Here we are again for another week of Virtual Console releases. More shooters added to the mix as well as another game that adds to the TG-16 lineup. Hudson must be enjoying all the love they’re getting on the Virtual Console. All games will be available at 9am PDT. We’ll be back next week for an exciting lineup of new games added to the Virtual Console. Have fun!

From Nintendo’s press release:

Star Soldier (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): The standard for vertically scrolling shooters, Star Soldier is the original game that spawned all of the titles in the long-running Soldier series. Go inside a floating space station inhabited by a giant computer known as Starbrain. Your mission: to stop Starbrain’s galactic invasion by piloting Caesar, a new, compact space fighter through 16 deadly stages. Collect power capsules to increase three different attributes of your ship: firepower, movement speed and defensive shields. Blast wave after wave of approaching enemies or use the innovative Trap Zone feature to fly beneath a land mass and avoid incoming fire. Conquer each stage to make your way to the final confrontation with Starbrain.

Dynamite Headdy™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Headdy, a toy with a detachable head, arrives in North Town to find that the evil puppet king Dark Demon is causing serious problems. Dark Demon is gathering up all the puppets in town and turning some into his own evil minions, while eliminating the rest of the puppets that aren’t good enough to join his legions. Headdy is captured and is targeted for the incinerator, but escapes in the nick of time. Now he’s got to save the town. To do so, Headdy has to take on all manner of bad guys and even has to contend with his lifelong nemesis, Trouble Bruin the bear. Can Headdy overcome all his foes and take down Dark Demon?

Drop Off (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Brave five rounds of haunting, nightmarish dreams in this take on the classic arcade puzzler. To save his dearly beloved from the malicious demon that controls her dreams and holds her captive, our brave hero plunges himself into the nightmare to vanquish this evil foe. Deftly use the arrow items and control the angle of the ball to shatter the blocks that descend from the top of the screen. Set your sights on the joints holding the blocks together and knock off multiple blocks in one exhilarating blow. As you drop more and more blocks, their shapes will change, allowing you to earn bonus points. You must use your concentration and reflexes to defeat the demon and save your beloved.

From the press release:

This year’s Games Convention, from 22nd – 26th August in Leipzig, will be the world’s biggest game event in 2007. More than 180,000 visitors are expected and journalists from all over the world will see the next generation of games.

This is the right place and the right time to present world exclusively „THEY“. The next generation mystery first person shooter for PC and next generation consoles will be unveiled at Leipzig Games Convention!

„THEY“ are huge – „THEY“ are different – „THEY“ are hostile!

Be one of the selected media to see a thirty minutes behind closed doors presentation – at the Business Center, Hall 1, IMC booth K36. By appointment only the brains behind „THEY“ will present the first playable scenes of this FPS, so mysterious, so stunning and so amazing – that „THEY“ might become one of the most anticipated world premiere titles from this year’s Games Convention!

„THEY“ features a technically future minded 3D engine with next generation effects, brand new gameplay elements and a revolutionary weapon system to survive the challenges ahead! But always remember: Nothing is as it seems!

For your personal 30 minute appointment please get in touch with our Head of Communication - Ingo Horn - preferably by phone or by email.

Facts and features:

Title: THEY
Platforms: PC & next generation console
Release date: 2008/2009
Genre: First person mystery shooter
Scenario: Near Future

- next generation 3D engine
- unique weapon system that makes you „love“ your weapons
- mysterious science fiction background story
- diversified enemies - thrilling and intelligent
- heroes to identify with
- heavy usage of physics
- destructible environment relevant for gameplay
- haunting single player mode
- versatile multiplayer modes

From the press release:

New York, NY - Rockstar Games is proud to announce that Bully: Scholarship Edition is coming to the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo this Winter.

Both the Wii and Xbox 360 versions will retain the wit and deep gameplay of the previously released PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system title and will boast additional new content. Bully: Scholarship Edition takes place in the fictional New England boarding school of Bullworth Academy, and tells the story of 15-year-old Jimmy Hopkins as he experiences the highs and lows of adjusting to a new school. Capturing the hilarity and awkwardness of adolescence perfectly, Bully: Scholarship Edition pulls the player into its cinematic and engrossing world. Universally acclaimed upon first release, Bully: Scholarship Edition is a genre-crossing action game with a warmth and pathos that is unrivaled.

Bully received a perfect “10/10″ from Electronic Gaming Monthly and 1up.com and was heralded as “a great, well-crafted action game that has one of the best senses of humor around” by IGN.com. USA Today called it “a fantastic debut title by Rockstar Vancouver.” The San Francisco Chronicle wrote “Bully has no shortage of creative energy, offering an immersive boarding school experience that is imaginative, funny and filled with surprises.”

Come and explore the zealous joy, mirth, and torment of youth with Jimmy Hopkins and Bully: Scholarship Edition when enrollment commences this Winter.

From the press release:

GORMLEY, Ontario, Canada — After first appearing on Blu-ray earlier this year, HD DVD owners can now also enjoy the classic arcade game Dragon’s Lair in full high definition. Making his HD DVD debut this August, Dirk the Daring swings in to action on the Xbox 360* with HD DVD add-on drive and standalone HD DVD movie players.

Dragon’s Lair was first introduced in the arcades in 1983 and its laser disc video quality and Don Bluth animation made it an instant smash hit. Now, Digital Leisure and authoring studio Infinite HD Inc. have created a true high definition gaming experience for this classic arcade game.

“I’m amazed at the high definition video.” says Don Bluth, one of the original creators of Dragon’s Lair. “Finally, the game looks as good as it did on film. And, the 5.1 audio sounds even better than original. Now whether you have Blu-ray or HD DVD you can enjoy this terrific, high definition version of Dragon’s Lair.”

All special features on the disc are in full 1080p HD including interviews with creators Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer, and even a full length visual commentary of the game.

Digital Leisure plans to follow up Dragon’s Lair HD DVD with the release of Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp in the HD DVD format.

Dragon’s Lair HD DVD will be available this August 15th at many fine game and movie retailers.

From the press release:

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and KOEI Corporation announced today that they have released a free single player demo of Dynasty Warriors®:GUNDAM® on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Also available on the PLAYSTATION®Network for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the fast-paced action demo will offer a taste of the satisfying cinematic experience for which the rich Dynasty Warriors and Gundam universes are known. Fight for the fate of the galaxy and become the ultimate hero of the cosmoswhen the full retail version is available for both the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems on August 28.

In the Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM demo, Heero Yuy must try to stop what seems to be a mysterious planet that is veering towards Earth. With the aid of Master Asia and fellow pilot Jerid Mesa, conquering the Mausoleum battlefield is just the beginning of what lies ahead.

“We wanted to ensure that every Xbox 360 owner has the opportunity to enjoy the perfect melding of the Dynasty Warriors signature gameplay and GUNDAM’s Mobile Suits before its anticipated debut,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “The online demo of Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM offers a glimpse of the unrivaled experience that made it a chart topping success in Japan.”

Powered by KOEI’s Omega Force development team, Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM has players assuming the role of legendary heroes or villains while enabling them to get into the cockpits of their favorite Mobile Suits, the ultimate weapons of war. Gamers will fight across a host of futuristic battlefields—both terrestrial and stellar–at lightning fast speed and all rendered in high definition graphics. Determination and skill will be put to the test as they lead an army against hundreds of enemies andimpossible odds. Customize Mobile Suits from more than six different epic GUNDAM animated TV series and strategically fortify their power, skills, and abilities while encountering storylines straight from GUNDAM lore. Additionally, dynamic gameplay modes including Official, Original and Versus Mode will ensure unlimited replay value.

It’s that time again and new Virtual Console games will hit the service later today. This time around it’s all about the action, whether it be through character leveling strategy, frantic pinball action, or a wacky game of golf. We have to admit that one of the games has been on our watch list for some time and we’re excited. Either way, there’s something for everyone. Games will be available at 9am PDT, so make sure you check out the games. We’ll be looking forward to next weeks offerings, until then, have fun!

From Nintendo’s press release:

Kirby’s Dream Course™ (Super NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Step up to the tee for the wackiest golf game of your life. This one- or two-player game features a floating golf course in the sky. High above Dream Land, players can pitch and putt the ever-popular puff ball, Kirby, through a maze of three-dimensional obstacles on a zany checkerboard course. Players must aim for the multitude of enemies that are spread throughout each fairway. Kirby must hit all the enemies to make them disappear, and the last one becomes the hole. Sink Kirby into the hole to advance to the next stage and clear all 8 courses – 64 holes in all.

Devil’s Crush (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Devil’s Crush is the exciting sequel to the hit pinball game Alien Crush and features even smoother ball movement and enhanced special effects. Shoot the ball onto the board with the Devil Shooter, then use flippers and nudging to keep it in play and rack up a high score. Complete certain conditions to play up to six different bonus stages. Get a “Perfect Clear” on those to earn a huge amount of points. The game’s ominous theme is enhanced by its enemies: wandering skeleton knights, sorcerers and even a giant face that changes from a goddess to a sinister serpent.

Shining Force™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In ages long forgotten, Light fought Darkness for control of the world. Finally, the Ancients defeated the evil ruler of the dark forces known as Dark Dragon and cast him into another dimension, though he vowed to return in 1,000 years. As time passed, all memory of Dark Dragon was buried, and the land of Rune enjoyed 10 centuries of peace. Yet, as promised, the dark ruler returned, along with hordes of evil creatures that ravaged the land. As chaos erupted, several strongholds of Good still held out, awaiting a hero who could wield the Powers of Light.

We’ve fallen behind keeping track of Virtual Console releases due to some site issues as of late. However, it is our intention to get back on track this week. For this reason, we can look forward to this weeks releases where one of the games is highly anticipated while the other two are games worth checking out. There should be something for everyone this week. Remember, games will be available at 9am PDT, so ready your coin and get to downloading. We’ll see you next week!

From Nintendo’s press release:

Paper Mario® (Nintendo® 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): Paper Mario is a graphically innovative game that breaks from the confines of the RPG genre. Now slimmed down, everyone’s favorite plumber flips, spins, jumps and hammers his way through scads of exotic worlds that teem with a huge and hugely entertaining supporting cast. Players control numerous old and new characters in a complex, nonlinear story that follows different scenarios depending on player choices. A dizzying collection of spells, attacks, skills and special items can be collected by players willing to thoroughly explore the lush 3-D environments.

Balloon Fight® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Control a character to pop your opponents’ balloons before they pop yours. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Don’t be fooled by this game’s simple premise or cute exterior. Underneath you’ll find a surprisingly addictive game with strategy to spare. After mastering the easy-to-learn controls, you still have to get a grip on the game’s impressively realistic physics. And if that’s not enough, there are the ever-increasing enemies and environmental hazards like lightning and water. Try the game’s second mode, Balloon Trip, if you feel like taking a break from the action and just want to see how long you can stay aloft. And hey, who doesn’t like popping balloons sometimes?

Silent Debuggers (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Make your way through a dungeon-like space station and defeat the prowling monsters in this real-time first-person shooter. You’re a member of the elite Debuggers, a group of warriors who are jacks-of-all-trades. Assigned to inspect an unmanned space station, you have exactly 100 minutes to get in, destroy the monsters lurking in each block, make your way to the lowest level and deactivate the automatic detonator placed there. With each monster that slips by you, the core block becomes harder to survive in, so speed is key in preserving the facility and each separate block. Experience the thrill of survival as the timer ticks away and you uncover the truth of the events that occurred.

From the press release:

Eugene, OR - GarageGames, the leading technology provider for independent game makers, and Pronto Games, professional PC and console game developer, are pleased to announce the availability of Torque licensing for the Wii™ console. First shown at the Nintendo Developer Conference in June, Torque for Wii is based on the popular Torque Game Engine, with built-in support for the unique Wii controller, making it a complete package for both disc-based and downloadable Wii games.

“I think every game designer has a few ideas about how they could use the Wii console’s extraordinary features to make fun games,” commented Josh Williams, GarageGames CEO. “Torque for Wii makes it easier to focus on creating high-quality experiences for the Wii, rather than implementing the technologies and tools it takes to just get started.”

Nintendo recently announced the availability of the WiiWare™ service, which will allow developers of all types to create downloadable games for sale through the Wii Shop Channel. According to GarageGames, heavily discounted license pricing is available for games targeting the WiiWare downloadable service, versus those aiming for shelf space at the local game store.

In addition to Wii Remote™ support, Torque for Wii supports skinned mesh rendering, advanced character and shape animation, terrains with seamless indoor/outdoor transitions, environmental effects, industry-leading networked multiplayer game support, collision detection and physics, a bevy of rendering effects, compressed textures, and more, all optimized for Wii. Additional features include a powerful WYSIWYG tool chain for designers, scripting language support, a comprehensive Lot Check compliance component, and Wii graphics and audio abstraction layers. These modifications to the Torque Game Engine combined with the existing Torque toolset and pipeline make Torque for Wii a complete game development solution for the Wii console. Pronto Games, who developed the Wii port, is also using the technology for their upcoming Wii exclusive game, The Destiny of Zorro.

“We chose to develop The Destiny of Zorro with the Torque Game Engine because of its proven reliability and our developers’ familiarity with it,” said Randy Angle, President and Creative Director of Pronto Games. “Partnering with GarageGames to make the Torque Game Engine available to other Wii developers seemed like the obvious next step, and we look forward to seeing the creation of even more quality Wii titles as a result.”

From the press release:

STORY:
As a galley slave you stand on the burning beaches of Tortage. With no memory of your past, a broken ore and tattered clothes you enter a fantastic journey where you will define your destiny. In a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race, Conan the mighty barbarian has finally seized the throne as king of Aquilonia; but his rule is on the brink of chaos as his nemesis Thoth-Amon attempts to resurrect the ancient civilization of Acheron.

DESCRIPTION:
Carve your destiny and fight along King Conan, in the first mature MMORPG. Advanced technologies, amazing graphics and stunning 7.1 surround sounds will immerse you in Robert E. Howard’s dark universe where magic and brutal combat lurk around every corner. Be the first to enter the savage world of Conan.

As a Massively Multiplayer Online PC gamer you will live in Conan’s Universe. Be the first to conquer the fantastic regions of Cimmeria, Aquilonia or Stygia. Be the first to own the Hyborian Ages and prove to the whole Online world you are worthy of Conan…your quest will begin on October 30th.

KEY FEATURES:

The First Mature Rated MMORPG – In the true and barbaric vision of Robert E. Howard, ‘Age of Conan’ promises to bring mature online players something brutal, new and refreshing. Age of Conan is savage, bloody, lethal, chilling, fantastic and mirthful; giving online gamers the chance to crush skulls, conquer the weak and unleash their fury.

Real Combat System - Fight mounted or on the ground. The new multi-point melee system delivers, for the first time ever, real-time combat. Team up in battle formations and command both Non-Playable-Characters and other players in epic multiplayer battles as well as joining massive sieges.

True Conan Experience – The first official Conan online Role Playing Game sends you on a brutal journey in the footsteps of the worlds’ greatest fantasy hero. Meet Conan’s friend and foes, battle demons and monsters known from 70 year of Conan history, and step up to the ultimate challenge: befriend the mighty King Conan himself.

Conan’s World - Enter a gigantic and unique world containing more than 30 distinct regions spread across the three mighty nations of Aquilonia, Cimmeria and Stygia. Explore deep jungles, burning deserts, inhospitable mountains, vast valleys, dark dungeons or gleaming cities, and venture in incredible journeys of exploration.

Advanced Technologies - Optimized for DirectX 10, Multi-core CPU and featuring Advanced Artificial Intelligence; Age of Conan takes advantage of the Dream World™ MMO Technology, delivering extremely detailed environments and real life physics…you won’t believe you’re playing a game.

Player vs. Player and Player vs. Environment - Meet the ultimate resistance in human opponents, and crush the skulls of other players in arena fights, drunken brawls and sieges. Charge into the world of Conan, and fight monsters and demons alone or in groups.

Guild and Solo Gameplay - Form guilds and lay siege to hostile castles. Let the catapults sing their merry song of death as the enemy is brutally crushed to a pulp. Team up with other players in clans or experience an amazing journey deep into the lands of Hyboria, alone.

Diverse Gameplay – Age of Conan delivers what every fan of MMOs loves: player-made cities, skilled crafts, classes and numerous social opportunities which are all but a few ingredients in this savage mature Role Playing Game.

Character Customization – Let your imagination run wild with thousands of options. Create your character and shape it up to fit the role and style you want to play.

Amazing Graphics - Featuring Real Time Dynamic Soft Shadows, Dynamic Weather System, advanced Shaders and an amazing art direction; the graphics will immerse you into a world as never seen before.

7.1 Surround Sound – Feel the powerful sound effects and epic soundtrack in 7.1 surround sound. Listen to gripping voices and dynamic sounds pulling you into the savage world of Conan.

From the press release:

Assassin’s Creed is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that will redefine the action genre. While other games claim to be next-gen with impressive graphics and physics, Assassin’s Creed merges technology, game design, theme, and emotions into a world where you instigate chaos and become a vulnerable, yet powerful, agent of change.

The setting is 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You, Altair, intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict.

You are an Assassin, a warrior shrouded in secrecy and feared for your ruthlessness. Your actions can throw your immediate environment into chaos, and your existence will shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

Key Features

• Be an Assassin
Master the skills, tactics, and weapons of history’s deadliest and most secretive clan of warriors. Plan your attacks, strike without mercy, and fight your way to escape.

• Realistic and responsive environments
Experience a living, breathing world in which all your actions have consequences. Crowds react to your moves and will either help or hinder you on your quests.

• Action with a new dimension – total freedom
Eliminate your targets wherever, whenever, and however. Stalk your prey through richly detailed, historically accurate, open-ended environments. Scale buildings, mount horses, blend in with crowds. Do whatever it takes to achieve your objectives.

• Relive the epic times of the Crusades
Assassin’s Creed immerses you in the realistic and historical Holy Land of the 12th century, featuring life-like graphics, ambience, and the subtle, yet detailed nuances of a living world.

• Intense action rooted in reality
Experience heavy action blended with fluid and precise animations. Use a wide range of medieval weapons, and face your enemies in realistic swordfight duels.

• Next-gen gameplay
The proprietary engine developed from the ground up for the next-gen console allows organic game design featuring open gameplay, intuitive control scheme, realistic interaction with environment, and a fluid, yet sharp, combat mechanic.

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