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Ok, I enjoy video games (I still have my SNES), but recently I've been getting really annoyed with my local EB Games. Every time I walk into the store, the Nintendo section is getting smaller and smaller! Why? I have no clue! Nintendo is breaking down barriers with its Wii and Nintendo DS; older folks who never thought they could play are discovering how easy it is every day with the Wiimote. DS is finding new ways to make an interesting use of the touch screen, from performing surgery to simply having a constant map (which can be a godsend at times). Nintendo has always been about innovation, not graphics and sound capabilities (although those sure do help). People are getting sucked in by the big shininess of the PS3 and 360, but it's funny. The Wii outsold both of them. And the PSP? Chump change compared to the DS. 300 bucks for a portable DVD player?! In your dreams! C'mon people! Nintendo is selling higher quality game systems for half the price of the competition (shameless plug right there). I have one thing to say: VIVA LA NINTENDO!!!
I recently picked up a Wii(all hail EB Games!), and I was immediately blown away by the tight controls. The motion sensor is spot on thanks to that handy sensor bar that's included with the Wii. This also means that it works no matter where you place the sensor or where you sit, it can pick up the motion your hands make. This is cool for people who are disabled or who can't stand for a long while. It also doesn't require extravagant motions to make the games work(although it's quite fun). The only thing I'm bummed out about is that the Wiimote uses batteries. I knew it would but it should have a built in lithium pack(rechargeable of course!). I don't mind buying batteries, but I would rather spend the money on a pack of gum for example.
For those of you who pay attention to the video game sector( you subscribe to a video game magazine), is it just me or do North American games continue to go downhill? Sure there are exceptions (SSX series keeps getting better, is EA Canada the only good North American company left?), but in general most of them started sucking the bag. Props to Silicone Knights though, they made Eternal Darkness: Sanities Requiem, and its one of the scariest games I have ever had the pleasure to play (good job with the sound work on the recent Sega games too). Most North American companies focus on 3 main things, and it's an excellent 3 things, but variety wouldn't kill you. Those three things are: Violence, Sex and Phonics. PHONICS OWNS YOU! I'm a sucker for GTA (Grand Theft Auto) as much as the next guy, but I want to see more games like Good & Evil (See Nintendo Power? You're not the only people who like that game!). Now that was a classy game. Undercover photographer/pig-kicking super heroine?! Best game idea ever! So, please keep this in mind when your game company goes into a new meeting, not so much violence, no sex, but tons of phonics. CAPISHCE!?
Rejoice! This is a double rant! Twice the complaining in the same amount of time! The Juno Awards were yesterday night, and I was deeply upset by the awards show. One: just 'cause Nelly Furtado hosted the show, doesn't mean she should win all the awards. SHE TOOK HOME 5 FOR CHRISTS SAKE! Is it just me or does anyone else think that show is rigged(Steve the Pirate thinks its rigged!)? Even the Francophone awards(the French are in on this scam too) were so rigged. Now why do I care about the Francophone awards? Well I've been to Quebec recently and got a taste of French rock and roll. I can tell you, it's not half bad. Sure you can't understand half the words (unless you speak French, Je m'exscuse!), but if you really like rock, you know that a well played guitar riff makes a song way better than any lyrics no matter how catchy. The nominees were, Compter les Corps by Vulgaires Machins, Trompe l'Oile by Malajube, Il était une fois dans l'est by Antoine Gratton, Le couer dans le tête by Ariane Moffatt, and La forêt des mals-aimés by Pierre Lapointe. and Not to say that Antoine Gratton's music isn't worthy of a Juno, but compared to Vulgaires Machin and Malajube they truly are superior. I nearly had a fit when they announced the awards. For those of you who are Canadian, and actually watched the show (if you didn't I cant blame you), I'm sure you were similarly outraged. I'm going to boycott the Juno's next year! K-os didn't even take home an award! To shame with all of you!
This is all very counter-productive. People in third world countries have no food and water and people worry that they may not have the latest gadget or gizmo. Be grateful for what you have, never take anything for granted. Collaborate with other people from other places and learn new things. Try and learn Japanese(or another cool language). Do something worthwhile and make the world a better place.