Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch | 31 Comments

In the latest issue of Famitsu, the magazine has an interview with Spike Chunsoft president and CEO Mitsutoshi Sakurai. Spike Chunsoft handles the Zero Escape series, and is perhaps best known for its work on the Danganronpa franchise.

Sakurai spoke about a number of topics, including the company’s interest in NX. You can find various quotes from the interview below.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U eShop | 3 Comments

Freedom Planet has been given a new release date once again. Following several delays, the title is now expected this week.

Developer Stephen DiDuro took to GalaxyTrail’s Twitter account and informed fans that Freedom Planet is launching on October 1. Here’s the official message:

Source

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 10 Comments

This week’s issue of Famitsu shares more on Genei Ibun Roku #FE. Along with two brand new characters, we have news about three new Mirages.

Below is information about the latest characters, courtesy of Gematsu:

– Mamori Minamoto (voiced by Kaori Fukuhara) – A talent and Mirage Master that belongs to the same public entertainment office as the protagonists. She’s an elementary school student that likes Showa era songs and clothing.

– Barry Goodman (voiced by Yuichi Nakamura) – A once popular musician who’s come to Japan in search of otaku culture. Following his retirement, he works with the protagonists as a trainer.

Finally, Famitsu confirms that Tharja, Virion, and Draug will be included in Genei Ibun Roku #FE as Mirage characters. The first two are from Fire Emblem: Awakening while the latter debuted in the very first game. Tharja is Kiria Kurono’s Mirage while Virion belongs to Eleonora Yumizuru and Draug is Mamori Minamoto’s Mirage.

Source 1, Source 2

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 2 Comments

Nintendo of Europe issued a new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. View it below.

If you’d like to learn more about Tri Force Heroes, head past the break. We’ve included a lengthy recap of information straight from Nintendo.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Matt(@OnePunchMaz) in 3DS, News | 12 Comments

Update: Added pack shots of the games. Check out the gallery at the bottom of this post.

Several 3DS games will join the “Nintendo Selects” program, which means that they will be available at a reduced price at retail:

28th September, 2015 – Nintendo Selects is a range of popular Nintendo games offered at great value. Whether you want to discover a game you may have missed the first time around or simply just get a great deal ahead of Christmas, the Nintendo Selects range offers varied gaming experiences at a value offering. With over 20 classic Wii titles already available to enjoy as part of the Nintendo Selects range for Wii and Wii U, that line-up is set to expand and get even bigger on 16th October when Nintendo 3DS games, playable on the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld systems including Nintendo 2DS, join the Nintendo Selects range for the very first time.

Nintendo of Europe is set to re-release six of the most popular games for the Nintendo 3DS, which have sold a combined total of over 3.8 million units across Europe to date. The line-up is set to include:

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: Following on from the 1992 Super NES title The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, discover a new story in the kingdom of Hyrule. Armed with new items and the ability to move across walls as if he were painted on them, Link must conquer perilous dungeons in his quest to restore peace to two very different worlds.

Star Fox 64 3D: The Star Fox team returns for one of its greatest missions, originally released as Lylat Wars in Europe. Blast enemies as you fly through ruined cityscapes and dense meteor fields, and take on friends in local multiplayer in this action-packed 3D shooter.

nintendogs + cats: Have you ever wanted to play with puppies and kittens in the palm of your hand? Look after a range of breeds, teach them tricks, enter them in different challenges and activities, and dress them up in a range of accessories. Different breeds are available to choose at the start of each of the game’s three versions: French Bulldog, Toy Poodle, and Golden Retriever. All breeds can be unlocked in all versions.

Mario Tennis Open: Thrilling tennis action for up to four players, either online or in Local Play. Run your opponent ragged with topspin, backspin, lobs and more, then get in position to pull off a stunning Chance Shot that’s sure to leave them completely bamboozled!

Yoshi’s New Island: Yoshi and Baby Mario are reunited for a free-wheeling platform adventure packed with classic Yoshi gameplay, all wrapped up in a collection of dreamy art styles. Hunt high and low for countless collectibles, and even smash through obstacles with the new Mega Eggdozers.

Mario Party: Island Tour: A content-packed party in your pocket! Dive into 80 hilarious new minigames and share the fun with friends via Download Play, where four people can party on together with just one Game Card between them.

Owners of a handheld system in the Nintendo 3DS family, including Nintendo 2DS, can look forward to great games at great value when these six Nintendo 3DS titles join the Nintendo Selects range for the very first time across Europe on 16th October.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Matt(@OnePunchMaz) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 2 Comments

This week’s European Nintendo Downloads are as follows:

Wii U Download

1001 Spikes – €14.99/£13.49

Toto Temple Deluxe – €8.99/£6.99

Pumped BMX + – €8.49/£6.49 (Ends October 15th, regular price €9.99/£7.99)

Race The Sun – €9.99/£6.99

Wii U Virtual Console

Medabots: Metabee (GBA) – €6.99/£6.29

Medabots: Rokusho (GBA) – €6.99/£6.29

3DS Retail

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer (available October 2nd) – €39.99/£34.99 (if you buy the game until October 29th, you get the office theme as a bonus)

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden –  €39.99/£29.99 (you can pre-purchase the game starting October 1st , game available on October 16; also, if you pre-purchase the game, you get a code for a Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden 3DS theme for free)

3DS Download

1001 Spikes – €14.99/£13.49

3DS DLC

SENRAN KAGURA 2: Burst – €4.99/£4.49

3DS Themes

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer – My Town (available October 1st) – €1.99/£1.79

eShop Sales

Wii U

Gravity Badgers – €2.49/£2.49 (Ends October 29th, regular price €4.99/£4.99)

Spy Chameleon – €3.99/£3.59 (Ends October 29th, regular price €4.99/£4.49)

Darts Up – €1.49/£1.34 (Ends October 29th, regular price €2.49/£2.29)

99Seconds – €1.49/£1.34 (Ends October 29th, regular price €2.49/£2.29)

Puzzle Monkeys – €0.99/£0.99 (Ends October 22nd, regular price €2.99/£2.99)

3DS

Shin Megami Tensei IV – €9.99/£8.99 (Ends October 8th, regular price €19.99/£17.99)

Toys VS Monsters – €0.99/£0.99 (Ends October 29th, regular price €3.99/£3.99)

Football Up Online – €1.99/£1.79 (Ends October 29th, regular price €3.99/£3.59)

Darts Up 3D  – €0.99/£0.99 (Ends October 29th, regular price €2.99/£2.69)

Tappingo – €1.99/£1.69 (Ends October 22nd, regular price €2.99/£2.49)

The Legend of Dark Witch – Chronicle 2D ACT – €2.99/£2.99 (Ends October 22nd, regular price €3.99/£3.49)

European Conqueror 3D – €2.99/£2.19 (Ends October 22nd, regular price €3.99/£2.99)

Crazy Construction – €5.59/£3.99 (Ends October 15th, regular price €6.99/£4.99)

Safari Quest – €4.99/£3.99 (Ends October 15th, regular price €6.99/£4.99)

Aqua Moto Racing 3D – €3.99/£3.59 (Ends October 8th, regular price €7.99/£7.19)

Snow Moto Racing 3D – €5.99/£5.39 (Ends October 8th, regular price €7.99/£7.19)

Permanent price drops

3DS

Battleminer – €4.99/£4.49 (was €7.99/£5.99)

Source: Nintendo PR

More: Europe, Nintendo Download, top, Virtual Console

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 8 Comments

Let’s Talk #25: Nintendo and movies

This may seem like a slightly strange topic to discuss. After all, Nintendo hasn’t really been involved with movies too much. We all know about the infamous Super Mario Bros. film, and you can even bring up The Wizard. I suppose the Pokemon movies technically count as well! But aside from these examples, Nintendo hasn’t done much in the film business.

Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka both spoke a tiny bit earlier this week about casting for theoretical live action Zelda and Mario films. Because of their comments, I wanted to expand on that into a bigger site discussion this week.

Which Nintendo property would you be interested in seeing when it comes to movies? Would you prefer it to be animated rather than live action? Are you for or against Nintendo being more proactive with films? What are your thoughts about Nintendo and movies in general? Let us know in the comments below!

Highlights from last week’s topic: What do you want to see from the next Nintendo Direct?

Burning Gravity

What I don’t expect:

– mobile game footage
– NX info

Why? Because I’m not… actually, let’s not go there.

What I might like?

– Showing footage of all upcoming games for 2015.
– Zelda U footage.
– No Star Fox footage, wait for that game to get more polish since they’re delaying it and all.
– HWL, GIR#FE trailers (for 2016).
– New Pokken Tournament character, but this seems a bit unlikely since it seems like they’re handling this pretty separately thus far
– No Metroid or anything else 1st-party 2016 not already mentioned. (Except potential new announcements.)
– 3rd-party stuff: like, getting AA6, PXZ2, etc. news, even if it’s only in the Japan Direct, would be nice.
– Rhythm Heaven localization, PLEASE.
– Quick indie game reel. Yes, I like and appreciate these. IMO showing off all the great Wii U (and 3DS, I guess) eShop games is generally a good idea and is a great way of saying “hey, we have other cool things too besides 1st-party stuff, if you’re not sure what to check out, here are some ideas!”

– It’s not going to happen, but I’d like if they showed short clips of games like TLoL or Stella Glow, just like 20 second clips even, but yeah, no. That’s just me wanting these games to get more attention. Not a realistic or logical request, really.

– One new game announcement, as said, because what’s a Nintendo Direct without that? And I guess nowadays, we usually get amiibo news and/or some extra weird announcement, like some spin-off game or some collaboration or new title on the eShop or something, lol… every little thing counts, yeah? I do like being surprised by Directs. 🙂

Darrin W. Harr II

Zelda U news. Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to Tri Force Heroes, but I really want new screenshots, even small tidbits of information. I’m not as angry as some about the delay, seeing as it will hopefully end with a more polished game, but I just want to know more about the game itself.

Vigilante_blade

I just want them to include several updates for Mario Maker, like Luigi, slopes, lava and water in any levels, new enemies, etc…

I’d love to see some nice third parties like a port of Metal Gear V with some sort of extra, or Persona 5. They need some killer exclusives.

I’d love to see a new game or something.

I also want them to clarify which controllers works for each upcoming games. I’m tired of finding out the week of its release or having to ask industry contacts.

Kallumsmarties

Just something positive. I miss watching a Direct and being so hyped and excited after. I think they should focus games owards holiday and 1st quarter of 2016. Probably want to talk about the new loyalty system as well which if it is going to be what I think it will be then it will be awesome.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Site updates | 7 Comments

Giving this a final bump to the top! There are only a few days left in September, so we’ll be choosing a winner for our second giveaway next weekend in all likelihood.

Hey everyone!

A new month is here, so I wanted to update everyone on our Patreon.

Our Hall of Fame page has been updated again with a list of everyone’s names. If you’re pledging $1 and have chosen to receive a reward (a couple of you opted to not receive any rewards), you’ll be automatically included on the page. Please let me know if you’d prefer to not be on there, or if you want a different name in the Hall of Fame.

Next, we have some giveaway business to take care of. Those who pledge $5 are automatically eligible for our monthly giveaways exclusively for Patreon. Our first ever giveaway, which took place during August, was for the gold Mario amiibo. The winner of that prize is… Corey Buttel! We’ll be in touch shortly to arrange for the shipping of this reward.

This month’s giveaway is for a 3DS game that is very close to my heart: Kid Icarus: Uprising. Everyone pledging $5 or higher is eligible to receive this prize, regardless of their region. It will likely be a code that you can download from the eShop, but we may offer it as a packaged version depending on the winner’s region.

I think that’s mostly it! Of course, if you’re pledging $3+, you can also get some sneak peeks of things like features and certain news items before they hit the site. You can find our full Patreon page and lineup of rewards here.

Thanks to everyone who has supported us thus far. Every little bit helps!

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 1 Comment

This month’s issue of GamesTM has an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. The two developers talked about all things Mario, including the evolution of the character’s design.

Tezuka shared the following when asked about Mario’s appearance and how Nintendo has resisted the urge to modernize him:

“I do think it’s changed a bit… For example, in Mario 3 we made him a little cuter. And perhaps with the Tanooki tail and the cape we definitely added items and features so that there’s more variety in Mario’s actions.”

Miyamoto shared a few words on the subject of evolving Mario as well. He also stated that Nintendo keeps Mario close to the vest, and doesn’t allow other teams to develop the core titles since the company wants to be control of the character and his abilities.

“In terms of the 3D Mario performance, it has evolved, but we have always been consistent in trying to be cautious in terms of when you do a B-dash, how far he can jump or how many blocks he can break. We have made it a little bit simpler for players as it’s evolved, because there are more complicated things that we’re asking the players to do. In the original Mario when you’re stopped he can’t do B-dash, but you can do it now with more recent games. So we have made it a little bit simpler and tweaked it throughout the years. In terms of Mario games we definitely don’t have other teams develop it, because we do want to control it and manage those features.”

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii | 11 Comments

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword introduced us to the memorable character Groose. But as it turns out, this wasn’t his original name. While he may be known as Groose in the west, his Japanese name is Bado – essentially a reference to bird.

Groose’s localized name was created by former Nintendo Treehouse staffer Mike Drucker. On last week’s episode of the GI Show, Drucker talked briefly about how he came up with the idea for Skyward Sword’s character.

During a naming meeting, Drucker was told that Groose was a jock and sort of a jerk. Nintendo was also trying to stick with a bird theme with Skyward Sword. With that information, he went from “Bruce” to “Goose” to “Groose”.

We’ve included the podcast segment in which Groose is discussed below. The whole talk is actually very interesting though since Drucker spoke about his days at the Nintendo Treehouse (before eventually moving on to The Tonight Show!), so you should definitely give it a watch.

Thanks to Jake for the tip.

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