While the original Rock Band release on Wii was essentially a port of the PS2 game feature-wise, Harmonix is spicing things up for the Wii sequel, promising what should have been implemented in the first place: DLC support. Yes, there was “nowhere to store it” before, but this time around, Rock Band 2 on Wii will feature downloadable content, just like its PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 brethren.

While unannounced, MTV Games has confirmed that the upcoming Nintendo Wii version of “Rock Band 2” will offer the same online functionality — i.e. song downloads and Internet multiplayer modes — as the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PS3 versions. The PS2 version, however, will not include online connectivity

That’s good to hear. Not quite sure how we went from the polar opposites of “this platform cannot do DLC” to “we’re bringing DLC to the sequel on Wii,” but hey.

‘Rock Band’ sequel steals the show [USA Today]

Capcom today saw fit to release three screenshots from the upcoming Wii edition of the Resident Evil remake. As expected, it’s looking exactly like the original GameCube version. Considering it’ll retail at 4,190 yen ($40), you would be better off scrounging eBay for a copy of the GC original, which can had for around $11 used.

Resident Evil Wii Screenshots

The days of practicing law for anti-video game violence activist Jack Thompson are coming to an close. After careful consideration of the initial ten-year “enhanced disbarment” recommendation made by Judge Tunis last May, The Florida Supreme today took matters to the next level, ordering Thompson to shut down his practice. The ruling takes effect in thirty days from today.

The Court approves the corrected referee’s report and John Bruce Thompson is permanently disbarred, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies the Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the permanent disbarment effective immediately.

more »

As revealed yesterday, Capcom is releasing a direct port of the GameCube Resident Evil remake on Wii, albeit with slightly modified controls. Is it coming to America? Like the Resident Evil Zero port before it, probably not. But there is a chance it could, according to Capcom VP Christian Svensson:

At the moment, like Zero, this is Japan only. That could change but that’s the current situation.

more »

Accompanying yesterday’s announcement, publisher Ubisoft today sent along a selection of new screenshots from Acquire’s forthcoming stealth-action title Tenchu 4. Also provided was a brief trailer showcasing the many ways one can bring death to their opponents with a samurai sword.

Tenchu 4 is slated for a release on Wii in early 2009.

Tenchu 4 Screenshots

If you thought Capcom would stop at Resident Evil 0, think again. According to a report contained in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu, the company will be releasing an almost direct port of the Resident Evil remake, originally seen on GameCube, for Wii. We say “almost direct” as the control scheme in the title will be retooled to take advantage of the Wii Remote in the same fashion as the Wii edition of RE0.

Suppose this is good news if you somehow missed out on the GameCube release (for shame!). The game is slated to hit Japanese store shelves on December 25.

Let’s not kid ourselves, it was a given that The Force Unleashed would shift units like no tomorrow. Anything remotely Star Wars related is guaranteed to sell by the bucket load, after all. But was anyone expecting it to be the fastest selling Star Wars game and LucasArts title ever? According to LucasArts, it is, with more than 1.5 million copies sold worldwide.

Released September 16 in North America and Sept. 19 in Europe, the sales figures are based on the first five days of sales across all platforms. more »

Ubisoft let us know today that it has picked up rights to publish stealth-action title Tenchu 4 in North America and European territories. Developed by franchise mainstay Acquire, this Wii effort promises to breathe new life into the Tenchu series, with a unique control set that utilizes the Wii Remote in a myriad of ways.

Consisting of 10 missions and 50 side quests in all, the game’s story continues to follow the saga of Rikimaru and Ayame, ninjas on a quest to bring peace to feudal Japan. more »

As promised, this week’s Wii Shop Channel update kicks off with the release of Capcom’s retro-themed Mega Man 9 (1,000 Wii Points). Joining the Blue Bomber’s ninth outing is NES classic Super Dodge Ball (500 Wii Points) and Vectorman (800 Wii Points), an enjoyable futuristic platformer originally seen on Sega Genesis.

Last but not least is PLÄTTCHEN, a WiiWare puzzle shooter from indy developer Bplus. Promising more than 100 hours of fun, the game features over 300 levels and a multiplayer mode with support for up to eight players.

For full details on this week’s round of offerings, hit the jump. more »

The wait is nearly over. Capcom has announced that Mega Man 9 will begin hitting digital distribution services across North America next week. The title is scheduled to roll out September 22 on WiiWare, with a PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade release following on the 25th and October 1, respectively.

Plus, Capcom revealed that it plans to make the Mega Man 9 retail box art available for purchase. No word on price or when the package will go on sale (we figure within the next couple weeks), but keep your eyes peeled on the Capcom Store if you’re interested.

Mega Man 9 Release Dates! [Capcom]