Pirates and Pitfalls Send Masterful Mixed Messages

April 13, 2009

Pirates and Pitfalls Send
Masterful Mixed Messages

The new Nintendo DSi system has been
on store shelves for just a week now. Today Activision’s Mixed Messages becomes
the first third-party downloadable game for the new system. Mixed Messages is a
game of electronic telephone that can accommodate a whopping 21 players. On the
WiiWare side, fans will find a game based on the popular Pop-Up Pirate toy that
might have players sticking virtual swords into their Mii characters. And
classic character Pitfall Harry Jr. makes his debut on the Virtual Console.

Nintendo adds new titles to the
Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays.
Users with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo
DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop
Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A
Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations. All Nintendo Points
from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or
the Nintendo DSi Shop. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between
the two systems. This week’s new games are:

Nintendo DSiWare

Mixed Messages (Activision, 2-21
players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Mixed Messages is the
hilarious party game of mixed-up miscommunication. Sketch a picture to capture
your friends’ sentence, or try to figure out what in the world they’ve drawn.
You might start with, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" and end up
with "A crazy surfer outruns flying sticks of dynamite while his fans cheer!"
Two to 21 players take turns writing sentences and drawing pictures to pass
along a message. This isn’t a game about winning and losing – it’s all about the
funny miscommunications that happen along the way. You’ll laugh when you see
just how wacky things can get. Get together with your friends and mix it up.

Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle
Games (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 200 Nintendo DSi Points):
Master of Illusion Express titles are mind-boggling magic tricks pulled from the
popular Nintendo DS game. Learn the illusions, practice up and amaze your
friends. Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games will boggle your audience
members’ minds as they try to figure out how you know exactly what they’re
thinking. Also included is the bonus Vanishing Card trick, which the Nintendo
DSi system performs for your enjoyment.

WiiWare

Party Fun Pirate (TOMY Corporation,
1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Based on
the popular Pop-Up Pirate toy, players take turns thrusting swords into a barrel
that holds your captain captive, trying to see who can insert the most swords
into the barrel. Thrust a sword into the wrong hole and you’ll send your captain
flying, which means it’s game over for you! Unique Wii features add to the
excitement, making for a fun-filled party game. Try swapping out the captain and
putting your custom Mii character in the barrel for some real laughs!

Virtual Console

Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (Sega
Genesis, 1 player, Rated T for Teen – Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points):
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure is a side-scrolling action game in which you play
adventurer Pitfall Harry Jr. in search of his father, Pitfall Harry. Pitfall
Harry has been taken captive by the dreaded warrior spirit Zakelua: Lord of
Evil. Armed with only a trusty sling and his father’s journal, young Harry Jr.
must now venture into the unknown to rescue him … before it’s too late! Bungee
jump and boomerang your way to safety as you battle through treacherous Mayan
jungles, waterfalls and deserted mines. With 13 levels of fast, gripping action,
you will need to be attentive and quick – or prepare to die …