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TOP SPOT
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. 
TOP SPOT
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. 
TOP SPOT
Review: Animal Crossing: City Folk is a Good, But Familiar Game Haven't we played this before? 
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Wii
Week-Ending Game Endings - 11.06.09 - Rayman Raving Rabbids
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 5:03 PM PST
With the release of Ubisoft's Rabbids Go Home this week, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back and see how the first encounter between Rayman and the twisted bunnies ended. I never did beat that game, anyway.
...wow. That... that kind of sucks. Seriously, what a downer, and from what I've heard, there aren't any alternate endings, nor could I find any on YouTube (or GameTrailers).
Now I'm glad I never bothered to finish. Hope the other games, Rabbids Go Home especially, do better than this disc of depression.
Week-Ending Game Endings - 11.06.09 - Rayman Raving Rabbids
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 5:03 PM PST
With the release of Ubisoft's Rabbids Go Home this week, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back and see how the first encounter between Rayman and the twisted bunnies ended. I never did beat that game, anyway.
...wow. That... that kind of sucks. Seriously, what a downer, and from what I've heard, there aren't any alternate endings, nor could I find any on YouTube (or GameTrailers).
Now I'm glad I never bothered to finish. Hope the other games, Rabbids Go Home especially, do better than this disc of depression.
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GEN
100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
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Wii
Nintendo on Wii, DS Features
by Amanda Gibson | 11/06/09 | 4:56 PM PST
Perhaps the most anticipated new Wii addition is the Nintendo Vitality Sensor, due out next year. The sensor will not only measure heart rate, but other things as well. "Based on my experiences, to measure something invisible and have it turn into something tangible like a number like weighing myself on Wii Fit, or to give a numeric value to something invisible in our daily life will be materials of new plays which will feel familiar to us or can improve our lifestyles," said Iwata. He added that the advanced features are what make the sensor so marketable. "If Wii Vitality Sensor is simply a pulsimeter, we did not need such a grandiose announcement. It is a tool to analyze various biological signals by scanning the pulse, in order to make something invisible visible." Iwata promised that more information on the sensor will be given at a later date.
Nintendo on Wii, DS Features
by Amanda Gibson | 11/06/09 | 4:56 PM PST
Perhaps the most anticipated new Wii addition is the Nintendo Vitality Sensor, due out next year. The sensor will not only measure heart rate, but other things as well. "Based on my experiences, to measure something invisible and have it turn into something tangible like a number like weighing myself on Wii Fit, or to give a numeric value to something invisible in our daily life will be materials of new plays which will feel familiar to us or can improve our lifestyles," said Iwata. He added that the advanced features are what make the sensor so marketable. "If Wii Vitality Sensor is simply a pulsimeter, we did not need such a grandiose announcement. It is a tool to analyze various biological signals by scanning the pulse, in order to make something invisible visible." Iwata promised that more information on the sensor will be given at a later date.
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GEN
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
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Wii
Random Video of the Day: Grand Theft Auto vs. Frogger
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 4:43 PM PST
Here's a surprise: another mashup video from Dane Boe, this time featuring Grand Theft Auto IV and Frogger. I can already see how this wouldn't end well...
Okay, I'll admit: that went the exact opposite of how I expected, which involved Niko attempting to run over Frogger, stopping his car, getting out, and shooting him. And in hindsight, I should have realized that's not how these things work.
Random Video of the Day: Grand Theft Auto vs. Frogger
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 4:43 PM PST
Here's a surprise: another mashup video from Dane Boe, this time featuring Grand Theft Auto IV and Frogger. I can already see how this wouldn't end well...
Okay, I'll admit: that went the exact opposite of how I expected, which involved Niko attempting to run over Frogger, stopping his car, getting out, and shooting him. And in hindsight, I should have realized that's not how these things work.
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Wii
My Games This Weekend - 11.06.09 - Gettin' Fit... Plus
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:36 PM PST
My games this weekend... well, I have some hopes.
I hope to finish up WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for my review, for one thing. My apologies for its lateness, but there were some... technical issues. That, and of course, I do the news day in and day out. Anyway, I have a good idea of what to say, and who knows? Maybe I can say it without going on forever this time.
Of course, before that happens, I still need to finish redoing the living room, which I expect will eat up the better part of the day tomorrow.
In addition, I really need to get started on Wii Fit Plus-- not just to write about it, but because those cold Winter months are starting to set in, and I really, really hate going out in that. So this will hopefully help to offset it.
Those are my games this weekend. What are yours?
My Games This Weekend - 11.06.09 - Gettin' Fit... Plus
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:36 PM PST
My games this weekend... well, I have some hopes.
I hope to finish up WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for my review, for one thing. My apologies for its lateness, but there were some... technical issues. That, and of course, I do the news day in and day out. Anyway, I have a good idea of what to say, and who knows? Maybe I can say it without going on forever this time.
Of course, before that happens, I still need to finish redoing the living room, which I expect will eat up the better part of the day tomorrow.
In addition, I really need to get started on Wii Fit Plus-- not just to write about it, but because those cold Winter months are starting to set in, and I really, really hate going out in that. So this will hopefully help to offset it.
Those are my games this weekend. What are yours?
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Wii
Papa John's is Giving Away 300 Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages in November
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:17 PM PST
Ah, Papa John's pizza. Now there is one thing I miss about living in the U.S. But alas, it's not to be had north of the border. Maybe someday, but not today, and certainly not in time to win one of their new Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages.
From now (November 2nd, actually) until November 29th, Papa John's customers can enter for a chance to win one of 300 packages which include a Wii package, Wii Sports Resort, extra Wii Remote, extra Nunchuk, and extra Wii MotionPlus, retailing together for about $330. No purchase is necessary, and you can enter up to five times a day.
Madness? This is Papa John's!
Papa John's is Giving Away 300 Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages in November
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:17 PM PST
Ah, Papa John's pizza. Now there is one thing I miss about living in the U.S. But alas, it's not to be had north of the border. Maybe someday, but not today, and certainly not in time to win one of their new Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages.
From now (November 2nd, actually) until November 29th, Papa John's customers can enter for a chance to win one of 300 packages which include a Wii package, Wii Sports Resort, extra Wii Remote, extra Nunchuk, and extra Wii MotionPlus, retailing together for about $330. No purchase is necessary, and you can enter up to five times a day.
Madness? This is Papa John's!
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Wii
EB Games Canada Offers 500 Nintendo Point Card for Pre-Ordering New Super Mario Bros. Wii
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:32 PM PST
Sure, it's not a tin, or cool figures, an artbook, or even a coin, but at least if you pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii at EB Games in Canada, you'll at least get something.
As you can see in the illustration above, those who pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii will get a neat little NSMBWii card, which can be redeemed for 500 Nintendo Points. Nothing too grand, but hey-- free NES game. That's not too bad for a game you were probably looking at getting anyway.
GoNintendo has the full flier here, which talks about the official Modern Warfare 2 launch event in Toronto, a bonus with a Tony Hawk RIDE pre-order, and a tax credit for Assassin's Creed II.
EB Games Canada Offers 500 Nintendo Point Card for Pre-Ordering New Super Mario Bros. Wii
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:32 PM PST
Sure, it's not a tin, or cool figures, an artbook, or even a coin, but at least if you pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii at EB Games in Canada, you'll at least get something.
As you can see in the illustration above, those who pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii will get a neat little NSMBWii card, which can be redeemed for 500 Nintendo Points. Nothing too grand, but hey-- free NES game. That's not too bad for a game you were probably looking at getting anyway.
GoNintendo has the full flier here, which talks about the official Modern Warfare 2 launch event in Toronto, a bonus with a Tony Hawk RIDE pre-order, and a tax credit for Assassin's Creed II.
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Wii
The Mickey Mouse Fans are Revolting
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:54 PM PST
Messing with a beloved cultural icon can be risky business, especially when there are people who still love that icon.
It has become no small secret that Disney is doing just that, giving Mickey Mouse a modern makeover of equal parts mirth and mischief, and for many, the change has been welcomed.
The Mickey Mouse Fans are Revolting
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:54 PM PST
Messing with a beloved cultural icon can be risky business, especially when there are people who still love that icon.
It has become no small secret that Disney is doing just that, giving Mickey Mouse a modern makeover of equal parts mirth and mischief, and for many, the change has been welcomed.
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Wii
New Super Mario Bros. Wii: The Wii Difference, UK's Hopes and Ad Campaign, and New Site
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 1:20 PM PST
Mario creator and EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto has made it known that for years, he has wanted to allow more than one player to be able to take part in the main quest of a Mario title, but says that until now, it was only a dream. "After that [Mario Bros.], on every Mario project we have discussed the possibility of having two players play together simultaneously," he said during the recent Nintendo Japan Q&A session.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii: The Wii Difference, UK's Hopes and Ad Campaign, and New Site
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 1:20 PM PST
Mario creator and EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto has made it known that for years, he has wanted to allow more than one player to be able to take part in the main quest of a Mario title, but says that until now, it was only a dream. "After that [Mario Bros.], on every Mario project we have discussed the possibility of having two players play together simultaneously," he said during the recent Nintendo Japan Q&A session.
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Wii
Capcom: The Best Third-Party at Cross-Platform Support?
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:51 PM PST
Sometimes it seems as though some developers and publishers hold a bias for or against certain platforms. But while their offerings may differ from platform to platform, Capcom does not believe they are in the business of playing favorites.
Capcom: The Best Third-Party at Cross-Platform Support?
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:51 PM PST
Sometimes it seems as though some developers and publishers hold a bias for or against certain platforms. But while their offerings may differ from platform to platform, Capcom does not believe they are in the business of playing favorites.
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Wii
WWE Superstars Talk SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, Plus the Making of with R-Truth and Cryme Tyme
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:07 PM PST
While we're working on our review of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (expect the PS3/360 version's early next week, if all goes well; blame late delivery for that one), WWE.com has assembled some of the Superstars from SmackDown and Raw (what? No ECW?) to tell people what they think about the game, and moreso, what it's like to actually be in a game.
WWE Superstars Talk SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, Plus the Making of with R-Truth and Cryme Tyme
by Kombo Staff | 11/06/09 | 12:07 PM PST
While we're working on our review of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (expect the PS3/360 version's early next week, if all goes well; blame late delivery for that one), WWE.com has assembled some of the Superstars from SmackDown and Raw (what? No ECW?) to tell people what they think about the game, and moreso, what it's like to actually be in a game.
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Wii
Mr. Keighley Goes to Washington (State): GameTrailers' Nintendo Special
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 10:52 AM PST
Last night, GameTrailers TV was at Nintendo of America's headquarters to check out their upcoming releases for the holiday season, check up on some other releases we've heard little about since E3, and chat for a bit with NoA President Reggie Fils-Aime and EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto.
You can check all that out, along with the accompanying footage, here:
For those who can't (or just don't want to) view the video, we have recaps of what was said after the cut.
Mr. Keighley Goes to Washington (State): GameTrailers' Nintendo Special
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 10:52 AM PST
Last night, GameTrailers TV was at Nintendo of America's headquarters to check out their upcoming releases for the holiday season, check up on some other releases we've heard little about since E3, and chat for a bit with NoA President Reggie Fils-Aime and EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto.
You can check all that out, along with the accompanying footage, here:
For those who can't (or just don't want to) view the video, we have recaps of what was said after the cut.
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Wii
Can New Super Mario Bros. Wii Outsell Modern Warfare 2?
by Daniel Sims | 11/06/09 | 10:48 AM PST
Nintendo President Reggie Fils-Aime said on GameTrailers TV that he thinks the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii can outsell the massively anticipated Modern Warfare 2 under certain circumstances. He said this while also giving respect to the competing game.
In an interview with GTTV host Geoff Keighly, Fils-Aime said that he thinks New Super Mario Bros. Wii can outsell a single SKU of Modern Warfare 2 by the end of January 2010. "On a single platform...absolutely," said Fils-Aime. "I say that unequivocally."
"You've got to give me the entire holiday selling season," said Fils-Aime. "Let's take it all the way through the January NPD data." This is probably taking into account the nature of the sales of Nintendo's successful first party games.
"It's going to be close," said Fils-Aime, admitting his own anticipation for the game. "Of course I'll play it...I play all the content out there."
Can New Super Mario Bros. Wii Outsell Modern Warfare 2?
by Daniel Sims | 11/06/09 | 10:48 AM PST
Nintendo President Reggie Fils-Aime said on GameTrailers TV that he thinks the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii can outsell the massively anticipated Modern Warfare 2 under certain circumstances. He said this while also giving respect to the competing game.
In an interview with GTTV host Geoff Keighly, Fils-Aime said that he thinks New Super Mario Bros. Wii can outsell a single SKU of Modern Warfare 2 by the end of January 2010. "On a single platform...absolutely," said Fils-Aime. "I say that unequivocally."
"You've got to give me the entire holiday selling season," said Fils-Aime. "Let's take it all the way through the January NPD data." This is probably taking into account the nature of the sales of Nintendo's successful first party games.
"It's going to be close," said Fils-Aime, admitting his own anticipation for the game. "Of course I'll play it...I play all the content out there."
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GEN
Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles?
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/06/09 | 9:38 AM PST
In case it isn't clear just looking along the top bar, Kombo is a console-focused site. So why are we reviewing Champions Online? Other than just wanting to, I wanted to take a peek at a PC massively multiplayer game that lists a console as its next destination, see what works, what doesn't, and take a look at its prospects for making the jump to consoles. Though I won't be giving it a traditional review score, I'll review it in the usual Kombo format.
What the Game's About
Champions Online is the newest MMO from developer Cryptic Studios. Taking notes from their first outing, City of Heroes, they've returned to the Superhero genre once more in hopes of perfecting the formula. Licensing a classic pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online brings the characters and stories of Champions to life for players to experience firsthand.
Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles?
by Eric Frederiksen | 11/06/09 | 9:38 AM PST
In case it isn't clear just looking along the top bar, Kombo is a console-focused site. So why are we reviewing Champions Online? Other than just wanting to, I wanted to take a peek at a PC massively multiplayer game that lists a console as its next destination, see what works, what doesn't, and take a look at its prospects for making the jump to consoles. Though I won't be giving it a traditional review score, I'll review it in the usual Kombo format.
What the Game's About
Champions Online is the newest MMO from developer Cryptic Studios. Taking notes from their first outing, City of Heroes, they've returned to the Superhero genre once more in hopes of perfecting the formula. Licensing a classic pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online brings the characters and stories of Champions to life for players to experience firsthand.
November 6, 2009
