News

Yes, you read that headline correctly. BioWare, the role-playing game ace developer behind Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, is making an RPG for the Nintendo DS starring Sonic the Hedgehog.

In a recent press release, BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka was optimistic: "as huge fans of Sonic ourselves, we're committed to delivering a truly amazing story-driven experience within the Sonic universe, focusing on capturing the character's broad appeal and placing him in a completely original adventure."

This untitled Sonic RPG is scheduled for an unspecified 2008 release, and also marks BioWare's first game on a Nintendo console (other than MDK2, all of BioWare's games are for either Microsoft systems or personal computers). Currently, BioWare is working on two much-hyped RPGs, Dragon Age and Mass Effect, for the PC and XBox 360 respectively. This BioWare/Sega/Nintendo partnership might seem strange, but those three companies have one hell of a track record, so it could turn out to be something special.

Source: Joystiq

From DS Fanboy

Strategy RPG Disgaea was a hit on the PS2 console, though not many gamers got a chance to play it, as it was in very short stock. Now, PR coordinator Nao Zook hinted towards a new Disgaea title that would be available on the DS. Though nothing concrete was announced, and it wasn't said whether it would be a remake or a new title, Ms. Zook did say, "Let me just say this... you can look forward to it!"

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I haven't played a Disgaea title, but many of my friends ranted and raved about it for months. I am a fan of the Strategy RPG genre, and would very much like to have a game like that for DS. I would expect that the game will likely be announced soon, as you wouldn't expect a PR coordinator to just run her mouth about something that isn't going to happen - that's exactly what she's there to prevent. Ms. Zook also works for Nippon-Ich America, so I would guess that the game will also be available in English. Nothing concrete here, but potential exciting news to come!

There's been a Lord of the Rings MMORPG in the works for a long while now, and the game will be releasing to the public soon. In honor of this the game creators have announced a MASSIVE open beta event, offering one million slots to the beta. It's a first come first serve sort of deal, but it's open to anyone. (I imagine you need to be 18, though, honestly) This, world tour as they're calling it begins in about three days.

If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, or are just curious about the new kid on the MMORPG block, you should check this out.

Lord of the Rings World Tour site

Just go to the site and follow the instructions and you'll be ready to go.

The full game will launch April 24th and will allow you to experience Middle Earth in all its glory. The game will feature classic characters from the novel as NPCs, such as Gandalf, Gimli, Aragorn, and Frodo. The game seems to be set during the events of the Lord of the Rings novels, even, and as such you'll be able to fight against the forces of Sauron and perhaps help the Fellowship rid Middle Earth of his scourge. In addition you'll be able to create one of four races (Human, Dwarf, Elf, or Hobbit) with customizable features, and then choose one of seven classes (Champion, Guardian, Captain, Burglar, Hunter, Minstrel, Lore-Master)

This game really possesses a lot of potential, but whether it lives up to it is yet to be seen. So if you're curious, like me, why not sign up for the World Tour? Do it quick though, spots are definitely going fast.

From CVG

The recently-released expansion to World of Warcraft, "The Burning Crusade," has earned the title of the fastest-selling video game of all time. In just the first day of sales, almost 2.4 million copies of the game were snatched off of the shelves, not even given a chance to cool down off the retailers' hands.

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The title was released in both North America and Europe, which may have helped the sales but in no way lessens the incredible victory Blizzard has gotten from this. Approaching 2.4 million copies in 24 hours means they were selling, on average, nearly 100,000 copies an hour in the two continents, which is an unbelievable pace. World of Warcraft already had the reputation of being addicting the point of stealing friends and family away, and I can only imagine how many people who may have grown stagnant in the realm of Azeroth will re-enter the world now that they have lots of new content to enjoy.

In an announcement promised last week, Bandai Namco has revealed four "new" Tales games presently in the making:

The first is a remake of the series' first installment, Tales of Phantasia. Despite having already been remade for Japanese PlayStations in 1998, and graphically upgraded for a Game Boy Advance release in North America earlier this year, Bandai Namco has opted to carry the title on over to the PlayStation Portable. This time, notably, the game will feature complete voiceovers.

Another is Tales of Destiny, slated to be remade for the PlayStation 2 while featuring 3D environments and highly detailed, 2-dimensional sprites. Brand new scenes and voices are to be added as well.

The final remake is a PSP version of Tales of Destiny 2. Originally a PS2 title available only in Japan, very little is likely to be altered in the way of graphics and sound.

Lastly, a new game entitled Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology also has its sights set upon the PSP. Soon to be the fourth in the previously GBA-exclusive Tales of the World sub-series in Japan, and the first to appear in 3D, Radiant Mythology will play much differently than the standard Tales games. Among the title's unique qualities is the player's ability to create his or her own main character by choosing from assorted facial features. Furthermore, a band of familiar characters from Tales games past - a Tales of the World trademark - shall serve as party members.

Tales of Phantasia is scheduled to launch in Japan on September 7th, while Tales of Destiny and Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology are due out sometime this winter. Tales of Destiny 2, on the other hand, won't be available until next year.

There has yet to be any confirmation on possible North American or European releases.

Sources: GAF
RPGFan

Perhaps it was merely overlooked, but regardless a third Paper Mario title has been announced. In this new game you'll play as Mario, of course. But joining your playable characters will be both Peach and Bowser, though their parts seem unconfirmed, it seems possible that they might actually be playable in battle and normal gameplay, rather than just the bit parts they had in previous Paper Mario titles.

The game is slated for release sometime in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Source: IGN