[Review] Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
Posted on 8 years ago by Jakob Vujovic(@jakovujo) in 3DS eShop, Reviews | 3 Comments
System: 3DS (eShop)
Release date: September 8, 2016
Developer: Capcom
Publisher Capcom
I won’t dance around saying that Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice is kind of a mess, albeit a lovable one. If you think too hard about the overall plot, setting aside a few genuinely good and surprising twists, it’s full of laughably bad inconsistencies and weak writing choices. However, if you shut that part of your brain off – the one that checks for internal consistency – and focus on the moment-to-moment mystery plot and absurdity of what unfolds in these courtrooms, then it’s a much better experience. In other words, Spirit of Justice is yet another Ace Attorney game made in the absence of series creator Shu Takumi.
[Let’s Talk] September 2016 Nintendo Direct reactions
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, Let's Talk | 46 Comments
Prior to this week’s Nintendo Direct, we had gone several months without a major presentation. March was the last time when we saw a broadcast with new announcements in a prepared video. Most people have been expecting that we’d hear something about NX soon, but Nintendo first decided to share news about the 3DS.
Quite a bit was shown during the Nintendo Direct on Thursday. Not all of the games themselves were new, but it at least showed that the 3DS will continue to receive support into next year. Super Mario Maker is heading to Nintendo’s portable in December, followed by Poochy & Yoshi’s Woolly World next February (with a Poochy amiibo of course), Mario Sports Superstars in spring, Dragon Quest VIII, and a Pikmin side-scroller. Let’s also not forget about Ever Oasis and Tank Troopers. Nintendo also unveiled new Zelda amiibo, released new Hyrule Warriors DLC, Picross 3D: Round 2 (in North America, December 2 in Europe with a physical option) and Zelda: Skyward Sword digitally, and teased Animal Crossing: New Leaf’s update (with new amiibo cards and a Nintendo Direct to come).
Now that our brief recap is out of the way, what do you think of this week’s Nintendo Direct? Were you pleased with what was shown, or were you let down? Have any thoughts about particular games? Let us know in the comments below.
Highlights from last week’s topic: Your dream NX game
[Review] Axiom Verge
Posted on 8 years ago by Jakob Vujovic(@jakovujo) in Reviews, Wii U eShop | 5 Comments
System: Wii U (eShop)
Release date: September 1, 2016
Developer: Thomas Happ
Publisher Thomas Happ
When I think of the first Metroid on the NES, images of disorienting palette swapped vertical shafts with ascending and interlocking platforms connected into a webwork by horizontally scrolling rooms with enemies waiting in ambush from underground lava pools comes to mind. The imagery is distinct, but without a map it’s all very disorienting. Admittedly, I have never really played more than a few hours of Metroid. It was way before my time, and having first played Super Metroid with all of its advancements, there’s no reason for most people to go back to it beyond nostalgia and historical significance. Even with my relatively limited experience, I can tell that Axiom Verge was made out of a love and understanding of the original Metroid. However, it does more than just pay homage and instead creates mechanics and surprises with its clear admiration and understanding of Metroid as a jumping off point.
More: Axiom Verge, highlight, indie, top
Nintendo 3DS Direct live streams, blog (9/1/16)
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Videos | 11 Comments
The latest Nintendo 3DS Direct is about to begin, and we only have about an hour to go. Nintendo will be kicking things off at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET / 3 PM in the UK / 4 PM in Europe.
Live streams for the North American, European, and Japanese broadcasts can be viewed below. We’ll also have a live blog going throughout the presentation, courtesy of Jake! New posts will be added to the site when major news drops.
That’s all for now. Enjoy the new Nintendo Direct – it’s been awhile!
North America
Europe
Japan
Live blog
It’s now or never, everyone! Hope your bodies are ready! -Jake
Reggie hinting at 3DS games for 2017!
Pokemon Sun/Moon
- Alola Rattata, which is Dark/Normal is introduced
- Munchlax coming as an early free download for Sun/Moon
- Snorlax has a special Z-move, Pulverizing Pancake
Super Mario Maker coming to 3DS
- Can play Wii U courses, although not all aspects will be
- Mystery Mushroom costumes will still be Wii U exclusive
- Courses are only shared from 3DS by local download and Street Pass
- Releasing on December 2nd, 2016
Mario Party: Star Rush
- Toad Scramble focuses on Toad
- A “pure skill, no dice” coin collection mode
- 7 different modes
- Mario series amiibo compatible
- Download version that lets you play the full game locally as long as one person has a cartridge
- Releasing on November 4th
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
- amiibo update coming out this holiday
- Animal Crossing mini-Direct coming soon
- Other amiibo, not just Animal Crossing compatible
Mii Plaza
- Quick Plaza streamlines gameplay and check in
- Cooking, stock market, exploration, ninja launching, and racing games coming
- Launching after Direct
Tank Troopers
- eShop game, this winter
- Fight in tank
- Includes local play
Picross 3D Round 2
- Demo releasing after Direct
- amiibo compatible
Zelda amiibo
- December 2nd
- 8-bit Link, Link, Toon Link, Toon Zelda
- Will be compatible in Breath of the Wild
Skyward Sword
- Original version releasing on Wii U today, Wii Virtual Console format
Hyrule Warriors Legends
- Phantom Hourglass/Spirit Tracks DLC coming today
- Toon Link’s new weapon is the Sand Wand
- Summons blocks and the train to destroy enemies
- Toon Zelda, inhabits Phantom Body
- New Adventure Map based on Phantom Hourglass
Ace Attorney Spirit of Justice
- eShop download, September 8th
Dragon Quest VII and VIII
- Street Pass in VII lets you explore unique dungeons
- Pre-purchasing VII on eShop gets a special theme
- Out September 16th, videos on YouTube and Dev Discussion at PAX
Yo-Kai Watch 2
- New watch gives new abilities
- Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls each feature unique Yo-Kai
- Arachnus (Bony Spirits) and Toadul Dude (Fleshy Souls)
- Demo coming mid September, available on the 30th
Disney Magical World 2
- Frozen outfits, available for pre-download
- Disney themes coming to eShop as well
Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice
- 2-character mode, can switch between
- September 27th, comes with DVD with three Sonic Boom episodes
Bill with a beard! He needs a Bill Trimmin’!
Yoshi’s Woolly World coming to 3DS
- Has all the Wii U stages plus more
- Poochy mode, and Poochy pups that help you find secrets
- 30 animated shorts coming with it
- Poochy yarn amiibo
- Both game and amiibo on February 3rd, 2017, including amiibo bundle
Ever Oasis
- Travel between oasis and desert
- Desert is under the reign of “Chaos”
- 2017 release
Mario Sports Super Stars
- soccer baseball golf tennis horse racing
- Local and online multiplayer modes
- Spring 2017
Pikmin game coming to 3DS in 2017
- Side scroller, starring Olimar
- Currently red, blue, yellow pikmin announced
- Action oriented
[Let’s Talk] Your dream NX game
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 123 Comments
We still don’t know a whole lot about NX. Within the next few weeks, that will hopefully change. When Nintendo is finally ready to talk about its new platform, we’ll actually learn about what this thing is, and we should be seeing some games as well.
It is interesting how a few games have been confirmed for the NX even though it’s yet to be properly unveiled. Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Dragon Quest XI, Dragon Quest X, Project Sonic 2017, and Just Dance 2017 will be on the system. There are some other probable candidates like Pikmin 4.
In terms of unannounced titles, what do you want to see? What would be your dream NX game? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Highlights from last week’s topic: Thoughts on Metroid Prime: Federation Force
[Let’s Talk] Thoughts on Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Let's Talk | 16 Comments
Metroid Prime: Federation Force might be one of Nintendo’s most controversial games in recent years. The reception has been very mixed – leaning more towards the negative side – since its reveal in 2015, and the conversations haven’t slowed down since then. But on Friday, the game finally launched and everyone has a chance to play it for themselves.
We thought Metroid Prime: Federation Force was alright, as you can read in our review. It’s definitely not one of the worst titles on 3DS, but we feel it’s not towards the top of what the system has to offer as well. The critical reception has also been mixed. Some outlets feel strongly that Federation Force is a great release while others haven’t felt nearly the same. Given how things have gone for the game, I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised by the critical reaction.
If you’ve had a chance to play Metroid Prime: Federation Force since it came out yesterday, what are your feelings on it thus far? If you don’t have it yet, do you intend to change that at any point down the line? What are your thoughts on it in general? Let us know in the comments below!
Highlights from last week’s topic: What are you playing? – August 2016
[Review] Metroid Prime: Federation Force
Posted on 8 years ago by Vincent Ward in 3DS, Reviews | 25 Comments
System: 3DS
Release date: August 19, 2016
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher Nintendo
If you’re like a me who hasn’t kept up a ton with Metroid, you probably don’t know a whole lot about Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Since its unveiling, the 3DS title has remained shrouded in mystery for quite some time. Only one factor has remained a constant during its existence, which is that the game is unlike any other Metroid to date. Ditching the series’ iconic feeling of isolation and turning more towards four-player multiplayer, it attempts to reach for the stars and try something new. Therein lies the recurring problem with Federation Force, however. While the new ideas are fun, they offer equally as many bonuses as they do flaws.
Nintendo Everything comic #15: Animal Crossing GO
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Comics | 10 Comments
Pokemon GO has become a huge hit. During the first month that it’s been out, we’ve heard about some pretty crazy stories relating to the game. So what sort of things would happen if Animal Crossing GO existed? We explore that in our new comic below!
[Interview] Mastiff on Gurumin 3D – origins, what’s new, challenges implementing 3D, more
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, Interviews | 10 Comments
Mastiff and Falcom’s action-adventure game Gurumin has been highly regarded over the years. The two sides are now teaming up once more to bring Nintendo fans the experience. Later this summer, Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure will be hitting the 3DS eShop.
We reached out to Mastiff to learn more about this new version of Gurumin. Bill Swartz, president and CEO, chatted with us about why the company is returning to the game on 3DS, the challenges of implementing stereoscopic 3D support, improvements, if a Wii U/NX version could actually happen, the possibility of a physical version, and more.
Head past the break to read our full interview.
Site issues (8/9/16)
Posted on 8 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Site updates | 18 Comments
Update (8/10): After working on the issues through the night, we believe that all should be fixed. We have not encountered any problems loading pages, and all 502 errors have disappeared. If you encounter anything suspicious, let us know!
Original (8/9): If you’ve attempted to visit Nintendo Everything over the past day or so, you’ve likely encountered an error at some point. We’ve actually gone a long while without any major issues, but unfortunately, we are experiencing problems to start out the week.
So here’s the thing: we’re aware the site is not running smoothly at the moment. It isn’t dead by any means, but I know that folks are having regular issues loading different pages. We’ve spent a good chunk of yesterday looking into the situation, and today as well. To say that I haven’t had much time to rest over the past 24 hours would probably be an understatement!
I don’t have any estimate as to when everything will be fully restored just yet. I’ll share another update as soon as there’s something new to report though. Until then, I do appreciate your patience, and I apologize for the inconvenience. News posts will continue as normal – as much as possible anyway!
