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Pikachu Becomes The Greatest World Cup Mascot Of All Time

by Josh JacksonMarch 17, 2014

Or at least he should be.

This weekend, it was announced that none other than Nintendo’s own Pikachu from the mega popular Pokemon franchise will be Japan’s official mascot heading into the 2014 World Cup.

It goes without saying that being the mascot for a team heading into the world’s biggest sporting event is a huge deal, but this just goes to show how much popularity the Pokemon series still enjoys. I remember constantly being told as a kid that the series was a fad that would die out when the next big thing rolled around. Well, this is where we find ourselves almost 15 years later. Some fad, eh?

The image above features mostly newcomers, including Fennekin, Chespin, Froakie, Litleo, Helioptile and Pancham, who join series vets like Meowth, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and of course, Pikachu. What other Pokemon would make a great team? And where the hell’s Hitmonlee? Let us know below!

Source: IGN.com

Lumiose City From ‘Pokemon X’ Becomes A ‘Smash Bros’ Battlefield!

by Josh JacksonMarch 17, 2014

If you’re one of the millions of people who have picked up a copy of Pokemon X or Pokemon Y, then Lumiose City is sure to bring up a variety of memories. Whether you remember it for its confusing maze like navigation, its plethora of shops, its Pokemon lab or its infamous glitches, you’ll have one more way to remember this metropolis; as a battlefield.

In a recent Super Smash Bros. For 3DS screenshot, Lumiose City was shown to be a stage for the highly anticipated fighter. Speaking in a way that implied that the entire scope of the city could be part of the playable section of the stage, game director Masahiro Sakurai said,

“The Prism Tower rises above Lumiose City. Up until a few seconds ago, the fighters were brawling on top of that tower. No, really.”

No word as to whether or not getting trapped in a taxi and having your save file corrupted will be a stage hazard.

Are you excited to see Lumiose join Saffron City as one of the few Pokemon towns to get the Smash Bros treatment? What stages do you want to see make the cut?

Source: nintendolife.com

Keiji Inafune Announces ‘Azure Striker Gunvolt’, Which Totally Isn’t ‘Mega Man Zero’!

by Josh JacksonMarch 12, 2014

While Capcom continues to ignore the Mega Man franchise, series creator Keiji Inafune isn’t shy about his intention to take all of that money his former publisher doesn’t want. First, Might No. 9 was funded thanks to the wildly popular Kickstarter campaign, which has been touted as the spiritual successor to the Blue Bomber. But between raising crazy amounts of money and working on this project, it seems like he had a little something extra planned on the side in the form of Azure Striker Gunvolt.

If Mighty No. 9 is Mega Man‘s successor, than Gunvolt looks like X and Zero traded in their X Buster and Z Saber for a pistol and lighting rods. In the trailer alone, Gunvolt is shown to create electric fields, speed up and slow down his jumps, and destroy screens full of enemies with his powers. Throw in bosses that use portals to transport their blasts, enemies that look like they were ripped straight out of the Mega Man Zero GBA series and a story involving pop idols, and you get a surprising game that few could’ve saw coming. And you know what? I couldn’t be happier.

Don’t believe me? Try watching the reveal trailer and tell me that it doesn’t look great. Gunvolt will release this summer for the 3DS eShop in Japan. There’s no word on a western release, but count on it coming out later this year.

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‘Yoshi’s New Island’ 3DS XL Confirmed For North America, Is Gorgeous!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 3, 2014

Briefly: The unit was announced for Europe some time ago, and now we know that we’ll be getting this special edition console as well!

Nintendo has officially announced the Yoshi’s New Island 3DS XL console for North America. The unit is a gorgeous Yoshi Green, with an image of everyone’s favourite dinosaur on the top of the unit. I just picked up a Mario and Luigi 3DS a couple of months ago, but now that I’ve seen this, I kinda wish that I’d waited.

Oddly enough (and unlike most of Nintendo’s special edition consoles), the unit doesn’t actually include Yoshi’s New Island, so you’ll have to pick the actual game up separately. The unit launches on March 14th for a cool $199.99.

So, is it time for an update? Will you be picking up this gorgeous special-edition 3DS? Sound out below!

‘Persona 5’ And Its Many Spinoffs Are Officially Headed Stateside!

by Josh JacksonFebruary 25, 2014

Remember last fall when we were waiting on baited breath for Atlus’ mysterious Persona announcement? The end result was the official reveal of the long awaited Persona 5 along with a slew of spinoffs. The problem? These were only officially announced for Japan. Thankfully, Atlus hasn’t left us waiting for too long, because every one of these games are headed stateside! Yes, even the dancing one.

Starting with Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, this dungeon crawling RPG will unite the SEES from Persona 3 and the Investigation Team from Persona 4 in a chibi-fied 3DS exclusive in the style of Etrian Odyssey. Coming in the fall, Persona Q marks the first time the Persona series is coming to a Nintendo platform.

From the press release:

“Trapped in an other-world filled with Shadows, the protagonists from Persona 3 and Persona 4 each have different events to follow, allowing the player to choose and experience two different plotlines. As both groups seek a way out of the labyrinth, they will run in to two new characters, Rei and Zen, who may hold the secret to this new mystery,”

Next is the return of a favorite of fighting game fans like myself. Dropping the ridiculously awesome subtitle of Ultra Suplex Hold, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax returns to the P-1 Grand Prix with new fighters and moves. Bringing in Persona 3 favorites, Yukari and Junpei, as well as a brand new character in Sho Minazuki, it’ll be time to dust off the arcade sticks once Fall comes around.

As its predecessor, Ultimax will be released for the PS3 and Xbox 360. If our review of the original game is any indication, there’s plenty of reason for RPG and Fighting fans alike to get excited for the sequel.

On the Vita front, Persona will be returning to the platform following the excellent Persona 4 Golden, but not in the way you might expect. Persona 4: Dancing All Night brings the usually dark, morbid world of the series to the dance floor. Staring in game pop idol, Rise Kujikawa, this rhythm game comes from the good folks over at Dingo Inc, the developers of the Hatsune Miku series of titles.

What drives Rise and her friends to dance the night away? According to Atlus,

“After hearing rumors about the Midnight Stage, she checks a certain website at midnight and sees a mysterious movie clip and, you guessed it, winds up on the “other side.” Worse yet, she finds out her junior idol peers from the group Kanamin Kitchen are missing as well. She has no choice but to send an SOS to the Investigation Team to help rescue the missing idols.”

Hey, whatever gives us an excuse to put Yu Narukami’s massive amounts of swag on display, right? Dancing All Night will hit the Vita in 2015, so that will give us plenty of time to get in touch with our inner idol.

And of course, the main course. After years of waiting, Persona 5 is officially slated for a 2015 release on the PS3. A new English version of the original trailer was posted as well, but it still lands firmly in teaser territory. No, we have yet to see any solid details on what the game will be about, but we have five chairs! And at least we know we won’t have to wait too long.

Any Persona lovers amongst us Geekscapists? Which game are you looking forward to the most? One thing is for sure, the next year will be a good time to be a fan.

Source: Shacknews.com

Deal Alert: Pick Up A 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS Plus One Select Game, Get ‘Pokemon X/Y’ For FREE!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 25, 2014

Briefly: If you’ve been thinking about picking up console from the 3DS family, but for some reason haven’t gone for it, now is the perfect time!

Nintendo is launching a pretty fantastic promotion beginning March 1st that should definitely move some units (though not the units that Nintendo needs to move). Basically, you pick up a 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS, and one select game, and you’ll get a copy of Pokemon X or Y for FREE. The game costs $39.99 on its own, and is absolutely fantastic (check out our review here), so there’s a good chance that you’ll end up playing it far more than the game that you actually buy.

All you need to do is register the console and one of the following games on Club Nintendo between March 1 and 31:

Mario Kart 7
Super Mario 3D Land
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins
Yoshi’s New Island

Pretty cool, huh? Be sure to let us know if you’ll be jumping on this one! If you don’t have a 3DS yet, you totally should, because it’s totally awesome.

http://youtu.be/WuJhP2QbE-A

Diddy Kong Officially Returns to Smash Bros.

by J.C. MarquezFebruary 20, 2014

With his twin peanut popguns and barrel jet pack, Diddy Kong brings his jungle-themed Boba Fett-esque weaponry to the latest incarnation of the extremely popular Smash Bros. game coming later this year to Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and 2DS systems. Diddy Kong made his Smash Bros. debut in 2008’s Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii. Although being one of the smaller characters in the game, Diddy Kong was among one of the most unique fighters in Brawl–mainly for his quickness, ability to produce and toss banana peels at will, and being armed with an excellent recovery move which doubles as an attack. Also, that Nintendo cap looks pretty darn sweet.

Tonight’s announcement is aptly timed with the release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which has received stellar reviews from numerous gaming sites, including a glowing review from Geekscape’s own Derek Kraneveldt.

With Diddy Kong’s addition, the new Smash Bros. roster reaches 25 fighters. The game’s producer, Masahiro Sakurai, mentioned back in 2012 that he felt Brawl’s roster of 35 characters was possibly the most they could go in order to keep the game balanced. Some of the franchise’s regulars, such as Yoshi, Captain Falcon, and Jigglypuff, have yet to be formally added to the new Smash Bros.; the same goes for Snake, Ike, Ice Climbers, Falco, R.O.B., Ganondorf, Wolf, Lucas, Wario, and the Pokemon Trainer. With the number of available roster slots dwindling, it will be interesting to see who makes it and who will be cut, if any.

The Mythical Pokemon Diancie Has Officially Been Revealed

by Josh JacksonFebruary 14, 2014

Longtime Pokemon fans know all about Event Legendary creatures, especially rare Pokemon that can only be obtained through timed events. Going all the way back to Mew in the original games, it’s expected that every game since would have at least a few event legendaries to keep us playing with.

For Pokemon X and Y, Diancie is the first of this type to be officially revealed. A Rock/Fairy type, it has a relationship with the existing Pokemon Carbink. The official site states,

Groups of Carbink tend to gather around Diancie, but Diancie pays them little heed and only acts according to its own will.

Sounds kind of rude. Anyway, Diancie will be tied in to the next Pokemon movie, which is when it will surely be released. Sadly, we have no idea when that will be, but Nintendo promises more details as they dangle Pokemon number 719 in front of us. By the way, 719! I just finished catching all 718. Oh well, the life of a Pokemon Trainer isn’t easy. And as long as it doesn’t take as long as the details for Pokemon Bank to come out, I think we’ll survive.

Check out these screenshots of Diancie in action as well as its reveal trailer and check back with us as details become available.

Nintendo Direct Recap: 2-13-2014 Edition

by Josh JacksonFebruary 13, 2014

As usual, another Nintendo Direct has come and gone and there is a TON of new information to sift through. But don’t worry, we scrutinized the announcements so you don’t have to! Read on to discover all of the Nintendo themed goodness coming to us over the next few months.

– The presentation started in a big way, with the reveal of Little Mac for Super Smash Bros. Click here for all of the details, speculation, screenshots and a sweet reveal trailer.

– Mario Golf World Tour missed its original 2013 release during the Year of Luigi, but it looks like the extra time was put to good use. A plethora of new features were shown off, including Mii support, as well as a solid release date of May 2nd.

– Kirby Triple Deluxe will give each copy ability a variety of attacks. While the game still promises to be easy to pick up and play, hidden sun stones and retro keychains promise to provide a good challenge for series veterans. Streetpass support allows players to send each other items, including keychains if they are also playing the game when passed. The best news? Kirby is right around the corner, also launching on May 2nd.

– Yoshi’s New Island acts mostly the same as its predecessors, where Yoshi’s goal is to reach the end of each stage while keeping Baby Mario safe. Doing so is made easier thanks to power ups like the jackhammer, submarine and super forms, (because it wouldn’t be a New game without a super form.) Yoshi’s pegasus wings will also make an appearance if you suck at the game.

– Steel Diver: Sub Wars was simultaneously announced and released for North America on the eShop. This free to play take on the First Person Shooter genre combines the underwater gameplay of Steel Diver and puts you in the driver’s seat. The free version has two single player missions, two submarines and the full online mode while $9.99 will get you the full package. I’ve been playing it since it popped up and it’s deceptively addictive. Keep an eye out for an in depth report!

– Inazuma Eleven, the popular soccer RPG from Level 5 that has never been released in North America… Has been released in North America! Also available now, $19.99 will get you the first game in the series, while the eShop is also carrying three episodes of the anime for free! You can find out more about both Steel Diver: Sub Wars and Inazuma Eleven in our in depth write up here.

– Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball is a baseball themed mini game collection that lets players haggle in game to lower the price of real life add on purchases. It’s an interesting concept that we covered in detail here.

– Pokemon Battle Trozei brings back one of the lesser talked about Pokemon spinoffs. The first game was a puzzle title that was put out to seemingly ease the pain of waiting for a full fledged Pokemon DS title, but was addictive in its own right. This new game will feature all of the current 718 Pokemon as well as new game play “battle” mechanics to keep things interesting. We’ll have a new way to catch em all when Trozei hits the eShop in March.

– One final trailer for Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy was shown, which will serve as the last game in the popular franchise. Streetpass functionality will allow would-be puzzle solvers to transfer hidden items to each other’s games. It’ll be sad to see the Professor go, but I’m excited to play his final adventure when February 28th comes along.

– Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has finally received a release date! Kind of! After months of silence, Nintendo touched on the game, revealing that the game is slated for an early 2015 launch.

– Weapon Shop de Omasse is the last game in the Guild01 series in Japan, which is a collaboration between famed developers at Level-5 and Grasshopper Manufacturer. Part RPG, part rhythm game, part shop simulator, players are tasked with running a weapon shop. Forging weapons with the timing of accompanying music will make them stronger, which will aid your town’s warriors as they run off into battle. The title is aiming for a February 20th release at $7.99.

– A variety of indie games were given the spotlight, including Treasurenauts, Moon Chronicles, Shovel Knight, 1001 Spikes, the recently released Retro City Rampage and Child of Light. I got to play many of these at Indiecade, and all of them were impressive, especially Shovel Knight and 1001 Spikes. Of course, Retro City Rampage has been out on other platforms for awhile, but if you missed out on it before, there’s no reason not to pick up this definitive version.

– After over a year of waiting, the Game Boy Advance Virtual Console is finally coming to the Wii U. Launching with Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga and Metroid Fusion will be the first games released with more coming out every month. But why not on the 3DS? Get our thoughts on the subject here.

– Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze got one last trailer before its release next week. Solid, creative level design, silhouette stages and huge bosses were put on display, which is to be expected after the excellent Donkey Kong Country Returns. Check out the trailer and get ready for its February 21st release.

– It was just a few months ago that NES Remix stealth released on the Wii U eShop, but NES Remix 2 is already on its way. Coming on April 25th, the downloadable title will feature remixed versions of late era NES games like Metroid, Zelda II, Super Mario Bros. 3 and Punch Out!!! Making the package even more attractive is a full version of Super Luigi Bros. which is based on the mini game from the first Remix. Considering Luigi is a pretty backwards guy, all of the stages will run from right to left. Of course, his signature high jump will also be included. This might be worth the purchase alone!

– Mario Kart 8 got an official release date AND a ton of new characters. Players will hit the track once again on May 30th, while sliding along the edge of that Spring time frame the presentation promised. Check out all the details in our dedicated article right over here.

– Finally! Some game play footage from Monolith Soft’s upcoming Wii U title. Codenamed X, watching it in motion makes it look a lot like Xenoblade, which anyone who’s played it can tell you is far from a bad thing. Release details are still quiet, but I trust that they’ll take all the time they need to make it into as much of a masterpiece as all of the other Xeno games have been.

– And lastly, we got a ton of new information on Bayonetta 2, including details on the story, a new playable character and some kick ass new abilities. Check out our impressions at this link!

And that about covers it! What are you most excited about? Little Mac, X footage, a Mario Kart release date and a ton of fresh new games… it’s safe to say that this presentation was a success. Check out the full video below and keep checking back with Geekscape as these games and more become available.

Game Boy Advance Games Coming To Wii U!

by Josh JacksonFebruary 13, 2014

Last year, Nintendo confirmed that classic Game Boy Advance games would be coming to Virtual Console at some point, but they were tight lipped on specifics. Aside from the ambassador program that gave early 3DS adopters exclusive access to a sampling of the GBA library, current owners who have bought the handheld since then have been anxious for the chance to purchase the titles. The good news? The GBA games are finally coming, but not on the system you would expect.

During today’s Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that the Wii U Virtual Console will receive Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga and Metroid Fusion come April with additional releases rolling out every month. Details on pricing or a specific date wasn’t shown, but does it matter how much they’re asking for? These three games are some of the best in their respective genres, so if there was ever a time to throw money at the VC, this would be it.

It’s good to see the Wii U getting this boost in its library, but it’s odd that these games have yet to be announced for the 3DS. Traditionally, console classics appeared on the Wii line while handheld classics make their way to the 3DS. I feel like the GBA library will come to the 3DS eventually, but it is confusing to see the games launching on a console first, especially when two of the three games were already on the 3DS courtesy of the ambassador program.

But enough of my opinions, what does everyone else think? Does the GBA library sway you in any way to purchase a Wii U come April? One way or another, I’m just happy to have an excuse to play Metroid Fusion again.

‘Steel Diver: Sub Wars’ and ‘Inazuma Eleven’ Get eShop Stealth Releases!

by Josh JacksonFebruary 13, 2014

At this point, it’s become almost expected for Nintendo to have some kind of stealth release during its Direct presentations. From NES Remix to the Animal Crossing Plaza, the surprises are usually pleasant and unexpected, but relatively small on the scale of importance.

That changed today, with the announcement that two full fledged, freshly announced games were released on the eShop. First, Steel Diver: Sub Wars, (which sadly has nothing to do with Subway vs Quiznos,) acts as the successor to the submarine themed 3DS launch title. Switching to a first person view, this underwater shooter seems to borrow many of the same designs and art style of its predecessor. Oh, and the pariscope stages are back. Yep. Those pariscope stages.

Secondly, Inazuma Eleven is the first game in the long running DS series that has never been released in North America until now. Developed by Level-5, the people behind such hit games as Dark Cloud, Professor Layton and Ni No Kuni, the series was popular enough to receive numerous sequels and spinoffs spanning the DS, Wii and 3DS. It’s not hard to see why Nintendo was reluctant to release it here, since its premise of a soccer JRPG doesn’t exactly scream sales over here, but here’s a perfect chance to vote with our wallets and say that we want more unique titles to hit our shores. Hey, it worked for Xenoblade!

Steel Diver: Sub Wars is free to play, although this version will only include two submarines. If you like what you play, the full version can be purchased within the game for $9.99, (which is much nicer than the $40 price tag of the original.) Inazuma Eleven is going for $19.99, and according to its reviews from years past, it’s well worth the asking price.

Are you excited to give these a go? Let us know below, and keep an eye out for our full recap later today!

Free-To-Play 3DS Title Allows You To ‘Haggle’ Add-On Prices!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 13, 2014

Briefly: Today’s Nintedo Direct presentation was sweet as always (and including the Mario Kart 8 release date, which I’m beyond excited for), but the big N also revealed a very odd eShop title with an even stranger purchasing system.

The game is called Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball, and according to the announcement, “Ex-pro baseball player and dog Rusty Slugger owns a sports shack. He’s broke with 10 puppies to feed, so he offers a variety of baseball mini-games for sale, themed around the simple pleasures of baseball. Players can bat, pitch, catch and even umpire.”

The game sounds simple enough, but it’s Nintendo’s purchasing structure for the title that’s really intriguing: “The initial software containing a part of the first mini-game is free, but players can purchase additional mini-games in a unique way: by haggling to lower the real-world price for each downloadable game. Additional games start at $4 apiece, but giving Rusty items or listening to his problems might improve his mood and motivate him to offer steep discounts. The game is scheduled to launch in April.”

So… You can haggle with the NPC to bring the price of the add-on’s down. That is incredible.

In any case, take a look at a few screenshots below, and let us know if you’ll be checking this one out!

Little Mac Steps Into The ‘Smash Bros.’ Ring!

by Josh JacksonFebruary 13, 2014

Today’s Nintendo Direct arguably started with its biggest announcement. Little Mac, the miniscule menace that tore through the international boxing circuit in the NES classic, Punch Out, is the latest character to be added to the Smash Bros. roster.

As one of the most requested characters in the pre-Brawl days, Mac’s demand had only increased thanks to his inclusion as an assist trophy and the excellent Punch Out reboot that released on the Wii. With his inclusion into this latest Smash Bros. title, that’s one more to mark off the list of characters that absolutely HAVE to be in the game, (or at least my list.)

True to his play style from his own games, Mac relies on close quarters attacks to deliver damage to his enemies. What makes him look especially interesting is his unique ability to dodge while attacking, making it easier to close the distance between him and his opponents. Showing off a variety of charge and counter attacks, (complete with a Punch Out style power meter,) it’s clear that Mac is a hard hitter, especially thanks to his Giga Mac Final Smash ripped straight from the multiplayer mode of his latest game. Just don’t try to fight in the air…

Check out the reveal trailer and revel in all of Doc Louis’ amazing commentary. Who else to you expect to see revealed as the days draw closer to Smash’s release. Chrom? Shulk? Issac? Paulatena? Dark Pit? All of the above? Let us know below!

Be sure to check back soon for a complete wrap up of today’s Nintendo Direct announcements.

A New Nintendo Direct Is On The Horizon!

by Josh JacksonFebruary 13, 2014

Heads up, gamers! Ninendo has announced an upcoming Direct presentation streaming at 5 PM EST and 2 PM PST. Promising to cover the games of spring for the Wii U and 3DS, it’s safe to say we can expect some new information on existing announcements while coming across a few surprises along the way.

If I was a betting man, (and I would be if I wasn’t broke,) I’d say that we can be ready to expect new information on titles such as Kirby Triple Deluxe, Yoshi’s New Island and Mario Kart 8. As we drift into “wishful thinking territory,” I’m hoping for another reveal on the Super Smash Bros. side of things. Will it happen? We’ll find out in a few hours.

Check out the stream at this link, and as always, be sure to check back with us for all of the up to date information and reactions to the presentation.

Lucario Returns To ‘Super Smash Bros. For Wii U/3DS

by Josh JacksonFebruary 7, 2014

After what felt like an eternity, a new character has been confirmed for Super Smash Bros. And it’s a character that many people pegged as likely to get cut.

Lucario, the fighting/steel type Pokemon and mascot of Generation IV will be making his return to the Smash arena. Making his debut in Brawl, it seems that little has changed with the character’s moveset, which is highlighted by the fact that it gets more powerful as it takes damage. With that said, I’m fully expecting to see Lucario’s mega form in some shape or form. Maybe it will transform while using its Aura Storm Final Smash?

But wait… what about this guy?

With its inclusion, some fans are worried that the much requested Mewtwo won’t make the cut for two games in a row. I’m a huge Mewtwo fan, but I’m not worried at all. Why? First of all, while Lucario was seen as a replacement for Mewtwo when Brawl released, the two play completely different, (aside from a similar looking charge move in Aura Sphere and Shadow Ball.)

Second, Mewtwo was supposed to be included in Brawl originally, but was only partially completed due to time constraints. It’s hard to imagine that after so many fans clamoring for Mewtwo’s return combined with him almost making it last time, that he would still get cut.

Lastly, (and most importantly,) both Mewtwo and Lucario serve as giant advertisements for Pokemon X and Y. None of the new monsters feel suited for a fighting game, but both of these characters represent Gen VI without having to design characters from scratch. Mewtwo was the poster child for Mega Evolutions leading up to release, being displayed as a teased legendary evolution months in advance while Lucario was the premier Mega Evolution within the story of X and Y, going as far as stating that it was the first Mega ever discovered.

Expect to see this battle play out in Smash Bros.

So Mewtwo fans, I don’t think we have anything to worry about. For now, check out Lucario’s screenshots below. Do you think anyone will actually get cut? Who do you want to see get added going forward? Sound off below!

Sonic and Friends Get Drastic Makeover In The Upcoming ‘Sonic Boom’

by Josh JacksonFebruary 7, 2014

A new Sonic game!? Who would’ve guessed?

Sega has announced Sonic Boom, an upcoming Wii U and 3DS title bringing Sonic and friends back into our living rooms. Details on game play are thin, but the trailer shows the gang speeding, climbing and fighting off enemies in a much larger world that comes off as more combat heavy than Sonic is used to being. But wait, what’s up with their look?

The elephant, (hedgehog?) in the room is the character redesigns. Amy and Tails look fantastic. Sonic? Ehhhh… But what the hell did they do to Knuckles!? I can’t wait to see Dr. Eggman brought back with 300 lbs of pure muscle. Either way, the game has been confirmed to be its own unique universe that will tie in to a new animated series and has no bearing on the core Sonic canon. The more Sonic the better as long as it’s done right I say.

Early images give a very Sonic Heroes vibe.

While the character design is sure to keep long time fans talking, the game play looks to be incredibly solid. The return of Sonic’s closest friends, (meaning NOT Cream, Silver and Big,) is looking to bring plenty of new possibilities considering each one displays their own abilities. With a new developer at the helm, Big Red Button has a chance to breathe fresh life into the series after much of its momentum was halted by the lukewarm reception to Sonic: Lost World.

For the first time in forever, everyone is talking about Sonic. There are still so many questions to be answered. Will any other characters be playable? Will there be simultaneous co op between multiple players? Will Sonic start a romantic relationship with a human girl again? All of these burning details and more will be revealed as we get closer to its eventual release, but until then, check out the debut trailer for the game AND the animated series below and let the speculation begin!

Reminder: Get Your Nostaljunk In For The First ‘Chibi Robo: Photo Finder’ Challenge!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 31, 2014

Got all of that old NostalJunk submitted to your Museums? Good, because TODAY is the last day for the first NostalJunk challenge in Chibi Robo: Photo Finder. This month’s entry is asking for a button, but since the game will accept anything round, it’s a perfect chance to get creative.

What is NostalJunk, you ask? It’s anything you want it to be. As long as it fits the item’s shape, the game asks you to take pictures of a variety of shapes to display in your own personal museum. T-Shirts, toilet paper, cans… Anything you can think of can be displayed in the game.

The challenge will award the top three submissions with special costumes for their Chibi Robo’s, which will be put in a pool of 10 based on Nintendo’s own panel of judges. From there, fans will vote on their favorite entries until the top three are chosen.

Don’t have the game? It’s only $10 on the e-shop and is more fun than a barrel of happy points. Since the full review is still being worked on, let’s just say it’s a great way to put that cash to good use.Time to put your old stuff to good use!

Deal Alert: ‘The Legend Of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition’ Is Currently FREE For 3DS!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 30, 2014

Briefly: So Nintendo goes through a very tough financial year, and they’re still giving us things to be thankful for.

The big N has brought The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition back to the 3DS eShop, and it’s totally free for the next four days. That’s right! From now, until Sunday, February 2, at 11:59 p.m. (PST), you can jump on your 3DS and download the game at no cost.

I wasn’t a GBA owner back when Four Swords first launched, so I’ve missed out on the game until now. I can’t wait to grab a few 3DS-owning friends to play through it with!

Here’s what Nintendo had to say about the promotion:

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is GameSpot’s 2013 game of the year! We want to celebrate all things Hyrulian, so for a limited time we’re offering The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition for FREE!

Just go to Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo 3DS or 2DS from Thursday, Jan. 30, at 9 AM (PST) until Sunday, Feb. 2, at 11:59 PM (PST) to download this awesome adventure. Grab it while you can: when the offer ends, it might be a while before you see the game again in Nintendo eShop.

The offer will be gone in a flash, but don’t hang up your Master Sword just yet—the celebrations will continue with the release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, available for purchase on Nintendo eShop for Wii U, and a special Art Academy SketchPad event in Miiverse!

Now, let’s all show our thanks by going out and picking up a Wii U, okay?

‘Yoshi’s New Island’ Gets A New Trailer

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 26, 2014

Briefly: I can’t wait to get back to this island.

Nintendo has just launched a new trailer for Yoshi’s New Island, which looks both insanely cute and incredibly fun, and hits stores on March 14th. The game puts a whole new dimension on the original’s pastel visuals, and it’s an upgrade that all of us at Geekscape are excited to make.

As Josh noted in his “Games of 2014” article, “Produced by Takashi Tezuka, the creative director of the original Yoshi’s Island, Nintendo is looking to bring the modern feel to the classic Yoshi game play in the same way New Super Mario Bros has for gaming’s most popular plumber.”

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking Yoshi’s New Island up on March 14th!

Praise The Gods! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Is Coming To The West In 2015!

by Shane O'HareJanuary 26, 2014

That’s right my fellow Hunters, the much anticipated Monster Hunter 4 is getting an Ultimate release in the West! The series head producer Ryozo Tsujimoto outlines it all below!

If you’re new to the whole Monster Hunter series let me bring you up to speed. Monster Hunter is one of the biggest franchises Capcom has, and has become one of the must have titles for the portable market. It takes place in a fantasy world where players, well hunt monsters. The big attraction to the game is the sheer size of some of the beasts you fight. It also forces players to rely on their skills and not an arbitrary leveling system. If you’re a pro hunter you can kill some high rank monsters with starting rank gear. Repeating hunts over and over again in the hopes of getting those rare drops from the monsters never feels like work, the grind is very enjoyable.

You can get your hands on Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate sometime in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS. Chances are a WiiU release will be quickly following.

Geekscape Games Presents: The Games of 2014

by Josh JacksonJanuary 13, 2014

If our list of the greatest games of 2013 taught us one thing, it’s that last year was a fantastic year to be a gamer. With that said, 2014 will mark the first full year that all of the now current gen consoles will be available. In addition to the continued stream of solid software for the 3DS while we STILL cross our fingers for the Vita to have a strong showing, there are plenty of games across the board that are worth getting hyped for. With that said, there are some that just can’t be ignored, which is why we’ve compiled the games you should look out for in 2014.

Watch Dogs

Starting off as one of the most anticipated games of 2013, a packed holiday season and the need for some extra development time shifted Watch Dogs into 2014. The ability to essentially hack an entire city promises to bring some fresh ideas to the sandbox genre, and with all of the videos and screenshots shown so far, this one’s looking like it’ll satisfy that action craving too.

Watch Dogs is coming to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One and PC in mid 2014.

Metal Gear Solid V

Buried under all of the controversy surrounding MGS V, (including long time Snake voice actor, David Hayter, getting the boot in favor of Kiefer Sutherland,) is another potential must own from the developers at Kojima Productions. Promising to delve deeper into the motivations of Big Boss and further detail his eventual creation of Outer Heaven, this fifth game will be the first to take the signature stealth of the series into an open world setting. Split into two parts, Ground Zeroes will come to the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on March 18th with Phantom Pain’s release date still listed as TBD.

The Elder Scrolls Online

After much rumor and speculation, The Elder Scrolls Online was finally confirmed to be a thing last year. Scheduled for a summer release, gamers will finally be able to combine their love for the environments, lore and abilities of The Elder Scrolls franchise with their slightly higher enthusiasm for berating each other in an online setting with their “vast” gaming knowledge. Get ready to pwn some n00bs starting on April 4th for PC and Mac users, while PS4 and Xbox One owners will soon follow suit in June.

Destiny

As the first outing for Bungie since breaking away from Microsoft and the Halo franchise that put them on the map, Destiny has a lot to prove. Thankfully, looking at all of the information we know about the game, it seems like it’s on the right track. Combining their FPS know-how with customizable characters, co op missions and a desolate environment, and we’re looking at what could be considered a marriage between a game like Halo and Borderlands. Destiny will land on September 9th for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

InFamous: Second Son

The first InFamous set the stage for being a super powered conduit with a city as our playground. The second allowed us to combine and expand our powers while fighting in a world where we weren’t the only one with powers anymore. Second Son is looking to build upon the legacy that Cole and company left behind with new powers, upgraded visuals and a new cast that’s truly looking to put the PS4 on the map. InFamous will release on March 21st.

Titanfall

As one of the most talked about games at last year’s E3, Titanfall seems to be the reason to make it to another year for FPS fans. Part arena shooter, part mech fighter, the game has some serious potential in the sense that it can bring a ton of new dynamics to the multiplayer shooter playground. As the first game from Respawn, the team consisting of the scorned devs formerly of Infinity Ward, (the core Call of Duty team,) Titanfall is another title that has a lot to prove, yet doesn’t seem like it will have much of a problem doing so come March 11th, exclusively to Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Project Spark

One of the most impressive pieces of tech shown off at E3, Project Spark is part world builder, part action/platformer and all gorgeous. Using Smartglass technology, players can alter the world, interact with characters and mold their experience with a touch of their finger. Scheduled for a 2014 release barring any delays, Windows, 360 and Xbox One gamers can look forward to put their god playing skills to the test.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Another title that got pushed from the end of last year, Donkey Kong Country appears to be well worth the wait. Considering that Donkey Kong Country Returns was such a fantastic display of what the 2D platforming genre can do, the addition of Dixie and Cranky can only give the good people at Retro Studios even more ideas to squeeze out of the old ape. DKC: TF is coming exclusively to Wii U on February 21st.

Mario Kart 8

The success of Mario Kart Wii and MK7 prove that this series is a gaming juggernaut, selling millions upon millions of copies every time a new entry in the popular racing franchise is released. Every new version brings something new to the table, with 8 being no exception thanks to the anti gravity tracks that were shown off during its reveal. It blew us away at E3, and now we can’t wait to get our hands on the steering wheel again in a few short months. Look for Mario Kart 8 in Spring, also exclusively for Wii U.

Hyrule Warriors

At the end of 2013, Hyrule Warriors went from being completely unknown to being one of the most talked about games heading into the new year. Combining the characters, environments and weapons of The Legend of Zelda with the hack and slash game play of Dynasty Warriors did more than just raise a few eyebrows, but watching the game in action was an incredible sight that turned most of us into believers. Hyrule Warriors has a loose release date of 2014.

Bayonetta 2

Speaking of controversy, the memory of Bayonetta 2 being announced as a Wii U exclusive is still vividly burned in my memory. Despite the outcries of disloyalty, (despite the fact that the game would’ve reportedly never been possible without Nintendo’s funding,) Platinum Games seems to be providing what it’s gained that loyalty with in the first place; tight, refined game play with over the top enemies and characters. Action games don’t get much better than their offerings, and after trying out Bayo 2 myself, I’m comfortable in saying this tradition will carry on strong. Bayonetta 2 is set to arrive sometime in 2014.

Super Smash Bros.

Easily in the running for the most anticipated game of 2014, Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS will bring back the blockbuster mascot fighter to consoles AND will also mark its handheld debut. New arenas, characters, (including Megaman!) and features are sure to make Super Smash Bros a must own on almost anyone’s list. Scheduled for a vague 2014 release, we can calm our excitement with daily updates at smashbros.com… although sometimes I think it makes the wait so much worse!

Chibi Robo: Photo Finder

Another late 2013 surprise, Chibi Robo didn’t get nearly as much fanfare as Hyrule Warriors before it. Nonetheless, for a series many considered all but dead outside of Japan, seeing Photo Finder get a U.S. release date was a high note for fans of the cult Gamecube classic. Once again being tasked with bringing joy to all around it, Chibi Robo must help create a museum of artifacts by collecting your own household items. Photo Finder is available now on the eShop for an insanely low price of $10, so I suggest checking it out. Expect a full review in the coming days!

Bravely Default

As I mentioned in my preview article, Bravely Default hits all the right notes for old school RPG fans looking for a nostalgia trip. Its tough enemies, interchangeable job system and classic fantasy setting blends in well with the new features added, especially the Brave, Default and StreetPass functions. Are you an RPG and a 3DS fan? Then mark February 7th on your calendars, because Bravely Default is looking like a fantastic ride.

Yoshi’s New Island

Produced by Takashi Tezuka, the creative director of the original Yoshi’s Island, Nintendo is looking to bring the modern feel to the classic Yoshi game play in the same way New Super Mario Bros has for gaming’s most popular plumber. Coming this spring, Yoshi’s New Island is looking to kick off a great year for Mario’s noble steed, especially if Yarn Yoshi makes it into 2014 as well.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

2014 marks the year of the gentleman with a double dose of Professor Layton. First up, the Professor, Luke and Emmy will head off towards their final showdown with Descole in Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, which will simultaneously serve as the final game of the prequel trilogy AND the reported final game of the series. With more mysteries, picarats and puzzles you can tip your top had towards, this beloved series will get the sendoff it deserves come February 28^th.

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney

The second Layton game this year will be the crossover that many have been clamoring over for what feels like forever, (myself included!) After being in localization hell for far too long, 2013 confirmed that we would FINALLY see the Ace Attorney and the Top Hat Professor team up Stateside. Combining the court room drama of Ace Attorney with the puzzle solving challenges of the Layton series, a 2014 release window means we’ll finally get to experience this dream team.

Kirby’s Triple Deluxe

Kirby’s 3DS debut is coming later in 2014 for us, but word out of Japan, (where it just released this weekend,) says that this game is a must own for platforming fans. Bringing back old and new copy abilities alike, with upgraded stage design thanks to foreground and background portions of each level, the long awaited debut of the pink puff ball on the 3DS seems like it will be worth the wait. Plus, the bonus “Kirby Fighter” mode seems like an interesting use of multiplayer, pitting Kirby against Kirby in a fight for copy ability superiority. Keep an eye out as details emerge for this title.

Soul Sacrifice Delta

As one of the better Vita exclusive games last year, it’s no surprise that Soul Sacrifice is getting a follow up with Delta. From the mind of Keiji Inafune, the father of Megaman, this “kind of, but not really” Monster Hunter clone will once again pit sorcerers against various monsters told through the journals of sorcerers of the past, but this time, players will be able to reject the gods by choosing neutral options rather than be forced to sacrifice or save fallen enemies. With a March 2014 release date in Japan, look for it to hit stateside later in the year.

Of course, there are numerous games slated for 2014 that weren’t listed here, but that’s just a testament to how great of a year this is looking to be for gamers across all platforms. Is there a game here that you think isn’t worth mentioning? How about a favorite upcoming title that we missed? Let us know below and let us know what you’re looking forward to in this upcoming year of gaming!

Geekscape Games Previews: ‘Bravely Default’

by Josh JacksonJanuary 10, 2014

If you’ve watched any of the Nintendo Direct presentations over the past few months, then I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about Bravely Default. This 3DS exclusive RPG from the minds at Square-Enix promises to take us to a simpler time, filled with lands to explore, dungeons to crawl in and tough -as-nails enemies encompased in a fantasy setting while also promising a few twists to keep things interesting. After thoroughly exploring the recently released demo of the game, it’s safe to say that there’s enough here to keep old and new RPG fans alike clamoring for more.

Anyone who’s played Final Fanasy V or III, (more specifically, the DS remake from a few years ago,) you’ll feel right at home with Bravely Default. Presented in an almost pop-up book like style that’s further complemented by the stereoscopic 3D, it brings an extra flare to the chibi style character models. Each of the demo’s three distinct dungeons show off different environments that we can look forward to exploring, such as dark forests and abandoned ruins, each with enemies and bosses that will absolutely punish you if you don’t prepare your party. Those who miss the challenge of a SNES era title of this kind will be glad to know that the difficulty is unforgiving, yet fair. And that’s just on normal difficulty.

The strategy needed to take down tougher foes relies on the game’s familiar job system. Ranging from warriors and ninjas to mages and singers, each job fulfills a certain need. While each party member can only use one job at a time, ability points can be spent to carry over learned abilities from other jobs. So if you really like the Ninja’s dual weapon boost, but you also want to keep the Swordsman’s ability to gain extra attacks per turn, you can combine both attributes to accumulate huge amounts of damage. It’s customization like this that makes Bravely Default really exciting.

But most of all, what makes the demo stand out is the new ideas it brings to the table, namely the Brave and Default mechanics. Each turn costs one Brave point, which each party member gains one of every turn. If a party member uses Default instead of attacking, it’s essentially the “defend” option from other RPG’s, except this action doesn’t use the Brave Point you gained from that turn. This makes defense a huge part of any sound strategy, since defending for long enough can allow a party member to use their stored turns to move four times in one round without penalty, minimizing damage while using up their attacks at the same time. I say “without penalty” because you can choose to use up to four Brave Points within a turn as long as you have at least one to use, but if you use more points than you have, that character will be immobile for the amount of turns equal to the amount of negative BP. It’s like overdrawing your bank account, except the penalty is getting smashed in the face by a golem instead of a fee.

On top of all these features in the demo alone, any Streetpasses collected in the demo up to the first 20 will be carried over to the main game. Streetpass for Bravely Default has to be one of the best uses of the feature to date, allowing players to become summons for other characters to use. By setting an action for your Streetpass, anyone who passes you more than once can bring you into battle to perform an action that the sender sets before heading out into the world. On top of this, every time you pass a person, it adds villagers to your town, which then can be tasked with building shops, expanding the town and removing obstacles. The more you have, the faster these tasks are completed, and come in handy big time since many of the items sold here weren’t available in the standard towns.

This is definitely on our most wanted lists.

All in all, my interest in Bravely Default went from me being cautiously optimistic to this becoming a must buy for my 3DS come February. The deep, strategic game play, challenging enemies and Streetpassing galore left me wanting so mcuh more. On top of that, finishing challenges in the demo unlocks items that will be transfered to the full game, so what reason is there for this not to be on your 3DS home screen? Unless you hate RPGs, a challenge or good in the world of course.

Bravely Default will be launcing in stores (including a limited editon at select retailers,) and on the eShop on February 7th!

‘Bravely Default’ Demo Available Now Available On The 3DS eShop!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 3, 2014

Briefly: The eShop demo for Square-Enix’s latest highly anticipated 3DS RPG, has just hit the North American store.

The usual demo rules apply here (you can only open the game 30 times), but as was revealed in the last 2014 focussed Nintendo Direct, the demo features all-new content that you won’t find in the main game, and your characters (and their stuff) will transfer to the retail release.

The game looks great, and I can’t wait to take a look at the demo (as soon as I finish A Link Between Worlds, that is). Already play? Let us know how it is, and be sure to let us know if you’ll be grabbing Bravely Default when it hits North American shelves on February 7th!

‘Pokemon Bank’ and ‘Pokemon Transporter’ Potentially Delayed Due to eShop Crash

by Josh JacksonDecember 26, 2013

Many gamers like myself have been waiting on pin missiles and needle arms for tomorrow’s scheduled release of Pokemon Bank and Transporter, the two 3DS apps that would bring cloud storage to the series for the first time. Not only were users promised a free legendary Pokemon with Celebi, but these programs would allow gamers to transfer over all of the Pokemon that they’ve captured over the last 10 years into their new copies of Pokemon X and Y, so it’s not hard to see why the release was so highly anticipated.

In fact, the only ones who apparently couldn’t see it was Nintendo themselves.

Possibly due to the large influx of new consoles connecting to Nintendo’s servers on Christmas, combined with the Japanese release of Bank, the entire Nintendo Network has been down for nearly 24 hours. Gamers all over the Internet have reported not being able to access the eShop, download their digital games that were bundled with their consoles, and have lost online function in certain games.

Due to the incident, Nintendo has pulled Bank from the Japanese eShop. Furthermore, those who were able to get onto the eShop in Europe and here in the States have pointed out that the release date has been switched from December 27th to “TBD.” It’s safe to say that some more prep might have to go into launching the applications for the rest of the world.

It’s not uncommon for popular downloads to crash servers. After all, the PSN and Steam stores went down yesterday, the latter due to the free Left 4 Dead 2 giveaway yesterday. Without an official statement on the delay, I’m crossing my fingers that Nintendo will have things in order by tomorrow. However, when you consider that millions of people from around the world will be connecting at the same time when the Japanese region alone was a huge reason for the Network to crash, well… let’s just say that a shiny Mew in the Wonder Trade is more likely at this point.

If anything, I hope we get an extra legendary for the inconvenience. Jirachi perhaps? As always, check back with Geekscape for any official updates.

Zelda Confirmed for ‘Smash Bros.’

by Josh JacksonDecember 26, 2013

To coincide with the Japanese release of the The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, the latest Smash Bros update has revealed Princess Zelda as the next confirmed fighter for Nintendo’s most anticipated release.

A staple since Melee on the GameCube, it’s no surprise that the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom would make her return to the battle. Using a variety of magic attacks, Zelda has traditionally been a keep away character with a few situational close range tricks at her disposal. Her close range prowess comes mostly from her alter ego, Sheik, whom she can transform to mid battle.

However, this latest batch of screenshots are 100% Sheik free. Does this mean her transformation has been axed? Or will Sheik be shown on a later date with the focus squarely on Zelda for today? Competitively, Sheik is far more popular than Zelda, so I highly doubt that she’s gone. At the same time, Sheik hasn’t been in a Zelda game since Ocarina of Time, which was the character’s only mainline appearance. Still, I chalk it up to the reveal being tied to a new, Sheik-less Zelda game, so I’ll be patiently awaiting THAT reveal later on.

Check out this new gallery of Zelda in action, including a potentially new attack involving the suits of armor from Phantom Hourglass, and be sure to check back with Geekscape for all of your Smash Bros. news. The title is slated for a 2014 release.

SOURCE: Smashbros.com

Nintendo Direct Wrap Up: 12-18-13

by Josh JacksonDecember 18, 2013

Yesterday’s surprise announcement of a new Nintendo Direct was a welcomed one, especially considering Reggie’s reveal at VGX was… lackluster at best. Unlike the last Direct, we had plenty of Wii U news to sift through in between news of an ever growing library of fantastic 3DS games. This show was all about 2014, with a few surprises along the way. Below are the highlights straight from Nintendo’s press release sent out after the stream’s conclusion.

Wii U News

Super Smash Bros.: Rosalina, who was introduced in the Super Mario Galaxy games for Wii and makes a surprise appearance in the new Super Mario 3D World for Wii U, will be a playable character, accompanied by her starry friend, Luma. The game will launch in stores and the Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in 2014.

Note: Check out our thoughts on Rosalina’s reveal here.

Mario Kart 8: New playable characters include Rosalina and various “Baby” Nintendo characters, like Baby Mario and Baby Luigi. New course settings include an airport, the desert and high in the clouds, and vehicles include UFOs, four-wheel ATV buggies, standard karts and bikes.

NES Remix: Select parts from 16 classic NES games have been remixed with new challenges. For example, players might be tasked with completing a familiar Super Mario Bros. stage while running to the left. Or they might encounter a revamped level of Donkey Kongthat allows them to play as Link from The Legend of Zelda series. NES Remix includes Miiverse compatibility, so players with broadband Internet access can show off their skills, complete with cool 8-bit stamps. NES Remix is now available exclusively in the Nintendo eShop for $14.99.

Sonic Lost World: A new Nintendo-themed level is coming to the Nintendo eShop. Yoshi’s Island Zone is now available for free. Done in a Yoshi art style, the level has Sonic speeding through areas filled with pipes, coins, Shy Guys and Piranha Plants.

Note: Isn’t free downloadable content the bees knees? Iwata said a second piece of DLC was coming, but it wasn’t ready to be shown. He hinted that there would be a “Link” between the game’s two versions. Does it need to be said? I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I can’t wait for that F-Zero stage.

At least they’re not the Deadly Six.

Dr. Luigi: The Year of Luigi continues to deliver surprises, with a new title starring Mario’s green-clad brother. Much like the classic puzzle game Dr. Mario, Dr. Luigi requires players to line up color-coded pills to destroy viruses. Dr. Luigi offers different skill settings and attacks in multiplayer games, and an original mode where the pills are, of course, L-shaped. The game comes with a Dr. Mario mode, Wii U GamePad compatibility and online play, so wannabe virus busters from all around the world can compete. Dr. Luigi launches exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Dec. 31 for $14.99.

Oh Luigi, always bringing home viruses.

Wii Sports Club: Launching today, golf becomes the third sport added to the Wii Sports Club lineup, joining bowling and tennis. In a move not possible on any other system, golf asks players to place the Wii U GamePad controller on the floor in front of their TVs. Players can then use a Wii Remote Plus to swing at the ball on the ground, just as they would a real golf ball, enabling more precise control with each stroke. When they take their swing, the ball flies from the screen of the GamePad to the TV screen in one fluid motion. Wii Sports Club – Golf includes the nine-hole course from the original Wii Sports game, in addition to a newly developed nine-hole course based on Golf US Course, a Famicom game that Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata helped develop more than 25 years ago. Wii U owners can play a free 24-hour trial of Wii Sports Club, which lets players sample all three sports. The trial offer is open to everyone, even to people who previously sampled the 24-hour free trial. A Club Pass for the full golf game, allowing unlimited access, can be purchased for $9.99. Boxing and baseball will be coming to Wii Sports Club in 2014.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Veteran Cranky Kong joins playable characters Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong as companions for Donkey Kong. Cranky Kong comes with his own set of special moves that allow him to bounce off enemies and obstacles using his cane. Players who collect 100 bananas in a stage can execute a new move called the KONG-Pow, which turns all enemies on the screen into items. Now that Cranky Kong is setting off on an adventure, instead of overseeing the in-game shop as he did in the Donkey Kong Country Returns game, the aptly named Funky Kong will assist players by offering them items for trade in the game. The game launches Feb. 21 in stores and in the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo 3DS News

Bravely Default: A free demo of the game launches in the Nintendo eShop on Jan. 2, but this is much more than a demo. It’s an exclusive story with hours of content not included in the main game. The full game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on Feb. 7 at a suggested retail price of $39.99. If players with the full game close their system while the game is active, they might gather additional warriors via the StreetPass feature, but they also earn Sleep Points for every eight cumulative hours of down time. Sleep Points can then be used during battle to change equipment, revive a fallen party member, heal or unleash attacks beyond the game’s usual damage cap. Players who don’t want to wait for their Sleep Points to refill have the option of purchasing SP potions in the Nintendo eShop to refill all three Sleep Points at once. Also launching Feb. 7, a Collector’s Edition including the game, an art book, a soundtrack CD and 34 augmented-reality cards will be available via GameStop, Best Buy and Amazon.com at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe: The game is a side-scrolling platformer, but players can move Kirby to the background and foreground to dodge enemies and solve puzzles. Kirby can also use a new Hypernova ability, which powers up his inhale ability and enables him to suck up everything in his path. The game includes more than 20 different copy abilities, including four new ones created for this game. Kirby: Triple Deluxe also includes two new game modes: Kirby Fighters lets up to four players pick one of 10 copy abilities for their Kirby and then fight to see which is the most effective in battle. Dedede’s Drum Dash asks players to press buttons in sync with Kirby music while jumping and collecting coins. The game is planned for 2014.

Kirby continues his quest for arbor annihilation.

Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder: Everyone’s favorite helpful 4-inch-tall robot is back! This time Chibi-Robo has been tasked with helping a new museum get off the ground. Players are given silhouettes of needed objects, then use the Nintendo 3DS camera to find matching objects, known as NostalJunk, in the real world. Chibi-Robo will also help characters like superheroes and singing sponge-bears with various tasks, all while keeping an eye on his electricity reserves. The game also features community events called NostalJunk Challenges that focus on particular silhouettes, and give players opportunities to showcase their creativity and maybe earn a special outfit for Chibi-Robo to wear in the game. A demo will soon launch exclusively in the Nintendo eShop, with the full version landing on Jan. 9, 2014.

Note: Can I just say that I was all but sure that this series was dead outside of Japan? But not only is this not the case, but it’s coming out in about three weeks? Do yourselves a favor and check out this gem on the Gamecube and DS, and while you’re at it, check out my Underground Games article on the original from a few years ago.

Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter: Pokémon Bank is software that lets players store up to 3,000 Pokémon from the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games. Poké Transporter is an application that lets players take the Pokémon they’ve caught through the years and transferred into Pokémon Black and Pokémon White, as well as Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2, and transfer them into Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporterlaunch Dec. 27. Players can download a 30-day free trial version anytime between launch and Jan. 31, 2014. Following the free trial, an annual usage fee will apply for Pokémon Bank. Anyone who accesses a Pokémon Bank box by Sept. 30, 2014, will receive the Pokémon Celebi as a special gift.

Note: Want to know how Bank will work? Check out our overview of the Celebi giveaway and the details of the service here.

Yoshi’s New Island: The game launches this spring, and will be produced by Takashi Tezuka, the creative director of the original Yoshi’s Island for Super NES.

That’s the end of the press release. While that might be a ton of unexpected information, the crazy part is that this isn’t even all of it! We can’t mention today’s Direct without bringing up Hyrule Warriors, the Dynasty Warriors style Zelda game that came out of nowhere. Oh, and if you’re sitting on a ton of Club Nintendo coins, why not add Luigi to your figure collection with this Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon figurine. At least you won’t have to worry about ghosts in your home any longer.

Check out the video below to check out all of the announcements, and finally find out what would happen if Reggie were to arm wrestle himself. Enjoy!

Catch Celebi When You Download ‘Pokemon Bank’ and ‘Pokemon Transporter!’

by Josh JacksonDecember 18, 2013

Pokemon trainers like myself are eagerly counting the days until December 27th. This date will be remembered as the day that the world of Pokemon X and Y changed forever. For on this day of days, Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Transporter will arrive on the eShop, letting us import our companions from Black, Black 2, White and White 2 versions, which potentially includes everything from Ruby and Sapphire onwards. You’d be crazy not to download it, but if you were on the fence, (and why would you be?) it looks like the pot has just been sweetened.

Every person who downloads Bank and Transporter will receive Celebi, an event exclusive Pokemon who debuted as #251 back in Gold and Silver. The grass/psychic type has been a fan favorite for years, including yours truly who still considers it the best of the event exclusive series.

Celebi will be available until September 30th, which is plenty of time to gather the $4.99 necessary for the annual fee for the storage service. Remember, once the service releases, a 30 day free trial will be given to those who download it before January 31st, so there’s little reason why online shouldn’t be flooded with the things come release.

While I love Celebi, I’ll be “that guy” and complain about a free giveaway. I have to point out that it’s been given out so often that this feels a little unnecessary, especially when I can’t remember the last time Jirachi was distributed… unless they’re saving it for something big in the future. Hoenn confirmed!?!?

Ahem… anyway, as mentioned, Bank and Transporter will release on December 27th. Confused about any of it? The trailer below gives you all the juicy details on how it will work. We have nine days to catch em all! Let’s get to it!

Rosalina Joins The Battle in ‘Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS’

by Josh JacksonDecember 18, 2013

Let’s face it, we’ve been overdue for a big Super Smash Bros. announcement. It looks like Nintendo agreed, because they decided to end the year with the reveal of one of the most requested stars from the Mario universe. After much anticipation, Rosalina of Super Mario Galaxy fame is finally confirmed to be joining the fight.

After faking us out with Kirby racing on Rainbow Road against the Mario Kart participants, (which would be AWESOME if it were real. Get on it, Nintendo!) it was time for the galaxy queen to make her debut with her trusty Luma at her side. After summoning it, she seems to control similar to the Ice Climbers, where both characters can fight independently. Unlike the former however, it seems like Rosalina and Luma can seperate and fight at different positions rather than be tied to each other. Outside of this two on one assault, she can also manipulate gravity, which is shown when she pulls items towards her and creates a barrier that pushes incoming items away.

All in all, it looks like Rosalina will bring plenty of new ideas to the table. If nothing else, this reveal and her role in Super Mario 3D World show that she’s here to stay as one of the premier characters of the Mario roster. Check her out in action and let us know if the inclusion has your hype levels through the roof!

Super Smash Bros for Wii U/3DS is scheduled for 2014.

3DS Update Adds Miiverse, Nintendo Network ID!

by Derek KraneveldtDecember 10, 2013

Briefly: Nintendo has taken another step into the 21st century.

A just-launched 3DS firmware update has added some long-awaited, much needed features to the console.

First up: we’ve had Miiverse on our Wii U’s for over a year, and have been posting from our smartphones for months now. Today, the 3DS finally joins the party. You’ll be able to read, post, doodle, and more, with even more functionality (mainly friends) still coming down the pipeline.

The next why-wasn’t-it-there-from-the-start piece of the update adds a unified Nintendo ID option for the system. You can now log into the same Nintendo account on your 3DS as you have on your Wii U. This allows you to share a balance (finally) and view your wish list from either console.

To celebrate, why don’t you run and pick up a Wii U? That Wind Waker HD bundle looks pretty tasty.

Source: Nintendo

‘Mario Party: Island Tour’ Is Now Available, Watch The Launch Trailer!

by Derek KraneveldtNovember 24, 2013

Briefly: Mario Party: Island Tour looks like an absolute blast.

Everyone’s busy playing Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, or some sort of new console, but Mario Party: Island Tour still deserves your attention.

The game hit stores on November 22nd, and Nintendo has released a new trailer to celebrate the launch. I’ve had hours upon hours of fun with each and every Mario Party game that’s ever been released, and I expect that Island Tour will be no different. It also fully supports 3DS Download Play, meaning that you and your friends can all play even if only one of you actually bought the game.

Watch the awesome trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking it up!