Archive for » March, 2009 «

The Spring TPT Challenge Commences!!

“The WTPT Challenge has finally begun! Wish the participants good luck as they battle it out for the position of the WTPTC Champion! To those who are competing, the match-ups for the tournament are posted in the “competitions” section of the site. Don’t forget you have three days to finish round one or you’re disqualified! Enjoy the tournament and be sure to have fun! The winner of the WTPTC will have their choice in a selection of EV trained and IV bred Pokemon, as well as an award to go in your Award Case! 2nd and 3rd place winners will also receive similar prizes.”

Here are the various WTPTC Links:

[Main Thread] - [Bracket 1] – [Bracket 2]

Platinum Party at Nintendo World Store

Are You Still Playing That?

A feature on 1up.com attempts to take on the question, "Why are gamers still playing Pokémon?"

While Platinum may be a new game to some, and a somewhat upgraded second run for others, it is, essentially, the 10th run through the same game for many. But that’s not enough to keep Platinum off the top sales charts around the world.

For answers, Editor Justin Haywald cites interviews with Designer and Game Freak Board Director Junichi Masuda and Platinum’s Director Takeshi Kawachimaru.

But Haywald gives a large part of the credit to Nintendo itself for simply knowing how to keep a winning formula going. "No matter how many sports cameos Mario makes for RPG outings, the Italian plumber is all about platforming, saving the princess, and beating Bowser. Link is a sword-wielding Hyrulian who has to rescue Zelda. And Pokémon is a collecting, battling, and trading-centric RPG."

[1up.com - Why Gamers Still Play Pokémon ]

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The Tall Grass – Distortion World

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Platinum Party Photos

Jowy and KC 1

 

We’re back from the Platinum Party at the Nintendo World Store and we’ve got photos.  Check back later for our videos.  Until then, make the jump to see the whole photo gallery!

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WTPT – Pokemon Heroes

This week we review the fifth Pokémon movie, Heroes and run through some general voicemails and e-mails.

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WTPT – Pokemon Heroes

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Interview with the Pokemon Makers

Director Junicihi Masuda and Game Designer Takeshi Kawachimaru spoke with G4TV yesterday regarding the new Pokémon Platinum game, answering many questions about the game’s design and the future of the series.

The two spoke about such topics as where the concept for Giratina came from and why there are so many hidden stats like EVs. Most notably, Masuda finally addressed the possibility of a console MMO, saying, “One of the core concepts of the Pokémon games is trading. You can trade within the game, but you can also go out and meet with your friends to trade … For this concept, the most suitable hardware is portable, like the Nintendo DS.”

Masuda said in his blog, Hidden Power of Masuda, that he really enjoys interviews outside of Japan like this one because people ask him broad questions like these, rather than just specifics about the upcoming game.

[G4TV.com Interview] [Hidden Power of Masuda]

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KC’s Log: The Big Release

With so few big releases for Pokémon fans, it’s no wonder that there is such a hubbub about Platinum. A portion of this excitement comes from the Nintendo World Store release party this Saturday.

As you may have read, Jowy and I will be there, and already a few tribunites have told us that they are looking forward to meeting us. It’s always fun/scary meeting fans, especially since I still can’t actually grasp the concept that we have fans in the first place. One person actually asked if we could have lunch with his family (I respectfully declined). more…

Platinum to be Released Early at NWS Party

 Those of you lucky enough to be in the New York area are in for a treat! The Nintendo World Store has announced a launch party for Pokémon Platinum, where eager gamers will be able to get their hands on a copy of the hotly-anticipated new game a day before its national release date.

The party will run from 11am – 4pm this coming Saturday (March 21st) at the NWS in New York, but those who get there early might be lucky enough to get their hands on something extra special – one of a limited number of copies signed by the game’s developers! I do mean early, though – something tells me this party’s going to be huge, so if you’re going for the signed copy, make sure you get there and get queuing as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

As well as the chance to buy the game a day early, the party will feature games, contests and prizes, and of course, the opportunity to play Platinum with friends (and maybe meet some new ones, too).

With Platinum in your hands a day early, remember that Saturday is also the last day to get a special event Regigigas from Toys “R” Us – with this ancient colossus in your Platinum team, you’ll be able to unlock the Regi trio in three hidden areas of the game.

As if all this wasn’t enough of a treat, eagle-eyed partygoers might just be able to spot our very own Jowy and KC, who’ll also be in attendance – so come and say hi! (more details to come) The party looks like it’ll be a blast, so if you’re in the area be sure to come and check it out.

For more information, or directions to NWS, visit their website at:

http://www.nintendoworldstore.com.

Countdown to Platinum: Characters & Setting

We’re baaaaaaack, with more of the… COUNTDOWN TO PLATINUM .

Since all of the new Wi-Fi features have been sufficiently covered, today we’re going to be covering changes to the plot, new characters, and even some new Pokémon forms being featured in Platinum.

WARNING. THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS.

First things first: Sinnoh is changing before our very eyes. The once happy, summertime atmosphere has changed to a winter wonderland. Snow covers the ground wherever you go, and the main characters are appropriately attired for the flash freeze. Yes, Nintendo managed to make Diamond and Pearl’s male lead look even more ridiculous by putting him in a beret and a large, poofy winter coat.

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