Something of a distant cousin to 2006’s Japan-only GBA series bit generations, Nintendo has recently launched the WiiWare exclusive series Art Style.  Developed by skip Ltd, the same team behind the original bit generations label, Cubello represents the new branding with equal parts style and function.  And like all good puzzle games, Cubello offers a concept that simple to understand yet difficult to master.  So what exactly is Cubello?

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World of Goo Trailer 2, Director’s Cut from 2D Boy on Vimeo.

Those who were reading the site back in May might remember a brief mention and video clip for World of Goo, 2D Boy’s debut platformer that mixes equal parts Loco Roco and K’nex in a physics heavy environment.  We’d have reported more on the subject, but honestly, there wasn’t much more to tell.  It had that great teaser trailer months ago and now it’s out.  Luckily the trailer sold me from minute one.

Right now it’s available two ways — on WiiWare for 1500 points or on the PC for $20.  Mac and Linux versions are in beta and on the way shortly.   So do I grab it on WiiWare and hope for the best, or hold out for the Mac version so I can remember what it’s like to play games with a keyboard?  Decisions, decisions.

We loved it. Naturally, he hated it.

But there’s a good reason for his displeasure…. he played the Wii version.

Two more WiiWare games and one on the Virtual Console came out, today. Starting with WiiWare, Art Style: Orbient (600 Wii Points) makes its debut and I really have no idea what it’s about other than what’s in the press release. It seems you control a star and you navigate it through 50 areas across multiple galaxies. You can collide with other stars to get bigger or capture them to have them act as satellites. You should make it through OK so long as you avoid obstacles and black holes. If you try it out, let us know what you think.

The other title on WiiWare is Bomberman Blast (1,000 Wii Points). This classic Hudson series makes yet another appearance on home consoles. This variation on the same theme features some hot Wii-mote shaking action to activate items that you get while trying to blow up your friends. You’ll also be able to slap your Miis in the game (not literally, though). I like Bomberman, but not enough for the chance to shake my Wii-mote some more.

Finally, on the Virtual Console, Super Turrican 2 (SNES, 800 Wii Points) adds more run-’n-gun action to the system. For an idea of what it’s like, think back the old SNES Star Wars games and Contra. Super Turrican 2 was a last generation title for the SNES and it still looks and sounds pretty good. Anyway, if this style of game is what you’re in the mood for, go for it.

That’s it for me, so have fun shopping! Read up on the full details after the jump. Continue Reading »

Animosity towards Nintendo has been at an all time high lately.  Between cries about their piss poor line-ups, pompous showboating, and the abandonment of the core gamer, the Big N has been given little opportunity to make things right.  Let’s face facts: Nintendo could announce that every purchase came with a free trip to the actual Mushroom Kingdom and we’d be writing it off as shameless self-promotion.  We’re mad as hell.  And that madness might just kill the best thing to happen to Nintendo since a monkey throwing barrels.

Nintendo’s WiiWare service launched in North American on May 12th of this year.  That’s less than four months ago — and yet any hype, excitement, or anticipation for this providing a viable alternative to Live Arcade or PlayStation Store’s original content have completely evaporated.  Why?  Hasn’t it provided original content?  Hasn’t it done so frequently?  Isn’t some of it top shelf product?

The answer to all of those is a bonafide yes.  And yet it’s release was met with little more than hopeful curiousity that most of us didn’t follow through on.  How many of you have downloaded a WiiWare title?  Ok — now how many of you have downloaded two?

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Homoerotica, muscle men and the devouring of protein are on Nintendo’s agenda this week as Cho Aniki (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 900 Wii Points) makes its way to the North American Virtual Console. I’ve been waiting for this one for a VERY long time and it will be an instant purchase when I get home tonight. In case you aren’t familiar with the series, Cho Aniki is a shoot-’em-up that features two, muscled men with a hole in the top of their head from where they shoot stuff. They eat the protein of their fallen enemies to grow stronger. Thankfully, the visuals are as outrageous as the rest of the game. Good times!

If those two oiled up muscle gods aren’t your thing, try this other TurboGrafx16 game called Final Soldier (700 Wii points). It’s another shmup that I have not had the chance to play. Can any one of you recommend it? I’ve heard of it, just never played it.

As for WiiWare, Groovin’ Blocks (800 Wii Points) is a rhythm based puzzle game of sorts. I know next to nothing about this game, so you might want to make the jump to read the description for it, as well as the others.

So, who’s buying what?
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Well, it’s a good week for most on this weeks VC update. Why you ask? Super Mario RPG (SNES, 800 Wii Points). At last, I know. They certainly took their sweet, sweet time. But now the likes of Mallow, Geno, Peach, Mario and Bowser. I’ve got a copy of the original, but that won’t keep me from screaming at you to get it if you don’t already have it.

The other flavor on the VC bar is Clu Clu Land (NES, 500 Wii Points). Don’t know much about this title other than what’s in the press release. It’s an underwater puzzle game of sorts that actually sounds pretty interesting. Might be worth a look. Make the jump to read up on it or tell us how you liked it.

Finally, WiiWare gives up some of its hawt lovin’ with My Aquarium (500 Wii Points). Initially, I imagined that Canadian Fireplace channel that Jim always watches with the eternally burning Yule log. Anyway, you can choose from a few different aquariums, 40 fish, and decorate the tank as you please. There you have it. I will now leave you with a Japanese Super Mario RPG commercial and the full details for this week’s selection of games. Enjoy!

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