REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo has announced that the second series of Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Card packs will be distributed at a number of events starting Aug. 3. Building upon the popular first series of cards distributed around the launch of the game, the Series 2 AR Cards feature different characters, enemies, weapons and items that appear in Kid Icarus: Uprising. Also, for the first time, players will find AR Cards representing various locations found within the game.

The game recognizes these specially designed cards when viewed using the built-in camera of the Nintendo 3DS system. Viewing an AR Card with the game also unlocks the corresponding Idol on the AR Card, which reveals additional information about that card. Placing down two AR Cards at once will initiate an AR Card Battle in which players can watch the two Idols engage in combat. With the location AR Cards now available in Series 2, these AR Battles can even take place on backgrounds from different locations in the game. Players can even snap photos when the AR Card characters come to life, and then view them within the Nintendo 3DS Camera application. Kid Icarus: Uprising is available now on Nintendo 3DS.

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Thanks to 4Him for the tip.

Arc System Works is releasing yet another “Family” sports game for the Japanese eShop. The latest one, Family Beach Volleyball 3D, is launching next week for 500 yen. Screenshots and art have been posted above.

Famitsu has posted another update on its website today for Fantasy Life. We have more new screenshots, art, and details for the game, mostly pertaining to available jobs.

Take a look at the latest Fantasy Life content below.

– Fantasy Life is like an open world RPG
– Kingdom Soldiers: keep peace and harmony in the village
– Chase criminals, defeat monsters, protect the village
– Wizards: specialize in magic
– Wizards can make fireballs, heal friendly characters
– No differentiation between white and black mages
– Each job has a different mentor and if you pick this job a black cat named Krome teaches you the ways of the wizard
– Hunters: one with nature and can attack enemies from afar using a bow
– These guys can also gather fruits and vegetables on the field and bring them back to town.
– Mercenaries don’t belong to any country
– Mercenaries travel from place to place as a hired sword looking for their next job
– They live life without ties

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Little King’s Story made its debut on Wii, but the sequel switched things up by going to the PlayStation Vita. The original was very well received on Nintendo’s console, so what prompted the move?

When asked about the platform change, assistant producer Takanori Murayama said:

“There are three reasons for this. One, the using of the touch panel made the game’s controls much easier. The touch panel enables the users to scout dozens of citizens together which improved the operations. Two, the high resolution graphics enabled to depict many characters at once inside the screen. The movement and the depiction of the many characters in its world is what makes this game fun. Last but not least, the network affinity is high, therefore it is easy to buy avatars and other items on the PS Store. In the PS Store, users can purchase additional items which is another appealing point.”

You know… the Wii U offers everything that Murayama mentioned. The GamePad has a touchscreen, the console can output HD visuals, and DLC can be made possible. Who knows – maybe we’ll see Little King’s Story on Wii U.

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Crytek’s opinion of Wii U seems to be ever-changing.

In April, the company said there was a “fat chance” of Crysis 3 coming to Wii U. That was followed up with comments from CEO Cevat Yerli who noted that his studio has no plans for Nintendo’s console. And most recently, Crytek’s director of creative development indicated that a Wii U version of Crysis 3 could be possible and Crytek is working closely with Nintendo.

Now that you’re all caught up, here’s the latest: Crytek general manager of games Nick Button-Brown told his Twitter followers that a Wii U version of Crysis 3 isn’t in development.

He wrote:

“Just to answer the speculation, we are not currently working on a wiiU version of #Crysis3.”

Technically this comment doesn’t rule out the possibility of a Wii U version down the road, but it sounds like (once again), Crysis 3 isn’t coming to the console.

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Artist and entrepreneur to curate soundtrack and lend artistic vision to world’s top NBA video game simulation franchise as Executive Producer

Windsor, UK – August 1, 2012 – 2K Sports today announced an unprecedented partnership with entertainment mogul Shawn “JAY Z” Carter to serve as Executive Producer of NBA® 2K13, the next installment of the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise*.

“This has been a unique opportunity to collaborate with 2K Sports and be a part of one of the best sports video games in history,” commented JAY Z. “NBA 2K13 will be the next evolution in sports and basketball culture, and I’m ready to usher in the new era of the franchise.”

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