Messages

26

TalkBack / Re: NWR Staff 3DS Playtime Round Three

« on: October 17, 2012, 07:14:16 PM »

I was actually kind of surprised to see my activity log.
1. Mario Kart 7 63:28
2. RE: Revelations 62:25
3. Okamiden 40:44
4. Ocarina of Time 3D  29:39
5. Super Mario 3D Land 18:44

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TalkBack / Re: Scribblenauts Unlimited Teaser May Hint at Nintendo Characters

« on: October 15, 2012, 08:28:32 PM »

 My guess is (from left to right) Yoshi, Peach, Luigi, Mario, - Epona, toon Link, some indiscriminate figure, and someone else mentioned a Goron on the far right.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Best of the Wii: House of the Dead: Overkill

« on: October 03, 2012, 09:15:15 PM »

 I don’t really care about the list, as I have seen games I really like, and those I don’t care for make the cut; that, and the fact the outcomes don’t affect my tastes anyway.  Really, the only thing I found amiss, is that the director of one of the most respected Nintendo-centric sites on the web, appears to consider a singing pile so sh!t to be one of the best things to happen in video games. Please understand, I like Concker’s (Grim Reaper Greg is my favorite), but is that one of the best things in the game, let alone best things on a Nintendo console, or gaming in general? I love the idiosyncrasies of this mature title, and understand they are appropriate for the game. However, if the next Mario or Zelda featured a singing sh!t boss, would that make the game better?  Again, I have no problem with HOTDO being number 1; but singing crap is not one of the best things in gaming. And the statements implying this don’t meet the criteria that the other exemplary content NWR is known for (at least from my perspective).  I really enjoyed these countdowns, so thank you NWR; but it would be nice to see a modicum amount of class when describing the best (arguably) third-party Wii game available.

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TalkBack / Re: TGS: Beyond the Tokyo Dome!

« on: September 27, 2012, 01:05:51 PM »

 I don’t think those chicks were there for cosplay.

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TalkBack / Re: Pikmin 3, Wii Fit U Due in Japan Spring 2013

« on: September 13, 2012, 11:07:13 AM »

 If Pikmin 3 is releasing spring 2013 in Japan, that means NOA should be able to localize it by the end of 2015. Sweet.

31

TalkBack / Re: Raise Shields

« on: September 13, 2012, 12:23:38 AM »

 One thing that would impress me, is if Nintendo showed actual live gameplay of Wii U without the remote being tethered to the console. Not at the event necessarily, but in a demonstration or video format. If Nintendo proposes that the Wii U and GamePad can perform such functions without lag, it would be nice to actually see them before it launches in two months. Seeing the video chat function and actual online gameplay with something such as BlOps2, would also go a long way in demonstrating that Wii U can officially do what Nintendo promised it could more than a year ago.

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 50: Cake, Cake, Cake, Cake, etc.

« on: September 08, 2012, 05:08:06 PM »

 Connectivity should be very proud, and I’ve listened to all 50 so far. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any of the drinks; thankfully I always bring plenty of my own for safe measure. That Star Fox reenactment was approximately 1,000,001 times better than anything I’ve heard from Lady Gaga. Sadly, I bought Star Fox 64 3D months ago, and it’s still in its cellophane. I’ve never played the game, so maybe it’s a positive to look forward to; and this segment makes me want to break it open.
 
Every weekend I enjoy listening to your independent voices giving analysis about Nintendo, both positive and negative. I always look forward to hearing from Zach, Andy, Mike, and who am I kidding, I like you all. Honestly, you all do work that makes my week better, Thank You.

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TalkBack / Re: Paper Mario: Sticker Star Impressions

« on: September 01, 2012, 02:18:52 AM »

 It’s nice to see some impressions for, arguably, this winter’s most anticipated 3DS game given by Mr. Berghammer. This is out of context and belated; but I just wanted to say thanks for reading my letter personally on RFN: 297 and the discussion that ensued those weeks back. I’m privileged to participate in such spirited dialectic. And of course, thank you to everyone at RFN, Famicast, and Connectivity, which also help to keep me sane for another week, as well.
That aside, I’m holding my breath, and my wallet, for a white 3DS XL- Paper Mario bundle to come state-side this holiday, reminiscent of the SM3DL bundle last year. Either way, I’ll probably be buying this game and Wii U within a week of each other. The wait is unfortunate; however, I’m happy enjoying the dwindling days of summer while I can.

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TalkBack / Re: Wii U Japan Announcement Coming Soon

« on: August 29, 2012, 12:43:27 PM »

 [font=]Nintendo could announce every game lined up through 2013 tomorrow. The only problem is I still won’t be able to see, touch, own, or play Wii U until November. Although, I will admit coming to NWR for substantial, newly released game news, is like opening a present: “What’s it gonna be?”[/font]

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Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 48: A Doggy Dog World

« on: August 26, 2012, 04:48:23 PM »

 It’s coincidental, mentioning The Dark Knight Rises is as good as New Super Mario Bros. 2, since both of them have a 78 on Metacritic.

36

Podcast Discussion / Re: Episode 41: Forever Incomplete

« on: July 08, 2012, 06:06:05 PM »

 I’m completely with Pixelated on this one. I started playing Okami, got about half way through, got stuck and quit.  I picked it up a year later, beat the game, then immediately started playing again. I completely understand it’s not for everyone; especially not those that play several games a month like the NWR staff does. I played through the hour long optional demon gate battles to attain all 100 beads and 100% the game. I set the game aside a while back with the intention of playing it again in the near future. For those that can’t get enough Zelda, give this game a try; I just checked eBay, it’s Nintendo Selects priced. The game doesn’t hold your hand, the soundtrack is excellent enough to own, and the storytelling is strongly Japanese (for better or worse). Ironically, I bought Okamiden during the 3DS drought and haven’t finished it yet. Thank you Neal for bringing up this game because now I feel compelled to finish it.

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TalkBack / Re: EA Headed Toward Full Digital Distribution

« on: July 03, 2012, 09:30:44 PM »

 I agree, I think Nintendo being able to download full retail titles at launch will be tremendously beneficial in terms of support. And I like the idea of having certain titles right on my 3DS without cartridges. I just think having digital as the only option is restrictive. 

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TalkBack / Re: EA Headed Toward Full Digital Distribution

« on: July 03, 2012, 09:13:23 PM »

 I think statements like “100% in the near future” is what is confusing. I could see potentially, next-next-gen possibly being 100% digital in some instances. It just sounds like they are forcing people to abide by one option that alienates a segment of population that can’t download digital titles or move to cloud gaming for whatever reason. He also says “Retail is a great channel for us.” But aren’t they abandoning retail other than download codes? Their line of thinking is that all customers will have decent internet access within the next few years and be willing to abandon physical media. I think EA has some plan they see as superior and that all other developers will follow suit (mainly, stop all used game sales to increase profits to offset money hemorrhages at EA). What precedents do they have to make such statements along the lines of “You’ll only have one option and it will work.”  Such restrictive policies may result in “…for the rest of their life” being shorter than they anticipate. We’ll just have to wait and see how this works out for them.

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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Prepares For Life After Miyamoto

« on: July 03, 2012, 08:39:07 PM »

 I just read the entire shareholders Q&A, and it just reemphasized his position as a general manager. Miyamoto isn’t necessarily the creative force behind every game; but shares his opinion and directs the path of the game development; and probably not as much as people think, he’s not the director or producer for games anymore, he just oversees the project as the Senior Producer for games like Skyward Sword, for instance. Although the specific question was directed at Miyamoto, Iwata addressed the question that they were training competent replacements for all the eventual retiring employees. In fact they even alluded to how the media prematurely reported Miyamoto’s retirement incorrectly. Basically he was saying to younger staff members, “If I’m not here tomorrow, will you be able to handle this project?”

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime Says Gamers are Impossible to Satisfy

« on: July 03, 2012, 10:44:38 AM »

 Since when does Reggie Fils-Aime develop games? Since when does Reggie get to dictate the types of games that Nintendo creates? Since when does Reggie choose which games get shown at E3 and which don’t? I’m guessing, never. Anyone who is seriously bitter about E3 should be upset at Iwata, Miyamoto, and Eguchi. The better option would be to take a deep breath and get over it.
 
Imagine giving a presentation, and being representative of products that you have no control over, and yet people become very emotionally invested in. That’s Reggie’s job, and at least he believes in the brand and the culture enough to stick up for it, and become offended when people try to bash it. My guess is Reggie was just tired of sitting through countless interviews and answering questions that passive-aggressively **** all over the conference and Wii U; and he’s basically there for damage control. There’s no doubt Reggie knows about big projects he’s forbidden to talk about, and becomes frustrated at how short-sighted “fans” become when not everything  is disclosed way in advance of its release. Yes, the conference was bad. Yes, Nintendo Land alienates “core” gamers. Do people believe E3 was the pinnacle of Nintendo and Wii U in general? Its potential has peaked five months before the console is even available. Nintendo only promised Pikmin and 2D Mario, which is what they delivered. If you rode the hype train all the way to disappointment, that’s hardly Nintendo’s fault. Nintendo has secured a fine launch lineup, probably the best in the company’s history, but that’s not enough. Full downloadable retail and online titles on the uShop day one you say; what else? “Wii U has already lost the core gamer.” Really, because most consoles don’t start to sell well until deep in its 2-3 year on the market, when there is a good variety of games.
 
Overall, his comments were only partial directed at Nintendo fans, a portion of which are unrealistically insatiable. There is also a portion just bitching about no Metriod, Star Fox, or 3D Mario, who never intend to buy Wii U anyway. Those are titles that Nintendo needs to save if they’re not finished; and show them 6 months after the console launch at E3 2013, when it’s going to be difficult to remain relevant among new console unveilings from Microsoft and Sony. Overall, what Reggie said was the most real thing anyone from Nintendo said all E3. And before people jump on him about the Xenoblade thing, that game sold barely over a quarter-million copies in NA, even after all the publicity it got. He had a right to be skeptical; but at least he secured a deal with GameStop to give the fans what they wanted during this drought. This is why a lot of third-parties are on the fence with Wii U, because they know core titles didn’t sell extraordinarily well on Wii, not even Skyward Sword.
 

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TalkBack / Re: Mario Does Not Wear Suits; He Transforms

« on: June 30, 2012, 02:27:09 PM »

 Wearing the penguin or tanooki suit transforms Mario into penguin or tanooki Mario. How are suits and transformations exclusive? To me, it kind of depends. The penguin suit, tanooki suit, frog suit, and boomerang Mario are clearly power-up suits that grant Mario super abilities. Whereas the raccoon tail, bee Mario, and flying squirrel power-ups seem to be legitimate physical transformations. When Mario uses a super mushroom, it transforms him into Super Mario. When Mario uses the penguin suit (which actually looks like a penguin, unlike an acorn or a leaf symbol) he literally “suits up” and transforms into penguin Mario. Every power-up is technically a “transformation”, but that doesn’t negate the fact that the power-up is a “suit”. Also, Nintendo was never going to say “Yeah, we changed it to transformation because of PETA’s attempt to slander us in exchange for 2 minutes of bad publicity.”

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TalkBack / Re: 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro Coming 2012

« on: June 28, 2012, 02:03:59 AM »

 $20 for a completely optional accessory on top of a $200 handheld doesn’t seem unreasonable. And I highly doubt Nintendo is releasing CPP XL to squeeze a few extra bucks out, because they have no intention of using it. And I don’t recall them ever even acknowledging the original CPP; as far as they’re concerned, it doesn’t even exist. Also, a second circle pad fragments the userbase. How do you sell a 3DS with two circle pads next to another that doesn’t? Nintendo doesn’t want to force someone to purchase a CPP to play one of their future games. The way it is now if fine, developers cans still create games that support dual analog, just not as the only control method. The 3DS XL also seems like a more cost conscious model aimed at making a profit day one.

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TalkBack / Re: SiNG Impressions

« on: June 26, 2012, 05:36:46 PM »

 I know some people are down on this title, but I really think this was made with the Japanese audience in mind. I swear I read in an Iwata Asks that karaoke is bigger in Japan. I don’t know personally, as I’ve never been there, but that’s my assumption.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo and the Decline of the Japanese Gaming Industry

« on: June 26, 2012, 01:16:12 PM »

 That’s why I don’t think Xbox could go 100% cloud, because all users who purchased the console would be required to have high-quality internet service. And what about initial purchasers who bought it for physical media or download; they can’t just be abandoned. That’s what I think is interesting. If it’s true, then Microsoft could stream very next gen games to their users. But there will also be a portion of users who don’t use the cloud gaming service for whatever reason. So if the hardware specs of the next Xbox are the closer to Wii U, there may be more similar multiplatform support. Obviously that’s speculation based on the $299 price point the document entailed, if it’s even true. Then that’s a big decision for Sony; I think they will try to build the most powerful system they can afford. If Xbox could provide PC level games through their service, but their physical hardware is more in line with Wii U, it will be interesting where PlayStation positions itself.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo and the Decline of the Japanese Gaming Industry

« on: June 26, 2012, 11:53:36 AM »

 In terms of Microsoft, I didn’t read their supposed leaked document; but from what I’ve heard, their intention isn’t to make a huge leap this next generation with Xbox to keep costs lower. But the big part was they planned to switch to cloud gaming around 2015. I’m not familiar with the tech, but does that mean that they could stream games that could perform beyond the hardware specs? Then the Xbox would be used for Kinect v.2 and serving as an entertainment hub and utilizing devices like SmartGlass. That would also mean more profits, control of used games (although I still don’t think they could go 100% cloud, but some mixture with retail), and less piracy. I don’t know if that’s actually factual, and going to happen, but it doesn’t seem unreasonable; I’m sure some here know much better than I do. If that does happen then what does Sony do? Go overboard on specs and potentially run the risk of selling well below component cost, or make a reasonably powerful system that that they could get away charging $400 for and not bankrupt SCE? Also, with cloud gaming, is that something consoles can switch over to eventually, or does it require substantial server integration? That doesn’t seem like something Japanese companies would be willing to do overseas, whereas Microsoft may have more of a sure bet.

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TalkBack / Re: Mariobilia: Special Edition Part 2

« on: June 25, 2012, 09:10:17 PM »

 [font=]“The friendly staff were happy to explain a little about the history of the store and the changes made over the years, promising plenty more surprises to come in the future.”  [/font]
[font=]Yes, that was definitely Nintendo World.[/font]

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TalkBack / Re: Far Cry 3 Delay Paves Way for Wii U Release?

« on: June 25, 2012, 08:37:18 PM »

 Well, technically if someone says it and it’s unconfirmed, then it’s a rumor; although I jumped to the same conclusion after hearing about the release date change. My fears are somewhat in line with Neal’s. As much as I like hearing about more games (potentially) coming to Wii U, if they don’t sell well enough in the timeframe, it may hurt the consoles perception. It mays sound like a stupid problem to have, but it’s harder to purchase multiple games on top of a $300 console purchase when everything is releasing at the same. Gamers may forgo the console purchase in order to buy all the games they want that are multiplatform for their current console.
Although, two of those FPS’s are from Ubisoft, so the same company is making the profit. Multiplatform titles are going to do well either way, but more exclusive ones like ZombiU are under more pressure. Wii U is starting with virtually no user base and if it is coming out in November, that only gives a few weeks before the Christmas blowout is over. I keep getting this negative feeling that no one is going to care once this thing is eventually released. I really, REALLY hope that isn’t the scenario.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Is Nintendo Becoming Lazy?

« on: June 23, 2012, 02:49:31 AM »

 Yeah, I think I may have accidentally moved the bitching forum over here, whoops. I will say one game that stood out to my was Assassins Creed III, even though this is the fifth, arguably sixth game in the franchise, it’s bringing so many new qualities that it’s exempt from my statement about multiple games on one console that make a series stale; and I’m looking forward to playing it on Wii U.  However,  if NoA doesn’t offer a neutral color option for 3DS XL by this holiday, I will say that is lazy; there is no excuse considering all other regions are getting a neutral color, when NA account for many 3DS sales. I can’t justify another $200 unless I can get white; which looks beautiful. Also, I realized how much I suck at NSMBWii because I haven’t played it since I beat it two years ago. I have to make sure my body is ready for this holiday.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Is Nintendo Becoming Lazy?

« on: June 23, 2012, 12:56:35 AM »

 For me, being lazy would equate to: no GamePad; just throw together expensive CPU/GPU, charge $600 most likely at a loss; make sure controllers, peripherals, and games are not backwards compatible; block used games. Don’t bother supporting your system with creative games like Galaxy, or demonstrate the initial vision of your hardware (motion control) with games like Wii Sports or Skyward Sword. Bring up to 3-4 versions of your biggest franchise to one console without significant changes or reasoning other than cash.
 
The real motive seems to be: Pick one of the following games that hasn’t been announced yet (Metroid, Zelda, 3D Mario, Starfox, SSB, F-zero, anything Retro) and come up with borderline insane reasoning why it hasn’t been shown 6 months before the console launches. Take Nintendo Direct for instance, having Sakurai announce the partnership with Namco, is most likely because of so much outcry from E3. Even though Sakurai has stated multiple times “we’ve just started the project” it’s not good enough. So Nintendo made them personally address the fans with a letter restating this. “Please be patient.” – Sakurai. They were probably planning on doing this anyway, and it worked out well, now the fans know.
 
And I’m convinced anyone upset about no Zelda didn’t even touch Skyward Sword, but saw the HD tech demo and jumps to “I want that game NOW!” even though Aonuma and Miyamoto have reiterated it was just a demo and not to even expect the final version to look like that at all. Just imagine all the butthurt that would happen if Nintendo revealed another cel-shaded Wind Waker-esq game. “Nintendo, you just lost a huge “fan”.”
 
Or how about: Why have third parties been so tight-lipped about Wii U? Take Call of Duty for instance. Maybe they’re waiting to showcase that game to introduce their online strategy in more detail with a tangible source that clearly illustrates to millions of gamers the new system is competent online and works this way in conjunction with leaderboards and MiiVerse? And maybe it’s just not ready yet?
 
None of these thoughts or questions are aimed at anyone here, but just in general. I’ve been reading some NeoGAF lately, and have just come to the conclusion people are going to be upset no matter what Nintendo does. People will scream all day long about Nintendo but have no intentions of buying Wii U or its games. It’s as if people are trying to reason and convince themselves why they are against a company using any desperate excuse they can muster. “2D Mario isn’t a real Mario game.” I’m sure Nintendo could have revealed their next big 3D Mario, but they already had 3 Mario games at the conference, and because NSMBU was the finished game, that is the one that got the spotlight this year. Nintendo will undoubtedly have more Nintendo Direct presentations later this year for 3^rd-party support, and there are still months to lay out and show those games, and present an advertising campaign for the public still unaware of Wii U’s existence. Can Nintendo try harder? Yes. Should we all hate Nintendo now because of ambiguity toward the future? No.  Let’s all relax, pop in a Wii game and remind ourselves why we’re interested in this new system in the first place. Hell, I’ve got the N64 hooked up. Where’s Goldeneye…

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TalkBack / Re: Paid DLC Coming to New Super Mario Bros. 2 Post-Release

« on: June 22, 2012, 03:27:39 PM »

 They should make it so if you collect a million coins, you get some free DLC. That sounds appropriate.