News The Legend of Zelda's Link Was Inspired By Walt Disney's Peter Pan
From one green hero to another
News Sonic The Hedgehog Dashing Onto Platforms In 2013
Nintendo platforms, please
News Wii U User Accounts and Nintendo Network ID Detailed
12 user accounts allowed
News - 2012, Week 45
Sunday11th Nov 2012
Truth in advertising
Are you a fan of the Trash Pack toyline? Your answer to that question dictates whether or not you'll find anything of value in The Trash Pack for 3DS, as there's nothing noteworthy about this release apart from its connection to that franchise. The Trash Pack forgoes story altogether and presents you, simply, with a menu. From...
Review Dress To Play: Cute Witches! (3DS eShop)
Half witch, half craft
Older gamers might look at Dress to Play: Cute Witches! and see echoes of the Cotton series, or Magical Chase. Cute witches (lowercase) are certainly no strangers to shoot-'em-ups, and this game aims to combine a simplified (and bullet-free) version of that side-scrolling action with a dress-up element for character...
Feature Nintendo's Wii U Hype Machine
Sharing the message
Today marks the start of a major countdown for Wii U, as it's set to arrive in North American stores in just seven days; it's a major event for Nintendo, as new home consoles aren't an overly frequent occurrence. It's been six years since Wii arrived and revolutionised gaming with its focus on motion controls, and now the company...
Saturday10th Nov 2012
News Sonic The Hedgehog Dashing Onto Platforms In 2013
Nintendo platforms, please
Sega has revealed that it has plans to release new Sonic the Hedgehog games next year, but we are left in the dark as to what systems the titles will be on. In an interview with Toys 'N' Playthings, Sissel Henno - Head of Sega's brand licensing in Europe - said that as well as focusing on releasing toys and stationary...
Review Johnny Hotshot (3DS eShop)
A total misfire
From the studio that brought us such eShop disappointments as Zombie Slayer Diox, Samurai G and clear game of the year contender Chuck E. Cheese's Arcade Room, we now get a Western-themed mess called Johnny Hotshot. And it manages to feel almost consciously terrible. The story of this game is irrelevant, but since the developer saw...
Developer Interview Shin'en Multimedia on Nintendo, eShop Development, 3DS and Wii U
Blasting onto eShop
With the 3DS eShop continuing to grow, and the Wii U equivalent already shaping up with an increasingly encouraging range of confirmed titles, there’s plenty of positivity around Nintendo’s download offerings. Like any platform it still has its detractors and issues, such as the occasional broken mess on the release schedule...
News Nintendo Of Korea's eShop Will Offer Both Japanese And English Titles
Best of both worlds
Nintendo of Korea has been hard at work localizing many games for its region. Unfortunately, not all games can be translated, so it has come up with another solution: releasing both Japanese and English games on the Nintendo eShop. This in turn transforms the online store into some sort of import store. Below is a list of the...
Friday9th Nov 2012
Thundercats, noooo!
Perhaps we were foolish to get our hopes up about Thundercats. It is a licensed game, after all, and while that's not a universally bad thing, it should by this point at least make us think twice. Then again, it's Thundercats! The original cartoon is an enduring classic, the recent reboot was surprisingly good, and the...
Out Now Animal Crossing: New Leaf Starts Life in Japan
Time to get envious
So, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is out now in Japan, released on 8th November. Once we got over the irritation of discovering that we were a day late, we thought we'd look at what we know so far, point you to previous articles that have stacks of information, compile some nice gameplay footage and look at the reaction to the game...
News You'll Need To Update Your Wii U To Play Wii Games
This update is crucial
We are already aware that you'll need to update your Wii U fresh from the box to include key features such as Miiverse, Tvii, Wii U Chat and eShop. However, another very important feature in this update is Wii functionality. As you will no doubt be aware, the Wii U will have backwards compatibility with Nintendo's previous...
News Molyneux: "I Struggle To See Anything Amazing Coming Out Of Nintendo"
Veteran developer thinks consoles have a tough time ahead
Former Bullfrog and Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux has given a frank and somewhat revealing interview with IGN where he states in no uncertain terms how sceptical he is about the Wii U's chances - as well as his worry for dedicated consoles in general. Over the course of his glittering career,...
News Wii U Browser to Use Multiple GamePad Control Options
Gyro sensor, touch screen and buttons
Nintendo hasn't always enjoyed the most success with its console web browsers, often due to modest specifications or a lack of system memory. Nintendo's now released a new Iwata Asks transcript where the team discuss the development of the Wii U Browser, and why it'll be a pleasant surprise for gamers. Part of...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Live Streaming Confirmed, But Not on Wii U
It's "being evaluated for a future update"
Activision has confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops II will feature YouTube support to live stream online multiplayer League Play games, with the player's webcam and audio commentary also recorded. Those who pay for the Elite service, meanwhile, will be able to view additional info on players as they...
News First Image of Wii U eShop Surfaces
Mario and Luigi have never looked better
While Nintendo has been keeping the Wii U's download retail system under wraps, the first picture of the console's eShop has now been released on Nintendo of Japan's website. The lone image shows off the system's interface, which looks similar to the 3DS' online storefront, and Nintendo is also promising...
News Nintendo Executive Describes Rise of Tablet Gaming as "Undeniable"
Believes these devices can be "allies"
In recent years Nintendo has continually faced the threat of smartphones and tablet devices to its handheld systems, though the Wii U GamePad's inclusion of its own touch screen is now attracting similar comparisons. It's not always a popular topic amongst Nintendo gamers, but the rise in popularity of gaming...
News Nintendo World NYC Gearing Up For Wii U Midnight Launch
Is your body ready?
Nintendo will be holding a midnight launch at New York's Nintendo World Store to mark the release of Wii U; from 6pm on Saturday 17th November you can head down to the store and join in the hype. You can take a wild guess who will be there — none other than the man himself, Reggie Fils-Aime — to welcome fans and continue the...
News SNES Campus Challenge & One-Of-A-Kind Console Go On Sale
Got a few thousand dollars to spare?
Video game collecting is something that's taken very seriously by some, and there are hundreds of expensive eBay auctions to back it up. The latest example to catch our eye is a listing on Game Gavel, with a very unique game and console up for auction. On sale is a copy of SNES Campus Challenge, a custom made...
News Struggling Silicon Knights Ordered To Recall Unsold Games
X-Men Destiny May Become A Collector's Item
A while back we reported that Eternal Darkness developer Silicon Knights was effectively on the ropes, with less than five staff members remaining in the company. The outlook has just gotten significantly worse, as it has transpired that the Canadian studio has been ordered to recall most of its recent...
News Satoru Iwata Would Like Miiverse to Become a "Game Diary"
Oh, and there's a cardboard GamePad
As more information continues to arrive in the final days before Wii U hits stores, additional Iwata Asks transcriptions are arriving in English to spread the word. One of the more recent additions features the Nintendo boss interviewing the developers behind Miiverse, a team with extensive experience in web...
News Fallblox Crashes Into Europe on 15th November
Mallo returns
Fallblox — or Crashmo in North America — is one of a number of highly anticipated eShop games arriving before the end of the year. It hits North America on 22nd November, but anxious Europeans wondering about their release date can now relax, as it's arriving in the region one week earlier on 15th November. Nintendo's also...
News Yasumi Matsuno Steps Away From Level-5
Taking a well deserved - but not permanent - break
It has been announced that Yatsumi Matsuno has left Level-5, the developers behind the Professor Layton series. Matsuno tweeted to his followers that he was retiring from the company due to personal reasons which he didn't state. Matsuno had only joined Level-5 in June last year and had been...
Thursday8th Nov 2012
Review Pokédex 3D Pro (3DS eShop)
It's evolution, baby
Admit it – if you were ever a fan of Pokémon, you probably wanted a Pokédex. The best-forgotten LCD-screened plastic versions aside, the 3DS eShop's Pokédex 3D was the first time you could hold the all-knowing electronic encyclopaedia in the palm of your hand – the catch was that it only contained the 150 Unova-region...
Nintendo Download 8th November 2012 (North America)
Paper Mario, Pokédex, dress up witches and dragons
It's that time again, when we drop everything we're doing to fire up the 3DS eShop, DSi Shop and maybe, on occasion, the Wii Shop. Yes, it's the Nintendo Download update, and this week has a mixture of retail treats, a demo and some lesser known download titles. Let's get to it. 3DS Download...
News Father Gender-Bends Link For The Benefit of His Zelda-Loving Daughter
Now that's fatherly devotion
It can't be easy for young female gamers growing up in a world dominated by men. When you're still searching for your own identity and place in the world, it must be confusing to be forced to adopt so many male personalities in the games you play. Doting father Mike Hoye didn't want his daughter Maya to face this...
News Mega Drive RPG Classic Pier Solar Could Be Headed To Wii U
Kickstarter campaign for HD version at 50% after just 3 days
Back in 2010, indie developer WaterMelon created an all-new RPG for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis to US readers) called Pier Solar and the Great Architects. An incredible achievement in itself, the game soon found a cult audience thanks to its gorgeous 2D visuals and gripping story line,...
News Capcom Loses Rights to Sell Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Combo fail
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is one the Wii's finest exclusives, a 2D fighter with colourful, bombastic visuals and enough crazy combos to satisfy the most extravagant of gamers. Its accolades from us include a 9/10 in its review and 16th place in our Wii top 20. Not just one of Wii's best fighting games, but arguably one of...
News Rest Easy, You Can Replace The Wii U GamePad Battery Yourself
Thank The Maker
Anyone who has owned an Apple product will know that the company doesn't believe in user-serviceable power cells. Apple's reasoning is that by the time your iPod or iPhone's battery stops holding a charge, you'll be considering an replacement, or will have made the upgrade already. If you do insist on getting a new battery, you have...
Review Come On! Dragons (DSiWare)
Blowing smoke
Come On! Dragons arrives on DSiWare with the promise of delivering a combination of tower defence and arrow firing action, much like its predecessor Come On! Heroes. Like the original title it succeeds to some degree, but its positives are weighed down by some disappointing flaws, meaning that it's not as hot as the title may suggest...
News Capcom Hopes To Bring Entire NES Mega Man Series To 3DS Virtual Console
Some issues holding it back
An interview with Capcom Senior VP Christian Svensson and Capcom Community Manager Brett Elston in the latest Nintendo Power suggests that the company is planning on bringing all six of the NES Mega Man titles to the 3DS Virtual Console. We've already seen the first game in Japan and Europe, while a further three titles...
News 3DS Continues Hardware Sales Dominance in Japan
Sony platforms dominate software, however
The 3DS LL (or XL, as it is known over here) saw a massive sales spike in Japan last week, jumping from the previous week's total of 38,089 to 63,993 units sold, according to the latest chart information. It was followed by the standard 3DS model, which racked up just under half of its larger counterpart's...
News Someone Skinned Amaterasu To Make This Awesome Okami Hoodie
Coming to the Capcom Store soon
In celebration of the release of Okami HD (sadly not on a Nintendo platform, it must be said), Capcom is releasing this gorgeous Okami Hoodie on its online store. A Capcom Employee posted on the Capcom Unity Blog promising that the hoodies would shortly be making an appearance, so keep your eyes peeled if you really...
News Rytmik World Music Bringing the Beat Back to DSiWare
Get composing
Cinemax has confirmed that it's bringing Rytmik World Music to DSiWare, the fifth entry in the music composition series. It's a series that's had consistently strong recommendations in our reviews, with each entry bringing an accomplished and detailed music studio to your DSi; they're perhaps best reserved for enthusiasts and those...
News Hide And Seek Footage From Chasing Aurora is Found
You can fly, but you can't hide
We're certainly interested here at Nintendo Life when more information about Chasing Aurora emerges, so new footage of one of its multiplayer modes has caught our eye. Its attractive art style does it no harm, either. We interviewed developer Broken Rules last month, where it briefly mentioned the game's multiplayer...
Wednesday7th Nov 2012
News Wii U User Accounts and Nintendo Network ID Detailed
12 user accounts allowed
During today's Nintendo Direct broadcast, Satoru Iwata provided information on Wii U user accounts and the Nintendo Network ID. In terms of user accounts, it'll be possible to have up to 12 on the system, with each storing their own save data, settings and internet browser bookmarks. With the console's concept of being an...
Review Monster Shooter (3DS eShop)
Monster mulch
Even gurning, gun-toting monsters have their softer sides. Just ask Dum Dum, the hero of Monster Shooter, who stamps through 60 alien-infested levels reducing anything in his way to viscera and goop after his beloved kitten is abducted. Though we're sure any answer you might get would involve more firearms than words. Monster Shooter...
News Wii to Wii U Data Transfer Details Emerge
Pay close attention
One feature pre-occupying the minds of some potential Wii U owners is the process to move their WiiWare and Virtual Console data onto the new console. With backwards compatibility a big part of the system — for some gamers — having access to years' worth of purchases is a welcome bonus. Of course, with Wii not having a user...
News Wii U Will Require Day One Update for Key Features
Miiverse, Wii U Chat, eShop and TVii included
Wii U is getting so close that we can smell the packaging, and vital details about what to expect out of the box are starting to emerge. While many are no doubt hoping that preview systems will reveal Wii U's secrets to the world, it seems that we'll all have a little longer to wait. As reported by IGN,...
Reaction Wii U's Social Potential Takes Shape
A bold new direction for Nintendo
With just 11 days until Wii U arrives in North America — at the time of writing — it's perhaps surprising that substantial details on Nintendo's online services have taken so long to emerge. That said, it's not unprecedented, as Nintendo often likes to keep its cards close to its chest, withholding details and...
News Nintendo Direct Wii U Summary Released by NoA
WaraWara Plaza and Wii U Chat prominent
With this morning's Nintendo Direct broadcast, there was a lot to digest, translate and understand about Miiverse and other Wii U system details. Nintendo of America has kindly put together a short summary video to highlight the key features, and provide a slightly more detailed look at the console's UI (user...
News Satoru Iwata Provides the Ultimate Wii U Unboxing
Shaky YouTube videos, begone!
Whenever new consoles hit the market, we see a glut of shaky-cam unboxing videos on YouTube, which we may watch out of sheer curiosity. In a surprising sequence in today's Nintendo Direct, however, Satoru Iwata provided his own video, albeit with much higher production values, which he called the Wii U Premium Pack...
Nintendo Direct Watch The Japanese Wii U Presentation Live
Miiverse time, at last
So here we are, another Nintendo Direct broadcast to sink our teeth into, with the focus expected to be on Miiverse. The great news is that you can watch it right here: 11am UK time, 12pm Central European time, 6am Eastern, 5am Central and 3am Pacific. It'll be in Japanese, of course, but we'll be watching with you and...
News Miiverse Explained In Latest Nintendo Direct
New information for the online social service
Today's Nintendo Direct's broadcast provided fresh details on Miiverse, the feature many have been waiting to hear more about. It really starts with the WaraWara Plaza — an image can be found at the end of this article — when you power-up the Wii U; this is the first thing you'll see on the TV...
News Wii U Chat To Include Drawing on GamePad Screen
We fear the consequences
One of the smaller demonstrations in today's Wii U Nintendo Direct was that for Wii U Chat, the feature briefly shown prior to E3. Using the GamePad stand — though simply holding the controller is an option — Satoru Iwata called up Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime for a chat. Reggie did even say a few lines in...
News Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Trailer Brings the Madness
Includes a panda dressed as Princess Peach
Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition will be available on launch day, and will include a number of features and modes exclusive to Nintendo's console. As you'd expect, adding Nintendo into a Tekken title promises to bring bizarre and humorous results, while the GamePad itself will allow control options...
News Japanese Nintendo Direct Confirmed For 7th November
Miiverse will be the main focus
With Wii U on the horizon, Nintendo has revealed yet another Nintendo Direct broadcast for Japan at short notice. The presentation will focus on Miiverse, which isn't a surprise as we reported last month that this was expected to happen close to the console's launch. The presentation will be approximately 35 minutes...
Tuesday6th Nov 2012
Review Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)
Stuck on you
If there's one thing we can learn from its 3DS catalogue so far, it's that Nintendo is great at the safe sequel. Sure, there are out-there exceptions like Kid Icarus: Uprising, but by and large we've seen a whole lot of remakes or new entries in fan-favourite franchises that are more interested in paddling along leisurely than rocking...
News Shantae And The Pirate's Curse Announced For 3DS
Your wish has been granted
Brace yourselves, WayForward fans - the latest edition of Nintendo Power magazine (second to last, we should say) features the announcement of the 3DSWare title Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse on the front cover of the magazine, and is a direct sequel to Shantae: Risky's Revenge. Not too much information has been given...
Nintendo Download 8th November 2012 (Europe)
Pokédex, 3D surfing, cake slicing and troopers
Details of this week's European update have arrived, and they're perhaps not the night sky fireworks we'd hope for at this time of year. There's still some variety across all platforms and a long awaited app arrives, though the price may surprise some. 3DS Download Software: Pokédex 3D Pro...
News Nintendo Teams Up With Disney For "Wii U Showdown"
Get ready to cringe
With Nintendo's quest to appeal to an extraordinarily wide range of gamers, it'll be susceptible to using marketing or adverts that make the older, jaded or more cynical amongst us gnash our teeth. These celebrity-based adverts can often be categorised as good, bad or cringeworthy, and we think another candidate for the latter...
News Crashmo 3D Screens Are Just a QR Code Away
A sneak peak
Crashmo — known as Fallblox in Europe — is one of the 3DS eShop's big releases due before the end of the year. As a follow up to the critically acclaimed Pushmo, it's likely to be on a number of 3DS owner's wishlists. Of course, 2D screenshots don't necessarily do this title justice, especially with the extra depth to the new...
Feature Nintendo's Presidential Candidates
The race to the Mushroom House
Today is a big day in the United States of America, as the next President is set to be elected in an exceptionally tight race to the White House. Still, politics isn't always particularly exciting, especially when candidates don't do anything fun like defy gravity or harness special abilities. No, they're two...
News Mass Effect 3 Wii U Content Detailed
DLC becomes on-disc C
Mass Effect 3 was one of Wii U's major third-party announcements for a launch release, bringing one of the year's biggest blockbuster titles to the system. The excitement is perhaps dulled by the fact that it's the concluding part of a trilogy, and that a special edition combining the games, Mass Effect Trilogy, is out today...
News The Pinball Arcade Set for Wii U Launch Window Release
Pinball wizards
In a recent interview with Warpzoned, Rob Mann, community manager at Farsight Studios, has confirmed that his company is hoping to release The Pinball Arcade during the Wii U's launch window. The pinball simulation game is notable for including a collection of real-world pinball tables, which have been accurately remade in digital...
News Ubisoft: Wii U Stock Apparently Being Focused on US
Tense times for Europe?
Earlier today we reported that UK retailer GAME is bracing for a Wii U sell out, admitting that stock will be "tight on day one". This is a theme occurring regularly, with reports a couple of weeks ago of potential Wii U stock shortages in the UK, and the rather common knowledge that pre-orders are sold out at many US...
News CyberConnect2 Confirm Interest In Solatorobo Sequel
The quest for a new adventure has begun
CyberConnect2 boss Hiroshi Matsuyama has revealed at a Namco Bandai event in Barcelona that his company would love to do a sequel to Solatorobo: Red the Hunter. Matsuyama was questioned about the possibility of a sequel, in which he expressed his desire for a new title and confirmed that they are already...
News GAME Bracing Itself For Pre-Launch Wii U Sell Out In The UK
White basic bundle already completely sold out on day one
UK video games retailer GAME has revealed that it expects to sell out of its entire allocation of Wii U consoles before the launch day of 30th November rolls around, but has stated that all current pre-orders will be fulfilled on the day of release. Speaking to Videogamer.com, a GAME...
Monday5th Nov 2012
News The Legend of Zelda's Link Was Inspired By Walt Disney's Peter Pan
From one green hero to another
Clad in green garments, sporting a pointy hat and defined by elf-like ears, you'd think we were talking about Hyrule's hero - Link. Wrong. We have Peter Pan in mind, the protagonist from one of Walt Disney's most famous animated productions, who became an inspiration for the The Legend of Zelda's main character. In an...
Review Back To Nature (WiiWare)
Back to basics
It’s a well-known fact that Nintendo’s WiiWare service has its limitations. Developers must reportedly cram their games into a paltry 40MB, and the system’s lack of horsepower can no doubt play a considerable role in curbing some game design ideas. Nevertheless, many independent studios have risen to the challenge and we’ve...
News Nintendo Download Shops Offline For Maintenance This Tuesday
Could a surprise be in store?
Nintendo has revealed that its online stores will be temporarily offline on Tuesday for scheduled maintenance. The 3DS eShop, DSi Shop and Wii Shop Channel will all be inaccessible from 10:00 PT to "about" 17:00 PT. What's coming? It could be all manner of things. Nintendo could be preparing its online portals for the...
Developer Interview Nyamyam On Tengami, Life After Rare And Nintendo's Stance On Indies
"I think the hardware capabilities of the Wii U Game Pad are a good match for Tengami"
Last week, we revealed that UK studio Nyamyam was impressed with the Wii U eShop and the potential it offers for independent developers. Keen for more knowledge, we got in touch with Nyamyam's Jennifer Schneidereit to talk about Wii U, Nintendo and Tengami - the...
News Mega Man: The Wily Wars Battles Onto Genesis Portable
Not on Virtual Console, sadly
Ever since Virtual Console arrived on Wii, plenty of older gamers — or younger retro enthusiasts — have had lists of games that they hope to see released on the service. One such title is quite possible Mega Man: The Wily Wars, a Sega Megadrive/Genesis release that includes re-makes of the first three titles in the...
News Miyamoto's Ideas for Metroid can be Found in Nintendo Land
Not a bad starting point
As you no doubt saw over the weekend, Shigeru Miyamoto recently conducted an interview with Gamekult.com, during which he shared some views on Wii U and Nintendo's most iconic characters. Some additional translated comments now provide Miyamoto's views on the Metroid franchise, and he's suggested that Wii U launch title...
News Wii U Web Browser Software Specifications Revealed
We're caught in Nintendo's web
CVG has revealed a number of details concerning the Wii U's web browser software. According to the report, the Wii U will run a version of NetFront browser (NX v2.1), and will work on both the TV and GamePad screen, as previously demoed. As with most home systems, it will not be possible to download or upload videos...
News Hori Releasing Wii U Arcade Stick In The UK This December
Not the prettiest, but will do the job
Last week it was revealed that Hori is releasing a Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition fight stick in Japan, alongside the Wii U's launch on 8th December. We were hoping that this would be available in the West, and today Nintendo Gamer confirmed that one will indeed be making its way to the UK; but sadly...
News Miyamoto Working to Encourage More Wii U Third-Party Developers
"I am trying to meet with the game developers individually"
One of the big challenges facing Nintendo and its Wii U system is to encourage more third-party developers to commit to major projects on the system. While Wii had a diverse library — perhaps more so than many think — it arguably lacked a lot of big-hitting titles from third-parties...
News Wii U Kiosks Will Allow Gamers To Try Before They Buy
A sneak peek before release
Starting from today, Nintendo is supplying 5,000 Wii U kiosks across select retail stores in North America, to allow consumers the chance to try the console before making the big purchase. Participating retailers include Target, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and Toys ‘R’ Us stores in the U.S. New Super Mario Bros. U,...
Talking Point Splinter Cell Director Doubts Triple-A Gaming's Future
"Lower-case aaa" may take over
While it's easy to get tangled up in technicalities when it comes to the graphical prowess of Wii U, one thing is 99% certain: the successors to Xbox 360 and PS3 will be more powerful, from a graphical standpoint. Whether or not the Wii U matches or surpasses the existing HD systems in this respect — it will take...
News Turns Out Worf From Star Trek Was Talking About A Fan-Made Castlevania Movie
No big-budget version coming after all?
Remember that news we posted about the Castlevania live-action Hollywood movie being resurrected? Where Michael "Worf from Star Trek" Dorn said he was involved in the production of the film? Hope you didn't get too excited, because it turns out he was talking about a fan-made series, and not the on-off...














































































