At the Nintendo's Tokyo Press Event yesterday, the big-N announced a new DS handheld console with new features, including a .3-megapixel (that's point-three) camera. Called the DSi (how reverse-Apple of them), the new system will be available before the end of the year... in Japan. Here in the U.S. ... who knows? 1up says: well into 2009. On this page, it looks like the DSi has two cameras... one on the outside and one on the inside (in the hinge). Also, the DSi is smaller, but with larger screens and no slot for older GameBoy titles. Instead, there is also an SD card slot to save images and downloadable games.

Also announced at the event, was the Wii's new ability to save downloaded games on SD cards. This will help make up for the Wii's insufficient storage space. This feature probably won't be available until next year.

The U.S. will get something cool THIS year... our own Club Nintendo. It's the cool rewards program that Japan has had for years and allows for loyal gamers to get cool exclusive items. Past Club Nintendo goodies have included rare-colors of the DS and groovy Nintendo themed toys. I can't wait for this.

Posted by: fettman | October 8, 2008 1:21 PM

'Space Invaders' is 30+ years old. Seriously? I remember playing it when it was brand new. I also remember wasting countless quarters playing it at the skating rink arcade. The invaders' rhythmic marching thump was practically the soundtrack of every game palace in the '80's.

As iconic as the 'Space Invaders' game is in the whole history of gaming, it's not the most intriguing concept to re-hash for modern systems. Luckily, Square-Enix and Taito have really pumped fresh-blood in the aging slide and shoot title.

I picked up the DS version of the the game (for $19!) this weekend, and I was really blown away. This little game is awesome.

While the gameplay core remains the same... move back and forth and shoot down spaceships... the developers have thrown in a dash of visual and music flare obviously inspired by the likes of Sega's 'Rez' and Q3's 'Lumines.' The backgrounds are swirling kaleidoscopes of images and colors. The music is beat-heavy and is complemented by the notes created from shooting down the individual space crabs.

The bad guys are no longer single color marching bots, now the invaders come in multiple colors. Shooting combos of similar color enemies, produces power-ups which makes clearing an attack armada much easier (and more satisfying). Shooting down combos of combos opens up bonus rounds and crazy fever-jackpot/roulette sequences to earn more points and in-game goodies.

The game's chaotic gameplay is part of it's appeal. This is not your 1980's 'Space Invaders.' Oh, and the game sometimes encompasses both DS screens, so your eyes will get a workout along with your thumb (mine is still sore).

In addition to the single player arcade mode, ranked modes (which save you scores online) and level modes (complete a level and you can return to that level) there is also a fantastic multiplayer mode downloads to two DS systems from one cartridge.

This game would have been a fantastic buy for $39, but it's a steal for $19. Go get it, now!

I've added a video clip to show you this game in motion: