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[Take a step back in time and relive the litigation.]

51

TalkBack / Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Review

« on: December 08, 2014, 07:00:00 PM »

Take a step back in time and relive the litigation.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/39184/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-review

Nintendo’s famed “third pillar” handheld ended up being one of the greatest success stories in the company’s history; games like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney are a big part of how that came to be. Despite the fact that the games were originally designed for play on the Game Boy Advance, it’s hard not to directly associate them with the success of the Nintendo DS. The touch screen interface, as well as gimmicky voice controls, are inherently tied to the DS platform, and now they’re being remastered and resold to you on the Nintendo 3DS in one neat package.

What you’re getting in the 3DS package is simply the contents of all three DS games: Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations. There isn’t really anything else besides the contents of the original games. However, it is worth noting that the art in the games has been remastered for the 3DS. The 3D display makes for a nice diorama effect and the characters pop off of the background. The games play the same as they did before (with excellent stylus-based control), and they sound as they did before. If you didn’t like the games on DS, nothing will change your mind on 3DS, and vice versa.

For those who missed these games the first time around, here’s a quick & dirty explanation: You play the title character of Phoenix Wright, a new lawyer who, in the first game, is just learning the ropes of practicing law. Each Ace Attorney title is broken into several cases, and each case involves point-and-click style investigation to find clues, as well as courtroom scenes where you cross-examine the witness and try to poke holes in their testimony. The games in this series are equal parts visual novel, old-school adventure, and crazy sci-fi/fantasy mystery. The draw is not only the puzzle solving, but also the completely absurd and generally delightful characters that Phoenix Wright comes in contact with during the course of protecting his clients.

These are fairly meaty games, taking probably around 15 hours or more each to complete. If you’re like me, you’ll stumble from time to time during the cross-examination sections of the game when the point you’re trying to make isn’t straightforward or the solution isn’t obvious. It was more than a few times where I ran out of room for mistakes and had to replay entire conversations to get back to where I had failed. This sort of trial-and-error (no pun intended) is the biggest flaw in these games; sometimes you just have to brute force the answer and the solution you come across doesn’t make a lot of sense, nor is that method of problem solving very satisfying. Luckily, these moments aren’t extremely common, and the more you play, the more you begin to pick up on the “language” of the riddles in the game.

Although each case in these games acts as a stand-alone story, there is definite plot progression among the main characters from case to case and from game to game. Phoenix Wright becomes more and more confident in his abilities as an attorney, and his stream of rival prosecutors come and go to move the story along. This package presents an easy way to digest the entire trilogy from start to finish, but it’s worth noting that all three games look, control, and feel exactly the same. While it may be an absolute blast to run through 15 hours of a single Phoenix Wright title, you might find yourself a bit burned out if you try to plow through all three games back to back. Pace yourself and you won’t have a problem. Either way, the overall value on this package is enormous.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a hallmark series on Nintendo’s handheld, and if you missed it the first time around, this trilogy is a great way to dive in. Everything from the art, to the writing, to the storytelling is really a blast, and if we can’t have DS games sold via the eShop, this is the next best thing.

[We look back on the 2005 Game Boy Advance 2D Zelda game in this video.]

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TalkBack / GBA Rewind: Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

« on: December 01, 2014, 08:31:49 AM »

We look back on the 2005 Game Boy Advance 2D Zelda game in this video.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/39130/gba-rewind-legend-of-zelda-the-minish-cap

With The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap being available on the Wii U thanks to Virtual Console, we take a peek back at the 2004/2005 Game Boy Advance adventure. From the director of Skyward Sword, this Nintendo and Capcom collaboration features a unique mechanic that transforms Link into a diminutive size.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think. We're very much messing around with the format of these videos and would love feedback.

[Curious about how the GBA launch title holds up? Here's a discussion about it.]

53

TalkBack / GBA Rewind: Super Mario Advance

« on: December 01, 2014, 04:06:27 AM »

Curious about how the GBA launch title holds up? Here's a discussion about it.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/39129/gba-rewind-super-mario-advance

With the recent release of Super Mario Advance on the Wii U Virtual Console, Neal and Andy took a look at the first few levels of the game and waxed poetic about the offbeat remake of the offbeat Mario game.

Super Mario Advance first hit the Game Boy Advance in 2001 as a launch title for the Nintendo handheld. It's a remake of Super Mario Bros. 2 and features a whole slew of changes.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think about the format. We're definitely experimenting with these and would love your feedback.

[Now even more balanced!]

54

TalkBack / Super Smash Bros. for 3DS Update Released

« on: October 27, 2014, 04:01:57 PM »

Now even more balanced!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/38844/super-smash-bros-for-3ds-update-released

Nintendo has released an update for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. The new update, version 1.0.3, contains minor balancing improvements and also a change to the Conquest mode for the game.

When playing in the Conquest mode, the Conquest Chart will no longer be displayed.

The update, which also includes the content from the previous update which enabled online play, was released on October 27, 2014.

For more information on Smash Bros. updates, more specifically our own personal wishlist, check out our feature on the subject!

[Andy and Zach take a look back at the first TMNT game.]

55

TalkBack / NES Rewind: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

« on: October 09, 2014, 09:33:00 AM »

Andy and Zach take a look back at the first TMNT game.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/38701/nes-rewind-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles

Introducing NES Rewind, the latest feature on Nintendo World Report TV.  In this recurring video feature, Andy and Zach will be playing and chatting about classic (or not-so-classic) NES games. First up, we've got a doozy: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This original NES licensed title is known for being way too hard and buggy.  

If you have an idea for an NES game you'd like to see featured on NES Rewind, hit us up in the talkback.

[Now that many of us own it, the NWR staff shares their thoughts on the latest Smash Bros. game.]

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TalkBack / Our Super Smash Bros. 3DS Thoughts

« on: October 09, 2014, 06:02:41 AM »

Now that many of us own it, the NWR staff shares their thoughts on the latest Smash Bros. game.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/38683/our-super-smash-bros-3ds-thoughts

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS has finally released globally and multiple members of our staff have been playing through the game. So does the game meet everyone's expectations? Is this the Smash Bros. game we wanted?

Read through our thoughts below and then be sure to let us know what you think about the biggest 3DS release of the year.

Andy Goergen, Managing Editor

As a solo gamer, I was initially very unsure how much interest I really had in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. While I really enjoy the basic mechanics of the series, it's hard to deny that I put far less time into Brawl than I did Melee because a change in my life situation dictated far less local multiplayer. Once I tried the demo, however, I knew I was sold. The game plays like Smash.

Not only does it play like Smash, it plays like a better, smoother version of Smash than I've ever experienced before. The solid frame-rate and unique art style help the visuals really pop in a way which I really couldn't have prepared for. When Smash launched late Thursday night, I entered into what could only be called a "Smash Coma", and when I exited it on Sunday evening, I'd already put 18 hours into the game. I honestly can't tell you the last time that happened. I'm infinitely happy with this game, and can't wait for the Wii U version to follow.

Justin Berube, Features Editor

After playing it at E3, I was kind of down on the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. It just felt like a watered down version of the console version with controls I couldn’t get used to.

Luckily that has all changed. After spending hours with the retail version I have adjusted just fine to the controls and can’t get enough. Really, this is a portable Smash Bros. experience that I didn’t even know I wanted. Now, I can’t even imagine going anywhere without Smash.

The best news of all is that the online multiplayer actually works pretty well. This was extremely important to me since many of my friends don’t live close enough to play locally anymore. I can finally play Smash Bros. against other people anytime, and almost anywhere. My life is over.

My final thoughts on the game will take some time to sort out. I’m still learning a lot about the meta game and character balance, so I can’t say anything definitive yet. That said, the game is insanely fun and I’m sure it will soon become my most played 3DS title. I just can’t put this game down.

Alex Culafi, Associate Editor

I don't think I can think of a game I've had more mixed feelings on this year than the new Super Smash Bros. On the plus side, the roster is huge, excellent, and diverse. The online, while flawed, is much better than Brawl. And while I can't pick up too many subtleties, the fighting seems way quicker than Brawl.

On the down side, I'm having a hard time dealing with how uninspired many of the stages feel. More importantly, the lack of Event matches and Adventure mode even on par with Melee is an extreme bummer. The fighting is good enough that I've dropped 15 hours into it already, but the single-player goodness present in the previous two games is nowhere to be found.

Curtis Bonds, Associate Editor

It's hard to believe that after all these years of waiting, the new Smash Bros. is finally in my hands. Despite a few control issues, it's lived up to every bit of my expectations. Having custom/alternate moves for all the characters is a much appreciated addition since it makes my favorite characters even better, and some not-so favorites actually playable!

But for me, the most important improvement is the Online mode. While it's not as expansive as I'd like it to be, the playability of the online matches, for the most part, have been much much smoother compared to Brawl's. That alone automatically puts this Smash above all the rest.

Zachary Miller, Associate Editor

My unofficial name for this game is "Super Smash Bros. Brouhaha." Let's get that **** trending. I really like the game. I was worried that it would be thin on single-player content, but it turns out that's really the meat of the game. Classic and All-Star Modes have me playing long into the night, and completing the various challenges is a beast in and of itself. Even Smash Run is fun for the solo player.

I've been impressed with the online performance; my biggest headache is actually connecting to a friend's game successfully. But when it works, it works really well. I've also been very happy with the insane customization that Brouhaha offers. You can fiddle with just about every aspect of your Mii characters AND established fighters.

The biggest problem I have with the game is that it clearly looks better than the 3DS is capable of displaying. It's like playing an HD game on component video. You know, deep down, that it actually looks better than this. Not to say Brouhaha is a bad looking game, it's gorgeous, but the way things pixel-out at a distance and the character models twist and distort during certain attacks bothers me. It's nitpicky, but noticeable.

Bottom line: It's really incredible how well Smash feels on a portable system. I highly recommend it.

James Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)

"Smash Bros is a brilliant portable game". Now that's something that until a few weeks ago, would never thought I'd ever say! It feels exactly like the console games (stuck somewhere between Melee and Brawl) but I'm playing it on the train to work*. I know that sounds like a weak endorsement (look Ma, I'm playing it on a train!), but the portability really helps it stand out as its own worthwhile version even though the Wii U game is coming out soon. Thrown in it decent online play and a fun StreetPass mode, we have ourselves a winner.

*PS: Before someone calls it out; somehow I don't think taking a Wii U on the Bullet Train will be quite the same portable experience.

[Your 3DS has never looked fancier.]

57

TalkBack / 3DS Update 9.0 Live, Adds Themes

« on: October 06, 2014, 02:25:00 PM »

Your 3DS has never looked fancier.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/38665/3ds-update-90-live-adds-themes

An update to the Nintendo 3DS System Menu has been released, which adds new features such as themes and pop-out notifications.

The new theme options are located in the upper left Home Screen icon, where the brightness and power-saving mode options currently reside.  Some themes simply change the color of the Home Screen.  Available pre-installed options include Red, Pink, Blue, Yellow, and Black.  In addition, premium themes can be purchased from the eShop.  The paid themes include:

• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds - $1.99
• Mario: Felt-Stamped Characters - $1.99
• Mario: Wood-Burned Characters - $1.99
• Hanafuda - $1.99
• Mighty Mushrooms - $1.99
• Spotlight: Yoshi - $1.99
• Spotlight: Peach - $1.99
• Spotlight: Luigi - $1.99
• Spotlight: Mario - $1.99
• NES: Jumping Mario - $1.99

In addition to the character-based themes, a number of pattern-based themes are available for cheaper:

• Stars: Gold & Black - $0.99
• Polka Dots: Gold & White - $0.99
• Polka Dots: Black & White - $0.99
• Stripes: Black & White - $0.99
• Checkerboard: Black & White - $0.99

Another feature added is pop-out notifications. This feature shows you an incoming SpotPass notification over the Home Screen the first time it is received.  If you want to view the notification again, you can open the Notifications app as usual.

Take a look at the video below if you want to see the system update in action.

[Smash demo talk, a look at Hyrule Warriors, and a new Connectivity RiffTrax!]

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Podcast Discussion / Episode 151: King Hippo's Nipples

« on: September 19, 2014, 02:01:00 PM »

Smash demo talk, a look at Hyrule Warriors, and a new Connectivity RiffTrax!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/connectivity/38557/episode-151-king-hippos-nipples

Hello and welcome to episode 151 of Connectivity! We've got two segments for you this week, and a special video as well!

Kicking the show off, Zach, Scott and Alex talk about the Smash Bros. 3DS demo. The guys discuss the returning veterans, new characters Villager and Mega Man, and how the game performs on the handheld. And don't worry, there are absolutely no spoilers for the main game whatsoever.

After that, Neal and Andy discuss Hyrule Warriors and Neal's review of it. How did the seemingly odd marriage of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors turn out? Pretty good, it seems!

And, as a special bonus, Scott and Zach recorded a new RiffTrax, this time for an episode of Captain N. However, instead of making you sync it to the YouTube video yourself, we've uploaded the audio and video straight to YouTube! Enjoy below.

And that will do it for this week's show! Be sure to click here to send us your listener mail. Don't forget, next week we'll be discussing our favorite underwater themes, so be sure to send your submission to us! We'll see you next week.

[They're coming from all sides.]

59

TalkBack / Cubemen 2 Review

« on: September 11, 2014, 03:01:00 PM »

They're coming from all sides.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/38491/cubemen-2-review

Cubemen 2 is not a particularly self-descriptive game. The cover art in the Wii U eShop doesn’t really say much about the game. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if most gamers skip over it without a second glance. This would be a mistake; Cubemen 2 is one of the best Wii U-exclusive eShop games. Although it might best be described as a tower defense game, being able to control individual units, as well as modes such as King of the Hill and Territory, make this a fleshed out real-time strategy experience.

It’s immediately easy to be impressed with the breadth of options in Cubemen 2. The game offers nearly every flavor of RTS available in both single and online multiplayer fashion. In addition, the game allows you to create and share your own levels, play online with players on other platforms (iOS, for example), and reskin the visuals in dozens of different ways. If you’re a fan of the genre, there’s something for you in Cubemen 2.There are two small “campaigns” (really just pre-defined sets of 15 stages each) and unlimited ways to play single games, either online or off.

The controls make the grade, with the stylus used to manipulate units on screen and rotate the camera in conjunction with the analog stick and shoulder buttons. After awhile, though, your wrists might get tired of supporting the GamePad with one hand (see also: Kid Icarus Uprising), and resting the GamePad on your knee is tricky because of the placement of the shoulder buttons.

So if the game is endlessly configurable, and mostly plays just fine, what’s the problem? Well, for one, the online community is a bit sparse.  When the game launched, I was able to find players to join me (the same player kept stopping in), but by the end of the weekend, the available number of online players was very low. This game is going to be much more fun as a multiplayer experience, so player availability is a concern.

Secondly, the action can be very hectic, and because your screen is so small, the stylus control is imprecise without constant zooming in and out. The scheme works most of the time, but it’s easy to become flustered when the action picks up.

Probably the biggest problem with the game is simply that your eyes are confined to the GamePad, meaning that your TV is essentially useless. This gives the game a real “made for iPad” feel to it. This may be a personal preference, but while I love Off-TV play, the real highlight of Wii U is being able to seamlessly switch back and forth.

Still, these are fairly minor quibbles. Cubemen 2 is a competent real-time strategy tower defense game. It’s not terribly exciting, but it is probably the best in the genre on Nintendo platforms.

[I’ve been waiting for the day.]

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TalkBack / New 3DS, It Can't Be Worse than the Old 3DS

« on: September 01, 2014, 04:58:00 PM »

I’ve been waiting for the day.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/38410/new-3ds-it-cant-be-worse-than-the-old-3ds

The 3DS is garbage. Okay, maybe that's a bit strong, but hear me out: it has some of the best Nintendo games of the past 10 years in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Super Mario 3D Land. It is the home of the first fully mature digital storefront for Nintendo’s games, and the first place I played gems like Gunman Clive and Steamworld Dig. By all accounts, it’s a great platform, which is why it’s so unfortunate that the handheld itself is so poorly made.

The problems really start with the aesthetics of the handheld; it’s just not a pretty device to look at. The design team is, theoretically, the same ones that brought us sexy devices like the Game Boy Advance SP and the DS Lite, so it’s a shame to see the original 3DS in all its taco-style glory. This would be forgivable if the system didn’t have so many other fundamental flaws.

For starters, the shoulder buttons on the original 3DS are known to give out. Secondly, my D-Pad has a distinct lack of sensitivity to the point where I feel I need to press much harder than I should have to. The worst offender, really, is the fact that the ridges surrounding the bottom screen will dig into the top screen when the system is closed, leading to large vertical scratches on the 3D display. I had it fixed under warranty once, the same time I got my shoulder buttons fixed, and stupidly didn’t think to put a screen protector on so it happened again a year later. I cannot look at my 3DS without noticing the vertical scratches.

I could live with those irritating scratches and less than ideal D-Pad, but eventually my “A” button began to lose responsiveness too. I can repeatedly, and definitively, press it without getting any response from the system. The handheld is over three years old, so maybe that’s somewhat forgivable, but combined with the other problems I’m not in a mood to forgive.

I purchased my 3DS at the system’s launch in 2011, so it’s entirely possible that these issues got ironed out later in the production of the hardware. Presumably they got ironed out in revisions like 3DS XL and 2DS, but those aren’t exactly “upgrades” as much as they are sideways steps towards improvement. While the 3DS XL is by all accounts a much better piece of hardware than the 3DS, it’s huge. I wanted the improvements in that system, but not at the expense of the system’s portability, so I waited.

I was all set to finally cave and pick up a 3DS XL this holiday, but decided I would hold off a few more months to wait and see if they would release a remodeled version of the standard unit.  Finally, a few days ago, they have. And not only is it a remodel, it’s a true DSi-stlyle upgrade, complete with a beast of an exclusive game in Xenoblade Chronicles (a game I still haven’t played yet).

I won’t argue with others that this clearly does not make much business sense. Splitting the 3DS market at this point feels like potentially a really bad move, but as a consumer who’s been itching to replace his launch system with a shiny new model, I couldn’t be happier. It still may not be as sexy as the DS Lite or GBA SP, but it’s a major step in the right direction.

[Curve Studios is bringing the survival horror game to Wii U, along with a friend.]

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TalkBack / Lone Survivor in Development for Wii U

« on: July 29, 2014, 04:34:26 PM »

Curve Studios is bringing the survival horror game to Wii U, along with a friend.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/38181/lone-survivor-in-development-for-wii-u

Lone Survivor, the survival horror game with PC and PlayStation roots from Curve Studios, is heading to Wii U later this year. The studio, which announced it was bringing Stealth Inc. 2 to Nintendo's console in the coming days, also teased an unannounced game which it has in the works.

Lone Survivor is a 2D survival horror game with a pixelated aesthetic. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic future in which the main character has to fight off mutants, deal with hallucinations, and solve puzzles which may lead to finding other survivors.

When asked if any of these games would be coming to 3DS, the studio tweeted that they're investigating the possibility, but didn't announce anything specific.

Curve Studios is no stranger to Nintendo's platforms, having previously released Explodemon on WiiWare and Fluidity Spin Cycle on 3DS.

[The original Trine is getting a facelift and a new home.]

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TalkBack / Trine Enchanted Edition Coming to Wii U

« on: July 29, 2014, 03:53:22 PM »

The original Trine is getting a facelift and a new home.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/38175/trine-enchanted-edition-coming-to-wii-u

Trine Enchanted Edition is coming to Wii U at an unspecified point in the future. The Enchanted Edition of Trine is a facelift of the original Trine which includes added features such as online multiplayer and mid-level saving. These features were present in Trine 2, which was one of the original launch titles for Nintendo's Wii U eShop.

The new version of Trine, which is being given free to owners of the 2009 PC game, features the original game rebuilt using the Trine 2 engine. The game tells the story of a trio of heroes (Wizard, Knight, and Thief) who save their kingdom from an evil using a relic called the Trine.

No timetable is set for the Wii U release of the game.

[Want both versions? Activision has just the deal for you!]

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TalkBack / Free Wii U Skylanders Trap Team Download Code Offered with Wii Version

« on: July 29, 2014, 04:02:00 AM »

Want both versions? Activision has just the deal for you!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/38162/free-wii-u-skylanders-trap-team-download-code-offered-with-wii-version

Customers who purchase Skylanders Trap Team for the Wii will receive a download code for the game on Wii U at no additional cost. This comes from the official Skylanders Twitter account, via a Tweet released on July 23.

The series was incredibly successful for Wii, and is likely to be one of the last major releases for the console. The figurines, of course, are universal between all versions of the game. The portal included in the Wii version is also compatible with Wii U.

Skylanders Trap Team will release on October 4, 2014.

[Just another romp in Hyrule, or a timeless classic in the making?]

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TalkBack / The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds - Review Revisit

« on: May 20, 2014, 06:19:21 AM »

Just another romp in Hyrule, or a timeless classic in the making?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/37417/the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-between-worlds-review-revisit

When Link Between Worlds was announced there were mixed reactions. Some were skeptical of the art style, others were just excited to jump back into the world of Link to the Past. In either case, the game was another hit for the 3DS.

Our own Neal Ronaghan was thoroughly impressed by the game in his review: A Link Between Worlds is a delightful adventure that hits every high note a 2D Zelda game has ever produced while creating many new hallmarks of its own. In a year filled with quality 3DS games, A Link Between Worlds is another fantastic entry on a system that is quickly becoming home to a number of instant classics. It’s been almost six months since the review was published, so we’re taking another look back to see how the title holds up after all the praise has died down.

Justin Baker, Reviews Editor: Link Between Worlds was exactly the Zelda game I needed as an adult. Not too hard, easy to experience the content on the go, and chock full of goofy characters and references to A Link to the Past. It was a bit on the short and easy side, but that just meant I was able to get through the entire game in a reasonable amount of time and move on. It sounds like heresy, but these days the more content they can pack into a smaller package, the more likely I am to play a game. Link Between Worlds is just that: a huge amount of content packed into a small package. Even though I’ve beaten the game I’ll still fire it up once in a while just to run around the overworld and listen to the amazing music.

Addison Webb, Associate Editor: Like most Nintendo fans my age, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a game I hold fond memories of so I was excited at the thought of playing the direct sequel. Being my favorite series, I usually can be forgiving of the flaws of some of the individual games, however The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was a letdown on many levels for me. Due to the game’s short, uninspired dungeon designs and bossfights, I might not even consider this game in the top five Zelda Games playable on the 3DS. On the other hand, as a fan of the series, the games music and nods to A Link to the Past warmed my hardened heart and kept me playing. The controls and visuals are very fluid, making the traversal of Hyrule quite enjoyable. The game gets moving quick and does not overuse tutorials like many recent Zelda games. A Link Between worlds is also one of the Best uses of 3D on the 3DS. This game would be a great entry to the series for a young gamer, but veterans of the series might be disappointed by its lack of challenge.

Aaron Brown, Associate Editor: This was actually the first Legend of Zelda game I ever owned. Needless to say, my expectations were up there since the franchise is highly praised by many. Now, I know I should have played A Link to the Past prior to playing this, but I didn’t. However, I don’t think it would have improved my time with the game, considering how much I loved it when I dove in. Everything about it just felt right. The controls felt quite amazing, and the fact that it simply throws you in and let’s you decide where you want to start is nice. You gotta love that freedom. The title has also been known to be on the easy side, which I wouldn’t necessarily count that against it. Difficult or not, the game was downright fun. It does a lot of things that a game should do, and does it extremely well. Oh, and I didn’t even mention about the game’s main schtick--I found that to be straight up endearing and a great addition to the puzzle aspect. Overall, I have hardly any gripes with this aside from that inventory. I found it hassling from time to time if I needed to switch items while in the thick of some action. In the end, this was a great intro to the series for me, it made me want play through some more Legend of Zelda games. Keep ‘em coming.

Andy Goergen, Managing Editor: A number of years back, I started down a quest to replay the entire mainline Zelda franchise from beginning to end.  Somewhere around Oracle of Seasons, I began some serious Zelda burnout that led me to believe that I’d had enough of the series for now. Eventually I decided to skip ahead to Majora’s Mask,which I enjoyed immensely.  What I took away from this experience was that, much to my own surprise, I found I enjoyed 3D Zelda games much more than their top-down predecessors. Thus, when I heard that the new 3DS Zelda was very much a top-down throwback experience, I was concerned.

Turns out, I didn’t need to be.  A Link Between Worlds was an absolutely blast from start to finish, and I completed it more quickly than any other game in the series (not including beating Skyward Sword in one week for review). The painting mechanic is excellent, the music is familiar but exhilarating, and the new open exploration angle made me feel like it was 1987 all over again. This is not a perfect game, but it is a reminder of what this series can be when it hits all the right notes.

Now, about that Majora’s Mask remake…

[Remember WiiWare? You will after this week's episode.]

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Podcast Discussion / Episode 133: Let's Go With Primal Rage

« on: May 10, 2014, 11:15:00 AM »

Remember WiiWare? You will after this week's episode.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/connectivity/37393/episode-133-lets-go-with-primal-rage

Welcome to this very special episode of Connectivity! We have two segments for you this week.

The first segment is a new game of NWR Jeopardy, written and hosted by Syrenne McNulty. Syrenne backed Nintendo Force on Kickstarter, earning the reward of hosting a segment of Connectivity. She decided she wanted to torture us all by hosting a game of Jeopardy entirely about WiiWare. Neal co-hosts with her while Guillaume, Andy, and Zach do their best to remember the mess that was WiiWare. Scroll down to enjoy some YouTube clips of a few of the gems Syrenne brings up. Yowza.

Between rounds one and two of Jeopardy, Alex comes on to provide a quick reaction to the announcement of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. You can read more of his thoughts here.

Be sure to click here to send us your listener mail. Have some thoughts about the ill-fated WiiWare? Share them below! See you next week.

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TalkBack / Re: Comparing Wii U's Sales to GameCube, Wii

« on: April 23, 2014, 02:26:32 PM »

You know why this sort of thing keeps getting brought up?  Because it matters in regards to Nintendo's future.  Something is going to happen.  Hopefully it's some reaction from Nintendo at E3.  Maybe Nintendo does nothing but in that case the market's rejection of the console will effectively kill it and that will affect Nintendo's future.  Something will happen.  Heads will roll at Nintendo or they'll try something different with their next console or there won't be a next console and they'll be handheld only or they'll go third party or they'll go in a non-gaming direction altogether.  The Wii U's fate will be of considerable importance in the Nintendo story.  This is a turning point, hopefully the nadir before a return to glory but it could also be the "jump the shark" moment that signified the downfall.  That's why we keep talking about it because it matters.

Hard to argue with this.  It does matter.  It's very hard to imagine where Nintendo goes in the next 3-4 years.

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TalkBack / Re: Comparing Wii U's Sales to GameCube, Wii

« on: April 23, 2014, 11:55:10 AM »

We also have other types of articles, such as news, previews, reviews, and features. I encourage you check them out, because our editorial section is only one small area of the site.

Just this week, Justin Baker put up this really lovely NES Remix 2 review. It looks fun. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/37200/nes-remix-2-review

Kim reviewed Disney Magical World at the beginning of the month, too. If you liked Animal Crossing, it's probably something you should check out! http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/37079/disney-magical-world-review

And hey, we had this interview with Prismatic Games go up. Their Kickstarter for Hex Heroes, a totally rad RTS party game for Wii U is ending today and is super close to the goal. http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/37171/interview-with-prismatic-games-on-hex-heroes

And man oh man, if you never played Guacamelee, you should read Zach's preview and get ready for a really well-made Metroid-style game! http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/37198/guacamelee-super-turbo-championship-edition-impressions

DROPS THE MIC

[We're attempting a Google Hangout. Join us as we talk over the direct live!]

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TalkBack / Watch the NWR Connectivity Crew Talk About Smash Bros. LIVE!

« on: April 08, 2014, 11:33:00 PM »

We're attempting a Google Hangout. Join us as we talk over the direct live!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/37116/watch-the-nwr-connectivity-crew-talk-about-smash-bros-live

We, like most of the Nintendo fans out there, want to talk about Super Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS. So, join us as we talk about the game and the latest Nintendo Direct live on YouTube.

The cast is Neal Ronaghan, Scott Thompson, Alex Culafi, and Andy Goergen. We're going to be watching the Super Smash Bros. Direct from earlier and give you an audio commentary over it. It's like you're getting a sneak preview of a Connectivity segment! Because you are!

And it's over! Thanks for watching if you did!

[Games we've been playing, listener mail, and an in-depth look at Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze!]

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Podcast Discussion / Episode 122: Whack Attack

« on: February 22, 2014, 12:04:36 PM »

Games we've been playing, listener mail, and an in-depth look at Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/connectivity/36657/episode-122-whack-attack

Hello and welcome to episode 122 of Connectivity! We have three segments for you this week.

Kicking things off, Alex, Neal, Scott and Zach talk about games they've been playing this week, including Bravely Default, Assassin's Creed IV, and the Pokémon Transfer and Bank apps. There is also a little Vita discussion and a super serious deconstruction of slavery.

After that, the boys answer some listener mail. Topics include Nintendo licensing out its properties, the Smash Bros. hype train, competitive gaming, and championing the black sheep of different video game series.

Closing out the show, Daan and Andy discuss Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, a game they both recently reviewed for Nintendo World Report. The boys talk generalities for the majority of the segment before veering into light spoilers at the end (but don't worry, they give a fair warning when they do!)

Keep sending us that listener mail! You can click here to do so. Let us know what you think about Donkey Kong so far. We'll see you next week!

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TalkBack / Re: Physical Games vs. Digital Games: The Face-Off

« on: February 20, 2014, 11:30:19 AM »

One point I should have made in the editorial, but didn't, was that as the proud father of a 2 year old girl, I don't have a need to have any EXTRA plastic in my house.  I have plenty of plastic toys that belong to her.  Any action I can take that prevents more plastic stuff in my house is a success.

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TalkBack / Re: Physical Games vs. Digital Games: The Face-Off

« on: February 20, 2014, 09:52:10 AM »

Your solution is to buy every game when it's new?  Awesome!  Can I borrow a couple grand?

[Two NWR staffers pit the virtues of discs against downloads. Who wins? You decide.]

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TalkBack / Physical Games vs. Digital Games: The Face-Off

« on: February 19, 2014, 12:44:59 PM »

Two NWR staffers pit the virtues of discs against downloads. Who wins? You decide. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/36550/physical-games-vs-digital-games-the-face-off

For some, it is a case of 'old habits die hard.' For others, the new technological era cannot come soon enough. Chances are that those of you reading this have gravitated towards one of these two camps since Nintendo took the plunge into the digital age with the 3DS and Wii U eShop, offering full retail games in download form in addition to their traditional physical media.

As it turns out, the Nintendo World Report staff is quite evenly divided between the old and new schools. Therefore, in an effort to make sense of the endless argument over what media is best, we asked one advocate of physical games and one proponent of digital games to make the five-point case for each.

Once you have read and digested what they had to say, we encourage you to join the discussion in the forums and let us know whether you prefer to buy your games at retail or download them instead. Long may this debate continue...

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Review

« on: February 17, 2014, 12:24:53 PM »

I will feel like a fool holding a giant controller with a completely blank LCD in the middle of it.

It's the controller packed in the box; there's no need to feel like a fool.  I play my games mostly off TV anyways, so that's a perfectly acceptable use as far as I'm concerned.


Why waste time and effort shoehorning in features that aren't worth including?  I'm closer to applauding Retro for turning off the screen than listing it as a con in my review.  I'm frankly shocked that Nintendo let Retro get away with that.  It probably helps keep the game at a solid frame rate, and I know it helps with the GamePad battery life.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Review

« on: February 17, 2014, 10:28:04 AM »

Other reviews have disagreed with me regarding the difficulty, so your mileage may vary.

[Don't be Cranky; this is one of the best games on Wii U.]

75

TalkBack / Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Review

« on: February 17, 2014, 12:10:00 AM »

Don't be Cranky; this is one of the best games on Wii U.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/36604/donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-review

In my review of 2010’s Donkey Kong Country Returns, I stated that Retro Studios had shown real skill in developing 2D platformers. In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, they’ve shown absolute mastery. In a world where Nintendo has been maligned for over-delivering in this particular genre, Tropical Freeze stands out as the best original 2D sidescroller in years.

The world of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is wonderfully alive with jungle critters and plantlife: it bustles with activity. The combination of Retro’s attention to art design combined with the power of an HD system is incredibly rewarding. Of the six worlds in the game, most don’t feel terribly different from stages in previous Donkey Kong Country games. Two worlds in particular, Juicy Jungle and Bright Savannah, feel like notable departures, and are both very memorable.

DK moves with a heavy forward momentum, jumping from vine to platform to grassy wall. The character is meant to be a large, heavy mammal, and even moreso than in Donkey Kong Country Returns, he feels like one. The addition of Dixie and Cranky Kong give DK even more movement options, making moving from left to right a joy.

The game is shorter than DKCR, with only six worlds to explore (not counting unlockable worlds). Even still, the stages are lengthy with some stages taking upwards of 20 minutes to play through the first time. The game isn’t quite as overwhelmingly difficult as its predecessor, in part because the required motion control is no more, but you’ll still spend quite a few lives trying to get that elusive K-O-N-G letter or puzzle piece. The collectables here are the same as the last game, but the hiding spots are clever enough to require a few playthroughs of a single stage to get all of the trinkets.

The Wii U GamePad is supported for Off-TV play, but that’s about it. DKC:TF supports multiple control options, including Wii Remote & Nunchuk, Wii Remote alone, Wii U Pro Controller, and the GamePad. Interestingly enough, when you choose to play with the GamePad on the television, the screen on the GamePad is completely shut off. This isn’t inherently a bad thing, as it conserves battery life and keeps all of the processing power confined to one display. Still, it would have been nice if Retro had found an interesting way to use both screens. They didn’t, and as such the decision to shut off the GamePad screen during TV play doesn’t pose any problems.

Another cool feature new to this entry in the series is time attack online leaderboards. It's possible to compete both with your friends and other folks all across the globe.  Even better, replays can be uploaded and shared with the entire internet, so folks everywhere can see how amazing you are at the game. The replays are uploaded by default, and the leaderboards are fast and easy to access, making this a surprisingly competent Nintendo entry into the world of online play. There isn’t any online co-op in the game, but local couch co-op is available in much the same way it was available in Donkey Kong Country Returns.

Donkey Kong Country has always been a series loved for its music, and original composer David Wise, formerly of Rare Ltd, returns to compose music for the game that he’s known for. The songs are largely very similar to what’s come in the past, but there are definitely a few standouts among the soundtrack. The way the music changes as DK heads into the underwater areas is particularly notable; the music fades from upbeat and jaunty to serene and beautiful in the span of a few seconds.

One other change from Donkey Kong Country Returns that’s worth mentioning is the complete abandoning of the Super Guide mechanic, which was still fairly new in 2010. It’s somewhat nice not to be taunted if you’re struggling on a stage, but this may be a problem for younger players (or parents of younger players) who don’t have the patience required to play the tougher parts of the game.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze does not represent a particularly surprising title for Nintendo, and it may not be the title that pushes Wii U sales into the stratosphere, but it is another wonderful classic Nintendo game on a system slowly building a nice library. If you’re a Wii U owner looking for something to play, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s exactly the kind of game Nintendo does well, and it’s among their best.