Warning: for those of you who can't take a few cuss words, look away. For those steel-gutted enough to handle some words, you'll find what may be the best summary of the three E3 press conferences on the interwebs.
Good news for all those unsure of whether to buy Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero World Tour: At Activision Blizzard's press conference yesterday, Neversoft director Brian Bright stated that Guitar Hero World Tour could be played with non-Harmonix instruments... if you buy the XBOX 360 version, that is.
As you may already know, the Rock Band drums (top) have only four pads plus a foot pedal, while Guitar Hero (bottom) has five. To accompany this Neversoft has designed Guitar Hero to recognize the four-channel input. The orange cymbal will become the green or blue pad with the Rock Band drums, whichever works best with the song you're playing.
Says Bright: "It's ridiculous to expect people to have two, three drum sets." And yes it is. Thank you for taking this step, Activision. I'm now officially ready to buy Guitar Hero World Tour.
E3 is wrapping up today and there have been plenty of exciting announcements so far, both expected and totally unexpected. Needless to say not everyone has time to follow the entire thing or patience to sift through all the information and PR mumbo-jumbo.
Fortunately, we're here to help you! For your convenience, we have easy to follow, bulleted summaries of the Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony press conferences with all the important information but without the inflated sales figures, silly special guest appearances and repeats of the same old game trailers that you've seen over and over already.
Rumors have started going around that Nintendo is supposed to be having yet anothr press conference later today. Some of you may recall that Super Smash Bros. Brawl was announced like this. If this is to be believed, we might be seeing yet another 'big' Nintendo-published game.
Format: Nintendo DS Launch Date: TBA ESRB: RP (Rating Pending) Game Type: Rhythm Players: 1 Developer: Nintendo
KEY INFORMATION
Rhythm Heaven is a simple and infectious rhythm game that anyone can play. If you can tap your finger in time to music, you'll get the hang of Rhythm Heaven in no time!
Players hold the Nintendo DS system sideways like a book and tap their stylus on the touch screen to the rhythm of the music. Players tap, slide or flick the stylus to hit the right beat.
Rhythm Heaven features catchy tunes, charming characters and a wide variety of rhythm games.
Well-known Japanese music producer TSUNKU helped direct Rhythm Heaven and composed the music for it.
Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat? (working title)
Format: Nintendo DS Launch Date: 11/24/08 ESRB: RP (Rating Pending) Game Type: Cooking Training Players: 1 Developer: indies zero
KEY INFORMATION
Cooking Guide turns your Nintendo DS into an interactive cookbook, complete with recipes and video demos.
Cooking Guide includes more than 200 recipes from around the world. So no matter what you're in the mood for, you can find something new and tasty to make for dinner. Users can search a map by country to find regional dishes or select options for low-calorie foods, specific ingredients or short cooking times.
Each recipe contains step-by-step directions and photos to make it possible to prepare dishes you've never tried before. Use the stylus or simple voice commands to "turn the page." A tap of the touch screen lets you adjust the serving size automatically, and users can write and save cooking notes, just as they would in a paper recipe book.
The Cooking Guide chef talks you through the entire cooking process. Recipes include photos of the dish as well as instructional videos on how to perform different cooking techniques, such as how to chop an onion or clean a fish. Users can access a handy reference function to explain unfamiliar terms and cooking techniques when they appear.
The software includes a timer and calculator, as well as a search function to help you find what you're looking for. Cooking Guide also includes an ingredient checklist to use as a shopping list, just put a mark next to the items you need and bring your Nintendo DS to the grocery store.
Format: Nintendo DS Launch Date: 11/10/08 ESRB: E (Everyone): Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence Game Type: Action Adventure Players: 1 Developer: Creatures
KEY INFORMATION
Become a Pokemon Ranger and protect nature, rescue people and help Pokemon in need.
Pokemon Ranger is a unique action-adventure series that features a fun, different way to capture Pokemon with the Nintendo DS stylus, which controls an item called the Capture Styler in the game. Players circle the Pokemon they want to catch by drawing circles around them on the touch screen. When you complete certain Quests, the Ranger Union awards you with power-ups, which add new upgrades and functions to your Capture Styler, allowing you to advance as you work to eventually become a Top Ranger (the most revered Ranger of all).
Now you can partner with a variety of different Pokemon of each type to complete Missions, giving you many options on how to approach different challenges. Every Pokemon is different, and capturing a Pokemon allows you to use its abilities to overcome various obstacles and challenges you will face along the way. The job of a Pokemon Ranger is never done: your duties will include fighting wildfires, rescuing people or even delivering an important package.
Your journey to become a Top Ranger takes you to the new region of Almia. This game has a larger world, more Missions, more adventure and more to do than the previous Pokemon Ranger game. It has a storyline full of adventure and the ability to travel to and explore many exciting new areas in Almia, including oceans, forests, deserts and more with the help of your Partner Pokemon.
This is the first game in the Pokemon Ranger series to feature Pokemon from Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl.
Game storyline: In Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, you once again play as a Pokemon Ranger, working to help people, Pokemon and nature in a new area called the Almia Region. Starting out as a Student Ranger, you quickly earn the title of a full-fledged Pokemon Ranger. As you succeed in more and more missions, you will aspire to become the highest Ranger rank: Top Ranger. Along the way you meet and capture all kinds of different Pokemon.
How to progress through the game: Capture wild Pokemon and create a team to clear obstacles and puzzles encountered along the way. After using a Pokémon's ability, it will leave your team; however, you will have a Partner Pokemon that will always stay by your side. As you progress through Missions and Quests, your Capture Styler becomes more powerful, giving your Styler more Energy and eventually advancing you to the level of Top Ranger.
Characters: Hundreds of Pokemon. Players can choose to be a boy or girl Pokemon Ranger.
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Use the Capture Styler to capture wild Pokemon. Once they are captured, wild Pokémon will follow the player around until their powers are used (either in a Poke Assist or a Field Move).
A Poke Assist is when the player uses an already captured Pokémon to help capture another wild Pokemon.
A Field Move is when the player uses a captured Pokemon's power to clear an obstacle in the way or perform another helpful function.
Format: Nintendo DS Launch Date: 09/08/08 ESRB: E (Everyone) - Violent References Game Type: Seek and Solve Players: 1-4 using multiple game cards Developer: Big Fish Games / Griptonite Games
KEY INFORMATION
Spot hidden clues to find the rightful heir. It takes a keen set of "private eyes" to identify the heir in this interactive detective story. Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir presents a new generation of seek-and-solve games for a new generation of Nintendo DS owners. Whether you like to play for minutes at a time or hours a day, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir has your game experience covered.
Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir showcases a multitude of beautiful, intricately detailed painted scenes in which players seek out cleverly hidden items to progress through an interactive detective story. There are 12 potential heirs to examine, 30 detailed scenes to peruse and more than 1,000 hidden objects to find.
With the game's intuitive touch-screen control, fans can quickly delve into the world of Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir and begin their investigation. Players use special analytical tools and interact with on-screen objects simply by using the Nintendo DS stylus.
Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is the only Mystery Case Files game to include multiplayer options. In multiplayer modes, players can search for clues together or compete head-to-head. Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir also includes game-sharing with DS Download Play so friends and family can share the experience.
Game storyline: Shortly after returning from six months on his ultra-plush yacht visiting the far reaches of the globe, eccentric millionaire Phil T. Rich mysteriously disappears from his mansion and is presumed dead. Hired by Mr. Rich's estate, a highly skilled Master Detective is brought in to solve the case and find the rightful heir to his fortune.
How to progress through the game: Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir takes a bold step into Touch Generations with a new game in the accomplished Mystery Case Files series from Big Fish Games. Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a seek-and-solve game in which players assume the role of a detective who investigates a set of unique characters by finding cleverly hidden items in their environments. The objects are displayed in plain sight but are seamlessly interwoven into the illustration, making them challenging to find. Once a player finds enough hidden objects in a certain area, the character and area will be considered investigated. The player will then be prompted to move to the next potential clue.
Characters: Phil T. Rich and a rich cast of possible heirs.
Mini-games: Finding hidden objects is not the only activity in Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir. Between investigations, players are presented with entertaining brain teasers that must be solved in order to progress. These mini-games add to the depth of the experience by including game-play mechanics that reach beyond the core searching elements. All of the mini-games use the Nintendo DS stylus in ways that provide a true Touch Generations experience.
Wario, Nintendo's greedy, uncouth and rude anti-hero, returns to his roots. The Wario Land series is where Wario first appeared, and it's back in all its side-scrolling, platform-jumping glory.
With the Wii Remote controller turned sideways, veterans and newcomers alike can run, jump and smash their way through hectic side-scrolling stages. By shaking the Wii Remote, you can shake down your enemies, free coins from treasure bags and even cause earthquakes.
Each stage is a masterfully crafted side-scrolling obstacle course of puzzles, enemies and assorted hazards. Every stage holds numerous secrets and treasures to discover (and steal). And each stage has multiple "missions" to keep you coming back again and again to unlock everything, collect more coins or just improve your best time.
Wario returns to form, with all the jumping, power-dashing and butt-stomping we've come to expect. This is surly Wario at his finest.
Game storyline: Wario receives an antique globe and telescope that allow him to travel to the once-idyllic Shake Dimension, now conquered by the tyrannical pirate, the Shake King. With the assistance of his longtime rival, Captain Syrup, he must rescue the Merfles, denizens of the Shake Dimension imprisoned by the Shake King. Only by defeating the bosses of all five continents of this strange world can Wario find and confront the Shake King, rescue Queen Merelda, queen of the Merfles, and, most importantly, claim the Bottomless Coin Sack, a never-ending supply of gold.
How to progress through the game: Each stage has Wario navigating an obstacle course of dangers and traps to find an imprisoned Merfle. Once he frees the little fellow, the countdown begins and he must find his way back to the starting gate before time runs out. Wario must also defeat a boss in each continent, and then buy a map of the next continent from Captain Syrup. Once all five continents' bosses have been defeated, Wario takes on the Shake King himself.
Characters: Wario, our "hero." Captain Syrup, a female pirate (and rival from previous games) who aids Wario on his quest. The Merfles, helpless natives of the Shake Dimension, and their queen, Queen Merelda. The Shake King, leader of a ruthless pirate band who has conquered the Shake Dimension.
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Wario can jump and dash, as per previous Wario Land games. New to this game is the ability to shake the Wii Remote for various effects. By default, a shake of the Wii Remote makes Wario punch the ground, causing a small earthquake and dazing enemies. Wario can then pick up dazed enemies and, with another shake of the Wii Remote, shake them for rejuvenating garlic and occasionally gold. Enemies can also be thrown, and you aim by tilting the Wii Remote.
Wario also takes control of three different vehicles during the course of the game, all of which are piloted in part by tilting the Wii Remote. The controls are standard for a Wii Remote held sideways (D-pad, buttons), but with an important twist: most of Wario's special moves are accomplished by shaking or tilting the Wii Remote. This allows great versatility but without forcing the player to remember complicated button combinations.
Format: Nintendo DS Launch Date: 09/22/08 ESRB: E (Everyone): Mild Cartoon Violence Game Type: Action/Platformer Players: 1-4 (2 using multiple game cards, up to 4 using DS Download Play) Developer: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
KEY INFORMATION
With so many adventures waiting to be unlocked, there'll never be a dull moment as you run, float, copy enemies and use Helpers to fight the likes of King Dedede and Meta Knight.
On top of a slew of new adventures, the original modes found in the beloved Super NES game, Kirby Super Star, are all here with updated graphics and fully rendered movie scenes.
There are also three new touch-screen-controlled mini-games that you can play with up to three friends via DS Download Play Kirby Card Swipe, Kirby on the Draw and Snack Tracks.
Game storyline: There are different plots for each of the games, ranging from Kirby's fight to stop King Dedede from stealing all the food in Dream Land to Meta Knight's quest to train for the ultimate battle. While most of the modes are traditional adventures, several of them, like Megaton Punch and Samurai Kirby, are quick mini-games.
How to progress through the game: Run, float and fight your way through the adventure games as Kirby, gobbling up enemies as you go. Kirby can inhale enemies and spit them out as stars, but the main game play comes from swallowing foes and copying their abilities, then using the abilities to defeat other foes and advance past obstacles. In other games, you race King Dedede for food, compete in a punching contest or even adventure as Meta Knight.
Characters: Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight and many enemies, both new and old.
Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Besides his usual method of copying the abilities of foes, Kirby can also create Helpers out of Copy Abilities these guys will fight alongside you and be controlled by the CPU or another player.
Format: Wii Launch Date: November 16th, 2008 ESRB: RP (Rating Pending) Game Type: Community Simulation Accessories: WiiSpeak microphone (sold separately) Players: 1-4 alternating, 2-4 simultaneous via NintendoŽ Wi-Fi Connection Developer: Nintendo
KEY INFORMATION
If life were an endless vacation, what would you do? Go fishing, collect shells or watch fireworks with friends? Build a snowman, exchange presents with family or decorate your house for the holidays? Take a trip to the city, go on a shopping spree or visit friends from all over the globe? In Animal Crossing: City Folk, life moves at a relaxed pace, but the world brims with endless possibilities.
There's always something new to do. In the living, breathing world of Animal Crossing: City Folk, days and seasons pass in real time, so there's always something to discover. Catch fireflies in the summer, go trick-or-treating on Halloween or hunt for eggs on Bunny Day. If you're in the mood for something a little faster paced, take a bus to a new urban city area that's unique to Animal Crossing: City Folk. There you can catch a show at the theater or check out the sales at Gracie's boutique. But if you don't show your face back home for too long, your neighbors will miss you.
Up to four people from your household can live and work together to build the perfect town. Design clothes and patterns, write letters and post messages on the bulletin board for each other, or invite up to three friends to visit your town using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. With the new WiiSpeak microphone, it's like you're all in the same room. The microphone sits atop the sensor bar and picks up the conversation of everyone in the room to encourage a more inclusive experience.
Get to know your neighbors. The heart of Animal Crossing: City Folk is building relationships with the animals in your town as well as with other players. Befriend your animal neighbors by exchanging letters, gifts and favors. Animals can also move from town to town, bringing their memories and stories from their old towns with them. And since animals are notoriously loose-lipped, they spill all the juicy details.
Express your personal style. Customize your town, your house and yourself by collecting bugs, fish, fossils, art, furniture, clothes and accessories. You can also go to the salon in the city to change your hairstyle and get a Mii? makeover. Plus, if you design clothes in the tailor's shop, animals will wear them and maybe even bring them to other towns.
Format: Wii Launch Date: Holiday 2008 ESRB: RP (Rating Pending) Game Type: Music Accessories: Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Wii Balance Board Players: 1-4 Developer: Nintendo
KEY INFORMATION
Create a musical masterpiece with up to four players. Anyone can play the huge selection of instruments in Wii Music with simple motions-like strumming and drumming.
It's easy to play improv jams. Musicians in your band jam by simply playing their instruments to the beat of a song or by improvising to their heart's content. Play faster. Play slower. Skip a beat, or throw in 10 more. No matter what you do, Wii Music automatically transforms your improv stylings into great music. There are no mistakes-just playing for the pure joy of playing.
Wii controls immerse you in the music. You can play most of the 60-plus instruments in Wii Music using simple motions with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers. Strum to play guitar, banjo and sitar. Drum to play jazz drums, congas and marching drums. Hammer away to play piano, vibraphone and marimba. Unlike most music games, Wii Music doesn't make you use complex buttons. You only need to imitate playing the instrument.
Wii Music offers virtually endless ways to make music. You choose the song and instruments and decide whether to blaze through a rock take on classical songs, put a jazzy spin on folk tunes or transform Nintendo classics like the Super Mario Bros. theme into Latin-flavored numbers. The song list is only a takeoff point-it's how you improvise with the songs that matters.
Send your band-jam recordings to Wii Friends who have Wii Music. They'll see your Mii? band members, your players' improv styles and your instrument selections. They can watch your recordings, or play over parts of your song, then send their modified recording back to you. Improv jams can be sent back and forth over WiiConnect24 and changed again and again.
Beyond the Jam:
Wii Music includes many other modes besides the main band jams, including several musical games and an enhanced video playback mode for recorded jams.
Play it again: Use the playback mode to see your jam recordings brought to life with dramatic camera angles.
Pick up the baton: Command an orchestra in the conducting game where you'll wave the Wii Remote controller like a conductor's baton to lead a Mii orchestra through orchestrated music. Make them play quickly, slowly, strongly or gently.
Ring a bell? Play a handbells game where you'll swing your Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to play your two handbells as part of a larger ensemble. Everyone on the team has a job to do: Play one of your notes only when the tune demands it.
An ear for music: Take a tone quiz that tests your musical ear by giving you challenges, like putting note-playing Miis in order from lowest to highest pitch.
Bang the drum: Play a virtual drum set in the drumming mode, the one mode in Wii Music that also uses the Wii Balance Board accessory (sold with Wii Fit). You'll use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers as drumsticks, and place both feet on the Wii Balance Board-which work as virtual pedals for the bass drum and hi-hat cymbal.
Format: Wii Launch Date: 08/25/08 ESRB: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief Game Type: Sports Players: 1-4 Developer: Namco Bandai
KEY INFORMATION
Let the Wii Remote controller be your bat as you join Mario, Luigi, Peach and the rest of the gang in a rocking, socking baseball extravaganza.
Newcomers to gaming or sports titles will be up and running on Mario Super Sluggers in no time. Simply swing the Wii Remote to smack a home run, or use a pitching motion to toss the ball over the plate.
Two, three or four players can pick up Wii Remote controllers and challenge one another to a full baseball game or compete in a host of baseball-themed mini-games. There's even a home run hitting contest.
Mario Super Sluggers boasts more than 40 playable characters, all Nintendo favorites. The single-player adventure mode allows the player to explore Baseball Kingdom, tackle dozens of fun baseball challenges and unlock new characters that can be used in any mode. You can also play with your Mii characters in Exhibition, Toy Field and Minigame modes.
Modes: Whether by yourself or surrounded by friends, there's a Mario Super Sluggers game for every occasion.
Challenge: Trek across Baseball Kingdom in this single-player mode. Defeat characters in a variety of baseball-related challenges to persuade them to join your team. Once you've assembled an all-star team for the ages, throw down with the baddest baseballer in town: Bowser?! The single-player Challenge Mode is a sports fan's dream.
Explore the rich and varied landscape of Baseball Kingdom as you gather teammates for your fight against Bowser. From lush tropical jungles to modern urban landscapes, each area of the kingdom is a new experience.
Like high-powered free agents, the characters in Mario Super Sluggers won't join just any old team they want to play for a winner. When you find a new character, he or she will test your skills on the field. Only by besting them in hitting, pitching and fielding contests can you get them to join your side.
In Challenge Mode, you can control one of five captains, each with personal special powers. Yoshi can jump through manholes, Wario has the power of magnetism and Donkey Kong can climb vines and shatter barrels.
Exhibition: Hit the field and try your luck with a team of your choice. You can play against either the computer or up to three other players.
Minigame: Challenge yourself or take on up to three other players in nine mini-games. From home run contests to pitching duels, you'll have more fun than a rookie at his first spring training.
Toy Field: Battle against three other players in a hitting and fielding extravaganza. You can set your turn limit and the skill level of your computer opponents, or just play against friends.
Training: Learn the ropes in an extensive tutorial mode.
Characters: More than 40 characters from the Mario universe come together in Mario Super Sluggers.
Special powers/items/moves/features: This isn't your typical baseball game. From special moves to obstacle-filled stadiums, there's always something new around the corner.
Special Moves: All of the captains have unique Star Skills that allow them to perform special moves while pitching or batting. Mario can turn his fastball into a fireball, Daisy can create a flower garden in the outfield and Luigi can turn infield hits into a raging tornado. Non-captains can also use Star Skills to put a little extra mustard on hits or pitches.
Chemistry: Just as in real sports, certain characters in Mario Super Sluggers have a special connection on the field. Known as chemistry, this connection allows players to make spectacular leaping catches, gun down speedy base runners and use items to interfere with fielders.
Stadiums: There are nine unique stadiums in the game, everything from an ice-filled castle to an urban cityscape. Many stadiums can be accessed at both day and night, allowing you to play a doubleheader under the lights.
Nunchuk: Experienced gamers can also attach the Nunchuk controller for a more advanced gaming experience.
Format: Wii Launch Date: Spring 2009 ESRB: RP (Rating Pending) Game Type: Sports Accessories: Wii MotionPlus (included) Players: 1-4 Developer: Nintendo
KEY INFORMATION
Wii Sports Resort is a new collection of fun sports games that anyone can pick up and play.
This sequel to the popular Wii Sports makes use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, which gives players the most responsive and realistic experience possible. The Wii MotionPlus accessory, which is included with Wii Sports Resort, plugs into the base of the Wii Remote controller and, combined with the accelerometer and sensor bar, provides an experience that gives players an even greater sense of immersion.
Just as with Wii Sports, people will love competing against friends and family. As the competition heats up, Wii Sports Resort is as much fun to watch as it is to play. First-time players will find it easy to pick up a Wii Remote and jump into the action.
Wii Sports Resort takes place on a tropical island. A wide range of activities will keep players coming back for one more round. Some sample activities include Sword Play, Power Cruising (racing a water scooter) and Disc Dog, which involves accurately tossing a disc to a cute, Mii-like dog.
Activision and Hasbro Toys have announced a video game tie-in to the upcoming summer blockbuster Bat...