That and more: Completion rates, 3DS marketing, underage listeners, gaming regrets, western Nintendo titles, and one DS game you should have on your radar. Enjoy the show, everyone!

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Music: “Sanguinella” by Black Ghosts, “Sweet Talk” by The Killers

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Before I started thinking about this idea, I was easily frustrated by new gamers who couldn’t seem to grasp controls that are second nature to me. I have a friend whose family has never owned a single dedicated gaming system, handheld or otherwise. Even so, how hard can it possibly be to hold a Wii remote sideways and control the on-screen Mario with the directional pad and jump button? Even my little sister can’t do that effectively.

Naturally, this brought me to recognize that there is a skill for gaming! It can be practiced and honed just like any other skill. (more…)

Hmmm. Three to five hours…and that’s with online capabilities disabled. Sounds awfully familiar, doesn’t it? I wonder how Sony fans are adapting to the news. I’d like to send them all a card: “Misery loves company, guys. Welcome aboard the S.S. Recharge.”

One thing I wasn’t expecting from my 3DS was its ability to morph into a little portable film festival with truly outstanding entries. Do not miss this week’s Nintendo Video debut of “The 3D Machine” from Rotterdam’s Ka-Ching Cartoons.

Not only is this the best film to hit the service so far, but it actually has (drum roll) a reason to be in 3D: the plot involves a crazy scientist’s creation of a machine that turns 2D drawings into 3D objects. The action focuses mainly on the Igor-like assistant’s dimwitted misuse of the contraption–very reminiscent of Disney’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice (the Mickey cartoon from Fantasia, not the Nicolas Cage film). The black and white visuals are wonderful, the stylized world is appealing, and the 3D works really well.

This is the reason I love the 3DS and root for its success despite the current skimpy game lineup: even without games, this little wonderbox can produce amazing and magical entertainment experiences available on no other device. Imagine what it could do with a ton of great software to back it up!

Although I wish it had fewer cutscenes, I’ll go with Zelda: Skyward Sword out Nov. 20 on Wii. What about you? If you could only pick one game spanning all three current Nintendo systems, what game are you most excited to play by year’s end?

A lot like Trials HD with more players. Arrives tomorrow on WiiWare for $15. Interested?

Possibly the most vital part of any game review is the final score. Raise your hand if you have ever skipped an entire review to get straight to the final score in order to decide whether you should buy the game. (more…)