Former Nintendo staffer on how he came up with Koopalings’ names and Motörhead inspiration
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 7 Comments
Well over 20 years ago, Dayvv Brooks worked at Nintendo as a product analyst. One early assignment he had was to take poorly translated Japanese text and making it sound better.
Speaking with Kotaku, Brooks explained how he came up with the names of the different Koopalings, including how Lemmy was inspired by Motörhead rock band founder Lemmy Kilmister.
He said:
“Music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve been a DJ for years and have been a music collector for even longer. When I first saw the group of seven Koopalings, music was on my mind.
The hairstyle on one of them reminded me of Ludwig von Beethoven for some reason and Ludwig von Koopa was born. Next was the one with the glasses—that has to be Roy Koopa in homage to Roy Orbison, who almost always wore glasses. Then Wendy O. Koopa (Wendy O. Williams) [and] Iggy Koopa (Iggy Pop). One looked like a loudmouth, so he was Morton Koopa Jr. from [the] loud-mouthed talk show host Morton Downey Jr. And then there was Larry. There’s no real-world equivalent—he’s not Larry Mullen Jr. from U2 or Larry King—he just looked like a Larry.
That brings us to Lemmy. In addition to being a great name, it’s perfect for a video game character. This Koopaling struck me as being the kind of character who would do his own thing, no matter what anyone else thought. I think it was those crazy eyes. Lemmy Koopa was in the crew.”
Kotaku says that Nintendo had to approve Brooks’ translation ideas, all of which were signed off by the company.
Super Mario Maker version 1.31 out now
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 6 Comments
Last week, Super Mario Maker received its 1.30 update. This added some new elements and compatibility with the Bookmark portal site. Today, Nintendo has followed that up with another small patch.
Super Mario Maker’s 1.31 update is now available to download. You can grab it by booting up the game, or wait for it to be downloaded automatically.
Given the small increase in the version number, there’s not too much behind today’s update. Nintendo says some problems have been fixed so that the game can be played more comfortably.
298MB of free space is required to download the update.
More: Super Mario Maker, title update, top
Super Mario Maker – videos for the Birdo and Excitebike costumes
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Videos, Wii U | 0 comments
Nintendo has released new videos showing off the Birdo and Excitebike costumes in Super Mario Maker. We’ve posted it below.
More: Super Mario Maker, top
Platinum reflects on Bayonetta 2’s Nintendo content, Star Fox Zero talk
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 37 Comments
GameSpot put up a pretty comprehensive feature about PlatinumGames today. That also includes individual staff interviews, such as one that mainly features Star Fox Zero co-director Yusuke Hashimoto.
During the discussion, Hashimoto reflected on the Nintendo content in Bayonetta 2 (spoilers?) and how Platinum ended up working on Star Fox Zero. He also spoke about working with Shigeru Miyamoto’s team and the challenge of making the game fun by using both the TV and the GamePad.
Head past the break for a rundown of Hashimoto’s comments. You can also read GameSpot’s full article here that has a few older quotes.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games 3DS details – sports, roster, amiibo, modes
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 11 Comments
Nintendo opened the official Japanese website for Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on 3DS today. The various pages cover the included sports, character roster, amiibo support, and various modes.
In terms of sports, 14 are included in total for Olympic competition. The lineup includes soccer, golf, 100m dash, 110m hurdle, long jump, javelin throw, 100m freestyle swim, archery, boxing, table tennis, beach volley, equestrian, BMX, and rhythmic gymnastic hoop. There are 14 extra competition events, which are the same sports but with added gimmicks from the Mario & Sonic series. Check out the video below for 13 minutes of gameplay showing the different sports and events.
Nintendo Download (12/31/15, Europe): Wave Race, 1080° Snowboarding, Story of Seasons
Posted on 9 years ago by Matt(@OnePunchMaz) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 8 Comments
This week’s European Nintendo Downloads are as follows:
Wii U Virtual Console
Wave Race 64 (N64) – €9.99 (€4.99 if you own 1080° Snowboarding on the same Wii U. Offer ends January 7th.)
1080° Snowboarding (N64) – (€4.99 if you own Wave Race 64 on the same Wii U. Offer ends January 7th.)
3DS Retail
Story of Seasons – €39.99
eShop Sales
Wii U
99 Moves – €1.49 (Ends January 28th, regular price €2.49)
Abyss – €1.49 (Ends January 28th, regular price €1.99)
3DS
Castle Conqueror Defender – €3.49 (Ends January 21s, regular price €4.99)
Castle Conqueror EX – €2.99 (Ends January 21st, regular price €3.99)
Demon King Box – €2.99 (Ends January 21st, regular price €3.99)
European Conqueror 3D – €2.99 (Ends January 21st, regular price €3.99)
Football Up 3D – €1.99 (Ends January 28st, regular price €2.99)
Nano Assault EX – €7.49 (Ends January 21st, regular price €9.99)
Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D Download Version – €4.99 (Ends January 14th, regular price €9.99)
Tappingo – €1.99 (Ends January 21st, regular price €2.99)
Source: Nintendo PR
More: Europe, Nintendo Download, top, Virtual Console
[Let’s Talk] Impressions of Xenoblade Chronicles X
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk, Wii U | 30 Comments
Let’s Talk #34: Impressions of Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles X has been out in the west for almost a month now. For those that have been playing it, what do you think of the game thus far? Are you enjoying it? Has it not met your expectations? If you’ve played the original Xenoblade, how do you think this one stacks up? Let us know in the comments below.
I’ve actually had Xenoblade Chronicles X since launch, but haven’t had a chance to really play it yet. Sickness, business, and a terrible backlog make for a bad combination. I hope to change that soon though!
Highlights from last week’s topic: What do you want to see from next week’s Smash Bros. presentation?
Update: Winners announced – [Giveaway] SteamWorld Heist
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, Giveaway | 79 Comments
Update: The winners are in! Congratulations to gab, Lord Drieg, and Doug (Patreon). Codes have been sent via email.
The fantastic SteamWorld Heist launched on the 3DS eShop earlier this month. In celebration of the game’s arrival, we have three North American codes up for grabs (thanks Max Criden!).
In the comments below, tell us about your favorite steampunk settings or unusual turn-based games. All entries submitted through December 25 will be eligible for the random giveaway. Also, all of our $5+ Patreon members are automatically eligible – no comment is required.
Our three winners will be announced soon after the submission period ends. Best of luck to everyone!
Zelda: Tri Force Heroes – Cheer Outfit’s idol origins, how the Timeless Tunic came to be
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 3 Comments
Last month’s issue of Nintendo Dream contains an interview centered around The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. The Japanese magazine spoke with director Hiromasa Shikata, designer Keisuke Umeda, and producer Eiji Aonuma. There were some interesting comments shared, not to mention valuable concept art for Zelda fans.
Costumes are naturally a big part of Tri Force Heroes. During the interview, Umeda talked about what elements were taken into consideration when designing these for Link:
“The first thing is to make the effect [of the costume] easy to understand. Then comes making it look interesting and easily recognizable with colors. Designs were made while keeping these three things in mind.”
One piece of concept art included in the interview is of the Cheer Outfit. Here’s a look at that:
The Art of Fire Emblem: Awakening coming in August 2016
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News | 7 Comments
Update 3 (12/26): Bumped to the top. This is now $16 off on Amazon.
Update 2 (12/24): Bumped to the top. Now available for pre-order on Amazon UK
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Update: The Art of Fire Emblem: Awakening can be pre-ordered on Amazon Canada here.
Dark Horse has teamed up with Nintendo to release a new art book in North America. Next August, The Art of Fire Emblem: Awakening will be available.
Here’s what you can expect from it:
The Art of Fire Emblem Awakening contains an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the smash-hit 3DS game, from beautifully illustrated renditions of your favorite characters, to storyboards for in-game events, character designs, weapon designs, character profiles, and the entirety of the script with every possible branch of dialogue! Relive some of the most poignant moments of the game, or see what might have been if you had made different in-game decisions with the Art of Fire Emblem Awakening!
The Art of Fire Emblem: Awakening is due out in comic shops on August 17 and in bookstores on August 30 (apparently a bit earlier at places like Amazon). Pre-orders are already live on Amazon here.
