WHAT: Video game icon Mario™ treats unsuspecting New Yorkers to a free cab ride. Mario is in New York to promote Mario Kart® Wii, the new Nintendo racing game that features Mario and all of his Mushroom Kingdom buddies. He’s helping commuters race through the city before they get racing with Mario Kart Wii.
Mario Kart Wii launches April 27 and will be packaged with the Wii Wheel accessory, which lets players control the action on the screen just like they were steering a real car. The game also introduces a host of new courses, vehicles and eye-popping battle arenas, plus the ability to compete online with drivers from around the world using Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection.
WHO: Mario, everyone’s favorite Italian plumber, and excited (and grateful) New York commuters
WHEN: Thursday, April 24/8-10 a.m. and 12-2 p.m.
WHERE: Sheraton Hotel
NEWS/VISUALS:
* Mario hailing down cabs for New York commuters
* New Yorkers queuing up for a free cab ride
* Mario costumed character
In what seems to be a bombardment of Earthworm Jim goodness, Interplay has announced that a new game, cartoon, and film will all be releasing in the future in an attempt to resurrect the series. As with most initial game announcements, little to no details are known about the Earthworm Jim game. A tentative title was given – Earthworm Jim 4 – and Interplay revealed that Doug TenNapel will be on the staff list as a consultant.
1 (1) Super Mario Bros 3
2 (2) Super Mario Bros
3 (3) Mario Kart 64
4 (5) Super Mario World
5 (6) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
6 (8) Cruis’n USA
7 (-) Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
8 (19) The Legend of Zelda
9 (10) Super Mario Bros 2
10 (4) Super Mario 64
11 (-) Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
12 (-) Star Fox 64
13 (-) Donkey Kong Country
14 (14) Pac-Man
15 (-) Pokemon Snap
16 (13) Paper Mario
17 (-) Donkey Kong
18 (-) Bases Loaded
19 (11) The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
20 (18) Kirby’s Adventure
According to the scan, Street Fighter IV will be coming to Wii. Most video game followers assumed that such a title would not be able to run on the Wii and any possibility of it coming over to the system was ruled out (in spite of Capcom claiming that the game could appear on any console). This bit of information does not come from a well-known magazine and errors in magazines are fairly common. Thus, I suppose we will have to wait for an official statement from Capcom or a press release in order to determine the validity of the magazine’s claim.
Guildford, U.K. – April 22nd, 2008 – EA’s Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.
“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s WiiTM, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ”
“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”
Nintendo is giving Seattle Mariners fans a gift at every home game this year: free access to the Nintendo® Fan Network. Fans who bring a Nintendo DS™ to Safeco Field can log on wirelessly to the Nintendo Fan Network to access a wide variety of baseball-related content. Some of the many features include access to player statistics, scores from other MLB games in progress, current team standings, chat with other fans and the ability to compete in trivia and other mini games. Additionally, fans can watch the in-stadium live broadcast video and use the Nintendo DS touch screen to order ballpark food and beverages delivered right to their seats.
The Nintendo Fan Network made its debut at Safeco Field during the 2007 season. Thousands of fans tried the Nintendo Fan Network for a minimal fee during the 2007 season trial, but fans attending Mariners home games during the 2008 season can access an even wider variety of features for free, just by bringing a Nintendo DS to Safeco Field. Fans can download the Nintendo Fan Network at one of the two kiosks located near sections 127 and 143 or at one of the 15 download stations throughout the stadium.
The Nintendo Fan Network will get an additional workout this week, when the Mariners begin a six-game home stand. Nintendo is always adding new features, so every time fans download the service, they might see something new and experience a whole new way to enjoy the game.
For more information about the Nintendo Fan Network, please visit the Nintendo Fan Network kiosks at Safeco Field.
Source: Nintendo Press Room
The graph depicted above is showing the total sales for the original Super Smash Bros. and it’s sequel, Super Smash Bros. Melee; while, on the other hand, Brawl’s portion of the graph is referring only to its sales in March. Super Smash Bros. Brawl managed to completely outsell the life-to-date sales of the first Smash game, and took a chunk (70%) of Melee’s total sales as well.
At this rate, it’s extremely possible – actually probable – that Brawl will be the best selling game on the Wii.
In IGN’s weekly Nintendo Voice Chat podcast, Matt Casamassina and Mark Bozon discussed a slew of interesting details about The Conduit. First and foremost, Matt noted that High Voltage Software was contacted by numerous publishers after IGN showed off The Conduit. Moreover, promising news was presented about the game and the company in general. The first footage of The Conduit in action will be available in the “near future” (as early as in the next two weeks) and the title will provide gamers will a slew of control options. High Voltage also has two other surprising projects in the pipeline and both of the unannounced games seemed to impress Casamassina and Bozon. High Voltage software may not have developed the most fantastic of titles in the past, but The Conduit – and perhaps the other two titles in development – may be the game that some hardcore gamers have begged for.
It was only a few weeks ago that a new Castlevania title was rumored (and later confirmed) to be releasing on the Nintendo DS. Well, folks, it seems as though another Castlevania game has appeared, and similarly to last time, no one knows anything about it. The only detail that has been discovered is the name of the new installment in the series. Apparently, this new Castlevania title will be called Castlevania Judgement. Perhaps this is wishful thinking on my part, but there’s a chance that this game may show up on the Wii. After all, the series has, essentially, conquered the DS – Is it possible that the developers of Castlevania may be finally ready to jump on the Wii bandwagon?
Rock Band appeared on the video game scene with much success. Because of this, it seems that Activision will be forced to keep up with the new competition by adopting a different approach. Instead of focusing on guitars only, vocals and other instruments will be added to the mix for future Guitar Hero games.
“It’s not just about guitars. We’ll include a lot of other instruments, vocals. It will help us expand internationally. It’s the first game we’ve had in which we can use local content and local bands.” – Bobby Kotick, Activision CEO
