Here’s some footage of the New Super Mario Bros. game that’s slated for release sometime during the 4th quarter in North America. Can anyone say christmas gift?

A lot of people are saying that Nintendo messed up with this one, arguing they should have developed the next generation of this series in 3D. I have to disagree with them. This game is a classic. It has a great history and an enormous fan base of old school gamers. I think giving it beautiful visuals and incorporating cooperative play is enough to modernize the game. Including another dimension to a classic platformer would only ruin the simplicity & fun of the game.

Horribly underrated (yet loved by a majority here @ JTB) Wii game Excitetruck is getting a sequel on April 20th!

From Nintendo Power (via Ars):

Unlike its predecessor Excite Truck, which featured normal trucks to race, Excitebots will see players riding in vehicles modeled after insects and animals. This includes robotic racer versions of turtles, frogs, ladybugs, grasshoppers, and more. You can even collect power-ups that will allow you to run around on two/four legs.

Aside from the new look, it appears that the game will play much like Excite Truck. Tilts controls will make a return, as will ground deformation. Once again, whether or not you win a competition will depend on a combination of the tricks you pull off and where you finish in the actual race.

And now… a video!

Hopefully they’ll have the option to play the game without the Wii-Wheel, as I’m personally not the biggest fan of useless pseudo-peripherals.

I just ordered my (and Jackie’s) Wii.  We decided to do a joint Christmas present this year, which is good because I was kind of feeling a little bit weird about this Christmas.  This year was the first year that Jackie and I had our money pooled together in one account, and it makes it a little awkward when buying gifts.  I never really thought about it until Christmas rolled around.  I mean, it’s almost like you’re (partially) buying your own presents, right?

I will say, though, that this momentary weird feeling with gift-giving is well worth it when you consider all of the awkwardness that evaporates when your money is pooled together, such as paying for dinners, groceries, Target trips, etc.

Anyway, I’m open for game suggestions, so holla’ back atcha boy.