According to independent sales data released by the NPD Group, the Wii™ from Nintendo was America's best-selling video game console in the U.S. again in February, with consumers snapping up virtually every system available in America totaling more than 335,000 units.

Only one game system sold more in February, the portable Nintendo DS™, with sell-through of 485,000 units.

Together, Nintendo systems represented 54 percent of all hardware sales in February, more than those of all other manufacturers combined.

"We're gratified that the explosive appeal of Wii, in terms of both new players and new ways to play, has created unprecedented demand, substantially beyond supply," says Reggie Fils-Aime, president, Nintendo of America. "But we also understand that there are hundreds of thousands of consumers still waiting to get their hands on the system so we continue to both ship more units to retail every week and work non-stop to build capacity."

Reports from households across the country indicate that Wii has become the centerpiece for weekend parties a new method for improving athletic technique and losing weight, and a landmark product for generating cross-generational fun.

The strength of Wii and Nintendo DS was also apparent in monthly software sales where three of the top four best-selling games for the month (Wii Play™ and The Legend of Zelda®: Twilight Princess for Wii, and Diddy Kong® Racing DS for Nintendo DS) play exclusively on Nintendo systems. In addition, so far this year 10 of the top 20 best-selling games are exclusive for Nintendo hardware. ...

This week Wii takes you back to the classic old-school era with a selection of action-packed titles which will have your heart pounding and hands sweating in minutes.

Nintendo fans will remember the charms of Ice Climber™ from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Players take control of a small Eskimo who, armed only with a hammer, must make his way up an icy mountain, breaking blocks to make new routes and defeating enemies which block his way. With perilous black-ice, deviously placed indestructible blocks and challenging time limits, this game will have you on the edge of your seat.

Next in this week’s tour of 1980s culture we travel from the arctic mountains to the sewers of New York where we meet four bright green 80s ninjitsu legends in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®. Again making its debut on the NES, this game requires players to battle through five large stages to foil a criminal plot threatening the city. Players can switch between their favourite Turtles at any time during the game allowing you to pick the ideal pizza-eating reptile for every situation.

Finally, challenge your nerve and take on the game which gave birth to the survival horror genre with Splatter House™ originally for Turbografx. Following a storm, the hero and his girlfriend take shelter in a creepy mansion. When our hero wakes the next morning his girlfriend is gone and a hockey mask is stuck on his head, giving him superhuman strength. Using this new-found power, players must hack and slash their way through seven levels full of undead and save their girlfriend from the evil which has taken control of this house.

These great games join the list of 62 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe. ...

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY® III will be released on 4th May 2007 exclusively on Nintendo DS™.

Originally available only in Japan for the Famicom (known in Europe as the Nintendo Entertainment System®), FINAL FANTASY III is considered the sole missing title in the world-renowned series in the Western world. Now, 17 years after its Japanese debut, European fans will be able to savour the legendary adventure for the first time.

John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “The arrival of FINAL FANTASY III on Nintendo DS showcases the power of the hardware and proves that no compromise has to be made in order to create an adventure of this magnitude for a handheld system. With over 1.4 million copies already shipped in Japan and North America, we are sure that FINAL FANTASY III will be a big success in Europe too.”

Hiromichi Tanaka, Director and Executive Producer of FINAL FANTASY III comments, “FINAL FANTASY III has been made anew on the Nintendo DS platform, including new graphics in 3D, rebalanced jobs, and brand new characterisation for the four young heroes. We hope that not only FINAL FANTASY fans, but a wide variety of players in Europe, enjoy the new FINAL FANTASY III.”

With an innovative interface that capitalizes on the Nintendo DS capabilities, players can now experience the title that introduced the popular moogles, summons and the dynamic job system to the FINAL FANTASY series.

About FINAL FANTASY III

-The Story-

Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world’s fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost – but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world.

Near the small village of Ur, fate guides Luneth to a sentient crystal that changes his life forever. As the light of the crystal fades, Luneth embarks on a journey to seek three others who share his destiny to search for the remaining crystals, and fight the battle of light and darkness.

-Features-

The missing link in the evolution of FINAL FANTASY is unveiled – experience a tale untold
A dynamic job-changing system allows for more than 279,000 party variations
The Touch Screen interface seamlessly utilizes DS capabilities – explore dungeons, dispatch foes and cast spells using the Nintendo DS stylus
A complete visual overhaul breathes new life into a classic with colourful 3D graphics
Take advantage of both DS Wireless Communications and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to access the Mognet and communicate with other players as well as NPCs and uncover hidden dungeons, quests and items
Character designer Akihiko Yoshida of the award-winning and critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XII lends his talents by designing the four main characters ...

press release:

505 Games today confirmed its plans to set loose the most monster-packed adventure ever on PlayStation Portable on April 13th. Gurumin is an action-RPG created by renowned developer Nihon Falcom - famous for its classic games in the “Zwei” and Ys” series of role-playing games.

Set in an original fantasy world, players slip into the jaunty red outfit of Parin, a young girl who is about to embark on an amazing journey. Parin befriends a mysterious young adventurer called Pino and together they discover a hidden town full of friendly monsters that only children have the ability to see. However, it’s not long before evil monsters called Phantoms appear in this idyllic world. The Phantoms kidnap Parin’s new pals and so, armed with the Legendary Drill, it’s up to Parin to save the day.

Players guide Parin in her quest to rescue the friendly monsters and regain the various elements that make up their town. The action unfolds across beautiful and stylised 3D landscapes, including mysterious forests, ancient ruins, dank caves and hazardous mountains. Many of the details in the game world are fully destructible and may yield secrets and rewards when bashed to bits. Battles are fought in real time with up to eight different attack types, and the Legendary Drill can be upgraded and enhanced to ensure maximum damage when facing the evil Phantoms. What’s more, stringing attacks in time with the beat of the music may help players strike critical hits!

Gurumin also features four addictive mini-games, five difficulty modes and multiple endings, ensuring it has maximum appeal for both experienced adventure gamers as well as players newer to the role-playing genre. With its cast of over twenty lovable and eccentric characters, and an intriguing and unique game world, Gurumin is a one-of-a-kind adventure for PlayStation Portable.

Gurumin releases exclusively on PlayStation Portable on April 13th, from publisher 505 Games, priced around £29.99. ...

Today, March 16th, is Red Nose Day, the day on the UK calendar when the nation unites to raise money for good causes in the name of comedy. So, eager not to be excluded, Games Press has been keeping an eye out for Red-Nose-related happenings in the world of games.

Yesterday we heard how residents of virtual world Second Life can buy Comic Relief T-shirts and Red Noses using their in-game spare change.

And today comes news of a cheat in Lego Star Wars II that unlocks Red Noses for all the characters, from R2-D2 to Mr Vader himself. No, really. If you don't believe us, see the attached screenshots.

We're not going to tell you what the code is. Instead we'd urge you - and your readers, if you'd care to tip them off with the URL - to head over to the TT Games website (www.ttgames.com) where the cheat can be revealed after donating whatever you can afford to Comic Relief.

Screens Via Comments ...

press release:

Capcom® , a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced its first original title exclusively for the Nintendo Wii™, Project Treasure Island Z (Working Title), an innovative, full-length puzzle adventure game that utilizes the unique control mechanics of the Wiimote and challenges gamers to “play different.” Capcom plans to release Project Treasure Island Z (Working Title) this autumn.

“Innovation has been the cornerstone of Capcom’s successful history ,” said Michael Pattison, Senior Marketing Director, CE Europe. “By introducing a whole new level of interactivity, this title reinforces our commitment to pushing the limits on how people view and play games.

Legend has it that a revered pirate named Barbaros once stole the world’s treasure and hid it on a mysterious island. Though no one knows of its exact location, stories about the untold riches that lay in wait have been passed down through the ages, driving pirates from all walks of life to pursue the alluring prizes. One of these treasure seekers, a young apprentice pirate named Zack happens upon a mysterious talking skull, the skull of Barbaros himself. Barbaros promises to reveal the key to the island, if Zack will help to lift the curse he is under.

Players will explore a variety of wondrous environments and stages, solving puzzles and interacting with the world in search of vast riches and the ultimate pursuit of becoming the greatest pirate the world has ever seen. Inventive gameplay mechanics and controller movements allow players to move and open objects, transform items, unlock new pathways and navigate through perilous stages based on a variety of themes including a jungle, ice temple, volcanic caves and more, each with their own sub-areas. Players will rotate handles, turn keys to open doors, play a piccolo and much more in order to solve the progressively difficult puzzle stages and collect Barbaros’ legendary treasures. ...

Two Worlds has some of epic combat to hit the action RPG genre, but that’s not the only tool you’ll be using to smite your enemies! The new “Sneak Mode” offers the player a chance to get up close and personal with adversaries before deciding their fate. Surgical accuracy with a blade gives “one hit kills” a whole new meaning. Not feeling bloodthirsty at the moment? How about picking a pocket for some useful wares? Not only will sneaking help you with your interpersonal relationships, but Guards and Watchtowers will have a hard time keeping track of your stealthy moves as you slip through the gates.

To keep you well apprised of your sneaky status, there’s a visual indicator above your target’s head. A green eye, half closed will appear – if you’re in danger of being seen the eye will open a bit and turn from green, to yellow, to orange and bright red if you’re seen. Sneaking is an active skill that you’ll upgrade in game; therefore your success rate is directly proportionate to your skill level. Not only that, but common sense should play a role as well. In the depths of a swamp at 3am by the light of the moon and the tendrils of a damp fog swirling about, your odds for success are going to be pretty good. However, if you’re out in the town square at noon doing your slithering act – someone will probably notice that weird guy creeping around. Be smart about it and you’ll be able to pull off some impressive maneuvers.

Two Worlds will his the shelves in May 2007 for Xbox 360 and P.C.

...

New release from Cpasjuste:

Hello there !

I have ported PowerManga to the PSP, its a really good shooting game with good graphics, 41 levels and more than 200 sprites .. i hope you will enjoy

Ps : i think it's nicely ported but let me know if you found a bug !

Official site :

http://linux.tlk.fr/games/Powermanga/

Sceenshots :



Controls :

- L => Music volume up
- R => Music volume down
- START => Pause
- SELECT => Show/hide menu
- CROSS => Fire
- SQUARE => Power item
- DIGITAL PAD => Move

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via cpasjuste ...

xchinamanx posted a new app for the PSP:




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via xchinamanx ...