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[A 3D Classic is teased, an old classic arrives on the VC, and more video content abounds in Japan.]

901

TalkBack / Japan eShop Round-Up (07/06/2011)

« on: July 06, 2011, 11:21:09 AM »

A 3D Classic is teased, an old classic arrives on the VC, and more video content abounds in Japan. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27121

Nintendo 3DS owners in Japan today were teased as Nintendo has shown that a new 3D Classic title, Urban Champion, is on the way next week. Currently, there is a hub for the upcoming 3D Classic title which features a few screen shots. While the screen shots are not in 3D, it does give you a good idea of how the 3D effect will look in this remake. Starting this week, Nintendo also added a page for the top 20 most popular DSiWare titles in Japan. The list includes the likes of Dragon Quest Wars, Chotto Dr. Mario, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: March of the Minis, and others. Here is a look at what else is going on on the eShop in Japan this week:

Virtual Console

Pac-Man – 300 yen

Video Content

This week, a few new additions have been made to the streaming video library. Of course, the Itsu no Ma ni Terebi (SpotPass TV) is still going strong, delivering content on a daily basis. A new episode of Game Center CX is available featuring Star Fox 64 and streaming in 3D. However, in the video, the host is playing the Wii Virtual Console version of Star Fox 64. A new hub for an upcoming Wii Inazuma Eleven title (Inazuma Eleven: Strikers) containing a video and two television commercials. There is also a hub with information and a few 2D videos for the upcoming 3DS title from Konami, Doctor Lautrec to Bokyaku no Kishidan (Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights). Doctor Lautrec releases on July 7 in Japan.

Software Impressions

Well, I didn't buy anything this week, but I can proudly say that I have yet to miss any episodes on the SpotPass TV. Even if I don't play a single game on my 3DS, I at least crack it open for 15 minutes to watch everything that Nintendo and their partners have prepared for the Japanese audience. As summer is in full swing, it should only be a matter of time before exclusive streaming video content hits other territories. For now, those outside of Japan have to play the waiting game.

[Pokémon are coming to iOS and Android this summer.]

902

TalkBack / Pokémon Game Coming to Smartphones in Japan

« on: July 06, 2011, 11:19:21 AM »

Pokémon are coming to iOS and Android this summer.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27123

A Pokémon game is currently being developed for release on the Apple App Store and the Google Android Market. The game, titled Pokémon Ie TAP? (Pokémon Say Tap?), is a music-based game that has the player trying to tap in game Pokémon cards with a beat. The Pokémon music and creatures are the ones featured in Pokémon Black and White.

The game will hit the App Store and Android Market this summer in Japan. It is compatible with iOS 4.3 or higher and Android Version 2.1 or higher.

[Hudson Soft's classic will hits the 3DS VC next week.]

903

TalkBack / Adventure Island II Coming to 3DS Virtual Console

« on: July 05, 2011, 11:54:18 PM »

Hudson Soft's classic will hits the 3DS VC next week.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27124/adventure-island-ii-coming-to-3ds-virtual-console

Adventure Island II will arrive on the 3DS Virtual Console in Japan on July 13 for 400 yen.

Adventure Island II is a side-scrolling game that puts players in the role of Takahashi Mejin (Master Higgins in the English language versions) as he navigates his prehistoric world in an attempt to save his girlfriend from invading aliens. Skateboards, dinosaurs and axes aid Master Higgins on his valiant quest.

Adventure Island II will be the sixteenth Virtual Console title in the Japanese eShop.

904

TalkBack / Re: Pac-Man Headed to 3DS Virtual Console in Japan

« on: July 03, 2011, 08:13:17 PM »

I was hoping the dashing picture would make you all jealous...

[The yellow, hungry, dot-eating fiend is making his way to the Virtual Console this week.]

905

TalkBack / Pac-Man Headed to 3DS Virtual Console in Japan

« on: July 03, 2011, 05:00:11 PM »

The yellow, hungry, dot-eating fiend is making his way to the Virtual Console this week.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27075

The Game Boy version of Pac-Man will hit the eShop in Japan on Wednesday and will retail for 300 yen.

With the inclusion this upcoming title from Namco Bandai, the total number of Virtual Console games on the 3DS will be up to 15 in the Land of the Rising Sun. Nintendo 3DS owners in Japan also have access to a handful of downloadable 3DS exclusive titles including the 3D Classic Xevious.

[The developer of Thor and Mushroom Men suffers from lay offs.]

906

TalkBack / Red Fly Studio Lays Off 30 Staff Members

« on: July 03, 2011, 03:24:58 AM »

The developer of Thor and Mushroom Men suffers from lay offs.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27072

Red Fly Studios has laid off 30 staff members after a high profile project was reevaluated and then canceled.

“Red Fly has been an agile, passionate company from day one, and while this news was very difficult, we've made a concentrated effort to reinvest in ourselves and the way we want to make games. Currently, we are all very excited about our new opportunities and working diligently to make them a reality,” says Red Fly Studio CEO, Dan Borth.

The Austin Texas based studio, is best known for the Mushroom Men games for the Wii and DS,  as well as the Nintendo consoles versions of Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, and the recent Thor: God of Thunder.

907

TalkBack / Re: AFL Review

« on: July 02, 2011, 02:44:58 AM »

From seeing the video on YouTube, the graphics are a bit...under par. But it looks pretty interesting. I've never seen Australian Football before. Looks interesting.

908

TalkBack / Re: TMNT 2: The Arcade Game

« on: July 01, 2011, 03:29:09 AM »

I bought this game when I was an elementary school student when it was brand new. I don't remember how much I paid for it, but man! It's so freakin' good! Krang is a bastard, though. And so is Shogun.

[The Virtual Console and video content are still going strong in Japan.]

909

TalkBack / Japan eShop Round-Up (06/29/2011)

« on: June 29, 2011, 09:05:10 AM »

The Virtual Console and video content are still going strong in Japan.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/27019

Things are continually busy on the eShop in Japan. Not only is the streaming video content coming on a daily basis, Nintendo and their partners are still delivering downloadable titles as well. Here is a look at what Japanese gamers can pick up this week:

3DS Downloadable Titles

@Simple DL Series Volume 1: The Misshitsu kara no Dassuhatsu Fushigi na Kummadonaru Burger hen – 500 yen
Labi Labi Gaiden Witches Cat – 700 yen

Virtual Console

Golf – 300 yen
Red Arremer Makaimura Gaiden (Gargoyle's Quest in NA and Europe) – 400 yen

Video Content

The video content is still coming daily to 3DS owners in Japan. The SpotPass TV delivers the grouping of shows sometime in the early morning and hasn't skipped a beat yet. The shows sometimes continue from the previous episode, so missing an episode will leave you slightly lost. For example, one show features two magicians who are doing simple tricks that are interesting and leave you wondering how they do it. One episode features them doing the trick and then the next episode shows an explanation how they did it. It's not going to blow your mind, but it is interesting and I can see school children or children at heart enjoy trying to do these tricks to unsuspecting friends.

This week, Nintendo released a new 47 second streaming 3D video clip for the upcoming Star Fox 64 3D. The video contains gameplay footage of various levels throughout the game. Nintendo is also featuring Nintendogs + Cats this week on the eShop. No new content was added, however, all of the Nintendogs video content is conveniently placed onto one page for interested gamers.

Software Impressions

I seem to be putting myself a week behind with the Virtual Console releases. Again, I have yet to pick up any of this weeks offerings, but I did manage to pick up the Game Boy Gallery (Game and Watch Gallery) and Baseball. While not much really can be said about Baseball, I was pretty amazed at the Game Boy Gallery. Released in 1997, the game is visually one of the best titles on the original Game Boy. There are four separate games that are Game and Watch-like in nature and are pretty entertaining.

With all of the Virtual Console games that are available on the Japan eShop, it is a bit troublesome to track down titles that were released more than two weeks ago. That means that all of the games released during the first week of the eShop have to manually searched for if you want to find them. Also, unlike the Wii Shop Channel where there is section of the store dedicated solely to Virtual Console games, the eShop does not have this yet. It is a minor complaint for an online shop that is leagues ahead of it's predecessors, but annoying nonetheless.

[The Last Story and Pandora's Tower could be on the way as well.]

910

TalkBack / Xenoblade Chronicles Set for September in Europe

« on: June 24, 2011, 11:01:30 AM »

The Last Story and Pandora's Tower could be on the way as well.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26946

A September release is set for Xenoblade Chronicles, according to Mathieu Minel, Director of Marketing for Nintendo France. The game was previously confirmed for a 2011 European release. Mr. Minel went on to say in an E3 interview with Gamekyo that he is hopeful that two other big name titles on the Wii, The Last Story and Pandora's Tower, will also be localized for European audiences.

Xenoblade was originally released in Japan in June 2010 and was published by Nintendo. The European releases will feature spoken English dialogue and have multiple subtitle options. This version will also retain the original Japanese spoken dialog as well. As of right now, Nintendo of America does not plan to bring the title to North American audiences.

While Minel couldn't directly confirm the other two titles, he said, "We are on the American continent, so I can not talk about The Last Story... Hopefully, it will come out. We are only allowed to say 'hope'... it's a promising hope... just as for Pandora's Tower." The marketing director followed up his statement with a large smile.

Hironobu Sakaguchi, director of The Last Story, told Gameblog.fr informally last month that his game would be coming to Europe.

911

TalkBack / Re: Madden NFL 12 Preview

« on: June 24, 2011, 10:23:35 AM »

I for one am delighted to hear about the bigger emphasis on presentation. Ever since I played NFL2K5 last generation, no football game has come close. No use of the ESPN license? You know, just the fact that Tiburon is stepping up their game in this department is good enough for now.


I dig the inclusion of Classic Controller support, as well. It's great to have options.

[The eShop gets two new Virtual Console games and more video content in Japan.]

912

TalkBack / Japan eShop Round-Up (06/22/2011)

« on: June 22, 2011, 07:22:54 PM »

The eShop gets two new Virtual Console games and more video content in Japan.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26902

It has been a busy week for Nintendo in Japan. Not only have they launched their exclusive 3D video content application on the Nintendo 3DS, they have also updated the shop with two Virtual Console titles as well as videos for upcoming 3DS and Wii titles. Here's what Japanese gamers got this week:  

Virtual Console   

Double Dragon – 400 yen
Game Boy Gallery (Game and Watch Gallery in the US and Europe) – 400 yen   

Video Content  

Nintendo started the week by launching the Itsu no Ma ni Terebi (SpotPass TV) this past Tuesday. The application for the service takes a little bit of time to download, as do the the episodes initially, however, this really showcases what SpotPass on the 3DS can do. For example, when I came home from work today and picked up my 3DS (which had been sitting in my apartment all day with Wi-Fi access), I noticed the notification on the Itsu no Ma ni Terebi application and immediately went in to see what the new episodes were.  

The episodes themselves typically run about two minutes and thirty seconds long, with a thirty second commercial nestled somewhere in the video. Everything is completely in 3D, even the commercials. The 3D effect works pretty well in most of the content as well. For example, in today's episode showcasing various works at the Hakone Open Air Museum, there was a focus on sculptures. The camera angles coupled with the 3D worked perfectly to immerse you into the experience and make it seem that you are right there at the museum.  

This week, a few new streaming 3D and 2D videos were added as well. The upcoming 3DS title from Bandai-Namco, Tales of the Abyss had three new streaming trailers, one of which is in 3D. A new four-minute 2D streaming Star Fox 64 3D trailer also arrived showing the different control methods and other various aspects of the game. Last, but not least, gearing up for the upcoming release of Wii Rimokon Plus Variety Pack (Wii Play: Motion), Nintendo released two new 2D trailers of the upcoming title which is set to release in Japan on July 7.  

Software Impressions  

As of right now, I have not purchased any of the Virtual Console games this week mainly due to the abundance of videos available on the eShop. Nintendo is constantly updating the content and helping to deliver new and unique content to 3DS owners every week. When it's all said and done, the video content probably won't blow you away, but it is interesting and great to see Nintendo giving this unique content to gamers for free. 

913

TalkBack / Re: SpotPass TV Blocked Outside of Japan

« on: June 22, 2011, 11:49:05 AM »

Hm. Interesting. I bet if you had some kind of VPN service that's located in Japan you'd have no problems.

914

TalkBack / Re: Streaming Video Content on the Japan eShop

« on: June 19, 2011, 12:17:05 PM »

I'd just give Netflix some time. I know with a few of the episodes of Game Center CX being streamed to the 3DS, some of them were previously available (could still be available now) via the Nintendo Channel on the Wii. Perhaps it was just easy for Nintendo to get those up on the 3DS as well.

[Pokémon fans in Japan who buy the game early will get cool swag with upcoming 3DS title.]

915

TalkBack / Super Pokémon Scramble Comes with Bonus Collectables

« on: June 19, 2011, 10:31:37 AM »

Pokémon fans in Japan who buy the game early will get cool swag with upcoming 3DS title.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26877

With the release of Super Pokémon Scramble in Japan, early adopters will have the chance to receive special bonus gifts with the purchase of the software at select stores. This three piece set of items includes, a Pikachu paper craft toy, a Super Pokémon Scramble codes that unlock four Pokémon in the game, and an AR Marker Collection for the recently Pokédex on the 3DS. The three piece set is on offer for a limited time and is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Super Pokémon Scramble is a sequel to the WiiWare's Pokémon Rumble and is set to release in Japan on July 28.

[The first batch of streaming videos hit the eShop in Japan.]

916

TalkBack / Streaming Video Content on the Japan eShop

« on: June 18, 2011, 12:49:20 AM »

The first batch of streaming videos hit the eShop in Japan.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26862

The eShop is a little over one week old worldwide, and in the Land of the Rising Sun, it is already home to numerous games and videos. Many regions across the globe have been promised various kinds of video content that will be readily available on their Nintendo 3DS. Netflix has been promised to users in North America. European users will be able to access content from Sky 3D and Eurosport. Nintendo has also made deals with Disney, Warner Bros., and Dreamworks to deliver 3D movies to Nintendo's new handheld. All of this, coupled with an exclusive Nintendo created video content channel, gives users around the world quite a few options to chose from. However, at the present time, every region around the globe is still waiting with bated breath for the deluge of videos to sweep them away in a torrent of entertainment. That is, every region except Japan.  

In Japan, Nintendo has chosen to partner with Fuji Television and other broadcasters to deliver free 3D content to the Nintendo 3DS. As of now, Fuji Television has released over four hours of video with episodes of a popular television show called Game Center CX. For those unfamiliar with the program, Game Center CX records the host, Shinya Arino, as he plays through popular Japanese video games (many of which are Nintendo titles) typically as he works through a specific time limit. The videos currently available on the eShop in focus on Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Metroid, Super Mario Kart, Fire Emblem, Star Fox, Kunio-Kun, Splatterhouse, Volfied, and a section on the Wii Virtual Console. All of these videos stream in 2D, while there are a few special episodes covering 3D Classics Excitebike and Xevious that are available in 3D. Not only this, but the most recent update to the eShop added a special section featuring streaming 3D videos of released and unreleased 3DS titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Biohazard: The Mercenaries, Steel Diver, Pilotwings and more. This specific section is also a general hub for streaming 3D content, as the 3D videos from Game Center CX can be found here as well.  

Video content is building up rapidly in the Japan eShop. 2D streaming video clips from games shown at E3 are available, as are downloadable 3D video clips for upcoming 3DS titles. This coupled with the videos of upcoming Wii titles has really helped the strength of eShop features in Japan. While other regions might yet to have this breadth of content, it is great to see Nintendo taking the eShop and online functionality more seriously with this generation of portables.

[Face punching coming to the 3D handheld next week.]

917

TalkBack / Double Dragon Headed to the Japanese 3DS Virtual Console

« on: June 16, 2011, 12:41:49 PM »

Face punching coming to the 3D handheld next week.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26853

Double Dragon will hit the Japanese Virtual Console on the Nintendo 3DS next week. 

This news comes from a recent update on the Official Nintendo website in Japan, which lists the title as being published by Arc System Works with a price tag of 400 yen. Japanese 3DS owners will be able to purchase the game starting on June 22.

918

TalkBack / Re: Ocarina of Time 3D Commercial Stars Robin Williams

« on: June 16, 2011, 04:13:11 AM »

This is awesome and I love the epic beard.

919

TalkBack / Re: DSiWare Four Swords Confirmed to be GBA Version

« on: June 16, 2011, 03:40:43 AM »

If it ends up being local play only, it looks like I'll be playing by myself with my 3DS and DSi. 

920

TalkBack / Re: Japan eShop Round-Up (06/15/2011)

« on: June 16, 2011, 03:38:50 AM »

From what I can tell, it isn't a special deal. I'm just happy that they let it got for so cheap. I never played it back in the day, but wow, it's pretty awesome.

[The eShop is just over a week old, here is the latest selection from Japan.]

921

TalkBack / Japan eShop Round-Up (06/15/2011)

« on: June 15, 2011, 03:07:25 PM »

The eShop is just over a week old, here is the latest selection from Japan.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26840

The eShop has been out for a little over a week in Japan and 3DS owners are still seeing a consistent amount of new content. Here is what you can get this week if you own a Japanese Nintendo 3DS: 

3DS Downloadable Titles  
Pokémon Rikkai Zutan BW (Pokédex) – (Free on 6/17)  

Virtual Console  
Qix – 400 yen
Donkey Kong – 300 yen
Ikari no Yusai (Fortified Zone) – 400 yen  

Video Content  
Nintendo added a section with 3D streaming video content from 3DS games such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Biohazard: The Mercenaries, Steel Diver, and the 3D Classics Excitebike and Xevious. A new episode of Game Center CX was also added to the mix, this one also streaming in 3D and featuring the 3D Classics version of Xevious.  

There are also several new 2D streaming trailers featuring GoldenEye 007 (Wii), Star Fox 64 3D (in 2D), Biohazard: The Mercenaries, and a few videos related to the Wari to Honkaku-Teki Eigokoro (Art Academy outside of Japan) series.  

Software Impressions  
Donkey Kong, released in 1994 for the Game Boy, is a re-envisioning of the original arcade title that came out in 1981. While there are some elements that remain very similar to the original title, the Game Boy version expanded upon it and made the series more accessible and relevant to gamers of that era.  

Similar to Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario has the ability to pick up and throw certain items and enemies. Furthermore, Mario no longer dies instantly after falling from a high platform. Other additions such as updated character models, an overworld map, and a save feature mixed with the old-school elements of Donkey Kong make this a rich experience that is well worth the price on Virtual Console. The good thing for gamers in Japan is that this is only 300 yen. Japanese 3DS owners, go, buy and be merry.

[Is the Wii U more powerful than other current generation consoles?]

922

TalkBack / Wii U 50% More Powerful than PS3

« on: June 15, 2011, 12:40:29 PM »

Is the Wii U more powerful than other current generation consoles?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/26833

Developers are claiming that the Wii U has 50% more processing power the other current generation consoles on the market. Arvind Bhatiaaa, an analyst with Sterne Agee remarked that, "Some of the developers we spoke to indicated to us that the console will have 50% more processing power compared to the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360." 

Nintendo has yet to confirm this and is historically reluctant to provide any technical details behind the hardware.

[What name is Nintendo cooking up for their next generation controller?]

923

TalkBack / Wii U Controller Yet to be Named

« on: June 15, 2011, 12:37:20 PM »

What name is Nintendo cooking up for their next generation controller?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26832

The Wii U Controller has not been given a name by Nintendo yet. In a recent interview with Giant Bomb, Mark Franklin, director of public relations for Nintendo of America, stated, "Now, we're just calling it the new controller. Don't have another name for it yet."

The new controller, first show during Nintendo's E3 press conference, features a 6.2 inch touch screen, along with the usual host of buttons found on Nintendo controllers.

The Wii U is set to launch in 2012.

[The free download will be part of Nintendo's celebration of The Legend of Zelda's 25 anniversary.]

924

TalkBack / DSiWare Four Swords Confirmed to be GBA Version

« on: June 15, 2011, 12:32:36 PM »

The free download will be part of Nintendo's celebration of The Legend of Zelda's 25 anniversary.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26834

The upcoming free DSiWare version of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords is the Game Boy Advance multiplayer game that was included with the release of A Link to the Past on the GBA. We confirmed this with a Nintendo rep during E3.

The DSiWare title will be available for free to gamers in celebration of The Legend of Zelda's 25 year anniversary and will be released in September.

[The eShop arrived in Japan with tons of games, videos, and a 3D Classic Xevious.]

925

TalkBack / Japan eShop Round-Up (06/07/2011)

« on: June 13, 2011, 12:39:54 PM »

The eShop arrived in Japan with tons of games, videos, and a 3D Classic Xevious. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26799

The eShop for the Nintendo 3DS launched worldwide last week with Virtual Console games, original 3DS downloadable titles, and 3D Classics. Japanese 3DS owners were treated with a plethora of titles last week ranging in genre and time of original release dates. Here is a list of titles that released with the launch of the eShop in Japan:

3DS Downloadable Titles

ARC Style: Soccer 3D – 500 yen
Othello 3D – 500 yen
3D Block Kuzushi (3D Breakout) – 500 yen
Nikoli no Puzzle Sudoku – 500 yen
Hyu- Stone - 500 yen
Mystery P.I. - Missing Film – 500 yen

3D Classics

ExciteBike (free until 7/31)
Xevious - 600 yen

Virtual Console

Super Mario Land - 400 yen
Baseball - 300 yen
Hoshi no Kirby (Kirby's Dreamland) – 400 yen
Downtown Special Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki Dayo Zenin Shuugou! - 400 yen
Phantasm – 400 yen
Rockman World – 400 yen
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX – 600 yen

Video Content

With E3 rocking the gaming world last week, Nintendo's E3 showing was not just limited to American 3DS audiences. The eShop in Japan also had a number of downloadable titles from the show in 3D as well. as many videos available streaming in 2D and downloadable 3D game trailers. There are also a number of videos on the shop for Wii and 3DS titles such as Pandora's Tower, Biohazard: The Mercenaris 3D, and One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP. While US owners have the chance to watch the Green Lantern trailer in 3D, gamers in Japan have access to a famous television series called Game Center CX, a show where the host goes through various challenges in old school games. There are a total of 15 segments of Game Center CX on the eShop that feature games such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Metroid and the 3D Classic Excitebike (which is available in streaming 3D). The segments typically run around 15-20 minutes long and are streamed in 2D.

Software Impressions

This week, with it being the first week of the eShop, I went a little crazy with purchasing software. After throwing down for 3,000 yen worth of prepaid cards, I was in and ready to make some purchases. After downloading the complimentary free 3D Classic Excitebike, I went on to purchase Super Mario Land, Kirby's Dream Land, Rockman World, 3D Classics Xevious, and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX. Of all of the games I purchased, I spent the most time playing Xevious. This is a game that is perfect for a 3D conversion. For those not familiar with Xevious, it is a typical old-school shooter; however you are not only worrying about enemies that are airborne, you are also worrying about enemies on the ground. The use of 3D is very pronounced. There are three 3D planes, one where your ship is flying, another with clouds, and below that is a ground level. It's a wonderful use of the 3D technology and really gives depth to the levels.

Overall, the first week of the eShop offered a wide variety of content in the Land of the Rising Sun with tons of software and interesting videos to keep 3DS users busy for a number of hours. The eShop is off to a fantastic start in Japan and is showing that Nintendo is more serious this generation about online functionality.