@bluesun: Ha! I sincerely hope you are pulling that JP translation out of your booty. Just for comedy's sake. Seriously, you'd have my respect.

"Touch someone else's, please.". How many times have we all heard that rejection...?

For some strange reason, I hear "boingy bits" and Code of Princess comes to mind...

Although I'm offended by the capitalization error, more than anything. Inexcusable.

@Humpries: Nah, the melodramatic story is pretty bad. The humorous dialogue is the main sellling point of the plot. I generally roll my eyes at the serious stuff and chortle 'til my wife is rolling her eyes right out of their sockets at the goofy dialogue. It's the primary reason to bother reading and following the story...

@TheRavingTimes: And therein lies the problem. Microsoft climbed to the top with vastly inferior hardware durability. That's the power of Xbox Live and the digital platform; because all those red ringers bought more systems over the years (if no other reason than to access their account, or use their subscription), the hardware sales were greatly boosted. Then those refurbished systems still likely found their way back to market, encouraging more subscribers.

What does that tell a company like Nintendo, who built a pretty spotless record over decades of hardware production?

@C-Olimar: Yeah, it is sad. I thought NOA excellent service until the Wii-U launch debacle and then the screen problems. These are pristine 3DSs kept in immaculate care (one never even left home). When told it had cracks that appeared from being closed, they claim it must have had previously unnoticed hairline cracks, which is frankly absurd. The screen is too big and, like the 3DS with it's scratch lines, there is a defect in the clamshell design considering the size and heft of the top screen. Compare the way the DSi XL closes (my kids, 2 and 4, have been manhandling one for years) and the problems are readily apparent.

@Selene: EB and GameStop apparently sell their "re-furbished" handhelds as is these days... Or maybe they send some to Nintendo...

Ugh. I just want Nintendo to cover screen damage under their warranty. My 3DS got cracks from the infamous scratch lines and they refused until I called 4 times while diligently researching the design defect. I've also seen 2 separate 3DS XLs get cracks within a few months of purchase (both appeared from no extraordinary trauma-closing the system was all it seemingly took). Instead of offering to replace or repair they ask you to pay $120 if you send under warranty or waive your warranty claim completely to save $30 on the repair (and any game save data cannot be exchanged or recovered if lost).

I'm extremely offended by this shady tactic. After 20 years of decent experiences, I couldn't be more disappointed with NOA's customer service of late. I don't even want to talk about my Wii U launch experience (which includes 2 bunk systems out of the box, after waiting out before work when I didn't have to)...

I don't mind the prices. As others have said, I vividly remember paying over 60 for some SNES carts (although, at that price some, like Earthbound, still feel like a good investment). I feel privileged to have easy access for a reasonable price. I've gone through so many controllers and vintage hardware, I'd prefer not to fire up my old systems unless necessary (otherwise unavailable games like The Guardian Legend, which I was playing last night).

I want every game like most people, but an overabundance leads to an under appreciation that I find unsavory. These prices work like fast food detractors... VC game or value meal? Easy call. And like that other unhealthy craving, the price works in my favor. Cheap enough to sate my hunger, but not so cheap as I could let myself engourge everyday.

Also, the prices have the benefit of giving us heavy Wii VC supporters piece of mind. I don't see why Nintendo should devalue their back catalog now, just a few years later. The real concern is that if we pay a significant price on a VC collection, we absolutely deserve security and a system to share accounts among console. This is where Nintendo is in the wrong.

Oh yes to this. Hell yes to The Guardian Legend (the first schmup I ever played to death as a kid.). Love naxat. Worship COMPILE.

@Captain_Gonru: Interestingly, my wife works as essentially the head of our local Target's electronics. Being a massive 3DS fan herself, she made a stink to Target corporate that they only have 3 3DSs combined (2 red, 1 purple XL). Their response was that no more are coming anytime soon.

Either Nintendo has something up it's sleeve (I worry about the XL screen durability and Nintendo's customer service policies), or they are seriously cutting stock. This is the most profitable Target in the district with a high traffic electronics department.

Although I much prefer physical copies with all the content on the card/disc... I'm not offended. My vast experiences with expensive, hard-to-find/out-of-print games gives me an appreciation for the persistent availability of downloadable titles.

DLC is OK, as well, when done properly... But it will take me awhile to get over the precedent set by the Limit Breaker skill for Fire Emblem: Awakening... I understand it's utility (TSON), but it really diminishes some of the inherent strategy and balance within the game design. It's probably the only skill in the game that enhances any unit over any other available option, regardless of it's cohesion within a skill set. Even worse, it's encouraged for tackling the most difficult (currently unavailable) DLC, which simply shouldn't be necessary.

Sequels to Radiant Historia, Infinite Space, and Solatorobo, please. Soma Breaker in some form (remake?) as well. And I would kill for another Retro Game Challenge (2 or otherwise) and Bangai-O on the shop. Yeah, won't happen... But.... sniffle Oh, why don't any publishers care about appeasing me and my gaming needs?

@gojiguy: That would do as well.

@JSuede: I tried and nothing happened. Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to put it on deviled eggs?

...Sorry.

@Shiryu: Yeah, forgot about Redline. Didn't love it, but it was pretty intense. Got my blood pumping so much it gave me the sudden urge to get up and play a game rather than sit through a movie... In fact, that was probably my problem with a it. A game adaptation would be extremely welcome. Good call.

Not the biggest fan of modern, computer-drawn anime, but Madhouse does solid work

Outside of their more widely known work, Summer Wars was pretty good as well. (Saw it relatively recently.) It starts wonderfully, but it's ultimately good when it really should have been great. Poor character development is the primary culprit. Some excellent animation sequences, though.

Great stuff. I'll be anxiously awaiting the results.

Good, NOA had been an embarrassment in recent years. Iwata clearly cares about great games. Reggie cares about marketing fluff. This is a promising turn of events, for sure.

@CanisWolfred: I'm pretty much in line with @Captain_Balko here....

SMW is an easy game and it was easy when I was 10 years old (and, no, even at that age it's not a game that should require instructions; my point was they were an intrinsic part of the era). I never lose at Mario Kart unless I'm playing with an absolute expert and I play MK Wii and/or 7 almost every day with average to above average players in local multi.

Finally, he's completely right, your list lacks diversity... There's nothing wrong with that, but excuse me if I'm a bit skeptical of your insight regarding the undisputed classics and your apparent contempt for the people who adore them. (And, if it matters, my opinions are not shallow and haphazard because I haven't efforted to express poorly formed ideas that revolve around disdain for other gamers and their favorite games. Not to mention, I haven't questioned the integrity of two of the most popular and influential games from the golden era of videogames.)

Way late, bit that won't stop me from chiming in:
1. Contra, 2. SMB3, 3. Zanac, 4. Punchout!!, 5. Castlevania 3, 6. Mega Man 2, 7. Crystalis, 8. DuckTales, 9. The Guardian Legend, 10. Little Nemo, 11. Kid Icarus, 12. TMNT 2 13. Strider

@CanisWolfred: Heh... If you remember me 5 years from now, I'll be flattered. So I'll be sure to own up and choke them down in the face of your peerless wisdom. For what it's worth, I enjoy ketchup and way too much pepper.

@CanisWolfred: I'm tired of putting faith in game developers who claim to be fans offering fan service. Of course I'm a Homeworld fan, so I want to see something special done with the franchise. The chances seem dubious, however. I'll give them 5 years.

Hey, my words are little and insignificant. I'm not above changing my mind and I hold no ill will towards Gearbox. Above all, I love great games, so I'll be more than happy to break out the salt and pepper if that day arrives. We'll see.

Lets see, Gearbox has made HL: Opposing Force, Brother in Arms, and Borderlands... Those are decent, if overrated products, I'll give them some credit for those. (Their debut, Opposing Force being the high point as far as I'm concerned, but I have a massive soft spot for the original Halflife and it's incredible mods... Team Fortress Classic and Counterstrike being two of my all time most played and favorite multiplayer games. In fact I love TFC so much I could almost cry about what they've done with the disgraceful, regressive TF2.)

They mangled HL: Blue Shift, Samba De Amigo, DNF, and Aliens: Colonial Marines. Those are terrible iterations in franchises of some repute.

Nothing in their catalog suggests they are capable of doing justice to a groundbreaking, cinematic space RTS such as Homeworld. Instead they have a very mediocre track record with established IPs and have never shown an ability for the kind of grandiose, operatic storytelling the Homeworld franchise demands.

To me, they make decent, unoriginal, and unappealing action games largely devoid of strategic game design. Am I supposed to be impressed that they seem devoted to reanimating the corpses of forgotten franchises without injecting soul?

@CanisWolfred: Yeah, in 5+ years maybe we'll have the privilege of witnessing Gearbox drive the final nail in franchise's coffin. Pardon my enthusiasm.

@Deathgaze: Just out of curiosity... Any chance you outbid someone for the rights to that sublime collector's item?

Ugh, I had high hopes someone would swoop in and revive Homeworld, but... not... like... this... sobs

@CanisWolfred: Let's give credit where it's due. Mario Kart is as solid a racing series as any. I'm talking the racing. If you master any MK you'll discover some of the most balanced, polished, and well-designed racing anywhere. The strategic opportunities are immense for the racing genre and the physics incredibly sound. Don't get me started on the glitchy, wonky Sega MK-wannabes of late...

If you doubt the racing chops and level design of the series, I challenge you to set a world-class time trial run and then come back here with your criticism. I've played every other worthy kart racer I know of and they all falter in the time trial department (the true test of racing physics and level design), usually revealing frustrating, inconsistent physics and design. In my opinion, every other kart racer rather shamelessly apes the MK foundation while paling in comparison.

As for the items, there are generally ways to deal with such instances where luck is involved. Like real racing, most of the time the best racing line will win out, but there are always going to be circumstances and variable out of your control. Adapting to those possibilities is the key to winning consistently. And if that is unacceptable, change the item settings. Maybe it's because I primarily play multiplayer games with my wife and other female friends involved, but I cherish the balance provided by the various items. Chicks love racing games but the only ones any of these women want to play are Mario Kart, Excite Truck, and Burnout (Takedown/Revenge mostly because they loves crashing cars...).

The truth is, Mario Kart keeps them motivated, compelled, and competive. The items allow adaptive strategies and suitable inspiration to deal with far superior racers such as myself. Look, I personally adore F-Zero GX as much as any racing game ever made, but no one wants to play it with me... And for that reason Mario Kart Wii or 7 (games that everyone wants to play) will always be superior in my eyes. (As for SMK, it was a groundbreaking game in so many ways--racing design, splitscreen multiplayer, strategic depth, battle mode, drifting mechanics, etc.--and stands as one of the best racing games of it's era. Not only that, but it's still as fun as ever if you can adapt to the technical aspects that seem antiquated nowadays.)

Also, those criticisms of Super Mario World are ridiculous. The joy of the series in that era (in particular SMB3 and SMW) was the discovery of techniques and strategies to navigate the challenging gauntlet of platforms and enemies. What captivayed most of us for endless hours in those days was utilizing Mario's abilities to explore the nooks and crannies of each world. Also, remember that everyone who seriously played games in those days fawned over instruction booklets when their parents told the to stop playing Nintendo.

Understand there's a difference between nostalgia and a lack of perseverance and perspective due to an overstimulated, instant gratification modern society. Honestly, your criticisms reek of shallow, quick-fire dismissals based upon haphazardly formed opinions. We are all entitled to such opinions, of course, but in disregarding such a diverse list and criticizing the inclusion of all time classics... I at least hope you would attempt to establish some perspective and appreciation of the interests of the greater gaming public, as well as the relevance of the games in question.

1. Super Metroid, 2. A Link to the Past, 3. Super Mario World, 4. FF VI, 5. Mega Man X, 6. Chrono Trigger, 7. Earthbound, 8. Yoshi's Island, 9. Contra 3, 10. Ogre Battle, and 11. Super Mario RPG are my easy top 11. Considering I played, owned, and loved them all as a kid in their prime makes them pretty rock solid for me.

Nowadays I could possibly add the likes of Demon's Crest, Out of this World, Actraiser, Terranigma, Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, Tales of Phantasia, Secret of Mana, and I'm sure several others if I really thought about it... But since I didn't actually play them in their heyday, they don't hold quite the same sway.

Well, let's be honest... They used Wii U owners to hit their goal. Success was very much in doubt before they added the stretch goal and Nintendo fans flocked to their campaign.

Personally I don't see the appeal here. Particularly, the prospect of success on the Apple platforms seems dubious... A generic game with a lame name standing out in that swollen marketplace? The only selling point is the art style, but even that is too similar to Wayforward's A Boy and His Blob to be original or exceptionally striking.

The reality was they were always going to consider branching out to other platforms if they reached their funding. Once development is funded, the appeal of porting to a wider audience will always be too appealing not to capitalize. That stretch goal was a carrot to lure in Nintendo fans and wring more funding in the process.

Two things.

I personally feel Nintendo has, in the past, balked at some of the more controversial content. SPOILERS For instance, the fact the final dungeon resembles a uterus, the final boss consists of a shifting texture that appears to be unborn fetuses, and the final act is, in essence, a galactic abortion (or something similar depending on your perspective of the Japanese name, Mother.). Not the kind of questionable religious material preferred by an ultra sensitive Nintendo... SPOILERS

Anyway, I think music was also a huge concern, only now to emphasize that would be hazardous. Do you expect Nintendo to admit that they waited this long out of fears of being sued, but now they've decided to say, "f--- it, come get us Cop-pas"?

No, they'll never illuminate those issues because it would be counterproductive. The difference now is they need to throw a bone to fans and the anticipation has reached previously unforeseen levels. My response is not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

@JonWahlgren: Yeah, I wanted to be clear that to question your integrity wasn't my intent. The article is, as always, well-written and assuredly appropriate. Given your apparent experience, I feel you accomplished probably the most critical, if vaguely obvious, points.

However, I have, of course, felt inclined to express a lacking perception of what amounts to a fleeting first impression. To that extent, I do believe some of the most pivotal points (basic gameplay concepts, expanded analysis, subjective insight, further relevance, etc) of any impressions article maybe weren't emphasized enough. (And as far as intuiting the reader's familiarity with the subject matter... From my limited experience, I consider that effort to be the essential groundwork and ultimate skill of any writer; to make mundane concepts insightful and compelling even to the most acquainted.)

Also, I'm very aware of the double-egded sword of saying too little and assuming too much. There is no right way to straddle that razor sharp edge and, no matter how hard you try, you'll always be sliced one way or the other. Each article is a unique battle and, ultimately, you have to believe in your own tactical awareness above all else. Cheesy metaphor, for sure. But to that end, I commend all the writers at Nintendolife.

@JonWahlgren: I'm not contending whether or not you've played an actual demo. But it must be conceded that this article does not establish a strong degree of applied analysis.

I, myself, am not clear on some of the most basic aspects of any Zelda game (controls, menus, items, combat dynamics, puzzle composition, etc.). Even the hardware-specific components that will likely define this iteration are unclear (bottom screen, necessary 3D, circle pad movement, etc.).

On the other side, the equally important, more subjective insight is almost nonexistent. What does the dungeon progression infer? How are the enemy layouts? Despite the recycled trappings, does the level design feel lively and original? Or simply reanimated?

Understand that we appreciate the thankless effort your role necessitates. (Though, truthfully, we also envy your fortune to experience a new Zelda within a day of it's announcement...) Without question, this is among my favorite, most-visited sites on the web at large. This despite it's reliance on mostly unpaid, below entry-level labor. Indeed, we sometimes hold you to the highest standard; believe me, out of sheer appreciation, not disrespect.

@Peach64: In regards to that Eurogamer quote, I feel compelled to point out that Nintendo's decisions are predicated primarily (if not exclusively) upon game design considerations, as opposed to plot, characters, setting, etc...

In a sense, Eurogamer are complaining about this very heritage. Link's Awakening was predominantly a standard 2D Zelda set in a strange world; whether fortunately, or unfortunately, it's an outlier. Games such as this new ALttP and the NSBM series may be set in familiar locales with few original characters/settings. However, Nintendo revisits these formulas when a platform or technology provides new opportunities for expanding or innovating those classic, beloved game design foundations. Not to simply re-hash antiquated ideas, but to provide new application in an evolved marketplace. (Of course, Nintendo, as much as any company, embodies a conflicted manifest of uncompromising tradition and tireless progression.)

Sometimes that may be as simple as using wind physics to blow coins across a level or utilizing light sources to emphasize contrast and alter traditional dynamics. Other alterations are undoubtedly more groundbreaking, such as allowing Link to transform into a hieroglyphic figure.

As gamers we all have different preferences, but the marketplace ultimately dictates the risk of innovation. Nintendo relies on their classic foundations to communicate the value of modern game design innovations/expansions to the broadest audience possible.

Call it a shrewd business stance, but I bristle at the idea that Nintendo is reminding us of a heritage that they can't live up to. (There's only one first... And Nintendo was generally the pioneer. But their philosophy hasn't necessarily changed; they've always put game design foundations first and foremost. The difference is that once they needed to create, or largely re-create, entire franchises to communicate those ideals. Now with established franchises they just need to represent those ideas in the most marketable method.)

Sorry Jon, but this impression offers little to no insight that couldn't have been gleaned from the minute and a half long video...

I certainly appreciate the well-reasoned, sharp-witted criticism that comes across rather eloquently in your reviews. Impressions, however, require a certain form of intrinsic recognition along with a semblance of impaired perspective/blind reflection. Is this article a victim of the first-news rush? Sure seems like it.

Ugh. Who wants this? Just give us a re-release of the classic and if they want Sega can bastardize a new sequel. Given Sega's recent incompetence I have little hope this will turn out well... Besides, I prefer classic sprite work.

Between this and that ridiculous new Ducktales, it feels as if my childhood is under siege... What happened to preserving and appreciating the classics? Or must all bow to the endless idiocy of modern marketing departments?

I don't care what anyone says... These are a godsend due to added girth and comfortability. I love having the option of turning my handheld into an ergonomic controller. Also, the added buttons are nice... And anything that puts less stress on the L/R buttons is OK by me...

@GreenDream: I fully agree that the risks of this system are probably no greater than through traditional investment. Except we all know the risk exists and, in both instances, it is extremely important to protect investor/donor confidence.

In the case of the Rhode Island snafu... Can you imagine another state making that kind of investment in a game company again after this result? Never mind that they do it regularly for the movie industry (and long have, historically). The games industry will be looked at in the future with increased skepticism and developers will have to struggle further for a lifeline.

To be clear, I adore the opportunities afforded through a system such as kickstarter. Both as a consumer and creator. My goal is to protect the faith and belief required of donors.

I have no expectation of transparency into the creative process. However, I expect full disclosure (or as close as possible) of the need and intent of the funds desired.

For instance, if I donate to a project with the idea of protecting the freedom of expression from boards of investors... I believe it should be communicated whether the project will be fully self-published, or whether there is existing/future plans to utilize an outside publisher. It goes without saying that all those ideas I was sold on the front end become open season once a publishing deal is signed. Do donors receive any guarantees nor insight into the contract's demands or the publisher's aspirations?

The purpose is twofold: to protect against the threat of fraud and to prevent the wider devastation caused by shaking the faith of generous donors.

The skepticism is based upon the fact that the marketplace is under siege. In the face of pressure and given the opportunity, people will go to great lengths to make a buck and lessen the risks of loss.

Some of those people are hard workers attempting to create a quality project or offer a useful service. Many others have no such ideas and have long relied on abusing the various segments of the entertainment industry.

Donors/Backers deserve the necessary transparency to determine the need and utility of their funds. They also deserve more protection from fraud than this system offers. Plain and simple.

(On the larger point of responsible journalism... What is the point if not to illuminate and inform the public of inherent, indirect, or insulated risks? I, for one, applaud Thomas taking the risk/responsibility upon himself with the intent of asking the necessary questions... It's not easy and there is little benefitting him.)

The problem is transparency and the risk of snake-oil salesman abusing the system. What is the problem with wanting to know where the money is actually going to prevent abuse and protect the developers who need the funds from being overwhelmed by those who don't?

If you equate this with charitable donations, we should only further demand such information. Who wants to donate money to line the coffers? ...Most importantly, once faith in the system is broken, then where will the genuinely needy gain the support necessary to realize their ideas?

Even if we view these as donations, there's the troubling question of whether the crowd-funding charity is absolutely needed, or simply a form of (relatively) free investment capital. Cash-money in the bank is always better than a contract which iterates funds/resources.

Is there any doubt when games which are apparently unable to find a publisher rope them in only once funded. You can argue grassroots interest has opened publisher's eyes, but rarely is the amount of backers enough to guarantee profit in the general marketplace.

The question of need should be stressed considering there is apparently no transparency offered to backers regarding the interest of publishers. Do you really want to donate to a project with a publisher in tow, waiting in the shadows for any prospective funding to occur before swooping in to release the product and reap the rewards?

I'm waiting for a project to fail to meet it's goal, only to be published irregardless.

Love it. Excellent journalism here.

I've been alarmed (and somewhat heartened) by the Kickstarter trend for some time now... Like I'm sure many others have. Actually, just the other day in the Bloom: Memories comments I called for some skepticism of the current (suspicious) boom of campaigns large and small. (As I posted, when the market loses it's carrying capacity, the wolves grow weary, desperate, and vicious...). Ironic, huh?

Do I really need to beg?

Unexpected news this late... While we're at it can please discuss Soma Bringer's localization?

This is pretty bad. If we're to purchase a re-release well after the fact, I would expect any value added to be included in the retail package. You know, considering the original's availability at $20 and the abundance of time since it's release to forge new content. Expecting us to buy in at an MRSP with the promise of DLC is pretty absurd.

And additional Raid mode levels? Seriously? Give us a true Mercenaries mode and then you'll be on to something... As it is, I could barely stomach the boring Raid levels (of which there are plenty) if not for the promise of co-op with my wife. As it is, we still play Mercs 3D every week; Raid mode, while fun, is a disappointing alternative.

I don't know... After the delay I dove back into Origins and found myself too bored to make it through a second time with my wife. When the zany thrill wears off it's really just a decent multiplayer platformer... Certainly the level design doesn't compare to stuff like DKC Returns or NSMBU, so I have to wonder if I'm interested in investing my time into 30 more levels unless they are the absolute cream.

Actually I was certain I would still have interest after the delay, but now it's a non-entity to me. Not even on my radar. Too many other games, not enough time for anything less than the best platformers.

How do we know they aren't using us desperate Wii U owners to generate enough interest to blast through their goal?

I don't doubt if they get plenty of backing that they'll look at Wii U (and all platforms), but currently I see no guarantees and in lieu of the fact that most kick starter projects seem to experience a bump when promised to Wii U fans... If you have no official confirmation, why make such a ponderous statement without approaching your initial milestone? Count me as skeptical... Yet reasonably hopeful..

When are we going to start squinting at all the kickstarter projects looking for essentially free investment capital without one project yet delivering any significant gameplay?

Look, I'm as idealistic and optimistic as anyone. But when the market is losing it's carrying capacity, the wolves grow weary, desperate, and vicious.

This could be the big budget, multiplayer-oriented Wii FPS that we've been waiting for...

At least there is reason for hope: Activision has published two solid and robust Call of Duty ports already and both sold respectably; developers have generally come to grips with Wii FPS controls with most of the earlier kinks being worked out; Eurocom has experience with Wii in co-developing Dead Space: Extraction and some of their past work in the FPS genre has been rather impressive (including DS:E and their previous Bond games, The World is Not Enough for N64 and Nightfire on GCN, which are generally considered to be the best in the series outside of the original Goldeneye)...

Now we'll see how it all comes together, but for now I'm optimistic. The potential has been there all along for a breakout Wii FPS and this one more than any other has the ingredients to make it happen...

Ogre Battle 64 is one of my favorite strategy games of all time. I've been pining for it's release ever since the virtual console was announced, so this will be forever be remember as a glorious day of lordly caliber... Or something like that.

Warioware: Showcase is also a must-buy for the old lady... Can't wait to pick up DIY and make her play all my devious microgames.

Should be ace.

Flipper should be ace. Flight Control is a can't miss. And Aura Climber has potential... Always nice to have more nice 200 pt. games. All in all, a solid week for DSiWare.

Mouse House seems like a simple, fun puzzle game in the spirit of Adventures of Lolo. GhostSlayer looks like it should be a solid re-skin of Wii Sports Resort sword battling. I'm willing to give both a chance... Looking forward to impressions/reviews.

Yeah, I don't disagree with the score... Just had to say my piece. Very fair review.

Forgot about the Touch though...