The Pokemon series' lack of story...and why I admire that

Zekrom's got a pretty mean AR attack. I feared for my life.

Role-playing games. RPGs. Whatever you want to call them. What are they? Why, they're games in which the player controls a party of characters that level up, collect items, earn currency, upgrade gear, and fight battles. Yes, the Pokemon games are classified as RPGs. Did I forget to mention one thing RPGs are known for? Ah, yes: story.

In this here post, you can find out what my stance is on stories in video games. In short, I appreciate story, but not at the expense of great gameplay. Going off of that, I think many video games out there rely too heavily on some complex plot, sacrificing fun or meaningful gameplay in the process. I'm not gonna lie: the Pokemon games tend to have very weak plots. In a genre that places an emphasis on story, that is a pretty bold design choice. But in so doing, the Pokemon games show us gamers that it's not about the destination: it's about the journey. Play one today...I really like Diamond version for the Nintendo DS.

A StreetPass tag turned pen pal

How about a friendly game of Mario Kart 7?

It only takes one willing friend to make the free Nintendo 3DS application Swapnote fun. Just ask my new Swapnote pen pal, SKY. Our favorite past time is playing against each other in Mario Kart 7, so a lot of our Swapnote exchanges are us trash talking each other (he's better than me, by the way).

But this is not a story about Mario Kart 7. It's not even a story about Swapnote. It's a story about how the StreetPass function of the Nintendo 3DS system brought two gamers together for not-so-friendly competition and general conversation.

This is how we look after most races.

We tagged each other several months ago (in the waiting room of the orthodontist, apparently), and I didn't think twice about it until SKY himself discovered my online exploits and recognized the correlation between a StreetPass tag and the blogger whose post you are currently reading. Long story short, SKY and I are now N3DS pals who play Mario Kart 7 together and Swapnote back and forth about various Nintendo topics.

And, like I said, SKY is a very good kart racer. After allowing my head to inflate to about twice its normal size from kicking butt in the Infendo community, he came with needle ready. Online records report that we are even at 6-6 after several races and a few battles. I savor the challenge: it pushes me to be better! Here's to even more fun in the future!

Looking ahead: Nintendo's 2012

Games
When thinking about the games coming out this year for Wii, one title and one title only comes to my mind: Rhythm Heaven Fever. Out February 13 (yeah, I was quite wrong before), it's sure to assist with the Wii console's final struggle as the world makes way for Wii U. And at a mere $29.99, this is one game I won't be missing out on!

The future of the Nintendo 3DS system is another story. 2011 saw the portable gaming device gathering steam that shows no signs of stopping in 2012. RPG fans should get excited about Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance and Tales of the Abyss. Roller Coaster Tycoon 3D could prove to be a decent little port of the PC series. Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure will likely jump in from nowhere to steal gamers' hearts. Oh, and there's always the growing list of what are sure to be hard-hitters: Luigi's Mansion 2, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Animal Crossing (name not final), Paper Mario (name not final), Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, and Resident Evil: Revelations.

What I'll Be Playing
At this very moment, I have an infinitely long list of games, old and new, to play. I beat Super Mario Bros., so I would like to move on to Super Mario Bros. 3 (I'm not brave enough for number 2). I received the well-reviewed Okami (Wii remake) for Christmas, and it's simply calling out to me. I'm not sure if I'll ever manage to get away from Mario Kart 7 long enough to take the cartridge out of my 3DS. The downloadable Pushmo is a strong contender in the fight for my time. Oh, and there's those ten GameBoy Advance games I downloaded for free recently. I'm actually working on another entry into my Metroid series with Metroid II: Return of Samus...if I can find time to play it. Kirby's Adventure for the NES rounds out the formidable list. Wish me luck!

What will you be playing or looking forward to in the year 2012?

New Years Resolution

Whereas most people have a resolutions list for their life (as in, how to make it better), I have come up with a Nintendo New Years Resolution list! Here it is:

1. Beat Ocarina of Time
2. Play at least one game of NCAA
3. Play all of the games in my SNES collection
4. (This one isn't my proudest) Beat an RPG without cheats OF ANY KIND! (Little brothers included)
5. Beat all video game RPGs that I've started, gotten really far in, and stopped playing BECAUSE IT'S TOO STINKING HARD!!

Yes these are all of my resolutions. I will try very very hard to at least do half of them! (Yes I realize there are five of them, which means I'll do one halfway through . . .) Wish me luck! I wish luck to all of you who are also brave enough to come up with a resolution list and stick to it, be it Nintendo related or not!

2012 Nintendo Lifeline Awards: Winners

Despite a lot of rough spots, 2011 was a great year in the world of Nintendo. The Nintendo 3DS system may have had an uneasy launch, but by the end of the year, it became a great little gaming system with a growing library of instant classics like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. And dare I forget to mention that 2011 was the 25th anniversary of gaming's best-known adventure series, The Legend of Zelda? Fans enjoyed game releases, epic music, and more in celebration of this industry-shaping series.

And, as I promised, the Nintendo Lifeline wants to take a look at some of the best things Nintendo games had going for them during the year. Drumroll, please. These are our winners!

Best Overall Game
Nominees: Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Mario Kart 7, Wii Play Motion, Star Fox 64 3D, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition, and Lost In Shadow

Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Stunning graphics, compelling motion controls, polished gameplay, breathtaking design...Skyward Sword had everything going for it. Nintendo has this game making business down, don't they?

Best Overall Graphics
Nominees: Super Mario 3D Land, Star Fox 64 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Steel Diver, and Lost In Shadow

Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

It was hard for me to play games with any kind of graphics other than colorful or whimsical ones after playing Skyward Sword. Nintendo has the best graphics out there purely because they work with limitations in ingenious ways.

Best Get-up
Nominees: Tanooki Mario, Ghirahim, Metal Mario, and Kirby Hat

Winner: Tanooki Mario

Why? It's functional and fashionable! And nostalgic. And it works well in the game. You know.

Best Method of Travel
Nominees: Loftwing, Tanooki Tail, Cannon, Propeller Block, By Shadow, Submarine, Arwing, Horse, Hang Glider, and Customizable Kart

Winner: Customizable Kart

I really enjoyed coming up with the nominees in this category. I did not enjoy choosing just one. But I chose the customizable kart from Mario Kart 7 for a couple of good reasons: first, driving in your customized kart makes up the bulk of the game. Second, collecting coins on the tracks in order to unlock new parts is pretty compelling. And third, it's a fun challenge to customize just right for optimal kart performance that plays on your strengths and that looks good too. Oh yeah!

Best Use of Stereoscopic 3D
Nominees: Super Mario 3D Land, Steel Diver, Nintendogs+cats, and Pilotwings Resort

Winner: Super Mario 3D Land

You know, when I think about it, the odd-sounding title of this game makes a lot of sense. It really is a land of 3D. Er...a 3D land. Anyway, the 3D does become an important aspect in this game.