Neko-Xeo

Review: Flipnote Studio

jakerachuna — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:45:07 +0000

Nintendo recently released Flipnote Studio on December 24, 2008 in Japan and August 12, 2009 in North America.

A great little application to add to your DSi (for free!) if you like animation and/or drawing. If you aren’t particularly into art, there is a section where you can go if you have Wi-Fi or a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector (which Nintendo has discontinued).You’ll be able use a feature called Flipnote Hatena, where people from around the world are able to share their animations. Now what’s cool is you can save animations to your DSi or SD Card so you can watch it anytime. There are three basic tools to choose from, Draw, Paint, and Erase. The Draw tool has sizes and textures to choose from, with the option of red, blue, or black. The Paint tool is more of a shadowing and texture tool I would say, with color choices of red, blue, and black. Then the eraser tool, is well… an eraser, but it has a few sizes.

Last but definitely not least, I think the coolest set of tools are the copy and paste, and then the music and sound effects. Well, the copy and paste tool is pretty self explanatory, but you copy slides and put them where ever you want so you don’t have to stress about trying to re-draw everything perfectly. Then there is the ability to add sound clips, by recording with the built-in microphone. Then once recorded, place the clips where ever by clicking on them while playing through the notes, which will stay like that until you remove them or delete the sounds all together. The same goes for the music too, except it has a longer record time and instead of choosing where to place it, it just plays throughout the entire notes.

However, in my opinion, I think it is a fascinating addition to the DSiWare that everyone should get. I still have some trouble with my attention span so most of the time I have to work on one, and then come back to it several times later.
But I love how you can add sound to it.

The Run Down

Pros

New way to entertain (Make your own stuff! Endless Creativity!)
Let’s you watch other people’s notes
Sound and “Music” Support for Notes

Cons

You’re limited by your own creativity
Frustrates people with short attention spans

Overall I would suggest it, even for the non art-ee types.

Written by Jake Rachuna

IPREDator

jakerachuna — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:31:56 +0000

The IPREDator from the infamous Pirate Bay has recently sent out BETA invitations to those who have signed up on the mailing list! Users can now sign up and become more anonymous than ever with this new service. Since it’s from The Pirate Bay, the target for legal battles lately, this will be an interesting experience and possibly funny situation for prosecutors to tangle with! I mean, a certain large amount of people use The Pirate Bay everyday, whether it be seeding or leeching, it’s certainly large!

With the addition of IPREDator, pirates who have signed up for the service will rejoice in pure joy. The cost for anonymity with this service is low, asking for 149,00 kr a month, or about $6.50 for the US here. That’s a lot less compared to RIAA that demands thousands right? However, the website is in Swedish since it’s in Sweden, so make if you don’t speak Swedish, click on “Svenska” in the upper-right hand corner and choose English. The site additionally provides instructions for Vista, XP, and OSX users to configure their system to connect.

The IPREDator is basically a VPN, or virtual private network. It will hide your IP Address from any website or connection on the internet. So your IP Address is only shown to IPREDator, which then acts as a middle man between the content and you. Everything that you access goes through the VPN, and everything the site sends back goes through the VPN as well. Authorities cannot trace you through the VPN, and you are safe. The only reason why IPREDator would ever turn over your subscriber data to the authorities is if they had reasonable suspicion that you are breaking a Swedish law. Which is technically hard to do since they can only trace you back to IPREDator, but can’t get any farther, thus being unable to determine exactly who is the perpetrator in question.

IPREDator’s still in a closed beta, but it’s pretty interesting.

Nintendo DSi Sound Secret

jakerachuna — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:30:35 +0000

Ever had the Mario theme stuck in your head after playing a game? Just can’t get that melody out? Nintendo just isn’t gonna make it any easier. In a little easter egg set in by Nintendo, the Sound application when set to record and play back sounds will play the Mario theme! You know, da duh da duh duh da da duh duh da da duh duh da duh duh duhh, and so on! Anyway, you probably just wanna know how to do it right?

Mario‘s Hiding in Your DSi

Start up the DSi and head over to the DSi Sound application. Hit the “Record and Play” sub menu to head to the bubble screen. Touch any bubble, and leave it alone for ten or so minutes. It’ll play some variant of the Mario theme melody! To reset how the melody plays, just overwrite that certain bubble and a new version of the Mario melody is formed. It’s a cute little not so secretive secret, isn’t it?

Questions! Are we dead? Did the DSi get an update?

jakerachuna — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:21:04 +0000

Yes. But Jake says no. Our blog’s been dormant for sometime, and although Jake keeps his head high in the sky, I never see his goals and ambitions flourish into something to be proud of. Today, he called me up to get me back to working publicly on the blog. I’ve been doing behind the scenes stuff like Google Webmaster Tools, Google Analytics (which seem to have mysteriously destroyed itself for me) and now Jake’s pushing for full support from me. He’s just brainstorming out loud to me as I’m typing out this post. He’s even suggesting the archaic use of the “teen only” ring tone. My phone’s about three years old, it gets the job done, I’m not upgrading it.

It isn’t easy; I had to change everything for the transition to the new blog URL. Our RSS feeds, RSS feed dependants, openID, twitterfeed, Google Webmaster Tools and Google Analytics among other things. Anyway, real news.

UPDATE!

The Nintendo DSi’s recently had an update, blocking all working flash carts at the time and bringing Facebook Connect to the DSi platform, incorporating it before the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3! It’s brought love and hate, DSi lovers and DSi haters to the battlefield as angered fanboys rage as first place in the race has been taken. “DSi suxx”, “nintendo copied sony”, “get a real gaming handheld like a psp”, “the xbox was gonna do that first”, and tons of other raging comments ensue. Additionally, the DSi’s Opera Internet Browser has been updated bringing the Opera logo and build version and improved efficency in both capacity and speed!Nintendo, you’re really getting serious aren’t you? I wonder what your next update brings us.

I developed a logo, what do you think?

jakerachuna — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:19:25 +0000

I GOT MY GAME BOY MICRO

jakerachuna — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:18:11 +0000

I GOT MY GAME BOY MICRO! ALONG WITH AN EZ-FLASH CART AND THE AC ADAPTOR FOR THE MICRO! IT’S THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY VERSION! WOOT!

History Of Video Games (Nintendo) Pt.1

jakerachuna — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:50:33 +0000

There are some people who probably think that the first video game was Pong by Atari. Well it wasn’t, the very first “video Game” was a game called “Tennis for Two.”

Developed in 1958 and was nothing compared to what we call a video game nowadays. The controls to play were similar to Pong. “Tennis for Two” was played on a Cathode-Ray Tube. Which is technically a big TV, with an electron gun an a fluorescent Screen. Anyways… then, in 1972 “Pong” was released By Atari.

In 1980, “Mr. Game and Watch”, was featured on its own platform.

Then in 1981, “Donkey Kong Arcade”, a platform and the first Mario game where we all should know, Donkey Kong steals Pauline and Jumpman, or Mario, has to jump over barrels and climb up ladders to collapse The Crazy Ape off his Platform and Save the Damsel in Distress.

Then the following year, “Donkey Kong Jr. Arcade comes out. Similar to its predecessor, Donkey Kong Jr. has to save Donkey Kong from Mario, except instead of barrels, Mario is throwing alligators, NICE.

Then in 1983 the DK games came out for Atari 8-bit/Apple II/Commodore 64/MS-DOS in North America. soon following Mario Brothers, a follow-up of the DK series where Mario and his Brother Luigi, have to investigate the sewers of New York after creatures started appearing. The objective is to exterminate all the enemies.

Through 1987, more Mario related games were produced. Then, in 1987 “Punch-out!!” featuring Little Mac, trying to get in the professional boxing Circuit. Fighting the heavy-weight boxing Champion: Mike Tyson.

In 1989 The “Game Boy”

was invented and “Alley way” was introduced. Similar to “Breakout”, you had to get rid of all the blocks, by bouncing the ball off your paddle

Along with this, Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES), Super Mario Land (Game Boy), Tetris for Famicom and NES, and then for Game Boy, where Mario and Luigi make an appearance in two player mode.

( NES and Famicom)

Soon to follow, in 1990, Dr. Mario, a more Mario based version or Tetris, was released. Dr. Mario was a game where you have to vaccinate all the virus’s by stacking dual colored pills.

Then the Doc hits the NES, soon following Super Mario Bros 3 for the NES.

Then in 1991 Yoshi for the Famicom is released then later for the Gameboy.

TO BE CONTINUED….

(NINTENDO)

Here is my Opinion… I think Teens like us, 13-15 (and older) are Lucky to have just made the NES and Gameboy Generation (3rd, 4th) which were my favorite Generations… and Very Innovative, thus starting a good era to follow… For Collectors like Terry and I, as it is we are going to have to struggle to in order to follow our Hobby to collect Retro Video games. Just Think About How the next generation of kids, our kids, won’t Have any Recollection or Frame of Reference on these great things, that is unless we Preserve them. I Consider our selves lucky…

Wii Riipair Experiience

jakerachuna — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:39:20 +0000

Nintendo‘s customer service is absolutely wonderful. It was clear, precise, and didn’t skip around. The process to get my Wii fixed was simple and easy! I thought it’d be at least a little confusing but no, not a single second of it! It’s so easy, I could type it all out right now in this blog post. I’ll do it right now. Right now. Now.

Getting Your Wii Riipaired

“It’s just like magic!”-Me

Step One: Head over to Nintendo.com’s Support page.

Step Two: Enter the Wii category and scroll down to Troubleshooting and Repairs.

Step Three: Navigate through the clear criteria for troubleshooting.

Step Four: Assuming your troubles need to be handled by Nintendo, fill out the needed infomation!

Step Five: Check your e-mail and sign into FedEx with the enclosed sign-in details to print your shipping label.

Step Six: Ship it!

Step Seven: Wait.

Step Eight: Look at your doorstep! There’s a box! I wonder what it could be!

Step Nine: Oh my gosh! It’s my Wii! Thank you Nintendo!

Step Ten: Plug in your Wii, pop in a game, and have fun!

See? It takes but ten steps to have your Wii riipaired! So got any issues? Want them fixed? Nintendo‘s got your Wii, no problem!

The Club Nintendo Fiscal Year of 2008 is Ending!

jakerachuna — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:31:20 +0000

The Year Comes to a Close!

June 30th is the last day of the Club Nintendo fiscal year! For a free special surprise, achieve either Gold or Platinum rank before time runs out! Every member who reaches either status is sent a free gift from Nintendo. To achieve Gold, you need 300 coinage. To achieve Platinum, you need 600 coinage. Either rank will get you a prize! Who doesn’t like prizes? I know I do! Anyway, this would be the first fiscal year of our very own Club Nintendo of Nintendo of America. If it’s a limited release item, I’m keeping mine to myself. I mean, really. I love Nintendo memorabilia. I might not have the income to support my want for them, but I can dream right?

So Jake! Get your lazy ass off the couch and start blogging! I don’t exactly have a whole lot to say, so it’s important you blog too! I tell ya, he’s ambitious. But he needs to put the effort in.Back to the more important stuff. There’s a small selection of gifts you can redeem coins for to get.

Game & Watch Collection
Price: 800 Coinage

I’m pretty sure this is self-explanatory, but let’s just give a quick run down for the newcomers. The Game & Watch Collection is a gathering of the Game & Watch handheld games all packed into one big NDS game.

The Sexy Silver NDS Game Card Case
Price: 700 Coinage

It’s just shining like crazy in this summer heat! (and I live in Seattle!) This hot case will store your NDS games inside, shielding them from harm with it’s soft, luscious and cushion-like fluffy shell. But we can’t forget the sleek and shiny stylus! It’s included! It’s metallic yet slimming appeal will feel absolutely natural in your hand. After all, it looks like a pen! Fancy pens these days are smooth and sleek. Just like this aluminum stylus right? Right?

White NDS Game Card Case
Price: 600 Coinage

This is pretty much the same as the hotter and sexier case, except not as hot or sexy.

Nintendo Hanafuda Cards
Price: 800 Coinage

A blast from the past! Nintendo Koppai (as it was called then) sold handmade Hanafuda cards. Hanafuda literally translates to ‘flower card’. It’s a Japanese playing card game that have two to eight players. It requires a great deal of thought and strategic planning. There’s various ways you can play with these cards, and Nintendo includes a free guide on how to play ‘Koi-Koi’, a two-player basic card game.

Mario Party Playing Cards
Price: 500 Coinage

They’re basically your standard set of playing cards. The only difference is that it makes one big picture when you line them all up! That, and it’s Mario Party themed! It’s a nice collector’s item. Then again, all of these are, aren’t they? But I just like this one in particular. It has it’s own case.

Animal Crossing Playing Cards
Price: 500 Coinage

Duke it out in a tough and manly game of poker with these cute and cuddly animals! Won’t that just be the best game of man’s poker you ever played?

Mario NDS Game Rack
Price: 600 Coinage

Put up a couple NDS game cases on display here with this official nifty game rack from the big N! Go on, show off that Game & Watch Collection.

NDS Lite Game Card Case and Stylus Set in Navy Blue
Price: 600 Coinage

Stores nine NDS games and comes with seven rainbow colored styli! But the styli are for the NDS Lite, so DSi and DSi Original uses beware! This would’ve gone great with the Electric Blue DS Original though. Electric Blue and Navy would’ve made a killer tag team combo.

NDS Lite Game Card Case and Stylus Set in a Super Mario Bros. Theme
Price: 600 Coinage

But another case for storage and sticks. Let Mario shield nine games from harm as he faces off with a Goomba in a staring duel to the death. First one to look away loses their life. Lucky for Mario, he’s got you! But he doesn’t need you. He’s got his seven magical rainbow styli, ready to whip that Goomba gone.

NDS Lite Game Card Case and Stylus Set in an Animal Crossing Theme
Price: 600 Coinage

Yet another NDS Lite game case! This time, treat your games to a nice vacation to Animal Crossing! Let them soak in the relaxation and comfort of living in a small time town. Comes with your standard NDS Lite rainbow styli set of seven.

NDS Lite Silver Case
Price: 400 Coinage

Looks like a plain furry pencil bag with the NDS insignia. But hey, who said plain can’t protect? Keep your NDS Lite nice and snug and warm in this little pouch! Take care of your NDS Lite! You never know how much you really loved something until you lose them.

Wii Remote Holder
Price: 300 Coinage

Tired of just leaving around your Wii Remote all over the place? Do you wanna stop wasting your time just looking for your Wii Remote? Then this is the product for you! This WiiRemote holder will keep your Wii Remote upright and easily noticed!

So what are you waiting for?
Redeem your registration pins!
Complete your surveys!
Trade in coins for rewards!
Because remember, your coins expire in two years!

from the Club Nintendo Rewards Page

Revival

jakerachuna — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:30:23 +0000

Woo! After a several month hiatus, it’s the summer and I have plenty of free time to revamp and clean up this sloppy site. The background is broken and the layout is revolting. We’ll be redesigning this site and having it revolve around out gaming collection while at the same time keeping in touch with the non-existent people who follow this blog. I mean really, this site has a really bad design. I haven’t devoted enough to this blog of ours (Jake) and I should really follow though with my projects instead of being like the awesome Pirate Bay who often drops projects. But at least they actually work on the project for a while instead of me. I don’t really pay attention to this blog, but hey, I deserve a second chance right? Moving on, let’s talk about what’ll be changing.

There has to be a new background. Our current design violates copyright laws and is just atrocious. The little features that used to occupy our sidebars and blog posts may or may not remain, but our site colors, access, and overall layout will go through a major overhaul. Unlike now, the site will maintain a theme that’ll change upon the background. We’ll be learning how to design webpages overtime and hopefully will make gradual improvements whether it be the layout or simple site features. For now, we’ll be outsourcing and relying on other websites to maintain our little features but in the long run, we’ll be moving our blog to our own webhost and have our domain.

In the end, we’re renewing it.