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Ever since the reveal of the Xbox One, the 24 hour check-in and not able to lend games at launch has been the big drawbacks for the new console. Rumor were circulating that Microsoft was changing their stance on the matter and those rumors are now confirmed.
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Usually at least a week before E3 developers and publishers release a list of games that will be shown off during the expo, and Wolfenstein: The New Order was one of the three games shown at the Bethesda booth. It's time to go kill some Nazis.... [read more]
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Usually at least a week before E3 developers and publishers release a list of games that will be shown off during the expo, and Wolfenstein: The New Order was one of the three games shown at the Bethesda booth. It's time to go kill some Nazis.... [read more]
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Released at the tail end of last month, Soul Sacrifice is a title that I’ve been feverishly working on. Having clocked more hours into it than I care to admit, I can say that it is a certainly interesting title. At the very least, Soul Sacrifice is a game that deserves som... [read more]
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Bungie held a special demo of they're upcoming game, Destiny, behind closed doors at the Activision booth during E3. The demo shows a bit more action, some of the more interesting elements of the game as well as a public event where multiple groups come together for some maj... [read more]
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At E3 2009, one surprise from Nintendo was New Super Mario Bros. Wii. With its multiplayer mayhem to the nostalgic 2d platforming, New Super Mario Bros. Wii was a welcome surprise from Nintendo who's had a recent track record of going for the dollar of gamers rather than their hearts.
I'm glad Nintendo changed the story around for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Who would have thought that by having Bowser kidnapping the Princess again would be so compelling? Well that was plenty of sarcasm. Yes it's the same old story, but then again, what else would you expect with a Super Mario Bros. game?
Now for the gameplay, what you need to know is that NSMBW uses the same gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. for the DS. Not like there's a big difference between these games and the classic Mario games. It's all about going to the end of the each level and defeating bosses that consist of the Koopa Kids. So if you played NSMB for the DS, you'll realize that it plays the same. If you haven't, give it a little bit and anyone can pick up how to play the game. As it did on the DS, NSMBW takes full advantage of the controls the system offers in this case being the Wii Remote by taking advantage of the motion sensors to pull off a spin move, or in some cases, tilting the controller to move the platform a certain way.
You have your powerups like the classic Mushroom and Fire Flower along with new powerups such as the Ice Flower (freezes enemies in blocks of ice), Propeller Suit (let's you fly), and the Penguin Suit (more sliding and better control in water or ice). Also, to help you out, Yoshis are available on certain levels. There are Toad houses spread out throughout the land giving you extra powerups and lives to help you along the way.
The big selling point of NSMBW is the multiplayer. Up to 4 players can work together to make their way through the level controlling either Mario, Luigi, or two Toad characters. Every character is identical making no difference with whatever you choose although there maybe fights with who wants to avoid playing as the two Toad guys.
As a single player, the game is good, but it's the multiplayer that really ramps up the fun. Whether it's working together to pull off some perfect team moves, or accidently sabotaging each other causing someone to lose a life, there's plenty of fun to be had. Playing through the game with a buddy or two, you'll realize that every part is designed perfectly for four players. Even the most cramped platform or tightest jump is designed so that everyone can make it, but it requires proper timing by everyone to make it through without dying.
Where my biggest gripe comes with the game is also the strength. Multiplayer is great but come on Nintendo, WHERE'S THE ONLINE PLAY?! You know, for a company that has all the tools available to provide really unique experience, Nintendo keeps on forgetting about trying to go the distance. I mean come on, the Wii can go online and supposedly has "voice chat" so why not make use of it Nintendo? Yes there are the mindless dolts that insist that playing with someone in the same room is more fun and I have no doubt about that. Thankfully, I got a black guy hanging around the house all the time so we had fun, but online play is convenient. There's a reason why people are doing it more often. To simply ignore the option is beyond ridiculous on Nintendo's part.
Using 2d graphics for NSMBW, Nintendo succeeded on giving that retro feel bringing back fond memories of playing Super Mario Bros. back on the NES. It's far from breaking any new ground graphically, but it does fit the game perfectly. The music also goes perfectly with the graphics to round out that classic gaming experience while providing some new gameplay elements.
I found that after playing New Super Mario Bros. Wii, I was satisfied with the game. It's a good game yet this game is a perfect example of Nintendo's attitude with the Wii. Instead of something completely new, Nintendo opted to simply improve on a DS game. Rather than making use of the Wii's full potential, Nintendo choose to provide some of the elements that the Wii offers, but not all of them. For a game that's being hailed as the Wii's GOTY, it's another sign that the Wii is nothing more than a machine designed to make money off a gimmick.
- O.G.
