Review Metal Gear Solid (Game Boy Color)
Snake sneaks onto Game Boy Color in his first portable op
Talking Point Achievements, Trophies and Wii U
Achievement unlocked?
News - 2012, Week 08
Sunday26th Feb 2012
News Pokémon Black & White Version 2 Announced
Not quite as expected
Pokémon series director Junichi Masuda appeared on Japanese television show Pokémon Smash! this morning to finally make his highly anticipated announcement. Two new games, Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version 2 were revealed, although next to no information was given. The extent of what Masuda revealed were the...
Review May's Mystery: Forbidden Memories (DS)
Never send a kid to do a professor's job
We've seen the rise in popularity of a few new or previously underappreciated genres within the current generation, among them rhythm-based games, brain training titles and life simulators. Another is the puzzle- and brain teaser-centric adventure, which rose to popularity with Level-5's Professor Layton...
You certainly can't claim false advertising
So far, GameOn has made its name on DSiWare with simple games executed well. Box Pusher does nothing to buck that trend, offering a gaming experience that manages to be both vast and shallow, but what this game lacks in personality it easily makes up for with its strong and clever central conceit. Box...
Saturday25th Feb 2012
Feature 3DS Games You'll Probably Never Play
Cancelled!
The 3DS has endured some trying times in its short lifespan, among these being a number of cancellations of high-profile games by third-party publishers and developers. We've decided to highlight five of the biggest titles to get the chop in the past year, why they were cancelled and the likelihood of these games being resurrected...
Friday24th Feb 2012
News Aonuma Drops a Note About More Zelda Titles
You have mail, maybe
It's not a surprise to hear that Eiji Aonuma, producer of The Legend of Zelda series, is once again teasing more releases on 3DS. We've heard rumours of a 3D remastering of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, the possibility of a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and Aonuma himself referring to a continuation o
News Pokémon Director Hypes up Sunday Announcement
Oh Masuda, you tease...
At the start of this week you may have seen the news that Pokémon Director Junichi Masuda teased something for Sunday, saying that all would be revealed on Japanese TV show Pokémon Smash. Speculation naturally followed, and Masuda has decided to up the ante with a post on his English-translated Game Freak blog page. His...
News Mario and Luigi 3DS Pouches Hit Club Nintendo Japan
Hats off
The Japanese Club Nintendo rewards just got a little cooler, with Mario and Luigi hats added to the roster. They're not just normal hats though — in fact, they fail to fulfil the primary function of a hat by not staying on your head — but they can be used to hold a 3DS console. These pocket pouches have actually been around before when...
News Iwata Hits Out at Nikkei's "Gossip Magazine" Tactics
Don't annoy the big man
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata was very unhappy a quote attributed to him in Nikkei's report about Nintendo resurrecting Seaman for 3DS, and took to Twitter to give his side of the story. While most outlets — including this one — picked up just on the Seaman story, apparently the original Japanese article quoted Iwata as...
News Nnooo Reveals escapeVektor for 3DS
Bit player
Australian developer Nnooo has announced it's bringing escapeVektor to 3DS in late 2012. escapeVektor: Chapter 1 on WiiWare released in 2011 to positive review scores, and Nnooo will certainly hope the 3DS version meets with the same success. Nnooo's Nic Watt says: We were delighted by the reception the WiiWare version of the game...
News Expect to See a Real Mario Kart in Tennessee Real Soon
Miyamoto not included
Remember those real-life Mario Karts created by West Coast Customs? Nate Stehley of Clarksville, Tennessee just won one. Stehley will get the keys to his fully functional electric-powered kart on Tuesday, so if you step out next week and see a grown man driving a Mario kart with a glider attached, you're not going completely...
News Sakaguchi's The Last Story Launch Trailer is In
Director has the final say
The Last Story is out today in Europe and creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has co-directed a trailer to get you even more excited. The trailer below gives you an idea of the scale you can expect from Sakaguchi's latest Wii RPG, which by our reckoning is rather good. Don't believe us? Our The Last Story review is pretty...
Thursday23rd Feb 2012
Review Dillon's Rolling Western (3DSWare)
On a roll
After an initial launch period when the 3DS eShop was struggling for exclusive software, it’s now gaining genuine momentum. As well as some excellent third-party efforts, Nintendo itself has jumped into the fray with its latest title, Dillon’s Rolling Western, arriving to some fanfare. This title continues the trend set by Pullblox,...
News This is How Game Gear Games Will Look on 3DS
Better than before, naturally
Now we know that Game Gear games are coming to 3DS in March, SEGA has revealed how the titles will actually look on the console. The games use their own Virtual Console menu with options for screen mode, system colour, "performance" and control over after-image/ghosting, a common facet of the original Game...
Reaction Nintendo Direct - Nintendo Joins the Modern Age
Bringing the hype
Yesterday, on the same day that rival Sony launched PlayStation Vita in Europe and North America, Nintendo hosted three online broadcasts designed to reveal and publicise upcoming services and titles. It was the second time Nintendo Direct had taken place, though the timing and execution of this second run showed that the company...
Nintendo Download 23rd February 2012 (North America)
Boxes and more
The download is in and it includes gnomes, armadillos, puppies, kittens and... boxes. Who said games characters can't have personality any more? DSiWare: Box Pusher (GameOn, 500pts) — You're the box pusher. Pushing boxes is what you do, and you do it well. In fact, you're the greatest box pusher this town's ever seen. Make and share...
News Now GAME Pulls The Last Story Completely
No stock at all
Yesterday we reported that GAME won't stock The Last Story limited edition but now it's dropped the game completely. A Nintendo Life reader received this email about his pre-order: Unfortunately we are no longer stocking The Last Story on Wii. If you return to the store they will be happy to refund your £5.00 deposit. I apologise...
News Xenoblade Chronicles Team Recruiting for 3DS Game
Is that a Monolith in your pocket or..?
Xenoblade Chronicles developer Monolith Soft is recruiting for an unannounced 3DS project. The Japanese developer has several positions available, including motion designers, 3D CG designers and motion designers. The title doesn't have a name, but considering the jobs specifically mention monsters, maps and...
Wednesday22nd Feb 2012
News The Last Story Coming to Wii in North America
At last!
Your prayers have been answered: The Last Story is coming to North America. XSEED Games is publishing the critically acclaimed RPG in North America later in 2012, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime announced. You can read our The Last Story review to find out why this game is worth the wait.
News Project Zero 2: Wii Edition Confirmed for Europe
Spooky goings-on
After what seems like an age of "will it, won't it?" Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that Project Zero 2: Wii Edition will come to Europe. Nintendo UK revealed the news through its new official Twitter account, also confirming that Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir will come to the continent in 2012. So that's one more Wii...
News Nintendo Lets Rip with Kid Icarus: Uprising Multiplayer Info
New video inside
Kid Icarus: Uprising got the lion's share of attention during today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts, with the game's online multiplayer the subject of much discussion. The video below shows most of them in action but if you're more of a reading person — which, as you're on a gaming website, we imagine you might be — there's...
News Marvel Pinball 3D a Separate eShop Game, not DLC
Cleared up
Nintendo Europe's list of eShop games coming soon contains Marvel Pinball 3D from Zen Studios on the way in the second quarter of this year. While Zen Studios has released the tables as DLC for Zen Pinball on PlayStation Network, 3DS will get the Marvel tables as a standalone game, not add-on content for Zen Pinball 3D, the studio...
News Mario Tennis Opens Up with New Gameplay Video
Another Camelot smash hit?
Now we know Mario Tennis Open is out in May it's time to feast your eyes on some fresh gameplay footage, showing off the new multiplayer and touch screen functions. You'll be able to use the 3DS console's built-in gyrometer to move your system around to take a look around the court, though we're not quite sure of the...
News Mega Man X the Highlight of Europe's Wii Schedule
Notable absences, though
Capcom will finally release Super Nintendo classic Mega Man X in Europe next month, nearly a whole year after its North American début in April 2011. The 16-bit blaster isn't the only Virtual Console game present in Nintendo's release list for early 2012 — while there's no Strider or Super Street Fighter II with online...
News Picross e and Art of Balance Touch Among New eShop Games
Plenty more in there
Nintendo of Europe has just revealed some of the brand new content coming to the 3DS eShop this year, with original games from Shin'en Multimedia, Jupiter and more on the way. Here's the line-up of original Download Software on the way to Europe in 2012: Dillon’s Rolling Western (Nintendo) — 22nd February 2012Fun! Fun!...
News Fire Emblem 3DS Europe-Bound in 2012
Confirmed
Fire Emblem (tentative) is coming to Europe in 2012, Nintendo has revealed. The strategy RPG is heading to 3DS before the year is out, with a full European translation and DLC plans. Nintendo reveals the first lot of DLC for the game in Japan will be free for a limited time, and will include new maps and story. Nintendo also says there may...
News SEGA, Capcom and Namco Bandai Tease 3DS Project
Big names, secret game
SEGA, Capcom and Namco Bandai are collaborating on a secret Nintendo 3DS project. The game, which Namco Bandai will publish, has no name or genre so far, just a teaser site available. What do you think these three giant companies could be cooking up for 3DS?
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Gives New SpotPass Weapons Every Day
Getting stronger all the time
Masahiro Sakurai has revealed players will be able to grab new weapons for Kid Icarus: Uprising through SpotPass. Speaking at the on-going Nintendo Direct, Sakurai spoke about the system's StreetPass and SpotPass functions opening up new ways to share and create weapons. Players will be able to get new Power Gems to...
News Watch the US Nintendo Direct Here - 22nd February 2012
We've got it all
Reggie Fils-Aime's Nintendo Direct is up on YouTube now and you can watch it all right here. Why not share your comments with our other users in the discussion section below? Talk about the latest release dates, revelations and more with fellow 3DS and Wii fans.
News Europe Scores Inazuma Eleven 2 on 16th March
Goooooaalll
Inazuma Eleven 2 Blizzard and accompaniment Inazuma Eleven 2 Firestorm are taking potshots at European DS consoles from 16th March 2012. The team-up is easily the highlight of a pretty thin DS release schedule for the upcoming months, though it's worth pointing out that Cave Story is down for release next month. No, we don't quite...
News GAME Drops The Last Story Limited Edition
Pre-orders are out of luck
For UK gamers planning to pick up the special edition of The Last Story from retailer GAME, there's been some disappointing news as their orders have been cancelled. As reported by Eurogamer, emails were sent to affected customers earlier this week, giving only a few days notice before the title launches on 24th February...
News Pandora's Tower to Get Limited Edition Release
Everyone's in on the act
Nintendo's finally cottoned on that limited editions of games are definitely A Good Thing. Following the limited edition releases of Xenoblade Chronicles and upcoming The Last Story, April's big Wii game Pandora's Tower will also get a limited edition release. Like The Last Story, Pandora's Tower will come with a steel book...
News Get a Load of Two Dillon's Rolling Western Trailers
Cool, armadillio
Dillon's Rolling Western is out in the eShop now, but if you want to see a bit more of the game before dropping your £9 / €10 / $9.99 we have two new videos from Nintendo. The first is the simple launch trailer while the other gives some useful tips for mastering the game's tower defence leanings. If you've picked the game up yet...
News Dr. Mario and Toki Tori Join the 3DS VC This Year
Is there a Dr, Duck in the house?
Fresh from the list of upcoming 3DS eShop games for Europe comes some new announcements of Virtual Console games you can expect to see too. Here's the list of digital delights on the way to the VC in Europe this year: Punch-Out!!™ (NES) — 1st March 2012Super Mario Bros™ (NES) — 1st March 2012Dr Mario™...
News Nintendo Using Swapnote for Marketing Messages
Your inbox is about to bulge
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced during his Nintendo Direct conference that the company will use Nintendo Letter Box to send game-related messages to 3DS owners. Interestingly the service can target players of specific games — indeed, players of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D in Europe should keep...
News Mario Tennis Open for North America on 20th May
Tightly packed
Mario Tennis Open's global release dates are in, and it's a tight grouping. North America gets the game first on 20th May, before Japan on 24th May and Europe on 25th May. Camelot's first online game in the series includes head-to-head multiplayer with skill-based matchmaking. Nintendo has also revealed you'll also be able to pick up...
News Dillon's Rolling Western Has Arrived in North America
Hitting the Wild West
European gamers celebrating the release of Dillon's Rolling Western today can be joined by their North American friends, as it's been confirmed that the title is now available in the eShop. Footage of the title with some information on features and gameplay can be found on Reggie Fils-Aime's Nintendo Direct broadcast, which you...
News European 3DS VC Gets Game Gear Next Month, Too
Double trouble
Just like Japan, Europe's 3DS Virtual Console will get Game Gear games in the middle of March. Satoru Iwata made the announcement today at Nintendo Direct. We expect Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Shinobi and Dragon Crystal to come to the service, with more to follow.
News Rhythm Thief Arrives in Europe on 5th April
Time to feel the beat
It's been confirmed today that Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure will hit 3DS in Europe on 5th April. In good news for the title's hopes for success, Nintendo of Europe will be teaming up with SEGA for its distribution. With a combination of mystery and touch-screen rhythm-based controls, this is one of the more...
News Mario Tennis Open Served to Europe on 25th May
Online play confirmed
After earlier confirmation of Mario Tennis Open launching in Japan on 24th May, it's been confirmed that Europe only needs to wait one extra day with the title landing on 25th May. Further details were also confirmed, including online and local multiplayer, with download play conveniently available for four players. It will...
News Dr. Kawashima is Coming to 3DS
Just what the doctor ordered
It's been confirmed that a new entry in the Dr. Kawashima series is on the way to 3DS. Though no exact release date was given it's due in Japan this summer, with worldwide plans yet to be confirmed. This new entry will focus on two key areas: concentration and working memory. It will consist of intense exercises to be...
News Dillon's Rolling Western Out Now in Europe
On your marks
So that's why Dillon's Rolling Western didn't appear in the Nintendo Download for Europe this week — it's out today. The action tower defence game is out in the European 3DS eShop now. It costs £9.00/€10. Here's hoping North America gets the game after its own Nintendo Direct show, due to start in just over an hour.
News Mario Tennis Open Launches 24th May in Japan
Served for an ace?
Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has confirmed, through his Nintendo Direct broadcast, that Mario Tennis Open on 3DS will be released in Japan on 24th May. It's the latest first-party offering to be released as part of Nintendo's revival of the handheld, and it's the fourth time — including Virtual Boy — that Mario has taken to the...
News Game Gear Games Reach Japan VC Next Month
Are we far behind?
The Japanese 3DS Virtual Console service will get its first Game Gear games next month. Andriasang reports the service will get its next new system on 14th March, launching with Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Dragon Crystal and Shinobi. The games will cost ¥300 each — that's about £2.40 or $3.75. Ho
Tuesday21st Feb 2012
A memorable tale
As the Wii prepares to be usurped by its successor, you could argue the console's getting some exceptional adventures in its twilight. European gamers had the pleasure of working through epics such as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Xenoblade Chronicles in 2011, with North America due to receive the latter soon. For those...
Talking Point Achievements, Trophies and Wii U
Achievement unlocked?
Back in 2005, Microsoft kick-started the HD console era with Xbox 360, at the time a technical marvel with online capabilities that were one of the jewels in its creamy white, far-too-easily overheating crown. However, while online play, reams of downloadable content (DLC) and a single, unified community were indeed admirable...
News Next Smash Bros. Development Starts with a Look Back
Sakurai in retrospective mode
The announcement of a new Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS drew cheers at E3, even if we knew it would be a few years until we got to play it. Creator Masahiro Sakurai has just wrapped up work on Kid Icarus: Uprising, but before his thoughts turn to the new fighter he's taking a look back at development of Super Smash...
News Nintendo Resurrects Dreamcast's Seaman for 3DS
Nothing fishy here
Bizarre Japanese fish conversation simulator Seaman is coming to 3DS, according to Andriasang. The Dreamcast original boasted a microphone that let you talk to the titular fish-with-a-face, giving him commands and building a relationship; in the English version, the voice over was provided by none other than Spock himself, Leonard...
News Reggie Also Presenting Nintendo Direct Tomorrow
Time for some fevered speculation
Earlier today we reported that Nintendo Japan is hosting Nintendo Direct tomorrow, but it transpires that this will be a triple act, with Europe and North America in on the act too. As some have already pointed out in the previous article, Reggie Fil-Aime will be hosting his own presentation tomorrow after Satoru...
News Nintendo Japan Hosts Nintendo Direct Tomorrow
Why tomorrow..?
Nintendo Japan will host another of its Nintendo Direct internet broadcasts tomorrow at 8pm Japan time (11am GMT / 6am EST / 3am PST). Nintendo president Satoru Iwata will discuss the latest Wii and 3DS developments, so you never know what we might see. The last broadcast, on 27th December, showcased Fire Emblem: Kakusei and Kid...
Rumour Nintendo Courting Comcast for Wii U
Cable may be on the way
According to Adweek, Nintendo is doing the rounds at major media chains including cable company Comcast, hoping to secure their support for Wii U. The site claims Nintendo executives met with a number of top content companies at last month's Consumer Electronics Show, but sources admit it's very early days so far and that...
News Nintendo Japan Drops Wii no Ma Service
No ma no more
With plenty of development ongoing for 3DS and the all-important task of preparing for the launch of Wii U, Nintendo has plenty of work on its plate. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that it will be Wii that loses focus, the latest example being the decision by Nintendo to drop the Japan-exclusive Wii no Ma service, with it...
News Nintendo Europe Holds its Own Nintendo Direct
In on the act
If your Japanese isn't good enough to keep up with Nintendo Japan's Nintendo Direct show tomorrow you'll be pleased that Nintendo Europe will be hosting a localised version of the online conferences. The kicks off at 1pm CET/midday UK time at Nintendo Europe, with Nintendo promising English subtitles and "extra European...
News Young Justice to Clean Up Wii and DS
Holy licensing, Batman
For those of you in North America that enjoy some cartoons on a Saturday morning, you may be looking forward to the upcoming second series of the Young Justice series, which follows teenage superheroes and sidekicks from the DC Universe as they fight crime. A series like this is also ripe for a video game, and it seems that...
News Code of Princess Battle Movie is Guardian Heroes-Esque
Most wanted?
In case you were still in any doubt that Code of Princess is the spiritual sequel to legendary SEGA Saturn co-op fighter Guardian Heroes, here's some quick footage of the game's battles in action. Featuring four of the cast of playable characters the movie gives you a short introduction to the chaos of battles, with combos, magic, bombs...
Monday20th Feb 2012
Review Metal Gear Solid (Game Boy Color)
Snake sneaks onto Game Boy Color in his first portable op
Metal Gear is a series born from limitations. Originally intended as a military shooter game for the MSX2 computer system, creator Hideo Kojima found the hardware unable to handle the large amount of on-screen action required for such an adventure. Instead of loud and overt blasting, the...
News Mario Kart 7 Mobile App Makes Kart Combos Clearer
Take advantage
With so many different kart pieces to unlock in Mario Kart 7, it can be tough knowing what's what and how to maximise your kart's abilities for land, sea and air. That's where the Combo Explorer app for iOS and Android can come in handy. The application lets you create a custom kart from all in-game parts and see how it stacks up...
Nintendo Download 23rd February 2012 (Europe)
Rolling on
Here's the full list of games available to buy today in Europe. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Dillon's Rolling Western (Nintendo, £9.00/€10) — Play as a Wild West armadillo who must defend a town from marauding rocks using gatling guns, towers and more. We'll have a full review soon. DSiWare: Box Pusher (GameOn, 500pts) — Push...
The multiplayer is the real difference
Fans of spot-the-difference puzzles will know exactly what to expect from EnjoyUp Games' latest release, iSpot Japan. Players are presented with two similar photographs, and they must identify any details that differ between them. It's simple, and it's a perfect fit for touch screen gaming. Unfortunately,...
News Pokémon Director Teases Something for Sunday
We're not sure what
Game Freak director Junichi Masuda has brushed off a fan question about a sequel to Pokémon Black & White with a hint to watch out this Sunday. Asked at a public Q&A for information on a follow-up to Black and White — likely the inevitable Pokémon Grey — Masuda said: I can't answer that yet. Well, I can say to...
News See Rockstar and Miyamoto's Unreleased N64 Project
Do the buggy boogie
Back in the day, Rockstar San Diego — best known for Red Dead Redemption of course — was Angel Studios, a work-for-hire developer responsible for the N64 port of Resident Evil 2 among other games. What you may not know was the studio had an internal division known as Dream Team that once worked on an unreleased N64 game with...
News Catch a Shiny Pokémon at the National Championships
Everyone's a winner
For some of you, the tease from Pokémon director Junichi Masuda will be enough to get your juices flowing. In the world of Pokémon, however, there is very often even more to get you excited. The Pokémon Company International has today released a press statement offering the opportunity for competitors at the 2012 Pokémon...
News 3DS Hits Five Million Sales in Japan
Mario, karts and monsters to the rescue
In recent weeks we've been reporting the exceptionally good run that 3DS is having in Japan, consistently selling more than all of its rivals combined. It's been confirmed today that it has hit yet another milestone, and in record time. As reported by Andriasang, Japanese chart master Media Create has...
News Mario & Sonic Sales Nearly Double in a Week
Going for gold
SEGA's sporting symposium just enjoyed a sales surge in the UK charts, with a whopping week-on-week sales increase of 94%. Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games on 3DS was released on 10th February, resulting in a 145% increase to send the title up from 31st to 10th position. Now sales of the 3DS version and discounts of...
News Nintendogs + Cats Demo Hits Europe on Thursday
Thought for paws
Cuddly pet 'em up Nintendogs + Cats is the next 3DS demo to land in Europe, due this Thursday. It's a bit of a change of pace from last week's demo of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D but then variety is the spice of life. We'll have the full download for you in just a few minutes.










































































