The Firebare Blog

Today has brought a lot of news from Nintendo. First, a long awaited Wii firmware upgrade that added USB keyboard support to the Internet Channel. In addition to this there’s been a lot of news from Japan. The most exciting of which is the new DS Download Channel for the Wii. This new channel will allow you to download DS demos from your Wii, similar to what Nintendo’s DS stations offer at select retail stores. Expect to see this new channel soon in the U.S.  It will be available in Japan in November.

Nintendo has also announced 4 new Wii Ware titles: Dr. Mario, Pokemon Ranch, Maruboushikaku, and Puzzloop with Everyone. (Wii Ware is the new channel expected to arrive in early 2008, and will offer downloadable Wii games for sale). In addition, 3rd party publishers have announced a Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles game, Star Soldier R, and Mojo Pittan. Nintendo has stated that they have received over 100 proposals for new games from 3rd party developers, so expect to see many more announcements in the coming weeks.

Other big news includes the addition of Sonic as a playable character in the upcoming fighting game Super Smash Bros Brawl, as well as online co-op play in the “adventure mode”.

More soon!

It looks like Transformers 2 might be coming sooner than expected. During a meet-and-greet on the Universal lot yesterday, Steven Spielberg reportedly announced that not only the story for the Transformers 2 screenplay will be turned in next week, but that they may begin filming as early as this year! Spielberg also confirmed that Shia LaBeouf will return as Sam Witwicky, stating:”Shia has a couple more Transformers ahead of him.”

I loved the Transformers movie, and am excited about the idea of a sequel, but I just really hope they don’t rush it and screw the story up. Too many sequels are ruined that way. Too early to know whether or not Michael Bay will direct, but I’d put my money on it. IMDB has the film slated for a June 2009 release with Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci in talks to team write the screenplay.

The first Transformers is due to release on DVD in just 6 days on October 16! My birthday is coming up in two weeks from today, so if anybody wants to get me a great present, this would be a great one! (I also accept Amazon gift cards, Mixed cans of popcorn and TV Shows on DVD.) 

Sources: CHUD, IMDB