ThEvolution Network is the source for next generation gaming news, previews, updates and event coverage. Gaming is our passion and we are driven to provide our audience with current up to date coverage on the ever evolving gaming industry. Because we understand how passionate gamers are about their respective platform and software of choice, ThEvolution Network is the place where gamers of different preferences can find what they are looking for.
Archive for the ‘Nintendo DSi’ Category
New Nintendo DSi XL Console Arrives This Week!
This week sees the launch of the new Nintendo DSi XL. With bigger screens and a wider viewing angle, you will be able to experience your favourite games like never before when the Nintendo DSi XL, which has already been enjoyed by many people in Japan, launches across Europe on 5th March 2010.
The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS Lite model and the wider viewing angled screen enables you to share your game play with friends and family.
The new Nintendo handheld is launching in two colours – wine red and dark brown, with a glossy sheen on top and matt finish on the underside that provides excellent grip when resting on a table or other surface during gameplay.
The new console also comes pre-loaded Nintendo DSiWare software: A Little Bit of…Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training: Arts Edition and Dictionary 6 in 1 with Camera Function, as well as the Nintendo DSi Browser, which enables you to easily access the internet where ever a wireless Internet connection is available. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with an additional larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that utilize the Nintendo DS touch screen
To truly understand the difference Nintendo DSi XL makes to your favourite games, you need to get your hands on it. This week you can do just that! Get ready for 5th March 2010, when Nintendo DSi XL is available across Europe.
INFINITE SPACE Coming To DS March 16
Sega has announced the North American release date of Infinite Space from Platinum Games for DS. Come March 16 users can plunge into orbit in their very own customized spacecraft. Be sure to check out the official gameplay trailer for Infinite Space.
BATMAN: The Brave And The Bold Announced For Wii & Nintendo DS
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, on behalf of DC Comics, announces Batman: The Brave and the Bold the Videogame, an action-adventure videogame based on the popular animated series, available this Autumn for Wii and Nintendo DS. In the game, fans play alongside Batman and many of his allies in the DC UNIVERSE to take on dozens of popular villains.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold the Videogame fully immerses fans into the vivid animated world of the successful TV series where kids can play as Batman or together with family and friends in two-player co-op mode. Players can choose from iconic characters ROBIN, GREEN LANTERN, BLUE BEETLE, along with drop-in heroes such as AQUAMAN to help solve puzzles and fight foes.
“Batman: The Brave and the Bold the Videogame further illustrates the diverse appeal of the Batman brand and the gameplay is a fun, vibrant extension of the animated series,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President of Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game’s co-op play offers kids, families and Batman fans an interactive way of experiencing the cartoon’s iconic characters.”
Disney Interactive Announces CLUB PENGUIN: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge
Agents of the exclusive Elite Penguin Force are being called back into action. Disney Interactive Studios officially announced today the development of Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge, the sequel to the 2008 top Nintendo DSTM title, Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force. This follows the initial unveiling earlier this week by Lane Merrifield, co-founder of Club Penguin and executive vice president of Disney Online Studios, and Steve Wadsworth, president of Disney Interactive Media Group, during their respective keynote addresses at the Engage! Expo at Toy Fair and the D.I.C.E. Summit.
The original DS game, which was released holiday 2008, offered an innovative new way to extend the adventure and storyline of Club Penguin onto a portable platform. For the first time, fans were able to experience the fun and imagination of their favorite virtual world while on the go. The game sold more than 1.5 million units worldwide and spawned a popular downloadable mission, “The Puffle Pranksters,” which has been downloaded by kids around the globe at an incredible rate since it launched this past holiday season.
“We were very pleased with the incredible response to the first DS title, and the kids have given us tremendous feedback, making it clear they want to experience even more Club Penguin adventures on DS,” said Merrifield. “Developing a sequel was a great way to meet that need while exploring more ways for fans to experience the Club Penguin virtual world offline.”
Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge follows the misadventures of Herbert – a vegetarian polar bear who can’t swim and dislikes the cold. Returning characters include Gary the Gadget Guy, Dot and Rookie. Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge will introduce new mini-games and feature mission-based gameplay that’s been embraced by kids around the world, both online at ClubPenguin.com and on DS.
“Featuring new mysteries, missions and mini-games, Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge will continue to entertain and delight kids around the world,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Fans of the original DS game can expect to navigate through popular, familiar elements from the virtual world, plus numerous new adventures and gadgets unique to DS.”
As with the original DS game, Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge allows players to earn coins that can be seamlessly uploaded to their online Club Penguin accounts or used to make purchases in-game. Fans will also be able to unlock special locations in the virtual world at ClubPenguin.com.
Club Penguin is one of the largest and fastest growing virtual worlds for kids. It’s a snow-covered, online playground where children interact, play games and let their imaginations soar. From new games to theme parties and special events, there is always something exciting happening in the world. Club Penguin is enjoyed by kids and families in more than 190 countries around the world and is available to play in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.
Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge is being developed by 1st Playable Productions and will be available by this summer.
LucasArts Announces LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
LucasArts and TT Games today announced the development of LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. The next chapter in the award-winning LEGO Star Wars videogame franchise, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will combine the best elements of all previous LEGO games while adding brand new gameplay to make it the most action-packed LEGO videogame to date. Developed by the same team at Traveller’s Tales that created the critically acclaimed LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Indiana Jones series, the game will ship on the Wii, Nintendo DS, PS3, PSP (PlayStation Portable), and Xbox 360 and Windows in the Autumn of 2010.
“LucasArts continues to set the bar for next-generation family entertainment,” said Darrell Rodriguez, president of LucasArts. “The LEGO Star Wars franchise is a massive hit with fans, bringing in sales of over 20 million units worldwide. We’re thrilled to extend this experience to LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, delivering the humour and fun players expect from this award winning franchise.”
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will include all the characters from both seasons of the hugely popular animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as some fan-favorite characters from the beloved theatrical Star Wars Saga. The game will feature brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat and an upgraded level builder, allowing the creation of customized bases and in-game battlefields. Play either as a Jedi or Separatist with all-new character abilities, such as Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups, all within a new, easy-to-navigate hub.
DARK VOID ZERO: All-New Screenshots For The DS
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
As 2009 is coming to a close Thevolution Network wants wish all of our loyal readers and the complete videogaming industry a blessed Merry Christmas. Like many years before, 2009 has offered yet another year of amazing gaming experiences that will not be soon forgotten. Be sure to enjoy this time of year with family and friends and please remember to be grateful to GOD for allowing us all the privilege of experiencing another holiday season.
A WITCH’S TALE: Is Finally Released On The Nintendo DS
The highly anticipated Nintendo DS title known as A WITCH’S TALE is now available for purchase here in the US. This Halloween themed RPG takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screen by utilizing a unique drawing combat system. Players will cast spells and attack enemies with easy drag-and-drop skills, and draw magic runes to cast special spells. This is definitely a title many DS owners will hope to have in their gaming library.
Story
1,000 years ago, a tribe of powerful witches who used potent, dangerous magic lived beneath the world. One day, the witches invaded the surface world. When all seemed lost, the mystical Alice appeared. She used the witches’ own magic against them and sealed them away. They say the Witch Queen still lurks beneath the land, waiting for her chance to return to power.
Key Features
Drawing magic–Use your stylus to draw various runes and cast powerful spells.
Touch action–All combat actions, like escape, attack, items, and casting, are executed using the touch screen.
Dual screen map–Easily navigate through the vast world of A Witch’s Tale with the dual screen. Your location and the land map will be displayed on the top screen.
Card collection–Search out and collect all the playing cards to unlock the secret Blackjack battles, where you can take on both enemies and friendly units.
RESIDENT EVIL: The Darkside Chronicles Killhouse Gameplay
Rumor: Call Of Duty 4:Modern Warfare Coming To The WII Nov.10th
Just when you thought Nintendo was finished shaking up the gaming world, well guess again. Activision will release Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for Nintendo’s best-selling platform in November, arriving simultaneously with Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2. The game is being brought to Nintendo’s console by Treyarch, developer of Call of Duty: World at War. An official announcement is said to be coming tomorrow.
ThEvolution Network: Exclusive Interview With Ubisoft Associate Producer
GHOSTBUSTERS: Coming Out Swinging In Arizona
Of course we knew Ghostbusters was a popular movie franchise but we never would have guessed that there would be Ghostbusters fans going crazy awaiting the midnight launch of the video game like we experienced in Glendale, Arizona. GameStop in Glendale, Arizona which maintained the most Ghostbuster video game pre-orders nationwide gave Ghostbuster fans a night to remember.
As hardcore Ghostbuster fans waited for hours to finally get their hands on the new title, there were a lot fun on-hands activities to speed up the wait. As fans waited they were able to watch the original Ghostbusters on a 15 ft screen, take part in raffle contests and kids and parents alike were also able to enjoy face-painting. Also for those who wanted to kill some time playing video games the Mobile Game Cave was on hand which allowed everyone to enjoy their video game of choice in a comfortable and very nicely air conditioned environment.
Nevertheless, for the ultimate enjoyment, the Arizona Ghostbusters were also on hand to make sure that those waiting for their new game would not be disturbed by any unruly ghosts. With jumpsuits fitted and proton packs ready to go, the Arizona Ghostbusters definitely went all out. The whole event was an absolute blast.
Be sure to click here for images from the event
What Constitutes A Great Game?
As we all know there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of video games being made for all systems combined in any given year. Companies are always trying to capture the attention, and wallets, of consumers from around the world by introducing something new in their product with hopes of people like you and me spending a portion of our hard earned money on said game. An immediate example is this year’s E3 event. The showroom was literally blanketed by a sea of developers showing off their wares hoping to create positive buzz leading up to the upcoming holiday shopping season. With so many games on the way, how does one determine a great game from a not so great game. If you strip away all of the commercials, pre-rendered cinematics, and pre-order swag, is the game really ‘all that’ in the end?
This is a question that all video game publishers must answer before any development team begins work on a new project. It’s a question that must be answered carefully because making video games is not a cheap endeavor, a typical modern video game can cost from USD$1,000,000 to over $20,000,000 to develop. As you can see, making a great game is a must if one is to be profitable in the video game industry.
The answer to this million dollar question (literally) can only be answered by you the gamer. There have been many top level executives fired because they poured millions of dollars into the development of a game that turned out to be a dud. Some games even have gamers questioning why the game was ever made in the first place, can we say Atari Pac-Man?
Again we ask, what constitutes a great game? Is it guns? Over the last several years first person shooters have ruled the sales charts. Are gamers more entertained by having the ability to operate guns they would never get to use in real life? (hopefully) Is the act of shooting someone a hidden pleasure amongst gamers that developers will milk until the end of time? Is it mutilation? Are gamers thrilled being able to rip heads from bodies and seeing tendons, organs, and blood gushing in high def detail? Or is it the ‘bad boy complex’? Do gamers all have a deep seeded wish to run around town and do whatever they want? Stealing, shooting, and beating innocent people all in the name of having fun?
All of the above can be considered guilty pleasures that we all enjoy (virtually, i hope!) and would never do in real life even though video games are always to blame for the collapse of society as we know it. But are these the only worlds that developers can create for us gamers to ‘play’ in? Is this all we can think of or is this what we give into for the sake of profitability?
Some would say developers are giving up on creative innovation and depending solely on ’shock value’ to attract gamers. Worst yet, on numerous occasions, we see developers rely on what is called the Safe Rout or Cookie Cutter Process where instead of being innovative, which amounts to a large investment of money, developers will copy a proven game hoping to cash in on its similarity. I ask these questions because in all honesty, a lot of games at this year’s E3 were continuations of previous games amped up with higher levels of violent, graphical detail all in glorious high definition. Who do we blame for the lack of new fresh ideas that are not seen in video games. Is it the gamers fault for accepting anything that is shoved down their throats? Or is it the developers fault for taking advantage of the violent nature that lives in us all which requires no real creativity to provoke?
What do you think?
Emanuel Stone aka E_Stone
Power to the Gamers!!
E3 ‘09: ThEvolution Network E3 Closing Remarks
