I'm glad to hear they fixed the framerate issues. That really killed the fun I was having with the game and led me to stop playing it. Slowdown was happening all the time. The game itself is really cool so I'll be downloading the update and hopefully there won't be any more framerate issues like they're saying.

I think Level-5 specifically said this would be last game starring (or featuring) Professor Layton. At the end of Unwound Future (which is the last game chronologically in the series) it says "to be continued..." I'm not sure if they meant the series would continue through the prequel trilogy that came after Unwound Future or that there would be a new game chronologically after Unwound Future when Luke moves away at the end of the game and talks about a new adventure he wants Layton to join him on. So it could be that the next trilogy features Luke as the main character with possibly Layton joining in at times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKeuGmQ95yg

@FubumblR
That's the conclusion I've come to as well.

I don't care that it's going multi-platform. Ubisoft will certainly make more money that way. The delay until September really stings though. This was going to be my next Wii U purchase.

In my opinion, this score is spot-on. A score of 5 is average and a 4 is one grade below average. And that's what this game is, one grade below average. That being said, some people will enjoy this game so if you have any thought at all that you might want to get it definitely try out the demo first before writing it off.

The only point of a demo is to lure people to buy the full game. If a person likes a demo enough to play it 30 times, not being able to play it anymore is another way to tempt that person to buy the full game as that's the only way he/she will be able to play it again.

@Malic
Probably the best definition of "core" and "casual" I've ever heard. It definitely doesn't have anything to do with genre.

Nintendo made the right decision on this one. It would have been bad to raise Wii U prices above where they're currently at. Most people still buy games retail. Plus, in 2 or 3 years hard drive prices will be a lot cheaper.

So there are multiple rooms on one floor this time (like in Wild World) but according to DF2506 there are also multiple houses. Sounds like bigger houses for everybody!

Oh by the way, maybe you could do a piece on some of Nintendo's bizarre and shady past. Remember the love hotels?!

Wow, looks like I've been missing out!!

I'm glad you'll be able to work part-time at different places. That was one of the things I was thinking would add the most to the Animal Crossing experience. I'm convinced this will be the best sequel yet! So much new stuff it's hard to keep track of!

Awesome. Ghosts n Goblins is a must-buy on any system. And you definitely feel like you've accomplished something after you beat it.

"...which requires you to beat the game twice in a row in order to fight the final boss." - I only remember this being true for Ghouls n Ghosts. Does anybody remember this being true for Ghosts n Goblins?

This game definitely has its own identity as compared to the N64 version and I find that the RPG elements add a lot, especially being able to level up and develop your player over time. I played the heck out of the N64 Mario Golf, both when it was originally released and when it came to VC, and I was always interested in how good the GBC version was, especially since some said it was better than the N64 version. I'm happy to find that it still has the same great golf action even though it doesn't have the beautiful 3D courses of the N64 game. Hopefully we'll get the GBA version at some point.

@rjejr

Regarding "the WiiU has nothing on the PS3", it all depends on the kinds of games you like. Regardless of the specs a system has you have to like the games being made on the system and most of the big games on the PS3 and 360 just aren't my kinds of games. I really like most of what Nintendo makes however so that's why I buy Nintendo systems. So for me, the Wii U is definitely a greater value than the PS3, especially as more games come out for the Wii U over the next few years.

So I guess the internal storage is really meant for eshop software then as even the 32GB system won't be able to store that many Wii U games.This isn't that big of a deal for me as I already have a 1TB external hard drive I can use for downloaded Wii U games. 64GB SD cards are really coming down in price too. I assume Nintendo kept the storage small in order to cut costs even more and make the system as affordable as it could be. Considering that it sounds like the GamePad alone might cost $150 that's probably a good thing.

I still think this game's going to be a lot of fun, especially when combined with Miiverse and the multiplayer functionality.

You guys have some good analysis but you have to understand that Nintendo's strategy is dictated by the economics of the video game industry and itself as a company. Microsoft and Sony can produce powerful systems but they sell them for huge losses for the first couple years (the PS3 actually didn't make a profit for the first four years). Because Sony and Microsoft are huge conglomerates they can make up for these initial losses with the other businesses that they have but it's much harder for a games-only company like Nintendo. This is why all the other games-only companies no longer make systems. Around the GameCube era, Nintendo realized that the only way it could stay in the hardware business was to offer a unique experience on its console that was at the same time affordable. It worked for the Wii with its motion controls but the question now is will it work with the Wii U and its GamePad. Part of Nintendo's "unique experience" are the games that it produces, so as long as they make good games this generation and the GamePad offers a fun new way to play games I think the Wii U will do well and be viable for Nintendo, even if it doesn't match the sales of the Wii.

Even though this will likely have much less customization options than the PC versions, I'm really looking forward to how cool the 3D effect is while riding the rollercoasters. I might get this game based solely on that. I really hope they release a demo of this.

If it's not Nov. 18 it'll be pretty close to it. I'm still predicting $250-$300. I'm hoping Nintendo Land gets bundled in but won't be surprised if it's not.

I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo Power gets resurrected eventually in some form, kind of like how EGM came back a year after it was initially shut down. You don't need magazines for news anymore but they still serve well as collectibles with nice pictures and content-rich features. Hyrule Historia is a good example. Looking at that stuff in book form is way cooler than viewing it on the Internet.

Truly an original, fun game. The multiplayer in this game was awesome as well, especially the Saving Private Ryan spoof level. My roommates and I played it for months and months. Even though it's unlikely at this point, I'd love for this game to come to Virtual Console. Hopefully Rare will get out from under Microsoft at some point.

My wallet's ready! It'll be a great post-Christmas gift!

Rogue Squadron 2 is definitely one of my favorite games of all time. I can't even tell you how many times I've played Battle of Endor.

The good thing is that even though this game won't be coming out in the West until next year it will be coming out in Japan in a couple months so soon we'll get to see everything that's in the game.

I've been having fun with this game and find it quite challenging too, which is good. You definitely shouldn't go into this game expecting realistic pinball or you'll be disappointed. Not a whole lot of content, though. I'd probably give the game a 6 and $2.99 is a better price for it.

I love the 3D effect, especially in Ocarina of Time 3D and Pilotwings Resort. To me, it really offers a brand-new gameplay experience if it's done right, something that makes it seem more like you're really there. Some parts of Super Mario 3D Land also had great 3D moments.

This is one of the weirdest ideas for a game I've ever heard of.

I was really sad when I read that you would be leaving. You've written some of the wittiest and most professional articles I've ever read and you had great interaction with the NL community. I'm glad you'll be able to take your skills to Nintendo to help make it even better and I think you'll be surprised how fast you'll move up in the company.

Those are some of the nicest playing cards I've ever seen. And since I'm a big fan of playing cards I guess you know what I'm getting! Those cards look really durable too, which is always a good thing. Also, if Mario is the King, who's the Ace? Bowser? Miyamoto?

I have fond memories of 2020 Super Baseball. I'm interested to see what the review says.

Based on Nintendo's comments recently, I think it's very likely the Wii U will debut at 250 US dollars, definitely not above 300. I think there will be only one bundle option but there will be white and black versions and it'll also not come with the Pro Controller or a Wiimote. It'll also be interesting to see what an extra Wii U GamePad will cost. I'm thinking anywhere between $50 to $80.

This looks like the major sequel we've been waiting for. Tons of new stuff in this game.

I'm still thinking 250-300 US dollars. Because Nintendo didn't go as advanced with the graphics as they could have they'll be able to afford to keep the price low, which is what they need for the demographic they target. I think one reason Microsoft and Sony don't want to release new, more powerful systems right now is because they can't sell them at a low enough price yet. Even Microsoft and Sony can't afford to release systems above $400, especially in the current economy. And Sony definitely doesn't want to repeat the same mistake as with the PS3. I'm also thinking there's a good chance of Nintendo Land being a pack-in like Wii Sports. I think it would be the smart thing to do because a lot of people don't have that much money left over to spend on a game after they just spent a lot of money on a new console. And, of course, the game really shows off the Wii U's new capabilities.I don't think the Pro Controller will be a pack-in.

I think Nintendo Land has a ton of potential if it's executed right. I'd love to play this in the MiiVerse.

I would have been surprised if it didn't come to the Wii U. They even release these games for the DS for crying out loud.

What Reggie's talking about sounds fine. It looks like there's just one ID per person and once you've added them, you've added them for good.

People were disappointed with Nintendo Land because they were hoping for something else but I think people will find Nintendo Land is going to be a lot of fun, especially as it's hooked up to the Miiverse. I also think Animal Crossing 3DS was delayed so they could integrate Miiverse into it, which should be really cool and fit the series well.

Looks like Animal Crossing has been delayed into 2013. Not surprised.

I bet you'd get a buttload of streetpass hits in there.

Is Corbs going to be there? I noticed some IGN people walking in.

I'm not surprised. This is what I was expecting. It's almost certain that you'll be able to transfer the save data as well, especially since it's separate from the game file. As for how I'll play the VC games, I'd like to use the Wii U Pro Controller since it's wireless. I like the Classic Controller Pro but I don't like how I have to have it plugged into a Wiimote sitting next to me.

This looks really fun. I'm almost positive I'll get it. Now it's a matter of choosing which version: playing it on a bigger screen with HD visuals or playing it in cool 3D.

REGGIE TIME!!!!

Reggie just sent me a Swapnote. Anybody else get it?

Animal Crossing or bust.

Whoa, Miyamoto game. Those are always worth consideration. I'll be looking forward to the review.

@Kage_88

They announced user accounts months ago.

I like how with the Wii U there are now so many controller options: a traditional controller that's wireless, motion controls through a Wiimote and the Wii U game pad and all the unique things that brings. There are cool things with all three ways of playing and it allows you to play games in totally different kinds of ways.