Get Rabbid with some Rayman videos
Surf's Up had better use the Wiimote as a surfboard

We just wanted to get that in there nice and early, because it's important. You can infer from the rather pointed headline that a game based on the upcoming CG kids' movie Surf's Up has been announced for the Wii.
Ubisoft will be bringing the videogame version of Sony Pictures' Surf's Up to pretty much every system we can think of, which is pretty much standard operating procedure. The game will feature voice acting from many of the movie's stars, including Shia LeBoeuf, Jeff Bridges, and Jethro from the Beverly Hillbillies movie.
There are two reasons that we think Surf's Up could turn out okay: first, it's being developed by Ubisoft Montreal, who are responsible for the Prince of Persia series; and second, surfing seems like a natural for the Wiimote. At least, we hope it's good, because we're certain lots of kids are going to want it.
[Via NeoGAF]
Ubi rep clears confusion: no online play in Blazing Angels

With all of the confusion surrounding Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII and online play, we're all dying to know if this game is to release with online gameplay. According to a nameless Ubisoft representative, we've all got our hopes up for nothing. Wii-UK received word as much when contacting Ubisoft, who said that the game would feature no online gameplay modes when it releases later this month.
Looks like we'll all still need to wait for Pokemon before online gameplay rolls out ...
See also: First screens of Blazing Angels on the Wii
Ubisale at Toys R Us
There have been a lot of sales to report lately! If you picked up a Wii at Toys R Us yesterday, you now have an opportunity to get some relatively good games for a decent price, from now until the 10th.Toys R Us is offering three Ubisoft-published Wii games for the price of two. Your choices are GT Pro Series, Open Season, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, Red Steel, and Monster 4x4: World Circuit. This offer is valid online, but we aren't sure about its status in TRU stores. If there are three games in that list you're interested in, or two games you're interested in and one you think you could get a decent price for on eBay, then you are in luck!
[Via QJ.net]
First screens for Blazing Angels on the Wii

Ubisoft has finally gotten around to release some screens for the upcoming Wii version of Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII. While there aren't as many screens as we would've liked, we're still holding out hope that the updated controls and other improvements being made to the game will add some value. We tried the game when it was on another console, and honestly, it wasn't too great. Actually, it downright sucked.
We've included the other screens past the post break.
Continue reading First screens for Blazing Angels on the Wii
Ubi's faith in Wii pays off (in January, at least)
Yes, January was one crazy month for Nintendo as they undoubtedly saw more profits than Uncle Scrooge has in his vault, but what about those third-party supporters? The amount of profits they received in that month should also be high, right? Well, for Ubisoft it was beyond high as the company saw an increase by 78% during January. Could we expect this surplus in profits for Ubisoft to rise? Sure, why not, they are putting out countless
[via Joystiq]
New Rival Swords trailer takes us through speed killing

Over at AMN, they got their hands on a new trailer for Prince of Persia: Rival Swords. The trailer comes in at about a minute long and has Ubisoft Producer Ben Maddis (could be a misspelling of his name, we're going from audio) showing us the subtle differences between the speed killing controls for both the Dark Prince and regular Prince. From the looks of it, not much has changed in transitioning over to the Wii, aside from the controls.
You can check out the trailer here.
More games from Ubisoft
According to IGN, an Ubisoft subsidiary from Spain has released documentation revealing a few new projects. While Ubisoft's continued support has been well documented, we wonder if the company might be stretching itself too thin in attempting to tackle all of these projects at once. Regardless, the more games the merrier we are ...So what games are they, you ask? Well, first up is a Wii installment in the Brothers in Arms series, dubbed Brothers in Arms: D Day. Personally, if this were to turn out to be true, we'd be very happy. Next is Spelling Spree, a title that would obviously focus on grammar and spelling exercises. Finally, the third title on the list is Cosmic Family, a port of a PC title and also aimed toward younger gamers.
Taking Red Steel for a spin

Chris Kohler over at the Wired Blogs recently got his hands on Red Steel and came to the conclusion that he is pretty darn good at it. Citing other journalists' claims of having a tough time getting used to the controls and busting caps in Yakuza with ease. Chris also notes that he did not get his hands on the game at E3 or Nintendo's NYC event last month, stating that the controls were "spot on" and made for "an immersive, thrilling ride."
It's good to hear some positive news about Red Steel, right?
Far Cry: Vengeance revealed

The guys at VGM Daily managed to get some info on the unnamed Far Cry project that has been said to release on the Wii from Andre Vu of Ubisoft. Dubbed Far Cry: Vengeance, the game is not to be a straight port of the Xbox versions. The game is also to support progressive scan (480p) and widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) in the final retail version.
Some interesting ways of working the Wiimote's gesture-based functions were also revealed. Thrusting the Wiimote forward will allow you to zoom in, where slashing the Wiimote will allow you to use your knife and/or feral attack. The nunchuk's capabilities will also be used. Pulling up on it will cause Jack Carver to jump.
It turns out that Ubi is also testing online for the game. The game is to be officially unveiled on the 14th of this month.
Rayman exclusive to Wii until May 2007

We all knew that the Wii version of Rayman: Raving Rabbids is the main game, with ports of that version hitting other next-gen systems. What we didn't know, however, is that the Wii has exclusivity to the title for 6 months, meaning that the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game will not be released until May of 2007. Rayman: Raving Rabbids is set to release in November of this year.
A couple more Rayman videos
With the Leipzig Games Convention going on, a couple more videos of everyone's favorite crazed bunnies have hit the intertubes and are among the best of the bunch. Well, they're all among the best of the bunch, so...I guess...well...take it as you wish. While our usual procedure is to embed the video into the post, since we've got two we must ask that you click the continue link and check them both out, embedded, after the break.[Thanks Marc!]
Ubi dishes out more Red Steel info

Sure, we know a bit about Red Steel, Ubi's Yakuza-killing FPS where you're in charge of saving your bride-to-be through a violent combination of sword and gun play. Yeah, old news. But did you know that, during a nice dinner in America, Japanese Yakuzi spray up the place in an attempt to get your future bride's father's ancient sword, instead fatally-wounding him and abducting her, fleeing back to Japan? Oh, no? Not so smart now, eh?
Once you get to Japan, you'll also enlist the constant aid of Otori, who teaches you the art of sword combat, and Harry, night club owner and your primary source for learning the way of the gun. There are also other characters listed in Ubi's press release, along with a run down of their research into Japanese architecture and culture. The team also attempted to gain an American perception of the culture through visits to various Japanese centers in major US cities. With so much time put into making the atmosphere believable and realistic, let's hope they found some time to improve the game's controls.
Far Cry and Prince of Persia coming to the Wii?
According Cubed3, Ubisoft recently sent out a list containing 5 titles that would be released for the Wii within its launch window. The two biggest titles of note are Prince of Persia and Far Cry. Which version of each of these respected titles that would be represented on Nintendo's console was not stated, however. Also, a look over at Ubi's official web site does not show any press release to back up these claims, so take this all with a reasonably sized grain of salt.[Thanks Exo!]
Rayman Raving Rabbids announced
Our earlier reports of a Rayman ressurrection left you all without a name for the game or any kind of information on the premise of the title. Well, the game has now been dubbed Rayman Raving Rabbids and some tidbits of information have been placed on the table. The premise of the title revolves around a group of uncontrollable bunnies whom threaten the very existence of Rayman's world. It's obviously up to him to stop them, through new abilities and the help of friends.
When asked to comment on the project, Sir Ancel said "After wrapping up Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, the team here in Montpellier sat down to talk about having some fun with Rayman and his universe. We are running into a bit of a problem, though, because our game has been invaded by thousands of raving mad and vicious bunnies, who have apparently been preparing this assault since the very first Rayman game. We are now sending an SOS to all motivated gamers to help us get rid of them as fast as possible!"
I don't know about you fine readers, but this game is in my top 5 anticipated titles for E3. I cannot wait to get my hands on this and see in what ways Michel is going to push the envelope and improve upon what is already one of the greatest franchises in gaming history.













