Topics

136

Game Blog / 50 NSMB Touch Pens Up for Grabs

« on: April 05, 2008, 06:37:30 PM »

Bags of 50 New Super Mario Bros. Touch Pens take up a bunch of space, especially if your warehouse is already full of cool video game stuff. This is the situation National Console Support, Inc has found itself. Determined to clear up some of the mess, NCS has decided to slash the prices on the bags, originally selling for $130.00, and can now be yours for $95.00. That's about 2 bucks per pen, and not a bad price if you are a big Mario collector and have yet to snag these up. Need something to sweeten the deal? Free shipping. That's right, free. Interested? Click on over to the NCS website below!

Link: shopncsx.com

137

Game Blog / Donkey Kong World Record Could be Yours

« on: April 05, 2008, 03:31:49 PM »

Anyone (over 21) interested in getting in The Guinness Book of World Records? Well, this coming Thursday in Brooklyn, New York, Guinness World Records is holding a competition to bring in its Gamers' Edition, and you could land a spot. The player that can score the highest in Donkey Kong without using a hammer will be featured in the book and forever mark their place in gaming history! If Donkey Kong isn't your thing, but being in the book is, then maybe one of the other four world records will tickle your fancy:

• Fastest Time to Beat Five Boards on Ms. Pac Man
• Fastest Time to Beat Five Boards on Tapper
• Highest Out-Run Score
• Highest Ghosts 'n Goblins Score

Sound interesting? Then go to 388 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 10th and get your joystick on.

Link: kotaku.com

138

Game Blog / Mario Kart Driving School Photos, Info

« on: April 05, 2008, 12:56:15 PM »

To hype the upcoming title Mario Kart Wii, Nintendo will be hosting several events across the US called "Mario Kart Driving School" that allows visitors to take the game for a test drive. The first stop was this weekend in San Diego, and a neogaf.com forum member was able to snap a few photos. Below is a link to see some more of those pictures, and I've also included the remaining stops on the tour.

Remaining Tour Dates
4/11-4/13: Las Vegas
4/18-4/20: Denver
4/24: Dallas
4/26-4/27: Houston
5/2-5/4: Chicago
5/8: Washington D.C.
5/10-5/11: Philadelphia
5/14-5/15: Boston
5/17-5/18: New Jersey

Check it out if you have a chance, and live close enough, I know I will!

Link: neogaf.com/forum

139

Game Blog / Handy Brawl Pixel To Polygon Chart

« on: April 04, 2008, 10:56:52 PM »

Some of us remember the days of 8-bit Mario as simpler times, others remember it as "that thing dad always talks about when I play Halo". Nevertheless, Super Smash Bros. Brawl has brought together Nintendo fans of all ages to remember character roots. A Kotaku.com commenter by the name of "TaeK" took it upon himself to create a side-by-side chart that shows how far our favorite heroes (and villians) have come. Sure, it's is nothing spectacular, but it's pretty nifty and worth a gander. Take a look the chart in its entirety below!

Link: kotaku.com

[Iwata: Why did you decide on using Mario?Konno: Well, in the very first prototype, there was a guy in overalls sitting in the kart.Iwata: Wait just a minute! I can't let that slip by. Did you just say a guy in overalls?Konno: Sounds like Mario, doesn't it? It wasn't like I forgot to put Mario's beard on him or something, though… (laughs)]

140

Game Blog / Iwata Asks: Mario Kart Wii Explains Series Origin

« on: April 04, 2008, 07:25:54 PM »

Nintendo has published an interview Iwata conducted with three of the developers for the upcoming Mario Kart Wii title. The interview is full of interesting tidbits on the Mario Kart Series as a whole, with revelations to those unfamiliar or new to the series. Here's a snippet:


Iwata:   Why did you decide on using Mario?
Konno: Well, in the very first prototype, there was a guy in overalls sitting in the kart.
Iwata:   Wait just a minute! I can't let that slip by. Did you just say a guy in overalls?
Konno:  Sounds like Mario, doesn't it? It wasn't like I forgot to put Mario's beard on him or something, though… (laughs)


To read more, and get the details on a "golden" Mario Kart Wii Wheel, check out the interview below!

Link: wii.com

141

Game Blog / Pre-Order Mario Kart Wii, Get Free Stuff

« on: April 04, 2008, 07:10:58 PM »

For Mario Kart Wii,  Wal-Mart has decided to give us another reason to get excited about the title. They are offering a free key-chain and bumper sticker for those who pre-order off their website. Those last two words are key, as this deal doesn't seem to apply in-store. If you are going to get the game anyway, head on over to the link below and snag yourself some extra Mario goodies!

Link: walmart.com

142

Game Blog / Super Floppy Mario

« on: October 11, 2007, 08:15:22 AM »

With digital distribution, USB drives, and even good ol' Compact Discs, the Floppy Disc has been rendered obsolete (though I'm sure a certain someone will counter that claim). So what is a person to do with all those old and unused media storage devices?

Why make a Mario mural of course. According to Kotaku, this guy plans on making his entire apartment a tribute to our favorite 8-bit plumber. Now that's just insane; not to make a the mural, but to have that many Floppy Disc lying around!

Link: Kotaku.com

143

Latest News / Mario & Sonic shipping November 6th in North America

« on: October 11, 2007, 12:51:43 AM »

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo Wii went gold today, meaning the game's code is final and the manufacturing process has begun. SEGA confirmed that the game will now be shipping to North American retailers on November 6th, 2007. The Nintendo DS version is still scheduled for later on this year.

Link: Sega.com

144

Game Blog / It's-a me, Mario shoes!

« on: October 10, 2007, 11:36:33 PM »

Today UPS finally dropped off the size 10 pretties you see above. My only regret is that I did not order two pairs; one to wear, and one to place on my Mario shrine. Oh well, maybe I will wear these to a special event, like the midnight release of Super Mario Galaxy. Even then, I'm not sure I could bring myself to wear them (they are just so perfect) ...

Other than the shoes, the only items in the box were a special Run Athletics Nintendo Tee, a non-Nintendo related bumpersticker that I trashed, and my receipt. I'm going to frame the receipt, that way when I'm poor I can always say "Man, those shoes were totally worth it".

Check out the clickable gallery below...

145

Game Blog / Luigi spotted in Super Mario Galaxy

« on: October 10, 2007, 03:07:36 PM »

It's been sometime since Mario AND Luigi attempted to save the Princess and the Mushroom Kingdom together, hasn't it? Wouldn't it be grand if Luigi was at least somehow involved in Mario's latest adventure, Super Mario Galaxy? Well, thanks to some detective work (aka looking closely at screenshots) it seems he might be.

A reader from blog "Go Nintendo" was able to spot Luigi in the background of this photo (blown to epic proportions above). It looks as if Luigi is trapped in a cage of some sort, with Boo Suit Mario needing to free him. Now, I personally believe once Mario finds Luigi, it turns out nothing but a ruse to trap poor little Mario.

Cameo, secret playable character, or just some Boos playing a trick on Mario? You decide!

Link: Go Nintendo

146

Latest News / Nintendo Fall 2007 Conference brings new Mario game details

« on: October 10, 2007, 01:00:06 PM »

Nintendo's Fall 2007 Conference dropped a few surprises on Mario fans. First, they announced Dr. Mario & Saikin Bokumetsu, a new WiiWare title that is a remake of the original Dr. Mario, complete with an updated look, Mii interaction, and Wi-Fi play. Next, they shared some new details on Mario Kart Wii. The game will introduce motorcycles to the series and come packaged with the Wii Steering Wheel when it releases in Spring of 2008. After this, Super Smash Bros. Brawl was shown, where Sonic was announced as a playable character. Unfortunately, the game was delayed until January 24, 2008 for Japan, and it is unconfirmed as of now what the new American release date will be. Finally, a new Mario baseball game was announced entitled Super Mario Stadium Baseball. 

TMK will be updating with official screen shots as they become available. For the press releases, head on over to our blog!

Link: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Press Release, Super Smash Bros Brawl Press Release (TMKBlog)

147

Game Blog / Super Smash Bros. Goes Super Sonic! (UK Press Release)

« on: October 10, 2007, 12:58:25 PM »

SEGA's gaming legend Sonic The Hedgehog to feature in Super Smash Bros Brawl for Wii

10th October, 2007- Nintendo of Europe and SEGA Europe Ltd today revealed that Sonic, SEGA’s legendary blue hedgehog, will be making his debut in the eagerly anticipated beat ‘em up, Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. This brawling, battling, action packed video game features a varied roster of characters, from Mario to Link to Zero Suite Samus and now players can choose the iconic hedgehog to go into battle with.

Sonic made his first appearance in 1991, appearing in Sonic The Hedgehog™ for the SEGA MEGADRIVE™, and quickly became a well-known household name, securing a dedicated following across the globe. Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series has been a firm favourite since the first title launched in 1999 on the Nintendo 64, and since the launch of Super Smash Bros. Melee for Nintendo GameCube, it has since gone on to have millions of fans worldwide.

Laurent Fischer, European Managing Director for Marketing and PR commented:
“I am very pleased that Nintendo is extending its relationship with SEGA in this way and that our gaming icons can come together in such an action packed title. I am sure many fans will share my enthusiasm to see Sonic appear Super Smash Bros. Brawl to battle it out with a whole host of Nintendo favourites!”

Mike Hayes, President and COO of SEGA Europe commented:
”Its amazing that after all these years we get to see these two much loved characters compete against each other in another fantastic title. Bringing Mario and Sonic together again underlines the continuing partnerships between Nintendo and SEGA, and produces another industry first for our two companies.”

In the forthcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl, players will for the first time be able to complete in online multiplayer battles for up to four players. The game will also contain an all-new adventure mode called Super Smash Bros. Brawl: The Subspace Emissary, where players can select their favourite character before embarking on an adventure to conquer giant bosses from the Nintendo Universe. There will also be a variety of stages where players can commence battles, including Delfino Plaza, Yoshi’s Island and Sky World.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl will launch across Europe on Wii early 2008 at an estimated retail price of €60.

148

Game Blog / Mii use confirmed for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Press Release)

« on: October 10, 2007, 12:56:34 PM »

Mii functionality and Dream events confirmed for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games has not only a massive line-up of real-life Olympic events, but SEGA can today proudly confirm that their much anticipated title also has a unique series of exclusive “Dream Events” to add to the mix. The Dream Events - which are both single and multiplayer - are based in colourful game-like universes that include objects and power-ups that will either improve a players game, or bring their opponent down.

The four Dream events featured are:

- Dream Race (Sandhill Race Course) – Get on your marks for this intense power-up filled race course, made for either one player, or as many as four.

- Dream Platform (Tropical Reef Diving Area – 10,000M Diving) – More like skydiving, soar through hoops and perform aerial tricks while avoiding obstacles and opponents to reach the finish line first.

- Dream Fencing (Duel Wharf Fencing Beach) – With unique special attacks for each character, this jungle-inspired world offers the ultimate duel.

- Dream Table Tennis (Speed Rally Table Tennis Stadium) – A sci-fi wonderland, this magical table tennis extravaganza offers a special ability for each character – so move fast!

Mario & Sonic At the Olympic Games also offers Wii users the ultimate gaming fantasy – the opportunity to play against their favourite Mario or Sonic character. Thanks to the unique interactive Mii features, players can bring their own Mii into the game as a playable character and compete as themselves in any of the Olympic or Dream events.

149

Latest News / Upcoming Mario games playable at E for All

« on: October 09, 2007, 02:41:06 PM »

If you're a Mario fan wanting to get in on some early playtime with Super Mario Galaxy, here's your chance. Nintendo released a list of all the games that will be playable at E for All (more info), and amongst them are quite a few Mario titles:

Wii
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

Nintendo DS
Mario Party DS
Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros.

To see a full list of titles, click over to the blog!

Source: NOA press release

150

Game Blog / E for All Games Announced Press Release (NA)

« on: October 09, 2007, 02:40:23 PM »

NINTENDO NEWS: WANT TO PLAY GALAXY AND BRAWL? VISIT NINTENDO'S BOOTH AT E FOR ALL

Oct. 9, 2007- You might want to get in line for Nintendo's booth at the E for All Expo now. Nintendo will be showing a huge lineup of cool games for both Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, including the hugely anticipated Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Oct. 18-22 event at the Los Angeles Convention Center will be the first opportunity for the public to get their hands on these games and take them for a test drive.

In addition, Nintendo will host a daily Super Smash Bros. Brawl tournament. Competitors get a free Wii-themed T-shirt, and a different T-shirt will be available each day of the show.

Although the lineup is subject to change, the complete list of games for Nintendo systems scheduled to appear at E for All include:

Wii
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
Battalion Wars™ 2
Fire Emblem™: Radiant Dawn
Wii Zapper™ with Link's Crossbow Training™
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
Resident Evil®: The Umbrella Chronicles
Medal of Honor Heroes™ 2
Ghost Squad™

Nintendo DS
Professor Layton® and the Curious Village
Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon® Pearl
Flash Focus™: Vision Training in Minutes a Day
Brain Age™: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day
Brain Age™ 2: More Training in Minutes a Day
Mario Party DS
The Legend of Zelda®: Phantom Hourglass
Nintendogs
Mario Kart DS
New Super Mario Bros.
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
Final Fantasy XII
Jam Sessions
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
My Spanish Coach

For more information about these and other Nintendo games, please visit www.Nintendo.com.