Daily Blips: Game News from June 15th, 2009

We've never really cared about the story in a Mario game, but we have always wondered one thing: Is Mario really a certified plumber? Because the dude never fixes toilets. Ever.

News Blips:

• Your pointless plot is in another castle: Super Mario Galaxy 2 not going to have a deep story. No one cares about what Mario's doing anyway, or so says the man who created him, Shigeru Miyamoto. He told Wired that he thinks Mario games don't need silly things like a plot or a backstory, so Super Mario Galaxy 2 will instead focus on the fun. We're cool with this, but we feel bad for the poor fanfic writers -- those guys are really going to have to pull shit out of their asses now. [Wired]

• DJ Hero and Guitar Hero in talks to form PLA (Plastic League of America). Guitar Hero 5 developer Neversoft says future iterations of the Guitar Hero series may include support for DJ Hero's turntable controller. Now all this alliance needs is a proper villain. Def Jam Rapstar anyone? [Eurogamer]

• Wii's price looking shaggy, possible cut imminent. Outspoken videogame analyst and creator of the phrase "Wii-nis envy," Michael Pachter, is predicting Nintendo will be lowering the price of its popular Wii to $199 later this year. Pretty good prediction, Pachter. We have one, too: "The Wii will sell well at this price point." Are we doing it right? [Edge-Online]

• Nintendo thinks you suck at games, will play them for you. Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto tells USA Today that the New Super Mario Bros. Wii developers are implementing a new feature in the game entitled "Demo Play" that allows sucky players to let the AI to take control and finish the level for them. Geeze, Nintendo -- way to assume your customers are idiots. [USA Today]

Hit the jump for some video blips, including killer Nazis in Wolfenstein, a delicious Fat Princess diary, an Atari wallet, and...more.

Video Blips:

• Here we go again: Nazi Assassin kills people in Wolfenstein video. These guys need a new hobby.

• Fat guy promotes Overlord 2. Guess they couldn't afford a hot chick.

• Yum: New Fat Princess developer diary. Learn about the game without feeling fat.

Cultural Blip:

• Atari wallet looks blocky. Because it is: Some dude gutted the inside of a classic Atari cartridge and turned it into money-holding wallet. [technabob]

Got any hot news tips? Send 'em over to [email protected]

(8)

Carlos Garci�a

June 15, 2009

I think Demo Play is a nice feature... for people who really don't give a crap about videogames and getting better at them. >:(

Toby Davis

Now I know I wont buy a wii game if they enable to have someone finish the level for you. Guess that means no RPG game will be safe on the wii.

Nice wallet though.

Michael Donahoe

The Demo Play feature is, well, interesting. I think it'll work best in adventure games and/or games that require you to do something not completely obvious to the player. But for a platformer like New Super Mario Bros. Wii? Is it really that hard to know you're supposed to run to the end of the level? Seriously, now!

Really though why even make a game if you include this feature. For me it take away everything that would involve gaming. I would count these games as over priced game-play trailers.

Kimosabae Grant

I'm sure that's missing the point. Side scrollers do often require twitch reflexes and trial and error patience -- skills more seasoned gamers have in abundance.

This feature is nothing but good. It allows the roof to open up for developers in regards to difficulty in their games and we can finally return to rewarding gameplay structures without fear of alienating an apathetic crowd.

-SynikaL

Rich McGrath

I don't see the problem with Demo Play since it is completely optional.

Paul Gale

June 16, 2009

If Super Mario Galaxy 2 has as much "story" as its predecessor, that'd be enough for me. :)

Spencer Gregory

My favourite blip was the story about Super Mario Galaxy 2's story. I'm basically neutral to the issue. I wouldn't mind if SMG2 had not a single cutscene in the whole game. On the other hand, I would love to see another multi-verse situtation with two Luigis, or more. Perhaps this will be where the multi-coloured Yoshis originate.