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More surprises as WiiWare launches in Japan.

Square Enix’s experiment in downloadable gaming may also turn into an experiment for the company in microtransactions. When you attempt to download Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, which launched with the Japanese version of the WiiWare service today, you’re given a message warning that some parts of the game, including expansion packs and other services, may require extra Wii Points.

This is just a general warning that appears to be attached to any WiiWare title that may get paid content in the future. Outside of Cyrystal Chronicles, Mojipittan and LonPos also display the notice when making the download from the Wii Shopping Channel. The other six games do not.

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Kirby bounding onto Virtual Console this week.

It’s Friday and, of course, that can only mean one thing - drowning our brain cells in cheap ale after work as we try and forget all the bad things we’ve done this week. Oh, that and the obligatory Virtual Console update.

It’s Kirby that’s perking up the Virtual Console this week, with the N64 game Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards being the solitary offering from Nintendo. There’s something about Kirby we’ve always found deeply disturbing – maybe it’s his supernaturally large gob or his eerily silent yet cheery demeanour - and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was found hoarding a fine collection of corpses under his patio.

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The founding fathers of video games, SEGA and Nintendo, find a winning formula with first-ever pairing of famous mascots.

SEGA Corporation today announced that its history-making video game title, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, has sold five million copies worldwide in just over three months. Developed by SEGA for the Wii video game system and the Nintendo DS system, with creative input and executive milestone approvals by Nintendo’s developers, the title brought together for the first time the two most beloved icons in the entertainment industry. In the spirit of the Olympic Games, the legendary mascots also brought friends from their storied franchises along, including Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi and Tails, to compete in a variety of Olympic events.

“With adored icons and fun game play, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games has shot to the top of the sales charts and is clearly resonating with the growing audience of casual gamers that want an engaging and accessible gaming experience,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America.

Published by SEGA across Europe and North America, and by Nintendo in Japan, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games made its worldwide debut on November 6, 2007, when the Wii version hit store shelves in the United States. According to the NPD Group, which tracks sales data in the United States, the game was one of the top-ten best-sellers in the United States - across all platforms - in the critical holiday sales month of December.

When Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games launched in Europe just days later, it was an immediate hit, rising rapidly to the top of sales charts. Mario & Sonic became the best-ever performing Wii game over the seven-day period that ended on December 11, 2007. In January, Mario & Sonic was the best-selling video game in England across all formats.

“The market for entertaining games that everyone can enjoy is growing faster than any other segment in the industry, thanks in part to the explosive popularity of Wii and Nintendo DS,” continued Jeffery. “A key element of our growth strategy at SEGA is to develop and publish games that appeal to this expanding market.”

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Two guitar pack rears its head in Oz.

As a seemingly simple solution to Guitar Hero freaks scouring the streets for a standalone axe, Activision has revealed plans to release a Guitar Hero III pack complete with two wireless guitar controllers, although for the time being it will only be available on the Wii in Australia.

Production issues have ensured that there have been slim pickings for anyone looking for a second guitar for the game – standalone units are rarer than the proverbial hen’s teeth. As Guitar Hero III marks the series first outing on the Nintendo Wii, it’s a logical step to offer the pack to the debutants who won’t have a Guitar Hero II guitar knocking around.

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The updated version hits Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that Bully: Scholarship Edition for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft is now available at North American retail stores for the suggested retail price of $49.99. Bully: Scholarship Edition will be available in Europe on March 7.

“With all the love and care that we put into Bully, we are excited that two new audiences can experience this game,” said Sam Houser, President and co-founder of Rockstar Games. “It’s really difficult to make a compelling comedy-action game about anything, let alone about the experiences of being at high school, and we think we achieved something unique with Bully. I hope people new to the game love it as much as we do.”

Originally developed by Rockstar Vancouver, the critically acclaimed fan favorite finally makes its debut on the Wii and Xbox 360. “With new single-player missions and multiplayer games, as well as updated graphics, dialogue, and music, Bully: Scholarship Edition looks like it could attract a new audience with hours of next-generation juvenile mayhem…,” says GameSpot, and Official Xbox Magazine writes “…there’s so much gameplay richness and black humor in here that we’d jam a dunce cap on anyone who passes it up.”

Bully: Scholarship Edition for the Wii and Xbox 360 is rated “T” for Teen.

For more information please visit http://www.rockstargames.com/bully/scholarshipedition/.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Xbox 360 and Xbox video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them. The Company has no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary significantly from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of factors. These risks and uncertainties include the matters relating to the Special Committee’s investigation of the Company’s stock option grants and the restatement of our consolidated financial statements. The investigation and conclusions of the Special Committee may result in claims and proceedings relating to such matters, including previously disclosed shareholder and derivative litigation and actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or other governmental agencies and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors. Other important factors are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Further risks and uncertainties associated with Electronic Arts’ unsolicited proposal to acquire the Company include: the risk that key employees may pursue other employment opportunities due to concerns as to their employment security with the Company; the risk that the acquisition proposal will make it more difficult for the Company to execute its strategic plan and pursue other strategic opportunities; and the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with Electronic Arts’ unsolicited proposal may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date they are made.

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The Umbrella Chronicles is the second Wii game from the company to top 1 million units following Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition.

Capcom is pleased to announce that Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, which was released in November 2007 for the Wii video game system from Nintendo, has shipped over 1 million units worldwide. This is the second Capcom Wii title to ship over a million units, following Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, which was released in June of 2007.

The Resident Evil series, which has sold over 34.5 million units globally (as of February 29, 2008), is one of Capcom’s most critically acclaimed and beloved franchises. As a testament to Resident Evil’s longevity and success, the series remains as innovative and original today as when the first title shipped in 1996.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a brand new game in the Resident Evil franchise, with familiar locales from the entire series, created specifically for the unique characteristics of the Wii console. This action/shooter hybrid reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3 as well as new never-before-seen locations, such as Umbrella’s stronghold. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines first-person, light-gun style combat with interactive pathways, multiple weapons and new enemies to create an entirely new Resident Evil experience that could only be delivered on the Wii. The game includes a two-player co-op mode and support for the Wii Zapper for even more intense light-gun style shooting action.

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Edge through the Alpine with your friends as four player skiing comes to Wii.

Step onto your Wii Balance Board or grab your Wii Remote and Nunchuk and hit the fresh powder as Namco Bandai Games America Inc., today announced We Ski, an exciting skiing game for Wii. Now up to four skiers can experience the sweetest mountain runs in the comfort of their homes as We Ski’s highly responsive and intuitive controls take them down the slopes like never before. We Ski will slalom into stores in Spring 2008.

“We are thrilled to be the first publisher to offer a realistic and enjoyable skiing experience that can also support the new Wii Balance Board,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Namco Bandai Games America Inc. “Namco Bandai is working to entertain both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts with a recreation of a beloved sport and pastime.”

In We Ski, up to four skiers can test their skills on more than a dozen runs from the bunny slopes to the most challenging Black Diamonds. Not only can players carve through the trails using the motion-based controls but they can also mix in the Wii Balance Board for a whole new level of realism. Players can ski using their own Mii or create a new character with a host of customizable options including changeable face and body types. Boosting the customization feature, additional skis, poles, goggles, and costumes can be unlocked.

We Ski features an entire mountain to explore, complete with a ski school, freestyle skiing, moguls and slaloms, photography, and a variety of other events. Players can even try their hand at night skiing while enjoying the spectrum of fireworks that color the sky. With We Ski no more long drives to the snow will be necessary to enjoy a day of shredding the mountains.

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Company cites dirt as cause for errors.

Yesterday’s report of a buggy firmware update procedure for Japanese Smash Bros. Brawl discs was apparently just the start of problems for Nintendo. Today, the company issued a statement about reported disc read errors for the game.

According to the statement, Nintendo has received complaints from Smash Bros. Brawl buyers of the Wii being unable to read their newly bought disc, or of videos chopping up during playback. These users claim to have had no such problems with past games.

Nintendo has come to the conclusion that the problem has to do with dust and tobacco building up on Wii laser units. This effects Smash Bros. Brawl while leaving other titles unaffected because the new fighter uses a dual layer DVD, which is apparently more sensitive to a dirty lens.

The problem can be fixed by simply cleaning the Wii drive lens. This is something that the masses are apparently incapable of doing, so the Nintendo has decided to clean Wii units that are sent to them, free of charge.

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Early reports indicate half a million sales.

A trusted retail blog from Japan has leaked out early sales data for January 31, a particularly busy day for gamers with both Smash Bros. and Devil May Cry 4 seeing release.

According to the blog, Smash Bros. Brawl sold 500,000 copies in its first day. More important than this figure, though, is that retailers sold out of 80% stock, far greater than the 20% stock figures managed by Super Mario Galaxy at its launch.

An 80% stock depletion likely means sell outs at major retailers. Nintendo will be pumping more stock into the retail channels for Saturday, the blog reports.

Devil May Cry 4 was less successful than Mario and crew, but also managed to clear out of 60% of its stock. The PS3 version of the game sold 140,000 units in its first day, besting the Xbox 360 version’s 30,000.

Other big performers for Thursday include Suzumiya Haruhi no Tomadoi, which topped 100,000, and Tales of Destiny Director’s Cut, which sold 70,000. Both titles are for the PS2. For the PS3, Disgaea 3 managed 40,000 units.

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Hudson Entertainment’s beloved series returns, featuring single-player & multiplayer bomb fests for $29.99.

Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, today announced Bomberman Land for the Wii and the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, and Bomberman Land Touch! 2 for the Nintendo DS are now available at retail. Published by Hudson and distributed in North America by Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., all three versions are now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99 each.

Bomberman Land brings an exciting single player campaign element to the
Bomberman property while holding true to the multiplayer mode that has
made it so popular in the past. The series introduces a multitude of
attractions, many of which can be played in multiplayer mode. Both
the PSP system and Wii feature 50 attractions. While the Wii version
is full of interactive games that use intuitive Wii Remote controls,
all of the PSP system’s attractions can be played and shared in
multiplayer. The Nintendo DS version features more than 40 types of
attractions that either use the stylus or the microphone to play. In
addition, the Bomberman Land series contains a robust single-player
Story Mode, where adventurers explore a fantasy land, take on quests
and solve puzzles to restore the peace and tranquility of the
beleaguered Bomberman world.

The biggest feature on each platform is the classic multiplayer
Bomberman experience that gamers know and love. The PSP system and
Nintendo DS allow up to four players to compete globally. While both
versions offer shared multiplay, the Nintendo DS title allows eight
people to play locally. The Wii version, on the other hand, features
six “Battle Modes”: Normal, Points, Stars, Crown, All-Out and a Wii
exclusive mode designed specifically for the Wii Remote. Each “Battle
Mode” includes 20 maps, making it the game to have for the ultimate
party.

“As one of the most recognizable video game franchises in the industry,
the Bomberman series has always been known for its fun and addictive
gameplay, and these three new installments are no exception,” said
John Greiner President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. Packed with
fun attractions, a compelling single-player mode and a competitive
multiplayer experience, these new games will keep players coming back
for more.”

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Atlus’s macabre RPG gets full Wii treatment. Rotten hearts will cause stomachaches.

Baroque, a role-playing game on the way for the Wii and PlayStation 2 from Japanese developer Sting, has been pushed back a month, according to the game’s publisher, Atlus.

Here’s what Atlus had to say when they announced the game back in December:

“You awaken to find the world in ruin, your heart beset with unexplained guilt. A cataclysm has destroyed the cities and empires of men and disfigured the spirit of humanity. In this nightmare, it falls to you to descend a mysterious tower in search of absolution. Battle merciless foes through treacherous dungeons, scour for new items to aid you in your travels, and unlock the secrets of a devastated land. You will find death in the depths, yet learn that death is not the end of the story; in the twisted world of Baroque, it is only the beginning.”

Dark stuff, that.

Atlus has also released new details about the Wii version of Baroque:

- 16:9 widescreen support
- Progressive scan support
- “Subtle” motion control integration for power attacks
- “Intuitive” controls using Wii Remote and nunchuk
- Classic Controller support for traditional play

Here are some of the items and weapons that will be available in the game, with descriptions by Atlus, followed by our thoughts in italics:

Angelic Rifle - A uniquely shaped rifle that can annihilate any meta-being with one shot. However, its specialized ammunition is very limited.

Sword - A melee weapon to attack the enemy. There are swords that will possess enhanced attributes and added effects.

Coat - Protective gear to resist attacks. There are some coats that will have other effects besides just raising defense.

Torturer - Item that causes a variety of area effects depending on the type of Torturer. They can be combined with others to enhance their effects.

Parasite - It can grant a variety of effects by fusing it with the protagonist or equipment. You can also fuse a parasite with another parasite.

Wings - Imitation wings that provide the protagonist with special abilities

Flesh - Eat this to restore HP. Rotten flesh will cause stomachaches.

Heart - Eat this to restore VT. Rotten hearts will cause stomachaches.

Bone - Bite on it to restore HP or VT or throw it at the enemy to deal damage. Because they are small in size, the protagonist can hold quite a few of these

Fluid - Liquid that gives an instantaneous effect by injecting it into the protagonist. Most of them can heal status ailments and raise stats.

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PSP and DS running neck and neck.

Wii led the way once again over in Japan the week after the start of the new year. Covering January 7 to January 13, the latest Media Create sales chart has Wii Fit at top with 89,584 sales. Nintendo’s hard-to-find fitness title has already crossed the million mark.

Below this, the top ten is pretty much all Nintendo-related product. Mario Party DS came in at second with 43,082 sales, topping Wii Sports (Nintendo, Wii, 33,267 units) and Final Fantasy IV (Square Enix, DS, 32,427).

A PSP title managed to sneak in at fifth as Capcom’s Monster Hunter Portable 2nd made it back into the charts with 25,927 units. The second PSP Monster Hunter game has crossed the 1.5 million mark.

Closing out the list are a bunch of long selling (some more than two years old!) DS and Wii games. Level-5’s Professor Layton and the Devil’s Box came in at sixth with 25,303 units sold, besting Dragon Quest IV (Square Enix, DS, 24,992 units), Wii Play (Nintendo, Wii, 24,820), Mario & Sonic at Peking Olympics (Nintendo, Wii, 21,661) and Mario Kart DS (Nintendo, DS, 17,433).

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The Wii version is in stores now.

Today, Ubisoft announced CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION(TM) Hard Evidence is available on store shelves for the Wii(TM) home video game system from Nintendo. This release marks the debut of the CSI franchise on the Wii system. Players will be able to use the Wii Remote(TM) to navigate through a crime scene and use an intuitive interface that has been completely redone with a console audience in mind, making the game more like the show than ever. CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION(TM) Hard Evidence is rated “M” for Mature and has a MSRP of $39.99.

About CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION(TM): Hard Evidence Developed by Telltale Games, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION(TM) Hard Evidence will continue the crime-solving experience of Ubisoft’s CSI video game series. Players will join Gil Grissom, Catherine Willows and the rest of the Las Vegas cast to help solve crimes using realistic techniques and lab equipment. The game features forensic reconstructions and atmospheric crime scenes taken directly from the television show, including an all-new garage lab for analyzing large pieces of evidence, improved evidence gathering, lab mini-games and more. There are more areas to explore and increased interaction with the CSI team, resulting in a longer play experience. Game features include:

•More Crime-Solving Action
Break down the evidence and bring suspects to justice in five all-new, bizarre crimes. Unravel longer cases, search bigger crime scenes and uncover hidden evidence in unique locations like never before.

•Go Deeper into the Evidence
Master new forensic tools and find more evidence than ever. Use the new garage lab to examine large pieces of evidence like cars and trucks. Recreate gunfights with ballistic lasers, uncover shocking secrets with video analysis and much more.

•The Ultimate CSI Experience
Experience your very own CSI episodes as you piece together clues with the real CSI actors. Take part in dramatic interrogations, create grisly crime reenactments and explore atmospheric crime scenes inspired by the show.

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION(TM) is consistently one of the top-rated shows on network television and won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Drama in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and was a People’s Choice Award nominee in 2007 as well. The CSI video game franchise, published by Ubisoft, has sold approximately 2.4 million units worldwide since the first CSI title was released in March 2003.

About CBS Consumer Products
CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company’s extensive library of titles. Additionally, the group oversees the CBS Retail Store and online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.CBS.com.

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Konami unveils further information on all-new bespoke PES 2008 for Nintendo system.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced a late March release date for its eagerly-awaited PES 2008 for Wii.

Created specifically to make full use of the Wii’s unique control system, PES 2008 brings all the realism of Pro Evolution Soccer to the Nintendo machine, but with a more ‘team-orientated’ control system. The Wii game mirrors the real sport’s use of open space and the exploitation of defensive lapses and accurate passes essential in creating scoring opportunities. The Wii version of PES 2008 expands on these elements, with the use of the Nunchuck and Wii Remote controllers giving the player control over both the player on the ball, and those around him.

Using a point and drag system, the player uses the Wii Remote to guide the player with the ball, and perform all the skill moves and close control with subtle movements of their hand. Instantly, the Wii Remote is used to point at nearby players to select them to receive a pass or to latch on to a through-ball. The Remote can also be used to steer the run of the receiving player, giving extra control as they thread through masses of defenders or run into open space.

The new system gives the player full control over their team, and allows the man marking of specific threats, while shakes of the Wii Nunchuk can be used to perform sliding tackles, and send the goal keeper out to clear a loose ball. The strategic elements are also easily accessed, with the directional controls of the Wii Remote used to activate tactical plays and spring counter attacks or send players tracking back.

PES 2008 for Wii features six game modes, spanning Match, League and Cup elements, and Training and Trade section. The new version also features an exclusive ‘Champions Road’ competition, wherein players take their chosen team to compete in league competitions all over the world. The idea of the Champions Road tournament is to come top in every league, and build a team by receiving players from recently defeated sides.

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Flurry of Nintendo Titles Coming to Stores.
Okay Wii lovers, you really must have had your fill of Mario Galaxy by now. Well, put this in your news pipe, get those gaming slippers on and imbibe some digital goodness –Wii titles are positively pouring in this week, with no less than five new games hitting UK shelves tomorrow. And – get this – they’re all actually quite good.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies, Kuju’s own take on the Xbox Live Arcade hit, is coming to both Nintendo’s darling offspring, with a DS version weighing in alongside the Wii incarnation. They’re really rather good and offer a perfect shmup-flavoured antidote to the gaming excess we’ve all been indulging in these past couple of months. Think of them as digital Rennie.

Next on this week’s Wii conveyor belt we have Ghost Squad, an adaptation of SEGA’s 2004 arcade light gun time, and while the game is short it offers a perfect opportunity to wield your Wii Zapper and indulge in some old-fashioned shooting larks. ‘7.5′ said IGN when presented with the game last November.

One of SEGA’s New Year’s resolutions must have gone along the lines of ‘release more decent Wii games’, as also for your delectation there is NiGHTs: Journey of Dreams, the more than welcome return of their much admired soar-’em-up. While not as glorious as we may have hoped, it still represents a worthy addition to your Wii library and is well worth snapping up.

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Want to know what’s coming up for the first half of this year? Click and find out.

Nintendo of America today revealed the list of first and third-party games currently scheduled to ship in the first six months of 2008 for the Nintendo Wii console and Nintendo DS handheld system. More than 65 Wii games and more than 80 DS games are scheduled to ship in the first half of the year.

“The video game industry has never had so many new players, and they’ve never had so much fun,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “Our momentum is not limited to one
system or one game. We’re going broad and bold in 2008, with something for every member of the family.”

Noteworthy in this list is the inclusion of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness for the Nintendo DS, scheduled for a second quarter release. Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii have also been listed with a non-descript Q2 launch.

For the Nintendo DS:

Jan. 21: Advance Wars: Days of Ruin from Nintendo/Intelligent Systems
Jan. 21: Mazes of Fate DS from Graffiti Entertainment, LLC
Jan. 22: Mega Brain Boost from Majesco Entertainment
Jan. 24: Aquarium by DS from Bold Games
Jan. 24: Fantasy Aquarium by DS from Bold Games
Jan. 29: Pet Pals: Animal Doctor from Majesco Entertainment
January: N+ from Atari
January: Barnyard Blast from DSI Games
January: Command & Destroy from DSI Games
January: Miami Nights: Singles in the City from Ubisoft
January: Brain Challenge from Ubisoft

Feb. 4: Paws & Claws: Pet Resort from THQ
Feb. 5: Homie Rollerz from Destineer
Feb. 5: Nanostray 2 from Majesco Entertainment
Feb. 10 (street date): Professor Layton and the Curious Village from Nintendo/LEVEL-5
Feb. 12: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney from Capcom
Feb. 12: New Zealand Story Revolution from Ignition Entertainment
Feb. 12: Dream Pinball 3D from SouthPeak Games
Feb. 19: Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the RAF from Destineer
Feb. 19: Zoo Tycoon II from THQ
Feb. 25: Bratz: Super Babyz from THQ
Feb. 26: Bubble Bobble Double Shot from Ignition Entertainment
February: My Horse and Me from Atari
February: M&M’S Kart Racing from DSI Games
February: Garfield Gets Real from DSI Games
February: Yamaha Supercross from DSI Games
February: Insecticide from Gamecock Media Group
February: Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery from Ubisoft
February: Assassin’s Creed Altair’s Chronicles from Ubisoft
February: Petz Wild Animals: Tigerz from Ubisoft
February: Puppy Palace from Ubisoft
February: Real Soccer 2008 from Ubisoft

March 1: Project Exile from Graffiti Entertainment, LLC
March 3: Let’s Ride: Friends Forever from THQ
March 4: Diary Girl from Konami
March 4: Go Pets from Konami
March 4: Disney Friends from Disney Interactive Studios
March 4: Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest from Majesco Entertainment
March 8: Plushees from Destineer
March 8: River King: Mystic Valley from Natsume Inc.
March 8: Harvest Moon DS Cute from Natsume Inc.
March 11: FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Rings of Fate from Square Enix
March 11: Lost in Blue 3 from Konami
March 11: Pro Evolution Soccer from Konami
March 25: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword from Tecmo, Inc.
March: Alone in the Dark from Atari
March: Drone Tactics from Atlus USA
March: Double Sequence from DSI Games
March: Ninja Reflex from Electronic Arts
March: Myst from Empire Interactive
March: Naruto: Ninja Destiny from Tomy Corporation
March: Petz Bunnyz from Ubisoft
March: Imagine Figure Skater from Ubisoft
March: Commando from XS Games

April 15: Teenage Zombies: Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys from Ignition Entertainment
April: Super Dodgeball Brawlers from Aksys Games
April: Rondo of Swords from Atlus USA
April: Quick Yoga Training from Ubisoft

May 5: Crosswords DS from Nintendo
May 6: Speed Racer from Warner Bros. Games
May 8: Organize It from Summitsoft Corporation
May 13: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian from Disney Interactive Studios
May: Winx Club: Mission Enchantix from Konami
May: Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles from Aksys Games
May: Garfield Fun Fest from DSI Games
May: 1 vs. 100 from DSI Games

June 8: Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness from Natsume Inc.
June: Shining Stars from DSI Games
June: Catch of the Day from Electronic Arts
June: PipeMania from Empire Interactive
June: Wall-E from THQ

For the Nintendo Wii:

Jan. 7: Kidz Sports Ice Hockey from Destineer
Jan. 8: Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law from Capcom
Jan. 15: SAMURAI WARRIORS: KATANA from KOEI CORPORATION
Jan. 15: Furu Furu Park from Majesco Entertainment
Jan. 21: Endless Ocean from Nintendo
Jan. 22: One Piece: Unlimited Adventure from Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Jan. 29: Bomberman Land from Hudson
January: No More Heroes from Ubisoft
January: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Hard Evidence from Ubisoft

Feb. 8: Kawasaki Jet Ski from Destineer
Feb. 11: Go Diego Go!: Safari Rescue from 2K Play
Feb. 12: WWII Aces from Destineer
Feb. 12: Dream Pinball 3D from SouthPeak Games
Feb. 18: MX vs. ATV Untamed from THQ
Feb. 25: Agatha Christie And Then There Were None from DreamCatcher Games
Feb. 26: Baroque from Atlus USA
Feb. 26: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors from Square Enix
Feb. 27: Kidz Sports Soccer from Destineer
Feb. 27: London Taxi: Rush Hour from Destineer
February: Garfield Gets Real from DSI Games
February: Yamaha Supercross from DSI Games
February: Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore from Konami
February: Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 from Ubisoft
February: BALLOON POP from UFO INTERACTIVE GAMES

And More…

KOEI’s first-person action-adventure is available now at retailers throughout North America.

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Samurai Warriors: Katana for Wii is available now at North American retailers.

“Samurai Warriors: KATANA is an incredibly fun way to step into the world of the Samurai Warriors,” said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President of KOEI Corporation. “By using the motion-sensitive Wii Remote to control a variety of weapons, run past deadly traps, or even ride on horseback, this amazing first-person adventure lets players enjoy the thrill of battle whether they are new to games or battle-hardened veterans.”

About Samurai Warriors: Katana
Using an exhilarating first-person perspective, Samurai Warriors: Katana is based on the hugely popular Samurai Warriors series and delivers total arcade-style action right into your own home. By mastering different weapons using the motion-sensitive Wii Remote, veteran and first-time players alike will discover a whole new dimension of excitement to the Samurai Warriors series of games.

On each mission, legendary samurai and allies will serve as your guide. Prevent pirates from invading your ships, rescue maidens from a burning castle, and explore mysterious caverns stalked by ninjas. These and many more challenging missions require quick reflexes, fast thinking, and precision marksmanship.

On the battlefield ninja assassins will be poised to strike at your every turn, but with close-range and long-range weapons, you’ll be well equipped for your counterattack. Combat gets up close and personal with the classic samurai sword, spear, and mighty war hammer, but you can still target enemy soldiers in the distance using a bow and arrow, a gun, and even a cannon.

Samurai Warriors: Katana offers three different modes of play. Action-packed with nearly 30 hours of game play, Musou Mode takes you on an incredible adventure through Feudal Japan. Samurai-in-training can prepare for battle with a multitude of challenges in Trial Mode. Here you’ll earn gold which can be used to purchase weapons and precious items. And in Vs. Mode, you can go head-to-head with a friend in eight exciting mini games.

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Japan’s largest magazine gives the game a perfect rating.

The first verdict on Smash Bros. Brawl is in, and boy is it positive. Japan’s Weekly Famitsu reviewed the recently delayed fighter in its latest issue, and awarded it a rare perfect rating.

Each of the magazine’s four reviewers gave the game a 10 out of 10 and offered up some glowing comments. All reviewers made particular note that the game’s single player mode is long and that you can get plenty of fun by just playing the adventure mode. One reviewer even had high praise for the way the game presents its story.

Smash Bros. joins a select crowd of perfect score recipients that includes the likes of Final Fantasy XII, Soul Calibur, Zelda: Wind Waker, and Nintendogs. Japanese shops often post copies of the Famitsu box reviews next to games on retail shelves, so a perfect rating may have some effect on sales.

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More on Hudson’s multi-faceted Wii sports title.

Hudson has released further details - including new screens - of it’s Wii Sports challenger Deca Sports. Featuring 10 distinctly different disciplines, it promises to fully utilise the unique controller and should go some way towards quashing the Wii drought in the coming months.

The 10 sports on offer are beach volleyball, snowboard cross, badminton, basketball, curling, figure skating, archery, supercross, soccer and kart racing. Of particular interest to us is Curling – as anyone who has witnessed the frenzied antics of curlers in full effect at the Winter Olympics will attest, it truly is the sport of kings.

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Retailers get a chance to spend the week restocking hits and cashing out gift cards as a thin release lineup of offerings hits stores.

The first half of 2008 looks to be a big one full of anticipated games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Metal Gear Solid 4, and Grand Theft Auto IV, but the first week of the new year shows little to suggest the coming storm.

In fact, only Nintendo’s Wii is expected to see any retail releases at all this week. Destineer has a handful of budget titles on tap for Nintendo’s newest console. Kidz Sports: Basketball and Myth Makers: Orbs of Doom join a trio of motor-minded offerings in Kawasaki Quad Bikes, Rig Racer 2, and Monster Trux Offroad in new release aisles this week. On the downloadable front, the Wii Virtual Console welcomes the NES version of arcade classic Bubble Bobble (500 Wii points, $5), the Genesis action role-playing game Light Crusader (800 Wii points, $8), and the NeoGeo side-scrolling action game Top Hunter (900 Wii points, $9).

In a smidgen of non-Wii-related release news, Microsoft is adding SNK Playmore’s Metal Slug 3 to the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft points ($10). The game includes local multiplayer for up to four players, with online play supporting up to six gamers.

This week’s new releases are listed below (list taken from retailer information–actual dates may vary).

DECEMBER 31, 2007
Kawasaki 4X4 Quad Bikes (Wii)
Bubble Bobble (Wii Virtual Console)
Light Crusader (Wii Virtual Console)
Top Hunter (Wii Virtual Console)

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