Author: The_acz

ESPN Adding ‘Super Smash Bros.’ To Their E-sports Line-up!

by The_acz

If you haven’t heard, ESPN has just recently announced that they will be going all out in terms of esport coverage on their website.

From live streaming events to now having it’s own tab, E-sports has grown at an amazing rate these last few years. Even cooler is that Nintendo has also grown more friendly with the E-sports crowd to where they’re the main sponsor for Smash Bros at most tournaments now. Speaking of which, Editor of ESPN E-sports Darin has announced that the site will also be covering the beloved nintendo fighting series. This is great for the Smash community seeing as how Nintendo was never really fond of them near the start. Are you excited for the news? What other games do you think they should cover? Let us know in the comments below!

New DC Animated Film Announced: Justice League Vs. Teen Titans!

by The_acz

DC and Teen Titans fans should be happy today.

This morning, website TV Insider has reported that there is a brand new Teen Titans animated feature in the works. Launching sometime this spring, Justice League Vs. Teen Titans is about Robin being sent off to work with the titans after his unruly behavior causes the league a failed mission. While the cast from the original 2003 will not be reprising their roles, that’s no reason not to watch this since the new talent is looking to be top notch.  Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead) is set to play Trigon, while Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story) is set to play Raven. For more info on casting (including a picture of Jon Bernthal recording his lines), check out the original article. Are you excited for a new action filled Teen Titans movie? Sound off in the comments below!

Check Out The First Screenshots Of Platinum Games New TMNT Game!!

by The_acz

Some new screenshots of Platinum’s new TMNT game has surfaced, and they’re looking pretty stylish.

These new screenshots (courtesy of Pure Xbox) showcase a cel shaded art style that looks very similar to Platinum’s Transformers Devastation from last year. The turtles seems to have a sleeker look similar to the comics, and it even looks like  Beebop and Rocksteady will be joining in this time around also.

Mutants In Manhattan 1What do you think about these new screenshots? Are you excited for the game? Check out more screenshots below and on the Pure Xbox site (linked above.)

Mutants In Manhattan 3

Daisy Has Finally Made Her ‘Super Mario Maker’ Debut!

by The_acz

It took 4 month since its release, but everyone’s favorite princess from Sarasaland is finally here.

Late last night, Daisy finally made her Super Mario Maker debut with the event course: Adventure in Sarasaland. The level starts out normally by looking like a simple  clone of 1-1, but then takes an unusual turn. What happens? You’ll just have to find out yourself by playing the level. You can also check out this great tour Gamexplain did on the costume. Have you gotten the Daisy yet?

Brian Bedford, Voice Of ‘Disney’s Robin Hood’ Has Died

by The_acz

It seems like January is just that month for Celebrity Deaths

Not only did we lose the incredible Alan Rickman today, but it seems another death may have been overlooked as well. That person is Brian Bedford who’s most popular for portraying Robin Hood in Disney’s Robin Hood. The iconic actor died late Wednesday from cancer. It’s been tough this week with the consecutive losses of Bowie, Rickman, and now Bedford, but we shouldn’t be mourning their lose. Instead, we should be thinking about how amazing lives they led while they were still alive and how many were inspired by them to go on and do greater things. These people may be lost to us now, but they’ll never be lost to time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awONp__GGvU

Check Out The ‘Pokemon’ Inspired ‘Pocket Mortys’ For iOS & Android!

by The_acz

Just this morning Adult Swim Games surprised Rick & Morty fans with a real treat.

About a week ago the company announced that a Pokemon inspired game based off the popular TV show would be releasing on mobile devices for free on January 14th, but it seems even they got impatient. You can now pick up Pocket Mortys right now on both IOS and Android for the price of absolutely free!

Check out the 12 minute gameplay video by Gamespot, and then go download the game!

Check Out This Steelbook Blu-Ray For The First 3 Pokemon Movies!!

by The_acz

Want to own the original 3 Pokemon movies in beautiful HD? Well, now’s your chance!
Pokemon: The Movies 1-3 Steelbook Blu-ray is now available to pre-order on amazon. The film contains all 3 movies on Blu ray in 16 X 9 Widescreen format. Order it right HERE! Are you going to pick up the collection when it releases on February 9th?

Pokemon 1-3

Classic Rare Artist Kevin Bayliss Joins Playtonic Games!

by The_acz

Playtonic is on a role when it comes to gaining new team members, and their newest grab is no exception.

Yesterday, it was announced via Twitter that ex Rare veteran Kevin Bayliss would be joining the Playtonic family. For those unaware, Bayliss worked at  Rare from 1989-2005 creating just as many memorable character designs as Steve Mayles. These include all 3 Battletoads, the characters from Killer Instinct, and even the modern Re-designs for Donkey and Diddy Kong! I think it’s safe to say that the company is in very good hands right now, and we can’t wai to learn more about Yooka Laylee and their other projects. Are you excited for this announcement? Who do you want to see joining Playtonic next?

Bayliss

Geekscape’s ‘Super Mario Maker’ Course Of The Week: Zelda: Tire Swing Of Seasons

by The_acz

What’s this? A featured course a day early? Hell yeah, because why not?

Today’s course of the week comes from the user Brian with his take on one of the weirdest (and under-rated) handheld Zelda titles. Today’s course name is The Legend of Zelda: Tire Swing of Seasons.

Tire Swing 1In this level, you play as Link (later on Zelda & Ganondorf) as you traverse through many treetops and tire swings that span through all 4 seasons. From the growth of the vines in Spring, to the icy waters of Winter, this is a level that combines the season changing of the Zelda series with the platforming of the Donkey Kong Country Series. Also bumpers, lots of them. If you think you’re up for the challenge then give it a try at: BF73-0000-0165-215A. Until next time, keep creating and playing awesome levels!

Tire Swing 2

Oculus Rift Launches In March… For $600

by The_acz

The day a lot of us have been waiting for has finally come.

Just a few short minutes ago Oculus finally pulled back the curtain on their countdown clock to reveal the release date and price for the Oculus Rift. The VR Headset is set to launch on March 28th. What you don’t want to know though is the price. In order to safely secure yourself a kit, you’ll have to put down a whopping $600 in cold hard cash.

Oculus 1

Ok so the machine is pretty pricey, but what do I get with it if I decide to purchase it? Well random person reading this article, I’m glad you asked.

According to their announcement, The full rift set will include built in headphones and a microphone, an Xbox One controller, the Oculus itself (with a free copy of Lucky’s Tale), and the Oculus Remote which let’s you easily navigate the menus on the system. If you’re looking for something even more expensive to pay for, then fear not because Oculus has you covered.

Oculus 2

As of right now you can also Pre order a Oculus Ready Bundle that includes an Oculus ready PC along with the headset for an even more insane $1500. How will this compare to Playstation VR and the Microsoft Hololens in the long run? We’ll just have to wait and find out. Will you be picking up the Oculus Rift when it launches?

Oculus 3

Live In Japan? Check Out These Awesome ‘Splatoon’ Watches!

by The_acz

It’s been about 8 months since Splatoon  launched on Wii U to commercial and critical success, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down anytime soon.

On top of a fully illustrated artbook  Ala Legend of Zela: Hyrule Historia, It looks like Splatoon is about to add themed watches to their list of awesome merchandise you’ll want to waste your money on. The sad news? You’ll only be able to purchase these from toy capsule machines in Japan only. Hopefully the U.S isn’t too far behind. Check out the announcement HERE! 

Splatoon Watch

Rumor: Next ‘Assassin’s Creed’ In 2017. ‘Watch Dogs 2’ In 2016?

by The_acz

It seems as though Kotaku may have found some new info regarding the next instalments of the Assassin’s Creed and Watch Dogs franchises.

According to their sources, the new Assassin’s Creed game will take place in Egypt with the current codename being Empire, which is being planned for a 2017 release. This would mark the first time since 2009 that the franchise would skip a year.

On the Watch Dogs side, the game is expected to take place in San Francisco this time around, with a possible release date of this very year.

Do you think this can help Ubisoft get back on track?

Watch Dogs

Source

Celebrate The New Year With New Costumes From ‘Super Mario Maker’!

by The_acz

Even though I didn’t have time to highlight a new level this week, that won’t stop me from giving you a weekly does of Mario Maker news. This week we have 2 event courses based off of the NES Remix Series. One level has you playing as Birdo while you traverse the first level of Super Mario Bros. 2, and the other is an exhilarating race against spiny shells as Excitebiker from Excitebike! Check out a video tour of both levels below! Which level is your favorite? Try them both out and let us know!

 

‘Killer Instinct Season 1’ & ‘Dirt Showdown’ Ultra Combo Their Way Onto Games With Gold!

by The_acz

If you’re an Xbox Live Gold member the first free Games With Gold game is now out!

Starting right now until the end of the month, Xbox One gold members can now Download Killer Instinct Season 1 Ultra Edition from now until the end of the month & Dirt Showdown from now until the 15th. If you haven’t tried it yet, Killer Instinct is a must play title for Xbox owners. In fact, even if you don’t have Xbox Live Gold you can still download the game since its free to play! Which game will you be playing more of this weekend?

january-games-with-gold

The ‘Gravity Falls’ Series Finale Has A Release Date!

by The_acz

Hope you guys have enjoyed the ride.

A couple of hours ago, Alex Hirsch took to twitter to reveal the final date for the series finale of Gravity Falls. The finale entitled Weirdmaggedon Part III will air as a one hour special starting February 15th at 7PM ET/PT on Disney XD. Are you ready for the show to end? Comment below and check out a quick teaser for the finale below!

Rumor: Are We Getting A Big Zelda Announcement Soon?

by The_acz

Things have been pretty mysterious regarding The Legend Of Zelda Wii U since its quiet tease in last month’s Nintendo Direct, but it looks like that’s about to change soon.

According to a website by the name of Gaming Professionals, Nintendo is gearing up to show a trailer related to The Legend Of Zelda for what’s said to be a very important event happening soon. This isn’t hard to believe, as next year is the 30th anniversary of the beloved series and Nintendo would want to do everything in their power to hype this up. It also makes sense, seeing as how the 30th anniversary is on February 21st which is a little less than 2 months away. The video supposedly shows a father and his daughter bonding over the series with what’s said might be some new clips from the upcoming Wii U title. as well as footage from past games.

Do you think this rumor has any truth to it? Comment below and let us know! If you want to check out the original article, feel free to read it right HERE!

‘Puzzles & Dragons Mario Edition’ Get’s A Puzzling New Update

by The_acz

It looks like Puzzles & Dragons Mario Edition for the 3DS has gotten a sudden update.

The update launched 2 days ago on the 24th and has added a wealth of new content. This includes new leaders such as Metal Mario, Boomerang Luigi, Gold Mario, and more! Among that, there are also new transformations, allies, new challenges, and even world rankings and a replay system to show off some of your best combos! Not only that, but on January 31st 2016, P&D developer GungHo will be sponsoring the Puzzles & Dragons International Championship in Japan. Have you tried the new update yet?

‘Super Mario Maker’ Course Of The Week: Underwater Christmas

by The_acz

Merry Christmas! 

Did you think that Christmas could stop the Super Mario Maker hype train? It only makes the game stronger. To get into the mood of things, today’s featured level is a bit festive, but with a twist. Today’s level is Underwater Christmas by John.

Underwater Christmas 1While there’s nothing that will really blow you way, Underwater Christmas is a nice and relaxing level if you want to take a festive break from all those kaizo and trap levels. You simply play as Frog Mario as he swims around the ocean entering random undersea people’s homes to spend Christmas with them (who wouldn’t want a Christmas visit from Mario himself.) After entering and leaving the nice undersea homes, you’ll then come across a giant underwater Christmas tree decorated with starmen, chain chomps, and more.

Underwater ChristmasOnce you’ve finished admiring all the tree as to offer you’ll sooner or later come across the goal post to finish up your short, but relaxing journey. Of course what kind of a level would end without wishing you a happy holiday? If you’re up for a nice, and relaxing Mario Maker level this time around, give this level a try at: CCF8-0000-012C-33B7! Until next time, Happy Holidays, and keep creating and playing awesome levels!

Underwater Christmas 2

Rare Reveals First Footage Of ‘Project Dream’ And ‘Banjo 2.5D’!

by The_acz

Is it Christmas yet? No? Well it sure feels like it.

Rare has just shocked the entire online world by releasing a video talking about how the mysteriously named Project Dream became Banjo Kazooie. This is incredibly important because this is the first time in 20 years that we’ve gotten more info on this game. Not only that, but the mysterious beginnings of Banjo Kazooie with a somewhat 2D look and a very odd looking giant’s lair have also been shown and explained. Check out the video below and fall in love with what could have been.

Geekscape’s ‘Super Mario Maker’ Course Of The Week: Dungeon Vania!

by The_acz

Another Week Another Level.

Today’s level comes from a japanese user. The level itself is Dungeon Vania. The idea of this level is that there is more than one way to get to your goal. Sometimes going through a pipe might cause you to die or force backtracking in order to get another item, but this doesn’t constantly happen so you still feel in control. In some ways the level is actually more like a puzzle.

Dungeon Vania 2

Before you enter a pipe to a puzzle room, you’ll see certain symbols of items or enemies in small boxes above it. These are used as clues for what to expect from those pipes. Some might involve using kuribo shoes & POW blocks, but others might take use of fire flowers or piranha plants. Can you successfully navigate your way through the dungeons tricks and traps to get to the goal?

Dungeon Vania 3

If you think you can take this level head on try it at: 8EB7-0000-011D-E29B. Comment below if you have any levels that you think should be showcased. Until next week, keep creating and playing awesome levels!

Dungeon Vania 1

‘Super Mario Maker’ Adds Bookmark Feature & More In Next Update.

by The_acz

‘Super Mario Maker’ is in for another surprise update come December 22nd.

On top of finally getting a Bookmark feature for courses, the game will also be gaining new course items. These include bumpers, invisible p-switch doors, and a fire koopa clown car. On top of this, you’ll also be able to see who has the fastest time on a course, and who beat it first. Are you excited for this new update? What course elements would you like to see added? Comment below and check out the trailers below for a more in depth look.

Check Out This Proposed PC Port Of ‘Super Mario Bros. 3’!

by The_acz

Did you know that legendary game designer John Romero pitched a PC port of Mario to Nintendo?

This morning, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the popular DOS game ‘Commander Keen’, John Romero decided to look back through his archives and find an unreleased pitch to Nintendo for a PC port of ‘Super Mario Bros. 3’. It’s a very interesting thing to watch and imagine what could have happened if it was accepted. What do you think of the video? Do you think it would have been as good as it’s NES counterpart? Comment below!

 

Geekscape’s ‘Super Mario Maker’ Course Of The Week: Happy Tale Of Helping

by The_acz

It sure feels good spotlighting another level after last weeks crazy game awards announcements.

Today’s course is a level so small that only about a handful of people have actually played it. It actually plays out more like a small story than anything. The name of this course is titled happy tale of helping, by Kieran.

Happy Tale 1

The level stars you as lonely goomba just trying to find your way home. Upon entering the underground on your way home, you’re quickly greeted by another goomba who can’t help but noticing that you’re struggling a little bit with trying to get home. He then proceeds to offer you help by jumping on a music block and summoning a quick vine to climb. Thankful for having helped, you decided to repay the favor and give him a hand.

Happy Tale 3

A bit later, you also run into a friendly koopa troopa who also decides to tag along on your adventure. Will you both make it home safe? Find out by playing the level at: 27A7-0000-010C-0593! Until next time, keep playing and creating awesome levels!

Happy Tale 2

Check Out The Official Trailer For ‘TMNT: Out Of The Shadows’!

by The_acz

Even though it wasn’t due to release until tomorrow, Paramount has decided to stop teasing fans and finally give them the first official trailer for the sequel to Jonathan Liebesman’s 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Directed by Dave Green this time around, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows continues the 2014 reboot story while also finally adding fan favorite characters such as Casey Jones, Bebop and Rocksteady, and Baxter Stockman (now played by Tyler Perry.) While the first film wasn’t received well by both fans and critics, the sequel seems to be much more faithful to its more comedic roots. Bebop and Rocksteady look pretty cool as well. Check out the trailer (as well as a picture of the infamous duo) below!

TMNT 2

The Last ‘Super Smash Bros’ Nintendo Direct Has Been Dated!

by The_acz

Smash fans REJOICE!

Nintendo has finally revealed the date for their final Super Smash Bros. centered Nintendo Direct.

You won’t be waiting long for it, because it’s currently scheduled for Tuesday December 15th at 2PM Pacific Time.

While this is the final direct dedicated solely to Smash Bros, it’s very likely that we’ll continue to see minor game updates via regular Directs in the future.

What do you want to see announced during this Direct? Comment below!

Sony Reveals New Details For ‘New Hot Shots Golf’!!

by The_acz

This past weekend, Sony held their now annual Playstation Experience convention which included many new game reveals and announcements.

Among the many exciting announcements, one of them shyly slipped through the cracks. This was the brand new Hot Shots Golf game that was announced back in September. Luckily, Sony was kind enough to share more details about the game today. This includes many things such as being able to customize your own character, having a more robust online mode, and even being able to free roam by driving a golf cart anywhere!

New Hot Shots 1

For a bit more info, check out the original post from the official Playstation blog right HERE. Also, check out the new trailer for the game below. New Hot Shots Golf will launch on PS4, but there is no set release date yet.

https://youtu.be/hh8F9sY7mNo

‘Minecraft’ Is Digging Its Way To Wii U!!

by The_acz

Minecraft U

Great news for Nintendo fans out there!

Mojang has just announced that Minecraft will be officially coming to Wii U starting next week on Thursday December 17th. It’ll be availble to purchase on the E-shop for $30 ($10 higher than the usual amount Minecraft costs), but comes with 6 of the most popular add-ons for the game including:

  • Battle & Beasts Skin Pack
  • Battle & Beasts 2 Skin Pack
  • Natural Texture Pack
  • City Texture Pack
  • Fantasy Texture Pack
  • Festive Mash-up Pack

 

On top of that, the game will also include all current and previous DLC skins and packs on the e-shop for an additional cost. These include:

  1. Festive Skin Pack
  2. The Simpsons Skin Pack
  3. Doctor Who Skins Volume 1
  4. Doctor Who Skins Volume 2
  5. Star Wars Classic Skin Pack
  6. Star Wars Rebels Skin Pack
  7. Star Wars Prequel Skin Pack
  8. Mass Effect Mash-up Pack
  9. Skyrim Mash-up Pack
  10. Plastic Texture Pack
  11. Candy Texture Pack
  12. Cartoon Texture Pack
  13. Steampunk Texture Pack
  14. Pattern Texture Pack
  15. Greek Mythology Mash-up Pack
  16. Halloween 2015 Mash-up Pack

 

The game will also include off TV play, 4 player splitscreen co-op (one player uses the gamepad), 8 Player online, and yet to be announced Nintendo specific content. Get excited with the announcement trailer below! Are you excited for Minecraft: Wii U Edition?

Check Out This Awesome Fan Project For Animal Crossing Wii U!!

by The_acz

Animal Crossing Fans have had it pretty rough this year.

While a lot of people did enjoy the series new 3DS outing Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer,  many still felt like it wasn’t a fully realized game. Even more disappointing was the release of Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival, which failed to please both fans and critics by being a slow moving board game with little to no fun and painful amiibo integration. Fear not though, as one fan has taken it upon himself to show us what he thinks the next installment should look like.

In a video new series titled Make Believe, host Josh Thomas takes us through all the new features that would make the next Animal Crossing stand out from the crowd. Without ruining any surprises, let’s just say that this video might LIFT your spirits about getting a new entry. Check out the video below!

 

Grab This Awesome ‘Super Mario Maker’ Costume Based Off ‘Mario & Luigi Paper Jam’!

by The_acz

 

Paper Jam 1

While I won’t be doing the Super Mario Maker Course of the Week this week because of The Game Awards, That doesn’t mean I don’t have news for you guys.

Last night, Nintendo just dropped their weekly event course this week in celebration of the Japanese and European launch of Mario & Luigi Paper Jam. Completing the oddball course rewards you with a trio costume featuring Mario, Luigi, and Paper Mario. Check out this awesome preview photo of the level as well as a great video tour on the costume by Gamexplain. Mario & Luigi Paper Jam launches January 22nd in America.

Paper Jam 2

The Game Awards Are Today!! Here’s What You Need to Know.

by The_acz

The best night for video games are just around the corner!

To help you prepare for The Game Awards, I’ve compiled this short, but informative Q&A to help you understand what they’re all about.

Q: What are The Game Awards?

A: The Game awards are an award show for the video game industry. Originally started in 2003 on Spike TV, The VGA’S were created to ‘celebrate’ video games, although it wasn’t really entertaining or PC. In fact, it was downright cringey and aggravating at some points (Madden 04 game of the year? Seriously?) After re-branding and once again failing to deliver an entertaining experience in 2013, Spike officially cancelled the yearly show, but former awards producer Geoff Keighly took it upon himself to create a brand new awards show. This time, it would be a real respectful celebration of all things video game.

Q: Is there anything else besides just awards?

A: Yes. Not only do you get to see some of your favorite video games get the recognition they deserve, but there are always special surprises sprinkled throughout it. This year, there will be 10 World Premieres for Brand new games and first look gameplay at previously announced titles. There are also special musical performances including some this year by Deadmau5 and CHVRCHES.  There is also an industry icon of the year award where an important person or group of people are celebrated for shaping a part of gaming.

Q: Where can I watch this?

A: Almost anywhere online! While you won’t be able to watch this on TV, you can easily go to http://thegameawards.com/  to watch, on top of that you’ll also be able to catch it on game sites such as IGN, and you’ll even be able to leisurely watch it from the comfort of your Xbox One, PS4, and even Wii U. Streams start at 6:00 PM PST with a pre show at 5:30, so don’t miss out!

For more info on the awards check out these small interview clips.