But all this does beg the question: are we in an EarthBound bubble?  Do you see any reason in the near future why the price of these carts might crash?  Maybe a secret cabal of video game resellers snatching up every copy and hoping to ride the market to an early retirement?  Or is this a real rise in the value, perhaps from word of mouth finally making this game more than just a cult classic?

Alright, guys.  Here's a project that's perhaps one of the best things I've contributed to since starting the website.  The Video Game Years is an exclusive RetrowareTV show that examines the history, culture, and the oddities of video game history.  Much in the style of "I Love the ..." shows on VH1.  Hopefully we'll have you learning, laughing, and scratching your head as we examine all that transpired in our favorite hobby's past.

This is just part 1 of the pilot episode - 1977.  You can watch part 2 right now at retrowaretv.com, which I encourage you all to do.

Do it. Are you doing it? Do it now!

That handsome man in the above video would never lie to you.  We do indeed have several prizes ready to give out to people willing to donate to the Ameircan Cancer Society and also help spread word about our charity marathon taking place right here from noon, December 9th, though midnight on December 11th of 2011.

Here's a quick rundown of the prizes and how you can get each:

Dragon's Lair Trilogy for Wii - Donate the most money to the ACS while the guys are playing through Dragon's Lair 1 & 2, as well as Space Ace

Mad Dog McCree Gunslinger Pack for Wii - Donate the most money to the ACS while the guys are playing through Mad Dog McCree 1 & 2

Banpresto Mother 2/EarthBound figure (Paula) - Random drawing from those who tweet about the marathon on Twitter between Oct. 12th and Dec. 12th using the hashtag "#CDiMarathon", mentioning "@cotgw", and including a link to http://www.clanofthegraywolf.com/3rd-annual-cotgw-charity-marathon

Banpresto Mother 2/EarthBound figure (Poo) - Random drawing from those who "Like" the marathon on Facebook between Oct. 12th and Dec. 12th by clicking on the "Like" button at the bottom of http://www.clanofthegraywolf.com/3rd-annual-cotgw-charity-marathon

Banpresto Mother 2/EarthBound large figure (Ness) - Random drawing from everyone who donates to the ACS through the widget in the upper right corner of the page (minimum donation of $10)

Random Bag of Crap/Stuff/Poopie - Auctions will be held at random for bags throughout the marathon - watch the stream, our Twitter, or Facebook for alerts!

Official Clan of the Gray Wolf 128 MB Flash Drive - Everyone who donates at least $50 to the ACS through the widget in the upper right corner of the page will recieve one (supplies are limited)

I always love seeing videos that can entertain and inform at the same time, and I'm really happy to share this amazing retrospective by Mark Carr (host of Indie Games Searchlight).  It's on the granddaddy of the modern independent video game - Cave Story.  If you enjoyed it, I urge you to check out his other work.

Just remember that I see you when you're sleeping, and I know when you're awake...

Hey all.  Some of you may have noticed the new logo for "16-Bit Gems" that appeared months ago, which was initially some fan work by Mark P. Tjan, who is a designer and artist that owns his own company (you should check out his work - it's great).  He's been a busy guy since then, and I wanted to tell you all what he's been up to.

Sadly, I will not be present this year at ConBravo!, but that's mostly because I'm using up my convention allotment for the year (as mandated by the Wife Pacification Council) at the beginning of August at Gen Con.  I won't be going in any official capacity, but just for fun.  However, that doesn't mean I won't be using the CotGW Twitter from time to time for interesting things I come across.  Also, if you'll be there as well, feel free to say hi!

Anyway, thanks guys.  I just wanted to spread a little bit of background on one of the guys who's been helping us keep the wheels of progress running!