Our natural inclination is to be disappointed in weeks like this, when there's really nothing coming out, but we're going to try to stay positive about it. Nintendo fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months; there are some big releases for Wii owners, and there are always more DS games than we can afford. So take a breather, catch up on games you haven't finished, and enjoy the week -- unless you're picking up Toy Shop.
This week, it's the battle of the preorder bonus. Are you the kind of person who likes to arrange things in advance? If so, it seems likely you'll be taking home a tiny sword or a tiny kitty -- or perhaps even both.
What a week for DS releases! Of course, in the shadow of a certain release on the Wii side of the Nintendo fence, a big week was probably necessary, but that doesn't make it any less exciting. Though there are only three DS titles scheduled for release, each one has something going for it. How often does that happen?
Look sharp, DS owners -- there are a couple of solid choices competing for your funds this week. Our own beloved Shiren is wandering onto shelves alongside the Eco Creatures, and that's not all that's hitting stores. For gamers still wrapped up in other great recent releases, there may be some tough choices ahead. Time to start that stack of games that you'll still be working through by December!
So, the March NPD numbers prove that Nintendo continues to simply destroy the competition. Every system and company may have its own rabid fanboy contingent, but when it comes to the sales charts, Nintendo is on top. What we want to know is: are you surprised, or did you expect both the Wii and the DS to turn in amazing numbers? We ask because a lot of people had some doubts after the GameCube, at least regarding the Wii. With the DS, playing the prediction game was a little easier. Nintendo plus handheld tends to equal success. But the DS has reached truly epic levels of success. Did you call it, or did you suspect the two gaming systems might be a little gimmicky?
12,959 (11.94%) 22,575 (50.74%)
12,406 (22.08%) 10,480 (32.63%) 1,264 (8.67%) 423 (12.69%) 85 (10.47%)122 (17.97%) 127 (52.92%) 40 (33.61%) 4 (30.77%)
It seems like we only just found out about Theme Park DS and here it is, shipping to stores everywhere this week. We're willing to bet that a few of you will be bending the stylus in the pursuit of your dream park by the weekend. But hey, if parks aren't your thing, there's a ton of games out this week. Helps to make up for some of the recent lackluster weeks, eh?
After a jam-packed week, it looks like we're back down to our regular schedule. That means a lull in releases and a distinct lack of information on weird Japanese housewife sims. We're as sad as you are, and we know you're sad ... unless you're not in the U.S. You guys get no less than 8 million DS games this week (just replace "8 million" with "several" for that pesky accuracy).
Hate to be the one to break it to the U.S. gamers, but ... there are no DS games this week. Let us all weep in unison, and then raise our fists in protest.
In the sequel, the roles have reversed and now the Mini Marios must save the day. With several obstacles in their path, players must guide the Mini Marios using the stylus and touch-screen. More interesting, however, is the ability for players to create custom maps and send them to other users via Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connect service. Overall, the game has received favorable scores:
The site for Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis over at nintendowifi.com has launched and in the process reveals some of the specific features that will utilize the Wi-Fi functionality of the title. In being able to design and upload/download custom-created levels over the service, Nintendo will include unlockable templates, some including hidden characters.
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
|
Bleach: Dark Souls |
Oct 6 |
|
Legend of Kage 2 |
Oct 6 |
| Crash: Mind Over Mutant |
Oct 6 |
|
Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals |
Oct 6 |
|
My Japanese Coach |
Oct 14 |
|
Korg DS-10 |
Oct 14 |
| Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 | Oct 14 |
| FIFA Soccer 09 | Oct 14 |
| Populous | Oct 14 |
|
Rock Revolution |
Oct 14 |
|
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia |
Oct 21 |
|
Theresia |
Oct 21 |
| Spider-Man: Web of Shadows | Oct 21 |
|
Away: Shuffle Dungeon |
Oct 21 |
|
Tornado |
Oct 21 |
|
Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon |
Oct 21 |
| What's Cooking? With Jamie Oliver | Oct 21 |
|
MySims Kingdom |
Oct 28 |
| Ninjatown | Oct 28 |
| The story |
More like it |
|---|---|
|
Nintendo reveals the DSi |
News |
|
Lock's Quest review |
Reviews |
|
BTS: Cakemania |
BTS |
|
G2G: Clubhouse Games |
Gaming to Go |
|
Preview: Big Bang Mini |
Features |
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