If you haven't heard of this game, then consider yourself unlucky. Shantae: Risky's Revenge is fantastic from start to finish with clever platforming and amazing gameplay and dungeons. I never knew about previous Shantae games, but it seems they have the same vibe as Nintendo games as well as good value. Oh and did I mention how nice the music and the visuals are for a DS downloadable? You can't go wrong with it.. This is basically one of the games that people usually overlook *sigh* so sad If you have a DSi, do yourself a favor and download this game. You won't be disappointed! It took me almost 8 hours to collect 31/34 of the items for only $12. Best DSi download so far.

A rumor but so sweet nonetheless is that Retro Studios is making a game starring Nintendo's most famous wild ape! Donkey Kong 64 was one of the best platformers I've ever played since Rare days. Even though it's still rumor from ign staff, they said it's from credible sources! I can't wait more 2 days to see what Nintendo & Retro are hiding, but now I'm so happy because there is a big chance that Retro is going to show us something this year If we believe the rumor is true, expect DK country or DK 64 release on virtual console along with the brand-new adventure this year due to the long development time the game has taken.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is an amazing game in every way and I think that most of you know that. I understand if the gamer/user rates SMG2 as perfect, superb, great or even good, but not to the extent of being so harsh and rate the game as abysmal. Go and check the average user scores for yourself. About 7% rated the game as 1 / 10, which only proves that many users if not the most are Mario and Nintendo haters. You can rarely find such abysmal scores for "high" rated games for the HD twins. Why the other websites are giving Mario 10s then? I really enjoyed the game so far and I hope you do too, but this is ridiculous for someone like me who used to check the readers' reviews more often.

You can see many crazy videos like these in youtube, but this one got my attention and I wanted to share it with you guys. You can now play as Ryu Hayabusa in the original Mario Bros. and the music is replaced by the catchy original Ninja Gaiden music for Act 4-2. What the..........? Anyways, enjoy the trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdr95SSgm2g&feature=player_embedded

Lol.. it was really funny but a little bit sad, because I love both characters.

http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/932213/collegehumor-videogames-/videos/collegehgames_prt_sonicand_33110.html

CHEEP CHEEP Huh?

According to an interview with Yoshio Sakamoto, the man responsible for the Metroid series and Kid Icarus since the NES days, there is NO game coming from Nintendo under Kid Icarus name any time soon. While I'm waiting patiently for the new Metroid, I was really disappointed when I read the news yesterday. I was expecting a surprise to be unveiled sooner or later, but it seems I had high hopes because I believe Nintendo has unparalleled ability to revive old franchises like what they have done with Metroid. However, he noted that making such flying game for Pit is still possible, but they never thought of it! Ahhh Nintendo should better surprise us with more than just Pikmin or Zelda at the upcoming E3. I'm still satisfied with Galaxy 2 and Other M announcements though.

Nintendo opened two offcial Japanese wesites to reveal two major RPGs for the Wii coming this year. One is "Xenoblade" from the developer of Baten Kaitos and Xenosaga series (MonolithSoft) and the other is "The Last Story" from the father of Final Fantasy (Sakaguchi's Mistwalker). From what I've played from MonolithSoft, if Xenoblade is to be released for the US, it will be a day-one-buy game. Baten Kaitos games are well known for great stories, amazing music and innovative gameplay. It doesn't mean those are the best RPG's I've played, but they left me want to see more games from them. Now for the other title, I hope partnering with Nintendo will results in a great game. Previous titles from Mistwalker might not be the ones that can compete with the great names like Final Fantasy, but this game can do it. The title's logo is strangely similar to FF's in font and background pic. It's too early to decide which game will be good, but the Xenoblade theme is so nice (go now and hear it) and just wanted to say welcome back Monolith.

If you are a fan of the EBA and Ace Attorney series just like me, then this video is for you! This is one of the best game-related videos I've seen this year. Enjoy!

Don't forget to watch the two different scenarios!

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/queen-elite-beat-agents-and-phoenix-wright-make-for-a-great-com/#continued

If you guys are following the greatest hero contest, could you imagine that GS caught almost 16,000 fraudulent votes coming from only 5 people in order to make bub & bob win? LOL!! Glad to hear it because I noticed a sudden increase in the votes and it was really weird ... Also, I'd say congratulation for the big N's 120 birthday and I hope they continue to surprise us with the quality titles we all know and love. Cheers

(edited)

Here are some of Nintendo slogans:

"You play with power" for the NES

"You play with power, super power" for the SNES

"Get N or get out" for N64

"Touch is good" for DS

"Wii would like to play" for Wii

It is just a matter to share with you guys about Nintendo's current situation in general and the Wii specifically. As you can see, there is no doubt that the company is not planning to release a new HD hardware any time soon due to the huge success gained from both the Wii and DS. So naturally, I expect a longer life for Wii, because the GameCube's life was almost 4 years and I don't think Nintendo won't support their money-printing console. The year 2007 was arguably a Nintendo year due to strong first party games, but no one can deny that 2008 was so weak and I spent most of the time playing lower quality products from third party companies as well as virtual console games. I never complained I don't have games (I have PS2 and DS), but I bought the Wii specifically for Nintendo games. Also in 2009, some of the good games were released like Wii Sports Resort, Punch-Out and Excite Bots in addition to few third party support, but what about the deep and addictive adventures from Nintendo? Mario Galaxy 2 , a new Zelda and Metroid: Other M are to be released in the upcoming year, but what other things the company and its close partners developing for the console?! It has been a long time since we heard something from Retro Studios, Intelligent Systems, HAL, Nintendo Tokyo and Nintendo Kyoto itself. Here are some expectations:

Retro Studios

Does anyone remember Miyamoto when he said he wants to re-create the Zelda experience? Also, in one of the interviews he said they wanted to develop a first-person Zelda! Now to think about it, the American developer has not shown us any project during the past years, which may indicate that they're working on a new Zelda and it might be released in the US even before Japan, because basically Retro has the experience to develop a first-person game. Also, chances that the new first-person Zelda will support the Wii motion plus.

Intelligent Systems

There is a chance that they're making a totally new game or as usual a new Paper Mario, or Fire Emblem on the Wii.

HAL Laboratory

I do not think the cancelled Kirby game for GameCube is totally cancelled, so I expect this one to be re-appeared soon.

Nintendo Tokyo

The division responsible for Mario Galaxy is probably not only developing the sequel, but entirely new Donkey Kong adventure too and I really have high expectations for the game since they announced it in 2005. Galaxy2 maybe during the final stages and I expect it to be released as soon as Q1 2010.

Nintendo Kyoto

This one is really hard to predict, but I still believe they are working on Kid Icarus, a new Pikimin and Zelda Spirit Tracks for the DS. As you know, Miyamoto said that both Mario and Zelda team are united to make new IPs as well as revival of at least 2 old games. Now to think about it, they already revived Punch Out but what about the other game?? Kid Icarus? Maybe However, I would love to see new things from the big N. They truly never disappointed me in games but delays. I'm sure they want to surprise us with things and true fans (like me :lol know what quality Nintendo can produce. So all I can say is to wait and see, but patience is killing us and the release of games like Wii Fit makes some people think that the company abandoned their fans.

Again, just few things to share and it is up to you to comment.

Please read my "Last Word" after revealing No.1 .. Lets recap:

10. Awesome, stylish Okami

9. Wonderful Tales of Symphonia

8. A strategy with amazing dawn, Fire Emblem

7. The best time travel story, Chrono Trigger

6. Game Art's Grandia

5. Not for kids

4. An ocarina for all times

3. Beautiful Baten Kaitos

2. Bad ass Phoenix Wright

and the winner is:

1. Final Fantasy IX (PSOne)

A brilliant story in a fantasy world and one of the most underrated games ever. FF IX's story is indeed the best I've ever seen and definitely my best in the series as a story. In my opinion, FF IX should be a benchmark for many games to come if they want to create a memorable experience. The story starts with a band of thieves that tries to kidnap a princess but surprisingly they found that the princess herself wants to be kidnapped. As I promised, no spoilers, however, you should know that the story's events are very well put together and there is a real time system which you can use to see what other characters are doing in the game. Also, any story that doesn't affect you in some way or the other is basically not worth it. FF IX is full of emotions that make you smile, laugh, or even put you into sadness. Also, the conclusion is another merit for the story yet other stories fail to achieve such greatness. Further, I love all the playable characters in the game with no exception and each one is surprisingly unique in shape and traits. The graphics and music are still amazing too, and proudly the game as a whole stood the test of time, because I just played it again recently since the game was released in 2000.

While the game is amazing from the story perspective, it should be noted that it wasn't a perfect game. The battle system is so plain and standard for my taste and doesn't include any innovative features (except for allowing 4 characters to fight) unlike most of the FF games, but bottom line, the story kicks so much ass and makes you forget about it. At the end, the gameplay won't be that bad, because it's a FF... and not any FF!! It is Final Fantasy 9

Vivi is one of the memorable characters in FF IX

If you aren't my friend, it doesn't mean I'll not help you ...

Last Word: I hope you guys enjoyed my list and if you found my number 1 silly, it doesn't mean the rest is crap. As I said, I tried to make the list varied with games from many types. If you ever find yourself want a nice story, you may try one of the listed depending on your taste Also, as usual, I'll mention other games that are not included in the list, but each has a nice story:

- Skies of Arcadia

- Grim Fandango

- Dragon Quest 5

- Final Fantasy VIII

- Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes

- Resident Evil : Code Veronica

- Metroid Fusion

- Zelda: Twilight Princess

- Super Paper Mario on Wii

- Fire Emblem : Sacred Stones

- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

2. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations (DS)

OBJECTION!! If this game is not the first then it should be at least the second! I'm a big fan of Ace Attorney and I own all the games in the series so far. For the people who don't know, Phoenix Wright is a defence attorney and in order to defend his clients, he has to investigate crimes, question people, find clues, represent the defendant in the court and on top of that he has to believe in his clients. Phoenix Wright's characters are some of the best I've ever seen and their intractions even better. The events of the story are so well written and the comical presentation is amazingly suits the game. While the story has its moments of shocking murder cases, it was also funny especially when Phoenix talks to himself. The first part was released on the DS in 2005 and scored a great 8.8. The second was kind of OK, but the third (Trials and Tribulations) is the best in the series and hence it deserves much higher than 7.5. The only problem about this game is to play the first 2 games before this one due to story continuation. I'm really proud this game is on the DS. If anybody asks me what's my favorite game on DS, I'll definitely choose Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney. Sorry guys, but I haven't liked the New Mario Bros, Phantom Hourglass or Metroid Hunters that much. Take that !!

WOW this pic is awesome!! But not from the game

3. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings & the Lost Ocean (GC)

This game is from Monolith Studios that brings games like Xenosaga. While I've only heard good things about the Xenosaga series, I've played one of the most memorable RPGs ever developed by Monolith and got really surprised by how amazing this game is. Baten Kaitos has so unique battle system as you can attack and cast magic by using a deck of magnus cards for each character. You may spend some time to figure out the way to use the cards, but it wasn't that hard and you'll enjoy it once you can do awesome combo attacks. Also, the game really shines when it comes to the story. When you start disc 1, you get basically an introduction to Baten Kaitos world and characters, but once you play disc2, you will be shocked by the story's turn of events. In addition to all that, YOU play a part of this game, yes YOU, the spirit that accompanies the hero. I really enjoyed this story and on top of that I bought the prequel to this game and it has an awesome story too. The only thing I didn't like is the voice acting in the game, but fortunately it doesn't ruin the story. If you plan to play this game, you should check Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean first and then try the prequel.

Baten Kaitos OST is one of the best I've ever heard since Chrono Cross

4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64 / GC / Wii)

The game that taught me what the word perfection means must be in the list. The legendary game is perfected to not only having unmatched gameplay, but also a wonderful and charming story. You can rarely find a story like Ocarine of Time because its gameplay-driven. The story depends mainly on your exploration with the help/hints you can get from Navi, Saria or other characters. Does anyone remember the Zora's daughter when you find her letter that says: "don't tell my father" Does anyone remember the queen of thieves and Twinroova Sisters? The game proves that simplicity can create a memorable story while complication doesn't necessarily give us a nice one. Twilight Princess also got a wonderful story but I have to go with the game that established the standards for many games as well as remaining one of the best ever created.

5. Eternal Darkness (GC)

One of the most amazing games ever from both Silicon Knights and Nintendo. Its one of Nintendo's bold steps towards core gamers and specifically mature players. For those who don't know, Eternal Darkness is an action adventure like no other games in the genre. The gameplay is amazingly made and the story is very dark and deep which makes games like Resident Evil look shallow (no joke). Through the game, you gain control of 12 characters and each has a set of weapons and magic spells. Yeah, you can use magic to solve mysteries or use it against creatures. The events spins from old ages since the people were using knives to our time where guns are common. Also, I have to tell you that the sound effects of the game are some of the best ever. The game scored 9.4 in GS and 9.6 in ign, but it seems nobody cared about it and as a result it sold only 200,000 units. Do you have a Wii and complain it has nothing to play on it? Then why don't you search for this great game and give it a try?

"Its not the story of the Roivas family, its the story of humanity"..

I love this game!!

6. Grandia (PSOne / Saturn)

One of the most memorable and overlooked games ever. The game that is the best in its series and one of PSOne's masterpeices, Grandia. Its the story of an adventurous and brave kid who wants to see the "End of the World" and a younger girl who accompanies him to heal his wounds. The game is 2 discs long and there are plenty of movies and voice acting that suits a PSOne game. The characters and events are unforgettable, the dungeons and locations of the game are so huge to discover and the music was so nice as I still remember the game's intro. The only issue with the game was the graphics, but do I need to care about it while I can get a superb gameplay plus a great story? Its not me

7. Chrono Trigger (SNES / PSOne / DS)

A wonderful time travel story and one of the top games originally released on the SNES, Chrono Trigger. Its simply not any time travel game, but very deep, challenging and even the side quests are really enjoyable and adds alot to the story. The characters of the game are very unique and everyone plays an important role in the story, so thats why I love all of them with no exception. Also, the story takes you to the past and future ages for the very same world and the side quests are achievable with no need for any walkthrough and some of them requires the usage of the Epoch to travel between ages. Do I have to mention that the game has 13 endings, amazing sound tracks and great graphics? You don't know how happy I was when Square released it on the DS.

8. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Wii)

Turn-based strategy games (the games that play like chess) usually come with average stories. Games like FF Tactics and Advance Wars are some of the top games that depends mainly on gameplay, but Fire Emblem series was always an exception. While any FE's stages are cleverly designed, the story is also very exciting. The top FE story in my opinion is Radiant Dawn on Wii. The events take place as I remember three years after the GameCube game (Path of Radiance) and take you even further to introduce a combination of old and new characters after the mad king Ashnard's death. I think there was something wrong with the GS's editor who reviewed the game and gave it a 6. He claimed that the game has a punishing difficulty, while you can choose the difficulty level you want. Also, he mentioned that the game has a weak story, while me and many others think otherwise. The average of the readers reviews may convince you that this game deserve more. By the way, if you plan to give this game a try, you should play Path of Radiance on GC first.

9. Tales of Symphonia (PS2 / GC)

Even though the Tales series from Namco are somehow feels repetitive in gameplay, the only great Tales I played so far is Tales of Symphonia. The events of the story were too great and shocking especially when you start disc 2 in case you are playing it on GameCube. The memorable companions along with superb visuals and gameplay makes this game unforgettable. A sequel was released for Wii but it didn't score well, so good luck finding this great game. There are many more things I want to share about it, but as I promised, no spoilers. However, you'll not be disappointed when you plan to play it

Tales of Symphonia, the animation? Sounds cool