EA will bring the first Medal of Honor game to the Wii in March 2007 in the form of Medal of Honor Vanguard.

Also releasing on the PS2, MoH Vanguard will give you control of a corporal in more WWII-themed battles, including Nazi face-offs in Sicily and Germany.

We think it's safe to assume that the Wii version will control in a similar way to Red Steel and Call of Duty 3, but it'll be interesting to see how well EA's programming boffins deal with the new control system.

Can it knock CoD 3 off the Wii FPS throne? Look out for gameplay specifics and first screens in the New Year.

via cvg ...

via cvg

It's a sad moment in the CVG office this morning, as the promised Wii Forecast Channel activates around the world, eliminating the need for us to ogle at visually-pleasing GMTV weather girls every morning with our toast.

The Forecast Channel - in case you haven't jumped to conclusions yet - allows you to check the weather on your Wii by spinning a big 3D globe. You can even check the weather in parts of the world outside blighty, and get a heads up of that ruddy great storm that's currently tearing up west coast USA.

To get the new channel on your Wii, simply choose 'update' on your empty Forecast Channel menu screen.

Screens Via Comments ...

Phil Harrison has taken another opportunity to talk-up the PS3's technical capabilities, saying that no-one will ever be able to tap 100% of the capabilities of Sony's cell-powered PlayStation 3.

The comment comes from an interview with MTV.com, in which the Sony worldwide studios boss says that current Sony software is using "less than half" of the PS3's power, potentially meaning even larger and more beautiful giant crabs for the next instalment of Genji.

In the MTV chat Harrison also makes note of the challenges Sony faces with its handheld, saying that he wants to change the fact that "most people use their PSP at home." Harrison adds that "Nintendo should be congratulated," for attracting large amounts of new gamers to the market with the DS, adding the anticipated dig: "they are our customers of tomorrow."

Winding down the modest banter, Harrison offers good new for fans of bizarre PSP title Loco Roco, revealing that plans are in the pipeline for further blob-tilting series instalments. "We're continuing to evolve the franchise," he says. "We're going to bring LocoRoco back in a couple of new ways with some new friends in the future."

Could Loco Roco be headed for Sony's Xbox Live Arcade-style e-distribution service? We've got our fingers crossed.

Via cvg ...

via cvg

Electronic Arts has seized Christmas Number One for the fourth consecutive year, with FIFA 07 - and not expected champion Need for Speed Carbon - claiming the festive top spot.

The popular street racer hasn't lost out by much though as it skids into second place in the Christmas run-up, further bolstering EA's gaming franchises during the busy holiday shopping season.

THQ's WWE Smackdown Vs RAW 2007 grapples the third position, while Konami's excellent footy instalment Pro Evolution Soccer 6 slide-tackles into number four.

Further down in the Christmas charts is Activision's Call of Duty 3 at five, while third EA entry The Sims 2: Pets holds residence at six with flagship 360 shooter Gears of War further down.

Finishing up our Tony Blackburn-style Christmas run-down, Midway's move tie-in Happy Feet is at eight, the excellent Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is manning the number nine block fort and THQ's money-raking Cars rounds things up at number ten. ...

According to a report by the AP, a Jacksonville GameStop has reported that a gang burrowed through the back wall in the hope of walking off with PS3.

But they were only disappointed when they found out that all the PS3 boxes we're empty, so they went and stole 13 360s instead.

A member of staff told Jacksonville police that it looked like the thieves we're after Sony's next-gen machine because all the PS3 boxes were scattered around the shop floor.

Looks like Xbox 360 was the conciliation prize.

via cvg ...

Five UK universities were involved in the initial trial of XNA Game Studio Express, including Bradford, Derby, Hull, Belfast and Nottingham.

Students and gaming enthusiasts will be able to download the software for free, and many have already registered their interest in joining the XNA Creators Club, which allows DIY developers access to technical support, white papers, starter kits and other technology that will help them make the game authentic.

Head of Electronic Imaging and Media Communications (EIMC) at the University of Bradford, Dr Ian Palmer, said: “We’re very pleased to be part of the initial launch of Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio Express. The software will provide our students with the opportunity to easily experiment with their ideas with the knowledge that they will be able to see their invention in reality.

“This is a great chance for students to work on games without financial support, replicating the days when games were made with low budgets.”

http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Univ..._Xbox_software




Preorder "Lost Planet: Limited Edition Steel Case" for [s]£49.99[/s] £39.99 (Xbox 360)
...

On Dec. 22, Nintendo and Opera Software bring the Internet to the living room couch with a free trial version of the Opera Web browser. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can download a free trial Opera browser to activate the Internet Channel of the Wii Menu and begin surfing the Web.

“In addition to providing innovative and exciting new ways to play, Wii also offers further services and entertainment for all the family. This newest Wii Menu Channel is just the latest example of how we are doing this” says Nintendo of Europe Marketing Director, Laurent Fischer. “Wii is the perfect console for everyone to enjoy and this is being reflected in the phenomenal sales across Europe. ”

“Our software brings the power and reach of the Internet to the hottest video game system available,” says Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President, Devices at Opera Software. “Wii’s unique interface adds a new dimension to our browser, making it a useful tool that the whole family will enjoy operating with ease.”

The final version of the Opera browser will be available at the end of March 2007, and will be free for all Wii owners to download through the end of June. After June 2007, the browser will be available for download in the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.

The Internet Channel joins the four channels which have been available since launch: Disc Channel, Photo Channel, Mii™ Channel and Wii Shop Channel as well as the newly available Forecast Channel.



...

The following Saints Row in game content is available for Xbox Live Gold members*

Name: The Ho Ho Ho Pack
Price: Free
NOT Available in: Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
Dash Details: Santa Claus ensemble includes coat, hat, boots and hair. Happy Holidays!

(*This content will be available for Silver members after 12/25)

major nelson ...

Nintendo DS Software - Release Date - Q1 2007

Children of Mana (Nintendo) - 12th Jan 2007
Star Fox Command (Nintendo) - 26th Jan 2007
Actionloop (Nintendo) - 26th Jan 2007
Freedom Wings (ZOO Digital) - 26th Jan 2007
Guru Guru (505Games) - Jan 2007
Labyrinth (505Games) - Jan 2007
Monster Puzzle (505Games) - Jan 2007
Mystery Detective (505Games) - Jan 2007
The Professors Brain Trainer: Logic (505Games) - Jan 2007
The Professors Brain Trainer: Memory (505Games) - Jan 2007
Mech Assault Phantom War (Majesco) - Jan 2007
Flipper Critters (Conspiracy) - Jan 2007
Contact (Marvelous/Rising Star Games) - 2nd Feb 2007
New Zealand Story (Marvelous/Rising Star Games) - 2ndFeb 2007
Uno/Skipbo Compilation/Uno Freefall (ZOO Digital) - 2nd Feb 2007
Disney's Kim Possible Global Gemini (Disney/Buena Vista Games) - 8th Feb 2006
Magical Starsign (Nintendo) - 9th Feb 2007
Mario Slam Basketball (Nintendo) - 16th Feb 2007
Lionel Trains "On Track" (ZOO Digital) - 16th Feb 2007
Guilty Gear Dust Strikers (Majesco/THQ) - 20th Feb 2007
Fossil League (D3Publisher of Europe) - 23rd Feb 2007
Bomberman Land (Marvelous/Rising Star Games) - 23rd Feb 2007
Uno 52 (ZOO Digital) - 23rd Feb 2007
Monster Bomber (505Games) - Feb 2007
Touch Party Game (505Games) - Feb 2007
Turn it Around (505Games) - Feb 2007
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (Activision) - Feb 2007
Shrek Smash 'N Crash Racing (Activision) - Feb 2007
Party Carnival (D3Publisher of Europe) - Feb 2007
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (Konami) - Feb 2007
Death Jr. And The Science Fair of Doom (Konami) - Feb 2007
Lunar Knights (Konami) - Feb 2007
My Frogger Toy Trials (Konami) - Feb 2007
Xiaolin Showdown (Konami) - Feb 2007
Dino Master (Majesco) - Feb 2007
Super Black Bass Fishing (Majesco) - Feb 2007
Gunpey (Namco Bandai Games) - Feb 2007
Danny Phantom Urban Jungle (THQ) - 2nd Mar 2007
Actua Pool (ZOO Digital) - 2nd Mar 2007
Princess Natasha "Student-Secret Agent-Princess" (ZOO Digital) - 2nd Mar 2007
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (Nintendo) - 9th March 2007
Spectrobes (Disney/Buena Vista Games) - 15th Mar 2007
Rayman Raving RabbidsTM (Ubisoft) - 15th Mar 2007
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (D3Publisher of Europe) - 16th Mar 2007
Bubble Bobble Double Shot (Marvelous/Rising Star Games) - 16th Mar 2007
Schach (dtp) - 16th Mar 2007
Best Friends – Hunde & Katzen (dtp) - 23rd Mar 2007
Hello Kitty (Empire) - 23rd Mar 2007
Pokémon Ranger (Nintendo) - 30th March 2007
Mein Gestüt (tentative name) - 30th Mar 2007
Kameleon DS (505Games) - Mar 2007
Touch Detective (505Games) – French version - Mar 2007
Disney's Meet The Robinsons (Disney/Buena Vista Games) - Mar 2007
Diner Dash (Eidos) - Mar 2007
Zendoku (Eidos) - Mar 2007
SEGA Presents Touch Darts (working title) (SEGA) - Mar 2007
Petz Vet (Ubisoft) - Mar 2007
The Settlers (Ubisoft) - Mar 2007
Teenage Mutant Minja Turtles (Ubisoft) - Mar 2007
Theme Park (EA) - Spring 2007
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice For All (Capcom) - Q1 2007
Micro Machines V4 (Codemasters) - Q1 2007
Rafa Nadal Tennis (Codemasters) - Q1 2007
Garfield Nightmare (Classic) (Game Factory/K.E. Media) - Q1 2007
Harlem Globetrotters World Tour (ZOO Digital) - Q1 2007
March of the Penguins (ZOO Digital) - Q1 2007
Wiffle Ball Advance (ZOO Digital) - Q1 2007 ...