M.A.L.R. pays his amazing, hilarious respects...

OH. EM. GEE. That was awesome. And creepy!! Love the Weegee Smooth Criminal lean!! Michael has never been more alive!

E3 2009 - Nintendo News

After disappointing the "hardcore" crowd at last year's E3, Nintendo was looking to redeem itself at this year's expo. I think they're strategy going into it was to mention Mario as many times as possible. Works for me =].


New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a great idea. The classic game still holds up to this day; thanks to the Virtual Console, it's one of the most played games on my Wii. Updating it with better graphics, some WiiMote functionality, and a four-player co-op/vs mode is genius. The people at Nintendo are experts at getting people to drop cash on the same damn game over and over again. Even with 18 million copies of the game already sold on the DS, watch the Wii version sell like hotcakes. People are already complaining about the game's lack of online play, but I think it's better for it. Play with real people. Your siblings, your cousins, your friends, your dog. Do it.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii - Fall 2009


Easily the most surprising announcement of the conference, Nintendo announced that it had teamed up with development group Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive) for the next installment in the Metroid series. With Metroid Prime 3 still standing as one of the most celebrated games on the console and the complete Prime trilogy being prepped for a re-release, Metroid: Other M is a great way to move forward with the franchise without rendering the previous offerings irrelevant. Team Ninja's fingerprints are all over the trailer and I'm excited for this new, darker approach to Samus Aran and her backstory. Good on you, Nintendo.
Metroid: Other M - 2010


Yay! Mario's never gotten a full sequel on the same console before but, even when the original Galaxy was released, it just felt like there would be a sequel coming. The game, admittedly, looks a lot like the first Galaxy with the addition of Yoshi, but Miyamoto reassures us that the game is 90-95% brand new. Galaxy was a stellar game and my only real complaint was that it was a tad too easy. With WiiFit Plus, Nintendo seems to have demonstrated that they are indeed listening to user feedback, so perhaps we'll see an increase in difficulty in Mario's next space outing. Either way, exciting!
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - 2010

So, hardcore gamers will likely still find something to grumble (loudly) about after this year's E3, but these announcements coupled with news of Tatsunoko vs Capcom seeing an American release has me plenty satisfied with the Wii's prospects for the upcoming year. What about you? Placated?

Guess Who?: Brawl Edition

Bahahaha.

An homage to 90s TV shows

There are many, shall we say 'creative' Brawl videos on the net. But, there's one guy on YouTube who goes by M.A.L.R. and makes some of the funniest videos I've seen. The one I'm featuring here is just one of his collection of 90s TV show parodies through Brawl. If you're a fan of the game or grew up in the 90s, this will make you crack a smile.



Eh, eh. I love the Batman: TAS spoof -- it's spot-on. This guy has a ton more videos using Brawl in inventive ways to get you laughing so if you liked this you should definitely check out his other work.

Addressing all of the dusty Wiis out there...

Are you still playing your Wii? From all the people who own the system that I happen to know, the answer is a resounding 'NO.' The cute, little white boxes have been relegated to such menial tasks as paperweight, coaster, and in severe cases, a symmetrical dust collector. Mine, however, still gets regular exercise. I’ll share my secrets ^_^.

First off, as a gay man I attract a never-ending supply of female companions (mmhmm, yeah, I’d gladly trade some of them with you straight lads if you’re willing to pass off some of your hot jock friends). The girls I live with and even the ones who live close by are always, and I mean always up for a game of Mario Party 8. Also known to catch their collective fancies is a spin around the track in Mario Kart Wii. While playing with them isn’t the “hardcore” video gaming experience, it still manages to be a lot of fun -- hanging out with your friends, competing in a game that doesn’t really matter, and having a few laughs.

I also still manage to play alone, in a much geekier fashion. As lacking as the online experience is on the Wii compared with competing systems, it has still allowed at least one crucial development: the Smash community has gone viral. As someone who used to play Super Smash Bros. Melee competitively, there isn’t a sweeter blessing. Through the use of online Brawl communities, never again do I have to give up an entire weekend holed up in a room full of unhygienic, rude freaks that are good at Smash because they never leave home. I can geek out in the convenience of my home, whenever I choose to. Which is surprisingly often; thrashing people (and being thrashed) in online Brawl doesn’t seem to get old.

The two sites I use are smashbrawlrankings.com and allisbrawl.com. The former, SBR, has more of a community feel to it, if that’s more your thing. The moderators there are bizarrely kind and helpful and the kids you play there are more likely to become your Brawl buddies, if you will. It’s where I started out and I don’t regret it for a second. AiB has a more competitive scene. Many more Brawlers are attracted to the site and tournaments are run regularly. There’s always someone there who can give you a challenge. I’d recommend SBR for a smoother transition into the Smash community, but either will do.

So, yeah, I still play Brawl a ton. It’s great to get a 2 vs. 2 going with four good players and have at it. Lag is still a bit of an issue, but if you’re playing someone on your coast, it’s honestly not a problem. Moreover, internet connections have more to do with it than the limitations of Nintendo WiFi; I’ve played lag-less matches with people in Europe and Japan. Perhaps this information will get you to find something else to keep water rings off your wood, perhaps not. If the latter, hopefully you can hold out for 2009, by all indications a better year for the Wii overall.

New Wii =/

So, my Wii bit the big one back in September and decided not to read discs anymore. After freaking out, I came to find out that this was a pretty regular occurrence for Wii owners who play Brawl constantly. So I sent it off to Nintendo, hoping for a speedy repair. What I got was a speedy replacement Wii. Which is nice, but kinda blows at the same time. All my save data is gone. All of it. I shed a silent tear over that one. I’m playing through Brawl again, collecting all the songs, stickers and trophies (‘cause I’m a freak). Getting everything again is annoying, but I have to say the worst part is losing my old Brawl friend code. I had become oddly attached to it; it was so gosh-darn cute. Sigh. So, new FC is below. See how ugly it is? When I get Mario Kart Wii poppin’ again, I’ll put that FC up as well.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
4253-6510-3917

Still Entertaining

I'm still playing Mario Kart Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl pretty regularly. Kart gives you plenty of reasons to stick around, whether it's raising your online score (currently at a shiny 9695) or racing ghosts from around the world. Brawl, duh, has tons of replay value. And, I'm pretty happy to say, online has improved pretty drastically. Lag is still an issue, but I can connect to people just about as quickly as I can on Kart. Below are my friend codes for each game. Hope to see you online! ^_^

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
3007-7772-8543


Mario Kart Wii
4511-0958-2316

P.S. Don't forget to pass along your friend codes, too. ^_-

@_@ "Ooooh"

This teaser is pretty. This is honestly the first time I've even considered purchasing an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. In a lot of ways, Street Fighter IS gaming to me. It would be a little sad if I didn't get it... Sucks it won't be on Wii, though. And I don't wanna hear any crap about the Wii not being to handle it, either.

The new characters look pretty interesting. El Fuerte especially looks like a lot of fun to play. But, I'm mostly excited about all the original characters from SFII returning. Vega, I love you. You're such a special kind of sadistic, really. I'm glad this is coming along nicely. Not that I had too much of a reason not to trust Capcom. They usually come correct.

Zelda the Movie?!... didn't see this coming...

So, wow. A Legend of Zelda motion picture has apparently been in secret production for a while now, 'cause here's the trailer.



A Link movie? Really?? Somehow, when dreaming of my favorite video games being translated (faithfully) to the big screen, the Zelda franchise doesn't really come to mind. I have an issue with the costume designs; I'm sorry, none of them look great. Link looks weird, perhaps an instance of bad casting, and Ganondorf looks like a darker cross between Ivan Ooze and Gonzo. The trailer did nothing to get me excited about the movie; I'm still kind of just shocked actually. I mean, I'm sure I'll see it but... A Link movie? Really???

Perhaps this is an April Fool's joke?????

Daaaaamn!

It has landed. I showed everybody I know who is even remotely into gaming Montyoum's original Dead Fantasy video. That shiz was awesome. And, I've been pretty curious to see how he would top it. Well, he did. Enjoy Dead Fantasy II below.

Some Much Needed Support

For those of you bitching and moaning about the lack of third-party support on the Wii (myself included), I'd like to showcase two upcoming titles that actually look like someone, somewhere spent time on them. And they're both ports! Crazy, no?

First up, Okami. Originally released on the PS2 late 2006, this Capcom title garnered much acclaim but was kind of a cult hit. It sold moderately well, but was completely overshadowed by that other game with a wolf that came out at the same time. You might have heard of it. That million-seller, Twilight Princess. Superficially, the games do look pretty similar. But, apparently that's just looks being deceptive. I've never played the game for PS2, but game reviewers practically wet themselves over it and it would seem that Nintendo fanboys have been clamoring for a Wii release for nearly two years now, claiming the gameplay mechanics naturally lend themselves to the Wiimote's innovative controls. Lucky for them, and Wii owners in general, Capcom listened, and have ported the game, reportedly without taking any shortcuts. The game's cel-shaded art style is absolutely beautiful and looks great on the Wii version set to hit shelves in the US next month. Reviewers seem poised to wet themselves all over again, noting that Okami is a rare example of a port done right, and are appreciative of a solid third-party effort on a system dominated by first-party affairs. Capcom has already proven that a third party can find success on the Wii with their Resident Evil series and the critically acclaimed Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure and hopefully other publishers and developers will start to take notice. Take a look at some footage from the game below, courtesy of IGN.



Next up is this game called Death Jr.: Root of Evil. Originally a game for PSP (I know, right?), Grim Reaper's son is bringing his scythe to the Wii. DJ caught my eye because I feel like it's a cute concept, and I don't think there are enough games that make you laugh. The game is part platformer, part melee combat, and part shooter. And though it's not as visually stunning as Okami, it's clear that Eidos is taking the project seriously. I'm really intrigued with both; at least one of these two games may be my (admittedly) first third-party purchase for my Wii. Check out some Death Jr. gameplay below, again courtesy of our friends at IGN.

And, I'm Back!

Whoo, it's a been a bit, huh? Well, hello again, dedicated few. It's been just about a week since I've posted, so let's recap.

Last Friday, MODA, the sole organization on the University of Chicago campus keeping fashion alive, threw it's annual Spring fashion show, Hyde and Chic. The majority of the pieces shown were created by student designers. I was actually quite impressed with some of the designs; the bridal line, by Ariya Sasaki, in particular was amazing. I got the opportunity to model for Akira, an up-and-coming retail chain based here in Chicago. There's little in this world more validating for your gay soul than getting your make-up done and looking ferocious as you strut down a runway. I had a smashing time and am totes looking forward to doing it again. Ew, I typed "totes."

So, the fashion show explains my absence on Friday. The rest I can blame on a little thing called Brawl. The first few hours were very humbling to say the least; my skills from Melee did not translate very well at all. But, after playing the game in my every spare minute, I have vastly improved and am on the track to beastly. The game, duh, is awesome. It's beautiful, one of the best looking Wii games to date, which is impressive if only because of the sheer amount of crap going on at any one time. I've played through the Subspace Emissary and though it is a bit repetitive, I loved the cut scenes. Totally worth going through it just for them...and to unlock the characters of course. The stages are really inventive this time around, and just in case you're the one percent who doesn't think so, you have the option to invent your own. Fight mechanics have changed, some drastically from Melee. I'm still getting used to the removal of L-canceling and the ability to function after air dodging. I'll stop now. I won't tell you to go buy it, 'cause you probably own it if you want it. You should anyway.

9.5...?

So, IGN has posted their review of Super Smash Bros. Brawl and have rated it a 9.5. That bothers me. Ultimately, I know it doesn't matter, as IGN could give the game a 3, and that wouldn't deter anyone from making the purchase. But, it bothers me anyway. Here's why...

• Melee got a 9.6. We know for a fact that Brawl is a better game, but IGN has this thing against sequels...
• IGN hates on the Subspace Emissary, but it's clearly a step up from Melee's adventure mode, what with the awesome cut scenes and eight hours of gameplay
• Claims the entire StarFox clan is made up of clones, when in reality they each have unique movesets
• And how much do they know about Smash anyway if they don't know that air dodges were introduced in Melee?

Maybe I'm just nitpicking but, that's how near and dear Smash is to my heart. Check out IGN's video review of the game below.

It's March, B****es!!

Yay! Spring is in the offing! ...Maybe. This month, Japanese pop superstar Utada Hikaru is releasing her fifth Japanese studio album, Heart Station. Utada's literally been releasing singles from this album since 2006, and so it'll be interesting to finally listen to the finished package. Of the five singles already released, I'm a fan of Flavor of Life and Heart Station; check them out, arguably J-Pop at its finest.

I had the lovely pleasure of meeting the very hot Sean Faris earlier this week at a screening for his new, upcoming fight flick Never Back Down. Sean was super nice and very gracious and all he asked in return was to spread the word about his movie. And, spread the word I shall. Though not nearly Academy Award worthy, Never Back Down is solid entertainment for a Friday night that guys and girls will enjoy (for completely different reasons, mind you). The fighting scenes are pretty cool, Djimon Hounsou is pretty awesome, and Sean Faris reportedly broke a bone in his back from being body slammed so hard during rehearsals. And besides, he's so dreamy...

My girl Raven-Symoné has her new movie, College Road Trip with Martin Lawrence coming out next week. It looks like your run-of-the-mill comedy, but I'm giving it a mention just because Raven is one of the few comediennes with the ability to make me laugh with her face alone. Raven also has a new album in the works, which I believe is slated for a Spring release.

And, the best for last. Brawl drops in a week, and I am foaming at the mouth at this point. This is pretty much going to be the only week in March in which I can be considered among the living. After the 9th, people would be lucky to see me before April.

Happy March, everyone!

Oh, March 9th...

Great Zeus, I am jonesing. I want it real(ly) bad. Awesome artwork, no? I'd honor the artist, except I don't know who s/he is... Anyways, only 9 days, 22 hours, and 38 minutes longer...

Street Fighter, Baby

Capcom seems determined to return their beloved franchise Street Fighter to prominence, as they've got both a new installment, Street Fighter IV, and a movie in the works. When I saw the similarities between the new character models in IV and the ones from EX, I was a little wary. But, upon seeing this footage, courtesy of IGN, I think the game will turn out pretty solid.



It appears Chun-Li has picked up the unfortunate tendency (perhaps from spending too much time watching the Super Friends on Boomerang) of calling out exactly what move she's about to do before she attacks. Abel consequently was able to retaliate efficiently and Chun-Li really took a beating. It's kind of unpleasant to watch. And, I can't help but feel that she is destined for more beatings in the upcoming movie (which, thankfully, has nothing to do with the first big-screen debacle) if Kristin Kreuk indeed dons the qipao and plays Chun-Li. That girl is a twig, only good for tantalizing Tom Welling. She's really going to have to go to the gym. They don't call her the strongest woman in the world for nothin' -- Chun-Li's beastly.

A Real Brawl in Action

Thanks to the lovely convention of "modded," or modified, Wii consoles, my former Melee doubles partner is already playing the Japanese version of Brawl and getting in an entire month's worth of practice before I get my hands on the game in March. Lame. Check out Smash the way it's supposed to be played. One on one, no items, neutral stages. No luck, just talent. (My old partner, who goes by the tag NinjaLink, plays Zelda in this clip).

Ooh, Look...I'm A Big, Bad Spoiler

Here's a montage of every Final Smash in the game. I just love how Sakurai laughed in the face of every fan who bitched about clone characters. "You take what I give you, bitch, and you will like it!" Enjoy.

Official Super Smash Bros. Brawl Roster (For real this time)

OK. All speculation over. This roster is complete and official. If you don't wanna see, scroll down and laugh at Beyoncé. See who's in and who's out.

So, if you've been following, there shouldn't be too many surprises here. Except for maybe R.O.B., weirder than even Olimar. I was pretty sure that they wouldn't cut anyone, clones aside, but I've gotta say I'm pretty disappointed at the exclusion of Mewtwo. He just may have been my favorite character to play, which is saying a lot from someone who plays as much Smash as I do. Peach was always my best character, especially for tournaments, but Mewtwo was just really unique and I will sincerely miss pummeling foes with his tail. Mewtwo is the biggest badass the world of Pokémon has ever seen anyway, and I just don't know about this Lucario fellow... Roy, Pichu, Dr. Mario, and to a certain extent Young Link have all been given the boot. And, Fox gets some villainous representation in Wolf. Well, it was fun playing the guessing game. Now, all we have left to do is wait. Sigh. *kicks a rock*

AHHH!! More SMASH!!

The Smash info keeps POURING in!! Luigi's back! Capt. Falcon, too!! And, Marth!!! To update on the previous post, Ness is now 100% confirmed! Good grief. Adventure mode is looking absolutely fantastic. Check out the best Smash video to date below.