First, apologies for the late update.

Second, I’m looking at possibly getting the Nyko Recharging Station for the Wii, as it seems Super Mario Galaxy is a real drain on the ol’ batteries. Seems I’ve heard a little good, a little nil on this particular device, however. Anyone reading this have it? Is it a good investment, or bad? Inquiring gamers want to know!

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. A seller on TaoBao.com has images of the new Fast-Action Battlers, including a strangely white Pulse Cannon Ironhide, Sonic Shock Smokescreen (who appears to be a Jazz recolor with a G1 homage color scheme), Fire Blast Optimus Prime, and Claw Slash Ramjet, who I think is a recolored Starscream.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. With all of the toy recalls and safety issues, I suppose it was only a matter of time before there would be a proposal for toy safety legislation.
2. Garfield.com is reporting that KFC is offering $3 rebate coupons in their “Laptop” kid’s meals towards… what else? Garfield DVDs.

   What’s more interesting to me, however, is this:

   In the US, kids will be treated to a laptop meal box which includes a bunch of fun activities, and participating international markets are offering Garfield toys with a purchase.

   Ouch, sounds like the US is getting the short end on that one. Seriously, in an age where kids can leave a fast food joint with SEGA games, TransFormers, Power Rangers, Wii toys, and more, who really gives a crap about “fun activities?” Those are just bonuses on top of the toy, if the kid even cares that much.

   Even K-Mart’s food courts topped KFC here, and at the same property! And yes, I’m sad there are no K-Marts in Canada.

3. Hmm, Revoltech Rei from Evangelion, available for import? I think I’ll just leave those interested alone with their thoughts.
4. Oh, DAMN.

   Due to the Writer’s Strike, this past Sunday’s Family Guy was supposed to be the last episode made. And it would have been… until Fox finished next week’s ep, and three more that were near completion, withOUT Seth MacFarlane, who’s rather pissed by the incident.

5. Christ on a cracker… I guess they really are serious about it this time.

   Justin Chatwin and James Masters have been cast for the “DBZ” movie, as Son Goku and Piccolo, respectively.

Video Power

1. It’s here, it’s here! The time is here! Contra 4 is here!

   CONTRA 4 BLASTS INTO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE

   Quintessential Action Franchise Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary With New Gameplay Elements, Full Cooperative Multiplayer Mode and Bonus Content Delivered in Larger-Than-Life Sequences on the Nintendo DS?

   EL SEGUNDO, CA ? November 13, 2007 ? Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc, today announced Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS? has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular action franchise, Contra 4 features 2D side-scrolling action that recalls the retro feel of the original fan favorite with the added bonus of massive battles that utilize both screens of the Nintendo DS?.

   ?In celebration of the franchise?s 20th anniversary, we wanted to bring back the retro look and feel of classic Contra while still providing fresh, compelling content,? said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. ?Well adapted to the Nintendo DS?s dual screens, Contra 4 provides an action-packed experience for seasoned Contra players as well as new fans of the franchise.?

   Taking place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars, Contra 4 forces our heroes into battle against an army of alien invaders, including the return of the terrifying Black Viper. Players must dodge, shoot, and jump over obstacles and enemies coming at them from every direction. Unique to the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that provides players a means to grab onto structures above, allowing them to move seamlessly from screen to screen on the DS. Pushing the limits of the Contra franchise to new heights, the grappling accessory also grants players the strategic use of environmental elements for timely escapes, better vantage points for devastating attacks and it becomes crucial in defeating the massive bosses that take up both screens of the Nintendo DS.

   Contra 4 offers cooperative gameplay that allows up to two players to join forces and defeat Black Viper?s alien army for the continued existence of mankind. Recruit a friend and let the battle for Earth commence!

   Contra 4 also incorporates a wealth of in-game bonus content commemorating 20 years of the run and gun action franchise, including:

   ? 20th Anniversary Virtual Museum ? A virtual history of the Contra franchise since the 80?s, including box art, screen shots and information on every version of Contra from the US, Japan and Europe. The museum also features an unlockable gallery of bonus art.

   ? Unlockable Games ? The NES versions of the classic Contra and Super C are now unlockable.

   ? 5 unlockable characters, including the Probotector from the European version of the Contra games.

   ? 2 unlockable digital comic books from longtime Contra artist, Atsushi Tsujimoto.

   ? An interview with noted Contra Producer Nobuya Nakazato.

   Contra 4 is rated ?T? for Teen and is now available on the Nintendo DS in retail outlets nationwide for the SRP of $29.99. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com/contra.

   Now, I just need to actually GET a copy.

2. Smash Bros. DOJO!! has updated with an unexciting but perhaps “for the best” post in Handicaps.

   Naturally, the downside to handicaps is that if you use them, the person you’re playing with might take some offense.

3. A little word has come up to confirm that the Ghostbusters are coming to Wii and PS2. Rawksome.
4. Sounds like Wii shortages in the UK are getting worse.

   Nintendo UK Managing Director David Yarnton responds to complaints from customers (or potential customers) on BBC.

5. Sorry, no Bioshock on PS3.
6. If you’ve been kicking the ball back and forth, trying to decide whether or not to pick up one of those Nintendo WiFi USB dongles… better make up your mind, and quick.
7. So the good news is, Xbox is doing their own sort of Virtual Console thing with first-generation Xbox titles. The bad news is, they may not be perfect. Theoretically, shouldn’t they be about as good as if you were playing them through backwards compatibility?
8. Atari says good-bye to game development… again. And, their CEO has resigned.

   Sort of makes me want to go mourn at Chuck E. Cheese…

9. Well, who’s that handsome fellow writing this article? Oh, right. Anyway, details of LEGO Batman abound, as do many inside-jokes. How many can YOU spot?
10. AMN reports on a poll that reveals the downfall of society. With a nifty title that I bet you can’t say five times fast.
11. What the hell, Nintendo? I mean… just… what the hell? Dropping MP3 support on the Wii? Are you daft?

    Ok, I admit I don’t really use it, but if this affects something like custom soundtracks on Excite Truck, THEN I will definitely be pissed.

12. Looks like Konami and I are of like minds. I’ve figured that this generation, Sony has the most to loseWeight Exercise, Nintendo the most to gain, and Microsoft would probably stay the same, with perhaps some gain.

    I think it’s going to be a much closer race than last time.

13. Since Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law has been pushed back to early next year, it only makes sense that Capcom should keep our appetites ready with some new trailers.
14. A hilarious new trailer shows the best way to enjoy Rayman: Raving Rabbids 2: with friends.
15. So… what would they call this, then? DS Extra Lite?
16. Interesting. Capcom’s looking to open new arcades (probably all in Japan, mind), that are geared towards women and families.

    Sounds interesting. Makes me wonder in what ways Japanese arcades tend to differ from their American contemporaries insofar as to be “male oriented.”

17. Woohoo, Earthworm Jim (and MDK) look like they’re on the comeback trail! Hope this includes a revival of the former’s cool-looking, cancelled PSP title.
18. Toys R Us in the US is planning some Black Friday fun. Here’s what’s planned.
19. Note to people shopping Best Buy for the Wii. If they tell you that the one they have is the last, there’s a very good chance that they might be full of it.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 at 11:42 pm 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.