Aaron McConnell’s Mario Kart(s) June 1, 2011

(Click to embiggin!)

[Source: Aaron McConnell’s Etsy Page]

Dragon Quest Heroes 3: The Great Pirate Ship and Tails Troupe (3DS) March 16, 2011

This is actually a viable tactic in the game!

Back in 2006 (which still seems like yesterday) North America was treated to a little gem entitled Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime (Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest 2 in Japan) for the Nintendo DS. In those days I was a member of Slime Knights, an official Square-Enix fan club devoted to all things Dragon Quest and if I didn’t already plan to pick up the game to support the series, I certainly would have with my glimpse at the game’s trailer — you’ve never seen a braver slime than “Rocket,” who stumbles upon a giant tank (the Schleiman Tank) and sets out to free his family and friends from the vicious Plob, who have captured the entire town of Slimenians from Boingburg and are generally up to no good.

Like Rocket, the game oozed (pardon the pun) personality, was surprisingly Zelda-esque in its exploration, and had ridiculously fun tank battles that you were able to participate in throughout the game. For what it’s worth, my favorite tactic during these tank battles was to assign team members ammunition duties then take to the ground, infiltrate the enemy tank and beat the living daylights out of the Plob enemies while they were distracted. Yes, you could do that kind of thing and it was developing tactics like this that made the game a blast. I can’t recommend it enough.

Well, it appears Square-Enix has a soft spot for the Slimenians and that they’re developing another Slime Mori Mori game in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS. We don’t know an awful about the game itself beyond that it will involve pirates and likely some sea farin’, but we do know it will incorporate 3D and take advantage of the 3DS’ other functions, such as the streetpass feature. The game has only recently been announced and looks to release this winter in Japan, so no word yet of a North American release. It is here that DQ fans can help by letting Square-Enix know that you’d like to see the game in North America as well. Dragon Quest‘s profile has risen greatly in recent years here in North America, and throughout Europe, so I’d reckon if enough fans clamor for it that seeing it could be a real possibility.

If you don’t know what you’ve been missing and want to learn more, please check out the official Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime site as it’s still one of the most impressive game sites around, is full of interactive features, and definitely goes a long way toward making fans of anyone that gives the title a chance. The music alone is worth a visit!

Also, here’s that original Rocket Slime trailer:

[You can purchase Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime here]

Pokemon White (DS) March 9, 2011

I’ll go into more depth on the games I picked up in March in a post later this month, but I thought this one warranted an early mention.

I had actually planned to wait a little while longer to pick up Pokemon White (DS) for the simple reason that there’s so much coming out in March that I have already tied my wallet into —  and because I have so much on my plate as is — but I just couldn’t resist picking it up now thanks to Amazon’s current promotion wherein you receive a $10 promotional credit towards any other item on Amazon.com when you buy the game. I’ve had my eye on a particular PSP collector’s edition and that extra $10 towards the game will go a long way towards getting it next month.

I’ve been looking forward to Pokemon White a great deal since it was announced, that much more to see the changes they were going to make, so I’m glad I didn’t have to hold off on the purchase and that I can potentially fire this up in the coming weeks on my lunch break, etc.

As for why I picked the White version, well, that had everything to do with that awesome mech-like Pocket Monster as illustrated by Ken Sugimori on the cover there! Zekrom, I believe.

Anyhow, more info. on the Amazon deal:

Order and received a $10 promotional credit toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com (certain exclusions apply, including Kindle books, MP3s, and video rentals and downloads). The promotional credit will be added directly to your Amazon.com account within two days after your order ships. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Limit one per household. This offer will be extended to all existing orders.

Happy battling!

Next Virtual Console Download: Bomberman Hero March 7, 2011

I missed Bomberman Hero for the N64 the first time around (originally released in 1998) so if/until I can pick up a nice boxed copy for my collection this will be a very welcome addition to my virtual console. Plus, it’ll be one more way to honor Hudson’s memory.

More about the game from Nintendo:

Bomberman Hero (VC)

Original platform: Nintendo 64
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points

Description: Bomberman returns in his own full-on action game. One day, out of nowhere, a spaceship crash-lands on Planet Bomber. Journeying to the Peace Mountains to investigate, Bomberman encounters Pibot, the dazed robot pilot. According to Pibot, the evil Garaden Empire attacked Primus Star and kidnapped Princess Millian from Pibot’s escape ship. Hearing this, Bomberman vows to save the princess, even if he has to travel the length of the galaxy to do it. Bomberman is equipped with an infinite supply of bombs and can count on a variety of upgrades to aid him in his quest. His search for the princess takes him to five exciting planets, reuniting him with his old friend Louie and uncovering new items. Fly, swim, shoot and bomb your way through the galaxy and save Princess Millian.

Bomberman Hero will be available this week for download via Nintendo’s Virtual Console service.

[Japanese cover courtesy of jap-sai.com]

More on Cave Story & Ikachan (3DS/DSiWare) March 3, 2011

The latest issue of Nintendo Power features an interesting article (with a few new screenshots) about the upcoming 3DS Cave Story re-imagining as well as commentary from the game’s creator Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya. In the article Daisuke touches on the advantages of the 3DS, how the game will be simultaneously new and familiar; as well as the changes we can expect for the better in the character animations, stages and music. He even drops the chance of a surprise or two for veterans of the original games…whatever that might be.

A quick excerpt from Daisuke commenting on Cave Story’s enhanced familiarity:

Playing a game with 3D images by itself is very attractive and exciting! The players should be able to play the same game that they know but with a completely new feel because it’ll be in 3D.

The issue also highlights Daisuke’s upcoming DSiWare title, Ikachan, the little squid that could and I look forward to downloading this as soon as I get my hands on the 3DS as well as the original Cave Story. As I mentioned a couple of weeks back, I’ve been waiting for news of a retail copy as I’d love to have the boxed game in my collection, but I definitely want to experience both iterations so there’s a lot to look forward to here from the “Pixel” team in the months to come.

Metroid Prime Concepts by Sammy Hall March 1, 2011

This stunning image by Retro Studio’s own Sammy Hall is aptly titled “I Know How You Feel Little Buddy,” and you can view this piece and several other stand out concept designs currently at Wikitroid.

The multi-talented conceptual artists don’t always get the recognition they deserve, so if you get a moment, definitely check out the gallery — there’s  some really breathtaking work there.

…and speaking of Prime and Retro Studios, more Metroid please!

3DS: To Wait, or Not To Wait? February 28, 2011

That is the question.

Right now I see myself wanting to wait until the inevitable re-design or new iteration of the Nintendo 3DS (when was the last time Nintendo didn’t do this?) but then again there’s always that possibility with each new console or hand-held system and at some point you’ve simply got to accept that you probably won’t ever have the best version unless you’re willing to hold off on all the great games until the end of the cycle.

Maybe the first price drop?

Just don’t know right now…

A Happy [DQVI] Valentines! February 14, 2011

Square-Enix certainly made this year’s Valentine’s Day celebration a heck of a lot sweeter for Dragon Quest fans with the release of Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation (DS), which hits store shelves today.

Starting today, video game fans in North America can embark on a classic hand-held adventure that has been unavailable outside of Japan for more than 15 years. The DRAGON QUEST^® VI: Realms of Revelation^™ game makes its U.S. debut for the Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, combining classic role-playing thrills with fresh character options, unique challenges and play-it-anywhere convenience. With a robust class system and the ability to enlist monsters to help players on their quests, this memorable entry in the popular DRAGON QUEST series will enthrall experienced players and newcomers alike.

This one has been a heck of a long time coming so, if you can manage, pick it up on the way home with the flowers and chocolate for your significant other (my wife doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth so I think Kettle chips and a couple of other things are on the menu). I hope every one of you will be able to enjoy finally playing it!

Check out the official Dragon Quest VI site for more about the game, and other goodies.

Snow Day? It’s Definitely On! February 9, 2011

So rare are “lazy days” around here that when I got the call this morning (at 6 am) that the university would be closed due to icy conditions I wasted absolutely no time jumping out of bed, putting on my slippers, and getting comfortable in my chair before firing up my shiny new copy of Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii).

If you’ve been reading the Log for a while you know that I’ve been trying to get my hands on the game for several months now and I’ve probably built it up a little more than I should in my mind given all the praise DKCR has been receiving, but whatever high expectations I had, they were completely blown away by the end of Level 1-1, “Jungle Hijinx.” I happily went through the first several levels soaking in the atmosphere, learning the play mechanics, and spending time with a couple of old virtual buddies. I then turned my attention to getting each of the puzzle pieces, KONG letters, and racking up lives and coins (which apparently come in real handy, real quick if my first Kart race is any indication).

“Sunset Shore,” as seen in the screen shot below, was inspired, I could probably handle an entire DS game created in this style, and I find myself anxious (in more ways than one given the famed difficulty) to see just what they come up with in each new level. Now I know I’m gushing a little here, but perhaps a little perspective is in order. I grew up playing the original Donkey Kong, and fantastic as that experience was to my young eyes, and how I still appreciate it for the great game it is, these things have really come an awful  long way and it’s difficult for me not to be impressed by so many of the offerings we take for granted today.

So, just in case I haven’t aged myself enough, let me end by saying that I suspect this game is going to be far better than a barrel full of monkeys!

Finally It’s On! Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii) February 7, 2011

After two months of trying to track down the game at discount, Donkey Kong Country Returns eludes me no more! And while I wasn’t able to get anything resembling the $33 dollar deal that Amazon offered last week (that’s what I get for sleeping), I did pick it up for under $40 in like-new condition.

I’ve heard nothing but great things, have been itching for another solid platformer, and am really looking forward to reaching the beautiful silhouette levels that I’ve seen in motion (while catching the homage to Mr. Game & Watch to boot). I’ve been warned that it’s a difficult game, but that the satisfying game play, inspired level design, and sense of accomplishment makes it more than worth the effort.

I guess I’ll know soon enough!

[Mr. Game & Watch sprites courtesy of Tanman.]