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Posts tagged with ".ed"

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N + Info

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With over 1,650 Members, N+ is a fast growing user generated and maintained world wide Nintendo Community powered by MyOpera.

N+ Australian, European, Japanese, and North American release dates
Easy-to-peruse release dates (finally!)
N+ The N+ Video Vault
Get the popcorn ready!
N+ European, Japanese, and North American virtual console games listings
Old School Games for Purchase on the Wii!
N+ North American WiiWare game listings
Original games available for download on the Wii!
N+ N+ Chat
Join us on OperaNet!
GAME | Amazon.co.uk | Play Asia | Amazon.com | Play.com | Gameplay
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What Would You Play?

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We know what some of you aren't playing because of time or other constraints. But what about what you aren't playing because of system constraints?

With yesterday's reveal of Rock Band's (PS2 like) features for Wii, it seems developers are doing what they can to just get games onto Wii because the market demands it. But what about the other games? The GTA's, the Lost Planet's, the God of War's... (I'm trying to think of a third that isn't violent)... Forza's?

Is anyone not playing a game franchise that they would like to play because it isn't on Wii or DS (yet)?
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What Aren't You Playing?

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I'm a busy dude. I only sleep 3-4 hours a night (for over a decade, but that's another story), I've got a full time day job, multiple side jobs, and 2 hours of commuting each weekday. When I am home, I'm ususally eating, cleaning, doing laundry, or washing the blood off my fresh bullet wounds. Being a game industry enthusiast, you may wonder when I actually play? Well, I don't, compared to what I used to when I was an LK.

I decided to share with you all a short list of games that I've had the desire to play, purchased, and are literally sitting in plain view in the center of my room. Mind you this is not an exhaustive list, but rather a list where if you said "Hey Ed, you've got 10 free hours to play some games you bought; what'll it be?" In other words:

Games I bought and really want to play but can't, or I never got around to playing them and now I have way better games...
  • The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess (only 6 hours!?)
  • Super Paper Mario (two sit downs!)
  • Pokemon Diamond Version (played 13 hours, so eh)
  • Worms 2 DS (i made a team)
  • Rune Factory (2 hours)
  • Front Mission (got Advance Wars: Days of Ruin)
  • No More Heroes (audience is stunned)

So what have I been playing?
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  • Professor Layton and the Curious Village
  • Advance Wars: Days of Ruin

So... What aren't you playing, and why?

Image note: Not .ed, just a Google image result for dust.
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Quality over Quality

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Every now and then a game comes out that to the untrained eye, frankly just looks like it's going to be terrible. No matter who was behind the development, big name or no name, sometimes people will skip over something or doubt it's quality before the reviews start pouring in. Sometimes even the reviews don't go over so well, either.

Games like Killer 7 and Cubivore for Gamecube and Urban Yeti for Gameboy Advance come to mind. These are games that if people got into them, they have so many positive things to say about them. But those who have never played them, or "just couldn't get into them" seem to bash the games as if it did harm to them in some way.

Well... maybe not so much for Urban Yeti, but it's still really fun.

Anyone else have games they think fall into this category? Games that are just amazing, but don't look like they'd be?

Below is a video a friend recently shared with me that put this idea in my head. It's a great example of quality over quality.

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Play Exit DS Right Now.

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Last week we found the new Phoenix Wright Apollo Justice in playable online demo form. This week it's Exit DS's turn.

Play Exit DS

What do you guys think of these demos? Would you rather be downloading them from your Wii to DS or is this easier (but less cool) distribution?
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Play Phoenix Wright: Apollo Justice Here

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This. Is. Neat. A DS demo that you can play without leaving N+. Anyone else think this is a good idea? Does it cheapen the technoogy of the DS to see it's games playout in flash? Thoughts?
via www.ace-attorney.com/aj/
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Support Gaming on Opera

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The main Opera Community page has a poll up now asking about what new types of blog themes people are interested in. As of my writing this, TV/Movies has first place with more than double the votes of several categories that are battling it out for second place ...and Gaming is one of them.

Voting for Gaming would help to:
+ Support Opera's efforts with the Wii and Nintendo DS browsers
+ Provide them with feedback
+ Help to attract more gamers looking for a community/blog site that caters to them
+ Get some Gaming themes, duh

Until these new themes are made, you can use this kicky grand Travis Touchdown / Beam Katana one that Opera made starring yours truly :yes:
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N+ 100 More Members, Parties

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We're drawing in members faster than ever. Perhaps fueled by some recent awards, attention, our last CoN+est, or our exclusive new N+ Reviews tab. To put things in perspective, here is a famous image of 100 cans of soup.

As always, thanks for the support guys and girls. If any of the new N+ Members have an interest in being a Moderator for the N+ Forums, N+ Chat, the daily N+ Blog, writing N+ Reviews, or helping out in general, get in touch with a Moderator. We can always use the help of another gifted/dedicated individual or two.

To celebrate our trek to 10,000 Members, why not have family or friends over for an N+ themed Wii party? I was at a party that turned into a Wii party last night (13 guests) and it was insane (hosted by Slewis). Wii is definately the party item of the decade. And N+ wants to help you look cool. Have an N+ Wii Party, take some pics, and let us know who beat 20 people in a row in Wii Sports Boxing, or whatever.
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Virtual Console Update

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This is DotEd, reporting on location at DustyButton's secret rebel base. [/nerd] Just a regular Virtual Console update this week. But don't forget, last week we got Super Mario Bros. 3, probably to hype this week's release of Super Mario Galaxy in the US, along with a Mario Contest. Ok, just go download Super Mario Bros. 3 again.

N + Volleyball
NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points
Step onto the court in one of the first volleyball games ever made. Select either the men's or women's competition, choose from one of eight available countries to represent, and prepare for some intensely fun game play. The straightforward controls include all the moves you'll need to effectively direct your six-person team. Take some time mastering them in the training mode, though, because you'll need all the practice you can get when competing against challenging computer opponents. If you feel like some multiplayer action, take on a friend in the two-player mode and see whose skills are more polished. Block, set and spike your way to victory.

N + AXELAY®
Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points
Mysterious aliens have invaded the Earth-like planet of Corliss, slowly draining the planet's resources. Take control of the prototype Axelay ship and use its wide range of advanced weaponry to battle enemy forces. Play through multiple stages of action —from other planets to space stations — all on your way to destroying the alien headquarters. You are Corliss' last line of defense, so be careful not to be too distracted by the excellent graphics (including great scrolling effects) and rocking music. Pilot the Axelay using Konami's famously tight play control and experience what many consider to be a classic of the shooter genre.

N + BLUE'S JOURNEY
NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 900 Wii Points
The planet of Raguy has been invaded by the Daruma tribe, changing it from a beautiful and peaceful place into one filled with pollution. Released in 1991, this horizontally scrolling action game tells the story of an insectarian named Blue and his quest to save the planet and keep its inhabitants from being turned into slaves. Use Blue's main weapon, a leaf, to flip enemies onto their heads and then throw them at other members of the Daruma tribe, defeating anyone in your way. Additional weapons, such as bombs and boomerangs, are also available, or you can collect flowers to purchase other special items like honey or swim fins. Blue also has the special ability to change his size at will — if he's too big to fit in a particular area, then shrink him. The bright, colorful graphics, combined with lots of hidden items to find, ensure an enjoyable experience with plenty of replay value. Help Blue muster all his strength and eliminate the Daruma tribe.

For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
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Tesla Coils Playing Super Mario Theme - Scientastic.

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For those who compound one geeky subculture by also dabbling in a second, geekier subculture, I have a surprise:

While this may be days old (eons in Internet time), this should technically appeal to absolutely everyone. Two Tesla Coils rocking out to a Midi-flawless rendition of the Super Mario Bros. theme. The specific frequency (120hz)of the coils is actually altered by turning it on and off ad a very high sample rate, allowing for higher and lower amplitudes creating a series of impulse functions in order to manipulate the frequency domain. The end product is shocking.
Twin Solid State Musical Tesla coils playing Mario Bros theme song at the 2007 Lightning on the Lawn Teslathon sponsored by DC Cox (Resonance Research Corp) in Baraboo WI. The music that you hear is coming from the sparks that these two identical high power solid state Tesla coils are generating. There are no speakers involved. The Tesla coils stand 7 feet tall and are each capable of putting out over 12 foot of spark. They are spaced about 18 feet apart. The coils are controlled over a fiber optic link by a single laptop computer. Each coil is assigned to a midi channel which it responds to by playing notes that are programed into the computer software.
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N+ Chat Gets Some Visuals

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Thanks to Remco we've now got a visual social diagram that updates in real time (every 10 seconds or so) of those in N+ Chat and the frequency with which they interact by mentioning names. Seriously, it's awesome.

If you can't read the image, click here to see the full size version.

Thanks Remco!
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Virtual Console Update

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I can only guess that Nintendo is releasing what they call in their official press release the "Greatest Game of All Time" this week in preparation for next week's release of Super Mario Galaxy. But, what are they going to release next week?

N + Super Mario Bros. 3
NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points
Remember when no one had ever heard of a Tanooki Suit or knew that Bowser™ had a clan of Koopalings? The game that made these things common knowledge is also considered by many to be one of the best ever made. Bowser and the Koopalings are causing chaos yet again, but this time they're going beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into the seven worlds that neighbor it. Now Mario and Luigi™ must battle new enemies, returning favorites and a new Koopaling in each unique and distinctive world on their way to ultimately taking on Bowser himself. Luckily for the brothers, they have more power-ups available than ever before. Fly above the action using the Super Leaf, swim faster by donning the Frog Suit or defeat enemies using the Hammer Bros. Suit. Use the brand-new overworld map to take the chance to play a minigame in hopes of gaining extra lives or to find a Toad's House where you can pick up additional items. All this (and more) combines into one of gaming's most well-known and beloved titles—are you ready to experience gaming bliss?

N + Alien Soldier™
Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older –Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points
As Epsilon-Eagle, you are an alien soldier who has been genetically engineered to produce maximum intelligence and strength. You were once a member of the criminal organization Scarlet, but when you decided to break from the group, you were forced into a showdown with Scarlet's new leader Xi-Tiger, who kills a hostage in his attempt to destroy you. Now it's up to you to take revenge against the bad guys in this side-scrolling action game! Choose from six different weapons and battle the bosses of Scarlet until you reach the final confrontation with the ultimate secret weapon!

N + Power Golf
TurboGrafx16, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points
Power Golf sports a perfect combination of simple-yet-realistic controls and beautiful graphics. Swing away on 18 lush holes in one of three different game modes: the single-player STROKE PLAY mode and the multiplayer MATCH PLAY and COMPETITION modes. Enter tournaments as one of three different characters—beginner, intermediate and advanced. Wind strength and the slope of the green add extra challenges to each hole. Compete against other players in the standard NORMAL MATCH or ante up one of your clubs in the unique CLUB MATCH. Up to three players can play in COMPETITION mode, and a handicap feature is included to help novice players pull off breathtaking shots just like their advanced rivals.

For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
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Happy Halloween!

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I'm a huge fan of Halloween. More than that, I'm a fan of dressing up, having fun, and giving gifts. Nintendo was hip enough to give us a festive themed NAVC update this week, but why stop there? Why not check out some of these other gory, spooky, sugar-infused Virtual Console goodies to dress up your Wii menu for your Halloween parties this year:
N+ Halloween Virtual Console Treats

NES
Castlevania
Castlevania® II Simon's Quest
Milon's Secret Castle®
Zelda II™ - The Adventure of Link®

Turbo Graphx 16
Devil's Crush
Dungeon Explorer
SPLATTERHOUSE

Genesis
Altered Beast
Wonder Boy™ in Monster World

Super Nintendo
Super Castlevania IV
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts

Have a better list? What would you say is a must have for Halloween?
Here's the list if you need help.
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Virtual Console Update - Halloween Edition

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Ghosts and Magicians and Vampires - Oh my! It's pretty obvious what Nintendo of America was pulling here today. With Halloween creeping up this wednesday, they've scared up a few VC games to set the mood on your Wii Channel menus. Don't forget! We're still taking submissions for the N+ Costume CoN+est. We're giving away 6 Brand New games, too! Checks it!

N + Castlevania® II Simon's Quest
NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points
In this one-player adventure, you'll take on the role of Simon Belmont once again and duel to the death with Count Dracula. Grab your legendary whip, Vampire Killer, and roam freely through Transylvania on a quest to find the count's missing body parts-these are the key to breaking an evil curse. This quest won't be easy, though, for you must battle hideous fiends who stalk the land. In addition to the intense action and tight control the Castlevania series is known for, this sequel also introduced several unique game-play elements into the fold. Build experience the longer you play, buy weapons and items from merchants, or talk with villagers to get clues (some of which are false). Watch as day turns to night and then back again. Take a deep breath, steady your nerves, and help Simon end his curse and defeat the count once and for all.

N + SAMURAI-GHOST™
TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Animated Blood and Violence, 600 Wii Points
This action platformer features a samurai ghost from the depths of the underworld. In a past war, Kagekiyo managed to defeat the shogun Yoritomo and his clan. However, their evil spirits were not completely destroyed, and now, in the world known as Dark Side, they seek the time of their rebirth. In order to shatter those ambitions, Kagekiyo must make his way across seven zones and head for "The Heart of the Darkside" where Yoritomo lies in wait. Use spirit weapons to power up your sword, or other items, such as candles to recover health, and defeat the endless hordes of enemies. Each zone is not only protected by a boss but also includes demons as well as real samurai from 12th-century Japan. Get ready for some intense one-on-one combat action.

N + MAGICIAN LORD
NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen - Blood and Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points
Released in 1990 and regarded as one of the NEOGEO's earliest signature games, this side-scrolling platformer mixes action with the mystical world of fantasy. A magician named Elta, last descendant of the famed Magician Lord, takes on an epic adventure to save the world from the evil Gul-Agieze. Elta must battle through eight stages, collecting the eight tomes of power that are key to defeating Gul-Agieze and his evil plans. By obtaining orbs in one of three colors (elements) that appear during the game, Elta's offensive powers and jumping abilities can be strengthened. The effect varies considerably depending on the combination of elements, though, and Elta can transform into six different forms: Waterman, Dragon Warrior, Shinobi, Samurai, Raijin or Poseidon. Can you help Elta to become the new Magician Lord?

For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
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DotEd Needs NAVC Badly

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This week's Virtual Console update for the Americas has a little bit of everything. Some ninjas, some space, and a healthy dose of fantasy. Some unreleased, some off the wall, and one we can all relate to, even if only through humor. Solid.
N + Lunar Pool®
NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points
Lunar Pool takes the historical game of billiards and reinvents it with a unique and futuristic flair. The rules are simple: All you need to do is use your cue stick to hit the white cue ball, causing it to hit the other numbered balls and make them go into the pockets. You can enjoy nearly unlimited game play with 30 tables, two different ball arrangements, and the ability to change the degree of friction on the table. You can play against a computer or another human player, so try challenging someone once you've got the hang of the game.

N + Ninja JaJaMaru-kun®
NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points
Take on the role of a ninja called JaJaMaru and rescue the captured Princess Sakura from the evil Namazu Dayuu in this action-packed game, previously unreleased outside of Japan. JaJaMaru must use his throwing stars to defeat the monsters lurking in each of Dayuu's many hideouts. JaJaMaru has to be careful though, as each monster has its own unique weapon and method of attacking. The only way for him to advance is to break the floor bricks above him and move up and down between the levels of each round, defeating monsters as he goes. To help him, broken bricks sometimes reveal items that JaJaMaru can use to his advantage, possibly leading to the ultimate power-up: a ride on Gamapakun, the giant frog. Throw in some bonus stages and you've got a game with a style all its own.

N + Golden Axe™ III
Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points
The once-peaceful kingdom so familiar to fans of the original Golden Axe is under threat once again. The Prince of Darkness has stolen the invaluable Golden Axe, taken over the kingdom and rendered its warriors harmless with an evil curse. One warrior breaks free from the curse and must defeat the prince and regain the Golden Axe to save the kingdom. In this one- or two-player action game, play as a giant, a panther or a sword-wielding human and fight your way to victory once again.

For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!