News - March, 2012
Saturday31st Mar 2012
Round Table Let's Talk About a Year of 3DS
There's a lot to cover
This week we've been celebrating the one-year anniversary of 3DS, a landmark that finds the handheld in relatively good health. It's been a dramatic, at times traumatic beginning for the console, so some of the Nintendo Life team got together to talk about their experiences and opinions of the system's first year. Joining...
Friday30th Mar 2012
News More Black and White Kyurem Details Revealed
Just our type
Pokémon Black & White 2's legendary Black Kyurem and White Kyurem are Dragon/Ice type Pokémon, new cases spotted on Amazon Japan have confirmed. Black Kyurem stands 3.3 metres tall, while White Kyurem is a little taller at 3.6m. Both weigh 325kg — about the same as a robotic lawn mower. We expect to learn more about Pokémon...
News Wait, There's a Spectrum Emulator in GoldenEye?
Secret agent
Of all the cheats and secrets tucked away in GoldenEye 007, we never suspected Rare's N64 classic harboured a fully functioning ZX Spectrum 48k emulator. Rare began a coding experiment to see if the N64 could support a Spectrum emulator, even embedding old-school Rare games Sabre Wulf, Jetpac and more in the code. Clearly the experiment...
Review Arc Style: Soccer!! 3D (3DS eShop)
Like real soccer, it's better with friends
Hoping against hope to sweep the award for most cumbersomely titled game in the eShop, Arc Style: Soccer!! 3D is here, and it's brought with it a slew of impressive options for customisation. Unfortunately, the gameplay seems to have been sacrificed on their behalf. As with just about any sports game, Arc...
It's pool! In the 90's!
The Berlin Wall has recently fallen, Seinfeld is dominating television and Justin Bieber has just been born. Yes, it's the 1990s and, for some reason, we're playing pool. We'll leave the jokes about the title to you folks in the comments, as 90's Pool doesn't really leave us in much of a mood for fun. And for a video game,...
News SEGA to Cancel Games, Focus on Existing IP
Dark days
SEGA has revealed it's to slim down its Western operations and cancel some games to combat an operating loss in the current financial year. The publisher hasn't stated which games will be cancelled but did reveal its desire to focus on strong-selling IPs such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Football Manager, Total War and Aliens. From our list of...
News Nintendo UK Pushes Wii RPGs with New Trailer
Wii's legacy?
With a shade over two months until we hit the Wii U information motherlode at E3, Wii's time is just about over. While the mainstream will likely remember it for introducing motion control and kickstarting the party and fitness game crazes, Nintendo UK wants you to think fondly of its contributions to the adventure and roleplaying...
News 27 WiiWare Demos Return to Europe
As prophesied
Just as we told you a few weeks ago, WiiWare demos have returned to PAL this week. The Wii Shop Channel in Europe now hosts 27 free demos. Here's what's available: 3D Pixel RacingA Monsteca Corral: Monsters vs RobotsAnd Yet It Moves
News Spirit Camera Event Set to Haunt San Francisco
Scares and snacks in one place
Nintendo of America likes to run preview events for upcoming releases, but the latest has us intrigued. Taking place tonight at 9pm, and for over-18s only, is an event to promote Spirit Camera: the Cursed Memoir, a horror game that apparently makes full use of the 3DS' camera and AR (augmented reality) capabilities. If...
News Two Code of Princess Trailers Fight to the Fore
Full of heart
3DS scrapper Code of Princess — from the same team behind SEGA Saturn classic Guardian Heroes, remember — is shaping up to be one intriguing title, as these two new trailers show off. The first video is what you'd expect: anime cut scenes, Japanese singing and a jester fighting with a guitar. The second shows off the game's chaotic...
News Rhythm Thief Slides Back to July in North America
Those who wait
SEGA's stylish Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure is out next week in Europe, but 3DS owners in North America have to wait another three months to get their groove on. The official SEGA blog confirmed the new release date for the game as 10th July. The publisher didn't give any explanation for the delay. Look for our review in...
Thursday29th Mar 2012
News The Mystery of the Super Mario Bros. U.S. Release Date
If you know for sure, let us know
Occasionally, an enthusiastic researcher will embark on a quest to find information on obscure gaming facts, so it's surprising that one of the great unknowns in video game history is the U.S. release date for Super Mario Bros. on NES. Considering the fact that this is one of the most successful and iconic video...
Nintendo Download 29th March 2012 (North America)
Sporty special
Digital balls and cues make up the bulk of this week's downloads, with a few titles vying to catch your eye with their take on established sports. There's also a brace of demos for indecisive gamers. 3DS Download Software: Arc Style: Soccer!! 3D (Arc System Works, $6.99) — Arc dabbles with digital goalposts in this super-cute take...
News Gearbox: "No Other Platform Can Do What Wii U Can"
"Nintendo to show more soon"
Gearbox Software is prototyping Aliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U, and studio president Randy Pitchford has spoken to Vox Games about its work so far on the next Nintendo platform. Comparing the upcoming shooter to its current-gen counterparts, Pitchford was glowing about Wii U's potential: The Wii U version has so...
News Kid Icarus Ignites 3DS Sales Spike in Japan
Up nearly 50%
Kid Icarus: Uprising is doing the business for Nintendo in Japan, as hardware sales following its release increased nearly 50% week-on-week. As Masahiro Sakurai's game sold 132,526 units in Japan to top the software chart, 3DS hardware sales hit 94,011, up almost exactly 30,000 on the previous week's tally of 64,017. 3DS accounted for...
News XSEED Reveals Unchained Blades for 3DS eShop
A link for the future
XSEED Games is known for bringing top drawer RPGs to North America — it's publishing The Last Story after all — and it's just revealed another role player for Nintendo fans to get their hands on: Unchained Blades. The Japanese dungeon-crawler — known as Unchained Blades Rexx in the Land of the Rising Sun — will get a...
Wednesday28th Mar 2012
Review Dr. Mario (3DS eShop / GB)
The doctor’s out
If there’s one thing the 3DS eShop has plenty of, it’s puzzle games. It’s a genre that's always been commonplace on Nintendo handhelds, with Tetris probably the best known example. It’s hardly surprising that Nintendo’s mascot extraordinaire, Mario, invaded Game Boy with his own puzzle title, Dr. Mario. Does it make us...
News First Epic Mickey 3DS Screen Shows Scrooge McDuck
Colour us interested
Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion on 3DS is a 2D platformer developed by Monster Tale studio DreamRift, so we knew it was going to look good, but the first scanned screen looks like the team's nailed the Castle of Illusion atmosphere. The still also scores bonus points for including Scrooge McDuck from DuckTales,...
Feature How 3DS Brings a New Dimension to the DS Family
Welcome to the 21st Century
The humble DS and DSi consoles may have been a spectacular commercial success, but they were anything but modern technological devices when they were released. Much like the philosophy behind the Wii, Nintendo eschewed current-day technology in favour of finding a unique angle and putting it forward in old technology...
News Mutant Mudds Demo Coming This Week
Try before you buy
While Mutant Mudds has been a solid hit on Nintendo's eShop, there are likely still some who are holding out for a demo. Well, your prayers have been answered as Renegade Kid has just announced that a demo version of the game is set to hit the North American 3DS eShop this Thursday. You can check out the official press release...
News Wario Land 2 is Japan-Bound
Stolen treasure recovered
Japanese 3DS owners can continue their journey through Wario's wicked world next week when Wario Land II reaches the Virtual Console. While here in the West we got two versions of Wario's sophomore outing — one for Game Boy and a revamped Game Boy Color release — Japan only got the colour game, so that's the version...
News PEGI Rates Monster World IV for Virtual Console
Still alive
Wow. It's been a long time since we heard anything about SEGA's Monster World IV coming to Europe, but it seems the project is still breathing if PEGI is anything to go by. Interestingly the game was rated for Xbox 360 several weeks ago, but now a rating for the Wii Virtual Console has hit the 'net: Monster World IV SEGA Europe LtdThe...
News Five Glorious Minutes of Fire Emblem: Awakening Video
What more do you need to know?
It's all in Japanese, but that won't stop you enjoying this video of Fire Emblem: Kakusei (aka Fire Emblem: Awakening), will it? From dialogue and cut scenes to battles and maps, it's got all the daily Fire Emblem nutrition you need. The game's out in Japan next month. Nintendo of Europe has confirmed it'll release the...
News Disney Epic Mickey 2 to Brush with Europe in September
What a lucky rabbit
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is the game on everyone's lips at the moment, and according to Junction Point top dog Warren Spector we'll only have six months to wait to play Mickey's Wii sequel. Nintendo Master — the same site that tipped the Disney Epic Mickey 2 press event — rep
Tuesday27th Mar 2012
Feature The Mistakes of the 3DS Launch
Lessons for Wii U
Now that the 3DS is one-year old in most territories – its Australian anniversary hasn’t quite arrived yet – it’s safe to say that Nintendo can look at the handheld’s progress and be reasonably happy. It’s unlikely to be ecstatic and popping open the champagne, however, as the road to the current good times has been...
News Mobile Dev: "Iwata Makes Me Fear for Nintendo's Future"
Troubled times
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said last year that Nintendo is not interested in producing free-to-play software, displeasing Ben Cousins, director of free-to-play software company Ngmoco. Speaking to Develop, Cousins discussed his belief that console manufacturers are frightened of free to play games: The only platform where...
News Epic Mickey on 3DS is a Castle of Illusion Sequel
To the tower!
Last year, Disney registered a Castle of Illusion trademark, which many thought would have something to do with the then-unannounced Disney Epic Mickey 2. Turns out those people were (probably) right, as Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion on 3DS is a sequel to the 1990 Mega Drive/Genesis classic. A Nintendo Power preview (via
News 3DS, It's Your First Birthday in North America Today
Celebrate good times
3DS hit its first anniversary in Europe on Sunday, and today marks the machine's first steps onto North American soil one year ago. 27th March 2011 saw the 3DS launch across North America for $249.99 and got off to a flying start, securing the best first day sales of any Nintendo handheld. We all know how it went from there:...
News GAME Enters Administration, Closes 277 Stores
Over 2,000 jobs lost
GAME Group plc. has entered administration. The retailer filed for administration last week but, having been unable to find a buyer over the weekend, was officially placed into administration yesterday morning. Administrators PwC made an immediate impact on reducing the company's store portfolio, closing 277 stores with the loss...
News Ubisoft Ready for Digital Content Blitz on Wii U
"We'll absolutely take advantage"
Ubisoft's always a big day-one supporter of any console — it launched six games with 3DS a year ago — and it's one of the few publishers to have announced multiple Wii U projects in the forms of Assassin's Creed III, Killer Freaks from Outer Space and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Online. It's not just retail games...
News Nintendo Europe to Host 3D Photo Contest
Starts Monday
Budding photographers, take note: Nintendo Europe will launch a 3D photo contest next week. On 2nd April you'll be able to enter Nintendo Europe's 3D photo contest, as long as you live in one of the following countries: United Kingdom Spain Italy France Germany The Netherlands Portugal Head back on Monday for more details.
Monday26th Mar 2012
News This Is Your Kid Icarus: Uprising Weapons Bible
Revelation
Getting to grips with Kid Icarus: Uprising's weapons can take a while, particularly as there's so many of the things, but Nintendo UK has come to the rescue with a rather large infographic designed to get you up to speed. The image — helpfully linked below — takes you through the different weapon classes, as well as their pros and...
Feature Our Favourite 3DS Games So Far
One year of 3D gaming
Nintendo’s 3DS has experienced a dramatic first year, no doubt far more eventful than Satoru Iwata and his team could have imagined. Despite all of the twists and turns that the handheld has experienced, it’s nevertheless been a source of some terrific and varied games. The 3DS may have evolved into more than the sum of its...
Nintendo Download 29th March 2012 (Europe)
Game Gear is here!
Originally we were told SEGA's Game Gear would reach Europe in mid-March, but after a minor delay the portable is coming to the continent this Thursday. The GG games aren't the only Virtual Console goodness as Wii gets a long-awaited 8-bit blaster too. 3DS Virtual Console: Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (Game Gear, SEGA,...
News GameStop to Sell 3D Classics: Kid Icarus Too
For $5.99
Didn't pre-order Kid Icarus: Uprising to get your free code for 3D Classics: Kid Icarus, and worried you've missed out on the downloadable game for good? Not to worry, as GameStop will sell redeem codes for the game online. Last week we reported GameStop is selling eShop games for download, and that range of two games will expand soon with...
News Vigil Games: "Wii U On Par with Current-Gen Consoles"
No concessions necessary
Vigil Games, the team behind Darksiders II on Wii U, has told GameReactor that Nintendo's new console isn't a huge technical leap over the Xbox 360 and PS3. In a video interview, game director Marvin Donald told the site: So far the hardware's been on par with what we have with the current generations. Based on what I...
Review 1st Class Poker & BlackJack (DSiWare)
Show ‘em what you got
Nintendo download services aren’t lacking for casino-style titles, ensuring that you don’t need a pesky deck of cards if you want a game of chance. In the case of poker games, we should be grateful that it means gambling only with fake, electronic money — always a safer way to play. 1st Class Poker & BlackJack is...
News Disney Epic Mickey 2 is Built For Wii
Not a weak port
The not-at-all shocking announcement of Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two came with the even less surprising revelation the game's heading to PS3 and Xbox 360 too, leading some to worry Wii owners would get a weak port of the HD versions. Thankfully that's not the case. Junction Point supremo Warren Spector has confirmed his...
News Ubisoft Fills In Assassin's Creed III Wii U Details
Eagle vision
Assassin's Creed III is coming to Wii U, and Nintendo Gamer magazine (via NintenGen) has revealed some fresh details about how the game will use Wii U's new controller. As expected by anyone who's ever played a DS game, the Wii U's second screen will be used as a persistent map and navigation tool, linked to the series' virtual reality...
Sunday25th Mar 2012
News 3DS Celebrates First Birthday in Europe
It's come a long way
Today is a big day for Nintendo's latest bid for continued handheld gaming dominance: the 3DS is one year old in Europe. Its North American anniversary arrives on 27th March, so there will surely be plenty of high-fives and Mario style 'wahoo' whoops coming from the famous old company's regional teams. It's been a rather...
News Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion Confirmed for 3DS
Now to fill in the details
Earlier this week we reported on the rumour that Epic Mickey 2 was coming to 3DS. Although the official sequel, Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two was later announced for Wii, it seems that the 3DS rumours were almost completely accurate. The cover of the April issue of Nintendo Power leaves no doubt, showing a preview...
Saturday24th Mar 2012
Interview Super Fighter Team - Developing for SNES in 2012
Brandon Cobb explains why retro gaming matters
When we published a news article about a new SNES title on the way in 2013, Nightmare Busters, it attracted a great deal of interest. While many of us spend the majority of our game-time on current-day consoles, there still seems to be an appetite for retro titles and platforms. Few companies represent...
Review Zombie Slayer Diox (3DS eShop)
Dead to us
It's too late. The zombie apocalypse has not only begun, it's already over. The zombies have won, and there are few — if any — survivors other than Diox, who continues to roam the streets, slashing away at the undead with his guitar. Diox is on a mission: if he can find the magical amp, he just might be able to destroy all the...
Friday23rd Mar 2012
Feature Kid Icarus: Uprising - What the Review Couldn't Tell You
Minor spoilers within
When we published our Kid Icarus: Uprising review, we observed a strict set of guidelines from Nintendo. These embargo criteria were designed to ensure that some features of the title weren’t given away before it hit stores. It’s not an uncommon practice, but in the case of this particular title we feel that it’s...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising AR Cards Now Available on Club Nintendo Europe
Pay with stars, not cash
Last week we made sure those of you in North America knew all about the free Kid Icarus: Uprising AR card giveaway, but thankfully European gamers don't need to miss out. If you head on over to the European Stars Catalogue, you may notice that at the top of the list is a set of 12 Kid Icarus: Uprising AR cards, a
News New Retro Magazine "Pixel Nation" Launches
It's good, too
Anyone who loves retro gaming might want to get their chops around Pixel Nation, a new quarterly magazine dedicated to the world of old-school digital entertainment. The first issue of the 100-page, full colour periodical includes articles on topics dear to many Nintendo hearts: famed composer Koji Kondo takes the spotlight, and the...
News Adventure Time is Coming to DS
Life in the old dog yet
Just as the 3DS seems to be taking over from its predecessor, the DS reminds us all of its existence with an intriguing title on the horizon. Though not quite on the same scale as the announcement of Pokémon Black and White 2, confirmation of a game based on cult-favourite animated series Adventure Time, to be developed by...
News Darksiders II on Wii U to be Available on 'Day One'
Enhanced controls promised
While a number of developers and high-profile games have tentatively stated that they'll arrive on Wii U, one that has clearly promised an appearance is Darksiders II from Vigil Games. Although anticipated as a release in the new console's launch period, the developer has gone one step further and stated that its title...
News Resident Evil Revelations Producer Says Series Needs Action for Success
Survival horror market is 'small'
Resident Evil series aficionados that have followed the franchise from day one have seen an evolution away from its original, survival horror roots towards an action style. With Resident Evil 4 on GameCube seen as a major turning point, it seems increasingly unlikely that a new experience similar to the early titles...
Competition pitchWinPLAY Competition Announced
Have your game idea made into an eShop release
Do you have an idea for a video game that you've always wanted to see become a reality? If so, GAMEscribe has just the competition for you. GAMEscribe and Renegade Kid have teamed up to give everyone the chance to pitch their game idea and have the opportunity to have that idea chosen and made into an...
News Video Games Become the Biggest Entertainment Medium in UK
Take that, movies
At times being a gamer can still be a taboo subject: saying that you're a gaming enthusiast may cause others to raise their eyebrows. Though video games are arguably still trying to earn the same cultural respect as films and music, when it comes to earning cold, hard cash, games are on top. According to the ERA (Entertainment...
Thursday22nd Mar 2012
Review Dragon Crystal (3DS eShop / GG)
Manageable masochism
For a system known for its incredible appetite for AA batteries, the Game Gear makes quite a strange home for the hardcore, permadeath-filled roguelike Dragon Crystal. With absolutely no save option or password system, the game must have caused some incredible bouts of rage when those last spurts of juice ran out. Dragon Crystal...
Nintendo Download 22nd March 2012 (North America)
Poker, Math and zombies
Just when you thought it was safe to hang up your mathematical hat, along comes Carmen Sandiego to dash it all. Elsewhere we've got some card games on DSiWare — it's been a while — and zombies. 3DS Download Software: Zombie Slayer Diox (UFO Interactive, $5.99) — The latest 3D game from Samurai Sword Destiny publisher...
News Fire Emblem Awakening Wireless Features Revealed
Taking the battle to the streets
Fire Emblem Kakusei, or Awakening as it'll be known outside of Japan, is starting to power up the hype generator. Within the latest batch of details revealed to the Japanese press is information about how StreetPass and SpotPass will be used, with some interesting results. As reported by Andriasang, there will be...
News Pokémon Back on Top of Japanese Charts
Not exactly a surprise
While many Pokémon fans are probably busy contemplating the arrival of Pokémon Black and White 2, gamers in Japan have been hitting the shops to buy up cross-over title Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition, propelling it to number one in the charts. Elsewhere in the Media Create software charts, Mario Kart 7 and Monster Hunter 3 G...
News Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Confirmed for Western Release
Feel the rhythm this summer
Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy has been on our radar for a good while, with the Japanese release being followed by some of the first DLC content on 3DS. For all of you anxious Final Fantasy fans outside of Japan, meanwhile, there's finally some good news. Square Enix has set up a page on Facebook and confirmed that the...
News There's a Chuck E. Cheese Game Coming to DSiWare
What more can we say?
"Chuck E. Cheese's Arcade Room is a fun and exciting video game that digitally recreates the magic of being at a Chuck E. Cheese's!" We'd love to leave the story at that, to be honest. Chuck E. Cheese's Arcade Room is a DSiWare game from UFO Interactive due to reach North America on 26th April for 500 Points. It's a...
News A New Pandora's Tower Trailer Is Here
Contains classic witch voice over
Upcoming — for Europe, anyway — Wii RPG Pandora's Tower is just a few weeks from launch, so Nintendo has some footage from the English version of the game to show off. The trailer below is a little lighter on the English accents than we've come to expect from recent RPGs Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story,...
News Colors! 3D Brightens North America on 5th April
Brush with fate
Colors! 3D was supposed to hit the eShop late last year, but it was pushed back for further work. Now developer Collecting Smiles has revealed an official release date for North America: 5th April. The announcement came via Twitter, though no word on a price or release date for outside the Americas just yet. Still, you'll be painting...
Rumour Ubisoft to Bring Your Shape to Wii U
The shock
Ubisoft's Your Shape series rose to prominence on Kinect, but it stopped off on Wii first before leaping onto Microsoft's swanky sensor. Now it looks like the fitness series is ready to come back to Nintendo, with a Wii U version supposedly in the works. According to a post from The Royalty Network (via Go Nintendo), Ubisoft has requested...
News Could It Be Magic? First Ace Mathician Trailer Arrives
New game from Flipper creator
Ace Mathician from Goodbye Galaxy Games — the one-man team behind Flipper and Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish — is branching out from goldfish to create a game about a koala that solves mathematical problems in a platforming context. Really. Hugo Smits sent over the first trailer that explains a bit more about the...
News Potzol's Puzzle SpeedsThru Europe on 5th April
Block it out
SpeedThru: Potzol's Puzzle — known as Ketzal's Corridors in North America — will reach Europe on 5th April, Nintendo's announced. The 3D puzzler is a follow-up to WiiWare title ThruSpace, with 90 stages and multiplayer included in the digital download. European 3DS owners can check out a 3D trailer in the eShop later today to get...
Wednesday21st Mar 2012
Review PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond (Wii)
Pikachu's vacation
While the main Pokémon games have rigidly stuck to their tried-and-true formula, the spin-offs have gone into some pretty interesting territory. Rather than focus on the life and tribulations of being a Pokémon trainer, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond once again lets you step into the shoes of the franchise's lovable mascot Pikachu,...
Talking Point Why Wii U's Image Must Grab Attention
First impressions count
With each passing week we get closer to the arrival of Nintendo’s next home console, Wii U. It’s due by the end of 2012, yet there’s still so much that we don’t know: technical specifications, prices, planned launch games and even the final name. All of these factors will be important to its early success, but...
News Surprise! Disney Announces Epic Mickey 2 for Wii
Never saw it coming
After months of speculation, Junction Point's Warren Spector has revealed Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. Coming to Wii as well as PS3 and Xbox 360, the sequel is described as a 'musical', with characters regularly bursting into song. There's co-op play between Mickey and long-lost Disney character Oswald the Lucky...
News More 3D Music Videos On the Way to 3DS
Starting today
3DS owners in North America, observe: your console is about to get a lot more musical. Starting today, the Nintendo Video app will start to offer new 3D music videos, with Sabotage by Wale and So Good by B.o.B the first to land on this very day. After that you can expect videos from Skrillex, OK Go, Death Cab for Cutie and more, all...
News Dynasty Warriors' Samus & Link Costumes Move Like This
Zero-ing in
Those Samus and Link costumes in Dynasty Warriors Vs. certainly look nice in stills, but how about in motion? Your wish is Tecmo Koei's command. The trailer below shows small snippets of Dynasty Warriors' characters clad in the garb of Nintendo's famous blond/e hero/ine, plus footage of Dead or Alive: Dimensions' Ryu Hayabusa and Ayane...
News Intelligent Systems Rejected Modern-Day Fire Emblem Idea
Gunfire Emblem?
As we prepare for Fire Emblem: Awakening to reach the Western world, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata sat down with some of the game's development staff to discuss this latest entry in the tactical fantasy series. Producer Hitoshi Yamagami and project manager Higuchi Masahiro began discussing the 3DS instalment while working on 2010's...
News Gon Paku Paku Paku Paku Adventure Announced for 3DS in Japan
Now that's a video game name
We often look at Nintendo console game releases in Japan with some envy, particularly when no localisation details are forthcoming. Titles such as Theatrhythm Final Fantasy are missed because they're part of a major, popular franchise, but in the case of Gon Paku Paku Paku Paku Adventure, we just really like the name. As...
News Coro Coro Comics 3DS Console Announced
Japanese gamers win again
We often tell you about limited edition 3DS consoles being released in Japan, simply because Nintendo's homeland has so many. There have been hardware exclusives dedicated to various themes, games and anniversaries, though the latest is arguably the most attractive. The console shown in this article's image is celebrating...
News New Frogger Title Hops Onto WiiWare This Spring
Now it's going hyper
Frogger has a long gaming history, well known as an arcade in the early 1980s and appearing on legendary consoles as far back as the Atari 2600. It must have an ongoing charm, because it continues to appear in the current day with appearances such as Frogger 3D on 3DS and Frogger Returns on WiiWare and DSiWare. Konami has now...
News GAME Group Files for Administration
But still open for business
GAME Group plc. has submitted an application to enter administration. The troubled chain has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks, with a string of high-profile releases missing from its shelves due to an inability to secure credit agreements with suppliers and publishers. Neither GAME nor...
Tuesday20th Mar 2012
Review Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (3DS eShop / GG)
Need for speed
While SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog series pulled in monstrous sales on the Mega Drive/Genesis, many gamers aren't aware that Sonic also enjoyed a number of releases on the Master System and Game Gear. Sonic Triple Trouble is the follow-up to Sonic Chaos and while the game still suffered from the hardware limitations of the Game Gear's...
News God of War NES Demake Released
On PC, and it's free
There are some things that immediately grab your attention, and we'd classify the following as one of those things: God of War NES version, free of charge. It may seem unlikely, but that's exactly what indie developer Holmade Games has produced. PlayStation 3 owners are likely to be familiar with the God of War series set in...
News Looks Like Namco Wants to Sell You One Piece SP 2
Rating out
Remember the controversy when the localised version of One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP only came with half the content of its Japanese counterpart? People weren't happy. Stand by to relive those emotions. The Australian Classification Board has rated One Piece: Unlimited Cruise SP 2 for sale, so it's very likely we'll get the second part...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Tournament Final Announced
Get ready to face the light
With its local and worldwide multiplayer mode, Kid Icarus: Uprising is another Nintendo game perfectly suited to competitive play. As part of the promotion for the release, Nintendo of America has been running regional tournaments for lucky winners to receive a paid trip to a National Championship in New York: we've...
News Rollercoaster Tycoon 3DS Springs Back Into Life
Out this season
The appropriately up-again-down-again fortunes of Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D are heading up again: developer n-Space has announced the game should be out this Spring. In fact, as Spring starts today, that gives us a fairly large three month window of expectation. Last month we revealed Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D had hit the skids, but it...
Rumour Epic Mickey 2 Heading for 3DS
Or is a powerful illusion
We're almost certainly going to see Disney Epic Mickey 2 revealed next week, but on what platforms? According to the Twitter account of the French Official Nintendo Magazine, the mouse is coming to 3DS. The account tweeted the title Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion for 3DS, saying to look out for more details next week...
Rumour Vectorman May Finally Come to Virtual Console
Rated Down Under
Fed up with never completing the epic storyline of SEGA's Vectorman series on Virtual Console? You may be able to play series closer Vectorman 2 on Virtual Console in the near future. The good old Australian Classification Board has rated Vectorman 2 for "multiple platforms". Virtual Console may be included in that — we...
News These PokéPark Trailers are Too Silly Not to Share
Music maestro
The only thing better than a Pokémon theme tune? Three Pokémon theme tunes, of course. Nintendo UK's hit the jackpot with this trio of tunes to celebrate the upcoming European release of PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond this Friday. The videos even have lyrics so you can happily sing along to tunes of unbelievable heroism from the...
News New Film "100 Yen" Looks at Japan's Arcade History
Insert coin
A new documentary exploring Japan's still-thriving arcade scene is about to hit the 'net. 100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience — a reference to the nationwide shortage of 100 Yen coins following the release of the original Space Invaders — investigates what's helped Japanese arcades stay alive, while those in the West have all-but...
Monday19th Mar 2012
Review Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)
Pit’s flying high
When Nintendo unveiled the 3DS in 2010 it also teased Kid Icarus: Uprising, a return of a franchise that, a few cameos aside, had long remained dormant. While the original NES title was a conventional 2D action platformer, Masahiro Sakurai, most famous for his Super Smash Bros. series, has given Pit new life in an arcade action...
News GameStop Starts Selling eShop Download Codes
Lots in store
Want to download Pushmo or Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins but don't want to type your credit card details into the 3DS? GameStop has started selling DLC codes for both games through its website and stores. GameStop.com lets you purchase a digital redeem code for either game at exactly the same price it'd cost you through the eShop...
Nintendo Download 22nd March 2012 (Europe)
The doctor is in
No Game Gear games for Europe this week sadly as we have a truly paltry selection available to download. Here's what's on offer. 3DS Virtual Console: Dr. Mario (Game Boy, Nintendo, £2.70/€3) — The monochromatic medicinal puzzler slots in to the 3DS Virtual Console line-up this week. Is it good for what ails you? Our review soon...
News SEGA: "Sonic VC Games Will Stay in Europe"
Good news, everyone
Last week we reported that SEGA is dropping four Sonic games from the Japanese Virtual Console, and naturally our thoughts turned to if and how this would affect users outside Japan. We've now heard back from SEGA Europe with good news. A SEGA representative confirmed that these removals "will not affect Europe, only...
News BIT.TRIP Runner 2 Could Dash Onto Wii U
Commander Video loves Nintendo
The WiiWare service has, despite its detractors, been host to some terrific download games, including six BIT.TRIP titles from Gaijin Games. While these titles have been released at retail with BIT.TRIP COMPLETE and BIT.TRIP SAGA on Wii and 3DS respectively, the developer's latest project, Runner 2 - Future Legend of...
News New SNES Title's Pre-orders Sell Out
Anything but a nightmare
A few weeks ago we reported the surprising news that there's a new Super NES title on the way in 2013, defying the convention that developing retro games means publishing digitally on modern consoles or platforms. Nightmare Busters, from Super Fighter Team, will come on a brand new Super NES cartridge, while also including...
News Rayman Origins 3DS Delay Goes Worldwide
Now everyone has to wait
We recently found out that Ubisoft was delaying the 3DS version of Rayman Origins until 8th June in Europe and we've now been told that the game's delay will be worldwide. According to the company, Rayman Origins 3DS is now scheduled for a worldwide release in June with the PC release still set for 29th March in North...
Exclusive Tons of PAL WiiWare Demos to Return This Month
And they're here to stay
In January Nintendo of America reinstated all previous WiiWare demos while Europe looked on enviously. Well, readers in PAL regions, your time is coming. An inside source has confirmed to us that previously removed WiiWare demos will be reinstated for users in PAL regions before the end of the month. Not only that, whereas...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 5 (DSiWare)
The final test
It’s the end of another Successfully Learning series, with mathematics reaching the end of its syllabus. Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 5 is a logical continuation of its predecessors, with Freddy the Vampire appearing for one last time before hanging up his cape. By continuation we mean, of course, more of exactly the...
News Johnny Kung Fu for eShop Goes All Game & Watch
Bleep blorp
UFO Interactive's supporting the 3DS eShop pretty heavily: it's already released Samurai Sword Destiny and has Zombie Slayer Diox lined up for this week. It's got another project in the works in the old-school shape of Johnny Kung Fu. The side-scrolling beat 'em up has a stage based on the classic Game & Watch LCD display, where...
News Battlefield 3 and NES Sounds Are Finally Together
Less gritty but more fun?
At the recent BAFTA Video Game Awards, EA's Battlefield 3 was the recipient of the Audio Achievement prize, as this is a title renowned for its gritty sound effects and strong soundtrack. Not released for any Nintendo consoles, this may have passed some of us by. Despite these facts, one YouTube user has put together a...
News 3DS Stand Set for Solo Sale in Japan
Going its own way
As the number of plastic-based add-ons for 3DS starts to grow, keen collectors will be pleased to know that the system's stand, due to be released with Kid Icarus: Uprising, looks set for its own appearance in shops. The Japanese release of the stand-alone peripheral — we apologise for that — is confirmed for 22nd March, and it...
News UK PokéPark Treasure Hunt Set for Saturday
Toys 'r' you
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond launches in Europe this week, and Nintendo UK is kicking off the party with a treasure hunt this Saturday. The Toys 'R' Us store at Brents Cross will host the expedition on 24th March, starting at 10am. Be one of the first 25 people to find toys of the game's four playable Pokémon — that's Oshawott, Tepig,...
Sunday18th Mar 2012
Feature The Life and Times of SEGA's Game Gear
Black beauty
Ask any gamer of a certain age which handheld they grew up with and the overwhelming response will be "Game Boy". Long before the Pokémon explosion of the late 90s, Nintendo's portable dominated the competition — not even closest competitor SEGA could upset the balance with the release of its Game Gear in the early part of...
Saturday17th Mar 2012
Feature Obscure Series That Should Return on Wii U
Baby come back
Whenever a new system is announced, cyberspace is filled with wish lists of games that ought to be released faster than you can say Miyamoto. Very little is known so far about games coming to Wii U, so speculation is rife even though some classic series have already been heavily hinted at (Pikmin 3) or should be an announcement away...
Review Shinobi (3DS eShop / GG)
On-the-go ninja, go ninja, go.
The Shinobi series has been sneaking about the gaming world for over two decades, and the 1987 original arcade entry remains a classic to this day. The 1991 Game Gear instalment — also called Shinobi — has now infiltrated the 3DS eShop, and we're happy to say that it's aged better than we would have expected. You...
Review Pirates Assault (DSiWare)
Stealing your money in more ways than one
CIRCLE Entertainment has carved out a fanbase for itself with the DSiWare crowd, due in large part to the consistently excellent Castle Conqueror series. It's had a few misfires along the way — see The Seller — but, by and large, gamers have been able to count on CIRCLE's releases to feature a hefty...
News Nintendo Leaves BAFTA Empty-Handed
Not a Tanooki statue in sight
Last night saw the GAME British Academy Video Game Awards in London, with Nintendo's brightest and best up for several awards. Shame the Big N didn't actually win any, then. Arguably the biggest upset came in the Mobile & Handheld Game category, where iPad title Peggle HD beat Super Mario 3D Land to take the title...
Friday16th Mar 2012
Hardware Review Hyperkin SupaBoy Portable SNES
The biggest retro hardware release in more ways than one
The lapse of hardware patents on retro platforms has resulted in an explosion of clone machines, most of which are produced cheaply in the Far East. These systems emulate the performance of consoles such as the NES, Super Nintendo and Genesis/Mega Drive, all of which are no longer covered by...
News SEGA Drops Four Sonic Games from Japanese VC
Are we next?
SEGA is taking four Sonic games off the Virtual Console in Japan. The Mega Drive/Genesis games Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic & Knuckles will all be removed from sale on 30th March, along with Sonic the Hedgehog on Master System. There's currently no word on whether these games will remain
News eShop Welcomes You With Update Notifications
Come in, sit down
Those exhausting days of opening the eShop, heading over to settings and scrolling through your download list to see if any of your purchased games have received updates are over. Power up the eShop now and, if any updates for your games are available, you'll be met with a message telling you exactly that; it's then a simple tap to...
News Samus and Link Suits Pop Up in Dynasty Warriors Vs.
Suits you
Tecmo Koei's next Dynasty Warriors game for 3DS, Dynasty Warriors Vs., features some interesting sartorial options for discerning Nintendo fans. The Japan-only scrapper lets you dress up as Link or Samus in her Zero Suit. They're included on the cart, but you'll have to get far enough in the tutorial mode to unlock them. Note that these...
News Rayman Origins 3DS Pushed Back in Europe
Summer date
Ubisoft's pushed the 3DS version of Rayman Origins back to June for Europe. The platformer was originally supposed to be released today but instead Ubi's now put an 8th June release date on the platformer. No reason for the delay has been given. Over in North America, Nintendo.com still lists the game for 20th March but there's no...
News Game & Watch Gallery 2 Coming to Japan
Having a ball
What comes after Game & Watch Gallery? If you said Game & Watch Gallery 2, you get a cookie. The Japanese Virtual Console service gets the second compilation next week, retailing for 400 Yen. The original game was released on Game Boy and later revamped for Game Boy Color in the West, but as Japan only got the black and white...
News Arc Style: Soccer!! 3D Shoots, Scores on 29th March
3D dribbling
Arc System Works' Arc Style: Soccer!! 3D is two weeks away from slotting its first effort past the eShop goalkeeper. Or, in English, the 3D soccer game will hit the 3DS eShop in North America on 29th March. The sporty download will set you back $6.99 and includes the ability to customise players and kits, use your own photograph for a...
News Catch the BAFTA Awards Live Stream Tonight
Will Zelda or Mario win?
Tonight you can watch the 2012 GAME British Academy Video Game Awards live online through the magic of streaming. Zelda and Mario are up for multiple BAFTA awards and you can see how they get on over at the BAFTA website. The event starts at 9pm UK time — that's 10pm CET, 4pm Eastern and 1pm Pacific. Here's the full list...
Thursday15th Mar 2012
Review Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! (3DS eShop)
Put some putt in your strut
The second 3D golf title to hit the eShop, Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! offers a miniaturized approach compared to its counterpart Let’s Golf! 3D, but promises at least three times the level of exclamation points. A close cousin to the pricier WiiWare game Fun! Fun! Minigolf, this title delivers short, simple courses...
Nintendo Download 15th March 2012 (North America)
Time to get into Game Gear
The long wait for Game Gear titles on the eShop is finally over, with three releases arriving as expected. The DSi and Wii aren't entirely forgotten, while there's some anime on Nintendo Video: let's get right to it. 3DS Virtual Console: Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (Game Gear, SEGA, $4.99) — Before Sonic and Mario...
News Pokémon Black and White 2 Box Art Revealed
Let battle commence
It's safe to say that the announcement of Pokémon Black and White 2 caused a stir in late February, with many fans of the series having strong opinions on a direct sequel being released on DS. Now that the dust has settled and the reality of these new titles has sunk in, it's time to take a look at the recently released Japanese...
News Super Mario 3D Land Director Wanted Cape Mario
Fluttering in 3D
Last week's Game Developer's Conference was clearly an ideal opportunity for Nintendo's brightest to talk about the company's main mascot. Koichi Hayashida, a key figure in all things Mario nowadays, revealed that Mario could have had a skateboard, amongst other things, and that he wanted Donkey Kong and Pikmin cameos in Super Mario...
News Mathematics Proves That Mario Games Are Difficult
Mario + Retro = Hard
Many gamers, including those of us who consider ourselves to be accomplished gaming ninjas, find older Mario titles such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World difficult to finish. Thanks to scientific research, we no longer need to feel shame when the dreaded 'Game Over' screen appears. According to an analysis of the...
News Transformers Prime Announced For Nintendo Consoles
Time to transform and roll out
Activision has announced Transformers Prime, based on the TV show by Hasbro studios. It's described as an 'action brawler', so we can expect lots of button pressing, but other details outside of a 2012 release are in short supply. This title appears to be exclusive to Nintendo consoles, with versions planned for Wii,...
Wednesday14th Mar 2012
News Kid Icarus Uprising Gets Perfect Review Score in Famitsu
Now it's really flying
The anticipation and hype for Kid Icarus: Uprising seems to be growing with each passing day, with AR card giveaways and regular trailers ensuring a high profile. Despite all of the build-up it's surely the game itself that matters most, and it's received a major boost from renowned Japanese magazine Famitsu. In the latest...
News Kingdom Hearts 3D Director Promises 35 Hour Campaign
An RPG with some distance
If you're looking for a lengthy adventure for your 3DS, then perhaps Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance will satisfy that urge. The 3DS debut of the series is expected in both Europe and North America this year, and game director Tetsuya Nomura has promised that it will be a substantial experience. In an interview with...
News New Fire Emblem Trailer Raises the Temperature
Battles, and then more battles
Upcoming 3DS title Fire Emblem: Kakusei, or Fire Emblem: Awakening as its known outside of Japan, undoubtedly has eager fans clamouring for a release date. With the title due to hit Japanese stores on 19th April specific worldwide details have not yet been forthcoming, though Europe has been confirmed for a 2012...
News Capcom Admits It Can't 'Sugarcoat' Its Revelaitons Typo
Avoids comment on Mega Man Legends 3 cancellation
It may have been the first major 3DS title of 2012, but the North American release of Resident Evil Revelations was affected by the horrifying Revelaitons typo. It caused much mirth around the internet as reviewers posted photos of the offending box-art, as well as the strange scenario of some gamers...
Feature The Evolving Role of Swapnote
More than just a letter box
Nintendo Letter Box, also known by the catchier title of Swapnote in North America, filled a notable gap in the 3DS’ functionality when it was launched in late December last year. When the handheld launched various features were bare-bone or missing, and one frustrating omission was the lack of any meaningful way to...
News 3D Beauty Clock Timing a Release on 3DS in Japan
And it's free
Nintendo's download services have seen some peculiar releases in their time, with the 3DS eShop slowly joining in the fun. Today, courtesy of Andriasang, we bring you Beauty Clock 3D. From the creatively-named publisher Beauty Clock Co., this is a free app due for release on the Japanese eShop next week. A total of 360 women pose with...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Won't be Available from GAME/Gamestation
Nintendo confirms other retail options
In the past few weeks we've reported that a number of titles on Nintendo consoles weren't going to be stocked by the embattled GAME retail group in the UK: titles such as The Last Story, Mario Party 9 and Tekken 3D Prime Edition have all missed out. The much-hyped Kid Icarus: Uprising can now be added to the...
Tuesday13th Mar 2012
News Nintendo Reportedly Has 812.8 Billion Yen in the Bank
Steak dinners are on Satoru Iwata
It's well known that Nintendo is set to announce losses for this financial year, with its latest projections from earlier this year predicting a loss of 45,000 million Yen. While that may seem like a grim statistic, a feature in UK magazine Nintendo Gamer has sifted through Nintendo's bank accounts and found an...
Tiny ship, big adventure
There's a new threat to civilization, and this time it's something we can't see: the Nanostray virus, which is deadly enough to serve as an immediate threat to humanity as we know it. The solution? Well, as anyone who's seen Fantastic Voyage (or, erm...Innerspace) knows, it's time to shrink a spacecraft down to microscopic...
News Michael Pachter Suggests That Wii U Could Struggle
Too early to know
Earlier today we reported that the Gears of War developer expects Wii U success, so it would be remiss of us to not report the alternative viewpoint of well-known Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter. On his regular GameTrailers show, Pachter answered a question about whether Wii U would face a similar fate to Dreamcast, an...
News Free Kid Icarus: Uprising Cards Fly Onto North American Club Nintendo
No time to waste
Lucky Club Nintendo members in North America now have a chance to pick up a free pack of AR cards for the upcoming 3DS release, Kid Icarus: Uprising. For those not in the know, AR cards unique to this title will be used for simulated battles, with the victor apparently earning in-game currency and goodies. With plenty of cards...
News Donkey Kong and Pikmin Could Have Had Cameos in Super Mario Galaxy 2
Yoshi would have enjoyed the company
There was a lot of talk about Mario at this year's GDC — Game Developer's Conference — including the revelation that Super Mario 3D Land could have had skateboarding. Koichi Hayashida, a leading figure in recent Mario titles, revealed that particular piece of information when on stage, but in an interview...
News Inazuma Eleven GO Chrono Stone Confirmed for 3DS in Japan
Time travelling and sports finally together
The Inazuma Eleven series is unlikely to be well-known outside of Japan due to significant delays in localisation for European releases, while North America has missed out entirely. With the second title's Inazuma Eleven 2 Firestorm and Blizzard dual-release due at the end of this week in Europe, it may...
News Gears of War Developer Expects Wii U Success
'I think it will do great'
With Wii U getting closer to release and with so many details yet to be revealed, the clamour for insight and opinion on the console is growing. At the recent Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco Eurogamer.net took the opportunity to discuss the console with Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, a developer best...
News Zombie Slayer Diox Trailer is Dead Musical
A rhythmic slash-fest
UFO Interactive has officially confirmed that its next eShop title, Zombie Slayer Diox, will be released in North America on 22nd March. It's a rhythm-action game that sees the hero slashing through waves of zombies to a hard-rock soundtrack: not your typical eShop release. The developer has wasted little time since its last...
Monday12th Mar 2012
Review Samurai Shodown IV (Neo Geo)
Another victoly
It's only taken 18 months since Samurai Shodown III for the fourth instalment, Samurai Shodown IV, to reach Virtual Console in Europe. As part of something of a Neo Geo resurgence following King of Fighters '97, Sam Sho IV is another strong addition to VC's fighter library. SSIV takes the basic three strengths of slash from its pre
Rumour Donkey Kong 3D Swinging Into View
Disclaimer — might not be a real game
We quite enjoy the occasional rumour here at Nintendo Life, especially on a Monday. With that in mind, we're pleased to bring you the latest speculative news, and that is that Donkey Kong 3D is coming to 3DS this year, or on 25th May if you believe one particularly enthusiastic online retailer. This rumour...
Nintendo Download 15th March 2012 (Europe)
UPDATE: Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure Demo arrives
Last week was a bumper Nintendo Download week in Europe, but this week plays catch-up with North America and has some releases that are sure to please retro fans: check out the details below. 3DS Virtual Console: Metroid (NES, Nintendo, £4.50/€5) — Samus' original NES adventure was...
News Mega Man Legends 3 Fan Group Launches Weapon Design Contest
Blast to the prize
The cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3 is still a source of disappointment for some gamers, and we even looked into the background of the project in our 3DS games you'll probably never play feature. The '100,000 Strong' campaign group that formed to press for a return of the game's development is still in action to this day, with...
News Mad Dog McCree Takes Aim at 3DS
Strictly old-school
In its relatively short existence so far, the 3DS eShop has already enjoyed its fair share of vintage download titles. The latest to emerge — somewhat unexpectedly — is Mad Dog McCree, a full motion video (FMV) arcade shooter. Originally an arcade machine, this simple point-and-shoot title made its way to different disc-based...
News Wii Remotes Can Help Diagnose Eye Disorder
No, really
The humble Wii has been a lot of things in its lifespan beyond a simple gaming machine. It's become an alternative exercise centre, dance studio, artist's easel and, of course, a games console. The Wii Remote, meanwhile, has been possibly the most creatively-used game controller in the industry's history, with its motion capabilities...
News New PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Trailers Arrive
Cute and deadly
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond has already arrived in North America, with the European release on the way, and promises to bring more typically colourful and cute gaming to the franchise. The latest trailers released by Nintendo UK show all four playable characters in action, giving you an idea of how the action unfolds and the sheer...
News Bomb Monkey Aiming for a Spring Explosion
Renegade Kid co-founder hopes so
Last week we brought you the news that Renegade Kid had teased a new game for eShop, Bomb Monkey. There were no significant details on the title's web page, but we made a guess that its a puzzle game that involves using the monkey to blow up blocks in an aztec setting. The lack of details, however, doesn't...
Sunday11th Mar 2012
Review Zuma's Revenge (DSiWare)
An expensive addiction
We'll say one thing for PopCap — it sure knows how to transform simple tasks into madly addictive experiences. And from Peggle and Bookworm to Plants vs. Zombies, Nintendo fans have been able to enjoy excellent ports of some of its most popular games. Zuma's Revenge is the most recent PopCap title to make the jump to...
Saturday10th Mar 2012
Feature Nintendo's Motion Revolution
Gaming for everyone
The release of the Famicom is often regarded as one of the biggest moments in gaming history, as it not only brought Nintendo into the home console arena, but it also introduced the world to a plumber named Mario. The console, as we know, proved to be an incredible success and has helped create the industry we have today, but...
News VVVVVV Update Released on eShop
The flip fix is in
For those of you who haven't fired up your 3DS eShop today, we're pleased to announce that an update to VVVVVV has been released that will fix the Flip Mode problem of the original release. We updated the game and took it out for a test ride and the Flip Mode now works perfectly. This should add some replay value to the game for...
Friday9th Mar 2012
Review Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (3DS eShop / GB)
Heavenly
When the original Kid Icarus hit the NES, many gamers weren't sure exactly what to think of it. For starters the game's protagonist was a cute little winged angel (at least we thought so) who ran around shooting tiny arrows at mythological enemies. Of course it didn't help matters that the game was released around the same time Nintendo's...
News Europe's Virtual Console Loses 6 Games This Month
Some in, some out
Recently we reported that two more games will leave Europe's VC service at the end of this month, but that's not the extent of the damage. At least six games will disappear from the Virtual Console on 31st March: R-Type (TG-16)Vigilante (TG-16)Ninja Spirit (TG-16)
News Be Careful When Watching This Kid Icarus Medusa Trailer
It might turn you to stone
Haven't had your fill of Kid Icarus: Uprising media after the 3D anime and 3D screenshots, here's some — 2D — footage of the game in action. The Medusa trailer below is one of the better videos Nintendo's released, with new bosses, weapons and wizards of various foods on display. At 4:38 it's got everything you could...
News Kid Icarus 3D Anime Hits North America This Week
Two-parter inbound
Europe got a Shaun the Sheep 3D episode this week; North America gets a two-part 3D anime based on Kid Icarus: Uprising. We'll leave you to decide who got the better end of the deal. 3DS owners in North America can power up their Nintendo Video applications to find the first (and, depending on when you read this, second) part of...
Out Now History of Nintendo: Volume 2 - Game & Watch
Book 'em
The second instalment in Pix'n Love Publishing's History of Nintendo book series is out today. The 200-page tome looks at the history of the Game & Watch, with reviews of every unit, over 1,500 pictures and exclusive documents too. If you've ever wanted to know more about Nintendo's 1980s portable games, this book should scratch that...
News A Kid Icarus Tournament Winner Is Draenmhar
First past the post
Nintendo of America's nationwide Kid Icarus: Uprising tournament kicked off in San Francisco yesterday, with the mysteriously-named Draenmhar D. emerging victorious in the heat to win a trip to New York for the final. As you can see in his photo here he's pretty pleased with his victory, but one thing bothers us Draenmhar: why...
News Harvest Moon Creator Reflects on Hellish Development
Where did it all go right?
The very first Harvest Moon was a seminal moment in gaming history — at least, it was if you like farming games — but series creator Yasuhiro Wada recently spoke at GDC 2012 about how close he came to giving up on the game before release. Initially the game began as a cow-raising simulator, inspired by the ever-popular...
News Inafune Plans to Release King of Pirates Worldwide
Sailing the seven seas
Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune's next project, King of Pirates, is only confirmed for Japan at the moment, but if Inafune has his way we'll see it leave the Land of the Rising Sun and come to the West. Speaking to Joystiq, Inafune said that like all his titles, he's aiming King of Pirates for a global release: For all my...
News Super Mario Galaxy Blasts Past 5 Million Milestone
Come in, number nine
Super Mario Galaxy just became the ninth Wii game to pass 5 million units in the United States after just four years on sale. Mario's first intergalactic adventure joins an auspicious list of other games sitting above the 5m mark in the U.S.: Wii Play (13.06 million) Mario Kart Wii (11.3 million) New Super Mario Bros.
Thursday8th Mar 2012
Review Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream (3DS eShop / NES)
Dreamy
With ten NES titles originally released on the 3DS for Ambassadors only, it wasn't much of a stretch to expect the first ten put up for sale to be the same games. But we've already received a title that actually wasn't part of the Ambassador batch, and Nintendo has picked one of the best possible games. Originally released in 1987,...
Nintendo Download 8th March 2012 (North America)
Minigolf and Mr Dream
Next week sees Game Gear games come to North America, but until then you can engage in some sporting digital delights, with golf and boxing represented in this week's download leaderboard. Here's what's competing for your cash. 3DS Download Software: Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! (Shin'en, $4.99) — A much-enhanced version of...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising 3D Screenshots Swoop Into View
While you wait for the real thing
The hype is starting to build for Kid Icarus: Uprising, with launch now just over two weeks away. In order to get you ready for some 3D arcade-shooting action, Siliconera has bundled together a rather large batch of 3D screenshots to view on your 3DS. In order to view these images, you'll need to
News Super Mario 3D Land Could Have Had Skateboarding
Cockroaches too
Super Mario 3D Land director Koichi Hayashida took to the stage at Game Developers Conference and revealed some of the stranger ideas Nintendo's EAD team cooked up but ultimately left out of last year's platformer. Among the oddball ideas were a pro skater Mario, where the plumber rode a Koopa shell around a half pipe; an elongated...
News Resident Evil Revelations Almost Had Campaign Co-Op
Killer shrimp were also considered
Resident Evil Revelations was the first major release on 3DS this year, and it's pushed a lot of buttons with an impressive campaign and online co-op mode. Like all video game projects, however, the final product doesn't include everything that the developers initially intended, as producer Masachika Kawata and...
News Bathe in the Glory of Miyamoto's Development Wisdom
Quotes from the master
Shigeru Miyamoto knows a thing or two about making games. As general manager of Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis Division he's worked with staff including Yoshiaki Koizumi, Takeshi Tezuka and many more. One of his protégés is Koichi Hayashida, director of Super Mario 3D Land, who took to the stage at GDC 2012 yesterday and...
News Keiji Inafune Gives Rallying Call to Japanese Developers
'It must happen now'
It seems that the Japanese game industry has become a notable topic at this year's Game Developer's Conference. As we reported yesterday there was some controversy around comments made by indie developer Phil Fish, yet some would agree that, despite the bluntness and innacuracy of saying that Japanese game 'suck', there are...
News 3DS Hardware and Software Still Dominating Charts in Japan
Another week, same story
In recent weeks there has been one trend that has been impeccably reliable: that the 3DS is outselling its competitors in Japan. Its software has also invariably sold well, with multiple titles camped out in the top 10. As reported by Andriasang, 3DS is once again the top selling hardware in The Land of the Rising Sun with...
Wednesday7th Mar 2012
News Pokémon Champion Stripped of Title After Hotel Incident
Update: Puig tells his side
After the unsavoury hotel incident at the Pokémon Video Game Championships this past weekend, it seems Masters champion Rubén Puig Lecegui has had his title taken off him. Puig was allegedly involved in the incident that threatened to overshadow the tournament, and although he emerged victorious in his division the...
News Indie Developer Phil Fish Says Japanese Games 'Suck'
Clearly hasn't been playing much Nintendo
The Japanese game industry is undoubedly facing challenges, and in the opinion of some is losing its influence as the homeland of gaming: as Keiji Inafune said at the Tokyo Game Show in 2009, for example, 'Japan is over'. That said, a comment made by indie developer Phil Fish at a GDC (Game Developer's...
Talking Point The Inevitability of Digital Retail Games
How will it affect our gaming?
For Nintendo gamers, the video game market is currently a simple, relatively traditional place. If you want to buy a retail title, you hit the high street or visit your online retailer of choice and pick up a box with a disc or game cart inside. Pop that media into your Wii, 3DS or DS and you’re immediately playing...
News Darksiders II Creative Director: "Don't Compare It to Zelda"
There's no link
THQ's original Darksiders on PS3 and Xbox 360 drew a lot of comparisons with Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda series, but creative director Joe Madureira wants the upcoming Wii U sequel to skip those analogies this time. Joe Mad told Official Nintendo Magazine he only wants to compare Darksiders II to its predecessor: I'll be curious...
News Two More Sonic Game Gear Games Rated
Have a Blast
The Australian Classifications Board has rated two more Sonic the Hedgehog games for 3DS Virtual Console. The Game Gear titles Sonic Blast and Sonic Labyrinth have both been rated for 3DS Virtual Console, indicating we'll see them somewhere further down the line. While neither is fondly remembered as a classic title in the Sonic canon...
News Havok Physics and Animation to Power Wii U Games
Some of them, anyway
Havok will provide its physics and animation tools to developers working on Wii U. Havok Physics is arguably the most recognisable in-game physics engine — a small field, admittedly — and has powered games including Half-Life 2, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and more. Managing director David Coghlan is very excited: We are...
News Take a Good Look at Ketzal's Corridors
They're through here
It's not long until you'll be able to download Ketzal's Corridors for 3DS, and Nintendo has released a new trailer for the game showing what you can expect. It'll all look pretty familiar to anyone who's played ThruSpace on WiiWare, but hopefully the 3D screen will add something fresh to the experience. Nintendo of America's...
News Castlevania: The Adventure Whips Japan Next Week
3DS VC gets spooky
Castlevania: The Adventure will take a bite out of the 3DS Virtual Console in Japan next week. The Game Boy game reaches Japan on 14th March alongside the previously-announced launch of Game Gear. Christopher Belmont's solo outing will cost ¥400, and while it's not the best 'vania title on Nintendo's humble black and white...
News Renegade Kid Teases New eShop Game
No Mutant Mudds here
Renegade Kid, developer of the critically acclaimed Mutant Mudds, has launched a teaser website for its next game, Bomb Monkey. The image in this article is the whole website, a one page image of a monkey with a bomb on its head standing on aztec-style blocks, with the word 'puzzling' in place of a normal Flash loading bar. So,...
News Shin'en Licensed to Develop for Wii U
Rocket start
German developer Shin'en Multimedia is licensed to develop for Wii U. The team behind WiiWare hits Art of Balance, FAST Racing League, Jett Rocket recently updated its home page with the following message: Welcome to Shin'en's web-site. If you're interested in our services and productions, you've come to the right place. Shin'en was...
News Junction Point Holding "Epic" Event on 27th March
What could it be?!
After months of speculation, rumour and cat-out-of-bag-letting, it seems Junction Point is finally ready to lift the lid on Disney Epic Mickey 2. The developer has scheduled a press event for 27th March, saying nothing more than it will reveal an "epic project". Late last year a Disney newsletter mentioned Epic Mickey 2, and...
Tuesday6th Mar 2012
News North America, These Are Your Upcoming eShop Games
Lots on the horizon
While Europe is celebrating something of a Virtual Console revival this month, North America has a stack of 3DS eShop content on the way in the coming weeks and months. For a start, Game Gear games hit the North American eShop on 15th March, but there's more. Here's what's on the cards according to Nintendo's latest press...
Ninterview Camille and Kennerly - The Harp Twins
Making sweet music
The internet is full of unusual covers of Nintendo songs, but none caught our eye quite like this Ballad of the Goddess harp duet by identical twins Camille and Kennerly, aka The Harp Twins. We talked to the musical duo about gaming, music and sticking together. Nintendo Life: Hi guys, thanks for agreeing to this interview! First...
News Game Gear Hits North American eShop on 15th March
Treble trouble?
When the eShop was announced, SEGA aficionados welcomed the news that Game Gear titles would arrive on the platform. Famous for guzzling batteries and offering a high-tech alternative to the humble Game Boy, this was a handheld that took many console favourites on the go. The wait is almost over with confirmation that three titles...
Nintendo Download 8th March 2012 (Europe)
Minigolf ahoy
It's a big old Nintendo Download this week, with a 3DS demo, Game Boy game, two Wii Virtual Console games and original 3DS download software hits alongside DSiWare puzzlers and a WiiWare demo. Let's get to it. 3DS Virtual Console: Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (Game Boy, Nintendo, £2.70/€3) — Pit's second adventure comes to...
News Sound-chip Enthusiast Explains Retro Sound Design
NES music gets the treatment
For some gamers there's a particular pleasure to be found in listening to music from previous console generations. We're not referring to the midi-fest of the N64, but going all the way back to the original NES. Technological limitations meant that only certain sounds and compositions could be used, but clever design...
News Hideki Konno Discusses Mario Kart 7 and its Development
Blue shells aren't going anywhere
Mario Kart 7 is now well established as one of the games to own on 3DS, contributing to an important revival for the handheld in the Holiday period. We'd wager a lot of gamers are still revving up their karts for some racing, which says a lot for the series' appeal to gamers of varying experience levels. IGN has...
News Nothing Says "Marry Me" Like Swapnote
Romance is alive
Communication freebie Nintendo Letter Box/Swapnote is ideal for sketchy doodles and sharing glorious 3D photos of your dinner, but could it have a higher purpose? Could it be used to bring about a life of blissful matrimony? Yes. The video below is simultaneously the nerdiest and most heartwarming video we've seen all year. Call us...
News 3DS Notches Up 4.5 Million U.S. Sales So Far
Outstrips DS
3DS recently hit 4m console sales in the United States, and Nintendo of America has just revealed the system sales now stand at over 4.5m in the U.S. alone. By comparison, the Nintendo DS sold 2.4m units in the United States in its first 12 months, so 3DS has had a pretty good opening year. Nintendo's other figures for comparison make...
News Dead or Alive: Dimensions Demo Punches Europe This Week
On guard
Tecmo Koei scrapper Dead or Alive: Dimensions is the latest 3DS game to get a playable demo in Europe this week. The fighter gets a free trial version in this week's eShop update, due as always on Thursday. You can always read our Dead or Alive: Dimensions review to see if this is 3DS's king of fighters or just a jobber.
Monday5th Mar 2012
News Spanish Pokémon Team Disgraced
Pokémon Brown
This past weekend saw the Pokémon Video Game Championships hit Birmingham, UK, with teams travelling from all over Europe for a shot at the prize. While the event itself went off without a hitch, Ruben Puis Lecegui defending his title to secure a trip to Hawaii, we've heard rumblings of an unpleasant occurrence along the way...
Review Metroid (3DS eShop / NES)
The classic that inspired so many still holds up today
The NES section of the 3DS's Virtual Console expands by another notch with the addition of Metroid, regarded by many as one of the best entries that amazing series has to offer. The great news is that it's every bit as wonderful as you remember; the bad news is that it's no more interested in...
News Three Turbografx-16 Games Dropped from VC
Bloody Wolf drops off
Europeans might think they've got it tough with two more games set to leave the Virtual Console this month, but North America's VC just thinned out too. Turbografx-16 games Bloody Wolf, Drop Off and Silent Debuggers have all been removed from the service in North America, and will be taken off Japan's servers tomorrow. At t
News Assassin's Creed III is Coming to Wii U
Sneaky
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed III will be released on Wii U, the publisher has revealed. The game reaches PS3 and Xbox 360 on 31st October but as we don't know when Wii U is out don't take this as a day one Wii U release. Still, the news that Ubisoft's supporting Wii U with one of its biggest upcoming titles has to be a reason to be cheerful,...
News Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Celebrates Japanese Launch at Hooters
Where else?
Here at Nintendo Life we often attend or read news of launch events, some of them quirky and full of character. The Japanese press reception to celebrate the release of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, however, may have seized the crown for the most unusual launch party yet. As reported by Andriasang, game journalists in Japan attended...
News Two More Games to Leave EU Virtual Console
Get them while you can
After Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was pulled from Virtual Console, two more titles are set to leave the service in Europe this month. Super NES games R-Type III: The Third Lightning and Super R-Type will no longer be available to download after 31st March. It's not the first time this has happened with the venerable shooter...
Review Aahh! Spot the Difference (DSiWare)
Spot the indifference
Greetings, fans of two-pictures-that-are-seemingly-identical-but-are-actually-slightly-different-to-one-another! Aahh! Spot the Difference is here to make you happy people indeed — as long as you don't mind the fact that it's short, bland and totally forgettable, that is. Adding another log to the bonfire of similar titles,...
News Shaun the Sheep Comes to Europe This Wednesday
Only on 3DS
Those long-awaited episodes of Shaun the Sheep make their way to 3DS in Europe this week, with the first episode available on Wednesday. The first of 15 episodes launches on 7th March, with a new episode due every week through SpotPass. They're all free and exclusive to 3DS through the Nintendo Video application. FIRST 3D SHAUN THE...
News Mario Party 9 is Coming Up the UK Charts
So you better get it started
Mario Party 9 may be trying a few new things, but it still knows how to keep a crowd happy. In this week's UK software charts the latest entry in the series has secured a very respectable third place, grabbing it a useful stash of mini-stars in the process. This is apparently the highest debut UK chart position for the...
News UK Pokémon Video Game Champions Crowned
The very best
Putting aside the nonsense from the weekend, here are the three young trainers who emerged victorious from the UK Pokémon Video Game Championships. Rubén Puig Lecegui successfully defended his title in the Masters Division, which includes anyone born in or before 1996. Last year Puig lost in the semi-final to reigning world champion...
Saturday3rd Mar 2012
Feature Nintendo's Biggest Blunders
Even Mario gets it wrong sometimes
They say true love triumphs over any hardships. If that is the case, then we must really love Nintendo, for it's provided us with plenty of chances to test our devotion throughout the years. Here is a selection of moments where it all went topsy-turvy, even if our commitment never wavered: You Can't Play That:...
Friday2nd Mar 2012
News This is Meloetta, Pokémon Number 648
Nice to meet you
Say hello to Pokémon #648: Meloetta. The new 'mon was leaked recently on a movie poster but here's your first good look at official artwork of the musical-themed character. Meloetta has two Formes: Aria is a Normal/Psychic type, while Pirouette Forme is Normal/Fighting, which should result in some interesting strategies...
News Nintendo: "We Refuse to Succumb to Patent Trolls"
Wii Fit patent case dismissed
Rick Flamm, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of Legal & General Counsel, has spoken out against "patent trolls" after winning a third litigation case this year. Californian firm IA Labs claimed that the Wii Balance Board and Wii Fit software infringed on U.S. Patent No. 7,121,982. IA Labs'...
News Capcom Japan Reprints GameCube Game Gotcha Force
No, we don't know either
Think back to Capcom's GameCube classics: Viewtiful Joe. Killer 7. Resident Evil 4. Good games, one and all, making it all the more baffling the publisher has reprinted Gotcha Force for Japan. The 2003 action RPG didn't review too well and never flourished into a full-on franchise, but Capcom's giving it another shot with a...
Game of the Month February 2012 - Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D
Snaaaaaaake!
In a new regular feature, Nintendo Life's editors choose the best game reviewed in the previous month for your reading pleasure. Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D: Konami's PS2 remastering was revealed alongside the 3DS way back at E3 2010, and while it seems to have taken an age to materialise it's important to remember 3DS isn't ev
News Here's a Dog Playing Nintendogs + Cats
Barking mad
Nintendo's first "spokesdog", Uggie from Oscar-winning movie The Artist, is chilling out after his success by playing Nintendogs + Cats on a pink 3DS. The canine actor's career hits a new high in these photos as he pretends to understand the console's autostereoscopic display and touch screen interface. We know the dog's smart,...
News Capcom Open to More 3DS Resident Evils
Might take a while, though
After Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D and Resident Evil Revelations both hit 3DS within the machine's first year on sale, Capcom's keen to keep the survival horror series juggernaut going on 3DS. Series producer Masachika Kawata spoke to IGN about the possibility of more 3D entries in the franchise, and signs are looking...
News Samurai Shodown IV Europe-Bound Next Week
Unsheathe your sword
Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge will slice up Wii's Virtual Console next week. The Neo Geo fighter launches on 8th March for the usual 900 Nintendo Points. It's most notable for introducing brothers Kazuki and Sougetsu Kazama, as well as alternative endings based on clearance time and an overhauled combo and Rage system...
Thursday1st Mar 2012
Life and soul
Nintendo's never been afraid to capitalise on the success of its franchises or, as some would say, beat its successful games to within an inch of their lives. Who knew when the very first Mario Party hit N64 in 1998 that, 14 years later, we'd be staring at the 11th — 12th if you count Mario Party-e — instalment in the series? After...
Review Super Mario Bros. (3DS eShop / NES)
Yet another way to experience a masterpiece
Mario. Say it loud and there's music playing. Say it soft, and it's almost like praying. Super Mario Bros. was, is, and will always be one of gaming's great masterpieces, and its availability on any additional format is a good thing. Now it's come to the 3DS Virtual Console, and we couldn't be happier. For...
One cartridge, infinite possibilities
They may not find much favour with purists, but flash carts are becoming increasingly popular these days. The rapid march of technology combined with the low cost of flash-based storage has generated a wide selection of different options, almost all of which are produced in limited quantities and to very crude...
News Nintendo Japan Reveals Cobalt Blue 3DS Console
More colour coming
Nintendo of Japan just pulled the sheet off its newest 3DS colour: Cobalt Blue. The darker blue — which you may remember from a DS Lite that hit Japan and North America — is scheduled to go on sale across the country from 22nd March, the same day Kid Icarus: Uprising goes on sale. Even more beautiful is the special edition...
Nintendo Download 1st March 2012 (North America)
Metroid on NES
Bit of a slow week to kick March off, with an NES game on 3DS Virtual Console, a couple of demos and one piece of DSiWare all there is to talk about today. 3DS Virtual Console: Metroid (NES, Nintendo, $4.99) — Samus Aran's first adventure surely needs no introduction, but it's available to buy in the eShop from today. We'll review...
News March's Club Nintendo Rewards Are Up Now
Coins at the ready
It's 1st March, which means the North American Club Nintendo just updated with its new digital offerings. Coin-holders can exchange their hard-earned currency for three downloadable games, which are: Art Style: Cubello (WiiWare) — 100 CoinsMario's Picross (3DS Virtual Console) — 100 CoinsRadar Mission (3DS Virtual Console) —...
News 3DS Continues to Dominate in Japan
Outselling all the rest
Any suspicion that the 3DS revival in Japan was a temporary improvement is still being disproven, with the latest Japanese charts showing another strong showing for the handheld. With 3DS software also prominent, the handheld is still on a roll in its homeland. The latest Media Create results, as reported by Andriasang, show...
News Two New MH3G 3DS Bundles to Hit Japan
Roar power
Not content with releasing a cobalt blue 3DS console this month, Nintendo of Japan is also putting together two more hardware bundles for Monster Hunter 3 G. Japanese consumers can pick a red or black 3DS console packaged with a copy of the game and an official MH3G cleaning cloth, all for 19,800 Yen — about £153 / $244 / €183. Has...
News Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! Rattles into 3DS Cup Next Week
Well, in Europe anyway
Shin'en's first eShop game Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! is coming to Europe next week. 3DS owners in the continent can fire up their consoles, head over to the eShop and watch a 3D video of the game in action. If you're on a computer you can read our First Impressions: Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! and anticipate all the Fun! Fun!...
News Exclusive Pokémon Available Ahead of Championships
From our friends at Eurogamer.net
March is the month of the Pokémon Video Game Championships around Europe, with the UK event taking place in Birmingham on 3rd March. For those looking to gain an advantage at the upcoming contest, our colleagues at Eurogamer.net are offering an exclusive Pokémon as a helping hand. Having teamed up with The...
