More awesomeness comes to the now cheaper Nintendo DS this fall with the release of Golden Sun: Dark Dawn. Launching on November 29, players will finally revisit the Golden Sun series after a seven year absence, with Dark Dawn said to offer a ‘planet-sized world of adventure to explore and conquer.”

That sounds pretty epic to me, and I for one can’t wait to start leveling up as I wait on hectic holiday shopping lines – thanks Nintendo!

Check out the official Press Release below, then grind down to the comment section and tell us your level of anticipation for Golden Sun: Dark Dawn.

August 30, 2010

The dawn of a new entry in the renowned Golden Sun™ video game series has nearly arrived in North America. Nintendo has announced that Golden Sun: Dark Dawn for the top-selling Nintendo DS™ family of portable game systems will launch on Nov. 29.

Offering a planet-sized world of adventure to explore and conquer,Golden Sun: Dark Dawn puts the raw power of the elements in players’ hands. Each of the game’s playable characters is capable of carrying Djinn, spirits that imbue their owner with unique and powerful abilities. Players can collect more than 70 unique Djinn, granting them the ability to summon mighty deities who unleash devastating attacks that fill both Nintendo DS screens. Djinn powers can also be used to navigate puzzling dungeons and overworld environments that will have players flinging fireballs to burn away obstacles, freezing water to raise platforms, or summoning whirlwinds to create bridges out of floating objects.

Taking place 30 years after the events of Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age for the Game Boy™ Advance system, Golden Sun: Dark Dawn introduces a new generation of heroes that are struggling to survive in a radically changed world. What begins as a simple journey to rescue a lost friend turns into a dramatic quest to save the land from catastrophe as players are drawn into a world full of magical energy.

Nintendo has announced that it is dropping the suggested retail price of its Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL. Effective Sept. 12, the new suggested retail price of the Nintendo DSi system will be $149.99, while the new suggested retail price for the Nintendo DSi XL system will be $169.99. The Nintendo DS Lite model will remain at $129.99. .

“We know shoppers want to get the maximum value out of every dollar they spend,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Our new Nintendo DSi prices make it easier than ever for consumers to access the tremendous variety of games, applications and social tools on the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems.”

So, will you be picking one of these DS models up on the cheap or holding out for the 3DS? DS-cuss in the comments below.

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If the mighty stylus is your instrument of choice for melting the faces of many with your hammer-ons and tweedly-dees, you’ll be happy to hear that the Nintendo DS version of Rock Band 3 finally has a complete setlist. While not in the same league as it’s console brethren number wise, these tracks are one’s that should have you playing for hours and hours.

• Ida Maria, “Oh My God”
• Metric, “Combat Baby”
• Paramore, “Misery Business”
• Phoenix, “Lasso”
• Rilo Kiley, “Portions for Foxes”
• Tokio Hotel, “Humanoid”
• The Vines, “Get Free”
• The White Stripes, “The Hardest Button to Button”
• Faith No More, “Midlife Crisis”
• Jane’s Addiction, “Been Caught Stealing”
• Smash Mouth, “Walkin’ On The Sun”
• The Cure, “Just Like Heaven”
• INXS, “Need You Tonight”
• Joan Jett, “I Love Rock N’ Roll”
• Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”
• Ozzy Osbourne, “Crazy Train”
• Roxette, “The Look”
• Whitesnake, “Here I Go Again”
• The B-52’s, “Rock Lobster”
• Doobie Brothers, “China Grove”
• Foreigner, “Cold As Ice”
• Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
• Yes, “Roundabout”
• The Doors, “Break on Through (To the Other Side)
• James Brown, “I Got You” (I Feel Good) – Alternate Studio Version
• The Jimi Hendrix Experience, “Crosstown Traffic”

After first reveal, it was noted that James Brown will not be included in the DS setlist. However, does this pint-sized roster intrigue you enough to pick up Rock Band 3 for the DS? Head to the mosh pit, er, comments section below and give us your feedback!

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PRESS RELEASE

Rules are made to be broken – or at least bent a little, right? This week, the latest downloadable games for the Wii and Nintendo DSi systems offer some fun ways to defy convention. The award-winning And Yet It Moves for the WiiWare service invites players to mess with the laws of physics and turn their worlds upside-down. In the imported NES classic UFROURIA: THE SAGA, you’ll need to switch between characters and do whatever it takes to complete a challenging quest. On the Nintendo DSiWare service, Ryik lets you create your own musical compositions, while G.G Series NINJA KARAKURI DEN lets you play by your own rules as a stealthy ninja.

You can check out the full listing of virtual offerings this week after the jump courtesy of Nintendo
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It’s time for another week of discussion here on EpicBattleAxe.com, but instead of looking out into the void for our topic, we’re turning the tables to examine YOU, the gamers of the EBA Community. How you ask? Well, with the industry at a cross-roads and so many lines being drawn in the sand, we thought it would be a good time for the gamers of the world to look a bit within themselves and as why they game in the first place. Do you enjoy gaming for the challenge it provides? Are you a “story first, gameplay second” kind of gamer? What about looking at the medium from an artistic or technological point of view?

You see, unlike other mediums, gaming is vastly different at what it offers depending on what you’re seeking to get out of it. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at learning how diverse the medium can be once you start seeing some responses rolling in here. I know discussing this very topic on Skirmish 085 of EpicBattleCry opened my eyes to a lot of things about the medium, which is why we’re proud to use EBA as a platform to discuss the topic this week. So, It’s with these thoughts in mind that we post the following Member BattleCry Topic Starter question to you:

WHY DO YOU GAME?

Obviously, this is an open-ended question, but that’s kind of the point. Why? Well, because there is no right or wrong answer…there can only your thoughts on what the experience of gaming means to you! We hope this insightful look at our community sparks an interest in seeing the medium from multiple angles and we thank all of the Axe heads in advance for constructively commenting below! We’ll be picking the best BattleCry as the Member BattleCry of the Week which will be featured on Skirmish 085 of EBC.

Also, we’ve set up a poll for to address the question from a top-line perspective, so be sure and take a moment to cast your vote as we collectively Cry Havoc and Let Our Voices Be Heard!!! Enjoy!

Cheers,
DK

Mark your calendars God of War fans, Sony has announced that Kratos will return to the PSP in God of War: Ghost of Sparta on November 2, 2010. In addition, those of you that pre-order the game at participating retailers will receive a DLC pack including:

• Ghost of Sparta Original Soundtrack – Be part of the legacy, and relive the emotional soundscape of defiance and rage through the original soundtrack.
• PSP Theme – Are you the ultimate God of War fan? Prove it with the God of War: Ghost of Sparta theme.
• PS3 Dynamic Theme – Fully animated in constant motion, personalize your PS3 system with the official God of War Dynamic Theme.
• PlayStation Network Avatar – Be one of the few to own the exclusive Kratos Avatar only available through this pre-order.
• Legionnaire Skin – Discover the origins of the Spartan warrior as you experience God of War: Ghost of Sparta as Legionnaire Kratos.
• EXCLUSIVE Game Directors Documentary – A full length featured video roundtable with all of the past and present Game Directors for the God of War franchise in front of a live studio audience, including: David Jaffe, Cory Barlog, Stig Asmussen, Ru Weerasuiya and Dana Jan.

Lastly, the God of War: Ghost of Sparta PSP Entertainment Pack is available for pre-order beginning today as well and will include:

• Black and Red Two-Toned PSP-3000
• God of War: Ghost of Sparta UMD Game– After God of War concludes, Ghost of Sparta begins with the story of Kratos’ ascension to power as the God of War.
• God of War: Chains of Olympus PlayStation Network Downloadable Game Voucher – Before the events of God of War, experience Kratos’ journey during the 10-years of servitude to the Gods of Olympus in one of the most highly acclaimed action titles of all time!
• Kick Ass – UMD Movie
• 2 GB Memory Stick Pro Duo

So, there ya go…Who plans on picking this game up?

With yet another NFL season right around the corner, Sony today announced the Madden NFL 11 PSP bundle that will be made available August 10. The bundle includes a Black PSP-3000 system and the Madden NFL 11 UMD game for $169.99 at most major retailers, which basically amounts to getting the game for half price.

So, any football fans planning on picking this up? Let us know in the comments section below.

Source

PRESS RELEASE

The selection of downloadable games for the WiiWare service and the Nintendo DSiWare service keeps on growing, this time with a zoological twist. AquaSpace lets Wii owners transform their television into a mesmerizing aquarium filled with fascinating fish. Petz Kittens provides Nintendo DSi users with lovable feline companions they can carry everywhere they go. Furry Legends features a cast of unusual creatures who dwell in an eye-popping 3D world. And for those who prefer a more human-oriented challenge Scrabble Tools gives puzzle fans a great way to show off those big brains and opposable thumbs.

We’ve also got new arrivals in the “Big Name Games” section of the WarioWare: D.I.Y. series, which features downloadable microgames from some of the industry’s most talented figures. This week we have some new additions from the Treehouse, Nintendo’s game localization team. New “Big Name Games” are being added every Monday through July 26, all available to download for zero Nintendo DSi Points to anyone with broadband Internet access and a copy of either WarioWare: D.I.Y. for the Nintendo DS family of systems or WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase software for the WiiWare service.

Check out the full roster of downloads available this week after the jump.
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Disney Interactive Studios today announced that the highly-regarded action racer Split/Second will be speeding onto the PSP system and PSPGo this holiday season.

For those that don’t know, the game takes place within a hyper-competitive reality television show with city-sized sets rigged for destruction.  Each track has numerous power plays that can be strategically triggered by skilled drivers. Competitors in Split/Second don’t just collide with other vehicles to knock them from the track – they can trigger blockbuster action film-like explosive events that drastically alter the dynamics of the race. Players must use strategy and pinpoint timing to derail opponents, tactically alter the track or create entirely new routes.

“Split/Second has become a hit with fans of racing and action games, and is the perfect fit for the PSP system,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. ”The explosive track altering features and fast arcade racing will have PSP system players worldwide playing it on-the-go or at home.”

Split/Second for the PSP system will include unique handling and controls designed specifically for Sony’s handheld. The game will feature an exclusive new track and challenges not found on the current versions. In addition, the game also includes four-player local multiplayer.

So, who amongst you is excited about this?

Sound off below and stay tuned for more detailed information regarding the game and it’s PSP release date.

Greeting Axeheads!  To start things off this week I would like to wish a Happy belated Canada Day and early Independence Day to all our North American brethren across the EBA community.  With patriotism at an all time high and our countries heritage being at the forefront of this weekend (aside from the drinking and partying of course…) it makes sense that we embrace that heritage and slaughter some rumors the old school way that would make our ancestors proud.  And where pray tell can we do such a thing?  Well the only place on the interweb where rumor murder is legal my friends, EpicBattleAxe.com’s The Rumor KILL!!!
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