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[Half-time band makes sweet game music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/half-time-band-makes-sweet-game-music/#commentsFiled under:



The combination of half-time shows, videogame medleys and marching nerds is nothing new, but this could be the best example we've seen yet. The footage above was shot at the UC Berkeley versus Washington State game earlier this month, and sees a rigorously drilled band belting out a string of songs from a glut of Nintendo favorites, including Zelda, Mario, and Pokemon. We only hope some of the crowd can appreciate the brilliance that's unfolding before them.

It's the formations that really make it for us, though. That bit with the flag at the end is an absolute win in our book.

JoystiqHalf-time band makes sweet game music originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbros.legendmarchingmariomortal-kombatmusicnintendopokemonpongsupertriforcezeldaWed, 14 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Composure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/wii-warm-up-composure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/wii-warm-up-composure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/wii-warm-up-composure/#commentsFiled under:

Authentic.Videogame music has come a far cry from the beeps of yesteryear, with amazing works coming from both studios and independent remixers alike. A musical score is now a critical component of game design, and the big names in gaming are some of the most forward-thinking pioneers in the musical world today.

Most classic Nintendo themes have been crafted by the well-known Koji Kondo, but Nintendo's consoles have been host to dozens upon dozens of brilliant composers. So, who's your favorite? There's a ridiculous list composing for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, found here (which interestingly omits the famed Nobuo Uematsu, who already composed the game's title theme). Which names stand your hair on end?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Composure originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbroscomposerkojikondomusicnobuoOCremixsmashsuperuematsuwwuTue, 19 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. Brawl tidbit roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/super-smash-bros-brawl-tidbit-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/super-smash-bros-brawl-tidbit-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/super-smash-bros-brawl-tidbit-roundup/#commentsFiled under:

Mezmerizing...
For those not compulsively checking the official Smash Bros. website daily for bare snippets of information, we here at Wii Fanboy have decided to perform the service of coalescing tidbits into tidbigs. Over the past week, a few interesting details have surfaced.

Most of the reveals are item-based: you may now move freely with projectile weapons (finally!), and as detailed earlier here, the new "Gooey Bomb" item was unveiled. The most interesting new item, however, is the Smash Ball, which activates character-specific "Final Smash" attacks. Mario's is entitled the "Mario Finale" attack, which unleashes a spread-fire explosion attack, and we've seen Link's Triforce blade attack in an earlier video. Since most competitive Smash Bros. players contend without the randomizing effect of items, it'll be interesting to see if this affects higher-level gameplay.

Also unveiled are some of Pit's (of Kid Icarus fame) attacks, which include a controllable arrow of light and limited flight capabilities (most likely the Up+B special). Brawl looks like it's coming together nicely ... do you guys agree?

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. Brawl tidbit roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BallBlogBombBrawlBrosFinalFinaleGooeyIcarusKidMarioMovementPitProjectileSakuraiSmashSuperUpdateThu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smash Bros. website finally updates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/smash-bros-website-finally-updates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/smash-bros-website-finally-updates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/smash-bros-website-finally-updates/#commentsFiled under:


After a day of wearing out our F5 key, the Super Smash Bros. Brawl webpage has finally made its promised update. Unfortunately, we have yet to find any huge megaton announcements. In fact, some of the content is a little too non-megaton-- like an explanation of the (unchanged) basic rules of Smash Bros.

There is neat stuff to be found, though, most obviously in the form of a few screenshots that, while they still don't show any new or new-to-Brawl characters, do show off a day/night cycle. Also, the list of composers contributing to the game is massive-- a total who's-who of Japanese game music. Some of the composers, we're sure, are only credited for having created the music from Smash characters' original games. But Jun Fukuda and Masafumi Takada from Grasshopper Manufacture are on the list, and that is really exciting.

The website promises updates every weekday, so don't let the somewhat underwhelming first day put you off. Keep checking the site for the inevitable character announcements and control scheme explanations!



[Thanks, Tigeron Starfire!]

JoystiqSmash Bros. website finally updates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbrosfightinggrasshoppernintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisakuraismashsmash brosSmashBrosssbbsupersuper smash bros brawlSuperSmashBrosBrawlwiiTue, 22 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo dominates April's NPD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/nintendo-dominates-aprils-npd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/nintendo-dominates-aprils-npd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/nintendo-dominates-aprils-npd/#commentsFiled under:

Just like this month.
Remember the days when Nintendo's hardware was at a permanent and incredibly depressing third place in the sales charts, month after month? We sure can't; all this success has gone to our heads.

The April NPD numbers, tracking hardware and software sales in North America, were released recently and Nintendo once again obliterated the competition. The Nintendo DS and the Wii took the top two spots for the fourth month running, with 471,000 and 360,000 units sold, respectively. Both of these figures more than double their nearest competitors (PSP and the Xbox 360), and the PS3 could only move a paltry 82,000 units.

It's the same story in software. Nintendo took home the top four spots across all systems with the releases of Pokemon Diamond/Pearl and Super Paper Mario, along with the still oddly popular Wii Play. The Pokemon titles, of course, were only available for a single week in April, yet still captured the top spots with a combined 1.7 million units sold.

It just makes you all tingly inside, doesn't it? For the full hardware and software figures, click after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo dominates April's NPD

JoystiqNintendo dominates April's NPD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ConsoleDiamondDSHardwareMarioNorth AmericaNorthAmericaNPDPaperPearlPokemonSalesSoftwareSuperFri, 18 May 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Smash Bros and Metroid Prime press conference coming soon?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/rumor-smash-bros-and-metroid-prime-press-conference-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/rumor-smash-bros-and-metroid-prime-press-conference-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/rumor-smash-bros-and-metroid-prime-press-conference-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under:

He's cool, like me.The clues are beginning to come together: there's a countdown on the official site of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and some rumblings of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption news coming around May 20th. In this month once reserved for the mighty E3, it's been quite some time since Nintendo has held a major press conference. Finally, good 'ol Matt has made it perfectly clear in a recent IGN Mailbag: he's on his way to Seattle next week for some mysterious reason, and it's not for Starbucks.

About freakin' time, Nintendo. For a company still claiming that the big three will release in 2007, they've been awfully tight-lipped about the impending trio. We look forward to bringing you some surely awesome news coming next week ... uh, you know, assuming that this actually happens.

JoystiqRumor: Smash Bros and Metroid Prime press conference coming soon? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BigBrawlBrosCasamassinaClueCorruptionHolmesIGNMailbagMattMetroidPrimeSherlockSmashSuperThreeFri, 18 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Billy the Wizard and others spotted on ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/billy-the-wizard-and-others-spotted-on-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/billy-the-wizard-and-others-spotted-on-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/billy-the-wizard-and-others-spotted-on-esrb/#commentsFiled under:


Good news! You can sell that imported European Wii you bought! Conspiracy Entertainment is bringing Data Design's lineup of European budget Wii games to the US, according to the ESRB listings. These are budget Wii ports of Metro3D's budget PS2 games. Let us say it again: budget.

So far, four Conspiracy games have been rated for US release: Billy the Wizard (original name: Barry Hatter), Anubis II, Mythmakers: Super Kart GP, and Counter Force. No word on Ninjabread Man yet, and we don't know when any of these will be released. In any case, we recommend preordering now so you won't be stuck in line at 5AM on release day.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqBilly the Wizard and others spotted on ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billybilly the wizardBillyTheWizardbudgetcircuitconspiracyesrbnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisupersuper circuitSuperCircuitwiiwizardTue, 15 May 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacked Super Mario Bros. is better than LittleBigPlanet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/hacked-super-mario-bros-is-better-than-littlebigplanet/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/hacked-super-mario-bros-is-better-than-littlebigplanet/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/hacked-super-mario-bros-is-better-than-littlebigplanet/#commentsFiled under: ,


Feeling that Super Mario Bros. lacked in user-generated content, the folks over at SelectButton decided to start randomly inserting text into the Mario ROM (yarrr) and see what happens. Apparently the game is stable enough to run decently with junk added to it, and the results are ... playable and strangely beautiful. Random invisible blocks, palette changes, bizarre sprites, Mario's freaking head is on upside-down, etc.

It's pretty significant that some minor shot-in-the-dark hacking can end up generating new Mario levels that instantly make a near-perfect game infinitely more fun. They should be doing this at I am 8-Bit. If only we could do this kind of user-generated level design on the Virtual Console,we'd have a compelling answer to Sony's LittleBigPlanet. Go ahead and argue with us on that point. We <3 Hacked Mario.

Wii Fanboy does not endorse the use of copyrighted ROM images. Just go gawk at the screenshots for a while; that should be enough entertainment.

JoystiqHacked Super Mario Bros. is better than LittleBigPlanet originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broshackmarionesnintendonintendowiiromsupersupermariobrosvcwiiwiifanboyMon, 30 Apr 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon guide-writing for Super Paper Mario]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/marathon-guide-writing-for-super-paper-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/marathon-guide-writing-for-super-paper-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/09/marathon-guide-writing-for-super-paper-mario/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an attempt to get a Super Paper Mario guide out as quickly as possible, the team at WiiGuideYou is burning through the game at warp speed and putting up a chapter a day of their guide. Chapter 1 is scheduled to go up the 10th, and each day will see a new chapter, until the series (and the game) concludes with Chapter 8. They're even attempting to get Chapter 1's guide up early.

If they accomplish this task, it means that either they worked day and night at getting through the game to provide a guide, or that the game is really, really easy. If you don't mind the extreme spoilers that are, in fact, the whole point of game guides, then check it out and cheer them on!

JoystiqMarathon guide-writing for Super Paper Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guidemarionintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiipaperpapermariosupersuperpapermariowiiMon, 09 Apr 2007 13:15:00 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[The Famicom Disk System's Minus World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/the-famicom-disk-systems-minus-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/the-famicom-disk-systems-minus-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/the-famicom-disk-systems-minus-world/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here's a bit of game history: when Super Mario Bros. was rereleased for the Japan-only Famicom Disk System, the "minus world" generated via a well-documented glitch changed along with the format. Instead of an infinite water level, players were treated to a whole suite of glitch-tastic levels, loaded with air-swimming and Princess Toadstool sprites floating in mid-air.
This kind of classic minutiae is exactly what we want out of the Virtual Console. We'd seriously buy Super Mario Bros. again for a crack at this new minus world. Check out the video after the break!

Continue reading The Famicom Disk System's Minus World

JoystiqThe Famicom Disk System's Minus World originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brosdiskfamicomfdsglitchjapanmariominusminusworldnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiismbsupersupermariobrossystemwiiWed, 04 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy whips out mad dealz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/best-buy-whips-out-mad-dealz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/best-buy-whips-out-mad-dealz/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/best-buy-whips-out-mad-dealz/#commentsFiled under:

BlingggggSeriously. Best Buy is having a small-yet-appreciated discount on a few of the Wii launch titles. The following reductions should have already taken place:
  • Red Steel - $29.99 (formerly $49.99)
  • Super Swing Golf - $29.99 (formerly $49.99)
  • Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - $39.99 (formerly $49.99)
Perhaps not the finest of titles, but the significant price-cuts to RS and SMB might convince gamers who were on the fence to take the financial plunge. Any of you guys out there going to finally pick one of these titles up? Can we come to your house and play with you (we work for cookies and the occasional mixed drink here)?

[via GoNintendo]

JoystiqBest Buy whips out mad dealz originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BallBananaBestBlitzBuyDealGolfMonkeyPriceRedReductionSteelSuperSwingMon, 19 Mar 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Adapting anime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/18/ds-daily-adapting-anime/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/18/ds-daily-adapting-anime/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/18/ds-daily-adapting-anime/#commentsFiled under:

We recognize that the fanbase for video games and anime overlap quite a bit, and so do a lot of companies out there. It's no surprise, then, that popular anime properties get adapted into game form quite a bit. We've seen it on the DS with Fullmetal Alchemist and Bleach, not to mention the ultimate in anime tie-ins: the Jump Super Stars series.

If you like anime, does this kind of thing have any influence on you? Do you get excited hearing about a game version of your favorite show, despite the years of punishment licensed games have dealt us? Or do you get worried that a game will somehow tarnish the reputation of the source material? And if you don't like anime, have you run across any anime-based games that you love separate from the license? The GBA slot in our DS is often occupied by Sega and Treasure's brilliant Astro Boy: The Omega Factor despite our not being the most devoted Astro Boy fans.

JoystiqDS Daily: Adapting anime originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebleachdsds litedsddslitefullmetaljumpjumpsuperstarslicensedlitenintendonintendo dsnintendodsstarssuperSun, 18 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Reusing assets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/wii-warm-up-reusing-assets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/wii-warm-up-reusing-assets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/wii-warm-up-reusing-assets/#commentsFiled under: ,

The unreleased Gamecube Kirby looked to be running on the Super Smash Bros. Melee engine. Most of the character art in Super Paper Mario Iooks a whole lot like that of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, and we don't think that's just consistency in style.

Nintendo seems to be reusing art and code from previous games. The advantages of such a practice are obvious: reduced cost, quicker development cycles, and less need for debugging.

But does it bother you to have a new game that isn't entirely new? Should Intelligent Systems have redrawn Mario for their new game? Or is there no reason to redo perfectly good work? What do you all think about the reuse of assets in new games?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Reusing assets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artkirbymarionintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiipaperpaper mariopapermariosupersuper paper mariosuperpapermariowarmupwiiwwuSat, 17 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay alert: EVERY SUPER NINTENDO GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/ebay-alert-every-super-nintendo-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/ebay-alert-every-super-nintendo-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/ebay-alert-every-super-nintendo-game/#commentsFiled under:


Remember that scene in The Professional where Gary Oldman turns to a guy and says "Bring me everyone" and the guy is like "What do you mean by 'everyone'?" and then Gary Oldman goes"EEEEEVERYYYYYYYONE"? Well, if you win this auction, the seller will ship you EEEEEVERYYYYYYY ONE of the 720 Super Nintendo games released in the US, all of which are complete, and many of which are sealed. Plus you get 74 duplicates, which you can then use to recoup some of your investment.

The collection includes future Virtually Overlooked subjects like Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus, Pieces, and Cacoma Knight in Bizyland. The price is a little high per game, but the convenience factor of not having to comb hundreds of eBay auctions and game stores for a complete copy of Super Troll Island is considerable.

If you win, and you don't want your extra copy of Super 3D Noah's Ark or Packy & Marlon, please consider sending it along to your friendly neighborhood bloggers. Just a thought.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqeBay alert: EVERY SUPER NINTENDO GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3darkbronkiecacomaknightcartridgesebaygamesmarlonnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiinoah'snoahspackyrayarexronansnessupersuper nessuper nintendoSuperNessupernintendowiiFri, 16 Mar 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Super Paper Mario meta...preview? [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gdc-07-super-paper-mario-impresses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gdc-07-super-paper-mario-impresses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gdc-07-super-paper-mario-impresses/#commentsFiled under:

It's really, really trippy.The RPG-turned-platformer, Gamecube-turned-Wii title Super Paper Mario was on display on the show floor, and it continues to delight hippies gamers everywhere. Several sources have posted impressions of the title, lauding the innovative puzzle mechanic of perspective-swapping and the bright, trippy graphical style.
 But what impressions could be more important than ours? That's right. God's. But that's it. So, stay tuned for impressions of pretty much every Nintendo game you've ever wanted to play but couldn't because you're not at GDC, including yon Super Paper Mario. Word.

[Update 1: Thought of a classier post title.]

JoystiqGDC 07: Super Paper Mario meta...preview? [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc07ImpressionsMarioPaperSuperThu, 08 Mar 2007 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Tacos, etc.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/03/wii-warm-up-tacos-etc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/03/wii-warm-up-tacos-etc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/03/wii-warm-up-tacos-etc/#commentsFiled under: ,

So the Wii has opened up new gameplay possibilities, new control methods, more immersion, and all that. But, unless the Nunchuk is involved, it's also opened up one of your hands. This has created the possibility for completely immersive snacking, wherein you don't have to stop playing even for a second while you stuff your face full of delicious, crunchy tacos (and, possibly, non-taco food items), totally sabotaging your Wii Sports exercise program.

We want to know-- are you guilty of the crime of convenience? Have you succumbed to a sudden banana craving after picking up hundreds and hundreds of them in Super Monkey Ball? Or have you refrained from eating during gameplay, afraid you'll accidentally transfer some Cheeto dust onto the Wiimote?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Tacos, etc. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballexercisemonkeynintendonintendowiisportssupersupermonkeyballtacotacostacos!warmwarm upwarmupwiiwii sportswiimotewiisportswiiwarmupwwuSat, 03 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The big three still on for 2007 [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/the-big-three-still-on-for-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/the-big-three-still-on-for-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/the-big-three-still-on-for-2007/#commentsThat's some pro 'choppin'
According to IGN, "According to German magazine Gamefront, "According to a Japanese retail conference" (translated from German)"", Nintendo has released a list of first-party games tentatively scheduled for release in 2007. The full list can be found after the break, but it's quite notable to see that the big three of Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl are still scheduled to be released in 2007.

Keep in mind, we still expect one of these games to be delayed into 2008, but the longer we go without hearing that news, the better. Also noted as that Disaster: Day of Crisis (recently screenshot-icized) is also slated for the Year of the Boar. Can it be true?

[Update 1: Holy crap. Melee came out six years ago, Jason, get a grip.]

Continue reading The big three still on for 2007 [update 1]

JoystiqThe big three still on for 2007 [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007BrawlBrosCorruptionGalaxyMarioMetroidPrimeReleaseSmashSuperFri, 23 Feb 2007 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[More ESRB ratings found for Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/more-esrb-ratings-found-for-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/more-esrb-ratings-found-for-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/more-esrb-ratings-found-for-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under:

ESRBehave
The ESRB ratings website is a veritable treasure trove of nuclear launch codes, CIA secrets, and unannounced Virtual Console games. Recently, ratings have popped up for Mighty Bomb Jack, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire. While not all of the ESRB rated games have yet arrived on the console, it's fairly certain that they'll get here eventually.

In addition, Super Ghouls n' Ghosts was announced not only for the Wii, but for the 360 and PS3. This would make it the first game to be released on all three systems' classic download services, which then brings up silly flame wars and pointless arguing.

But seriously, the Wii version will totally be the best.

(Note: The GameSpot article mentions that Galaga was also tagged for release, but we actually caught this back in January. We rock.)

JoystiqMore ESRB ratings found for Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BombESRBFireGalagaGhostsGhoulsJackKingdomsMightyRatingRomanceSuperThreeWallFri, 16 Feb 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Release dates hit for Super Paper Mario, Mario Party 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/release-dates-hit-for-super-paper-mario-mario-party-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/release-dates-hit-for-super-paper-mario-mario-party-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/release-dates-hit-for-super-paper-mario-mario-party-8/#commentsFiled under:

Who knew?That's right. Super Paper Mario, a positively charming title once scheduled for the Gamecube, has been confirmed by the latest issue of Nintendo Power for an April release. The game, which will use the controller retro-style (read: on its side) to emulate that classic Mario feel, will use the A button to flip-flop between the 2-D and 3-D perspectives. Truly, we haven't seen a game of this particular dimensional scope since Yoshi's Story! For a bit more information on the title, check here.

Also, Mario Party 8, the first Wii entry in the seminal series, will be dropping on March 5th, according to Nintendo's official site. Along with Sonic and the Secret Rings, March and April are actually turning out to be some decent months for the little white box. With Wario Ware: Smooth Moves this past month and Wii Play on February 12th, we're set for awhile. You?

[Thanks to Ali, Naruhodou, and Castellanos!]

JoystiqRelease dates hit for Super Paper Mario, Mario Party 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DateMarioPaperPartyReleaseSuperTue, 23 Jan 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic confirmed for SSB: Brawl?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/sonic-confirmed-for-ssb-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/sonic-confirmed-for-ssb-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/sonic-confirmed-for-ssb-brawl/#commentsFiled under:

I dont speak Swedish.
People have speculated for quite some time on what out-of-company characters would be joining Solid Snake in the upcoming Super Smash Bros: Brawl. Sonic was an obvious choice, of course, but check out the above picture, seen in the Swedish Nintendo mag +N.

Yes, readers, we know, it's still quite dubious. Still, we can't resist such a beauty of a rumor. Now we just need a NiGHTs 2 confirmation, Goldeneye on the virtual console, and the ability for the Wii to hack into our brains and overwrite our senses with direct input from the game.

JoystiqSonic confirmed for SSB: Brawl? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrawlBrosBrothersKnucklesRumorSmashSnakeSolidSonicSuperTailsTue, 09 Jan 2007 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[A very merry Virtual Console Christmas [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/a-very-merry-virtual-console-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/a-very-merry-virtual-console-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/a-very-merry-virtual-console-christmas/#commentsFiled under: ,

YesyesyesyesYES.Hold on to your mistletoe, folks, Nintendo is dropping all kinds of radiological bombs come Christmas morning. Let's skip the preamble and just head right on in:
  • Super Mario Bros. (NES) - Finally, is all we have to say. The defining "retro" title in video gaming history is finally up for grabs, and you might not have a soul if you don't pick it up.
  • Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (SNES) - One of the most influential titles in the 16-bit era, Street Fighter II is revered by millions of angry, violent gamers worldwide. And Chun-Li is still hot.
  • Super Castlevania IV (SNES) - The beginning of the modern Castlevania games, this title features more hot whip action than your mistress on Friday night. And unholy werewolves, too.
  • Toe Jam and Earl (Sega Genesis) - We've been raving about this funkotronic title for weeks, and it's finally here come Christmas morn. Get your groove on and ignore your holiday dinner ... that's what we're doing, anyway.
  • R-Type (TG-16) - An apparently famous shooter that we ourselves have not played. We hear it's quite the hit, though. Any takers?
This is gonna be one hell of a Monday. Who said presents needed to be encased in paper and under a tree?

[Thanks, Benny!]

[Update 1: Also, on January 1st, Nintendo will be releasing both Baseball (NES) and Urban Champion (NES). Not that it'll matter. We'll be too busy playing these games to bother.]

[Update 2: And no, none of these games are free. Cheapskates.]

JoystiqA very merry Virtual Console Christmas [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrosCastlevaniaChristmasEarlFighterJamJoeMarioMondayMorningPresentsR-TypeStreetSuperWarriorWorldThu, 21 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to be released in late '07?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-and-metroid-prime-3-corruption-to-be-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-and-metroid-prime-3-corruption-to-be-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-and-metroid-prime-3-corruption-to-be-release/#commentsFiled under:

So far away...Le sigh. There was a point, if we here at the Fanboy offices can remember correctly, that both Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption were both possible launch titles. Now, according to some whispers over at CVG, neither title will be released (along with the eternally delayed Zelda: Phantom Hourglass) until the holiday season of 2007.

Patience is a good thing, and we're more than willing to wait until both of these quadruple-A titles are as shiny as can be. Still, unless Super Smash Bros: Brawl can make it out either in summer or even earlier (something we highly doubt), Nintendo is going to be going quite some time without a big first-party title. Memories of the typical Gamecube release schedule are coming to mind, but alas ... at least we've got the Virtual Console to keep us busy...

[via Joystiq]

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to be released in late '07? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007ChristmasComputerCorruptionGalaxyHolidayHourrglassLateLegendMarioMetroidPhantomPrimeSuperVideo GamesVideoGamesZeldaTue, 19 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Star Soldier now available on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/super-star-soldier-now-available-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/super-star-soldier-now-available-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/super-star-soldier-now-available-on-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

Old school.Well, Nintendo sort of promised us Virtual Console updates on Mondays, and no, they technically didn't lie. Late last night, Nintendo added a single new game, Super Star Soldier (of TurboGrafx-16 fame), available for 600 points. For those of you who aren't familiar with the title (you know ... everyone), Super Star Soldier is a vertically scrolling arcade shooter, resplendent with eight whole stages and seven whole bosses. There are even two-minute and five-minute time attack modes! Golly!

Cynicism aside, those old 2-D shooters are fan favorites, and may add a lovely bit of retro to your gaming life. Anyone excited? Or just pissed that Nintendo is on its merry way to breaking its ten-game-a-month promise?

JoystiqSuper Star Soldier now available on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16ConsoleEngineGameNewPCScrollerShooterSoldierStarSuperTurboGrafxVerticalVirtualTue, 28 Nov 2006 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The REAL party is in my DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/the-real-party-is-in-my-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/the-real-party-is-in-my-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/the-real-party-is-in-my-ds/#commentsFiled under:


We're not based in Kansas City, which isn't so much a bad thing, but it does keep us from receiving certain newspapers on a regular basis. One writer for the Kansas City Star had a few things to say about the DS Lite and a certain game for it known as Super Princess Peach. Stating that she "never thought I'd be one of those people who would choose a video game over a party," Jeneé Osterheldt has first-hand felt the fever we all so frequently fail from: Nintendo fever.

So whether you want to consider her personal experience a downward spiral of self-loathing and disgust akin to how one gets hooked on, and subsequently dies from, drugs or a clever look at the appeal of gaming in the modern world, it's all an interesting read.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqThe REAL party is in my DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citydsdslitekansasnintendonintendodspeachprincessstarsupersuperprincesspeachTue, 07 Nov 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Smash Bros. trailer reveals return of Fox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/new-smash-bros-trailer-reveals-return-of-fox/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/new-smash-bros-trailer-reveals-return-of-fox/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/new-smash-bros-trailer-reveals-return-of-fox/#commentsFiled under:


Just like we thought, another trailer for Super Smash Bros. Brawl was unveiled in Japan today and, in a way, it revealed a new character. In the trailer, we not only see a lot of the new characters' attacks (is Snake's sneaking pose going to be useful?), but also new environments as well (destructible FTW). We've included the trailer, You Tubed for your convenience, embedded into the post after the break.

[Thanks to all who sent this in!]

Continue reading New Smash Bros. trailer reveals return of Fox

JoystiqNew Smash Bros. trailer reveals return of Fox originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbros.brosnintendonintendowiismashsmashbros.smashbrossupersupersmashsupersmashbros.supersmashbros.brawlwiiFri, 03 Nov 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Smash Bros. trailer and character revealed Friday [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/new-smash-bros-trailer-and-character-revealed-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/new-smash-bros-trailer-and-character-revealed-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/new-smash-bros-trailer-and-character-revealed-friday/#commentsFiled under:


You know that game called Super Smash Bros. Brawl featuring Nintendo characters and Solid Snake duking it out across a wide variety of environments? No? Okay then ...

Well, all horrible attempts at being humorous aside, it turns out another new character is coming to the game and will be revealed in a new trailer, set to release this Friday during the kickoff of Nintendo World 2006. Time to let the speculation begin (we're assuming you all think it will be Sonic?) and the comments fly!

[Thanks Franky Digital; via Go Nintendo]

[Update: Turns out our translation of the page was inaccurate as 1UP says this will be footage of the new characters moving in-game, not the unveiling of new characters for the game. Bummer ... ]

JoystiqNew Smash Bros. trailer and character revealed Friday [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbrosbros.dswiinintendonintendowiismashsupersupersmashbros.brawlsupersmashbrosbrawlwiiTue, 31 Oct 2006 13:55:00 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[Japanese software sales chart, Oct. 2-8: The Gundam Strikes Back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/japanese-software-sales-chart-oct-2-8-the-gundam-strikes-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/japanese-software-sales-chart-oct-2-8-the-gundam-strikes-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/japanese-software-sales-chart-oct-2-8-the-gundam-strikes-back/#commentsFiled under:

Japanese software sales chart, Oct. 2-8: The Gundam Strikes Back
The last time a PSP title was this high in the Japanese software sales chart, it was SD Gundam G Generation Portable, and it was the fastest-selling PSP game to date. And now it's Gundam Battle Royale's turn at trying to upset Nintendo's DS games, which Andrew predicted more than a month ago. Is the guy psychic or something?

1. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (PS2) - 263,897 / *NEW*
2. Pokemon Diamond (DS) - 254,080 / 1,074,127
3. Pokemon Pearl (DS) - 212,193 / 980,881
4. Gundam Battle Royale (PSP) - 64,986 / *NEW*
5. New Super Mario Bros. (DS) - 40,114 / 3,233,793
6. Zaidan Houjin Nippon Kanji Nouryoku Kentei Kyoukai Kounin: KanKen DS (DS) - 38,799 / 84,091
7. Minna no Tennis (PS2) - Sony - 32,962 / 416,507
8. Final Fantasy III (DS) - Square Enix - 30,418 / 781,713
9. Brain Training 2 (DS) - Nintendo - 26,600 / 3,288,248
10. Animal Crossing: Wild World (DS) - Nintendo - 22,787 / 3,305,244

While Gundam Battle Royale's sold less than half of what SD Gundam G Generation Portable (155,634) sold in its first week, it was still enough to capture the fourth spot. It seems the Japanese eat up these Gundam games faster than my fat uncle Johnny at Thanksgiving.

Has Sony finally found its PSP cashcow? Hmmm.

JoystiqJapanese software sales chart, Oct. 2-8: The Gundam Strikes Back originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal crossingAnimalCrossingAtaribattle royaleBattleRoyaleDBZdragon ballDragon-Ball-ZDragon-Ball-Z-Budokai-Tenkaichi-2DragonBallFightingfinal fantasyFinalFantasygundamgundam g generation portableGundamGGenerationPortablejapanese software sales chartJapaneseSoftwareSalesChartmario bros.MarioBros.namco-bandaiSpikesuperThu, 12 Oct 2006 14:00:00 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[Super Paper Mario scrapped for Cube, coming to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/super-paper-mario-scrapped-for-cube-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/super-paper-mario-scrapped-for-cube-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/super-paper-mario-scrapped-for-cube-coming-to-wii/#commentsFiled under:

According to the latest Wii Mailbag over at IGN, Super Paper Mario, the sequel to the awesome game that is Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, is to release on the Wii and not the GameCube. The game was supposed to release next month, but according to retail listings and the fact that Japan has yet to receive the game, we doubt this is still the planned release date.

Given all of this, we can safely assume that gesture-based controls will somehow be implemented into the final game. We can see ourselves utilizing the Wiimote as if it were a hammer, gripping it tightly with both hands above our head and swiping it downward to squash Goombas. Flicking the nunchuk attachment upward could naturally cause Mario to jump in-game.

In what other ways could the Wiimote's unique control scheme improve the game experience?

JoystiqSuper Paper Mario scrapped for Cube, coming to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doorgamecubegcmarionintendopapersuperthousandwiiyearThu, 07 Sep 2006 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Marching band plays gaming hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, we could make jokes about how being in a marching band is lame and one's only choice should they be horrible at sports, but we aren't that kind of judgmental blog. Instead, we're the type of blog to pay homage and respect those who manage to convince their superiors that a videogame-inspired medley of tunes should be the focus of the half-time show. That's what this wonderful MSU marching band did, playing tunes from awesome Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

They also played something from a Microsoft game, we believe. Something having to do with angels?

JoystiqMarching band plays gaming hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbroslegendmarchingmariomaroonmississippimsumusicnintendosuperzeldaWed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marching band plays gaming hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/06/marching-band-plays-gaming-hits/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, we could make jokes about how being in a marching band is lame and one's only choice should they be horrible at sports, but we aren't that kind of judgmental blog. Instead, we're the type of blog to pay homage and respect those who manage to convince their superiors that a videogame-inspired medley of tunes should be the focus of the half-time show. That's what this wonderful MSU marching band did, playing tunes from awesome Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

They also played something from a Microsoft game, we believe. Something having to do with angels?

JoystiqMarching band plays gaming hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandbros.legendmarchingmariomississippimsumusicnintendosuperzeldaWed, 06 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic in the next Smash Bros. game?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/21/sonic-in-the-next-smash-bros-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/21/sonic-in-the-next-smash-bros-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/21/sonic-in-the-next-smash-bros-game/#commentsFiled under:

Ninja kids are serious about their lives.
According to the September issue of Tips & Tricks, one Shigeru Miyamoto and Masahiro Sakurai have gone on record stating that they would both like to see other third-parties step up and ask to include their characters in the Smash Bros. experience. In citing that Kojima asked to have Snake involved in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the magazine says that the request was made too close to deadline, so they were unable to include him. Shiggy and Sakurai have said that they are close to including one other outside character, and commented that the most requested character is none other than Sega's mascot, and Mario's old rival, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Now, we've all heard about the April Fool's joke about Sonic being unlockable in SSBM, but with strong support of the new console from Sega with some launch title, one of which being an all-new Sonic adventure, we're inclined to say that this is likely to happen. Is the character they're in talks to include none other than the speedy, ring-obsessed Sonic?

[Via QJ; Thanks vidGuy!]

JoystiqSonic in the next Smash Bros. game? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Aug 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbros.hedgehognintendosmashsonicsupertipstrickswiiMon, 21 Aug 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Love Mario, win 2 DS Lites]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/love-mario-win-2-ds-lites/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/love-mario-win-2-ds-lites/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/love-mario-win-2-ds-lites/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do you love those Mario brothers? Do your dreams encapsulate not the sheep languidly springing over an undefined, isolated wooden fence, instead opting to fill your mind with the pleasing sounds of a fat plumber and his skinny brother stomping Goombas to death and riding around in pipes? Are you a sick, obsessed fan with a ridiculous mural of Luigi on your wall?

If you've sat there anxiously reading that above paragraph, feverishly biting what little bit of nail you have left on each of your fingers, sweating that someone might find you on a site called DS Fanboy only to out you to your friends and family, then how about signing up for this contest? That way, when people look at you with disgust in the street, you can hold your head high and say "Yeah, well who bought you 2 DS Lites?!"

You'll likely then proceed to jump on the person's head.

[Via DS-x2]

JoystiqLove Mario, win 2 DS Lites originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bros.dsliteluigimarionewnintendosuperTue, 15 Aug 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at how Smash Bros. could work online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/a-look-at-how-smash-bros-could-work-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/a-look-at-how-smash-bros-could-work-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/a-look-at-how-smash-bros-could-work-online/#commentsFiled under:

Gamedaily has a feature running right now where they look at how Super Smash Bros. Brawl online could work. Dissecting the experience down to three important fields, they discuss what the most important aspects of the title need to make the online roster to ensure the online experience is as endearing as the game is offline.

First up are what different game modes will be available for online play. Now, Smash Bros. is such an experience that it can be augmented each and every time you play. There is a core underlying mechanic in just attempting to beat your opponent silly, but there are factors such as stock count, time, locale, as well as the variants such as Coin Battle, that are really going to be tough to bring online. Game Daily thinks that Nintendo really has to leave all of this content in for the online arena, and we're inclined to agree. Really, it's a no-brainer to say that the online multiplayer should very much resemble that of the local multiplayer.

Next item of interest is latency issues, or lag. Now, it's no secret that most fighting games rely on speed and intensity to create a great experience, with Smash Bros. being no exception. Other games such as the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 refuse to take their game online because the lag will take away from the title. Nintendo will have their work cut out for them if they hope to provide a lag-free experience. Tecmo's Dead or Alive 4, however, has managed to remain excellent online, so hopefully Nintendo will be able to look to that title for inspiration in how to ensure that the game remains the same online.

Finally, the game will undoubtedly need a ranking system. I mean, what's the point if you can't get into a match and/or lobby with your incredible record and talk smack. The question is exactly how will it be done and what will be the criteria for rewarding players with better ranks.

Now, we're still not sure this game will even be online or not yet, so keep that in mind while you mull some of this over. When will we find out if it'll be online or not? Probably next year, sadly.

JoystiqA look at how Smash Bros. could work online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawlbrosmarionintendosmashsuperThu, 10 Aug 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Strikers could be bound for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/mario-strikers-could-be-bound-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/mario-strikers-could-be-bound-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/mario-strikers-could-be-bound-for-wii/#commentsFiled under:

IGN has picked up word from their super-duper secret sources close to Nintendo of Europe that a follow up to last year's Super Mario Strikers on the GameCube could be making its way to the Wii. Further speculation adds that the game could be unveiled at the Leipzig Games Convention later on this month. Citing the reasons why we would see a sequel to the franchise on the Wii, IGN was quick to note that the game has sold 500,000 copies since its December release, making it a prime candidate for the sequel treatment. It currently has a 76% average ratio through Game Rankings.

[Thanks Josh!]

JoystiqMario Strikers could be bound for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendostrikerssuperwiiMon, 07 Aug 2006 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[No Space World, Mario Galaxy could be available at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/no-space-world-mario-galaxy-could-be-available-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/no-space-world-mario-galaxy-could-be-available-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/no-space-world-mario-galaxy-could-be-available-at-launch/#commentsFiled under:

Over at AMN, Nintendo has confirmed that there will in fact be no Space World event held this year. The person confirming this, Nintendo of America Public Relations Manager Matt Atwood, dashed away speculation that this event would help usher in the launch of the Wii. However, there is good news!

I managed to save money on my car insurance! Matt Atwood, the clever PR-type person that he is, said that while Nintendo has yet to officially announce its Wii lineup, in regards to Super Mario Galaxy making the cut for launch, "anything is possible."

JoystiqNo Space World, Mario Galaxy could be available at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Aug 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxymarionintendospacesuperwiiworldFri, 04 Aug 2006 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Could Mario do for the Wii what he did for the DS?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/20/could-mario-do-for-the-wii-what-he-did-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/20/could-mario-do-for-the-wii-what-he-did-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/20/could-mario-do-for-the-wii-what-he-did-for-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

There's an interesting article up over at Yahoo where the debate as to whether Mario can work his magic for the Wii, as he did on the DS. The fact is yes, while maybe not to the extent that New Super Mario Bros. has done wonders for the DS, on the Wii the Mario brand is a guaranteed way to push units.

While Super Mario Galaxy not being available at launch, or during the battle to come this Christmas when all 3 consoles are available on retail shelves, is sure to be a fairly-sized detriment to Nintendo, other first-party titles such as Metroid Prime 3 Corruption and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess should help to carry that load.

Honestly, who doesn't like Mario?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqCould Mario do for the Wii what he did for the DS? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bros.marionintendosuperwiiThu, 20 Jul 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's top 10 games of 2006 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/nintendos-top-10-games-of-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/nintendos-top-10-games-of-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/nintendos-top-10-games-of-2006/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the year half-way over, Nintendo of America's Rufus has seen fit to put out his list of top 10 games so far this year. What's surprising is that Big Brain Academy comes in at the number one spot, a place which we're fairly sure should be given to New Super Mario Bros. instead. What isn't surprising, however, is that the list is dominated by DS titles.

  1. Big Brain Academy (DS)
  2. New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
  3. True Swing Golf (DS)
  4. Drill Dozer (GBA)
  5. Super Princess Peach (DS)
  6. Chibi Robo (GCN)
  7. Super Monkey Ball Touch & Roll (DS)
  8. Tetris DS (DS)
  9. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (DS)
  10. Odama (GCN)
What would your own personal list look like?

[Via Infendo]

[Note: This has nothing to do with sales numbers. This is a list purely based on personal opinion of one Nintendo of America employee.]

JoystiqNintendo's top 10 games of 2006 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jul 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academybigbrainbros.dsmarionewnintendosuperFri, 14 Jul 2006 08:00:00 EST