Joystiq older than one year ago

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime wants to make sure you're not getting it twisted -- he's not competing with other game companies, but with the very concept of time itself. Speaking to Forbes recently, Fils-Aime explained that "It's all about time." Rather than just competing with the likes of Microsoft and Sony, Fils-Aime said, "I compete with Zynga, I compete with surfing the net, I compete with the newspaper." What about eating ice cream, Mr. Fils-Aime? Hmmmm?

Regardless, he does see one direct competitor to worry about: Apple. Fils-Aime rhetorically wondered, "Do I think that in the near term they can hurt us more than Microsoft? Absolutely." Though, despite astronomical sales of both the iPhone and iPod Touch, Fils-Aime believes that content will win the day, bringing up Dragon Quest IX as an example of a game that can "consume." He even pointed out that 14 of the top 20 selling games this generation originated with Nintendo.

Fils-Aime didn't point out Apple's bigger trump card -- its device does a lot more than play video games. We're confident that Nintendo isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but competing with a phone in terms of handheld sales? Not so sure about that.

OK, so our jealousy of Japan and Europe and their Super Mario Bros. collectors editions has become utterly crushing. N-Styles provides the proverbial camel-back-breaking straw with some original design docs included in the package's history book.

Not only are they so totally gorgeous that we want to lay them out on a bed and go full Indecent Proposal, but Andriasang's translation shows they're full of interesting tidbits like the fact that Mario was originally supposed to have a beam gun.

Boy, fireballs seem pretty tame now that we know how close we got to ... Mario Chief? Master Plumber? ... Sorry, give us a second, we'll come up with something.

According to a recent report from Siliconera, Atlus is planning on publishing three online titles from fellow Index Holdings-owned developer, Rosso Index, in North America early next year. The trio of games includes Pandora Saga, Master of Epic, and The Tower of Druaga -- the latter of which may sound familiar, as its an online-enabled remake of an identically titled 1984 Namco arcade game. Hopefully the remake is a little ... faster-paced than its 26-year-old counterpart.

We've contacted Atlus for confirmation of the company's plans to port the games to North American internets, and to get a few more details about them. For instance, what is a Master of Epic, and how do we become one?

For some, the sound of one person banging on a plastic drum peripheral just isn't enough. Two? Not gonna cut it. Now four, that might get the decibel level high enough. Good thing, then, that Namco Bandai's next Taiko Drum Master game for Wii, Taiko Drum Master Wii: Everyone Party, will let four players cooperate and compete simultaneously when it launches in Japan on December 2.

In addition to the traditional song-playing modes, the game will sport several party minigames, including battling against crocodiles, fighting ghosts and collecting treasure while combating a giant squid. (We made one of those up.*)

*No we didn't

When you have one of the year's most anticipated games, you'll also have people who want to get their hands on it as soon as possible -- at any price or, in some cases, any risk. Such was the case with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 last year, and it's happening this year with Call of Duty: Black Ops, which is already making the rounds in bootlegged form.

Contrary to its approach to Modern Warfare 2's piracy, which was to seek arrests for anyone found selling illegal copies of the game, Activision is simply asking Black Ops pirates to cut it out, and quite politely it seems. VentureBeat has posted the story of one bootleg buyer who has uploaded a series of videos detailing being tracked down by the publisher's private investigators, IP Cybercrime, on YouTube. According to the article, rather than report individuals such as him to the police, IP the firm is requesting that they "stop selling and to tell them where they got their wares," adding that "Most of the pirates were scared, surrendered their game copies and cooperated."

That's not to say the investigators aren't willing to employ more serious methods in dealing with people who don't give in to the "good cop" approach. "One young pirate was being a 'wise ass' and adamantly refused to cooperate," VentureBeat reported. "So the investigators called his mother."

And your mother told you video games were a waste of time! Valve has announced that user-created items in the new Team Fortress 2 Mann Co. Store have brought in positively massive royalties for five contest-winning Steam community members. The five community members included in the initial run of the Mann Co. Store -- Rob Laro, Shawn Spetch, Steven Skidmore, Spencer Kern, and Shaylyn Hamm -- all received royalties ranging from $39,000 to $47,000 after the first two weeks of sales.

Payments were arranged to be deposited directly into each users PayPal account, but their account limits were exceeded "within days." Though Valve worked out other payment methods for three of the creators, two of them personally flew to Seattle to pick up their checks directly from Valve.

The company points to the success of Mann Co. Store as an example of what can be achieved with its new peer-to-peer marketplace, which can be implemented in any Steam game. Said company head Gabe Newell, "Platforms that enable this kind of peer-to-peer exchange of virtual goods and services are going to be enthusiastically received." You can say that again.

In other news, we are -- all of us -- in the wrong line of work.

A Netflix app that will allow movie streaming on Nintendo's Wii, without the need for a pesky disc, is available now on the Wii Shop Channel. The Netflix channel is free and streaming comes at no extra charge as part of most Netflix rental plans.

Today also marks the launch of the PS3's Netflix app, which supports 1080p HD output, 5.1-channel surround sound, subtitles and alternative audio tracks. Finally, Xbox 360 owners should receive an update to their Netflix app with the fall update. Isn't it nice to put aside those fanboy squabbles for a change, knowing that everyone can watch hours of television on their video game systems without even touching a disc?

Sure, we may not have the special Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary Wii or DSi XL, or the Super Mario All-Stars re-release, but Europe and Japan don't have these pins -- or this screensaver.

The newest items in the Club Nintendo shop are these four commemorative Mario pins, each shipping in early November for a steep 450 Coins -- which means you can go ahead and forget about collecting them all. On the other end of the price scale is a new Mario screensaver, featuring footage from games throughout the series, which you can download for 10 Coins. Compared to the pins, it's a bargain! But it's also a screensaver.

Professor VS Gyakuten saiban -- the Japanese name for a new crossover 3DS game that features both Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton -- was revealed last night by Level-5 during a press conference in Tokyo. The game is being developed in collaboration with Capcom, though Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi will be heading up writing. It appears that this marks the beginning of Level-5 and Capcom's much teased collaboration, and one of the four surprise titles Level-5 said it would reveal during its Vision 2010 event currently taking place in Japan.

1UP's liveblog details the gameplay of Professor VS Gyakuten saiban as a "combination of puzzles and crime mystery," while Level-5 president Akihiro Hino characterizes the collaboration by comparing it to "two TV shows getting together and making a movie." The game's official website is scheduled to open officially on October 20, but Andriasang already has some images of the game and we've embedded a shaky cam video of the reveal trailer after the break, courtesy of 8-4's Mark MacDonald.

The only slightly avid gamer Stallion83 (we can only assume Stallion1 through 82 died due to severe thumb inflammation) is half-way to his goal of achieving one million Gamerscore on Xbox 360, having hit the 500,000 mark in Achievement points on Friday. The (long) journey to the half-million milestone began in "early 2006," according to his blog, and ended by unlocking the "Tournament of Chumps" cheevo in Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures for XBLA. (In the fourth episode, "The Bogey Man," specifically.)

You can see a replay of the moment in the video we've popped in after the break. As for one million Gamerscore, Stallion83 writes that, "It's going to be a long process getting to 1,000,000, but hopefully I can make it there someday." Best of luck, and we'll be sure to post about your descendant, Stallion166, when he makes it!

You know who loves Claptrap from Borderlands? Everyone, that's who. So bask in some silly (and somewhat profane) Claptrap goodness in a new trailer, which brings together several DLC characters to advertise the Game of the Year Edition. Unfortunately, there is no Claptrap dancing. Sorry.

Are you guys ready to hear about what might just be the trendiest website in the entirety of the deep, vast internet? Take the immense popularity of Minecraft, throw in a fully-featured, Facebook-esque social network, and then, for good measure, tack on a completely unnecessary consonant to the end of its name. What do you get? Minecraftr, a social hub designed to connect players of the constructive online title, allowing them to create groups, plan events, establish servers and chat through IRC and forums.

Though Minecraft certainly has its share of strengths, finding amateur builders like yourself is something of a chore for new players. If it takes off, Minecraftr might be a great way to wiggle your way into a community -- and then take its grand, intricate creations apart one brick at a time.

[Thanks, Chris!]

We hope you didn't have an urgent need for a Waluigi doll. The Nintendo World Store in New York City closed its doors last night for remodeling. It'll open again at 9AM on November 1, with new DSi and DSi XL stations, and twice the space devoted to displaying rare and vintage Nintendo items in the Nintendo Showcase.

Then, on November 7, Nintendo will hold a "grand re-opening" event that will run throughout the day. There's no information yet about what exactly will occur at the event, but you can probably expect to meet some kind of industry personality and pick up some kind of free item. And wait in line.

Sega is giving the people what they want. Sonic's lips are sewn together tightly, his pals have been laid to rest in a shoebox somewhere in the garden, and the world is nice and two-dimensional again. This is the 16-bit sequel you've been craving for sixteen bitter years, one that sidesteps every pitfall introduced in Sonic's 3D outings. Finally, the cycle is over!

But there's a problem. If you've been on the verge of starvation for 16 years, you might be a tad too eager to swallow any crumb that's flicked your way. And if there's one thing that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is, it's crummy.

First, the Super Mario Collection Special Pack was confirmed for Europe after being announced for Japan. Today, the special edition Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary DSi XL and Wii systems have been announced for the region as well, with each red system bundled with a Mario game.

The red Wii set, in stores October 29, includes Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. However, instead of the special version of Super Mario Bros. packed with the Japanese system, the European version includes the "original" Donkey Kong. This is probably just the NES game on Virtual Console, but the "original" terminology suggests it could be the arcade game. The red DSi XL bundle includes a copy of New Super Mario Bros. and will be out October 22.

None of this has been announced in North America. Happy birthday, Mario!

Forget the Scribblenauts you knew.

Usually, when people say things like that, it's because the new thing is so different, that trying to compare it to the old thing is just going to leave you confused. That's not the case with Super Scribblenauts, which is tonally, graphically and sonically almost identical to its predecessor.

No, I mention it only because Super Scribblenauts, which fixes practically every problem with the series' debut, is viewed most favorably in an alternate dimension where said debut never existed.

Heroes on the Move was always a tentative title for Sony's motion controlled mash-up mini-game collection. Perhaps thinking the placeholder moniker was too clever, the Sony marketing team has unveiled a brand new title for the game: PlayStation Move Heroes. The alternate title was going to be That PlayStation Move Game with Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter, and Sly Cooper, so at least the better title won out.

In addition to the new title, Sony also revealed details of the game's story. How do these heroes come together?
A mysterious alien duo has swept through the galaxy, fiendishly snatching entire chunks from the worlds of Ratchet, Jak and Sly to create a mysterious new planet in the galaxy. After being abducted to this new world, Ratchet, Clank, Jak, Daxter, Sly Cooper and Bentley are invited by their gracious alien hosts to compete in friendly, yet challenging competition to test their extraordinary skills ... but as our heroes discover, all is not as it seems. Our fearless heroes soon find themselves joined together in the ultimate battle to protect the galaxy -- and in a fight for their own survival. PlayStation Move Heroes is set for release in Spring 2011.

The Marvel vs. Capcom 3 roster just keeps on growing. At a New York Comic Con panel, Capcom announced the addition of Bionic Commando's Nathan Spencer (with dreadlocks and bionic arm!) and Ghosts 'N Goblins' Sir Arthur, both from the Capcom half of the fighting mash-up. In addition, Capcom revealed some alternate costumes for Spider-Man. Oh, and there's a story, too:

"Victor Von Doom has assembled the greatest villains his world has to offer. Together with the diabolical Albert Wesker, this unholy alliance will join their respective universes in an effort to conquer both. But doing so has come with a terrible price. A great and powerful threat has been awakened .... a threat that will set into motion a battle the likes of which neither world has ever seen ... a battle that threatens the fate of two worlds!"

But that's not all! This weekend will hold at least one more MvC3-related surprise. Marvel is having a panel of its own tomorrow morning at 10:45 a.m. EDT, where it will announce two more characters from its side of the game -- in addition to a brand new game. We know that one is a returning character, but one is a newcomer to games. Exciting, no? We're planning on live-blogging the event, so stay tuned!

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has decided that, despite EA's recent moniker change of "Taliban" to "Opposing Force" in Medal of Honor's multiplayer component, that its decision not to sell the title "remains unchanged."

In a statement, the AAFES's Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella said, "Out of respect to those touched by the ongoing, real-life events presented as a game, Exchanges will not be carrying this product." He continued, "I expect the military families who are authorized to shop the Exchange are aware, and understanding, of the decision not to carry this particular offering."

Last week, the AAFES was "engaged in a thorough review to fully understand the extent of the modifications." Apparently it wasn't enough. We've contacted EA for a statement.

For many, working at Nintendo would be a dream job, helping to promote a brand that's been synonymous with wonder, fun and innovation for decades. So what could draw former EVP of Sales and Marketing Cammie Dunaway away from the company? We've got the answer, straight from a recent press release:
"After three years guiding kids through the virtual world of video games, Dunaway now is taking on the real-world entertainment of KidZania. Mexico-based KidZania is a global entertainment and educational phenomenon where kids explore and run a kid-sized city, complete with streets, buildings, businesses, vehicles and more." No, we're not not shitting you. Cammie Dunaway quick Nintendo to be the mayor of a city of children in Mexico. We'll be sure to bring you the scoop when she drops a boulder on Piggy.

Hot off yesterday's big Zombie reveal, today Treyarch has given 1UP the entire list of Achievements / Trophies for Call of Duty: Black Ops. Spoilers, minor though they may be, abound in the list we've dropped after the break -- you've been warned.

Here's more proof that Ubisoft hasn't forgotten the Beyond Good & Evil franchise: The company is in the process of remastering the Michel Ancel-directed adventure classic for release in 2011 on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. According to IGN, Beyond Good & Evil HD will run at 1080p resolution and feature updated character models, higher-resolution textures and a remastered soundtrack, along with Trophies and Achievements.

Beyond Good & Evil was first released on Gamecube, Xbox, PS2 and PC in 2003. Like Okami, it is considered by fans to be one of the best Zelda games ... that, you know, isn't actually a Legend of Zelda game.
Beyond Good & Evil HD coming to PSN, XBLA in 2011

Nintendo didn't just drop a Japanese release date and price for the 3DS tonight -- in a document (PDF) released following this evening's press conference, the company detailed more of the hardware's features, including unexpected pack-ins.

¥25,000 ($299) will net you -- among other things -- a charging cradle, 2GB SD card, telescoping metal stylus and six "paper cards" that can be used for playing the system's built-in augmented reality games. (The 3DS' outward-facing 3D camera will detect and replace them in the "scene" with different 3D objects.)

3DS will also perform some neat new tricks. It has backlit face buttons -- one of which is the Home button. When pressed, it will bring up an in-game menu enabling users to browse the web, turn Wi-Fi on/off and modify other settings without exiting.

Finally, there's a breakdown of the built-in software, which includes "Nintendo 3DS cameras," "Nintendo 3DS sound," Mii Studio," "Chance Encounter Mii Plaza," "AR Games" and "Book" (an ebook reader, perhaps?). Mii Studio is unique in that it allows players to snap photos of themselves to use as a basis for their Mii. More details as they hit.

In honour of the Euroupean Sounic Colours proumoutiounal videou pousted below, we've decided tou stand aloungside ouur ouverseas couhourts, and their inexplicable manner ouf spelling. Check ouut the trailer, which features soume of Sounic's new pouwers and ould, ould foues, like Douctour Rouboutnik.

Want a free copy of MySims and an exciting trip to the bathroom? Taco Bell and EA have partnered up on a new Kid's Meal promotion. Starting today, Taco Bell Kid's Meals will offer one of three MySims-branded items: a sticker case, a MySims Sky Heroes activity poster or a full copy of MySims for PC.

Giving away a video game with a kid's meal certainly gives the appearance of a great value. We're surprised other game companies haven't rushed at the opportunity to create themed kid's meals. Imagine: a Pokemon Happy Meal, with a new in-game critter in each bag. You'd catch 'em all after only 500 meals or so!

When last we heard Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Capcom's excellent spiritual (get it?) successor to the Ace Attorney series, was due in "winter 2010." With that in mind, we have bad news for would-be phantom detectives, as Capcom's TGS fact sheet for the title includes a "January 2011" North American release date. The good news: our time with the title in Tokyo this year has further convinced us that the wait will be worth it.

Realtime Worlds community officer Ben Bateman just popped on the APB official forums to present this sad bit of news: The game is shutting down for good. In his statement, Bateman says, "APB has been a fantastic journey, but unfortunately that journey has come to a premature end."

Apparently the servers are still up for the time being, so if you've got the game, you're encouraged to hop in and pour one out for Realtime Worlds' gangsta-sim.

A Weezer DLC pack has been released for the iPhone version of Guitar Hero to mark the release of the band's new album, Hurley. The collection includes the new track "Memories," as well as "Buddy Holly" and "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" from the Weezer back catalog. You can pick up the set for $1.99.

... What's that? You're saying we posted this news just so we'd have a threadbare excuse to embed the new Weezer-centric Auto-Tune The News after the break? Why, we're positively scandalized by your assertion.