Thursday, February 07, 2008
Rick52 summarizes another Veteran character.
Day 5: Luigi
Series: Super Mario Brothers Series
First Apperance: Mario Brothers [Arcade, 1983]
Last Main Apperance: Super Mario Galaxy [Wii, 2007]
Smash Experience: One of the Originals
Intro: Yeah, I'm one of those guys who always preferred Luigi over Mario, to the point where sometimes, I would start a two player game on an old Mario game, kill off Mario and then just play as Luigi. I'm not particularly fond of the persona Luigi has taken on through the years, either. Brawl... isn't helping. Not a lot of info has come out regarding Luigi, so most of this is just speculation.
Standard B: Fireball. Its green, and travels on a straight path instead of bouncing. ...yeah.
Side B: Luigi Torpeeeeedo! I've read it can still backfire, and in fact forces Luigi into walls on misfires, but I think the misfire rate has been reduced some.
Up B: Luigi Coin Jump. Straight up instead of up and to the side like Mario. I hope you can still try to smash this attack for massive damage.
Down B: A lot of people were wondering about this considering Mario's down B became his midair down A and his down B became FLUDD. However, its been confirmed that Luigi's down B is still his old down B, the Luigi Cyclone. Oh well.
Final Smash: People have been complaining about clone Final Smashes. With, what, three landmasters floating around you would think Luigi's FS is similar to Mario's. Oh my, how not true that is. In Luigi's FS, dubbed "Za Warudo" for the time being, he dances. Dances hardcore. While doing this hardcore dancing, a weird energy field surrounds Luigi. Foes caught in the field become slowed, as well as possibly being hit with other statuses. Its also said that if Luigi hits you while in said zone, you'll fly farther than normal. All in all, it seems like a very useful, if out of nowhere, Final Smash.
Other Notes: In Melee, Luigi was the only one who had a taunt that did damage, albeit poor damage. This time, it does 2% damage, but it looks like it can send people flying. Neat.
My Expectations: It doesn't seem like Luigi has changed much, in terms of personality and playing style. Its too bad for the former, but for the latter I don't mind too much.
Posted by
on 02/07 at 04:48 PM
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Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Today Rick throughly explains a veteran smasher.
Day 4: Ganondorf
Series: The Legend of Zelda Series
First Apperance: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time [N64, 1998]
(first apperance of 'Ganondorf', not Ganon)
Last Main Apperance: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess [GCN/Wii, 2006]
Smash Experience: Veteran
Intro: A lot of people assumed that, with the supposed removal of clones, that Ganondorf would still be back and have a moveset that actually used his sword, especially since he uses one in Twilight Princess. However, the report of no more clones was misunderstood, and Ganondorf was back sporting the same "slow Captain Falcon" set as before. Specifically, he's been "luigified" a term given to clones whose sets now have some key differences from the original. I wonder how these changes improve Ganondorf, if at all?
Standard B: Ganondorf's version of Falcon Punch. Haven't seen it in action yet, but I can only guess it doesn't take as long to charge as before, though probably still longer than Falcon's.
Side B: His side B has been modified. Unlike in Melee, and unlike Falcon, instead of just hitting his opponent with an uppercut, he'll grab 'em and blasts them with a shot of dark energy or something. The opponent just falls down after this, so its not a good way to KO someone, but its still pretty cool looking.
Up B: Same move as before, but it looks nerfed this time around. By that I mean, it doesn't look like it sends foes flying like it did in Melee. Which sounds like a relief to those who hated fighting Ganondorf for that very reason, but I'm sure those who planned to main Ganondorf will be sad to see this development. Though, I've been told that if Ganondorf can't grab with this move, he'll just try to hit normally for damage, which would be a plus.
Down B: His version of the Falcon Kick doesn't seem much different. To note, I've seen people use his Down B followed by his up B to recover, as the Down B does cover a decent distance.
Final Smash: As it is Ganondorf you would expect his FS to be some kind of Ganon. As it is the Twilight Princess model of Ganondorf you would expect a version of Ganon like the 'giant boar' version featured in Twilight Princess. Those expectations are met. Ganondorf turns into his giant boar version, then slams into whomever is in front of him for some nice damage and a good chance of KOing. All in all, it looks very solid.
Other Notes: I've never gotten used to Ganondorf's TP model, even when completing TP. Still haven't. This is especially weird given that I got used to Ganondorf's WW model rather quickly. Maybe its because I expected the latter to look like it did, but not so much the former. Meh. Also, you know his standing Up A? You know, the long-delay kick where he reveals his crotch for three seconds? Couple of things seem to be different about it this time. First, its not as powerful. Second, the delay isn't as bad. Third, it now pulls opponents in. That's right, Ganondorf's crotch now has it's own center of gravity. Yikes.
My Expectations: Ganondorf's moves might be based on Captain Falcon again, but that was never really a bad thing. Some of the changes his moves have gone through may be met with mixed reviews, but those used to his Melee version should still be at home... unless they spammed his Up B. They probably won't like Ganondorf as much now.
--Writtten by Rick52 [GameWinners Moderator]
Posted by
on 02/06 at 05:46 PM
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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Today, Rick throughly explains Pit in detail.
Day 3: Pit
Series: Kid Icarus Series
First Apperance: Kid Icarus [NES, 1987]
Last Main Apperance: Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters [GB, 1991]
Smash Experience: Newcomer
Intro: Pit is from a rather difficult NES title Kid Icarus. Kid Icarus is a rather popular title; in times past I would see a lot of people hope for some kind of sequel to it (even though there was one). So, I guess its no surprise that he would make an appearance as a playable character. From the looks of things, Pit looks like he's gonna be solid.
Standard B: Palutena's Arrow. It's like Link's Bow, but the ability to aim up and such, and it also comes with Curving Action-action-tion-on!
Side B: Angel Ring. I've seen a video where this move, against Meta Knight, dealt 98% damage to the poor guy. It's massive Chaining Action-action-tion-on!
Up B: Wings of Icarus. I've seen this thing in action, and holy crap, I think that is the best recovery in the game, and I'm not even counting the fact that he can use his jump in mid-air multiple times. He flies so high... best way to knock him out is to play on a stage like the Eldin Bridge where he can't fly to save his ass. Guess that's what you'd expect from a character with angel wings on his back... ... ... Superior Flying Action-action-tion-on!
Down B: Mirror Shield. I have no clue what this could be, I haven't seen Pit use it yet. Something tells me it's like Fox's reflector, but only covers one side like an actual shield. I'm sure there's more to it to make not like an inferior reflector. ... Shield Reflecting Ac-*is shot*
Final Smash: Palutena's Army. It seems like a larger version of Unown from Melee, but those little soldier guys actually target foes. Those guys can easily be blocked, but the thing is, Pit can still do things. Better watch out.
Other Notes: I can't wait to see how he fights with that dual blade/pseudo-bow weapon of his. Also: *uses Angel Ring* AIAIAIAIAIAIAIAI!!!
My Expectations: Pit looks to be a very interesting character. With his almost-broken recovery and comboing abilities, he seems to be one of the best new characters entering Brawl.
--Written by Rick52 [GameWinners Moderator]
Posted by
on 02/05 at 04:42 PM
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Day 1: Ness
Series: Mother/Earthbound Series
First Apperance: Earthbound [SNES, 1995] (Mother 2 in Japan)
Last Main Apperance: Earthbound [SNES, 1995]
Smash Experience: One of the Originals
Intro: Ah, Ness. After being in the first two smashes there were fears you were going to be phazed out, especially when Lucas was first shown. Thankfully, you're still here and it seems like you're still up to your old tricks: using abilities that you could never use in your original game. Ah, yes.
Standard B: PK Flash. It looks like all of Ness' moves will remain relatively the same as their Melee counterparts. If so, PK Flash probably won't see too much action, especially in 1 on 1 matches. Having used Ness a lot in Melee, I never really found much of an opportunity to use it in 1 on 1s, though obviously in 4-player Brawls Ness' opportunities to use it are much more common. Maybe it'll work differently in Brawl, maybe taking less time to fully charge or increasing the range of where you can move it.
Side B: PK Fire. The first of Ness' moves he never learned in Earthbound. Doesn't do much damage, but if used at the right time, it can set your foes up for doom, possibly gloom as well. Well, not really.
Up B: PK Thunder. One of the more intriguing recovery moves. By itself, it's merely an annoyance, but having it hit Ness turns him into a cannonball, great for recovery and deals a fair share of damage. Ness being completely defenseless while using it is a drawback, though, and though its a nice recovery, missing yourself with it as you fall to your death is always a possibility. As it stands, though, its a great move.
Down B: PSI Magnet. Always be weary of using energy projectiles on Ness, but in 4-man Brawls Ness can get more use out of this. Since, you know, using energy projectiles in a 1-on-1 against Ness is moronic. lol fox
Final Smash: PK Starstorm. Now, I don't want to get into why Ness has Starstorm, a move of mass destruction he doesn't learn in Earthbound (learning various levels of PK "Favorite Thing" instead for his super destruction attack), but as it stands, using this Final Smash successfully depends on how many people you're playing against, and the stage. In other words, 1 on 1 in Hyrule Temple doesn't leave Ness with much success with the move. PEEE KAAY STAAAAARSTOOOORRRRM!!!!
Other Notes: Ness' smash attacks were always fun to use. His yo-yo and bat, things he actually used in Earthbound, do a better job dealing direct damage than most of his B attacks, Flash notwithstanding. Hopefully his midair-down returns to its N64 glory, but I doubt it.
My Expectations: I used Ness quite a bit in Melee, and it seems like he'll play pretty much the same way in Brawl. Which is a good thing, I think. Lucas seems to put more focus on PSI attacks, whereas with Ness most of his damage will be from his trusty bat. I'm fine with that. I'll be looking forward to doing well with Ness in the future.
Day 2: Zelda/Shiek
Series: The Legend of Zelda Series
Zelda's First Apperance: The Legend of Zelda [NES, 1987]
Zelda's Latest Main Apperance: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess [GCN/Wii, 2006]
Shiek's Only Apperance: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time [N64, 1998]
Smash Experience: Veteran
Intro: Princess Zelda is an interesting one. In Ocarina of Time, she turns out to also be Shiek, which I'm sure was a surprise to some who hadn't had that spoiled beforehand. Yet, despite that being the only Zelda game in which that happens, in Melee and in Brawl she has the ability to transform into Shiek, sacrificing power for speed. In Brawl, her Twilight Princess model is used which is more drab than normal (I'm pretty sure she's wearing boots), but it seems like she'll play like her Melee counterpart. Also a fun note is that now you can select Shiek at the character screen.
Zelda Standard B: Nayru's Love. Always useful in close quarters. Never could get it to reflect things like I wanted to, though I forget if you actually could. It's been awhile since I played Melee.
Zelda Side B: Din's Fire. An annoying move, though an easily dodgable one if the Zelda player doesn't know what they're doing. I wonder if this move has been changed in anyway, maybe making it more powerful... (edited in: in fact, its range is much greater. You can actually combo with it!)
Zelda Up B: Farore's Wind. The distance this covers is large, though if used poorly Zelda is left open for some death. I wouldn't be surprised if this move was tinkered with.
Down B: TRANS-FORM! I hope the jingle remains.
Shiek Standard B: Needle Storm. Another annoying but useful move. ...I really don't have much more to say here.
Shiek Side B: Chain. I bet this one's gonna be slightly different, making it easier for the opponent to break up or something. Not that it was that difficult to do in Melee. Chain could do everything, though. Keep your foes away, deflect some items, deal minimal damage. I also hear it can be used for recovery like the Hookshot this time. EVERYTHING.
Shiek Up B: Vanish. It's like Zelda's Up B, but there's more lag before she disappears, and the distance she goes isn't as far. Plus, it deals damage upon her vanishing. I don't think this one will change much.
Final Smash: Light Arrow. Looks like a near OHKO if it hits. If it hits is the question. Also, it looks like if Zelda hits you you'll fly upwards while if Shiek hits you you'll go downwards. Not that it matters, you'll probably be dead regardless. Also, looking at the videos, it seems like when it hits someone, the camera will stop and show a still of the victim getting hit. How cruel.
Other Notes: I wonder if Zelda will have that devasting mid-air kick like she did in Melee, or if it'll be nerfed. I've also heard that Shiek has been nerfed a bit and is less powerful than she was in Melee. Which makes the whole 'set up with Shiek, kill with Zelda' bit more applicable in Brawl than in Melee.
My Expectations: Like Ness, I don't expect Zelda/Shiek to be much different either, Shiek's possible nerfiness aside. lol boots
--Created by Rick52 [GameWinners Moderator]
Posted by
on 02/05 at 07:14 AM
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Friday, January 18, 2008
NECA has announced the release of Gears of War Action Figures, due in stores late spring of 2008.
The first wave in an ongoing line of action figures, the first assortment includes main character Marcus Fenix, Augustus Cole, and the villainous Locust Drone. Featuring an unprecedented amount of detail, extensive articulation, and game-accurate accessories, the Gears of War Action Figures will appeal to the most dedicated Gears of War players, as well as action figure collectors in general.
Posted by
Al on 01/18 at 01:28 PM
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