Many a Nintendo fan is curious to see what new tricks and throw backs New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Nintendo 3DS has to offer. I'm just as excited as pumped for this new Mario Game; it's a Mario game... I mean c'mon. However, what I'm most curious about is Nintendo's announcement of releasing New Super Mario Bros. 2 in stores as well as releasing it as a digital download on Nintendo's eShop. That's right, a digital download of a full Mario game. From this statement it seems Nintendo is moving in the direction of it's competitors; such as Apple's App Store and Sony's Playstation Network; both of which provide full games to play with the click of a button, and a price of course, all digitally distributed. Even Wii U's launch will have first party Nintendo games for download. However, is this a good move for Nintendo? Nintendo isn't know for it's perfect online system and options. Nintendo provides some major franchises online gameplay modes, such as the Mario Kart Series and Super Smash Bros. series. What Nintendo has never done is release a full retailed Mario game digitally. Could this work in Nintendo's favor? Will it help them catch up on some key components of the changing video game industry?

New Super Mario Bros 2. will be appearing on that eShop title screen in August!

Over the years the video game industry has become more digital. In fact, the world has become more digital. We've all seen major businesses such as Tower Records, fye, Block Buster, and Borders go out of business due to digital distribution of  music, movies, and books. It's only a matter of time before Gamestop turns in the towel. I always said when Nintendo starts digitally releasing major titles, it will be the beginning of the end of Gamestop. That day has finally come. In August, New Super Mario Bros. 2 will be released in stores and digitally. Wii U will also have first party Nintendo titles for store and digital release at launch. While this may be exciting to see our beloved Nintendo go the route of their competitors, it leaves me with a bitter sweet taste. While yes, New Super 2 is being released in stores, I can't help but wonder when Nintendo will be digitally releasing major titles only, forgetting the store entirely. It's a day i fear might be approaching sooner than I thought. I love going to a game store and buying a hard copy of a game. I love the artwork, casing and manual. I enjoy owning it in my collection and putting it into my game shelf. I love the fact I can walk to my game shelf and observe all my beloved titles, spanning all the way back to Nintendo 64 when I was a child. Actually, that might be why I'm so attached to hard copies of games. I remember when I was five or six, and I bought Super Smash Bros on the Nintendo 64. I remember opening up the box and pulling out the cartridge, reading the manual and just enjoying the product in my hand. It made me feel good to own such a wonderful piece of video game art. Perhaps I'm thinking too deeply into this, as I normally do when approached with questions like these. My point basically is, I enjoy picking up a game in a store, I'm not one who downloads digital games often if at all.

Will the day come when Gamestop closes down?

This doesn't mean I'm not all for Nintendo's desicion. As I mentioned, Nintendo is releasing New Super 2 in stores and on their eShop. This promotes two types of audiences, and can boost their sales up. It's excellent for people like me who love driving to their local store and picking up their desired game. It's also great for those who are too busy to go out, or want to conserve space in their homes, and love to buy everything digital. Nintendo is also doing one last service to their fans. With every store-bought copy of New Super 2, Nintendo is pleasing both of their customers desires. Nintendo is releasing a code that let's you download New Super 2 from their eShop for free, considering full price was already paid at the store. It's such a brilliant move for any eShop connectivity with Wii U. This helps to promote it's eShop and Nintendo Network. Hopefully people start to realize Nintendo's eShop and Network are shaping up to be incredible and accessible to all publishers and buyers. All the pieces of the puzzle are ready to be placed when Wii U launches as well. If Nintendo plays their cards ride, they can dish out a great 3DS and Wii connectivity using the eShop and Nintendo Network. If the Big N really wants to push it's online connectivity to their fans as well as the mainstream, they need to really promote this functionality. All should work out perfectly.

It's gonna be big!

The question still begs: Will Nintendo go all digital with the future of 3DS and Wii U? I'm hoping Nintendo keeps doing what they're doing with New Super Mario Bros 2. It's the perfect combination! By releasing a game both in stores and digitally, Nintendo will give a nod to those who enjoy hard copies of a game, as well as a digital release of a game. Any digitally released game should had some connection with Wii U and the Nintendo Network some way in the future. Nintendo defiantly has all the right pieces to utilize in their growing future, and I am sure that they will make amazing decisions that are beneficial for themselves as well as their always loyal and loving fans. Here's to your bright future Nintendo!

The Nintendo Stars are going digital, and the future looks bright!

Can there be a thing as too much Super Mario? When is the last time one of us moaned and groaned at the announcement of a new Mario game? I don't think any of us has ever done such a thing. However, with Nintendo's recent announcement of New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the 3DS, as well as New Super Mario Bros. Mii (the Wii U title-in-progress) I couldn't help but notice that loyal Nintendo and Super Mario fans were struggling to keep up a smile. In fact many people were complaining that there was way too much "New" Super Mario Bros. attention. I personally fell in love with the fact that we can use our Mii's in the Wii U title. I also had my smiles rise to greater heights when I saw that the classic "P-Bar" returned with everyone's favorite Raccoon Tail, the classic power up from the NES classic: Super Mario Bros. 3.

You've missed it, admit it.

Perhaps the reason everyone isn't so excited with P Power is the fact these games don't feel "New" or "Super" enough. I believe people feel as though Nintendo is simply pushing out these Mario games because they're easy to make, as well as mega hits with sales. These aren't Super Mario Galaxy or Super Mario 3D Land games. Those games had to be built from the ground up. The New Super games have been made since the original in 2006 on the DS. The Wii one in 2009 was just slightly tweaked with the bubble mechanic, spin jump, and having the ability of 4-Player multiplayer. The three tweaks worked, making it seem fresh, exciting and new... well to me. Most people saw this as just an expansion on the DS title, on a higher scale. Already the "New Super" idea seemed to be lacking the "New" and "Super" feel. People want a more innovative Mario game such as the recent Mario 3D Land for 3DS which redefined 3D game play.

It's "New" and for Wii... SUPER!

So far the general mind set of people think that two New Super Mario games this year is a bit overkill; they're pleased to have them, but would rather have a more innovative Mario title for either 3DS or Wii U. I personally love that we're getting a direct New Super sequel on the world's greatest handheld system. I also love that our new addition to the family, the Wii U, is getting it's own New Super game, hopefully bundled at launch! The last time a Mario game was bundled with a home console was back in 1996 on the Nintendo 64. I remember being a kid and getting an Nintendo 64 for Christmas and hearing: "It's-a-me, Mario!" I want that same joy again opening my Wii U with a New Super game. You might be asking yourself: "Mario 64 was innovative because it was the first time Mario was in 3D" and you also may say: "Super Mario World was innovative because it was a huge game full with 16-bit colors and sounds to show off what the SNES can do." Yes, I agree, if a Mario game is bundled with a Nintendo console at launch it should revolutionize and show off what the Nintendo system can do, so here is my idea.

I'll never forget seeing this for the first time. The memory is still in my heart and mind.

My idea for the 3DS New Super game is... leave it! Let it be a typical Mario platformer. Make it have all the nods and call-backs to Super Mario Bros. 3, because it looks like that is what Nintendo is going for. Honestly, having a traditional Mario platformer every two or three years is good and keeps fans of classic Mario 2-D action, like myself, always content. My idea for the Wii U one is a bit on a different side. Give us the ability to play as our Miis? Awesome. A whole new adventure, with over 100 new levels and over 8 new worlds? Perfect, we're use to that. Now PUSH ONLINE.

I want to see this being pushed from DAY ONE!

First: Let us play with friends across the states and seas. Allow us to use the tablet to video or voice chat with our friends while we play on the TV. Let us have 4 player support online, with 4 player video and voice chat for our tablets. Let two of my friends in the same room play with two other people across states. Make this New Super game on Wii U a community game.

Second: Now, here's the kicker. Make a level editor, with a channel on Wii U showcasing levels to download, and play. Nintendo wants to push online community with their "Nintendo Network." So why not start off the right way? For years and years and YEARS I have wanted to create my own Mario levels. I want to make crazy cool designs, with tough jumps and fun secrets. If Nintendo is sticking with the whole "Wii to U" mentality it had in E3 2011, then why not start with "Wii want U to make Mario Levels." Think about the endless possibilities we could have. Nintendo won't even need to worry about DLC right away, because millions of fans will be making their own Mario levels for everyone to have and play, and Nintendo can do a simple and easy show-case channel for it on the Wii U. It's a perfect idea that needs to happen. Can you imagine the selling point of this game? The 3DS New Super 2 will sell, no questions asked. New Super Mario Bros. on the DS was one of the best, if not the best, selling game on the original DS. I'm not worried about New Super 2 being a flake. What I am concerned about is how people will react to just another Mario platformer, identical to the Wii one, just in HD with Mii Support. C'mon Nintendo, make a level editor. I've wanted it for years, and I don't think I'm the only one who has wanted a level editor. Minecraft, Little Big Planet, and even Team Fortress 2 have a crazy and cool fan base, making brilliant community levels and maps for all to enjoy. You need to take this step Nintendo. It's not a very big step, and it will get you far.

Third: My level editor idea can further support the Wii U and it's tablet controller. A Simple touch and place method of making a stage, block by block, enemy by enemy, power-up by power-up, can become a nice easy craft for anyone with the usage of the Wii U tablet controller. I can already see it blowing Little Big Planet, one of my favorite games ever made, out of the water with the touch and place controlls. Admittedly, I struggle with the LBP editor, for I do not like creating things with out a pen in my hand when it comes to perfection.  It's another good selling point for the Wii U.

That's three selling points for the Wii U if they release this New Super game the way I described. One: Mario in HD and everyone loves Mario. Two: Full community online support with level editor. Three: Showcase what the tablet can be used for with video/voice chatting and making levels with easy crafting tools on the tablet. Make it happen Nintendo.

It's cool seeing Mario styled levels on the LBP community, but I want a legit Nintendo version!

I am excited for both these games, and I am not at all disappointed they're both platformers. While yes, a new 3D Mario adventure like 64, Sunshine, or Galaxy would be nice, I am satisfied with what we're getting. I love the Mario Bros. 3 call back in New Super 2 on 3DS. What I need is a bit more innovation from the Wii U version; just Mii support won't sell. It needs the level editor and it needs the Nintendo Network community to get started the right way. Do not lose hope yet Mario and Nintendo fans, and do not be disappointed by the multiple Mario titles that are both New Super games. This might seem like overkill, but I have a funny feeling that my ideas may show up at E3 2012. My ideas aren't too far out of the water, in fact they're anything but. Let's hope Nintendo pulls through their warp pipes and gives us two great Mario titles for 3DS and their new found family member, Wii U.

See you at E3 2012 Nintendo and IGN!

Pikmin 2 is by far, one of my favorite games of all time. Defiantly "Top Ten" worthy; coming close to my favorite game of all time: Super Mario RPG for the Super Nintendo. I don't want to digress too much from Pikmin 2, so let's get back to the main topic. Pikmin 2 is a game in which Captain Olimar and his side-kick Louie must return to the mysterious planet Olimar landed on in the previous installment of the franchise. Pikmin 2 offers a more "comical" and "witty" vibe to the entirety of the game. You'll find such humorous dialogue from the everyday E-Mails from your Boss, who sent you on this mission to pay off the company's debt; as well as the constant sarcastic and satirical remarks from your talking Spaceship. However, there is something a bit unsettling with Pikmin 2. It's the survival aspect of the game. The main gameplay of the Pikmin series is to plan out each day and dungeon accordingly, so that you and your little plant friends can survive. However, the word "survive" always gave me chills. What happens if you don't survive? What about if you die? Does that mean your family and only son, who is just a small child, will have to hear the news that their Husband/ Dad has died in an unforgivable environment?

Call me insane and "over-thinking" all you want. This to me, is the under-tone sadness of Pikmin 2. The Ship and the Boss constantly remind you to be safe, and question if your survival will pull through in the end. These messages always gave me unsettling nerves while I scampered about in an dungeon filled with a wild Waterwraith- a creature that follows your every step with a weapon that will crush you and your army of Pikmin in one hit. Or whenever I would face the Emperor Bulblax, who's scream would send shivers down my spine. The dungeons really put me on a nervous edge while playing Pikmin 2. The dungeons were relentless, and the whole "surviving for your life" thing always had a dim light at the end of a very long, and challenging tunnel.

The music in the dungeons was also another story. Most with a dark, and eerie tone through out the composition; accompanied by a beat which never made you want to dance and nod your head. A beat that made planning your attacks and strategies even more difficult. Then came a certain song. One song that I, my first time playing through the game, thought was a joke. I went through many floors filled with treasures and enemies that took up to 10 Pikmin in my party with one attack; but then I arrived at this floor. A floor poorly lit by mushroom spores. The light casted by the spores filled the room just enough to give it a warm feeling to it. The first sense of hope and accomplishment. These floors, are known to Pikmin players, as the rest floors. However, these floors had something to them, which made me fall in love with Pikmin 2, and gave me hope to keep on batteling my way to survive. The music.

Take a listen while you read this next paragraph. The song you're hearing is a song of hope. The song isn't much, it's actually a rather simple composition of music; but that is the key to this song. The key is the simplistic nature to it. There's no big band or full ensemble of strings to back it up. It's just a few notes played a nice slow pace. The song describes my feelings perfectly when arriving on the "rest floors." I feel hope. I feel hope in my quest to survive the alien planet with my Pikmin. I pretend to be in Olimar's shoes. I think of his wife at home and I think of his son, who is just a small boy. I think of how much they care about my well being, and I say to myself (as Olimar): "I can do this. I have to keep going."

I'm not sure if I am completely off, or completely over analyzing it. Or if I am some looney who thinks too deeply in video games plot lines and video game music. I am a musician, so it's safe to say, that I know a good piece of music when I hear one. If the song is so pure and so magical that it makes me just close my eyes and picture things that matter in my life (again being Olimar)... or heck! Even in my very own real life- then I know for sure, the music has accomplished what it was intended to do. You might say to yourself: "Steve, the creators of Pikmin 2 did not intend for that simplistic song to have such a deep meaning!" I say, you're mistaken. The simplest things in life, can sometimes have the deepest meanings.

God Bless (and sorry for another over-analyzed video game post- like my Little Big Planet 2 blog post... it's just who I am honestly).

~Steven Viola

Amazing! I won the Wii off of Free Sh1t!!! I have to say, thank you so so SO much IGN! This was the best thing to see when I came home today. It made me so happy, and I almost jumped up an down! (Ok, I did jump a little bit. More like a small hop if you will). Again, thank you so much for the Wii! Long live Free Sh1t!

Oh, and one quick thing! Shout out to Nintendo Voice Chat! I love you guys! Been listening since Day 1! IGN ROCKS

~Steven Viola

Even Mr. T told me I won Free Sh1t! This made me laugh so hard! hahaha

I can't believe it! Thank you so much again IGN team!

So-  I have been called a hipster. There's no lie there, I am. I am proud of it, hell it's who I am. Thought I would share this song with you. Why? Well I try to incorporate a message in my blogs as best I can. For this blog my message is simple- enjoy life. Live it the way you wanna! There are times when it just flat out sucks. Yes, life can really suck. However, without those awful times, the good ones wouldn't seem so amazing and treasured. Enjoy the song, hope it helps you through the day!