Showing posts with label Nintendo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nintendo. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Nintendo goes 3D!!! (again)
Remember the Virtual Boy? If you don't, don't blame yourself. It was only on shelves for about a year, and was considered a colossal failure.
Fast forward 15 years or so, and Nintendo is trying it again. Only this time, the screen(s) won't be all red and black, like the Virtual Boy was. It'll be full color-awesomeness!!! EXCITEMENT!!! It's called the "3DS" (a 3D DS obviously). I'm happy. But what about all the poor saps who bought a DSi or will be buying the soon-to-be release DSi XL? Sucks to be them. Mine's gonna be in 3D Suckas!!
Here's the current wiki article on the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS
The Nintendo 3DS (tentative title)[1] is an upcoming handheld game console produced by Nintendo. The handheld will succeed Nintendo's current Nintendo DS series, which primarily shares the handheld market with Sony's PlayStation Portable.[2]
The Nintendo 3DS will offer games that utilize 3D effects "without the need for special glasses" and is also backwards compatible with Nintendo DS and DSi titles.[1]
The Nintendo 3DS will feature the same accelerometor technology that is currently found in today's Wii remotes and various mobile cell phone devices. Using this technology, you will be able to "look around" the room or 3D playing field to view hidden objects and add depth to your gaming experiences.
Declining to give information about pricing or launch dates in the press release, Nintendo will reveal formal details about the Nintendo 3DS at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo.[1]
Asahi Shimbun speculated in its hardware report that the 3DS may take advantage of parallax barrier technology by Sharp Corporation will be the basis of the 3D in the handheld. It is currently already in use by several mobile phones in Japan. [3]
Nintendo expects the console to be released during the fiscal year ending March 2011.[1]
Fast forward 15 years or so, and Nintendo is trying it again. Only this time, the screen(s) won't be all red and black, like the Virtual Boy was. It'll be full color-awesomeness!!! EXCITEMENT!!! It's called the "3DS" (a 3D DS obviously). I'm happy. But what about all the poor saps who bought a DSi or will be buying the soon-to-be release DSi XL? Sucks to be them. Mine's gonna be in 3D Suckas!!
Here's the current wiki article on the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS
The Nintendo 3DS (tentative title)[1] is an upcoming handheld game console produced by Nintendo. The handheld will succeed Nintendo's current Nintendo DS series, which primarily shares the handheld market with Sony's PlayStation Portable.[2]
The Nintendo 3DS will offer games that utilize 3D effects "without the need for special glasses" and is also backwards compatible with Nintendo DS and DSi titles.[1]
The Nintendo 3DS will feature the same accelerometor technology that is currently found in today's Wii remotes and various mobile cell phone devices. Using this technology, you will be able to "look around" the room or 3D playing field to view hidden objects and add depth to your gaming experiences.
Declining to give information about pricing or launch dates in the press release, Nintendo will reveal formal details about the Nintendo 3DS at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo.[1]
Asahi Shimbun speculated in its hardware report that the 3DS may take advantage of parallax barrier technology by Sharp Corporation will be the basis of the 3D in the handheld. It is currently already in use by several mobile phones in Japan. [3]
Nintendo expects the console to be released during the fiscal year ending March 2011.[1]
I drawded a pikshur
I love to draw. I don't have much time to draw lately, so I'm getting a little rusty. But a friend asked to me to draw Samus aiming at a Metroid. So voila. There it is. I hope he likes it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Nintendo introduces the "Super Guide"
Can't beat a level? Let the SUPER GUIDE beat it for you!
Sounds lame? You must be a gamer.
http://www.destructoid.com/using-mario-wii-s-super-guide-makes-miyamoto-regretful-152141.phtml
"When a players dies eight times on one of the game's 80 stages, they'll have a chance to hit a green "Super Guide" block. This will trigger a video in which you'll watch Luigi play through the stage. This isn't designed to give away all of the game's secrets -- it won't show you hidden paths or all of the hidden coins, for instance.
It will however give players the opportunity to see how the stage could be completed. At any time, the player can jump into the action and take over, which would give them the opportunity to let the game itself guide them through some of the nastier sections. If the player decides, letting the game complete the level will allow them to move to the next stage. "
"According to Miyamoto, there are a few disadvantages to using the "Super Guide." Players who persevere and decide not to use any "Super Guide" blocks will be awarded with something special (like some cool indicator on the game's title screen), where as those who rely on them will miss out. There's another downside to using the guides -- shame."
"I find that when [the "Super Guide" block] does appear," he says. "I kind of feel regretful and guilty that I've let that happen. So I've often found that playing the game, when that happens, it kind of inspires me [to say] 'I've already done this bad, now I have to clear the level on my own.'"
Sounds lame? You must be a gamer.
http://www.destructoid.com/using-mario-wii-s-super-guide-makes-miyamoto-regretful-152141.phtml
"When a players dies eight times on one of the game's 80 stages, they'll have a chance to hit a green "Super Guide" block. This will trigger a video in which you'll watch Luigi play through the stage. This isn't designed to give away all of the game's secrets -- it won't show you hidden paths or all of the hidden coins, for instance.
It will however give players the opportunity to see how the stage could be completed. At any time, the player can jump into the action and take over, which would give them the opportunity to let the game itself guide them through some of the nastier sections. If the player decides, letting the game complete the level will allow them to move to the next stage. "
"According to Miyamoto, there are a few disadvantages to using the "Super Guide." Players who persevere and decide not to use any "Super Guide" blocks will be awarded with something special (like some cool indicator on the game's title screen), where as those who rely on them will miss out. There's another downside to using the guides -- shame."
"I find that when [the "Super Guide" block] does appear," he says. "I kind of feel regretful and guilty that I've let that happen. So I've often found that playing the game, when that happens, it kind of inspires me [to say] 'I've already done this bad, now I have to clear the level on my own.'"
Nintendo Burlesque? With Nitzer Ebb?
http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/nightlife-and-events/video-game-burlesque-with-memb/
Sometimes the universe swirls and congeals multiple awesome things together in a brief moment of simultaneous awesomocity.
This is one of those times.
Sometimes the universe swirls and congeals multiple awesome things together in a brief moment of simultaneous awesomocity.
This is one of those times.
Monday, August 17, 2009
AI Tested on 'Super Mario Brothers' Game
AI Tested on 'Super Mario Brothers' Game
Eric Bland, Discovery News
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/17/super-mario-brothers.html
Aug. 17, 2009 -- Human players might have defeated Bowser decades ago in the original Super Mario Brothers video game, but a new competition is pitting computers against Koopa Troopas to save Princess Toadstool.
The contest is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence programs.
"Basically we need a good way to compare different artificial intelligent techniques," said Julian Togelius, an assistant professor at IT University of Copenhagen and who, along with his colleague Sergey Karakovskiy, is organizing the competition.
"Computer games have a design that is relevant to humans, are fast paced and well defined. And besides, everyone loves games."
The computer programs will pit Mario and his brother, Luigi, against the same Goombas, Piranha Plants and Bullet Bills that human players have confronted for decades.
The specific levels, however, will be new to human and computer players alike.
Togelius has developed a random level generator that will create dozens of new, never-before-seen levels. To the possible chagrin of frustrated human players, the original Super Mario Brothers levels would likely be too easy for a computer, said Togelius.
Eric Bland, Discovery News
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/17/super-mario-brothers.html
Aug. 17, 2009 -- Human players might have defeated Bowser decades ago in the original Super Mario Brothers video game, but a new competition is pitting computers against Koopa Troopas to save Princess Toadstool.
The contest is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence programs.
"Basically we need a good way to compare different artificial intelligent techniques," said Julian Togelius, an assistant professor at IT University of Copenhagen and who, along with his colleague Sergey Karakovskiy, is organizing the competition.
"Computer games have a design that is relevant to humans, are fast paced and well defined. And besides, everyone loves games."
The computer programs will pit Mario and his brother, Luigi, against the same Goombas, Piranha Plants and Bullet Bills that human players have confronted for decades.
The specific levels, however, will be new to human and computer players alike.
Togelius has developed a random level generator that will create dozens of new, never-before-seen levels. To the possible chagrin of frustrated human players, the original Super Mario Brothers levels would likely be too easy for a computer, said Togelius.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Ridiculously Awesome Games Announced at E3
Oh my god!
Resident Evil and Metroid look AMAZING!!!! They don't look like 'typical' video games, they seem to be more immersive, like you're "in a film", almost.
Wow.
For an extensive list of all the new games being unveiled at E3, see peterparker's Microsoft E3 report here and the Nintendo report can be found here
Keep on the lookout for the upcoming Sony report at the forum
..
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wii 'Punch Out' Review
If you like the old Punch Out games, I can almost personally guarantee that you will LOVE the new one. It totally feels like the old-school Punch Out style, but with updated 'pretty' graphics. It's the same old system of "wait for the opponent to do something weird (wiggle his eyebrows... shake his body... etc...) and then counter it, get a star... repeat.... stars give you the "super punch" ability to fuck shit up.... you know how it goes.
I haven't even bothered to play with the nunchuk. It's too much fun to play with the sideways wii-mote old-school NES style.
My only minor gripe is that they only added two new characters (one of which is a brand new character named "Disco Kid", the other one is an old Nintendo favorite who has decided to enter the ring with Little Mac. I won't tell you who it is, but you can click here if you're dying to find out.). It would have been nice to see a few more new faces, but the old characters have been given a complete make-over (while remaining true to their established 'personalities'. For example, The Great Tiger's jewel still flashes and he disappears and reappears in puffs of smoke, you punch King Hippo in the stomach and once he falls down, he can't get up, and Bald Bull still has the good 'ol "Bull Rush"), but there's so much new, extra stuff added in that it's almost as if you're fighting all new opponents. Almost...
Overall, I'm completely satisfied with the new 'Punch Out', and I feel that it's a perfect addition to the series. They got the engine right, and the graphics are fantastic (funny cut scenes too). Here's hoping for a sweet sequel with new characters.... *crosses fingers*
Here's what some of the top game critics have been saying about it:
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Zelda II Review
A few months ago, I beat Zelda II: The Adventure of Link again for the umpteenth time, and I decided to write about it. Well... I never did. Until now.
Zelda II is great. It combines the sidescrolling action of a game like Super Mario Bros. with somewhat of a fighting engine, and combines THAT with the open exploration and item collecting that the series has always been known for. Awesome.
When I say "fighting engine", I'm referring to the battle system. In every other Zelda game (up to 'Ocarina of Time' and the 3D era of Zelda games), you go up to a bad guy, you press a button on your controller and voila, the enemy is dead. Simple. Unless of course you're fighting a boss, in which case you have to repeat the process a number of times until the boss has been bested.
However....
In Zelda II, fighting requires intense concentration. Maybe this is where the game loses people. You see... if you just go blazing into battle with your button-mashing fingers blazing.... you're screwed. You're dead. Fade to black. Return of Ganon.
In Zelda II, you actually need to pay very close attention to what the enemies are doing at all times. For example, if a bat flies low to theground...watch out! There's a very good chance he might transform into a bat-humanoid thing that breathes fire at you. It's okay though, If you expect this, you can just put up your shield and it's no problem. Be vigilant. The best example however, would be the Palace Guard knights. These guys have swords which they can use to stab high or low depending on their whim (I'm pretty sure they were programmed to stab high or low randomly. There doesn't seem to be any order to their stabby-stab-stab chaos). They also have a shield which they can use to block high and low attacks, so in order to kill them, you need to watch for when they pull their daggers and then (very quickly) raise your shield (or lower it) to block their attack and then (quickly quickly quickly) stab them in the area that they are not currently blocking. Sounds tough? It is. And as you progress through the game, they take more and more hits to kill, but they also give you more and more experience points......which leads me to something I haven't mentioned yet....This game incororates RPG elements.
That's right folks.... ZELDA II is the one and ONLY game in the series to utilize experience points.
For some reason experience points are gained in the form of money. Instead of cellecting rupees, you collect money bags. So every time you grab a money bag you either get 50, 100 or 500 rupees (if memory serves me correct). You also get money for killing enemies. In later levels, the knights that you slay will give you over 1000 rupees each. These knights (and all other palace enemies) come back to life every time you leave the palace. So leaving and coming back in is a great way to build experience points. Whenever you gain the sufficient amount of experience to gain a level, you are asked to choose from 'health', 'attack' or 'magic'. If you choose 'health', your healthbar increases (that's right, NO heart containers). If you choose 'attack', you get stronger (you don't collect better swords in this game, you just upgrade using experience), and if you pick 'magic', your magic meter raises (similar to the magic bar in Link to the Past, you even fill it up with magic bottles).
The game is generally quite easy until later on, when you might get to an area and you're thinking "what the hell do I do now". In some ways, it's almost as ridiculous as "Castlevania II". Remember that orb that glows and looks really important, but when you try to touch it nothing happens? Do you remember buying the 'oak stake' and throwing it at the orb to open it up? No?!? Of course you don't. Who the FUCK is gonna figure that shit out?
Luckily, Zelda II doesn't really get retardedly hard until the very end of the game, at which point I would highly recommend talking to EVERYONE! Oh, and try walking through every wall in the later dungeons....cause ya never know....
I give Zelda II 8/10 deku seeds
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Nintendo planning friendlier approach to game difficulty
http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/nintendo-planning-friendlier-approach-to-game-difficulty/1278610 
I think this is a fantastic idea.
We've all used game guides, gamefaqs and Game Genie/ Game Shark to skip levels.
We all have friends and relatives who refuse to play video games based solely on the idea that they're "too hard". They pick up a game like 'Zelda: Twilight Princess' because everyone tells them how awesome Zelda games are, and then they want to smash their controllers when they can't figure out where to find the boomerang... or how to find a key.... etc... and then they just STOP playing the game altogether out of frustration.
Well, now they don't have to! Now everyone can play.
I seem to be the only one who likes the idea however... everyone in the IMCML community seems to be completely enraged at the idea:
http://www.ironmanchangedmylife.com/forum/index.php?topic=225.0
I don't see a problem. Nintendo are geniuses. They know what the deal is.
"The days of getting stuck in games could be gone altogether, if a patent filed recently by Nintendo comes to fruition.
Nintendo's idea, made public in a patent application this week, hinges on making demonstration videos available to players while they're playing the game, either as a thumbnail view or a full-screen animation. Players could interrupt the demonstration at any point, taking control back to continue playing without assistance. Think of it as a tutorial guide that lasts throughout the entire game.
It also proposes to let players start playing at any point during a game -- a feature that's in many games already, but typically only unlocked once a player has already completed those levels. Just like skimming a newspaper article for the juicy bits, this would allow players to tackle games, in their entirety, at their own whim."
I think this is a fantastic idea.
We've all used game guides, gamefaqs and Game Genie/ Game Shark to skip levels.
We all have friends and relatives who refuse to play video games based solely on the idea that they're "too hard". They pick up a game like 'Zelda: Twilight Princess' because everyone tells them how awesome Zelda games are, and then they want to smash their controllers when they can't figure out where to find the boomerang... or how to find a key.... etc... and then they just STOP playing the game altogether out of frustration.
Well, now they don't have to! Now everyone can play.
I seem to be the only one who likes the idea however... everyone in the IMCML community seems to be completely enraged at the idea:
http://www.ironmanchangedmylife.com/forum/index.php?topic=225.0
I don't see a problem. Nintendo are geniuses. They know what the deal is.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Nintendo DS 3.0
The Nintendo DSi is the newest version of the DS, announced during the Nintendo Conference on October 2, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan.
Pros:
1. The new DS has two 640x480 cameras built in (one that points toward the user, and one that points away from the user)
2. SD card slot (for photo storage)
3. larger screens (3.25 inches as opposed to the previous 3 inches)
4. It is possible to download games from an online store, called the DS Shop, and store them on the DSi. The applications will either be free, 200, 500, or 800 Nintendo Points.
5. It also comes with a built-in browser
cons:
1. The cameras are a measly .3 megapixels.
2. The front slot for GBA cartridges will be removed, thus removing the unit's backwards compatibility and its compatibility with add-ons like Guitar Hero: On Tour and the rumble pack.
The system will be released in Japan on November 1, 2008 for 18,900 yen (appox.$180USD), and in 2009 in the rest of the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS#Nintendo_DSi
My take:
The larger screen and the ability to download games and software using Nintendo Points is VERY cool, however, removing GBA backward-compatibility is totally lame. I still play my old GBA games, and I always have one loaded in my DS system at all times. I couldn't give a crap less about the stupid camera. What I didn't mention in the 'pros' and 'cons' is that the DSi is thinner and lighter than the 'DS Lite'. I haven't decided whether that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'll have to hold one in my hands to decide.
Pros:
1. The new DS has two 640x480 cameras built in (one that points toward the user, and one that points away from the user)
2. SD card slot (for photo storage)
3. larger screens (3.25 inches as opposed to the previous 3 inches)
4. It is possible to download games from an online store, called the DS Shop, and store them on the DSi. The applications will either be free, 200, 500, or 800 Nintendo Points.
5. It also comes with a built-in browser
cons:
1. The cameras are a measly .3 megapixels.
2. The front slot for GBA cartridges will be removed, thus removing the unit's backwards compatibility and its compatibility with add-ons like Guitar Hero: On Tour and the rumble pack.
The system will be released in Japan on November 1, 2008 for 18,900 yen (appox.$180USD), and in 2009 in the rest of the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS#Nintendo_DSi
My take:
The larger screen and the ability to download games and software using Nintendo Points is VERY cool, however, removing GBA backward-compatibility is totally lame. I still play my old GBA games, and I always have one loaded in my DS system at all times. I couldn't give a crap less about the stupid camera. What I didn't mention in the 'pros' and 'cons' is that the DSi is thinner and lighter than the 'DS Lite'. I haven't decided whether that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'll have to hold one in my hands to decide.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wanna watch someone beat Megaman 9?
For those of you who don't know, a new 8-bit, old-school Megaman game came out on Sept. 22, 2008. I blogged about it a while ago and posted the trailer.
Well, the game's only been out for 4 days and some crazy bastard has already beaten the whole thing and uploaded the ENTIRE game to Youtube.
So if you're as excited about Megaman 9 as I am, check it out:
Well, the game's only been out for 4 days and some crazy bastard has already beaten the whole thing and uploaded the ENTIRE game to Youtube.
So if you're as excited about Megaman 9 as I am, check it out:
| part 1: Intro: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wDhTbcsRlQ |
| part 2: Tornado Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K1OSoCk5QU |
| part 3: Magma Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Yoe5cdmxxI |
| part 4: Hornet Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvHNJ3ZwDgM |
| part 5: Splash Woman: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_dSOZIKe6o |
| part 6: Concrete Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZJ4rB7Kwik |
| part 7: Galaxy Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NIjINVijuI |
| part 8: Jewel Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBc5WQztbc |
| part 9: Plug Man: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prEWMZE7Qbk |
| part 10: Wily Castle 1: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHkT2KO08Wo |
| part 11: Wily Castle 2: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH0Q2dNhro0 |
| part 12: Wily Castle 3: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7DE9CdqY7E |
| part 13: Wily Castle 4: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icj4CKm3L5c |
| part 14: Ending: | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4tx2Ur5O1A |
Friday, July 18, 2008
Mega Man 9 [in 8-bit GLORY!!11!1!!!1!]
If you're anything like me, you've been lamenting the loss of the classic 8-bit style of the videogames of yesteryear. Ever since Mario 64 burst onto the scene with its 3-D graphics, everything's been downhill since. Granted, Mario 64 was a pretty sweet game, but Mario Sunshine was a steaming pile. Mario Galaxy was a huge improvement...but it's still no Mario 3. I think most would agree, but I digress...
We aren't talking about Mario here, we're talking about Megaman.
If anything has suffered during the '3D era', it was the Megaman franchise. Megaman Legends was a disaster. Megaman Legends 2 wasn't much better.
He doesn't even wear his helmet in these games, WTF?!!?! They went on to make the god-awful Battle Network series (of which there are 20 titles, according to wikipedia). That's right... TWENTY Battle Network games.
Thankfully, Capcom came to their senses and released several awesome 2D Megaman games in recent years: The 'Zero' series and 'ZX', and I can't fail to mention the entirely AWESOME 'Megaman X' series. Megaman + Hadouken = Effin' sweet.
But now Capcom is doing one of the coolest things I've seen any video game company do in a LONG time. OMG, I'm so giddy as I write this....The newest game in the Mega Man franchise, to be released in September of this year (2008) is.... *drumroll*
Ladies and Gentlemen.... I introduce to you.... MEGA MAN 9!!
What's this? Is it some mistake? Didn't I say this was a 'NEW' game? YES! It IS new. Capcom is releasing an ENTIRELY NEW 8-BIT MEGAMAN GAME. HOLY SWEET MARMALADE!! (?)
Check it out, here's the trailer:
Did you notice that it said "In the year 20xx"? I love it.
screens:
These screens are taken from http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14260822.html
We aren't talking about Mario here, we're talking about Megaman.
If anything has suffered during the '3D era', it was the Megaman franchise. Megaman Legends was a disaster. Megaman Legends 2 wasn't much better.
He doesn't even wear his helmet in these games, WTF?!!?! They went on to make the god-awful Battle Network series (of which there are 20 titles, according to wikipedia). That's right... TWENTY Battle Network games.
Thankfully, Capcom came to their senses and released several awesome 2D Megaman games in recent years: The 'Zero' series and 'ZX', and I can't fail to mention the entirely AWESOME 'Megaman X' series. Megaman + Hadouken = Effin' sweet.
But now Capcom is doing one of the coolest things I've seen any video game company do in a LONG time. OMG, I'm so giddy as I write this....The newest game in the Mega Man franchise, to be released in September of this year (2008) is.... *drumroll*
Ladies and Gentlemen.... I introduce to you.... MEGA MAN 9!!
What's this? Is it some mistake? Didn't I say this was a 'NEW' game? YES! It IS new. Capcom is releasing an ENTIRELY NEW 8-BIT MEGAMAN GAME. HOLY SWEET MARMALADE!! (?)
Check it out, here's the trailer:
Did you notice that it said "In the year 20xx"? I love it.
screens:
These screens are taken from http://wii.ign.com/objects/142/14260822.html
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