GeekSugar

Happy 5th Birthday Nintendo DS!

GeekSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:00:50 -0800

November 21 is the official anniversary of the Nintendo DS, which hit stores five years ago today.

Over the past five years, the DS has seen its fair share of changes, from the cosmetic: awesome bundles and color options (like gold, red, blue, and green) and fun cases - to the inventive: this year's DSi and subsequent accessories and larger-screen model available overseas.

I'm proud to profess my love for the DS again this year: Happy Birthday Nintendo DS!

6 Creep-tastic Video Games to Play on Halloween

GeekSugar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:15:34 -0700

I have to admit - I sometimes like watching scary movies and playing creepy video games in the dark! It just adds to the already cringe-inducing nature of the games, and with today being Halloween, it's the perfect time to freak yourself out with one of these six scary video games. Round up a few of your friends and play on . . . if you dare!

View Slideshow ›

Mini Ninjas DS vs Xbox 360 Smackdown: Which Is Better?

GeekSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:06:44 -0700

You already know about my addiction to Mini Ninjas, which I played on the Xbox 360 at this year's E3, but did you know that this game also came out on other platforms? I haven't tested out the Wii or PS3 editions, but I have been able to get my hands on both the Xbox 360 and DS versions to test and play.

As you may know, not all games are created equal on all platforms. Just take Tomb Raider Underworld for example - although the game is entertaining on both the DS and Wii consoles, when push came to shove, I much preferred the DS version of the game for its controls and fun factor. So where do these two versions of the same game stand? Find out when you read more.

Everything I love about the Xbox 360 version of Mini Ninjas - the painfully cute graphics, the music, and the easy and intuitive control system - is missing on the DS version. It's a given that the graphics on the DS will never match up to that of the Xbox, but honestly, this is a major part of what gives Mini Ninjas its charm. Even the music of the Xbox version (a nice and calming soundtrack) gets ramped up to a beat-driven tune in the DS version. I'm not sure why this particular change was made, but I'm not sure I like it.

Overall, the Xbox version of Mini Ninjas is superior in nearly every way (well you gotta give some credit to the DS here - at least you can take it with you on the road), but if I were investing and had a choice, I'd go for the Xbox version here.

Portable Chic: My Favorite DS Cases

GeekSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:50:29 -0700

Since Nintendo releases a new DS model every few years or so, I gotta keep mine covered and clean (so I can recycle or donate it later once I upgrade). But really, I just want to add a touch of style to my gaming to show off on the bus, plane, or wherever the need to play strikes. Check out a few of my favorite DS cases, including a few I just recently saw at the Tokyo Game Show in Japan!

View Slideshow ›

7 Games to Work Your Brain

GeekSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:05:01 -0700

In case you missed it, President Obama spoke directly to school children last week, asking them to stay in school and study up for the future. I thought the speech was inspiring, but he did kind of diss my beloved video games. Obama asked the youth of America to not "spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with the Xbox." This could be sound advice, except for the fact that there are plenty of brain-challenging games out there to improve your coordination, smarts, and problem-solving skills. Everything in moderation, people! Check out a few of my favorites here.

View Slideshow ›

Would You Play DS Games on Your iPhone?

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:33:43 -0700

It's a well known fact that the iPhone and the iPod Touch are becoming full-on competitors to the traditional gaming platform. With thousands of games available to download and play at the touch of the screen, it's easier than ever to keep yourself entertained wherever you are. But the one thing I can't see myself doing is playing Nintendo DS games on my iPhone. I mean, the DS does what it does so well, why should there be any substitute?

I recently read a story on CNET about the five best DS games available for your iPhone, and although I'm all for mobile gaming, I just couldn't get on board. Yes, buying a $7 Cooking Mama app saves you a few bucks from the $20 sticker price of the DS version, but I just don't know if it would bring the same flair. How about you - would you play DS games on your iPhone?

DJ Overload: Which Record-Scratching Game Are You Buying?

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:45:19 -0700

Ever since Rock Band and Guitar Hero hit the scene, music games have increased in popularity with hard-core gamers and casual gamers alike. And not surprisingly, DJ Hero ($120) was one of the most popular demos at E3, especially after its star-studded preview party in LA. But as you know, there will always be more than one game competing for your buck.

Enter Scratch The Ultimate DJ and DJ Star. All virtual DJ video games, and all three being released sometime this year. Although DJ Star is taking a different direction by being released for your Nintendo DS, so it may have a shot at setting itself apart from the other two DJ games.

Are you saving up to buy a DJ game, and if so, which one?

The Other Side of E3: Shopping!

GeekSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:25:03 -0700

Although my eyeballs were plastered to LCDs for the majority of E3, I managed to take some breaks and head on over to the merch booths. I picked myself up one of these DS Lite organizers, which caught my eye from their resemblance to the one that comes with the lime green DS bundle. Brought to you by Power A, who makes tons of portable gaming accessories, you can get your own case from Target (my fave), Best Buy, and even Kmart.

The tri-fold organizers not only hold your DS, but three game cartridges, and some extra styli just in case. Although I haven't seen these in my Target (trust me, I'd know), I did find them online for $15 bucks.

Personal Trainer: Walking Hits Stores May 26

GeekSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:30:15 -0700

Nintendo is really trying to get us in shape for Summer! Set to make its official debut on May 26 here in the US, Personal Trainer: Walking works by sending data between a wireless activity pedometer (which you can place anywhere - even inside a bag!) and the infrared game card in your Nintendo DS or DSi to track your walking progress.

Your DS will record your daily step count, minute by minute, so you can always go back and see your activity level. And because the card can store up to five years of records, you'll see if you're improving from year to year!

Personal Trainer: Walking costs $49.99.

Mini Ninja Cuteness Coming This Fall

GeekSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:03:17 -0700

Who doesn't love ninjas, especially when they're mini?! Fighting their way into your consoles this Fall is Mini Ninjas, which is sure to be the cutest game since LittleBigPlanet as far as I can tell from these screenshots. Mini Ninjas has you playing as one of two student ninjas that has been sent out by the Master Ninja to defeat the evil Samurai Warlord and his band of forest animal warriors.

Although you are your master's last choice to defeat the evil forces, you find that you have some serious skill as Hiro, the youngest of students, and a great intimidation factor as Futo, the largest (and of course, slowest) student. I can appreciate a great fighting game, but Mini Ninjas looks like it has a lot more going for it than just button mashing - the scenery looks fantastic, it has a cool retro art style, and the story seems to remain pretty positive, so even the younger set can enjoy playing.

Check out more screenshots, and see the full trailer (which includes some adorable cartoon pandas), when you read more.

View 10 Photos ›

Look for Mini Ninjas to hit your Wii, DS, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC this Fall!