Messages

[See Commander Video run in this new trailer for the next game in the Bit.Trip series.]

1151

TalkBack / First Bit.Trip Runner Trailer Released

« on: March 05, 2010, 05:56:01 AM »

See Commander Video run in this new trailer for the next game in the Bit.Trip series.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22697

 Gaijin Games released the first gameplay trailer for Bit.Trip Runner, the fourth game in their Bit.Trip WiiWare series.    

Unlike the previous games, however, players will control Commander Video directly. Runner will be a platforming title in which Commander Video runs through the stage. Players will make him jump or slide in order to avoid the obstacles. Like previous Bit. Trip games, Runner will have rhythm-focused gameplay.    

The graphics will be in full 3D for some stages, though they will have the same Atari aesthetic.Some will be 2D stages that resemble old games. Finally, the soundtrack will be composed by chip tune-based Anamanaguchi, who will be performing at PAX East at the end of March.    

1152

TalkBack / Re: Ubisoft Developing Shaun White Skateboarding Game

« on: March 04, 2010, 06:58:48 PM »

One thing's for sure... It will be better than Tony Hawk Ride.

[Shaun White trades his snowboard for a skateboard in his upcoming Wii game.]

1153

TalkBack / Ubisoft Developing Shaun White Skateboarding Game

« on: March 04, 2010, 10:35:27 AM »

Shaun White trades his snowboard for a skateboard in his upcoming Wii game.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22695

 Ubisoft has announced that they are working on a third Shaun White title for Wii. Unlike the first two titles, however, it will be a skateboarding game.    

Shaun White Skateboarding will be developed by Ubisoft Montreal, and is slated to be released this holiday. White expressed his enthusiasm in an interview with Los Angeles-based radio station KROQ.    

"I can't describe how excited I am about the skateboard game," said Shaun White. "We've been working on it for a while now and it's ready to melt minds."    

Thanks to NWR forumer BlackNMild2K1 for the news tip!

[Warner Bros. recruits the talents of WayForward to bring the iconic Tasmanian Devil to life.]

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TalkBack / Warner Bros. Interactive Announces Galactic Taz Ball

« on: March 04, 2010, 06:11:48 PM »

Warner Bros. recruits the talents of WayForward to bring the iconic Tasmanian Devil to life.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22694

 Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced a new DS title called Galactic Taz Ball, starring the popular Looney Tunes character Taz the Tazmanian Devil.      

The story begins when Taz is kidnapped by Marvin the Martian as Marvin is stealing Earth's landscapes in order to make Mars more scenic. The object of the game is collect pieces of Earth floating across space. The player will do this by controlling Taz and his famous whirlwind spin.    

   

The game will feature two playable worlds with unique gameplay mechanics. The first is the Overworld, which features 3D gameplay. Players control Taz using track ball controls on the bottom on the screen. The Underworld is a side-scrolling puzzle game played on the bottom DS screen. The object of this world to guide Taz and solve puzzles.    

The game is being developed by WayForward Technologies, known for the recent A Boy and his Blob release on the Wii, as well as Shantae and Contra IV. Galactic Taz Ball will see release first in Australia and Europe on May 2010, while North American players will receive the game in the fall.    

   

  WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES GALACTIC TAZ BALL    

  GAME WITH DUAL MODES OF PLAY FOR NINTENDO DS IS A WHIRLWIND OF FUN FOR KIDS    

  BURBANK, Calif. – March 4, 2010 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces Galactic Taz Ball, a new videogame for the Nintendo DS™ starring Taz, the frenetically fantastic Looney Tunes character beloved by all. The game will be available in Europe and Australia May 2010 and in North America Fall 2010.    

   "Taz is one of the most popular characters in the Looney Tunes family, and with Galactic Taz Ball kids can have fun for hours with action, exploration, platform challenges and puzzle solving," said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  "This creative game packs all of the wild fun that everyone loves about Taz into a handheld experience with two unique modes of play."   In Galactic Taz Ball, Taz is accidentally kidnapped by Marvin the Martian who's stealing the Earth's landscape to make Mars more scenic. Taz must spin his way across pieces of Earth floating in space to stop Marvin from destroying the planet and get back home.      

The game contains two worlds with completely different gameplay mechanics. The "Overworld" is an action-style 3-D game playable on the Nintendo DS top screen with unique track ball controls using the stylus on the bottom screen. When Taz moves fast enough he becomes a tornado that can destroy objects and enemies. The "Underworld" is a side-scrolling puzzle game played on the bottom touch screen in which Taz navigates a maze of active machinery and gadgets.  Both worlds combine for a uniquely fun and frenetic journey, perfect for Taz’s wild style.    

   Galactic Taz Ball is being developed by WayForward Technologies.

[A mediocre Secret Saturdays adventure that should please some fans of the cartoon show.]

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TalkBack / REVIEWS: The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun

« on: March 03, 2010, 01:44:56 PM »

A mediocre Secret Saturdays adventure that should please some fans of the cartoon show.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=22682

 The Secret Saturdays is about a family of crypto zoologists who travel all over the world in search of different cryptids and solve ancient mysteries, all while paying tribute to classic Saturday morning action shows. With a TV show filled with magic, action, ancient creatures, and exotic locales, it's no surprise that a game based on the show was created. The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun follows the storyline of the very accurately, but it is hampered by gameplay that is rather ordinary.    

Beasts of the 5th Sun is a 2D platforming action title reminiscent of games like Donkey Kong Country. You assume the roles of the Saturday clan as you recover cryptid data that was stolen from the Saturday archive. Most of the game focuses on Zak, the young protagonist of the TV show. His abilities include use of the Claw, a staff that doubles as a grappling hook; Zak uses this device to attack his enemies as well as avoid obstacles and reach high ledges. He also has the ability to call on his cryptid friends to have them perform attacks and abilities that he cannot do himself. For example, the seven-foot-tall cryptid Fiskerton can climb ladders and destroy metal doors while Komodo, a lizard-like cryptid, can turn invincible and walk past enemies. However, these creatures are only around for a limited time; once time expires, the player is returned to Zak.    

The rest of the Saturday family is also playable, and each has their own unique attacks and abilities. Doc Saturday, the father figure of the group, is the strongest while Drew Saturday, the matriarch, is quicker and can use a cryptid sword that shoots flames. Their levels, however, aren't radically altered and feature the same kind of gameplay as Zak's levels.    

The game's controls are rather typical for a DS platformer. To navigate the characters you use the d-pad, and use the buttons for various attacks.The touch screen is used for some menu navigation, such as cryptid summoning.    

The title has ten levels total, with each comprised of three to five separate areas.  Since each level is divided into different parts, Beasts of the 5th Sun is a surprisingly lengthy title. The biggest problem , is that the gameplay, while solid and well-polished, isn't very engaging. Despite trying to tie in the mythology of the franchise into the gameplay by including use of the cryptids, their overall usage is very basic, and very rarely will you feel challenged or compelled to be creative with them.    

Another negative is the fact that the characters play very similarly save for a few  attacks, lacking enough individual personality  tomake their gameplay compelling. Those unaware of its storyline will find themselves lost most of the time, since the game plays like an episode of the original TV show, but  fans of the TV show should enjoy it thanks to how well the series' universe is presented..    

The game's characters look really good and stay true to their cartoon counterparts. Unfortunately the environments are very bland, despite the game taking place in exotic locales. The sound is even less inspired, with a small amount of vocals combined with musical tracks that are very plain.    

Beast of the 5th Sun is unfortunately yet another mediocre licensed game. It has some good ideas and tries valiantly to present the cartoon universe in video gameform, but only fans of the series will be able to fully enjoy this title.

Pros:
       

Solid representation of the series

 

Many playable characters

       Cons:
       

Uninspired gameplay

 

Repetitive levels

 

Mediocre soundtrack

               Graphics:  6.5
       The character sprites are large, colorful and detailed, capturing the art style of the show well. Unfortunately, the levels themselves lack the detail seen in the characters.

               Sound:  5.0
       The music is very forgettable, while the vocal tracks are very limited.

               Control:  7.0
       The control setup here is pretty much par for the course on the DS.  You control your character with the d-pad - which feels great - while some small touch screen use completes the package.

                      Gameplay:  5.0
       It is far more polished than your typical licensed game, thanks to some creative use of the license and multiple playable characters. But the overall gameplay isn't very engaging, making it a mediocre experience best suited for fans of the franchise.

 

       Lastability:  6.5
       With over ten levels to conquer, each with three to five sub-levels, Beast of the 5th Sun is a surprisingly long title.

 

       Final:  5.0
       The potential ideas are there thanks to the creativity seen in The Secret Saturdays franchise, but the overall game is an underwhelming experience that is really just for fans of the series      

1156

TalkBack / Re: Game of the Decade Illustration

« on: March 02, 2010, 01:54:31 AM »

Samus is like "Which one of these guys should I shoot first?" Great illustration, Zach!

[Mario returns to the deep reaches of spaces, and brings Yoshi along for the ride.]

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TalkBack / PREVIEWS: Super Mario Galaxy 2

« on: March 01, 2010, 12:29:22 PM »

Mario returns to the deep reaches of spaces, and brings Yoshi along for the ride.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=22672

 The first Super Mario Galaxy, released in November 2007, became one of the most well received titles of the year due to its gameplay design, Wii controls, soundtrack, and graphics. At last year's E3 press conference Nintendo announced the follow up, Super Mario Galaxy 2, the first-ever direct sequel to a 3D Mario game. And based on the recent Nintendo Media Summit information, it looks to continue that tradition in a grand manner.    

     

The overall gameplay remains the same as in past 3D Mario titles. Mario's main objective is to collect stars by visiting various planets. These planets will offer various degrees of challenge, many of them involving gravity and flight as part of their obstacles. The more stars you collect the more levels are unlocked, eventually leading to the climatic final battle with Bowser. Based on the recent media, the planets will retain their charm and creativity while offering players the challenge 3D Mario games are known for. Some of these include a planet shaped like Mario's head, while another had ghostly Mario clones following Mario. There's even a planet featuring giant enemies and platforms, similar to Giant Land from Super Mario Bros. 3.    

Gravity will once again contribute to Mario's challenges. Players will have to use gravity to access new areas of a planet and try to avoid obstacles, often caused by these sudden gravitational changes.    

   

Bosses will also play a big role in Mario's galactic adventure. A dragon boss character chasing Mario around the planet was seen in the newest trailer, and Bowser Jr.'s robot walkers will return to threaten Mario once more.    

In terms of control, Galaxy 2 will feature a scheme similar to the original. Players will move Mario with the Nunchuk's analog stick, while a shake of the Wii Remote will make him perform a spin attack.  In some stages, players will use the Wii Remote pointer to navigate Mario through various gravitational orbs.    

The biggest addition to the 3D formula, however, is Yoshi. While he was playable in Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the first 3D game in which Yoshi will be used extensively for platforming purposes. As he did in Super Mario World, Yoshi will serve as Mario's main method of transportation, using his long and sticky tongue to help Mario access new areas. Yoshi can also attack enemies by grabbing them and shooting them at other enemies.    

   

Like in Super Mario World, when Yoshi eats special food, he will change colors and gain new abilities. When he eats the Dash Pepper he will be able to run at a fast speed for a limited time, helping Mario overcome obstacles that would have been impossible for him and Yoshi in a normal state, such as steep inclines and vertical walls. When Yoshi eats a Blimp Fruit, he will inflate like a balloon and float to new areas, serving a similar purpose to Mario's Bee Suit in the first title.    

Alongside Yoshi, Mario will also be using a new Drill power-up. With this gigantic drill Mario can tunnel through the planet and land on the other side and go inside the planets to find coins and other items. The drill will even be useful in one of the boss battles (as seen in the Nintendo Media Summit Trailer). The power-ups seen in the original game, such as the Bee Suit, will return in the sequel. For a bigger challenge Nintendo is including Comet Metals. When collected these metals, you will be able to unlock harder levels for experienced players.    

In terms of graphics and sounds, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is just as gorgeous as the first time thanks to some very detailed textures, creative level designs, and charming characters. The music will once again be fully orchestrated while retaining the classic Mario themes. Not much is known about Galaxy 2's story, but it's expected that Princess Rosalina, Mario's guide and mother figure to the Lumas in the first game will return alongside the Lumas, who will once again aid Mario in his new adventure. However, in an interview, Shigeru Miyamoto stated that very little focus would be placed in the story.    

   

Miyamoto also promised that 90 percent of the game is new, featuring elements that were eliminated or couldn't be implemented in the original title. He stated that "Really what we ended up with is more than 90 percent of what you'll see in Galaxy 2 is brand new. I'd say closer to 95, maybe even 99 percent."    

Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be released on North America on May 23, 2010. European players will see the game in June 2010 while a release date for Japan has yet been announced.

1158

TalkBack / Re: IMPRESSIONS: Photo Dojo

« on: February 28, 2010, 02:18:57 PM »

This reminds me of a GameBoy Camera mini-game. Looks fun.

1159

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Australia Confirms Other M, Galaxy 2 for Summer

« on: February 24, 2010, 12:15:00 AM »

Before this gets derailed, it was a joke. I was just stating that last year all we got were NPC releases and some notable releases here and there. This year, we have two big titles IF this is to be believed. Just pointing out how this year might be Nintendo's best if they decide to keep it up.

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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Australia Confirms Other M, Galaxy 2 for Summer

« on: February 23, 2010, 11:54:21 PM »

So... No New Play Control releases this year?

[Capcom has lost an integral team member this morning.]

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TalkBack / Capcom COO Mark Beaumont Passes Away Suddenly

« on: February 23, 2010, 01:56:27 PM »

Capcom has lost an integral team member this morning.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22618

 Capcom announced today that Mark Beaumont, Capcom North America and Europe's chief operating officer, passed away earlier this morning.    

Capcom released a statement about it earlier: "Our COO and dear friend, Mark Beaumont, passed away this morning. This sudden loss has left us with deep sadness. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We will remember him for his humor, passion and commitment to Capcom and our industry. He was a great leader and visionary and his spirit will carry on in everything that we do. Please join us in memory of Mark."    

  The Nintendo World Report staff would like to express our condolences and we wish Mark's family and all his friends at Capcom the best during this sudden loss.

1162

TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Media Summit on Wednesday

« on: February 22, 2010, 07:51:47 PM »

I'm keeping my expectations low. What I expect to see is some release dates (and vague at that) and some media footage and screens.

1163

TalkBack / Re: REVIEWS: Tony Hawk: Ride

« on: February 21, 2010, 05:37:19 PM »

Guess you won't be friends with Mr. Hawk anymore, Neal :p .

1164

TalkBack / Re: Video Weekend Round-Up 4: Endless Ocean: Blue World

« on: February 21, 2010, 05:35:51 PM »

Full review should be coming early this week (need to get online, should be doing that the day the game comes out). I'm digging it a lot so far. It's incredibly relaxing, which is often bad when I'm playing it late at night and I fall asleep. It's not like I'm falling asleep because I'm not enjoying myself, it's just calms me too much.

This is why you should play online more. If you fall asleep, the other player could yell really loudly to wake you up.

Unless the other player has fallen asleep too...

[Somewhere beyond the sea, Nintendo is waiting for you.]

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TalkBack / Video Weekend Round-Up 4: Endless Ocean: Blue World

« on: February 19, 2010, 02:40:24 PM »

Somewhere beyond the sea, Nintendo is waiting for you.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=22593

 The first Endless Ocean title was deemed a therapeutic experience for many due to its very calm appeal and realistic portrayal of sea life.    

The sequel promises to be a much better entry in the series thanks to an expanded online mode and even more fish species to discover. Our staff member Neal Ronaghan spoke very warmly of it in his impressions. To celebrate the upcoming release, here's a new trailer for Endless Ocean: Blue World from Nintendo:    

   

Endless Ocean: Blue World is set to be released on February 22, 2010.

1166

TalkBack / Re: Latest Mario & Sonic Game Sells More Than Six Million Units Worldwide

« on: February 19, 2010, 02:24:50 PM »

I've heard some very mixed opinions on this game, it seems people either love it or hate it. Views range from calling it a much-improved sequel with lots of enjoyable events, more variety, and a lot of little touches which come together to form greatness, to declaring it more of the same with bad controls, poor design choices, an abundance of useless extras, and a waste of potential.

I wasn't really big on the first game, so I'm going to wait until I find it on sale. It's an instance where I'm just going to have to decide for myself, though I will say that having character costumes for the Mii as a replacement for those actual characters screams of laziness.

Well, did you like the first game? If yes, then you should enjoy this one. As all of you know, I thought the game was a great improvement over the first game in nearly every way, from graphics and controls, to gameplay and events, and I think that it selling over 6 million copies is great news since it deserves it far more than the original.

1167

General Chat / Re: Official "Happy Birthday Internet Friend" Thread

« on: February 19, 2010, 01:38:52 PM »

Happy Birthday, Black!

[In addition to a release date Capcom details Mega Man's new weapons.]

1168

TalkBack / Mega Man 10 Release Date Announced, New Details Revealed

« on: February 15, 2010, 01:24:54 PM »

In addition to a release date Capcom details Mega Man's new weapons.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21165

 Capcom has announced a release date for Mega Man 10. The WiiWare version will be the first version to be released, with the Blue Bomber's latest adventure launching March 1.    

Along with the official release date, Capcom has given information about the eight new weapons Mega Man will be able to use in his 10th title. They include the Commando Bomb, a bomb players will be able to briefly control; the Triple Blade, featuring three blades being shot; and the Thunder Wool, a thunder cloud that shoots lightning bolts at enemies.  As in previous Mega Man titles, these weapons are obtained once a player has defeated its associated Robot Master.    

Capcom has also revealed some details about Mega Man 10's Mega Man Challenges. A new feature that premiered in Mega Man 9, Mega Man Challenges allow for both novice and expert players to complete various challenges throughout each level while honing their skills. Easy Mode was also detailed, with Capcom stating that the mode is for people who gave up on the first game or aren't used to the gameplay of a Mega Man title.    

  Commando Bomb    

   After launching the Commando Bomb, press up or down on the + Control Pad to make it turn at a 90 degree angle. The blast spreads horizontally (or vertically) and follows the contours of the landscape. This can be used to break through certain walls to get hidden items!        

Wheel Cutter    

   Press the Attack Button once to attach the Wheel Cutter to your arm, and press the Attack Button again to launch it (it follows the contours of the landscape). You can launch it 3 times and it’s effective to attack enemies at a distance. You can attach the Wheel Cutter to your arm and dart at enemies!      

Triple Blade    

   You can fire tri-directional blades and attack multiple enemies at one time. There are two patterns: surface-to-air on the ground, and air-to-surface in mid-jump.      

Thunder Wool    

   You can launch a thunder cloud that slowly rises and a lighting bolt shoots straight down from the cloud.      

Solar Blaze    

   Splits apart and launches firebombs (left and right) after a set period of time. Effective when you are pinned between two enemies.      

Chill Spike    

   Launch a freezing liquid which flies in a parabolic trajectory. An enemy hit by the freezing liquid will freeze and become unable to move.      

Rebound Striker    

   You can throw a rubber super ball straight and diagonally up or down. As it gets faster and stronger with each successive bound, you can build up power and hit the target to inflict maximum damage!      

Water Shield    

   A rotating shield of water surrounds Mega Man. Pressing the Attack Button once more deactivates the water shield and hurls high-speed drops of water that spiral outward.      

Brand new “Mega Man Challenges” mode is back!    

   The “Mega Man Challenges” mode from MM9 has been upgraded! The Mega Man Challenges allows you to practice in stages by clearing various challenges and gives novice players a chance to master the basic controls before attempting the main story mode! Whether you are a novice or an expert, you can brush-up on your game and polish it to perfection!      

Comparison between Easy Mode and Normal Mode!      

Easy Mode is featured for people who gave up on MM9 or have not played an action game for a long time. In addition, this would be a perfect mode for people who aren’t used to traditional Mega Man difficulty and need a little assistance.

[Feel the love with the man of iron and his friend War Machine.]

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TalkBack / Video Weekend Round-Up 3: Iron Man 2

« on: February 14, 2010, 07:13:22 AM »

Feel the love with the man of iron and his friend War Machine.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21158

 The first Iron Man movie was extremely successful, and not just in box office sales. The movie received high critical and fan praise for a solid and true adaptation of the Marvel superhero, as well as the performance of lead actor Robert Downey Jr. The release of the film was also accompanied with a video game adaptation published by Sega.    

With the film sequel set to be released on May 7, 2010, Sega will once again be publishing an Iron Man game based on the film.    

This first trailer was shown at Comic-Con 2009 and shows a lot of robot bashing and endless destruction:    

   

The second trailer shows off footage of War Machine, a character that will also make his debut in the sequel:    

   

Iron Man 2 will be released in April 2010.

[Pre-order the Wii exclusive RPG at GameStop and receive a soundtrack CD.]

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TalkBack / XSEED Announces Pre-Order Bonus for Fragile Dreams

« on: February 12, 2010, 08:22:40 AM »

Pre-order the Wii exclusive RPG at GameStop and receive a soundtrack CD.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21155

 XSEED Games announced a special pre-order offer for Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon, an upcoming Wii role-playing game from Tri-Crescendo.    

Players who pre-order it at GameStop will receive a CD called "Moonlight Tracks," featuring 12 songs from the game's soundtrack, including both the opening and ending songs in Japanese. The offer will be available while supplies last.    

In addition to the pre-order offer, XSEED Games has also confirmed that the North American release of Fragile will include both Japanese and English vocal tracks as well as a new "Extras" option once the game is completed.    

Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon will be available in North America in March 2010.    

  XSEED Games Announces Preorder Bonus for FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON  Players who Preorder and Purchase Upcoming Wii™ Exclusive From GameStop and EB Games Will Receive a Bonus CD Containing Select Tracks from the Game Soundtrack    

   Torrance, Calif., (February 12, 2010) – XSEED Games revealed today that players who preorder FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON from GameStop and EB Games will receive a copy of MOONLIGHT TRACKS,  a special selection of 12 tracks from the game including the opening and ending Japanese theme songs.  The MOONLIGHT TRACKS special preorder bonus will be available exclusively at GameStop and EB Games together with the retail release of the game, but only while supplies last.  Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games and tri-Crescendo, FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON will be available in North America in March 2010, exclusively for Wii™.    

   The North American release has also been confirmed as containing the original Japanese voices in addition to the newly recorded English voice-overs, as well as a newly created “Extras” option that becomes available once the game has been cleared. This new mode allows players to revisit key event movies from the game in the movie gallery, view concept art, and watch the original Japanese trailers.  As an added bonus, FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON will also feature a dual-sided box front, with the original Japanese box front on the reverse side.    

   Marked by a remarkably haunting score, FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON finds protagonist Seto exploring an eerie and abandoned world, seemingly populated only by haunting ghosts and demons. As this lonely and lost soul, players encounter memorable characters, and discover the back story behind scavenged items that provide insight into the population’s last days before a devastating apocalypse. Amidst this strangely beautiful atmosphere, players utilize the Wii Remote™ as a flashlight to illuminate Seto’s surroundings, solve puzzles and interact with the bleak, devastated environment, set to a moving, emotional soundtrack.

[Travis returns for a second helping of bloody mayhem, and it proves to be just as tasty as the first time.]

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TalkBack / REVIEWS: No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

« on: February 11, 2010, 05:11:56 AM »

Travis returns for a second helping of bloody mayhem, and it proves to be just as tasty as the first time.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=21143

 When No More Heroes was first released on the Wii in early 2008, no one expected it to be a brilliant title, especially since creator Suda51's earlier project was Killer 7, a claustrophobic yet captivating game that left a lot of gamers cold. Once the dust settled, No More Heroes proved to be not only one of the best action games on the Wii, but  also one of the best games of the year due to its insane mix of action, self-aware humor, sex, and lots of bloody violence. So it's no surprise that nearly two years later we return to Santa Destroy, stepping into the dirty sneakers of protagonist Travis Touchdown once more, and it has certainly been worth the wait.    

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle takes place three years after the end of the first game. While it never fully explains what happened to Travis after the first title's cliffhanger ending (something you have to see to learn why),  assassination matches grew immensely popular in Santa Destroy, with many corporations using the town and the matches for their own gain.    

The story in the original No More Heroes was one that was bloody but done in a tongue-in-cheek manner, often making fun of its lead character for being a no good, perverted nerd. Desperate Struggle, however, takes a much darker turn, giving Travis Touchdown a more personal reason to once again fight through hordes of assassins in order to claim his spot as the top-ranking killer in Santa Destroy. This makes the game feel like a Quentin Tarantino revenge film in which the main character sets things straight, often doing it with style and flare while never forgetting that this is a mockery of said storytelling device. Desperate Struggle dares to be darker, but never once does it take itself seriously, more often diving deep into the regions of surreal absurdity.    

The gameplay in the first No More Heroes game was flawed and lacked some polish, but the final product was very enjoyable due to some well-executed ideas. Desperate Struggle fixes many of these mistakes while retaining the winning gameplay that made the first game a classic. Each level is a hack-and-slash composed of two stages. In the first you fight hordes of enemies while you make your way through the level, and at the end of the stage you face the top ranking assassin.  These battles are easily some of the best moments in the entire game due to their irreverance, violence, extravagance, and even depravity of the contestants. Once you kill him or her you ascend in the ranks. You do this until you reach the final boss, becoming the top assassin once more with a victory.    

The battle engine is where the game truly shines. While the Wii's motion controls are used sparingly, they are perfectly executed and employed at just the right moments. Pressing the A button makes Travis swing his beam katana. Travis adopts a low or high stance depending on how you are holding the Wii Remote, with each stance delivering a different set of attacks. Final blows are executed with quick movements of the Wii Remote or Nunchuk (depending on what beam katana Travis has equipped), creating a very satisfying bloodbath. However, the beam katana eats up lots of battery juice like it did in the original game. When it runs out the attacks won't work, so the player must stop and shake the Wii Remote in order to power up the katana, creating a hilarious scene while it happens.    

Curiously enough, Desperate Struggle also features Classic Controller support. While it works just as well as the main control setup and its addition is welcomed, it is an odd additions considering that the original controls work so well in the first place.    

As for the rest of the control setup, the C button on the Nunchuk locks onto a nearby enemy while the D-pad allows Travis to dodge in any direction. New to Desperate Struggle is the ability to switch beam katanas on the spot. There's also the ecstasy gauge, a meter represented by a tiger. With each successive kill it grows in power. Once the meter is full Travis can do one of many super attacks, including turning into a tiger that's able to kill enemies in one hit. These attacks were present in the first game, but getting them depended on luck. This time around all you need to do is kill enemies to earn them.    

The biggest issue when it comes to combat is the camera. Locking onto an enemy can often send the camera flying around, blocking your view of the action and often causing unintentional deaths. While you can learn to minimize these episodes, it's a shame that players don't have more control over the game's camera. Combat can also become very repetitive, despite how well it is presented and the satisfying nature of gameplay.    

Another change to the No More Heroes formula is the ability to play as a girl named Shinobu. Shinobu was ranking assassin number eight in the first No More Heroes, and because her life was spared she has returned as Travis's ally. Unfortunately, playing as this new character makes the game's faults even more apparent.. While her battle engine remains the same, her levels require a lot of jumping, and this is where the camera issues go from bad to worse. Jumping is extremely infuriating due to unwanted jumps,as well as the camera getting stuck and then moving around just as you are making a jump. It shows that the engine Grasshopper created for this game works best as a hack and slash, and little else.    

Like in No More Heroes, Desperate Struggle presents other activities Travis can partake in. In the first game, the side jobs were games that needed to be played in order to gain the ranking battle entry fees. Many players felt that this was a tedious and unnecessary element in the gameplay, only serving to disrupt the fast-paced action. Desperate Struggle corrects this. While the side jobs are still present you are no longer required to earn money in order to fight. Instead, the money will be spent buying Travis new sets of clothes at Airport 51, updating his stats at Ryan's Gym, or upgrading his beam katana at Naomi's lab. Best of all, the side jobs are presented as classic, old-school NES games. You'll be connecting pipes in Santa Destroy's sewers in a puzzle game, collecting coconuts in a platforming game, and there's even a tiling game featuring Tetris pieces. The side jobs are still somewhat unnecessary, but now you can enjoy them in an inspired manner.    

At his room at Motel No More Heroes, Travis can collect anime action figures (scattered throughout the levels hidden in treasure chests), play a shoot 'em up arcade game inspired by an in-game anime called Bizarre Jelly 5, and even watch the truly bizarre and perverted anime intro. Jeanne the cat even returns, but this time she is a fat cat. You must help Travis get her in shape by playing mini-games, such as lifting her and massaging her. It once again adds a level of heart, humor, and humanity to an otherwise surreal game where violence brings ecstasy to its inhabitants.    

One big improvement Desperate Struggles adds to the franchise is how you travel around Santa Destroy. In the first game, you traveled around Santa Destroy in a manner similar to that of the Grand Theft Auto series. Many felt that this was one of the worst parts of the game due to boring locales, and it was made even worse when trying to ride Travis's motorcycle around due to players never truly grasping the controls. Desperate Struggle eliminates the need to travel through the entire city, as players can now select which places they want to go to. This makes visiting each place quicker, easier, and more convenient.    

The graphics have also seen a slight improvement. Desperate Struggle is now in full widescreen mode, and the brilliantly designed characters are more detailed and animate more fluidly during cutscenes. The assassin fights once again prove to be the most elaborate of the presentation thanks to how they often simultaneously mock and celebrating the action sequences of many anime series, and the death scenes are just as brilliant in their execution. It's unfortunate, however, that slowdown hinders the style a bit. The music also remains very captivating and fits the theme of the game very well. Voice acting is solid and very over the top, perfect for the story and its characters.    

Those that loved No More Heroes will really enjoy Desperate Struggle. The winning gameplay has been retained and polished for an even more enjoyable experience, and the changes made to the overall gameplay makes things a lot more accessible, quicker, and more fun overall. The camera issues are still a bother, but don't let that stop you from enjoying one of the best action games yet released on Wii.

Pros:
       

Enjoyable surreal storyline and characters

 

Satisfying battle engine

 

Great controls

 

Easy Navigation of Santa Destroy

 

Fun mini-games and side jobs

 

Stylish graphics and sounds

       Cons:
       

Problematic camera

 

Frustrating Shinobu levels

 

Slightly repetitive

 

Short

               Graphics:  8.5
       Desperate Struggle drenches itself in style thanks to over-the-top character design and bloody violence. Its only warts are slowdown during the busiest scenes and colors that are sometimes too dark.

               Sound:  9.0
       Music remains haunting yet energetic, and fitting for the game's concept. The voice acting once again showcases how utterly ridiculous yet likable these characters are.

               Control:  9.0
       No More Heroes was created with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in mind, and Desperate Struggle shines thanks to its smart design. Motion control is kept to a near minimum, being used only when it matters most. Classic Controller support is also a nice, but somewhat unnecessary, addition.

                      Gameplay:  8.5
       Desperate Struggle builds upon the first title's solid foundation with much needed improvements in both battle and side-quests. Exploring Santa Destroy is quick and easy, with the side-jobs and mini-games being fun and enjoyable this time around. The only blemish in this otherwise great design is that the camera is once again a problem, often blocking the player's view of the action. Playing as Shinobu makes matters worse due to the game engine being ill-suited to platform play.

 

       Lastability:  8.0
       Desperate Struggle is a relatively short affair, lasting around 8 to 10 hours. Playing the game again through different difficulties and collecting every item in the game is the main method of gameplay extension.

 

       Final:  8.5
       In many ways, Desperate Struggle is like its anti-hero, flawed but still enjoyable and unforgettable. Regardless of its faults, the game is still a brilliant action title with lots of style, humor, and blood to spare. You'll want to stick with it until the very end.      

[Level-5 announces a new entry in the highly popular Inazuma Eleven brand.]

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TalkBack / Inazuma Eleven 3 Announced for Japan

« on: February 10, 2010, 01:36:32 PM »

Level-5 announces a new entry in the highly popular Inazuma Eleven brand.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21142

 Inazuma Eleven 2 was only released in Japan last October, but that hasn’t stopped Level-5 from announcing a sequel to its latest million-selling title.    

Entitled Inazuma Eleven 3: Challenge the World, the game is expected to expand on its predecessor. It is currently pencilled in for an early summer release. The anime series has also been extended for another season, which will keep it going until March 2011.

[A whopping ten titles are available for download this week, including a funky rhythm title and the return of an NES classic for WiiWare.]

1173

TalkBack / This Week in Nintendo Downloads

« on: February 08, 2010, 08:33:03 AM »

A whopping ten titles are available for download this week, including a funky rhythm title and the return of an NES classic for WiiWare.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=21137

 This week's update is the biggest yet thanks to the release of 10 new titles. The most notable titles of the week are for WiiWare.    

The first is Blaster Master: Overdrive from Sunsoft. The original game was recently released on Virtual Console, and this re-imagined sequel, tells the story of Alex, a biologist that sets out to destroy a virus that is turning animals into flesh-eating monsters. His main mode of transportation and weapon is S.O.P.H.I.A., a vehicle capable of shape-shifting and shooting projectiles. The title has been rated E10+ and is available now for 1,000 Wii Points ($10).    

The second notable WiiWare title this week is Tomena Sanner from Konami. Available for 500 Wii Points ($5), it is a quirky rhythm game in which you control a salary man named Mr. Susumu as he travels through wacky locales while avoiding obstacles such as T-Rexes, cowboys, and astronauts. How you evade these obstacles depends on your rhythm and timing. Tomena Sanner features worldwide leader boards so players can compete by posting their best times.    

The third title on WiiWare is Bloons, courtesy of Hands On Mobile. Bloons is a balloon-popping puzzle title and is available for 500 Wii Points ($5). Players traverse through 70 levels using a dart as the main balloon-popping tool.    

Closing this week's WiiWare update is Teyon's Hubert the Teddy Bear Winter Games, a winter-themed game in which players partake in winter activities such as Christmas tree decorating and sled racing. The multiplayer title is available for 500 Wii Points ($5).    

DSiWare has five new titles this week. The first is a Nintendo-published title called Link n' Launch, a puzzle game developed by Intelligent Systems in which players must create a path in order to launch a rocket into outer space in under  three minutes. The title is available for download for 500 Nintendo DSi Points ($5).    

From Virtual Playground comes Oscar in Movieland for 800 Nintendo DSi Points ($8). This platformer stars Oscar, wielding his magic yo-yo, as he travels through movie-themed worlds, such as the western world, the sci-fi world, and the war world. Oscar can also use magic boots and wings to travel through these worlds.    

Fieldrunners from Subatomic Studios, a smash hit on iPhone, is a tower defense game in which players defend their towers from hordes of air combatants. The towers can be upgraded and players have the ability to create different types of strategies. Fieldrunners is available for 500 Nintendo DSi Points ($5).    

Sudoku 4pockets from 4pockets.com is a Sudoku title featuring more than 3,600 puzzles and is available for 500 Nintendo DSi Points ($5).    

The final DSiWare title for the week is Extreme Hangman from Gamelion. The game is a cartoony take on the classic word game and, at only 200 Nintendo DSi Points ($2), players can solve more than 2,000 word puzzles.    

Virtual Console only sees one release this week, Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom from Hudson Soft. The classic point-and-click adventure title stars Sir Cucumber as he solves the mystery of the kidnapping of Princess Tomato and why Minister Pumpkin has overthrown King Broccoli from the Salad Kingdom. Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom is available now for 500 Wii Points ($5).    

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: DEADLY VIRUSES AND HEROIC VEGETABLES MAKE FOR A MEMORABLE WEEK  Feb. 8, 2010  From pulse-pounding action to mind-bending puzzles and beyond, this week's lineup of new downloadable games offers a dizzying variety to satisfy players of all stripes. New additions for the WiiWare™ service include the sci-fi adventure of BLASTER MASTER™ OVERDRIVE and the speedy fun of Tomena Sanner, plus a pair of family-friendly games to help parents and their kids brighten up the dog days of winter. For the Nintendo DSiWare™ service, new attractions include the rocket-powered puzzles of Link 'n' Launch™ and the tower-defending thrills ofFieldrunners. And lest you should think cucumbers are only good for snacking, the Virtual Console™ debut of Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom lets Wii™ owners enjoy a quirky classic from the NES™ era.    

WiiWare    

BLASTER MASTER OVERDRIVE
 Publisher: SUNSOFT
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence
 Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
 Description: BLASTER MASTER OVERDRIVE is an action-adventure game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex, who happens to be one of the world's foremost biologists and specializes in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation. Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just might have a chance.    

Tomena Sanner
 Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
 Players: 1-4
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
 Price: 500 Wii Points
 Description: Businessman Hitoshi Susumu is behind schedule and in quite a rush. In fact, once he starts running, he won't stop! Dashing past samurais, T-Rexes, cowboys and all manner of wacky obstacles, Mr. Susumu must get to the goal as fast as he can for the ultimate 2-D dance party. Tomena Sanner is a high-speed side-scrolling action game with a unique timing-based control system that's as challenging as it is fun. As they fly, jump and dance over the many zany obstacles, players need to time their moves to keep their speed up and perform awesome tricks. Using just one button on the Wii Remote™ controller, players of all ages and skill levels will be able to play and help Mr. Susumu get to his goal. Four players can compete to see who is the fastest at running through the bizarre and comical world ofTomena Sanner.    

Bloons®
 Publisher: Hands-On Mobile
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
 Price: 500 Wii Points
 Description: Bloons is an exciting puzzle game based on the simple fact that popping balloons is fun. Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure. Each level will have a different arrangement of balloons. Using the darts you're given, try to pop as many as you can. Look out for special balloons, blocks and darts, and have fun discovering what they do. You can pick up and play for a few minutes or spend hours working your way through the game's 70 levels. As an added bonus, there's also a level editor that allows you to create your own balloon puzzles.    

Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games
 Publisher: Teyon
 Players: 1-16
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
 Price: 500 Wii Points
 Description: Hubert The Teddy Bear is a party game in which players confront crafty bunnies. Outsmart them in eight winter activities including snow fight, sleigh ride, Christmas tree decoration, fishing, catching a bunny and more. Create a teddy bear and customize it to fit your own style. Choose its name and gender and dress it up by combining elements from plenty of clothes and accessories. Play solo or engage your family and friends by competing in one of the multiplayer modes. As many as 16 players can take part in one competition. Thanks to the balanced levels of difficulty – kid, youngster and adult – everyone can enjoy the game. This collection of casual winter sports provides a new experience for the whole family.    

Nintendo DSiWare    

Oscar in Movieland
 Publisher: Virtual Playground
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
 Price:800 Nintendo DSi Points™
 Description: Following his Oscar in Toyland escapades, Oscar now plays the leading actor in sensational worlds of hit movies and TV shows. From Sci-Fi to Cartoon, Western to War, Horror to Jurassic and more, this is a game not to be missed. Oscar in Movieland features eye-popping graphics, parallax scrolling backgrounds and fabulous game play. This jump-and-run game is easy to play and packed with hours of fun and nonstop action. Use Wings to Fly, Springy Boots to Jump, and Oscar's secret weapon – his magical Yo-Yo – to swing on and zap enemies in some of the craziest platform levels you'll ever play.    

Link 'n' Launch
 Publisher: Nintendo
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
 Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
 Description: Take your puzzle-solving skills to new heights in Link 'n' Launch, a puzzle game in which you must move tiles to create a path that connects fuel to your rocket, blasting it through space. Complete the basic training mode to learn how to play Link 'n' Launch, and then buckle in for the ride through the robust Missions and Puzzles modes. Missions mode has you propelling the rocket through space to reach the target planet within a three-minute time limit, while Puzzles mode challenges you to clear all fuel and pipe tiles from the screen. In both modes, not only do you need to create a path to keep your rocket fueled, but you'll also have to account for immovable tiles and special tiles that upgrade your rocket or give you additional time to complete the level, all while keeping your rocket's flight path within the established boundaries. The launch countdown has begun – are you prepared?    

Fieldrunners
 Publisher: Subatomic Studios
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
 Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
 Description: Descend into the world of Fieldrunners, one of the most anticipated and visually stunning games in mobile tower defense history. Defend and control the field with a diverse selection of upgradeable towers, using a wide array of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air combatants. Enjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challenges. Do you have what it takes to dominate the fieldrunners and rise to the top as the ultimate tower defense master?    

Sudoku 4Pockets
 Publisher: 4Pockets.com
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
 Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
 Description: Sudoku 4Pockets offers you 3,600 puzzles, and your assistant Kiku will be there to guide you through each of the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels. The aim of sudoku is to complete a grid of nine-by-nine squares with the numbers 1 through 9 in each square, row and column. As you play, Kiku will guide you: She can tell you if you've entered an incorrect number, offer you hints and explain the moves and terms as you play. The simple-to-use number entry makes it easy to select numbers and add possible number candidates to aid your thought process. Whether you're new to sudoku or an advanced player, you can have fun playing and learning on your quest to become a sudoku master.    

Extreme Hangman
 Publisher: Gamelion
 Players: 1-2
 ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence
 Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
 Description: There's never been a Hangman game like this before! The world's favorite time-killer game takes an absurdist twist of comical proportions. Taking place in various settings, the game challenges players to save the Hangman from his enemies by guessing hidden words correctly. When players guess incorrectly, he is put one step closer to being shot, strangled, erased or hanged by his enemies. Play a single-player game or challenge your friend to a duel. Extreme Hangman features seven different settings with fun animations, over 2,000 words in various categories, and three difficulty levels.    

Virtual Console    

Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
 Original platform: NES
 Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
 Players: 1
 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
 Price: 500 Wii Points
 Description: Featuring a cast of cute characters and an endearing sense of humor, this unique title has gained a dedicated following since its release on the original NES system. The wicked Minister Pumpkin, a nobleman in the Salad Kingdom, has rebelled and kicked King Broccoli off the throne. Worse yet, he has kidnapped Princess Tomato and, with the help of the treacherous Farmies, proceeded to abolish all truth, justice, sweetness and light from the Salad Kingdom. Players take on the role of the brave Sir Cucumber, hero of the kingdom, and set out on a quest to rescue the princess and topple Minister Pumpkin. Progress through multiple locations using set commands (such as MOVE, LOOK and TALK) while winning bouts of Finger Wars (Rock-Paper-Scissors), collecting information and items and heeding helpful clues from your faithful companion, Percy (a persimmon). If you fail, the entire Salad Kingdom will be tossed into frenzy. Sir Cucumber, your princess awaits!    

  Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.    

  Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com orNintendoDSi.com.

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TalkBack / Re: Video Weekend Round-Up: Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll

« on: February 06, 2010, 04:17:07 AM »

I'm cautiously optimistic as well. I never played Banana Blitz, but I heard so many bad things about it (the only good thing I heard was that Monkey Darts was insane good) that I plain avoided it.

Step and Roll, however, looks more polished, and since the title wasn't rushed to meet a date it could be an overall better game. Not to mention that Sega can work the Balance Board really well. Its usage in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games has convinced me they can.

[Use Percy Jackson's powers to save the world in this new DS title based on the book and upcoming film.]

1175

TalkBack / Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Official Trailer

« on: February 05, 2010, 11:27:00 AM »

Use Percy Jackson's powers to save the world in this new DS title based on the book and upcoming film.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20896

 Activision has released a new trailer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. The title, which will be released on the DS, is an adventure game featuring the storyline and characters of the novel and feature film.    

Attacks are performed by drawing symbols on the DS's touch screen.    

   

Percy Jackson and the Olympians will be released in February 2010.