Disney XD To Air Mario Kart 8 Competition Show ‘Clash Of Karts’

by Shane O'HareNovember 30, 2015

Like a plot point straight out The Wizard, Disney will be featuring a competition for Mario Kart 8!

Airing this Saturday, Clash of Karts: Mario Kart 8 will have eight of the country’s best youngster racers (all of whom our very own Derek Kraneveldt would DESTROY) teaming up with popular YouTubers in an attempt to win a grand prize. Personalities that are on board for the show are Strawburry 17, our friend Andre from Black Nerd Comedy, AtomicMari and SethBling.

The show is a one hour, multi round tournament with a grand prize winner announced at the end. You can catch Clash of Karts: Mario Kart 8 this Saturday, December 5th at 8 PM PST on Disney XD.

So scapists? What kind of video game competition shows would you like to see in the future?

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 27 – ‘Big Ole Splatfest!’

by GeekscapeStaffApril 27, 2015

Join Derek, Josh, Juan and Shane as they discuss the last week in video games!

Subscribe to us in iTunes!

Subscribe with another program!

Scroll to the bottom of the show notes to listen on this page!

This Week

Josh answers last week question.

Chips Challenge 1 & 2.

Lazy Game Reviews.

Heroes of The Storm gets a release date.

Rock n Roll Racing is one of the best things ever.

Project X Zone 2.

Project Justice.

Disney Infinity 3.0 leaks.

Elder Scrolls Online hits consoles.

Splatoon Wii U bundle provides 4 on 4 splat fest!

Mario Kart 8 200cc DLC.

Mortal Kombat X.

Omega Quintet.

Shonen Jump Superstars.

Destiny.

Project M.

Boss Monster.

Fantasy Life.

Pokemon Shuffle.

MLP Mobile Game.

Final Fantasy Record Keeper.

Clicker Heroes.

Full Spectrum Warrior.

This Week’s Listener Mission Objective:

What is your BIGGEST gaming regret?

Subscribe to us in iTunes!

Subscribe with another program!

Subscribe to our Twitch Channel!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:31 — 51.5MB)

200CC Mode Coming To ‘Mario Kart 8’ Alongside Next DLC!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 1, 2015

Briefly: I’m a huge fan of Mario Kart 8. It was the first entry in the series that I spent a substantial amount of time with, and it’s a game that I continue to frequently play with friends to this day. I’ve probably put more hours into Mario Kart 8 than any other game I’ve ever played.

That being said, for players like me, the game is freaking easy. Every Mario Kart title has offered 50, 100, and 150cc difficulties, and once you’ve put enough time into the game, even 150cc mode will have you feeling like you’re playing by yourself.

Today, on April 1st of all days, Nintendo announced a new, free 200cc mode to launch alongside the game’s second DLC pack. Take a look at the fast-as-hell trailer below:

That is fast, and I really can’t wait to get my hands on it. Each cc mode vastly raises the amount of skill needed to beat each of the game’s cups. I can’t even imagine what 200cc will bring, but it’s pretty clear from the above video that it won’t be easy.

The free update will arrive on April 23rd, which is also the new release date of the game’s second DLC pack (it was originally slated for May). Nintendo today also showed off an Animal Crossing stage from the upcoming DLC pack, and it’s just as cute as you’d imagine. You can take a look at the DLC video below, and let us know if you’re excited!

These Two New ‘Mario Kart’ Mercedes Ads Are Even More Ridiculous Than The Last One!

by Derek KraneveldtNovember 12, 2014

Briefly: Remember that freaking weird Mario Kart themed Mercedes ad that preceded the release of the Mercedes Mario Kart DLC?

Well, the luxury car manufacturer just released two additional, even more ridiculous spots. Great timing, seeing as we’re getting our first pack of fantastic paid DLC for the game in just a few days. This time around, the ads give us a look at both Luigi and Peach, and… well, take a look at the weirdness below.

http://youtu.be/53KpSKm4eHM

http://youtu.be/0MJm7aLLrMo

I still find it hard to believe that those are real, but I’m loving every second of them. Are you planning to pick up the new DLC?

Nintendo & Loot Crate Buddy-Up For Amiibo Subscription Service!

by Derek KraneveldtNovember 10, 2014

Briefly: However you’re feeling about Amiibo’s after the recent reveal of the final product (we gave our thoughts on figures extensively on the last two episodes of Geekscape Games, here and here), this is a pretty damned intriguing idea.

Nintendo has partnered with the fantastic folks over at Loot Crate for an ‘Amiibo Subscription Service’, which will deliver 10 pre-selected Amiibo figures to subscriber’s doors.

Here are the currently released details, straight from the big N:

With the holidays fast approaching and excitement for amiibo growing every day, the popular online delivery service Loot Crate is helping fans receive select amiibo figures after they launch on Nov. 21. By signing up for an “amiibo Subscription Service,” subscribers will receive 10 pre-selected amiibo (including Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Fox and Yoshi) separated into three special Loot Crate shipments throughout the holiday season without ever having to leave their homes.

“Featuring compatibility with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors this year, amiibo figures are shaping up to be one of the year’s must-have holiday items,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Fans around the country already enjoy Loot Crate’s approach to delivering cool new items every month, and now they have a new and convenient way to get their hands on amiibo.”

“We are honored to be working with Nintendo – a company that our team loves and respects, and that many of us grew up with,” said Chris Davis, Loot Crate’s CEO. “The iconic Super Smash Bros. games have brought people together for years, and we’re excited to become a part of that story in a new way through our amiibo Subscription Service.”

By joining the subscription service, Loot Crate guarantees the 10 pre-selected amiibo, and allows subscribers to avoid the hassle of rushing to retailers to find their favorite characters. In addition to Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Fox and Yoshi, the other five pre-selected characters will be revealed through Loot Crate soon. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors will feature amiibo compatibility this year, with functionality for Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Yoshi’s Wooly World, Mario Party 10 and more coming in the future.

Nintendo and Loot Crate also have a few additional surprises in store for Super Smash Bros. and amiibo fans, so check back with Loot Crate for further details. For more information about how to participate in the limited-time “amiibo Subscription Service,” visit http://www.lootcrate.com/amiibo.

Note that Nintendo does note that the service is available for a limited time, so if you’re at all interested, you should definitely keep your ears open.

‘Excitebike’ Track Coming To ‘Mario Kart 8’, Watch The Video!

by Derek KraneveldtOctober 28, 2014

Briefly: We’re all beyond excited for Nintendo to release the first DLC pack for the phenomenal Mario Kart 8, and the publisher is now teasing just what we can expect in the first pack’s eight new tracks.

Today, Nintendo debuted an Excitebike themed track for the game. From the video, it’s clear to see that the course will garner some nostalgic feelings from older Nintendo fans, and probably some feelings of frustration from everybody. It looks fairly flat and straight, so you can definitely expect to be hit by a lot of green shells and fireballs. Oh, and the locations of ramps and speed boosts change each time you race, so good luck with that.

Take a look at the Excitebike preview below, and let us know what you think! Each DLC pack will cost you a more-than-reasonable $7.99, or you can pick up the two-pack bundle for $11.99.

Looks like fun, huh?

First Wave Of Amiibo’s Consists Of 12 Characters, Will Launch This Holiday Season

by Derek KraneveldtAugust 30, 2014

Briefly: I haven’t purchased a toy in years, but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t going to buy every single one of these.

Back at Nintendo’s Digital Event at E3, the company revealed Amiibo, their new Skylanders-esque NFC figures which are going to make them millions (and millions) of dollars.

The company today revealed the first wave of Amiibo’s that will be available at retail, and the team consists of Mario, Peach, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, Kirby, Fox, Marth, Villager and Wii Fit Trainer. At E3, the big N also showed off Bowser and Pit figures, so I’d imagine that those are coming down the pipeline aswell.

A release date has not been confirmed, but the figures are available for pre-order for a cool $13.99 at select retailers, and will launch this holiday season.

Learn all about Amiibo (which should work with a multitude of future Nintendo games) below, and let us know how many you’ll be picking up!

Bah. I can’t wait to put these on my shelf!

Three Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Coming To ‘Mario Kart 8’ As Free DLC!

by Josh JacksonAugust 6, 2014

To celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Super Mario Kart‘s release, Nintendo has announced that three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, based on real models that have been developed by the car maker, will arrive as free DLC on August 27th.

Consisting of the Silver Arrow of the 1930’s, the 300 SL Roadster from the 1950’s, and the modern GLA, (which comes with its own special wheel options), this DLC pack will kick off a “Mercedes Cup” tournament. Taking place between August 27th thru September 23rd, players from all around the world will be able to put these new vehicles to the test, and prove their luxury car supremacy.

In addition, the game will receive a new update, with a plethora of fixes and enhancements that will surely improve the game. According to Nintendo’s official press release, they include the following:

Drivers will now have the option to display the course map on the TV screen during races.
The order of the menu after each race will be changed to “Next Race”, followed by “Watch Highlight Reel”.
The game will remember the most recent kart options that were selected, even if the Wii U system was powered down.
Users will be able to change options of other players’ Mario Kart TV downloaded highlight reels, such as changing the focus to different characters or actions.
A score screen will be added so players can see how many coins they’ve collected, the win-loss record of their online battles and their frequently used characters.
Improved the stability of the online connection to enhance user experience during online battles.

Free DLC and a ton of fixes? Not too bad if you ask me! Of course, you can always show your appreciation for all the free stuff by downloading the original Super Mario Kart, which hit the Wii U eShop today for $7.99. Or not, if soul crushing difficulty and a wall-less Rainbow Road isn’t your idea of a good time.

Now that Mercedes-Benz in Mario Kart is officially a thing here in the States, is there anything else you would like to see come to the franchise? And who else will be participating in the tournament? You’ll be sure to spot me in your rear view mirror, assuming they go back that far.

E3 2014: Nintendo Reveals NFC Amiibos… We’re Going To Go Broke

by Derek KraneveldtJune 11, 2014

Briefly: I haven’t purchased a toy in years, but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t going to buy every single one of these.

During yesterday’s Nintendo Digital Event, the company officially unveiled its NFC platform, called Amiibo. The official reveal was pretty amazing, and featured Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime and Satoru Iwata duking it out:

We don’t yet know too much about just what Nintendo wants to do with Amiibo (outside of Super Smash Bros. that is, which has some great optional functionality), but Nintendo’s Bill Trinen explained everything in the following trailer:

Did you see that smug look on his face? That’s because he knows that the company is going to make a killing off of these. We can’t wait for them to hit stores shelves.

Are you planning to pick up any Amiibo? What functionality do you hope they add to non Smash Bros. titles?

Mario Kart 8 Sells 1.2 Million Copies

by J.C. MarquezJune 2, 2014

The Mario Kart franchise has always proven to be a hit with casual and hardcore gamers. Prior to the release of Mario Kart 8, the franchise has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, so it should come as no surprise that the latest entry in the series would be one of the fastest-selling video games of the year.

This morning, Nintendo of America announced that the highly-anticipated Wii U title sold 1.2 million copies in its first weekend of release. Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime commented on the game’s opening weekend success:

“The early response to Mario Kart 8 demonstrates that the best days for Wii U are still ahead. This year’s E3 is just days away, and it will be all about the future games for Nintendo platforms. This milestone is a great place to start!”

Time will tell if Mario Kart 8 will be able to surpass the worldwide sales of Mario Kart Wii which stands at 35.5 million copies. With Mario Kart 8’s breathtaking visuals, glorious soundtrack, and the free Wii U game download promotion, Mario Kart 8 has a pretty decent shot of doing just that.

Source: Nintendo of America Press Release

Yes, You Will Be Able To Drive A Mercedes-GLA In Mario Kart 8

by Shane O'HareMay 30, 2014

http://youtu.be/_AkgJZGspCM

What you saw just now, was not a hoax or a prank. Not an actment of internet auteurs. That was an official commercial for Mercedes of Japan featuring a hunk of a Mario.

Details are slim, but Nintendo promises more info will be released soon. The good news is that it will be FREE DLC!

For more info (if you can read Japanese) head on over to Game Watch Impress.

Geekscape Games Reviews: ‘Mario Kart 8’

by Derek KraneveldtMay 29, 2014

I stated back in my review for the fantastic Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze that “with exclusives like Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, Pikmin 3, The Wonderful 101, Lego City Undercover, and not to mention the still-coming-this-year Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8 (just to name a few), you shouldn’t really need another reason to pick up a Wii U.”

Well, we’re finally on the eve of Mario Kart 8‘s anticipated release, and as expected, it’s simply another reason for you to own this console. I’ve been playing the game extensively for a few weeks now, and I absolutely can’t put the thing down. I even picked up Ubisoft’s fun yet flawed (and don’t even get me started on the broken promises) Watch Dogs on Tuesday, which I put a few good hours into… before turning it off and jumping right back into Mario Kart 8. It’s gorgeous, it’s smooth, it’s addicting as hell, and it’s the most fun I’ve had playing a video game so far this year.

The game remains fundamentally similar to its seven (yes, there has been that many) fantastic predecessors, but every aspect of the title has been tuned and retuned to produce the slickest and fastest racing game this side of F-Zero. A steady stream of unlocks keeps you saying ‘just one more cup’, as a multitude of new characters, car unlocks, stamps, and more come at a steady pace. There are some absolutely hilarious car/wheel/glider combinations that had me laughing every single time I used them, and each unlocked part can really change things up. You’ll definitely want to try out every combination, as the vehicle you think is the ‘best’ may feel even better once you change its wheels.

Some welcome changes have also made the cut. Gone are the frustrating days of a rival racer loading up on six red shells, as an item now stays in your inventory until they’re completely consumed. This also means that you can’t hold a single shell or banana at your back in order to pick up another item, you have to use what you have before you can grab something else. Honestly, I don’t understand how it took eight iterations to make this change, but it’s definitely a case of better late than never. The game’s biggest addition lies in the neat anti-gravity mode added to most (if not all) of its tracks. Many levels have twists, turns, and entire sections (going up a gigantic waterfall, and then back down for instance) that would be impossible to traverse in a regular vehicle, so in these areas your wheels turn sideways, your traction is reduced, and you regularly find yourself completely upside down. Skilled players can utilize extra speed boosts in these sections by bouncing off of opponents, but it’s definitely a risk/reward move, as you may find yourself instead flying off of the track.

The changes to Battle Mode, however, are changes that I could have gone without. There’s nothing inherently wrong the the new version, but instead of specifically designed, symmetrical battle tracks, you’re speeding through altered versions of the games racetracks. Rather than fighting each other until all balloons are lost, the default setting has you fighting for three minutes. The winner is not the last character standing, but simply the one that has collected the most balloons at the end of the time limit. It’s still fun, but it can’t shake a stick at the classic battle mode, and acts as more of a distraction than a full-fledged ‘let’s go play’ battle mode.

Nintendo has also added a trio of new items to this version, and all three of them quickly rose to sit among my favourites. The Boomerang Flower acts similarly to a green shell; it emerges straight in front of (or behind) you and flies in a straight line along the track… except it’s a boomerang, so it comes back to you. You get three throws with the item, and it can take out opponents as it travels in either direction. It’s great to see the boomerang fly past an opponent (especially a human one), only for it to collide with their character as it returns. Next up is the Piranha Plant, which gobbles up everything in front of you when it’s active, and I mean everything. It’ll grab coins, take out opponents, grab banana peels, shells, etc, making you nearly invulnerable for the time that it’s active. Then there’s the Super Horn, which nets you one use, and basically blows everything that surrounds your character when activated away from you. This includes banana peels, other racers trying to catch a draft, and it’ll also get rid of that pesky (and previously impossible to avoid) blue shell if timed right. I’ve never felt more badass than I did the first time I got rid of the blue shell in this manner… which is probably a testament to how much of a loser I am.

As expected, Mario Kart 8 looks and sounds phenomenal too. The game runs at 720p at a locked 60 frames-per-second (30 in three or four player split-screen multiplayer, but more on that later), and even though it doesn’t come close to the magical, anything-less-is-crap 1080p, it’s probably the best looking game I’ve played in some time. The vibrant, colourful artstyle of the the tracks, characters, and karts lend themselves so well to the upgraded visuals, that it’s impossible to think that this isn’t an astonishingly beautiful title. It’s said nearly every time Nintendo releases another gem for the Wii U, but Mario Kart 8 is the best looking game that the company has released.

I’m happy to say that each and every one of Mario Kart 8‘s 32 tracks (16 new and 16 refreshed retro levels) are welcome additions. You’ll race through every terrain imaginable, in a variety of new and familiar locations, and you’ll love every freaking second of it. Whether it’s a completely redone Donut Plains 3 (complete with previously mentioned anti-gravity sections) or the new Rainbow Road, there simply isn’t a dud in the entire bunch. They look fantastic from every angle, which you’ll see in the game’s new ‘Highlight Reel’ after every race. The quick (~20 second) reel shows you some of the coolest things that happened in each race, and you’ll probably spend way too much time watching these in silky smooth slow motion. You can even edit and share these reels on YouTube. It’s probably the only replay mode in any racing game ever that I’ve actually spent some time with.

My favourite part of Mario Kart 8 is the feature that other developers and consoles have all but forgotten: split-screen multiplayer. I only own one controller for my Playstation 4 and Xbox One, and that’s a fact that likely will never change. Local multiplayer on other consoles is so rare that it simply doesn’t make sense to own additional controllers (especially at the price of controllers these days). On the Wii U however, I’ve played through New Super Mario Bros. U, Super Mario 3D World, and now Mario Kart 8 (among other games) with three friends by my side, as in, on the same couch. I’m so happy that the conversation is “Hey, do you guys want to come over and play Mario Kart” rather than “Hey, do you guys want to come over and take turns playing Mario Kart.” Two players can head online at once (the game features 12-player online multiplayer, which I can’t wait to get more time with), but the shining star here is the four-player split-screen. Yep. Four-players, at the same time, on the same console. The game dips to 30 frames-per-second when you’re playing with three or four players, but it still looks great, and it still plays just as well as I’ve spent the last 1200 words describing. You’ll have access to every cup, track, and battle, all while sitting in the same room as your friends.

Mario Kart 8 is a beautiful, insanely fun racer that is far and away worth picking up a Wii U for. As if the game wasn’t already worth the cost (it is, and more), buying and registering the title on Club Nintendo before July 31st will get you another game FOR FREE. We’ve had a lot of great gaming experiences thus far in 2014, but as mentioned, Mario Kart 8 is the most fun I’ve had playing a video game this year.

Pros and Cons / TL;DR :

+ Phenomenal local multiplayer.

+ Gorgeous graphics, great soundtrack.

+ New items are welcome additions.

+ Great mix of tracks.

+ Antigravity.

– New Battle Mode is lame compared to old Battle Mode.

– Online is a step in the right direction for Nintendo, but still too limited.

– I’m not playing it right now.

Final Score: 4.5/5

Want To Play ‘Mario Kart 8’ Weeks Before Release? Head To Your Participating GameStop Stores This Weekend!

by Josh JacksonMay 16, 2014

Nintendo and GameStop are teaming up again to bring Mario Kart 8 to the people two weeks before its release date. On the weekend of May 17th, select stores will have the game on display for anyone who wants to give the game a test drive with an exclusive demo version.

Coming exclusively to the Wii U, new and existing preorders will receive a Mario Kart 8 poster for attending. In addition, GameStop will be giving away prizes up to the release of the game with its #MarioKartMemories campaign, so those time where you got hit by a blue shell off of Rainbow Road right behind the finish line might be useful for more than just immense rage.

For further details, including entry rules for the #MarioKartMemories campaign and participating store locations for the Test Drive event, visit these links. For now, check out the game in motion and share your excitement with the world! Mario Kart 8 will release on May 30th.

Buy ‘Mario Kart 8’, Get Another Wii U Title FREE!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 30, 2014

Briefly: Nintendo has just announced a ton of sweet new info for Mario Kart 8, which hits stores on May 30th.

First up, if you’re not yet a Wii U owner, an excellent new bundle has just been announced that’ll give you everything that you need to get started. The bundle costs a cool $329.99, and will include a Wii U Deluxe Set system, a Mario Kart 8 game, a red Mario Wii Wheel accessory and a red Mario Wii Remote Plus controller. That’s enough for you and a pal to get your Kart on.

Already own the console? If you buy Mario Kart 8 and register it with Club Nintendo before July 31, you’ll receive a free Nintendo eShop download code for an ANOTHER Wii U game. You’ll have the choice of New Super Mario Bros. U, Pikmin 3, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, or Wii Party U. This offer also applies to people who get the game in the Mario Kart 8 bundle or digitally in the Nintendo eShop.

So you’re buying a game that you know is going to be amazing, and you’re getting another critically acclaimed titled for doing it. That’s awesome.

Will you be picking up the game? Grabbing a console just so you can play it? Be sure to let us know!

Gorgeous New ‘Mario Kart 8’ Trailer Shows off New Courses and Items

by Derek KraneveldtApril 3, 2014

Briefly: We’re barely a month and a half away from a new killer app for Nintendo’s Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and the publisher has just debuted a new trailer for the anticipated title.

The trailer showcases the absolutely beautiful new game (who said that the Wii U didn’t have good graphics), and gives us a peek at some of the new tracks in the game, including a spectacular looking Rainbow Road. You’ll also notice a couple of new items in the mix, and we can’t wait to try them out.

Here are some of the game’s new features, which were just announced by the big N:

– Spin Boost: While racing upside down or on walls, players can bump into other racers or certain track obstacles to get a speed boost. The Spin Boost fundamentally redefines the way that players compete, and makes anti-gravity racing even more exhilarating.

– Returning Characters: In Mario Kart 8, players can race with returning characters Metal Mario, Lakitu and Shy Guy. These newly revealed returning characters join a host of previously announced favorites, including all seven of Bowser’s Koopalings, who are playable for the first time in video game history.

– New Items: Two new items join the fray in Mario Kart 8. First, the Piranha Plant attaches to the front of the player’s kart and chomps at other characters, banana peels on the track or even shells thrown by other characters. Each time the Piranha Plant lunges forward to bite, the player receives a brief boost of speed. The second new item is the Boomerang Flower. After acquiring it, racers can throw a Boomerang at opponents to stun them, and its arc allows players to strike multiple opponents with a single toss. The Boomerang can be thrown three times – forward or backward.

– New Courses: Remixed classic courses make a return in Mario Kart 8, with favorites such as Moo Moo Meadows from Mario Kart Wii, Toad’s Turnpike from Mario Kart 64 and Donut Plains from Super Mario Kart, among others. The graphics and layout of these courses have been redesigned and re-imagined. For example, Toad’s Turnpike now allows players to drive up certain walls in anti-gravity mode. Mario Kart 8 will include 16 new courses and 16 remixed classic courses.

– Live Recorded Music: For the first time in the Mario Kart series, select courses in Mario Kart 8 feature music recorded by live performers.

– Control Scheme: Mario Kart 8 will support a variety of control schemes, including the Wii U GamePad, the Wii U Pro Controller, the Wii Wheel and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The game can also be played in off-TV mode using just the Wii U GamePad.

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know just how excited you are to pick this one up.

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.

‘Mario Kart 8’ Drifts In On May 30th; Includes Koopalings!

by Josh JacksonFebruary 13, 2014

As mentioned in our Nintendo Direct preview, it was fully expected that we would get some more news regarding Mario Kart 8’s approaching release. Now that the presentation has come and gone, it’s safe to say that we got more than any of us could’ve expected, complete with a release date and seven new characters!

Mario Kart 8 will arrive on the Wii U on May 30th, complete with a plethora of anti gravity tracks that have been wowing us since its initial announcement. That wasn’t all though, because the release date reveal came with a brand new trailer, which brings back some familiar faces that we’ve been used to stomping on for a decade and a half.

All of the Koopalings of Super Mario Bros. 3 fame will find their way onto the Mario Kart track for the first time. While Mario Kart games don’t typically have an overly large roster, (not that it needs one, it’s a racing game after all,) these additions are making it look like the eighth entry might be the biggest one yet! Hey, if Funky Kong can make the cut, then the Koopalings are long overdue.

Are you picking up Mario Kart 8 when May 30th rolls along? Watch the trailer below if you need any convincing, and stay glued to Geekscape.net for more information as it’s revealed.

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.

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!

E3 2013: ‘Mario Kart 8’ Gameplay Impressions

by JonathanJune 11, 2013

If there’s a non-Zelda game that I’m looking forward to the most on the Wii U, it’s a Mario Kart title, which Nintendo announced this morning in the form of Mario Kart 8. Just like any classic Mario Kart title, Mario Kart 8 features a big lineup of Mario characters (each with their own personalized karts) and brand new race tracks (each with their own hidden passageways and secrets). What’s new this time around, beyond the beautiful HD graphics, is the inclusion of the motorcycles from the Wii version, the gliders and submarines from the 3DS version, and a brand new kart: the hovercraft. And the hovercraft comes immediately handy with the arrival of levels in which you’ll find yourself driving on the sides of the walls and even upside down on the ceiling.

In the 3 tracks that I played in my short time with the game, Mario Kart 8 seemed like more of the same. For gamers who had grown tired of the same mechanics by Mario Kart 7, there’s not a whole lot new here, other than new takes on traditional courses like the Ghost Manor, the seaside town from Mario Sunshine and Treetop Terrace. Yes, driving on the ceiling and walls can be very cool, but the rapid change in screen orientation and super loud HD graphics can give you a sense of sea sickness after awhile. The nice lady demoing the game for Nintendo said she was starting to feel sick after just watching the gameplay. There also didn’t appear to be any new power ups that I could use, not that I consider the classic Mario Kart in any way broken. I’m a big fan of every iteration of the game and will be picking this up day one.

The game can be played on the Wii U gamepad in two ways, either using the thumb stick for steering similar to the Gamecube controller, or with the built in motion controls similar to Mario Kart Wii. And you can switch controls in the middle of the game. The other use of the pad is pretty hilarious: there’s a horn button in the middle of the pad that you can use to honk your horn and cause the other drivers to turn their heads. I caused one fender bender ahead of me between two computer controlled characters in order to get back into first place.

All in all, there’s still a lot to be seen. The three courses on display weren’t final versions and were too short, with only two laps apiece and not a lot of variation in laps (the second time through the Ghost Mansion, portions of it were underwater). That being said, my time with the game on the crowded floor was also too short, and I look forward to playing the game this Winter when it is released. Hopefully, Nintendo keeps up their strong recent history with online gaming support, as this is going to be a lot of fun to play across the Miiverse. The dream of additional downloadable tracks (including classic tracks) is also one that I keep having and hopefully this is the version of Mario Kart that brings it to reality!