Super Monkey Ball Step and Roll doesn't hit stores until next year, but if you want in early (and we commend you for it), the game is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.
Often dreamed up as one of the series' that would suit the Balance Board perfectly, Step and Roll includes over 70 new levels to guide the puzzled monkeys through, and over 20 mini-games.
What are you waiting for?
Grab your copy at Amazon.com here.
As December looms, here's another Wii Balance Board-supported game for you - World Game Tour. Look out, here's the blurb:
World Game Tour is a vibrant addition to the family party game genre and offers fun and accessible gameplay for all age groups. The game is characterised by unique art style and humorous gameplay. Take yourself on a trip around the world and play one of ten location themed minigames. Try anything from herding cattle in the Wild West to Hunting Ghosts in Ireland... you can even travel to Outer Space in the pursuit of gaming fun! World Game Tour offers fun for all the family with a blend of unique settings and over the top gameplay!
No release date as yet, but we'll keep you posted.
A portion of the UGO review of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage:
"In all, World Stage features 75 events. All of them feel much like last year's, but relax, that's not a bad thing. If you can chill out and enjoy cutting fresh snow on a similar board, this is a perfect ride."
A portion of the GameFocus review of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage:
"For those looking for a fast and fun snowboarding game on the Wii, Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage is the game to play. The wonderful course designs and various events are more than enough to keep you coming back for more. While the short length of the Story mode may let down some, if you can get some friends over to play with you, you will quickly lose track of the time."
A portion of the Vooks review of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games:
"If you haven’t played many mini-game collections and are looking for a new party-style game, then Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is a decent choice."
A portion of the Nintendo Power review of Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3:
"It all functions adequately and adds welcome variety, but it feels like a novelty compared to the tried-and-true dance mat (which you can still use, thankfully)."
Until Super Monkey Ball Touch and Roll comes to save the Balance Board from a disappointing future outlook, here comes My Ballet Studio from 505 games, allowing players to learn real dance lessons in front of an expecting audience.
My Ballet Studio is out now.
A portion of the GameSpot review of EA Sports Active: More Workouts:
"EA Sports Active: More Exercises is very much an "if it ain't broke" sequel. But because the original game was done so well, there isn't much point in messing around with what works. While the game isn't as essential for virtual workout fans as its predecessor, this is still pretty much a must-buy if you enjoy sweating off the Doritos in the comfort of your living room."
A portion of the GameDaily review of EA Sports Active: More Workouts:
"Small criticisms aside, EA Sports Active: More Workouts is a fun exercise game that'll help you lose weight. It's by no means a replacement for an actual gym membership, but instead serves as a great companion to one, letting its users sneak in squats and push-ups amidst their hectic schedules."
A portion of the IGN review of EA Sports Active: More Workouts:
"Combining workouts and advice from Bob Greene, this program promotes a healthy lifestyle from all angles. If you’re already an Active fan, More Workouts is a good option to refresh your routines."
A portion of the 1UP review of EA Sports Active: More Workouts:
"...with an attractive price point ($39.99) and a good number of exercises and routines to choose from, More Workouts is a welcome update to the original. It offers past Active users an upgraded challenge (you can even import your profile directly over from the first game) while giving newcomers an even better way to get active and stay healthy."
A portion of The Guardian review of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage:
"As sporting celebrity tie-ins go, Shaun White's Snowboarding: World Stage may not be in the Tony Hawk category, but it's decent throwaway fun, particularly in multiplayer, and may be the best chance to experience snow this Christmas."
A portion of the CNET review of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage:
"...for people new to the series, or anyone itching to take to the slopes again, this is a really fun take on the sport with excellent controls."
Ballerina supports the Wii Balance Board, we learn this weekend. Certainly not everybody's cup of tea, but hopefully Deep Silver can produce something worthy of the attention of those who are interested. Behold the blurb:
"Deep Silver today announced Ballerina for Nintendo DS and Wii. For the new simulation, the renowned French ballet clothing manufacturer Repetto is supporting Koch Media as a cooperation partner, promoting the product through additional marketing efforts. Moreover, budding ballerinas get to dazzle in Repetto brand outfits within the game.
Ballerina focuses completely on the art of ballet. Classical dance is one of the most popular hobbies among girls. Ballet tells a story, expressed through music and dance instead of words. In this new simulation for Wii and Nintendo DS, players take on the role of a 12-year-old girl, who has just been admitted to a very prestigious dancing academy. During her period of training, the heroine commits herself solely to dancing. Her dream is to become a great prima ballerina. But the path to success is full of challenges. Also, she should never underestimate her fellow students, because some of them would do anything to outdo their competition. But only the best will get a chance to shine, and therefore players will have to keep proving and improving their skills. Luckily, they are getting support from Nathan, a young, very talented dancer, the heartthrob of every girl in the academy. Together, they train between lessons, so that the heroine can make her dream come true and become a famous prima ballerina.
Ballerina is set in the academy, as well as an opera house. The single player title offers awesome dance animations, gorgeous 2D and 3D graphics, and a gripping story filled with passion and adventure. Just as in real life, hard training is a main factor. At the same time, the game tries to convey values such as friendship, loyalty, and helpfulness. The Wii version features six prominent ballets that can be performed using the Wii Balance Board and the Wii Remote. And in "Repetto Presents Ballerina" for Nintendo DS, hand-held dancers appear in four well-known ballets.
Ballerina for Nintendo DS and Wii is developed by ZigZag Island and will be published by Deep Silver."
A portion of the IGN review of EA Sports Active More Workouts:
"If you’re too intimidated to exercise in public but want to change your habits for the better, EA Sports Active More Workouts can help. Combining workouts and advice from Bob Greene, this program promotes a healthy lifestyle from all angles. If you’re already an Active fan, More Workouts is a good option to refresh your routines."
A portion of the GameSpot review of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage:
"World Stage, like its predecessor, is a well-made representation of the winter sport that is easy to pick up, and it's satisfying to work your way to the top of the rankings. However, since there aren't any huge differences separating it from last year's release, anyone taking control of Shaun White once again will have a sense of deja vu. But for people new to the series, or anyone itching to take to the slopes again, this is a really fun take on the sport with excellent controls."
Charm Girls: Pajama Party Supports Wii Balance Board, we learn today. It joins Girls Life: Slumber Party as the second Balance Board-supported game to feature overnight gatherings for tweenagers. Behold the blurb:
In the Charm Girls Club games, girls are introduced to their new BFFs, the Charm Girls. In the Charm Girls Club games, girls are introduced to their new BFFs, the Charm Girls. The Charm Girls guide players through the games, give them a helping hand, and get their back when the evil Queen B's try to intervene. Girls begin by customizing their own Charm Girl character that represents their unique style. Girls can choose from thousands of trendy and stylish combinations, customizing their entire look from head to toe, including their facial features, hair, make-up, wardrobe, shoes and even their accessories
In Charm Girls Club Pajama Party for Wii, girls can play with the Charm Girls, or with as many as seven friends, for the ultimate interactive slumber party experience. Girls will have an all night gigglefest playing more than 30 hilarious games like Bed Bounce, Pillow Fight, Speed Hair Teasing, and many more. Using the Wii Remote's motion-sensing technology, Charm Girls Club Pajama Party takes classic pajama party games and activities to a whole new level.
Thanks to Janne for the tip!
Konami has confirmed the second game in the Dance Dance Revolution family to support the Wii Balance Board, and this time it's fully focused on exercise - Dance Dance Revolution Music Fit.
The game is expected to be released on January 28, 2010 and will only be available in Japan. Music Fit Will contain 27 mainstream tracks with 50 tracks total and support up to four players. Music Fit will use the same game engine as Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3 allowing for Balance Board support and other gameplay refinements over the previous Japanese release Dance Dance Revolution Full Full Party.
A portion of the Cubed3 preview of James Cameron's Avatar: The Game for Wii:
"Thankfully, it seems Ubisoft has ensured that the Wii version of Avatar: The Game will stand apart from its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 counterparts by playing to the system's strengths in terms of core gameplay and tight motion control. Visually, however, the game still impresses with a considerable amount of care evident. Certainly one to keep a close eye on!"
A portion of the IGN
review of Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage:
"Shaun White was good fun on Wii last year and it's still a nice ride a year later. Not a lot has changed, though, and you may be a little underwhelmed if you've already been down the mountain. I also want to stress that this is a kids' game, although it's one of the better kids' games around. If you're looking for a simple arcade racer, Shaun White is your man."
A portion of the WorthPlaying Interview with Ubisoft about Shaun White Snowboarding World Stage:
"WP: What about the different arenas? We noticed quite a few countries are appearing in the game, so how many tracks and different arenas will we get to experience?
GG: We have 75 events in the Campaign mode, which is a great improvement over the first game. They're divided into 15 different categories because we found that, while we really appreciated the first game and felt like it made great strides, we wanted to take that further so we added a bunch of new events. There are nine countries in this version, which is a significant wealth. There are eight countries, and then there's Red Bull, which is not really a country, but give it time. We really wanted to increase the amount of content that we delivered across the board, so in addition to all the different countries, you have a bunch of different modes and a bunch of different styles of modes. Overall, it's just a huge increase in content."
A portion of the ARS preview of Avatar for Wii:
"Far more interesting, though, was the flying segment I was able to try, which made use of the Wii Fit Balance Board. Essentially you use your feet to fly. It takes some time to get used to, especially considering you'll also be using the Wii remote to aim and fire as you tilt back and forth controlling your craft, but eventually the controls come to be fairly intuitive."
The number of new Wii Fit and Balance Board accessories has dwindled significantly in recent months, even with the release of Wii Fit Plus to tempt manufacturers. Still, Mad Catz isn't giving up on an opportunity with the release of the Wii Fit Premier Pak. Here's the low down:
* Wii Remote Holster: Lightweight elastic mesh design / Heavy-duty clip keeps holster in place / Wii Remote's buttons still accessible while in holster.
* Protective Silicone Cover: Made of high-quality, durable lightweight silicone / Helps keep Balance Board clean & scratch-free / Secure fit helps prevent cover from shifting.
* Rechargeable Battery Pack for Wii Fit Balance Board: Eliminates the need to purchase costly batteries / Provides up to 20 hours of gameplay / Charges via USB, Wii or PC.
If you're looking for something to make Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage that much more involving when its released very shortly, then Rob Drydek's Skateboard attachment for the Wii Balance Board could be just the ticket.
Simply place it over the Board to transform the experience into something a lot more 'virtually-realistic' - and get a bit more of a workout at the same time, too!
Pick it up at Amazon.com now.
At last... someone with the nerve to name their Wii exercise game just that too close to that of Nintendo's Balance Board behemoth - say hello to Wii Fitness.
As far as we can tell, Wii Fitness has a specific focus on strengthing muscles and joints, with the software pointing out all of the key areas that need attention.
It'll hit Japan in December.
Shaun White recently sat down with the LA Times for a chat about his career and Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage. The extreme sportsman explained that he halted Ubisoft from including too much cliched snowboarding lingo, DUDE, and when asked what he wanted players to get out of the game, he replied:
"The goal of the game is to get someone who never goes snowboarding to get the feel for what it's actually like to ride. If you play the game, you get the same point of view I get when I ride. When you add the balance board, it definitely enhances that feeling because you're able to lean and turn. I also think it's rad to be able to go in the game and do things I can't do in real life.
Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage is released in just a few days time.
A portion of the GameZone review of Wii Fit Plus:
"Worth a purchase by anyone who loves mini-games, and certainly worth buying as a Balance Board bundle if you don't own the original, Wii Fit Plus is an upgrade that'll satisfy one audience but could disappoint another."
A portion of the DBTechno review of The Biggest Loser for Wii:
"If you buy The Biggest Loser thinking it will be the only thing you n eed to lose weight, you will be greatly disappointed. If, however, you purchase it and are set to really start an exercise program, this could be a great tool to complement that program."
The Nintendo Wii isn't unknown for the odd weird peripheral or two, but this one has to take the biscuit. Baby And Me comes packaged with a doll to play the game along with. Wii Remote strapped to it, the little 'un will interact with its onscreen counterpart:
"Your baby reacts by giggling, gurgling or crying through the Wii remote Ten Baby Mode games including feed baby & send baby to sleep Eight Play Mode games including rattle, catch, clap & balloons. Balance Board support: rock baby to sleep, burp baby, teach baby to walk. Customise baby with new clothes, accessories and playrooms."
Whatever next?
A portion of the Telegraph review of Wii Fit Plus:
"Despite its shortcomings it's guaranteed to make the act of exercising enjoyable and if you don't already own a game of this type, but are interested in trying one out, Wii Fit Plus is a no-brainer; as an entry into the genre, it is peerless. And yes, after just one workout you will feel less guilty about the packet of crisps you ate on the way home."
