Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, Just a Chat, Videos | 0 comments

I’m joined by Daan once again for a new Just a Chat, with the new Nintendo Direct taking center stage. Pretty much everything from the presentation was discussed, including Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8 DLC, Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, and much more.

Stuff:

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Share your thoughts about the Nintendo Direct here!

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 40 Comments

Another Nintendo Direct is in the books! After more than two months, a new presentation was finally delivered, and it covered a whole bunch of topics. We finally got our first glimpse at Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, and received a big update on the new Fire Emblem game for 3DS. There was also major DLC news for Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8 (including the game’s free 200cc update!). Plenty more was shown of course.

What’d you think of it? Are you pleased with what was shown? What is your personal highlight? How do you feel about Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, which seems to be getting mixed reactions?

I’ll kick off the discussion with my own thoughts.

This Nintendo Direct really delivered in my view, especially if you kept your expectations in check. With E3 2015 only two months away, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of brand new game announcements. That’s why it made no sense to me that people were predicting that Star Fox for Wii U would be shown. Star Fox is the sort of game that you need to hold on to for a big event like E3.

Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem is one of the biggest game that appeared during Nintendo Direct. Even though it was reconfirmed at last year’s E3 that the game was still in the works, it was nice to finally see a visual confirmation of this. I’m actually a tiny bit surprised that it wasn’t revealed at this year’s E3.

There are a lot of mixed thoughts when it comes to Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem. Right now, I’m in the “positive” group. I do like what was shown. Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem is getting a fair amount of comparisons to Persona, and I don’t mind that at all personally – especially since I played (and adored) Persona 4 Golden last year. We still barely know anything about it, so I think it’s too early to make any sort of absolute judgment.

I could probably write up a whole bunch of thoughts about this week’s Nintendo Direct, but then this post would end up being way too long! That being said, the news about Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8 was exciting. The Yoshi amiibo is adorable. And hey, the Wii U Virtual Console is still alive thanks to the introduction of N64 and DS titles! It’s about time.

Now we want to hear from you. Let’s talk about this week’s Nintendo Direct! Sound off in the comments below. Just like last week, I’ll be stopping by the comments section and replying to some of your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going!

More: highlight, Nintendo Direct, top

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

Nikkei Trendy recently conducted an extensive interview with Akihiro Hino, CEO of Level-5. There was plenty of discussion about various topics, but some of Hino’s more interesting comments came about when he was asked about plans Level-5 has for Yo-Kai Watch aside from developing new installments.

Hino said:

Opening up to global market is a thing that is left to do. We are already refining the strategy of Yo-Kai Watch for global expansion. North America is the biggest market and we are starting to create a system which is required to realize the same cross media strategy (games, anime, toys etc.) as in Japan. When targeting overseas market for a big title like Yo-Kai Watch, we commit to that title 100% and create a powerful system which manages the brand and maximizes business opportunities.

Hino was next asked if North America is the main target of overseas expansion. To this, he responded:

We are spreading out to North America and Europe at the same time. About Asia, we have already started expansion in Korea. Toys have sold very well and the TV anime has higher ratings than other anime programs. As they have been a hit, we would like to bring a movie and other things, too. We are also steadily progressing in reaching out to other parts of Asia.

The first Yo-Kai Watch game launched in Japan back in July 2013. A sequel came out in July of last year. We’re still waiting on a Yo-Kai Watch title to arrive overseas… which hopefully will happen sooner rather than later!

More: Akihiro Hino, interview, Level-5, top, Yo-kai Watch, Youkai Watch

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 8 Comments

Natsume has eight GBA Virtual Console games planned for the Wii U Virtual Console. That’s according to the company’s Graham Markay, who shared the news on the latest Fragments of Silicon podcast.

As previously mentioned, Natsume’s Virtual Console plans include the Medabots games Medabots AX and Medabots: An RPG Adventure. Pocky & Rocky with Becky is also on the way.

Markay noted in the podcast that Natsume has been working on its new Virtual Console plans “for awhile”.

We’ll begin seeing Natsume’s new Virtual Console releases on the eShop at the beginning of June.

More: Graham Markay, Natsume, Virtual Console

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 1 Comment

It’s time for the latest Famitsu’s most wanted games chart! Highlights include Bravely Second at #2 and Fire Emblem If at #6. Xenoblade Chronicles X/3D are also in the top ten.

Head past the break for the full chart. All votes were cast between March 19 and March 25.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Videos | 0 comments

More: Animal Crossing, Collectible Badge Center, Japan

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

There are plenty of Kickstarter projects that feature Wii U in one form or another. For the latest look at which games are seeking funding, check out our roundup below.

Izle (new) – $90,000 for funding, includes Wii U
Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death (new) – Wii U stretch goal at $35,000
FreezeME – $15,000 for funding, includes Wii U
Othello U – $1,000 for funding, Wii U only
Once Bitten, Twice Dead! – $15,258 for funding, includes Wii U
Ralin – Dwarf Wars – $66,419 for funding, includes Wii U

Another crowdfunding project is CrossCode, though it’s on Indiegogo. If funds reach €100,000, it will be on Wii U.

More: indie, Kickstarter

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 1 Comment

Nintendo revealed two new games for StreetPass Mii Plaza during the latest Nintendo Direct. We now know that Good Feel worked on Battleground Z, while Prope handled Ultimate Angler.

Both developers previously created games for the StreetPass Mii Plaza. Good Feel was responsible for Mii Force and Prope was in charge of Monster Manor. Prope also has experience with fishing thanks to the Wii game Fishing Resort.

Source 1, Source 2

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, Random, Videos | 1 Comment

This is the perfect sort of thing for the weekend! I don’t know how anyone would have the patience for it, but one fan has recreated the Super Mario Bros. title screen with 14,000 toothpicks. You can get a look at the results below.

Thanks to kurocchi0509 for the tip.

Source

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, News, Wii U | 0 comments

Below are the latest titles that can be currently pre-ordered at retailers:

Wii U

Rodea: The Sky Solider – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Legend of Kay HD – Amazon
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers – Amazon
LEGO Jurassic World – Amazon, GameStop
Terraria – Amazon
Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem – Best Buy
The Legend of Zelda – Amazon, Best Buy
Xenoblade Chronicles X – Amazon, Best Buy
Yoshi’s Woolly World – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Splatoon – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Devil’s Third – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop

New 3DS games

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop

3DS

Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson – Amazon, GameStop
Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight – Amazon, Best Buy (new) GameStop
Rodea: The Sky Solider – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven – Amazon, GameStop
Fire Emblem – Best Buy
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers – Amazon
LEGO Jurassic World – Amazon, GameStop
Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Terraria – Amazon
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop
Etrian Mystery Dungeon – Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop

More: pre-order