@wiiwii Second apologies, unfortunately my link to the Super Mario World Super Famicom box was incorrect in comment 12, it is not the official box, it is a custom design created by a fan on VGBoxArt.com (VGBA).

The correct box art work can be found on this retro gamer's YouTube unboxing video (check out the awesome world map instructions poster). I did not even know that VGBA existed as a resource for custom made video game box covers.

My mistake is embarrassing considering I collect Super Famicom games and SMW's yellow cover is iconic. In my defence, I actually only own the PAL version of SMW, although I have the gorgeous Super Famicom version of 'Yossy Island'. My error came from a quick Google search for the SMW Super Famicom box and the VGBA front cover looked similar, so I did not double-check it before posting the link.

As you have noted, I should have realised when I saw all the English text on the back of the box, that was a 'schoolboy error'. I know that Super Famicom Return of Double Dragon has a paragraph in English on the front of its box, but most Super Famicom games, and the back of SMW, only have Japanese text.

Sorry again that I created this confusion.

Personally, I would love a new 2D Mario title to be directly inspired by Super Mario World, in both its visual style (pixels and sprites, please) and the specifics of its gameplay.

I would happily purchase a game that returns to ideas such as a more meticulously designed world map with 96 hidden multiple route exits, the return of SMW's feather power-up and the gameplay dynamics of its cape. I would also like another game with visuals set in Dinosaur Land, including multi-coloured Yoshis galore and secrets like the star road.

The use of SMW tunes in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a good example of how nostalgia for the SNES game can be celebrated in a new release today. SMW had a marvellous musical score.

Obviously we already have SMW, so a new game would also need to add an abundance of its own fresh ideas, but I think that Nintendo have already demonstrated skill at embracing the past while still incorporating new ideas in games like New Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario 3D Land.

Even the thought of it, whether on Wii, 3DS or Wii U, is lovely!

@marc_max Whoops, apologies! I grabbed a quick link from 'Google Images', at a glance it looked correct for the Japanese Super Mario World box, but you are right your GameSpot image is the correct one (with the logo at the bottom of the box's front cover). D'oh!

However, the point that the Super Famicom box's logo states that SMW is already Super Mario Bros. 4 in Japan still stands.

@3Dangerous3Dash I agree, as @ThomasBW84 says, Nintendo already has a history of changing the name of games between regions (sometimes for legal reasons, as Star Fox became Starwing in PAL territories). Subsequently, there is no reason why the title of Super Mario Bros. 4 should not be used for a new game, separate to SMW, in the West. I wonder if this will have any impact on a Japanese release of a new 2D Mario game, though.

@FonistofCruxis You are spot on: as part of the title logo on the Japanese box art for Super Famicom Super Mario World, Nintendo have already set their own precedent, which establishes that game officially as Super Mario Bros. 4.

**** Edit: Sorry everyone, the above link that I posted in this comment for the Japanese box art of Super Mario World is incorrect, it is not the official Super Famicom box, it is a VGBoxArt custom redesign. Please see comments 13, 16 and 58 on this comments board for further information****

I am really excited about this publication, I have been looking forward to it for a while and it was interesting to chat with @James and @Mason about their articles at the last Nlife meet. I can't wait to read James' piece on NiGHTS into Dreams and Mike's feature on 2D platformers.

I have just ordered the first issue of Pixel Nation tonight, it's cool that it includes a free PDF version, but I love print so much that I will be waiting for the book to arrive before getting stuck into these features, so I can savour flicking through its pages and relish that fresh book smell. After reading through a synopsis of its content, as listed above, I know that I will enjoy the subject matter of its retro articles.

I'm proud to have been involved involved with this publication.

Good luck to Pixel Nation, I look forward to future editions of this book.

I have been reading @Mr_Reece's Tweets about Rayman Origins, he has clearly been loving playing this game and his enthusiasm for what Ubisoft have achieved here spills over into very word of the review. Reading this, the excitement for Ubi's game is contagious.

I am getting this on PS3 for Christmas, I am sure that it will be equally impressive on PS3 and not only am I buzzing to be able to play it as a lushly crafted 2D platformer, but I can't wait for the side-scrolling shooter sections, too.

The opening line of the conclusion hits the nail on the head: "Rayman Origins perfectly embodies what made many of us fall in love with gaming in the first place."

Spot on Mark, you have provided brilliant detail here and it is a cracking read.

@Corbs' introduction reminded me just how consistent the Mario Kart series has been, over two decades worth of racing and I have loved all six of the Mario Kart titles released so far.

I have already ordered Mario Kart 7, but when it arrives I am saving it until Christmas Day. It has become a tradition, since the original SNES Super Mario Kart in 1992, for me to enjoy a Mario Kart game at Christmas time.

Reading this review, it sounds as though Retro Studios have provided a wonderfully comprehensive package, everything from the graphics and sound to the controls and the multiplayer is clearly spot-on.

@THENAMESNORM I agree about the SNES version of Rainbow Road, it was a finely tuned track for perfectly timed drifting around corners, particularly as it had no safety barriers. I have also heard that the latest version of Rainbow Road is a highlight of Mario Kart 7, which is a pleasant surprise, because it is one of my least favourite tracks in Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

I enjoyed reading this review as much as I enjoy floating a feather jump across a shortcut in Ghost Valley. Sterling stuff.

@Dark_TeeJay Take into account I have only played the PS3 version of Sonic Generations, I do not own the 3DS version yet, I will answer your question from my perspective.

I am a fan of Sonic titles, from the original 1991 Mega Drive game through to Wii Sonic Colours in 2010, I have played shed loads of Sonic games. Part of the attraction of Generations for me is nostalgia, the joy of returning to classic stages, revisiting each environment and revelling in the way this game indulges my memories through its nods to set-pieces and theme tunes.

If you have not played many Sonic games, then you will miss out on this sense of nostalgia.

However, if you are a fan of side-scrolling platform games, then you will find lots to enjoy about 3DS Sonic Generations. The pace and character that is in abundance in a Sonic title will still be a treat for you, plus many of the locations will still impress you both graphically and sonically. After all stages like Green Hill Zone and Casino Night Zone are genuine classics, they will be great to experience for the first time.

Plus, @James has mentioned above that this game journeys through a numbers of stages, including Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic Adventure, Sonic Rush and Sonic Colours. Therefore, as a celebration the game has lots of visual variety, because the Dreamcast games had a very different setting to the Mega Drive titles and the Wii provided its own Wisp-based spin.

If you like side-scrolling platform games and own a 3DS, then it does not matter if you have not played many Sonic games in the past, the core Sonic gameplay is very accessible and you will enjoy this release.

@TheDarkness The trouble is that at the very core of Sonic Generations, its unique selling point, is that it celebrates two types of gameplay: the retro classic Mega Drive version of Sonic and the homing attack enabled modern Sonic.

That the 3DS version of Generations presents its version of modern Sonic through the visual and rail-grinding gameplay styling of Sonic Rush is understandable, but to give classic Sonic the homing attack capability defeats the purpose of the game.

Classic Mega Drive Sonic already had two gameplay mechanics: firstly you could rush through levels like Green Hill Zone for a speedy experience and secondly, as early as a stage like Marble Hill Zone, the player had to carefully navigate platforms to avoid falling into hazards, like lava.

I was most looking forward to playing classic Sonic in this game, this was the title that would resurrect the Mega Drive gameplay, including slower paced sections where you would have to carefully float your spin jump upwards across vertical platforms. If your platforming skills were not up to scratch you would be punished and have to start your ascent all over again. Timing platform jumps was a core ingredient that SEGA implemented to make retro Sonic games more challenging on later levels.

The homing attack fractures this experience, not even Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 captured the Mega Drive titles in that way. The homing attack provides its own fun additions to 2D Sonic games, but classic Sonic titles already had their own style of gameplay without it.

As a retro Sonic fan, if SEGA are celebrating two versions of Sonic, I wish that Dimps had kept his classic Mega Drive feel and capabilities intact.

A charming sense of perspective in your introduction, one that is a great complement to a game with a retrospective heart, @James. I had an inkling that you would be in charge of the Sonic Generations 3DS review, I always look forward to your deliberation on a new Sonic game, you're one of the most passionate Sonic fans that I have met.

On many occasions I have argued that a 7/10 is a decent score, one which is worthy of a purchase and I will practice what I preach by requesting this as my third Christmas Day game (alongside Mario Kart 7 and Rayman Origins on PS3).

The sentence that has the most resonance with me from the review is "the game deviates from its campaign promise of recreating early 90s Sonic gameplay: having Classic Sonic use a homing attack changes the level design." It seems a shame that Dimps did not decide to keep the two gameplay styles completely separate, particularly as James mentions that the differences are not as strong as in the PS3/Xbox 360 versions of classic and modern Sonic.

I already know which classic Sonic zones are recreated in this game, I am looking forward to revisiting them with new design paths, just as I am intrigued to see how the 3D effect will add visual depth to side-scrolling Sonic.

A spin dashingly sound review, James. It is a wonderful read for anyone with an interest in SEGA's Blue Blur.

The design of each of Analogue Interactive's wooden MVS consoles is wonderfully plush, I would find it really hard to choose which one to buy if I had saved up £415 ($649).

On the one hand, the darker tone of the Ash reminds me more of a Neo Geo AES, but on the other I love the grain showing through the wood in the Walnut version.

I think that their slimmed down casing looks great and both of the Arcade Sticks look class.

This is retro elegance, right here.

I think it is brilliant that EA and the developers of The Sims 3 Pets have responded to the reaction towards the previous 3DS Sims game, by providing all round improvements to the design of the controls, as well as administering gameplay additions and increasing the variety of locations.

From reading this review, the tag line "A new leash on life" sums up just how much EA Salt Lake have achieved with this game. Hats off to the devs and to EA for that, @Zach says it best with "What a difference half a year can make."

I enjoy reading about a turnaround like this.

Goodness me, I was so slow on the uptake the first time I read this. I wrote a comment about "analise sonic adventure 2 dreamcast" taking it on face value as a simple mis-spelling of the word 'analyse'.

It was only after reading @Gamesake's "I think we need to probe deeper" quip, that I recognised the double meaning of that particular search. D'oh!

Either that means I have a clean, simple mind, or alternatively my brain may be in need of a double entendre enema.

In some respects the "analise sonic adventure 2 dreamcast" search has been covered, albeit in reference to the GameCube game, because @Mr_Reece provided comparisons between the Dreamcast and GCN versions in his Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Nlife review.

The tag of 'Awesome' is completely apt for this article; this is a superb bit of news. I was lucky enough to meet one of the French representatives of Pix 'n Love at Replay 2011, alongside a sound English fella who was involved in translating, marketing and publishing The History of Nintendo: Volume 1 and future works by Pix 'n Love in the UK.

They were both incredibly friendly and had a wacky sense of humour that fit perfectly with their passion for releasing the awesome Pix 'n Love gaming literature in both France and then the UK. They were also kind enough to show myself and my friend Jake from MegaDrive.me further volumes of The History of Nintendo and a preview of The History of Sonic, all in French of course. The classy design and enthusiasm towards the subject matter was abundantly clear, even though I could not understand the specific content of the text.

It goes without saying that both Jake and I invested in a copy each of The History of Nintendo: Volume 1 on that day. Stellar stuff, I wish these guys all the best for their publishing endeavours in the future.

I also fully agree with the comments above regarding a History of SEGA series of books, that would be splendid.

****Edit: I just received a Tweet from Jake reminding me that the preview of The History of Sonic was actually already translated into English, which made it even more special that the Pix 'n Love guys were showing it to us, before many English gamers have been given the opportunity to read it. My poor addled brain has a shocking memory due to my old age (nothing to do with the consumption of Guinness on that day!).****

@Ristar42 Well then, that's actually great news, thanks for sharing mate.

In that case, PAL Wii gamers have little reason to miss this beauty of a game when it finally hits the European Virtual Console. Nice one!

@Jazzem Good point, slowing down the music can undeniably alter the experience and the vibe of a game like this. That is taking into account that Strider's music is incredible, it is instrumental in accompanying the great graphics and varied level design, all of which combine to make Strider so brilliant.

With 17.5% slower gameplay and tunes, the game will feel very different, and not for the better

...and yep, the final stage is an absolute killer! The balance is great and then the last level batters me, it was one of the earliest games to use a boss rush of previous end baddies to suck a player dry of their credits.

Great work by @James and Nintendo Life at confirming this news, I am a huge fan of Strider, because I appreciate Capcom's CPS-1 craftsmanship massively as a highlight of gaming in 1989/90.

@Ristar42 I hear what you are saying, playing a PAL 50HZ version will detract from the experience, particularly because Strider is such a fluid and acrobatic arcade experience. I think that the core run-somersault-and-slash gameplay dynamics will still hold up well at 50HZ though, especially for any Nintendo gamers who have not yet experienced this classic.

@tendoboy1984 To my knowledge, these early Mega Drive Capcom conversions were always published by SEGA. For example, on my Japanese box for MD Strider it has a SEGA logo, but there is only a small mention of 'Capcom1989/Reprogrammed Game', it does not even have the Capcom logo on the box. The same goes for the MD conversion of Forgotten Worlds.

Absolutely magical, what a send off for the Wii and a Christmas treat for Nintendo gamers.

It was also cool to read @James' recent Tweets as he was progressing through Skyward Sword, I think he must have chained himself to his desk and played this game for 34 hours straight, with little bits of kip in-between.

Hats off, Mr Newton! I am overloaded with games at the moment and as I don't have 40-odd hours to spare I probably won't buy this on day one, but it was a joy to read this review.

I am going to savour this game during a quiet period in 2012, so I will definitely be returning to this review for a second read, when I am ready to dedicate serious time to this wonderful new Zelda.

This may sound a bit dramatic, but Strider has a definite place in my Top Five games of all time, and I mean that sincerely. I understand that gamers are comparing the arcade with the Mega Drive conversion here, but we can't really lose, both games are equally brilliant.

There is a general consensus that the Mega Drive version managed to have an even better rendition of what is an epic and hugely atmospheric retro game soundtrack. However, the arcade game had slightly stronger graphics, the Mega Drive conversion glitches more, for example the huge metallic ape sprite glitches when you battle it early in level two. The arcade game has bigger, chunkier sprites, because it does not have the black border at the top of the screen, that the Mega Drive game used for the status bar.

I have a Japanese boxed Mega Drive version of Strider, with wonderful box and instruction art. I also have many versions of it on the Capcom collections for PS2 and PSP, as well a bonus disc of the arcade version, which came with the PSone conversion Strider 2.

However, this potential Virtual Console release will deservedly bring Strider to the masses. If I was a modern Nintendo Wii gamer, I think that I would buzz off having the chance to experience such a wonderful retro game. Great news, @James!

If you are a modern gamer who gets the chance to experience this game for the first time, please play it with consideration of the fact that it is 22 years old. Strider was a jaw-dropping and completely stunning arcade gaming experience in 1989.

@shinobi88 You are clearly passionate about the Shinobi franchise and retro games in general, the thing is I can assure you that the Nlife team shares your passion. I have met some of the team in person and they have quality knowledge and an unending enthusiasm for classic games. For example, I have noted above that Daz has a broad appreciation of the Shinobi franchise. You also mention WayForward's Contra 4, and I absolutely adored that game, it was very well received by Nlife in @Damo's 9/10 review of it.

You said that you like the depth of a Nlife review, but you do not always agree with the score. I think that this is a good position to be in, because I find that it is the specific word analysis of a review that is the most important thing in convincing me if a game will be suitable to my gaming preferences. I actually read @Dazza's Shinobi 3DS review and I wanted to buy it more, I didn't realise how respectful it was to the classic Shinobi games. Also take into account that 7/10 is a good score, I see this review as recommending the game to Shinobi fans.

In regard to the difficulty balance of the Mega Drive Shinobi games, I was persistent enough to complete Super Shinobi, although there are measures that you can take to make that game easier (the infinite shurikens cheat and using the Mijin magic to explode when your energy is low, to continue from the same spot). As Daz says, the Mega Drive games were hard, but managed to be fair and well balanced. There were difficulty spikes like the maze at the end of Super Shinobi, but the final levels were memorable and just as strong as the early levels.

I just wonder if Griptonite would have benefited from a longer development period. If they have created fun and well designed early levels for Shinobi 3DS, perhaps they just needed more time to tighten up the level design for the later stages. It is just a thought.

@Dazza In that case, I look forward to dying. I will then try again. And die again. All in the interest of classic gaming nostalgia. Hooray!

I have been looking forward to reading this one, I think that the Shinobi series is fantastic, even if it was tainted a bit by the GBA game, and I know that @Dazza is a big fan of classic Shinobi games. Just to get an idea of Daz's Shinobi appreciation, read his reviews of the original arcade Shinobi, plus Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master and Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi. Basically he understands the specific gameplay intricacies of SEGA's vintage ninja-'em-ups.

Therefore, there is a credence that comes across when reading his comparison to previous titles, whether that is in regard to Shinobi III's setting or the implementation of Revenge of Shinobi's slightly awkward double-jump shuriken spray. I like the idea of a nostalgic nod to the cargo plane, as well as the brains in the glass cases sections from the Mega Drive games.

It sounds as though this new 3DS Shinobi fares very well, although it is a bit disappointing that it does not maintain a consistent quality throughout the gameplay, because as the review points out the retro games had memorable stages from start to finish. However, it looks like Griptonite have updated the core gameplay authentically, even if I will miss the Mijin magic from the 16-bit games, largely because I would self-explode my way out of trouble as a tactic for progression. Ha, ha.

3DS Shinobi has definitely sliced its way onto my radar after reading this review, the fact that it has captured the spirit of the retro games is the most important thing for me.

Good job Griptonite and cracking review Mr Calvert. It sounds as though a few Joe Musashi fans will happily take control of daddy Jiro for a double jumpin' spin ...hopefully not across precarious logs plummeting down a waterfall though!

@LordJumpMad There have been a few main Mario games that have also scored less than 10/10 on Nlife. Here are some examples:

• Super Mario Bros., NES (1985) and Wii VC (2006/7), 9/10.
• Super Mario Bros. 2, NES (1988) and Wii VC (2007), 8/10.
• Super Mario Land, Game Boy (1989/90) and 3DS VC (2011), 7/10.
• Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Game Boy (1992) and 3DS VC (2011), 9/10.
• Super Mario Advance, Game Boy Advance (2001), 8/10.
• Super Mario Sunshine, GameCube (2002), 9/10.
• Super Mario 64 DS, DS (2004/5), 7/10.

All of these games still vary from decent to top-notch, and are worthy of a gamers' time. I am particularly fond of GameCube Super Mario Sunshine.

@Tasuki I knew that Corbie's Nlife review was on the way, but I honestly could not predict his choice of score. For example, I read reviews of Super Mario 3D Land in EDGE issue 234 and gamesTM no.115, and it scored an 8/10 in both magazines.

Of course an 8/10 is a great score anyway, this game is clearly brilliant, but I felt a certain amount of joy to see it receive the 9/10 here.

I know that the end-score is not the most important thing to consider when checking out a review, but I couldn't help but smile contentedly that this new 3DS Mario title managed to whips its Tanooki tail towards scoring a prestigious Nlife 9/10.

I love the idea of a 3D Mario that has managed through its unique controls, graphic settings and nostalgic audio nods to "take a trip back to earlier releases."

I really enjoyed reading this review, @Corbs. You have just cemented this as an unmissable day one purchase for me.

Tick, tick, tick until Friday 18th November in the UK.

@Ren All hope is not completely lost, just this year NG:DEV.TEAM released their vertical scrolling shmup, Fast Striker on the iPhone, so this could be a precursor to their games arriving on consoles further down the line.

If iOS Fast Striker sold well enough for them, they may find a home for their love of arcade gameplay on other handhelds, possibly the 3DS through 3DSWare. There is still hope, perhaps even a Last Hope, at least if they are testing the water for other markets like iOS it could set a precedent for NG:DEV to consider the potential of a Nintendo release.

@oldgamesonly Yep, you can pre-order either the Japanese or English Neo Geo AES version of GunLord from NG:DEV.DIRECT's shop for a special price of €419, as long as you pre-order before 31/10/2011.

It is a 624 MEG AES cartridge, complete with game box, printed insert and full colour manual.

Seriously, fair play to NG:DEV.TEAM, they have brilliantly captured "Eurostyle Platformers", plus 16-bit run-and-gun games, with the look and wonderful audio showcased in this video.

As Damien notes, I was reminded of the Turrican approach to run-and-gun gameplay (see Mega Drive Mega Turrican and SNES Super Turrican) most of all. However, the power of the Dreamcast or Neo Geo means that the devs have created fantastic hand drawn sprites and backgrounds for this game, with a busy screen maintaining a constant 60 fps.

I just wish that NG:DEV.TEAM would bring more of their titles to WiiWare or PSN, because I don't own an AES/ MVS or Dreamcast. That would take away from the exclusivity of these titles though and there is something magical about lovingly developed games like this appearing on supposedly deceased consoles.

One day I will treat myself to a Neo Geo AES, so I checked out how much the AES cart costs - you can snap GunLord up for €419.00 (approx £364.85). It would be an investment though and an instant collectible. Obviously the Dreamcast version is much cheaper (€32/ £27.86 approx) and if you get in early enough you can buy a limited edition Dreamcast version, with the original soundtrack on CD (€42/ £36.57 approx).

A cracking bit of retro news here, @Damo.

@James The idea of Epic Mickey 2 paying homage to Mickey's rich gaming history is genius. I would snap up a game that looked back at Castle of Illusion, or Mickey Mania.

Castle of Illusion is pretty legendary as far as retro platforming games are concerned, it was lovingly designed and it really set a visual benchmark for both its background graphics and character animation on the Mega Drive. The Mean Machines review of the game is well known to UK retro mag fans, it scored 95% in Issue 5 (Feb. 1991).

I have very fond memories of reading the review and then importing this fun SEGA platformer from Japan.

@Corbs and @Kafei2006 Thank you kindly, as you can imagine, I had a few quotes from the films buzzing around my head when I was reviewing this game. I can't reiterate enough how well this game captures the feel of the movies, I was pumped to watch Aliens again after covering it.

@El_Marko I hear you, it is relevant to point out a few quibbles in this game, for example later on in the adventure there is a mission to shut down four cooling regulators and it slows down the game's pace. However, I personally found the style, accessibility of the gameplay and WayForward's passion for the licence to combine towards a quality package overall.

@WhiteTrashGuy I think that this game will complement Aliens: Colonial Marines superbly. Just think of Hudson's reaction to the wait for a rescue team, which has to arrive at some point ..."17 days? Hey man, I don't wanna rain on your parade, but we're not gonna last seventeen hours!"

@DrWadsy Good point, although the placement of spare Marines on the final level is well considered and very fair to gamers who lose Marines during the previous boss battle.

@KyleDusk Spot on about having your favourite Marines, I used the grunts that I did not like as Xenomorph fodder during boss encounters. Plus, the gung-ho hotheaded character, Samantha "Homewrecker" Johnston, reminded me of Aliens' Private Vasquez. Oorah!

@BulbasaurusRex and @brandonbwii Fair play, you guys clearly know your stuff regarding Wii Force Unleashed II. In some respects it is the type of game I would have liked to have reviewed, I am a massive fan of Star Wars, I am a sucker for the premise of any game set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. It would be good to talk about it in more detail with you, if we had a review as a starting point for discussion.

I can't compare it to the first game on Wii, because I completed the first one on PS3. The thing is, Force Unleashed II is a year old now, so it is not a priority for review. Never say never, though.

@Zach Thanks mate, I enjoyed reading your review of the Wii game, it was helpful in my research towards reviewing this version. There were signs early on that Wii Thor: God of Thunder had not been optimised for 3DS, for example the bottom screen menu selections do not even work with the touch screen. I did not exactly expect the free version of the Thor themed Avengers animation to be in 3D, but they could have worked on the cut-scenes to take advantage of the unique 3D capabilities of the hardware.

@BulbasaurusRex I thought that the inclusion of motion controls for Force powers in Wii Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II were fun, the four-player fighting game in that title was a welcome addition too, at least it showed that Red Fly were putting extra effort into the Wii version.

@Retro_on_theGo Yep, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game on PSN is ace, it's both respectful to the license and an homage to classic side-scrolling beat-'em-ups, especially Konami's colourful and expressively animated arcade games like TMNT: Turtles in Time and The Simpsons Arcade.

@crazyj2312 and @Milkman-123 I fully agree, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a benchmark for the standard that can be achieved when a developer truly understands the intricacies of a comic book hero and is brave enough to extend beyond the confines of a film license.

On that note it's worth mentioning that I have just finished writing a review of a DS game, one that I consider to be a swan song title for the system. It goes live today and is a good example of a developer expanding upon a movie licence and fully understanding why fans love the film. In this case it continues after a classic Sci-fi flick. The review goes live today, can you guess what it is yet?

@Ristar42 Agreed on a number of points mate, I have Retro Gamer Issue 94 too, and I can second your recommendation of it for the GBA article. It looks at twenty notable games that were not remakes and has a box-out for special mention of another five titles (including the TMNT game by Ubisoft Montreal, that played like an homage to Konami's colourful side-scrolling brawlers). Plus there is a two page 'Future Classic' spread on GBA Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.

I hear you about Shinobi on GBA, I read such bad things about that game that I never invested in it to try it for myself. In some respects it sullied the fine name that is The Revenge of Shinobi. I would love to find out that it was not as bad as the reviews described, but I am doubtful.

I have brilliant memories of recapturing SEGA's '80s arcade days, by playing SEGA Arcade Gallery while I was on holiday in France. With OutRun, Space Harrier, After Burner and Super Hang On available on one cart it was a quality compilation, especially since I had not played Super Hang On since the Mega Drive days. Unfortunately the GBA compilation SEGA Smash Pack had a completely dire conversion of Golden Axe that disappointed considering the GBA's capabilities.

I think that this list does a great job of showing the diversity of genres available on GBA and that there are plenty of third-party treats available, to complement Nintendo's own classics.

I personally have very similar taste in games to @Mickeymac and @Ristar42, that is something that I have noticed in my time at Nlife. However, the challenge of compiling a list like this is to allow for a variety of gamer's tastes.

For example, I love Double Dragon Advance, but Final Fight One is still an incredibly relevant beat-'em-up conversion. Similarly, I have tons of time and appreciation for Gunstar Super Heroes, but I can see how Astro Boy: Omega Factor is arguably the more rounded, accomplished and deserving title to make the list.

The other challenge I see in compiling a list like this is that the Sonic Advance and Castlevania series of games each appeared three times on GBA. You could have an entire forum thread debating which is the best GBA Castlevania or Sonic Advance game, but I am honestly happy to see any of those six games appearing here.

Ultimately, I think that if you invested in all ten of these games, you would have a cracking collection of third-party games for your GBA.

...and if you own Ninja Five-O, please send it to me, it is not worth that much money. I'm sure you won't miss it.

It's brilliant to see Nintendo Life constantly growing and moving forward, I am always impressed by the commitment of the team in providing Ninty-based content for the site, as well as the graft that the Editors and Admin staff manage in the background.

All of your hard work has paid off with news like this. I look forward to seeing the improvements that you have planned for the future.

Heaps of congratulations on the Eurogamer advertising partnership.
Superb news.

This is great news, having a permanent base will give Retro Computer Museum more stability and hopefully help it to gain increased attention from gamers and museum visitors.

If events and exhibitions become more frequent, then that is excellent news for the UK's retro community.

Thanks for the comments everyone, I can feel the Sonic Advance love in this room, good on you all!
(Cheers @Kid_A, that was a sound thing to say).

@shinesprite Nice call on the Sonic Adventure DX GBA/ GCN link connection, you make a good point mate, I did not discuss it as much here because the GameCube Director's Cut version of Adventure came out a couple of years after GCN Sonic Adventure 2: Battle and GBA Sonic Advance (which felt a little bit back-to-front to me, as I did not own a Dreamcast to play them in correct order).

@JirachiFan Yep, you're right, Cream's first appearance was in Sonic Advance 2. The four controllable characters in the first Sonic Advance are Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy.

@Swithom I am glad you mentioned the Egg Rocket Zone from Zone 6 (Act 1), because I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with that level. I love it really, because the concept of a rocket rumbling and preparing to launch into space is cool, but it is the toughest and longest level in the game, with a more maze-like design. It also has a large number of bottomless pits, some I found to be unfairly placed next to trampolines ricocheting Sonic into instant oblivion if I did not land perfectly on a moving spring. Then again, I like a challenge, and Egg Rocket Zone is the level that I've played the most in Sonic Advance.

What do you guys think of Egg Rocket Zone?

This feature actually highlights how much I have enjoyed Sonic games in recent years - from the hectic, on-rails feel of Sonic and the Secret Rings, to the 2D design skill that Dimps and Sonic Team brought to both Sonic Rush games.

I really think that Sonic has reached a high-standard with his recent output, including Sonic Colours and I have lots of time for Sonic 4: Episode I. I actually consider the PS3 version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing to be one of my favourite kart racers. Sumo Digital injected so much energy into that title.

Ha ha, I think I will use this article as a reference point in the future, as proof that Sonic games have emerged from the shadows of a few less savoury titles (games like the 2006 PS3/Xbox 360 Sonic the Hedgehog, that are regarded as being unworthy of his classic character status).

@Incognito_D Traveller’s Tales really took advantage of a brilliant opportunity and created a fun racer in Sonic R.

In many ways I think that it has been a bit underrated over time, although the original Saturn version received a decent review from Official SEGA Saturn Magazine (Issue 26, Dec1997). I advise that you pick up a cheap copy of GCN or PSN Sonic Gems Collection, if you find it at a good price.

I agree about the Sonic R soundtrack, I tap my toes to it as I race along and find myself singing 'Can You Feel the Sunshine' long after I turn the console off!

@James Brilliant article, I can't wait to read the second part of it.

In many ways the colour, pace and charm of the Sonic character was a perfect fit for Nintendo platforms, once the dust had long settled from the ferociousness of the 16-bit wars.

Great stuff James, I love the subject matter for this feature, there is something mystical about games that have been lost in time, especially when they involve a character as iconic as Sonic.

This is the type of feature that I keep returning to, I really enjoy learning about extra bits of specialist knowledge, it is good to dig deep into more unusual topics from the history vaults of video games.

Thank you for the comments guys, I always appreciate feedback from Nlife's readers, and I am particularly pleased to hear that the review has helped to put this game back on the radar for a few of you. Props right back at @LTD, it is kind of you to mention my review's attention to detail, I'm glad you found it informative.

Hopefully the review conveys that I am a fan of side-scrolling beat-'em-ups, whether it is a 'street punk' brawler or a fantasy hack-and-slash game, I have loved this genre since my friend showed me Renegade on the Amstrad CPC 464 and after I first played arcade Double Dragon in 1987. The genre had its heyday during the early 1990s, however I touch upon the issue of repetitiveness here and it is not a new issue for this game-type. Titles like arcade Golden Axe avoided it by keeping the game-length incredibly short, but I have heard gamers argue that even a title as great as Streets of Rage 2 can become monotonous.

In regard to DS Thor: God of Thunder it is worth noting that each of the 21 acts is a fairly snappy length, averaging about 8 minutes each, which works well for a handheld game. I also think that the way in which a player approaches the combat makes a huge difference: if you button mash your way through Story mode then it will become repetitive, but if you mix-up attacks then it feels far more exciting (e.g. diving past enemies with R, launching between dual-screens, ground slamming, charging smash attacks, throwing Mjölnir, grabbing enemies, uppercut swings and performing God Powers). If a gamer is creative with their attacks it adds diversity to the action and the game becomes more fun.

A 2D beat-'em-up fan will love playing through Story mode to meet the game's bosses, which start off brilliantly, but get better and better as you progress. Just wait until you first meet Ymir in Chapter III (Act III), I honestly believe that you will be stunned by the presentation of that battle and later bosses are just as amazing.

You could say that the bosses in this game are completely Thor-some! (oh dear).

I really like the look of it, although I am interested in learning more about its physical depth, the back of it looked a bit chunky in the videos. I can't wait to read impressions about how the Wii U's controller feels to hold and what it is like to play games with.

The reel of third party games trailer in the conference demonstrated a few FPS games, so perhaps devs will be more keen to port PS3/ Xbox games using the two Circle Pads without worrying about changing their core system to incorporate motion controls.

I enjoyed the devs description of it as a 'Swiss army knife', with the touch screen, accelerometer, motion controls, rumble and twin circle pads this controller can cope with pretty much any game genre.

Nice design, Nintendo.

Regarding the graphical capabilities, I think that the way in which Nintendo were able to extract the very best visuals from the Wii in games like Super Mario Galaxy 2 bodes well for some stunning looking first party Wii U games.

My only slight concern is if Microsoft or Sony announce a powerful next gen successor to Xbox 360/ PS3 at next year's E3, then Wii U's capabilities could look old before their time. In that situation, third parties may move their development to the more technically advanced competition.

That is just speculation though and I am feeling far more optimistic about Wii U, the controller enables a plethora of fresh gameplay opportunities and the visuals in the conference's tech demo proves that Wii U's graphics will still be lush. I think that the screen on the controller will lead to lots of third party exclusive games, too.

I am disappointed if Wii U is not backwards compatible with GameCube, but at least we can play our Wii games on it.

Ha, ha, could someone check if Wii U has a hidden flap hiding ports for GameCube controllers? ...You never know!

To me kart racers epitomise Christmas gaming, I first played the original SNES Super Mario Kart, GCN Mario Kart: Double Dash and Mario Kart Wii on Christmas Day.

Mario Kart 3DS looked fantastic during the E3 conference, I especially liked when the karts raced underwater with little propellers and the hang glider moments. At a glance it looked like there will be classic DS tracks in there too. The variety of vehicles looks quite wild, but wackiness is part of the Mario Kart fun.

I'm interested to hear how Corbie thinks the 3DS game compares graphically to the Wii and GCN titles.

I think that it is brilliant that Nlife are "one of the first sites on the face of the planet to get our hands on this wonder machine – in fact, in our clammy palms we currently have the only available example in the world."

That's incredible in its own right, this is such a lush bit of kit, I also like the way in which @Damo puts the cost of this wooden Neo Geo MVS into perspective by noting that it works out as an investment for a retro gamer.

I'm loving the depth of these multi-page Nlife articles too, guys.
Great work!

@Mayhem This comment is a bit out of context, but it was cool to see that you were involved with Retro Gamer's recent 'Collector's Guide' on the Commodore 64, Mat. I read the Q&A about your collection in Issue 89, too.

Nice one!

Wow! Just wow! I am a big fan of retro gaming magazines and the depth of this feature is completely mint. My top two favourite retro mags of all time are Mean Machines and Super Play, I have every issue of Mean Machines, but I still need nine more issues of Super Play to complete my collection. I have Issues 1 to 36, with the first twelve issues in a black Super Play specific binder, plus I also have Super Play Gold and Issues 38 and 42.

The value of this article is sky-high to me, because its quotes from Matt Bielby, James Leach and Wil Overton bring a perspective from the original team, raising points that a retro mag fan would not have access to before. For example, anyone who has read Super Play will remember that it was hugely influenced by Japanese culture and dedicated to JRPGs, but I did not know that part of this passion came from Jason Brookes and that it was influenced by a wide variety of different Japanese magazines, too. It is also really cool to learn the origins of the distinctive ‘blob’ and kanji script on the logo, plus Wil Overton’s anecdote about the Ganbare Goemon 2 import review is great as well.

There is so much in here that is spot-on, Wil’s cover art was a huge factor in making the look of the mag so distinctive and it is worth reflecting that Super Play was written with a sense of humour, the rumour section ‘Blabbermouth with Kris and Tel’ used to crack me up. Their dedication to Japanese imports was an important element of the magazine, which is why I consider the ‘What Cart?’ A-Z database of games which ran until Issue 25 to be of huge value. As a result of details like this it is important that the work of folk like @meppi and the team at Out-of-Print Archive preserve the coverage in these magazines, there is a lot of knowledge and information of historical gaming value in these pages.

It is no secret that I also love the work that @Damo and @Dazza have put into The Mean Machines Archive, for the exact same reason that it is historically important that these brilliant retro gaming magazines are archived and preserved. I am glad that @Kirk brought CVG, Mean Machines and MAXIMUM into the conversation on this comments board.

If @madgear has any more questions about Super Play it will be a pleasure for me to flick through my mags to help, but @GoldenAncona is spot-on, TMNT: Tournament Fighters was reviewed in Super Play Issue 15 (Jan 1994) on pg.54 by James Leach and was awarded 90%. Mickey’s Magical Quest was reviewed exactly one year before in Issue 3 (Jan 1993) on pg.36, it was given 89% by Jason Brookes. Both Issue 3 and Issue 15 were the Christmas issues of the magazine.