Flipnote Studio Rocks

It's certainly no game, so it won't be getting an "official" review - but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve the same amount of attention. For the low price of nothing (yes, it's free), you can download one of the most interesting additions for the DSi since it's release.

Although the DSi is selling like crazy, some DS Lite owners aren't ready to make the switch - although the new system has two cameras, the abilty to upload pictures to Facebook, and the ability to download games and other features, the $170 price tag is a little much. While Flipnote Studio

certainly isn't a huge release, it might just be enough to make a few fans make the switch.

The free application allows DSi owners to create the electronic equivalent of flipbooks. There are plenty of tools, such as copy/paste, different paint brushes, and color inverting, the core of the app is drawing with the stylus. Once you finish drawing on a page, you can move to the next

simply by clicking the D-Pad, and you will see a gray version of what you just drew, allowing you to smoothly transition your "flipbook" to the next frame.

These cartoons can be very simple, with stick figures simply moving around, though with a little time and effort, you can create very intricate cartoons with complex drawings, and even sounds. If you're too lazy to make one of these yourself, you can view hundreds of cartoons uploaded by users of the app using Flipnote Hatena - and you can upload them yourself using the same service.

Another useful feature is the ability to share your flipnotes with friends that also have the DSi. Simply be within the correct range of them, and you can wirelessly transfer your creations to them, allowing them to save your flipnotes onto their DSi or SD Card.

While I do think the app itself is fun, the "selling point" (in quotes because it's free) of Flipnote Studio will be the sharing concept. It opens up an entire host of possibilities with the DSi that we are simply not seeing yet - and, knowing Nintendo, we might not for quite awhile.

Note: I'll be uploading a few of my own Flipnotes soon, but be warned - they are not good.

Image credit: play.tm (here), Nintendo Limited (here).

DSi Connects To Facebook

Just hours ago, a system update for the Nintendo DSi was released world wide. The signifcance? Owners of the DSi can now connect to the Internet and upload photos taken on the DSi directly to Facebook.

While it's not a huge event, it is definitely something that DSi owners will enjoy, and something to entice others into buying the DSi. A Facebook icon has been put in the "Album" section of the camera, making this new feature very convienent.

I have tried out this feature myself, and I can safely say, it works like a breeze. I quickly choose what pictures I wanted to upload, and, within moments, they had been uploaded to my Facebook in a new album called "Photos from Nintendo DSi". I definitely will be using this update in the future.

For more information, read the entire Press Release here.

Image credit: OICF (here).

Digital Versus Physical: The Future of Distribution

Xbox Live. WiiWare. PlayStation Network. Undoubtedly, all of these are changing the way we purchase video games. For over twenty years, gamers had to travel all the way to the video game store to pick up the latest release - but nowadays, we can simply download games onto our systems by using 'Points'. This is obviously more convienent, but does it spell the future for the way all games are distributed?

With a quick look at some forums on the Internet, you'll realize that players have some pretty strong feelings about the topic. Those on the side of Digital Distribution list some of the more obvious benefits of their choice of distribution: more convienence, less trash produced without packaging, and lower cost due to the lack of packaging. Being able to play demoes of the games you are downloading is also a bonus.

Of course, despite the growing prevelance of WiiWare and DSiWare, Nintendo is still sticking to it's old ways. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario and Zelda series, as well as many others, stated, "Personally, I'm one of those guys who, even if I have all the songs from iTunes, I want the CD as well. It's something that makes me - I feel more reassured with the physical media." Miyamoto is a pretty big name in the video game business, so his support of "traditional" distribution is definitely a big deal.

That "reassured" feeling is not the only benefit of Physical Distribution, however. Without a physical copy of the game, used copies can't be bought, and the game cannot be shared with friends unless you carry around your entire console. And if games went completely digital, game stores would go completely out of business, which would seriously hurt the economy.

The Verdict: We'll never reach such an extreme that all games are released digitally, but that doesn't mean that format will go away. Digital Distribution will likely grow to a comforatable size within the next few years, and find a perfect balance with the Physical Distribution that we have all come to know and love.

Image credit: MSXbox World (here), Second Hand Karl (here).

New 'Tingle' Game?

Nintendo has been teasing fans with the possiblity of a new game based on Tingle. In case you didn't know, Tingle is a strange, elf-like creature from the Zelda series, mainly for comic relief. However, he has become quite popular with fans, and has even had the game Tingle's Balloon Fight DS released exclusively in Japan.

As of late, a teaser site (seen here) has opened, opening the possibility of a new game. While we don't know if this game would be exclusive to Japan, as the previous one was, or released to the world, we can still begin speculation has to what this game is. Chances are, it will be a DS game - though, with all this hype, it is doubtful it would be a DSiWare game.

In the past, Tingle has been quite a controversial character, so it seems strange of Nintendo to bring him back. Of course, Japan is usually quite more accepting of things like these, thus lending more support to the theory that the game will be released exclusively in Japan.

Image credit: wikipedia

Japan Gets Red DSi, Black Wii

Despite already receiving colors of the DSi that have not yet reached America, Japan is getting a new red DSi, due August 1. Unfortunately, there is no planned release date in America. Take a look at the DSi below.

In addition to the red DSi, Japan will also be receiving a black Wii

console - the first colored version of the Wii to be released in the world. The black Wii (coupled with black Wii accessories, such as a Wii Remote and Nunchuk) will also be released August 1. Although this has also not yet been set for an American release, it seems that Nintendo would want to release this to the world, as many fans have beenc clamoring for colored Wiis.

Image credit: examiner.com (here).

E3 Recap - Day 1

Nintendo: Wow! Nintendo's Conference was a big one, with many big titles announced that will carry us into 2010. Strangely enough, the one "big" title that many had expected information on, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, was hardly mentioned - fortunately, they made up this is small error with many game announcements.

New Super Mario Bros. (Wii): Rumors were already flying about this, possibly because of a leak on Nintendo's part, but that won't be stopping the hype for this game. Focusing on a multi-player aspect, the game allows players to play as Mario, Luigi, and two different Toads (one blue, one yellow). The game also includes a new "Propellor Hat" - a hat that allows temporary flight for the user. Simply shake the Wii Remote to begin flight.


Metroid: Other M: This is, for all intents and purposes, the "big one". Being developed by Ninja Team (the makers of the Ninja Gaiden series), this promises to be a darker, more mature Metroid game. The images promise that this game will have intense action, just like the previous games in the series. No word on what that title means, though...


Super Mario Galaxy 2: The first time there has been two major Mario platformers on one console, this sequel to Super Mario Galaxy includes some epic boss battles, as well as the ability to ride Yoshi. Little information has been released so far.


Golden Sun DS: Finally! For so long, fans have waited for the sequel to the last Golden Sun game, and it's finally here! We've seen a trailer and multiple images, and we can now expect some serious 3D action! Prepare for what will definitely be one of the greatest role-playing games of this generation.


Reports on other conferences will be posted later today, or possibly tomorrow.

DSi Hands On

I've finally gotten a hold of the new Nintendo DSi, and I must say - it was worth the wait.

Although at first glance it seems the same as the Nintendo DS Lite, there are multiple differences, both big and small. Instead of a power switch, it now has a Power button on the inside of the DS, that can be pressed quickly to bring you to the new and impr

oved menu. Changing the volume is also easier, as "+" and "-" buttons have been added to the left side of the console.

Aside from these differences, the system now has two cameras - one on the inside, to take pictures of yourself playing, and a camera on the outside to use as a regular camera. The pictures are surprisingly high-resolution, and the Nintendo DSi can hold over 400 pictures without the use of a memory card.

Stay tuned tomorrow when I report on the new Nintendo DSiWare!

E3 Watchlist: Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS: The Wii might be popular, but the handheld Nintendo DS was Nintendo's big money-maker years before the Wii was even announced. And with the release of the new DSi, it appears they will be making more money than ever before - but how will the software compare?

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days: Sporting a name that many could not pronounce, this action RPG was announced nearly two years ago at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, but since then, we have recieved a great deal of information regarding the game. Similar to the action of past

games, this new iteration of Kingdom Hearts includes a new "Panel System" that allows you to fully customize the abilities, weapons, armor, and accessories of your character.

The game revolves around main protagonist Roxas, who is known as the "Nobody" of Sora, the protagonist of previous games, who has the ability to wield keyblades. There is a wide array of characters in the game ranging from Disney characters to Final Fantasy characters.

Sands of Destruction: Another big role-palying game for the Nintendo DS, Sands of Destruction has already been released in Japan under the moniker World Destru

ction. With a turn-based battle system, this promises to be a more traditional RPG, as opposed to a more action-oriented one such as the new Kingdom Hearts.

Kyrie (the Greek word for "lord") is the center of the game - he is a young man with great knife skills - but holds a mysterious destructive power. Because of this, he is the object of attention for the World Annhilation Front, a group led by the main antagonist, Morte. The game is set for release Winter 2010.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks: Undoubtedly, this will be the biggest hit for the Nintendo DS at E3 - if Nintendo decides to release more information on the title. Announced at this year's Game Developer's Conference, this new installment in the Zelda series has a new twist, similar to the previous game, Phantom Hourglass, but this time, the method of transport is a steam-powered, cannon-wielding train.

Unfortunately, we do not have any information on the story; however, we can assume it will be just as epic as all the previous games in the series.

I apologize for the video-game oriented posts recently - however, this will likely continue until the end of E3. Don't fret - electric overdrive will continue it's daily coverage of TV and movies this Wednesday!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Inside the DSi

The new "DSi", white (left) and black (right)
Nintendo of America recently revealed some more details on the upgraded Nintendo DS, the Nintendo DSi. It's North American release is set for April 5th, and will launch at the price of $169.99. To make it clear, this is not a brand new video game console. Like the Game Boy Advanced SP and Gameboy Micro, it is simply an upgraded version of the Nintendo DS.

The new DS boasts a wide array of new features and changes that set it apart from the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite. I'll start by getting the one major fault in the new DS - the removal of the GBA game slot. This might not seem like a big deal, but this stops anyone owning the DSi to play games with added attachments that fit in the GBA slot - namely, Guitar Hero: On Tour.
There are a lot of minor changes, like the power switch being replaced with a button, which has been moved to the bottom left of the touch screen. The screens are both .25 inches larger, and the entire system is 12% slimmer. The DSi even has 5 brightness settings (the Lite only had 4); however, the battery life has been reduced, an unattractive feature in my book.
Then, there are the big changes. Two cameras have been added to the DS. One is on the outside of the DS, on the lower left side. The other camera is on the inside of the DS, and allows you to take a picture of yourself while using the DSi. Another big change is firmware - like WiiWare, this new iteration of the DS has DSiWare, a service that allows you to download original games onto your DSi (saved on an SD Card, which the new DS is compatible with).

A view showing the camera on the outside of the DSi.
The new DS, although lacking some features, has a great many changes that I hope will make it worth the $170 price. I'll post a hands-on review of the DSi once it hits the states.