Joystiq

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D to include easier mode, new content

Mike Suszek — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D will include an easier mode that will grant the chimp duo Donkey and Diddy Kong three hearts instead of two, as revealed in an update on Nintendo's UK site. The 3DS remake will also feature local co-op, though Nintendo didn't specify whether the multiplayer facets of the game were restricted to multi-cart play as opposed to download/single cart play.

The game is slated to include content exclusive to the 3DS version, such as challenging "trophy levels" that are unlocked by collecting puzzle pieces in the platformer's original levels. Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is due out May 24.

Gallery: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (4/6/13)

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D to include easier mode, new content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dad re-tiles Donkey Kong for his daughter, has Pauline save Mario

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST

To a 3-year-old, it's a logical enough assumption: We can play as a girl, Princess Peach, in Super Mario Bros. 2, so we should be able to play as Pauline in Donkey Kong. Most seasoned players know this isn't the case, since Donkey Kong features a static game of boy-saves-girl - until now.

"My 3-year-old daughter and I play a lot of old games," writes Other Ocean Interactive creative director Mike Mika on Facebook, as picked up by Reddit. "Her favorite is Donkey Kong. Two days ago, she asked me if she could play as the girl and save Mario. She's played as Peach in Super Mario Bros. 2 and naturally just assumed she could do the same in Donkey Kong. I told her we couldn't in that particular Mario game; she seemed really bummed out by that."

To put a smile on his daughter's face, Mika hacked the 2010 NES Donkey Kong ROM, using Tile Layer Pro, and swapped out Mario with Pauline. He shows off the end product in the above Donkey Kong: Pauline Edition video, though we don't need visual confirmation that this is the most adorable story we'll write today.

Dad re-tiles Donkey Kong for his daughter, has Pauline save Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These old Nintendo promo videos are a national treasure

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST

A collector of gaming antiquities has provided an incredible public service to the world, by uploading six extremely rare, extremely retro Nintendo corporate promotional tapes to YouTube. The six videos (above and after the break) were originally used as sales pitches to promote various products and live events, such as the Super Game Boy and the 1990 Nintendo World Championships, to retailers and potential venues.

Beyond their value as hilarious distractions, however, these blurry, color-smeared glimpses into the past also serve as a reminder of our community's history -- one that must be preserved and cherished, so that our children may one day know how completely ridiculous everything was in the early 90s.

Their tiny, adorable faces will look up and ask "Daddy, why are there day-glo pink triangles all over everything in these 'video tapes'?" To which we'll reply, "Hush, sweetie. Eat your gruel before Ag'rathas and his Labor Wardens start our next shift, here in the Salt Mines of Kuu'uultepth, which is in space because this is humanity's bleak future as a conquered people."

Continue reading These old Nintendo promo videos are a national treasure

These old Nintendo promo videos are a national treasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo reveals exact dates for Wii U Virtual Console Trial Campaign games

David Hinkle — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST

Nintendo's celebration of the Famicom's 30th birthday - the Wii U Virtual Console Trial Campaign - kicked off last week with the release of Balloon Fight on the Wii U eShop. Each month, Nintendo will release a classic game at a special $.30 price, for 30 days until the next eligible game debuts. Today, Nintendo released the schedule for the discount promotion:

February 20: F-Zero (SNES)
March 20: Punch-Out!!! Featuring Mr. Dream (NES)
April 17: Kirby's Adventure (NES)
May 15: Super Metroid (SNES)
June 12: Yoshi (NES)
July 15: Donkey Kong (NES)

The Virtual Console doesn't officially launch on the Wii U until this spring, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct event last week. Despite that, Balloon Fight as well as several other games can be acquired through the Wii U eShop.

Nintendo reveals exact dates for Wii U Virtual Console Trial Campaign games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy Art Academy or Crosswords Plus digitally, get rare Donkey Kong: Original Edition [update]

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST

Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone! and Crosswords Plus both launch today on 3DS. You can get both in stores, but Nintendo has sweetened the deal significantly for eShop purchases, offering a free version of Donkey Kong that you can't get anywhere else.

If you buy either game from the eShop and register it on Club Nintendo, you'll get a free download of Donkey Kong: Original Edition, a special version of the NES Donkey Kong that has been edited to add the "cement factory" level. It's previously been released only with a special Wii bundle in Europe and with Japanese New Super Mario Bros. 2 purchases.

Neither of those games seem like particularly natural lead-ins for Donkey Kong, but at the very least, the offer will sway some people who planned to buy one of those games anyway, and will now choose to do so digitally.

Update: The deal applies to more games than Nintendo chose to mention this morning. Style Savvy: Trendsetters, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, and Paper Mario: Sticker Star all give you access to DK Original Edition if bought digitally and registered before January 6. Thanks to reader Thomas for pointing that out.

Continue reading Buy Art Academy or Crosswords Plus digitally, get rare Donkey Kong: Original Edition [update]

Buy Art Academy or Crosswords Plus digitally, get rare Donkey Kong: Original Edition [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro Studios helped to craft Donkey Kong course for Mario Kart 7

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST

When Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that Donkey Kong Country Returns dev Retro Studios was collaborating with Nintendo on Mario Kart 7, he stopped himself there. "But wait," we wondered at the time, "What does that mean?" As it turns out, it means that the Texas-based dev house helped to develop the game's Donkey Kong Country Returns-themed level.

I played through the level this morning during a preview event at Nintendo of America's upper Manhattan offices, and can back up its Donkey Kong-ness. There were rotund wooden barrels with "DK" in capital letters on the side, some bats, plenty of palm trees -- what you'd expect to see in a level based around Mr. Kong.

Unfortunately, it's unclear whether MK7 will feature other levels that were co-developed by teams outside of Nintendo, as company reps told me it's not something they're speaking about just yet, but we're hopeful for more when Mario Kart 7 launches on December 4.

Gallery: Mario Kart 3DS (8/3/11)

Retro Studios helped to craft Donkey Kong course for Mario Kart 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trade your Club Nintendo coins for a big 3DS AR card

JC Fletcher — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST

Your 3DS Mii is pathetically teensy now, suitable for posing next to hamsters and soda cans. But you could make your virtual self much more (virtually) substantial with the giant AR Card, available now from North America's Club Nintendo for 200 Coins. The 28.5" tall card has the question-mark block on one side, and Mario on the other, allowing it to be used for AR Mario images as well.

Two other prizes were added to the lineup today: for ten coins, you can get a Metroid: Other M screensaver -- released almost a year after the game ... or for 400 Coins, there's a set of three Donkey Kong posters, in the same style as previous Mario and Zelda posters.

[Thanks, Zonic505!]

Trade your Club Nintendo coins for a big 3DS AR card originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The unsung, underpaid heroes behind Donkey Kong

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

A new feature on Gamasutra outlines the development history of Nintendo's breakout hit, Donkey Kong. While it's widely known that the game design was a Shigeru Miyamoto joint, the programming on the arcade title was actually contract work by a company called Ikegami Tsushinki. The only "credit" the company had was a message hidden in the ROM: "CONGRATULATION !IF YOU ANALYSE DIFFICULT THIS PROGRAM,WE WOULD TEACH YOU.*****TEL.TOKYO-JAPAN 044(244)2151 EXTENTION 304 SYSTEM DESIGN IKEGAMI CO. LIM."

This message also showed up in Sega classics Congo Bongo and Zaxxon, proving that the same company developed some of the foundations of both Nintendo's and Sega's libraries.

Unfortunately for Nintendo, the arrangement with Ikegami meant that the contractor had the exclusive rights to produce Donkey Kong boards and sell them to Nintendo. When the game became a hit, Nintendo ignored this agreement and made 80,000 new boards on its own, essentially violating copyright on its own game. Nintendo then went on to reverse engineer its own game to produce Donkey Kong Jr., with the help of a company called Iwasaki Giken, which (according to GDRI) probably went on to become Nintendo second party Intelligent Systems. This led to a lawsuit that ended in a settlement in 1990, and ruled that Nintendo didn't have the rights to the arcade Donkey Kong code -- a ruling that goes far in explaining why we haven't seen a re-release of the original version.

[Image: The Arcade Flyer Archive]

The unsung, underpaid heroes behind Donkey Kong originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Brothers Mario return in GTA IV machinima 'Kong Country'

Mike Schramm — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST

Machinima stars The Brothers Mario are back, and they've brought a new character with them: "Don Keykong," a mob boss who's bananas for vengeance. Along with all of the other cameos, there's even a music video for the gangsta anthem featured in the trailer. Being a plumber has never been so badass.

Continue reading The Brothers Mario return in GTA IV machinima 'Kong Country'

The Brothers Mario return in GTA IV machinima 'Kong Country' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hank Chien reclaims King of Kong title

Justin McElroy — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST

This is one of those stories we scarcely need to report, as we're sure you felt it somewhere deep in your bones, but there's a new (old) King of Kong. As the unmistakable feeling of the tectonic plates shifting below your feet will attest, the honor was taken by plastic surgeon Hank Chien with a Donkey Kong score of 1,068,000 in two hours and 45 minutes.

Chien takes the title from Steve Wiebe (1,064,500) who took it from Billy Mitchell in September (1,062,800) who took it from Chien (1,061,700) who won the title in March of 2010, besting Mitchell's 1,050,200, which had stood for three years.

In related news, Joystiq has recently broken its own record for "Most Stories About the Donkey Kong High Score in One Year" and you don't see anybody writing a frigging blog post about that.

Hank Chien reclaims King of Kong title originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Wiebe publicly attempting to best his own Donkey Kong high score

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST

After much back and forth earlier this year, currently, Steve Wiebe is sitting comfortably atop Twin Galaxies' worldwide leaderboard in Donkey Kong. But that's not enough for Chicago's Logan Hardware. The soon to be re-opened hardware store has hired Wiebe to not just teach a Donkey Kong class, but also to spend nearly five hours attempting to best his own high score on January 15.

The public is free to attend the attempt, whereas the class costs $12 -- if you're looking to snap a pic with Wiebe or to have him sign your ultra limited edition laserdisc copy of King of Kong, ponying up the $12 is probably your best option. If that weren't enough, Logan's throwing in a free t-shirt and the chance to ask Wiebe what he really thinks of Billy Mitchell's hot sauce brand. And, surely, the answer to that last question is priceless.

Steve Wiebe publicly attempting to best his own Donkey Kong high score originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sonic, Samus, Mario and more race to the finish line

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST

Animator Steve Williams has made a plethora of 16-bit characters compete in a cross-cartridge race. Oh, Donald Duck, you have a turkey's chance of winning today.

Continue reading Video: Sonic, Samus, Mario and more race to the finish line

Video: Sonic, Samus, Mario and more race to the finish line originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkey Kong Country Returns review: Exactly as much fun as a barrel of monkeys

JC Fletcher — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

I used the Super Guide.

There, I said it. I doubt I would have been so tempted under normal, non-reviewing circumstances, but I had a very limited time to get through Donkey Kong Country Returns, and I was getting pretty frustrated, and that happy little pig was standing there, waving a white flag and inviting me to put my feet up and let Super Kong carry me through the level. And I did. I mean, uh, I had to try out the Super Guide at least once for review purposes, right?

The presence of the Super Guide in this game is actually very important. Retro Studios seems to have gotten it where previous games haven't: with the Super Guide in place, allowing players to give up after eight lives and see a recorded playthrough of a level, Retro was free to make this ostensibly kid-focused Nintendo franchise game as painfully difficult as it wanted to. And it's a difficulty worth at least attempting to endure.

Gallery: Donkey Kong Country Returns (10/28/10)

Continue reading Donkey Kong Country Returns review: Exactly as much fun as a barrel of monkeys

Donkey Kong Country Returns review: Exactly as much fun as a barrel of monkeys originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Donkey Kong Country Returns trailer looks so tough a monkey's gotta do it

Mike Schramm — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST

This new Donkey Kong Country Returns trailer means this game's not kidding around. Retro Studios may have borrowed Rare's colorful designs, but it added a vicious platforming challenge to Kong's new banana-collecting adventure. Guess it really is on like ... well, you know.

Continue reading New Donkey Kong Country Returns trailer looks so tough a monkey's gotta do it

New Donkey Kong Country Returns trailer looks so tough a monkey's gotta do it originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stephen Colbert follows Nintendo's example, trademarks old catchphrases

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST

Television comedic mastermind/pundit extraordinaire Stephen Colbert isn't one to sit on the sidelines while a hot new business trend passes him by. Inspired by Nintendo's recent (and timely!) decision to trademark the phrase,"It's on like Donkey Kong," Colbert explored the profitable possibilities afforded by other catchphrases with product ties, such as "Don't Front like Duck Hunt," which we ... may actually start using in our day-to-day lives.

Check out the clip from The Colbert Report after the jump, and feel free to drop your own cross-promotional quips in the comments -- not like you guys weren't going to do that, anyways.

Continue reading Stephen Colbert follows Nintendo's example, trademarks old catchphrases

Stephen Colbert follows Nintendo's example, trademarks old catchphrases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! review: Good things, small packages

Mitch Krpata — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST

By now, you'd think Super Mario would know better. Like Captain Kirk and Mitch Buchanan before him, any woman he romances is destined for danger. A kinder man would quit the dating scene altogether, maybe take up a hobby, and take comfort in knowing that he has spared some beautiful stranger the peril of knowing him. Not this guy. It's like he's got a hero complex or something.

And so, in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!, there's Mario taking Pauline out of hiding for a romantic day at the Mini-Land amusement park, and there's Donkey Kong, right on schedule, snatching her away. Even though "mayhem" is not exactly the right word for the low-key puzzle game that ensues (and the exclamation point is just gratuitous), Mario's latest handheld adventure is nevertheless an appealing, though minor, entry in his canon.

Gallery: Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Miniland Mayhem (DS)

Continue reading Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! review: Good things, small packages

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! review: Good things, small packages originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Guide returns in Donkey Kong Country Returns

JC Fletcher — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST

Last year, New Super Mario Bros. Wii introduced the "Super Guide" -- if you died eight times in one level, you'd get the option to have Luigi play through it for you (and you could take back control at any time) -- and gaming was ruined forever. (Not really.)

Nintendo has since included the Super Guide in Super Mario Galaxy 2, and today the company officially announced that the feature will return in Retro Studios' Donkey Kong Country Returns. Should you die eight times (apparently the magic number just before most controllers are smashed!) in any level, you'll be able to initiate a playthrough by the white "Super Kong." Once he takes over, you can either watch the rest of the level be played for you or resume playing it once Super Kong passes any problem area. Of course, you won't get to keep any of the bananas, "KONG" letters or other collectibles picked up by Super Kong -- he has to be rewarded with something for his masterful efforts, right?

Our own first experience with the game, along with a subsequent preview, suggests that we might no longer shun the Super Guide when it comes to Donkey Kong Country Returns. We fully expect to be rescued by Super Kong at least once.

Super Guide returns in Donkey Kong Country Returns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Billy Mitchell is The King of Tattoos

Justin McElroy — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EST

Perfection ... ish?

Billy Mitchell is The King of Tattoos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Wiebe is the King of Kong again

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Billy Mitchell must be pissed. The certified "Video Game Player of the [20th] Century" has lost the Donkey Kong world record -- again -- to longtime rival Steve Wiebe. Wiebe nudged Billy's July 31 record of 1,062,800 points with a masterful 1,064,500-point effort, achieved on August 20 and confirmed today by score authority Twin Galaxies. The two rivals memorably starred in the 2007 documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.

Hank Chien, who ever so briefly enjoyed the limelight, falls to third on the all-time leaderboard.

[Pictured: Billy Mitchell; photo credit: Joshuah Bearman]

Steve Wiebe is the King of Kong again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brooklyn theater putting on plays inspired by video games

Mike Schramm — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Just because we're video game fans here at Joystiq doesn't mean we don't appreciate the more classical forms of art -- as long as they're related to video games, that is. Like this series of shows at the Brick Theater in Brooklyn, NY, for example. It's a whole month of some quality live drama, all driven and influenced by video games.

There's Grand Theft Ovid, which tells some of the Roman poet's tales using everyone's favorite carjack simulator (along with a few other popular games). Modal Kombat features a set of guitar controllers that are used to play non-music games. The best, though, might be the Theater of the Arcade, which takes old games like Duck Hunt and Donkey Kong and presents them, re-imagined, as short theatrical vignettes. O Mario, Mario, wherefore art thou?

The shows are going on at the Brick through the rest of July. Performances are just $15, plus there's also a Rock Band Karaoke night and a few other game-related events sprinkled throughout the run. If your significant other is complaining that you're spending too many nights in front of the TV and not enough out enjoying the arts, this seems like a perfect compromise.

[Thanks, Edward!]

Brooklyn theater putting on plays inspired by video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo of America opens new Redmond HQ

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:45:00 EST

[TechFlash]

We imagine the interior of Nintendo's new headquarters in Redmond, Washington to embody the four quadrants it's divided into: Mario, Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Wario. Unfortunately, Nintendo wouldn't allow press to take interior photos of the company's recently opened US headquarters, citing "security concerns," so we just don't know. Nor do any images exist of the "gigantic top-floor conference room" that's appropriately named "The Master Sword;" though, according to Techflash, it's said to resemble a Wall Street-style conference room more than anything you'd find in a Hyrulian office -- the 75,000 square feet of greenery on the roof would likely make Link feel more at home.

As you can see above, Nintendo of America head Reggie Fils-Aime and Nintendo worldwide head Satoru Iwata were hilariously joined by Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and her friends the Mario brothers for the building's opening ceremonies last week. "Hopefully this new building will help [employees] to be even more creative and productive, and continue to put smiles on the faces of our consumers," Iwata said of the new HQ. The beautiful facility -- detailed in several photos here -- is said to house 650 staff members. No official number of hidden Yoshis has been given.

Nintendo of America opens new Redmond HQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Join the cause with '80s arcade propaganda art

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

Forget about minimalism, it's time to join the fight! Illustrator Steve Thomas has fashioned four propaganda-style posters urging all of us to push back against '80s arcade all-stars Donkey Kong, Joust, Frogger, and Dig Dug, contending you should "Find your place among the flying elite!" and "Defeat the beast!"

For prices ranging from $11.95 to $41.95 (starting at 11"x16" and getting as large as 35"x52"), you can snag yourself one of these beauts -- there are even framing options, should you be so inclined. That said, given the flood of folks rushing to purchase Justin Russo's aforementioned posters just last week, we'd suggest getting in on this one early before they're all gone.

[Via GameSetWatch]

Join the cause with '80s arcade propaganda art originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the new King of Kong

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:55:00 EST

If your internet hasn't been abuzz with rumors about Hank Chien, the new King of Kong, then maybe you've been frequenting the wrong chat rooms. "He literally appeared out of nowhere," people are saying. "He was locked in a basement with the game and a 6-month supply of canned foods," some have claimed. Since setting the Donkey Kong high score, Chien has been "pelvis-deep in cocaine and highly-desirable sexual partners," one reporter wrote.

If you want the real scoop, look no further than this Details interview with Chien, whose record-breaking score of 1,061,700 on a Donkey Kong arcade machine has propelled him into internet notoriety alongside celebrated characters like Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell. The young champion, however, knows how quickly fame can come and go. "My score is very beatable."

Meet the new King of Kong originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There is a new King of Kong

Justin McElroy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST

Sorry, it's not a sequel to King of Kong, the documentary that showed the battle between ruthless Billy Mitchell and nice guy Steve Wiebe to become the world's best Donkey Kong player. This is a new guy on the scene, 35-year-old plastic surgeon Hank Chien, who's just taken the world record in the game according to Twin Galaxies with 1,061,700 points after a two-and-a-half-hour session.

Chien says he expects that the honor will keep him "pelvis-deep in cocaine and highly-desirable sexual partners for all of my days." Or at least we bet he was thinking that.

There is a new King of Kong originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto recognized with prestigious BAFTA Fellowship

Mike Schramm — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced that it'll be awarding Shigeru Miyamoto with the storied BAFTA Fellowship award, which is "the highest accolade the Academy can bestow on an individual for their creative work." Miyamoto will receive the award in a ceremony next month. It's a pretty high honor for his work in film and television, which includes this Mega64 video and this old kids' television series.

Oh wait, no -- it's actually part of the British Academy's Video Games Awards, and it is honoring him as the creator of Donkey Kong, Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. That makes much more sense. Nobody should be giving anyone awards for the Super Mario Bros. movie.

Miyamoto recognized with prestigious BAFTA Fellowship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto: Mario originally named 'Mr. Video,' couldn't jump

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

Though the latest edition of Iwata Asks is technically focused on New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the first few pages of the interview go off on a tangent about the overall-clad plumber's roots which you might find interesting. For instance, did you know that Miyamoto's original plan for Donkey Kong was a video game based on Popeye? It's true -- it was only after he was denied the rights to put the muscly-armed sailor man in a video game that he created the most prolific video game character of all time.

Of course, just like a timid middle school student, Mario was forced to go through some awkward formative phases. Miyamoto revealed that in the original design for Donkey Kong, Mario -- who, at the time, was referred to as "Mr. Video" -- was unable to jump. Man, we feel like we just gazed into some kind of creepy alternate universe.

"It is me, Mr. Video. I'm going to slowly walk over there, all the while praying that I don't encounter any ground-based enemies."

Miyamoto: Mario originally named 'Mr. Video,' couldn't jump originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto thinks his college degree wouldn't get him a job at Nintendo today

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

In the upcoming issue of Edge Magazine, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto discusses a variety of topics with the UK gaming magazine. Develop Online got their hands on a copy of the magazine already, revealing a rather ... revealing quote from the father of Donkey Kong. "Nintendo has become one of those companies that graduates from colleges and good universities really want to work for ... I often say to [Nintendo head] Mr. Iwata: 'If I was applying for a job here today, I, with my actual college degree, would probably not have been employed by Nintendo."

Though he adds that he "might pick up on [applicants] and try to find out something really different within them which you can't judge just by a college degree," it worries us greatly that today's equivalent of the man who helped to birth some of the game industry's landmark franchises may end up unemployed or even dissuaded from game development altogether. All alone! Without a home! We imagine somewhat like a rolling stone!

... Our apologies. That was quite enough.

Miyamoto thinks his college degree wouldn't get him a job at Nintendo today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo launching Limited Edition DSi bundles featuring Mario, 'brain teaser' DSiWare packs

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST

This Black Friday, November 27, Nintendo will release DSi bundles containing pre-installed software to the value of $20. The metallic blue DSi bundle (a new color for the States) will feature Mario-themed DSiWare, while the white is for those with "a passion for brain teasers."

Blue version: Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, Dr. Mario Express, WarioWare: Snapped!, Mario Calculator and Mario Clock.
White version: Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Sudoku, Brain Age Express: Math, Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics, Photo Clock.

There is no altered price to go with the announcement of these bundles, so we're guessing the units will retail at the normal $170 price. Of course, it is Black Friday, so check various retailers for the best deals.

Check out Joystiq's Black Friday Game Deals Hub or jump to a retailer guide below:

For more Black Friday coverage, check out Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday Sales,
And other Black Friday 2009 stories today from Walletpop.com

Nintendo launching Limited Edition DSi bundles featuring Mario, 'brain teaser' DSiWare packs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TripleSpeedRunners take on Nintendo trio for charity

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST

Harnessing the power of Nintendo franchises for charity, the folks at TripleSpeedRunners will be spending 48 hours this weekend speed-running through games from the Donkey Kong, Star Fox, and Kirby series. Live streaming of the event will be handled on the crew's website, with live commentary and chat available to cheer the players -- or jeer 'em if you're a player hater.

All proceeds from donations during the event will go to DC Outreach, an organization that provides worldwide support to families affected by Dyskeratosis Congenita. Last time TSR got together, it raised $1,140 for the DC charity, but we know with the full support of the Joystiq BioMass behind them we can help them double that. Right, folks?

The speed-runs kick off this Friday at 7PM ET sharp.

TripleSpeedRunners take on Nintendo trio for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkey Kong Easter egg cracked 26 years late

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST

Who knew? You can put a price on obscure video game secrets, after all. Buried in 25,000-odd lines of game code for twenty-six years, an ancient "Easter egg" has been uncovered -- thanks to a modest cash reward -- from the Atari 8-bit port of Donkey Kong. Hint: You're looking at it (pictured above). Don't see it? It's the initials: LMD. Yeah, that's it.

Last year, in an unabridged blog post about early-80s programming for Atari, celebrated coder Landon M. Dyer offhandedly remarked, "There's an Easter egg [in the Donkey Kong port], but it's totally not worth it, and I don't remember how to bring it up anyway." Still, game databaser Digital Press thought it worth it enough to offer up a $75 reward for discovering the hidden treasure; or, more accurately, a reward for discovering the process by which the Easter egg is triggered, as it was known that the bonus itself was simply the programmer's initials displayed on the title screen. In turn, the seventy-five bucks was worth it enough to a Mr. Don Hodges to scour the game code and dig up the dusty trail to the Easter egg. There are plenty of eggs left to crack, too, if you're looking for adventure that pays.

Head past the break for the suspenseful reveal. The video's got quite the build-up. Be patient.

Continue reading Donkey Kong Easter egg cracked 26 years late

Donkey Kong Easter egg cracked 26 years late originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See Punch-Out!!'s super secret boxer in action

Justin McElroy — Thu, 21 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

OK, so you may have already been exposed to this information (in fact, we've been holding off on talking about it to give you a chance to discover it on your own) but there's a super-secret boxer in the new Punch-Out!!. Now that the veil of secrecy has been lifted by pretty much every other site, though, we figure we might as well help you ruin the surprise for yourself if you're in to that sort of thing.

So, take a peek below the jump if you dare, but, seriously, don't get mad at us if it's spoiled for you. Fair warning.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading See Punch-Out!!'s super secret boxer in action

See Punch-Out!!'s super secret boxer in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stride Gum ponying up 40,004 quarters for a Wiebe win

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 EST

We've known for a good while now that Billy Mitchell's arch enemy, Steve Wiebe (our hero!), would be competing for another Donkey Kong world record at E3. What we didn't know was that Stride Gum would be investing $10,001 in quarters -- and a year's supply of "the world's longest lasting gum" -- if the star of King of Kong can accomplish the task.

The official statement from Stride says, "Reward will be paid provided Wiebe successfully beats Billy Mitchell's current record of 1,050,200 during a single game of Donkey Kong at E3 2009." We'll be there, cheering him on and giving Walter Day high fives in the background. If we see a kill screen, we'll be sure to tell everyone that we possibly can within the immediate vicinity. Would you expect any less?

Stride Gum ponying up 40,004 quarters for a Wiebe win originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat [update]

David Hinkle — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:00:00 EST

Update: The contest has come to an end. Keep an eye on your email to see if you won!

It's time for another Joyswag giveaway, and this time we're giving away the New Play Control! version of Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Like rhythm-based games? Like big gorillas? Like leaders of the bunch? Then see how you can enter the giveaway below!

Leave a comment telling us what your favorite game featuring Donkey Kong is
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day
This entry period ends at 3:59 pm ET onTuesday, May 11
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive the "New Play Control!" version of Donkey Kong Jungle Beat ($30)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Joyswag: New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq Interview: Gary Vincent, co-founder of the American Classic Arcade Museum

Xav de Matos — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

After spending some quality time perusing the classic arcade collection amassed by the FunSpot and the American Classic Arcade Museum, we had a chance to speak with one of the museum's founders, Gary Vincent.

An employee at FunSpot since the '80s, Gary was instrumental in creating an environment where classic arcade machines were preserved for future generations. Sitting next to the mini-golf course that helped to launch FunSpot in the early 1950s, we discussed the origins of the museum, how technology has both helped and hurt the arcade scene and the process of bringing a classic back to life.

Gallery: FunSpot / American Classic Arcade Museum

Continue reading Joystiq Interview: Gary Vincent, co-founder of the American Classic Arcade Museum

Joystiq Interview: Gary Vincent, co-founder of the American Classic Arcade Museum originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Wiebe sets Donkey Kong Jr. world record

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:15:00 EST

Steve Wiebe, the lovable protagonist from the documentary The King of Kong, recently became too impatient to wait until E3 to crush a classic gaming high score. Twin Galaxies, the unofficial scorekeepers of global gaming records recently announced that Wiebe had set a new high score of 1,139,800 for Donkey Kong Jr., surpassing the previous record of 1,033,000 set by Ike Hall. Meanwhile, our high score on Donkey Kong Jr. Math goes untouched, as it has remained for nearly two decades. Bring it on, teacher man.

Steve Wiebe sets Donkey Kong Jr. world record originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Joystiq Nintendo: Donkey Kong Generation Gap Edition

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

This week in Ask Joystiq Nintendo, unfortunately, is all about stuff that just isn't going to happen. The DS might have gotten a browser update with the DSi, but the update wasn't in the area people really wanted.

In the process of discussing your questions (which you can send to us by email at asknintendo AT joystiq DOT com!), we also reveal that I am a fossil.

Continue reading Ask Joystiq Nintendo: Donkey Kong Generation Gap Edition

Ask Joystiq Nintendo: Donkey Kong Generation Gap Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Super Monkey Kong' renders Donkey Kong in LEDs

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EST

The Meggy Jr. is a build-it-yourself handheld console with a striking 8x8 LED display, programmed using the open-source Arduino platform. Somehow, clever game designers have managed to shoehorn playable, fun video games into that astoundingly low-resolution display (which, to use TV terms, would be "8p").

Programmer Steven Read has now created "the world's first LED Donkey Kong video game" for the device. The graphics are, naturally, scaled down, and each level now spans multiple screens, but Super Monkey Kong retains the essence of Donkey Kong -- climbing girders and avoiding barrels and fireballs. It even adds a bit of complexity. At the top of the level, you have to jump up and headbutt "Monkey Kong" in the LED beanbag five times to win. Unfortunately, like the NES version, this one lacks the cement factory level.

See Super Monkey Kong for yourself at Read's site.

[Via GameSetWatch]

'Super Monkey Kong' renders Donkey Kong in LEDs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Wiebe to go for Donkey Kong hi-score at E3

Jason Dobson — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:45:00 EST

Amidst the lights, glitz and elbows to the face at this year's E3 will be Steve Wiebe, who will use the spectacle as the backdrop for his latest attempt to reclaim his Donkey Kong arcade scoring title.

Wiebe will take joystick in hand June 2nd at the show, marking his fourth attempt to break the record since he was outscored by fellow quarter jockey Billy Mitchell at the end of manufactured biopic, King of Kong. The undertaking will be nationally televised by G4 as audiences crowd in front of their sets, pining for a chance to catch a glimpse of Wiebe's sweaty palms and maybe, just maybe, the classic's infamous 'kill screen.'

Steve Wiebe to go for Donkey Kong hi-score at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VC Friday: Apes and bikes

Chris Greenhough — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: News, Virtual Console

Gaming's favorite ape returns to the PAL Virtual Console to cause havoc for arch-enemy ~~Mario~~ Stanley, but don't get too excited: despite being an early Miyamoto game, the 22-year-old Donkey Kong 3 has not aged gracefully. It's also a bit of an oddity in the series, in that it plays more like a shooter than the traditional run-and-jump Donkey Kong fare, so we ... guess it holds some value as a curio.

Then there's Enduro Racer, a game in which it is possible to win races by driving in an almost entirely straight line. It would be fair to say Nintendo emerged triumphant in the 8-bit motocross wars.

Donkey Kong 3 -- NES -- 500 Wii Points
Enduro Racer -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points

Gallery: Donkey Kong 3

Continue reading VC Friday: Apes and bikes

VC Friday: Apes and bikes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch how Jungle Beat (Play on Wii) plays on Wii

David Hinkle — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Video

Click image for more comparison pics

Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat (Play on Wii) released today in Japan. As such, first footage of the game has hit the internet. We hear you like that sort of thing? Well, after watching the stage above, we're excited for the game. We've had our fair share of qualms with Play on Wii, that's for sure, but Jungle Beat looks so fun. We'll keep an eye out for other videos showing off the new game, so you keep an eye here for those as they make their way onto the intertron. Because we can't resize the embeddable player, you'll have to head past the break for the video.

Oh, and it should be noted that the game apparently released with a reversible cover, providing Japanese consumers with a chance to improve on that fugly boxart Nintendo went with. You may also check that out past the break.

Continue reading Watch how Jungle Beat (Play on Wii) plays on Wii

Watch how Jungle Beat (Play on Wii) plays on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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