The Legend Of Digital Zelda Is A Must Watch For Any Zelda Fan

There is little doubt that video game fan films are some of the finest productions on all of YouTube and it's even more impressive when you consider that they generally have little to no funding at all. A YouTube user known as FinalCutKing has recently released an insanely slick short film which uses paper cutout style animation to show Link's quest to defeat Ganon and save Princess Zelda. The production impressively spans 6 desktops, 5 tablets and 4 laptops for Link's journey and is complimented by a great electronic rendition of the classic Zelda theme. Check out The Legend of Digital Zelda for yourself. Enjoy!

The Legend of Digital Zelda Direct Link

Nintendo 3DS Far More Successful Than Trash Talkers Would Lead You To Believe

The Nintendo 3DS has had its fair share of critics and naysayers since its release in early 2011. What has become increasingly standard for Nintendo console releases since the Nintendo DS in 2004, people seem to get off on trash talking the Big N. This is odd considering that despite their missteps such as the PS3 launch price and 360 Red Ring Of Death, Sony and Microsoft are largely shielded from the same sweeping negativity. Funny thing is, Nintendo's last three consoles have all destroyed their competition in sheer numbers and what's really impressive is that each time, it was done so with weaker technology. Despite the constant doom and gloom, the 3DS has managed some impressive numbers even when being assaulted by tablets, smartphones and the PS Vita. In less than 2 years, the Nintendo 3DS has:

• Surpassed lifetime sales of Gamecube hardware (21+ million)
• Sold 2/3 of the total Nintendo 64 hardware sales (32+ million)
• Sold nearly half of the total Super Nintendo hardware sales (49+ million)

Personally, I'm loving the 3DS way more than I ever expected to and can't wait to see what new games will hit the platform. With the Wii U, the gaming public are once again shit talking Nintendo and spelling the demise of the company. Quite frankly, it has become tiring and seems to be more for attention and headlines than actual knowledge or realistic analysis of Nintendo's consoles. What are your feelings on Nintendo's consoles? Are you a Wii fan? Do you still play the Nintendo DS? Please share in the the comments.

Sega Genesis Hit Pier Solar Fully Funded For HD Debut

The Kickstarter campaign to bring Pier Solar HD to a variety of new and old game platforms has proven successful and with 6 days left, a list of stretch goals has been revealed. Some of the more interesting features include a Directors Cut with additional sidequests and a version for the OUYA. Having rasied over $140,000, WaterMelon Co. plans to add the following features and systems upon reaching each goal:

• $145,000 - Japanese Translation
• $150,000 - Dreamcast Extras (16x9 Widescreen, VMU & VGA Support)
• $160,000 - Pier Solar HD, Directors Cut
• $175,000 - Pier Solar HD, for Android & OUYA
• $200,000 - Pier Solar HD, for Wii U

While I am sure that these version will eventually be released for these platforms in the future, the stretch goals mean that they will be developed simultaneously with the already announced systems allowing for a quicker & smoother release. Simply put, if you want the game on your new system of choice, better ramp up your support and spread the word before December 5th.

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Club Nintendo November Rewards Update #4

Nintendo has updated their downloadable Club Nintendo rewards replacing Art Style: Rotozoa with ThruSpace for WiiWare. The expiration date for this offer is now December 9 and the price is 150 coins. Be sure to check back December 3 for the next reward, which will likely be on eShop or 3DS Virtual Console.

ThruSpace - WiiWare
150 Coins (Available Until December 9)

Celebrate Metroid Prime's 10th Anniversary With Amazing Fan Album

The Metroid series feels like a third wheel in Nintendo's catalog falling well behind the likes of Mario and Zelda. While Metroid has never had the sales numbers of a series like Zelda, its fans are just as loyal while not as numerous. Sadly, Nintendo choose to completely ignore the series 25th anniversary and with the exception of a nod in the Wii U launch title Nintendo Land, 2010's Metroid Other M is the last we've heard from Samus Aran and the Big N could not have chosen a more divisive title for the bounty hunter's last bug hunt. While the debate rages over Other M between those who loved it and those who despise it, a group of dedicated fans have decided to honor the legendary series with an amazing follow up album to 2011's Harmony of a Hunter which was a fan tribute to the 25th Anniversary. Harmony of a Hunter: 101% Run is a brilliant 3 disc album which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the masterpiece that is Metroid Prime by exploring the various audio landscapes of the Metroid universe in a variety of styles from a very talented group of artists. Epic doesn't even begin to describe the quality of this production which rivals anything Nintendo could have done for the anniversary. Top this off with the fact that the entire album is FREE! and you have every reason to pop these tunes in and revisit Tallon IV or Zebes with the most famous bounty hunter in the video game universe. Check out the excellent preview trailer and then download the album. Enjoy!

Download Harmony of a Hunter: 101% Run (2012)

Download Harmony of a Hunter (2011)

Harmony of a Hunter Website

Resident Evil: Revelations Coming To The Big Screen?

Resident Evil: Revelations for the Nintendo 3DS is a unique beast. On one hand, expectations for the game were much lower than normal due to the bland action fest that was Resident Evil 5. This helped the developers produce a game that recalled more of the feel and style of Resident Evil 1, 2 and 4 while mixing up the environments and pacing with non-linear chapters. The result was the best Resident Evil game since 2005 which was slightly marred by a so-so story which isn't surprising after Resident Evil 5 pissed all over the series mythology. One of the games standout features was the amazing Raid Mode which successfully took the stale Mercenaries mode and fleshed the idea into a great blend of action, RPG and multiplayer. The game was a hit and became a showpiece of the Nintendo 3DS giving fans hope for the series return to greatness with Resident Evil 6. Unfortunately, RE6 dropped everything that made Revelations great and promptly took a dump on the once great series. Hoping to recover from the mess that is Resident Evil 6, word is that Capcom wants to take the 3DS hit and port it to the PS3 (with a 360 version not far behind no doubt). While the Wii U would be the most logical choice, no word is given on a port to Nintendo's HD console. What are your feelings on a possible HD port of Resident Evil: Revelations? What home consoles, if any, would you like to see this game on? Let us know below in the comments.

Latest Castlevania Episode Features Some Nice Fan Service

The latest episode of Castlevania: Hymn of Blood showcases far more of its source material than any of the previous installments and to great effect. The fan created project has used a slow build in revealing the story which has allowed viewers to focus more on the performances and in turn allowed the narrative to progress more naturally which would never happen in a big screen adaptation which would be firing off mindless action scenes every couple minutes. The series has also been very subtle in referencing the Castlevania game series which has allowed it to feel like its own entity and not just a retelling of one of the games. In the fifth episode, some sweet fan service comes in the form of a classic villain, a memorable quote and a killer credits song. Keep an eye out for the Vampire Killer to make a quick preview. Enjoy!

Gold Nunchuck Making A Holiday Return

Earlier this year, Nintendo released a limited edition Club Nintendo Gold Nunchuck for Wii and it promptly sold out. It has since been listed as unavailable for the many months since. It turns out that Nintendo will be doing a second run on the rare accessory and just in time for the holidays. Starting November 26th, the Gold Nunchuck will be added back onto the Club Nintendo rewards catalog for 900 Points. Once again, this will be released in "limited quantities" so I would be prepared to snatch one up quickly as it will disappear as fast if not faster than last time. With any luck, Nintendo will continue to improve their Club Nintendo rewards and start adding more games & accessories.

The Last Story Officially A HUGE Success!

Nintendo of America passed on publishing The Last Story in North America despite outcries from the fans and their loss proved to be a big gain for publisher XSEED. Despite releasing at the tail end of the Wii's life cycle, the game has become the most successful game ever released by XSEED. When you consider that the company is over 6 years old and has released over 40 games across 8 different game platforms, that news is really damn impressive. The news also proves that the "core" gaming audience on the Wii are far more numerous than the game media would lead you to believe. The game was so successful in fact that the entire first run has sold out! To celebrate the success, XSEED has ordered a second run on the game and will be releasing the new "Standalone Version" for a steal at $29.99. The new standalone version will be packaged like all regular Wii games with a standard case, instructions and game disc. They have also announced plans to drop the price of remaining "Limited Edition" copies in the wild to $39.99 which is great for any collector's looking for the Art Book & LE Box. A special note to collector's, sealed copies of the "Pre-order Edition" which packaged the LE Soundtrack with the Limited Edition game will become extremely collectible in the future so if you see any in the wild, grab them up. Congratulations to XSEED on their success, a tip of the hat to "core" Wii gamer's who actually supported the game and for all you new Wii U owners looking for a deep and excellent exclusive for your shiny new console, get your ass out there and grab a copy of the amazing RPG which is now half the price of a new Wii U game.

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The Historia Of Hyrule Recieves A Slick Trailer

Announced a couple months ago, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is set to reveal its secrets this January 2013. The book shot to the top of Amazon's pre-order list and is highly anticipated among fans and collector's. To mark the upcoming release, a trailer has been released giving a sneak peak at the contents of this historic gaming release. Enjoy!

Club Nintendo November Rewards Update #3

Nintendo has updated their downloadable Club Nintendo rewards today replacing Mario's Picross with Touch Solitaire for 3DS eShop. The expiration date for this offer is now December 2 and the price is 100 coins. Be sure to check back November 26 for the next reward, most likely for WiiWare or Wii Virtual Console.

Touch Solitaire - Nintendo 3DS
100 Coins (Available Until December 2)

Even More Star Trek Talent Featured In 4th Castlevania Episode

Castlevania: Hymn of Blood continues to impress with its original take on the Castlevania story. Most impressive is the acting and addition of more Star Trek: TNG alumni in the form of Marina Sirtis as the gypsy fortune teller Persena. She does a good job adding a sense of dread to Simon's quest. Her addition to the cast is not that surprising considering she's quite good friends with Michael Dorn who also continues to appear throughout the story. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here. Personally, I would not object to a guest appearance by Patrick Stewart or Brent Spiner. Enjoy!

Donkey Kong Country Trilogy MIA On Virtual Console

In one of their strangest moves, Nintendo has completely removed the entire Donkey Kong Country trilogy without warning from their Wii Virtual Console service in North America. No explanation has been given and the move is even stranger considering that European Wii gamer's were recently given an official notice that the same titles would be removed on November 25th allowing fans a chance to download the classics before there removal. Many theories are floating around the net concerning Nintendo's motive ranging from a potential HD re-release on Wii U to licensing issues with RARE/Microsoft which makes no sense due to the entire Donkey Kong license belonging to Nintendo including any characters RARE created for it. While I like digital distribution for things such as indie games, I feel that the move away from physical gaming in the mainstream carries with it some heavy ramifications for the legacy of many excellent games. The lesson of this ordeal is to collect physical copies of the titles you hold close to your heart because the industry is pushing towards a day where ownership and access to your favorite games are dictated solely by the companies.

New Zombi U Launch Trailer

With the Wii U launching in less than 48 hours, excitement is at a fever pitch for Nintendo's first step into the HD generation and first "Next Generation" home console. For hardcore, FPS & horror gamer's, Zombi U is the standout exclusive launch title that is both truly original and showcases the potential of the Wii U Gamepad. To show off this innovation, IGN has posted a new launch trailer featuring how the game plays with the new Gamepad and it looks pretty intense. Enjoy!

YouTube Channel Hits The Nintendo Wii

Nintendo has released what will likely be the final system update for the 6 year old Wii. This update is noteworthy for bringing with it an official YouTube Channel. While this addition is a bit late, it is still welcome and works quite well. The channel allows you to sync up your subscriptions and provides good image quality and nice streaming speeds comparable or even better than the Netflix Channel.  The channel only uses 117 Blocks of memory which is pretty reasonable. Considering the wealth of great original video game channels on YouTube, this will be one of the better channels available for Nintendo's incredibly successful Wii and a fitting send-off as the Wii U prepares to invade living rooms in 2 days. Enjoy and don't be surprised if the 3DS eventually receives YouTube as well.

Third Castlevania Episode Explores The Belmont Legacy

For those who missed out on last weeks update to Castlevania: Hymn of Blood (myself included), here you go. The production continues to impress with its respect to the video game series while still forging its own path. While many show a lot of hate for the live action Resident Evil films, I always enjoyed the fact that they take the characters and story from the games and mix things up to keep the story from becoming predictable. This new Castlevania series seems to be taking the same approach but with a more conservative take on action and greater focus on story and character relationships. Enjoy!

Club Nintendo November Rewards Update #2

Nintendo has updated their downloadable Club Nintendo rewards replacing Super Punch-Out!! with Art Style: Rotozoa for WiiWare. The expiration date for this offer is now November 25 and the price is 100 coins. Be sure to check back November 19 for the next reward, which will likely be on eShop or 3DS Virtual Console.

Art Style: Rotozoa - WiiWare
100 Coins (Available Until November 25)

Battle Kid 2 Status Update

It's been a while but Sivak, developer of the indie NES hit Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril, has updated his website on the status of Battle Kid 2: Mountain of Torment. Originally scheduled for a July/August 2012 release, production has been a bit slower than expected due to problems getting the materials printed. Unfortunately, this has pushed the games release date back to the point of being unknown. Sivak recently received a status update from the publisher stating that the final parts have been printed and mailed and aside from possible shipping issues, the game is back on track. I imagine this will still allow the game to be a 2012 release but Treon's Realm will keep you posted on any new updates.

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Angry Video Game Nerd The Movie Trailer Hits The Web

One of my favorite YouTube stars is James Rolfe who also plays the character of The Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN). AVGN is what he is best known for but his other work is quite excellent and I recommend viewing everything you can get your eyes on, he is a true independent inspiration. The AVGN has been around since the early days of YouTube and his foul mouthed and angry classic game reviews are the inspiration for a million imitator's. James is finishing up work on his first feature length film based on his alter ego and has just released the trailer which looks like a pretty fun film and definitely rewards fans of the series. If you're a fan of retro video games, do yourself a favor and check out the "The Nerd"!

To assist those interested in the many works of Mr. Rolfe, I am including some direct links to different parts of his production company, Cinemassacre. Outside of AVGN, horror films are the true specialty of James and if you love horror, you NEED to check out his Monster Madness series and his original films like "The Deader The Better".

Cinemassacre.com - The main site for everything including all episodes of AVGN as well as movie reviews, the yearly Monster Madness series, original films and "You Know What's Bullshit!".

JamesNintendoNerd - Official YouTube channel for all things Cinemassacre and AVGN

Twitter/cinemassacre - Follow Cinemassacre on Twitter

2010 Indie RPG For Sega Genesis Is About To Be Kicked Into HD

Pier Solar and the Great Architects was released independently a couple years ago on the Sega Genesis and proved to be a love letter to fans of old turn-based RPG's of the 16-bit era. It featured beautiful graphics, an original story and loads of ambition. The game turned out to be a big hit even though it was released on a system over 20 years old. The game's developer, WaterMelon, received a lot of fan request for the game to be released on current platforms and not one to disappoint has started a Kickstarter campaign to create a high definition version for a ton of systems. The new version of the game will be known as Pier Solar HD and will be released on the following systems:

• Xbox 360 (With achievements)
• PC
• Mac
• Linux
• Sega Dreamcast (Yes, you read that correctly :)

And with enough support, they plan to release a Wii U version next. With their goal set around $140,000, they already have over 1,000 people on board with about $80,000 and 25 days to go. I recommend checking this out if you're an RPG fan looking for your next fix and want to support fresh and original game design, something sorely missing in our world of endless sequels.

Shantae Cursed By Pirates In 3DS Sequel

Shantae, the fantastic "Metroidvania" series from Wayforward Technologies, is getting a brand new game on the 3DS. Set as a direct sequel to Shantae: Risky's Revenge, the new game titled Shantae and the Pirate's Curse will be roughly twice the size of its predecessor and feature the teaming up of Shantae and her pirate nemesis Risky Boots to battle a new enemy known as The Pirate Master. The series which started on the Game Boy Color back in 2002 quickly gained a loyal fanbase who were rewarded with an excellent sequel in 2010 on Nintendo's DSiWare service. Shantae has grown into a great franchise and this is largely due to its independent roots, great design and the advent of digital distribution which continues to bring us excellent new and original games. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse is scheduled for a 2013 release as a 3DS eShop exclusive.

Capcom's Tatsunoko Rights Have Expired

Before Capcom's rapid decline over the last 2 years, they actually put out some truly fan favorite titles. One of those titles was Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars for the Nintendo Wii, a title which almost didn't see a release in the US due to nearly half the roster not being known outside of Japan. The game is one of the best fighters on the Wii and a must for any Capcom, Anime or fighting game fan. Unfortunately, Capcom's rights to the license have expired which means the game can no longer be sold or distributed by Capcom in either physical or digital form. This officially puts the game in the truly collectible category meaning you should try to grab a copy before prices spike through the roof. Don't expect to see a downloadable release in the future either based on a quote from Capcom's Christian Svensson:

"Our rights with Tatsunoko have lapsed fairly recently (so we're no longer allowed to sell the title physically or digitally). Unless Japan were to strike a new deal, I'd say the chances of this happening are slim."

Second Castlevania Episode Injected With Star Trek Star Power

Earlier this year Michael Dorn, known for his role as Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation, announced that he would be starring in a live action adaptation of the Castlevania series. Naturally, everyone assumed this meant that the oft delayed Castlevania film was back on track. Surprisingly, as shown in this continuation of Castlevania: Hymn of Blood, he was referring to this new fan made series. This turn of events is actually pretty welcome due to the quality of this new series and part 2 continues to intrigue with its fresh take on the characters and series mythology. It's a recommended view and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for yet another Star Trek: TNG actor who joins this great production. Enjoy!

Club Nintendo November Rewards Update #1

Nintendo has updated their downloadable Club Nintendo rewards today replacing Pro-Putt Domo with Mario's Picross for 3DS Virtual Console. The expiration date for this offer is now November 18 and the price is 100 coins. Be sure to check back November 15 for the next reward, most likely for WiiWare or Wii Virtual Console.

Mario's Picross - Nintendo 3DS
100 Coins (Available Until November 18)

Nintendo DS Gem Solatorobo Getting A New Game

The Nintendo DS and its 8 year legacy is home to some of the most innovative and excellent gaming gems. One of those gems was Solatorobo: Red the Hunter which was released late last year and comes highly recommended to any fan of great action adventure games. The game which was created by CyberConnect2 introduced players to a very unique and compelling world painted with an art style reminiscent of a Miyazaki film. CyberConnect2 president Hiroshi Matsuyama has recently confirmed that a follow-up title is in the works. Unfortunately, details are scarce aside from the confirmation leaving many to wonder what system will receive the new game. Personally, my vote is for the 3DS as the hardware is well suited to the many ambitious directions the new title could utilize. Until more details surface, do yourself a favor and experience the excellent DS original.

Sweet Indie Game Trailer Showcases 61 Games

It's no secret that I am a fan of independent games. The indie game is a personal expression of the designer that sticks with you in a way that traditional games can't. YouTube user PixelProspector has crafted a music video trailer of his personal favorite indie games which I find is a great way to get a glimpse of some of the great titles out there. If you're curious about the title of each featured game, every game is listed in the video description. Enjoy!

Video Source (Game Titles in Video Description)

Get Dragon Quest VI For A Steal At Best Buy!

I'm not a huge fan of Best Buy but every once in a while they have a good deal and this one is too good to pass up. I have built up my DS & 3DS library over the last year due to their clearance prices for a lot of great titles, all of them falling between $10 and $15. This brings us to their latest deal, Dragon Quest VI. Old school JRPG's have a certain charm to them and few are as renowned and loved as the Dragon Quest. Dragon Quest IX for the DS was an amazingly deep and accessible game that I recommend for just about any RPG fan. The earlier games in the series are more of an acquired taste for the modern RPG gamer. The previously unreleased Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation for Nintendo DS is a great game in its own right and you can get it for under $12 right now (with Free Shipping) at Best Buy's online store. If you're a fan, grab this classic while you can!