Happy New Year!

That's right, it's now officially 2012, and today I am going on holidays for a week, over to a place with no internet connection. I know, it's terrible, isn't it?

On the Mario side of my life, for Christmas I received a copy of Super Mario 3D Land, which is downright amazing. I would say that if you do not currently have Super Mario 3D Land, get it!

But Super Mario 3D Land is only the beginning, I reckon this year will be the "Year of the Mario" as it marks the return of Mario Party, the release of the Wii U and the rise of the 3DS with Mario Tennis, Paper Mario 3DS and Luigi's Mansion 2 due to be released.

I've even designed a corny poster for it-

The Mini Mario Kart 7 Review!

I received Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS last Tuesday and have since been hard at work completing 100cc on Grand Prix mode. So now, I'm a toughened veteran of the new "gliding" business and am ready to write a mini-review of this game.

First, may I note that Mario Kart 7 is the most FUN Mario Kart game I have EVER played! Don't get fooled by the simplistic menus, this game is jam-packed full of new features. For example, your Kart now has a glider, meaning it is possible to glide places! Also, you can now customise the Kart's wheels and glider attachment, each altering the speed, acceleration, handling and weight of your character's kart. It doesn't end there though- The new tracks are some of the best the series has offered so far, with a truly confusing Rainbow Road track. And the online features are also better than ever! Unlike some other 3DS games, the fact that it is in 3D is almost lost in the jungle of all the other improvements that have been made in this game. 

These features may have what it takes to make the game fun, but does it last? Well, there may be plenty of kart and wheel options in this game, but there are only 16 characters to play as in the whole game! Also, the eight unlockable characters are all unlocked by playing in the 150cc mode, meaning it is pointless playing the game in 50cc or 100cc. There are only 6 courses in battle mode too, which is a disappointment.

Luckily for Mario fans everywhere that is where Mario Kart 7's bad points end, with the rest of the game being composed of pure awesomeness. In fact, if you don't have a 3DS and this is only game on it you want, buy a 3DS just for this! IT IS THAT GOOD!

I rate it-                                                               9.5/10

Also, don't forget to join my MK7 community called Glide Crazy!

Am I Betraying Mario?

Recently I haven't been updating this blog much, which I am quite sorry about. You see, I'm a Syward Sword addict now and also I have been busy making strange Youtube videos like this one-

Lucky for my faithful readers though, I am here to announce that I am back into this three times a week blogging business! Plus, I recently got Mario Kart 7 which I will post a micro-review of later.

The LEGO Mindstorms Puppy Entertainer

I Got Skyward Sword

That's right, the time has finally arrived for me to test out my new LoZ: Skyward Sword Special Edition. I can't wait to PWN Goblins with a Golden Wii Remote!

Super Mario 3D Land AND Skyward Sword

Today is a lucky day for Australian fans of Nintendo (like me) as it marks the release of Super Mario 3D Land as well as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword on Australian shores. I know what you're thinking, and yes, Australia is late. While people in the UK and USA have already finished these games, they only just came out in Australia. That is why I placed my order on Skyward Sword from the UK. (But it still hasn't arrived yet!!!).

Anyway, my point is now is a great time to be a Nintendo fan as the latest and best Zelda game arrives almost simultaneously to the 3DS's first killer game from Nintendo that isn't a port!

So, I hope you guys have fun with these games, and I hope my shipment comes soon!

Drive a Full-Sized Mario Kart!

Have you ever wanted to drive a real life Mario Kart? Well, now you can if you are a member of GameStop's PowerUp Rewards program, who will be holding a competition where for every purchase at gamestop two entries are given to the buyer. Then, two super lucky winners will win an actual full-sized Mario Kart.

Note: Reggie (driver) not included.

Now I wish they had GameStop stores in Australia!

PETA Anti-Mario Campaign Was a Joke?

If you've been keeping up with Mario news recently, you might have noticed that PETA has made a campaign against Mario wearing a Tanooki suit, saying that it encourages fur trade for Tanookis in Japan.

Of course, most people who have read about this are just thinking "It's just Mario, a game. How could it encourage fur trade?" Well, PETA responded today stating-

Mario fans: Relax! PETA’s game was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a fun way to call attention to a serious issue, that raccoon dogs are skinned alive for their fur. We wish real-life tanukis could fly or swat enemies away with their tails and escape from those who profit from their skins. You can help them by never buying real fur.

But still, I thought this whole venture was a bit mean to Mario!

Mario Pictures on Tumblr

Recently, as you may be aware, I started partially running this blog on Tumblr. Well, I have found some nice pictures of Mario there- Here are some of them!

From- http://flyingmouse365.tumblr.com/

From- http://slimemansion.com

From- http://www.gamememo.com 

Also from GameMemo

Ultimate Mario on Tumblr

I have now created a mini-blog on Tumblr that contains essentially the same content as this one. You can check it out here!

K'NEX Mario Kart Wii?

I couldn't help but notice that K'nex has recently released a Mario Kart Wii range of toys where kids can build their own Mario Kart Wii tracks.

Good idea and all, but, aren't they a little bit late on the Mario kart Wii bandwagon, like 3 years late? 

Also, isn't $30 US a bit expensive for one quarter of a track? Well, at least $100 for bowser's castle isn't too bad, and the start and finish sets are alright value.

Is this worth $100 to you? HELLZ YEAH!

Is this worth $30? Just no...

To have an "exclusive" look at this toy range, just watch this video. WARNING- Most likely won't entice you to buy the product!

Is Skyward Sword the Best Zelda Game Ever?

In short, yes!

I have been waiting over a week for IGN to publish their review on LoZ: Skyward Sword because I had seen Game Informer and Edge Magazine give it a clear 10/10 but the folks at IGN are tough reviewers and they point out errors even in "flawless games". However, not only did Skyward Sword recieve a 10/10 by them, but it was also crowned the BEST ZELDA GAME EVER!

So, Skyward Sword is better than Ocarina of Time, the game highly regarded as one of the best games ever. This is a huge feat for the Zelda franchise, arguably the highest reviewed video game franchise ever.

So, hop on www.ign.com for IGN's full review.

Rayman VS Mario, Who's The Real Winner?

If you remember, a while back I created a face-off between Mario and Rayman, foreseeing the winner. Well, now both Super Mario 3D Land and Rayman Origins have been reviewed by IGN, and that means I will be comparing the two in different game aspects-

Graphics- SM3DL has what is arguably the best graphics on the 3DS, which creates a nice, neat game. Meanwhile, Rayman Origins has one of the most interesting and unique artstyles ever, making it just above Mario in this aspect.
Winner- Rayman!

looks better in 3D!

Sound- In Rayman Origins the music track almost perfectly matches the gameplay, and includes some catchy tunes. However, the constant babbling from secondary characters can get annoying. Super Mario 3D Land, however, has an outstanding array of sound effects and old and new music that make this game have one of the most catchy soundtracks in any platformer to date.
Winner- Mario!

Gameplay- Whereas Rayman boasts co-op play and hilarious moves, Super Mario 3D Land has the most addicting and fun game mechanics of any other Mario handheld game to date, and that is saying something!
Winner- Mario!

Did I forget to mention that you can slap your friends?

Lasting Appeal- Rayman Origins offers tons of replayability to have with your mates with numerous amounts of collectibles, however Super Mario 3D Land has a sheer mass of levels! And, with added Streetpass connectivity, it is one of the most replayable games in the Mario series, making this a clear winner.
Winner- Mario!


Winner- Although its graphics will never match Rayman Origin's, Super Mario 3D Land has managed to  trump its competitor in all other categories, making it a must-have for the 3DS. So, therefore, let me say this battle is over and the winner is Super Mario 3D Land!

Super Mario 3D Land Trailers!

Now, there are a lot of Mario trailers out there, and some of them are nice, but others are just plain repetitive. And so you don''t have to look at all of them, I have decided to post the best 3.

Also, if you're pressed for time, just watch all three at once!

Mario Explains the 3DS

Still not sure what the 3DS is, let Mario himself explain it to you- "WooHoooo!"

I don't think I've ever heard him speak for that long! Well, obviously he's got a lot to say about it.

Poll! Which One Is The Best Mario Platformer?

You may have noticed that I have listed some Mario 3D platformers on the right hand side of this blog and asked which one is the best. This is just a reminder to VOTE! (Because that makes you awesome!).

On another note, am I the only one who prefers Super Mario Sunshine to Super Mario Galaxy? Am I the only one who thought Fludd, the water machine introduced in the game, was cool? AM I???

I really hope Nintendo remembers those awesome times Mario had with Fludd and brings the machine back sometime. It was so fun!

Fancy Pants Adventures!

It's the question everybody has asked themselves- What if Mario and Sonic were both mashed together and turned into some super platforming hero? Well, the answer to that is fancy pants-A game where the player controls a stick figure with pretty mad pants, and they have to complete levels running and jumping like a madman!

I recently picked up the (relatively) new Fancy Pants Adventures for the PS3. And it is definitely a good game. Fancy Pants is just so fun to play.


I recommend buying it for only $10-15 (depending where you live) off the PlayStation Store or Xbox Live as it is definitely worth it. The only disappointing part is that it's not available on the Wii.


Although, if you do not have a PS3, Xbox 360 or $15, then I recommend playing the original Fancy Pants flash games for FREE! I recommend starting at the second game which is available at http://armorgames.com/play/553/the-fancy-pants-adventure-world-2

New Zelda Game for 3DS

Famous Zelda director and producer Eiji Aonuma has recently told a Portuguese website (translating to MyGames) that there is a new Zelda game currently in production for the 3DS. This is great news for fans and newcomers alike, as he explained that this game is completely new and not the remake of Majora's Mask we were expecting.

Eiji also stated that this game is not going to be a direct sequel to any of the top down handheld games Nintendo has released, meaning that this game might utilise the 3DS's 3D feature by making a third person game, similar to Ocarina of Time 3DS. Either that or Nintendo might be trying to attempt to make a 2D platformer type of game!

Well, whether it is top down or first person, Toon Link or normal Link, there's one thing that's for sure- This is one game to keep an eye on!

Mario 3d Land VS Rayman Origins

As most platformer fans know, there are two highly anticipated platformer games coming out in time for Christmas this year. So, who will win- the colourful Rayman Origins or the nostalgic Super Mario 3D Land? Only time will tell... or an OLD FASHIONED FACE-OFF!

In the left corner...                          MARIO!

Being arguably the world's most recognised video game characters, it is nearly impossible that you have never heard of him before. It would also be hard to compete with him, as nearly all of his games have been both commercial and critical successes! In his new game, Super Mario 3D Land, he has a boomerang power-up and he isn't afraid to use it. Add a tanooki tail, old fashioned gameplay and flagpoles and you have one tough opponent.


And in the right corner...                RAYMAN!

After all this talk about Mario, it must seem like the winner has already been decided, but Rayman never backs down from a fight. He's got a few moves up his sleeve as well, which make up for his lack of limbs. As shown in his countless "10 Ways to..." videos that are all over the internet, he is not lacking in style. Wimpy as he looks, he has an ace of cards- Multiplayer! One of the only things Super Mario 3D Land is missing!


So, now to announce the winner. Who's the winning character? Well, my answer is-

Super Mario 3D Land

Well, this is a Mario blog, so it would be weird to recommend another character's game! But if you are into multiplayer mayhem then Rayman Origins is well worth a look at!

Random Nintendo News #2

Again, I don't have much time to post, but I am here to tell you everything you don't need to know about nintendo- Here's the news!

• Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario, Zelda and much more is the web's 3rd most popular game makers, as stated by PeekScores.
• Link can now go to a toilet in Skyward Sword. See it at http://au.ign.com/videos/2011/11/01/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-link-on-the-toilet!
• World's biggest Zelda FanFest has happened in the heart of Nottingham, called Game City's Zelda Day.
• Nothing much more, but only a few more sleeps until Super Mario 3D Land comes out!

New Mario Kart 3DS Characters!

Nintendo Power has recently revealed that Wiggler and Queen Bee will now be in Mario kart 7, along with the already announced Metal Mario and Lakitu.

This decision has surprised many fans, who still await the comeback of Waluigi in the Kart series. I agree actually, as before they go into any of these obscure members, they really need to make Waluigi playable.

This also brings up the question of how wriggler can fit into a kart! Maybe he actually doesn't have one and instead runs the race...

More will be revealed later as fans anxiously await the next release of the popular kart series.

For King Koopa!

I know this isn't really much of a post, but it is Mario related! Just look at this comic I found at www.mrlovenstein.com -

Please post a link in the comment box if anyone has found any other cool Mario comics.

75% of voters looking forward to Super Mario 3D Land

The votes are in and it seems that 75% of people who read this blog are excited about Super Mario 3D Land! And, to the 25% who aren't, let me quote Reggie Fils-Aime (Nintendo America President) and say "what's wrong with you". Lol, to see where I got that from click here.

Reggie in full arrogance = a force to be reckoned with!

Why You Should Pre-Order Super Mario 3D Land

It's only a matter of days until Super Mario 3D Land is released in Japan, and it is shaping up to be a must-have game. Here's the top 5 reasons to pre-order it-

1. It's got Luigi in it! Which means more fun for your buck, and another character with different abilities to master!
2. Special Stages! Means more challenges, more fun! The game's development team has said it has almost as many special stages as normal ones!
3. Tanooki Suit! Mario can flutter jump, spin and even turn into stone in that suit!
4. It's in 3D! Just another gimmick to help you to finally make the decision to buy it!
5. It's Mario! How else can you explain it? Mario games = awesome. No Exceptions!

So, what do you think? Rushing off to pre-order it already? Because if you aren't then... well... WHY WOULDN'T YOU?

Top Mario Side Characters #1- Yoshi!

If you know me then this really shouldn't come as a surprise, as I have a strange obsession with Yoshi. That's right, without Yoshi, I just wouldn't like Mario as much. It was like Mario was destined to ride on a dinosaur that could perform a cool flutter jump, and throw eggs, and just look so awesome!!! It's just  confusing that Nintendo took until Super Mario World was released on the SNES to introduce Yoshi to us all.

Yoshi was created in the midst of the development of Super Mario World by Shigeru Miyamoto, although he had been thinking of giving Mario a dinosaur companion ever since the original Super Mario Bros was released. Since Super Mario World, Yoshi has appeared incountless Mario games, including Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, praised for it's great gameplay and cute artstyle. He is often said to be one of Mario's best sidekicks, although I would go far enough to say he IS Mario's best sidekick and, without him, Mario just wouldn't be as great as he is today!

Happy with my choices? Think Luigi is better? Comment below to share YOUR top Mario side characters!

Top Mario Side Characters #2- Toads!

Where would Mario be without all those uselessly cool toads that say obvious things! Probably in the discount bins of your local game store. Because, without toads, Mario just wouldn't be the same, and the mushroom kingdom wouldn't be much of a kingdom.

Toad first appeared in Super Mario Bros. on the NES a LONG time ago, and has since appeared in so many countless Mario games. Toads count as the majority of the mushroom kingdom's population, and are at the pinnacle of awesome!

But really, the reason I put these toads above Luigi, Princess Peach and even Donkey Kong is because I just love seeing their reactions when I jump on their heads during the Super Mario Galaxy games, which is next to nothing, yet I still do it.

So, who do you think will be number one? Have you already guessed? See who it is tomorrow!

Top Mario Side Characters #3- Donkey Kong

Well, it was obvious that I was going to put Donkey Kong in this list as, just think of all he has done for gaming. Without him there would be no Mario, after all.

Donkey Kong tied with Mario as the first Mario characters, first appearing in Donkey Kong way back in 1981. Originally, Donkey Kong was going to be a similar game, but with Popeye characters instead. Unfortunately, the licensing with that game didn't work out. But, we should be thankful for that, because Nintendo then had to make up their own characters. They ended up with Mario (then called Jumpman) and Donkey Kong, now two of the most recognisable figures in gaming.

Since that wonderful day, Donkey Kong has featured in many well-loved game series, including Donkey Kong Country, DK Jungle Beat, Donkey Kong 64, Mario VS Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, all the Mario sports games and Super Smash Bros. If you haven't played any of Donkey kong's platformers before, I would recommend starting off with Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii, as it is a great game with a nostalgic feel to it.

Buy it, for their sake!

Top Mario Side Characters #4- Luigi

Surprised? Luigi is a character in which some people hate, a lot of people love, and some just prefer other characters. I'm one of the later, as, as fun as Luigi is, I can think of three Mario characters that are cooler than him.

Luigi is one of Mario's oldest pals, which makes sense because they're brothers. Anyway, he made his first appearance in Mario Bros for the NES back in 1983, making him 28 as of today. Over the years Luigi has had many jobs, including plumber, wrecking crew captain, sportsman, captive, professional moustache grower and even ghostbuster, which I reckon trumps Mario's "wide" repertoire.

The only problem with Luigi is that we never see enough of him, which makes me very proud to know that next year Luigi will be returning to his favourite job (a ghostbuster), in Luigi's Mansion 2, which is shaping up to be a must have game of 2012.

So, happy with the choices so far? Tune in sometime in the next two days to see who's number 3!

Top Mario Side Characters #5- Princess Peach

For the next week or so I will be announcing my ultimate 5 Mario side characters, and Princess Peach is number 5. Sure, some may disagree and protest that she deserved to be at least in the top 3, but I was tempted to say Birdo was better than her, because she never learns that what she really needs is a team of buff toads to be her bodyguard team!

Anyway, Princess Peach is one of the first Mario characters. Although in Donkey Kong, Mario's first game, he had to save Pauline, Nintendo decided they needed a character with more depth to appear in Super Mario Bros. So, Shigeru Miyamoto went hard at work making a new character for Mario to save, and came up with Princess Peach, probably the most generic Princess in gaming history.

Since then Peach has appeared in many Mario themed games, including Mario Kart, every Mario themed platformer and all the Mario sports games, making her one of the most recognisable figures in gaming. She even has her own game on the DS, called Super Princess Peach, but I wouldn't recommend it unless your a die hard fan.

Tune in tomorrow for number 4- Who will it be?

Ratchet and Clank

If there is one videogame series not made by Nintendo that I love, it would be Ratchet and Clank. That is why, when I was looking through all the latest game releases, I was overcome with joy to see Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One there! I wanted that game so much when I saw it at E3, and now it's releases I just have to get it! If anyone reading this blog has a PS3, I would recommend trying a Ratchet and Clank game as they are just so awesome to play!

Also, this week I will be listing the all time best Mario side characters, so stay tuned!

Random Nintendo News

Well, I don't have anything special to write about today, but here's a list of random Nintendo news-

• WWE All-Stars is now coming to the 3DS.
• Potion crafting in Zelda: Skyward Sword, new pictures also available at IGN- http://au.media.wii.ign.com/media/872/872155/imgs_1.html.
• Just Dance 3 out on Wii, and with varied reviews.
• Go Vacation the new king of Wii party/sports mixture games, with massive amounts of minigames and areas to explore.

DS is Still Selling

Nintendo has recently announced that DS sales have passed 50 million in the USA alone! That is approximately on DS for every 7 and a bit people! Although, those sales aren't nearly as impressive as the one in every four Japenese people that now own one. Surely, this would be affecting 3DS sales? Well, it seems not as Nintendo has happily reported that the 3DS is now selling very well thanks to the price cut, with a 260% boost in sales in September compared to July! So, it's all good news for Nintendo at the moment, although if you really want to show your love Nintendo, pick up one of these-

 

(Only someone who really loves Nintendo will pick up one of these clunky machines when there are DSi and 3DS consoles around!)

Super Mario 3D Land Is Coming Soon

That's right, it's now less than a month until Mario finally appears in a new platforming game in the USA and Japan, and Super Mario 3D Land is shaping up to be awesome! I haven't been able to play a demo of the game yet except I've seen enough videos to say that it looks pretty awesome. Seriously, I just can't wait to see Mario and Koopas in a Tanuki suit again. Sure, this time it won't let mario fly, but it's still cool enough. I'm also enjoying the return of flagpoles, because there's no better way to end a Mario level than jumping high and getting a 1-Up. Plus, there are also a multitude of old mario references, such as a level where old 8-bit pictures of Mario characters form the floor, or the new take on the haunted houses, which are crawling with Boo's.

Well, I can say one thing, and that's if there's one game you could ask to get for christmas, let it be Super Mario 3D Land!

A Different Name

Call me stupid if you want, but as I was just posting something a sudden thought popped into my head, why do I call this blog Super Mario Fan Club when I could call it the Ultimate Mario Blog? So, I changed it to the cooler name, and also altered the address. I hope this doesn't cause to much confusion.

The Mini Metroid Review

Yes, that's right, for once I actually played a game with a Nintendo character other than Mario! Surprised? So am I, although I can definitely say that Metroid: Other M was worth it. I did think the voice acting was a bit bland, but the graphics and action in the cutscenes were amazing, and I loved the way there were power-ups everywhere, just waiting for Samus to pick them up. Some of the bosses were really fun to battle too, although others may be a bit repetitive. I think i would give it a-

9 out of 10

(Maybe a 10 if it had Mario in it)

Same Blog, New Look!

That's right, I decided it was time to add some much needed revising to my blog's look, and so I took out the template editor and started messing around with it. I hope you guys like the new look!

Also, if you think any changes need to be made, inform me and I might help you in your quest of making the internet a better place!

The Right Time to Buy a 3DS!

Well, Nintendo might be having financial issues, but don't put you off, the 3DS is actually a decent console at a very decent price cut! And, with games such as Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 coming soon to the console, now is the right time to buy it!

Come on, just get one, for Mario's sake!

I'm in France

Hey guys, I'm currently in France and am looking at all the Raving Rabbids memorabilia they have here! Seriously, there are shirts, calendars, plushies, figurines and even underpants with those wacky bunnies on them. Anyway, I looked at my stats today and found that people are actually viewing my blog, contrary to what I thought, so I would like to ask any people who have visited to comment or something, cause I like that sort of stuff!

3DS- a lack of games?

We all know that Nintendo's 3DS isn't really selling that well, although i brought one! Anyway, why is this? Many people have been saying it's because it is a gimicky console, it has terrible graphics, and some just think it's a DS. These are partially right, although really I can't see any other reason for it not to sell well apart from a lack of quality first party games. Nintendo has had plenty of gimicky, bad graphics consoles before (Wii, DS...), but are they considered commercial failures? Sure, the DS started off slow, but as soon as Nintendo started pumping out games, it became one of the best selling consoles in the world. That's why i'm really hoping that when games such as Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 3DS, Super Mario 3D World, Star Fox 64 3DS and whatever game Pokedex 3D is creating sprites for come out, the 3DS will sell just as well, maybe even better, than it's predecessors.

P.S. The best way to help out Nintendo in this time of financial difficulty is to buy a 3DS! I mean, they're even having a price cut!

Super Mario 3DS is back to the basics?

Well, according to it's developers, Super Mario 3DS is taking Mario back to the basics. Although, is that good or bad? I, for one, actually really enjoyed Mario Sunshine with it's complex gameplay systems, but Nintendo says SM3DS probably wont even have a hub world! At least the levels are still looking entertaining. It's still a bit mad that, even though the game is coming out at the end of this year, Nintendo has hardly let loose any details about it...

Hate Mail

OK, this might not seem like a reasonable update t this blog as a whole, but I just want to express my pure hatred for that one person who DID NOT say they were looking forward to Super Mario 3DS...

Oh, and on the brighter side, Nintendo has announced a 3DS price drop, which means I'm a bit annoyed that I purchased one early on. Although, thanks to the "ambassador program" I do get 20 free virtual console games, a lot of them featuring MARIO!!! Too bad I've already played half of them.

Skyward!

I know this blog is supposed to be about Mario and stuff, but is anyone else excited about skyward sword? I, for one, have been waiting for this ever since the rumors about it started some THREE YEARS AGO!

Super Mario Budgie

I'm BACK!

Well, I sort of have been ignoring this blog recently. Although, nothing much has happened in the world of mario recently so I guess it doesn't matter if nothing much happens on his blog. ALTHOUGH, that is about to change as at this year's E3, along with a new console (Wii U), Nintendo has also announced a LOT of games featuring Nintendo's plump mascot. Including-

• Super Mario Bros. Mii
• Super Mario 3DS
• Mario Party 9
• Mario and Sonic at the 2012 Olympic Games (BORING!)
• A new Super Smash Bros. game (MULTICONSOLE!)

Well there's no doubt about it, Nintendo won E3 2011!