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Kombo's Comprehensive E3 2009 Index Page Every single E3 2009 related update and article posted on Kombo... conveniently organized in one location. Just for you. 
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Industry Roundtable: Game of the Year 2008 Journalists from 1UP, Destructoid, The Escapist, Forbes, GoNintendo, Joystiq, Totally Rad Show, USA Today and The Wiire discuss. 
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Review: Animal Crossing: City Folk is a Good, But Familiar Game Haven't we played this before? 
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Wii
Triangle Studios announces Heron: Steam Machine for WiiWare
by Andrew Adam | 07/03/09 | 8:22 PM PST
For those who remember Pipe Dream on the NES fondly, Dutch developer Triangle Studios has a WiiWare game just for you.
On July 3 they announced Heron: Steam Machine, which is a "pipe puzzle format" game. Connect the pipes to keep the steam machine going and move on to the next level. Simple concept, hard to master most likely if the game is like any great puzzler. Being a WiiWare game, a release date for the title is unknown as Nintendo usually keeps the release schedule hidden.
Click the link to check out the official press release.
Triangle Studios announces Heron: Steam Machine for WiiWare
by Andrew Adam | 07/03/09 | 8:22 PM PST
For those who remember Pipe Dream on the NES fondly, Dutch developer Triangle Studios has a WiiWare game just for you.
On July 3 they announced Heron: Steam Machine, which is a "pipe puzzle format" game. Connect the pipes to keep the steam machine going and move on to the next level. Simple concept, hard to master most likely if the game is like any great puzzler. Being a WiiWare game, a release date for the title is unknown as Nintendo usually keeps the release schedule hidden.
Click the link to check out the official press release.
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Wii
Man Grooves to Mii Channel Music
by Rhody Tobin | 07/03/09 | 6:43 PM PST
This is Mike. Mike is a dance instructor. Apparently, Mike isn't afraid to get a little silly when he's in the mood to groove. While teaching a workshop for Boogiezone's "Boogiezone University" event, he decided to get down to the theme from the Wii's Mii Channel.
It's pretty cool, but the Mii Channel has now been ruined forever, at least for me. The next time I check out my Mii plaza, none of my Miis will be doing anything like that, and I won't be able to help but be disappointed. I guess there's always PlayStation Home.
Man Grooves to Mii Channel Music
by Rhody Tobin | 07/03/09 | 6:43 PM PST
This is Mike. Mike is a dance instructor. Apparently, Mike isn't afraid to get a little silly when he's in the mood to groove. While teaching a workshop for Boogiezone's "Boogiezone University" event, he decided to get down to the theme from the Wii's Mii Channel.
It's pretty cool, but the Mii Channel has now been ruined forever, at least for me. The next time I check out my Mii plaza, none of my Miis will be doing anything like that, and I won't be able to help but be disappointed. I guess there's always PlayStation Home.
source: GoNintendo
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Wii
Week-Ending Game Endings' July 4th Week Off
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 5:17 PM PST
Okay, kind of weak, I know. Truth is, I probably should have done more research into the Marvel vs. Capcom endings thing, but I'm working on it.
Anyway, after one story earlier, I thought another video might be more fitting, anyway:
Happy Independence Day (and belated Canada Day), everyone!
Week-Ending Game Endings' July 4th Week Off
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 5:17 PM PST
Okay, kind of weak, I know. Truth is, I probably should have done more research into the Marvel vs. Capcom endings thing, but I'm working on it.
Anyway, after one story earlier, I thought another video might be more fitting, anyway:
Happy Independence Day (and belated Canada Day), everyone!
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Wii
My Games This Weekend - 07.03.09
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 5:13 PM PST
Well, Fourth of July weekend is finally upon us. Unfortunately, up here in Canada, that in itself doesn't exactly mean a lot, but Canada Day was on the first of the month, but there will be a barbecue this weekend, so it's all good.
Naturally, I want to play some more Ghostbusters and Pikmin, but I've also found myself playing less Animal Crossing: City Folk and more Super Smash Bros. Brawl lately. With any luck, I'll get in a mix of everything over the course of the next couple of days.
And while I'm not sure anyone will be around to read this, those are my games this weekend; what are yours?
My Games This Weekend - 07.03.09
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 5:13 PM PST
Well, Fourth of July weekend is finally upon us. Unfortunately, up here in Canada, that in itself doesn't exactly mean a lot, but Canada Day was on the first of the month, but there will be a barbecue this weekend, so it's all good.
Naturally, I want to play some more Ghostbusters and Pikmin, but I've also found myself playing less Animal Crossing: City Folk and more Super Smash Bros. Brawl lately. With any luck, I'll get in a mix of everything over the course of the next couple of days.
And while I'm not sure anyone will be around to read this, those are my games this weekend; what are yours?
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Wii
So, How Much are People Really Playing the Wii?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 5:02 PM PST
Sad as it is to say, the Wii has a reputation for gathering dust in peoples' closets-- even if that's simply hyperbole for their dissatisfaction at not finding enough "hardcore" games for the platform. But have you ever wondered how much time people really spend playing Nintendo's games on their little white box?
Kotaku's Stephen Totilo has, and he has gone through the console's records via the Nintendo Channel to see just how much time people spent playing a number of games on average, as of July 1st.
As one might expect, Super Smash Bros. Brawl reigns supreme, with Animal Crossing: City Folk holding a nice stake in second. However, poor Donkey Kong's latest game, Jungle Beat, sits cold and alone at the bottom with no data listed. I hope they simply don't have enough data yet-- it's a game which definitely deserves peoples' attention.
Regretfully, third party games are not included, but you can find the entire listing, from top to bottom, here.
So, How Much are People Really Playing the Wii?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 5:02 PM PST
Sad as it is to say, the Wii has a reputation for gathering dust in peoples' closets-- even if that's simply hyperbole for their dissatisfaction at not finding enough "hardcore" games for the platform. But have you ever wondered how much time people really spend playing Nintendo's games on their little white box?
Kotaku's Stephen Totilo has, and he has gone through the console's records via the Nintendo Channel to see just how much time people spent playing a number of games on average, as of July 1st.
As one might expect, Super Smash Bros. Brawl reigns supreme, with Animal Crossing: City Folk holding a nice stake in second. However, poor Donkey Kong's latest game, Jungle Beat, sits cold and alone at the bottom with no data listed. I hope they simply don't have enough data yet-- it's a game which definitely deserves peoples' attention.
Regretfully, third party games are not included, but you can find the entire listing, from top to bottom, here.
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GEN
What if Video Game Characters Were Like Pokemon?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:49 PM PST
From an amusing article over at GamesRadar...
Indeed, GamesRadar has taken a number of popular video game characters, and looked at what it would be like if they were Pokemon. And not just Nintendo characters, either, though Link, Mario, and Samus are among the group; Kratos, Kasumi, Master Chief, NiGHTS, Gordon Freeman, and plenty more are there, too.
You can pick and choose which ones you'd want to catch here.
What if Video Game Characters Were Like Pokemon?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:49 PM PST
From an amusing article over at GamesRadar...
Indeed, GamesRadar has taken a number of popular video game characters, and looked at what it would be like if they were Pokemon. And not just Nintendo characters, either, though Link, Mario, and Samus are among the group; Kratos, Kasumi, Master Chief, NiGHTS, Gordon Freeman, and plenty more are there, too.
You can pick and choose which ones you'd want to catch here.
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Wii
Konami Network Business Development Dept. Bringing Contra ReBirth and More to Europe
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:21 PM PST
Konami has announced the formation of a new Network Business Development Department in Europe, one which is designed to extend the company's online activities across the continent. "The new team is headed by Florian Stronk, who will oversee all future downloadable content and mobile titles, including WiiWare, PSN, XBLA and DSiWare as well as iPhone and other mobile phone platform releases," says the press release.
As part of this announcement, Konami reveals that Gradius ReBirth is available to Europeans today, but even better still is that Contra ReBirth will soon follow in August. This could be considered good news, as Konami of America has yet to mention anything about a U.S. release, but if Europe is getting it, then surely we can't be far behind... right?
Between the two will be DRiiFT MANIA, which is a top-down racer for up to eight players. You can find out more about this and the other titles, as well as the whole department development, via the full press release at GoNintendo.
Konami Network Business Development Dept. Bringing Contra ReBirth and More to Europe
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:21 PM PST
Konami has announced the formation of a new Network Business Development Department in Europe, one which is designed to extend the company's online activities across the continent. "The new team is headed by Florian Stronk, who will oversee all future downloadable content and mobile titles, including WiiWare, PSN, XBLA and DSiWare as well as iPhone and other mobile phone platform releases," says the press release.
As part of this announcement, Konami reveals that Gradius ReBirth is available to Europeans today, but even better still is that Contra ReBirth will soon follow in August. This could be considered good news, as Konami of America has yet to mention anything about a U.S. release, but if Europe is getting it, then surely we can't be far behind... right?
Between the two will be DRiiFT MANIA, which is a top-down racer for up to eight players. You can find out more about this and the other titles, as well as the whole department development, via the full press release at GoNintendo.
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Wii
Marvelous Entertainment Ponders Porting Wii Titles to 360 and PS3
by Kombo Staff | 07/03/09 | 4:11 PM PST
Though Marvelous Entertainment has thrown in a pretty good amount of support for the Wii, the simple fact of the matter is that the returns have not been very favorable in the company's native Japan. In fact, if you'll recall, they've proven themselves to be downright heartbreaking for those involved in the development of said games.
As such, it is perfectly understandable that the company is considering a move into Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 development, one which would see some of their previous Wii titles moved to the power-packed platforms. Siliconera notes that two likely candidates would be Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Arc Rise Fantasia, as they don't rely heavily on the promise of the Wii's motion controls.
Meanwhile, it is noted that the Xbox 360/PlayStation title Rainy Woods is still in development. In addition, Goichi Suda, whose No More Heroes titles are published in Japan under the Marvelous banner, has also recently spoken of taking the franchise to new territory.
Marvelous Entertainment Ponders Porting Wii Titles to 360 and PS3
by Kombo Staff | 07/03/09 | 4:11 PM PST
Though Marvelous Entertainment has thrown in a pretty good amount of support for the Wii, the simple fact of the matter is that the returns have not been very favorable in the company's native Japan. In fact, if you'll recall, they've proven themselves to be downright heartbreaking for those involved in the development of said games.
As such, it is perfectly understandable that the company is considering a move into Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 development, one which would see some of their previous Wii titles moved to the power-packed platforms. Siliconera notes that two likely candidates would be Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Arc Rise Fantasia, as they don't rely heavily on the promise of the Wii's motion controls.
Meanwhile, it is noted that the Xbox 360/PlayStation title Rainy Woods is still in development. In addition, Goichi Suda, whose No More Heroes titles are published in Japan under the Marvelous banner, has also recently spoken of taking the franchise to new territory.
source: Siliconera
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Wii
A Donkey Kong Easter Egg Found 26 Years Later
by Jeff Grubb | 07/03/09 | 3:41 PM PST
Many years later he revealed that he did this and that he couldn't even remember how to unlock it. This got Mr. Don Hodges interested:
A Donkey Kong Easter Egg Found 26 Years Later
by Jeff Grubb | 07/03/09 | 3:41 PM PST
Many years later he revealed that he did this and that he couldn't even remember how to unlock it. This got Mr. Don Hodges interested:
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Wii
Rumor: Raving Rabbids Invade TMNT Smash Up?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 3:19 PM PST
Presently, there's no telling if this one is true, but if it is, I endorse it one-hundred percent.
French website Puissance-Nintendo has a report from the demo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up at the Japan Expo in France, but since I can't read nor speak any language that has a dressing named after it (French, Italian, Thousand Island, etc.), I'll have to simply defer to GoNintendo on this one:
"Rumor has it that the most recent demo has two new playable characters, a Rabbid dressed as Sam Fisher, as well as a Rabbid in a cheerleader outfit. Is Ubisoft sneaking Rabbids into the game for a bit of fun? I won't believe it until I see it for myself!"
I have to admit, it sounds too good to be true-- but I hope it is, just the same. But alas, I am greedy, and I would be satisfied merely by this. If they do this, I want the Teenage Mutant Ninja Rabbids, seen at right, to be selectable, too.
I would also find a Miyamoto Usagi tribute to be acceptable.
Rumor: Raving Rabbids Invade TMNT Smash Up?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 3:19 PM PST
Presently, there's no telling if this one is true, but if it is, I endorse it one-hundred percent.
French website Puissance-Nintendo has a report from the demo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up at the Japan Expo in France, but since I can't read nor speak any language that has a dressing named after it (French, Italian, Thousand Island, etc.), I'll have to simply defer to GoNintendo on this one:
"Rumor has it that the most recent demo has two new playable characters, a Rabbid dressed as Sam Fisher, as well as a Rabbid in a cheerleader outfit. Is Ubisoft sneaking Rabbids into the game for a bit of fun? I won't believe it until I see it for myself!"
I have to admit, it sounds too good to be true-- but I hope it is, just the same. But alas, I am greedy, and I would be satisfied merely by this. If they do this, I want the Teenage Mutant Ninja Rabbids, seen at right, to be selectable, too.
I would also find a Miyamoto Usagi tribute to be acceptable.
source: GoNintendo
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GEN
Big Bird and Elmo Endorse Video Gaming; Oscar the Grouch Mutters Something in Agreement
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 2:56 PM PST
It is a well known and widely-accepted fact that Muppets rule, and anyone who does not subscribe to this belief has no soul (also a scientific fact). Sure, a Muppet isn't quite a mop, and it's not quite a puppet, but man...
Anyway, Sesame Street Muppets may not rule to the same degree as their Muppet Show brethren, but are still pretty cool in their own right. Particularly if you're three years old. But regardless of whether you're three or thirty, one has to show them a little appreciation for their recent advocacy of video games.
Big Bird and Elmo Endorse Video Gaming; Oscar the Grouch Mutters Something in Agreement
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 2:56 PM PST
It is a well known and widely-accepted fact that Muppets rule, and anyone who does not subscribe to this belief has no soul (also a scientific fact). Sure, a Muppet isn't quite a mop, and it's not quite a puppet, but man...
Anyway, Sesame Street Muppets may not rule to the same degree as their Muppet Show brethren, but are still pretty cool in their own right. Particularly if you're three years old. But regardless of whether you're three or thirty, one has to show them a little appreciation for their recent advocacy of video games.
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Wii
Media: Muramasa: The Demon Blade 'Heroes' Trailer
by Chris Holzworth | 07/03/09 | 2:24 PM PST
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Vanillaware's spiritual successor to Odin Sphere, has got itself a fancy new trailer titled "Heroes." In it, main characters Kisuke and Momohime get their slash and dash on, tearing apart Oni in Genroku Era Japan.
Media: Muramasa: The Demon Blade 'Heroes' Trailer
by Chris Holzworth | 07/03/09 | 2:24 PM PST
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Vanillaware's spiritual successor to Odin Sphere, has got itself a fancy new trailer titled "Heroes." In it, main characters Kisuke and Momohime get their slash and dash on, tearing apart Oni in Genroku Era Japan.
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GEN
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 34: The Wide World of Nintendo with Craig Harris of IGN
by Joey Davidson | 07/03/09 | 11:44 AM PST
Nintendo fans, this episode of Kombo Breaker is certainly for you. Craig Harris of IGN's Nintendo channel (specifically the handheld section) rode in to talk with us about where Nintendo is and where it's headed. We talk the good and bad of Wii Sports Resort, MotionPlus, the DSi and the release landscape.
All of this rocks in at one hour, so enjoy it.
As always, we'd love for you to follow us on Twitter (@kombobreaker)! Come contribute to our discussions and learn about guests as we book them. We always ask for questions and suggestions, so join us. You can also send us questions and suggestions to kombobreaker@kombo.com.
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 34 | 60m
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 34: The Wide World of Nintendo with Craig Harris of IGN
by Joey Davidson | 07/03/09 | 11:44 AM PST
Nintendo fans, this episode of Kombo Breaker is certainly for you. Craig Harris of IGN's Nintendo channel (specifically the handheld section) rode in to talk with us about where Nintendo is and where it's headed. We talk the good and bad of Wii Sports Resort, MotionPlus, the DSi and the release landscape.
All of this rocks in at one hour, so enjoy it.
As always, we'd love for you to follow us on Twitter (@kombobreaker)! Come contribute to our discussions and learn about guests as we book them. We always ask for questions and suggestions, so join us. You can also send us questions and suggestions to kombobreaker@kombo.com.
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 34 | 60m
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Wii
Activision Defends DJ Hero Pricing
by Kombo Staff | 07/03/09 | 11:29 AM PST
Sometimes it seems like the future of gaming is in peripherals, and leading the charge to clutter your living room with expensive pieces of plastic is Activision. They have Guitar Hero 5, Tony Hawk: Ride and, of course, DJ Hero all set to release by the end of year. With all three of these plastic-thing-plus-game combos costing upwards of 100 bucks, Activison has been heavily criticized on their pricing strategies. DJ Hero, for example, is going to set you back 120 bucks. Are these gaming toys too expensive, or are they fun enough to justify the price? Activision recently made some comments in defense of DJ Hero.
"We believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of music from some of the biggest artists including Jay-Z, Eminem, Benny Benassi, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas among others."
DJ Hero is set to release on October 27th for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii.
Activision Defends DJ Hero Pricing
by Kombo Staff | 07/03/09 | 11:29 AM PST
Sometimes it seems like the future of gaming is in peripherals, and leading the charge to clutter your living room with expensive pieces of plastic is Activision. They have Guitar Hero 5, Tony Hawk: Ride and, of course, DJ Hero all set to release by the end of year. With all three of these plastic-thing-plus-game combos costing upwards of 100 bucks, Activison has been heavily criticized on their pricing strategies. DJ Hero, for example, is going to set you back 120 bucks. Are these gaming toys too expensive, or are they fun enough to justify the price? Activision recently made some comments in defense of DJ Hero.
"We believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of music from some of the biggest artists including Jay-Z, Eminem, Benny Benassi, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas among others."
DJ Hero is set to release on October 27th for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii.
source: Eurogamer
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Wii
Wii Sports Resort to be Playable at Six Flags
by Andrew Adam | 07/03/09 | 11:07 AM PST
For those needing more reason to go on vacation for a day, Six Flags will have Wii Sports Resort playable at nine of their theme parks across the USA.
Wii Sports Resort will be available starting the July 4th weekend until the game's release date on July 26. So even if you have no interest in riding the roller coasters, go wait in line to try out some archery, basketball and sword fighting action.
Click the link to see a list of locations.
Wii Sports Resort to be Playable at Six Flags
by Andrew Adam | 07/03/09 | 11:07 AM PST
For those needing more reason to go on vacation for a day, Six Flags will have Wii Sports Resort playable at nine of their theme parks across the USA.
Wii Sports Resort will be available starting the July 4th weekend until the game's release date on July 26. So even if you have no interest in riding the roller coasters, go wait in line to try out some archery, basketball and sword fighting action.
Click the link to see a list of locations.
July 3, 2009
