TOP SPOT
HDTV vs. SNES Games on a HDTV are beautiful...unless you want to play those on a console made before 2006.
TOP SPOT
Kombo Breaker - Episode 60 and a Special Edition We have two episodes up for your listening pleasure: Episode 60 with Garth of PopCap games and a special edition with the BioShock 2 dev conference!
TOP SPOT
Cut the Crap: Quantum Theory is Important Japan is doing what everyone wants, so why the hatred toward Quantum Theory?
TOP SPOT
Jaded Gamer #7: Music Games Losing the Rhythm? The Maddenitis of the music genre for games has finally caught up with it, and Joey couldn't be happier. |
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REVIEW: Chime
Play some music. Donate to charity.
REVIEW: 0 Day Attack on Earth
Worst. Twin-stick shooter. Ever.
REVIEW: Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment
Want a quick RPG with a typical JRPG plot?
REVIEW: Glory of Heracles
Experience as much mediocrity as glory. |
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Medabots DS Concept Art
by David Oxford | 02/04/10 | 11:39 AM PST
Do you remember "Medabots?" It was a sort of Pokémon-meets-Mega Man concept that didn't involve networks and viruses, and had a short run of popularity in the West around 2001 with a Fox Kids anime, toys, and even a few video games.
As it turns out, it's still going in Japan-- or at least, its games are. A new DS game simply called "Medabots DS" is slated for this Spring. It features 3D 3-on-3 "robattles," and like any good Pokémon clone, comes in at least two flavors: Medabots DS Kabuto Version and Medabots DS Kuwagata Version.
Siliconera also has some concept art on the title, such as the piece you see to your right. However, there doesn't seem to be word of a North American release date.
I wonder how it would do over here?
Medabots DS Concept Art
by David Oxford | 02/04/10 | 11:39 AM PST
Do you remember "Medabots?" It was a sort of Pokémon-meets-Mega Man concept that didn't involve networks and viruses, and had a short run of popularity in the West around 2001 with a Fox Kids anime, toys, and even a few video games.
As it turns out, it's still going in Japan-- or at least, its games are. A new DS game simply called "Medabots DS" is slated for this Spring. It features 3D 3-on-3 "robattles," and like any good Pokémon clone, comes in at least two flavors: Medabots DS Kabuto Version and Medabots DS Kuwagata Version.
Siliconera also has some concept art on the title, such as the piece you see to your right. However, there doesn't seem to be word of a North American release date.
I wonder how it would do over here?
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Scribblenauts Draws A Million Fans
by Eric Jones | 02/03/10 | 11:11 PM PST
5th Cell's Scribblenauts was one of the holiday's surprise hits, and now, the developer is celebrating a huge milestone for the ultra-creative title. Publisher Warner Bros. Interactive announced today that the game has solid over a million copies around the world.
Despite some issues, Scribblenauts proved to be one of the most unique and innovative titles to hit the DS all of last year. Now, how about a sequel?
Scribblenauts Draws A Million Fans
by Eric Jones | 02/03/10 | 11:11 PM PST
5th Cell's Scribblenauts was one of the holiday's surprise hits, and now, the developer is celebrating a huge milestone for the ultra-creative title. Publisher Warner Bros. Interactive announced today that the game has solid over a million copies around the world.
Despite some issues, Scribblenauts proved to be one of the most unique and innovative titles to hit the DS all of last year. Now, how about a sequel?
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Rumor: Developers Working with "New Nintendo Platform" to be Revealed at GDC?
by David Oxford | 02/03/10 | 11:14 AM PST
Something interesting which came through the pipeline to VideoGamer.com:
When asked, Nintendo said "This is purely rumour and speculation." Interesting that they left off the "we do not comment on" part.
[Image]
Rumor: Developers Working with "New Nintendo Platform" to be Revealed at GDC?
by David Oxford | 02/03/10 | 11:14 AM PST
Something interesting which came through the pipeline to VideoGamer.com:Just heard a rumour that you may be interested in: Nintendo are going to announce a new platform at GDC. Some devs have already started work on it. -- Unnamed Employee from "Major International Publisher"The source stated they didn't know whether it was handheld or not, but that he was sure of its existence. However, the source admitted to being less than certain that it would be shown at GDC.
When asked, Nintendo said "This is purely rumour and speculation." Interesting that they left off the "we do not comment on" part.
[Image]
source: via GoNintendo
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Edgeworth Demo Now Available
by Daniel Sims | 02/01/10 | 4:41 PM PST
Capcom released today a downloadable demo for the upcoming Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth just weeks before the full game's release on DS.
As of February 1st the demo is available to download onto a DS either through the Wii's Nintendo Channel or a DS download station at a retailer. Capcom gave no specifics on how much of the game the demo actually covers.
This is actually the second time a demo for Edgeworth has been released in English. GameSpot has been hosting a flash-based demo for play on a browser since November.
The full Edgeworth game is slated for release in North America on February 16th.
Edgeworth Demo Now Available
by Daniel Sims | 02/01/10 | 4:41 PM PST
Capcom released today a downloadable demo for the upcoming Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth just weeks before the full game's release on DS.
As of February 1st the demo is available to download onto a DS either through the Wii's Nintendo Channel or a DS download station at a retailer. Capcom gave no specifics on how much of the game the demo actually covers.
This is actually the second time a demo for Edgeworth has been released in English. GameSpot has been hosting a flash-based demo for play on a browser since November.
The full Edgeworth game is slated for release in North America on February 16th.
source: Press Release
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REVIEW: Glory of Heracles has as Many Downs as it has Moments of Glory
by Matt Pearce | 01/30/10 | 10:28 AM PST
What the Game's About
Glory of Heracles for the DS tells the tale of a legendary hero by the name of Heracles, although you might know him better by his more common name, "Hercules." The game chronicles the life of Heracles after he's stricken with amnesia and thrown down to the mortal realm for reasons unknown. Along the way Heracles meets up with other immortals who also happen to have amnesia, whose common ailment leads them on a journey to Mount Olympus to solve their identity issues.
There's very little correlation between the game and actual Greek mythology, other than some character names and a few nods to the characters' histories. For example, in the actual mythology there's a demigod named Achilles whose mother is a god and whose father is a human. In the game, however, Achilles father is a human, but his mother is a fairy. There's also the obligatory Trojan horse and a few gods' histories which are accurately portrayed, but lovers of Greek mythology will find a lot to complain about. Oh, and yes, when you're in the city of Sparta one of the characters does utter the phrase "this is Sparta," but, regrettably, nobody gets kicked down into a pit of death.
REVIEW: Glory of Heracles has as Many Downs as it has Moments of Glory
by Matt Pearce | 01/30/10 | 10:28 AM PST
What the Game's About
Glory of Heracles for the DS tells the tale of a legendary hero by the name of Heracles, although you might know him better by his more common name, "Hercules." The game chronicles the life of Heracles after he's stricken with amnesia and thrown down to the mortal realm for reasons unknown. Along the way Heracles meets up with other immortals who also happen to have amnesia, whose common ailment leads them on a journey to Mount Olympus to solve their identity issues.
There's very little correlation between the game and actual Greek mythology, other than some character names and a few nods to the characters' histories. For example, in the actual mythology there's a demigod named Achilles whose mother is a god and whose father is a human. In the game, however, Achilles father is a human, but his mother is a fairy. There's also the obligatory Trojan horse and a few gods' histories which are accurately portrayed, but lovers of Greek mythology will find a lot to complain about. Oh, and yes, when you're in the city of Sparta one of the characters does utter the phrase "this is Sparta," but, regrettably, nobody gets kicked down into a pit of death.
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New Official Pokemon Title Coming in 2010
by Alex Osborn | 01/30/10 | 9:54 AM PST
Nintendo's Pokemon franchise has been around for quite some time. After its Japanese debut on the GameBoy back in 1996, this creature collecting phenomenon ignited a fire that to this day burns brightly. Loyal gamers have been through several iterations of this highly popular handheld series and still crave more. The success of originals Red and Green/Blue spurred not only Silver and Gold, but also Ruby and Sapphire, and now Diamond and Pearl. Not only that, but Nintendo has been releasing remakes of these titles as well, including Leaf Green, Fire Red, HeartGold and SoulSilver.
It looks like Nintendo is eager to add another batch of titles to list with its announcement of yet another 'main' Pokemon game. As one would expect, there will be even more creative critters for you to capture and train as you progress through the game's new regions.
Expect to hear more very soon.
New Official Pokemon Title Coming in 2010
by Alex Osborn | 01/30/10 | 9:54 AM PST
Nintendo's Pokemon franchise has been around for quite some time. After its Japanese debut on the GameBoy back in 1996, this creature collecting phenomenon ignited a fire that to this day burns brightly. Loyal gamers have been through several iterations of this highly popular handheld series and still crave more. The success of originals Red and Green/Blue spurred not only Silver and Gold, but also Ruby and Sapphire, and now Diamond and Pearl. Not only that, but Nintendo has been releasing remakes of these titles as well, including Leaf Green, Fire Red, HeartGold and SoulSilver.
It looks like Nintendo is eager to add another batch of titles to list with its announcement of yet another 'main' Pokemon game. As one would expect, there will be even more creative critters for you to capture and train as you progress through the game's new regions.
Expect to hear more very soon.
source: IGN
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Iwata Questions Consumer Interest in Motion-Sensing DS & HD Wii, Dismisses 3D & iPad
by David Oxford | 01/29/10 | 11:08 AM PST
Yesterday, everyone was going nuts talking about Apple's new iPad. Everyone, that is, except for Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata, who wrote off the new device as "a bigger iPod Touch" which offered "no surprises."
From there, The New York Times reports that he would go on to address the rampant speculation surrounding comments he allegedly made about a successor to the Nintendo DS, as well as the persistent rumors of a high-definition Wii. "I question whether those features would be enough to get people to buy new machines," he said.
Iwata also expressed doubt towards Sony's push for Avatar-like 3D visuals in gaming, though he felt that it worked in the context of a movie theater. "I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play games at home. How is that going to look to other people?"
"It's going to look like people wearing glasses. Seems a lot less silly than you look when using motion controls!" offers Rawmeat Cowboy of GoNintendo.
Iwata Questions Consumer Interest in Motion-Sensing DS & HD Wii, Dismisses 3D & iPad
by David Oxford | 01/29/10 | 11:08 AM PST
Yesterday, everyone was going nuts talking about Apple's new iPad. Everyone, that is, except for Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata, who wrote off the new device as "a bigger iPod Touch" which offered "no surprises."
From there, The New York Times reports that he would go on to address the rampant speculation surrounding comments he allegedly made about a successor to the Nintendo DS, as well as the persistent rumors of a high-definition Wii. "I question whether those features would be enough to get people to buy new machines," he said.
Iwata also expressed doubt towards Sony's push for Avatar-like 3D visuals in gaming, though he felt that it worked in the context of a movie theater. "I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play games at home. How is that going to look to other people?"
"It's going to look like people wearing glasses. Seems a lot less silly than you look when using motion controls!" offers Rawmeat Cowboy of GoNintendo.
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Special Pokémon Pichu Coming to U.S. and U.K. Bearing a Secret
by David Oxford | 01/28/10 | 12:43 PM PST
I never realized that color-wise, there is a distinguishable difference between a Pikachu and a Pichu. But apparently there is, and that fact is something Nintendo and GameStop are taking advantage of.
Starting January 30th, if you bring in a copy of Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, or Pearl to GameStop, then you can download a Level 30 Pikachu-colored Pichu to your game. This character was previously exclusive to Japan, but now brings its moves like Charge, Endure, Volt Tackle, and Endeavor to the West.
Special Pokémon Pichu Coming to U.S. and U.K. Bearing a Secret
by David Oxford | 01/28/10 | 12:43 PM PST
I never realized that color-wise, there is a distinguishable difference between a Pikachu and a Pichu. But apparently there is, and that fact is something Nintendo and GameStop are taking advantage of.
Starting January 30th, if you bring in a copy of Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, or Pearl to GameStop, then you can download a Level 30 Pikachu-colored Pichu to your game. This character was previously exclusive to Japan, but now brings its moves like Charge, Endure, Volt Tackle, and Endeavor to the West.
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Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Announced for Nintendo DS
by Eric Jones | 01/28/10 | 10:19 AM PST
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 was a huge hit on the Nintendo DS in Japan, selling over a million copies and giving the Pokemon franchise that it is inspired by a run for its money. Now, the company has officially announced a sequel, revealed in the latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine.
Once again developed by TOSE for the Nintendo DS, Joker 2 will be mostly the same as its predecessor, except that it will feature over 300 monsters from throughout the Dragon Quest beastiary to collect, train, and battle with. Also, you can expect enhanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gameplay, allowing players to battle anyone,not just friends.
The game is set to hit Japan later this year. As for a US release, the original Joker wasn't exactly a sales success, but with Square-Enix's long history of DS hits, it wouldn't be a surprise.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Announced for Nintendo DS
by Eric Jones | 01/28/10 | 10:19 AM PST
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 was a huge hit on the Nintendo DS in Japan, selling over a million copies and giving the Pokemon franchise that it is inspired by a run for its money. Now, the company has officially announced a sequel, revealed in the latest issue of Shonen Jump magazine.
Once again developed by TOSE for the Nintendo DS, Joker 2 will be mostly the same as its predecessor, except that it will feature over 300 monsters from throughout the Dragon Quest beastiary to collect, train, and battle with. Also, you can expect enhanced Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gameplay, allowing players to battle anyone,not just friends.
The game is set to hit Japan later this year. As for a US release, the original Joker wasn't exactly a sales success, but with Square-Enix's long history of DS hits, it wouldn't be a surprise.
source: Shonen Jump
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Media: Mega Man Zero Collection Coming to North America & Europe in Summer 2010
by David Oxford | 01/28/10 | 9:47 AM PST

Capcom USA has just announced that the Mega Man Zero Collection will be available for the Nintendo DS in North America in Summer 2010. What's more, The Mega Man Network reports that Europe will also be getting the four-game compilation around the same time.
We have the four screens (and logo) released by Capcom in our gallery, though truth be told, if you've seen the originals, you won't find much new here. We also have the press release, which you'll find after the cut.
Media: Mega Man Zero Collection Coming to North America & Europe in Summer 2010
by David Oxford | 01/28/10 | 9:47 AM PST

Capcom USA has just announced that the Mega Man Zero Collection will be available for the Nintendo DS in North America in Summer 2010. What's more, The Mega Man Network reports that Europe will also be getting the four-game compilation around the same time.
We have the four screens (and logo) released by Capcom in our gallery, though truth be told, if you've seen the originals, you won't find much new here. We also have the press release, which you'll find after the cut.
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Iwata Asks: The History of Handheld The Legend of Zelda Games
by David Oxford | 01/27/10 | 11:56 AM PST
Gather 'round, kids: it's time for a new edition of Iwata Asks!
Surprisingly, Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata has elected to talk once more about The Legend of Zelda. Last time, he spoke specifically about the series' latest installment, Spirit Tracks for the Nintendo DS, but this time, he is out to learn more about the legacy of The Legend of Zelda in handheld form. And in the process, they even go a bit further back to the dawn of all adventure in Hyrule.
Iwata Asks: The History of Handheld The Legend of Zelda Games
by David Oxford | 01/27/10 | 11:56 AM PST
Gather 'round, kids: it's time for a new edition of Iwata Asks!
Surprisingly, Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata has elected to talk once more about The Legend of Zelda. Last time, he spoke specifically about the series' latest installment, Spirit Tracks for the Nintendo DS, but this time, he is out to learn more about the legacy of The Legend of Zelda in handheld form. And in the process, they even go a bit further back to the dawn of all adventure in Hyrule.
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Media: WarioWare: DIY Screens, Art, and Release Date
by David Oxford | 01/26/10 | 1:43 PM PST

Nintendo has just released a batch of new screenshots and art for their upcoming WarioWare DS title, "WarioWare: DIY." In addition, they've released box art for the new title and a release date, too: March 28th is when you can expect to find the do-it-yourself game factory on shelves.
Until then, you can check out the latest screens and art in our gallery.
Media: WarioWare: DIY Screens, Art, and Release Date
by David Oxford | 01/26/10 | 1:43 PM PST

Nintendo has just released a batch of new screenshots and art for their upcoming WarioWare DS title, "WarioWare: DIY." In addition, they've released box art for the new title and a release date, too: March 28th is when you can expect to find the do-it-yourself game factory on shelves.
Until then, you can check out the latest screens and art in our gallery.
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Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Pre-Order Bonus Poster at Gamestop
by Jeff Grubb | 01/26/10 | 8:35 AM PST

Gamestop continues it's pre-order bonus trend. Thankfully, this time it won't affect the game itself. If you pre-order Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey at Gamestop, then you will receive a bonus mini-poster. That is in addition to the soundtrack CD that is already included with the game.
From the press release:
This new game in the Shin Megami Tensei series puts players in the role of a solider sent to the South Pole by a UN-Mandated research team. There all hell breaks loose. Expect to get your dungeon crawling on on March 23rd.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Pre-Order Bonus Poster at Gamestop
by Jeff Grubb | 01/26/10 | 8:35 AM PST

From the press release:
"Some of the best bonus items are the kind you can listen to, hence the soundtrack CD we're including with launch copies of the game," commented Aram Jabbari, Manager of Public Relations and Sales at Atlus. "Still, sometimes you want a bonus item that you can feel, something you can caress gently and hold against your face, something you can take a big whiff of and enjoy. That's what the mini-poster is all about. With its gorgeous aesthetic, courtesy of master artist Kazuma Kaneko, Strange Journey stands out as a unique science fiction RPG experience, and this collectible mini-poster is the perfect way to show your friends that you are onboard for the adventure (and also, that you're better than them)."
This new game in the Shin Megami Tensei series puts players in the role of a solider sent to the South Pole by a UN-Mandated research team. There all hell breaks loose. Expect to get your dungeon crawling on on March 23rd.
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Random Picture of the Day: Where the Waterfalls Lead
by David Oxford | 01/25/10 | 4:28 PM PST
When playing Chrono Trigger, have you ever wondered where the waterfalls of the floating Kingdom of Zeal go?

Hit the cut to see the rest.
Random Picture of the Day: Where the Waterfalls Lead
by David Oxford | 01/25/10 | 4:28 PM PST
When playing Chrono Trigger, have you ever wondered where the waterfalls of the floating Kingdom of Zeal go?

Hit the cut to see the rest.
DS
Media: Foto Showdown from Konami shows DSi Specific Gameplay
by Jeff Grubb | 01/22/10 | 12:29 PM PST
Konami looks to take advantage of the DSi's camera with its new DSiware game Foto Showdown. They released a pair of live action trailers that show a boy taking photos of rabid dogs and angry old men and turning them into monsters that he can then play with in the game. If I were the kid I'd be more concerned why every living thing from beast to senior citizen seems to hate me and not so worried about the picture taking.
The game seems to work like the old Monster Rancher games, only with pictures instead of audio CDs. It uses "color recognition" to match the picture to a monster. This could lead to interesting things if -- for example -- taking a picture of the sun gets you a very specific creature.
It is a neat trick that probably won't pan out unless the game is fun.
Media: Foto Showdown from Konami shows DSi Specific Gameplay
by Jeff Grubb | 01/22/10 | 12:29 PM PST
Konami looks to take advantage of the DSi's camera with its new DSiware game Foto Showdown. They released a pair of live action trailers that show a boy taking photos of rabid dogs and angry old men and turning them into monsters that he can then play with in the game. If I were the kid I'd be more concerned why every living thing from beast to senior citizen seems to hate me and not so worried about the picture taking.
The game seems to work like the old Monster Rancher games, only with pictures instead of audio CDs. It uses "color recognition" to match the picture to a monster. This could lead to interesting things if -- for example -- taking a picture of the sun gets you a very specific creature.
It is a neat trick that probably won't pan out unless the game is fun.

























