PixlBit

Oh poor Mallo, how gravity befalls the blocks you push and pull…

Pushmo was a wonderful surprise back when it was released in 2011; the Intelligent Systems developed puzzle/platforming game took a simple premise and made it a fantastic in-depth game with a nice custom-builder. Much to my surprise and delight, Nintendo and Intelligent Systems made a sequel! Crashmo, like its predecessor, has Mallo pushing and pulling blocks. However, the effects of gravity now play a bigger part in the game, because now the blocks crash to the ground.

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AKA Nintendo Circus, depending on who you ask

Like many of you out there, I wasn’t terribly impressed by Nintendo’s press conference at this year’s E3. One of the things they touted as being a major showpiece was a game called Nintendo Land. Much like Wii Sports, the aim of this title is to introduce players to a new controller--in this case the Wii U GamePad--through a virtual theme park bursting with references to classic Nintendo franchises. At each attraction, your mii will don an appropriate costume and partake in a challenge that teaches the player a new way to use the Wii U GamePad.  Nintendo’s hope is that this game will do for the Wii U what Wii Sports did for the Wii, and explain to new players exactly what the Wii U is all about.

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Destruction reigns supreme in this simple yet fun downloadable game.

Like most people, my favorite moments in the Burnout series have always revolved around the wrecks.  Slamming a competitor into an oncoming car during a race or just causing as much damage as possible during a crash mode is endlessly entertaining to me, so when I heard that Criterion Games was making a downloadable version of the Crash mode I was more than excited to get my hands on it.

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The Tour de 64 returns with a 3D take on a classic series.

Often referred to as “Castlevania 64” to distinguish it from the NES game, Castlevania is the first 3D entry in the long-running series. Many of the series' staple enemies and weapons are present, as well as some new twists brought on from the transition. I don't have much experience with the Castlevania series myself, but what's here is a decent adventure with a sometimes chilling atmosphere that provides enough excitement to be worthwhile.

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