Don’t Lego, Jack!

Over the last few years, there have been several games based around various fictional universes, but with everything made from Legos. Lego Batman, Lego Star Wars, and Lego Harry Potter have all been released with good sales and seem to be well-received by fans. They still haven’t made a Lego Kung Pow, but I’m still hoping.

In any case, the Lego video game brand is now strong, and a pair of new games hope to further capture the attention and hearts of children and children-like adults worldwide. Of course I’m talking about the Lego City: Undercover games for Wii U and 3DS.

During Thursday’s Nintendo Direct, trailers were shown for both versions. The 3DS version takes place before the events of the Wii U version, but the gameplay for both is largely the same. First, a trailer for the Wii U version.

As you can see, the game in an open-world adventure. It’s also quite funny. Not as funny as me, but honestly, who is, right?* As you can also see (below), the 3DS version has the same gameplay with a different story.

They look pretty great, right? It’s basically Grand Theft Auto. But everything is made out of Legos. And there’s less hooker murdering. Some hooker murdering, just less.

This is just one prime example of how great 2013 is shaping out to be for Nintendo lovers like me and you. The Wii U game launches March 18th, and its 3DS counterpart launches April 21st. Go buy them, you stinking weirdo!

-benjamines

 

 

*I am.

The Year of Luigi

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! I love you!*

Earlier this morning, Nintendo broadcast another Nintendo Direct, showcasing upcoming games and content, some of which was unannounced.

Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, has declared 2013 the Year of Luigi, and with good reason. As you likely know, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon releases next month on the Nintendo 3DS. As you likely know, it looks amazing. As you likely know, you should go buy it.

But this is only the beginning of the Year of Luigi. Coming later this summer is another entry in the extremely entertaining Mario & Luigi series. It’s called Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (picture below). The gimmick this time is that much of the gameplay takes place in Luigi’s dreams. While he sleeps, Mario can run around and conquer enemies. Using the bottom screen (featuring Luigi’s sleeping mug), you can affect the gameplay on the top screen by yanking Luigi’s mustache or pulling his hat over his face. I can honestly say I almost pooped my pants when they announced this one. Thankfully, I learned many months ago to poop before watching a Nintendo Direct.



But that’s not all! Also coming this summer is Mario Golf: World Tour, also for the Nintendo 3DS. Again, I nearly soiled my britches on this one. It’s been many years since the last Mario Golf game and I couldn’t be more excited. Plus, unlike real golf, I can hit cars and not get in trouble. Wait, what?

You’re probably thinking to yourself: this guy is a moron this must be all the news from today. Well, you’re wrong, dum-dum. Later this year, Nintendo will be releasing DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U. It’s a reimagining of all the levels in the game. But this time, it’s Luigi by himself. It will be called New Super Luigi U. The Year of Luigi, indeed!

There were also a few more tasty morsels of video game goodness this morning. First, several of the eShop game for Nintendo 3DS will be on sale over the coming weeks (seen below). Starting today, you can get Bit.Trip Saga for $9.99 ($5 off). Over the next few weeks, other games, such as Crashmo! and Sakura Samurai, will also be going on sale. Again, stop wasting money on food and tuition and go buy these games!

Yes, there’s more. Stop asking. First, a sequel to the unique Dillon’s Rolling Western will be making its way to Nintendo 3DS next month. A new game called Kersploosh that involves throwing objects down a well (not joking) will be coming soon. And, perhaps most exciting is the newest edition of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, called Minis on the Move. The idea is to get the Mini Mario/Toad/Peach toys to the exit by placing path tiles in the correct places. It’s a lot like the old Pipe Dream game.

If you thought there was more, then give yourself a congratulatory punch in the face, because Animal Crossing: New Leaf will be launching June 9th. Another interesting tidbit is that Donkey Kong Country Returns will be remade for the 3DS. A bit of a surprise, but a great buy for fans who didn’t get to enjoy the (excellent) Wii version. Also releasing this year is Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Wii U and 3DS, which, amazingly, lets 3DS and Wii U players play together, and you can transfer your data between Wii U and 3DS versions, letting you play at home or wherever you are.

I gotta say, this was a great Nintendo Direct if you’re a raging alcoholic Nintendo fan like you me. If you thought you weren’t going to have any good games to play this year, then you better think again, Charlie. It’s only February and it’s already a great year to be a Nintendo fan!

-benjamines


*maybe

Welcome to BlatantBias.com!

Greetings, faithful reader! Hope you’ve enjoyed the many, many articles posted over the last few months. It’s been grueling and challenging, but I think it was worth it.

What’s that? You haven’t seen any articles since June? Hmm… must be hackers. Either that, or you’re full of it. Psych!

Alright, so let’s cut to the chase. This blog is no longer tarnished by the fact that it did not reign over its own domain. It shared an ecosystem of never-to-be-updated-again family happenings and terrible fan fiction. But now, Blatant Bias has freed it self from the shackles of patheticness. BlatantBias.com now reigns supreme!

That being said, do not fear that the site has changed much in its content. In fact, it’s identical. You can ever get here from the old address. So you’ll still get the hilarious articles, the fascinating news, the lack of updates, and the insightful predictions and rumors.

Welcome to BlatantBias.com!

E3 2012 Tuesday Recap

Today, Nintendo unveiled some of their new games for this year, most of them for the Wii U. Some of high points include:

• Nintendo Land – This mini-game collection shows off the brilliant uses of the Wii U Gamepad. The games are themed around classic Nintendo titles, such as Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and (squeee!) F-Zero!!
• Pikmin 3 - Finally, 8 years later, the third entry in the revered series will be released. New Pikmin include gray Rock Pikmin and pink Flying Pikmin.
• A lot of third-party titles were shown, including Batman: Arkham City, Assassin’s Creed III, Castlevania: Mirror of Fate, and Rayman Legends.
• A new series from Platinum Games called Project P-100, where players find citizens in distress and recruit them, making larger and larger teams of heroes.
• New Super Mario Bros. 2 – This Mario game is for 3DS, and has a distinct “gold” theme. Lots of coins, a new Gold Flower, and plenty of gorgeous 3D backdrops.
• New Super Mario Bros. U – Two Mario games in one year? Yes! Not unlike New Super Mario Bros. Wii, this game lets up to five people (4 Wii remotes, plus 1 Gamepad) play simultaneously. The footage shows the use of Baby Yoshis, which looked hilarious. There is also a new Flying Squirrel suit, which looks so awesome on the little Toads!
• Wii U Fitness – This new iteration of the classic Wii Fit series uses the same balance board, but adds the use of a pedometer. You can also use the Gamepad to check your weight so other people in the room can’t see how fat you are.

All in all, a pretty good show so far. But it’s not over yet! In fact, today (Wednesday), there will be a show specifically focused on new 3DS games. So there’s still hope for a proper new F-Zero game (and Metroid, and others). It starts at 7pm MT, so log on to E3.Nintendo.com and prepared to be dazzled!

-benjamines

E3 2012 Live Broadcast

Greetings, Nintendorks! Ready to check out some sweet, sweet Nintendo news and announcements? Me too!

For this year's presentation, Nintendo will be broadcasting the event from here, their E3 Facebook page. As long as the server doesn't crash from so many people tuning in, that should work.

But just in case it does not, the video will also be broadcast right here! On Tuesday morning at 10am MT, the space below will also be a broadcast of the event. (Although, you should know that the comments being made on there, if any, have nothing to do with me or this site)

Update: Sorry folks, but I was unable to hijack someone else's video stream get my video stream to work, so the Facebook page was the only option. But hop on over to E3.Nintendo.com to see videos about the new games and features.

So there ya go! You have no excuses why you can't watch this year's presentation. And it should be a good one. Launch games for Wii U, new games for 3DS... I can't wait! See you then!

-benjamines

E3 Bingo 2012

It’s almost here! One of the best days of the year is fast approaching: Nintendo’s E3 Press Conference, where we wait anxiously for announcements about new systems, new features, and most importantly, new games.

As I have done in the past, I have created a fancy shmancy new bingo card for this year’s conference. Behold! (click for larger view, or open in a window/tab)

You can keep a printout of this card in front of you as you watch the broadcast of Nintendo's newest announcements. Or, you can make things fun by taking a swig of booze soda every time a block is filled in. Then, drink a whole can/bottle/flask/keg if you get a bingo.

So here's how we're going to do this. Every time a bingo is completed, you will send me $1, which I will donate to BBVGAHF*, a totally-legit charity. Here's hoping for many, many bingos so we can save those children** from sweatshops***.

So, what do you think? Will we finally get a new F-Zero? A 3D Metroid? A brand-new series? Wizardry? Sound off in the comments. In the meantime, you can watch Nintendo's pre-E3 presentation. And don't forget to be here on Tuesday morning, 10am MT for pure excitement! Be there or be a Playstation fan square!

-benjamines





* Blatant Bias Video Game and Hamburger Fund
** me
*** boredom and burger cravings

'Sonic the Hedgehog' creator charged with murder

Naoto Oshima

Naoto Oshima, creator of the popular video game character Sonic the Hedgehog, was charged with murder today in Osaka, Japan. Naoto allegedly ran down a former colleague in his car around 8am local time. The victim, Takashi Iizuka, was the head of Sonic Team, the company which makes the Sonic the Hedgehog video games.

According to police, Naoto is said to have become increasingly frustrated with the handling of the Sonic character. Ratings for Sonic games since the mid-1990s have consistently dropped year after year, and consumers cite quality issues. A former Sonic Team employee (who chooses to remain anonymous) has said management became concerned only with money, and focused on getting sub-par games out the door as fast as possible.

Naoto left Sega in 1998 after becoming upset with how the company was being run. He, along with other former Sega-ites, formed Artoon, a company which later released a variety of games on several systems, including Yoshi's Island 2 for the Nintendo DS.

Big the Cat

After a recent announcement by Takashi that Sonic Team would be creating a new game based on Big the Cat (a minor character in the Sonic universe), Naoto was quoted as saying, "I can't take it anymore. I'm going to smash his [expletive] head in."

Naoto is being held on a ¥100,000,000 bond (approx. $1.2 million USD). He is expected to face trial in May, and could face up to 50 years in prison, or the equivalent in torture (as an example, one year of prison can be paid off by watching every Twilight movie, one after another. None have been known to survive this).

For more details, visit www.bogusnews.nard/aprilfools.

Fulfilling Your Japaneeds

Nintendo is a Japanese company. I’m guessing that’s because it was founded in Japan. And, for whatever reason, many of the games created in Japan never make it to US shores. It’s a shame, really, since many of these games are excellent. Let’s have a look at a few Japanese games that never made it to the US of A.

F-Zero Climax – The most prominent example in my own mind, F-Zero Climax was released in 2004, and is the most recent F-Zero title (seriously, Nintendo? Eight years?!) The game plays like the other GBA titles, using Mode-7 graphics a la Super Mariokart and the original F-Zero. Perhaps the most interesting addition to this game is the track editor, which lets you create and store up to 30 original tracks. This, of course, means you could have potentially unlimited track designs to play, and all of them are playable in multiplayer. It’s a great game, and one I’m certainly proud to own. Most of the content is even in English, so you don’t need to know Japanese to be able to play it. You can even play it on US GBA systems, so you won’t run into a snag if when you decide to import a copy of it. Hop to it! The galaxy needs racers!

Trace Memory 2 – Developed by now-defunct Cing (creators of Hotel Dusk), Trace Memory 2 (called Another Code: R in Europe) is the sequel to Trace Memory, a point-and-click adventure for the DS. By finding clues, Ashley, the protagonist, can unlock secrets and memories of her past and fnd out what happened to her mother 13 years prior. This game was made for Wii, so unfortunately, you’ll have to have a European Wii (or use some sort of dubious, warranty-ruining method) to play it. But it’s been seen online for around $20, so you don’t have to break the bank to own it. If you enjoyed Trace Memory (I know I did!), then this is a must-have.

Last Window: The Secret of Cape West – Many US gamers are familiar with Hotel Dusk, a great little point-and-click adventure for the DS. But many do not know that this game has a sequel that was released in Japan and Europe, but never made it here. While not technically a sequel, the story follows Kyle Hyde as he tries to uncover some strange goings-on at his apartment complex. With a unique visual style and excellent writing, this game (like it’s predecessor) will envelop you in a fascinating story of intrigue and mystery. The best part about this one is you can get it in English, since it was released in Europe. You also don’t need a European system to play it. So what are you waiting for?!

Freshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland – Ah, yes, everyone’s favorite androgynous fairy, Tingle. Comic relief in the Zelda games, this goof-nugget got his own game back in 2007 which was released in Japan and Europe. It’s an RPG-style game where you feed rupees into a tower to make it bigger. As you might expect, it’s an insane and bizarre game with the objective of getting more and more money. As with some of the other titles mentioned, it was released in Europe for the DS, so you can get an English copy that plays on your DS. If you love Tingle (and who doesn’t?), then go find this game! It’s been seen online for anywhere between $30-50, so it’s not too terribly expensive.

Captain Rainbow – If you have ever seen this game, you’d understand why it was never released outside of Japan. It’s a bizarre adventure game made by Skip (creators of Chibi-Robo). You play as Captain Rainbow, a bizarre superhero, as you try to help some older, disgraced Nintendo stars. For example, one mission involves helping Little Mac (Punch-Out!!) lose all the weight he’s gained. But despite its peculiarities, it looks to be a fantastic title. This one is also on Wii, so a standard US Wii will not play it. It’s also in Japanese, so there are some barriers to enjoying this one. But if you can swing it, it’s worth every yen.

Chibi-Robo 3 – Another game available only in Japan, this one was released a few years back for the DS. In case you don’t know, Chibi-Robo is a charming little robot who cleans people’s houses and takes care of things. It doesn’t sound like a game that would be very fun, but neither does Animal Crossing if you explain it to someone (and we all know how awesome Animal Crossing is!). In this game, Jenny (a girl from the first game) has grown up and now you’re cleaning her house. Out of all the titles mentioned here, this one is probably the most difficult to enjoy. Not only is it in Japanese, but it’s also very expensive. As of this writing, the cheapest copy on eBay is $67. Ouch. So go work overtime one week, then learn Japanese, then go play it. Seriously, do it!!

Of course, it would be difficult to cover all the games never released in the US. And sometimes, those games do make it here eventually (Sin & Punishment [N64] is available on Virtual Console!). These are just a few prominent examples. There are others (Donkey Konga 3, Disaster: Day of Crisis, Ace Attorney Investigations 2), and hopefully we all get the chance to play them someday.

Have some others games we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments!

-benjamines

Game Guessing Game

This year is a going to a great year to be a Nintendo fan. Granted, every year is a great year to be a Nintendo fan. In any case, this year, we have a lot of new games and a great new system being released.

President of Nintendo Satoru Iwata recently said that he expects the Wii U to launch before the Christmas season (likely mid-November-ish). That means we’ll get some great new games for the Wii U, in addition to some awesome 3DS games.

Of course, it’s always fun to speculate on what new games are on the horizon. So here are some thoughts on what could possibly (sometimes very remotely possibly) be coming to a Nintendo near you this year (and maybe later):

Wii U

• New Super Mario Bros. Mii – Revealed at E3, this Mario side-scroller lets you play as your Mii, which is a nice touch. Here’s hoping Toad is not removed as a playable character.
• Pikmin 3 – While not officially talked about much, this is a perfect fit for Nintendo’s new system. It’s been years since it was announced, and this could be the perfect icebreaker for millions of fans.
• F-Zero – It has been far too long since the last console F-Zero game (almost nine years since GX). Just think how great it would be to race at over 1,000 Km per hour with the Wii U’s hi-res graphics (rumored to be twice as powerful as the XBox 360). Recent studies have shown that a new F-Zero will sell approximately 39 billion consoles. It’s a no-brainer.
• Excitebike – If Nintendo makes an Excite game along the lines of Excitebike 64, I will bite my elbows with joy.
• Skylanders-type game – The Wii U’s tablet controller will feature Near Field Communication technology, the same technology used in the new Spyro Skylanders game. Just think how great it would be to have little Mario or Zelda figurines which can be transported into the game. Fun stuff!
• Party games – It would be so easy to do Pictionary or other similar games with the tablet controller. Just sayin’.
• Drawn to Life – Being able to use an actual stylus to draw your own characters and enemies would make a new Drawn to Life a perfect fit for Wii U (provided THQ doesn’t go under by then).

3DS

• Paper Mario – While no release date has been announced, this game is already far into development and could be released this year. If not, I will cry a little bit. Maybe pee my pants a little, too. I will do the same when I play the game and experience its wholesome joy.
• Animal Crossing – Who knew pulling weeds and planting trees would be so darn addictive? This game may be released this year as well, which means our Wii towns will be abandoned for new uncharted territories. And that’s ok.
• F-Zero – Even more recent studies have shown that a new 3D F-Zero could sell up to 54 trillion 3DS units. Nintendo would be stupid not to make this. You hear me, Nintendo? STUPIIIIID!! SOOOOOO STUPIIIIID!!
• Okami 3 – Everyone loves Okami, right? The touch screen is a great fit for Okamiden and the addition of 3D graphics would make a third installment a potentially great addition to the 3DS’s already great lineup.
• Trauma Center – Stitching your name into peoples’ guts is fun, but just think how fun it would be if you could do it in 3D!!!
• The Conduit – This series has been quite fun on the Wii, and I’ve received word from High Voltage Software directly (for real!) that they have the Quantum3 Engine running on the 3DS, so this is a distinct possibility. Here’s hoping!

Got some other ideas for games that would be fun on either of these systems? Let us know in the comments!

What the expansion slider?!

So, you may or may not have seen the recent news that Nintendo is releasing an expansion slide pad for the 3DS. This has led to a lot of speculation that Nintendo mishandled the 3DS launch and failed to add two slide pads.

To all those people who think Nintendo forgot to add a second analog and/or that Nintendo is now desperately trying to fix the 3DS with an add-on: you’re idiots.

Do you honestly believe that Nintendo, after years of developing a new system, suddenly think that they messed up, and are desperately trying to fix their “mistake” after only a few months after launch? If you do: you’re an idiot.

The 3DS is a perfectly capable and well-designed machine. The 3D effect is fantastic. After playing games like Pilotwings in 3D, you start to ‘crave’ the effect in other games. It makes it much easier to tell where you are in 3D worlds. The slide pad is the prefect way to add an analog stick to a portable system. It’s flat, effective, and comfortable.

Why then, is Nintendo releasing this add-on? Two words: Monster Hunter. This is what probably happened: Nintendo and Capcom were in talks to make a Monster Hunter game for the 3DS (in case you didn’t know, the Monster Hunter series is extremely popular in Japan). This alone would guarantee 3DS sales. Capcom probably said, ‘We’ll do it, but we need a second slide pad for optimum controls.’ Nintendo probably decided an add-on slide pad would be better than to screw over all the people who already owned a 3DS. And I absolutely agree.

Here’s the poop on the slide pad: It has its own battery, so it won’t reduce the 3DS’s battery life. It adds the slide pad, plus a couple of shoulder buttons. And of course, the best part: it’s completely optional. Several games have already been announced that use the new expansion slide pad, such as Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid, and Resident Evil. It’s entirely likely that the expansion slide pad will be available in a bundle with some or all of these games.

And the best part? It looks way better than people thought. It appears to make holding the system much more like holding a controller, as you can see here. So why the turdstorm over this new thing? Because people are idiots.

Case in point: many gaming bloggers are trolling idiots who stir up controversy to gets more hits on their sites (I’m lookin’ at you, Kotaku). Nintendo still know what they’re doing, and the 3DS will be just fine. In fact, at stores like Toys ‘R’ Us, the 3DS has been in the top 10 best selling items since the price drop. So suck on that, idiots!

As for us gamers, we can relax knowing that Nintendo is going to bring us some of the best gaming experiences available. By the end of this year, we’ll have two Mario games, a new Sonic, Cave Story, and more. By the end of next year, we’ll have a new Professor Layton, Mario Tennis, Paper Mario, Animal Crossing, and many others. So rejoice, Nintendo fans! All is well with the 3DS!