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[Toys for Bob asserts its dominance over the toys-to-life genre with this fantastic game.]

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TalkBack / Skylanders Trap Team Wii U Review

« on: October 01, 2014, 03:00:36 AM »

Toys for Bob asserts its dominance over the toys-to-life genre with this fantastic game.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/38637/skylanders-trap-team-wii-u-review

When Skylanders Trap Team was first announced, I was very wary of the new trap mechanic. The idea of capturing villains in a faceless plastic toy seemed more gimmicky than the series had been so far, missing the magic of the initial idea and subsequent iterations. Somehow, Toys for Bob made the concept of villain trapping work wonderfully, as Trap Team is, from top to bottom, a marvelous, charming adventure bolstered by fun gameplay, neat ideas, and a stellar presentation.

Trap Team uses the base of last year's Swap Force, as a lot of the level and environmental design seems similar (though Trap Team feels more straightforward). The moment-to-moment gameplay is a mixture of light puzzle-solving and engaging combat. The new hook revolves around trapping villains in physical trap items (two are included with the Starter Pack). This makes boss fights feel more substantial and also allows each of the boss characters—there are multiple bosses in every level--to have more of a boisterous personality. Once you defeat a boss, you trap them (as long as you have a trap of the right element), and then they get sucked out of the TV and into the trap section of the new “Traptanium” Portal. Through a built-in speaker in the portal, the villains actually talk. For some, most notably the lackadaisical mage Broccoli Guy, the dialog is hysterical, and the entire concept expertly leverages the meta aspect of Skylanders.

You can play as a villain for a limited time after you trap them. The villains are generally more powerful and each one has their own unique abilities, background music, and in-game quest that powers them up more. The idea of these trap items still feels like a malicious cash grab, but man, the villains are so charming and funny that it’s worthwhile.

The story is the main attraction, though, lasting more than 10 hours in an initial playthrough. The levels feel more focused this time around, delivering more guided experiences that dish out a little bit more spectacle and story. The strength of this mode lies in the rapid accrual of villains, as you often find an average of three villains in every level. Of course, it also helps that each level looks fantastic and sounds even better. The sound design, especially, is magnificent.

There are a few other modes to supplement the story as well, including fun arena battles and an amusing tower defense mode. Unfortunately, the entertaining two-player competitive modes from past games are completely absent. While every existing game mode can be played co-op, it’s a bummer that the cool PvP modes are all gone. The one remnant is Skystones Smash, a new twist on the series card game. It’s a fun mini-game that has even more strategic elements than the previous incarnation.

The new Skylanders figures for this version are a mixture of regular ones, Minis, and Trap Masters. Minis are new ”fun-size” versions of existing Skylanders that don't seem all that useful. The Trap Masters are overpowered gods of mass destruction and also the only way to unlock the majority of the side content in each level. In past games, you could use any Skylander of a certain element to enter elemental gates. In Trap Team, you can only use Trap Masters of that element. It really diminishes the usefulness of every other Skylander, making your old collection less useful or fun to use. Fortunately, the character designs of the Trap Masters are superb and all of the ones I've played as so far are great, especially the sword-swinging undead Krypt King and the fire-wielding golden lion Wildfire.

Skylanders Trap Team is a fantastic, well-made game. The lengthy story mode is filled with excellent gameplay set in gorgeous environments with top-shelf graphics and sound. The bonus modes, while focused mostly on combat, are a lot of fun. Outside of the over-powered and integral nature of the new Trap Master figures, Trap Team is close to being the best Skylanders game yet.

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Nintendo Gaming / Official NWR Mario Golf: World Tour Tournament Thread

« on: May 01, 2014, 01:36:30 PM »

Come here, share friend codes, community codes, tournaments codes, what have you so we can all play Mario Golf: World Tour together!


When the game launches (mere hours from now!), I'll post a few "NWR Tournament" codes that we can all compete in. Go ahead and share your own creations, too! We can have some fun and see how heated the competition gets.


While we won't 100% do this, we're contemplating running a "NWR Mario Golf Tour," which would basically be a league where tournament wins and placements are tracked and maybe-just-maybe we give out prizes to the best golfers. If you're interested in that, voice your interest here.


Until then, let's have fun golfing!

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General Gaming / PAX Prime 2013

« on: August 21, 2013, 10:26:03 AM »

I know it's sort of last minute, but if any reader is going to PAX Prime this year and wants to contribute some game impressions to NWR, let me know.


Nintendo's going to have a bunch of cool indie stuff, including the new Shantae, Shovel Knight, and a whole bunch more.


If you're at all interested, respond to this thread and/or email me at nwrjobs (at) nintendoworldreport (dot) com. And hey, if you do a really good job and have an interest in joining staff, this would be a wonderful opportunity!


We can't provide a press pass or anything, but we can set you up with some appointments with Nintendo and other Wii U/3DS devs.

[The system update is coming this week along with Virtual Console, but who knows when.]

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TalkBack / Wii U Virtual Console Lineup Releasing Tomorrow, Not Full Service

« on: April 22, 2013, 09:15:59 PM »

The system update is coming this week along with Virtual Console, but who knows when.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/33973

Nintendo of America will reveal the full launch Wii U Virtual Console lineup tomorrow, according to a Facebook post. This is likely what the tease two days ago meant, instead of signifying the launch of the service.

According to Nintendo Force Contributor Emily Rogers on Twitter, the system update and Virtual Console launch will not be happening tomorrow, despite teases and rumors pointing towards a launch for the update or Virtual Console by tomorrow. While rumors of gifting and cross-buying Virtual Console games is running rampant, we still have no official confirmation of that, either.

As of now, we know that Ice Climber (NES) and Super Mario World (SNES) are launch games. It's also logical that the previous 30 cent games, which include Balloon Fight (NES), F-Zero (SNES), and Punch-Out!! (NES), will be a part of the selection as well. Kirby's Adventure (NES) is available for 30 cents on the eShop currently.

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Nintendo Gaming / NWR Forums First-Party/Third-Party Top 10 Lists

« on: October 03, 2012, 07:38:24 PM »

With the NWR Staff Third-Party Top 10 in the books (and the first-party one almost done), I figured let's do something kind of fun. Let's do the same thing but for the forums. We know you disagree with us, so here's your chance to let your voice be heard. When this is all said and done (as long as we get a decent amount of contributions), we'll post the list on the website in some fashion.


So, throw your top 10 first-party and third-party Wii games down below. Make sure they're ordered, otherwise they won't be counted.


First-Party means....anything published, developed, or created by Nintendo. The Last Story is a Nintendo game, even though it was published by Xseed in North America. Ask for clarification if you're unsure.
Also, as per how we handled it in the site top 10, Metroid Prime 3/Trilogy count as one game. Every other game is separate.


Third-Party means...anything not published, developed, or created by Nintendo. Ask for any clarification if you're unsure.


To get your list heard, post them below. We won't accept anything later than Sunday October 14 at midnight ET.

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General Gaming / PAX Prime 2012

« on: August 21, 2012, 09:36:06 PM »

Anyone going to PAX Prime? We don't have anyone going, but if someone is, well, we might be able to work out some sort of coverage dealie-thing.


Ask Caterkiller; we don't pay, but, ummm, we'll post your 3DS XL and Kirby Collection impressions.

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General Gaming / Games That Make You Feel Like Batman or Indiana Jones

« on: June 29, 2012, 02:01:33 PM »

So, for something that will make itself known in like a week or two, I'm trying to compile a list of games (across every system) that are similar to Batman and Indiana Jones (while not literally being Batman/Indy games)


Some examples:
Uncharted for Indiana Jones (duh), Spelunky for Indiana Jones
Assassin's Creed II for Batman


Any other ideas?

[Watch this spot for the latest Nintendo news from Japan starting at 11 p.m. ET and then following with North America and Europe an hour later.]

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TalkBack / Nintendo Direct 6/22/2012 Live Blog and Stream

« on: June 21, 2012, 07:56:52 PM »

Watch this spot for the latest Nintendo news from Japan starting at 11 p.m. ET and then following with North America and Europe an hour later.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/30809

Join us as we try to get you the latest Nintendo information straight from President Satoru Iwata in Japan. Remember, this is the Japanese Nintendo Direct. We'll be reporting on the North American and European ones, which will air one hour after this one (Midnight ET).

Here are the times, in case you're confused.

Japanese Nintendo Direct is at...

8 p.m. PT 6/21 (Los Angeles, CA)
11 p.m. ET 6/21 (New York, NY)
4 a.m. BST 6/22 (London)
12 p.m. JST 6/22 (Japan)
1:00 p.m. AEST (Sydney)

North American/European Nintendo Direct is at...

9 p.m. PT 6/21 (Los Angeles, CA)
12 a.m. ET 6/22 (New York, NY)
5 a.m. BST 6/22 (London)
1 p.m. JST 6/22 (Japan)
2 p.m. AEST (Sydney)

Join us in the chat room during the event. Having trouble? You can also connect with a dedicated IRC client. Server: irc.browsingtheinternet.com Channel: #nwr

7:46:58: About 10 minutes to go. The Japanese one is slated to be 53 minutes long. So there won't be much downtime until the North American/European one.

7:52:47: Five minutes. It's almost go time!

7:56:53: Any minute now, Iwata will show up in a random Nintendo room, possibly with some kind of kitschy concept.

8:00:25: Iwata's Brain Age guy. Looks like Oni Tore (Demon Training) will kick us off.

8:00:55: Showing of Dr. Kawashima. If they do the whole thing like this, I'll pee myself.

8:01:14: Virtual Iwata is doing crazy things with his hands. It's just real like real Iwata!!!

8:01:42: Now we're back to real Iwata, in what looks like it could be a high school gymnasium.

8:02:47: Recapping E3 presentation, and showing off the Wii U announcements.

8:03:37: The jump cuts in these kill me. And also, more Iwata hand motions.

8:04:06: Talking about Bandai Namco

8:04:38: Sakurai working with Bandai Namco on Smash Bros, apparently. I think. We'll hear more later.

8:04:47: That's right. Smash Bros. news, y'all!!!

8:06:01: Talking about Project Zero 2, which is coming out in Japan (and Europe) next week.

8:06:24: Trailer for Kirby's 20th Anniversary Collection...or just a tease.

8:06:50: Now they're blowing it out more. Three different modes. One includes the playable games.

8:07:05: We've seen these in screens before. Game Boy games have borders, and so do some of the other games.

8:08:05: One other mode is the challenge stage mode, which is similar to Kirby's Return to Dream Land. Looks pretty awesome.

8:08:26: Last playable mode is a cleverly presented History/Chronology. Features some cartoon episodes.

8:09:00: Going over what comes with Kirby Collection (CD) 7/19, 3,800 yen

8:09:52: Talking Dragon Quest X!

8:10:17: Also, looks like folks who bought Epic Yarn, Kirby Wii, and Kirby Collection will get a Club Nintendo gift.

8:10:33: Dragon Quest X. I want you in my system. Now.

8:10:59: There will be a drawing for the Kirby cushions if you buy all three.

8:11:29: Also, DQX 8/2, 6,980 yen. And all the nonsense of a certain time of day being free for kids.

8:12:10: Also, first 20 hours of gameplay will be free

8:12:22: Pokemon B2 and W2 being talked about. Coming out in a day in Japan.

8:12:43: Err...first 20 days free, not 20 hours. Translations

8:13:47: Read Alex's preview for your Pokemon fix. He'll have some more stuff soon, I think. He is our Pokeexpert.

8:14:42: Now it looks like it is Culdcept girl.

8:15:09: Showing off Culdcept. Which is set for launch soon.

8:15:28: There is a Culdcept website up.

8:16:10: Something called "All Japan Cepters Cup 2012" happening. Nintendo is trying to make Culdcept huge, methinks.

8:17:46: Calcio Bit being talked about next. It's a soccer game, likely never making it to North America.

8:18:29: Culdcept is out on 6/28, by the way. This was known, I think.

8:18:59: Soccer players doing stuff against comedians and things.

8:19:35: Calcio Bit is 7/12 release

8:19:40: Soul Hackers is up next.

8:20:19: Devil Summoner Soul Hackers is an Atlus game, so there are demons and stuff. It's a remake of a Saturn game, I believe.

8:21:08: Soul Hackers coming out on August 30

8:21:37: Lost Heroes from Namco Bandai (who, in case you forgot, are now working on freaking Smash Bros with Sakurai!)

8:21:58: Looks like there is a cool retro version of this game coming to eShop.

8:22:08: Lost Heroes coming September 6. Man, Japan is awesome.

8:22:17: Samurai Warriors Chronicles 2nd is up next.

8:22:32: it's from Tecmo Koei, sequel to 3DS launch title.

8:23:17: That eShop game is the Famicom version of the game, comes as a DL code with the game.

8:23:47: Samurai Warriors Chronicle 2nd is coming on September 13.

8:24:10: AKB48+ME from Kadokawa Games up next. Some Japanese schoolgirls are talking. I'm confused.

8:24:28: Looks like a weird singing game with Miis.

8:25:24: It's a J-pop band. I'm unaware of their existence. James Dawson says they're good, I guess.

8:25:48: This is from the game's "Live Mode"

8:26:18: Miis singing J-pop, guys. That's what we're at right now. Halfway through Nintendo Direct!!!

8:27:30: Iwata looks like he's ready to hold a banana.

8:27:50: Coming out in 2012.

8:28:03: EX Troopers, the new Capcom game that is something of a Lost Planet sidestory.

8:28:15: Does the cool motion comic book thing like Gravity Rush. Also, mechs.

8:29:11: EX Troopers looks cool; due out in 2012

8:29:47: Firebrand in Project X Zone! Oh, he got schooled by Ken and Ryu.

8:29:57: Also, Project X Zone, which is a Monolith joint.

8:30:34: Project X Zone coming in 2012.

8:30:41: Now what's this?

8:31:04: Bravely Default maybe? Could be a Square Enix RPG...

8:31:53: It is Bravely Default. Looks like a Square RPG. I guess that's a good thing.

8:32:54: Bravely Default (coming in 2012) trailer showed off battles and stuff. Looks good.

8:33:00: Now, to New Super Mario Bros. 2

8:33:21: No Bowser; all Koopalings.

8:34:17: Lots of coins. Mario turns into a coin-spouting blockhead, gold fire flower, it's a game.

8:34:42: Single-Player, Co-op, and Coin Rush are the three modes.

8:35:21: Game looks good. It might be more of the same, but it looks great. I'm fine with this game coming out.

8:36:19: We've got about 15 minutes left, gang.

8:37:47: Time for Onitore (Demon Training). I love scary Kawashima.

8:38:16: Also, on NSMB2: Downloadable Coin Rush courses will come post-release. Details later

8:39:15: Official name is really long, but it's basically like Five Minute Demon Training, which sounds super sinister.

8:40:12: Lots of memory-related games. Looks good. I'd play it.

8:41:00: Also NSMB2 download levels will be paid-for, and made post-release.

8:41:20: New 3DS model. It looks ridiculous.

8:41:42: It's 90% increased in size, and the sides are rounded. No second pad.

8:42:23: Also, Onitore will be retail and download.

8:42:45: 4.88" screen 3DS. It looks weird. Start/Select/Home are different, too. So weird.

8:43:26: Eight minutes left...

8:43:34: Also, 15 minutes until NA and Europe!

8:44:14: 3 different colors, and NSMB2, Onitore, and the new 3DS will hit 7/28

8:45:37: So the 3DS LL will include a 4gb sd card, and no ac adaptor (sold separately). Price will be around the same as the old model.

8:45:59: Three new 3DS LL colors: White, Red x Black and Silver x Black

8:46:50: I missed something, some drawing app/game. But now it's Animal Crossing time!

8:47:17: New 3DS drawing game; exchange drawings with SpotPass; 9/13 for 3,800 yen

8:48:02: I'll probably get this, but I'm not an Animal Crossing vet. Look for our Animal Crossing zealots to give you all the nitty-gritty details soon.

8:48:14: You're the mayor, and it looks nice, better than other AC games.

8:48:45: 2012 release date for Animal Crossing

8:48:50: 3 minutes left.

8:49:20: Now, it is eShop time. Looks like a new game with people jumping around each other and line-cutting?

8:49:31: It's a people puzzle game. Like Zuma, but with real people.

8:49:43: It's called Line Toss Loop

8:50:03: Coming in 2012

8:50:26: It's a summer release date for Line Cross Loop

8:50:50: Sales coming to the eShop. A mess of games are 20% off for a week starting 6/29 to 7/5

8:51:41: Stuff with Kid Icarus cards. More cards coming in July.

8:52:15: Monster Hunter TriG stuff... We're running over time.

8:54:09: Alright, Japan's is over. There's some extra stuff following it. North American one starts in four minutes.

8:54:25: North American one is 22 minutes.

8:55:55: Demo of Etrian Odyssey IV on Japan eShop. Also, looks like there will be no Smash talk at the end of this. Should be on Nintendo's site soon, though. Iwata promised it.

8:58:19: North America Nintendo Direct should start soon.

9:00:47: Europe's started. Waiting for North American one to start.

9:01:33: Reggie is in his office. It's go time.

9:01:47: We got news for 3DS stuff, including the 3DS XL.

9:01:54: 90% larger screens.

9:02:08: Red and Blue colors

9:02:32: $200 available on August 19.

9:03:59: Damon Baker from Licensing department. Third party games.

9:04:11: Also, I've been by that garden before! It's at NOA Redmond.

9:04:18: Mirror of Fate mentioned.

9:04:40: Skylanders Giants on 3DS; from n-Space, looks like the VV one made last year.

9:04:51: Looks more visually interesting, though.

9:04:56: Adventure Time 3DS!!!!

9:05:20: LEGO Lord of the Rings 3DS

9:05:29: Also, no Adventure Time gameplay. Just a box art

9:05:46: Scribblenauts Unlimited 3DS mentioned. It's a game.

9:05:58: Epic Mickey 3DS, Nov 18, looks amazing. Can't wait.

9:06:20: Sonic Racing 2 on 3DS. Looks really good for 3DS if that's actually the 3DS version.

9:06:37: Kingdom Hearts 3D, with a July 31 release, is coming, too. Support Circle Pad Pro.

9:06:53: Kingdom Hearts 3D demo available now!!!

9:07:10: Rhythm Thief and Heroes of Ruin demo coming soon in NA

9:07:23: JC Rodrigo talking about stuff, first-party stuff.

9:07:43: Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask for North America. Launch in NA in November.

9:08:15: 1 downloadable puzzle a day for a full year after the game's release.

9:08:26: Nate Bihldorf is showing off stuff, for Smash Bros??

9:08:33: New Smash Bros info.

9:09:17: Partnering with Namco Bandai for Smash Bros. Masaya Kobayashi will work with Sakurai and Sora on the game.

9:09:25: Special messages from both guys on Nintendo.com

9:09:32: New game in Art Academy series!

9:09:38: It's coming to Europe on July 28

9:10:28: Talking Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition, coming on September 16.

9:11:16: FreakyForms Deluxe coming to retail in Europe on 7/28

9:11:30: Talking Pikmin 2 NPC

9:11:42: Europe gets 3DS XL on 7/28

9:12:31: Talking New Super Mario Bros. 2 - Recounting 3DS stuff. Likely going to drop the DLC news that came out of Japan

9:13:01: Post-release, Nintendo will make new levels (paid DLC) and respond to fan feedback

9:13:46: FreakyForms Deluxe will have an RPG mode. This better come to North America!!!

9:15:11: The Nintendo Direct JP videos are up if you missed them.

9:15:21: NSMB2 is coming out on 8/19. Feature full co-op.

9:15:39: Fire Emblem (no subtitle yet). Talking about it.

9:15:47: Coming 2013 (fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu)

9:16:26: Talking NSMB2 Paid DLC

9:16:45: I hope we get FreakyForms stuff...

9:17:18: eShop releases...

9:17:37: Super Mario Land will be available $2.99 on June 22-24

9:17:50: July 5 to August 1 - two VC games a week

9:18:01: Including Kirby's Pinball Land, Legend of Zelda, Wario Land

9:18:20: July 2 starts 3DS Photo Showcase

9:18:57: Pokemon Conquest and more Pokemon stuff

9:19:20: Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 coming out in fall. No release date yet.

9:20:17: Pokemon Dream Radar and Pokedex 3D Pro being talked about

9:21:31: Specific launch dates coming soon. Taking a first look for Pokemon B2/W2 for English

9:22:22: What a joke of a trailer...

9:22:32: We out. Time to go drink to FreakyForms' death.

9

Nintendo Gaming / NWR Community Night on 4/24/12

« on: April 11, 2012, 01:14:41 PM »

For April 24, we're going to do one of our (hopefully) regular Community nights. The first two times we'll be playing Kid Icarus: Uprising. However, we're open to doing something different for round three. Unless you don't want it to change. Then vote Kid Icarus.

[Club Nintendo users with spare coins can get Metal Torrent, You, Me & the Cubes, and Excitebike: World Rally.]

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TalkBack / New Rewards on Club Nintendo for April

« on: April 01, 2012, 09:38:25 PM »

Club Nintendo users with spare coins can get Metal Torrent, You, Me & the Cubes, and Excitebike: World Rally.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29704

Nintendo's Club Nintendo game rewards, which started late last year, are offering three new titles for coins earned by buying games and taking surveys.

The lone 3DS title is a DSiWare game called Metal Torrent, which is a shoot-'em-up made by Arika and published by Nintendo. It is available for 150 Coins, and you can check out our impressions of it for more info.

On WiiWare, there are two different games available. Excitebike: World Rally, for 200 Coins, is a modernized version of the NES classic developed by Monster Games, who worked on Excite Truck, Excitebots, and Pilotwings Resort. Check out our review for more details.

The second game is You, Me & the Cubes, which is developed by Kenji Eno, who is best known for the survival horror series D. This game is the polar opposite of that (sort of), as it is a weird puzzle game where you throw humanoid creatures onto cubes and try to balance them. It is available for 200 Coins. Check out our impressions for more details.

Club Nintendo users can get these games anytime between today and the end of the month, April 30. Remember, while Metal Torrent is a DSiWare game, the code given only works on the 3DS eShop.

[Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two will star Mickey and Oswald and feature full voice-acting. Also, it will be a freaking musical.]

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TalkBack / Epic Mickey Sequel Coming to Wii, Is a Musical

« on: March 21, 2012, 12:57:59 PM »

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two will star Mickey and Oswald and feature full voice-acting. Also, it will be a freaking musical.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29592

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is coming to Wii (and Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) this fall, according to the Associated Press.

Like the first game, which came out exclusively for Wii in 2010, the game will be developed by Disney superfan Warren Spector and his Austin-based Junction Point Studios and feature a lot of new hooks. The craziest is the fact that the game will feature original songs, written by Jim Dooley and Mike Himelstein, who wrote music and lyrics for the upcoming movie Dorothy of Oz. In addition, there will be voice acting, with Frank Welker providing the voice of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the misunderstood villain of the first game. It will be the first time Oswald will speak since 1928.

The repeated use of two will also come into play, as the game features drop-in/drop-out co-op, with player one controlling Mickey Mouse and player two controlling Oswald. Mickey will retain his paint and thinner abilities, while Oswald will wield a remote control that alters electricity. Oswald will be controlled by the computer when a second player isn't present.

The game's camera will be improved, with more than 1,000 changes made to the flawed camera system in the original, according to Spector. "We've had a team working on the camera from literally the day we finished the first game. They'll be working on it until the day we ship the second game," he said. "Our goal is that you will not have to touch the manual camera controls even once to play through the main story path of this game."

Epic Mickey 2 will take place in the same Wasteland that was the setting for the first title. Spector teased new locations, such as a more expanded Frontierland, and also said that Mickey will revisit past areas, most of which will be altered by natural disasters that have happened since the first game.

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is set for release this fall on Wii. There was no mention of the rumored 3DS game or anything about a Wii U version.

12

General Chat / 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Official Thread

« on: March 12, 2012, 04:06:42 PM »

All of three of you that are invested in teams (Go 'Cuse) can discuss here.


Regardless of your degree of caring, come join the for-the-hell-of-it CBS Sports competition I set up: http://ninwr.mayhem.cbssports.com/e [/color]Password is Kid Icarus

13

TalkBack / Nintendo World Report Game Club #1 - 2009 Releases Edition

« on: March 08, 2012, 02:59:52 PM »

We're trying out a new feature idea here at NWR.


Here's the idea: We vote for a game, and then we all play the winner (most of us at least). During the following month (In this case, April), we'll produce a bunch of editorial content about the game ranging from historical features to opinion pieces. We'll also work in forum comments, and even have a segment on NWR Connectivity about it. For you RFN fans, it's sort of like RetroActive, but it involves the whole staff and the whole site.


In all honesty, I'm not sure how this will all work. Bear with us for round one.


Game 1: A Boy and His Blob (Wii) - Published by Majesco; Developed by WayForward
Game 2: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii) - Published by Konami; Developed by Climax
Game 3: Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (DS) - Published by Nintendo; Developed by AlphaDream
Game 4: The House of the Dead: Overkill (Wii) - Published by Sega; Developed by Headstrong Games
Game 5: Let's Tap (Wii) - Published by Sega; Developed by Prope

14

General Chat / PAX East 2012 Meetup Thread - Two NWR Panels = More Fun

« on: February 13, 2012, 10:53:46 AM »

Figured I'd start a thread since we heard good words that NWR will have not one but two panels this year.


On Friday April 6 at 10 AM in the Arachnid Theatre, Scott and I will host the first-ever NWR Connectivity Jeopardy Live! panel with prizes, guests, and more.


On Saturday April 7 at 11:30 AM in the Arachnid Theatre, The RFN gang will host their third PAX East panel.


You know the past two years were epic? Well, get ready for something more epic.


Also, we might actually do more meet-up-type stuff. Post-panel Dim Sum is damn near guaranteed. We might have an audience member in Jeopardy!


So, if you're going, let us know.

15

TalkBack / Mega Man Live Stream: Vote For Games

« on: February 09, 2012, 12:04:17 PM »

So, since we have a glut of NWR staffers around the New Jersey/Pennsylvania/New York area, we're planning to do a live stream of some Mega Man games in a few weeks. In addition, we'll also have a Skype stream going on, allowing for listeners to call in, and potentially prizes to give away.


You can vote for up to two games. Our goal is to play two games, but maybe we'll do more.

16

Nintendo Gaming / Pac-Man Galaga Dimensions

« on: July 27, 2011, 03:33:15 AM »

Do you have this game? Want to compete with the (terrible) high scores Andy and I put up? Want to complain about how it doesn't let you reset saves? Want to rave about how freaking cool Pac-Man looks with silly 3D effects?


Regardless, Goergen (or drewmg as you might know him as) and I have this and I want to experience Online Leaderboards on my 3DS.

[There might not be a new Mario game around launch, but you can play this 1989 classic.]

17

TalkBack / Super Mario Land Impressions

« on: January 21, 2011, 12:01:31 AM »

There might not be a new Mario game around launch, but you can play this 1989 classic.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/24825

Nintendo had two demos of the 3DS Virtual Console on display at their event in New York City. One of them was Super Mario Land, which originally came out alongside the Game Boy in 1989.

Unfortunately, the Virtual Console version of Super Mario Land doesn't feature any Super Game Boy or Game Boy Color benefits. It's just the drab two-color graphics that kicked off the early goings of Nintendo's handheld history.

The controls for the game show up on the bottom screen. This might have been just for this demo, but I personally hope that feature stays in the final release. It's nice to be able to see what each button does on the fly, though I hope they use the bottom screen in more interesting ways, such as displaying your online friends list or letting you access the game's manual while playing.

There is no set release for the 3DS Virtual Console. However, Super Mario Land is slated to be a launch title for the service when it hits. No pricing has been announced.

18

Podcast Discussion / Newscast Game Club - Shantae: Risky's Revenge

« on: October 06, 2010, 04:59:16 PM »

Discuss the recent DSiWare release, Shantae: Risky's Revenge here. We might use some forum quotes on the show, and this time we actually mean it.

19

Nintendo Gaming / Virtual Boy and How It Compares to 3DS

« on: September 21, 2010, 08:28:29 PM »

I know this might go in the line of being a shameless plug, but I think there's merit to discuss this on the forums as well.


My first freelance article went up on 1UP.com today. It's on the Virtual Boy and how it ties into the 3DS. Let me know what you all think.

20

Nintendo Gaming / Force Unleashed 2/Thor/General Red Fly Studio Questions

« on: September 06, 2010, 10:57:17 PM »

So we got an interview lined up with Red Fly Studio, who made Mushroom Men, Ghostbusters Wii, Food Network Wii, and the upcoming Force Unleashed 2 Wii version and Thor Wii version.


Force Unleashed 2 and Thor are both unique titles from their 360/PS3 counterparts as Red Fly has apparently proved their worth as a viable Wii third party. FU2 has been labeled as a 'companion piece' to the 360/PS3 version, and has a four-player Smash Bros.-esque multiplayer mode.


If anyone wants to throw some questions into the fire, do so! I'll give you guys until something like this Thursday night/Friday morning aka whenever I pop on here Friday and compile everything.

[It's simple. Fling the ball to Smash objects.]

21

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: FlingSmash

« on: June 26, 2010, 08:10:48 AM »

It's simple. Fling the ball to Smash objects.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=23548

 It's been a year since I last played FlingSmash under its original name Span Smasher. The Artoon-developed game is basically Wii MotionPlus pinball as you control a little ball on screen and send it careening through obstacles and enemies. If you want to know more about the basics of the game, check out our Aaron's impressions of what I assume was the same demo. For my E3 2010 impressions of FlingSmash, I'm going to focus on what's changed.    

First off, this game was not a Wii MotionPlus exclusive last year. Now, it is, and that's definitely a good thing. FlingSmash benefits from the precision of MotionPlus as you have better control of the mayhem with the attachment. It seems to read more of the tilt and direction you thrust your Wii Remote in, and I'm not quite sure if a regular Wii Remote would work the same way.    

The ability to stop your ball with the A button was added, which makes setting up your position a lot easier, especially when you get into tricky situations with bosses or puzzles.    

   

They also added a MotionPlus compass at the bottom right that shows you how the controller is being held. Like the other additions, it helps make the game easier to play, which gives you the opportunity to play the game rather than fight it.    

More styles of balls were shown this year. A metal ball, which weighs considerably more than the normal one, is sluggish to control, but more powerful when you get it going. There is also an underwater ball, but that wasn't demoed.    

When it hits this summer, FlingSmash will have eight worlds with three levels and a boss fight each. An exact release date or price point isn't known, but if this game comes out as a budget title in the coming months, it would probably be a fun, worthwhile romp for MotionPlus owners.

[Much improved from last year's showing, Aragorn's Quest is looking like a solid kid-focused game.]

22

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest

« on: June 26, 2010, 08:04:11 AM »

Much improved from last year's showing, Aragorn's Quest is looking like a solid kid-focused game.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=23547

 The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest for Wii is a game that was initially shown too early. The Headstrong Games-developed title was revealed shortly before E3 2009 and was playable at the event. Unfortunately, it was buggy and janky. For example, the two-player mode featured an off-screen pointer-controlled Gandalf, which didn't seem to work. Thankfully, after another year of development, Aragorn's Quest looks a lot better, and will hopefully live up to the optimism I carried when I wrote a preview of it in April 2009.    

In case you didn't know, Aragorn's Quest is a fairy tale-like retelling of the famed trilogy. It's told from the point of view of Samwise Gamgee as he regales his children with the legend of Aragorn. The story is also presented in a style similar to Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time since Samwise is retelling the tale. So if you die, Samwise will pull a Prince and say "wait, that's not the way it happened." The fanciful theme also translates to the graphics, which are based off of the stars of the movie, but very cartoony.    

   

Players control Aragorn as he travels around with different friends and armies. He has a sword, controlled by swings of the Wii Remote, that can be toggled to perform more powerful moves with the B button as long as his strength meter is built up. Additionally, he has four sub-weapons. There is the shield, which can be used to deflect arrows and bash enemies; the spear, which is used offensively; the bow, which can be fired quickly to repel enemies from far away; and the firebrand, which can be used to light dark areas and fend off certain enemies. The sub-weapons are more effective on different enemies, and the game gives you a hint of this by displaying the weapon's icon above the dangerous foes that are resistant to them.    

Aragorn also has to watch out for his men during the game. Throughout the bulk of the game, he has an army following him around. You can rally the troops to boost their attack, and you might have to revive them if they get knocked out. A second player can come in and play as Gandalf, who now always has an avatar on screen even if it doesn't make sense in the story.    

From the demo at E3, the game appeared to be pretty linear, as you went from point A to point B fighting off enemies and solving puzzles. However, the full game will feature a lengthy main quest rife with side quests. This is definitely a game meant for the younger crowd, but it looks like it's going to be a well-made game as opposed to the barrage of bad games that are flung towards kids.    

The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest is set for a fall release.

[Gamers who purchased a white DS game card case from Club Nintendo in North America may soon be getting a refund.]

23

TalkBack / Club Nintendo Refunds Coins

« on: June 26, 2010, 12:09:49 AM »

Gamers who purchased a white DS game card case from Club Nintendo in North America may soon be getting a refund.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23544

 Nintendo will be refunding 300 Club Nintendo Coins to fans who purchased a white Nintendo DS game card case, which originally was available for 600 coins.    

In addition to these extra coins, the Club Nintendo year is quickly coming to a close, and anyone who wants to qualify for the special end-of-the-year rewards should have their coins accumulated by July 1. For those searching for some extra coins, Sin & Punishment 2 is due out next week and can net you at least 50 coins.    

The email that Nintendo issued reads:      

Thank you for being a member of Club Nintendo!    

During the first year of Club Nintendo, you redeemed 600 Coins for a White Nintendo DS Game Card Case. That case was eventually removed from the Club Nintendo catalog and we have now returned it back to the catalog at a reduced Coin value.    

In this case, we have chosen to add the 300 Coin difference between the old and new Coin value to your Club Nintendo account.    

Please note that this is not something we typically do but felt it was a way to show our thanks for being a member of from Club Nintendo from the start. Please enjoy the extra Coins!    

Nintendo of America Inc.   Consumer Service Department

[Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime will make an appearance on late night television tonight.]

24

TalkBack / Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to Feature Donkey Kong Country Returns

« on: June 25, 2010, 04:27:46 PM »

Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime will make an appearance on late night television tonight.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23528

 Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, known for its video game-related guests, will feature Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime in tonight's show to demo Retro Studios' Donkey Kong Country Returns.    

This is the second time a Nintendo-made game will be featured on the program after G4's Morgan Webb showed Punch-Out!! last year. The show has featured video games all week, including demos for Kinect, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, and Killzone 3.    

Check your local listings to see how you can check out the name-taking and ass-kicking Nintendo of America president play Donkey Kong Country with Jimmy Fallon.

[Four lucky fans gain video game immortality.]

25

TalkBack / User-Created Catchphrases Chosen for NBA Jam

« on: June 25, 2010, 07:00:29 AM »

Four lucky fans gain video game immortality.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=23526

 EA Sports has been running a contest on Facebook that allowed fans of NBA Jam to submit and then vote on four catchphrases to be used in the game.  The winners have finally been chosen.    

   

According to the official NBA Jam Facebook page, the winners are:    

"Objection Sustained!"
 "No Shoot for you!"
 "Bangalanga Do-Dah!"
 "And The Survey Said...DENIED!"
   

The fans that submitted these four top vote-getters will have their names listed in the game's credits as well as having their phrases added to the game.    

NBA Jam is set to be released this Fall exclusively on Wii.