Konami today announced Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia exclusively for Nintendo DS which will introduce the all-new “Glyph” attack system which allows players to use special attack combinations as they attempt to defeat Dracula and his horde. Also new to the series are the outdoor locales ranging from forests to the ocean, giving players the chance to explore outside of Dracula’s Castle.

In Order of Ecclesia, players take the role of a member of the Ecclesia, an organization that has sworn to defeat the evil forces of Dracula. By using the Glyph attack system, players can unleash more than 100 different combinations to battle Dracula’s minions throughout 20 explorable areas. Utilizing Wi-Fi , players can choose to compete head-to-head, or trade items and equipment they have found while exploring the environments. Multiple endings that can be unlocked depending on how the player completes the game adds to the game with plenty of exploration, combat and items to discover.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is planned for release in the Fall 2008.

Via: Press Release

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The gaming site Jeaux France has posted some scans for the upcoming Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. Because they are so blurry and full of Japanese characters I decided not to post them on here and have instead supplied you with the link.

Over on Destructoid, which I got this lovely bit of info from, has provided a link to a cool Castlevania game-name generator, which most of you may already know about but I am just seeing it for the first time - and I found it to be hilarious. My Castlevania name game? Castlevania: Polka of Testicular Cancer. Gotta love that.

Thanks: Destructoid

Poor Harvey Dent. His campaign against crime ended when crime boss Sal “Boss” Maroni threw sulfuric acid in Dent’s face, horribly scarring and discoloring his left hand and the left half of his face. Tormented by his hideous reflection, he becomes not only a shadow of his former self, but a demented villain and changes his name to Two Face. This crazed former attorney uses the toss of his coin to decide whether he acts for good or evil in any situation. Unfortunately, the coin rarely lands on good.

While this may sound like a dire plotline, we can pretty much guess that it will be more light hearted if not down right comical when portrayed in the new LEGO Batman game where a stampede of notorious criminals have busted out of Arkham Asylum (the place where Gotham City houses only the shadiest of characters).

It’s up to the famed Caped Crusader to sweep Gotham clean of criminal activity using everything at his disposal, including crime-fighting vehicles as well as several baddie-bashing gadgets.

LEGO Batman is expected to be released in September on multiple platforms. You can view more of the new screens featuring Two Face and others by clicking here.

The creatively named Nintendo Channel is live folks, and the unsuspecting gaming world thought it would not launch until May 12th. Nice one Nintendo, but we caught you red handed and have told the masses. Mwha ha ha ha!

Ok, so maybe the whole internet is privy to this information already, but we thought it strange for the gaming giant to pull such a fast one - but that is their prerogative. The Nintendo Channel will allow subscribers to not only write reviews for WiiWare titles but will also give gamers a list of upcoming titles and Nintendo DS demos.

I pulled this straight from the site:

Nintendo Channel is an interactive guide to what’s new in the world of Nintendo - now available for easy download from the Wii Shop Channel. Watch trailers, mini-documentaries, product demonstrations, and gameplay videos. Browse the game guide pages to get information about your favorite games on Wii and Nintendo DS. You can even click to order games straight from your Wii, if you have the Internet Channel installed. Make sure your Wii is connected to the internet, and get started!

So get to downloading it and tell us what you think of it.

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Tecmo
Price: $34.99
Platform: Nintendo DS
Category: Action, Adventure
ESRB: “T” for Teen
Release Date: March 25, 2008

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is the first title in the series to appear on the Nintendo DS, and if you think about it, the warning bells should go off in your head. Compound these warning bells with the screeching siren that is the plotline taking place between the game for the original Xbox and the sequel on the 360; most gamers would be pretty wary of playing Team Ninja’s latest foray into one of the most lauded gaming series ever.

I can happily report to you that any feelings of trepidation you may feel when contemplating giving Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword a try is completely unfounded. As a matter of fact, this game made me happy that I actually own a DS – prior to that it has sat on my bookshelf since Phantom Hourglass collecting dust. So, when I received this blessing in the mail, I excitedly recharged the battery and commenced to play.

While fans of the series may notice some of the same characters and locations in Dragon Sword, it merely gives you a since of familiarity instead of receptiveness. The storyline is very interesting as it tells the tale of a time when Dragons and Humans coexisted in harmony until the Dark Dragon decided to take over the world. The dragons that sided with the humans forged a sword from their fangs and bestowed what became known as the Dragon Sword upon them. While the name of the sword may seem a bit unoriginal, it does not matter – they could have called it the “pointy thing made of teeth” and it would still have the same effect because that awesome sword slew the Dark Dragon and restored peace to the land.
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GoNintendo has revealed a list on upcoming Nintendo games for 2008. Some of these have already been released, but if you look past those you will see many a title that has not. Granted, the majority of them have vague release dates and are for Europe, but at least you get an idea of what to expectThe good news though is that WiiWare and Super Smash Bros. Brawl have been dated for Europe. WiiWare - May 20th and SSBB June 27th.

You can get the full list of Nintendo titles headed our way (and ones that are already available) after the jump.

Thanks: Videogaming247

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Square Enix has announced that The World Ends With You was shipped for the Nintendo DS to North American retailers yesterday. The creators of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts drops the player into the center of Japan’s youth culture with its creative battle system, distinctive art style and hip soundtrack. The battle system challenges players to take control of two characters simultaneously, choosing from a variety of touch and sound commands to unleash dynamic psychic abilities.

For more information on The World Ends With You, check out our previous posts.

Via: Press Release

Another week is upon us, and while we are all sitting around marking the days off our calenders for GTA IV, some other games are being released next week and they deserve to be mentioned just as much as any car-jacking, hooker humping, free for all video game on the market.

I have broken the lists down by Console, Handheld and PC. If any of these release dates change it is not my fault - blame the publisher not the messenger. This list also does not take into account any new DLC for the week,  just retail releases.

Nintendo DS: Cory in the House, High School Musical 2: Work It Out, MLB 2K8 Fantasy All Stars, Rhondo of Swords, Teenage Zombies

Nintendo Wii: Dream Pinball 3D, Emergency Mayhem, Okami, Summer Sports: Paradise Island

PC: Dancing with the Stars, Europa Universalis: Rome, Final Fantasy XI: Vana’Diel Collection 2008, Jack Keane and The Dokktor’s Island, Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis, The Sims 2: Double Deluxe, The Sims 2: Kitchen & Bath Design Stuff,
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Turok

PS2: Nothing

PS3: Gran Turismo 5: Prologue

PSP: Nada

Xbox 360: Zilch

Ok, so the picture I posted is actually Dave Chappelle as Prince. The reason I did that is because every time I see Miles Edgeworth, his suit reminds me of Austin Powers whose suit reminds me of Prince, which reminds me of Dave Chappelle. I know, I honestly need to seek professional help and perhaps get a nice script of anti-psychotics to get me through the day - but trust me, I am much more fun when I am not thinking in a sane, logical manner.

The news of Miles Edgeworth getting his own spin-off to the Ace Attorney series for the DS tentatively titled Perfect Prosecutor is good news for fans of the series and following the announcement this week, a website devoted to the game is now live. Not much is revealed on the Japanese site. There are no links as of yet, the site is devoid of a storyline, no release date has been released, and there are no screens or trailers available. Basically, it is more of a teaser site, but if you are looking forward to playing as the dashing fashionista Miles Edgeworth, the site will do nothing more than get you salivating for more content.

For more information, just keep checking back with us because as soon as something more is announced, we will be sure to let you know. Be sure and go to the official site once in a while as well, because I Capcom will most likely be adding all kinds of goodies to it soon.

Square Enix announced today that it will launch a completely re-envisioned Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS on July 22nd. Now featuring full 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cutscenes, and added content, games will able to relive one of the classics all over again and hopefully it will not disappoint us.

Storyline:

Four elemental Crystals, each possessing awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess…Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark knight Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings – is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch’s motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honor, Cecil at last decides to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.

Enraged, the king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honor that he must be?

FEATURES

• Witness the dramatic and thrilling story of this mythical game world brought to life through astounding 3D graphics, gorgeous CG cutscenes and top-notch voice acting
• Create a versatile party using the all-new Augment System – a dynamic system that allows the player to assign special abilities to characters
• Dive into the first RPG to incorporate the innovative Active Time Battle system, now further enhanced and refined for the Nintendo DS
• Listen to a beautifully remixed score by world-renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu that breathes new life into some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY themes
• Navigate effortlessly through the game with Nintendo DS Touch Screen functionality and stylus-driven controls while receiving vital assistance via the dual-screen presentation
• Train and customize Whytkin by playing a variety of mini-games and challenge another player to head-to-head battle via local wireless connection

Via: Press Release

YO! Sushi will be offering its diners the opportunity to play Cooking Mama 2 for free through DS consoles placed on the restaurant chain’s iconic conveyor belts. The sushi restaurant sampling campaign, a games industry first, will see free DS consoles preloaded with Cooking Mama 2 being offered to YO! Sushi customers for the duration of their meal in the Farringdon Road and Poland Street restaurants in London from Monday 14th April, with many more of the chain’s 30 UK restaurants following suit over the coming months.

Cooking Mama 2 is the recently released sequel to the best-selling cooking simulation game Cooking Mama, and promises more culinary fun as players chop, slice, dice, fry, grate, mash, mix, peel and roll ingredients using the DS stylus. Multiplayer gameplay will allow budding sushi chefs to challenge each other wirelessly over the restaurant floor and blowing on the in-built DS microphone will even cool a hot dish down.

Cooking Mama is an original title that boasts immediate ‘pick up and play’ kitchen action, and over one million Nintendo DS and Wii copies of the original game have shipped to-date, making it the biggest selling third party DS title ever released. As part of the campaign, 505 Games will also be offering YO! Sushi customers the opportunity to win DS and Wii consoles and copies of Cooking Mama 2.

So if you live in the London area and want to play while you eat, head down to the nearest YO! Sushi and start noshing, just make suse you don’t spill any Wasabi all over the DS - and I mean REAL Wasabi not horseradish powder mixed with green food coloring.

Via: Press Release

Gauntlet is set in a fantasy-themed universe where evil cloaks the world from the high clouds of Ascendia to the depths of the lava-ridden Abyss. Players can choose from the four classic heroes, Elf, Warrior, Wizard, and Valkyrie, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and special abilities. Throughout the journey, the heroes will slash their way through demonic foes and gain up to four power move abilities to aid them in their battle with evil.

Taking full advantage of the hardware capabilities of the Nintendo DS, Gauntlet offers Voiceover IP (VoIP) which allows voice communication through the Nintendo DS microphone, giving players more options to interact with their friends online. It will also feature 40 maps across three realms, retro RPG crusade-style gameplay in addition to new multiplayer features including cooperative play and competitive multiplayer.

The arcade style competitive multiplayer feature introduces ranked multiplayer games like - “Deathmatch”, “Team Deathmatch” and “Treasure Hoard” game modes, hosted with local Nintendo Wireless play or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

For more information, check back often as more information becomes available. In the meantime, you can access more screens by clicking here.

A new Gauntlet game is in the works for the Nintendo DS and it is currently being developed by Backbone Entertainment and will be published by Eidos. To keep things simple, the game will be called Gauntlet and will basically maintain the same design as the original arcade game. There will be four characters to choose from with different classes and in-game capabilities, there are 40 different maps to explore and over 32 different enemies to hack apart.

Thanks to wi-fi and voice over support, up to four players will be able to help each other slash their way through the dungeons as well as take part in other multiplayer functions such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Treasure Horder. All multiplayer modes can be played while sitting in the same vicinity or through wi-fi.

Gauntlet is expected to be released for the Nintendo DS on June 30, so check back with us often as more information comes to light.

Via: Videogaming247

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Space Invaders, Taito (Square Enix) has re-imagined the 1978  game to appeal to both oldies like myself and new generations alike with the release of Space Invaders Extreme for the DS.  Supposedly fater paced and more intense than the original, you can expect to see it in stores on June 17.

Another old school game coming to the DS on June 17 is Arkanoid. Originally released in 1986, Arkanoid for the DS offers multiple modes with colorful backgrounds and the ability for players to match their skills against other DS users with multiplayer options.

Trying to maintain the simple yet beloved gameplay while adding new twists to modern them up a bit, you can expect the following features to be included in the games:

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME

• New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game’s excitement.
• New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay.
• New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game – they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points.
• New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play.
• New Multiplayer Element:?Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms.

ARKANOID DS

• Explore three game modes that offer varied gameplay designed for a wide range of users.
• Compete against others with two or four person multiplayer options to claim the title of ARKANOID DS champion.
• Decorate ARKANOID DS with colorful designs by trading points gained through gameplay for fun backgrounds and icons.
• Rock to an irresistible soundtrack produced by Zuntata, TAITO’s award-winning sound team.

Check back often for more information as it becomes available, and hopefully they will send us some assets soon so we can get a better idea of what to expect.

Via: Press Release 

The force will be unleashed on September 16 folks, because today LucasArts has finally given long suffering fans an exact release date via a wonderful press release. Europe will see their version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed launch on September 19, and our Asian and Australian brethren will get in on the action come September 17.

How awesome it is going to be playing as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice” in an story set during the largely unexplored era between “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope”? Finally we will get to try and rid the universe of Jedi…. mwha ha ha ha ha!!! Yes, I am rubbing my hands together maniacally as I say that.

To top off this awesome news, LucasArts and Spike TV are teaming up together to unveil new details and exclusive footage from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed in celebration of Spike TV’s airing of all six Star Wars movies. Spike TV’s two-weekend event includes the broadcast premiere of “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and the basic cable premieres of “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace” and “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”. This marks the first time that all six movies will be presented together on a basic cable network and while they have been advertising this event for the past week or so, nothing regarding The Force Unleashed has been mentioned until now.

Viewers will see special Star Wars:The Force Unleashed segments, each with an exclusive announcement or new game play footage, at the following times on Spike TV:

• April 6 at 7:58 p.m. ET/PT – between the premiere of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
• April 11 at 10:52 p.m. ET/PT – At the end of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
• April 12 at 12:00 a.m. ET/PT – throughout an episode of GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley filmed at LucasArts’ headquarters in San Francisco
• April 12 at 5:06 p.m. ET/PT – before Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
• April 13 at 5:06 p.m. ET/PT – before Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back

LucasArts and developer Krome Studios are also creating a version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed on the PS2, PSP and Wii while n-Space, Inc., is developing a version for Nintendo DS. All will feature the same storyline, so that no one misses out on the awesomeness.

In preparation, LucasArts around the launch of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, expect to see a full line of toys and game-based action figures from Hasbro, as well as a full publishing program from Dark Horse, Del Rey, Prima Games, and Palace Press.

For more information on Star Wars: The Force Unleashed check out our previous posts.

Via: Press Release

It has been a slightly busy week as far as game releases go, and while the majority of the more mainstream ones are reported, some have slipped through the announcement cracks. While Dark Sector, Viking: Battle for Asgard, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, Universe at War and Crisis Core: FF VII have been the media darlings of the week, included with these titles are some that you may have missed.

So without further ado, here is a list of all the games that hit between March 23-29, 2008:

DS
Backyard Baseball ‘09
Harvest Moon DS Cute
Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

PC
Australian Zoo Quest
Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath Expansion Pack
Command & Conquer 3 Limited Collection
Escape From Paradise City
Guild Wars Platinum Edition
Guild Wars Factions Platinum Edition

PSP
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Warriors Orochi

PS2
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3

PS3
Dark Sector
Viking: Battle for Asgard

Xbox 360
Dark Sector
Universe at War: Earth Assault
Viking: Battle for Asgard

Wii
Obscure: The Aftermath
Octomania
Opoona

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard is coming to the Nintendo DS on June 17, and the sequel builds upon the original cult classic with more areas to explore, new character classes, more fiendish FOEs, and an improved mapping system.

Storyline: In the Grand Duchy of High Lagaard, it is said that the Duke is descended from inhabitants of a castle in the sky. When an unforeseen crisis befalls the nation, it is decreed that the first explorer to retrieve the Grail of Kings from that mythical floating palace will be rewarded with wealth and fame beyond imagining. Enter the central city of Lagaard and begin your journey to the clouds.

Features:

• Make the adventure yours - Rediscover true role-playing as you build your party of stalwart adventurers from 12 different classes. From basics like name and sex to advanced settings like combat formation, skills, and spells, every detail is yours to customize
• The Odyssey continues - Experience an all-new story, more classes, improved mapping capabilities, new Force Skills, and over 100 side-quests
• Chart your progress through the dungeons - Etrian Odyssey’s innovative mapmaking tool returns with more options and features. Use the touch screen to map out the halls, chambers, treasures, and dangers of the realms you explore

Visit our FileFront page for screenshots and check back often for any updates.

Via: Press Release

Tecmo has announced the release of the highly-anticipated Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS. The
title is the first handheld installment in the popular series, which has sold over 2 million units worldwide. Players will fight enemy ninjas and battle various fiends while taking on the role of Master Ninja Ryu Hayabusa and will uncover all the mysteries of Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword’s brand new storyline. The portable experience promises to deliver the same excitement as its console counterpart and the game’s unique only-on-DS experience has earned high praise from 1Up, and if you have not read the review you can do so here.

Storyline:

Six months have passed since the Dark Dragon Blade Incident, the abominable attack on Hayabusa’s village. Just when calm had finally started to slowly settle over the nearly annihilated village, the story’s heroine Momiji is set upon and abducted by the Black Spider Clan, lead by the sorceress, Obaba. What exactly are their motives in carrying out such a dastardly deed? In order to rescue the kidnapped Momiji, Ryu Hayabusa commits himself to new battles.

The player maneuvers the main characters Ryu and Momiji to fight against the Black Spider Clan and the demons that lurk behind them. The story is organized into chapters, and as you solve the riddles posed at every turn you get closer to the core of the story.

Features:

• Innovative DS Stylus Functionality: Master your weapon - the DS stylus. Smoothly maneuver (slide, tap, up/down) and fight through levels with the intuitive operation of the stylus.
• Hold the DS Like a Book: Hold the DS with one hand like a book to assist in the operation of the stylus which allows players to view a wider range of scenes, including battle areas, maps and beautifully illustrated comic-book style cut scenes.
• Cast Ninpo, Ninja Magic, by Symbol Input: Using the DS stylus, draw various symbols to quickly execute numerous types of Ninpo.
• Visually Stunning Graphics and Scenery: Experience a full-scale action game showcasing dynamic camera work and an artful blend of detailed 2D and 3D environments with 3D characters.

To celebrate the launch of Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword, the Nintendo World Store and Tecmo will be hosting an in-store event tomorrow, March 26th from 2 - 6 p.m. Participating guests will have a chance to test their ninja-stylus skills as they demo the game and Team NINJA’s director/producer Yosuke Hayashi will make an appearance for photo opportunities and to sign autographs. Information on the store can be found here.

Via: Press Release 

We knew that when it got a rating in Australia that a press release was sure to follow any day. Well, today is that day as Activision has officially announced Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS. The list of tracks will include such bands as Nirvana, OK Go and No Doubt along with other classic rock and alternative tracks.

The game comes with the “revolutionary Guitar Hero Guitar Grip” peripheral that fits snugly into the DS and a Guitar Hero pick-stylus. You can see how all of this works buy checking out the video Jonathan posted earlier this morning. I have not seen anything this awkward in quite a long time. Hand cramps and carpal tunnel are sure to follow suit with this game.

If you want to jam along with others in the area, players will be able to play co-op mode using a local wireless network, or battle each other in a “Guitar Duel” using new “Battle Items” unique to the DS platform. For example, players must blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effects gone wrong, or use the touch screen to autograph a crazed fan’s shirt in the middle of their set. The game also features five unlockable venues, the ability to choose the color of their axe of choice, play as one of six characters — two of which are all new and exclusive to Guitar Hero: On Tour – and outfitting their guitarist in numerous styles.

So, dear readers, what do you think about this? Feel free to voice your opinion at will. If you want to read the full press release, it is posted after the jump and you can visit the official website for the game here.

Via: Press Release

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Eidos Interactive has announced a new game titled Soul Bubbles and it is coming to the DS. In Soul Bubbles the player controls a young shaman apprentice, who is entrusted with saving lost “souls” and guiding them to safety. He must protect these fragile beings from the hostile and dangerous world around them, and he does this by creating protective bubbles to keep the spirits safe.

“This will be THE new phenomenon on the Nintendo DS,” said Brand Manager Ray Livingston. “Every single person who has picked up this game has fallen in love with it instantly. We can’t wait to introduce the world to Soul Bubbles.”

In the game, you manipulate your bubbles by first drawing them, then deflating them, cutting them or joining them to other bubbles, filling them with water or gas; then escape traps, extinguish fires and avoid all the sticky or dangerous surfaces that will slow the bubbles down. Designed with the casual gamer in mind, Soul Bubbles features 8 worlds, with over 40 levels to explore which will challenge the shaman in a variety of ways.

Soul Bubbles is expected to be released on May 27th. Check back often for more screens and a details as they emerge.

Via: Press Release

Full Press Release After the Jump

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