Pure Nintendo

Mortal Kombat Movie Possible In The Works

By James Higginbotham • February 9, 2008

“(the new movie will be a) re-envisioning(if that is a word) of the Mortal Kombat franchise from top to bottom. Todays audience is a savvy involved group so the …
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CNN: Wiihab’ uses video games to help patients heal

By James Higginbotham • February 8, 2008

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) — Some call it “Wiihabilitation.” Nintendo’s Wii video game system, whose popularity already extends beyond the teen gaming set, is fast becoming a craze in rehab therapy …
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Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World Details

By James Higginbotham • February 8, 2008

A summary of info from Nintendo Power…

– Symphonia highest selling Tales game in the US and still selling better than Abyss
– originally planned as a spin-off, but plans changed into full-fledged, direct story sequel
– dev started in 06, before the Wii casual market was established
– Nintendo specifically asked for a game that would cater to the core audience
– Monster system was added for casual appeal
– no specific changes were made after it became clear that the Wii was clicking with casuals
– Wiiimote uses, button shortcuts, pointing at what you want to shoot with the Sorcerer’s Ring; click and drag the world map and select destination with the pointer.
– more motion controls may be added for NA release
– Scenario writer for DotNW wrote the original game. There are others on-board from the original project, but most of the staff is new.
– Character proportions changed to stay faithful to new designs
– Fujishima was too busy to do the character designs, so Daigo Okumura (art director for Symphonia and Abyss) did it.
– Monster capturing system intended to be strategic, and also provide people with something to collect. It’s a difficult task to collect all the monsters first time around.
– Affection system present in the monster attraction aspect, no story changes as there were with the original game. Optional side quests available.
– Cooking system returns, but now the Wonder Chef teaches you recipes for monster food, which will change your monster parameters or aid their evolution.
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A RECORD BREAKING 40+ NORDIC GAME COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE IN GDC & GC IN SAN FRANCISCO 2008

By James Higginbotham • February 8, 2008

Nordic Game to host over forty Nordic developers, publishers and games organisations at the GDC Expo and GC event in the Moscone Convention Center’s North Hall.

The Nordic contingent at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Game Connection (GC) 2008 will once again demonstrate the Nordic region’s impressive breadth and depth as a creative hot spot for games development.

>From February 20-22, thirty Nordic game developers, publishers and industry organizations will be exhibiting at booth #5605 in the North Hall, the largest display space at GDC 2008. Furthermore, fifteen Nordic companies will participate in GC America, a business-to-business event being held parallel to the conference.
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MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT SHIPS ‘PET PALS: ANIMAL DOCTOR’ FOR NINTENDO DS

By James Higginbotham • February 7, 2008

New Game Lets You Diagnose and Treat Animals Just Like a Real Veterinarian

EDISON, N.J., February 5, 2008 – DS owners can see if they have the healing touch as Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today shipped Pet Pals: Animal Doctor for Nintendo DS™. Developed by Legacy Interactive and Frontline Studios, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor lets players experience the challenging world of veterinary medicine by diagnosing and treating 30 different medical cases created by real-life veterinarians.

“Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is designed to provide players with a deeper understanding of the care and expertise required to keep pets healthy,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “Complete with realistic medical cases and intuitive Touch Screen procedures, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is a fun and educational experience that players of all ages can enjoy at a great value.”
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THQ’s Band Mashups Bringing Musical Warfare to Wii in April 2008

By James Higginbotham • February 7, 2008

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.-THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced Band Mashups™ is scheduled to bring the ultimate band battle to Wii™ in April 2008. Featuring 150 tracks and five distinct musical styles: rock, funk/hip-hop, country, marching band and Latin, Band Mashups combines fast-paced combat with customizable bands in the fight for musical supremacy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote™ controller’s highly intuitive control scheme to deliver a unique game-play experience.

“Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands,” said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director, THQ. “Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote’s functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience. Fighting with a sniper violin or flamethrower guitar is something gamers should definitely look forward to.”

About Band Mashups
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Boom Blox interview

By James Higginbotham • February 7, 2008

An Interview between GameDaily and EA game maker, Louis Castle.

With talk about Steven Spielberg being behind the game, who came up with the idea behind BOOM BLOX?

It’s actually …
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