JAWS: Ultimate Predator Coming In November

 Are you missing your old Xbox version of Majesco’s Jaws Unleashed?  If so, you will be able to take to the water once again, but on the Wii and 3DS with Jaws: Ultimate Predator.  For those unfamiliar with the premise – you get to play as the shark and swim around snacking on swimmers and other sea-life.

“Majesco Entertainment announced today that JAWS: Ultimate Predator will be available at the end of November for both Nintendo 3DS™ and Wii™. Based on the iconic Steven Spielberg movie franchise, JAWS: Ultimate Predator is a re-envisioning of the world’s most famous and deadliest predator the ocean has ever seen.”

“Players take the role as JAWS– hunting and killing prey, exploring the depths of the sea and battling fearsome new bosses. The game is loaded with hidden collectibles and upgradeable special abilities. Players will have more than a few ways to rip their foes apart. JAWS: Ultimate Predator is riddled with combos, finishing moves and deadly special attacks – including intense rage attacks!”

Oddly, the game has been rated differently on each system.  For the Wii it is rated T for Teen while on the 3DS it is rated M for Mature.  I guess 3D blood is more shocking than 2D blood, but in the words of Marty McFly, “The shark still looks fake.”  Sorry Bruce.

Check out screenshots from both the Wii and 3DS versions below in the gallery.

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Memorex Game Controller Plus For Wii Review

The stylish matching wireless nunchuck sold separately.

At E3 2011 Memorex announced a new line of family friendly gaming accessories.  Part of that announcement included the Memorex Game Controller Plus for Wii, a standard sized Wii remote with the functionality of Motion Plus built in.  Offered in black, blue, pink and a black and white combo finish – each with blue LED accents, the Wii Controller Plus retails for $29.95 US.  The street price is about $25 or $50 with the wireless nunchuck included.

Included in the package is the controller, wrist-strap and instructions for syncing the controller with your Wii; the two required AA batteries are not included.  Missing is the protective silicone cover that comes standard with Nintendo brand controllers.

Setup of this remote is identical to its Nintendo counterpart.  The sync button is located in the same place under the battery cover.  In fact, nearly everything compares exactly to a Nintendo brand controller.  All the buttons are in the same locations, the dimensions are the same, even the battery covers are interchangeable between the two.  This means that proprietary rechargeable batteries for the Nintendo controller will fit the Memorex Game Controller Plus for Wii as will any silicone cover for standard size Wii controllers.

In the hand, the Memorex controller feels about the same weight as a standard Nintendo controller without the MotionPlus attachment.  Adding the MotionPlus module to a Nintendo Wii controller shifts the center of gravity, making the controller balance differently.  The Memorex controller’s center of gravity is undistinguishable from the standard Nintendo controller – meaning that the MotionPlus tech has been truly integrated into the controller instead of just tacked on.

The controller is also available in hot pink…

Aside from the color of the controller and the integration of MotionPlus, there are a few additional differences between the two.  Memorex has replaced the cross shaped D-pad with a circular, rubbery one.  To me it didn’t make much difference but other members of my family did not like it, mainly because they could not feel the cross shape and be able to accurately select a direction.  The addition of the light ring around the D-pad is a nice touch that my kids thought highly of.  All of the other buttons (A, 1 & 2) are concave on top, making them easy to center your finger onto.  The tops of the Nintendo buttons are rounded – which I had never really noticed until using the Memorex controller.

… and royal blue.

The controller “feels” like a budget controller.  Cheaper plastic quality combined with a rubberized battery cover that becomes dingy looking quickly is part of the reason, but the loose buttons complete the low-budget picture.  The B trigger actually rattles when the controller is moved – and when it vibrates the entire thing buzzes.  Keeping in mind that this is an affordable controller aimed at “family” use – none of this is a deal breaker.

In the end, this controller is exactly what it says it is.  It is an affordable controller for families interested in adding additional controllers for “family members” – code for children.  My kids have grabbed this controller first when playing the Wii, so it is certainly popular with them, but my wife opts for the traditional Nintendo controller.  At a street price of $25, the Memorex Game Controller Plus is a good deal for those wanting additional controllers for the kids or just wanting replace the standard controllers with new ones of the same size with MotionPlus.

• Built-In MotionPlus
• $25 Street Price
• Functions as Well As Nintendo’s
• Buttons Tend To Rattle

Final Score: 7 out of 10

Checkout the entire line of Family Gaming Accessories from Memorex HERE.

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New Nintendo 3DS Video Service To Offer Exclusive Content

I have been putting off getting a 3DS – but it seems that each week I find a new reason to get one.  First it was just the 3D that drew me in.  Next it was Netflix and the hopes of 3D movies streaming right into my hands.

So, here comes the streaming 3D video content; not from Netflix, but from Nintendo’s own video streaming service.  Topping off this announcement are the details of EXCLUSIVE 3D content that will only be available via Nintendo Video.

Nintendo 3DS owners now have a ticket to free, exclusive 3D video content. The new Nintendo Video service automatically delivers short 3D videos from the worlds of music, comedy, animation and Hollywood, and the 3D content can be watched without the need for special glasses. On July 27, OK Go will launch a new music video and will debut the 3D version exclusively on Nintendo Video.

In the coming weeks, Nintendo Video will feature exclusive 3D videos from Jason DeRulo, Foster the People, CollegeHumor and the world-renowned Blue Man Group, plus extreme sports and action videos, animation from various independent studios and 3D trailers for upcoming Hollywood movies. Specific content may vary across countries in the Americas.

To access Nintendo Video, Nintendo 3DS owners need to connect to a broadband wireless Internet service and visit the Nintendo eShop, where they can download the Nintendo Video application. Once Nintendo 3DS owners download the application, the video lineup will automatically update whenever users are within range of a wireless hotspot and have their SpotPass™ feature enabled, even if the system is in Sleep Mode.

For more details on Nintendo Video, check out the website here.

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Nintendo is coming out of the gate strong with the new Wii U console.  With a history of weak third party developer relationships, Nintendo appears to be putting a new foot forward.  Not only is Nintendo reaching out to third party developers but they have already put in place a fairly impressive partnership with Ubisoft.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot with Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata

Last week at E3 2011, Nintendo hosted a special roundtable featuring Ubisoft executives and developers to showcase several upcoming Ubisoft games for Nintendo’s new Wii U console.  The event featured remarks from Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, and several development team members.

Discussed at the roundtable were the following games that are in development at Ubisoft for the new Wii U:

• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online
• Killer Freaks from Outer Space
• Assassin’s Creed

Ubisoft has also announced that a Rabbids title and a multi-sports game is also being developed for the new console platform.

To watch the Nintendo and Ubisoft developer roundtable from  E3 2011 – click here.

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E3 2011: Memorex Unveils Family Friendly Gaming Accessories

At E3 2011, where high-action shooters and scantly clad booth babes line the aisles, it would be easy to miss a booth or press release focused on Family-Friendly gaming.  Now that the big announcements and hype are out of the way, here are some new Memorex products worth having a look at.

“From the latest in motion controllers and racing wheels to cutting-edge chargers and cases, Memorex is helping families enhance their gaming experience with user-inspired products at a price that won’t hurt the pocketbook,” said Erica Danielski, Memorex global brand manager. “Whether your family members are gaming gurus or new to the gaming arena, Memorex gaming accessories enhance at-home or on-the-go family gaming experiences and help create memorable WeTime family moments.”

While the “WeeTime” message might be lost on some of us, getting sick gaming gear for great prices is certainly something of interest to me.

Here’s the new product roll-out:

With its rubberized grips and concave buttons, the Memorex Motion Gaming Controller for PlayStation® 3 is fully compatible with PlayStation Move™ games and allows for a full range of motion, giving gamers the most comfortable, realistic gaming experience possible.  Featuring a high-gloss black finish and cool blue LEDs to help you game in style, the Motion Gaming Controller makes it easy for every member of the family to play. MSRP: $39.99

The ideal companion to the Motion Gaming Controller, the Sidekick Gaming Controller for PlayStation® 3 is a must-have for family gaming. Featuring cool blue LEDs, rubberized grips, concave buttons, a 360-degree directional pad and a high-gloss black finish, the Sidekick Gaming Controller offers a significant range of motion and hours of fun for family gamers.  MSRP: $19.99

The Memorex Universal Game Selector Case for Nintendo® DS™ is compatible with all Nintendo DS consoles and helps families avoid losing their games while making it easy to switch between titles. The innovative design enables players to store and switch between up to three games without removing the cartridges from the storage compartment. Powered by the console with no batteries needed, this product provides a true plug and play experience. MSRP: $19.99

One of the lightest standard size controllers in the marketplace, the Memorex Game Controller Plus for Nintendo® Wii™ features integrated MotionPlus™ technology without the need for an adaptor. Ergonomically designed, the controller’s perforated grips and rubberized 360-degree directional pad allow for a more comfortable and responsive gaming experience, while LED backlighting and stylish colors add a modern touch. Available in black, metallic pink and metallic blue.  MSRP $29.99

The Memorex Wireless Sidekick Gaming Controller for Nintendo® Wii™ features an integrated rechargeable battery and provides a fully wireless gaming experience with any Nintendo Wii game requiring a Nunchuk™. Ergonomic grips add comfort to the gaming experience, while LED backlighting adds an element of style. Available in black, metallic pink and metallic blue.  MSRP $24.99

For additional information, visit the Memorex website or Facebook Fan Page.

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