Vol. 2 Number 1

Nintendo DS sees flurry of new announcements; more online details

At a press conference in Tokyo earlier this month, Nintendo (as well as Famitsu magazine) lifted the lid on a host of new, never-before-announced DS games; many of which are compatible with the company's brand-new WiFi Connection service, which was also elaborated on. Amongst the most intriguing titles announced include a new Wario platformer, new Castlevania, "Archaic Sealed Heat", a new RPG from Mistwalker, a new Phoenix Wright title. Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles are also on the way - possibly as budget titles? Detect Hacker is a Nintendo title set with anime graphics set in modern-day Tokyo. Mario Basket 3 vs 3 is, surprisingly enough, a Mario basketball game, with three suprises - impressive 3D graphics, full online capability via the WiFi Connection, as well as reportedly being developed in conjunction with Square-Enix. Now that would be strange. A new Brain Training title was also confirmed for release this side of Christmas in Japan, which, given its predecessors stellar sales performance in recent months, is sure to light up the sales charts.

In a move sure to strike fear and loathing into the hearts of gamers everywhere, Nintendo have also announced the existence of, wait for it- a new RPG starring Tingle. Words fail me at this point, so in the absence of further information, we'll move ever-swiftly onwards. For all available details on the games revealed, see the news story we posted here.

Nintendo have also been talking a lot recently about their new online service. Nintendo have re-iterated that all their games will be free to play online, although third-parties may decide to charge a fee. As previously announced, Mario Kart will spearhead the company's first serious foray into online gaming- although it has seen its European release date slip back two weeks to November 25th. To improve access to their WiFi service, Nintendo are releasing a special USB dongle that simply plugs in to the USB port of a broadband-enabled computer. As if by magic, your computer become a WiFi hotspot. This nifty gadget will be released alongside Mario Kart and shouldn't cost any more than �30, although exact pricing remains unconfirmed. As for the actual online play, Nintendo are offering three connection methods to find players:

• Online, 2-4 players can play against each other (8 player not available).
• Online choice of opponents: Friends Only (players registered as Friends), Rivals (players with similar skills, found via an online matchmaker), Recent Opponents, Regional Racers (players in your country), World Racers (players anywhere in the world).
• Online, there's no limit to the choice of course, and it is chosen by players voting for a course. The track with the most votes wins (in the event of a tie, a random course is played).

Sounds good, eh? You can be sure that Revo-Europe will be organising a host of Mario Kart competitions in the very near future- let us know your ideas on the format it might take. Unfortunately, living in a non-broadband enabled area of Ireland, I'll have to watch on jealously.

Revolution-Europe launches 'The Digest' in blaze of glory

Yep, It's back. Welcome to the first edition of Revolution-Europe's newly-revived Digest, brought back from the dead, Lazarus-style. We had initially planned to launch this new regular feature to coincide with the launch of R-E, but we wanted to give the Weekly Digest a brand-new title; something fresh and cutting edge. After several months of careful deliberation, we think we have it. 'The Digest' is here. And here to stay. There are plenty of changes, which we think you'll like; not least is the introduction of a regular satirical cartoon from the talented pen of Connell Wood, which we're confident will become a big hit. There'll usually be the one each week - we just decided to treat you to alternate ones for the debut.

We've also decided to introduce more concise format of main news and brief stories, with the familiar mix of news and opinion you've come to expect of the digest. Upcoming release dates for major games across all of Nintendo's platforms form part of the new package; as do regular updates from Revolution-Europe's forums. Regular competitions will be held, too. To allow us to reach a high standard with every installment of the digest, we've taken the decision to make it a fortnightly affair. We're also offering readers the option to view The Digest on R-E's pages, or via a handy email delivered fortnightly to your inbox- see the left-hand sidebar on the main R-E page to sign up (this service shall begin very soon). Some things never change, though- we're committed to providing the highest quality and most accurate coverage out there. We're looking forward to hearing your feedback both on the digest's new format, and your comments on the news itself- use the link at the bottom of this page to contribute via the forums.

>A 'Hot-Rod Red' special DS bundle, including a red DS, Mario Kart, themed sticker set and chequered strap, will be racing into stores in America to coincide with the game's November 14th release. Best of all, the package is priced at a bargain $150.
>Nintendogs looks to be replicating its extraordinary Japanese and Stateside success. Over 160,000 copies of the three versions were shifted on the first weekend of release. Nintendo of Europe marketing chief commented: "Aligned with a price drop to �89.99, Nintendo DS sales are up between 400-700% across Europe, this will further cement our position as leader in the portable market."
>Famitsu have rated Nintendo's not-very-highly anticipated platformer, Super Princess Peach, a surprisingly good 34/40. Sega's Project Rub 2 scored a very respectable 32/40, with Nintendo's Pokémon Puzzle achieving 31/40. All are DS titles.
>Nintendo's Game Boy Micro has hit 200,000 unit sales in Japan. A special Pokémon edition of the handheld is scheduled for November 17th. Black and red in colour, it features a silhouette of Pikachu above the A and B buttons. It'll sell for the same price as a regular Micro. The system is set to launch in Europe on November 4th for �69.
>Zelda: Twilight Princess director Eiji Aonuma has been talking about the game, and has let slip a few more juicy morsels of information: The game will take place 'several years' after the events of Ocarina of Time. The mysterious Midna character, seen in the latest trailer, will play a major role, with Link being unable to progress through many puzzles and battles. Aonuma revealed one unique ability of hers is that she can detect the number of enemies around Link and herself in the twilight lands. While in wolf form, Link will also be able to converse with the local wildlife. Finally, an extensive day-night system will be integral to the game design. Let's hope its more like Majora's Mask and less like
Wind Waker...

32;
The number of tracks in Mario Kart DS
8;
The number of tracks playable over a single-card multiplayer link-up.
1;
The choice of characters you have playing over a single-card multiplayer link-up; you must select Shy-Guy. Damn.
500;
The number, in thousands, of copies that Brain Training for DS has sold in Japan so far.
6;
The number of games that Nintendo have in the Japanese All-Format charts this week
8000;
The number of questions featured in an upcoming Japanese microphone-based quiz-game, set for a GameCube release in December

(Release dates are subject to change)
October 21st
SSX On Tour (GC) - EA's snowboarding series continues, with nu metal pretensions but, thankfully, a commitment to what makes the franchise so memorable
October 24th
Metroid Prime Pinball (DS) - Unlikely to equal its namesake, but likely to provide some decent pinballing, if you're into that sort of thing
28th October
Dancing Stage Mario Mix (incl. Mat) (GC) - The 'Mario' tag is neither here nor there; buy if you like making a fool of yourself in your living room
Pac 'n Roll (DS) - Pac-Man goes back to his dot-munching roots in this surprisingly competent role-athon

Revolution-Europe's new-look, sleekly designed forums are a-buzzin' at the moment. Just some of the hottest threads of recent times which you may be interested in contributing to:

- How much would you pay for a next-gen game? (Poll)
- A debate about Nintendo's standard of advertising
- Why you should be playing Band Brothers right now
- The busy Nintendogs thread is worth a luck if you're an owner
- New shots of Baten Kaitos two are proving popular (56k warning!)
- The Best Gaming Music Ever debate rolls on...

Note: we're after names for the cartoon's stars, and want you to help. Feel like naming the main male and female characters for future editions? Glory awaits; just drop your suggestions in Connell's inbox. We'll christen them soon.

Well, that's it for this fortnight folks- hope you enjoyed the new-look digest. Feel free to contact me at the address below if you've any questions or comments. Alternatively, use the forum link below to get involved in the discussion.

Mark Cullinane
[email protected]