Steel Strider… reviewed!

Have a taste for a new 2D platformer that gives you a blast from the past feel? Steel Strider might be the game for you.

This game is actually the follow up to a fan favorite (Gigantic Army)… paying homage to games like Turrican and Super Contra. Trust me, if you’ve ever played Contra (beyond lacking the ability to drop to a lower platform)… you will definitely feel the nostalgia in what is a really good game.

Thumbs up to it being greenlighted on Steam, good games should not be overlooked.

Anyway, in Steel Strider… you take on the role of an Argo Express operative manning a Gemini-class robot as you make your way through multiple planets full of mid and end level bosses.

In this run and gun game… one thing I appreciate is the fact that it’s not set up with just a couple of platforms in most areas, this adds to strategy, especially for those of you who seek to play this game to capitalize on your competitive side. Awaken your old school senses and challenge friends to see just how far you can get… and how much you can score in person and on the Steam leaderboards (which adds to the replay value of this game).

Visually this game is what it is, a mech field 2D explosive experience that truly helps deliver… exactly the way it should. Now before you ask what I could possibly mean by that… I’ll explain. The art is simple… and while not absolutely stunning, I really like how everything came together along with the fact that they didn’t just stick to delivering a game with just a few layers. The developer actually went hard not only to give depth to the layers used for the actual gameplay (which gives a 2.5D effect), but also the background that actually has a lot going on in some areas. This isn’t to over praise the game, but I do appreciate them going further to make sure it was… flat.

There is fun factor here for fans of run and gun games… but I also feel that gamers who aren’t exactly familiar with these types of games, should consider at least trying them. You may appreciate the variety in the long run. I also enjoy the music in this game… it could have been dry, but its fist pumpingly energetic (yes… I said… pumpingly) and accompanies you throughout the game... so if you find yourself nodding your head, it’s okay!

Price wise, this game comes in at just over $5 USD… so it gets a 5 on that note because it would’ve been solid at $9.99 USD.

The only con I’d give this game are the sections where you’re expected to read… because it moves a bit too quick (at least for us). It’s not the end of the world… but for fans of storylines who want to maximize the value of their game by reading all the sections that connect the dots, it may be an issue. If there were to be an update, it would be to slow that down… considering the fact that we can speed it up to skip it if desired.

Overall, Steel Strider is a great 2D game that is an affordable option for those gaming on a budget… while at the same time being a good all-around game for anyone seeking enjoyable run and gun action (that either takes them back to the days of Super Contra or those who simply want to indulge for the first time).

Fun factor: 5
Visually: 4
Replay value: 4
Price: 5

"4.5 / 5 Cool Points"

Nintendo Splatoon Bundle Announcement... and why you may want to buy it!

Splatoon's Wii U bundle is in countdown mode (are you ready?)... tickety tock, ink drenched socks, I know a few people ready to play around the clock. If you're hopeful to be the best of the best little squid person... for possible tournaments, first put it out there that you want tournaments for this game so that there is a demand.

Would you like a Splatoon tournament?

Reply below and we will pass it on to Nintendo... because it's one of those games that deserves a tournament to really excite players and potential players. As mention before, this game is coming at a pretty good time... because the summer is right there ([pointing right at it]... do you see it) and this is the perfect game to jump in and out of between dives in the pool.

Bravo to BFG for letting the crazy hang out in this video!

The reason this is a great time to buy a Wii U... outside of the games already available and those on the horizon is because the best Wii U systems to buy are the bundled systems. Nothing complex about that reason... but you're saving money on games at the same time instead of making multiple separate purchases at once.

I wish the game would've been around $39.99 or $49.99... but it should be alright... and to be honest, there are shooters (that we've mentioned and warned about) that didn't give much more than some multiplayer action and charged a full price. If this game has a full single player campaign... as well as a hefty multiplayer side, then I can't argue with the price (but but but... it would sell a bit quicker at one of the mentioned prices). These Splatoon Amiibo figures may prove helpful if you get the upper hand on the competition... but don't expect Nintendo to give you overkill capabilities that make the game severely unbalanced.

Nintendo Awards Show winners here! + Finally its here! (The Scorpions Back!) + Yadda-Yadda & From the Source!

Welcome to the 2015 Nintendo Awards Show... playing off of the upcoming Academy Awards

Nintendo contacted us with winners of their own custom awards... and wanted us to share them with you! It would've been awesome to see some sort of segment from Nintendo during the Academy Awards as they list their winners with the Super Smash Bros. announcer voice... but we have them below for you to check out.

The awards and specifics about each award are below.

 The Princess Peach Award, for best female costume in a movie - Maleficent

The Samus Aran Award, for strongest female character – Olivia Evans - Boyhood

The Smash Award, for best fight scene of the year – Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

The Dragonite Award, for best film featuring a dragon – How To Train Your Dragon 2

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Award, for best music scene in a film - Whiplash

The Star Fox Best Barrel Roll in a movie – Guardians of the Galaxy

 Honorary Birdo Award, for best film with the word 'Bird' in its name – Birdman

 _____________________________________________________________________________

Parents... parents... need someone to tell you how to raise your kids? If not, why blame game developers when your kids play violent games? Not all are violent after all, but ignorance generalizes a lot more often than some of you care to realize. (I'm sounding like a regular therapist over here, BFG.) :p I talked to a guy recently who mentioned kids play violent video games... and that came through a topic of kids acting out in school and stuff... like some kids weren't acting like brats before video games ever came along. Poor parenting... existed waaaayyyyy before video games, but its another opportunity to blame something else. BFG wraps it up with great points soooo... check out this episode of Nintendo-Demand's Yadda Yadda!

_____________________________________________________________________________

A game that we've looked forward to for quite sometime... was finally revealed and might (might) hit store shelves later this year. What is it? Just Cause 3! Little Bear told me that he never played any of the games before, and if you haven't and you love open world games with lots of action... this is one of those games that is sort of a cross between GTA & Saints Row, but it stands on its own because it's a lot more action oriented (trust me) and might I add that Just Cause 2 has a huge world to roam and go complete ape squat. Check out... Just Cause and (especially) Just Cause 2, because its just that... awesome and is one of those games I feel every fan of action/open world games should check out. It will be released on PC | Steam | PS4 | XB1

_____________________________________________________________________________

Feb. 19, 2015 14:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

In Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, guide Kirby through a vibrant world made of clay by drawing Rainbow Ropes on the Wii U GamePad controller. (Photo: Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Kirby and the Rainbow Curse – In this colorful new adventure, guide Kirby through a vibrant world made of clay by drawing Rainbow Ropes on the Wii U GamePad controller. You can even mold your clay Kirby into a Tank, Submarine or Rocket to wreak havoc. Up to three friends can join in and play as Waddle Dee characters to explore levels with you. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse will be available Feb. 20. Click here to view a trailer for the game.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Pokémon Shuffle – Pokémon Shuffle is a free-to-play strategy-based puzzle game featuring a wide variety of Pokémon. Your goal is to clear various stages by matching three or more Pokémon in a row within the number of moves allowed. Know the type of Pokémon and choose them wisely to cause more damage against the opponent Pokémon. You will also be able to raise the level of your Pokémon by using them multiple times. There are 150+ stages awaiting and you will want to collect many different Pokémon – including some Mega-Evolved Pokémon – in order to help you battle efficiently. Challenges await you whether you play at home or on the go. Optional in-game items available for purchase.
  • THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL – New DLC – New add-on tracks are now available for North American fans of THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL. The update includes music from a variety of Square Enix games, including tracks from CHRONO TRIGGER and NIER. Click here to view a trailer for the game.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Citizens of Earth – Demo Available – Try your hand at being Vice President of the World in the free Citizens of Earth demo, available now in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Recruit friends, family and everyone else around town to join your party and fight your battles! Click here to view a trailer for the game.
• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • AXELAY – The alien Armada of Annihilation is taking over planets, and you are the last line of defense. Guide the Axelay prototype through six levels of nonstop galactic action. Use your vast array of weaponry and dodge enemy attacks at every turn.

Nintendo eShop Sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Ice Cream Surfer is 70 percent off (reduced from $5 to $1.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 5.
  • 99Moves, Abyss and more titles from EnjoyUp are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 12.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Snow Moto Racing 3D is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 26.
  • Chat-A-Lot is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to 3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 5.
  • TOYS VS MONSTERS is 25 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 12.
  • 2 Fast 4 Gnomz is 40 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 12.

Activities:

• Pokémon Art Academy Competition – Put your Pokémon creativity on display in an online competition featuring art made in Pokémon Art Academy! Create your masterpiece using the Pokémon Art Academy game for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, and then post your work to the Pokémon Art Academy Miiverse community. The winning artists will receive a 100-card pack of custom-designed Pokémon Trading Card Game cards displaying their artwork.
  
  
  • NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must (i) be a legal resident of the 50 United States, D.C., Canada or Mexico, (ii) have access to the Pokémon Art Academy game and a compatible device in the Nintendo 3DS family, and (iii) have an active Nintendo Network ID linked to a confirmed email address. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 3/29/15 at 11:59pm PT. Six prizes available to be won, each consisting of 100 Pokémon Trading Cards bearing the drawing of the winner (ARV US $40 each). Odds of winning a prize depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Eligible entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winners, using judging criteria set out in the Official Rules, available at http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-art-academy/competition/rules/. Contest co-sponsored by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. and Nintendo of America Inc.

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

• New themes this week include:
  • NES: Ice Climbers

Also new this week:

• Adventure Bar Story (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Excave (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Flap Flap (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Fishdom (DSiWare on Nintendo DSi; Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• 4Elements (DSiWare on Nintendo DSi; Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)