Game-specific Wii Channels are a fantastic idea.
I don't know why I didn't hear about this before, but this is one of those ideas that proves out the age-old theory that Nintendo never gives you what you want, but instead gives you awesome stuff you didn't expect. Mario Kart Wii, for example, will create its own Channel that lets you check rankings and junk regardless of whether you're playing the game or even if the game is in the tray. Incredibly cool. Now the question is, will Nintendo allow you to download these Channels even if you didn't buy the game... because A) it would be great advertising for those on the fence about a purchase, and B) I know I'd pay a nominal fee for certain game-specific Channels even if I NEVER bought the actual game.
Ziff-Davis has gone Chapter 11.
Guess that's as good as reason as any not to renew my EGM subscription.
I miss the Looney Labs weekly updates.
I used to always check the Looney Labs website every Thursday, because that was generally when the gang would post an update. Some months back, Andrew Looney announced he was only going to update every other week. Now I only check rarely, because I can't keep track of whether this is an update week or not. I wish he would treat it like a weblog and update it nearly every day, just with general life stuff as well as game design news.
More reasons to play R&CF.
About halfway through the second playthrough (which goes much faster, by the way), you'll have more money/raritanium than you'll ever need. In addition to the LX upgradeable Omega weapons, you can also get the RYNO IV (and eventually, the infinite RYNO IV). But the coolest new weapon is the Golden Groovitron, which gives you infinite Groovitron ammo... and makes it much easier to accomplish the Everybody Dance Now skill point, where you have to get every character in the game to dance.
Gonna be a while before I get to Zack & Wiki.
Yeah, Zack & Wiki will likely be a great buy at $15, but I won't be sure about that for quite some time. Brawl is unlikely to leave the Wii anytime soon. I've already unlocked two more fighters, played a bunch of online games with Josh, and been through 25% of Subspace Emissary mode (which is GREAT). I also adore the new hint-based Challenge grid for revealing secret unlockables, the ability to turn off the tap-up jump (always hated that), the amazingly fun Spectator Mode (I only place bets when there's a 50/50 shot), the hilariously participatory WarioWare board, and the warm snuggly feeling I get whenever I hear the Pokemon Trainer shout commands from the background. Smash Brawl is THE Wii game.
