Go on, wish the ‘ole fella a happy birthday. And while you’re at it, let us know your favorite NES experience.

Three worlds into Kirby’s Epic Yarn, I’m convinced this is the spiritual successor to Yoshi’s Island, which was and remains–arguably–the best 2D platformer of all time.

If you’re old enough to remember the disappointment surrounding the release of the follow up, N64’s Yoshi’s Story, Kirby’s new title is the game you actually wanted to play back then–A game where every level is so imaginative, fresh and fun that you can’t stop playing because you’re dying to see what comes next. (more…)

I posted a similar poll on my blog this year and thought it would be fun to gauge the “religiocity” of Infendo readers as well. So tell us, people of the world:

Whatever your beliefs, happy Sunday, everyone.

Join Derek and I as we discuss Sonic irrelevance, NES quibbles, reader mail, and the Epic Kirby winner. Music courtesy Pantera “Mouth For War” and Röyksopp “Miss it so much.”

Enjoy it!

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First released four years ago on PS2 and 2.5 years ago on Wii, the critical-acclaimed Okami is a game I’m ashamed to say I’ve never played.

To whit, everyone and their Okami dog says it’s the best Zelda game not made by Nintendo. It reviewed in the 90th percentile. And the widescreen 480p Wii version only costs $13 on Amazon right now brand new. Suffice it to say, I’m repenting and have the game on mail order as we speak.

Have you played Okami?

It doesn’t always rumble when you’d expect it to, given the NES’s limited control cycles. But it rumbles! (via Joystiq)

In case you missed it last year, Trine was a sweet little platform game for PC. Its controls aren’t as tight as Mario, I admit, but it’s still a “fun, magical-looking, and well-told game that’s easily worth the $20 sticker price.”

Since the PC is by far your second favorite platform, I thought you guys might enjoy it as well, especially the upcoming second game (shown).

Sunday’s release of Kirby’s Epic Yarn will bring us the Pink Guy’s first console platformer in a decade! With the new adventure just four days away, this is a great time to revisit Kirby 64, a game that still proves speed isn’t everything.

Kirby’s in no hurry to save the world as he waddles slowly and happily through this N64 2.5D platform quest. He even has time for picnic breaks. Yet the game holds up well: Its unique storybook style looks terrific, while Kirby’s ability to combine two enemy powers into an entirely new form provides variety, humor and replay value. It’s not the most difficult game in the world, but getting through requires strategy and timing. Some of the boss battles are ingenious: I still love the bit where the artist’s doodles pounce off an easel.

What do you think of this classic? Worth the $10 asking price from the VC shop?

For $25 bucks, this thing looks pretty cool (also available in white). Since the upcoming Call of Duty Black Ops for Wii supports both online multiplayer and voice chat, is this something you’d be interested in picking up? And are you buying Call of Duty: Black Ops? (It was one of my favorite games of E3, btw. New trailer after the break.) (more…)

The first downloadable episode of Sonic 4 arrives on WiiWare today. Do you plan on buying? More importantly…