Games
News Pop! 01/25/07
By Eli Green
January 25, 2007 - 23:50




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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.



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