Midenhall.com

Author: Jose Gallardo

  • New Week, New Header

    We have changed our header once again, this time featuring an unpopular conflict of pixels vs. graphics. Nowadays, its only natural to want a game not only with a good story, but with great visuals as well. Are you one of those who prefer the story over good graphics? Or are you one of those people who likes to immerse themselves into a realistic video game with enhance visuals? Personally, graphics are indeed a must in this new generation. That is, if you want to feel like you are playing something new. Thoughts?

  • The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy (Book)

    “With both young and adult gamers as loyal fans, The Legend of Zelda is one of the most beloved video game series ever created. The contributors to this volume consider the following questions and more: What is the nature of the gamer’s connection to Link? Does Link have a will, or do gamers project their wills onto him? How does the gamer experience the game? Do the rules of logic apply in the game world? How is space created and distributed in Hyrule (the fictional land in which the game takes place)? How does time function? Is Zelda art? Can Hyrule be seen as an ideal society? Can the game be enjoyable without winning? The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy not only appeals to Zelda fans and philosophers but also puts video games on the philosophical map as a serious area of study.”

    – Amazon Editorial Review

    Pre-order Now!

  • Mario Sluggers – “No wi-fi?”

    Most of us already know about the Wii’s rendition of Mario Baseball, Mario Super Sluggers. But has this game been made to suit everyone’s expectations? Nope, not really. Although Mario Sluggers is sure to be a good game while it lasts, there won’t be any “baseballing” through Nintendo’s wi-fi connection. The only means of multiplayer fun will rely on having friends or family come over for a game or two. After Mario Strikers proved to be a decent game with its wi-fi, why wasn’t Super Sluggers a candidate? This leaves much questioning on Nintendo’s part. As we anxiously wait for the Mario Super Sluggers release, let’s hope the adventure is worth the trouble.

  • Wario Land: Shake It! Preview

    Here’s a little intro on the upcoming game, Wario Land: Shake It! With anime-like cut-scenes, this game is sure to be a big surprise.

    *To see the following video with English Subtitles, please click here

  • WiiWare and VC Games Update

    One WiiWare title and two Virtual Console titles were added to the Wii Shop Channel.

    WiiWare™

    • Strong Bad Episode 1 Homestar Ruiner

    Virtual Console

    • Star Parodier (TurboGrafx16™)
    • Break In (TurboGrafx16™)

    Check out the Wii Shop Channel for more info!

  • Is Screenwatching a Form of Cheating?

    Its time for a double-side TV!

    We have all played or seen a 2 (or more) player split screen mode of a video game. For example, when playing a 2 player race in Mario Kart Wii on the same TV, the screen is split into two sections: the left side for player 1 and the right side for player 2. While this is the only method for playing multiplayer on most games, I came to the conclusion that many players look at an opponent’s side of the screen to see what he or she is up two. This is what is known as “screenwatching”. Although it may seem pretty harmless, games like first-person shooters are extremely susceptible to screenwatchers. Games like Mario Kart also lose their frenzy when you know what your opponent is carrying inside his Kart. Somehow, screenwatching feels like a diminutive cheating method that can easily be avoided by resisting a bit of curiosity. I never look at what my opponent is doing, and I tend to lose many matches in which screenwatching was involved. Does anyone else believe screenwatching is basically cheating? We welcome all thoughts and comments!

  • Classic Super Mario Bros Movie

    Taking a long walk through memory lane, I finally saw the Super Mario Bros movie (again) after what seemed decades. This movie inspired by the mushroom kingdom was created in 1993, meaning the special effects and stunts are not something to look forward to. The whole concept of a “Mushroom Kingdom” was taken a little too seriously, in this case. I mean, a city covered in a Mushroom blanket? Humanoid Goombas? What’s next, a human Bowser? Oh wait, the King of Koopas is already as human as can be in this movie (no turtle enemies in this film). Although the whole “Mario” concept was taken to freakishly tragic proportions, the misconception and highly unorthodox universe of the plumbers is quite entertaining. You will have more fun trying to figure out what relates to the Mushroom Kingdom than from watching the movie itself. Nevertheless, its an unfortunate classic that Mario Bros fans have to see it to believe it.