Games
News Pop! 01/25/07
By Eli Green
January 25, 2007 - 23:50
Tiger
to release “Tween” game system
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Tiger
Electronics, a division of Hasbro Inc., maker of such plug and play
games as Dream Life and Designer's World, and a multitude of other
electronics targeted at kids between the a
ges
of 6-11, announced today that it will be introducing a new
“instant-play online game system” called NET JET.
The
NET JET system runs by using a “kid-tested” controller that plugs
into a personal computer’s USB port and a game key that slides into
the controller and activates content. Each key launches one “Feature”
game and gives players the ability to add three additional “Choice”
games. The more immersive Feature games have been exclusively
developed or licensed for NET JET and boast what Tiger calls high
quality graphics and robust gameplay. Unfortunately, from what we've
seen so far, the graphics don't compare to technology that was
available over ten year ago and the gameplay for many of the games
appears to be copied from classic games in new, TV show lisenced
versions (i.e. a Spongebob version of Paperboy and ripoffs of Mario
Kart and Bust-a-Move). The Choice games, on the other hand, are light
Flash-based experiences in a full screen. We haven't been able to see
any images or videos from those games yet. Upon plugging in the NET
JET controller, players will be validated by Tiger Electronics
servers then launched into NetJetGames.com where they will be
prompted to browse and select their Choice games based on individual
interest. The NET JET system will retail for approximately $24.99 USD
and will be available in New York and online at www.hasbrotoyshop.com
on February 11th. A national launch of the system is
scheduled for fall 2007. For complete information on NET JET,
including games, videos and requirements, you can check out
www.netjetinfo.com.
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Lord
of the Rings Online pre-order announced
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Turbine
and Midway Games announced the details of their pre-order Founder's
Program for The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar today.
The highly anticipated m
assively
multiplayer online game lets players experience the greatest epic
fantasy adventure of all time and join with millions of fans from
around the globe in the vast world of Middle-earth. The Founder’s
Program rewards all players who pre-order The Lord of the Rings
Online with special $9.99 USD monthly subscription pricing, early
access to the game (beta version), character roll-over and unique
in-game bonus items. More interesting is the fact that there are two
subscription offers available to people who pre-order. Aside from the
$9.99 monthly subscription price, there is also a $199 USD Lifetime
Membership available, which could potentially be a better choice for
people who regularly renew their MMO subscriptions. In addition to
having the choice between the two subscription offers, Founders will
receive guaranteed access to
the
first opportunity to create a character and enter Middle-earth in the
open beta, which is currently planned for March 30, 2007, complete
character rollover from the beta to the full version, including
stats, levels, items and experience earned before launch, and they
will receive two bonus items exclusive to people who pre-order: an
Enchanted Cloak of Regeneration and a Ring of Agility. Pre-orders
will become available in retail stores February 1st, but
are already available online at www.lotro.com/preorder.
For more information on The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of Angmar, you
can check out www.lotro.com.
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Disney
unveils Spectrobes features
Disney
unveiled some new features for its upcoming Nintendo DS game today.
Spectrobes, set to release March 13th, will not just
include regular adventure elements in its action filled,
intergalactic journey, but will also introduce
innovative new gameplay features designed specifically for the
Nintendo DS platform.
The
game will include a unique code input card system,
local wireless gameplay, Nintendo Wi-Fi downloadable content and a
compatible online community. For the first time on the Nintendo DS,
players will be able to use collectible trading cards to unlock
additional content within the game using the touch screen. The game
features two junior Planetary Patrol officers, Rallen and Jeena, who
must save the galaxy by awakening, training and collec
ting
prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes. Spectrobes will take full
advantage of the DS, including use of the touch screen and
microphone. Included in each Spectrobes game is a pack of four
translucent lenticular code input cards, perfect for collecting and
trading. Once players unlock the special ability in the game, they
can fit a code input card over the Nintendo DS touch screen and use
the stylus to consecutively tap numerical holes in the cards,
unlocking new content, which includes creatures and minerals. Along
with their inclusion in game packages, additional trading cards will
be available after the game’s release. Players can also earn
the ability to download content such as videos, creatures, custom
parts and minerals through a Wi-Fi connection. Also, once connected
to the Internet, the Nintendo DS will generate a personal planetary
patrol badge number that can be synchronized to each player’s
profile page on the Spectrobes web site.
Spectrobes
will be available March 13th for $29.99 USD/$34.99 CAD and
is rated E for Everyone. For more information, you can check out
www.spectrobes.com.