Bookmark this site: videogamesarerad.com

I don't know about you, but I spent way too much time this past weekend surfing the web. Specifically, I spent too much time scanning a retro-gaming site called videogamesarerad.com.

Although there's a lot to like about this blog, which has been around since late 2007, I'm most fond of its posts about Famicom pirate carts (such as 8-bit "ports" of Dragon Quest VII and Final Fantasy X-2).

Oh, and the site's random features--like this one, which focuses on the Nintendo Vs. System--are pretty "rad," too.

So, I just canceled my order for Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light

Actually, I canceled it on Friday, but it was easier to say "just" in the header above.

Anyway, you're probably wondering why I canceled my pre-order for this Final Fantasy spin-off. Honestly, it has nothing to do with my interest--of lack thereof--in the game. Rather, it has to do with me deciding to spend that $34.99 on something else.



As for what that "something else" is--well, let's just say it has to do with one of the things mentioned in this recent post.

All that said, I will buy Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light before the year wraps up. Mark my words!

Order: Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light

Now, *this* is what I call viral marketing

The folks at Capcom USA recently took to the streets of New York City in an attempt to raise awareness about the release of Okamiden.

Will the following poster prompt New Yorkers to run out and purchase a copy of this chibi-fied Okami sequel when it's released stateside in late March? I'm not sure, but who really cares when it's so darn cute?

I especially like the part (on the right) that reads, "Likes: the sun, painting [and] peanut butter."

Pre-order: Okamiden

Sega excites longtime fans by announcing a new Shenmue game ...

... and then enrages them by adding that it's not Shenmue III.

Making matters worse: The title--called Shenmue City--is being developed for Yahoo! Mobage, a Japanese, PC-based social games service.

The question on the tip of every Shenmue fan's tongue: 

Will Shenmue City include forklift races?

Given its name and the fact that it's being developed for a "social games service" (whatever that means), it seems doubtful Shenmue City will be the game longtime fans of the series have been looking forward to since the release of part two in 2001.

(Via andriasang.com)

Oh, look, more 'special edition' systems that won't be released in the States

On Nov. 11, a special Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary Wii system will hit the streets in Japan.

For ¥20,000 (approximately $240), Japanese gamers will get a shiny new Wii system, a Wii Remote Plus, a nunchuck attachment and what appears to be a special anniversary version of the original Super Mario Bros.

Oh, and by the way: The Wii, Wii Remote Plus and nunchuck attachment will be red.



Although Nintendo's American and European arms have thus far refused to talk about any Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary releases for their respective territories, it seems the floodgates may open shortly.

The brass at Nintendo of Europe, for instance, recently let it slip that a localized version of Japan's Super Mario Collection Special Pack--to be called Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Edition on the Continent--will be released on Dec. 3.

(Via andriasang.com and wii.nintendolife.com)