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Mario live wallpaper for Android: better than a Tanooki Suit in the summer
Seriously, words cannot describe how incredibly entertained we are by this Mario Live wallpaper for Android 2.1 and above devices. All across the home and locked screen, our favorite Italian faux-plumber protagonist runs through randomly-generated levels across various themes like outside, underground, and castle. It's very customizable, allowing you to change the level's difficulty, see the alternate paths Mario's AI has plotted, and rendering the background (all at a cost to CPUs and battery life, of course). Free download -- donations suggested, of course -- and if you're looking for a way to stare at your phone even longer, well, look no further. Videos through which you can live vicariously are after the break.
Entire Super Mario Galaxy 2 soundtrack now on YouTube
Super Mario Galaxy had one of the most delightful, transportive soundtracks of any game in the current console generation, with themes both new and familiar set to a sweeping orchestral score. To show off the sequel's equally impressive accompaniment, a YouTube channel purportedly belonging to composer Mahito Yokota has uploaded every single track from Super Mario Galaxy 2 onto a single playlist. You can listen to it here, though the tracks' names might include a few minor, minor spoilers. If you can suffer those, you're in for a full afternoon of happiness-inducing music. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Metareview: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Everyone expects a Mario game to be good -- and it's even easier to expect quality when the new game is a direct follow-up to a game as universally adored as Super Mario Galaxy. However, even given the high expectations, the reception Super Mario Galaxy 2's getting is startling. There are, as of right now, eight scores equivalent to 100 percent on the game's Metacritic page, a range befitting the title our own Randy Nelson called "the best Mario game ever." We've only quoted one of the 100-percenters below, in the interest of variety. Edge (10): "This is a game that refuses to bore you, that can take you to the 60-star mark before asking you to do the same thing twice. It reuses assets, but almost never recycles ideas; you'll never see another title so thrifty, or so gratuitous." Game Informer (93/100): "Sure, it's not the total reinvention of the genre we've come to expect from a new Mario title, but as a platformer fan I'm happy to get more Mario to tide me over. This game is a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre, as well as Nintendo's ability to create fresh new gameplay out of a decades-old formula." Game|Life (9/10): "Super Mario Galaxy 2 is thus simultaneously more and less than its predecessor. It expands and elaborates on the gameplay in unpredictable ways, but the last one felt like a bigger, more complete adventure. That said, better core gameplay with less window dressing is infinitely preferable to the reverse." %Gallery-64834%
Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the best Mario game ever. There, I said it. What Nintendo's EAD Tokyo team has managed to pull off in this game is astounding, especially when you consider just how good the original Super Mario Galaxy was. Like expert craftsmen, they've improved upon an already excellent product and delivered a seemingly endless volley of fresh ideas -- be they in level design or game mechanics -- that are every bit as polished as those in the first game and, most importantly, just pure fun. Since the sequel was first announced and up until, well, now, there's been a lingering question: Is it just Super Mario Galaxy 1.5? Despite what the original plans for the sequel may have entailed, one thing is clear: SMG2 is its own game. It shares the basic mechanics of its predecessor yet brings so many new experiences to the playing field that it stands alone. Even more, it features enough challenges to keep the most hardcore Mario player engaged for weeks. %Gallery-64834%
American Super Mario Galaxy 2 commercial debuts
Pfft, "debuts?" More like soars across a whimsical landscape directly into our hearts. We were pressed for space, okay? Maybe that's why we're so keen to stare at yet another snippet of Super Mario Galaxy 2 -- if we watch this commercial (embedded after the break) carefully, the perpetually cheerful plumber might impart some lessons on space usage. Where does he find all that breathing room?
Hands-on: Super Mario Galaxy 2 co-op & cloud power-up
digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-co-op-and-cloud-power-up-preview/'; Just over a month from today, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will somersault onto store shelves. We thought we'd seen just about everything the final game would have to offer but, as Nintendo showed me earlier this week at its Northern California offices, there are still plenty of surprises to be found in this sequel. While my last hands-on had me controlling the portly platforming plumber exclusively, this one started me out with a Luma in the game's revamped, expanded co-op mode. When I did play as Mario, I got a chance to try out the latest addition to his growing wardrobe of specialized suits, transforming into the extra-floaty (and fluffy) Cloud Mario. Then came the unexpected: A galaxy based on Super Mario Sunshine (sorry, folks -- no FLUDD). %Gallery-91299%
Super Mario Galaxy commercial brings a tear to our eye
We're not afraid to admit that Ed Peduzzi's Super Mario Galaxy commercial gets us all misty. It's a powerful combination of Sigur Rós' "Hoppípolla" and the classic footage of Nintendo's Italian plumber, crescendoing in a mighty display of Super Mario Galaxy that really gave our heart strings a tug. Check it out for yourself past the break and if you don't get goosebumps, well you just may be a soulless husk of a human being.
Super Mario's Wacky Worlds should have stayed buried
Well, here's an unexpected treat for your Labor Day: A peek at a Mario game you've probably never heard of and almost certainly will never touch, Super Mario's Wacky Worlds. If the video we found at Unseen64 is any indication, it's likely for the better. Created for the ill-fated Phillips CD-i by Novalogic, SMWW took Mario out of the Mushroom Kingdom (bold!) and plopped him in real-world locales like Egypt (puzzling!). Though touted as a successor to Super Mario World, it seems this would have been lucky to have been a successor to Hotel Mario.
Computer script plays Super Mario World by itself
As you might have guessed, we're really busy guys. As such, we can't be expected to actually play the video games we write about. We dish out thousands of dollars every year to get local work release program participants to handle the grunt work for us -- but if a recent entry in the Mario AI Competition is any indication, we may soon be able to keep that cash in our wallets, opting for computer-assisted gaming instead.Posted after the break is a video demo of the entry in question -- designed by artificial intelligence programmer Robin Baumgarten, this computer script effortlessly pushes the plump plumber through the hazardous environments of Super Mario World. It handles the game's challenges much better than our prisoner assistants -- and best of all, it definitely won't try to stab us in our sleep.[Via Make: Online]
Mario used in original Punch-Out without Miyamoto's permission
For fans of the NES' flagship pugilism sim Punch-Out!!!, the latest edition of Iwata Asks is chock-full of tidbits about the game that you probably didn't know. For instance, Nintendo Entertainment and Analysis Division's Makoto Wada reveals a long-hidden secret that makes fights against Bald Bull go much easier. Also, Glass Joe? He's got osteoporosis. Yeah, you should feel bad. Poor guy.However, the most entertaining unearthed secret is the fact that Shigeru Miyamoto never signed off on the use of Mario as the game's mustachioed referree. In Miyamoto's own words, "we didn't have an approval system when using Mario images back then and it went right past my check." The interview transcript adds that he laughed after saying this, but we imagine at least one stink-eye was shot across the table.[Via GameSetWatch]
Rumor: Nintendo to show off new Mario game at E3, releasing this year in Japan
Coming from Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper, we hear rumblings of a new Mario game destined for Japan sometime this year, and that we should expect to hear about this game during E3 this week. It's a fairly credible rumor, considering Nintendo admitted that the Mario and Zelda teams were working on something last year. Nihon Keizai Shimbun also says this is a title destined for Wii (sorry, DSi fans!). Considering it's been a year since we've heard what little we have, it would make sense that Nintendo would be ready to unveil something at this year's show.[Via IGN]
Christian Bale loves video games, lost sleep over Super Mario
Taking time out of his Terminator Salvation press tour to sit down with Conversations, Christian Bale spoke about his childhood love for our lifetime passion, video games. When the interviewer brings up Roger Ebert's review of the film (video game reference in tow), he then asks Bale if he played video games "in his younger years," to which Bale replies, "I played video games in my entire growing-up years. One of my favorites is Super Mario. I wouldn't sleep until I finished the game, you know."Not quite the drug-addled gaming experiences of Alec Baldwin, but sleepless nights in front of the television are something we can all relate to regardless. Not everyone can be a Jack Donaghy, ya know?
World of Warcraft iGoogle theme
More and more people (myself included) are starting to use iGoogle as their homepage, because it's incredibly useful. There's all sorts of widgets you can use to customize your homepage, from useful things like the weather and a feed of the top news stories, to goofy things like games and videos. I started using it awhile ago, so I was excited to hear about the addition of World of Warcraft iGoogle theme.The theme is pretty basic as far as its appearance goes: A little art on top, a little art on the bottom, and text colored to match. No absurd bells and whistles or major distractions. The cool thing this theme does, like a few other iGoogle themes, is it changes depending on the time of day in your region. When I first put this theme on my homepage earlier today it had a somewhat orange tinge to it all, the art being what I believe is Durotar. Orcs, all of that sort of thing. As of my writing this, it's only 2 PM Central and it's already switched over to the dark blue of the Lich King. It seems a bit early to be swapping to what appears to be the nighttime version of the theme, and it's somewhat depressing in an odd sort of way.
You've got Mario in my DSi calculator app
So, you've got $2 burning a hole in your pocket and you want to calculate money you only wish you had? Well DSi users, you're in luck with a nifty calculator. But, the convenience doesn't end there. The application utilizes sound effects and visuals from Super Mario Bros. If you think about it, it's a really smart idea! For years we've been joking that the DS prints money, but now the DSi can count it, too. Oh, technology ... where would we be without you? Check out a video of the application in action after the break.
Born for Wii: Mario Sunshine
Now that 2008 is tightly packed away into our memories and the glorious new year is unfolding before our very eyes, we're caught between looking backwards at what 2008 imparted upon us and anticipating what 2009 has to offer. Even though Born for Wii is all about looking backwards, it's hard not to be excited about what this year is bringing to the Wii: in just a couple months, the New Play Control version of Pikmin will be hitting the States, and it will be good times. But we've still got awhile to wait until then, and this week we're highlighting a sorely underappreciated Nintendo game of last generation: Super Mario Sunshine.Mario Sunshine was released in 2002 as the first real successor to the groundbreaking Mario 64, and it was clear from the beginning that things were going to be a little different. For starters, Mario was on vacation on a tropical island, and soon found himself equipped with a water pack for cleaning up sludge. Though it was generally well-reviewed, Mario Sunshine has since become somewhat of a whipping boy in the fan community, and many claim that it didn't live up to groundbreaking pedigree Mario 64 established years earlier. Mario Galaxy managed to exceed its predecessors in virtually every way possible, but in the end, Sunshine still has things worth going back for. The wonderful tropical locale, the FLUDD-less levels, and some fun water pack puzzles all made Mario Sunshine a worthwhile endeavor, and a New Play Control version would give Nintendo the chance to polish its shortcomings and give Mario the vacation he deserved. #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; } NEXT >> %Gallery-40643% Every week, Born for Wii digs into gaming's sordid past to unearth a new treasure fit for revival on the Nintendo Wii. Be sure to check out last week's entry in the series, NBA Jam, and for more great titles that deserve your attention, take a look at Virtually Overlooked.
It's-a Mario World: Final Bosses
The workweek is nearly over, which means it's time again to rehash the delightful, if discontinuous, mythology of the Mushroom Kingdom and its many colorful characters. Last week we had you grinding the gears of mini-boss semantics while ogling the usual gallery-candy, and today we want to continue in a similar vein. But let's up the ante, shall we? Who are the real bosses Mario has battled? No more of this egg-spitting mediocrity and three-hit nonsense. Half-assed baddies, step aside.The road has been long for Mario, and each of his victories have been marked with the defeat of a substantial villain, restoring order to various kingdoms and rescuing their fair and easily kidnapped damsels. The extended Koopa Troop family has long been a threat to the 'stache, but who are these other punitive powers that precede the credit screens? Let's take a gander at final bosses in a new gallery rife with heavyweight evildoing. It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps.
It's-a Mario World: Friends & Allies
Oh, hello there! You startled us. For some reason we've been so wrapped up in Wario World for Gamecube lately that we forgot we're supposed to be talking about Wario's goody-goody brother. So what if Wario World is five years old and was somewhat shrugged off by industry critics? How else are we supposed to satisfy our lust for treasure before Wario Land: Shake It arrives stateside? And don't tell us to try playing an actual Wario Land game on Game Boy, because we already did that. Like umpteen times. While jamming out to new music and shouting "WAHHH" to nobody in particular.Ok, you're right: We have another month and a new Mario sports title before we should be getting too worked up about Wario. So, what is the discussion this week? The last couple of issues focused on persistent and underrated foes, so maybe we should drop all of our sinister, gold-hoarding schemes to acknowledge the friendlier folk of the Mushroom Kingdom. Which characters have helped Mario on his way? Hop over to the gallery and reminisce! It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps. Still hungry for plumber pasta? Go feed on the latest issue of Virtually Overlooked, which is cooked with a Mario base and served with awesome sauce.
It's-a Mario World: Underrated Foes
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Mario_s_most_underrated_foes'; In our last issue, we spent a lot of time rambling about the recurring foes you know and love (or hate) of Mario games. Popular baddies like Goombas, Piranhas and Koopas have carved out quite a place for themselves in the franchise, such that we've come to expect them anywhere we see Mario himself. Many of these regulars have become playable characters and allies in sports games and spin-offs, which calls into question their allegiances. Some have even started to complain about Bowser and his inadequate coordinating skills. Can you blame them?Shadowed by these persistent characters, though, are all of the enemies who never went on to become superstars in the latest, greatest Mario titles. All of the foes Mario dashed by without breaking stride, arms out and cape rippling in the wind. The unappreciated foes quickly tail-flicked and never thought of again. Let's give a little limelight to these underrated and overlooked enemies in our newest gallery. Do you remember them? Of course you do... It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated. We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every week to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps. If you're looking for more on Mario, then check out the latest edition of Virtually Overlooked.
Bowser's minions vent their frustrations
It isn't easy being one of Bowser's minions. Aside from the constant defeat at the hands of the Mario brothers, apparently there are some severe restrictions each class of baddie must adhere to in their roles as Bowser's employees. It's a tough life, we imagine, and a job we would certainly not enjoy. They must get amazing health benefits, because, in all honesty, why would you put up with it over and over again?We've embedded the video past the break, due to some possibly-NSFW action. So, check it out, if you so please.
It's-a Mario World: Persistent Foes
Today is Thursday, which means we can't stop appending the letter 'A' to our contractions, even though we know it's-a trite way to cue Charles Martinet's voice acting. But now that we've triggered your Mario alarm, we would like to welcome you back to Wii Fanboy's weekly feature dedicated to our triple-jumping hero. Now that the E3 2008 complaints celebrations have begun to subside, we can return to our regularly scheduled fanboy-ism. This week we present you with a new gallery cataloguing the oft-encountered enemies of the Mushroom Kingdom, complete with additional discourse specialized for the Super Mario aficionado!Where else can you find unmistakable goombas, fire-breathing piranha plants and rampant anthropomorphism all in one game? Nowhere. Now hurry along to the gallery where you'll feel an elating sense of deja-vu as you browse classic baddies, and be sure to check back here next week when we spotlight the unusual and underrated foes of Mario's adventures. It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Thursday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps.
