Today Nintendo had a surprise "Nintendo Direct" in which they talked about the upcoming Mario Kart 8 release, That includes a new Wii U bundle that they hope will bring them sells.
The new Wii U Mario Kart 8 bundle will include a red Wii U wheel and one of the very cute and neat Mario Wii Remote's, along with the 32GB Black systems. They didn't go all out and make a real special edition system but they still made a $330 bundle to hoping get some Mario fans on the "Next Gen" wagon.
They also announced that, for the folks who already bought a Wii U that when you buy a copy of Mario Kart 8 you will receive a free digital download for one of four Wii U games, New Super Mario Bros U, The Wind Waker HD(Which i really need to pick up so this is nice to hear), Pikmin 3 or the Wii Party U. For folks in Europe the games are different( Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Nintendo Land, Wonderful 101, Sonic Lost world, Mario & Sonic winter games and the Game and Wario collection) I believe that is a nice gesture from Nintendo, But is it enough?
The Wii U has its issues as any Nintendo system will have, always a step behind the big boys of Sony and Microsoft, but Nintendo has slowly started to listen to its fanboys. The online side of things has started to become something and Mario Kart 8 looks to help that as well.
What about their Tablet?
Most consumers don't realize that the Wii U is a newer Nintendo system and not just a Tablet add on for their Wii, They don't see the need to spend so much money on some tablet. But its not news of any kind that Nintendo's marketing has been horrible for the Wii U, Can they fix this? or will they possibly ignore it by removing the Tablet from its bundles?
They could if they wanted or needed to, remove the tablet from the system and lower the price to try and gain some speed on the other companies, No one really seems to be in that Touch mode in the home system fight. Smart glass is not used in the same way and Sony seems to have just ignored the feature as well.
I already own a Wii U and I must admit i have not really used the tablet for much besides getting kind of annoyed when I find myself looking at it instead of my beautiful TV while playing Mario 3d World with my other half. The second screen is neat at times but everyone admits that nintendo has yet to really use it to its full potential.
Even with upcoming games such as Mario Kart 8 it seems Nintendo has bailed on its own baby so early in this generation. It is neat for a map and such but it seems to fail to be much more, Yes it is early they could still develop something but can Nintendo wait much longer? They need to sell systems and a lower bundle without the tablet could help boost sells, Or they could promote the titles(and system) they already have out.
But what if Nintendo fails? If all hope is lost. Mario Kart no Smash Brothers really bring in the sells that they have hoped for?
Would Nintendo turn their focus away from the home systems and just to their handheld market? the 3DS has come into its own with several great titles of the last 2 years, They have a history in the market that they all but own.
Or maybe they will be bought out?
Could a company such as Apple come along and buy out our beloved Nintendo? Turn the home system into an Apple set top box that plays games, such as zelda and mario? Linked with the app store to bring other things to your TV as well?
Maybe Apple would shut down the home system and just focus on the handheld side of things, with the 3DS bringing in solid numbers still they could focus on that, But many people ask "What about the iPad and iPhone?" Could Apple let Nintendo have their handheld market place and have the eShop bring them sells on the Apple products? Have classic games officially on the iPhone would bring in money still and we would still have new, full fledged games on the 3DS.
Other companies might have interest in Nintendo tho, Someone like Facebook, Could they let Nintendo be Nintendo? Help promote the company as a whole to let them live on? Or would be just see Mario and co show up on FarmVille(is that still a thing?) or could Facebook open an eShop as well? or even bring Nintendo titles into the Oculus Rift world?
I'm not too sure why this story/idea/whatever it is popped into my head but what do you think the future holds for Nintendo?
Will the Mario Kart bundle help boost sales? Can Smash Brothers make this holiday system something Nintendo can be proud of? or will Nintendo still be the ugly step child to Sony and Microsoft come January? Or worse....
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Summer Movie Wager Info
But before I do that, Let me give you some info on the SMW.
If you are not aware of it we have some rules we will go over but also let you know it runs from the first week of May until August 29th, typically people will not pick anything from the final week of release.
You never know what will happen either, a few years back I had GI Joe 2 on my list only to have it pushed back after i posted my list, so I completely missed out on points with that pick.
Several years back one of my favorite shows ever(The Totally Rad Show) introduced me to this little game and they gave credit to Time Travel Reviews so I shall do the same(link posted below).
The rules are as follows:
You pick the top 10 movies released between May and August, Counting only the money the films make domestically( US & Canada) Number 1 is the film you believe will make the most money during that time period and so on down the list.
You will also have 3 more "Dark Horses" films you can pick that you THINK might slip into the top 10, But don't have total faith in them.
The Scoring:
• Getting number 1 or number 10 dead-on gets you 13 points (each).
The rest of the scoring goes like this:
• 10 points for numbers 2-9 dead-on
• 7 points if your pick was only one spot away from where it ended up
• 5 points if it was two spots away
• 3 points if your pick is anywhere in the Top 10
• 1 point for each dark horse that makes it into the Top 10
The scoring is tabulated so that you get the SINGLE HIGHEST point value for each pick- that is, if you get number ten right, you don’t get 13+3, you only get 13.
Once September 1 hits, We will make the official post/winner of the Summer Movie Wager. Of course we can always check in each week to see how people are doing on the Wager as well, but since not all films come out at the same time, it might be unfair to crown someone before its all said and done.
Of course you post your movies and can not edit them after you have submitted them, Please feel free to post your picks in the comment section here or on 2 Sense.
Thanks to:
The Totally Rad Show
Slashfilm.com
http://www.timetravelreviews.com/smp/Rules.html
Slow week in April 14
New Release Tuesday is here!
...& passed again but here is what's new, On the week of April 22nd 2014!
Actually not much came out this week, Mostly re-releases of classics on Blu Ray like Get Carter(s), Sorcerer and others.
Bettie Page Reveals All: Its a slow week but this is something that did catch my eye as Bettie Page was someone i kind of learned of as a teen and thought was really interesting with her pin up style, Of course not for everyone but this film is a documentary with real interviews(taped before her death in 2008.) She tells her life story from being one of six kids in her family, High school and her 50s pin up career and the retirement in 1957 at the top of her modeling career. Also talks about her marriage and affairs, nothing really seems to be buried in this Doc. Which peaks my intreats to learn about the born-again christian and her cult following. A must see for this guy.
Big Bad Wolves: Not going to lie i had not heard of this until this week but seeing that it is a Thriller/Drama the plot outline of three men crossing baths during a series of brutal murders, The Father of the newest victim, The Detective breaking the laws in search of answers and the suspect is a man of religious studies. It just catches my eye and with a week with such few films out maybe tis worth a try?
Thats what I have this week for film, But always remember if anything explore, find something you have not heard of, no reason not to give ti a try.
Video Games
Lego The Hobbit: Hitting Wii U this week. Yet another lego adventure but no harm in this right?
Octodad: Deadliest Catch: The PS4 finally gets its HUGE(to some) indie release they have been waiting for, I do plan to give it a try but i must say i never understood the hype for this game but i do enjoy and try my best to support the Indies.
NES Remix 2: The second random yet crazy flash back to the old school NES days is now out on the Wii U.
Trials Fusion & Dark Souls II both hit PC this week as well.
Also out this week Demon Gaze for PS Vita.
So this was a very slow week for both Movies & Games but always remember to try something new or turn this time into catch up time.
.
Until next time, Watch, Game & Release your mind.
...& passed again but here is what's new, On the week of April 22nd 2014!
Actually not much came out this week, Mostly re-releases of classics on Blu Ray like Get Carter(s), Sorcerer and others.
Bettie Page Reveals All: Its a slow week but this is something that did catch my eye as Bettie Page was someone i kind of learned of as a teen and thought was really interesting with her pin up style, Of course not for everyone but this film is a documentary with real interviews(taped before her death in 2008.) She tells her life story from being one of six kids in her family, High school and her 50s pin up career and the retirement in 1957 at the top of her modeling career. Also talks about her marriage and affairs, nothing really seems to be buried in this Doc. Which peaks my intreats to learn about the born-again christian and her cult following. A must see for this guy.
Big Bad Wolves: Not going to lie i had not heard of this until this week but seeing that it is a Thriller/Drama the plot outline of three men crossing baths during a series of brutal murders, The Father of the newest victim, The Detective breaking the laws in search of answers and the suspect is a man of religious studies. It just catches my eye and with a week with such few films out maybe tis worth a try?
Thats what I have this week for film, But always remember if anything explore, find something you have not heard of, no reason not to give ti a try.
Video Games
Lego The Hobbit: Hitting Wii U this week. Yet another lego adventure but no harm in this right?
Octodad: Deadliest Catch: The PS4 finally gets its HUGE(to some) indie release they have been waiting for, I do plan to give it a try but i must say i never understood the hype for this game but i do enjoy and try my best to support the Indies.
NES Remix 2: The second random yet crazy flash back to the old school NES days is now out on the Wii U.
Trials Fusion & Dark Souls II both hit PC this week as well.
Also out this week Demon Gaze for PS Vita.
So this was a very slow week for both Movies & Games but always remember to try something new or turn this time into catch up time.
.
Until next time, Watch, Game & Release your mind.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Some April Releases
New Release Tuesday is here!
Annnnnnd gone… Today might be April 16th, 2014 but we can still talk about yesterdays new releases.
The Secret life of Walter Mitty: Some folks called this the next Forrest Gump, Im not too sure how that turned out for Ben Stiller and co but My guess is they failed to reach THAT high. Staring and Directed by Stiller this is based off James Thurbers story of a day dreamer who leaves reality to into a world full of romance and action, But once his real world life is in danger(or his job) he must make the day dreaming more of a reality. One film still on my to see list.
Ride Along: When I saw the preview for Ride Along all I could think is “Wow Kevin Hart has found a lot of work” which is alright with me as He is typically pretty funny but this isn’t his stand up its a motion picture also staring Ice Cube who plays a hot head cop who finds his sisters boy friend (hart) as just some nerdy high school security guard thats not worth his sisters time. To prove James(Ice Cube) wrong he joins the Academy and hopes to earn the respect, Thus comes the ride along to prove if he has what it takes to protect the woman he loves, and one crazy night… Should be a fine random rental for the night.
The Nut Job: The kids movie of the week is an animatied action/comedy of squirrels and others fuzzy creatures. Staring Will Arnett as the voice of Surly the crazy squirrel and his rat buddy plan to heist the nut store. If you have kids you have more than likely already have it on the to see list. Also staring Liam Neeson/Jeff Dunham/Brendan Fraser and others.
Also out this month:
Anchorman 2: I actually enjoyed the first film even if it is a Will Ferrel film, But the rest of the cast just blended pretty well and I look forward to seeing them together again. Ive heard mostly negative about it which scares me a bit but it is a comedy after all.
47 Ronin: It came and went in theaters and I already feel the same about it on DVD, But it did have something about it that made me wanna see Keanu kick some butt once again.
The Hobbit 2: Yeah thats not the name but everyone really should have already seen and known about this fantasy film, Plus the Lego Hobbit is out this month as well.
Grudge Match: De Niro and Stallone think they both still have it, Im not too sure if this is the best film to try and prove that. Kevin Hart also appears in this film as well. If you enjoy these guys and Boxing it will already be on your list but i don’t think it has enough depth to catch others attention.
This month has been a busy one for me so maybe some catch up on Video Games is a need. From PS+ releases, Games on Gold & new releases heres what April has brought us thus far!
Mercenary Kings: The free PS+ game of the month for the PS4 might not be for everyone(that seems to be how it has gone thus far) But this is one game that is right up my alley. I have great memories as a kid playing Metal Slug in the arcades, Funny to think back on it because it was always during my family vacation/camping trip….the camp ground had an arcade in the shop and I found myself playing Metal Slug for hours…Thats bad now I know ha but I loved that time. Anyways MK has that same style and even has the graphic design that metal slug had but seems to be a bit more deeper come story and items. You can even craft items which alone gives it more depth than Metal Slug. If you enjoy the side scrolling shooting games or just happen to have a PS4 and enjoy free stuff it is a must.
The Elder Scrolls Online: It has already had some mixed reaction but honestly who would expect anything more from a new MMO? Even if it is based on the super popular RPG series of the same name(Elder Scrolls) it still faces a huge up hill battle against World of Warcraft and even offline RPGs like its own brother Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The thing is it is fresh meat in the MMO world so people will give it a try and so will fans of the ES series. The thing that hurts me in this release is the fact that the game is $60 and you still have the Monthly fee(yes the first month is included in that $60 price tag) of $15 which seems to be pretty steep for me to try and jump on at this point in time. But if MMOs are your thing, why not test the new waters?
Kinect Sports Rivals: A new game for the Xbox One and its to try and showcase the newer Kinect, Fans of the 360 version of the Kinect Sports series should still find some pleasure this time around, New owners of the Xbox One might also want to try something out that uses the Kinects motion sensor and what better than a sports/party game? Just remember to have a decent amount of room to play or you might break a leg o_O;
Lego The Hobbit: A family fun series steps back into the JRR Tolkien world of little people and giant spiders, tree folks and other Fantasy creatures. Not much for me to really say because I feel like the Lego games just keep popping out all over the place, I do have to say because of how enjoyable and fresh the Lego Marvel game felt the new Hobbit might be worth it even if you are “over” Lego games at this point.
Of course their are plenty of other games that have come out between these titles above and by all means explore the choices and let me know what YOU think is worth our time to play.
Until next time, Watch, Game & Release your mind.
--Scoobydiesel
Annnnnnd gone… Today might be April 16th, 2014 but we can still talk about yesterdays new releases.
The Secret life of Walter Mitty: Some folks called this the next Forrest Gump, Im not too sure how that turned out for Ben Stiller and co but My guess is they failed to reach THAT high. Staring and Directed by Stiller this is based off James Thurbers story of a day dreamer who leaves reality to into a world full of romance and action, But once his real world life is in danger(or his job) he must make the day dreaming more of a reality. One film still on my to see list.
Ride Along: When I saw the preview for Ride Along all I could think is “Wow Kevin Hart has found a lot of work” which is alright with me as He is typically pretty funny but this isn’t his stand up its a motion picture also staring Ice Cube who plays a hot head cop who finds his sisters boy friend (hart) as just some nerdy high school security guard thats not worth his sisters time. To prove James(Ice Cube) wrong he joins the Academy and hopes to earn the respect, Thus comes the ride along to prove if he has what it takes to protect the woman he loves, and one crazy night… Should be a fine random rental for the night.
The Nut Job: The kids movie of the week is an animatied action/comedy of squirrels and others fuzzy creatures. Staring Will Arnett as the voice of Surly the crazy squirrel and his rat buddy plan to heist the nut store. If you have kids you have more than likely already have it on the to see list. Also staring Liam Neeson/Jeff Dunham/Brendan Fraser and others.
Also out this month:
Anchorman 2: I actually enjoyed the first film even if it is a Will Ferrel film, But the rest of the cast just blended pretty well and I look forward to seeing them together again. Ive heard mostly negative about it which scares me a bit but it is a comedy after all.
47 Ronin: It came and went in theaters and I already feel the same about it on DVD, But it did have something about it that made me wanna see Keanu kick some butt once again.
The Hobbit 2: Yeah thats not the name but everyone really should have already seen and known about this fantasy film, Plus the Lego Hobbit is out this month as well.
Grudge Match: De Niro and Stallone think they both still have it, Im not too sure if this is the best film to try and prove that. Kevin Hart also appears in this film as well. If you enjoy these guys and Boxing it will already be on your list but i don’t think it has enough depth to catch others attention.
This month has been a busy one for me so maybe some catch up on Video Games is a need. From PS+ releases, Games on Gold & new releases heres what April has brought us thus far!
Mercenary Kings: The free PS+ game of the month for the PS4 might not be for everyone(that seems to be how it has gone thus far) But this is one game that is right up my alley. I have great memories as a kid playing Metal Slug in the arcades, Funny to think back on it because it was always during my family vacation/camping trip….the camp ground had an arcade in the shop and I found myself playing Metal Slug for hours…Thats bad now I know ha but I loved that time. Anyways MK has that same style and even has the graphic design that metal slug had but seems to be a bit more deeper come story and items. You can even craft items which alone gives it more depth than Metal Slug. If you enjoy the side scrolling shooting games or just happen to have a PS4 and enjoy free stuff it is a must.
The Elder Scrolls Online: It has already had some mixed reaction but honestly who would expect anything more from a new MMO? Even if it is based on the super popular RPG series of the same name(Elder Scrolls) it still faces a huge up hill battle against World of Warcraft and even offline RPGs like its own brother Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The thing is it is fresh meat in the MMO world so people will give it a try and so will fans of the ES series. The thing that hurts me in this release is the fact that the game is $60 and you still have the Monthly fee(yes the first month is included in that $60 price tag) of $15 which seems to be pretty steep for me to try and jump on at this point in time. But if MMOs are your thing, why not test the new waters?
Kinect Sports Rivals: A new game for the Xbox One and its to try and showcase the newer Kinect, Fans of the 360 version of the Kinect Sports series should still find some pleasure this time around, New owners of the Xbox One might also want to try something out that uses the Kinects motion sensor and what better than a sports/party game? Just remember to have a decent amount of room to play or you might break a leg o_O;
Lego The Hobbit: A family fun series steps back into the JRR Tolkien world of little people and giant spiders, tree folks and other Fantasy creatures. Not much for me to really say because I feel like the Lego games just keep popping out all over the place, I do have to say because of how enjoyable and fresh the Lego Marvel game felt the new Hobbit might be worth it even if you are “over” Lego games at this point.
Of course their are plenty of other games that have come out between these titles above and by all means explore the choices and let me know what YOU think is worth our time to play.
Until next time, Watch, Game & Release your mind.
--Scoobydiesel
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