The Sega Genesis, put on the market to challenge Nintendo, turned 20 on Friday. And after a long and enviable stint, it became a classic game console that, to this day, is remembered as one of the few that made its mark without actually leading the market by the end of its generation.
Sega has had one of the most tragic histories in the video game industry. In the early 1990s, it had Sonic; Nintendo had Mario. It had high-quality, third-party titles; Nintendo had high-quality, third-party titles. It had the Sega Genesis; Nintendo had the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
Battles over which console was better were waged on playgrounds across the world. The Nintendo fans said Mario and the SNES were the kings of gaming. Sega fans said Sonic and the Genesis held that crown.
Today, the Genesis (and Sega's console business) are relics of the past. In the 20 years that has lapsed between the Genesis' release and today, despite Mario's enduring presence, the video game industry has changed dramatically. Nowadays, battles are waged over price as much as they are waged over games. And Sega, the once-beloved organization that kept a blue hedgehog as its mascot, is a third-party developer.
But it's the Genesis--and its success--that we remember today.
... Read moreDon Reisinger is a technology columnist who has written about everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Don is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and posts at The Digital Home. He is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
(Credit:
Komodo/Innex)
Sure, we really liked the Nyko Wing Wireless Classic Controller for use with the Nintendo Wii, but if we could choose any controller to use with Virtual Console games, it would be the originals themselves.
Developer Komodo may have come up with a device that could pacify these desires. With the Retro Adapter (to be distributed by Innex), you'll be able to use original NES, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64 controllers with Wii Virtual Console games.
The adapter itself resembles that of a Nintendo 64 console and has three female ports for each system. It connects to your Wii via an open GameCube port. What's even better, the Retro Adapter will work with both first- and third-party accessories, so that no-name Nintendo 64 controller you have laying around may just do the trick. In case you're wondering, yes, you'll be able to use an analog control on the N64 controller as well.
Innex plans on officially announcing the Komodo Retro Adapter at E3 2009. While retail availability isn't yet solidified, you should be able to grab the accessory online by mid-June for around $20.
Last week we gave gamers plenty of reasons to be excited about the month of May's anticipated releases. Now we're providing video sneak peeks at some of the latest in digital interactive entertainment.
We've got the latest trailer from The Conduit, a first-person-shooter built from the ground up exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. Also for the Wii is Let's Tap, a title that offers a brand-new way of interacting with games. You control Let's Tap by doing just that, tapping right in front of your Wii remote.
The unbelievably realistic graphics in Fight Night Round 4 will simply knock you off your feet. It's by far the best-looking boxing simulator we've ever seen. Speaking of graphics, the PlayStation 3 exclusive inFamous provides plenty of drool-worthy eye candy. In the game you play as Cole, a man with the superhuman power of creating lightning. Will you use your powers for good or for evil?
Finally, two franchises from the days of the NES are back. Punch-Out!! returns with Little Mac's quest to glory as he battles new and familiar foes. Bionic Commando brings back all of the robotic arm swinging fun you had 20 years ago, with updated graphics and brand-new storyline.
(Credit:
mousevomit)
Alright, so it's not actually a real mouse, just a foam prototype. In fact, we can't see anyone using something that looks as uncomfortable as this thing does. But what is it about the original Nintendo Entertainment System that has inspired such devotion and allegiance? We've seen sneakers, coffee tables, and MP3 players all paying their respects to the Nintendo original.
Even the Wii itself is a throwback to the NES. Take a look down at the console while it's laying flat. Notice something? Yep, it's the same exact shape as an NES controller port.
(Via Engadget)
Just a plain old NES. I'm no good at Photoshop, so this is all you get.
(Credit: Nintendo)Well, other than the fact that both Mega Man and Jay-Z were pop-culture icons of their respective eras (yes, people, Jay-Z is that popular), they now each have 8-bit, NES-style music associated with them.
Video game music from the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) era had a very distinct style. Even music on other 8-bit consoles like the Sega Master System could not match it.
Anyone who at least played an NES back in those days (pretty much every kid, at least in the U.S.) will immediately recognize the style of that sound after just a few bars.
It's not surprising, then, that some very talented individuals have begun experimenting with that distinct sound and applying it to contemporary popular music. In this case, specifically, hip-hop--or at least rap (the difference between the two as I see it should probably be saved for another blog).
Anyway, hip-hop--8-bit NES-style--is here, and according to the story at Shot Then, all the remixes were created by one Jesse Tugboat.
Check them out below. And if that doesn't remind you how much the memory of those old gaming days clings, take a look at the video below. It's a game intro for "The Dark Knight" produced as if it had been done on the NES. I especially liked the "by Sunsoft" touch.
Says the maker of the game controller soaps: "I found a high-quality source of soap base and have now combined two interests: a love of all things geeky and a love of being clean."
(Credit: Etsy.com)These are coined as "personal cleansers" by Digitalsoaps at handmade-crafts site Etsy.com, though we believe they're nothing more than uniquely shaped hand soaps. The selection ranges from an old-school mobile phone (looks like a Nokia) to the PlayStation and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game controllers. These are also available in a wide variety of colors that include semi-translucent shades and a plain-vanilla matte finish.
Prices for these soapy contraptions go from $1.50 for a calculator up to $18 for a twin NES controllers gift set, and they do ship internationally. I wonder if they are really effective at removing the grime after a full day of sweat-drenched gaming or are just another decorative item. Anyone interested in giving it a go?
(Source: Crave Asia via Ubergizmo)
- WiiWare
- Brain Challenge (Gameloft, 1,000 Wii points): Test yourself in various brain exercises in categories such as memory, logic, and math mini games. Challenge your friends as well and compete for the highest scores. As a bonus, you can use your Mii character in game further customizing the experience.
- Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam (Virtual Toys, 1,000 Wii points): In Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam, you must quickly serve customers who are incredibly demanding and hungry. In career mode, you'll campaign to become the best chef in town. Make it far enough in the game, and you'll get to serve aliens and mafia members.
- Virtual Console
- Mega Man 3 (1990, NES, 500 Wii points): It's time to take on Dr. Wily once again in what's arguably the best Mega Man title in the series. With the help of Proto Man, you'll take on the evil robot bosses in this classic action title.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!
We're kickin' it old school with some technology that might not be so modern, but you can't deny that this stuff is cool!
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EPISODE 113 |
Datamancer Ergo keyboard takes steampunk in an oddly comfortable direction
Teac LP-R500: The 20th century CD-LP-cassette geek re-education box
Retro plasma HDTV looks like an ancient TV set
Hand Crank Locomotives Are A Child's Dream Toy
Your MacBook is too classy to be wrapped in neoprene
NES-inspired Nike sneakers take us back to ‘85
$2,500 titanium tricycle seems reasonable
It’s About time (retro edition!)
Alarm clock lets you wake up a winner
Pink Watch
Calling all lady DJs--do we have a turntable for you
Hello Kitty Watch
Hello Kitty’s birthday! (Thanks, Dr. Karl)
FUG
Nintendo garter belt--sexy fun gaming times
Kill Me (I will kill someone edition)
The Keyboard for Blondes makes my blood boil
Kill Me (this will probably kill someone edition)
Burning hair remover lets your hygiene play with fire
23 years in the making
(Credit: Nike)When someone mentions a pair of video-game-inspired sneakers, the end result usually isn't something worthy of slipping on your feet. However, these new Nike Air Max sneakers not only pay tribute to the classic Nintendo Entertainment System console, but they actually look pretty slick.
These new sneakers sport a D-pad pattern emblazoned on the toe and side of the shoe along with a reference to the "start" button toward the top. The NES Nike Air Max sneakers are definitely among the most tasteful articles of geek fashion we've ever seen, and word is you won't need to blow into them in order for them to work properly.
(Source: Kotaku)
This week brings us the debut of Bomberman on WiiWare, along with a sci-fi shoot-'em-up from the Super Nintendo era.
- WiiWare
- Art Style: Orbient (Nintendo, 600 Wii points): Art Style: Orbient has you testing gravity and anti-gravity through 50 stages of galaxy exploration fun. Merge with existing stars and watch out for black holes.
- Bomberman Blast (Hudson Entertainment, 1,000 Wii points): Bomberman Blast is a brand new game in the franchise that allows for up to eight players at once. Also compete online over Nintendo Wi-Fi and post your top scores to worldwide ranking board.
- Virtual Console
- Super Turrican 2 (1995, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): In this space-themed shooter, you'll fight your way through countless enemy ships, collecting power-ups along the way. As the last member of the United Freedom Forces it's up to you to bring peace to the galaxy.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!
