This month is the 30th birthday of Space Invaders. 1UP is running a fun story called “Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Space Invaders.”
“At the height of Space Invaders’ popularity—or so the story goes—so many 100-yen coins were tied up in the coin boxes of Space Invaders machines that it caused a nationwide shortage, forcing the Bank of Japan to triple the coin’s production.”
The tow truck driver’s name in Mario Kart is Lakitu. He dropped red Spiney from the sky back in the Super Mario Bros days. Now, he tows carts back to the track and referees the races in ‘Kart.
Oh that Super Mario Brothers 2: The Lost levels… available on Wii Virtual Console.
I was so stoked to download this “never before seen” game. Now, I know the reason why this game wasn’t released in the US. It’s ridiculously hard!
You start out pretty normally. In fact, it looks just like the first version until you get to your first powerup. Instead of a size increasing mushroom, you get a death-inducing one.
The game is so hard in the early levels that I could only get past the first three (and I consider myself a SMB master). Death after death, I feel like a total noob.
So- only buy this if:
a.) you’re a glutton for punishment
- or -
b.) if you’re some sort of immortal smb-game-playing robot from the distant future/past
I just finished watching a history of Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo on G4 TV and came across this great picture this evening while cleaning up my computer. (I seem to remember this making the rounds this past winter.)
It shows the evolution of the popular Nintendo characters.
Oh that naughty Peggle has nabbed another unsuspecting victim:
PF: If you know of any interesting apps you would recommend, I surely would look at them. 
DB: well, have you played peggle? omg, very addicting
PF: No. But I am going to now. lol
DB: be warned- very addicting http://www.popcap.com/games/peggle
PF: Is it shareware or for purchase?
DB: shareware, 1 hr trial
DB: y’ll burn through the hour and be panting with your credit card in hand to purchase
PF: Nice. I will have to give it a try. lol I need something like that.
He’s hooked and doesn’t even know how hooked he’ll be.
Great piece on the evolution of video game music over at NPR.
Maybe I don’t feel so guilty now after adding both Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. soundtracks to my iTunes library.
I’ve seen dozens of videos showing people around the world playing the Super Mario theme song. But, this is the first original one I’ve seen in a long time:
Super Mario Theme Played with RC Car and Bottles
From the Twilight Hack wiki on WiiBrew:
FAQ:
Q: Does it rock?
A: Yes.
I’d probably add:
Q: Is it at all useful?
A: Not particularly.
Just in time for the launch of Super Mario Galaxy, IGN Presents The History of Super Mario Bros. Long before the modernly-famous “It’s-a Me, Mario!”, a japanese company took a couple serious gambles on a certain italian plumber. This look back at the greatest franchise in gaming is fascinating.
I picked up my copy of Super Mario Galaxy this evening after work and all I can say is “wow.” This is what a Wii game should be like. Definitely the best game since Wii Sports. Nintendo spent some serious time on this game and it shows.
If you’re in NYC and looking to pick it up, I walked right into the Nintendo World store and didn’t even have to wait in line. I guess all the serious fanboys got theirs last night after the launch party. 12am-2am- sheesh!
