Nintendo Music: Dog's Theme

This has got to be my favorite track from the Kid Icarus: Uprising soundtrack, and that's saying something because all of the music is truly superb. Dog's Theme has an impressive depth to it, with all of the layers of music working together to form one awesome song. The percussion, bass, and guitar start out, with the violin melody soon joining in. From there it only gets better. It's like an intricate and well-choreographed dance among a lot of great sounds. Give it a listen!

Why Kid Icarus: Uprising is the best handheld game I've ever played: A Review

I could have written this review a long time ago, but I was too busy playing the game to do so. Even after beating Kid Icarus: Uprising I can't get enough of it. It is, without a doubt, the best handheld game I've ever played.

Kid Icarus: Uprising is an action/shooting game for the Nintendo 3DS. It stars the angel Pit, who must defeat the evil Medusa by the command of the Goddess of Light, Palutena. The story progresses in chapters, with each chapter consisting (more or less) of an air battle, a land battle, and a boss battle. And, of course, it all plays out in stereoscopic 3-D. 3-D or no, however, the graphics in this game are impressive to say the least. The 3-D is good too, though the nature of the game's control scheme (more on that later) makes it tough to maintain the 3-D sweet spot, so I find myself playing without it more often than not. The story and gameplay in Kid Icarus: Uprising is augmented by one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. The music is fused with irresistible energy that complements the fast-paced nature of the game.

Never have I been more impressed with voice acting in a Nintendo game than while playing Kid Icarus: Uprising. The game features an enormous variety of characters, all of them appealing in one way or another and with the excellent voice work they deserve. The bulk of the game's dialogue occurs in the thick of battle. This execution of storyline is interesting. Yes, it can distract from the gameplay, and the gameplay can distract from it. But I've never encountered anything like it, and I've really enjoyed the freshness of it.

The control scheme in Kid Icarus: Uprising is wonderful and awful all at once. The player moves Pit with the control pad, aims his weapon with the touch screen, and shoots with the "L" button. It's a tough interface to get used to, but with a little practice can be used with relative ease. It's a control scheme unlike any other, so the unique feel is compelling to me. However, even after many, many hours of play time, I still don't feel entirely comfortable with the controls; they are a tad awkward and cumbersome, especially during land combat.

Kid Icarus: Uprising has massive amounts of content that can keep a gamer engaged long after the credits roll. The game features no shortage of weapon types, for one: each type has a distinct feel, and the different brands within each type ensure that one can never get bored trying out new weapon after new weapon. Multiplayer, AR idol cards, "treasure hunts", and so forth add more layers of depth that give this game an impressive replay value.

Conclusion
Kid Icarus: Uprising rises above other handheld experiences to compete with the best in console gaming, if you ask me. The game is presented with polished graphics, surprisingly awesome voice work, and incredible music. Though the control scheme is quite awkward, it does feel fresh and original. A massive amount of features and modes rounds out an overall amazing game. If you own a 3DS, give this game what it deserves: a purchase. 

Now Playing: Week of April 21-27

Welcome back to the place where we talk about what games we'll be playing in the upcoming week! Here's the run-down:

Holly
I'll be playing much of what I have been playing for weeks now: game-beating is slow-going with an overstuffed class schedule to keep one busy. So my "usuals" are returning: Metroid Prime, Xenoblade Chronicles, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Golden Sun, and Metroid: Zero Mission are priorities. I might try to squeeze some Okami in, but somehow playing it feels more like a chore than anything else right now. I'm afraid I can't explain that...

Mary
With all of her activities (especially as the school year approaches its close), Mary has limited herself to one gaming desire for the week: playing Guitar Hero. If the opportunity presents itself, however, we may play some Donkey Kong Country Returns or World of Goo together at some point.   

Now Playing: Week of April 14-20

Welcome to another edition of Now Playing! Let's dive right into the games of the week:

Holly
As a recent First Impressions post would tell you, I finally received and have been playing the Wii game Xenoblade Chronicles. This week, I also hope to break back into Okami for Wii. I'm finding it somewhat difficult to do so, but I must! Metroid Prime rounds out this week's Wii line-up. It's pretty ambitious, I know! In the handheld realm, I will still be playing Kid Icarus: Uprising, but, having beaten it, it'll be more of an afterthought to GBA games Golden Sun and Metroid: Zero Mission. In addition to all of the above games, I may sprinkle in some of the following during the week: Rhythm Heaven Fever, Super Mario Galaxy (1 and 2), Final Fantasy III, Super Mario 64, and Wii Sports Resort. How 'bout you all?

*UPDATED* Now Playing: Week of April 7-13

Holly
Last week I forgot to mention one key title that I would be playing. That's because I hadn't gotten it yet, but I have it now! Metroid Prime Trilogy! I already started Metroid Prime and will undoubtedly play it some more this week! Kid Icarus: Uprising is another important game. I've been working on it for a while, and I am getting closer to finishing it, but it's a busy life, after all! Though Excitebots: Trick Racing got a lot of love this week, I still haven't quite finished with it, so it'll carry over into next week. What's new, you ask? Well, Metroid: Zero Mission, for one! Also, I'm hoping to begin Final Fantasy III this week as well. It should be a great week of gaming!

Mary (Update)
Mary will most likely be relaxing with Donkey Kong Country this week. And if she's got time, I'll probably have her over to my place for some social gaming, which might involve any number of games. MotoHeroz is a favorite of ours, but perhaps Mary will consent to play Super Mario Galaxy while I take up the player two position. There's a slew of other possibilities: New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Mario Kart Wii, Kirby's Return to Dreamland, Kirby's Epic Yarn, Rayman Origins, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country 2, World of Goo, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Mario Bros. 3...with so many games to play together, there's no telling what we might choose!  

Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! The Final Round is here!

In Round 3 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble, we saw the defeat of Magnus to Medusa (Battle) and the defeat of Medusa (Battle) to Poseidon. Our cliff-hanger match saw Poseidon facing off against Palutena. Who will the winner be? We'll find out today!

But first, of course, let's take a look at reader comments! Thanks to everyone who offered their vote! Both of our finalists got some love: Parko is alone in his support for Poseidon, but I see no reason to doubt the abilities of the god of ocean and sea! Anonymous and Skyler have both taken the side of Palutena. Poseidon was able to make it this far, and Palutena is a first-time fighter in this tournament, so it's hard to gauge whether she'll be a real contender or a real push-over. I'm gonna have to put my official vote on Poseidon.

Ladies and gentlemen, I declare it is time to find out! Drum roll, please! Our Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble winner is:

Palutena! And just like that, she sneaks last-minute into the tournament for the ultimate prize!

Whew! This has been a ton of fun for me, so I hope it was for you too! I actually added three new AR Idol cards to my collection since I staged the tabletop tumble, so perhaps we'll see a more well-organized tournament take place sometime in the future. Thanks again to those of you who participated! And congratulations to Palutena!

The Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble continues! Presenting Round 3!

Did you have a good weekend? Awesome! Well, a new week is in full swing, and we're starting it off with a little tabletop action! Last round saw the tough-as-nails human Magnus win against Three-Headed Hewdraw, First Blade, and God of Death, Thanatos. In our cliff-hanger match, we had Magnus vs. Medusa (Battle). The results of that match will be revealed today, but not before I weigh in, as well as discuss reader thoughts.

Anonymous is quite convinced that Medusa (Battle) will walk away victorious. And as much as I want Magnus to take the win, I can't help but lean towards Medusa (Battle) myself. I also think it's prudent to mention that there is a battle in Medusa's name on this card. Surely that means something ominous for our intrepid human. Still, Parko has high hopes for Magnus.  I think it's time we find out, don't you?

Presenting Round 3!

And the winner is...Medusa (Battle)! Magnus is finally taken down! I don't know about you guys, but that is very sad news to me! Time to pull out the big guns!

Match 7: Poseidon vs. Medusa (Battle)

 

We know now to not underestimate the evil Medusa (Battle). But does Poseidon, god of the oceans, have the power to take her down? I'd like to think so! But there's no telling what will happen in this battle! My official vote goes to Poseidon, however. Here are the results!

And the winner is...Poseidon! Unaffiliated triumphs over evil! As we near the end of our tabletop tumble, we realize that there is some major power at work in these final battles!

Match 8: Poseidon vs. Palutena

We have reached the eighth and final match of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! You know what that means, don't you? I can't very well do anything but leave Poseidon vs. Palutena as a cliff-hanger match! Does Palutena have the power to match Poseidon's in battle? I'll leave that question for all of you good readers to answer! Let your voice be heard with a comment! See you next time for the big finale!

Welcome back to the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! Commence Round 2!

If you'll recall from Round 1 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble, Pit has fallen to Three-Headed Hewdraw, but not before he managed to take out Mik! Today we learn who the winner of Round 1's cliff-hanger match, Magnus vs. Three-Headed Hewdraw, will be! First, however, let's have a little discussion. Three-Headed Hewdraw surprised me with a victory against Pit, angel of light. But is our three-headed villain a match for Magnus, the strongest of humans? Parko of Play Nintendo seems to think so. Even so, I think I'm going to put my money on Magnus.

Let's find out! Commence Round 2!

And the winner is...Magnus! He really is one powerful human if he can defeat the enemy that defeated Pit!

Match 4: Magnus vs. First Blade

Maybe all Pit needs to win this thing is a weapon! Enter First Blade card! Magnus, on the other hand, has proved a formidable enemy. I think First Blade is the underdog in this match-up. Therefore, I feel I have no choice but to favor Magnus once again. Will my faith in Magnus prove to be my strength or downfall?

 

And the winner is...Magnus! And he triumphs once more! Will this guy ever go down?

Match 5: Magnus vs. God of Death, Thanatos

Time to give Magnus a real opponent! That is to say, I would think that God of Death, Thanatos would be more of a match than, say, Three-Headed Hewdraw. I'm gonna have to pass on betting on this match. Let's get straight to the results:

And the winner is...Magnus! Will Magnus never meet his superior in battle? Do we even want to see him go down?

Match 6: Magnus vs. Medusa (Battle)

It's time for this round's cliff-hanger match. I think Medusa (Battle) is definitely more intimidating than any of Magnus' opponents so far. But hasn't this determined human already proved his mettle? Who will you root for? Show it by leaving a comment! Until next time!

Nintendo Lifeline presents the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! Let Round 1 Begin!

I gotta say, I've been having a blast with the AR Idol cards that work with Kid Icarus: Uprising. From what I've heard, there will be hundreds of these things! And no, they won't be that easy to get, either. Here's a little tip for you, though: the April edition of Nintendo Power magazine contains a pack of three! So, out of hundreds, I have a whopping 9 cards. How 'bout that!

Anyway, I spent a ridiculous amount of time yesterday playing around with my AR Idol cards. It gave me the inspiration for today's post. Ladies and gentlemen, let Round 1 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble begin!

Match 1: Pit vs. Mik

I'm going to have to put my money on Pit in our first battle of the day. He is, after all, an angel. And for those of you who've played the game, you know that the enemy Mik is quite a weakling. Shall we find out?

And the winner is...Pit! Was there ever any doubt? But will Pit be strong enough to face his next opponent:

Match 2: Pit vs. Three-Headed Hewdraw

I'm a sucker for a classic good vs. evil plot. And we all know that good wins! Therefore, I'm goin' with Pit once more for our second match-up of Pit against Three-Headed Hewdraw. Also, I beat Three-Headed Hewdraw myself in the game with Pit, so what else would I do? Let's see for ourselves:

And the winner is...Three-Headed Hewdraw! And Pit goes down! Who'da thunk it?

Match 3: Magnus vs. Three-Headed Hewdraw

 After Three-Headed Hewdraw's surprising victory against the servant of light, I'm starting to think anything can happen in this tournament. Will Magnus pull off the victory that evaded Pit? Or will Three-Headed Hewdraw prove his strength once more? I'm going to leave the commentary open to you guys. Leave your thoughts in the comments! We'll find out once and for all in Round 2 of the Kid Icarus: Uprising Tabletop Tumble! See you then!

First Impressions: Kid Icarus Uprising

Let me just start out by saying that Kid Icarus Uprising, for the fairly short time I've played it, has blown my mind. Never, in my wildest dreams in a million years, would I have expected to like this game as much as I do so far. I already can't wait to get back to playing it.

But let's slow down and rewind. Back to the moment when I first powered up the game. The first thing I did was watch the opening video in 3-D. This was the first indication that I was in for a treat. The graphics were stunning, and the 3-D was impressive. After this video, I touched through into the menu. One thing that struck me once I had a profile up and running was the large amount of buttons to press. I've only played in single player mode so far, but it's exciting to know that there's much more to discover in the game.

About the actual game, though. I have to say that I started out disliking the controls. They're simple enough: the circle pad moves Pit, the touch screen aims his weapon, and the R button shoots it. In practice, it takes a bit of coordination to use them. But that's all you need to master them: practice. Once I had the controls down, the game turned into a ton of fun. And, as the opening sequence suggested, the stereoscopic 3-D graphics are absolutely phenomenal.

I have to say, I'm not a fan of touch control in general. But the use of touch in the game Kid Icarus Uprising is spot-on. I haven't experienced any discomfort from these controls. From my limited play time so far, I heartily recommend this game. Am I alone? Let me know what you think of the game so far in the comments!

Name the game that comes out today. Yes, it's Kid Icarus Uprising!

I have to say I'm rather excited to play Kid Icarus Uprising. In the months leading up to this release, I spent a lot of time trying to decide whether to be interested or not. Finally I gave in and pre-ordered it. Whether it turns out to be one of my favorites or not, I'm eager to play it anyway. How about you guys?