Messages

251

TalkBack / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review

« on: November 12, 2011, 04:44:22 AM »

There are definitely people who have changed their opinion about Twilight Princess.

This. Much like Wind Waker seemed to be hated at first, then gained a lot of love, Twilight Princess got pretty bad after release. Don't get me wrong, I loved the game, and I still do, but its problem once you look beyond its innovations is that it does feel like OoT version 2.0 and the story didn't work as expected.

[The 3D system may surpass the first-year sales of the Nintendo DS.]

252

TalkBack / 3DS Sales Gain Strength in First Year

« on: November 12, 2011, 02:07:44 AM »

The 3D system may surpass the first-year sales of the Nintendo DS.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28408

First-year sales of the 3DS may surpass the first-year sales of the original DS console, according to sales data by the NPD Group.

The 3DS sold 1.65 million units since its launch early in the year and is fast approaching its first holiday season, which will include the releases of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. Nintendo expects the system to have surpassed sales of the DS once the holiday season is over.

The original DS sold 2.37 million units starting in November of 2004 and ending on October of 2005.

In October, the 3DS sold 250,000 units. In other Nintendo news, the Wii nearly sold 250,000 units, while the DS sold 180,000 units, despite the presence of the 3DS in the market. Combined, Nintendo moved 675,000 pieces of hardware in October.

The 3DS has seen great growth ever since the price drop happened earlier in the year. Recently in Japan the release of Super Mario 3D Land helped boost sales of the system.

253

TalkBack / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review

« on: November 11, 2011, 09:44:48 PM »

I think the reason Twilight Princess got so many great reviews is because the game was indeed the best launch title for the Wii, and its motion controls were actually new and interesting. Save for Wii Sports (which came with the system anyway), what other game at launch was this full and interesting? Red Steel was a disappointment for many, and the rest of the launch titles were PS2 titles with tacked on waggle. So Twilight Princess came as an impressive game that did its stuff really well. It wasn't until the hype of the Wii died off that people finally saw the game for what it was, and thus gained the reputation of being the most disappointing in the series.

With Skyward Sword, the game seemingly came with little to no expectations. We knew that Wii Sports Resort was a testing ground for some of the ideas seen in Skyward Sword. We knew that the graphics would be a mix of TP's realism and Wind Waker's colors and artistic interpretation. We knew that it looked like it wouldn't be extremely groundbreaking. So when we stripped ourselves out of those notions, we see the game as being this groundbreaking, great title, and thus it stands out better as "Game of the year" material than Twilight Princess did.

In other words, Skyward Sword came at a time where players felt disenchanted by the franchise, and they fell in love with it once it delivered.

Oh and regarding that second screenshot... Nintendo's Facebook page used the same picture. OH NOES SPOILERS LOLOLOL!

254

TalkBack / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review

« on: November 11, 2011, 07:48:30 AM »

I came for the review, I left fucking dissappointed at the second screenshot of the review that contains a huge spoiler. I kind of figured a Nintendo site wouldn't spoil such an important game to their fans so willingly.

Heh, blame Nintendo on that. They provided several spoiler-ish screenshots for this. Besides, if you don't know the context behind the screen, why is it a spoiler? Because it briefly revealed a scene you were hoping to see for yourself?

255

TalkBack / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review

« on: November 11, 2011, 07:46:56 AM »

Based on some grumblings on the Connectivity audio show, I didn't expect the game to be awarded the highest score.

Kinda hard to go by that though. Connectivity like NewsCast before it always seems to have a negative and mainly complaining slant to it in general. Complaining about games isn't a bad thing but when it seems like that is the majority stance all the time I can't help but notice it and wonder why some even bother doing the show. Mix messages do indeed get sent. It's why I stopped listing to NewsCast and why I've stopped with Connectivity after a few episodes.

It should be noted that when we were recording an episode of Connectivity, Neal was still in the first few dungeons of the game where the controls were still being tested and on a rough stage. It seems that the game picks up significantly after a few dungeons and the story finally gets into its better moments, so it is likely that this review is a reflection of the experience as a whole. This is why Neal played the full game then reviewed it rather than review the game based on the first four or five dungeons in the game.

Plus, while recording that episode we discussed how reviews for this game would be and how the game would eventually be seen years later. Twilight Princess got great to amazing reviews back when it first launched, and now it is considered to be one of the most disappointing entries in the whole series. So with Skyward Sword we wondered if it would be fair to praise the game if it would eventually fail to live up to its potential years later after the hype has disappeared.

In other words, lots of thought and discussion about this happened. Also, regarding the negativity, once again, if you guys find that upsetting you haven't heard the worse the internet can offer in terms of podcast negativity. Plus, if things were far more positive, the complain would be that it would be too much like a fanboy podcast where everything is great.

[Early bird Black Friday shoppers will get to nab the elusive blue Wii at sister store Sams Club as well.]

256

TalkBack / Blue Wii Coming to North America as a Walmart Exclusive [Updated]

« on: November 11, 2011, 03:22:11 AM »

Early bird Black Friday shoppers will get to nab the elusive blue Wii at sister store Sams Club as well.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28405

Update: The Blue Wii will also be available at warehouse club chain Sam's Club, according to the store's preview of its "Day After Thanksgiving Event" ads. Though the Walmart ad claims "Only at Walmart" for the blue version of Nintendo's home console, Sam's Club's having the item on sale could have something to do with the fact that the warehouse chain is owned and operated by Walmart Stores, Inc. Sam's Club's ad pegs the Blue Wii at a cost of $99, and also claims the console will be available at the store's online site while supplies last.

The Blue Wii is coming to North America, though it will be a Walmart exclusive, according to a Black Friday shopper.

The system has been announced for Europe as a Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games bundle, although no word was made regarding the system's availability in North America. This confirms that it will be coming, however, it will be in limited quantities. Walmart will be selling the system for $99.96.

In addition to the Blue Wii system, several Wii titles will be available at a budget price during Black Friday. Some of these include last year's Epic Mickey, LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 and Toy Story 3 for $15 dollars each.

[Freaky forms of life invade the 3DS... and there are no Virtual Console games this week.]

257

TalkBack / Nintendo Download - November 10, 2011

« on: November 10, 2011, 10:54:55 AM »

Freaky forms of life invade the 3DS... and there are no Virtual Console games this week.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28391

Five new pieces of software have been added across Nintendo's download services, including one for 3DS, two for DSiWare, one for WiiWare, and one for Nintendo Video.

The first of these is an exclusive for the 3DS: Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! The game is a platforming title in which players get to design their own playable characters. These characters can have different abilities such as jumping and flying, and players can even use the AR cards to interact with their creatures. Freakyforms can be downloaded for $6.99.

For both the eShop and DSiWare is Castle Conqueror Heroes from CIRCLE Entertainment. The $4.99 priced title has players partaking in several strategy battles set in the fantasy world of the Green Planet.

The second DSiWare/eShop game for this week is Bloons TD from Digital Goldfish Ltd. Players pop different colored balloons through various mazes. The game has been priced at $4.99.

Nintendo Video receives the latest video of the Legend of Zelda 25th anniversary concert: Ballad of the Goddess. Finally, for WiiWare is Step Up! from GolemLabs & Zoozen. The exercise title features several songs in order to help the player liven up their exercise routines. The game can be downloaded now for 800 Wii Points.

And this is yet another week without a Virtual Console release.

[The 3DS's major fall title is very effective in terms of sales.]

258

TalkBack / Super Mario 3D Land Inspires 3DS Sales Surge in Japan

« on: November 10, 2011, 09:28:14 AM »

The 3DS's major fall title is very effective in terms of sales.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28389

Super Mario 3D Land has sold 343,492 copies since its early November release in Japan, according to data by Media Create.

The 3DS's first major 3DS title has seen great success since it was released on November 3, 2011. This has also inspired a sales surge of 3DS units, which has seen a steady performance since it received its first price drop a few months ago. Media Create states that 145,271 units have been sold.

Several Wii titles have also seen solid performance in Japan. Kirby's Return to Dream Land (known in Japan as Kirby Wii), came in at number 5 with 55,779 copies sold. The Ubisoft developed/Nintendo published Just Dance Wii comes in at number 9 with 25,665 units sold. Namco's Go Vacation  closes the top ten best sellers with 16,995 copies sold.

The full software and hardware sales charts are as follows:

01. [3DS] Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo, 11/03): 343,492
02. [PS3] Uncharted 3 (Sony, 11/02): 124,989
03. [PS3] Battlefield 3 (EA, 11/02): 123,379
04. [PSP] Final Fantasy Type-0 (EA, 10/27): 122,286 (594,540)
05. [WII] Kirby Wii (Nintendo, 10/27): 55,779 (192,589)
06. [PSP] Winning Eleven 2012 (Konami, 11/03): 45,437
07. [3DS] Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest 3 (Square Enix, 11/03): 38,859
08. [360] Battlefield 3 (EA, 11/02): 27,723
09. [WII] Just Dance Wii (Nintendo, 10/13): 25,665 (189,116)
10. [WII] Go Vacation (Namco Bandai, 10/20): 16,995 (89,463)
11. [WII] Winning Eleven Play Maker 2012 (Konami, 11/03): 14,117
12. [WII] Wii Sports Resort Wiiplus Pack (Nintendo, 11/11): 12,570 (638,091)
13. [PS3] Idolmaster 2 (Namco Bandai, 10/27): 10,721 (76,233)
14. [PS3] Winning Eleven 2012 (Konami, 10/06): 10,636 (381,156)
15. [PS2] Winning Eleven 2012 (Konami, 11/03): 9,786
16. [PSP] AKB1/48 If I Loved an Idol in Guam (Namco Bandai, 10/06): 8,883 (310,625)
17. [WII] Minna no Rhythm Heaven (Nintendo, 07/21): 8,581 (535,523)
18. [PS3] Macross F Sayonara no Tsubasa Hybrid Pack (Namco Bandai, 10/20): 8,352 (167,700)
19. [PSP] Naruto Narutimate Impact (Namco Bandai, 10/20): 7,144 (72,374)
20. [3DS] Model Fashion Audition 2 (Alchemist, 11/03): 6,643

Hardware sales:

1. 3DS: 145,271 (65,041)
2. PSP: 27,952 (30,605)
3. PS3: 26,966 (25,217)
4. Wii: 11,725 (11,784)
5. DSi LL: 2,041 (2,009)
6. X360: 1,699 (1,704)
7. PS2: 1,457 (1,228)
8. DSi: 1,057 (1,061)
9. DS Lite: 33 (55)

259

TalkBack / Re: Latest Robin and Zelda Williams Advert Highlights Skyward Sword

« on: November 09, 2011, 05:43:35 PM »

I'm more shocked that Robin Williams was able to produce a hot offspring,lol

His wife must be pretty looking, then! :p

[Robin and Zelda Williams return for a look at Link's latest console adventure.]

260

TalkBack / Latest Robin and Zelda Williams Advert Highlights Skyward Sword

« on: November 08, 2011, 04:27:42 PM »

Robin and Zelda Williams return for a look at Link's latest console adventure.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/28370

The latest ad in the Zelda 25th anniversary campaign has been officially revealed, this time focusing on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Robin and Zelda Williams star once again in the ad as they exchange playful commentary while further displaying the game's 1:1 Motion controls. Like previous ads in the series, this one is mainly for Europe.

The full television ad is as follows:

261

TalkBack / Re: Disney Universe Review

« on: November 07, 2011, 03:55:31 PM »

Kingdom Hearts in all honesty is more of a Square Enix franchise that happens to have Disney elements in it. Square is no longer selling the franchise as a Disney RPG but another extension of their Final Fantasy empire. There hasn't been a true, original Disney game in quite a while. Disney Universe looked like it could be it, but the linear design is too boring...

262

TalkBack / Re: Disney Universe Review

« on: November 06, 2011, 05:07:22 AM »

I wonder if Disney even knows what a video game is. I mean, Epic Mickey was such a joke to be honest.

In all fairness, the have released some solid games. Cars 2 Wii was pretty fun (even if I gave it a 6.5), the Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland game was surprisingly good, the recent Phineas and Ferb game was good from what I heard and Guilty Party was great last year. It seems that the hyped games are the ones that fail to live up to expectations. Both Epic Mickey and this were heavily hyped by Disney

[How can the wonderful world of Disney be so... boring?]

263

TalkBack / Disney Universe Review

« on: November 05, 2011, 06:25:55 PM »

How can the wonderful world of Disney be so... boring?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28344

Alongside being a Nintendo/video game enthusiast, I am also a big fan of Disney. Before I grabbed my first game controller, I was enthralled by the beauty of Disney animation. The best thing about it all is that both passions have crossed paths many times, yielding games such as Ducktales for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Mickey Mania for the Super NES and my all-time favorite, Square's Kingdom Hearts series. So you can bet that I was looking forward to Disney Universe, a game that looked to fully use Disney's modern and classic franchises to the fullest with clear inspiration from the LEGO game series. Unfortunately, after a hefty playthrough of the game, I came away disappointed by this shallow effort.

Developed by Eurocom (the same development house that worked on last year's Goldeneye 007), Disney Universe tells the story of a new method of amusement where Disney fans can enter digital representations of their favorite Disney worlds while being under constant watch from the system hosts. One day, however, the system is overtaken by evil robots, corrupting all the Disney worlds in the process. It is up to the player to restore order to the various Disney worlds so that they can be safe to explore once more. It is a very basic story that serves its purpose—to give a reason of being to this universe—well. But it severely lacks the charm and character appeal Disney productions are known for, and this shortcoming is where many of the game's flaws originate.

As I mentioned, Disney Universe borrows a lot of ideas from the LEGO games' playbook. Gameplay allows for up to four players, who can visit each world, complete simple puzzles and do combat with various enemy robots. Also like in the LEGO games, you cannot die. Instead, when you are defeated you lose some of your coins, coins that are then used to unlock the game's content. Unfortunately, while it tries to mimic the style of the LEGO classics, Disney Universe fails to make the gameplay engaging. Puzzles are just way too basic, and repeat themselves over the course of the gameplay. The progression is also extremely linear, failing to give players the opportunity to explore the world. To make a long story short, Disney Universe is dreadfully boring to partake in.

Two of Disney Universe's selling points are the six Disney worlds and the various Disney costumes the playable characters can don. This happens to be both the game's biggest strength and annoyance. It is a strength because Disney Universe does have a wide variety of references to past and present Disney classics, such as TRON Legacy, Tangled, Aladdin, The Lion King and more. The worlds have details that reference iconic Disney locales and moments, and the most inventive worlds can be really fun to experience. The main claim of annoyance, however, lies in how these worlds and costumes are unlocked.

Each world has three levels. In order to continue to the next world, all three levels must first be completed. Once you do, you must then buy the next set of levels using the coins you have collected. This method of unlocking worlds and levels is illogical, as you must continue to the next world anyway, so why the developers implement this tedious method is beyond me. The same logic has also been applied to the costumes. First, you must beat the level that hides the guest character who is wearing the costume. Once you do, you must buy the costume in order to unlock it. Sometimes you have to beat the same level again in order to unlock the rest. It doesn't help that the best costumes in the game (such as those based on popular Disney heroes and villains) are locked away.

At the very least, Disney Universe looks and sounds great. As previously stated, the Disney worlds feature authentic details that call back to the essence of the feature films, such as the windmill on Mad Hatter's home from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. The costumes the characters wear are stylized while still retaining a familiar feel. The music is very bouncy, in a Radio Disney type of way, while implementing some of the familiar tunes from the franchises featured in the game.

But all the great graphics and soundtrack can't hide the fact that Disney Universe is one of the most disappointing releases of the year. Clearly the development team went through great lengths to replicate the success of the LEGO series by borrowing some of its concepts, but failed at giving us engaging game worlds, mission objectives that are easy to understand but provide a satisfying level of challenge, and a linear progression that is, to put it bluntly, isn’t boring beyond all belief. The way the game provides its additional content also proves to be offensive to the player. Ignore the cutesy music and lively characters—Disney Universe is a game best avoided.

[These latest videos show off some of the new tracks as well as some classic ones.]

264

TalkBack / Mario Kart 7 Cup Previews

« on: November 04, 2011, 12:32:03 AM »

These latest videos show off some of the new tracks as well as some classic ones.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/28331

Mario Kart 7 is slated to be released next month. While we wait, here are some new videos that highlight some of the creative tracks featured in the game.In the first video, we get a glimpse of the new tracks:

In the second video, we take a look at some of the classic tracks fetured in the game:

[Tired of seeing Super Mario 3D Land yet? Too bad cause here are some more videos!]

265

TalkBack / Super Mario 3D Land Commercial and Gameplay Videos

« on: November 04, 2011, 12:05:21 AM »

Tired of seeing Super Mario 3D Land yet? Too bad cause here are some more videos!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/28330

With the release of Super Mario 3D Land in just a few days, here are even more videos of Mario's latest 3D adventure:

[The price is justified, according to Capcom.]

266

TalkBack / Resident Evil: Revelations to Cost $50

« on: November 01, 2011, 07:46:39 PM »

The price is justified, according to Capcom.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28300

Resident Evil: Revelations will be the first 3DS game priced at $50.

A Capcom representative told Kotaku that the reason the game has been priced at $50 is that "Resident Evil Revelations is an all new Resident Evil title with over 20 hours of gameplay, and cutscenes beautifully rendered in fear-inducing 3D". He elaborates, "A true console experience on a handheld device, Resident Evil Revelations is an epic title that offers both a single-player campaign for that classic survival horror gaming experience, and an additional RAID mode that can be played cooperatively or single player. To handle all of that data Resident Evil Revelations requires a 4GB cartridge, resulting in a higher price point."

The game will be released in North America on February 7, 2012.

[Is this the end of paper manual in games?]

267

TalkBack / Super Mario 3D Land Comes with No Manual in Japan

« on: November 01, 2011, 05:45:20 PM »

Is this the end of paper manual in games?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28293

The Japanese release of Super Mario 3D Land doesn't feature a traditional paper manual.

Instead, it comes with a note explaining to the player how to access the digital manual on the 3DS itself. While this so far only applies to the Japanese release of the game, there is a chance that the North American and European releases might feature the same initiative. EA and Ubisoft ditched some of their paper manuals in the past year, citing environmental concerns.

Super Mario 3D Land comes out in Japan on November 3. North American players will see the game on November 13.

268

TalkBack / Re: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Unboxing

« on: November 01, 2011, 01:15:36 AM »

Shh...

You guys hear that? That is the sound of a million fanboys crapping their collective undies in sheer envy.

But in all seriousness, this is awesome. The controller is beautiful, and would get this just for the controller.

269

TalkBack / Re: Club Nintendo Rewards: Handheld History Cards

« on: November 01, 2011, 01:12:55 AM »

Wow... if people are taking a deep, personal offense to Zach's snark, I am afraid to see how they react to the worst the internet can offer in terms of butt hurt, angry, snarky commentary... :p

270

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 6: Jeopardy Returns!

« on: October 31, 2011, 02:16:32 AM »

I also think it's best to keep Sony and Microsoft talks to a minimum.  I like having Nintendo Jeopardy instead of more Xbox 360 and PS3 discussions filling up the air.  There's PLENTY of that on most other podcasts (it seems that Nintendo isn't a popular subject elsewhere).

I don't disagree, and we'll always bee a Nintendo site and a Nintendo podcast first and foremost.  That said, it's important to remember that Nintendo does live within an ecosystem that consists of competing products, and when there is news about how that ecosystem is affected by Nintendo and vice versa, I think we will always talk about that as well.

I agree with Andy. While we are a Nintendo site 100%, it would be hard to not mention how the presence of these competitors affects Nintendo's own presence. Also, if we decide to ignore what the other companies are doing we would risk being like other sites and podcasts where they dismiss whatever Nintendo does, and as you guys can clearly see, we want to avoid that in these things.

271

TalkBack / Re: Mario 3D Kart's Newest Characters Revealed

« on: October 31, 2011, 02:09:20 AM »

I find it hilarious how people are lamenting the disappearance of Waluigi. Years ago, people would have given their nuts, their father's nuts, kidneys, liver, lungs and heart just to make him disappear off the Mario roster. Now, people are wondering where the hell he is.

You know this would make an interesting character expose, how he went from being this hated character to sort of having his own cult fanbase.

272

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 6: Jeopardy Returns!

« on: October 30, 2011, 05:06:53 PM »

Glad to know you guys enjoyed the episode! I had a blast recording this, and Jeopardy was all kinds of fun!

[And the new characters gracing Mario Kart 7 are...]

273

TalkBack / Mario Kart 7's Newest Characters Revealed

« on: October 30, 2011, 09:58:34 AM »

And the new characters gracing Mario Kart 7 are...

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28270

Nintendo Power has revealed the latest set of characters that will appear in the upcoming Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS.

The article reconfirms the appearance of Metal Mario, Shy Guy, Lakitu, and Miis, but also details two new racers. The first is Wiggler, the caterpillar enemy that first appeared in Super Mario World. The character has made playable appearances before, but this is the first time he appears in the Mario Kart series.

The second character is Honey Queen from Super Mario Galaxy. With the addition of the two new characters, the cast of racers reaches 17.

[Strider, Street Fighter and Bomberman highlight as very busy November for the Virtual Console in Japan.]

274

TalkBack / Japanese Virtual Console Releases Announced for November

« on: October 29, 2011, 10:01:08 PM »

Strider, Street Fighter and Bomberman highlight as very busy November for the Virtual Console in Japan.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28267

Nintendo has revealed the Virtual Console games that will be released throughout the month of November in Japan.

There are some notable releases in this latest batch of games. The first of these is Capcom's Strider, originally an arcade game starring a ninja in a futuristic setting. Strider is best known nowadays for his appearances on Capcom's fighters, like the upcoming Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. This release will be the Genesis/Mega Drive version, and has been priced at 600 Wii Points.

Another Capcom franchise being featured this month is Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers for the Genesis. This version of Street Fighter II features four new characters, refined mechanics and new battle locations. The Virtual Console edition will even feature online play over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Sega's Puyo Puyo was the first to include such an option. The page lists the game as costing 600 Wii Points.

Japanese players will soon get the release of Bomberman Hero for the Nintendo 64. The game is available in both North America and Europe, but will finally be available on November 1 in Japan for 1,000 Wii Points.

Several Japan-only titles launch next month, including Sugoro Quest: Dice no Senshi Tachi, originally for Famicom, and Metal Max Returns, a Super Famicom game. Sugoro Quest is a board game with RPG influences, which will retail for 500 Wii Points. Metal Max Returns, sold at 800 Wii Points, is a remake of the post-apocalyptic Famicom RPG.

Finally, some NEO GEO releases have been confirmed, including World Heroes 2 and Sengoku. These titles will be available for 900 Wii Points each, and Sengoku starts off the month, releasing November 1.

275

TalkBack / Re: Kirby's Return to Dream Land Review

« on: October 26, 2011, 12:06:31 AM »

It's the first brand new traditional Kirby made by HAL in over 10 years.  Amazing Mirror and Squeak Squad were both outsourced to Flagship and it showed.  Returned to Dream Land actually brings the series back to the quality that HAL was famous for.

So yes, this game is indeed a must own to all Kirby fans for actually being top tier at the traditional style of Kirby gameplay.

Right. Even the most traditional Kirby games on the GBA were experimental and different takes on the formula. Save for the additions I mentioned, this is a pure, classic Kirby game. I thought it was great as it reminded me greatly of Kirby's Adventure and Super Star.