Messages

101

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Eurogamer: SNES Mini is a thing, coming Holiday 2017

« on: April 22, 2017, 02:36:52 PM »

I was looking at the comments on an article regarding this rumor, and I know it's just nerds on the internet, but people were seemingly not receptive to this.  It seemed like shortages on the NES Classic Mini soured people on Nintendo as a whole.

Still, I think Nintendo could've checked the pulse on the reactions to this thing.  The cancellation just seemed like bad press.  They might've been better off re-releasing the thing than making a sequel.

I'm sure a lot of people who feel burned by the NES Classic Edition will not desperately chase after this rumored SNES Classic Edition (and I don't blame them). I'm skeptical that they'll turn down 30 of the best SNES games (or however many it might be) with top-notch emulation if Nintendo gets it right and makes it easier to buy this time around though.

102

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Official Sales Thread

« on: April 22, 2017, 02:32:54 PM »

In a bit of interesting game specific sales news, Bravely Second: End Layer has sold over 700,000 units worldwide. That's more than I was expecting, since there was a big drop off in sales from Default to Second in Japan. Seems like the overseas numbers weren't as greatly affected.

Hopefully this means we'll get a proper third game in the series at some point!

103

TalkBack / Re: Major Super Bomberman R Patch Increases Framerate And Patches Controls

« on: April 21, 2017, 03:05:10 PM »

Good on them for making (what sound like) some pretty substantial improvements in a reasonably timely manner. I think most people are so used to launch window shenanigans that Konami probably could have gotten away with doing much less.

104

TalkBack / Re: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch) Review

« on: April 21, 2017, 02:57:52 PM »

That's what scares me so much about the port-heavy possibility of the Switch's first year. I played the crap out of MK8 on Wii U and had a delightful time with the multiplayer and the DLC but I've never once been compelled to get this version since it was announced. And lots of Wii U games were great, fun experiences but that still wasn't enough to get people to buy that system. Is a "new" Mario Kart game going to help sell a $300 console when the last version of that Mario Kart game didn't do much to help sales of the previous $300 console?

The fact that the Switch can easily be taken on the go and is two player out of the box is a huge deal for a multiplayer game like this. Perhaps more importantly, the Switch is already a hot item (which could not be said for the Wii U in May 2014), and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is just giving people another great reason to buy it.

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TalkBack / Re: Editorial: The New Nintendo Direct Setup Is A Bold Step Towards The Future

« on: April 18, 2017, 01:51:02 PM »

I mostly liked the new format as well. I don't mind that there was little time in-between announcements. For me, most of the time, something is either exciting or it isn't; it's not something I usually need time to think about. I suppose that could be different for other people though.

The one thing about this new format that I can't quite figure out is how major game announcements fit in. Nintendo can't just devote 45 seconds to announcing the next mainline Animal Crossing game. While the ARMS and Splatoon segments in this Direct were a bit too long any way you look at it, I also think that feeling was somewhat exaggerated by the fact that they came on the heels of such a snappy set of announcements. I wouldn't mind seeing Nintendo go back to the more whimsical, personality-driven style of Directs for a set of major game announcements, and then use this new format to set up the the upcoming release schedule and make smaller announcements. Or just have smaller Directs to announce a major game on its own.

106

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Re: ARMS: Get your Virtua On!

« on: April 17, 2017, 10:56:23 PM »

ARMS invitational tournament in Japan with Street Fighter legend Momochi, and Smash 4 players Dabuz and Abadango:

(Matches start around the 40 minute mark)

Watching some of this is the first time I've been interested in ARMS in more than an "I should keep an open mind" type of way. Nintendo need more events like this prior to launch if they want to effectively market this as a real "eSports" game. The Treehouse folks are great, and I like watching them demo the basics of upcoming Nintendo games and share tidbits about their development, but it's clear from watching this that Nintendo needs to put ARMS in the hands of professional fighting game players (who approach these games with a totally different mindset) to really showcase the depth that might be in this game.

107

TalkBack / Re: Monster Hunter Stories Coming West This Fall

« on: April 17, 2017, 12:57:00 AM »

Not the highest game on my 3DS localization wishlist (Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey, The Alliance Alive, and Etrian Odyssey V please), but it's on there nonetheless, and I'm glad to see it coming.

I would assume that the Monster Hunter Stories amiibo will also make their way here at the same time. They probably didn't announce them on Wednesday because that would have pushed the total number of amiibo announced in the Direct to 19, which would have been kinda crazy. Since the game is slated for a fall release, they could presumably make the announcement after the Zelda, Smash, and Splatoon amiibo are already out.

108

TalkBack / Re: ARMS Dated, New JoyCon Colors Launching Same Day

« on: April 17, 2017, 12:48:50 AM »

Yaay alternate color joycons.


Boo highlighter yellow as first color.

They've gotta save indigo for the GameCube Virtual Console launch!

109

TalkBack / Re: Switch First Month Sales For United States Announced: Fastest Selling System In Nintendo History

« on: April 17, 2017, 12:41:33 AM »

The hook isn't this is a motion controlled fighter...

I think the hook for ARMS is the gameplay, not the controls.

I think you guys are greatly downplaying the role motion controls play into ARMS. There's a new set of Joy-Cons launching the same day this game comes out, and that's not a coincidence. Also Nintendo hasn't really made non Joy-Con gameplay a focus in their ARMS demos either. If Ian Sane is leaning way too much in one direction, you guys are going way to the other side.

Fair point.  I think I might be confusing what appeals to me and how Nintendo is pitching the title.  Still, the video seemed to emphasize the characters and customization, no?

I was watching that part of the Direct again earlier today and you're right. It seemed like they made very little reference to the motion controls during the seven minute gameplay segment. I'm sure Nintendo will still say it's the best way to play the game (and maybe it truly is), but I wouldn't be surprised if they pushed the motion controls so hard in the early going because ARMS is a great demo for the Joy-Con.

Alternatively, I guess Nintendo could have assumed that they've done such a good job selling the Joy-Con and motion controls in this game that it wasn't worth stressing.

110

TalkBack / Re: New Kirby Games On the Way For 3DS

« on: April 17, 2017, 12:32:35 AM »

I'll be interested in the multiplayer game if it has online co-op. I missed the "action" part of the announcement at first and was hoping for something like Tri Force Heroes (more of a puzzle game, in other words), but an action game could work well too.

111

TalkBack / Re: Splatoon 2 Shows New Mode, Amiibo Functionality And Date

« on: April 16, 2017, 07:33:42 PM »

Did they mention if Salmon Run was online? Because that would be great.

As far as I've seen, no. I want to say that it's a reasonably safe assumption given that this is Nintendo's big online multiplayer game, but you never know.

112

Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 16, 2017, 06:07:43 PM »

Well, I'm even more hyped for E3 after the last Nintendo Direct. I think most people, including myself, expected Splatoon 2 in mid-August. A July 21 release date puts a pretty significant gap between Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey with not much currently announced first-party content to fill that space. The only games with a straight "2017" release date right now are Fire Emblem Warriors and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and while mainline Fire Emblem has undoubtedly become a huge series for Nintendo in the West, I can't see Fire Emblem Warriors being the only game they release between the end of July and November. Nintendo could use that period to launch Virtual Console, but this at least lends more plausibility to the optimistic view that they have one or two aces left up their sleeve for this year.

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TalkBack / Re: Three Zelda Amiibo, Last Three Smash Amiibo Set For Release

« on: April 16, 2017, 06:01:36 PM »

And with that, I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up buying more amiibo in June and July than I did all of last year. I legit want all of these.

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TalkBack / Re: Switch First Month Sales For United States Announced: Fastest Selling System In Nintendo History

« on: April 16, 2017, 05:55:16 PM »

Over 1.4 million in the United States and Japan alone. I'm very eager to see how well Switch does once Nintendo can start meeting demand for it.

115

General Gaming / Re: What is your most recent gaming purchase?

« on: April 12, 2017, 05:34:20 PM »

Wow! That's really generous of you, man. I'm sure she'll be overjoyed.

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TalkBack / Re: Dragon Quest XI 3DS Japanese Release Scheduled For July 29

« on: April 12, 2017, 05:21:51 PM »

The 3DS and PS4 double pack feels wrong... but it does look quite nice. I guess it makes sense given that they are two different versions, and we are talking about Dragon Quest in Japan.

I'm not really sure what to make of those comments regarding the Switch version. I'd have to think Nintendo would be pushing for it to launch on July 29 as well, as it would likely be a huge boost for Switch hardware sales (though it sounds like Nintendo isn't having much trouble selling through shipments in Japan right now as it is). I can think of some reasons why Square Enix would want to release it later, but then why leave a July 29 release date on the table at all? Maybe it's just as simple as them not knowing if it's going to be ready in time at the moment. Some people also seem to think that Nintendo wants to announce it themselves during today's Nintendo Direct (at least the one that airs in Japan). I guess we'll find out soon.

117

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: April 07, 2017, 04:58:02 AM »

OH SNAP! Takashi Tokita straight up teasing on Twitter now. He had a prominent role in the development of Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger, and has handled a lot of Final Fantasy remakes and ports since then. I would be ecstatic to see something like a Final Fantasy Collection with Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI come out on Switch. It is the 30th anniversary of the series this year, so a release like that would make a lot of sense.

118

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: April 07, 2017, 12:15:26 AM »

Sounds like Square Enix is considering even more ports for Switch. I know a lot of people would rather see original games, like Project Octopath Traveler, and I would as well, but I think it's still encouraging that Square Enix is throwing a lot of support behind the console early.

Neat! So, best case scenario, what would be in the realm of possibilities? Would NieR Automata make it, or am I setting too high expectations there? I'd be down for that.

We can almost certainly rule out Final Fantasy XV, since that game doesn't run great even on the PS4. I'm not familiar with how demanding NieR: Automata is, but, yeah, that would be a nice get for the Switch if it's possible. Maybe Square Enix could go full circle on Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, which features an HD remaster of the 3DS Kingdom Hearts game, and bring that to Switch. I also remember seeing some talk about Square Enix considering Final Fantasy XIV for Switch as well.

I'd personally like to see more stuff like Seiken Densetsu Collection. It's a great fit or the Switch hardware, and Square Enix actually seems to be taking the emulation seriously by getting M2 on it. Make James Jones a happy camper and put out Ogre Battle Collection next.

119

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Discussion Thread (The early days)

« on: April 06, 2017, 06:22:51 PM »

Sounds like Square Enix is considering even more ports for Switch. I know a lot of people would rather see original games, like Project Octopath Traveler, and I would as well, but I think it's still encouraging that Square Enix is throwing a lot of support behind the console early.

120

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Splatoon 2

« on: April 06, 2017, 06:10:51 PM »

I dunno.  I really like how the stages look and feel like something that fits in the Splatoon World.

I agree with Starfish Mainstage totally feeling like that. I'd like to see a video of it, but I think it looks more promising than the two stages in the GT.

121

TalkBack / Re: Cave Story+ Hits Switch June 20

« on: April 03, 2017, 09:07:05 PM »

The theory seems to be that these games cost so much because physical Switch cartridges are expensive, and Nintendo is insisting on physical and digital versions of the same game being priced the same. If that is indeed the case, this issue will correct itself with inevitable eShop sales (or it should, at least).

I don't mind the prices so far. These Switch games have a portabie gameplay feature that is not present on other platform versions. And I have a hunch that physical releases will retain a good resale value in the long run, relative to disc formats.

Yeah, it's $24 with Amazon Prime or Best Buy GCU, which doesn't seem that bad for a physical release. People who prefer going digital and want to play one of these games getting a physical release at launch are kind of getting the short end of the stick though (and, to be fair, that could be a sizable group of people depending on the game).

122

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 516: Texas Brisket Challenge

« on: April 03, 2017, 08:45:55 PM »

I don't think there was any way they could have done matchmaking in the Splatoon 2 GT. There were no levels, rankings, or way to keep track of points in general, and with such a small sample size any attempt at it would have been meaningless anyway.

For the 16 million units shipped discussion, I think James is overlooking the fact that the power of a mainline Pokemon game on the Switch this year isn't just limited to the draw of playing a Sun and Moon port on the system. It also signals that this will be the home of mainline Pokemon games going forward and puts an end to any doubts on that front, which in itself would be a huge boon for the system. If the Eurogamer rumor ends up being true and the Switch version moves to HD, adds new Pokemon, and adds new features (like the ability to have Pokemon walk with you in the overworld, which dataminers found evidence of in Sun and Moon), I think you're underselling the draw of this third version on its own as well.

Still, I agree that it's hard to wrap your head around a company as conservative as Nintendo saying "16 million units in year one!" James is right; that's more than even the 3DS sold in any one fiscal year, which topped out at just under 14 million for FY2013. I think it takes another big release like a mainline Pokemon game this year and some big announcements at E3 to approach that number, and even then it still seems ambitious. It's hard to think of the last time a Nintendo console had such a stacked first-party lineup for a single fiscal year though (especially if you add Pokemon to the mix).

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Splatoon 2

« on: April 03, 2017, 07:40:26 PM »

The third new stage for Splatoon 2 is Starfish Mainstage!

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2017: REGGIE GOES BIG

« on: April 03, 2017, 06:42:20 PM »

EDIT: I just noticed that their online app with lobby and party chat is not even due out until the Fall. Like, we won't even get a chance to try it out without having to pay a subscription fee...

According to Nintendo's site, we will get to try out a limited version of the app this summer before the full paid online service launches in the fall.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Switch Pro Contoller

« on: April 03, 2017, 06:37:09 PM »

(who would pay $100 for a controller?!?)

Canadians.

Hahah! Joke's on you! It's only $90!

It just becomes $100 when you include sales tax.