OK, so if you bought the Nintendo Wii (and apparently there are a lot of you), you might want to look out for the upcoming release of Wii Play: Motion. The original release of Wii Play only used the standard Wii Remote, but later Nintendo released the Motion Plus add on which greatly improved accuracy of the remote. A few games have supported the Motion Plus add on until now, but now Nintendo is releasing this bundle of mini-games which will specifically use this type of controller. However, this time Nintendo is building the Motion Plus component into the controller, renaming it Wii Remote Plus.

Wii Play: Motion will be bundled with this new controller, in an exclusive red colour. This red colour remote will only be available for separate sale in Japan, in Europe (and SA) it will only appear in red and white if purchased seperately. All the Wii Play: Motion games require the motion plus add on if used with the original remote.

Screen shots are still a bit scarce right now, but the popular original formula is followed again – users control a “Mii” character on screen, with relatively simple graphics, but it does result in a lot of fun. You only have to go watch a few kids play Wii Play in a mall to see what I am talking about.

The good news is that Wii Play: Motion will be launched in SA on 24 June 2011, in line with the European release. We will keep you posted once more details are released.

Find Press Release Below:

As you make your way through the 12 mini-games which have multiple game modes for added depth to gameplay, see every swing, tilt, hit and spin of your Wii Remote Plus come to life as it becomes faithfully replicated on your TV screen with exacting precision. From Treasure Twirl – where the Wii Remote Plus acts as a “winch” to collect deep-sea treasure, to Cone Zone – where you tilt the Wii Remote Plus in the correct position to balance ice cream within a giant waffle cone and stop it from falling, whilst extra scoops are being added –- there’s a minigame for everyone to enjoy.

Each of the 12 mini-games included can be played in single player mode, yet if you fancy a different experience and want to get your friends and family involved, then the multiple game modes of a selection of Wii Play: Motion mini-games allow for up to 3 other people to join in on the fun, ensuring your game play experience is always a truly unique one.  For example in the mini-game Skip Skimmer where you can skip stones along a lake, there is a Score Mode in which up to four players take it in turn to skip stones through a series of rings with the aim of getting to the target at the end. By strategically angling the Wii Remote Plus you can compete against your friends to get the highest score in order to win the game.

If you and your friends fancy becoming ghost hunters then Spooky Search will see you working with up to three of your friends to apprehend and collect wayward spirits that have escaped through your TV screen – and into your living room. Using the speaker on the Wii Remote Plus, you are up against the clock to try and locate the ghosts. By pointing your Wii Remote Plus off screen and anywhere around your living room – whether that be above or behind you, your goal is to snare as many ghosts as you can and ‘drag’ them one by one back into your TV screen.

Starting this week, Xbox South Africa is teaming up with its local retailers to offer 50% off a 12-month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription with any Xbox game or console purchased.

Xbox LIVE brings an unbeatable entertainment experience to Xbox 360. Connect with friends, download and play games, and access a huge library of games in an instant. Xbox LIVE Gold members get the V.I.P treatment, allowing you to play games online with friends or family in your province, your country or on the other side of the globe. Gold membership gets you early access to game demos, exclusive discounts, Facebook and Twitter, and more.

Visit your nearest Incredible Connection, Musica, Look & Listen, CNA, Hi-Fi Corporation, Dion Wired, BT Games or Makro for this Xbox LIVE Gold membership special, while stocks last.

This might push me to finally take the dive! Might grab it when Gears of War 3 arrives…

Here at Bandwidth Blog we want to promote local developers and we recently learned about Naval Stike – a relatively simple but very addictive game from the folks at MIH Swat. Based on the idea to gain proficiency in a few key areas, their team set out to build a classic strategy game which uses modern multiplayer methods that modern smartphones use.

I tried out the game – and I have to agree it is quite addictive. While the graphics are simple, the multiplayer portion is especially fun. Users can compete with nearby iPhone users using Bluetooth, or using Apple‘s Game Center. Bluetooth worked well, to both iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. Game Center integration is a bit more tricky, because you have to have friends who have the game loaded, or it will automatch you to an opponent. I eventually gave up because it took a while. Pretty sure it will become quicker once more users have it installed.

MIH Swat also put some interesting notes up regarding the development process they used, including their experience with the Apple Appstore review process. It seems it was pretty smooth sailing for them

Despite the academic / research focussed nature of the game, it works well. If you have your iPhone handy simply go and find it in the Appstore or click here.

Get your calendar out, get a pen, and mark the 20^th September 2011 as the day when Gears of War 3, one of this year’s biggest blockbuster titles, launches worldwide.

Gears of War 3 is the glorious conclusion to one of the most memorable sagas in video games’ history and this is a date you certainly don’t want to miss.

The story takes place eighteen months after the events of Gears of War 2 and the loss of the human stronghold of Jacinto.  Marcus, Baird, Dom and company continue their fight to save human civilization, as they battle the Locust and face new threats from within the planet throughout the campaign mode.

Here is what else you can expect from 2011’s most highly anticipated game:

• An enthralling cinematic story that captivates players in an intimately intense action game
• Five-on-five multiplayer experience as well as four player campaign co-op experience
• New Xbox Live multiplayer game modes including ‘Beast Mode’ – offering a new twist to the game where you take on the role of the locust horde and their assorted variations!
• New maps including: Trenches which features an impressive sand storm that reduces your visibility, as well as Overpass, Mercy, Checkout, and Thrashball.
• New weapons including: The Bayonet Charge, The Retro Lancer, The Sawed-off Shotgun, The OneShot – a heavy sniper rifle that shoots through shields or cover for a surprise one shot kill, The Incendiary Grenade, The Digger Launcher and a few subtle tweaks to old favourites Hammerburst and The Classic Lancer. And don’t forget that each weapon now has its own execution move!

Stay tuned for more updates, and keep your eyes peeled for more news on the Official Multiplayer Public Beta coming soon!

Follow South Africa’s local Xbox 360 Twitter page @Xbox360ZA and on the Facebook page Xbox 360 South Africa.

Guest Post: With many people getting their hands on the Kinect this past holiday, we decided it might be a good idea to get some hands-on experience with the device. Is it worth it? Is it kids only at this point? Hans Haupt will be helping out Bandwidth Blog in future with some gaming related reviews... Expect to see some more in future! You can follow Hans on Twitter at @hanshaupt .

The simple truth is that the Microsoft Kinect is a winner. It is also remarkably addictive. From the moment you turn the device on, you will not want to put it off. It usually performs so well that extended periods of use make other methods of controlling media feel instantly dated. In addition to offering you a new way to play games and interact with your television, the device is also a great showcase for the latest in facial recognition, voice interaction and motion tracking technology. That is, when it works.

Like most new products, Kinect is not perfect. It has its kinks and flaws but when it works it generally does so with aplomb. Considering the device is only a few weeks old and has already sold well over 3 million units, not to mention the strides those in the open source community have made with hacking Kinect, we can give Microsoft’s latest gaming peripheral the benefit of the doubt. Although the steep price may keep some people away at first, Kinect is hands down the best option for motiongaming. Bar none!

In addition to the innovation Kinect brings to gaming, the device also changes the way you can interact with the Xbox dashboard. From subtle voice commands like “Xbox Open Tray” to “Xbox Recommend Movies” within the Zune interface, to waving your hands about a la Tom Cruise in Minority Report to navigate around menus, dress your avatar or view achievements; what Kinect does it does supremely well. In fact, prolonged use of Kinect began to make handling an Xbox 360 controller feel alien and unnatural. This is a great sign, for it means that Microsoft is on the right track with Kinect.

Several launch games are currently available in SA for Microsoft’s latest peripheral. However, because Kinect is new, game developers have yet to harness the obviously untapped potential of this new device. Therefore, although Kinect’s launch line-up does a fair job of offering a taste of what Kinect is capable of, there are no mind blowing titles on offer. With that said, the games which are currently available for Kinect are fun, easy to play and can be enjoyed by many.

So which games should you get? Here is a quick overview of some of Kinect’s launch titles:

Kinect Adventures is the game which ships with every Kinect unit and serves as a fantastic introduction into the Kinect universe. The set of games which make up Kinect Adventures are bright, well-paced, fun, easy to play and are surprisingly well polished. It is the perfect way to become acquainted with controller free gaming, which can take some getting used to depending on your level of coordination or fitness levels. The game is loaded with a variety of unique activities, each with four difficulty settings, multiple levels and the ability to earn a variety of interesting and interactive achievements. Surprisingly, Kinect Adventures is the kind of game that you will end up playing again and again, especially with friends and family!

Kinect Sports:

Kinect Sports is very much like Wii Sports, only controller-less. The game offers a variety of sporting games to play, either alone, with friends or even via Xbox Live. Although not playing with a controller can be quite an odd sensation, it makes for interesting and intuitive gameplay. As fun and entertaining as this sporting game can be, and it is, it does suffer from the occasional motion tracking glitch. This is by no means a deal breaker but it is annoying none the less. However, the overall quality of the game does save it from the occasional glitches and, as a launch title, it is a worthy and enjoyable sports title to own.

There are no delusions that children were the intended audience for Kinectimals. Kids will love having their own cute panther cub to care for and literally play with, while they spend hours exploring all that the Kinectimal Island has to offer. With that said, the game does have plenty of extras to keep even the most seasoned of gamers entertained. It will mesmerise gamers of all ages and it will bring out the kid in pretty much anyone who plays. If nothing else, Kinectimals is a great showcase for all that is Kinect.

Kinect Joyride is a simple arcade racer at its core with the primary difference being that you use only your arms and upper body to play the game. Lean back for boost, push your arms out to activate boost, spin around or lean to your sides to perform tricks, and always remember to keep your arms out to hold the imaginary steering wheel. It is a simple game which offers only a few moments of pleasure throughout the games very short campaign. Sadly the game is a rather barebones racer and pales in comparison to the other much more accomplished launch titles on offer. If you are desperate for a Kinect inspired racer then give it a go, but it would be advisable to wait for future racing titles before ‘jumping in’.

Dance Central is probably one of the best and most polished games in the Kinect launch line up. Think of it like Rock Band, except you are the instrument. In addition to the game exuding graphical eye candy it also features one of the most intuitive and easy to use menu systems in a Kinect game. As good as the game is, however, it could have been so much better if the developers had just added a few additional modes, some extra features and more than just a handful of songs. Even so, the core mechanic of the game works flawlessly, making this a must have title for every Kinect owner or aspiring ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ competitor.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is basically your very own digital personal trainer. It aims to be your one stop home workout solution, which is able to track and audibly correct your movements as you progress through the various exercises and activities. The title is certainly innovative and offers a great showcase of the technology while implementing one of best interfaces for a Kinect game, but any fitness buff or regular gym goer will probably not really benefit from what this game has to offer. For everyone else, however, expect plenty of sweat and many sore muscles after each intense and fun workout or activity. The potential for a good home based video game gym solution is ingenious and is no doubt a sought after idea. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is therefore a good indication of the future possibilities of the technology offered by Kinect.

One of the most highly-anticipated pieces of consumer technology in recent years, the revolutionary Kinect for Xbox 360, goes on sale in South Africa this week – bringing with it an era of controller-free gaming and entertainment.

Kinect and the long-awaited Xbox LIVE service were launched in Sandton last night to more than 200 media, customers, evangelists and fanatics. Both products will be available locally from 10 November.

Unlike any other consumer technology available today, Kinect lets people use their bodies play games and access entertainment, literally turning the user into the controller. It locks onto people and follows their motions. Players activate it with a wave of a hand, navigate menus by moving their arms and then run, jump, lunge, lean and dance to direct their on-screen avatars.

“For us, this is a really big deal,” said Yvette van Rooyen, product manager for Xbox in South Africa. “Kinect literally transforms entertainment and introduces the Xbox 360 console to millions of new people — families, friends and people of all ages. There’s nothing like it on the market.”

Launching along with Kinect in South Africa is Xbox Live, an online service which allows Xbox users to play online against people around the world and get access to premium content and services.

Deemed a “breakthrough innovation” by Popular Mechanics, the “best of what’s new” by Popular Science and awarded the US National Parenting Publications Awards Gold Award, Kinect for Xbox 360 promises to usher in a new era of entertainment.

Kinect removes the “wands, gadgets, and gizmos” that sometimes act as a barrier, making Xbox games and entertainment more approachable, social and interactive so everyone can enjoy them, said Van Rooyen.

“Once it meets you, Kinect recognises you. With just a wave of the hand, Kinect comes to life, bringing games, movies, TV, music, exercise, dancing and sports to your fingertips,” she said.

5 games will be launching with Kinect – Kinectimals, Kinect Adventures, Kinect Sports, Kinect Joyride and Dance Central.  In addition, there will be 10 3^rd Party publisher titles in line with the launch too.  These include : Your Shape, EA Active 2, Zumba Fitness, DanceMasters,  Adrenalin Misfits, Motion Sports, Sonic Free Riders and on the 19^th November we will see the launch of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1 as a Kinect ready release.

Kinect for Xbox 360 is great value for the whole family. The all-in-one Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect includes the new Xbox 360 4GB console, Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures,” priced at R3699. For those who have an Xbox 360 console already, the stand-alone Kinect for Xbox 360 sensor is priced at R1999, and includes the Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures”.

Sharing the limelight with Kinect at the launch was Xbox LIVE. Speaking at the launch event, Robin Burrowes, Xbox LIVE product manager for Europe, Middle East & Africa, said Xbox LIVE is about “building communities and connecting people to each other and to great content”.

With an Xbox 360 and broadband internet connection, users can now connect and join LIVE for free to access their personal profiles with Gamerscore, Gamertag, Avatar; access the Xbox LIVE Games Marketplace; and access free game demos. An upgrade to Xbox LIVE Gold membership allows users to play games with their friends online, including great new Kinect titles, or video chat with Video Kinect. It also allows users to receive early access to content and exclusive Gold discounts.

An Xbox LIVE Gold 12-month membership will be available for R599. A 3-month membership will cost R199, with numerous launch specials available.

“This is an exciting step forward in the experience we can give our loyal and committed Xbox communities,” said Burrowes. “Xbox fans in South Africa will now be able play the best games in the industry with the 25 million other Xbox LIVE users across the world who have made this their online gaming destination of choice.”

Xbox LIVE is about building communities and connecting people to each other and to great content.  The launch in South Africa is another step toward our vision for LIVE – to deliver the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are in the world.

The service in South Africa will focus first on delivering the core gaming and community features that have made Xbox LIVE the world’s premier online gaming destination. Play your favorite multiplayer games with friends on Xbox LIVE, rack up your Gamerscore and download the latest Xbox LIVE Arcade and Games on Demand titles in the comfort of your living room. You can even extend the life of your games by downloading the latest Game Add-ons, which include map packs, levels, characters and songs.

With an Xbox 360 and broadband internet connection you can connect and join LIVE for free to access your personal profile with Gamerscore, Gamertag, and Avatar as well as the Xbox LIVE Games Marketplace, and free game demos. An upgrade to Xbox LIVE Gold membership will allow you to play games with your friends online, including great new Kinect titles, or video chat with Video Kinect. It also allows you to receive early access to content and exclusive Gold discounts. An Xbox LIVE Gold 12-month membership will be available for R599.

For those with existing Xbox LIVE account for another region, you’ll be able to migrate to the local service and keep your Profile, Gamer Score, Achievements, Microsoft Points Balance and paid for Subscription time remaining. You can also keep all the downloaded content stored on your hard-drive such as your Avatar items, LIVE Arcade games and songs. For full details on account migration, please visitwww.xbox.com/En-za/live/faq.htm

For more information about Xbox LIVE visit www.xbox.com/En-za/live/default.htm

Follow South Africa’s local Xbox 360 Twitter page @Xbox360ZA and on the Facebook page Xbox 360 South Africa.

It takes a village, so goes the popular adage, and never has this been truer than in Fable 3. As you embark on your own revolution to seize the throne from an evil tyrant you’ll be flanked by a supporting cast that features some of Hollywood’s most renowned talent, with film accomplishments that include “Monty Python,” “Star Trek,” “Harry Potter,” “The Lord of the Rings,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and the upcoming “X-Men: First Class.”

Available today, the latest installment to the popular “Inside Lionhead” video documentary series features the talented cast, including Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Fassbender, Simon Pegg and more, as they reflect back on their experiences working on Fable 3. From topics such as Sir Ben Kingsley picking up a Welsh accent to how Michael Fassbender prepared to take on a villain’s role in his first video game voiceover project, watch what happens when the star-studded cast applies their craft to Fable 3 – this October’s most anticipated title.

The ‘Fable’ franchise has always been recognised for its unique take on drama, morality, and of course, humor,” said Yvette van Rooyen, Xbox Product and Marketing Manager for Microsoft South Africa. “We’re taking this to the limits in Fable 3 by bringing on a star-studded cast that includes Sir Ben Kingsley, John Cleese and Simon Pegg, who truly understand what it takes to bring characters to life in complex ways and add new dimensions of blockbuster entertainment.

“This is my first experience voicing a video game, so what drew me to it was the team, how committed they are, how well organized everything is and how beautiful the game is,” said Sir Ben Kingsley in the video documentary. “One of the things that’s missing from a lot of video games is good writing and good voice work. I think this one has a wonderful mythology and it’s witty and it’s engrossing,” added Simon Pegg in the video documentary.

Interact with these critically acclaimed actors in Fable 3 like never before. Talk politics with Sir Ben Kingsley, dish over the latest fashions with John Cleese or stir up trouble with Simon Pegg, all while plotting to bring the tyrannical King Logan – voiced by Michael Fassbender – to his knees. The Fable 3 voice-cast brings together some of the world’s most talented actors from all genres of the big screen, silver screen and theater, including:

• John Cleese as your trusty butler and confidant, Jasper
• Sir Ben Kingsley as the leader of the mountain dwellers, Sabine
• Simon Pegg as attention-seeking soldier Benn Finn who is looking for action
• Michael Fassbender as the evil King Logan whom your “Fable III” hero will lead a revolution against
• Zoë Wannamaker returns as Theresa. She was last seen taking over the Spire in Fable II, but who knows what her real motivation is?
• Stephen Fry returns as Reaver, the narcissistic marksman blessed with eternal youth
• Bernard Hill as Sir Walter Beck, your faithful mentor
• Nicholas Hoult as the potential male love interest, Elliot, to your Fable 3 female hero
• Naomie Harris as Page, the leader of the rebels who reside in Bowerstone

Fable 3 will be available in a Standard Edition R699 and Limited Collector’s Edition R799 for Xbox 360, and is available now for pre-order at participating retailers. Fable 3 launches in South Africa on 29^th October 2010.

The “Halo” franchise has been dubbed “a pop culture phenomenon” by Variety magazine and hailed as the No 1 game series of all time by the Guinness Book of World Records.

“When it comes to the size and scope of a franchise and especially the dedication of the fans, no game is bigger than ‘Halo,’” said Yvette van Rooyen, Xbox Product & Marketing Manager in South Africa. “With ‘Halo: Reach,’ we’re delivering on our promise to redefine blockbuster entertainment experiences and ultimately help make this year the biggest ever in Xbox history.”

Tens of thousands of retailers around the world are opened their doors at midnight exclusively to sell copies of “Halo: Reach,” as well as “Halo: Reach” Xbox 360 consoles and accessories. Special marquee launch events are taking place in major cities around the world. A jetpacking Spartan descended on Trafalgar Square yesterday to celebrate the launch of Halo: Reach where over 400 stores in the UK opened at midnight for Halo fans to grab an early copy.

“Halo: Reach” tells the tragic and heroic story of Noble Team, a group of Spartans, who through great sacrifice and courage, saved countless lives in the face of impossible odds. The planet Reach is humanity’s last line of defense between the encroaching Covenant and their ultimate goal, the destruction of Earth. If it falls, humanity will be perched on the brink of destruction.

Published by Microsoft Game Studios, the “Halo” franchise of games is exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network, which finally hits South African shores later this year. As evidence of the game’s highly anticipated release, more than 2.7 million players participated in the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta in May, making it the largest console video game beta test on record and more than triple the size of the historic “Halo 3” beta.

The “Halo” franchise started with the original “Halo: Combat Evolved” (2001), and has spawned multiple best-selling novels, comic books, action figures, apparel and more. To date, more than 34 million copies of “Halo” games have been sold worldwide, driving more than 3.3 billion hours of gameplay by people connected to Xbox LIVE.

Im looking forward to try it out, and my copy is already in the mail… Will keep you posted!

Wanna play XBOX 360 and stay in touch with your mates on instant messenger? Coming soon..