Well, everyone and their ancestors has heard about today's exciting Nintendo Direct announcement. Heck, I can see Wii U sales going up (not immediately) but around the time summer and E3 hits. I love Nintendo, always have, in fact yesterday with my friends, Chris and Phil and I literally had a Nintendo all-day festival starting from Gamecube, to N64, to Wii, to end the day with the SNES. It doesn't make me a bigger Nintendo fan that I own all the systems, who cares everyone has played the games am I right or am I right?

Hearing today's announcement excited me for many reasons. First, I get to play Wind Waker for the third time when I buy the remake (note: not remaster). Two, I can still put off getting my Wii U since I just spent a lot of money getting a nice tablet. Third, details on new Yoshi game and the announcements of Mario, Mario Kart, and Smash Bros at E3 excite me beyond belief. And lastly, Xenoblade "2" (I will dub it that but we all know it will be Xeno-something).



Notice, I have not put the "new" Legend of Zelda HD there on my list of "excitement". Neither is Fire Emblem x Shin Megami Tensei on the list, but that is more for me not being avid fan, more of a casual gamer in the Fire Emblem series (aka I just need more details). After reading and watching the Legend of Zelda video, I have to say I am more nervous than anything else. Why? Probably because of Skyward Sword and how awful the game was. Not only did it kill the Legend of Zelda formula, but it actually made me nervous for a new Zelda game, I literally buy any Nintendo AAA title without even thinking or reading reviews (which were all lies after I read them 10's HA).

Here take this from Richard George's article on the front page of IGN

"Nintendo is "rethinking the conventions of Zelda." Ideas like dungeons needing to be completed in order, and Zelda adventures being single-player only, are being set aside as the team focuses on "returning to basics"

Returning to the basics doesn't include rethinking single-player only or the dungeons being completed in order because THAT IS THE BASICS OF THE LEGEND OF ZELDA SERIES! I can understand the dungeons not having the specific order of completion playing off like the original Legend of Zelda, where you can actually run into the final boss without even getting your sword. But, what makes the Legend of Zelda special is the combination of dungeons with the specific item you need to obtain to get to the dungeon, the special item IN the dungeon, and then using both (or more items) in a series of puzzle-adventures while at the same-time fighting off enemies and sub-bosses.

Why do we need multiplayer for LoZ? Never, not EVER, once I have thought to myself, jeez I sure wish I had a second player or Link should have a partner who fights with him. It not only takes away from Link and the game's legacy, but it seems more and more that Nintendo is once again listening to these fans who complain on the internet, and probably have never played Legend of Zelda. The Legend of Zelda is about not only the quest, but growing as one with the character into a true hero and can easily smite his enemies. The journey's are grueling and long, people and town's are mysterious, but what makes it even better is the fact you do it yourself. What's next voice acting for Link? Ask Sonic how that went or even Mega Man X. The Legend of Zelda is near a Star Wars-type legacy where one mistake can lead to an angry mob (or angry forum lol); imagine if Ganondorf or Princess Zelda just sound awful, to the extent it isn't funny. While I do reject the idea of voice acting, I am on the edge for NPC voice-acting. It would be nice to hear the Bazaar talk, but at the same time, if you have played The Last Story, Xenoblade Chroicnles, or Pandora's Tower then you will realize that NPC voice acting is plain out stupid.



Why is it stupid? Well, because you are pressing A or X at a faster rate so you can READ FASTER. Yes, talking is very cool, but you are playing a game and patience is the thing for many gamers. When a character is talking to me I tap A so all the words appear, and guess what the NPC stops talking because A is somewhat of a "skip" button. It is useless, the only NPC voice acting I ever thought was good, was ironically FFXIII-2. Where you can run by characters who were in conversations and pick up hints.

Last for the Legend of Zelda HD was the graphics/design. We all know I am not the biggest graphic man out there, but I do have a problem when it comes to just horrible design. Take for example Skyward Sword, the game was just ugly. I don't know if that was the Wii's fault (not really because all the Project Rainfall games look fantastic), I don't know if it was because Twilight Princess looked very good. But to read this, "He discussed Nintendo's new visual approach for the game, which apparently is completely unlike the HD demo shown at E3 2011, but wasn't ready to be shown at this time. Aonuma noted this still-mysterious "new style" developed as his team experimented bringing Zelda's many graphical styles into HD", again scares me.

The only reason it scares me again, is because of the internet and this rumor link here. To summarize the graphics part of the article. It says the Nintendo team has decided to stick with it's Skyward Sword style to appeal to causal and hardcore gamers. "They feel they have found a sweet spot with Skyward Sword". Let's just pray this isn't true. I mean I was wrong with the last rumor I heard about Pokemon.

Before I get into the real kick-ass details I have to say three things. One, I'm not that nervous for Yoshi Land Wii U (or whatever it's working title is) because the director of Yoshi's Story and Yoshi's Island is behind the job. Let's hope it plays more like Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island rather than like Story or even (ugh) Epic Yarn. I will be highly disappointed if it is like Epic Yarn. Second, good job Nintendo for not making a Majora's Mask remake. And lastly, it is about Xenoblade 2 let's hope the game is an actual ACTION-RPG. Yes, Xenoblade is not an Action RPG, it is more pseudo-action rpg or a regular RPG with action rpg elements, either or it is not a true action-rpg.

The Last Story and Kingdom Hearts are action RPG's. A main counterpart has to do with the blocking and the movement of a character. Yes, in Xenoblade you can freely move about but here's the twist! You still get hurt even if you are "behind" the enemy who is attacking forward, compared to the games I just mentioned if an enemy misses you or is nowhere near you, then you do not get hurt. Pretty simple, so let's hope Xenoblade "2' has real action RPG time in it.



Now for the happy-joy time! I cannot wait anymore for E3 since I would buy the Wii U alone for a new Mario Adventure, New Mario Kart, and New Super Smash Bros. In addition, isn't the new Super Smash Bros supposed to be 3DS and Wii U? I hope people haven't forgot about the Wonderful 101, because that is a game not to be overlooked, trust me I have played it at New York Comic Con and I have to say hectic equals fun. Xenoblade "2" looks amazing. Seriously, from that ninety second trailer I am ready to buy this game. From the new gun elements, to that jumping on the enemy, and THE MECHS. I don't even know how to react to it.

Can't wait to be playing some new games this upcoming holiday. Oh wait isn't the new xbox and playstation supposed to be coming soon? Hopefully I hit the lotto.

Remember when you picked up your first Pokemon game, presumably Red/Blue, and were up to the moment Professor Oak gives you your choice of a Starter Pokemon. Just think, the glory days, a simple time where only 151 Pokemon roamed, trading was done with things called a "Link Cable", and you were not able to get a Starter breed unless you had these creatures called "friends" (to trade with). Heck, there weren't even colors! While it was tough knowing you would miss out on six Pokemon (remember two starters with three evolutions) you were going out to discover this new found world of Pokemon!



Yep those were the easy times, especially when you knew the starter's names, now things have got less complicated using a device known as the internet. But still, lo and behold all these stats are still the preferences of the chooser. Many people play Pokemon in there own way; some play for the best team, some play for the adventure, some play for the music, and none play for the story. In addition to the many ways of playing Pokemon is the way, or should I say, art of choosing Pokemon.

Choosing Pokemon is similar in a way to playing the game, but once again to reiterate, a whole different cake. Some people choose their Pokemon because they look cool or cute, others are stat geeks and need only the best (seeing IV and EV and even restarting the game due to new feature of Pokemon "natures") and others don't give a crap! Still all in all with these stats and looks, it mainly comes down to a gut feeling.

See, picking your Starter Pokemon is different from picking or forming your team, or even just plain old catching and trading. Your Starter Pokemon has some type of effect on you, not only as the player, but as the trainer and friend to the Pokemon universe. This Pokemon grows up with you and by some unwritten rule always has to be in your party, until your first Hall of Fame (only unlocked when you are champion). Do you want to go Water type because the first Boss/Gym Leader is weak to that type? Do you want to go Fire-Type because they are usually best? Or maybe Grass/Leaf type because it's evolution's look cool?



Think, cry, bleed, maybe even grow a beard and shave it off, and by that all ends you will have made your choice and you will LIVE WITH IT. Like the bitter douche your rival is, he will of course choose the one your Starter is weak to, but that doesn't matter because you live to kick his ass. It was why you were programmed! One last rule/code I go by though with my Starter, it must always, and I mean ALWAYS beat my rival's starter. So yes, that does include when the rival has a level 50 Blastoise and I have a Level 75 Charizard, and you know why? Because it was my destiny ever since I chose that Squirtle in my Pokemon Blue cartridge to beat Gary and his Venasaur (or whatever you chose). Why did I chose Squirtle? Maybe it was because I thought of the Squirtle Squad Leader and I was like man I want my Squirtle to be a badass like him. Or maybe because Blastoise was on the front cover of my game so I felt I justified it by choosing my titular character. Maybe I also didn't want to be like my older brother because he chose Charmander first and being a copycat back in the 90's was pretty lame.

All in all I was happy with the choice I made and I was eventually able to obtain those two other starters, though I forget by which means, but that Blastoise will all always be my "boy". Spare Rare Candy who get's it? The starter of course. Need to get last kill against Gym Leader, go Starter Pokemon!

Looking at choosing, even to this day I still have trouble choosing my starter. It's like asking me what I want for dinner. I CAN'T DO IT! Take SoulSilver which recently came out, I was at an impasse between Cyndiquil and Totodile, both awesome Pokemon. Totodile becomes the mega-awesome Feraligatr, who is super strong physically, has awesome design, and I can teach surf. But Cyndiquil becomes Typhlosion and I can just run through Gold/Silver.



Luckily and lastly the art of choosing your TEAM is 100% easier. From there you go for the strongest, rarest, and best looking Pokemon (fortunately the best looking ones come with the previous two traits). Mine usually consists of dragonites, a rayquaza, maybe an arceus, and my starter, but sometimes I like to make different teams if I'm running through Pokemon too easily. Maybe I make a "Ash" team where I use the Nintendo rarity "Ash's Pikachu", along with Charizard, Squritle, and other character's he uses in his adventure. Maybe I make a "Red" Team, a legendary team, etc. Making teams is a lot more fun and a LOT less strenuous.

How do you chose your Starter? Do you look at the design and go I definitely want that one? Are you just a always choose Fire-Type guy? Do you have to walk to all three Pokeballs, listen to the noise each makes and then decide? There are so many ways to think about choosing, but only one you can choose; so how do you do it?

DON'T! I'm very old fashioned and have only played Gen 1 and 2 and SoulSilver. I played Pokemon White beat it and burnt it cause it sucked.

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Michael Troina writes features and reviews Nintendo games for Analog Addiciton. When he’s not writing or playing games or sports, he’s out at his job at the Daily Bugle taking pictures as the web-slinger we all have come to love…either that or he’s getting sandwich saving one world at a time. Find him anywhere with this flavors.me/michaeltroina

That's right, just what the title says, there has been seven Mario Karts! Not only is it rare for a spin-off series to become a main series like its own, but to be able to keep each game fresh, fun, and most importantly quality (sorry Mario Party) makes Mario Kart a series to be desired.

Mario Kart 7 continues its legacy on the 3DS bringing back old features and familiar faces, while at the same time adding new karts, new features, and even new characters. You start off with eight characters (ranging from the usual Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, Peach, etc.) and go on to unlock eight more characters after beating the 150cc cups. Mario Kart 7 continues the new tradition, from Mario Kart Wii, of placing eight cups; containing 16 all-new tracks (4 cups) and 16 redone tracks from the previous six Mario Kart titles (including Mario Kart Wii). Last but not least multiplayer is back, online and local, with a few extras thanks to the 3DS and StreetPass.

Gameplay: If you've played one Mario Kart, you have…not really played them all. While Mario Kart's basic gameplay is racing, drifting, and item collecting; each game has a different handle on physics, which you will come to adjust to after a few races. MK7 new features on gameplay include selecting, not only your own car with its own stats, but your own wheel and your own accessory/glider. Do not forget each character brings different stats to each car, where as Mario may have more 'Handle' on one car while Bowser may have more "Weight". The game also features underwater segments now, making it the first Mario Kart where you won't "drown" if you go too deep into water, only have your wheels replaced by a propeller and you will continue racing.

Making a comeback are the coins from Super Mario Kart, where you the more coins you collect the faster you go. For non-Super Mario Kart players, think of Diddy Kong Racing's banana's but having a limit to a maximum of ten coins. With the new gliders, you may now "glide" across the air after certain, specially marked, blue ramps where you can control your glide ability to speed up or higher altitude to reach some secret spots; I like to call it the Pilotwings feature of Mario Kart. Certain ramps still give a boost for a "perfect jump" which is similar to the "tricks" feature of Mario Kart Wii (where you would shake the remote or press a button at a ramp), just without the fancy X-Games moves.



Last but not least, are the all-important items, which all make a return from Mario Kart Wii with a new item! That's right the magical (or lucky?) 7-box! This new "7" item gives you; you guessed it, seven items ranging from a banana to a star all for your use! A little note of advice though, makes sure no one crashes into you and steals one of the items (or crashes into the bomb and you lose everything).

*Note. I have not used the gyroscope method too much, but the one time I have really impressed me. The first-person mode gives you a new way to look at each track and in fact race with each friend! And do not worry about the left-right tilt, it works perfectly.

Tracks: Because this is a racing game I decided to place a "Tracks" section. In Mario Kart 7, new tracks bring out the fresh feeling, especially with new tracks based off new games (or somewhat old) like the Wii Music designed track "Music Park". There are also Wii Fit/Wii Resort based parks, and new character "home" parks (like DK Jungle obviously a Donkey Kong based level). The old redesigned tracks are all popular levels; you probably remember playing when you played which-ever Mario Kart game. Some stayed the same from Mario Kart Wii, while other new/oldies were re-done; in fact a few Wii levels were even put into the game (Coconut Mall, Maple Treeway, and a few more). Although the Wii levels were a nice touch, they were dumbed down from its previous game and were altered slightly not making them the same (gone is the rope ramp that hobbles up and down in Maple Treeway).



Music: Awesome. Great. I mean I can't play Mario Kart without Mario Kart music playing. It's addictive, fun, and sets the tone for each race. Nintendo does another fantastic job, fitting each levels theme. A bonus is actually Music Park, as some area's you must turn on a keyboard and the music alters as you drive across each key.

Replay Value: Extremely High. Mario Kart is a game that no one can resist. Be it with friends or just by yourself, once you play one track…well maybe you'll play another and another till another few hours pass and you've played for a long time! The game features four cups (50cc to Mirror), has online multiplayer to keep you fresh, ghost mode/track time, and last but not least many secrets for you to unlock. To unlock secrets you need to race and collect coins, in which you can unlock new karts, new gliders, and maybe a few more secrets. Or you can go around your local city and look for some StreetPass sharing ghosts!

Overall: 9.4/10

Mario Kart 7 is another great game to the Kart series and really lets you discover your 3DS' features. From the gyroscope, to the 3D slider, to online multiplayer, to StreetPass, Mario Kart 7 is not only a fantastic game, but a system seller as well!



Quick question is anyone else having problems loading headers? I can't seem to upload my new gif'header it is under 500kb

Sequels...some are praised as better than the original, others are regarded as failures to the franchise, or just gaming in general; but there is one thing sequels always bring us, that in which cannot deny, a new game. Throughout the years, games have either direct sequels, entirely new games in the franchise, or the biggest hit-or-miss spinoffs. Sequels are released yearly, or in the Nintendo case, once or twice every decade. The anticipation and reading of sequels to series you love, is just as exciting as getting the new game and playing it for the first few hours (presuming it is good). Regarding attitudes to sequels, let's just say fanboys cheer, haters of the series boo, and the middle ground goes "eh" and shrugs their shoulder.

While countless sequels have been made over time, I don't have the time to write the encyclopedia on freaking video game sequels, so let's start off with direct sequels. In fact, looking at this blog I can write an entire post based off the Mario Bros. series for Nintendo since he qualifies for all three, but I will throw in some well-known franchises as well.

Direct Sequels:

Everyone's favorite type of sequel, a continuation from that amazing game they just finished; only to be hit with the cold hard fact that the game is over. Today, developers try to keep these types of games alive with multiplayer or extra mission/DLC packs, but as we all know it is never the same. Direct sequels span from games (the good direct sequels): Halo, Uncharted, Legend of Zelda Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time, Mass Effect or the bad like: Devil May Cry 2, Chrono Cross, Mario and Luigi Partners in Time, and Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword or Majora's Mask.

(Side note: I didn't know where to classify Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy, so I used LoZ for the direct sequel section (due to a few games actually being direct sequels, compared to FF which is always and Alternate Universe in the next section).



A problem though is sometimes the sequel isn't bad, like say Super Mario Bros 2, but that its original/predecessor is actually superior to the game. This is the case for a few games today, like Metroid Prime 2/3 or Uncharted 3, which are actually very fun and fantastic games, but the problem was the first Metroid Prime (and the second Uncharted) was so good, that it never lived up to its expectations. Another example is that of games, just not performing as well due to name's sake. Look at the New Super Mario Bros franchise or even a few Resident Evil games. Because of the recognizable names and history of having very good games, when the games don't live up to the media and/or gamer's set image for them, they fail.

All in all, though a guilty pleasure for all gamers is we want direct sequels and we usually want them right away, but at the same time better than the next. Looking from a developer perspective it is like, how can we top this game, but at the same time not stray away from what made it great? We as gamers are a greedy bunch, we want a new game, but at the same time we hate changes to a game that 90% of the times, in our eyes, ruin the game. In addition, some games aren't made to have sequels but developers get avaricious and the gaming societies becomes “bitchy” and boom we get a muddled over-hyped, very bad game, like Skyward Sword.

Franchise new games:
Alright so we all know Final Fantasy is a game that comes with new franchise games as well as Mario, but sometimes we look at games like Crash Bandicoot to Jak and Daxter or Spyro into Ratchet and Clank. These are the true gems and treasures of being a gamer. Sometimes developers decide to can a project, or sell the rights to characters and start an entirely new franchise. Other times, they keep the name and just make a whole new "type" (i.e. action, RPG, adventure, etc.) of game using the characters we have fallen dearly in love with. This is the biggest risk in gaming society, due to the fact of gamers, developers, and media reaching into an "unknown" area. Most of the time, developers also develop a new game type, rather than sticking to their old usual formulas. Take Super Mario 64 for instance, a complete overhaul of what he had come to know and love of Mario (i.e. Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario World), but it was a change for the better. Final Fantasy takes a different approach, as the game is still a JRPG, but it brings along all new characters, new locations, and either a new way to fight altogether (see: kingdom hearts) or alterations to its previous systems (take Final Fantasy 1-9 with the ATB). All in all changes again display a risk of reward, the only difference is the greatness that developers are now able to achieve. Mario succeeded beyond belief with Super Mario 64 and later with Super Mario Galaxy, while Final Fantasy continues to disappoint with trash now known as Final Fantasy XIII. One question has always bothered me, is Halo Reach a franchise "new game" due to not having the Chief and changing some elements or is it a prequel/sequel?



Spinoffs:
Spinoffs, who doesn't know about them? From Mario Party, to Mario Kart, to Mario Golf, to Mario EVERYTHING. Spinoffs are somewhat of a dreaded thing to many gamers. While waiting for a new franchise game, we get stuck with Crash Team Racing or Donkey Konga's instead of Donkey Kong Country 4? Spinoffs are, about 95% of the time, usually those party or racing games, which get a horrible review on many game sites. I don't know if this is due to reviewers being butt hurt about their favorite character being in some game which limits their abilities, *cough Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games [which I may add is quite fun with friends] or that just wanted a new game, with their favorite character. But let's not forget the rare occasion spinoffs lead to something good, something like SUPER SMASH BROS. I know spinoffs sometimes include games like Mega Man X or Super Mario RPG, but I feel those go under the area of franchise new games section; but we'll give some due love here. When a spinoff is a hit, wow, it really hits the you and the world by storm. Heck, if it is that good it may spawn a new series on its own; in thus benefiting companies as well as gamers (take Paper Mario). Including favorite characters of different series, crossovers, mixes of gameplay or entire new gameplay, leaves a good impression on many gamers, as there are more ways to discover fun in a game with familiar icons than an entire new game. Although I think the only downfalls of spinoffs, have to be screenshots, because they really give us no clue on what to expect for this new game.



I probably could further categorize these sequels and games over time, but these are three main ‘classes’. Sequels are something that can be looked at in many lights, they are the yin and yang of everything, not just games! From franchises giving us new games with new gameplay, to new characters, to our favorite characters being featured in horrible games, a sequel is a sequel. I think one thing I always enjoyed was when characters would be featured in game as a special bonus like Mario in NBA Street or Link in Soul Caliber 2. Those kind of inclusions really are just plain out awesome and are one of those never can go wrong moments. Well, as of now we have Halo 4 to look forward to and Rayman Legends so more sequels right now means more fun.

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Michael Troina writes features and reviews Nintendo games for Analog Addiciton. When he’s not writing or playing games or sports, he’s out at his job at the Daily Bugle taking pictures as the web-slinger we all have come to love…either that or he’s getting sandwich saving one world at a time. Find him anywhere with this flavors.me/michaeltroina

Another year means another round of NBA basketball in the 2K world. This one is probably even more sweet than even the infamous Jordan 2K11 due to NBA “Elite” (also known as NBA Live) officially shutting down their studios meaning there is only one basketball game in the market. 2K Sports once again adds more Legends to the NBA 2K franchise this time with three different type of games (the cover is Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Derrick Rose unlike the last two years where you can buy the regular Jordan Cover or the Magic Johnson and/or the Larry Bird Cover Edition) and new teams like the World Famous Dream Team, even Allen Iverson and his 2001 Sixers!



Let’s first look at the games Graphics aspect of things. Graphics in NBA 2K13 are usually very good for the game’s superstars and alright for the regular and role players; but in 2K13 I would have to say every character looks like themselves in real life. With the occasional impossible to do hair (i.e. Andre Miller) there are a few slipups, but with the crowd looking actually animated and not paper mâché, in addition to well-defined arenas/courts, the graphics are impressive.

Many changes were added to Gameplay with the MyPlayer probably being the greatest beneficiary. MyPlayer is the process all NBA 2K users must do when they boot up their disc in their Xbox/PS3 where they create a player at either of the five positions and determine what type of player they want him to play like (defensive, offensive, etc.). Most of this is the same, but what had changed was the efficiency of the MyPlayer. In previous games, MyPlayer was ranked very low (as most rookies are) but to an extension of where you literally were worse than high school basketball players in the NBA, and racking up experience (now dubbed Virtual Credit) points to build rating was nearly impossible. With these fixes, along with you starting near a normal rookie overall rating, the MyPlayer is fun experience where you go through the draft, build up your legacy on the court and off the court (using Twitter getting famous followers like Pauly D or NBA Legends like John Stockton), until you finally reach the Hall of Fame (hint: an achievement/trophy). Other little features of the MyPlayer include “Meeting with GM” where you can trash other players or coaches or be a nice guy and praise the job that is being done, or creating your own shoe from Nike.

What about the terms of regular gameplay? Well the Association and Online Association is still there, so you can choose to play as the team or rather play a GM/Coach role, assigning players role’s, making trades, promising minutes, drafting rookies etc. Another mode of play is the Create a Legend mode where, unlike MyPlayer, you take a current NBA player and use him instead making your way to fame. Overall actual gameplay is very accurate and smooth flowing. There are less Out of Bounds calls where in previous games you can almost freely run out of bounds with little to no warning. Game sliders allow you to alter gameplay as in all previous 2K games, there are tips displayed constantly throughout the game to teach you how to post-up, do cross-overs, box-out, all the buttons you never really use. The Shot Stick has now upgraded to a replacement for buttons if you feel they hinder you performance, so the stick can perform cross-overs and of course shoot for you. Jump shooting accuracy is not displayed anymore in practice mode, so you must still figure out on your own where the sweet-spot release for each player on your own. Last but not least, three-point field goals have actually been changed where if you are just a little in front of the line, it still counts as a three rather than in previous games where you were taking a long two.



What kind of sports game doesn’t have Online Mode? Well don’t worry NBA 2K13 continues it’s online play with of course its head-to-head matchups. Head-to-head matchups are just basic online games where you are rewarded a ton of VC per each completion. Next is the MyPlayer matchup, where you do a “pick-up” game of 3-on-3 with your and other random players “MyPlayer” and play to 21 (street rules so: 1′s and 2′s).

Other basic things have to do with Music, which is fantastic and done by famous rap-artist and minor owner of the Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z. If you don’t like Jay-Z don’t worry, there are some instrumentals and there are other musical artists to soothe your taste. You can customize music in the arena (impossible to hear anyway) or the main menu screen. Lastly the broadcasting team, ACTUALLY keeps up with you in this game. Unfortunately, the more you play the less clever and more annoying they become.

Overall: 8.8/10

NBA 2K13 is definitely the best game when it comes to basketball for any system (duh) and NBA 2K13 many new features keep the game fresh for a long time. If you aren’t a fan of myPlayer, create your own legend, or play an association, sometimes just play for fun against others or local, and achievements in the game give you a new style to play the game (like making you lose on purpose till the 4th quarter, etc.). Sports games are under constant scrutiny to change and not change at the same time and the team at 2K sports is definitely doing the right thing, so here’s to another year of basketball that isn’t locked-out!

That's right Chameleon Twist....you all remember for the Nintendo 64...?

Well...probably not considering the game's odd, low-profile nature. Chameleon Twist a game created Sunsoft and released in 1997, was a 3D platform game, where you controlled Chameleon's venturing through six different worlds (Jungle Land, Ant Land, Bomb Land, Desert Castle, Kids Land, and Ghost Castle). The story is pretty simple as you follow a rabbit, who oddly looks like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, into some type of magic portal, which makes you a real-normal lizard (or chameleon) into some sort of chameleon with arms and legs and a super tongue. There are four different Chameleon's in which you can play as (Green, Blue, Pink, Orange) but the Blue Chameleon, named Davy, is the main chameleon.

What makes the game unique is its gameplay and the main feature of the Chameleon's, their tongue. The tongue can be controlled in any direction, yes even in a full 360 motion and out (think you can make a figure eight). The tongue can be used to swallow enemies and spit them back out, to hurt other enemies, in addition you can swallow more than one enemy, thus giving you more "ammo" in a sense. Or, you can use your tongue to get to different places by using it like a pole to get to higher ledges, or as some type of lasso to swing your self across column's. After the tongue feature, the game is just a simple 3D platformer where you must solve puzzles, jump across areas, and defeat bosses.





The last feature of Chameleon Twist, was its free-for-all/battle royal multiplayer or Time Trial mode. Battle Royal has you trying to be the last chameleon left standing on a floating platform, while Time Trial rewards the chameleon that stays on the platform the longest. In the latter event, the chameleon that has fallen off the fewest number of times is considered the winner.

Now, due to this game's cult following, a sequel was announced and released the next year (1998) with the game called "Chameleon Twist 2". Chameleon Twist 2 changed a few things to the game and character releases (well drastically in the US). First off, they got rid of the multiplayer feature and next they changed the design of all the characters to resemble more "real-like" chameleon's. However, in Japan the design of the chameleon's stayed true to the original. Next, Davy had changed from the blue to the green chameleon in CT2 (once again stayed Blue in Japan). A fun fact about this game is the Super Mario team did lend a hand in production to clean out the gameplay.

The story of your transformation is different now as the White Rabbit from the first game falls from the sky and transforms you into your "super chameleon" state, in which you now must adventure for 6 carrots from another 6 different worlds. Most of the gameplay stayed intact, except a few upgrades to movement, tongue length, and well brighter/vibrant stages. New moves added to the game were you were now allowed to pole vault/swing yourself vertically as well (aside from the only horizontal jump from last game). You were given a parachute for slowing your decent after jumps, in addition to allowing you to use your tongue mid-air, because of the tongue's new "stick" feature. The stick feature let you reach areas that are too far for normal jumping, and brings you automatically to that landing spot; so by sticking your tongue out and hitting a floating platform you would "drag" to that area. Last but not least, the worlds were longer than its predecessor.



So that is basically chameleon twist in a nutshell. For my own opinion on the game, which I own both, I have to say the game is fun and was really a surprise. Expecting nothing from a game, may hinder my viewpoint on the game, but Chameleon Twist take on 3D platforming was a very cool concept back then; especially coming off fresh the Super Mario 64 addiction. Personally, I found Chameleon Twist 1 more fun than the sequel, but maybe I'll give 2 another shot and compare them again.

So has anyone else played this game or at least heard of it?