Other than the trailer shown at the Nintendo Press Conference not much is known about Kirby’s Epic Yarn now but the game will be released this fall.

Mario has had a big presence on the Wii more so than possibly any other Nintendo console, with Super Mario Galaxy and New Super Mario Bros. Wii Nintendo has shown that they want the plumber to make his presence known not only to Nintendo fans but to the video game industry.

The original Super Mario Galaxy was a great title that is still considered one of the best games for the Wii, combing classic Mario platforming with gravity phyisics the game made a winning combination. However now Nintendo looks to surpass the original in every way, although many gamers were skeptical that the sequel would not be a significant improvement over the orignal however Nintendo has proven them wrong.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is built off the original’s game engine so everything that made the first game great is still here, however the developers have learned from the few mistakes they made the first time and tweaked them all to near perfection and it’s becuase of this fact the game reaches a level in quality few other games reach on any console.

One of the first things gamers will notice is how streamlined the game is, at the very beginning of Galaxy 2 you’re given control of Mario in a 2D format similar to New Super Mario Bros. Wii, here the game teaches the controls of the game and begins the events of the story. Also the Hub world is now gone, replacing it is the world map style similar to that of Super Mario Bros. 3. These changes might initally seem like the game is being aimed at casual gamers rather than hardcore gamers but the changes are for the better, anything streamlined doesn’t really feel as if the game is only focusing on casual players but instead just helping them to get into the motions of the game.

The basic gameplay is still the same from the original Galaxy, Mario has his usual platform jumping skills and he must get through a variety of levels that and collect stars along the way. Most of the levels have the gravity engine as the focus, players will be jumping from planets and platforms all with their own gravitational pull for those that didn’t play the first Galaxy, this was a big feat in platform gaming and it could take some getting used to.

The graphics in Galaxy 2 are similar to part 1 which is no surprise, the game isn’t HD by any means but it’s still great to look at and probably the best graphics that the Wii has ever delivered. Nintendo obviously added as much polish as it could so that the game would run smoothly as possible while still keeping it’s graphics pleasant to look at.

Sound is also done with care in Galaxy 2, almost all of the musical scores fit in well with the levels and mood of the game. The music really gives an energy to Mario’s adventure maybe even more so than in previous titles. Sound effects are also nice, non of the characters have any actual lines of spoken dialog but that’s expected from a Mario game, however the sounds of all that’s happening around you is enough to give your ears a treat to listen to.

Perhaps what makes Super Mario Galaxy 2 so good is because it appeals to casual gamers and hardcore gamers. Casual gamers will like how easy it is to get into and since the game only requires about half the stars in the game to actually beat it the game becomes very accessible to anyone. However hardcore gamers will enjoy the game too because of the challenges, some levels are almost brutally difficult to complete and will be a real opportunity for gamers to measure up their true skills.

Overall Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of the best games for the Wii and probably one of the best platforms in this generation of consoles. Everything about the game is polished, presentation, graphics and sound are all well done. However most important the basic gameplay is a solid foundation that the developers have used to make some of the most creative levels and challenges in any video game. If you have a Wii Super Mario Galaxy 2 is highly recommended.

Overall = 9.0

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On July 6, 2005, music and video games came together at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. Music from different video games spanning from Mario to Halo was beautifully played. Video Games Live has been touring the entire world and posting dates to all of their concerts.

A 90-minute Video Games Live special, consisting of never before televised live musical performances from the Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, God of War, Civilization, Chrono Cross, StarCraft and Guitar Hero franchises, including a musical journey through Classic Gaming, will make its national premiere on July 31 and air throughout August 2010 on PBS stations (check local listings). The CD and DVD/Blu-Ray release will coincide with the nationally televised special and will be available in North America exclusively through PBS until November 1, 2010. — Video Games Live

Mark your calenders and keep checking out PBS.org for the CD/DVD, this is definitely something you don’t wanna miss.

Snake and his mercenary group must defeat a threat in Costa Rica, which can change the power struggle between the East and West.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11

Tiger’s new game has the Ryder Cup tournament (America vs. Europe) for the first time in the series. The game will also sport 24 player online multiplayer.

Earthworm Jim

After years since his 1994 Sega Genesis release, Earthworm makes his reappearance on Xbox Live with 4 player co-op.

6/8

Call of Duty: The War Collection (360)

Disgaea Infinite (PSP)

Green Day: Road Band (PS3, 360, Wii)

Joe Danger (PSN)

Mega Man Zero Collection (DS)

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)

Smash Cars: Virus Run (PSN)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (PS3, 360, Wii)

6/9

Earthworm Jim (XBLA)

““Their new video game controller will take racing games to a new level of challenge and realism by allowing players to replicate the bets driving techniques used by race drivers.” They will also be showing some of what they have to offer at this years E3 convention.

Trauma Team is the newest entry in the medical series from Atlus, originally started on the DS with Trauma Center the games have expanded to be solid titles for both Nintendo consoles. Now with Trauma Team the developers have added all new gameplay types to vary the experience the series is known for.

Trauma Team is made up of six different gameplay modes each with it’s own main character, the different modes range from fast paced and exciting to slow and repetitive so most players will find their two or three favorite modes and leave the others off until they have to play through them since the game gives you the option to play the missions in any order. As players complete each mission cut scenes are unlocked to push the storyline forward, much like medical dramas on TV the doctors of Trauma Team all have their own personal issues that they must deal with as they go through the daily stresses of being a doctor. The story will feel familiar to those who watch anime, the same types of characters and quirky humor that is usually found in Japanese shows is present in Trauma Team.

The graphics in Trauma Team are fairly simple, the cut scenes are in a comic book style which works fairly well, unfortunately the animations are limited and could have used a little more polish. The actual gameplay graphics in the surgery modes are also simple with only vague colors and shapes representing actual organs and other body parts.

Sound is overall ok, the elevator music in the slower missions fits in well, as much as the exciting tunes during the surgeries. However the voice acting could use some improvement, a lot of the dialog is delivered as if they were being read directly off the script, a little more acting and feeling could have helped the story a lot.

The basic gameplay mechanics for the surgery levels are still the same from previous entries of the series so fans will feel at home with half of the modes right away. Forensics and Diagnostics are more like adventure games where players need to put the pieces of the problem together in order complete the mission. Although these levels were placed in to slow the pace of the game a little they slow it down a little too much which could make finishing each mission a chore. Overall though Trauma Team still delivers on it’s promise in creating a simple doctor simulation.

The biggest problem with Trauma Team is that it could have been a lot better had the presentation been more robust and the slower modes had been refined a little. One interesting thing to point out is that the game is retailed at a budget price of $40 which does help sweeten the deal. As it is Trauma Team is a solid title for the Wii, fans and new comers who are interested in playing doctor or house will enjoy it.

Overall = 7.7

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Since the days of Super Mario Kart, we all have enjoyed most of the games from the series. With the most recent iterations that was released being Mario Kart Wii, it had received some great reviews. It features new and remade tracks, choice between karts and motorcycles, and online racing. Although gameplay felt as if you are penalized for being in first place. Inescapable weapons that can hit you and hardly any defense for them. Minor no-free-for-all option in Mario Kart battle and due to the longevity of the series, the game is getting outdated.

A cure is given for those who want a great vehicular combat racing game. Here are four racing games that can put Mario Kart on the ropes.

This futuristic alternative has had mostly outstanding reviews on the presentation and visuals of the game especially since the game has sharp detail, amazing lighting, a distinct artistic style that is great to see while playing. The zone mode is also beautiful and addicting. The audio and soundtrack in the game are a perfect fit. Not only that but can also play your own music which is then integrated into the game while racing. Wipeout HD released the Fury Expansion Pack adding new vehicles and tracks. Also this combination is not expensive.

Sonic takes the lead on one of the best kart racers on the 360 and PS3 with other various Sega characters. This game has great pick up and play fun while having lots of characters with different racing styles. Online play works well for a racer of this type . The game is more than a copy, it has very responsive controls which helps with gameplay and beautiful track designs that are in HD. The music ranges from many of the previous Sega games like House of the Dead, Jet Set Radio and of course Sonic the Hedgehog. While it has only had a small amount, the game does have DLC. Sega’s DLC for this game is able to be played online and offline.

Going with the whole “Play, Create and Share” theme, this is overall an excellent kart racing game. The gameplay mechanics are on point and the deep level design tools are great for those with track ideas. This game has a new level of creativity. No other racing game lets you create your racer, car and track. ModNation also has DLC which is going to be just spewing out in the form of new racers, new vehicles and new tracks. Don’t forget the endless amount of ideas that players can post for the countless people to download.

Although this game is not a kart racer, it basically plays like one. The cars are modeled after real cars and tracks are modeled after real life places. The game has a great sense of speed and worth playing. The online play is very solid, game lobbies can incorporate many players, and due to the leveling system this adds great longevity to the game. Activision will be releasing DLC for this souped up racer. You can also take in game pictures and upload numerous forms of progress on facebook and twitter.

As you can see, none of these games are slouches. With constant Mario games being released, Mario Kart does not have 3 main things that the others do: HD visuals, DLC and a reliable online multiplayer function. The Wii is not able to go HD, their is hardly ever any DLC planned for titles, let alone Mario Kart and let’s not get into Nintendo’s online services. The 360 versions of Blur, Sonic & Sega All Star Racing and Wipeout HD for PS3 are able to play your own custom music. All of these things are not required to have fun in a racing game but Nintendo needs to upgrade this game to the present times. Mario Kart has been placed on such a high pedestal and it should be taken down a few notches. These 4 previously mention games should keep Mario Kart sitting on store shelves or at least make Nintendo rethink the franchise.