Twitch Plays Pokémon: Not Done Yet!!

Twitch Plays Pokémon recently finished playing Pokémon X – the most recently released game in the Pokémon franchise. With viewers that hardly got above a thousand completing the game, there was a small surge of viewership as people came to see what would happen now that the last game had been played. What they were met with was the text displaying the promise of game play for Pokémon Omega Ruby in about 100 days and for Pokémon Red to begin a handful of days after that. Personally, I believe that they should go with Pokémon Blue to mix things up but that’s just me.

If you haven’t heard, the Twitch Plays Pokémon phenomenon is a Twitch.tv stream channel that shows the process of a Pokémon emulator that is rigged to accept button commands from the channels Twich’s chat window. Effectively, this means that anyone watching was in fact playing the game and had a (rather small) amount of control. What started out as a small experiment, exploded into a massive sensation.

This Is AWESOME!

The chat controls the emulator of the game up through Pokémon Black 2 (with the more newer games featuring a considerable slow down due to how difficult it is to extract ROMs of modern games). Since no functional ROM for Pokémon X had been generated, the game was played on the 3DS – a heavily modified 3DS for that matter. A very impressive feat! Each game takes roughly 2 weeks to complete and there have been some intermission with other games between Pokémon titles.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, enhanced remakes of Ruby and Sapphire from Pokémon’s 3^rd generation on the GameBoy Advance, will hit stores November 21, 2014, more than 10 years since their original release. In the mean time, Twitch Plays Pokémon seems like it will be continuing to stream random CPU battles from Pokémon Stadium 2 where views can “Bet” on which team will win.

While I’m sure many people have lost interest in watching and participating in TPP, it’s interesting to see that the journey has not ended. How long will this channel last? Who knows? It’s been over 5 months in the making and I’m sure it will make it to its anniversary. 

Rant: Nintendo didn't "Forget" to announce some smashers

This one goes out to all of you guys freaking out that characters like Jigglypuff, Captain Falcon and Ness were not announced in last week's Smash Bros. Direct.

CALM DOWN

So far, 23 veterans (21 considering the split of Samus and Zero Suit as well as Sheik and Zelda) have been confirmed as well as 6 newcomers. With a total of 29 characters, that is still 6 characters less than the roster seen in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. And who's to say that Smash Bros. 4 won't have an even bigger roster? With at least 2 months before we can expect the 3DS version to be released, that is still plenty of time for future reveals of characters.

But here's another idea: What if, for once, a modern videogame is NOT trying to spoil every single detail before players have a chance to play the game? Looking back at SSB and Melee, there were plenty of newcomers and veterans alike who were unlock-able hidden characters.

I do agree, there are some characters whose return is questionable or unlikely, but I feel that the majority of characters will make a return:

Very Likely:
N64 Veterans

• Jigglypuff, Captain Falcon, and Ness are all veterans who were unlockable characters along with Luigi since the beginning (Except for Ness and Falcon in Melee).

Melee Veterans

• Falco: Fox is currently the only representative of his universe.
• Ice Climbers: Despite some similarity to Rosalina, the Ice Climbers are veterans that have quite a following.
• Ganondorf: Currently Bowser and DeDeDe are the only antagonistic characters in the roster and I doubt they would leave out a 3rd bad guy. 

Somewhat Likely:

• Lucas: Lucas was a well received character and gave an alternate to Ness. 
• Wario: With Waluigi returning as an assist trophy and Ashley added as a new assist trophy, Wario could return although the number of primary and secondary Mario characters is getting very large.
• Fire Emblem character: Perhaps Ike with return, perhaps another character will get his turn to stand in rotation next to Marth

No Guarantee:

• Snake: As a 3rd party character, one would have expected his return to have be announced along with Sonic and Mega Man. Also, Metal Gear Solid creator, Hideo Kojima, was quoted saying "I'm not working on that game so I don't know, but I don't think that's likely," said Kojima. "Well, if Mr. Sakurai is watching this, please use Snake."
• Mr. Game & Watch: While a classic Nintendo Icon, he's a bit of an awkward character. It is also worth noting that a lot of his fighting mechanics can be seen in the newcomer Villager.
• R.O.B: A more obscure fighter that was moderately received but was not super popular either.
• Meta Knight: Between his "banning" in major tournaments and unbalanced criticisms, he may not be included just to avoid having to heavily nerf him.
• Wolf: Fox, Falco, and Wolf are all pretty similar characters and I feel that he may not be the most important character to return if Nintendo had to cap the number of characters.

Whelp, those are my 2 cents. Let me know what you think!

Smash Bros Direct Coming Next Week!

Hey there readers, I just got wind of some awesome news. Nintendo has announced that on Tuesday, April 8th at 6pm eastern/3pm pacific time, they will be broadcasting a Nintendo Direct dedicated solely to the newest Super Smash Bros. title.

The broadcast will be live on Youtube, Nintendo.com and various other news and fan sites. Those rumors will get put to rest as I'm sure we can expect an official release date, perhaps a new official game title and more announcements regarding characters, stages, and gameplay.

I'll post a reminder on Twitter and I'm sure you'll be hearing all about it from various news sites. Get Your Body Ready!!!

Nintendo Direct February 13, 2014 - Recap

*Yes I'm aware that this recap is about a month late and I apologize for that. Regardless, enjoy!*

Nintendo went the first month of 2014 without a Nintendo Direct broadcast and hadn't made any big announcements since December. February's Nintendo Direct revealed a new Super Smash Bros. fighter, brand new racers for Mario Kart 8, and lots of other updates for games coming out this spring. Check out the recap below for analysis.

Super Smash Bros. 4 - Trailer (Wii U/3DS, 2014)

"Little Mac Punches In"

The Nintendo Direct started off with a bang, or rather a "smash" as they introduced a new playable fighter that will be available in the next installation of the Super Smash Bros. series. Previously an assist trophy in Brawl, Little Mac, the protagonist of Punch-Out will be a full-fledged fighter specializing in quick, hard hitting punches and will likely be quick on his feet. His announcement uncovers the mystery behind the boxing/wrestling stage that has been seen since the first trailer. Little Mac's character is based off of the Punch-Out remake for the Nintendo Wii. His small stature and iconic green punching gloves are incorporated into his design. He will also have an ability that after taking a certain amount of damage and filling up a "K.O. Meter", he will be able to unleash a powerful upper-cut attack similar to the finisher moves of other fighting games. His final smash doubles his size and turns him into a hulking, shirt-less form (I'm  rooting on "Big Mac" as its name).

New Nintendo Direct Today

Originally announced via their Facebook page, Nintendo will be hosting a new Nintendo Direct. It's been since December since we saw one of these so expect lots of new updates and announcements for both the 3DS and Wii U.

Check back here afterwards for my recap and analysis!

Nintendo Direct - December 18, 2013

Just in case you missed last month's Nintendo Direct broadcast, it was filled with tons of news and updates regarding game titles for both the Wii U and the 3DS, including a lot of cross-over madness.

Recap

Hyrule Warriors (Wii U, 2014)

Right off the bat, Nintendo teased a trailer for Hyrule Warriors(Working Title). It appears that Link will be making some sort of playable appearance in the next edition of Tecmo Koei’s Dynasty Warriors. Satori Iwata made it clear that this isn’t the next game in the Zelda series that will come out on Wii U later on.

This is not the first time that Dynasty Warriors has taken on another franchise. 

READ MORE >>

Nintendo Direct - October 1 2013

Happy October Everyone! You know what that means! Halloween, Fall, Pumpkins.....

AND A TON OF NINTENDO GAMES ON THE WAY!!

*Ahem* October starts the forth quarter of the years (Q4) and basically that mean's that we're quickly approaching the holiday season for electronics. And yesterday's Nintendo Direct was FULL of game announcements that will make any Nintendo Fan excited for the coming months.

Recap

Super Mario 3D World 

Gameplay footage

Multiple character powerup – duplicate cherries
- Tanooki suit
- Boomerang bro suit
- Bullet Bill Blaster Box
- Propeller box
- Goomba Hat
- Baseball Weapon
- Use Parahnahha Plant
- Fire Peach

*Mario and Luigi Wii Remote Pluses November 1st

Wii Party U mini games October 25th

DK Country Tropical Freeze Delayed to Feb 2014

Mario and Sonic Winter Olympic Games (Nov. 15th)
- Online Multiplayer
o Earn points for your country
o Play vs people around the world 

*Blue Remote Bundle version

**Sonic announced for SSB 4 

Pikmin 3 
o DLC Missions
o Updates
§ New Stage free of charge

Ehtriah Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl
o Updated from DS game
o Collection editions

Just Dance 2014
o Wii and Wii U
o Online Multiplayer

*Wii Remote Bundle October 8th

Skylanders Swap Force – 3DS, Wii, Wii U (October 14th)

Lego Marvel New York (October 22)
o 3DS and Wii U
§ Off TV Play

Bat Man Arkham Origins Blackgate for 3DS (October 25th)

Sonic Lost World (October 29th)
o Available for Preorder
§ Deadly Six bonus edition with extra level

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Ace Attorney Phoenix Wright Dual Destinies 3DS (October 24th)
o Free Demo Available on 3DS eShop


*Nintendo 2DS (October 12th)

- Special Content coming for Kid Icarus Uprising, Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 at Nintendo Zone locations.

Bravely Default for release early 2014
o Trailer

Link Between Worlds (November 22nd)
o Breaking from the norm
§ Instead of getting a new item at a new dungeon that requires using that dungeon, you can approach any dungeon in their own order. Items are all available for rental/purchase at a shop.

New Kirby Title
o 2014
o 3D side scroller

Pokémon Direct: September 4, 2013

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, there was a special Nintendo Direct specifically for news and information about Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. The games are to be released world wide October 12, 2013 and available in 7 different languages right off the bat.

The video discusses the history of Pokémon and features top executives of both The Pokémon Company and Game Freak.

Check it out!

Rant: My 2Cents on the 2DS

If you haven't been on the internet today and didn't hear some of the big announcements today, let's recap: A price-cut for the Deluxe Wii U (now $299.99), Wind-Waker HD bundles, and the most eyebrow raising announcement - The Nintendo 2DS.

Like most things being introduced right now (Ben Affleck as BatMan for one), the internet has been cringing at the announcement of this version of the ever popular Nintendo 3DS. This new system is designed to play all 3DS games (and DS games) and is functionally the same system except for one dimension - The 2DS lacks the ability to render the top screen in 3D.  “Imagine a standard 3DS laid all the way flat, and with the depth slider all the way down,” writes Reggie Fils-Aime

Nintendo has stated that this system is a "entry-level handheld system" and is directing it towards the younger audiences, hence its October 12, 2013 release for $129.99 - the same day as Pokémon X and Y.

Rant Time!

Preview - Sonic Lost World

Originally announced on Nintendo Direct in May, Sonic Lost World is being developed, though a partnership with Nintendo, by Sega and the Sonic Team exclusively for the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS. A release date has been set for holiday 2013.

Plot

"In his latest plot to defeat Sonic and rule the world, Dr. Eggman has harnessed the power of six menacing creatures known as the Deadly Six. However, when the Deadly Six rise up against their new master, Sonic must unite with his arch nemesis Eggman and explore the mystical Lost Hex in order to take them on head-to-head. Use Sonic's amazing new moves and incredible Color Powers to speed across a variety of unique terrains, racing inside, outside and upside down in every level." - Summary from Sega

Pokémon X and Y - Mega Pokémon reveal trailer

For the longest time, the image of a slightly altered Mewtwo had fans baffled as to what it was about. Was it an evolution? A form change? A completely different Pokémon entirely? Well the answers have finally arrived. First seen in Coro Coro Magazine, Game Freak has finally come public with a video trailer explaining it all: Mega Pokémon Evolution. And this is a huge new mechanic for the Pokémon world.

Although not much has yet been said about the inclusion of Mega Evolution in the game, there have been 6 confirmed Pokémon to have the ability to Mega Evolve. It appears that this is a battle only transformation where a Pokémon holding a Mega Stone will temporally transform into their mega form. The confirmed Pokémon are Mewtwo, Lucario, Blazekin, Mawile, Ampharos, and Absol. Kangaskhan has also been confirmed.

Mega Forms From Left to right: Lucario, Mewtwo, Blazekin

Mega Forms From Left to Right: Mawile, Absol, Ampharos

Nintendo Direct – August 7, 2013

Iwata hosted another Nintendo Direct – the first full Nintendo Direct since E3 back in June. Although there weren’t many new titles revealed, Nintendo chose to go into more detail regarding previously released upcoming games for the Wii U and 3DS.

Recap

READ MORE >>

News: Nintendo Direct August 7th!

Just a heads up that Nintendo will be broadcasting a full Nintendo Direct tomorrow. It will be the first full one since E3. They said they'll be mostly covering more details on upcoming games that have already been announced. I'll be covering a recap and analysis of it afterwards here and at The Geek Generation.

Don't forget to follow OWNAGE:

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Mario & Luigi: Dream Team Commercial

In case you haven't seen it yet on TV, Nintendo has put together a live action commercial for Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. Sure it's a little cheesy, but it's been a while since we've seen a commercial like this by a major gaming title. Enjoy!

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – E3 2013 trailer

Alright, that's enough Mario stuff right now. How about a Zelda announcement? Yeah, let's go with that.

"Announced earlier this year, Nintendo has released a new trailer for the highly anticipated direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Set in the same world, Link will again defend Hyrule in his journeys while passing through various dungeons and puzzles. The game’s official title is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds..."

READ MORE

NEW SUPER SMASH BROS!

What a better way to end their Nintendo Direct with a huge trailer for the next installment for Super Smash Bros. It's amazing and you gotta see it. Read more to find out some of the coolest surprises!

READ MORE

Nintendo's Plans for E3

Well, plenty of rumors have been going around regarding Nintendo's plans for the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) this year. Will Nintendo be there? What do they plan on showing? I lined it out for you in my latest article written for The Geek Generation.com

READ MORE

Nintendo Direct Today!

In just a couple of hours, Nintendo is going to be displaying it's final news on Spring and Summer titles for the 3DS and WiiU! Coverage begins at 10am Eastern/7am Pacific. Head over to Nintendo.com or on Facebook for coverage.