AndrewTS

No problem--added a tad more info on the SD cards in the original post, too.

TheFranchise: I'm assuming they're going to be pretty easy to get ahold of? I've seen them at EB/Gamestop, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. However, I don't know if it's the same way for UK, so I'd call around first. How does the Wii work with buying old games using Wii Points? You can either buy a Wii Points card in a store, and enter the code on your internet-connected Wii to register the points to the Wii to redeem them, or you can buy them through the Wii Shop with a credit card. Wii-Points cards are only available in 2000 pt increments for right now (20 USD is the cost). You can purchase them with a credit card through Wii Shop in 1000 point increments. EDIT: Wikipedia says this for UK: And when I was playing Wii sports earlier, why couldn't I get my own character, had to use guest? Did you create the Mii already through the Mii Channel? You have to do it there, you can't do that from within Wii Sports. Do I (need?) an extra memory card? Not really. You can back up your VC games and *some* (but mysteriously, not all) saves. That requires a firmware update, though. I wouldn't worry about it yet. EDIT: Oh, I forgot to mention that SD cards allow you to use custom soundtracks on Excite Truck. It also lets you view photos through the Photo Channel. Not exactly "need" but worth knowing if you are interested.

Correct. Your network would then be set up this way: Modem --(Ethernet Cable)--> LAN adapter --(USB cable)--> Wii I don't think it has to be a LAN adapter specifically for the Wii, any should work. I can't confirm that it will, though. It has multiple USB ports to so you can connect up your computer, etc.? The alternatives are: Modem --(Ethernet Cable)--> PC w/ USB dongle ))-wireless-)) Wii Modem --(Ethernet Cable)--> Wireless Router ))-wireless-)) Wii Some folks may have a modem/router combination with wireless capabilities, and wouldn't need anything extra, but that's relatively rare, I think.

No, the USB dongle is used as an access point. The Wii has Wi-Fi hardware to connect to one. The Wii only gets internet over wi-fi or through an ethernet if a LAN adapter is used. No USB internet support. I personally suggest a wireless router. The dongle had a lot of conflicts for me with my firewalls and just my computer in general. A wireless router is pretty much no fuss, no muss. Just make *certain* you set it up with WEP. You can also probably get a wireless router for about the same or less than the dongle, and it has more uses. Of course, you could bypass all of that and use a LAN adapter that connects to Wii's USB port and gives you an ethernet port, but if you have a DS you might as well get yourself wi-fi capability.

Metroid Prime 3 will not have online play of any sort. Welcome to the new gen; same as the old gen. Just more waggly.

Check out some of these homebrew downloads: http://www.tigsource.com/articles/category/platformer I'm really enjoying Return of Egypt (bottom of the page), the long-awaited sequel to Bible Adventures!! Ok, not really--it's a blatant Igavania clone that happens to have Moses in it. The respawning of some of the enemies is annoying, but still a fun download.

Puzzle Quest is apparently coming to Wii, based on an Amazon listing GoNintendo uncovered: http://www.amazon.com/D3-Publisher-Puzzle-...79&sr=1-170

55 is the max just about everywhere in my area...

Incidentally, I found out a little bit of useful information about the iPhone, and what it does/doesn't include. -No GPS, but as mentioned, one of the menu icons accesses google maps. -While it can be used as an iPod (after activation), it isn't compatible with iPod games, unfortunately. -The OS isn't officially customizable, and doesn't support adding additional applications. Any extra/3rd party apps used through it will need to be web-based. -It doesn't work *at all* as an iPod/video player/etc. until it's activated. So no getting it contract-free and making use of the other functions. I think it will just tell you your SIM card hasn't been activated when you turn it on. -It has an "Airplane mode" that will cut it off from accessing the web so you'll still be able to listen to music, view photos, etc on a plane. -The battery is non-user-replaceable, just like an iPod. So you have to mail it in if the battery goes dead. -It has a built-in digital camera lens. It's 2 megapixel and is fixed-focus; no zoom. -"Some 3rd party" stereo headphones/headsets may not work it. Big shock. It supports bluetooth headsets, though (not sure which ones/brands). A lot of this is status-quo anyway, though.

You sucked at old games? Newer games can't get away with constant enemy re-spawning, making you replay the entire game over from scratch when you run out of lives (with a few exceptions), and feature generous save options. Old games didn't, and typically the technology wasn't there to offer all those options we have available today. The "real" SMB2 = yech.

Because Vince/WWE knows better than us, and the "mainstream" fans left WWE in droves are going to come back for a roid monkey, just like they came in droves for Hogan.

Poster included with new Nintendo Power issue: http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/98...oster-2-dsf.jpg

Figures. Apple didn't train anywhere near enough agents to support it; they're throwing people from other depts into half-assed training sessions and instituting mandatory overtime. They'll be taking calls on it July 4th, too. Fuck this company.

Maybe, but how long did that last?

Rant on Shadow the Hedgehog from PlayItBogart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flEo332iN-A "Run around, argue with the camera..." -- so apt.

Contra Hard Corps speed run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxqKeI0VkBs (Somebody else's, that is. )

If the game isn't solid, though, the only ones who will rush out and buy it are going to be the small amount of gamers who adore the first title. WOM can kill in hardcore gaming circles, considering most gamers are young, net-savvy, opinionated folks. Plus R* games aren't low-profile titles that can be easily moneyhatted to respectable sales. GTAIV may be money in the bank waiting to happen, but MH2 is going to be under a lot of critical scrutiny when and if it does release.

gamevideos has a clip of gameplay from the 1up show. Beware--gamevideos player is a bit spotty and, well, Shane is a jackass. I suggest downloading over streaming. http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/12644

Unless you find completely reworked, HD-quality sprites, backgrounds, and art exciting, no.

Reminds me of Loonatics. And Ironhide's a beast. Loonatics? Not at all. Bingo. I expected as much. Does Optimus Prime require a ridiculous looking, top-heavy/tiny-waist torso? It makes the concept seems even more implausible.

He got better! Assault with a squeegee isn't really much to worry about.

Redrawn sprites, attract screens, etc. However, it is supposed to play, frame-by-frame, identical to the original title.

MS would have to be the first to make the move. Nintendo would be the very last to make a choice like that, and Sony has a far younger overall user base than the MS consoles.

GBA has Lunar Legend. Supposedly pretty good. DS has Lunar Dragon Song. It was almost universally panned.

Don't worry. You're in good company. I can't beat Contra 1 without the code, but Lord knows I've tried. Contra 3 I can get pretty far in, it's an awesome game in any rate. Super C kicks my ass so hard, and it's codeless. Hard Corp is glorious, but praise be to the almighty Game Genie. 1up has an awesome C4 preview up now. It even includes musings on the curious numbering. http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3160665