In Case I’m Too Busy To Post, Two Naruto Shippuden Trailers To Keep You Busy…

 

I’ll be jetting out of here a few hours before the big Sony event later this evening just to make sure I get in (I’ve been to the venue before for some other game events ages ago, so I’m glad it’s at a place I’m familiar with), so I may not be posting at all until later tonight at some point. Anyway, as noted, here are two trailers from busy-busy publisher Namco Bandai (who just secured the NA distribution rights to Trion Worlds’ DEFIANCE – a huge “get!”) for Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 (PS3/Xbox 360, coming March 5, 2013) and NARUTO Powerful Shippuden (Nintendo 3DS, also arriving on March 5). I like that both games have different vibes to them – the console version is serious and cinematic while the portable one is cute and goofy while looking like a capable little fighter to go. OK, now I’m finally off to sleep – got a BIG day later and I don’t want to pass out in the middle of that press conference!

 

The Croods: Prehistoric Party Hands-On: The New “Modern Stone Age Family” Board Game

 

croods_wii_keyart (Custom)croods_wiiu_keyart (Custom) With Dreamworks’ new family friendly animated film The Croods heading for a March 22, 2013 release in theaters, D3Publisher of America is getting a fun little tie in game out exclusively to all four current Nintendo platforms. The Croods: Prehistoric Party isn’t at all the platformer you’d expect to drop into stores as a quickie cash in product, but a fun board game in the vein of the Mario Party franchise that packs in mini-games galore for one to four players. D3P rolled into NYC last week with a Wii U build and I got a nice bit of playtime with it as well as a look at the movie trailer (below the jump for your viewing pleasure if you’ve yet to see it). Torus Games has whipped up a cool-looking easy to hop into game that should get anyone who liked the film cracking up in front of the TV and bringing a few friends or family members along for the ride…

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Nintendo Direct 2.14.2013: A Whole Lotta Love Coming Your Way…

If you don’t get a little thrilled and amused from these Nintendo Direct videos (who can resist Mr. Iwata and his smile, dashing green cap and freshly pressed suit?), you have no heart. Well, maybe you still need some convincing that the company’s direction (they tend to follow their own path rather than go with the flow) is sound and solid. Yes, they’ve had some bumps in the past few years, but their fan base is loyal, broad and by every metric I’ve seen, growing. Some things will take time (Wii U sales are OK, but not Hollywood blockbuster weekend huge), but the company knows that seeds don’t NEED to all sprout and bloom at the same time. Anyway, sit and have a look – then go cuddle up with your 3DS, Wii or Wii U knowing they’re getting a whole lotta first and third-party love (and more to come)…

Toy Fair 2013: Skylanders SWAP Force Trailer: Change Is (REALLY) Good!

Activision and veteran developer Vicarious Visions (along with Beenox and n-Space for the Wii and 3DS respectively) could have gone and done the next Skylanders game just like the two Toys for Bob developed entries, but they decided to get fun and funky with the features and kids (or people like me who love the time-sink addictive quality to the games) are going to be very nicely surprised. Skylanders SWAP Force will feature 16 new characters with interchangeable torsos and legs that allow up to 256 character combinations. Think of it as a bit of a money and space-saver, parents…but know that there will also be 40 new and redesigned Skylanders popping up at retail this fall and Holiday season. I’ll post screenshots and my shaky camera gameplay footage I shot at the press event tomorrow, but it’s safe to say that the SUPER gorgeous HD visuals, new gameplay mechanics (EVERY Skylander can now jump and a few can fly!) and in-engine cinemas will make this the hottest ticket once again all around the globe.

Back with more info soon – start saving up, parents… you’re about to make another big investment this fall.

Brain Age Concentration Training TV Spot: Blondes Have More Fun After All…

OK, I’m not a celebrity watcher at all, so I’ve always found game ads with them to a bit weird. Granted, many stars of all stripes are big to casual gamers, so I’m not passing any judgment either way. That said, you can actually see “Kiss Me, Kate” Hudson popping a 3DS into a purse or pocket before heading out to a film set. Hey, making movies is actually 70% downtime in a makeup chair or waiting around for stuff to get set up, so one does need something to do. And hey, according to 9 out of 10 actual blondes, smarter blondes are a better thing in general in this day and age, as it helps fight that stereotype they always seem to get hit with. That said, it would have been really bizarre and morbid to see this TV spot done with a Marilyn Monroe lookalike or worse, a CG recreation…

Wallet Drain Alert! Xseed Games Brings It With Some Awesome Surprises…

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Wow and double wow. First we get the spectacular news that Pandora’s Tower is headed to North America and now Xseed is setting out to make 2013 even better for their fans (and possibly their best year to date) by announcing a VERY cool selection of new titles plus yet another classic Nihon Falcom JRPG set heading to PC gamers via Steam. Even better, everything but the Steam download is getting a retail release!  Yes, I’m typing this post with a big fat grin on my face, as I want everything here that’s coming.

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Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Gameplay: Fred Flintstone Wouldn’t Last Five Minutes Here…

 

Capcom’s fan favorite dino-hunting series with its learn it or suffer control scheme and spectacular prehistoric beasts of assorted sizes is coming to the Wii U soon enough, so they’re rolling out videos to show off their baby. I have a bunch of MH games here, but have never gotten around to completing one because I only play them solo and just can’t muster up the patience to deal with the quirks some fans adore. I think it’s the timed missions that tick me off the most, as I want an open world and enough breathing room to muck around and learn stuff with zero pressure. The superb Dragon’s Dogma was and is PERFECT for this style of play and I hope Capcom sees fit to get Wii U owners that game (or its upcoming sequel), as it’s one of those memorable experiences that gets better the longer you play it.

 

 

Granted, I’m used to games with plenty of learning curves, but there’s just something about the Monster Hunter series that hasn’t clicked with my old self. That said, I’ll definitely buy this, no doubt and you should to if you’re a fan of the franchise or are looking for a great game to kick your butt around the room and make you laugh when it offers up its comic relief moments. Just don’t expect it to be a cakewalk and realize once you’re in, you’re in for the long haul and you’re golden.

 

DIsney Epic Mickey 2: Solo Or Co-op, This Is Going To Be A Total Blast To Play

 

Having seen and played a bit of this a few months back solo and co-op, I can safely say that it’s one of the better player-friendly games I can recall. You have a few different ways (all up to you) to get through the levels and while a second player does make things more fun, even in solo play you have enough freedom to have fun getting from point A to point B. November 18th, folks – I need to decide which version I want, as I was leaning towards the PS3 one for its Move support initially, but the Wii U version is tempting me with that shiny new (and innovative) GamePad.

Castlevania: Mirror of Fate Will Make You Want A 3DS For The Holidays… Or Now.

Ah, Konami… how you tempt me so. Castlevania looks so lovely on the 3DS and I know core fans of the long-running franchise will be pleased as punch that the handheld is getting a great-looking game. Of course, unless both Lords of Shadow games come to a Nintendo home console (I’d say the Wii U can handle them just fine), those users aren’t getting the whole story. And THAT, ladies and gents is exactly why I’m platform agnostic.

Nintendo “Sizzle” Reel Time: High Steaks on the Video Game Grill…

Nintendo really wants you to know it’s that time of year again (no, not that time… THAT time – holiday shopping season), so here’s a little reminder that they want you to think about the 3DS if you haven’t already. That and hey look – their eShop is up and running nicely, they have a new console on the way they want you to buy (you may have heard of it) and yeah, if you’re a gamer (and Nintendo fan), all is pretty much right as rain these days. Or something like that – there’s a ton of stuff coming out, that’s for sure.