InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Over the course of the history of TransFormers, despite almost every writer’s attempt to fit humans in with the stories in prominent roles, actual human figures have been very, very scarce.

   There were of course the Headmasters and Targetmasters, which didn’t even look human. Rather, they were humans in armored exo-suits that could transform. And in fact, they were so “not human” looking that in Japan, they actually weren’t humans– at least, not the first batch (the follow-up line/cartoon played up the human aspect much more heavily).

   Barring the odd figurine sets of non-transformable TransFormers, it wasn’t until the recent Energon that another human made it into the main line proper, in the form of the oversized GI Joe-styled Kicker.

   After over 20 years, though, it took one major motion picture to finally convince Hasbro to include some scale (relatively) humans in their main line of toys.

   TFormers.com has revealed today that there are going to be some new re-releases of Movie toys, boxed in diorama-style packaging where they take on the meager fleshlings, whom their war has had significant impact for over two decades. Screen Battles have four sets based on different moments in the movie, three impacted heavily upon by the presence of human germs.

   “Desert Attack” features Scorponok in a desert setting, facing off against three of the pseudo-Joes seen in the early goings of the film. “First Encounter” shows the Decepticon Barricade going after Sam Witwicky while his love interest Mikaela takes on a similarly-fashioned Frenzy with a power drill. “Capture of Bumblebee” pits the modernized Camaro version against three agents of Sector 7, while “Final Stand” leaves out the humans, so that toy-original Longarm can feature with Bumblebee as he faces off against incoming Decepticons after being somewhat incapacitated.

   While I wanted these guys anyway, the fact that I can get them (provided I ever get the money) with some characters from the movie to either rescue or squash as I please (or to just leave in-package for a cool battle display, but I’m not one to leave TFs in the package) makes the deal better than ever.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. First it was Mattel sending out a letter to discuss the recent recalls, and now Toys R Us has something to say as well.

   All that, and the Mattel Chairman/CEO had to give testamony to the Senate, too.

Video Power

1. HA! I KNEW IT!!! To all those who doubted, to you I say SUCK IT!

   Smash Bros. DOJO!! has concluded its week of updates with some very welcome news, one that will hopefully silence some of those who have bathed in the waters of baseless speculation as it pertains to the new roster of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

   Just what in the blue hell am I talking about?

   THE ICE CLIMBERS ARE BACK, BABY!

   And they aren’t just some Assist Trophy, but return as fully-playable characters, just as before. I just couldn’t believe that Sakurai, if he were to remove anyone, would pick one of the most unique character selections in the game, and I am happy to know that they’ll be back. Even though I used them infrequently, their presence is welcome, and I’m also happy for those who would pick Popo and Nana as their Smashers of choice.

   Of course, this also bodes well for Mr. Game & Watch.

2. From Nintendo’s press release:

   NINTENDO NEWS: TXT ‘ZELDA’ 2 ’20769′ 4 CHANCE 2 WIN TRP 2 NYC, SHPNG SPREE @ N-10-DO WRLD

   Sept. 13, 2007

   Imagine flying to New York and having the entire Nintendo World? store available for your exclusive shopping pleasure. To mark the Oct. 1 launch of The Legend of Zelda?: Phantom Hourglass for Nintendo DS?, Nintendo is asking contestants to answer three Zelda-related trivia questions for the chance to win an amazing collection of prizes.

   To receive the three trivia questions, contestants must text “Zelda” to 20769 or enter by mail by visiting Zelda.com between Sept. 13 and Oct. 26. People who answer all three questions correctly will automatically be entered into the contest.

   One First Prize winner will receive a trip for two to New York, two nights at a hotel, a $1,000 closed-door shopping spree at Nintendo World, $500 spending money, a special-edition Nintendo DS and a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Nine Finalists will receive a special-edition gold Nintendo DS and a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Winners of the first prize and their guests must be 18 or older.

   Even if you aren’t a Zelda trivia whiz, you can join in the countdown to the launch of one of the most anticipated titles of the year by downloading your own Zelda hourglass countdown widget to your favorite social networking site or even your desktop. Available on Zelda.com, the Zelda hourglass widget will mark the seemingly endless days until the launch of the game and provide exclusive information, tips and tricks via a weekly RSS feed.

   The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass marks the classic series’ debut on the portable Nintendo DS. It follows the visual style of the hit The Legend of Zelda?: The Wind Waker? and takes Nintendo DS to new heights, both in terms of the graphical abilities and game-play mechanics. It’s a classic Zelda experience that can be controlled entirely using the stylus on the DS touch screen. Two players can even compete wirelessly, either across the room or across great distances using Nintendo? Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo’s wireless gaming service.

   For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the contest and the widget, please visit www.Zelda.com.

   Hmm, I wonder what the special-edition DS looks like.

3. First, it was Manhunt 2. Now, could Ninja Gaiden 2 be the next in line to face the dreaded AO rating?
4. A new trailer for Sonic Rush Adventure. What else is there to say at this point?
5. The World Series of Video Games is cancelled.

   I wish I could say that I cared, but… well, I really don’t.

6. First came word of the Neo Geo library coming to Virtual Console, and now we have word that Hudson’s joining in the act with TurboGrafx CD and Turbo Duo games, for 800 points a pop.

   And speaking of the Neo Geo games, looks like they’re heading down-under, too.

7. George Harrison, Nintendo’s senior VP of marketing and corporate communication, has confirmed that after a fifteen-year tenure at the House That Mario Built, he is going to be leaving this December.
8. Oy. If this is true, I need to write an angry letter to Best Buy:

   Dear JERKS,

   Thanks for helping in making Jack Thompson appear to be right about something. You sorry sons of bitches.

   Yours,

   Your Friends at PMO

   Argue the semantics all you want, the fact is that a kid walked in to a Best Buy and walked out with an M-rated game. Though actually, “fact” is pretty much based solely on Thompson’s word at this juncture, and it’s really not worth all that much to me.

   Guess I’ll postpone that angry letter until there’s some better verification. Hopefully something comes up.

9. I don’t know what’s more amazing, that Uwe Boll keeps making video game movies, or that people keep selling him the rights to make video game movies.

   In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale is the newest victim. No, it’s not out yet. This should be interesting.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

This entry was posted on Friday, September 14th, 2007 at 5:55 am and is filed under The Daily 'Shroom. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.