mario kart
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Rumor: Bizarre's new racer is 'Blur'
Don't blink, or you'll miss this latest tidbit concerning Bizarre Creations' potential new racing project. Going by the name Blur, urban racer was reportedly revealed within the pages of French gaming mag Joypad, with the hazy racer adding power-ups, weapons and new collision tech to the developer's long-held love of racing.While still unconfirmed, Bizarre Creations' next racing project was first teased in late 2008 as "Mario Kart meets Forza," and we've fired a turtle shell in the developer's general direction to find out more.Source: NeoGAF translationSource: First Info on Bizarre's Blur
Driven to boredom: Mario Kart, the office supply racer
Collector / creator Donald Kennedy sometimes gets taken over by boredom at work. While we tend to click around our favorite websites (all Joystiq related, of course) or update our Twitter status during those boring times, Donald decides to get creative. Example: This Mario Kart homage created from everyday office supplies. Donald also solidifies his Nintendo geek-cred with a beautifully designed Animal Crossing themed Qee, complete with a 2.5" figure of the diabolical Tom Nook. Way to get those creative juices flowing, Donald. [Via Spritestitch]
Mario Kart: Source PC mod uses 'the best parts of each' MK game
click for Mario Kart: Source gallery You don't have to tell the crew of people painstakingly piecing together Mario Kart: Source that there's a much easier way to play Mario Kart games on PCs. Sure, they could fire up an emulator and play Mario Kart 64 and it would be just like it was way back when ... but where's the challenge in that? What they could (and did) opt to do was take Half-Life 2's flexible Source Engine to create a Mario Kart mashup; the project manager says, "We're not simply recreating one version of MK, but using the best parts of each." It's a Franken-kart, if you will.Eager to get a closer look at it? Peep the gallery we quickly threw together, or dig around the project's official site. Want to actually play the thing? Says the project manager: "As far as a public beta is concerned, we will not release anything until we are satisfied ..." Either that, or until Nintendo's army of well-paid lawyers shuts the entire project down. [Via Go Nintendo]%Gallery-42944%
Mario Kart Source: made by fans, for fans
If you're a fan of PC games, then of course you've heard of the Source engine. It powers Half-Life 2, which is the bee's knees. Well, an ambitious bunch has decided to use the Source engine to code a new Mario Kart racing game, Mario Kart Source. The best part about this project is that the team is looking at all of the previous games in the series and is attempting to take just the best bits for their new game. Our verdict? Awesome.Sadly, Nintendo won't likely be as excited to hear about the project, so we're sure they'll step in at some point or another and intervene. [Via Go Nintendo]
Cammie Dunaway welcomes new Wii owners
In an open letter posted on Kotaku as part of their series of "Welcome to the Family" letters, Cammie Dunaway gave one of the lengthiest statements we've seen from the recently-hired executive vice president of sales and marketing. The letter is directed at all the new Wii owners who have joined the fold since the holidays, and lays out the attractive features of the Wii in a manner appropriate for a new gamer. Although fundamentally, we're not sure how many expanded audience members are reading gaming blogs.It's quite interesting to see what Nintendo is pitching to new gamers these days -- downloadable games are given a big push (World of Goo is now enough of a genuine hit to be the face of WiiWare, apparently!), as is Mario Kart Wii. Dunaway classifies the massively popular Mario Kart Wii as a "bridge game" that "really leads in two directions: not just from simple-to-more-involving, but also acting like a link between new gamers and veteran ones."
December NPD: More like DSember
Michael Pachter predicted "around 3 million" Wii consoles sold in the US in December. Right company, right ridiculously high number -- wrong console. According to the NPD, the DS Lite sold a record-breaking 3.04 million units in December, the most any console has sold in any month. The Wii did fine, sure, but the DS outsold all three Sony systems combined. According to Nintendo's press release on the news, the DS "claimed 72% of all portable system sales in 2008." Take that, everybody.- DS: 3.04m 1.47m (94%)- Wii: 2.15m 110K (5%)- Xbox 360: 1.44m 604K (72%)- PSP: 1.02m 599K (142%)- PS3: 726K 348K (92%)- PS2: 410K 204K (99%)Software, however, didn't see a commensurate rush of sales. In fact, only one DS game made it on the list of top 10 best-selling games for the month, and it's the same one that made it into the Top 10 for the year: Mario Kart DS, which came out in 2005.
Nintendo dominates 2008 UK game sales
Mario Kart Wii was a popular title for the Brits and their neighbors, as sales data shows it to be the best-selling game in the UK under the category of "individual SKU" during 2008, topping a list that is comprised mainly of games available only on Nintendo gaming systems. Considering how many amazing games released over the course of this year, we believe this to be quite the achievementThe Wii is just so darn popular over there. So popular, in fact, that the top 5 best-selling games for the year were all on Nintendo platforms. Coming in at the second spot was Wii Fit, followed by Wii Play, Brain Training on DS, and our favorite game to poke fun at, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. Full list is past the break.%Gallery-4772%
Nintendo (mostly) owned Japan in 2008
While Nintendo couldn't boast the biggest-selling game in Japan in 2008 -- that honor went to Monster Hunter Portable -- but the company dominated ASCII Media Works' list of the top 30 games of the year. In fact, the entire rest of the top ten is split between DS and Wii titles, as does most of the rest of the list. A few PSP, PS3, and PS2 games pepper the top thirty, but they're the sparse, skinny trees in the grand forest of Nintendo. Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii took the top spots for Nintendo (2 and 3, respectively), while the DS game Rhythm Tengoku Gold snagged the sixth slot, tops for the handheld. Perhaps the best news is that many of the non-Nintendo games have Nintendo versions coming out soon, so next year, the Wii and DS may be even more dominant.At #30? New Super Mario Bros. Yes, still. For the full list, check after the break.
Nintendo dominates Amazon in 2008
The Nintendo Wii has been a hit since it released over two years ago. For popular retail site Amazon.com, Nintendo's latest console has been a big cash generator for Amazon during its time on the market, especially in 2008, as the site has released its 2008 best-of lists and guess what was the top-selling video game in 2008? You guess it: Wii.Aside from being the top video game, Wii Fit enjoyed the best reviews through 2008, as well as being the product most wished for by users. Last, but certainly not least, was Mario Kart Wii (with Wii Wheel), which was the item gifted the most by Amazon users throughout this year. In the end, Nintendo ended up being
Nintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts
According to the latest Media Create charts, Nintendo platforms completely dominated the market last week in Japan, with all of the top ten games being Wii or DS releases. It may not have been the busiest week in terms of sales -- the best-selling game was the newly-released Taiko no Tatsujin Wii at 106,000 copies -- but that's still a pretty wacky achievement. Of the ten games on the list, seven were published by Nintendo, and an eighth, Professor Layton and the Final Time Travel, is from a series published by Nintendo outside of Japan. The full top ten, including four Wii games, is after the break.%Gallery-33435%
Hit the slopes in new Mario Kart tournament
With the onset of winter, the latest Mario Kart Wii tournament features a thematically appropriate choice of track: the snowy peaks of DK Summit. From today, you can hop online and complete a single lap of the twisty course in the quickest time possible. On your way, you'll also have to pass through a bunch of deviously placed gates, or your time won't register. The closing date for this is December 25, so you've got another ten days to work on beating the whole world at Mario Kart Wii.* You won't be short of challengers.* Note: Beating the world is not as great as winning Wii Points, primarily because beating the world won't buy you River City Ransom. But it's still to be encouraged.%Gallery-4772%[Via Nintendo Everything] A fan of Mario Kart Wii? Us too, especially the tournaments, of which there have been quite a few. To check out previous contests, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Fancy yourself a good karter? Then check out Game Night for some of the community's best competition!
It's-a Mario World: Infuriating Items
Let's make one point very clear from the onset: The Mario Kart series has thoroughly rocked our boxers since 1992. Despite some shortcomings we still have pretty high praise for Wii's latest iteration, and most fanboys agree that there currently exists no better Nintendo Wi-Fi experience. For everything Mario Kart does right, though, there always seems to be a cheaply overpowered item that renders even the most skilled racer indefensible.So this is us venting. We have seen too many races (and online VR points) slip away on account of nasty item distribution. The series' long-standing method of reserving the best (or at least most destructive) pickups for trailing racers can be especially frustrating to those who would have otherwise earned a legitimate first place rank. Competition, in effect, is deadened by a deliberately equalized playing field. Mario Kart's algorithm for item probability is more at fault than the items themselves, but you know you've cussed out a spiny blue shell before. Now get angry with us in our new rant gallery. It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated. Check back every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps. * * * Links of the week: SMB clone revived! | Mario Tennis comes out swingin'! | Delgrego disses the Party! Get him! | New Mario and Luigi 3 screens!
Man plays Mario Kart with real motorists in France
While we'd never suggest doing Mario Kart in real life like this yourself, we have to admit that it's pretty darn hilarious. Even though a minivan or truck could squash young prankster Rémi Gaillard with ease, we commend him for coming up with such a great idea. Oh, and for having the kind of friends that aren't too concerned with his safety so that such a thing could be filmed and put on the internet for all to see.%Gallery-4772%[Via Game | Life]
Top 5: Infections
After visiting friends and relatives this Thanksgiving, I was left with something special inside. Was it fond memories? Was it a deeper connection with those who I love? Was it several containers of leftovers? Sure, I received a fair share of those, but the most significant thing I received this Thanksgiving was the flu. I should have known. At least five different folks I saw over the course of the day claimed to be recovering from some form of the dreaded virus. Sure enough, by Friday evening I was sweating and freezing at once, aching all over, and debating on which end to point at the toilet (too much?). Whenever I get sick, I tend to feel very isolated. While everyone else was out enjoying their four-day weekend, I was tethered to the bed. But it didn't take long for me to realize that I'm certainly not alone. Everyone gets sick sooner or later, and no one is truly immune. In fact, even our video game counterparts have their fair share of sicknesses that affect their goals. And thankfully, just like said counterparts, the infections are usually brief. Here's our Top 5 sicknesses to avoid. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Mod turns GameCube controller into a Classic Controller
This may not be the most groundbreaking mod around, but it's one that would allow you to play things like Mega Man 9 with your GameCube controller. Created by Marcan42, the above mod uses a special adapter which plugs into the Wiimote just like a Classic Controller, allowing him to trick the system into thinking the GameCube controller is a Classic Controller. Check out the video above to watch the mod being used with Mario Kart Wii.%Gallery-31614%[Via Go Nintendo]
Report: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far)
Still obsessing over sales statistics, Gamasutra has crafted a report on 2008's five top-selling games in the US -- so far. Though some figures are approximated, there's assurance that "the maximum possible error in each figure should not affect the rankings." All consoles considered, the rankings are as follows: Super Smash Bros. Brawl (3.5 million, estimated) Mario Kart (3.4 million) Grand Theft Auto IV (3.2 million, estimated) Wii Play (3 million) Wii Fit (2.8 million) Be sure to check out the report for further details, several of which are likely to fuel the fanboy fires for, oh, the next fifteen minutes at least. We look forward to entertaining your "Wii games don't sell," "GTA IV is overrated" and "Wii Play is just a controller in disguise" arguments. We do not, however, want anything to do with your "Why isn't Golden Axe: Beast Rider on there?" madness.
Top 5: Multiplayer Experiences
As someone who writes on the Internets, I do a lot of reading as well. As just about any successful author will advise, if I want to be a better writer then I should be reading as much as possible. Thus, I tend to spend a good amount of time scouring the gaming websites and reading commentary from just about anyone. I wouldn't insult anyone by pointing out flaws in their work (as I'm host to many of my own), but it is sufficient to say that there is great diversity in the quality and other general attributes of gaming commentary. One source that I do consistently enjoy comes from GoNintendo's head honcho, known as RawmeatCowboy. Equal parts Nintendo fan and beard enthusiast, RMC has a passion for gaming unmatched by nearly anyone else in the entire industry. Whereas some journalists and commentators may give off an impression of jaded cynicism, this particular blogger is a bundle of video game-loving joy. Though he's not quite the wordsmith of a Jerry Holkins, his joy and optimism transcend any potential criticism. And after all, that should be the reason we play video games: for happiness. Stepping away from worshipping his shrine, I'll get back on target. In a recent post, RMC discusses offline multiplayer via a get-together involving several friends of his trying out Guitar Hero: World Tour. He states that multiplayer is more enjoyable in person than online, and I find it difficult to disagree. That is not to say that online multiplayer is garbage; quite the opposite is true. Aside from the obvious pragmatics of not always being able to round up a few friends to play a game you enjoy, there's the global aspect behind online gaming. Though I've been battling people online via chess years before any major console had such capabilities, the enormous power of the technology didn't register with me until very recently. As I was connecting to an online race in Mario Kart Wii, the identification of racers on the globe really hit home. Realizing that I was simultaneously connecting with individuals from Japan, China, Germany, and England was strangely beautiful. Despite the fascinating global implications of such connections, I remain a bit of a luddite in that I don't think there's anything better than having your friends in the same room with you while fighting with or against each other. Here's the Top 5 ways we recommend that you enjoy such opportunities. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Latest Mario Kart tournament drops coins all over Maple Treeway
It's that time again, where Nintendo pulls the lever and activates another tournament for Mario Kart Wii. This latest tourney takes place on Maple Treeway, tasking participants with collecting coins scattered throughout the track. Before you can nab the coins, however, they must be liberated from the various piles of leaves that call Maple Treeway their home. It's all about speed here, as you'll need to quickly grab as many coins as you can. The tournament is open from November 1st to the 10th. %Gallery-4772%[Via WiiFolder]
Circuit City does buy one, get one 50% off sale on Wii games
For those of you with some extra money burning a hole in your pocket, know that Circuit City has a sale running from now until this upcoming Saturday. When you purchase any Wii game at full price, you can get a second game for 50% off. The sale also works with Wii Play, if you're not among the folks who've already purchased the bundle. Need some suggestions? Mario Kart Wii is a good choice (and you can play with us at Game Night!), as well as Wario Land: Shake It! (which we're pretty fond of). There's also ... actually, just head on over there. The list of games is fairly long.[Via GamerDeals]
New Mario Kart tournament keeps it simple
The latest Mario Kart Wii tournament will go back to basics, totally stripping away items in a straightforward race to the finish on Luigi Circuit. Only karts are permitted, and you have to use the Wii Wheel.This news takes us back to the announcement of the first Mario Kart competition, when yours truly got on his soapbox and wrote a grumpy post complaining about why the inclusion of opponents and items in these Mario Kart Wii tournaments "totally missed the point." At the time, most readers disagreed with our point of view, and so may not be happy with this far more simplistic approach. Personally, we prefer these trials; they just seem fairer. Now all we need to develop is the ability to play Mario Kart Wii well.This new contest runs from October 15th to October 25th.%Gallery-4772%[Thanks, Josh!] A fan of Mario Kart Wii? Us too, especially the tournaments, of which there have been quite a few. To check out previous contests, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Fancy yourself a good karter? Then check out Game Night for some of the community's best competition. You're probably better than Dave, if nothing else.
