Thursday, May 13, 2010

Wii: Super Mario Galaxy 2, What's Inside the Box!

Check out this cool picture of what's inside the case of Super Mario Galaxy 2!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Wii: Nintendo's WiiWare Service Celebrates its Second Anniversary



WOW! Times does fly when you're having fun. I remember a while back when I was downloading up my first two WiiWare Games from the Wii Shop Channel. Pop and TV Show King were and still are two pretty good WiiWare Games. If you own a Wii and have yet to experience the WiiWare side of games, go grab a Nintendo Points card from your local retailer or pull out your credit/debit card and purchase a few tiles.


Since the WiiWare service has started...

- 209 games are now in the Wii Shop
- 67 of those games are 1000 Points, closely followed by 62 800 Point games
- Only 2 games in the library are 900 Points: Fun! Fun! Minigolf & The Three Musketeers: One for All!
- Total worth in points: 161,000 Nintendo Points

Wii: Super Mario Galaxy 2 U.S. Commercial and Other Gameplay Clips



It's almost here, it's almost here! Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be released within a few weeks and I am very excited! Below is the commercial that you should be seeing on television within the next couple of days. I think I might be more of a fan of Mario's second "Galaxy outing" than his first. Don't get me wrong, the first one is one of the greatest games of all time and will always hold a place in my gaming heart but this second game looks to take what the first game did to the next level!

"Super Mario Galaxy 2" TV Spot




If you decide to watch the next two videos, remember that "Super Mario Galaxy 2" takes place in a alternate universe where the actions of "Galaxy 1" never took place. That's right you are meeting the Lumas for the first time, all over again. Also take note that all of the following videos will contain spoilers. If you are not a fan of spoilers, I would put off watching these videos.

Training Level Part 1




Training Level Part 2





The First Level





Luigi Trailer


DS/DSi: New "Pokemon Black" and "Pokemon White" Information



Honestly I still cant believe that we have come from Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow, to Gold, Silver and Crystal to Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, Fire Red and Leaf Green, Diamond, Pearl and Platinum, Heart Gold and Soul silver all the way to Black and White. WOW that's a lot of Pokemon games and I'm not even naming all of the Pokemon side games. "Mysterious Dungeon" series, I'm looking at you! Ladies and gentlemen, Pokemon Black and White are on their way and will be released before year's end (at least in Japan) on the Nintendo DS/DSi. These two new games are sporting more of a 3D look and you can be sure to find many new Pokemon in these two, new versions of this long running series.




- Isshu Region
- protagonists are older than the protagonists from other Pokemon games
- Grass starter: Tsutaja - grass snake pokemon
- Fire starter, Pokabu - fire pig pokemon
- Water starter, Mijumaru - sea otter pokemon
- Zoroark as an ability called 'illusion' which allows him to transform into other Pokemon
- Trickery - allows attack to be calculated using the opponent's stats
- Claw Sharpen - raises user's attack and accuracy stats
- special movie event details: special battle against level 25 Zoroark will occur, which transforms into various Pokemon. It will eventually break transformation which allows for capture.




Tuesday, May 11, 2010

DS/DSi - Trailer: Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbaride Card Battle Taisen

Warning, Low Quality Video





Looks like a new Kamen Rider (DS) game is on the way and... it's card based. I'm a bit disappointed about this move and feel as if a true fighting game would be better. For now, I will look high and low for the DS version of "Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight". The DS could really use more 3D fighting games than Naruto.

New "Mama" Games hit the Wii and DS/DSi This Fall



That's right people, Mama is back and she's aiming to take over all of your Nintendo consoles! Two new "Mama" games were announced today, Babysitting Mama and Crafting Mama. From the small bit below about "Babysitting Mama" One can only wonder how much Majesco will charge for that game.

Babysitting Mama

- coming to Wii
- due out this Fall
- comes with plush baby doll that allows you to tuck the Wiimote inside
- rock the plush baby doll to care for it

Crafting Mama

- coming to DS
- crafting game with forty projects
- due out this Fall
- use stylus to sew, paint, cut, and mold crafts

Awesome Princess Rosalina Cosplay!



This one is for you cosplay fans out there. The Kartel has a cosplay feature that is sure to please fans of Super Mario Galaxy! Go ahead and click the link. I'm sure you will be pleased!

I'm Back

OK, not much to say. It's obvious that I haven't posted anything in a long while but I wont give up on this blog so easily. Anywho, expect some new blog post today and yes, I'm starting off like I never left. =^_^=

Monday, March 1, 2010

Michael Patcher Just Wont Give Up His "Wii HD" Prediction

Michael Patcher Just Wont Give Up His "Wii HD" Prediction


"Yes, that's right...Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter is not going to let go of his Wii HD prediction. Earlier today we posted up his predictions for the industry all the way up to 2013. While we discussed the expected 53 million Wii units sold in North America, we didn't mention Mr. Pachter's talk of new consoles. Actually, Pachter doesn't believe that Nintendo/Microsoft/Sony will be shipping out new consoles for the next 4 years...unless you count Wii HD as a new console. Pachter sticks by that prediction, and I don't think he's ever going to give it up!"

-Quoted from GoNintento

Check out the original article here...

"Oh Patcher, you're so crazy!" For now I'll respond to your continued idiotic prediction with the following picture...

WWE NXT 02/23/20100



Just in case you missed out on last week's episode of "WWE NXT", here is your chance to catch it again.

Today's Pro Wrestling News

Wrestling News: thanks to http://www.prowrestling.com



- John Morrison wrestled his first-ever WWE house show main events this past weekend. Morrison teamed with Edge to defeat CM Punk & Chris Jericho on Saturday and Sunday.

- Sources say that of the five WWE releases confirmed over the weekend, only referee Scott Armstrong's "future endeavors" message caught the locker room by true surprise. Details have not emerged, but the feeling is that there is likely a greater story involved.

We should have more details later this week on the recent WWE cuts.





- Tonight's RAW will take place from the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and is presented by Jim Ross' jrsbarbq.com. Tonight's hosts will be the legendary Cheech & Chong and matches include Ted DiBiase vs. Randy Orton and another round of Money in the Bank qualifying matches.

- While it remains unclear how much of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong's drug shtick will emerge during their guest hosting gig on Monday's PG edition of WWE RAW, WWE.com's preview doesn't hold back on making puns related to drug use.

Despite actively fining wrestlers who are caught smoking marijuana, WWE's preview for RAW reads as follows:

"One Trippy RAW - RAW will be taken to a higher level when comedy legends Cheech and Chong guest host live from Oklahoma City. Taking a break from their comedy tour, the duo will no doubt want to ensure everyone has a great time."

Capcom runs out of Monster Hunter 3 (By Mail) Demo Disc



Nice work on getting people pumped! But, unfortunately, we had limited quantities of the [Monster Hunter Tri] demo (as was stated in the “Rewards” section). So since we’ve reached our limit, we removed the icon for now. To make sure others get the demo, it would be best to direct them to a GameStop store. Keep your eyes peeled though, as we have another item for the “Rewards” section in the coming weeks. - Capcom employee

That's right, the above statement was made by a Capcom employee and honestly, this is a good sign! I already ordered my "by mail" demo disc but I will also be picking up two disc at Gamestop for some friends. PLEASE everyone. Head out to your local GameStop store on Monday and pick up your Monster Hunter 3 demo. I have a good feeling this game will be a hit.

The Nintendo Download: Today's Virtual Console, WiiWare and DSiWare Releases




March is a Mega Month for Nintendo Game Downloads

The number 10 can mean a lot of things: perfection, loud volume or, in the case of this week’s downloadable game lineup, the return of a true gaming icon. Fans will thrill to see the legendary blue bomber landing on their Wii™ console with the arrival of Mega Man™ 10 for the WiiWare™ service. Elsewhere, players can test their skill at tossing darts, bashing moles, conquering the tennis court or tackling exotic golf courses. Whether you’re stocking up on living room-ready titles for your Wii console or grabbing on-the-go games via the Nintendo DSiWare™ service, March is off to a truly magnificent start.

WiiWare


Mega Man 10
Publisher: Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Fans of all ages can enjoy the newest entry in this historic 8-bit franchise. As a special service to new players, there’s an Easy Mode – a first for a Mega Man game. This new feature means novices and longtime fans alike can all have a shot at making it to the end of a Mega Man game. Also, you can now play as Proto Man and try Time Attack Mode from the beginning, or watch play-through videos from players all over the world.

Dart Rage
Publisher: JV Games Inc.
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Alcohol Reference
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: Grab your Wii Remote™ controller and prepare for the ultimate game of darts on your Wii console. Dart Rage features the most realistic throwing system available today. With pixel-perfect accuracy and no buttons to push, you’ll be completely immersed in the game’s realism. Dart Rage puts you in the spotlight as you compete against friends, the computer or both. With four great games to choose from – including 301-901, Cricket, Poker and American (Baseball) darts – Dart Rage has plenty of options to keep the game fresh. There’s also a VS mode in which multiple players can compete at the same time in a race to the finish. Rock out to a sizzling soundtrack as a commentator announces your every shot.

Happy Hammerin’
Publisher: GAMEBRIDGE
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Happy Hammerin’ is a party game suitable for friends and families. Compete against each other by bashing moles using the Wii Remote controller. Use the Wii Remote like a hammer and let off some steam as you frantically try to bash the moles popping up all over the screen. Play against the CPU or go head-to-head with up to four players. (Additional accessories are required for the multiplayer modes and are sold separately.) Players can challenge themselves in three different modes: Mole Adventure (1-2 players), Mole Marathon (1 player) and Party Battle (1-4 players). Mole Adventure consists of four stages with three difficulty types. The faster you bash, the more points you get. With broadband Internet access, register your scores online and compete against the best mole bashers from around the world.

Virtual Console™


FATAL FURY SPECIAL
Original platform: NEOGEO
Publisher: D4 Enterprise
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Price: 900 Wii Points
Description: Originally released in 1993, this fighting game pits 15 different fighters against each other. The cast includes the original eight characters from Fatal Fury 2, as well as three new characters (Billy, Axel and Laurence) and a new boss (Wolfgang). Also, three characters from the original Fatal Fury (Duck, Dan and Geese) have returned to the fight. Building on the appeal of the previous game with two-line battles, special moves and powerful finishers, this game is truly worthy of its “special” distinction. And if certain special conditions are met, special guest Ryuu Sakazaki will make an appearance.

Nintendo DSiWare


Let’s Golf
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Grab a club, take a swing and pray for a birdie in Let’s Golf. Discover a fun-filled experience that’s accessible to anyone. Choose from four customizable characters and play 45 holes in three beautiful 3-D locations: Fiji Beach, the English Countryside and the Scottish Lochs. Enjoy easy-to-learn controls that even let you blow into the microphone to add spin to your ball. Take photos with your Nintendo DSi™ system’s built-in camera and add them to your personal profile. For the most fun, play Hot Seat Multiplayer with friends on a single Nintendo DSi system and see who’s the best.

Globulos Party
Publisher: GlobZ
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Globulos Party is a collection of mini-games that are very simple to understand and fun to master. The 20 games are: 4-Square, Arena, Basket, Bomber, Bomber-King, Croquet, Darts, Darts-King, Soccer, Funky-Soccer, Ice Hockey, Monster, Pétanque, Pinball, Rally, Football, Snooker, Sumo, Tic-Tac-Toe and Volley. Enjoy more than 15 hours of solo fun and nearly unlimited game play with the three multiplayer modes.

VT Tennis
Publisher: Virtual Toys
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: VT Tennis is an ace of a tennis game for the Nintendo DSi system. Using the innovative stylus and touch-screen controls, train your budding tennis star to serve, lob and smash his way to victory with precision swipes in all directions. Advance your player statistics in this fast-paced tournament of game modes, featuring Quickmatch, Tennis School and World Championship. The objective is to reach No. 1 in the world rankings. To do this, players will have to unlock courts as they compete in championships all over the world. At the start of career mode, players will find themselves in last place in the rankings. From this moment on, you must battle your way up. You can play on all types of surfaces – grass, clay, hard courts and wood – and learn the best techniques for winning each tournament on the different surfaces. Seventeen tough courts, each more difficult than the last, stand between you and your final victory.

Flips: Terror in Cubicle Four
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: There’s something strange going on with the loo in cubicle four of the girls’ toilet. It’s spewed green goo on Stacey’s shoes and almost had new boy James for lunch. Can he and his friends, Alexander and Lenny, flush out the cause of the trouble, or will the terrifying toilet plague the school with problems forever?

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

(WiiWare) Megaman 10 DLC Revelaed



If you purchased Megaman 10 today here is a lift of DLC (available next month) you can pick up to enhance your experience

(Wii) New "Mario Kart: Wii" Tournament Starts Today!



Course: Luigi Circuit
Objective: Complete the race
Restrictions: Bikes only, Wii Wheel only
Tournament date: 3/1 – 3/10

Nintendo DSi Fact Sheet (Thanks to GoNintendo)

If you are one of the many planning on buying a Nintnedo DSi unit then this post is definitely something you will want to take a look at.

Nintendo DSi Facts



Launch Date: March 28, 2010, in the United States.

Suggested Retail Price: $189.99.



Size (when closed): 6.339 inches (161.0 millimeters) wide, 3.598 inches (91.4 millimeters) long, 0.835 inches
(21.2 millimeters) tall

Weight: Approximately 11.08 ounces (314 grams).

Look: The top half is shiny, while the bottom has a matte finish for easier gripping.



Top Screen: A backlit, 4.2-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .333 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors. Can be viewed from any angle. Top half opens to lock at two positions: 120 degrees and 155 degrees.





Touch Screen: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen.

Cameras: 640 x 480 pixel resolution, 0.3 megapixels.

Brightness Adjustment: Users can adjust the brightness of screens at five different levels. Electricity consumption will vary, depending on the software used and brightness level (the brighter the setting, the less continuous play-time capability)

Brightness Approximated Continuous Play
1st level: 13-17 hours
2nd level: 11-14 hours
3rd level: 9-11 hours
4th level: 6-8 hours
5th level: 4-5 hours



Pre-Installed Software: The system comes with three software titles pre-installed. These include Brain Age™ Express: Math, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters and Photo Clock.

Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA). Wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi game card, depending on the software. (Note that Nintendo DS game cards are compatible in all Nintendo DS franchise systems, while Nintendo DSiWare and Nintendo DSi-enhanced games are region-specific.) Ability to connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo’s wireless gaming network. Ability to download demo versions of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games from DS Download Stations, Nintendo Zone™, or via the Nintendo Channel of the Wii™ console.

Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons, dual cameras and volume control. The stylus is approximately 5.091 inches (129.3 millimeters).

Microphone: Located at the center of the unit, which allows it to pick up spoken commands regardless of how the Nintendo DSi XL is positioned.

LED Lights: Visible even when the Nintendo DSi XL unit is closed. Three lights indicate if wireless communication function is on or off, whether the battery is being recharged and how much battery life is left before it needs to be recharged.

Input/Output: Ports for Nintendo DSi game cards, Nintendo DS game cards, an SD memory card, an A/C adaptor and stereo headphones and a microphone.

Other Features: Embedded PictoChat™ software allows one user to draw pictures, or up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration.

Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.

Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering four to 17 hours of play on a 3-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.

Languages: English, French, Spanish.

Parental Control: An easy-to-use option that allows parents or guardians to manage access to Nintendo DSi exclusive and compatible software based on the ESRB rating, PictoChat, DS Download Play, Nintendo DSi Browser, and certain user-created content that may be inappropriate for some members of their household. It can also help manage the use of Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop and wireless exchange of photo data. Nintendo DSi Parental Controls are not compatible with existing Nintendo DS software.

(NDS/NDSi) New Beyonce Endorsed DLC Available in "Style Savvy"



-- Official press info below --

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Starting today, fashion mavens who own Nintendo’s Style Savvy™ game for the Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems and have broadband Internet access will be able to download some bonus fashions from Deréon, a clothing line co-created by entertainment icon Beyoncé and her mother, designer Tina Knowles. Style Savvy players can now choose from five real-life Deréon designs to outfit their character. These new fashions include:



* Deréon Pop Polo
* “D’s Studded” Skinny Jeans
* Sasha Fierce Short Shorts
* D’s Ruffle Cropped Jacket
* “All Zipped Up” Dress



Beyoncé’s partnership with Nintendo goes beyond these downloads. She will also be featured in Style Savvy commercials, which will begin airing on Nickelodeon the week prior to this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and during the event on March 27. Beyoncé previously starred in commercials for Nintendo’s Rhythm Heaven™ game.

The new Deréon downloads mark the second time real-life fashions have made their way into the game. Players have also had access to Charlotte Ronson Designer Downloads, which lets players download items from Ronson’s fall 2009 line directly into the game.

Style Savvy invites players of any age to express their individual sense of style by managing a virtual clothing boutique. Choosing from more than 10,000 items in a wide variety of styles, designer labels and price points, players can create distinctive looks to satisfy customers with various tastes and budget constraints. Using the simple controls of a Nintendo DS system, players can enjoy Style Savvy anytime, anywhere.

Monday, February 22, 2010

This Week's Nintendo Channel DS Demos



DS Demos

* Deca Sports DS - Cheerleading demo (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* Deca Sports DS - Ping Pong demo (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* Disney the Princess and the Frog (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - Alpine Skiing (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* James Cameron's AVATAR: The Game (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* Bakugan Battle Brawlers (distribution ends 2/28/2010)
* James Patterson Women's Murder Club: Games of Passion (distribution ends 2/28/2010)

(WiiWare) New "Ghost Slayer" Footage

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Ghost slayer just came out today for WiiWare. In case you were wondering what this game looked like, check out the footage below.

(Wii) The Hidden Moves of Red Steel 2

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Check out this cool trailer displaying some of the hidden moves you can do in Red Steel 2

Nintendo Week. Monday, February 22, 2010

RP to M Logo

Ok everyone. Here is today's episode of "Nintendo Week". Have fun!


-- Nintendo Week 02/22/2010 --

- Part 1 -



- Part 2 -

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Nintendo Week 02/01/2010

RP to M Logo

Just in case you missed out on this Monday's episode of "Nintendo Week", here it is for your viewing pleasure!


-- Nintendo Week Monday, February 1st, 2010 --


Gladiator A.D. Gets a Name Change

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I was starting to wonder what happened to "Gladiator A.D." until today. This morning I was welcomed to a nice surprise! It looks like Sega will be publishing High Voltage Studio's next Wii outing. No longer "Gladiator A.D." the game is now called "Tournament of Legends" and is due out in may.

Check out the official press release below...


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEGA Challenges Wii Gamers to Enter the Tournament of Legends!

We are excited to announce a new project in partnership with developer High Voltage Software – Tournament of Legends™. Exclusive for Wii™, Tournament of Legends is a weapon and magic based 3D-fight game featuring some of the biggest playable characters on Wii. Each fighter is based on a legend from world mythology: the Minotaur, a powerful Gladiator, Gorgon, Stone Golem, Valkyrie and other well-known and powerful characters. The game is scheduled for release in May 2010.

Tournament of Legends features epic battles in fantastic fighting arenas where they will wield mythical blade weapons, launch 40 magic attacks, and dodge giant mythological creatures that protect the battle lairs. In intense one and two-player fights, players master a range of character and weapon based magic attacks; including unleashing, amongst others, a man-eating lion, Jupiter’s Storm, Thor’s Fury and a nest of venomous snakes.



Tournament of Legends strives to offer even the most sophisticated Wii gamer a rich weapon fighting experience. Players will be able to switch weapons and enchantments with other characters or compete in various Wii Remote™/Nunchuk™ controller challenges which include dodging giant mythological creatures or restoring health and armor during fights. The game also features an Interactive Training mode and supports the Classic Controller™.







Tournament of Legends cinematic effects and graphics are fueled by the High Voltage Software Quantum 3 engine, designed and optimized for Wii. Large, 3D mythological fighters move fluidly. Fighting arenas, characters, and magical attacks are polished by advanced real-time lighting, blended animation, cinematic color curves, and more. And the fighters’ mythic journeys are told through beautifully hand drawn in-game cinematics.

Tournament of Legends is set to release in May 18th, 2010 exclusively for Wii.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Nintendo Week 01/25/2010

RP to M Logo

Ok my "Nintendo Week" post are back. I'm going to try to do my best to keep these things up to date. Enjoy!

-- Nintendo Week Monday, January 25th, 2010 --

Part 1



Part 2

Bird Missile

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With the release of "Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Ultimate All Stars" you can be sure to see plenty of parody videos based upon the different Anime shows the characters represent. The first video below is one of the first. It features Ken the Eagle and Condor Joe doing something that is an almost every day occurrence on the show "Science Ninja Team: Gatcgaman"

-- TvC UAS: Ken and Joe fight over when to shoot the Bird Missile --



-- A Really Cute but Deranged Parody --

Note: I have no idea what Anime this is but I simply love this parody. Its spot on, even down to the faux Gatchaman music. You have to watch this video!




-- The Real Deal --

Note: In this scene Ken and Joe aren't fussing over the missile but you get an idea on how intense the writers made the Bird missile seem.

iPad

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Um... yeah. The title sums it up. I ran into this video while looking for more stuff on Apple's new "tablet based" computer. I was seconds away from saying "The future is here" but sadly this baby is missing a few things I would have wanted from a tablet computer. Aside from all of that, check this video out. it's "cute" and informative at the same time and there aren't many videos that can claim to do that these days.

Game Review Series Volume 4

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It’s winter again and the kids are back in school but that does not mean that the fun has to be over. Last year was no short on good Wii releases but, none of them gives you that “fun in the sun feeling” in the same way as Nintendo’s, “Wii Sports: Resort”. "Wii Sports Resort" is the sequel to the 2006 pack-in, release, "Wii Sports". Where "Wii Sports" was used to get Wii owners open to the idea of using a Wii Remote and Nunchuck, the sequel, also serves a purpose. In June, we saw the release of the "Motion Plus" accessory. This device plugs into the bottom of the Wii Remote and allows for 1:1 (pronounced 1 to 1) control. Every copy of "Resort" includes a "Wii Motion Plus" device.



At first look, one might wonder why they should pick up this game. Compared to the five games offered in Wii Sports, the Resort version features 12 games, two of which (bowling and golf), are enhanced revisions from the first game. Swordplay, Wake boarding, Frisbee, Archery, Basketball, Table Tennis, Power Cruising, Canoeing, Cycling and Air Sports are the new entries. Wow, that was a mouthful!

Each game is pretty much self-explanatory but better, each game features alternate versions and or variations. Upon starting the game you are introduced to a three-minute video of how to install and handle your "Wii Motion Plus" device. Speaking of Motion Plus; the device is the true star of the game. None of the events in Resort can be played without one. As I said earlier, each game does not need to be deeply explained. What I will do is tell you about the games I enjoyed the most and how well they use the Motion Plus accessory. First off "The game works!" This is absolutely, one of the best examples of what the Motion Plus can do. If you think you have experienced everything Wii motion controls can offer, think again! Since seeing this game back in 2008 I have always wanted to play the Archery mode. Obviously it’s the first game I played.




Normally when you think of archery in a video game you would expect something of a first person shooter setup. That is very far from what you get in "Resort". In this mode you hold the Wii Remote vertical like a bow and you use the Nunchuck to draw back the arrow, while holding down the "Z" button. To release the arrow, you simply release the "Z" Button. In this game you do have a targeting reticule but the IR Pointer at the tip of the remote does not control it. To best describe targeting, you have a "targeting circle" that you have to align with the bulls-eye. Unlike a traditional reticule, you will not get a spot on shot. Instead, you have to rely on your whit and your eyes (like in real archery) to estimate where your arrow will land.

I had a great time with this game. The challenge of working with the "targeting circle" and angling my arrow against the wind was pretty amazing. I loved the overall feel of the setup. I am also pretty amazed how accurately the Wii Remote (with Motion Plus) can be used to aim at something on the screen. You normally don't see that level of targeting control unless it’s through the remote's infrared pointer. It really shows how versatile the Wii Remote is.




Another game I had a lot of fun with was “Power Cruising”. In this game you hold the Wii Remote and Nunchuck in your hands horizontally, like a big handlebar. The “A” button is used to accelerate and you turn the controller parts left and right together to turn in the desired direction. The goal of the game is to drive your jet ski to the many checkpoints within the allotted time, until you reach the end of the course. You also have a meter beside your Mii character. That bar shows you how much boost power you have. In order to use your boost, you simply rotate the controller parts forward like a motorcycle handle. The beautiful part about Power Cruising is the feeling of being behind a fast moving vehicle. By holding the controller properly for this certain game, your mind is allowed to imagine and be apart of the scenery created by this game. In essence, that has always been the beauty of the Wii. You hold the controller in different ways to ”bring” you into the game.

“Air Sports” is another game that shows off the sensitivity of the Motion Plus accessory. This game is very simple but just like all of the other resort games, there is a lot of fun to be had from this game. Air Sports is divided into three parts; skydiving, island flyover and dogfight. In “Island flyover” you hold the Wii Remote in its native position. Your plane automatically accelerates, the “B” button can be used to stop your propeller and the “A” button allows for you to shoot out pellets, which allow for you to pop balloons. Every slight movement is measured by the Motion Plus add on. To turn your plane, you simply move the Wii remote in the way you would a toy airplane. You can twirl the remote 360 degrees to do a barrel roll or just do two quick 90 degree turns to reach the same effect. You can also thrust your remote forward for a quick speed boost. Movement seems very natural to the point that many “core” Nintendo gamers that play this game will ask their selves, “Where’s my Star Fox Wii game?”



Another great part about “Island Flyover” is the ability to explore WuHu Island, the home of your Mii characters. While “Wii Sports Resort” might not be packing in the polygons arena, the game is nothing less than beautiful. Once again Nintendo shows that they are the masters of turning something simple into something beautiful. Every part of WuHu Island is crafted in fine detail and flying your plane around it and exploring the island is an experience that no Wii owner should miss out on. I almost wish that Nintendo will use the island setup again and create an adventure game just for the Mii characters.

Aside from the 12 different games and their multiple variations, “Wii Sports Resort” also includes an achievement system. You can do certain things within the game and gain recognition for them. Different types of icons represent the different achievements and you can compare your accomplishments with that of your friends and family. The only thing that seems to be missing from this game is an online component. You can use the Mii characters that you collect from the separate “Check Mii Out” channel but as for a direct online mode between the game disc and the “Nintendo WiFi Connection” service, there is none.



If you are a Wii owner I definitely recommend this game for you. If you are not a Wii owner, I still recommend this game for you. There is something simply magical about “Wii Sports Resort” and its use of the “Motion Plus” accessory. This game takes things back to the core of what video games are about. The ability to imagine, to experience and to enjoy having fun with the people close to you is what gaming is about. “Wii Sports Resort” will be a game that will stay in the hearts of people for years to come.