RIP Nintendo Power

I know I'm a little LTTP when it comes to this RIP, but the truth is I wasn't planning to write about this rather sad occasion (Nintendo Power's December 2012 issue will be its last), mainly because I haven't flipped through a copy of the magazine in ages.

Then I came across a photo I took a few years back of Nintendo Power's first issue (below and here), and it brought to mind all sorts of amazingly fond memories.

One of them: If memory serves, the issue above was sent to me and my brother shortly after we acquired our NES. Although we were quite content with the pack-in title (Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt), those first images of Super Mario Bros. 2 blew our young minds.

In fact, I'm pretty sure the timing of Super Mario Bros. 2's announcement and release is solely responsible for Mario's first sequel (in the US) becoming my favorite of all his two-dimensional adventures.

Nintendo Power's second issue (above and here) was only slightly less amazing than its first thanks to features that focused on Bionic Commando and Castlevania II: Simon's Quest. (Oh, and more Super Mario Bros. 2, of course.)

And then, in the magazine's fourth issue (below and here), we got both a (somewhat disturbing due to its use of mannequins) cover image devoted to and a review of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, another game that--at the time, at least--completely rocked my world.

(To see an early Nintendo Power cover that I'm much more fond of, check out this photo of the July/August 1989 issue. Claymation Mega Man FTW!)

Will any of you be sad to see Nintendo Power go the way of the Dodo? If so, what are some of your most cherished memories of this nearly 25-year-old publication?

I'm a bad, bad Final Fantasy fan

I say that because the main reason I'm not all that interested in the impending release of Final Fantasy Dimensions is its rather hideous HUD. (See screenshot below.)

I'm also not too fond of the fact that this iOS title will be offered to gamers much like Final Fantasy IV: The After Years was offered to Wii owners--although in the case of Final Fantasy Dimensions, gamers will be able to download the prologue for free and then pay some currently unknown amount for each additional chapter.



Still, I'm a sucker for sprite-based Final Fantasy games that feature robust job systems (side note: Final Fantasy V is my favorite mainline Final Fantasy title), so I'll probably pick this up day one if it's ever thrown onto the 3DS--or even Wii U--eShop.

That said, I'd much prefer to see the folks at Square Enix work up a 3DS version of its other mobile-centic Final Fantasy spin-off, Final Fantasy Brigade, which features an art style similar to the one found in my game of the year thus far, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy.

It's not a ChuChu Rocket-branded Dreamcast, but I guess it'll do

French artist Oskunk (or, OSKUNK!, to be completely accurate) has conjured up a number of fabulous, custom-painted consoles over the years.

Surprisingly, most of my personal favorites have been Sega-centric, such as the Dreamcasts he's covered in Jet Set Radio, REZ, Samba de Amigo, Shenmue and Space Channel 5 designs.

The artist's latest (below) creation calls to mind yet another Sega classic: 1995's Virtual On.



I really like how this illustration complements, rather than attempts to cover up, the curves and grooves of the Dreamcast's top lid.

Where will Oskunk's imagination take him next? I'm hoping it'll take him to wherever he needs to go to produce a ChuChu Rocket-branded Dreamcast, or maybe a Magical Puzzle Popils-branded Game Gear.

See also: 'I will obtain one of these if it's the last thing I do'

Is this 3DS game's heath bar really made up of little butts?

If so, I think I've just found my next "must have" title.

Granted, it's extremely doubtful the game in question--Dangerous Jii-san Jya, which is based on the popular Coro Coro Comics "gag manga" that's known as "Grandpa Danger" in the West--will be released in North America, so I guess I'll have buy a Japanese 3DS (or 3DS LL) if I want to play it.



Normally my reaction to such a suggestion (yes, even if I made the suggestion to myself) would be, "yeah, right," but in this case I'm not so sure. I mean, not only does Dangerous Jii-san Jya (teaser trailer here) appear to include a health bar made up of little rumps, but it also seems to feature some sort of "butt blast attack" (see screenshot above) and a character that's basically a pile of poo with muscular arms and legs.

I'm also pretty fond of the Egyptian samurai with a pair of underwear covering his eyes that can be seen here.



As for when this daringly disgusting 3DS game will hit store shelves in Japan: Sadly, I'm not sure, although andriasang.com suggests it'll happen sometime "this winter."

Woe is my wallet should Dangerous Jii-san Jya sport a compelling cover illustration.

(Via andriasang.com)

If only I had my dad's gambling gene

Actually, the headline above probably should read: "Thank God I don't have my dad's gambling gene."

After all, if I did have that particular gene, I'd likely spend way too much time trying to figure out how I could acquire the Japanese Bubble Bobble slot machine that's being sold via this eBay auction.

I mean, this contraption is nearly worth the price of admission (currently $499.99) just for its adorable marquee--which features a winking Bubblun--alone, don't you think?

Also worth at least a portion of that admittedly hefty price tag are the Stoners (no, not that kind) that appear to take up space between the cherries and oranges and other fruits.

Another enticing aspect of this particular auction: The slot machine in question currently resides in Tacoma, Washington, which is just down the road (well, sort of) from Seattle.

All that said, me buying this adorable one-armed bandit is about as likely as someone sending me an FM Towns Marty and a copy of that system's Bubble Bobble port free-of-charge, so don't hold your breath waiting for another post on this subject.

See also: 'Let's Play: Which Box Art is Better? (Bubble Bobble edition)'