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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS 'several years' away, Sakurai says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds-several-years-away-sakurai-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds-several-years-away-sakurai-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds-several-years-away-sakurai-says/#comments When Nintendo announced that Smash Bros. was en route to its Wii U and 3DS systems, longtime fans of the fighting series may have, in elation, momentarily forgotten how much time elapses during the announcement and launch. As creative lead Masahiro Sakurai explains in his weekly Famitsu column (translated by 1UP), the next game is "several years" away from completion.

"It makes me cringe," he laments, referring to the two game projects being added to his plate. "And I'm not sure it's the smartest thing to make gamers wait for several years, but the early announcement was made chiefly in order to attract new team members." Apparently all of his studio's resources are currently being poured into Kid Icarus: Uprising for the 3DS. "We've got no plans whatsoever -- we've got two new games out there in the open when there's no extra time to work with them at all."

At least with these games, Sakurai knew ahead of time. With the Wii's Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Nintendo head Satoru Iwata announced the game before Sakurai even knew it was a project he would be working on. "With previous projects I had a game design document in place before forming a team, but with this I don't have the time for that. I won't be able to look at every aspect of the game and balance out all the characters by myself this time," he writes.

Before the Wii U announcement Sakurai's studio, Project Sora, "had intended to make a 3DS Smash Bros.," but doubled up after seeing the Wii U. "If we went solely for the Wii U, the HD graphics would really bump up the visual effects, but then we'd be stuck in another arms race. If we made this game another extension over the previous one, we'd have to cut out the new things we could possibly do on the 3DS hardware and compete with ourselves again over the size of the character roster and the amount of gameplay we can put in it."

If your heart stops every time Iwata takes the stage at a press conference, just imagine how Mr. Sakurai reacts.

JoystiqSmash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS 'several years' away, Sakurai says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfamitsukid-icarus-uprisingmasahiro-sakurainintendoproject-sorasmash-brossmash-bros-3dssmash-bros-brawlsmash-bros-wii-usorawii-uThu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. Brawl surpasses 100 million hours played]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/super-smash-bros-brawl-surpasses-100-million-hours-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/super-smash-bros-brawl-surpasses-100-million-hours-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/super-smash-bros-brawl-surpasses-100-million-hours-played/#comments Wow, guys, you really like your Super Smash Bros. Brawl, eh? Nintendo Channel data reveals the fighter has spun around in Wii disc drives for a collective 100 million hours and then some. On average, each gamer has put just over 73 total hours in.

To put some perspective on the figure, some of Nintendo's most notable titles haven't even come close to approaching 100 million hours played. Mario Kart Wii has only been played for 46 million hours, while Super Mario Galaxy has managed a mere 34 million hours in total. Wii Sports, however, remains the obvious top game played, netting a total play time of 105 million hours.

[Via Coffee with Games & Go Nintendo]

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. Brawl surpasses 100 million hours played originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-channelsmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 17 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sora shows off its smashing new office]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/project-sora-shows-off-its-smashing-new-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/project-sora-shows-off-its-smashing-new-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/project-sora-shows-off-its-smashing-new-office/#commentsWhat has Masahiro Sakurai's Project Sora studio been up to since opening in February? According to its website, the company is in the final stages of its hiring initiative, but it's also been moving. The new developer posted a photo tour of its new offices in Iidabashi, Tokyo, complete with a sound booth and a teleconference room for meetings with Nintendo of America.

The room with the most furnishing is the office game room, seen above, which features an impressive array of consoles (including the dreamy Twin Famicom on the floor) and plants. "The cactus was a gift," Sakurai boasted.

As for what Sora is working on in this new space: "Our project is a secret!"

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqProject Sora shows off its smashing new office originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSmasahiro-sakuraiNintendoproject-sorasmash-bros-brawlWiiTue, 14 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers add Roy to Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hackers-add-Roy-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hackers-add-Roy-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hackers-add-Roy-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/#comments
Smashboards forum user goodoldganon wasn't satisfied with all of the characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. His main contention with the game was that it lacked several key Melee characters. So, he did what any sensible member of society would do: He wrote a letter to Nintendo He hacked the crap out of the game.

As evidenced in the videos past the break, this isn't merely a texture swap, as goodoldganon also incorporated Roy's moves into the game. By delegating the hack to a certain color set of Marth's (here it's the red suit), he can pick Roy at will and seamlessly integrate him into the game. Sure, the bottom of the screen still says Marth, but, for all intents and purposes, this is the Roy you remember.

It's impressive stuff, to say the least, so head past the break and check out the footage of a fighter's return to the arena.

[Thanks, Slashy!]

Continue reading Hackers add Roy to Super Smash Bros. Brawl

JoystiqHackers add Roy to Super Smash Bros. Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhacksmarthroysmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-bros-brawlWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fans rewrite Brawl to balance characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/fans-rewrite-brawl-to-balance-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/fans-rewrite-brawl-to-balance-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/fans-rewrite-brawl-to-balance-characters/#commentsSuper Smash Bros. Brawl is a pretty fun fighting game to play with friends, right?

WRONG. It's actually an unbalanced mess. At least, that's what a group of Smash Boards members seems to believe, seemingly with more conviction than we've ever had for pretty much anything. It's important enough that they decided to patch the game's code to change specific gameplay elements. "Balanced Brawl" has three goals, as stated by the coders: first, to remove "infinites" and "inescapable lockdowns" (simple, unblockable combos that add more than 50% damage), increase overall character balance, and increase stage viability.

You can see examples of the kind of minute tweaking done to the characters in the chart above, and you can read way, way more about each change in the Smash Boards thread. It's a pretty impressive testament to just how much time has been spent thinking about Brawl.

JoystiqFans rewrite Brawl to balance characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanced-brawlfightinghacksmash-bros-brawlTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sora hiring for non-Smash Bros. game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/project-sora-hiring-for-non-smash-bros-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/project-sora-hiring-for-non-smash-bros-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/project-sora-hiring-for-non-smash-bros-game/#commentsLast month, Nintendo announced the formation of Project Sora, a new studio created from the combination of Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai's Sora Ltd. and a pile of Nintendo's money. This week, the new company took out a full-page ad in Famitsu seeking new employees.

The ad reiterates that Sora is working on "something that Nintendo can't create by themselves." Nintendo president Satoru Iwata also has quotes in the ad, which provide one small detail: "I am asking for something special here, something that isn't Smash Bros.," Iwata says. While it's entirely possible Sora or another studio is also working on another Smash Bros. title, the mysterious game that the developer is focusing on right now is something else. We don't even know which system it will involve!

JoystiqProject Sora hiring for non-Smash Bros. game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatamasahiro-sakurainintendoproject-sorasmash-bros-brawlsoraWed, 18 Mar 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Smashed Gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/wii-warm-up-smashed-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/wii-warm-up-smashed-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/wii-warm-up-smashed-gameplay/#commentsFiled under:


As reported yesterday, the new TMNT: Smash Up for the Wii seems to borrow liberally from Super Smash Bros. We're not going to argue about the "fairness" of lifting from other games to make your design, because appropriating other people's ideas and resynthesizing them is basically the essence of art. And every fighting game since Street Fighter II has cribbed from Capcom's masterpiece anyway. Basically, we wouldn't have a fighting genre if not for copying.

But on to Smash Bros. and the Turtles. Do you think the Smash Bros. gameplay is strong enough to work without Nintendo characters? Are there any particular ideas involved in the bizarre fighting series that more fighting games could stand to inherit? And is it going to become its own branch of the fighting game genre?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Smashed Gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightingsmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-brostmntubisoftMon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii's winners and losers in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/wiis-winners-and-losers-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/wiis-winners-and-losers-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/wiis-winners-and-losers-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

We can't exactly trust the validity of the numbers used to create this list of best-selling games across the three home platforms, since it's just some guy on Geocities doing it (and he claims that he might alter numbers to deter copying) but they're close enough to our expectations for most games. These numbers are purportedly derived from Enterbrain and Famitsu sales data. Kotaku reproduced the top and bottom-selling games on each platform, and we think that's a nice way to organize it.

The top ten Wii games are not too surprising, including stuff like Wii Sports, Wii Play, Wii Fit, Brawl, and other big Nintendo franchises. The only third-party game on the list is Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, which, of course, is a Mario game!

But the bottom ten is a lot more entertaining, revealing, for example, that poor Opoona sold only 5,000 copies, as did Dewy's Adventure. D3's motivation for putting their Simple games on WiiWare is made clear by the fact that their disc-based releases totally bombed. Though not as badly as Hudson's Puzzle Series Vol. 1 Sudoku, which apparently sold 482 copies total.

It's hard to pick interesting tidbits out of the middle of the list (which we won't reproduce after the break in the interest of brevity) but apparently No More Heroes sold just 27,873 copies -- much less than the 84,224 copies of Mysterious Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 3 that went out!

Continue reading Wii's winners and losers in Japan

JoystiqWii's winners and losers in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enterbrainjapanmario-and-sonicopoonasimplesmash-bros-brawlwariowarewii-fitwii-sportsMon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo makes Brawl world less colorful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/nintendo-makes-brawl-world-less-colorful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/nintendo-makes-brawl-world-less-colorful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/nintendo-makes-brawl-world-less-colorful/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember the awesome Super Smash Bros. Brawl hacking project through which some guys were making alternate color schemes for all the character models? Well, the group responsible started calling themselves ]EE[ Syntax-Error, and they were planning to distribute a patch for Brawl that would allow any homebrew-capable Wii owner to play with all kinds of recolored characters. Soon before this patch was to be released, their site went down.

We don't know exactly what happened, but according to a post at Stack Smash, a related Smash Bros. character model hacking site, Nintendo threatened Syntax-Error with lawsuits. As a result, the site is down and the patch is shelved. The image above, found in another Stack Smash post, features almost every texture alteration that was to be released with the software. Check out Pac-Kirby! Oh, we've just made ourselves sad.


[Thanks, Ants!]

JoystiqNintendo makes Brawl world less colorful originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>smash-bros-brawlsyntax-errortexturesTue, 23 Dec 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[2008's best-sellers revealed, familiar outcome ensues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gamasutra has compiled a bunch of charts showing the best-selling games of 2008 (so far) across all formats. At first glance, the results are thoroughly predictable -- it's yet more Wii dominance in the U.S. -- but there are interesting factoids to be drawn from this.

Wii Play, for example, looks like finishing in the top five games of the year for the second year running. Even more impressively, Gamasutra thinks it could sell more copies in 2008 than in 2007, which is all kinds of crazy. Surely that would be some kind of first?

The top two spots are held by Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Wii, a pair of titles that we always expected to sell well, but to beat the likes of Wii Fit or other games aimed at Nintendo's broadened audience? Speaking of Wii Fit, it tops the chart for estimated revenue so far this year, thanks to its higher retail price. We'll reproduce the 2008 YTD sales table below, but Gamasutra has other data worth looking at here.

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) -- 3.5 million
2. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) -- 3.4 million
3. Grand Theft Auto IV (360) -- 3.2 million
4. Wii Play (Wii) -- 3.0 million
5. Wii Fit (Wii) -- 2.8 million

Joystiq2008's best-sellers revealed, familiar outcome ensues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008businessgrand-theft-auto-ivmario-kart-wiinpdsmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playMon, 17 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Multiplayer Experiences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/top-5-multiplayer-experiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/top-5-multiplayer-experiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/top-5-multiplayer-experiences/#commentsFiled under:


As someone who writes on the Internets, I do a lot of reading as well. As just about any successful author will advise, if I want to be a better writer then I should be reading as much as possible. Thus, I tend to spend a good amount of time scouring the gaming websites and reading commentary from just about anyone. I wouldn't insult anyone by pointing out flaws in their work (as I'm host to many of my own), but it is sufficient to say that there is great diversity in the quality and other general attributes of gaming commentary. One source that I do consistently enjoy comes from GoNintendo's head honcho, known as RawmeatCowboy. Equal parts Nintendo fan and beard enthusiast, RMC has a passion for gaming unmatched by nearly anyone else in the entire industry. Whereas some journalists and commentators may give off an impression of jaded cynicism, this particular blogger is a bundle of video game-loving joy. Though he's not quite the wordsmith of a Jerry Holkins, his joy and optimism transcend any potential criticism. And after all, that should be the reason we play video games: for happiness.

Stepping away from worshipping his shrine, I'll get back on target. In a recent post, RMC discusses offline multiplayer via a get-together involving several friends of his trying out Guitar Hero: World Tour. He states that multiplayer is more enjoyable in person than online, and I find it difficult to disagree. That is not to say that online multiplayer is garbage; quite the opposite is true. Aside from the obvious pragmatics of not always being able to round up a few friends to play a game you enjoy, there's the global aspect behind online gaming. Though I've been battling people online via chess years before any major console had such capabilities, the enormous power of the technology didn't register with me until very recently. As I was connecting to an online race in Mario Kart Wii, the identification of racers on the globe really hit home. Realizing that I was simultaneously connecting with individuals from Japan, China, Germany, and England was strangely beautiful.

Despite the fascinating global implications of such connections, I remain a bit of a luddite in that I don't think there's anything better than having your friends in the same room with you while fighting with or against each other. Here's the Top 5 ways we recommend that you enjoy such opportunities.


The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Multiplayer Experiences originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombermangoldeneyegoldeneye-007guitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourguitarherojoystiqfeaturesmario-kartmario-kart-64mario-kart-wiimultiplayerrock-bandrock-band-2smash-brossmash-bros-brawlsmash-bros-meleesmashbrossmashbrosbrawlsuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-64super-smash-bros-brawlMon, 03 Nov 2008 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten for under twenty at Gamefly's sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/ten-for-under-twenty-at-gameflys-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/ten-for-under-twenty-at-gameflys-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/ten-for-under-twenty-at-gameflys-sale/#commentsFiled under:


In these belt-tightening, penny-pinching times, it literally pays to have a nose for the bargains. That's where we, or rather Gamefly, comes in. The game rental outfit has a broad selection of used Wii software for low, world banking crisis-friendly prices, and we chose ten of the best sub-$20 games to tempt you. Thar be bargains ahead!
There's actually a ton more we could have mentioned, including Super Mario Galaxy for $32.99, Super Smash Bros. Brawl for $30.99, and Metroid Prime 3 for $26.99. Sadly, "One hundred and fifty-eight for under forty-two" just doesn't work as a headline. Hit up the "Source" link for the full set.


[Thanks, William!]

JoystiqTen for under twenty at Gamefly's sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baroquebattalion-wars-2blast-worksdewys-adventuregameflygeometry-warsmercury-meltdownmetroid-prime-3nightsno-more-heroespreownedsalesega-superstars-tennissmash-bros-brawlsuper-mario-galaxyWed, 22 Oct 2008 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo UK wheels out the celebs ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/nintendo-uk-wheels-out-the-celebs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/nintendo-uk-wheels-out-the-celebs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/nintendo-uk-wheels-out-the-celebs/#commentsFiled under:



... with mixed results. But let's start with the good ones: Patrick Stewart will be back this Christmas to sell the DS and Brain Training to Brits (as he was last year), and he'll be doing it alongside Julie Walters. Hurray! The rest of Nintendo's celebrity line-up will be quite obscure to Americans, but when they produce lifestyle photography as brilliant as this, who the hell cares? They include:
  • Girls Aloud. British girl pop group, and actually a pretty big name in Blighty. Most famous member is one Cheryl Cole, who seems lovely and sincere on X Factor, though isn't quite as pleasant if you meet her in a nightclub toilet.
  • Fern Britton, once-cuddly, now gastric-band-wearing TV presenter, will be advertising Cooking Guide.
  • Ronan Keating, one-fifth of Irish boyband Boyzone. Incidentally, in the process of writing this post, we discovered Boyzone were reforming. Ugh. Anyway, Ronan will be promoting Big Brain Academy.
  • Jamie and Louise Redknapp, slightly thick but good-looking soccer pundit and his former pop star wife. Will join forces with their extended family to push Mario Kart Wii, Wii Sports, and Super Smash Bros.: Brawl. That's a lot of responsibility on the Redknapps' shoulders! We hope they're up to it.
And going by Nintendo's current record in the UK, they'll probably do really well. Best of luck to all of them.

JoystiqNintendo UK wheels out the celebs ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbig-brain-academyboyzonebritaincelebrityfern-brittongirls-aloudjulie-waltersmario-kart-wiimarketingpatrick-stewartpicardsmash-bros-brawlukwii-sportsMon, 20 Oct 2008 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirty disc drive lens? Nintendo has your back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/dirty-disc-drive-lens-nintendo-has-your-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/dirty-disc-drive-lens-nintendo-has-your-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/dirty-disc-drive-lens-nintendo-has-your-back/#commentsFiled under: ,

Reasons not to smoke:
  1. Increased risk of lung cancer, high blood pressure, bronchitis, emphysema.
  2. It smells.
  3. Wii lens damage!!1!
Rather than lecture you on the first two (because hey, they're your lungs, bucko), we want to concentrate on the latter. Back in February, Japanese gamers reported that Wiis were having trouble reading newly purchased copies of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Nintendo's intervention was swift, with the company blaming dirty console lenses -- Brawl was the first Wii game to release on a dual-layered DVD, and therefore especially sensitive to this issue.

Nintendo's first practical solution was ... not so swift. As in, it just came out now. The Wii Lens Cleaner Set is available to order on Nintendo's Japanese site for ¥800 (around $8) or Play-Asia for a tenner. It should leave your console lens sparkling and your Brawl career resurgent. Whadd'ya mean everyone plays Mario Kart now? Hush!


[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqDirty disc drive lens? Nintendo has your back originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbrawldisc-errorlensrepairsmash-bros-brawlssbbTue, 14 Oct 2008 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD dishes out the 5 top-selling Wii games of this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/#commentsFiled under:


When we think of what games could possibly be the top 5 for the Wii, it doesn't seem like there's much room for mystery. Those that follow the monthly NPD numbers will likely be able to recite the top 5, in order, off the top of their heads. So, let's get to it!

The top 5 games of 2008 so far according to the NPD are:
  1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  2. Mario Kart Wii (with wheel)
  3. Wii Play
  4. Wii Fit (with Balance Board)
  5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (with guitar)
We're amazed at how well GH3 still continues to do on the Wii. Obviously, Wii Play is no surprise, as it's a constant fixture in the top software titles month after month. And we have a feeling that Wii Fit would be higher on the list if only more people could actually find it.

JoystiqNPD dishes out the 5 top-selling Wii games of this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbusinessgh3guitar-heroguitar-hero-3mario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonpdsalessalesfiguressmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playTue, 23 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Equipped with Mega Man answers from Inafune]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/get-equipped-with-mega-man-answers-from-inafune/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/get-equipped-with-mega-man-answers-from-inafune/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/get-equipped-with-mega-man-answers-from-inafune/#commentsFiled under: ,


As the daddy of the Blue Bomber, you'd expect Keiji Inafune to know a thing or two about the Mega Man canon, and readers of the Capcom blog got the chance to test his knowledge in a interview, in which Inafune quickly set about clarifying series minutiae.

Other subjects broached include the prospect of Mega Man appearing in not-Mega Man genres (in short, don't be expecting Mega Man Kart in the near future, and let's all be thankful for that), Inafune's fondness for photography (which influenced Dead Rising), and co-op Mega Man (which, argues Inafune, would be "close to impossible" with the current style of the series). He also mentions that he'd be happy to see Mega Man in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and that's not the first time Inafune has dropped that particular hint. Surely the robo-boy is a shoo-in for the next game?


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGet Equipped with Mega Man answers from Inafune originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncapcominafunekeiji-inafunemega-manmega-man-9platformsmash-bros-brawlTue, 09 Sep 2008 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers give Brawl cast a change of clothes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/hackers-give-brawl-cast-a-change-of-clothes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/hackers-give-brawl-cast-a-change-of-clothes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/hackers-give-brawl-cast-a-change-of-clothes/#commentsFiled under:


Some dudes at Ghosteo have breathed new life into the already-quite-vital Super Smash Bros. Brawl by ripping the game code and editing the textures to look like other well-known Nintendo costumes -- like Fierce Deity Link as he appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Pikachu becomes Plusle and Minun, Lucas becomes a juvenile Phoenix Wright, Ness becomes Zim, and R.O.B. becomes ... R.O.B. covered in blood. It looks like it came out of a Funcoland in Silent Hill.

The Ghosteo posters aren't releasing the textures to the public until they've completed two per character, if at all. So for now all we can do is imagine what it must be like to play Brawl as Sonic, but ... looking like Metal Sonic.


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqHackers give Brawl cast a change of clothes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fierce-deity-linksmash-bros-brawltexturesFri, 29 Aug 2008 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Smash Bros. champion cracks the world of reality TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/smash-bros-champion-cracks-the-world-of-reality-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/smash-bros-champion-cracks-the-world-of-reality-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/smash-bros-champion-cracks-the-world-of-reality-tv/#commentsFiled under:

Fans of reality TV show Survivor who also read Nintendo blogs will be pleased to hear that gamers are getting some representation for the show's seventeenth season, Survivor: Gabon - Earth's Last Eden.

22-year-old Ken Hoang will be one of the eighteen contestants when the series begins on September 25th, and he's there for one very good reason: he can totally kick the world's ass at Super Smash Bros. Melee. Yeah, even yours. A professional gamer by trade, Ken has earned over $50,000 from playing Melee, which (according to his Survivor profile at CBS) he's used to help pay his family's mortgage. Whaddaguy!

The message to take from this: don't let anybody tell you gaming can't take you anywhere in life. Unless you play, say, Mario Kart Wii as well as we do. Then, seriously, it's time to look for a real job.


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSmash Bros. champion cracks the world of reality TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ken-hoangpro-gamingreality-tvsmash-bros-brawlsmash-bros-meleesurvivortvThu, 28 Aug 2008 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Dojo update: Celebrating obsessive Brawlers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/dojo-update-celebrating-obsessive-brawlers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/dojo-update-celebrating-obsessive-brawlers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/dojo-update-celebrating-obsessive-brawlers/#commentsFiled under:


For the second time after the Smash Bros. Dojo announced that there would be no more site updates, the Smash Bros. Dojo has updated. Rather than revealing something new about Super Smash Bros. Brawl, however, the latest update reveals something about you: that you're all crazy and willing to replay Target Smash and Home-Run Contest over and over again.

The Dojo now features a list of records for the two contests, organized by level and by character. The fastest Target Smash overall? As of the end of last month, it's 3.98 seconds in Level 1 by Olimar. The longest home run? Ganondorf's 7,435.9 feet. And those are just individual records -- it gets crazier in co-op.

If you're good at these challenges, but you've stopped playing Brawl, it may be time for you to hop back in. You might just get on the Dojo! Of course, only you will know, since there aren't any names attached to these records.

JoystiqDojo update: Celebrating obsessive Brawlers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dojofightinghome-run-contestsmash-bros-brawlFri, 22 Aug 2008 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[So apparently this Wii thing is popular?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/so-apparently-this-wii-thing-is-popular/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/so-apparently-this-wii-thing-is-popular/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/so-apparently-this-wii-thing-is-popular/#commentsFiled under: ,


Pow! Blam! Thwack! That's the sound of the Wii's biggest software performers in 2008 so far. The likes of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Wii Fit, and Mario Kart Wii have taken some of the the top places in a new Top Global Markets Report, as calculated by chart specialists Enterbrain (Japan), NPD (the U.S.) and Gfk Chart-Track (the UK).

Although top spot goes to Grand Theft Auto IV (6.29 million copies sold in 2008 so far), the next four places feature Wii games, three of which are exclusives. Brawl (5.4 million) was runner-up, while Mario Kart Wii (4.6 million) and Wii Fit (3.6 million) reached third and fourth respectively. Guitar Hero III (just under 3.4 million) was fifth; obviously, the Wii also had a hand in that.

What does this prove? Well, little that we didn't already know: that Nintendo's console and games are obscenely popular -- even when said games cost way more than regular titles. With four months of the year still to go, we wouldn't rule out one or more of those Nintendo exclusives overhauling that insolent Russian Niko. Commence yaaaaying.

JoystiqSo apparently this Wii thing is popular? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessexergamingfightinggrand-theft-autoindustrymario-kart-wiiracingsmash-bros-brawlwii-fitThu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[The cost to Brawl just got a lot cheaper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/the-cost-to-brawl-just-got-a-lot-cheaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/the-cost-to-brawl-just-got-a-lot-cheaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/the-cost-to-brawl-just-got-a-lot-cheaper/#commentsFiled under:


If you've been waiting for a good chance to purchase one of the Wii's best games, know that Super Smash Bros. Brawl has just received a price cut over at Amazon. Instead of the reasonable sum of $49.99 (seriously, the game is jam-packed with content), you can now subtract a cool $10 from the price, which brings the game down to $39.99. We can't imagine why you wouldn't own this game already, but if you don't, then get on it now.



[Via Punch Jump]

We love Super Smash Bros. Brawl. There's always someone trying to play at Game Night every week. On top of that, check out our farewell feature to the Smash Bros. Dojo, as well as the funny and zany images the community has come up with.

JoystiqThe cost to Brawl just got a lot cheaper originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonprice-cutsmash-brossmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 12 Aug 2008 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakurai: 'Another Smash Bros? I'd have to give it some serious thought']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/sakurai-another-smash-bros-id-have-to-give-it-some-serious-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/sakurai-another-smash-bros-id-have-to-give-it-some-serious-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/sakurai-another-smash-bros-id-have-to-give-it-some-serious-t/#commentsFiled under:

During a recent interview with ONM, Masahiro Sakurai talked about his latest game, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, among other things. What might be of most interest to us all is that he's apparently willing to work on another Smash Bros. game.

"It's interesting, because after every Smash Bros. game I've made, I've always felt at that time that I've left nothing out," he says. "However, I also understand that there are millions of fans out there who love the series so if Mr Iwata came to me in a few years time and asked me to make another one, I'd have to give it some serious thought." A few years? You're kidding! We want another game now. And can we get less things cut out of the game this time around, please?



[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqSakurai: 'Another Smash Bros? I'd have to give it some serious thought' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>masahiro-sakuraisakuraismash-brossmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-brosThu, 31 Jul 2008 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl Stage of the Week: Galaxy Arena]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/brawl-stage-of-the-week-galaxy-arena/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/brawl-stage-of-the-week-galaxy-arena/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/brawl-stage-of-the-week-galaxy-arena/#commentsFiled under:

We wanted something pure today, something easy -- a stage that's just meant for brawling. We didn't need any gimmicks, or any crazy architecture and stage design. Our one prerequisite for this week was to find a stage that was fun to fight on, period.

When we came across Galaxy Arena by TwilightRaver, we knew we had found exactly what we were looking for.

Continue reading Brawl Stage of the Week: Galaxy Arena

JoystiqBrawl Stage of the Week: Galaxy Arena originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenabrawlgalaxy-arenasmash-bros-brawlssbbstagestage-buildersuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl Stage of the Week: Freezer Room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/brawl-stage-of-the-week-freezer-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/brawl-stage-of-the-week-freezer-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/brawl-stage-of-the-week-freezer-room/#commentsFiled under:

It may not be the prettiest stage we've ever seen, but we found ourselves having a great time while playing in Matt M.'s Freezer Room. We didn't really understand the title at first, as we originally only noticed the little ice platform up top in this very tall stage -- one ice platform does not a "freezer room" make! Once we started brawling, though, we saw the little enclosed area at the bottom with an ice floor, and everything made much more sense.

Yet that's only one element of the stage that we enjoyed -- click past the break to see more!

Continue reading Brawl Stage of the Week: Freezer Room

JoystiqBrawl Stage of the Week: Freezer Room originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlfreezer-roomjoystiqfeaturessmash-bros-brawlssbbstagestage-buildersuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 08 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakurai: 'I had a lot more characters' in Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/sakurai-i-had-a-lot-more-characters-in-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/sakurai-i-had-a-lot-more-characters-in-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/sakurai-i-had-a-lot-more-characters-in-brawl/#commentsFiled under:

What do you think of Smash Bros. Brawl? Great game, right? Yeah, we think so, too. Is it missing something, though? Perhaps extra characters?

According to ONM, Sakurai himself cut a couple of characters from the roster. "I had a lot more characters, for example.. but sadly I can't discuss which ones didn't make it," he said to ONM in an interview that will be featured in their next issue, hitting newsstands on Friday. How does that sit with you?

For us, it's not much of a big deal. The game's already packed with a ton of characters, and even includes wonderful bits of fan service in Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog. So, we're not complaining.


JoystiqSakurai: 'I had a lot more characters' in Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sakuraismash-bros-brawlsnakesolid-snakesonicsonic-the-hedgehogsuper-smash-bros-brawlWed, 02 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressive Falco papercraft doesn't even look like paper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/impressive-falco-papercraft-doesnt-even-look-like-paper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/impressive-falco-papercraft-doesnt-even-look-like-paper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/impressive-falco-papercraft-doesnt-even-look-like-paper/#commentsFiled under:

It may not be a tiny gaming console or an incredible Wolf Link, but it's still really impressive. Actually, you know what? This might beat both of them! Well, maybe not Wolf Link. That thing is nice.

The piece of papercraft was modeled after the Falco model used in Smash Bros. Brawl. Whether you're a Smash or Star Fox fan, you've got to appreciate how good this thing looks.

We can hardly believe it's made of paper! If you're looking to try this yourself, this is the link to the necessary stuff to get your started.


Gallery: Awesome Nintendo papercraft

Super Nintendo Paper SystemMake your own NES ZapperDS Lite gets 'Liter,' less functionalThis Thwomp won't crush youTiny Wii, paper style

JoystiqImpressive Falco papercraft doesn't even look like paper originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artarts-and-craftscraftsfalcopapercraftsmash-bros-brawlstar-foxstarfoxsuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 01 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl Stage of the Week: Airborne Arena]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/brawl-stage-of-the-week-airborne-arena/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/brawl-stage-of-the-week-airborne-arena/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/brawl-stage-of-the-week-airborne-arena/#commentsFiled under:

Airborne Arena? More like "Sadistic Arena."

This stage was submitted by Wii Fanboy reader K2J, who's been busy making lots and lots of Brawl stages. He let us know his favorites, which were the ones we tested out for ourselves. So, why did we end up choosing to feature Airborne Arena? Well, to put it in gamer terms, the stage completely owned us.

Continue reading Brawl Stage of the Week: Airborne Arena

JoystiqBrawl Stage of the Week: Airborne Arena originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airborne-arenabrawlsmash-bros-brawlssbbstagestage-buildersuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 01 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dojo update: Wait, what?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/dojo-update-wait-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/dojo-update-wait-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/dojo-update-wait-what/#commentsFiled under:

We buried our friend, the Smash Bros. Brawl Dojo, many months ago. Then, like a zombie, the beast rose from its grave to honor today's European Brawl release.

Aside from an apology (and the promise that you can play Brawl in five different languages), the Dojo doesn't offer much in terms of words. Yet, it does feature a snapshot gallery with some super silly Brawl images worth looking at. "Snapshots Galore" has been around the Dojo two times before, but since we happened to be around those parts today anyway, we decided to put the most recent ones in a gallery for your viewing pleasure (below).

We're really proud of what the Smash Bros. community has done, regarding these snapshots (which are filled with ridiculousness, awesomeness, and "huh?") and other creations, too. Now it's your turn to take the Brawl torch, Europe. Let's see what types of goodies you can come up with.

Warning: The pictures in the gallery below reveal spoilers! Only view the gallery if you're man (or woman!) enough to handle it.


[Thanks RupeeClock!]

JoystiqDojo update: Wait, what? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawldojoeuropesmash-bros-brawlsnapshotssnapshots-galoressbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlFri, 27 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Super Glitch Bros. Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/friday-video-super-glitch-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/friday-video-super-glitch-bros-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/friday-video-super-glitch-bros-brawl/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, last week we highlighted Smash Bros. Brawl, but we felt the need to do it again. The above video, which is a collection of glitches and tricks you can pull off in Brawl, was too much to pass up. So, give it a watch, as it features a very cheap Sonic, a pair of Luigis pulling off ridiculous combos mid-air and Bowser being trapped in a very small space.


Each week, our Friday Video segment takes a look at the gaming landscape online and brings forth an interesting video that (hopefully) gets the dialog started. Past entries included a look at Mario going berserk, The Simpsons Game in a brief clip and Donkey Kong done with LEGOs.

JoystiqFriday Video: Super Glitch Bros. Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatingglitchesglitchingsmash-brossmash-bros-brawltipstricksFri, 27 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Well, except for the PSP, that is. Sony's handheld is still as mighty as ever. Even so, the Wii toppled all the other home consoles once again last week, reclaiming its second-place spot:

The new Wii kid on the block in the charts is Mario Super Sluggers, which didn't sell as well as we thought it would, considering that it's a baseball game -- one published by Nintendo, no less. That's why we love Japanese sales so much, though. Just when we think we have the country all figured out, it goes and surprises us again.

Everything else Wii related is pretty much just business as usual, but check past the break to see where the games ranked in the top thirty and how much the top tenners sold.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbrawlchartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimario-super-sluggersmedia-createmystery-dungeonshiren-the-wanderer-3smash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[On sale at Amazon -- Nine cheap games for Nintendo lovers [update 5]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/on-sale-at-amazon-nine-cheap-games-for-nintendo-lovers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/on-sale-at-amazon-nine-cheap-games-for-nintendo-lovers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/on-sale-at-amazon-nine-cheap-games-for-nintendo-lovers/#commentsFiled under:

The "Nintendo Icon" Amazon Gold Box has gone live, so it's time for those of you who can shop at Amazon.com to get your credit cards at the ready. With nine different deals on the table today, you might just find something that appeals to you.

The "Deal of the Day" is Super Smash Bros. Brawl for $25.99, which really leaves you with no excuse not to buy it. The lightning deals are where the excitement is always at, though, and there are eight of them that will cycle throughout the day.

Before we get into what's on the list, we must say that the sales are slightly disappointing. Maybe it's just us, but we wish Amazon had included more second-party titles. After all, such games are considered "Nintendo Icons," too. There's one title in particular that we feel is sorely missing -- but we digress.

To see Amazon's hints for the eight lightning deals, just click past the break.

Continue reading On sale at Amazon -- Nine cheap games for Nintendo lovers [update 5]

JoystiqOn sale at Amazon -- Nine cheap games for Nintendo lovers [update 5] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbrawldeal-of-the-daygold-boxlegend-of-zeldasmash-bros-brawlsmgssbbsuper-mario-galaxysuper-smash-bros-brawltwilight-princesszeldaFri, 27 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl Stage of the Week: Hueco Mundo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/brawl-stage-of-the-week-hueco-mundo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/brawl-stage-of-the-week-hueco-mundo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/brawl-stage-of-the-week-hueco-mundo/#commentsFiled under:



This week's stage is by IGN user Tabris_Arkangel, who had a lot of custom levels to choose from. We ended up picking "Heco Mundo" [sic] because 1) it rocks, and 2) when do you ever see a Bleach stage, really? We've featured a lot of stages here, many of them themed. But Bleach? That's not a concept we often come across.

Continue reading Brawl Stage of the Week: Hueco Mundo

JoystiqBrawl Stage of the Week: Hueco Mundo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleachbrawlheco-mundohueco-mundosmash-bros-brawlssbbstagestage-buildersuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 24 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Smash Bros. becomes an RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/friday-video-smash-bros-becomes-an-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/friday-video-smash-bros-becomes-an-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/friday-video-smash-bros-becomes-an-rpg/#commentsFiled under:


It may not have the highest production values, but the above video is inspired and, we imagine, took quite a bit of work. Long story short, clips of gameplay from Super Smash Bros. Brawl have been edited to make the title appear as a turn-based RPG, complete with random encounters and experience points. We'd love to play a Smash Bros. RPG.


Each week, our Friday Video segment takes a look at the gaming landscape online and brings forth an interesting video that (hopefully) gets the dialog started. Past highlights of Super Smash Bros. Brawl have included an adults-only video, an ... incredibly strange video, and the franchise's past advertising.

JoystiqFriday Video: Smash Bros. becomes an RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rpgsmash-brossmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-brawlFri, 20 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl Stage of the Week: Shy Guy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/brawl-stage-of-the-week-shy-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/brawl-stage-of-the-week-shy-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/brawl-stage-of-the-week-shy-guy/#commentsFiled under:


Any Nintendo fan worth his or her salt should recognize this character. Love him or hate him, we've been seeing Shy Guy make many Mario-related appearances ever since Super Mario Bros. 2. Ironically, he started out as a non-Mario character in Doki Doki Panic, but the conversion of the game in the West was enough to solidify his place as a popular enemy (or sports player) in many a Mario title.

But, that's enough Shy Guy history for now. Check past the break to download this stage by TheDarkPlumber2.0.

Continue reading Brawl Stage of the Week: Shy Guy

JoystiqBrawl Stage of the Week: Shy Guy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlshy-guysmash-bros-brawlssbbstagestage-buildersuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City offering up Wii bundles as you read this]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/circuit-city-offering-up-wii-bundles-as-you-read-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/circuit-city-offering-up-wii-bundles-as-you-read-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/circuit-city-offering-up-wii-bundles-as-you-read-this/#commentsFiled under:



Still hunting for a Wii? If so, Circuit City's online store has them in around about ... now.

Think supplies are going to last long? Hell no! Even though Circuit City is selling the things with an extra Wiimote, nunchuk and two of the titles listed below, we estimate these puppies will be gone soon. We'd usually criticize the practice of forcing customers to buy bundles, but we estimate that at least three or four of the six games being offered are must-haves:
You're still here!? Go! Go! Go!

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqCircuit City offering up Wii bundles as you read this originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecarnival-gamescircuit-cityclassic-controllerguitar-herolegend-of-zeldasmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-mario-galaxytwilight-princesswii-playwii-zapperzapperzeldaMon, 16 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo brings families closer with Father's Day tourney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/nintendo-brings-families-closer-with-fathers-day-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/nintendo-brings-families-closer-with-fathers-day-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/nintendo-brings-families-closer-with-fathers-day-tourney/#commentsFiled under:


Click image to enter the gallery

Yesterday was Father's Day and there were so many ways to celebrate love for dad. One such way was to just spend time with dear dad playing games. If you're a father yourself, the same concept applies -- spend some time playing games with the kids. Though, if you're reading this, perhaps you've already done your fair share of getting the kids involved with your gaming habits. Anyway, Nintendo thought the idea was good and ran with it this Sunday by holding a Super Smash Brothers Brawl tourney for fathers and their children at the Nintendo World Store. We caught up with some of these father-son/daughter teams to see how gaming has played into their lives.

Paul and his son Samuel arrived at the tourney with a strong game plan. They set out to scout out the competition and "protect each other" when it came time to brawl. Paul himself is a longtime gamer: "I'm old school. Remember Space Invaders?" He's been playing with his son since the N64 days, and we suspect that's where that serious competitive edge comes from. Many other dads, like Larry, had never played games before or rarely did with their children. Larry's sons Jeffrey and Philip got him to go to today's event and try out a game for the first time. Interestingly, he liked it and even said he'd play more often with his kids from now on.

Out of the 32 teams, the most interesting story comes from tourney winners Dennis and his son Michael. "I'm a Zelda guy," said Dennis. The family plays games every weekend. "It's our thing. We play until we're tired." Like Paul's family, Dennis and his kids have been playing together since the N64 days, and like them, they too came with a strong game plan: "We're pretending to not know how to play," we were told. It's a strategy that worked, resulting in them beating out all other father-child duos. Dennis and Michael won themselves a Wii, a trophy, and a copy of Smash Bros. We guess that the family that plays together ... wins tournaments together. Fancy that.

Gallery: Father's Day SSBB Tourney


JoystiqNintendo brings families closer with Father's Day tourney originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fathers-daynintendo-world-storesmash-bros-brawltournamentMon, 16 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Falcon Punches Brawl price to an effective $30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/amazon-falcon-punches-brawl-price-to-an-effective-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/amazon-falcon-punches-brawl-price-to-an-effective-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/amazon-falcon-punches-brawl-price-to-an-effective-30/#commentsFiled under:

Amazon is now offering Super Smash Bros. Brawl at a reduced price of $40. We doubt this markdown is permanent (since demand is still awesomely high) but we don't know how long the new sale price will last.

Brawl for $40 may indeed be awesome, but it gets better! The $10 gift card offer we mentioned last week is still in effect, bringing the price down to (basically) $30. That's as cheap as you're likely to see it -- until the next unexpected markdown, which will probably be next week (judging from recent history). Oh, and while you're shopping at Amazon, why not throw a $20 copy of NiGHTS in?

JoystiqAmazon Falcon Punches Brawl price to an effective $30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongift-cardnightssmash-bros-brawlFri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[May NPD: Um ... take a guess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/may-npd-um-take-a-guess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/may-npd-um-take-a-guess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/may-npd-um-take-a-guess/#commentsFiled under:

It was a good month for Wii, as the system again sold the most in the United States. However, sales were down, likely due to shortages of Wii Fit. And, as you'd expect, people went crazy for that high-tech Balance Board and software. But, hey, a win is a win, right? So let's pop those champagne corks and get the party started!

NPD Hardware sales for May 2008:

Wii: 714.2K 39.1K (5.5%)
DS: 414.8K 37.8K (9.1%)
PSP: 192.7K 10.4K (5.4%)
Xbox 360: 188K 1.4K (0.8%)
PS3: 187.1K 21.6K (11.5%)
PS2: 124.4K 8.3K (6.7%)

The software sales have been pushed past the break. And, like with the software sales above, you'll probably like what you'll see.

Continue reading May NPD: Um ... take a guess

JoystiqMay NPD: Um ... take a guess originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessguitar-hero-iiimario-kart-wiinpdsalesfiguressmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playFri, 13 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-2-6-8/#commentsFiled under:

The top Wii game last week wasn't Mario Kart, or even Wii Fit. Rather, beloved roguelike Shiren got the coveted title, as Shiren the Wanderer 3 debuted in second behind the PS3's new Dragon Ball Z. The previously mentioned Nintendo games did show up in the top ten, though, along with Family Trainer.

We're happy to see both Smash Bros. Brawl and Battalion Wars 2 hanging tough in the top thirty; the previous week had us a bit worried. In hardware, though, the Wii remains sandwiched between the PSP and the DS:

Just click on past the break if you'd like to see how Wii software fared.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/2-6/8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbattalion-wars-2brawlbwiichartsfamily-trainergamesalesjapanlinks-crossbow-trainingmario-kartmario-kart-wiimedia-createmystery-dungeonshiren-the-wanderershiren-the-wanderer-3smash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playwii-sportsFri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendads? Father-son Brawl tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/nintendads-father-son-brawl-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/nintendads-father-son-brawl-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/nintendads-father-son-brawl-tournament/#commentsFiled under:


Nothing shows Dad your life-long appreciation more than kicking his butt at Super Smash Bros. Brawl, further affirming to him that he is now a lost soul in a whole world of new technology. Well, that could be the case, but plenty of parents have proven their dedication to gaming in the past, so the chil'n may not have the upper hand.

Stroll on down to the Nintendo World store in New York City on Father's Day for an official Brawl tournament, where fathers and sons will engage in battle, bond lovingly, and question each other's sexuality upon choosing Peach or Zelda.

Save any household fussin' and feudin' for the tournament, as pent-up male rage is set to explode in an ocean of umbrellas, star wands and banana peels. Nintendo is awarding two Wii consoles, two copies of Brawl and a winner's trophy for whichever dynamic duo takes the tournament crown. All the action goes down from 1 - 4pm on Sunday, June 15.

JoystiqNintendads? Father-son Brawl tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlcompetitionfathers-daynew-yorknintendo-world-storesmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawltournamentThu, 12 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST