It's Time To Go Hardcore

Nintendo has been seriously slacking off in the games department recently. Of course, some of their first party titles have been great, like Twilight Princess and Super Mario Galaxy. But many Wii and DS gamers are upset at the constant influx of "casual" games.

That's why Nintendo really needs to get back on their feet. To help them with this feat, I'll take a look at some of Nintendo's major franchises, and what they need to do to fix them.

Mario: I can't say that Nintendo has seriously "hurt" Mario, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few things they could do to get the hardcore players back. First off, we need another DS Mario game. New Super Mario Bros. was a great success for Nintendo, so why not bring it back? The mix of 3D moves and the classic feel was one of Nintendo's greatest feats for Mario. It seems a waste to stop Mario from going handheld. Perhaps a Paper Mario for DS? Super Paper Mario's RPG elements made it a blast to play - I can imagine how fun it would be if we could use the touch screen to make the transition from 2D to 3D.


The Legend of Zelda: I'm a little disappointed at the announcement of another toon Zelda game. It's not like I didn't enjoy them, but I miss the realism created in Twilight Princess. I understand that it would quite difficult to create a Twilight Princess-esque game for the DS, but there is not reason not to have a sequel for Wii. With 1:1 sword control, another Zelda game for Wii would be an automatic hit. The biggest thing I would ask for is another assisstant like Midna, one that actually interacts with Link and is a major part of the story.


Super Smash Bros.: WE NEED A PORTABLE SMASH. It's been far too long not to have a DS version of one of the greatest fighting games ever made. But in my opinion, Sakurai should be out. He's done a great job with the last three games, but Brawl could have been much better - less clones, a better version of the level creator (maybe with water), and a more in-depth story mode. Another Wii version would also work, but perhaps just introducing downloadable content could solve all the problems of Smash.

Kid Icarus: Ever since Brawl launched, everyone's been clamoring for another Kid Icarus game. So why not give them one? An action-adventure game with the ability to fly (limited, of course), sword and arrow control, and maybe even some RTS elements (remember Pit's Final Smash)? This would definitely make the hardcore gaming crowd happy - a sequel to an old classic that's once again fresh in our minds.


This will be the first "special article" to be featured on the Live Wire website.

Flash Game Review: Stunt Pilot 2

Top flash game developer Rock Solid Arcade released it's newest game, Stunt Pilot 2, this week, and it is looking good.

After a good amount of time in the "Beta" phase, the game is really polished, and obviously fun. There are some definite improvements and updates from the original, including a small feature that I found really convienent - while using the "turbo" mode in the original, the smoke was purple, but the smoke is now blue. This is a small addition, but makes it more clear when you're using a speed boost.

Of course, the actual gameplay is greatly improved. While the original game could get a bit stale, the second installment is always fresh, and each level seems well concieved. While the main goal is still to fly through each ring, you may now have to avoid towers, gas tanks, and trees. And flying through the towers can affect the level as well - you may fly through three towers at once, and have them each explode and topple down, leaving you to escape the wreckage.

One thing I really admire about the game is that it brings back points. While nearly every game in existance has a point system, the games at Rock Solid Arcade, specifically Stunt Pilot 2, really make you want to gather up points. You'll find yourself boosting to the end of the level, only to see a cannon below launch a 50-point ball into the air, and suddenly you're doing aerial acrobatics to catch it.

I'm really pleased at how Rock Solid Games could take the idea of the original Stunt Pilot, which was in my opinion one of their "weakest" games (though it was by no means bad), and transform it into such as action packed flight simulator. The level editor also adds to the excitement, and is just as in-depth as I had hoped.

The addition of the new type of Bonus Level is one of my favorite parts. Instead of the balloon popping levels of the original game, the new Bonus Levels have you attempt to fly along a curved line in order to rack up points. Boosting will help you get even more points, though it makes control more difficult.

I tend to shy away from giving perfect tens, and I didn't even plan on giving one to Stunt Pilot 2. But then I realized - I couldn't come up with one negative thing about it. This game really gets a 10/10. So, what are you waiting for? Go over and play now!

I apologize for the lack of pictures - I'm not able to create a screenshot at the moment. Also, go here to check out a video of mine while playing Stunt Pilot 2. I'll add some of my created levels soon.

Episode in Review: "Chuck Versus the Ring" (Chuck)

The season finale of one of my favorite shows came to us yesterday, and I hope you caught it. It was an amazing ending for the season.

While it seems like loose ends are being tied up, with Chuck receiving a generous sum of money from the government, Casey being assigned to a special forces unit, and Sarah being assigned to the Intersect project with Bryce Larkin, trouble starts brewing when Ted Roark arrives at Ellie's wedding, demanding the Intersect.


I won't spoil the whole thing, but I truly do recommend you see this episode. The mix of action, humor, and drama that Chuck is known for really comes through, and it really keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The final shock at the end was the best part, and left me waiting for the next season. 10/10 - A truly perfect ending for an amazing season.

The Rivalry Continues

When Rock Band was released, it was in direct competition with the previous hit franchise, Guitar Hero. And while Guitar Hero may have more games (including a handheld version), Rock Band is looking to finally trump it's rival.

TT Games and Harmonix have recently announced a temporary partnership in order to produce the latest game in the Rock Band franchise: Lego Rock Band (tentative title).

Although the idea seems ridiculous at first, the Lego versions of classic movies, such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, were all quite popular, and well-reviewed by critics. So it's not far-fetched that other companies are looking to get their franchise "converted" to Lego form now.

Hopefully, in the future, we will see more of our favorite franchises transformed into this odd new form.

Movie Watchlist: April - June 2009

So many movies come out each month, and it's often much too hard to decide what to see. That's why I've made this little "Wachlist", to show you which movies to see and which to avoid. I will create these based on three month time periods, and will most likely transfer this list to video games as well.

Earth (April 22): Coming into theaters tomorrow to match Earth Day, this Disney-made movie will show the story of multiple animals, including Polar Bears, African Elephants, and Humpback whales. Although it might not interest some people, it is likely to have the same effect as March of The Penguins. Morgan Freeman might not narrate, but James Earl Jones will.

The Soloist (April 24): Many dramatic movies will come and go, without the effect that they should have. But The Soloist, coming out this Friday, has a great plot, as well as a great cast. It seems like this movie could be the next Slumdog.


X-Men Origins: Wolverine (May 1): As I've posted before, this movie just has to be good. The cast is amazing, and the new characters are definitely going to add to the excitement. Go here for more info on the movie.

Star Trek (May 8): This re-telling of the classic science-fiction series has been long-awaited, and many die-hard fans are excited. Even if you weren't a fan of the original series, you still might want to check out this exciting space adventure.


Up (May 29): This animated adventure by Pixar will be the first to be projected in Digital 3-D, and it's plot seems to be interesting enough. Only time will tell if this movie can live up to it's own image.


Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (June 24): What appears to be the only triple A title releasing in June, this highly anticipated sequel to Transformers is assured to be a smash-hit, and may even hit box office records. More on Transformers here.

A. VS. A.A.

Woody Allen is currently involved in a lawsuit with clothing company American Apparel over the use of his image, which was not permitted. Stuart Slotnick, the lawyer for the company, plans to cite Allen's marriage scandal to destroy his reputation.


I, of course, am on the side of Woody Allen. In case you didn't know, he does stuff with movies. But much more importantly, he is a jazz clarinetist. And we clarinetists have to stick together. Here's hoping that everyone's favorite clarinet player (excluding me) wins.

NASA Loses It's Humorous Side

Although I'm not entirely sure that NASA ever had a sense of a humor, it just lost it.

If you're a fan of The Colbert Report, you'll know that Stephen has been encouraging his viewers to write in the name Colbert for the name of a new node that will be placed on the International Space Station.



The name won the competition, but NASA has disqualified the name, instead opting for Tranquility. They claimed the reason for this was that they don't name space station hardware after living people.

Instead, NASA has named their new training treadmill "COLBERT" (Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill). NASA has invited the star to Florida for the launch of the node, as well as a chance to test out the treadmill named after him.

Wolverine Movie Prepares For May Release

After many months of excitement and the impatience of fanboys, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is almost here. Just a little over two weeks away, the movie is expected to be a box office hit.


In case you didn't know, the movie is a prequel to the three X-Men films, and shows the origins of Wolverine's adamantium skeleton and claws. But even if you're not the biggest Wolverine fan, you should still check out this movie.

A few other famous characters from the X-Men series get their own roles in the movie. Gambit, the Cajun thief known for his ability to supercharge objects enough to make them explode, is played by Taylor Kitsch. And Deadpool, a lesser-known mercenary with a large cult following, finally gets on the big screen, being played by Ryan Reynolds.


Of course, other characters, such as Sabretooth (whose story will also be explored more deeply), William Stryker, and Emma Frost are all going to make appearances. Seeing as the Weapon X program is the main antagonist, a few other subjects of the program will also appear, including Chris Bradley ("Bolt") and Frederick J. Dukes, with an "ultimate mutant" known as Weapon XI being the final antagonist of the movie.

In other movie news, Hannah Montana: The Movie, has made more money than expected, hitting the $200 million mark with worldwide sales. The success of the movie over the weekend has caused the faltering of other movies such as Oberserve and Report and Fast and Furious. Dragon Ball: Evolution tanked, raking in less then $5 million over the Easter Weekend.

Wii Falters?

March seemed to be a good month for Sony - in Japan, anway. The PS3 sold nearly 150,000 units in the country last March, compared to the 100,000 units of the Wii sold by Nintendo.

Does this mean that Sony will usurp Nintendo's role as the top console seller? Probably not - the release of Resident Evil 5 was most likely the only reason that the PS3 sold so well, despite the fact that Resident Evil 5 also launched for the Xbox 360 (whose sales will never be impressive in Japan).

And although Sony might be confident now, the DSi sales in the U.S. will most likely continue to beat Sony's sales of the PSP.

Episode in Review: "Chuck Versus The Dream Job" (Chuck)

The saga of Orion and Chuck's advancement continues in the latest Chuck episode. The excitement the show is known for is constantly present, as well as it's twists and turns.

Chuck meets up with his father, and also lands a job at Roark Industries - his dream job. Unfortunately for him, his job is a bust as he is forced to sabotage the launch of the companies new software out of fear of a possible virus. And his father, Steve Bartowski, isn't what he appears to be either.


The best scene in the episode is Chuck's standing up to Casey, who wants to stop Chuck from breaking into Roark Industries. While Chuck only has a tranquilizer, he actually shoots Casey with it. This marks a milestone in Chuck's "transformation" into a real spy.

Near the end of this episode, viewers learn some important secrets that are sure to influence Chuck, and the series in general. Unfortunately, the episode has a weak sub-plot that, instead of adding to the main story line, simply disrupts it. That is why I'm giving this episode a 7.5/10.

Preview: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

After two wildly popular X-Men Legends games, Activision created the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series, which has it's second installment aimed for release this fall.

This new installment of the series follows the Civil War story arc, straight from the comics. A few characters are forced onto one of the sides (Registration and Anti-Registration), but other then that, you can choose which side each character goes on.


The gameplay is largely the same as it's predecessors, with the addition of the new Fusion attacks, which allow you to combine the special attacks of two characters to create a brand new, much more powerful attack. Trailers show Iron Man blasting a laser at Wolverine, who uses his claws to spread the beam across the area.

There will be a change in playable characters, with a few being cut and some others added. Song Bird and Iron Fist, two little known heroes, will make appearances as playable characters. Villains will even get a shot at being playable - Green Goblin and Venom are both included.

This game seems even more polished then the previous one, with excellent graphics and sharp gameplay. Stay tuned for a review coming this Fall.

DSi Hits U.S. Stores

After a long time waiting, and months in Japan, the DSi has finally hit the U.S. at the price of $170.00. Many units have already been sold, and even more pre-ordered. In just two months in Japan, Nintendo sold over 1,200,000 units, and the numbers are expected to be even higher here.


This new iteration of the DS has multiple changes, including the ability to switch games, change the lightning, or alter any other settings without powering down the system. The console also includes two cameras, and access to the DSi Shop.

Live Wire will have more info on the DSi soon.

Recent Review: House of The Dead 2 & 3

Light gun games used to be wildly popular, and can still be seen in most arcades. But despite the fact that first person shooters became the console version of these light gun games, that didn't stop House of The Dead 2 & 3 from making an appearance on the most appropriate of consoles - the Wii.


House of The Dead 2 & 3 is obviously a combination of two games, simply ported to the Wii. Unfortunately, there are virtually no changes, and the lack of additions is quite disappointing. However, this doesn't mean that either game is bad.

Both games offer a fun light gun experience, and the use of the Wii Zapper makes the game all that much more excitement. The graphics, story, and dialogue are not the most fun part of the game. In fact, you will most likely find your self skipping all story scenes, and groaning at the cheesy dialogue.

Fortunately, the graphics improve greatly from House of the Dead 2 to 3. And you have to admit, the gameplay is quite exciting. The game becomes somewhat difficult (and a great deal less fun) without the help of a partner.


As much fun as the game is, I have to give it a 6/10 due to severe flaws, and the lack of additions after the port.

Thoughts and Opinions - The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Just days ago at the Game Developer's Conference (GDC), Nintendo announced their plans to launch a new Zelda title - The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.


Like Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks revolves highly around a vehicle; this time, a train. The train used to travel around the world is equipped with a cannon, strongly hinting that travelling around the world will be a main focus in gameplay like it's predecessor.

Nintendo is claiming that this will be a "less casual" game, and it seems like they are trying to appease all the veteran players who aren't happy with all the "kiddy" games being released for the Wii and DS.

But really, a train? As informal as this sounds, that's crazy. I'm sure that Nintendo will be able to build success and an amazing game out of the concept, but my guess is that the train gameplay will be one of the game's weakest points.


When more details arise, Live Wire will keep you informed.