Bingo, as we know it today, originated at United States carnivals  by Hugh J. Ward in the early 1920′s. Later he copyrighted the word ‘Bingo’ and wrote a rule book on it. The word Bingo has various theories on the origin of the name according to here. It is said that one of the players yelled ‘Bingo’ instead of Beano. Another theory is that the word Bingo was used in Great Britain since the 1770′s and was taken from that.

Bingo has become a worldwide game and particularly online it is very popular. These games can offer higher prizes than local games. Young or old, the game can be played by all, with the very easy game rules that can be both enjoyable and competitive. I remember my first time playing the game on holiday with my parents when I was a child. While I myself did not win, my parents won and treated me to an ice cream afterwards.

Some years have passed since my first time playing the game but it still remains a Christmas favourite when all the family are around as everyone can play without having to take turns or there are too many people playing. We take turns in being the announcer and create alternative calling names for a bit of fun. It is great fun and no Christmas would be without it.

Nintendo eShop

PAC-MAN – PAC-MAN has arrived on the Nintendo 3DS™ system. Navigate through mazes and eat Power Dots while simultaneously avoiding the Ghosts. See how many mazes you can clear before losing all your lives. (For Nintendo 3DS)

WiiWare

Trenches Generals – Command Royal British Expeditionary Forces as the defender of the free world. Your troops must take to the field to defend your bunker and use trenches located on the battlefield to hold their ground. (For Wii™)

Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare

House M.D. – Blue Meanie – When an abrasive chef’s body turns blue, you must join Dr. Gregory House and his team to track down the correct diagnosis by interviewing and examining the patient, running lab tests and even performing surgery. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors

It’s the day Nintendo 3DS Ambassadors have been waiting for! Find out how to download your 10 free NES™ Virtual Console™ games. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Also new this week:
GO Series Fishing Resort (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)

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Ubisoft games currently in development for the console include: AsphaltTM, Assassin’s Creed, Dungeon Hunter Alliance, LuminesTM, Michael Jackson the Experience and Rayman Origins.

“With its processing power, dual tactile screens and cameras, PS Vita allows creators like Ubisoft new and unique opportunities to develop innovative games,”said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft.  “We’ve got a strong and varied line-up that will offer fun and immersion to all audiences of the PS Vita.”

Gamescom visitors will be able to see both Dungeon Hunter Alliance and AsphaltTM at Sony’s Consumer Booth, located at Booth 1, Hall 7.                                                                                   

Reviews

Sudo-Quick – 80 – Marketplace – Written by Dave C

The twist makes speed of the game faster, no relaxing and taking your time to find the correct answer, this is all about speed as you are against the clock and have a number of seconds to input the correct answer. It would of course be impossible to instantly be able to fill in any square on the puzzle straight away so the developers have used a clever way that always makes it possible that only one number is missing. So whether you are playing the easiest or hardest difficulty you only have the time limit to worry about, and not if there are multiple possible numbers.

There are several difficulties available to play; from ‘Chill’ which gives you 9 lives and 60 seconds to fill in the square, ‘Normal’ with 9 lives but 20 seconds to answer and the hardest difficulty ‘1337’ which gives you just 1 life and 6 seconds to fill in the number (good luck with that one). The presentation is done well with big and clear graphics and easy to read numbers, there are several colour themes to choose from as well. Input is handled with a faultless to use 9 way grid where you move your analogue stick in the numbers direction. Music is sadly lacking with one repeating music track that will have you visiting the options screen to disable before long. Sounds effects are minimal but work well enough.

Sudoku fans will find Sudo-Quick a fun alternative to the usually relaxing pace of the game, definitely worth a buy at only 80 I would say non Sudoku fans should also take a look, it doesn’t need as much thought as the original game in terms of pencilling in possible answers, but it still offers a good challenge at a fast pace.

Akane the Kunoichi – 80 – Marketplace – Written by Bradley

Akane the Kunoichi is the latest offering from Haruneko entertainment in which you are the protagonist Akane, a Kunoichi ninja, who must save her master Goro from the minions of the evil Hiriomi.  The game itself is a classic NES/Master System inspired platformer drawing much from games such as Ninja Gaiden.

The game is a classic 2D platformer with fairly standard jump puzzles, traps and, an array of enemies. You’ll find the usual choice of extras in the game such as not-so-hidden-items in the form of three Kimonos on each level as well as weapon power-ups and health.

The game controls fairly simply. The left analog stick is used for movement. The ‘A’ button is used for jumping. The ‘X’ button is used to throw your knives, and your special attacks can be selected using the shoulder buttons and executed with the ‘Y’ button. I did find on occasion that when jumping, particularly in a pursuit level, that my character would automatically wall slide causing me problems. Aside from the one problem the controls are fairly solid and will become second nature almost immediately.

Graphically speaking this is not particularly sophisticated game however it’s artistic execution is quite nice relying more on nostalgia than beautifully rendered environments. In regard to nostalgia the opening scene, which sees love interest/master Goro captured, is reminiscent of classic arcade scrolling beat’em ups and the mission start screens have been lifted straight from Sonic. I did notice some issue of blurring around the sprites at times but overall it’s finished to a nice standard. The music in the game is fine and is fitting in most places however it can be a little obnoxious at times.  The sound effects are extremely repetitive though and after you have heard Akane’s guttural exhale over and over you’ll begin to feel like you’re attending the Wimbledon Ladies Final.

Overall the game is really quite entertaining and at 80 its great for at least an evening’s entertainment even if only to be reminded of how games used to be.

Hedge Wizard - 80 - Marketplace - Written by Josh

Hedge Wizard is a unique, single-player puzzle-game. You play an old, lazy, greedy wizard who directs peasants from his tower through several stages, with the aim of bringing him gold. Though it sounds simple, each stage has different obstacles you must pass or avoid. These include burning trees, flowing rivers and even zombies. Timing is important. For example, if you take too long a river might block the path you need. If you are too quick, you may find the path blocked by trees which have not yet been burned.

The game is made a great deal simpler with a handy rewind feature that allows players to travel back in time, and undo an error. There are also spells to find around each level, including earthquakes and rainclouds, both of which affect the environment, and can allow players to pass through previously unreachable areas.

There are certain elements of replayability in the game, with repeatable levels and bonus challenges. However, after playing through, the incentives in doing so are not too appealing. The basic graphics and repetitive gameplay don’t provide as much fun as they could have done. With greater level and object variation, Hedge Wizard would have a lot more to offer. That said, if you are a fan of indie puzzle games, 80 might seem like a bargain. 

Previews

BlastaRock – 80 – Available late August

Based on the classic asteroids model, BlastaRock! is a fast-paced twin-stick shooter. Play through the campaign to unlock more powerful weapons and equipment, then take your ship to battle in survival mode. Featuring 2-player local multiplayer, online scoreboards, and RGS Awardments.

Lumberjack – Homepage – Available August

Tired of all that ecologic BS?! Show who is on top of the food chain in this epic battle of man against nature! Lumberjack is a top view classic style shooter. The game will be released on Xbox Indie Games in August