Features

Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, Features, GameCube, GBA, Wii | 11 Comments

The last decade saw a number of changes, not just for Nintendo, but for the gaming industry as a whole. As systems became more powerful we were introduced to new games, as well as new ways to play games. We were forced to say goodbye to some of our favorite developers and series, but we still discovered new ones, and even some old ones that had been forgotten over time. As time progressed from the year 2000 to 2009, gaming also progressed, changing from a fairly niche pastime to a culture that gained some degree of mainstream recognition. These are the 10 games for Nintendo systems that I feel best represent gaming over the last 10 years.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features | 6 Comments

This week’s WDYT article is something I’m really passionate about, and that’s music in games. I really do love music, as I believe it completely sets the mood for the entire game, especially when done right. I hate to admit it, but music is one of those little things in a game that can push me from liking a game to really loving it. Without rambling too much, I’ll just say that this is my list of Top Ten Gaming soundtracks, and I want all you guys to show me your lists as well! At the end of the week, I’ll gather up all the “votes” and see what you guys think is the best soundtrack ever!

Top 10 Nintendo Video Game Soundtracks

10. Metroid Soundtrack
Samus’ first adventure just made the cut for its beautifully crafted main theme, as well as the assortment of secondary themes that support it. No single soundtrack has ever portrayed the far reaches of space and science fiction better than Metroid’s own, and (while many of the songs may not be memorable) every song is perfect at capturing the deep space emptiness and loneliness that comes with Samus’ trek.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Reviews, Wii | 4 Comments

Game Info:

System: Wii
Category: Sports
Players: 1-2
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Available: Now

Though it lacks the toothless grin of Iron Mike, Punch-Out!! for the Wii retains all of the depth, accessibility and charm of 1987’s Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! with all the upgrades expected of a current-gen game.

Stepping back in the shoes of up and coming boxer, Little Mac, players fight their way through 14 unique boxers accompanied by the always-unhelpful coach, Doc Louis. It’s clear that the developers at Next Level Games really loved the old Punch-Out!! games, as the Wii version is incredibly faithful to the source material. With the exception of Mike Tyson and Mr Dream, all of the boxers from the original game make a return appearance, as well as Bear Hugger and Aran Ryan from Super Punch-Out!! The sole new boxer is Disco Kid, who is a lot of fun to fight, but it’s a shame that he’s the only new competitor.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features | 1 Comment

Note from Austin: Many apologies for missing last week’s article, but hopefully a more in depth piece will be worth the wait! Since this week’s article is a little more obscure than previous ones, I encourage you to read it thoroughly and get a firm grasp on the idea for your responses. Additionally, be sure to read the question!

The idea of satire is that a piece of work, be it a game, a movie, or a book, takes a stance on a social subject, like racism or politics, and makes fun of it. This is something that is very prominent in movies and books, but games have barely dabbled into this realm of work. Traditionally, the works in which satirical material can be found, regardless of the specific type of outlet, are usually limited to pieces that are aimed at a more mature, adult-focused demographic. Compositions like Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 or Goichi Suda’s No More Heroes are prime examples of this general trend in satirical work, but every so often a piece will be written, developed or filmed that will break the mold and surprise its entire audience.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Austin(@NE_Austin) in Features | 12 Comments

With 2009 finally out the door and the 2010 gaming season right at our doorstep, it’s time to take a look at the year that has fully passed and remember some of the most memorable moments from the last 365 days.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Reviews, Wii | 9 Comments

Game Info:

Genre: 2-D Platformer
Available: Now
Video: 16:9/480p
Audio: Stereo
Players: 1-4
Nintendo Wi-Fi: None
ESRB: Everyone

Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto return Mario back to the realm of 2-D once again for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. This time up to four players can join in on the platforming goodness that originally made the Super Mario Bros. franchise such a smash sensation all those years ago. Unsurprisingly, Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser & Co. and it’s up to you (and three of your closest friends) to once again rescue the princess and set things right in the Mushroom Kingdom.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Features, Wii | 11 Comments

Note: Make sure to check out the selected response from last week’s article after the break!

This week’s topic is something a lot of people love, a lot of people hate, and a lot of people are on the fence about: Homebrew. For those that don’t know, homebrew is the act of “modifying” your Wii to enable it to play music, watch movies, run games, and a plethora of other thing that expand the usability of the console beyond what it was original intended. The entire process is free, but it runs the risk of “bricking”, or permanently breaking your Wii console. For many people, homebrew is used to illegally download roms of games in order to dodge paying for them, but for others, like myself, it’s used in a strictly legal way.

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Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Features | 10 Comments

Since 1985 when the Nintendo Entertainment System first released, Nintendo has been premiering a slew of fantastic first party titles every single year, starting with Mario and eventually leading to things like Metroid, Zelda, Pikmin, and Star Fox. Every single franchise has it’s individual perks, but everyone that plays them has one particular favorite that really strikes them as being truly fantastic. Mario has its near-perfect platforming gameplay, Zelda has an epic adventure that really draws you in, Metroid has a sci-fi exploration element; There really is something for everyone in these Nintendo franchises. Now, while I love every single one of these games to death, there is one that is just a tiny step above the rest: The Legend of Zelda.
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Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, Reviews | 10 Comments

Game Info:

System: Nintendo DS
Category: Puzzle RPG/Adventure
Players: 1-2
Release Date: December 1, 2009
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Capybara Games

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Posted on 15 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Features | 17 Comments

Thinking back to the days of my youth, one memory stands out above all else: The summers. School was out, the air was fresh, and all the kids got together to play baseball and Frisbee in the park. All of them except me, because summers to me were filled with nothing but a constant fascination with the Nintendo 64. First it started with FIFA (which version it was eludes me at the moment) but as the summer went on I got more games, from Mario 64 to my personal favorite, Star Fox 64. Then, at the end of the summer, it all went away once again, leaving me dreaming of games throughout the fall, winter and spring until the cycle repeated itself.

Though, you’re probably wondering, “Why such an odd cycle of gaming, Austin?”, and I’m about to tell you.

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