Wondercon 2016: All-Range Mode In ‘Star Fox Zero’ Needs An Overhaul

by Josh JacksonApril 20, 2016

I’ve been lucky enough to try out Star Fox Zero a few times over its development, and my excitement only increased as time went on. With the game finally releasing this week as what could be the Wii U’s last big exclusive, (depending on if you want to believe that the next Zelda will be moved to the NX,) you would think that my hype would have reached its apex. It would have, until I played the Wondercon demo.

A lot is being said about the state of the game’s forced motion controls, which ask you to aim with the Wii U Game Pad’s gyro controls while steering with the left stick and pulling off maneuvers with the right. While I can definitely see why people would have trouble with this set up, which sounds like the gaming equivalent to patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, I personally didn’t take long to adjust. What did become a problem however, is when the game switched to All-Range Mode, which is the term coined in Star Fox 64 for when the game switches from on rails dog fighting to being able to freely move in a 3D space. While I didn’t encounter too much of a problem while taking flight, this feature was something that I hoped would improve in previous demos, since Zero uses these sections as a chance to force first person cockpit view onto the Game Pad, while the TV shifts to a cinematic view that displays the entire battlefield, rather than focusing on what the player is doing. Once my time with the completed build ended though, I was beyond disappointed to learn that it got worse.

Wanting to experience the Landmaster for the first time, I tried out the desert stage, where more than just the control methods changed since the 64 days. Being forced to fly above obstacles while aiming with the game pad and keeping an eye on enemies through the big screen was confusing enough, but became close to second nature by the time the sequence was complete. Once the boss fight started and I had free range of motion however, and I had no idea how much more of a hindrance this would become. But when you take away the speed and mobility of the Arwing and plug in the awkward camera angles into the land stage, what should have been the climax of the stage ended up highlighting everything wrong with forcing your view into first person.

As the boss at the center of the stage bombarded me with smaller enemies and its own attacks while pulling me towards the center, I rarely had any clue as to what was going on. All I knew was my health was sinking, I was getting trounced by attacks, and I had no idea where any of it was coming from. By the time I turned the insanely slow tank around to take aim, I would ram into the boss for more damage because of its quick sand. Avoiding it would have been simple, except the cockpit view made it hard to tell how close I was to the middle. If you’re thinking the TV view will give you some semblance of an idea what was going on, think again! Because every time I looked up at it, the view was panned out with the main monster in the center, capturing every bit of the chaos so well that I had no idea where my tank was. Who thought this was a good idea!? To make it so you can’t see what you’re doing, and have the freedom of changing your view stripped from you for the sake of some stubborn vision of what the game should be?

Maybe all of this is for nothing. Maybe the final game will be better! But all I know is after crashing and burning, I’m finding myself far less excited about Fox McCloud’s long awaited return. Keep an eye out for our full review in the coming days and see if we have a change of heart.

Nintendo To Release An Animated ‘Star Fox Zero’ Short This Wednesday!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 18, 2016

Briefly: Can you believe that Star Fox Zero is already upon us? It seemed like just yesterday that the game was delayed from its original holiday 2015 launch window.

In any case, Nintendo is about to launch a hopefully awesome Star Fox game, and to celebrate this Wednesday they’ll debut a Star Fox animated short titles Star Fox Zero: The Battle Begins.

The short will stream right here this Wednesday at 6PM Eastern. The short was produced in collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto, and Production IG and WIT Studios, and based on the just-released 30 second teaser, it looks super cool.

Take a look at the teaser below, and be sure to let us know if you plan to pick up Star Fox Zero on April 22nd!

https://youtu.be/7cNp80bDRwQ

Geekscape Games Presents: The Top 16 Games Of (The First Half Of) 2016

by Josh JacksonJanuary 31, 2016

I thought Christmas was supposed to be in December! Yet, as we wrap up January and head into February, you would think it was the end of the year considering how many amazing games are hitting the shelves. From high profile sequels to remakes, spinoffs and new IP’s that have demanded our attention, it won’t be hard to find a game or three to play in what’s typically supposed to be the slow winter and spring months. With so many to choose from, where do we start!? In no particular order, here are the 16 games of (the first half) of 2016 that we’re the most excited about.

Honorable Mention: Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

Date: February 27th

For: Nintendo 3DS

It’s rare that people get so excited for a Virtual Console re-release, but c’mon, this is Pokemon! While not a full release, (and thus, being excluded from the proper list,) we’re too thrilled not to mention these titles! With Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow hitting our 3DS handhelds via the eShop in about a month, these ports will let us connect via built in wireless to rebuild our classic Pokedex’s with ease, all while poking at our nostalgia. It’ll be good to see what Missingno. has been up to after all these years!

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Date: April 26th

For: Playstation 4

As one of the many games that was delayed in 2015, it’s easy to see why we’re anxious to go on one more adventure with Nathan Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. With rumors of this being Drake’s last adventure, with some hoping that Naughty Dog focuses more on expanding on The Last Of Us going forward, this very well could be the last time we travel the world with the charismatic adventurer. While it may sound crazy to drop such a popular franchise, it’s not like Naughty Dog hasn’t done it before with series’ like Crash, (which was admittedly out of their hands,) and Jak, and suddenly, it’s not so unheard of. Are you ready to say goodbye?

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Date: February 8th

For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC

While we’re talking about goodbye’s, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is being touted as the final Storm game. If this is true, it will signal an end of an era for the franchise, which brought incredible visuals, intense boss fights, and a giant roster to the popular series. Oftentimes surpassing its source material when it came to showing off how crazy Naruto and his friends can be when in a fight, it’s appropriate that the fourth game plans on wrapping up the story ahead of even the anime. As the final fights come to a close, we’re hoping we’re left with a game that’s fun enough to carry our fandom for a long time to come.

The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Date: March 4th

For: Wii U

For those who listen to the Geekscape Games podcast, (thanks, Jeremy!), you’ll know that I’m generally against HD remakes, especially when they feel largely unnecessary. As with most poor life choices that I’ve made over the last year though, amiibo have changed the way I think. Coming bundled with a sweet Wolf Link amiibo at a standard MSRP of $59.99, the figure unlocks a brand new dungeon, alongside support with other Zelda amiibo to change the game in various ways.

Quantum Break

Date: April 5th

For: Xbox One

As the first game from Remedy since 2010’s excellent Alan Wake, Quantum Break looks to continue the developer’s penchant for innovative action game play to go with its stellar story telling that originated with Max Payne. Starring Shawn Ashmore, the cinematic style from their previous games is still going to be a heavy focus, but unlike many games these days, it doesn’t seem like the game play will be compromised because of it. Promising solid action-adventure elements with puzzle solving areas, we’re looking forward to finally getting Quantum Break in our hands.

Trillion: God Of Destruction

Date: Spring 2016

For: Playstation Vita

This Vita exclusive from the publishers and developers behind the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, (which we’ll get to soon,) Trillion: God Of Destruction has you amass an underworld army designed to take down a seemingly unbeatable god with a TRILLION HP! As you chip away at it over time, you’ll get stronger by training in secret and building relationships with your potential underworld waifus. Because we all need a little love in between fighting an indestructible monster.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Out now!

For: Nintendo 3DS

The Mario and Luigi and Paper Mario RPGs have been one of Nintendo’s best kept secrets for years now, providing laugh out loud comedy to go with its interactive turn based combat. But what happens when you combine both into one game? Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam looks to find out, bringing Paper Mario into a new world for a brand new team up. With new abilities, jokes abound, (usually at Luigi’s expense,) and rewarding game play, what’s not to love?

Note: Keep an eye out for our upcoming review!

Final Fantasy Explorers

Out now!

For: Nintendo 3DS

Described as Final Fantasy meets hunting and crafting games like Monster Hunter and Fantasy Life, Final Fantasy Explorers lets players team up in parties of up to four and fight some of the franchise’s most infamous monsters in their pursuit to complete quests. As they’re completed, characters can make new equipment, experiment with various jobs, and even temporarily take the forms of some of the greatest heroes in Final Fantasy history, including Cloud, Squall, Lightning and Yuna! Already adventuring? Share your friend codes with us in the comments and let’s get exploring!

Digimon Cyber Sleuth

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4, Playstation Vita

As the first Digimon game to hit the current generation, as well as the first RPG to release in forever, Digimon Cyber Sleuth features hundreds of champions to collect and fuse as you and your team save the real and digital world from a new threat. Developed by Media.Vision, the RPG masterminds behind the Wild Arms series, and it’s safe to assume that the other beloved monster collecting franchise is in good hands.

Star Fox Zero

Date: April 22nd

For: Wii U

Speaking of being in good hands, the long awaited Star Fox follow up seems like a match made in heaven, (assuming the Lylat System believes in such a concept.) As a collaboration between Nintendo and Platinum Games, what we’ve played of Star Fox Zero with its free range, on rails and on land game play has had us desperate for more. Which made it all the more heartbreaking when it ended up like Uncharted and got delayed from 2015 to this year. Still, it’s looking like it’ll be more than worth the wait, and it will be great to gear up with the old team again.

Project X Zone 2

Date: February 16th

For: Nintendo 3DS

If Star Fox represents a strong team, then Project X Zone 2 is on a whole different level. Not only will Namco Bandai, Sega and Capcom team up for a second round of action packed turn based strategy, but Nintendo is getting in on the fun as well, with Chrom and Lucina from Fire Emblem and Fiora and Metal Face from Xenoblade Chronicles all appearing in the game. As one of the biggest surprises of 2013 for me, I can’t wait to get my hands on this crossover extravaganza once again.

Fire Emblem Fates

Date: February 19th

For: Nintendo 3DS

After Fire Emblem Awakening blew away all expectations in terms of both sales and popularity, the 3DS release served as a type of arrival for the strategy franchise, allowing it to take its place as one of Nintendo’s premiere IP’s. Capitalizing on this, Fire Emblem Fates will release with two versions with two different story perspectives. Featuring solid strategy game play, light dating sim elements and a custom character to lead the cast with, Nintendo is banking on Fates being just as popular, especially with special bundles, 3DS models, and even a downloadable third story on the way.

Megadimension Neptunia VII

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4

Despite it seeming like Neptunia refuses to take a break with so many spinoffs, remakes, and sequels for the remakes, Megadimension Neptunia VII is the first sequel to the core franchise since 2012’s Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. Now that everyone *should* have caught up after being bombarded with so many mostly solid games over the last year and a half, (assuming you have a Vita or Steam,) it’s time to take Gamindustri to the NEXT level! Featuring multiple stories, new characters, updated transformations and some much needed changes to the combat, and it’s looking like Neptune’s current gen debut might be one of the highlights of the year.

Gravity Rush HD Remaster

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4

For my money, Gravity Rush is still the best game to release on the Vita. It’s breathtaking visuals, innovative game play and exciting exploration using the manipulation of gravity was too good to be ignored. Which is why I’m *really* pulling for Gravity Rush HD Remaster to shine in front of a bigger audience on the PS4. With reworked game play controls to work better on a Dual Shock 4, updated visuals, and all of the DLC included for $29.99, there’s no excuse not to get. Except for the fact that it’s mostly digital only if you’re already out of hard drive space…

If that’s the case, be like me and get the physical version which is exclusive to Amazon, and fall in love with Kat all over again!

Pokken Tournament

Date: March 18th

For: Wii U

Pokken was a long time coming, then all of a sudden, it was right around the corner! This collaboration between the team behind the Tekken series and The Pokemon Company brings together some interesting choices from the Pokemon roster to do battle in a 1-on-1 3D fighting game setting. Most importantly however, is that Pokken is looking to open the floodgates with the series’ first amiibo Card, coming packaged with Shadow Mewtwo. I hope you all have that second mortgage ready to go!

Mirror’s Edge Catalyst

Date: May 24th

For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC

Another game that felt like it would never see the light of day. After years of hoping until finally being confirmed back in 2013, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst will finally be in our hands in a few short months! Serving as a prequel that explores Faith’s background, we’re counting on the innovative first person platformer to wow us again. If DICE can pull off the same magic that they did the first time around, then we have nothing to worry about!

Street Fighter V

Date: February 16th

For: Playstation 4, PC

Unlike most of the games on this list, the time it took from announcement to release was relatively short. Not that we’re complaining, because a new iteration of Street Fighter is always something to get excited about! With four new characters to accompany a wide variety of reworked veterans from Super Street Fighter II to Street Fighter Alpha 3, the new V system that’s looking to mix up the rules of battle, and an expanded story mode that looks to bridge the gap between the original cast and Street Fighter III, why wouldn’t we be frothing at the mouth to play this?

As you can see, we’re going to have a busy time throughout the year. What games are you most looking forward to, and are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments, and check back for the latest news, previews and reviews on the games listed, and everything else in between!

Amiibo Surprises Galore! Early 2016 Brings New Amiibo And Functionality To The Table!

by Matt RodriguezJanuary 21, 2016

Make ready your Amiibo-tapping fingers, because a wave of new details have just been announced! Nintendo is continuing to feed our Amiibo fever by launching new Amiibo, unveiling release dates, and even providing details on how some of the new figures will work!

First, details regarding the Wolf Link amiibo and its functionality in the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. The physical version of the game includes both the Wolf Link Amiibo and the game, and it launches March 4 at a suggested retail price of $59.99! As described in our earlier article, the other currently available Legend of Zelda Amiibo figures will also activate special effects within the game, so it may be worth picking them up at the same time (if you don’t already own them)! Also, it has been announced that the Wolf Link amiibo will be compatible with the Wii U Legend of Zelda game launching later this year, although we still don’t have details on Amiibo functionality or release date for that title.

Next up, March 18 will see the launch of several new amiibo from the Animal Crossing series! Namely, the new Amiibo that will be available are Timmy and Tommy, Kapp’n, and Rover. Digby, which was previously only available with the Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival bundle, will also be available as a stand-alone amiibo. All of the currently released physical Animal Crossing amiibo, including the upcoming ones, are based on major NPC characters (such as shop owners) in the Animal Crossing universe, and are largely used in Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival, although several of them can also be used to unlock Super Mario Maker costumes. Also, later on in March, the third wave of Animal Crossing Amiibo cards will be launched, expanding the catalog of available cards to a whopping 300! Animal Crossing cards are based on the NPC villagers that can move into a town with the main character, although there are card versions of the major NPCs as well–these cards are used mainly with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer where you can build a home for each villager and save the created home to the card. They can also be used in Amiibo Festival, although only with side-games. For more information on specific functionality with amiibo, please check Nintendo’s amiibo compatibility list.

Another game that has been announced with Amiibo functionality is Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Both the Mario and Sonic Amiibo can be used with this game, and these will activate a “daily power” that will boost each individual character. Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has a launch date of March 18, at a suggested retail price of $39.99.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon, some of the Pokémon Amiibo will be available again at select retailers. Prepare for the return of Charizard, Jigglypuff, Greninja, and Lucario! Note that it doesn’t mention Mewtwo, but based on my own travels, Mewtwo stock doesn’t seem hard to find (yet). Who knows–maybe amiibo functionality with a new Pokémon game is right around the corner!

And finally, Amiibo compatibility has been confirmed for Star Fox Zero, launching exclusively on Wii U on April 22. More details on Amiibo functionality with the title will be revealed at a later date. The Star Fox franchise is one of Nintendo’s strongest, following several anthropomorphic animal space pilots on their various intergalactic missions. After our recent expeditions on the planet Mira with Xenoblade Chronicles, and the resurgence of Star Wars with Episode VII, we are looking forward to jumping back into the deep reaches of space with Fox and his crew, using the Wii U’s GamePad as our cockpit!

How do you feel about this new wave of Amiibo news? Has it forced your Amiibo fever to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit? Please let us know in the comments!

‘Star Fox Zero’ Gets An April Release Date!

by Derek KraneveldtNovember 13, 2015

Briefly: Back in September, Nintendo fans everywhere were disappointed to learn that the company’s upcoming Star Fox Zero would not be making its 2015 release window. In the delay announcement, an apologetic Miyamoto noted that “the game will not be delayed for a very long time – we’re aiming to launch the game in Q1 2016.”

As revealed at yesterday’s Nintendo Direct presentation, it looks like that game won’t quite make that Q1 release, but will instead hit the Wii U on April 22nd, 2016.

So, fans, we’ve got just five more months of waiting. At least we’ll have that Falco Amiibo to pick up on November 20th, right?

Are you looking forward to Star Fox Zero? Since you won’t be playing it this holiday season, what will draw your gaming attention instead? Sound out below!

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 46 – ‘The One Where We Don’t Talk About Destiny’

by GeekscapeStaffSeptember 19, 2015

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

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This Week:

Konami ceasing all AAA console titles.

Mighty No. 9 Beta delayed.

Third party QA companies warn of buggy games this holiday.

No Divas Revolution For WWE 2K16.

Star Fox Zero delayed.

Tokyo Game Show roundup.

Persona 4 Dancing All Night.

Amnesia.

Disney Infinity 3.0.

This War of Mine iOS.

Metal Gear Solid V Ground Zeroes.

From The Depths.

Grand Theft Auto Online.

This Week’s Listener Mission Objective:

What retro console would you most like to collect for?

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‘Star Fox Zero’ Has Been Pushed To 2016

by Derek KraneveldtSeptember 17, 2015

Briefly: Say it ain’t so.

Nintendo’s Wii U is having an excellent year so far, but it was set to have a phenomenal holiday season with the release of the next The Legend of Zelda title as well as Star Fox Zero.

Back in March Nintendo revealed that The Legend of Zelda would not be released this year. Tonight, Miyamoto confirmed that Star Fox Zero won’t either. Here’s his statement:

I made a big decision last week.

We have been developing Star Fox Zero for Wii U with the aim of releasing it this year. Although we felt that the development had been progressing well, we now believe that we will need a little more time to work on areas such as the unprecedented discovery that we want players to experience in the game by using two screens, and further polishing the level designs and perfecting the tone of the cut scenes. While we have already reached the stage where it would be technically possible to release the title in time for the year-end holiday season, we want to polish the game a bit more so that players will be able to more smoothly grasp the new style of play that we are proposing.

To the people looking forward to the launch of the game this holiday season, I am very sorry.

Star Fox Zero is going to bring new game play and experiences that take it far beyond the framework established by Star Fox 64. All the members of the development team are doing our best so that the final product will not betray your expectations. And the game will not be delayed for a very long time – we’re aiming to launch the game in Q1 2016. Please stay tuned for further announcements.

This generation has been notorious for AAA titles being delayed, and Nintendo is no different.

What are you looking forward to playing this holiday season?

E3 2015: ‘Star Fox Zero’ Soars Through Familiar Territory In Our Hands-On Test Flight!

by Josh JacksonJune 18, 2015

We’ve asked, we’ve waited and now it’s almost here. After eight years without a new journey into the Lylat System, Star Fox Zero will get us reacquainted with Fox and his band of mercenaries. Stepping onto Nintendo’s show floor at E3 this year showed that this title was their main focus, with multiple demo kiosks, model Arwings hanging from above, and a cockpit set up for eager gamers to experience the demo in. As the title that I was most eager to check out, we made sure to jump in and catch up with the crew.

Consisting of two stages, Corneria and Area 3, each one provided a very different take on what piloting the Arwing would require. First, Corneria feels very familiar to the Star Fox 64 version of the stage, complete with sets of three to five enemies conveniently bundled up to fit in your charge shot’s blast range, bridges, arches and mountains to fly through on your way to the city itself, and giant red robots twirling girders in your way. Once in the city, the team switches from the on rails shooter style to All Range Mode, which allows us to dogfight in a 3D space. New enemies take advantage of new features, namely the walker mode for the Arwing, which allows it to battle and access hidden areas on the ground. Adapting to this change, some enemies can only be destroyed when damaged from above, so properly managing these two forms is a must if you expect to survive.

As expected from the series, the stage closes out with a giant boss fight, where Fox must damage certain weak points that are identified by the returning Peppy Hare. And when we say big, we really mean it, since this ship was large enough to run on with the land form, allowing us to attack from different perspectives. A new, third play style exclusive to this section fixes the camera in a more cinematic perspective on the TV, requiring you to focus on the Gamepad exclusive Cockpit Mode. Fixed in a first person perspective, these portions aim to put you in the fight, with each explosion, bogie and hit being as in your face as possible.

Moving on to Area 3, this stage looked to mirror the large scale All Range battles that some of Star Fox 64‘s best moments took place in. Here is where your maneuvering skills become key, and when the biggest changes in the control scheme comes into play. With no C-Buttons to press, most of those moves have been mapped to the right stick. Tilting up and down still boost and brake respectively, while flicking the sticks up and down or vice versa uses the summersault and U-turn moves, for when you need to outrun enemies on your tail. The lean and barrel roll functions have been moved from the shoulder buttons to the right stick as well, so holding the direction will lead to faster turns, while a double tap will deflect enemy fire. The biggest change however, comes with the Game Pad’s gyro functionality, where rotating the control will move your ship’s reticle. This ability to fine tune your aim is a welcomed one, since aiming no longer requires moving your whole ship. A controversial move to be sure, some might have problems with their aim getting thrown off. To me however, it worked like a dream, only improving the experience when trying to take out Star Wolf’s self-proclaimed ace pilot, Pigma.

Not quite sequel and not quite prequel, Star Fox Zero feels like the reboot the series has desperately needed. By reuniting the old team and taking us to familiar locales, it was easy to see that the series is back in top form. There were a few small issues, namely getting used to the new control mapping, some camera rotation issues, and perspective problems on land, but nothing to take away with how amazing Star Fox is on such a larger scale. But with so many answers comes a few questions, namely, whether or not Krystal will make an appearance. All in due time, I suppose.

What say you, gamer? What do you hope to see from Star Fox Zero when it arrives this holiday season?