Category: Multimedia

Nintendo 3DS Gets 3D Video Recording and Two Great “Mario” Games for the Holidays

from Nintendo of Canada:

This November, a new system update for the portable Nintendo 3DS system will enable owners to capture 3D video footage. People will be able to record and view moments from birthday parties, soccer games and holiday events, or create their own original 3D productions and show them to others in 3D, all without the need for special glasses. The system update will also provide new experiences for people who have conquered all the StreetPass challenges in StreetPass Mii Plaza.

The update is just one of the many elements of Nintendo’s strong holiday season lineup that features two Mario games — one platformer and one racer — for Nintendo 3DS. The season also sees the arrival of the largest game-development project in Nintendo history: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii system.

“The 2011 holiday season offers up multiple must-have Nintendo games for both experienced players and newcomers,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “Shoppers know they can count on Nintendo to offer amazing entertainment experiences at an unbeatable value.”

The first appearance by Mario on a new Nintendo system is always cause for celebration. This fall, Nintendo is giving fans two big reasons to celebrate. On November 13, Nintendo will release the Super Mario 3D Land game for Nintendo 3DS. In this first-ever true 3D Mario platforming adventure, players can scout levels and find secrets before they play using the built-in gyro sensor feature of the Nintendo 3DS system. The game will feature propeller blocks and will have StreetPass functionality. Mario Kart will be available December 4 and will include a new optional first-person driving mode that is controlled using the gyro sensor. The game also introduces new playable characters like Lakitu and Metal Mario, and a tricks system like the one in Mario Kart Wii. Both games are essential to the game libraries of Mario fans, and more details about them will be announced in the future.

A Legendary Holiday Season

Nintendo is pulling out all the stops in honor of the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword launches November 20 and represents one of the deepest and richest experiences ever produced by Nintendo. More than 100 staff members have been working for five years to produce the epic story, which includes a new approach to game play and more than 100 minutes of cinematic cut scenes. The game also will feature a boss challenge mode and, for players who need assistance, optional hint movies to help them along.

In honor of the 25th anniversary, Nintendo is offering a free classic game for a limited time. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition will be available to download between September 28, 2011, and February 20, 2012. Fans can download the Nintendo DSiWare version of the game using their Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL systems, or by accessing the Nintendo eShop with a Nintendo 3DS system (wireless broadband Internet access is required for download). The game allows up to four players who have downloaded the game to play cooperatively and has also been enhanced with a new single-player mode. Unlike the original, all multiplayer game play is handled wirelessly. Once players finish the main quest, they will unlock new stages and abilities to expand the game’s replay value.

Fans of Nintendo’s downloadable games will be getting a special Zelda treat as well. Between October 3, 2011, and February 20, 2012, select retailers will carry limited-edition cards highlighting the series’ 25th anniversary. The Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card, which is used in the Nintendo eShop of the Nintendo 3DS system, features an image of Link battling Ganon. The Nintendo Points Card, which can be used in the Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop, shows Link flying high in a scene from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

In other game news, families can look forward to making fun holiday memories with new games like Fortune Street (December 5) for the Wii console and Fossil Fighters: Champions (November 14) for the Nintendo DS family of systems. Third-party publishers are also adding to the roster of great games headed for Nintendo systems between now and the end of the year, including Just Dance 3 (October 7) for the Wii console from Ubisoft, Go Vacation (October 11) for the Wii console from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure (October 16) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems from Activision Publishing, Zumba Fitness 2 (November 15) for the Wii console from Majesco Entertainment and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (November 15) for the Wii and Nintendo 3DS systems published by SEGA. For more information and to see a listing of upcoming third-party games for Nintendo systems, visit nintendo.ca.

Looking Ahead to 2012

Beyond the holiday season, Nintendo is already making plans for 2012. Nintendo is revealing a previously unannounced 3D Mario tennis game for the Nintendo 3DS system. Mario Tennis (name not final) will launch in 2012 and more details will be announced later.

Also in 2012, Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to enjoy a new 3D installment in the Animal Crossing franchise. This version will include a number of options not available in previous versions. These include the ability to become the head of the village and boost its development, a way to install certain items in the village to make its characteristics more personalized for each player, and the ability to view homes of other players who are tagged through StreetPass connections.

In 2012, Nintendo 3DS fans will also see the arrival of new games in the Luigi’s Mansion and Paper Mario franchises.

In one final bit of news, the development team for Kid Icarus: Uprising for Nintendo 3DS has determined that more time is needed to complete the game. As a result, the game will now launch in 2012. Nintendo is also in the process of developing 3D Kid Icarus animations with critically acclaimed Japanese anime production houses. These animations will be made available free of charge via the Nintendo Video service to Nintendo 3DS owners worldwide.

Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Nintendo, visit nintendo.ca.

VIZ Media Announces Manga “Speed Up” for “Bleach” and “One Piece” Digital Releases on VIZManga.com and VIZ Manga App

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media continues to offer manga (graphic novel) fans a vast library of newly added digital titles for September through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The latest update includes a just-announced manga “speed up” for Bleach and One Piece that will bring both series up to date with their North American print counterparts by December.

Beginning today and continuing each Monday thereafter, new digital volumes of manga creator Tite Kubo’s supernatural action saga, Bleach, as well as the high seas pirate adventures of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, will be available online on VIZManga.com and also for download on the VIZ Manga App.

The latest manga speed up complements a similar accelerated release schedule announced earlier this month for Naruto, which just saw the release of 7 manga volumes in 7 days on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, and established digital parity with the bestselling series’ print counterpart.

Other notable September digital manga releases for both platforms will include the concluding volume to Inio Asano’s What a Wonderful World!, which will launch on September 12th, as well as the final volume to Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z, available the same day. The newest edition of Natsume Ono’s acclaimed samurai drama, House of Five Leaves Volume 4, is scheduled for September 19th, a day before the print counterpart’s national release.

Additional new VIZ Media manga volumes launching include:

September 12th:

Bakuman Vol. 6
Bleach Vol. 23
Claymore Vol. 18
D.Gray-man Vol. 19
Dragon Ball Z Vol. 26 — Final Volume!
Fushigi Yûgi Genbu Kaiden Vol. 6
Hyde & Closer Vol. 5
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 6
One Piece Vol. 43
Otomen Vol. 10
Saturn Apartments Vol. 2
What a Wonderful World! Vol. 2 — Series Conclusion!

September 19th:

Bleach Vol. 24
House of Five Leaves Vol. 4 — Debuts a day before the print counterpart!
Kekkaishi Vol. 13
Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 8
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 7
One Piece Vol. 44
Rosario + Vampire II Vol. 5
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 22

September 26th:

Arata: The Legend Vol. 6
Bleach Vol. 25
Children of the Sea Vol. 4
D.Gray-man Vol. 20
InuYasha (VIZBIG) Vol. 4 — Exclusive to the VIZ Manga App for iPad
Maou: Juvenile Remix Vol. 6
Neon Genesis Evangelion Chapter 8
One Piece Vol. 45
Vampire Knight Vol. 11

VIZ Media’s digital manga application allows for universal access for fans for reading manga from their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users are able to view their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App is the top application for reading manga on iOS devices and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world, currently offering 40 series and over 400 volumes, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or VIZ.com/apps.

The Guild Season 5, Episode 07: “Downturn”

from The Guild:

Episode 07, “Downturn” is now available on MSN and Bing as well as Xbox Live and Zune, and will come to the web on Thursday.

Zaboo’s Seat-Saver’s network gets serious as Clara tries to cozy up with a new group of friends.

Special thanks to HalloweenCostumes.com (where you can now pre-order an officially licensed Codex costume). Steampunk clothing provided by Clockwork Couture. Special thanks to Sypher Studios for providing the Steampunk booth gear — check out Sypher’s Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade.

Catch up on all of Season 5 on Xbox Live and Zune and via MSN and Bing. Connect with The Guild: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr and our Fan Community.

The Guild Season 5, Episode 07: “Downturn” on Xbox and Zune

from The Guild:

Episode 07, “Downturn” is now available on Xbox Live and Zune, and will come to the web on Thursday.

Zaboo’s Seat-Saver’s network gets serious as Clara tries to cozy up with a new group of friends.

Catch up on all of Season 5 on Xbox Live and Zune and via MSN and Bing.

Connect with The Guild: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr and our Fan Community.

J!NX: Notice Anything New? Plus a Labor Day Promo

from J!NX:

We’ve Redesigned Our Site
After five years, we bring an entirely new face to JINX.com. We know this will be shocking to many of you that have been around for years, but we assure there is something that resembles a method to all of this madness. Ever-esteemed Programmer-at-arms, Brolo, has crafted a handy blog entry to help you understand exactly how many levels of awesomesauce this new design is over its predecessor. But we definitely want to hear from you. Leave us some comments on your initial thoughts, rants, and raves about what you think. More importantly, let us know if you come across anything that’s completely, or even mildly, borked. We want to get all the borked-up parts cleaned up, and make sure we can still bring you the best geek/gamer apparel site on every corner of the interwebs.

Tip of the Week: The size selector in the navigation bar on the left menu shows you what’s IN STOCK based on your size.

SteelSeries Dual Anniversary Celebration
2011 marks 20 years that Blizzard has been putting out awesome games, and 10 years that our friends over at Steelseries have been putting out the best computer peripherals. They want you in on the celebration, and they’re letting you put together the prize package, including some of the most awesome J!NX swag available.

Spend $25 or more, and get $10 off your total order.
Use Promotion Code: LABORDAY
This offer expires Tuesday, September 06, 2011 at 11:59PM PDT, so don’t wait!
*can’t be combined with any other offers, sale prices, or discounts

The Scholarship of the Ring

from GeekChicDaily:

If the phrase “You shall not pass!” reminds you more of Gandalf the Grey throwing down against the Balrog than something you heard from teachers in school, Mythgard Institute may be for you. You can take fully interactive online courses in Tolkien studies. The first class, “The Great Tales: Tolkien and the Epic,” explores Beowulf and other classics that inspired the world of Middle-earth. Did you already get AP credit for that? No worries. Future classes cover C.S. Lewis and modern mythic superstar Harry Potter.

Since the college is online, you won’t be able to stop by the student union for second breakfast. And Peregrin Took’s championship beer pong streak will have to go unchallenged. But not leaving your computer has one big benefit: you’ll never have to see Gimli in a toga.

As you can imagine, there’s a lot of reading to do, so lay off the pipe-weed this Labor Day and log on. You can apply for M.A. credit, audit, or if you’re like us, sleep in and grab a friend’s notes later. Maybe a certain gardener can help out? After all, Samwise Gamgee may not be able to carry the course load, but he can carry you.

VIZ Manga Debuts Seven Volumes of “Naruto” in Seven Days

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media starts off September with a special Naruto release promotion through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Naruto Vol. 46 is available now, Vol. 47 launches today, and a new volume of Naruto (volumes 48-51) will be available each day thereafter. On Tuesday, September 6th, Naruto Volume 52 will debut DAY-AND-DATE with its print counterpart!

Created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, Naruto (rated ‘T’ for Teens) quickly became Japan’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. Naruto is also one of the most popular anime/manga properties in North America. The Naruto manga and animated series depict the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of the nine-tailed fox demon sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong.

More information on Naruto is available at Naruto.com.

Naruto Vol. 52 sees a Cell Seven reunion as Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto finally meet and the former classmates’ complicated past gives way to a violent and unsure future. Naruto realizes he must eventually battle Sasuke one-on-one… to the death! But with Sasuke and his dark allies bent on complete destruction, and political intrigue in the villages, will the powerful Allied Shinobi Forces allow the two “friends” to meet in battle?!

September 5th also sees new additions to 11 other VIZ Media manga series, including:

Black Bird Vol. 10 — available a day earlier than the print counterpart!
Dengeki Daisy Vol. 4
Dragon Ball Z Vol. 25
Grand Guignol Orchestra Vol. 3
I’ll Give It My All… Tomorrow Vol. 3
Kekkaishi Vol. 12
Oishinbo Vol. 2
One Piece Vol. 42
Ouran High School Host Club Vol. 10
Rosario + Vampire II Vol. 4
Rurouni Kenshin Vol. 21

VIZ Media’s digital manga platform continues to expand access for fans in North America to the world’s best manga. Starting with the VIZ Manga app (the #1 app for reading manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch) in 2010, the recently launched VIZManga.com is now a leading online destination for reading manga on desktop/laptop computers and on Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users can select from nearly 400 volumes across 40+ series and then enjoy their purchases through even more devices than ever.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or VIZ.com/apps.

The Guild Season 5, Episode 06: “Revolving Doors”

from The Guild:

Episode 06, “Revolving Doors” is now available on the web via MSN and Bing as well as Xbox Live and Zune.

Vork manages Bladezz’ career as Codex sets out on her own to solve the problems with their game.

Liking the Master Chiefs? In addition to thanking Microsoft for allowing us to use the characters, we’d like to thank Blue Realm Studios and the 405th for providing the armor and more. Also, the fine folks at Dragonsquared provided the furry suit and custom built Tink’s plush version of herself seen in this episode.

Catch up on all of Season 5 on Xbox Live and Zune and via MSN and Bing. Connect with The Guild: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr and our Fan Community.

Japanese Pop Group Supercell Announces New U.S. Release Featuring Hatsune Miku

from VIZ Media:

Following up the release of its first full-length record in the U.S., Sony Music Direct (Japan), Inc., a division of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Inc., has announced the U.S. release of a brand new EP by the Japanese pop artist/group, Ryo (Supercell). The new release, Sekiranun Graffiti, is available now exclusively on iTunes and Amazon and features vocals from Hatsune Miku, the world’s first virtual pop diva.

The EP’s title track, “Sekiranun Graffiti” (Sekiranun means Thundercloud), is also the theme music to the latest Hatsune Miku PROJECT DIVA arcade console game and video game for the PSP, which will be released in Japan this fall. The release also contains the new single, “Fallin’ Fallin’ Fallin’,” which was composed by Ryo and the celebrated Japanese Vocaloid producer known as Dixie Flatline. The Sekiranun Graffiti EP also contains instrumental and remixes of the two tracks. Cover art for the new release was created by Atsuya Uki.

Ryo and his pop group Supercell are a group of Japanese multimedia creators and artists. Singer Hatsune Miku, whose name means, “first sound of the future,” is a Vocaloid (meaning machine-made vocals) digital female avatar and the most popular of the Vocaloid Character Series software originally created by Crypton Future Media using Yamaha’s Vocaloid 2 engine to create organic-sounding synthesized vocal tracks.

The group’s first full length U.S. release, Supercell Featuring Hatsune Miku, topped the iTunes World Music Charts in May 2011 and has continued to bring the virtual pop star greater exposure to enthusiastic fans in North America. In Japan, Hatsune Miku is a major national phenomenon appearing in many popular video games and music videos. She’s also played several sellout “concerts,” where she performed on stage as a 3D hologram backed by a live band. Miku recently played her first live show in the U.S. called, “MIKUNOPOLIS in LOS ANGELES,” at the 2011 Anime Expo held in July in Los Angeles, CA.

More information on Supercell is available at: facebook.com/supercell.JPN.

The Guild Season 5, Episode 06: “Revolving Doors” on Xbox and Zune

from The Guild:

Episode 06, “Revolving Doors” is now available on Xbox Live and Zune, and will come to the web on Thursday.

Vork manages Bladezz’ career as Codex sets out on her own to solve the problems with their game.

Catch up on all of Season 5 on Xbox Live and Zune and via MSN and Bing.

Connect with The Guild: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr and our Fan Community.

Jesse Ventura Stars as “Abraxas: Guardian of the Universe”

from RiffTrax:

Our new release Abraxas: Guardian of the Universe follows the heroic exploits of a galactic defender, played by Jesse Ventura, who comes to Earth to — wait, wait, that can’t be right. Jesse Ventura? The washed-up 80s wrestler known primarily for his feather boas and conspiracy theories? No, no way. Who would let THAT GUY guard a universe? Forget that, who would even let him guard some small part of the universe? Say, a state of the United States of America, a state with a population of roughly 5.3 million, perhaps located in the Midwest, with an area of 86,939 square miles, famous for its thousands of lakes? Totally implausible, the world just isn’t that silly.

And yet, here he is, ready to stumble into action and visibly struggle when he speaks! It’s a Terminator-infringing wonderland of snow, words like Comator (or Colemader, or Cone-mater, depending on who happens to be saying it) and organic apple sales. And it features JIM BELUSHI AS AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. He’s there for some comic relief, in the sense that if someone has been stepping on your throat but then stops to step on your chest instead, it’s sort of a “relief”.

Only $9.99!

Get it here.

Last Chance to Follow the Trail of “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology”

from X3 Productions:

There are only a few weeks left to see the exhibition that has fascinated thousands of visitors this summer! Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology will be showing at the Montréal Science Centre only until Sunday, September 18. The world’s favourite archaeologist will soon be leaving our fair city to seek adventure all over the globe for the next six years, including in Europe and Asia.

Opening hours have been extended until 9 p.m. every day (6 p.m. on Sundays) until the exhibition closes — even on Monday, September 5, for the Labour Day holiday! — so that as many people as possible can enjoy this exceptional experience.

So join the adventure and immerse yourself in the work of real superstars of archaeology, as you explore 14 archaeological regions around the world. See how these exceptional figures managed to unlock the mysteries of mythical sites like Machu Picchu (Peru), the vanished civilization of Ankgor Wat (Cambodia), a royal cemetery discovered in the city of Ur, in ancient Mesopotamia, the Nazca lines in Peru, and much more!

Get a free poster with your exhibit ticket!

“The exhibit is a marvel.” Wired.com
“The Montreal Science Center’s Indiana Jones archaeology exhibit is an Oscar-worthy performance.” The Miami Herald
“This is worth the trip!” CTV News

Don’t Wait in Line
Buy Your Tickets Online!

Game time!
Make sure you bring the whole family, they won’t want to miss out on the extremely popular treasure hunt. Kids of all ages are invited to find and gather clues throughout the exhibition and collect their own artefacts to be included in our virtual exhibit. It is a fun way to learn about the science of field archaeology while playing at being Indiana Jones.

Did you know that your ticket to Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology not only gets you into this exciting adventure but also gives you free access to all four permanent exhibitions at the Montréal Science Centre? That’s what you can call spending quality time with the young ones.

Made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montréal’s X3 Productions, the exhibition is aimed at kids of all ages, Indy fans, history buffs and budding adventurers and explorers.

Exclusive offer: 10% off all entries after 5 p.m.! Get a 10% discount when you buy a ticket at regular price on the Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology exhibition. *This offer is valid only at the ticket office of the Montréal Science Centre and for visits from Monday to Saturday after 5 pm, until September 18, 2011. No monetary value, cannot be combined with any other offer, no reservation by phone or online, one coupon per person.

montrealsciencecentre.com
indianajonestheexhibition.com
Montreal Science Centre Box Office
2, De la Commune Street West