The Secret World of Arriyetty: The Borrowers, Miyazaki Style

Posted on February 16, 2012 by geelw

More gorgeous Studio Ghibli goodness? Sure, why not? Thanks to me not paying much attention to Disney’s output for a while (other than keeping a eyebrow raised over John Carter which I really HOPE is good), I completely missed this trailer for the Miyazaki-produced animated film opening tomorrow. It looks mighty impressive from the trailer and I’ll probably catch it once it appears on cable (hey, I’m cheap and don’t go to movies unless I get premiere tickets or it’s something like PROMETHEUS, which demands you see it or else). That said, I’ll always have a bigger attachment to the source material, the great 1952 book by Mary Norton. Go borrow a copy – I think you won’t be disappointed one bit. Just remember to return it at some point or someone will be tearing up floorboards looking for you…

Review: TRON Evolution

Posted on December 28, 2010 by geelw

Platform: PS3 (also on Xbox 360, PC*)

Developer: Propaganda Games

Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

# of Players: 1 (online 1 – 8)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B–

As licensed movie games go, TRON: Evolution does a pretty good job of bringing gamers into its world as a mostly enjoyable experience that while not a masterpiece, has some pretty cool elements going for it. It's not the usual licensed title that repeats the movie experience, but a bridge between the 1982 original and the new sequel (TRON: Legacy) that you may want to play BEFORE you see the movie. Enjoying the game fully requires a bit of knowledge (and yes, nostalgia) about the original's film's plot and characters, but you can complete it without knowing who's who. However, If you just want a new action game to play and go in cold with no intentions to see either film, the story might seem weak and hard to follow in spots. On the other hand, if you're a fan of the original and have seen (or plan to see) the new film, what's here does a solid job of updating and expanding while making you want more in the process. There's also the kernel of a great MMO experience here, should Disney decide to allow the developer to add to what's here and take the game further in future installments.

WIN FREE STUFF!!! Disney Epic Mickey Swag Up For Grabs!

Posted on December 11, 2010 by geelw

Well, heeeeeeeere we go again! I'm in the holiday spirit, it is indeed the holidays and that means YOU want FREE stuff, right? From now until the end of the month, I'll be running Friday giveaways of game-related gear, mostly featuring items you won't find in stores. First up, a twofer: I've ONE Disney Epic Mickey Jacket (size XL) and ONE Disney Epic Mickey Oswald the Rabbit T-shirt (size XL, with a Epic Mickey Ears Cloisonne Pin) in need of two good homes!

Disney Epic Mickey Launch Event Photo Gallery

Posted on December 2, 2010 by geelw

Hey, I'm no star-chasing paparazzi, folks – just an creaky old gamer with a crappy digital camera. I just point and shoot that crappy camera in the general direction of smiling people and try to get good enough shots to post. Submitted for your approval, perusal or whatever – here are a bunch of pics taken at the Times Square Disney Store during the Epic Mickey launch. I'll also note that Kyle Massey is pretty funny in person and both Warren Spector and Peter David are two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, period.

P.S. Jennifer Grey is cute as a button and can probably fit into your coat pocket, but let's not tell her I said that!

Thank You, Good Morning America (Not Really, Though)!

Posted on November 30, 2010 by geelw

Thank you, Good Morning America… for my day off work!

Having some of your staff walk off with multiple Disney Epic Mickey press gift bags earlier this morning means that I don't have a copy of the game to review today nor the assorted goodies I'd planned to give away as a means to drive much-needed traffic to my blog.

However, being the sole games journalist at the event, I didn't walk away completely empty-handed thanks to a Disney Interactive staffer that handed me a shirt and poster upstairs and made mention about not forgetting to pick up the aforementioned gift bag waiting for me when I left. Meeting Warren Spector, Peter David and a few other folks who worked on the game was pretty special as well.

Disney Epic Mickey To Get Disney Epic Times Square Launch

Posted on November 19, 2010 by geelw

All the game needs now is Mayor Mike Bloomberg proclaiming November 30th 2010 Disney Epic Mickey Day or something like that. This party's going to be huge, no doubt – hope the weather's nice and bright on launch day and there's some Disney Epic Coffee for those Disney Epic Tired Parental Units who've gotten their Disney Epic Kids out of bed and into the Disney Epic Spirit of things that early in the AM. Info below the jump.

Disney Epic Mickey Intro (Complete Version)

Posted on November 13, 2010 by geelw

If this doesn’t get you completely psyched for the game, you’re clearly in need of a pop culture injection, a glass of nostalgia juice and a brand new funny bone. I’d say this one’s even worth buying a Wii for if you still haven’t made the plunge…

Epic Mickey Behind the Scenes Video: Characters!

Posted on November 3, 2010 by geelw

Whoops/ had this one queued up to post but it got lost in the shuffle duing a few updates. Ah well. Nice video anyway. Check it out!

TRON Evolution – Beyond The Code (Or: A Little History Lesson…)

Posted on October 27, 2010 by geelw

Whether you’re a TRON fan since the original movie release (and the subsequent games of assorted quality) looking for more info or a total newcomer wondering why your dad, uncle and his balding buddies are acting all dorky about the upcoming film and game, this video should assist somewhat in learning you a few things about the series – enjoy!

TRON: Evolution Battle Grids Gameplay Trailer

Posted on October 24, 2010 by geelw

While the Wii version of TRON: Evolution has a more cartoon-like look to its customizable character models, the multi-player focus should help this one garner it’s own share of fans (provided the gameplay is as solid and addictive as this brief glimpse shows). I guess we shall see come December 7, 2010…