Dec. 1, 2008

After a long, lazy holiday weekend, it’s time to shake off your post-Thanksgiving daze. Need some suggestions for boosting your activity level back into the red? Let the latest additions to the Wii™ Shop Channel be your guide: Take command of a UFO in an epic space battle, get your engine revving as the leader of a frenzied pit crew, or storm the battlefield in a high-tech military mêlée. With all this excitement, you may be ready for another vacation day sooner than you think.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare™

SPACE INVADERS GET EVEN (Taito, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): The Space Invaders are back, and this time they’re out to get even. Take control of a UFO and make those Earthlings pay by unleashing your fleet of heroic invaders against their puny tanks, fighter jets and artillery-but watch out for the massive boss awaiting you at the end of each stage. Use your invaders’ five attack types and the might of the mother ship to rack up high scores, then upload them via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection and see where you stand in the global rankings. (Note: Router and broadband access required for online play. For more info, visit www.nintendo.com.)

Pit Crew Panic! (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Pit Crew Panic! is a frantic, action-packed game that unfolds on the racing circuit. During the game, the pit crew is not only faced with repairing vehicles, but also various WHATSITs. Handling the WHATSIT repairs is a pit crew made up of legendary beauties. The controls are simple: Just grab a member of the crew with the Wii Remote™ controller’s A Button, then release the button when the Pointer is over the damaged PART, and that crew member will begin repairs. Assign repairs to the members of your team and provide support using the Wii Remote to send a fully repaired WHATSIT out of the pit as quickly as you can. The game features Normal mode, which can be played using one of two rules: Abnormal mode (players split into two teams and compete against each other) and Ranking mode (compete with players around the world for the top record). Each mode can be played with a maximum of four Wii Remote controllers, allowing you to team up with friends and family. Your teamwork could lead to outstanding records.

Virtual Console™

METAL SLUG 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen-Blood and Gore, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1998 by SNK, METAL SLUG 2 is a side-scrolling military-action game. Players choose from Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio, setting their sights on wiping out Morden’s newly remobilized Rebellion Army. Just like the original METAL SLUG, players blaze a trail by shooting and jumping, but METAL SLUG 2 adds a new arsenal for you to command, including a heavy machine gun, a shotgun and even a laser gun, providing players with rich variety. Battle effects are packed in, as well-players turn into mummies after getting caught in poison gas coughed up by mummies. After picking up too many food items, characters turn fat, but they get an attack-strength upgrade. Two-player action is supported, too, so players can have a blast with their friends.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

- Atari Brings Acclaimed Adventures to Retail Worldwide with Boxed Releases Coming 2009 to PC and Wii -

LYON, FRANCE – 2 December 2008 – Atari and Telltale, Inc. today announced a new partnership to bring Sam & Max to retail stores worldwide with PC and Wii versions of the duo’s most recent escapades, Sam & Max Season Two. Everyone’s favourite freelance police are back for more of the surreal stories and offbeat laughs that make the Sam & Max games series one-of-a-kind. Currently available as episodic downloads for PC only, publisher Atari is bringing Sam & Max Season Two to retailers worldwide for PC and Wii in 2009.

Sam and Max are on the job again in the critically acclaimed Sam & Max Season Two brimming with crime-fighting adventure and chaos. Structured like a TV season, each of the five episodes has its own self-contained plot while together they form part of a season-long mystery. Like the best TV series, Sam & Max Season Two draws the player in with great characters and multiple intertwined plot lines, building to a high stakes climax in the season finale.

The crazed journey begins with a giant robot attack and never lets up, taking the crime-fighters on a series of wild missions boasting twisted storylines and engaging gameplay with their own unique brand of justice that takes them from frozen arctic regions to the fiery opposite end of the spectrum.

As with DVD box sets of popular TV series, bringing the game to retail lets its creators reach a new audience of gamers who otherwise might have led a life deprived of the joy only Sam & Max can bring. Sam & Max Season Two for Wii and PC is the first time this release has been localised, with full French and German versions available on the disk along with Spanish and Italian subtitles, so international fans can enjoy the fun in their mother tongue.

Created by Steve Purcell, Sam & Max first got their start in the indie comic book scene in the 1980s and the duo have since become a well-loved phenomenon in both the comic scene and with the brilliantly addictive and entertaining video games.

About Sam & Max
Sam is a six-foot dog in a baggy suit sporting a trombone-sized .44 hand-cannon. Max is a three foot “rabbity thing” with a saw blade grin and the impulsive nature of the average piranha. Together they patrol the sticky streets of a fantastical New York City, righting wrongs, pummelling perps, and ridding the urban landscape of the shifty legions of “self-propelled gutter trash” that litter their streets. Sam & Max have appeared in comics, video games, an animated TV series recently reissued on DVD, and an Eisner award-winning webcomic.

About Telltale, Inc.
Telltale is pioneering new forms of interactive entertainment, building upon strong foundations in both traditional and new media. Founded in 2004 by industry veterans with decades of experience, the company has quickly become the leading online episodic gaming publisher and developer, delivering award-winning interactive experiences that emphasize engaging stories, strong characters, and rich worlds. Telltale is establishing a regular, ongoing schedule of online episodic series, across all major gaming and entertainment platforms and channels.

Telltale’s games include Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People, the first episodic series for WiiWare™ based on the Homestarrunner.com web cartoons, and a new Wallace & Gromit game series. Telltale has also created games based on television’s popular CSI program, in partnership with Ubisoft, and on Jeff Smith’s epic Bone graphic novels. Learn more at www.telltalegames.com.

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.
Atari’s extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), publishing properties (The Witcher, Legendary, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

© 2008 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

- Powder-fresh Gameplay and High Octane Snowboarding Tempt Snow Sports Game Fans to the Slopes for a Whole New Wintry World of Fun Exclusively on Wii -

LONDON, UK – 2 December 2008 – Wii gamers are dreaming of virgin snow and the dazzling winter sun with the news that NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Family Ski & Snowboard, the sequel to the much-loved snow sports game for Wii, will make its wintry way into European homes this coming February 2009.

Amongst the abundance of gameplay advances jostling for space on the slopes in this latest instalment of the Wii Balance Board standout series are all-new high performance snowboarding, enhanced skiing functionality, two statuesque new mountains to conquer and an additional 10,000 vertical metres to hurtle down. There’s big, big air to be grabbed by skiers and snowboarders alike with fun boxes, rails and a half-pipe all throwing down the thermal gauntlet to players as they test their skills to pull off an array of wild aerial tricks.

Family Ski & Snowboard takes players on a wintry thrill ride through a multitude of different environments on the imposing Mt. Angrio and cool Jamboree Snow Resort. Take the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in hand to enjoy the classic motion-based controls popularized by Family Ski, while the addition of the Wii Balance Board brings an even greater level of realism to the fun. Custom characters and player Mii’s add another dimension as the player kicks up powder on adventures across the vast free-riding areas boasting even more mountain terrain than ever. Hopping on the chairlift for a ride to the summit ensures a breathtaking view, while heli-drops from vertigo-inducing heights give players the chance to shred down vertical cliffs and sheer precipices. And don’t forget to watch out for avalanches!

Hot Doggers can quench their thirst for thrills with half-pipe courses, and ski technique challenges, while those looking for a more leisurely time on the piste can indulge in other activities including ski school, board school, moguls, slaloms, and even animal search and rescue. The day, night and dusk skiing across the sprawling vistas offer endless variations on the whole snowy experience. When it comes to getting the family involved there’s four player fun in fast-paced racing action or free-skiing, while solo players can enjoy the ride with up to three AI-controlled skiing buddies for company.

For more information on Family Ski & Snowboard visit http://www.namcobandaigames.eu/ and for Atari’s entire product line-up visit www.atari.com.

About NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe:
NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S., is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher based in Cergy-Pontoise, France. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including the RidgeRacer™, Tekken™, SOULCALIBUR™, Tamagotchi™, Digimon™, Dragonball® and Naruto™ brands.

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.
Atari’s extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), publishing properties (The Witcher, Legendary, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

In September 2008, Infogrames Entertainment announced that it had signed a letter of intent to establish strategic partnership between Infogrames and NAMCO BANDAI Games. The partnership is expected to provide NAMCO BANDAI Games with a distribution network across the PAL territories.

Game designed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc
© 2008 NBGI

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Release:

The Best-Selling Boxing Franchise Returns with a Huge Roster of Celebrity-inspired Fighters Looking to Land the KO Punch in Spring 2009

LONDON, UK – 2 December 2008 – The hilarious Ready 2 Rumble franchise is flexing its muscles and planning a major, star-studded return to the ring in spring 2009 with the launch of Ready 2 Rumble Revolution, the newest game in the much-loved series. Bringing the franchise to Wii™ for the first time, the game retains all the knockout features of best-sellers Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 1 and Round 2, while delivering a knockout punch of style and attitude. Tailored to take advantage of the motion-controlled realism of Wii, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution makes landing a punch more fun than ever.

“Ready 2 Rumble Revolution is poised to take back the title as the undisputed champion of arcade boxing games and we hope to reach an even bigger audience than ever thanks to the huge popularity of Wii,” said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames, the parent company of Atari. “The outrageous celebrity caricatures paired with a fun boxing experience made even more over-the-top thanks to the Wii controllers will make the newest version of this famed franchise a must-have for all fans of boxing and physical fun on Wii.”

“Ready 2 Rumble Revolution will put the swagger back into the boxing ring and promote an adrenaline-boosting, positive will to win attitude in the hearts and minds of fans of all ages,” said Gaspard de Dreuzy, President of Stereo Mode and executive producer of the game.

Sure to satisfy newcomers and boxing fans alike, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution features a roster of 18 wildly caricatured cartoony boxers, all parodies of celebrities from the worlds of sports, music and movies who enter the ring as larger-than-life “Rumble-ized” versions of themselves. Players will step right up and see if they can knock these super-sized egos down a peg or two!

The game is hosted by “The Voice of the Champions” Michael Buffer, famous for his “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble®” trademark call. Characters are brought to life with hilarious moves, detailed facial animations, damage textures and fighting techniques including special moves, combos, extreme knockdowns and special “Rumble” combos. An all new Championship Mode lets gamers create their own unique boxer and nurture his skills through mini-games, developing him as a fighter and creating a completely personalized Ready 2 Rumble Revolution experience.

Developed by AKI who bring their formidable fight game know-how to the franchise, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution brings a virtual boxing arena to the living room and delivers a fun and intuitive experience in either single player or multiplayer mode. The Wii controllers provide would-be pugilists with an intuitive and realistic feel. Using the Nunchuk™ controller as one glove and the Wii Remote™ controller as the other, players dodge, weave and throw the big punches to KO their opponents.

Virtual heavyweights can fight from the backstreet gym all the way to the big Las Vegas showdown with vivid new visuals bringing the five spectacular ring environments to life. The arcade experience is made even better thanks to advanced Artificial Intelligence allowing more strategic fights.

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony Computer Entertainment, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.
Atari’s extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Alone in the Dark, Test Drive, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), publishing properties (The Witcher, Legendary, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

© 2008 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Ready 2 Rumble Revolution Wii © 2009 10Tacle Studios PTE Ltd. © Atari Interactive, Inc. © Stereo Mode SARL. © AKI Corporation. All rights reserved. Marketed and distributed by Atari, Inc. New York, NY. Developed by AKI Corporation. Produced by Stereo Mode SARL. Funded by the Asia Games & Media Private Equity Fund. Ready 2 Rumble®, Ready to Rumble® and Ready to Rumble Revolution™ and variations thereof, used under license from the Buffer Partnership. This is a work of parody, and, unless otherwise stated no celebrities have endorsed this product. Atari and the Atari logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

™ and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.

We are looking for writers for the Wii Stash site!

Are you:

• able to write an entertaining post
• Self motivated (can post on a regular basis)
• highly knowledgeable of the video game scene especially the Wii console.
• basic knowledge of wordpress as well as basic HTML.

Possible Revenue share of ad income (the site makes money, you make money)

Please email Brendan@videogamestash.com for all inquiries.

These are all the current releases for the month of October 2008 for the Nintendo Wii Console!

MySims Kingdom EA Oct 3, 2008
FIFA 09 EA Oct 3, 2008
Line Rider 2: Unbound Genius Oct 6, 2008
Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Activision Oct 7, 2008
NBA LIVE 09 EA Oct 7, 2008
Pitfall: The Big Adventure Activision Oct 7, 2008
Sam & Max Season One Adventure Company Oct 7, 2008
LEGO Batman: The Videogame TT Games Oct 10, 2008
Dokapon Kingdom Atlus Oct 14, 2008
Boogie Superstar EA Oct 17, 2008
Littlest Pet Shop EA Oct 17, 2008
Puzzler Collection Ubisoft Oct 17, 2008
Wii Music Nintendo Oct 20, 2008
Clever Kids: Farmyard Fun Midas Oct 24, 2008
Clever Kids: Pirates Midas Oct 24, 2008
Guinness World Records: The Videogame Warner Bros. Oct 24, 2008
MONOPOLY EA Oct 24, 2008
Monster Jam: Urban Assault Activision Oct 28, 2008
Carnival Games: Mini-Golf 2K Play Oct 30, 2008
Avatar - The Last Airbender: Into the Inferno THQ Oct 31, 2008
Bratz Girlz Really Rock THQ Oct 31, 2008
Chocobo’s Dungeon: Toki-Wasure no Meikyuu Square Enix Oct 31, 2008
My Horse and Me 2 Atari Oct 31, 2008
Skyscraper Midas Oct 31, 2008
SpongeBob Squarepants featuring Nicktoons: Globs of Doom THQ Oct 31, 2008
All Star Cheer Squad THQ Autumn 2008
Babies Party Ubisoft Autumn 2008
Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Dance On! Activision Autumn 2008
Deer Drive Mastiff Autumn 2008
Diabolik: The Original Sin Black Bean Autumn 2008
Don King Presents: Prizefighter 2K Games Autumn 2008
Game Party 2 Midway Autumn 2008
Ghostbusters Sierra Autumn 2008
Guitar Hero World Tour Activision Autumn 2008
MLB Superstars 2K Sports Autumn 2008
Quantum of Solace: The Game Activision Autumn 2008
Rock Revolution Konami Autumn 2008
Safecracker DreamCatcher Autumn 2008
Sandy Beach Konami Autumn 2008
SCORE International Baja 1000 Activision Autumn 2008
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows Activision Autumn 2008
SPRay Tecmo Autumn 2008
The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon Activision Autumn 2008
Agatha Christie: Evil Under the Sun Adventure Company Oct 2008
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Make The Grade THQ Oct 2008
Backyard Football ‘09 Atari Oct 2008
Bratz Kidz Party The Game Factory Oct 2008
Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons The Game Factory Oct 2008
Disney Sing It Disney Oct 2008
Goosebumps HorrorLand Scholastic Oct 2008

The Wii Stash is a brand new underground game blog dedicated to the hardcore Nintendo Wii fans! We will have the latest game news and press releases, previews, reviews, photos, unique stories, and pretty much anything else you can think of related to the Wii. Stay tuned as the blog is almost set to go covering everything Wii.

if you have any suggestions or things you would like to see on this site email: (Suggestions@wiistash.com).