Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Video game icon Mario launches into space and encounters a multitude of crazy creatures on unbelievable planets. Players master the changing gravities they encounter while exploring each planet and collecting Power Stars. For the first time, Super Mario Galaxy lets a second player lend a hand in "co-star" mode. Using the revolutionary motion-sensitive Wii Remote(TM), the co-star can point at the screen to collect starbits to shoot at enemies, deflect incoming attacks or stall enemies to help Mario. It's a way for the newcomers that Nintendo has brought into the world of video games to play right alongside their more experienced peers.
"Super Mario Galaxy is a game that everybody can play, whether you've been a Mario fan for 25 years or you just started playing Wii Sports," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "It's an easy favorite for game of the year and should stand as one of the best -- and most beautiful -- games of all time."
In the game, Bowser crashes the star festival and carries Princess Peach's castle into space. On a curious new planet, Mario learns a powerful spin move that players pull off by shaking the Wii Remote. Mario also has an arsenal of new transformations at his disposal, including the Boo Mario, which causes him to float and fly through walls, and Bee Mario, which turns him into a beyond-adorable flying bee.
Super Mario Galaxy is Rated E for Everyone. Once you pick up a copy and you're in the mood to throw a party to show it off to all your friends, you should check out the new Mario-themed Evite at Evite.com. It shows how Mario's look has changed through the years, and it's a great way to rally your friends for a Wii party.
BlackSite: Area 51 (X360/PC)
Combining cutting-edge technology and smart game design, BlackSite: Area 51 is a first-person shooter that brings squad-based and intense combat action to the streets of small-town America.
“BlackSite: Area 51 delivers a fast-paced first-person-shooter experience while weaving a politically-inspired storyline that examines modern-day issues ripped from the headlines,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. “With an easy to use one-button squad command feature, players can easily direct their delta force squadmates to assist them as they travel through small town America and the high desert into the heart of Area 51.”
BlackSite: Area 51 gives gamers a chance to direct their living, breathing squad mates with a context-sensitive “One-Button Squad Command” control as they make their way through the game’s storyline. Throughout the way, destructible environments can be reduced to rubble, creating interactive cover points that can be blown away with enough firepower.
The BlackSite teaser demo on Xbox LIVE Marketplace has been downloaded more than a million times, and Midway plans to soon release a new, updated demo that allows players to take to the streets in Rachel, NV, controlling their squad and blasting through fully-realistic and interactive environments using the latest in military weaponry. A PlayStation 3 demo is also scheduled to be released soon after the game’s North American launch.
BlackSite: Area 51, rated “T” for Teen, is now available in North America for the Xbox 360 ($59.99) and PC ($49.99.) A version for the PS3 is scheduled to be released in December.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (PC)
Developed and published exclusively by Aspyr, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for PC matches its console counterparts with a killer set list that includes many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded. Explosive content and features include a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expansive online multiplayer game modes also allow aspiring axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status.
“With Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for PC we believe we have released a legendary game that will join the console versions atop the sales charts this holiday season,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Publishing for Aspyr. “Taking the Guitar Hero experience to the PC means that gamers can now enjoy rocking out wherever and whenever – in the living room, at the office, on the road or even over the holidays at that boring relative’s house.”
Mac gamers waiting to jam will soon have their wish granted. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be available later this year as a hybrid PC/Mac bundle.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for PC, rated ‘T’ for Teen, is available now and bundled with a wired X-Plorer guitar controller for the SRP of $79.99.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat (NDS)
Ultimate Mortal Kombat brings the lighting fast fighting technique found in the arcade version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, along with Puzzle Kombat from the critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat: Deception to the handheld Nintendo DS. Gamers can perfect their fighting skills in single-player mode or challenge friends and enemies alike via multi-player over the Nintendo Wireless network.
“Midway is excited in bringing the award-winning Mortal Kombat franchise to the Nintendo DS,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. “Ultimate Mortal Kombat enables gamers the opportunity to take their fighting on the go, with both single-player and multi-player online options playable anywhere at any time.”
Ultimate Mortal Kombat combines the visceral thrills of the classic Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and the addictive puzzle action of the Puzzle Kombat component of Midway’s award-winning Mortal Kombat: Deception in a single DS-friendly package. With new record-keeping capability, and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer, players will be able to take UMK anywhere for fighting action on the go.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and is available for the U.S. suggested retail price of $29.95.
Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders (NDS)
Based on the Emmy Award-winning, top-rated Cartoon Network show created by Craig McCracken (Power puff Girls) and featuring some of the best friends you can think of, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders is an action adventure game in which players are able to play as head mischief-maker Blooregard Q. Kazoo on his quest to rescue Madame Foster and acquire the “Greatest Thing in the Universe.” Get a little help from your imaginary friends by activating special moves from Wilt, Coco, Eduardo and Mac while exploring the mansion. Experience the humor and visual style of the show through stylus-based mini-games and side quests presented by recognizable friends from the house. Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders is rated E for Everyone.
“Midway and Cartoon Network continue to strengthen their relationship within the children’s videogame market with the release of Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. “This game allows fans of the show and gamers alike to experience a 3D version of Foster’s, and enjoy the humor, mischief and outrageous fun of the show.”
“What makes Foster’s such a distinct brand is the unique personality and relatability of each of the different characters along with its unique artistic style and tone,” said Christina Miller, vice president of consumer products, Cartoon Network Enterprises. “We're thrilled that this new videogame from Midway effectively captures all of those elements while also providing exciting gameplay that will engage fans for hours on end.”
Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends is a series centered around Bloo, the best imaginary friend ever, who was created by an 8 year old boy, Mac. Mac’s not ready to give up Bloo, but his mom says he is too old for him.
The solution: Madame Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Foster’s home is a vast Victorian Mansion with endless rooms and hundreds of imaginary friends. Bloo is allowed to take up residence in the home as long as Mac agrees to visit every day. Along with the new digs comes a cast of wacky characters including Wilt, Coco and Eduardo. Together this gang of friends sets off on a series of fun and surprising adventures that will have kids wondering what’s going to happen next?
For the first time on the NDS, experience the fun of Cartoon Network’s hot show Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Play as head mischief maker Blooregard Q. Kazoo and rescue Madame Foster from the clutches of the diabolical Space Nut Boogies.
In Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders, Goo has done it yet again…her overactive imagination has conjured up a group of cosmic invaders, The Space Nut Boogies. They’ve raided Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and taken Madame Foster hostage in search of The Greatest Thing in the Universe, and it’s up to you to stop them! Play as Bloo as you explore the Foster’s house, sneak past the Space Nut Boogie guards, and gather Mac, Coco, Eduardo and the rest of the gang to rescue Madame Foster!
Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders is now available in North America for a. suggested retail price of $29.95.