Hoo, ok, I’m here for an update, but to cover everything from the past day or two AND get sleep for work, I’m going to try and make this quick.

1. TransFormers news! From The Allspark:

   Target-exclusive version of movie Optimus Prime, Monopoly board game promo, game items at GameStop (be careful that they don’t spoil the end of the movie for you), GummyFormers, submit questions to Michael Bay, new images of Megatron and Blackout in boxes, TRU movie toy preorders, and a new “recognition guide” due out soon, so that all the “n00bs” can flip through it and say “Bumblebee looks nothing like that!” before casting it aside in disappointment.

2. Atomic Fire has reported that Ryuusei no Rockman 2, or what would likely be called MegaMan Star Force 2, seems to be under way.
3. Meanwhile, Rockman Perfect Memories at least allays my fears of no “Dragon” version in the US release; it’ll simply be released later. But no WiFi? Could this be for real?

   In addition, are these the boxes for Pegasus and Leo versions? Or just placeholders? Hopefully the latter. These are horrible by just about any reckoning.

4. If you didn’t see the blue light last night, then let it be known that Nintendo has updated the Wii’s internet channel, still free.
5. In addition, Nintendo has taken to donating 100 Wii party packs to YMCA chapters across America. So while you’re still pulling your hair out trying to find one, take some consolation in the fact that maybe the one that would’ve been yours is at least doing some good somewhere.
6. Guitar Hero II on XBox 360: the internet has fury!

   Press the Buttons has a different perspective, however.

   Meanwhile, Evil Avatar reports of a Joystiq interview with Microsoft’s Major Nelson with regards to the whole issue.

   While I understand that licensed content costs, it seems strange to me that to get the entire set costs more than the game, which comes with a controller, and involves other issues such as advertising, shipping, printing, materials, most of which doesn’t apply to the downloadable content.

7. Racketboy reports that the Genesis portion of the Virtual Console is about to get a whole lot better, with some top-notch releases from days gone by coming soon.

   Sonic 2, anyone?

8. Evil Avatar brings word that 11-year editor of IGN Doug Perry has left for other pastures.
9. Crap, I was hoping that Paperman (a unique FPS) was a pseudo-sequel to Paperboy gone horribly, horribly wrong.
10. BE the Potter…
11. The 20GB PS3 is dead.

    Long live 60GB?

    According to Evil Avatar, however, “This is not a good move. The reason the 60GB model outsold the 20GB model is because the 20GB model was never manufactured in sufficient amounts to satisfy the demand for it.”

    Over in the UK, however, retailers are slashing prices, and Sony may knock 100 off themselves by year’s end.

    Will we see such a change?

    Meanwhile, Japan’s keeping their 20GBs.

12. If you’re able to be in NYC on April 22nd, then you may want to swing by the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza for the Pokemon Diamond/Pokemon Pearl launch party.

    Seriously, NWS is cool enough on its own, but a launch party there is pretty sweet as well, and you may even get a little something extra.

    Or, if you’re around there tomorrow, take in a fashion show.

    I would love pictures of that.

13. DK Bongo Blast has resurfaced, and IGN has the details.

    But the question remains: will it still use the bongos? I think if it didn’t include them, it should at least be an option, while Wii owners without them can just use the Wii controller.

14. Looks like Mach Rider (occassionally seen in the PMO banner) has received an ESRB rating for Virtual Console release.

    Bonus trivia bit: In Super Smash Bros. Melee, one of the tracks for Captain Falcon’s stage is an update of the theme from this game.

15. TV-to-movie transitions usually– let’s face it– blow chunks.

    But I’m seriously optimistic that Get Smart could sweep the Oscars.

    …no?

    Would you believe just “Best Picture?”

    …

    …would you believe it might at least be worthy of its predecessor?

    At least the casting seems to be good. Will Ferrell’s no Darrin, but Carrell and Hathaway seem to carry the spirit of Don Adams and Barbara Feldon from the looks of things.

16. “Nintendo applauds U.S. Government’s strong position against piracy in China.”

    Really, who didn’t see that one coming?

17. So, Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD.

    Who’s winning?

    Um…

18. Gene Simmons.

    Guitar Hero II.

    A natural fit?

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Not a good night for me. I get on the wrong bus coming home (seriously, two buses with the same number and street at the same station, going in different directions? Could one not be 52, and the other 53 or something?), and after arriving home, my stomach starts to not only disagree with me, but pretty much revolt outright.

I’m not up to a full update tonight, but I’m not leaving you guys empty-handed, either. So he’s sort of a combination TDS/PoI for you.

1. From everywhere I turn: This guy needs his Little Goldmen kicked in for this.

   Here’s one for you:

   Q: What’s the difference between an art thief and their works?

   A: It’s usually the wrong one that gets hung before a crowd.

   Ok, maybe a bit harsh, but still. Poor form, Toddy.

2. I like ThinkGeek.com, probably more than anyone reading this might realize.

   From The Allspark, check out these cool animated t-shirts.

3. And since I’m at Allspark anyway, some TransFormer tidbits:

   New books on Amazon, Phillipines get movie before we do, tiny RC cars based on the movie at Radio Shack, Pepsi cross-promotion (I may have to put my regular Coke-drinking aside this summer), lots of tickets for BotCon movie screening, and pics of Megatron’s toy in the box and Bonecrusher and Swindle.

   Whew!

4. Newsarama’s “Animated Shorts” remembers ReBoot, a show that should never be forgotten, but seems to have been by the very company which created it.

   Plus, a glimpse of the upcoming ReBoot art book that I just know you’ll be adding to your shopping list…

5. Newsarama also has a peek at a clash of Avengers vs. Avengers.

   And I just got to the point I like having Dr. Strange on board a LOT more.

6. Is a new Sonic game already under way? Press The Buttons reports on the registering of the trademark “Sonic Rush Adventure”.
7. I don’t mind blowing air into the DS mic or onto the screen now and then. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney was one case I liked.

   But for the most part, I can do without. Battle Mode in Mario Kart DS is my #1 offender thus far.

8. Namco Museum DS, with Pac-Man Vs? I can dig it.
9. This is why you don’t want the government involved in video games.

   “Oh, sure, but that’s China,” you might be saying, but knowing some of the nutballs like Clinton and Lieberman in Washington (to say nothing of He Who Shall Not Be Named), does it really seem that farfetched that they’d like to implement something similar?

10. This is why I don’t really trust “professional” game reviews very much.
11. Wiitar Hero?
12. GameTrailers: Good-bye to GameCube, Super Paper Mario review, and a Custom Robo Arena review.
13. Next-Gen looks over many Super Paper Mario reviews.

…and that’s all for me. See you all tomorrow night!

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Over at Nintendo, they’ve got three new Virtual Console titles in the form of Galaga for the NES, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle for SEGA Genesis, and Bravoman for the TurboGrafx-16.

   But are any of them worth it?

   In addition, Super Paper Mario ships to stores, and ought to arrive over the next few days, depending on store/location.

   And so far, reviews are looking pretty good.

   Meanwhile, Circuit City promises to have it by 2pm today, else you get a $20 gift card. Now that’s what I call a good deal!

2. Press The Buttons reports that XBox 360 now has a controller/keyboard hybrid.

   Curious. I question how practical it is.

3. Evil Avatar/IGN reports on the Wii controls for the system’s version of the smash-hit Resident Evil 4, including features like the “search knife” and shooting, complete with reload sound from the controller’s speaker.

   Evil Avatar also has screens of the game in question, and Kotaku has some, along with Umbrella Chronicles.

   And Go Nintendo has taken the time to compare side-by-side screenshots of the Cube, PS2, and Wii versions.

4. Evil Avatar has some new Ratchet & Clank screens from the PS3 game, and it is looking quite nice.
5. An explanation of the Video Game Decency Act.

   …”Mature” is more “kid-friendly,” though? I mean, I guess moreso than AO, but still…

   After reading Joystiq’s take, I’m not sure how I feel on this, though. But I think I’m against it.

6. At first, many ignored it. Uncertain. Untested. Perhaps gimmicky.

   But now that the Wii is a runaway success, publishers are scrambling to catch up.

7. Vigilante justice is the best justice.

   Ok, maybe not so much in that exact manner, but police in Garner, NC, are offering quite the reward for anyone who turns in the mysterious tagger who’s been leaving “Ghost” marks all over town.

   $1500 and a choice of Wii, XBox 360, or PS3? Do I hear a mob forming?

8. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has a bug in it. Naturally, that can cause concern amongst the general gaming populace.

   But no worries, Nintendo understands.

9. Finally, a GameStop Wii bundle worth looking at!

   In my opinion, anyway… that is, if I didn’t already have a Wii and Zelda.

   If you go for it, though, just make sure that you’re getting a real “new” game.

10. But, if you want to avoid Twilight Princess spoilers, then avoid GameStop.

    Worse yet, there are indications that ruining the endings for people could become a monthly feature!

    Sheesh, no sense of decency, some people… I’d say between the bundle, open games, and spoilers, GameStop’s still hurting more than it’s helping. I think I might avoid EB Games for awhile, just to be safe. The main reason I ever went was in case a game I wanted had a bonus, and that never seems to happen for me, anyway. So no big loss.

11. HOLD IT!!!

    Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney 3 in September?!

    It’s still sort of rumorish at this point, but seems to be a somewhat-credible one.

    Could we really get two Ace Attorney titles in one year? Maybe, if they want to get caught up to Japan’s fourth installment quickly enough.

12. Sometimes, even when you win, you still loseWeight Exercise.

    But it’s the winningest loseWeight Exercise ever.

13. Uwe Boll thinks that 9/11 is funny.

    But it’s not. It hasn’t been 22.3 years yet.

    As a result, don’t expect to be seeing Postal here anytime soon.

    Woo, big loss. Unless of course you fought him and would now have a movie credit. But then again, from the way he set everyone up for those fights, probably still not a big loss.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

As one may expect, being Good Friday and the weekend of Easter, when Lord and Savior Jesus Christ returns from the dead to free us from the madness-inducing plague…

Wait, I think I’m getting my resurrections mixed up.

Anyway, this being something of a religious weekend, it’s not too surprising that news offerings are running just a little thin. Still, I pulled together what I could here, and I’ll see if I can throw a little somethin-somethin’ up over the long weekend.

Even though you’ll probably ignore it, what with your “friends” and “families” and “get-togethers” and “activities”, and stuff like that… what? No, no, I’m not bitter, I’m just… you know… sigh.

Just enjoy.

1. For those who’ve wanted it, the TransFormers video game website is now online.

   Not much else to report in TransFormers today, unless you’re interested in 70′s Camaro Bumblebee in his package.

2. I’m not spoiling myself, but for those who want to, Yahoo has a new, final trailer for Spider-man 3 with Venom available.
3. Sounds like September is going to be the hot month for PS3.

   Ratchet & Clank, Killzone, War Hawk, and Heavenly Sword, among other things, will make September a pretty good month to be a PS3 owner, it seems.

4. …

   Ron Jeremy is covering video games.

   …this Ron Jeremy?

   I don’t know whether to smile or cringe.

5. Trying to rock out in Guitar Hero II for the 360, but it’s just not quite happening? Fear not, it might not be you.

   Check your guitar controller’s model number to make sure it’s not one of the two listed here.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Oy, been a bit of a day. And a bit of a night. And here I am, writing up this update, because a promise is a promise, dammit!

1. Ladies and gents, it’s crime-fightin’ time!

   Observe the video tape.

   Bastards even wrecked stuff they didn’t even plan to take. That’s just wrong.

   These scum of the Earth should be brought to justice, and if you’re in/around the British Columbia area and can help, please do so.

   THESE PEOPLE are why we can’t have nice things!

2. Thanks to shortpacked, we now know that Frank Welker is voicing movie Megatron!

   …in the game, that is.

   Guess that “game Megatron” might be a slight bit more accurate. In either case, I look forward to hearing that growling voice come out of that… face… that they made for the movie.

   Nothing against Hugo Weaving’s portrayal, for the simple fact I haven’t heard it. But Welker, I have an idea of what to expect. And I like it.

   Be sure to check out the voice clip interview with Welker here, too, plus the interviews with Welker and Cullen linked within.

3. If you care, EBGames is taking preorders for MegaMan Star Force: Leo and Pegasus versions.

   I’m sitting this one out for two reasons:

   1) I’m not entirely convinced I care yet. This may change over time.

   2) There’s no listing for Dragon version. This too may change over time.

   But, it’s Mega Man, and so it at least deserves enough attention for me to keep an eye on it for now. That, and I just dig henshin Mega Man stuff.

4. Pre-order Pok?mon Diamond or Pok?mon Pearl, and you get a special stylus!

   Order both, and you get a headache trying to determine what the correct plural of stylus is!

5. The PS3 is going under…

   …down under, that is. And seems to be doing well there, at that.

6. New details surface regarding the online mode of Super Mario Strikers: Charged, including 4-players with a possible mix of local and online competitors, as well as random matches in addition to Friend-Coded matches.

   All that, and some bitchin’ box art, too.

7. So, is the price of Microsoft’s 120GB HD add-on a fair price at $179.99?

   They think so, and attempt to back it up.

8. Oh, this oughta be good…

   “Burger King?s marketing monarch Russell Klein is joining a list of speakers including Xbox boss Peter Moore and Nintendo?s George Harrison at the MI6 game marketing conference.”

   I’d love to hear what he has to say…

   “Step one: Make your games simplistic but lovably cheesey. Step 2: Sell them at price that gives change for a five. Step 3: Profit.”

   Yeah, I know the Burger King games were hugely successful, but I’m really not sure how much of what helped that would work in the regular market.

   …and I must have missed what the hell MI6 is. Doesn’t James Bond work for them?

9. Any REAL Gyakuten Saiban/Ace Attorney fan knows just what to say to this headline:

   DUH!!!!

   …but, um, if you’ve not been following along, I guess that might be sort of a spoiler, so browser beware, I guess.

   More images can be seen in scans here, and–HOLY CRAP IT’S KALINKA!!!!

10. …and me without a VCR.

    If you get Spike TV, then it might be worth it for you to tune in at 1am tomorrow for Game Head’s visit to Nintendo of America.

11. Canadian Best Buys are having a sale.

    Well, that’s what Go Nintendo says. The image says it’s online-only, however.

12. Remember that Wii Zapper we saw back at E3?

    Don’t know if Nintendo has any real plans to release that, but it looks like Joytech does, in the form of the Sharp Shooter.

    Looks nice, I wonder if it has some sort of mechanism to pull the B button…

13. If you’re worried about getting your Wii remote mixed up with someone else’s, fear not, for Nintendo has a solution!

    That, or a sticker, maybe. Seriously, this is good if you’re not already the owner of 4 remote/nunchuck sets in total already.

14. The Virtual Console covers a great legacy of games. However, there is so far one system which eludes its grasp… the SEGA Saturn.

    But as they say, one man’s junk…

    I myself would love a chance to give Bug! another try.

15. Teens, be on the lookout… Sony wants your quarter!

    That is to say, they’re turning their PSP efforts on you in an attempt to seperate you from your money.

    Frankly, I don’t think they’re off to a good start.

    Eee…

16. Some guy says that consoles have just one generation left before they’re obsolete.

    I dunno, I think if Wii begins a path of divergence between different manufacturers’ consoles and their capabilities, that may not be the case, as they’d each have unique offerings.

17. Hmm, looks like Super Paper Mario may be getting a UK-delay.

    My prediction, if true?

    They get Super Paper Mario when we get Super Mario Strikers Charged. All considered, that seems fair enough.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. When you’re going to the midnight showing (or early premiere) of the big-screen movie based on a long-lasting childhood favorite property, you’ve simply got to look the part, which is why it’s a good thing that Hot Topic is offering up a nice wardrobe’s worth of various TransFormers apparel, so that when you yell “ROLL OUT,” people will know you damn well mean it.
2. The TransFormers are sell-outs!

   Yep, it’s true. IDW can’t keep the prequel, among other books, on shelves.

3. Castlevania action figures?! Rock!

   Coming in October, NECA is doing these figures, and judging from the pics of proto-Simon (scroll down to “related images”), they’re doing them justice.

   The lineup will include Simon, Dracula, Alucard, and… er, Succubus?

   Well, that last one ought to be interesting, though as females go, I could probably name a few I’d rather see first. Hopefully in later lines.

   …but will Succubus be her naughty self? That is no doubt the question on many a hormone-driven vampire hunter’s mind.

4. Evil Avatar reports that PS3 sales figures in the UK have dropped 82 percent.

   I don’t post this to bash Sony, because seriously, who the hell expected them to keep up that pace?

5. Meanwhile, a package of PS3 games was pilfered across the pond, perplexing police as to the precise present placement of these particular premium products.

   “A report claims that the police, who are appealing for information, fear that the culprits will either sell the games on, or will approach unsuspecting staff at other stores in the hope of getting cash refunds for the games without a valid receipt.”

   See, I don’t know if they do it in the UK, but I’d just trade it in and get other games. Or eBay it.

6. Japan goes online with Wii in Pokemon Battle Revolution. Now comes Europe with Super Mario Strikers Charged in May.

   Evil Avatar asks, “any bets on what the first online game is going to be here in North America?”

   My money is on Metroid Prime 3 (if not Strikers or Pokemon themselves).

   The question is, when?

   For that matter, how awesome would it be for US Wii to go online with all three?

7. That whole thing about a PSP price drop?

   Just so you know, IGN says that it doesn’t count in Japan. Or Australia.

   In fact, I bet if you asked Sony, they’d deny a price drop in the US, saying it’s selling fine at $199 and beating everything else on the market.

   Except the PS2. And that other flukey fad “oui” thing.

8. onNintendo reveals that Resident Evil 4 is coming to Wii, with the PS2 extras and even more new stuff.

   In addition, there’s some new info about Umbrella Chronicles there, as well.

9. If you’ve been reluctant to pick up an XBox 360, Game|Life reports that Microsoft is improving the warranty, if that’s any consolation.

   And not a moment too soon.

   Most, however, would just want the system’s construction to be better.

10. XBox 360 damaged game policies, on the other hand…
11. New details have surfaced regarding NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, including the use of the Wii’s forecast channel to allow for weather effects in the game.
12. WHAT?! Red vs. Blue is ending?!

    Damnation.

    At least this will make catching up easier.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Over at The Allspark, some new TransFormers tidbits have arisen. Naturally.

   As regards the movie, herein lies some potential box art for the video game, and there are images of Kids Meal toys which will be coming to Burger King.

   In addition, three new screenshots of the movie with with the TransFormers in robot mode can be seen over at Yahoo!.

   Plus, IGN has new trailers for the movie, titled “Hidden” and “Destiny.”

   On top of all that fun, the soft-toy-loving set can have fun of their own with Slumblebee and Softimus Prime, a pair of transforming pillows based on the G1 characters.

2. Straight from Nintendo themselves, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 on Wii and DS.

   This could get Extreme.

   GameDaily offers their own preview on the just-announced slobberknocker, and N-Philes provides footage of the Wii version.

3. On Virtual Console, Nintendo has Star Fox 64, the NES Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and TG-16′s Dragon’s Curse ready to roll.

   But wait… aren’t NES downloads supposed to be 500 points?

   See what Jeremy Parish thinks on Retro Roundup.

   I think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is better than that.

4. Soon to follow, Bonk will make his return to the Wii, and it seems he’s out for revenge.
5. Looks like a verdict, and a potential new slogan, have arrived for the radio station who ran the contest for a Wii that claimed the life of one young mother due to overhydration…

   In other words, KDND-FM is off the hook.

6. Interesting thing a school in England is doing with PSPs…

   Actually, this sort of echos an idea I had after I kept seeing ads for chiropractor appointments for students, except mine was to use a cheap, school-issued laptop.

7. Evidently, the NYC brass thinks that Liberty City in the newest installment of the renowned Grand Theft Auto series hits a little too close to home.
8. Even if Sony’s reluctant, it looks like EB Games/Gamestop are ready to drop the price of the PSP a bit.

   Good news or bad? You be the judge.

9. Wait… so Dreamcast wasn’t dead? Until now, anyway?
10. GameDaily has pricing on the E for All event.

    Wow, that looks pretty affordable…

11. If you can find a Wii at Wal-Mart in Canada, it looks like they’re ready to give you a deal.
12. FINALLY, a PS3 game I can get into: Ratchet & Clank!
13. Japan has opened up its very own Nintendo Museum.

    And I wanna go.

    The mini-museum at Nintendo World was cool, but it kind of lacked in the pre-video game history department.

    Even more to see.

    And, not to be outdone, 1up has taken their own tour.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. “Avengers, Assemble!”

   “Autobots, Transform!”

   “Merge, to form one kickass crossover cover!”

2. Other TransFormers goodness includes a movie Starscream toy gallery by Remy, and various images of the new Megatron from the Masterpiece line.
3. Don’t want to register as a super-powered combatant? Well, with Iron Man winning Civil War, what other choice is there?

   Canada, of course!

4. Good news for Mega Man ZX fans who were frustrated by the maps, it looks like Inticreate has taken a hint.

   New art and screens are available within, as well.

5. Nintendo.com reports that Nintendo will be an anchor exhibitor at E3′s successor, E for All later this year.
6. I played a bit of the first, non-seriously.

   I played the third for a short time visiting my parents.

   And that’s it.

   Despite my lackluster involvement with the series, I’m a little intrigued by what the upcoming Grand Theft Auto IV may bring to Liberty City.

   But while the environment looks fantastic, I look at the people, and I’m just not as impressed. Is it just me? I just sort of expected a little more this generation, but it seems like more of the same “close to real, but not really quite there” style we saw last generation.

7. Norwegian Cruise Lines take a big Wii.

   Yes, that joke will NEVER die. Not as long as there continues to be context for it.

8. Eidos is holding off on PS3 releases, at least until 2008 or the userbase grows, whichever.

   The funny part?

   Eidos is the company that produces the games starring one-time PlayStation pseudo-mascot Lara Croft.

9. I want a DVD of the Play concert so bad, especially if they can integrate the visuals in somehow.
10. Well, this is cool. Converting 7-11 stores into Kwik-E-Marts for the Simpsons movie release?

    That’s pretty cool.

    Only eleven stores? BAH!

11. And to close, this is slightly-old, but I feel it must be said:

    I want to kick this so-called “animal rights activist’s” teeth right down his throat!

    Perhaps another way of putting it is, “Knuts to you.”

    Stephen Colbert has his own piece to say on the matter, as well.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. Sounds like director Paul Anderson has left the Castlevania movie project.

   Too bad, but admit it, we’re all probably more interested in the animated Curse of Darkness anyway.

   Whoops, perhaps rumors of his departure were greatly exagerated.

   Hmm, “Dracula Begins?”

   Hey, know what the best way to make fans ignore your film is?

   Try and overwrite something that’s already been written.

2. Looks like New Adventure Island is now on Wii Virtual Console. Hurray for Master Higgins!
3. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for free?

   Yeah, right.

4. Kombat Begins? I can dig it, even though I liked the first Mortal Kombat movie just fine.

   But bringing back Robin Shou and Chris Lambert? Awesome.

5. Mr. Miyamoto will be directly involved with the Mario & Sonic game, according to Next Generation.

   In addition, they have an interview about “the exploitation/abuse of mascots, mutual corporate respect and the Mario-Sonic deal.”

   Good news, yes.

   GameDaily gets in on the interviewing, too, while Go Nintendo has another.

   And GN reports that IGN’s Matt C. has more to add, as well as their own R. Hammer.

6. Hmm, does this mean no more “BLUE! BLUE! BLUE!” in our Mega Man commercials?

   Oh wait, silly me. There have to be Mega Man GAMES for there to be Mega Man COMMERCIALS.

7. More new games for VC on ESRB… Final Fight (good, I can finally play it) and… oh, Christ, you’ve got to be kidding…

   Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting.

8. Looks like Blue Dragon marks the end of the anime road for Akira Toriyama.

   Wow, kind of incredible to think, though I don’t even know what anime he’s had any hand in since Dragon Ball GT ended…

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

1. 

   …I can’t believe this is real.

   I mean, it has to be an early April Fool’s joke…

   …doesn’t it?

   Nope.

   Not a hoax. Not a dream. This is happening.

   …unless Nintendo, SEGA, and the industry at large have taken up EGM‘s bad habits.

   Makes a Super Smash Bros. Brawl showdown seem just a wee bit more likely, doesn’t it?

   In honor of this momentous occassion, Go Nintendo has gathered press releases that detail the histories of the powerhouse plumber and the high-speed hedgehog.

   Wow, with an announcement like that, who needs any other news?

   Well, I imagine you guys do, so moving on…

2. Writer’s note: WordPress still sucks. That whole bit above? I had to print an image of it because WordPress would not replicate that simple large, centered text in any way, shape, or form.
3. Good news for TMNT fans on a fast-food budget: the Fab Four are now in McDonald’s Happy Meals!

   Eight action figures, two of each TMNT. Four have a “fighting move” when you activate a trigger of some kind, the other four, you press the head down and the back of their shell opens up, with a mini figurine of that Turtle with a vehicle rides out. Mike’s riding a skateboard (I wanted the Cowabunga Cal van), Raph’s on his cycle, Leo has his hang glider, and Don has… something. A robot?

   I don’t have any yet, but saw them on display at the McDonald’s on the way to work earlier. Decent size, not going to beat the Playmates offerings, but not bad for a HM toy, from the looks of things.

4. Good news regarding the Castlevania: Curse of Darkness animated movie: Koji Igarashi is helping make it.
5. NiGHTS into Wii? According to Evil Avatar, yes!
6. Huh, looks like Punk’d got punk’d.
7. You only live twice; a second printing of the mainstream-news gathering Captain America #25 hits stores today.
8. Looks like Spider-man isn’t the only one who’s back in black, as XBox rolls out their “Elite” 360 unit.
9. Ryu Hayabusa is back, and kickin’ butt as only he can on the Nintendo DS with Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword (see what they did there?).

   Over at Game|Life, Chris Kohler digs a little deeper into the scan.

10. Hmm, maybe Nintendo and Sony should’ve thought that wireless link on portables through a little better.
11. Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata has been named by Barron “one of the world’s best CEOs”.
12. Oooh, snap.

    Alright, Capcom, now you’d BETTER release Gyakuten Saiban 3 and 4 over here!

    Lest you face the wrath of many geeks in suits kicking your battered corpses on the ground, all the while shouting “Take THAT!” and “OBJECTION!”

–LBD “Nytetrayn”