The Wii is in

We just got the Nintendo Wii this morning, and so far it's pretty darn cool. After the standard unpacking, photographing (check out our slide show) and note taking, I managed to get some quality sit-down time with the Nintendo Wii.

Setup was surprisingly easy. Stick the Wii on a table, plug in the power, TV, and sensor-bar cords, and stick the sensor bar under (or on top of) your TV. Syncing the Wiimote controller was just a matter of pressing the Sync button on the device and watching the blue LED light up. The setup screen came on, and I used the Wiimote to set the time, the device's nickname, and the network connection. Wi-Fi is built into the Wii; Ethernet connectivity will be available via a USB adapter, sold separately.

I haven't played Twilight Princess or Excite Truck yet (aside from their demos at press events), but I had some fun with friends playing Wii Sports. The games are supersimple, but they're incredibly addictive. I can definitely see Wii Sports being the new Duck Hunt: a fun, mindless game you can play with your friends without much time commitment. I fully plan to eventually create a legion of Big Lebowski-themed Miis (the customizable onscreen avatars) for the sole purpose of playing Wii Sports Bowling.

Unfortunately, we couldn't check out any of the Internet features. Actually setting up the network connection was simple, and I easily connected to the office router. However, Nintendo hasn't gone live with its Wii channels server, so I couldn't actually check out the Virtual Console, news, or weather. Expect an update on those features as soon as Nintendo opens up its servers.

So far, the Wii is really fun. The pointer seems a bit finicky, but that might be an issue of sensor-bar placement. Otherwise, controls are intuitive, games are enjoyable, and the graphics actually look pretty good. They don't look PS3 good, but no one was really expecting that.

Expect our full review of the Nintendo Wii just as soon as we can draw our solid conclusions about the console; in the meantime, check out our preview, which includes a hands-on video demo.

Microsoft offers students free Xbox with PC buy

Microsoft is offering a deal to students on the edge of summer.

Starting May 22, students who buy a new PC for $699 or more will receive a free Xbox 360 4GB console, the software giant said in a blog post today. The offer is available to online shoppers who buy a PC from Dell.com, HP.com, or Microsoft's online store. Those who want to head to a retail outlet can find the deal at Best Buy or Microsoft's stores.

In order for students to get the free Xbox 360, they will need to have .edu e-mail address at the time of purchase. If they don't have a .edu e-mail address, they can go to a retail store and present their student IDs.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 4GB console currently retails for $200. The hardware features built-in Wi-Fi and comes with a black Xbox 360 wireless controller. Those who want additional storage will need to buy a hard drive separately.

Buy a PC, get a free Xbox 360.

(Credit: Microsoft)

The Xbox 360 has been performing exceptionally well at retail as of late. According to research firm NPD, the software giant sold 297,000 Xbox 360 units in April and bested Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. Microsoft said that the Xbox 360 has been the best-selling console in 10 of the last 11 months.

Microsoft's free Xbox 360 offer is valid through September 3, or while supplies last. The offer will be coming to Canada and France "soon," Microsoft said.

Does the iCade prove that the iPad needs a controller?

A fellow co-worker who's an unabashed iOS enthusiast passed by my cube yesterday and saw me playing on a table-top arcade machine sitting on my desk. He stopped, eyes drawn to the bright colors on the sides and the top, and the arcade graphics on the small glass screen. I explained that it was an iPad sitting in the iCade, a $99 self-assemble arcade cabinet with Bluetooth joystick.

Naturally, he wanted to try it out on a few games he liked. I explained that the iCade currently only works with Atari's Greatest Hits app, which admittedly has 100 games, but lacks arcade classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Joust--games that are, of course, made by other publishers. I also explained that it really only worked in portrait mode (or a slightly precarious but still-possible landscape mode, by using a groove on the outside edge).

He started to sour. Eventually, he walked away.

Of course, for arcade nuts and fans of novelty bar-top/desktop toys, the iCade is still a pretty awesome little treat. But until it can support other games--which Ion, the maker of the iCade, says will happen via a shared API--its appeal will necessarily be limited. I can think of dozens of games in the App Store that would be perfect for the iCade: Street Fighter IV. Death Rally. NBA Jam. Pinball HD. Tetris. Space Invaders Infinity Gene. The aforementioned Pac-Man.

I can also, however, think of some that wouldn't be perfect. Geometry Wars. Dead Space. Or, any dual-stick shooters.

Between the iCade and flexible stick-on thumbpads like the Fling, it seems like iOS devices are heading for an age of Plastic Junk, much like what happened with consoles around the time that Rock Band hit stores. The question is, does Apple want to accept a sea of half-adequate controllers, or settle the score and make a control pad case of its own?

Here are the solutions I can see.

1. Apple does nothing. That's the current landscape. Gaming is huge on iOS devices, but the dissatisfaction among some parties with a lack of buttons has led to peripherals like the iCade and Fling. More will inevitably come, especially with how much money the iOS gaming industry is beginning to represent. Most people will play without controllers, and a few will try these quirky extras.
2. Apple releases an API for controllers. An official 30-pin/Bluetooth API or SDK for iOS 5 would open up game development with controllers in mind, and enable third parties to make better-supported accessories. A more centralized gaming landscape for controllers, like Game Center for multiplayer, can avoid patchwork device support. However, then we'll be debating which controllers to buy like we debate iPad cases.
3. Apple makes its own controller. This would annoy third-party peripheral makers, but Apple could control the design factor and keep a clean look. From an aesthetics perspective, lots of weird peripherals could make for lots of ugly-looking iPhones and iPads. Another advantage of an Apple-made controller could be integrated support for future features such as Apple TV cross-compatibility. If Nintendo's next Wii really does feature a tablet, why can't Apple's own iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch have buttons to become a true controller for a set-top box?

For the iPad, the solution could either be a controller/case, or a Bluetooth controller that pairs easily and works well. Technically there's no reason why Sony's PS3 controller couldn't do the trick, except for the fact that neither device currently recognizes the other. Then, of course, you'd need to prop the iPad up using a Smart Cover or other stand and use it like a mini-TV.

The iCade's crisp joystick switches and eight buttons make the few arcade games that work for it more fun to play, and it solidly makes the case for controller gaming on Apple's 9.7-inch screen. Maybe it's time for button-based gaming to be revisited on iOS, starting with the iPad.

Child of Eden Xbox 360

Child of Eden thrusts the player into the center of a battle to save Project Lumi, a mission to reproduce a human personality inside Eden, the archive of all human memories. As the project nears completion, the archive is invaded by an unknown virus. The player's mission is to save Eden from the virus, restoring hope and peace.
This game is a collaboration between publisher Ubisoft and acclaimed videogame creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi -- the mastermind behind the acclaimed game Rez. The player becomes truly immersed in the game, with no physical barriers between him and the game world.

Back to the Future: The Game -- Episode 5: Outatime PC

Marty McFly and Doc Brown return in a completely new Back to the Future adventure. Six months after the events of the third film, the DeLorean Time Machine mysteriously returns to Hill Valley -- driverless! Marty must go back in time and get aid from a resistant teenage Emmett Brown, or else the space time continuum will forever be unraveled!

This episodic game series takes you back in time as Marty and Doc embark on a completely new cinematic time-travel adventure based on the blockbuster movie franchise about a nutty scientist who has invented a time-traveling DeLorean.

Release Date: May 2011
Also on: iPad, Mac, PS3
T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Language, Mild Violence

Genre: Adventure 

Publisher: Telltale Games

Beyond Good & Evil HD PlayStation 3

One of Ubisoft's most beloved classics comes to HD consoles in this refreshed edition of Beyond Good & Evil. Use your camera to uncover the dark secrets of your government in this story-driven action-adventure.

Meet Jade. She's a brunette beauty with an eye for mystery and a camera to uncover it. When the would-be heroine's futuristic planet is threatened by aliens, Jade finds herself thrust into the heart of a vicious conspiracy that could stretch to the very top of her government.

Jade can explore a huge, water-covered world by hovercraft or take to a variety of islands and interact with merchants, or tackle assignments to earn money and advance the surprisingly deep and intriguing storyline that surrounds her quest. She can also gain a number of items and weapons that are integral to advancing and a lot of fun to wield. Packed full of twists and turns and even a talking man-pig, Ubisoft has crafted yet another big adventure series.

Release Date: May 2011
Exclusively on: PlayStation 3
T for Teen: Comic Mischief, Violence

Genre: Third-Person ActionAdventure 

Publisher: Ubisoft

Outland PlayStation 3

An action platformer with a combat/interactivity system based on polarity, Outland focuses on a hero who can switch between light and dark forms, an ability he'll need to exploit in order to destroy monsters and avoid attacks. He'll take damage from opposite-colored bullets but will be impervious to those of the same polarity. He'll also only be able to control objects that match his polarity. By switching between forms, he will be able to solve platforming puzzles and crush enemies in this mysterious new land he finds himself in.

Release Date: May 2011
MSRP: $10.0
Also on: X360
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence

Genre: Action

Publisher: Ubisoft

 

The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Nintendo DS

The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is a game of riddle and mystery as players slip into the role of the whip-smart Inspector Newcomen and solve a very strange case!

It is Friday 13th August 1886. The lanes of Soho are depraved, the air as heavy as the mind of the people, and no-one forebodes what terrifying things happened in the night ... The murder of a wealthy citizen, you ask a good friend and forensic doctor for help. Only Dr Jekyll can the provide the answers you need. Slip into the role of Inspector Newcomen and solve this strange case!

Release Date: May 2011
MSRP: $19.99
Also on: PC
E for Everyone

Genre: Adventure 

Publisher : O-Games

Naughty Bear (Gold Edition) Xbox 360

In Naughty Bear, players take on the role of Naughty Bear, a bear driven to seek vengeance after the other bears don't invite him to the big birthday party. Scorned for the last time, Naughty Bear becomes hell bent on manipulating and terrorizing the blissful bears inhabiting the Island of Perfection.

As Naughty Bear, players will wreak havoc on every stuffing-filled foe that crosses their path. Featuring an array of weapons, objects and scare tactics, gamers strive to earn Naughty Points as they inflict physical and psychological harm on Naughty Bear's enemies. This all-new scare-based points system means players will win the most rewards for being deviant and maniacal. The variety allows for a completely new experience every time players pick up a controller and the ill-fated bears become more difficult to harass and terrorize as the game progresses.

Naughty Bear features more than 30 levels to unlock, with unique characteristics and weaponry encountered at every stage. Gamers can search the game world and collect all the hidden party items locked away by the other bears.

Release Date: May 24, 2011

MSRP: $29.99

Exclusively on: Xbox 360

T for Teen: Violence

Genre: Action Adventure 

Publisher: 505 Games

Naughty Bear (Gold Edition) PlayStation 3

In Naughty Bear, players take on the role of Naughty Bear, a bear driven to seek vengeance after the other bears don't invite him to the big birthday party. Scorned for the last time, Naughty Bear becomes hell bent on manipulating and terrorizing the blissful bears inhabiting the Island of Perfection.

As Naughty Bear, players will wreak havoc on every stuffing-filled foe that crosses their path. Featuring an array of weapons, objects and scare tactics, gamers strive to earn Naughty Points as they inflict physical and psychological harm on Naughty Bear's enemies. This all-new scare-based points system means players will win the most rewards for being deviant and maniacal. The variety allows for a completely new experience every time players pick up a controller and the ill-fated bears become more difficult to harass and terrorize as the game progresses.

Naughty Bear features more than 30 levels to unlock, with unique characteristics and weaponry encountered at every stage. Gamers can search the game world and collect all the hidden party items locked away by the other bears.

Release Date: May 24, 2011

MSRP: $49.99

Exclusively on: PlayStation 3

Genre: Action Adventure 

Publisher: 505 Games

T for Teen: Violence

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale Xbox 360

The Forgotten Realms are under attack by the evil Zhentarim in Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale, another thrilling adventure in the world's most popular fantasy role-playing game. D&D: Daggerdale centers on the desperate struggle to defeat the evil Rezlus and his Zhentarim in their attempt to invade and conquer the Dalelands. The game offers a multi-player experience that introduces a riveting narrative and treacherous new characters. Players are charged with the task of restoring order to Nentir Vale by unlocking the secrets of the Mines of Tethyamar, defeating the evil within the treacherous Tower of the Void, leading to the final confrontation with Rezlus himself.

Action-packed RPG gameplay allows for solo and co-op play for up to four players. Gamers use intuitive pick-up-and-play combat combined with a wide assortment of weapons, feats and powers to defeat a wide range of deadly enemies. Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale boasts an array of stunning levels and exploration opportunities set in the richly detailed environments.

Release Date: May 24, 2011

Exclusively on: Xbox 360

T for Teen: Blood, Violence

Genre: RPG 

Developer: Bedlam Games

Online Play : 4 Co-op

Publisher: Atari

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale PlayStation 3

The Forgotten Realms are under attack by the evil Zhentarim in Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale, another thrilling adventure in the world's most popular fantasy role-playing game. D&D: Daggerdale centers on the desperate struggle to defeat the evil Rezlus and his Zhentarim in their attempt to invade and conquer the Dalelands. The game offers a multi-player experience that introduces a riveting narrative and treacherous new characters. Players are charged with the task of restoring order to Nentir Vale by unlocking the secrets of the Mines of Tethyamar, defeating the evil within the treacherous Tower of the Void, leading to the final confrontation with Rezlus himself.

Action-packed RPG gameplay allows for solo and co-op play for up to four players. Gamers use intuitive pick-up-and-play combat combined with a wide assortment of weapons, feats and powers to defeat a wide range of deadly enemies. Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale boasts an array of stunning levels and exploration opportunities set in the richly detailed environments.

Release Date: May 24, 2011

Exclusively on: PlayStation 3

T for Teen: Blood, Violence

Genre: RPG 

Publisher: Atari

Developer: Bedlam Games

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale PC

The Forgotten Realms are under attack by the evil Zhentarim in Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale, another thrilling adventure in the world's most popular fantasy role-playing game. D&D: Daggerdale centers on the desperate struggle to defeat the evil Rezlus and his Zhentarim in their attempt to invade and conquer the Dalelands. The game offers a multi-player experience that introduces a riveting narrative and treacherous new characters. Players are charged with the task of restoring order to Nentir Vale by unlocking the secrets of the Mines of Tethyamar, defeating the evil within the treacherous Tower of the Void, leading to the final confrontation with Rezlus himself.

Action-packed RPG gameplay allows for solo and co-op play for up to four players. Gamers use intuitive pick-up-and-play combat combined with a wide assortment of weapons, feats and powers to defeat a wide range of deadly enemies. Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale boasts an array of stunning levels and exploration opportunities set in the richly detailed environments.

Dirt 3 PC

ABOUT THIS GAME

The acclaimed off-road racing franchise returns in this third series entry. DiRT 3 delivers mud, sweat and gears the world over: from the intense weather-beaten rally stages of Europe, Africa and the US, to executing performance driving showcases and career challenges where car control is pushed to spectacular limits. The game boasts more cars, more locations, more routes and more events than any other game in the series, including over 50 rally cars representing the very best from five decades of the sport.


Release Date: May 24, 2011         Genre: Racing 


Also on: PS3, X360


Publisher: Codemasters

Developers: codemasters

Venetica

In this German action-RPG, Scarlett, the daughter of Death itself, sets out to rescue her ghoulish father from an evil Necromancer who threatens to destroy the world.
overview
In Venetica, Death becomes embodied and serves the ancient secret council known only as Corpus. Every generation Corpus chooses Death's successor, but when they unknowingly choose a necromancer, they disobey Corpus law and throw the balance of the world into chaos. It is known that no mortal can kill a necromancer, and that is where Scarlett steps in. With no knowledge of her past, she begins her adventure; She finds out she is the daughter of Death incarnate and is blessed with his ultimate powers. As she progresses, her powers become stronger, and her mind sharpens. These are all things she will need to defeat the evil that threatens to destroy the world and ultimately save her father. 
gameplay
Venetica is a third-person action-RPG set in and around a fictional version of Venice. The game is largely melee based, with access to swords, hammers, axes,spears, shields and scythes. Enemies are automatically targeted by being the closest to the front of Scarlett. Players can use a variety of techniques to aid them in combat, such as rolling and blocking.

As an RPG, Venetica rewards players with XP for discovering new locations, defeating enemies and completing quests. Levelling up provides points to improve not only Scarlett's attributes but to learn and develop both physical and mental (magic) skills. Attributes can be improved there and then, skills can only be gained through use of various trainers who can be found throughout the game world.
Death also plays a unique role in Venetica, through use of the 'Twilight World'. Scarlett is able to obtain Twilight energy by killing enemies with her 'Moonblade' scythe, and if she has enough energy when you die, she can be revived with all her hit points restored. When this happens, you enter a sort of 'bullet time' and are also able to move Scarlett to a better position when the game resumes. The 'Twilight World' can also be accessed through normal play via specific mental skills to discover hidden locations and passageways.

Venetica also has a number of RPG staples such as lock picking and interacting/trading with NPCs. The game also features a reputation system with which you can gain reputation points for completing certain quests and lose points for committing various crimes such as stealing.

PC System Requirements

Minimum

• Operating System: Windows XP SP2 or Vista

• Processor: Pentium 4 with 2.4 GHz or comparable processor

• Graphics Card: Geforce 6600 GT or comparable graphics card (min 256 MB)

• RAM Memory: 1 GB (XP) / 1.5 GB (Vista x86) / 2 GB (Vista x64)

• Hard Disk Space: 10 GB

• Recommended

  • Operating System: Windows XP SP2 or Vista
  • Processor: Core 2 Duo E8200 (2.67 GHz) or comparable processor
  • Graphics Card: Geforce 8800 GT or comparable graphics card (min 512 MB)
  • RAM Memory: 2 GB (XP) / 3 GB (Vista)
  • Hard Disk Space: 10 GB

  • Xbox 360 Installation

    Venetica requires 4.8GB of hard disk space.