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.