The fact that we haven’t seen a Donkey Kong Country title in fourteen years is appalling, an absolute embarrassment that has served as the video game industry’s biggest shame. To think that one of the best platformers of all time, wait, no… the best video game platformer of all time hasn’t received a fresh coat of paint since the SNES days is a travesty. Thankfully Nintendo and Retro have teamed up to bring Donkey and Diddy Kong to Wii in the all new adventure Donkey Kong Country Returns.

We’ve gotten dibs and dabs of what’s in store for the next adventure, but no video or screen or even gameplay session has tickled my fancy as much as this new trailer.  Stepping in for Rare to bring DK into the 2010s, Retro Studios stays true to the original trilogy while bringing their own madness to the monkey mayhem. The remixed original music, the returning classic DKC elements and the brand new original gameplay elements all work together brilliantly. Retro took the retro, and mixed it with their own genius to bring the fresh DK title we’ve been begging for.

Don’t believe me? Watch above.

And want even MORE footage? Check out a three minute long clip below the break.

NintendoPR

Related Posts

• 
  Nintendo announced Retro developed Donkey Kong Country Returns
• 
  What won’t return when Donkey Kong Country Returns?
• 
  Preview the jungle beats of Donkey Kong Country Returns

If there is one thing you should know about Microsoft’s upcoming Kinect device, it’s that it was created first and foremost to compete with the Wii’s motion controls. If there’s another thing you should know, it’s that its creation would undoubtedly be arriving with a parade of Wii Sports knock offs. First up to bat is Kinect Sports.

Take a look at the boxart for upcoming sports mini-game collection, developed by Rare.  Sure the art was shown off a few months back, but I thought it would be fun to play a game. Did you know that Rare’s logo (and company name) is featured at least 7 times within the above image? Can you find them all? Check out the full larger version below.

Related Posts

• 
  Get sweaty with Kinect Sports screenshots
• 
  Kinect with Kinect Sports priced at $199 on Walmart.com
• 
  E3 2010: six Kinect launch titles revealed

Gearing up for some competitive Kinect action this November when the body motion sensor launches? You’re not alone. The Xbox 360 peripheral will arrive with an array of titles for gamers to get their move on. Of note, is Microsoft’s answer to Wii Sports, titled Kinect Sports (clever, right?).

The game, developed by Rare, features 8 sports from boxing to bowling. Soccer to table tennis.

Check out our Kinect Sports gallery below for a deeper look at the action.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

12►

Related Posts

• 
  Kinect Sports boxart is very Rare
• 
  Kinect with Kinect Sports priced at $199 on Walmart.com
• 
  E3 2010: six Kinect launch titles revealed

The surprise announcement last week of Donkey Kong Country Returns coming to Wii later this year was enough to make fans of the original gasp in sheer amazement. Could a brand new Country title really be heading our way? However with all that’s good, there are undoubtedly going to be some angry monkeys when I tell you what the game won’t include.

1. Under Water levels. According to Retro Studios, the developers behind the title, they don’t like the pacing of the under water levels featured in the first three Rare titles, claiming they “felt slow.” Guess this also takes out the possibility of seeing Enguarde or Clapper return.

2. Playable Diddy Kong. Sorry first player. You’re unable to play as Diddy Kong. In the first DKC title, you could unlock Diddy via a DK barrel and swap between the two characters at anytime. This time, Diddy is more of a power-up that gives Donkey a glide ability thanks to his jetpack. In 2 player co-op mode however, player 2 will control Diddy as his own independent character. You’ll use his jetpack, and can fire at enemies with his peanut gun.

3. King K. Rool. This is the one that may make you cry. Retro decided to create their own group of baddies, none of which will be crocodiles. Yup, no Kluba, no Kremling Krew and no King K. Rool. Since the beginning of Donkey Kong’s adventures outside the world of Mario, his enemies have always been crocodiles. Even in Donkey Kong Jr. for crying out loud. I also assume this means King K. Rool’s epic boss battle music will be ditched as well.

Now that we know what’s not going to be in the game, maybe it can help us get passed it together, and focus on how much awesomeness DKCR is bringing. From barrel bouncing, to banana snatching, to K-O-N-G collecting, to mine cart racing, this game is bringing back almost everything you love. There are also some well deserved Kong cameos planned.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is set for release this holiday season.

Kotaku

Related Posts

• 
  Nintendo announced Retro developed Donkey Kong Country Returns
• 
  Donkey Kong Country Returns trailer chock full of Retro
• E3 2010: Hands on with Donkey Kong Country Returns

The name’s Bond,… James Bond.

[Cue orchestra!]

First and foremost, this post somehow got lost in the shuffle of all things E3, so I apologize for its delay. During Nintendo’s E3 press briefing, NoA’s COO Reggie Fils-Aime single-handedly caused fans of the greatest FPS on the Nintendo 64 to weep with joy when he announced a brand new version of the classic title GoldenEye 007 would be coming to Wii this holiday. Activision is publishing the reboot, set to feature many of the original game’s characters, weapons and locales, set throughout a brand new game. The biggest notable change however, is the substitution of Daniel Craig for Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Craig is very hands-on with the development of the game however, and he’s said to be very familiar with how beloved the original title was. Still, I’m hoping Brosnan makes an appearance at least in multiplayer.

I got my hands on the game’s multiplayer mode at E3 (which features a brand new online mode) and it’s pretty much perfect. They kept much of visuals the same, just updating the graphics and character models. You’ll also be able to choose your control scheme, whether you prefer the Classic Controller Pro or motion controllers. And special modes are back, including my favorite, paintball mode.

The only flaw GoldenEye 007 has is its potential release schedule, which may pit the game against SEGA’s Conduit 2, another stellar Wii offering. As long as these two FPS offerings are spaced far enough apart, there should be no problem marketing this new Bond adventure to the millions of GoldenEye lovers abroad.

Check out the E3 reveal trailer above. You’ll likely get goosebumps.

Related Posts

• Rumor: New GoldenEye coming to Wii
• 
  GoldenEye 007: The only Bond you’ll see this year
• 
  GoldenEye 007 multiplayer footage shows new level

Although formerly a Rare property, many were left to believe that the Donkey Kong Country series would never return. And those would be mistaken.

Nintendo has announced that Retro Studios is developing a brand new Country title, appropriately dubbed Donkey Kong Country Returns. The familiar barrel hopping, kart racing, banana catching gameplay is back, with some graphical and motion control additions. Player one controls Donkey Kong throughout the game, while a second player can take on DK’s sidekick Diddy. If in single player, when you crack open a DK barrel, Diddy Kong will join you as a sidekick. Although you can’t switch between the two, Diddy will give DK a hover ability due to his jet pack.

Take a look at the first gameplay trailer above. We got our hands on the game on the E3 showfloor earlier today. Make sure to check back for some impressions of the title soon.

Related Posts

• 
  What won’t return when Donkey Kong Country Returns?
• 
  Donkey Kong Country Returns trailer chock full of Retro
• E3 2010: Hands on with Donkey Kong Country Returns

There’s not much worse that one could do then to play with my emotions by throwing GoldenEye rumors around. Recently, we heard that Activision is rebooting the original GoldenEye title in some sort of new Wii game.

Apparently, a mysterious new online survey discusses a new GoldenEye title for the Wii. The game will feature many of the great characters and levels of the N64 title, as well as classic weapons such as the PP7 and assault rifle. The game will also support 4 player local multiplayer, and 8 player online multiplayer. There’s also this snazzy new Golden Wii Classic Controller Pro image and box art floating around.

All I can really say is, holy crap mouse. Let’s just hope this is true.

GoNintendo

Related Posts

• Rumor: New GoldenEye coming to Wii
• 
  New GoldenEye 007 title coming to Wii this holiday
• 
  Activision suffering from invalid GoldenEye 007 mode unlock codes

Just what every brand new 25 year old needs–a youthful make over! Rare is celebrating their 25 years in the biz by releasing these simplistic new logos.

So why the four different designs? Rare will only “clarify the logo has been designed with versatility in mind, hence the colour and shape variations”, which oddly doesn’t clarify anything. Are the logos for different sectors of the company? For different genres of games? Or are the peeps at Rare just really bored? Check out the logos in the gallery below.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

LONDON – 2 June 2010 - British developer Rare is to celebrate its 25th anniversary in the games industry this summer. Such a landmark provides a natural opportunity to reminisce over what has been a hugely impressive presence throughout that period, and to prepare for an equally influential future with a brand new look.

Throughout Rare’s lifespan, the world of videogames has morphed from the cottage activity of the ’80s into a thriving and vibrant entertainment industry, easily as significant as music and films in today’s market. Rare is extremely proud to have been at the forefront of this metamorphosis.

Now, as the company focuses its vision on an even more exhilarating future, the timing is perfect to introduce a distinctive new look. So Rare is thrilled to unveil its new identity, encompassing a brand new logo and branding soon to be extended to a full website relaunch at www.rare.co.uk.

The new logo is both modern and classic, adjectives that could be applied equally well to Rare itself.

Announcing Rare’s new look, Head of Studio Mark Betteridge said: “Both Rare and the games industry have seen massive changes over the past 25 years, and right now it feels as if both we and the industry are continuing to evolve at an ever-increasing pace. With this landmark anniversary coming up, and knowing that we have a really exciting future ahead, we felt now was the time to have a new image more in keeping with an innovative and creative entertainment company which aspires to be around for at least the next 25 years!”

Related Posts

• The Sims celebrate ten year anniversary
• 
  Here-we-go! Celebrate 25 years of Mario with anniversary video
• 
  Video: celebrate Resident Evil’s 15th anniversary

To this day, Rare is known for their valuable IPs created during the 1990s. Despite this, studio head Mark Betteridge says they will only return to those franchises if they truly had a fresh idea for a new installment.

“[We] would only go back to older franchises if we saw an opportunity to make the product in a different way that would do justice to [them]… It’d be nice to go back to these projects that have been successful in the past, but that doesn’t mean we will.”

Oh? So we should forgot about the fact that this past decade has seen remakes of Conker, Diddy Kong Racing, Perfect Dark, as well as sequels in the Perfect Dark and Banjo Kazooie franchises? I’m not criticizing, I’m just little surprised by this statement. Either way, it’s good to see that – ideally – Rare wants to focus on developing new IPs in the future. I think it will open up new doors for them.

Develop
via Destructoid

Related Posts

• 
  SEGA pledges respect to past IP franchises
• Wii hitting the teen and older market
• New Nintendo characters and franchises in 2008?

Although some expected to see Joanna Dark return this year, Rare assures fans that the remake of N64 favorite Perfect Dark will be available in early 2010.  For those who consider that a delay, Rare has some rather blunt words for you. “[it's] still winter, stop moaning.”

They do have a point there.  I guess when it comes to playing a remake one of Rare’s signature titles, waiting a few extra weeks isn’t so bad after all.

Twitter via
G4

Related Posts

• Goldeneye 007 levels and weapons in XBLA Perfect Dark
• 
  Perfect Dark to get Advanced Controls Options next month
• 
  FFXIII director would like to remake Final Fantasy VII

To this date, it has been almost eight long years since a new Banjo-Kazooie title has been released on a home console. When Banjo finally does make his triumphant return this fall with Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts on the XBox 360, you will notice some rather big changes from his previous titles.

As you are probably aware of by now, many of Banjo and Kazooie’s past moves and abilities have been scraped for this title, and instead players will be able to build and modify vehicles to help them progress through the game. This implementation of construction mechanics into the core gameplay gives Nuts and Bolts a fresh, dynamic feel, and helps revialize the franchise as a whole.

The demo that was available on the floor this year at E3 shows off exactly how these vehicles will make an impact on gameplay. If my first impressions of Nuts and Bolts hold true for the entire final product, then those of you who worry that the vehicles will hinder core platforming can breathe a sigh of relief. The best way to describe this game is an action platformer on wheels.

The vehicles found in Nuts and Bolts are quite unique. They essentially serve as new method of playing through a classic 3D platformer. In the demo I tried out, my car was equipped with a spring mechanism underneath it, which allowed me to leap high into the air so that I could pass through various targets on the map. One other mechanism allows players to rotate their car in mid-air. These tools, when incorporated into the vehicles,  provide a revolutionary new take on the classic Banjo games you have grown to know and love.

One other aspect of the game that really stood out to me was the style. The game world that I played in was vibrant and colorful, and the level itself included many features that referenced previous Banjo titles. These included a miniature Clanker’s Cavern, Freezeasy Peak, and even Cheato the spellbook was built into the landscape.

All in all, the game is fun, pure and simple. Although you are technically behind the wheel, you still feel as if you are playing a platformer. And, of course, the game is loaeded with the Rareware charm and style that fans have come to expect. Be sure to look out for Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts this fall exclusively for the XBox 360.

Related Posts

• Mario makes appearance in Banjo-Kazooie
• Banjo and Kazooie joining Sonic in SEGA All-Stars Racing?
• This just in: Pure awesome contained within Banjo strap