Wonderful timing on this review.... Just beat this version about 10 minutes ago, first time I've ever done it. This victory brought to you by... SAVE STATES! If you want to experience the agony without playing through it, check out the Mega Man episode of Game Center CX, it's one of the best!

While not necessarily true for Warren, many folks seem to see/expect evolution of games in terms of narrative, not in terms of gameplay styles and concepts. For an interactive medium, this misses the point in my opinion. I for sure don't represent all gamers, but for me a narrative and visual design are simply a wrapper for interesting game mechanics. Games that tend to place a focus on narrative over gameplay don't generally lead to very interesting games in my opinion. I think if you look at mature game design approaches from senior Japanese developers for example (Miyamoto, Inafune, Mikami, etc), that's the evolution and maturity of game design. People need to reference games for being games, not from the comparative perspective of movie and/or book narratives and themes.

The DS Lite was the system that got me back into gaming. At one point, I had sold off all my gaming stuff (many systems and games), but a few years later picked up a DS Lite and Brain Age and fell back in love with games after seeing some of the unique and beautiful stuff (physically and game play wise) Nintendo was bringing out again... the DS Lite was definitely a huge part of that.

In a way, the 3DS version is what you'll need for "off-screen" play and you get dual screens to boot!

I just played the demo and loved it. It was my first EO game, but I used to play old dungeon crawls like Eye of the Beholder on the PC and this is pretty similar. The music is one my favorite parts, so good.

I think if Sony and Microsoft's next systems debut around the $3-400 mark and are substantially more powerful, Nintendo will have to react in some capacity. They just need to get more unique games out there in the meantime... Outside of a few exceptions, we've had ports and HD updates. Pikmin 3 will help, but I can't see it being a mainstream system seller.

How's the framerate? It's looked a bit spotty in the various trailers so far. Hopefully they've taken the extra time to polish this up a bit.

I'm leery of further removals from the Wii Shop Channel. I've already missed out on a couple titles I eventually wanted because they were removed without notice. Suppose it's not a bad idea to snag any remaining must haves before then...

Good work guys, know your audience. An English dub usually means "broaden the game's appeal", but get real, this is a game for people who already want this game. It'd be nice to have an option, but a lot of folks (including me) want this game in all it's original glory.

@AltDotNerd I had a crappy day, but seeing this made smile big time! Perfect!!

Super Resident Evil 6 Turbo confirmed!

Thanks for this great read! Also +1 for both the 64DD and Panasonic Q as future features!

Dislike Gamestop, but it seems that many other pre-order bonuses head to other places like Amazon, so I hope that's the case here. I love Yusuke Kozaki's character art, so it would be cool to get the book.

@Muzer I think your opinion is as valid as any other and I appreciate this viewpoint into the discussion. Because of the proprietary nature of games in general (and the limitations of licensing), maintaining accessibility to older game collections is difficult, but important. I can't count the number of times I played a an old game (rom, VC release or otherwise) which entertained, surprised and delighted me much like an old book might. Like any other medium, the newness/oldness alone should not determine it's value, and the preservation of the older games is critical. However, I will say that compilations and digital re-releases have also made it possible for a wider audience to enjoy and legally own many older games which is great (though to your point, licensing keeps many games out of the digital realm). I think that preservation of access to physical media as well as digital availability both have value in the market for those reasons. I hope that both continue to exist and as long as people continue to buy cartridges/discs, they'll continue to be available.

Forget the gamepad, integrate the Wii Remote into this game. It already reminds me of the sword cutting game in Wii Sports Resort, so take it all the way and let me hack and slash some baddies Wii Sports style!

I'm glad people have clarified that the videos show bad play at hand. I've never played a monster hunter game, so I was afraid it was like an MMO system where you simply trade blows with the opponent until you or they die, with little to no strategy/skill and perhaps too heavy dependence on stats/gear. Looking forward to finally checking this out.

@renaryuugufan92 Definitely transfers and works for Mario Kart Wii. I've already played online via my original save file on the Wii U.

This is actually pretty interesting. There haven't been many tablets with game controls (much less any good ones), so it could be a fun multi-purpose game machine. If Nintendo won't let us play our Virtual Console games on the Wii U Gamepad, this might a good (though legally questionable) workaround!

I thought the Donkey Kong Country games didn't transfer over (as well as other games pulled from the Wii Shop Channel)... they show DKC during this process, so am I wrong or perhaps this video was produced before they got pulled...

Wario Land (GB), some random smattering of Genesis games (likely headlined by Streets of Rage 3) and eagerly anticipating the arrival of Neo Geo X Gold.

Sonic demo was disappointing (low frame rate compared to Mario Kart and boring track/racing IMO), but the Rayman Legends demo was amazing. Never played Origins, but may pick up Legends when it comes out... will probably decide between this and Mario Bros U.

Sounds good. Massive Backlog + Delayed Anticipated Game = Relief.

Boss. This brings optimism for more awesome Japanese Wii U games.

Visible or not, I'm psyched either way. Just bring that bad boy outside of Japan for all to enjoy.

Circle Pad Pro support would be a nice additional also, but that's probably asking too much...

I was about to complain about announcing final dates for games they announced over a year ago, and I realized I'm more excited about the notion of them releasing information about games they released years ago (I'm looking at you Wii U VC!)

Regrettably sold mine eons ago, but I loved that camera and printed SO many stickers with the printer. Made lots of cool stop motion animations with it too! Fun fact on the printer that Super Mario Bros. DX supported it for printing mario themed stickers and banners. Man those were awesome, simpler times back then...

Wow the style of this is really sharp. Should be a fun gamepad only game for curling up with on a cold day.

Sounds good to me. Recent Xbox updates have pushed more ads and less emphasis on gaming and PSN's not so subtle "store on every menu choice" is also off-putting. I don't want to feel like I'm walking into a store greeted by sales people every time I turn the system on or do any function. So far, I think Wii U is striking the right balance because MiiVerse subtly shows popular games based on the community, not a weekly marketing plan (unless you're in the eShop where it's appropriate).

As far as access to purchased content across systems, logins, etc, don't forget how tied you are to PSN/Live services to play the games. No Live access? No dice. Contrast that with the Wii, where yes it's intrinsically linked to the system, but no network access whatsoever is needed to play the games. Assuming the system still worked (just like if a DVD or cartridge worked), I could play downloaded games on the Wii 50 years from now. I treat my Wii like a big cartridge that holds all my games. If I want to play WiiWare, VC games else where, I just bring the (very small) console to a friend's house and hook up to their cables. In my opinion, it's a hell of a lot easier than logging in and re-downloading stuff for an hour.

Also I'm glad Nintendo didn't encourage them to turn it into a Star Fox game.

It's smart they're doing a demo. I'm tired of the zombie theme, but I'm interested in seeing what the hub-bub's about even if I stylistically would have preferred a crazy alien theme.

Doesn't really sound like a big deal, but come on developers/publishers... If you can't do it first, better (or at least equal), why bother? When superior versions are available for less money elsewhere, I hope we don't hear publishers cry "3rd party games don't sell on Nintendo systems!" when these overpriced, downgraded ports aren't a hit. I fear we're more likely to see the usual erosion of 3rd party support in subsequent years like us Nintendo fans have become used to when reading these reports (however valid).

Also, I'll totally get this if it's under $15. I already own the original and the Wii U version. They are both awesome, but the 3DS version would really benefit from CPP support (and inverted vertical controls please?).

@SCAR392 No worries on the digital deluxe promo, according to the promo website, all games bought even before December are counted. "You will automatically earn points on any digital purchases you make on or after November 18th."

I've been playing this a lot the last two days and I don't think the load times are that noticeable (though I have the eShop version). I freakin' love the off-screen gamepad play... You can even play with an external controller while using the gamepad! I've been sitting in my kitchen with my arcade stick playing on the gamepad screen in the stand (online, no less), and it's ridiculous, but ridiculously fun. GREAT music also!

I personally preferred the 3rd party games on the Wii to the PS3/360, but I prefer offbeat, Japanese developed games like No More Heroes and Elebits. Developers took more risks and released games in genres I prefer on the Wii, so if lower development costs compared to the next PS and Xbox drive things in the same direction, it's all good. BTW, 42% of my Wii collection is 3rd party for what it's worth.

On another note, after enjoying my Wii U for the last week, I think the off-screen play feature is a total game changer and I'd gladly sacrifice some graphic fidelity for games that support it. If Nintendo can get a lot of gamers to experience this, I think a surprising number of folks would get their platform shared 3rd party games for the Wii U for this benefit alone.

I still remember the crappy Quake 4 port that was a 360 launch-ish title, with a poor framerate and less detail than the PC version. Fast forward to 2011 and the the 360 has RAGE, running on the next generation engine to Quake 4, humming at 60 FPS. Seeing these Wii U ports even on par with the other systems given the much shorter development time and system familiarity is amazing and their performance is clearly NOT indicative of the Wii U's potential. Before judging too harshly, I'm waiting until we see what Retro is working on as this will be a prime example (no pun intended) of a heavy hitter making a dedicated Wii U title.

@rayword45 Amen to that. An X series game would be PERFECT for the Wii U.

I agree that the notion of Nintendo releasing a rudimentary, easily accessible method for users to make/run non-commercial software would be a good method to combat these devices. It would benefit Nintendo as it would also be a good way for newbie coders to get familiar with Nintendo hardware to perhaps eventually become licensed developers and make money for both sides. It also gives a chance for more things like homebrew titles evolving into popular commercial software like when Colors! started as homebrew which lead to the awesome Colors! 3D on the eShop.

I'd say the Wii U is a safe bet. Capcom typically ports Resident Evil games to everything that moves. I think even my programmable thermostat can play Resident Evil 4 at this point.

After playing the Wii U all morning, all I can say is please bring it. There's so many great ways they could leverage the gamepad, even if they just drop on a map, use the on-board speakers or allow for off-screen gameplay... Any current generation game can be better on the Wii U than anywhere else.

Damn, just went to get them and sure enough they are already gone in NA.

Deluxe on the way to me for next Tuesday! Hardest decisions will be whether or not the transfer the Wii over, and whether or not to go digital for games or stick with discs.

The Wii U also has solid state storage as compared to a mechanical hard drive, so I imagine it will be faster loading, quieter, cooler and more reliable long term than whatever hard drives Microsoft and Sony stick in their systems. Since we'll need to add our own drives, we take on a greater liability for failure, but we don't need to worry about heat and noise generated by the drive affecting the system itself. I personally love this and I'm sure Nintendo does too as their warranty and service work will be less than the 360 or PS3 with a more reliable and stable memory choice.

Wow, come on Nintendo America, bring Japanese titles to the US eShop (both 3DS and Wii U)! I'd love to get some imports without buying and managing a second system.

It's impossible to expect a huge innovation shift every generation, and I'd say Nintendo's bringing the second most dramatic change (in recent memory) to gaming this time around (after the Wii). Will people question the innovation of the next Xbox or Playstation when all they bring is better graphics and deeper Twitter integration?

I think we should wait and see where developer take things. Just like any system, there will be studs and duds.

Love the punctuation... It's almost like they're complaining and then dejectedly describing what they're complaining about. Oh Come On! Dragons... Come On! Speeding ticket... Come On! Another cavity...

How long until I break down and buy a Japanese 3DS to add to these ridiculous numbers... They're holding off localizing some of these games just to get me to buy another one damn it.

Very cool. Nintendo has always had the best battery strategy with AAs for their regular controllers and user replaceable units for their handhelds and now the Wii U setup. Wish the battery life was longer, but it's rare that I play in a session for more than a 2-3 hours anyway. There's an AC adapter, so you can always plug it in for marathon sessions.