VIRTUAL CONSOLE REVS UP WITH SELECTION OF RETRO DELIGHTS JOINING THE CURRENT LINE-UP

This week Wii’s Virtual Console has shifted up a gear to delight speed freaks across Europe. To celebrate the launch of high-octane off-road racer Excite Truck on the Wii, Virtual Console users will be able to rediscover ″Excitebike™″ the classic game that inspired it. Launching on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, this fast paced racer was one of the first titles to allow players to adjust the pitch of
their bike after a jump to correctly land as well as being one of the first ever racing games with a Track Builder. Excitebike is now available to download from the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.

Wii owners will also be treated with a selection of other Nintendo classics. The original home console appearance of Kirby can once again be enjoyed, in ″Kirby’s Adventure™″ originally for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This title features vast worlds, unlockable bonus levels and addictive minigames. It is available to download for 500 Wii Points.

″R-Type III™: Third Lightning″, an adrenaline filled side-scrolling shooter which made its debut on the Super Nintendo, is now available to download for 800 Points. This game was arguably the best in the R-Type series and saw the introduction of a refined weapon charging system.

New Adventure Island originally for the Turbografx (PC Engine), is also now available to download for 600 Wii Points. This adventure title, originally released by Hudson on the NES as Adventure Island Classic, is the first in a highly successful series of titles.

These great games will join the 49 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe.

"We beat the Wii," boasts DICE winner Epic Games

A triumphant Epic Games has swept the AIAS Awards, boasting that the company beat the Nintendo Wii for recognition by games industry peers.

"This is incredible," said Epic's CEO Michael Capps at the 10th Annual Interactive Entertainment Awards, held at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas.

"Getting sales is great, making the game we wanted and having people buy it and enjoy it is fantastic. But having our peers say it's the best game of the year? That's insane. We beat the Wii."


Gears of Wars sweeps AIAS event claiming eight awards

The company won eight awards, including Overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year, beating off rival titles The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Wii Sports and Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

"The thing is," added lead designer Cliff Blezinsky, "being on the outside of this industry looking in as a kid, and wanting to be part of it, and then being able to be here and get an award from all of these talented people who've been in the business for so long, finally to be a part of it, to be recognised like this is absolutely unbelievable. We could not be honoured more."

In the award show's green room, GamesIndustry.biz asked the duo if, given the success of Gears of War, the company planned to continue what EA Montreal's Alain Tascan had recently called the 'zero innovation strategy.'

"Gears was about implementation," Capps responded. "This is a game we're proud of implementing well. There was some innovation - Cliff was responsible for some pretty sexy new stuff. But I think this was about making it right, making it fun. Everything in there was fun."

"I think there's a lot of iteration and a lot of polish that went into the game," Blezinsky added.

"I've actually heard a compliment from people saying it has a learning curve. Which, as a designer, that actually means the game has some cool new features in it."

Capps took the opportunity to promise even bigger things from the company's next project, Unreal Tournament.

"We're going to f**king knock your socks off," he promised. "Gears looked good, but that's like the old game on Unreal 3 [engine]. Unreal Tournament looks good."

Other winners of the AIAS awards included Bethesda Softworks' Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Computer Game of the Year), the Nintendo Wii (Outstanding Innovation in Gaming) and Sony's LocoRoco (Children's Game of the Year).

The full list of winners follows:

Overall Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Console Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Computer Game of the Year Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda Softworks/2K Games)

Outstanding Innovation in Gaming Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)

Handheld Game of the Year Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (Nintendo/Nintendo)

Outstanding Achievement in Animation Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack Guitar Hero 2 (Harmonix/Activision/Red Octane)

Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition LocoRoco (Sony Computer Entertainment/Sony Computer Entertainment)

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design Call of Duty 3 (Treyarch/Activision)

Outstanding Character Performance - Male Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance - Female Viva Piñata (Rare/Microsoft Game Studios)

Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo/Nintendo)

Outstanding Achievement in Game Play Engineering Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)

Outstanding Achievement in Online Game Play Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Outstanding Achievement in Game Design Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)

Sports Game of the Year Tony Hawk's Project 8 (Neversoft Entertainment/Activision)

Strategy Game of the Year Company of Heroes (Relic/THQ)

First-Person Action Game of the Year Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft)

Fighting Game of the Year Fight Night Round 3 (EA Sports/Electronic Arts)

Racing Game of the Year Burnout Revenge (Criterion Games/Electronic Arts)

Role-Playing Game of the Year Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda Softworks/2K Games)

Children's Game of the Year LocoRoco (Sony Computer Entertainment/Sony Computer Entertainment)

Action/Adventure Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year Guild Wars: Nightfall (Arena Net/NCsoft)

Family Game of the Year Guitar Hero 2 (Harmonix/Activision/Red Octane)

Simulation Game of the Year Microsoft Flight Simulator X (Microsoft Game Studios/Microsoft Game Studios)

Downloadable Game of the Year Bookworm Adventures (PopCap/PopCap)

Mobile Game of the Year Orcs and Elves (Fountainhead Entertainment/Electronic Arts Mobile)

Flashman Studios Goes Mobile Gaming with Codeglue

Flashman Studios Inc. announces it has signed a representation agreement with Dutch mobile game studio, Codeglue. With this new alliance Codeglue has begun actively developing original intellectual projects available for mobile and XBLA, including the fast paced bazooka blasting arcade game – Jetpack Junkies. This particular game is in development and primed for mobile and Xbox Live Arcade publishers to secure.

“Codeglue is very excited about tapping Flashman’s experience and comprehensive industry knowledge to bring our passion for gaming and our unique technical capabilities to the next generation of gaming,” said Peter de Jong, President and Creative Director of Codeglue. “We were quite struck by their enthusiasm for and confidence in our ability to grow beyond mobile, and leverage our development and design onto other platforms.”



Their services are available with original intellectual properties, licenses that Flashman currently represents, and on an outsource basis for publishers with their own licenses. Codeglue has successfully launched connected mobile games that empower mobile communities with elements like highscores, customizable user profiles, ghost racing, and chats. They are a proven mobile player, and are now emerging as a console group that is Nintendo DS approved.

Brad Young, CEO of Flashman Studios, is eager for the opportunity to collaborate with Codeglue, “Our business model consistently matches up the perfect combination of publisher and developer. Codeglue’s successful track record, with such hits as Worms World Party and Love a Lemming, demonstrates to us that they’re perfectly positioned for us to take their great game development to the next level.” Young added, “With Codeglue we have a full package to present to publishers.”

Codeglue www.codeglue.com
The Netherlands team behind Codeglue has been delivering signature games since 2000. Besides working with licensed properties, Codeglue also develops high quality, original home grown games with devotion towards playability, multiplayer interaction, and creating communities. Codeglue offers premium game development with a specialty focus in pick-up-and-play, and addictive arcade games for mobile and handheld devices, and emerging console platforms. Codeglue has a profound knowledge of mobile phone platforms and has vast experience working with many of the leading multiplayer middleware providers. Some examples of Codeglue’s work are the high quality conversion of Worms World Party for the Nokia N-Gage, and well-known franchise mobile games like Monkeyball, Lemmings, and Spongebob.

Flashman Studios www.flashmanstudios.com
Flashman Studios is a unique, full-service business management firm representing developers, intellectual property and game-services companies to the interactive entertainment industry, with a primary focus on video games. Flashman works with clients on corporate strategy, marketing, branding, business development, negotiation, investment, and mergers and acquisitions. With offices in San Francisco, CA and Vancouver, BC, Flashman works with many of the interactive industry’s most innovative and exciting companies to create long-term value in their business. Flashman Studio’s leadership and specialized knowledge has delivered some of today’s most exciting gaming experiences. Flashman has been instrumental in constructing projects for their clients, that include: Cars Mobile (Disney/Pixar); Flipper Critters (Ignition); Happy Feet Mobile (Warner Brothers); WizKids Pirates (SOE-Denver); Mushroom Men (publisher unannounced); Happy Tree Friends (publisher unannounced); War World (publisher unannounced).

Diddy Kong Racing DS Drives Fans Wils

Custom Vehicles and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Reinvent a Racing Classic

An array of cute monkeys, tigers, turtles and crocodiles (who were somehow granted licenses to drive) populate Nintendo's newest Wi-Fi-enabled game for Nintendo DS™ Lite, Diddy Kong® Racing DS. The racing adventure further revs the engines of Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, which already has connected more than 3.5 million unique users worldwide for more than 100 million online game-play connections. Diddy Kong Racing DS adds another classic to this portable wireless community, complete with new tracks, upgradeable vehicles and a course-design mode.



Racing games have always been a popular choice for competitive gamers, particularly for Nintendo fans. From Mario Kart® DS, which has sold more than 1.5 million units in the United States to date, to the original Diddy Kong® Racing for Nintendo® 64, which was one of the best-selling racing video games for N64, Nintendo's racing games are ranked among the top. The newest addition to this genre of games, Diddy Kong Racing DS, available Feb. 7, is expected to race to the top of the charts as well. With its new characters, gamer tags and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, this DS version will re-energize fans who remember the original, while attracting new ones to join in.

"Nintendo does mass-appeal racing games better than anyone," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Diddy Kong Racing's irresistible combination of characters, vehicles and adventures is sure to drive fans wild."



Diddy Kong Racing DS takes place on Timber's Island, which has been invaded by an evil space pig. Unlike traditional racing-only games, the game is a true adventure. Players explore the island and complete a series of racing challenges while piloting cars, hovercrafts and planes. The game features 38 different tracks and upgradeable vehicles with improvements in speed, durability and looks. Players can even create their own tracks using touch-screen controls and share them with others wirelessly. Up to six players can compete online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, and eight can race via local DS Download Play, even if only one player has a game card.

Diddy Kong Racing DS, Rated E for Everyone, is available Feb. 7. For more information about the game, visit DiddyKongRacing.com.

Manhunt 2 for the PlayStation 2, PSP, and Wii

Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce Manhunt 2 for the PlayStation 2 system, PSP system, and Nintendo’s Wii™. Manhunt 2 is the debut title from the newly formed Rockstar London studio, which is developing the game in conjunction with series creator Rockstar North. The Wii™ version is being developed by Rockstar Toronto. Manhunt 2 will be available this summer.



"With Manhunt 2 we have tried to create a game that stays close to the original concept of chilling suspense and stealth, whilst pushing the game design and storytelling forward," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games. "We are also excited to have our newest development team, Rockstar London, working on the title alongside our two established UK studios, Rockstar North and Leeds."

Four Wii units sold for every PlayStation 3 in Japan

PS2 also outselling Sony's next-gen console

Enterbrain's Hirokazu Hamamura has predicted a price cut for PlayStation 3 after new figures revealed that the console is being outsold by both Nintendo Wii and PS2 in Japan.

According to Media Create, more than 80,000 Wii units were sold in the territory between January 22 and 28. During the same period Sony sold 21,000 PS2 consoles and 20,000 PS3s. Just 7000 Xbox 360 units were shifted as Microsoft continues its struggle to secure a foothold in the Japanese market.



Wii sales for the entire month of January stood at 400,000 units, while 150,000 PlayStation 3 consoles were sold.

The PS3 launched in Japan on November 11, followed by the Wii on December 2. Since then Sony has sold 614,000 consoles while Wii sales have topped 1.4 million.

According to Hamamura, who is president of Famitsu publisher Enterbrain, "There could be a price cut for PS3 by the end of the year, and more software titles will hit the market."

He said he expected PS3 "to be doing better after a while," but added, "Of course, the Wii will keep running ahead."

New casual games studio opens doors

Two industry veterans have established a new development studio in New York City which will specialise in producing casual games.

Operating under the name of Rebel Monkey, the new studio has been co-founded by Margaret Wallace. She formerly helped to set up and run San Francisco-based casual games studio Skunk Studios and will take on the role of CEO at RM.



Wallace has established the company together with Nicholas Fortugno, whose design credits include Diner Dash and Plantasia.

"Rebel Monkey came about as a meeting of like-minds - with a common goal of taking casual games to the next level," said Wallace.

"Both Nicholas Fortugno and I have been involved in casual games since the beginning, so we are bringing a lot of experience to the table."

Rebel Monkey has yet to announce details of its first project.

September launch date for new N-Gage

Nokia-sponsored blog has revealed that the next-gen N-Gage platform is set to launch this autumn, with two major publishers already committed to releasing a range of new titles.

"We expect EA Mobile and Gameloft to bring a number of top-selling, award winning titles to our platform between our launch in September and the end of 2007," a statement on the blog reads.



"They aren't the only ones, as throughout the year we will continue to make exciting announcements of other leading publishers adding their titles to our games catalogue."

The news comes just days after reports emerged that Nokia has begun showcasing its new N-Gage technology at a secret meeting in Santa Monica. The technology will be used in a series of phones rather than a single dedicated handset.

According to Nokia's blog, the "biggest franchises and hottest mobile games" will be available to N-Gage users "by early 2008".

Nintendo dismisses accusations of failing to deliver Wii units

Nintendo has refuted claims that it failed to deliver the number of Wii units promised to Virgin Megastores for the console's launch on December 8.

The claims emerged after Virgin began taking pre-orders for PlayStation 3 last week. As GamesIndustry.biz discovered after contacting stores across the country, customers enquiring about the pre-order system are told that they can secure a console for GBP 50 - but are warned that they won't neccessarily receive their machine on March 23.



They're told that they may have to wait days or even weeks for their machine to arrive, with one customer service representative stating, "We can't make a commitment to the 23rd because Sony hasn't made a commitment to us."

All the representatives GI.biz spoke to said that Virgin was keen to avoid a repeat of the situation which occurred with the launch of the Wii, claiming that Nintendo failed to deliver the number of consoles promised for day one.

"It's because there was an issue with the Wii. Some stores didn't get the allocation they were promised until the next day after launch," one representative said.

Another claimed, "The full amount of stock we were promised never turned up," while other representatives said that the total launch allocation wasn't received until several weeks after launch.

Nintendo has disputed the claims with a spokesperson telling GI.biz, "All UK retailers were notified of their initial day one Wii allocations in October 2006, some six to eight weeks before launch.

"Nintendo delivered exactly what we said we would to retailers for day one and in many instances over delivered against the initial numbers retailers were expecting."

In addition, the spokesperson said, "Nintendo made multiple and regular deliveries to retailers across the UK in the days following launch to try and meet the huge demand for Wii as much as possible."

Virgin Megastores has yet to respond to requests for comment.

HMV refuses PS3 pre-orders unless consumers agree to buy PSP too

HMV's online store is now taking pre-orders for PlayStation 3 - providing consumers are also willing to purchase a 4GB PSP pack for a total price of £675.

An email sent out to customers today says the deal will enable them to become one of the "lucky few" who will be able to pick up a PS3 at launch. It reads: "At HMV.co.uk, we've been working with Sony to offer up to 5000 customers an incredible deal when you buy the new Sony 4GB PSP.

"Anyone who takes advantage of this offer will get priority over other HMV.co.uk customers for the PlayStation 3." The deal also includes two PSP games - Killzone Liberation and Gangs of London - and the price for the bundle is listed as £674.99.



According to the terms and conditions of the promotion, all consumers who buy the bundle "will take precedence over any other online HMV customers".

However, it's difficult to see who these other customers might be as a paragraph at the end of the email states, "PlayStation 3 solus console is currently unavailable to order from HMV.co.uk by itself, and we kindly ask customers not to contact us with regards to this." HMV's high street stores are not currently accepting PS3 pre-orders either.

There's no assurance that customers who sign up for the bundle will get their PS3 when the console launches on March 23. The terms and conditions of the offer state: "Delivery of any PS3 is subject to Sony's delivery to HMV Guernsey. Accordingly, HMV cannot guarantee that registration on the Priority List means that you will receive your PS3 on the estimated release date, nor that your order will be fulfilled within any given time frame."

The offer is not likely to be well received by those consumers who feel that the price of the PlayStation 3 alone is already too high at £425 - or by those who want to purchase a PS3, but already own a PSP.

A Sony spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz, "This is just one of a number of value added incentives that retailers will be offering to mark the launch of PS3.

"Consumers are free to shop around to find a package that best suits their own needs, and offers the greatest value for money."