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By Michael Lopez

Any hardcore video game fan knows the name Shigeru Miyamoto. The legendary Nintendo designer helped develop iconic characters like Zelda, Donkey Kong and Super Mario! And this past week he was awarded Spain's coveted Prince of Asturias Prize for his contributions to pop culture.

Established in 1980, the Prince of Asturias Awards honor individuals who make "notable achievements" in the world. Spain's Prince Felipe -who is the actual Prince of Asturias- presides over the annual ceremony, which has given out statuettes to the likes of Bob Dylan, Pedro Almodovar and the late Carlos Fuentes.

Miyamoto seemed genuinely touched to be included in such esteemed company.

"I feel very honored to get the news that I have been selected to receive the Prince of Asturias Prize," he said. "Given that I have not been able to create a video game alone, I feel enormously grateful to have been selected to receive this prestigious prize and I would like to receive it as a representative of my friends and colleagues, with whom I developed video games during the course of my career."

And at 59-years-old, Shigeru's career is far from over. He recently designed the latest Legend of Zelda Wii game and is hard at work helping out Mario's brother for Luigi’s Mansion 2!

What's your favorite Nintendo game? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Nintendo, Prince of Asturias Prize, Shigeru Miyamoto, Spain, video games

By Michael Lopez

Who says movies are the only type of summer blockbuster? This time of year also brings out a slew of high-profile video games, most notably the epic sequel Max Payne 3. Developed by Rockstar Games, the third entry of the shoot-em-up detective saga is expected to rake in a ton of sales.

It's hard to argue with the success of Max Payne. The first installment was released in 2001 and has been universally hailed as a classic. Part II arrived two years later and was met with similar critical acclaim. After that came a movie with Mark Wahlberg and dozens of popular copycat games.

But now, nearly 10 years after its most recent predecessor, Payne 3 has arrived and it's generating A TON of buzz. For one thing, Rockstar has spent millions on the game's marketing campaign. Commercials, giant billboards and movie trailers have been released to hype up its May 15 release date.

The developers also made sure to include tons of goodies that fans of the series will love. For one thing, Rockstar secured actor James McCaffrey to return as the voice of Max (he appeared in all three installments). They also brought in writer Dan Houser from the Grand Theft Auto series to give the script a rougher edge.

But what we love most about the new Max Payne is where the story's set. Taking the gritty detective away from his New York habitat, the designers plopped him right in the middle of Latin America. There are kidnappings, secret societies and plenty of Brazilian gangsters hungry for a piece of Payne.

And, just like all Rockstar Games, Max 3 is heavy on the violence. We know, virtual carjackings have become somewhat controversial in the video game world. But if you're a fan of button-mashing action, you will not be disappointed. This one has advanced weapons, explosives and drug dealers with torturous methods.

There is also a well-received multiplayer mode, which allows for full-on "Gang Wars" in the streets of Sao Paulo. Yes, we know Max Payne 3 might not be everybody's cup of tea. But for those desperate for more Grand Theft Auto style action, it's right up your alley.

What 2012 video game are you most looking forward to? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, James McCaffrey, Max Payne, Max Payne 3, Rockstar Games, video games

By Michael Lopez

Chespirito fans, the moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived! That's right, the animated El Chavo game is now available on the Nintendo Wii and it's gotten the official "thumbs up" from creator Roberto Gómez Bolaños.

"My father still doesn't quite fully understand the scope of this game," Bolaños' son Roberto Jr. said. "But he's happy and thinks of it like something from another planet."

Indeed, with its motion sensor technology the Wii is pretty advanced for the 83-year-old icon. But we're sure Bolaños will be very happy to see new generations interacting with his famous character (and the royalty checks won't hurt either).

Nintendo fans are expected to eat up El Chavo too. The game allows for four simultaneous players and has a variety of unique puzzles. It's even available in English, which may give Chespirito some long overdue attention in America.

Are you planning on picking up the El Chavo game? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, chespirito, El Chavo, Nintendo, roberto gomez bolaños, video games, Wii

By Michael Lopez

What do you do when you have billions upon billions sitting in the bank? Kick back and enjoy a little Words With Friends. It seems Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim has become so enamored with online gaming that he’s now investing in the marketplace via his Telemex corporation.

Carlos announced this week that his company (which provides internet services in Mexico) will be offering more than 600 playable titles for users of his broadband network. For just 99 pesos per month, Telemex’s Infinitum Games service will be available for subscribers.

And that’s only the beginning. Slim also told the press that he’s partnering with Larry King to launch an internet TV service later this year.

We’re actually very excited to see what type of media Telemex is about to pump out. Although in the online gaming department, Carlos and company may have some stiff competition on their hands.

What's your favorite online game? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michale Lopez, Business, Carlos Slim, Infinitum Games, Larry King, Technology, Telemex, video games

By Michael Lopez

It may be hard to believe, but spring is already here. And outside of warmer weather and longer daylight hours, the season promises a ton of new video games. Though there's way too many to mention in one story, we thought it'd be fun to highlight a few of our anticipated faves.

Angry Birds Space – Oh yes, after two glorious years in the marketplace, the Birds are getting an intergalactic revamp. For the new Space version of the game, you can fling your feathered cohorts into the deepest trenches of the galaxy. Not only that; they'll be weightless, which means an entirely new type of gameplay. And don't worry about the green pigs. They'll be back too, causing trouble on every planet in the solar system.

Kinect Star Wars – Now THIS is the kind of Star Wars game we can get excited about. Forget the role-playing and Millennium Falcon flight simulators, we want to break out the light saber and slash down Darth Vader! The newest Xbox 360 title makes that a reality, with sensory movement via the Kinect. Just make sure to set aside plenty of space in your living room before waving your arms and becoming "one" with the Force.

Diablo III – Sorry console fans, you'll have to get a Mac or PC for a taste of Diablo III. But if you ask us, it's worth it! This highly-anticipated RPG saga picks up after a 12-year hiatus. For Part III, you'll literally be able to "go medieval" on your opponents, with sorcery, giant blades, and flaming arrows. Beyond that, it has lost treasures and an awesome multiplayer mode for anyone looking to kill several hundred hours of their life.

Mario Tennis Open – Ok, we admit it. We’re still hardcore Nintendo fanatics. And though their Mario games may seem simplistic, they actually can be quite addicting. This season's installment is Mario Tennis Open for the portable 3DS. Taking full advantage of the third dimension and the system's gyroscope feature, Tennis is a highly competitive sports title, with power-ups, customized rackets, and an online feature for challenging friends.

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City – Clearly Resident Evil is a franchise that continues to thrive. Not only has it produced over a dozen spinoff games, it has its movie series (featuring Tr3s fave Michelle Rodriguez). Raccoon City turns the zombie premise into a fast paced shooter, where you can literally blast fang-faced monsters with some seriously heavy artillery. We could've seen this being a great Halloween title, but if Capcom wants to release zombies in the spring, more power to them!

Which spring video games are you looking forward to? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3DS, Angry Birds, Angry Birds Space, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Diablo III, Hot Stuff, Kinect, Mario, Mario Tennis Open, Nintendo, Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Star Wars, Star Wars Kinect, video games

By Michael Lopez

Video game fans got some rough news this week. After months of speculation, it seems the popular Bioshock title will not be making its way to the big screen. Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo broke the news in a recent interview and he clearly wasn't happy about the situation.

"To be honest, by now, I'm completely out of that, and developing other stuff," Juan Carlos told Latino Review. "Right now it's on hold. The studio and the videogame company, they have to reach some kind of agreement about the budget and the rating."

If you ask us, Fresnadillo would have been a great choice for the project. His work on cult hits like 28 Weeks Later and Intacto prove he can handle drama, sci-fi, and shoot-em-ups with the greatest of ease.

And though we would have loved to see his take on Bioshock, Juan Carlos has moved on to another project that sounds just as exciting. It is rumored that he will now be directing a new installment of the popular Highlander franchise.

Which video game would you most like to see on the big screen? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Bioshock, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Highlander, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Movies & CineMás, video games

By Michael Lopez

Had a chance to play the Playstation Vita yet? 1.2 Americans already have. But in a country with tens of millions of dedicated gamers, that may not be very impressive. According to the latest sales stats, Sony's new handheld device isn't exactly flying off shelves, but that may change with an interesting batch of titles yet to be released.

The Vita first arrived in February and Sony execs are hoping it will build momentum as the year pushes on. Its big rival, the Nintendo 3DS, is smaller and cheaper and sold at a much faster rate when it first arrived last spring.

Touted as a handheld for "serious gamers," the Vita can store up to 32 GB of memory, making it faster and technologically superior to the 3DS. It also supports Bluetooth and wireless, allowing users to Skype, stream movies, and check in to their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

But with a retail price of $300, it's certainly not cheap! In fact, it currently sells for more than the flagship PS3 system. The 3DS, by comparison, goes for about $180.

Of course what Sony really hopes the fans flock to, are the Vita's wide variety of addicting games. Roughly 30 titles were released for the launch, including portable versions of FIFA Soccer, WipeOut, and Uncharted.

Sony plans to distribute dozens more button mashers in the next few months. Fans of the interactive Little Big Planet series will get a Vita edition. Mortal Kombat will make the rounds too, with an enhanced version arriving in the spring. LEGO gamers are also in for a treat, as the company recently announced a Vita DC Superheroes title in the works.

And what fun would portability be without some competitive sports? EA's Madden series will go handheld this August, MMA arrives in April, and Sega's hugely popular Virtua Tennis franchise is already available at gaming stores.

But the question is, will fans spend their money on the Vita versus larger home consoles? According the critics, the answer should be yes. And they may be the device's saving grace, praising it online for its sharp handling abilities and colorful graphics. The IGN team, in particular, seemed very impressed with what the Vita had to offer.

"I'm enjoying my Vita," editor Anthony Gallegos said on the site. "The battery life is better than I'd been led to believe, and the games give me a better long-form experience than my iOS devices. I think it's probably the best designed handheld I've used."

It all sounds good to us…except for that stiff price tag. Hopefully by the time the next Black Friday rolls around, Sony will make the Vita a little more cost effective for the average gamer.

Are you planning on picking up the Playstation Vita? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3DS, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, IGN, LEGO DC Superheroes, Little Big Planet, Madden, Mortal Kombat, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation Vita, PS3, Sony, Uncharted, video games, Virtua Tennis, Wipeout

By Michael Lopez

Xbox and Playstation fans are eagerly anticipating the spring release of Mass Effect 3 and frankly, so are we. Not only does it have multiplayer co-op modes, improved A.I., and brand new weapons, it's got Martin Sheen and Freddie Prinze Jr. in the voice cast!

Martin is actually no stranger to the Mass Effect universe. He first appeared in Part 2 as the villainous Illusive Man. A ruthless leader of the Cerberus Organization, Illusive Man was actually designed with Sheen in mind and meant to resemble his likeness.

Freddie, on the other hand, is a newbie to the series, playing James Vega, a rough and tumble soldier battling dark forces in outer space. Prinze admitted that he was a fan of the franchise way before joining the cast and is thrilled to be part of the Mass experience.

"You have to play it. It’s a completely immersive game," he said in a recent interview. "It will make you think, you’ll actually care about the characters you're playing, and you’ll really be able to customize the game. I think that’s what gamers want."

Judging by the huge success of the past two installments, we're sure hardcore gamers will be eager to take on The Illusive Man once again. Look for Mass Effect 3 to hit stores on March 6!

Are you a fan of the Mass Effect series? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Freddie Prinze Jr., Martin Sheen, Mass Effect, Mass Effect 3, video games

By Michael Lopez

Forget Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, these days gamers are becoming much more entranced by Words With Friends and Diamond Dash. Yup, simplistic iPad and Facebook apps are proving to be "all the rage" among video geeks.

Of course part of the reason is because most of these apps are free (vs. the $59 price tag on all those PS3 shooters). But these simplistic gems are also quite entertaining and have proven to be great brain teasers.

In the tablet and smartphone world, games like Paper Toss and Fruit Ninja receive thousands of daily downloads. Toss actually reached the 100 million mark and has turned into a very competitive time waster among friends. Though throwing crumbled paper into a waste basket may seem simplistic, added elements like grenades, bananas, and tomatoes make it all the more challenging.

Fruit Ninja is another great way to exercise those finger muscles on your phone or iPad. The concept is simple; slice and dice flying foods, while avoiding pesky exploding bombs. Bejeweled Blitz is an instant classic too, with its "Tetris-esque" qualities and diamond-studded Zen Mode.

Even the Smurfs have made their way into the unpaid app world with the hugely-popular Smurfs Village. Similar to Facebook’s Farm-ville game, Village lets you control Papa, Brainy, and all your favorites from the original cartoon. And you can even compete in a broad range of Smurfberry contests!

And how could you not have fun on an iPad with a game called Tilt To Live? Oh yea, this brain-teaser requires you to maneuver your tablet every which way you can. The programmers did a fantastic job of simulating the Tilt mode, with the slightest shake sending your character shooting across the screen. Can you twist your little red arrow to safety? Give yourself plenty of elbow room and give it a shot!

But let's not forget Facebook. Part of the fun of indulging in apps from the social network is the interaction you can have with your friends. There's standard classics (like that game Alec Baldwin loves), as well as newer entries which are just as addictive.

Hidden Chronicles has proven to be a huge January hit. Though its premise of finding objects in a picture has been around for generations, Chronicles’ designers have thrown in a ton of new original concepts.

Tetris Battle has been making some big Facebook waves too. This latest version still lets you enjoy the "Classic" pile-on mode, but adds a Battle-heavy twist that's taken the web by storm. Friends can now do major damage with their blocks, creating heated puzzle fights that have become much more competitive than anything you’ll see in a Mortal Kombat game.

What's your favorite iPad or Facebook game? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags apps, Bejeweled Blitz, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Facebook, Fruit Ninja, Hidden Chronicles, iPad, Paper Toss, Smurfs Village, Tetris, Tetris Battle, The Smurfs, Tilt To Live, video games, Words with Friends

By Michael Lopez

With the Consumer Electronics Show just a few days away, we thought now would be a great time to delve into this year's most anticipated video games. From gun-toting shooters, to zany Nintendo puzzlers, here are a few button mashers that are definitely worth putting on your radar.

Max Payne 3 – Believe it or not, it's been nine years since we've gotten a proper Max Payne sequel. Yes there was that movie with Mark Wahlberg in between, but nothing compares to entering the twisted world of the gritty NYPD vet yourself. The first installment won 2001's Best PC Game of the Year and Part 2 got Editor's Choice from both IGN and Gamespot. Part 3 promises to be just as epic, with new multiplayer modes and a story that takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Look for it to hit shelves in March.

Street Fighter X Tekken – Get ready for the mother of all fighting games. Street Fighter X Tekken mixes characters from two of the most popular fisticuffs titles of all time. Announced back at the 2010 Comic-Con, X features classic brawlers like Ryu, Chun-Li, Kazuya, and Zangief! Not only that, it will incorporate a new "Gem System" that allows for power ups and increased speed. There will also be a Story Mode where you can trace the origins of each fighter from each franchise. Look for this hot commodity to arrive in early Spring.

Kid Icarus: Uprising – One of Nintendo’s hottest games of the year is actually tied to a 25-year-old franchise. The original Kid Icarus arrived way back in 1986 and since then it’s built a fervent fan base. The winged hero’s newest adventure will take place on the 3DS and follow the continuing adventures of Pit as he tries to save the world from Medusa. Weapons such as bows, blades, and cannons will be used and Uprising will allow for unique multiplayer “Death Matches.” Nintendo plans to ship it out by the end of March.

Grand Theft Auto V – Ok, so there’s a chance this title may not be out by the end of the year, but we're throwing it on our list anyway. Back in October, Rockstar released the first trailer from this highly-anticipated sequel and since then it’s attracted millions of downloads. It’s been four years since the last GTA arrived and gamers are eager to invade the world of car jackings, rocket launchers, and mobsters once again. Part V will supposedly take place in California and feature a ton of interactive missions tied to Hollywood and the L.A. lifestyle. And there are even rumors that the main character will be Latino! Expect more updates on this blockbuster by summer.

What video games are you most looking forward to in 2012? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto V, GTA V, Hot Stuff, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Max Payne, Max Payne 3, Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS, Rockstar Games, Street Fighter, Street Fighter X Tekken, Tekken, video games