Video Game Saga

No. I'm not Dead. Stop that.

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

No, Jimmy and I are not dead.

I just wanted to take a few minutes out of my day for the 5 folks who like to view this site. I'm working on a new show and some additional content, and as always, it will be featured on Video Game Saga as well.

Some of my tracks that I've used over and over in my videos will soon be available in the Google Play Store for download.

But what can I say? Jimmy and I are still here and kicking, trying to find a way to balance our lives with kids, wives, and videogames. Jimmy's working on a new vampire indie film, and I've been doing my best to grow the most amazing afro--not seen since the 70's.

But enough about me, how are you doing? Let us know! And keep a eye out for some new stuff to come!

James Buster Douglas Knockout Boxing (Sega Master System)

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:35:00 +0000

You are looking at the rarest Sega Master System US release which often contends with Sonic the Hedgehog. Some collectors feel that since Sonic the Hedgehog is the european version of the game with a US UPC sticker to distinguish it as a US release that it is not the rarest US SMS game. Whether you consider Sonic the Rarest SMS game or James Buster Douglas Knockout Boxing, there is no denying the rarity of this game. It is believed that the game's rarity is attributed to the fact that when it was released in 1990, Buster Douglas was only heavyweight champion for a short period of time when he lost his first title defense to Evander Holyfield. Because of his loss, the game dropped in sales and thus saw a limited production run. James Buster Douglas Boxing has recently been sold CIB for upwards of $300 on ebay while loose copies sell for $100.

Rarity Zone Halloween Special

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 04:15:00 +0000

With Halloween just one day away, I wanted to give all our Rarity Zone fans a special treat by posting three Halloween related Atari 2600 rarities: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween and Tooth Protectors. And with all that Halloween candy everyone is going to be eating, what better rare classic video game to feature than Tooth Protectors. To learn more about these titles and for some pixelated nightmares, click on the images below. Be safe, check your candy and have a great Halloween!

Tooth Protectors (Atari 2600)

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:40:00 +0000

Amongst M Networks Kool-Aid Man and Purina's Chase the Chuck Wagon, 1983 also saw the release of another retail product tie-in called Tooth Protectors. Developed by DSD Camelot, Tooth Protectors was released exclusively to Johnson & Johnson costumers through a Mail-in offer only where customers sent in proof of purchase stamps. The game does not have a box since it was shipped as a cartridge only in a foam casing with instructions. It is interesting to note that instructions are even more rare than the game most likely due to them being destroyed or thrown away. This was the only title ever released by DSD Camelot and Johnson & Johnson.

In the game it is your job as a smiley face with floss to protect the teeth along the bottom of the screen from "snack" squares dropped from above by the "Snack Attacker", an evil face that goes back and fourth across the top of the screen trying to attack the teeth. As the smiley face you must fend off the snacks with your floss and bounce back the attacks to damage the Snack Attacker. If enough damage is done to the teeth, a tooth will blink and disappear from tooth decay.

The game goes for around $130 for just the cartridge and an auction ended recently for $565 for the cartridge and original foam casing.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Atari 2600)

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 19:10:00 +0000

L.A. based Wizard Video was a motion picture distrubtor founded by "B" movie legend Charles Band (Full Moon Features). Under the Wizard Video label, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I Spit on Your Grave and others were released on VHS. With it's connection to horror movie distribution, Wizard Video created two of their own horror video games on the Atari 2600: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween.

Released in 1983, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has you taking on the role of Leatherface made famous by Gunnar Hansen in the film. Your goal is to kill any trespassers that get in your way while avoiding fences, wheel chairs, cow skulls and more. Things get violent if Leatherface catches you, he revs up his chainsaw for some blood shed.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on the Atari 2600 for it's time was considered one of the first graphic horror video games and created exclusively for the adult market. This resulted in retailers either refusing to carry it, banning it or simply keeping the mature games behind the counter. All of these hurt the sales of TCM and since it was in a sense a special request game to carry, limited quantities of TCM were produced. Also, it didn't help that the film was extremely controversial as well. Further more, Wizard Video only made video games for a short period of time due to lackluster sales on both Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

On average The Texas Chainsaw Massacre goes for around $115 loose on ebay and a complete in box copy selling recently for $388.

Halloween (Atari 2600)

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:10:00 +0000

L.A. based Wizard Video was a motion picture distributor founded by "B" movie legend Charles Band (Full Moon Features). Under the Wizard Video label, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I Spit on Your Grave and others were released on VHS. With it's connection to horror movie distribution, Wizard Video created two of their own horror video games on the Atari 2600: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween.

Released in 1983, Halloween has you taking on the role of the Babysitter made famous by Jamie Lee Curtis in the film. Your goal is to guide children to a safe room in the house while avoiding Michael Myers. Things can get violent if Michael catches you including: Blood shed and decapitations.

Halloween on the Atari 2600 for it's time was considered graphic and created for the adult market. This resulted in retailers either refusing to carry it, banning it or simply keeping the mature games behind the counter. All of these hurt the sales of Halloween and since it was in a sense a special request game to carry, limited quantities of Halloween were produced. Further more, Wizard Video only made video games for a short period of time due to lackluster sales on both Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

On average Halloween goes from $130 loose on ebay and a complete in box copy selling recently for $455.

Air Raid Atari 2600- New Discovery!!!

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 04:35:00 +0000

I updated the Air Raid Rarity Zone entry featuring the new Air Raid discovery! Click here to read about the newest discovered copy of Air Raid for the Atari 2600.

Wreck-It Ralph- Are You Ready to Wreck-It?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:15:00 +0000

When I first heard about Wreck-It Ralph, I was intrigued by the concept of Disney creating its own retro video game in the form of an animated movie. As more information became available, the layers of Wreck-It Ralph began peeling back, revealing some exciting details. The concept became clear that Wreck-It Ralph is a cross between Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Donkey Kong.

Disney Animation Studios and director Rich Moore have gone above and beyond to pay homage to arcade games of the 80’s. In fact, actual arcade machines of Fix-It Felix Jr. were created to promote the movie. The arcade machine was at E3 and a couple months later at the Classic Gaming Expo where Disney had a booth promoting Wreck-It Ralph. It is said that they’re only two Fix-It Felix Jr. arcade cabinets in existence.

Fix-It Felix Jr. is an arcade game that Disney made up which features Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) as the bad guy much like Donkey Kong and Fix-It Felix Jr. as the good guy much like Mario. Fix-It Felix Jr., a maintenance man with his trusty golden hammer, fixes everything in Niceland including the wreckage left behind by Wreck-It Ralph. Everybody in Niceland loves Fix-It Felix Jr. even showering him with kisses, praise and pies.

How about Wreck-It Ralph? Concept art for his character showed a less human version, looking much like an angry gorilla with spiky hands. My guess is that to avoid similarly to Donkey Kong, Disney changed Ralph to a hulking human. After 30 years of being a bad guy, Wreck-It Ralph gets tired of it and being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix Jr., so he escapes through the game’s power cord.

This is where Ralph’s journey to be a good guy begins as he lands in another video game called Hero’s Duty, a first-person shooter, where he assists Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) against the Cy-Bugs to prove he can be a hero. From here Wreck-It Ralph finds himself in Sugar Rush, a candy themed cart racing game where he befriends a feisty misfit named Vanellope Von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman). Wreck-It Ralph gets his opportunity to be the hero when a deadly enemy threatens the entire arcade.

Wreck-It Ralph journeys through generations of video games in the arcade. This is where retro gamers are really hit with a dose of nostalgia! There are countless video game characters that gamers will quickly recognize such as: Q*Bert, ghosts from Pac-Man, Bowser, M. Bison, Zangief, Sonic the Hedgehog, Paper Boy, Frogger and many more. Rich Moore wanted a movie about retro video games to feel authentic, “It had to have real characters from real games in it”.

A list of video game characters to incorporate into the movie was compiled by the film’s creative team. Disney then sought out to obtain the rights to as many of those characters as possible. Most made it in while others like Mario and Luigi were left out due to Nintendo wanting a large amount of money. Since the movie revolves around a bad guy, Disney found it more beneficial to include Super Mario Bros. villain, Bowser.

The soundtrack for the film is nothing short of spectacular. The high light track being “Wreck it, Wreck-It Ralph” performed by Buckner & Garcia the famed duo and team that brought us the album Pac-Man Fever. Sadly Garry Garcia passed away last year; however, Jerry Buckner wanted to pay respect to his buddy so he kept the band name Buckner & Garcia. Other artists include: Owl City, Kool & the Gang, Rihanna, AKB48, Skrillex and many more.

If you didn’t get the rare opportunity to play an arcade cabinet featuring Fix-It Felix Jr. at E3 or Classic Gaming Expo, no worries, Disney has made the game available at: http://disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph/ you can also play Hero’s Duty and Sugar rush. All three are very addicting flash games and perfect to get you in the mood for Wreck-It Ralph due out on November 2nd in standard definition and 3D. In the mean time, check out the awesome retro commercial for Fix-It Felix Jr. created by Disney as a throw back to 80's arcades.

Also, to coincide with the launch of Wreck-It Ralph, Disney and Activision will be bringing Wreck-It Ralph the video game to Nintendo Wii, DS and 3DS. In the game you can play as either Wreck-It Ralph or Fix-It Felix Jr. and levels in the game will be based off locations in the film such as Hero’s Duty and Sugar Rush. The game will also be a story extension to the film.

New Releases for 07-31-12 (Multi-Platform)

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:10:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: 07/31/2012
Plateform: 3DS

The Kingdom Hearts saga slips into a dream-like state in this journey that takes you to a mysterious new world! Join two of the franchise's favorite characters, Sora and Riku, on a quest to complete the Mark of Mastery exam. To successfully compete the challenge, they'll have to travel through a place shrouded in mystery: the Sleeping Worlds. Encounter new creatures, Dream Eaters, that come in two varieties: Spirits and Nightmares. Recruit over 50 types of Spirit allies to battle the dark forces of your Nightmare enemies. Visit new Disney worlds and meet beloved characters from the Magic Kingdom as you interact with environments and battle enemies in free-flowing acrobatic action.

Title: Risen 2: Dark Waters
Publisher: Deep Silver
Developer: Piranha Bytes, Pluto 13
Release Date: 07/31/2012
Plateform: PS3, Xbox 360

Return to a world ravaged by the gods where hulking beasts have risen from the sea in this challenging RPG sequel. With ships forced to risk destruction on the open waters or remain trapped in port, rumors swirl about pirates who may know a way to defeat the aquatic horrors. If you can find the pirates, maybe you can find the answers. And then there's the matter of actually defeating the menacing new enemy. Explore a string of islands in an open world full of options where you are left to your own devices. It's entirely up to you to decide what to go after and how to get it!

Title: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: Career Soft, Atlus
Release Date: 07/31/2012
Plateform: PSP

Fans of the long-running Growlanser RPG series get their wish: The acclaimed fourth installment of the franchise is now available outside of Japan! Long ago, divine beings nearly wiped out a land rich in culture and technology. Two thousand years later, the beings have returned to finish the job, unless a warrior can rise to stop them. This import version has been boosted with an expanded scripted packed with new characters and added quests, a remastered widescreen presentation, and more. Forge strong bonds with the characters in your party during your quest...and on vacation together. Strong ties are the only way to unlock the more than 40 endings that the story holds.

New Releases for 07-17-12 (Multi-Platform)

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 04:45:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: Heroes of Ruin
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: n-Space, Square Enix Europe
Release Date: 07/10/2012
Plateform: 3DS

Four heroes come together to form a powerful alliance in this game that's geared to bring players together in as many ways as possible. Heroes of Ruin uses the 3DS to help players connect in an ever-evolving world filled with menacing beasts and powerful foes. You can embark on your quest in single-player, but Heroes of Ruin thrives on connectivity. Buy and sell items you find in battle through an in-game Traders Network built with StreetPass. Earn rare items and receive exclusive challenges through SpotPass. Use the 3DS microphone to talk to allies in drop-in/drop-out multiplayer, forming new alliances and carving out strategies to carve up your enemies in real-time.

New Releases for 07-10-12 (Multi-Platform)

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 05:20:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: NCAA Football 13
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Tiburon
Release Date: 07/10/2012
Plateform: PS3, Xbox 360

NCAA Football 13 puts the game on your quarterback's shoulders and puts control of it squarely in your hands! Use new Total Control Passing to hit receivers in stride or float perfect passes between defensive backs. Your opponent counters with a new Read & React defense that makes pump fakes and play action more important than ever. Mid-game updates from new studio analyst Rece Davis and the addition of the ESPN Bottom line ticker help make an upgraded Dynasty Mode even more addictive. See the game through the eyes of a superstar in Road to Glory, try to repeat the glory of Heisman winners in the Heisman Challenge, and more.

Title: Ice Age: Continental Drift - Arctic Games
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Activision
Release Date: 07/10/2012
Plateform: 3DS, DS, Wii, Xbox 360

There's cold, and there's Arctic cold. There are the Winter Games, and now there are the Arctic Games! Ice Age takes winter sports to a wacky new level with this cold-weather competition inspired by Ice Age: Continental Drift! The herd goes up against a band of pirates in an all-out contest to see who can take home the most treasure. Compete in ten arctic athletic challenges where you'll hop, dash, and smash in events like Glacier Hopping, Ski Jumping, the Prehistoric Plumber, and the Coconut Slingshot. Earn gold, silver, and bronze acorns as a reward for your performance in single-player modes like Free Play and Story or in fast-moving multiplayer.

New Releases for 06-26-12 (Multi-Platform)

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 06:30:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: Spec Ops: The Line
Publisher: 2K Games
Developer: Yager Development
Release Date: 06/26/2012
Plateform: PS3, Xbox 360

You may have played military shooters where you explored a sandbox world, but you've never seen one like this. Lead your team on a search for survivors in a city buried by sand in this tactical third-person shooter. A sandstorm of epic proportions has wiped Dubai clean off the map. Six months later, a radio signal blips on the radar. Delta Recon Team is sent to investigate. Expecting a routine mission and an easy evac, they instead find themselves caught in a war sparked by an out-of-control madman. Make hard choices as you try to survive a dizzying combat zone where out-of-nowhere sandstorms and avalanches can shift the battlefield in an instant.

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Beenox
Release Date: 06/26/2012
Plateform: 3DS, DS, PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360

Wield the powers of the Amazing Spider-Man in this free-roaming game that picks up where the hit film leaves off! Experience the rush of web-slinging across the Manhattan in a story that takes you up to the heights above the city streets and into the darkness of the subway tunnels below. Battle to save Manhattan from classic and new Spider-Man villains, including Rhino and Iguana. Activate the new Web Rush feature to target end-points and get there by pulling off amazing acrobatic moves. Follow the storyline or veer off to complete Peter Parker photo missions and Super Hero challenges that show up as you explore the city.

Title: Just Dance Greatest Hits
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: ubisoft
Release Date: 06/26/2012
Plateform: Wii, Xbox 360

Catch up on the moves you might have missed as the smash-hit sensation Just Dance unleashes its Greatest Hits. This collection pulls an all-star track list from four Just Dance games, creating a decades-spanning set of 35 unforgettable songs. Choose from recent chart-toppers from Rhianna, Katy Perry, Outkast, and Britney Spears, or flashback with classics like "Fame," "Eye of the Tiger," and more. Jump right in and groove to the music with help from an on-screen coach. Mix things up with multiple game modes for up to four players, including Simon Says, Medley, Just Sweat, and Just Create, or cook up your own ultimate custom playlist.

Title: London 2012 Olympics
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
Release Date: 06/26/2012
Plateform: PS3, Xbox 360

In the world's greatest sporting event, the true finish line is at the top of the medal stand! Compete to be the best of the best in over 45 events that let you experience what it's like to compete in the 2012 London Olympics. Single-player focuses on bringing home the drama of the competition. Multiplayer Modes riff on tradition by adding party-style elements to classic events. Choose from a mix of controller-based and motion-control events accompanied by new commentary and beyond-broadcast-quality Olympian visuals. Online play is built to capture the spirit of the Games, with your wins adding to the overall medal count of the country you're playing for.

Title: Record of Agarest War 2
Publisher: Aksys Games
Developer: Red Entertainment, Idea Factory
Release Date: 06/26/2012
Plateform: PS3

A day of unparalleled beauty brings untold destruction in this RPG where a man must pay for his crime against the gods. After a beautiful light unleashes destruction across the world, demons ravage those who survive. In the chaos, a man without a memory meets Eva, an Agent of the Divine. She tells him he has taken the life of a god. To pay for his sins, he will become the Vessel through which the fallen god will be reborn. Explore a redesigned HD world where you'll meet your enemies on new grid-based battlegrounds. Interact with Agarest characters in new ways with three bonus PS Move-compatible mini-games: Bathtub, Shiatsu, and Massage.

News in No Particular Order (Multi-Platform)

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 14:00:00 +0000

1) Disney Planning Wreck-It Ralph Game

2) Kirby's Dream Collection Release Date

3) NAMCO Working With Nintendo on New Smash Bros Game

4) Orcs Must Die Coming July 20th

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1) Disney Planning Wreck-It Ralph Game

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From ComingSoon.net:

Activision and Disney Interactive today announced a collaboration to produce and distribute a Wreck-It Ralph video game. As a story extension to the November 2 release of the same name from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the Wreck-It Ralph video game will be a classic, arcade-style side scroller featuring Ralph – the misunderstood villain of his own arcade game who sets out to prove he can be a hero too. Debuting this fall tied to the movie release, the game will be released for the Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS.

"Wreck-It Ralph, as a brand entity, is perfectly suited for video game stardom," said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision Publishing. "With the fantastic characters and creative atmosphere envisioned by Walt Disney Animation Studios, we know fans are going to love seeing their newfound favorite characters embark on an all-new side scrolling adventure."

From the mind of Director Rich Moore ("The Simpsons," "Futurama"), the film chronicles the journey of Ralph, the bad guy in an arcade game who sets out to prove he can be the hero after all. However, Ralph mistakenly reverts to his clumsy nature and "wrecks" everything once again, unleashing a deadly enemy threat onto his video game neighbors. The movie features a voice cast that includes John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch.

The game picks up where the movie leaves off as Ralph partners with Fix-It Felix and sets out to save their friends and home from a huge Cy-Bug invasion. Pounding through all-new levels in the "Wreck-It Ralph" universe, like Sugar Rush, Hero's Duty, and Fix-It Felix, Jr., players will have to use Ralph's destructive strength to beat by the Cy-Bugs, while switching back to Felix to repair the damage. With story campaign and two-player co-op on the Wii platform, players can switch between Ralph and Felix to solve action-packed puzzles and collect "Hero Medals."

Watch the trailer--go ahead, I can wait. So many great villians in the help group! If they can get some collaboration from the different companies, this could be a pretty bad ass game.

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2) Kirby's Dream Collection Release Date

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From 411Mania.com:

Nintendo finally confirmed the North American release date of Kirby's Dream Collection for the Wii. The game will finally be out on Sept. 16 in North America. The edition features Kirby's Dream Land 1, 2, 3, Kirby's Adventure, Kirby Super Star and Kirby 64.

In addition, the collection also has a soundtrack, and some new content, such as challenge stages.

Kirby's always been the unsung hero of Nintendo. Mario and Link get all the love and adoration of the fans, but it looks like things are about to change. If you don't know why Kirby is so special, take some time to check out my RETRY? episode on the NES classic, Kirby's Adventure .

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3) NAMCO Working With Nintendo on New Smash Bros Game

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From Nintendo.com:

Masahiro Sakurai explains:

With that said, I've realized that if we keep the new Super Smash Bros. title's development structure secret, it'll only create more and more speculation, and I won't be able to develop the game with any freedom. That's why I've decided to announce this news right now, even though it's still very early on.

The project has just gotten started. Bear in mind that not only are we developing two titles simultaneously, but we announced the project before we even started actual development, so I'm afraid we will likely have to keep you waiting for quite a while. Please be patient.

Currently, the prototype prepared by NAMCO BANDAI Games and NAMCO BANDAI Studios' special team looks pretty good, and it's working great. In order to take advantage of the fact that there will be versions for two different systems, and to maximize and offer fun new gameplay elements, the entire team is going to work hard together. Thank you.

Masaya Kobayashi:

In order to make Mr. Sakurai proud, we will take on this project with NAMCO BANDAI's best staff! Yoshito Higuchi, the producer and the director of the "Tales" series, Tetsuya Akatsuka, producer and director of "Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.," the art director/sound director of the "SoulCalibur" series, the main development team staff from the "TEKKEN" series…and that's just for starters. All the top creators from NAMCO BANDAI are gathered here to create a never-before-seen dream team for this project. We will fully utilize our experience and knowledge in action/fighting game development, technical capability, and organizational strength, and we hereby promise you that we will develop the best and most powerful "Super Smash Bros." title ever! Don't miss it!

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4) Orcs Must Die Coming July 20th

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From 411Mainia.com

Robot Entertainment has announced the release date of Orcs Must Die! 2. The game is set to come out on July 30. The biggest addition from last year's title is the co-op campaign.

There will also be plenty more traps to get in the Spellbook. Plus, PC owners that played the first game can get in-game content for buying the second game.

I'm a huge fan of the original Orc's must die--it's one of the best in the tower defense genre. The one HUGE complaint that most critics and reviewers had, was the lack of multi-player. It looks like Robot Entertainment heard the cries of the fans, and realized that when killing orcs... the more, the merrier!

Let me know what you think in the comments, and see you next week!

Nintendo 3DS XL Coming This August

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

During Nintendo's Direct video conference tonight, Reggie Fils-Aime announced that the 3DS XL model will release on August 19th for $199.99 with a 4GB memory card, the same day as New Super Mario Bros. 2. Some fans feel it is too soon for a new model and are disappointed that their is not the inclusion of a second thumb pad, me however, couldn't be more excited to game in 3D on a larger screen; how sweet it will be to enjoy New Super Mario Bros. 2 on a larger screen. Rumors have been flying around this past month that Nintendo would unveil the 3DS XL and now we have official word straight from Nintendo.

Specs:

-4.88 inch stereoscopic 3D display screen, a nice increase from the current 3.53 inch screen.

-Touchscreen will increase from 3 inches to 4.18 inches.

-Extended battery life 3.5 hours to 6.5 hours of 3DS gameplay and six to 10 hours of when playing DS titles.

-Blue and Red colors will be available.

News in No Particular Order (Multi-Platform)

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:05:00 +0000

1) 3DS Getting Marvel Pinball Game

2) Brand New Trailers from God of War: Ascension

3) New Browser-Based Batman RTS

4) 3DS Not the Future of Gaming

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1) 3DS Getting Marvel Pinball Game

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From comicbookresources.com:

Ever since it debuted in late 2010, "Marvel Pinball" has done solid business for the team over at Zen Studios, with both the original four pinball table releases and several add-ons, including a new "Vengeance and Virtue" downloadable pack that released in 2011. The fun continues next week on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 with the release of the "Avengers Chronicles" four pack, which is set for $9.99 and features designs based on "World War Hulk," "The Infinity Gauntlet" and Joss Whedon's blockbuster hit "The Avengers."

However, despite all this success, Nintendo 3DS owners have yet to get a turn with "Marvel Pinball," as they currently only have access to the "Zen Pinball" tables. That will change later this year as Zen Studios plans to release "Marvel Pinball 3D" for the system’s eShop, allowing users to download the initial four pack of tables and play for high-scoring glory. The team recently invited us to go hands-on with the release with Marvel Studios Licensed Game Manager Chris Baker in attendance.

I've got this on PS3, and I enjoy it. You might think that you'd have to be an old fart like me to love pinball games, but let me tell you--my kids LOVE this game. They can play it for hours while I toil away working on the site.

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2) Brand New Trailers from God of War: Ascension

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We've got some great news for God of War fans coming from E3--single-player and multiplayer trailers for God of War: Ascension that were revealed. God of War: Ascension will release for PS3 on March 13, 2013. Looks amazing, but it makes me sad that the game release is so far off.

Multi-player Trailer

Single-Player

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3) New Browser-Based Batman RTS

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From 411Mania.com:

Wikia Games reports that Warner Brothers is set to release a brand new RTS (real-time strategy) game called Batman: The Fire Rises. It is browser-based and free to play.

The game is a tie-in to The Dark Knight Rises and lets players rob Gotham City during the uprising of Bane. You play henchman out to get your own riches from several heists. You can have your own minions as you secure territory, spawn crew members to take out security officers and get valuable gear from nearby buildings before Gotham police show up. The looting requires strategy and quick thinking. Each type of crew member (from Thugs to Saboteurs) have different benefits and disadvantages. You will have to arrange your crew on the field to get enough time to get the goods and get out.

As the player progresses through the game, they can get more crew members, including Catwoman. Players will also be able to grow their own criminal hideout under Gotham and compete with friends on Facebook while looking at their own headquarters and bragging about your abilities. The game currently has three levels, but more will be added when The Dark Knight Rises premieres on July 20.

Is this where I say that most movie tie in games suck? I guess, because I'm almost too cynnical to be sarcastic. Here's the good news--FREE! Let's just hope the game is worth playing.

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4) 3DS Not the Future of Gaming

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From IGN.com:

For two decades, Nintendo has set a precedent - it iterates repeatedly on its handheld designs, making incremental revisions to extend the life of a system. The Nintendo DS alone received this treatment three times with the DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL. However it appears as though the company might be taking a different approach with the 3DS. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo is more focused on the 3DS's successor than anything else.

"I really feel like I'm satisfied with the 3DS hardware as it is. I feel like it's the best for this generation," Miyamoto told me, when I asked about the Nikkei's recent report about a 3DS XL, and whether his company did have plans for something similar. The Nintendo executive noted that his company is always thinking about what's next. "What we're thinking about right now is probably going to be for a future generation of handheld."

Miyamoto did emphasize that he feels there is plenty more that can be done with this current hardware and 3D gaming in general. When asked about the option of including a second Circle Pad in future 3DS models, Miyamoto pointed out the system's gyroscope as a way to accommodate that need.

I'll be honest here--it feels like Miyamoto is blowing some smoke up my ass. The 3DS is cool, but it lacks the library of quality titles that EVERY other handheld from Nintendo. My kids would have more fun with and old-school GBA!

Let me know what you think in the comments, and see you next week!

Microsoft's Five-Year Plan Leaked!

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:10:00 +0000

According to an unconfirmed 56-page document, Microsoft reveals there five-year plan. Included in the document is Microsoft's plans for the Xbox 720 including price details, features and more. In addition, there has been a press release leaked as well in regards to a new tablet called Xbox Surface. Lets start with the Xbox 720 details. Right of it is stated that the Xbox 720 will launch in 2013 with a planned $299.99 bundle that includes a new version of Kinect. What has been long speculated is now confirmed assuming the document is not false; Blu-ray drive will be incorporated. Tablet integration is a main high light for Xbox 720 and with the press release leaked for Xbox Surface, these rumors are starting to have a lot of credibility. Not to mention Nintendo's Wii U GamePad tablet controller to compete with.

The new Kinect sensor will now allow up to four-players to play together simultaneously. Cloud based integration is going to be massive when the next gen system lauch so no shock Xbox 720 will allow you to access your media library anywhere through cloud streaming. Something very interesting caught my attention, the mention of hardware never needing to be upgraded again. I'm assuming this means that everything the Xbox 720 has is all you'll need for the life-span of the system especially with the stated 2015 focus plan for cloud based gaming on 720. Another interesting detail revealed has me very excited! Microsoft mentioned that they will design Wifi-enabled, augmented reality glasses for Xbox 720 for a heads-up display/virtual reality interface code named Fortaleza which story boarded below:

To further add to the credibility of the 56-page leaked document, Kinect was code named Natal which is a place in Brazil and Fortaleza is one of the largest cities in Brazil. Another interesting tid bit is that 720 will be able to record TV programs in the background with a DVR feature. The 56-page document has since been removed through Covington & Burling, a law firm that advises Microsoft. These are some very interesting details indeed for the Xbox 720. Now keep an open mind as these plans can change in the coming years which was the case when details leaked about the Xbox 360 and many gamers who have read the whole document are doubting the credibility of it.

Now onto the leaked press release in regards to Xbox Surface. Microsoft stated in the press release that Xbox Surface will be a tablet based device featuring a 7-inch screen and support for up to 4 wireless game controllers. Surface is also to work with Xbox 720. Check out a partial list of specifications below:

New Releases for 06-19-12 (Multi-Platform)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:55:00 +0000

*Please note that all release dates are subject to change.

Title: LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developer: Traveller's Tales
Release Date: 06/19/2012
Plateform: 3DS, DS,PC, PS3, PS Vita, Wii, Xbox 360

When it's sequel time, you'd expect the caped crusader to upgrade his gadgets. This time, he's also upgraded his entourage! LEGO Batman invites some new friends to the party in this crime-fighting saga featuring some of the greatest heroes in the DC Universe. Notorious Super Villains Lex Luthor and the Joker have teamed up on an extra-evil plot to destroy Gotham City. Batman and Robin will join forces with legendary heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern to fight them. Explore new areas of Gotham in new bat vehicles, using some new bat gadgets and those handy powers of your superfriends to put the bad guys back behind bars.

Title: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: FromSoftware
Release Date: 06/19/2012
Plateform: Xbox 360

Step inside some Heavy Armor and command your own mech in a war where low-tech weapons pack the highest amount of firepower. Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor is set in a war-torn future that's been stripped of semiconductors. Without weapons that use electricity, the war will be won by the machine you command: the Vertical Tank. Use a combination of controller-based and Kinect motion controls to pilot your mech, blast your enemies, and more on a mission that begins on U.S. soil and takes you across the world. Coordinate maneuvers with your in-game AI crew or team up with friends online as you destroy enemies, dominate maps, and earn upgrades for your Vertical Tank.

Title: Brave
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Release Date: 06/19/2012
Plateform: DS,PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360

Summon the courage to fight fate and change your destiny in this game based on the Disney/Pixar film. Bravely battle to lift a magical curse as you follow the story from the movie or go beyond in storylines sprung from Scottish mythology. Use PlayStation Move's motion controls to run, jump, climb, and fight across the rugged Scottish landscape. Fearlessly face enemies with your sword or bow and arrow. Play as other characters from the film and use their skills to overcome specific challenges as you uncover mysteries and break the curse. Compete in archery mini-games, have a friend join as a Will 'o the Wisp in co-op play, and more.

Title: Pokemon Conquest
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: KOEI
Release Date: 06/19/2012
Plateform: DS

This Pokemon saga is all about battles! Play as a warlord, and use your Pokemon to expand your empire in Pokemon Conquest. The giant Ransei region is splintered into rival territories run by warriors and warlords who rule with help from their Pokemon. Forge a bond with your Pokemon and flex your powers as you intimidate and battle your opponents in turn-based strategy play. Your goal: Conquer all the other warlords and unite the region under your control. Pokemon Conquest has been designed to echo the style of the classic turn-based strategy franchise Nobunaga's Ambition, giving you a whole new way to experience Pokemon action!

Keio: Flying Squadron (Sega CD)

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Considered to be the rarest Sega CD game, Keio Flying Squadron was released in 1994 towards the end of the Sega CD life cycle adding to its rarity. Keio is a side-scrolling shooter where Rami rides a fire-spitting dragon named Pochi and has two smaller companion dragons assist her. Two squeals where released but never came state side. Keio Flying Squadron for Sega CD recently sold CIB on ebay for $500 but the game general ranges $300 to $400 CIB.

E3 2012: Dead Island: Riptide Announced

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:35:00 +0000

Publisher Deep Silver has announced Dead Island: Riptide. All we know is that original developer Techland is in "full development" on the title for consoles and PC. An "extensive reveal" is do this summer. Check out the logo below:

E3 2012: Huge Third Party Support for Wii U

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:25:00 +0000

The third party support for Wii U is going be huge just take a look at this list of games: Mass Effect 3, Tank! Tank! Tank!, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Trine 2: Director's Cut, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge.