad to turbo. While in the air the truck will lean toward the ground if you tilt the Wii Remote away from you, tilt it up and the truck’s front will point up, enabling you to catch air. Should a player catch enough air, they can try a 720 or a 1080, earning stars for the midair spins that they manage to achieve. Thus players will need to master the tilt of the Wii Remote if they are to control their truck’s descent. When the truck is airborne players can achieve landing speed boosts by tilting the Wii Remote every which way to line up the wheels, but be prepared to practice because this is no walk in the park. If they should land with all four tires touching the ground, the player will receive a massive speed boost.

Getting started

The object of Excite Truck is not to stay on the dirt path that is the race track, it is to go off-road and defy gravity in the air. The game is based on a star system and, quite simply, the more stars you acquire through performing crazy stunts and dangerous drifts the better you will rank. The more dangerous the stunt, the more stars the players will earn. Race ratings are determined by the total number of stars which the player has earned. Players will need to learn how to handle the truck off-road and still cross the finish line first if they are to succeed in this adrenaline pumping game.

The main goal in Excite Truck is to jump and bump, getting the highest score and the best finish. As players earn stars their status will grow, unlocking new courses. When players start the game they will have to pass tutorial challenges which basically teach them how to drive and race a truck. Once these challenges have been completed, they can race against opponent trucks in various races in Excite Mode.

Getting down to the nitty gritty

Excite Truck features a dynamic terrain power-up so players can expect to navigate their way through dynamic terrains. If you should ride over the exclamation point icons on the course, prepare for the terrain to morph in real time, resulting in small bumps transforming into launch pads which will affect both the players and their rivals’ routes. Players can also earn stars if they time the dynamic terrain activation right and send opponent racers for an unforeseen flight. Look out for POW power-ups too, which give players clutch invincibility. Players seek high scores through jumps and ultimately the highest finish.

Your success on the track will depend on how well you can dodge obstacles at high speeds and how well you can execute air jumps, and of course land safely thereafter. Each truck in Excite Truck has a turbo charger which gives the truck a huge speed boost, but this is only temporary and if players should use this power too much the engine will overheat, causing the truck to stall until it has cooled down. Players also need to be wary of the obstacles on the race track. Should they smash into a tree, sink into water or hit a mountain they will need to use button 2 to right the truck and get back into the race.

Unlockables

Players will quickly learn that crossing the finish line first in Race Mode is not the only way to win the race and earn points. Players can also gain points by drifting, jumping, smashing into opponents cars and off-roading through trees. As players clear one stage, another will be unlocked. There are a variety of tracks that players can unlock, including tracks negotiating snowy mountains, sandy beaches and plush jungles.

As players progress through the game they will unlock new trucks and buggies and, with over 20 different ones to be earned, you really will be spoilt for choice. You will also be given artistic license to customise your trucks by painting them different colours. Players can also look forward to unlocking special paint jobs for their trucks by completing different achievements with one truck. Unlock all the paint jobs for all the trucks and you will unlock a special monster truck to enjoy on the track!

Expect Excite Truck to challenge you because no two races are exactly the same, so basically it will be difficult to become a master of the game. As mentioned earlier, gamers will come across items while racing, items which will change the course in real-time, so expect mountains to appear and land to dissolve into sea. If players want to become great racers they must learn to respond to the dynamic changes without losing speed.

Pulse pounding experience

Players can work on their driving techniques in Challenge Mode. Here players will take part in various challenges including jumping through rings and crashing into other trucks, all of which have been designed to polish a player’s Excite Truck driving skills. Excite Truck is the first Wii game to allow users to customise in-game sound by making use of the Wii’s SD card slot. This feature enables players to select their favourite MP3s from a selection on the SD Card and replace the game’s music with these tracks.

Multiplayer Versus Mode allows two players to challenge each other. This one-on-one race can be on any of the unlocked tracks and a player can select a vehicle which he or she has earned during the single player game.

All in all, Excite Truck is a “nitrous-injected, high-flying racer for speed junkies.” So, what are you waiting for? Start your engines ladies and gentlemen!!

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Elebits (Wii)

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:11:00 +0000

00Elebits

Konami brings you a revolutionary game of hide and seek with their first game for the Wii, Elebits. So, you want to know what you will be searching for? Well, Elebits of course! If you don’t know what Elebits are yet, let me take a few minutes to describe these mischievous little creatures.

What exactly are Elebits? And how exactly are they going to save the world?

Elebits, although very small, are actually quite important creatures to the world. Without them the world would be in darkness, for these little critters are the source of the world’s power. The world has been without electricity, gasoline and nuclear power for more than 10 000 years, the only energy source has been mischievous and mysterious creatures called Elebits. There are many different breeds of Elebits, each with their own unique look and personality. While humans and Elebits have always lived in harmony, these friendly beings love to cause trouble, and it’s up to players to track them down and put an end to their mischief.

Elebits, essential to the growth of mankind, have lived in harmony with mankind until a lightning storm causes them to act strangely and go into hiding, abandoning their duties. Players assume the role of Kai, a young boy, and must now search for the Elebits and restore them to their friendly state.

Misbehaving Elebits

Players can equip Kai with numerous tools that will help him to find the Elebits. The Capture Gun can capture Elebits but can also be used to lift, move and rotate objects. The power of the Capture Gun increases as players capture Elebits. Capturing the critters will also activate items in the game world, including appliances and machines which players can use to capture more Elebits.

Innovative use of the Wii Remote

Konami has really pushed the limits of the Wii with this unique game. Players will use the Wii Remote to push, pull, lift and even throw anything in the environment within their reach as they try to track down the Elebits. Of course all of the on-screen action matches the player’s movements. Players will be able to interact further with the environment as they capture the Elebits, using them to provide power to the different implements and apparatus which will help them in their search for more of these playful creatures. Players will notice that as they capture the Elebits, their power-generating abilities will create additional options for the player to make use of in the ever changing environment. Players’ lifting abilities will be increased as they progress through the levels in the game.

Players will encounter more than 15 different types of Elebits when playing the single player story mode. As players travel through more than 25 stages, they will become familiar with the Elebits traits and quirks which will assist the players in catching them. You can even look forward to challenging a friend as you play simultaneously and see who can collect the most Elebits, or work cooperatively to restore the status quo, but more about that later.

Let’s talk strategy

As I have already stated, Elebits are mischievous critters, so players will have to search quietly for these power-generating creatures, sneak up on them and nab them. However, if the Elebits are hiding, players may also have to engage the opposite approach by creating a commotion to scare them out of their hiding places.

This open play system encourages players to devise their own strategy to round up the stray power sources, using stealth to sneak up on them or creating noise to scare them out of concealed areas.

Using a futuristic device, players can push, pull, lift and throw anything they come across to discover their secret hiding places and obstruct escape paths for the Elebits. Each location gets progressively illuminated as the errant Elebits are collected, with lights gradually coming on and power restored as more and found. As players capture Elebits and harness their power-generating abilities, numerous options and additional opportunities unfold to find even more Elebits in the ever-changing environment.

More about game modes

Players can also create stages in the edit mode of the game, selecting where items are placed and placing Elebits. Players can invent goals for the stages, all of which can be traded over Nintendo’s WiiConnect24 service.

The multiplayer mode allows up to four players to play at the same time. In this mode players will compete against each other, the object being to see which player can gather the most wattage in the allocated time. Players can also compete in any of the single player levels in multiplayer mode as well as in any levels which have been created by the player in edit mode.

Ok, which one is it…Elebits or Eledees?

We previously reported that Elebits had undergone a name change in Europe. If you missed the article, the bottom line is that the European Elebits had its name changed and will be sold as Eledees. It still remains a mystery as to why the name had to be changed for the European territories. Some are under the impression that rumours led to the name Elebits being trademarked by another company in the United Kingdom, while others say that it’s because the little electrical critters light up like LEDs, hence the name Eledees. The game play will be the same though, it will just be sold under a different name.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Gears of War (Xbox360)

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 20:00:00 +0000

A Nightmare from Below. A Hero from Within.

"The planet lies in ruin - cities crumbling, man's greatest works fallen. Humanity is cornered, nowhere to run. The Locust Horde has risen, and they won't stop coming. They won't stop killing."

Games will never ever be the same, Gears of War is the game that everybody has been waiting for, it’s the new flagship game for the Xbox 360 and it’s going to be a must for every gamer’s collection.

The story behind Gears of War, the first Epic Games title developed exclusively for Microsoft’s gaming console, sees you taking the role of Marcus Fenix (a disgraced former war hero) in an epic battle against a huge alien locust brood that is surfacing from the bowels of the earth. Yip, it sounds just like something out of a Hollywood science fiction film, and it plays just like one too.

Players will also be able to play the campaign in co-operative mode, each playing off each other to move forward and destroy the enemy hoards. This type of play will also be featured on Xbox Live, so you’ll be able to team up with someone anywhere, anytime you want to whip some insect ass, and yes, voice chat is enabled so conversing your strategy is as simple as ABC. There is also another mode for online play where up to eight players can participate in the Frag Fest.

It is said to be the game that really pushes the Xbox 360’s graphics capabilities to the max, if you don’t believe me just take a look at these screenshots. They are all in game footage, showing what you’ll be seeing on screen as you’re playing. All we can say is awesome!

The game is currently out now at all good stores, but make sure to keep checking back here, as the EL33TONLINE review will be coming soon.

The human race isn't extinct. Yet.

Contributor: Justin

Preview: WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Wii)

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 19:21:00 +0000

WarioWare: Smooth Moves for Wii launching in Europe and the US soon

“The WarioWare team took an idea so wacky, it could only be made with the latest technology…the Wii Remote.”

WarioWare: Smooth Moves launches on the Wii across Europe on the 12th of January and on the 15th of January next year. This game will see you and your friends competing in wild and wonderful challenges which we have come to expect from a WarioWare title. It all begins when Wario stumbles into an old building called the Temple of Form while in pursuit of a strange creature which stole his lunch. Inside the temple he discovers a strange device called the Form Baton, which also looks suspiciously like the Wii Remote. Wario soon discovers that the Form Baton gives him special powers depending on his form, that is, the way he holds and moves the baton. Wario takes his new discovery back to Diamond City and teaches his friends new moves using this weird and wonderful device, both wacky and fun!

Assume ‘The Elephant’

WarioWare: Smooth Moves is the latest in the WarioWare franchise and the follow up to the popular GBA and DS games. Making full use of the Wii Remote, it features over 200 fast paced, action filled microgames and challengers players to sharpen their reactions. If they want to complete the challenges, players must master the Wii Remote in the various positions, ranging from the simple ‘Remote Control’ position to ‘The Elephant’ or ‘The Samurai.’ Players must clear the fast-paced mini-games and learn to manipulate the Wii Remote if they are to move on to the next task. Accuracy becomes all important as the time to complete challenges is whittled down. Players use the Wii Remote for all the stages, with some stages using the Nunchuck to play.

“The game’s full-body controls add a whole new level of insanity to an already frenetic experience.”

Grandma’s feather bed?

Players can look forward to performing bizarre actions, ranging from sautéing vegetables, hula hoping and slotting Grandma’s falsies into her mouth. Players can also expect to steer cars, twirl pizzas, saw logs and dance if they are to emerge victorious. Each game lasts for only a few seconds but be warned they are not all as easy as you would think! Details will fill the screen to both entertain and distract and players can anticipate familiar faces with characters appearances from Super Mario Bros, Nintendogs and Metroid Prime. As in other WarioWare titles the microgames in 9-Volt’s stage are based on classic Nintendo games.

Game modes

The game features single player as well as multiplayer modes. Players navigate around a map of Diamond City in single player mode and select a character to follow their whacky adventures. Each character has a unique type of game play as well as different microgames. Players can look forward to meeting familiar faces such as Wario, Mona, Jimmy, 9-Volt, Orbulon, Dr Crygor as well as newcomers including Master Mantis, Penny Crygor and Young Cricket who just happens to be a Kung-Fu Trainee. Players select a character and follow the characters story in the microgame, completing various tasks. If they are successful they will unlock additional minigames and multiplayer options featuring the Smooth Moves colourful cast.

The game features several multiplayer modes, allowing up to twelve people to play at one time with just one controller! Twelve players can take the challenge in Survival Mode where one wrong move eliminates players from the game or two players can battle it out in Star Nose where one players uses the Wii Remote and the other the Nunchuck to fly a spaceship (shaped like a nose of course!) along a corridor, avoiding obstacles and the walls. Other multiplayer games include Darts, Lifeline, Balloon, Bomb and Bungee Buddies. Players can anticipate spotting their Mii characters in the microgames, so be sure to keep your eyes out for them.

The games in WarioWare: Smooth Moves are just as much fun to watch as they are to play so the game is guaranteed to keep the party going for hours!

Details

WarioWare: Smooth Moves will be launched across Europe on the 12th of January 2007. It will sell for an estimated retail price of 49 Euros (£34). It is due to be released in the US on the 15th of January 2007.

Contributor: Lisa

Preview: Hiite Utaeru DS Guitar M-06 (DS)

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:00:00 +0000

Pretty soon we could be seeing bands heading onto the stage carrying Nintendo DS’s instead of guitars... ok, maybe not quite. Japanese developer Plato (the same guys that developed English Training for the DS earlier in the year) are literally giving you a virtual guitar inside your DS, and when you hear how it works you're going to be blown off your seat!

The guitar simulator will give new guitarists the ability to strum out a few nice songs while more professional guitarists will be blown away by the amount of control you have over the “guitar.” There are 120 chords built into the game with three plucking variations of each. Included with the game are 38 songs. When playing these songs there are scrolling lines on the top screen which will indicate to you what chord to play and on every other line will be the lyrics which are sung over that bar, so that you may sing along (If you can read and speak Japanese that is).

The game is fully customisable so that when you are in "Free Play" mode you can set up which chords you want attached to the D-Pad. The D-Pad can have eight chords attached to it, one for each direction (taking into account the diagonal directions). Then when you hold down the shoulder button it can switch to an alternate set, therefore giving you up to sixteen chords to play around with... awesome!

The game also has a feature to record both your songs and your singing so that you can play it back to enjoy whenever you feel. Quite a nice feature that other games such as Electroplankton seemed to forget about. I really don’t think the language barrier will affect this game much as music is an international language. C is still C no matter where you are in the world. This means that it is a viable option to import this game.

As a guitarist this game looks really appealing to me, just because it will give me the ability to carry a guitar around with me everywhere I go. The sound quality is amazing too as they have done actual sampling of every chord... none of the sound is digitally produced. The game also has some handy features such as a tuner (for your real guitar) and a metronome, and best of all instead of using your stylus you can use a plectrum!

Contributor: Justin