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Snake’s final smash consists of him jumping in the air and GET TO THE CHOPPA! The game then shifts to and over the shoulder view where you can shoot via a grenade launcher. You can only shoot 12 rounds though. To aim you just move the WiiMote and just press fire (the B button?). You can’t just sit there forever though, you are on a clock, it’s best to fire as much as you can.
If you use all your rounds, the Final Smash is over.
Otherwise known as Captain Olimar and Pikmin. He was a smash trophy in Melee, and now both characters are confirmed as a playable character. Neato! Though I don’t see him as a potentially strong character. In order to attack he has to get Pikmin from the level to do smash attacks and various stuff like that. Yeah, that could be a really big problem in big brawls where time is short and you need to act quick to survive.
Either way, it seems kind of cute for the new addition. Though I doubt I will see anyone playing as him. Also, there is some evidence on a Pikmin map appearing in the game. We’ll probably hear about it soon.
When I look at Super Mario Galaxy, I am reminded of two things. Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario 64. I think I can relate with other reviewers out there when I say Super Mario Galaxy feels like a sequel to Super Mario 64. Super Mario Galaxy (referred to as SMG for the rest of this), feels like a revival to the series. From its new worlds based on galaxies with planets inhabiting those galaxies to the Wii motion controls. The local paper really loved its gravity, with the ability to walk under platforms and around worlds, though I had trouble doing so easily.
One of the best parts is the ability to have two players at once, something not seen in a Super Mario game for awhile (I think Super Mario DS might have that feature though). From its cute characters to its new powerups, bosses and somewhat new story, SMG is a solid game, and great for any new Wii owner. The game is a bit short though, even with it’s bonus stars and other things, I was able to get through most levels without losing one life (exceptions: one race yourself level and that ride the manta ray level [that's hard to do]). SMG is now a Nintendo classic for years to come.
Resident Evil 4 was definitely the odd one out of the (fantastic) series. The over-the-shoulder perspective, an Umbrella-less plot, and more action-based game made for a completely new- and chilling- experience.
Released in early June, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition was practically a direct port from the PlayStation 2- only better. It took the best of both worlds; the exclusive PS2 content and the superb GameCube graphics were meshed together to create the ultimate Resident Evil 4 experience. The control setup was fantastic very intuitive, and most of all, what you would expect. Controlling the shooting reticle with the Wiimote, moving with the Nunchuk..it all pieced together perfectly. All of this combined with the original terrifying RE4 story and gameplay puts Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition as the sixth best game of 2007.
If you’d like to know more about the game, you can read my review on it.
One game I got recently was Super Mario Galaxy, a spiritual successor to Super Mario 64. While Nintendo doesn’t actively say that it is a spiritual successor, it sure does feel like one. While it did release in November, I was unable to review it due to mass amounts of work. So I will review it now.
The game starts out with the usual story of Mario getting a letter from…you guessed it, Princess Bowser Peach. And, of course, Mario has to go meet the Princess at the castle. Upon entering Toad Town, Bowser attacks everything. Same old, same old there. Much later, Bowser finally kidnaps Peach and Mario goes flying. Then comes the basic training that you go through (however, I thought it was apart of some messed up storyline). And afterwards, you come in contact with this big flying castle ship with this Wizard lady who looks almost exactly like Peach.
So now you are on this ship, which needs power from these Power Stars, to light up a section called an Observatory. Each Observatory is made up of several Galaxies, many contain at least 3 regular stars (and the occasional bonus star). Once the whole ship is lit, you will fly to the center of the Galaxy to save Princess Peach.
Most of the controls are spectacular, I really like how the game utilizes motion, shaking the WiiMote makes you do spins. It also allows you to use the Mote at the same time to pick up these StarBits, which was a bit awkward at first but got easier to control over time. The levels and graphics are outstanding, and really really take advantage of the Wii’s power (and limitations). The music and sounds are well done. The levels are fun and not easy to get lost in (something that happened to me a lot in Super Mario 64).
However, I am disappointed with the camera and its controls. The camera is really annoying in Galaxy. Especially when you are underneath a platform (yes, you can walk underneath most things), or walk on a spherical surface. The camera moves to a really awkward angle and the controls respond to those odd angles. So moving forward may make you go right or left or diagonal. That’s really annoying. Especially since it’s never consistent, so you can’t guess where what the control stick is going to take you. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t control the camera. Just something I found annoying. In less then two hours I was about 3/4th’s through the game. This is with most bonuses (missing two of them) and almost all stars collected from all the available galaxies (I am currently at the Bedroom Observatory). I haven’t finished the game, but I will be soon.
And now to the ratings:
Sound: 9.7 – The music and sound was great in Super Mario Galaxy, but sometimes I very very rarely noticed it was there.
Graphics: 10 – While they aren’t the most realistic anyone has ever seen, you have to give credit due to the fact it’s on the Wii. The graphics in this game are awesome. Very nicely done.
Difficulty: 8.4 – Few levels are very difficult, if you know what you are doing, you can blaze through a whole Observatory in about 20 minutes with one or no lives lost.
Story: 9.2 – While it’s still the same old, same old, Super Mario Galaxy contains lots of new story elements to keep things interesting.
Controls: 7.8 – The camera controls really hurt this section. I hate the fact that the camera will turn awkwardly and change how Mario reacts controls at random. Can we keep it consistent, please?
Overall Score: 9.7 - Overall, Super Mario Galaxy is a pretty solid game. It’s fun and enjoyable at the same time.
Nintendo put up one of my old favorite N64 games, Pokemon Snap. It was my favorite for about a week, until I snapped everything. I even had the guide to the game, which I didn’t really need, but somehow had anyway.
Nintendo has reportedly changed the game so you can share your Pokemon Snap pictures with other people and save the pictures to the Wii Message Board. That in itself is a really cool new feature.
Nintendo has also updated the Wii Shop Channel so you can now send other people games off of the Shop Channel. It’s supposed to be a way to help you buy gifts this holiday season (I kid you not, that’s basically what it said). I rather get a Wii Points Card for someone. I can see how in the future this could be a good feature, but it’s really cheesy to advertise this feature is great for the holiday season (thanks for being politically correct Nintendo).
Anyways, besides Pokemon Snap, Ghosts’n Goblins (I am pretty sure this was released before), and the not at all popular BASEBALL STARS 2 are also available on the Wii Virtual Console.
Sorry for the general lateness of this post, I’ve been busy.
To skip forward here are this week’s latest titles: ZANAC, Eternal Champions? and The Dynastic Hero. All with crappy names. Yeah, Enternal Champions? is a real title. Why it has that questionmark, I have no idea. I bet it’s japanese translated.
Here are the descriptions:
ZANAC (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): ZANAC is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up game that was released in November 1986. Take control of the state-of-the-art fighter, ZANAC, with the objective of destroying the bases of the mechanized enemy forces. Use your full array of regular weapons as well as eight special weapons to clear the 12 intense areas of the game. Be careful, though, as the game changes the degree of difficulty in real time based on how well you play. This ensures that it feels like you’re experiencing a new game every time you play.
Eternal Champions? (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen – Animated Blood, Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): This 2-D fighting game introduces a cast of different characters that met untimely deaths in their lives on Earth. Now they have been given a chance to compete against each other, with the winner taking on the Eternal Champion, the ultimate fighter in the universe. The reward for defeating the Eternal Champion is a return to Earth for the opportunity to avenge death and restore balance to the universe. Choose from nine unique characters with a variety of fighting styles, and bring your best moves to defeat all comers in your quest to topple the Eternal Champion.
The Dynastic Hero (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): The Dynastic Hero is an action RPG featuring a cast of insect characters. The story begins with the invasion of their peaceful homeland of Tarron by the evil Drilkor Empire. Rushing to the insects’ aid is Dyna, the prince of Beetras. Take control of Dyna as he battles through action-filled stages. Equip weapons and items to vanquish the relentless foes, and acquire special items that enable you to brave the journey across the perilous desert or open sea. But it’s not just all action. Correctly answer multiple-choice quizzes, and play the ocarina to find the right melody to open doors. Plus, there are countless traps and other puzzles packed into this fun game to keep you entertained and ensure you continue coming back for more.
Ah, famiclones. Funstations, Tristar 64s… And now, Viis. Not only is it Dracula’s new favorite console, but it also comes with built-in games like “Happy Tennis” and “Fever Move”, in which your character seems to be some sort of big-headed catlike thing. The Vii comes in white, pink, and light blue, and will be sold for ¥1280 ($170).
Nintendo gives us the welcome back to the few weeks before Christmas message that tells us that we should all spend a little time shopping from the safety of our couch, away from the chaos of the malls. I think Nintendo is hinting at something. I have yet to figure out what they are talking about.
Maybe they are asking us to buy stuff off the Wii Shop Channel. No wait…Why would they ask us that?
Jokes aside (however they did say that message), Nintendo gave us a few games (that I would be more than happy to push aside). This week’s Wii Virtual Console games are: DOUBLE DRIBBLE, Vegas Stakes and the lovable Ecco Jr. Awww.
To come back with the tradition, here are the descriptions of the games:
DOUBLE DRIBBLE (NES, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): DOUBLE DRIBBLE, the first 5-on-5, full-court home basketball game, is pure hoops action at its finest. While still a surprisingly accurate basketball game for its time, the frantic action keeps you on your toes as your players run from one end of the court to the other. Choose from a handful of teams and multiple levels of difficulty as you take on the computer alone or challenge a friend and see who has the better skills. Take the ball and sink shots from locations all over the court, or get in your opponent’s face and do your best to block the shot. Better yet, drive the lane and rock the rim to see one of the game’s trademark slam-dunk cut scenes. He shoots, he scores!
Vegas Stakes (Super NES, 1-4 players, rated E for Everyone – Simulated Gambling, 800 Wii Points): Feel like taking a road trip to Las Vegas? Let your inner high roller go wild as you try your luck at five different games-blackjack, slots, poker, craps and roulette. Start with only $1,000 in your pocket and play your way through five casinos, each with a different theme and varying limits. But no one wants to gamble alone, right? Not a problem, as you’ll be able to choose one of four friends to tag along and offer advice when you need it. Further enhancing the experience is the fact that you’ll be presented with a slew of interactions with random casino patrons. Best be careful, though-your choices in these situations could either get you closer to the millions of dollars you’re after or cost you a pile of that hard-earned cash. Roll the dice, spin the wheel, hit or stand-do whatever it takes to stake your claim in Vegas and beat the house!
Ecco Jr. (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): The aquatic adventures of Ecco come to life for a younger generation of gamers. Perfect for kids, Ecco Jr. finds our young hero heading out to sea with a variety of tasks he must perform in order to get there. Along with his friends Tara the baby orca and Kitnee the young Atlantic dolphin, Ecco Jr. will interact with sea lions, sea horses and other aquatic life as he makes his journey to the Big Blue. Introduce your kids to the classic series of Ecco the Dolphin titles by downloading Ecco Jr. today.
That last line of Ecco the Dolphin wasn’t needed Nintendo! Stop begging for our money by doing that “perfect gift” message again. We heard you the first time with Check Mii Out. It’s not funny.
Nintendo has announced a new Wii Channel that will be releasing soon. With the most dumbest name ever, “Check Mii Out” (ugh, sounds like a terrible Teen Girl Squad magazine article [or something with Hanna Montana in it]), the new channel’s features are pretty much summed up in it’s name.
Check Mii Out allows you to upload your own and browse Miis from around the world. And exchange Miis with others.
You can search for Miis through the channel and look around for “that Special Mii” (no fooling, that is straight from the press release). How corny is that? Sounds like shopping for a Christmas gift. Find that Special Mii this year for that someone you love, get a Holiday Santa Mii Ordainment to really capture the true spirit of this holiday season, only at Fred Mey-As well as searching you can also tag favorites, and import Miis you find to your console (sweet).
Players can also enter in a special contest section where you have to create a Mii that fits a certain category and upload it (you have 1 week to do so). Then people will vote on the ones that fit the category the best the week after. Of course, you don’t get anything for winning (I think the winner should get a most excellent prize)..
Check Mii Out will be available on the evening of November 11th as a free channel under the WiiWare category of the Wii Shop Channel.
In honor of Super Mario Galaxy coming out next week, Nintendo released the game they call “The Greatest Game Ever” to the Wii Virtual Console. And no, it’s not Duck Hunt. And in no way is it Super Smash Bros. It’s Super Mario Bros. 3. Woo… Yeah, that’s not the “greatest game ever”. Sorry Nintendo. Along with it is Alien Soldier for 900 points (it’s an import) and Power Golf.
Anyways, despite that disappointment, there is always next time. Here are Nintendo’s descriptions of the games:
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Remember when no one had ever heard of a Tanooki Suit or knew that Bowser had a clan of Koopalings? The game that made these things common knowledge is also considered by many to be one of the best ever made. Bowser and the Koopalings are causing chaos yet again, but this time they’re going beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into the seven worlds that neighbor it. Now Mario and Luigi must battle new enemies, returning favorites and a new Koopaling in each unique and distinctive world on their way to ultimately taking on Bowser himself. Luckily for the brothers, they have more power-ups available than ever before. Fly above the action using the Super Leaf, swim faster by donning the Frog Suit or defeat enemies using the Hammer Bros. Suit. Use the brand-new overworld map to take the chance to play a minigame in hopes of gaining extra lives or to find a Toad’s House where you can pick up additional items. All this (and more) combines into one of gaming’s most well-known and beloved titles—are you ready to experience gaming bliss?
Alien Soldier (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older –Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): As Epsilon-Eagle, you are an alien soldier who has been genetically engineered to produce maximum intelligence and strength. You were once a member of the criminal organization Scarlet, but when you decided to break from the group, you were forced into a showdown with Scarlet’s new leader Xi-Tiger, who kills a hostage in his attempt to destroy you. Now it’s up to you to take revenge against the bad guys in this side-scrolling action game! Choose from six different weapons and battle the bosses of Scarlet until you reach the final confrontation with the ultimate secret weapon!
Power Golf (TurboGrafx16, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Power Golf sports a perfect combination of simple-yet-realistic controls and beautiful graphics. Swing away on 18 lush holes in one of three different game modes: the single-player STROKE PLAY mode and the multiplayer MATCH PLAY and COMPETITION modes. Enter tournaments as one of three different characters—beginner, intermediate and advanced. Wind strength and the slope of the green add extra challenges to each hole. Compete against other players in the standard NORMAL MATCH or ante up one of your clubs in the unique CLUB MATCH. Up to three players can play in COMPETITION mode, and a handicap feature is included to help novice players pull off breathtaking shots just like their advanced rivals.
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