GeekSugar

Super Mario Galaxy Keychain and Charm Bracelet

GeekSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:00:39 -0700

So maybe after seeing Tiffany & Co.'s Gold and Diamond Camera Charm Bracelet, this Super Mario Galaxy keychain isn't looking all that glamorous - but hey, it's still geek chic and is a MUCH cheaper option than the Tiffany bracelet.

For only $12 you can choose from the Super Mario Galaxy keychain or the matching handmade bracelet which both feature signature Wii and Galaxy items like a wiimote, nunchuck, life mushrooms and star bits. . . and colorful beads of course (just in case the geek goods aren't enough!). Each trinket is made from polymer clay, which means there's still hope of me getting a necklace full of star bits!

View 5 Photos ›

Hidden Super Mario Galaxy Secrets

GeekSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:00:37 -0800

It has only been a week since the release of Super Mario Galaxy, and I'm still rehearsing levels in my head. From collecting, launching, and slinging stars to transforming Mario into an adorable flying bee, I'm having way too much fun trying to rescue Princess Peach.

Depending on how far you've made it through the game, you may want to know some good tips and tricks to help you navigate your way through the action-packed 3D galaxies. For instance, did you know you can spin while jumping to help you go higher? This also works really well in speed runs. Check out the video below for more!

Source

Super Mario Galaxy Review: We Aren't in Mushroom Kingdom Anymore!

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:15:55 -0800

I was never so happy to see Super Mario Galaxy land on my desk Friday afternoon, knowing that I would have all weekend (and I do mean ALL weekend) to play and bask in the glory that is Super Mario. Not since 2002 in Mario Sunshine, have we met up with the pint-sized powerhouse, and it was good to catch up with an old buddy. Rushing home to get my first taste of one of the most anticipated games all year, I finally settled in for a serious Mario Marathon. After playing for much longer than originally planned, I could fully attest to this game's awesomeness.

Mario has been stealing hearts ever since the original Super Mario Brothers back back in 1985. Prepare to be swept off your feet again ladies because the plumber is back and going farther than ever to save his princess. Super Mario Galaxy begins with Mario on his way to a hot date with Peach for the 100-year Comet Festival. But natch, Bowser comes in and kidnaps Peach, this time taking her and her entire castle into the final frontier. Mario - being the knight in shining armor that he is - goes after her and will stop at nothing to get her back. With the help and direction of Princess Rosalina (love triangle anyone?), Mario will gather the Grand Stars needed in order to run Rosalina's space observatory and get back his Princess. A timeless story indeed.

So what's so great about this game, you ask? To find out just read more

For starters, Super Mario Galaxy brings back all the nostalgia of Super Mario Brothers, Super Mario Brothers 3, and Super Mario 64, but has reworked them to fit into this cool space-age installment. The music that you know and love are now all dramatically scored to fit in perfectly with each new level. More than once found myself walking away humming to the soundtrack that was stuck in my head, even hours later. The controls are fresh and you know right off that the Wii was made to play this game. The Nunchuck and Wiimote are both used during gameplay, one for directing Mario and the other for collecting weapons, currency, battling foes, and jumping from planet to planet. It may take awhile to master, but thankfully you get some practice maneuvering before jumping into the game. The levels are totally satisfying - you can wander around finding little secrets in each one or just go right through, enjoying the sights while you battle Goombas, Koopas, Piranhas, and some new pests to add to the list.

To say that this is the ultimate, Mario gaming experience is an understatement. It really is at the head of the class in gameplay, controls, graphics, and sound. Obviously, I am a total Mario groupie, having played since I was a little girl while others were playing with Barbies. But even if I wasn't such a superfan, I would be pining for this game anyway. For some, this will be THE game to own for the Wii, for others it will be the final straw to get in line and finally pick up the console. A final word of advice for all you Marioheads out there: Keep your Wiimotes charged, you're going to be playing for a loooong time. You can get your copy online or in stores tomorrow.

Source

View 8 Photos ›

Super Mario Galaxy Teaser Video

GeekSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:01:13 -0700

Super Mario Galaxy is set to hit stores in Japan on Nov. 1 and the US on Nov. 12, and is currently the most preordered Wii software title, with 700,000 in Japan, and 400,000 in the US. Why are so many people itching to get their hands on the new game? Apparently, it's set in outer space and Mario is capable of jumping or launching from planet to planet in order to gather items and defeat enemies. While you may not be able to understand the voice over, check out this preview. It's out of this world.

For another fun commercial, read more

Daily Tech - Super Mario Galaxy Comes in With a Bang

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:05:41 -0800

Source

Nintendo throws party at Nintendo World Store to commemorate the Super Mario Galaxy launch - Crave
Hacked Alicia Keys MySpace page could leave you with a virus - Switched
HTC Touch handsets get a much-needed makeover - Shiny Shiny
Google Android videos clear some confusion - CrunchGear
Custom Zunes are much to be desired - Gizmodo

Create Your Own Photo Planets With the Polar Panorama Effect

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:35:46 -0700

I stumbled upon this great blog post, which shows examples of panoramic photos that have been altered in Photoshop to create your own little planets (like the one shown here), and got lost inside the 50 examples they provided for this fun and unique effect. I'm all about learning new ways to have fun with my photo library, so naturally I added this to my editing experimentation to-do list. Plus, the effect totally reminds me of the planets from Super Mario Galaxy, and you all know how much I adore that game.

This tutorial shows you how to make the effect yourself, and although it looks like a labor-intensive process, the steps are actually quite easy - just straighten your photo so the image is level, make the image a square, rotate, and apply the "polar effect" in Photoshop.

Check out the details on this tutorial page and have fun with your own images!

Weekly Recap: Super Mario Galaxy and BlackJack II Reign Supreme

GeekSugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:05:59 -0800

This week was definitely Mario Mania with the release of Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii. Just in case you missed it, be sure to check out the full review - proving that this game is worth all the hype and then some!

On Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the BlackJack II launch party. Not only did I get to check out the sleek new BlackJack II phone, but I got to shake it up with the ladies from The Hills!

The Office star Rainn Wilson may not have made People's Sexiest Man Alive list, but he does explain how being a nerd is sexy in and of itself.

Looking for a way to personalize your earbuds? The Budclicks earbud accessories are guaranteed to add color and sparkle to your plain, white earphones.

I kicked off the holiday gift guides this week starting with new parents-to-be, then with gadget gifts for teen boys and teen girls, and last but not least, showing off some fun kid-friendly cameras. Stay tuned for next week, which will feature gift ideas for moms and dads!

Must Haves for December!

GeekSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:00:02 -0800

December is such a festive time of the year, with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nibbling at your toes and with kids everywhere ripping open Wii boxes on Christmas morning. If you've been checking out my holiday gift guides, you've probably spotted a few of these items which are sure to be at the top of many Christmas lists. Here are my top five must have picks for the month of December. Enjoy! To learn more about these fabulous must-haves, just read more

Nintendo has just released two special edition Nintendo DS bundles which come in metallic rose and gold. Each bundle not only comes with a DS Lite that is two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS but it is also paired with a game! The rose model includes the "Best Friends" version of Nintendogs and the DS Lite Gold comes with Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Both bundles are priced around $160.
The solar powered tote by Noon Solar is the ultimate geek chic laptop bag. The built-in solar power panel on the outside of the bag attaches to a battery box in an interior pocket that will charge-up in six to eight hours of strong sunlight. A portable and stylish gadget charger on the go! This Courtland bag costs $383. Other styles available as well.
Super Mario Galaxy is worth all the hype and then some. The hottest game for the Wii this holiday season, Super Mario Galaxy combines the best features from Super Mario Brothers, Super Mario Brothers 3, and Super Mario 64 into this super galactic 3D adventure. Priced at $50.
The future of reading has arrived with Amazon's latest creation, The Kindle. Weighing that of a traditional paperback book, the Kindle features a revolutionary electronic-paper display that looks and reads like real paper. With no computer, no cables, and no syncing required and access to more than 90,000 books, you can't help but want to get your hands on one. The Kindle costs $400 each.
Fire engine red iPhone cases are definitely a growing trend in Hollywood. These silicone cases are a cheap, chic way to protect your precious iPhone. You just can't beat their $6 price tag!

New Mario and Zelda Games Hitting the Wii

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:00:10 -0700

If you've been wondering what's next for the Wii after conquering Super Mario Galaxy and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, then wonder no more. The E3 Summit kicked off this week, and the President of Nintendo, Satoru Iwata, revealed yesterday at a press event that new titles for both Mario and Zelda are in the works.

Iwata admitted there is a dire need for quality games like Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii, which I have to totally agree with, since the sub-par mass of third party games and movie tie-ins are getting a bit old. Although he didn't reveal any other info, I'm totally stoked already! Bring on more Mario!

Source

Get Your Game On: November Releases

GeekSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:00:15 -0800

Hopefully in the midst of sorting through your must-have list for November and preparing for your annual Thanksgiving feast, you have also been gearing up for a feast of a different kind. The kind that involves the return of a certain plumber, a large helping of a new band, a serving of an interstellar society, and a side order of a pimped-out race car. It's November friends, and that means gorging yourselves for the next month on some of the hottest games to hit the market all year. Please, please-help yourselves!

**New Video Game Releases (November 2007)**
Why You'll Love It	Console/Price	Release Date
Super Mario Galaxy - Bowser is at it again and this time has taken Princess Peach's entire castle into space! With the help of Princess Rosalina, Mario must venture out into new worlds to save Peach.	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out Nov. 12. Order online.
Rock Band - Were not talking just a guitar here. Were talking guitar, drums, bass, and a mic for the ultimate band experience. Online action lets you compete against other bands, post band photos, blogs, and bios. You better start getting your band together now, cause there's sure to be a lot of competition out there. Now just to settle on a name....	Playstation 3, Xbox 360 $59.99 for the game, $169.00 for the bundle	Rockin Out Nov. 20
Mass Effect - One of the most anticipated games of the year. Incredibly customizable, this role playing game thrusts you into an emotional battle with many species of aliens while trying to maintain the trust and respect of your crew. With you at the helm, you must help save human kind from a force that is hell bent on destroying a colony called Eden. Developed as a trilogy, plan on investing in this one for the long haul.	Xbox 360, $59.99	Coming Nov. 20
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics - With games like fencing, archery, shooting, gymnastics, swimming, and table tennis, this multiplayer game is sure to have you and your pals squaring off for hours. A great game to get the family together after Thanksgiving dinner to work off all that turkey and stuffing!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99	Out now. Buy it.
Need for Speed: Pro Street - Lots of challenges, lots of cars, and – most of all - lots of speed. With all the custom options you can get on your brand new 2009 Nissan GT-R, you may want to take those turns a little slower so you don't scratch up your killer paint job. Or on second thought, maybe not.	Xbox 360, Playstation 3 $59.99 and Playstation 2, $29.99	Out Nov. 14
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 - In this around-the-world installment, RRR2 is packed with 50 minigames in single or multiplayer mode. One game that brings back thoughts of the playground has you out-burping your opponents and causing damage to their surroundings. Let the games begin!	Nintendo Wii, $49.99 and DS, $29.99	Out Nov. 13

Tune in later this month for geekalicious reviews of Super Mario Galaxy and Rock Band! Want more games now? Check out past game releases.