Category: Games

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Games

Super Smash Bros. Expands with Downloadable Content

Super Smash Bros
Super Smash Bros.
Photo: Nintendo

Fans of the Nintendo beat ‘em up franchise Super Smash Bros. are excited about the new announcement to the game coming soon for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U gaming systems. The new game includes several playable characters from popular game franchises such as Ryu from the Street Fighter series, Roy from Fire Emblem, and Lucas from Mother 3. MewTwo from Pokemon, scheduled for release by the end of June.

The new playable fighters are available for download now, and are part of additional paid content plan for the game. This is at the same time a software update launched for both system, which includes three new stages and new costumes for Mii Fighters. The new characters will play alongside the iconic Nintendo characters already included in the game, including Mario, Kirby, Link, and Donkey Kong.

“Today’s update proves that the evergreen Super Smash Bros. games continue to evolve and grow with unexpected new content,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

“We’re offering multiple price options and bundles for all this outstanding new content, so players can mix and match whatever characters, stages and costumes they want.”

In addition to new characters, the game will also allow players to download stages, which will act as a backdrop to the melee tournaments. Each level will have some interactive elements, changing up the gameplay slightly.

For more information about Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.smashbros.com/us/.

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Entertainment Games

Disney Launches Star Wars Storybook Apps

Star Wars Journeys

After the purchase of Lucasfilm by Disney in 2013, the speculation (along with leaked photos) has been nearly endless regarding the future of Star Wars. Recent buzz on the upcoming sequels and stand-along films has fans wondering what the next installment of the franchise has in store.

“Star Wars Journeys” is a new episodic series of apps for kids and families featuring the stories, heroes and villains of the Star Wars saga. The first app of the series, “The Phantom Menace,” features storytelling, interactive games, and more for kids. The app can be be found in the iTunes App Store.

Additional apps in the “Star Wars Journeys” portfolio rolling out in the coming months include:

  • “Star Wars Journeys: Attack of the Clones”
  • “Star Wars Journeys: Revenge of the Sith”
  • “Star Wars Journeys: A New Hope”
  • “Star Wars Journeys: The Empire Strikes Back”
  • “Star Wars Journeys: Return of the Jedi”
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Entertainment Games

Tetris Turns 30

Tetris

Tetris, the iconic video game is celebrating 30 years today. This interlocking puzzle game has been featured on over 50 platforms across 185 countries. To celebrate, the owners of the Tetris brand, Blue Planet Software, are kicking off the 30th Anniversary campaign including advertising campaigns, an updated version of the game and merchandise.

“Our theme for the 30th Anniversary of Tetris is We All Fit Together. It speaks to how Tetris transcends cultures and language, and will continue to be fun for anyone, anywhere to play for generations to come,” said Maya Rogers, CEO, Blue Planet Software. “We all have an inherent desire to create order out of chaos – whether in playing a game or packing the trunk of your car. No matter where the game is played or brand is celebrated, there will always be Tetris.”

Tetris 30th Anniversary Merchandise

Game developer Ubisoft is set to launch Tetris Ultimate, for Playstation 4 and Xbox One this summer. The new game includes updated graphics, six different game modes and allows for 1-4 players simultaneously.

Electronic Arts is helping bring Tetris into the app age with Tetris Blitz, a mobile version of the game for iOS and Android. A newly added mode includes Retro Bliz, which uses the 8-bit graphics as homage to the original Game Boy version from 1989.

Additional products are in the pipeline, including Halloween costumes, robes, socks, shower curtains and other bathroom décor.

“I never imagined Tetris was going to be this successful. But the simple, yet addicting nature of Tetris still has me playing it a few times every week,” said Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris. “I meet fans from around the world who are also as passionate about Tetris as me, and there is no doubt in my mind Tetris will continue to expand and bring its classic appeal to new players in new ways and on new devices, whatever they may be.”

 

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Entertainment Games

Dr. Luigi Cures in New Game

Doctor Luigi for Nintendo Wii U

From the Super Mario Bros. franchise, comes Dr. Luigi for Wii U. Dr. Mario. Dr. Luigi is a new twist on the classic virus-popping puzzle game. Use L-shaped pills in a new game mode and compete with players locally or online. Dr. Luigi will be available exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Dec. 31.

For a sneak peek, check out the trailer below which includes game play footage.

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Entertainment Games

Disney Interactive Releases Toy Story in Space Play Set for Disney Infinity

Toy Story Infinity

Disney Interactive has announced that the Disney Infinity Toy Story in Space Play Set is now available at retail stores nationwide. This is the sixth Disney Infinity play set to be released and invites gamers to take on the role of space rangers Buzz Lightyear, Jessie or Woody as they try to help relocate the Pizza Planet Aliens to a new world.

Disney also announced that Disney Infinity has sold more than 1 million starter pack units globally since launching in August. This milestone marks a strong start for the title, which is well positioned for the holiday sales season.

The Toy Story in Space Play Set will be widely available for an MSRP of $34.99 starting today at participating retailers.

Key highlights include:

  • Play Set: The Toy Story in Space Play Set is the sixth Play Set to be released for Disney Infinity and features Buzz Lightyear and Jessie in the pack, with Woody sold separately. Players will have the ability to defend the new colony and friends by unlocking new Space Ranger equipment. The Toy Story in Space Play Set introduces hoverpacks, jetpacks, laser blasters, goo blasters, new mounts and more into the Toy Box mode.
  • Toy Box mode: In the Toy Box mode, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Woody are able to interact with a vast array of Disney and Pixar characters from movies including Monsters University, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Cars and The Lone Ranger to create new and exciting adventures in customized worlds.

Disney Infinity is an all-new video game starring the beloved characters from Walt Disney and Pixar Studios’ most popular franchises. Players can place real-world toy versions of favorite Disney characters onto a device called the Disney Infinity Base and transport them into the virtual game worlds of Monsters University, the Incredibles, Cars, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lone Ranger and Toy Story in Space, as well as into a giant Toy Box.

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Entertainment Games

NHL 14 Simulation Predicts Stanley Cup Champions in 2014

EA Sports NHL 2014

A simulation run by EA SPORTS NHL 14 predicts that Alex Pietrangelo will lead the St. Louis Blues to their first ever Stanley Cup Championship in the team’s 47-year history. The Blues will finish second in the Central Division and third overall in the Western Conference with 99 points. Pietrangelo will be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Blues upset Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins to take the series 4-2 in the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

“The St. Louis Blues are the personification of NHL 14,” Sean Ramjagsingh, NHL 14 Producer. “They’re tough, fast and have one of the deepest lineups in the League, making them a favorite to finish on top this season.”

Other notable team storylines include:

  • The Chicago Blackhawks will take home the Presidents’ Trophy with 108 points, only to be ousted by the Blues in the Conference Finals.
  • The Edmonton Oilers will finally edge their way into the Stanley Cup Playoffs by taking the fourth seed in the Pacific Division, breaking their seven-year playoff drought, which was the longest active streak in the NHL.
  • The final battle for playoff position will be especially heated in the West, with only one point separating fifth place, San Jose Sharks and the eighth place, Edmonton Oilers.

Several individual players also stood out in the NHL 14 simulation:

  • Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will once again lead the League offensively, posting 109 points to take home several pieces of hardware, including his second Hart Memorial Trophy and his second Art Ross Trophy.
  • Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning’s top draft pick in 2013, doesn’t disappoint in his first NHL season, and will claim the Calder Memorial Trophy as the League’s top rookie.
  • With an impressive 64 goals, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos, will capture his third Rocket Richard Trophy, becoming only the second player, after Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, to win the award three times.

The simulation is conducted by artificial intelligence or logic of the videogame that uses real-life data from each player. Results are extrapolated by the videogame when two teams match up based on player ratings, line combinations, and include variances such as injuries and hot streaks to give a realistic outcome of a game or series.

NHL14 is now available at retail stores throughout North America and Europe on the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

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Entertainment Games

SimCity Expansion Brings You Back to the Future

SimCity Cities of Tomorrow

Electronic Arts’ success with The Sims games and expansion packs has the company relying on the same business formula for their recently relaunched SimCity. This November gamers can get their hands on SimCity Cities of Tomorrow expansion pack, currently in development for Mac and PC. The expansion pack gives the city simulator ability to transform cities as they take a journey 50 years into the future. Using new technologies and experimental urban planning techniques, mayors will shape the destinies of their cities, thriving in a utopia of clean technologies, or a dystopia of hyper-commercialism.

“Will the world of tomorrow be a utopia powered by clean energy or an industrial society consumed by mass commercialism?” said Patrick Buechner, General Manager, Maxis Emeryville. “With SimCity Cities of Tomorrow, players can build the future as they imagine it. Transport your Sims on MagLev, power your cities with fusion reactors or tidal wave generators, manufacture a legion of drones to serve your Sims and build massive MegaTowers that dwarf modern skyscrapers. We’re giving you plausible technologies to take your cities onto a journey 50 years into the future. What will you create?”

SimCity Cities of Tomorrow gives players an entirely new way to dream about their city of the future. New regions, new future technology, new city specializations and new transportation methods will transform the way that cities take shape and evolve.

The SimCity base game is available now on Mac and PC and developed by Maxis. SimCity is cross-platform compatible, so all players play together across the same servers. Players can play both versions with the same Origin account, allowing them to seamlessly continue their cities, achievements and leaderboard progress across the Mac and PC.

SimCity Cities of Tomorrow will be available for Mac and PC and is not yet rated for the ESRB. Pre-orders will begin soon at www.SimCity.com.

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Entertainment Games

Classic ‘Zelda’ Game Gets HD Graphics and Digital Launch

Legend of Zelda: The Windwalker HD
Legend of Zelda: The Windwalker HD

Nintendo continues it’s long-running success with the The Legend of Zelda franchise with the digital launch of the remastered version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, for the Wii U home console.

“For more than 10 years, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker has remained a standout entry in one of the most beloved series of all time with its distinctive graphics, fun adventures and charming story,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “This HD version and Wii U bundle are cornerstones of Nintendo’s season of value and variety. These characters and experiences are exclusive to Nintendo systems, and a must-have for video game fans of all kind.”

Fans who do not own a Wii U system can opt for the limited-edition bundle, which comes with a black Deluxe Wii U console; a GamePad controller adorned with the gold Hyrule crest and symbols from the game; a download code for the digital version of Hyrule Historia, a book that details the chronology, history and artwork of The Legend of Zelda series; and a code to download The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD from the Nintendo eShop.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker tells the story of a young boy on an island who sets out on a quest after his sister is kidnapped by a giant bird. Along the way, he encounters a talking boat, interacts with many interesting characters, explores numerous exquisitely designed dungeons and helps a kingdom emerge from under a shadow of evil. The original game, created for Nintendo GameCube, earned a Metacritic score of 96, ranking it among some of the most elite video games of all time. This newly remastered version includes enhancements that make an amazing game even better. Some changes include Miiverse functionality that lets players with broadband Internet access attach helpful messages or fun images to Tingle Bottles, which will then wash up on the shore in another player’s game. Also, the game now includes the “Swift Sail,” which doubles the speed of Link’s boat, the King of Red Lions.

For more information about The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, visit http://www.zelda.com/windwaker.

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Entertainment Games

“Monster Hunter 4” sales reach 2 million

Capcom's Monster Hunter 4

Capcom has announced that shipments of its “Monster Hunter 4” game for Nintendo 3DS in Japan have exceeded two million units, the highest ever for any third-party Nintendo 3DS title in Japan.

The “Monster Hunter” series is a hunting action game that pits players against giant monsters in a beautiful natural environment. The series has introduced social elements with its new kind of communication style for players through cooperative play focused on hunting monsters with their friends. The series, first released in 2004 as a home video game, has been a massive hit. Next year marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of the franchise. Growth in sales is continuing with the number of committed fans still rising and total sales of the series surpassing 25 million units to date (as of September 17, 2013).

The success of the game has Capcom already planning the “Monster Hunter Festa’ 13” tour, which is being staged in 5 cities across Japan, and “Monster Hunter the Real 2014”, which is being held in collaboration with Universal Studios Japan.