Video Game Music w/ the James Episode 8 : Super Mario Land

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Yeah, I haven’t done one of these in a while… spending a good portion of my day trying to write even a couple of bars of decent music and studying techniques/history via textbooks and audiobooks doesn’t exactly have me wanting to tackle even more music at the end of the day. I’ll be honest, I haven’t had much motivation.

I’ve also had my hands full with Darksiders which should be finished for review in a couple of days, actually, the only reason I’m not playing right now is because the game froze on me in the middle of a dungeon that I’m not particularly fond of. Being too lazy to hook up my SNES, Super Gameboy and digging through a bunch of shit for the cartridge, I just settled for my modified wii, classic controller and a digital copy of the game.

Note : The Wired Fish does not support piracy. Own your games before emulating them.

I am going to have to come out clean and say I fucking suck at Super Mario Land. Mario’s momentum seems to break too easily and the controls always feel just a little stiff. I remember never being able to make it past world 3 as a kid and when I tried it out last week, I met the same fate. Tonight I am proud to say that not only have I finished world 3, but I also managed to beat Super Mario Land, and on one credit! Admittedly it was a little too close for comfort when I dropped from 18 to 2 lives at one point, but a few lucky bonus games was all I needed. But we’re not here to celebrate my victory, we’re here to enjoy some music.

While a lot of the later tracks invoke a more exotic feel, this leaves me with no such sentiment. It’s clear that it wasn’t even the intention which would explain why it plays in the very first level : while it lacks that feel of a faraway land, it’s damn catchy, and the song is one that you’ll be hard pressed to forget once you sing along with a couple of loops. Continue reading →

Nintendo of America Trademarks The Last Story, Cease Holding of Breath

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This… is not news. At least to me it’s not. Last Tuesday, on July 12th, Nintendo of America was issued a notice of allowance for The Last Story, one of the three games targeted in fan group/movement Operation Rainfall. What does this mean? Well, it means that no other property in the U.S. has a trademark on the name “The Last Story,” and thus it is safe to release here. Think Star Fox for the SNES, and Star Fox for the Atari 2600. Same name, two completely different games. Why is it not news? The deal here, as many have pointed out, is that companies tend to trademark their properties in many different territories as a safety net to ensure that no backwater little company takes the name and sits on it (or exploits it). Plus, trademark filings never really guarantee that anything will come out to begin with. Remember Chrono Break? Yeah, that was a ride.

Now if something does come out of this trademark, then this article means nothing and you can commence throwing eggs at my face.

Trademarkia [via Joystiq]

It Happened Again. Someone’s Boxart Got Censored

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I’m getting really tired of someone worrying that little Timmy is going to see a set of knockers. Listen, at some point in his life, he’s gonna see a pair of jugs. As you can see, Europe has already matured into seeing humdingers. It’s part of everyday life. But in the good ol’ Puritan US of A, oh no, the mams are still that mystical body part that is only awesome in your mind and should only be seen by your arranged husband. But don’t worry America, we’ll mature to the point where lady lumps will no longer be feared as this morality monster of mischief. The puppies will finally breathe and be appreciated.

…Boobs.

The Wired Fish Podcast Episode 3

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Welcome one and all to the third episode of The Wired Fish Podcast. For this third episode we finally have Kung-Fu expert David and fighting game funnyman Bryan on board to discuss the issues at hand in this wonderful geekoverse we live in. In this episode, we discuss Sonic Generations and the trials and tribulations of the series leading up to this point. Next is Sony’s PSN Pass and their attempt to combat used game sales. Afterwards we discuss the current state of the JRPG market and its migration too handhelds. And finally we talk about comic-con and the anticipation of many new fighters on the horizon.

The new intro animation and title card was inspired by Gaijin Game’s BIT.TRIP series if you notice the similarity.

Lost Odyssey trailer obtained from IGN.

Intro – ………………………………………:30

Sonic Generations – ……………………2:18

The Sonic Supporting Cast – …………16:40

PSN Pass – ……………………………..26:00

The current state of the JRPG Market – 45:23

Comic-Con -…………………………… 1:13:10

Credits – ………………………………..1:17:16

Soulja-Boy Attack -…………………. 1:17:48

Oh Look, Another Fanbase Mad At Another New Game Coming Out

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Oh this is getting hilarious. So, what’s the fanbase raising a big shit now? Well, it’s the Zelda fanbase. In all honesty, this fanbase raises a big shit over every Zelda game, the most infamous being The Wind Waker. But now, they’re going apeshit over Skyward Sword. A quick glance over at Kotaku, and you’ll see that editor Stephen Totilo had to practically defend himself from the vats of fan bile that was thrown his way when he demoed the game. For crying out loud, the game isn’t even out yet, and people are already writing off the game like they bought that shit last year. But I bet you’re thinking, “hey, crazy fish guy, you guys talked shit about Twilight Princess in that podcast you did.” Here’s the thing, it’s already out. We played it. We beat it. We have an opinion about it, a rational one at that. Here, Skyward Sword is still in development. While we addressed concerns about Skyward Sword, we also talked good things about the game too, unlike those fools that talked shit about it on Kotaku.

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New Dark Souls screens are reminders of the danger ahead

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Some new Dark Souls screens are out, and I must say…they look good.

After thankfully buying Demon’s Souls on an impulse late last year, and also convincing some friends to take the plunge with me, this game easily became one of my most anticipated titles of 2011. Whether we were carefully advancing through dangerous areas, battling menacing bosses, or defending our leader from invading players, it was always exciting. And while there were a few hiccups in regards to the multiplayer scheme, overall I loved the experience. The “spiritual successor” promises to be even more challenging than the previous game and, if you know me, you know I love a good challenge.

So for all you other masochists out there, hit the jump to check out the new screens, including one with a very suspicious looking barrel.

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Review in Progress #13 : Shadows of the Damned

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Status : Game cleared (hard)

For those of you who checked out my Infamous 2 review, at the end I promised to cover Duke Nukem Forever, but as it turns out, the game was so awful yet so fascinating that I decided to attempt a defense for the game instead. A full length review would be redundant, and as it just so happens, I was saved by the bell (my Shadows of the Damned package).

The love child of a trio well known to the gaming community : Akira Yamaoka, former composer of the Silent Hill series, Shinji Mikami who is responsible for a certain Resident Evil series (notably RE4 which he directed as well as Godhand) and Suda51 who brought such games as No More Heroes and Killer 7 (the latter of which had Mikami as the executive producer).

It makes sense, the game has a heavy Killer 7 vibe going on. Not with the politically complex themes, oh no, the foreshadowing is way too apparent, and the game revels more in being over the top and obscene than trying to make the player piece the story together bit by bit. The combat feels very reminiscent of fending off various Heaven’s Smile types for those of you familiar with them.

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Anime Theater: Heat Guy J

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Believe it or not, most of these people are male. And one of them is an android! I know, crazy, right?

We are all familiar with the concept of the “Buddy Cop Show”. Typically, a young buck of a detective, usually with potential yet-unfulfilled is partnered with a gruff veteran whose patience and experience serve to keep the young’n in check, and eventually make him better at his job. Over time, the youngster will come to look up to the veteran as a symbol of what he wants to be, and may even adopt him as a father figure. As for the vet, he’s probably weary from all his years of service, but his time with his partner will re-ignite the spark of passion he once had for his job, and both will eventually part as equals.

The reason I start this review with this description is because Heat Guy J is, essentially, a “B.C.S.”, with alot of the tropes associated with said genre. Oh, except the vet is a tall, trenchcoated android and the whole thing takes place in a futuristic city. Despite the cynicism oozing from the above paragraph, Heat Guy J stands as a sterling example of how a combination of good writing, high production values, and well-developed and likeable characters can make even the most stale premise great.

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Kung Fu Theater: Opium and the Kung Fu Master

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Kung Fu will change your life! Side effects may include yelling, punching things, justice, punching things, a tendency towards monologuing, and punching things. Ask your doctor is Kung Fu is right for you.

God, that’s a silly title isn’t it? It sounds like the single greatest buddy cop show ever: “Veteran detective Craig “The Kung Fu Master” Kavorsky teams up with hot young cop Andre “Opium” Andorhal, and together, they solve the cases no one else can” *cue Isaac Hayes-style opening theme* Then again, the title it was known by upon arrival in the U.S. back in the day, “Lightning Fists of Shaolin”, isn’t much more dignified.

Nah, but great title aside, “Opium and the Kung Fu Master” is a shockingly dark, well made film from the twilight years of Shaw Bros. Studios, and shows that, even if it is corny, a Kung Fu film can deliver a good story alongside its kick-ass fights. Starring several all-time greats at the top of their game, including legendary leading man Ti Lung and future Gallants star Chen Kuan-tai (who I wish so hard played a character named “Opium”), and featuring immensely satisfying fight scenes choreographed by six (yes, SIX) fight directors, O.A.T.K.F.M. (I am not typing that whole thing again) is a worthy send off for Shaw and an amazing film in its own right.

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RUMOR: Xenoblade NA Localization Done, Last Story Up Next

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Oh god you have no idea how much I want to believe this. But alas, it is only a rumor. According to Operation Rainfall, an anonymous source within Nintendo is stating that the localization of Xenoblade is complete and that The Last Story is up next for localization. No word yet on Pandora’s Tower. However, it seems even Operation Rainfall is suspicious about the news. It does beg the question though. Say it really did get localized. Are they using the British accent localization, or a more American English sounding localizing? You can read more about this on Operation Rainfall’s blog.

Source: NTSC Xenoblade Done, The Last Story In Progress [Operation Rainfall]

The Wired Fish Podcast: Episode 2

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Ahoy Fellow Fishes! We have returned with an All-New episode of The Wired Fish Podcast. We have video this time (woohoo!), and there will now be a rundown with every podcast we make. But do mind the lame title sequence. We haven’t made a new one yet. And we need more mics. But regardless, we have a variety of topics covered today. So grab your drinks, your snacks, and your ears, and enjoy the show.

On a sidenote: We do record every Thursday. As for release times, well that depends on how much editing needs to be done. But rest assured, these get released within the week.

Also, I forgot to mention. The Beyond Good and Evil HD trailer was obtained from Machinima.com.

And do support Operation Rainfall’s effort to persuade Nintendo of America to release Xenoblade, The Last Story, and Pandora’s Tower.

Intro -00:01

Supreme Court Decision – 2:09

Operation Rainfall – 10:27

Review Fallout of Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D – 17:50

Capcom Nickel & Diming and DRM – 23:23

Beyond Good & Evil HD and Ocarina of Time 3D – 29:20

Games like The Legend of Zelda – 37:28

Release methods between SEGA and Nintendo – 49:31

Wrap Up – 58:06

Credits – 59:03

Oh sweet, a gaming festival in my neck of the woods (sort of)!

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Here’s something I don’t hear every day!

“Game Play”, a performing arts festival, centered around video games is set to hit the NYC area for the majority of July (7th – 31st). Typically when I hear about cool events like these, they’re usually over toward the west coast.

Luckily, most of us at The Wired Fish are Bronx dwellers — one cramped subway ride from The Brick, a theater in Brooklyn where the festivities take place.

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Xenoblade may actually be getting released in North America

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Recently, “the man with the master plan” DeadPhoenX shared his retrospective thoughts on the Wii’s life cycle so far. He talks about everything from the good to the bad to the stupid, not necessarily in that order mind you. One of the things that greatly disappointed him, and quite a few of us, is that there are a number of promising games in Japan that fans have been clamoring for in the west, but show no signs of ever reaching NA. However, it seems like there still may be a ray of hope since apparently Xenoblade may be coming to the US after all. This could show that the Wii still has a chance to go out like a champ.

Seems like he's just as shocked as we are.

According to a response to a Destructoid reader from Nintendo’s customer support, it has been confirmed that Monolith Soft’s RPG Xenoblade will be coming out in North America. The only sad news that comes with this is that it was also stated to still be arriving under the name of Monado: Beginning of the World. I’m not a fan of the name change, but I’d be happy as long as we get the game. Though I’d still like to see an official announcement before I get my hopes up. And who knows, maybe it won’t be too long before we here announcements for some of the other highly anticipated games eager fans have been waiting for, like The Last Story for instance. This is an opportunity for the Wii and Nintendo of America to really start delivering the games that more avid gamers have been waiting to dust their Wiis off for.

I can dream right?

Via: Destructoid

Square Enix is releasing its very own chiptune album

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Are you a fan of music from games like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger? Maybe you also like tunes from the Mana or Saga series? You know, games from back when good ol’ Squaresoft was still around. Well if you said yes, and also happen to be a fan of chiptune music, then I’ve got some good news for you!

Square Enix is releasing an album of 8-bit arrangements from many of its popular games from its Squaresoft days. The album, SQChips, comes out on September 7th for ¥1890 (about $23.50) in Japan. You can check out the website to see a list of some of the games that are going to be in the arrangement and even check out a sample of a track quite a few Mana fans should recognize. To be honest, I’m pretty excited to hear about this and can’t wait to see what they come up with. I love Squaresoft-era games and chiptune music, so in theory I should be smitten with this album. We’ll all have to wait till September though before we can really see how this will turn out. At least this might give me enough time to start playing Threads of Fate.

Via: Destructoid

Defending the Duke : A Journey Into Bad Taste

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It was about a year ago. As a person who hates going to the movies, the simultaneous showing of three films that had my interest was enough to get myself out the house and into the theater with a group of friends. Those three films were Inception, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and The Expendables, in that order.

While Inception was unanimously considered the best of the bunch, the bulk of the debating went toward the other two films. Most of the people in the group that I talked to found Scott Pilgrim the better film, a concept that still puzzles me. While I’ve yet to read the comic, the film had few and weak video game references (something that I was looking forward to from the testimony of friends who read the comic before the movie).

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