InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Oooh, I can’t wait for this.

   In addition to some info about a UK TransFormers magazine that should do well to appease movie fans, there is also word that the IDW universe shall see its own version of Fortress Maximus introduced at some point in the future.

   Being one of my favorite characters, I’m stoked, as you can imagine.

2. Oh my. Seems that the first issue of the Beast Wars Sourcebook didn’t exactly go off without a hitch. Chris Ryall responds to concerns aired regarding this.

   Sounds like they hope to fix what they can for the trade, I just hope it’s sufficient.

3. As regards the movies, it seems that Steven Spielberg himself is really crackin’ the ol’ whip to get a story done.

   So much so that it seems that a script has been formed and leaked, though it won’t be the one used for the final product. Still, might make for some fab fanfic-ish fodder for folks foaming for further ‘Formers film fun.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. The late Charles M. Schulz will have a biography published soon, and it seems his family is none-too pleased with the final product.
2. The Garfield Gets Real website has added yet another new character to the proceedings, the high-energy, highly-efficient Prop Boy, who might be an interesting addition to the cast. Handled properly, he could even be a breakout character.

Video Power

1. Seems that Microsoft is preparing for the holidays by readying a XBox 360 bundle with two free games, Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Not bad, at least Marvel, anyway.
2. Wanna get smashed and shoot through the stars? Then you’re in luck, as Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros. Brawl will be at E for All!

   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, and Nintendo is even going to have a Smash tournament where competitors get free Wii-themed shirts, and different shirts will be available each day of the show.

   Damn! I wish I could go.

   And while the lineup could change, there’s going to be plenty of other games shown as well, including:

   Wii
   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?

   DS
   Professor Layton? and the Curious Village
   Pok?mon? Diamond and Pok?mon? 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

   Hmm, I think I might have played some of those DS games before. Still, the Wii lineup should more than make up for it. If you decide to go, get me a t-shirt. I’ll totally pimp whatever you’re selling on here.

   Not only will Nintendo be there in force, but so will Video Games Live with a new set from Halo 3.

3. And speaking of Brawl, thanks to ACE Spark for catching that Japan’s side of the Smash Bros. DOJO!! got a little something that we didn’t, in the form of an extra new song.

   Come on now, Sakurai, why you gotta be like that? We love ya’, too.

   …and evidently, he loves us, as we see when Sonic joins the fray!

   Unfortunately, I can’t link to the individual posts for some reason, but check it out! There’s even a pair of movies from Nintendo’s conference, one of which shows some video of many of the more recent additions.

   The downside is that the release date may have been pushed back… the US release of 12/3 is no longer listed, and Japan reported the release as going back into January of next year.

4. Finally, details of Wii Ware have come to light, as Nintendo brings forth some dates, details, and titles for their planned disc-free content.
5. Nintendo (wow, a lot going on with them, huh? Seems that they just had a conference in Japan, though, so…) has just revealed a firmware upgrade to help make the Internet Channel a little more easily usable.
6. Other conference news in short: Monster Hunter 3, Famicom Wars, Super Mario Stadium Baseball, and Wii Music for Wii; Fire Emblem for DS; Mario Kart Wii will include motorcycles and be released next Spring; Wii Fit will come out on 12/1 for 8800 Yen; Nintendo plans to put more focus on the Everyone Votes Channel, including game rankings; and finally, it seems Nintendo’s finally ready to make with the downloadable demos for your DS from home.

   Of course, this was all in Japan, so who knows what percentage we’ll see here?

7. Wow, Rockstar just can’t catch a break in jolly ol’ England, can they?

   The BBFC rejected Manhunt 2 again, and the boys at Take Two decided to fire one back at them.

8. There’s been some rumor that Nintendo is releasing a new Wii SKU for the holidays called Wii Play n’ Learn, but as it turns out, that’s not the case. While there is a product by that name, it’s not directly associated with a hardware SKU, should there even be a new one.

   With Nintendo, I could see them hanging on to the same bundle we’ve been not-seeing for the same reasons that there was only one color and one SKU to start with.

9. I hope that N’Gai Croal’s appearance on CNN will help to drive the point home to at least a few people that not all games are for kids.
10. NECA’s SDCC-exclusive “Pixel” Simon Belmont must have sold far worse than they ever expected, as it’s now a preorder bonus for the upcoming PSP must-have Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles.

    …wow, October 23rd? I need to get my ass to the store!

11. And finally, it looks like Mario and Sonic aren’t going to be the only ones hitting Beijing, as Miis may join the Olympic march as well.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Woo-hoo! Happy Thanksgiving to the Canucks, Happy Columbus Day to the Yanks, and happy days because HBK IS BACK!

Yeah, I’m happy.

Even happier is that I’m now a news editor at Advanced Media Network, so keep an eye out for my stuff there, and if you can, Digg, Digg, Digg! (Please?)

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Archie Comics has finally issued a press release regarding the recent death of their President and Co-Publisher, Richard Goldwater.

   And for some reason, no matter when or how many times I try, it won’t open for me. Luck for me, however, Newsarama comes through.

2. In addition, it seems that Steven Massarsky, co-founder of Voyager Communications, passed away Friday.

   Voyager was the parent company of Valiant Comics, whom readers of this page might know best for their Turok: Dinosaur Hunter comics, in addition to the early 90′s Nintendo Comics System.

3. Wow, this is crazy. Warner Bros: “We are no longer doing movies with women in the lead”.

   Weren’t they working on a Wonder Woman movie? Wonder (no pun intended) if that’s axed as a result. I just hope they don’t try to put a male in the lead (no, not AS Wonder Woman; think more like how humans were the stars of TransFormers). Come to think of it, I think they did that very thing with CardCaptors a few years ago.

   Well, no, not exactly. They just skipped the eps without Lee so they could aim it at boys, for some reason.

4. On a related note, seems some possible tidbits regarding the Justice League movie have leaked out.

Video Power

1. Smash Bros. DOJO!! brings us three updates for the price of two!

   First up is a posting of the Special Moves of Zero Suit Samus from Monday, and Tuesday becomes twos-day as we hear Ashley’s Theme from WarioWare and Kirby dons his chef’s hat for a cookin’ Final Smash.

   Hmm, odd theme for Wario… wouldn’t you say?

2. This week, NeoGeo takes the Virtual Console in full force! Fatal Fury: King of Fighters, World Heroes, and Art of Fighting stand ready to sock it to ya’ for a relatively modest 900 Wii Points each.

   But which are hot, and which are not? The Retro Roundup will tell you what.

3. Seemingly out of nowhere, Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast has launched itself into stores:

   Nintendo has given some rocket-powered barrels to a bunch of apes, and the rest of you had better get out of the way. The high-octane Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast launches today exclusively for Nintendo’s Wii system. It’s a game that anyone can pick up and play, but racing fans will have – dare we say it? – a blast perfecting their moves.

   Up to four players choose a racer from a variety of characters, including multiple members of the Kong family, as well as their friends and enemies. Racing is a snap. Players shake the motion-sensitive Wii Remote and Nunchuk to accelerate and turn, or press a button to jump, attack or use a variety of items to thwart their competitors.

   Each of the 16 racecourses is littered with bananas. Gather 50, perform a Wild Move and watch your Barrel Rocket hit hyperspeed. The game even includes a variety of fun challenges for players to complete to receive special rewards.

   Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast is rated E for Everyone and is poised to rocket into the library of every Wii fan. For more information about Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast, please visit www.Nintendo.com.

   With four players commanding the Kongs and Kremlings, hopefully this will hold some people over until Mario Kart is due.

4. So now it’s definitely, without-a-doubt official: preorder Super Mario Galaxy at a “participating retailer” and you get the collectible Mario coin when you pick up your game.

   No word on just who the “participating retailers” are, though GameStop and Target are usually the ones mentioned, and then there’s this FredMeyer ad, but no word of anyone else.

   And I’m betting Canada is SOL on this one. But, um… *cough* if anyone reading this happens to preorder and doesn’t want their coin…

5. If you’re a Brainy Brit, then Nintendo wants you!
6. I don’t know how I feel about this.

   On the one hand, Tomm denied it ever existed. And even if it did, I doubt Canada would have gotten it (we didn’t for Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin). So no loss there. On the other hand, if I could have gotten it from someone in the US of A, well, that would have been ice cream and rainbows, wouldn’t it?

   So now, all I can do is take solace that everyone will suffer as I will. Let our pain unite us!

7. Say all you want about Nintendo of Australia, but at least they’re apologetic.
8. While nowhere near as noteworthy as last year’s much-hyped XBox games at Burger King, it is worth mentioning that the two parties have teamed up again to bring us Viva Pinata.

   Just think, now when you go to bite into that cheeseburger, you can have a horse looking right back at you as your teeth sink in.

   That’s marketing, people.

9. He came. He saw.

   He kicked ass.

   He took names.

   And now, Reggie Fils-Aime is Brandweek’s Grand Marketer of the Year, thanks to his ass-kicking efforts in making sure that your grandmother knows who Mario is.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Over on his blog, Simon Furman talks a little about the upcoming TransFormers: Mosaic book.
2. New Cyber Slammers are on the way, now including Cliffjumper and Jazz!
3. Lots of news regarding the DVD release of The Movie. First is the cover for Wal-Mart’s version, which includes an animated prequel to the movie itself called TransFormers: Beginning. Narrated by Peter “Optimus Prime” Cullen himself, it just might just be the one to get.

   You can check out some of the other guys’ bonuses, including gift cards, Robot Heroes figures, transforming cases, and more right over here.

   A review of the DVD itself can be found here, along with news that the Best Buy-exclusive metallic Ratchet and Megatron figures get a five-dollar discount when purchased with the DVD.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. It has come to my attention through Mark Evanier’s blog that Richard Goldwater, President and Co-Publisher of Archie Comics, died this past Tuesday, causes unspecified.

   And while I am familiar with his name, I am unfortunately familiar with little else about the man beyond what is stated in Evanier’s blog. Nonetheless, I hope that the man rests in peace.

2. Thanks to colley for finding this one.

   I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: what they’re doing for this Dragon Ball movie is Wong. So very, very Wong.

   And I think we can strike out the “Z” from the title, as this seems to have effectively nothing to do with any part of the story that bears that designation.

3. For Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans in the UK, word has come from the official TMNT website that the publisher of the magazine/comic over there, Titan, is running a contest to create a villain:

   London, October 2007 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Comic have launched a fantastic competition with ITV.com, inviting children to create a villain who will get to battle the TMNT in the comic next year! The winner, as chosen by Titan, will also get a framed picture of their villain, drawn by an official comic artist.

   There?s also a TMNT Fast Forward DVD for the winner and 3 runners-up, and copies of the comic for all.

   ENTRY DETAILS:
   Shredder, Jammerhead and the Foot Clan have all tried, and failed, to beat the awesome foursome? kids under the age of 16 who think they can do better can visit ITV.com and download the official entry form. Closing date for entries is October 15, 2007. Terms and conditions are available on CITV.co.uk.

   Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Comic is out every four weeks, priced ?2.60. Each issue has a cool free gift, plus all-new comic strips, puzzles and features and news on TV programs and DVD releases. Issue 6 is out now with a free inflatable fighting staff.

4. Futurama is coming straight to DVD with a new movie, and Gloob has found the trailer!
5. Speaking of futuristic movies, IGN has some words from Jakob Jensen, director of the upcoming Astro Boy movie.

   The director reportedly intends on being faithful to the source material while doing what he can to make those unfamiliar with Astro Boy interested in the story.

   Precisely what I think a movie based on a property such as this should do, unlike that other anime-based movie mentioned today…

Video Power

1. The rumor that wouldn’t die has come to be a matter of truth: Bungie and Microsoft have effectively split.

   Next-Gen gets details from Bungie themselves.

2. Hmm, Sonic Rivals 2 appears to have a new Knockout Mode that looks one part Sonic, one part Smash Bros.
3. NeoGeo is coming! To Virtual Console! Monday!
4. Next Generation has wheeled out two new previews for upcoming Wii products that are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum, the casual-friendly Wii Fit and the more traditional Super Mario Galaxy.
5. This GameStop deal is kind of snazzy: Buy a used DS Lite, get a free used game. It’s everything you need.
6. *spit-take* …ok, so the guy who made the apparently-awesome King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters movie?

   Apparently, he wants to do a movie of Super Paper Mario next.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Bleh, tired. But duty calls. So as I’m using a can of Coke to help me get through this, it may be a little more concise than usual. My apologies to those of you who are such fans of my charm and personality.

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Confirmed writers for the second TransFormers movie are Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, the writers from the original, who will team up with Ehren Kruger, writer of the Ring movies and Reindeer Games.

   Something tells me we might be in for more human military action. After all, it may be their war, but it’s still our world, right? Sigh.

   In regards to choosing Ehren Kruger for writing duties on the Transformers Sequel, Michael Bay and Hasbro president Brian Goldner were impressed with Kruger’s knowledge of Transformers mythology.

   Okay, so hopefully it won’t be as bad as one might be lead to think. Hopefully.

2. New official pics of the “Allspark Power” figures from the movie toyline are now available, including Cliffjumper, Camshaft, Landmine, Stockade and Night Watch Optimus Prime, who should all be showing up in early 2008.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. The 5th turtle has a new peek at the prototype NECA Ninja Turtle figure sculpt. It does look just like the original comics…
2. The other day, we brought news of the end of Kids’ WB, to be taken over officially by 4Kids. Today, Newsarama brings more details on that story.

Video Power

1. Hitting Toys R Us aisles now are Mortal Kombat action figures by Jazwares, makers of the semi-recent non-NT Warrior Mega Man figures and toys.

   The lineup consists of three fan favorites: Goro, Reptile, and Noob Saibot.

2. A better look at the prizes for Capcom’s “What REALLY Happened To Harvey?” comic contest.
3. Smash Bros. DOJO!! brings us another double-dip of an update as Sakurai explains Shielding and Dodging, as well as giving us a look at Fox’s Final Smash.

   Whoa, slow down there, guy. You want to have some updates for later, right?

   Tonight’s brings more good news, too: Co-op play in Subspace Emissary!

4. Ah, the freedom of speech. The right to essentially say what you want, provided it doesn’t infringe upon the rights of others. And perhaps sometimes even if it does.

   It’s something you would expect to be highly valued in this day and age of video games, and that would include parody. So when you think of the first amendment in gaming, who’s the first company you’re likely to think of?

   If you’re thinking of the same guys I am, then surely you’ll recognize the bitter irony as that company has asked for a parody of their product to be removed from The Simpsons Game.

   Granted, it does say there was more than one company, but for them to be among them? What can you say to that?

5. Capcom is turning their Sony development towards the PS3.

   Trust me, it was a miracle to wring an article out of that. I’m just lucky that the company in question was Capcom.

6. Woo-hoo, more Super Mario Galaxy videos! Bullet Bill Destruction, Spin-Attack, Movement, Two-Player co-op, and the menu.
7. Rayman Raving Rabbids playing Rugby.

   Too good.

8. FINALLY, boxart and a release date for Contra 4!

   November 13th, woo!

9. “For ze gentleman, one can of worms, served a la carte’.”

   So seems to be the Daily Special at Cafe Microsoft, where they want you to tell them what they’re doing wrong.

   Hoo-boy, where to start, huh?

   To their credit, they are doing a lot right… but the specifics of the stuff that’s wrong, i.e. hardware and equipment failures, really makes the rest of it moot.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Thinking I might like to run some sort of raffle contest or something in the future, maybe as a periodic thing. I figure an entry could be made via PayPal or whatever donation, to help fund prizes and shipping, but what seems like a fair price?

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Friggin’ hell. Guess I’m not getting rid of that cable box just yet after all.

   Word is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, for whatever reason, is going to move from Fox to the CW in 2008.

   Impressive, however, is the seeming end of the Kids’ WB block in favor for 4Kids effectively doubling their presence across two networks on Saturday mornings, as they’ve also renewed their contract with Fox. I know that’s going to cause some groans in the cartoon and anime fan communities.

2. Good news for me from He-Man.Org, as it sounds like the first DVDs from the 2002 Mike Young Productions’ He-Man and the Masters of the Universe could see release as soon as February of 2008.

   These are slated to have tons of extras, and perhaps even a Blu-Ray release as well.

3. In addition to some nift downloads, the Garfield Gets Real website has also added two more new characters, Wally and Bonita from the fictitious comic strip “Life Stinks.”

   These two certainly have the most unique art style of any of the cast so far.

4. Good: NBC bringing back American Gladiators.

   Better: Hulk Hogan hosting American Gladiators.

Video Power

1. If you’re into Metal Gear and the import scene, then keep an eye out for the Ultra Detail Figures based on those very games, including Snake from MGS2, MGS3, and MGS4, plus MGS2 Raiden and MGS4 Otacon, all about seven inches tall and around 20 bucks a piece.
2. Inquiring minds want to know: What REALLY happened to Harvey Birdman?

   Answer in Capcom’s contest, and you stand to win some cool swag.

3. Prefer Phoenix Wright? Then maybe their LOLcats contest is more your speed.
4. In other Capcom news, the Capcom Comics website by Udon has been revamped, now allowing for a peek at the goodness they’ve been producing.
5. Smash Bros. DOJO!! has added an interesting update: Excitebike as an assist trophy! And Lakitu with his pet Spinies, too.

   I’m a little torn on this, frankly. Ok, I can understand keeping Excitebike as pixel art, since it’d just look like some generic bike, but Lakitu? One thing I love about Smash is seeing the gorgeously detailed 3D models of classic characters, and the more obscure, the better. And while Lakitu isn’t really obscure, it just seems odd to have him in his 8-bit roots…

6. Someone we all know and love (I hope) reveals that the rebirth of Mortal Kombat is on the way, now officially, for this generation’s consoles.
7. Sounds like Japan has taken well to the idea of playing Super Mario Galaxy, and after the videos that went up yesterday, why wouldn’t they? So far, this game is made of win and win, and topped with win with an extra side of win. There is so much win here, that if you follow through with it, the rest of your life will be fail.

   But, I don’t want to overhype it, so we’ll just wait and see how it turns out. (…so good…)

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Running a little behind on things, so a shorter version of the news tonight.

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Exclusive to CostCo: Ultimate and Titanium Bumblebee, together at last.
2. Also together, soon enough: Ravage and the Baroness, in statue form.
3. And Newsarama takes an up-close look at TransFormers: Mosaic, a look at TransFormers tales from all over.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Fox’s idea of a Dragon Ball Z movie is all wong… James Wong, that is, as the filmmaker behind The One and Final Destination is now on board to test the limits of Hollywood make-up and hair-care products.

Video Power

1. Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates as Snake joins the Brawl by scoping out his latest target: Mario.

   And intelligence coming from Shadow Moses Island reveals some information on other characters we’ve seen as well.

2. Nintendo’s main color may be red, but they’re all about the green… the environment, that is.

   With Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol released exclusively to Wal-Mart stores today, Nintendo is letting kids get into the act by offering a chance for one of 500 tree seedlings to those who register the game before November 9th. Before America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, Nintendo will choose 500 people at random to receive a seedling that they can plant in their community.

   Other notes from the press release:

   Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol is one of the first games based on the growing environmental movement, and it’s a great way to get kids and their parents on a green path. In the game, players take on the persona of a cute little robot. They clean up a park by planting flowers, building park equipment and defeating toxic enemies called Smoglings.

   Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol lets players use the Nintendo DS touch screen to control actions like watering plants, squirting enemies or riding a bike. Chibi’s good deeds are converted into Happy Points that power him and the friendly toys he meets along the way. He even uses environmentally friendly modes of transportation to get around.

   “From hybrid cars to energy-conserving light bulbs, everyone is going green,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol represents one of the first environmentally themed video game adventures.”

   To get a tree seedling, register at www.Chibi-Robo.com between now and Nov. 9.

   But Nintendo’s environmental efforts are not limited to video games. In the real world, Nintendo has already undertaken multiple initiatives to help preserve the environment.

   Nintendo:

   * recycles the paper it uses company-wide, limits the use of colored paper (since it’s not easily recycled) and purchases recycled paper towels, report covers, message pads and writing pads.

   * recycles more than 70 percent of the waste generated at its headquarters and promotes the recycling of aluminum cans and glass in its corporate cafeterias. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the United States as a whole recycles about 32 percent of its waste.

   * requires manufacturers not use any banned substances (such as lead, mercury, etc.) in components, nor use them in the manufacturing process for any components used in its products.

3. In other DS Lite news, the Onyx/Crimson style is now available for $130.
4. Or less, if you go to Target this week.
5. Yippee! Super Mario Galaxy screens! Nothing especially new, but nice all the same.

   GameTrailers, on the other hand, has a bit more going on, with a ton of videos, including the opening.

   Toad Town just looks absolutely gorgeous, and under a night sky no less. I’m going to love this. And check out the familiar threat with familiar music… Super Mario 3 fans should be very pleased.

   I want this game. So bad. More than ever.

6. Not everything involving Mario today has gone galactic, however, as Dr. Eggman demonstrates the hammer throw from the Olympics.

   Just the name alone suggests Mario and Bowser ought to be good at that one.

7. Didja hear? Now Future US is publishing EVERYone’s magazines.
8. No Nyko Party Stations? That makes me a sad panda.
9. How much does Nintendo care about the safety of you and your Wii Remotes?

   About 18 million dollars worth of freebies, that’s how much. Yikes. Bravo, Nintendo.

10. And finally, on today’s episode of Idiot Parents…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. And finally, previews of IDW’s October 3rd releases, including Devastation #1 and Ascending #1.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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

1. 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?

2. 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?.

3. 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.

4. Speaking of Zelda, Circuit City has some nice freebies in addition to a nice price.
5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Planning on getting a Wii this holiday season? Best not set that plan in stone.
8. What do Optimus Prime and Ryuusei no Rockman (MegaMan Star Force) 2 have in common?

   They both have trailers!

9. Luigi and Tails… in a swordfight to the DEATH! Among other new screens from the Beijing Olympics.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Over on Simon Furman’s blog, he discusses some of the latest in the IDW TransFormers comics, including a recap of Beast Wars: The Ascending, and what to expect from Blaster in the upcoming TransFormers Spotlight. Will be the brooding Budianski version? The rockin’-out cartoon version? Or maybe neither… or both.
2. Amazon previews The Movie‘s DVD with a brief look at one of the special features, “Inside the Allspark.”

Assorted Mushrooms

1. It’s almost like a slap in the face.

   The Death Note anime was supposed to have started airing on YTV in Canada, when suddenly it just vanished, with no explanation forthcoming from YTV themselves when asked.

   Now, Viz Media has announced that at midnight on Saturday, October 20th, the show will debut on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim.

   Naturally, I’m just a little miffed at this.

2. Next month will be when Series 6 of the NECA Masters of the Universe mini-statues will be available. You can check out the lineup, consisting of Mosquito, Jitsu, and the one I most eagerly await, Battle Armor He-Man, in Action-Figure.com’s gallery.
3. If one didn’t know better, one might suspect that Imagi was following the TransFormers around. Case in point: their TMNT movie was released earlier this year, preceding TransFormers: The Movie by four months. It happens, right?

   Well now, TransFormers 2 is set for 2009, and lo and behold, Imagi now has two movies set for release that same year in Astro Boy and Gatchaman.

   I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything, but if they announce three movies the same year a TransFormers 3 is scheduled, we’ll know something’s up.

Video Power

1. Is… is that Homer dressed as Link?!

   Maybe, maybe not… for such enigmatic sights are not uncommon in the world of “Neverquest.”

   Plus, GameSpot has some Q&A with the executive producer.

2. Wow, this Smash Bros. DOJO!! update is… well, lacking. I almost passed on even reporting it.

   But that wouldn’t be very good of me, would it? So quite simply and without further ado, tournament mode.

   Ironically, better news has come from outside of Sakurai’s page, in that David Hayter WILL voice Snake in Brawl, and it’s going to be new dialogue:

3. If I owned a PS3, this news would crush me. But since I don’t, I don’t mind saying too much that while Ratchet & Clank Future has gone gold, it has also been delayed by a week, as well as its demo.
4. Oh, wow.

   So there’s this game based on Haruhi coming to the PSP, right? Well, GameTrailers has a video showing it off a bit. All in all, pretty tame…

   …until you get to the last 10 or so seconds. Hoo-boy, if that just doesn’t somehow personify a part of the culture, I don’t know what does.

5. With the announcement of Turbo-CD games coming to the Virtual Console next month, the next natural question would be “what are we getting?” And now, we have our first clue.
6. SEGA has a new movie for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, showing off some of the gameplay and more events.
7. Dammit!

   Preorder Super Mario Galaxy at GameStop, and you get a free commemorative coin.

   There’s one more exclusive I probably won’t be seeing.

8. Oh, wow, they’re including Dr. Slump in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3?
9. New Mario Party DS screens would seem to indicate a bit of cut scene fun.
10. In New York this weekend? Then why not stop by Nintendo World and grab an early copy of Zelda DS?
11. While Lair will be remembered for its bad controls, Sony wants to make sure that people will also remember that it wasn’t their fault.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Oh… wow. It looks like the UK release of TransFormers: The Movie is going to get several deleted scenes added, including more of everyone’s favorite hackers, Maggie and Glen. Yay.
2. Also for the lucky UKers, TransFormers USB Flash drives, shaped like the Autobot and Decepticon insignias.

   Funny that they have different size values… guess bein’ mean has its advantages.

3. So Bay still hasn’t committed to the sequel, but it looks like Shia’s set to return as Sam.

   But what about Megan Fox? And what about MAGGIE?!

Assorted Mushrooms

1. The Official TMNT Web Site has new previews for Tales of the TMNT #38, Raphael: Bad Moon Rising #3, and Tales of the TMNT Collected Books Volume 4, all of which should be available in comic shops soon.
2. Plus, it looks like Playmates has an offer where you can get a free Bigfoot monster figure for buying three TMNT action figures and sending in their UPC’s.

   That’s awesome, it seems like forever since there’s been an offer like that. I hope it does well enough that we get to see more.

3. Rave passed on some bad news earlier, as apparently Geneon USA, aka the former Pioneer LDS, seems to have hit some hard times, cancelling many future products and laying off a large number of people.

   It doesn’t look like a promising future for the company that helped bring us the likes of Viewtiful Joe, Cardcaptor Sakura, Akira, Barefoot Gen, Lupin the 3rd, Trigun, Tenchi Muyo, and so much more. It’s hard to believe that this is happening.

4. The Garfield Gets Real site has updated their About the Movie page with looks at the world they’ve created, the props within, and even some of the animation and facial expressions for the characters.

   Granted, it’s not going to threaten Pixar, but then again, for the type of story they’re telling here, I very much doubt it’s meant to.

5. Following in the footsteps of The Bionic Woman and American Gladiators, Knight Rider is returning to NBC. And they’re saying it’s because of TransFormers‘ success.

   Wonder what’s next. MacGuyver, maybe?

Video Power

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Now with more reading.

   So seems to be the case with Smash Bros. DOJO!!‘s latest update, featuring Pokemon Trainer’s Final Smash.

   This one is sort of a throwback to the Marvel vs. Capcom style of everyone ganging up on the opponents, as they all team up for a “Super Effective” Triple Finish.

2. Nintendo has issued a new press release that continues their campaign to convert non-gamers, using the recently-released Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes A Day to spearhead their penetration into malls, RV shows, and… hair salons?

   “Many different people are sampling and playing Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, including some people you might not expect to be trying video games,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “The title draws people in with its engaging game play, so this summer we’re giving all kinds of people a chance to energize and sharpen their brains while demonstrating that everyone’s a gamer.”

   Nintendo is planning something of a tour– or perhaps tours– across the US:

   A 50-City Mall Experience: Between now and Jan. 8, Brain Age 2 will be part of a 50-city nationwide mall game-play experience. Visitors can train their brains and check out all the latest Nintendo games. To find a location near you, visit http://wii.nintendo.com/malltour_07.jsp.

   So while you’re trying to get your mom or dad hooked, it sounds like there will be other titles there to try out as well.

   Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk Events: As part of this nationwide event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, Nintendo is sponsoring booths at Memory Walk events in Chicago, Austin, New York, Washington and Los Angeles. Participants and visitors can sample Brain Age 2 and learn how to keep their minds active.

   Good for quality time with the grandparents, too!

   A Hair Salon (yes, a hair salon): In honor of National Self-Improvement Month, Nintendo has sent Nintendo DS systems and copies of Brain Age 2 to the new Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif. During September, visitors to the salon will have the chance to freshen up the insides of their heads while stylists coif their tresses.

   Why not? Who better to persuade to spend a ton of money on a new hobby than those with plenty to spare?

   Nintendo Street Team Appearances: Members of the Nintendo Street Team will fan out across the country to show off Brain Age 2 at a variety of major landmarks and expanded-audience events like home shows and fitness expos, including the Atlanta Home Show (Sept. 28-30) and the Long Island Fall Home Show (Sept. 28-30).

   …I got nothing for this one. Sorry.

3. D’oh, so much for the holidays. Sounds like SEGA has been focusing on the Wii title Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games so much that they almost forgot about the DS version, which has now been delayed until the first quarter of 2008. Meanwhile, the Wii version is on track for a November 20th release… just in time for Black Friday.

   On the upside, some more new info has come up (or perhaps I just missed it before), revealing there will be unlockable stages where familiar items from Mario and Sonic’s worlds will “enhance the challenge of each unique event.”

4. Bye-bye, Beth. Oh, and Julia.

   First was George Harrison, then Nintendo Power went to Future, and the forums got killed, too. People expect Perrin Kaplan to be the next to follow, which would be disappointing.

   Good luck, Beth and Julia, wherever you may go.

5. Hmm, now here’s a nifty bundle over at GameStop: an Onyx DS Lite, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and an art cel, all for $165.

   Just want the game? Go to Toys R Us instead, and you can get a free guide with it instead.

6. Crap, this sucks. Three titles removed from the ESRB’s Wii page: Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Duck Hunt, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game.

   I was really looking forward to those.

7. The game I’m perhaps looking forward to most and looking at least is Burnout Paradise. The concepts sound interesting, but I’m most interested in seeing the finished product, rather than following every step of the way. Just put that pup in my hands and let me tear some stuff up.

   That said, I don’t mind hearing how it’s shaping up, and according to Joystiq, the game seems to be on target.

8. Finally, the novel Halo: Contact Harvest is coming out on October 30th, but I’m not ready to read that. I remain in a very novice position in knowing much about Halo, but I am looking to get something to read this weekend, and I figure one of these books would fit the current theme and mood nicely.

   But, I don’t know what to get. I hear one of the novels is based on the first game, so that sounds like a good place to start… but which one is that? And is there a novel that precedes it as a prequel? Should I start there?

   If anyone reading this even likes Halo that much and can provide some answers, I’d love to know. The weekend is only about a day and a half away.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Hope this doesn’t become a habit. Or maybe it should. At any rate, since I didn’t get the big post out of the way until late yesterday, I figured there wouldn’t be much to cover for the night. But just in case and to sort of even things out…

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. It’s not set in stone, but it looks like we can expect their war to continue on our world on June 26, 2009. But will that timeline please the almighty flaming director Michael Bay, who would also like to produce The Prince of Persia and 2012: The War For The Souls?

   Time will tell. We’ve seen already that it doesn’t take much for Mr. Bay to change his mind.

2. Now fur some news with a little more bite: Simon Furman has updated his blog to talk a bit about IDW’s Beast Wars Source Books. He discusses how he and BWTF.com’s Ben Yee strove to unite the various Beast continuities from here and abroad into one functional, amalgamated whole.

   With four issues, 162 characters, and an extensive glossary that may hopefully shed some light on the time between Generation 1 and the Beast era, it sounds like this set of books will be nothing less than a must-have for those who don’t mind their TransFormers with a little bit of fuzz.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. The Garfield Gets Real website has updated again to feature another new part of Garfield’s world: Betty, the art director and editor for Comic Strip Studios, who is apparently very bouncy. And busy. Perhaps even busy being bouncy.
2. Took long enough. After however many decades in the business, and even his own titular comic books, games, and the upcoming movie, Wolverine finally gets top-billing alongside his costars, the X-Men, in the upcoming animated series Wolverine and the X-Men.

   The main team appears to be based largely on the Astonishing X-Men lineup, which consists of Cyclops, Emma Frost, Beast, Kitty Pryde, and Wolverine himself. But instead of a revived Colossus, we get mainstays Nightcrawler and Storm, though other sources show that the mighty metal Russian may join in later, amongst others.

   The style of animation looks like what was used in the tragically cut-short X-Men: Evolution, though the new series will feature a mix a 2D and 3D animation styles.

   I rather eagerly await this, especially since there’s no apparent sign of Jean Grey.

Video Power

1. Well, here’s something I’m sure many will feel mixed about: Ubisoft and Mirage have reached an agreement to allow the former to produce a new TMNT video game.

   Considering how the last one went (save for the cool GBA beat-em-up), I really am not sure how enthused to be.

2. It has finally happened… it seems that Nintendo has heard the call of the fans, and willingly obliged.

   The wrath of Mr. Resetti is ready to be unleashed upon those unsuspecting!

   Will Smash Bros. ever be the same again?

   What gets me, though, is that the characters seem to keep fighting… of course, I imagine it would be dull and frustrating if they emulated Animal Crossing THAT closely. But that last pictures… does he talk you to sleep?

3. And today in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games news, we find out what the events are for the title.

   Strange. The headline says 17, the release says 20, and I count 18 events on the list.

4. How ironic would it be if Cracker Jack were disbarred for something not related to games at all?

   Seriously, Jack. Gay porn?

5. You’d think that with Halo 3 out now, the machine would just move downhill from here. And I guess you might be right, maybe. If you’re a pessimist.

   While certainly not topping the big release, there’s no slowdown of goods for Halo fans either, as a new novel is on its way, along with the cutest widdle USB drives you’ve ever laid eyes on.

   Finish the Fight, Continue the Spending.

6. Ah, new video of Press Start: The Movie? I’m there.

   And it looks like it’s available now for just $12.99 on their website.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”