New build, new features, new joy
Since our first hands-on play with Red Steel 2 all the way back in June - yes, it really was that long ago - we've had two more chances to get to grips with the game, the most recent at this week's Eurogamer EXPO where a new build was on display. How's the title coming along? Very, very nicely.
Plumbing new heights
Now we've had chance to play the final version of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, it's time to tell you the hard truth about Nintendo's latest plumbing escapades. Well, the hard truth is, it's a lot of fun and impossible to play without a smile on your face.
Feels Fox fallen, fears future frustration
Some would argue - not necessarily us, but some - that StarFox is a franchise best left dead, having had its glory years nearly a decade ago and only reappearing in mediocre titles since Lylat Wars/StarFox 64 on N64. Shigeru Miyamoto wouldn't say that, though: he's a big fan and is upset the series has declined.
Head to their San Francisco HQ for Phantasy Star multiplayer!
With Sega's epic multiplayer DS RPG Phantasy Star Zero hurtling towards its US release in a few weeks, the kind chaps and chapesses at SEGA have thrown open their doors to invite you - the great general public - the chance to visit their offices in San Francisco and enjoy the game in a multiplayer setting.
I'm 25. I write for Nintendo Life though; does that exclude me from the focus testing?@Zash007
Can anyone recommend any good gaming podcasts? I'm fed up of listening to four guys chat for an hour and calling it entertainment!
Deus Ex creator also massive Mouse fan
When Disney revealed their forthcoming Wii exclusive Epic Mickey, one of the most surprising revelations was that it's headed up by industry legend Warren Spector, renowned for his extremely serious and profound adventure games. However, in a recent interview with Game Informer Spector revealed his enormous love for the character as well as the difficulties he and his team faced along the way.
RT @nintendolife: http://twitpic.com/n6tfw - our reporter James Newton at Eurogamer. He's the tall chap in black, looking unusually serious!
Leader of the pack?
There are very few serious driving games of note on Wii - the machine is undoubtedly missing its Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo or Race Driver: Grid - and EA's latest in the Need for Speed franchise does little to address this problem. Whilst 360 and PS3 owners can play the generally well-received NFS: Shift, Nintendo gamers are being given a very different racer in the form of Nitro, a less serious take on the genre that combines familiar elements from the series into a new, more accessible title for the Nintendo market.
Another gaming revolution from Archer Maclean?
Wheelspin is an unashamedly old-school arcade racer, with exaggerated physics, rollercoaster-style tracks and an emphasis on enormous speed. Its influences are clear - F-Zero and San Francisco Rush 2049 are the strongest - but sadly Wheelspin never feels more than the sum of its parts.
My name is James Newton, and this is my website - a collection of my writings about
videogames, music and all my other thoughts.