CoffeeWithGames

@SetupDisk How many hours did it take you for one playthrough?

@Dogpigfish This was of the PS3 version, not the Wii U version?

@Xilef It does have that controller support.

Mutant Mudds Deluxe?

I beat the campaign on the GamePad, while my wife was watching Netflix (using the Wii). Using the GamePad to play online multiplayer (and the single-player) works very well, and I really, really like that aspect of the game.

The single-player campaign I found odd, like, the storyline I was able to follow for the most part with the back-and-forth, but it was just odd......especially with the hilariously odd ending and credits. It just gets OFF-THE-WALL-CRAZY.

I haven't even played Zombies yet, but it's on my list to try.

The one thing I found interesting about the GamePad use, is that when playing via the GamePad, the full screen isn't used...just a portion of it. Not really sure why that is, but it still works well enough.

@Koto It's not the same type of gameplay though, different type. I'm talking about content/amount. If Trine 2 offers 15+ hours of gameplay on a single play-through, without collecting everything...what about NSMBU? The fact Nintendo couldn't get some form of online multiplayer in NSMBU is terrible IMO, but that doesn't mean we aren't getting the game (it's currently hidden in a closest as Christmas gift for your oldest!).

Also, do you have Trine 2 on the Wii U?! If so, please add me and perhaps we can try the co-op at some point. Coffees is the name.

@ueI They added certain levels for the Wii U, that aren't in the other versions.

The game is gorgeous. When an eShop game looks on par, or better, than NSMBU and possibly Rayman Legends, and has more than 15 hours of gameplay, local co-op, online co-op, voice chat being added...it really makes you question Nintendo's development style. Also, the fact that Trine 2 is a larger file size than NSMBU should make Nintendo ashamed for the lack of content/art...or the Trine 2 developers think about raising the price.

Is the original source here an article in the magazine? Or, an article on the magazine's website?

The proper credit here is not the "source" linked, the very least it needs to be changed to the original source of the material.
http://www.superphillipcentral.com/2012/10/superphillip-interviews-dan-oleary-n.html

@Philip_J_Reed "Then again, if we say a game is broken and someone else says it's very good, maybe the disconnect is on their end!"

I would typically agree if it was only one other review, but even a comment in the review here called it out for being very odd. Again, I think a 1 out of 10 should = broken, not playable, freezes, screen doesn't move, buttons don't respond, etc.

There were at least 3 other reviews that were higher, one giving it a 9.0 out of 10 (4.5 out of 5). There is a disconnect. It's one reason I wish one standard on every single site for game reviews, was AMOUNT OF TIME PLAYED. At least then that gives readers an idea of how much time the reviewer spent before slapping a score on something.

Then again, I tend to look more toward user reviews on games, than professional reviews...

On the comments issue @madgear was addressing, unless a comment is outright cursing/name-calling, etc., I don't see the point of deleting them, especially when somebody took the time to comment on it. If there was a mistake, a simple edit with "Thanks to comment #5,001 for the clarification!" would be simple... but deleting a comment(s) seeking clarification on a post seems a bit odd... especially if it was done in a normal non-troll manner. The fact somebody took the time to actually read the article and spot a mistake in it, should be seen as a positive I would think.

I do have a question, when it is said in one instance, "We're not exempt from these suspicions due to the advertising that we run, even if that advertising is needed for...game/hardware purchases....", specifically the "game/hardware purchases" part.

I'm always curious, how many games are reviewed on a monthly basis that are purchased as new releases (retail) compared to the number that is reviewed because they are given by companies for review?

I think there can be a balance, but I honestly think that when the industry (in general) has no/few review standards, it's going to become a race to the bottom, and it already has I think.

For example, when this site is at the bottom of review scores... and gives a game a 1 out of 10, I would expect that means the game is basically broken, not playable, terrible button responses, etc. BUT, then you read/see other reviews rate the exact same game around the 7s mark... there is clearly a disconnect somewhere.

Do editors not ask "reviewers" for clarification on reviews? Do the editors try and make sure that a Call of Duty fan that has hated 2D platforming games his entire life doesn't get the main review copy of the next big Mario game? There has to be a balance, and when I see a game get a 1 out of 10 here, versus 7-9 on other sites it makes me question the reviewer first, but shows me the entire industry has serious issues.

I gotta say the trailer for this made me interested in the game. It looked like there was A LOT of variation within each track, as for optional routes and ways to use the vehicles.

While I rarely purchase racing games, our oldest is starting to enjoy gaming A LOT more, and can identify Sonic because of the cartoons on Netflix. So, I'll be keeping on eye (or two) on this one.

Just from watching the video, the cursor movement seems very laggy and/or non-responsive.
Hopefully it's just the video, and not the game-play.

@Chicken Brutus!!!

Excellent spot! I actually just finished playing a few missions, and was about to ask if this footage was from the PC version, due to some camera angles I couldn't get in the Wii version(not that it mattered, but I did notice).
The camera angle was at about 1:26 in the video.

The title on this should really be changed, "Do a barrel roll, of course".
You can't do barrel rolls in the game, but the game is a lot of fun; at least from what I have played of it.

"First, you'll need a hunter rank of at least 40 to join the quest."
FAIL!
How about like a HR 13 or lower?

I really feel bad for HVS on this game. I think the reason for the change was they couldn't get a publisher to publish Gladiator A.D. the way it was originally being made.

Sega probably said, they would publish it if changes were made, and this is the game Wii owners are given.

I was interested in Gladiator A.D., but not this for now.

I'm pretty hopeful this will turn out well. I own Endless Ocean: Blue World, but haven't played it much; I need to put it back in and give it another try.

I think the appeal to this game, is its 2D style.
My wife gets sick when playing games like Endless Ocean, and Ecco the Dolphin(on Dreamcast). The open movement in 3D space in water, starts messing with her senses, I think a 2D design like this, will be a lot better.

I'm probably going to download it, to see if she'll enjoy this.

How long does this game take to complete?
I've now read a 10/10 review score, and a 1/10 review score for the game...interesting.

Has anybody else completed Challenge Mode yet?

This is over a month old news.
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=117443

@Kid_A:
LOL, I'm glad I wasn't drinking coffee when I read your comment!

Crazy about the volcano causing so much trouble though. I saw some pictures yesterday, of lightning coming out of it. They were really interesting.

Picking it up tomorrow!

I agree with MakeMyBiscuit!

I'm still enjoying the game, and I purchased it day one!
I finished it with NES style controls, now playing with the Wii Remote/Nun chuck controls.

The more I hear about this game, the more I like!

This game is absolutely awesome. I hope these copies help spread the word of Rage of the Gladiator's awesomeness.
If you don't win a copy, and are on the fence, I HIGHLY recommend this game. It's worth more than the 1000 Wii Points they're asking, IMO.

I'm currently playing through it now using the Wii Remote/Nun chuck controls and having a blast!(already beat it via the NES style controls).

Does a game have to be perfect to be a 10/10?
I honestly don't know a game that will appeal to EVERYBODY.

A reason I don't like scores on games in general, is it seems the general consensus is, "No game is perfect, no game deserves a 10".
You never know what type of games the reviewer likes, and how that may affect the review score.

I'm not saying this review score is good or bad for this game, as I've never played it, but I'm glad to see a 10/10 being put on a game.

For me personally, Rage of the Gladiator is might near a 10/10.

Something doesn't seem right at HVS anymore.
Lack of communication with the "community" on almost all of their games now, unlike how they did with The Conduit...until it was published and sitting on store shelves.

@Ezekiel:
They are aware of it, as they have it posted on their main page.

@Token Girl:
I didn't buy Punch-Out!! because I thought $50 was too much money for essentially the same game with very few new characters.

I think Rage of the Gladiator proves that a game can follow a formula, but offer new game-play elements and presentation, that make the experience fresh...and for only $10 at that!

@SeanBeeson:
I think the music is great in the game, I've got a story I'll be posting up with my "thoughts" on the game once I finish Challenge Mode.

@Sean Aaron:
Just get into Challenge Mode. It is absolutely destroying me.

Replay value to the MAX if anybody is going to get A rankings on everybody in Challenge Mode.

@brandonbwii:
"it's difficulty doesn't crush my soul as much as Punch-Out...."
Have you made it to Challenge Mode yet?

I haven't played Punch-Out!! on the Wii, just the original Punch-Out, so I don't know how the difficulty compares. I just know Rage of the Gladiator is no walk in the park right now.

@Yasume:
I don't have a WM+ accessory, and I'm playing it with just the NES-style controls. The controls are really responsive and the game is excellent(and challenging!).

@Sean Aaron:
BTW, how far did you make it into the game?

I am getting absolutely destroyed in Challenge Mode and having a blast with it!

@Sean Aaron:
A quick spelling correction, "Glacius and his war hammer...", it should be Gracius instead.
Glacius is probably a character from a future Al Gore game.

Also, Sean, is the lack of pointer navigation the only thing keeping the game from a 10 out of 10? The reason I asked, is because I'm using the NES-style controls, and the thought of pointer navigating never even crossed my mind.

@ejamer:
I'm playing the game NES-style, and having a blast with it.

@Egg miester:
The graphics in this game are great. I doubt you've even played it though, you've been nothing but a bucket of negativity on anything posted about this game.

I've been playing Rage of the Gladiator today.
I've played a little more than 4 hours so far, and I've finished nine of the fights on normal mode.

If anybody has any questions about the game, let me know and I'll be glad to try and answer them.

If you're wondering, I am really enjoying the game so far!

So, how many of us are buying the game day 1?
I am.

@Molouff:
They have, it's on the main page. I see what you're talking about on the "Rage of the Gladiator" section though.

@Egg miester:
I would give you 500 Wii points if I knew you were buying the game...but there's no way for me to know, so no points!

@TeMPO:
If you don't like Punch-Out, then you can't see why. If you like Punch-Out, then you should easily see why people are excited for this.

I was buying it day 1 regardless. I may now "gift" this to a friend. Hmmm.

Anyway, I thought the game was worth 1500, because it looks like a quality WiiWare game, not shovelware.
Graphics and attention to details looked great for the game.

I really, really hope this game sells well to warrant a sequel(maybe retail?)
I guess the good news is that Ed was watching the comments from the people upset at the 1500 points, and he acted on it.
I'm glad to see a developer being pro-active with their product and pricing.

I was buying this game day 1 at 1500, this is even better!
Thank you Ghostfire and Nintendo. I hope this game sells boat loads!

BTW, from what I had seen from the game, I thought it was worth 1500.

Hoping for a surprise game announcement. I didn't really learn much new at the US and Australian summits...let's go EUROPE!

I'm not excited about SMG2, but Metroid: Other M has my interest.

@fxtek76:
Ed Roman, the Producer on Rage of the Gladiator said they sent Nintendo Power an early copy, he made it here in the comments section, #17.

"We did give them an early copy of the game, and due to a miscommunication they produced a review unintentionally early. I'd rather not speak negatively about their review, since I think its unprofessional to do so. But I will say this -- they had the game in their hands for a very short amount of time before they produced their review, and it is possible that the reviewer didn't fully get into the game. It is also possible that the reviewer didn't have an affinity for this particular genre. But that's all just speculation, and I don't want to assume it. I respect their opinion, and I know that we can't please everyone. We learned that the hard way when WiiWareWorld gave our first title Helix an 8/10 and IGN gave it a 4/10."

@Bulbasaurus Rex:
I don't know the format of Nintendo Power's magazine, though I'm going to check the store for this one. I don't know if the reviews for WiiWare games are short on purpose, or not. I'm sure they could add extra pages if they needed. Most magazines are nothing but ads anyway, with very little content.
I'm getting Rage of the Gladiator, regardless of this review.

@Bulbasaurus Rex:
Thanks for the reply! That's one of my main problems with the "review" then. Why not mention WM+ and how it functions. What motions are assigned to it? Does it actually make a difference? How about the fact you can adjust the WM+'s sensitivity in the game?

Nothing. Did they actually review it, or just play it for 5 minutes on each setting? Did they mention how many bosses are in the game? How long it took them to finish it? Replay value?

Or do they just say, "Hmmm..." and expect me to know what they mean by that, with a one or two sentence summary?

I saw this yesterday, and it has me interested in the game now. I hope it all comes together nicely.

I don't agree with most reviewers these days anyway. I'm looking forward to the game.

I wonder, did the Nintendo Power mention how WM+ was in their "review" of the game? Also, how did they get a copy of the game? Ed, did you send them an early copy for review?

BTW, did anybody else notice the skeleton faces on the snakes? I thought that was an awesome addition and a nice attention to detail that many may have missed, I know I missed it the first time.

I didn't see you mention use of the DSi's microphone in the game. Did I miss that, or did you not know about it? Does it not function well?

These type of games give me hope for the game industry. Seeing old concepts(2d platformer), with new twists(turning the world), I think shows the developers are putting a lot of time/effort in the level design and game-play.

I'm really looking forward to this game. I hope this game has the polish to make it great, and to sit alongside Punch-Out for years to come.

Also, the fact this game uses WM+ is one reason I'm debating on picking up the Red Steel 2 bundle with WM+. I want a reason to have WM+, and I didn't see WSR or any of the other games as compelling reasons to own it yet.