[Now Playing| YTaG - DS]

Check out this Castlevania DS video. There is a lot of old footage there, but also a few new things. Ive recently been putting some play time into Symphony of the Night and I cant wait for this game. The touch screen stuff still looks a little pointless, but Castlevania rules, so I cant complain.

Castlevania DS Video

source: olimario via GAF

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

Word! Proving that Parappa isnt the only MC in video game land these two guys break it down, gamer style. Oh yeah!

3 Feet Deep Video

And speaking of Parappa…what is this?

Scray Live Action Parappa Skit

source: Joystiq

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

Well, the first night of chatting was better than months of forum communication. Chad from Warppipe stopped by. Many others, including Dejital, Spaceworld and JamesM where there. I was there. Where were you?

So far I really like this chat. Its fun to be able to really converse with the people who comment here. Plus, we had some super secret juicy info (DS LinkUp anyone?). Anyway, come on over and check out the chat. Theres no pressure to say anything profound or clever, just have fun.

The link to the chat is the last option on the top menu bar. Or go to:

www.4colorrebellion.com/irc

[Now Playing| YTaG - DS]

Looking sharp. FPS are going to rock on the DS.

JeuxFrance Media Page

[Now Playing| YTaG - DS]

The people at Eurogamer have gotten a chance to play a bit of Pac-Pix. I really enjoy Eurogamer, as their content is well written and full of personality. Anyway, they are added to the growing number of people who like the game. The worries that this is simply a tech demo, or a cheap flash game, can be put to rest. Come on, when has Pac-Man ever let you down?

Eurogamer Article

Namco of Japan Pac-Pix Site

[Now Playing| YTaG - DS]

Here is a great read on what constitutes a game for a hardcore gamer vs casual gamer.

In the traditional sense of what has become, for many hard core players, the definition of a ‘game’, Yoshi Touch & Go is not. It could be defined as a ‘casual’ game, like those played via web browsers or on airplanes. These hard core folks decry online solitaire and Bejewelled, claiming that the only true ‘games’ are in-depth and, frankly, mainstream-inaccessible behemoths like Final Fantasy. In fact, it seems that simple goal-attainment, pick-up-and-play capabilities and distraction is how this entertainment medium grabs new players.

Defintely worth the read. Many gamers are so emersed in the medium, or have been at it so long, that they dont look at the casual market with open eyes. All of those new gamers Nintendo is talking about? This is where they are. They dont know what Final Fantasy is. They havent beaten Super Mario 64. Its the simple, enjoyable games that get them interested. After that we can convert them to ‘harcore’ status.

As Kamalot said:

For gamers, it is difficult to grasp: many people enjoy playing, experiencing these new types of games that don’t fit into the mold of what we typically consider a game. How can a game not be divided into levels, or have boss battles, or upgrades or unlockable content? Playing just for the sake of enjoying playing? ABSURD!

Follow the link for the full writeup:

Guardian Article

Submitted By: Kamalot

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

Nintendo has updated their net profit figures. ‘Net income was about 82 billion yen ($760 million) for the year ended March 31, compared with 33.2 billion yen’ last year. Their original forcast for this year was 70 billion yen, so it looks like they did even better than they were expecting.

They also paid out a large sum of shares. When I first opened my trading account, I tried to buy Nintendo stock. However, to do foreign trading I had to have an account with a huge firm like Stanley Morgan, who requires some ridiculous amount upfront. Ah well, guess Ill buy some when Im out of school and rich!

source: Bloomberg

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

Gamecube Heaven reports:

In an interview with Famitsu, Capcom revealed that they are working on a title called Viewtiful Joe: Scratch, with no platform, or details announced. It sounds like the name of a Nintendo DS title don’t you think? Stay tuned!

Sounds like the DS game to me! Awesome. Capcom was really able to create a unique and beautiful product with VJ, so Im excited to see what they can do for the DS.

UPDATE:

Further details on Viewtiful Joe: Scratch for the Nintendo DS have been revealed through Famitsu. Before we even begin to divulge the details, we’d like to thank GameSpot, for the translation. So, Viewtiful Joe: Scratch, takes place in a large theme park, where Captain Blue is shooting his next movie. Somehow, a mysterious syndicate named Madou shows up, and steals the film right out from under everyone’s noses. So of course, Joe steps in, to get the film back.

The game itself, which will still be a side-scroller as the other games in the series, will be using the bottom screen of the Nintendo DS for the actual gameplay, and the top screen, to zoom in on Joe, or let gamers know where they should use the touch features of the game. What exactly are the touch features of the game? As you guessed, the touch-screen will be used for executing several movies, including “Split VFX”, which is performed by touching in a horizantal line across the screen. Furthermore, the touch-panel will be used to solve certain puzzles. Scratch will also introduce Joe’s little sister, Jasmine, as a new character to the series.

[Now Playing| YTaG - DS]

Ah, the classics. Check out these speed runs, enhanced by emulators, but still very cool. I never could beat Bayou Billy!

Speed Run Site

Submitted By: Dejital

[Now Playing| YTaG - DS]

NDSArt found a sweet game while waiting for ElectroPlankton. In a similiar vein, you control elements of the game to make random interactive music. Its actually really fun.

Download the game here:
BallDroppings Site

Read the NDSArt Article here:
NDSArt drops the ball

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

Well, it doesnt seem like anyone really uses the forum. I can understand though, there are tons of better & more established forums out there. Im wondering if I should just do away with the forum all together. What do you think?

Ive now added a chat to the site. I kinda think a chat could be more fun. Just pop in and say hi or whatever. No permanent messages like the forums, but it could be cool. Although it wont be much fun if only a few people are going to use it. I guess Ill run the chat for awhile and see how that does.

So, tell me what you think about both. You can access the chat on the top menu bar.

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

See, video games are good for you. My girlfriend sent me this Yahoo! article about DDR being used to help kids lose weight. From the sounds of the article, it works and its fun. Yippee!

Sweating To The Pixels

More mainstream press

[Now Reading| B.P.R.D. The Dead # 2]

Check out ten new gameplay shots from Shogun Warriors: The Lost Army. Looking very nice.

More…

[Now Reading| Hellblazer # 206]

I came across this cool looking indie comic yesterday. Seems very crazy and strange. The colors are amazing though. I wish I could color like that. Im hoping the entire book will be colored and not just the covers.

Sharknife Site

[Now Playing| Zoo Keeper - DS]

Word is that the war simulation pinball game Odama has been moved from the Gamecube to the DS.

Vivarium who announced Oodama (big ball) for the Gamecube, has stated they’re changing their plans. Considering the market share that the NDS and other portable systems are taking, they’ve stopped production. In lieu of this, they will start development on the NDS platform of Kodama (small ball).

Originally this game was going to use the Bongo controller, at least thats the way it was presented at E3. No indication on what DS features it will incoporate, but I have to agree that its probably a better move to have the game on a portable.

UPDATE: Signs from people over at GAF point to this being yet another (enough already!) April Fools joke. So, dont set this info in stone. I still think it would be a cool move. This game could work really well on the DS.

source: Japanese Gaming