[Feature] How Mario Kart 8 continues to breathe new life into a once-stagnant series
Posted on 10 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in Features, Game of the Month, Wii U | 40 Comments
The illustrious Mario Kart is a series that’s been around since SNES and has touched the hearts of millions across the globe with its simplistic-yet-addictive and sometimes-competitive gameplay. We’ve seen the series grow exponentially in features and gimmicks with each new generational entry, but there’s always been one thing in particular that they’ve all had in common that was causing the series to dwindle in its excitement and keeping it from its full potential: speed.
Now, just to be clear, I’ve always loved and will continue to love Mario Kart. It’s held a special place in my heart since I first played it as a child on the Nintendo 64, but as I’ve grown and watched it evolve with each new entry, whether handheld or console, my interest in Mario Kart began to tank, specifically after Double Dash!!. I didn’t have any animosity towards the series (except for Mario Kart Wii) – it’ll always be in a league of its own – but as I began to delve into other racing games across various platforms, quickly becoming one of my favorite genres, it was hard to go back to Mario Kart expecting an immersive, adrenaline-fueled experience games like Burnout, Need for Speed, Extreme G Racing, or F-Zero would give me. After a while, even games that had the same power-up/items mechanics it had like Wipeout, Blur, Split/Second and, in a more obscure sense, Twisted Metal started to feel superior to Mario Kart. I’d still go back and play Double Dash!! and 64 from time to time with friends, but despite the merriment of the occasion, I couldn’t play more than twenty minutes at a time before wanting to go to sleep. The excitement was lost for me. I preferred to watch from a distance.
More: highlight, Mario Kart 8
[Just a Chat] Monster Hunter Stories, Project X Zone 2, Mario Kart 8 DLC, and more
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Just a Chat, Wii U | 0 comments
There was lots of Nintendo news this week, including the announcements of Monster Hunter Stories and Project X Zone 2. Brian and Daan talk about both of these games, along with the new Mario Kart 8 DLC tracks, Smash Bros., and more!
Stuff:
[Giveaway] Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Mewtwo DLC code
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Giveaway, Wii U | 6 Comments
Update 2: Latest winners announced! Congratulations to NintendCoo, TheOfficialBert, and thecerealwizard.
Update: Our winner is in! Congratulations to 1upGoomba.
The Mewtwo festivities aren’t over though! Thanks to Dingledots and an anonymous giver, we have three more codes (2 3DS, 1 Wii U) to hand out. Enter the Wii U giveaway here, and the 3DS giveaway here.
Reader mrsujano was kind enough to give us a Mewtwo DLC code for Smash Bros. Wii U. That means it’s time for a new giveaway!
Entering is very simple, though you’ll need a Twitter account. We’ll choose a random winner based on those who are following us on Twitter and re-tweet this post. It will be a quick giveaway, as we’re choosing a winner tomorrow.
Good luck!
Super Run for Money: Assemble! The Strongest Runaways boxart
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Images | 0 comments
Bandai Namco released the boxart for Super Run for Money: Assemble! The Strongest Runaways. Take a look at it above.
Project X Zone 2 devs on development, story, improvements, and surprises
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 7 Comments
Update: Fixed first names for Morizumi and Ishitani.
Bandai Namco officially unveiled Project X Zone 2 last week. After the announcement, Famitsu caught up with a few of the game’s developers for an interview. The magazine spoke with Kensuke Tsukanaka (producer, Bandai Namco), Souichiro Morizumi (Monolith Soft, development director), and Koji Ishitani (development producer, Monolith Soft).
Famitsu starts by asking when development on Project X Zone 2 kicked off. According to Morizumi, the team was “considering the project and playing new entries of featured games” after Project X Zone’s Japanese launch. Work truly began after the team received feedback from the western release in 2013.
Tsukanaka also said, “The release had very good reputation in North America and Europe. So given the situation both domestically and overseas, we started to create the sequel.”
Bravely Second gets first review in Famitsu
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 5 Comments
Famitsu published a first review of Bravely Second in the magazine’s latest issue. As we mentioned a few days back, the game received a total of 36 / 40, with individual scores of 9, 9, 9, and 9 from four different reviewers.
We now have a complete translation of the verdicts from Famitsu’s review. For the full transcript, head past the break.
More: Bravely Second, Famitsu, Japan, Square Enix
Walmart: New 3DS XL with game for $209
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in New Nintendo 3DS, News | 0 comments
A New 3DS XL bundle has gone up over on Walmart. The retailer is selling the system with one game of choice for $209.
Available titles include The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Smash Bros. 3DS, Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, and more. You can also choose between a black or red New 3DS XL.
If you’re interested, check out the product page here.
Famitsu’s most wanted games (4/19/15)
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 3 Comments
It’s time for the latest Famitsu’s most wanted games chart! Highlights include Bravely Second at #2, and Fire Emblem If has now entered the top five.
Head past the break for the full chart. All votes were cast between April 2 and April 8.
More: Famitsu, Famitsu's most wanted
Amazon lists June release for The Art of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, General Nintendo, News | 7 Comments
UDON and Capcom have been prepping an English version for The Art of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies. And based on an Amazon listing, the art book should be out on June 9.
Below is the official description:
Objection! Phoenix Wright is back! After a hiatus as the lead protagonist of series, the original Ace Attorney has returned as the series’ top defense lawyer. The Art of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies collects the artwork behind the latest installment in the popular Capcom franchise. Included are character designs, pin-ups, storyboards, character profiles, and much more!
Those who pre-order
The Art of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies on Amazon can save $14.
Kickstarter roundup (4/19/15)
Posted on 10 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 3 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.
Ping 1.5+ – European localization (new) – $700 for funding
HUSH – $146,795 for funding, includes Wii U
Izle – $90,000 for funding, includes Wii U
Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death – Wii U stretch goal at $35,000
FreezeME – $15,000 for funding, includes Wii U
We’ll also once again mention CrossCode, though it’s on Indiegogo. If funds reach €100,000, it will be on Wii U.
