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[Mario, Zelda, Mega Man, what more do you want!?]

26

TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - November 21, 2013

« on: November 21, 2013, 05:04:56 PM »

Mario, Zelda, Mega Man, what more do you want!?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/36027

Holy fire sale, Nintendo fans! This week Nintendo is giving us everything and the kitchen sink. Mario, Zelda, and a big sale on the Blue Bomber himself. I hate to do it once again, but if you’re not excited about something this week then you’ll have to turn over your Nintendo Fun Club card. 

Nintendo is putting some serious hurt on our wallets in the wake of two system launches in the last few days, which is exactly what they need to be doing. If they can keep a steady momentum, then this holiday season might not be as disastrous as all those doomsayers seem to think.

3DS Retail Games

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Available November 22 at midnight - $39.99

Mario Party Island Tour, Available November 22 at midnight - $39.99

Wii U Retail Games

Super Mario 3D World, Available November 22 at midnight - $59.99

3DS eShop Sales

30% off Mega Man 1-4 until 9am PT November 28

Wii U eShop Sales

30% off Mega Man 1-4 until 9am PT November 28

3DS eShop Games

EDGE - $1.99

Fans of smartphone games may have encountered this puzzle game before. At a glance, it’s a game about moving a square around some other squares, but don’t let the incredibly boring sounding premise fool you! EDGE offers 100 levels, some awesome music, and plenty of pretty colors.

Christmas Wonderland 3 - $7.99

I know what you want for Christmas. Minigame collections! Woo! Untangle Christmas lights and solve puzzles in some of the most terrifying Christmas-themed graphics I’ve ever seen.

Jewel Match 3 - $6.99

Okay, here’s one I know you haven’t heard before: you solve puzzles by matching three identical gems. Amazing! The best part is that there’s over 100 levels of this groundbreaking new gameplay. Man, I know I’m excited!

Ohno Odyssey - $5.99

The Ohnos really don’t have it very good. They have no bodies or arms, and they seem to constantly be in trouble. At least they have you, who out of the kindness of your heart will help them in their time of need…right?

3DS Virtual Console

City Connection - $4.99

Grand Theft Auto, eat your heart out! I haven’t heard of this game, but it looks like a fun little arcade game with, by far, the dumbest premise I’ve ever heard: “After breaking into a paint store in New York City, the cops are now coming after you! Carrying leaky 10-gallon paint cans, drive over every mile of New York City highways before catching a boat to England.” You can’t make this stuff up. Who steals paint!?

Wii U eShop Games

Coaster Crazy Deluxe - $9.99

If roller coaster games make you think about RollerCoaster Tycoon, then listen up, because the creators of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 had a hand in this one. What’s the game about? You guessed it, building roller coasters!

The Mysterious Cities of Gold: Secret Paths - $14.99

If you miss the Scooby Doo days of kids illegally trespassing into forbidden areas to solve mysteries, then this is the game for you. Dig deep into the City of Gold with three kids in an effort to solve some daring mysteries.

Wii U Virtual Console

Brawl Brothers - $7.99

No, this isn’t a long lost Smash Bros. prequel, but that doesn’t mean you should totally write it off! If you’re a fan of beat ‘em ups then you might want to take a look at this one. I hadn’t heard of it before, but it looks like a pretty fun way to kill an afternoon.

DSiWare

Hands On! Tangrams - $4.99/500 Points

Yes, that's right, the DSiWare games continue to roll in even in late 2013. Hands On! Tangrams is a game about, you guessed it, tangrams. For the uninformed tangrams are those little wooden blocks that you probably played with for about a minute in kindergarten.

27

TalkBack / Re: Super Mario 3D World Review

« on: November 19, 2013, 02:42:28 PM »

How did it feel controlling the game with a wiimote only? My daughter (4) is going to be playing this with me as well as my wife and I want to know if 3D controls are harder to get use to with and d-pad. Also, does the game support the nunchuck? I don't own the WiiU classic controller and wouldn't mind giving up the GamePad to my daughter for instance in lieu of the wiimote+nunchuck scheme.

Wii remotes controlled perfectly fine, in fact I often found myself using the D-pad on the GamePad instead of the stick. So, no, the 3D controls were not any more or less difficult with just a D-pad. Your daughter may also like playing with just the GamePad and no character selected, which allows her to interact with the game by just touching things in the level. It's surprisingly fun, and is currently my girlfriend's favorite way to play.


And, while I didn't test it, the game says that nunchuks are supported.

[This is the Wii U game you've been waiting for!]

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TalkBack / Super Mario 3D World Review

« on: November 19, 2013, 01:03:02 PM »

This is the Wii U game you've been waiting for!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/36004

Super Mario 3D World has quite a tall order to fill. Not only is the Wii U in a tight spot, but it also looks to be the last major title the system will be seeing for quite some time. Not to mention the fact that it’s attempting to fill the rather large shoes of Super Mario 3D Land. Make no mistake; a lot is riding on the success of 3D World.

As the game opens, we’re treated to a very brief plot involving, you guessed it, Bowser and the capture of a group of Sprixies who have inexplicably popped up from a clear pipe. After that, the game throws you right into the world, no tutorials, and no handholding. Just Cat Suits and mayhem!

My initial experience was with three other players, meaning we had a full cast of characters running about. After my experience with previous four-player 2D Mario games, I was a little apprehensive, but the 3D plane really does make all the difference. If one player got too far separated from the group they were teleported forward, similar to previous titles, but the game allows for a decent amount of distance between players.

This means four characters can be pursuing four different goals simultaneously, within limits. Playing with four players is some of the most chaotic fun I’ve had with a game in a long time, and make no mistake, the chaos is part of the fun. Combining this with the drop-in/drop-out method of multiplayer creates an environment that is simply irresistible. I would constantly find myself fatigued from long multiplayer sessions, drop out, and then poke around on the GamePad to help out remaining players until I felt like hopping back into the action.

Non-gamers were even able to take part in the fun by simply playing with the GamePad and no character selected. This allows a play style similar to Boost Mode on New Super Mario Bros. U, but without the platform-generating ability. Every level is packed with items and enemies that can be interacted with by a single player using the GamePad, or a second player looking for a slightly less intense experience than playing the game proper. From blowing tiny Goombas out of the way to tapping question blocks, even the meekest of gamers can find something to do.

With any number of players, the game provides a treasure trove of content and heaps power-ups on players with regularity. Nintendo seems to have realized that Mario and his crew are at their most enjoyable when showered in items. Lots of old power-ups make appearances, and the new Cat Suit is an enjoyable addition. More elusive items like the Double Cherry and Kuribo Skate are also a blast in the levels that feature them.

The levels themselves constantly provide new ways to play and force you to constantly be thinking about which items you want to tackle a level with. Sometimes choosing the wrong power-up means you won’t be able to collect all the Green Stars, which are used to unlock some levels. This also means you’ll be revisiting some levels over and over again in an effort to grab the stars and stamps, but constantly branching paths mean that you’ll always have an alternative when a specific level grows stale. Each level offers wildly different experiences, and the sheer wealth of content is enough to slake the thirst of even the most ravenous Mario fans.

There are two new types of levels added to the mix: Mystery Houses and Captain Toad Levels. Mystery houses provide as many as 10 mini-challenges in which you’re teleported into a room to solve a puzzle and reveal a Green Star within 10 seconds before being sent to the next room. The breakneck pace makes for some really tense moments, and they’re a welcome addition. Captain Toad Levels are slower paced endeavors in which you rotate a very small map on the GamePad and guide the defenseless Captain Toad through a series of puzzles to find all the Green Stars hidden about. They tend to be a bit more methodical, and provide a fun challenge in their own right.

From start to finish, I didn’t once become bored with the game; the constantly changing gameplay made sure of that. The overworld, which offers rewards for exploration itself, is filled with bonus stages and mushroom houses as well as the elusive gold Bowser Train. Slot machine style bonus houses also return, and Mushroom Houses once again have an element of chance to them. Every level can be experienced differently by adding a GamePad player, or traditional co-op players, and most of the time you’ll uncover something new with every mode of play.

On top of this wealth of content is the gorgeous HD shine Nintendo has added to the game. While visuals on the non-HD GamePad look decent, seeing the game in motion on an HD TV is a real treat. Every koopa shell has a wonderful sheen and each and every happy, bouncing shrub on the overworld is rendered in high resolution. In short, it looks amazing. Stack the phenomenal music on top and you’ve got a package that could wow any Nintendo fan with graphics and soundtrack alone. Some of the tunes are a little more traditional than others, but I found myself replaying some of the jazzier levels just to listen to the music again.

Thankfully 3D World isn’t just a refinement of the Mario formula, it’s a powerful re-imagining. It’s an explosive cavalcade of color and excitement as well as a well thought out evolution of Mario. The plot even deviates (although not too wildly) from what you might expect in a Mario game, giving you some silly surprises amidst the parade of unlockable content. This is one Mario game you’ll want to play well after the credits roll and might just be the killer app of the Wii U. Not since Super Mario World have I been so in love with a Mario game.

[In this special episode, we take an in-depth look at Super Mario 3D World!]

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Podcast Discussion / Connectibites: Super Mario 3D World Discussion

« on: November 19, 2013, 01:00:37 PM »

In this special episode, we take an in-depth look at Super Mario 3D World!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/connectivity/36010

Welcome to another Connectibite, this week focused on Super Mario 3D World.

Neal, Andrew, Justin, and Daan have each played and reviewed the plumber's upcoming Wii U foray, and they sit down and discuss the game in intricate detail here. But fear not, unlike in the Nintendo Direct, the boys give a clear spoiler warning halfway through when they begin to cover specific levels and bosses.

Enjoy this Super Mario 3D World review companion piece, and we'll see you next week!

[It can be the game the Wii U needs.]

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TalkBack / Super Mario 3D World Preview

« on: November 18, 2013, 10:59:12 AM »

It can be the game the Wii U needs.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/36003

Nintendo fan or not, it’s easy to see that the Wii U is in a hard place. The system has yet to have the kind of sales that the company (and fans) hoped for, and it’s facing the launch of two new systems in the coming weeks. While the hype for both the PS4 and the Xbox One seems a bit more muted than past console launches, the Wii U still needs to make sure it’s heard through the static that is the holiday season. The system has some solid features and some solid games, but it still needs its killer app.

However, as time has shown us over and over again, you never count the Big N out, and they’ve got two titles slated for later this month that will definitely turn some heads. The 3DS is getting another trip to Hyrule with A Link Between Worlds, and the Wii U is saying hello once again to its overall-clad friend. Super Mario 3D World looks great. With any luck,  the latter can provide the kind of incentive to buy that the Wii U needs right now.

Riding on the success of Super Mario 3D Land is a great idea. The 2011 3DS game served as proof of concept for the system and shined a new light on Mario that many fans had been hoping for. The Galaxy games were similarly inventive, but, at least for me, 3D Land felt more quintessentially Mario. Venturing off into space was great fun and showed of several new mechanics, but there’s nothing quite like those bright, colorful blocks and blue skies.

3D World also looks like it’s going to shake things up, and with a slew of new power ups and the ability to (finally) play as a full cast of four characters instead of the brothers and various Toads, it seems poised to achieve that goal. If anything, using the more nostalgic imagery of 3D Land will serve to remind people of why Nintendo has stuck around for so many years despite not always having the most powerful system on the market.

Any excitement I had for 3D Land prior to release is doubly so for 3D World. The original game in the series was simultaneously a return to form and a radical departure, a reinventing and a reminder of old times. And, truth be told, that’s what Nintendo (and the Wii U) needs: a bold new direction that keeps the past in its heart.

Excited for Super Mario 3D World? Well keep your eyes peeled for our review coming soon, and tell us why you're excited in the comments below!

[Get ready for greatness.]

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TalkBack / Super Mario 3D World Preview

« on: November 10, 2013, 09:16:36 AM »

Get ready for greatness.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/35930

It’s hard to overstate my excitement for Super Mario 3D World. The previous entry on the 3DS is, in my personal opinion, the best game that the system has to offer. It made great use of the 3D, pushed the hardware to new, colorful limits, and revitalized my love of our mustachioed hero. Really, the only portion of the game that even left me unfulfilled was the fact that my friends couldn’t join in on the fun with me!

Obvious segue aside, the multiplayer in 3D World looks outstanding, and will hopefully fix one of my longstanding issues with multiplayer in recent Mario games: player collision. When playing on a 2D plane, the ability to collide with other players made anything more than two-player play more akin to a plumber themed pinball game than a platformer. Operating on a 3D plane will probably not completely remove this obstacle, but it will hopefully lessen the amount of collisions that occur.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the game will be any less frantic. Nintendo has definitely ramped up the insanity with a slew of new power-ups and a boatload of returning ones. The Cat Suit (in addition to being the cutest darn thing on the planet) looks like it could open up a lot of new play styles, and the Double Cherries just look downright awesome. Besides, the only thing better than a plumber in a cat suit? Four plumbers in cat suits!

Even the pipes are being revitalized, which has been a long time coming. Other than enemies popping out of them or the ability to blast across a level, pipes have remained relatively static. The new clear pipes remove the safety net and allow players to be hit by enemies while traveling in them, opening up yet another interesting way to play.

The game is peppered with even more exciting new items and abilities that I cannot detail in a reasonable amount of space, making it one of the more (if not the most) enticing games I’ve seen on the Wii U yet. For more information on that, be sure to read our Feature. All that aside, the addition of Peach to the playable roster easily tops the list of things I’m excited for.

Initially, I was a little disappointed that this wasn’t the return to Subcon (from Super Mario Bros. 2) that I thought it might be. The four playable characters are the same and I’m pretty sure I spied an enemy that bore an uncanny resemblance to Tryclyde. I waited for weeks to see Wart rear his ugly head, and I do have to say that I was a little disappointed when Bowser came hot-rodding into the game in the most awesome looking vehicle this side of Mario Kart.

It might not be a second trip to Subcon, but it looks to be an outstanding addition to the series and a continuation of the excellence set by Super Mario 3D Land. With any luck, it becomes the showcase this hardware desperately needs. Furthermore, with the staggering amount of content we’ve seen already, this shouldn’t be a very difficult task when the game hits store shelves on November 22.

[Riding on the coattails of Wii Fit U is Wii Sports Club. Time to get off the couch!]

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TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - November 7, 2013

« on: November 07, 2013, 04:05:59 PM »

Riding on the coattails of Wii Fit U is Wii Sports Club. Time to get off the couch!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35910

Another solid week! I guess Nintendo really is trying to step up their download game. Wii Sports Club makes its debut following Wii Fit U last week, and both offer free trials.

Not to mention some hefty RPG discounts for Nintendo 3DS owners and another onslaught of strange 3DS eShop games. Yes, it’s something for everyone once again this week; hopefully Nintendo can keep this momentum going!

3DS Retail Games

Luxor - $5.99

Kid Icarus: Uprising - Price TBA

3DS eShop Sales

Code of Princess - $19.99, November 11-18

Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan - $29.99, November 11-18

3DS eShop Games

Crazy Chicken: Director’s Cut 3D - $1.99

In a scenario reminiscent of Gremlins 2, chickens have invaded a movie studio and it’s up to you to grab that shotgun and put an end to their fowl antics. Oddly enough you’re also tasked with shooting down stage props, which doesn’t seem like a very good idea for a movie studio employee…Maybe you’re a bit disgruntled?

4 Elements - $5.99

A puzzle game? With little gems in little rows? Yes, please! From the description I can see that there are ancient things I must unlock, as well as mysterious cards to find, but I’m not quite sure what the gameplay consists of. If I had to venture a guess, I would say it probably has to do with moving the rows of little colored gems. Yeah, it’s probably that.

KORG M01D - $34.00

Calling KORG M01D a game is sort of like calling drum set a game. Really it’s a tool, and if it’s anything like the KORG game for the Nintendo DS then it’s probably a pretty darn good one. I’m not really musically inclined myself, but 24 voice-polyphony sounds like a lot. The best part? You can share your songs over StreetPass.

My Baby Pet Hotel 3D - $29.99

Forget those dumb adult pet hotels, My Baby Pet Hotel 3D is only for those cute, cuddly infantile pets that you need to stash somewhere while you’re on vacation. With the biggest eyes this side of Nintendogs, there may be a very real danger of your head exploding from cuteness overload. Buyer beware.

Secret Agent Files: Miami - $7.99

There’s an age gate just to look at the web page for this game, so you know it’s got some adult themes. With words such as “crap” and “damn” peppered throughout its lavish description, I’m sure we’re in for some very hardcore sleuthing here.

3DS Virtual Console

Wario’s Woods - $4.99

Known colloquially as “the last NES game ever made,” Wario’s Woods is a nice mashup of your favorite evil-grinned plumber and, you guessed it, a Tetris knockoff! The best feature of the game is that Toad finally gets to step into the limelight and play the role of protagonist. This is, of course, years before he would spend his life stashed up Peach’s dress in Smash Bros.

Wii U eShop Games

Wii Sports Club (Tennis and Bowling) - $9.99 per game

This week we finally get treated to the re-release of Wii Sports, with online play and uprezzed graphics to entice all you Wii U owners out there. If you’re on the fence about it then fear not, it comes with a 24-hour trial for each game and individual Day Passes which can be purchased for $1.99. The games currently available are Tennis and Bowling.

Toki Tori - $1.99

The first entry in the Toki Tori series hits the Wii U this week, along with promises that RUSH and EDGE will soon follow. If you loved Toki Tori 2, then you’ll probably want to pick this one up and see where it all started.

Wii U Virtual Console

Wario’s Woods - $4.99

If you’re the kind of person that prefers your NES games plastered up on the big screen, then you’ll probably want to get the Wii U version of Wario’s Woods.

DSiWare

Crazy Chicken: Director’s Cut - 200 Points

If murdering birds with a shotgun in 3D was just a little too graphic for you, then you can enjoy Crazy Chickens: Director’s Cut in two dimensions. Or, if you’ve still yet to make the upgrade to a 3D capable handheld, then this is probably the only way you’ll be able to enjoy this timeless, bird-killing classic.

[It's-a him!]

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TalkBack / Super Mario Bros. 3 Listed for Release on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles

« on: November 04, 2013, 04:48:43 PM »

It's-a him!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35888

Nintendo has listed Super Mario Bros. 3 for release on both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles. The date has been listed as TBD, and there is currently no official word on exactly when the game will release.

This may be the first in a string of Mario games as we come closer to the release of Super Mario 3D World later this month.

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TalkBack / Re: Call of Duty: Ghosts Preview

« on: November 01, 2013, 05:23:30 PM »

If I get this you better play online with me Justin. I miss the old days. 

Heck yeah! I played a ton of Black Ops II when it came out.

[Dogs aren't the only new feature in the new Call of Duty.]

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TalkBack / Call of Duty: Ghosts Preview

« on: November 01, 2013, 12:53:10 PM »

Dogs aren't the only new feature in the new Call of Duty.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/35843

My favorite feature, by far, of Call of Duty: Black Ops II on the Wii U was the inclusion of Off-TV play. It was great for two reasons: the obvious advantage of getting to play the game while someone else (or myself) watched Netflix, and the ability for a second player to have their very own screen.

This feature worked great for playing online with a friend locally, and even better when playing against one another (take that, you dirty screen watchers). So, despite the fact that I also own some of the other consoles that the next entry, Call of Duty: Ghosts, is coming to, I’m most excited for the Wii U version.

Treyarch will handle the Wii U version, despite the fact that this is an Infinity Ward installment. Treyarch seems to be the go-to developer for the franchise, since in addition to the Black Ops games, which took place between the numbered sequels, they also handled the Wii ports of the Infinity Ward entries. Treyarch’s track record puts them at the top of the list of companies I’d want handling the Wii U port of the game.

Nintendo-specific history aside, Ghosts will feature destructible multiplayer maps that some gamers may notice as a major selling point in the franchise’s main competitor. This may add another level of realism (and fun!) to the multiplayer, which the series definitely needs after so many iterative sequels.

Another small feature that I’m finding myself excited about is the ability to see around a scope when using a sniper rifle. This means that players who choose to snipe won’t be forced to check their surroundings as often, which is a constant detractor to rifles for me. Again, it’s a small change, but it’s one that just might open up a whole weapon class to me.

In addition to these changes, the game will include several new multiplayer modes and bring back some that have been absent in recent entries. All together they total eleven modes, meaning that players will be hard pressed to get bored with Ghosts.

A final small, but impactful change, is the addition of female soldiers to multiplayer. Many gamers likely won’t even notice it very much since the majority of everyone’s time with the game is spent looking down the barrel of a gun, but it’s nice to see the fairer sex finally making an appearance.

Then, of course, there’s the campaign mode. We’ve been promised more open levels as well as a much more focused narrative, leaving behind the character jumping of past titles. The tossing out of the “Modern Warfare” moniker will hopefully bring about a new era in the franchise when it hits the Wii U on November 5.

[Sonic isn't looking to good in Japan...]

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TalkBack / Sonic Lost World Sells Poorly in Japan

« on: October 31, 2013, 02:46:05 PM »

Sonic isn't looking to good in Japan...

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35860

The 3DS version of Sonic Lost World sold under 5,000 units in its first week in Japan, and the Wii U version didn’t even hit the chart.

The Wii U version was well-liked in our review, though the 3DS version didn’t fare quite so well. Is this another nail in the Blue Blur’s coffin, or just a speed bump? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

[They weren't kidding about "limited quantities."]

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TalkBack / Multicolored 3DS XL Charge Cradles Sold Out Within an Hour

« on: October 31, 2013, 02:11:05 PM »

They weren't kidding about "limited quantities."

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35857

Every color of Nintendo's new multicolor 3DS XL charge cradles are now completely sold out. 

The cradles, which became available today on Club Nintendo for 500 coins, sold out within the first hour.Available colors included red, blue, green, yellow and white. This isn't the first time a Club Nintendo reward has sold out very shortly upon release, the Nintendo 3DS Game Card Case recently experienced a similar level of demand. 

There is currently no word on when, or if, Nintendo will replenish stock of these items.

[Forget that gym membership, Wii Fit U has a free trial!]

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TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - October 31, 2013

« on: October 31, 2013, 11:47:16 AM »

Forget that gym membership, Wii Fit U has a free trial!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35854

Wii Fit U is finally here to help you drop some pounds before the culinary onslaught that is American Thanksgiving! The best part: there’s a free trial version. This week we also got some Virtual Console love with one of the best Castlevania games under the sun and one of the most frustrating NES games ever made. Not to mention quite a slew of retail releases, so there should be something for everyone this time around.

Next week I'm hoping for some high-octane releases as we enter the November Gamepocalypse, but only time will tell. This is a great chance for Nintendo to bring some download heat in efforts to steal some attention away from the two impending console launches.

3DS Retail Games

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril - $39.99

Beyblade Evolution - $29.95

Ben 10 Omniverse 2 - Price TBA, Available November 5

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures - $39.99, Available November 5

Saban’s Power Rangers Mega Force - Price TBA, Available November 5

Wii U Retail Games

Wii Fit U - Free trial version, Available November 1

Ben 10 Omniverse 2 - Price TBA, Available November 5

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes - Price TBA

3DS eShop Sales

Shin Megami Tensei IV - $39.99, from November 4 through November 11

Wii U eShop Sales

Bit.Trip Runner 2 - $9.99 (33% off), starting November 1 at 9 a.m. PT until November 7

3DS eShop Games

Angry Bunnies - Price TBA

Really? We’re doing this?…Alright, Angry Bunnies is a game in which you fling small, round animals at other small, round animals in an effort to destroy their shoddily built structures. Except this time they’re bunnies, which are totally separate animals from, say, birds. Just saying.

Arcade Classics 3D - Price TBA

I know what you want: more arcade collections! This one features riveting titles such as a puzzle game, a space shooter, and a game where colored blocks fall from the ceiling! I wouldn’t pass this one up if I were you.

3DS Virtual Console

Milon’s Secret Castle - $4.99

If you didn’t have a subscription to Nintendo Power back in the day, then chances are you still suffer from moderate bald spots, because Milon’s Secret Castle can make even the most patient gamer rip their hair right out. That said, it’s a genuinely fun title as long as you take the time to research every nook and cranny that you’ll have to uncover.

Wii U Virtual Console

Super Castlevania IV - $7.99

Ah, Super Castlevania IV. The last great bastion of classic Castlevania games before they went all Metroid-style. I, for one, tend to prefer the more linear entries in the series, so Castlevania IV is one of the greats in my book. Plus, you can whip in eight directions. Eight directions!

3DS eShop Demos

AiRace Speed

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril

[Just boogie right on past this one...]

39

TalkBack / Just Dance 2014 Review

« on: October 24, 2013, 11:15:52 PM »

Just boogie right on past this one...

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/35805

I've had a tumultuous, short-lived relationship with Just Dance 2014. My initial reaction was to just write it off as another cash-in rhythm game, but after seeing more of the game I decided that it might be right up my alley after all. No, I'm not hugely into pop music, but the game offered a surprisingly wide array of tracks and I figured that it just might make me a better dancer to boot. Unfortunately, that wasn't quite the case.

In order to maximize my enjoyment, I played Just Dance 2014 with a second player. Right off the bat neither of us were sure exactly what the game wanted us to do. Mimicking the exact movements of the on-screen dancer felt nigh impossible (at least for us nonprofessional dancers) and the indicator in the bottom right of the screen was more of a vague guideline than something that we could follow precisely. After a few more songs it became clear that Just Dance 2014 is more of a vague motion indicator than an actual rhythm based dance game. Before the night was up we were able to successfully play one handed while sitting on the couch.  

Any basic movement seemed to satisfy the game, and just a simple jiggle of the Wii remote was enough to rack up a decent score. We could easily gain a more formidable score if we flicked our wrists just right. I certainly wasn't expecting a one-to-one dancing simulator, but this is just, in a word, pitiful.

Now, with that very basic complaint out of the way, I do want to emphasize that I found some brief, fleeting fun with the game. If you have a few friends that will commit to the basic premise, despite the fact that the game hardly tracks the actual dancing skills of anyone, then you can have a reasonably decent time watching each other flail around and arguing over who really deserved the highest score. This is where the biggest new mode, Party Master Mode, could have really made an impact, but it too fell short.

Party Master Mode gives one player the ability to choose each dance move that the other players will have to perform, but the timer between choosing moves is frustratingly short. This means that after picking an especially embarrassing dance move, you have to immediately worry about your next choice, when all you'll probably want to do is take a moment to laugh at the dance move you've subjected the dancers to. Just adding a few more seconds between choices could have improved the mode, but at its core, it's a fun, albeit badly executed idea.

All complaints aside, the game does provide a decent array of old and new songs, and the on-screen visuals can be fun to watch. Not every song can be played in every mode, which is disappointing, and several modes are locked behind paywalls requiring you to accrue in-game currency before you can access them. If your friends are willing to commit to the experience then you may have some fun, as I did, but it was fun that I had in spite of the game’s features instead of because of them.

Anybody looking for a decent rhythm game will likely be disappointed with the inaccuracy, and anybody looking to improve their dancing skills with realtime feedback would probably be better served just purchasing a dance video. I’m sure that this will be a regular attendee at many parties, and perhaps that’s the kind of environment Ubisoft had in mind when they crafted it. But, facts are facts, and the facts are that Just Dance 2014 is a very pretty frontend tacked on to a glorified dance video.

[Plenty of retail goodness coming soon, but very little for Virtual Console fans.]

40

TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - October 24, 2013

« on: October 24, 2013, 05:36:28 PM »

Plenty of retail goodness coming soon, but very little for Virtual Console fans.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35799

Another week, another download! This time around most of our releases are mostly downloadable versions of retail games, and one major eShop exclusive: Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies.  We’re also given a few more Virtual Console titles, although they probably aren’t going to surprise the pants of too many potential customers.

I really hope Nintendo doesn’t forget the eShop and Virtual Console during the impending holiday season. Yeah, I know the holidays are all about retail, but us download aficionados need love too!

3DS Retail Games

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate - $39.99, available October 25.

Sonic Lost World - $49.99, available October 29.

Regular Show: Mordecai & Rigby in 8-bit Land - $29.95, available October 29.

Monster High: 13 Wishes - $29.99

My Little Baby 3D - $29.99

Jewel Master: Cradle Of Egypt 2 - $29.95

Wii U Retail Games

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag - $59.99, available October 29.

Batman: Arkham Origins - $49.99, available October 25.

Sonic Lost World - $49.99, available October 29.

Monster High: 13 Wishes - $39.99

PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures - $39.99

3DS eShop Sales

Urban Trial Freestyle - $4.99 until 9a.m. PT, November 7.

3DS eShop Games

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies - $29.99

Reminding us that digital-only games are still worth our time, here comes Phoenix Wright! Put those baddies behind bars as Apollo Justice and a slew of other people whose names I always forget! If you’re not sold on the game, then check out the demo also available on the eShop.

3DS Virtual Console

Star Soldier - $4.99

No, you read that right, this is Star Soldier, not Super Star Soldier. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time! In this first entry in the series you’ll be battling it out against Starbrain in an effort to rid the galaxy of…well, of whatever nasty stuff he’s put in it! With 16 stages and many power ups, shmup fans will probably still enjoy this entry.

Wii U Virtual Console

Baseball - $4.99

If Golf didn’t satisfy you then maybe Baseball will. No, it’s probably not the best baseball game on the NES, but if you’re in the mood for a Nintendo history lesson then you might want to check this one out.

Pinball - $4.99

Continuing the now two week old tradition of releasing only games with single word titles on the Wii U Virtual Console, is Pinball. What will they think of next? How many single word titles are there on the NES? Probably more than anyone would like to remember…

[Virtual Console titles make a return!]

41

TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - October 17, 2013

« on: October 17, 2013, 12:28:44 PM »

Virtual Console titles make a return!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35739

Finally some love for the Virtual Console this week! It's been quite a while since we've had the chance to replay some old classics. For those of us already seeking the next thrill after last week's Pokémania, SteamWorld Dig is having a sale and Mighty Switch Force! 2 has come to the Wii U. So, what are you downloading this week? Let us know in the comments below!

3DS Retail Games

Hometown Story - $TBA, Available October 22

Jewel Master: Cradle Of Rome 2 - $19.95

Wii U Retail Games

Just Dance Kids 2014 - $TBA, Available October 22

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut - $TBA, Available October 22

3DS eShop Sales

SteamWorld Dig - $7.19, until October 20

3DS eShop Games

101 Penguin Pets 3D - $4.99

Tamagotchi pets are so 15 years ago. Get with the times and adopt some penguins already, your personal life will thank you. Rack up countless hours primping, grooming, and teaching 101 penguins how to dance.

Brunch Panic - $3.99

I always panic when it comes to brunch. Is it breakfast or is it lunch, what do you eat? Should I order an omelet or a sandwich? Finally, there's a brunch-centric food truck game that reflects my feelings on brunch.

My Vet Practice 3D - $29.99

Forget Veterinarian school. Get yourself a 3DS and a copy of My Vet Practice 3D instead! It's cheaper and, probably, more fun than sitting through boring classes.

Snow Moto Racing 3D - $5.99

The summer heat is behind us and so are all those silly water-based racing games. Time to saddle up for some arctic action with Snow Moto Racing 3D!

3DS Virtual Console

Pinball: Revenge of the Gator - $2.99

Pinball just isn't enough to entice me anymore, but throw some dangerous gators into the mix? I'm sold. Plus, bonus, it's made by HAL Laboratory!

Wii U eShop Games

Mighty Switch Force! 2 - $TBA

Mighty Switch Force! 2 has made its way to the Wii U and it's just as cute as ever. If you've been waiting to experience this game on a screen a little bigger than a 3DS, then this is the week for you.

Wii U Virtual Console

Urban Champion - $4.99

We all hate bullies, but in the real world we don't always get a chance to stand up to them. Work out those latent frustrations you still have lingering from second grade by beating the tar out of the neighborhood bully in Urban Champion.

Clu Clu Land - $4.99

Despite what you may have heard from a certain singing lobster, things aren't necessarily better under the sea. The kingdom of Clu Clu Land is in need of some serious puzzle-solving talent. Step up and dig up some of those hidden gold bars!

[Really though, we all know that Bulbasaur is the best Pokémon. Right, guys?]

42

TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - October 10, 2013

« on: October 10, 2013, 01:09:13 PM »

Really though, we all know that Bulbasaur is the best Pokémon. Right, guys?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35680

It's here, the long wait is over! Nintendo is finally releasing Golf and Tennis on the Wii U Virtual Console! Oh man, I've waited for this day for so long. Pokémon X and Y also come out this week, if you're into that. But, come on, Tennis and Golf!

Seriously though, Pokémon X and Y are coming to a 3DS (or 2DS!) near you. So get ready to shell out some cash and destroy your social life with the next evolution in the Pokémon franchise. And, if you're still on the fence, check out our reviews for both Pokémon X and Pokémon Y!

3DS Retail Downloads

Pokémon X - $39.99, Available October 12

Pokémon Y - $39.99, Available October 12

3DS eShop Games

Aqua Moto Racing 3D - $5.99

Those of you lamenting the lack of a new Wave Race might want to take a look at Aqua Moto Racing 3D. Race through various championships, upgrade your ride, and, with local multiplayer, you and your friends can fashion a giant fiberglass jet ski to sit on while you play together. Just like in the arcade!

Escape From Zombie City - $3.99

Alright, fine. I admit my decision to vacation in Zombie City was a bad idea. Are you happy? Now let's just focus on how to get the heck out of here. Load up on your favorite zombie-killing weapons and power your way out of town in this top-down shooter.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked - $39.99

Clocking in at over 40 characters, the title of this game is almost as long as the game itself. If you're looking for a nice, long RPG to settle in with then this might be the game for you. Now get out there, save the world, and put the hurt on some demons!

Super Black Bass 3D - $19.95

You look tense. I know, how about a relaxing day fishing some black bass? Not good enough? Well, how about instead you just lay on the couch and catch some virtual bass? No sunburn, no fish smell, and no clean up.

Wii U Virtual Console

Tennis - $4.99

Good ol' Mario, is there any job you won't do? Spend some time on the court under the watchful eye of our favorite plumber. Varied difficulties, doubles matches, tennis balls, a net; this tennis game has it all!

Golf - $4.99

When he isn't acting as referee for tennis matches, Mario likes to hit the green and relax with a nice game of golf. So grab your clubs, get out there, and enjoy the beautiful digital blue skies of the golf course.

DSiWare

Zombie Blaster - $4.99/500 Points

Two Pokémon games and two zombie games all in one week! Talk about a jackpot. With a whopping three weapons to choose from, I don't know how you could ever get bored with Zombie Blaster. Anyway, you know the drill by now. Get some ammo, blast some zombies, and have some fun.

[Watch some cutscenes and gander at green slopes of Windy Hill!]

43

TalkBack / Exploring Japanese Demos for Sonic Lost World

« on: October 09, 2013, 02:33:48 PM »

Watch some cutscenes and gander at green slopes of Windy Hill!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/35670

Sonic Lost World is coming closer and closer and we are proud to present you with some gameplay from the Japanese demo. Not only you will get another look at the Windy Hill world, the best part is that you will see cutscenes too.

In the Wii U demo, these are even in English and this means that you will be able to enjoy them to the fullest. The same sadly can't be said of the Nintendo 3DS game, but at least you are getting a level more in this playthrough!

[Why Just Dance 2014 may change my mind on the series.]

44

TalkBack / Just Dancing the Night Away

« on: October 08, 2013, 10:51:50 AM »

Why Just Dance 2014 may change my mind on the series. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/35663

The Just Dance series has always been a bit of an enigma to me. It takes my favorite past time (sitting on the couch pressing buttons) and combines it with something that truly terrifies me (dancing in front of people). Not only that, but it does so to the hit singles from all the radio stations that I don't listen to. As Bob Dylan once told me, however, the times they are a-changin'. It's time for me to step up, join the 21st century, and get my dance on–and I'm trusting Just Dance 2014 on the Wii U do to that for me.

Releasing today on the Wii U, Just Dance 2014 has quite a few songs that, honestly, make me cringe a bit. Although, despite continuing genre tradition of hits, the game also has a decent selection of music that actually looks familiar to me. From Daft Punk's recent hit to 99 Luftballoons, it has more than a few tracks that look like I might have a fun time with them. So when I'm feeling a little too out of my element dancing to the latest Lady Gaga song, I can always switch to some good ol' Bob Marley to take my cares away.

A feature in the Wii U version will also allow for one player to act as the "Party Master," giving them the ability to change rules, songs, and specific moves on the fly using the GamePad. Of course, we all know that this mode is reserved for that one friend who flat out refuses to participate in the embarrassing, arm-flailing fun that the game provides.

Truthfully, I'm a little excited to check out Just Dance 2014. It's my first game in the series, and will probably the first time I've danced for more than a few seconds in the privacy of my own home. And after I've secured my new role as the world's best dancer from my training in the game, I'll invite my friends over for some multiplayer and mercilessly mock their abilities! After all, what are friends for?

For a series I've been intentionally oblivious of for so long, Just Dance 2014 looks like it could provide some genuine fun. I doubt that I'm going to like jumping around in my living room more than lazing on the couch pressing buttons, but if the track list and multiplayer modes are any indications, I'm sure I'll have a good time today when the game releases on Wii U.

[Arm-flapping dancing and hardcore street brawling collide.]

45

TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - October 3, 2013

« on: October 03, 2013, 08:17:30 PM »

Arm-flapping dancing and hardcore street brawling collide.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35624

There's a Virtual Console on 3DS? Well, you certainly wouldn't know it by looking at the last couple of Nintendo Downloads! We are, however, graced with the next entry in the Just Dance series, as well all three Final Fight games. So, burn off some extra calories dancing, then flop down on the couch for a snack-filled marathon of Final Fight. Seriously, those Mad Gear guys have it coming. What a bunch of jerks.

Wii U Retail Downloads

Just Dance 2014 - $TBA

3DS Retail Downloads

Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure - $19.99

Wii U eShop Sales

Buy any Final Fight game on Wii U, get 50% off the purchase of select other fighting games until 9 a.m., October 10.

Little Inferno - $7.49, until 9 a.m., October 9

3DS eShop Games

Picross e3 - $5.99

More Picross! 150 new puzzles built to tantalize the drooling Picross fans out there. What more do you want from me? It's Picross! Woo!

Happy Circus - $3.99

Run those dumb, sad circuses out of town; it's time for Happy Circus! This is the happiest circus I've ever seen! It's educational and has a monkey in it. Need I say more?

Family Bowling 3D - $4.99

Last week we saw a family destroyed over table tennis, this week they're back with Family Bowling 3D. Forge new pathways to relationship destruction by decimating your family members emotionally by crushing their spirits in the ancient sport of bowling.

Halloween: Trick or Treat 2 - $7.99

As far as I can tell this game simulates the act of trick or treating by following "the guys" as they embark on spooky adventures. So, if you're like me and that ninja costume from when you were ten finally ripped and you're stuck at home this Halloween, then Halloween: Trick or Treat 2 is here to help.

Wii U eShop Games

TNT Racers - Nitro Machines Edition - $7.99

This version of TNT Racers packs in some extra content such as cars, tracks, game modes, and explosions. Well, I made that last one up. I do, naturally assume there already are explosions in a game called TNT Racers.

Wii U Virtual Console

Final Fight - $7.99

Do you still not know what a "Mad Gear" is? Are you always puzzled by those extra characters that you find in your Street Fighter games? Well then this is the place to start. Go back to the beginning in Final Fight, beat some dudes up and educate yourself.

Final Fight 2 - $7.99

This was the first entry in the series on SNES that supported simultaneous multiplayer, and, thus, was also the first entry that many people cared to play. Dropkick some punks in the face solo or with a friend.

Final Fight 3 - $7.99

You've defeated Mad Gear and saved Metro City twice now. So what's a mayor to do after he spent his entire term wailing on street trash? Find more street trash, that's what! Look out, Skull Cross Gang, Haggar is looking for you.

DSiWare

Jewel Quest 5 - The Sleeping Star - $7.99, 800 Points

Another game about moving shiny jewels around is here to whisk you away. Join the illustrious Percy Pack as he wanders around looking for some star or something. Your top screen will show stunning visuals from around the world that you'll never notice as you meticulously pluck away at the puzzle game filling the bottom screen.

3DS Demos

Witch & Hero

[Here we go again!]

46

TalkBack / Justin's Predictions for Tomorrow's Nintendo Direct

« on: September 30, 2013, 07:33:36 PM »

Here we go again!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/35570

Here we are once again, less than 24 hours from another Nintendo Direct. I can feel the Pokémon-branded electricity in the air! So, what better time than for me to make outrageous, crackpot predictions!

Now, obviously, we know that Nintendo is going to be talking about their remaining games for 2013, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for a surprise or two. I'm nearly positive that Pokémon will dominate a large portion of the event (It's coming!) I'm also hoping for a few more details about Super Mario 3D World. Nintendo needs to show us why we need a Wii U this holiday season instead of Sony or Microsoft's newest offerings.

Wind Waker HD hit the scene recently, but Nintendo knows that we're on the edge of our seats for A Link Between Worlds. I'd bet dollars to donuts that we'll see some lovely screenshots of the game on some shiny new 2DS systems. And, hopefully, Nintendo will have something exciting in the way of eShop releases to tease the more indie-minded among us. With Sony tearing up the indie scene, the Big N will have to throw a little bit of that download weight around with either some indie titles of their own or at least some quality Virtual Console titles.

So, there it is. Mario and Zelda will probably be overshadowed by our favorite Pocket Monsters, and, hopefully, Nintendo shows us what we're going to want to spend all the eShop cards we get for Christmas on.

What do you think Nintendo will show us tomorrow morning? Let us know in the comments below!

[Time to break out those wallets, JRPG fans!]

47

TalkBack / Nintendo Downloads - September 26, 2013

« on: September 26, 2013, 07:14:21 PM »

Time to break out those wallets, JRPG fans!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35525

It's a light week unless you have a pension for strange eShop titles or pets, but there are some quality titles buried in there.

Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl will finally be releasing (which you can read our review of here) on the same day as Rune Factory 4, so RPG fans will have their plates full. In addition to that, if you didn't pick up Shin Megami Tensi IV, then now is your chance. JRPG fans rejoice! This week is for you.

3DS Retail Games

Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl - $39.99, Available October 1

Rune Factory 4 - $39.99, Available October 1

3DS eShop Sales

Shin Megami Tensei IV - $39.99 until 9am, October 14

Wii U eShop Sales

BIT.TRIP Presents…Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien - 33% off until 9am, October 7

3DS eShop Games

Carps & Dragons - $4.99

I'm not too sure what this game is about, but with a title like Carps & Dragons, you can rest assured: it's weird. You'll take on the role of two hillbillies that seem to have dragon troubles. If it was me, I would probably just find a different pond to fish at. Just sayin'.

Family Table Tennis 3D - $4.99

The description of this game lists feeling awesome as one of its features. I know I want to feel awesome, don't you? You'll be playing family of eight as they destroy their personal relationships with one another through overly competitive table tennis!

Let's Ride: Best in Breed 3D - $TBA

Horses! I just can't get enough horses. With their claws and cave dwelling. Wait, that's bears…Well, horses are still pretty cool too, I guess! You'll get 25 breeds to choose from, and, if the screenshots are any indication, you'll be able to bottle feed baby horses. Super cute.

Mystery Murders: The Sleeping Palace - $7.99

Well, the title might be a bit of a spoiler (a murder, you say?), but they have to hook us somehow and just "The Sleeping Palace" probably wouldn't have done it. You'll be helping Sophia solve some murders, uncover some truths, and other murder mystery related shenanigans.

Paws & Claws: Pampered Pets Resort 3D - $TBA

If horses aren't your bag then settle in for a nice relaxing getaway for your dog. You can do amazing things like pet them and play mini-games. Are you excited yet? I wonder if they'll let me bring my bear…

Wii U Virtual Console

Donkey Kong 3 - $4.99

That big ape is at it again! This our favorite King Kong knockoff faces off against the fearsome Stanley. I guess Mario had better things to do at this point. Donkey Kong is trying to destroy Stanley's lovely garden, and he's the only thing standing between his flowers and certain destruction.

DSiWare

Astro - $TBA

If you're looking for a space shooter on your DSi, then you've come to the right place. The story is something about space pirates and hoards of minerals, but let's be honest, you're just here to kill things in space. It has that. Case closed.

48

TalkBack / Re: Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millenium Girl Review

« on: September 24, 2013, 09:56:07 PM »

My brother is interested in trying this series. Between this and EO4, which would you recommend?

I only ever played the demo for EO4, but I would still recommend Millennium Girl. The Story Mode is really built to ease new players into things and offer something a little more familiar to people who aren't used to hardcore dungeon crawlers.

Plus the overworld from EO4 made things much more complicated. MG was simple, fast and fun.

[We return to Etria, this time with an actual plot!]

49

TalkBack / Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millenium Girl Review

« on: September 23, 2013, 12:01:27 PM »

We return to Etria, this time with an actual plot!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/35496

I’m sure that some Etrian Odyssey fans were turned off by the announcement of the Story Mode to Millennium Girl, Atlus’ newest entry in the series. The Etrian games are known for their rock-solid combat and intricate dungeons, not their vibrant stories. Those people will likely fire up the Classic Mode, start exploring and forget that Story Mode was even an option on the title screen. But, for newcomers like myself, the Story Mode seeks to make a rather opaque and hardcore RPG just a tad easier.

I’ll touch on Classic Mode briefly, since most fans of the series already know if they are or aren’t going to purchase it. To put it succinctly: it’s Etrian Odyssey. More specifically, it’s a remake of the original title complete with new visuals and music. The dungeon itself is also largely redone. In comparing the maps, I found that some of the floors were similar, but they were, for the most part, redone completely, which is good news for anyone who has recently played (or replayed) the original game. The overworld from more modern entries is absent, but, to be honest, the overworld is just a distraction from all the dungeon crawling to be had.

Story Mode is the big draw for this entry, and, if nothing else, it delivers an even healthier dose of content. You’re introduced to the main protagonist through a very beautifully done anime cutscene, the first of a handful peppered throughout the game. Then in your early travels, you’re teamed up with a static party (that’s right, no customization here) to discover the secrets hidden not only in the Yggdrasil dungeon, but also in the Story Mode-specific Gladsheim dungeon.

The characters are relatively cookie-cutter, but with the story spread so thin over the basic dungeon-crawling nature, it never gets grating. The story feels a bit stereotypical in the beginning, but opens up later on. After a few hours, enough interesting quirks showed up to keep me interested, but it wasn’t too engrossing.

Of course, the story and static characters are just the window dressing on the main event: the dungeons. You’ll fight your way down into both Gladsheim and Yggdrasil, mapping every detail along the way with the stylus. While it feels a bit burdensome to map things in the beginning, since this was, again, my first real foray into the series, I turned on auto-mapping and soon enough, it felt like second nature to slap down a door or minor note as it went on.

The map itself responds well, and does its best to be unobtrusive. You can, of course, choose not to map anything, but you’ll probably find yourself lost and frustrated pretty quickly. Being able to jump around on the floors after mapping them makes it worth the effort either way.

The combat system employs items called Grimoire Stones, which enable you to customize your static Story Mode characters with unique abilities. At a glance, it just looks to be a simple way to add axes to a character or a fire attack to another, but close inspection reveals a very intricate synthesis system that had me counting stats and meticulously combining stones to empower each of my characters. In fact, during some of my shorter play sessions, Grimoire Synthesis would take up my entire playtime.

Even after synthesizing stones, you’ll still need to employ decent strategy in combat. While you’re constantly assailed by small encounters, the ability to auto-battle lessens the more monotonous ones and lets you focus on enemies that require more strategy. A large portion of the dungeon is spent avoiding F.O.E enemies that are large, usually very difficult enemies that show up on your map and wander the dungeon halls. They require planning and strategic movement, and break up the monotony of mapping and random battles well. If you’re not careful, they can even trap you, forcing you to return to town and try the level all over again.

After several hours in Story Mode, I was curious to try out Classic Mode. The story was never gripping enough to keep me from wondering if I couldn’t create a much more efficient party, or at least one more suited to my tastes. In the end, the Story Mode serves as a great introduction to the mechanics, but I doubt it’s going to be very gripping for people who just want to jump right in and play. Overall, it’s a very nice addition, though I would have loved to see a few more of those awesome anime cut scenes.

The 3D effect works very well with the new graphical engine, and many areas (especially the 3rd Stratum) really pop out of the screen. In battle, the enemies are constantly writhing and bobbing about, and things like vines wrapping around the nameplate of bound characters make them come alive. Players have the option of listening to the new soundtrack or the old MIDI version from the original game. The new music sounds great, if a little flowery, but the low-fi hum of the dingy original music still lends itself to the atmosphere much better.

In the end, the game’s best feature is how well it respects the player’s time. With some minor options tweaks, even boss battles can be lightning fast. Growing your characters and working out new strategies with Grimoire Stones is incredibly rewarding. One unfortunate flaw is that players can’t have both a Classic Mode and Story Mode game going at the same time, which may leave some with the difficult decision of which to choose. Story Mode offers a bit more content, but Classic Mode offers ultimate customization. Whichever you choose, the game is a rock-solid dungeon crawler that fits the 3DS very well.

[Let me show you my multi-cultural Pokémans]

50

TalkBack / Pokémon X and Y Will Have Pokédex Entries for Each Language

« on: September 23, 2013, 11:27:14 AM »

Let me show you my multi-cultural Pokémans

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/35504

In an upcoming NWR interview with Juinichi Masuda that will be releasing later this week, Masuda revealed that Pokémon X and Y will have multiple Pokédex entries corresponding to the language of the game they're from.

While talking about new features in the new games, Masuda said that when players "…trade a Pokémon that comes from a different language in the game [they will] unlock that entry in the Pokédex for that language."

This means collectors will be able to show off not only which Pokémon they have, but which versions of each they've received.