The 3D Mario titles have not gotten the attention from modders the way the 2D Marios have. That’s likely due to the complexity of making new 3D stages and editing 3D models. So, it’s rather impressive when you see one done as well as Super Mario 64: Classic Edition. Granted, it is flawed. Still, as long as you don’t expect to see something that exactly rivals the original, you will probably happily come away with a grin. Just wait for the Super Mario Galaxy mods. You can download the mod files here.
The Wii has been an unquestionable retail success so far. No one would have expected over a year after its launch it would still be difficult to find in stores, and it would still be outselling both the PS3 and Xbox 360. In the mindshare of so-called hardcore gamers, however, it has had a much rougher time. “Where are the games for us?” they cry out. The problem is that it’s rather difficult to see with both eyes closed.
The Wii has suffered through a drought of games on par with the PS3 and Xbox 360 in their first years of life. Not only those systems, but it has actually fared better than some classic systems such as the PS2 and N64. So, what is everyone complaining about? While the games are there, they aren’t exactly there the way many ways would want.
While Super Mario Galaxy was a true AAA title, many gamers were disappointed not by a lack of innovation or decent control, but instead by a lack of high-resolution textures. Similar criticism was leveled against The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Still, many hardcore players seem to miss the point that right there they have three AAA titles within the first year of a console’s release. The fact that the Wii is not the hardware equivalent of the PS3 or Xbox 360 is simply something they’ll have to get over, or miss quality games. This is the same as bringing one’s self to term with the concept that the DS and PSP will never be the graphical equal of their big brother consoles. (more…)
Ah, the monthly NPD report for the video game industry in America. If you’ve never noticed before, it’s always apparently good news for everyone involved. Even if their competitors outsell them considerably during the month, a company will find a way to give out a good press release. Every company gives out a press release stating how there sales were better than last month or last year. It’s a standard business practice, but it’s still good for a laugh every now and then.
Here are the big numbers in a nutshell. Overall industry sales, which includes hardware, software, and accessories, was at $1.25 billion dollars. Nintendo’s Wii was the best selling system of the month as usual, with 274k units sold during the month. Sony’s PS3 sold 269k, outselling Microsoft’s Xbox 360 for the first time, a major victory for Sony. The Xbox 360 sold 230k units during the month, perhaps knowing they would be behind the competition when Microsoft announced they had supply issues right before the NPD report came out. On the handheld side, the DS sold 251k units while the PSP sold 230k. (more…)
Puzzle games are a dime a dozen these days, and while particularly addictive ones can still get attention, it usually takes something truly innovative that breaks the mold to make everyone sit up and take notice. That’s exactly what this title did.
9) Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Isn’t it just another romp through the world of Ratchet and Clank? Yes, but it’s also an incredibly polished game to be released in a console’s first year of life. The story might be lacking compared to past installments, but if ever there were a game that took us one step closer to controlling a Pixar cartoon, this is it.
8 ) Pac-Man: Championship Edition
The announcement of this game drew laughs from many, including much of the gaming press. Once they played the actual game, however, all opinions changed. It’s the most addictive arcade game in years, and with the minor caveat of the time limits, it’s one of the few “perfect” games released all year. (more…)
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9) Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
8 ) Pac-Man: Championship Edition
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