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Messages - Patchkid15

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151
TalkBack / LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Review
« on: July 11, 2012, 10:13:03 AM »

This is my favorite LEGO game, and could be yours, too.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/30994

I’ve played nearly all the LEGO games, across many different platforms. While I find them all mildly entertaining, none impressed me as much as LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes does. Despite having essentially the same gameplay elements, the DC universe helps this game stand out among the sea of LEGO titles.

One of the key differences between this and other LEGO games is the inclusion of voice acting. Seeing the game’s original story play out with a fully voiced cast is a pleasant surprise from a series known for unusually quiet characters. Watching and hearing heroes from across the DC Universe ally themselves is entertaining, and something the LEGO style of humor complements. Unfortunately, some characters seem to have drawn the short straw: Superman and Batman are the two true heroes of this game; other characters seldom appear and are not nearly as important.

Story aside, the game plays like all other LEGO games. In each level you complete a series of puzzles using different sets of abilities, most of which you gain access to through Batman and Robin’s many suits. All of this is done while bashing in the skulls of baddies. None of the puzzles were particularly challenging, which made most of the game a breeze. Almost all the story levels contain only two playable characters, so there is not much variety in what you can do, which leads to purely linear missions.

 

You do obtain more freedom in the free-play mode of each level. Having access to all your characters (purchased with the studs collected in each level) adds a greater variety to what you can do. I like to go back into free-play mode occasionally just to go after collectibles I may have missed because of unavailable characters at the time. If you are not interested in collecting hidden objects, though, the free-play mode won’t provide a great deal of fun.

The game looks gorgeous on the 3DS screen. The 3D effect was subtle enough to not strain my vision, while the depth made the game look better. I played through the story mode with it turned on and don’t regret the decision at all, though I did notice some of the cinematics look a little strange in 3D.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes by no means takes the series in a new direction, but that doesn’t stop it from being fun (if lacking in originality). I enjoyed playing through the game, and I’m sure even the most moderate of LEGO fans will as well.


152
TalkBack / Angry Birds Trilogy Heading to Nintendo 3DS
« on: July 10, 2012, 10:35:18 PM »

The popular mobile game is coming to retail with new levels, content and cutscenes.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/31022

Angry Birds Trilogy will be released through retail on the Nintendo 3DS this holiday season, according to developer Rovio.

The game is a combination of three pre-existing Angry Birds products: Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio. The game will feature new cinematics and upgraded graphics, as well as additional extra content. Each level will also include its own individual leaderboard, so you can compete with yourself and others. The 3DS version of the game will utilize StreetPass in some way.

Stylistically, the game now features animated backgrounds, lighting modes, reactive backgrounds, and others not currently detailed. 

No release date for the game was given, except for the tentative holiday season.


153
TalkBack / New 3DS Colors Coming to Taiwan and Hong Kong
« on: July 05, 2012, 06:38:56 PM »

Two new colors are joining the 3DS family this September.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30968

Two new Nintendo 3DS colors, cerulean blue and shimmer pink, will be launching in Taiwan and Hong Kong on September 28, 2012.

Even with the 3DS XL coming out later this year, Nintendo has not forgotten the original 3DS. The two new colors will see release first in Taiwan and Hong Kong, but it is currently not known if they will make it to other regions. 


154
TalkBack / New Super Mario Bros. 2 UK Pre-Order Bonus Revealed
« on: July 05, 2012, 11:44:29 AM »

Pre-orders at GAME and Gamestation stores will come with a nifty gold case.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30948

A collectible gold coin case will be included in pre-orders of New Super Mario Bros. 2 at GAME and Gamestation stores.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 places an emphasis on coin collecting, and gamers will now be able to take the beloved gold coins they collect out of the game. The case itself is large enough to hold the game card, making it a useful way to transport the game in style.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 releases in Europe on August 17.

As the press release points out, the case is not made out of gold, but is only gold-colored.


155
TalkBack / Swapnote Updated to Feature Additional Colors
« on: July 05, 2012, 01:08:21 PM »

UPDATE: The update is now available in North America.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30965

UPDATE: The update is now available in North America from the Nintendo eShop.

European and Japanese 3DS owners can now update their Swapnote application to feature six different colors of ink.

Using the QR code found in this article, your 3DS will take you directly to the eShop to update the application. The update gives you access to multiple colors, but still only allows you to use one kind of color per note.


156
TalkBack / Nintendo Wants to 'Show Results' to Increase Stock Price
« on: July 05, 2012, 11:17:39 AM »

Nintendo stocks aren't the best, but there is one way to fix that.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30963

During Nintendo's Annual Shareholders Q&A Satoru Iwata discussed the best way to raise Nintendo's stock price.

Nintendo suffered a financial loss in the last fiscal year but Iwata seems to believe Nintendo will soon recover. Iwata explained that when they announced the Wii and DS's and claims that both would grow the industry, the stock price did not raise. However, after both systems had finally started to sell well, the share price did rise. 

Iwata said "In the end, it’s all about results. Therefore, we believe what we need to do now is show results."

Iwata did acknowledge that some believe that “Nintendo’s business model is perhaps now outdated.” However, Iwata explained that Nintendo is now beginning to utilize digital distribution.

Iwata explained "As we have already announced the other day, one of our answers to this problem is digital distribution of packaged software, in which “by digitally distributing packaged software, Nintendo will build upon its strengths and prepare itself against changes in the times, and also changes in our business environment.” Again, since this endeavor has no precedent, I do not believe that you will be able to acknowledge the significance of it until we can say how much our digital business has produced in sales and how much it has contributed to our earnings."

With the two relatively new systems and a new digital distribution program, Nintendo will hopefully be able to show some of the results Iwata talked about.


157
TalkBack / Nintendo Download - July 5, 2012
« on: July 05, 2012, 10:36:05 AM »

Sports games seem to have taken over this week.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30950

Nintendo's 8-Bit Summer has begun and not only does it kick off with some classic games, there are plenty of new non-8-bit titles to enjoy, as well.

3DS eShop Games:

Family Tennis 3D - $6.99
Play tennis with eight different characters across six different courts in Family Tennis 3D. Not only can you try your hand in a tournament, there are plenty of mini-games to enjoy, too, including Roulette Rally, Human Backboard, and Survivor.

Akari by Nikoli - $4.99
The next Nikoli puzzle game, Akari, is available today. In Akari you set various lights around the board using the hint numbers provided; this is done in an effort to light up all of the white space. The game features both pre-made puzzles and randomized ones for your continued enjoyment.

DSiWare Games:

3, 2, 1…WordsUp! - $1.99
3, 2, 1...WordsUp! challenges your grasp of five different languages as you try to create as many words as possible using a set amount of letters. Create enough words within the given time limit or else you will lose.

Topoloco - $4.99
Get ready to study topography in Topoloco. Professor Topoloco can teach you about five of the continents using mini-games that have you locating cities and countries, and dragging flags. Whenever you are comfortable with what you have learned, you can take a swing at the final exam.

WiiWare Games:

Let's Create! Pottery - 500 Wii Points
Relax by creating your very own pottery in this soothing WiiWare experience. Let's Create! Pottery features dozens of different materials to use while creating your own ceramics. Get creative as you craft whatever kind of pottery you like.

3DS Virtual Console Games:

The Legend of Zelda - $4.99
The original Legend of Zelda is now available not only to ambassadors, but everyone. In the game, you must gather the eight pieces of the Triforce, save Princess Zelda, and stop Ganon.

NES Open Tournament Golf - $4.99
Play a game of golf with Mario in NES Open Tournament Golf. You can compete in three different game modes: stroke, match, and tournament. Take your shots on the three different courses as you try to win one million dollars.

Wii Virtual Console Games:

2020 SUPER BASEBALL - 900 Wii Points
The Neo Geo version of this game features a very futuristic version of baseball. Special field elements and even mines all try to hinder your players. Armor can be purchased for your players so that you can survive 2020 SUPER BASEBALL.

3DS Game Demos:

Heroes of Ruin - FREE
Heroes of Ruin releases on the 3DS later this month, but you can start enjoying the action now. Check out impressions from James Dawson time with the game at E3.

eShop Sales:

Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword - $4.99
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword was originally released on the eShop earlier this year for $6.99. For this weekend you can take advantage of this $2 price drop. Read Neal's review of the game here.


158
TalkBack / Nintendo Working to Maintain a Robust Security System in 3DS, Wii U
« on: July 03, 2012, 07:21:45 PM »

Nintendo has learned their lesson from both the DS and Wii.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30944

Nintendo took into account what they learned from the security mistakes of the DS and Wii while designing the 3DS and Wii U, according to the recent Investors Q&A.

Unlike the Nintendo DS and Wii, the 3DS has maintained its security system since its launch. Nintendo is looking to continue that success with the Wii U.

Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata said "In developing the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS, we recognized that security is an extremely important factor for the sake of our business and in making sure that our consumers feel that playing our products is safe. While some acts of piracy are still possible in its DS-compatibility mode, as we had to ensure that the Nintendo DS software could still be played on the Nintendo 3DS, the Nintendo 3DS itself still maintains a robust security system, even after this much time has passed since its launch."

With the advent of easily accessible system updates, it has become easier to maintain a system's security. However, if security would ever fail, Iwata said "we have prepared ourselves to minimize the damage."


159
TalkBack / First North American, European Theatrhythm Final Fantasy DLC Unveiled
« on: July 03, 2012, 11:25:01 PM »

The North American DLC is now available for download.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30937

UPDATE 2: The North American DLC is now available.

UPDATE: The North American DLC will be available "later today" according to Square Enix.

The first set of downloadable content for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy in North America and Europe has been revealed. The "add-on content" will launch in Europe on Thursday, and it is coming soon in North America.

The game itself includes more than 70 musical pieces, but at a cost of $0.99/€1 each, you can download additional tracks. The first eight tracks to be made available include:

1. “Battle Theme 1” (FINAL FANTASY II)

2. “The Final Battle” (FINAL FANTASY IV)

3. “Fighters of the Crystal” (FINAL FANTASY XI)

4. “Fighting Fate” (FINAL FANTASY XIII)

5. “In Search of Light” (FINAL FANTASY V)

6. “Cosmo Canyon” (FINAL FANTASY VII)

7. “Ride On” (FINAL FANTASY VIII)

8. “A Fleeting Dream” (FINAL FANTASY X)

Square Enix representatives have said that they plan to release about 50 songs. Currently, there are more than 40 available in Japan.


160
Podcast Discussion / Re: Connectibites News Digest: June 29, 2012
« on: June 29, 2012, 11:27:42 AM »
Sorry about that,

I had uploaded the wrong MP3 file. It should be fixed now. Be sure to let me know if you have any further issues.

161
TalkBack / No More 3DS Models Coming in the Near Future
« on: June 28, 2012, 03:05:04 PM »

Miiverse will be free to use, plus other information from Nintendo's shareholder's meeting.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30898

During Nintendo's annual shareholder's meeting Satoru Iwata revealed that the company currently has no plans for additional 3DS models in the near future. Iwata also explained how third party support will be improved, and why Miiverse will be free to use.

When asked whether Nintendo had plans of releasing more 3DS alternate designs, Iwata explained that if the market was filled with too many choices it could confuse consumers. He also expressed concern for how efficiently they could produce a great number of a variety of products. For now the company has no immediate plans to release another version of the 3DS.

Regarding how Nintendo plans on improving the third party situation with Wii U, Iwata explained that third party developers had begun receiving information about the upcoming home console around the same time as Nintendo's own internal development teams.

While discussing aspects of the Wii U's online system, Iwata stated that he does not disagree with the idea of a paid service for access to Nintendo Network from the Wii U and other devices, but he questioned whether it would be the best approach for the company's user base. He pointed out that a free-to-use system would allow more people to utilize Nintendo Network's Miiverse social functionality, which ideally would in turn sell more hardware and software units.

Nintendo currently has plans to reveal additional Japanese Wii U information this fall. 


162
TalkBack / Retro Studios Turns Down Former Rare Composer Looking for Work
« on: June 28, 2012, 11:46:24 AM »

Retro appears to be fully staffed at the moment.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30880

While looking for work, Grant Kirkhope, a former composer for Rare, was turned down by Retro Studios.

In response to someone trying to aid his job search on Twitter Kirkhope said "I already tried Retro .... They're full up!" 

Kirkhope, who composed the score for the action-RPG Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, was recently laid off from Big Huge Games due to the financial trouble that followed the game's release. He has worked on projects such as Goldeneye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Perfect Dark.


163
TalkBack / Marvel Pinball 3D Review
« on: June 28, 2012, 09:08:00 AM »

Zen Pinball with a fresh coat of paint.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/30885

Last January, 3DS owners were pleasantly surprised by the high quality pinball game Zen Pinball 3D. Six months later, Zen Studios is following up their eShop debut with Marvel Pinball 3D, which features four new tables based off the Marvel universe. The game manages to mimic everything I loved about Zen Pinball, just with different visual flair. While it appears like it could have just been DLC for Zen Pinball, the game still manages to be a ton of fun.

Marvel Pinball 3D has four distinct tables featuring the likenesses of Iron Man, The Fantastic Four, Blade, and Captain America. Unlike Zen Pinball 3D, each table feels just as diverse as the next. They all feature plenty of different missions and various quirks you can learn to help your game. I’m sure I will eventually have a preferred table, but because of their great and equal quality, I can’t pin down a favorite just yet.

As for the gameplay, it feels as solid as ever. The ball physics work wonderfully and it feels like you are actually playing a game of pinball. Some aspects of the tables are a little unrealistic, but there is nothing too over the top that distracts from a traditional pinball experience. The 3D effect in the game is gorgeous. There are few 3DS games I play with the 3D effect consistently on, and this is one of them. With the effect turned off, I find it harder to judge when to hit the ball. I highly recommend using the 3D effect.

The achievement system is back and provides that extra needed challenge when you are tiring of just going for a high score. In the menu, you can check out what criteria needs to be met in order to earn all 16 medals in the game. I snagged some of the easier medals without knowing what I did, but some of the more difficult challenge medals still elude me. The table guide is also a welcome feature in the game. When I didn’t know what a particular ramp did or how a mission had begun, I could reference this guide at any time while playing. The guide a very easy and quick way to learn the tables without painstakingly playing them over and over again, not knowing what you are doing.

The last real feature of the game is online leaderboards. In Zen Pinball 3D I strove to claim the number one score and this game will be no different. Not only are your scores for the individual tables compared against others, but your cumulative score is as well. Your scores can also be compared against your friends who also own Marvel Pinball 3D, creating a sense of healthy competition. There is also a local leaderboard, but if no one else plays on your system, this leaderboard is just you competing against yourself.

Marvel Pinball 3D is a wonderful addition to anyone’s 3DS collection. The game’s pick-up–and-play nature lends itself well to the downloadable platform. Despite just being more of the same, the game’s visuals and ingenious table design make it a must-have. With four fully featured tables, you will definitely be getting your money’s worth out of Marvel Pinball 3D.


164
TalkBack / Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Release Date Announced
« on: June 27, 2012, 11:24:53 PM »

A new demo of the game is also available in Japan.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30877

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy will release across Japan on October 11, according to the game's publisher, Square Enix.

With the game now about four months away from release, the Japanese eShop has received its third downloadable demo. This demo features some of the game's battle system.

In addition to the news of the games release, we learned of a collectors edition. This edition of the game will only be available through Square Enix's online store and is priced at 12,000 yen, while the standard game is priced at 6,090 yen. This special edition of the game includes the game as well as the soundtrack, an album of the games artwork, a large AR poster, and a protective case for your 3DS.


165
TalkBack / Nintendo 3DS Receives Small System Update
« on: June 27, 2012, 05:07:18 PM »

This update exists, but you won't really notice anything new.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30879

Nintendo released a system update yesterday for the Nintendo 3DS.

The update upgrades your system to version 4.2.0-9U. According to Nintendo's website the system update adds "Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience."


166
TalkBack / Lola's Fruit Shop Sudoku Review
« on: June 27, 2012, 12:10:18 PM »

If you're not a young child, there is not much here for you.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/30873

In Lola’s Fruit Shop, simple Sudoku puzzles are the only thing in stock. If you are an older player looking for a challenging collection of the logic puzzles, you won’t find it here. Lola’s Fruit Shop Sudoku most likely won’t satisfy an audience outside of young children, though even that appeal is questionable.

The game features three difficulty modes. Depending on which you select, you will either complete Sudoku puzzles on a 3x3 grid or a 4x4 grid—both of which are significantly smaller than a standard 9x9 grid. Completing four puzzles in any of the modes allows you to place one fruit item into Lola’s shop. After doing so six times, you have beaten the game.

 

The game is short and simple. The one problem I do see surfacing is how long it can reasonably entertain. I finished the game twice in 15 minutes with great ease, though it’s hard to say whether a child will find the repetition as boring as I did.

Lola’s Fruit Shop Sudoku is clearly not targeted toward an older audience. The repetitive and simple gameplay is not bad, but just not interesting. It’s hard to recommend this game to anyone except young children. If you are looking for a deeper Sudoku game, look elsewhere.


167
TalkBack / Re: Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask Announced for North American, European Release
« on: June 22, 2012, 10:58:49 AM »
If I had to choose one game I am excited for more than anything else, it is this one.

No other game entrances me like a Layton game.

168
TalkBack / Sakurai and Kobayashi Release Messages Regarding Smash Bros.
« on: June 22, 2012, 01:14:11 AM »

Sakurai delivers a personal message after the recent Nintendo Direct.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30817

Masahiro Sakurai, the man in charge of the next Super Smash Bros. game has released a message discussing his partnership with Namco Bandai on the game.

Masaya Kobayashi also released a message which showed his excitement to be working on the project alongside Sakurai. He went on to explain what members of his team would be working on the project

Both messages can be read below.

Masahiro Sakurai

Hello, I'm Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series.

It's my personal belief that the only time a creative product really resonates is in that first moment when it's actually in front of you.With that said, I've realized that if we keep the new Super Smash Bros. title's development structure secret, it'll only create more and more speculation, and I won't be able to develop the game with any freedom. That's why I've decided to announce this news right now, even though it's still very early on.

I would love to provide more information, but for now, I'm going to stay quiet until I have something solid to show you.

The project has just gotten started. Bear in mind that not only are we developing two titles simultaneously, but we announced the project before we even started actual development, so I'm afraid we will likely have to keep you waiting for quite a while. Please be patient.

Currently, the prototype prepared by NAMCO BANDAI Games and NAMCO BANDAI Studios' special team looks pretty good, and it's working great. In order to take advantage of the fact that there will be versions for two different systems, and to maximize and offer fun new gameplay elements, the entire team is going to work hard together. Thank you.

Masaya Kobayashi

Hello, everyone. I'm Masaya Kobayashi of NAMCO BANDAI Studios. I'm so honored to be able to join the Smash Bros. team--that globally popular series of which Japan is particularly proud—and to work alongside of Mr. Sakurai.

In order to make Mr. Sakurai proud, we will take on this project with NAMCO BANDAI's best staff! Yoshito Higuchi, the producer and the director of the "Tales" series, Tetsuya Akatsuka, producer and director of "Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.," the art director/sound director of the "SoulCalibur" series, the main development team staff from the "TEKKEN" series…and that's just for starters. All the top creators from NAMCO BANDAI are gathered here to create a never-before-seen dream team for this project. We will fully utilize our experience and knowledge in action/fighting game development, technical capability, and organizational strength, and we hereby promise you that we will develop the best and most powerful "Super Smash Bros." title ever! Don't miss it!

Representative works:

Masaya Kobayashi
"Ridge Racer" series
"We Ski" (Wii) series"
Go Vacation" (Wii)

Yoshito Higuchi
"SoulCalibur" series
"Tales of the Abyss"
"Tales of Vesperia"


169
TalkBack / North American Kingdom Hearts 3D Demo Available Now
« on: June 22, 2012, 12:22:54 AM »

Other third-party demos are on their way soon.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30813

The Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance North American demo is now available. The news came from the North American Nintendo Direct presentation.

Demos for other 3DS games, Rhythm Thief and Heroes of Ruin, are coming to the eShop soon.

Kingdom Hearts 3D was released in Japan earlier this year and is being released in North America on July 31.


170
TalkBack / Namco Bandai Working with Sakurai on Next Smash Bros.
« on: June 21, 2012, 11:14:00 PM »

The next Smash Bros. is getting some help from outside Nintendo.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30810

Namco Bandai Games and Namco Bandai Studio will be working as developers of the next entry in the Smash Bros. series.

Masahiro Sakurai will be heading the project and will be joined by Namco employees Masaya Kobayashi, acting as producer, and Yoshito Higuchi, acting as director.

At the conclusion of the Japanese Nintendo Direct presentation, Sakurai and Kobayashi delivered personal messages regarding the collaboration.


171
TalkBack / Nintendo Download - June 21, 2012
« on: June 21, 2012, 10:19:18 PM »

Another week, another batch of downloadable games head to Nintendo platforms.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30808

A Virtual Console game, two DSiWare games, two eShop titles, and a WiiWare game make up this week's Nintendo Downloads.

On the 3DS eShop, we finally get Order Up!!. Order Up!! was initially supposed to be released as a retail game, but later became a downloadable. The game mixes cooking with restaurant building. It can be downloaded now for $9.99.

The other eShop game released was Slitherlink by Nikoli. This puzzles game involves connecting dots with lines according to various rules. The game features both pre-made puzzles as well as randomly generated ones. It is available for $4.99.

As for DSiWare, the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo 3DS received Lola's Fruit Shop Sudoku. The game appeals to mostly children with its simplistic graphics and easy puzzles. It can be downloaded for $1.99.

The other DSiWare game this week was Jewel Legends: Tree of Life. This match 3 adventure has players rebuilding the world of the Hods across the games 100 levels. It is available for $4.99.

WiiWare's one game this week was Save the Furries. In this game you complete 60 physics-based puzzles while helping the green creatures called the furries. It can be downloaded for 1,000 Wii Points.

The last game made available this week is Double Dragon II on the Wii Virtual Console. Join Billy and Jimmy Lee as they complete nine missions while facing off against street gangs and ninjas. It is available for 500 Wii Points.


172
TalkBack / Nintendo Takes Mario Kart 7 on the Road with Nickelodeon's Music Sensation Big Time Rush
« on: June 19, 2012, 12:27:20 PM »

Concertgoers to enjoy hands-on game play with Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS at Big Time Rush tour stops across the nation.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/30790

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This summer, Nickelodeon’s teen music phenomenon Big Time Rush is sharing its excitement about Nintendo’s Mario Kart 7 game in a big way, giving fans from coast to coast a chance to join Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends for new kart-racing fun on land, in the air and under the sea. Known as the stars of Nickelodeon’s hit television series Big Time Rush, the band is teaming up with Nintendo to offer free hands-on demos of Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo 3DS system on its upcoming U.S. tour, “Big Time Summer Tour”. From July 5 to Aug. 5, attendees at select Big Time Rush concerts can visit Nintendo 3DS demo stations and experience the game’s wild Mario-themed action, multiplayer features and kart customization options firsthand.

A Mario Kart 7 sampling station and mobile sampling teams will be available at participating concert venues, giving fans a unique chance to play the game, enjoy special photo opportunities and compete for prizes. Fans will also be able to download Mii characters based on the members of Big Time Rush – Kendall, Logan, James and Carlos – and fans who bring their own Nintendo 3DS systems to the concerts will be able to wirelessly access content for Nintendo 3DS via Nintendo Zone hotspots. Additionally, viewers can look forward to seeing Big Time Rush in an upcoming television ad campaign for Mario Kart 7.

“Big Time Rush fans will discover a new kind of rush when they tear up the track with Mario,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The frenetic fun of Mario Kart 7 makes a great match with the band’s energetic music. The chance to get hands-on with Nintendo 3DS will make each of these concerts even more memorable for attendees, whether they’re experienced gamers or newcomers.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to take Mario Kart 7 out on the road for our tour this summer,” said Big Time Rush. “We are all huge Nintendo fans and our new partnership provides a cool way to share the fun of Nintendo 3DS with people all over the country.”

Mario Kart 7 is the latest installment in Nintendo’s fan-favorite racing franchise, loaded with new customizable karts, new courses and multiplayer options that let up to eight Nintendo 3DS owners race together wirelessly. Players can race as a favorite Mushroom Kingdom character or as their personal Mii character, and for the first time in the series, they can race not only on land but also underwater or in the air. The game also makes use of the unique capabilities of Nintendo 3DS with access to StreetPass and SpotPass* content and the ability to play in full 3D without the need for special glasses.

Mario Kart 7 demo stations will be available at the following Big Time Rush tour dates (subject to change):

July 5: Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena
July 6: Milwaukee – Summerfest
July 7: St. Louis – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 8: Cincinnati – Riverbend Music Center
July 10: Atlanta – Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood
July 11: Birmingham, Ala. – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
July 13: Houston – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
July 14: Dallas – Gexa Energy Pavilion
July 15: Tulsa, Okla. – BOK Center
July 17: Phoenix – Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion
July 19: Irvine, Calif. – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 20: San Diego – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
July 21: Las Vegas – Mandalay Bay Events Center
July 22: Mountain View, Calif. – Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 23: Paso Robles, Calif. – California Mid-State Fair
July 25: Salt Lake City – USANA Amphitheatre Energy Solutions Arena
July 27: Kansas City, Mo. – Sprint Center
July 28: Minneapolis – Target Center
July 29: Indianapolis – Klipsch Music Center
July 31: Clarkston, Mich. – DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug. 1: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio – Blossom Music Center
Aug. 3: Louisville, Ky. – KFC Yum! Center
Aug. 4: Tinley Park, Ill. – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 5: Burgettstown, Pa. – First Niagara Pavilion

Now in its third season, Big Time Rush – which follows four best friends from Minnesota who trade in their hockey sticks for music superstardom in Los Angeles – averages 3.6 million total viewers (+2 percent, over season one). The launch of the hit series on Nickelodeon drew 6.8 million viewers, making it the most watched live-action series premiere in the network’s history.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

For more information about Mario Kart 7, visit http://mariokart7.nintendo.com. Additional information about Big Time Rush, including tour details and music videos, can be found at http://www.btrband.com.


173
TalkBack / Cat Frenzy Review
« on: June 18, 2012, 10:46:38 PM »

Cats are stuck in a well, and some of them will stay there.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/30782

Cat Frenzy didn’t sound especially promising at first. After playing through the mission mode and several rounds in quick play (amounting to a good deal of time helping cats escape from a well), I was proven somewhat wrong. The game has problems, but its premise is simple and makes the game easy to pick up and play.

The tutorial guides you through the game’s main mechanic: using the stylus to drag cats around to create rows and columns of three. The DS is held book-style while playing, which leads to a major issue for left-handed players like myself. I found no left-handed option in the menus, and ended up having to reach over my other screen to play the game. Not only was this an inconvenient way to play, but it also covered up instructional text on the other screen.

Left-handed control issues aside, Cat Frenzy has moments of genuine fun. However, the difficulty in the mission mode is somewhat off-putting. Most of the puzzles are intricate, and usually have only one solution. There was a sense of satisfaction when I did figure out one of these more challenging puzzles; however, those I couldn’t were more numerous. Thankfully, a hint system can be toggled from the options menu to take away some of the difficulty.

 

The game has some variety, in the form of special cats. Combining a cat holding a fish with other cats of the same color eliminates all cats of that color on the screen. When in quick play, which features an endless amount of cats falling into the well, this feline type is a great way to quickly eliminate an abundant amount.

Cat Frenzy stands out among similar DSiWare content as a decent puzzle game. Despite the complexity of the game’s mission mode, the quick play mode provides a good amount of fun on its own. If you have some time to kill, Cat Frenzy could easily take your mind off things as you mindlessly move cats into rows or columns of three. This game proved I’m not the best at puzzle games, but I still managed to get some enjoyment out of it.


174
TalkBack / Funky Barn Review
« on: June 15, 2012, 04:22:26 PM »

There is certainly something funky going on in this barn.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/30766

Farming simulators exist in many different forms today. Some are single-player experiences, like Harvest Moon, and some are social games, like Farmville. Funky Barn 3D lands on the side of the former, but doesn’t offer much to do. As your farm grows, you in fact have to do less, ultimately making the time spent playing the game quite tiresome and pointless.

Funky Barn begins by giving you access to fences, chickens, and the ability to give your animals food and water; you’ll use these beginning tools to create areas for your animals to live. As you progress you can raise more animals and implement new technology. The problem I suffered early on came in discerning how best to organize my farm. Without a good base, my farm soon fell apart. I did my best to reorganize, but still ran into issues with vehicles bearing goods not moving back and forth quickly enough.

Despite organizational issues, there is variety in what you can place around your farm. You can purchase trees, plants, and landscaping objects and strategically place them to make animals happier, or just increase the level of your farm. I had no issue with this until the end of the game; I only needed to gain a single level to finish, but could only place random landscaping objects. I found myself throwing down chicken weathervanes one after the other just to level up.

 

You can raise eight different kinds of animals on your farm, though they must be separated by type, and each pen must include certain amenities. Food and water troughs must be placed and maintained by the user, while a barn and trees require no work. Animals produce goods, which can be sold at the central hub of your farm, and are transported there by vehicles you buy and upgrade. This system works, except once fully leveled up, my only real job was to fill the food and water troughs. It felt like the further I got into the game, the easier it became.

The simplicity of Funky Barn became more evident as I purchased weather control centers to protect against tornados, and dogs to chase away foxes. My farm soon became a place that couldn’t be touched by any harmful effect. The more I played the game, the less I was required to do, and the more I could let it sit on autopilot.

In essence, Funky Barn 3D is a farming simulator in which you just feed animals. What little the game teaches you to do in the beginning is hardly useful by the end. The machinery you purchase takes over for you the further you get into the game, creating a rather shallow experience. I enjoyed building up my farm, but there was little to do afterward. Funky Barn 3D is the type of game you could buy, play for a few hours, and never go back to as a result of having seen everything. The experience is too simple, creating a game that is far more tedious than enjoyable.


175
TalkBack / Nintendo Download - June 14, 2012
« on: June 14, 2012, 12:15:44 PM »

The eShop gets quite a bit of content, while the Wii only sees one release.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30747

Two Virtual Console games, as well as a slew of new content, head to the 3DS eShop, DSiWare Shop, and Wii Virtual Console this week.

First is Mad Dog McCree, a new eShop release. In the game, your objective is to hunt down the outlaw Mad Dog in a western town using the games light gun style gameplay. Check out our review which is coming soon. Mad Dog McCree is available now for $7.99.

The 3DS Virtual Console received Donkey Kong Jr. In this sequel to Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. must rescue Donkey Kong from Mario. The game, originally part of the Ambassador NES games, is available for $4.99.

The 3DS didn't receive the only Virtual Console game this week. The Wii Virtual Console saw the release of Mega Man X2. In this SNES game, Mega Man X travels through eight stages to destroy the Mavericks. You can download it now for 800 Wii Points ($8).

The DSiWare Shop got two games, the first of which is Devil Band - Rock the Underworld. In the game, demons have began destroying the world, and you and your death metal rock band are the only way to save mankind. It can be downloaded for $1.99.

The other DSiWare game is 7 Wonders II. In the game, you complete puzzles to help build the 7 Wonders of the World. It is available for $7.99.

Lastly there is a demo available on the eShop for the upcoming 3DS game, The Amazing Spider-Man. You can try out the new game and join Spider-Man in this new web-slinging adventure.


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