The NX will be revealed sometime around this Fall or early
Winter if sources are to remain correct, so there’s bound to be more rumor and
speculation out there than facts. While we have no idea what to expect it’s
times like these that talking about it is better than nothing. But top X lists
have been overdone to death, so I came up with a fake NX reveal scenario via
live blog to express what I would love to see in Nintendo’s big reveal. Enjoy,
puddins’.
FIRST DISCLAIMER: This is not real. Don’t take anything in this blog
seriously. Thank you.
SECOND DISCLAIMER: This is a scenario in which the console is NOT a hybrid. Don't take it as my ultimate desire for the console, but more so a second option. Also, no cartridges, just no. We have no idea what the final product will look like, so be open and nice about any other possibilities of what the system could be. Much obliged.
Nintendo has done it: they have convinced me to get a Wii U, and that is incredible. Even after their 2012 E3 conference I was still not convinced to get a Wii U. Sure, there were a lot of cool games to look forward to, but I was tired of buying new consoles. The post-launch list was also pretty shallow and full of vague promises. But then I watched yesterday's Wii U Direct, and all my irks about the console have long since disappeared:
Before any games are shown, Iwata literally apologizes to Wii U owners about the lack of content for January and February, and also for the long load times of the system updates. But like a crafty Nintenja, Iwata doesn't stop at apologizes, oh no, he delivered the games- E3 debut quality games. It's as if he literally said: "Sorry we couldn't give you any cupcakes- HERE'S YO BIRTHDAY CAKE INSTEAD! HO! NINTENDO CHOP!!!" First a system with an unclear dark future, now a bright light that shines so bright, that if it wasn't a metaphor it would melt your face off just like the Nazi from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The gravity of games announced was so vast I had to break down this article into three sections. Not all of the Direct was great, but at least we got the goods.
THE AWESOME
"Dear World, I'm playing this game until the end of time. I won't make it to the party next Tuesday" -Me
The games: Did I just watch E3? Because I totally just watched E3. If Nintendo doesn't own this generation of gaming, it's either because everyone will simultaneously turn into radioactive butterflies and explode or that the screwcap on the universe is screwed on wrong. Pikmin 3 got to shine to show off new Miiverse snapshot capabilities. Mii Party U looks fun. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD broke the house and took everyone by surprise, and even more surprising is that it's being released this fall. Platinum Games' The Wonderful 101 and Bayontte got a spotlight. Yoshi returns in a Epic Yarn adventure. Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, in whatever form it will appear in, is going to be awesome and INSANE. And finally, as if to bro-fist every person who supported Xenoblade's localization, Monolith Studios' new game, titled X, was revealed to be a spiritual successor to Xenoblade at the end of the show. Yes, I do believe I just watched E3. Don't wake me up from this dream, ever.
The future: If Nintendo achieved anything in this Direct, it was to put the naysayers for the future of the Wii U console to bed- and they did so with a semi-automatic...to the head. As with the announcement of the remake for Wind Waker, a second Zelda game is in development for the Wii U as I write this. A new Mario Kart and 3-D Mario (from the team of Mario Galaxy/3-D Land fame) are also planned, and will be in playable form this E3. Smash Bros. 4 will also be finally revealed in June. Sure, these are Nintendo staples, but I'm sure they got some more surprises up their sleaves.
It's getting better: Those experiencing problems with long Wii U load times may not fret, because Nintendo will solve the problem in the form of two updates: one in Spring and the other in Summer. Instead of just providing false promises, Nintendo is determined to fix it's problems and provide better entertainment experiences. I only wish for more game companies would follow suit.
THE GOOD
You can never play too many NES games.
Wii U Virtual Console: VC titles on the Wii U have been extremely stagnant. But luckily, Nintendo is not only offering a new NES title every month for only 30 cents each for a limited time, but also letting past Wii owners to tansfer their NES and SNES VC library to the Wii U for a reduced price per game. The price isn't frivolous money grabing either: Nintendo is tuning up every VC game headed to the Wii U, and allowing you to play them on the Gamepad with the ability to save at any point.
Miiverse: Nintendo is forming it's own Facebook-esk gaming community with new filtering features, and the results are quite surprising. Hopefully I new art studio will come into place as well.
GBA is coming to Wii U VC: Hey look, GBA games!
THE BAD
Nope.
GBA is coming to Wii U VC: Wait, what? Why snub the 3DS owners?
"Now that we're done talking about Miiverse, let's talk about Miiverse": "And while we're talking about Miiverse, here's more pictures of Miive-" okay, we get Miiverse is great and all, but have we already exhausted this topic in last E3 AND in a past Direct? Show new features about Miiverse, good, but can we move it along after that?
-
FINAL VERDICT: 5/5 STARS
Nintendo has convinced me that the Wii U is capable of producing top notch games with brilliant production values. I'm also convinced the future for console is going to produce some of the best games I ever played, and if not, I always have Xenoblade 2, I mean LOOK AT IT. This with the Pokemon X/Y unveiling are making me hyped ever so much for what Nintendo has next in store. 3DS Direct, please.
Sir EggBeatr8 here to bring you another installment of the Big N5! The Olympics is the main going on, but let's see what's stirring up in the Nintendo universe!
5. Month of Mario! Virtual Console Mario games on sale fora limited time!
To celebrate the release of New Super Mario Bros. 2, Nintendo is offering VC Mario titles for a bargain price for limited times only! The titles and dates are as followed:
July 26 - Aug. 1 - Super Mario Bros. - $3.99
Aug. 2 - Aug. 8 - Super Mario Land - $2.99
Aug. 9 - Aug. 15 - Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins - $2.99
Aug. 16 - Aug. 22 - Mario's Picross - $2.99
Be sure to pick them up!
4. Rumor: Both Monster Hunters for 3DS may be coming to America.
After an iffy forecast of speculation, a new light has finally formed about whether Monster Hunter Tri 3G and Monster Hunter 4 will be coming to the US - but it's a rumor. Someone with supposed inside info on the Capcom titles has stated the claim, but only time will tell if either title will be launched overseas. And where is that Professor Layton and Ace Attorney American release people are waiting for in all of this? Be sure to check in.
3. Indie RPG "Two Brothers" possible for Wii U/3DS eShop?
"Two Brothers" is an indie action/adventure/role playing/nostalgia game being developed by AckkStudios, made into the style and texture of a Game Boy game. In an interview with the developer Brian Allanson this is what he had to say about the possibility of the games coming to the eShop: "I would never rule out the possibilities of porting the game to a
Nintendo console, but I think I would rather create another game
designed for those systems strengths." While it doesn't seem likely for this game to hit the eShop any time soon, another secret project entitled "Atlas" was confirmed for 2013. Brain did not say if it was a 3DS title, but he did hint at "3D" in the interview. You never know!
2. Ike confirmed as Fire Emblem: Awakneing DLC.
Do you like Ike? Of course you do! Well you Fire Emblem fans will be glad to know that Ike will be appearing in the next Fire Emlem as priced DLC! Your enemies will tremble in fear of the mighty swing of your bl- wait, why is he so skinny?
1. Kirby 20th anniversary listed as $39.99 on Gamestop.
Is this the official or the marked down price of Kirby's Anniversary Collection? If it's the latter, it would be a good time to snag this goodie!
Sorry to any readers that may be reading this, as I've been busy yesterday and could not for the life of me finish this on time, but the blog will continue as scheduled on Sunday. Hopefully.
The Big N5 returns this week with more Nintendo news! Let's get down to it:
5. Miyamoto wants Metroid and Star Fox on Wii U.
Good news for Metroid and Star Fox fans: Miyamoto has recently quoted that he'd love to see these series on the Wii U. "With Metroid it's very easy to imagine some interesting implementation
for Wii U. I think that having another screen with the gyro built in
really gives you a lot of interesting opportunities for development, and
we can bring a lot of our games to life in a completely unique way with
that. I feel like the possibilities of the GamePad for Metroid could be
really fantastic. There's certainly a lot that you could do there for
that game." You can read the quote about Star Fox here. While this doesn't confirm anything yet, you can bet we'll be seeing these titles in the near future.
4. Club Nintendo yearly Gold and Platinum rewards revealed.
If you were lucky enough to hit Elite status on Club Nintendo this year, you can choose a free item from an assortment of free games from Majora's Mask and Metroid II, to posters and playing cards. Most of the items are available for both Elite status members, so make sure to check it out and snag a free gift.
3. Majora's Mask Record breaking speedrun.
In one playthrough a loyal gamer has beaten the speedrun of Majora's Mask by completing the game in just 6 hours 6 mins 26 secs. You can view his performance here if you have 6 hours to spend at least.
2. New Pokedex 3D Pro Japanese Trailer.
A new trailer for the upcoming Pokedex 3D Pro has been revealed via the Japanese Nintendo Channel. The updated application will feature no fewer than 727 Pokemon sprites with animations (No, it's not a Gen 6 preview, it's all the Pokemon and their alternative forms). Boasting also a new Challenge Mode to test your knowledge on Pokemon trivia and an updated AR viwer to view all the present Pokemon, Pokedex 3D Pro proves to be greatly improved from the last application. The application will be released in Japan on July 14, and a Fall release date is slated for everywhere else.
1. Mighty Switch Force HD announced for Wii U eShop. View full image.
The 3DS eShop hit Mighty Switch Force is coming to Wii U eShop, courtesy of WayForward. With beautifully redrawn graphics, Wii U controller support (you can even play the game on the Wii U pad alone), and bonus new content, it's shaping up to be a completely new experience. The game is being aimed at the Wii U launch, so you won't have to wait long to play this beauty. Also worth noting that another WayForward title, Shantae, will be re-released on the 3DS Virtual Console! A release date has not been determined yet, but expect a release this summer.
Thanks for reading and catch us back as Sunday; same place...hmm, maybe not the same time. Have a good one!
Huge stories for our Big N5 today. Let's see what happened in the world of Nintendo this week:
5. Pokemon Global Link 2.0.
After a two week hiatus of site maintenance the Pokemon Global Link is now back up and running, with exciting new features. Pokemon Black and White players can now instantly connect with other players without a Union Room, and use the new XTranseiver and Entralink to play new mini-games with other people from around the world, which boosts prizes and EXP, while increasing the number of people in the Black city/White Forest. And lastly, players can connect to the dream World seamlessly via Wi-fi. Be sure to check it out!
4. Reggie calls out unsatisfied fans.
Didn't like this year's E3? Reggie has something to say about that: "One of the things that, on one hand, I love and, on the other
hand, that troubles me tremendously about not only our fanbase but
about the gaming community at large is that, whenever you share
information, the perspective is, 'Thank you, but I want more.' 'Thank
you, but give me more.' I mean, it is insatiable. And so for
years this community has been asking, 'Where's Pikmin?' 'Where's
Pikmin?' 'Where's Pikmin?' We give them Pikmin. And then they say, 'What
else?' For years, this community have said, 'Damnit Reggie,
when you launch, you better launch with a Mario game.' So we launch with
a Mario game, and they say, 'So what's more?' I have heard
people say, 'You know, you've got these fantastic franchises, beyond
what you're doing in Smash Bros., isn't there a way to leverage all
these franchises?' So we create Nintendo Land and they say, 'Ho-hum,
give me more.' So it's an interesting challenge." Take it however you must, but you have to give him credit for having guts.
3. Two games coming to 3DS VC every week in July!
Nintendo hosted a post E3 conference on Nintendo Driect on Friday revealing some juicy new info on 3DS titles. But it wasn't just new titles that getting the spotlight: Nintendo also announced that two VC titles will be released every week for the 3DS, through July 5th to August 1st. The first title will be the classic Legend of Zelda, followed by The Sword of Hope IIand Kirby's Pinball Land the following week, with the next two weeks titles including Tumblepop, Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters and Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 at the rear of the current release list (wait, isn't that three in one week?) Sonic Blast and Sonic Labyrinth from the GamGear are also scheduled for a Summer release, but no specific release dates are given. Please consider releasing GBA titles next, Nintendo!
2. Namco-Bandai co-developing the next Smash Bros.
Nintendo also revealed on Friday that the next Smash Bros. game will be co-developed with Namco-Bandai. Nintendo didn't reveal too much after that, but they did specify that the staff teams that worked on popular franchises Tekken, Tales, and Soul Calibur are the one's in the development working on the new Smash Bros. Will we see characters like Klonoa, Nightmare, or Pac-Man duke it out on the field? Cross your fingers and hope for more info come next E3.
1. 3DS XL announced!
And finally, Nintendo revealed the new 3DS iteration: 3DS XL. With a 1.5x bigger screen, it will make your 3DS games come to life like never before. Unfortunately, it does not have a right analog stick and it will not support the current accessory already out in GameStop, but luckily it isn't necessary if you're already used to using one analog stick. The system will cost $200 and will released in Europe on July 28th. NA release date is still TBA.
Thanks for reading, and join us next week for 5 more reasons to be a Nintendo gamer!
