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RECENT MARIO NEWS

0  The Best StarCraft II Custom Maps Right Now Mon, Aug 30th, 2010, 8:01 pm (EST) BY ADAM MA Starcraft 2 has been out for about a month now and while the multiplayer is certainly fun there are times where you just want something different. Most will immediately start thinking of DotA, but as luck may have it there are a lot of very cool, very different alternative games out there. Some require a lot of players to have a good time, others only need two or three, but all of them show off an impressive display of creativity. So if you're getting tired of the typical StarCraft grind, or are just looking for something fun to do with friends, why not check out a few of these custom maps.  Guarantee they'll be worth your while. More »

4  Top Ten Development Studios Right Now Thu, Aug 19th, 2010, 10:43 pm (EST) BY JORDAN DOUGLAS Games have always been behind other creative mediums - such as film, music, and literature - when it comes to making consumption choices based on the team behind a product, as opposed to its franchise tag or brand. That being said, the "hardcore", enthusiast crowd has always had a deep appreciation and sense of loyalty toward the select group of studios that continually produce quality. Thankfully, that trend is slowly beginning to penetrate mainstream gaming. With that in mind, we decided to compile a list of the top development studios at the present moment - studios that generate a great deal of anticipation behind their endeavors, and are an influential force in the industry. This list is specifically directed towards individual teams, not publishers (i.e. Nintendo) or multiple teams that produce games under a common label (i.e. Ubisoft Montreal). More »

1  Why Japanese Developers Need New IP's (Part One) Wed, Aug 18th, 2010, 4:01 pm (EST) BY ADAM MA Many Japanese developers are struggling to keep up with the big numbers drawn in by western games. This isn't as much speculation, as it is fact. Outside of Nintendo, Square Enix, and Platinum Games (and a few select others), it's difficult to really pin down a developer that's been a hit overseas which Japan can directly claim. But the reasons behind these failures are not hard to identify. In fact, it can all be summed up in one pretty simple question: Where are the new IP's? More »

	0  Nintendo Announces NA Fall Release Calendar Tue, Aug 17th, 2010, 12:13 pm (EST) BY SHAWN While Nintendo has been announcing some release dates, such as Kirby's Epic Yarn getting a 2011 release date in Europe, the company has been silent on their broader release schedule. That is, until now, as the company has revealed their Fall 2010 lineup for North America. More »

4  Top Five Most Intense Moments of 2010... So Far Tue, Jul 27th, 2010, 11:17 pm (EST) BY JORDAN DOUGLAS 2010 has been a fantastic year for gamers. It's not often we are able to compile a solid list of 'Game of the Year' contenders only half way through the calender year. Mass Effect 2, Heavy Rain, God of War III, Final Fantasy XIII, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Alan Wake, Red Dead Redemption, and more are all high quality experiences that would normally be reserved for the holiday season. With that in mind, we decided to examine some of the most intense moments so far this year. Intense could be anything from terrifying to awe inspiring, anything that really got our blood pumping. It should go without saying that if you haven't played these games yet and want to avoid spoilers, stop reading after each headline. The following is the top five most intense moments of 2010... so far. More »

	1  Video Games Live Airing on PBS Tue, Jul 13th, 2010, 1:40 pm (EST) BY JAMIE COURTS Video Games Live, the group that performs video game music in live venues with full orchestras and bands, will be airing a live performance in HD on PBS in the US. The performance was recently recorded in the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. More »

	2  Marketing Nintendo 3DS A Very Tricky Affair Sat, Jul 10th, 2010, 7:33 pm (EST) BY COLIN Speaking with Edge, Nintendo's Hideki Konno says that marketing the new 3DS platform is going to be a "very tricky" affair. He mentions that, surprisingly, even within Nintendo there were those that had doubts about the system. More »

3  The Best Games Of 2010... So Far Fri, Jul 9th, 2010, 9:14 pm (EST) BY ADAM MA I'll cut straight to the chase on this one, 2010 has had some phenomenal games. Most years start out a little slow and then wind up into a big bang, but honestly it's hard to imagine anything better around the corner aside from a few releases here or there. So before we get all wrapped up in Halo: Reach, or severely addicted to the latest MMO, let's take this time to reflect upon the phenomenal games that the first half of 2010 have brought to us. More »

	0  Lego Harry Potters Retains UK Sales Top Spot Mon, Jul 5th, 2010, 9:39 am (EST) BY DARRYL Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 has retained its top position in the UK video game sales charts. It really shows the draw of both the Lego games and Harry Potter as both Red Dead Redemption and Super Mario Galaxy 2 were both held off. More »

0  E3 2010: Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Hands-On Preview Wed, Jun 30th, 2010, 11:01 am (EST) BY DARRYL Sonic the Hedgehog was once one of the video games industry's most notable franchises. He stood toe to toe with Mario for years and in some people's eyes actually stood above him. However, with the advent of the 3D era, Sonic just couldn't keep up - Mario disappeared into the distance and Sonic was left with dust in his face and a slew of games which featured poor controls, terrible cameras and dreadful story elements. However, while it's probably too soon to say the future is bright for Sonic, Sega at least appear to be paying attention to their fans. What started off as Project Needlemouse has turned in to the game fans have been wanting for years, a true successor to Sonic 3 and a game that's in 2D - gloriously high-definition 2D. Kicking off shortly after the end of Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic decides to take a break. Needless to say it's cut short and he's back in action to thwart Dr. Robotnik's latest dastardly scheme. This brings him to Splash Hill, a zone that looks like a merger between Green Hill and Emerald Hill - the perfect place to start off a new adventure with the speedy hedgehog. More »

0  Lego Harry Potter Tops UK Sales Charts Mon, Jun 28th, 2010, 9:33 am (EST) BY DARRYL Another week, another UK sales chart and Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is leading the way. This means the top three of Red Dead Redemption, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa have been knocked down a peg after weeks of domination. More »

0  UK Charts: Red Dead Redemption Holds Firm, Peace Walker Disappoints Mon, Jun 21st, 2010, 7:32 am (EST) BY DARRYL Red Dead Redemption is still holding firm at the top of the UK sales charts, fighting off stiff competition from Super Mario Galaxy 2 and the official 2010 FIFA World Cup game from EA. Prince of Persia is still there or thereabouts too, thanks to the success of the film, but UFC 2010 Undisputed is falling fast - it just hasn't been able to repeat the huge success of last year's release. More »

0  E3 2010: Nintendo Announce Mario Sports Mix Tue, Jun 15th, 2010, 12:52 pm (EST) BY JORDAN DOUGLAS At Nintendo's E3 press conference, currently in progress, the company announced Mario is returning to the sports arena in Mario Sports Mix for Wii. The trailer showcased several different sporting events such as volley, ice hockey and basketball. However, this isn't a straight sports game as many arcade elements were shown that altered the course of play. All of the regular Mario crew are set to return in Mario Sports Mix. More »

0  E3 2010: Reggie Reveals Mario Sports Mix Tue, Jun 15th, 2010, 12:43 pm (EST) BY COLIN Today Nintendo has revealed not just Mario Tennis, but Mario Sports Mix. A collection of sports games playable by everyone's favourite Mario characters. More »

	48  E3 2010 Nintendo Liveblog Tue, Jun 15th, 2010, 11:57 am (EST) BY SHAWN Welcome to the GamingUnion.net liveblog for the E3 2010 Nintendo press conference. We'll be updating this post as the event unfolds, so be sure to check back for all the latest Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS updates. More »

0  Why Sega Will Never Stop Making Sonic Games Fri, Jun 11th, 2010, 11:44 am (EST) BY ADAM MA There was a time where Sonic was associated with a level of platforming comparable to Mario, and the blue hedgehog was the go-to guy for a very specific style of gameplay. It wasn't just that Sonic moved fast at times, or that his enemies had some pretty different ways of attacking. For me, it was the levels. They were expansive, well designed, colorful and actually had some branching paths. In a Mario game the rule was 'go forward' and eventually you would reach the end, or the boss room, but Sonic games seemed to reward me for experimenting, hiding those damnable item boxes in strange locations. Every time a new Sonic game comes out, I can't help but remember those times. I look into the new game, see what it's about, and am always tempted to shell out the cash just in case this one is the Sonic revival I've been looking for. I'm always excited about the idea of Sega's mascot making a comeback, at least until they reveal what the game's about. The excitement quickly disappears once I hear Sonic will be exploring space or collecting Olympic rings. Sonic Colors was like a well timed sucker-punch, showing me Sonic running at high speeds (what he does best) then immediately showing me strangely colored creatures that fly into the air. Why Sega? You had me at Sonic running. It's unique to see a company that actually manages to deflate my hype the more I learn about a product. More »

0  Super Mario Galaxy 2 Review Fri, Jun 4th, 2010, 7:15 pm (EST) BY JORDAN DOUGLAS Mario is one of the oldest and most storied franchises in gaming history. The iconic Italian plumber has been able to stay relevant over the decades by consistently reinventing himself - from 8-bit 2D to Earthly 3D, to the outer reaches of space. 2007's Super Mario Galaxy was the latest to reinvent the franchise, with its mind-bending gravity mechanics, unique planetoids, and otherworldly wonderment. Apparently Miyamoto's team had so many ideas as a result of the new direction Galaxy took, that they decided to make a direct sequel - something Mario hasn't seen for quite some time. The end product is Super Mario Galaxy 2, a game that takes the foundations laid out in Galaxy and experiments with them in every way imaginable. More »

0  New Inflatable Wii Kart Helps Kids, Fills Rooms Mon, May 31st, 2010, 12:44 pm (EST) BY JAMIE COURTS It seems that almost all peripherals for the Wii tend to range from bad to ridiculous, and CTA has released possibly the most ridiculous and peripheral for racing on the Wii yet. It seems CTA has released an inflatable, kart-shaped chair with a steering wheel attachment to put the Wii remote into. More »

2  New Blur Ad Pokes Fun At Mario Kart Fri, May 21st, 2010, 11:51 am (EST) BY JAMIE COURTS The latest Blur trailer may look a little familiar at first, especially since the little broccoli looking racer may bear quite a resemblance to Toad from the Mario series. Seems like Blur is taking a little bit of a pot shot at the Mario Kart series by touting a game with Mario Kart style power-ups with a more mature style. More »

0  April NPDs: Sam Fisher Walks Into The Top Spot Fri, May 14th, 2010, 10:44 am (EST) BY JORDAN DOUGLAS The NPD Group have released the overall sales numbers for the month of April 2010, and the results don't inspire much confidence, unless you happen to be Sam Fisher. The industry experienced a 26 percent decline in revenue compared with this time last year. One exception is PlayStation 3, Sony is quick to point out their platform is only one with "growth both year over year (42.6 percent) and year to date (37.2 percent)." The full figures are shown below. More »