Video game-inspired dreams

Believe it or not, a dream I had last night prompted this post. Who would have guessed!

Much of my thought lately has been engaged with Pushmo, because the excitement surrounding Crashmo's imminent release is too much to bear without the comfort of playing its predecessor. Dreams are mysterious things, but I find that anything on my mind, big or small, may find its way into mine. Last night, I dreamed that I was playing the level-1 challenges in Pushmo, and somehow I got to the end without having saved all the children! I got this horrible feeling. How could I miss any of the children in the easiest set of puzzles? When I woke and saw my Nintendo 3DS on the desk, I still had the aching feeling that my Pushmo skills really weren't up to par. Not true, of course, and reality soon caught up to me.

A second Nintendo related dream I had involved The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Before the game came out, I gave it plenty of dream-worthy thought. I read in an issue of Nintendo Power that the game began on Skyloft, with Link training to become a knight. That got me all kinds of excited for some reason. I dreamed of Skyward Sword before it ever released, and it was a sweet dream. The game would literally be a dream come true for me when it finally hit store shelves in November last year.

Ever had any video game-inspired dreams of your own? I would love to hear about 'em!

For rhythm-lovers it is, indeed, heaven - A Review of Rhythm Heaven

Before diving into my review of Rhythm Heaven for the Nintendo DS, I would just like to remind you that I reviewed the Wii sequel, Rhythm Heaven Fever, first. Being out of order and all, I will try to separate the two games in my mind to give the DS original its just rewards.

Rhythm Heaven is an E-rated rhythm game for the Nintendo DS system. It's controlled almost entirely on the touch screen, with the player holding the DS in the sideways "book" position. Righties and lefties are both welcome! The player completes a series of rhythm-based mini games by tapping, sliding, and flicking the stylus on the touch screen.

Visually, Rhythm Heaven is a real treat. The graphics are decidedly cartoony, but each mini game differs from the others in some small way. The hardware of the Nintendo DS is beginning to show its age at this point, but Rhythm Heaven's graphical appeal is hard to deny even now.

The music in Rhythm Heaven is admittedly a mixed bag. The songs are, more often than not, quite forgettable. And the handful of vocal performances within the bunch are shoddy at best. However, there are a couple of standouts in the soundtrack. The "Built to Scale" and "Rhythm Rally" tunes are two such examples.

Though the music itself isn't perfect by any means, it does serve to create some really great rhythmic gameplay. Like I mentioned before, tapping, sliding, and flicking the stylus on the touch screen comprise the majority of control in Rhythm Heaven. It may seem like a simple control scheme, but it lends itself to a rhythmic precision that I find very appealing. If there is anything to complain about control-wise, it's that the force needed to complete successful flicking in this game can be quite taxing on a touch screen.

Rhythm Heaven is a challenging, but rewarding, game. Medals earned by acquiring Superb scores go toward unlockables like rhythm toys and endless games, which are fairly satisfying diversions. Perfect scores earn reading materials and music tracks, both of which can be accessed through the Cafe, where players are meant to go to relax and take a breather from the main game. Overall, Rhythm Heaven is a surprisingly deep game, especially considering you can nab a copy for very cheap nowadays.

I don't typically mention sound effects in my reviews, but it would be hard to slide by without noting those in Rhythm Heaven. Often, the game's strange and quirky sound effects are there to help the player get into the rhythm's flow, but they turn out to be integral elements to the game's overall charm. The dancing amphibians in "Frog Hop" and the voice in "Lockstep" are two particularly memorable examples.

Conclusion
You would have to be really picky to not find something good in Rhythm Heaven. For fans of the music genre, it's got intelligent, precise rhythms to master. For those just looking to add another great game to their DS collection for cheap, Rhythm Heaven is a steal. Its charm and gameplay alone merit a purchase.

Games that "Take State"

What game gets the golden trophy?

As some of you may know (although I highly doubt it) my volleyball team that I am on just took state! Since then that's all that I can think about! So here is my post on games that "Take State:"

6.Kirby's Return to Dreamland

5.  Halo Series

4.Legend of Dragoon

3. Chrono Trigger

2. Final Fantasy Series

STATE CHAMPION: You are going to have to decide that one for me! It's way too hard!!!!!

 

The reason why I have these games is because they score high in all different areas! Areas that include music, storyline, character develpoment, graphics, and just pure amazingness. What do you guys think? Also, because Halloween is right around the corner, what is the spookiest game you've ever played? I think the weirdest game I've played has got to be "Shadow King." Never got to finish it though...

Strange and unusual gaming habits

For as long as I can remember, I have played every side scrolling Mario game with the tip of my thumb constantly pressing down the "Y" button (or the "1" button). Those of you who consider yourself to be good at Mario know why this is. Because constantly dashing is the only way to be good at Mario!

So when I play a side scrolling platform game that isn't Mario, you can understand why I still press that "Y" or "1" button, even when it has no effect on that particular title's gameplay. I've done this in basically every Kirby game I've ever played. And, most recently, I've done it while playing Rayman Origins for Wii. These games actually have their own method of dashing. In Kirby games, a double tap of the d-pad in the desired direction typically triggers the dash. The "B" button on the back of the Wii remote is the dashing method for Rayman Origins on Wii.

Another strange and unusual gaming habit I have is scrolling past Kaepora Gaebora's dialogue in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Or wait....is that something everyone does? By the way, Kaepora Gaebora is the owl. That obnoxious, long winded owl!

Putting my Wii remote wrist strap on might also be a strange and unusual habit. I don't even have to think about it, but I've noticed that very few other people think to put it on.

What strange and unusual gaming habits do you have? Is it strange and unusual to scroll past Kaebora Gaebora's dialogue, or is that something everyone does?

Are you gnome enough? A review of 2 Fast 4 Gnomz (Nintendo eShop)

Watch the trailer here!

The kingdom of Gnomia needs a hero! A hero who can find a princess and collect as many socks as possible on the way!

Such is the very basic storyline of upcoming Nintendo 3DS download 2 Fast 4 Gnomz, an action platformer from developer QubicGames. Or perhaps a more apt description of the game would be running platformer. For those of you who've played WiiWare title Bit.Trip Runner, 2 Fast 4 Gnomz is very much in the same high-speed vein.

In 2 Fast 4 Gnomz, you'll traverse more than four worlds with several platforming levels apiece. Because our intrepid gnome is in constant motion throughout each level, it's up to you to use a slew of abilities to avoid obstacles. These abilities include jumping, gliding, crushing stuff, and more. An impressive array of environmental elements will put your all of your skills to the test, and when the challenge gets steep, finding the right flow can feel very rewarding.

Speaking of challenge, the game's difficulty curve hits a pretty good balance. Each world introduces you to a new ability, giving you ample opportunity to get a feel for it in the first level or two. By the time you've reached the final level, however, you've been challenged with not only the newest skill, but all of the previous skills as well. Thankfully, frequent checkpoints keep the game from being overly frustrating.

The graphical style of 2 Fast 4 Gnomz is appropriately cartoony, if a bit generic. I was glad of the visual variety amongst the four main worlds, which are based upon the four seasons. It's just unfortunate that they don't add anything gameplay-wise, like ice in the winter levels or piles of leaves in the autumn levels.Though I'm not a huge fan of stereoscopic 3-D in general, the game pulls it off well. Like I mentioned above, the story is minimalistic, but fairly entertaining. The game certainly has a strange charm to it, which I like.

If there's anything I would add to 2 Fast 4 Gnomz, it would be, well, more game! I enjoyed what the game had to offer, but I found myself wanting more. For example, there are no boss battles to speak of. And I had the entire thing beat in less than a few short hours. For $4.99, I would expect a little more bang for my buck. But if you're itching for a reflex-driven, running platformer, 2 Fast 4 Gnomz might be just the game you've been craving. It arrives for North American gamers on November 1st.

Win a free copy of 2 Fast 4 Gnomz before the public release date!

If you like free games, you may just be interested in a sweepstakes hosted by developer QubicGames. Enter for a chance to win an advance copy of the company's running platform game 2 Fast 4 Gnomz, which hits North American eShops on November 1st. Also up for grabs is a special T-shirt for 3 of the 10 winners. The winners will be contacted this Monday, October 29 at 12:00 GMT +1, which is about 7:00 AM Pacific time.

For more details on the contest, including how to enter, click here to go to the official QubicGames website and scroll down to the first post on the home page. Good luck!

Donkey Kong Country Returns, but it's not as welcome as I had hoped - A Review

Back in the SNES days, the three Donkey Kong Country games were pure gold. If there is a gamer out there from that generation who somehow missed out on all of them, I am frankly shocked. Even many of my non-gamer friends can relate dear childhood memories stemming from one or more of the original Donkey Kong Country games.

Fast-forward to E3 2010, when Donkey Kong Country Returns was announced for Wii. I would bet I wasn't the only gamer who became ecstatic over the shiny trailer Nintendo had prepared. However, after finally beating the game, I must say it failed to deliver in more than one way. Read on to find out why.

Donkey Kong Country Returns adopts the simple Wii remote-turned-sideways control scheme that has come to be easily recognized in the Wii's rather extensive library of platform game revivals. As fans of the genre have come to expect, this works just fine, even in the more challenging levels of DKCR.

What I'm not so happy with are the levels themselves. Platforming is a precise art. However, it feels clumsy and imprecise in DKCR due to an abundance of uncertain jumps and a sluggish feel to Donkey Kong's movement. A feeling of inconsistency persists throughout. I admire and praise the fact that each of the game's levels offers something different than the last. But in this way, the game often throws unpredictable and unfair obstacles into the player's face, causing many levels to be an exercise in frustration. Where vine-swinging, barrel-hopping, and mine cart-riding were all extremely fun in the original Donkey Kong Country, the charm has disappeared in Returns.

Speaking of charm, the music in Returns doesn't capture the trait nearly as well as its SNES counterparts. With so much inspiration readily available, one has to wonder how the music in Returns falls so flat.

The worlds in DKCR are pretty generic, particularly the last one. I compare the worlds in Returns to the worlds in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, which I see as being the golden standard in geographic variety. Part of the Donky Kong Country charm comes from the offbeat and often outlandish worlds, like the carnival, haunted, and beehive settings in DKC2. I think Returns missed the mark in that regard.

Though I don't put much weight on a game's visuals, I have to admit I was very impressed with the graphics in DKCR. My admiration only goes so far, however: unnecessary clutter on the game screen often detracts from gameplay in DKCR. While playing, I was frequently left puzzling over where safe platforms were or why I just fell into that bottomless pit because it didn't have the safe platform it seemed to.

There was a definite charm to the short little cut scenes scattered about in DKCR. That's about the only redeeming quality I could pick out in the whole experience. And, as you may have already guessed, it wasn't enough to fully redeem the game.

Conclusion
After devoting so much time to Donkey Kong Country Returns, I wondered whether the original DKC games were actually as good as I seemed to recall. Imagine my surprise when I played the original and it was actually fun! On the surface, DKCR has everything that the original has: vines, mine carts, rhinos, barrels, and the like. What it lacks, on the other hand, is the same spirit and charm. The platforming gameplay, the music, and the settings all drag this game down to what I would call mediocrity, to be perfectly frank.

Are boys better gamers than girls?

I'll just tell you what I think right off the bat: boys are generally better at video games than girls. I've seen it time and time again.

I am a girl, and I have been playing video games for as long as I can remember. Super Mario World was my sustenance growing up. I beat The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the first time at a young age, and I have since beaten it countless other times. I played all three Super Smash Bros. games in an abundance during their respective times. And I'm not gonna lie: I work my butt off to be as good at games as I can be.

Why then does my younger brother often trump my own Super Smash Bros. Brawl skills when he doesn't take video games nearly as serious as me? Why also can he beat me at Metroid Prime 2 multiplayer when I've got several hours on him from playing single player?

I have decided that boys are more aggressive than girls, and that's why they tend to have more natural skill in gaming. Many games are reflex- and instinct-driven, and boys just surpass girls in that area, plain and simple. However, there are certain kinds of games that I think us girls have an advantage in. I'm talkin' puzzle games! Girls tend to have more patience than guys, and that suits them to games with a slower pace. And I can't forget to mention dance games. Girls are definitely better dancers than guys...or at least more willing to dance!

Obviously, these are just generalizations. Even though I'm a girl, I love to play all types of games. And if you are a boy who's unafraid to break out the mad skills with Just Dance, great! What I'm saying is that boys are typically more naturally gifted at video games. What are your thoughts?

Nintendo is everywhere!

This video is awesome. It proves that NINTENDO IS EVERYWHERE! Also, that this band director is totally awesome!

StreetPass: Changing Perspectives

The Nintendo 3DS system was released on March 27, 2011. I got my system on April 1, 2011, and I'm not even fooling you. Ahem...anyway! I've been seeking StreetPass encounters ever since. My very first tag was arranged, so it felt pretty cheap. You could say my first genuine tag was a few weeks later when I went to the local Taco Time and came home with that green light on!

Up until the end of August this year, StreetPass tags were rare and special occasions for me. Then I moved to a significantly bigger town with a significantly larger college campus than I previously attended. Talk about culture shock! Most of the changes seemed awful to me, but one change did not: increased probability for StreetPass tags! I mean, they actually happen in big places? And not only that, but they happen often in big places?! Now I can expect StreetPass tags almost daily, and there are even a couple of regulars that I've tagged more than once.

How have your perspectives changed (or stayed the same) on StreetPass? 

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance - A Review

It's often button-mashy, and the storyline is absurd, but Nintendo 3DS game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has a lot of good things going for it.

Now that I've told you straight up some things I don't like about this game, let's talk about something I do like. I like the overall presentation in Kingdom Hearts 3D. The player controls characters Sora and Riku in a quest to unlock seven sleeping worlds to become true keyblade masters. The graphics are really excellent and some of the best on the Nintendo 3DS. And though I detest the plot, it unfolds in a better manner than in any previous entry to the series. Gone are the inconsistent text bubble segments that could have and should have been voice acted. In fact, I don't remember seeing or reading from a single story-essential text bubble in the whole game, and it's a very welcome improvement to the series.

Gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 3D also impressed me. Button mashing is still a problem, like in every other Kingdom Hearts game, but KH3D adds a few twists that do an admirable job at keeping the combat fresh and exciting. The first of those is called flowmotion. Using the "Y" button, the player can send Sora or Riku into walls, poles, and enemies to perform impressive acrobatics. Within battle, flowmotion unleashes devastating attacks against enemies. Outside battle, flowmotion can be a quick, entertaining way to get around. A second gameplay addition called reality shift lets the player interact with certain elements on the touch screen. Each of the game's worlds has a particular brand of reality shift. While some are better than others, all provide a satisfactory break in the monotony of combat.

Unfortunately, Kingdom Hearts 3D continues the series tradition of digging itself into a twisted, not-the-least-bit-captivating storyline. I stopped caring about Sora as a character a long time ago. And Xehanort, the main villain, doesn't evoke even the smallest shred of fear in me. The game attempts to create suspense, only to cause confusion. It endeavors to surprise, only to bore, because anything that can happen, does happen! There are no surprises left!

Conclusion
Though it's clear by now that I have come to dislike the Kingdom Hearts storyline, I hope you realize that that didn't stop me from really enjoying Kingdom Hearts 3D. Yes, the combat is ultimately button-mashy, but a couple of tactful gameplay twists keep it exciting. The 30+ hours it took to beat it felt well-spent. All in all, I recommend this game.    

Random thoughts on upcoming 3DS game Code of Princess

Sometimes I feel like these games come from out of nowhere! Whether that's true or not, I think we can all agree it's often a good thing.

So! Code of Princess. According to the official site, it's a beat 'em up with RPG elements, due for a Nintendo 3DS release on October 9th, developed by Atlus and Kinu Nishimura. I'm afraid to say that name doesn't mean much to me, but you get a pretty keen sense of her creativity and imagination just by looking at the concept art.

There are some gaming realms I have yet to really dive into, and the beat 'em up genre is definitely one of those. Maybe it's just me, but Code of Princess seems to throw together a lot of elements that you wouldn't normally expect to see together. When I think "beat 'em up", I think buff guy in some big city, takin' out bad guys. Am I wrong? Most likely. Anyway, beat 'em up + RPG + fantasy storyline that involves monsters and massive swords...it just doesn't seem to add up. However, I must say I'm intrigued by the whole idea.

And beyond that, there isn't much else for me to say. I love it, though! The gaming industry holds so much magic and variety, I wonder if I'll ever get bored or run out of new things to try! What are your thoughts on Code of Princess?  

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Thoughts on Nintendo TVii

Hey all! Did you have a good weekend? We're back with another post on the upcoming Wii U console.

Much time was dedicated during the recent Nintendo Direct to a Wii U feature dubbed Nintendo TVii. Using the Gamepad in conjunction with the TV screen, users can access TV, movies, and sports from sources such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video. A short, three-step process illustrates the convenience of Nintendo TVii: first, find something to watch (only those things from your available sources will appear). Second, choose a source and watch it. Third, engage with what you're watching. The Gamepad can provide instant access to IMDb while watching a movie, for instance.  Or you can access stats and player info. while watching football. Thanks to the Wii U Gamepad, the possibilities are extensive, to say the least.

I'm dedicating a whole post to just Nintendo TVii because I think it's a great concept. Leading up to this most recent Nintendo Direct, the company made some pretty big statements about how Wii U will change the way we interact with not just video games, but entertainment in the general. Nintendo TVii is shaping up to be an admirable fulfillment of that promise. What do you think?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Nintendo Land and Other First Party Wii U Games

Peach vs. Daisy

Ever since Mario existed, so has Princess Peach, but what about a gal for Luigi? That's where Daisy comes in! Princess Daisy is a Nintendo character who first appeared in Super Mario Land, where she is the princess of Sarasaland, and was captured by Tatanga and rescued by Mario. Are you surprised that it was actually her who Mario had saved? Unfortunately, that was the last appearance by Daisy for over 10 years (with the exception of her role as Luigi's caddy in NES Open Tournament Golf.)

Although Daisy is not as big to the series as Peach, Daisy is still a loved character. She is always an essential in almost all of the Nintendo sport games, and also in some of the Mario Parties. The question is, is Daisy a more favorable character than Peach?

This is really a personal opinion (please answer it yourself in the comments below!), so I shall state mine! Daisy is better than Peach; it's as simple as that. Did anyone think that perhaps she isn't in the plat formers because she's too awesome to get captured a second time? After it happened the first, and only, time, she knew how to keep it from happening again!

I guess I'm also biased because I love sports, and Daisy seems to be more of a tomboy. Peach, on the other hand, seems to be the opposite of that; a.k.a. a girly-girl. I also love Luigi, and Daisy is the other half of Luigi.

If you have more questions about Daisy, please feel free to ask in the comments; or check out this website: http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Princess_Daisy
It gives you some nice little information about Princess Daisy. Well, I hope you have a great day!

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Nintendo Land and other first party Wii U games

During yesterday's Nintendo Direct, a lot of emphasis was placed on the launch game Nintendo Land, and specifically on the Metroid-based game within, Metroid Blast. In it, the player with the Gamepad takes control of Samus Aran's ship, while Wii remote users fight a land-based battle in the shoes of the great bounty hunter herself. And by the way, the mix of Mii style and power suit style yields some pretty cute results. But back to the subject at hand...this basic scheme of things is the foundation of a few play modes that include the cooperative Assault Mode, a competitive ship vs. ground units mode, and a multiplayer free-for-all mode. Only Assault Mode was demoed at the presentation, but I'm certain there's a lot more variety in just this one game than meets the eye.

A second first party launch title, New Super Mario Bros. U (maybe you've heard of it), didn't get as much attention as Nintendo Land, but we did learn a thing or two. First, that only some of the levels will allow the player to don the Mario overalls as their own Mii character. Second, a rush mode in the game will see the player through scrolling levels that increase speed as more coins are collected, also increasing the challenge. Third, the game features "challenges" with special, often challenging (go figure), objectives. And of course, your mad Mario skills can be shared with friends via Miiverse if you so desire. New Super Mario Bros. U is shaping up to be another strong entry in the iconic franchise.

The Wii U exclusive LEGO City Undercover stars Chase McCain, an undercover crime fighter dispatched to take on Rex Fury. Players who pre-order the title can get their hands on a LEGO mini figure of Chase McCain. And a Wii U game previously known as Project P-100 has received its final title: The Wonderful 101. Click here to see the trailer. Personally, I think it looks like a pretty cool game!

What do you think about the first party titles coming to the Wii U?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Thoughts on Nintendo TVii 

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Wii U launch details

Sorry you all, but I didn't give any prior notice about today's Nintendo Direct, which was so packed with news I'll be talking about it for days to come. It took place at 10:00 AM Eastern time this morning (8:00 for me), with a singular theme: Wii U. Today I'll be talking about the essential info. that we've been waiting on for a long time:

• Launch date: November 18, 2012
• Launch prices: Basic Set - $299.99; Deluxe Set - $349.99

You're probably wondering about the basic set vs. the deluxe set. Here's the rundown:

•  Basic Set
• Color: White
• Includes:
• Wii U console
• Gamepad controller
• AC adapter
• HDMI connection
• Sensor bar

• Deluxe Set
• Color: Black
• Includes
• Everything listed above for the basic set
• Gamepad charging cradle
• Console stand
• Gamepad stand
• 32 GB storage
• Nintendo Land game disc
•  Enrollment in the Deluxe Digital Promotion, which rewards points for digital purchases

First of all, I'm very impressed with the price points. Before today, I was certain of one thing: the Wii U wasn't going to be $249.99, which was the launch price of the Wii. Still, for an HD console and its controller-with-a-six-inch-touch-screen, $299.99 comes off as very fair. Add a game, a stand for the console, etc. for just $50 extra, and you won't see me complaining. As for the release date, I'm basically indifferent, aside from the fact that my birthday comes 8 days after.

I have to confess, I find it odd that the two launch colors correspond only with their respective sets. If I had my way, I would be able to get the deluxe set in white. Maybe that's just me...

Now I've told you what I think, so I would love to know what you think! Is the launch price too expensive in your opinion? Will you go with a basic set or a deluxe set? Let me know your thoughts in a comment!

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Nintendo Land and Other First Party Wii U Games 
• Thoughts on Nintendo TVii 

To the sufferers of gaming frustration

It's funny that I should start thinking about the idea for this post during a time when I feel like I have little touble in the way of gaming frustration. Nevertheless, you can be assured that I understand gaming anger probably better than most people, being myself an easily-frustrated person.

To better understand this issue, let's break it down and examine it piece by piece. What is gaming anger? It's the process of becoming upset, frustrated, or angry due to some unfortunate game-related occurrence. What kinds of occurrences could trigger frustration? The most common and easily acknowledged answer is pure game difficulty. And it's in this instance that you might hear stupid comments like "Wow!!!! Mario really doesn't want me to succeed here!" from the player. Why then, when we know that "it's just a game", do we take it so seriously it drives us to anger? "It's just a game" only causes me to get mad all the quicker. There's an evil little voice in my head that says, "It's just a game, so you should be the master of it!" I want to beat the game, not see it beat me! So I get mad when I can't beat something.

How can you combat your gaming anger? Though I didn't like the DS game Professor Layton and the Curious Village very much, I allowed it to teach me something worthwhile. When it comes to games, I am a perfectionist. Playing that game, I hated spending coins to unlock hints, because I felt like it tainted my perfect file. I came to understand that many games aren't meant to be easy, and so some will offer assistance. You can see that assistance as a slap in the face and then scream at it, or you can see it as part of the game and embrace it whether you chose to use it or not.

For the moment, I guess it seems I'm taking my own advice! Comments? Questions? Derogatory remarks? You know where the comment box is!

Nintendo recruits Penelope and Monica Cruz to promote New Super Mario Bros. 2

Kudos to Nintendo for getting Penelope and Monica Cruz, two high-profile celebrities, to promote New Super Mario Bros. 2. Watch the video above to see a humorous wager unfold between the two sisters.

You've probably noticed by now that I don't share many videos on the blog. So when I do, you know that they're something special! If watching this doesn't put a smile on your face, you have proven me wrong. Either way, let me know what you think in a comment! 

Can you believe a non-fan drew these Zelda characters?

I have many friends who are not Nintendo fans. And I know they're pretty much awesome when they spend several hours drawing Zelda characters for me. In this case, I'm referring to my friend Clarissa Jack, whose work you can see here on this post. I highly encourage you to view an enlarged version by clicking on it, because the limited space on the blog doesn't do it justice.

Clarissa also allowed me to take even more of her time in an interview, which you can read right here:

Me: You're not a gamer. What drew you to these characters aesthetically?
Clarissa: I started out just wanting to do Midna, but I looked at some of the other characters and decided to do a montage.

You seem to have mixed different iterations of the characters to create a more original look for them. What made you take those liberties?
Well, it's true, I had at least three different pictures for each character. I didn't just want to copy/paste. In fact, I'm against that style. I wanted to make them my own.

About how long did it take you to complete this project?
It took the longest just penciling them in; I would say it took about five hours to do the pencil work, about one hour for the pen work, and about four hours for the coloring. Fi alone took about an hour to color, but she was the most fun.

Are there any other Nintendo franchises that you have an interest in doing artwork for?
Probably not. I'm not familiar enough with any of the other franchises to draw them.

Thank you for your time!
You're welcome!

Nintendo 3DS XL unboxing and first impressions

Remember when I said I most likely would not get a Nintendo 3DS XL system? Well, I kinda did. See for yourself:

Strangely, the box is about half as big as the one the original 3DS came in.

The smaller box is a hint that the Nintendo 3DS XL doesn't include a charging cradle.

I was frankly shocked at how big the system actually was. It's massive!

Having owned both models of the Nintendo 3DS system now, what do I think of the upgraded XL version? In short, I love it. It solved all of the problems the original had that bugged me. The original had a strange reflective quality in the surface area surrounding the top screen. Problem solved. The stylus fit into a slot on the back of the original system. Problem solved: the stylus fits into a more convenient side slot on the XL. The top flap of the original stuck out over the bottom slightly, earning it the embarrassing nickname "muffin top". Problem solved. The boxy shape of the original dug into one's palms terribly. Problem solved...mostly. The XL is definitely more comfortable to hold than the original, but I still get the hand cramps at times.

I know many are disappointed that the Nintendo 3DS XL system doesn't have a built-in second analogue. If that bugs you, then go ahead and do your thing. I don't find it bothersome at all. I could complain about one or two things, though. These are minor issues, though, so keep that in mind. The XL is fairly heavy. I didn't expect much else, but it does feel a little out of balance that way. Also, I think the 3-D effect takes a hit because of the XL's low resolution. Turning the 3-D on makes a notable difference in the graphics...to me anyway. Fortunately I prefer to play in 2-D anyway, so no big deal.

Overall I think the Nintendo 3DS XL is superior to its smaller counterpart. I can honestly say I'm glad I made the upgrade.

The beauty of Summer is gone

(obviously a school building)

School is in session, so it is time to say goodbye to all-night marathon video game tournaments! The beauty of Summer is gone; I can no longer play The Legend of Dragoon into the long hours of the night. Now I only have time for games after 8:00 at night! I have no time to enjoy the beauty of the games; I can now only play through them with assignments (that I should rather be doing) running through my mind!

I do have a question for you, do you notice that when school is in session for me I blog more often? To add to that, my grammar and punctuation is a little more accurate. So perhaps being in school is better; after all I actually exercise, read, spend less time in front of a computer, and other miscellaneous things! Another bad thing about school is that I can't get a job because of sports! With no money, I can't buy video games!!

What I think is also funny is that usually adults with kids love it when school starts! What do you think? Does school equal paradise or death? I'm leaning towards death, but, hey, I like the middle of the fence too! I really wish I could spend more time on video games though...

Gaming deals, good and bad

Let's face it: gaming is an expensive habit.

When it comes to the prices of things, I use a comparison method. For example: I got a decent bike for around $160. A Nintendo 3DS XL system will go for a suggested retail price of $199.99 when it hits this Sunday. Which is the better deal? To me, the answer is clear: the bike!

As you may have already guessed, today's topic is gaming gear and the money we spend on it. Maybe you spent $20 on a $50 Wii game. Or perhaps you spent the full $50 for a game, but it entirely worth that and then some. Allow me to share some of my own gaming deals, good and bad:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword + Gold Wii Remote + Orchestra CD
For a huge Zelda fan like me, the $70 for this package was more than worth it. Normally, Wii remotes go for about $40, so I essentially payed half of that for a special edition Wii remote and a CD of some of the best music I've ever heard. Ka-ching!

Metroid Prime Trilogy
I got this game Used-Like New for $60. Back when it was first released, one could get it brand new for $50. Even with the added $10, this Wii collection turned out to be a great deal.

Rune Factory Frontier
I include this on the list because of the sheer amount of time I've invested in it. I've played Rune Factory Frontier for well over 100 hours, and it was a paltry $20 to buy.

Steel Diver
Now we get to the bad deals. Steel Diver is a first party Nintendo 3DS title for $40. I wouldn't call the game horrendous or anything, but I would say the price should be in the neighborhood of $5 or so. Just sayin'!

Now I would love to hear from you guys! What do you consider to be the best and worst in gaming deals?   

Club Nintendo offers gold-colored nunchuk to North American members

There have been many causes to be jealous of Club Nintendo members in Japan. One of those cases involved a gold-colored nunchuk to match a certain gold Wii remote that came with special copies of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Well, we can all check that off the long list of North America have-nots, because the gold nunchuk has arrived. Click here to check it out. You'll have to drop 900 coins for this bad boy, but hurry: there's only a limited quantity available!

My Top 5 most anticipated Wii U games

5. Nintendo Land
I think the Wii U game pad presents a lot of challenges and opportunities for developers. The thing is just so versatile, I'm afraid gameplay might get stretched pretty thin if creators feel like they have to use every function. On the other hand, I can see some great uses coming out of the game pad. On that note, I have high hopes for the first party Wii U launch title Nintendo Land. I think by now we can trust Nintendo to deliver a console-defining experience on their own, well, console.

4. Scribblenauts Unlimited
I've never played a Scribblenauts game in my life. Are they any good? Must be. There's a fair amount of hype surrounding this upcoming Wii U/3DS title. I'm always willing to try something new, even though when I actually get that chance, it's questionable at best whether I'll like it. I'll definitely keep Scribblenauts Unlimited on my radar.

3. Trine 2: Director's Cut
Here we have another series I didn't know existed until an expanded version of the second installment was announced for Wii U. From what I've read in the most recent issue of Nintendo Power magazine, Trine 2: Director's Cut features a lot of elements that I find appealing. Namely, the fantasy setting, the open-ended puzzle solving, and the promise of an engaging local multiplayer. Give this game a look if you haven't already!

2. New Super Mario Bros. U
And why shouldn't the newest Super Mario game make this list? Though both of Mario's intergalactic adventures are undoubtedly phenomenal, nothing can replace the classic feel of a side-scrolling Mario platformer. I am forever grateful for the New Super Mario Bros. series!

1. Rayman Legends
It was a tough choice to put one of these superb-looking platformers above the other, but I ultimately decided to give Rayman Legends the top honor. It's predecessor, Rayman Origins, was one beautiful-looking Wii game with top notch gameplay and a stellar soundtrack to match. If that's any indication of what's to come, Rayman Legends will surely be one to keep an eye on! Plus there's this trailer for it that you just gotta watch!

Most epic music ever?

 

I think this music speaks for itself. 

Kingdom Hearts Story Primer (Part 2)

Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance arrives in North America tomorrow, so I should probably finish up my explanations of Kingdom Hearts storyline basics! Read Part 1 here. Today we'll talk about some important characters in Kingdom Hearts:

Sora
Sora is the main character in the Kingdom Hearts series. He spends a lot of time looking for his childhood friends, Riku and Kairi. He is joined early on by Donald Duck and Goofy, who accompany him on most of his journeys. Sora is a Keyblade wielder who is very outgoing, honest, and kind.

Donald Duck and Goofy
Donald Duck is a powerful magician from Disney Castle, while Goofy is head of the castle knights. Donald can be a little sarcastic at times, but he cares about Sora and Goofy. Goofy's got a big heart and he's a great fighter, even if he's a little dim sometimes.

King Mickey
Mickey Mouse is the king of Disney Castle and a Keyblade wielder. He does whatever it takes to help out the various worlds and the individuals within them.

Riku
Sora and Riku are best friends. Though Riku's actions can be misguided, he has a strength of heart that always leads him back to the right path. Riku is also a Keyblade wielder.

Kairi
Kairi is a friend of Sora and Riku's who could be called their guiding light, inspiring them to be the best they can be. She is pure in heart and values friendship.

Roxas
Roxas is Sora's Nobody. All he wants is to be a good person, but he questions his existence when he discovers he's only part of a whole and without a heart. This leads to a lot of conflict. He can bear the Keyblade just as Sora can.

Namine
Namine is the Nobody of Kairi, with a mysterious power to manipulate Sora's memories. Like Roxas, she only wants to do good, but she is valued by those who would abuse her powers for their own benefit.

I could talk about a lot of other characters, but I'm afraid that's it for now! As always, you can leave thoughts or questions in a comment!   

Kingdom Hearts Story Primer (Part 1)

Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance is about to be released in North America for the Nintendo 3DS system, so I thought I would compile a short list of essential storyline information about the series. Let's jump in:

The Beginning
The Kingdom Hearts series begins with three characters: Sora, Riku, and Kairi. These three friends live on Destiny Islands. When some kind of darkness infiltrates the peaceful world, the three are separated, but not before Sora acquires a weapon called the Keyblade.

Meanwhile, at Disney Castle, King Mickey has abruptly departed on a mysterious mission, leaving Donald Duck and Goofy with equally mysterious instructions: find the "key" and stick to it!

Thus the adventures to come are set in motion!

Important Things to Know
The Keyblade and Its Chosen Master
The Keyblade is a powerful weapon capable of releasing hearts and barring worlds against darkness. Not just anyone can wield a Keyblade: it chooses a select few who are worthy of the immense responsibility of carrying it. Sora can wield the Keyblade, as well as Riku, King Mickey, Roxas, and others.

The Heartless and the Nobodies
A Heartless is, strangely, a heart that has been removed from its body and trapped by darkness. A Nobody is what you might call an "empty shell" without a heart. When a person with a strong heart turns into a heartless (for whatever reason), an intelligent Nobody that can think and perhaps feel for itself may come into being. Roxas and Namine are examples of this.

Organization XIII and Kingdom Hearts
Organization XIII is a group of Nobodies who have one very specific goal: to regain their hearts. They believe they can achieve this goal by completing Kingdom Hearts, the place where hearts gather. When Heartless are destroyed by the Keyblade, the captive hearts are released and sent to Kingdom Hearts. Since the Keyblade is the only weapon able to release hearts, Keyblade wielders are essential to the plans of Organization XIII.

Alright, I think that's enough for today. Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment!

Read Part 2

Don't be too certain! Halo Reach: A Review

For all those who know me, I am completely and utterly against any sort of shooting games. I just really don't enjoy them at all! At least, that's what I thought. For the last couple of weeks I have had the incredible opportunity to play Halo Reach. I started off playing this game because there was literally nothing else to do at my house. I thought it wouldn't be so bad because instead of killing humans, I was killing creepy little aliens.

Halo Reach is a pretty short game, but very entertaining. I had a blast playing it, and the story line isn't too bad either. The controls are really simple (although I did mix up throwing grenades and another button quite often...), and if you find it a little hard there's an easier control setting.

This game has cut scenes where the characters talk. In these cut scenes, the game can swear so be warned. Although it swears, I promise there are no big bad words, and no vulgarity. It is a game that I only recomend for older people though.

This is just a really fun game, but be warned - once you play this game you will have a large desire to play the rest in the series. I am fortunate enough to have brothers who buy these types of games. Now I am off to go play the others in the series! Adios!

Club Nintendo to offer double the coins for New Super Mario Bros. 2 download

Nintendo has been planning for a while now to offer the game New Super Mario Bros. 2 as both a retail purchase and an eShop download. Club Nintendo has recently announced that players who go with the download over the physical package will get double the coins when they take the registration survey: 100 coins compared with 50.

What does this news mean to you? Are the 50 extra coins enough incentive to download the game as opposed to going with the cartridge? Let us know in a comment!

First Impressions: Kingdom Hearts Re:coded

In preparation for the release of Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, I have been frantically trying to catch up in the Kingdom Hearts series. A few weeks ago, I was about 10 hours into Kingdom Hearts II, but playing through it was a very slow process: I thought the combat uninspired and the storyline stale.

So I'm afraid to say I quit. I hoped that the two Kingdom Hearts entries on Nintendo DS would impress me.

Enter Kingdom Hearts Re:coded for the Nintendo DS. I'm glad to report that Re:coded is a really excellent RPG.This may seem strange if you know the game's basic story: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket are trying to repair Jiminy's journal from the first Kingdom Hearts adventure. To do so, they enlist the help of a digital Sora. The player will traverse all the same worlds that are in the first Kingdom Hearts game.

In theory, it may seem kinda lame, but rest assured Re:coded and the original Kingdom Hearts are far from the same game. Button-mashy combat that is a staple of the series is present in Re:coded, but a variety of other play styles are thrown into the mix with pleasing results. A well-designed platforming stage at the end of Traverse Town is one such example. My favorite gameplay deviation has to be the turn-based battle system in Olympus Coliseum.

Re:coded has really impressed me up to this point, so I can't help but be optimistic about Dream Drop Distance.

Don't mess with the best! A review of Super Smash Bros. Brawl

It's been the privilege of gamers all over the world to play the Super Smash Bros. series. Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii has been out for a few years now, but I recently bought my very own copy of it (for many years I shared a Wii and a copy of the game with my younger siblings).

Brawl belongs to the fighting video game genre. At it's most basic, it sees up to four players duking it out as their favorite Nintendo characters on one of the many Nintendo-inspired arenas the game has to offer. As players are hit, their damage percentages go up, and the higher the percentage, the farther they fly when hit. A life is lost when they are hit out of the level's boundary.

That's the gist of it. But I'm sure most of you know all about that. Now I want to focus on the gameplay in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The controls work incredibly well and are even customizable. Players can use the Wii remote + nunchuck, classic controller, Gamecube controller, or even Wii remote by itself. From there, the controls can be further personalized and assigned to player names.

Brawl pulls off an incredible feat by creating an unprecedented balance amongst a massive and varied character roster. No one character will give a player an inherent advantage, but you'll find that certain types of characters fit your playing style better than others. When it comes to the line-up itself, you'll find no shortage of great fighters to choose from. From Mario to Marth, from Pikachu to Pit, there's a character for everyone.

On the content front, Brawl is no slacker. When you're with friends, the battles you can create are virtually unlimited thanks to options that alter play mode, time limit, item frequency, and much more. A large collection of arenas adds to the variety, and a level building tool allows players to contribute something of their own to the game's depth. If you don't happen to have a friend to play with, no worries. Brawl also contains an extensive amount of solo modes, one of which is the colossal Subspace Emissary adventure.

Slick menus, smooth-running graphics, and an okay online mode round out one of the best gaming experiences on Wii. In short, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is simply a must-own game for any Wii owner.

Metroid Prime and lots of screaming

I don't like to be horrified. Whether it's games, movies, or books, the "horror" genre is the last I would deliberately seek out.

I wouldn't call Metroid Prime a "horror" game, but it has a distinctly spooky atmosphere about it. It's terrifying, but in a very satisfying way. Does that make sense? Well, what if I just told you that I have screamed, out loud, many times while playing it?

What's the game's secret? It's got to be a combination of a lot of things, including art direction, level design, and music and sound effects. Especially music and sound effects. Just listening to some of the boss themes will send shivers down my spine, no problem. Sometimes you hear things. You hear, but don't see. You move forward a couple of steps, ever so cautious, look around for whatever's making the noise, and still you don't see.

I think atmosphere is the calling card of the Metroid series. I've played a lot of Metroid games, but none boast the same raw, well-defined creepy feel as Metroid Prime. Then again, I haven't even reached the second or third Prime games yet.

You're playing that?!



For some it's this way, for others it's opposite

All of us have those game genres that we absolutely cannot stand! The question is why? Why do most girls hate sport and killing games? Why do most guys love those? It's all a matter of opinion!

Personally I can't stand games that involve guns and shooting/killing or games that you play a sport in! Every time I see one of my little brothers playing those types of games I say something along the lines of, "You're playing that?" Every time they answer back, "This game is awesome!" I have never ever understood it.

I'm not saying those games are lacking in any way (especially considering the fact that shooting games improve your reaction speeds in real life), I just really hate those types of games! I'm more of a strategizing kinda gal myself!

I believe girls are more peace-loving and calm, and that's why the majority of us love games genres like RPG and Platformers. Men, on the other hand, love the action and adrenaline that come with fast paced shooting games.

What about you? What kind of games do you enjoy most to play? Why do you think that certain people enjoy certain games? Leave your response in the comment section below! We love to hear from you guys!

Frustrations about memory cards



Admit it: They're all evil!

I have been looking for my PlayStation memory card for months. It's so frustrating losing one; actually it's frustrating having them in the first place!

1. When lost, they are never to be found again.
2. Must buy a new one (around $15 for a good one).
3. All old game data is COMPLETELY GONE.
4. Now you have to start over on all the games that you had gotten really far on.
5. If you are so unlucky as to have two memory cards, you will constantly forget what one the game you are playing is saved on.

Okay, so I admit these aren't really all "valid" or whatever; once again it's all pretty much just me ranting about how I lost my memory cards. Now I have to get a new one and start all my games over!

What do you guys think about these devils?

Keeping Nintendo in the family, little sister draws characters from Mario!

Have I ever mentioned that I have 8 siblings? Yes, it's true. 4 brothers and 4 sisters. I have one younger sister named Ivy, and she drew this picture just for me!

Pretty good for a ten-year-old! Even better when you consider that she's a ten-year-old in my family. Artists we are not! "It didn't take me that long," Ivy says. "It only took me like 20 minutes. I was going to make a notebook full of Mario characters. I did Peach, then I did the other ones. I wish I put 'Nintendo Characters' at the top instead of 'Mario Characters'."

Have any thoughts? Share them in a comment!

Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012: Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS

To view the latest Nintendo Direct, click here.

Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS is the topic of today's Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012 post. There is not yet a whole lot of info on the games, but any info at all is noteworthy. The best and most reassuring bit is the return of Masahiro Sakurai as director. This we have known for some time, but it's important when you've come to expect so much greatness from a series!

In other news, Namco Bandai Studios has put together an all-star team for the development of SSB Wii U/3DS. If you would like, you can read all about it right here, where you will find messages from both Sakurai and Namco Bandai's Masaya Kobayashi.

With so little to go on, right now it's just guessing and speculation with the highly anticipated Wii U/3DS iterations of the beloved Super Smash Bros. series. Fans have found it particularly fun in the past to guess which Nintendo characters will snag a coveted spot in the game's roster. With Kid Icarus: Uprising still fresh on my mind, I'm inclined to hope Magnus will make the cut.

Any thoughts on what has been mentioned today? Let your voice be heard in a comment!

Other Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012 Posts

• Nintendo 3DS XL Introduced 
• Kingdom Hearts 3D (Dream Drop Distance) 

Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012: Kingdom Hearts 3D (Dream Drop Distance)

To watch the latest Nintendo Direct, click here.

In continuation of our discussion about the latest Nintendo Direct, today I'll be talking about Kingdom Hearts 3D (Dream Drop Distance). The game will be out for N3DS on July 31 of this year.

KH3D is set to have a few special features that I'm looking forward to. First of all, the game will have some sort of StreetPass functionality. I'm guessing "Dream Eaters" will have something to do with that, though I don't exactly know what those are. "Dream Eaters" also play a part in an AR feature that the game will have. Whatever they are, "Dream Eaters" must be useful to the gameplay somehow.

Speaking of AR, a special collector's set called the "Mark of Mastery Edition" will come with a few cards. It'll also include12 cards detailing the history of the series and a Kingdom Hearts protective 3DS case.

On top of all that, Kingdom Hearts 3D will also support the Circle Pad Pro, if that's your cup of tea.

In addition, a demo of KH3D is currently available in the eShop. After playing it, I can tell you the game shows a lot of promise. I particularly enjoyed the combat, which includes a couple of things the series hasn't seen before that give the whole system a lot of depth. But I won't spoil it for you. Download the demo and see for yourself what's in store!

What are your thoughts on Kingdom Hearts 3D? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Other Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012 Posts

• Nintendo 3DS XL Introduced 
• Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS

Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012: Nintendo 3DS XL Introduced

To watch the latest Nintendo Direct, click here.

Hey guys, Holly here. Before I get into today's topic, I want to let you all know that the blog will continue, and with my class being over, I'll be getting back into my old posting rhythm.

And what better way to celebrate my return than by discussing the latest edition of Nintendo Direct! Nintendo delivered a 20-minute long video this time around, and it contained no shortage of great news. In fact, it had so many things for us to talk about, I'm going to take it piece by piece, day by day.

The video began with the announcement of a Nintendo 3DS redesign, dubbed the Nintendo 3DS XL. The new model will boast screens that are 90% larger than those of the original Nintendo 3DS, improved battery life, and an "updated form factor." The release of the Nintendo 3DS XL is set for August 19th of this year, coinciding with the release of New Super Mario Bros. 2, which I'll talk about in a future post. The 3DS XL will sell for a suggested retail price of $199.99.

Though I would love to have a Nintendo 3DS XL of my own come August 19th, it is a very unlikely prospect. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the likelihood is 0%. But I do believe I'm allowed to say that I think the redesign looks pretty snazzy. One thing that has always bothered me about the original 3DS is the surface area surrounding the upper screen: it's about as reflective as your average mirror, which can be an irritation. The 3DS XL clearly solves this problem, among others.

Is anyone planning on getting a 3DS XL of their own? Or are you like me and planning to pass? Feel free to let us know in a comment.

Other Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012 Posts

• Kingdom Hearts 3D (Dream Drop Distance) 
• Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS 

Keep 'em coming!

You'll also have to get used to my crazy pictures
that look like this!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that I will still be posting on the blog. Even though our fearless leader, a Miss Holly, won't be able to, I am ready to give our readers a little light reading. I am guessing most of you have realized the complete difference between the two writing styles of Holly and I; she actually posts about really cool, informative stuff, and, well, I'm more of a ranter...BUT now that Holly is, er, more occupied, I will try to do more of that stuff.

Who am I kidding? I can't do that! My opinion gets to much in the way and BAM there goes another ranting post!

I guess what I'm trying to say is for all you hardcore gamers out there you shall be awaiting the day Holly will continue to post things. As for all of those who aren't so intense...well you'll have an easier time "surviving" with my posts. Hope you all have a nice Summer!

Leave a comment on how you feel about this development...I'd love to know!

Takin' a break from the blog

Hey y'all. Just letting you know that it's time for a break! Despite the fact that I've only got a quarter of the amount of credit hours I normally have in a single semester of school, I'm feeling more stressed than ever this summer. I'll be free from school in two weeks. In the meantime, I need to focus on class more than I have of late, and that means something's gotta go. Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, it's the blog.

But I'm not gonna leave you without something Nintendo-related to think about! I'd like to highlight some of my favorite content from E3 2012! Prepare yourself!

The whole hour-and-ten-minute-long presentation from Tuesday morning can be viewed right here. Though it felt rather less than exciting, Nintendo fans shouldn't miss out!

Favorite Trailers
Rayman Legends (Wii U)
If you like music as much as you know I do, do yourself a favor and watch this trailer for Rayman Legends on Wii U.

New Super Mario Bros. U (Wii U)
My brother'll tell you that this was my favorite trailer in Nintendo's presentation. I'm particularly fond of the music. And did anyone else think it funny that getting mini Yoshi to shoot bubbles out of his mouth takes the shaking of the remote?

Project P - 100 (Wii U)
I have no idea what this game is all about, but the trailer for it was pretty entertaining.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)
I love the music in this trailer! Aaaand it looks like a good game too. I've never played Paper Mario, but I will get around to that some day!

New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS)
Coins galore! Return of Reznor! New gold-related power-ups! Return of the P-wing! And...this trailer has great music too!

Well, good-bye my friends! I'm trying to sound optimistic here, but truth be told, the future of this blog is uncertain. I'll keep you posted regardless, even though it might be a while before you hear from me again.

Nintendo's E3 presentation: Nintendo Lifeline weighs in

Welcome, Nintendo fans, to one of the many excited places on the internet at this joyous time of year! Nintendo kicked off E3 2012 with a presentation that began at 9:00 a.m. PT this morning (that was 10:00 for me). As always, it was full of surprises, important people, and bad jokes.

Here we will focus on the stuff that matters, however, the bad jokes not being in that category. Pikmin 3 dominated the first part of the presentation. I have never played Pikmin before, but I look towards Pikmin 3 with all of the optimism in the world, especially after what I saw today.

Is anyone out there getting tired of all the New Super Mario games? Well, I'm not. And New Super Mario Bros. U is the second game that has me all excited. So the Mario franchise is more than 25 years old. Is that the reason people complain about new ones? I have come to trust Nintendo to make each new Super Mario game bigger and better than the last, providing new reasons to own every last one. New Super Mario Bros. U can't come soon enough!

I really enjoyed seeing all of the third party support for Wii U, as well. Most of those games I probably won't ever play, but a few got my pulse pounding. Rayman Legends looks great, Just Dance 4 seems worthy, and Scribblenauts Unlimited might be worth checking out. I think it's great that the Wii U will have a great variety that includes, as Reggie Fils-Aime put it, "the hardest of the core", but that's not my realm.

A Wii U game called Nintendo Land also made its debut at today's event. I have to say, I was less than impressed. The limited look we got at the game made it seem far too Mario Party-esque, which was an instant turn-off for me. It looks like a game that will deliver only cheap thrills, but only time will tell on that one. I'm expecting to be disappointed, but Nintendo may prove me wrong.

All that said, I think potential is the word that comes from all of this. I'm in love with the Wii U hardware. If developers think creatively, I believe the Wii U system can ultimately provide more than a few mind-blowing experiences. Just think of how it might change and evolve some of our favorite Nintendo franchises: Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Pokemon, Super Smash Bros. and more come to mind. Who knows what the future holds!

What were your favorite or least favorite parts of Nintendo's E3 presentation?

Ohmigosh! E3 is tomorrow! Nintendo Lifeline gets excited

Here's a riddle for you all:

I'm the biggest gaming event of the year.

I take place in Los Angeles, CA.

I'm full of exciting news.

I start tomorrow.

Haven't guessed yet? I'll just go ahead and tell you, then! The answer is: "I am E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) 2012." How 'bout that? Nintendo Lifeline has a thing or two to say about this year's expo, so read on!

Pre-E3 Video by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata

Click here to whet your appetite with a video from Satoru Iwata dedicated to the Wii U system. I don't know about anyone else, but it has me excited! Nintendo must have a lot of news about the Wii U if they need a half-hour before the expo even gets started. I'm particularly fond of the connectivity the Wii U will apparently have...Miiverse looks pretty sweet.

Our Hopes and Predictions
New game trailers are the most exciting part of E3 to me. Is that strange? Anyway, I wanna see new trailers for games that have already been announced and, of course, games that will be announced for the first time at E3. If I could have all my dreams come true, I would like to see a new Pokemon RPG announced for the Nintendo 3DS system. I held out on Pokemon Black and White with the expectation that the third installment in this generation would be on the Nintendo 3DS. I was entirely wrong. Even Pokemon Conquest (which got 9/10 in Nintendo Power magazine, by the way) ended up on the DS! I don't care what kind of Pokemon RPG ends up on the 3DS, I just want it!

Maybe it's too early to hope for this, but I want to see a Nintendo 3DS redesign at E3. I have come to dislike the current Nintendo 3DS system design. How the top flap sticks out slightly over the bottom, how the stylus holder is in a very inconvenient position on the back of the system, how the surface surrounding the 3-D screen is unnecessarily reflective and inconsistent with the rest of the system. Ugh...I'm getting worked up now! I guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow!

What are you looking forward to the most with this year's E3?

Mario Kart 7 Community Digest: June 2, 2012

Hello, one and all! To everyone who doesn't know yet, the Nintendo Lifeline has an official Mario Kart 7 community:

Community Code: 52-0850-7322-2037

If you own a Nintendo 3DS system and a copy of Mario Kart 7, don't miss out on our community nights, which take place every Saturday (yes, that would be tonight!). We have two separate shifts: one at 7 PM US-Eastern and one at 9 PM US-Eastern. Hope to see you there!

Mario Kart 7 Tip of the Week
The benefits of collecting coins on the race track are greater than you might believe. For one, every time you run into a coin, you receive a slight boost. It's so temporary, it might seem pointless, but don't overlook the chance to shave precious seconds off your final time! Even better than that speed boost, however, is the advantage you win when you have a store of 1 or more coins. Stockpiled coins actually increase your karts overall speed, so be sure to collect your 10 coins and do whatever it takes to keep them!