via Computer and Video Games


Is the disc slot on your Wii glowing blue this morning? It should be, because Nintendo has released a firmware update that makes some changes to the Wii Shop.

After updating, Wii Points will be called Nintendo Points, as Nintendo announced they would when DSi was revealed, but they will otherwise work the same.

The Wii Shop's also seen some minor changes. Nintendo having changed the icons for them and adding a new prompt to confirm you have the controllers before being able to press the purchase button, according to translations of the Japanese Store update text.

Seems it wants to make damn sure all those non-gaming mums have the right 'newfangled' gadgets for the games they purchase.

Other than that, all remains the same. And no, we can't tell you if it break that home-made channel. ...

via Eurogamer


It's patch city and LittleBigPlanet's the mayor! After this morning's news of a 1.01 patch, heroic reader Luke informs us that 1.02 is now available.

This one does neuter Tourmani Diabaté's song "Tapha Niang", silencing the two lyrics borrowed from the Qur'an, putting the game into the state it will presumably be when you all get hold of it in two weeks' time. In actual fact, it removes the entire vocal track, leaving a pleasant instrumental.

There's no word on what else the patch does, but then you won't notice, since the game isn't out yet. Unless you're in the secret club, obviously, in which case you can join us sulking about how the game servers aren't online yet.

Check out our LittleBigPlanet review to keep your eyes on the prize. ...

via IGN


The Balance Wii Board is being put to use in a new way thanks to Studio Zan. The Japanese development house who previously worked on the PSP version of Dungeon Explorer for Hudson shared first details and screens today on Overturn, a new WiiWare title that lets players use the Wii Fit peripheral as a control option.

In Overturn, you take control of a mech and face off against rivals on the battle field. One of the big selling points seems to be how you control the mech: by leaning your body on the Balance Wii Board. We're going to also guess that standard controls are included as well, but you can bet we'll be trying out the new control scheme first just to see how well it works.

Studio Zan is packing Overturn full of multiplayer options. Locally, two players can battle in either vertical or horizontal split screen. Network play allows for four player team-based or battle royal gameplay via Wi-Fi Connect, along with network rankings.

A single player story mode is included as well, letting you experience a storyline from the perspective of a variety of different characters. Clearing missions in this mode will earn you customization parts for your mechs.

In Japan, Overturn will hit WiiWare this November. Release information outside of Japan has yet to be announced. ...

via Computer and Video Games


A new set of screens from Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars has sprouted from publisher Gamecock.

The Wii third person action title, in development at Red Fly Studio, will throw you into the middle of a mushroom civil war, if that's your type of thing.

It's due out next month alongside Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi, a side-scroller for DS.


Screenshots ...

via Eurogamer


Konami has held some key autumn releases back until Q1 2009, including new Lost in Blue and Castlevania instalments for Wii and DS.

Those heading to early next year are Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked! (Wii), Lost in Blue 3 (DS), Castlevania: Judgement (Wii) and Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (DS).

Rock Revolution, the guitar and drum-based rhythm action game, is also down for a Q1 2009 release. That's the first we've heard of it.

Konami shouldn't be too bothered, though, what with the recent release of chart-topper Pro Evolution Soccer 2009. Will PES 2009 stay ahead of FIFA 09 for a second week, though? We shall see. And you will too, assuming you care enough to click through. ...

via Games Industry


Rage Wireless Guitars for the Wii are being recalled in the US over safety concerns.

The controllers have a defective circuit board which can cause AA batteries to leak, with a risk of causing chemical burns to users.

According to manufacturer Performance Designed Products, one consumer has been harmed by the peripheral, which were manufactured in China and retail between USD 40 and USD 80.

The company estimates that around 57,000 units have been sold, and consumers are urged to stop using the peripheral and return them to the store they were purchased from for a full refund.

Last month, PDP acquired UK motion sensing firm In2Games, makers of the Gametrak products. ...

via Games Industry


Wii Music has debuted atop the Japanese software sales chart for the week ended October 19, according to data provided by Media Create.

The Nintendo Wii title broke into the chart with 92,000 units, followed by Pokemon Platinum for the Nintendo DS, which holds onto its position from last week at second place with 72,000 units.

Sony's Dungeon Keeper-like title, Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida Or 2, for the PlayStation Portable sold 59,000 units in its first week on sale and secured its position at number three on the chart. Rhythm Tengoku Gold for the DS sold 51,000 units and dropped a place from last week to number four.

Sega's Culdcept DS and Namco Bandai's Kidou Senshi Gundam 00: Gundam Meisters for the PlayStation 2 both debut on the chart at fifth and sixth place with 50,000 and 43,000 units respectively.

The PS2 title, Shin Sangoku Musou 5 Special, came in seventh at 27,000 units, while Macross Ace Frontier for the PSP fell from first place last week to eighth, with 26,000 units

Wii Fit saw sales hit 18,000 units and came in at number nine, down from number six last week, and Super Robot Wars Z for the PS2 dropped five places from last week to number ten, selling 13,000 units.


Japanese software chart follows:

01. Wii Music (Wii)
02. Pokémon Platinum (DS)
03. Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida Or 2 (PSP)
04. Rhythm Tengoku Gold (DS)
05. Culdcept DS (DS)
06. Kidou Senshi Gundam 00: Gundam Meisters (PS2)
07. Shin Sangoku Musou 5 Special (PS2)
08. Macross Ace Frontier (PSP)
09. Wii Fit (Wii)
10. Super Robot Wars Z (PS2) ...

via Computer and Video Games


Mortal Kombat II mysteriously disappeared from PSN a few days ago for reasons unexplained. But Sony has said it is "working diligently" to bring the brutal fighter back online.


Despite it still not being totally clear on what when wrong, at least Sony is on the case. ...

via IGN


As part of a twelve page blowout on the Fabula Nova Crystallis series this week, Famitsu gave FF Versus XIII its fair share with four pages of coverage. Unfortunately, there's no gameplay information, and most of the details are just speculation based off the included screenshots (all of which are confirmed by the magazine to be real time), but there are a few new bits of information on the hero and heroine.

The names of the two were revealed at the Tokyo Game Show to be Noctis Lucis Caelum and Stella Nox Fleuret. Stella is described by the magazine as a princess in the Fleuret family.

She and Noctis are shown in the magazine's screens discussing their ability to "see light." This may not sound all that special at first, but in Versus XIII, it's an ability that Noctis suggests keeping quiet about. Stella appears to be more open about the matter, even asking Noctis when he gained the ability.

Wondering what the characters' names mean? Typical for the FNC series, the two names are Latin. The three parts of the hero's name mean "Night, Light, and Sky." The three parts of the heroine's name mean "Star, Darkness, and Sword." Darkness is also the meaning of Stella's country's name.

Director and character designer Tetsuya Nomura shared with the magazine a few additional details on the characters. Nomura feels that the trailer footage (which you probably haven't seen, unless you made it out to the Tokyo Game Show) tells us a lot about the personalities of the two characters. Stella, for instance, is shown speaking politely to Noctis and without any apparent reserve. This is a reflection of her strong upbringing. In contrast, Noctis appears to be running away, and won't even make eye contact. It may appear that Noctis is cold and unsocial, but he's actually just shy, and he hides his shyness by putting on a veil of coolness.

Regarding Noctis, Nomura also notes that he may say one thing, but by watching him closely, you'll get the feeling that there's something different about him. His friends are often able to see through the cover, though.

Needless to say, despite four pages of coverage, Versus XIII still remains the most mysterious of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series. Things are slowly falling into place, though, with the main characters named and now detailed. Who knows -- perhaps the next update will come with a few hints at gameplay. ...