PixlBit

I'd almost suggest that console makers should allow a little bit of customization options on a per-game basis, to be saved along with a save file. If anyone remembers Mega Man Classic Collection on the GameCube, Capcom switched the position of the "Jump" and "Fire" button with each other, and while the switched positions weren't a bad control scheme, it was very awkward for absolutely any Mega Man fan with experience from just about any Mega Man generation.

So I've got to agree, whenever possible, offer a control scheme that mimics the original game's control schemes in ports and remakes. It's just too alienating for several people who already have experience with the game.

I also went through the whole game, stage by stage, with at least my roommate, but sometimes one of our other friends, and I've got to say I think the craziest stage is actually in World 7 for that, the fortress stage there, for obvious reasons. If anyone is behind in the game, I won't spoil the stage, but my adventures with my roommate are being saved for another time.

(Though he is stingy with power-ups, to say the least.)

Ah, I just made the assumption it always was planned to be released here. Maybe I'll figure out a style and a format for these, bold the name of the game at the start of the paragraph, then talk about the new info from the press release. If you've got suggestions or ideas, don't hold back, since this column will be a little experimental for now.

I'm surprised to hear about EA's Need for Speed World game. I'm not a fan of realistic racers, but I could see the concept taking off with great execution.

Of other note, Square Enix said "Summer" for their release of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, which usually can mean anywhere from July to early September, in my experience. Since it's such a broad range, I decided not to cover it in the actual news segment.

Pretty sure you're both making that up.

Indeed, to me it doesn't look like all that much, either. Rondo of Blood is moderately interesting to me, but I've got a Castlevania game or two I already haven't completed, so I think this'll be the first week I don't buy and review and new VC/WiiWare title since I started writing on the site.

I didn't play Portal, partly because my laptop at the time couldn't support it, and partly because I'm not big on first person shooters. Still, Portal is THE game I could easily make an exception for. My intent was to buy or download the game once I got an upgrade, so I might just do that soon. I did watch and offer advice as my roommate played it, though.

I'm not going to worry about it, though. The way I see it, given how the title bridged genres and played so well, and given that Valve took a bit of time before announcing this, I think it should be a strong title. If it isn't, it doesn't make Portal any less a grand game, either.

It looks like Tecmo is still publishing and promoting the game, good news for anyone looking forward to the title.

I need to stress: The engine and enemies in Mouse House seem to be very derivative of The Adventures of Lolo, so there's literally nothing new. The Adventures of Lolo has 50 stages, and so does its first sequel, also available on the Virtual Console, but getting twice the stages for a dollar more than either individual Lolo game, Mouse House isn't the better value, due to a lack of variety in puzzle-solving.

Good going, Zap. Nick's going to be sleeping on the couch for a week...