Nintendo 3DS Price Drop and Super Mario Land 3D

I had mentioned perviously that the price of the 3DS was to drop from $249 to $169 (that's $80 folks!), and today is the day!  If you have put off buying the 3DS because of the steep price, wait no more! I personally might wait for a promotion (I doubt it drops from $169 soon, but I would bank that you can hold out for a $20 gift card or free games etc).  The main reason I'm not rushing out to pick one up is simply because the titles I want the most are not out yet...however, that is soon to change as well.

Granted, Legend of Zelda Ocarina of time 3D and Pilot Wings (loved Island Flyover on Wii Sprots Resort) would suffice for the meantime, but dang...coming soon we'll have Mario Kart, Mario Land 3D and more!  Speaking of which, my inbox was greeted with this message from Nintendo:

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/VnTS_u2DBaJ5N-PXEJC-gWWMkSC5Rixm

Really Cool Box Art (Not Finalized) Blogger didn't want to Copy Over Here, lol.

Get Ready for a New Spin on a Familiar Tail

Super Mario 3D Land reinvents everything fans love about Mario™ gaming with

the first platforming environment in true 3D, without the need for special

glasses. Players will experience an exhilarating new sense of depth, distance

and speed while running, jumping and stomping on enemies throughout the

levels.

• Tanooki Mario returns! The fan-favorite Tanooki suit makes its first appearance on the Nintendo 3DS. Use the Tanooki suit’s tail to attack enemies or float gently down from great heights. These abilities help players move through the 3D environments with more confidence.
• 3D visuals make it easier for players to judge the depths and distances in their environments. Players can more accurately judge the jump to the next platform or how far Mario is from a question block.
• New and familiar abilities add unique game-play strategies to the adventure. Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack or run fast with a dash move.
• The Circle Pad gives players complete control to confidently move Mario through fun and challenging environments.
• New enemies include Goombas with tails, tall stacks of Goombas and a Piranha Plant that spits ink to obscure a player’s view.

That my friend's is freakin' awesome!  I can't wait to see it and that may be when I pop for the 3DS.  It should be a lot of fun and I'd love to see a promotional pack including Mario Land launched when it debuts...or atleast $20 at Target or Toys'R'Us etc.   I have watched many preview vids and have to say the Tanooki equipped Goombas, cardboard cut out Goombas, ink spitting piranaha plants, and the warp boxes are all pretty cool.  And it looks like the Koopalings might even be back...should be a great adventure!

Still if you have been waiting for the price drop, today is your day!

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 5: Tight Rope Walk

Part 5 of our Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough sees us take on the Tight Rope Walk....let's tread carefully right into the playthrough:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 5: Tight Rope Walk

Tight Rope Walk

This is another one that I do not play often.  With so many great activities in Training Plus and the exercises available in Aerobics and Strength Training, I just haven't spent much time with the Tight Rope Walk.  It is pretty fun, just not as fun, in my opinion, as some of the other activities. 

What you want to do is walk in place on the Balance Board, but that isn't easy when you consider you have to do so centered.  Put too much weight to the right or left and your Mii will start to lean, if you don't correct it in time you will fall!  But there's more...

Each stage (Beginner, Advanced, and Expert) will give you more obstacles.  The bear-trap line runner will knock you off the rope, so you have to jump it.  In order to execute a jump you simply bend your knees and extend upwards...just like the Ski Jump. The only catch is you have to do so while centered!  If you jump while you angle left or right you risk falling during the jump or right as you land.

The Advanced installment throws another robot bear-trap at you, but it also has flocks of piegons to contend with...that doesn't sound too daunting, but they can really wreak havoc on your progression.

The Expert rendition sees the same challenges, but with an added danger...wind gusts!  Again, in text it is easy to dismiss this challenge, but play it in person and you will learn just how dangerous it can be!  The trick to surviving the wind is to shift your weight INTO the wind.  Don't go the same direction or you'll be heading for the city streets below...a long way below!  You also have to clear 3 of the bear-trap robots.  When you jump the second one you will be hit with a wind gust...as soon as it ends another comes (I learned that the hard way).  The trick to mastering walking the tight rope and staying up in the wind is to watch for leaves.  When you see leaves swirly by you, you know the wind gust is fixing to come from that direction...prepare accordingly and you will be fine!

This exercise is a lot of fun and I should probably play it more.  Once the playthrough wraps up I might go back and try to 4-Star them, for now I am content completing them with 3-Star rankings, lol.

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 4: Table Tilt

Part 4 of our Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough sees us move on to the Table Tilt, another cult classic amongst the Wii Fit diehards.  This is perhaps the best representation of what you can achieve with the balance board as you have to utilize all 360 degrees of the Balance Board to excel.  Check it out:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 4: Table Tilt

Table Tilt

The Table Tilt exercise is broken down into Beginner and Advanced installments.  The premise is simple, get the balls into the hole(s) as quick as possible.  Everytime you pocket a ball and clear a stage you earn more time, up to a max of 99 seconds.  You can then proceed to tackle the next Stage.  Both installments have 8 total stages that give you 10 points for completing them and then a bonus score based on the seconds you have remaining.  It is a simple scoring proces and works very well.

This exercise mandates that you master Balance Board control.  You don't just lean left or right, or shift your weight forward or back, you have to do them in a combination and every sequence imaginable.  With practice you won't have any trouble mastering the controls and picking up 4-Star Rankings.

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 3: Ski Jump

Part 3 of our Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough features the Ski Jump.  Let's jump right in and take a look at the video:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 3: Ski Jump

Ski Jump

This is another classic.  It is simple, yet stimulating and another great showcase of howt the Balance Board can excel.  I hadn't played in quite some time, but I played often on Wii Fit.  It did not take long to regain my form.

You essentially "lower" your weight and place it forward enough to put the red dot in the blue-grey circle.  This will build your speed.  Now you need to stay centered and get ready to launch.  Toward the bottom of the ramp there is a red-zone with an upswing.  You need to wait for the game to tell you to extend. 

Now that you are launched you need to center yourself, vertically and horizontally, and get ready to hold that position.  The better you hold that pose the better your score will be...

I researched it fairly thoroghly on this playthrough and can offer this.  Stay centered and build your speed, try for high 50s or 60 mph, which I believe is the cap.  Now extend right after crossing the line.  Pull your weight back to a 50/50 center position and hold it as best you can, don't lean back or forward as that will cost you distance!  Nail the landing and stand backto admire your score!  Repeat it in Round 2 and you've got a chance for a World Record!

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 2: Ski Slalom

Part 2 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough sees us take on the Ski Slalom.  This is a pretty cool exercise that will help with your reflexes, reaction time, and agility.  Admittedly I have not played this one in quite some time.  That said, you can note how easy it is to come in rusty, re-learn the skill set, and improve with each session.  Let's check it out:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 2: Ski Slalom

Ski Slalom

I have to say, I should probably play this one more...it is a ton of fun!  With Training Plus available on Wii Fit Plus, I tend to spend a lot of my time there, this reminded me how much I enjoyed the Ski Slalom on the original Wii Fit.  I'm not the greatest at it, but again, it sure is fun! 

You can see how the main goal should be to not miss any targets.  The 7 second penalties really kill you, regardless of how fast you went.  My advice is to pace yourself thru the checkpoints, but then speed up on the one or two long, downhill stretches.

You can also lean left or right for a longer period of time to make a slow turn...ie you convert your momentum to the side to avoid missing a marker. 

The best tip I can offer is just to practice.  Go once to learn the controls, again to work on speed, and then focus on the course and find the points to speed up and slow down...before you know it you will be improving each time and well on your way to a 4-Star Ranking!

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 1: Soccer Heading

Part 1 of our Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough sees us face Soccer Heading.  This is an instantly recognizable exercise and one of the main reasons I wanted Wii Fit in the first place.  Let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 1: Soccer Heading

Soccer Heading: Beginner and Advanced

As I stated, this is one of my favorite exercises in the entire game and one of the main reasons I wanted the original Wii Fit.  I have played this virtually everytime I have played Wii Fit or Wii Fit Plus, hence the large play count.  I was able to click off back-to-back 4-Star Perfect Scores of 555 (Beginner) and 655 (Advanced) right off the bat.  In all honesty that is just a by product of playing so often.  It is actually rare that I don't get a perfect score, lol.  This is something anyone can achieve, you just have to stay dedicated and keep playing!

I have been playing Soccer Heading since the day I first got Wii Fit and I will continue to do so!

This exercise is iconic and a really good example of what the Balance Board is capable of...a definite must play for any enthusiast.

Club Nintendo: Get More Points by Linking Your Wii's Virtual Console

I have a game or two I plan to download from the Wii's Virtual Console soon, and one of the perks is that you can accumulate Club Ninendo Points when you do so...

If you don't know about Club Nintendo, check it out here:
https://club.nintendo.com/

You can basically register select Nintendo hardware and software for Club Nintendo Points that you can then redeem for cool stuff at the Club Nintendo Store!  This is some pretty exclusive stuff by the way!

I'm not sure if the Virtual Console stuff applies across the board, or only from select Nintendo titles here as well.  The Virtual Console of course consists of: WiiWare Games from 3rd party publishers and Virtual Console games that are re-released versions of your old favorites from: Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, NES, Genesis, Dreamcast, and more.

Anyway, all that background aside, here is what you want to do:

1.  Create your Club Nintendo account, if you don't already have one
2.  Power up the Wii and click the Wii Shop Channel
3.  Click "Settings"
4.  Select "Link Your Club Nintendo Membership"
5.  Enter your Club Nintendo Username and Password in the form
6.  Click "Link"

And you are finished!  Simple enough right?  And the best part...now any time you download WiiWare or Virtual Console games they will be eligible to earn Coins to use in your Club Nintendo account!

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Part 10: 2-Player Runs

Part 10 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough sees us take on the never before played 2-Player Runs.  I really didn't know what to expect on this, at first they were extremely frustrating, but by the last few Island Laps I had a good feel for them...let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 10-1: 2-Player Run, Short Routes

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 10-2: 2-Player Run, Long Routes

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 10-3A: 2-Player Run, Island Lap Routes 1-3

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 10-3B: 2-Player Run, Island Lap Routes 4-7

2 Player Run: Distance and Breakdown

Short:

1.  Guide Mii, Town Circle

2.  Gray Cat, Blue Collar, to the Queen Peach

3.  White Cat, Blue Collar, over the fallen log, end at the falls

4.  White Dog, Red Collar, up to the cabins

Long:

1.  Guide Mii, Circle lap

2.  Tan Dog, Red Collar, to the winmill hill

3.  Black Cat, Blue Collar, up to the overlook point

4.  Tan Cat, Blue Collar, rooftop ending

5.  Black Dog, Red Collar, to the lighthouse

6.  Gray Dog, Red Collar, to the beach

Island Lap:

1.  Guide Mii, Traditional Island Lap

2.  Gray Dog, Red Collar, across the swaying bridge

3.  Black Dog, Red Collar, to the sand pit

4.  Tan Dog, Red Collar, to the lighthouse

5.  Tan Dog, Red Collar, to the beach

6.  Black Dog, Red Collar, to the castle

7.  White spotted cat, Blue Collar, to the ruins

This exercise had potential, note that I said "had."  Who wouldn't want to get their non-Wii Fit friend in the room and showcase some of the games by actually letting them join you on a run?  Cool idea right?  Well there are a lot of shortcomings.  First, your "friend" will get to run, but only as an unknown Mii...they can't select their own, let alone even a guest Mii.  Topping that off, their progress isn't recorded, which is understandable, but the biggest insult to injury is that they will hamper your performance!

I ran all of these with one Wiimote in the right hand and one Wiimote in the left hand...look how far apart the Miis were despite my concise motions...think how hard it will be for 2 real runners to go stride-for-stride and try to pass a guide and follow a dog etc.  I feel like the 2-P feature would have been better served had it been established a bit better or just thrown in with the Free Run.

That said, I sitll love running on Wii Fit Plus, I just prefer the Basic Run, lol.

I would suggest you work your way through all the routes on each distance and then progress to the next.  If you tackle this solo, follow my steps outlined in the 10-3A and 10-3B playthroughs to master passing and staying put.  You'll also need to be prepared to "row" to make it happen...

You really can't get a great score on this exercise unless you just avoid all the optional routes or take the first of each.  The stopping and running fast to pass only lowers your score as a consistent pace is what you should be after.

That said, I was still proud to wrap it up and be able to say I had completed all of the routes on the 2-Player run, lol.  It will be very rare that I go back to this exercise, but atleast now I have afeel for how to handle it.

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Part 2-3: Basic Run, Island Lap Routes

Part 2-3 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough continues on to the Island Lap, my personal favorite from the Basic Runs, and in all honesty one of my favorite activities on the entire disc.  This is, as you guessed, a basic run, just at a considerably longer distance.  Due to the lenght of the runs I had to break it down into 3 installments, let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-3A: Basic Run, Island Lap Routes 1-3

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-3B: Basic Run, Island Lap Routes 4-5

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-3C: Basic Run, Island Lap Routes 6-7

Basic Run: Island Lap Routes

Route Break Down
1: Guide Mii, Island Lap
2: Tan Dog, Red Collar, Swaying Bridge (Personal Favorite)
3: Black Dog, Red Collar, Sand Pit
4: Tan Dog, Red Collar, Lighthouse
5: Tan Dog, Red Collar, Beach
6: Black Dog, Red Collar, Castle
7: Spotted Cat, Blue Collar, Ruins

Take all the good things you find in the Long Routes and increase them two-fold.  The Island Lap Routes are great!  These runs last anywhere from about 6-10 minutes and are a great way to get in a quick cardio workout.  You can control the pace to establish this as a warm-up exercise, intense cardio exercsie, or even a light cool down after a long Wii Fit Plus routine wraps up...

As with most unlockables, I do reccommend you work your way up to the Island Laps.  Make sure to stretch before hand, perhaps with some Yoga poses that don't require the Balance Board. 

With so many routes, this run really never gets old.  It is always something new and different that you notice when you make these laps.  How many people fall down?  Which Miis wave at you?  What was your score and how did it compare to last time?

I make it a point to run the Island Lap almost every night, that is how much I like it.  I try to do the Cobra, Bridge, Spinal Twist, and Shoulder Stand before-hand.  If I am busy, I still like to try and fit in one of the Island Laps.  I have played almost 1,000 days and this one still hasn't lost its' edge.  It truly is a great exercise.  It is long enough to be a challenge and get your heart rate up, yet short enough to not be cumbersome or repetitive...a perfect blend of fun and function!

I hope that you will enjoy the Island Laps as much as I do...Finding all the different routes is a real challenge, and keeps things interesting...if you feel stuck in a routine, just try a new route.  They are so diverse it really does spice things up!

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-2: Basic Run, Long Routes

Part 2-2 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough progresses to the Long Routes of the Basic Run.  This is th same concept as the Short Route Basic Run, just longer.  The extra length takes care of the shortcomings in the Short Routes in that going slow behind your guide Mii to run a certain route can be compensated for with the greater lenght of the route, thus making it easier to 4-Star the runs.  Let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-2: Free Run, Long Routes

Basic Run, Long Routes

1. Guide Mii, Dirt Circle Route, ends past the Brick Bridge near the falls

2. Tan Dog, Red Collar, ends on the windmill hill

3. Black Cat, Blue Collar, behind the falls, to the overlook below the castle

4. Black Dog, Red Collar, thru town to the lighthouse

5. Tan Cat, Blue Collar, up to the rooftop

6. Gray Dog, Red Collar, to the beach

This is again one of my favorites on the game, although I am more partial to the diversity on the Island Laps.  However, the Long Routes have some cool endings as well...particularly Route 5's cat that takes you to a rooftop finish and Route 6's dog that lets you hit the waves on the beach!  Route 3 is also unique in that you get to go behind the falls and up the seldom used path to the overlook (it dead ends that direction as well).

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-1: Basic Run, Short Routes

Part 2-1 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough sees us take on the Basic Run.  This is one of my favorite exercises in the entire game!  I divided it up into 3 installments: Short, Long, and Island Lap Routes.

This is Part 2-1 so it will focus on the Short Routes, let's check it out:

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 2-1: Basic Run, Short Routes

Basic Run: Short Routes

There are 4 stand alone short routes in the Basic Run.  Here is a quick overview of what you can run:

-A: Mii short lap back to stone circle

-B: Gray Cat, Blue Collar-Rooftops to Queen Peach

-C: White Cat, Red Collar-8 Bit Circuit, across tree back to falls
-D: White Dog, Red Collar-Run to the Cabins, up Windhill to finish

-E: Normal Speed to the boat

In the video, you'll also see the following routes:
-F: Fast speed to the boat
-G: Mix up, still no 4 star

This one is pretty basic, you simply run!  The catch is you can follow the Mii, or pass and follow any one of a number of cats and dogs...an awesome touch!  Getting a 4-Star Ranking is difficult when you don't take one of the early routes for the simple fact it is so hard to "run" and not pass the guide Mii. 

The good news is, this flaw is completely remedied in the Long Run and Island Lap.

These are very short routes and are good if you are strapped for time, or just getting into Wii Fit.  You can spend a lot of time just exploring and enjoying the surroundings (all the Miis that wave and pass you by etc).

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Part 9: Free Run

Part 9 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough featuring the Free Run is also broken down into 3 parts, let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 9-1: Free Run, 10 Minute

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 9-2: Free Run, 20 Minute

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough Part 9-3: Free Run, 30 Minute

Free Run: 10, 20, and 30 Minute

Once again, this isn't the most exciting exercise in Wii Fit Plus, but it is great for aerobics.  This is a longer duration than even the Island Laps and really serves to get your heart rate going.  I will say it is tough to do the 30 minute version without some discomfort, but that could be because I am not a distance runner.  Anyone that is working their way into fitness should start with the 10 Minute run and work their way up to the 20 Minute run, and then the 30 minute run.

The other perk is they do actually score your progress, so if you get 1.5 miles your first time on the 10 Minute Run and then play a week later and get 1.8 miles you will know that you have improved by 0.3 miles etc.  I don't know the exact cut-off for a 4 Star Ranking on any of the Free Runs, but I managed to pull one off in each of the installments.  That alone makes for a nice accomplishment!

The best advice I can give, aside from building up for the longer runs is two-fold...

First, make sure you stretch before and after your long Free Runs.

Second, don't be afraid to pace yourself.  If you go 60% pace and get tired, don't be afraid to walk awhile and then pick the pace back up as you regain your breathe etc.  Just try to build up to a point that you can maintain a steady pace thru the entire run.  Once you can do that, work in a few sprints where you run faster for a short time span.  When you can do that and maintain a steady pace, feel free to progress.

My biggest disappointment in the Free Run is just that you run the same basic Island Lap (the paved surface route) over and over.  I had hoped you could select your route, or would at least have a large assortment of routes to choose from.  Nonetheless there is good reason for the basic nature of the Free Runs.

Nintendo, just like with the Free Step, intends users to watch tv while working out.  This might have been intended more for folks who might stray from the routine workout, but it is a blessing for someone torn between catching the news and working out.  You can pace yoursef leisurely on a long Free Run and take in your desired show...it really works well.

Personally I prefer the Basic Run Island Laps, but if I had a show to catch, I would not hesitate to take advantage of the Free Run options.  If you stay on screen with the Wii you at least have the pacing, scenery, and other Miis to keep you company.  Just like with Free Step, the Wiimote will offer advice and update you on time thru the speaker.



Wii Fit Plus Aerobics: Part 8, Free Step

Part 8 of our Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Playthrough is broken down into 3 Parts...

Part 8 features the Free Step, it is eseentially just a basic on-and-off Step exercise that goes on for a set duration.  There are no side-to-side moves, or kicks...just the very basic.  Let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Part 8-1 Free Step, 10 Minute

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Part 8-2 Free Step, 20 Minute

Wii Fit Plus Aerobics Part 8-3 Free Step, 30 Minute

Free Step: 10, 20, and 30 Minute Durations

What can I say...not much, lol.  The Free Step isn't exactly the most exciting exercise in Wii Fit Plus.  There is minimal foreground or background activity to distract you, there is no background music to enjoy, and you only have two beats, the trainer's voice, and "no sound" to select for sounding out from your Wiimote. 

The 10 Minute version really isn't too bad...you have a target goal of 800 Steps.  The goal increases proportionally.  The 20 Minute version targets 1,600 Steps, and the 30 minute round sets your sights on 2,400 Steps.

These numbers may seem intimidating at first, but I assure you, they are not difficult to obtain.  You can actually hit each of the three goals on the "slow" pace.  You do at least have the option to select Slow, Medium, or Fast paces.  There is not much difference between them.

If you take this on with your Wii displaying on the screen you will probably grow bored, especially with Advanced Step being so upbeat, energetic, and just all around FUN.  This really lacks that soul, but you get a great workout in the process.  The reason is simple, you are doing a moderate exercise for a long duration.

Here is my advice...if you get in late, remember your favorite show comes on, or need to see the local weather etc, turn the Wii on, navigate to Free Step, and then workout while watching your select programming.  Heck you can even do Free Step during a movie. 

If you want to stay in-tune with the exercise, just keep it in a Picture-in-Picture window.  This is what I did while recording the playthrough and it worked out great.

There really isn't much advice for this exercise, you step on and off, over and over and over and over again, lol.  I do reccommend you work your way up to the 30 minute version.  It isn't the most stimulating exercise, but it works great for multitasking, which is exactly what Nintendo intended the exercise to cover.