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Posted by Bob Muir on Apr 21, 2015 in Anime, Videogames 
There have been some enjoyable Dragon Ball Z fighting games over the years, as various developers took their turn with the classic anime series. But Arc System Works, who is known for their “anime fighters” like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, hasn’t made a DBZ game since Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 on DS. They’re returning to the series with Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden, which just had a demo released in Japan, giving us our first good look at the gameplay (below). While not as high-res as their console fighting games, it looks like a fun fighter with good artwork. Here’s hoping it’s better received than their previous DBZ fighters.
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Tags: 3DS, Dragonball
Posted by Ben Huber on Apr 13, 2015 in Videogames 
Something bright and colorful caught my eye earlier – it was the trailer for Monster Hunter Stories, a new spin-off RPG set in the Monster Hunter world. The game was reportedly five years in the making, and is set to come out in 2016. While details are scarce (and this is a CGI trailer), it appears the game will eschew typical Monster Hunter gameplay and instead play “within the boundaries of an RPG, while still preserving the core sensibilities that people have come to associate with Monster Hunter.” That quote comes from series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto. Perhaps this’ll finally be a Monster hunter game I can get into?! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Monster Hunter
Posted by Bob Muir on Apr 8, 2015 in Videogames 
Yo-kai Watch, a Pokemon-like game about collecting weird creatures, did really well when it was released in Japan, blowing up into a massive sensation and getting things like anime adaptations. Now Nintendo has announced that Level-5’s RPG is coming to the West. It hasn’t specified which game is getting released — the second game even had two versions, like Pokemon — or when it’s releasing. But it’s still cool news, and it seems that they’re really making a push for the brand. Viz is releasing the manga adaptation later this year, and Level-5 made a big toy deal for 2016 with Hasbro. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this blow up with kids and some adults. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Level-5, Nintendo, Yo-kai Watch
Posted by Bob Muir on Apr 2, 2015 in Videogames 
It seems that 2015 is truly the Year of the Amiibo for Nintendo. While many games were shown off on their latest Nintendo direct, many of the major ones had corresponding amiibo announcements. Let’s start with Super Smash Bros. news first though. The Mewtwo DLC is pretty much ready and will be released on April 23 for $3.99, or $5.99 for both systems. Those who earned the character for free via the Club Nintendo promotion will get him on April 15. Lucas (from Mother 3 and Brawl) was announced as the second DLC character, due sometime in June. Future characters may be influenced by your votes on the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot that just launched on smashbros.com. And if you want to spend more of your money, there will be new Mii costumes available. The cost of the costumes seems reasonable at $0.75 each, or $1.15 each for both systems. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Amiibo, fire emblem, Nintendo, Nintendo Direct, Wii U
Posted by Bob Muir on Feb 17, 2015 in Videogames 
It’s already pretty ridiculous that you take missions from Abraham Lincoln in Nintendo’s upcoming game Codename: S.T.E.A.M. The 3DS strategy game is being made by Intelligent Systems, the talented team behind Advance Wars and Fire Emblem. And in this new game, you’re taking orders from the man who saved the Union. And if that isn’t enough, apparently Lincoln has a Lincoln-Bot (powered by steam, of course). Could we already have the undisputed game of the year by March 13? Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo
Posted by Bob Muir on Jan 29, 2015 in Videogames 
Indie developer Renegade Kid must be very busy, working on their 3DS remaster of Dementium: The Ward, the next three episodes of Moon Chronicles (also 3DS), and retro platformer Treasurenauts (on, surprise, 3DS). Add one more project to the queue: Mutant Mudds Super Challenge for Wii U and 3DS. As you might guess from the title, this is intended for players who already beat the first game; this isn’t a direct sequel as much as it’s a “stepping stone” to a future Mutant Mudds 2. The game is coming out at some point in 2015, but with all that Renegade Kid already has on its plate, I foresee Mutant Mudds Super Challenge coming out later in the year. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Wii U
Posted by Ben Huber on Jan 19, 2015 in Videogames 
At Nintendo’s last Nintendo Direct, the Japanese Direct snuck in a little downloadable game announcement that went unnoticed by many: Hakoboy! It’s an eShop game by Kirby developer HAL Laboratory, and features a tiny box-like character called… are you ready for this? …Cubey. Essentially, it’s a puzzle-platformer in which Cubey can create blocks from his square body to make bridges, stairs, walls, or just hold down a button. It looks very simple to pick up, but I imagine it’ll get deviously clever very quick. Also: it looks incredibly easy to localize. You better bring this over here, Nintendo of America! Check out the trailer below! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Nintendo Direct
Posted by Ben Huber on Jan 9, 2015 in Videogames 
In one of Nintendo’s smartest team-ups in a long time, popular puzzle game Puzzle & Dragons will be mashed up with Nintendo’s mascot in Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Edition for 3DS. This will sell like gangbusters in Japan, as the mobile game (and its handheld console games like Puzzle & Dragons Z) is one of the biggest games out right now. It has already been confirmed for a US and Europe release via the official Puzzle & Dragons Twitter account, so don’t fret, P&D fans! This’ll have much more stuff going on than the free mobile game, but you can check that out for free if you haven’t experience P&D yet. Trailer below, along with the reason Nintendo made this partnership. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Puzzle & Dragons
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 25, 2014 in Anime, Videogames 
So far, all the games that use Amiibo, the Skylanders-like toys that unlock in-game bonuses, are published by Nintendo. But the upcoming One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X for 3DS will be the first third-party game to include Amiibo support. The toys will unlock costumes for the various fighters that transform them into the same Nintendo characters. So tapping the Mario Amiibo will give main character Luffy a Mario outfit. These aren’t simple reskins, but fully-designed costumes that look more creative than I’d expect. The trailer below shows off the Smash Bros.-like fighting action, with the Amiibo details showing up near the end. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Amiibo, New 3DS, One Piece
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 24, 2014 in Videogames 
For a small company, Atlus is usually pretty good at rewarding fans who buy their games at launch. Like many previous games, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2, a 3DS update to the original DS game, will include a bonus. All pre-order and first-run copies will come bundled with a soundtrack CD; it’s not clear if the disc is a full soundtrack or just a music sampler, but either way, it’s a nice freebie for fans. And considering Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker comes with pretty much double the content of the original release, anyone buying this is getting a great deal.
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Tags: 3DS, Atlus, shin megami tensei
Posted by Bob Muir on Dec 2, 2014 in Videogames 
With the New 3DS and New 3DS XL out in Japan (and for some reason Australia), it was inevitable that Nintendo would eventually discontinue the original 3DS and 3DS XL models. But surprisingly, Nintendo has already announced that it was soon ending production on the 3DS XL (actually called the 3DS LL in Japan). In the past, Nintendo has left previous models in production, as a low-cost option for consumers. (For example, at one point the DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL were in production, partially because the larger DSi XL didn’t truly replace the previous models because many consumers want a smaller device.) But with the New 3DS systems effectively replacing the old 3DS systems around the same price, it’s not surprising that the previous models would disappear much quicker. The only thing strange about this is that Nintendo is still keeping the original 3DS in the marketplace. It’s a strange choice for what was easily the weakest design of them all, with small issues that suggested it was rushed to market. Get that thing out of here! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, New 3DS, Nintendo
Posted by Bob Muir on Nov 18, 2014 in Anime, Videogames 
Since Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, new Pokemon games have received anime teasers to sell what the game is like, but prettier. To be honest, I think they’re pretty cool, with lots of action and a tantalizing overview of some of the game’s moments. But invariably, I realize that they look too good; we’ll never get anything that cool in the Pokemon anime with dopey Ash Ketchum, the world’s least-capable Pokemon protagonist. Why can’t Nintendo do something cool with the anime like these game ads? Tell the animators to get on it! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Pokémon
Posted by Bob Muir on Nov 6, 2014 in Videogames 
After gamers got finished playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, the 3DS enhanced port of the classic N64 game, there was one question: when would we get The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D? Though the unconventional sequel wasn’t originally held in high regard, critical opinion has come to hold Majora’s Mask as one of the most creative, unique entries in the Zelda series. This is due to its dark, strange, and often scary tone, as well as tough, weird mechanics that reinforce the setting. Nintendo has played coy about whether they would port the game to 3DS, though fans expected it to be technologically possible. Finally, Nintendo has confirmed that Majora’s Mask 3D would release on 3DS in Spring 2015. The announcement trailer shows just how strange the adventure can be. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Legend of Zelda, Nintendo
Posted by Bob Muir on Oct 28, 2014 in Videogames 
Nintendo doesn’t expect everyone to buy both versions of a new Pokemon game. Other than minor plot differences and certain exclusive pokemon, they’re basically the same game. Nintendo does this to encourage trading with other players. But some people buy both versions for various reasons: collecting, sharing the second game with a poor friend, a second save file, or maybe not having anyone else to play with. If you are thinking of getting both Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Nintendo has a “deal” for you. For the exact same cost of buying the games separately, you can buy them together in a bundle. What’s the incentive? Two download codes for 100 potions each, to help you start your game. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Pokémon
Posted by Bob Muir on Oct 22, 2014 in Videogames 
Shantae is one of those cult franchises, a series of games full of great gameplay, solid controls, and beautiful 2D graphics. Many people don’t even know the series exists because the first game had a limited print run on Game Boy Color after the Game Boy Advance had already launched. The second game launched on the DSi’s online shop, which almost no one used. Maybe the third game, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, will finally make a bigger splash. Though the titular half-genie has lost her powers in this installment, her pirate skills look fun to use. The game is out this Thursday on 3DS. Unfortunately, the Wii U version has been delayed until later this year, but that’s not too far off, so I can’t be too sad. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Shantae, Wii U
Posted by Bob Muir on Oct 21, 2014 in Videogames 
Nintendo, why didn’t you just say this from the start? If you missed signing up for the Pokemon Trainer Club newsletter (or didn’t care to bother), you can still get a code for the 3DS demo for Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. This demo is a unique adventure that lets you catch some new Mega-Evolved Pokemon and items that will transfer to the full game. Nintendo has announced several more ways to get a code. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Pokémon
Posted by Bob Muir on Oct 15, 2014 in Videogames 
The good news: Nintendo is finally putting out demos for some of its biggest games. The bad news: not only are these generally restricted to a certain number of uses, but sometimes they’ll make you jump through hoops to try things out. Chances are you already know if you’re interested in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire; after all, they’re remakes of the third generation, the point by which the overall formula had pretty much been figured out. But if you’re on the fence, here’s what you need to do to get a demo. By October 20, go to Pokemon.com and sign up for a Pokemon Trainer Club account (which you likely already have if you use online features). Then, make sure you’ve opted in to marketing emails, and they’ll send out codes in their next Pokemon newsletter. It’s pretty simple, but still more complicated than just making the demo available to everyone. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Pokémon
Posted by Ben Huber on Oct 11, 2014 in Videogames 
Phoenix Wright and crew will be returning to the Nintendo 3DS this winter. We had heard about the updated trilogy a while ago, which will include the first three games in the Ace Attorney series, remastered with updated visuals; but now we’ve got a release date: December 9th in the US and December 11th in Europe. In case you’re wondering, this also includes the bonus case that was added to the first game. The trilogy will be available exclusively on the eShop, which seems to be Capcom’s favorite way to release the Ace Attorney games these days. It’ll run you $29.99, and if you haven’t played them yet, this is a great way to experience these three classic games. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 24, 2014 in Tech, Videogames 
While I think the 2DS has a place as a budget-friendly, kid-friendly alternative to the 3DS, I could never see myself buying one unless it was just to add to my videogame collection. The 3DS XL has 3D screens (if you’re into that like I am), bigger screens, and it folds in half to protect those screens. The 2DS just looks bulky, albeit more comfortable. But oh lordy, Nintendo keeps putting out more limited variants of its handhelds, and even though I already own great-looking systems, I keep wanting to spend more money on things I don’t need. These red and blue 2DS systems are coming out in Europe on November 28, bundled with a copy of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire, respectively. But the coolest thing about these is that their plastic is transparent. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Nintendo, Pokémon
Posted by Ben Huber on Sep 14, 2014 in Videogames 
Nintendo has just released Super Smash Bros. for 3DS in Japan, but the US doesn’t get it until October 3rd. To stave off the wait until then, they’ve promised the demo will arrive September 19th, next week. Select Club Nintendo members who have Platinum status, however, are receiving codes for the demo right now, letting them test it out a week early. The demo features one stage (Battlefield) and five characters to play as: Mario, Link, Pikachu, Villager, and Mega Man. The Platinum members will also get extra codes to share with friends, so if you’re not a dedicated Club Nintendo member yourself, perhaps a generous friend can lend you a code. Otherwise, it’s just a short wait until the demo on the 19th, and the full game on October 3rd. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Super Smash Bros.
Posted by Bob Muir on Sep 11, 2014 in Videogames 
Hoo boy, this is already getting confusing. Nintendo is putting out an upgraded 3DS with more power called the New 3DS and New 3DS XL. But since that’s not being released outside of Japan until 2015, any new 3DS models are going to cause confusion. Take some limited edition 3DS XLs announced for release at Gamestop. There are limited run models featuring designs from Super Smash Bros. (September 19), NES (October 10), and Persona Q (no date, but likely November 25, the day of the game’s release). But while these are all awesome, new designs, they are not the “New 3DS XL,” so anyone buying these new models should be aware that the hardware will be outdated sometime in the first half of 2015. The designs are still worth getting, but it’s a weird time to release them. Also, that NES model could have a better design on the shell than just the controller. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, NES, New 3DS, Nintendo, Persona 4, Super Smash Bros.
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 30, 2014 in Videogames 
Nintendo surprised everyone (sort of… well, not really) by revealing two new iterations of their 3DS handhelds yesterday, titled simply New 3DS and New 3DS LL. Almost identical to the existing systems, except with improved 3D capabilities, a faster processor for speedier menus and downloads, ZL and ZR buttons, NFC support for Amiibos, and a new right-side nub for emulating that dual-joystick style you all love so much. While the LL (called the XL in the US) stays mostly the same, the New 3DS opts for a matte styling this time, taking its design cues from the LL. The smaller version also features exchangeable cover-plates so you can customize your system however you’d like! They arrive October 11th in Japan and sometime in 2015 for US and Europe. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, New 3DS, Nintendo
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 23, 2014 in Videogames 
The latest update from Masahiro Sakurai in regards to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS has introduced some music! The music section of the site has opened up and features several songs from the game available for streaming. Sakurai has also released a list of musicians that will be composing music for the game, which features such talent as Noriyuki Iwadare (Phoenix Wright), Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger), Motoi Sakuraba (Dark Souls), Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts), and Hirokazu Tanaka (Metroid). Check out the three new music tracks below! Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Super Smash Bros., Wii U
Posted by Ben Huber on Aug 11, 2014 in Videogames 
Looks like some more Mega-Evolved Pokemon have been revealed: Mega Altaria, Mega Salamence, and Mega Lopunny. All three will be in the upcoming Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire games, which are coming out November 21st. I’m way behind on my Pokemon, but I’ve been liking these more recent designs better than before. Horde battles are also confirmed to be in Alpha and Omega, and you can now have those horde battles with Trainers too, so a whole gang of kids can team up and fight you. There’s also a cosplaying Pikachu you can get. Why? I don’t know. It just looks cute. Read more…
Tags: 3DS, Pokémon
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