N +

Denise Kaigler Steps Down

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:58:22 GMT

As usual, IGN posts its "Nintendo Minute" featuring Denise Kaigler... but this time, Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs had some shocking news: She's leaving Nintendo.

I know how your readers like me to reveal news and surprises in my Nintendo Minutes, and I'd say that today definitely qualifies as my latest surprise. It's a fact of life that job and family often pull us in opposite directions. As regular readers of this feature know, this has proved particularly challenging for me, as I've spent the last two years commuting almost constantly between San Francisco, Seattle, New York and my home in New England. It has been a fantastic adventure, but the time has come where I need to choose one over the other … and I have to choose my family. [...] Thanks for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions and talk so directly with Nintendo's fans. For now, my "Minute" is up.

Farewell, Denise...and the best of luck wherever fate takes you to.

Via IGN.

New Moon... Wait, no... New Spirit Tracks Trailer

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:43:53 GMT

Sorry guys, I HAD to go with the movie hype on this one :P Enjoy!

XOC PLAYS III

Spook@nplusnews.com (Anton) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:52:48 GMT

Super awesome N+ affiliate XOC, that guy we interviewed, has another album out!

Just in time for the release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, he releases another throwback compilation, this time relating to Super Mario Bros 3! Oh Em Gee right? With a minimal $5 donation (you can donate more if you want) XOC will personally mail you a physical copy of his album. Here is a sample video for the piquing of your interest...
Check the web page to buy awesomeness!

New Zelda Details, Won't Be Here For a While

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:11:32 GMT

New details on the Next Zelda for the Wii have surfaced (don't get overly excited, it's not really that detailed) thanks to an interview by IGN to series producer, Eiji Aonuma.

First of all, the already-known (but now sort of confirmed) focus on MotionPlus for swordplay and archery within the game.

We're taking advantage of MotionPlus. It's become very natural – the movement of your arms is precisely reflected in the gameplay. Thanks to the technological advancements, we hope the gameplay can be more accessible to people.

As for the gameflow, it will change (and he confirms that the game will not be ready before the next E3).

We're making efforts regarding the total flow of the Zelda game. So far, the basic flow of the Zelda games is you're exploring a field, you go to a dungeon, you conquer it and return to the field. We're looking at altering that traditional flow. That's all I can share, and I can't say more until E3 next year.

WiiWare: Classic Ace Attorneys

Spook@nplusnews.com (Anton) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:23:47 GMT

Why say it any different? The official Capcom statement:

The beloved Ace Attorney series featuring the most exciting courtroom dramas of the digital decade are headed to Nintendo's popular download service in 2010
SAN MATEO, Calif. â November 18, 2009 â CapcomÂ® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that three classic Ace AttorneyÂ® games are scheduled for digital release on Nintendoâs WiiWare next year beginning with the one that started it all, Phoenix Wrightâ¢: Ace AttorneyÂ® followed by Phoenix Wrightâ¢ Ace AttorneyÂ®: JUSTICE FOR ALL, and Phoenix Wrightâ¢ Ace AttorneyÂ®: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. Gamers can expect the deliberations to begin January 2010. These games will cost 1,000 Wii Points, $10.00 USD.

Ace Attorneyâs massive popularity and appeal in Japan has caught on in the West and the franchise has now sold well over 3.7 million units worldwide. For the first time ever, this beloved handheld series is making an appearance on a home console, giving gamers access to three of the classic Ace Attorney adventures from the comfort of their own living rooms. Fans and newcomers alike will have a chance to star as the most popular defense attorney in videogames, Phoenix Wright â a man driven by principles and his ability to separate fact from dubious fiction. Each game in the series presents twisting storylines and intriguing gameplay with comical anime stylings. Players will collect evidence, weed through inconsistent testimonies and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails! Present evidence with the wave of the Wii remote or press suspicious testimonies by wiggling it. These games can be played via single-player and has multiple save slots.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (Episode 1 through 4) is the first release hitting in January. The story kicks off with Phoenix Wright defending his childhood friend Larry Butz from a murder charge. But this is only the beginning drama for the tenacious legal eagle as Wright faces unexpected tragedies that will test the limits of his incredible deductive prowess. In May, owners of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will be able to download the bonus episode that appeared in the original Nintendo DSâ¢ version of the game. It will cost 100 Wii Points.

In March, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: JUSTICE FOR ALL arrives. Phoenix Wright has six months experience and five court victories under his belt. But none of that will do him any good against the ruthless new D.A. in town. Franziska von Karma wants revenge and she's ready to take Phoenix down at any cost!

In May, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS arrives. Phoenix will face the toughest prosecutor yet as the mysterious hard-boiled âGodotâ is gunning for him with extreme prejudice. Get ready for the most intense courtroom standoffs of Phoenix Wrightâs career!

New Super Mario Bros. Wii is Out

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:35:41 GMT

The game was highly expected ever since it was announced, analysts predict it will be a smash hit (which is not such a strange thing to believe in the first place), it is featured on our own N+ design, and pretty much everyone who owns a Wii should get this game according to multiple reviews (and if you don't own a Wii, it is a pretty good reason to go out and get one) even if it does lack online multiplayer. As of yesterday, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is officially out in the US and most of America (yeah, America is a continent, NOT a single country ¬.¬).

How many of you already got a copy? How many are eagerly awaiting to get one? I, for one, can't wait to get it. All the friends I know who own a Wii want it badly. But will it really be the hit analysts predict? I think so.

N+ Member Recomendation: Bomberman Blitz

Spook@nplusnews.com (Anton) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:49:00 GMT

Bomberman Blitz, from Hudson, is a new download for the DSiWare service. The Wii's Nintendo Channel has a very good preview video of the game, which got my attention because it looks like a full offering of Bomberman's classic gameplay style, but with 8-player multiplayer modes in local or Wi-Fi play. The game also includes maps that cover both screens, and training modes to help you hone your skills.

This member recomendation comes from Chas4, who wrote his own mini-hands-on! We whole-heartedly approve. If you have some extra DSi Points floating around and don't have a clue what to do with them, download this title. It's fun in one-player mode, but its AMAZING when you have some friends around!

Resident Evil: Tofu Returns

Spook@nplusnews.com (Anton) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:32:50 GMT

Hahaha, the legendary "Tofu Mode" will make a comeback in Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles! However, now you go through the level shooting at the tofu, and are not tofu yourself. Also, there are several unlockable costumes in Darkside Chronicles.

Read More for the costume video...
...

Wii Predict a New Super Mario Bros. Hit

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:39:18 GMT

It doesn't exactly take a genius to realize that New Super Mario Bros. Wii will be a hit... but apparently it does take a savvy market analyst to predict its supremacy and get people stirred up about it. According to Jesse Divnich at Electronic Entertainment Design and Research, Nintendo's upcoming (and greatly anticipated) title will be the greatest hit of the year and will outsell the competition, including Activition's X-Box 360 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 by the end of the year.

He also predicts that, although the PS3 outsold the Wii during September, October will see a turn of events and the Wii will be on top again.(UPDATE: He was right on this one... NPD confirmed) He also expects the Wii to retain supremacy during November and December as well.

However, he does expect the PS3 to be the only console to show gains during October in comparison to the past year, thanks to the PS3 slim (which I'm not so sure if that's fair, taking into account it's not exactly the same console...it's like taking the DS and DSi as the same console; that would make the numbers shockingly high :P).

Via GamesIndustry

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Official for Holidays

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:52:15 GMT

It's official. Konami has announced that, despite rumors that the game would be pushed for a 2010 release, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories will hit the American market on December 8th, 2009... for the Wii, at least.

The date announcement came only for Nintendo's console, and the dates for the PSP and PS2 versions was still left on hold (which makes us think that the 2010 release rumor is actually for these two versions), so unless they come up with a surprise announcement in the following days, Wii players will enjoy a few weeks of exclusivity.

Dr Mario with Lyrics

Spook@nplusnews.com (Justin) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:17:15 GMT

WARNING! NSFW LYRICS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0m9yr4icoc&feature=player_embedded

Costume Contest 09: Election

Spook@nplusnews.com (Anton) — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 21:36:27 GMT

OK, we've now received all the photos for the Costume CoN+est 2009. There were some gallery problems on the servers, so it took us an extra day to be able to view one entrant, but all is well and we are preparing to vote for the winner. This year, we are either going to ask .ed, our leader, or Espen, the MyOpera community manager, to do the honors. It seems like a great reason to have a poll, right? The tricky thing about that is then people can just ask a billion people to vote for them, and it gets kinda un-fair.

Have a look in the gallery to see the contestants in all their glory! And sit tight, we will announce the winners in due time.

Pokemon Arceus Toys R Us Event Starts today!

Spook@nplusnews.com (Justin) — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:37:10 GMT

Just a reminder that the Arceus Event at Toys R Us starts today and runs through November 15th! Again, here is all the info from Pokemon.com:

Arceus can be yours this November! You can get this extraordinary Pokemon via a special character distribution happening only at Toys"R"Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico from November 7th through November 15th. You'll need to have your copy of Pokemon Diamond version, Pokemon Pearl version, or Pokemon Platinum version to receive Arceus, as well as your own Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi system.

Arceus Information
Pokeball: Cherish Ball
Held Item: Rowap Berry
Moves: Judgment, Roar of Time, Special Rend, Shadow Force

What's more, Arceus holds a secret that will be revealed in the upcoming Pokemon HeartGold version, and Pokemon SoulSilver version games! When you trade Arceus into one of those games, you'll be able to catch Dialga, Palkia, or Giratina (You'll have to choose just one!), and the Pokemon you catch will be at Level 1! so don't miss this opportunity to catch the powerful Alpha Pokemon!

New Reggie Interview: Talks Wii HD, Zelda Spirit Tracks, and Mario Bros Wii

Spook@nplusnews.com (Justin) — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:23:58 GMT

Gametrailers.com recently spoke with Nintendo Reggie Fils-Aime to ask him about all the games coming out this Winter season, such as Super Mario Bros Wii and The Legend of Zelda, Spirit Tracks. He also debunks (again) the possibility of Wii HD coming out next year. Good interview with lots of new info!

Pokepark Wii Trailer

Spook@nplusnews.com (Justin) — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:19:17 GMT

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:17:00 GMT

New trailer... so THAT'S why they are 'spirit' tracks!

It's the Final Countdown...I Mean, Trailer

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 01:29:32 GMT

Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles Final Trailer...enjoy!

WiiWare Demos Coming To Japan

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:06:02 GMT

According to reports by IGN UK, Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's CEO, has admitted to investors that the current WiiWare and DSiWare market is small. But he offers a solution: WiiWare demos.

He states that as a part of a test program, a few WiiWare titles are going to be offered with a demo, with which he hopes to increase the market by luring more users into the service this way. This is because they are aware of the fact that most users only browse the WiiShop channel (or the DSi one) when they already know which title they are going to buy, which limits the market possibility a good deal. He does go on, however, to admit this is not THE solution to this particular problem. So, let's see how well this one plays out.

So far, there are not reports as to whether or not the service is going to make it outside of Japan.

Motion Plus in Next Zelda a Possibility

Spook@nplusnews.com (Spook) — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 03:23:48 GMT

Remember the 'gag clause' they put into Miyamoto's contract? Well, Nintendo should review that. Shiggy has done it again and went on to 'spill the beans' on an interview granted to GameLife, stating that the next Legend of Zelda game for the Wii will in fact make use of Motion Plus for a more realistic experience.

n this (installment of the series), we're using MotionPlus to make you feel much more like you're actually fighting while holding a sword in your hand. In the previous game, you aimed at things by pointing at the screen, but this time we'll use MotionPlus to create a much more convenient targeting system and a more pleasurable playing experience.

Now, I get how Motion Plus could help swordplay, and call me paranoid if you like, but how would you improve AIMING by removing pointing at the screen and using the add-on instead?

Nintendo, however, has yet to make an official announcement on this, so things are a little unclear as to whether the game will only use Motion Plus as a complement or if it will be mandatory to be able to play it, so stay tuned...maybe the announcement will come at next year's E3 (boom, baby! :P).

N+ Design: November 2009

Spook@nplusnews.com (Anton) — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 03:19:40 GMT

Good news and bad news. The good news is that our header looks fantastic and should be getting everyone excited about New Super Mario Bros. Wii coming out! Yeah!

The bad news? Well, it's the first and hopefully only time that we didn't do the artwork ourselves. It's the official background image for the NSMB Wii website. Sorry guys, this last month all of the artists got a ton of work piled up on us, but you are OK with that, right? I mean, just look at how great our page looks now!