N-Europe

News: GAME Not Stocking The Last Story At All

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:47:42 +0000

Wii RPG completely removed from the struggling retailer's website, instore pre-orderers offered deposits back...

Following Monday's news that GAME would not be stocking the special edition of Nintendo's The Last Story, due to be released tomorrow, it appears that gamers will also be unable to pick up the standard edition of the game from the struggling retailer.

There is no longer any trace of Hironobu Sakaguchi's epic RPG on GAME's online store. N-Europe reader Alex Catena contacted GAME regarding their in-store pre-order and received the following response:

"Hi Alex, Unfortunately we are no longer stocking The Last Story on Wii. If you return to the store, they will be happy to refund your �5.00 deposit. I apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The absence of The Last Story from GAME's shelves is just the latest in the saga of recent failures from the UK's biggest video game retailer in stocking new releases. Just last week, the Nintendo distributed Tekken 3D was not available on its launch.

Stay with us for all the news on GAME's financial difficulties as it breaks.

News: 3DS Spreads The Love in Japan

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:55:27 +0000

Love Plus tops the chart as 3DS sails past five million...

3DS has officially sold over five million units in Japan less than a year of being on shelves, following the latest Media Create charts.

The record-breaking feat was achieved alongside the successful release of Konami's New Love Plus. The latest entry in the bafflingly popular girlfriend-sim franchise claimed the top spot comfortably, becoming one of the most successful third party 3DS games to date.

It was a tale of contrasting fortunes though for other third party 3DS games.Tekken 3D undisputedly under-performed, whilst Chunsoft's sequel to the cult DS adventure 999 (never released in Europe) just about charted both on 3DS and Vita.

The software chart for February 13th through to 19th is as follows.

No.	System	Title	Publisher
1	3DS	New Love Plus 104.969	Konami
2	PS3	Binary Domain 73.683	Sega
3	3DS	Theatrhythm Final Fantasy 67.206	Square Enix
4	3DS	Mario Kart 7 22.015 / (1.506.522)	Nintendo
5	3DS	Super Mario 3D Land 17.791 / (1.348.776)	Nintendo
6	3DS	Monster Hunter Tri G 17.490 / (1.249.833)	Capcom
7	PSP	Samurai Warriors 3 Z Special 17.125	Koei Tecmo
8	3DS	Resident Evil: Revelations 15.666 / (231.907)	Capcom
9	PSP	Suikoden: Tsumugareshi Hyakunen no Toki 13.695 / (75.479)	Konami
10	PSV	Gravity Rush 10.219 / (53.680)	Sony
11	3DS	Tekken 3D: Prime Edition 9.421	Bandai Namco
12	3DS	Kyokugen Dasshutsu ADV: Zennin Shiboudesu 9.307	Chunsoft
13	PS3	Gran Turismo 5 Spec II 8.169 / (42.198)	Sony
14	Wii	Just Dance 7.643 / (542.589)	Nintendo
15	PSV	Kyokugen Dasshutsu ADV: Zennin Shiboudesu 6.538	Chunsoft
16	PS3	Armored Core V 6.430 / (212.784)	From Software
17	3DS	Inazuma Eleven Go: Shine / Dark 6.268 / (393.130)	Level-5
18	PSP	Monster Hunter Freedom 3 (PSP the Best) 5.223 / (197.031)	Capcom
19	Wii	Wii Sports Resort with Remote Plus 5.135 / (873.120)	Nintendo
20	3DS	Nintendogs + Cats 4.839 / (501.169)	Nintendo

The popularity of a new Love Plus game was more than enough to boost the 3DS to push it past the five million mark in a record-breaking 51 weeks. New titles for other platforms was not enough to stem a general slump where everything else was concerned. 3DS sales accounted for over 60 percent of all hardware sales for the week.

No.	Console	Week Sales	Last Week Sales	LTD Sales
1	Nintendo 3DS	94.667	67,558	5.026.622
2	PS3	21.993	22,002	7.852.543
3	PSP	14.824	15,860	18.902.675
4	Vita	12.309	13,939	578.812
5	Wii	7.874	8,206	12.272.388
6	Nintendo DS	1.557	1,608	32.827.607
7	PS2	1.433	1,239	21.780.965
8	Xbox 360	983	1,139	1.546.629

News: 3DS/Wii/DS Q2 2012 Release Schedule

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:39:35 +0000

Nintendo details what's hitting what right the way through the first half of the year...

Nintendo of Europe has done what it does best and unleashed a List of Death detailing all the games set to hit Wii, 3DS and DS right the way through to June.

Highlights to note include Inazuma Eleven 2 confirmed for a March release and yet another special edition SKU for a first party Wii title - this time for Pandora's Tower. Expect to learn more about that closer to the release date.

Also note that the list includes downloadable releases, so keep an eye out for smaller gems that are due to hit all platforms, including Cave Story on DSiWare, La Mulana on WiiWare and Mutant Mudds on the eShop.

Take a deep breath, and without further ado, read on.

Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Dillon�s Rolling Western (Nintendo) - 22nd February 2012
Nintendo 3DS Demo � nintendogs� + cats (Nintendo) - 22nd February 2012
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console - Punch-Out!! � (Nintendo) - 1st March 2012
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console - Super Mario Bros� (Nintendo)- 1st March 2012
Carnival Games Wild West 3D (2K Play) - 2nd March 2012
50 Classic Games (Avanquest) - 2nd March 2012 (UK, Ireland)
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D (KONAMI) - 8th March 2012
BEN 10 Galactic Racing (NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S.) - 16th March 2012
Rayman Origins (Ubisoft) - 16th March 2012
Kid Icarus� : Uprising (Nintendo) - 23rd March 2012
BIT.TRIP SAGA (Rising Star Games) - 23rd March 2012 (Pan-Europe)
Farming Simulator 2012 3D (astragon Software GmbH) - 29 March 2012
Hundle & Katzen 3D � Tierisch verspielt (dtp young entertainment GmbH) - 30th March
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console - Dr Mario� (Nintendo) - March 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! (Shin�en Multimedia) - March 2012
Rhythm Thief� & the Emperor�s Treasure (Nintendo) - 5th April 2012
Jewel Master � Cradle of Rome 2 (rondomedia Marketing & Vertriebs GmbH) - 24th April (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
Secrets of the Titanic (Avanquest) - 27th April (UK, Ireland)
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - SpeedThru: Potzol�s Puzzle� (Nintendo) - April 2012
BATTLESHIP the videogame (Acitvision) - April 2012
The Hidden (Majesco Entertainment Europe � distributed by 505) - April 2012
Pet Zombies (Majesco Entertainment Europe � distributed by 505) - April 2012
Face Racers (Majesco Entertainment Europe � distributed by 505) - April 2012
Nano Assault (Majesco Entertainment Europe � distributed by 505) - April 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - 3D Solitaire (Zen Studios) - April 2012
Azada (dtp entertainment AG (distributor)) - 11th May 2012 (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
4 Elements (dtp entertainment AG (distributor)) - 11th May 2012 (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
Junior Games 3D (rondomedia Marketing & Vertriebs GmbH) - 29th May 2012 (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
MARIO TENNIS� OPEN (Nintendo) - 25th May 2012
Boulder Dash XL 3D (Reef Entertainment) - June 2012
Spirit Camera�: The Cursed Memoir (Nintendo) - Q2 2012
Harvest Moon: The Tale Of Two Towns (Rising Star Games) - Q2 2012
Shifting World (Rising Star Games) - Q2 2012
Super Black Bass 3D (Rising Star Games) - Q2 2012
Jewel Master: Cradle of Rome 2 (Rising Star Games) - Q2 2012 (Pan-Europe except G.A.S)
Crash Time 3DS (PQube) - Q2 2012
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console - Toki Tori (Two Tribes) - Q2 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Art of Balance TOUCH! (Shin�en Multimedia) - Q2 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Colors! 3D (Collecting Smiles) - Q2 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Mutant Mudds (Renegade Kid) - Q2 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Picross e (Jupiter) - Q2 2012
Nintendo 3DS Download Software - Marvel Pinball 3D (Zen Studios) - Q2 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man (Activision) - Q2 2012
Luigi�s Mansion� 2 (Nintendo) - 2012
Professor Layton 5 (Nintendo) - 2012

Nintendo DS

Jewel Master: Cradle of Persia (Rising Star Games) - 9th March 2012 (Pan Europe except G.A.S)
Inazuma Eleven� 2 Firestorm (Nintendo) - 16th March 2012
Inazuma Eleven� 2 Blizzard (Nintendo) - 16th March 2012
Jewel Quest 5 � The Sleepless Star (dtp entertainment AG (distributor)) - 23rd March 2012 (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
Nintendo DSiWare - Cave Story (Nicalis) - March 2012
Naraba World: Le Mysterieux Palais (Micronet, distributed by Nemopolis) - March 2012 (France, Belgium, Switzerland)
Naraba World: Le Labyrinthe de Lumiere (Micronet, distributed by Nemopolis) - March 2012 (France, Belgium, Switzerland)
2 in 1: Meine Tierarztpraxi & Meine Tierpension 2 (dtp young entertainment GmbH) - 30th March 2012
Secrets of the Titanic (Avanquest) - 6th April (UK, Ireland)
Little Charlie Bear (Avanquest) - 13th April (UK, Ireland)
BATTLESHIP the videogame (Acitvision) - April 2012
Treasures of Montezuma 2 (dtp entertainment AG (distributor)) - 11th May 2012 (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
Mahjong Mysteries: Legends of Atlantis (Avanquest) - 18th May 2012
Pippi Longstocking (PAN Vision) - 8th June 2012 (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark)
Jewel Link Chronicles � Legends of Atlantis (Avanquest) - 29th June (UK, Ireland)
Mozart und die Anhanger des Loki (Nemopolis) - June 2012 (Germany)
Marie-Antoinette and the Disciples of Loki (Nemoplis) - June 2012 (UK)
Disney. Pixar Brave (Disney) - June-August 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man (Activision) - Q2 2012
Nintendo DSiWare - Amoebattle (Intrinsic Games) - Q2 2012
To-Fu Collection (Rising Star Games) - Q2 2012
Jewel Master: Cradle of Persia (Rising Star Games) - Q2 2012

Wii

The Last Story� (Nintendo) - 24th February 2012
The Last Story� Limited Edition (Nintendo) - 24th February 2012
Wicked Monsters Blast (PQube) - 24th February 2012
Mario Party� 9 - 2nd March 2012
Cabela�s Big Game Hunter 2012 (Activision) - 16th March 2012
Poke Park� 2: Wonders Beyond (Nintendo) - 23rd March 2012
We Sing Pop! (Nordic Games Publishing) - 23rd March 2012
Captain Morgane and the Golden Turtle (dtp entertainment AG (distributor)) - 23rd March 2012 (Germany Switzerland, Austria)
BIT.TRIP COMPLETE (Rising Star Games) - 23rd March 2012 (Pan � Europe)
The Ultimate Battle of the Sexes_Quiz & Play (dtp young entertainment GmbH) - 30th March 2012
Nickelodeon Dance (2K Play) - 30th March 2012 (UK,FR,SP, Benelux, Australia, NZ)
Summer Stars 2012 (Deep Silver) - 30th March 2012
Back to the Future The Game (Deep Silver) - 30th March 2012 (PAL)
Wii Virtual Console - Mega Man x (CAPCOM) - March 2012
Turbo Trainz (Mastertronic) - 12th April 2012 (France)
Pandora�s Tower� (Nintendo) - 13th April 2012
Pandora�s Tower� Limited Edition (Nintendo) - 13th April 2012
Wii Virtual Console - Metal Slug 3 (D4 Entertainment) - April 2012
WiiWare - La-Mulana (Nicalis) - April 2012
BATTLESHIP the videogame (Activision) - April 2012
Disney.Pixar Brave (Disney) - June � August 2012
Athletics Tournament (PQube) - Q2 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man (Activision) - Q2 2012
Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise� (Nintendo) - 2012

News: Mario Tennis 3DS Served Up in May

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:42:53 +0000

Mario will be serving up an ace in Mario Tennis Open this May, just in time for Wimbledon.

Mario Tennis is back boasting new and classic features.

The usual bunch from the dysfunctional Mario family are set to play Tennis again this year over a set of crazy levels in full 3D.

This isn't merely a 3D update though, this all new Mario Tennis title brings new features to the series for the first time. The game will feature local multiplayer for up to four people as well as StreetPass and online ranked play.

The game is set to release on May 24th in Japan and a day later in Europe on May 25th.

News: Two Fatal Frame Games Coming to Europe

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:27:34 +0000

Critically-acclaimed horror to grace both 3DS and Wii...

Nintendo of Europe has today made the surprise announcement that not one, but two games in the Fatal Frame series will be making their way to our shores.

Firstly is a confirmation of a European release for Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir. The game is an augmented reality based spin-off for Nintendo 3DS that makes extensive use of the system's camera.

Shockingly though, Nintendo also confirmed a European release for the long-ago-announced Fatal Frame 2 remake that we all thought had been quietly canned.

Quite the stink was kicked up when Nintendo of Europe refused to localise Fatal Frame IV right at the last, but the Wii remake of the second entry in the series will release over here later in the year under the guise of Project Zero 2: Wii Edition

News: The Last Story Coming to North America

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:26:23 +0000

Its finally happened, Reggie has announced that North America will be playing The Last Story this year.

Whilst us Europeans are eagerly anticipating the release of The Last Story on Friday, American's were still waiting for confirmation of a release.

Well they don't need to worry any longer as Reggie announced that The Last Story is coming to North America later in the year.

XSEED games will be publishing the critically acclaimed RPG.

News: Capcom, Namco Bandai, Sega Collaborate

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:16:20 +0000

Capcom, Namco Bandai and Sega are collaborating to make a new 3DS title.

During Nintendo Direct, a trailer played stating that Namco Bandai, Sega and Capcom are all working on one title together, for the 3DS.

The teaser trailer didn't give away any information though, so quite what they could be working on is anyone's guess.

Nintendo recently announced that they will be working with various companies in the future to revive old franchises, so perhaps this is something to do with that announcement

What game would you like to see the 3 companies create together? Do you hope it's an old series and if so, what? Let us know your thoughts in the forums!

Stay tuned as the US Nintendo Direct is currently taking place, talk about it with other Nintendo gamers in N-Europe Chat.

News: New Dr Kawashima 3DS Game

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:50:06 +0000

Dr Kawashima implores you to concentrate as Iwata tries to explain the new title.

Dr Kawashima's Brain Training was one of the DS games (along with Nintendogs and Professor Layton) to launch the system into the mass market.

With that in mind, Iwata is keen to see the 3DS have similar success, so an all new Dr Kawashima game is on the way.

After flirting with KINECT, Kawashima is firmly back with Nintendo and this time he wants people to improve their concentration and memory.

Iwata said that in the 6 years that have passed since the original Brain Training, a lot has changed in the science behind it and that this new game will be more beneficial in the current world we live in.

Kawashima believes that people are 'information obsessed' and with vast amounts of information at our finger tips, it's hard to concentrate on one particular thing without being distracted.

This new game will help people improve their memory and concentration. Iwata stated it's great for all kinds of people, especially students.

News: Game Gear Titles Arrive on eShop

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:40:58 +0000

Game Gear games are set to brace the Nintendo eShop this March.

Amid the many trailers in Nintendo Direct was the announcement that Game Gear titles are (finally) making their way to the eShop in Japan and Europe.

Unsurprisingly, Sonic The Hedgehog is set to be one of the first Game Gear games to appear on the 3DS Virtual Console along with Shinobi and Dargon Crystal.

The games are set to release on March 14th in Japan and also set to arrive on European 3DS consoles 'mid-March'.

Stay tuned for more information from Nintendo Direct and remember that Reggie will be hosting the US version very shortly!

News: Dillon's Rolling Western Available Today

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:34:32 +0000

Dillon's Rolling Western is available to download today from the Nintendo eShop.

Following on from Nintendo Direct, Nintendo UK's new Twitter account announced that Dillon's Rolling Western is available from today on the Nintendo eShop.

The game sees you exploring a 3D environment whilst attacking enemies by spinning at them. You play as Dillon, the main character who happens to be an armadillo. The game incorporates both action and tower defence elements.

News: Fire Emblem 3DS Confirmed For Europe

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:36:09 +0000

The next Fire Emblem title will indeed be hitting our shores...

The localized stream of Satoru Iwata's Nintendo Direct address has confirmed that Fire Emblem for 3DS will indeed be hitting Europe in 2012.

Subtitled Awakening in Japan, the game is all new and will release in the Land of the Rising Sun on April 19th. It has been confirmed that the game will support DLC in the form of new maps and missions. These will be purely extra contents with no relation to the main story mode.

Iwata also confirmed that this DLC will be made available for free in Japan until May 31st. After that, it will be paid DLC. European plans for the DLC have yet to be confirmed.

News: NOE Also Hosting Direct Conference

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:43:58 +0000

Three conferences, three regions. What megatons could possibly await us tomorrow?

Just seconds (minutes (hours)) after announcing separate Nintendo Direct broadcasts for Japan and North America, Nintendo of Europe has announced it will be airing its own pre-recorded conference tomorrow as well.

European fans should direct their attention here. The broadcast will get under way at 1pm CET (12pm GMT), and will include "English subtitles".

Never before have three major regions all aired near-simultaneous Nintendo Direct conferences. Then again, tomorrow could well be a practice-run for making the triumvirate Nintendo Direct a regular thing. As always, it's best to keep expectations under control.

The news should be rolling in at about noon tomorrow.

News: Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS Development Begins

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:15:52 +0000

As Pit spreads his wings, Sakurai is free to start work on his next big project - Smash Bros.

If there's one thing Sakurai constantly gets pestered about in any kind of interview, it's the Smash Bros. series.

He's recently stated countless times that work on the new Smash Bros. game coming to Wii U and 3DS won't begin until Kid Icarus: Uprising is complete and now that the European release is just a month away, it seems he is free to start work on the next big thing.

According to his Twitter, Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS is firmly on his mind! Sakurai stated that he's started by looking at the smash Bros Dojo website and reflecting on the Wii game, "How did we make this?" he tweeted in a very humble manner.

Indeed, anyone that was sucked into the Brawl hype all those years ago may remember that the Smash Bros Dojo was a site Sakurai used to reveal various new aspects of the game - Every day!

This is all Sakurai has had to say at the moment, no new Dojo has been revealed thus far and no other information regarding the titles have been uttered but it's still very early days so that is to be expected.

All that we know for now is what Iwata originally told us at E3, that the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game will apparently work with one another in some way - presumably for online battles across consoles and handhelds.

News: Nintendo Direct Returning Tomorrow

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:15:10 +0000

Nintendo of America also getting in on the action once again...

Nintendo will be airing its next Nintendo Direct infomercial tomorrow, with separate broadcasts being released by NCL and Nintendo of America.

The first broadcast will be a pre-recorded message from president Satoru Iwata, and will be streamed on the Japanese website at 8pm. That's 11am GMT and 12pm CET.

The broadcast is set to reveal another round of Wii and 3DS-related information, though no clues on what megatons await.

Three hours later, a translated broadcast will be streamed on Nintendo of America's website. COO Reggie Fils-Aime is expected to relay all the relevant announcements to North American consumers, so be sure to tune in at 2pm GMT/3pm CET.

Stay tuned as we bring you all the news as it hits.

Retro: VC Weekly #193

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:25:58 +0000

Welcome to VC Weekly, N-Europe�s guide to the wonderful world of Nintendo�s download service. Written by Sam C Gittins.

A double dose of downloadable delights as both consoles receive another addition to their respective libraries. Anyway enough from me and on with the games!

Available for download this week we have...

King of Fighters '97
Kirby's Block-Ball

Points: 800
Publisher: SNK Playmore
Developer: SNK
Released: 1997
System: Neo Geo

While we have had two games from this series before it seems the developer has forsaken continuity skipping the lesser '96 entry in favour of bringing us the far superior King of Fighters '97 which feels like a significant step-up from '95 in terms of both quantity and quality. The inclusion of six brand new characters bumps the roster up to a respectable total of thirty fighters while the improved visual clarity immediately apparent from when your first play coupled with the rebalanced A.I really makes this entry a lot more enjoyable from the outset.

There are two play modes available to you which includes 'Advanced' which grants you the ability to stack three super moves as you build up your gauge plus 'Extra' which has only one gauge that you simply charge up, gaining 'Max Power' when it's completely full; the choice is yours and while it might not have needed to be included it's still nice to actually have the option. As a nod to previous titles there is a secret character in the form of '94 Kyo Kusanagi which adds to the already impressive roster which includes firm favourites Iori, Kim, Kyo, Mai and Terry plus a load of new faces comprising of Chang Koehan, Chin Gentsai, Choi Bounge... they don't all begin with 'C' I promise you but it's a strong selection regardless.

Once you've picked your team of three you'll be guaranteed a good time as the refined gameplay ensures equilibrium so whether you like to go all out or play things a little more cautiously you will be well catered for. There aren't that many opponents that feel 'cheap' which is a good thing so you'll likely be able to progress at a decent rate but that's not to say the game is a cake-walk because it most certainly has some punishing oppnents who will pummel you especially if you're new to the series but stick with it because the more time you invest in this title the brighter it will shine.

Speaking of shininess everything about this entry is very well polished indeed including the characters all of which are well animated, standing out well even against the rather busy backdrops which have that essential attention to detail which the series is well-known for. There is also a decent selection of background music though certain stages seem to have more ambience coming from cheering crowds and whatnot but it always feels appropriate just as the sound effects are satisfyingly substantial.

Fans of the series will no doubt absolutely love this entry as it's easily one of the best but it's not actually a bad entry point for anyone considering the series, you would do well to invest some points in this as it's a fantastic fighter based on its own merits and is a world apart from more recognisable names in the genre such as Street Fighter but for all the right reasons. If you're looking for a fighting game that requires a significantly different approach than most modern titles then you really can't go wrong here, you can only do right as King of Fighters '97 still has a lot to offer even now fifteen years on.

Verdict : A fantastic fighting game that's still frighteningly fun to play.

Price: GB �2.70, EU �3
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Hal Laboratory
Released: 1995
System: GameBoy

Kirbys versatility seems to know no bounds as it seems like he has been in more spin-offs than actual platforming adventures which he originated in, the little pink puffball seems only too happy to be used as a golf ball or pinball in other games but this time around he takes on the form of a more standard spherical object so that he can be batted against a wall in true 'Breakout' fashion in this rather reasonable clone of the old classic and so much more.

Naturally it's the Kirby branding that sells it as this is more than just a simple copy of the old 'bat 'n ball' game, each stage is based on a location from Dreamland which comes complete with enemies to defeat each of which has a power to absorb which will allow you to become for instance Fire Kirby which will allow you to burn through blocks but watch out for the spike pit below the bat as if you hit those it'll cost you a life. Things get more complex when you have multiple bats to control on all sides of the screen � Up/Down moves the ones to the side while Left/Right will move the ones above and below � there are also boss battles at the end of each world which hark back to classic Kirby games and are a lot of fun.

Collectable items within the stages include 'Bombs' which will detonate destroying certain otherwise indestructible blocks plus the classic 'Warp-Star' which will take you to a bonus level of your choice which include air hockey, star throwing, card matching and cloud bouncing all of which are fun distractions fitting in well with the games structure. It may be somewhat predictable in how it plays out but we must remember that the original Break-Out had no story to speak of so all of this really just makes the game more appealing, fortunately there are plenty of new elements introduced regularly so you'll very rarely find yourself being bored over the short experience which lasts only a few hours.

Functional is the best way to describe the visuals as they are perfectly adequate for this type of game but there is of course some of the usual Kirby charm there which manages to shine through. Audio is characteristically cheerful only serving to add atmosphere to what would have been a rather basic experience without it; this is proof that Kirby truly can liven up any game experience.

With all of its charm Kirby's Block Ball is really fun to play and it's easily one of the best ways to enjoy this age-old classic bat 'n ball game which has seen so many clones over the years that have come even after this version but failed to match it. If you've yet to play Break-Out then you could do a lot worse than download this excellent version of it which is a must for die-hard Kirby fans who can't get enough of the pink blob.

Verdict : Once again Kirby's the star of the show in this excellent clone.

That's it for another installment of VC Weekly which will return again soon. So until then, enjoy the rest of the week and Game On!

Sam Gittins
sam.gittins@n-europe.com

News: Nintendo Reviving Seaman, More, on 3DS

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:33:24 +0000

Nintendo indulges in surprising scheme to revive dormant third party franchises...

Nintendo is to release a revival of the cult (and weird) Dreamcast 'classic' Seaman for 3DS, according to respected Japanese publication Nikkei (via Andriasang).

Seaman was a surreal virtual 'pet' sim, that had the player raising and interacting with a 'Seaman' creature by using a microphone.

The game was created by Yoot Saito, whose oeuvre includes Odama, the pinball-cum-war-simulator for Gamecube that was also controlled with a microphone. He is currently working on one of the titles in Level-5's four-games-in-one package Guild 01 for 3DS.

Perhaps the bigger news is that Nintendo's revival of Sega's property is part of a wider project to bring new "strong titles" to 3DS. This will seemingly entail the return of other publisher's dormant franchises under the banner of Nintendo.

News: GAME Drops The Last Story Special Edition

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:06:06 +0000

An important notification for those with pre-orders...

Struggling UK retailer GAME will not be offering the special edition version of Nintendo's The Last Story, it has emerged just days before the game's release.

Customers were themselves left to discover today that the special edition had been removed from GAME's website. The company later confirmed that the SKU will not be stocked, despite the previous listing.

For those who pre-ordered the special edition with GAME, it is not clear how GAME plan to proceed with fulfilling orders. There are suggestions that the order will automatically be switched to the standard edition of the standalone game, but the retailer has still not directly contacted consumers with any information about this.

Other online retailers in the UK are continuing to offer the special edition version.

It is the second time in as many weeks that a Nintendo-distributed product has been dropped by GAME at the last, following news that Tekken 3D would not be stocked. Fresh questions are now raised about the beleaguered retailer's relationship with one of its most important suppliers.

News: Bit.Trip Retail Release Dates

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:50:21 +0000

The Bit.Trip compilations heading to both Wii and 3DS will now release a week earlier.

You can now enjoy the popular WiiWare series on one disc a week early, Rising Star Games announced.

The two titles, originally set for a March 23rd release, will now be on shop shelves from March 16th.

The compilations include all six previous titles in the Bit.Trip series: Beat, Core, Void, Runner, Fate and Flux. The games will come with various new features such as online leaderboards and new difficulty settings whilst the Wii version is also set to release with an original soundtrack CD.

Bit.Trip Saga is set to release on 3DS (with new 3D visuals) whilst Bit.Trip Complete will be released on Wii with the soundtrack CD.

News: 3DS Passes 5m Mark in Japan

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:44:42 +0000

Sets the record for passing the milestone in under a year...

Nintendo has confirmed that the 3DS has just sailed past the milestone of five million units sold in its homeland of Japan.

The feat also makes it the fastest-selling device; passing the figure in a staggeringly quick 51 weeks. Nintendo's other recent successful systems all took over a year to achieve the goal.

After releasing in 2004, Nintendo DS currently sits at around 32.8 million sold in its lifetime. Sony's rival PSP is just below 19 million. The handheld market contrasts heavily with the home console scene - Wii stands at just over 12.2 million sold while PS3 is at 7.8 million. The latter will surely be eclipsed by 3DS soon into its second year.

Perhaps the biggest question mark now over 3DS' head is whether it can replicate the explosion its predeccesor eventually saw thanks to unprecedented success of the Brain Training line of software. Satoru Iwata promised last year that new types of genres were in development for 3DS.

News: Nintendogs & Cats Demo This Week

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:41:51 +0000

If you have yet to purchase the dog (and cat!) simulator then Nintendo are tempting you with their first demo on the eShop!

The eShop see's its debut first party demo this week as Nintendogs and Cats is set to hit the eShop this Thursday for European gamers.

People who have yet to try the pet sim can now enjoy various aspects of the game for free, including hardcore tennis ball and balloon action.

You'll have a few dogs and cats to choose from whilst some might even bring back gifts! Nintendogs and Cats joins the ever expanding roster of demo's along with recent heavy weight titles Resident Evil Revelations and Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater.

Stay tuned to N-Europe for more eShop news and of course, Virtual Console weekly!