KId Icarus: Uprising “Intensity” Trailer: Indeed.

Posted on January 31, 2012 by geelw

It’s almost here and if this latest trailer is any indication, Kid Icarus is back to stick around for a while. I really hope Nintendo is hard at work on a WII U game that shows off some even more polished console visuals, a more action/RPG-like game experience and some sort of co-op and/or multiplayer functionality for those who groove on that sort of thing. I’m a story and gameplay guy myself, so I don’t give much of a hoot about multiplayer unless it’s adding to the experience by bringing something new to the table other than just running around and shooting each other in the face. Of course, I also hate over-speculation, so I’ll shut up and let you get to watching that trailer…

Nintendo Network Revealed For 3DS and Wii U: No Microtransactions Planned

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

Nintendo had a pretty rough fiscal 2011, but this year, the company is determined to be a monster in the games world once again. In his lengthy financial briefing, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata discussed numerous topics that ranged from worldwide sales figures to the possibility of the 3DS going up in price at some point, to the introduction of the new and improved Nintendo Network. Iwata takes a guided shot directly at casual games that use micro-transactions to generate revenue in the report and makes what I think are some truly valid points that I hope gain traction in an industry where profit keeps stepping all over common sense.

Even if you’re not a Nintendo fan, the report is ABSOLUTELY worth a read and discussion, as it shows the company is focused on not only being more in step with the current digital era, it’s also focusing on how to bring more of its user base aboard while still keeping a retail presence that matters. Anyway, go grab a cuppa and have a seat, as the entire briefing is five pages long, packed with informative charts, graphs and some great info about the company’s past, present and future titles plus plans for this year and beyond.

Kid Icarus: Uprising Trailer Shows What The Fuss Is All About

Posted on January 20, 2012 by geelw

Nintendo’s killer app (that would have made for a great launch title had the 3DS shipped in 2012) is finally soaring into retail in March, so here’s the latest peek at some gameplay. I still feel bad for Wii owners that they’re not getting this one, but it really would be nice to see the Wii U do something with the character now that he’s officially back on the gaming radar worldwide. Let’s hope we see more new games and not poor Pit relegated to another Smash Bros. sub-character no one under a certain age even knows about (like poor Ness from the Earthbound/Mother series)…

F1 2011 Races Onto 3DS

Posted on January 13, 2012 by geelw

Nintendo 3DS owners looking for a quality racer that’s NOT packed with cartoon colors and flying go-karts now have Codemasters to thank for this super looking portable game. I like the overall look of what’s here and sure, while it’s not running on a more powerful platform, it’s hard to deny the dev team’s skills at getting some great detail AND solid 3D effects from the system. As solid as this looks, I can’t wait to see the Vita version in action as well as how the home console versions are coming along…

Review: Nano Assault

Posted on December 19, 2011 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Developer: Shin’en

Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

# of Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Official Site

Score: A- (85%)

If there’s ever a proper Fantastic Voyage remake (and not some awful direct to video “update”) that actually rates a licensed game tie-in, Shin’en needs to be the go-to developer for the project. Nano Assault, their cool new game for the 3DS, drops you into a microscopic ship for 32 levels of arcade shooting against assorted mutated organisms and massive bosses in an attempt to shut down an alien virus before it wipes out the human race. While the game is pretty slim on the storytelling and a bit brief, it packs a killer visual punch and the shooting is excellent throughout. Continue reading →

Nano Assault Blasts Into Stores

Posted on December 5, 2011 by geelw

Shin’en’s third game in the Nanostray series has finally landed on the 3DS this time out and yes, you SHOULD run, drive, hop, skip or jump to your favorite game shop to snap this one up. Nano Assault takes things to the third dimension in style, so expect to fall off your bus seat when you’re bobbing and weaving like a formerly sleepy salaryman on a caffeine high. Majesco has another portable winner for the holiday season – review incoming.

Resident Evil Revelations Updated Story Trailer

Posted on December 2, 2011 by geelw

Fear not, fans of the franchise who want a more traditional RE game that hearkens back to the classic trilogy you’re so fond of. Granted, you’ll need to have a 3DS in the house, as this is an exclusive for the handheld. But my, doesn’t it look fantastic? Gameplay is slower, more methodical at times and yup, zombies WILL get up in your face if you get caught off-guard. Of course, the gloomy, scary atmosphere and limited ammo (from what I played in the demo version) add to the tension and some of those undead don’t go down without a fight. Anyway, keep your eyeballs peeled for this one, as it’s coming on February 7, 2012 in the US and January 27, 2012 in the UK (lucky!).

Review: The Hidden

Posted on November 24, 2011 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Developer: 1st Playable Productions

Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

# of Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 & Up)

Official Site

Score: A- (85%)

The Hidden is a nice little surprise from developer 1st Playable Productions and Majesco Entertainment, offering up some fun ghost tracking and shooting missions while getting you up and about in the process for a bit of exercise. While the game is definitely geared toward younger players, there’s enough to like here that even “core” gamers will want to take this one for a spin. The game’s big draws are its use of augmented reality, first-person shooting sequences and the fact that each person playing the game will have a unique experience thanks to using the 3DS cameras to capture actual locations as backgrounds for the action. While there’s no multiplayer modes to speak of, the game still manages to impress and you can expect a few passers-by to ask what you’re playing as you’re walking about scanning actual locations for ghosts to bust. Continue reading →

Nintendo Gives Gamers A ‘Real’ Super Mario 3D Land In NYC (Along With A Bit Of Gametime, Too)

Posted on November 12, 2011 by geelw

Nintendo of America, as always, REALLY knows how to throw a party. Turn a tiny bit of Times Square into a virtual Mario Land set, invite a ton of kids and see what happens? Good times for all, no problem! All this super fun stuff was for a pre-launch Super Mario 3D Land party where gamers got to play the upcoming 3DS exclusive before its 11/13/11 street date. The weather was definitely perfect for the event and it looks as if everyone had a total blast. It looks as if there’s yet another great reason to be a 3DS owner this year and with the holiday season rolling up fast, you’ll want to absolutely add this latest Mario game to your gift list.

The Hidden: Majesco Just May Have Something Really Awesome Here…

Posted on October 20, 2011 by geelw

Remember those nifty cameras on the 3DS? Well, there’s a game that finally makes better use of them and just might be a nice surprise for gamers looking to do more than sit in one place while playing something cool. Majesco’s The Hidden, an augmented reality ghost-tracking adventure game coming to US retailers on November 8, 2011, drops you into the shoes of a Ghostly Entity Investigation and Strike Team (G.E.I.S.T.) member as you track and eliminate specters in 12 different missions. The intriguing thing about the game is in order to discover every pesky poltergeist, players will need to actually get outside in the fresh air or at least move around the house and do some actual camera work. I’m not sure how it all comes together, but if any 3DS game deserves a fair shake and a decent review, it’s this one. Color me intrigued…