Tag: Virtual Console

‘Pokemon Gold’ And ‘Pokemon Silver’ Will Shine Again On 3DS This September

by Josh Jackson

Outside of the Pokken Tournament DX and Pokemon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon reveals during the latest Nintendo Direct, there was one last surprise that sneaked into the tail end of the presentation. Following the success of the original Red Blue and Yellow on the 3DS Virtual Console in 2016, Pokemon Gold and Silver, their Game Boy Color sequels, will get their own retro revival on September 22, day and date with Pokken‘s Switch release.

Hailed by many as one of the greatest Pokemon generations of all time, Gold and Silver introduced many of the mechanics that have become mainstays in the years since, including breeding, berries, the ability for Pokemon to hold items, shiny Pokemon, special Poke Balls, the Special Attack and Special Defense split, and the debut of the steel and dark types. Some features like the Pokegear, which let you arrange rematches with trainers you’ve defeated, play a radio to manipulate encounter rates, and the day and night cycles where different Pokemon might appear depending on when you play have either been lost in time, or have sporadically popped in and out of the games, but with how much these sequels toyed with the mechanics, it’s no wonder why it’s so fondly remembered. Oh, and did I mention that you can revisit most of the map from the first game too? Why hasn’t that happened since!?

Like the previous Virtual Console release, these titles will also be Pokemon Bank compatible, meaning you’ll be able to transfer what you catch into Pokemon Sun and Moon, and presumably Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. But remember, you can’t transfer them back, so don’t let go of anything that Johto is too attached to!

Who else will be sitting in front of the eShop refreshing their screen this September? As my second favorite generation, I’m very excited to have a reason to play these again. Let us know what your favorite Gold and Silver moments are below!

Nintendo Switch Online Update: Free Multiplayer through 2018, Delayed Voice Chat, & More!

by The_acz

When first announced earlier this year, many people were very skeptical of Nintendo’s online payed service arriving in the Fall of 2017 for Nintendo Switch. Many issues arose such as problems with using Voice Chat through a phone app (an absolute horrible idea.), how pricing for the payed service will work, problems with free monthly VC downloads, and more. Now, Nintendo has just delivered us an update to address some of these concerns.

First things first, Voice chat & the monthly subscriber games have been delayed 2018. While this at first may seem to be bad news, it could actually very much benefit Nintendo is some great ways. This could possibly mean that Nintendo realized how terrible of an idea using voice chat through a phone app actually is, and might be working on ways to change it. While this does sound hard to believe, Nintendo does seem open to change.

The best news out of this has to be the change of how Nintendo will handle free Virtual Console games to subscribers. Originally, the service was going to be one pitiful NES or SNES game only playable for that month, but now the newer service is much more interesting and awesome. Now instead of only 1 VC game a month, you will gain access to a netflix style service called Classic Game Selection. This will feature a number of NES/SNES titles to choose from including Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario, and more that will be available for selection. Not only that, but some of these games will now also include  online play.

The service will also still include regular E-shop discounts much like how PSN and XBL have weekly subscriber discounts. Also as one last gesture of good will, Nintendo has decided to extend the free online multiplayer trial for all Switch users into 2018 until the online service is ready to go. Last, but not least, the service will only cost $20 a year, which is the lowest price for an online subscription as compared to XBLG & PSN. What are your thoughts on the service overhaul? Tell us in the comments below!

 

 

Nintendo Unveils Switch Online Prices + What Nintendo Can Do To Improve The Service

by The_acz

Earlier this month when we found out that Nintendo would be charging for online services, a lot of people including me were very skeptical about it, and remain so. While there is excitement for the cost, I can’t shake off that feeling that the online components almost feel like an after thought. Only one Virtual Console game a month, and you can’t even keep it after the first? Online and voice chat through a phone app? Doesn’t sound all that good, but there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel as it seems that Nintendo has offered us a pay window into what we can expect with their online subscription come Fall 2017.

This pricing is actually very reasonable for what the company is offering, and while not perfect, I do have a couple of ideas that could make it a must have. For one, Nintendo could make the phone app completely optional. I understand Nintendo’s thinking about convenience on the go, but it’s honestly a bit counter intuitive seeing as how you need to pull out a well charged smart phone or tablet. Might as well just connect to your friends on Skype or Discord instead. Making the console capable of voice chat and matchmaking without the use of a smart device would be very ideal, but then again Nintendo has been so mute on it, this could very well be the case.

Second thing that could be improved is the monthly free VC trials. the obvious solution is to make them free. Nintendo isn’t going to start bleeding out and going bankrupt if they give us one free VC game a month. Nintendo has thousands upon thousands of games at disposal just sitting in the dark. Doubtful that Nintendo would go this way, I’ve also come up with a second solution.

I propose that Nintendo mix things up and give us games that we aren’t expecting. How awesome would it be to get something like Uniracers or Wild Guns with the added function of online and local multiplayer. After the initial month of excitement, the game would of course lock you out of playing it, but instead of having to pay full price, you should be able to get a massive discount on the title. Now your only paying $3 for what you’d usually be paying $8-$10 for. What do you think though? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

 

The 12 Days Of Switchmas: Day 1 – Fresh Life For Nintendo!

by The_acz

We’re just 11 days away from finding out everything there is to know about the Nintendo Switch, but before everyone makes the switch, we here at Geekscape thought it’d be fun to give our own thoughts on what we’re expecting and hoping from Nintendo’s newest console. Christmas may be over, but there’s still hype to be had. This is The 12 Days of Switchmas!

Let’s start off with a main concern of mine. The battery life. While we’re all excited that we’ll finally get the chance to play some of our favorite games like Zelda, Skyrim, and more on the go, the novelty of that might wane fast if it can only be for an hour or two. Ever since the launch of the 3DS, Nintendo has had trouble trying to keep their hardware at a decent battery life. People tend to forget that the original 3DS only had about 3-5 hours battery life (which was quickly fixed with the XL and the New 3DS line).

This problem continued to carry over to Wii U as the gamepad was left with a very abysmal battery which prompted people to always have it hooked up to a charger. I’m hearing rumblings that since the initial reveal that they’ve gotten the switch battery to clock in around 5 hours undocked, which would actually be pretty solid. All I’m asking is that I don’t want to be shelling out an extra $10-$15 on a 3rd party battery just so I can get an extra 2 hours out of the system.

                                                 Predictions

Let’s get some simple predictions out of the way first. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll be seeing appearances by Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Mario Switch. They’ll almost certainly be front and center to show off the console’s power. I’m going to go out on a limb and say not only will we see a release date for both games, but that both of those releases will be on launch day, AND that both will be available in the first 2 bundles at launch.

Another thing I’m hoping for is to see the Virtual Console line-up that Nintendo has planned. I’m predicting that after years of begging and waiting that we’ll finally see the introduction of Gamecube VC (at least 3-5 titles at during launch week.) I also think that there’s a very good chance we’ll be seeing an announcement on how we’ll finally be able to transfer our Wii U VC library to the Switch for no charge, and that all existing VC titles on Wii U will also be available Day 1 on the Switch.

                                                                                             Time For Bets

I think that keeping excitement in check for this event is a good thing, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get a bit crazy. This section is just for fun. I don’t expect this to happen, but it’d be pretty damn cool if it did. My bet is that with the constant success and profitability of sports games that Nintendo will see this as a chance to bring back some long awaited franchises back. That’s right! Not only will we witness the return of Wave Race and F-Zero, but these 2 games will also serve as the first titles to be part of the Nintendo E-sports brand, where they’ll have their very own leagues, tournaments, etc. You can bet on that.

That just about wraps it up for my thoughts on the Switch event. Who’ll be sharing their thoughts on the event tomorrow? Come back on the 2nd to find out! Until then, Merry Switchmas!

 

Nintendo Direct: SNES Games Hit 3DS Virtual Console TODAY!

by Shane O'Hare

Nintendo is bringing a huge update to the Virtual Console platform for 3DS. Gamers will be able to play classic SNES titles as soon as today!

You can get your hands on Pilotwings, Super Mario World and F-Zero today! More titles will be released later this month, and even more early April.

The SNES on 3DS will feature a “pixel perfect” mode, which guarantees that games will play/display in their original formats. Staying true to the retro titles we know and love.

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

by Josh Jackson

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.

Nintendo Direct Recap: 2-13-2014 Edition

by Josh Jackson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game Boy Advance Games Coming To Wii U!

by Josh Jackson

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

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

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

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

Cult Classic ‘Shantae’ is Coming to the 3DS on June 20th!

by Josh Jackson

Back in 2002, the Game Boy Advance was taking handhelds by storm while its predecessor, the Game Boy Color, was on its way out. During this time, a highly acclaimed platformer staring a cute little genie who whipped her hair before it was cool slid under the radar for the dying platform and went largely ignored. Often called the last great GBC game, Shantae has since become a very sought after, (and very expensive,) addition to the great games that no one played.

Fan demand has brought us one sequel with another on the way, but the only way to play the original was to shell out almost four times its price at release on eBay since it took some time to work out a deal between developer WayForward and publisher Capcom. Well, it looks like the stars finally aligned, because a Virtual Console release is on its way!

Coming June 20th, Shantae will finally be made available to the masses. In the meantime, log out of your eBay account and buy a points card as her summer re-introduction quickly approaches.