Hotel Dusk is one of those few games that no one really played on the DS when it was first released; but it had an amazing story and a very simplistic yet mood setting art style that could have easily made it one of the best games on the Nintendo DS. If you haven’t played it before it was basically like a detective drama, film noir style, adventure game on the DS. Where you actions also affected everyone’s lives as you tried to solve the mystery of the Hotel.

The Last Window: Midnight Promise is a followup to Kyle Hyde’s original adventure, and looks to be improving upon the games original premise. It’s a shame we will probably not see a release outside Japan for this title. Any Hotel Dusk fans out there?

Fewer things in video games are lamer than publishers whining about resold or rented games. You sold us the freakin’ thing. Like any other product we own, including cars, homes, and other electronics, we have a right to resell them. If you don’t like it, don’t sell us the game!

But I digress. Last night while reading the wonderful Game Over by David Sheff, a history of Nintendo—not to mention the industry—I learned that our beloved Japanese hero once hired a “government-relations” lobbyists to push legislation through congress that would outlaw the rental of video games (p. 285). Good thing it didn’t pass.

It was only a minor altercation of many in which Nintendo overstepped its bounds in the late ’80s, including anti-trust and racketeering charges. But as the book objectively tells, Nintendo wasn’t without some sincere justifications for their actions. If you haven’t read it, I strongly encourage you to do so, especially if you like John Grisham.

On a whim, I downloaded the full list of NES games today, according to an archived version (pdf) of Nintendo.com. Crazy how many of these I actually remember—like looking through an old year book. Good times.

This is probably the best line up we’ve seen in weeks .. Crystal Bearers and Guitar Hero Van Halen for Wii, Uno and Dragon’s Lair for DSiWare, and the original Super Smash Bros on the Virtual Console! Merry Christmas to all!

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Recently, N-Europe reported that Nintendo recently planted their flag on the trademark “Wii Relax.”  Smells like the Wii Vitality Sensor to me. I’m sure we’ll hear more about it between now and E3.

Back in 2004, Astro Boy: Omega Factor was released for the Game Boy Advanced.  The side-scrolling brawler was praised for its great gameplay, as well as minor RPG elements such as upgrades. I played the crap out of this game, so when I heard there was a game for the DS being released alongside the game, I hoped that they would take the concept and gameplay elements from Omega Factor and ramp them up for the DS. However, it feels more like a step back than a step forward in this gameplay formula.

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We’ve already discussed what you want to play next year. But what are you gonna play right now, as in this weekend? In between boxing up crap for my post-Christmas move, I plan on cozying up to Spirit Tracks. Mmmm, Spirit Tracks.

Coming March to WiiWare among others.

In anticipation of next year, Kotaku has named the 22 Wii games they’re most excited to play in the futuristic-sounding 2010. In addition to the usual suspects, Grinder looks fun. So whatdoyasay: next year better than this year for Wii owners?

Since the video game industry is so crazy desperate to become the movie business, and the people who cover it are falling over themselves to try and make this happen, I think it’s about time I joined in on the fracas too.

That’s right. I’m flip flopping. Let’s make video games more like the movies!

Specifically, I’d like them to turn their covetous eyes toward Paramount. The movie firm, fresh off the massive success of the $15,000 Paranormal Activity flick (grossed $100 million), is now pushing its executives to create “micro films” — low budget fare with a focus on story and characters and new ideas, rather than constant $100 million+ blockbuster schlock.

So have at it, game developers. Make games more like interactive movies. I insist.