Messages

[More Luigi. More mansions. More game.]

126

TalkBack / New Luigi's Mansion 2 Details Announced

« on: June 05, 2012, 01:03:30 PM »

More Luigi. More mansions. More game.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30478

In Luigi’s Manison 2 on 3DS, there will be more mansions, more challenges and more ghosts, according to details announced during Nintendo’s E3 conference today.  

There will be multiple mansions in the new game, and each will have mission-based challenges and new types of ghosts. With each new type of ghost there will be an emphasis on different strategies for catching it. 

The game will be released during the upcoming holiday season. Expect more details at tomorrow's 3DS event.

[This WILL be the definitive Scribblenauts experience.]

127

TalkBack / Scribblenauts Unlimited Details Announced

« on: June 05, 2012, 12:46:44 PM »

This WILL be the definitive Scribblenauts experience.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30470

HD gameplay, multiplayer modes, object combinations and other details about the new Scirrblenauts game were released during its E3 presentation. In Scribblenauts’ first home console game players will be able to “imagine anything” and “explore anything” in full HD. The game boasts continuous and unboud exploration. 

Players will be able to create any object in the game. On the Wii U GamePad players will be able to combine object templates together like putting a dog’s body on truck tires to create a dog-truck. After the creation of these objects players will be able to share their creations with friends. A multiplayer mode was also announced during the presentation.  

Maxwell and his magical notebook’s origins will be revealed in the new game. The game will be controlled both through Wii Remote and Wii U GamePad. 

[You want to watch movies on your WiiU? You got it.]

128

TalkBack / Wii U Video Support Announced

« on: June 05, 2012, 12:25:12 PM »

You want to watch movies on your WiiU? You got it. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30464

The WiiU will support Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Video. Nintendo of America president  Reggie Fils-Aime announced during Nintendo’s E3 conference

129

TalkBack / Re: Pokémon Conquest Impressions

« on: May 02, 2012, 05:11:21 PM »

Oh man, I am so psyched for this game. I love my some strategy. I love me some RPGs. I love my some Pok-e-mans. Essentially, I'm gonna love this game... I hope.

[With the all the new Pokémon games on the horizon, Josh takes a look at Pokémon Conquest.]

130

TalkBack / Pokémon Conquest Preview

« on: April 23, 2012, 08:49:24 PM »

With the all the new Pokémon games on the horizon, Josh takes a look at Pokémon Conquest. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/29936

Pokémon Conquest, also known as Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition, is a spin-off crossover game that combines the worlds of Pokémon and Nobunaga’s Ambition (a series of strategy role-playing games set in feudal Japan) into a turn-based strategy RPG.

Conquest takes place in a brand new region called Ransei, where nearly 200 Pokémon from all five generations live. In the game, the warlords of the 17 kingdoms all have Pokémon companions. These companions are interchangeable, but there is one particular Pokémon that works best with each character. Warlords can link with a Pokémon to bring out its full potential, and some Pokémon evolve when their link percentage gets high enough. When a warlord’s link level is at a high enough percentage with their most compatible Pokémon, they also have an opportunity to evolve. Link percentages are raised mostly through battles—the more battles a warlord takes place in with his partner Pokémon, the higher the link percentage becomes and the more powerful the duo becomes.

Players can bring up to six characters into battle with them, as well as one Pokémon per character. Players take turns battling it out on a range of different fields, with an isometric view of the battleground. Battle outcomes are determined by which side achieves the victory conditions for the match. A battle might be won when all the opposing side’s Pokémon are knocked out, or by capturing the other side’s flags. During the battles, players can defeat and befriend other warlords, warriors, and Pokémon. After winning battles, players take control of new castles, allowing them to recruit the respective kingdom's warriors and granting them access to new Pokémon.

The game is rumored to last about 20 hours, but there is an additional “Final Scenario Mode” in which players can unlock extra chapters, which can increase the playtime of the game exponentially.

There is also a wireless multiplayer mode in the game, which allows two players to battle each other.

Pokémon Conquest was released on March 17, 2012 in Japan and will be released on June 18, 2012 in North America.

131

TalkBack / Re: Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition Coming to North America as Pokémon Conquest

« on: April 04, 2012, 05:34:20 PM »

You kidding?! I'm WAY too psyched for this.

[Pokémon Champion? Yeah, right. Try Pokémon Warlord!]

132

TalkBack / Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition Coming to North America as Pokémon Conquest

« on: April 04, 2012, 11:06:36 AM »

Pokémon Champion? Yeah, right. Try Pokémon Warlord! 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29719

Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition is headed to North America on June 18 under the name Pokémon Conquest. 

Developed by Tecmo Koei, the DS game takes place in a new land called Ransei where players must team up with with other Warriors and Warlords, who are based on the Nobunaga's Ambition series. In the game, players will be linked to their Pokémon partners and must attempt to defeat other commanders and their Pokémon allies in turn-based combat.

The Nobunaga's Ambition series dates back to the MSX in the early '80s. It first debuted in North America in 1988 on the NES. While there have been numerous entries in the series, it has been rarely brought outside of Japan.

The game came out in Japan in March, and is currently unconfirmed for any other regions.

[I am the Ambassador of AWESOME.]

133

TalkBack / Fave Five... Ambassador Games

« on: March 27, 2012, 11:31:52 AM »

I am the Ambassador of AWESOME. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/29661

Last year Nintendo gave early Nintendo 3DS owners a little treat for buying their consoles early. Being one of those Nintendo fan boys who was rewarded with classic Nintendo games I would now like to share with you my fave five Ambassador games!

5. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$

WarioWare takes the number five spot on my list not only because it’s a great game to play on the toilet, but also because it demonstrates how great a mobile game can be. We could go on about how it could be seen as a reflection of society’s short attention span or… what was I saying? Oh yes, WarioWare. The game is great, simply put. You can pick it up and play it whenever and wherever you are; you can play for 30 seconds or an hour. It’s the perfect pick-up-and-play game. Be proud, Wario (you fat nosed, greedy wacko).

4. Super Mario Bros.

So. Freakin'. Beautiful.

At first I thought I should put this game on the list just because, well, I should. But upon replaying the game I suddenly had the urge to punch past-me in the face for his earlier comment. This game is a classic for a reason. Simple and tight controls, different ways to play, tons of secrets… the list goes on and on. Have you even met anyone who went “Yeah, Super Mario Bros. is just OK, I guess.” No? That’s because they don’t exist. Or I punched them in the face and they can’t talk anymore. 

3. The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of a legendary Hero saving a legendary Princess named Zelda, more like it.

This game that spawned a legend. This was the first step into Hyrule, and it was one helluva step. With its dungeon crawling and endless puzzles, this game can find a place in any gamer’s heart. If Mario is a helping of ice cream, this game’s the cake it goes on top of.

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

We're number two! Be happy!

Let me preface this bit by saying I originally passed over Minish Cap. I didn’t think the game had anything to offer, but boy was I wrong. If not for the Ambassador Program, I wouldn’t have had the chance to play this wonderful game. It’s like most other Zelda games, with dungeons and puzzles galore and a few distinctive features to sweeten the deal. A decent story and pleasing visuals just make the game that much better. If you haven’t played this game, please do. You won’t put it down until you beat it. 

1. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

I don't want to spoil ANYTHING about it... I think...

Now, I may take some heat for this, but I stand by it. This is one of my all-time favorite GBA games. Hell, it’s one of my favorite games period; a solid RPG with an engrossing story and a colorful cast of characters. Granted, most of the characters don’t drive the story, but with the help of Support Conversations, the characters become much more lively, and it becomes that much easier to find a favorite. With tons of classes to choose from and two distinct story lines, there’s more than enough reason to come back for seconds. Even when you finish the campaign there are more battles to fight!

In short, this free-roaming RPG is one awesome game, with a solid battle system, great story, colorful characters, and many reasons to come back. Should I go on? I can, if you want. I freaking love this game.

[Get ready for one hell of a reunion.]

134

TalkBack / Classic Fire Emblem Characters to Appear in Fire Emblem: Awakening

« on: March 19, 2012, 03:29:36 PM »

Get ready for one hell of a reunion. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29548

A new trailer for Fire Emblem: Awakening was released last week, confirming that some classic Fire Emblem characters will make appearances in the newest addition to the RPG series. According to the video, characters such as Innes, Clea, and Marth will be present in the game. Some characters and rare items will also be available via SpotPass.

Nintendo announced at an earlier date that the game would support StreetPass as well as DLC.

Fire Emblem: Awakening will be released April 19, 2012.

[Revenge against what, exactly?]

135

TalkBack / Zuma's Revenge Review

« on: March 08, 2012, 01:40:37 PM »

Revenge against what, exactly? 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/29491

PopCap’s new Zuma game, Zuma’s Revenge, further proves just how powerful an addicting game can be. Zuma is closing in on quite a milestone this year, actually. Unbeknownst to this writer, this fast-paced tile-matching puzzle series has been around for close to 10 years. With unique gameplay and creative power-ups, the it has good reason for lasting so long.

Zuma for everyone!

The objective of the game is fairly simple: clear the board of all the colored balls making their way to the game-over skull. Each level contains a unique and creative map, which the different colored balls make their way through. It is up to the player (in the form of a frog) to launch and create chains of same colored balls, effectively clearing the level when all the balls have disappeared. There are also boss battles and challenge maps in the game. The boss battles are a huge highlight, at least for me. I appreciated how each boss had a unique set of attacks and effects, which forced me to create a new strategy for each encounter.

The gameplay is smooth, easy to pick up on, and never frustrating. Using a stylus (or a finger), players flick the balls across the screen. Players can also move their frog avatar to different positions on some maps via the touch screen.

A frogs, several colors and infinite balls. What more can you ask for?

Zuma’s visuals and sounds are nothing phenomenal, but they don’t necessarily need to be, and with no story or foreseeable goal aside from completing each level, the game’s basic nature works well. I found myself coming back time and time again, just trying to get a better score after completing the game.

Zuma’s Revenge is an exceptional pick-up-and-play game. Fun to play when and wherever, this kind of game is best experienced on a portable game system, and now it is.

136

TalkBack / Re: PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Review

« on: February 27, 2012, 05:03:52 PM »

I only briefly played the first one when a friend loaned it to me. This game is better, in my mind, and just a little bit easier to lose yourself in. Granted, that won't happen too often, but when it does it's well worth it.


Also, PokePork would be delicious. Tepig, anyone?

[Nintendo's newest game has something for every Poke-enthusiast.]

137

TalkBack / PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Review

« on: February 27, 2012, 11:10:28 AM »

Nintendo's newest game has something for every Poke-enthusiast. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/29401

PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond is the follow up to the original PokéPark, but with a complete overhaul on almost everything. The game now has a lengthy single-player mode, significantly less attractions, and an interchangeable team.

See how psyched everyone is? It's like this ALL THE TIME.

The single-player mode is fun. The story is a simple one: there is a dark world full of cakes and dark Pokémon. The world is referred to as Wish Park. Pokémon from Wish Park are abducting Pokémon from the regular world and controlling their minds with evil cakes. It’s up to Pikachu, Oshawott, Snivy and Tepig to save the day and defeat the Master of Wish Park. There are a fair amount of areas to explore, though the story isn’t very captivating. It’s enough to keep some players interested, but nothing to gush over.

We're not in PokéPark anymore, Piplup.

While adventuring in single-player mode, Pikachu and his buddies can befriend Pokémon from all five generations. When you befriend a Pokémon, you are able to continue to interact with them and gain berries, the game’s currency, or unlock other side quests that will allow you to befriend even more Pokémon. Aside from adding your new friends to your list of friends, (which serves a faux Pokédex), the more friends you have the easier it becomes to enter Wish Park. Every Pokémon in the game looks nice and clean, and they even sound cartoony as they each scream their own names while you pass them.

Unless you're, you know, looking at yourself in the water.

There are various ways to befriend Pokémon in the game, including playing a game of Chase (essentially tag), completing a fetch quest, and battling other Pokémon. The battles are the only part of the game that are interesting. You have three distinct moves to use on opponents, with type advantages still in effect. At first the battles are easy (Iron Tail will destroy everything), but as the game progresses the battles increase in numbers and difficulty, but that’s not a bad thing.

Attractions, which are essentially mini-games, are few and far between. This, also, in not a bad thing, as mini-games are fun to do every once in a while, but usually aren’t engaging enough to be the focus of the game. The first mini-game players encounter is a cake-making game. Players use the Wii Remote in a light gun fashion, shooting ingredients in mid-air. These games can be played with up to four players in multiplayer mode. They’re fun, but much like the story, nothing to get excited over.

The game runs fairly smooth, overall. The battles are fun and easy to pick up on. It’s easy to navigate areas, and nothing is really overwhelming. The only thing that appears weird is, well, moving around. The Pokémon you control either walk slower than a Slowpoke or sprint so fast you can’t turn properly. It’s just weird.

Overall, the game looks nice, but there’s nothing truly beautiful about it. The gameplay and story are solid, but nothing really stands out. The battles are actually really fun, and players can get more of them by running through the rest of the story. While looking at the cleaned-up Pokémon is nice, not being able to use them after defeating them just feels weird after playing Pokémon for so long. What else can I say? The game feels like most parks I’ve been to: It’s nice and everything, but I don’t see any reason to come back too often.

[What wonders wait in the PokéPark?]

138

TalkBack / PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Preview

« on: February 20, 2012, 11:43:06 AM »

What wonders wait in the PokéPark?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/29241

As the sequel to the original PokéPark game, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond keeps most of the same mechanics and spirit of its predecessor. In the game, you control Pikachu (as players did in PokéPark) and travel around exploring new areas, trying out new Attractions and, of course, battling other Pokémon.

Unlike the last game, however, which featured Pikachu only, players now have the option to control Tepig, Snivy, and Oshawott, and swap from one to another at any time. Each of these new Unova starters has its own set of helpful abilities: Oshawott is the only one that can swim, Tepig can break down boulders, and Snivy can jump over tall obstacles.

Players can also befriend and accrue backup Pokémon (spanning all generations) for use in battles by completing Skill Games. Chase (where players must capture or tag the other participating Pokémon) and Battle return as Skill Games for PokéPark 2. Additionally, players can participate in a 10-round Battle Tournament.

While players can explore the initial PokéPark, they also have access to a new area called Wish Park, a magical place full of cakes and candy that also contains some strangely acting Pokémon. In this area, Pikachu and pals must find out what’s going on. Other known locations include Cove Area, Flora Area, Crag Area, and Scrap Area.

Players are able to battle other Pokémon in real time in order to befriend them. PokéPark 2 also focuses more on battling and exploration than the Attractions. This time around, there are only four of these mini-games (down from 14 in the previous game). In Dance Inferno, players manipulate the Wii remote to match the motion and measure of icons scrolling across the bottom of the screen. In Power Bash, the goal is to knock out as many Pokémon as possible while avoiding bombs. In Sweets Factory, players use the Wii remote to target and shoot a variety of confections moving past on a conveyor belt. In Wonder Flight, players tilt the Wii remote to move themselves as they collect gems in the sky. Though players are free to experience these Attractions alone in single-player mode, up to four players can now participate in them to compete for the highest score.

[Back stories galore!]

139

TalkBack / Extra Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition Episodes to Be Released

« on: February 17, 2012, 03:55:15 PM »

Back stories galore! 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29294

Extra episodes for Pokémon + Nobunaga’s Ambition will be released through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game will be released in Japan March 17, as will the first episode, which will reveal how Chosokabe Motochika and Mori Motonari, two of the main characters, became friends.

An episode about the Wandering Kabuki Kenji, a character who players will encounter halfway through the game, will be released March 23. There will be an additional extra scene after players complete the game and view the first ending, which will be available April 13.

Nintendo also explained the military commanders’ relationships to their Pokémon counterparts. Commanders can be paired with different Pokémon, but there is an optimal choice for each character. Players can find the “best link” by checking the “link percentage” between the character and their Pokémon. A 100% match is the best players can get.

[NWR talks about why they love the Pokemon franchise.]

140

TalkBack / Why do you play Pokemon? 

« on: February 06, 2012, 11:49:20 AM »

NWR talks about why they love the Pokemon franchise. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/29186

Why do you play Pokémon? I have given my answer and now some of the staff on NWR wants to give theirs! Is it all about becoming the best? Is it about catching them all? What makes Pokémon that great game that keeps us coming back for more? Why do YOU play Pokémon?

Carmine Red - Well, duh, the POKéMON! The character design for these guys has always been great: emotive, safe, adventurous, cute, kitschy, yet universal. My best times have been when I really latch onto one of the guys and they become "my" Pokémon, not just some stats and graphics on the screen. I think a lot of Pokémon competitors don't achieve that same emotional response with their characters.

Andrew Brown - I love the exploration. I'm the curious type of person who in real life will randomly choose new roads to walk down just to see what's there, and in Pokémon this sense of curiosity is rewarded. There's always an item tucked away at a dead end or around a corner, or a new trainer waiting to ambush people down the seemingly quiet nature path, or most exciting, the potential of a new Pokémon you haven't seen before hiding in the grass.

James Dawson - I keep coming back to Pokémon because of the connection that I’m able to forge with my team. Sure, they’re nothing more than data on a cartridge, but there is something about spending hours upon hours on a journey with them that causes me to become attached. Of course, because I’m reluctant to retire some of my weaker Pokémon, I’ve never really been able to play the game competitively, but that’s a consequence I’m willing to endure if it means that my overall experience with the series is more memorable because of it.

Pedro Hernandez - I play Pokémon for the sense of adventure and discovery. These worlds are so simple, yet so captivating; it is easy to spend hours exploring it all. There is a reason why people have come up with theories, horror stories, parodies, essays, and more on this world. You have a world ruled by these supernatural creatures that are directly linked to the delicate fabric of time and space, a world where you can capture these creatures and use them for good and evil. With instances like “Gary's Raticate” where you begin to wonder whether all of this is worth it. You have the Lavender Town stories where even though it deals with cute little creatures, it talks about the delicate balance of life and death. Then there are the Unown—creepy creatures that are once again linked to the spiritual existence of this world.

Alex Culafi - If I had to say, I think the reason I play Pokémon is for the sense of escape that the game offers. Pokémon put me in the shoes of a kid with a hat who was my age. Hell, that kid was me. In real life, I am (was) a ten year old who goes to school, watches cartoons, and has a fascination with dinosaurs and UFOs. In Pokémon, I can be an explorer, a warrior, a monster tamer, a world champion, AND a ten year old. Being such a great game, real life even found a way to bleed in now and again. My real life friends were part of similar adventures, and duels of strength and wits frequently took place over link cable to see who was superior for that lunch period. And having an older brother who was prone to teasing the younger one, sibling rivalry caused him to become my in-game rival on at least three occasions, causing him to always be one step ahead until I finally showed him up during the championship battle.

(Josh again) I think that's what makes Pokémon such a great series; it's the fact that it has so many appealing attributes to it. Oh, and if you're wondering about that picture up top, it's because today's a special day. Happy birthday, Mewtwo!

[Why do you strive to be very best?]

141

TalkBack / Why Do I Play Pokémon?  

« on: February 01, 2012, 11:36:44 AM »

Why do you strive to be very best?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/29158

I recently found my SoulSilver version and decided it was time for me to set out on yet another adventure to become the best trainer. As I booted up the game, erased what data was on there (shedding a tear for some of my old friends) my roommate asked me something.

“Why do you even play Pokémon? I don’t see the appeal of it.”

I stopped for a moment. I didn’t quite know how to answer that. 

“It’s not about the story,” my friend answered, “it’s about something else. It’s about the world.”

“No, no. The stories are pretty good.” I added. “But... everyone sets out on their journeys for different reasons.”

I then realized that there are scores of reasons to pick up Pokémon. Some people strive to breed the perfect Nidoking and spend hours upon hours hatching eggs until they get one with the perfect nature. Then they must make sure it has the maximum amount of EV points and has the perfect move set, making it the closest thing to the “perfect” Nidoking.

Others will, in fact, play for the story. “What’s Team Plasma up to? Am I the bad guy?”  “Did I actually kill Gary’s Raticate?” “I will stop them from destroying the world!” The stories have gotten progressively better and more engrossing as the years have gone by. Each game’s story is better than the last (arguably) with bad guys wanting more and more from the Pokemon of legends. Some people set out to defeat the bad guys and are content with their partners once the story has ended.

Then there are people like me. When faced with this question I had to give myself a minute to think about. “Why was I playing SoulSilver again? Why this game?” And it came to me. There are people out there, like me, who just strive to be the best trainer they can be. Team Rockets will come and go, but champions are forever chronicled in time. Granted, everyone eventually faces the Elite Four and the Champion and will face great challenges along the way. But that’s not what I aim for. I aim to defeat Red, the strongest trainer of all time. Some people say Cynthia could give him a run for his money, but I disagree. He was THE Champion, the most powerful trainer in the world, and he will wait atop Mt. Silver for the next worthy opponent. I play this game to be that opponent. Some people strive to be the best, like no one ever was. And is that so bad?

The desire to grow stronger with your partners to reach your goals, that’s why you play Pokémon. It’s something that can resonate within each of us and that’s why these games are so great. If you don’t believe me, start up an old game of Pokémon and see what happens.

[The Blue Bomber has been around for a quarter century, but will he stick around for much longer?]

142

TalkBack / Capcom's 'Top Men' Are Currently Discussing Mega Man's Future

« on: January 25, 2012, 10:31:17 AM »

The Blue Bomber has been around for a quarter century, but will he stick around for much longer?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29071

Mega Man isn't dead yet, despite multiple games being cancelled last year, according to Senior Vice President Christian Svennson in the latest Ask Capcom video centered around Mega Man's 25th anniversary.

Svennson said about the Blue Bomber: "I hesitate to say exactly what [is next for Mega Man], because I don't want people reading more into it than is there, let's just say there are top men thinking about and actively discussing where we're going to take the brand for the next ten years and how we're going to do it."

Mega Man first debuted on the NES in December 1987 in Japan and North America. The last Mega Man release in North America was Mega Man Zero Collection for DS in mid 2010. Since then, two new Mega Man games were announced (Mega Man Universe and Mega Man Legends 3), but both were cancelled in 2011.

[The new crossover will be coming to Japan in two months.]

143

TalkBack / Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition Release Date Revealed

« on: January 12, 2012, 09:47:43 PM »

The new crossover will be coming to Japan in two months. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28940

Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition game will arrive on March 17, 2012. The announcement came from the latest issue of Jump. New details on the game have been revealed along with the release date.

The game is a crossover between the Pokémon series and Nobunaga’s Ambition series, turn-based strategy games set in historical Japan. In the game, players will be able to choose either a male or female protagonist and (regardless of their gender) will start off with an Eevee as a partner. They must then travel across the 17 kingdoms defeating the generals and their partner Pokémon, in their path in an attempt to unite the country. 

The battles will feature six-on-six matches where generals will be able to use their "busho powers" to assist them. Players will be able to recruit wild Pokémon as well as generals before each battle in order to build up their armies.

Additionally, Amazon has released the box art of the game, revealing that the game will have Wi-Fi features.

There have been no announcements on whether or not the game will come to America.

144

TalkBack / Re: GBA Ambassador Games Coming Out This Week in Japan and Europe

« on: December 14, 2011, 10:35:03 AM »

I can't tell you how excited I am to play Fire Emblem again. I'll play Sacred Stones 100 times over. I love that game.

145

TalkBack / Re: Sonic Generations Review

« on: December 13, 2011, 04:06:24 PM »

Hey all, first off I wanna say that I actually really enjoyed Sonic Colors. It was a really well done game. I do, however, stand by my opinion that Sonic and the Black Knight along with Secret Rings, weren't done well. But I'm not here to bash Sonic. I was a huge fan for as long as I can remember and I'm happy to see him in another great game.


There isn't a Chemical Plant level in the 3DS game, I'm sorry SilverQuilava. . .


There are 11 levels with 7 of them being traditional race to the finish levels split up between the two Sonics, giving a grand total of 14 "traditional" levels.


And there are no gyro controls, sorry Ceric. . .

[Is this the game that Sonic fans have been waiting for or just another "Black Knight"?]

146

TalkBack / Sonic Generations Review

« on: December 13, 2011, 11:30:42 AM »

Is this the game that Sonic fans have been waiting for or just another "Black Knight"?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28649

Sonic has seen some ups and downs in his life. Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as well as Sonic and Knuckles, experienced a lot of success and are beloved by most who play them. Recently, Sonic has hit a bit of a slump with games like Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and The Black Knight. Fans have been calling for a game that reminds them of the games of yore and believe it or not, Sega listened.

Look at me! I'm gorgeous!

The story is a simple one: Short and stubby Sonic and modern long-legged Sonic get taken from their respective times into a mysterious white void by a mysterious enemy. The story is told through dialogue, simple animations and little voice acting (which is a good thing). Once these two meet, the game begins at the classic Emerald Hill Zone. The game has several classic stages, like Mushroom Hill, as well as more modern stages like Radical Highway. Each level has one Classic Sonic stage and one Modern Sonic stage. Classic Sonic’s stages are entirely 2D and play just like the original Sonic games, while Modern Sonic’s have a slightly 3D feel to them and capture the feeling of classic Sonic games. There are multiple ways to finish every level, with secret routes littering each stage.

The game isn’t just a race to the finish, though. There are also bonus stages and boss gates. Each of the levels comes with a bonus stage where players can obtain Chaos Emeralds. The levels are reminiscent of Sonic Heroes and require players to chase after a Chaos Emerald down a long tube. Boss Gates are another part of the game that offer more fun than I initially expected. The boss stages are split between a race with an old enemy (like Metal Sonic) and a Robotnik-esque battle where players have a limited number of rings.

There are also 100 missions available via Play Coins, Street Pass and through the game. These missions vary between racing against the clock, completing stages without losing lives, destroying a certain number of a certain enemy, and collecting rings,, among other missions. After completing these missions players are rewarded with a piece of art, a model, or a music track. If the mission is too difficult players can also pay five Play Coins for an instant completion.

The controls throughout the game are pretty basic, but in the best way. Players can use either the D-Pad or the Circle Pad to navigate their way through each stage, along with the “A button to jump” and “B button to roll” dynamic that has been with Sonic for as long as he’s been on a console. With these controls, it’s easy to pick up and play the Blue Blur’s latest game.

Everybody's Super Sonic racing.

Personally, I thought the game was a lot of fun. It’s a little on the short side, but the game has such a great replay value that I really didn’t mind. There are just some stages that are worth playing over and over again. The music is a wonderful mix of classic sounds and revamped songs from recent games. There’s also a new mix of “Super Sonic Racing” that I can’t stop listening to, but that’s just me. The game gave me everything that I wanted. Granted, it’s no Sonic 2, but it’s still pretty damn fun.

[Dexter vs. Johnny Bravo, The Grim Reaper vs. Captain Planet, Blossom vs. Ben 10! Need I say more?]

147

TalkBack / Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL Review

« on: December 09, 2011, 09:12:45 PM »

Dexter vs. Johnny Bravo, The Grim Reaper vs. Captain Planet, Blossom vs. Ben 10! Need I say more?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28644

The second incarnation of Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion has landed on the Wii and hits just as hard as its title does. As a spiritual brother to Super Smash Bros., Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL comes with a huge array of characters from Cartoon Network from newer shows like Chowder and Flapjack, all the way back to Captain Planet. Each character—down to the individual Powerpuff girls—has their own fighting style, complete with finishing moves and support attacks.

Ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Bravo has arrived.

One of the great things added to the game is synergy attacks. There are opportunities during fights for players to summon support characters to lend a hand. For instance, Johnny Bravo and Dracula from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy have a dance party, while Aku will team up with Val Hallen to rock everyone’s world.

There is a huge amount of bonuses in the game as well. It introduces a store where players can spend points obtained after each fight on things like costumes, video clips, stages, and characters. The costumes are usually a completely different set of clothes from what the character usually wears. The clips are famous scenes from each of the shows, and the characters are fan favorites such as The Scotsman and Aku from Samurai Jack and Has Delgado from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. The amount of unlockables is really astounding, and can keep players coming back for more.

The multiplayer is as awesome as it is confusing. It’s easy to pick up and play. Players can choose their favorite Cartoon Network stars and start playing fairly easily. The only downside is sometimes it’s hard to distinguish characters from each other when they clump up or when the stage is deceivingly small. There is a general sense of chaos, which can be a good thing in a good ol’ fashioned fighting game. Players should just be wary of how large a stage actually is before fighting on them.

The heroes have arrived and ready for battle..

One of the only things that could be seen as annoying is the voices. For anyone who grew up with the TV shows represented, some of the original voice actors didn’t reprise their roles and have been replaced by other voice actors, giving the characters an odd sound when they shout out their catchphrases. The controls can also be a little hard to get a hold of without a GameCube controller. Luckily, the game supports the Classic controller as well as the GameCube controller, so players have a choice when it comes to how they want to play.

When a fighting game gives you this many choices and unlockables, it’s hard to turn away. The story may be a little bland, but it’s easy to overlook when you see Dexter kick the snot out of Aku or Vilgax.

148

TalkBack / Re: Fortune Street Impressions

« on: November 26, 2011, 10:15:36 AM »

There is a space on the board that, when landed on, activates a small mini-game like a player throwing darts to dole out money.
The dice is rolled just by shaking the Wii-mote. No dice clattering from what I could hear, unfortunately.


I'm not sure if there is online play, the demo I played was limited. . .

[It's like Monopoly, but with Bowser, Slimes and mushrooms!]

149

TalkBack / Fortune Street Impressions

« on: November 25, 2011, 10:54:53 AM »

It's like Monopoly, but with Bowser, Slimes and mushrooms! 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/28479

Recently, I had the pleasure of playing a round of Nintendo’s new project, Fortune Street. This board-based video game is a hybrid of Mario Party, Monopoly and Dragon Quest. In the game, you take control of one character either from the Mario franchise or the Dragon Quest franchise. After four players have chosen their characters the game begins. 

Each player gets a turn to roll the dice and venture around the board. If a player lands on a property, he can either buy it if it’s available, or if it’s taken he can buy it from the owner for three times what he paid for it, or just pay the amount it costs to land on it. Players can multiply the amount of a property by buying up properties next to each other. The longer the chain is, the more money your property is worth.

Unfortunately, even a “quick” game takes about half an hour. The game is fun, but the novelty can lose its charm quickly unless you have other players who are as enthusiastic about it as you. 

Graphically, it looks beautiful and the sound (from what I could hear) was very lighthearted and suited the game well. And if that weren’t enough, when the other players in the game are AI-controlled, they have little quips and catch phrases they say to you at the beginning of their turn. Nothing beats watching Mario cower in fear from a Slime.

[It's a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a puzzle box.]

150

TalkBack / James Noir's Hollywood Crimes Review

« on: November 21, 2011, 02:51:20 PM »

It's a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a puzzle box. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28489

Holy puzzling puzzlers, Ubisoft! It’s truly the caper of the decade in James Noir's Hollywood Crimes for the 3DS. With more twists than you can shake a stick at, this game brings puzzles to a whole new level.

The game takes place in 1960s Hollywood and focuses on a popular TV show about incredible puzzle masters. On the show, contestants must complete a set amount of puzzles to proceed to the new rounds. After becoming a contestant, your former-roommate-turned-FBI-agent brings a few cases to your attention. They have been murders of the former winners of the show. What he doesn't tell you is that he suspects you of said crimes, but you’re not the only one. It is on the show that the suspects are gathered. The suspects are comprised of the show’s host, whose popularity is waning; the ice-cold producer; the beautiful co-host who’s had enough; your ever-present opponent; and the most suspicious character—yourself. That may sound a little cheesy, but the game does a good job of making you suspect everyone, including yourself.

Look at how serious he is. He was obviously the nerdy roommate.

Through its puzzles and story, the game can become fairly addicting. The story has a very brisk pace, letting you find clues hidden in the murders and then sending you back to the game show. You have enough interactions with each of the characters to warrant suspicion and the further you progress into the story, the more suspicion arises. The puzzles vary from simple to extremely difficult, but most of the time the player can choose which puzzles to take on and to pass on. Granted, some puzzles can wear you out and some are a little repetitive, but it never gets too bad.

The game’s visuals are both delightful and strange. The game wonderfully captures the feeling of the '60s as well as any form of media can. Outside of the puzzles, the 3D is used well and the sets and backgrounds are a treat to look at. Unfortunately, the only characters you interact with look a bit...odd. The characters are actual people, but when they talk, the game uses the same eight seconds the actors were filmed for over and over again. The voices used for the characters are great and really bring them to life, but they just look so weird in action.

Overall, the game is good, though not great. The puzzles are interesting and the story is intriguing. The visuals are solid and the audio’s OK. If you're into fun puzzle games with gripping mysteries, James Noir might be one to look into getting.