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[It looks great, but feels a little stale.]

126

TalkBack / Vector Racing Review

« on: September 04, 2012, 08:20:12 PM »

It looks great, but feels a little stale.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31544

After so many kart-racing games, it was jarring to return to a game where the only rule is to drive fast. VectorRacing reminded me that this style is not necessarily boring, but it did confirm my distaste for the genre as a whole. It may look great, but accelerating and turning left and right does eventually grow old. 

Even while carrying this general dislike, I still found some things to love about VectorRacing. First and foremost, the visual style is very compelling. The vector graphics – featuring a simple black background with all models built out of a few lines – is gorgeous in 3D. While racing, you can switch between three different camera angles: two third person views and a first person view. The first person view really makes the 3D pop as you are nearing an opposing racer. 

As previously stated, the gameplay is not nearly as interesting. Whether in the grand prix or the single race mode, expect to do the same thing: complete the required number of laps while racing against five other computer players. 

During each race, you will rarely interact with the AI. You only do so when passing them, which puts you at risk of hitting their vehicle. Your car can take damage from smashing into both the walls and your opponents. However, it is difficult to deplete your health when hitting a wall actually takes effort and there are no other obstacles on the track. 

There are six cars and twelve tracks to choose from. While not the widest variety, it certainly gets the job done. Each car has different specialties, and you will most likely find a favorite rather quickly. Some tracks have sharp turns, so I went for the vehicle with the best handling. The tracks themselves are rather stale, as nothing gets in your way and most consist of the same basic elements: a straight road with an occasional turn. 

A time trial mode also encourages you to race against yourself to see how quickly you can complete a race or lap. The game offers the ability to connect online and see how your times match up against people around the world, which is a nice touch. Racing online is out of the question, but you can play locally. Unfortunately, each player will also need a copy of the game. 

VectorRacing has impressive visuals and an online ranking system that adds some replay to the title. However, the game became repetitious as I moved towards higher difficulty levels, ultimately preventing me from loving it. While not the best out there, it is definitely worth the attention of any racing fan.

[I traveled to the abyss, and am ready to come back out.]

127

TalkBack / Abyss Review

« on: September 02, 2012, 03:55:25 PM »

I traveled to the abyss, and am ready to come back out.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31513

Abyss takes players deep into the dark unknown; however, the depths to which players venture are significantly greater than the game’s own depth. While challenging, Abyss only has one goal: navigate winding tunnels to reach the inevitable end of a level. The game is fun but simple, ultimately providing a slightly better than mediocre experience. 

In each of the game’s 12 levels you pilot a small vessel by rotating (with the D-pad) and accelerating (with any of the four face buttons). You navigate through precarious pathways while collecting six objects on your way to the goal marker. The physics are hard to grasp at first, but I soon found myself familiar with how to keep my ship in flight and not crash.

The “Gaia” you collect throughout each level provides light so you can easily see where you are going. This light will slowly diminish, lowering your visibility. When the light isn’t on, though, it isn’t drastically harder to see. The stages, for the most part, are only comprised of empty space and walls. Sometimes you encounter other obstacles: namely, blocks that slide back and forth. 

Leaderboards encourage you to replay levels, though they were not much of an incentive for me. A speed run mode, which spans all 12 levels, is unlocked after beating the game. While this seems like a good idea, it proves to be more trouble than it’s worth. If you want to complete the speed run, you must finish all 12 levels consecutively without dying once. In a game that is hard to begin with, this mode is complete and utter torture. 

Abyss is fun while it lasts, but could better itself with a more complex design. I enjoyed my time with it, but have no plan to return. I wouldn’t regret delving into Abyss, but I sure wouldn’t want to stick around too long.

[Fire up your Wii, the indie-retro side-scroller appears to have finally found a publisher in America.]

128

TalkBack / La-Mulana Coming to North America Next Month

« on: August 29, 2012, 05:55:26 PM »

Fire up your Wii, the indie-retro side-scroller appears to have finally found a publisher in America.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31475

La-Mulana will arrive on the North American WiiWare shop on September 20, according to the game's profile listing on Nintendo's website.

However, it appears that it will be EnjoyUp! Games undertaking publishing duties in the west, not the WiiWare version's original publisher Nicalis. Nicalis announced in May that they had cancelled plans to bring the WiiWare indie title to both North America and Europe. However, a July posting on the website for the European PEGI ratings system suggested that EnjoyUp! Games was stepping in to bring it to those territories.

Nintendo's website lists La-Mulana with a price of 1000 Wii Points and an Everyone 10+ ESRB rating. The WiiWare version of La-Mulana was originally released in Japan in June 2011.

[The long-awaited entry in the Animal Crossing series is coming by June next year.]

129

TalkBack / Animal Crossing 3DS Coming to North America in 2013

« on: August 29, 2012, 05:34:45 PM »

The long-awaited entry in the Animal Crossing series is coming by June next year.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31477

The 3DS version of Animal Crossing, titled Animal Crossing: Jump Out in Japan, will arrive in North American stores during the first half of 2013.

Nintendo of America tweeted "Animal Crossing is launching for Nintendo #3DS during the first half of 2013! Tell us your favorite Animal Crossing memory." This morning we learned that the game is coming to Japan on November 8. 

[A special anniversary edition is also on its way.]

130

TalkBack / Harvest Moon: A New Beginning Coming Later This Year

« on: August 29, 2012, 01:13:59 PM »

A special anniversary edition is also on its way.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31450

Harvest Moon: A New Beginning will land in North American stores on November 6, 2012, according to the game's publisher Natsume.

In addition to the game's release date, Natsume revealed an anniversary edition of the game. Pre-orders for this edition will begin on September 24, and are available exclusively on Natsume's online store. The anniversary edition not only includes the game, but a 12-inch cow plushie that is styled like those in the Harvest Moon series.

The regular version of the game is already available for pre-order from GameStop. This pre-order may not include the Harvest Moon cow, but does feature a yak.

[If you want the game you won't have to wait much longer for it to be available.]

131

TalkBack / Toki Tori Coming to 3DS Virtual Console on Thursday

« on: August 29, 2012, 01:13:07 PM »

If you want the game you won't have to wait much longer for it to be available.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31455

Toki Tori has been confirmed and approved for release on the Nintendo eShop this Thursday, according to a message sent out by Two Tribes via Twitter.

Earlier this summer we learned that Toki Tori would be coming to the 3DS Virtual Console as a Game Boy Color title. The promise of this game being available is now being fulfilled as it will be available on August 30, 2012. Toki Tori launched earlier this month in Europe

Toki Tori is a puzzle platformer in which you go on a quest to save your younger siblings who are still stuck inside their eggs.

[Developers will be able to use this rendering tool.]

132

TalkBack / Umbra Middleware Now Official Wii U Partner

« on: August 28, 2012, 11:03:22 AM »

Developers will be able to use this rendering tool.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31434

Umbra is now officially partnered with Nintendo to supply middleware tools for the Wii U.

With the partnership, a version of Umbra's rendering optimization middleware can be used by Wii U developers. The middleware is currently being used in the upcoming Wii U version of Mass Effect 3. 

[Do you think you could make it through the game with only one life?]

133

TalkBack / ZombiU Features One Death Survival Game Mode

« on: August 27, 2012, 03:52:35 PM »

Do you think you could make it through the game with only one life?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31431

ZombiU will feature a survival game mode in which you must complete the game with only one life and one character. The news comes from the recent Gamescom 2012 event.

"We really want to target and challenge the gamers with ZombiU because this game is very hard." said Nicolai Bouchai of Ubisoft Monpellier. Ubisoft is purposely ramping up the game's difficulty in order to target gamers who plan to buy the system at launch.

For those having trouble with the game, a hint system has been put in place. Using the Wii U GamePad as a scanner, a player is able to find messages left by others playing the game. 

ZombiU is set to launch later this year on Nintendo's Wii U.

[UPDATE: PDP released an official statement regarding the rumors.]

134

TalkBack / Wii U to Launch on November 18 According to Peripheral Maker

« on: August 28, 2012, 08:17:34 AM »

UPDATE: PDP released an official statement regarding the rumors.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31435

UPDATE: PDP's Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing William Otte has released an official statement regarding the rumors. The statement reads as follows:

"To All,

Performance Designed Products ("PDP") is aware of recent rumors posted alleging that PDP inadvertently "leaked" the official release date of the upcoming Nintendo Wii U gaming system during a trade presentation earlier today. To be clear, PDP has no knowledge whatsoever of the official Wii U release date, and thus it is not possible for PDP to have "leaked" this information. 

During PDP's presentation of our fall line of gaming accessories to customers at a trade event, we stated that our Wii U accessories would be available at launch. Much later in the presentation we showed our Epic Mickey 2: The Power of 2 accessories for the Wii and confirmed that the Wii accessories will be in stores by the game’s November 18 launch date. Connecting the Wii U launch and Epic Mickey 2 peripheral launch dates is inaccurate and false. PDP has no knowledge whether this is the official Wii U release date or not. 

Sincerely, 

William Otte
Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing"

Original Story

The official Wii U release date is slated to be November 18, as leaked by game accessory-maker PDP at the GameStop Manager conference.

While displaying their latest and greatest at the conference, PDP supposedly claimed that their merchandise would be releasing ahead of the Wii U's November 18 release. According to an anonymous source, "They changed the subject real quickly once they realized what they said."

PDP Community Manager Candace Hinton replied to the report, telling Kotaku that "at this time we can't confirm Nintendo's dates and we don't know exactly what was heard, but we simply do not know that this point. We are launching accessories, but the date for the accessories doesn't mean a confirmation on the hardware. If you seek confirmation on the date that is something that is going to need to go specifically though Nintendo, but we can't confirm or deny dates on any of their hardware."

Nintendo currently has plans to reveal more information about the Wii U's launch at a event taking place in New York City on September 13. However, the November 18 release date was previously largely speculated as the release date as it is the Sunday before Black Friday.

[If you haven't gotten your AR card fill, you will now have another chance.]

135

TalkBack / Kingdom Hearts 3D AR Cards Headed to European Club Nintendo

« on: August 27, 2012, 01:23:03 PM »

If you haven't gotten your AR card fill, you will now have another chance.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31428

A pack of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance AR cards are making their way to the European Club Nintendo service.

Each pack, available for 200 Stars each, will hold the same three cards. When a card is used with your copy of Kingdom Hearts 3D, a friendly Dream Eater will then join your party.

Club Nintendo in Europe also offers users the chance to purchase AR cards for Nintendo's game, Kid Icarus: Uprising. 

[Nintendo President Satoru Iwata discusses his thoughts on handheld gaming.]

136

TalkBack / Iwata Believes 'Rich and Deep Sort of Gaming Experiences' Will Not Vanish 

« on: August 27, 2012, 11:35:51 AM »

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata discusses his thoughts on handheld gaming. 

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31429

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata discussed Nintendo's competition with smartphones as well as his beliefs on handheld experiences in an interview with Kotaku last week.

While examining the success of smartphone gaming, Iwata explained that there was a market for both their devices and smartphones. Nintendo has always had competition, whether it be Sony or Microsoft, now they just have new competition that must be considered.

"I'm not saying there aren't people out there who aren't going to purchase a dedicated handheld device based on the availability and the fun factor in their smartphones," Iwata said. "I do want to say that there are still people buying our devices and that is also factual. I don't think there's not a bright future for handheld devices but I understand that the competition, again with the rise of smart devices is different, and I do recognize that. 

Nintendo is past just focusing on competing with Sony and Microsoft, Iwata detailed. The changing environment means they have to compete with smartphones for a degree, even giving crediting to some of the better, deeper smartphone games.

Even still, he stands by the fact that "One way we can ensure that there's a market for handheld gaming devices is by continuing to bring out entertaining and engaging software that will provide users experiences that they cannot get on these other devices."

Iwata further explained that there were two different kinds of needs consumers look to fill: "time-filler" needs or a rich experience. It was implied that Nintendo offers the latter of the two.

"I think that consumers who are willing to pay money for a gaming experience are looking for something that is more rich and are willing to spend some of that valuable time on that experience," he said. "I don't think we're going to see the desire to have, again, rich and deep sort of gaming experiences... we're not going to see that vanish. That's not going to go away."

[PAX Prime attendees can blow bubbles in Kirby's honor.]

137

TalkBack / Nintendo Attempting Guinness World Record to Celebrate Kirby's 20th Anniversary

« on: August 25, 2012, 03:23:53 PM »

PAX Prime attendees can blow bubbles in Kirby's honor.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31425

Nintendo is set to celebrate 20 years of Kirby by attempting to break the world record for the most people blowing a chewing gum bubble simultaneously at PAX Prime 2012.

On Saturday, September 1 at 1 p.m. PST, PAX Prime attendees can begin checking in at the Washington State Convention Center Expo Hall Queue Area, Level 4, Room 4A. The event is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. 3 p.m. PST. The previous record is set at 304 individuals.

In addition to the world record attempt, those involved will have the chance to win prizes and interact with a Kirby character.

In order to participate in the event, you must have a PAX badge. 

[The PC version of the game is getting them, but will the 3DS?]

138

TalkBack / Renegade Kid Might Add Bonus Levels to Mutant Mudds on 3DS

« on: August 25, 2012, 03:17:48 PM »

The PC version of the game is getting them, but will the 3DS?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31424

The 20 new levels included in the PC version of Mutant Mudds may make their way to the 3DS says Renegade Kid co-founder Jools Watsham in a blog post.

The forthcoming PC release of the game is almost here, but the question many 3DS owners are asking is "Will the 20 new levels that have been added to the PC version of Mutant Mudds become available on the Nintendo eShop?" Although there is no definitive yes or no answer, Watsham did say "I hope so."

Watsham went on to explain that as a small developer there are only so many tasks they can take on at any given time. Ultimately he believes the levels should come to the 3DS version but the reality is that "it takes time to add the levels to the 3DS version and it requires approval from Nintendo." 

Even if the bonus levels never make it to the eShop, fans of the game can look forward to a Mutant Mudds sequel which is anticipated to release in early 2013.

[Who knew math could be fun?]

139

TalkBack / Ace Mathician Review

« on: August 22, 2012, 04:00:16 PM »

Who knew math could be fun?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31403

Puzzle games often fall into stereotyped categories. By mostly avoiding these generalizations and relying on its unique mechanic, Ace Mathician delivers a different kind of experience. Altering the environment through mathematical equations is both a simple and complex idea, and Ace Mathician takes advantage of many of its possibilities.

The game is relatively short, coming in at under two hours. The length shouldn’t turn anyone away—Ace Mathician is filled to the brim with content. Each level has an end goal, as well as three collectible stars. Collecting all the stars in a certain set of levels unlocks even more challenging puzzles. Going for just the goal was never enough—I always found myself collecting all the extras.

Getting to the goal and collecting stars usually requires some thought. In each stage, you utilize the touch screen to create math equations, and then manipulate certain platforms. For those with little mathematical knowledge, a guess and check method eventually nets you the answer. After the initial stages, enemies (which are also affected by your manipulation of the environment) are introduced. The later stages grabbed my attention—not only did I have to plot my own path to points in the stage, but also plan for enemies’ actions. This deeper level of thought is always what I look forward to in a puzzle game. However, new ideas seem to dwindle in later levels. Each level appeared to have a similar solution, making them all less impressive.

Ace Mathician is a short and sweet game built on a promising idea. The gameplay warrants the purchase, and everything else about the title makes it entertaining. Ace Mathician may not look like much, but shows its worth in a sea of DSiWare puzzle games.

[Nintendo's 8-bit Summer may be over, but we still received a few games.]

140

TalkBack / Nintendo Download - August 2, 2012

« on: August 02, 2012, 11:32:22 AM »

Nintendo's 8-bit Summer may be over, but we still received a few games.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31218

While significantly less content than the past few weeks, Nintendo still managed to deliver both a 3DS eShop and DSiWare game this week.

3DS eShop Games:

3D Solitaire - $2.99
Play solitaire over beautiful 3D environments included with 3D Solitaire or unlock the feature allowing you to use your own photos as the game's backdrop. 3D Solitaire allows you to either play on the 3D screen or on the touch screen with the stylus. 

DSiWare Games:

The Lost Town - The Jungle - $4.99
A meteorite landed in the Amazon Jungle causing the villagers and animals to go insane. Your job is to survive while also trying to locate the meteorite so that you can save the people.

eShop Sales:

Super Mario Land - $2.99 (normally $3.99)
Join Mario on his first Game Boy adventure through the kingdom of Sarasaland. Your goal is to save Princess Daisy from a mysterious alien. Currently, you can get the game at 25% off. This sale will end on Wednesday, August 8.

[Nano Assault is getting a re-release on the eShop.]

141

TalkBack / Nano Assault EX Coming to North American, European eShop

« on: August 02, 2012, 11:23:12 AM »

Nano Assault is getting a re-release on the eShop.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31224

Nano Assault EX will be coming to both the North American and European eShop, according to Shin'en via Twitter.

Based on the original Nano Assault, Nano Assault EX will feature new game modes as well as new options. Shin'en has confirmed that the game will support the Circle Pad Pro accessory. Check out our review of the original Nano Assault while waiting in anticipation for this new title. 

[Look forward to the Wii U eShop title this winter.]

142

TalkBack / World of Goo Creators Bringing Little Inferno to Wii U

« on: July 31, 2012, 02:24:51 AM »

Look forward to the Wii U eShop title this winter.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31163

Little Inferno is coming to the Wii U eShop later this year. It is being developed by some of the developers that brought us World of Goo and Henry Hatsworth who have joined forces under the name Tomorrow Corporation.

A teaser trailer was revealed, which features children burning their toys using a Little Inferno fireplace to stay warm in a world where it appears to constantly snow. The trailer also implies that the artistic style will be similar to that of World of Goo. 

Check out the teaser trailer below.

No firm date was given other than a message stating that the game was "coming Winter 2012." Little Inferno is also coming to both PC and Mac.

Tomorrow Corporation is an indie development team made up of Kyle Gabler, Kyle Gray, and Allen Blomquist. The development studio was founded in 2010, but Little Inferno is the first game to come from the team. 

[The Wii and 3DS version of the game will see release this October.]

143

TalkBack / Skylanders Giants Release Date Revealed

« on: July 31, 2012, 02:18:47 AM »

The Wii and 3DS version of the game will see release this October.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31198

The Wii and 3DS version of Skylanders Giants will release in North America on October 21, and in Europe on October 19, according to CVG.

Skylanders Giants is the follow-up to last years hit, Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure. In addition to using characters from the previous Skylanders game, Skylanders Giants introduces giant characters that also work with your portal of power. You can read impressions of the game from E3 here.

The Wii U version of Skylanders Giants has not yet been given a release date. A release date for the Wii U version of the game will most likely be available after the Wii U's launch details are revealed.

144

TalkBack / Re: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review

« on: July 30, 2012, 07:59:56 PM »

Frollo is voice acted. Hunchback of Notre Dame is my least remembered Disney movie, so I can't really tell how good of an imitation the new voice is compared to the movie.

[Sora and Riku are back with new and familiar faces.]

145

TalkBack / Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Review

« on: July 30, 2012, 06:52:46 PM »

Sora and Riku are back with new and familiar faces.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31197

As a huge fan of the Kingdom Hearts series, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was my most anticipated game on the 3DS. Fortunately, the title doesn’t fall short of my high expectations. Despite some minor shortcomings, I believe everybody will find something to love about the newest entry in the series.

Those who have played a Kingdom Hearts game before are likely well aware of the complex story told throughout the series, a trend Dream Drop Distance continues. Kingdom Hearts 3D drops you into the world with little information as to the present circumstance, using flashbacks to illustrate the premise of the game. While I found this an interesting idea, I disliked the fact that I still couldn’t tell what was really going on until a few hours in. Kingdom Hearts 3D also includes journals that retell the stories of the previous games, a nice addition for those (like me) who have not played any of the games in quite some time or aren’t up to speed on any past events.

 

Kingdom Hearts 3D’s gameplay is split between its two main protagonists, Sora and Riku. When you play as one of the heroes, the other is temporarily kept on the sidelines. The game forces you to switch back and forth between the characters based on a timer that continuously ticks down. While an interesting mechanic, it’s sometimes a pain to deal with when you are in the middle of a battle. The two characters also have separate stories. Both journey through the same worlds, though they traverse different locations and meet different characters. I appreciated the multiple scenarios in each world, but I did feel the story for each character was a bit underwhelming. Upon entering each world, you’re immediately faced with the problem and tasked with finding a solution, a method of storytelling each location seemed to rinse and repeat. These story issues are the game’s most glaring faults. The Disney worlds to which I traveled, though, while fewer in number than Kingdom Hearts II, were original and loveable places to visit, and rendered beautifully by the 3DS.

 

While traversing these worlds, the one thing you will find yourself doing most often is fighting. Sora and Riku battle the same way, utilizing three different strategies. You can mash the attack button for standard attacks, use special deck commands (which feature magic and special combat moves), or use “Flowmotion”. Flowmotion essentially allows you to dash around through the air at high speeds, then transfer the movement into powerful spinning attacks or ground-based blows. While Flowmotion is fun to use, it seems overpowered at times, especially early in the game. Since deck commands offer a great deal of variety, you are not forced to use Flowmotion in battle, but is a fun alternative to traditional combat.

  

Donald and Goofy are absent from your party this time around, instead replaced by creatures known as Dream Eaters. You can create a variety of Dream Eaters using items you collect from battle, and they level up just like your main character. After a meter is charged, you can use a Dream Eater to help you attack, or borrow its power to power yourself up, depending on your choice of Sora or Riku, respectively. The variety of the Dream Eaters’ unlockable abilities makes discovering the different combinations of their powers a rewarding pursuit.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance is both a great entry in the Kingdom Hearts series and a great 3DS game. The story flaws may distract some, but the remainder of the game is worthwhile. Kingdom Hearts 3D advances the series in both story and innovation, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Sora and Riku.

[Wario Land has finally made its way to North America, and it is joined by a slew of other games.]

146

TalkBack / Nintendo Download - July 26, 2012

« on: July 26, 2012, 01:29:22 PM »

Wario Land has finally made its way to North America, and it is joined by a slew of other games.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31175

8-Bit Summer continues this week with two 3DS Virtual Console games as well as two eShop games, a DSiWare title, and even a Wii Virtual Console game. It has been quite a month of downloadable games, and Nintendo seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.

3DS eShop Games:

Planet Crashers - $9.99
As a cadet from the Planet Crashers Academy, you are given one of biggest tasks imaginable, stop an unknown evil from putting out the sun. On your journey you will explore the universe as you battle through dungeons, level-up, and customize your character. Our review will be coming soon, so look forward to it.

Dot Runner: Complete Edition - $4.99
In this dot-eating action game, you will race through dungeons and attempt to eat the dots that appear before time runs out. The touch screen offers a top-down perspective of the dungeon, while the top screen is in first person.

DSiWare Games:

Decathlon 2012 - $4.99
Compete for a gold medal by partaking in all 10 of the games included in Decathlon 2012. Run, jump, and throw your way to victory as you make use of the touch screen on the DS to control your character.

3DS Virtual Console Games:

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 - $3.99
After being defeated by Mario, Wario heads to Kitchen Island to steal a golden statue of Princess Toadstool. Smash through objects and collect various power-ups throughout the game. Don't forget to collect treasure during the game, so your castle at the end will be bigger.

Mole Mania - $2.99
Partake in challenging puzzles as you join Muddy Mole in his attempt to defeat the farmer, Jinbe. Push, pull, and throw black balls to defeat enemies while you tunnel your way through the levels so that you can reunite Muddy Mole with his family.

Wii Virtual Console Games:

WORLD HEROES PERFECT - 900 Wii Points
This fourth entry in the World Heroes series features 16 characters that are vying to become the world's strongest. Make use of weak, middle, and strong attacks as well as new game features like the hero gauge, extra attacks and guard breaker attacks. 

eShop Sales:

Super Mario Bros. - $3.99 (normally $4.99)
Join Mario and Luigi on their adventure into the Mushroom Kingdom to save the Mushroom Princess. You can get the game now at 20% off, although you may want to act soon as the deal ends on Wednesday, August 1.

Colors! 3D - $3.99 (normally $6.99)
Colors 3D released on the eShop earlier this year and gave many artists the tools they needed to create 3D pictures. Read our review here and decide if you are interested in picking it up. The game will be a little more than 50% off starting Friday at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m PT and ending at 12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT Sunday night. 

[Watch some gameplay and learn about the loot and skill systems.]

147

TalkBack / Watch Two New Darksiders II Trailers

« on: July 26, 2012, 01:44:48 AM »

Watch some gameplay and learn about the loot and skill systems.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/video/31166

Two new trailers for Darksiders II were revealed today featuring gameplay, the game's loot system, and the game's skill trees.

Darksiders II releases on consoles on August 14, with the Wii U version coming later in 2012. Check out the two trailers below.

 

[Grab the WiiWare game now for 150 coins.]

148

TalkBack / Bonsai Barber Becomes Club Nintendo Downloadable Reward

« on: July 26, 2012, 01:38:48 AM »

Grab the WiiWare game now for 150 coins.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31157

Bonsai Barber is available as a Club Nintendo downloadable reward for 150 coins until August 5.

Replacing Mario Tennis 64, Bonsai Barber, developed by Zoonami, places players in control of cutting, styling, and coloring the "hair" of various vegetables. Get medals and rewards while you unlock different hairdos to use.

The other Club Nintendo downloadable reward is currently Starship Defense, which will be available until July 29. We can expect another game to take its place around that time.

[Players set out on an adventure as film inspired characters in a fun-filled game.]

149

TalkBack / GameMill Entertainment Goes Hollywood with Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania; Coming Soon to Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS

« on: July 25, 2012, 03:42:39 PM »

Players set out on an adventure as film inspired characters in a fun-filled game.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/31158

Minneapolis, MN- July 23, 2012- GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, announced today its plans to release Hotel Transylvania for the Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held systems, an action-adventure video game based on Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming animated comedy Hotel Transylvania. Hotel Transylvania the game is set to hit store shelves this September. Hotel Transylvania the film will be released in theaters nationwide on September 28, 2012.

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of his best friends – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more – to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem – but everything could change for the overprotective dad when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

Featuring a wide variety of locations, puzzles, and boss battles galore, the game creates an imaginative and fun way to interact with the movie characters.

Developed by Way Forward, Hotel Transylvania for Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS is rated “E10+” for Everyone 10 and up by the ESRB. For additional information about GameMill’s line of products, please visit: www.game-mill.com.

The film is Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. Produced by Michelle Murdocca. Screenplay by Peter Baynham and Robert Smigel. Story by Todd Durham and Daniel Hageman & Kevin Hageman.

[It has a few problems, but this game definitely exceeded my expectations.]

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TalkBack / Heroes of Ruin Review

« on: July 17, 2012, 05:31:26 PM »

It has a few problems, but this game definitely exceeded my expectations.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/31087

I was a little downtrodden after being somewhat disappointed by the E3 demo of Heroes of Ruin. Having now played through the game and made use of its multiplayer functionality, I’m certainly surprised by my change in opinion. Developer n-Space crafted a game with plenty of loot collecting, vast character customization, a decent storyline, and functional online capabilities, and though it has tiny problems, as a package, Heroes of Ruin is tons of fun.

The game features four distinct classes, including a pistol-wielding Gunslinger and a brutal Savage. As you level up during play, you can specialize your character of choice even further, devoting points to certain skills and abilities. Doing so allows for tremendous amounts of customization. During gameplay you are only permitted three equipped spells, so spending points on what works best for you is key. I used skills that allowed me to regenerate some health while boosting my critical attack chances, though this is just one of the many possibilities I could have chosen.

The skills and abilities your characters use are not the only thing you must watch. You must equip or sell the tremendous amount of loot you can collect throughout the game to keep your inventory clean. Inventory space seemed limited, and I found myself changing out armor even when it felt unnecessary. As with all item management systems, you have to make decisions about what to keep and what will benefit you—most items give large boosts to one stat while drastically reducing another.

Heroes of Ruin’s gameplay is quite simple. You’ll see a bit of storytelling, collect quests, and embark on dungeon trips to complete them. Everything is straightforward once you enter the dungeons. Some branching paths result in quick dead ends, so navigation is not necessarily challenging. The enemies scattered throughout levels present more of a challenge. At some points, enemies seem to attack endlessly, while at others, no adversaries appear to be in your way.

 

While on the subject of enemies, I feel I must mention the boss fights included at the end of each dungeon. While some are simple, most are challenging and well thought out. In a game where fighting is mostly about mashing buttons, those requiring thought and strategy are welcome. I looked forward to each and every boss fight because most of the time they were radically different from one another.

Before completing the game’s story, I was able to play some of the online multiplayer. It works, and is genuinely fun when paired with somebody you know. The other player(s) can journey with you to dungeons and help you on quests. When strangers joined my game, I noticed there was no real reason for such high-level players to play with low-level players, other than to complete some quests for their own gain. This also led me to note the simplicity of fighting enemies. While in a dungeon fighting enemies around level 17, a level 11 character had no real issues. With the added player, nothing seemed to change. I wish the difficulty would at least increase to make up for the extra player present. During my online time with the game, voice chatting with strangers or friends was a welcome addition. The system worked well, and was the quality was clear compared to my past experiences with Nintendo voice chat.

 

Heroes of Ruin is no graphical marvel, but its visuals deserve some praise. The world in which you play is large, and each area is designed well. The 3D is sometimes too much of a strain for me over long periods, but it is also something I enjoyed during play. The one element of the game’s presentation that does stand out is its sound design. Each song is beautiful and a genuine pleasure to listen to; I often sat and listened to the song playing on the home menu because I enjoyed it so much.

Heroes of Ruin is a fantastic game hindered by a few issues. However, with those cast aside, monster-bashing fun is in store for all who play. A cooperative online game on a Nintendo system is not something you would normally see, especially on a handheld, but n-Space delivered such an experience well. I can’t wait to go back and try out another class to venture further into the game’s world by myself or with friends.