Nintendo's EU 2010 Games - More Info

Following on from the Nintendo Media Summit that took place in London yesterday on 25th February, 2010, Nintendo Europe has released some more information about the games that were on show there. Cubed3's James Temperton, Mike Mason and myself, Adam Riley, will be providing hands-on content based on the games tried, but for the time being, below is some updated information directly from Nintendo:

Super Mario Galaxy 2, the sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original, embraces the gravity-defying, physics-based exploration from the first game, but is loaded with entirely new features including new galaxies to challenge and delight players. On some stages, Mario can pair up with his dinosaur friend Yoshi who can use his tongue to hold items in his mouth and spit them back at enemies. Players can also have fun with new items such as a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid rock. Super Mario Galaxy 2 will launch across Europe on 11th June 2010.

Metroid: Other M, is the incredible new Metroid game developed for Wii through a collaboration by Nintendo and the world-renowned Team Ninja. The game looks at the classic franchise from a new perspective: While much of the game is reminiscent of 2-D side-scrollers, players can switch the perspective into 3-D at any time as they explore the twisting passages of a derelict space station and delve deep into a cinematic, never-before-told story of bounty hunter Samus Aran’s past. This new approach uses a new control scheme in which players use the Wii Remote controller held sideways to battle enemies and navigate the expansive, gorgeous environments in classic Metroid fashion, then aim at the screen with the Wii Remote pointer to blast foes in first-person and hunt the world for clues and hidden passages. Metroid: Other M will launch across Europe in Q3 2010.

Monster Hunter Tri, an epic action game for Wii launches across Europe on 23rd April 2010. The game lets players customise their character, armour and weapons in order to protect a town from majestic monsters as it rebuilds following a devastating earthquake. It has been confirmed that online play will be available for all players with broadband Internet access at no additional cost. Online text chat is fully functional and online voice chat is enabled using the Wii Speak microphone.

In a unique partnership with Square-Enix, Nintendo of Europe will publish Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies when the game arrives in Summer 2010. Dragon Quest IX has sold more than 4.15 million copies in the Japanese market. Nintendo and Square-Enix will now work together to bring this title to the Nintendo DS consumer base Europe.

Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Skies, the breakthrough shooter game for Wii from developer Treasure, will launch across Europe on 7th May, 2010. The game features non-stop action with two playable characters and international online leaderboards to track high scores. Utilising the Wii Remote pointer functionality, the game offers unprecedented precision in the shooter genre.

FlingSmash for Wii will test players’ Wii Remote skills as they bounce a ball-like hero through countless side-scrolling stages, combining the precision of racket sports with the unpredictable fun of pinball. Playable only with the Wii MotionPlus accessory, the game will launch in Summer 2010.

Also on show was the new Nintendo DSi XL hand-held system that launches across Europe on 5th March, 2010. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS Lite model, providing a more vivid and engaging play experience. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL also feature a wider viewing angle, letting friends and family members join the fun. The new Nintendo handheld is launching in two colours �" wine red and dark brown, with a glossy sheen on top and matt finish on the underside that provides excellent grip when resting on a table or other surface during gameplay. The new console also comes pre-loaded with two Nintendo DSiWare software: A Little Bit of...Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: Arts Edition and Dictionary 6-in-1 with Camera Function, as well as the Nintendo DSi Browser, which enables you to easily access the Internet whereever a wireless Internet connection is available. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with an additional larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that utilise the Nintendo DS touch screen. [ Cubed3's write-up on what the DSi XL offers can be read here, whilst a look at how its sizes compares to other systems and gaming items can be seen here. ]

It was also announced that WarioWare: Do It Yourself will launch for the Nintendo DS family of products on 30th April, 2010, providing consumers with brand new content that can be enjoyed on any Nintendo DS system, but that demonstrates the enhanced experience available with the Nintendo DSi XL. WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, which will also become available on WiiWare on 30th April, 2010 is a standalone product containing more than 70 new microgames that are interoperable with the WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of products. Players that own both games can transfer content between the two, and can even play user-created microgames on their television using WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase.

Also playable at the event was Nintendo’s Photo Dojo, which is due to become available on Nintendo DSiWare in Spring 2010 and is poised to be the cult hit of 2010. The game first asks players to pose for 13 pictures and input 10 sound effects. Once that’s done, the player becomes the main character in a hilarious side-scrolling fighting game. Create up to eight characters and do battle alone or against a friend on a single Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system.