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.