So I was skimming the articles at Kotaku today when I came across this gem. Apparently, some columnist working for the San Jose Mercury News wrote up an article detailing his experience with buying a Wii this last Christmas. His dilemma was all of the “hidden prices” that came along with buying a console, such as extra Wiimotes, instruments if he wanted to buy a Rock Band/Guitar Hero game, trouble establishing internet access to his Wii, multiple games, rechargeable battery stations for the Wiimotes… and apparently it was all too much for him to comprehend so he returned the system.
I’m a little elitist because I work at a game store where I’m already aware of all these things, so forgive me for being a bit cruel to this dude, but really? You’re a columnist and you didn’t bother to research how much the works would cost? One, do your kids really need Guitar Hero or Rock Band? Would they recognize and be able to enjoy most of the songs on the set lists? Two, it’s the Wii. Do you seriously need internet access for that thing? What’s wrong with your computer? Are you planning on buying vintage games that they don’t even know from the Virtual Console? Three, it totally irks me how spoiled kids are these days. When I was a kid I was thankful to have one controller, one system and one game. If there were four of us in the room, we got out the cooking timer and took turns every 15 minutes. I hate the idea of “Oh noes, what if Jimmy and Susie have friends over? Surely we’ll need fifteen more Wiimotes, LOL”. This is why I have a job, Mr. Columnist – to help folks like you realize what you’re in for when you promise the kids a Wii for Christmas.
Rumors are swirling about that on Sunday, September 27th, consumers across the nation will be able to pick a Nintendo Wii up for the new low price of $199.99 as opposed to $249.99. Perhaps it’s because Sony and Microsoft just slashed their platforms’ prices, or maybe it’s because it’s about freakin’ time they dropped the price of the Wii (it’s been three years!). Either way, it will be interesting to see the competition begin again between the three as we inch closer and closer to the Christmas season. We’ll keep you up to date on the official word!
So while Nicole and I were at Myrtle Beach The Beatles: Rock Band made its debut without us. Nicole was positively rabid about playing it and I had high hopes for the game after reading interviews and updates for months about all of the care that had gone into preserving it as a grand entry into The Beatles legacy. So, as soon as we got back we ran down to Gamestop and picked up our pre-order. While I can’t speak for Nicole, here are 5 observations about The Beatles: Rock Band.
Sometimes while I am working at AGS (“anonymous game store”) I read the lists of the new releases and I can’t help but to crack up and wonder what the heck the creators were thinking when they decided on some of their titles. Whether they’re suggestive, silly, or just completely dumb the following titles have earned their place on my “funniest game titles” list.
I only wish I could make something like this up. Apparently 
includes a pair of King Hippo shorts that can cause downtown bonanza cancer. You can read more about it over at 
As many of you know, Punch-Out!! came out today after being in retirement for quite some time. Little Mac is back with a slew of his old rivals and a few new ones to keep him on his toes as he fights his way to the top. Naturally I was more than thrilled with this and got home from work as quick as I could so I could go snag a copy at my local, anonymous, super game store. So how does it stack up against its predecessors? Read on and I’ll let you know some initial impressions I’ve had and what you’ve got to look forward to as Doc Louis whips Mac into shape for the third time.
Nintendo has never really had a problem marketing its products, but I had to chuckle at this latest commercial featuring a 
Just in case anyone else was upset and disturbed (grin) by the news that Ghostbusters would be a timed, PS3-exclusive you can put those fears to rest! That is, unless you’re European, where it actually still is a timed exclusive. I probably should have made that a bit clearer, but it’s not as if Europe isn’t used to getting screwed over by the gaming industry. You can get the full scoop over at