RipTen Videogame Blog » Tetris

RipTen Review: Tetris (3DS Game Boy Virtual Console)

Justin Berube — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:46 +0000

The original Game Boy version of Tetris was the very first portable game that I owned. Opening that Game Boy up on Christmas morning in 1990 was one of the best moments of my childhood. But that was a long ago. Is this classic Game Boy version of Tetris still From Russia With Fun?

Once the game is booted up players will be treated to the classic music of my portable youth as well as the option for 1 or 2 Players. Unfortunately right from the start a common Game Boy Virtual Console criticism arises. There is no way to select a 2 Player game on this Tetris port because there is no way to classically link up the hardware. For whatever reason Nintendo just quickly ports these Game Boy titles over and doesn’t even include some sort of new wireless way to enjoy the game’s Multiplayer mode with others that have downloaded the software. It just seems a bit lazy.

Single player mode, however, retains all of its glory. Before the game is started the player is given the option of either A-Type, or B-Type. A-Type is Tetris as most know it, while B-Type allows the player to select a difficulty where random Tetris junk pieces are scattered around the play area at the start of the game.

Also from the main screen is the option to choose between four different music types. A-Type (the classic GB Tetris theme), B-Type (my favorite), C-Type, or just Off. This is a nice little option since hearing the same song every game may get annoying.

Then there is one more set of options to choose from. Players can choose what level they will start at between 0 and 9 (starting speed of the falling Tetriminos, AKA Tetris pieces). If game B-Type is selected then it is possible to also choose a difficulty 0-5 of how difficult the scatted Tetris junk pieces will be.

From then on out it’s Tetris as usual. The seven different Tetriminos randomly fall and it’s up to the player to create lines in order to clear them as well as rack up a high score! The more lines that are cleared after a single Tetriminos placement is placed increases the amount of points earned, but going for the ultimate Tetris (clearing 4 lines at once) is risky buy rewarding. If a piece hits the top of the play area the game is over and the score can then be recorded to the game.

This version of Tetris is very simple but also has a rich history. Nintendo securing the ability to release Tetris for the Game Boy is an epic story, which gives this version of Tetris a history unlike most (really go look it up!) Additionally this exact game is what put Nintendo on the path to portable dominance in the gaming industry, a place that it has arguably been for the last 22 years! If this game didn’t come out, and wasn’t packaged with the Game Boy, than Nintendo may have had to wait until Pokémon (if it even made it that far) before they gained a stronghold on the portable gaming market.

With that said, this is still a very simplistic, yet fun, version of Tetris. It also has an arguably high price point of $3.99. While that may not initially sound like much, if you look on the eShop it’s possible to buy Tetris Party Live (originally for DSiWare) for $4.99. I don’t know how that game fares up to this classic Tetris title, but Tetris Party Live looks like it has more options and does feature an online mode and only for a dollar more.

Overall the classic Game Boy version of Tetris is still fun after all these years but may not be the best value as far as Tetris games on the eShop are concerned. However it will fill the hearts of many players with nostalgia and it’s still one of the most influential versions of Tetris ever made making it a must play for those interested in the history of gaming.

Here’s The Rundown:

+ Still From Russia With Fun!
+ Great for those interested in gaming history.
+ Lots of nostalgia for those that played it back on a Game Boy.

- Not many features.
- No two player mode.
- Other versions of Tetris on the eShop may be a greater value.

To keep up with my latest reviews and more Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook.

Tetris was developed by Nintendo and Bullet-Proof Software and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Game Boy and rereleased on the 3DS eShop. The game was released in North America on the eShop on December 22nd, 2011 with an MSRP of $3.99. The copy used in this review was provided by the publisher. The game was played by the reviewer for over 20 years.

Nintendo Download 12/22/2011

Justin Berube — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:32:57 +0000

More titles have been added to Nintendo’s Digital Shops!

3DS eShop
Mighty Switch Force!
TETRIS (Game Boy Virtual Console)

DSiWare (And 3DS eShop)
Doodle Fit
Rytmik Retrobits
Chronicles of Vampires: Orgins

WiiWare
Soccer Up
Gnomz (Demo Version)

For more information on any of these titles be sure to read the official Press Release below!

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about the Nintendo Download this week!

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS – DEC. 22, 2011

Dec. 22, 2011

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
Mighty Switch Force! – Space Hooligans have escaped custody and are wreaking havoc all over Planet Land. HQ calls on cybernetic peace-keeper Patricia Wagon to bring these renegades to justice. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

TETRIS® – TETRIS, the iconic block-slotting puzzle game, gets a re-release on the Nintendo 3DS system. It’s easy to pick up, yet impossible to put down! (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare™
Doodle Fit – Doodle Fit challenges players to fit sets of blocks into a given shape. The game features more than 100 different levels with a variety of unique shapes and nearly 550 solutions in total. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Also new this week:
• Rytmik Retrobits (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)
• Chronicles of Vampires: Origins (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)
• Soccer Up (WiiWare™)
• Gnomz (demo version) (WiiWare)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/download22LMZq91.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS system, to the Nintendo DSi Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Nintendo Dates Two Upcoming Portable Games

Justin Berube — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:22:54 +0000

Nintendo of America has just announced the release date, and details, of two upcoming portable titles. Professor Layton and the Last Specter will arrive on October 17th, 2011 for the Nintendo DS. Nintendo of America also stated the following regarding Professor Layton and the Last Specter:

As a North American exclusive to the overall Professor Layton and the Last Specter package, a bonus role-playing game called Professor Layton’s London Life™ containing more than 100 hours of additional content will be available to players from the start of the game.

I’m pretty sure that the London Life RPG was unlockable in the Japanese version upon completion of the main game. So I’m not sure if this statement means that London Life will be only in the North American version of the game, or if this means that it will only be unlocked from the start in the North American version. I’m hoping for the later since Europeans and Australians likely want to play this bonus game.

Nintendo also revealed that Tetris Axis will be coming to the 3DS on October 2nd, 2011.

US PlayStation Store Update 3-22-11

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:25:21 +0000

A big week for the PlayStation Store as Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Reverie DLC is finally here. PlayStation Plus subscribers get early access to the SOCOM 4 beta and PlayStation Move Heroes as a full game trial.

Don’t forget the Spring Fever Sale and the PSOne updates!

Info courtesy of the US PlayStation Blog.

Spring Fever Highlights

3/22 Spotlight Title

Ghostbusters: Sanctum Of Slime

3/22 Sale Offers

Tetris (now $4.99, regular price $9.99)
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (now $9.99, regular price $19.99)

Coming Next Week On 3/29 – Moon Diver

PlayStation Plus

Full Game Trial

PlayStation Move Heroes – Coming March 24, 2011

Featured Games

SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs Multiplayer Beta (Free and exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers)

Discounted Games & DLC

Swarm Full Game (PlayStation Plus price $11.99, regular price $14.99)
Mini Squadron PlayStation minis (PlayStation Plus price $1.00, regular price $1.99)
Wakeboarding HD (PlayStation Plus price $3.99, regular price $4.99)

Updates

Street Fighter Alpha 2 – Psone Classic – 50% Sale (PS3/PSP) (now $2.99, original price $5.99)

Hoard – Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)

Wakeboarding – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Ghostbusters the Videogame PSP – Price Change (PSP) (now $9.99, original price $29.99)

Downloadable Games

Swarm ($14.99)
Swarm is an action-platformer where you take direct control of 50 pudgy blue morons and drive them through an intense and suicidal gauntlet of destruction. Run, bash, huddle, boost, stack, jump, push and throw your way through a ridiculously dangerous world in your attempt to collect valuable DNA and ensure at least one swarmite survives.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 457 MB

PlayStation Move Heroes ($39.99) – Coming March 24, 2011
Get ready for a PlayStation Move Motion Controller adventure like no other as you choose from six legendary heroes to defeat galactic predators so fiendish that it will take all of their combined cunning and skill to vanquish them.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 10.5 GB

Battle: Los Angeles ($9.99)
As the world’s great cities fall, there remains one place that becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It’s up to you to take on an enemy unlike any ever encountered before.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.11 GB

DC Universe Online ($59.99)
DC Universe Online delivers a fast-paced action combat experience giving the player complete control over every move in combat. Join thousands of others online in a universe at war. Fight alongside or against your favorite DC Comics characters as you build your legacy. Hero or villain. Good or evil. Which side will you choose? The next legend is YOU!
The first 30 days of game play are included with this purchase.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 122 MB

Premier Manager ($9.99)
The definitive pick up and play experience! Highlighting playability and ease of use, Premier Manager is the ideal game for both hardcore and casual game players who share a common interest or passion for the Beautiful Game. Can you handle the high pressure, high stakes world of top-flight soccer management?
ESRB Rated E
File size: 154 MB

Ghostbusters: Sanctum Of Slime ($9.99)
Strap on your proton packs for an all-new Ghostbusting adventure! Hop in the ECTO-4WD and blast ghouls with a medley of weapons. Battle alone or team up with friends in local or online co-op. Show them you ain’t afraid of no ghosts!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 261 MB

Game Demos (free)

WWE All-Stars Demo
WWE All Stars delivers an all-new take on WWE with fast, fun, fluid and furious arcade-style gameplay that takes WWE action to the next level! Featuring your favorite colorful WWE Legends of the past and larger-than-life WWE Superstars of today, WWE All Stars delivers the greatest roster ever assembled in a WWE videogame! Play as Rey Mysterio or the Ultimate Warrior in this action-packed demo.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 869 MB

You Don’t Know Jack Demo
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK – the trivia game your mother warned you about – would like to invite you to have your pants pulled over your brain (a.k.a. “a head wedgie”). Play alone or with friends (if you have any) and match wits with your cantankerous host, Cookie Masterson. Covering everything from pop music to the pope, it’s YOU DON’T KNOW JACK – the game where high culture and pop culture collide!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.15 GB

Ghostbusters: Sanctum Of Slime Demo
Try the trial of Ghostbusters Sanctum of Slime, a new adventure battling frightful phantasms taking over New York City!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 261 MB

PSone Classics

Legend of Mana ($5.99)
Fa’Diel has lost its Mana Tree and it’s up to you to gather the ancient artifacts needed to restore the world. Download this PSone Classic today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 352 MB

Add-on Game Content

Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow: Reverie ($9.99)
The ‘Revervie’ DLC pack follows the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Gabriel Belmont stands on the edge of an abyss contemplating his fate. In the darkest shadows of his mind, he hears her cry for help. Laura, the vampire child who had spared him during his quest, is in danger. Gabriel decides to repay his debt of honor to her and returns to the castle in order to offer his aid but comes face to face with his own terrible destiny.
File size: 1.02 GB

Ar Tonelico Qoga – Binary World [Complete Edition] Elemia Island Complete Series ($5.99)
Install a brand new scenario for Ar tonelico Qoga! This DLC item includes the complete series of “Elemia Island,” an exciting, pseudo-romance story that features Ar Ru as the main character. (These scenarios are not voiced.)
File size: 342 MB

Ar Tonelico Qoga – Harvestasha Alternative Personality Patch Module [INT: Default] (Free)
The default personality patch for the artificially intelligent Harvestasha. With this Module, you can restore her default personality after playing with one of the other alternate personality modules. (This content is mostly voiced.)
File size: 1.43 MB

Ar Tonelico Qoga – Harvestasha Alternative Personality Patch Module [Type A: Tsundere] (Free)
This is a patch for manipulating the artificially intelligent Harvestasha. The final boss of the main story, Harvestasha will have an incredible alternate personality! With the Type A Module, you will experience a “Tsundere,” or cold/lovey-dovey Harvestasha. (This content is mostly voiced.)
File size: 1.43 MB

Ar Tonelico Qoga – Harvestasha Alternative Personality Patch Module [Type B: Dorodere] (Free)
This is a patch for manipulating the artificially intelligent Harvestasha. The final boss of the main story, Harvestasha will have an incredible alternate personality! With the Type B Module, you will experience a “Dorodere,” or deeply lovey-dovey Harvestasha. (This content is mostly voiced.)
File size: 1.47 MB

Ar Tonelico Qoga – Harvestasha Alternative Personality Patch Module [Type C: Ultra M] (Free)
This is a patch for manipulating the artificially intelligent Harvestasha. The final boss of the main story, Harvestasha will have an incredible alternate personality! With the Type C Module, you will experience an “Ultra M,” or masochistic Harvestasha. (This content is mostly voiced.)
File size: 1.43 MB

Ar Tonelico Qoga – Harvestasha Alternative Personality Patch Module [Type D: Shocking White] (Free)
This is a patch for manipulating the artificially intelligent Harvestasha. The final boss of the main story, Harvestasha will have an incredible alternate personality! With the Type D Module, you will experience a “Shocking White,” or amazingly pure & innocent Harvestasha. (This content is mostly voiced.)
File size: 1.43 MB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Flower Hat (If) ($0.99)
An accessory for IF, inspired by the Flower Hat.
File size: 645 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Glistening Memorial (Free)
A legendary tree which every student on Lastation is talking about…
It was said relationships born under the tree will be happy forever, but the tree was ruined by a butterfly’s deadly pollen. Save the tree by defeating the butterfly! Obtain Compa’s special weapon, Splashing Acid!
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Leafy Bow HQ 2 (Compa) ($0.99)
A double-leaf-shaped accessory for Compa.
File size: 359 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Leafy Bow HQ 2 (Neptune) ($0.99)
A double-leaf-shaped accessory for Neptune.
File size: 193 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Level Cap +200 ($0.99)
The first release. Add 200 to the maximum level cap.
File size: 100 KB

Hyperdimension Neptunia: Lost Employee (Free)
Shop employee Macaroon is out to give a receipt to Neptune which she forgot upon purchase. However, Macaroon hasn’t returned ever since she left. Go find Macaroon in the shop owner’s stead. Obtain IF’s special weapon, Shadowless Blade!
File size: 100 KB

Yoostar 2 – This Is Sparta! (Extended Version) ($1.99)
300 – In this extended version of “This is Sparta!” defiant King Leonides reminds a messenger from conqueror Xerxes that the Athenians refused to submit to his master, and Spartans have their reputation to consider.
File size: 297 MB

Yoostar 2 – Row, Row, Row Your Boat ($1.99)
Barney. Join Barney for some floating fun in Venice, Italy.
File size: 103 MB

Yoostar 2 -Turquoise Lagoon And Waterfall ($1.99)
Turquoise lagoon and waterfall – Wade into a secluded tropical lagoon and explore a magical turquoise cove.
File size: 81 MB

Yoostar 2 – I Ask You For Justice ($1.99)
The Godfather – Bonasera visits Don Vito Corleone on the day of his daughter’s wedding to ask a favor: a murder.
File size: 179 MB

Yoostar 2 – She Looks To Pure To Be Pink ($1.99)
Grease – High school gang the Pink Ladies are at lunch.
File size: 50 MB

Yoostar 2 – Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates ($1.99)
Forrest Gump – Mrs. Gump is dying and tries to comfort her son.
File size: 111 MB

Yoostar 2 – You Lost My Bag! ($1.99)
Meet the Parents – Atlantic Airline has lost Greg’s bag.
File size: 81 MB

Yoostar 2 – 300 Scene Pack ($4.99)
Pack includes 3 scenes: “A beast approaches”, “Come back with your shield – or on it”, and Hollywood Set “Atop Xerxes’ throne” from the film “300.”
File size: 184 MB

Yoostar 2 – Khaaan! ($1.99)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan – Fifteen years ago Capt. Kirk exiled Khan, a genetically engineered superhuman, and his followers.
File size: 118 MB

Yoostar 2 – Please Don’t Hurt Me! ($1.99)
Tropic Thunder – The heroin-producing Flaming Dragon gang holds Tugg Speedman in their jungle compound.
File size: 168 MB

Yoostar 2 – Dorothy Meets The Cowardly Lion ($1.99)
The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy has just slapped the Cowardly Lion for chasing Toto.
File size: 62 MB

Yoostar 2 – Blockbusters! Scene Pack ($6.99)
Pack includes 5 scenes: “Meet the Parents,” “300,” “The Terminator,” “Zoolander” and “The Hangover.” See detailed description for scene titles.
File size: 491 MB

Yoostar 2 – You Work Under An Alias? ($1.99)
CSI: Miami, Season 5 In the episode, “Going Under,” Jake boasts he let Calleigh take him down.
File size: 133 MB

LittleBigPlanet 2: Sly & Bentley costumes ($2.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume pack today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Sly Cooper or Bentley. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet 2.
File size: 1.02 MB

LittleBigPlanet 2: Jak & Daxter costumes ($2.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume pack today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Jak & Daxter. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet 2.
File size: 1.02 MB

LittleBigPlanet 2: Ratchet & Clank costumes ($2.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download this costume pack today and dress up your Sackboy to look like Ratchet & Clank. NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet 2.
File size: 1.02 MB

Rock Band 3
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“I Go To Extremes” – Billy Joes ($1.99)
“Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)” – Billy Joel ($1.99)
“My Life” – Billy Joel ($1.99)
“Prelude/Angry Young Man” – Billy Joel ($1.99)
“Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” – Billy Joel ($1.99)
“She’s Always A Woman” – Billy Joel ($1.99)
Billy Joel Piano Challenge ($9.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Billy Joel Piano Challenge. This pack includes “I Go to Extremes,” “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway),” “My Life,” “Prelude/Angry Young Man,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” AND “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel.

File size: 17 – 58 MB (singles), 205 MB (track pack)

Bundles

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit – Three For All Pack – Bundle ($19.99)
Buy all three Need for Speed Hot Pursuit DLC packs at once! This bundle includes Armed & Dangerous, Lamborghini Untamed and Porsche Unleashed packs. Compete in new challenges and multiplayer modes today!
File size: 309 KB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 3/22 Edition
File size: 424 MB (1080)

Ghostbusters: Sanctum Of Slime Launch Trailer
File size: 24 MB (HD)

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 Launch Trailer
File size: 54 MB (HD)

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Three For All Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD)

Yakuza 4 Demo Trailer
File size: 48 MB (HD)

Back To The Future: The Game – Episode 2 Trailer
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Puzzle Agent – Making of, Part 1 Trailer
File size: 147 MB (HD)

Puzzle Agent – Making of, Part 2 Trailer
File size: 103 MB (HD)

Red Faction: Armageddon: A New Threat Trailer
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – The Da Vinci Disappearance DLC Single Player Trailer
File size: 60 MB (HD)

inFAMOUS 2 – Karma Trailer Video
File size: 75 MB (HD) 128 MB (1080)

Killzone 3 – Launch Trailer
File size: 72 MB (HD)

ModNation Racers – Over 2 Million Creations! Video
File size: 82 MB (HD) 143 MB (1080)

Kazuo Harai Interview on the NGP
File size: 39 MB (SD) 249 MB (HD) 417 MB (1080)

PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter Video
File size: 82 MB (SD)

PS3 Themes

Slam Bolt Scrappers Theme (Free)
File size: 1.24 MB

Phineas and Ferb Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 875 KB

Tales From Space: About A Blob – Premium Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.32 MB

Celtic Maidens 2 Dynamic Theme ($1.99)
File size: 13 MB

Lindsay Kaye Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 8.88 MB

Terran Marines Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 12 MB

Brushed Metal Theme ($0.99)
File size: 2.43 MB

Hot Babes Theme ($0.99)
File size: 2.97 MB

Music Theme ($0.99)
File size: 3.99 MB

Wrigley’s Dynamic Theme (Free)
File size: 4.00 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy ($29.99)
The divine conflict between harmony and discord rages on, the fate of the world its promised prize. Fighting to secure it are brave souls summoned for that solitary purpose. Champions, cut from a cloth different from those which form the fabric of our world. Relying on what fragments of their shattered memories remain, they fight to end the conflict, and for a chance to return home to the worlds they each once knew.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.17 GB

Hoard ($9.99)
YOU ARE THE DRAGON in HOARD, a fast-paced arcade action-strategy title from Big Sandwich Games. Burn villages, roast knights, and capture princesses in your quest to gather a huge pile of treasure! Conquer dozens of unique miniature fantasy kingdoms across multiple game modes. Earn over 90 challenging badges and achieve Legendary Wyrm status! Immerse yourself in addictive gameplay that was awarded “Best Quick Fix” of 2010 by IGN.com.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 54 MB

Game Demos (also available from PS3 Storefront) (free)

Hoard Demo
YOU ARE THE DRAGON in HOARD, a fast-paced arcade action-strategy title from Big Sandwich Games. Burn villages, roast knights, and capture princesses in your quest to gather a huge pile of treasure! Conquer dozens of unique miniature fantasy kingdoms across multiple game modes. Earn over 90 challenging badges and achieve Legendary Wyrm status! Immerse yourself in addictive gameplay that was awarded “Best Quick Fix” of 2010 by IGN.com.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 54 MB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Doodle Pool – Minis ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 10 MB

Minisquadron – Minis ($1.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 28 MB

Game Videos (free)

Pulse 3/22 Edition
File size: 42 MB

TNT Racers Trailer
File size: 6 MB

Lego Star Wars III PSP Launch Trailer
File size: 9 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Brushed Metal PSP Theme ($0.99)
File size: 223 KB

PSP Wallpapers (free)

Hoard Wallpaper 1
File size: 67 KB

Long Before the 3DS and NGP – Atari Almost Dominated the Handheld Gaming Market

Matthew Sims — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:10:36 +0000

Let’s take a trip back in time to the magical year of 1989 and all that it entailed; a simpler time when it was acceptable to wear hideous sweaters and video game magazine covers looked like bad fan art. Nintendo was riding high on the success of it’s NES system, and Atari was still reeling from a string of unsuccessful consoles and the public relations nightmare that was the Video Game Crash of 1983. Nintendo, for lack of a better phrase, cleaned up Atari’s mess by introducing the NES and instituting the “Nintendo Seal of Quality.” The seal, known as more of a joke today, was an instrumental part of regaining the public’s faith in good, quality video games.

Nintendo very much represented a “changing of the guard” in the game industry. Atari, the company that had dominated the game industry for a decade, was no longer at the forefront of gaming and had instead lost ground to the upstart NES and Nintendo. However, while the NES was winning over gamers everywhere, publisher Epyx was working on a handheld with the potential to change the industry.

“The Handy” as it was codenamed was technically impressive, but the company hadn’t the money to manufacture of distribute the device. Epyx eventually went belly up and “The Handy,” was shopped around to potential suitors. No one was biting, especially Nintendo, who was secretly prepping the Game Boy for a Holiday 1989 release and they certainly weren’t going to abandon their hardware for an untested machine from a failed publishing company.

Eventually, just when all seemed lost, Atari bought the rights to the machine, renamed it the “Lynx,” and contracted the machine’s creators to make games for the device. Atari felt a handheld was the perfect way to gain some market share, especially when the only competition at the time was Nintendo’s aging Game & Watch handhelds. To Atari this must have seemed like a slam dunk decision but little did Atari know that in a short time it would all change.

The Lynx Certainly Would Have Won a Handheld War Against This

The Lynx was a powerhouse of a handheld. It featured a backlit screen, ambidextrous controls, and vivid 16-bit graphics that, at the time, were not even standard on consoles. Nintendo’s Game Boy was pathetic in comparison to the Lynx, featuring only 8-bit graphics. The Lynx; however, had some drawbacks such as its massive size and short battery life. The handheld was very similar to Sega’s Game Gear, which would be released two years later and be even more technically impressive.

Atari’s Lynx retailed at $189, which was almost twice the price of the Gameboy, putting it firmly out of the reach of the teenage demographic. The Lynx was still was boasting strong initial sales numbers during the holiday season, but could not keep stores stocked with enough units to really make a push. Nintendo, of course, had no trouble supplying stores with enough Game Boy units and so many of the consumers who would have bought a Lynx ended up leaving their retailer with a Game Boy instead. Atari eventually managed to supply stores with enough units, but by then Nintendo had a firm grasp on the handheld industry and hasn’t let go since.

Of course, the holiday season wasn’t enough to break the Lynx; there were a few other contributing factors. For one, the Lynx had a distinctive lack of third party publishers on board. However; if Atari had managed to show strong numbers for the holiday season, it is likely that developers would have jumped aboard after the system had proven profitable. While all of the problems compounded to make a headache for Atari, the Lynx was crushed by one thing, Tetris. The Game Boy was shipping with Tetris as a pack-in title, and that addicting little title sold enough Game Boys to cement Nintendo as the King of Handhelds.

Tetris sold the Game Boy. Period.

The Lynx did re-launch in 1991 with a sleeker design and a $99 price tag, but by then Sega’s Game Gear had hit the market and with strong third party support it steamrolled the new Lynx. With the Lynx firmly in last place, Atari decided to abandon production in 1994 and instead focus on its new console, the “Atari Jaguar”. We all know how well that turned out.

The handheld gaming market, as it stands today, is dominated by Sony and Nintendo. Nintendo’s DS clearly won the last generation, but with the impressive Sony NGP and Nintendo 3DS both releasing this year, only time will tell who comes out on top this time. Who knows what could have been if Atari had managed to hit a home run with the Lynx . . . it may have changed the game industry as we know it today.

Tetris HD Trophy guide with ‘Insane’ Trophy Tutorial

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:56:00 +0000

Tetris HD is a great update which bring Tetris into the 21st century with 1080p Graphics. Use this guide to complete all trophies including the dreaded Insane Trophy.

Teamwork (Bronze) – Clear at least 2 lines with a piece swapped to you in Shared (additive).
Lockpick (Bronze) – Unlock all Variants.
Giver (Bronze) – Pass 100 lines to opponents on any multiplayer mode (additive).
Next! (Bronze) – Surpass a Friend on Next Best Score.
Synched (Bronze) – Get a Tetris within 3 seconds of a friend getting a Tetris in Team Battle.
Tetrinet (Bronze) – Finish all 4 Multiplayer modes online.
Trigger Happy (Bronze) – Send 12 or more lines to one opponent in under 5 secs in Battle, Timed Battle or Team Battle.
Advanced (Silver) – Complete all Advanced Feats.
Achiever (Silver) – Complete all Career Feats.

Insane (Silver) – In Origin clear lines 20, 10 and 1 in that order.

Clear as Water (Silver) – Perform a Bravo (clear your matrix).
Master (Gold) – Finish all variants on level 15 and Radical.

U.S. PlayStation Store Update 1/04/11

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:00:57 +0000

A great Update to start the new year. With Angry Birds, Microbots, HD Tetris and many other discounts, the PlayStation Store has started 2011 with a BANG.

PlayStation Plus

Featured Games

Lead & Gold: Gangs for the Wild West (Free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $14.99)

Spyro the Dragon (Free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, regular price $5.99)

Pipe Madness – Minis (Free and exclusive for PlayStation Plus Subscribers)

Discounted Games & DLC

MX vs. ATV Reflex PSP (50% off) (PlayStation Plus price $15.00, regular price $29.99)

Tom Clancy: H.A.W.X. 2 – All In One Pack (25% off) (PlayStation Plus price $7.49, regular price $9.99)

Featured Themes & Avatars

Underwater Disco Theme (Free for PlayStation Plus members, regular price $1.49)

Rival School Avatar Bundle (Exclusive to PlayStation Plus members for $1.99)

Updates

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional Character Colors #1 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.49, original price $4.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional Character Colors #2 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.49, original price $4.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional Character Colors #3 – Sale (PS3) (now $2.49, original price $4.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional System Voice Type-C – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional System Voice Type-K – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Additional System Voice Type-M – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Makoto Additional Playable Character – Sale (PS3) (now $4.49, original price $7.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Unlock All Unlimited Characters – Sale (PS3) (now $3.49, original price $5.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Unlock Playable Character Mu – Sale (PS3) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)

Blazblue: Continuum Shift – Valkenhayn R Hellsing – Sale (PS3) (now $4.49, original price $7.99)

Cuboid – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Interpol – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Magic Orbz – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Magic Orbz Extreme Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now $7.79, original price $12.99)

Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Sky Fighters – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Smash Cars – Sale (PS3) (now $8.99, original price $14.99)

Wakeboarding HD Dynamic Theme Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Hamsterball – Sale (PS3) (now $5.99, original price $9.99)

Super Stacker Party – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $6.99)

Topatoi – Sale (PS3) (now $3.99, original price $7.99)

Topatoi Bundle – Sale (PS3) (now $6.99)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed – Sale (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $13.99)

Uno PSP – Sale (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $7.99)

Wheel of Fortune – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $14.99)

101-In-1 Megamix – Permanent Price Drop (PS3/PSP) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)

GTI Club Supermini Festa! – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $14.99, original price $29.99)

Superstars V8 Racing – Permanent Price Drop (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)

Downloadable Games

MicroBot ($9.99)

Pilot a prototype cutting-edge MicroBot that has the capability to be customized and upgraded mid-mission in order to cure the infected host. Improve your weaponry, movement, defensive options and special attacks using data fragments harvested from eradicated enemies. Travel through blood, bone, breath and brain as you track down and eradicate the cause of the infection. But are you the ultimate cure…or the disease?

ESRB Rated E

File size: 148 MB

TETRIS ($9.99)

THE AWARD WINNING BLOCKBUSTER – ALL NEW FOR PlayStation 3 system! Experience the boldest, most vibrant TETRIS ever with enhanced 1080P HD graphics, 5.1 Surround Sound, 6 multiplayer modes, and 3 brand new game modes that are exclusive to the PS3!

ESRB Rated E

File size: 70 MB

NEOGEO Station PS3 Bundle Pack ($79.99)

‘NEOGEO Station’ PlayStation3 system BUNDLE PACK – This PS3 Version Game Bundle features ten nostalgic NEOGEO classics any fan of SNK will surely enjoy: ALPHA MISSION II, ART OF FIGHTING, BASEBALL STARS PROFESSIONAL, FATAL FURY, LEAGUE BOWLING, MAGICIAN LORD, METAL SLUG, SAMURAI SHODOWN, SUPER SIDEKICKS, and THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’94.

ESRB Rated E – T

File size: 551 MB

Ricochet HD ($7.99) ** SPECIAL INTRODUCTARY OFFER Normally $9.99 **

Ricochet HD is an intense action game combining equal parts skill and strategy. With the most comprehensive feature set of any game in this genre, Ricochet HD’s dynamic and interactive brick busting levels reward strategic play while the arsenal of power-ups allows you to obliterate everything in your path. 150 dynamic multi-staged unlocking levels deliver hours of non-stop action.

ESRB Rated E

File size: 326 MB

Angry Birds – minis ($3.99) (also available from PSP Storefront)

The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake! Dish out revenge on the greedy pigs that stole the Angry Birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of each Angry Bird to lay waste to those pesky-pigs’ fortified castles.

ESRB Rated E

File size: 17 MB

PSone Classic

Reloaded ($5.99)

F.U.B. is back and not happy. Currently known as C.H.E.B., the evil mastermind is determined to turn the entire universe into twisted works of modern art. Download this PS one Classic today!

ESRB Rated M

File size: 144 MB

Arc the Lad III ($5.99)

Join Alec and friends on his quest to become a legendary Hunter and save the world from the Dark One. Download this PS one Classic today!

ESRB Rated T

File size: 622 MB

Game Demos (free)

MicroBot Demo

ESRB Rated E

File size: 148 MB

Top Gun Network Demo

Top Gun is a free-flying air combat shooter based on the film. In Top Gun, players enroll in the Academy as Maverick with their RIO Goose to go up against the best for top honors. Following graduation, players fly into the danger zone with fellow US Navy pilots, where they shoot down enemy jets, attack bases and engage in large-scale dogfights.

ESRB Rated T

File size: 236 MB

Alien Breed 2: Assault Demo

A purpose-designed, action-packed trial section of Alien Breed 2: Assault, called “The Prologue”, which can be played in either single-player or two-player local co-operative mode. This free introduction to the game also features a time-limited “Survivor” mode map, which can again be played in either single-player or two-player local co-operative mode.

ESRB Rated T

File size: 1.33 GB

Ricochet HD Demo

ESRB Rated E

File size: 326 MB

Kung-Fu Live Demo

Release your inner Bruce Lee and experience the action of the ultimate full-body motion fighting game! Using the PlayStation®Eye, Kung-Fu LIVE scans YOU inside a world of pulp action comics to kick, punch and shoot lightning from your hands like never before. Download this demo now for a taste of the awesome Kung-Fu action!

ESRB Rated T

File size: 313 MB

Add-on Game Content

John Daly’s Prostroke Golf Course Pack 01 (free)

Four new 18-hole golf courses with local play – single or multiplayer:

Cotton Farms: Long par 5’s, unforgiving fairways and challenging greens.
St Stephens: Rolling, hilly North American course with extensive water hazards.
Crawford Dunes: North American course with strategic bunkers and winding fairways.
Almeria Country Park: Crisp, dry course from Southern Europe requiring precision play.

File size: 298 MB

Fist of the North Star – DLC Pack 6 ($4.99)

Experience the legendary warrior, Toki, in all his former glory in his pre-apocalyptic costume from the flashback sequence in the original comic book! Also, two new missions will have you battling to escape Amiba’s grasp, and fighting to escape a deadly trap set by Thouzer and Juda!

File size: 11 MB

EyePet – Transport Pack ($2.99)

EyePet’s always on the go, so why not dress for the occasion? Turn your EyePet into a regal ship captain, a friendly flight attendant, or a rough-and-tumble truck driver with the Transport Pack. Download the new pack today!

File size: 16 MB

Def Jam Rapstar

(Music Downloads Not Rated by the ESRB) Expand your DEF JAM RAPSTAR library with these songs. DEF JAM RAPSTAR game disc is required to play this downloadable content:

“Money To Blow” – Birdman ($1.99)
“Pass The Courvoisier, Part II” – Busta Rhymes ($1.99)
“Laffy Taffy” – D4L ($1.99)
“Get Your Freak On” – Missy Elliot ($1.99)

File size: 39 – 61 MB (singles)

Rock Band 3

Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visitwww.RockBand.com.

“Cry, Cry, Cry″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“Don’t Take Your Guns to Town″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“Five Feet High and Rising″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“Folsom Prison Blues″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“I Got Stripes″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“I Walk the Line″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“Tennessee Flat Top Box″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
“The Ballad of Ira Hayes″ – Johnny Cash ($1.99)
Johnny Cash Pack 01 ($13.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Johnny Cash Pack 01. This pack includes “Cry, Cry, Cry”, “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town”, “Five Feet High and Rising”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Got Stripes”, “I Walk the Line”, “Tennessee Flat Top Box”, and “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” by Johnny Cash.
“Band on the Run” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
“Helen Wheels” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
“Let Me Roll It” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
“Maybe I’m Amazed” – Paul McCartney & Wings ($1.99)
Celebrating Band on the Run Pack ($6.99) – Build your Rock Band 3 library by purchasing this song game track pack: Celebrating Band on the Run Pack. This pack includes “Maybe I’m Amazed”, “Band on the Run”, “Helen Wheels”, and “Let Me Roll It” by Paul McCartney & Wings.
Rock Band Pack 01 (free) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Rock Band Free Pack 01. This pack includes “Visions,” by Abnormality “Get Clean,” by Anarchy Club “Night Lies,” by Bang Camaro “Shoulder to the Plow,” by Breaking Wheel “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” by The Libyans “A Jagged Gorgeous Winter,” by The Main Drag “Conventional Lover,” by Speck “Supreme Girl,” by The Sterns and “Rob the Prez-O-Dent” by That Handsome Devil.

Rock Band Network

“(Do You Wanna Date My) Avatar” – The Guild feat. Felicia Day ($0.99)
“Bullet With A Name” – Nonpoint ($1.99)
“Buttersnips” – Periphery ($1.99)
“Deliver Us” – Andy Timmons ($1.99)
“Obfuscation” – Between the Buried and Me ($1.99)
“Rise Above This” – Seether ($1.99)
“Second & Sebring” – Of Mice & Men ($1.99)
“The Anthem Of The Angry Brides” – Norma Jean ($1.99)
“The Waiting One” – All That Remains ($1.99)
“Wake Up” – Suicide Silence ($1.99)

File size: 13 – 83 MB (singles), 164 – 197 MB (track pack)

Avatars

Rival Schools Avatars (x5) ($0.49)

File size: 100 KB

The Fight Lights Out Avatars (x2) ($0.49)

File size: 104 – 109 KB

Game Videos (free)

Dead Space 2 – Get Caught Up On Dead Space Trailer

File size: 183 MB (HD)

Dead Space 2 – Chaos Hits The Sprawl Trailer

File size: 77 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 11 Trailer

File size: 63 MB (1080)

Mass Effect 3 – Announce Trailer

File size: 31 MB (HD)

Modern Combat: Domination – Move Trailer

File size: 54 MB (HD)

Thor – Spike VGA World Premiere Trailer

File size: 82 MB (1080)

Yakuza 4 Story Trailer

File size: 110 MB (HD)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution – HR Upgrades & Augmentations Network Trailer

File size: 81 MB (HD)

Kung-Fu Live Launch Trailer

File size: 43 MB (HD)

PixelJunk Shooter 2 Gameplay Trailer

File size: 93 MB (HD), 156 MB (1080)

Making of TV Superstars – Move

File size: 148 MB (HD), 247 MB (1080)

Making of TV Superstars – Fame

File size: 162 MB (HD), 272 MB (1080)

Making of TV Superstars – Eye

File size: 127 MB (HD), 213 MB (1080)

Gran Turismo 5 Features Trailer

File size: 95 MB (HD), 159 MB (1080)

Journey – Debut Trailer

File size: 83 MB (HD)

SingStar Dance Launch Trailer

File size: 67 MB (HD), 113 (1080)

Resistance 3 Game Trailer (VGAs)

File size: 100 MB (HD), 167 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes

Call of Duty: Black Ops Heroes Theme ($1.99)

File size: 7.68 MB

Tron: Evolution Dynamic Theme ($2.99)

File size: 2.14 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Legends of War: Patton’s Campaign ($19.99)

The best Strategy & RPG game for your PSP (PlayStation Portable) system! Become General Patton and command the U.S. Third Army, from the beaches of France to the city of Berlin, along a complete Campaign composed of 35 different Missions. Manage your Army, recruiting units that range from infantry to aircrafts, and lead them in battlefield, to accomplish a change in WWII History!

ESRB Rated T

File size: 404 MB

Auditorium ($9.99)

Cipher Prime’s award-winning Auditorium is now available on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system! Manipulate light into sound in this mesmerizing puzzler. Auditorium’s intuitive controls and immersive environments make for a truly unique experience. With no instructions, no right or wrong answers, and no way to lose, Auditorium strives to return its players to a state of wonder where anything is possible. Just sit back, relax, and experiment!

ESRB Rated E

File size: 24 MB

Hot Shots Shorties Blue Pack ($4.99)

From the creators of the Hot Shots franchise, comes Hot Shots Shorties – a fun collection of mini games where players can test their might in a variety of wacky situations. The Hot Shots Shorties Blue Pack contains Soccer Derby, Karate and Tractor Derby games.

ESRB Rated E10+

File size: 53 MB

Hot Shots Shorties Red Pack ($4.99)

From the creators of the Hot Shots franchise, comes Hot Shots Shorties – a fun collection of mini games where players can test their might in a variety of wacky situations. The Hot Shots Shorties Red Pack contains Face a la Crème, Bookshelf Dash, Blitz SNAFU games.

ESRB Rated E10+

File size: 90 MB

Hot Shots Shorties Green Pack ($4.99)

From the creators of the Hot Shots franchise, comes Hot Shots Shorties – a fun collection of mini games where players can test their might in a variety of wacky situations. The Hot Shots Shorties Green Pack contains Counter Crusader, K.O. Derby and Rush Hour Master games.

ESRB Rated E10+

File size: 62 MB

Hot Shots Shorties Yellow Pack ($4.99)

From the creators of the Hot Shots franchise, comes Hot Shots Shorties – a fun collection of mini games where players can test their might in a variety of wacky situations. The Hot Shots Shorties Yellow Pack contains Vacuum Dash, Clean-up Hitter and Tillage Pillage games.

ESRB Rated E10+

File size: 52 MB

Hot Shots Shorties Bundle Pack ($14.99)

From the creators of the Hot Shots franchise, comes Hot Shots Shorties – a fun collection of mini games where players can test their might in a variety of wacky situations. There are 12 different games, split into 4 separate packs of Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green. There are a range of games, from soccer and baseball to vacuuming a room and even driving a tractor!

ESRB Rated E10+

File size: 257 MB

Add-on Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)

LittleBigPlanet PSP – Friar Tuck Costume (free)

This fancy, free friar costume is a fantastic outfit to furnish your fabulous Sackboy with! NOTE: Manual Update required

File size: 1.38 MB

Toy Story 3: Escape! ($0.99)

The Aliens have been trapped by Zurgbots! Precise coordination will be required to help them escape.

File size: 4.26 MB

Toy Story 3: Rescue Buzz Lightyear ($0.99)

Buzz Lightyear has been imprisoned by Zurg. Take 3 Aliens on an epic quest to save him.

File size: 4.06 MB

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Family Games – minis ($3.99)

ESRB Rated E

File size: 26 MB

M.O.Z.O.X. Space Salvager – minis ($2.99)

ESRB Rated E

File size: 29 MB

Info courtesy of the PlayStation Blog.

Nintendo Collectors Journal 9/30/2010

Justin Berube — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:45:06 +0000

Many people know that I’m a big Nintendo Fanboy and that I collect Nintendo games, goods, memorabilia, and more. If it says Nintendo on it, and it’s official, I want it. That’s what the Nintendo Collectors Journal is for. From this point on I’ll be documenting all the exciting Nintendo items I gather on my travels. I come across things both new and old so be sure to check back to see what I’ve come across.

Nintendo Collectors Journal 9/14/2010

Zant Figures: Nintendo Collectors Journal 10/4/2010

This is my largest Nintendo Collectors Journal to date, so hang in there! The first thing I have to show off this week is my latest issue of Nintendo Power Magazine. I love the cover and am especially happy to see Little Nemo on it! For those of you who aren’t old enough to know about that game, I feel sorry for you. This issue of Nintendo Power also came with a double sided Super Mario Bros. poster.

Above is the other side of the poster.

I was also able to finish my Mario Key Chain collection as well as get the last tin I needed in this particular series of Super Mario Bros. Collectable figures. Both of these came from Toys”R”Us so if you’re interested be sure to check out the store or website.

This week I finally received my Dragon Quest IX hat in the mail. I was able to get this hat by purchasing Dragon Quest IX at Best Buy. This offer was open to Reward Zone members who are also part of the Gamers Club.

I made sure to pick up the latest Nintendo First Party game release this week, Samurai Warriors 3 for the Nintendo Wii.

Over the weekend I hit up several yard sales, small local game shops, and seedy dealers from various places and was able to walk away with some great deals on Nintendo stuff. I was able to get the above lot of Nintendo goods for $7.00. A nice window sign, and various Nintendo wrist ware. A great deal if you ask me.

I bought this copy of Battleclash for $1.00. I know Dave Oshry is in love with this game.

This Game Boy Advance box is the box only. I got this for $5.00 and it includes all the manuals and everything that came with the hardware. Yeah I’m one of those people who likes having boxes. The guy I bought it off of thought I was crazy but I don’t care.

I got the above lot of games for $30.00. Games include Alleyway, Pokémon Silver Version, F-Zero Maximum Velocity (Not For Resale), Golden Sun, and Metroid Fusion. The Madden game was just given to me by the seller for free. He wanted to get rid of it and it kind of makes me sick too. The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team is still sealed. Should I open it? Let me know what you think.

Both of these items together cost $12.00. I needed the red Game Boy Pocket so I’m pleased.

I bought this GameCube set for $20.00. The only reason I really got it was because I wanted the somewhat uncommon Indigo Clear controller. The controller has some great control stick as well. The GameCube works but the button to open the top sticks a bit. I’ll work on it this weekend and repair it to its former glory.

The set of three Nintendo 64 controllers and the third party memory pack cost me $20.00. Two of the control sticks are in excellent shape. The Donkey Kong Jungle Green controller has a stick I would rate as moderate but I needed it for my Donkey Kong Green Nintendo 64 console.

The above lot of games also cost me about $20.00. Milon’s Secret Castle, Tetris, and Blades of Steel are just box and the game. The two John Elway’s Quarterback games and Roger Clemens’ MVP Baseball are all complete.

The above set of games cost me $18.00. I was happy to get the Tetris 2 manual as I have the box. I still don’t own the game but whatever. It will come to me when it’s ready.

This Pokémon travel bag was a whopping $1.00. It’s in amazing condition and my girlfriend is extremely jealous that I got it.

This SNES with two controllers, AC adapter, and Ken Griffey Jr.’s Winning Run cost $4.00. The SNES doesn’t seem to work though, but I think I may be able to fix it up. Even with a dud SNES I think this was a great deal.

The plush Donkey Kong and Pokémon Book cost me $3.25. How can I pass up deals this good?

This NES Game Case cost me $10.00. I like it a lot because it has the Nintendo logo and can be mounted onto the wall!

And finally I got this Tommy Hilfiger Game Boy Color for $10.00.

This week was ridiculous for me and I still have two special items that I didn’t show off. Hopefully they will be shown on the next Nintendo Collectors Journal.

Want to stay up to date with my Nintendo collecting? Or maybe you just have a tip on where to find some nice Nintendo items. Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like me on Facebook and be sure to tell me about it.

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Nintendo Katamari

Dylan Duarte — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:52 +0000

Looks like the Prince took a roll through the Mushroom Kingdom! And Hyrule. And the world of Pokemon. And Metroid. There’s even a Tetris block in there!

Five O’Clock Fan Art is perfect for wrapping up the work day. You don’t want to think anymore, you just want to look at awesome things. And there’s nothing more awesome than a well crafted piece of videogame fan art. If you don’t agree, what the hell are you doing at a gaming blog?

I really can’t tell if artist Tom Preston loves Nintendo or really, really hates them and wants to crush all of their properties up into a little ball.

Threadless T-Shirt Explains Where Tetris Pieces Come From

David Oxford — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:41:20 +0000

Simpler than any so-called “casual” game, yet more addictive than perhaps any other title to carry the “hardcore” label, Tetris has been a tested, tried and true phenomenon for decades. No story, no flashy cutscenes, not even any real characters to speak of.

But admit it: you’ve always wondered where those pieces come from.

The answer is amazingly simple, as it turns out, and yet it will shock and amaze you just the same. As you can see above, a t-shirt from Threadless has stumbled upon the secret. For those of you who wish to have a closer look at what is transpiring, just cast your gaze below:

It all seems so obvious now: the tetrises (tetrii?) of the future are built upon the bones of video gaming’s past.

To get your own shirt so that you may better inform those around you of the truth behind Tetris, just click here. They cost $18 a piece, and come in all variety of sizes… well, except for men’s double-XL. For some reason, that one seems to be sold out.

Source: via Destructoid

Tetris Becomes Best Selling Mobile Game of All Time

Dave Oshry — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:52:53 +0000

According to Blue Planet software, the company that manages the games exclusive licensing rights, Tetris has had over 100 million paid downloads, making it the number one selling mobile game of all time!!

Blue Planet CEO Henrik Rogers says”

“Tetris on mobile will never go away, as mobile devices get into the hands of more people, so does Tetris. It’s a testament to the game’s staying power that it remains popular on today’s most modern technology.”

If this story suddenly has you going mad for Tetris … don’t worry, you can play it for free right here.

[Source: Tetris.com]

HD Tetris does the impossible

Sam Naylor — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:13:34 +0000

It sucks the fun out of Tetris. Called “Tetoris“, this version of the classic puzzle renders it mind-numbing and completely dull. In a game where it takes 30 seconds for one block to get to the bottom, good luck completing only one row. It’s faster to build a tower up and fail than it is to get any points. And of course, because it’s so dull and rubbish, it is awesome. I challenge all Riptenites to complete just one row. If you manage it, you might want to think about how much free time you have.

Via BoingBoing.
Image: Rock, Paper, Shotgun.

Tetris Bracelet for the Economy Unaffected

Beau Rosser — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:32:23 +0000

The item is simple. It’s a bracelet. I know you’re asking: “Beau, why do you do Geeked-outs about clothing, personal accessories and such?”

Simple: Dolling yourself up with video game paraphernalia is the coolest. It’s the only way to make you feel totally nerdy and sexy at the same time.

Now, back to the bracelet. The item in question is a sleek, hand made resin bracelet covered in a sick Tetris-block design and is roughly 6.2 cm wide measured from the inside of the piece.

There’s not much else to say about this item besides its steep price tag of $70. But hell, right now, it’s one of a kind. So get on it. I’ll help you: it’s right here.

Thank me later.

Source: Sisicata’s Etsy Store (via CrunchGear)

Have something you think we should show on Geeked-Out? Email it to us.

Tetris Clone “Tris” to be Removed from Apple App Store on 8/27

Chad Lakkis — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:35:31 +0000

If you want to play Tetris (or a game that looks and plays just like it) on your Apple iPhone for free, then you had better hurry to the App Store and download it soon.

The makes of the real Tetris game contacted Apple regarding “Tris”, a blatant knock off of the classic puzzle game, asking that it be removed.

In response, Noah Witherspoon, creator of Tris, explained on his blog that he is a broke college student with no means to fight the accusation.

“Well — I’ve received notice from Apple that they’ve been contacted by The Tetris® Company about Tris. That, I’m afraid, is essentially game over. Do they have a case? No. Not really …

The trouble is, I’m a college student, and not an affluent one, and I simply do not have the time, energy, or resources to fight this battle right now.”

Sounds like a smart move by Noah, especially since most people would argue that they would have a case and he wouldn’t stand a chance in hell of winning.

Source: touchArcade

Tetris Ice Cube Trays

Chad Lakkis — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:11:42 +0000

The Tetris shaped ice cube trays shown above (dubbed “icetris”) are the handy work of Dima Komissarov, a member of the Russian design studio Mystake. Unfortunately, the neon colored trays are not available for retro refreshment in the states just yet, and there is no word as to when that will change.

Kudos to the design team — the only thing left for them to create now is a giant rectangular glass big enough to hold a games worth of ice.

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Source: technabob.com

Tetris: The Movie?

Jonathan Zungre — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:18:11 +0000

Forget Tomb Raider and Hitman. We need a game that has as wide of a fan base as the sci-fi summer blockbuster it will be turned into.

Enter Tetris: The Movie

Is there really any other choice?

My hat’s off to the guys at Black20.com for putting together a trailer that’s more hilarious than I could have ever imagined.

The tagline?
“A brother dies. A hero is born. Get in line for adventure. Tetris is here.”

[youtube width="480" height="378"]http://youtube.com/watch?v=VE_1KlWFJyA[/youtube]

For higher quality check out the trailer here: Black20.com