Hudson Entertainment’s Bomberman Blitz debuts on the Nintendo DSi today for 500 points. Bomberman Blitz allows gamers to relive the classic Bomberman flavor on DSi. Players have the ability to play up to 8 players at home or online through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, battle in 10 unique locations, and the ability to control the game using the DSi’s dual screens. All the power-ups that affect bombs, strengthen blast range, running and much more are also in the mix. Finally the game offers a new training mode that allows newcomers to learn the Bomberman gameplay and get right in on the action.

For more information on Bomberman Blitz and other Hudson DSi titles, check out www.hudsonent.com.

This week’s Nintendo downloads

This week’s downloads on the Nintendo Wii and DSi mix old school action RPG with the popular mascot of Japan’s NHK television station. Games hitting WiiWare this week include LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias (1,000 Points), the sequel to Frontier’s popular Wii title; and Hudson Entertainment’s action arcade game, Shootanto: Evolutionary Mayhem (500 Points). The Virtual Console gets the classic Tecmo NES game Rygar (600 Points) - which I’m pretty excited about for some reason.

Nintendo DSiWare is all about Domo, the popular mascot of Japan’s NHK television station. Five games for 200 DSi Points each are being released including Crash-Course Domo, Hard-Hat Domo, Pro-Putt Domo, Rock-n-Roll Domo, and White-Water Domo. As you can imagine Domo will be pretty banged up after doing all these activities so try to be gentle.

Reminder: free DSiWare points to a good home

Nintendo wanted to remind DSi owners that time is running out to get free downloadable games and applications for your Nintendo DSi. Anyone who buys a Nintendo DSi system and connects it to the Nintendo DSi Shop by 12 p.m. Pacific time on Oct. 5, 2009, will automatically receive 1,000 Nintendo DSi Points, which can be redeemed for a variety of games and applications.

Users can purchase additional Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop in increments of 1,000 for $10 or via a Nintendo Points Card sold at stores in increments of 2,000 at a suggested retail price of $19.99.  Nintendo DSi Points do not expire.

Software in the Nintendo DSi Shop is available at four price points: free, 200 points, 500 points and 800+ points. Currently there are more than 35 games and applications available. These including Paper Airplane Chase (200 Nintendo DSi Points), Art Style: PiCTOBiTS (500 Nintendo DSi Points), Dr. Mario Express (500 Nintendo DSi Points), Guitar Rock Tour (500 Nintendo DSi Points), Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (800 Nintendo DSi Points), and more.

Learn more at DSioffer.Nintendo.com.

Sony reveals minis for PSP: small games with a big crunch

Flipnote Studio DSi app now available

Nintendo has finally released Flipnote Studio, a free app for the Nintendo DSi, via its DSiWare storefront (DSi Shop). Flipnote Studio gives users simple tools that let them draw and save a series of images to create an animation like a flipbook. Flipnote Studio makes it easy for anyone to jump in and create animations, regardless of their artistic abilities - even someone who is capable of only drawing stick figures (Yahtzee) will find this tool easy to use and enjoy.

For more information about this and other Nintendo DSi stuff, visit www.NintendoDSi.com or www.FlipnoteStudio.com.

This week in Nintendo Ware

This week’s new downloadable games WiiWare, DSiWare and the Virtual Console include Water Warfare, Reel Fishing Challenge, Silver Star Reversi, Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa, and SUDOKU MASTER. Forgive me if I came across as unexcited by all of these games. Details on all of them (provided by Nintendo) can be found below:

WiiWare

Water Warfare
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Water Warfare is a comical first-person shooter that uses water guns to battle and soak opponents. A map with a particular theme - Playground, Beach, Plaza or Nature Park - is generated automatically when the game begins, so you can think up new strategies each time you engage. Game modes include Single Player Missions, CPU Match and 2-Player Split Screen. On top of that, players with broadband Internet access can use Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to battle with up to eight players from around the world, or participate in Ranking Mode.

Reel Fishing Challenge
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Reel Fishing Challenge offers a fun and challenging experience for novice fishers and master anglers alike. Put your skills to the test and discover new types of fish in the challenging mission mode, or relax and enjoy the game at your own pace in free play mode. No matter which mode you play, the game’s beautiful graphics and natural setting bring the fishing experience to life. Choose from a variety of lures to attract and hook the game’s numerous fish. Each fish looks and moves like the real thing - it’s the closest you can get to real-life fishing without putting on your waders.

Silver Star Reversi
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Silver Star Reversi has two modes: 1-Player mode allows you to play a match against the computer opponent, and 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can choose from five different computer opponents, turn the background music on or off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. During each match, you can also redo your last move, save the game at any point, or resign from the game. After a match has ended, you can review each move and resume the match from any point you choose.

Virtual Console

Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa
Original platform: SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Ten years have elapsed since Opa-Opa restored peace to the Fantasy Zone. Now history is repeating itself, and the planets that make up the Fantasy Zone once again find themselves attacked by the mastermind of the Nenon planet forces. This mastermind is secretly constructing a huge fortress in the Fantasy Zone and aims to put an end to their ambitious plans. Just as he did 10 years ago, Opa-Opa must do battle to save the Fantasy Zone.

Nintendo DSiWare

SUDOKU MASTER
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: SUDOKU MASTER offers 150 unique puzzles that beginners and experts alike will enjoy. A handful of tutorials will help you learn the rules and controls as you go, and handy features like Write Mode and Temp Numbers make Sudoku pleasantly user-friendly. Feeling confident? Then try your hand at Title Mode to work your way up from Rookie to Sudoku Master. All puzzles were created by Sudoku veteran NIKOLI Co., Ltd., and tips from Sudoku godfather Maki Kaji are offered between games.

Nintendo’s DSi, Wii downloads this week

This week sees an interesting mix of downloadable game offerings for the WiiWare and Nintendo DSiWare services, as well as for the Virtual Console. Nintendo DSi users can become pop stars or use a new photo application to view their pictures in interesting new ways. Wii owners can play bubble-bursting dragons or hunt for melons on a mysterious island. Also, this week’s Virtual Console release is the popular Clay Fighter. Details below:

Nintendo DSiWare

American Popstar: Road to Celebrity (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Nintendo DSi Points): This is your enthralling and interactive success story as a young hopeful in the music milieu. The adventure begins when you get the chance to audition at your Hollywood high school. But the road to celebrity isn’t an easy one: Your secret crush is also auditioning, and so is your evil rival. This unique mix of music-themed gaming and social adventure will let you show your talents to the world, take your best photo with the Nintendo DSi system’s built-in camera and meet lots of people who may help you build your career. You’re about to become the greatest pop star in the world. Talk, share activities and be friendly or unfriendly with numerous characters. Customize your character’s name and appearance, and develop skills and personality through your actions. Four musical mini-games include Guitar, Singing, Drums and Dance. Record your voice, take your own photos and sign autographs.

Photo Clock (Nintendo, 1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Photo Clock allows you to enjoy the photos taken with your Nintendo DSi Camera application in a new way. Watch your images appear on the top screen of your Nintendo DSi system according to your chosen display settings (specific photos or all photos; in order or randomly displayed). Select from either an analog or digital clock, using the system’s internal clock or offsetting the time however you like. Program up to three alarms – with snooze functionality for those who need it – and assign them a preset ring or use a sound created in Nintendo DSi Sound. Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won’t lose track of the time.

WiiWare

BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! (TAITO, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points): BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! is a simple yet exhilarating action game where you control the bubble-blowing dragons Bub and Bob, trapping enemies in bubbles and then popping them. You can play all 100 of the Standard Mode rounds, which faithfully recreate the nostalgic arcade game, or try 100 new Arrange Mode rounds, which allow up to four players to play on stages with exciting new features such as new enemies and stage layouts. There are also Super Mode rounds for you to enjoy. Determine the true ending by solving puzzles hidden on each stage to defeat the final boss. In Ranking Mode, players with broadband Internet access can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service to compete with players from around the world. Enjoy an additional 100 rounds and face off against new boss characters by purchasing “Expert Mode 1″ and “Expert Mode 2″ add-on content.

ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning (Hudson Entertainment, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): ADVENTURE ISLAND The Beginning comes to the Wii console with exciting new skills and elements. Learn how to use new skills while exploring Adventure Island from coast to coast. Search for Golden Melons hidden throughout the stages and mini-games. When obtaining Golden Melons, you’ll be able to purchase various items to help you on your adventure. These items can increase your attack power or enable you to reach places you couldn’t get to before. Fulfill certain requirements while playing in any of the modes to achieve a “Master Higgins Feat” and you’ll be awarded a Master Higgins costume.

Virtual Console

Clay Fighter (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen – Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this zany 2-D fighter, it’s just another day for a humble traveling circus troupe when a meteor crash-lands in their camp. The otherworldly orb, made entirely out of interstellar clay, contaminates all the circus employees, turning them into bizarrely superpowered versions of themselves. Choose from among the unique clay creatures, such as Bonker, the cheerfully manic clown, or Blue Suede Goo, the mild-mannered Elvis impersonator turned violent vocalist. Master their “Claytalities,” like the operatic Helga’s deadly high note and Bad Mr. Frosty’s fists of snowball fury!