Messages

[The game will be releasing alongside its console counterpart.]

351

TalkBack / Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion Gets Release Date

« on: June 08, 2012, 09:43:49 AM »

The game will be releasing alongside its console counterpart.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30650

Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion will be coming out on November 18, as revealed during the recent 3DS Software Showcase at E3.

The upcoming 3DS platformer, developed by DreamRift, is directly inspired by the original Castle of Illusion for the Sega Genesis. The title will also be releasing on the exact same day as Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.

[Alex discusses the lack of Animal Crossing on 3DS before coming to a startling realization.]

352

TalkBack / Where in the World Is Animal Crossing?

« on: June 07, 2012, 03:35:49 PM »

Alex discusses the lack of Animal Crossing on 3DS before coming to a startling realization.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/blog/30637

I believe explaining the purpose of this post goes back to E3 2010, when the 3DS was revealed, but more than that, when Animal Crossing and Paper Mario were stealthily announced as eventual releases on the platform.

From then on, we were drip fed information in shoddy trailers recorded and posted to YouTube. In E3 2011, however, we were graced with new 3D trailers for both titles, and they looked excellent, even though we knew there was little hope for 2011 releases.

From then on, we were given even more information, and tons of new details showcasing the fact that Animal Crossing was well in development. Fast-forward to the Nintendo Direct from a couple of months ago, when we saw Animal Crossing get a Japanese title and a release window of this fall.

Now, we're at E3 2012. Nintendo has their huge press conference coming up, and many are predicting a holiday release for Animal Crossing and an early 2013 release for Paper Mario. Moffitt has his three-game showcase at the conference, and states that the 3DS press conference the following day would show off the third-party games in addition to the Paper Mario, Luigi's Mansion, and New Super Mario Bros. already shown. Uh-oh.

After much anticipation, we arrive at the somewhat surprise 3DS software showcase. Luigi's Mansion is shown. Great. Paper Mario is shown and re-confirmed for this year. Amazing. And, with five minutes to the end of the conference, New Super Mario Bros. 2 discussion ceases. NOW is when we finally get our surprise Animal Crossing release date.

We got a big slide of every 3DS game coming out this year. Animal Crossing wasn't on it.

Like many of you, I'm hurt. Fire Emblem: Awakening was accidentally announced, but it still hurt. Fanboyism aside, I did understand. Iwata wanted to space out games and Paper Mario was likely ready to go first. I suppose I can deal with having three or four (if Fire Emblem is this year) real 3DS first-party releases.

We still have an issue.

So far, by the end of 2012, we will have on 3DS:

Super Mario 3D Land

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Star Fox 64 3D

Mario Kart 7

Paper Mario: Sticker Star

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Mario Tennis Open

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Fire Emblem: Awakening (maybe)

And we know of these games to exist:

Professor Layton 5

Animal Crossing

Super Smash Bros. 4 (which likely still exists on napkins)

Zelda 3DS (sort of)

And we also have these franchises that we could expect games out of MAYBE:

Mario & Luigi

Kirby

Star Fox

Metroid

Advance Wars

Pokémon (which would be barely in development, if at all. Unless you're thinking Stadium or Snap, that is)

WarioWare

Of course, this isn't the full list of possibilities, but the important thing to consider is that after Animal Crossing, we have no real idea of what Nintendo/subsidiary-developed stuff can actually be released next year. And, if Iwata is carefully spacing out releases by a few months at a time, this could be bad news for a game like Animal Crossing, which has one of the furthest reaches as far as Nintendo franchises go, and is a perfect example of a title Nintendo would want during holiday season.

And, since Pokémon and Smash Bros. are totally out of the equation most likely (as well as Mario & Luigi I'd wager), I don't know if even expecting this game in early 2013 is terribly reasonable. If it releases in October or November in Japan as expected, we likely won't need to wait further than May, but if Animal Crossing gets delayed in Japan, all bets are off.

[S.O.S. Any clue how to beat the scary zombie that breaks down doors???]

353

TalkBack / ZombiU Preview

« on: June 07, 2012, 11:07:12 AM »

S.O.S. Any clue how to beat the scary zombie that breaks down doors??? 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30624

ZombiU is a survival-horror first-person shooter about zombies. As you are probably thinking, this doesn't exactly sound like the most original setting for a game. However, with the clever applications of the Wii U GamePad, as well as some unique twists on zombie gameplay, ZombiU may just be worth keeping an eye out for.

Adhering to tradition, ZombiU has a heavy hand in making sure resources are in short supply while enemies are growing by the numbers. Helping you manage your limited supplies, such as weapons, ammunition, food, and med kits, is the Bug-Out Bag, which is located on the touch screen of the GamePad. It is the player's total inventory, which also includes key items and tools necessary to complete objectives. The GamePad has other uses too, like scanning environments for hidden items, solving puzzles, and aiming with a sniper rifle.

Not everyone can survive the zombie apocalypse, and with that in mind, ZombiU treats death in a unique way. If the player dies, he doesn't simply respawn at a checkpoint as the same character -- that character actually dies. Instead, the player finds himself in the shoes of another survivor, who has been alerted to the recent death of the previous character. The new survivor (with a completely different arsenal) must try to hunt down the recently-zombified character, put him out of his misery, and reclaim the items that were in his Bug-Out Bag.

In addition, when your character is infected, your online friends are alerted to your death and can come hunt down your zombified character and pillage your bag. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether this is exclusive to an online mode or if this can actively occur in single-player.

There is also a safe house mechanic of some kind, which provides the player with somewhere secure to stock up on weapons, ammo, and supplies, but not much more is known outside of that.

In addition to the single player mode, there is also a multiplayer mode where one player takes the role of the Zombie Master. The Master has a top down view of the level on the GamePad and can spawn enemies and spring traps with the touch screen, while a second player tries to survive using the classic controller.

ZombiU is expected to launch this holiday season.

[The upcoming sequel to 2011's major hit is going to be legendary.]

354

TalkBack / Rayman Legends Preview

« on: June 07, 2012, 10:06:45 AM »

The upcoming sequel to 2011's major hit is going to be legendary.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30623

Rayman Legends is the follow-up to the well-received Rayman Origins. Though still a 2D platformer, the game intends to expanding upon the original as well as making full use of the new console.

According to the Nintendo E3 website, the plot of the game is as follows:

"Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies are off wandering through an enchanted forest when they discover a mysterious tent filled with a series of captivating paintings. As they look more closely, they notice each painting seems to tell the story of a mythical world. While focusing on a painting that shows a medieval land, they are suddenly sucked into the painting, entering the world, and the adventure begins. The gang must run, jump and fight their way through each world to save the day and discover the secrets of every legendary painting."

Perhaps the biggest change to the gameplay is the addition of one more player to the drop-in co-op experience, bringing the total to five (four players using Wii Remotes and one player using a GamePad). New to this experience is Murphy, a green fairy-like being controlled entirely within the GamePad's touch screen. He can be moved throughout the level, revealing secrets, stunning enemies, and hindering or helping other players. There is also going to be a variety of new challenges that involve some interaction with others, and online leaderboards to gauge your ability relative to those around the world.

Also new to the Wii U are new gyroscope controls, which can be used to tilt the player in a variety of situations, like rotating platforms. Neal's impressions stated one instance in which the controller is tilted to help Rayman maneuver through tight spaces. Also exclusive to the Wii U version is the well-pushed feature of being able to play on the GamePad even while the television is displaying else.

Also new to the recent 2D Rayman games is the major addition of 3D elements. During the E3 showing, Rayman was shown going through layers of the screen by jumping through rings. Other instances of this include bosses (like dragons) that can attack from any direction.

Rayman Legends is expected to release during the Wii U launch window.

[Because every console needs an iteration of Mass Effect, even if it's just the third one.]

355

TalkBack / Mass Effect 3 Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 10:50:52 PM »

Because every console needs an iteration of Mass Effect, even if it's just the third one.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30613

After two games in the series missed appearances on Nintendo systems, Mass Effect 3 is now making its way to Wii U.

In Mass Effect 3, you take the role of Commander Shepard, a character players can either customize to be any gender, race, and size, or leave in a default male or female appearance. The game is a combination of action-RPG elements and more traditional third-person shooting. It includes character leveling, plenty of skill tree options, many different combat skills to alter to the player's specifications, and a story with emotional heft.

The story finds Commander Shepard as he or she (and earth) are attacked by the ancient Reaper alien race, after Shepard had warned everyone, to no avail, that such an attack would be coming. After the chaotic invasion, Shepard is tasked with forming alliances across the galaxy to build an army strong enough to save organic life as we know it.

One of the most interesting things about the story of Mass Effect 3 is how it gives the players the option of how to react at every turn in the story, allowing the game to build a personalized experience around the player, and even change the path of the story based on past actions and choices.

Because so little was shown of the Wii U version, there is almost no way to guess what new features (if any) the new version will offer, though the mapping of combat abilities or dialog choices to the GamePad's touch screen (in a manner similar to how Kinect was integrated into the Xbox version) might make sense. When Mass Effect 2 was released on PlayStation 3 in early 2011, there was a digital comic that allowed the player to decide how the plot of the first game would be carried out. Since, presumably, the first and second game won't be coming to Wii U by the time the third one releases (giving Wii U owners no ability to transfer data from previous Mass Effect games over to the third, as was possible on other platforms), it would be interesting to see if BioWare takes the same approach, or one unique to the system.

Mass Effect 3 is expected to come out during the Wii U launch window, though no release date is specified on Nintendo's E3 website.

[The wait is finally over.]

356

TalkBack / Fire Emblem: Awakening Coming to North America

« on: June 06, 2012, 10:16:53 PM »

The wait is finally over.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30615

Fire Emblem: Awakening is due for a North American release, as reported by Nintendo President Reggie Fils-Aime.

He mistakenly revealed the localization in conversation with Kotaku's Stephen Totilo immediately after the Wednesday 3DS software showcase, and only realized the information wasn't in the press kit afterwards.

No date was revealed about the upcoming title, but its release is now confirmed. The title came out in Japan on April 19 this year.

UPDATE: Nintendo's Twitter and Facebook posted the following confirmation: "We are excited to confirm a NEW game announcement coming to the US: the new 3DS Fire Emblem! More info to come."

[Maxwell is back with a whole new bag of tricks.]

357

TalkBack / Scribblenauts Unlimited Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 08:42:21 PM »

Maxwell is back with a whole new bag of tricks.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30610

Scribblenauts Unlimited is part of the Scribblenauts game series, which is known for gameplay based on solving scenarios by typing in phrases that magically become reality. For instance, if the question "How can you defeat the dragon?" is posed in the first game, you might type in "knight" to beat the level, or "brave knight" if you're playing Super Scribblenauts.

Scribblenauts Unlimited takes this formula and builds upon it to reach new heights using the Wii U. Perhaps the biggest change in this sequel is that the player can now create unique objects using the touch screen on the GamePad (like putting wheels on a dog torso) and giving them unique properties. These objects can be shared online.

Rather than doing what previous games did, in which there were levels that were fun but disconnected, Unlimited will now attempt to connect these levels using a plot of sorts. In the title, players will learn Maxwell's backstory, including new information about his parents, his twin sister Lily, and the story of how he got his magical notepad.

Said to be over 20 hours long, Unlimited offerss 41 levels with over 50 starites and 500 starite shards waiting to be earned and collected inside of the game's open universe. For players who get stuck at particular points in the game each world comes with a list of hints, including the "Starite Vision" feature, which highlights nearby starites and starite shards for the player.

The game also adds a multiplayer mode, which allows players to "drop in using a Wii Remote and take control of any object," suggesting the potential for asymetric gameplay.

Scribblenauts Unlimited comes out this holiday season on Wii U.

[This is one game inspired by Zelda you'll wanna watch out for.]

358

TalkBack / Darksiders II Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 07:00:44 PM »

This is one game inspired by Zelda you'll wanna watch out for.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30604

Darksiders II is, like its predecessor, an action-adventure game starring one of the legendary Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

While War was the playable character in the original, the sequel stars his even less cheerful brother, Death. The first game was considered by some to be reminiscent of the Zelda franchise, featuring vague RPG elements, dungeons, exploration, a similar style of action, and even puzzle varieties which would be very familiar to fans of the Nintendo's own Action Adventure title.

Taking place at the same time as the original, Darksiders II is situated in a brand new series of areas, adding up to roughly twice the size of the original. The story finds Death trying to prove his brother's innocence after the Charred Council convicts War of starting the apocolypse early. Within the game, Death finds himself in the Nether Realms, a place between Heaven and Hell, trying to get favors from the powerful rulers within it. The other two horsemen will also be featured to some capacity.

The game is also spread out between city hubs, and in the July 2011 issue of Game Informer, it was mentioned that one of these hub worlds (which branch out to dungeons and contain a number of sidequests within them) actually linked to more dungeons than the original Darksiders.

On the topic of customization and RPG elements, players can choose how Death develops through the Harbinger and Necromancer skill trees. In addition, there are thousands of weapon and armor items throughout the game that will also affect Death's stats and abilities.

Darksiders II is expected to launch alongside Wii U later this year.

[Well, there's going to be mushrooms. We know that much.]

359

TalkBack / Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 06:37:04 PM »

Well, there's going to be mushrooms. We know that much.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30603

Originally released to Arcade (and soon to come to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is the follow-up to the 1999 release Tekken Tag Tournament.

Although based on the same fighting fare as traditional Tekken games, matches in the Tag Tournament titles give the player two fighters to use in a match who can be switched at any time, with the inactive fighter slowly regaining health while they are out of the fray. The original Tag Tournament game already explored some tag combo mechanics that combined the fighting abilities of both fighters, but the sequel will go beyond that with new moves as well as offensive and defensive tag assaults that allow both fighting partners to act at the same time. In addition, inactive character's life bar may start to flash when their opponent is getting pummeled, indicating that they will receive a boost in strength if they switch with their partner and reenter the fight at that moment.

With this said, Tekken Tag is a non-canon game, and as such, features no storyline, acting more as a "party game", allowing the player to play with almost every character in the series instead. Since the upcoming PlayStaton and Xbox releases are expected to have over 50 characters, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wii U release featured at least this amount.

So far very little information of the Wii U game has been released. The only really solid piece of information we have is that a power-up mushroom from the Super Mario franchise will be in the game, and will have the ability to make fighters larger. It was also suggested in the E3 2011 sizzle reel that character customization may have added drawing capabilities, which ultimately suggests some significant integration of the GamePad.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is due for release during the Wii U launch window.

[Get ready for the return of a series that helped make "Nintendo hard" a thing.]

360

TalkBack / Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 05:33:26 PM »

Get ready for the return of a series that helped make "Nintendo hard" a thing.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30597

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge is a re-release of the recently released Ninja Gaiden 3 designed with the Wii U in mind.

Ninja Gaiden 3 is a third-person action game starring ninja Ryu Hayabusa as he works toward lifting the deadly curse on his right arm before it ruins him. The game itself attempts to re-create the challenge and fast-paced action the series is known for, and though the title was originally released to mixed reviews, Team NINJA and Tecmo Koei are pulling out all the stops to make sure the re-release is improved.

Before worrying about new features, the developers made sure to improve the basic game. To do this, Team NINJA and Koei are adding a new level of polish to the game, from improved enemy AI, to the return of dismemberment, and more diversity in the game itself through new enemy types and battle areas.

Other notable new additions come in six new weapons and three new Ninpo types (essentially powerful Ninja spells), which add "greater gameplay variation and deeper strategy." These are exclusive to the Wii U version.

Also exclusive to the Wii U version is the a control style using the GamePad touch screen. In the Wii U version of the game, the touch screen can be used for weapon selection, Ninpo execution, the viewing of in-game information, and more.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge is bound for a launch window Wii U release.

[It's obviously no North American release date reveal, but at least there's still room for new stuff.]

361

TalkBack / New Pokémon Black and White 2 Trailer Released in Japan

« on: June 06, 2012, 01:39:32 PM »

It's obviously no North American release date reveal, but at least there's still room for new stuff.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30581

A new trailer for Pokémon Black and White 2 has been released on the Japanese Nintendo channel.

Although most of the information presented is known, it shows off gameplay of all five of the new Pokémon forms, as well as footage of the recently revealed Fes Mission and Join Avenue. It also features Pokémon Dream Radar, and shows off a capture taking place.

[Featuring the new Puppet Master mode, which, despite popular belief, does not allow you to become the President of Nintendo of America.]

362

TalkBack / Just Dance 4 Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 12:46:34 PM »

Featuring the new Puppet Master mode, which, despite popular belief, does not allow you to become the President of Nintendo of America.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30578

Just Dance 4 is the latest sequel in the wildly successful Just Dance series, featuring over 40 new tracks and new gameplay options.

Although we can expect the traditional gameplay, pop music, and DLC seen previously in the series, the new gameplay modes seem to be the draw of the next-generation sequel. The main additional mode is a new battle mode allowing players to perform against each other in dance-offs as part of competitive play.

The workout mode, Just Sweat, remains in line with its predecessors, but adds new workout sessions, calorie counters, and personalized programs. Also returning are Duet Mode, Dance Mash-Up mode, and more.

Choreography is getting a major overhaul in the new title, with multiple, unlockable choreographies available for each track, as well as a somewhat cooperative multiplayer feature allowing up to four players to dance to the same song while each performing unique choreographies.

For each song, a new Dance Quest feature is available, offering six challenges per track, though what these may consist of is unknown.

The Wii U version will also be getting some major exclusive features. Like SiNG, playlists can be managed from the GamePad, except with Just Dance 4, live dedications can be made, and it can even be used to take sharable pictures and video.

The most notorious of these new features, Puppet Master, lets choreography get changed in real time by one player using the GamePad, meaning the dancers must be prepared to adapt to a new dance style at any moment.

The game also features the ability to play on the GamePad alone, allowing family members who would rather "just watch TV" the opportunity to do so.

Just Dance 4 is expected to release during the Wii U launch window.

[They say this edition is armored, but is it armored enough?]

363

TalkBack / Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 11:56:10 AM »

They say this edition is armored, but is it armored enough?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30577

At its core, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition is much of the same game previously seen on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This new version of the game takes what's already there, expands upon it, and gives it a distinctly Wii U flavor.

Like the original, Arkham City takes place in the maximum security sector of Gotham housing all of the criminals, villains, masterminds, and the like. Here, Batman is tasked with stopping the Joker's new plans and defeating bad guys, from Harley Quinn to The Riddler and more. In addition to this, Armored Edition includes all previous downloadable content, including: Harley Quinn's Revenge Pack, Catwoman Pack, Nightwing Bundle Pack, Robin Bundle Pack, Challenge Map Pack, and Arkham City Skins Pack.

Additionally, the new version is enhanced with many Wii U exclusive features. For one, every single gadget has been repurposed to utilize the GamePad. The Batarang, as one example, allows the player to use the GamePad's gyro sensor to guide its movement. In addition, there is a new sonar mode, enabling Batman to "quickly probe his surroundings to develop the tactics needed for success."

The new controller also includes an entirely new Batcomputer. Gadgets can be selected, gear can be updated, bombs can be detonated, the map can be viewed, and evidence can be tracked, all without needing to pause the game.

Exclusive to the Wii U, both Catwoman and Batman get a new suit that charges kinetic energy during combat. When the suit is activated, the player enters B.A.T. mode, providing a heightened sense of enemy locations as well as becoming stronger in combat.

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition should arrive alongside the launch of the Wii U.

[They say this edition is armored, but is it armored enough?]

364

TalkBack / Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 11:56:10 AM »

They say this edition is armored, but is it armored enough?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30577

At its core, Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition is much of the same game previously seen on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This new version of the game takes what's already there, expands upon it, and gives it a distinctly Wii U flavor.

Like the original, Arkham City takes place in the maximum security sector of Gotham housing all of the criminals, villains, masterminds, and the like. Here, Batman is tasked with stopping the Joker's new plans and defeating bad guys, from Harley Quinn to The Riddler and more. In addition to this, Armored Edition includes all previous downloadable content, including: Harley Quinn's Revenge Pack, Catwoman Pack, Nightwing Bundle Pack, Robin Bundle Pack, Challenge Map Pack, and Arkham City Skins Pack.

Additionally, the new version is enhanced with many Wii U exclusive features. For one, every single gadget has been repurposed to utilize the GamePad. The Batarang, as one example, allows the player to use the GamePad's gyro sensor to guide its movement. In addition, there is a new sonar mode, enabling Batman to "quickly probe his surroundings to develop the tactics needed for success."

The new controller also includes an entirely new Batcomputer. Gadgets can be selected, gear can be updated, bombs can be detonated, the map can be viewed, and evidence can be tracked, all without needing to pause the game.

Exclusive to the Wii U, both Catwoman and Batman get a new suit that charges kinetic energy during combat. When the suit is activated, the player enters B.A.T. mode, providing a heightened sense of enemy locations as well as becoming stronger in combat.

Batman: Arkham City Armored edition comes out on Wii U this launch window.

[Because apparently, FreeStyle Games decided this was a better use of their time than making DJ Hero 3.]

365

TalkBack / SiNG Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 11:09:51 AM »

Because apparently, FreeStyle Games decided this was a better use of their time than making DJ Hero 3.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30576

SiNG is not a typical video game. By some standards, SiNG might not be even considered a video game, but rather karaoke software built for Wii U.

At its base, there is a singing mode, in which up to two players can sing into the microphone and be evaluated based upon their performance in real time. This is standard stuff. The interesting part comes in when a theoretically unlimited amount of people can join in. While one person is the main performer, others can sing, clap, dance, use the Wii Remote as an instrument, use the GamePad as an audio mixer, or do whatever they want. Although there is such a diverse list of things the players are able to do, there doesn't seem to be much in-game feedback to what the external players are doing.

Other than the aforementioned audio mixing, it was also revealed that the GamePad can be used to manage playlists of songs during performances.

There is expected to be dozens of songs in the upcoming title, but these likely won't be consisting of your Neutral Milk Hotel songs or your obscure Billy Joel ballads from yesteryear. As the Nintendo E3 page on the game states, "A variety of song selections, from the 60s to current pop hits, makes it easy for players from any generation to put on a show."

SiNG releases on Wii U later this year.

[It's like Earth Defense Force mixed with a really campy cartoon.]

366

TalkBack / Tank! Tank! Tank! Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 10:32:28 AM »

It's like Earth Defense Force mixed with a really campy cartoon.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30575

Tank! Tank! Tank! was initially revealed in the Wii U sizzle reel at Nintendo's recent E3 press conference. A party game, the title places up to four players in tanks to battle against each other or together against giant monsters with  a large arsenal of weapons.

The game is very much like a more cartoony Earth Defense Force, where the arsenal is huge, buildings are blowing up everywhere, and the monsters are campy and ridiculously gigantic. And, rather than simply allowing the player to only play as an fully upgradable tank, a special "Kong" mode allows the player to become the monster itself using the GamePad. A single-player option for this isn't specified, but it has been revealed to exist in multiplayer.

As the game might be in planning for a retail release, it only makes sense that such a title would need to be fully loaded with features. Along with cooperative and versus modes, there is also a single-player story mode allowing the player to fight exclusive monsters, level up their tanks to become more powerful, and unlock new tanks.

Like ZombiU, Tank! Tank! Tank! will also let the player use their image within the context of the game. For instance, the player can take an in-game photo to use on their avatar, which can then be outfitted with helmets, masks, and more. Another instance comes in the previously mentioned Kong mode, which allows the player to put their face over where Kong's would normally be.

Tank! Tank! Tank! arrives on the Wii U during launch window.

[Not all games have to be games.]

367

TalkBack / Panorama View Preview

« on: June 06, 2012, 10:40:32 AM »

Not all games have to be games.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30574

Panorama View is the working title for an upcoming Wii U game set to release this holiday season. In its current form at E3, the "game" involves showing the player a video from somewhere in the world on their television, then allowing him or her to use the GamePad as a tool to zoom in and focus on certain parts of it.

Moreover, the GamePad can actually be used to view things that aren't on screen, such as the ground below a hang glider, or shops on the sides of a busy Tokyo street, simply by moving the GamePad around in the direction you want to see. The GamePad can also be rotated to change the view from landscape to portrait, allowing a better look at things like tall buildings.

At the end of the experience (suggesting that there may be some kind of time limit, or maybe that the player chooses his own end), the top three most frequently focused-upon images will be shown on the screen. In addition, the GamePad records the entire viewing, allowing it to be shown back to the player on either the GamePad or television. The possibility of a sharing option has not been discussed.

[It might be a game you weren't necessarily waiting for, but at least it looks really neat!]

368

TalkBack / Trine 2: Director's Cut Preview

« on: June 05, 2012, 10:35:13 PM »

It might be a game you weren't necessarily waiting for, but at least it looks really neat!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30535

In development exclusively for Wii U, Trine 2: Director's cut is a re-release of the critically acclaimed Trine 2, updated with new polish and content to meet the developer's vision.

Trine 2 is a sidescrolling action-platformer where players play as one of three heroes who try to make it through dangers in a fantasy world. There are also physics-based puzzles with gravity, water, magic, and fire.

Online cooperative play with up to three players playing throughout the game is available, as well as traditional "couch" local multiplayer.

Director's Cut includes all of this, but this new addition will also contain more features taking advantage of the new hardware.

On a base level, more than 100 improvements are made to the traditional game, including: polished gameplay elements, geometry adjustments, new vocals, new character interactions, and subtle user experience improvements. There are also hidden collectables, the addition of a yet-unreleased expansion, save-anywhere features, an "Unlimited Character Mode", a New Game+ mode for replay value, and superb graphics outmatching any other console.

On a Wii U specific front, control seems to be the name of the game in Director's Cut. The game seems to be taking a more intuitive approach with the GamePad, making controls more accessible for casual players. On the E3 page, it is stated that Directors Cut gives the GamePad exclusive multiplayer features, implying that asymetric multiplayer might not be out of the question.

There is also a new Magic Mayhem "party mode" for up to four players online and offline, but what this could be remains unknown. I guess we'll have to find out more when the game launches around the same time as the Wii U.

[It might be a game you weren't necessarily waiting for, but at least it looks really neat!]

369

TalkBack / Trine 2: Director's Cut Preview

« on: June 05, 2012, 10:35:13 PM »

It might be a game you weren't necessarily waiting for, but at least it looks really neat!

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30535

In development exclusively for Wii U, Trine 2: Director's cut is a re-release of the critically acclaimed Trine 2, updated with new polish and content to meet the developer's vision.

Trine 2 is a sidescrolling action-platformer where players play as one of three heroes who try to make it through dangers in a fantasy world. There are also physics-based puzzles with gravity, water, magic, and fire.

Online cooperative play with up to three players playing throughout the game is available, as well as traditional "couch" local multiplayer.

Director's Cut includes all of this, but this new addition will also contain more features taking advantage of the new hardware.

On a base level, more than 100 improvements are made to the traditional game, including: polished gameplay elements, geometry adjustments, new vocals, new character interactions, and subtle user experience improvements. There are also hidden collectables, the addition of a yet-unreleased expansion, save-anywhere features, an "Unlimited Character Mode", a New Game+ mode for replay value, and superb graphics outmatching any other console.

On a Wii U specific front, control seems to be the name of the game in Director's Cut. The game seems to be taking a more intuitive approach with the GamePad, making controls more accessible for casual players. On the E3 page, it is stated that Directors Cut gives the GamePad exclusive multiplayer features, implying that asymetric multiplayer might not be out of the question.

There is also a new Magic Mayhem "party mode" for up to four players online and offline, but what this could be remains unknown. I guess we'll have to find out more when the game launches around the same time as the Wii U.

[Get ready to see that GamePad get pushed to its highest potential.]

370

TalkBack / Aliens: Colonial Marines Preview

« on: June 05, 2012, 06:51:26 PM »

Get ready to see that GamePad get pushed to its highest potential.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30531

Aliens: Colonial Marines is a Gearbox title that has been in planning for years, and is finally releasing across consoles in early 2013. As of right now, comprehensive previews of all kinds exist all around the internet, and while we will provide you something more meaty in the future, this preview will be focused on what we could find out of the E3 Wii U information.

Colonial Marines is a survival-horror first-person shooter tasking a group of the titular marines with saving those from Hadley's Hope, the human colony featured in the second film. As the official page on Nintendo's E3 page states, the game is "a true sequel to James Cameron's Aliens," making it sound like the game is trying to "correct" how the story was followed in the film franchise while leaving canon intact. Or, it could simply be making the story line of the franchise more rich and developed.

The gameplay in the title will contain a single-player mode, but what might be the real draw is the multiplayer experience, featuring both co-op and competitive play. The co-op will be drop-in/drop-out, and will involve the player getting assistance from other marines. The competitive multiplayer will allow the player to either play as a Xenomorph (more agile with a heavy focus on quick, powerful melee), or a marine, with a more traditional gun loadout. Some weapons in the game include pulse rifles, motion trackers, and flamethrowers.

In the Colonial Marines developer interview, it was also revealed that the GamePad would be a heavy part of the experience. Some applications seen include motion tracking, scanning, using a database, using the map, and participating in wire puzzles.

"This is really cool when you're first playing the game because you're kind of focused, you're immersed in your virtual reality world and suddenly you hear [scanner noises]. It's coming from down there, and you can see a blip," said Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. "This is just scratching the surface."

Aliens: Colonial Marines comes out February 12, 2013.

[We all watched it, now you get to listen to us react to it.]

371

Podcast Discussion / Connectibites 2012 E3 Reaction Show

« on: June 05, 2012, 06:11:57 PM »

We all watched it, now you get to listen to us react to it.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/connectivity/30498

The Nintendo E3 Media Briefing has come and gone, for better or worse. While you were scouring the rest of the site for all those sweet juicy news bites, the Connectables sat down and talked for a bit about our reaction to Nintendo's big media event.

From Pikmin 3 to LEGO City Undercover to ZombiU, we talk about the announcements that were dropped during the press conference.  What did we think?  You'll have to listen to find out!

And hey, while you're at it you should send us an email telling us what you thought of the show. We'll be doing a listener mail segment in the near future with your thoughts on the big show.

[It's like two spin-offs in one.]

372

TalkBack / Game & Wario Preview

« on: June 05, 2012, 04:54:09 PM »

It's like two spin-offs in one.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/30506

Game & Wario is a game that sort of fell under the radar. Co-developed by Intelligent Systems and Nintendo, the game was nowhere to be found during the press conference, instead saved for a reveal on Nintendo's E3 site with a short description and some images. Of course, since this is a preview, expect everything on the official website to be promptly ripped apart.

The game itself is listed as a "party" game that includes a collection of games inside of Wario's Diamond City in the WarioWare universe. Now, they distinctly said the new title "retains the original flair and character of the micro-games from the WarioWare series," without saying that micro-games are in it. Since this does not carry the WarioWare branding, and the word "games" is separated from its "micro" prefix, it seems like we might be dealing with a mini-game collection.

Like almost every WarioWare game, Game & Wario clearly attempts to focus its design around the new functionality of a given Nintendo console. For this title, the Wii U GamePad is clearly getting a significant push. On the website, four games (out of an "additional" number to be detailed later) were shown off.

The first is called "Arrow." In it, the GamePad is transformed into a mustache-shaped bow designed to defeat enemies from afar. To play, players aim the GamePad (vertically flat) at the TV with one hand while using the other pull back on the touch screen to fire the arrow. Since the term "Stage 1" is used, and considering how many enemies are on the screen at once, it is safe to assume  these games are longer than standard WarioWare fare. There are also lives, which means  this game might not be long enough to warrant continues, and may be more like a traditional Game & Watch game where the player is actively playing until they lose.

In another single-player game, Ski, competitors must guide the character (Jimmy from the WarioWare series is shown off in the screen) down a slope by holding the GamePad vertically and tilting left or right. On the GamePad, an overhead view of the skiing course can be seen. On the TV screen, it is clear players can earn medals by aiming for certain times, and that the game seems to give a television-like feel, with the word "Live" in the lower left-hand corner.

The last single-player game listed is called Shutter, in which the GamePad has to be pointed at the screen (like a camera lens) while players search for a number of criminals (it seems like 16 had to be found within the screenshot) within the time-limit. It looks quite a bit like that tech demo from last year where Mii's had to be found in similar looking windows.

The final game listed is called Fruit, which currently stands as the most interesting one of the four. The reason for this is that, unlike the other games, which are listed distinctively as single-player, this game is only playable by two to five different people. Fruit takes place in a top-down third-person view, in a town filled with many people. In the game, the main player must try to steal fruit scattered throughout the town by blending in. After they steal an amount of fruit (though it looks like three might be the magic number), other players must attempt to pinpoint which townsperson stole the fruit. With this title, it seems like Game & Wario may attempt to provide unique experiences for both one and multiple players.

Although a release date isn't set, Game & Wario is listed on Nintendo's website as "Launch."

[A WarioWare spin-off for Nintendo's new console?]

373

TalkBack / Game & Wario Announced for Wii U

« on: June 05, 2012, 01:58:48 PM »

A WarioWare spin-off for Nintendo's new console?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30485

Game & Wario has been announced for release on Wii U.

A mini-game collection co-developed by Intelligent Systems and Nintendo, Game & Wario (a working title) keeps the original "flair and character" of the original WarioWare series while providing what look to be longer minigames.

Some games include Arrow (which involves players shooting via the GamePad) Ski (involving tilting the GamePad), Shutter (using the GamePad like a camera to take photos of criminals), Fruit (making the player pass the GamePad to others while stealing fruit), and more. Up to five players can play.

Game & Wario is slated for a Wii U launch release.

[Junction Point's new title will be in stores this holiday season.]

374

TalkBack / Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Release Date Announced

« on: June 05, 2012, 11:28:12 AM »

Junction Point's new title will be in stores this holiday season.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30461

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two will release in stores on November 18 this year, as reported in a press release.

The announcement was also accompanied by a new E3 trailer showcasing the upcoming title.

[Junction Point's new title will be in stores this holiday season.]

375

TalkBack / Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Release Date Announced

« on: June 05, 2012, 11:28:12 AM »

Junction Point's new title will be in stores this holiday season.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30461

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two will release in stores on November 18 this year, as reported in a press release.

The announcement was also accompanied by a new E3 trailer showcasing the upcoming title.