Super Mario Galaxy 2 Trailer

I’m not much of a Nintendo guy, but I have to at least include the newest Mario news. 

Update: For most of their press conference, it seemed Nintendo was content to just plus everything. Wii Fit Plus, Wii Motion Sensor Plus, Wii Sports Resort Plus, and New Super Mario Brothers Wii Plus (not necessarily their real titles) are just the same old things, each with a slight addition. Wii Fit is getting the workout routines it should have had in the first place. The Wiimote is getting a dongle add-on to give it the precise movement detection it should have had in the first place. Wii Sports is getting more games. The new 2D Mario is getting four-player co-op, which is just an extension of what it already has on the DS. I'd like to say I'm non-plussed, but I completely understand why Nintendo does this. They're simply cashing in on what works, much the same way the iterate the DS and people keep buying the plussed versions. You can hardly blame Nintendo.

There were several RPG announcements specifically for the Nintendo DS: Golden Sun DS, a Kingdom Hearts for the DS, and a North American release of Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story in which the brothers adventure through the villainous turtles innards. Nintendo insisted the Wii can be hardcore by showing footage from the Wii exclusives Dead Space: Extraction, The Conduit, and Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles.

For the broader audiences, the DSi will be able to upload photos to Facebook. User-created downloadable content is coming to the DSi in Wario Ware: DIY, where you can make your own microgames, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again, where you can make your own Lemmings-style puzzle levels. Women's Murder Club, based on the best-selling mystery writer James Patterson's potboiler, features three female protagonists doing things like a mahjongg minigame. Style Savvy is a virtual boutique game for tween girls. Tween girls -- more specifically their parents' credit cards -- are getting a lot of love at E3 this year.

But the really exciting announcements were for Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M. Based on a trailer with lots of footage of various planets, Galaxy 2 looks like more of the nifty stuff from Galaxy 1. Galaxy Plus, if you will. But the new Metroid looks like a real departure. It's a third-person action game that seems to go deeper in the background of Metroid protagonist Samus Aran. And here's the kicker: the developer is Team Ninja, the folks who made the brutally hardcore Ninja Gaiden series.

[via Fidgit]

Gaming with Jimmy Fallon

Yesterday we told you that G4's Morgan Webb was going to be on The Jimmy Fallon Show. True to our word, that thing actually happened. Webb and Fallon talked about games, before eventually fighting King Hippo in Punch Out!! on the Wii. You can see that after the jump.

But the real news: Ice T was also in the house, and chiming in on the conversation, he revealed his gaming habits. It seems that Ice T is a pretty big gamer, with the Xbox 360 being his system of choice. His gamertag? Lord 187X, he says. Looks like he's played a lot of games, too. Right now, he's playing Need for Speed Undercover, but has also partook in the joys of BioShock, Saints Row 2, and Gears of War 2.

But don't go trying to add him to your friends list just yet. Like many gamers, he laments the Xbox LIVE friend limit, a problem for a popular pimp like himself.

"You can only hold a hundred people," he told Fallon and Webb, "so it blows out the machine. But it's all good. It's all good."

It's not all good Ice T -- Microsoft needs to remove that friend list cap, and I think you're the guy to make it happen. But who needs to play online when you're married to a wife who will play games with you? Although it doesn't appear in his game history, Ice T said he's currently playing cooperative Resident Evil 5 with his wife, Coco.

[via Destructoid]

March 31st : Amazon Gold Box Deals

Well, for all you Wii fanboys out there, make sure you check out Amazon.com tomorrow all day.  They had this announcement in the Amazon Gold Box Deals Forum. 

All Wii Games, All Day. Make sure to visit the Gold Box on March 31 for six great Nintendo Wii video game deals. Happy gaming.
The Gold Box Team

PC Get's A Wii-Like Controller: End Is Near

Oh God..... When will it end???

Next to the madness that's surrounding the Brett Farve Watch '08, the insanity of the Wii is right up there. Case in point is the new PC Wiimote like controls from Asus, that utilize motion controls for specific games. The new "Eee Stick" controller has wireless connection via a 2.4GHz RF USB stick, and also has vibration feedback. The controller doesn't have a release date, but is due out sometime later this year.

Now please excuse me while I find myself a rope.

[G4TV]

Joystiq Hands-On : Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii

For good and bad -- or should I say light and dark -- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii is clearly a Wii game. Side-by-side with the PS3 and 360 versions, the Wii graphics disappoint, and the complexity and frequency of enemies feels scaled back. But the Wii motion controls are regularly interesting, mapping many of the game's controls into gestures. The simplest ones feel great, like punching the Nunchuk forward to do the Force-push.After recently playing late-development versions of all four game editions--360/PS3, Wii, DS, and PS2/PSP--I think the Wii game holds up as well as any of them. I had fun throwing enemies, shooting them with lightning, and hitting them with the lightsaber. And while the Wii holds its own, I'm mildly concerned that the final game could be repetitious, just cutting down waves of attackers. Hopefully the many different attacks, and Wii-specific two-player duel mode, will keep the game interesting.

Continue reading here.

Wii Star Wars Light Saber Game Trailer

Alright, the Wii finally got an exclusive that I'm interested in. But is it enough for me to consider buying one?

Meh.....

[Crunchgear]

Rumor Central: Sony Cloning Wiimote?

In light of the incredible success of the Wii due largely in part of the Wiimote, Microsoft responded with rumors of a similar controller code named Newton for the 360. Now comes whispers that Sony is creating their own copy of the Wiimote controller, and is in the process of testing different designs with people for comfort. According to PlayStation Lifestyle focus testers demoed a paintball game that is said to be great with the new controller.

Of course these are rumors and should be taken with a block of salt. But I get the feeling that there might be some truth to this one.

[PlayStation Life via Gizmodo]

Why You Should Buy Your Girl A Wii Fit

I'm beginning to understand the appeal of the Wii and it's Wii Fit add-on. How could I have been so naive.

Kinda NSFW if you're working with super sensitive jags!

[YouTube]

No Multiplayer For 'Force Unleased' On PS3/Xbox 360

I'm not sure what Lucas Arts was thinking with this decision but it's clearly a mistake!

It looks like the highly anticipated game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will only be multiplayer on the Wii. The Wii will get the cool dual mode, while the Xbox 360 and the PS3 will not have any multiplayer component. Check the quote from Lucas Arts:

"To be specific, there's no multiplayer in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, because there is on the Wii, PSP, and DS. As far as specific reasons are concerned, we don't really like to get into the reasons why we don't do things because I don't think there's really a satisfactory answer that people would really be happy with. So, there isn't multiplayer and that's kind of how it is..."

That's your answer Lucas Arts? Just deal with it?

So they don't put multiplayer on the two platforms with the best online multiplayer service, because they're going to put it on 3 platforms with the worst? That is the most ass backwards decision I've ever heard.

Good going Lucas Arts!!!

[Destructoid]

Yahtzee Let's You Know What He Thinks Of Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Yahtzee reviews Super Smash Bros. Brawl!!!

You just can't pay for this kind of entertainment. NSFW.

Yahtzee actually likes a game

I really can't get enough of Yahtzee and his hilarious reviews. Let's give him some recognition and vote for him at the People's Voice Webby Awards.

Wii Does More Than Play Games

How the Wii has saved lives and changed the world!!!

Not really, but it's an interesting use for the game console. I'm curious how Jack Thompson will spin this into how these people will now become crazed killers.

[via Crunchgear]

Cross Platform Compatibility

After reading an article that was in a mass subscription e-mail from Lockergnome which was apparently republished with the permission of (OS Weekly) regarding the topic of Cross Platform Compatibility. They took the angle of talking about programs which are written to work on Windows, Leopard, and various flavors of Linux. To go ahead and greatly shrink this story, the author basically wants to point out that creating programs, and simply porting them to work on other operating systems isn't enough. The aim, if you intend to succeed on multiple platforms is to not only port from the original system; but then utilize the available tools of each of the specific systems to maximize the program's WOW quotient. (or ability to impress)

Before I put forth my argument; please note that a decision must be made before embarking on cross compatibility. Do you have what is needed (funds, staff, investors, publishing strength) to pull it off. If not; then make it the best you can for the system you choose to go with period. If you wish to go further; then read on...

My angle is to take this theory and put it towards the current and future gaming consoles. We've all seen or played games that were big hits on one system, only to be ported to another system and fail miserably due to either lack of features, interface incompatibilities, or even program bugs which bog down the game on systems not originally programed for.

One can easily see that there just isn't any way to adapt a program between a Wii and a PS3 or XBox360; you're talking apples and oranges. In some cases it may just be too cost prohibitive to bridge these gaps; but I think I have a good example of why a developer needs to go the extra mile, and pay the extra bucks.

Look at Madden '08. The game is VERY different between the XBox360, PS3, and the Wii. First I'll concentrate on just the XBox360 vs the PS3. The game was created first for the XBox360 and by most accounts was a great success resulting in many people deciding that the XBox360 was the system for them. This became even more obvious when the PS3 version arrived. In essence the PS3 has incredible innate features. This machine can really do some amazing stuff; but programmers are a bit behind the curve with the PS3. (At the time of this post, they have caught up to a respectable level) The human eye can process 30 frames per second. Anything less than that and humans see a stuttering/almost slow/stop motion effect. Because Madden '08 was one of the best selling games of the holiday season; people would see console displays next to one another at retail outlets. Many of them would allow patrons to play Madden '08 to lure them in to a purchase. Due to not utilizing the philosophy of maximizing a games potential on each particular system; XBox360's were showing exceptional graphics at 60 frames per second. Sadly for Sony, The frame rate was at a paltry 20 frames per second. The human eye could easily see what appeared to be an inferior demonstration of the same game on what many concluded was an inferior system. The average consumer doesn't know any better; and seeing is believing. The PS3 looked like it just didn't have the horsepower. The truth of the matter is that Sony should have infused Tiberon/EASports (the maker of Madden '08 so that the programmers could have utilized Sony's expertise and made a far better looking/playing product. If this had occurred, the average consumer wouldn't necessarily have swarmed in greater numbers to purchase the XBox360 than the PS3. Yes this would have meant a bigger investment from Sony; but they would have made a much better impression at the retail markets and in the reviews that were written in the consumer gaming magazines. Many Many more PS3's would have been bought; and it would have been because that the developers did more than simply port and tweak Madden '08. They would have utilized the strengths of the PS3 to make Madden '08 shine.
Due to the Wii's interface differences; it demanded that developers go the extra distance to utilize the Wii's strengths to make the best game possible. While it paled in comparison graphically to the XBox360's version; the game-play (what the Wii's all about) gave a different dynamic justifying the game's sales on the Wii; and it probably made some people say; I like the way this feels, I'm buying a Wii over the other two systems.

So what do we learn here? Two systems had product that utilized their strengths; and one system did not. Perhaps it was Sony's arrogance that ultimately hurt their '07 sales (on many levels).

It is important that if you decide to not only make a game cross platform compatible, do more than simply port and tweak. Soup it up utilizing the consoles strengths. Yes it will create a larger initial investment; but it will also give both the consoles and game producers a far better return.

Xbox 360 Has The Highest "Attach Rate"

Microsoft is certainly beating their chest about this one.

Apparently the Xbox 360 has the bigest "attach rate" than any other console, which means that your average Xbox 360 owns more games than the PS3 or the Wii. Check the quote from Microsoft's chief financial adviser Chris Liddell:

"We're now at a stage where we sell about seven games per console and that's a record certainly for any console and relative to history, So people are now actually spending more on the games and accessories than they are on the underlying console, so that business model that we put in place the last couple of years is certainly starting to fire."

So what do you say 360 owners, does that sound about right? Do you own several games?

Consumers buying seven games per console [gamesindustry.biz via G4TV]

Reason #1 Of Why You Shouldn't Own A Wii

Wii Sports Accident

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This is why Nintendo decided not to let anyone make a light saber add-on for the Wii-mote controller. And there's something to be said about not having to flap your arms around to play a game.

The Wii is just not for me.....

No Lightsaber Wii-Mote For Star Wars Game

To the dismay of many Wii owners, there will not be a Wii-mote lightsaber peripheral for the rumored Star Wars lightsaber game. According to wiinintendo.net "Nintendo won’t let anyone, Lucasarts included, make any type of ‘bat-like’ peripherals for the Wiimote." It seems like Nintendo doesn’t want people smashing each other in the face with "bat-like" peripherals. Of course they don’t mind you flapping around like a moron with the little goofy controllers.

Don’t expect an officially licensed lightsaber peripheral for the Wii. [wiinintendo.net via G4TV]

Motion-Sensitive Xbox 360 Controller Being Developed?

It's time to visit rumorville once again kids.

This time XboxFamily.com is reporting that the peripheral maker company Gyration, is developing a motion-sensitive add-on for the Xbox 360 controller. No word on when (or if) it will be available, but Microsoft isn't saying a word.

It seems that Microsoft is going to jump on the Wii bandwagon.

[XboxFamily via Gizmodo]

Why Do You Want A Wii?

I know that the Wii is targeted at the family, adults, kids, moms, dads, and everyone in between.

But this photo pretty much sums up why I don't own a Wii!!!

I'm pretty sure that what ever is holding these geezers attention on the Wii is something that I don't want to play. I guess I'm in the minority with this Wii craze thing, but I just don't get it. No HD support and the games are geared towards 8 year olds, moms, and now seniors? How and why the PS3 and Xbox 360 are not killing this console is the tech mystery that has remained unsolved in my gadget filled life.

Someone please help me understand the madness!!!!

Impressive Wii Mod

I've seen some pretty incredible PC and game console mods, but the guy who put this Wii mod together has out done himself. The modder who calls himself Kypes used a black face and stand, clear sides and LED lights to bring it to life. Unlike most modders who just put neon in their system, this guy angled the LED lights in such a way to highlight the disk drive and fan. Kypes also added a SD card slot and a Game Cube memory card.

Now if the games looked as good as the mod, I might be interested.

[Acid Mods via Gizmodo]

Nintendo, Profits better than EVER?!?!?!

Wow, I used to think the glory days of Nintendo were behind them; especially after how sales of the Nintendo 64 and Gamecube went. Apparently folks really want to flap their arms around and look silly because Nintendo has just had their best sales week EVER!! Check it out here. Thanks be to Wired.