Tag: Nintendo DS

Nintendo Direct Mini: ‘The World Ends With You Final Remix’ Makes Its Way To Switch!!

by The_acz

11 Years ago Square Enix released a small RPG title for the Nintendo DS.

This game had an odd story and even odder gameplay. Unlike normal RPG’S, this one took advantage of the dual screens on the console to create 2 separate styles of gameplay. One where you would normally attack your way through enemies, and the other where you’d use magical pins to attack. Although very positively reviewed and loved by fans, the game failed to sell enough copies to warrant a sequel and any continuation of the series. This game was The World Ends With You, and the game is finally receiving a 2nd chance at success.

Nintendo’s January mini direct kicked off with this announcement, and fans were absolutely ecstatic about the announcement. Remember that weird anime guy with the headphones from Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance? His name is Neku, and he’s the main protagonist of the game.  The game starts with a mysterious countdown timer appearing on his hand informing him to get downtown or face termination, and from there, mysteries and mysteries abound pop up.

For fans planning a return trip to the game, you’ll be happy to know that Square will be adding a whole new section of the game that definitively wraps up the story for good. No release date has been announced, but the game is slated as a Nintendo Switch exclusive for sometime this year.  Check out the announcement trailer below!

New Nintendo NX Patent Suggests Some Revolutionary Technology Is Incoming!

by Matt Rodriguez

Nintendo’s newest console/platform, codenamed the “NX” is right on the horizon, and Nintendo just filed a patent that is likely related to the technology involved.

This patent in question will utilize “additional computing devices” in order to bolster the system’s capabilities, similar to purchasing an upgrade.  These devices may or may not be wired in nature.

The last time that Nintendo tried an upgrade approach was for the Nintendo 64, with a device called a “Jumper Pack” used to bolster the system’s memory–this device was required to play titles such as Donkey Kong 64.  Even moving forward, Nintendo developed ways to connect to external devices, such as the Game Boy Advance/GameCube translator cable, the ability to connect the Nintendo DS and 3DS wirelessly to the Wii and Wii U, as well as the latest technology that connects the Wii U’s Gamepad Controller to the Wii U as an additional screen.  However, NONE of these technologies pushed off processing power to the additional devices.

What can this possibly mean?  There is already speculation abound that it might be extra “upgrade parts”, and will function very much like cluster technology.  Without going heavy on details, the PS3’s “Folding @ home” technology can be used as an example, where using the software added your PS3 as part of a cluster with all of the other PS3s around the world to be able to do complex computing to help find the cure for many types of cancers.

I have a different theory, though.

With the background knowledge that Nintendo’s console and handheld departments have recently started working in the same building , I think it’s very much possible that Nintendo may be trying to market its portables and consoles together as a bundled value.  One of the few advantages of having a home-based console is stronger graphics, so if, for example, you could purchase a handheld system, but when not in use, allow it to be used by your home console to bolster it’s capabilities, then it doubles as both an upgrade for your home console, AND a handheld gaming device at the same time.  This way, you can get extra value by owning a handheld, but not lose any value on the home console if you choose not to purchase one.

Reggie Fils-Aime of Nintendo of America has already noted that they won’t be saying anything substantial about the NX until next year’s E3.  Although we’re getting very excited, we’ll have to wait and see!

How do you all feel about this new patent?  Is it a game changer, and do you have your own theories about how it can be implemented?  We would like to know!

NX

Sources: USPTO, Extreme Tech, WiiUDaily

Japanese Trailer Shows Which Amiibo Are Compatible With ‘Kirby And The Rainbow Curse’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Josh went hands on with the gorgeous-looking Kirby and the Rainbow Curse back at E3 in June. The game acts as a successor to early DS title Kirby’s Canvas Curse, but with a new (and charming) art style, a ton of new gameplay elements, and its all coming to us on a home console instead of a handheld.

A new Japanese overview trailer has just been released for the title, and while I obviously don’t understand a word of it, it does show off which Amiibo will be compatible with the anticipated sequel. You won’t have a huge number of figures to utilize here, but the game is compatible with Kirby, Meta Knight, and King Dedede. Each figure unlocks a special power-up that can be used once per day.

You can take a look at the overview trailer, which shows off some new new gameplay features, below, and be sure to let us know what you think! As for Amiibo, are you still hunting? Will you be picking up Meta Knight and Dedede? Sound out below!

 

Geekscape Games: Hands-On With ‘Kirby And The Rainbow Curse’

by Josh Jackson

Nintendo’s E3 Digital Event was full of surprises, but few were as unexpected as the latest Kirby title heading to the Wii U.

As early Nintendo DS adopters can tell you, Kirby’s Canvas Curse was a bright spot on what was otherwise a painful start for the dual screen handheld. But although it used the touch screen as its primary control type to draw paths, tap characters and block obstacles for a a ball shaped Kirby, it wasn’t a mini game collection. It wasn’t a glorified tech demo either. To many a gamer’s surprise, it was one of the most innovative, challenging and fun titles the pink puff ball had been in for a long time. With a sequel on the way nearly 10 years after we all scratched up our handhelds with our frantic drawing, it was time to see if Rainbow Curse could carry over the magic that the canvas left behind.

WiiU_Kirby_scrn05_E3

Instead of using sprite based art, Rainbow Curse has opted to go with a claymation visual style, which gives a ton of charm to an already adorable series while making it stand out from the dozens of Kirby titles already on the market. Like its predecessor, the controls consist of drawing paths for Kirby as he rolls forward on his own. Getting creative with your pathways with tricks like drawing loops often lead towards hidden areas and bonus points that played into my overall rank at the end of the stage, but doing so is easier said than done since there are enemies and traps at every turn.

Tapping Kirby will make him charge forward, defeating certain enemies and destroying blocks in the process. For those times where your foes actually wisen up and use stronger blocks to hinder your progress, holding the stylus on Kirby will charge him up, allowing him to plow through stronger obstacles while doing his best Sonic impression. Keeping a close eye on the stages leads to additional treasure that can be discovered as well, so some well timed drawing is in order to get the most out of each world, especially for the completionists out there.

WiiU_Kirby_scrn01_E3

Eventually, stages get a lot more complex, especially with the water stage shown off in the demo. Using currents to move Kirby in the right direction, the paths drawn act as more of a barrier, keeping the star warrior safe from hazards and enemies that he would otherwise float aimlessly into. And when opponents get too big to fight with conventional methods, Kirby’s new Tank form turns him into a missile firing weapon of mass destruction, switching to an action shooter-ish play style that’s a departure from the standard path drawing. There’s a reason why the pink puffball is considered the strongest warrior in the universe!

Familiar, yet with some new tricks up his non-existent sleeves, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse is poised to bring us back to the greatness of its predecessor while making some fresh improvements to the formula. Still challenging, still adorable and still unlike any other game out there, here’s to hoping Rainbow Curse will continue to surprise us when its released in 2015 exclusively for the Wii U.

http://youtu.be/aH9znuWkdbI

A DS Classic Gets A Sequel With ‘Kirby’s Rainbow Curse’!

by Josh Jackson

In the early days of the original DS, back when we only had an N64 remake, a glorified tech demo and an admittedly brilliant WarioWare game to play, a new Kirby game with fully integrated touch screen controls become one of the early highlights of the growing handheld. Kirby’s Canvas Curse became known as one of the most creative, challenging and rewarding experiences in the series, but like many of Kirby’s spinoffs, many of us thought we’d never see it again.

Well, think again. Nintendo’s E3 Digital Event revealed a Wii U exclusive sequel! Titled Kirby’s Rainbow Curse, this game is already looking like it’s set to bring back everything that made the original so memorable while building on what was already great. Using the game pad to draw paths for a ball shaped Kirby to navigate, the demo shows new abilities such as a tank transformation, all presented with a claymation visual style. Don’t mess with the pink puffball, man!

Kirby’s Rainbow Curse is scheduled for a 2015 release, making that year seem like an even sweeter one for Wii U owners. Watch the trailer and let us know of your greatest memories Canvas Curse memories!

Watch A New Trailer For ‘Lego Marvel Super Heroes’

by Derek Kraneveldt

How’s everyone liking all this pre-E3 news so far?

Via GameTrailers, Travellers Tales has just released an awesome new trailer for the upcoming Lego Marvel Super Heroes. The game has been kept under wraps for quite some time, with only small peeks and teasers being revealed. This new trailer gives us a much better look at the game, including some major plot elements. I’m unbelievably excited for this title.

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know what you think! Stay tuned for more E3 coverage throughout the expo!

Lego Marvel Super Heroes hits consoles later this year!

Source: GameTrailers

‘Lego Marvel Super Heroes’ Gets A New Teaser Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Traveller’s Tales is doing a great job at keeping this one under wraps.

The developer has just released a new teaser for the upcoming Lego Marvel Super Heroes. The preview is short but sweet, showing off just a few of the heroes you’ll be able to play in the game. Very little footage from the actual game has been released, so while we know how well Lego Marvel Super Heroes will play (based on all of the other awesome Lego video games), I’m beginning to wonder if there’s something new and exciting in store for us.

Watch the new teaser below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the game. Lego Marvel Super Heroes is set to hit consoles later this year!

Take A First Look At ‘Lego Marvel Super Heroes’!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Earlier this year, Lego and Marvel announced Lego Marvel Super Heroes. The Lego series of video games really needs no introduction; titles like Lego Batman, Lego Indiana Jones, and Lego Harry Potter have been pleasing kids, adults, and fans for years.

This Fall, the hat tips towards Marvel fans. Marvel Lego Super Heroes will release on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii U, Vita, 3DS, and PC later this year. GameTrailers today released the first gameplay video for the title, which unsurprisingly looks fantastic.

Watch the footage below, and let us know what you think!


Source: GameTrailers

Capture the Elusive Darkrai Until June 10th!

by Josh Jackson

Darkrai, the hard to find Nightmare Pokemon from the Diamond and Pearl generation, is currently obtainable in Black and White versions. By simply going into your main menu and downloading it through mystery gift, this powerful creature can be a dream come true in any trainer’s team.

Why should you care? This dark type monster isn’t associated with nightmares for nothing. And no, it’s not just because of its emo bangs covering up one eye. Its special ability automatically reduces its opponent’s health every turn the foe is asleep. Adding in its wide variety of special type dark attacks, and this hidden beast will become a challenge for almost any oppenent, especially against the usually domanant psychic types.

Make sure to catch this rare Pokemon before June 10th. These special creatures only tend to show up once every few years, (unless you’re a Game Sharking cheater that is!) And the best part is you’ll have it a few months before the release of Black and White 2, so you can dominate your friends while they’re fiddling around with their brand new Tepigs. In other words, Darkrai is for winners. You’re a winner, aren’t you?

Really? A Pokemon and Nobunaga’s Ambition Crossover?!

by Steven Kunz

I have heard a lot of interesting crossovers during my time as a gamer: Kingdom Hearts, Super Smash Brothers, and Marvel vs. Capcom to name a few, and I’ve enjoyed many of these crossovers whenever I came across them, though I was never seriously invested in any of them to warrant dedicated gameplay. Most of these crossovers warranted at least a cursory examination depending on how out-of-place they were, or how the developers came up with a way to unite two completely different franchises, though there usually was an element tying them together that made sense, whether it’d be story-setting, similar game mechanics, or artistic aesthetic.

When I first heard about Pokemon and Nobunaga’s Amibition having a crossover, I was dumbstruck because these two franchises are extremely different to me.  Pokemon is a family-friendly RPG series where you capture monsters to become a Pokemon Master while Nobunaga’s Ambition is a RPG series in which you choose one of many feudal warlords of Japan in order to conquer and unify the country under a single ruler. How in the world would you take these two franchises with two completely different themes and settings and combine them into a coherent story with gameplay?

Analyzing one of the trailers, it looks like you choose one warlord with a specific Pokemon, and you attack your opponent’s Pokemon in a tactics-based RPG combat setting, similar to Final Fantasy Tactics advance, and you proceed to conquer your other opponents in their story, whether each warlord has their individual story, or you’re playing the same story with each warlord offering their own unique dialogue to situations in the game. The game does certainly look interesting to at least check out, though whether it is good or not, or even if the game will even see an international release, remains to be seen.

Source: http://venturebeat.com/2012/03/24/pokemon-nobunagas-ambition-crossover-is-a-real-thing/

Hulu Plus coming to the Nintendo 3DS!

by Steven Kunz

The Nintendo 3DS is becoming more of a media device, which seems to be an indication of where future video game platforms are moving towards. In terms of Nintendo platforms, the Wii has Netflix streaming and Hulu Plus has recently become available as a free app for the system. (Each one requires a subscription to use, although you can stream on multiple devices once you are a subscriber to Netflix or Hulu Plus) The 3DS also has Netflix and Nintendo Video which downloads 3D video clips from different partners like CollegeHumor, 3Net, and Variety. By the end of this year, the 3DS will have Hulu as another media app available for download

Hulu Plus is currently being developed as an app for the Nintendo 3DS, and is slated to be available sometime before the end of the year. While other platforms have an app for Hulu Plus, I wonder if the 3DS app will just be for streaming content, or will it take advantage of the 3DS’ Streetpass and Spotpass capability?

If I might be allowed to speculate, I would say that the 3DS app should focus on streaming, but allow access to exclusive content for 3DS users with the Spotpass updates and Streetpass feature, regardless of whether they pay for a subscription. This way, not only will it give potential users another reason to subscribe, but it keeps you accessing the app consistently, which is really important in the longevity of Hulu Plus’ 3DS integration in my opinion.

At this time, there is no other information other than it’s announcement, so I guess we will have to wait and see. Either way, good to see the 3DS becoming versatile in delivering content to it’s users.

Source: http://mashable.com/2012/02/16/hulu-plus-wii/

Pokemon Black and White 2 Announced

by Josh Jackson

During the Pokemon Smash! TV show in Japan, Game Freak head Junichi Masuda let the electric shooting cat out of the bag; Pokemon Black and White 2 are headed to the DS!

The announcement was surprising on many levels. First, it’s no shocker that a new version of Black/White would be coming eventually, especially considering the series is known for releasing a third “enhanced” version, (and by enhanced, I mean the same game with a few slight changes.) However, these games are the first full fledged sequel within a Pokemon generation. Whether or not the game will have a new story, an updated Unova region or a new region altogether remains to be seen, but I’m crossing my fingers that the game will expand on the surprisingly well told story from the originals. Oh, and now there are two new versions instead of one, proving once again that Pokemon’s strongest ability is the ability to print money.

Secondly, while I have no idea how the games would properly communicate if they were on different platforms, it seems to be a shock to some that the games are coming to the DS instead of the 3DS. It makes sense to me that a direct sequel to a DS game should remain on the DS while the next generation is prepped for the 3DS, especially since the 3DS is fully backwards compatible, but I feel for my 3DS owners who want their creatures to take advantage of their shiny new handheld. Let’s just hope that the games will have extra 3DS functionality or bonuses, like Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Ages did for the GBA.

And lastly, the cover Pokemon seems to be the complete version of the three main Legendaries from the first games. It was said that the previous mascots, Reshiram and Zekrom, were once one Pokemon that split into two, while the hidden ice beast Kyurem was implied to be their discarded body after the split. What can these new creatures be? Are they new Pokemon, or are they Kyurem with either Reshiram’s fire element or Zekrom’s electric element? I can’t wait to find out!

Black and White 2 will hit Japanese shelves in June, while the games will be “coming soon,” to North America.