InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Well, this explains a lot.

   For multiple reasons, Toys R Us stores in Canada have generally stunk compared to the US counterparts, and I never really understood why. It wasn’t just selection, their practices among other things differed.

   But that they existed as two different entities? I really didn’t know. And even then, it seems silly that they’d be that different as to essentially offer different experiences for no good reason.

   So I’m happy to see that maybe, HOPEFULLY, Toys R Us stores in Canada might have more product and better deals and promotions. Though ironically, I don’t remember having too hard a time finding exclusive TransFormers here when it was from TRU, just Target and Wal-Mart and K-Mart stuff.

2. King of TransFormers scribes Simon Furman has updated his blog to talk about his scripts for IDW’s Devastation #5 and Beast Wars: The Ascending #4, and since I fear spoilers, I’ve not read any further than that. Have fun!

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles volume 4 from Mirage is coming back soon, and for free! Well, sort of. The Official TMNT Web Site says the following:

   Welcome back to TMNT Volume 4!

   Well, not quite yet… but soon. Volume 4 is going to return this year, but in a slightly different form — or forms, to be more precise. There will be an inexpensive — or possibly free — online form, as well as a more expensive limited edition collectible printed version.
   There are a few reasons for this new approach, mostly related to my work habits. For quite some time, before I took most of the last year off from doing the Vol. 4 comics, I had been getting more and more frustrated by what was required of me, with every issue, to meet the requirements of Diamond Comics, the major comics distributor. This included preparing solicitation material three months in advance for the “Diamond Previews” catalog, along with ads and such.

   The rest of Peter Laird’s thoughts are behind the link for the update of Tuesday, September 11. It’s an interesting proposal, and I look forward to seeing it pan out. Could this change how comics are done in the future?

2. In case you skipped InFormers: Toys R Us USA and TRU Canada are to become one entity, and will hopefully stop charging inflated prices for toys that came out five years ago.
3. From WebbAlert: What’s a Ringle?

   A stupid idea, apparently.

4. In better news, it sounds like the RIAA won’t be getting away with mass-produced lawsuits any longer.

Video Power

1. So Microsoft is going all out with Best Buy for the Halo 3 launch… though it seems Canada may be excluded.

   Of course, around here, Future Shop (another store with the same idea owned by Best Buy’s head office) is where Halo 2 launched, so maybe there’s still hope yet…

2. Sounds like Capcom’s fortunes are rising thanks to the Wii, and they’ve doubled their plans from three games to six.

   Will fans get the Resident Evil 5 they’re clammoring for? Guess we’ll see.

3. Where will the next console Castlevania land? Would you believe… XBox 360?

   I see this as a good thing. Lately, it seems Castlevania is doing better in America, and that Igarashi would make a decision based on where people are buying the game rather than what country the system is from is good to know. Maybe Capcom will wake up with Mega Man and take a similar approach someday.

4. Damn! Japan is getting Virtual On for the PS2?! Nuts!

   Hmm. Come to think of it, I wonder if they could do one for the Wii…

   I’m sure they could, but would it be the same?

5. New Godzilla Unleashed footage is looking quite awesome, and quite fun.

   I still think they need to make a Power Rangers game like this with a ton of monsters and Zords. Give it the right look and a healthy mix of characters from the whole legacy, and I think you might even have some 20-somethings picking it up.

6. A new teaser for Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck has surfaced, and reading up on the game, it really sounds like it has the potential to be one of the more unique, fun titles the DS has to offer.
7. A new trailer for The Simpsons Game lovingly spoofs the ads for the Grand Theft Auto series to “Rock You Like A Hurricane.”
8. GameSpot has rolled out a bunch of new Sonic Rush Adventure material, including a hands-on and more new videos.

   It certainly sounds fun, and more interesting than the first, but I still want to know whether it’s going to follow the repetitive-playthrough example set by the first.

9. So now KISS has a $400 Guitar Hero controller?

   Unless it lets me save Santa, I can’t say I’m willing to bite.

10. A new stage is set at the Smash Bros. DOJO!!, as Sakurai rolls out the eagerly-awaited and seemingly plot-pivotal Battleship Halberd, the ship of fan-favorite newcomer Meta Knight.

    But, who’s running things now?

11. Crack Down is coming to Wii’s Virtual Console! But perhaps not in the way that you would think…
12. Wow, now this is something: a PSP firmware update that actually DOES something… you know, besides attempt to thwart hackers in a futile manner.
13. Wii want Katamari, Wii get Katamari.

    So it seems, anyway. I wonder if this and the PS3 version would use motion controls. Almost seems expected.

14. Finding a Wii isn’t so hard… all you have to do is buy a house, and you’re all set!

    Failing that, well, you can keep trying GameStop.

15. With the casual gaming market ever-expanding, it seems that GameStop is rethinking their strategy just a bit. But will it be any better?

    Hell, I thought that with all the tripe the employees have to fling at anyone who walks in the door, that they were already targeting “casual” gamers.

16. More GameStop… and this is pretty hardcore. But not in the typical gamer definition.

    Halo 3 has begun to arrive (now see? Why can’t other games come out BEFORE their release date so you can buy them ON the release date?), and if the tape sealing the box is so much as nicked, then…

    

    YOU’RE FIRED!

    “GameStop corporate has distributed an email warning that any employees who so much as nick the packing tape on a Halo 3 case will be fired on the stop. It covers employees from game advisors on up to district managers, and even accidental openings are grounds for termination.”

    Er, I think they mean, “on the spot.” Though I suppose both work. All the same, wow.

17. Kremlings and a cool soundtrack– DK Barrel Blast is looking better all the time.

    Though as nice as this return to Donkey Kong Island is, when are we going to see a new Donkey Kong Country game that does the series justice?

18. Speaking of Kong, DK Jungle Climber is looking alright over on Game Rankings. May have to give that one a closer inspection sometime.
19. And finally, at the pre-TGS showing in Japan, Microsoft and Tecmo have revealed Ninja Gaiden 2, which is being published by Microsoft itself, thus ensuring that it isn’t going anywhere else for awhile. Maybe it’ll kick off the PlayStation 4 or something.

    I do like the Wolverine-esque claws.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Rodimus Prime has been busted!

   At the Baltimore Comic-Con, Diamond Select Toys revealed their latest TransFormers head-bust will be of the successor to Optimus Prime, as well as showing off some other upper-torso busts for Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Optimus Prime, and more.

2. Freddy vs. Jason.

   Alien vs. Predator.

   And now… TransFormers vs. Terminators?

   The robotic forces of Cybertron and Cyberdyne may just be poised to clash, though anything further has yet to be revealed.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. A new trailer for the Iron Man movie has surfaced (bigger video here), mostly (if not entirely) footage from the San Diego Comic Con, but now clearer than before, though I think some scenes are missing. Definitely a bit of give and take.

   But still awesome.

2. New Death Note statues by artist Jun Planning are due by year’s end from CraftLabel, featuring the cunning Light and his nemesis, the eccentric L.

   These “kira” pieces should go for about $79.99 each.

Video Power

1. Smooth move, Munchlax.

   That’s the newest Pokemon revealed at Smash Bros. DOJO!!, the gluttonous Munchlax, who is a pre-evolved Snorlax that runs along the battlefield, munching on items.

   To make things even more nuts, Fire Emblem‘s Lyn joins the fray, ready to knock your ass out in one shot.

   Gotta admit, with new stuff like this, it’s going to be a whole new ballgame…

2. Elsewhen, Nintendo has finally spilled the beans on what title will come with their new Zapper attachment for the Wii:

   Link’s Crossbow Training.

   Wee.

   Mind that despite the sarcasm, I’m not writing off the game as anything just yet. It might be very good, for a freebie in a $20 package. But truth be told, as an oldschool gamer, I really had my heart set for a contemporary version of Duck Hunt or Gumshoe, or even Hogan’s Alley. With Miis!

   Ok, so maybe shooting up your friends and family, even if they’re cardboard cutouts of simple avatars of your friends and family, may not set well with some people, but I’m sure there’s some sort of middle-ground that could be reached. Such as personal Miis for only the friendlies…

   And barring that, the classics work just fine, too.

   But truth be told, my disappointment lies in the fact that I had really hoped to be sold on this package by the pack-in game, and now I’m going to have to be sold on the pack-in game itself, which really dampens things.

3. New to the Virtual Console this week is… eh. NES Play Action Football. Pass.

   More interesting downloads include SEGA’s classic Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which no doubt precedes Sonic & Knuckles and finally Sonic 3 & Knuckles. I will applaud SEGA, however, if buying the first two will allow you to play the third, full game. But I’m not holding my breath.

   And rounding out the list on TurboGrafx-16 is the “Zelda Too” game sequel Neutopia II, which may be the most interesting thing this week for those who already have Sonic in some form or fashion.

4. Over on the XBox side of things, Live Arcade is a game behind as this week yield Sonic the Hedgehog 2, considered by many to be the best.
5. Looks like LucasArts is planning something.

   Ever since the Wii remote was unveiled, people have been thinking “lightsaber.” And clearly, they weren’t alone. Though LucasArts through a swerve at people by making a port of the Lego Star Wars Saga as the first Wii Wars game, they have recently revealed that what fans experience in saber-combat therein will be but “a taste of things to come,” casting a light on the future for what they have in store for a galaxy far, far a-Wii.

6. This may bode well for Virtual Console users, especially those who have a rather thorough pedigree in oldschool gaming.

   It seems that Australia has rated some Japan-only titles for release there, including Super Mario Bros. 2 (aka The Lost Levels on SNES here), Mario Super Picross, and… um, Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Earth?

   Wait, that’s a Treasure game? Ok, now I’m excited.

   Granted, that doesn’t necessarily mean anything for anywhere else… but it’s a positive sign.

7. So there’s been a study of what kind of games sell best. Apparently, higher-scored games sell better than those with lower scores. Thank God. Maybe that’ll be some incentive for a few developers to churn out less crap.

   Also, games rated “M” seem to sell the best of the age ratings. I figure the logical answer behind that one is “disposable income,” which “mature” gamers would likely have more of, naturally.

8. GameSpot has new screens for Sonic Rivals 2.

   Wow, look at all those characters… who to play as? Metal Sonic? Espio the ninja Chameleon? Or good ol’ Knuckles, Sonic, or Shadow?

   Variety is the spice of life, and while I still haven’t gotten my mitts on the original, I do like how this one is looking.

9. The newest title announced by Take Two, developer and publisher of games such as Manhunt, Bully, and Grand Theft Auto?

   Dora the Explorer.

10. Looks like that recently-released Brain Age 2 DS color, the crimson/black one, is due to fly solo come October.

    I’ve always had my eyes set on a black one, but this may just lure me away from that.

11. If you live up in moose country, then it may interest you to know that Zeller’s has a sweet deal on Wii Play. Don’t forget, this comes with a Wii remote!

    Wow, figures they’d finally do something like this up here at a store within walking distance from my home… when I’m totally f’n broke.

12. A few new tidbits about Super Mario Galaxy. Interesting, but not freak-out worthy.
13. Cool… well, cool if you’re in LA.

    Castlevania‘s Koji Igarashi is going to be in town, doing the autograph thing at EB this Wednesday.

14. I get the hunch that any future Tingle titles might be import-only.

    But at least Europe’s getting them, so there’s at least an English version out there to import.

    …still want Tingle’s Balloon Fight, though.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Not much going on here today… just a preview for New Avengers/TransFormers #3.

   Plus, IDW’s prepping for Devastation, with a press release that’s kind enough to cover the story thus far, which incidently also ties in to the New Avengers crossover above.

2. If you’re eager to see TransFormers: The Movie at IMAX and win some cool swag in the process, then you’re in luck.

   Along with one pair of the tickets, one Grand Prize winner will also receive the following:
   1 Megatron Toy
   1 Hat
   1 Optimus Prime Key Chain
   1 BEEOTCH Air Freshener

   While it’s all good, I think I’d dig the air freshener.

   …and the– oh, hell with it. It’s all good.

3. Planet-busting action heads down-under as Headmasters is due to arrive on DVD over there. Now anyone with a Region 4 or Region-Free DVD player can watch as they kill Optimus, Galvatron, Cybertron, and Mars all in the same season!

Assorted Mushrooms

1. This is sure to get a mixed reaction, at least when one first hears about it.

   Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who is getting the big-screen treatment. And it’s starring Jim Carrey. And Steve Carrell.

   And, it’s computer-animated. No makeup this time!

   And you can see the trailer for it right here.

   All in all, it actually looks… good.

2. Curious about the 2-part season opener for The Batman? Here are some pictures from the eps, titled “The Batman/Superman Story.”
3. Macross, Robotech, call it what you will. Truth is, I didn’t really get to grow up with it (I don’t think it was shown where I lived as a kid), and I hold little attachment to it beyond the Veritech Fighter mold being used to create the TransFormer known as Jetfire/Skyfire.

   That said, I hold no particular disinterest in it, either. It’s just been a matter of time and opportunity to check it out, of which I’ve never really had either.

   But, that all may be about to change, as it seems a new motion picture is under way, and none other than Tobey “Spider-man” Maguire is producing and possibly starring in this venture.

4. Think you have what it takes to hang with the American Gladiators? Well now you’ve got the chance to find out!

   Grand prize is a trip to Milhouse’s mom.

5. Alright, so maaaaaaaybe X-Men 3 wasn’t that great of a movie (I don’t know, I never got to see it. But its reputation precedes).

   However, the spin-off movie starring Magneto certainly looks to have promise, and retains the services of Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, no less.

   Now, I wonder how Wolverine’s is coming along…

Video Power

1. More Simpsons fun, this time from GameTrailers as they conduct an interview of the “must-see” variety about the game’s story and environments.
2. Finally, some new video of Sonic Rush Adventure. Plus another new(?) trailer as well.

   Lookin’ good, but I’m still not 100% convinced it’s improved in the necessary ways over the original title.

3. More fun from GT as videos of the shooter “TheMonkey King” for the Wii are now available.

   Between this and Dragon Ball, I do wonder, was Goku always able to shoot energy in some form or fashion in the original legend?

   At any rate, it looks good, but I wonder if it’s going to implement the Wii remote’s unique features in any way.

4. If there’s a Meijer near you, then you could have a chance to play and win a Wii next week…

   …assuming this isn’t just some local promotion.

   Also sounds like they’ll have a significant number available for purchase, too.

5. Go Nintendo is showing off their goods for their Mega Man contest.

   …that is one cool shirt, do they actually sell them like that? Minus the signature, I mean.

   Damn, I misread. I thought the 8th was the last day to enter… oh well. I doubt I’d have won, but I still want Dragon and the shirt…

6. Looks like Hudson is offering a sneak-peek at the near future of the Virtual Console, with word of what their offering for Monday is.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. A six-page sample of issue #3 of IDW’s Megatron: Origin has been posted on artist Alex Milne’s DeviantArt account.

   I do like how Soundwave has the “rubsign” on his chest, among other details throughout. And maybe we’ll get to see what the hell Megatron was thinking by letting Starscream in.

2. Universe Swerve, now with more lemony goodness.

   Bet Walky goes nuts for this one. Me, I prefer the red.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Hmm, never noticed this before. Maybe someone reading this hasn’t, either.

   But if you use LiveJournal and go to Userinfo, and click the number next to your list of Friends, you get a nice posting of everyone’s default LJ icons.

   Kinda neat. Still doesn’t solve my problem of wanting to remove dead journals, though. Guess they’re here to stay.

2. Woohoo! Blogs count as media!

   Though I do have to wonder just where precisely the line is drawn between “blog” and “news site” or whatever.

3. So Warner Bros. is starting a new project called T-Works, which will bring their massive library of cartoon characters (including DC and Hanna-Barbera) online in original and classic cartoons.

   An interesting idea, though you have to wonder if it’d be a more Timm-styled Batman, or more like the one on Kids’ WB? Will classic Looney Tunes be cut up as they so often are now?

   And will new ones be as impossibly bad as they’ve become over the years?

Video Power

1. Triple-up!

   Sakurai updates Smash Bros. DOJO!! to the third power with a triple-update, looking at the music side of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

   There’s a new system in place called My Music which allows players to help customize which pieces of music they’re likely to hear during a given stage. In addition, there are now collectable CDs which add to the available music selection.

   The other two updates show off two pieces of music from the game, Pok?mon Stadium/Evolution and the Super Smash Bros. Brawl Main Theme.

2. Remember the kid who saved his dad’s life and wanted a PS3?

   Looks like wishes do come true.

   Nice one, Sony.

   …no, I’m not being sarcastic.

3. This is just too funny for words.

   So some geniuses decided to get some illegal copies of Halo 3 somehow, and proceeded to play them online.

   They’ve now been banned for over 7000 years. No, I’m not kidding.

   What’s more, they even had the grapefruits to go onto the XBox forums and complain.

4. On the bright side, if you want to play Halo 3 before it comes out, there IS a way, and better still, it won’t get you and your far-flung cyborg descendants banned from XBox Live. Just thank Pontiac and IMAX.
5. Re: Wii Mario Kart story from yesterday.

   This is why I generally don’t care to report rumors and idle speculation. If I knew that’s what this essentially was, I probably wouldn’t have said anything.

6. GameSpot offers some more EA gameplay footage today, from both The Simpsons and Burnout Paradise.

   Two to look forward to, I’m sure… or at least, I’m hoping. I’ve more faith in Burnout than I do in The Simpsons, which is simply being awaited with cautious optimism.

7. So Metroid Prime 3 harbors a secret hint that the long-lost Metroid: Dread is nearing completion, or at least is still in the cards.

   Sadly, that appears not to be the case.

   What compounds the “damn!” factor here is the fact that with Prime 3 out and Retro taking a break, there isn’t any more Metroid for the foreseeable future.

   But, on the other hand…

8. Sony to PSP homebrewers: “STFU!”

   I’m with GR on this one. Sony should take whatever interest in their system they can get.

9. More new screens and more new info just make the wait for Super Mario Galaxy all the more difficult.

   Wait, I thought the plot was that Peach is kidnapped? So wouldn’t she have to be in there?

   November cannot arrive quickly enough.

10. Squeenix to Sony: Get your crap together!

    What the hell IS the PS3? That’s what they want to know.

    Apparently, it’s a game machine. Finally.

11. Why play games on your PC when there are plenty of consoles out there to do the job?

    Gabe Newell has the answers.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

New info has popped up today about the TransFormers: The Movie HD-DVD and two-disc Special Edition.

Due out on October 16th, it looks like there will be quite a few different versions released, with single and two-disc versions and loads of content, though I didn’t see anything mentioning extra footage. Maybe because they aren’t sure about whether or not IMAX will have it?

Actually, it seems word has come down that yes, there will be two more minutes of footage added. Here’s hoping it’s more robots and less Shia tripping over Megan Fox.

I bitch a lot about Canada getting screwed out of stuff, but when it comes to bonuses for TransFormers movie DVDs, we actually come off alright. Case in point: Future Shop’s exclusive steel-case releases, featuring either an Autobot “Protect” or Decepticon “Destroy” motif.

As for the regular artwork, it seems that has been revealed as well.

…the image on the back really kind of calls for Sam to say “…now light our darkest hour,” doesn’t it?

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Via Busta Toons:

   Happy 24th Birthday, He-Man!

2. Osamu Tezuka’s Phoenix is coming to DVD, and my wife can’t wait for it.

   Just a note, even if you hate cliche’ anime– your Bleach, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Pokemon– and you’ve never seen something from Tezuka, give it a shot. The guy isn’t known as “Japan’s Walt Disney” for nothing.

   And no, that’s not an insult, either.

3. Now here’s a throwback to the 90′s toy scene: Mini Mutants, of the Ninja Turtle variety.

   Interestingly, the line seems to be a blend of aesthetics and versions, with the Turtles themselves seemingly derived from the recent TMNT movie, and others from the cartoon, such as the Battle Shell and Triceratons, among others.

   I’m fairly indifferent to that aspect, but I’m sure there are some who would much rather have it all one way or the other.

4. Serpentor says, “Buy the new GI Joe 25th Anniversary figures… THIS, I COMMAND!”

   Pity no one cares about his commands any more. Still, nice toys. Love Buzzer’s new chainsaw. If you don’t look too closely at it, it looks like it’s covered in blood. Deliberate? Will anyone annoying enough call them on it? Time will tell.

   …and I thought Lady Jaye was dead?

Video Power

1. So, it looks like the new Street Fighter movie has a director! Let’s give it up for…

   …Andrzej Bartowiak?

   OH, the Doom guy. Waitaminute… is that good? Or bad? I never saw Doom.

   Yes, I know. I’m a bad person.

2. Racketboy reports that as Castle Crashers nears completion, more multiplayer options are being added.

   I liked Alien Homminid, and Dad N Me was cool, so I’m curious to see how this one shapes up. Should be a treat for those of us from the oldschool.

3. Mario Kart on Wii = 16-person online multiplayer? With stunts, too?

   Holy crap. I hope that if they do this, it comes off better than Mario Kart DS‘s online multiplayer… that one can barely handle 4 without messing things up.

   It makes you wonder what might yet be possible for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, doesn’t it?

4. Speaking of which, guess who just updated?

   Tonight reveals… a double update!

   First up is the new version of one of my favorite Melee stages, Pok?mon Stadium 2! With the addition of ice and flying-type stages, things ought to get pretty wild.

   The other update is Mario’s Special Moves! Since Mario is my main man in a Smash fight, I’ve been awaiting this.

   Awesome, F.L.U.D.D.’s back! But it’s performed by the same motion that the Mario Tornado had… though he apparently still has that, too. What gives? Or rather, what gave?

5. GameTrailers’ fourth exclusive Jackass “Stunt of the Week:” the Egg Gulp.

   Those with a sensitive stomach (or an aversion to eating eggs) may not want to click.

6. GameSpot has new screenshots of Sonic Rush Adventure, the cautiously-awaited sequel to the Nintendo DS’s premiere Sonic game… almost six whole pages worth of pictures, in fact.

   If they can improve the annoying issues of the original (sadly, looks like you still have a number of lives to work with), it ought to be a fun title.

7. GameSpot has two new gameplay videos for the upcoming Simpsons video game.

   I do hope this one is good.

8. Great. This is just great.

   Super Mario Galaxy will be released here November 12th.

   But it will be released in Japan on November 1st.

   Something like this wouldn’t typically bother me, but I know how people on the internet can’t keep their damn mouths shut. This could pose a problem.

   Maybe I’ll take a PMO vacation. Or not, I don’t know.

   On the other hand, if Japan gets Brawl first, I’m definitely taking one.

   Oh well, at least we have new screens to look at in the meantime.

9. Ok, looks like the Euro-PSP Slim cable situation may not be so bad after all.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Top Story

From Capcom’s Press Release:

The rise of Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney has been without compare, allowing him to reign supreme as Nintendo’s sole defender of courtroom justice…

“OBJECTION!”

Not anymore! Capcom has announced today that they are bringing in a second Ace Attorney to defend the innocent on the Wii front!

Apollo Justice? NO! Not yet, at any rate.

But rather, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law prepares to make the scene, joining the previously announced PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game due to arrive on November 13th, for $39.99 vs. the $29.99 “last-gen special” price of the Sony versions.

Sadly, no especially new details about the title itself have sprung forth, nor how the Wii title might play differently, but admit it: if we can’t swing the Wii remote to a dramatic point at the screen while screaming “Take That!”, there will be disappointment in the air.

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Ok, this makes more sense.

   It seems that Universe Swerve may not be the most expensive TransFormer ever after all, as it seems that you don’t need to buy a Chevy Aveo/Lova to get one. The idea seems to be that you go to the dealer with your ticket from TransFormers: The Movie, and you get to test-drive the car, and that gets you the toy.

   The downside? You still have to live in China. D’oh!

2. Speaking of the movie, it still seems to be on-track for an IMAX release soon… but will it feature new footage?

   “I don’t know” seems to be the “official” answer from the as-yet undecided Bay.

   If they’re cutting it down to the wire like this, one might assume that the footage is already made, probably for the impending DVD release. So Bay might naturally be apprehensive, as this could potentially cut down on motivation for people to purchase the DVD. What to do, what to do…

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Today… er, yesterday, VIZ Media announced that they have finalized the cast for Death Note, at least in part. The press release reads:

   DEATH NOTE will feature a notable cast of English voice actors including Brad Swaile in the lead role of Light Yagami, and Alessandro Juliani in the role of “L?.” Juliani is notable for his portrayal of Tactical Officer Lieutenant Felix Gaeta on the hit Sci Fi Channel television program Battlestar Galactica and he has also lent his voice to a number of anime releases including the portrayal of Prince Toma in VIZ Media’s RANMA ? The Movie 2: Nihao My Concubine.

   Rogue Shinigami death god Ryuk will be voiced by Brain Drummond while the female lead, Misa Amane, will be played by Shannon Chan-Kent. ADR and audio post production will be done at the Ocean Group in Vancouver, British Columbia, which has worked on a variety of notable anime VIZ Media series including INUYASHA and RANMA ?.

   Other members of the DEATH NOTE cast include:

   Rem is played by Colleen Wheeler
   Soichiro Yagami is played by Chris Britton
   Matsuda is played by Vincent Tong
   Mogi is played by John Murphy
   Raye Penber is played by Michael Adamthwaite
   Aizawa is played by Trevor Devall
   Ukita is played by Jeremy From
   Naomi Misora is played by Tabitha St. Germain
   Ide is played by Brian Dobson

   The first four-episode volume of Death Note will is expected to be available on November 20th at $24.98 for a single disc Standard Edition, and the first 15K copies of the Standard Edition contain a Limited Edition Collector’s Figurine for a suggested retail price of $39.98.

2. This is going to be one bad year for Mattel, as another 11 toys have been recalled.
3. Toyfare is looking to put a little more Beefcake! in your diet with their upcoming exclusive Cartman figure from South Park.

   Boasting a 3000-unit run, the first of the series will be auctioned off on eBay.

Video Power

1. Sounds like Castlevania: Dracula’s Curse is nearing completion.
2. The latest Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates show off Diddy Kong’s cool new moves (what? No cartwheel?), as well as the new eagerly-awaited challenger Meta Knight!

   Not a very long introduction for the latter… in fact, it almost seems that Sakurai is getting less chatty as time progresses. Should this be a cause for concern?

   On a related note, a little validation to the possibility of the previously-seen boxart being on the level, plus a peek at the one for Mario & Sonic.

3. Sony Wiki-vandalizing Halo 3?

   Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.

   That’s all I have to say about that.

   Even if it is just retribution, it’s pretty lame retribution.

4. Yesterday’s Virtual Console update was lacking in video links. That’s Labor Day for you.

   Here’s what we were missing: Landstalker for Genesis, Bonk 3 for TG16, Adventure Island for the NES, and Donkey Kong Jr. Math for the NES.

   Ok, so maybe we weren’t missing all of them…

5. A new trailer for Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, showing off no game feature in particular, but a montage of various game moments.

   Hopefully, this will be the standard-bearer for more traditional games implementing the touch screen as the primary interface.

6. If you’re in Europe or are just still waiting to get your hands on Super Paper Mario, Nintendo has a new website that helps preview the experience with the Wii remote and internet browser.

   Just less than 10 days to go, Europe! Let’s hear it!

7. It’s always cool to see a company endorsing fan works, even though there are some who’d rip every last bit of it down and burn it at the stake. Seriously, J.K., do you really think something of FanFiction.net is going to ruin your sales?

   Anyway, Microsoft is endorsing the continued use of Halo in the creation of Machinima… not that there’s really anything they could do, thanks to free-use.

   “So what?” you might think, but there’s more. Microsoft assures gamers that if they stay within the terms of the license, they’ll get even more protection than what Fair Use already allowed.

   Sounds good to me, and after discussing it with Microsoft, it seems the Machinima community agress.

8. Dear Time Magazine,

   Grow up, and get a clue.

   Yours,

   David

9. Marvel would love nothing more than to see their clash of heroes with Capcom continue to live on.

   So the question is, is Capcom interested?

   I still need a home version of either title. A downloadable one with online multiplayer would sweeten the pot.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Top Story

A few days late, this one, but I wanted to be sure I was able to post what the URL was supposed to be and have it work.

This past Saturday, The Mega Man Network officially relaunched, and in new hands: mine.

I still need to update the button on the sidebar there, but the website is now back and better than ever, with an easy-to-navigate Wiki format that allows us to more efficiently update with new information and correct other errors as it all comes.

This is just the first step for us, however, as we plan to expand our content to be even more fan-friendly as time marches on. For now, you can dive in and find out all sorts of interesting things about the seven-series strong Mega Man franchise!

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Subway is getting in on the ShoeFormer bandwagon by offering up transformable Sketchers shoes in their kids’ meals.

   They aren’t real TransFormers, but still kind of neat in their own right, and that didn’t stop us when we were kids, anyway. I mean, it’s a war, someone’s gotta die, right? And you don’t want to waste the good ones…

2. If you’re in Japan (or going soon), good news! Titanium TransFormers are on their way for direct release… including the supposedly-exclusive SDCC Menasor, which was a recolor of Rodimus Prime.

   Well, if you’re into the import scene and missed out on Menny, at least now you may have an alternative of some kind. Maybe.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Yahoo! reports that director Ridley Scott is going to be releasing the “Final Cut” of cult-favorite Blade Runner on DVD this winter, the way it was “meant to be” before executive types had him add voiceovers and a happier ending that didn’t really do much to appease the masses anyway.
2. I don’t know what it is with movies that continue on in purgatory, rather than being cancelled or whatever, but it sounds like Dragon Ball Z is set for filming in Montreal.

   I really just don’t know what to think of this, except that it probably will not work. Dragon Ball, Toriyama’s work in general, has a very distinctive flair and flavor to it in not only story and character (well, maybe not so much anymore), but in art style as well.

   And let’s face it, if they keep the Saiyans’ hair as it is in the manga somehow… or if they don’t… either way, it’s probably just going to look wrong.

   But. I won’t judge until I see it. Maybe they have a trick up their sleeves. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

   Storywise… I hear movie serials are seeing something of a comeback, with the prime given example being Pirates of the Carribean 2, though it seems things like that, The Matrix, and so on are usually planned as simple trilogies, nothing more. So this could work in that perspective, maybe.

3. I’ve been on something of a Garfield kick lately. It started with finding a little something to mark jackscarab‘s birthday, and now I’m just in full-blown G-mode.

   Say what you want about the comic strip (I think Jon and Liz dating has been a good change-up), or about Jim Davis whoring out his creation for all manners of merchandise, or the strange look of the movies (China seems to have liked them). One thing that no one can take away is that Garfield and Friends and the TV specials, those prime-time animated shows that were always winning Emmys alongside Peanuts, those were always pretty good.

   Well, at about the same time on the Garfield and Friends Official Website and the blog of Mark Evanier (writer and co-producer of Garfield and Friends) that they are working on a Garfield CG animated movie called Garfield Gets Real (which will have an accompanying Wii game, more info in Video Power below).

   Actually, it seems that whereas Jim Davis is writing the movie (which may see a theatrical release, possibly limited, then go on to DVD), Mark Evanier is going to get to write for a new TV show, 26 episodes set for the first season.

   If he’s able to capture the zany spirit that produced gems such as The Picnic Panic and Making Mistakes (which went over budget from how much the animators did “right”), we could very well see a resurgence of Garfield in his home away from the comics page.

   And that makes me plenty happy, too.

   Of course, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for the old handdrawn cartoons, but this could be neat as well. But what has me most curious is… who will be the voice of Garfield? It sounds like Bill Murray is probably not going to be reprising the role.

   But at least Frank Welker is back.

   Find out more about the cast and other tidbits in the Wikipedia entry.

Video Power

1. Garfield is coming to Wii? It’s true, and it may just be one of the more unique entries into the Wii’s (and maybe DS’s) library.

   The game has you controlling both Garfield and the director, attempting to make the best, funniest movie you can using a variety of props and moves. It’s even multiplayer, so players can compete to make the best film.

   This game is coming from Zoo Digital Publishing, unlike other recent Garfield titles which have come from The Game Factory, who also have a new DS platformer, Garfield’s Nightmare, coming soon as well.

   Whether it means a better game or not, however, remains to be seen.

2. It may be Labor Day, but Sakurai never rests! Or maybe he does, and that’s when we get late updates.

   Regardless, last night Smash Bros. DOJO!! updated to bring us a new video clip with little exposition, except that it’s a part of the Subspace Emissary storyline and features Pit, receiving the Sacred Bow from Palutena, and taking off to face the forces that lie ahead.

   As is often the case with these videos, you might have a hard time downloading it to view. Fortunately, there are those kind enough to take such matters into account.

   On a related note, could this be the boxart? Pretty rockin’, if so.

3. The Virtual Console doesn’t take a day off, either, and this week brings none other than the edutainment hit classic Donkey Kong Jr. Math.

   Ok, ok, that one’s not much of a classic… OR a hit. But it’s more of a freebie addition this week, as there are still three more games to choose from, including Adventure Island for the NES, Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole for the SEGA Genesis, and Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure for the TG16.

4. Oh, wow. You tell ‘em, Kaz.

   Evidently, the difficulty developers are facing in developing for PS3 is actually a good thing.

   I can sort of see where he’s coming from with this, though I think a tablespoon of tact might’ve helped that one go down a little easier.

   On the other hand, it was only after the PS3 came out that we finally got a PS2, so I’m not too worried.

5. Speaking of “WTF Sony” moments, here’s one from across the pond.

   When the new PSP Slim is launched there, Euro gamers won’t be able to use one of its new and best features, the ability to play the games on your TV screen. Why?

   Because they won’t have the cables. Not just in the box, but at all.

   Fortunately, I don’t live in the UK, I already own a PSP and don’t really want a Slim, and I have other systems for TV play anyway. Still, it’s a good feature, and I think that this blows very much.

6. It’s not much from the Beijing front, but today does have a new video from Mario and Sonic at the Olympics, showing off a little bit of the archery, which looks neat.

   Eurogamer has some hands-on impressions, too.

7. Coming soon from EA… a look at war, at passion, at glory…

   This… is Medal of Homer.

8. A 2-D shooter for the Wii?

   That seems to be just what The Monkey King is looking to be.

9. Go Nintendo and Siliconera are running a contest for Mega Man Robot Masters!

   Grand Prize gets a signed t-shirt from Inafune-san, the creator of Mega Man and three copies of Mega Man Star Force.

   Second Place gets three copies of Mega Man Star Force.

   Third Place gets a copy of Mega Man Star Force.

   Rules are on the page, though it doesn’t specify if you can instead create a boss Maverick, NetNavi, or other, though the rules do say “boss monster,” so…

10. Speaking of Mega Man, it looks like there may be something finalized for the ZX Advent boxart.
11. Ok, I know what it is to create a petition, though personally I think this one could use a little work from the penmanship standpoint.

    I don’t rate their chances, due in part to the fact that I don’t think Capcom of Japan really gives much of a crap about what we want, but these things do occassionally work, and with Resident Evil 4 for Wii exceeding expectations, I figure it’s worth a shot. It’s not like it takes much time or effort to sign, and you’ve nothing to loseWeight Exercise.

    Still, leave it to Capcom to divide their fanbase as much as possible…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. From the land down under, we get our first look at the DVD that will be more than meets the eye. Of course, there’s no guarantee that the Australian and American DVD releases will be identical, but I sort of doubt we’d be getting less, at any rate.

   But then again, I’m no DVD aficionado, so I could be completely off-base with that notion.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. The Official TMNT Web Site has some new stuff up, after a slight news hiatus.

   First up is a look at new movie-styled figures with an armored “Auto Attack” theme, which look pretty cool.

   Then there’s the new Fox Kids schedule that begins September 8th; TMNT: Fast Forward airs with two eps from 9:30-10:30am, blissfully saving us from the annoyance of having a show we don’t want to watch wedged in between. And Sonic X is back? Haven’t heard anything about new eps, so probably just reruns.

   And if you’re in the UK and didn’t hate The Next Mutation, it sounds like that show is getting some DVD love, which I’m glad to hear. It wasn’t that bad, though it certainly could have been better.

Video Power

1. Some people are already playing the latest adventure of Phoenix Wright, thanks to the magic of little patience and import shops bringing Gyakuten Saiban 3 right to their homes. Other than a little bit of yet-to-be-cleaned typo madness, what possible incentive could one have for waiting for the US release?

   1) Sales of Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations in the US could determine whether or not we get Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney. Just because they’re translating it does not guarantee that it’ll be released; games can get and have been axed in virtually ALL stages of development.

   2) If you import, then you miss out on this awesome Phoenix Wright plush!

   Unfortunately, this probably wouldn’t head to Canada’s EB Games… BUT! It’s available on Capcom’s online store, so maybe there’s hope, if you don’t mind 8 bucks shipping…

   Of course, the downside is that the game has been bumped back a month. Can you wait that long?

2. What could be better than getting your own tiny lawyer?

   Oven mitts, perhaps… maybe?

   Seems like a nice bonus for Cooking Mama 2, anyway. Maybe get some people to try out the skills they’ve been honing on their DS in the kitchen.

3. From the company who brought you Dance Dance Revolution is Konami’s crazy throwback to the old days of gaming, Track & Field Challenge, a Plug-n-Play game that combines the classic title with a Power Pad-like interface, and is good for 1 or 2 players.
4. So, just what IS the premise behind Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am?

   About what you’d expect, really.

5. It seems that the perpetrator behind the Virginia Tech massacre wasn’t much of a gamer at all. But I bet you won’t see a single damn person who made the allegation apologize for it, oh no.

   Because it’s just a matter of time, you see. And then BOOM! They’ll have been right all along! Because history is written by the winners, and– eh, the hell with them.

6. Wow, I didn’t expect this.

   Paul Anderson (a Game Informer staff member, not the movie director) just passed away at the age of 38 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), leaving behind a wife and two kids.

   Our condolences go to the family and friends.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

It occurs to me… I’m a little unsure of the running order of these new sections. Any preferences? Might move “Assorted” to the top, and have games last, since they usually take up the biggest chunk…

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Now available, in a country nowhere near you… Masterpiece Skywarp and Marine Sports Label Convoy!

   Might the former soon be joined by Masterpiece Thundercracker? Wouldn’t surprise me.

2. Beast Machines: The Movie?

   No, not quite, though this Christmas, Optimus and Bumblebee are likely to find themselves in rather green surroundings.

3. Eager for the album featuring the score from TransFormers: The Movie, but not sure what the item you’re looking for looks like?

   We’ve got you covered.

Video Power

1. Smash Bros. DOJO!! brings us the latest addition to the growing collection of stages to be played in the game, one based on Wario Ware.

   And much like Wario Ware, the nature of the stage seemingly defies ample description.

2. Marvel Comics’ first issue of Halo: Uprising is available now.

   The Eisner Award-winning team of superscribe Brian Michael Bendis and artist extraordinaire Alex Maleev unleash an epic story of mankind’s struggle against the alien threat of the Covenant. Picking up from the conclusion of blockbuster video game Halo 2, the must-read issue reveals how the Master Chief, while onboard a hostile ship headed towards Earth, is battling against Covenant forces! Intertwined with Master Chief’s interstellar one-man-war is the saga of a great American city’s rebellion and downfall, two disparate lives’ collision and shared fate, and the Convenant’s hunt for an ancient relic of untold power and value. With hope dwindling and the fate of humanity hanging by a thread, is there any chance for a future? Read this debut issue to start the journey into the Halo universe!

   I wonder how well it flows for someone who’s not played the two Halo games, though…

3. Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! MAD BILL’S KRAZY DISCOUNT DOWNLOADS is coming to the XBox Live Arcade! Small Arms and Zuma Deluxe for 400 points a pop, and Dig Dug and Gauntlet for 200 points per! What a deal!

   The price buys you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the EDGE!

4. Speaking of XBox Live Arcade, Family Guy downloads are a-comin’. In case the late-night reruns and DVDs and even those UMDs no one bought, as well as the barely-if-at-all-legal snippets across YouTube weren’t already sufficient.
5. Finally, a new trailer for Freshly Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland.

   What sets this one apart, however?

   It’s in ENGLISH!

   Incidently, the visuals, at least where he’s walking through town, really remind me of Viewtiful Joe.

6. Hmm, sort of forgot to mention this yesterday… part 3 of GameTrailers’ exclusive Jackass: The Game stunts.

   This week: Snow job.

7. Rare decides to address the question of their games appearing on Virtual Console.

   In short: “i dunno, lol”

8. Considering that I found Sonic Rush to be… lacking, in some respects (but quite good in others), I’m really not sure what to make of these Sonic Rush Adventure impressions.

   It’d help if the 2D games took a cue from Sonic and the Secret Rings, and did away with the whole lives thing… it just gets in the way, and makes the game too frustrating.

9. Having finished the Metroid Prime trilogy, it looks like Retro is ready to take a well-deserved break.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Interesting rumors surrounding the JLA movie.

   My favorites are Bruce Willis as Lex Luthor, and Batman never being seen as Bruce Wayne. Though, I would like to see Wayne hand Luthor a smackdown in the way that only he can.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

InFormers: Robots in the News

1. Not much happening today… just a “buyer beware” warning for when you go shopping for transforming shoes, as knockoffs are appearing in what might be record time.

Video Power

1. Manhunt 2 and the ESRB continue making headlines, as the game has been refitted with an “M” rating, making it sellable.

   But what was removed or changed? The ESRB isn’t saying, and that’s not cool by California Senator Leeland Yee, who wants answers.

   Incidently, even if he is pro-game, I’m not sure Mr. Lee isn’t overstepping his bounds here. ESRB, to my understanding, has to keep game information confidential, presumably so that the market isn’t spoiled by stuff they’re supposed to see, do, or find themselves. Incidently, I didn’t see people grilling the ESRB for what did get it an AO rating…

   While not comparing the quality or nature of the two works, I can’t imagine anyone getting away with demanding to know what happens in the last Harry Potter book before its release, and I’m not sure it’s right that Take Two should have to divulge their secrets, even if they are on the greater side of risque’.

2. Yes friends, you two can move into the high-definition era with GREAT SAVINGS!

   On Amazon.com (whose links hereabout I seriously need to update), you too can get an HD-DVD player or XBox 360 Addon with 8 discs!

   HD-DVD not your thing? No worries, if your way is Blu Ray, then there’s a similar deal for PlayStation 3 as well!

3. Halo 3 has gone gold!

   …what? What else is there to say?

4. Eager to know more about the new Wii Fire Emblem game, Radiant Dawn? Go Nintendo has the scoop!
5. Nintendo has three new boxart images for Super Mario Galaxy, DK Jet, and Flash Focus.

   Super Mario Galaxy‘s looks a lot better than the space-banana version. Here’s a comparison, so you can judge for yourself.

6. Smash Bros. DOJO!! updates, with Sakurai introducing us to the wonders of FLIGHT… or, at least the wonders of gliding, a new mechanic just the same.

   With the talked-about greater emphasis on aerial battles, I can’t wait to see what they look like.

7. Rumor is that the original NES versions of Contra and Super C will be included in the upcoming DS titles Contra 4.

   Think this could have anything to do with the possible tie between the Code and the 20th Anniversary of Contra that they alluded to?

8. Even though it’s straight to DVD,
   Press Start looks like a pretty cool movie.
   But the thing that most worries me,
   Is the potential lack of availability.

   In Canada, anyway.

Assorted Mushrooms

1. Oh, this is going to be awesome.

   Know how so often, when Hollywood takes a property from years gone by– let’s say, TransFormers or GI Joe, and people who grew up with it say that they’re “raping my childhood?”

   Somehow, that line is going to become a lot more interesting as Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures give “the treatment” to The Wizard of Oz with a movie based on Todd McFarlane’s Twisted Land of Oz.

   Just think: now your parents, your grandparents, and maybe even your great-grandparents will get to feel the exact same thing, all at the same time! I can’t wait until this news trickles down into the greater public’s field of vision. I expect lots of “how dare they” and such.

2. I caught this in Metro, a free paper for people taking the bus or subway around here. And since I couldn’t find it on their site, I followed their reference to PageSix.com, which I normally wouldn’t touch with a 20-foot pole, but this is too good to pass up on.

   Basically, it says that the likes of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan all skipped this past Sunday’s Teen Choice Awards. The reason?

   They were shamed into not appearing, as they were all nominees for what would have been a new category, “Newsmakers of the Year.” Paris’s jailtime, Lohan’s DUI, and Spears’ head-shaving…

   I hope Fox keeps this category. Maybe it’ll give some of these celebrities a little bit of humility, so they don’t go out and make complete asses of themselves and throw their careers away.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”