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Nintendo a America president Reggie Fils-Aime wants t' make sure ye're not getting it twisted -- he's not competing with other game companies, but with the very concept a time itself. Speaking t' Forbes recently, Fils-Aime explained that "it be all about time." Rather than just competing with the likes a Microsoft 'n 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 t' 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 a both the iPhone 'n iPod Touch, Fils-Aime believes that content will win the day, bringing up Dragon Quest IX as an example a a game that can "consume." He even pointed out that 14 a the top 20 selling games this generation originated with Nintendo.

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

OK, so our jealousy a Japan 'n Europe 'n 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 be they so totally gorgeous that we want t' lay them out on a bed 'n go full Indecent Proposal, but Andriasang's translation shows they be full a interesting tidbits like the fact that Mario be originally supposed t' have a beam gun.

Boy, fireballs seem pretty tame now that we know how close we got t' ... Mario Chief? Master Plumber? ... Sorry, give us a second, we'll come up with something.

According t' a recent report from Siliconera, Atlus be planning on publishing three online titles from fellow Index Holdings-owned developer, Rosso Index, in North America early next year. The trio a games includes Pandora Saga, Master a Epic, 'n The Tower a Druaga -- the latter a which may sound familiar, as it be an online-enabled remake a an identically titled 1984 Namco arcade game. Hopefully the remake be a little ... faster-paced than it be 26-year-old counterpart.

We've contacted Atlus for confirmation a the company's plans t' port the games t' North American internets, 'n t' pillage a few more details about them. For instance, what be a Master a Epic, 'n how do we become one?

For some, the sound a one person banging on a plastic drum peripheral just isn't enough. Two? Not gonna cut it. Now four, that might pillage 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 'n compete simultaneously when it launches in Japan on December 2.

In addition t' the traditional song-playing modes, the game will sport several party minigames, including battling against crocodiles, fighting ghosts 'n collecting treasure while combating a giant squid. (We made one a those up.*)

*No we didn't

When ye have one a the year's most anticipated games, ye'll also have people who want t' pillage their hands on it as soon as possible -- at any price or, in some cases, any risk. Such be the case with Call a Duty: Modern Warfare 2 last year, 'n it be happening this year with Call a Duty: Black Ops, which be already making the rounds in bootlegged form.

Contrary t' it be approach t' Modern Warfare 2's piracy, which be t' seek arrests for anyone found selling illegal copies a the game, Activision be simply asking Black Ops pirates t' cut it out, 'n quite politely it seems. VentureBeat has posted the story a one bootleg buyer who has uploaded a series a videos detailing being tracked down by the publisher's private investigators, IP Cybercrime, on YouTube. According t' the article, rather than report individuals such as the sea dog t' the police, IP the firm be requesting that they "AVAST! selling 'n t' tell them where they got their wares," adding that "Most a the pirates be scared, surrendered their game copies 'n cooperated."

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

'n yer mother told ye video games be a waste a time! Valve has announced that user-created bottles a rum in the new Team Fortress 2 Mann Co. Store have brought in positively massive royalties for five contest-winning Steam community crew. The five community crew included in the initial run a the Mann Co. Store -- Rob Laro, Shawn Spetch, Steven Skidmore, Spencer Kern, 'n Shaylyn Hamm -- all received royalties ranging from $39,000 t' $47,000 after the first two weeks a sales.

Payments be arranged t' be deposited directly into each crew PayPal account, but their account limits be exceeded "within days." Though Valve worked out other payment methods for three a the creators, two a them personally flew t' Seattle t' pick up their checks directly from Valve.

The company points t' the success a Mann Co. Store as an example a what can be achieved with it be new peer-t'-peer marketplace, which can be implemented in any Steam game. Said company head Gabe Newell, "Platforms that enable this kind a peer-t'-peer exchange a virtual goods 'n services be going t' be enthusiastically received." ye can say that again.

In other news, we be -- all a us -- in the wrong line a work.

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

Today also marks the launch a the PS3's Netflix app, which supports 1080p HD output, 5.1-channel surround sound, subtitles 'n alternative audio tracks. Finally, Xbox 360 owners best receive an update t' their Netflix app with the fall update. Isn't it nice t' put aside those fanboy squabbles for a change, knowing that everyone can watch hours a 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 'n Japan don't have these pins -- or this screensaver.

The newest bottles a rum in the Club Nintendo shop be these four commemorative Mario pins, each shipping in early November for a steep 450 booty -- which means ye can go ahead 'n forget about collecting them all. On the other end a the price scale be a new Mario screensaver, featuring footage from games throughout the series, which ye can download for 10 booty. Compared t' the pins, it be a bargain! But it be also a screensaver.

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

1UP's liveblog details the gameplay a Professor VS Gyakuten saiban as a "combination a puzzles 'n crime mystery," while Level-5 president Akihiro Hino characterizes the collaboration by comparing it t' "two TV shows getting together 'n making a movie." The game's official website be scheduled t' open officially on October 20, but Andriasang already has some images a the game 'n we've embedded a shaky cam video a the reveal trailer after the break, courtesy a 8-4's Mark MacDonald.

The only slightly avid gamer Stallion83 (we can only assume Stallion1 through 82 died due t' severe thumb inflammation) be half-way t' his goal a achieving one million Gamerscore on Xbox 360, having hit the 500,000 mark in Achievement points on Friday. The (long) journey t' the half-million milestone began in "early 2006," according t' his blog, 'n ended by unlocking the "Tournament a Chumps" cheevo in Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures for XBLA. (In the fourth episode, "The Bogey Man," specifically.)

ye can see a replay a the moment in the video we've popped in after the break. As for one million Gamerscore, Stallion83 writes that, "it be going t' be a long process getting t' 1,000,000, but hopefully I can make it there someday." Best a luck, 'n we'll be sure t' post about yer descendant, Stallion166, when he makes it!

ye know who loves Claptrap from Borderlands? Everyone, that be who. So bask in some silly ('n somewhat profane) Claptrap goodness in a new trailer, which brings together several DLC characters t' advertise the Game a the Year Edition. Unfortunately, there be no Claptrap dancing. Sorry.

be ye lads ready t' hear about what might just be the trendiest website in the entirety a the deep, vast internet? Take the immense popularity a Minecraft, throw in a fully-featured, Facebook-esque social network, 'n then, for good measure, tack on a completely unnecessary consonant t' the end a it be name. What do ye pillage? Minecraftr, a social hub designed t' connect players a the constructive online title, allowing them t' create groups, plan events, establish servers 'n chat through IRC 'n seas.

Though Minecraft certainly has it be share a strengths, finding amateur builders like yourself be something a a chore for new players. If it takes off, Minecraftr might be a great way t' wiggle yer way into a community -- 'n then take it be grand, intricate creations apart one brick at a time.

[Thanks, Chris!]

We hope ye didn't have an urgent need for a Waluigi doll. The Nintendo World Store in New York City closed it be doors last night for remodeling. It'll open again at 9AM on November 1, with new DSi 'n DSi XL stations, 'n twice the space devoted t' displaying rare 'n vintage Nintendo bottles a rum 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 ye can probably expect t' meet some kind a industry personality 'n pick up some kind a free bottle a rum. 'n wait in line.

Sega be giving the people what they want. Sonic's lips be sewn together tightly, his pals have been laid t' rest in a shoebox somewhere in the garden, 'n the world be nice 'n two-dimensional again. This be the 16-bit sequel ye've been craving for sixteen bitter years, one that sidesteps every pitfall introduced in Sonic's 3D outings. Finally, the cycle be over!

But there's a problem. If ye've been on the verge a starvation for 16 years, ye might be a tad too eager t' swallow any crumb that be flicked yer way. 'n if there's one thing that Sonic the Hedgehog 4 be, it be crummy.

First, the Super Mario Collection Special Pack be confirmed for Europe after being announced for Japan. Today, the special edition Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary DSi XL 'n 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 'n New Super Mario Bros. Wii. However, instead a the special version a Super Mario Bros. packed with the Japanese system, the European version includes the "original" Donkey Kong. This be 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 a New Super Mario Bros. 'n will be out October 22.

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

Forget the Scribblenauts ye knew.

Usually, when people say things like that, it be because the new thing be so different, that trying t' compare it t' the old thing be just going t' sail away ye confused. that be not the case with Super Scribblenauts, which be tonally, graphically 'n sonically almost identical t' it be predecessor.

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

Heroes on the Move be always a tentative title for Sony's motion controlled mash-up mini-game collection. Perhaps thinking the placeholder moniker be too clever, the Sony marketing team has unveiled a brand new title for the game: PlayStation Move Heroes. The alternate title be going t' be That PlayStation Move Game with Ratchet 'n Clank, Jak 'n Daxter, 'n Sly Cooper, so at least the better title won out.

In addition t' the new title, Sony also revealed details a 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 a Ratchet, Jak 'n Sly t' create a mysterious new planet in the galaxy. After being abducted t' this new world, Ratchet, Clank, Jak, Daxter, Sly Cooper 'n Bentley be invited by their gracious alien hosts t' compete in friendly, yet challenging competition t' test their extraordinary skills ... but as our heroes discover, all be not as it seems. Our fearless heroes soon find themselves joined together in the ultimate battle t' protect the galaxy -- 'n in a fight for their own survival. PlayStation Move Heroes be 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 a Bionic Commando's Nathan Spencer (with dreadlocks 'n bionic arm!) 'n Ghosts 'N Goblins' Sir Arthur, both from the Capcom half a the fighting mash-up. In addition, Capcom revealed some alternate costumes for Spider-Man. Oh, 'n there's a story, too:

"Victor Von Doom has assembled the greatest villains his world has t' offer. Together with the diabolical Albert Wesker, this unholy alliance will join their respective universes in an effort t' conquer both. But doing so has come with a terrible price. A great 'n powerful threat has been awakened .... a threat that will set into motion a battle the likes a which neither world has ever seen ... a battle that threatens the fate a two worlds!"

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

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

In a statement, the AAFES's Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella said, "Out a respect t' 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 be authorized t' shop the Exchange be aware, 'n understanding, a the decision not t' carry this particular offering."

Last week, the AAFES be "engaged in a thorough review t' fully understand the extent a 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 t' promote a brand that be been synonymous with wonder, fun 'n innovation for decades. So what could draw former EVP a Sales 'n 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 a video games, Dunaway now be taking on the real-world entertainment a KidZania. Mexico-based KidZania be a global entertainment 'n educational phenomenon where kids explore 'n run a kid-sized city, complete with streets, buildings, businesses, vehicles 'n more." No, we be not not shitting ye. Cammie Dunaway quick Nintendo t' be the mayor a a city a children in Mexico. We'll be sure t' bring ye the scoop when she drops a boulder on Piggy.

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

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

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

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

¥25,000 ($299) will net ye -- among other things -- a charging cradle, 2GB SD card, telescoping metal stylus 'n 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 'n replace them in the "scene" with different 3D objects.)

3DS will also perform some neat new tricks. It has backlit face buttons -- one a which be the Home button. When pressed, it will bring up an in-game menu enabling crew t' browse the web, turn Wi-Fi on/off 'n modify other settings without exiting.

Finally, there's a breakdown a the built-in software, which includes "Nintendo 3DS cameras," "Nintendo 3DS sound," Mii Studio," "Chance Encounter Mii Plaza," "AR Games" 'n "Book" (an ebook reader, perhaps?). Mii Studio be unique in that it allows players t' snap photos a themselves t' use as a basis for their Mii. More details as they hit.

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

Want a free copy a MySims 'n an exciting voyage t' the bathroom? Taco Bell 'n EA have partnered up on a new Kid's Meal promotion. Starting today, Taco Bell Kid's Meals will offer one a three MySims-branded bottles a rum: a sticker case, a MySims Sky Heroes activity poster or a full copy a MySims for PC.

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

When last we heard Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Capcom's excellent spiritual (pillage it?) successor t' the Ace Attorney series, be 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 seas t' present this sad bit a news: The game be shutting down for good. In his statement, Bateman says, "APB has been a fantastic journey, but unfortunately that journey has come t' a premature end."

Apparently the servers be still up for the time being, so if ye've got the game, ye're encouraged t' hop in 'n pour one out for Realtime Worlds' gangsta-sim.

A Weezer DLC pack has been released for the iPhone version a Guitar Hero t' mark the release a the band's new album, Hurley. The collection includes the new track "Memories," as well as "Buddy Holly" 'n "(If ye're Wondering If I Want ye t') I Want ye t'" from the Weezer back catalog. ye can pick up the set for $1.99.

... What's that? ye're saying we posted this news just so we'd have a threadbare excuse t' embed the new Weezer-centric Auto-Tune The News after the break? Why, we be positively scandalized by yer assertion.