Bonk: Brink of Extinction

Bonk is Back!  Hudson Soft is releasing a remake of the classic 2D platformer titled 'Bonk: Brink of Extinction' set to launch on Mar 22 2011 for XBOX Live Arcade, Wii Ware and PlayStation Network.  In the story, Bonk must undertake a perilous journey to save the Earth from a doomsday comet that is leaving bits of debris smashing into the jungle near Bonk's home and is on a collision course with Earth.  Some of the features of the game include, Story Mode with Co-Op play, an entire new adventure with levels based in the jungle, desert and volcanic caverns, new power-ups, new transformations, new enemies and tons of collectables.  It is classic 2D platforming in a 3D world and it is the first time online play has entered the Bonk series.  Price yet to be announced.

Rambi Returns in Donkey Kong Country

It wouldn't be Donkey Kong without our beloved rhino Rambi to help Donkey Kong crash his way through barriers, collect bananas and trample enemies.  Rambi will officially make a return in the upcoming Donkey Kong Country Returns, a Wii exclusive, out on Nov 21 2010.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Those of you that grew up swinging on vines, popping out of barrels and collecting ridiculous amounts of bananas, such as myself, will love to hear that Donkey Kong Country Returns was announced today at E3 for the Nintendo Wii.  The title is set to launch Holiday 2010.

Cloud Mario Unveiled

Official Nintendo Magazine released this image today of Cloud Mario.  Nintendo has been keeping most of the details behind Cloud Mario a secret but clearly you will be able to walk through the sky on platforms made of clouds in Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Other costumes we know are included in Super Mario Galaxy 2 include Bee Mario (as seen in the original) where Mario can fly for a limited time, stick/climb to honeycomb walls but cannot go into water or he reverts back to regular Mario and Drill Mario where Mario can drill through planets.  Super Mario Galaxy 2 is set to release in early Summer 2010.

New Trailer for Super Mario Galaxy 2

Nintendo has released a new trailer for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy 2 at the San Francisco Media Summit, the sequel is set to release on May 23 2010.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 to release May 23 2010

New from the Nintendo Medium Summit in San Francisco, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will release sooner than originally expected.  It's new release date is scheduled for May 23 2010.  That is a whole month earlier than originally planned.

As previously shown in New Super Mario Bros. Wii Gameplay video (don't let the name fool you, it includes Super Mario Galaxy 2 footage as well), the new Super Mario Galaxy will include a rideable Yoshi, new Mario power-ups, new levels and obviously new gameplay features.

Sonic 4, Episode 1 : Officially Announced

Sega has officially announced that Project Needlemouse is in fact the long awaited Sonic 4.  Sonic 4 will be bringing back the old school feel those of us grew up, side scrolling action with super sneakers, coins and spin moves.  The game will be released in episodes rather than a full title game release. Other includes of the new Sonic 4 include online leaderboards and motion sensor play for PS3 and Wii. 

Episode 1 is expected to release Summer 2010 on PlayStation 3 Store, XBOX Live Arcade and Nintendo's WiiWare. 

New Wii Classic Controller Pro Coming April 2010

For those of you like me who have played Mario for hours on end, you know that the sideways Wii remote can really dig into the insides of your palms and is very uncomfortable for extended hours of play.  While for casual gamers this is okay, for hardcore gamers it is a huge downfall to the Wii remote. 

Starting in April 2010, you can buy this new Wii Classic Controller Pro for $19.99 USD in white or black.  While only previously available in Japan (and wow was I jealous when I originally spotted this last year and found out I couldn't have one), will now be headed to the States.  The Classic Controller Pro will plug in directly to the Wii Remote Controller and it will work for more than 450 Wii, WiiWare and Virtual Console titles.

Pink and Blue Nintendo Wii Remotes Ships Feb 14 2010

If you are tired of your same old white Wii remote, there is good news.  Pink and Blue Wii remotes are coming on Feb 14 2010.  The bad news is they are bundled with the Motion Plus accessory so expect to pay for the new colors.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii Gameplay

New Super Mario Bros. Wii comes out next week, watch the E3 gameplay video below and get ready to suit up your favorite plumbers. The New Super Mario Bros. Wii also features something Mario titles never have before, multiplayer for up to four players. The video also includes footage for Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid.

New DLC for Nintendo Wii

This week, Nintendo has released a new bunch of downloadable content for the Wii console. New WiiWare titles include Arkanoid Plus! (1-2 player arcade; 600 Wii points) and DRiiFT Mania (1-4 player top-down racing; 800 Wii points). New Virtual Console titles include Altered Beast (1-2 player arcade originally released for the Sega Genesis; 1,000 Wii points) .

Nintendo also announced that this month the Wii will be reduced to $199.99 and if your order it from Amazon.com you can receive a free $25 gift card.

Unlocking Trial Galaxies

In Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii, on the observatory between Rosalina and The Garage you will notice an outline of a green launch star. To use this launch star and unlock the Trial Galaxies you must find all three Green Power Stars. I have outlined the locations of the Green Power Stars below, please note that you will have needed to complete Luigi and The Haunted Mansion level in the Kitchen dome before you can start your hunt for the Green Power Stars.

• Kitchen Dome - Buoy Base Galaxy, The Secret of Buoy Base: Use the green underwater pipe to find the secret Green Power Star.
• Fountain Dome - Battlerock Galaxy, Battlerock Barrage: At the end of the level, you will see the regular Gold Power Star, do not collect it. Go underneath it to find Luigi trapped. Get a Bullet Bill to follow you to Luigi to break open his cage and collect the secret Green Power Star.
• Bedroom Dome - Dusty Dune Galaxy, Blasting Through the Sand: After the 1st Red Spiky battle, use the launch star and go underneath where you land. Feed the Hungry Luma the required Star Bits to reveal a secret Launch Star that takes you to the Green Power Star.

After finding all three Green Power Stars, return to the outline of the Green Launch Star on the Observatory. You will notice three Green Lumas hanging out around it, talk to them and they will transform and activate the launch star. Congratulations, you have unlocked the Trial Galaxies. Trial Galaxies Unlocked:

• Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
• Bubble Blast Galaxy
• Loopdee Swoop Galaxy

Unlocking Tiptron the Pixl

In Super Paper Mario for the Nintendo Wii, there are 13 Pixls (Tiptron is the only one that appears after beating the game) and all of them have important functions.

SPOILER ALERT: After beating the game Tippi will disappear forever with Count Bleck, which means you no longer have the capabilities of using the functions Tippi provided. In order to get these functions back, you will need to unlock Tiptron the Pixl who functions and works just like Tippi.

After beating the game, Go to the Flipside Tower and return to Chapter 3-4. Pay a visit to Francis and purchase Tiptron for 999 gold coins.

Unlocking Dashell the Pixl

In Super Paper Mario for the Nintendo Wii, there are 13 Pixls (one of which appears only after you beat the game) and all of them have important functions. While Dashell the Pixl is not necessary for beating the game, he is useful. With Dashell equipped, you can hold down the 1 button and move at double speed.

As soon as you have Luigi in your party, attempt the Flipside Pit of 100 Trials. After finishing the Flipside Pit of 100 Trials and defeating Wracktail, you will unlock Dashell the Pixl.

Unlocking Piccolo the Pixl

In Super Paper Mario for the Nintendo Wii, there are 13 Pixls (one of which appears only after you have beat the game) and all of them have important functions. You will need to find these Pixls throughout the game and you will need specific Pixls to solve certain puzzles to get you through the stage.

Piccolo's powers are most obviously related to the game's music and sound effects but she also has healing powers. If your character is inflicted with a status effect, simply play Piccolo's song to remove the ailment. In other areas, you will need to play Piccolo to gain access to secret treasures (hint: there is one of these areas in Flipside on level 3F).

To get Piccolo the Pixl, you will have to go on a moderately lengthy side quest and you will need to have already placed the sixth Pure Heart. Follow the steps below.

1. Go to Merlee's House of Charms, located on the second floor of Flopside. Hop over her crystal ball and speak with her, she'll ask for help, accept her offer.
2. Go to Merluvlee's Fortune Teller's Fortress, on the second floor of Flipside. Hop over her crystal ball and speak with her.
3. Go to Flipside Tower and through the red door to Chapter 1-1.
4. Visit Bestovius, he lies at the end of the first area in Chapter 1-1, speak with the flip wizard.
5. Use the Return Pipe, then re-enter the red door and select Chapter 1-2.
6. Head to Yold Town and visit Watchitt, he'll give you a paper.
7. Use the Return Pipe, then re-enter the red door and select Chapter 1-4.
8. You will need to replay Chapter 1-4 in its entirety, when you reach the Star Block, stand underneath it and wait for Merlumina to appear. Listen to her talk (it will last a while), she will then sign the paper and it becomes an autograph item.
9. Use the Return Pipe, then re-enter the red door and select Chapter 1-2.
10. Head back to Yold Town and visit Watchitt, give him the autograph. He will give you the You-Know-What.
11. Use the Return Pipe, then re-enter the red door and select Chapter 1-1.
12. Head back to Bestovius, give him the You-Know-What. He will give you the Training Machine. Use the Return Pipe.
13. Head back to Merluvlee on the second floor of Flipside, hop back over her crystal ball and give her the Training Machine. She will give you a Crystal Ball.
14. Head back to Merlee on the second floor of Flopside, hop back over her crystal ball and give her the Crystal Ball. She will give you a charm and a Random House Key.
15. Take the key to the locked door on the first floor of Flopside and unlock the door to find the secret Pixl, Piccolo.

Mario Kart Wii

In the new Mario Kart for the Wii, I recommend buying the racing wheel. It is definately well worth it, it may not feel like an actual race wheel, but it makes the game a bit more enjoyable when you can actual steer your kart. Plus, if you use the wheel often enough you will receive a Gold Wheel above your name in online play. Below I have mentioned all the requirements for the unlockable items in the game.

Unlockable Characters:

• Baby Daisy: 1 Star in all 50cc Cups
• Bowser Jr.: 1 Star in all 100cc Retro Cups
• Dry Bowser: 1 Star in all 150cc Cups
• Funky Kong: Unlock 4 Expert Staff Ghosts in Time Trial mode
• Baby Luigi: Unlock 8 Expert Staff Ghosts in Time Trial mode
• Mii Outfit B: Unlock all 32 Expert Staff Ghosts in Time Trial mode
• Birdo: Play Time Trial mode on 16 courses
• Toadette: Play Time Trial mode on all 32 courses
• King Boo: Win 50cc Star Cup
• Dry Bones: Win 100cc Leaf Cup
• Mii Outfit A: Win 100cc Special Cup
• Daisy: Win 150cc Special Cup
• Diddy Kong: Complete all 50cc Cups in 3rd or better

Unlockable Races:

• Leaf Cup: Win at least 3rd Place in the Banana Cup
• Lightning Cup: Win at least 3rd Place in the Leaf Cup
• Star Cup: Win at least 3rd Place in the Flower Cup
• Special Cup: Win at least 3rd Place in the Star Cup
• Mirror Mode: Win 1st Place in all 150cc Cups

Unlockable Karts:

• Blue Falcon (small): Win Mirror Lightning Cup
• Dragonetti (large): Win 150cc Lightning Cup
• Royal Racer (medium): Win 150cc Leaf Cup
• Piranha Prowler (large): Win 50cc Special Cup
• Turbo Blooper (medium): Win 50cc Leaf Cup
• Rally Romper (small): Unlock 1 Expert Staff Ghost in Time Trial Mode
• Cheep Charger (small): Earn at least 1 Star Rank in all 50cc Retro Grand Prix Cups

Unlockable Bikes:

• Bubble Bike (small): Win Mirror Leaf Cup
• Dolphin Dasher (medium): Win Mirror Star Cup
• Phantom Cycle (large): Win Mirros Special Cup
• Quacker (small): Win 150cc Star Cup
• Rapide (medium): Win 100cc Lightning Cup
• Twinkle Star (large): Win 100cc Star Cup
• Magikruiser (small): Play 8 different courses in Time Trial mode
• Torpedo (large): Unlock 12 Expert Staff Ghosts in Time Trial mode
• Nitrocycle (medium): Earn at least a 1 Star Rank for all 100cc Wii Grand Prix Cups

Super Mario Galaxy

Unlike the traditional side-scrolling Mario games, Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii is 3D. Instead of having a flat area map to choose which level to play next, you have a 3D space station with observatory's that hold levels. The space station is not used only for selecting your next level, but you can run around and find 1-up mushrooms.

10 Free 1up's (Location: Space Station)

• Get 5 from the Mail Toad
• Get 1 in the crate at the Garage
• Get 1 from underneath the Gate dome
• Get 1 from underneath the stairs of the Kitchen dome
• Get 1 from the center, lower spinning platform
• Get 1 from the top of the station (requires Red Star)

Starting boost when racing Cosmic Mario

• When the countdown starts, hold forward, then as the countdown hits 2, hold down on Z to crouch. When the race starts, hit A and you will turn yellow for a few seconds and get a really good boost that will put you ahead of Cosmic Mario.

Unlock Luigi

• Collect all 120 stars and fight Bowser after speaking to Rosalina on the Comet Observatory. Wait for the credits to end and you'll see a message saying Luigi is now playable. Note: Luigi jumps further, runs faster and doesn't stop as easily as Mario.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

At E3 2009, Nintendo announced they are making a follow-up to the New Super Mario Bros. DS which is based off of Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros. 3. New Super Mario Bros. Wii will release Holiday 2009 and will include 4-player multiplayer mode, the ability to ride Yoshi, new super power suits and you can play as Mario, Luigi or Toadstool.

Super Paper Mario

Super Paper Mario for the Wii is mostly about recipes and what items you can cook up. However, there are a few codes and puzzles you will need to solve to get by certain areas of the game. All these puzzles can be solved by playing the game and listening to the story, however, if you just want to get through it, here you go.

• Vault Code: 41262816
• VIP Room Passcode: 5963
• Fort Francis: Right Room = 2323, Left Room = 2828
• Cragnon Blocks: #1 = 132, #2 = MRLLRMRLRRMRRLMMLLLRLLLMM
• Dorguy the First: 1 = Queen Jaydes, 2 = Dorguy the 1st, 3 =6 Times
• Dorguy the Second: 1 = 3, 2 = 2, 3 = Blue, 4 = 4, 5 = Triangles
• Element Block Order: Stone, Water, Fire
• Underwater Poles: Tall, Short, Short and Tall, Short, Tall
• Color Blocks: There are 8 colors, hit each color block once.
• Chapter 5-4 Wall Paintings: Black, White, Blue, Red
• Chapter 7-3 Healing Peach: Give her the Black Apple.

There are also a few secrets and tips that may prove useful.

• Chapter 3-1 Shortcut: In the Underground portion of the level, before you use the pipe at the end, go up and over to the Warp Pipes. Left Pipe = Takes you backwards, Center Pipe = Shortcut, Right Pipe = Catch Card and Coins
• Jump on Enemies with Style: When you hit an enemy, jump again and swing the Wii remote to execute an acrobatic move. Talk to Garson at The Underwhere for more info.
• More Dimensions, More Money: Flip every time you see a row of coins or coin blocks. Often, there will be multiple rows of coins or coin blocks behind them in 3D but if you collect the coins in 2D, the 3D ones will disappear.

Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country for the SNES (also downloadable on the Wii) has many secrets. Below I have mentioned the main points of interest.

Before you start the game cheats: These must be done on the 'Select a Game' screen and 'Erase' must be highlighted.

• Start with 50 Lives: Hold SELECT and press B, A, R, R, A, L


• Animal Bonus Practice Games: Hold SELECT and press B, up, B, B, A


• Sound Test: Hold SELECT and press B, A, L, L, A, down


• Hero Mode: Complete the game with at least 90%, then start a new game, select Two Player mode to access Hero mode. You can only play Diddy Kong and there are no Donkey Kong Barrels or checkpoints.

Level Shortcuts: If you can't beat a level, here is the quickest way to do so, most of these will advance you to almost the end of the level.

• Stop Go Station: When you enter the level, walk to the left and enter the door where you entered from.


• Mine Cart Carnage: At the start of the level, instead of jumping into the first barrel, jump over it and stay to the left. It will appear you are committing suicide but you will land in a warp barrel.


• Millstone Mayhem: In the start of the level, right after you pass under the squirrel in the big wheel there is a cliff, if you jump down it, you will land in a barrel. When it shoots you up, hold left and you will land on a ledge that will put you in a warp barrel.


• Slipslide Ride: At the start of the level, you will see a blue rope, wait for the Kritter and use it to jump off and reach the rope. Jump to the ledge on the left. There is a bit of a blue barrel at the top of the wall that is barely visible, jump into it. This only takes you half way through the level.