Aliens: Infestation Headed to Nintendo DS This Fall (Way To Go,WayForward!)

Posted on July 20, 2011 by geelw

Just when you thought the Nintendo DS was going to roll over and die an unceremoniously dull and quiet death thanks to Nintendo pushing the 3DS hard as the next big thing, there's a ray of light that pokes through (well, BLASTS through) and shows everything is just peachy (for the moment). Sega has announced that Aliens: Infestation is headed to the portable this September. WayForward Technologies with a little help from Aliens: Colonial Marines developer Gearbox Software are taking the hugely popular film franchise on what's looking to be a wild retro ride that could be the best portable Aliens game to date.

Given that there haven't been too many good Alien or Aliens games on a handheld, that's really not saying much to some of you out there. On the other hand, if you know WayForward's stunning 2D work on the Game Boy Advance and DS (Their Contra reboot was phenomenal) as well as the upcoming BloodRayne: Betrayal, you know you're in for a superior firepower-packed instant classic. Hell if the DS IS going to go out soon, it's absolutely going to go out with a nuclear bang. I can't wait to see how this one's turned out.

Official game Info below the jump – I'm off to warm up my DS from its too long hypersleep…Read more »

E3 2011: Nintendo Has Its Day In the Sun (Indoors)

Posted on June 9, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NnKkCg0hoyQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Here’s Nintendo’s always sunny take on its E3 press conference. I’m still surprised as hell SO many so-called professionals were “confused” by the Wii U unveiling. Reggie? Call me – I got it. Boy did I get it… Now I hope to hell all the developers that get cooking making games for the new console get it as well…

Okamiden "Deities & Environments" + "Astroidean" Trailers

Posted on February 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/cMv249Siohs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Two super-cute trailers from Capcom's guaranteed DS hit. With a March 15, 2011 release just around the corner, games such as this show Nintendo's popular portable system is FAR from dead. I'd say it's worth a but just for Chibiterasu's sheer cuteness alone…

Review: Plants vs. Zombies

Posted on February 8, 2011 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo DS/DSi

Developer: PopCap Games

Publisher: PopCap Games

# of Players 1 – 2

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Official Site

Score: A-

If you're like me and you've somehow managed to miss the whole Plants vs. Zombies craze on every other platform it's appeared on and happen to own a Nintendo DS or DSi, you NEED to buy and play PopCap's excellent and hilarious strategy/puzzle game. Easily one of the best DS games to date, period, PvZ takes the tired Tower Defense genre and makes it fresh as a daisy with a more modern theme, the always popular addition of zombies to the formula and addictive gameplay that starts out simple and gets supremely challenging as the game progresses. Yes, the smaller, lower resolution DS touch screen makes things a bit crowded in terms of controls and less spectacular in the visual presentation. But again, if you've never seen or played the game previously on an HD console, PC, iOS or other device, you really won't care.

Okami Plush/Pillow Set Is A One-Two Combo of CUTE!!!

Posted on February 5, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/2CGPpuTnMaU?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Today’s “D’awwwwwwwwwwwww, CUUUUTE!” moment is brought to you by Capcom, publishers of Okami, Okamiden and now, NEW:

Okamiden Chibiterasu Plush and Pillow!

…And now, a word from our sponsor:

Feeling sad and droopy, ladies and gents? Well, just let OKAMIDEN get you peppy in seconds! Just apply to your Nintendo DS or DSi and just like THAT, that gloom is all g-o-n-e! It’s like MAGIC!

That’s OKAMIDEN – available March 15 2011 in the US and March 18 2011 in Europe at a store near you!

YES, I want that darn cute pillow and plushie! I’ll sit up, play dead roll over and beg for that set, Woof!! Er, details to follow soon on how to get one from Capcom, but I’ll guess pre-ordering the game or some other semi-heroic actions MAY be involved. You readers might want to poke about on the Official Okamiden Facebook page and see what’s up…

Off to bug Capcom PR and see if we can give some of those away… THAT would be awesome, methinks… “D’awwwwwwwwwwww!”

Commentary: Why We ALL Need Wizardry Back!

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

Sometimes, I just hate Japan, but in a decidedly more “grrrr… how come they get THAT game?” manner (and not anything more overly dramatic than that, mind you). While the Wizardry franchise hasn’t seen a new Western-developed PC game in the states since the ill-fated, (but mostly well-rated) Wizardry 8 (back in 2001!), since the late 80’s, Japanese gamers have had nearly 40 ports or completely original Wizardry games and side-stories created by an assortment of developers for a number of consoles, portables and even cellphones.

More recently (as in a big, fat “what the what?!”), the Nintendo DS in Japan has gotten their own original Wizardry games in the form of three titles that will probably never, ever see the light of day in English unless they get fan-patched translations (*grrrr!*). You can keep your Angry Birds, and other “casual” games, folks – I’d rather play something with real meat on its bones.

Continue reading →

Radiant Historia Time-Traveling Walkthrough Trailer Radiates Historically…

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/QFFPfgujnGw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Yes, this walkthrough was released a few days back, but I’m just now getting to it (Hey! I’ve a LOT of stuff on my plate!). Atlus USA just keeps it coming with yet ANOTHER fine Nintendo DS/DSi RPG, Radiant Historia, set for release on February 22, 2011. I’m still playing Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey and SMT: Devil Survivor, but as I’m winding down the many, many hours spent on those, it looks as if I’ll be getting a bit busy with this one. As usual, expect a nice deluxe package complete with a CD soundtrack and more gameplay than you can shake a stylus at… back with more in a bit.

Review: Pac-Man Party

Posted on December 3, 2010 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo Wii

Developer: Namco Bandai

Publisher: Namco Bandai

# of Players: 1 – 4

ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10+)

Official Site

Score: B+

30 years and counting on the video game scene still shows that Pac-Man's got legs (pun intended) and can stand up to pretty much whatever genre he's added to. Namco Bandai's latest Wii game featuring the character and his cohorts is a fun party game that's part Mario Party, part Dokapon Kingdom and all Pac-Man, offering up over 50 mini-games and a few arcade classics in a well-rounded package. Granted, this is a game that's very strictly geared toward the casual family market, so hardcore gamers “expecting” something resembling an actual challenge can slap their cranky sourpuss caps on as they bypass this in favor of the latest arcade shooter or ultra-violent action game. If you're in the mood for a consistently and intentionally silly game where actual gameplay is secondary and a pure sense of fun soaks the atmosphere, read on.

Review: GoldenEye 007 (DS)

Posted on November 29, 2010 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo DS/DSi

Developer: n-Space

Publisher: Activision

# of Players: 1 (2 – 6 via Wi-Fi)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B+

While GoldenEye for the DS isn’t quite as spectacular as the Wii version, it’s an extremely solid, well-crafted FPS that’s great for some on the go action. Veteran developer n-Space is back on the case with another fun bit of portable FPS campaign (and multiplayer) that features fine visuals and gameplay plus some great music and voice work. Like the developer’s other shooters on Nintendo’s handheld, you’re getting a scaled back yet faithful recreation here, so don’t expect to see all sorts of new standards set. Of course, on its own merits, this one’s a total winner from beginning to end and a pocketful of great Bond thrills at a decent price point. Continue reading →

Review: Blood Stone 007 (DS)

Posted on November 26, 2010 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo DS

Developer: n-Space

Publisher: Activision

# of Players: 1 (2 – 6 via Wi-Fi)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B-

Where the PS3 and 360 versions of the game focus on blending cinema-worthy storytelling elements, solid, familiar gameplay and high quality HD visuals into a solid Bond experience, the portable version of Blood Stone 007 proves you don't need stellar graphics to make a solid third-person shooter. The DS action shooter might look like a mid-range PSOne game and not have the best animation out there, but it's a surprisingly cool shooter that manages to capture the feel of the other games almost to a T. You're getting the same plot and most of the same locations with a few nicely done touches added for good measure. While it may not win any DS Game of the Year awards, it's definitely well-done enough to be a worthy addition to any Bond fan's game collection.