Fresh from my email box:
Club Nintendo Thank you for achieving Elite Status at Club Nintendo
Congratulations! You reached Gold or Platinum status by the deadline of June 30th, 2009. Thank you for being a Nintendo fan and for providing feedback on products at Club Nintendo. We are finalizing details on our Gold and Platinum Special Rewards, and will have an announcement within the next month. When the announcement is made, you will receive an email requesting that you login to your Club Nintendo account in order to redeem your Special Reward. If you are a member of a Club Nintendo Family account, your Account Administrator will have to accept this Special Reward. We will then distribute rewards before the end of the calendar year. Thank you again!
Nintendo
Wonder what they're gonna be?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
PS3 slim is real after all?
The much rumored (and denied) PS3 Slim looks like it might just be a reality after all.
Engadget is reporting that the Slim will be out by July, which would be this month. Which would be odd since there hasn't been any hype whatsoever for it.
Looks real to me though- I guess we'll see. By the way, 120 Gigs on that little guy? Very nice.
Some Quick Notes About What I'm Playing Right Now...
Ghostbusters really is like an 'interactive movie'. I just turned everybody off with that statement but it's true. Don't worry, you do actually play the game, it's not a bunch of FMV, I just mean that the writing and pacing is really good- I'm not sure if there's going to be very much replay value in it but the ride is pretty fun right now!
[prototype] is awesome. Don't believe the anti-hype, the game is really good. I'm not put off at all by the graphics (where are they supposed to be bad again?), and while there is some pop-up when you're up high above the streets- it's really not that bad. Better than inFamous? Could be... Definitely a lot more action.
Red Faction Guerilla is a really surprising title. Surprising in that it's really good. I remember the older ones for the PS2 and was a little put off by the switch to a third-person view. If you're wary about it as well, don't be. Volition did a great job here and cranked out what I think it the best in the series. I had heard it mentioned that the destructible environment was not just a tack on gimmick and was actually a game mechanic that worked well and added a lot. That's 100% correct. Try it.
Transformers 2 is in many ways a 'movie game'. There's an arcadey feel here that just doesn't jive with the majority of 'A+' games on the market today. That being said, if you're a Transformers fan you'll probably find something to like (unlockable G1 episodes!), definitely a rental if you're anyone else.
The Conduit is... um... Dammit I really wanted to like this game. I guess I do. It's just that, well, the graphics aren't really that good at all. Also the narration could've used a little more TLC. I can't get used to that control scheme either, would it have been such a problem to offer the classic pad as a UI for those of us who just want to plunk down on the couch and not swing our arms around!?! People don't believe me when I tell them that I prefer dual sticks to Wii-type and mouse & keyboard controls in FPS's but it's the truth. I play so many of them on consoles now that I've gotten used to it. Oh well, I still like the Conduit. Mainly because of all the conspiracy stuff but still.
[prototype] is awesome. Don't believe the anti-hype, the game is really good. I'm not put off at all by the graphics (where are they supposed to be bad again?), and while there is some pop-up when you're up high above the streets- it's really not that bad. Better than inFamous? Could be... Definitely a lot more action.
Red Faction Guerilla is a really surprising title. Surprising in that it's really good. I remember the older ones for the PS2 and was a little put off by the switch to a third-person view. If you're wary about it as well, don't be. Volition did a great job here and cranked out what I think it the best in the series. I had heard it mentioned that the destructible environment was not just a tack on gimmick and was actually a game mechanic that worked well and added a lot. That's 100% correct. Try it.
Transformers 2 is in many ways a 'movie game'. There's an arcadey feel here that just doesn't jive with the majority of 'A+' games on the market today. That being said, if you're a Transformers fan you'll probably find something to like (unlockable G1 episodes!), definitely a rental if you're anyone else.
The Conduit is... um... Dammit I really wanted to like this game. I guess I do. It's just that, well, the graphics aren't really that good at all. Also the narration could've used a little more TLC. I can't get used to that control scheme either, would it have been such a problem to offer the classic pad as a UI for those of us who just want to plunk down on the couch and not swing our arms around!?! People don't believe me when I tell them that I prefer dual sticks to Wii-type and mouse & keyboard controls in FPS's but it's the truth. I play so many of them on consoles now that I've gotten used to it. Oh well, I still like the Conduit. Mainly because of all the conspiracy stuff but still.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Nintendo Download
It’s No Reel Fantasy: Water, Sudoku and Silver Stars Can Boost Your Skills
This week’s new downloadable games include a trio of WiiWare™ titles – two built around water-themed challenges and one designed to keep your mental chops in top shape. For Virtual Console™, you’ll find a memorable SEGA character making his return in a classic single-player sci-fi adventure. Rounding out the lineup is a new Nintendo DSiWare™ title that’s sure to have sudoku fans reaching feverishly for the nearest stylus.
WiiWare
Water Warfare™
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: Water Warfare is a comical first-person shooter that uses water guns to battle and soak opponents. A map with a particular theme – Playground, Beach, Plaza or Nature Park – is generated automatically when the game begins, so you can think up new strategies each time you engage. Game modes include Single Player Missions, CPU Match and 2-Player Split Screen. On top of that, players with broadband Internet access can use Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to battle with up to eight players from around the world, or participate in Ranking Mode.
Reel Fishing® Challenge
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Reel Fishing Challenge offers a fun and challenging experience for novice fishers and master anglers alike. Put your skills to the test and discover new types of fish in the challenging mission mode, or relax and enjoy the game at your own pace in free play mode. No matter which mode you play, the game’s beautiful graphics and natural setting bring the fishing experience to life. Choose from a variety of lures to attract and hook the game’s numerous fish. Each fish looks and moves like the real thing – it’s the closest you can get to real-life fishing without putting on your waders.
Silver Star Reversi
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Silver Star Reversi has two modes: 1-Player mode allows you to play a match against the computer opponent, and 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can choose from five different computer opponents, turn the background music on or off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. During each match, you can also redo your last move, save the game at any point, or resign from the game. After a match has ended, you can review each move and resume the match from any point you choose.
Virtual Console™
Fantasy Zone™ II: The Tears of Opa-Opa
Original platform: SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Ten years have elapsed since Opa-Opa restored peace to the Fantasy Zone. Now history is repeating itself, and the planets that make up the Fantasy Zone once again find themselves attacked by the mastermind of the Nenon planet forces. This mastermind is secretly constructing a huge fortress in the Fantasy Zone and aims to put an end to their ambitious plans. Just as he did 10 years ago, Opa-Opa must do battle to save the Fantasy Zone.
Nintendo DSiWare™
SUDOKU MASTER
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: SUDOKU MASTER offers 150 unique puzzles that beginners and experts alike will enjoy. A handful of tutorials will help you learn the rules and controls as you go, and handy features like Write Mode and Temp Numbers make Sudoku pleasantly user-friendly. Feeling confident? Then try your hand at Title Mode to work your way up from Rookie to Sudoku Master. All puzzles were created by Sudoku veteran NIKOLI Co., Ltd., and tips from Sudoku godfather Maki Kaji are offered between games.
This week’s new downloadable games include a trio of WiiWare™ titles – two built around water-themed challenges and one designed to keep your mental chops in top shape. For Virtual Console™, you’ll find a memorable SEGA character making his return in a classic single-player sci-fi adventure. Rounding out the lineup is a new Nintendo DSiWare™ title that’s sure to have sudoku fans reaching feverishly for the nearest stylus.
WiiWare
Water Warfare™
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: Water Warfare is a comical first-person shooter that uses water guns to battle and soak opponents. A map with a particular theme – Playground, Beach, Plaza or Nature Park – is generated automatically when the game begins, so you can think up new strategies each time you engage. Game modes include Single Player Missions, CPU Match and 2-Player Split Screen. On top of that, players with broadband Internet access can use Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to battle with up to eight players from around the world, or participate in Ranking Mode.
Reel Fishing® Challenge
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Reel Fishing Challenge offers a fun and challenging experience for novice fishers and master anglers alike. Put your skills to the test and discover new types of fish in the challenging mission mode, or relax and enjoy the game at your own pace in free play mode. No matter which mode you play, the game’s beautiful graphics and natural setting bring the fishing experience to life. Choose from a variety of lures to attract and hook the game’s numerous fish. Each fish looks and moves like the real thing – it’s the closest you can get to real-life fishing without putting on your waders.
Silver Star Reversi
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Silver Star Reversi has two modes: 1-Player mode allows you to play a match against the computer opponent, and 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can choose from five different computer opponents, turn the background music on or off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. During each match, you can also redo your last move, save the game at any point, or resign from the game. After a match has ended, you can review each move and resume the match from any point you choose.
Virtual Console™
Fantasy Zone™ II: The Tears of Opa-Opa
Original platform: SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Ten years have elapsed since Opa-Opa restored peace to the Fantasy Zone. Now history is repeating itself, and the planets that make up the Fantasy Zone once again find themselves attacked by the mastermind of the Nenon planet forces. This mastermind is secretly constructing a huge fortress in the Fantasy Zone and aims to put an end to their ambitious plans. Just as he did 10 years ago, Opa-Opa must do battle to save the Fantasy Zone.
Nintendo DSiWare™
SUDOKU MASTER
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: SUDOKU MASTER offers 150 unique puzzles that beginners and experts alike will enjoy. A handful of tutorials will help you learn the rules and controls as you go, and handy features like Write Mode and Temp Numbers make Sudoku pleasantly user-friendly. Feeling confident? Then try your hand at Title Mode to work your way up from Rookie to Sudoku Master. All puzzles were created by Sudoku veteran NIKOLI Co., Ltd., and tips from Sudoku godfather Maki Kaji are offered between games.
Friday, June 26, 2009
iD software sold (and somehow I missed it.)
No idea how.
Id has been purchased by Bethesda software parent Zenimax. There'shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif a pretty good interview up on Kotaku about it but, basically, the statement from John Carmack is that id just had too much on it's plate.
They have an abundance of IP's that they can't really take advantage of properly and farming them out is getting hit and miss so this partnership will allow them to better make and distribute their games.
Overall it sounds logical, but I wonder if the sinking economic picture factored into the proceeding at all. After all, it's not exactly getting easier to do business and working under a parent company does offer a degree of protection. Especially one like Zenimax that plays host to two monster franchises like Fallout and Elder Scrolls already. Add Doom, Wolfenstein, and a bunch more and it's definitely a win for them- and probably for iD as well.
As long as they don't start getting rushed that is.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Now this has potential-
So you all know that I'm pretty amped up over the promise that Natal has for gaming and technology in general right?
Well this little beauty has a little somethin somethin going for it as well:
True 3-D, albeit viewed through a portal device is awesome. I'm in for this ASAP.
Well this little beauty has a little somethin somethin going for it as well:
True 3-D, albeit viewed through a portal device is awesome. I'm in for this ASAP.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Nintendo defeats patent suit
Guardian Media Technologies Ltd, yeah I don't know either, had filed suit against the big N alleging infringement on patent no. 4,930,158.
“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision,” said Rick Flamm, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of Legal and general counsel. “Nintendo vigorously defends patent lawsuits. At the earliest stages of this case, Nintendo convinced the Court to dismiss this case as Guardian’s patent had nothing to do with Nintendo’s products.”
That's all well and good but what's the patent for? Well, as near as I can figure, and bear in mind that I can just barely understand the legalese. It's a code that a user (that's you) can input into a piece of recording equipment that inhibits viewing by anyone other than themselves.
Why this was filed against Nintendo in the firs place is anybody's guess.
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