EpicBattleAxe » Nintendo Wii

Does the Console Reflect the Gamer?

"Sharpen My Axe" Luke2903 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:35:14 +0000

Now before you read any further, I just need to say I had a recent experience on my friend’s XBOX 360 playing Battlefield 3 that got me thinking. I usually play it on my PS3, so I noticed some differences in the way people play on the XBOX 360 such as just a difference in tactics, the team work and how the players prioritized the objectives. Obviously there is no right way to play, but the way these online matches were being played hindered my enjoyment of the game. I include this disclaimer only because these discussions do sometimes lead to the dreaded fanboy-feud; resulting in the point of the article being overshadowed or missed completely.

This experience got me thinking, whether or not the console people play on reflects their play style or them as a gamer. This really is an open ended discussion as I know people have a passion for their chosen platform. Do you play on PS3 because of the types of games it has? Do play on XBOX 360 because of the online community? Do you prefer the games Nintendo Wii has to offer?

For me the reason why I chose a PS3 was at the time, convenience. The built in WI-FI adapter, which at the time the XBOX 360 didn’t have. Also the need I have for improving things that can be improved upon so while DVD is fine, Blu Ray offers better quality which allows me to appreciate films more. From a gaming stand point I find the XBOX 360 to be multiplayer focused, so my decision to purchase a PS3 were the single player games. While I do dabble in Multiplayer, I prefer to play single player. I find the PS3 suits my needs as a gamer, although I do like the XBOX 360 as well as the Nintendo Wii as they offer good gameplay experiences. I have friends and relatives who have both consoles.

Essentially the question is why you choose to play on the console you do and does that choice reflect you as a gamer? When you decided to buy an XBOX 360, PS3 and/or Nintendo Wii, why did you come to that decision? I find it a fascinating question, and a good discussion topic.

Give me your insights, share your gaming secrets and Cry Havoc

Get Rayman Origins for Cheap at Toys R Us

Cuckoo4CocoaPuffs — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:13:06 +0000

Good news for those that held off on picking up Rayman Origins upon its release. It’s not too late to pick up a copy of one of the most highly underrated platformers of 2011 for a fraction of the price. Toys R Us still has the title available for $20 with free shipping included. Treat yourself to a great game on the cheap!

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes coming Summer 2012

"SkinnyAsAnAxeHandle" — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:15:43 +0000

It appears this summer’s gaming drought will be a little less dry, as Warner Bros. today announced that Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes will be available on practically every gaming device sometime next summer. As the “DC Super Heroes” subtitle teases, Lego Batman 2 will not only feature the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder, but also Superman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman. A mosh-pit of baddies will also join the fray, including the likes of Lex Luthor and Joker.

Lastly, expect to see Wayne Industries’ killer technology and vehicles, like the Batmobile and Batwing, as well as Batman’s Power Suit and Robin’s Hazard Cannon. If that doesn’t solve the case, then be sure to utilize all new abilities like flight–yes, flight–super-breath, and heat vision.

In case the platforms of release were too vague, here is the list in its entirety: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC, DS, 3DS, and Vita. Surely, you have/will have one of those by then, right?

R.I.P GamePro

"TheAxeWielder" — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:14:15 +0000

EBA Keith just pinged me with a reminder that as of noon today GamePro will be no more. In case you didn’t know, the once industry-dominating-mag and associated website that has managed to hold on all of these years is officially shutting down.

Here’s what the special message at the top of the official GamePro site reads at the moment:

“Thank you for your loyalty, support, and participation in the GamePro.com community. At noon on December 5, 2011, the U.S. version of GamePro online will shut down as an independent site. GamePro will become part of PCWorld.com (http://www.pcworld.com/gamepro) offering gaming news, reviews, and how-tos from the PCWorld team. Thank you to the entire GamePro staff for their hard work and dedication.”

Obviously, this is a sad day for anyone (like me) who valued GamePro at any point in their lives. I fondly remember getting each edition of the mag back in the day and even watching that amazingly goofy television show hosted by J.D Roth. Anyway, this is a great time to discuss your GamePro memories with your fellow gamers as we remember one of the longest-running and most influential brands in the industry.

What are your favorite memories of GamePro? Did you have a favorite magazine cover? How do you think online blogs have impacted brands that were founded in print?

Let’s discuss in honor of the once-mighty mag.

Xenoblade Chronicles Coming to U.S. in Spring

"TheAxeWielder" — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:33:00 +0000

Nintendo has announced that Xenoblade Chronicles, the Wii title that has already launched in Japan and Europe with a few perfect scores under its belt, will be coming to the U.S. in spring 2012 exclusively at GameStop.

Priced at $49.99, Xenoblade Chronicles asks players to use the Monado blade to take on a seemingly endless series of invading Mechon robots in a “sweeping role-playing adventure”.

I like RPGs and I often like to sweep, so this just might work out…

You can check out a US Announcement Trailer right here.

Oh, and here’s an official description of the game as well:

The vast open world of Xenoblade Chronicles is ripe for exploration. Players can avert their focus from the main story and venture out looking for other challenges and side quests. Hidden areas and unique monsters are scattered throughout the game’s massive world, which players can explore freely.

The main character is Shulk, a weapons researcher who must confront the Mechon by wielding the ancient Monado blade. It’s the only weapon that has any effect against the Mechon, and it also enables Shulk to see the future.

Players can customize their characters with a variety of weapons and armor choices, as well as headgear, boots and gloves. As in many role-playing games, players can then gain experience and upgrade their characters. Players can watch their enemies, learn their tactics and unleash real-time counterattacks.

So, are the Wii fans amongst you excited for this one or what?

Capcom Music Collection Volume 1 Released

"TheAxeWielder" — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:49:04 +0000

Do you love some good ole’ gaming music? Well, if you do, you’ll be happy to learn that today Capcom and Sumthing Digital have released the Capcom Music Collection Volume One: 1984 – 1985. This exclusive collection features classic video game music from the 8-bit and 16-bit era created by Capcom Sound Team such as Commando, Ghosts ‘N Goblins and 1942.

Check out this UH-MAZING track listing and try not to get too excited:

Vulgus
Son Son
Pirate Ship Higemaru
1942
Exed Exes
Commando
Ghosts ‘N Goblins
Ghosts ‘N Goblins Continued
Gun Smoke
Gun Smoke Continued
Section Z
Section Z Continued
1942 (NES)
Ghosts ‘N Goblins Hunter
Self-Realization

Capcom Music Collection Volume One is available for digital download at www.sumthingdigital.com, Amazon MP3, iTunes and other digital music sites. The album was arranged, produced and mastered by Billy Bell for Sunnyside Sound NYC.

Sound good? You can find out more about the soundtrack and get to downloading a piece of your childhood right here.

Nintendo, Penny Arcade Partner for Skyward Sword Comic

"TheAxeWielder" — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:52:25 +0000

Love comics? Love Zelda? Love Penny Arcade? Well good, we’ve got some AWESOME news for you…Turns out that Nintendo has teamed up with the creative team from PA to create a special comic in celebration of the Nov. 20 launch of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Sweet.

Starting today, the first of five weekly comic panels will appear on this newly-launched website. The comics include characters and themes from the new game, and are drawn in a style that combines the game’s distinctive new look and Penny Arcade’s signature style.

“I was 14 when I first played The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,” said Penny Arcade artist Mike Krahulik. “That was 20 years ago, and today I am introducing my son to The Legend of Zelda. The opportunity to work with Nintendo to create a Zelda comic is not only an incredible honor, but quite literally a childhood dream come true.”

Interested? Find out more about the project on the official site for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Skyward Sword’s Desert Details

"TheAxeWielder" — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:58:48 +0000

If you’ve been counting down the seconds until the November 20th release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, you probably already know that Nintendo has been keeping anxious gamers in the loop by slowly trickling out assets and info from the game. This past week, we get a bit dusty as Link journeys through the Lanayru Desert, where he must find his way through the puzzles in the Lanayru Mining Facility, sail across a sea of sand and discover new items to add to his collection. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

• Lanayru Desert and the Lanayru Mining Facility: In this vast area, surrounded in all directions by sand, Link must search for the Lanayru Mining Facility. As strange a place as this is, Link will encounter characters both new and familiar, such as Gorons. Inside the Lanayru Mining Facility, Link will follow the path of mine carts through this expansive area, experiencing new puzzles and challenges. He must also face the dungeon boss Moldera, a fearsome giant scorpion. 

• Sand Ship: Late in his quest, Link returns to a different area of the Lanayru Desert as he sails across a sea of sand in search of a hidden ship. 

• New Items: In the desert, Link will receive two new items – the Claw Shots and the Gust Jar. The Claw Shots allow players to grapple and pull themselves toward otherwise unreachable areas. The Gust Jar can blow a burst of air to stun enemies or clear paths through piles of sand. Players will find the Gust Jar essential to solving the puzzles in the Lanayru Mining Facility.

What are YOU thinking about Skyward Sword right about now? Check out the latest videos on the game here or view some screens here to help formulate your opinion.

VGA GOTY Nominees Announced

"TheAxeWielder" — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:53:36 +0000

In addition to announcing that Mark Burnett, the producer of “Survivor,” “The Voice,” “The Apprentice,” the “63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards,” the “MTV Movie Awards” and the “People’s Choice Awards,” will serve as executive producer of the 2011 Video Game Awards, Spike TV today announced the nominees for two of the event’s most prestigious categories, Game of the Year and Most Anticipated Game, with a list of nominees in other categories to be revealed in the coming weeks.

They are as follows:

GAME OF THE YEAR

• Batman: Arkham City
• Portal 2
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
• Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

MOST ANTICIPATED GAME

• BioShock Infinite
• Diablo III
• Halo 4
• Mass Effect 3
• The Last Guardian

The “VGAs” will recognize the best games of the year and present exclusive world premieres of what’s next when the show premieres LIVE, coast‐to‐coast on Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT on Spike TV in high‐definition. Guests include legendary game designer Hideo Kojima who will reveal the truth about Metal Gear Solid: Rising with a spectacular world premiere, the announcement of a new project and new studio from BioWare, and the return of hero Alan Wake in an all new adventure.

For more info on the VGAs and to cast YOUR votes, head here.

Skyward Sword Erupts with New Details on Music, Locations, and Items

"TheAxeWielder" — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:30:55 +0000

If you’re counting down the days until the mid-November launch of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, you’ll be glad to know that Nintendo has revealed even more details about the areas, items and game play you’ll encounter. This week, the Eldin Volcano area comes into focus, as well as the game’s connection between music and game play through the newly revealed Harp item. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

• Eldin Volcano and the Mogma: After battling Demon Lord Ghirahim in Skyview Temple, Link travels to Eldin Volcano where he meets the Mogma - a new race of subterranean creatures that are also exploring this area. The Mogma help Link traverse this fiery environment, giving him key items and advice along the way.

• New Items: In the Eldin Volcano area, Link will receive additional items including the Digging Mitts and the Bomb Bag. With the addition of the Bomb Bag, players can collect bombs from bomb flowers, which are essential to puzzle solving. The Wii Remote Plus controller gives players a variety of ways to use bombs. Players can throw bombs using an overhead motion or roll them like bowling balls, even putting a spin on their trajectory. The Digging Mitts, an item new to The Legend of Zelda series, allow players to dig in marked areas on the ground for secret and key items hidden in the ground. In the Eldin Temple area, this includes the pieces needed to open the door to the Earth Temple.

• Earth Temple: In the Earth Temple, players must balance Link on a giant ball as he rolls across pools of molten lava. Link must also face Scaldera in this temple, while navigating a steep incline.

• Harp: As in previous Zelda titles, music plays an important role in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and is integrated into game play. Using the Wii Remote Plus controller, players can play a variety of songs using a Harp Link receives during the game.

Nintendo promises to keep us all on the edge of our seats with new details and information about the game prior to its launch in November. So, just like the Harp, I encourage you to STAY TUNED.