The series goes with my rule of going against the post 1998 teams (sans the Jets), and going for the big market teams. So it should be obvious who pick here. I used the same rule for the Nashville-Chicago series and Chicago pulled that out. I don’t know how big of an upset the Wild beating the Blues was.
Something worries me though. Could Nashville have won the series? If Nashville had won, my head would have exploded having to pick between them and Minnesota. Two games went to multiple overtimes between Chicago and Nashville, meaning Nashville could have easily won this series as well. The Wild meanwhile were tied 2-2 and won crucial Game 5 on the road before closing it out in Game 6. I’m starting to scare myself into picking them! Go big markets!
Chicago in 7.
#3 Calgary Flames vs. #1 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
I guess the Sedin Twins weren’t a factor. Anywho, something else I don’t really like about the Flames: their name is the Flames. Wouldn’t that be a detriment in ice hockey?
Sadly the Jets rolled over just like the Atlanta Thrashers would have (note: I have no idea if that’s true, I just wanted to take another shot at the Thrashers). Perhaps I underestimated the Ducks. Afterall, this is a team once owned by Disney! And Disney has a big movie coming out soon. Age of Ultron? Age of the Ducks is more like it?
In somewhat seriousness, I’ll just assume the #1 seed who got a 1st round sweep is actually pretty good.
Ducks in 4.
Eastern Conference
#2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #1 Montreal Canadiens
This sounds like to me that this is the top player (Stamkos) against the historical top team (24 Cups for Montreal).
Let’s look at each team’s 1st round quickly. Montreal won the first three games of the series, all by one goal (two in overtime). A glancing look makes me feel like Montreal took care of business, but had some luck on their side.
Tampa Bay just won a tough seven game series where they were actually shut out twice by Detroit 3-0 and 4-0.
Plus Montreal has Carey Price!
Montreal in 5.
#2 Washington Capitals vs. #1 New York Rangers
It’s Alexander the Great against the defending Eastern Conference Champs who just throttled the big star power Penguins. Sounds just like the type of series the Capitals have always lost. Plus I’m not going against a New York team here.
The 2001 Daytona 500 still goes down as the darkest race in NASCAR’s history. With the death of Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR had been changed forever.
Everyone remembers Dale Jr.’s emotional victory at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona. What’s less remembered is Rusty Wallace‘s 54th career victory at Fontana on what would have been Earnhardt’s 50th birthday.
Bitter rivals on the track and great friends off it, Earnhardt and Wallace battled throughout the late 80s and early 90s, competing for Winston Cups. Earnhardt ultimately won that battle, but Wallace more than held his own.
Rusty paid tribute to Earnhardt on his birthday with a polish victory lap while waving the famed #3.
We’ve just completed one of the better seasons in NBA storylines. For the first time in what seems like a while, the NBA Playoffs are moderately unpredictable. There are two teams in the East with a realistic chance of making the Finals, then any one of five (sorry Portland) can do the same. I could even think of conceivable longshot scenarios for the remaining three teams in the West. We’ve had MVP caliber seasons from four different players (Westbrook, Harden, Curry and Davis), and a semi-MVP season (from LeBron). It’s going to be a fun playoffs and we’re just going to dive into round 1 here.
Western Conference
#1 Golden State Warriors (67-15) vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (45-37)
It’s really hard to make the case for the Pelicans here. Let’s try. Anthony Davis is ridiculous. Anthony Davis is incredible. Anthony Davis is a once in a lifetime talent. Anthony Davis carried a team with three inefficient overrated players (Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday) to the 8th seed in a loaded Western Conference. And his team beat out a team with the possessed Russell Westbrook to get that spot. It’s quite impressive. Davis just put up a PER that’s only been surpassed by Wilt, Jordan and LeBron. Unfortunately, because of his supporting cast he may just be in a similar situation as David Robinson in the early-90s.
The Warriors are too deep and too good at everything. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson just destroyed the league from the guard positions. Curry, the likely MVP of the league, was the only player this season to boast a WS/48 that was higher than Davis’ this year. The Warriors are also the best defensive team in the league, thanks to Andrew Bogut (fun fact: I knew right there that Bogut for Monta Ellis a few seasons ago was an absolutely steal for the Warriors) and Draymond Green. The Warriors are so good they willing bench David Lee, someone who could still be a 17-9 guy in the league. Then there is this gem from Bill Simmons: The Warriors are one of seven teams to have a .800 winning percentage and a points differential of plus-10. The other six? ’71 Bucks, ’72 Lakers, ’92 Bulls, ’96 Bulls, ’97 Bulls and ’08 Celtics. Two points to note from that. One: That’s three Michael Jordan teams, which is ridiculous. And two: all six of those teams won the title. All of them. It’s going to be hard to not pick the Warriors here.
Davis is worth a win with some crazy 35-17-6-3-3 game or something. But Golden State just isn’t losing here.
Warriors in 5
#2 Houston Rockets (56-26) vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
A very interesting match-up that is a lot closer than it seems.
There are some interesting parallels here. Both the Rockets and Mavericks made controversial mid-season moves, and neither really worked out. Rajon Rondo has feuded with Rick Carlisle and hasn’t fit in with Monta Ellis in the Dallas Mavericks. Josh Smith brought his normal inefficient offense to Houston and didn’t provide the help the injured Dwight Howard and James Harden needed. Both teams have a defensive monster at center…Howard for Houston and Tyson Chandler for Dallas, although one of those isn’t as good as he once was. Both Carlisle and Kevin McHale, the two head coaches, were Celtics. Both teams are from Texas. Ok I’m nitpicking now.
Here’s the thing. The James Harden-led Rockets have yet to win a playoff series. The main pieces of the Mavericks: Carlisle as a coach, Rondo, Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler have all won the title before, and three of those did it in Dallas. Dallas proved to be a tough out (the only one) last year against San Antonio because they have guys who knows that it takes to get the job done in the playoffs.
When you really look at it, how do the Rockets win this series? They are virtually a one man offensive team. The Mavericks are built to stop those types of teams with Chandler in the middle. Dallas played Houston very tough this season as well: Houston won on the road by 7 and at home by 5 and 3. Dallas won one game in Dallas by 11. If Nowitzki gets into his prime form, and Ellis doesn’t shoot them out of games, I don’t know if Houston can contain Dallas.
The problem is Nowitzki regress enough this season to cause concern about taking over a playoff series. I don’t believe in Monta Ellis, and I still don’t see the Rondo fit. Chandler will cause all kinds of problems for Harden, but I don’t think Dallas will be able to pull it out. If this was last year’s Nowitzki, I’d pick them.
Rockets in 7.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers (56-26) vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (55-27)
Poor Chris Paul. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this script before. Gregg Popovich just knows how to create defensive schemes that limit Paul. In 2008 the Spurs beat Paul’s great Hornets team in a New Orleans. In 2012 the Spurs swept Paul’s Clippers. This is one of those I need to see it happen situations before I can take the Clippers.
The other part of this equation: the Spurs are basketball’s best team this last one-eighth of the season. The ageless Tim Duncan has been on top of his game. Kawhi Leonard is an elite defender…basically the new age Bruce Bowen only with a crazy offensive game to go with it…and perhaps a top 20 player in the league right now. Tony Parker is peaking. Everything is going right for the Spurs.
Maybe this is poor analysis, but I need to see it from the Clippers before I pick them against San Antonio. Great Chris Paul and Blake Griffin seasons be damned.
Spurs in 6
#4 Portland Trail Blazers (51-31) vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (55-27)
Portland just hasn’t been the same since LaMarcus Aldridge hurt his hand and Wes Mathews was out for the season. Portland is merely 19-19 in their last 38 games and only got the 4th seed due to the NBA’s weird seeding rules for division champs.
It doesn’t help Portland that the Grizzlies are one of the toughest defense teams out there. Marc Gasol is a former defensive player of the year, Tony Allen is always a threat to win the award and Mike Conley is as tough as he comes. There’s the general overall toughness of Zach Randolph too.
Portland is just trending downward. Memphis is just a tough team to beat and Portland’s injuries just makes this way too tough. Damian Lillard needs to have the series of his life for Portland to have chance here. Memphis has home court too, although that won’t even come into play here.
Grizzles in 4.
Eastern Conference
#1 Atlanta Hawks (60-22) vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (38-44)
The Nets are the sneaky hot team that might get some “upset special” calls. I thought that a bit too, but then that meant I was relying on Deron Williams (washed up at 30 apparently, overrated to begin with), Joe Johnson (anyone notice the Hawks have had a great run since Johnson left them?) and Brook Lopez (always a threat to go back to a good offensive player who somehow can’t rebound despite being 7 foot). The Nets are the 2004 New York Knicks. Congrats.
I’m not a big fan of the Hawks, and I think they may be one of the worst 60 win teams ever, but I can get into that when they are playing the Cavs in the Conference Finals. Until then, let’s just go with the obvious and take the Hawks here.
Hawks in 4.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29) vs. #7 Boston Celtics (40-42)
Another easy call here. The Celtics have been super hot and 29-12 in the last half of the season. Isaiah Thomas has been a key asset and the Celtics are just gelling. Brad Stevens has proven to be a great coach.
The Cavs started 19-20. They are 34-10 since. LeBron is in near peak form, which really might be better than anyone else in the league still. Kyrie Irving has improved leaps and bounds. Kevin Love, while not at the level he once was, actually had a good season that no one realizes. Mozgov, Shumpert and JR have been great pieces.
I’ll give Boston one because Thomas might have a nice 30 pointer in there. But…yeah, not yet Boston. Not yet.
Cavs in 5
#3 Chicago Bulls (50-32) vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (41-41)
Jason Kidd deserves something for bringing the Bucks to the playoffs. But I mean, this should be as obvious as the other two series we’ve covered so far.
Sure the Bucks will play it tough. But they just don’t have the talent. Michael-Carter Williams is a fun…but probably bad player. Is The Greak Freak ready to have the series of his life? Even so, that may not be enough.
I expect the Bulls to really be tough this year. Pau Gasol provides that Championship experience. Mirotic is a great bench piece. Jimmy Butler is the best player on this team and is probably the front runner for Most Improved Player of the Year. The Bulls don’t need the old Derrick Rose to beat these Bucks.
Bulls in 5
#4 Toronto Raptors (49-33) vs. #5 Washington Wizards (46-36)
Paul Pierce gets to face the Raptors again in round 1!
No one outside of Toronto or Washington cares about this series. The Raptors are 12-16 in their last 28. The Wizards are 13-15 in their last 28. Not inspiring here. John Wall went from fun young player to overrated (as did Bradley Beal, really). Kyle Lowry went from underrated to irrelevant. For DeMar DeRozan, see Beal. The only player I really trust on either of these teams is Paul Pierce, which is pretty telling (I actually like Jonas as well for Toronto, so I’m lying here).
I’ll pick the Wizards though, because they have some playoff experience under their belt…they almost made the Conference Finals last year afterall…and Paul Pierce is the type of veteran that can help here. The Wizards are the best of the rest of the East (outside of the top 3), but that doesn’t mean they are any good. To be honest, it doesn’t mean they were that good to begin with.
But I need a reason to believe in Toronto and I don’t have one. At least I have one with Washington.
WWE Fastlane replaces the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View (rumored to be done later in the year) as the penultimate PPV stop on the Road to Wrestlemania. After a lackluster Royal Rumble, WWE has created one of the least exciting atmospheres on the Road to Wrestlemania in recent memory. While a lot of this has to do with the Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns, it moreso is the issue of new talent not being pushed properly, popular talent being made fools of (see Ambrose, Dean) and a thin roster overall. The most interesting rivalries are HHH vs. Sting, Bray Wyatt against whomever he is talking about, presumably The Undertaker and Daniel Bryan vs. Reigns, which seemingly has a forced narrative after Reigns was booed out of Philadelphia at the Royal Rumble. Three of the six of those matches have legendary guys that don’t (or rarely) wrestle on any of the other PPVs, one is Wyatt, who while interesting, is interesting despite of the booking crew. Bryan of course should be the top guy in the company right now no question, and Reigns is the guy WWE wants to be the top guy.
Fans want Bryan at the top
This forced push of Roman Reigns has led to WWE spinning their wheels. Roman Reigns has an amazing look and a ton of charisma, and is even a bit underrated as a worker (not different than Kevin Nash in 1995 really) but his monster push has turned fans against him. WWE might be turning him heel here…in the long run him fighting Bryan is only going to lead to a heel turn where WWE intended it or not. This is the best route though. If Reigns beats Bryan at Fastlane and gets his WWE Title shot against Brock Lesnar, Lesnar would be just fine as a face. The strength of Lesnar’s character is that for all intents and purposes what you see is what you get. Lesnar is a prize fighter who doesn’t really care about the business and is out to make his money. He doesn’t pretend to like anyone. He is true to himself. And honestly, while the reasoning is quite heelish, as a fan I can cheer that. I want to see Lesnar destroy the “WWE’s golden boy” Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns would be better off doing the same in being true to himself, and aligning himself with the Authority.
Rollins made himself a star at the Rumble
My favorite scenario for Wrestlemania? Lesnar vs. Reigns vs. Bryan vs. Money in the Bank Winner Seth Rollins. Lesnar is the champ. Having both Reigns and Bryan there make sense given their storyline at the moment. Rollins would be a great guy to say “hey, I almost beat Lesnar and Cena at the Rumble. I deserve to be in the main event at Wrestlemania and I’ll force my way in”. Also make this an elimination match. If Lesnar is leaving, you can still have Reigns Superman punch him to take him out of the match and give him that rub. Let Bryan and Rollins steal the show. Put the belt on Bryan and have Rollins and Reigns chase him, then Wyatt and Rusev afterwards. And don’t tell me there isn’t money in another Bryan vs. Cena match.
The other matches at Fastlane don’t quite excite me. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro hopefully will get a nice run with the tag titles. They remind me a little bit of Razor Ramon and the 1-2-3 Kid. I really don’t care about The Bella Twins anymore and I’m one of the few who isn’t a huge Paige fan, although her appearance on Total Divas is making me one. Rusev vs. Cena is interesting in the sense that Wrestlemania won’t be the beginning of their feud, and hopefully will end it. I’m fine with Cena ending Rusev’s undefeated streak for sure, but I want Rusev to come out on top at the end. Bad Bews Barrett I think is a little past the point of where I really care about him. It’s a shame as I wanted Barrett to be the World Champ every year through 2013. Ambrose, good as he is, just hasn’t been the same since the Shield broke up. That’s another booking disaster. I can’t say I care about the Dust Brother feud. I like them both and as a face team I enjoyed them. This is the closest they’ll get to that dream feud Goldust wanted between him and his brother years ago at Wrestlemania. I assume Sting shows up and I hope they fix that music. At the end of the night, we’ll know where we are at for Wrestlemania. I just hope it’s a good place.
Rajon Rondo is one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA. Public expectation of Rondo has zig zagged throughout this entire career. In 2006 when he was drafted by Boston (or sold by Phoenix, however you want to look at these things), he was the point guard who couldn’t shoot. In 2007 he was expected to be competent enough to not screw-up the new big three and hopeful NBA Champion Boston Celtics. From 2009 through 2012 he was supposed to be the best player AND future of the Celtics. In 2014 he was supposed to lead the Celtics after a terrible ACL injury…but no one knew despite his statistics how good he really was or if he could be good without a Hall of Fame cast. Now, he’s supposed to be the missing piece to get Dallas over the hump and deliver Dirk Nowitzki a second ring.
The trade is constructed as follows: Boston sends Rajon Rondo for Brandan Wright, Jameer Nelson, Jae Crowder, a 2015 1st rounder from Dallas if it falls between #4 and #14 (it won’t) or a top 7 protected 2016 1st (very likely). I’m not sure, but I believe a second pick is in there somewhere as well.
Let’s first look at both of these teams. First, Boston. The Celtics have built towards the future obviously and have built quite well. They absolutely shackled the Nets with the Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett trade (the Nets have to swap their 2017 1st with Boston, as well as give up their 2016 and 2018 1st rounders…I think. They also got their 2014 1st rounder too. They selected James Young.) If you’ve seen the Nets and what their future looks like, you probably are expecting another Boston dynasty in about five years. Boston also has a late 1st round pick in 2015 from the Clippers in the Doc Rivers deal and a 2016 1st from Cleveland in the Keith Bogans deal. Garnett’s a shell of a shell of his former self…and Pierce currently plays for the Wizards. While Boston didn’t get enough for Rondo here, it’s not as bad as many have made it out to be.
The Mavericks are in contention mode right now and are absolutely doing the right thing in trying to upgrade their roster short term. You don’t waste players like Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki’s entered that Reggie Miller part of his career where his raw stats may not look like anything special, but he’s still a ridiculous player who can hit any shot and wins games…playoff games included…at any time. You can definitely win a championship in 2014 with this Dirk Nowitzki. Monta Ellis, traditionally a volume shooter than hurts his team more than he helps, does well enough alongside Nowitzki on the offensive end. He gets opportunities he didn’t get in Golden State and Milwakuee playing with Nowitzki. He and Nowitzki’s defensive shortcomings are all covered up by a rejuvenated Tyson Chandler, who also doubles as one of the most efficient offensive players in the league (currently shooting 68% from the floor, which is basically all put backs and dunks. Some would use that as an argument to say Chandler isn’t a good offensive player…which doesn’t make any sense at all.) Chandler Parsons of course is a solid offensive player himself. Considering their starting point guards have been a washed up Nelson and a washed up Devin Harris and they STILL have an incredible offense that leads the league in both PPG and Offensive Rating, well, Rondo has to be considered a huge upgrade, right? And defensively, Nelson and Harris are average at best. Again, Rondo can only improve that, correct?
Well, yes and no. Rajon Rondo is polarizing as his resume reintroduces the question of whether good stats means a good player. Rondo’s stats are pretty great for a point guard. He’s led the league in assists per game three of the last four seasons (counting this season so far). His last six season APG averages? 9.8, 11.2, 11.7, 11.1, 9.8 and 10.8 this season. I mean, those aren’t just good…those are incredible. He’s usually close to averaging two steals a game. He doesn’t shoot a lot and always looks to set up teammates. He sounds like a perfect player for this Mavericks team. But the downside is after 8 seasons Rajon Rondo still can’t hit an outside shot. He can barely hit a 15 footer. While Nelson and Harris aren’t exactly Stephen Curry out there, and Nelson is even shooting 37%, they are still players that should be guarded from the outside. That’s part of some past reputation. But Rondo? Why guard him at all if you can just double Nowitzki? Clog up the middle and make Rondo shoot. That’s what the Lakers did in the 2010 Finals afterall. This glaring weakness is huge and has prevented Rondo from becoming a truly elite point guard along the lines of Chris Paul. He’s a new age Jason Kidd…although Kidd was always able to get the best out of subpar teammates. Rondo hasn’t been able to do that. All of this coupled with his ACL history creates something that kind of make sense of why he was traded for 50 cents on the dollar.
Do I think Boston could have and should have gotten more? Yes. But it was still okay. Dallas won this trade though not just because they traded very little of value to upgrade from Nelson and Harris to Rondo…but because of who Rondo can be when he’s motivated. His 2009 playoff box scores when carrying the Kevin Garnett-less Celtics were incredible. (29-9-7, 19-12-16, 20-11-6-5, 25-11-11 and 28-11 against Chicago in the first round, 14-10-8, 15-11-18, 21-12-14 vs. Orlando in round 2). He was the best player in the Boston-Cleveland series in 2010, and put up a gem of a game (29-18-13) in a crucial game 4. You really think Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Stephen Curry want to deal with Rajon Rondo in the playoffs?
Great move for Dallas, good but could have been better move for Boston.
Myself, JonRoyalty and Matt F. (the future Mr. Anonymous) came together to discuss ideas that would lean to the creation of a Nintendo Cinematic Universe. With the multitude of characters that Nintendo owns there is more than enough content to create an entire universe.
I storyboarded all the film ideas where Matt and Jon provided ideas of what would work and what wouldn’t. Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I guess future DC Cinematic Universe, there are multiple phases to help understand the timeline. These films are also meant to be taken seriously as opposed to being a “kid’s movie series”.
This is Phase 1, with plot details, characters and even potential mid-credit and end-credit scenes. Remember that we’re just three fans of games who believe something like this would be awesome.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
2. Super Mario Bros.: Mario vs. Donkey Kong
3. Star Fox v. Samus: Rise of Ridley
4. Kirby Superstar: Legend of the Crystal Shards
5. Super Mario Bros. 2: Rise of the Koopa King
6. Super Smash Bros.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Link’s greatest journey kicks off the NCU.
Plot: Link is a 16 year old who lives among the Kokiri. While the Kokiri never grow, Link himself has. The Great Deku Tree decides now is the time for Link to face the evil that threatens Hyule. The Great Deku Tree explains to Link about the Triforce. Link defeats Queen Gohma as a test, and then is sent with the fairy Navi to help the Goron and Zora races. The Great Deku Tree’s last request before his death is for Link to seek out Princess Zelda. Link leaves behind the Kokiri. Link’s best friend Saria entrusts Link an Ocarina to talk to her whenever he needs.
Link heads to Hyrule Castle Town, hilariously stopping by the Happy Mask Shop at one point. The Happy mask Salesman tells Link to “just have faith…”. Also on this trip he stops by the Lon Lon Ranch and meets Malon and her horse, Epona. Link then sneaks into Princess Zelda’s castle. Zelda explains the prophecy that one day Hyrule will be taken over by the evil Ganondorf, who currently serves as a hope aid to the King. Link explains what the Great Deku Tree told him, and they both agree that Link should help the Gorons and Zoras. The Gorons and Zoras are at war, as lava and rocks of fire had fallen into Zora’s River. Lord Jabu-Jabu has led the way in blaming the Gorons for this, but the Gorons fight back, claiming a race called the Dodongos have caused the problem. Link proves this is the case by defeating the Dodongos.
Link returns to Princess Zelda only to find Zelda escape from Hyrule Castle. Ganondorf is in pursuit, and when Link draws his sword Ganondorf attacks him with an energy blast. With Zelda and Ganondorf long gone, Link finds the Ocarina of Time left by Zelda with a message. Link follows the message to enter the Temple of Time. When he uses the Ocarina of Time in the Temple of Time, he obtains the Master Sword. This leads to Link being trapped in the temple for 10 years and he falls into a deep sleep. He has a nightmare that Ganondorf himself has entered the Temple of Time because Link had opened it. When Link awakens he learns that his nightmare was in fact true. He also accepts his responsibility as the Hero of Time.
Link awakens in a world now covered with monsters. Ganondorf has ruled Hyrule for the last ten years and has left everywhere but his castle and Gerudo Valley in ruin. Link re-unites with a fully grown Epona and sets to save the Kokiri, Gorons and Zoras. Once he does so, he obtains the power of their leaders as Sages. A mysterious ninja named Sheik also helps Link on his quest. They all help Link infiltrate Gerudo Valley and the Spirit Temple, destroying Ganondorf’s defenses.
With a showdown with Ganondorf remaining, Sheik reveals herself to be Zelda, but Ganondorf captures here. The three pieces of the triforce are possessed between Link, Ganondorf and Zelda. Link defeats Ganondorf, and his monstrous form in Ganon, and restores peace to Hyrule.
Mid-Credits Scene: During a celebration, Zelda explains to Link that the war is far from over, and that the prophecy predicted much worse things than Ganondorf’s reign over Hyrule. (Setting up Super Smash Bros.).
Post-Credits Scene: The Happy Mask Salesman looks disappointed as he’s failed to lend any masks. He slowly packs his masks away, but stops to look at one. He laughs, and Majora’s Mask is shown. Majora’s Mask’s evil laugh is heard as the scene ends. (Setting up LOZ: Majora’s Mask).
Connection to the Games: Obviously follows Ocarina of Time’s story with some changes. The age change and time in the Temple of Time is done to use older Link throughout the Universe. The Goron and Zora stories were shortened and combined as I feel that it would create one too many subplots for a film.
Important Cinematic Characters: Link, Zelda, Epona, Navi, Ganondorf
2. Super Mario Bros.: Mario vs. Donkey Kong
We skipped the whole Jumpman thing…
Plot: The Yoshis are a tribe of friendly dinosaurs that one day have two babies delivered to them from the King of the Mushroom Kingdom. The King has requested that the Yoshis protect and train Mario and Luigi as they are predicted to save the Kingdom from an attack that’s coming in the next generation. The Yoshi’s train the Mario Bros. to become warriors over the next 20 years. Both Mario and Luigi become close with a specific green Yoshi, and Yoshi becomes Mario’s best friend.
Twenty years after the Mario Bros. were delievered, Kong Isle has attacked the Mushroom Kingdom and captured several women. The Kongs eventually capture Luigi as well. Mario and Yoshi head out to save them all and become the hero he was predicted to be. Mario uses all the jumping moves taught to him by Yoshi, as well as learns the ways of the mystical foods and items that are scattered around the Mushroom Kingdom. Using Mushrooms, Fire Flowers and Starmen, Mario eventually arrives to a showdown with the leader of the Kongs: Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong has personally kept Luigi and Princess Peach imprisoned. It is known that the King had passed away in the last 20 years.
Using those items and a hammer, Mario and Yoshi make their way through Donkey Kong’s buildings and structures. He ultimately causes Donkey Kong to fall off the highest structure, injuring but not killing him. Mario saves his brother, the King and Princess Peach, who he is immediately smitten by.
Mario, Yoshi and Luigi are welcomed to the Castle for cake. The King explains to Mario that many of the Mushroom Kingdom mushrooms have come alive and gone bad, and that the Mushroom Kingdom is still in danger. Mario accepts the responsibility of protecting the Mushroom Kingdom.
Mid-Credits Scene: Donkey Kong retreats home and, while not through words, is clearly apologetic for what he’s done. He then sees a light that asks him for his help… (setting up Super Smash Bros.)
Post-Credits Scene: The King and Princess Peach awaken to a loud commotion outside this Castle. When they look outside, they see Toads being captured by Koopa Troopas, Hammer Bros. and other minions. Bowser breaks into the Castle and captures Princess Peach, leaving us with a fearsome growl. (Setting up Mario 2)
Connection to the Games: Looks to create a Mario origin story combining Yoshi’s Island and the original Donkey Kong game. Also takes after Batman Begins.
Important Cinematic Characters: Mario, Donkey Kong, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Bowser
3. Star Fox v Samus
Can Fox and Samus work together?
Plot: All Fox McCloud knows about his father is that he was killed in battle when Pigma Dengar betrayed the original Star Fox team. Fox’s father James was killed, while Peppy Hare, a teammate, survived. Wolf O’Donnell, the leader of the Star Wolf team, was said to be the one who gunned down Fox’s father. Fox one day wonders when he’ll get his chance to take on the Star Wolf team with his Star Fox team.
Fox captains the Star Fox team and helps protect the Lylat System, although mostly as a mercenary. He often flies to Dinosaur Planet to keep the peace between the planet and the rest of the Lylat System. The planet’s ruler: Ridley, has kept the planet is check as it is heavily implied it was once ruled by Bowser. Disruptions begin to take place on Dinosaur Planet though, and Star Fox looks to find out what is going on. A bounty hunter named Samus is out to kill Ridley. Star Fox prevents this from happening which leads to Samus taking on the entire Star Fox team (in tanks) four against one. Samus holds her own and severely damages all of the Star Fox tanks.
Dinosaur Planet attacks Sector Z, and suddenly Ridley has gone from keeping Dinosaur Planet peaceful to looking to destroy the Lylat System. When Samus looks to stop him, team Star Fox again confronts Samus. Star Fox demands that Samus leave the Lylat System and allow Star Fox to handle their own issues. When Star Wolf arrives at Macbeth to help Ridley destroy it, Star Fox realizes they need Samus’s help and Ridley isn’t on the peaceful side any longer.
It’s revealed that Andross has gained the trust of Dinosaur Planet. As a result Venom and Dinosaur Planet joined forces to overthrow Corneria. Star Fox and Samus come together and defeat Ridley. Fox only partially avenges his father’s death by shooting down Pigma, but Wolf and the rest of Star Wolf escape. Ridley is defeated. Samus and Fox shake hands and are both paid quite well by the Cornerian Army.
Post-Credits Scene: Samus and Fox head to a secret Space Temple, where they are shown a recording of Princess Zelda. Zelda explains that “we” need their help and a great evil has arisen. (Setting up Super Smash Bros.)
Connection to the Games: Takes elements from the Star Fox games. It does give a total new story for Samus and Ridley though.
Important Cinematic Characters: Samus, Fox, Wolf, Andross, Pigma, Zelda
4. Kirby Superstar: Legend of the Crystal Shards
The rivalry begins.
Plot: With King DeDeDe watching on, Kirby fights Metaknight. The battle is even, but when it seems Kirby is about to gain the upperhand, Dreamland is covered with darkness. Just as it seems that Kirby is about to meet his demise…he awakens from his nightmare.
Kirby finds that King DeDeDe had stolen much of Dreamland’s food and supply and confronts him. While King DeDeDe escapes the fight, he leaves a portion of the Star Rod behind, causing Kirby to wonder why King DeDeDe had it. Kirby heads to the Fountain of Dreams to check on the Crystal Shards. The Shards represent an unknown power and is activated by the 4 pieces of the Star Rod. It should be with the Shards, but Kirby sees that it’s missing and looks to find DeDeDe.
Meanwhile, Metaknight is shown to be working for the mysterious Nightmare. Nightmare explains that his plan is to cover all of Dreamland with Dark Matter to impress the ultimate master (Tabuu). Nightmare needs the Star Rod to activate and obtain the Crystal Shards in order to do this.
Kirby finds the three other pieces of the Star Rod before finding King DeDeDe once again. They battle, and Kirby ultimately defeats DeDeDe and puts the Star Rod back together. He goes to return it to the Fountain of Dreams, but is attacked by Metaknight. DeDeDe watched Kirby and Metaknight battle, just like Kirby’s dream. Nightmare and Dark Matter come to steal the Star Rod, but Kirby and DeDeDe defeat them. When the battle is over, Metaknight and the Star Rod are nowhere to be seen. Kirby checks the Crystal Shards…and they are gone.
Post-Credits Scene: Metaknight presents the Crystal Shards to the still unnamed Tabuu, who laughs. In the background, two giant hands slam the ground, with one twitching all over.
Connection to the Games: Takes elements from the Dreamland games and Kirby 64.
Important Cinematic Characters: Kirby, King DeDeDe, Metaknight, Tabuu
5. Super Mario Bros. 2: Rise of the Koopa King
Mario meets his arch-nemesis…art by solmatter.
Plot: The Mushroom Kingdom is in chaos as Bowser has captured Princess Peach. Mario, Yoshi and Luigi have travel through many different worlds, defeating Bowser’s generals all over the Kingdom. Still, after extensive searching, Mario has yet to find the actual Bowser. Mario, Luigi and Yoshi save one of Peach’s top Toads from Kamek. In her death, Kamek announces to Mario that they are in fact invited to the wedding of Bowser and Peach…if they can find Bowser’s Castle.
Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Peach’s top Toad come across four different tunnels and decide to separate with each taking a tunnel. Each tunnel leads to a very different world. Toad lands in a dream world overrun by Shy Guys. While he finds some weaponry in the form of a potion that helps him hide from his enemies, he is captured by the evil monster Wart.
Yoshi ends up in a storybook world also overrun by Shy Guys. He at first fares better than Toad. The world is full of fruit that helps Yoshi keep up his strength. He is ultimately captured by a group of Koopas claiming to be Bowser’s children.
Luigi lands in a haunted mansion. While he does well to ward off the ghosts that reside in the mansion (despite his fears), but is captured by a giant ghost called King Boo.
Mario ends up in an art gallery and quickly learns he can jump into the paintings. He jumps into a painting that drops him in a world full of Bob-ombs. Pink Bob-ombs though, help Mario defeat the tyrant King Bob-omb. When he does so, a painting of Wart appears. Mario goes into the dream world and saves Toad by defeating Wart. He proceeds to jump into the storybook painting and defeats the Koopa Kids to save Yoshi.
The Koopa Kids run back to Bowser to inform him that Mario is coming. Mario meanwhile, saves Luigi from King Boo within a haunted mansion painting. As that happens, a painting of a huge evil castle appears.
Mario jumps in alone and faces off with Bowser as Peach looks on and the Koopa Kids cheer. Mario uses the inspiration of his friends…as well as a fire flower…to defeat Bowser. Bowser attempts one last attack on Mario, but Mario lights him on fire with the flower, then unlocks the chain that kept the bridge together. Bowser falls into the lava pit below. Upon learning of the defeat of Bowser, The Mushroom Kingdom rejoices, and sends all of the Koopa Kids into an exile of outer space.
Mid-Credits Scene: The Koopa Kids all mourn their fallen king, when behind them something that appears to be Mario startles them. They all chase after “Mario”, when they approach an egg. This “dark Mario” hits the egg causing it to spectacularly hatch. The Koopa Kids all begin to cheer as Bowser Jr. emerges from the egg.
Post-Credits Scene: Mario heads to a temple where he surprisingly meets Donkey Kong. Mario and Donkey Kong seem to still want to fight before the appearance of Princess Zelda stops them. Zelda explains that evil is about to attack and “we” need help. Just as this happens, a screen in the temple shows that the world is under attack.
Connection to the Games: Takes elements from Mario 64, Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA), Luigi’s Mansion and Yoshi’s Story…with the final battle taken from Super Mario Bros. 1.
Important Cinematic Characters: Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Bowser Jr., Zelda, Donkey Kong
6. Super Smash Bros.
The War Begins.
Plot: A kid named Satoshi watches the attack on the world led by Metaknight on TV and wonders how soon this attack will come to his hometown of Kanto. Satoshi is known as a Pokemon Trainer, and has trained a Pikachu to the point where his Pikachu may be the best in the world…or what’s left of it. He wonders if it’s time to really test his Pikachu and help save the world.
The film moves to the attack by Metaknight. Metaknight and countless dark soldiers destroy buildings before Fox McCloud and Samus Aran arrive to stop him. Fox and Samus temporarily stop the attack as Metaknight retreats, but attacks elsewhere in the world continue. In another scene, Donkey and Diddy Kong fight off other dark soldiers deep in Kongo Jungle.
At the Temple of Time Zelda, Link, Mario, and Luigi discuss the best strategies to ward off this attack and look to solve how this could have come about. Zelda explains about there being several different items in the world that unlock portals to enter the world. The Triforce is for sure one. Soon the Temple of Time is under attack. Link, Mario, Peach, Zelda (as Sheik) and Luigi try to fight, but two giant hands, referred to as Master Hand and Crazy Hand, leave the Temple of Time destroyed and Luigi is captured. Mario expresses frustration with Zelda about the Triforce being used for this evil, but Zelda explains that the Triforce is still intact, and the Triforce of Power is the only piece in limbo in terms of possession…but that it alone wouldn’t be enough to cause this. Mario still leaves to try to rescue Luigi.
Back at Kanto, the war does arrive there, led by Metaknight. Kirby arrives to re-obtain the Crystal Shards, but is overwhelmed by Metaknight’s army. Satoshi comes out and unleashes Pikachu on Metaknight. Metaknight leaves Kirby defeated, but can’t overcome Pikachu and is once again forced to retreat. Satoshi curiously attempts to capture Kirby with a pokeball. After some confusion from both sides he realizes he needs to help Kirby as Kirby knows what’s keeping this portal open: the Crystal Shards.
In the aftermath of the Temple of Time being destroyed, Link finds that the attack’s origin point is the legendary Sky Temple. Link gets their via a special cannon and looks to fight Metaknight. He falls into a trap though…and is confronted by a shadow doppelganger with red eyes (Dark Link). Metaknight challenges anyone who wants to save the world to come to the Sky Temple and mentions he’s already captured Luigi and Link…although Link was still fighting Dark Link at this point.
Mario rides Winged Yoshi there. Kirby rides a Warp Star with Satoshi and Pikachu. Fox and Samus arrive together as well. Donkey Kong is teleported by Zelda. Metaknight, Master and Crazy Hand fight the Super Smash Bros. sans Link, who fights Dark Link elsewhere in the temple. They put together a fierce some attack using fire, laser, energy and electricity…but the Hands still survive. Ultimately Link defeats his doppelganger and receives the Light Arrow. The Light Arrow joins with the previous attack and the Hands are defeated. Metaknight escapes once again, but Kirby re-obtains the Crystal Shards. The Super Smash Bros. all acknowledge they work great as a team. Mario also obtains Luigi’s hat, fearing the worst for his brother.
Satoshi goes back home and he and Pikachu help rebuild Kanto. He finds a Squirtle and Charmander during this time and trains them. The Mushroom Kingdom announces the victory over Metaknight, but mourns the apparent loss of Luigi. There is celebration across all of the worlds: Hyrule, Kanto, Kongo Jungle and DK Isle, the Mushroom Kingdom and Lylat.
Post-Credits Scene: Several members of the crime syndicate Team Rocket are shown working diligently when one of them sees Pikachu on a television screen. The one says that Tabuu wants to know how to get “one of those” on “our” team. Team Rocket explains that they don’t want that one, but one better. They also explain that the only way to do this is due to unnatural means, and they must capture the rare Pokemon Mew to proceed.
Connection to the Games: Basically an Avengers film with Nintendo characters!
Anyway, whether you like it or you don’t, you’ve gotta admit a Nintendo Cinematic Universe would be awesome. Nonetheless, I’ll work on Phase 2 and Phase 3 and post them here.
