Nintendo 3DS - My Second Thoughts

The Nintendo 3DS has been out for more than two months now, and with the new update and all, I thought I'd give my second thoughts on the system as a whole.

I finally got the chance to try out some of the features that I didn't before, mainly being StreetPass. StreetPass is brilliant, and it allows information to be exchanged while the system is in sleep mode with another 3DS system. It's great, and the StreetPass Mii Plaza is a lot of fun. It comes with the hardware, and when you exchange data via SP, your friend's Mii will appear in the plaza, allowing you to do various activities with him. One of them being a puzzle, and whenever you connect via SP, your friend's Mii will come by and hand you a puzzle piece to complete a giant puzzle. It's sort, and fun, but the real fun comes with the next game. It's sort of an action role-playing game that uses the Miis that you collect in your plaza, as they come and rescue you from a castle, using their sword and magical spells. It's a lot of fun, and most of your time in the plaza is spent here.

The newest 3DS software updated added the Nintendo eShop, a virtual shop similar to the Wii Shop Channel, that lets users purchase various games straight from the store. There are a wide variety of games you can buy, which range from straight up Virtual Console titles from the Gameboy like Super Mario Land, to 3-D versions of old classics like Excitebike. Also, there are new exclusive 3DS games like the Pokedex 3D, and all the old DSiWare titles can be purchased, as well as be transferred over via the transfer device. The eShop also features gameplay videos, as well as information about new and upcoming games. As of now, the eShop is obviously limited in what is offered, but with an update coming every Thursday, the eShop has massive potential.

Also new was the Internet Browser. It's nothing new, and it's still the same old browser we got on the DSi. You can freely browse the web, add bookmarks, search Google, and view images in 3D. It's cool, but I still prefer an iPod or a regular computer. It's convenient, but it's kind of disappointing in the fact that it does not support Flash or any other plug-ins. That means, no YouTube or video viewing of any kind, which is a shame. The coolest thing about the browser, however, is that you can access it right through the menu, and even while other applications/games are running, making it very useful for looking up game guides and the like.

Also, in regards to those saying that the Nintendo 3DS is a flop. Consider this: The 3DS just started, and I'd wish if you'd at least give it a little longer before we can discuss this. As far as the future, I'm no soothsayer, but I see bright lights for the 3DS ahead. Sure, their launch titles may have sucked, but the launch isn't everything, just ask the Wii. If you look at the lineup for future 3DS games, and even the ones at E3, you'll see massive potential for this handheld. Ocarina of Time 3D? Yes, please. Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising, MGS: Snake Eater 3D, Mario Kart 3D, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Prof. Layton 3D, Animal Crossing 3D, Paper Mario 3D, just to name a few. I wouldn't write off the system that fast, because the 3DS certainly has a LOT of potential in the handheld market.

P.S. Nintendo also announced this week a flare red version of the 3DS, which is pretty cool.

Donkey Kong Country Returns Review

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)

Beginning with the SNES, the Donkey Kong Country franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs. From the phenomenal DKC to the less than mediocre DKC 3, the series is in need of a reboot. Thankfully, our friends at Rare answered that prayer (rhyme?), and Donkey Kong Country Returns delivers a fantastic platformer for the Wii to call its own.

The story in DKCR is short and simple, and that's a good thing. Instead of an over-complicated story like some games have, DKCR keeps it to the point. Basically, a tribe of tiki monsters steal Donkey Kong's coveted stash of bananas, and, with Diddy Kong in tow, Donkey Kong gives chase. The game is split up into a world map, very similar to New Super Mario Bros, with various levels scattered around 8 worlds. Each level has collectibles to capture, like K-O-N-G letters and the very difficult puzzle pieces. Collecting these unlocks special temple levels and collectibles in the menu like dioramas and music. These collectibles, unlike many from other games, are actually worth getting, as they offer a lot of incentive to replay. It's a shame then, that that's all the game has going for it. Its presentation is amazing, but it feels too similar to previous titles for me to notice any difference, and while it may sound cool, it doesn't give off a vibe that DKCR is anything new.

You control Donkey Kong as he chases through all eight worlds to get his banana stash back. You use the Wiimote for his basic actions, like run and jump, and shake it to pound the ground or roll. Diddy Kong is scattered around some levels, and he gives you extra hearts as well as a greater jump distance. Donkey Kong Country Returns is difficult, and I mean it. It starts out easy, and the difficulty quickly ramps up for the final 3 or 4 worlds, and you'll definitely find yourself hurling your Wiimote at your television, and pounding in frustration. But, once you do finish these levels, the sense of accomplishment is profound, and gives you an incentive to continue and beat the game.

There are a variety of levels, and this is what makes the game great. From swinging on vines to invading a factory, DKCR never fails to impress in level design. In addition to your simple run-and-jump, there are mine cart levels, as well as new rocket barrel race levels. These are a blast, and you might expect them to feature tacked-on motion controls. That's not the case here, as each level uses traditional button pressing. These levels are among the hardest in the game, and will really test your skill. Kranky Kong has also set up shop in each world, and he helps you get through each world with a host of items, such as extra lives and Squawks, who helps you find those darn puzzle pieces. Rambi the rhino is also back, and, though he isn't found often, it's still a lot of fun to rampage through the level on the back of a rhinoceros. Co-op play also makes an appearance, although the levels don't seem that they were designed to be played in co-op mode, which is a shame. I prefer New Super Mario Bros Wii's style of co-op play, but it's still fun to play here with your friend as Diddy Kong.

The visuals in DKCR are good, with simple 2-D textures and such. The whole game is really colorful, and the visuals really pop with added flair like moving platforms and triggered events within the levels. The soundtrack in DKCR is also stunning, with remixes of old school tunes like Jungle Hijinx, as well as all-new tunes that are really fitting to each world's theme.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a welcome return to the DKC franchise, and though it's not perfect, it still offers a lot of nostalgic fun with its phenomenal level design and great, challenging gameplay.

Pros:
Amazing Level Design
Very Challenging
Great Visuals & Soundtrack

Cons:
Very Similar to Previous Games
Decent Co-Op
TOO HARD! (jk)

Overall: 9.0/10.0

Goldeneye 007 Review

Goldeneye 007 (Wii)

Goldeneye is a classic. On the N64, that is. Its near-perfect gameplay set the standard for FPSs in the future, and without it, we may not be in the era of FPSs as we are today. So, it's a given that a re-make would be coming, and lo and behold, it did. Goldeneye 007 manages to capture what made the original so great, and twist it up enough to offer something unique and fresh.

Goldeneye 007 on Wii features Daniel Craig as James Bond, instead of the original Pierce Brosnan. It's a nice touch, because we get Craig's interpretation of the Bond character, and it switches minor details in the story that were changed from the original. An example is the parachute off the dam, except this time, there's no parachute. Goldeneye 007 manages to do this without feeling too generic, and Daniel Craig does the game justice. The story is pretty much the same, with just minor changes, such as locations. The whole game has more of a 21st-century look, and features changes from the '97 original that would be out of place today.

Goldeneye features about 15 story missions, and these are a lot of fun. You really feel like James Bond, and the game switches from high-octane shoot outs to quiet stealth sequences, and these make the game nice and balanced. There are many ways to traverse through the level, and the game rewards you with finding unique ways to approach sections of the level. Maybe, by going through a door, you alert the guards and have a shootout on your hands, or, by sneaking through the vent, you can bypass the enemies and take them out silently. Each level has 4 difficulty settings, and each adds an extra objective, such as collecting ammunition caches or destroying a computer. James has a variety of weapons at his disposal, and the game makes excellent use of the Wiimote's pointer, offering precision like none other. Other control options include the classic controller and Gamecube controller. You aim with the Wiimote, and take-downs are performed with a flick of the Nunchuck.

The multiplayer on the N64 original was what was king in that game, and Goldeneye offers a unique multiplayer experience both offline and online. Up to four players can battle it out using a variety of classic characters from the Bond franchise. There are fun modifiers to change-up the gameplay, such as paintball mode or big hands, and, although goofy, they add some fun to the local multiplayer. Online is amazing, and features some of the best online features and modes that I've seen in a long time. You can play with up to 7 others at once, and there are a handful of different game modes to play, such as basic Conflict, Team Conflict, Golden Gun, and Black Box just to name a few. There isn't a dud game in the package. The online uses an XP system, similar to Call of Duty, and each kill earns you experience to help you level up and gain access to new perks and weapon sets. Strangely, there's no Wii Speak support, so it's sometimes difficult to develop strategies while playing on a team.

Graphics on Goldeneye are sub-par, with boring textures, and last-gen graphics, but, honestly, I didn't care. The voice acting was great, featuring Daniel Craig as Bond and Judi Dench as M, who briefs you before each mission. Music in Goldeneye is quiet, spy tunes, with monotonous elevator musak while in the menus. Goldeneye also features, like every Bond game should, a remarkable re-make of Tina Turner's "Goldeneye", written by Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, which plays after the opening mission.

Goldenye is a brilliant returns to one of the greatest video games of all time. It features enough to make any N64 kid nostalgic, while offering something new for the newcomer to Goldeneye.

Pros:
Great Presentation
Mix of Action & Stealth Gameplay
Brilliant Online
Voice Acting

Cons:
Last-gen graphics
No WiiSpeak support

Overall: 9.0/10.0

Metroid: Other M Review

Metroid: Other M (Wii)

When Metroid: Other M was announced at E3 '09, it caused some confusion. Team Ninja, most well known for their Ninja Gaiden series, were teaming up with Nintendo to bring us Other M. The trailer rocked our world, but can this achieve the same success as the Prime series when Retro took control?

The story is a huge part of Other M, and when I say huge, I mean it. It begins where Super Metroid finished, with Samus finishing off Mother Brain, and the baby Metroid sacrificing itself to save Samus. Samus, after leaving the Galactic Federation, then receives a signal from a lone bottle ship in space, and decides to investigate. There, she meets up with former commanded Adam Malkovich and his team, and they continue the investigation together. The whole story is told between flashbacks and real life sequences in the ship. It delves into Samus's backstory with Adam as part of the Galactic Federation when she was very young, and explores her relationship with Adam as a father figure. These are all told in very elaborate CGI-cutscenes, and these look sharp, especially on Wii. Voice acting was a bold move to place into a Metroid game, but sadly, it wasn't the right choice. Samus's voice actress sounds like something from a daytime soap opera, and her boring, expressionless tone leads us to believe that she is nothing but there, and leads to some awkward dialogue. Instead of her acting as a bad-ass bounty hunter who doesn't take crap from nobody, she is displayed as a puppet, and sounds more like a 12 year old reading her diary.

The gameplay in Other M revolves around third person action mixed in with first person shooting. The game is played holding the Wiimote sideways, and with a 90 degree turn of the Wiimote, it switches Samus into first person mode, allowing her to scan and investigate the environment, as well as shoot missiles. As you investigate the bottle ship, you'll come across hundreds of creatures that can be disposed with Samus's blaster, and a strange auto-aim feature allows for precise accuracy. Of course, Samus's ball-form is back and better than ever thanks to some clever puzzles surrounding it. New to Samus's arsenal is her ability to take out downed enemies using swift melee moves, and these are a treat to watch, especially in mid-boss battles. Samus isn't using her huge weapons and her full abilities unless being authorized by Adam, her commander. There's lots of reason to come back, with hidden doors and passages that can only be explored once you have a certain item.

The graphics in Metroid: Other M are beautiful. Environments blend perfectly with mixes of long hallways in addition to breathtaking deserts and ice worlds. The characters look slick, as well. The sound in the game is hardly not there, with just environmental tones and heightening sound effects when an enemy is near.

Metroid: Other M is a great return to the Metroid series. Although not as drastic a change as when Retro took over earlier, Team Ninja did the series justice, thanks to a great story and great gameplay. Although it's not perfect, it's at least worth a rental.

Pros:
Great Story
Mix of First and Third person gameplay
Beautiful graphics

Cons:
Voice Acting
Portrayal of Samus
Music

Overall: 7.0/10

Deca Sports

Deca Sports (Wii)

There are a lot of sports compilation games out there, folks, a lot! After the success of Wii Sports, many developers tried to follow in their footsteps, and most of them have failed. Hudson tries with Deca Sports, and, as the name implies, features 10 different sports. Let's jump into the review!

Deca Sports, as I said before, features 10 sports. While Wii Sports includes 5, you're certainly getting more here, but it more always better? Games include archery, volleyball, curling, motorbikes, and more, and most of these have been done better in Wii Sports Resort. Deca Sports features a number of game modes. Open Match allows you to open up any sport and play it, while in Tournament Mode you tackle an event to become the champion. Deca League lets you take on each team in each different sport, and Deca Challenge lets yourself at each sport.

Instead of Miis, Deca Sports uses little "avatar" characters that look bland, and are pretty lame. Hasn't Hudson learned that everything is better with Miis!? And who doesn't want to play curling with their own self? 8 teams are also set up for you, which range from average joes to super jocks.

Of course, motion controls is probably the main reason that 2 million people bought this game. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Obviously, it's limited to just waving it around or flicking your wrist in a few boring sports like badminton, but archery and curling feature unique controls which don't grow old right away.

You are treated to an awfully bad Japanese tune at the beginning title, and this is just hilarious!

Pros:
Probably the best Wii Sports copy
Hilarious Theme Song!

Cons:
Pretty Bad Controls
NO MIIS!!

OVERALL: 4.7/10

Tuesday Quickie - October 6th

Today's episode of the Tuesday Quickie will be, promptly named, quick. I'm in a rush but I will still deliver quality info!

Tuesday Quickie - October 6th, 2009

Mini Ninjas:
Publisher - Eidos Interactive/WB Interactive
Developer - IO Interactive
Release - September 8th
Genre - Action/Adventure
Rating - ESRB E10+
Platform - Wii

Quick Glance: In China, you play as 6 cunning ninjas, as they take down the evil Samurai Warlord. You progress through levels in a linear fashion, and there are many different ninja moves and spells for you to experiment with. This fun action game may be Fall's sleeper hit!

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky:
Publisher - Nintendo
Developer - Chunsoft
Release - October 12th
Genre - Action RPG
Rating - ESRB E
Platform - DS

Quick Glance: You once again play as a human transformed into a Pokemon, but what makes Explorers of the Sky stand out from its two predecessors is the added gameplay. There are background quests, where you can play as other Pokemon and progress through stories to learn more about the past, and like the first two, you can send SOS to friends via Wi-Fi to save you from dungeons. Sounds fun!

Animal Crossing: City Folk

Animal Crossing: City Folk

This is my first Animal Crossing game, so don't get mad at me if I don't say things that are correct or whatever :D

City Folk, the sequel to Wild World, which is the sequel to Animal Crossing (GCN), is Nintendo's attempt at The Sims. With animals. Basically, you are a new neighbor (a human), who's moved into a town full of animals. There is no actual plot, but it's more of a day-to-day activity thing. There's something going on a lot, such as holidays, a birthday, or a weird day Nintendo decided to celebrate. Talk Like a Pirate Day, hmmm.....

There's no limit to what you can do in Animal Crossing. You can fish, catch bugs, dig up treasures, go shopping at the local stores, such as Tom Nook's or the Able Sisters Clothes Store. Also, you can visit the City Hall, visit neighbors' houses, get a cup of coffee, or check out the many cool exhibits at the Museum.

Since you could pretty much do all this in previous games, you're probably wondering, "Why is City Folk different from past AC games." Well, as the title City Folk implies, your character can now take a bus to the city, and look at all the stores there. There's a theater, a department store, an auction house, even a salon. There's also a secret shop and a fortune teller. This wasn't a huge change for me, but this was:

You can now use Nintendo Wi-Fi and visit your friends' towns, or have them come here. This was a lot of fun, provided you have some friends. This is also the first game to use Nintendo's new WiiSpeak, promptly named, for a microphone to talk to friends. It basically sits in your room and picks up anything anyone around it says. It worked and sounded very well.

Pros:
Good Replay Value
Wi-Fi Connectivity

Cons:
No Real Change

Overall - 7/10

Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace (Wii)

I am a Bond freak, and I'm pretty exciting to be reviewing one of the best Bond games on the market, and one of the best Wii FPS's out there, even though there are few.

"The best bond game since Goldeneye" was pretty darn close. Quantum of Solace is a first person/third person hybrid shooter, which has you use an array of weapons, grenades, and takedowns to advance through single player. Whenever you crouch behind a wall or an object, it switches into third person and you can see Bond. Quantum of Solace consists of Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace so you get to play through both movies! Let me tell you, the missions are very interesting, fun, and makes you think becuase, after all, Bond's greatest weapon is his mind. The AI is also very intelligent and will do anything to kill you.

The multiplayer is a blast if you have four friends. Otherwise, stick to single player and online. It's great for parties and gatherings, though, and for your Xbox lover friends who only play FPS's.

The real fun of the game comes in the online mode. Using Nintendo WFC, you can connect online and play a free for all or an objective race in teams or alone. It is the best part of the game I'll tell you that. I only wish you could play with up to 8 people. The levels are designed for more than 4 players (which is the max), but I don't know why the developers chose only 4 at a time? I guess lagginess or something, but 4 players was still a blast.

The controls are really simple and are great to pick up & play. I'd recommend using the Wiimote and Nunchuck and not the Zapper. The control is harder with the Zapper. With B to shoot and A to crouch, you'll be on your way to 007 in no time!

Overall, Quantum of Solace is, in my opinion, the second best Bond game since Goldeneye. The first being Nightfire. I loved that game.

Pros:
Good Wii FPS
Strong Controls
Nice Wi-Fi

Cons:
Short Campaign
Only 4 Players Online

Overall:
7.5/10

Tuesday Quickie - September 29th

Here's this weeks Tuesday Quickie!

Tuesday, Spetember 29th:

Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games

Developer - SEGA
Publisher - SEGA
Release - October 13th
Genre - Sports
Rating - ESRB E
Platform - Wii

Quick Glance: The sequel to Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, one of the most popular Wii games, Winter Olympics is all new and all of the same as you play as characters from the Mario and Sonic universes. You and up to 4 friends can partcipate in a wonder of new Winter sports, like Skiing, Ice Skating, and even have a Snowball Fight. Dream Events, Wii Controls, and Wi-Fi Leaderboards are just icing on the cake!

DJ Hero

Developer - FreeStyleGames
Publisher - Activision
Release Date - November 3rd
Genre - Music
Rating - ESRB T
Platform - Wii

Quick Glance: DJ Hero puts the "spin" on music games, such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, by letting you mix with rap and hip-hop songs using a new turntable peripheral. DJ Hero will feature multiple tracks, online and offline multiplayer, and songs from great artists like Marvin Gaye and the Black Eyed Peas

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

Developer - Hand
Publisher - Square-Enix
Release - Today!
Genre - Action RPG
Rating - ESRB E10+
Platform - DS

Quick Glance: Since Kingdom Hearts is my favorite game series ever, I thought that today's episode of Tuesday Quickie would be a speical one. Abruptly named, 358 Days Over 2 (yes, that's how it's said), this has you play as Roxas, Sora's Nobody. If you're already confused, that's too bad! You play as Roxas and his days within Organization XIII, which bridges the gap between Kingdom Hearts and Chain of Memories. The developers tried and successfully fit a huge 3-D engine on the DS cartridge. It looks great and feels great. Unlike previous KH titles, you play through missions, starting in a Hub World at Castle Oblivion. You and Organization members go out and complete missions together, in Disney world. Yes, Disney worlds. That's where KH's charm lies. The combat system is great and has limit attacks here and there. New is a new panel system, where you customize Roxas's abilities by placing item and attack panels into slots. Also new is a series first, 4 player multiplayer mode, where you and up to 4 friends can partake in all new multiplayer missions, and can play as any of the XIII members. Sounds like I've got a new game to buy!

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Brothers Brawl (Wii)

The sequel to one of the best games of all time finally came to the Wii back in 2008, and the look and feel are incredible.

This is obviously SSBB. The object of Super Smash Bros. is to knock your opponent off the screen by filling up their damage, and then smashing them! These are all characters from the Nintendo Universe, and there's now letdowns here. We're talkin Mario, Link, Samus, Kirby, Pikachu, Marth, Ness, Wario, Olimar, Donkey Kong, Ice Climbers, Pit, Luigi, Yoshi, ROB, Zelda, Sonic, even Solid Snake gets in on the action, and there are loads more. 35 characters to be exact.

But I can't talk about the gameplay before the presentation. This is THE game. You've got Solo, Multiplayer, Wi-Fi, Level Creators, Music, and loads more. Solo is obviously, by yourself. You play through the classic Classic mode, which pits you against random characters on random levels. Also returning are Event Match, Minigames, and All-Star Mode. New is Training, and also The Subspace Emissary, an epic side-scrolling adventure with amazing cutscenes and very long gameplay. This could itself be one game.

Multiplayer, on the other hand, is the real meat. Up to 4 players can brawl it out in free for all, teams, special battles, tournaments and rotations. Wi-Fi is also great and almost everything you do offline, you can do online (minus Subspace Emissary) The music features the best Nintendo Soundtrack I've ever seen, with multiple tracks from like every Nintendo game you can think of! Also, you can customize how often the music appears on each stage, which I enjoyed.

New to Brawl is the final smash, a super devastating move which you can perform only by hitting the Smash Ball, which appears randomly within the battle. Also, there are new items. Not only Poke Balls, but Assist Trophies, where a random Nintendo character will come and aid you, or annoy you (cough Resetti cough).

The levels are very intuitive. You've got the classic Battlefield and Final Destination, and returning tracks from Melee, but also about 25 new stages from each character. We have Shadow Moses Island, Distant Planet, New Pork City, even Mario Kart, and these levels don't dissappoint. Each level has its own features, and special things that change how you play. You can even create your own levels using a simple but full level editor, and share those online.

You can also share pictures, videos, and levels with your friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi, and Nintendo will choose a picture, video, and level and send it to you whenever you connect via the Smash Service.

Now control. There's a plethora of control schemes from you to choose from. Ranging from Wiimote and Nunchuck, to even Gamecube Controller, with just Wiimote and Classic Controller in between. Also, you can choose which button does what move, so if you don't like where the moves are placed, you can just switch it!

I can't think of anything negative to say about the game. Maybe a little less characters from Kirby? Haha. No really, we have 3, count them 3! Kirby characters. Kirby, Meta Knight, AND King Dedede. No thanks!

I've given this a perfect score, and a Joey's Choice Award, which I will let you guys vote for the best game reviewed this year.

Pros:
Almost 40 Characters!!
Great Multiplayer
Good Wi-Fi Support
Lots of Replay Value

Cons:
Too Many Kirby Characters!!!

OVERALL - 10/10

Mario Party 8

Mario Party 8 (Wii)

Back in 2007, near Wii's launch, very few mario games had been out for Nintendo's new console. Although we already new about Super Mario Galaxy, it was ways away. Luckily, Nintendo hoped to make that wait shorter with the release of Mario Party 8.

The Mario Party franchise is a big one. The rules are simple: progress around a big game board, win coins, play minigames, screw your friends, yadayadayada. The object is to get the most stars by the end of the game. But what is really new about Mario Party 8?

I'd like to say very little, but since this is the first Wii Mario Party, let's give it a chance. You roll the dice by hitting the Wiimote up. A lot of the minigames use the Wiimote in intuitive ways. Whether you are holding a lasso, rowing a boat, or even shaking a soda, the Wiimote provides a fun experience.

Also new is the arrival of candy, a new way to screw your neighbor (which is what Mario Party is all about....making friends). Replacing orbs and hexes from the previous games, candy gives your player new abilities. They eat it, transform, and use that new ability. It can be hitting 3 dice blocks, turning into a ghost, or even a thwomp!

The new levels are also fun. My favorite is the train, but there's other boards with special game rules. For example, in Koopa's Tycoon Town, you acquire stars by purchasing special hotels when you pass them. But if an opponent bids higher, you lose all your stars! This provides a new way to play.

The characters are everyone you'd expect in a Mario game. Mario, Yoshi, Peach, and even Blooper? Yeah, Blooper.

I only gave this a lower score because I feel Nintendo needs to make a Mario Party game that sticks to its roots. the first 4 Mario Parties were fantastic games. But then Nintendo became a little lazy and pumped out way too many Mario Parties which were not up to par.

Also, the graphics could be better. They look fine, but when you want to view the map, they suck. When you are moving around the cursor to take a better look at the board, you can see all the blurry people and objects move by. Also it would be better if this was true 16:9 widescreen support.

Although this isn't a perfect Nintendo title, it was what Nintendo fans needed to tide them over until November.

Pros:
It's Mario fun!
Wiimote Controls
Interesting Levels

Cons:
Some Really Stupid Minigames
Needed a Bit More Polish

Total Score - 7.5/10

The Conduit

The Conduit (Wii)

The Conduit is a pretty mediocre shooter, that is if it was released on xBox or PS3. But for Wii's sake, it's the best one on the market. It's taken 3 years but we finally got a Wii FPS that isn't terrible.

Like I said, let's give this Wii FPS a chance, shall we? You play as Agent Ford, a kick-butt agent who was betrayed by the organization he works for, blah..blah..blah... seen this one before? Although The Conduit isn't light on story, it makes up for it.

The controls are fantabulous. I know that's not a word, but it does describe The Conduit's controls. You can customize anything, HUD placements, sensitivity, everything. This was The Conduit's main selling point for me. Once you do a little work, you will find the control scheme that is just right for you.

Like every FPS, you play through the levels in a linear way. The AI is terrible, however. They hardly ever take cover, and you see the same people like 20 times in one level. That brings me to another point: level design. It's very predictable and you almost know exactly when and where an enemy will show up.

The solo campaign is super short, about 5 or 6 hours. After reading all this, you probably thinking "Wow, The Conduit sucks!" but it really does not. Of all this stuff it lacks, it makes up for it all in the best multiplayer I've ever seen on the Wii. 12 players online, multiple game modes, Wii Speak? Whoa, yes it's true. Matchmaking is simple and takes about two minutes, and you can choose game rules, weapon set, and map. Some maps are awful, but some are fun like the Pentagon, the Sanctum, Streets, and the Warehouse. The only bad thing is that I always found myself playing Quick Match, no other modes. Because they are a lot of fun and I don't know why people don't choose them.

Well, that's about all The Conduit has to offer. It's not only a good shooter, but also a fantastic multiplayer game. It's only a shame that there's no local multiplayer, though.

Pros:
Epic Controls
Fantastic Online

Cons:
Level Design
Predictable Story

Overall: 8.0/10

Wii Sports Resort

Wii Sports Resort (Wii)

The original Wii Sports is the best-selling game of all time. I don't think it should count, since it is a pack-in with the Wii, but whatever. Nintendo hopes to advance it's popularity with a sequel, titled Wii Sports Resort. Wii Sports Resort takes place on Wuhu Island, and to get there you must skydive. I can't mention the games without mentioning the Wii Motion Plus. This adds extra sensors to the remote and makes it very responsive. You must calibrate it each time you put on Wii Sports Resort, but it didn't detract from anything. Let me tell you, this is motion control. It's like you are reaching out and touching the screen. It is terrific.

Wii Sports Resort consists of 12 sport mini games, 2 of which return from the original Wii Sports (Bowling and Golf). These sports range from Archery to Basketball to Dueling. They are very fun and require a lot of skill and practice. Here are a few of the sports:
1. Frisbee - In Frisbee, you can throw a frisbee to a cute dog, which is very relaxing, or you can hit the golf courses and play some Frolf.

2. Canoeing - This is one of the water-based games in Wii Sports Resort. You must move the Wiimote just like an oar, and reach the goal. It is very fun in 2 player.

3. Table Tennis - Essentially an update of the original tennis, Table Tennis has you rallying a ball back and forth across a table. This is one of my favorites.

4. Archery - Archery is a blast, and just like golf, you have to take into consideration the wind speed, and the distance you are from the target. Very fun.

These are just a few of the many sports in Wii Sports Resort. Another fun feature is the Stamp System, where you complete 5 fun challenges for each sport. These range from getting a 300 in Bowling, or sinking every shot in Basketball. This added a lot of replay value.

My only complaint is that if you want to play with friends, then you must buy extra Wii Motion Pluses. This was kind of annoying, but they are cheap, and easy to find.

Overall, you'll be playing Wii Sports Resort for years to come. It is truly a great Wii gem.

Another winner of the Joey's Choice Award, a no-brainer, really!

Pros:
Addictive Family Fun
Amazing Control
Lots, lots of games
A lot of replay value

Cons:
Multiplayer

Total Score - 10/10

Excitebots: Trick Racing

Excitebots: Trick Racing (Wii)

This sequel to the 2006 hit, Excitetruck, is a big leap toward the hardcore racers. Instead of racing trucks, you're racing insect bots, such as a ladybug, mantis, and even a hummingbird. At first glance, it may seem kinda strange, but it really is a fun game.

The game consists of an Excitemode, where you race through exciting locations throughout the globe, including Mexico, Canada, and Tasmania. These levels don't disappoint, and are full of hidden paths and places to do tricks. Another mode is the Poker Race, where you race around a track to cash in the best poker hand. It's a weird game I think, but some might enjoy it. Finally, there's online, where you race against 6 other players, and you can bet stars.

The game is all about performing high-flying stunts, tricks, and flips in order to gain stars throughout the race. As in the first game, there are little boxes which can change the environment or give you an item.

There are many bars and opportunities to do tricks throughout each race. When your bot approaches a red bar, it automatically starts spinning around it and you have to match its rotations with the Wii Wheel. It's hard to get the hang of, but you'll eventually get it perfect every time. On yellow bars, flip bars, and elevator bars, your bot will latch on and start spinning, you must then thrust the Wheel forward at the right time, and you'll get a ton of stars.

Other opportunities to gain stars include doing air flips, crashing into other bots, or participating in one of the many minigames throughout the race. These consist of soccer, bowling, darts, and even throwing a pie at a clown. What the??? These are really fun and can get you a bunch of stars, but an opponent ahead of you could ruin it.

This is a racing game where getting first isn't always everything. Sure, you'll get a 50 star bonus, but a person who comes in third or so could still win because they might've done more stunts and achieved more stars than you. Online, there's also a multiplier on the amount of stars you get. The higher you place, the higher the multiplier will be.

Overall, this is a great racing game, and is considerably better than Mario Kart in my opinion. Try it first, and then if you really enjoy it like I did, then purchase it. It's even cheaper than its predecessor, so why not??

Pros:
Addictive Fun
Great Online
Good Control

Cons:
Some Frame Rate Issue

Overall - 8.3/10

Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings

Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (Wii)

The past Indy adventure wasn't the greatest. Although grossing over 300 million at the box office, it lacked a true Indy adventure. Lucasarts hopes to redeem themselves with Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, for the Wii, PS2, and DS gaming systems. This review is for the Wii version.

The story is very intriguing so far. It revolves around Indy's quest for the Staff of Moses. It is set in 1939, and features many locales spanning from San Francisco to Panama.

Of course, Indy's greatest weapon is his mind, and he'd much rather come into a brawl the easy way than the hard way. That being said, if you want to avoid a head-on brawl, then search for an alternate route. The combat is where this game shines. Of course, what Indy game would be complete without mention of his whip, which couldn't be represented better in Staff of Kings. You can whip it by pressing B and swinging the remote like a whip. You use the whip for combat, grabbing items, and swinging across trenches.

During combat, you swing the Wii remote and Nunchuck wildly until you kill someone. You can pick up weapons, such as a shovel, a broom, or a stick, and use them against your foes. Of course, they can use them, too. Another cool feature is grappling, which means grabbing the enemy and ramming him into anything nearby, such as a gong, a desk, or even an aquarium. Sometimes, I saw myself just swinging the remotes wildly and not relying on the environment at all. I think the developers could've done a better job in the combat.

I'm not yet sold on the scenes where Indy must use his Revolver. They are difficult, and the enemies are very adept with a gun, and you just started. With that being said, I had to go through these levels quite a few times, and this means watching the cut scenes. This became annoying.

Another bothersome thing is that whenever I needed to interact with the environment (i.e. swing over a trench, or sneak across a ledge), it took me a while to find where to do this. And I usually ended up falling to my doom while trying to place my footing correctly.

The motion controls work very well, and you use them not just for fighting enemies, but also lighting torches and swinging items around, and much more.

The graphics are just fine, not great, not bad, just ok. There were a little frame rate issues, especially in a level where a building was on fire, but this issue quickly resolved itself later in the game.

Is Indy's latest adventure top-notch, or does it fall short? I think it has as many hits as it does misses, but this is still a fun adventure game. Rent it first.

Pros:
Fun Overall Adventure
Nice Story

Cons:
So and So Combat
Frame Rate
Some Control Issues

OVERALL: 5.9/10

Punch-Out!!

Punch-Out!!

I am reviewing the new Wii Punch-Out!!

The revival of the Punch-Out!! series is about as awesome as Family Guy. The original Punch-Out!! came out for the NES in 1984, and it was a great boxing game, with many lovable characters and a super high difficulty. Speaking of super, the sequel, Super Punch-Out!! came out for the SNES back in 1994 and featured new graphics and vibrant colors.

The new Punch-Out!! for the Wii console, is generally the same as the NES original, with a few twists thrown in. It's main selling point is the addition of motion controls, and with a few jabs from the Wiimote or Nunchuck, you'll be flying through the circuits in no time. Of course, in old NES ways, you can set the Wiimote on its' side and play it like a classic controller, using 1 and 2 to deliver punches. You can also play with the Balance Board, but why would anyone want to do that?? Haha

Of course, if this Punch-Out!! is supposed to be "NEW," what's so new about it. Other than the sweet character animations and graphics, which by the way are fantastic, this new game features star punches, which Little Mac receives by jabbing the opponent and the right time (or when they flash red, you have to be quick!!). You can get up to 3 at once, and the more you have, the more devastating the uppercut will be. Once you get hit, though, you lose all the stars you've collected. Another new addition is the inclusion of Disco Kid, a new fighter from New York who seems a little.........off (*cough* gay *cough*). He is included, along with 12 other characters from the original NES and SNES titles, and they couldn't be better represented.

So what makes this new Punch-Out!! for the Wii so great? Well, other than vibrant graphics, and new and old elements, the other fantastic thing that made the original so great, is it's high difficulty level. You'd think Nintendo would tone it down so your 70 year old grandma, or 5 year old son could play without frustration. NO! This game is definitely one of the most difficult Wii games out there, and hardcore gamers will be in for a treat.

Luckily, with that being said, I went through the 3 circuits hoping they would be a cinch and I was beaten senseless countless times after Bear Hugger. ROFL. Luckily, Doc Louis, you're trainer, who gives you funny advice, sets up holograms for you to practice on, without screwing up your record.

The game consists of 3 main modes. Career, which has you advance through the Circuits as Little Mac, and eventually claim the Champion Belt. However, after that, you have to battle every opponent once more, this times with new moves and costumes. This was a very welcome addition for me. Another mode is exhibition, where you can face-off against any opponent you choose. Also, every opponent has a set of 3 challenges to complete, which was very cool. The other mode is multiplayer, which I haven't tried yet, though.

Each match consists of 3 rounds and each round is 3 minutes long. You try to TKO or KO your opponent by the last round, or the referee will decide the winner. A TKO is where you knock down your opponent 3 times in one round (wow, 3 is the magic number here). A KO is where the opponent does not get up after a count of 10, or you deliver a one-hit KO punch, which has a cool cinematic ending.

Overall, this is a fantastic revival of a classic series. The only reason it gets a 9.2 is because I would've liked more characters. And, other developers, if you're looking for a way to revive classic games, take a look at Punch-Out!! Wii.

Pros:
Great Revival
Beautiful Graphics
Neat Controls

Cons:
Not Enough Characters

Overall - 9.2/10