Yooka-Laylee introduces new character Rextro Sixtyfourus
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 10 Comments
Playtonic has revealed a brand new character for Yooka-Laylee as part of a feature on IGN. Above is a look at Rextro Sixtyfourus, an old-school dinosaur character who acts as guardian of the arcade machines hidden on each level. Players will find at least one secret arcade game in each world, which provides a Pagie when completed.
Mark Stevenson, who previously worked on the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong 64, and Kameo, designed Rextro Sixtyfourus. Here’s what he had to say about the character:
“We decided on using a dinosaur pretty early on as this is a creature that naturally associates with a past era. Then I think mostly my inspiration came from work I’d done previously on characters for the Donkey Kong 64 game. From this work I knew the kind of forms we had to create due to low polygon counts, so this inspired the shapes used to create Rextro’s blocky feet and hands that are virtually cubes. All the polygons in Rexto have hard edges as well: this affects how the light shines on him meaning you can basically see all the polygon faces as individual facets.
“I wanted Rex to to feel like he captured the era of games from my early career which also included work on the Donkey Kong games on the Super Nintendo. Finally just to reinforce the retro aspect some more, I created a custom shader that creates a scanline effect on Rextro to make him look like he’s being viewed on an old school CRT TV.”
“He evolved quite naturally really, the only part of him that we really took some time to settle on was his accessory around his neck which started out as a red tie very much like Donkey Kong before we settled on a medallion made from one of the game’s Play Tokens to reference his crucially important task.”
Check out the video below for a look at Rextro Sixtyfourus.
More: Playtonic, top, Yooka-Laylee
DeNA’s initial mobile projects with Nintendo are all free-to-play
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Mobile, News | 7 Comments
Miitomo, DeNA’s first mobile project being developed in conjunction with Nintendo, is due out in March of next year. That’s a free-to-play game. Likewise, all of the titles the company is currently developing will be based on a similar model.
“Games currently in the pipeline are all free to play,” DeNA chief executive Isao Moriyasu mentioned at an earnings briefing earlier today.
Moriyasu wouldn’t really call “Miitomo” a game during the financial meeting. However, he reiterated that its rich entertainment features make it more than just a chat or communication tool. The app will also be updated continuously.
Another important note: it appears that DeNA is focusing its efforts on co-developing Nintendo’s free-to-play apps while the Big N handles the paid ones.
Media Create sales (11/2 – 11/8)
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, News, Wii U | 22 Comments
The latest Japanese hardware sales from Media Create are as follows:
PS4 – 33,442
New 3DS LL – 18,496
Vita – 13,085
New 3DS – 10,448
Wii U – 9,935
PS3 – 1,716
3DS – 965
Xbox One – 825
Vita TV – 723
3DS LL – 474
For comparison’s sake, here are the hardware numbers from last week:
PS4 – 22,104
New 3DS LL – 16,824
Vita – 14,366
Wii U – 9,127
New 3DS – 3,559
PS3 – 1,931
3DS – 988
Vita TV – 807
Xbox One – 534
3DS LL – 509
And here are the software charts:
1. [PS4] Call of Duty: Black Ops III – 143,817 / NEW
2. [3DS] Disney Magical World 2 – 73,824 / NEW
3. [PS3] Call of Duty: Black Ops III – 20,899 / NEW
4. [PS4] God Eater Resurrection – 20,812 / 146,688
5. [3DS] Yo-kai Watch Busters – 19,810 / 1,714,160
6. [PSV] To Love Ru Trouble Darkness: True Princess – 15,729 / NEW
7. [WIU] Super Mario Maker – 15,364 / 366,167
8. [PS4] Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force – 14,392 / NEW
9. [WIU] Splatoon – 13,891 / 763,338
10. [3DS] Zelda: Tri Force Heroes – 12,573 / 86,467
11. [3DS] Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer – 8,127 / 1,114,709
12. [PSV] Minecraft: PlayStation Vita Edition – 7,847 / 390,266
13. [PS4] God Eater Resurrection – 6,461 / 32,160
14. [PSV] Yomawari – 6,167 / 28,639
15. [3DS] Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon – 4,886 / 253,303
16. [3DS] Picross 3D 2 – 4,853 / 69,161
17. [3DS] Pro Yakyuu Famista Returns – 4,799 / 47,246
18. [3DS] LEGO Jurassic World – 4,499 / NEW
19. [3DS] PriPara Mezase! Idol * Grand Prix No.1! – 4,216 / 44,812
20. [PS3] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2016 – 4,069 / 91,521
More: charts, Japan, Media Create, sales, top
New Puzzle & Dragons game in the works for 3DS
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 4 Comments
Two Puzzle & Dragons games have already hit the 3DS, and it looks like a third one is in the works. This month’s issue of CoroCoro reveals that GungHo Online Entertainment is preparing a new title in the series for Nintendo’s handheld.
We don’t actually have any concrete news about the project just yet, though there’s some speculation flying around that it’s a sequel to Puzzle & Dragons Z. The only thing we have to go on currently is the cover from CoroCoro. Maybe the new Puzzle & Dragons game is something that will be touched upon during tomorrow’s Nintendo Direct?
Nintendo Badge Arcade now available in North America
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News | 25 Comments
Nintendo Badge Arcade was announced for Europe earlier today. In the region, it’s planned for release on Friday.
We weren’t sure if Nintendo Badge Arcade would be launching in North America as well, but it turns out that it’s available to download right now. Yup – you can grab it from the eShop at this very moment.
Here’s the news from Nintendo’s Twitter account:
Badges! Crane games! Nintendo #BadgeArcade has it all! Grab it in the #eShop and customize your HOME Menu! pic.twitter.com/DmAjc4EoOj
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 11, 2015
Nintendo Badge Arcade takes up 582 blocks of space.
Thanks to Brian for the tip.
More: Nintendo Badge Arcade, top
Super Mario Maker – Cat Mario and Cat Peach courses now live, new costume unlocks
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 5 Comments
Nintendo has uploaded two more Super Mario Maker levels, both of which are located in Event Courses. You can now take on “Cat Mario’s Course” as well as “Cat Peach’s Course”. The two unlock brand new costumes that are shown in the videos below upon completion.
More: Super Mario Maker, top
New Nintendo Direct airing on Thursday, will cover upcoming Wii U and 3DS games
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 154 Comments
Update 2: Bumped to the top again. The Nintendo Direct has now been confirmed for Japan, and it’s airing at the same time. Nintendo says it will focus on Wii U and 3DS games launching by the end of next spring. Morimoto, who hosted the presentation at the end of May, will lead the way on this one as well.
Update: No real surprise here, but the North American page states: “Please note that the presentation will not feature any updates on NX and mobile.”
Nintendo Direct is making a triumphant return later this week. Today, Nintendo announced that the next broadcast is set for Thursday. The presentation will cover upcoming Wii U and 3DS games.
Satoru Shibata will host the European presentation. It’s unclear who will lead the North American version, though Reggie Fils-Aime and/or Bill Trinen are likely candidates.
Here’s when the new Nintendo Direct will air:
– 2 PM PT
– 5 PM ET
– 10 PM in the UK
– 11 PM in Europe
It’s almost here! pic.twitter.com/t17ji6t9Fq
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 10, 2015
[Shibata] I hope you will join me for a new #NintendoDirectEU with updates on upcoming #WiiU & #3DS games on 12/11! pic.twitter.com/Fgz4oFWNQO
— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) November 10, 2015
More: Nintendo Direct, top
Aksys bringing Langrisser Re:Incarnation -TENSEI- to North America in Spring 2016
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 14 Comments
Aksys Games has announced the localization of Extreme and Masaya Games’ Langrisser Re:Incarnation -TENSEI-, a strategic simulation RPG for 3DS. The title is due out in Spring 2016.
You can view the first English screenshots from Langrisser Re:Incarnation -TENSEI- in the gallery below. We also have a comprehensive overview.
After a 15 year absence, the legendary RPG series makes its triumphant return to the gaming fold! Wield the mighty sword Langrisser as you journey through a massive world at war. Define the path before you by lending your talents to one of three factions and secure your place as your faction’s greatest hero by executing strategic supremacy over your enemies.
Collectible Badge Center finally coming to Europe on Friday as Nintendo Badge Arcade
Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News | 14 Comments
Collectible Badge Center is finally making its way outside of Japan. Today, it’s been announced that the application is launching in Europe via the 3DS eShop on Friday. The download will be distributed for free.
Here’s an overview of Nintendo Badge Arcade:
In this lively arcade run by a chatty rabbit, players can take a shot at crane games and similar classic amusements, collecting badges based on Nintendo games and series like Mario Kart, Splatoon and Animal Crossing. Badges can be used to decorate the HOME Menu, with some even usable instead of the standard system icons that access, among others, Nintendo eShop and StreetPass Mii Plaza – perfect for total HOME Menu makeovers.
Every day, visitors to the arcade get five free plays on a practice machine: it only offers dummy badges, but with skill and a little bit of luck, players can win free plays for the machines packed with real badges. Plays can also be bought at a price of £0.90 / €1.00 for five plays (All prices are Nintendo eShop prices, inclusive of applicable VAT).
Players can show off their unique HOME Menu designs via Miiverse, and check out other creators’ designs for inspiration. There’ll be plenty to discover in the weeks and months following launch too, as the badges and machines on offer will change regularly, opening up even more customisation possibilities.
It’s not yet known if/when Nintendo Badge Arcade will be releasing in North America. For now, watch a trailer for the application below.
Source: Nintendo PR
More: Nintendo Badge Arcade, top
Nintendo Download (11/12/15, Europe): Rodea the Sky Soldier, Word Party and more
Posted on 9 years ago by Matt(@OnePunchMaz) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments
This week’s European Nintendo Downloads are as follows:
Wii U Retail
Rodea the Sky Soldier – €49.99 / £39.99 / CHF 64.90
Wii U Download
Word Party – €12.79 / £11.99 / CHF 17.00 until 26/11/2015, regular price €15.99 / £14.99 / CHF 22.00
Wii U Demo
Word Party
3DS Retail
Rodea the Sky Soldier – €39.99 / £34.99 / CHF 51.90
Horse Life 4 – €39.99 / £34.99 / CHF 51.90
Helly Kitty & Friends: Rockin’ World Tour – €29.99 / £24.99 / CHF 38.90
3DS Download
Family Bowling 3D – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00
3DS DLC
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Addonetarium – €0.99 / £0.89 / CHF 1.40
3DS Themes
Barbie – €1.49 / £1.39 / CHF 2.10
Monster High – €1.49 / £1.39 / CHF 2.10
Hot Wheels – €1.49 / £1.39 / CHF 2.10
SEGA Game Gear Theme – €1.79 / £1.59 / CHF 2.50
SEGA Mark III Theme – €1.79 / £1.59 / CHF 2.50
SEGA Master System Theme – €1.79 / £1.59 / CHF 2.50
SEGA Mega Drive Theme – €1.79 / £1.59 / CHF 2.50
eShop Sales
Wii U
Affordable Space Adventures – €15.00 / £13.50 / CHF 20.00 until 26/11/2015, regular price €18.99 / £16.99 / CHF 26.00
Rock ‘N Racing Off Road DX – €4.95/ £4.45 / CHF 6.94 until 10/12/2015, regular price €7.99 / £7.19 / CHF 11.20
Roving Rogue – €5.99 / £5.39 / CHF 8.40 until 26/11/2015, regular price €7.99 / £7.19 / CHF 11.2
Permanent Price Drops
Wii U
Canvaleon – €9.95 / £ 8.99 / CHF 14.00 (Previously €13.95 / £12.59 / CHF 19.60)
Source: Nintendo PR