The Daily ‘Shroom – 10/2/07
InFormers: Robots in the News
- Hasbro’s official website has added some new official pics of the TransFormers: The Movie holiday products, including a not-yet-seen Megatron stocking that serves as a good reminder to Santa that, hey, you could’ve been worse.
- Looks like there have been a few new toys showing up in stores, including Death Star Darth Vader, a Wal-Mart exclusive two-pack of Robot Replicas Megatron and Optimus, and the Target-exclusive two-pack Bumblebee: Evolution of a Hero.
- And finally, previews of IDW’s October 3rd releases, including Devastation #1 and Ascending #1.
Assorted Mushrooms
- Word is that Toys R Us has a new logo, and according to some, a new name, as technically it removes the quotes.
Word is that they’re also going back to proper aisles, rather than the… um… whatever it is they’ve been using. I wonder if they’ll bring back the old way of shopping for games, too? With the big glass display cases for the systems, and the flip-up tags for the games with the slips that you’d take to the register and get the game from a locked closet…
Yeah, good times. It really set itself apart from most other big-box retailers that way.
- He-Man.Org has some new info from NECA about their who their next mini-statues will be: a two-pack with Kobra Kahn and the evil cyborg He-Man clone known as Faker! (You can also see them here.)
Plus, the Unexciting Adventures of Unemployed Skeletor on DVD!
- From WebbAlert:
Apple software upgrades are supposed to help you, but the latest one killed all third party software, such as GPS software that 80,000 people downloaded. This software isn’t technically illegal but Apple is allowed to make whatever rules it wants. Gizmodo and Machinist both say forget about the iPhone.
Now, is this supposed to be a strike back at those who are unlocking iPhones from AT&T, or is Apple just all-around anti-third party software? Either way, it really doesn’t look good on Apple from a consumer perspective. Reminds me a lot of Sony and PSP, actually, though I think Sony’s in less of a position to be so picky about what people are doing with their system, so long as they pick it up.
Video Power
- Today’s Smash Bros. DOJO!! update is sure to throw some people for a loop.
Here’s a hint: He’s a young boy, has psychic powers, and is a star of the Mother (Earthbound in the US) series.
Give up?
It’s Lucas!
The star of the Japan-only release Mother 3 has joined the roster, but preceding his coming was the lack of the word “new.” Could this mean he’s replacing Ness in the Smash arena?
- Beyond the continuing renovations in Wii remote straps, Nintendo has come up with a new way to help you keep a hold of your controller: the Wii Remote Jacket.
REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 1, 2007 ? Nintendo announces the Wii Remote Jacket, a durable, silicone cover for the Wii Remote? that provides a variety of benefits for the player. Nintendo will include the Wii Remote Jacket with all Wii? hardware systems and with all Wii Remotes sold separately or packaged with Wii Play?. Hardware featuring the Wii Remote Jacket will begin shipping to retailers on Oct. 2 and is expected to be on retail shelves the week of Oct. 15.
The Wii Remote Jacket provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games. Use of the Wii Remote Jacket is meant to supplement, not replace, the basic game-play instructions: keep a firm grip, don’t let go of the controller, use the wrist strap and make sure your play area is free of people or objects. The Wii Remote Jacket also serves as a cover for the Wii Remote. Nintendo recommends players use the new Wii Remote Jacket as a cushiony shield, though the current Wii Remote is a safe product when used properly.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players.”
Current Wii owners who want to equip their Wii Remotes with the new Wii Remote Jacket free of charge can go to Wii.com or nintendo.com, or call 1-866-431-8367 to place an order. Nintendo will begin taking orders on Oct. 2, and Wii Remote Jackets will begin shipping the week of Oct. 15.
The Wii Remote Jacket is designed to be added and removed easily, in case users want to slip their Wii Remote into an accessory like the upcoming Wii Zapper?.
- Shipping this week: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. And some other stuff.
Actually, it’s been said that Spyro turned in a pretty good platformer this time out.
- Speaking of Zelda, Circuit City has some nice freebies in addition to a nice price.
- And while we’re still on the topic of Zelda, Nintendo just wants to invite you to spend some time with it:
REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 1, 2007 ? Today’s launch of The Legend of Zelda?: Phantom Hourglass for Nintendo DS? marks the arrival of perhaps the deepest, richest story ever to appear on a hand-held video game system. The game requires players to fill up the Phantom Hourglass with sand and give themselves enough time to delve deeper and deeper into the ultimate dungeon. It has received critical praise both in the United States and in Japan, where it launched in late June.
“The storyline for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass represents a new pinnacle for hand-held video games,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “The touch-screen controls make it easy for newcomers but fresh and engaging for Zelda fans.”
Veteran gamers should be able to pick it up and start playing instantly. “The game is a pure testament to both the power and innovative aspects of DS, delivering an overall product that will blow gamers away visually, stylistically and cinematically,” says Mark Bozon of IGN.com, who rated the game 9 out of 10, including a perfect 10 rating for its “stunning” graphics. A notoriously critical Japanese publication also gave The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass a near-perfect score: Four judges rated it a perfect 10, while one gave it a 9.
But what about people who haven’t played a Zelda game since the original on the Nintendo Entertainment System? in 1987? No worries. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass has players navigate through the game using only the touch screen. Sliding the stylus swings hero Link’s sword, while tapping other characters starts conversations or battles. Players can even write notes on their maps to remind them of places they should revisit once they gain more items and experience.
If two players want to spend a little time together with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, they have two options. If they’re in the same room, they can play over a local wireless connection. If they’re far apart, they can use their Internet connection to log onto Nintendo? Wi-Fi Connection and battle in the two-player mode, which lets one player control Link while the other player controls the enemies who are after him.
As a special bonus for Nintendo’s rewards club, My Nintendo members who register the game and their Nintendo DS hardware at MyNintendo.com and fill out a short survey will receive a special Nintendo DS stylus that looks like an old-fashioned quill pen (subject to availability). The epic adventure is rated E for Everyone.
- New this week to the Virtual Console: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels for the NES and Sin and Punishment for the N64, which will set you back 600 and 1200 Wii Points, respectively. Ouch.
Are they worth the points? Jeremy Parish (who would sound REALLY cool if he added “Reverend” to his name) testifies in this week’s return of the Retro Roundup.
Prefer it in verse? No problem, GameJew has you covered.
- Planning on getting a Wii this holiday season? Best not set that plan in stone.
- What do Optimus Prime and Ryuusei no Rockman (MegaMan Star Force) 2 have in common?
They both have trailers!
- Luigi and Tails… in a swordfight to the DEATH! Among other new screens from the Beijing Olympics.
–LBD “Nytetrayn”