via Eurogamer


Two new titles are now available to download via the WiiWare service.

First up is the excitingly titled Beer Pong: Frat Party Games. Playing on a "regulation table" with up to three of your friends, you must try to score points by throwing ping pong balls in paper cups.

Or there's Speed Pong, where you use Power-Ups to slow your opponents down. The first player to sink their balls wins.

If you're more of a winter sports person, there's Snowboard Riot. Guide your character down the slopes, grabbing items to attack your rivals and defend yourself. The game is compatible with the Wii balance board and up to four players can battle against each other.

Snowboard Riot features outfits and goggles designed by Oakley - in fact, they're from the company's 2008 range. Plus you can "ride an electro rhythm" with music by "fresh new artists" 80kidz.

Beer Pong: Frat Party Games costs 800 Wii Points (GBP 5.60 / EUR 8), while Snowboard Riot is 1000 Points (GBP 7 / EUR 10). ...

via Joystiq


A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) revealed that most UK citizens want an independent body to issue game ratings. GI.biz reports that a majority of those surveyed also said that they would pefer to see games use the same rating standard as movies. The BBFC hopes to use this survey as leverage in its bid to become the UK's primary game ratings body. Currently, the BBFC only rates games with a certain level of mature content, though that may change thanks to last year's Byron Review.

The BBFC competes with Europe's PEGI ratings, which already appear on UK game releases. The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) argues that the PEGI system is superior to the BBFC. Said ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson, "Gamers no longer just play with their mates but play online, and we need a system that reflects this situation and protects their interests," adding that the PEGI system is the "right solution for child safety." Rawlinson further states that ELSPA will be promoting the PEGI system with a "multi million pound campaign" designed to get the word out to UK parents. Finally, he says that ELSPA has conducted its own research with YouGov that supports its argument.

The irony of all this, of course, is that this fight is being waged to make ratings less confusing. ...

via Joystiq


A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) revealed that most UK citizens want an independent body to issue game ratings. GI.biz reports that a majority of those surveyed also said that they would pefer to see games use the same rating standard as movies. The BBFC hopes to use this survey as leverage in its bid to become the UK's primary game ratings body. Currently, the BBFC only rates games with a certain level of mature content, though that may change thanks to last year's Byron Review.

The BBFC competes with Europe's PEGI ratings, which already appear on UK game releases. The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) argues that the PEGI system is superior to the BBFC. Said ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson, "Gamers no longer just play with their mates but play online, and we need a system that reflects this situation and protects their interests," adding that the PEGI system is the "right solution for child safety." Rawlinson further states that ELSPA will be promoting the PEGI system with a "multi million pound campaign" designed to get the word out to UK parents. Finally, he says that ELSPA has conducted its own research with YouGov that supports its argument.

The irony of all this, of course, is that this fight is being waged to make ratings less confusing. ...

via Joystiq


A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) revealed that most UK citizens want an independent body to issue game ratings. GI.biz reports that a majority of those surveyed also said that they would pefer to see games use the same rating standard as movies. The BBFC hopes to use this survey as leverage in its bid to become the UK's primary game ratings body. Currently, the BBFC only rates games with a certain level of mature content, though that may change thanks to last year's Byron Review.

The BBFC competes with Europe's PEGI ratings, which already appear on UK game releases. The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) argues that the PEGI system is superior to the BBFC. Said ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson, "Gamers no longer just play with their mates but play online, and we need a system that reflects this situation and protects their interests," adding that the PEGI system is the "right solution for child safety." Rawlinson further states that ELSPA will be promoting the PEGI system with a "multi million pound campaign" designed to get the word out to UK parents. Finally, he says that ELSPA has conducted its own research with YouGov that supports its argument.

The irony of all this, of course, is that this fight is being waged to make ratings less confusing. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Rockstar has released two frankly wicked-looking videos of DS GTA entry, Chinatown Wars.

The game's out on March 20 - just two weeks before the European release of the DSi. We reckon we'll keep it in the rapper, in preparation for our inevitable impulse purchase of yet another Nintendo handheld revision.


Trailers at CVG ...

via Eurogamer


Sales of the R4 cartridge, which allows users to play pirated DS games, have been outlawed in Japan.

According to Kotaku, the Tokyo District Court has granted an injunction against the Chinese manufacturers who produce the R4. As a result, it's officially illegal to sell the cart, and the R4 has already disappeared from shops.

Square Enix, Nintendo and Capcom have issued statements pointing out how illegal sales of the R4 are now, just to be sure, and saying they'll continue to chase down anyone producing similar devices.

It's still legal to buy an R4 in this country, though obviously downloading pirate games is bad and wrong. Who knows, perhaps our lawmakers will follow Japan's lead in future. ...

via Eurogamer


Nintendo of America announced a surprise new Wii game yesterday in a bumper list of release dates for the region. Excitebots: Trick Racing follows in the tradition of the Excitebike and Excite Truck arcade racers, and is out on April 20th in a bundle with the Wii Wheel accessory.

We contacted Nintendo of Europe to see if the mystery game would be coming out over here, but a spokesperson said they couldn't confirm anything at this time.

Despite its imminent release date, details on Excitebots are extremely scarce, which doesn't exactly bode well. Gamasutra says it will feature "unique and changing environments", minigames, and tricks.

Punch Out!!, the Wii revival of the NES and SNES cartoon boxing game, was also given a firm US release date in the list - 18th May. Other notable release dates include May 4th for the New Play Control! remake of the marvellous Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, and June for SEGA shooter The Conduit.

There was one notable omission - Wii Sports Resort, Nintendo's launch-pad for the Wii MotionPlus add-on, which had originally been scheduled for a second-quarter release too.

We'll bring you European release dates for these games as soon as we have them. ...

Updated release from maRk2512


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Today Ubisoft announced Dawn of Discovery, a real-time strategy and simulation game specifically designed for the Wii home video game system, the Nintendo DS hand held system and PC. Scheduled for release in summer 2009, Dawn of Discovery gives gamers the opportunity to explore new civilizations and build their own empire like never before through the immersive action of the Wii Remote and the DS stylus.

"Dawn of Discovery allows gamers to take the civilization-building experience to the next level of fun and interactivity," said Adam Novickas, director of marketing for Ubisoft. "We're pleased to be bringing the brand new, uniquely designed game to not only the PC and Nintendo DS, but also to Wii for the first time."

Dawn of Discovery takes place in the year 1404, when King George's land is suffering from severe droughts and brutal famine. Aware of his people's distress, the king calls on his two sons, William and Edward, to acquire new territories in order to produce enough goods to satisfy the needs of his empire's inhabitants. Whereas Edward suggests aggressive means to collect the precious resources, his brother William offers a peaceful solution, proposing to explore new and unsettled lands in the south of the kingdom. With his Father's blessing, William heads south to the mysterious Orient and returns with valuable new technologies such as the water pump that allows dry lands to be cultivated in order to produce enough food for the people. But there are still many unmet needs within the king's empire, and players are tasked with the mission of fulfilling those needs while both expanding and sustaining the vast society.

Game features include:

Build and sustain your own expansive empire


Explore the beautifully detailed world and discover new places to create your civilization

Set up trade posts in the spice mines of the Orient and explore new trade routes to keep your nation growing

Learn from other nearby cultures to expand your horizons and master the challenges of establishing a prosperous society


Developed specifically for Wii, DS and PC audiences

Unique art style and clever integration of the Wii Remote and DS stylus makes building your empire more fun and interactive than ever before

All new scalable 3-D engine ensures unmatched visuals, optimized for all PC's – from high-end to low-end desktops

Seamless user interface delivers multiple gameplay modes and faster player rewards for both long or short play sessions


Exclusive multiplayer modes across platforms

Build your civilization and make history along with a friend in the 2-player co-op mode for Wii

Integration with Ubi.com allows PC players to track achievements, climb leaderboards and challenge others online


Accessible for everyone from beginners to pros

Intelligent help system offers contextual hints for any situation

In-game encyclopedia includes illustrated tutorial filled with tips and strategies for building your civilization


Formerly known as ANNO 1404, Dawn of Discovery is the North American title of the game. ...