Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tekken-3d-prime-edition-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tekken-3d-prime-edition-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tekken-3d-prime-edition-review/#comments We've raised our expectations for portable fighting games in the last decade, especially in the past year.

The last time Namco brought Tekken to a Nintendo handheld, it produced 2002's Tekken Advance, which received praise from reviewers at the time but in hindsight was a poor facsimile of the console and arcade experience -- like the Kid Cuisine version of spaghetti and meatballs, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, but, c'mon son, that ain't a proper meal.

Another Tekken Advance (that is to say another handheld port that's far from arcade perfect) wouldn't stand today, not when releases like Super Street Fighter IV 3D and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 set the standard for fighting games you can play on the go. Those releases don't stop at just emulating the big screen experience; they raise the bar for what all portable titles can accomplish, online and off.

That is why Namco Bandai and Arika's Tekken 3D Prime Edition will disappoint both new and casual Tekken fans. Because while the core game -- the parts in between "Round One, Fight!" and "K.O. You win!" -- are just as great as the Tekken 6 I've played on consoles and in arcades, everything else is lacking.

Gallery: Tekken 3D Prime Edition (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition

JoystiqTekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsarikanamco-bandainintendotekken-3dtekken-3d-prime-editionWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Urban Champion is the 3DS's latest 3D 'Classic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/urban-champion-is-the-3dss-latest-3d-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/urban-champion-is-the-3dss-latest-3d-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/urban-champion-is-the-3dss-latest-3d-classic/#comments Well, the 3DS had a good run. Of all the NES games to spend time and money remaking in 3D, Nintendo has chosen its worst first-party game as the third 3D Classics release. That's right, Urban Champion follows Excitebike and Xevious in the 3D Classics line, coming to the eShop in Japan July 13, for ¥600 ($7.40).

The 3D perspective change effect actually looks really cool, and there's local wireless multiplayer -- two new aspects that temporarily distract from the crumminess of Nintendo's 1984 fighter.

The same day, an unaltered retro game will also come to 3DS in Japan via Virtual Console: Adventure Island 2.

JoystiqUrban Champion is the 3DS's latest 3D 'Classic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-classics3dsadventure-island-2arikadsnesnintendourban-championvirtual-consoleWed, 06 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DSiWare First Look: X-Scape and Metal Torrent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/dsiware-first-look-x-scape-and-metal-torrent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/dsiware-first-look-x-scape-and-metal-torrent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/dsiware-first-look-x-scape-and-metal-torrent/#comments Two DSiWare shooters were on show at Nintendo's Q1 Media Summit -- X-Scape (left) and Metal Torrent (right). Both hail from different dimensions (of gameplay and graphics). I played them both, and you'll find my impressions beyond the break.

Continue reading DSiWare First Look: X-Scape and Metal Torrent

JoystiqDSiWare First Look: X-Scape and Metal Torrent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDSdsidsiwaremetal-torrentNintendonintendo-media-summit-2010Q-Gamesx-scapeThu, 25 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DSiWare screens and trailers from Nintendo Media Summit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/dsiware-screens-and-trailers-from-nintendo-media-summit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/dsiware-screens-and-trailers-from-nintendo-media-summit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/dsiware-screens-and-trailers-from-nintendo-media-summit/#commentsThere wasn't as much DSiWare stuff on display at Nintendo Media Summit as there was WiiWare, but Nintendo did announce three new games. Photo Dojo is Japan's Photo Fighter X, the bizarre two-player fighting game made out of your photographs. Metal Torrent, as you may have heard, is a localized version of Aa! Mujou Setsuna, a vertical shooter from Arika.

X-Scape (above), fascinatingly, is a super-stylish first-person tank game from Q-Games, a sequel to the vintage Game Boy game X. You can see screens and video of all of them after the break.

Gallery: X-Scape (DSiWare)

Continue reading DSiWare screens and trailers from Nintendo Media Summit

JoystiqDSiWare screens and trailers from Nintendo Media Summit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadsiwarefightingmetal-torrentnintendo-media-summit-2010photo-dojoq-gamesshmupx-scapeWed, 24 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Endless Ocean 2 dated in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/endless-ocean-2-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/endless-ocean-2-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/endless-ocean-2-dated-in-europe/#commentsNintendo of Europe just revealed that the wait for Endless Ocean: Blue World will, in fact, have a very specific end point: February 5. Not only does the diving exploration game arrive in Europe before North America's February 22 date, it comes with a different name: Endless Ocean 2: Adventures of the Deep.

Endless Ocean 2 is an extremely rare game -- in that it actually uses the Wii Speak peripheral. That's right, if you want to chat when you're playing online (that's right, it does that), you'll have to dig the Wii Speak out of your pile of unloved Nintendo accessories. It'll be under the MotionPlus. What, too soon?

JoystiqEndless Ocean 2 dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureArikaEndless-OceanEndless-Ocean-2Endless-Ocean-2-AdventuEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldEndless-Ocean-2-Adventures-of-the-DeepEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldEuropeExplorationNintendoOpen-WorldFri, 08 Jan 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan's DSi Shop adds shmups, instrument tuning next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/japans-dsi-shop-adds-shmups-instrument-tuning-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/japans-dsi-shop-adds-shmups-instrument-tuning-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/japans-dsi-shop-adds-shmups-instrument-tuning-next-month/#commentsAa Mujou Setsuna is something DSiWare has yet to see: a vertical shooter! The downloadable shmup, releasing in Japan on September 2, is listed as a Nintendo/Arika collaboration. Arika is responsible for various home ports of Cave shooters, including the DS Ketsui Death Label. Aa Mujou Setsuna has two selectable ships, a chain-based scoring system and even online rankings, for just 500 DSi Points. Somehow we doubt this is the news Nintendo Power teased, but it certainly makes us happy. Check out some footage after the break.

Less hardcore, but still kind of cool, are the two 200-point apps also releasing on September 2. Nintendo DSi Metronome is, well, a metronome, that allows users to input their own beats and tempo to play along with, and even record their own drum sounds. It has multiple "skins" including a Game and Watch look, and Balloon Fight and Donkey Kong minigames; the latter of which involves clapping to make Mario jump over barrels. Hey, it's a Mario counterpart to Jungle Beat! Except really simplified.

Nintendo DSi Instrument Tuner also includes a Game and Watch skin. This useful program allows you to play an instrument into the DS mic and get information about its pitch.

Continue reading Japan's DSi Shop adds shmups, instrument tuning next month

JoystiqJapan's DSi Shop adds shmups, instrument tuning next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsarikadsidsi-instrument-tunerdsi-metronomedsiwarejapanshmupFri, 28 Aug 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Endless Ocean 2 trailer: More endless than ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/endless-ocean-2-trailer-more-endless-than-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/endless-ocean-2-trailer-more-endless-than-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/endless-ocean-2-trailer-more-endless-than-ever/#comments How is it possible to make an experience as truly expansive as 2007's Endless Ocean any more ... erm, endless? Crocodiles! It's the trailer for Endless Ocean 2, folks. No joke.

So here's the thing -- we're not absolutely sure there weren't crocodiles in the first Endless Ocean, due to it's, ya know, endlessness, but we don't recall any swamps or bayous in the game. If you spent the requisite forever with former of the series, let us know what new stuff you spot in the trailer.

JoystiqEndless Ocean 2 trailer: More endless than ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureArikae3-2009Endless-OceanEndless-Ocean-2Endless-Ocean-2-Adventures-of-the-DeepEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldExplorationNintendoOpen-WorldWiiSat, 06 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo conference screen mega-roundup!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-screen-mega-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-screen-mega-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-screen-mega-roundup/#commentsFiled under:


Click for full-sized image
Nintendo announced a lot of games last night at their Japanese conference. Many of them, like Punch-Out!! here, were brand new. Some, like Supan Smasher and Cosmic Walker, we still don't know anything about. But we've got screenshots. So many screenshots.

After the break, you'll find galleries of all the new games, along with new screens of some upcoming games we've known about for a while. Of special interest to us: the previously-announced Oboro Muramasa Youtouden, coming to the US as Muramasa: The Demon Blade, because it looks super hot, Karaoke Joysound Wii, which appears to have art by Parappa creator Rodney Alan Greenblat, and Takuto of Magic (Wand of Magic), which appears to be a followup to Taito's LostMagic on the DS.

Continue reading Nintendo conference screen mega-roundup!

JoystiqNintendo conference screen mega-roundup! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>428Adventureanimal-crossing-city-folkanother-codearc-rise-fantasiaArikacosmic-walkerdynamic-combatEndless-OceanEndless-Ocean-2Endless-Ocean-2-AdventuEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldEndless-Ocean-2-Adventures-of-the-DeepEndless-Ocean-Blue-Worldenglish-conversation-trainingExplorationfamily-skiforever-blueharvest-moonjoysoundkaraoke-joysound-wiikensaxklonoaline-attack-heroesNintendooboro-muramasa-youtoudenOpen-Worldpunch-outrune-factory-frontierrygarshape-boxingstart-with-100supan-smashertaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintakuto-of-magictatsunoko-vs-capcomtrace-memorywaku-waku-animal-marchThu, 02 Oct 2008 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo conference video reveals one billion new games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-video-reveals-one-billion-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-video-reveals-one-billion-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-video-reveals-one-billion-new-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, it's a bit late for accurate estimation. Let's just say a lot of new games. And rather than write a separate post about each new game seen for the first time in this Nintendo media conference video, we'll just list out every new game we see in the order we see them, with a bit of description in case you can't figure out which is which. We'll also point out known games for which we're seeing the first video. Okay?
  • Let's Tap, developed by Prope, published by Sega. The sidescrolling platformer/fireworks ... thing.
  • Karaoke Joysound, developed and published by Hudson. We knew about the game, but this video was the first look. It's the one with the rabbity avatar.
  • Klonoa: Door to Phantomile. We saw scans of this remake this morning, and now there's the first video.
  • Taiko no Tatsujin Wii. It's the one that looks like a Taiko game! Coming December 11!
And many Nintendo-published games for 2009!

Continue reading Nintendo conference video reveals one billion new games

JoystiqNintendo conference video reveals one billion new games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureArikaEndless-OceanEndless-Ocean-2Endless-Ocean-2-AdventuEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldEndless-Ocean-2-Adventures-of-the-DeepEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldExplorationklonoaNintendonms08Open-Worldsin-and-punishment-2Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Games for your Day Off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/top-5-games-for-your-day-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/top-5-games-for-your-day-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/top-5-games-for-your-day-off/#commentsFiled under:


Gaming is a hobby, but sometimes it can feel like a job. As developers try to boost replayability, your gaming commitments can become anxiety-inducing. Just ask anyone who dared to attempt achieving 100% of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. At first, it's a fun and wonderful romp through a vivid world that's just oozing with life and character. By the end, you wish you'd never left Vice City. Did anyone here complete all of Super Smash Bros Brawl? I'm talking Classic Mode with every character, all of the Event matches, the target smashes, and every trophy and sticker available. At a certain point, some games can become an obligation rather than a means to entertainment.

Today being Labor Day in the US, let's take a break from completing every mission, collecting every star, and unlocking all bonus content. Sometime between your 11 AM rise from bed and your evening consumption of copious amounts of hot dogs at your family barbeque, take some time to truly enjoy gaming. Here's our Top 5 recommendations.




The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Games for your Day Off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikabullybully-scholarship-editionendless-oceanholidayjoystiqfeatureslabor-daymlb-power-prosmlb-power-pros-2008retrospelunkersuper-mario-bros-3super-mario-galaxytop-fivevacationvirtual-consoleMon, 01 Sep 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Ketsui boss advice from Cave's boss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/get-ketsui-boss-advice-from-caves-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/get-ketsui-boss-advice-from-caves-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/get-ketsui-boss-advice-from-caves-boss/#commentsFiled under: ,


Arika's Ketsui DS is more than just a stripped-down "boss rush" version of an arcade shmup -- though it does seem to be a boss rush, judging from the website's description of the difficulty levels (which show different progressions of bosses based on the difficulty). It's being loaded with extra DS content including levels that can be shared via download play, recordable replays (which can also be shared), and an "Evac Report" mode, which seems to contain an unlockable art gallery.

The wackiest new feature is the "Oshiete IKD-san!" ("Teach me, IKD-san!") mode, in which Cave's president, Tsuneki Ikeda ("IKD"), offers shmup lessons to the player. Shooting Training: of course!

[Via Insert Credit]

JoystiqGet Ketsui boss advice from Cave's boss originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikaboss-rushcaveikdketsuiketsui-dsshmupMon, 16 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: WiiWare and VC team up yet again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/vc-monday-madness-wiiware-and-vc-team-up-yet-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/vc-monday-madness-wiiware-and-vc-team-up-yet-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/vc-monday-madness-wiiware-and-vc-team-up-yet-again/#commentsFiled under:

Now, this is something we can get used to. Both WiiWare titles and Virtual Console titles releasing together, side-by-side? Totally awesome, if you ask us. And, on top of it, both of Nintendo's services are hooking us all up with some solid downloads today. With it being a holiday and all, we're glad Nintendo is providing us with some stuff to do during our downtime.

Virtual Console games available for download this week:
  • City Connection (NES, 1 - 2 players, 500 Wii Points)
  • Metal Slug (NEOGEO, 1 - 2 players, 900 Wii Points)
WiiWare games available for download this week:
  • Dr. Mario Online Rx (1 - 4 players, 1,000 Wii Points)
  • Family Table Tennis (1 - 2 players, 500 Wii Points)
As always, be sure to stop back here later for our video wrap-up of today's Virtual Console releases, as well as a review for Family Table Tennis. For those of you interested in Dr. Mario Online Rx's features, give our review a read.


JoystiqVC Monday Madness: WiiWare and VC team up yet again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxmetal-slugneogeoNintendoPuzzlesnktable-tennisWiiWareMon, 26 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Mario prescribes Family Table Tennis for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/dr-mario-prescribes-family-table-tennis-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/dr-mario-prescribes-family-table-tennis-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/dr-mario-prescribes-family-table-tennis-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under:

Here we are in the third week of WiiWare and we still feel like we aren't able to equip you guys and gals properly for your buying decisions. We feel pretty confident about Dr. Mario, if you aren't burnt out on it, but we have literally no clue about Family Table Tennis. Let us know in the comments if you give either one a spin.
  • Dr. Mario Online Rx (Nintendo, 1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): It's the classic Dr. Mario that you have played a thousand times love, wherein an Italian plumber tosses more pills then Amy Winehouse to practice medicine completely without a license. But Nintendo has added new multiplayer modes, including a Friend Battle Demo that you can play with someone who doesn't own the game.
  • Family Table Tennis (Aksys Games, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): You can probably figure out what to expect here. It's table tennis (though we don't know if it uses the Wiimote's motion sensing). What we'd like to bring up is this line from the press release: "Just like a real family, choose your character from a cast of four, which includes Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy." What sort of Cold War-era ethics are you trying to impose on our families, Nintendo? Even more sinister is the release's insistence that the game includes "four table tennis-tastic stages." Table tennis-tastic? We don't care what anyone tells you, that collection of words and punctuation means nothing.

JoystiqDr. Mario prescribes Family Table Tennis for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxfamily-table-tennisNintendoPuzzleWiiwiiwarewiiware-weeklyMon, 26 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese homebrew games that will blow your mind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/japanese-homebrew-games-that-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/japanese-homebrew-games-that-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/japanese-homebrew-games-that-will-blow-your-mind/#commentsFiled under: ,


Whenever the topic of internationally developed homebrew DS games comes up, as it often does among hip and attractive people, most people in "the scene" immediately think of France, whose homebrew community rivals North America's in both size and production. You'll see an occasional release from other countries, such as Spain or Korea, but you'll rarely see much activity elsewhere.

But what about Japan's scene? For a country with so many DSes and a strong independent game development community, outside of Infantile Paralysiser's MoonShell media player, we've hardly seen any DS homebrew projects cross the Pacific. Where are all the doujin developers?

At least one programmer in Japan has been working on creating games for the DS, and we're bringing him out of the shadows to highlight three of his projects, likely games that you've never even heard of, let alone seen. If you're interested in homebrew development at all, you definitely need to pay attention to MeRAMAN!

Continue reading Japanese homebrew games that will blow your mind

JoystiqJapanese homebrew games that will blow your mind originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikahb08joystiqfeatureskotokoMeRAMANnds-tgmokamaidouendanprincess-briderhythmrinlentetristhe-grand-mastervocaloidyamahaWed, 21 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Dr. Mario & Germ Buster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/wii-fanboy-review-dr-mario-and-germ-buster/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/wii-fanboy-review-dr-mario-and-germ-buster/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/wii-fanboy-review-dr-mario-and-germ-buster/#commentsFiled under: ,


Reviving a seventeen-year-old puzzle game seems like a strange way of kick-starting a download service that promises "genre-defying gameplay." That said, we find it easy to forgive Dr. Mario & Germ Buster for its lack of innovation. While not the perfect version we had hoped for, Arika's Dr. Mario benefits from the kind of classic, timeless design that defines the very best puzzle games. Innovative or not, it's still every bit as addictive in 2008 as it was in 1990.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Dr. Mario & Germ Buster

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Dr. Mario & Germ Buster originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxjoystiqfeaturesNintendoPuzzleWiiWareTue, 20 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Mario prescribes demo to WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/dr-mario-prescribes-demo-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/dr-mario-prescribes-demo-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/dr-mario-prescribes-demo-to-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What's this? A demo?

That's right folks -- if you're lucky enough to be a Wii owner in Europe or Australia, you'll be able to download the WiiWare game that many of us in the U.S. have been coveting -- Dr. Mario. Are you still unsure whether or not you want to lay down 1000 Wii Points, though? Fear not, because there's a demo out there that'll let you test the waters.

Interestingly, not just anyone can play it. A registered Wii friend who bought Dr. Mario & Germ Buster has to send you the free demo (we've tested this and it works). Once you receive and download the trial game, you can register the friend codes of people who've bought the full version and play against them over Nintendo's WFC.

Unfortunately, deprived gamers on the other side of the Atlantic won't be able to download the demo. Even though Wii owners in the U.S. can recieve it from a friend, trying to download it will generate a message saying, "The software you selected is not available in this country." Sad times, indeed.

Gallery: Dr. Mario Online RX

JoystiqDr. Mario prescribes demo to WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxNintendoPuzzleWiiWareTue, 20 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiWare lifts off in Europe and Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wiiware-lifts-off-in-europe-and-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wiiware-lifts-off-in-europe-and-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wiiware-lifts-off-in-europe-and-australia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Right on time, Nintendo has pulled the appropriate levers, flicked the necessary switches, and sent a whole world of WiiWare goodness down the pipes and into Europe and Australia. Here's what greeted this blogger on his local servers just now:
Expect reviews of Dr. Mario and Toki Tori in the very near future; in the meantime, let's hear what you've downloaded so far, PAL people!


Gallery: Toki Tori

JoystiqWiiWare lifts off in Europe and Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arikacrystal-chroniclesDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxeuropefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesfrontiergamelofthudsonlost-windslostwindsmy-life-as-a-kingNintendopalPuzzlesquare-enixstar-soldier-rtoki-toritv-show-kingtwo-tribesWiiWareMon, 19 May 2008 20:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr Mario: Take ten of these screenshots in the morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/dr-mario-take-ten-of-these-screenshots-in-the-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/dr-mario-take-ten-of-these-screenshots-in-the-morning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/dr-mario-take-ten-of-these-screenshots-in-the-morning/#commentsFiled under: ,


Where in the world is Dr. Mario Online RX (besides Japan)? Despite our hopes and wishes whispered to falling stars, Nintendo of America didn't debut the Dr. Mario remake with this week's WiiWare launch, and it doesn't look like the puzzler is in the cards for next Monday, either.

Nintendo of Europe has the game listed in its "launch window" agenda, so it's possible that our friends across the Atlantic will have the game next week. We're not sure how long we'll want to consider Europeans our "friends," however, if they get to play the new Dr. Mario game as much as they please while we suffer this cruel, unspoken embargo.

While we wait for an open date to schedule an appointment with the mustachio'd medical practitioner, you can look over ten English screenshots (and a logo!) for Dr. Mario & Germ Buster, the European title for Dr. Mario RX.


[Via press release]

JoystiqDr Mario: Take ten of these screenshots in the morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxNintendoPuzzleWiiWareFri, 16 May 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Mario charges $10 fee to play on WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/dr-mario-charges-10-fee-to-play-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/dr-mario-charges-10-fee-to-play-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/dr-mario-charges-10-fee-to-play-on-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dr. Mario has been priced for WiiWare and given a new name. Dr. Mario Online RX will cost 1000 Wii Points ($10), but there's still no word of an actual release date. Wii Fanboy noticed the price and name while meticulously scouring the video introducing the Nintendo Channel.

Now, would somebody please prescribe us a pill to get the "Fever" theme song to stop playing in our heads after someone so much as mentions Dr. Mario? Don't know what we're talking about? Feel our pain after the break.

Continue reading Dr. Mario charges $10 fee to play on WiiWare

JoystiqDr. Mario charges $10 fee to play on WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxNintendoPuzzleWiiWiiWareWed, 07 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dubious WiiWare sales numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/dubious-wiiware-sales-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/dubious-wiiware-sales-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/dubious-wiiware-sales-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We don't know how a Ruliweb poster came across these statistics for Japanese sales of four WiiWare games. They could be inaccurate, they could be stolen from some analyst, or they could even be totally made up. Don't start writing any in-depth articles about these sales numbers or anything like that.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King is the biggest surprise here. We weren't sure how a very nontraditional Final Fantasy game (with grating DLC) would sell, even in Japan. If this report is to be believed, we have our answer: very well!

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqDubious WiiWare sales numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxfinal-fantasymojipittanmy-life-as-a-kingNintendopokemon-ranchPuzzleWiiWareMon, 28 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A welcome dosage of Dr. Mario]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/a-welcome-dosage-of-dr-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/a-welcome-dosage-of-dr-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/a-welcome-dosage-of-dr-mario/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Josh Thomas from WiiFolder has compiled an excellent two-part video tour of Dr. Mario's Virus Buster for saps like us who are impatiently awaiting WiiWare's arrival in the west.

Sure enough, against all reasonable odds, the footage above and after the break has actually managed to raise our excitement levels for the game -- we now particularly want to try out the Wiimote-specific mode (especially with three other people), and were delighted to hear that online play is totally -- that's totally -- lag-free (despite Josh being based in the U.S. and his opponents being in Japan). Finally, we were less than delighted to learn about Josh's record online -- just four wins from 35 matches. We suspect our own tally will be crushingly similar come May.

Continue reading A welcome dosage of Dr. Mario

JoystiqA welcome dosage of Dr. Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxNintendoPuzzleWiiWareFri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Takahashi Meijin to show off Wii Ware in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/takahashi-meijin-to-show-off-wii-ware-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/takahashi-meijin-to-show-off-wii-ware-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/takahashi-meijin-to-show-off-wii-ware-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hudson's Takahashi Meijin, the star of Adventure Island, will be a featured guest at a Wii Ware event hosted by Japanese cell phone company KDDI. The KDDI Design Studio will take place on April 1st and 2nd in Harajuku, and will feature playable versions of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As a King, Dr. Mario & Bacillus Extermination, and Hudson's Star Soldier R. Admission will be free. Plane tickets to Japan continue not to be.

Takahashi will participate in a "talk show" as well as game demonstrations. He rose to fame with his Star Soldier shooting skills, so attendees should expect some feats of button-mashing from the Meijin on the new version.

JoystiqTakahashi Meijin to show off Wii Ware in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arikacrystal-chroniclesDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxfinal-fantasyhudsonjapanmy-life-as-a-kingNintendoPuzzlestar-soldier-rtakahashiWiiWareMon, 24 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Wii Ware page debuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/japanese-wii-ware-page-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/japanese-wii-ware-page-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/japanese-wii-ware-page-debuts/#commentsFiled under: ,

The steady stream of Wii Ware news continues, this time with Nintendo's launch of its official Japanese site for the video game download service. So far, the hub lists almost a dozen upcoming titles, attaching new screenshots to some of the releases:
LostWinds and other western-developed games are noticeably missing, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't planned as launch or near-launch titles for other territories. Much to our disappointment, the page neglects to mention any specific pricing for the titles.

One worthwhile detail that we spotted is the above screenof Dr. Mario's four-player cooperative mode. The puzzler was already perfect before -- now it's even perfecter. There's also a multiplayer shot for Magnetica (Puzzloop) worth checking out!

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqJapanese Wii Ware page debuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angels-solitaireArikabombermanDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxjoysoundmagneticamojipittanNintendoping-pongpokemon-ranchPuzzlepuzzloopstarsoldierrWiiWareMon, 03 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Eight frantic minutes of Ketsui DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/eight-frantic-minutes-of-ketsui-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/eight-frantic-minutes-of-ketsui-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/eight-frantic-minutes-of-ketsui-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


When we last previewed Ketsui DS, the shoot'em up was a barebones affair, a boss-rush remake of Cave's original arcade game. At an event last weekend, however, Ichiro Mihara, publisher Arika's vice president, revealed a versus mode in which players fly through a full stage to build up a "box score" lead over their opponents and hold it for three seconds. Perhaps more compete stages will find their way into the final product?

Mihara also announced that Ketsui DS would feature three difficulty settings, the hardest setting being unlockable after finishing the default difficulty. The easy setting is designed to be "clearable for the young women office workers at (our) company." Judging by the bullet-choked video we've posted above, most of us will need that easy setting.

Though Arika hasn't yet scheduled a release date for Ketsui DS, the company does plan to include a superplay DVD containing high-scoring footage of the arcade game with each copy.

See also: BulletGBA shoots us in the face

[Via CAVE-STG]

JoystiqEight frantic minutes of Ketsui DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikacavedvdketsuishmupFri, 29 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Endless Ocean]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/wii-fanboy-review-endless-ocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/wii-fanboy-review-endless-ocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/wii-fanboy-review-endless-ocean/#commentsFiled under:



Here's a very brief list of adjectives I would almost never use to describe video games:
  1. Genteel
  2. Laid-back
  3. Soothing
Historically, a handful of titles have bucked this trend -- Electroplankton, PlayStation 3 curio flOw, Pilotwings and its sublime 64-bit follow-up (one of this writer's all-time favorites) -- but on the whole, the term "video game" conjures up images that are far from tranquil: gobby, cornrowed marines shooting the bejesus out of this week's alien threat, epic battles with scaly fantasy creatures, futuristic pod racing, urban gang warfare. You get the idea.

Endless Ocean does things differently. Arika's scuba-diving sim is almost certainly the most relaxing, pedestrian game of 2007. And while that's certainly a welcome change from other video games, occasionally it can become a little too laid-back for its own good. Or, to be blunt, boring.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Endless Ocean

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Endless Ocean originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureaquaticarikadivingendless-oceanendlessoceanexplorationforever-blueforeverbluejoystiqfeaturesscubascuba-divingunderseaMon, 24 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Anniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/#commentsFiled under:


We spent yesterday going through the big releases that've been announced for next year so far -- Smash Bros. Brawl and/or Wii Fit likely topping your personal "must get" list -- but what about the second-tier games that don't usually receive much press or attention?

Though we haven't forgotten about the low-key releases, we've collected a selection of games and media to ensure that these titles stay on your mind too! Read on for our top ten list of awesome 2008 games that you totally forgot about!

Continue reading Anniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about

JoystiqAnniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesArikabackboneblast-worksblastworksbudcat-creationsbullycingcivilizationDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxeaeidoselectronic-artsfiraxisjoystiqfeatureskikikaiworldkingstoryleft-field-productionsmajescomarvelousmonster-labninja-reflexNintendonitrobikeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenprojectoPuzzlerockstarscholarship-editionstarfish-sdtown-factorytumiki-fightersubisoftufo-entertainmentvanillawarewii-wareWiiWareSun, 25 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Endless Ocean shots make a splash as Euro release nears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/new-endless-ocean-shots-make-a-splash-as-euro-release-nears/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/new-endless-ocean-shots-make-a-splash-as-euro-release-nears/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/new-endless-ocean-shots-make-a-splash-as-euro-release-nears/#commentsFiled under:



If you live in Europe and don't yet know your Humphead wrasse from your Powder blue tang, then fear not, because Endless Ocean (it is known by another name) has the answers, and will be hitting stores in Euroland later this week. To celebrate that fact, developer Arika has treated us to a further 19 screens of its watery exploration game, all of which you can find below.

Needless to say, we're looking forward to this one -- it's pretty unique for starters, and Famitsu doesn't dish out 35/40s for any old tat.*

* Most of the time.

JoystiqNew Endless Ocean shots make a splash as Euro release nears originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDivingEndless-OceanEndlessOceanForever-BlueForeverBlueScuba-divingTue, 06 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Endless Ocean's price has a definite stopping point]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/endless-oceans-price-has-a-definite-stopping-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/endless-oceans-price-has-a-definite-stopping-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/endless-oceans-price-has-a-definite-stopping-point/#commentsFiled under:

Those of us interested in exploring the (fake) ocean depths won't need to dive too deeply into their wallets. The price for Endless Ocean has dropped from $39.99 to $29.99, putting it squarely into "impulse purchase" territory when it releases on January 21.

It could use the advantage; the first couple of months of 2008 are actually going to be pretty heavy on releases, with Smash Bros. and No More Heroes clamoring for our money, and smaller stuff like Blast Works pushed back into that period as well. We'd like to support unique games like Endless Ocean, but we can't do that if we're out of money. Luckily, by virtue of being a smaller number, it's easier to come up with $30 than it is $40! Good move, Nintendo. We love this new trend of discounted first-party games.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqEndless Ocean's price has a definite stopping point originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadivingendless-oceanendlessoceanpriceWed, 31 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo unveils more WiiWare titles, new Dr. Mario details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/nintendo-unveils-more-wiiware-titles-new-dr-mario-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/nintendo-unveils-more-wiiware-titles-new-dr-mario-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/nintendo-unveils-more-wiiware-titles-new-dr-mario-details/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following last night's unveiling of upcoming Wii Ware titles, Nintendo has announced its first-party lineup for the downloadable service when it hits Japan in March.

In addition to last night's Dr. Mario and Pokemon Farm announcements, Nintendo will also release Maruboushikaku and Minna de Puzzloop (known stateside as Magnetica). Maruboushikaku involves three screens displayed, each with its own pattern (circle-, line- and square-based). We don't yet know the objective of the game, but your actions in one window will affect the other two.

The game previously known as Pokemon Farm is officially titled Pokemon Bokujou Channel (Pokemon Ranch Channel) and will let you take your Miis to the ranch to take pictures of your pokemon and send your friends. Pokemon management was mentioned, but no information on whether you level up your characters in the channel.

Dr. Mario & Saikin Bokumetsu (or "bacteria extermination") will also feature your Mii characters in-game and has options for online multiplayer. Saikin Bokumesu is a minigame from the Japanese Brain Age 2 and will feature four-player online co-op. IGN has a handful of pictures from the game.

Star Soldier R, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Young King and the Promised Land and Moji Pittan Wii were also announced last night. Wii Ware is coming to Japanese consoles in March.

JoystiqNintendo unveils more WiiWare titles, new Dr. Mario details originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikaDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxmagneticamaruboushikakuminna-de-puzzloopnintendopokemonpokemon-farmpokemon-ranchpokemon-ranch-channelPuzzlesaikin-bokumetsuWiiWiiWareWed, 10 Oct 2007 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Slew of new titles announced for Wii Ware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/slew-of-new-titles-announced-for-wii-ware/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/slew-of-new-titles-announced-for-wii-ware/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/slew-of-new-titles-announced-for-wii-ware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Though its potential can't be denied, Nintendo's Wii Ware channel, an upcoming download service for new Wii games, didn't impress us much with the seemingly low-budget titles announced for it so far. Nintendo amended that worriment today at its Tokyo conference by revealing a lineup of impressive projects in progress, turning our "Excitement Level" knob to eleven, one measure greater than what we previously thought the mechanism allowed.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Little King and the Promised Land (1500 Wii Points, March), a "country-building sim," stands out from the bunch, promising an exclusive side story which takes place after the original GameCube game. This marks the fourth entry to the series and the second Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles title announced for the Wii. Square Enix has already made a teaser site for you to load up and immediately close once you've realized that there's almost nothing there yet.

Hudson, having kept things on and poppin' on the Virtual Console side for some time now, demonstrated its commitment to the new service by announcing new games like Bomberman, Star Soldier R, and Joysound, the last of which will be a karaoke title. Namco Bandai also chimed in with Mojipittan, a Japanese word puzzle game.

As for Nintendo's contributions to the Wii Ware channel, the company announced Dr. Mario (!!!), Pokemon Farm, Puzzloop for Everyone, and Maruboushikaku, all of which appearing to have some form of Mii integration. You can preview screenshots for those titles at the Famitsu links below.

Read - FFCC: The Little King and the Promised Land teaser site
Read - FFCC: The Little King and the Promised Land screenshots
Read - Star Soldier R screenshots
Read - Mojipittan screenshots
Read - Dr. Mario, Pokemon Farm, Puzzloop for Everyone, and Maruboushikaku screenshots

JoystiqSlew of new titles announced for Wii Ware originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikabombermanDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxffccfinal-fantasy-crystal-chronicleshudsonjoysoundkaraokemaruboushikakunamco-bandaiNintendopokemon-farmpuzzlepuzzlooppuzzloop-for-everyoneshmupshoot-em-upsquare-enixstar-soldierstar-soldier-rthe-little-king-and-the-promised-landwii-wareWiiWareWed, 10 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic: prescription meds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/readers-pick-best-webcomic-prescription-meds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/readers-pick-best-webcomic-prescription-meds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/readers-pick-best-webcomic-prescription-meds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Scott Ramsoomair's VG Cats has caused more than a few commenters to overdose (har har) in dismay, but nonetheless it was the voted the best game-related webcomic this week.

Second place goes to Hijinks Ensue, followed by Three Panel Soul in third. We're awarding Ctrl+Alt+Del an honorable mention since we should have put them in the running but subsequently overlooked them in the selection process.

Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic: prescription meds

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic: prescription meds originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArikactrlaltdelDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-RxhijinksensueNintendoPuzzlescottramsoomairthreepanelsoulvgcatswebcomicWiiWiiWareTue, 18 Sep 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Arika's Ketsui DS trailer is boss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/miharas-ketsui-ds-trailer-is-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/miharas-ketsui-ds-trailer-is-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/miharas-ketsui-ds-trailer-is-boss/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though Nanostray and its sequel have kept the shoot-em-up genre alive on the DS, their action seems watered down when compared to Japanese-developed shmups. Even with its bullets slowed and patterns simplified, Ketsui's arcade-to-DS remake is remarkably more frenzied than Shin'en's efforts.

We're not sure yet whether or not developer Arika plans to restrict Ketsui DS to just a boss rush mode due to hardware limitations, but even Mihara, the main man behind the game's handheld production, has reportedly admitted that this would be "a bit of a waste if it was made as such." Either way, after watching the promotional trailer above, we hope Arika will find some way to commercially release the title.

See also: BulletGBA shoots us in the face

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqArika's Ketsui DS trailer is boss originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikacaveketsuimihararemakeshmupFri, 07 Sep 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese gamers can throw back glitched Forever Blue for a fresh one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/japanese-gamers-can-throw-back-glitched-forever-blue-for-a-fresh/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/japanese-gamers-can-throw-back-glitched-forever-blue-for-a-fresh/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/japanese-gamers-can-throw-back-glitched-forever-blue-for-a-fresh/#commentsFiled under: ,


The happy vibes around Arika's Forever Blue were recently disrupted by news of a game-breaking glitch. Obviously, this means that you shouldn't import it yet. But don't worry! Nintendo is intent on restoring the collective mellow of the Japanese diving-game audience, and to do so, they'll start shipping out non-busted copies of the game on the 21st. They've set up a page for people to sign up for new copies to replace their glitched ones.

In the meantime, if you've got one of the tainted Forever Blues, keep the shinonomesakatazame (shark ray) out of your aquarium.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqJapanese gamers can throw back glitched Forever Blue for a fresh one originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikaendlessoceanforeverblueglitchTue, 07 Aug 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Endless Ocean teaches everyone how to sink a game with nasty, nasty bugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/endless-ocean-teaches-everyone-how-to-sink-a-game-with-nasty-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/endless-ocean-teaches-everyone-how-to-sink-a-game-with-nasty-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/endless-ocean-teaches-everyone-how-to-sink-a-game-with-nasty-na/#commentsFiled under: ,

Endless Ocean was released into the wild today in Japan (as Forever Blue on that side of the pond), and it seems not all is flowing smoothly for Arika's peaceful diving game. Early adopters are reporting large numbers of game crashing bugs, with specifically reproducible instances when adding shark rays into your aquarium. While there's still time before it's arrival on U.S. shores later this year, this certainly doesn't bode well for its prospects in either country's waters. Some of us weren't all that excited about Arika's glorified aquarium screensaver anyway, but now we have an excuse to be downright critical of it!

No word yet on whether the much beloved penguins have the potential to fry your system as well.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqEndless Ocean teaches everyone how to sink a game with nasty, nasty bugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadivingendlessoceanforeverblueglitchThu, 02 Aug 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Endless Ocean surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/endless-ocean-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/endless-ocean-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/endless-ocean-surfaces/#commentsFiled under:


New screens of Endless Ocean reveal some non-submerged activities, like getting to know your guide and hosting some ambassadors from the Penguin Empire. And where there are penguins, you can also expect brutally inhospitable water: Apparently the Forever Blue of the game's Japanese title refers not only to the pretty ocean water, but to the frozen skin of the insane diver whose death wish you carry out in the game.

To round out the experience, there's some kind of competitive dolphin jumping ... thing that records the length of the jump and notes any tricks. This is probably designed around videotaping the best dolphin tricks possible-- oh, or you inexplicably get control of a dolphin during the game, like most divers do.

JoystiqEndless Ocean surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadivingendlessoceanforeverblueMon, 30 Jul 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Endless Ocean surges its way onto Japanese television]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/endless-ocean-surges-its-way-onto-japanese-television/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/endless-ocean-surges-its-way-onto-japanese-television/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/endless-ocean-surges-its-way-onto-japanese-television/#commentsFiled under: ,

In case you missed your chance to unwind to relaxing clips of Arika's forthcoming Endless Ocean (or you happen not to live in Japan, where it goes by Forever Blue), GameTrailers has posted several Japanese commercials of this bluest of the blue ocean games, and we'd like to present them to you. They may not be exactly trailer-length, but they're still quite graceful and give a nice glimpse of the floral and faunal variety you'll encounter. (Psst, show 'em the penguins. Girls love the penguins.)

If you have any doubt about that last statement, don't forget to check out the final clip, where several ordinary Japanese young ladies take the diving adventure for a test drive. Although in full disclosure, it's the dolphin that really sets them off.

Continue reading Endless Ocean surges its way onto Japanese television

JoystiqEndless Ocean surges its way onto Japanese television originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadivinggameendlessoceanforeverblueThu, 26 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New Forever Blue videos wash on shore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/new-forever-blue-videos-wash-on-shore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/new-forever-blue-videos-wash-on-shore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/new-forever-blue-videos-wash-on-shore/#commentsFiled under:

Supplementing Forever Blue's (Endless Ocean) official site launch earlier this week, Nintendo has uploaded a batch of new media in anticipation of the scuba diving adventure's August 2nd release in Japan. North America, always a step and a few months behind, won't see the WiFi-enabled game until October 29th, but there's a lot of new stuff to preview in the meantime -- three commercials, three Wii experience sessions, and an extensive gameplay demonstration video.

The pacific music playing during the advertisement spots is Secret Garden's "Prayer," covered by New Zealander Hayley Westenra. You'll be able to customize Forever Blue's soundtrack by loading your own MP3s onto an SD Card, as with Excite Truck, so your dreams of listening to Enya while exploring underwater caves and attending formal events with penguins can finally be realized.

JoystiqNew Forever Blue videos wash on shore originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikacommercialendlessoceanforeverbluewiiexperienceSat, 21 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Ever PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/wii-warm-up-ever-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/wii-warm-up-ever-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/wii-warm-up-ever-ps2/#commentsFiled under:


We here at Wii Fanboy are pretty intrigued about Endless Ocean, because it looks like such a unique gaming experience-- underwater treasure-hunting mixed with adventure game elements. But, strictly speaking, it is not unique at all. It is, in fact, another entry in the Everblue series of diving adventures for the Playstation 2.

Well-rounded and experienced gamers though we are, there is a big old hole in our gaming history in the shape of the Everblue games. This is especially embarrassing for us, as we are possibly alone in our fandom of Arika games like Technic Beat and even the Street Fighter EX series.

We figure somebody out there has played one of the Everblue games. We'd love to know what you thought of the experience. Should we stop caring about Endless Ocean? Should we be getting Endless Ocean tattoos? Also, do you think this game is the sort of thing that waggle can genuinely improve?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Ever PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadivingendless oceanEndlessOceaneverblueforever blueForeverBlueoceanps2scubawwuMon, 16 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: Forever Blue crossing the pond as Endless Ocean]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-forever-blue-crossing-the-pond-as-endless-ocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-forever-blue-crossing-the-pond-as-endless-ocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-forever-blue-crossing-the-pond-as-endless-ocean/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Forever Blue, the ocean exploration game from Arika, has been announced for a US release, with the slightly different. but thematically identical, title of Endless Ocean. We've got a short, but very pretty gallery of screenshots, and a similarly bite-size trailer. The trailer's music is as relaxing as the game looks. Look at that screen up there. It just exudes serenity even when a sea creature is bearing down on the poor diver.




Continue reading E307: Forever Blue crossing the pond as Endless Ocean

JoystiqE307: Forever Blue crossing the pond as Endless Ocean originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikadivinge307endlessendless oceanEndlessOceanforever blueForeverBlueoceanscreensWed, 11 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forever Blue Japanese box revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/forever-blue-japanese-box-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/forever-blue-japanese-box-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/forever-blue-japanese-box-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The official box art for the Japanese release of Forever Blue has just been unveiled. A few vague details were leaked earlier this month confirming the non-game will be exploration-based as you swim the ocean cataloging and photographing the sea life you encounter. With the little blue Wi-Fi logo, the box also confirms online multiplayer exploration. Although a North American or European release has not been mentioned, we're still filing this one under the "Japan gets all the cool boxes" category.

Gallery: Forever Blue

JoystiqForever Blue Japanese box revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikaforeverbluenintendonongamewiiTue, 10 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST