Here's what went on this last week in the world of Nintendo:
Nintendo DSi XL Released
Nintendo has once again remade the Nintendo DS, this time redoing the DSi, making it much bigger, and that's just about it. I don't really see the point, since they're pretty much hinting at a DS 2 to be shown at E3 this year.
Wii Netflix Launches
A while ago, we heard of news that the very popular online DVD service, Netflix, was finally coming to the Wii, after years of being on xBox and PS3. If you're a member, head to netflix.com to get your Wii rental disc in the mail, and then you'll be able to start browsing on your Wii!
More Super Mario Galaxy 2 News
As you all know, I'm a huge SMG fan, so I've been all over the Internet looking for news on the sequel as soon as it hits. As we all know, this time around, the HUB world is gone, and here Miyamoto explains why (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=118670>) Also, the game features 240 stars this time, doubling the amount of the original 120. Also, the Super Guide has been talked about, and if it will be implemented into this sequel.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Pokemon HeartGold/Soul Silver
Pokemon HeartGold/Soul Silver (DS)
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are the 6th series of Pokemon adventures. These are a remake of the original Gold and Silver for GBA, which has been called the best Pokemon games ever created. Gold and Silver brought much more to the very full Pokemon table, adding not only full-color graphics, but also gameplay elements you wouldn't think of living without today, such as the cycling clock and daily events.
Pokemon HG and SS follow the same structure of every Pokemon game. Become a Pokemon trainer and battle up the ranks, beating 8 gym leaders and becoming the champion. You all know the formula, and this time around it's no different, providing many hours of beefy gaming. If you played Diamond and Pearl, you'll see no difference in the graphics here, but compared to the original Gold and Silver, they are a major upgrade from the once boxed houses now to full color vibrant cities. In addition to a greatly-needed graphics update, HG and SS provide remixes of everyone's favorite tunes, and these will be in your head forever, which is a good thing.
So, if this is a remake, what's all new? Well, in addition to the revamped graphics and sound as mentioned above, HG and SS bring everything from previous Pokemon games and blend it together into a big fiesta of Pokemon extravaganza. So, you've got favorites such as the Safari Zone, Battle Frontier, but also new places from later games such as the Pal Park and the Global Terminal, a place solely for Wi-Fi trading, battling, and videos. Also, back from the original are the day-to-day events such as the bug catching contest or random people giving you items on certain days, and these are very welcomed back. Also new to HG and SS is the Pokeathlon, a big dome north of Goldenrod City where you and 3 of your Pokemon participate in stylus-based events. This wasn't possible in previous Pokemon games, and it's a lot of fun.
Of course, I can't end this review without mentioning the Pokewalker, a brand new, HG and SS exclusive device, which lets you transfer a Pokemon over to the Pokewalker, and level them up and play with them in your real life. It also functions as a pedometer, and Pokemon level up by walking. You can also find Pokemon and items, and meet up with other Pokemon on other Pokewalkers. The Pokewalker is not just an excuse to get outside, but it's also a deep, fun way to take Pokemon with you wherever you go.
This is a long quest, spanning two regions, 16 badges, and over 450 Pokemon to collect. If you want to collect 'em all, we're talking a very, very lengthly quest. Also this game has a high replay value thanks to the Wi-Fi functionality and day-by-day events.
Pokemon HG and SS aren't just great remakes to the games everyone grew up with, but they're also a great way to get newer players into the world they may have never experienced. 10/10
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are the 6th series of Pokemon adventures. These are a remake of the original Gold and Silver for GBA, which has been called the best Pokemon games ever created. Gold and Silver brought much more to the very full Pokemon table, adding not only full-color graphics, but also gameplay elements you wouldn't think of living without today, such as the cycling clock and daily events.
Pokemon HG and SS follow the same structure of every Pokemon game. Become a Pokemon trainer and battle up the ranks, beating 8 gym leaders and becoming the champion. You all know the formula, and this time around it's no different, providing many hours of beefy gaming. If you played Diamond and Pearl, you'll see no difference in the graphics here, but compared to the original Gold and Silver, they are a major upgrade from the once boxed houses now to full color vibrant cities. In addition to a greatly-needed graphics update, HG and SS provide remixes of everyone's favorite tunes, and these will be in your head forever, which is a good thing.
So, if this is a remake, what's all new? Well, in addition to the revamped graphics and sound as mentioned above, HG and SS bring everything from previous Pokemon games and blend it together into a big fiesta of Pokemon extravaganza. So, you've got favorites such as the Safari Zone, Battle Frontier, but also new places from later games such as the Pal Park and the Global Terminal, a place solely for Wi-Fi trading, battling, and videos. Also, back from the original are the day-to-day events such as the bug catching contest or random people giving you items on certain days, and these are very welcomed back. Also new to HG and SS is the Pokeathlon, a big dome north of Goldenrod City where you and 3 of your Pokemon participate in stylus-based events. This wasn't possible in previous Pokemon games, and it's a lot of fun.
Of course, I can't end this review without mentioning the Pokewalker, a brand new, HG and SS exclusive device, which lets you transfer a Pokemon over to the Pokewalker, and level them up and play with them in your real life. It also functions as a pedometer, and Pokemon level up by walking. You can also find Pokemon and items, and meet up with other Pokemon on other Pokewalkers. The Pokewalker is not just an excuse to get outside, but it's also a deep, fun way to take Pokemon with you wherever you go.
This is a long quest, spanning two regions, 16 badges, and over 450 Pokemon to collect. If you want to collect 'em all, we're talking a very, very lengthly quest. Also this game has a high replay value thanks to the Wi-Fi functionality and day-by-day events.
Pokemon HG and SS aren't just great remakes to the games everyone grew up with, but they're also a great way to get newer players into the world they may have never experienced. 10/10
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (DS)
Sorry for the blog shutdown, guys, I'll be back for a bit.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the successor to the first Zelda DS, Phantom Hourglass. PH was fun, but it required you to revisit the same temple about, what, 4 or 5 times? That's too much. Spirit Tracks takes everything bad about PH, and takes it to a whole new level.
Since Zelda games are heavy on story, I'm just gonna give you the rundown. Link is now a train conductor, and is on his way to get his official certificate in Castle Town. He meets Zelda, and they set off for the Spirit Tower, a creepy huge tower looming in the center of Hyrule. It's certainly seen better days, and it's the cause of the Spirt Tracks' (railroad tracks) disappearances all about Hyrule. When they get there, they are ambushed and some dude kills Zelda! That's right. Kills her. Link brings her soul to life at the Spirit Tower, with help of an old lady, and she tells them a big long story.
Spirit Tracks follows a linear format, but with added twists throughout. First, you must retrieve the Spirit Maps from different floors of the Spirit Tower. You get these with the help of your pal Zelda, who's soul is in disguise in a Phantom's costume. Then, you set out to the realm's sanctuary, learn a song, and clear the zone's temple and restore the power to the tracks, then repeat.
The graphics looks great, one of DS's best, and are a step-up from the 2007 predecessor. Control is simple, use the stylus to move Link, just tap and he'll come running. Double-tap to roll, and swipe to slash your sword. The train is one of the biggest additions to Spirit Tracks, and it is incredible. Much better than any of his old boats, the Spirit Train is a great new addition to the Zelda Transportation Library. You trace your route on the map, and off you go, controlling your speed, firing enemies with your cannon, and avoiding enemy trains.
It's a Zelda game, and what's a Zelda game without new items? Spirit Tracks boasts some old favorites, such as the boomerang, bow and arrow, and bombs, all which use great stylus control (especially the boomerang). New items include the Deku Fan, which you blow into the microphone to send a gust of one flying. Perfect for stunning enemies, activating fans, and getting items. The other new item is the Whip Snake, a Indiana Jones-esque whip. Link uses this to attack enemies, swing over pits, and access new areas. Both are great. I would've liked to see the Clawshot somehow incorporated into the DS, but that's just me.
There's a lot of depth and replay value to ST. Spawnning 5 incredible dungeons, tons of villages and places to explore, and fun addictive minigames such as hunting rabbits, stamp collecting, and collecting treasure. The bosses in ST once span both screens, like in PH, but these are much interesting. Each have unique ways to beat them, usually using the item you aquired, and are very tough.
The biggest new addition, in my opinion, is the Spirit Flute, which may even beat the Ocarina in best Zelda Instrument Category. Playing is simple, just drag along the bottom screen to move the flute to its respective holes, and then blow into the DS microphone. You use the flute to restore the Spirit Tracks's power with duets from the Lokomos, access new hidden items, and much more.
That about wraps up the ST review. It beats Phantom Hourglass in every way imaginable, and is one of the best DS games out there. Buy it.
Pros:
Great Zelda Adventure
New Items, Dungeons, and Quests
Spirit Flute
Cons:
Linearity
Overall: 9.5/10
Sorry for the blog shutdown, guys, I'll be back for a bit.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is the successor to the first Zelda DS, Phantom Hourglass. PH was fun, but it required you to revisit the same temple about, what, 4 or 5 times? That's too much. Spirit Tracks takes everything bad about PH, and takes it to a whole new level.
Since Zelda games are heavy on story, I'm just gonna give you the rundown. Link is now a train conductor, and is on his way to get his official certificate in Castle Town. He meets Zelda, and they set off for the Spirit Tower, a creepy huge tower looming in the center of Hyrule. It's certainly seen better days, and it's the cause of the Spirt Tracks' (railroad tracks) disappearances all about Hyrule. When they get there, they are ambushed and some dude kills Zelda! That's right. Kills her. Link brings her soul to life at the Spirit Tower, with help of an old lady, and she tells them a big long story.
Spirit Tracks follows a linear format, but with added twists throughout. First, you must retrieve the Spirit Maps from different floors of the Spirit Tower. You get these with the help of your pal Zelda, who's soul is in disguise in a Phantom's costume. Then, you set out to the realm's sanctuary, learn a song, and clear the zone's temple and restore the power to the tracks, then repeat.
The graphics looks great, one of DS's best, and are a step-up from the 2007 predecessor. Control is simple, use the stylus to move Link, just tap and he'll come running. Double-tap to roll, and swipe to slash your sword. The train is one of the biggest additions to Spirit Tracks, and it is incredible. Much better than any of his old boats, the Spirit Train is a great new addition to the Zelda Transportation Library. You trace your route on the map, and off you go, controlling your speed, firing enemies with your cannon, and avoiding enemy trains.
It's a Zelda game, and what's a Zelda game without new items? Spirit Tracks boasts some old favorites, such as the boomerang, bow and arrow, and bombs, all which use great stylus control (especially the boomerang). New items include the Deku Fan, which you blow into the microphone to send a gust of one flying. Perfect for stunning enemies, activating fans, and getting items. The other new item is the Whip Snake, a Indiana Jones-esque whip. Link uses this to attack enemies, swing over pits, and access new areas. Both are great. I would've liked to see the Clawshot somehow incorporated into the DS, but that's just me.
There's a lot of depth and replay value to ST. Spawnning 5 incredible dungeons, tons of villages and places to explore, and fun addictive minigames such as hunting rabbits, stamp collecting, and collecting treasure. The bosses in ST once span both screens, like in PH, but these are much interesting. Each have unique ways to beat them, usually using the item you aquired, and are very tough.
The biggest new addition, in my opinion, is the Spirit Flute, which may even beat the Ocarina in best Zelda Instrument Category. Playing is simple, just drag along the bottom screen to move the flute to its respective holes, and then blow into the DS microphone. You use the flute to restore the Spirit Tracks's power with duets from the Lokomos, access new hidden items, and much more.
That about wraps up the ST review. It beats Phantom Hourglass in every way imaginable, and is one of the best DS games out there. Buy it.
Pros:
Great Zelda Adventure
New Items, Dungeons, and Quests
Spirit Flute
Cons:
Linearity
Overall: 9.5/10
Friday, October 23, 2009
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis
Mario Power Tennis (Wii)
Originally a Gamecube title, Mario Power Tennis was one of the first good Mario sports games. It featured a lot of content for your money, and was a lot of fun. In the New Play Control (NPC) series, Nintendo brings old Gamecube classics to life on the Wii with new control, better graphics, and more ways to play. But does Mario Power Tennis hold up?
Of course, being a Mario game, there's a sheer amount of characters to play as. You've got Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Waluigi, Bowser, Boo, the list goes on and on. That's not a bad thing, as there is a lot of variety for you and your friends to choose from. There's also a big amount of courses, ranging from classic, to just plain wacky, and filled with traps!
While being called New Play Control, Nintendo changes from good ol' Gamecube controller, to new Wii motion control. This works for the most part, but a lot of the time it is very unresponsive and doesn't become fun at all.
The main game mode is "Tournament Mode" where you play a set of events to unlock new characters. It can be finished with doubles or singles. Another mode is "Special Games" where you play a set of fun minigames which bring something new to the table of tennis, and they range from painting to defeating baddies! Of course, there's also standard "Exhibition Mode" where you choose the character, you choose the rules, and you choose the course. You can play with 1, 2, 3, or 4 people, and it's a ton of fun.
Pros:
Mario Fun!
A lot of characters and courses
Cons:
Weak Control
Overall: 6/10
Originally a Gamecube title, Mario Power Tennis was one of the first good Mario sports games. It featured a lot of content for your money, and was a lot of fun. In the New Play Control (NPC) series, Nintendo brings old Gamecube classics to life on the Wii with new control, better graphics, and more ways to play. But does Mario Power Tennis hold up?
Of course, being a Mario game, there's a sheer amount of characters to play as. You've got Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Waluigi, Bowser, Boo, the list goes on and on. That's not a bad thing, as there is a lot of variety for you and your friends to choose from. There's also a big amount of courses, ranging from classic, to just plain wacky, and filled with traps!
While being called New Play Control, Nintendo changes from good ol' Gamecube controller, to new Wii motion control. This works for the most part, but a lot of the time it is very unresponsive and doesn't become fun at all.
The main game mode is "Tournament Mode" where you play a set of events to unlock new characters. It can be finished with doubles or singles. Another mode is "Special Games" where you play a set of fun minigames which bring something new to the table of tennis, and they range from painting to defeating baddies! Of course, there's also standard "Exhibition Mode" where you choose the character, you choose the rules, and you choose the course. You can play with 1, 2, 3, or 4 people, and it's a ton of fun.
Pros:
Mario Fun!
A lot of characters and courses
Cons:
Weak Control
Overall: 6/10
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Deca Sports
Deca Sports (Wii)
There are a lot of sports compilation games out there, folks, a lot! After the success of Wii Sports, many developers tried to follow in their footsteps, and most of them have failed. Hudson tries with Deca Sports, and, as the name implies, features 10 different sports. Let's jump into the review!
Deca Sports, as I said before, features 10 sports. While Wii Sports includes 5, you're certainly getting more here, but it more always better? Games include archery, volleyball, curling, motorbikes, and more, and most of these have been done better in Wii Sports Resort. Deca Sports features a number of game modes. Open Match allows you to open up any sport and play it, while in Tournament Mode you tackle an event to become the champion. Deca League lets you take on each team in each different sport, and Deca Challenge lets yourself at each sport.
Instead of Miis, Deca Sports uses little "avatar" characters that look bland, and are pretty lame. Hasn't Hudson learned that everything is better with Miis!? And who doesn't want to play curling with their own self? 8 teams are also set up for you, which range from average joes to super jocks.
Of course, motion controls is probably the main reason that 2 million people bought this game. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Obviously, it's limited to just waving it around or flicking your wrist in a few boring sports like badminton, but archery and curling feature unique controls which don't grow old right away.
You are treated to an awfully bad Japanese tune at the beginning title, and this is just hilarious!
Pros:
Probably the best Wii Sports copy
Hilarious Theme Song!
Cons:
Pretty Bad Controls
NO MIIS!!
OVERALL: 4.7/10
There are a lot of sports compilation games out there, folks, a lot! After the success of Wii Sports, many developers tried to follow in their footsteps, and most of them have failed. Hudson tries with Deca Sports, and, as the name implies, features 10 different sports. Let's jump into the review!
Deca Sports, as I said before, features 10 sports. While Wii Sports includes 5, you're certainly getting more here, but it more always better? Games include archery, volleyball, curling, motorbikes, and more, and most of these have been done better in Wii Sports Resort. Deca Sports features a number of game modes. Open Match allows you to open up any sport and play it, while in Tournament Mode you tackle an event to become the champion. Deca League lets you take on each team in each different sport, and Deca Challenge lets yourself at each sport.
Instead of Miis, Deca Sports uses little "avatar" characters that look bland, and are pretty lame. Hasn't Hudson learned that everything is better with Miis!? And who doesn't want to play curling with their own self? 8 teams are also set up for you, which range from average joes to super jocks.
Of course, motion controls is probably the main reason that 2 million people bought this game. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Obviously, it's limited to just waving it around or flicking your wrist in a few boring sports like badminton, but archery and curling feature unique controls which don't grow old right away.
You are treated to an awfully bad Japanese tune at the beginning title, and this is just hilarious!
Pros:
Probably the best Wii Sports copy
Hilarious Theme Song!
Cons:
Pretty Bad Controls
NO MIIS!!
OVERALL: 4.7/10
Friday, October 16, 2009
Update
Hey guys, sorry for the lack in posts. I've been very sick lately, and on top of that I've got to handle my homework and all my activities when I stay home. I'm feeling a bit better each day, and by this weekend, I'll probably have recovered. I may be able to get a review out today or tonight, so stay posted!
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