S. Prell
Articles by S. Prell
Majora's Mask New 3DS coming February 13
With the launch of the New 3DS XL stateside, there will also be a Majora's Mask 3D limited edition released on February 13. The bundle will feature a gold-tinted New 3DS XL featuring five of the game's masks, which transform Link into various characters from the Majora's Mask universe. The remastered Nintendo 64 game will launch on February 13 as well. Hopefully we'll have more than three days to snag it before an angry moon crashes into us. Update: The unit appears to be sold out at GameStop, currently listed as "not available." [Image: Nintendo]
New amiibo announced, coming March 2015 [Update]
Nintendo has revealed a new wave of amiibo figures due on store shelves on March 20. The new amiibo were revealed during today's Nintendo Direct, and feature a redesigned Mario, Peach, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser, as well as a Toad amiibo. You can see the new amiibo above. Redesigns aren't the only new amiibo on their way, though. Nintendo also revealed amiibo of Robin, Lucina, Pac-Man, Ness, Charizard and Wario. These characters will be available sometime this spring. Nintendo also noted that amiibo will be used to unlock game boards and game pieces in Mario Party 10, the publisher's latest party game for Wii U. Update: Check out the galleries below for a closer look at the new amiibo figures slated to arrive in the coming months. Additionally, the Robin, Lucina, Pac-Man, Ness, Charizard and Wario figures will launch this spring; we've updated the post to reflect this information. [Image: Nintendo]
Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition coming to the West
Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition, the previously Japan-only game featuring a mix of RPG and puzzle elements (and Nintendo's Mario characters) will be coming to Europe and North America on May 15, Nintendo announced this morning on its Nintendo Direct stream. Super Mario Bros. Edition will be bundled with Puzzle & Dragons Z, a port of a mobile entry in the long-running puzzle series. [Image: Nintendo]
EA Sports to send prizes to cheated junior Lions fan
On a scale from one to "wow, really?", where would you rank someone representing a football team who denies a copy of Madden 15 to a child for wearing the jersey of the opposing team? We ask because that's precisely what happened when the Dallas Cowboys took on the Detroit Lions last week. Amarillo radio station KISS FM 96.9 reports that prior to the football showdown, 10-year-old Roman participated in a game of musical chairs in hopes of snagging the grand prize: a copy of Madden 15 for PS4. Roman won fair and square, but when it turned out he was wearing a Detroit Lions jersey, he was promptly denied his prize and made to re-do an (almost surely rigged) round, where he lost. This was on a stage in front of a crowd of gathered spectators, by the way. As if that wasn't humiliating enough, his consolation prize seals the deal: the first season of Batman: The Television Series (the Adam West version, to clarify) and a Led Zeppelin CD. Because what kid doesn't enjoy '60s camp while listening to "Immigrant Song"? Roman's story has a happy ending, though. After learning of the incident, EA Sports tweeted the picture you see above. So Roman will now be receiving not only a copy of Madden 15 for PS4, but a console to play it on and a Lions mini-helmet signed by receiver Calvin Johnson. So, to come back to our original question, what value would you assign the contest organizers? [Image: EA Sports]
A Princess Bride game on iOS in 2015? Inconceivable!
A video game released in 2015 that's based on a movie from 1987? As you wish. A new iOS game by Gameblend based on the beloved Rob Reiner-directed film, The Princess Bride, is now available on iTunes for $3.99. Using cartoon graphics and simple controls, the game recreates moments from the famous story, including climbing the Cliffs of Insanity, battling shrieking eels, and dueling with Inigo Montoya. We're not sure if the game forces you to start left-handed on that last one. Considering this game's release and the release of Run Forrest Run last year, we have to wonder what other classic movie properties are on the table for a mobile adaptation. Sixteen Candles: The Game, anyone? If not, then for now, enjoy storming the castle! [Image: Gameblend]
Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell pre-orders at GAME get oujia board
If taunting spirits in a video game just isn't enough for you, you might be the type of gamer that developer Volition and publisher Deep Silver are targeting with their Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell pre-order promotion. According to a press release, if you pre-order either Gat Out of Hell for Xbox 360/PS3 or the Saints Row: Re-Elected & Gat Out of Hell combo pack for Xbox One/PS4 at UK retailer GAME, you'll receive a oujia board which you can (supposedly) use to contact the dead. Okay, so it's kind of a weird pre-order bonus, but remember the Dubstep Gun that came in special editions of Saints Row 4? A ouija board (or "Wee-Ja" as this particular model is called) is downright tame compared to what the Third Street Saints gang has in their arsenal. The ouija board also acts as a sort of ticket to a bigger prize. By sending in a picture of the ouija board in use, would-be mediums get entered for a chance to win a night on the haunted town with UK spirit medium, Derek Acorah. Saints Ros 4: Re-Elected and Gat Out of Hell will be summoned to PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC platforms on January 20 in the Americas and January 23 internationally. GAME lists Gat Out of Hell at £24.99 and Saints Row 4: Re-Elected & Gat Out of Hell for £34.99. [Image: Deep Silver]
Awesome Games Done Quick concludes with more than $1 million raised
The Awesome Games Done Quick marathon, where speedrunners solicit donations for charity while blazing through video games as fast as they can (only pausing to get engaged) has concluded. This year, the event has raised more than $1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, with donations still being accepted and a themed Humble Bundle still available for purchase (though at time of publication, that bundle will only be available for a few more hours). The Games Done Quick Twitter account announced the good news early Sunday morning, quoting a figure of "over $1.1 million," but that number has since climbed to nearly $1.3 million (as of this writing). For comparison, the Awesome Games Done Quick 2013 marathon raised $1,031,189. We said it then and we'll say it again: good job, internet. [Image: Awesome Games Done Quick]
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup weeps for a time gone by
Earlier this weekend, I was compelled to watch game console boot-up videos. You know, the little jingles and animations that play when you start up your system? So anyway, I start making my way forward by year of release. I get to the GameCube and ... no, no. You're seeing things. I'm not crying! Okay, maybe I got a little misty-eyed at the happy memories that these boot-ups were able to bring to mind. But I doubt I'm the only one. So what about you? What game or game-related thing can bring you to the verge of tears by way of loving nostalgia? Tell us in the comments after you vote for your favorite webcomic! Penny Arcade (Power Creep) MGDMT (I hope you brought enough ... ) Hejibits (Foreseen Forgery) ReadySoup (Wa-llow In It) Ctrl+Alt+Del (Exploits) Awkward Zombie (Loophole) VG Cats (I Am Gross) Nerd Rage (Breeding Incense)
Third-party GameCube adapter fills gap left by Nintendo
Nintendo's GameCube controller adapter for Wii U hasn't been discontinued, but it sure has been hard to find in available stock. Thankfully, where there is demand, there's a company willing to create a near-identical product to sell via their own channels. Typically these knock-offs might be considered of inferior quality (looking at you, bootleg DVDs and Twist & Shout cookies) but you could still give Mayflash's own version of the GameCube controller adapter a shot. Selling for $19.99 via import site Play-Asia, the Mayflash GameCube controller adapter looks pretty darn similar to the official Nintendo brand one, albeit with some sharper edges around the base. There's also a switch on the side to allow swapping between Wii U and PC modes, in case you'd like to have the power of a modern PC but the feel in your hands of a GameCube. Of course, there's always the chance the adapter won't work as advertised, so exercise caution. On the other hand, if it works great, enjoy beating the tar out of your friends in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. For the more cautious-minded hoping for an official adapter, Nintendo's online store suggests you "check back again soon." [Image: Mayflash]
PlayStation players proclaim their picks for games of the year
So you didn't agree with our picks for the top 10 games of 2014. You didn't like our Best of the Rest selections either. That's okay! Different strokes for different folks and all that. If you're a PlayStation user, perhaps you'll find more like-minded individuals among fellow owners of Sony consoles. The PlayStation Blog has posted the results of its game of the year survey, which raked in a solid 400,000+ votes. And the winners are: Best PlayStation 4 Game: Destiny Best PlayStation 3 Game: Dark Souls 2 Best PlayStation Vita Game: Child of Light Best Digital Release: Infamous: First Light Best PlayStation Plus Game: BioShock Infinite Studio of the Year: Naughty Dog Most Anticipated of 2015: Uncharted 4: A Thief's End To see the runners-up and PS Blog editor picks (as well as tell everyone how wrong they are), check out the full post. [Image: Sony]
Cipher Prime now selling piano music to Splice by
Developer Cipher Prime's genetic puzzle game Splice may have originally released in 2012, but if its beautiful piano melodies still linger in your mind's ear, you might be pleased to know that the studio has released sheet music for the game's soundtrack, allowing you to perform the tunes for yourself at home (or fancy parties, or possibly an airport lounge - wherever there's a piano available for use, really). If you're looking for a demo of sorts, the notation for the song "Cassiel" is available to download for free. Five dollars will net you the remaining 10 songs, providing a total of 46 sheets of music to impress your friends and family with. Oo, oo! And play that sad walking away song from The Incredible Hulk next! [Image: Cipher Prime]
Halo 5 beta adding Strongholds mode, Rocket Launcher
The Halo 5: Guardians beta is drawing to a close, Spartans. Just one week remains before the doors seal shut on January 18, but developer 343 Industries and publisher Microsoft are going to make sure this shindig goes out with a bang - literally. See, week three of the beta is not only adding a new, Forge-created map called "Pegasus" and a new mode called "Strongholds," but it's also re-introducing the classic power weapon, the Rocket Launcher. For those scouting here for tactical reconnaissance, here's what the United Nations Space Command has planned for you: Pegasus, the winning map of a fan vote, has long sight lines perfect for snipers and long-range weapon users. However, the perches where these marksman must take post have plenty of flanking routes, and are also vulnerable to well-aimed grenade throws. Strongholds mode features three control zones spread across a map; possess at least two and you'll be able to score points. First team to 100 wins. But let's be honest, the real reason to come a-running back to the Halo 5 beta is that sweet, sweet Rocket Launcher. Oh. Yeah. [Image: Microsoft]
Best of the Rest: Sam's picks of 2014
WildStar I grew up during what I'd consider "the golden age" of MMO games. I was there for the launch of World of Warcraft, as well as earlier titles like EverQuest and Ultima Online. The genre has a very special place in my heart, and WildStar felt like the last, major, "true" MMO (as opposed to games like Bungie's Destiny that possess MMO-like features) release that we would see in a long time, possibly ever again. A last hurrah, if you will. And what a hurrah it is. We don't really "review" MMOs here, but through a series of postcards, I chronicled my time with a game that is in no uncertain language a fantastic piece of craftsmanship. The visuals are bright and colorful, with a Pixar-esque personality evident throughout. The gameplay is fresh and fast, requiring constant focus instead of hotkey rotation memorization. And of course, the housing. Oh, how I could spend hours simply customizing my plot of land with various wallpapers, decor, even mini-quest objectives. WildStar is a thoughtfully-constructed game with a wealth of content. True that it relied a bit too much on large-scale endgame raids and the promised monthly updates fizzled shortly after launch, but I don't regret a moment spent on Planet Nexus.
Tekken 7 director reveals new fighter, tries to clear up Lucky Chloe confusion
A Saudi Arabian fighter by the name of Shaheen will be joining the Tekken 7 roster, according to a tweet made earlier this week by game director Katsuhiro Harada. There's little other information to go on, but Harada also notes that Shaheen's design and name were "inspired by foreign student[s] from Arabic counties and [the] Saudi embassy." If you're worried that negative reaction will keep Shaheen out of the West in the same way that the character Lucky Chloe was driven away, don't be; it turns out Harada was joking about that. Er, maybe. In response to Harada saying Lucky Chloe would be exclusive to EU and Asia regions and that he would make a musclebound skinhead for US players, an angry Twitter user turned out some harsh stereotypes of the Japanese. Harada responded with the following: "Many spammers/haters attacking us (That was an extreme prejudice and tons of dirty words. Of course I hate this happen), then I said just counter 'sarcasm/joke.'" It's hard to tell if Harada means that he was only joking about American stereotypes or if the joke he's referring to is Lucky Chloe's supposed region exclusivity (the language barrier doesn't help). When another Twitter user called him a "silly goose" and thanked him for releasing Lucky Chloe, Harada tweeted a winking smiley face with its tongue sticking out. So ... yes? [Image: Bandai Namco]
Killer Instinct's character roster foresees an Omen
Killer Instinct for Xbox One is about to receive its next fighter: Omen, the spirit of rage, corruption and shadow energy. Players familiar with Killer Instinct's lore may recognize Omen as the spirit that turns Jago into Shadow Jago, a dark and twisted version of the warrior monk. According to developer Iron Galaxy, Omen has accrued enough energy through his battles as Shadow Jago to take physical form of his own. What does said physical form look like, you ask? Well, it wouldn't be a Killer Instinct character reveal without a tease before the proper unveiling. All there is to see so far are the bat-like wing and fingertips crackling with blue energy pictured above. Omen is also a bonus character, meaning he will not be sold individually, nor will he have his own Story mode. Players who have purchased either the Season 2 Combo Breaker Add-On or Season 2 Ultra Edition will receive Omen for free later this month. [Image: Microsoft Studios]
Mortal Kombat X will see the return of Kung Lao
Kung Lao will once again fight the good, deadly fight in Mortal Kombat X, according to Finnish gaming magazine Pelaaja. Mortal Kombat fan site TestYourMight has translated some of the relevant article, revealing Kung Lao's three fighting forms: Tempest, Buzz Saw and Hat Trick. According to TestYourMight's translation, the Tempest form focuses on whirling spin attacks, while Buzz Saw utilizes Lao's razor-lined hat. Hat Trick sounds similar in that it focuses on the Mortal Kombat series' most deadly fashion accessory, but also allows players to send out and call back the hat at will, making it a trickster/trapper-oriented fighting style. It should also be noted that, what with MKX taking place well after the events of 2011's Mortal Kombat, our monk friend has definitely aged a bit, and is no longer the spry youth you see above. Unfortunately, creator Ed Boon is being more than coy about giving us an extended look at his aged mug. When asked if Kung Lao would get a proper trailer, Boon tweeted a picture of an old sprite pasted onto a moving wagon. Get it? 'Cause it's a trailer. Well, there's only one answer to this problem. We'll just have to ... *ahem* FINNISH HIM. [Image: WB Interactive]
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup has a 1080p New Year's resolution
It even runs at 60 frames per second! Amirite? Eh? Eh? Resolution jokes! Hold on, I've been informed that those are so 2014. My apologies. Well, let's just skip the jokes then, and get right to the heart of the matter: it's a new year, which means new promises and goals to make to ourselves. I've been working on getting more in shape, and I have a goal that come E3 2015 I'll have gained 10 pounds of muscle. I guess we'll see come June how well I hold to that. But what about you? What are your resolutions for 2015? Let us know in the comments, after you vote for this week's webcomics! MGDMT (Nose ring problems) ReadySoup (Pee-kmin) Awkward Zombie (Haunch Hunch) ActionTrip (The Asshole Inquisitor) Double XP (RIP 2014)
Aliens: Colonial Marines, AvP (2010) vacate Steam's air ducts
The age of digital distribution brings with it many joys: sales are frequent, there's less clutter around the home, and no more blowing into cartridges. Unfortunately, it also brings unique disadvantages, such as games suddenly disappearing from digital marketplaces. Such is the tale of Aliens: Colonial Marines and Alien Vs. Predator (the 2010 version) on Steam. It's likely that the games being removed from Steam is due to a licensing issue, considering that the games (which utilize properties owned by 20th Century Fox) were available right up until 2015 started. However, it's interesting to note that Aliens: Colonial Marines is still available as a digital purchase on both PSN and the Xbox Marketplace, while AvP is available not on the former, but the latter. Alien: Isolation is still available on all fronts, and the original version of Aliens Vs. Predator from 2000 is also still up for grabs on Steam. We've reached out to publisher Sega for more information, and will update if we hear back. In the meantime, stay frosty. [Image: Sega]
Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition
ATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris. Dragon Age: Inquisition presents a world on fire; fire formed from the spark of lovers, the friction of politics, and the heat of a dragon's breath. It is a game that gives players everything they could have wanted from another entry in the classic RPG franchise. It satisfied our appetites for combat, beautiful worlds, thought-provoking narrative, memorable characters and challenging scenarios. And then it somehow made us hungry for more.
Diddy Kong amiibo has no mouth, and he must scream
The craze for defective amiibo reached a fever pitch last month, when bids for a legless Princess Peach amiibo exceeded $25,000. Prior to that absurdly-pricey posting, bids on a Samus amiibo with two arm cannons closed at $2,500. Now however, the dust is settling, and defective amiibo no longer seem to fetch quadruple-digit or higher prices. Case in point: this jawless Diddy Kong amiibo, which closed out bidding at $471.99 Canadian (approx. $403.03 USD) earlier this week. Diddy's high price now seems to be the exception rather than the rule, as a cursory glance through defective amiibo on eBay reveals far more inactive listings than active ones. (It also reveals a very liberal interpretation of the word "defect," as many of the so-called "defective" toys have simply come loose inside their packaging). Of course, just because an item's auction has closed doesn't mean that a bidder will be true to their word - a deal's not done until money has exchanged hands. Still, this is fun reminder that one man's trash is another man's treasure. [Image: Nintendo/bam_fan101]