Posts by Eric Caoili at Nintendo Wii Fanboy

Eric Caoili
Cincinasty, OH - http://www.dsfanboy.com

Eric Caoili writes about video games more than he actually plays them. His other special powers include linking funny cat videos, falling off the bridge every dang time on the first level of Contra, and leaving snide comments on your blog. Admittedly, those powers aren't that special, but you've got to hold onto something.

Battle Rage looks fantastic (for the PC)

Posted May 9th 2008 9:45AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Screens

We immediately cried out, "Bullshots!" when we sighted these screenshots released with Battle Rage: The Robot Wars' Wii press release today, but then we remembered that a PC version of the fighter is also in the works.

With a quick comparison comparing the image resolution with other screens for Wii games (and a bit of common sense), we were able to confirm our suspicions that these shots are, indeed, too good to be true. That said, if graphical detail isn't a primary concern for you, jump into the gallery for three new screenshots of the four-player arena combat game.

And, while the images might not be for the Wii release, there's no doubt that this European boxart is! The cover actually looks badass, you know, despite Data Design Interactive's out-of-place Popcorn Arcade branding.

Details about the actual game: 20 weapons, 10 arenas, 8 robots, special melee/ranged weapons for each robot, customizable robots, arcade mode, team battles, 2036 setting, yadda yadda yadda, convicts trying to earn their freedom by battling mechs for a bored society's entertainment.

Gallery: Battle Rage: The Robot Wars

[Via press release]

Nintendo prescribes price, new name for Dr. Mario

Posted May 7th 2008 11:15AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: WiiWare

Since the game was announced, we've heard sources cite Nintendo's Dr. Mario WiiWare game (bundled with Brain Age 2's Virus Buster minigame) with two different titles, Dr. Mario's Virus Buster and Dr. Mario & Bacteria Extermination, both likely direct translations of the Japanese title, Dr. Mario & Saikin Bokumetsu.

If you kept your eye on the Digest Video that introduced today's Nintendo Channel release, though, you might have noticed Nintendo of America's official name for the puzzler: Dr. Mario Online RX. Not bad!

The two-and-a-half minute clip also revealed pricing for the game: 1000 Wii Points ($10). Unfortunately, there's still no word on whether Mario Mario, M.D. will debut with the download service's launch.

'Catch' criminals, 'rescue' patients by running them over

Posted May 6th 2008 12:45PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Video

We weren't expecting much from Emergency Mayhem, a Crazy Taxi-styled emergency services title peppered with minigames, but these video previews for the police car and ambulance modes look really fun! For a game with such a distressing past -- having been announced and canceled for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 in 2004, exchanging publishers and developers several times since -- we wouldn't have been surprised if this turned out to be a wreck.

Though reviews haven't been kind to Emergency Mayhem (the game hits stores this week), we think the minigames look like a good break from all the high-speed chases and siren-whining. You can defuse bombs, administer CPR, and even help someone cough out a fly. According to these two clips, you can also get some sort of bonus by running over criminals and patients. When that gets old, you can add spice to your emergency duties by crashing into crowds of pedestrians without consequence.

Gallery: Emergency Mayhem

Continue reading 'Catch' criminals, 'rescue' patients by running them over

MehWare: Ubisoft reveals Protothea

Posted May 6th 2008 9:45AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Video, WiiWare

Ubisoft has finally announced its first contribution to Nintendo's forthcoming WiiWare service, and it's a remake of 2005 PC shooter Protöthea. Supposedly, there are a lot of additions, but whatever Argentine developers Sabarasa (Mazes of Fate) and Digital Builders added, it hasn't made the game interesting.

It's not just the laggard enemies and humdrum soundtrack that have us yawning -- even the heads-up display is enough to put SHMUP fans to sleep. But that's alright, as the last thing we needed was more must-buy WiiWare games.

Protöthea is scheduled to debut with WiiWare's launch on May 12th alongside (more interesting) shooters Star Soldier R and Gyrostarr. Ubisoft will be asking 1,000 Wii Points for the game. Bring a pillow and blanky past the break for another Protöthea video and a list of new features for the remake.

Continue reading MehWare: Ubisoft reveals Protothea

WiiWare games hacked, pirated, and brought to North American Wiis

Posted May 4th 2008 3:00PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Imports, Homebrew, WiiWare

Only a few weeks after pirates figured out how to install Virtual Console games on their Wiis for free using the Twilight Hack, a clever trick for running unofficial code on an unmodded systems, hackers have expanded their counterfeit offerings to allow bootleg copies of WiiWare titles.

We're not yet sure if online modes are working, but the fact that pirates can install Japanese WiiWare ROMs/WADs on a US system, as shown above with Family Ping Pong, is impressive (and criminal!). Considering how fast the Wii's piracy scene has been moving, someone will likely soon release instructions on how to bypass microtransactions and install downloadable content updates for free, too.

How long will it be before Nintendo steps in to end these shenanigans? Will that mean the end of Wii homebrew, as well? See, this is why we can't have nice things.

PVP video unleashed for new Star Wars game

Posted May 2nd 2008 9:45AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Video

LucasArts producer Dan Wasson stopped by G4's X-Play show to demonstrate the Duel Mode and Wii controls for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed -- in an empty movie theatre, no less -- and, while it's no Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the game certainly has its charms.

Using the force, or unleashing it, as LucasArts suggests you do, to throw everything you can at your opponent while TIE fighters float around you is a scene we have no problem taking part in. All we need to know now is whether or not we'll still be able to play the game with the Wii Light Sword attachment to further immerse ourselves in the Star Wars Kid experience. Jump past the break for video from the preview!

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)

Continue reading PVP video unleashed for new Star Wars game

More Paper Mario for less paper: The Four-Years-Later Sale

Posted May 1st 2008 9:45AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Sales

If, for some reason or another, you missed out on Super Paper Mario's GameCube predecessor, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, here's your chance to pick up the title that won the "Console Role Playing Game of the Year" award at the 2005 Interactive Achievement Awards, without having to feel guilty about spending too much money on an RPG released all the way back in 2005.

Amazon has slashed a sizable chunk from The Thousand-Year Door's usual $19.99 pricing, and for the duration of the day (or while stocks last) you can buy the game for only $11.99. You can stash the money you'll save in a fund for eventually buying a copy of Super Mario RPG!

[Via CAG]

Sega Superstars Tennis bombs, marked down to $20

Posted Apr 26th 2008 4:30PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Sales

Despite our enthusiasm (and the enthusiasm of Sega fanboys everywhere) over Sega Superstars Tennis, a release that drips with fan service, the game failed to inspire consumers to rush out and buy the game like they did with Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games? Not enough Mario, perhaps? Or olympics?

Whatever the case, slow sales for the tennis title has given GameStop early cause to slash its prices for Sega Superstars Tennis across all platforms, and you can now buy the Wii game for as little as $19.99. It's a great bargain, considering the game was released only a month ago! You can order Sega Superstars Tennis through GameStop's online shop, but why not save a few bucks and pick it up at one of the retailer's local stores?

Gallery: Sega Superstars Tennis

[Via GameStop circular]

Gyrostarr for WiiWare announced, no relation to Gyromite

Posted Apr 23rd 2008 9:45AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Video, WiiWare

The Conduit and Quantum3 middleware developer High Voltage Software has unveiled another Wii title in the works, Gyrostarr, this time for WiiWare. The "sci-fi" Tempest-esque shooter offers 50 procedurally-generated tracks, supporting traditional and motion-enabled controls with both Wii Remote and Wii Remote/Nunchuk options.

Gyrostarr allows up to four players to compete or work cooperatively attacking the tracks, depending on how they decide to play. Weapons and power-ups litter the stages, and each ship comes equipped with a grapple gun to snatch those bonuses before other players can grab them. Expect Gyrostarr to debut for only 700 Wii Points when the WiiWare service launches.

Straps and stands: More preorder bonuses in Korea

Posted Apr 22nd 2008 12:00PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Imports

Koreans really love free stuff! Then again, who doesn't?

This latest round of preorder incentives rewards gamers who've reserved Wii Sports with branded towels and Wii Remote cell phone straps. Unlike in the states, Wiis will not come bundled with Wii Sports when the console launches in South Korea on April 26th.

EA is also throwing in what looks like Brando's Crystal Cooler with every preorder for FIFA 08. The replacement base features a cooling fan and electric blue LEDs -- not too useful, but it's free, which automatically makes it a hundred times more awesome. Bring five bucks past the post break to get a look at the stand offer.

Continue reading Straps and stands: More preorder bonuses in Korea

Mario Kart ditches 'Wii would like to play' for Cowboy Jed

Posted Apr 22nd 2008 9:45AM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Video

"Look at that boy!"

As effective as Nintendo's "Wii would like to play" commercials have been, expanding the system's audience and attracting non-gamers, we're glad to see the campaign shunned for Mario Kart Wii (Though we expect to see it reappear for Wii Fit). In our opinion, the advertising style seemed inappropriate for some titles, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, for instance.

In the slogan's stead, we have Cowboy Jed and his Mario Kart Emporium parodying local, low-budget dealership commercials. Fantastic! We hope Nintendo of America and advertising firm Leo Burnett are planning more of these strange commercials for upcoming games. Get behind the wheel and drive past the post break for two more videos with Jed. Woo!

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

Continue reading Mario Kart ditches 'Wii would like to play' for Cowboy Jed

Own the first Miyamoto-designed console

Posted Apr 21st 2008 7:00PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Sales

Looking to complete your Shigeru Miyamoto collection/shrine? Don't forget to pick up Block Kuzushi, the first system to have benefitted from his caring touch.

Supposedly, a young Miyamoto put his industrial design degree to good use and devised the Color TV Game console's external design. Essentially a Breakout clone, the system uses a dial to control its in-game paddle.

Eric from Japan Games, the same shop that introduced us to the Lasabirdie, is selling a complete Block Kuzushi on eBay, new and never used. That mint condition is almost unheard of for this 1979 console! Bidding ends in six days, so expect the price on this auction to shoot up to preposterous heights.

[Via Retro Treasures]

Another price drop for Zack & Wiki?

Posted Apr 21st 2008 1:30PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Sales

Likely sensing our discontent over the lack of pearl necklaces included with US copies of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, GameStop is now offering the adventure game for only $19.99!

Just three months ago, Capcom marked down Zack & Wiki to $29.99 from its original $39.99 pricing. Could this be another universal price drop, soon to kick into effect at other retailers?

Though GameStop has discounted copies available online, you can save on shipping by picking one up at a brick and mortar location nearby. Make sure to ask the clerk if the shop will throw in a pearl necklace with the deal.

Gallery: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

[Via CAG]

Not quite Mario Paint, but it'll have to do for now

Posted Apr 20th 2008 10:30PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Homebrew

Though the Wii seems like the perfect platform for a Mario Paint revival (as does the Nintendo DS), it's doubtful that you'll hear an announcement for that in the next year or so. In the meantime, if you have a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and are interested in the Wii homebrew scene, you can try out WiiPaint, a new program from Spanish programmer Kontakatilu.

So far, it looks like the version 1.0 application only lets you draw on the screen with a 28-color palette. While that doesn't seem like much functionality, it's a start! Pretty soon*, you'll be looping animations and composing Mega Man 2 themes!

*This probably won't happen "pretty soon."

[Via DCEmu]

Golf With Style! (in Korea)

Posted Apr 19th 2008 7:30PM by Eric Caoili
Filed under: Imports

Publishers in South Korea are pulling out all the stops to make sure gamers pick up their launch titles when the Wii officially debuts in the country on April 26. Though these aren't as glamorous (or as scandalous) as the Zack & Wiki pearl necklaces, Tecmo is giving away free shirts featuring characters Kooh and Arin with preorders for Swing Golf Pangya 2nd Shot.

Interestingly, the golf title will be released in Korea four months after the game arrived in the states, despite being a console spin-off of a Korean MMO. At least they'll get free shirts to make up for the delay! And they're still getting it before Europe (July 4th)!

[Thanks, Nick!]

Next Page >

Codemasters making official Formula One game Pandemic conquers Middle-earth with new LOTR title Jenova Chen talks about flOwer and Sony's interest in 'grown up gamers'	More Death Knight news and clarifications via the CMs and Ten Ton Hammer Addon Spotlight: OmniCC I welcome our 10 and 25 man raid instance overlords
Community Content Recap FaceBreaker video: meet Steve, ninja boxer Guitar Hero set to make 'significant leap' this year	Apple comes up with their own Wiimote Rumor: Konami VP mentions Castlevania Wii? Friday Video: The GameCube clock
German retailers list three new DS colors Friday Video: Dun dun dun dun TETRIS SONG Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel announced for Japan	Video: PlayStation Day demonstration of PlayTV, Go!Explore Interest in PSP is returning, says Infected dev PSP weekly sales hit 100,000 in Japan

Nintendo Wii Fanboy

Battle Rage looks fantastic (for the PC)

Nintendo prescribes price, new name for Dr. Mario

'Catch' criminals, 'rescue' patients by running them over

MehWare: Ubisoft reveals Protothea

WiiWare games hacked, pirated, and brought to North American Wiis

PVP video unleashed for new Star Wars game

More Paper Mario for less paper: The Four-Years-Later Sale

Sega Superstars Tennis bombs, marked down to $20

Gyrostarr for WiiWare announced, no relation to Gyromite

Straps and stands: More preorder bonuses in Korea

Mario Kart ditches 'Wii would like to play' for Cowboy Jed

Own the first Miyamoto-designed console

Another price drop for Zack & Wiki?

Not quite Mario Paint, but it'll have to do for now

Golf With Style! (in Korea)

RESOURCES

RSS NEWSFEEDS

Sponsored Links

Featured Galleries

Most Commented On (14 days)

Recent Comments

Weblogs, Inc. Network