Scribblenauts had pretty humble beginnings four years ago when it made its first public splash at E3 2009. Back then, the game was known as little more than an ambitious title from a somewhat-proven developer (5th Cell, who were at the time known for Drawn to Life and Lock’s Quest) that promised you the moon and seemed to be delivering on it. The game released to fairly warm reception despite some naysayers, and has since gone on to become something of a household gaming name like LEGO or Skylanders.

With Scribblenauts Unmasked— the latest, DC Comics-infused entry in the series– the spiritual parallels to a franchise like Skylanders have become even more apparent. The game feels unapologetically directed towards younger audiences, and while it’s obvious that any lay-gamer (or D.C. comics fanatic) would have a hayday merely playing around with the object creator, someone looking for real satisfaction on a deeper level probably won’t find it within Unmasked.

Here’s a Podcast – Episode 62!

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features, Podcast | 5 Comments

Jack came up with a fantastic analogy about toilet seats during this episode.

This is the best I’ve felt about a podcast in a while! We had discussions (as per usual) about game design, we talk about Pokémon X/Y and Wind Waker HD in WWP, we go over news, we tackle yet another belligerent emailer who is very angry at Nintendo, and we talk a bit about “abject” fun vs. “intellectual” video gaming and which types we prefer. This (plus much more!) makes for quite an action-packed show!

This Week’s Podcast Crew: A and J and L.

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[EVENT] Extra Life 2013 – The 24-Hour Gaming Marathon for Charity LIVE!

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features, General Gaming, Site updates, Videos | 1 Comment

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Ah yes, it is that time of year again– time to start preparing and setting up our participation in Extra Life 2013! Last year we participated for the first time ever and managed to play video games for 24 hours straight while people watched us live over the internet. This year, it’s going to be the same deal only BIGGER, BADDER, and BETTER than ever! So, here’s the low-down:

What is Extra Life? What have you gotten yourselves into this time?

Extra Life is a charity organization that is most famous for setting up a global 24-hour gaming marathon that has gamers attempting to play any game– board game, video game, card game, etc– for 24 hours straight without stopping. Anyone can participate, and your fundraising goal can be any amount you want– don’t hesitate to sign up yourself if you think you can get a few friends or family members to pitch in a couple bucks.

100% of the money goes to the charity, and it’s used to purchase video games and consoles for kids who are chronically ill or otherwise have to stay in hospitals for extended periods. The games are meant to help take their minds off of what they may be going through, which I’m sure many of you who have spent time in a hospital can relate to!

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[Feautre] Eggbusters – Metroid Prime REDUX

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Eggbusters, Features | 0 comments

This week on Eggbusters: It’s Metroid Prime again! If any game showcases exactly what we love about the way Nintendo makes games, it’s Metroid Prime. Ambitious, tight, focused, and expansive. Mmmmm. Two glitches from that game this week. Enjoy.

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[Interview] How to Survive director talks game’s lengthy development, Wii U version, and more

Posted on 11 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Features, Interviews, Wii U | 1 Comment

How to Survive was confirmed for Wii U in August, which came as a bit of a surprise. We’ve now followed up with director and “survivalist handyman” Jules Benjamin to learn more about the downloadable title. Benjamin was able to share additional game details, new information about the Wii U version, and more.

Here’s a Podcast – Episode 61!

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features, Podcast | 2 Comments

So strange. So fantastic.

If you enjoy EarthBound, this is the episode for you. Most of it was regular “Here’s a Podcast” nonsense, but the last 45 minutes were dedicated to discussing that esoteric and beloved 1994 game from designer Shigesato Itoi, and I think it was an extremely fitting tribute. WWP includes Kerbal Space Program, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Harvest Moon/Rune Factory 4; listener mail includes some stuff I cant’t remember.

This Week’s Podcast Crew: AUSITN AND LAURA AND JACK

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[Video Feature] Eggbusters – Sonic Adventure 2: Battle

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Eggbusters, Features, Videos | 1 Comment

This is perhaps the only third party game that has been as highly requested as several first party Nintendo titles, and now– courtesy of Jack– we can finally do it! Hopefully we didn’t screw up the one episode you really wanted to watch if you’re a Sonic Adventure 2: Battle fan.

[REVIEW] Rune Factory 4 (3DS)

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in 3DS, Features, Reviews | 1 Comment

Because nothing spices up a relationship like a little bit of adventuring.

System: Nintendo 3DS
Release Date: October 1st, 2013 (NE), Q1 2014 (EU)
Developer: Neverland Co.
Publisher: XSEED Games (NA), Marvelous AQL (EU)

Author: Austin

There’s an implicit warning to the player the moment they start up Rune Factory 4, and it goes something like this:

“I really hope you like anime.”

Yes, the first thing you’ll lay eyes upon after clicking the game’s icon on the 3DS’ home menu is a fully animated music video where anime-styled characters are introduced and a Japanese woman sings a wonderfully cliché (in a good way, I might argue) tune in the background. If you had seen the video without any context, you may as well have assumed it was the theme song to a TV show or the title sequence of a film– and depending on who you are, that might be a joyous setting of stage for a game. Regardless, this opening is actually a very serviceable measuring stick for whether or not Rune Factory 4 will tickle your fancy.

Beyond that outer aesthetic layer, though, there’s a lot to Rune Factory 4: Players will be asked to tend crops, foster relationships (both romantic and platonic), tackle dungeons, learn to cook, forge items, take up chemistry– the list of activities, superficially, is extremely long. Quantity does not equate to quality though, and in the case of Rune Factory 4, the quality does prove somewhat unstable.

[Feature] How to Play Wii Games On Your Wii U Gamepad

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features, Videos, Wii, Wii U | 2 Comments

This is what it looks like when you play Wii games on the Wii U Gamepad, and many other details about the process. Enjoy, if you want to.

Here’s a Podcast – Episode 60!

Posted on 11 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features, Podcast | 1 Comment

Laura talks more than ever about 999 and Gone Home!

Predictably, we got a fair share of listener mail this week on the topic of sexism in games, so we do some more discussing of that topic during our reader mail segment. Beyond that, Laura talks a lot about 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors and Gone Home, whereas Austin discusses his review copy of Rune Factory 4. Jack chimes in with some useful life advice after the break, and a giant chunk of listener questions mail ends the show! No reader poll or book club this week.