Recently in Videogames Category

Lenny Stals takes a ride in the Mushroom Kingdom

In one of the stranger investigative reports that surfaced this weekend, The Feed writes that Nintendo has banned the name "Hitler" from being used in its online Mario Kart Wii universe, noting that perhaps a ranting, anti-Semitic, fascist mass-murderer might not totally mix with the more affable personalities of Mario, Luigi, and, of course, Toadette. Nevertheless, that didn't stop the good people at G4 from testing the limits of Nintendo's iron fist as they tried to go online with equally, if not more, horrendous dictators and terrorists. Long story short: Pol Pot is a master of the Moo Moo Meadows.

Get the full story here.

And now a moment of inevitability: a video game version of beer pong, creatively titled Beer Pong, is coming to the Wii. I must say I'm quite intrigued, but equally doubtful. Look, if there are two things in this world that I love, it's beer pong and Wii. But together? Seems kind of dubious. After all, isn't half the fun of beer pong... the beer? Yes, throwing balls at cups can be enjoyable, but without booze, it might get tiresome after ten minutes.

Then again, I guess it is possible to drink and play Wii Beer Pong at the same time. The only difference is that you won't have to go chasing after the ball every two seconds. Hmmm... this might not be so bad after all.

Of course, we Dartmouth kids have a whole different (cough, better, cough) conception of beer pong. One that involves paddles and highly involved rules. But that's a discussion for another time and place...

Time to shill again. I've written yet another column for Dipdive, and this one centers on Barack Obama's assertion that videogames shouldn't be raising our children. To that I say PISH-POSH! Videogames can be fine parental substitutions. It's all about finding the right titles. And what titles would those be? Funny you should ask. I have a list of them in the article. Here's the introduction:

Two weeks ago, when Grand Theft Auto IV first hit the shelves, Barack Obama noted that the game would earn “goo-gobs of money” (and yes, that is a scientific term). He also warned that “these video games are raising our kids,” and then went on to say that it was “our” job (not sure if he meant society or just his campaign) to inspire The Kids’ “thirst for knowledge. It’s a noble cause, but as someone whose childhood was shaped by the finer nuances of Pac-Man , Zelda, and the brothers Mario, I took slight umbrage at the suggestion that those of us who partake in pixilated entertainment might somehow contribute to the downfall of society. Granted, gaming nowadays is a bit different than it was in the 80s. Back then, the only learned habits an impressionable youth might come away with would be an unwavering desire to save princesses from apes, turtles, and the occasional fantastical wizard. Needless to say, it was harmless stuff.

The truth is that the youngin’s are always gonna veer towards video games. If Obama wants the next generation to ascend to new academic heights, then maybe he shouldn’t fight the gamers but join them. That’s why I propose a groundbreaking series of games aimed at giving teenagers the visceral thrill of a headshot along with the satisfying rush of The Economist.

Here’s a sampling of what to expect:

Continue reading 'Super Obama Brothers?' »

I could go for less annoying music though.

Award-winning director/producer/writer/mogul Steven Spielberg has set his sights on yet another new endeavor: a videogame for that lovable treasure chest of joy that we call the Nintendo Wii. Up until now, details have been scant, with only the name, Boom Blox, leaking out to the media (I was hoping for something titled Wii Color Purple, but i guess it'll do).

Nevertheless, Spielberg and videogames seem like a match made in heaven. After all, this is the man who brought us nightmarish chills in Jaws; exciting thrills in Jurassic Park; gritty realism in Saving Private Ryan; moving drama in Schindler's List; unmitigated imagination in Minority Report; sweeping adventure in the Indiana Jones saga; and total, unabashed awe in E.T. and Close Encounters.

So with that in mind, behold the first peak at BOOM BLOX!!!!

We've seen Wii bowling, Wii boxing, Wii tennis, Wii baseball, Wii cooking, Wii fishing, and just about any other Wii-gerund you can think of, but none compare to this: WII AGATHA CHRISTIE! I don't know who thought of mixing the titillating joys of this beloved mystery writer with the crowd-pleasing splendors of the Wii, but I say FINALLY. This is probably the very worst idea ever... or the very best. Whatever it is, I may just have to buy it.

Above is the trailer for the game, which tries ever so hard to play like an actual movie trailer, despite the rigid and comical movements of the animations.

According to a British tabloid (and you know how reputable those are), Queen Elizabeth II has become the latest convert to the wonders of the Wii. Allegedly Prince William received the gaming system from his commoner girlfriend, Kate Middleton, and grandma was only too eager to have a go at it. A palace source claims that after a delightful lunch at Sandringham, HM Queen Elizabeth "thought the Nintendo looked tremendous fun and begged to join in." He then added, "GIVE US A KISS, LUV!"

Okay, maybe that last bit didn't happen, but apparently The Queen was a bona-fide whiz with Wii bowling; although, still no word on whether or not she let out a resounding "BOOYAH!" after scoring a turkey. Nevertheless, we know who'll be first in line when Nintendo releases their much anticipated game, Wii Afternoon Tea with Scones.

• Make Way For The Q Wii N [The People via Kotaku]