Excitebike 64 devs on the game’s development – origins, Miyamoto feedback, more
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 2 Comments
Last month’s issue of GamesTM has a very interesting feature on the making of Excitebike 64. We encourage you to pick up the magazine to read it in full, though we wanted to share some of the information and comments here.
Excitebike 64 was the next title from Left Field Productions following the Nintendo-published NBA Courtside. Several ideas were pitched, many of which were focused around sports given the studio’s specialty in the genre. The possibility of a motocross game was flying about in part due to a few producers at Left Field enjoying it, and that’s what was ultimately selected.
Henry Sterchi, a producer from Nintendo working on the title, mentioned to GamesTM that Excitebike 64 began “as a more traditional motocross game”. However, as ideas were being prototyped and mechanics were being worked on, Left Field came up with an idea of developing a sequel to the NES classic. It was eventually proposed to Nintendo, who approved it soon after.
Sterchi told GamesTM:
“Excitebike 64 started out as a more traditional motocross game to prove out the core engine, handling and basic play. The handling was physics-driven and realistic, but I wouldn’t have called it a technical simulation. We did try some real-time track deformation such as tyre ruts, but it was abandoned because it wasn’t that fun and quite a technical drain.”
“We’d already discussed and prototyped the thing we wanted around the turbo mechanic and track designs in order for it to be an authentic Excitebike experience, so it was always the hope that they’d go for it and if it didn’t work out, it was ready to stand on its own as a more traditional motocross racer.”
More: Excitebike 64, interview, Left Field Productions, top
Nintendo Minute – Game of the Year part 1
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, Videos, Wii U | 3 Comments
This week’s episode of Nintendo Minute has gone live. In today’s video, Kit and Krysta reflect on 2015 by kicking off its third annual Game of the Year series. The best boxart, coolest amiibo, and best multiplayer experience are discussed. Take a look at the full video below.
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Nintendo’s “Game Center Holiday Edition” – amiibo
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, Videos | 1 Comment
The Play Nintendo YouTube account has a short promo up for amiibo. Check it out below.
More: Amiibo
Update: Individual amiibo – amiibo bundle up on GameStop
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 4 Comments
Update: There are various individual amiibo now in stock at GameStop, including Captain Falcon, Greninja, Lucario, and more. Full set it here.
GameStop has added a new amiibo bundle to its website. For $78, you’ll receive Ike, Fox, Little Mac, Captain Falcon, Greninja, and Lucario. Place an order here if interested.
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Machoke and Machamp don’t actually wear pants
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News, Random | 16 Comments
A new tidbit of information about a pair of Pokemon were shared on the series’ website today. Specifically, we have some… interesting news about Machoke and Machamp.
Both characters don’t actually wear pants. Instead, the what you see are markings, meaning Machamp or Machoke don’t wear pants as many had assumed.
More: Pokemon
8 Bit Music Power will be the first new Famicom game in over two decades
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 4 Comments
Columbus Circle is coming out with the first Famicom title in 21 years. In Japan, “8 Bit Music Power” is arriving on January 31 for 3,800 yen.
8 Bit Music Power features a collection of old-fashioned chiptunes packaged in an original Famicon cartridge. 12 pieces of music composed by videogame sound creators will be included.
Those who are interested in 8 Bit Music Power for the NES would need an adapter to play it. However, it’s possible that the title will eventually leave Japan, assuming there’s enough interest.
A spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal:
“This was just a project among old Nintendo fans around us. We were surprised at the overwhelming reaction we’ve received. Fans and major retailers in the U.S. asked us to make the product available there.”
Columbus Circle also said it plans to make more Famicon cartridges, including new games for the system.
More: 8 Bit Music Power, Columbus Circle
Black Friday 2015 deals up on the Nintendo UK store
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News, Wii U | 3 Comments
The Nintendo UK store has gone live with its Black Friday 2015 deals. Consumers can save on hardware, merchandise, and more.
Here are a few highlights:
– Wii U Mario Mega Bundle – Soft Toy, Wheel, Gamepad Protector, Super Mario Maker and Wii U Console – £299
– Nintendo 3DS XL White Console – includes Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Hat – Was £179.99 Now £99
– New Nintendo 3DS XL Pokemon Bundle – Nintendo 3DS XL in Metallic Blue, Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Free Pikachu Toy – £219.00
– Nintendo 3DS XL Super Smash Bros. Limited Edition – Includes charger and Super Smash Bros. game – Was £238.97 Now £158.97
– Nintendo 2DS Console (Black + Blue) Bundle – Pokemon X and Blue Nintendo 2DS case – Was £132.49 Now £95.99
– Nintendo 2DS Console + Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer + NFC Reader/Writer Pack – Was £149.99 Now £119.99
Update: Dead – Marth, Ganondorf, Falco amiibo up on Best Buy for $9 each
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 2 Comments
Update: This deal is now dead. Marth and Ganondorf are gone while Falco is back up to $13.
Three amiibo are currently available on Best Buy for $9 each. Those are as follows:
I’ll try to keep the post updated if any amiibo sell out.
Clash of Karts: Mario Kart 8 airing on Disney XD next Saturday
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 5 Comments
On December 5, Disney XD will be airing a special Mario Kart tournament. “Clash of Karts: Mario Kart 8” features a battle between four two-person teams of kids ages 13 to 17, all of whom were coached by YouTube stars Mari Takahashi, Meghan Camarena, Seth Bling, and Andre Meadows. You can watch the action unfold at 8 PM.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo has teamed up with Disney XD. Most recently, the network had a one-hour special based on the Nintendo World Championships 2015.
More: Disney XD, Mario Kart 8
Modern 8-bit Mario amiibo up on Walmart
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 0 comments
Walmart has added the 8-bit Mario amiibo to its website. Naturally though, due to Black Friday, the retailer is being absolutely slammed at the moment. That means you’ll probably have some issues adding the figure to your cart. It might be easier to try nabbing him later in the day!
I’ll also quickly mention that some other Walmart deals that we previously posted about are now starting to go live. That includes the Smash Bros. and Splatoon Wii U bundle for $250.
