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[Nintendo concerned about your body, launching Wii Fit Body Check Channel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/nintendo-concerned-about-your-body-launching-wii-fit-body-check/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/nintendo-concerned-about-your-body-launching-wii-fit-body-check/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/nintendo-concerned-about-your-body-launching-wii-fit-body-check/#commentsFiled under: ,

Previously, they were content to let you use their games to monitor how much you weighed and how often you walked, but now Nintendo of Japan is showing an increased interest in what's going on with your body. In April, they will launch the "Wii Fit Body Check Channel", a Wii channel co-developed with NEC, Hitachi, and Panasonic Medical Solutions.

The Channel will allow users to send BMI data from Wii Fit as well as the step data recorded from the Personal Trainer: Walking pedometer, and receive personalized guidance from health professionals about how to stay healthy. Our predictions: if you are only sending in data from one game, you will be told, "Maybe you should buy the other game too".

It's possible that this Japanese channel relates to the "Nintendo Active Health" trademark registered in Europe earlier this month. If it does refer to the same initiative, then Nintendo may be planning to offer health advice worldwide! Good news for people who want a game company all up in their business.

Gallery: Aruite Wakaru Seikatsu Rhythm DS


[Via Engadget]

Source -- Hitachi
Source -- Nintendo

JoystiqNintendo concerned about your body, launching Wii Fit Body Check Channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exercisehealthnongamewii-fitwii-fit-body-check-channelTue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[100 Classic Books for under 20 British Pounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/100-classic-books-for-under-20-british-pounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/100-classic-books-for-under-20-british-pounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/100-classic-books-for-under-20-british-pounds/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nintendo plans to confront the ailing economy head-on ... by making 100 Classic Book Collection really cheap! As with many of its Touch! Generations titles, Nintendo has confirmed a budget price point of £19.99 for the game, and a UK release date of December 26.

If, like us, you've been keeping one eye on the game's Amazon listing (which has had that date for a while, but it's nice to get official confirmation, right?), you'll know you can get it even cheaper: just £14.99 (just over $22). That's under fifteen pence a book! Fifteen pence for portable copies of Sense and Sensibility, Treasure Island, Moby Dick, and a wealth of Shakespeare and Dickens (there's a full list after the break) sounds like a bargain to us.* The pound is currently weak, so anybody thinking of importing?

Continue reading 100 Classic Books for under 20 British Pounds

Joystiq100 Classic Books for under 20 British Pounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100-classic-book-collectionds-bungaku-zenshuuds-novelliteraturenongamenoveltouch-generationsukMon, 08 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Novel coming to UK as 100 Classic Book Collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/ds-novel-coming-to-europe-as-100-classic-book-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/ds-novel-coming-to-europe-as-100-classic-book-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/ds-novel-coming-to-europe-as-100-classic-book-collection/#commentsFiled under: ,

DS Novel was hanging out on European release lists for over a year without so much as a word about when it's coming out or what it is. It seemed likely that the title would be a localized version of the hit literature collection DS Bungaku Zenshuu -- and it is!

Rather than translating 100 Japanese novels, which would have been pretty dang cool, the UK release of 100 Classic Book Collection (as it is now known) features works from writers like Jane Austen, all three Brontes, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, and other favorites whose works happen to be in the public domain. The full list of novels is available at the cart's Amazon listing. 10 more books will be made available over Wi-Fi.

100 Classic Book Collection also features book search, custom recommendations, and a bookmarking feature. It should be interesting to see if Nintendo polish (implemented by developer Genius Sonority) can make this competitive with the free Moon Books Project (a project which, by the way, has had a pretty rough time lately).


[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqDS Novel coming to UK as 100 Classic Book Collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100-classic-book-collectionds-bungaku-zenshuuds-novelliteraturenongamenovelFri, 28 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's Cooking with Jamie Oliver's Trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/whats-cooking-with-jamie-olivers-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/whats-cooking-with-jamie-olivers-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/whats-cooking-with-jamie-olivers-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


One of the biggest -- and weirdest -- surprises of E3 was What's Cooking? With Jamie Oliver. Far from a Cooking Guide ripoff, What's Cooking is some kind of hands-on cooking trainer combined with an interactive recipe book. It seems like, even if people don't want it or don't like it (or it turns out not to be good), significant enough thought (and budget) has gone into this game to prevent its classification as shovelware.

This NSFG (Not Safe for Greenhough) trailer doesn't feature any of the 3D kitchen stuff or the simulated cooking, focusing instead on the actual recipes. But man, that sweet potato soup sounds good.

Gallery: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver

JoystiqWhat's Cooking with Jamie Oliver's Trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricookingjamie-olivernongamewhats-cooking-with-jamie-oliverFri, 17 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-So-Iron Fanboy, Part II: Evaluation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/#commentsFiled under: ,

So we've tracked down ingredients, crafted our meals, and gobbled down the results ... but how effective is the Cooking Guide, really? Will it turn a total newbie into a master chef? Will it at least help you make dinner? The intrepid DS Fanboy "chefs" who undertook the cook-off are back for a deeper look at the title, which is headed soon to the U.S. Once it's out, should you give it a shot? Let us help you decide.



NEXT >>

JoystiqNot-So-Iron Fanboy, Part II: Evaluation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cant-decide-what-to-eatcookingcooking-guideimpressionsnongamerecipestrainingMon, 04 Aug 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[More Korg DS-10 info than we can understand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/more-korg-ds-10-info-than-we-can-understand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/more-korg-ds-10-info-than-we-can-understand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/more-korg-ds-10-info-than-we-can-understand/#commentsFiled under:

1UP's interview with Korg DS-10 producer Nobuyoshi Sano and Korg staff covers a lot of little details that we would never think to ask! For example, about linking up eight systems playing the thing and using one as a master. And about interfacing with other synthesizers.

But the parts of it that are simple enough for non-synth users (and non-programmers) like us to parse sound pretty neat. Prospective DS DJ types will be pleased to hear that Korg has, uh, "designed a type of limiter circuit in DS-10's internal mixer" in order to boost the program's sound output beyond the normal quiet DS levels. It's really not as technical as we make it sound, but we can't help but get into "WHAT IS THIS CONTRAPTION" mode whenever we see a screenshot of Korg DS-10 in action.

JoystiqMore Korg DS-10 info than we can understand originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactivekorgkorg-ds-10musicnongamexseedSat, 26 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Cooking Guide headed to the U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-cooking-guide-headed-to-the-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-cooking-guide-headed-to-the-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-cooking-guide-headed-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under:

Bad cooks, don't worry -- now you can bake your cake and eat it, too.

Nintendo is bringing its delightful-looking recipe game, Cooking Guide (known as Cooking Navi in Japan) to North America this November. Now you don't have to worry about paying a small fortune to import the nongame from Europe!

Cooking Guide mostly caters to those of us that are helpless in the kitchen, like this blogger. We're ready for Nintendo to help our cooking skills this November, and before you know it, we're sure we'll be competing on Top Chef.

Gallery: Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat?

JoystiqE308: Cooking Guide headed to the U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookbookcookingcooking-guidecooking-navie3-2008e308nongamerecipesTue, 15 Jul 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Games for Health Conference presenter on Japan's training game market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/games-for-health-conference-presenter-on-japans-training-game-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/games-for-health-conference-presenter-on-japans-training-game-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/games-for-health-conference-presenter-on-japans-training-game-m/#commentsFiled under: ,

Games for Health is a conference organized by the Serious Games Initiative on the subject of games' application in the health care field. Serious Games Japan's Toru Fujimoto gave a presentation at this conference offering an overview of Japan's serious games market. Naturally, the DS came up, as it would in any discussion of either serious games or games in Japan.

Echoing Yoshiki Okamoto's statements, Fujimoto believes that the Japanese DS library has been flooded with too many nongames. "It looks attractive because of Brain Age sales, but if you're not Nintendo, it doesn't sell," Fujimoto said. "Nintendo has the top 7, 8 sellers in the top 10. You need a good game, a good customer base and a marketing budget."

He also suggested that these training games are being put together with lacking (or no) research, offering a quote from Dr. Ryuta Kawashima about potential liability from serious games. Could bad training games hurt people as well as the DS?

JoystiqGames for Health Conference presenter on Japan's training game market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-for-healthnongameserious-gamestrainingTue, 27 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My word! You can coach your vocabulary for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/my-word-you-can-coach-your-vocabulary-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/my-word-you-can-coach-your-vocabulary-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/my-word-you-can-coach-your-vocabulary-for-10/#commentsFiled under:

Have you tried the demo for My Word Coach (available via the Wii's Nintendo Channel) and enjoyed it? If so, you might be looking to pick it up cheaply, thereby sparing your wallet and improving your vocabulary in one fell swoop. Currently, then, you can head on over to Amazon and get the game for the hard-to-resist price of $9.99.

Like most Amazon sales (excluding the Deal of the Days, of course), this one is without rhyme or reason, so we can't tell you how long it will last.


[Via CAG]

JoystiqMy word! You can coach your vocabulary for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonmy-word-coachnongametrainingubisoftvocabularyWed, 14 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oz needs better cooks, so Nintendo sends Cooking Navi to the rescue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/oz-needs-better-cooks-so-nintendo-sends-cooking-navi-to-the-rescue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/oz-needs-better-cooks-so-nintendo-sends-cooking-navi-to-the-rescue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/oz-needs-better-cooks-so-nintendo-sends-cooking-navi-to-the-rescue/#commentsFiled under:


It looks like we have some good news for Australians who need some help in the kitchen. Shaberu! Cooking Navi, the DS guide to preparing tasty food, is heading down under, according to a recent filing with the Australian Classification Board.

The game will be called Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat?, and will hopefully be available in the country soon. But, the way Europe is still waiting, we're not sure you should be holding your breath down there.

JoystiqOz needs better cooks, so Nintendo sends Cooking Navi to the rescue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aussieaustraliacookbookcookingcooking-navinon-gamenongameozWed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[English of the Judo chop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/english-of-the-judo-chop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/english-of-the-judo-chop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/english-of-the-judo-chop/#commentsFiled under:

If we lived in Japan and needed to learn English, English of the Dead would clearly be our choice of software. Yet, we're not saying that Paon doesn't have a fun idea for their English training game, too. New Horizon English Training Course DS might not have zombies, but it does have Judo.

As you may have guessed, the way in which this title handles its English quizzes is through sports minigames. It's unclear how exactly the Judo game works, but there's also a marathon event (during which players must write out the correct letters quickly in order to run fast), and a weight training game (which has players identify whether or not a translation is correct).

Of course, in our hearts, zombies still win -- every time.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqEnglish of the Judo chop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englishjudomarathonminigamesnew-horizon-english-training-coursenongamepaonsportstrainingweight-liftingWed, 09 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Navi: Making desserts with your DS cookbook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/video-navi-making-desserts-from-your-ds-cookbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/video-navi-making-desserts-from-your-ds-cookbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/video-navi-making-desserts-from-your-ds-cookbook/#commentsFiled under:

We shouldn't have watched this video -- it just made us hungry. Not that you shouldn't watch it. We're sure your kitchens contain more than just ramen and old cereal, so you should be fine to sate any hunger pains that may arise from watching this trailer for Kantan! Tanoshi! Okashi Navi DS.

Cravings aside, we really like the idea of a game that turns our DS into a portable cookbook; especially if said cookbook contains recipes for making sweets and desserts. Unfortunately, this game won't help you at all if you can't speak or read Japanese, so don't even think about importing it unless you have such language skills. We also wouldn't recommend holding your breath for localization, as you'd surely end up dead and we'd feel really bad about the whole thing.

[Via Gemaga]

JoystiqVideo Navi: Making desserts with your DS cookbook originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookbookcookingcookingnavidessertskantan-tanoshi-okashi-navi-dskoeinongameokashi-navitrainingMon, 24 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driving Theory Training is bad in theory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/driving-theory-training-is-bad-in-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/driving-theory-training-is-bad-in-theory/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/driving-theory-training-is-bad-in-theory/#commentsFiled under:

Not many things sound as riveting as driving theory; for example, watching paint dry is probably a lot less exciting. You probably don't need our snark to tell you, though, that Driving Theory Training is an awful idea.

The entire purpose of this British nongame is to prepare people for their driver's license test. As an interactive study guide, it's probably not a bad thing -- but we'd prefer to study the old-fashioned way and save our money. We don't mind edutainment, but the thought of something as dull as driving theory on our DS seems rather unnecessary.

Should you think differently, though, you better hope that you live in the UK. We're sure learning British driving lessons as a U.S. driver would be a bad idea, as you'd wind up driving on the wrong left side of the road. If you are British, though, you'll be able to train in driving theory as soon as this summer.

[Via GamesPress press release]

JoystiqDriving Theory Training is bad in theory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridrivingdriving-theory-traininginfogramesnongametrainingThu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Calligraphy Training brushes away our doubts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/calligraphy-training-brushes-away-our-doubts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/calligraphy-training-brushes-away-our-doubts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/calligraphy-training-brushes-away-our-doubts/#commentsFiled under:


You might not remember the footnote mention of a Calligraphy Training (non)game for the DS -- it was two years ago, after all -- but some more news has recently surfaced about the title. Set to release in Japan on March 13th, this training game is aimed at teaching folks how to properly draw Japanese characters.

One of the coolest things about this nongame is that it will ship with a special brush stylus. That alone has us starry-eyed in love with Calligraphy Training, but that's not even all the game has to offer. Apparently, the game has a multiplayer mode that lets up to six players compete over who's calligraphy is the most accurate. We're sure that's a better idea in theory than in practice, but it's still a nice feature.

Game Watch also reports that there's a quest mode included in Calligraphy Training, as you'll be helping a wanderer to perfect 3099 different characters. Not bad for a simple little calligraphy game, Nintendo.

Before you think "neat" and then forget about this game for the rest of time, you can head on over to its official website to watch some video footage, should you feel so inclined.

[Via Modojo]

JoystiqCalligraphy Training brushes away our doubts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calligraphycalligraphy-trainingjapanesenongametraining-gameThu, 06 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An avalanche of Wii Fit videos [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/an-avalanche-of-wii-fit-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/an-avalanche-of-wii-fit-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/an-avalanche-of-wii-fit-videos/#commentsFiled under:


Game Informer put up a plethora of new videos, focusing on the many things one can do in the upcoming Wii Fit from Nintendo. Aside from the yoga and ski jumping going on, the title looks like it's going to have a lot of stuff to do. We're not sure it'll help us lose weight or be a more healthy person, but it's looking like we're going to at least have fun with the title. And, that's what's most important, after all.

Hit up past the break for videos. And, take note: all of the videos automatically start up, so be prepared for that.

Continue reading An avalanche of Wii Fit videos [update]

JoystiqAn avalanche of Wii Fit videos [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-board-balanceboardexergamingnongamewii-fitwiifitTue, 08 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Wi-Fi to get expanded this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/iwata-wi-fi-to-get-expanded-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/iwata-wi-fi-to-get-expanded-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/iwata-wi-fi-to-get-expanded-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo head honcho Satoru Iwata recently conducted an interview where his comments regarding Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connect were pretty darn interesting. While the dreamer in us was hoping for a retooling of the useless Friend Code system, such is not the case. What Iwata hopes to do is expand how the DS is used to access information, such as possibly downloading surrounding map data after getting off of a train.

The idea of being able to do things such as this with your DS is something we definitely can get down with, but we wonder about the execution. The homebrew community can definitely come up with applications to cater to these needs, but an official Nintendo solution, a kind of "all-in-one" thing would be great. Get on it Nintendo, we need more excuses to carry our DS everywhere.

[Via Nintendic]

JoystiqIwata: Wi-Fi to get expanded this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatajapannongametrainMon, 07 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Because painting tanks is calming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/because-painting-tanks-is-calming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/because-painting-tanks-is-calming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/because-painting-tanks-is-calming/#commentsFiled under:

Yes, we know that one of the themed games in the Paint by DS catalogue is centered around painting military vehicles, but we're still mystified every time we see something from the title. Is penciling and shading the side of a bomber particularly zen? Or is it just that it's completely manly? If so, we can only hope you still have a headband or two lying around. In the meantime, you can check out some new screens. Shockingly, they include military vehicles. Yeah, we're still surprised by that.

Really. Tanks? What happened to great works of art, or kittens, or Jesus?

JoystiqBecause painting tanks is calming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercury-gamesmilitary-vehiclesnongamepaint-by-dswtfbbqFri, 04 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Paint by DS trailer shows gameplay footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/paint-by-ds-trailer-shows-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/paint-by-ds-trailer-shows-gameplay-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/paint-by-ds-trailer-shows-gameplay-footage/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're definitely intrigued by Paint by DS, a digital coloring book of sorts, seeing as we're such horrible artists ourselves. Granted, it's a niche title if there ever was one, yet we're very much charmed by this little nongame.

Still, some things about it just don't sit too well with us. One off-putting thing is that there are themed versions of the game. The theme game showcased above was "Military Vehicles," and we have to wonder, how many of you out there are just dying to color in tanks? It seems like an odd choice, especially when mixed with the peaceful music of the above trailer.

If you're like us and don't appreciate the themes, though, you can always get the regular version of the game, which is filled with some artistic masterpieces that you'll probably recognize. We might even see other themes in the future, ones that actually appeal to us, so all isn't lost.

If you're in Australia and Japan you might have even tried this nongame already. It won't come to Europe until next week and the US until, oh, sometime next year.

JoystiqPaint by DS trailer shows gameplay footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtErtainMercury-GamesNongamePaint-by-DSZen-seriesWed, 14 Nov 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata says: more features, expanded audience for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/iwata-says-more-features-expanded-audience-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/iwata-says-more-features-expanded-audience-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/iwata-says-more-features-expanded-audience-for-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Just when we were beginning to think it was no longer possible to further expand the audience of the DS (it's everywhere), Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata says the company is planning to do just that. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Nintendo execs mentioned practical, wireless content for use in "train stations, amusement parks or museums" (where have we seen that before?). There was also mention of a television-programming feature for Japan that would allow users to check listings and plan out their viewing schedule. We can't help but wonder if it's related to that TV tuner that recently resurfaced, since it sure sounds like it.

Personally, we welcome our new DS overlords in every part of our daily lives -- if Nintendo can manage something a little classier (and more common) than the Nintendo Fan Network that debuted at Safeco Field this year. The DS has a lot of useful functions that can certainly be exploited for more practical uses, and we already carry one around, so we hope some of these make it over to our side of the ocean.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqIwata says: more features, expanded audience for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nongamewi-fiTue, 30 Oct 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Some My Word Coach footage for you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/some-my-word-coach-footage-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/some-my-word-coach-footage-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/some-my-word-coach-footage-for-you/#commentsFiled under:


You know, we could use not only a coach for our words, but perhaps a coach in all things in life. We already have a coach for when we need to get down to business, but what about a coach to tell us what to choose when we're presented with the question of paper versus plastic at the grocery store? What about a coach to help us through the difficult task of deciding to go with whole wheat or white bread on our hoagie? What about a coach that could help us in picking out the appropriate pair of underwear for the day ahead? Actually, we don't think any coach would be up for that task.

Looks like we'll just have to settle for My Word Coach ... for now.

JoystiqSome My Word Coach footage for you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>my-word-coachmywordcoachnongameubisoftMon, 29 Oct 2007 22:33:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Missing out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/27/ds-daily-missing-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/27/ds-daily-missing-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/27/ds-daily-missing-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

Time and time again, we feel the need to remind you that there are tons of training games for the DS. We're not complaining, we're just in awe.

The sad thing? Most of these nongames only come out in Japan. Sure, we can improve our brains or the brains of our fake pets. Soon our DS will even teach us yoga. But, as life dictates, we always want what we can't have. So, which Japanese training game do you wish you could play?

JoystiqDS Daily: Missing out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nongameTrainingSat, 27 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Paint by DS in preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/paint-by-ds-in-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/paint-by-ds-in-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/17/paint-by-ds-in-preview/#commentsFiled under:

Picross not enough to fulfill your painting obsession? Fear not, for Paint by DS is on the way. But this is not your math-friendly grid environment; this is a full-fledged painting sim that challenges you to recreate the works of the masters.

What seems like a simple title -- there are fifteen different paintings, as well as a few minigames that offer players a break from the painting grind -- shows some surprising depth when we take a closer look. Before undertaking a project, you're challenged with a choice of materials, from paint to canvas or paper, just as you would be with a real painting. You can also mix your own colors and save them for later ... and if you mess up, that's just too bad. There's no neat, clean "undo" function, but you can utilize realistic techniques to clean up your work as you go.

For hardcore artists, Paint by DS may be too simple, but for those just embarking on an artistic hobby, or those who like to play around with paint without the mess, this one sounds like it might be worth looking into. Between this, Picross, and Drawn to Life, it looks like DS developers are finally utilizing the stylus in a very obvious way -- and we can only hope for more!

JoystiqPaint by DS in preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artMercury-GamesnongamepaintPaint-by-DSWed, 17 Oct 2007 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters wants you to read books on your DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/codemasters-wants-you-to-read-books-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/codemasters-wants-you-to-read-books-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/codemasters-wants-you-to-read-books-on-your-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Templar Publishing and Codemasters have struck a deal to release some games based on the Ology series of books. Due to hit the DS and Wii late next year, first three books in the series, Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology, are going to be the first of the titles to grace the systems.

The difference in the DS and Wii versions of the games are supposedly going to be fairly vast, with the DS versions offering more of an interactive book experience. While we might have seen this idea as a little odd following the launch of the DS, for how many other non-games the system has, we're sure these interactive books will find their audience.

JoystiqCodemasters wants you to read books on your DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookcodemastersdragonologynongameologytemplarTue, 09 Oct 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: Konami moves beyond yoga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/konami-moves-beyond-yoga/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/konami-moves-beyond-yoga/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/konami-moves-beyond-yoga/#commentsFiled under:

We've been interested in Konami's yoga trainer, but is the handheld ready to move beyond the mat? Apparently someone thinks so, because the company is planning several new similar titles. One is another yoga trainer, but there's also a Pilates trainer and a title focused around skin care. Doko Demo Yoga, Doko Demo Pilates, and Beauty Navigation: Dream Skincare are currently in the planning stages, but at the pre-TGS press conference, Konami reps also spoke about their plans to remake DS owners from the ground up with their Entertainment, Exercise, and Self-Management series.

While the combination of skin care and the DS seems like a stretch for us (without protection, anyway), bringing Pilates to the handheld may be even more lucrative for the company than yoga. Pilates training can be notoriously expensive, and depending on the depth of the software, this could really offer a lot of options for people looking to add the method to their exercise regimen without emptying their wallets.

JoystiqTGS07: Konami moves beyond yoga originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KonaminongamePilatesskin-careTGS07yogaWed, 19 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New non-game to ignore: Doing My Best Family Finance Diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/new-non-game-to-ignore-doing-my-best-family-finance-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/new-non-game-to-ignore-doing-my-best-family-finance-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/new-non-game-to-ignore-doing-my-best-family-finance-diary/#commentsFiled under: ,

The non-game avalanche continues in merry old Japan, this time with a digital check register for the DS called Ganbaru Watshi no Kakei Diary, or "Doing My Best Family Finance Diary". The app lets you input all your expenses (food, bills, gambling debts to the mafia) and helps track your spending with several different types of graphs. After a month's worth of spending, cute fuzzy animals help you reach your spending goals. If that doesn't get your accounting cells are getting all hot and bothered, we're not sure what will.

[Via Infendo]

JoystiqNew non-game to ignore: Doing My Best Family Finance Diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfinancesjapannongameSat, 21 Jul 2007 09:30:00 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<![CDATA[New Forever Blue (Wii) screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-forever-blue-wii-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-forever-blue-wii-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-forever-blue-wii-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: ,


New media has finally surfaced for the underwater Wii title Forever Blue, a still-mysterious game developed by Arika studios (creator of Everblue for the PS2). Little information has been released about the game, but according to an unconfirmed translation, it will be an exploration-based "non-game" where you play with and study sea creatures, hunt for treasure, take pictures, and -- the real kicker -- hunt for underwater sea ruins with a friend via wi-fi. We're thinking Pokemon Snap with whales. Forever Blue is set for release next month in Japan, but no North American date has been announced.

[Via NeoGAF]

Gallery: Forever Blue

JoystiqNew Forever Blue (Wii) screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arikaforeverbluenintendonongamewiiWed, 04 Jul 2007 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Conjecture Countdown: 8 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/conjecture-countdown-8-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/conjecture-countdown-8-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/conjecture-countdown-8-days-to-go/#commentsFiled under:



Even with a diminished E3, there's no controlling the wave of rumors that hit the Internet every year before the show. Why fight it? From now until E3 hits, we'll be posting one piece of wild speculation every day. Some may be patently ridiculous, and others just might turn out to be true. Even some of the ridiculous ones might turn out to be true! Rest assured, everything will be totally made-up and unfounded. Except, of course, when we speak about all the ass Reggie is going to kick. That part? Totally true.

Rumor: The third Train Your Brain installment, Brain Age: With a Vengeance, will be announced for a late 2007 release. To keep the non-game series fresh, this third episode will come packed with popular gimmicks like customizable outfits, alternate endings, and a new, sinister villain -- Dark Dr. Kawashima!

JoystiqConjecture Countdown: 8 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain ageBrainAgedr kawashimaDrKawashimadse3e3cchumorkawashimanintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon gamenon gamesNonGameNonGamesrumorsTue, 03 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Origami on your DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/30/origami-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/30/origami-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/30/origami-on-your-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

TDK is tossing their entry into the tsunami of training games for the Nintendo DS. DS Origami sits comfortably alongside other non-games that teach gardening, skin care, yoga, and language skills. The top screen shows users where to make folds while a controllable video plays on the bottom screen. Over 100 different origami projects are included from hamsters to wedding dresses to the famous crane. This begs the question: do we need a game that teaches origami, or would a book or website suffice?

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqOrigami on your DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jun 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's a training game we'd totally spring for: Minagara Oreru DS Origami (Fold While Watching DS Origami). Just like you'd expect, this nongame shows tutorials of origami patterns and invites players to fold along. You can watch the steps as a slideshow with variable speed, or you can manually step through the diagram.

The game contains 100 patterns, and has voice controls so you can page through the tutorials while your hands are full! Unfortunately, it costs 3900 yen ($31) which is a little over our origami aid budget. Guess we'll have to stick to folding and unfolding the DS over and over again.

JoystiqThe newest DS accessory: squares of paper originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLitelitenintendonongamenongamesorigamitrainingWed, 27 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-Game Boy: Serious games before they were cool]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/non-game-boy-serious-games-before-they-were-cool/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/non-game-boy-serious-games-before-they-were-cool/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/non-game-boy-serious-games-before-they-were-cool/#commentsFiled under:


Since the release of Brain Age in Japan, Nintendo has turned their attention toward casual, nontraditional fare for adult audiences. Much of it, like Brain Age, is casual game material with a slight educational slant, but other successful DS releases, like Cooking Navi and Eigo Zuke, are not games at all, but rather educational aids and tools designed to use the DS's unique interface. They're all doing massive business, which makes it difficult to laugh at them no matter how silly they are.

But Nintendo was not the first company to attempt to sell application software on a gaming system, however. That distinction probably falls on BASIC Programming for the Atari 2600. Nintendo wasn't even the first company to sell application software on a Nintendo handheld. In fact, Game Boy non-games appeared in 1991. They didn't change the face of gaming. But they make for an interesting historical footnote now, and isn't that better than selling millions of copies? It is for us!

Continue reading Non-Game Boy: Serious games before they were cool

JoystiqNon-Game Boy: Serious games before they were cool originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin powersAustinPowersbrain ageBrainAgecalculatordsds liteDsLitefeaturesfrenchfrommersgame boyGameBoygametekgbgbcinfogeniuslitenintendonongamenongamesshagulatorspanishspell checkerSpellCheckertravel guideTravelGuideMon, 25 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Konami Say Relax]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/friday-video-konami-say-relax/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/friday-video-konami-say-relax/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/friday-video-konami-say-relax/#commentsFiled under:


We were unable to embed this week's video for you, but we just ... can't seem to get too upset about it. It must be all the inner peace we're feeling. We suggest you head over to Konami's Dokodemo Yoga page and watch the introductory video for yourself. It's hard to miss-- just click "play movie."

Let the soothing music wash over you. It's no problem if you don't know Japanese. The narration will just be relaxing white noise for you. Just let the week's stresses dissipate. Maybe have some tea. Not being yoga practitioners ourselves, we have no idea if it's actually calming, but the video sure is.

JoystiqFriday Video: Konami Say Relax originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dokodemodokodemo yogaDokodemoYogadsffvlitenintendonongamerelaxtrainingvideoyogaFri, 15 Jun 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bug-hunting game set to creep out Japanese DS gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/bug-hunting-game-set-to-creep-out-japanese-ds-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/bug-hunting-game-set-to-creep-out-japanese-ds-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/bug-hunting-game-set-to-creep-out-japanese-ds-gamers/#commentsFiled under: ,

The market for non-games on the DS is getting a bit too weird. We have gardening and yoga titles coming from Square-Enix, an interactive haiku-based novel, and numerous dictionaries and language-learning programs already on store shelves. What next, a kleptomania sim starring cute smiling animals?

The latest quirky non-game in Japan is Quiz & Touch Kensaku Mushi Sukan (Quiz & Touch Insect Encyclopedia). This edutainment title aims to teach players about the six-legged creepy crawlies. Test your knowledge of both the appearance and sounds of many bug species through a series of quizzes and minigames. Kind of makes bird watching seem exciting, doesn't it?

[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqBug-hunting game set to creep out Japanese DS gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsedutainmentjapanesenintendonongameMon, 28 May 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bug-hunting game looks like edutainment done right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/bug-hunting-game-looks-like-edutainment-done-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/bug-hunting-game-looks-like-edutainment-done-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/bug-hunting-game-looks-like-edutainment-done-right/#commentsFiled under: ,

Insects are huge in Japan. We don't mean in the Mothra kaiju sense, but in that they're very popular. Kids like to collect and battle stag beetles (sound like another popular Japanese form of entertainment?) Therefore, a bug reference guide on the DS seems like a pretty good decision.

Quiz & Touch Kensaku Mushi Sukan (Quiz & Touch Insect Encyclopedia) is our kind of non-game: not only does it provide visual and sound information about many species of bugs, but it also has quizzes and minigames about the bugs, including games based on identifying particular insects by sound and color. Librarians and those training to be librarians will probably agree: more reference books should have games in them.

JoystiqBug-hunting game looks like edutainment done right originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's a really cool non-game from Success: it's a DS version of the Basho poetry collection Oku no Hosomichi, (The Narrow Road to the Deep North) in a form where you draw over each character as an actor reads the poem. Enpitsu de Oku no Hosomichi DS is based on a similar book release, which featured the poems in grey print for readers to trace over, thereby forcing them to think about each kanji as they read. It's a beautiful idea for a book release, and equally nice-sounding on the DS.

We know that it's basically an attempt to cash in on the non-game craze, but Enpitsu de Oku no Hosomichi DS is such a great idea that we don't care. More importantly, it makes a pretty strong case for the e-book, not only on DS but in general, with features that improve on the traditional print version.

[Via Insert Credit]

JoystiqThe Narrow Way to the Dual Screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bashodsds liteDsLiteenpitsuhaikulitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnongamenongamesoku no hosomichiOkuNoHosomichipencilpoemspoetryThu, 24 May 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-games selling non-poorly in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/non-games-selling-non-poorly-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/non-games-selling-non-poorly-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/non-games-selling-non-poorly-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no secret that Japan has got Brain Age on the brain. Brain Age and its sequel, which was just now (kind of) announced for the US, have broken all kinds of sales records and been pretty much the sole motivator for the insane success of the DS.

But what is less well-known is that, in addition to driving the creation of a ton of copycat software, training fever is pervasive enough to drive sales of that stuff. In other words, Brain Age has created a market for non-games, just like Nintendo hoped it would.

Gpara compiled a list of 95 DS non-games ordered by Media Create sales numbers, and NeoGAFfer Jonnyram has translated the first ten. These things don't cost much to make, and they are bringing in stacks of money. That's Economics Training at work. Or it would be if that existed. Give it a couple of weeks.
  1. Brain Age 2: 4,266,000
  2. Brain Age: 3,403,000
  3. Eigo Zuke (English Training): 1,937,000
  4. Big Brain Academy 1,519,000
  5. General Knowledge Training/Common Sense Training:1,381,000
  6. Cooking Navi: 815,000
  7. Kanji Test: 523,000
  8. Tokoton Kanji Brain: 406, 000
  9. IQ Suppli DS: 219,000
[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqNon-games selling non-poorly in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebig brain academyBigBrainAcademybrainbrain ageBrainAgedsds liteDsLitelitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon gameNonGamenongamestrainingWed, 23 May 2007 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Get serious with new DS Style screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-ds-style-series-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-ds-style-series-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-ds-style-series-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're expecting a load of news when the Square Enix Party starts. For now, we've got new screens from the DS Style series, which is obviously too serious for parties. Specifically, new screens were released of Flower Blooming DS: Gardening Life, Shall We Listen to Classical Music on the DS?, and three World Walking map programs: Italy, France and Taiwan.

We could kind of see picking up a DS map program instead of a guidebook when we go on vacation, since we tend to take the DS with us anyway. We are definitely feeling a strong urge to buy the classical music "game" as well, since it's being developed by iNiS. Smart move, Squeenix.

Continue reading Get serious with new DS Style screens

JoystiqGet serious with new DS Style screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicalclassicalmusicdsds liteds styleDsLitedsstyleenixfrancegardengardeninginisitalylitemapmapsmusicnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon-gamenon-gamesnongamenongamessquaresquare enixSquareEnixstyletaiwanwalkingworldwalkingWed, 09 May 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Overlooked: Taboo: The Sixth Sense [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/virtually-overlooked-taboo-the-sixth-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/virtually-overlooked-taboo-the-sixth-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/virtually-overlooked-taboo-the-sixth-sense/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Welcome to our weekly feature, Virtually Overlooked, wherein we talk about games that aren't on the Virtual Console yet, but should be. Call it a retro-speculative.

Rare has been responsible for many of the most beloved games on Nintendo systems throughout the years. RC Pro-Am, Goldeneye 007, and Donkey Kong Country come immediately to mind when thinking about the company and its history of great games.

Taboo: The Sixth Sense is not great, or beloved, or even a game. If it were a game, it would be one of the worst ones on the NES. But if something like Taboo can even have a time, then that time has come.

Continue reading Virtually Overlooked: Taboo: The Sixth Sense [update 1]

JoystiqVirtually Overlooked: Taboo: The Sixth Sense [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kusogenesnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiinon-gamenon-gamesnongamenongamesrarerarewaresixth sensetabootaboo the sixth senseTabooTheSixthSensetarottradewestvowiiThu, 03 May 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Hello Kitty research is about to get a lot easier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/your-hello-kitty-research-is-about-to-get-a-lot-easier/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/your-hello-kitty-research-is-about-to-get-a-lot-easier/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/your-hello-kitty-research-is-about-to-get-a-lot-easier/#commentsFiled under:



Ever been asked a question regarding biographical information about a Sanrio character, but you can't answer because you're too far away from your extensive Hello Kitty database? You're in luck, if you get into that very unlikely situation in the future, and you can read Japanese!

Hello Kitty's Fashonable Party contains biographies of 300 Sanrio characters, with info about their birthdays, favorite food, and ... probably other stuff too. The game will quiz you about this stuff, presumably so you can memorize it. Fashionable Party also contains a dress-up mode and, predictably, a spate of minigames as well. In this case, though, the minigames are probably welcome since they bring the only actual gaming to the Party.

JoystiqYour Hello Kitty research is about to get a lot easier originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vingt-et-Un, the developer responsible for some of the weirder Simple 2000 games like The Zombie vs. Ambulance, have created a new entry in D3 Publisher's Simple DS series. Simple DS Vol. 14: The Driving School is a DS program designed to teach the rules of the road, with text-based quizzes and drills. It also attempts to teach driving skill with "practical" driving-instruction segments.

This looks great for us, since we taught ourselves to drive on Spy Hunter anyway. We just need to break our habit of trying to drive into 18-wheelers and we'll have it down.

While we're talking about this game, we want to complain about the lack of Simple series games in the US. D3 started a US branch, and they currently publish the Naruto games, but the only games we've seen from their hilarious budget series were Break 'em All and Dino Rider. The Xbox 360 just got Earth Defense Force-- we hope that's the start of a trend.

Continue reading Play DS while learning to drive

JoystiqPlay DS while learning to drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3d3publisherdriverseddrivingdrivingschooldsds liteDsLitelitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnongamenongamesscantronschoolsimplesimple2000simpledsspyhunterSat, 07 Apr 2007 12:10:00 EST