Skate It

Electronic Arts announced its next game for its Skate skateboarding video game franchise today. Skate It , designed exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS, brings players closer than ever to the real skateboarding, without actually making them get on a real skateboard. Players will be skating like the pros in no time, using FlickIt controls with their Wii Remote or Nintendo DS stylus, stringing together tricks to pull off huge combos.

“ We knew it would be an exciting challenge to bring the soul and feel of skateboarding to the Wii and Nintendo DS,” said Scott Blackwood, Executive Producer for the Skate franchise. “With fresh new designs and gameplay components built from scratch, we've been able to, once again, capture the trure experience of skateboarding in a completely innovative way.”

The Wii Remote gives players even more control, as it becomes like a skateboard, reacting to players' gestures and mirroring actual skate flips and tricks. However, the Wii version of the game will offer even more than any other version could, as it will be compatible with the Wii Balance Board. No information has been given yet as to how much of the game the Balance Board will control, but there is still plenty of time for EA to divulge that information, as the game is only set to release some time later this year. On a similar note, Skate 2 is currently in development for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Nintendo launches WiiWare

Nintendo announced the launch of its WiiWare service today. The new service opens up a whole new way for Wii software developers to create their games, and for players to get them. Starting today, Wii owners with access to the Internet can go into the WiiWare section of the Wii Shop Channel and download new games from a host of developers, from large publishers to independents.

WiiWare frees developers from the traditional constraints of video game development, money being the biggest of course, by letting them experiment with big ideas on smaller budgets. “ WiiWare is to the video game industry what independent films are to Hollywood," said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. "WiiWare lets developers experiment with new ideas and experiences. Combined with our collection of classic Virtual Console games, Wii provides one-stop shopping for the greatest games of the past - and the future."

WiiWare games can be purchased through the Wii Shop Channel, just like Virtual Console games. Users pick the game they want to purchase, redeem however many Wii Points that game costs and start the download. Nintendo will be adding new games, each with various Wii Point values, every Monday.

The first round of WiiWare titles includes:

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King (Square Enix, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,500 Wii Points): FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King takes a legendary franchise and launches it into the realm of simulation gaming. Players are challenged to rebuild a kingdom, leading its young king on a path of discovery through an adventure bristling with mystery and intrigue.

LostWinds ( Frontier Development, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): A fresh, enchanting platform adventure that puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand - from raging tornadoes to the gentlest breeze. You'll wield your Wii Remote controller to power Toku's jumps and glides, suspend and smash enemies, meet friends and solve puzzles using LostWinds ' novel, intuitive and playful control system.

Defend your Castle (XGen Studios, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone - Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Defend your Castle takes place on a grassy plain surrounded by invaders. You are the commander of your castle, and it is your duty to fling the invading enemies sky-high, watching them plummet to their demise. As you progress, add powerful spells and upgrades to your arsenal for repelling the attacks. How long can you hold them off?

Pop (Nnooo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Pop bubbles to score points and stop the timer from running out. Pop can be enjoyed by anyone - casual gamers can simply play to pop bubbles and keep the game moving, whereas advanced players will need to pick their shots rapidly and accurately and generate combos to maximize their score.

V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack (High Voltage Software®, Inc., 1-4 players, Rated T for Teen - Simulated Gambling, 700 Wii Points): V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack re-creates the casino experience, with fully animated players and a realistic Las Vegas dealer. Single players can increase their bankrolls, while multiple players can engage in a head-to-head mini-blackjack tournament.

TV Show King ( Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): TV Show King transforms your living room into a real TV quiz show studio where you'll face the challenge of answering more than 3,000 questions across six different categories. Compete against family and friends and use your Wii Remote controller in original ways to make it to the finals to see who can win the greatest amount of cash in one final, deciding duel.