Thursday, June 21, 2007

Super Mario Bros. Z episode 4

Here is Super Mario Bros. Z episode 4, "Here Come the Koopa Bros":

Fox's Special Moves: Super Smash Bros. Dojo 6/21 Update

Pretty boring update today because we already know of Fox's Special Moves. His Down Special Move is his Reflector. He has a Reflector hanging from him as seen in the first picture below and it well... reflects attacks. His Standard Special Move is his Blaster. Fox's Blaster now has a new look and its a rapid-fire weapon. And here are the pictures:





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Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Classic Controller Goodness: 6/20 Thought of the Day


Today, I bought a Classic Controller for Wii, and I must say, I'm really happy I did. It's awesome! I tried it with a few of my VC games and I'm loving it. It feels really light and comfortable. It's a great controller. I played Super Mario Bros. with it and it felt great. I think the two biggest games that were impacted by the use of the Classic Controller were StarFox 64 and Mario Kart 64.

Both of those games were easier when played with the classic controller. Mario Kart 64 felt so smooth in playing and StarFox 64 was much easier to play thanks to the controller layout. All in all, I'm glad I purchased it. Oh, and one more interesting tidbit that I noticed. You can move around the cursor on the Wii Menu and select things with the Classic Controller. I didn't know you could do that, so that was an added bonus.

So, I highly recommend getting one if you don't have one already. VC games are much better with them and you can even use them for some Wii games, like Brawl. And lastly, I wanted to mention something completely unrelated to the Classic Controller. I MIGHT be going to Video Games Live. More details on that later.

It's not longer a rumor: Quite possibly the worst news yet for Manhunt 2

Earlier today, I posted a rumor saying that since Manhunt 2 is an Adult Only game, Nintendo will not publish it since that's their policy. Well, we now have confirmation from a Nintendo rep. If the rating stays as AO, Nintendo won't publish it. That gives Rockstar three options: Change the game to get a Mature rating, abandon the game all together, or argue the AO rating with the ESRB. I think they'll either argue or change it because they wouldn't want to lose all of their money spent on developing the game. Here is the Nintendo Rep's response:

“Games made for Nintendo systems enjoy a broad variety of styles, genres and ratings. These are some of the reasons our Wii and Nintendo DS systems appeal to such a broad range of people. But as with books, television and movies, different content is meant for different audiences. That’s why the ESRB provides ratings to help consumers understand the content of a game before they purchase it. As stated on Nintendo.com, Nintendo does not allow any AO-rated content on its systems.” - Nintendo representative

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DS Games and Accesories Press Release

Here's press release from Nintendo about some accessories and games:

The best-selling video game system in the world continues to grow and adapt in new ways. Cool features for Nintendo DS™, such as a voice chat headset, a Web browser and free DS Download Stations, continue to help Nintendo reach out to current players, women, baby boomers and seniors in numbers that have stunned the video game industry.

The dual screens and touch-screen abilities of Nintendo DS have spawned the most creative portable games available, as they allow developers to put new twists on classic ideas. More than 40 million Nintendo DS systems have been sold worldwide. Some recent developments that will keep the DS momentum growing include:

* Nintendo DS Headset: Talking to your DS becomes even easier, whether you’re playing a title with voice input like Brain Age™ or Nintendogs™, or competing in Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection-enabled games that include voice chat, such as Planet Puzzle League™, Metroid® Prime Hunters or Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon® Pearl.

* Nintendo DS Browser: By inserting a new software game card, users can transform their Nintendo DS into a portable Web browser when connecting to their home wireless network or at a Wi-Fi hotspot. The browser has easy touch-screen navigation tools, and users can select how they want Web pages displayed on the dual screens. For video of the Nintendo DS Browser in action, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Nintendo.

* DS Download Stations: Retail locations and a few airport terminals around the country have been equipped with stations that allow users to wirelessly download free playable demo levels or trailers for upcoming games to their Nintendo DS systems.

* Touch Generations Games: Planet Puzzle League marks the latest entry in Nintendo’s Touch Generations brand, which has games that are challenging for core gamers, but are also easy for newcomers to pick up and play with minimal instruction. As a whole, Touch Generations games have sold more than 7.6 million in the United States alone, and have helped expand the world of video games to new audiences.


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The bad news for Manhunt 2 continues

Since Manhunt 2 has an AO rating, some stores, like Walmart, Target, and GameStop/EB Games won't be selling it. Well, both Blockbuster and GameFly won't be renting out the game because of its rating. So, it's up to Rockstar now. They can change the content in the game so it can get a M rating and be sold in all of those stores, or they don't have to change it and most stores won't sell it. They're in a tough situation.

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RUMOR: Manhunt 2 Not Coming in the US either?

JOELCOOL of the NSider forums found this from the Nintendo Wii site: "Parental controls for the Wii and Virtual Console games are based on the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) game ratings categories. Please note that Nintendo does not sell or license games that carry the ESRB rating Adults Only."

If Manhunt 2 gets a final rating of AO, could it not even be released here? The plot thickens...

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Contra IV makes its way onto Nintendo DS

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 20, 2007 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS™. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.

Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.

Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.

Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com .


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The Manhunt 2 Banning Continues in Ireland

This is just wrong. Just when Wii gets a game for an older audience, the banning begins. Here is the press release:

A prohibition order has been made by IFCO (Irish Film Censor’s Office) in relation to the video game Manhunt 2. The Order was made on 18th June 2007 under Sec 7 (1) (b) of the Video Recordings Act 1989 which refers to ‘acts of gross violence or cruelty (including mutilation and torture)’.

IFCO recognizes that in certain films, DVDs and video games, strong graphic violence may be a justifiable element within the overall context of the work. However, in the case of Manhunt 2, IFCO believes that there is no such context, and the level of gross, unrelenting and gratuitous violence is unacceptable.


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Wii 7 inch LCD screen w/ built-in sensor bar





More Pictures Here

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