InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Simon Furman has spoken a little on his blog about the new TransFormers: Devastation #2 by IDW, and that he’ll be doing signings at the Forbidden Planet Megastore in London this Thursday.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Hmm, this is interesting. Does Colbert know that by using his show to promote his bid for Presidency, he is breaking the law?
2. GameSpite brings out its weekly reminder of what’s hitting shelves in DVD and anime this week.
3. IGN talks a little about the delay of the Spider-man story arc “One More Day,” which is rumored to end the marriage of Peter Parker and Mary Jane, or possibly worse. Rumors are that the way it would be handled, the entire history of it would be erased.

   Now, a lot of stuff under Quesada’s reign I’ve been ok with, despite the complaints of many. Avengers: Disassembled, House of M, Civil War… but to me, this is where I draw my line and say it’s too much, if the rumor should prove to be true.

   Stuff like this? I LOVE stuff like this. And it’s the one thing that seems to keep Spider-man from seeming like a sad sap of a sucker for keeping on with what he’s doing. He puts up with SO much crap, it’s nice to see him have these good moments. To try and take that, and the whole HISTORY of that away… disgusts me.

Video Power

1. And, yesterday was the day for Capcom to release three big titles:

   BIOMETAL ACTION IS REINVENTED AS MEGA MAN? ZX ADVENT FOR THE NINTENDO DSTM ARRIVES AT RETAIL
   Popular Action Franchise Utilizes Nintendo DS Features To Create The Ultimate New-Gen Mega Man Game

   SAN MATEO, Calif ? October 23, 2007 ? Capcom?, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Mega Man? ZX Advent for the Nintendo DS? is now available at retail. As a flagship franchise for Capcom, the Mega Man? series has garnered sales in excess of 26 million units worldwide. Mega Man ZX Advent is rated E10+ for everyone 10 and older and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

   ?The team listened to fan feedback to design a game that would appeal to Mega Man fans old and new,? said Jack Symon, director, brand marketing, Capcom Entertainment. ?It was evident that we needed to create a game that is uniquely made for the Nintendo DS while still delivering a great Mega Man action game.?

   Mega Man ZX Advent follows two heroes, Grey and Ashe, on two separate but intertwining adventures as they search for answers amidst a chaotic war between humans and robots. They will fight against a menacing, evil force in a battle unprecedented in the Mega Man series.

   The title takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS features to enhance the action-packed gameplay and story line of the popular series. A dynamic ?Biometal? system is central to gameplay, allowing players the ability to change into several forms, including eight bosses, each with a variety of unique abilities and powers. With a touch of the Nintendo DS screen, players can easily switch back and forth between the Biometal and Map navigation screens. Bosses can be fought in several different ways, testing players? skills and rewarding them with nearly 24 different items depending on how they take on a boss. Further gameplay options are available as players explore and open up new areas of the map.

   Can’t wait to get my hands on that one. Or this one:

   THE VERDICT IS IN AS CAPCOM?’S PHOENIX WRIGHTTM: ACE ATTORNEYTM TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS FOR NINTENDO DSTM ARRIVES AT RETAIL

   SAN MATEO, Calif ? Oct. 23, 2007 ? Capcom?, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Phoenix Wright?: Ace Attorney? Trials and Tribulations for Nintendo DS? is now available at retail. The third installment in the popular courtroom battle series from Japan features the completion of Phoenix Wright?s story, as players explore both the past and present of the idiosyncratic lawyer Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations is rated T for Teen and carries an MSRP of $29.99.

   In Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations players star as a defense attorney, who must prove a seemingly guilty client?s innocence no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. Phoenix faces the toughest prosecutor yet, as the mysterious hard-boiled ?Godot? will try to take him down at any cost. The complete story of Phoenix Wright comes together as truths are revealed in twisting storylines and intriguing gameplay.

   Players must collect evidence, survey crime scenes, weed through inconsistent testimonies, and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails. With the return of the popular ?pysche-lock? interrogation tool from the previous title, Phoenix Wright?: Ace Attorney? Justice for All, players will have to overcome even more intense courtroom standoffs in order to close the case.

   For more information, please visit www.ace-attorney.com

   Another title from Capcom out today is Zack and Wiki: Quest For Barbaros’ Treasure for the Wii.

   GameRankings.com has Phoenix Wright at 82%, Mega Man ZX Advent at 83%, and Zack and Wiki at 85%.

2. Not to be left out, Konami also shipped Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles yesterday.

   Amusingly, it fills in the gap between ZX Advent and Zack and Wiki with 84% at GameRankings.com.

3. A little better than the last update, Smash Bros. DOJO!! has provided information on Target Smash in the Stadium, a mode made for those who “salivate at speed runs.”

   Also of note is that Brawl will store replay videos, about three minutes worth of Target smashing or brawling, which you can send to friends!

4. GameSpite has a look at the rest, too.
5. If you were looking forward to some THQ games in early 2008, you might have to wait a bit.
6. Those rat-finks at Rockstar got their wish and EA has changed the name of “Grand Theft Scratchy” to the much less funnier, much less appealing, and overall “why even bother anymore?” title of “Mob Rules.”

   I guess it’s good in an ironic sense, if you see Rockstar as a mob.

7. Guess what? A fourth Resident Evil movie could still happen, and it might star Claire. That last part is what has me on board.
8. So, that leaked demo of Guitar Hero III which came with some other game and with some magazine? Yeah, you can just download it the normal way now.
9. Nintendo’s VP of Marketing Perrin Kaplan talks about the Smash Bros. delay, thoughts on Bungie, and more.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. A five-page preview of IDW’s TransFormers: Devastation #2 is now available.
2. Things are going well for Hasbro, as sales are up and their movie is a hit on DVD.
3. Finally, looks like TransFormers.com is working on a new web game called “Battle Universe Net Jet” featuring battles between TransFormers from all eras, including Generation 1 and The Movie.
4. Son of a bitch, I was JUST at a Toys R Us on Friday, so I missed these going on sale. Dammit!

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Sick of packages that just won’t let you get inside to the contents? Maybe you should Open It!

Video Power

1. Smash Bros. DOJO!! has updated to feature a new and unexpected property of Nintendo’s: the DS Pictochat as a stage.

   This makes me pine for Mr. Game and Watch and his stage.

   Today’s update isn’t so good, if you followed GameTrailers’ E for All coverage, as it shows Donkey Kong Makes His Stand from the beginning of the Adventure Mode. Probably why it’s loading better than most videos from the site. At least this one has proper sound.

   In the meantime, AMN goes over some of the new guys in close-up detail.

2. The Virtual Console rings in its weekly updates with Golden Axe III for the SEGA Genesis, Ninja JaJaMaru-kun for the NES, and an old favorite of mine, Lunar Pool for the NES.

   What’s hot and what’s not? Just ask Jeremy.

3. Nintendo’s legal ninjas have cracked down on the pirates pilfering their products once again.
4. Looks like that rumor of Toshiba and Microsoft making a new ‘box was just that: a rumor. For now, anyway. But…
5. Microsoft has finally officially announced the Xbox 360 Arcade bundle, which retails for $279, comes with five games, and is being billed as a “family package.”
6. Activision has said that “it could take five years to exploit the PS3′s power. And despite the lifespan that Sony tries to build into their systems, five years is usually about the length of a console generation.

   So, even though the best (or at least most advanced) games for a console often appear near the end of its life, that’s still probably not a good thing for PS3.

7. It’s not available here yet, but if you’re considering downloadable content for Beautiful Katamari, consider this: the content you’re purchasing is already on the disc. All you’re doing is purchasing a key to unlock it.

   Frankly, I disagree with the practice. I like stuff coming later that they couldn’t implement for time or because they just wanted to add more. I’m even cool with the choice some games in the past have had where you can purchase the unlockable, or try and d unlock it through your own accomplishment.

   But this? Just seems wrong. It’s exploiting new technology for the wrong reasons.

8. GameTrailers caught up with Christian Svennson of Capcom at their recent Gamers’ Day event to ask some questions regarding the just-announced Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, with some slightly blurred video of the latter.

   They also take an overview look at the event as a whole.

9. Guess my wallet can breathe a little easier this year (AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I crack myself up), as Harvey Birdman’s case has been postponed until 2008.
10. Sucks that I missed it in theaters, but at least it’ll be on DVD… at the end of January, 2008.

    The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters should arrive then on DVD for $19.95, and feature some extras and bonus materials.

11. ‘Bout time.

    Good to see that Nintendo seems to have found a solid solution to people having to fork over a driver’s license just to try the Wii.

12. Looks like EB and Gamestop are getting some new demos. I’ll have to find one to visit.
13. GameStop manager killed during robbery. I’ve really nothing to add right now, disgusted as I am by it all.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. CNN spoiled it, and don’t click if you don’t want to know how TransFormers: The Movie did at SpikeTV’s Scream Awards.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. IGN has many trailers for many anime that are coming soon.

   Hmm, redone Dragon Ball Z? The movie would be neat if I had HD… and a Blu-Ray player. The season box sets with the original Japanese audio, though? That’s cool. Unless they just mean subs.

Video Power

1. So, good news for Canadian Mario fans! Looks like, if no one else, EB Games is offering the special coin with preorders.

   Now I just need to find the money to preorder…

2. Mr. Miyamoto is a winner again, as The Economist recognizes his achievements.
3. As mentioned recently in this very column, Canadian hardware prices are dropping, and of course one who lives in Canada is likely to appreciate that.

   The news could be getting better, as Canadian retailer Zeller’s is cutting prices to match the American dollar as well, and Wal-Mart is reportedly selling video games at those US prices as well. Hopefully they don’t just mean the consoles that we already knew about.

   But, a positive sign is that at Toys R Us, I did see Garfield’s Nightmare, a recent release, for $19.99, the same price as in America, though other titles kept their Canadian inflation. Now I just need 20 dollars…

4. I normally shy away from rumors, but when you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel for something to post, sometimes you can’t be choosey. And sometimes, like this, it’s sort of interesting.

   Rumor has it that Microsoft and Sony’s Cell buddy Toshiba are getting together to make a new sort of Xbox 360 unit to blow the PS3 and its Blu-Ray out of the water.

5. Speaking of rumors, another one has it that Sony is begging developers to stay and develop on the PS3.
6. Two new videos from Super Smash Bros. Brawl have surfaced, showing off the opening to Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary. You can see them at GameTrailers in Worlds Collide part 1 and Worlds Collide part 2.
7. Wee, two more Bionic Commando movies! Enjoy ‘em, they might be the last we see for a little while.

   There’s some new info, too. Sounds like it’ll keep continuity with the first game after all.

8. They also have a couple of new movies of a much closer release, Mega Man ZX Advent. They got a little hands-on time, too.

   And for perhaps the first time, that I know of at any rate, the second video listed has samples of the English voices for the game. Not as bad as Mega Man 8, X4, or X7, but not as good as Command Mission, X8, Powered Up, or Maverick Hunter X. Which is odd, I thought I’d heard they were using the same group.

   Man, Model A sounds NOTHING like Axl.

9. GameSpot also got a chance to sit down with Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Commando 3, and Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney and give their thoughts on each.
10. Speaking of ol’ Apollo, here’s a taste from his upcoming game, but be careful, as you might get spoiled.
11. Looks like Luigi is going galactic! Yep, definitely appears that way.
12. Wow, poor Sonic.

    Even if the quality of his games have been all over the spectrum as of late (and that seems to be the very reason), I still like the guy, and to see that he’s moved only 1,500 Sonic Rush Adventure units in Japan? That’s just sad.

13. In an interview (see Points of Interest below), Koji Igarashi revealed that Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles will be released in the US first, and that the preorder bonus isn’t the same pixel-Simon as we saw from Comic-Con, but rather a Simon’s Quest version. Awesome! That’s the one I want; it remains my favorite of the older Castlevania games, and the first I ever beat.

    Also, the next DS game is under way, but won’t be announced until the PSP game has been out awhile.

14. More Contra 4 hands-on, this time from Game|Life.

    I’m going to be SO damn sad when this comes out and I can’t get it. I really need to find good paying work. (Please Digg my AMN stories, maybe then I’ll have SOMEthing when this hits!)

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. TransFormers anime hits the UK!

   Probably too late for this, this week anyway, but Anime Central is airing Masterforce there at 11:30.

2. If you’re on the hunt for Movie toys, Wal-Mart has some neat bonus packs going on, featuring the CyberStompers Optimus and Bumblebee being packaged with CyberSlammers Bumblebee and Barricade, respectively. A fun way to have Op and his little friend together, or Bumblebee and his Decepticon rival under his heel.
3. In his blog, Simon Furman has revealed that the next TransFormers: Spotlight will feature none other than…

Video Power

1. SEGA has gotten into the mascot sports act with the unveiling of SEGA Superstars Tennis, planned for an early 2008 release on the PS2, PS3, Wii, DS, and Xbox 360. What, no PSP?

   There are going to be 15 playable characters, though only a handful are currently known: Sonic, AiAi from Super Monkey Ball, Ulala from Space Channel 5, and Amigo from Samba De Amigo, and matches will be set against some lovely backdrops from respective games. I’m pulling for Bug! and Alex Kidd, personally, and maybe Shinobi and the guys from Golden Axe for laughs.

   Gameplay modes and online features will be revealed in the coming months.

2. Smash Bros. DOJO!! brings on the pink fury as the lovely Princess known as Peach unleashes her Final Smash!

   It’s… interesting, and features some neat art.

   For more gameplay, check out GameTrailers’ video from E for All, including this four-way match in the Pokemon Stadium.

   And be sure to see the Kirby/Peach Cam video if you’re curious about what I suspect is the Adventure Mode. Then there’s the Kid Icarus Adventure Cam and Donkey Kong Adventure Cam, which clearly state it. And I guess some of this might count as spoilers, too, since cutscenes are viewable.

   I will say this, though: It seems they’re turning Diddy Kong into some kind of badass. And I dig the little story they seem to have going on; it’s one I’ve wanted to see for a while now.

   Looks like more can be found by scouting YouTube, as well.

3. Ah, if they only had a brain… but unfortunately, Sony sold theirs.

   Which might lead to more ideas like this, where they think that removing PS2 compatibility from the PS3 will move more PS3 games.

   I’m not sure what they’re thinking on this one.

   But wait! It’s actually quite a deal, when you do the math… kinda. How much would that last 20GB cost?

4. Now, if you’re actually buying a PS3 for the PS3 games, rather than buying the much-more expensive system to play PS2 games, then there is good news for you, as Ratchet & Clank is coming out sooner than later, October 23rd to be precise.
5. Want a demo of Guitar Hero III? Then check this out.
6. More gameplay demonstrations have come down from Japan for Super Mario Galaxy.

   Very hushed, and quiet. Almost dull, I’d even say.

   Fortunately, more lively videos include Battle Rock gameplay, Fire Mario (woo!), Eggplant Galaxy (wonder if any wizards are native to this one?), Stardust gameplay, Spring Mario, and the Honeybee Kingdom.

7. GameSpot has added three new movies to show off the new world of Bionic Commando, plus a first look for the PC.
8. IGN caught up to Paul W.S. Anderson and Jeremy Bolt to ask the duo about what’s going on with the Castlevania and Spy Hunter movies. Really, not too much to report except that the two films seem to have movement again.
9. IGN got some hands-on time with Contra 4, and some accompanying video to boot.

   And it looks nothing short of excellent. Hope I can afford it when it comes out!

10. So, if I’m reading this right, and I understand the picture correctly, then Capcom’s Okami is confirmed for Wii, and it’ll involve playing frisbee with a wolf using a flaming manhole cover.

    Am I close?

11. So Go Nintendo got lots of hands-on time at E for All, including Super Mario Galaxy, Contra 4 (wait, we want our flame gun to suck? Speak for yourself, I loved it in Contra III), Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, and same for the DS.
12. Ok, so fencing in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games looks like fun, more than I’d imagined.
13. This could be fun…

    Ain’t It Cool News is putting together a reunion screening of The Wizard in Austin, Texas on December 7th, and in attendence will be Fred Savage, director Todd Holland, and The Wizard himself, Luke Edwards.

    Sadly, for whatever reason, the real star and internet legend Jackey “Lucas” Vinson won’t be there. That’s… well, that’s just discouraging, what can I say? I was going to fly right down and camp in line until I read that.

    If you happen to know where to find Jackey Vinson, tell him he MUST attend!!! With THREE exclamation marks, more if you can spare them!

14. Impressive. Not only has Sony matched Nintendo, but actually outdone them in one endeavor.

    The US/Canadian exchange rate.

    Whereas Nintendo knocked 20 bucks off the price of the Wii, Sony’s gone par with the PS3 as well as its downloads. Sony, I applaud you for this.

    Now, as I’ve said before, if we can just some parity on the price of the games themselves…

    As for the rip-off percentages mentioned, it really depends, and can be worse.

15. 1up previews Super Street Fighter II HD so on and so forth, and it turns out that it’s not just the same ol’, same ol’ with a new finish, but there’s a little more going on as well.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. I’m iffy when it comes to reporting on the Japanese side of things, but if it’s something we might get, I definitely perk up if it’s interesting. And I think this qualifies.

   Allspark reports some new figures, including a black Arcee that transforms into the motorcycle that Lennox used in the movie to– well, I guess that’d be spoiling for those who haven’t seen it, wouldn’t it?

   The other part of note are the “Trans-Scanning” toys of which she’s a part, which are like skeletal robot frames to which you attach the vehicle-part armor.

2. Wonder how some of your old faves might look in the Movieverse? Then check out the new card sets from the TransFormers customizable card game.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Aww, Booker T and Sharmell have left the WWE? That’s too bad, but I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

   And I hope you can dig THAT, suckaaaas!

2. So 5th turtle reports that Hot Topic is going to have some new retro Ninja Turtles stuff going on. Cool enough, though I prefer the newer stuff.

   Further, he goes on to explain that since art back then wasn’t done digitally the way it is today, they’ve had to take some liberties and make some literally new retro stuff, which he goes into detail with a picture here.

   Nice pic of the old TMNT riding the van, though it’s funny in a way, as that’s the toy van and not the toon van. Also funny is that it looks like the reflective part of the mirrors are facing opposite of where the driver can see them. Look out!

   All in all, I do like the details used. It may not be “true” retro, but somehow I find a lot of that stuff to be lacking, anyway.

3. And today, the Garfield Gets Real cast is complete! Meet Zelda, a sarcastic cafeteria lady from Comic Strip Studios, who’s more than meets the eye…
4. Ah, celebrities and politics. Stephen Colbert is running for President. Didn’t Robin Williams do the EXACT same thing in a movie recently?

   I wonder if Hulk Hogan would consider running again.

Video Power

1. So, Capcom has had a countdown to the promise of a “Megaton” announcement this week. And what did they bring forth?

   Street Fighter IV.

   Though it’s only now going into development and a platform hasn’t been chosen yet, it should still be a sight to see. But I think a safe bet is that the Wii won’t be seeing this one. But, since it’s still in the earliest of goings, Capcom invites your input.

   And while the trailer itself doesn’t seem to indicate much more than “yay, Street Fighter!”, you can see it for yourself here.

2. Other Capcom news is that Faith No More’s Mike Patton will be the voice of Nathan Spencer in Bionic Commando. Check him out here.

   Sounds sort of Snake-ish, doesn’t he?

3. There was quite a bit of buzz earlier today over a possible THQ game using Nintendo’s IP, but unfortunately, it just turned out to be nothing in the end.
4. After all this time since announcement, it seems that Banjo Kazooie 3 is still in the planning stages. At this point, it seems it could potentially even show up on “other platforms,” though I’m not holding my breath.

   From the sounds of things, it may not even be classified as a “platformer.” But all of that aside… Rare, please, please, PLEASE go back to the old designs. These new ones just give me nightmares.

5. Whoops! Meant to mention this yesterday or so, but if you’re online with an Xbox 360, you can now give the WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 demo a whirl.

   You can also check out the ad for the Wii version at GameTrailers.

6. Good news from Smash Bros. DOJO!!: Little Mac is here!

   The bad news? He’s an Assist Trophy. Better than nothing, though.

   I imagine after this the “stole my bike” jokes will come in droves. The one I expect to hear most is “Furry (Sonic) stole my spot!”

7. Oh, good. So I’m not the only one who thinks that Rat Race isn’t funny. I was getting worried there for a second.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. If this is news to you, then you may already be too late.

   But, if you’re lucky, go to Blockbuster for your copy of TransFormers: The Movie and you can get a bonus TransFormers MP3 player along with the movie. And conveniently enough, there’s a review there, too.

2. Remember to cast your vote for Movie of the Year, as currently the robots in disguise are hanging in third behind 300 and Harry Potter, respectively.

Video Power

1. Two new updates on the DOJO!! today.

   First is a new Pokeball addition that fans are sure to enjoy. Me-owth, that’s right!

   The other is for the JERKS going to E for All to play Brawl, as they’ll have Wii remote-only controls there (perhaps among others, likely Classics), and Sakurai wants you to know how they work before you get there.

2. So according to SEGA’s newest press release, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams will ship on December 18th in North America. Wow, that’s cutting it pretty close, don’t you think? It’d be a friggin’ tragedy if they actually had to rush it just because. Maybe they wanted to take advantage of Brawl‘s delay.

   Just the same, it’d be too bad if they didn’t somehow manage some form of Christmas NiGHTS to accompany it, wouldn’t it?

3. Ah, looks like Press The Buttons has found some verification from Nintendo as to which retailers are offering the Super Mario Galaxy preorder coin.

   Let’s see… nope, no, nuh-uh, nope, nadda, no way… yeah, it pretty much continues down the list like that. I’m boned.

4. Wow, now is this playing scapegoat, or what? Hollywood is blaming Halo 3 for the lousy October sales.

   If game launches continue to be this big, it will be interesting to see how the film industry takes into account video game release dates in relation to their own.

   Well said. And I rather like Chris Kohler’s assessment of the story, particularly the last part. It’s what I think of every time I hear the title of the movie.

5. Way to go, Microsoft. Sounds like the new Xbox 360 Arcade Pack doesn’t even come with games, just DEMOS of games.

   Sheesh, loosen the pursestrings a little, will you guys?

6. GameSpot continues their excellent coverage of the second coming of Bionic Commando with new screens and a new development video.

   I do hope this does really well, so that maybe, just MAYBE, Capcom will give a little more consideration to their other territories in the future.

7. This is cool, small, and I very nearly missed it:

   Midway Games today announced the release of The Art of Midway: Before Pixels and Polygons. The book by Design Studio Press features over 200 concept and environment illustrations for various Midway series such as Mortal Kombat, Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy, The Suffering and Stranglehold. The Art of Midway: Before Pixels and Polygons can be found online and at select bookstores for $24.95.

   “The Art of Midway is about imagination, creativity and progress,” said Matt Booty, senior vice president – worldwide studios, Midway. “Readers will get a sense of the depth of skill and devotion Midway’s artists use to generate innovative and technically beautiful work.”

   Wouldn’t mind getting my hands on a peek at that. Might be a cool addition to the ol’ living-room library.

8. If you’ve ever wanted to design your own Pokemon for fun and profit, then you’ll be happy to know that Games Radar is giving you your chance, with the prize being some of their favorites, each holding rare berries.
9. Ah, how time marches on…

   In Japan, Nintendo is no longer servicing systems from the Nintendo 64 and prior. All the more reason to TAKE CARE of your stuff. Not everything’s going to wind up on Virtual Console, you know. Well, maybe.

   Not sure if Nintendo of America will follow or has already done so, but if they should, I could see this being a boone to the mom ‘n pop video game stores that repair these sorts of things.

10. So close, and yet so far. Or rather, so lucky, and yet so unlucky.

    In the Great White North, Zeller’s is selling DS Lites for $109, not too shabby. They’re just in pink, white, and black, but black is just what I’d want. Pity I’m lacking the funds to pick one up. But for the other Canadians reading this, if one of those colors is your ideal, go for it!

11. Hmm, looks like 1up is running a Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations contest. Winner gets a DS prize pack.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Hey! Guess what’s on DVD today? Newsarama’s Steve Fritz talks about it here, though opinions are sure to vary.
2. Remember, if you go to Best Buy for yours, you get a discount on metallic Ratchet and Megatron, who are now revealed to be the first two figures in a new “Premium” series.
3. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart may have a good surprise bonus as well.
4. But my favorite is the one they’re getting in Japan. WANT.
5. Toys R Us has a couple of good deals going on. In the US, at least.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. From Ranger-Retrocenter.com:

   On Sunday, 18th November there will be an anniversary party at the renowned Victoria & Albert toy museum in London, England. Celebrities and worldwide media will attend a special exhibition which will showcase Power Rangers costumes, toys, props, video-messages from previous actors & actresses from the show and A list fans, exclusive footage from different TV series as well as exhibiting other coveted Power Rangers products. In addition to the exhibition, children will be able to take part in face-painting (where they will receive a make-over to look like their favourite Power Ranger), craft-making (making masks, props etc from the TV series) and have a great goody bag to take away. Think of it as a smaller version of Comic-con but completely devoted to the Power Rangers! Bandai, Disney, Jetix and other brands will be involved in the event.

   As part of the exhibition, one Power Rangers super-fan will have the chance to showcase their own collection of Power Rangers memorabilia and take part in the European celebration. We?re looking for one Power Rangers devotee, preferably who lives in Britain, that has the largest range of Power Ranger memorabilia to show off at the London Toy Museum – one of the top children?s venues in the United Kingdom.

   Gotta admit, it sounds pretty cool– I’d love to go to something like that, though my collection is nowhere near good enough for something like that.

2. IGN launches a new anime section. Be very afraid.

Video Power

TOP STORY!

Well, sort of. Top of Video Power, anyway. Ever since I started organizing this stuff, I’ve not been sure how to approach a “big story of the day,” and I still don’t know.

BUT, can’t let that get in the way of the greatness that is the return of Bionic Commando! After nearly 20 years, Capcom finally admits that they don’t really give a crap about what the US thinks give us the sequel to a game many of us have desired for a long, long time.

GameSpot has the full scoop, and they’ll be keeping tabs with a special section full of coverage all this week, including a video interview with the producer that’s already available.

I cannot wait for this. Just please, don’t let me down, Capcom.

To those of you reading this, if you’ve never played Bionic Commando for the NES (nevermind the arcade version right now), and you own a GBA/GB Player/DS, then get your ass to a store and find Capcom Classics Collection Mini-Mix. It’s cheap now, $15 in Canada, probably less in the US. It has an excellent port of the title, and probably the only port you’ll find, at least until it ends up on Virtual Console (hopefully).

In the article linked, I do mention that the new game seems to be taking something of a ground-zero reboot approach, though I do wonder now if that’s really the case, or if perhaps it’s a serving of sequel with a side of retcon.

1. On a side note, I wonder if this is at all related to their big announcement on Wednesday morning. Seems kind of odd that the cover would be blown two days before the timer is set to expire…
2. Two days and two updates so far at Super Smash Bros. DOJO!! this week.

   One features the return of an old friend, Sandbag! Yep, the Home Run Contest is back, and better than ever with more ways to play!

   The other update is a new stage, New Pork City, I assume from Mother 3. This one is being compared to the Hyrule Palace stage from Melee, and holds a ton of details, plus a surprise or two.

3. On a related note, someone asked Nintendo about the possibility of a Super Smash Bros. Brawl demo, and this is their response:

   At this time, we don?t have any plans to offer a game demo of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Typically, game demos are released to familiarize players with a game they hadn?t heard of and encourage them to buy it. I think you?ll agree that?s really not the case with Super Smash Bros. Brawl!

   On the one hand, that does make sense. On the other, I thought Nintendo was trying to expand their audience– odds are, the new people they’re bringing in have never played Super Smash Bros. of any kind. A similar argument might be made for Metroid Prime 3; sure, many of us have heard of it, but the controls are all-new.

4. GameTrailers has a new video for Link’s Crossbow Training and the Wii Zapper.

   I have to admit, I’m warmed a little to it… I mean, it’s about the gameplay, right? Still, I can’t help but hope that we get to see the return of some classic NES Zapper franchises, just the same.

5. New The Simpsons Game trailers have arrived, showing off more of Big Super Happy Fun Fun and Neverquest.

   Sad that from what I’ve heard, the demo isn’t exactly getting people to line up in the streets…

6. If Neverquest and Link aren’t enough fantasy for you, then how about some Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn?
7. Nintendo brings three new titles to the Virtual Console lineup today with the classic NES title Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, Gate of Thunder for the TurboGrafx-16, and Metal Marines for the Super NES.

   Find out what’s worth your not-so virtual dollars with Mushroom Singdom and the Retro Roundup.

   Wow, I’d all but forgotten how cool the music in Ninja Gaiden II was. Too bad it’s nightmarishly difficult. Incidently, given that Ninja Gaiden was effectively Castlevania with ninjas, one can’t help but wonder what kind of coolness we might see now had they kept along that path.

8. What’s this? A US trailer for Super Mario Galaxy?

   Want more? Then check out GameSpot’s demonstration from the Nintendo conference, as well as 1up’s look at the game.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Slow day today. Just some new images of the Movie‘s Allspark Power Voyagers and Wave 2 Deluxes.

Video Power

1. Capcom has a lot of new releases coming out on the 23rd of this month. Mega Man ZX Advent, Zack and Wiki, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations… wow.

   Ace Attorney even has a preorder bonus Wright plush.

   But with Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles coming out soon with a vague “October” date, that’s a lot of money.

   Zack and Wiki, I can wait on. We’re probably going to get Castlevania first, then Mega Man, and lastly Phoenix Wright, though.

   Of course, Contra 4 and Super Mario Galaxy in November only complicate matters… and Zelda: Phantom Hourglass just came out, too. And Garfield’s Nightmare, though that’s kind of low on the list, admittedly, unless I find it at a great price (and since the guys at Games Factory were too good to talk to me to tell me anything about it, or even answer my e-mail, apparently). At least it’s getting good ratings.

   Know what? This all makes me REALLY glad that Super Smash Bros. Brawl was delayed. The game will likely only get better as they work on it, and you cannot tell me there’s not enough to keep occupied with.

   Hell, I’m damn near tempted to put the site on hold so I can do just that.

2. Speaking of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, not sure if a clearly-stated story has been mentioned yet, so here’s what Nintendo’s got:

   Game storyline: In multiplayer games, characters from all Nintendo universes meet up in Nintendo locales to duke it out. In the solo mode called “The Subspace Emissary,” the world of Smash Bros. is invaded by an entity called the Ancient Minister and his army of creatures, called “The Primid.” Normally, characters come alive in the world of Smash Bros. to do battle, then turn back into trophies when defeated. However, the Ancient Minister starts turning characters into trophies to harness their power, then detonates bombs that suck pieces of the world back into his realm of Subspace. Eventually, all the characters must work together to defeat the invading creatures from Subspace – this is accomplished by playing through side-scrolling levels.

   Over at GameVideos, there’s a new Sudden Death video. Is that a white Donkey Kong?

3. Funny that Canada should be luckier than the US in some respect.

   While Sony and Microsoft are marking down prices and making new bundles to move units, and Canada dropped $20 on the Wii, the US price however isn’t going anywhere. And why should it? They’re moving ‘em as fast as they’re making ‘em.

4. Nintendo has issued a press release today to discuss with subscribers the changes to Nintendo Power, now that it’s under the Future label, and what it means to them. Which, they admit, is not a whole lot.

   Though over at Go Nintendo, quite a few people noticed the price difference for Canada. Lucky for me I took advantage of the cheaper offer.

   Further down, they get into the staff and potential magazine changes. Hopefully not much will change, because they’ve been doing a bang-up job these past few years.

   But at least there’s the Wii price drop… right?

5. Think I had the wrong number yesterday. According to Evil Avatar, the Wii and DS lineup totals over 274 titles.

   Whatever, I’m not counting. The ones I listed above are too many as it is.

6. GameTrailers has new footage of the Mii-interactivity of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.
7. If the peek at Mario’s latest power-ups in Super Mario Galaxy yesterday weren’t good enough, maybe GameTrailers’ versions will work a little better for you. They’re longer, too, but only show off two powers, unfortunately. Hopefully the rest will be along soon.

   Seems that Ice Mario is able to create platforms of ice to allow him to traverse surfaces like water, steam, or even lava. And naturally, with the power of the stars at his command, Invincible Mario tears through anything and everything in his path.

8. First Viva Pinata pops up in Burger King Kids’ Meals, now Spyro the Dragon is doing the same for Wendy’s.

   Besides a toy, you also get a five-dollar off coupon for the game, which is said to be pretty good.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Well, I’ve screwed yesterday’s update up nicely, haven’t I? So double-time…

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Not too much to speak of for TransFormers today, just that the second (third? how do you even count it?) movie’s writers have been signed.
2. And it seems that the rumors of a Sky Lynx reissue have been confirmed by Big Bad Toy Store. Superb! But will Hasbro follow?
3. Forget who the hell has what when it comes to TransFormers: The Movie DVD premiums? Not to worry, Allspark has you covered.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Interesting bit of gossip surrounding the late night scene come 2009, at least where Conan and Leno are concerned, plus the possible closing of some or all of their Burbank studios.

   There are rumors he’s dickering with Fox about a competing late night show that might even start at 11:00, giving him a jump on Conan and Dave at 11:35.

   …sounds like the Chevy Chase show to me.

2. This isn’t a bad little deal… if you live in the US, of course.

   Just print off this coupon and take it to a Toys R Us store before Saturday (presumably closing on Saturday, to be precise), and get a free toy. Just like that!

   It’s the option of a Hot Wheels car or a Littlest Pet Shop animal, but free’s free, right? Make a good gift, at the very least.

3. It’s funny to have to use the same link twice in a day, but this one pops up in PoI again for the Bruce Timm interview. But the reason I’m mentioning it here is to inform ReBoot fans that apparently, Zeroes 2 Heroes has chosen what they will make the next ReBoot fiction based on.
4. From that same link, it appears that Warner Bros. has snagged the home video rights to the Peanuts collection. Bet that gets milked dry.
5. Variety has announced that Gears of War art director Jerry O’Flaherty is going to be directing a CG feature film based on… Thundercats!… HO!!

Video Power

1. Nintendo had their American press conference yesterday, which you can read all about right here.
2. In case you missed it last night, Smash Bros. DOJO!! has updated with Sonic’s Special Moves. Looks like True Blue is going to be darting around everywhere, just as he should be.

   Today, snapshots! Which you can send to friends online. Sounds like the beyond-excellent camera from Melee is returning for all sorts of cheeky fun.

   And now for the bad news we’ve all been dreading. The game had been delayed until February 10th. Of course, if they manage to use the time to add voice chat, I’ll totally forgive them for this transgression.

   Until then, however, there are some new screenshots and new gameplay videos to keep you occupied.

   On the upside, there will still be a playable build at E for All (and I curse anyone who gets to go), and it sounds like Sonic will be in the mix despite an incomplete roster.

   Other related news: GameSpot has a 10-minute interview/demo about the game, plus a demo; they also give a little hands-on report; IGN has their own hands-on and their own videos; GamePro’s impressions and video; 1up’s impressions and videos; MTV’s video (hey, I can actually see this one, what luck!); and Joystiq’s hands-on.

   From these, you find out lots of neat little bits that remain unannounced on the Dojo, including Norfair as a stage, alternate costume colors, an Advance Wars Assist Trophy, and some spikey little item.

3. Not to mention new Super Mario Galaxy screens and videos to go with them. Check out Spring Mario!

   Plus, the final power-ups have been revealed! Starman and Fire Flowers are back, and kickin’ ass in 3D! At last!

   And it looks like even Luigi will be putting in an appearance!

4. SEGA has announced that Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games has gone gold, and will ship on November 6th, two weeks ahead of schedule.

   “We know that gamers are excited to play Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games so we did whatever we could to get the game into their hands as soon as possible.” Says Don Mesa, Marketing Director at SEGA of America. “Sega is bringing Mario & Sonic fans an early Christmas present!”

   Of course, knowing SEGA, that’s going to throw some red flags up among gamers, but given that it took the “best of show” award from Leipzig, maybe it really is ready to go?

   Besides the true-to-life Olympic events, there are also “Dream Events” that are a little more in-tune with the characters’ video game roots:

   * 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!
   

   You can check them out in video form here as you wonder why these aren’t the main game.

5. I’m not sure how interested I’ll be in actually playing, but since there are some musical-types amongst my wife and her family, I’ll mention that there are new screens and details of Wii Music anyway.
6. So Nintendo has talked a little more about Wii demos, it seems. Not sure about that whole charging thing, but if it’s cheap, maybe it’ll be ok. I guess. Don’t the other guys do it for free?
7. …wow, talk about overblown hype. The “Wii Play n’ Learn?” Evidently, the “Learn” is about learning not to throw your damn remote, since the only thing to this set is the inclusion of a Wii Remote jacket.

   On the bright side, at least now we know we early adopters aren’t really losing out on anything.

8. The Capcom-Unity has an interesting counter up, leading to what many believe to be a “megaton” announcement.

   Should be interesting.

9. Kart-tricks, motorcycles, playable Boo, and now 12-player online play, Mario Kart Wii just keeps getting better.
10. Nintendo VP of Marketing Perrin Kaplan has officially announced that she’s outta there. So long, Perrin, we’ll miss you.

    But before she goes, she has some fond memories to share.

11. So EA is now set up to purchase Bioware and Pandemic Studios. I wonder what this might hold for the Sonic RPG.
12. Speaking of the Blue Blur, a new video of Sonic Rivals 2 shows off two new modes, including a race to gather rings and another to capture a Chao.
13. I wanted to print the press release here, but that would’ve made this update absolutely ENORMOUS. So instead, check out GameSpot for the 150 games Nintendo has in the pipeline for the next two quarters.
14. With over 100 proposals, it doesn’t look like there will be a lack of Wii Ware.

    You can see some already, including Dr. Mario, Pokemon Farm, an unnamed puzzle game, and a Magnetica clone.

15. First screens of Link’s Crossbow Training are up. Looks nice, but still no substitute for updated Zapper NES titles.
16. Woo-hoo! Nintendo validates my existence by confirming Disaster‘s!

    Ok, I exagerate, but the new screens lead one to believe it has a better fate than Project H.A.M.M.E.R..

17. Ok, this almost made me start ripping out hair. Until I realized that they aren’t talking preorder bonuses here, but actual content for Contra 4!

    What:
    To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the popular Contra franchise of video games, Konami Digital Entertainment plans to incorporate a wealth of in-game bonus content into its latest entry in the run and gun action franchise, Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS?. The content includes:

    ? 20th Anniversary Virtual Museum ? this museum provides a virtual history of the Contra franchise since the early 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

    Set after the events of Contra III: Alien Wars, Contra 4 follows hardened mercs Bill Rizer and Lance Bean into battle against a new extraterrestrial threat, complete with larger-than-life-action, massive enemies, fast paced run ?n? gun combat and mind blowing set pieces. The unique dual screen presentation of the Nintendo DS? allows for frantic action and mammoth boss encounters, and a grappling hook allows players to access hard to reach areas, or dodge that pesky attack from a foe.

    Contra 4 features a variety of game modes, including 40 Challenge Modes that will test the limits of even the best Contra veterans, as well as full cooperative play through the main story mode, where two players can take up the fight for mankind and destroy the evil forces of the Black Viper.

    All this, and I don’t even have to step outside of Canada to get it! THANK YOU, KONAMI!!!

18. I think Nintendo mentioned this before, but while the Wii will remain hard to find at retail this holiday, at least it should be twice as likely that someone should find one.
19. Wee! We get a Wii price drop in Canada! Apparently as a response to the Canadian dollar’s rise… still kind of wonky, though. Guess they want a buffer should things change.

    Now, how about some cheaper games, hmm?

20. Will Fire Emblem DS be a remake of the original game? Could be…
21. Clear cut proof that Hollywood is screwing up video game movies on purpose.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”