I got this smexy thing today in the mail! It’s big, it’s heavy, and it’s in English. Plus I had to wait over two months for it. They kept delaying the release of it, I think.

From what I can see of it, it’s a pretty good art book. I think. I’m no expert on these, but it seems well-made so far. I’m just glad I didn’t have to pay the full retail price of this huge book! (Yes, I’m cheap!)

First, thing first. Happy Holiday fellow NokoNoko bloggers.
My family decided again to put up a X-Mas tree. The main reason for us having a tree this year was because we were disappointed with the lack of gamer X-Mas themed trees, so we had to do the gaming community justice. So a pic of the Nintendo Theme X-Mas Tree filled with all sorts of official licensed Nintendo character key chains.

The second part of the post has to do with the mascot of this blog NokoNoko.
While shopping for some X-Mas gifts, I found the bane of my existence in Mario Kart Wii and had to get it for myself. I did find something else…a NokoNoko plush which actually looks decent. So I decided to pick it up for you Cat. Now you got the blog’s mascot in plush form.

Happy Holidays All. See you all next year.

This blog is named after Koopa Troopas! Not this guy!

I liked the 2nd dungeon of Spirit Tracks and thought it was interesting, though it made me realize that maybe it’s time to change my DS.

I had issues on the boss fight, which I’m going to guess is the fault of my touch screen. While running, sometimes Link would randomly stop and walk, which makes it hard to dodge things. My L button is also not as responsive. Perhaps it’s time to get a DSi? (Or, I could start using my limited edition Zelda DS Lite… but… I want to keep it in good condition… =O)

Anyway, I’m still not a huge fan of traveling on tracks, but I’m having fun with the game.

Here’s a first impression review of Spirit Tracks (ST)! I just finished the first dungeon. So, Link and Zelda are new characters, not ones from previous games. It does happen after Phantom Hourglass (PH) though, which I immediately noticed after seeing this guy:

The controls are mostly the same as PH, which is all stylus based for moving, tapping for interaction/attacking, and shoulder button for extra weapon. The menus should also feel familiar. I was bothered in PH that hitting the menu didn’t pause the game, but they changed that in ST. Rolling around is also easier. Instead of drawing circles, you just tap twice. And of course, you can still write on the maps.

The train is much like the boat actually. You still draw your route, and you can get train parts. Being limited by the tracks does make it more boring and even a bit annoying. When you’re about to run into something, there isn’t much you can do except back up. When there are no tracks, people freak out, zomg how will we get to that tower next door?! It’s like they’ve forgotten that you can travel by running.

I’m not a fan of things in the game that require blowing into the mic a lot to use. It’s fine for some things once in a while, but not when it’s your key item in a dungeon. Not only do I look like an idiot in public, but I get tired of doing it.

What I’m happiest about is that the music element is back. I loved the ocarina in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, but it felt missing afterwards. I didn’t care much for Wind Waker’s baton or Twilight Princess’s wolf howl, and PH didn’t have anything. And now in Spirit Tracks… well, you can find out for yourself :3

Looks promising so far!

Well I finally got some time to play some Wii games over my Thanksgiving Break.
Fist Up New Super Mario Bros. Wii. What a fantastic 2D Super Mario game it is. It has exceptional level design with numerous secret exits and old school run and jump controls. It’s such a shame that gamers had to wait so long for a true 2D Super Mario game.
What I loved:
- True old school Mario platforming
- Pretty challenging if you are trying to collect all the Gold Star Coins
- Wrap pipes for speed runners, (its possible to skip from world 1 to world 5 and then from world 5 to world 8). *suggested only after you 100% complete the game.
- The helicopter suit and Penguin suit are a great addition
- Multiplayer/ Co-op requires actual teamwork
- Yoshi made it into the game
What I hated:
- Well, once you beat it 100%, you’re sad that it’s over
- Besides Co-op gameplay the multiplayer modes are weak and shallow
- Penguin suit not offered as much, tiny blue mushroom is extremely rare to find on the levels, both are not really used at all in 95% of the levels.
- There really is nothing new or really innovating to the series besides Co-op play

Overall, the game is still a must own for all Wii gamers

Next, Resident Evil: Dark Side Chronicles. A fantastic and very fun light gun game for the Wii.
What I loved:
- A return trip to Raccoon City as Claire and Leon
- Better visuals that the previous RE Light gun game for the Wii
- Deeper development of the RE storyline
- Scary ‘jump out of your seat’ moments
What I hated:
- The game is told through Leon’s perspective. Some of the events are slightly different than the way they occurred if you played RE2 or RE:CV.
- The weapons selection seems weaker than the selection found in RE: Umbrella Chronicles.
- RE: Umbrella Chronicles had more unlockable missions and more selection of characters

Overall, I’m pleased with this RE addition to the Wii. Recommended for the Wii owners who love blasting virtual zombies.