The Pokemon Rumble TCG ($10, coming early December) comes with sixteen cards and plenty of dice and token accessories, bent on simulating Rumble’s Battle Royale mode. The cards are fully compatible with the “regular” Pokemon TCG, but feature artwork done in the cute low-poly style of the Rumble WiiWare game. The thumbnail description (I haven’t seen an actual rulebook yet) makes it sound like a controlled guessing game where you wager which pokemon will survive based on how you roll the dice and what attacks are currently available.

The official Pokemon Rumble website has launched, and it currently offers a fourth code for owners of the WiiWare game. Unbelievably, the code unlocks the ultimate Gen 1 fanbait critter, Mew. The site promises more codes to come soon, including some that must be discovered by playing a matching game.

Another item that I cannot verify is Facebook integration.  I have read on several other sites that there is some basic Facebook integration, but I could not find it anywhere.

If you want the latest firmware, just head to the System Update selection under the Settings section of the XMB.  It is a small update, and took about 15 minutes max to download and install.

Telltale Games announced today, that the final chapter in the Tales of Monkey Island series will release next month on December 8th.  The episode will be entitled “Rise of the Pirate God” and will follow up on the events that were presented in the previous episode. 

It seems that there are reports everywhere that the heralded pirate, Guybrush Threepwood is dead, and more innuendo followed that speculated on the reformed pirate, LeChuck having a hand in the evil-doing.  Confused.  Well, if so, head over to Telltale Games, where you can pick up each individually wrapped episoded for $8.95.

Check the jump for the highly amusing press release.

GUYBRUSH THREEPWOOD, MIGHTY PIRATE … REST IN PEACE?

Mysterious Happenings Plague the Caribbean as Denizens Anxiously Await Answers in “Rise of the Pirate God” on Tuesday, December 8

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — November 18, 2009 – Telltale Games and LucasArts today are reporting the purported demise of Guybrush Threepwood, one of gaming’s greatest heroes and the Caribbean’s mightiest pirates.

Details are sketchy and authorities have not named any suspects, but unconfirmed reports suggest that the recently reformed pirate LeChuck may somehow be involved. Investigators have not been able to locate the former demon pirate, or Threepwood’s wife Elaine Marley-Threepwood, for questioning.

As the chronicler of Threepwood’s recent exploits in Tales of Monkey Island, Telltale Games assures the masses that answers to many vexing questions will be revealed in the grand finale episode, Rise of the Pirate God, which releases on Tuesday, December 8 at http://www.telltalegames.com/monkeyisland.

During his eventful lifetime, Guybrush stepped in as the Caribbean’s savior on many occasions, vanquishing his arch-rival LeChuck (in ghost, zombie and demon form) countless times. However, it was his uncanny ability to hold his breath for 10 minutes straight that truly set him apart from his pirate peers.

“He wanted what every young man wants – to loot, pillage, and sail the high seas in search of further looting and pillaging opportunities,” said Dave Grossman, veteran Monkey Island game designer and writer. “It’s a great tragedy to see such a productive life seemingly cut off prematurely. And I’m not just saying that because he owes me money.”

In honor of Threepwood’s heroic and adventurous life, Telltale is now offering the first four episodes of Tales of Monkey Island for individual purchase at http://www.telltalegames.com/monkeyisland. Each episode is priced at $8.95 USD each.

Today Capcom announced that the three Phoenix Wright DS games will arrive on WiiWare next year. January will see the four-chapter “Ace Attorney” for 1000 points, plus you have the option of getting the fifth AA chapter for another 100. “Justice for All” appears in March, and “Trials and Tribulations” is scheduled for May.

We’ve talked about this on the podcast once of twice, about Phoenix Wright being an odd little beast. A tad too trial-and-errory for me; a little too nonsensical for Haygood. But at $10, you could do a whole lot worse. Given that this series is much-loved on DS (and remember that the DS releases were ports of popular Japanese GBA originals), I’d say we’re getting a pretty ripe plum for WiiWare.

CAPCOM® UNVEILS CLASSIC ACE ATTORNEY® SERIES FOR WiiWareTM

The beloved Ace Attorney series featuring the most exciting courtroom dramas of the digital decade are headed to Nintendo’s popular download service in 2010

SAN MATEO, Calif. — November 18, 2009 — Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that three classic Ace Attorney® games are scheduled for digital release on Nintendo’s WiiWare next year beginning with the one that started it all, Phoenix Wright™: Ace Attorney® followed by Phoenix Wright™ Ace Attorney®: JUSTICE FOR ALL, and Phoenix Wright™ Ace Attorney®: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. Gamers can expect the deliberations to begin January 2010. These games will cost 1,000 Wii Points, $10.00 USD.

Ace Attorney’s massive popularity and appeal in Japan has caught on in the West and the franchise has now sold well over 3.7 million units worldwide. For the first time ever, this beloved handheld series is making an appearance on a home console, giving gamers access to three of the classic Ace Attorney adventures from the comfort of their own living rooms. Fans and newcomers alike will have a chance to star as the most popular defense attorney in videogames, Phoenix Wright – a man driven by principles and his ability to separate fact from dubious fiction. Each game in the series presents twisting storylines and intriguing gameplay with comical anime stylings. Players will collect evidence, weed through inconsistent testimonies and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails! Present evidence with the wave of the Wii remote or press suspicious testimonies by wiggling it. These games can be played via single-player and has multiple save slots.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (Episode 1 through 4) is the first release hitting in January. The story kicks off with Phoenix Wright defending his childhood friend Larry Butz from a murder charge. But this is only the beginning drama for the tenacious legal eagle as Wright faces unexpected tragedies that will test the limits of his incredible deductive prowess. In May, owners of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will be able to download the bonus episode that appeared in the original Nintendo DS™ version of the game. It will cost 100 Wii Points.

In March, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: JUSTICE FOR ALL arrives. Phoenix Wright has six months experience and five court victories under his belt. But none of that will do him any good against the ruthless new D.A. in town. Franziska von Karma wants revenge and she’s ready to take Phoenix down at any cost!

In May, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS arrives. Phoenix will face the toughest prosecutor yet as the mysterious hard-boiled “Godot” is gunning for him with extreme prejudice. Get ready for the most intense courtroom standoffs of Phoenix Wright’s career!

For more information, please visit http://press.capcom.com and http://capcom-unity.com

COPENHAGEN, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ — IO Interactive, part of Square Enix Europe, is pleased to confirm that Kane & Lynch 2(TM): Dog Days is coming to Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC in 2010.

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is a raw and brutal crime shooter designed to take players on an even more intense story experience, following two of gaming’s most disturbed criminals, through the gritty Shanghai underworld.

Introducing a new visual experience, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is inspired by documentary filmmakers and the user-generated era. Every aspect of the game has been designed to deliver a fresh perspective to the words ‘intensity’ and ‘realism’ in video games.

“Gamers are always looking for something new and that is exactly what they are going to get with Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days,” said Niels Jorgensen, general manager of IO Interactive. “A special thanks to gamers worldwide for their feedback. They are certainly in for a shock as we, with immense pride, welcome back our two dear, violent and somewhat unfortunate friends.”

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days will be released on the EIDOS games label and will be coming in 2010.

Please visit www.KaneandLynch.com for updates.

About IO Interactive A/S

IO Interactive is the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform videogames to emerge in the last decade. Starting with the praised and ground-breaking HITMAN(TM) series, Io Interactive has since developed the cult classic Freedom Fighters(TM) and the controversial Kane & Lynch(TM): Dead Men. Most recently, IO Interactive released yet another innovative brand, Mini Ninjas(TM). IO Interactive has proven that dedication to original IP and unique brands are the hallmark of the company, and breaking new ground is critical to sustain the originality within our diverse team of developers. IO Interactive is a part of Square Enix Europe and develops games under the Eidos label. You can read more about IO Interactive and our games on www.ioi.dk

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, is a London-based wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world. Square Enix Ltd. publishes and distributes entertainment content from the Square Enix Group including Square Enix, Eidos and Taito in Europe and other PAL territories. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive, Crystal Dynamics and Eidos-Montreal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 50 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide, together with other well established products.

This is not the first that we have heard about this, as the recent EA layoffs had the rumor that Pandemic Studios and other divisions would either be shutdown or reduced in staff.  However, it was surprising at the timing of this closure, as Pandemic was readying their newest title, The Saboteur.  Why you would shut down a developer less than 20 days away from the release of their new title, seems questionable at best.

More importantly, what does this tell the community about The Saboteur.  Will Electronic Arts look to support this title beyond its release?  I would look at it as a vote of no confidence in the title from EA, and that those that buy it will never see much beyond its release to retail.  That is the thing that really upsets me, as Pandemic was trying to do something different with the World War II era, by having you as a covert operative, and with the coloring of the city, all of it was looking amazing.  Now we as gamers, are faced with a title that looks to never expand beyond its current state of development.

Just my two cents at EA, but for a company that sat their and said that they wanted to support creativity and emerging IPs, you certainly are not following through on the promise.  We have probably seen the death of Mirror’s Edge 2 with this latest round of updates, and now The Saboteur is gone as well.  Dead Space 2 may also be on the cutting block as well.  Where is that innovation and creativity now.  It sure as hell is not in EA Sports or The Sims, so where will it come from?  Bioware is about the only EA company that is still creating new and innovative titles, and all of them are making bucketloads of cash.  Maybe John Riccitiello should go up to visit to two Doctors at Bioware and find out how to be successful with new brands.

EA Montreal will be performing mop up duties on The Saboteur.  EA Montreal is the developer for Army of Two: The 40th Day.  Pandemic Studios, we wish all of your hard working developers the best in your unfortuate situations, and hope that all of you find work at other developers that might give you the chance to show off that creativity that you gave us gamers over 10 years.

Well, in case you have been living under a rock, you may have heard of a new game called Tony Hawk: Ride.  Not content with just having you controller a skater via a controller, Activision has upped the ante with a new skateboard peripheral.  Full of sensors and gyroscopes, the new Skateboard controller allows you to interact with Tony Hawk: Ride in all new ways.

I think that all the analysts and game companies are going to be watching this release to see how it does, kind of as a barometer for the future of plastic peripheral based games.  So far, we have watched as DJ Hero has debuted to less than stellar sales, and Tony Hawk: Ride could be the nail in the proverbial coffin if it does not sell extremely well.  Word of advice to Tony Hawk – find out how to buy out your contract and hit up the guys working on the skate. franchise at EA.  It is what your games use to be oh so long ago.

Tony Hawk(TM): RIDE(R) Rolls Onto North American Retail Shelves

Innovative Board Controller Gets Kids and Families Off the Couch and Into the Game

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov 17, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ – It’s time to get off the couch and into the game with Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Tony Hawk: RIDE, the ground-breaking new entry in the popular action sports franchise. Featuring a revolutionary skateboard controller, players of varied skill levels can physically control the action by stepping on board to perform movements and gestures that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game; from grinds, grabs and ollies to Tony Hawk’s signature tricks.

“Tony Hawk: RIDE is THE new way to play. It gives a whole new meaning to game night by allowing the entire family to challenge one another to competitions that are as fun to watch as they are to play,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, licensed products, Activision Publishing, Inc. “It’s the perfect activity for the entire family this holiday season … and anytime of the year.”

“This is the game I’ve always wanted to make,” said legendary pro skater Tony Hawk. “The skateboard peripheral opens up a whole new level of interactivity and physicality, allowing players to control the action with their whole body. I can’t wait for everyone to jump on the board and ride.”

Tony Hawk: RIDE takes the popular action sports video game franchise in an all-new direction. The wireless skateboard controller was designed in conjunction with the game to offer a dynamic gaming experience built from the ground up. The innovative motion sensing peripheral offers a completely new way to play games. Without complex button combinations or analog sticks, gamers of various skill levels can literally step on the board and play.

Tony Hawk: RIDE is developed by Robomodo for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. Buzz Monkey developed the Wii(TM) system version. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB. For more information, fans can visit www.THRide.com, www.Facebook.com/TonyHawkRIDE and www.Twitter.com/THRIDE.

About Tony Hawk, Inc.

Tony Hawk, Inc. is a world leader in its field with the unprecedented ability to bring alternative sports and their unique lifestyle to the masses while maintaining an indispensable edge of authenticity with the market’s hard-core, trendsetting audience. Founded by Tony Hawk in 1998 and based in Vista, CA, the company is organized into five segments: Merchandising, Events, Endorsements, Film and Digital Media. These lifestyle sports include skateboarding, BMX, Motocross, surfing and snowboarding. Consumer goods bearing the Tony Hawk brand have dominated several markets, including interactive games, skateboard hard goods, lifestyle apparel, toys, publications and more.

About Robomodo

Based in Chicago, IL, Robomodo is a video game development studio focused on producing top-tier products on current and next generation console platforms. Robomodo’s team has a strong track record for marrying solid game design with an innovative artistic style, as well as harnessing the power of current and next-gen consoles. The core Robomodo team has proven its abilities in the Mortal Kombat, NBA Street and Fight Night franchises. The company’s first game for Activision Publishing, Inc. is Tony Hawk: RIDE, which will be released in 2009 simultaneously on the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system and Wii(TM) system.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology, industry standards and consumer preferences, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

A(C) 2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark and Ride is a trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Tony Hawk is a registered trademark of Tony Hawk, Inc. All rights reserved. Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo.

The update brings the social interaction features that were ballyhooed at this year’s Microsoft E3 press event.  You will now be able to twitter from your console, check out your Facebook friends, listen to some music via Last.fm and of course, stream movies instantly at 1080p via the Zone HD marketplace.

If you are curious about what is in this new Dashboard update, take a look at our preview of all of the new features.  And sorry folks, no Mafia Wars, Vampire Wars or Farmville are available via the new dashboard update.

One was mentioned in the weekly Nintendo Download press release. If you buy the game and have synced your Club Nintendo account, you will get an email in about a week with a secret code. Nintendo has the details here. They don’t say exactly what the code unlocks, but there’s a picture of a Charizard. So I’m thinking Charizard. This offer expires next April.

Note that Nintendo’s info page at this writing still thinks Pokemon Rumble is only 1000 Wii Points. It’s actually 1500. I smell a last-minute price hike.

The second code can be found by watching this week’s edition of Nintendo Week via the Wii’s Nintendo Channel. Host Alison has a Rumble interview and the guest reveals the eight digit code that will net you a Blastoise. Following the trend here of Final Evolutions of Gen 1 Starters, I’m going to guess that a Venusaur will be made available through Nintendo Power or wherever.

Pokemon Rumble features the entire original cast of 150 Pokemon, but it seems plain that the hooks are there to add in the remaining 330+. It just remains to be seen how Nintendo will add those guys in and what it will cost.

Incidentally, the game is pretty much Li’l Diablo.

What do you buy the gamer who already has everything this Christmas? A Darth Vader Wiimote sensor bar holder, that’s what!

Sculpted from resin and holding a replica of his saber (snigger), Darth is set to hit the usual retailers soon for the reduced price of $39.99 (it originally retailed for a staggering $50, so be thankful for the drop). You can see it up close and personal after the jump.

So if you’ve been wondering what to get me this year, wonder no more. Never mind love and happiness and family – all I need now is this sensor bar holder and a full-sized Solid Snake statue and then my life will be complete.

[ Via Destructoid ]