Gamertell

It’s that time of month again - the NPD group has released the hardware and software sales for April, and the results are anything but surprising. GTA IV had an incredible debut, sitting pretty at the top spot with 1,850,000 (Xbox 360 version) and the third spot with 1,000,000 (PS3). In between was Mario Kart Wii (Wii - duh) at 1,120,000. Hardware sales show the Wii and DS still on top, followed by the PSP, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS2.

The full lists, from 1up:

MORE »

Namco Bandai has just issued a press release announcing exclusive Naruto figurines for people who preorder Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress. If you pre-order the game, make a copy of your pre-order slip, register for the Hokage’s Room website (providing your home address during the account creation process) and then sign up for the Hokage’s Room Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 pre-order Mission, you’ll receive one Naruto figure from the six pictured above. No, you don’t get to choose which one.

Click through for more information…

MORE »

It’s a given that not all Japanese games will make it outside of Japan. Some didn’t sell well enough in that country, others were too focused on a certain age group and sometimes they’re just too weird.

At the same time, there are quite a few phenomenal or funny games which should get a worldwide release, but don’t. Sadly, gamers don’t get a list of reasons from publishers or developers as to why we’ll never have the honor of playing a domestic version of one of these titles, but usually it is pretty easy to understand why.

So this week we’ll review four DS titles which will very likely never, ever be released in North America.

MORE »

Sega and Platinum Games have just announced an exclusive four game partnership, where Sega will publish four new titles developed by Platinum Games. The titles will be on multiple systems, and so far three of the four have been formally announced. The new games will all be available in 2009.

The first title mentioned is MADWORLD for the Wii. It will be a third person, black and white action game which mimics the style of manga and graphic novels. In it, players battle opponents with all sorts of unusual weapons while an announcer offers running commentary. It could be out as soon as Q1 2009.

Click through to read about the other two titles…

MORE »

The success of Naruto has given convinced Tomy and D3 to release another RPG based on the series in September, 2008. Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 has been formally announced. Like its predecessor, it is a classic turn-based RPG starring characters from the Naruto series, only this time there is a brand new story designed especially for the game.

It seems like Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 will easily surpass the original game. It will have Wi-Fi multiplayer battles, new battle arrangements involving squad leaders in battles and a tag system and far more potential ninja party members. The press release states that there will be 30 different characters involved, but it doesn’t specify if these characters will just be NPCs or actual party members. (I suspect party members, since screen shots show Choji and Ino as possibilities, and Tenten is mentioned in the press release.) Plus there will be ninja pets that Naruto can summon. I hope that cute little pig in the screen shot is one of them.

MORE »

In case you haven’t heard the rumor/revelation, the new version of Pokemon Diamond/Pearl will be called Pokemon Platinum. Scans from Coro Coro Comic magazine confirm the new DS Pokemon title, which may be out in September 2008 in Japan.

The title Platinum doesn’t really fit among Diamond and Pearl. Platinum is a white-gray metal and diamonds and pearls are precious gems. It’s like one of those games you played in school, where you had to pick out the thing that didn’t belong. There are plenty of more appropriate names for Pokemon Platinum, so let’s look at a few options…

MORE »

One of the biggest surprises of last year was EA’s Skate, which reinvigorated the skateboarding genre after years of stagnation.  Nintendo DS and Wii owners will finally get to see what all the fuss was about.  Today (May 12, 2008), EA announced Skate It, a spin-off designed specifically for Nintendo’s unique hand-held and console.

The Wii version will allow users to use the remote as a skateboard, mimicking moves and tricks with the motion controls, while the players on the DS will…

MORE »

Nearly every successful video game series has a mascot, a character who immediately calls to mind a genre of games or perhaps a company. They’re instantly recognizable and, more often than not, prompt fond memories of classic games.

Mario, Sonic, Pikachu and Pyramid-head are some of the more recognizable figures, but there are plenty of other memorable mascots who often get pushed aside.  These are mascots from some really entertaining and enjoyable games that might not have enjoyed the same popularity as other series. Classic gamers may remember some of our five favorite obscure mascots.

Keep reading for the full list…

MORE »

Tonberries are probably one of the more devious video game villains, and yet, at the same time, one of the most intriguing. They’re cute little lizard things who generally prefer to be left alone. If you decide you absolutely must terrorize them, then they’ll hurt you so bad your great-grandpa will feel it. If running is an option, they’ll let you go.

Final Fantasy games are some of my favorites, so I decided it was time for a cross stitch of one a character from one of those games. I headed to the Sprite Database and picked out a tonberry sprite from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance and set to work.

MORE »

Title: Toy Shop
Price: $19.99
System(s): Nintendo DS
Release Date: April, 29, 2008
Publisher (Developer): Majesco Games (Gameinvest)
ESRB Rating: “Everyone”
Pros: The business simulation works well. Making toys is fun. Once you really get into the game, it can be addicting.
Cons: It starts out slow. Hunting for toy plans from NPCs is a hassle. Graphics aren’t that good.
Overall Score: One thumb up, one down; 75/100; C; * * 1/2 out of 5

Toy Shop shouldn’t be overlooked. It probably will be, due to the childish concept, humble graphics and unassuming presentation. Most people will probably see it on a store shelf and assume it is shovelware. Instead, it is a fun store management sim that fans of Lemonade Tycoon or The Sims 2: Open for Business will enjoy.

Click through for the full review…

MORE »