Nightly News Roundup: 2011.02.28

3DS receives lukewarm reception upon its Japanese release

OK, so the title is a complete and utter lie. The latest Nintendo handheld 3DS sold out throughout Tokyo almost instantly following its release, and throughout the rest of Japan in about 24 hours. While only 400,000 units were initially distributed, Nintendo and retailers promise more are on the way. Meanwhile, in the United States, excitement for the handheld has reached a fever pitch, and believed to be the source of the erratic behavior of Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen.

Alright, so that last bit is likely a lie too. Though far less of a stretch than the title.

Source: Andriasang

New Career Opportunity with Spirit Hunters Inc.

Who hasn’t wanted to become a Ghostbuster? Developer nnooo wants to give DSi gamers a chance with the augmented-reality game Spirit Hunters Inc. The role playing title challenges players to hunt, battle, and capture various spirits that inhabit our world. Check out the promo video below.

Source: nnooo Press Release

Nintendo Download: Take one last BIT.TRIP

While Virtual Console on Wii is all but dead, Gaijin Games loves the Wii DLC fans enough to release the conclusion of its excellent BIT.TRIP series, BIT.TRIP FLUX. WiiWare also has a couple of demos this week, while DSiWare has a handful of releases as well. Check out more on these titles from Nintendo’s press release below.

WiiWare

• BIT.TRIP FLUX
  • Publisher: Aksys Games
  • Players: 1-2
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
  • Price: 800 Wii Points
  • Description: The BIT.TRIP series comes full circle with BIT.TRIP FLUX, CommanderVideo’s final adventure. Grab your Wii Remote controller and get ready for classic paddle-based game play as CommanderVideo returns to the source. Whether playing in single-player or in cooperative two-player mode, you’ll be faced with new challenges that will make even the most experienced BIT.TRIPPERS weep. Enjoy new power-ups (including the Fullscreen Paddle), new beat types (including Avoid Beats) and the new Meta Mode. Ride along with CommanderVideo as he completes his mission and returns home.
• Gods vs Humans (demo version)
  • Publisher: ZALLAG
  • Players: 1
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Cartoon Violence
  • Price: 0 Wii Points; full version available for 1,200 Wii Points
  • Description: Embody major gods from Scandinavian, Egyptian, Roman and Japanese mythologies. As a god, you have enough power to rule the humans – all but the cheeky ones. Some of them want to enter your domain and have decided to build a tower to confront you. Use your divine powers to bring them down and show them who’s boss. Be careful not to hurt them though – you need people to believe in you. The game includes 60 levels for the solo campaign, 16 playable gods with specific powers, four hysterical bosses to defeat and 16 additional challenges for experienced players.
• Pong Toss Pro – Frat Party Games (demo version)
  • Publisher: JV Games Inc.
  • Players: 1-4
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Mild Language
  • Price: 0 Wii Points; full version available for 600 Wii Points
  • Description: Born on college campuses, Pong Toss is the ultimate party-game favorite. Now Pong Toss Pro takes it to the next level with improved graphics and a redesigned throwing system for complete accuracy. Also new to Pong Toss Pro is a Tournament Mode that supports four-, eight- or 16-team bracket play. Pong Toss Pro features six regulation tables and the ability to modify simple house rules. Rock it with a high-energy soundtrack and listen to the announcer commenting on your play. Rule the table with Fireball bonuses for consecutive shots. In Speed Pong, up to three challengers can compete at the same time. Speed and strategy are key in this fast-paced game. Jack up your opponents by using a slew of power-ups that will slow them down. The first player to sink the last cup wins it all.?

DSiWare

• My Little Restaurant
  • Publisher: QubicGames
  • Players: 1
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
  • Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
  • Description: Welcome to My Little Restaurant. Get in here and turn this place from a small diner into a crowded eating palace. Help Mikey and Annie seat the guests, collect orders, deliver meals and earn money. Every once in a while, jump into the kitchen and prepare some tasty burgers or perfect sushi. You won’t find a better deal at any other place. The game features five restaurant themes: American Diner, Japanese Bar, Ancient Palace, Picnic Fun and Space Lunchroom, plus two extra cooking games: Burgers for the Chef and Sushi Master Challenge. Enjoy 33 unique levels and discover extra features and power-ups.
• Magnetic Joe
  • Publisher: Subdued Software
  • Players: 1-2
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
  • Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
  • Description: Take control of Magnetic Joe, everyone’s favorite little magnetic sphere. Guide him through 100 exciting mazes filled with spikes, enemies and other obstacles. Help Joe as he pursues his nemesis, Dr. Magnevil, who’s on his way to conquer the world. The mazes are full of magnets that push and pull Joe in different directions. Your task is to skillfully use their magnetic force to get Joe to the exit unharmed. Use the magnetic force carefully – the levels are filled with surprises, and a boss could be lurking.
• Monster Buster Club
  • Publisher: Nordcurrent
  • Players: 1
  • ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
  • Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
  • Description: Earth is about to be invaded by evil aliens, and their first stop is Singletown. As long as they’re around to save the day, the members of the Monster Buster Club refuse to let this happen. Join Cathy, Danny, Sam and Chris on an exciting adventure based on the hit animated TV series Monster Buster Club and stop these troublemakers from taking over. As you search for the villainous Nosidda, you and the MBC team will battle aliens outside the school, race your car through the streets of Singletown, solve puzzles, engage in air battles and even visit outer space. The game features a highly interactive world with exciting game play that challenges your speed, timing and puzzle-solving abilities. Discover a wide variety of puzzles and challenges to overcome using the Nintendo DSi™ stylus. Play as any of four MBC characters: Cathy, Danny, Chris or Sam.

Source: Nintendo Press Release