Tag: Pikmin 3

The 12 Days Of Switchmas: Day 11- New Life For The Wii U?

by Josh Jackson

It’s my turn once again to talk about what I’m hoping Nintendo will deliver with the Switch, the company’s upcoming console. If you want to get caught up with the rest of the series, including how the Virtual Console should be revamped, and how table top gaming could change the game for the system, check us out here!

This next entry might sound a bit weird coming from me. Both on the podcast and in my writings, I’ve talked at length about how I feel like this generation has become a glorified PS3 and Xbox 360 retread. It’s hard not to think otherwise when so many recent releases are remasters and collections of games no one ever asked for, (I’m looking at you, Deadpool and Legend of Kay Anniversary). But in the case of the Switch, with so much mainstream attention being shined on it as we approach Nintendo’s big conference, what better time would there be to breathe new life into some of the Wii U’s greatest games?

If this can get a remaster, why not Donkey Kong?

Yes, contrary to what popular opinion might tell you, the Wii U has a fantastic library of exclusive titles. Due to the low install base however, most of them never got their fair shot, forcing many great games to get tossed aside. The company seems to already be on the right track when you consider the rumors that have surfaced since the system’s reveal, which include versions of Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, and my two favorite games of 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X and Splatoon. On other consoles, versions of ZombiU minus the Game Pad have already been released, while Lego City Undercover is on its way.

Splatoon is sure to be a highlight for the Switch!

But with those games on the table, you’re still missing so many games that haven’t been accounted for. Pikmin 3 was the best game in the series yet, with multiple characters and paths to play with. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is one of the best 2D platformers you’ll ever play. Imagine Super Mario 3D World with online multiplayer and a few new characters so you can play with your friends no matter where you are? Bayonetta has definitely taken back some of the spotlight since making her debut in Smash, so it makes perfect sense for her second game to make the jump to the Switch as well. And dare I mention my game of the year of 2016, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, a game that was so poorly promoted that even the Atlus and RPG faithful didn’t even know what it was, let alone being aware that it released. The Switch and its portable capabilities would be perfect for the simulated text messaging app that your party uses to communicate with you outside of combat. And let’s not forget Kirby’s Rainbow Curse, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, Pokken Tournament, and the many other games that could do well with a much larger install base. For that matter, why stop with the Wii U? The Wii had plenty of games that became casualties in the propaganda machine that convinced many that the Wii had no games for “hardcore gamers”. So I would LOVE to be able to replay hard to find gems like Zack and Wiki, Madworld, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, The Last Story, Pandora’s Tower, and many other forgotten classics that didn’t get their due.

Bayonetta 2 would be a perfect candidate for a second chance.

While the influx of re-releases has gotten out of control in recent years, one benefit is that they fill in library gaps when the system would otherwise be pushing through a dry spell. When you pad your library with games that most people never played the first time around, they end up feeling brand new to most of your install base while having to invest very little in comparison to making a brand new game. It’s a win-win for consumers and Nintendo alike!

I’ve gone over what I want to see, so now it’s your turn. What Nintendo exclusives would you want to see get a second chance on the Switch? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check back tomorrow for our FINAL entry in our 12 Days of Switchmas series.

Wait, What? ‘Pikmin 4’ Is Happening, And Nearly Complete?

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I love Pikmin.

I was absolutely floored that Pikmin 3 ever happened. Nintendo has a lot of properties that haven’t received new titles in years, and I didn’t know that Pikmin sold well enough to warrant another title any time soon.

Well, apparently Pikmin 4 is happening, and it may be closer than we think.

In a just-released interview with Eurogamer (held back in July), Miyamoto revealed news of the next Pikmin game:

“It’s actually very close to completion,” Miyamoto said. “Pikmin teams are always working on the next one.”

Sure, it’s just a single sentence, but it’s a sentence that makes me so happy.

Nintendo confirmed that the title was in fact. in development, but would not comment on a platform or release date.

Excited? What do you hope to see in the next game? Sound out below!

Pikmin

New ‘Pikmin 3’ DLC Brings on Hordes of Enemies

by Josh Jackson

This morning, Nintendo announced that the latest batch of Pikmin 3 DLC is available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop. Adding four maps consisting of areas from the game’s story mode, these missions have been added to the “Battle Enemies” section of challenge mode.

As with the last set of content, the maps can be played both alone or cooperatively, where would-be astronauts will lead their army of Pikmin to take out as many predators within a certain time limit. One of the maps will be released for free with the latest update for the game, whereas the rest can be purchased together for the low low price of $1.99 if the first taste keeps you wanting more. All and all, I think it’s a pretty good deal.

Pikmin 3 DLC 2New and old enemies alike seem to be making an appearance.

I was worried when Nintendo stepped into the realm of DLC, but considering the way they’ve been handling it, (low prices, mostly unique content and usually developed post release,) I have to admit that these updates are a welcomed surprise. I mean four maps for two dollars? That’s better than horse armor, that’s for sure.

Will you be picking up this latest set of content for one of the best games on the Wii U? Let us know in the comments below!

Geekscape 300: The Super Giant Geekscape 300 Spectacular!

by Jonathan

This is it! Geekscape 300! Joining us for this super-sized Geekscape spectacular is Clerks star Marilyn Ghigiotti, who not only brings us lasagna (which made my head explode), but also catches us up on her post-Clerks work and talks about the process of finding out she’s going to be in ‘Clerks 3’! Gilmore, Ben Dunn and Ian Kerner appear to reenact the first Geekscape! Witney Siebold and Jason Trost talk ‘Elysium’, with Ian Kerner and Jon Schnepp (who gives us an updated on ‘The Death of Superman Lives’ documentary)! Stan Lee’s Comikaze organizer Regina Carpinelli previews what’s in store for this year’s Comikaze and Geekscape writers Juan Carlos Marquez and Josh Jackson tell us why ‘Pikmin 3’ is definitely worth picking up! PLUS! ‘Airwolf’ comic writer David Gorden calls in along with longtime Geekscape writers Jacob Lopez, Shane O’Hare, Matt Kelly and Derek Kraneveldt! JUAN CARLOS!!!

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:19 — 37.8MB)

Nintendo Direct Rundown: Games, Games, Games!

by Derek Kraneveldt

You’ll have to watch this morning’s Nintendo Direct to really feel the excitement (embedded below), but essentially, it’s a fantastic day to be a Nintendo fan, and a wonderful time to be a Wii U owner.

 

 

First, let’s get the non-game news out of the way. Now, I love my Wii U, but of course, like anything, the thing isn’t perfect. My main issue (which rears its ugly head every time the console is turned on) is just how slow the damn thing can be. It seems to take forever to move between menus on this system, and if you’re trying to return to the menu from inside a game, well, you may as well hit the restart button.

 

Nintendo knows about the speed issues, and is working to fix them. Two system updates are on the way (one due this Spring, one this Summer) that will address these problems, along with adding new functionality to the machine.

 

Almost more exciting than any new game.
Almost more exciting than any new game. Well, not really.

 

As Nintendo mentioned previously, Miiverse (which everyone seems to love) is still coming for smartphones. In the Spring, you’ll be able to access the service via your phone’s browser, but dedicated applications are in the works, so that you’re always just a tap away.

 

Along with the upcoming Spring update is (YES!) Virtual Console functionality for Wii U. The service will (strangely) launch with just NES and SNES titles, while GBA games will be added sometime in the future (hmmm… what about all of the other stuff on the Wii VC?). Pricing will be equivalent to the Wii Virtual Console Versions, and (lamely) if you’ve already purchased a title, it’ll cost you another $1 (or $1.50 for SNES) to get it on your Wii U. Hopefully for that, they come with some added functionality (fully customizable controls have already been revealed), and the ability to play the games on JUST the GamePad.

 

Now, the good stuff.

 

First, Zelda. In a completely unexpected piece of news… we’re getting two of them! Remember how AMAZING The Wind Waker looked when it came out all the way back in 2003? Well it’s about to get a lot prettier: this Fall, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is going HD. Featuring improvements to gameplay and (hugely) to graphics, you’ll also be able to play this one on just the GamePad. This looks like is an absolute must buy.

 

Wow... Wow... Wow...
Wow… Wow… Wow…

 

It was also revealed that a Wii U specific Zelda title is in the works, set to “rethink the conventions of Zelda”. This one won’t be ready for some time however, so Wind Waker HD will have to do for now.

 

Everyone’s favourite Italian has two titles in the works for the Wii U. A new version of Mario Kart is in development, as well as a new Mario platformer, which will also be playable in 3D. Both games are set to be revealed at this year’s E3 convention (which hopefully means a holiday release).

 

The team behind the underrated Kirby’s Epic Yarn is at it again, but this time it’s Yoshi’s turn. The director of Yoshi’s Island and Yoshi’s Story is supervising the development of this one, which is Yoshi’s first starring role since 1998. Yarn Yoshi looks pretty damn… well, pretty.

 

WiiU_Yoshi012313_Scrn03

 

We all knew that Pikmin 3 was coming, and Nintendo kindly treated us to some new screenshots during the presentation. They look beautiful, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the game. Check them out in the gallery below! A ‘camera’ mode was also revealed for the game, which lets you shoot from the perspective of the Pikmin, using what else but the Wii U gamepad. You can then share them to MiiVerse. No word yet on whether or not you’ll be able to apply cheesy filters after the fact.

 

 

Those are the biggest titles, but a few others were revealed via trailer, including what appears to be a Fire Emblem / Shin Megami Tensei crossover, a new title from Monolith Soft, and a new trailer for the cool looking The Wonderful 101. Check them out below.

 

 

 

 

Game and Wario and a new Smash Bros. were also mentioned, but need to be further in development before being officially revealed.

 

So what do you think Wii U owners? Excited? Shout out below!

E3 2012 – Geekscape Games Plays Pikmin 3!

by Josh Jackson

I along with pretty much every gamer here at Geekscape backflipped in excitement over the announcement of Pikmin 3. Partially because Pikmin has become a beloved member of the Nintendo household, with two fantastic games from years past, and partially so we won’t have to listen to Jonathan beg for it for another year. But as soon as I hit Nintendo’s booth, I had one priority, which was to see if this long awaited title still had it.

If you happened to catch the E3 reveal, the biggest addition to the game revealed so far is the inclusion of rock Pikmin. These guys can destroy enemy armor as well as crystalized walls that block your team of astronauts from advancing. Rather than collecting set items like before, the Pikmin were tasked with bringing various fruits back to the ship, each one worth a different value of money. Everything from cherries, strawberries and… enemy corpses (?) awarded me more money. Money that I had no idea what to do with, but I’m guessing that will be revealed in time.

One interesting thing was that there were no pods that grew new Pikmin for your team. All of the ones in the demo were already plucked and were just waiting to be found. When the enemies gave me money instead of seeds, I was wondering if we would still get to grow Pikmin at all. Unfortunately, that information wasn’t available yet, (i.e… the demonstrator didn’t know,) so I’ll just hope there will be a better way of expanding other than just coming across them.

Using the game pad as a map proved to be a big help as well, giving you a view of where each fruit was located and allowing you to plan a proper attack. After the stage was over, I had the ability to watch my playback to see where weaknesses in my paths were and try to find how to gather more in less time if I decided to play again.

So essentially, Pikmin 3 felt very familiar, which isn’t a bad thing when you’re as good as Pikmin. With improved graphics and mechanics that make the world feel more real, (like with your characters actually needing supplies to build,) on top of the addition of the Game Pad and motion controls to make playing more efficient, it’s looking like Pikmin 3 just might be worth the wait.

E3 2012: Pikmin 3 is Coming to Wii U!

by Josh Jackson

After years of speculation. After two remakes. After an appearence in a freakin fighting game! Pikmin 3 is finally… FINALLY announced, and it’s coming to the Wii U!

During Nintendo’s E3 conference, video game demigod Shigeru Miyamoto took the stage and went over the new details in this long awaited sequel. Using the motion controls, players will be able to aim Pikmin at specific spots on the enemies for added stretegic elements. Want to keep enemies from eating your new found friends? Bombard their eyes with Pikmin! And speaking of new Pikmin, Rock Pikmin were formally introduced, which seem to have the ability to destroy enemy armor and stone walls.

All of this destruction looks gorgeous with the new, updated graphics. Small things from breaking down walls to actually gathering materials to build bridges makes the world look more immersive. That’s great considering that playing with the Game Pad allows you to view the whole map at once. There’s a hell of a lot to explore, which is why players can swap between four different captains, each with their own Pikmin to command. Coming off like a more traditional RTS in this sense, covering multiple sections of the map at once looks like it will be the key to victory in this newest Pikmin expedition.

Overall, Pikmin 3 is looking like a bigger, prettier, more strategic game. Check back for hands on updates as we get more time with the game.

 

http://youtu.be/eI87_YzSlIM