The V.G.F. Report

Fridays are awesome because it's time for The Video Game Friday Report!  So let's get started!

Mario Is 25 Years Old

Nintendo today announced that on November 7 retailers will begin selling a red Nintendo Wii bundle, the Wii Remote Plus, a new DSi XL bundle, and a new game, FlingSmash.  The new Wii package--in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.--will include a red system, copies of New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports, a Wii Remote Plus, and everything else normally associated with the system. It will debut at $200 and will be a limited edition. Also being released on November 7 will be a new $180 DSi XL bundle. Similar to the Wii package, the DSi XL bundle is also a limited edition and is colored red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. This package will include a DSi XL with three themed graphics on its face, a copy of Mario Kart DS, and three preinstalled titles: Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math, and Photo Clock.

NBA Jam Coming to Xbox 360 &  Playstation 3

     A Sports has finally announced an official price point and release date for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of NBA Jam. However, those with a proclivity for online play might not be thrilled.
The arcade basketball title will drive the lane for high-definition consoles on November 17 at the same $50 price point as the Wii version. The game was originally set to be included exclusively with copies of NBA Elite before that game was indefinitely postponed in late September.
      When the game ships, players will be able to take part in the game's Remix Tour and Classic Campaign but will have only limited access to the game's online multiplayer component.
According to EA Sports, players choosing to take their skills online will have only one avenue in which to do so on launch day. Players can jump into the classic two-vs.-two online mode on day one but will have to wait until December for a content update that will bring a host of new features.
      Those with connected consoles who download the free title update, due out at an unspecified date in December, will score Remix Games. These games include Backboard Smash, Domination Free-for-All, Elimination, and 21, and they are playable both online and off.
      Also due out with the content update will be Jam Party, an online mode where players can invite up to three others to play. Finally, with the December update players will be able to take their skills to the next level in Online Progression. This mode lets players build and level their character through a series of online challenges.