Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[With Wii U, Mario will use two screens and Zelda won't look like this]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/with-wii-u-mario-will-use-two-screens-and-zelda-wont-look-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/with-wii-u-mario-will-use-two-screens-and-zelda-wont-look-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/with-wii-u-mario-will-use-two-screens-and-zelda-wont-look-like/#comments Yoshiaki Koizumi, producer of the Super Mario series, has his team working on a new Mario game for the Wii U, even though he didn't know what Nintendo's new console would even look like prior to its unveiling at E3. In an interview with Wired, Koizumi said now that he knows what the Wii U can do, he wants to "create a console game where two people are playing at the same time but can't see each others' screens." You know, much like how the internet operates, but without all those messy tubes.

Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma also spilled some secrets about the HD demo Nintendo used to show off its new graphics -- mainly, don't believe everything you see. "You probably remember that when we introduced the GameCube, we showed a somewhat realistic Zelda demo," Aonuma said. "And what we actually created was the cel-shaded Wind Waker. So when we show a graphic demo, people think, 'Oh, this is what the next Zelda will look like,' but that's not necessarily the case." Secrets and lies, Nintendo. Secrets and lies.

JoystiqWith Wii U, Mario will use two screens and Zelda won't look like this originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Legend-of-Zelda-2010MarionintendoSuper MarioSuperMarioThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordwiiZeldaSat, 02 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Mario's Many Professions, Part 1 of 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/its-a-mario-world-marios-many-professions-part-1-of-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/its-a-mario-world-marios-many-professions-part-1-of-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/its-a-mario-world-marios-many-professions-part-1-of-2/#commentsFiled under:


Welcome to another edition of It's-a Mario World, where we seemingly spend more time blathering about Mario games than we do playing them. In last week's feature debut, we presented a gallery detailing some of the elusive pickups of Mushroom Kingdom history. This week, we begin a two-part catalogue of our hero's job experience, analyzing the many professions Mario has belonged to in his 27-year career, and in what capacity. Attempting chronology and comprehensiveness, this is indeed Mario's Super Résumé.

Not content with the popular belief that Mario is simply a plumber by trade, we've scoured the known Nintendo universe to find out exactly what else he has been. Considered altogether, the results are pretty impressive. More than a mere adventurer, Mario has championed everything from the assembly line to the tennis courts. Refer yourself to our gallery where you'll be shocked and amazed at the varying talents of our red-capped protagonist.

It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Thursday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps.

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Mario's Many Professions, Part 1 of 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Its-a Mario WorldIts-aMarioWorldjoystiqfeaturesMariomario occupationsmario plumbermario professionsMarioOccupationsMarioPlumberMarioProfessionssuper marioSuper Mario Bros.SuperMarioSuperMarioBros.Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: SMG developer walkthrough - Stardust Galaxy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e307-smg-developer-walkthrough-stardust-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e307-smg-developer-walkthrough-stardust-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e307-smg-developer-walkthrough-stardust-galaxy/#commentsFiled under:

This latest Super Mario Galaxy video doesn't introduce any new outfits like the last developer walkthrough, but it does demonstrate star-hopping, gravity tricks, and other essential skills for traveling in this 3D platformer. The latter half of this two-minute movie even features that curious portion of the E3 trailer in which the level builds itself as Mario moves around.

How will we make it to November 12th without our heads exploding from all this exciting media? Collect five star shards and fly past the post break for the embedded video.

Continue reading E307: SMG developer walkthrough - Stardust Galaxy

JoystiqE307: SMG developer walkthrough - Stardust Galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 07E307galaxymarionintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiismgstarduststardust galaxyStardustGalaxysuper mariosuper mario galaxySuperMarioSuperMarioGalaxyvideovideoswalkthroughwiiMon, 16 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ScrewAttack hammers away at Wrecking Crew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/14/screwattack-hammers-away-at-wrecking-crew/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/14/screwattack-hammers-away-at-wrecking-crew/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/14/screwattack-hammers-away-at-wrecking-crew/#commentsFiled under:

Mario worked a lot of odd jobs back in the 80's, but none may be more forgettable than his brief stint as a hammer-wielding psycho. No, we're not talking about Donkey Kong, otherwise we would have added "simian slave trader" to that as well. Wrecking Crew is the name of the game and much like we were back then, the boys at ScrewAttack are baffled by its existence.

There is but one objective in Wrecking Crew which is to, uh, wreck stuff. At its heart is a puzzle game where there is typically a right and a wrong way to go about that process. Wrecking Crew does have a respectable place in history, however, as one of the eighteen original launch titles for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

You have to give credit to Mario for actually being able to fall more than two feet without dying in this one, unlike his Donkey Kong performance. Take that, jerk from Spelunker!

JoystiqScrewAttack hammers away at Wrecking Crew originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jul 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>screwattacksupermariowreckingcrewSat, 14 Jul 2007 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: SMG developer walkthrough - Honey Bee Galaxy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/smg-developer-walkthrough-honey-bee-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/smg-developer-walkthrough-honey-bee-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/smg-developer-walkthrough-honey-bee-galaxy/#commentsFiled under:

Of all the scenes we spotted in yesterday's Super Mario Galaxy trailer, the ones that excited us most were the moments we saw our mustachioed protagonist bedecked in his bee and Boo outfits. Tears of joy came to our eyes, salty with the nostalgia of Super Mario Bros. 3's frog suit, raccoon leaf, and other fondly-remembered power-ups.

GameTrailers has a six-minute developer walkthrough of Honey Bee Galaxy, explaining the game's two-player mechanics and Mario's bee apparel along the way. Buzz past the post break for the video honeypot and an awkward clip in which Mario gropes a distressed queen bee.

See also: Hands-on with Super Mario Galaxy

Continue reading E307: SMG developer walkthrough - Honey Bee Galaxy

JoystiqE307: SMG developer walkthrough - Honey Bee Galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mario in a bee outfit! Flying around as a ghost! Hanging onto a Thwomp! If you missed the Super Mario Galaxy trailer that premiered at Nintendo's E3 press conference this afternoon, we've got the video embedded for you past the post break. Our image gallery has also been updated with new treats for you to tweak your mustache to. November 12th couldn't come sooner!

Continue reading E307: Super Mario Galaxy screenshots and trailer

JoystiqE307: Super Mario Galaxy screenshots and trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307marionintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiscreenshotssuper mariosuper mario galaxySuperMarioSuperMarioGalaxtrailervideovideoswiiWed, 11 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: Super Mario 2, Ecco and Dragon Spirit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/vc-monday-madness-super-mario-2-ecco-and-dragon-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/vc-monday-madness-super-mario-2-ecco-and-dragon-spirit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/vc-monday-madness-super-mario-2-ecco-and-dragon-spirit/#commentsFiled under:


This week the Virtual Console gets a couple of good titles, which is good considering that there aren't many retail games for Wii owners to get their hands on. Blame the upcoming holiday, as it arrives mid-week and messes up our delicate game release cycle.

Today's Virtual Console update includes:
  • Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Ecco: The Tides of Time (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
  • Dragon Spirit (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)
Anyone going to download some, or all, of these? If you're on the fence, be sure to stop by later for our VC Monday Madness video wrap-up.

JoystiqVC Monday Madness: Super Mario 2, Ecco and Dragon Spirit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariolnintendonintendowiisupermariosupermariobros2vcmmwiiMon, 02 Jul 2007 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario tote for toting whatever people tote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/mario-tote-for-toting-whatever-people-tote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/mario-tote-for-toting-whatever-people-tote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/mario-tote-for-toting-whatever-people-tote/#commentsFiled under:


First, a confession: we have no idea what people use tote bags for. Toting things, obviously. But what? They're too big to be purses and too small to be overnight bags. However, we like totes because they're called "totes" and give us a reason to say the word "totes."

This one's got a Mario pocket on it, and some appliqued Super Mario Bros. 2 items. It's great work, available from Etsy seller TheFennec for a scant $10. The Sub-Space version looks just like this one, but black, and full of coins. Also, like all of Sub-Con, it's just a dream.

[Via Wonderland]

JoystiqMario tote for toting whatever people tote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq patron Mobat555 sent us the above image answering the question of where do all those Mario's go once the fall into that seemingly bottomless void. We don't know who made this fine work of art (if you do, please tell us), but we love it. Update: The above image was created by Bill Mudron that he reportedly drew for Life Meter Comics back in late March. Check out more of his work at Excelsior Studios.

Here are our picks for the best game-related webcomics this week. Be sure to vote for your favorite! (And definitely tell us about some gaming comics we might have missed -- we're always looking for more.)
Your future says ...
From the makers of Beam Kings
Can't touch this
Super freak
Dance Dance Domination
Overlord of the year
Remembering, old school
Retreat to the citadel
Extra baggage

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: afterlife edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariosuper marioSuperMarioweb comicWebComicSat, 09 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. Brawl still on for 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/super-smash-bros-brawl-still-on-for-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/super-smash-bros-brawl-still-on-for-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/super-smash-bros-brawl-still-on-for-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's tough going to the party without a date. Earlier this week, Nintendo laid out its release plans up until September 2007, notably leaving a still dateless Super Smash Bros. Brawl out of the whole affair, forcing it to watch as Metroid Prime 3 marched to the ball with an alluring 20th of August on its cannon arm. With no solid release window in sight, the Wii's frantic fighter must have considered going on a lonely drinking binge and slipping into a coma until 2008.

That is, until Reggie Fils-Aime administered an unforgiving slap to the face and instilled hope once more. Speaking at the recent Nintendo Summit in Seattle, the Nintendo of America president confirmed that the musically rich Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy would both be out before your Official Iwata Swimsuit 2007 calendar becomes worthless. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for DS was given similar assurances and will likely join the anticipated Wii duo in this holiday season's battle for shoppers. You'd best start stocking up on that financial ammunition.

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. Brawl still on for 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrawlLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaMarioNintendoPhantom HourglassPhantomHourglassSuper MarioSuper Mario GalaxySuper Smash Bros BrawlSuperMarioSuperMarioGalaxySuperSmashBrosBrawlWiiWed, 23 May 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The real Mario Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/the-real-mario-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/the-real-mario-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/the-real-mario-party/#commentsFiled under:


There's a party going on tomorrow and the Tanooki got a sneak preview of the decor. It's a full-on Super Mario themed bash, complete with all the stuff you'd expect to find in a Mario game. This fantastic Chain Chomp piñata is just waiting to be smashed, hopefully by a jumping kid in a Mario costume. Seriously, if there's an invite going free, we'd love it.

Head past the break for the giant Pirahna Plants and chocolate coins!

Continue reading The real Mario Party

JoystiqThe real Mario Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockscoinshomemadeluigimariomario partyMarioPartynintendopartypinatasuper mariosuper mario brothersSuperMarioSuperMarioBrothFri, 11 May 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The galaxy awaits Mario's big return]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/the-galaxy-awaits-marios-big-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/the-galaxy-awaits-marios-big-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/the-galaxy-awaits-marios-big-return/#commentsFiled under:


With only a few months to go before the release of Super Mario Galaxy, expectations couldn't be higher for Nintendo's flagship hero. The title was recently confirmed for release this year, leaving our Nunchuk thumbs quivering in anticipation.

Mario is carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders, however. The groundbreaking titles, from the original Super Mario Brothers through to Super Mario 64 (sorry, Mario Sunshine), were more than great games; they also defined their platforms, setting new standards both technically and in terms of design.

It's no surprise then, that bloggers are starting to make demands for what they want to see in the new release. Check the link to see what people want this time around, and let us know what you want included.

JoystiqThe galaxy awaits Mario's big return originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowsergalaxyluigimariomiyamotonintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiishigeru miyamotoShigeruMiyamotosuper marioSuper Mario GalaxySuperMarioSuperMarioGalaxywiiMon, 07 May 2007 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Strikers Charged - dribbling ever closer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/05/mario-strikers-charged-dribbling-ever-closer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/05/mario-strikers-charged-dribbling-ever-closer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/05/mario-strikers-charged-dribbling-ever-closer/#commentsFiled under:


There's a new microsite for Mario Strikers Charged. There is little more than a promo video and some boxart at present, but more is apparently on the way. We got a quick look at the game last month, and thought it seemed pretty fun, particularly in multiplayer. The game will feature online play, the first to do so in Europe and Australia, with ranked matches limited to players in the same region. You'll also be able to swap friend codes for unranked matches - friend codes will be assigned to your Mii rather than your console, so if you happen to share a console with someone whose friends you hate, you won't have to play them.

We're also looking forward to trying the Mega Strikes: where the ball splits into five shots, which your opponent has to block with the Wiimote. Taking multiple shots at the keeper always used to get us in trouble at school, but here it's positively encouraged - you'll get a goal for each one that hits the back of the net.

Mario Strikers Charged kicks and screams its way into Europe on May 25th, with other regions to follow.

JoystiqMario Strikers Charged - dribbling ever closer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will D'Angelo of the Wiicast.com recently got obsessed with his world of timecraft again and made this Super Mario Bros. clock representing World 1-1 from the classic. A few weeks ago, after drinking a glass of impulse and ambition, he made a Donkey Kong clock and decided to continue bridging the gap between crafts and gaming. Sure, it's not "art," but for under $20 it's still a neat project for a lazy afternoon, or when trying to keep the kids busy on the weekend.

This time around D'Angelo makes the instructions for creating the clock expressly clear. He also seems to be getting the hang of the game-clock-craft as he's also included tips on how to make construction easier on yourself during construction. If people start obsessing about game clocks as much as they do game cakes we may have to make a gallery.

JoystiqMario clock version 1-1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clockscraftssupermarioFri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto more influential than Nelson Mandela: Confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/miyamoto-more-influential-than-nelson-mandela-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/miyamoto-more-influential-than-nelson-mandela-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/miyamoto-more-influential-than-nelson-mandela-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: ,


It seems you're not just Time Magazine's overall person of the year, you're also the most influential. At least when it comes to influencing a poll on the 100 most influential people of the year. After being nominated for Time's own top 100, it comes as little surprise to see Nintendo's legendary designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, place highly in the list constructed by internet users. With an average rating of 75 (out of 100) and 129,573 votes, the Mario maestro places 9th and effortlessly defeats the likes of Oprah Winfrey (43rd), George W. Bush (97th), George Clooney (26th) and Nelson Mandela (24th). Sure, the anti-apartheid, pro-democracy Nobel Peace prize winner wasn't involved in the creation of a new video game system this year, but we'd be remiss not to point out the amusing and somewhat bizarre priorities of voters.

And what of the list above Miyamoto? There you'll find Kiefer Sutherland (8th), J.K. Rowling (6th), Dane Cook and, nestled snugly in first position, Rain (who?). Time Magazine's own list wisely does away with rankings and lumps the designer on page 92, but not before suffering a critical lapse in sanity and asking Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel to extend his fingers beyond the WASD keys. Noting that Miyamoto "opened the world" to a host of "people who never even wanted to visit it before" is about all Wendel's article can manage before losing the plot and discussing his 12 championship wins, ultra-performance PCs and how he'll spend the rest of his life "championing video gaming as an equal to pro football or basketball."

Good thing he didn't write the Mandela bit, then.

JoystiqMiyamoto more influential than Nelson Mandela: Confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Legend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaMarioMiyamotoNelson MandelaNelsonMandelaNintendoShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotoSuper MarioSuperMarioTimeWiiZeldaThu, 03 May 2007 22:34:00 EST<![CDATA[A few more Itadaki Street screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/a-few-more-itadaki-street-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/a-few-more-itadaki-street-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/06/a-few-more-itadaki-street-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

Any time mascot characters from different game companies converge, it's a big deal. As mascot-converging deals go, it doesn't get much bigger than Itadaki Street DS, which forcefully jams the worlds of Dragon Quest and Mario together onto a game board. There's also the fact that another long-time Square Enix franchise heading to the DS is likely to cause a sales supernova. We enjoy keeping tabs on this game in anticipation of that upcoming cosmic event.

While you wait for that June 21st release date, and ponder learning how to read "slime" in Japanese (????), why not take a look at some new screenshots?

Continue reading A few more Itadaki Street screens

JoystiqA few more Itadaki Street screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboardgameboardgamescrossoverdqdragondragonquestdsds liteDsLitegamesitadakilitemarionintendonintendo dsNintendoDsqueststreetsupersuper marioSuperMarioFri, 06 Apr 2007 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Time to reinvent Sonic the Hedgehog, says Sega]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/time-to-reinvent-sonic-the-hedgehog-says-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/time-to-reinvent-sonic-the-hedgehog-says-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/time-to-reinvent-sonic-the-hedgehog-says-sega/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

So, we agree then. In speaking to Newsweek's N'Gai Croal about the Olympic pairing of Sonic and Mario, Sega of America president, Simon Jeffery, echoes a widespread sentiment that it's time to give Sonic a bit of a reboot. "We are actually undergoing a fairly considerable refresh of Sonic as an intellectual property, as a character," says Jeffery. "Sonic on the Wii is probably the first product that's come to market that reflects that. We're not going to be bringing another game out on the other platforms for quite some time, because we feel that it is time to reinvent Sonic, to make Sonic contemporary again."

If Sonic and the Secret Rings was the first step in revitalizing a franchise gone astray, it certainly wasn't a very good one. In fact, it turned out to be more like a drunken waddle out of bed before careening down a flight of stairs. Still, it's reassuring to see that Sega is, at the very least, attempting to reestablish their fallen mascot as a character that could convince you to buy his game. Unless, of course, that's still happening...

"At the same time, even the recent 360 and Playstation 3 games have sold extremely well," continues Jeffery. "Sonic is still an extremely endearing character; there's still a lot of love for Sonic out there in consumerland." If gamers are trying to send Sega a message, it's getting garbled in consumerland's confusing postal network. If we truly want a Sonic reboot, we'll have to stay away from the hedgehog until he gets his 3D act together. Perhaps a little help from Mario and Miyamoto will set him back on track by the time the 2008 Olympics arrive.

JoystiqTime to reinvent Sonic the Hedgehog, says Sega originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those lovable scamps from Mega64 are at it again! There's never a dull moment when these friends go on a wild, madcap adventure that you'll never forget. Join them, as they discover... the true meaning of friendship.

... what? Oh, we were thinking about a different movie. This one's just, you know, some dudes jumping around in Mario Bros. suits and stuff. But it's the patented brand of Mega64 funny-- video game characters accosting random (and not so random) people on the street-- that makes their work worth our few seconds of download time.

Please, click on the limited-edition post break, and watch the movie that your whole family is sure to love!

Continue reading A very special Mega64 event

JoystiqA very special Mega64 event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>64broscosplaylinkluigimariomariobrosmegamega64miyamotonintendonintendo wiinintendowiisuper mariosupermariosupermariobroswiizeldaMon, 12 Mar 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Paper Mario releases April 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/super-paper-mario-releases-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/super-paper-mario-releases-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/super-paper-mario-releases-april-9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Portly paper plumber platforming news now, with Nintendo announcing a release date of April 9 for Super Paper Mario. Initially developed as a Gamecube title, the Wii adventure sees Mario switching between charming 2-D and 3-D landscapes in an effort to thwart the ill-advised marriage of Princess Peach to Bowser. Who knew a mere platformer could provide such sweeping social commentary on the liberal, inter-species marriage laws of the Mushroom Kingdom?

The platformer also underlines the state of the ongoing Wii games drought. Short of Sonic's Wii debut later this month and Wario's notable appearance early this year, the console's Q1 release schedule has been decidedly barren. Ideally, Super Paper Mario will kick off a more vigorous second quarter, complete with the evolved form of an overlooked Gamecube ape.

Gallery: Super Paper Mario

JoystiqSuper Paper Mario releases April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameCubePlatformerPlatformingSuper MarioSuper Paper MarioSuperMarioSuperPaperMarioWiiMon, 12 Feb 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Console vigilantes gain ground in Super Mario World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/virtual-console-vigilantes-gain-ground-in-super-mario-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/virtual-console-vigilantes-gain-ground-in-super-mario-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/virtual-console-vigilantes-gain-ground-in-super-mario-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're the sort of person who leaps out of bed on a Monday morning, filled with the burning desire to rescue something from a perilous situation, you'll likely find today's Virtual Console offerings most satisfying. As of 9AM Pacific Time, you should be able to make your way into the Wii shop and start proving that chivalry is far from dead (but possibly overpriced in some cases).

Princess Toadstool will be requiring your services in Super Mario Land State Continent World (SNES, $8), having been kidnapped during her trip to Dinosaur Land -- it sounded so inviting! If you haven't played it before, it's well worth witnessing Mario's career shift to Dino-Rider and his expertise in straddling a vicious green beast that devours enemies whole. If that doesn't hold appeal, a different career of sorts lies in Vigilante (Turbo-Grafx 16, $6), which sees players beating up thugs in New York City in an effort to rescue "the beloved Madonna."

Finally, there's Gain Ground (Genesis, $8), a dramatic tale of supercomputers gone rampant and civilians being unjustly imprisoned within war simulations (obviously). It's just as well that you have an AK-toting guy called "Professor" on your side. Presumably, it's expected of us to find and rescue the fourth and still missing Virtual Console game for this week.

JoystiqVirtual Console vigilantes gain ground in Super Mario World originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gain GroundGainGroundSuper MarioSuper Mario BrosSuperMarioSuperMarioBrosVCVC MondayVcMondayVigilanteVirtual ConsoleVirtualConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 05 Feb 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: January 10, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/today-in-joystiq-january-10-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/today-in-joystiq-january-10-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/10/today-in-joystiq-january-10-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,


Super Mario Fun Time! So says fayf, who made these for her friends Steve and Sharen. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joyswag Photochop: Lost Planet, found entries - Day Four
Today's yummiest game video: Cooking Mama Wii 'soup'

News
Nintendo expects to double profits this year
Nyko's PS3 and Wii charging stations
Fictional story about violent video game causes real censorship
Sony brings Buzz! to UK classrooms
Console makers sued over analog joysticks
Preliminary: Sony missed 2M shipment target in '06
Burning Crusade burning up eBay [update 1
Japan gets "champagne gold" PSP, U.S. gets jealous
Hellgate London 'might' be subscription-based
Epic dismisses NVIDIA evidence, Gears not on PC (yet)
Nintendo to officially open shop in Korea with DS
Command & Conquer 3 to support 360 webcam victory dances
Microsoft execs tag-team PS3's online service
Microsoft confirms upgraded 360 for research
Dead Rising sequels shambling forth
Japan-based games dominate list of all-time best sellers
TAC Freedom V wireless problem and how to fix
Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability
Gears of War video -- new maps walkthrough
The price of nostalgia: wallet-busting arcade cabinets on Amazon
MotorStorm 720p, 30fps (not True HD)

Rumors & Speculation
Gamer: the ideal conformist?
Apple iPhone: a threat to portable consoles?

Culture
Finally! A Wii-proof lamp built to survive Wiisports
Alive and gaming in Baghdad
Facing the onset of ennuii
Halo 3 documentary broken down into itty, bitty pieces

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: January 10, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedaily recapDailyRecapknitmarioretrostitchsuper marioSuperMarioWed, 10 Jan 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Christmas: Super Mario, four more, no hand outs [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/vc-christmas-super-mario-four-more-no-hand-outs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/vc-christmas-super-mario-four-more-no-hand-outs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/vc-christmas-super-mario-four-more-no-hand-outs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Update: The original post erroneously listed the price for R-Type at 600 points. More here.]

Nintendo has confirmed five titles for the Christmas Day Virtual Console update, and it's quite an impressive release. Just as we thought, Nintendo is not giving away any titles. Instead, they are uploading five major titles to increase their profit margin. The titles are:
  • Super Mario Bros. (NES, 500 points): Nintendo's flagship title is sure to sell like hotcakes despite already racking up 40 million in sales since its 1985 release. How many times can we repurchase the game?
  • Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (SNES, 800 points): Compared to the Xbox Live version, it's your choice whether you want online play or would rather pocket $2.00 in exchange rate difference (800 Nintendo points vs. 800 MS points).
  • Super Castlevania IV (SNES, 800 points): One of the best in the series. Easily the best Castlevania title on the SNES, though it only had one other iteration (Castlevania Dracula X) to compete against.
  • Toe Jam & Earl (Genesis, 800 points): Strong two-player action title, worth the price based on style alone.
  • R-Type (TurboGrafx16, 800 points): One of the classic space shooters.
We're excited by the list, even if our wallets aren't. Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime has talked about strategically releasing VC titles when there's a drought of first-party Wii titles. With all these delays recently announced, might we be seeing more great VC Mondays forthcoming? And when are we going to see Square Enix games or any Nintendo 64 goodies?

Keep up on: Virtual Console Mondays

JoystiqVC Christmas: Super Mario, four more, no hand outs [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marior typeRTypestreet fighterStreetFightersuper marioSuperMariotoe jam and earlToeJamAndEarlvirtual consolevirtual console mondayVirtualConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiThu, 21 Dec 2006 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Brain Academy headed to the Wii?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/big-brain-academy-headed-to-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/big-brain-academy-headed-to-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/big-brain-academy-headed-to-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:

One of our wonderful readers sent us in a tip (note: sending in news tips may or may not increase your chances of becoming a billionaire) regarding Super Mario Galaxy. Turns out, Nintendo's listing of Wii titles has Super Mario Galaxy as only being a temporary name. More importantly, however, is the listing that shows Big Brain Academy (also a temporary name) is headed to the Wii.

Could this mean that a Brain Age sequel will not be releasing on the Wii, with Big Brain Academy being the only brain-training game to hit the platform?

[Thanks Modano!]

JoystiqBig Brain Academy headed to the Wii? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academybigbraingalaxymarionintendonintendowiisupersupermariowiiMon, 23 Oct 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy video in HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/super-mario-galaxy-video-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/super-mario-galaxy-video-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/super-mario-galaxy-video-in-hd/#commentsFiled under:

We've seen tons of Mario and the more we see, the more we salivate for his new game Super Mario Galaxy. As an astronautical platformer (we made that up), the game was an absolute blast when we played it at E3. It ended up being our absolute favorite Wii title on-hand at the show.

This latest trailer, in spectacular high definition, shows a lot of gameplay that those keen on Mushroom Kingdom's greatest hero might have seen before, but being in beautiful HD this time around, it's worth the possible revisit. Obviously, due to the video's resolution you'll have to head over to Game Trailers to check it out as we cannot embed it into the post as usual.

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy video in HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxyhdmarionintendosupersupermariosupermariogalaxytrailerwiiWed, 20 Sep 2006 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Gory Goomba guts gush, we giggle gleefully]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/gory-goomba-guts-gush-we-giggle-gleefully/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/gory-goomba-guts-gush-we-giggle-gleefully/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/gory-goomba-guts-gush-we-giggle-gleefully/#commentsFiled under: ,

Handre de Jager strikes again! The artist whose previous game interpretations include disturbing humanized versions of Kirby and Burger Time enemies has moved on to Mario 3. Although not visible in the adjacent image, a bloated Mario is seen smashing a helpless Goomba to a bloody pulp while onlookers (Lakitu, Luigi, and a couple of koopas) leer at one another.

Skilled visionary or disturbed individual? We're on the fence about what to call him. Check out the full picture below, or click here for the super-sized (1024x1448) variant. You can view (and purchase) de Jager's other works here.

Continue reading Gory Goomba guts gush, we giggle gleefully

JoystiqGory Goomba guts gush, we giggle gleefully originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de jagerDeJagerhandre de Jagerhandre jagerHandreDeJagerHandreJagerjagermario 3mario brosMario3MarioBrossuper marioSuperMarioMon, 11 Sep 2006 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Speculating on the Virtual Console [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/speculating-on-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/speculating-on-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/speculating-on-the-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

LOLsecrets.
Play-Nintendo has a "reliable list" (yeah, we know how those are) of games that are rumored to be on the Virtual Console. But it looks reasonable, and in fact, some of the titles are already confirmed by various sources. Their list is packed with classic titles, and some of them (oh, Castlevania, how we love you) are expected but still exciting, and others many of us still play on lazy Sunday afternoons (Ocarina of Time, anyone?) If this list turns out to be the real deal, we may have to take some extended breaks from our actual Wii games. A fanboy's life is full of difficult choices.

Play-Nintendo also reports that their "source" confirmed five brand new games for the Virtual Console, but they couldn't reveal the details. We'll see.

What are you dying to see? Frankly, we think Super Mario Bros. 3 is a necessity, if only because we know there'd be videos everywhere of fanboys reenacting scenes from The Wizard.

If you could add any three games to this list, what would you choose?

Full list after the jump.

Continue reading Speculating on the Virtual Console [Update 1]

JoystiqSpeculating on the Virtual Console [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CastlevaniaMarioMortal KombatMortalKombatNinja-GaidenNintendoRaymanSonicStar FoxStarFoxSuper MarioSuper Mario BrothersSuperMarioSuperMarioBrothersVirtual ConsoleVirtualConsoleWiiZeldaMon, 11 Sep 2006 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo unveils Mario Strikers and Battalion Wars sequels at Leipzig, little else [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/nintendo-unveils-mario-strikers-and-battallion-wars-sequels-at-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/nintendo-unveils-mario-strikers-and-battallion-wars-sequels-at-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/nintendo-unveils-mario-strikers-and-battallion-wars-sequels-at-l/#commentsFiled under: ,


And the first new game to be marched onto the stage at the Leipzig Games Convention is Mario Strikers Charged, a Wii sequel to Mario's Gamecube exercise in frantic ball kicking. Eurogamer reports that the game is visually similar to the previous entry, but that it now sports special moves for the Wiimote. You can seemingly hold the Wii controller up to block incoming shots with your hands, though more enterprising players will surely have a lot more fun (and awkward injuries) strapping the wiimote to a foot and going ballistic.

Battalion Wars 2 -- as in BWii -- was also announced and is expected to be playable on the show floor. No new information on it yet, but rest assured that we'll keep you updated. That being the opposite of what Nintendo has done regarding Wii launch information, of course. Many expected their "Wii Prove Our Promise" keynote to toss a stick of dynamite into the Wii rumor mil and blow the constant launch date hearsay and price pontification to unrecognizable smithereens, but Nintendo has deemed it necessary to keep people in the dark for a little bit longer. We'll get you for this, Iwata.

[Update: One other minor announcement -- Europe gets the gloriously pink DS Lite on October 27th.]

[Update: There's some video footage now up of the game. Check it out here and after the break.]

Continue reading Nintendo unveils Mario Strikers and Battalion Wars sequels at Leipzig, little else [update 2]

JoystiqNintendo unveils Mario Strikers and Battalion Wars sequels at Leipzig, little else [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 05:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batallion Wars 2,BWiiBatallionWars2,bwiiLeipzigLeipzig Games ConventionLeipzigGamesConventionMario Strikers ChargedMarioStrikersChargedNintendoSoccerSuper MarioSuper Mario StrikersSuperMarioWiiWed, 23 Aug 2006 05:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuzzy logic: Lara Croft > Mario?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/fuzzy-logic-lara-croft-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/fuzzy-logic-lara-croft-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/16/fuzzy-logic-lara-croft-mario/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Eidos' SCI's Ian Livingstone, Tomb Raider vixen Lara Croft is "the most famous character in gaming." Interviewer Paul Loughrey of GamesIndustry.biz then questions whether or not he means most famous ... other than Mario. Livingstone adamantly asserts that Mrs. Croft is indeed more popular than Nintendo's gaming icon.

"Well, Mario is still very much within the games niche, whereas Lara has gone beyond that thanks to two blockbuster films, for example. She's graced the covers of thousands of not just games journals, but lifestyle journals as well."

We'll admit, much to our chagrin, that Super Mario Bros. film was not the glorious re-imagining of Nintendo's flagship series, nor was it a box office smash (the total domestic gross was $20.9 million, which would be approximately $32.3 million today when adjusted for ticket price inflation). But Mario, we'd argue, is still more of a household name.

While there is no quantitative backing to either assertions, we'd like to point out that Livingstone's support is rather inefficient. In 1966, John Lennon exclaimed that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." And while we suspect those zany Brits did grace more magazine covers than the founder of Christianity, it's still a stretch to elevate a band over a world religion.

And though the Mario film sunk, his power was seen elsewhere in pop culture. Not to mention his games tend to do better, both financially and critically.

Continue reading Fuzzy logic: Lara Croft > Mario?

JoystiqFuzzy logic: Lara Croft > Mario? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSlara croftLaraCroftmario brosMarioBrossuper marioSuperMariotomb raiderTombRaiderWiiWed, 16 Aug 2006 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA["He's a collector"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/hes-a-collector/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/hes-a-collector/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/hes-a-collector/#commentsFiled under: ,

Videogamemm.com
Brett Martin is 26. He lives in Colorado with his wife. And, by his estimation, owns roughly 10,000 to 15,000 individual pieces of gaming memorabilia. And you thought you were a fanboy...

Joystiq"He's a collector" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanboymemorabiliaNintendoSuper MarioSuperMarioWed, 12 Jul 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[CNN Money sees Wii launching as early as September [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/cnn-money-sees-wii-launching-as-early-as-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/cnn-money-sees-wii-launching-as-early-as-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/cnn-money-sees-wii-launching-as-early-as-september/#commentsFiled under: ,

The words of CNN Money's Chris Morris, which suggest a Wii launch in late September or early October, are certainly tantalizing and not entirely unrealistic. Getting the machine onto store shelves and into our loving, embarrassingly weak arms would give Nintendo a healthy lead on the PS3 and Microsoft's glut of holiday titles, not to mention the joy it would grant fans of intergalactic bounty hunters and pointy-eared archers. Morris cites an earlier analyst report by P.J. McNealy of American Technology Research which notes that Nintendo already began manufacturing final retail consoles on 21 June, providing ample time until a prospective September launch.

Further evidence comes in the less sturdy form of past release dates of Nintendo consoles, with only the Gamecube missing an October or September release window. Of course, if the Wii launches worldwide immediately, one would expect a strategy similar to that of the DS launch -- that one happened in November as well. While it's not entirely unfeasible, Morris' suggestion is still swathed in speculation. With no details available on manufacturing, Nintendo may have simply started up the production line early (if they did so at all) to avoid launch shortages which plagued the Xbox 360 and are sure to plague Sony's machine.

Unfortunately, it looks like the only words we can fully trust right now are the ones from official (and sober) Nintendo men and women.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

[Update 1: Nintendo has (predictably) put the kibosh on this one, with a spokesperson stating, "There's no change in our plan to release the console in the last quarter of this year."]

JoystiqCNN Money sees Wii launching as early as September [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris MorrisChrisMorrisCNNLaunch windowLaunchWindowLegend of ZeldaLegendOfZeldaMetroid PrimeMetroidPrimeNintendoSatoru IwataSatoruIwataSuper MarioSuperMarioTwilight PrincessTwilightPrincessWiiWii launchWiiLaunchWed, 05 Jul 2006 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Lite pwned Japan in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/ds-lite-pwned-japan-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/ds-lite-pwned-japan-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/05/ds-lite-pwned-japan-in-june/#commentsFiled under:

As if those weekly hardware charts weren't enough to convince you, Next Generation has put up a report that once again underlines just how well the DS Lite is performing in Japan. The words "ridiculous", "ludicrous" and "criminal" certainly spring to mind when noting that the Lite sold 575,000 units last month, making for a grand total of 2.6 million thus far.

New Super Mario Bros. has been flying off the shelves with equal aplomb, right into the hands of 1.8 million nostalgia-craving gamers. It has become one of eight DS games to break through the meticulously guarded million sold barrier. As part of those who initially thought the DS to be a silly device that would be beaten to a pulp in the handheld gaming ghetto, we've been proven wrong again and again. And again.

Let's be honest now. Did you expect this to happen back in 2004?

JoystiqDS Lite pwned Japan in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DS LiteDS PhatDsLiteDsPhatJapanNew Super Mario BrosNewSuperMarioBrosSalesSuper MarioSuperMarioWed, 05 Jul 2006 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[New Super Mario now stomping across Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/30/new-super-mario-now-stomping-across-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/30/new-super-mario-now-stomping-across-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/30/new-super-mario-now-stomping-across-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Not content with conquering Japan and America, the newly revamped, newly released, New Super Mario Bros. now set its non-insidious sights on Europe, land of collosseums, queens and curiously leaning constructions. Nintendo of Europe has announced that the game has shipped to stores, just in time to be snatched up over the weekend. Expect Mario to hit his presumed homeland of Italy in full force, devouring mushrooms and smashing bricks, though sadly not fixing leaky plumping. If you haven't purchased the game already, check out its updated official site and catch yourself whistling along to the music.

JoystiqNew Super Mario now stomping across Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DS LiteDS PhatDsLiteDsPhatMario BrosMarioBrosNew Super Mario Bros.NewSuperMarioBros.Platformerside-scrollerSuper MarioSuperMarioFri, 30 Jun 2006 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo plays numbers game, loses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-loses/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-loses/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-loses/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo's most recent press release exhibits the interesting quality of simultaneously telling us something we already knew and something we didn't. The first part should be fairly obvious if you boast any familiarity with portly Italian plumbers: New Super Mario Bros. for the DS is a huge success in North America -- certainly nothing worthy of a collective gasp. Selling over 500,000 copies since its May release, the shell-smashing, block-bashing retro platforming trip has practically given Nintendo permission to nonchalantly reach into your pocket, feel around for a few seconds and make off with your wallet.

What we weren't aware of, however, is that Nintendo really should have been sticking their hand into your front shirt pocket. That's where your calculator is. Nintendo claims that after "just 35 days on store shelves," the game has had a sell-through rate of "more than 20 every minute since the game went on sale May 15."

O RLY?

Be sure to mock us if our primitive thought processes are incorrect, but let's consider for a moment that there are 24 hours in a day and 60 minutes in an hour. That's 1,440 minutes a day, and so the 35 days that New Super Mario Bros. has been on sale (even though it's been longer than that now) equates to 50,400 minutes. Divide 500,000 by that number and we get ... just under 10 copies sold per minute. Had Nintendo actually sold 20 copies per minute, they would have already hit over a million, and we're pretty sure that would warrant a press release all on its own. Dr. Kawashima is going to be so disappointed.

JoystiqNintendo plays numbers game, loses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DS LiteDsLiteNew Super Mario Bros.NewSuperMarioBros.Nintendo DS LiteNintendoDsLiteSalesSuper MarioSuperMarioThu, 22 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo plays numbers game, loses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-loses/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-loses/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/nintendo-plays-numbers-game-loses/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo's most recent press release exhibits the interesting quality of simultaneously telling us something we already knew and something we didn't. The first part should be fairly obvious if you boast any familiarity with portly Italian plumbers: New Super Mario Bros. for the DS is a huge success in North America -- certainly nothing worthy of a collective gasp. Selling over 500,000 copies since its May release, the shell-smashing, block-bashing retro platforming trip has practically given Nintendo permission to nonchalantly reach into your pocket, feel around for a few seconds and make off with your wallet.

What we weren't aware of, however, is that Nintendo really should have been sticking their hand into your front shirt pocket. That's where your calculator is. Nintendo claims that after "just 35 days on store shelves," the game has had a sell-through rate of "more than 20 every minute since the game went on sale May 15."

O RLY?

Be sure to mock us if our primitive thought processes are incorrect, but let's consider for a moment that there are 24 hours in a day and 60 minutes in an hour. That's 1,440 minutes a day, and so the 35 days that New Super Mario Bros. has been on sale (even though its been longer than that now) equates to 50,400 minutes. Divide 500,000 by that number and we get ... just under 10 copies sold per minute. Had Nintendo actually sold 20 copies per minute, they would have already hit over a million, and we're pretty sure that would warrant a press release all on its own. Dr. Kawashima is going to be so disappointed.

JoystiqNintendo plays numbers game, loses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSDS LiteDsLiteNew Super Mario Bros.NewSuperMarioBros.NintendoSalesStatisticsSuper MarioSuperMarioThu, 22 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[May NPD sales: Plumber popularity soars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/09/may-npd-sales-plumber-popularity-soars/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/09/may-npd-sales-plumber-popularity-soars/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/09/may-npd-sales-plumber-popularity-soars/#commentsFiled under:

According to the NPD group's thorough and unusually keen sales analysis, Mario's latest block-bashing, Koopa-kicking, shell-sliding adventure was the bestselling game in the US for the merry month of May. Following closely on the portly plumber's hopping heels was Brain Age, nestled snugly in third place. It seems that New Super Mario Bros. was just the thing to wean gamers off that nasty heroine addiction.

The Top 20 best-selling titles for May according to NPD:
  1. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
  2. Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)
  3. Brain Age: Train Your Brain In Minutes a Day (DS)
  4. God of War (PS2)
  5. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (Xbox 360)
  6. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Xbox 360)
  7. MLB '06: The Show (PS2)
  8. Guitar Hero (with Guitar) (PS2)
  9. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
  10. Kingdom Hearts (PS2)
  11. X-Men: The Official Game (PS2)
  12. Over the Hedge (PS2)
  13. Fight Night Round 3 (Xbox 360)
  14. FIFA World Cup 2006 (PS2)
  15. The Godfather: The Game (PS2)
  16. Gran Turismo 4 (PS2)
  17. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat (Xbox 360)
  18. Midnight Club 3: Dub Ed Remix (PS2)
  19. Major League Baseball 2K6 (PS2)
  20. Major League Baseball 2K6 (Xbox 360)

JoystiqMay NPD sales: Plumber popularity soars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giving his competitors a veritable butt-stomp, Mario finds himself at the very top of the Japanese software sales chart this week -- nearly 900,000 people donned their rose-colored glasses and marched out of a store with a copy of the portly plumber's retro adventure.
  1. [DS] New Super Mario Bros.
  2. [DS] Brain Training 2
  3. [DS] Brain Training for Adults
  4. [PSP] Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable
  5. [DS] Tetris DS
  6. [PS2] Kimikiss
  7. [PS2] World Soccer Winning Eleven 10
  8. [DS] English Training
  9. [DS] Animal Crossing: Wild World
  10. [PS2] Jikkyou Powerful Major League

JoystiqJapanese software chart, 22-28 May: Mario madness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo WiiDue to how the Joystiq staff divided the Wii games' coverage, I ended up posting about a game that needs a lot of work (Madden), a game that needs a little (Metroid Prime 3), a couple of games that show promise (WarioWare & Elebits), and a game that is simply a gimmick (Final Furlong). I also played: Super Mario Galaxy, RedSteel, Twilight Princess, and Tennis.

I'm not convinced that, at this stage, the Wiimote and nunchaku add-on are superior to a gamepad. Miyamoto, speaking last night at a developer's event, said that after becoming comfortable with the Wiimote, it's now impossible for him to go back. I'm not there yet, and I know I'm not alone. It's gonna take a lot of work to rewire how we, longtime gamers, play video games. It's important for Nintendo to understand this, and I believe they do.

Continue reading Wii impressions: the E3 experience

JoystiqWii impressions: the E3 experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 May 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Though players have long become accustomed to controlling Nintendo's iconic and portly plumber, Super Mario Galaxy marks somewhat of a departure from that tradition. You still control Mario's movements with the analogue stick on the left nunchuck, but the wiimote in your right hand actually allows you to exert an influence on the world itself. A little on-screen star indicates where the wiimote is pointing and by holding down the B-button, you can grab onto various items and structures. For instance, if you run the cursor through a patch of flowers, it will gently rustle in reaction to the presence of your invisible hand. While  you have Mario running and jumping about and doing his usual platforming, you can manipulate objects in the environment in order to help him out.

The game world seems to be comprised of a bunch of little planets floating in space, with Mario seeking out different ways to travel between them. One method of transportation is what appears to be a giant elastic plant. Mario climbs to the top and, using your wiimote, you grab onto the plant, stretch it into one direction and then release the button to have Mario slingshot to a different panet. It's an extremely intuitive experience and really creates the impression that you are reaching into Mario's little universe and making things a little easier for him. You can also stun and tip over the meandering Goombas by running your cursor across them, allowing Mario to finish them off with a good 'ole butt-stomp.

Mario's usual repertoire of moves remains intact, with a vigorous shake of the wiimote activating a furious spinning attack. It's effective for clobbering enemies and activating the various star lifts scattered across the levels. The levels themselves look excellent from a graphical standpoint, boasting some stylish lighting effects and crisp and colorful textures. As far as depictions of plumbers in outer space go, I'd say this is probably the best one I've seen. Super Mario Galaxy really does make up for a lot of the graphical shortcomings of other Wii games. In fact, its unusual and engaging control system provides provides one of the best glimpses of the system's potential we've seen so far. 

JoystiqWii impressions: Super Mario Galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MarioPlatformingSuper MarioSuperMarioWed, 10 May 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii impressions: Super Mario Galaxy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/wii-impressions-super-mario-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/wii-impressions-super-mario-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/wii-impressions-super-mario-galaxy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Though players have long become accustomed to controlling Nintendo's iconic and portly plumber, Super Mario Galaxy marks somewhat of a departure from that tradition. You still control Mario's movements with the analogue stick on the left nunchuck, but the wiimote in your right hand actually allows you to exert an influence on the world itself. A little on-screen star indicates where the wiimote is pointing and by holding down the B-button, you can grab onto various items and structures. For instance, if you run the cursor through a patch of flowers, it willl gently rustle in reaction to the presence of your invisible hand. While you have Mario running and jumping about and doing his usual platforming, you can manipulate objects in the environment in order to help him out.

The game world seems to be comprised of a bunch of little planets floating in space, with Mario seeking out different ways to travel between them. One method of transportation is what appears to be a giant elastic plant. Mario climbs to the top and, using your wiimote, you grab onto the plant, stretch it into one direction and then release the button to have Mario slingshot to a different panet. It's an extremely intuitive experience and really creates the impression that you are reaching into Mario's little universe and making things a little easier for him. You can also stun and tip over the meandering Goombas by running your cursor across them, allowing Mario to finish them off with a good 'ole butt-stomp.

Mario's usual repertoire of moves remains intact, with a vigorous shake of the wiimote activating a furious spinning attack. It's effective for clobbering enemies and activating the various star lifts scattered across the levels. The levels themselves look excellent from a graphical standpoint, boasting some stylish lighting effects and crisp and colorful textures. As far as depictions of plumbers in outer space go, I'd say this is probably the best one I've seen. Super Mario Galaxy really does make up for a lot of the graphical shortcomings of other Wii games. In fact, its unusual and engaging control system provides one of the best glimpses of the system's potential we've seen so far.

JoystiqWii impressions: Super Mario Galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E32006MarioPlatformingSuper MarioSuper Mario GalaxySuperMarioSuperMarioGalaxyWiiWed, 10 May 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Revolution sighting, maybe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/super-mario-revolution-sighting-maybe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/super-mario-revolution-sighting-maybe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/super-mario-revolution-sighting-maybe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mario Revolution

OnNintendo.com has posted two images - snagged from NintendoGlobal.net - of an unidentified Mario title. Of course, since these images are unidentified, they are likely fake, concocted by an overactive Photoshop buff.

It's worth noting that copyright tags have been pasted on the images, accompanied by resolution values. The tag on the image to the left reads: 2006 Nintendo 480i; to the right: 2006 Nintendo 480p.

JoystiqSuper Mario Revolution sighting, maybe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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