Diddy Kong Racing DS (NDS)
An array of cute monkeys, tigers, turtles and crocodiles (who were somehow granted licenses to drive) populate Nintendo's newest Wi-Fi-enabled game for Nintendo DS Lite, Diddy Kong Racing DS. The racing adventure further revs the engines of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which already has connected more than 3.5 million unique users worldwide for more than 100 million online game-play connections. Diddy Kong Racing DS adds another classic to this portable wireless community, complete with new tracks, upgradeable vehicles and a course-design mode.
Diddy Kong Racing DS takes place on Timber's Island, which has been invaded by an evil space pig. Unlike traditional racing-only games, the game is a true adventure. Players explore the island and complete a series of racing challenges while piloting cars, hovercrafts and planes. The game features 38 different tracks and upgradeable vehicles with improvements in speed, durability and looks. Players can even create their own tracks using touch-screen controls and share them with others wirelessly. Up to six players can compete online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, and eight can race via local DS Download Play, even if only one player has a game card.
Diddy Kong Racing DS, Rated E for Everyone, is available Feb. 7.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI (PS2)
Set during the end of the Han Dynasty and the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., RTK XI presents the most visually captivating evolution ever seen in the history of the series. Featuring an artistic style evocative of classical Chinese ink-paintings, and with debates and duels now rendered in real-time 3D animation, RTK XI pushes the boundaries and blurs the line between video games and art in this stunning recreation of the mood and feel of ancient China.
Players will need to dig deep within to prove themselves adept at both the military and political arts in order to bring China under one rule. Domestic affairs, diplomacy and warfare are all conducted on a single vast 3D relief map, dramatically bringing to life the epic scale of the adventure that lies before them.
As the ruler of a kingdom, each player will have complete control over their territories. More than 40 base commands give players the power to govern cities, manage their personnel, practice diplomacy, and much more. Complete freedom to develop markets, shipyards, outposts, forts and military units expand on the already substantial benchmarks established by previous editions of the series. Finally, players will watch the era come to life through the unique individual personalities of the more than 780 officers and supporting characters that they will meet and interact with while engaged in one of RTK XI' ten gripping scenarios.
For improved control over each military campaign, RTK XI's turn-based game play allows the player to plan their movements without undue time constraints, and then execute their battle tactics when ready. RTK XI also introduces an entirely new system for researching military techniques, as well as an Advanced Tactics System that allows players to drive or lure enemies into devastating ambushes. Skilled players will be able to link together tactics for maximum damage.
Key product features include:
- Vivid 3D scenes inspired by classical Chinese ink paintings
- 10 scenarios, plus 10 preset scenarios and 8 special challenges
- Newly-revamped debate system
- 100 officer skills from which to choose, including 'Divine Fire' and 'Entrap'
- Create-an-officer mode with 24 customizable unique character attributes
- For the first time, English and Chinese Voice Options
- Step-by-step tutorials for beginners
- Stirring original score composed by Yoshihiro Ike
From legendary video game producer Kou Shibusawa comes his next historical simulation masterpiece! Rediscover an ancient civilization with an explosive history in this most stunning edition of Romance of the Three Kingdoms to date. Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older- Alcohol Reference, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Violence) by the ESRB, with play for 1-8 players.