Section: Gaming News, Handhelds, DS

The art site, gallery and sometimes book, i am 8-bit, has teamed up with Nintendo for a midnight launch of the Nintendo DSi. The free party will start 9 P.M., April 4, 2009, ending at midnight (April 5, 2009) and will take place at the Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles, CA (USA).

According to i am 8-bit’s press release, not only will much fun be had by all who are standing in line to get the new handheld but prizes will artistic handed out as well, including:

• Posters - Three hand-silkscreened posters from famed artists Gabe Swarr, John Pham, and Matt Furie. Each artist will be on site to sign and customize the posters. There are only 100 of each.
• Photo Playset - Imagine entering a life-sized Mushroom Kingdom, as conceptualized by visionary artist Scott Belcastro, and get your photo taken. Complete with hand-made props/replicas from all your favorite Nintendo franchises.
• T-Shirts - Ultimate Mario fan/i am 8-bit artist Gabe Swarr designed shirts, exclusively for the event. There are only 600 to be had.
• Stickers - A whole arsenal of exclusive stickers will be passed out, featuring your favorite Nintendo characters as interpreted by i am 8-bit artists. Only 1000 sticker packs were created.

Although the prizes might sound a little lame to most, if you haven’t seen any of the art you cannot imagine how truly cool some of the stuff will be.

According to N-Philes, other event goodness will include:

• Music by VJ Fader with manipulated video displayed on a giant 360 degree projection globe
• Gaming stations
• Parkour street running stunt performances
• Nintendo executive Cammie Dunaway and event host Kevin Periera of G4’s Attack of the Show leading the count down to midnight when doors open

The DSi is Nintendo’s latest handheld game system and the third version of the DS line and will cost US$169.99. The DSi which has already been released in Japan (November 2008). It appears very similar to the DS Lite but is slightly thinner, has two digital cameras, larger screens, more RAM, access to the DSi Shop, upgradeable firmware, a SD/SDHC card expansion slot and improved speakers (sound can also be heard while the system is closed). The new features also mean the battery will not last quite as long and the carts will be region locked.

Site [i am 8-bit] Site [Nintendo DSi] Read [Gamertell] Also Read [N-Philes]

Full Story ? | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, PS1, Wii, Ads & Media, Print, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 3D, Action

In an age where many people are turning away from print media to internet outlets, it’s good to see magazines have some substance and purpose. Thanks to e a leaked issue of the May 2009 edition of Nintendo Power, we now know that the horror series Silent Hill is going to be setting up a summer home on the Wii. Konami is remaking the original Silent Hill for the system under the title Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.

GoNintendo first reported the breaking news, scanning in the magazine’s cover (as seen below) along with some images and also offered up some choice quotes from the issue discussing Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Apparently this version of the game is what Konami’s Silent Hill: Shattered Memories producer is calling a reimagining. The basic story, of Harry Mason searching for his lost daughter Cheryl in Silent Hill, is the same. There will just be new situations. Also, the way you play will effect who you meet and what events you’ll encounter.

Of course, there will be tailor-made wii remote controls. I’m hoping that means Silent Hill: Shattered Memories will use the remote as a flashlight, much like in LIT, and as a weapon as well.

Other tweaks to the gameplay include puzzles that use the remote, the ability to find a way to unlock every locked door and less backtracking. Frankly, the locked doors and backtracking were the only things that I ever found frustrating about the Silent Hill series, so I’m glad to hear Konami’s working on that issue for the Wii game.

It’s appropriate news delivered at a good time – it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the original Silent Hill. The PlayStation version of the game came out on January 31, 1999. The PlayStation game ended up becoming a Greatest Hit due to its success, and inspired arcade, cell phone, GBA, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox and Xbox 360 games, books, interactive manga and a movie. This will be the first time the original Silent Hill has been re-envisioned, though the Silent Hill movie’s plot is very similar.

Read [GoNintendo] Via [Kotaku]

Full Story ? | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, PS2, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers

The time to pick up a PlayStation 2 is soon. Very soon. Or perhaps pick up a backup PS2. It’s up to you really. Sony’s big announcement today was that the price of the PS2 unit is going to go from $129.99 to $99. The new, lower price will go into effect on April 1, 2009. Despite the unusual choice of date, this is not some cruel and elaborate April Fool’s joke.

Joystiq followed up with Sony to ask if this would truly be a global price drop. The answer it received was a resounding not quite. PS2s price will drop to €99 throughout Europe, excluding the UK.

The PlayStation.Blog announcement boasts about the console’s long lifespan, extensive game library and 250 budget priced, “Greatest Hits” games. It also makes a brief mention of the fact that there have been 50 million PS2s sold in North America.

Kotaku and Joystiq were speculating earlier that the big announcement would be a price drop on the PS2s. This speculation was given some credence after images from Kmart were discovered showing a PS2 costing $99.

It’s a good decision on Sony’s part. The PS3 and PSP never really performed the way the company expected and haven’t come close to receiving the widespread love and acceptance that the PS2 has. And, with people being more critical about big purchases, a successful and cheap PS2 with a large library of games under $19.99 is a good entertainment option.

Read [PlayStation.Blog] Also Read [Kotaku] Also Read [Joystiq] Site [PlayStation.com]

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Section: Gaming News, Consoles, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox-360, PCs, Windows, Handhelds, DS, PSP, Gear, Accessories, Ads & Media, Web, Advertisements, Web-Sites, Official-Sites

With the economy being what it is, and people cutting back just in case the worst happens to them or their families, buying new games has become a bit of a luxury. Thankfully, it’s that special time of year. The time when GameStop decides to do a clearing out of sorts. That’s right – it’s Game Days time. Technically, April 5, 2009 marks the beginning of Game Days, but it’s best to be prepared and ready for the sale.

GameStop even has a special Game Days section up on its website, with sections devoted to DS, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2, UMD, PC games and accessories that will be on sale. At the moment, clicking on one of the sections will take you to a list of regularly priced games and accessories. If the website listing is accurate, then some phenomenal games are going to be on sale. This year the sales will be online and in-store, so perhaps on April 5 check out the website and see if the games shown there now are reduced.

Some examples of hot titles that are featured in the sale section include:

• Chrono Trigger (DS)
• Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi (DS)
• Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
• Sonic Rush Adventure (DS)
• Bleach: Dark Souls (DS)
• Phantasy Star Portable (PSP)
• Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (PSP)
• Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles (PSP)
• Silent Hill: Origins (PSP)
• Dynasty Warriors 2 (PSP)
• Call of Duty 2 (Xbox 360)
• Sonic Unleashed (Xbox 360)
• Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath (Xbox 360)
• Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground (Xbox 360)
• Tomb Raider Anniversary (Xbox 360)
• Sonic and the Black Knight (Wii)
• House of the Dead 2 and 3 Returns (Wii)
• Destroy All Humans Big Willy Unleashed (Wii)
• Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles (Wii)
• Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (Wii)
• Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)
• Sonic Unleashed (PS3)
• Call of Duty 3 (PS3)
• Stuntman: Ignition (PS3)
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (PS3)
• Devil May Cry Greatest Hits Set (PS2)
• Resident Evil: The Essentials (PS2)
• Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection (PS2)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES (PS2)
• Mortal Kombat Kollection (PS2)
• Diablo 2 Battle Chest (PC)
• Warcraft III Battle Chest (PC)
• Guild Wars: Eye of the North (PC)
• Hidden & Dangerous II (PC)
• Viva Pinata (PC)

Be sure and stop back at Gamertell on April 5 – we’ll list all of the Game Day price cuts once they’ve been announced.

Read [CAG] Site [GameStop]

Full Story ? | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Reviews, Originals, Features, Collecting, Opinions, Genres, CCG & TCG

Title: Geek Fight TCG (aka Geek Fight Beta Edition)
Price: $1 (per 7-card pack)
Release Date: February 2009
Publisher (Developer): Diving Dragon Games
Rating: Ages 14+
Pros: Good card stock, a lot of gamer humor and easy to play.
Cons: Smaller than standard cards, some amateurish art and ads on every card. Too few cards.
Overall Score: One thumb up, one sideways; 85/100; B; * * * 1/2 out of five.

Geeks are usually considered to be awkward, a bit gangly and often without much tact. They also like to argue with each other, sometimes degrading into what would be a silly looking slap fight. Sounds like the perfect premise for a game, eh?

Diving Dragon Games has taken the humorous idea of a pair of geeks in an awkward slap match to the table in the form of Geek Fight! the trading card game. This indie card game does have love of the game on its side and gets big kudos for decent production value and humor. However, much like the geeks it parodies, it needs a less geeky friend to help make the game a little more newbie friendly. Read More

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, Wii, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Role-Playing, Strategy, Conventions, GDC, Web-Sites, Official-Sites

Square Enix has combined an expected announcement with two unexpected ones. We all knew that the Final Fantasy IV cell phone game sequel, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years was headed to Wiiware. We’ve now learned it won’t be alone. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King‘s sequel, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord will be joining it on Wiiware and the original NES Final Fantasy will be released on Virtual Console. I guess somebody’s going to have to start charging up Wii Points. All three games currently have a 2009 release window, with no exact release dates or prices mentioned.

FFIV: The After Years, set 18 years after FFIV stars Cecil and Rosa’s sun Ceodore as he faces a new villain which threatens to disturb the peace of the world. The cast of FFIV also returns as well, as both allies and supporting stars of the game. The press release doesn’t mention if it will be an episodic adventure, like the original cell phone game, or if it will be released all at once.

There’s a good chance this may be the first of the forthcoming releases. The ESRB has already rated it (Everyone), and a website with a fashionable logo and brief description has been launched.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord sounds a bit like a tower defense strategy game. While My Life as a King had players step into the shoes of a king who was rebuilding a kingdom, My Life as a Darklord has players assuming the role of a Darklord’s daughter who is defending her home and dark crystal against heroes.

My Life as a Darklord also has a website with a snazzy logo and description up. Aside from the basic game premise, not much additional information is housed there at the moment.

The most exciting news might be the release of Final Fantasy on the Virtual Console. The first entry in the series is going to be made available sometime in 2009, and with it comes the possibility of FFII through IV.

Read [Wired] Site [Final Fantasy IV: The After Years] Also Read [Joystiq] Site [Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord]

Full Story ? | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Handhelds, DS, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Web-Sites, Official-Sites

Online retailers have loose lips. If you’re looking for a release window or early box art, sites like Amazon are a good place to check for early information. This time around, it’s Target that may have spoiled the surprise. A NeoGAF user pointed out that the site’s listings for the DSi units mention that buyers will receive 1,000 DSi points ($10) the first time they log into the Nintendo DSi Shop.

The idea of getting free DSi points with the system isn’t new, so we shouldn’t be all that shocked. After all, Joystiq points out that all Japanese DSis come with 1,000 free DSi points as well. I guess Nintendo wants to encourage people to visit the DSi Shop.

This promotion won’t be a Target exclusive deal. At the end of the product description on Target’s site, it mentions that the free 1,000 DSi points is a “limited time offer.“ Users are directed to the DsiOffer.Nintendo.com website for more details. As of March 23, 2009, the Nintendo DSi Offer site was not open.

The Target listing is the only one which makes note of the free 1,000 DSi points. The GameStop, Amazon, Walmart and Toys R Us DSi listings just provide information on the system and its capabilities.

Read [NeoGAF] Via [Joystiq] Product Page [Target] Site [DsiOffer.Nintendo.com]

Full Story ? | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article ?

Section: Gaming News, Features, Lists, Mashups

Haven’t caught all of the Gamertell news this week?? Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

• Apple App Store gaming update for the week of March 9 – March 15, 2009
  “The Apple App Store gaming update is Gamertell’s weekly look at the previous week’s App Store game releases. We cover them all, good and not so good, in their respective categories with a breakdown of the great games and the free games right where you want ‘em, at the top…“ MORE ?
• How To: Decide if a Mabinogi elf, human or giant character is best for you
  “Want to get involved in Nexon’s free-to-play MMORPG Mabinogi? It’s a great time for it, what with the massive Pioneers of Iria expansion just added into the game and a lot of previously premium content suddenly…“ MORE ?
• An Interview You Can’t Refuse: Gamertell talks to EA Redwood Shores about The Godfather II
  “ It’s not personal – it’s business. It’s a concept from the original Godfather movies that holds true even in EA’s Godfather games. You think strategically and take actions that will put the family in the best possible…“ MORE ?
• Gamertell Walkthrough: Oregon Trail for iPhone, iPod Touch
  “ Last week, Gameloft’s iPhone and iPod Touch revision of the classic game pretty much everyone who went to school in the ‘90s played around with in the computer labs, The Oregon Trail, was released to…“ MORE ?
• Gamertell Review: The Oregon Trail for iPhone, iPod Touch
  “ Title: The Oregon Trail Price: $5.99 System(s): iPhone and iPod Touch Release Date: March 09, 2009 Publisher (Developer): Gameloft ESRB Rating: Rated 4+ Pros: Brillant visuals, plenty of…“ MORE ?
• Gamertell Review: The Path for PC
  “ Title: The Path Price: $9.99 System(s): Windows PC Release Date: March 18, 2008 Publisher (Developer): Tale of Tales (Tale of Tales) ESRB Rating: N/A Pros: Beautiful surroundings, unique characters, simple controls,…“ MORE ?
• Wii Virtual Console and WiiWare update for Mach 16, 2009
  “I’m going to characterize this week’s new Wii downloadable games as “quirky”. We have the ancient, yet charming Summer Games II (a C64 game) and the new, but retro-funky looking Bit.Trip: Beat on WiiWare. As always, the titles are available on the Wii Shop channel, with a fresh batch arriving…“ MORE ?
• A fond look back at A Boy and His Blob
  “A Boy and His Blob is a series with a lot of history. It’s all pretty much ancient history though. Before the announcement of the forthcoming Majesco Wii remake, the last…“ MORE ?
• 20 Years of Doh: The cheers and jeers of The Simpsons video games
  “There have been many Simpsons games over the years, probably more than there needed to be in fact.? With so many great titles – and equally horrible titles (much like the seasons of the TV series) – it would…“ MORE ?
• Begorrah! North American and European Animal Crossing: City Folk players get official DLC
  “ The North American and European Animal Crossing: CIty Folk free downloadable content famine is over! Nintendo has decided that the best way for AC:CF players to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to…“ MORE ?

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