Splatoon devs share background info on stages, talk about the end of updates, more
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 9 Comments
This week’s issue of Famitsu has more coverage of Splatoon. There isn’t any news about the game itself (which was to be expected), but there is a 4-page interview with the game’s developers. Famitsu caught up with producer Hisashi Nogami plus co-directors Tsubasa Sakaguchi and Yusuke Amano. They shared some interesting background information about stages, spoke about the end of updates and why they’re coming to a close, and more.
There is quite a bit here, so let’s get right to it. Head past the break for a summary of the interview.
– Most of the stages in Splatoon are based on marine products, but only Under Deca Line Girder Bridge (Urchin Underpass) isn’t. It’s based on Jujo Road, an actual road in Kyoto which is nearby Nintendo’s office. The ? kanji means ten, which can also become Deca in Greek. And ? means line, hence Deca-Line. Deca-Line is the name of the highway, and this stage is right underneath it, hence the “Under”.
– How the Deca-Line stage came to be included: art director Seita Inoue has a habit of sketching things nearby him. One day he drew a night view seen from the company building. When the development team was thinking about stage designs, they happened to find this sketch, and since it fitted many of the stage designs, it got picked. They were looking for a place with a realistic sense that has an origin of grey-toned neutral color and could be vandalized with colors.
More: Hisashi Nogami, interview, Splatoon, top, Tsubasa Sakaguchi, Yusuke Amano
Freedom Planet 2 announced
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 11 Comments
Update: No real surprise here, but Freedom Planet 2 is officially confirmed for at least one Nintendo platform.
Freedom Planet 2 will follow a similar platform release as FP1: PC/Mac/Linux first followed by Nintendo, plus more depending on resources.
— GalaxyTrail (@galaxytrail) December 25, 2015
GalaxyTrail has announced Freedom Planet 2, a follow-up to the Wii U eShop game released in October. We’ve included a brief trailer and teaser below.
“Join the heroes of Avalice as they face their greatest challenge yet! An ancient terror has emerged from the depths of the ocean. Merga, a water dragon from Avalice’s oldest and deadliest war, has been freed from her crystal prison as a consequence of the Kingdom Stone’s destruction. War is imminent once again, but this time, the heroes are split between sides. As friendships are tested, will the girls stand united when Bakunawa rises?”
There’s quite a bit that’s new/changed in Freedom Planet 2. GalaxyTrail is updating the game’s style, and will introduce features such as a flexible difficulty, guarding, and revivals. Details about each of these can be found after the break.
More: Freedom Planet 2, GalaxyTrail, indie, top
Happy holidays!
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News | 5 Comments
Hi everyone!
Just wanted to take a brief moment to wish everyone a happy holiday. Be it Christmas, New Year’s… whatever you celebrate or are looking forward to in the near future, enjoy the times ahead!
I’ll be around on the site per usual to take care of any news that pops up. Things have been a bit quieter these past few weeks outside of the Nintendo Direct and Smash Bros. presentation, and I expect that to continue due to the holidays. It’ll be business as usual for me though, aside from possibly getting a little more rest and hopefully overcoming a very bad cold/virus/whatever I’ve had for well over a week.
Thank you all for the support in 2015, and I look forward to sharing more Nintendo news with you all next year. Some exciting things await us in 2016!
Nintendo – updated message from the president
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 14 Comments
Nintendo updated its investor site with a new message from company president Tatsumi Kimishima. This is actually the first letter from Kimishima aside from the one included in a previous business report.
In his note, Kimishima mainly touches on further making use of Nintendo IP. He (briefly) brings up NX, smart devices, and more. Read the full message below.
Since the launch of the Family Computer System (called Nintendo Entertainment System outside Japan) in 1983, Nintendo has been offering the world unique and original entertainment products under the development concept of hardware and software integration. In the field of home entertainment, the video game industry is one of the few industries established in Japan that spread around the world, and Nintendo has established itself as a well-known brand truly representing video game culture throughout the world.
With the belief in our mission to put smiles on people’s faces around the world through products and services, we have followed our basic strategy of expanding the gaming population by offering products that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, gender or gaming experience. We now want to take this mission a step further by increasing the number of people who have access to Nintendo’s intellectual property (Nintendo IP).
More: Tatsumi Kimishima, top
New Shin Megami Tensei IV Final trailer
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Videos | 0 comments
Atlus has uploaded Shin Megami Tensei IV Final’s second trailer. We’ve gone ahead and posted it below.
More: Atlus, Shin Megami Tensei IV Final, top
2DS finally reaching Japan in February with Pokemon 3DS Virtual Console bundles
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 26 Comments
The 2DS has been available in the west since October 2013. In Japan, the system will finally launch in February.
Nintendo announced four bundles today which come with a 2DS and a copy of either Pokemon Red, Blue, Green, or Yellow on the 3DS Virtual Console. Consumers will also receive a code for Mew in X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, plus an opportunity to nab the Pokemon in these classic releases. The package is topped off with a map, theme, and sticker set.
These 2DS bundles will release in Japan on February 27. Pricing is set at 9,980 yen each.
Nintendo Download (12/24/15, North America) – Super Mario Galaxy, Puzzle & Dragons update
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 5 Comments
This week’s North American Nintendo Downloads are as follows:
Wii Download
Super Mario Galaxy – $19.99
3DS DLC/Update
Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition – DLC Update – Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition includes two gigantic puzzle RPGs, which both use a unique drag-and-match style of game play. And now your Mushroom Kingdom experience expands even further with a downloadable update for the Super Mario Bros. Edition. This free update brings new Mario and Luigi Leaders, new Transformations and new Allies. You’ll also find updated Score Attack challenges that include online world rankings, new Free Challenges that let you pick your own team and game-play replays.
3DS Themes
Mario’s Winter Wonderland
Pokémon: Peeking Friends
Pokémon: Poké Crests & Kokeshi Dolls
eShop Sales
Wii U/3DS
– Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Nintendo 3DS), Super Street Fighter II Turbo Revival (Wii U) and more games from Capcom are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 1.
– Shovel Knight (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 1.
– The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy’s Grand Adventure (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS), TRANSFORMERS PRIME (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) and more games from Activision are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 4.
Wii U
– Roving Rogue is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– TNT Racers – Nitro Machines Edition is more than 35 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Electronic Super Joy is more than 10 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $6.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Toto Temple Deluxe is 40 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $5.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 6.
– Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and more from Nordic Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Little Inferno and Human Resource Machine are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
3DS
– Chat-A-Lot, Governor of Poker and more games from Teyon are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Snow Moto Racing 3D is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
– Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains is 30 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $19.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Dec. 31.
– Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers and Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth are on sale starting 9 a.m. PT on Dec. 28 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 11.
– Funfair Party Games, Jewel Match 3 and more games from Joindots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Glory of Generals, Parking Star 3D and more games from Circle Ent. are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 14.
– Cubit The Hardcore Platformer Robot is 30 percent off (reduced from $2.99 to $1.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Zombie Incident is 25 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $1.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– Coaster Creator 3D and Cube Creator 3D are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– League of Heroes, Monster Shooter and more games from Gamelion Studios are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 14.
– KORG DSN-12 and KORG M01D are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
– 2 Fast 4 Gnomz, AiRace Speed and more from Qubic Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 14.
– Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey to Kyoto is 50 percent off (reduced from $19.99 to $9.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 7.
Activities
Fan Faves – The fans have spoken! The Miiverse community voted on their picks for best Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games of the year. Did your favorites make the list? Go to the 2015 Nintendo Fan Faves website to find out!
National StreetPass Holiday – Share the joy of the season with other Nintendo fans by trading StreetPass tags during National StreetPass Weekend. Stop by any of the more than 29,000 Nintendo Zone hotspots across North America with your Nintendo 3DS system from Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 – you could get up to six StreetPass tags from across North America. In the YO-KAI WATCH game, visit the old Wayfarer Manor to meet wandering Yo-kai and receive gifts from them or even battle and befriend them. Collect puzzle pieces for the new Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam panel, or pick up enemy tokens for StreetSmash in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. You can also find a character named Claude with a special decorating request for you in the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer game.
Find a hotspot near you here: http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/nintendozone.
Source: Nintendo PR
More: Nintendo Download, top
Media Create sales (12/14 – 12/20)
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, News, Wii U | 33 Comments
Update (12/24): Bumped to the top. Famitsu’s data has been replaced with Media Create.
Original (12/23): The latest Japanese hardware sales from Media Create are as follows:
New 3DS LL – 103,246
Wii U – 79,266
Vita – 52,289
PS4 – 46,749
New 3DS – 25,964
3DS – 9,984
3DS LL – 4,921
PS3 – 2,769
Vita TV – 834
Xbox One – 512
For comparison’s sake, here are the hardware numbers from last week:
New 3DS LL – 81,294
Wii U – 47,890
PS4 – 38,497
Vita – 35,116
New 3DS – 19,454
3DS – 8,549
3DS LL – 3,531
PS3 – 2,434
Vita TV – 793
Xbox One – 609
And here are the software charts:
[3DS] Monster Strike – 437,903 / NEW
[3DS] Monster Hunter X – 188,225 / 2,201,273
[PS4] Fallout 4 – 123,018 / NEW
[3DS] Yo-kai Watch Busters – 103,091 / 1,954,591
[WIU] Splatoon – 86,332 / 998,667
[WIU] Super Mario Maker – 84,789 / 575,977
[3DS] Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer – 49,309 / 1,224,517
[3DS] Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam – 45,834 / 127,681
[3DS] Disney Magical World 2 – 39,397 / 191,930
[3DS] Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ – 33,661 / 557,715
[PSV] Minecraft: PlayStation Vita Edition – 32,129 / 474,139
[PSV] Miracle Girls Festival – 27,484 / NEW
[PS4] JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven – 23,534 / NEW
[PS3] JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven – 20,883 / NEW
[PSV] Exist Archive; The Other Side of the Sky – 19,984 / NEW
[3DS] Sumikko Gurashi Omise Hajimerun Desu – 19,764 / 61,717
[PS4] Exist Archive; The Other Side of the Sky – 17,413 / NEW
[3DS] Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon – 11,656 / 288,585
[3DS] Animal Crossing: New Life – 10,898 / 4,088,603
[3DS] The Legend of Zelda: Tri-Force Heroes – 10,500 / 128,095
* Note: latest numbers are based on data from Famitsu, as Media Create figures have been delayed. Post will be updated with Media Create data upon availability.
More: charts, Japan, Media Create, sales, top
DeNA says Miitomo has “that distinct Nintendo feel”, emphasizing entertainment, communication important
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Mobile, News | 17 Comments
The Wall Street Journal has some new interview quotes up with DeNA president Isao Moriyasu. Much of the discussion pertained to Miitomo. Moriyasu commented on the user experience, how it’ll separate itself from other social networking/messaging services, and more.
Head past the break for a roundup of Moriyasu’s remarks. You can find a bit more of the interview here.
More: DeNA, interview, Isao Moriyasu, Miitomo, top
Monster Hunter X ships 3 million copies
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 5 Comments
Capcom has shipped three million copies of Monster Hunter X in Japan, the company announced today. That figure includes physical copies sent to stores as well as downloads cards and digital sales on the eShop.
Monster Hunter X’s previous milestone was two million copies shipped. Capcom shared the news on December 2, less than a week after the game launched.
