For Wii and DS only
The upcoming edition in the Drawn to Life franchise (www.drawntolife.com), “Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter” is under development and will be released exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS in Fall 2009. In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Wii, players will draw their own heroes using the Wii Remote to find the Artifacts of Power and rid the Raposa village of an evil, shadowy figure that has taken over the land. Throughout the game, players will draw more than 100 unique items, such as vehicles, weapons and tools, to conquer their enemies. The all-new Action Drawing tool allows for objects to be drawn directly into the game to help navigate through several environments, including a sky world, a jungle and a shadow city. In addition, the game’s multi-player feature will allow players to draw their team members and equipment to compete against others in a variety of mini-games, such as football, hockey and basketball.
In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Nintendo DS, players will be able to draw their own heroes, be it humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures, and will embark on a brand new adventure aboard a Turtle Ship to defeat the evil Wilfre and restore color to the Raposa civilization. Players will have the ability to morph their hero into a blob or a spider, adding more gameplay and allowing for players to play each level a variety of different ways. The game’s Action Drawing Tool gives each color special properties when drawing objects into the game to help solve puzzles and progression through the game. Along the way, players will collect coins and color drops to unlock a variety of content, including challenges and quests, customization options and hero abilities. In addition, the game’s multi-player aspect allows players to trade heroes, weapons, items and accessories with friends.
Details of the PSP Go
Sony is holding a huge press conference today to reveal the details of its new PSP Go. The company was upstaged however when Eurogamer (www.eurogamer.net/gallery.php?article_id=587698) posted photos of the PSP Go online. While these are not “official” Sony photos, past product leaks have provided accurate information. John Koller, director of hardware marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America has given an interview posted to YouTube that as revealed some details of the new PSP as well.
The PSP Go has a 3.8-inch wide screen and weighs less than 4 ounces. The screen slides up to reveal the controls. The Go will offer 16GB of built-in flash memory, and it’s expandable via a Memory Stick Micro slot. The device’s smaller size has been accomplished in part by leaving out the Universal Media Disc drive. This will make it impossible to play older PSP software.
The controls appear to be largely unchanged and there is no mention by Sony of touch screen support. The Sony handheld platform will have Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth. It will be possible to use the PSP Go with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone and this would facilitate online gaming through a 3G connection. New games known to be under development for the PSP Go include Little Big Planet, Jak and Daxter, Gran Turismo and Metal Gear Solid. The PSP Go is due on the market in Fall 2009.
Online social game for tweens
SuperSecret.com is a new online social game for kids who are ready for more than Club Penguin and Webkinz, but too young for World of Warcraft or MySpace. SuperSecret.com transports tweens into a secret world designed just for them, where characters “age up” from 10 to 18 as they make friends, play games and explore new places with other players. Each birthday unlocks new hangouts and privileges such as pets, dorm rooms, bank accounts and secret parts of the world.
SuperSecret.com is designed for 9 to 13 year-olds and offers 20 customizable character looks and dozens of lush and realistic interactive environments like The Quad, The Midway and Crescent Beach. Players can access as many as 40 Flash-based mini games with new games becoming available as their characters grow up. In-game money, called “spenders,” can be used to buy cute pets, fashionable clothes, new hair, tasty treats, furniture, gifts and sneak attacks for friends. But be warned — players will need to save up to get the best stuff and, like real life, the resale value of a misguided impulse purchase is a far cry from the original sticker price.
SuperSecret.com also makes it really easy to connect with old and new friends. Every player has access to an in-game cell phone that shows the status and location for every friend, so you can leave messages and meet up at any time. Players can also swap tips and “cheats,” and interact with non-player characters who dole out hints and quests. Players can report and block anyone who is bothering them, and all conversations are filtered and monitored.
Kids can play SuperSecret.com for free as long as they want, although their character won’t age up beyond 12 years old. Paid members can age to 13 and beyond, and enjoy access to ever more areas and features of the site. Introductory pricing is $4.95 per month or $19.95 for 6 months.
Money management for kids
Operation HOPE (HOPE) has launched a website designed to give youth the tools, knowledge and motivation they need to develop healthy financial habits. BankingonOurFuture.org provides free online access to the award-winning Banking on Our Future financial literacy program, teaching students ages 9 to 18 the basics of banking, credit, checking, savings, borrowing, investing and other key money management topics. The curriculums employ specialized Web video modules designed for elementary, middle and high school/adult level students, and may be accessed 24/7.
