This Week's New Video Games

Mac
Lost Secrets: Bermuda Triangle

Nintendo DS
Margot's Word Brain
Pipe Mania
Pop Cutie! Street Fashion Simulation
Princess Debut
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
Unsolved Crimes

Nintendo Wii
Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility
We Cheer

PC
4 Elements
Age of Booty
Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
CellZenith
Diner Dash: Seasonal Snack Pack
The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft
Pipe Mania
Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel
Sniper: Art of Victory

PS2
Mortal Kombat Kollection
Pipe Mania
Onimusha Essentials

PS3
Age of Booty
Red Baron Arcade
Silent Hill: Homecoming

PSP
Pipe Mania
Valhalla Knights 2

Xbox360
Mega Man 9
Mobile Ops: The One Year War
Official Xbox Magazine Demo Disc 88
Silent Hill: Homecoming
War World

The Toy Guy Wins a Relly Award

Chris Byrne (aka, the Toy Guy) was awarded a Relly Award today on Live With Regis & Kelly and like most of our visits to the Live show, it quickly turned into a huge mess. Chris' Relly was awarded for his appearance earlier in the year when he introduced Kelly and Mark Consuelos, her co-host that day, to Nickelodeon's Slime. The show ended with the three covered in the infamous green ooze and today, earned Chris his first Relly.

The Rellys, which include categories such as "Best Host Chat" and "Best Wild & Wacky," were created as a response to the show's failure to win a Daytime Emmy award. Winners, who are selected by viewers' votes, receive "Golden Stools," trophies, which commemorate the show's seats for the co-hosts and their guests.

Disney's Movie Plans

Disney hosted an event yesterday during which they teased the audience with tidbits of their movie plans for the next few years. It looks like Mickey has a lot of goodies up his sleeve or, since he doesn't usually wear sleeves or shirts for that matter, down his glove. There was an announcement of a Tim Burton adaptation of "Alice In Wonderland" starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. Depp will also play Tonto in a Lone Ranger project and revise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow for another Pirates movie. Other sequels include a third National Treasure movie and Cars 2.

Of all the sequel news, what really got the audience going was the trailer for Tron 2! The original Tron featured some of the most cutting edge special effects of the 80's so you can just imagine what they should be able to do with this film now.

Nintendo's Clever Wario Land: Shake It Ad on YouTube

At first I thought this was going to be a typical video game ad--show game, play sounds and music, make us want it. However, shortly into the ad something very odd started happening to YouTube. I thought the rubber bands and duct tape holding the Internet together was finally starting to crack so you can imagine my relief when I realized it was intentional. I don't want to ruin the surprise so I'll let you check it out for yourself here.

The game is in stores now and judging by the early buzz, it's a blast to play. Check in with us soon for a review on theToyGuy.com

- Jeff

Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Recalled by Protocol

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Ashley Collection Inc., announced a voluntary recall of the “Protocol” Remote-Controlled Mini Helicopter Toys due to fire and burn hazards. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

This recall involves the “Protocol” remote-controlled mini helicopter toys with model number starting with 1442. The helicopter is made of foam and plastic and measures about 7 inches long. “Protocol” is printed on the tail and on the side of the helicopter. “1442-X” can be found on the packaging. The remote-control component measures 5 1/2 inches by 4 3/4 inches. They were sold at retail stores nationwide from October 2007 through December 2007 for between $30 and $50.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact the firm for information on how to receive a replacement helicopter. For additional information, contact Protocol at (800) 261-1193 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, or visit the company’s Web site at www.protocoldesign.com.

This Week's New Video Games

Nintendo DS
Babysitting Mania
Barbie Fashion Show: An Eye For Style
Brain Quest: Grades 3 & 4
Brain Quest: Grades 5 & 6
Dinosaur King
Disgaea
Drop Cast
Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Margot's Word Brain
My Japanese Coach
My Little Pony: Pinkie Pie's Party
My SAT Coach with The Princeton Review
Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
SimCity Creator
Shaun the Sheep
Time Hollow
Twin Strike: Operation Thunder
Ultimate Shooting Collection

Wii
Battle Rage: The Robot Wars
Brothers in Arms: Double Time
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
de Blob
Jeep Thrills
LEGO Batman: The Videogame
Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked!
Margot's Word Brain
Mega Man 9
Pitfall: The Big Adventure
Samba de Amigo
SimCity Creator
Wario Land: Shake It!

PC
Around the World in 80 Flights
Dark Horizon
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
Guitar Praise: Solid Rock
LEGO Batman: The Videogame
Pure
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Episode 2: Strongbadia the Free
Barbie Fashion Show: An Eye For Style

PS2
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
Dragon Ball Z Trilogy
Onimusha: The Essentials
SingStar Pop Vol. 2
Warriors Orochi 2

PS3
Baja: Edge of Control
Buzz! Quiz TV
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
LEGO Batman: The Videogame
Mega Man 9
WipEout HD

PSP
LEGO Batman: The Videogame

Xbox360
Baja: Edge of Control
Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
Pure
Warriors Orochi 2
Duke Nukem 3D

Regent Sports Recalls MacGregor & Mitre Folding Soccer Goal Nets

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Regent Sports Corporation, announced a voluntary recall of MacGregor Folding Soccer Goals, Mitre Folding Soccer Goals for posing a strangulation hazard to young children. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Both soccer goals have a foldable white frame with a white net that is attached by Velcro strips. When upright, the MacGregor goal measures 6 feet wide by 3 feet high and the Mitre net measures 8 feet wide by 6 feet high. Each has a recalled net with squares measuring 5 inches on each side. The MacGregor soccer goal has model number 97236 printed on the assembly instructions and UPC code number 029807972365 printed on the net’s packaging. The Mitre soccer goal has model number 89186 printed on the assembly instructions and UPC code number 029807891864 printed on the net’s packaging. Nets manufactured after April 2007 with 4 inch by 4 inch square openings are not included in the recall.

These items were sold at Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware and sports and toy stores nationwide from May 2002 through May 2008 for $26.

Consumers should stop using the recalled soccer goal nets immediately and return them to Regent Sports to receive a free replacement net. For additional information, contact Regent Sports at (877) 516-9707 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The Future Of Gaming?

NAU, an international design collective, is working on something that will make the Wii's revolutionary game control system appear as high tech as the old ball-in-the-cup game. Check out the Cocoon, a human-sized orb that will surround you by a 360° display screen and full sound.


Rather than relying on a joystick, mouse or controller of any kind, the Cocoon will feature motion-tracking cameras that follow the movement of your arms, legs and face, plus a motion-sensitive platform will recognize whether you are standing, walking or jumping. The Cocoon will allow gamers to truly enter a video game and interact with characters like they have never done before.

But wait, there's more! The Cocoon will also connect to the Internet and allow you to literally grab information rather than clicking on it. Just imagine how this would impact online shopping. You could stroll through the isles of your favorite stores without ever leaving your home.

While techies and gamers are thrilled about the Cocoon, we imagine parents of gamers won't be as excited. Many parents today already think their kids are too engrossed in video games and the Internet but just wait until kids can enter their own private orb and completely shut out their immediate surroundings, i.e., mom and dad.

At present, NAU is hopping to have a prototype ready by late 2009, with models commercially available by 2014. The first commercially available models will be intended for public spaces or to be leased by companies, until the technology becomes affordable for the consumer market.

- Jeff McKinney

This Week's New Video Games

Here is a look at some of the new video games due in stores this week.

Nintendo DS
Animal Paradise
Bratz Ponyz 2
Di-Gata Defenders
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition
Igor: The Game
Line Rider 2: Unbound
My Secret World by Imagine
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Nintendo Wii
Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party 2
Ocean Commander
Igor: The Game
Jeep Thrills
Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf
Offshore Tycoon
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Episode 2: Strongbadia the Free
Super PickUps
Zoo Hospital

PC
C-130 Hercules for FSX
Everlight: Power to the Elves
Ford Racing Off Road
Igor: The Game
Line Rider 2: Unbound
Pure
Rock University Presents The Naked Brothers Band: The Video Game
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Episode 2: Strongbadia the Free

PS2
Namco Classic Fighter Collection
Naruto Ultimate Collection
Pac-Man Power Pack
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

PS3
Armored Core For Answer
Pure
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

PSP
B-Boy

Xbox 360
Armored Core For Answer
Battle Fantasia
Pure
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Zombie Wranglers

More Transformers Sequel Rumors

Last month we shared some of the Transformers sequel (Revenge Of The Fallen) rumors and photos making their way around the Internet. Today we have a tidbit that sounds pretty legit. TFW2005, a Transformers fan site, is reporting that they have confirmed the character Devastator will appear in the movie.

Devastator is the Decepticon robot formed by the combination of the Constructicons, six individual robots. If the rumors of Devastator's sequel appearance are true, we hope Hasbro has something big in the works for the toy line.

New Nanos!

Apple unveiled its new line of iPod Nanos and we wonder if Rainbow Bright is now leading the company's design. The new Nano is tall and skinny with a large screen and available in nine vibrant colors that make us want to eat Skittles. Under the hood, new features include an accelerometer, which automatically flips the screen when you rotate the player, and an ability to shuffle songs by shaking the player. The new iPod nanos come in 8GB and 16GB, and are available for $150 and $199, respectively.

Additional news from Apple's Lets Rock event, held yesterday in San Francisco, put the spotlight on a new iTunes upgrade, which will include an automatic playlist generator and HD programming capabilities. The iPod Touch is also getting some new internal enhancements as well as a new case design and external volume controls.

Sony Recalls Notebook Computers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sony Electronics Inc., announced a voluntary recall of Certain VAIO TZ-series Notebook Computers due to a burn hazard. Irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating. This poses a burn hazard to consumers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The recalled notebook computer models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series. The computers’ screen size is about 11.1” measured diagonally. Not all units are affected; consumers should contact Sony to determine if their unit is included in the recall. These computers were sold by the SonyStyle stores and Web site, authorized electronics retailers, and authorized business-to-business dealers nationwide from July 2007 through August 2008 for between $1,700 and $4,000.

Consumers should stop using the recalled notebook computers immediately and contact Sony to determine if their notebook is affected. The firm will arrange for an inspection and repair, if needed. For additional information, contact Sony toll-free at (888) 526-6219 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.sony.com/support

Next Harry Potter Video Game Release Pushed Back With The Movie

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the movie, was originally scheduled to arrive in theaters this November with EA releasing the video game tie-in at the same time. Last month, Warner Brothers (the studio behind the movie) announced that the sixth film in the popular Harry Potter series was being pushed back to a summer 2009 release. Now EA has confirmed that they will hold off releasing the video game version until next summer as well.

Here is the official press release:

"EA and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Confirm Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Video Game to Ship with Film in Summer 09

Harry Potter Video Game is THE Place for Fans to Live the Thrills, Action and Excitement of Harry Potter Next Summer

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today confirmed that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be released globally Summer 2009, alongside the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

“We’re excited about the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game in development and its high level of authenticity and playability,” said Robert Nashak, Vice President EA Casual Studios. “We are creating an immersive game experience that Potter fans around the world will really enjoy playing as they fly and duel their way through the story of the film. The game will feature new Wii gestures and increased gameplay capabilities across all of the platforms.”

“The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince game will be an excellent interactive extension of the film and all of the new action that comes with it,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “EA is creating the Harry Potter video games that fans will love, and this game will deliver new gameplay elements and the magic players are looking forward to.”

“We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with EA in collaborating on the videogames for all of the Harry Potter films,” said Harry Potter film Producer David Heyman. “The visual look of the game for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is incredibly authentic to the film and will provide a truly compelling experience for everyone who plays.”

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Developed by EA’s Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games including the most recent game released in the summer of 2007, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release Summer 2009 for the Wii™, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices."

- Jeff

This Week's New Video Games

Mac
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess
The Price Is Right (2008)

Nintendo DS
Air Traffic Chaos
Hell's Kitchen
Lock's Quest DS Strategy September 8, 2008
Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir
The Price Is Right (2008)
Rain Drops
Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise

Nintendo Wii
Active Life: Outdoor Challenge
Cabela's Legendary Adventures
Groovin' Blocks
Hell's Kitchen
NHL 2K9
The Price Is Right (2008)

PC
Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2009
The Game of Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition
Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals
Romance of The Three Kingdoms XI

PS2
Cabela's Legendary Adventures
Dance Dance Revolution X
Dragon Ball Z Trilogy
NHL 2K9
TNA iMPACT!
Yakuza 2

PS3
NHL 2K9
NHL 09
TNA iMPACT!

PSP
Cabela's Legendary Adventures

Xbox 360
NHL 2K9
NHL 09
Rock Band 2
RocketBowl
TNA iMPACT!
Zoids Assault

Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Habermaass Corp. Inc., announced a voluntary recall of Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, Pacifier Holders, and Stroller Toys due to a chocking hazard. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The puzzles, rattle toys, pacifier holders, and stroller toys are wooden and “HABA” is printed on them. They were sold at Specialty toy stores nationwide and at specialty online retailers from January 2002 through August 2008 for between $10 and $35.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled puzzles, rattles, pacifier holders and stroller toys away from children and contact Habermaass to receive a free replacement product or a full refund. For additional information, contact Habermaass Corp. at (800) 468-6873 ext. 107 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.HABAusa.com/safety.

Please click on the following images to enlarge:

Sony Announces A New PSP Handheld

Tech-obsessed blogs and web sites have been speculating about a new PSP for months and Sony has finally put the speculation to rest with the announcement of the PSP 3000. The new version, which arrives in stores in mid-October, will have a built-in microphone and a new screen which has more colors and is better suited for use outdoors. The addition of the microphone will allow PSP owners to use the gaming device as a phone and will probably also open the door for game developers to integrate some of the same sound and voice elements that can currently be found in many Nintendo DS games.

So far, the PSP 3000 has been receiving a lackluster reception as most gamers had hoped for far more improvements and upgrades including a redesigned button layout for a more comfortable grip. The PSP 3000 will retail for $294, a slight price increase from the current slim version of the PSP, which will remain on sale.

- Jeff

This Week's New Video Games

Here's a look at some of the latest video games arriving in stores this week.

Mac
Spore
Spore: Galactic Edition

Nintendo DS
Defendin' de Penguin
Spore Creatures

Nintendo Wii
Defendin' de Penguin
Rapala Fishing Frenzy

PC
Depths of Peril
Ford Racing Off Road
Imperium Romanum: Emperor Expansion
Outcry
Spore
Spore: Galactic Edition

PS3
FaceBreaker
Rapala Fishing Frenzy
NFL Head Coach 09

Xbox 360
Rapala Fishing Frenzy
Infinite Undiscovery
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise
Warhammer: Battle March
FaceBreaker
NFL Head Coach 09
Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball
Shred Nebula