Video Games | Opinion. Uncensored. :: Smart When Shouting

Nintendo Doesn’t Own Gaming Videos

In a move that has shaken the ever-growing Internet gameplay community, Nintendo has recently started flagging YouTube videos containing gameplay content from their vast library of interactive titles, a group of games ranging from classics like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda to more modern titles like…well, New Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. After becoming a YouTube partner and registering their copyrights on the website’s database, Nintendo began flagging content containing certain amounts of recognizable footage from Nintendo properties. But instead of forcing the video creators to take their work down, a move Sega pulled previously regarding some of their classic titles, Nintendo opted to place ads on the videos in question, meaning that Nintendo… Read More →

Never-Ending War: The Reality of Samus Aran

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR METROID: OTHER M Video games are a spectacular outlet to allow the mixing of reality and fantasy into intriguing and enduring experiences that frequently stand the test of time and allow individuals to mold and shape their ways of life. And, more than many others, the Metroid series fits in perfectly with this idea, taking what we know to be true in the real world and twisting it with a bit of science fiction. While the series as a whole has generated mostly positive acclaim by both gamers and critics alike, the most recent installment – Metroid: Other M – has drawn a lot of harsh criticism for what I feel Team Ninja and… Read More →

Video Game Remakes: Nintendo, You’re Doing It Wrong

Though I may be in the minority among more dedicated gamers, I absolutely love video game remakes. From earlier examples like the Super Mario All-Stars pack to more recent HD bundles, I’ve consistently found remakes to be a great thing for both gamers and the video game industry. Aside from the occasional lazy one, remakes offer an invaluable service to both new and old fans of a title. Old fans get the chance to re-experience a game in better quality, reliving all the fun without the worry of dated graphics or sound due to hardware limitations, while new gamers get to enjoy some great games they missed for whatever reason without having to deal with that financial and aesthetic hassle of… Read More →

Disney Infinity: No Girls Allowed?

It is by no means bold for me to say that I love Disney. The House of Mouse, despite its many problems, holds a special place in my life and has ever since I first started watching things like The Aristocats with my grandmother as a tiny little kid. To this day seeing the Disney logo before a movie can send pleasant chills down my spine even if the movie itself doesn’t hold its own next to the studio’s classics. This is one of the things that led to my curiosity, excitement, and trepidation about the upcoming Disney Infinity, a new gaming project from Disney Interactive. Following a similar concept to the Skylanders series from Activision, players will be required… Read More →

Consolation Prize: Pokemon and Wii U

Though many spectacular-looking first-party Nintendo titles have already been announced or are on everybody’s mind, there’s no doubt that Pokemon is among those left to speculate over. Following the track record of previous home consoles, Pokemon games that aren’t on a handheld have been vastly hit or miss. And, unlike their portable counterparts (Ranger and Mystery Dungeon included), some of them don’t follow a formula at all. So what does this mean for the upcoming Wii U and it’s relationship with Pokemon? Let’s start off with the elephant in the room and, coincidentally, what I don’t want to see on the WiiU: a main series Pokemon title following the recently-released Black Version 2 and White Version 2. While it may be a… Read More →

A Sony Fan’s Thoughts on Wii U

I’ve had a rich history with Nintendo and their products. As a kid I had most of their consoles, especially ones from their GameBoy line, and they were the only real gaming device I had access to. However, despite that, I simply didn’t enjoy most of the games for them. I was still a gamer, though, and once GameStop began offering trade-in credit for used titles, I traded in my Nintendo products and purchased the original PlayStation. I’ve been a Sony gamer ever since, and have had no regrets. I still kept up with Nintendo, however, enjoying the GameCube (their latest console at the time) and its solid titles like Super Mario Sunshine and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. However, it… Read More →

Top Nine Series That Need a Wii U Revival

Because the most talked about aspect of Nintendo’s new console is, undoubtedly, the intriguing new GamePad controller, many people are forgetting to discuss what the system is actually for. Though the intuitive new controls are certainly worth discussion and debate, it’s also important to talk about the system’s actual video games. And, though Nintendo will assuredly be bringing plenty of new Mario and Zelda titles to the system, other franchises aren’t as sure-fire. And today we’d like to talk about some of those. These are our top nine series that we want to see revived on the Wii U. Viewtiful Joe While not everyone’s cup of tea, Viewtiful Joe was easily one of the most interesting games on the GameCube, both in gameplay and… Read More →

New Gameplay Styles Wii U Should Explore

With the Wii U’s launch date creeping ever closer and Nintendo being…well, Nintendo, many gamers are still wondering what exactly their new, heavily hyped GamePad can or will do. Having recently played with one myself, I have to say there are some pretty interesting possibilities for Nintendo and other developers if they choose the right types of games to utilize it. With the Wii U having three possible controller options, that being the classic Wiimote and Nunchuck combination and the new GamePad and Pro Controller, Nintendo needs to be careful about how they controller use for each game. Luckily for the Big N, having a second screen and control surface isn’t virgin territory. The successful DS line of systems has been around for eight years, giving Nintendo… Read More →

Top Nine Wii Mistakes

Whether you like it or not, it’s unquestionable that the Wii did a lot of things right. From becoming the biggest selling system of the latest console generation, thanks in no small part to great advertising and the inclusion of people who didn’t play games previously, to releasing a number of quality, memorable titles, such as Super Mario Galaxy and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the Wii had a great run for a console that introduced completely new control mechanics. However, Nintendo’s golden system had many blunders surrounding it as well. And, like with everything, it’s important to look at those missteps as well. So, without further adieu, we present the Top 9 Wii Mistakes. Wii Play The quality… Read More →

Top Nine Overlooked Wii Games

Those who have had a Wii since launch back in 2006, or have recently picked one up due to the incredible price cut, are most likely aware of the many massive titles that have been released for it like Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword to name a few. But what about games that not many people have heard of, or aren’t considered smash-hits by the general populace or even by cult followers? Many of them are great, but just never caught on. Well, in honor of those many hidden gems, we’re counting down the Top 9 Overlooked Wii Games. MadWorld While the Wii definitely lacks a good variety of Mature titles, MadWorld is… Read More →

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