Tag: Videogames

Nintendo Continues Celebrating with Super Mario All-Stars

Continuing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo has announced that Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition for Wii will land on December 12, 2010. I know that many of you have bought these games five times over, but this $29.99 set will tempt you to buy them again. Here are the contents of the compilation as per the press release:

The games included in the Super Mario All-Stars collection are Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3. Each game features the enhanced graphics and updated sound from the Super NES Super Mario All-Stars collection, and all four can be played on the Wii system using one of several controllers: the Wii Remote controller, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro or the Nintendo GameCube controller.

Also included is a Super Mario History soundtrack CD, a compilation of memorable music from the Mario franchise. Containing classic theme songs and fun sound effects from the original Super Mario Bros. game all the way up to this year’s acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy 2 game, this special disc also marks the first official release of the “Super Mario Bros. Ground Theme,” widely recognized as one of the most famous pieces of video game music in history.

Rounding out the Super Mario All-Stars collection is a 32-page Super Mario History booklet featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes details and rare concept art. Fans from every generation can enjoy firsthand insights into the beginnings of Mario, illustrated with candid photos and never-before-seen design sketches. Together with the game software and soundtrack, it’s the ultimate tribute to a unique game series.

I’m going to enjoy playing these games again, but I’m super looking forward to the CD and booklet. Any of you interested in this package? Or are you through buying the same Nintendo games multiple times?

Sly Cooper Collection Video Has Me Drooling

Sony Computer Entertainment America has released a teaser video for The Sly Collection for PS3, a compilation of the three excellent Sly Cooper games for PS2 converted to high definition. I’m a big fan of developer Sucker Punch and these excellent games, so this video has me drooling for this compilation.

The Sly Collection lands on November 9, 2010. Please check out the video above and let me know what you think. Any of you dying to relive the glory days of Sly Cooper?

Coffee Talk #236: Do You Care About Gaming Affinity Programs?

I’m fanatical about affinity programs like Starwood Preferred Guest and United Mileage Plus (even though UAL sucks for not having a DEQM promotion this year). For some reason, I’m not nearly as interested in videogame affinity programs.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Brian Wilson’s resemblance to Randy Savage (or Bonesaw), continuing this excellent discussion on people Justin Timberlake should sleep with instead of Bolivia Bunn, or Taylor Swift blossoming before our very eyes, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Sony announced that it will be testing an affinity program called PlayStation Rewards. According to the press release, “Everyone who participates in PlayStation Rewards has the opportunity to earn a wide range of exclusive rewards. Some examples include exclusive PSN avatars that display member status in the program, dynamic themes and PlayStation Home content, as well as the opportunity to participate in members-only sweepstakes and giveaways.”

I’m fanatical about affinity programs like Starwood Preferred Guest and United Mileage Plus (even though UAL sucks for not having a DEQM promotion this year). For some reason, I’m not nearly as interested in videogame affinity programs. Club Nintendo is pretty cool, but I’m not (yet) interested in PlayStation Rewards, Xbox Live Rewards Squad, or GameStop PowerUp Rewards. To be totally honest, part of it is because I get a lot of videogame goods for free, but part of it is that the gaming programs are kind of dull.

How about you ladies and gents? Are you into any affinity programs? How about videogame affinity programs in particular?

Coffee Talk #235: Downloadable Games Should Be Like E-Books

One nifty feature about e-books is the ability to borrow and lend them. This adds a social element to e-readers and takes advantage of the digital nature of e-books. Digitally downloaded games should be handled the same way.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your World Series prediction, the Celtics thrashing Miami Thrice, or Bryan Danielson acing two WWE shows in a row, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

One nifty feature about e-books is the ability to borrow and lend them. This adds a social element to e-readers and takes advantage of the digital nature of e-books. Digitally downloaded games should be handled the same way. The social impact would be awesome and the borrowing/lending could be a more effective marketing tool than demos.

Let’s say RPadholic thundercracker buys a strategy RPG called Christina Aguilera’s Quest for RPad. He knows that Final Fantasy Tactics is my all-time favorite game and thinks that I’ll love Christina Aguilera’s Quest for RPad. He clicks a button on the menu screen and pushes the game to me. The next time I turn on the console, I see a notification that says I have a game available from thundercracker. I would be able to play the borrowed game for a limited time and have the option to buy it.

I’d love to see a feature like this implemented into PlayStation Network or Xbox Live. A friend’s opinion is worth more than any reviewer’s. Plus pushing games to friends would be fun. I hate to use modern buzzwords, but it would add a “social discovery” element to gaming. What do you think? Would you use something like the borrowing/lending scheme I mentioned? Would you want something different? Do you think publishers would go for borrowing and lending?

Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties is Totally Charming Dood!

Someone has stolen Etna’s (Disgaea) panties and only her prinny minions can recover them in Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties. I absolutely love this trailer. It’s full of the famous Disgaea charm and humor. The first Prinny game was totally fun, but ridiculously hard. I’m looking for more of the same in Prinny 2. After all, you get 1,000 lives.

Check out the trailer and let me know what you think (please)!

Video Games Live: Level 2 Available This Week

Video Games Live: Level 2 comes out this week on Blu-ray and DVD. If you haven’t seen one of these shows — an excellent orchestral and rock performance of numerous popular videogame songs — then I highly recommend picking up this disc. Check out the trailer above for a glimpse of the new disc. I’m going to bug the show’s co-founder, my pal Tommy Tallarico, to see if I can get an interview. He’s cool like that.

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

I want to play more Costume Quest, but I’m heading to Anaheim for BlizzCon 2010. Between the show, watching the Yankees in the ALCS, and doing video stuff, I’m not going to have time to play anything. I’m leaving my DS and PSP at home, so as not to be tempted by Pokemon or Final Fantasy. It’s for the best.

Instead, I will live vicariously through you! What’s on your weekend playlist?

Red Mario 25th Anniversary Wii and DSi XL Coming November 7

Nintendo of America has announced that red versions of the Wii and DSi XL will be released in America to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. The bundles will be available on November 7, 2010. Here’s a snippet from the press release:

Red Wii Bundle: This limited-edition Wii hardware comes in beautiful red to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. The bundle includes New Super Mario Bros. Wii and a new red Wii Remote Plus controller, in addition to all the other included items, like Wii Sports and a red Nunchuk controller. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $199.99.

Red Nintendo DSi XL Bundle: This special-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle is also red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics. The bundle comes with Mario Kart DS, which looks gorgeous on the extra-large screen. That’s in addition to the pre-loaded software of Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $179.99.

Damn…I want both of these…but I’m not sure which one I want more. How about you? Do you want either of these consoles? If you dig both, which one would you buy first?

The First Xbox 360 Kinect Commercial Leaked?

Here are two Xbox 360 Kinect advertisements found on YouTube. The first is allegedly Microsoft’s first commercial for the motion-control product. The second is a longer marketing video that looks like the one shown at E3 2010. Check ’em out and let me know what you think (please)! Big thanks to Timmy for emailing this in!