On the Dragon Quest side, Square Enix confirmed that it will release both Dragon Quest Monsters - Joker for the Nintendo DS, and Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors for the Wii. DQ Monsters - Joker is due for release in Q4 2007, while Dragon Quest Swords is still listed with a date to be determined.

Meanwhile, there will be two titles released in the Final Fantasy franchise, under the heading of the Ivalice Alliance. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions will be a remake of the original Final Fantasy Tactics, including new CG cutscenes, new jobs, 16:9 presentation, new multiplayer modes, and more.

Wii: Super Paper Mario

Just when you thought the beloved plumber Mario might be nearing the twilight of his more-than quarter-century career, Nintendo comes out with a game for the Wii that pumps new life into two retro video game genres. ''Super Paper Mario'' (Rated E, $49.99) combines the charm and action of an '80s side-scroller with the depth and creativity of a solid role-playing game. This hybrid of sorts of ''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Paper Mario'' features an elaborate and well-written back story that's explained in detail during a rather long opening sequence. Here's the quick version: The villainous Count Bleck captures Princess Peach and forces her to marry the spiked-shell turtle Bowser, which creates a rift of dark energy. Mario and his friends must gather eight ''pure hearts'' to restore the universe to its normal state.

Thompson attacks Wendy's over Wii promo

In his latest attack on the world of videogames, Jack Thomspon is calling on fast-food chain Wendy's to cancel a Kid's Meal Wii promotion.Reported on GameAlmighty.com, Wendy's is including Wii-related toys such as Mario, Excite Truck, Wii Sports, and the Wii remote with the meals; but it's the console's association with Rockstar's forthcoming Manhunt 2 which has caused Thompson to call for the promotion to end. In a letter sent to Wendy's CEO Kerri Anderson, Thompson said, I should like to alert you to the inappropriateness of the above upcoming promotion at Wendy's, in light of the below information.

17:08 Datel accessory allows complex Wii tinkering (0)

There have been plenty of third party accessories released for the Nintendo Wii since its release late last year, dozens of company's desperate to persuade consumers to part with a little more cash, whether it be to enhance their gaming experience directly (sword and shield props for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, anyone?) or by more complex means, as with Datel's Wii Drive Doctor, dubbed 'the ultimate home mod tool' for Nintendo's latest console.