Posted on 9 years ago by Vincent Ward in Reviews, Wii U | 11 Comments

System: Wii U
Release date: October 16, 2015
Developer: Good-Feel
Publisher Nintendo

Author: Vincent

To be perfectly honest, I’ve never fully played through a Yoshi game. I’ve always wanted to, but I just never really got around to it. Sure, the cutesy visual style of the Yoshi titles should appeal to someone like myself, but because of the seemingly simplistic gameplay, the series was never quite at the top of my list. With Yoshi’s Woolly World, however, Nintendo brought the cuteness the series is known for to a whole new level, finally pulling me in enough to try one of these games out to the fullest. Having played through what most of Yoshi’s Woolly World has to offer, I can now say that calling this game adorable is an understatement.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, Reviews | 15 Comments

System: 3DS
Release date: October 13, 2015
Developer: FuRyu
Publisher Atlus

Author: Dennis

At first glance, The Legend of Legacy seems to be an amalgam of things – and it is. Legends are brought together to bring you this title in the form of Final Fantasy XIII composer Masashi Hamauzu, Chrono Trigger writer Masato Kato, SaGa illustrators and designers Tomomi Kobayashi and Kyoji Koizumi, with the inclusion of many other former developers from Square and Level-5. You can feel the influence and inspiration of The Legend of Legacy exude from all of these creators, allowing the game to thrive and revel in it artistically.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Interviews, Wii U eShop | 6 Comments

Nearly three years ago, Tomorrow Corporation brought Little Inferno to the eShop in time for the Wii U’s launch. The studio is now almost ready to release its next game, Human Resource Machine. Just a few weeks ago, an announcement was made confirming a Wii U launch for October 14.

We recently got in touch with Tomorrow Corporation’s Kyle Gabler in hopes of learning more about Human Resource Machine. Gabler shared more information about the game and talked about what we can expect from the Wii U version, and also touched on a few other topics like the Nindies community and the difficulties of being a small team.

For our full interview, head past the break.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, Let's Talk | 27 Comments

Let’s Talk #26: What are you playing? – October 2015

A new month is here! I’d love to know what everybody has been playing as of late, or intends to play in the weeks ahead.

I’ve been focusing on two main games really: Super Mario Maker and Ys: Memories of Celceta. Ys has been getting most of my time, but I’ve still been playing Super Mario Maker regularly. It’s fun to just boot up the game and mess around with a few levels. I’m not at all creative myself, yet I’m still finding a ton of enjoyment with it.

But what about you guys? What’s everyone playing these days?

Highlights from last week’s topic: Nintendo and movies

windstar

I think an animated Mario would be great. We never got a proper one, I think everyone would love to finally see that.

Kira – HylianKeyblade

I think a Zelda movie done by Studio Ghibli could be really interesting and there would probably be a lot of high quality work there ^^. Of course the Zelda movie then have to be in a anime format and I think the Zelda series can suit a anime look pretty well :-).

I do think Nintendo should start making movies more or at least anime/animation series to attract a new young audience like Pokémon and Youkai Watch have accomplished. Also I think it could be pretty cool to see Nintendo characters come to life through animation again ^^. (If done right).

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 8 Comments

Let’s Talk #25: Nintendo and movies

This may seem like a slightly strange topic to discuss. After all, Nintendo hasn’t really been involved with movies too much. We all know about the infamous Super Mario Bros. film, and you can even bring up The Wizard. I suppose the Pokemon movies technically count as well! But aside from these examples, Nintendo hasn’t done much in the film business.

Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka both spoke a tiny bit earlier this week about casting for theoretical live action Zelda and Mario films. Because of their comments, I wanted to expand on that into a bigger site discussion this week.

Which Nintendo property would you be interested in seeing when it comes to movies? Would you prefer it to be animated rather than live action? Are you for or against Nintendo being more proactive with films? What are your thoughts about Nintendo and movies in general? Let us know in the comments below!

Highlights from last week’s topic: What do you want to see from the next Nintendo Direct?

Burning Gravity

What I don’t expect:

– mobile game footage
– NX info

Why? Because I’m not… actually, let’s not go there.

What I might like?

– Showing footage of all upcoming games for 2015.
– Zelda U footage.
– No Star Fox footage, wait for that game to get more polish since they’re delaying it and all.
– HWL, GIR#FE trailers (for 2016).
– New Pokken Tournament character, but this seems a bit unlikely since it seems like they’re handling this pretty separately thus far
– No Metroid or anything else 1st-party 2016 not already mentioned. (Except potential new announcements.)
– 3rd-party stuff: like, getting AA6, PXZ2, etc. news, even if it’s only in the Japan Direct, would be nice.
– Rhythm Heaven localization, PLEASE.
– Quick indie game reel. Yes, I like and appreciate these. IMO showing off all the great Wii U (and 3DS, I guess) eShop games is generally a good idea and is a great way of saying “hey, we have other cool things too besides 1st-party stuff, if you’re not sure what to check out, here are some ideas!”

– It’s not going to happen, but I’d like if they showed short clips of games like TLoL or Stella Glow, just like 20 second clips even, but yeah, no. That’s just me wanting these games to get more attention. Not a realistic or logical request, really.

– One new game announcement, as said, because what’s a Nintendo Direct without that? And I guess nowadays, we usually get amiibo news and/or some extra weird announcement, like some spin-off game or some collaboration or new title on the eShop or something, lol… every little thing counts, yeah? I do like being surprised by Directs. 🙂

Darrin W. Harr II

Zelda U news. Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to Tri Force Heroes, but I really want new screenshots, even small tidbits of information. I’m not as angry as some about the delay, seeing as it will hopefully end with a more polished game, but I just want to know more about the game itself.

Vigilante_blade

I just want them to include several updates for Mario Maker, like Luigi, slopes, lava and water in any levels, new enemies, etc…

I’d love to see some nice third parties like a port of Metal Gear V with some sort of extra, or Persona 5. They need some killer exclusives.

I’d love to see a new game or something.

I also want them to clarify which controllers works for each upcoming games. I’m tired of finding out the week of its release or having to ask industry contacts.

Kallumsmarties

Just something positive. I miss watching a Direct and being so hyped and excited after. I think they should focus games owards holiday and 1st quarter of 2016. Probably want to talk about the new loyalty system as well which if it is going to be what I think it will be then it will be awesome.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in Reviews, Wii U eShop | 1 Comment

System: Wii U
Release date: September 23, 2015
Developer: Golden Ruby Games
Publisher Ripstone

Author: Dennis

Genuine arcade games in the modern era have been one of those lost treasures we see far too few of. When they do arise, some still fall short of bringing something refreshing, memorable, and fun to the table. Extreme Exorcism brings back the old school in the best way possible, delivering a unique and fun experience everyone can enjoy. Gameplay is the core focus of Extreme Exorcism, and it executes on this front so incredibly well.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, Let's Talk | 30 Comments

Let’s Talk #24: What do you want to see from the next Nintendo Direct?

A few days ago, we finally received official confirmation that Nintendo Directs will continue. But there are plenty of unknowns. We don’t know when the next presentation will air, who will host it, and what it will be about. All of that uncertainty makes for a perfect “Let’s Talk” topic!

If I’m thinking about when we’ll see the next Nintendo Direct, I could see one taking place within the next month. Nintendo could share new information about Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash and Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival – two games we know relatively little about even though they’re due out in a couple of months. Genei Ibun Roku #FE is coming to Japan in December, so it wouldn’t hurt to share an update about that title as well. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to showcase Hyrule Warriors Legends, which heads to Japan in January. Maybe Nintendo could help the news about Star Fox Zero’s delay hurt slightly less by showing new footage. And it wouldn’t be a Nintendo Direct without at least one game reveal!

In terms of a host, that’s where things get slightly tricky. Obviously the person replacing Satoru Iwata has big shoes to fill. I personally can’t see Tatsumi Kimishima, Nintendo’s new president, hosting the presentations. Iwata did introduce Mr. Morimoto during Japan’s Direct in May. Even though Reggie has primarily been featured in the North American broadcasts, could he be the main host? Some have even suggested Bill Trinen as a possibility.

Those are just a few thoughts from me. I’d love to hear what you guys think about the future of Nintendo Directs in the comments below!

Highlights from last week’s topic: Have you picked up Super Mario Maker?

Reiianuo

I had the game pre-loaded, so at midnight I immediately downloaded it. This game is really just an amazing package. Even playing the classic Marios (Original, 3 and World) in HD is very charming. With all the tools and content packed in, it is definitely worth the price of entry. The main portion of the game, community levels, can only get better as more players really learn the ins and outs of stage creation. It’s really great even coming up with one idea or theme for a stage, then spending hours fine-tuning that element into a full stage.

I’m gonna throw my stage codes this way too, as it seems to be the way of the land

They Called Me “Jumpman” (New U style)
3643-0000-001C-D72A
A fairly quick stage, my friend had told me I had made this stage “Impossible.” He didn’t realise the New U mechanics included the air-twirl that extends your jump distance slightly. Which is important.

Come On and SLAM with Mega Mario (Classic style)
076B-0000-003A-DB73

The central idea I had worked around with this stage is that being able to break blocks with mega mario can sometimes be a hazard, but also necessary for course completion. I like the tune for the Ghost House theme in the classic style game too!

LittleLynn

Every time I sit down with this game, I love it more and more. But after trying to set up a boss room for the first time, I’ve realized something I’d like to see in the future if there happens to be updates or DLC (besides more boss options). Maybe it’s just all my years of fiddling with RPG Maker, but I’d like to see event flags. For example: you’re in a small, closed room with a boss. There are no exits. However, upon defeating the boss, a door appears and you can progress (or perhaps it just ends the stage, as defeating bosses usually does).

I say this because while setting up this boss room, I basically had to design it in a weird layout that kinda encourages the player to actually defeat the boss before being able to safely reach the exit… but even then, a determined enough player can (and probably will) still circumvent the boss entirely. It’s a teensy bit frustrating.

That little nuisance aside, I think this is definitely shaping up to be one of my favorites that I’ve made. It’s not ready quite yet, but I’ll definitely share the code here when it is. ^_^

In the meantime, here’s a nifty, new (if somewhat easy) costume-based stage I made:
Next Door in the Haunted Mansion – DA41-0000-0031-5AA9

chancetime

I have picked it up and I’m definitely enjoying it so far. I never played NSMB U or Luigi U so I’m getting used to those styles, but the fact that I’ve got pretty much infinite levels for 4 different Mario games is amazing. Having people enjoy your levels is also really rewarding, putting time and effort into your courses will be rewarded by stars and comments.

For me, there’s only two negatives:

1) We need a proper search system. If you only want to play SMB3 Castle levels for example, you should be able to set parameters to search by.

2) No Desert theme 🙁 GH, Undergound and Castle are all fairly dark levels, so it would have been nice to have a bright desert theme to work with, as well as Pokeys, quick sand and the like.

LordDisco

Yes, and I am loving it! Made 4 levels, and I’m pretty proud of a couple of them. One thing I would change indefinitely right now is the search option, which there currently is not one at all. You can’t search by level name, you can’t search by user name, you can’t search your friends list, and you really can’t search for recently made ones. It’s just popular or play 100-Mario Challenge to play random levels. It’s actually a pretty poor way to get around. N++ actually has an amazing system for created levels, categorized by difficulty, recently made, most popular, made by friends, etc. It’s really nice. If Mario Maker had something like that, it would make it a much better experience.

Here are my current levels (Which the level ID is another thing that is garbage):
– Who is King of the Hill? F285-0000-0012-EA5C
– Why So Short? BD84-0000-0015-51EF
– Mad Funhouse 7643-0000-0017-0DEA
– Koopa Tagteam 55D8-0000-001C-AB64

Hope you all enjoy!

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Posted on 9 years ago by Travis(@nintentravis) in Reviews, Wii U eShop | 8 Comments

System: Wii U
Release date: September 17, 2015
Developer: Simogo / Dakko Dakko
Publisher Simogo

Author: Travis

When you first pick up Year Walk, “peaceful” and “serene” are two words that may pop into your head. You find yourself in a quaint, Swedish forest in the winter, with snowflakes falling, the wind gently whispering, and ‘barely there’ atmospheric tones.

The odd sense of warm security you feel in a chilly setting is misplaced, however. Despite the calming, ambiguous way Year Walk opens, your character’s goal to eventually see into the future by partaking in a ‘vision quest’ takes a few disconcerting turns.

What I’m trying to say is that this game is going to rustle your jimmies.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 114 Comments

Let’s Talk #23: Have you picked up Super Mario Maker?

Following its reveal at E3 2014 over a year ago, Super Mario Maker has finally arrived around the world. This is a pretty big release for Wii U. It may very well be Nintendo’s biggest game as a whole this year as well.

Even though Super Mario Maker is a Mario game, it’s quite different than what we’re used to. Nintendo has finally given players the tools to make their own levels. Making things even better, Super Mario Maker offers quite a bit of online functionality so that levels can be played and exchanged with others.

With all of that out of the way, how many of you picked up Super Mario Maker? What do you think of it so far? Are there any changes or additions you’d like to see in future updates? Let us know about your initial play impressions of the game in the comments below!

Highlights from last week’s topic: What are you playing? – September 2015

Stuart

I’m playing Phoenix Wright Ace Attourney Dual Destinies,I barely started and I already got 15 hours of gameplay! lol! Let’s finish before Ace Attourney 6 come out.

On my Wii U,Metroid Prime Trilogy all-the-way,note that I’ve never played any of the Prime games,just a little bit of the first one,so it’s been a whole new expirience for me,and now I see why hey call these games “masterpieces”.

Lord Drieg

Been mostly hunting in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. Managed to attain Hunter Rank 5 so now I’m a little closer to getting Samus’ armor. Also I’ve been trying to solo that Akantor for Link’s Sword. So frustrating!! Other than that, Smash on 3DS, and Shovel Knight to celebrate the amiibo announcement! (So good!) I’ve been wanting to get LBX, so spread some love and if you would, tell me about the game. I’ve been craving a new Medabots/Custom Robo style game and this looks like my fix!

JUr

I found Bayonetta 1 & 2 with a discount, so I’m playing these, they’re truly awesome games and alternating with the evergreen Smash or Splatoon… Also, ready to play a lot of Mario Maker, principally by downloading these awesome courses that you highlight!

TheDonRob

I have been playing a ton of The Binding of Isaac Rebirth. I tried The Binding of Isaac when it first came out on PC, but I guess it just didn’t really take. However, I really really like the Wii U port. Been playing too much, wife is actually getting a bit mad lol. Other than that I have been playing Pokemon Y and Pokemon Shuffle Mobile because I have a Pokemon addition.

Edit: Also, last night I just downloaded Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move. Was kind of hesitant of it being a spin off and all. But surprisingly enough it is pretty darn fun. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and cute mario themed puzzler.

Sam

I have been playing a TON of Little Battlers Experience: LBX since it released. I just really like the combat and customizing mechanics

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Posted on 9 years ago by Travis(@nintentravis) in Features, Videos, Wii U | 8 Comments

For the past two weeks we’ve been profiling the craziest, best, or most creative Super Mario Maker levels. Well the big day is tomorrow, so Travis wanted to put the shoe on the other foot and try to create the hardest level he could. He enlisted the help of his friend Dave to play “Bumpers in the Night!”

That wraps up our Super Mario Maker pre-launch coverage! We’re excited to see what people will be creating as of tomorrow, make sure to forward us the best levels you come across!

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