Virtual Console Monday - 11.19.2007 (Wrecking Crew, Sonic 3D Blast, Super Air Zonk)

Today marks the first birthday of the Nintendo Wii, so before we get to this week's VC titles let me give a big Happy Birthday shout out to the Wii.

Happy Birthday Wii!

With that out of the way, let's see what Nintendo has on the agenda for this special day. Wrecking Crew (NES), Sonic 3D Blast (Genesis), and Super Air Zonk (TG16) are the 3 titles that Nintendo has launched today. Hit the jump for the full descriptions of today's titles.

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Nov 19, 2007 - 1:06 pm | 1 comments

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

I know that Super Mario Galaxy will dominate the TV for many of you for quite some time, but for the rest of you what is on your list right now?

Personally, I am going to spend some time this weekend with skate and Tony Hawk Proving Ground as I try to figure out which one I am going to keep. I might also try to get a little NBA Live 08 in as I reel over the beating that my Spurs took thanks to the Mavs last night.

Nov 16, 2007 - 5:36 pm | 20 comments

Wii Photo Channel To Lose MP3 Support

One of our members, Pin, just pointed out a little note on the official Wii homepage that makes mention of upcoming changes to the Wii's Photo Channel. Changes include adding support for MP4 AAC files at the expense of dropping MP3 support. These changes will be present in the 1.1 version of the Photo Channel and will be included with all new consoles sold starting in early December.

If you use your Wii for MP3s, then you may want to hold off on the upgrade as it can't be undone. I personally didn't know this functionality even existed so I won't be crying, but some of you might.

Source: Wii.Nintendo.com

Nov 14, 2007 - 11:51 am | 1 comments

First Impressions: Super Mario Galaxy

Many of you were lucky enough to secure a copy of Super Mario Galaxy yesterday, on the game's official ship date. Others were met with frustration as many stores stuck to the firm "release date" as today instead of truly understanding the concept of ship date and release date.

Regardless, if you own a Wii and aren't trying to find a copy of this game today then you should be. The reviews so far have been stellar and SMG shows a very high level of polish. The game itself is just amazing and I can't wait to play all the way through it.

With that said, my initial reaction to the spherical worlds that were introduced in one of the latter Ratchet and Clank games didn't tickle my fancy. I warmed up to the concept and Nintendo's execution of it after playing a little more. I think Super Mario Galaxy is going to be one of those titles in the conversation for Game of The Year when it comes time. You should definitely be playing this.

Nov 13, 2007 - 8:26 am | 55 comments

Virtual Console Monday - 11.12.2007 (Volleyball, AXELAY, Blue's Journey)

With the launch of Super Mario Galaxy now behind us, those of you that prefer to live life in the retro can enjoy your weekly VC releases. This week's titles come in the form of Volleyball (NES), AXELAY (Super NES), and Blue's Journey (Neo Geo).

Hit the jump for the full description of these new additions.


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Nov 12, 2007 - 5:48 pm | 1 comments

First Impressions: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

I'm a total sucker for LEGOs and Star Wars so it's no surprise that the first two LEGO Star Wars titles have spent more time in my 360 than any other games to date. My family and I have logged over 150 hours on LSWII alone. I think this speaks volumes for the quality of work that TT has done. The number of oddities and glitches my 3 yr old son has found is another topic for another day.

With The Complete Saga now in stores, it was only fitting that I would pick it up and jump right back into the action. Nevermind that I have played virtually all of these missions countless times, this is a new game right? My 360 seems to believe it so it must be true.

Regardless, I think there is a lot here for those of us that have played through these games before and there is one hell of a deal for newcomers to the titles. For starters, TCS is only $49.99 versus the standard price of $59.99 and that comes with what was previously only available on 2 separate discs. A whole list of new Achievements, new features, and an online co-op mode and you've got yourself a whole new gaming experience based around the same levels you've played before.

It could be argued that this is merely clever marketing and re-selling something that has already paid for itself. I might be inclined to believe you, but I'd add that this isn't necessarily a bad thing for this particular title and if you haven't checked out what they are doing with LEGO these days, you should.

Nov 12, 2007 - 5:08 pm | 5 comments

Super Mario Galaxy Launch Details - NYC

With the launch of Super Mario Galaxy only a few days away, Nintendo has a host of festivities in store for those of you that live in the Big City of NYC. The event they have planned will take place at the Nintendo World Store and here is a rundown of what is going down:

• Activities kickoff at 8 p.m., but there will likely be a long line before that outside the doors of the store


• There will be a DJ with dancers, a Velcro wall, a bungee run and trivia questions with prizes


• There will be a laser light show inside the store


• Mario himself will be in attendance to greet fans and prepare for his adventure


• The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to think gifts. To celebrate this event, 250 Wii systems will be available for purchase so shoppers can not only have the hottest system around, but also the hottest game of the year


• The store will extend its hours until 10 p.m., and will reopen at midnight when the game officially goes on sale

Nov 9, 2007 - 4:32 pm | 0 comments

Win My Copy: Disgaea Afternoon of Darkness

Disgaea was always one of those titles that garnered a lot of attention and praise from fans of the series. Unfortunately for me, I don't have a PSP so one lucky winner is going to get my copy of Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness.

Entering is simple, register for the forums if you haven't already done so and make a single post in this thread. I'll randomly select a winner on Monday, November 12th at 4pm CST. One entry per person and this is limited to US and Canadian residents. Given that the game is only rated T, I'll open this up to anyone 13 and older.

Nov 7, 2007 - 5:28 pm | 87 comments

Super Mario Galaxy Flight Team

FedEx just dropped off a thick metallic package that had the following items inside: a flight patch and a printed note on metallic paper. The note read:

"Congratulations! You've been selected to join Mario's flight team and encounter a new set of enemies on planets and in galaxies you've never seen before. So, dust off your space suit and get ready for Super Mario Galaxy, the must-have game of the year for Wii, landing on your desk soon!"



Pics of the Super Mario Galaxy Flight Patch and letter are below.

Nov 1, 2007 - 4:18 pm | 12 comments

Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgball Headed to Xbox Live Arcade

Gamecock Media Group just announced that the upcoming title from Blazing Lizard, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, would be headed to Xbox Live Arcade in early 2008.

"It is no secret that Pirates and Ninjas have beef," stated Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard. "But it turns out both have a great love for dodgeball and unique skills when it comes to playing the game. We are bringing together sworn enemies for what I can guarantee will be explosive dodgeball action."

PvND is one of my more anticipated titles for the next year despite it's simple concept. It'll make a perfect XLA title.

Nov 1, 2007 - 2:24 pm | 3 comments