Saturday, November 30, 2013

A Musical Quest From Zelda's Great Ocean To The Hobbit's Misty Mountains

To coincide with the recently released Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for Wii U and the upcoming second chapter in The Hobbit Trilogy, here are two excellent covers from YouTube user Warialasky. Both pieces are worthy renditions of the source material and are accompanied by some slick music videos (the air humping Dwarves are classic). Both tracks are available for download at Bandcamp and allow you to name your own price including free. Download Ballad of the Wind Waker here and The Misty Mountains here. Enjoy!

Zelda Meets Ico In "The Girl And The Robot" For Wii U

The Wii U continues its charge into the indie arena with The Girl and the Robot which was recently funded through Kickstarter. The title is described as a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Ico with a touch of Studio Ghibli film magic (Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle). The game features a simple yet compelling tale of a young girl who escapes her prison in a mysterious castle and finds a robot who helps her flee from the evil queen who imprisoned her. While the game is early in its development, it looks quite beautiful in its simplicity and is refreshing to see indie game developers tackle the types of games that the mainstream industry now ignores. Enjoy!



YouTube App For 3DS Now Available

As the Nintendo 3DS/2DS makes its mark as the best dedicated portable console on the market, the systems capabilities continue to expand with a variety of video programs. The portable has been equipped with Netflix, Hulu and even features a surprisingly capable stop motion program for creative filmmakers. In a shocking oversight, YouTube has long been missing from the system despite the Wii U having YouTube access since last year. That changes today with the release of the YouTube App on the 3DS eShop which is available now provided you have 113 blocks of memory free. I have given the app a quick test run and can say it is functional but rough around the edges. The price is right considering it is free and you can expect future updates to further refine its capabilities. Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

The Wii U Finally Has Its First True System Seller!

With all of the new generation consoles officially in the market, the question of which one to choose will lead to heated debates among the gaming community. Of the three new consoles, Nintendo's Wii U has been the verbal whipping boy of the industry with everyone proclaiming doom and gloom since its launch last year. It could be argued that some of this criticism has been warranted but much of it was not seeing as most people who actually give the machine a real chance realize that the system is actually quite good if not great.

The Wii U's biggest problem has always come down to software and much of this is a result of disingenuous third party publisher's who went back on their word to support the Wii U. Nintendo's initial strategy seemed to lean towards giving third party's the Wii U's first year in order to put a greater spotlight on their software so it would not be overshadowed by Nintendo's own stellar software. This comes from third party's bitching in the past that their software was outshone by the likes of Mario and Zelda and in turn did not sell on Nintendo machines. Tracing things back to the beginning of 2013, the debacle with Rayman Legends as well as EA combined with the PS4/XBone focus on controlled online software led to a mass exodus of support for the Wii U. The result left Nintendo's HD console with a lack of games during much of 2013 as the Big N was forced to spread out their own titles over the last half of the year. The new plan of attack now puts the focus on Nintendo's own titles (as well as partnerships with Sega/Namco) combined with one of the biggest console pushes ever for indie games.

This new strategy seems to be working with many gamers taking notice of great titles such as Pikmin 3, Wind Waker HD and even the new Sonic Lost World which is easily the one of the best 3D translations of the Blue Blur. The indie front is also building steam with titles such as the recent Toki Tori and Edge posting huge sales in their debut weeks. With the Wii U having built a better library, the last piece of the puzzle is a "must have" system seller and Super Mario 3D World seems to be that title. Not since Super Mario Galaxy has there been such universal love for a Mario game with a lot of press actually pulling a complete 180 since the games launch last week. Read for yourself and prepare for a very strong 2014 for Wii U.






Saturday, November 23, 2013

Happy 50th Anniversary Doctor Who!

Dr. Who Secrets in Video Games Direct Link


Super Mario World 3D World Accolades Trailer

Super Mario 3D World Accolades Direct Link

OUYA Reaches 500 Games!

While mainstream gaming "journalists" and supposed hardcore Gamer's continue to hate on the OUYA, you can't deny its success. The little machine has amassed a library of more than 500 games so far which is pretty damn impressive for a console that is less than a year old. Many would argue that the system is a dumping ground for simple Android games but speaking from personal experience, much like the Wii U the OUYA has a lot to offer for those seeking something different from the endlessly derivative FPS and Open World games that plague Sony and Microsoft's consoles. To celebrate their ever growing library, the team at OUYA has released a rather epic trailer showing off their latest milestone. Enjoy!



How Well Do You Know Resident Evil? ...Part 2

Resident Evil Part 2 DYKG Direct Link

And for those who missed Part 1...
Resident Evil Part 1 DYKG Direct Link

Nintendo Reveals Zelda Timeline Placement Of A Link Between Worlds

Now that the Zelda timeline has been made official through the excellent Hyrule Historia, Nintendo has decided to reveal the placement of Link's latest adventure with the release of the game via Twitter. This is a nice change of pace considering the rather secretive nature of the series. Surprisingly, the game takes place in the "Fallen Hero Timeline" AFTER the Game Boy classic, Link's Awakening. With the games deep ties to A Link to the Past, many thought it would be a direct sequel to the SNES classic. It's interesting to note that since it follows the three Game Boy (Color) titles which are available through the 3DS eShop, fans can tackle the 4 games in order which is a nice bonus. Enjoy!


Direct Link Via Twitter


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Epic Game Music Gets Wicked With Latest Castlevania Cover

The original Castlevania is an amazing game that is as famous for its music as much as its gameplay. The games first level theme titled Vampire Killer is its most famous song but for my money, level three contains the absolute best song in the game titled Wicked Child. The track is an amazing piece of music that has largely been forgotten in the series long history. Epic Game Music has once again stepped up to remind fans why this song is so excellent with his latest cover which features a great intro. Enjoy!

Castlevania "Wicked Child" Direct Link

And for those craving some Vampire Killer, Epic Game Music has you covered...

Castlevania "Vampire Killer" Direct Link

Super Mario 3D World Proves That Mario Still Has His Magic Touch

The Super Mario series is one of the most prolific video game brands on the planet with Mario being as recognizable as Mickey Mouse (actually more so). Mario is over a quarter century old and yet his games remain some of the best in the platform genre. Whether talking about his perfection of 2D in the 80's/90's or his mastery of 3D, Nintendo's portly plumber has earned his legacy.

His latest adventure, Super Mario 3D World, carries a bigger weight on its shoulders than any past game in the series. This one game will come to define the future of the Wii U, a console that has struggled more than any Nintendo home console in the past. While the system is a massive step forward for Nintendo and its consumers, the constant negativity being slung at the machine has turned it and Nintendo into the underdog of this generation. Happily, like previous Nintendo consoles, Mario is back to flex his muscle and deliver an amazing 3D adventure that is sure to move some hardware. The reviews are in and much like the stunning Mario Galaxy series, people are falling in love with the mustached hero once again. Here are some of the reviews so far and the odds are good that the Wii U will actually have a bright future after all. Enjoy!



Saturday, November 16, 2013

Foamy The Squirrel Expresses His Distaste For Video Game Patches & Updates!

The ever wise and entertaining Foamy the Squirrel has just posted a new video in which he very accurately describes one of the biggest problems in the video game industry today. While many people defend these patches and updates as necessary, anyone who has half a brain knows that these trends are a result of greed, rushed development cycles and poor hardware design. It's ironic when you realize that these practices are a large part of why this console generation will likely be the last. Enjoy!



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Nintendo eShop Trailer Showcases Strong Indie Line-up For Wii U & 3DS

Nintendo eShop Indie Trailer Direct Link


Super Mario 3D World Surprises Fans With "10 New Things" Trailer

Super Mario 3D World is set to offer the perfect blend of old and New in the Mario universe while bringing some truly new features to the classic franchise. What has been really impressive about the game is the fact that it continues to surprise with new secrets as Nintendo releases each new trailer (not an easy feat in our social network obsessed culture that can't keep anything secret). The big N has released a new trailer that showcases 10 new things about the game featuring everything from new levels to a 5th playable character. It should go without saying but anyone wishing to avoid spoilers should pass on watching this excellent new trailer. Everyone else, Enjoy!



New Bravely Default Release Date, Trailer & Collector's Edition Details

The Nintendo 3DS has grown by leaps and bounds since its launch nearly 3 years ago with a library that rivals many home consoles. It has become the new home to great JRPG's with its backwards compatibility, eShop and retail releases of amazing games such as Fire Emblem, Shin Megami Tensei and Monster Hunter. That library is about to get a major boost next year with the highly anticipated SquareEnix developed Bravely Default which is set to be released by Nintendo on February 7, 2014. In many ways, Bravely Default is the "new" Final Fantasy many fans have waited for with its gorgeous graphics and return to many of the gameplay elements that made games like Final Fantasy VI so classic. Nintendo released a new trailer today which gives a tantalizing taste of the adventure that awaits. They also revealed through their Nintendo Direct that the game will get a collector's edition release which will include an Art Book, Soundtrack and 34 AR cards. Enjoy!



Monday, November 11, 2013

SNES Generation Album Mixes Retro & Modern Game Soundtracks

The Super Nintendo has one of the most recognizable sound library's of any game console ever created. This distinctive SNES sound is part of what has given us some of the best video game soundtracks of all time including Final Fantasy VI, Super Castlevania IV and Chrono Trigger. Musical artist Alex Roe has just released an album titled SNES Generation which takes that classic SNES sound and remixes many modern gaming classics with results that are sure to please fans of both modern and retro game music. The album is now available for download with a name your price option which includes FREE. Enjoy!


Sunday, November 10, 2013

Is Link Dead In Majora's Mask?

The Legend of Zelda is a series that keeps on giving when it comes to each games lore. Despite being officially confirmed by Nintendo through Hyrule Historia, the Zelda timeline continues to fascinate hardcore fans who want even more detail on the legendary adventures of Link. One game that has been quite divisive among fans is Majora's Mask which remains one of the most drastically different games in the series history. Outside of the major gameplay changes which involve repeating the same 3 days, Majora's Mask is one of the darkest Zelda tales ever told and YouTube channel The Game Theorists may have just uncovered one of the biggest narrative twists for any game ever developed by the Big N. While not confirmed by Nintendo, evidence peppered throughout the game could lead players to believe that Link's adventure is actually a result of his death early in the adventure. If this is true, Majora's Mask may be one of the most significant tales told in the entire Zelda series and set a precedent that nothing is off limits in the Zelda universe. Enjoy!



Friday, November 8, 2013

CollegeHumor Updates Pokerap Now Featuring ALL 718 Pokemon!

Pokemon has earned its place in video game history as a great RPG series with a legacy that stretches more than 15 years. Despite its impact on both pop culture and video games as a whole, few can deny that its titular character roster has grown a bit out of control with over 700 Pokemon for those who "Gotta catch 'em all!". The often hilarious CollegeHumor.com has taken the Pokerap (made famous by the Pokemon anime series) and updated it to include the entire current roster of 718 Pokemon. The epic song will have any Pokemon fan in stitches as they listen to the singer attempt to power through the ridiculously long 9 minute version of the famous rap. Enjoy!


Nintendo Breaks Down The Difference Between Their Wii & Wii U Home Consoles

It has been argued that the Nintendo Wii U has had some trouble selling due to a misunderstanding among Wii owning "Casual Gamers" who think that the Wii U is an expensive add-on for the original Wii as opposed to a new more powerful home console. While I would like to give people more credit than this, our piss poor education system and personal experience in customer service does give this argument a certain level of validity. Unfortunately, there have even been cases where retailer ignorance has confused consumers about this very issue. With the recent surge in sales for the Wii U worldwide, Nintendo has released a handy chart that helps clear things up a bit and fully illustrates the vast differences between the original Wii and the superior Wii U.



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Time To Rock Out With Some "Epic Game Music"!

YouTube user and RetrowareTV contributor EpicGameMusic has made a name for himself with some rockin' covers of many of the best games of all time. He has covered everything from Actraiser to Zelda yet remains largely undiscovered on YouTube with under 3,000 subscribers which is a crime considering the heart and soul he pours into his tracks. While not as flashy as other Remixers, his work has a more personal charm that (in my option) showcases a real passion for the original tunes. On a personal note, EGM's music strikes a chord with me and reminds me of my old college roommate who could rock some serious NES era tunes on his bass guitar.

EpicGameMusic has recently released a fantastic album titled 255 Battles with the Cursed Shield which absolutely deserves to be in your game music playlist. The album features 30 tracks covering classics such as Mega Man, Zelda, Castlevania and Earthbound. Best of all, the album allows you to name your own price (including FREE!) which means any fan of classic game music can afford to listen. Enjoy!


Monday, November 4, 2013

Club Nintendo November Rewards Update

Nintendo has updated their downloadable Club Nintendo rewards for November and for the remainder of the month they are offering 4 titles across 3 systems (Wii games can be used on Wii U)The expiration date for this offer is now December 8 and the price is between 150-200 coins for each title. Be sure to check back December 9 for the next reward update.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Wii Virtual Console
150 Coins (Available Until December 8)

Art Style: CUBELLO - WiiWare
150 Coins (Available Until December 8)

Dillon's Rolling Western - 3DS eShop
200 Coins (Available Until December 8)

Metroid 3DS eShop
150 Coins (Available Until December 8)


Click here to see rewards


How Well Do You Know Silent Hill?

Silent Hill DYKG Direct Link

Link Saves A Galaxy Far, Far Away In Super Smash Wars

Not long ago we took a look at the the excellent Super Mario Busters which took two massive 80's icons and mashed them together with amazing results. James Farr, the talented animator who was responsible for the mash-up is at it again with his latest work titled Super Smash Wars: A Link to the Hope. His newest video may be his greatest yet as it retells the classic story of Star Wars Episode IV with the massive cast of legendary Nintendo characters. Much like his previous videos, there is little doubt that you'll find yourself watching the stunning video many times over in order to find all of the hidden references to Nintendo's many game series. Needless to say, if you like Star Wars and Nintendo, you will fall in love with this video and find yourself begging for a similar treatment of Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Enjoy!