Messages

[Spike and Chunsoft will merge to make. . . Spike Chunsoft.]

151

TalkBack / Spike and Chunsoft to Merge

« on: November 15, 2011, 10:12:52 PM »

Spike and Chunsoft will merge to make. . . Spike Chunsoft.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28440

Spike and Chunsoft will be merging into a new company on April 1, 2012. The new company will be called Spike Chunsoft.

Both Spike and Chunsoft are subsidiaries of DWANGO, the Dial-up Wide-Area Network Game Operation. Chunsoft has been one of the developers of the Dragon Quest series in the past and has recently found some success in digital novel and adventure games. Chunsoft have been involved with the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon franchise in the past.

[With Nintendo's eShop being around since June, it's good to see an original game come to its shelves.]

152

TalkBack / Freakyforms Hits the 3DS Store Next Week

« on: November 03, 2011, 11:07:18 AM »

With Nintendo's eShop being around since June, it's good to see an original game come to its shelves. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28319

Freakyforms will be released on November 10 on Nintendo 3DS eShop. It will be Nintendo's first original game for the 3DS Shop since its release in June.

In this new game, originally called Picture Lives!, game players are given the opportunity to create creatures that are able to explore their environments. These creatures can also eat, open treasure chests, and lay eggs among other things. Once players unlock the ability they can even redesign parts of the world their creations inhabit.

Freakyforms is already out in Japan. It's due out in Europe around the same time.

[Phoenix Wright is hitting the big screen and now you can a quick preview of it.]

153

TalkBack / Ace Attorney Movie Footage Released

« on: November 01, 2011, 09:10:49 PM »

Phoenix Wright is hitting the big screen and now you can a quick preview of it. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28299

The first footage from the upcoming Ace Attorney movie has been revealed for all to see. The video is ripped from a morning variety program, so naturally there is excited talking over the majority of the clip. It's nonetheless worth a look for fans of the series.

An official trailer is scheduled to be released on November 5. 

[It's your choice, if you even care.]

154

TalkBack / X-Men Destiny Review

« on: October 31, 2011, 02:12:40 PM »

It's your choice, if you even care. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28283

Will you join the X-Men or The Brotherhood? Will you bring peace or terror? Will you even get that far in the game before not caring? All of the answers and more in this next episode of “Nintendo World Report Reviews. . .”

X-Men Destiny is the new adventure game from Marvel and Activision. In it, you play the assistant of a mutant rights activist whose powers are awakened during an attack on a rally you are holding. From the get go there are choices to be made. Will you be a close range or long range fighter? What kind of charge attack will you have? As you travel around the city you can meet up with mutants and heroes from both sides of the war and take on missions to collect suits and power ups. As the game progresses, so do your powers. And with each mission you take on, you have another choice to make about your alliances and powers. 

The game tries to please most fans of X-Men by simply placing various famous team members around the maps. They don’t really do much with the various characters aside from letting you take missions from them. These missions don’t really impact the game aside from giving you pieces of costumes that you can don later in the game. 

The action in the game is fairly smooth. The gameplay is solid, but nothing noteworthy. The fighting and searching around maps can quickly become repetitive and the same goes for the fighting. It takes a little while for you to acquire some fun powers, but once you do, the game starts to pick up a little. It’s still pretty much a game of saving lives or destroying enemies, with little variation between the two.

This DS game is pretty good, but doesn’t really hit as hard as it could have. With average graphics and music accompanied with the average gameplay, nothing about the game really stands out... except for Wolverine. He’s a cool guy. 

[Nintendo World Report's Impression Good Time Page Bonanza]

155

TalkBack / Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL Impressions

« on: October 18, 2011, 12:35:05 AM »

Nintendo World Report's Impression Good Time Page Bonanza

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/28109

At New York Comic Con, I had the pleasure to pick up and play the new Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL. For those unfamiliar with the game, it is a fighting game akin to Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series with a wide array of characters from Cartoon Network's original shows. The original 3DS version came out a few months ago to solid reviews, and the console version is looking bigger and better in every way possible.

Granted, the version I played was the Xbox 360 version, but the content will be the same across all systems. The developers listened to what fans wanted out of the 3DS version, and the fans got it. Of course, I’m talking about Johnny Bravo, one of the heavily requested characters. A few more characters have also been added this time around. Some of these include Hoss Delgaddo (from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy), Kevin (from Ben 10), Aku (from Samurai Jack) and Him (from Powerpuff Girls). Not only does the game offer new characters, but new gameplay modes as well. With an added arcade mode and Super Support Characters, the game offers more fights for more characters. Super Support Characters are characters that appear to help you out in a fight, usually from different shows. For instance, when playing as Johnny Bravo I summoned Dracula (from Billy and Mandy) to help out. A disco ball dropped down and we threw a dance party. Needless to say, I emerged victorious. 

Punch Time Explosion XL offers more in terms of extras as well. After each fight, players can accumulate points which can be spent in a plethora of ways. Players can buy bios of the fighters, famous clips from the shows featured in the game, and alternate costumes for the characters. Some of the confirmed alternate costumes include Him's exercise outfit and Zombie Hoss.

Overall, the game looks like a great improvement over its 3DS predecessor. They listened to what fans and reviewers had to say about it, and are making something great. Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL is set to be released later this Fall. 

[NWR finds out all about the next entry in the Resident Evil series.]

156

TalkBack / Resident Evil: Revelations Interview with Ryan McDougal 

« on: October 17, 2011, 09:30:58 PM »

NWR finds out all about the next entry in the Resident Evil series.  

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/28103

Capcom's second 3DS Resident Evil title is nearing completion and will be released in February next year. At New York Comic Con, NWR spoke with Capcom's Ryan McDougal about the upcoming horror title's story and it's use of the Circle Pad.

[I'm the Hero of the Ten Minute Time Limit.]

157

TalkBack / My Ten Minute Reign Over Comic Con

« on: October 17, 2011, 09:44:25 AM »

I'm the Hero of the Ten Minute Time Limit.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/28093

As some of you know, New York Comic Con just took place this weekend. Being the fanboy I am, I’ve made it a point to go for the past four years, this year not being the exception. I was lucky enough to get in on Thursday this year, and I knew what had to do; had to get my hands on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. 

As I arrived, I made my way through the crowds and throngs of people who smelled like 2 week old laundry, and eventually arrived to the glorious banner that served as my beacon, a beacon of hope, if you will. It hung from the ceiling in a magnificent fashion as if to say, “Come to me, Josh. I’ve been waiting.” Pushing past Hatsune Miku and The Green Man cosplayers, I kept my head up and took powerful steps, feeling almost pulled in to the biggest screen there. 

When I finally made it to the big screen, there was a couple finishing up their run of the  level. The man could not, for the life of him, learn how to kill a spider. His girlfriend was ever cheerful and encouraged him every step of the way. “Pfftmamateur,” I thought, “I will show him and all these peasants what a true Zelda fan can do.” Eventually his time ran out--- Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that each player had a window of 10 minutes to clear their stage. The couple’s time ran out, and they walked away slightly pissed off at their inability to finish the stage. Then it was my turn.

“Do you want a walkthrough of the controls?”, the man running the demo said. “I’ll be fine,” I replied. I tightened the wrist strap, chose “Boss Battle” and was anticipating a cake walk. How wrong I was. After a fairly impressive cut scene the battle begun. I was swinging my Wiimote like I thought Link would swing his sword. Silly, I know, but effective. I landed a few hits on the boss easily and was laughing to myself, “Pathetic worm! You have crossed the great Josh Max, PREPARE YOURSELF!” A line had started forming behind me with little whispers flying around. I ignored it as I watched my opponent draw his sword. “Bring it on.”

Not more than two minutes after this, I was getting my ass kicked. Both of my shields had been broken, and I had no idea how many hits the boss had taken. I knew his moves, I knew his range, and yet I was getting kicked around like a sick puppy. One of the men behind me asked “Hey dude, you need some help?” Without missing a beat, I said, “I got this.” I had drunken 7 of the 8 health potions I was given. I had only one faerie on me. The crowd was growing restless, anticipating my imminent death. With all of one minute left of my demo I started going berserk, attacking with everything I had. 

Then I saw it, the opening I was waiting for. I started swinging my Wiimote around like a madman, screaming with the vigor of a viking as I slashed up the boss as fast as my arms would let me. Then it happened. He fell. I threw my arms up into the air, and the crowd of people behind me cheered. Many "Good jobs" and "Alright, dudes" were exchanged. I turned to my followers and clenched my fists as hard as I could. I had done it. I had won. The man running the demo looked at me and said, "Do you want to watch the ending cut scene?" I turned to him and said, "I have defeated him. I care not for his words." And with that I got my free T-shirt and left. 

[Nintendo is hitting New York Comic Con in a big way.]

158

TalkBack / Nintendo at New York Comic Con

« on: October 07, 2011, 03:39:51 PM »

Nintendo is hitting New York Comic Con in a big way.  

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28019

New York Comic Con will be housing some great Nintendo features and upcoming games. Playable games that have been announced include Super Mario Land 3D, Mario Kart 7, Pokémon Rumble Blast, Shinobi, Sonic Generations, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, and Professor Layton and the Last Specter. Nintendo’s booth will be on the show floor (#1538) and will have all of their playable demos there.

On Friday Nintendo, Level-5 and VIZ Media will premiere the Professor Layton movie, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. Playable demos of the new Professor Layton and the Last Specter will be available at the event as well as trivia contests.

On Saturday Nintendo will be holding the Pokémon Gaming Lounge. At the Pokémon Gaming Lounge guests can play the new Pokémon Rumble Blast and interact with giant AR markers among other events taking place throughout the day.

New York Comic Con begins October 13 and runs through October 16 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.

[Peter! You gotta come back with me! Back to the future!]

159

TalkBack / Spider-Man: Edge of Time Preview

« on: October 03, 2011, 10:54:51 PM »

Peter! You gotta come back with me! Back to the future!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/27996

I’m a huge fan of Spider-Man, and try to give each of his games at least one try. Recently, these games have not disappointed. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions had its flaws, but was a fun game overall. This October, Spider-Man is returning to Wii in an all-new adventure. 

Brought to us by Beenox, Spider-Man: Edge of Time lets players play as both the Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099 characters in an effort to help correct a timestream that goes out of whack when Peter Parker dies before his time. 

This new Spider-Man game sets itself apart from the rest with a new “evolving timeline” mechanic. Players are able to see the causes and effects of actions taken in the game. Some changes appear immediately, while other reactions take place over time. 

In addition to the Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099 suits, there is a pleathera of other suits featured in the game. Each gives the player a status boost, including a Prodigy suit that helps players regenerate health over time, and a Dusk suit that gives players a shield regeneration ability. 

Spider-Man: Edge of Time hits stores October 4, 2011. 

160

TalkBack / Re: TGS 2011 Booth Babes and Cosplayers 

« on: September 18, 2011, 02:45:41 PM »

I am such a huge fan of this page.

[It's an all-new Mewtwo for an all new generation.]

161

TalkBack / A New Mewtwo for Black and White

« on: September 15, 2011, 04:06:48 PM »

It's an all-new Mewtwo for an all new generation. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27846

Mewtwo will be available for download via Wi-Fi download in Japan for all Pokémon Black and White trainers from September 26 through October 31.

Mewtwo's release will coincide with the TV Tokyo series "Pokémon Smash!" Not much information is available about the new version of Mewtwo except that it will have the "Pressure" ability.

Pokémon Black and White were released on September 18, 2010 in Japan and March 6, 2011 in North America.

[Work on the farm is never done.]

162

TalkBack / Harvest Moon: Tale of Two Towns Preview

« on: September 12, 2011, 11:50:05 PM »

Work on the farm is never done.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/27758

With the fall season upon us, Natsume is releasing Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns for the DS and 3DS in the coming week. 

The core essence and feeling of the Harvest Moon franchise remains intact. Players must balance their farming with their social life, but the new game features non-linear gameplay. The two villages that players can focus on for farming are the Eastern-style Konohana, which has a focus on planting crops, and the more European-centric Bluebell, which has a focus on animal farming. Players are able to start with either a male or female character, as well as run two farms simultaneously once they find themselves further into the game. 

Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns is about a pair of villages feuding over who has the best cooks. There are numerous and varied people to meet in the two towns. The game features a lot of pets, possibly more than the last few games. These pets have a number of breeds available, and each one can be trained to help out on the farm. For instance, dogs can help herd animals while cats look after poultry “in a good way”. The new animal that is being added to this game is the alpaca. It serves the same purpose horses did in the previous games, but Alpaca fur can also be harvested and be used to craft items in game. 

Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns will be available September 20, 2011. 

163

TalkBack / Re: Star Fox Characters: My Pilots, My Friends

« on: September 05, 2011, 11:15:17 PM »

Challenge accepted.

[Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Deal With Slippy.]

164

TalkBack / Star Fox Characters: My Pilots, My Friends

« on: September 05, 2011, 06:43:42 PM »

Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Deal With Slippy.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27703

Star Fox has been one of the most quotable adventures in video game history, "Get this guy off me!" and "Do a barrel roll!" are just two of the many lines that have been repeated countless times. These characters, these other Arwing pilots have been with Fox through and through and are some of the most memorable support characters any gamer has met. With the constant stream of advice or funny lines, the crew is always there for you and For McCloud. Unless they're. . . you know. . . green. 

The oldest and possibly wisest member of the Star Fox crew is Peppy Hare. Having served with Fox’s father, he’s been around the system once or twice. Peppy was even able to escape Andross in order to inform Fox of his father’s fate. He’s the bunny who will always chime in with a piece of useful advice like “Hold A to charge your laser!” or “Use the boost!” Even when he gets in trouble, he can usually get out of it himself. Unless Pigma’s on his tail, then he’s as helpless as a baby. 

You can see the wisdom in his eyes!

Every team needs a wisecracker and that’s where Falco comes in. This jerk of a teammate is easily the best pilot out of your crew. Unfortunately that comes with an attitude and ego the size of Corneria. Even when he needs help, he’ll never ask for it, and when he gets it he insults you. “Oh, I’ve been saved by Fox. How swell!” Maybe he’s racist against foxes? Or maybe he just hates everyone. 

He'll always have your back, even though you're a jerk. 

Last, and probably for good reason, there’s Slippy Toad. That Arwing engineer who sucks at flying. With a high pitched and slightly androgynous voice there’s no way anyone can ignore his pleas for help, no matter how hard they try. Throughout each level he never fails to get himself into a hopeless situation. He’s just lucky you fly past him every so often to save his green butt. Granted, he helps out the team by building new ships and subs, but his constant cries for help will wear out even the most veteran of pilots. Seriously Slippy, learn how to fly an Arwing. You built them, you dumb-ass. 

"HEY GUYS! ARE YOU HAVING A PARTY? I SAW THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK. GUESS YOU FORGOT TO INVITE ME."

With distinct personalities and voices to accompany them, the  Star Fox team will never be forgotten and will be quoted for years to come. Unfortunately every time I read “Fox! Get this guy off me!” I hear that shrill voice echoing in my head. 

I know all of you have been waiting for it, so here it is. . . 

I will, Peppy. I will. 

[This mediocre game finishes off the blockbuster games of the summer.]

165

TalkBack / Captain America: Super Soldier Review

« on: September 01, 2011, 04:30:01 PM »

This mediocre game finishes off the blockbuster games of the summer. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/27660

With the onslaught of movie-based games that came out this summer, Captain America came out a little too late and made too little of a splash to really get noticed. With decent graphics and voice acting accompanied with fairly smooth gameplay, the game only comes off as mediocre. There aren't many aspects of the game that really jump out.

In the game, players take control of the titular character of Captain America, America’s poster boy and super soldier of World War II. It’s up to him to rally the troops while fighting members of HYDRA and attempting to bring down the Red Skull. Unfortunately Cap kinda of feels like a robot while he does all of this. The so-called super soldier runs and jumps in straight lines with stiff joints. He immediately stops before running over or dropping down a ledge, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to get the jump on some HYDRA agents.

The one part of the game that is pretty good is the action. When you’re surrounded by 15 HYDRA agents you can go wild with Cap and execute some of the coolest combos around. The downside is that all combos can be executed by just pressing the attack button over and over again. There’s no way to choose which attacks you dish out, the game decides for you. It’s nice to see red, white, and blue stars explode out of Captain America’s fist at the end of a fight, but it feels less rewarding when I didn’t choose for it to happen. Another aspect of the game that’s kind of fun is when players can throw Cap’s shield at enemies. At first it’s fun and helpful, but as the game progress it becomes painfully obvious how broken the mechanic is, and when you have no choice but to throw your shield across the field to blow up a bomb it can be a little frustrating when it hits two feet to the left. 

 Come on! He's right there!

Having Chris Evans voice Captain America in the game is a treat, when you can hear him. For some reason, you can hear most grunt soldiers loud and clear but whenever Captain America or any other movie figure talks, bombs drop or gunfire covers them up, making them barely audible. The music is repetitive and not very inspired to boot. The graphics accompany the audio perfectly: they’re not great, but not terrible. You can make out Cap’s costume and figure out who’s on your side pretty easily, but there’s not really a lot of attention to detail. 

Bright colors don't make up for those oddly giant shoulders.

Overall, the game's all right. Nothing makes it stand out against Thor or Green Lantern or Transformers or any other of the hundred movie games that came out this year. The game's not bad, it's just not very good. 

[Bring the rain.]

166

TalkBack / Operation Rainfall Enters Phase Two

« on: August 12, 2011, 10:31:53 AM »

Bring the rain. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27436

Operation Rainfall, a coalition of gamers trying to bring The Last Story, Xenoblade Chronicles and Pandora’s Tower to north American shores, is currently trying to start Phase Two to get Nintendo’s attention, as well as sending Satoru Iwata an open letter.

Phase Two of Operation Rainfall revolves around Xenoblade Chronicles and its release in Europe. Everyone is encouraged to pre-order and buy the game the minute it comes out in Europe while North Americans help in their own way.

In the press release it is stated: “. . .as part of Phase Two we want to encourage everyone to make a single Virtual Console purchase on your Wii system. We specifically ask that as many as possible download “Final Fantasy (NES)” on the date of August 19, 2011 (to coincide with the Xenoblade Chronicles’ European launch date). Final Fantasy costs 500 Nintendo points and is published by Nintendo.”

Operation Rainfall hopes that this will further show Nintendo how far their fans will go. If gamers want to help elsewhere, they can send a letter to the Nintendo of America offices between August 13 and 17 asking for the games to comes to North America. Hopefully, all the letters will arrive on August 19. 

In the open letter to Iwata Operation Rainfall first praises the President of Nintendo’s honor and tact in apologizing about the 3DS sales. As the letter continues on they again remind Iwata that Operation Rainfall isn’t just trying to bring the games over to North American shores, but they also intend to help out with advertisement and distribution. 

To follow Operation Rainfall, please visit their website at http://oprainfall.blogspot.com/

[Poor 3DS sales means pay cuts across the board.]

167

TalkBack / Iwata Taking 50 Percent Pay Cut Over 3DS Sales

« on: July 29, 2011, 12:29:30 PM »

Poor 3DS sales means pay cuts across the board. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27301

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata will be taking a 50 percent pay reduction in response to poor Nintendo 3DS sales. The news was revealed at a conference in Tokyo, where Iwata stated to investors that he would be taking responsibility for the low sales figures.

Iwata was making approximately ¥137 million ($1.8 million) last year between his salary and bonuses. Specifics weren’t given, but both the base salary and bonuses are expected to be lowered.

Other directors, such as Senior Managing Directors Shigeru Miyamoto and Shinji Hatano will be taking a 30 percent pay cut and other executives’ salaries will be dropping by 20 percent.

[The new Madden is looking better and better.]

168

TalkBack / Madden NFL 12 Impressions

« on: July 26, 2011, 02:28:45 PM »

The new Madden is looking better and better.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/27255

This past week I got to play a demo of the new Madden 12 and, I have to say, I was impressed.

The gameplay feels smoother than any other Madden before. With four different ways to play, including the use of a Classic Controller and the Wii Remote NES-style, the game opens up a lot of possibilities for the player. Madden 12 can let one player flick the Wii Remote while the other mashes their Classic Controller in an effort to intercept the pass.

Madden 12 also introduces a new Awards system. By completing specific challenges during gameplay, players can receive awards that will appear on-screen once they are completed. After completing a specific amount of challenges, certain unlockables become available. These unlockables include throwback jerseys, among other things.  

One of the more interesting points of the game are the different balls. I had the pleasure of playing with the Monster Ball. This ball gives all the players “Fumble-itis,” which means they cough up the ball after nearly every hit. The thrill of wondering whether or not  your player will be able to hold on to the ball is both exhilarating and frustrating. Needless to say, it makes for a great game-changer.

The graphics took a new turn this time around as well. The players look less silly, with shoulders and heads that seem proportional to the rest of the bodies. The referees do look a little like cardboard cutouts, but it’s easily overlooked as the players crash against each other on the screen.

There’s also an in-depth player creation option. Players can take the stats and build of a player they love, rename them, and train them to their liking. T.O. isn’t quick enough for you? Train him and distribute points to what ever area is lacking through point distribution. Training extends to Franchise mode as well, giving you more control over the development of your players. The new Madden is giving players more control over their players and games, which is making this game look better and better.

Watch some footage of the new Madden below.

[Get ready to set sail for the land of high seas brawl with Luffy and friends.]

169

TalkBack / New One Piece Game for DS Announced

« on: July 11, 2011, 02:01:00 AM »

Get ready to set sail for the land of high seas brawl with Luffy and friends. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27157

Japan is getting a new One Piece game this autumn for the Nintendo DS. 

The title, called "One Piece Gigant Battle! 2 Shin Sekai (New World)," is featured in the next issue of Jump. The game will feature over 40 characters from across the One Piece universe.

The original One Piece Gigant Battle was developed by Ganbarion, and played like much like their famous DS brawlers Jump Super/Ultimate Stars. Ganbarion is also the developer for the Nintendo-published Pandora's Tower as well as a host of other One Piece games.

[Not even the Autobots could save this game.]

170

TalkBack / Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Autobots and Decepticons Review

« on: July 10, 2011, 10:54:37 AM »

Not even the Autobots could save this game. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/27110

Now it’s known that not all movie-based video games can be winners, but there are a few that have stood out through the years. There have been some that have proven that just because they are associated with something bigger, that doesn’t stop them from being something amazing on their own. Then there are the games that aren’t quite as good as their movie counterparts, with flaws in plenty, which just can’t hold up on their own. Transformers: Dark of the Moon is in the latter category.

In the new Transformers game for Nintendo DS, players can choose between either Autobots or Decepticons (depending on the version of the game they purchase). With the Autobots, players help save the Earth; with the Decepticons, they conquer it. This review is focusing on the Decepticon version, but most of the comments apply to both.

In the game, each Transformer receives orders from their superiors. After their objective has been explained to them they head out into the city. In the city each Transformer will come across members of the opposite faction and do battle. After each battle the giant ‘bots can transform and roam around the area looking for their current objective.

After the Decepticons have received their orders, they are free to roam about the city, causing as much chaos as they please. From destruction to hacking satellites and turrets to assassinations, there are a variety of things for the evil ‘bots to do. Each mission requires a different skill and the constant change-up can be a lot of fun.

The biggest problem with the missions is actually carrying them out. The basic controls feel sticky, for starters. Basic movements, like turning, are a hassle. Unless you like standing still and shooting enemies, the game makes it hard to do anything fun; even driving around feels forced.

The graphics are lackluster. It’s understandable that the aesthetics of the feature film would be hard to recreate on the handheld, but it is a mediocre effort. Some of the character designs are confusing, with specific regards to their anatomy. One of the redeeming qualities of the visuals, though, is the transformations from robot to car. The animation is seamless as your favorite Transformer races down the street. However, as soon as you have to start fighting Autobots again, the graphical fidelity loses its luster.

The best part of the game is the voice acting. Granted, they aren’t the same voices as from the movie, but they’re just as fun. Transformers fans will be pleased with how the personalities and voices of the characters in the game have been preserved.

In short, the game is mediocre at best. There are a few positive aspects, like the voice acting and the missions. Unfortunately there are more things in the game (like anything else) that will drive you insane.

171

TalkBack / Re: One Piece: Grand Battle

« on: July 06, 2011, 07:04:14 AM »

I would love to get my hands on that game! Nothing like a One Piece fighter to get the blood pumping.

[Being King of the Pirates isn't as easy as you'd think. . .]

172

TalkBack / One Piece: Grand Battle

« on: July 05, 2011, 09:50:52 PM »

Being King of the Pirates isn't as easy as you'd think. . .  

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/extralife/27104

Recently I acquired a copy of One Piece: Grand Battle. I’d heard a little about it when it was originally released and was instantly enticed by the game’s cel shading and aesthetic style presented on the box alone. When I booted up the game on the ol’ Wii, I can say that I wasn’t entirely disappointed.

Despite the odd opening (the rap from the first English dub) and sometimes strange voice acting, the game is a treat to play. With its distinct visual style, Grand Battle can draw in people who aren’t familiar with the series, while tantalizing those who are. With most of the characters from the beginning of the series as playable or support characters, there are enough choices and combinations to keep most battles from becoming stale. Unfortunately, to keep the game going, you need to learn how to use a character to their full potential.

Arlong's "Shark and Awe" attack vs. Nami's big ol' staff.

To master any character or their moveset, you must go to the “Training” section of the game. Although it’s possible for a player to beat the game with nothing but button mashing, the game does reward those who know special moves. After completing a training session with a character, players should be able to do exactly what they want when fighting through each character’s “story”. All of the moves are easy enough to pull off, along with each character’s finishing moves. The response time is quick and very few times have I ever gone “What?! But I pressed that button!” Overall though, the game does exactly what it’s told.

It looks cool, too.

This can be extremely rewarding to those who are fans of the series. Each character’s signature moves are available for the player’s pummeling pleasure. In addition, before each fight, the two characters have an exchange, usually giving the reasons for the fight. Some are taken directly from the show while others are imagined for the game (like Kuro vs. Arlong). With five different difficulties, completely beating the solo Adventure mode is a challenge in itself. Along with a plethora of unlockables, including new characters, this is a game that keeps on giving.

Like how a clown gives knives to a swordsman with three swords.

Overall, One Piece: Grand Battle a sound fighting game even for people who have never seen the show, but for those who have, the game is a real treat, both visually and gameplay-wise. Give it a try next time you see a used copy.

[Josh solves the case of "Is the game any good?".]

173

TalkBack / Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident Review

« on: June 27, 2011, 12:34:00 PM »

Josh solves the case of "Is the game any good?".

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/26968

“Detective, I have chosen you for your reputation of efficiency and discrepancy.” These are the words spoken to you; your latest client’s request for you to come to his island. In this point-and-click mystery game, your character, an unnamed detective, must visit Malgrave Island and collect magical healing dust while trying to discover the secrets the island holds.

The Mystery Case Files games have been around for a couple years now. Starting on PC, the series has moved on to cell phones as well as Nintendo DS. This is the series’ first outing on Wii. It plays like you would expect a point-and-click game to; you can interact with certain parts of the environment as well as use items with relative ease.

Half of this mystery game is spent looking around the island for dust and collecting clues about the inhabitant’s mysterious disappearance. The other half of the game is spent looking for items in an “I Spy” fashion. There are sparkling places around the island where you need to study a picture very carefully and find certain items in the picture. After you find all the items asked of you, you get the magical dust that your client has hired you to find.

The dressing room of doom.

Looking at the same picture over and over again and finding different items can become very tiresome very quickly. In the first part of the game you discover a new place every five minutes and the game keeps you quick on your toes. Unfortunately, you have to revisit each area about two or three times to continue on to the each successive part of the game. Although there are numerous other puzzles and challenges to complete, the “find-it” sections easily outnumber them.

The old windmill of doom.

One thing this game does well is making you feel alone. The only voice you hear is your client, Mr. Malgrave, and that’s via phone. Aside from some birds, there is no life on this beautiful island. As you explore the abandoned shops and streets of the island there is no life in sight and yet there is a sense that someone’s watching you. Granted, the game’s not meant to terrify you, but the atmosphere is just so perfect that it wouldn’t be too farfetched if someone were to jump out at you. Big Fish Games did a extraordinary job with the scenery and sounds from start to finish. Nothing feels out of place or awkward.

The abandoned theatre of doom.

Overall, Mystery Case Files’ latest caper is a quick fun game full of challenges and intrigue. The island looks beautiful and creepy at the same time, helping take you into the world of the game. The creepy sounds of a door creaking or crows overhead don’t hurt, either. The only real downside to the game are the “find-it” sections, which are numerous and repetitive. All I can really say is that this detective enjoyed solving this caper, even if it was a little tiring.

[New details and screenshots of the Blue Blur's upcoming 3DS game emerge.]

174

TalkBack / Online Play and StreetPass Support Included in Sonic Generations

« on: June 24, 2011, 11:50:58 AM »

New details and screenshots of the Blue Blur's upcoming 3DS game emerge. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26945

Sonic Generations will feature online two-player competitive play and StreetPass Support, Sega revealed today. A special Sonic Heroes-like stage will also be included.

The 3DS and console iterations (appearing on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3) both feature stages that are exclusive to each version of the game. Starting yesterday, PS3 and Xbox 360 owners can download demos of Sonic Generations.

Modern and Classic Sonic together at last!

[Questing on two different platforms might be a real possibility.]

175

TalkBack / Dragon Quest X Might Support Wii U

« on: June 22, 2011, 11:03:00 AM »

Questing on two different platforms might be a real possibility. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26901

Dragon Quest X might include Wii U feature support, according to Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada. The company had already announced that Dragon Quest X is coming to Wii.

In a shareholder’s meeting yesterday, Wada was questioned on the motivation behind delivering the game for Wii when the system is past its prime. The CEO responded that the company is seeing whether the game can be made compatible with both Wii and Wii U systems and is currently doing technical investigations into Wii U support. 

Wada was also asked if he expects the Wii ports of Dragon Quest 1, 2 and 3 to sell since they are each straight ports of the Famicom and Super Famicom versions. He responded that they were being left as-is in order to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary. 

Dragon Quest is a highly successful RPG game that has been around since the late 1980s.