Joystiq

Google Maps comes to ... the NES?! [April Fools!]

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

In a move that is as surprising as it is whimsically delightful, Google has decided to bring its globally renowned and often essential Google Maps service to one of the best-selling home computing solutions of all time: The Nintendo Entertainment System.

As demonstrated in the video above, using Google Maps on your NES/Famicom is just as easy as using it on your desktop, smartphone or tablet. Simply insert the cartridge into the system, remove it, blow into it, reinsert it back into the system, attach a phone line and you're ready to go. Google's cloud of servers compensate for the NES's lack of processing prowess, allowing for a quick, seamless experience.

While Google Maps for NES has yet to begin shipping, a demo version is available at the web-based Google Maps portal -- just click on the Quest button on the top right to begin your adventure.

Update: Rather than play along with these gags as they happen, we've decided instead to tag each April Fools' Day prank as such in the headline, in order to avoid as many dashed hopes as possible. For what its worth, we want this to be real as much as you do.

Google Maps comes to ... the NES?! [April Fools!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NintendoWare Weekly: Metal Gear Solid 3D demo, Strider

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST

The Metal Gear Solid 3D demo arrives today, accompanied by relatively big news on the Virtual Console! The first NES Ambassador game for 3DS is now available for purchase by non-Ambassadors! Super Mario Bros. is on the eShop now for five bucks. And if you already have it through the Ambassador Program, you can get a free update to add multiplayer and save states!

There's also news for the Wii's Virtual Console: the Genesis version of Strider can be purchased today. We hadn't heard about a Genesis VC game in a while, so we looked into it. As far as we can tell, this is the first Genesis game on Wii in North America since Sonic & Knuckles, on February 15, 2010. It's been two years and a day since the last Genesis VC release.

In fact, this appears to be the first Wii Virtual Console release of any kind since The Ignition Factor six months ago. Enjoy it! This doesn't happen very often.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Metal Gear Solid 3D demo, Strider

NintendoWare Weekly: Metal Gear Solid 3D demo, Strider originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) pulled from Virtual Console

David Hinkle — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

You waited too long. It was only a couple bucks, but you thought, "I have time. It'll always be there. I'll get to it eventually." But now you can't download Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Virtual Console and your world is destroyed.

Honestly, it was a weird goal to have, but we didn't want to say anything. In each and every region, it seems the turtles have retreated from the Virtual Console. Nintendo World Report reports Konami cited an "expired license," the same issue that claimed TMNT Turtles in Time Re-Shelled.

There's no word on whether the turtles will return to the surface any time soon, so we've contacted Konami for more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) pulled from Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget goes hands-on with the RetroDuo Portable NES/SNES

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

We don't know if you guys realize this or not, but CES is a big show. Like, really big. So big, in fact, that our crack team of ground forces couldn't possibly see all that there is to see, no matter how efficient and devilishly handsome they may be.

Thankfully, our sister site Engadget was also at the show, and they got to spend some hands-on time with the RetroDuo Portable, an NES/SNES combo device from classic console fabricator Retro-Bit. Functionally, the device serves the same purpose as the SupaBoy released by Hyperkin late last year, albeit with a few catches. Hit the source link for Engadget's full write up, and ask yourself a very important question: Which is more valuable, $90, or memories?

Engadget goes hands-on with the RetroDuo Portable NES/SNES originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the hardest NES games ever translated to English

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:15:00 EST

If you're a stone-cold psychopath whose masochistic gaming tendencies push you away from ... well, normal-people games and into the cold embrace of impossible games, then the unavailability of an English port for Takeshi's Challenge has probably been a sore point for you. We probably shouldn't encourage your self-destruction, but you should know that a few kind souls have translated the bizarre NES title for your localized enjoyment.

The localization comes from ROM modder KingMike (via Tiny Cartridge). Before looking into acquiring the game, though, we'd suggest you also find an English language strategy guide to help you, because this game was made by the Devil.

One of the hardest NES games ever translated to English originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom's DuckTales, now with lyrics

Richard Mitchell — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST

Once again, Brentalfloss is here to hijack your nostalgia, injecting lyrics into the memorable tunes of Capcom's 8-bit classic, DuckTales. No, it's not the Moon (that one's already been done). Instead, we join Scrooge on his fateful trip ... to the Amazon.

Capcom's DuckTales, now with lyrics originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's another, more familiar Kid Icarus coming to 3DS [update: Free in Europe!]

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST

What's that? You say you want Kid Icarus but you don't want any of that newfangled 3D? Well, according to Australia's Classification Board, your wish has been granted sort of. The site has posted a rating for the original Kid Icarus as a 3D Classic for the 3DS.

There's no telling how much of a 3D makeover Pit will receive - or when it will be released, for that matter - but at least those yearning for the (super difficult) classic will have a chance to run from Death once again.

Update: Nintendo has officially revealed that Kid Icarus will be offered as a free download in Europe for registering two qualifying 3DS titles with Club Nintendo. Details here.

There's another, more familiar Kid Icarus coming to 3DS [update: Free in Europe!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles

Mike Schramm — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST

Jason Brockert is traditionally a landscape painter, but one day he noticed a Star Wars Stormtrooper figurine sitting on his shelf, and decided to try painting it. "The first one came out terrible," he says. "A week later, I was like I'll try again. The second one, I was like oh, that's kind of cool. And it was a lot of fun, too. I had more fun doing that then I'd had in six months."

He finished the Stormtrooper painting a little while after that, and then decided to do more figures, and then old game consoles and cartridges, collecting them on eBay and then painting them in his elaborate, almost idealistic way. "Those were the two things I loved as a kid," says Brockert, "and the things I wanted to recollect, that my mother had thrown away I don't know how long ago."

Brockert's work is currently on display in a show called "American Icons" at the iam8bit gallery in Los Angeles' Echo Park. All of his works and prints are available for purchase, and the Exhibition (most of which you can see below) runs through December 18.

Gallery: American Icons at iam8bit

Continue reading iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles

iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HAL's NES Ghostbusters II game almost came to North America

JC Fletcher — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST

The Ghostbusters II game we got in America, developed by Kemco and published by Activision, was poop. Meanwhile, Japan and Europe got a completely different Ghostbusters II game called New Ghostbusters II by talented developer HAL Laboratory -- creators of Kirby and Lolo, and employer of future Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. It was much less poop-like.

New Ghostbusters II never came out in North America, likely because Activision had already secured the rights for a game based on the movie. Nintendo Player discovered (and dumped) a prototype of an unreleased US version of HAL's Ghostbusters II game, and documented the minimal differences between that version and the ones released elsewhere.

Apparently, HAL did have plans to release this at some point! And then, for some reason, potentially because of interference from Activision or Vigo the Carpathian, it instead became the footnote it is now.

HAL's NES Ghostbusters II game almost came to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NES-cartridge art from 72 Pins makes retro games new, new games retro

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST

72 Pins has recreated modern classics by designing custom NES cartridges to feature hit games of the post-8-bit world, as seen above. These time-warped squares of nostalgia are awesome art installments -- not actual remade games -- although the cart's original game is intact. Think of it as buying a piece of art and getting a used game thrown in for free.

Available redesigned cartridges include God of War, Dead Space, Halo, BioShock, Shadow of the Colossus and others, with Super Meat Boy, Castle Crashers and PaRappa the Rapper coming soon. All cartridges run $20, but follow 72 Pins on Twitter for some sweet deals, such as today's, which is a code for 50 percent off an Okami cartridge.

Suggested uses for NES-cartridge art include wallpapering, bookshelf-filling, 3D-sculpture building, framing and wall-hanging, or sprawling carelessly across your table at the local coffee shop to complete that old-school hipster vibe your thick-rimmed glasses, plaid button-up and copy of the Communist Manifesto have been trying to attain for months.

NES-cartridge art from 72 Pins makes retro games new, new games retro originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon Quest X has usage fees, requires Internet connection; does not require an NES

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST

Yesterday, Square Enix provided early indication that there would be a periodic fee for online play of Dragon Quest X. A FAQ on Square Enix's website confirms it. As translated by Google, "Yes, if you connect to online play will be required to pay the additional fee." The FAQ also noted that players will be required to connect to the Internet to play after the first few hours of the game.

In much less true news, parody site the Kyoko Shimbun (a site whose name literally translates to "fictitious newspaper") reports that Square Enix is also making a Famicom/NES version of Dragon Quest X, and even provided mock screenshots. This version, according to the fabricated story, is aimed at those who played Dragon Quest games on Famicom and have a nostalgic desire to experience the same thing again.

Dragon Quest X has usage fees, requires Internet connection; does not require an NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: the 3DS Ambassador game download process is ... complicated

JC Fletcher — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:59:00 EST

Keep in mind that we're talking about the process by which you receive 20 free games (and thus temper your rage), but you're kind of not going to believe the process through which qualified 3DS owners will acquire the "Ambassador Program" games starting September 1.

Nintendo posted a how-to on its support page, and ... a lot of people are going to need it. In order to get your free games, you'll have to open up the eShop (cool so far), then ... go into the "Settings/Other" menu there, scroll to "Your Downloads," and then click to "redownload" each game, even though you're actually downloading them for the first time.

Sounds kind of crazy, but our guess is that Nintendo has opted to add the games to everyone's accounts as already having been purchased, rather than generate codes for specific games. We're not even sure it's possible to distribute a download code for a 3DS game.

But it gets crazier! In order to keep up with news related to the program, Nintendo will offer the "Ambassador Certificate" for download -- which is actually a video. You'll be able to tap icons during the video for updates about when games will be available. Alternatively, read Joystiq!

PSA: the 3DS Ambassador game download process is ... complicated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3DS NES games will include multiplayer following an update

JC Fletcher — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST

Those freebie NES games you get from the 3DS "Ambassador Program" on September 1 will be bare-bones at first, but a future update will bring some extras. Nintendo told IGN that after the paid versions of those ten games show up on the eShop "later in the year," the free versions will be updated at no cost.

The upgrades will include "additional features such as multiplayer simultaneous play," which is kind of a big claim, since not even the Game Boy Virtual Console games sold now have multiplayer functionality. Nintendo didn't detail any other changes, except to say that 3D isn't one of them. The games won't be remade as 3D Classics.

The list of NES games announced includes Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Jr., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber, and The Legend of Zelda. These and five more unknown games will be included in the Ambassador Program. Ten Game Boy Advance games will follow later in 2011.

3DS NES games will include multiplayer following an update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Urban Champion is the 3DS's latest 3D 'Classic'

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST

Well, the 3DS had a good run. Of all the NES games to spend time and money remaking in 3D, Nintendo has chosen its worst first-party game as the third 3D Classics release. That's right, Urban Champion follows Excitebike and Xevious in the 3D Classics line, coming to the eShop in Japan July 13, for ¥600 ($7.40).

The 3D perspective change effect actually looks really cool, and there's local wireless multiplayer -- two new aspects that temporarily distract from the crumminess of Nintendo's 1984 fighter.

The same day, an unaltered retro game will also come to 3DS in Japan via Virtual Console: Adventure Island 2.

Urban Champion is the 3DS's latest 3D 'Classic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chip Maestro turns your NES into a MIDI synthesizer

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

Are you hoping to one day start your own Starscream, Anamanaguchi or other totally radical chiptunes band? Your musical outfit could have a worse origin than this: As part of a Kickstarter fundraising campaign, you can donate $50 to grab a "Chip Maestro" -- an NES cartridge that turns your old-school gaming console into a decidedly new-school MIDI synthesizer.

If you've got a MIDI-compatible keyboard (or even a MIDI converter for your PC), you can start recreating the 8-bit melodies of your youth -- or the poppy, energetic melodies of tomorrow. Check out the device's Kickstarter page for a video demonstration of its capabilities!

[Thanks, Tom!]

Chip Maestro turns your NES into a MIDI synthesizer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Meat Boy gets turned into an NES (or vice versa)

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST

Indie game developer (and apparent Team Meat super-fan) Benjamin Braden recently Tweeted a pair of images of a simple, stylish Super Meat Boy-themed NES clone. Check out the image below to see the before and after, and watch that unassuming cartridge slot transform into a horrified meat-mouth.

Continue reading Super Meat Boy gets turned into an NES (or vice versa)

Super Meat Boy gets turned into an NES (or vice versa) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hack connects NES controller to iPad using robo-fingers

Mike Schramm — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:10:00 EST

The solution found after the break for using an NES controller with Reckless Racing on the iPad is more mechanical than anything -- it attaches the boxy gamepad to a series of robotic fingers that interact with the iPad's capacitive touchscreen. But that doesn't make it any less awesome.

Continue reading Hack connects NES controller to iPad using robo-fingers

Hack connects NES controller to iPad using robo-fingers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Utter madman beats Ninja Gaiden NES using DDR pad

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST

Known deft-footed retro game enthusiast Nick Hagman is an expert at conquering classic titles using an unorthodox peripheral: A Dance Dance Revolution pad. However, his latest conquest is by far his life's greatest achievement: the ever-difficult NES gem Ninja Gaiden; as seen in this video.

Continue reading Utter madman beats Ninja Gaiden NES using DDR pad

Utter madman beats Ninja Gaiden NES using DDR pad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Legend of Zelda turns 25 today, celebrate in your own special way

Mike Schramm — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:15:00 EST

We're wishing a happy 25th birthday today to one of gaming's seminal works: The Legend of Zelda. On February 21, 1986, Nintendo released the game in Japan, and since then we've all hunted down keys, slashed monsters with Master Swords, and bought bombs from random old men. The series has spanned more than 15 games, countless comics and spin-offs, and even -- excuuuse me princess -- a TV series.

You've got a few options for celebration: Maybe make a Triforce cake to eat, browse through this gallery of Zelda oddities or this video retrospective series, or watch the TV shows, all available on Hulu. Us? We'll be watching old Zelda commercials on YouTube. In the wise words of the rapping nerd, "It's The Legend of Zelda, and it's really rad."

The Legend of Zelda turns 25 today, celebrate in your own special way originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Great Gatsby 'NES' game borne back ceaselessly onto the internet

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST

We're not about to suggest that you play the new "NES version" of The Great Gatsby instead of actually reading the book. Reading Fitzgerald's classic is simply part of the American curriculum. If we had to do it, so do you.

Still, everyone needs a break from reading, and you might as well spend yours playing this delightful throwback game created by Charlie Hoey and Pete Smith. Be sure to check out the "vintage" magazine ad and instruction booklet images while you're at it.

Be warned: This Flash game probably won't prepare you for your English teacher's test (but there's always the CliffsNotes for that); we don't remember Nick tossing his fedora at evil crabs in the book, for example. That said, the game would probably make for a much more interesting class discussion.

Great Gatsby 'NES' game borne back ceaselessly onto the internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'The Nintendo Project': Deep thoughts inspired by NES games

JC Fletcher — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:30:00 EST

Phillip Sandifer's "The Nintendo Project" is billed as an "8-bit psychochronography," but it can just as easily be understood as "extremely random essays tangentially connected to NES games." Well, maybe "understood" is too strong a word. Basically, it's Chrontendo, but ... not.

Sandifer is playing through the licensed NES games in alphabetical order, 10-Yard Fight to Zombie Nation, and writing an essay for each that manages to be both stream-of-consciousness and in-depth -- but doesn't really manage to be about the actual game. The Defender of the Crown article is about tarot (what will the Taboo: The Sixth Sense post be about, then?), and the most recent article is a long riff on Doctor Who, Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Mario, inspired by Dr. Chaos. It beats having to actually talk about Dr. Chaos, we suppose.

'The Nintendo Project': Deep thoughts inspired by NES games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square's unreleased Aliens game for Famicom Disk System uncovered

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST

Man, what is it about the Aliens franchise that makes its video game adaptations so easily cancelable? Long, long before Obsidian's Aliens RPG ended up on the cutting room floor, Square had its own unreleased entry into the franchise: A 1987 side-scrolling action game for the Famicom Disk System (the disk-loading NES attachment which never quite made it stateside).

A ROM for the canned title recently appeared online; you can check out some footage from an emulated version of the game over at 1UP. It actually doesn't look too terrible -- though back in 1987, we really only had room in our hearts for one unstoppable, alien-obliterating heroine, and that room was totally already spoken for.

Square's unreleased Aliens game for Famicom Disk System uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alleged Legend of Zelda prototype released

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST

Lost Levels, a website dedicated to pulling unreleased video games out of the void of obscurity, recently obtained a pretty epic find: An alleged prototype build of the original, Famicom version of The Legend of Zelda. What's different about this early build? Well, apparently, while the retail version of Zelda was responsible for crushing the spirits of many a lesser gamer, this prototype build was designed to be played by sweet, little babies.

The difficulty of the early version of the game appears to be fairly reduced, as the prototype features a much more liberal rate of rupee distribution and an easier palette of enemies compared to the retail release, as evidenced by the screenshot comparison above (prototype on the left). If you've got the right emulator, you can download and play the prototype right now -- or, if you're not in the dungeon-diving mood, you can check more details about the Zelda prototype on The Cutting Room Floor wiki.

Alleged Legend of Zelda prototype released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zelda and Peach are a bit more outgoing in this new music video

David Hinkle — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST

While we find the promiscuous portrayal of Princess Peach and Zelda in this music video for "8-bit Ho" unfaithful to the real-life heroines, we're still compelled to give props: Patrick Donahue's rap is a catchy reflection on having your Heart Container broken.

Continue reading Zelda and Peach are a bit more outgoing in this new music video

Zelda and Peach are a bit more outgoing in this new music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES

Mike Schramm — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST

What to get for the Nintendo fan in your life who already has everything? How about this guitar made out of a Nintendo Entertainment System? GetLoFi.com hacked a working electric guitar together from the body of an NES, and as you can tell from the YouTube video after the break, it sounds ... ok?

So it's not great, but then again it's basically a box made out of plastic. The guitar is being sold for $150 on GetLoFi's web shop, and because it's custom made (the neck is a reused oak guitar neck), they've only got one for sale, but they seem game to make more if the demand is there. The NES itself has been hollowed out for all the other electronics, so if you want to play your favorite NES games while strumming their tunes, you'll need your own console for that.

Continue reading Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES

Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario Bros. tricks explained with animated GIFs

David Hinkle — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST

With the launch of the 25th Anniversary edition of Super Mario All-Stars for Wii drawing near (this Sunday!), you may be seriously tempted to buy all those classic Mario games again for, like -- what? The fourth time? Think again! Not only is the "Limited Edition" Wii game a veritable ROM dump of the SNES All-Stars (which features graphically and musically enhanced versions of the NES games, by 16-bit standards), it's also missing a lot of the great "glitches" from the original games.

TASVideos has assembled a comprehensive guide to the elite tricks and tactics from the original Super Mario Bros. games -- with pictures! Animated pictures. It serves as a stark reminder to us purists why there's really no substitute for the originals, even when said substitute comes in a nifty box.

Super Mario Bros. tricks explained with animated GIFs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NES cartridge router: Now you're broadcasting Wi-Fi with power

JC Fletcher — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:02:00 EST

Right now (check the exact time on your NES cartridge clock), you could be using hard drives, CD cases, soap, and even NES systems shaped like NES cartridges. Now, thanks to Unconventional Hacker, you can even camouflage a wireless router among your pile of extra Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt cartridges. You do have a pile of extra SMB/Duck Hunt cartridges, we're sure.

The site offers a step-by-step guide to cramming a wireless router inside a NES cartridge, and even adding a snazzy custom label. Next up: an Instructable for how to deal with your insatiable urge to make things look like NES carts!

NES cartridge router: Now you're broadcasting Wi-Fi with power originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario used to pack a beam gun

Justin McElroy — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST

OK, so our jealousy of Japan and Europe and their Super Mario Bros. collectors editions has become utterly crushing. N-Styles provides the proverbial camel-back-breaking straw with some original design docs included in the package's history book.

Not only are they so totally gorgeous that we want to lay them out on a bed and go full Indecent Proposal, but Andriasang's translation shows they're full of interesting tidbits like the fact that Mario was originally supposed to have a beam gun.

Boy, fireballs seem pretty tame now that we know how close we got to ... Mario Chief? Master Plumber? ... Sorry, give us a second, we'll come up with something.

Super Mario used to pack a beam gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq remembers the NES

JC Fletcher — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the North American launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Or, at least, the 25th anniversary of the system's launch in Nintendo's test market of New York City. Most of us didn't actually see the thing until 1986, with the system merely an exciting rumor before that.

It's as good a date as any for the Joystiq staff to reminisce about the system that introduced us all to Link, Samus, Simon Belmont and Mega Man, not to mention Lolo, Kid Niki, 3D WorldRunner, Bayou Billy, Black Mage, Master Higgins, the M.C. Kids, and the cashier at Merv's Burger Joint (smiles are free!). Join us after the break, and play with the power of memory.

[Image: Front page of first known U.S. print ad for the NES; source: NY Mag; via 1UP]

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Joystiq remembers the NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NES signed by gaming industry superstars auctioning off for charity

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST

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

We can't help but notice that there's something wrong with your Nintendo Entertainment System. No, it's not that its connector pins are totally jacked after two decades of rough cartridge insertion -- it's that it isn't covered, toe to tip, in the autographs of some of the gaming, tech and general nerd industry's most prominent figures.

You can rectify that problem by bidding on this NES, which has been signed by folks like Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins, Wil Wheaton, MC Frontalot, Jonathan Coulton and many, many more. All the proceeds from the auction go to the Baystate Children's Hospital in Springfield, Mass. -- as do the proceeds from eBay user DanMckela's other auctions. Go take a look at his altruistic wares!

[Thanks, Dao Jones!]

NES signed by gaming industry superstars auctioning off for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata Asks about development of the NES

JC Fletcher — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EST

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

Indulging his inquiry habit, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata spoke with Masayuki Uemura, advisor to Nintendo's Research & Engineering Dept., and Hiroshi Imanishi, Ex-Director and GM, Corporate Communications Division, about their time working on the Famicom (NES) way back in 1981-82. The two veteran developers describe the impetus behind the decision to make the Famicom, the problems competing with Nintendo's own Game & Watch, and the lasting appeal of Super Mario Bros.

Uemura shared how the Famicom came to use its (at the time) unusual 6502 processor. A friend at Ricoh cold-called him and asked for help getting the factory's efficiency up. While working on that, Uemura consulted with Ricoh about processors, and told their engineers about his desire to make a console that could run Donkey Kong. " When I think about it now, I think I was spot-on in asking 'Can we make Donkey Kong?' rather than 'Can we make a circuit like this?'," Uemura said. "It seems like the engineers at Ricoh were starving for the challenge of working on some new technology. Even more important to them was the idea that if they worked at it, they could take Donkey Kong home! (laughs)"

Iwata Asks about development of the NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cliff Bleszinski (probably) beat more NES games than you

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:20:00 EST

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

Beyond being recognized as a high score champion in the first issue of Nintendo Power, Gears of War creative lead Cliff Bleszinski has an NES marked up with permanent tallies -- what he approximates to represent "close to 60" completed games. He's also got a totally rad sticker of Link on it.

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Cliff Bleszinski (probably) beat more NES games than you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How many Nintendo characters can you fit in one tabletop mosaic? (Answer: 401)

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:15:00 EST

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

A crafty gamer by the name of Brandon McCool -- which we pray is his actual, given name -- recently completed a piece of nerdy furniture six months in the making: A mosaic table with 401 tiles upon its surface, each featuring a different Nintendo game character.

As far as coffee tables go, this one's a pretty radical plane upon which to place large books and cold beverages. Though we're not sure the robin egg blue paint job meshes with the black leather couch, but -- oh, no, wait! It's got video game throw pillows as well. Our years of experience as interior decorators tell us that this pairing is a-ok.

How many Nintendo characters can you fit in one tabletop mosaic? (Answer: 401) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eric Ruth's latest NES de-make: DJ Hero

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST

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

Retro gaming enthusiast and part-time mad genius Eric Ruth recently pulled the dust cover off of his latest 8-bit de-make of a current-gen title. This time, it's FreeStyleGames' vinyl-scratching sim DJ Hero. "But how," you may ask, "how does he get DJ Hero, a game with its own, highly complex peripheral, to work using the eight-buttoned NES controller?" In response, we simply laugh. You obviously don't know how Eric Ruth rolls.

Check out a video demo of the game posted after the jump, and join us in furiously wondering what an 8-bit Peter Gabriel/Kenny Loggins mash-up sounds like.

Continue reading Eric Ruth's latest NES de-make: DJ Hero

Eric Ruth's latest NES de-make: DJ Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario Bros. X trailer takes us to a special place

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 31 May 2010 20:30:00 EST

Hey Nintendo, pay attention: If you really want to find a direct line into the nostalgia centers of our brain, you could learn a few lessons from Super Mario Bros. X. The recently updated game borrows elements from the entire Super Mario franchise (not to mention a few other Nintendo properties), allows for co-op play, has some kind of time distortion gameplay mechanic, includes a level editor and occasionally lets the player navigate the Mushroom Kingdom using the eraser from Mario Paint. It is all kinds of crazy.

You can download the game here, or check out a 10-minute gameplay trailer posted after the jump.

[Thanks, EvoHelix]

Continue reading Super Mario Bros. X trailer takes us to a special place

Super Mario Bros. X trailer takes us to a special place originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 May 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duck Hunt's workplace violates most HR guidelines

Mike Schramm — Sat, 29 May 2010 05:30:00 EST

On first blush, the workplace behind the scenes of the "increasingly frustrating action" game Duck Hunt doesn't seem so bad -- the boss is smart and organized, the space is very modern and clear of cubicle clutter, and all the worker ducks get free drugs and junk food! We have to pay for our meatball subs and cocaine here at Joystiq.

But then you start to realize, thanks to this hard-hitting expose from the folks at College Humor, that the pressure can get to you after a while, especially when the players you're meant to be entertaining start bending the rules. Watch the full short (which is NSFW thanks to language) after the break.

[via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Duck Hunt's workplace violates most HR guidelines

Duck Hunt's workplace violates most HR guidelines originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 May 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Koopa Hell' may change our Super Mario Bros. strategy forever

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:30:00 EST

We were pretty sure that, after 25 years of practice, our tried-and-true strategy for the original Super Mario Bros. would be fairly set in stone. Little did we know that CollegeHumor (of all websites!) would be the one to show us the cruelty of one of our most basic in-game maneuvers: the Koopa Bounce Pipe Trap. What happens to that poor creature after you've left him bouncing between two pipes? Thanks to the Mushroom Kingdom's lack of inertial dissipation, he stays that way for all eternity.

Watch the video after the break to see how your thoughtless actions might have sent countless Koopas spiraling into a nightmarish realm of Lovecraftian horrors. You monster.

Continue reading 'Koopa Hell' may change our Super Mario Bros. strategy forever

'Koopa Hell' may change our Super Mario Bros. strategy forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NES RetroVision: play Game Boy games on your NES

David Hinkle — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:43:00 EST

We can't imagine why anyone would want to play a Game Boy game via their NES -- aside from the cool factor, that is. You can still find a Game Boy player relatively cheap, hook it up to your GameCube and get your handheld-on-TV fix that. But we digress.

Nintendo Age forum user bunnyboy is responsible for the Frankensteinian concoction of cool you see above: the NES RetroVision. It follows the same principles of the Super Game Boy, except in that it functions with the NES. By cramming the guts of a Game Boy into an NES cart, bunnyboy uses a custom board to translate the Game Boy graphics into a format understood by the NES. Utilizing a second controller, you can then change the border and colors displayed on-screen.

There isn't a page or any way to order one of these kits just yet, though bunnyboy promises that he'll eventually have some for sale. If you want one, you're going to have to fork over $130 plus shipping.

[Via never know tech]

NES RetroVision: play Game Boy games on your NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dexterous feat: Super Mario Bros. beaten using DDR pad

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:30:00 EST

Nick Hagman knows how to use his feet for a most unconventional purpose: completing games using a Dance Dance Revolution pad. He's done it before with Castlevania, and now he's used his talent to finish another classic, the original Super Mario Bros.

It took Hagman 14 attempts and plenty of practice to complete the classic. The 11-minute video documenting the feat can be found after the break, with certain sections sped up for sanity's sake. Now Hagman wants to know which game he should finish with his feet next: DuckTales or Mega Man 2?

[Via GiantBomb]

Continue reading Dexterous feat: Super Mario Bros. beaten using DDR pad

Dexterous feat: Super Mario Bros. beaten using DDR pad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario Crossover would have killed us in 1989

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST

Sometimes, we wonder what it would be like if versions of ourselves from the past could be magically transported to today and have their minds blown by all the technological advances in video gaming technology. We have a feeling that they'd be disinterested in our "movement controllers" and "big definition graphicals," and would instead become entranced by a new Flash game by Exploding Rabbit that's sweeping the nation at terrifying velocities: Super Mario Crossover.

The premise of the game is simple: It is the original Super Mario Bros., only your choice of playable characters isn't just limited to squat, Italian plumbers. You can also wreck Goombas while playing as Link, Mega Man, Samus, Simon Belmont or Bill (you know, from Contra). You could also just be Mario, but why would you do that, when you could be Bill from Contra? Stop being so silly.

[Thanks, Eric]

Super Mario Crossover would have killed us in 1989 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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