News - 2012, Week 51

Sunday23rd Dec 2012

  • Interview Nintendo of America's Dan Adelman

    Meet the man who has shaped the face of Nintendo download gaming

    Over the years WiiWare, DSiWare and the 3DS eShop have seen some critically-acclaimed 'indie' classics, such as the BIT.TRIP series, World of Goo, Mutant Mudds and more. Although he may not be a household name like Reggie Fils-Aime or Bill Trinen, Dan Adelman nevertheless plays a...

  • Review Anonymous Notes Chapter 3 - From The Abyss (DSiWare)

    Return of the Abyss

    Things have been quiet on the Anonymous Notes front — after a year and a half the series returns for a hat trick with Anonymous Notes Chapter 3 - From The Abyss. Not much has changed in that time, really: save for a new protagonist, Chapter 3 is still the same mechanically sound and somewhat aimless dungeon crawler as Chapter 2...

  • News Capcom Wishes Everyone A Merry 'Mega Man' Christmas

    Happy Holidays from its blue hero

    Capcom has treated its fans with a festive tribute to one of its most famous franchises, Mega Man. The blue-suited protagonist is seen battling his way through numerous winter levels spanning across various Mega Man titles, with 'O Come All Ye Faithful' providing some Christmas cheer throughout the video. As well...

Saturday22nd Dec 2012

Friday21st Dec 2012

  • Review Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Wii)

    Golly gosh, Mickey

    When Disney Epic Mickey arrived on Wii in time for the Holiday season in 2010, it attracted a lot of attention due to its concept and the development leadership of Warren Spector, one of the industry's most respected figures. Its relatively late arrival in the system's lifespan meant it pushed attractive visuals "for a Wii game",...

  • Guide Getting Your Nintendo 3DS Online

    Online tips for your shiny new handheld

    For some gamers this year, a shiny new 3DS will be waiting for them as a Christmas treat. Nintendo's Wii U may be hogging plenty of attention, but the handheld deserves some limelight due to its ever-growing games catalogue and range of eShop offerings. Of course, getting the most out of your 3DS really...

  • News Fire Emblem: Awakening Getting The Pre-Order Bonus Treatment In The U.S.

    GameStop has limited edition character art books to give away

    The highly anticipated 3DS strategy RPG Fire Emblem: Awakening will finally become available in North America on 4th February 2013. The game sees you take control of Lord Chrom and the Shepherds as they endeavour to rid the land of a new evil. To celebrate the release GameStop is...

  • News Legend of Zelda LEGO Project Falls At The Final Hurdle

    Back to the Future wins instead

    Everyone has cool ideas for custom LEGO sets, and thankfully since 2008 these concepts have had a chance of becoming reality thanks to LEGO CUUSOO. An official partner of The LEGO Group, CUUSOO's objective is to produce community-supported LEGO sets. Ideas are submitted via a website and members of the public vote...

  • News Capcom Wants Your Help For Future Digital Releases

    Let your voice be heard

    Capcom senior vice president Christian Svensson has posted a survey on Capcom-Unity asking users what they think Capcom should be doing in terms of future potential digital games. Note that's digital only — not retail projects. Within the survey, Capcom wants to know what you're most interested in seeing, such as straight...

  • Developer Interview WayForward Technologies on the First Days of the Wii U eShop

    High and Mighty

    Californian developer WayForward Technologies is a long-time supporter of Nintendo and its hardware. Often noted for its proficiency with 2D, the company has worked on all manner of titles on several Nintendo platforms, from licenced games to its own original properties such as Shantae and the Mighty series. For the launch of the Wii...

  • News Nintendo Europe Working On Fix For Wii U eShop 18+ Restriction

    Growing up

    We've already reported (and ranted) about the absurd mature content restrictions which impact the Wii U eShop in Europe. Games like ZombiU cannot be purchased outside of a four-hour window thanks to German law regardin

  • News Retro City Rampage Looks Set For A January Release on WiiWare

    Don't worry, it'll arrive... eventually

    It seems like forever and an age since Retro City Rampage was announced for the Wii Shop Channel - the title has had a delay or two since then. We reported earlier this month that an updated version of the 8-bit action-adventure game would be heading to Europe and North America 'soon', but no specific date was...

  • News New Details Emerge For Disney Infinity

    Looks set to be played across platforms

    Disney has always been about creating experiences. It has done it with its movies, its theme parks, its toys and also with games. Now though the company aims to create a gaming experience with a much grander scale than before; one with a lot of ambition. Disney Infinity is the company’s latest gaming...

  • Rumour Ubisoft Looking To Buy THQ's Assets

    French company reportedly in talks to acquire tangible assets

    On Wednesday THQ filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the United States, handing over its tangible assets to Clearlake Investments, an investment firm, with a view to selling the business on. It appears that Ubisoft is the front runner to pick up THQ's tangible assets, with MCV reporting...

Thursday20th Dec 2012

  • Nintendo Download 20th December 2012 (North America)

    Wario, escaping vektors, Wii U discounts and 3D goodies

    The download information arrived a little later than normal today, and no wonder — there's a lot of content available this week, along with some surprise sales on Wii U. Enough pre-amble, let's get into it. 3DS download software: escapeVektor (Nnooo, $9.99) — The original release on...

  • News False Alarm! Wii U GamePads Not Going Solo Just Yet

    UK retailer blames listing error

    A few outlets were reporting earlier this morning that UK catalogue store Very.co.uk had become the first retailer in the world to begin selling the Wii U GamePad as a standalone item - which was surprising news given that there's nothing to use two GamePads for right now, unless you like really expensive bookends...

  • News Nintendo Is Not Working On Fix For Wii U's Slow OS

    We stand corrected

    We reported yesterday that Nintendo President Satoru Iwata had apologised for the long loading times when switching between applications on the Wii U. He went on to say that a solution was in the works, but no time-frame was given. That's great, Nintendo took responsibility for this minor hiccup; we all accepted the apology. But...

  • News EarthBound Creator Confirms Something Is In The Pipeline

    Looks set to be a re-release

    The EarthBound series, known as Mother in Japan, has only ever had one game released in North America way back in 1995 when EarthBound (Mother 2) emerged on the Super Nintendo. The game has a large cult following in North America and is incredibly popular in Japan. Creator of the series, Shigesato Itoi, has confirmed...

  • Review Castle Conqueror - Heroes 2 (DSiWare)

    Another heroic effort

    Just over one year ago CIRCLE released Castle Conqueror - Heroes for DSiWare. We weren't stingy with the praise in our review, awarding it a solid 9 out of 10 and holding it up as the strongest title in a very strong series. Now we've received a sequel, and we couldn't be happier. For those who haven't played the first game,...

  • Feature The Confusing World of Mega Man Spin-Offs - Part 2

    Lots and lots of Mega Man

    We've already brought you our first part of a feature looking at the confusing world of Mega Man spin-offs, and now we're diving into some lesser known adventures from the Blue Bomber's universe. If you've played all of these then we can say one thing with confidence — you're a big fan of the franchise. Without further...

  • News The 3DS Cartridge Case Returns to Club Nintendo in North America

    But none for you, Europe

    Due to popular demand Nintendo has decided to restock the North American Club Nintendo with a limited supply of 3DS game cartridge cases, available for the sum of 250 coins. The case can hold eighteen 3DS or DS games and has four reversible sleeves, with art from The Legend of Zelda and Mario series. It's the same size as a...

  • News Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity Hitting North America March 24th

    New 3DS adventure set for early 2013 release

    Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity will be coming to North American 3DS consoles on March 24th, 2013. The latest instalment in the popular Mystery Dungeon sub-series, Gates to Infinity will allow 3DS owners to use the console's camera to scan objects and access new...

  • Developer Interview Broken Rules on the First Days of the Wii U eShop

    Taking flight

    While the launch line-up of download-only games on the Wii U eShop features some multi-platform releases or exclusives from studios well-known to Nintendo enthusiasts, Chasing Aurora is potentially in a category of its own. Broken Rules had previously released its highly regarded PC title And Yet It Moves on WiiWare, but may not...

  • News This New Super Mario Bros. 2 Course Pack Will Push Your Skills To The Limit

    "Impossible" and "Mystery" packs available in North America today

    Nintendo has revealed the final DLC Course Packs for New Super Mario Bros. 2. The "Impossible" and "Mystery Adventures" packs will be available in North America from today for $2.50 a piece. Both contain three new courses for the game's popular Coin Rush mode. Mystery Adventures is...

  • News Nintendo DS Inspired The Uniqueness Of Wii U

    Former president's philosophy still being put into practice

    Wii U is currently the system on everyone’s lips. It’s the first home console to add an extra screen to the television with the inclusion of the GamePad, but it’s not the first time Nintendo has added one to its hardware. In an interview on Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun, President of...

  • News First Ever 'Reggie Asks' Delves Into TVii

    Channel surfing, TV Tags, Miiverse integration and more

    President of Nintendo Satoru Iwata has been running the highly informative and occasionally hilarious (laughs) Iwata Asks interview series for a while now, and so far he's been the only one conducting the interviews. That all changed today as President of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime...

  • News Code of Princess Is Going Digital On January 3rd

    eShop release incoming for 3DS classic

    Atlus' Code of Princess is getting a North American 3DS eShop release in January, as indicated by the game's eShop page. The 2D fighter/RPG hybrid launched at North American retail in October, and met with a positive response from critics and consumers alike. The game still hasn't made its way to Europe. As...

  • News Reggie Fils-Aime To Host 'Reggie Asks' Interview About Nintendo TVii Today

    Application launching today in North America

    Nintendo of America announced via Twitter yesterday that it will be posting a very special 'Reggie Asks' interview focusing on the Nintendo TVii application launching for Wii U today, 20th December, across the US and Canada. Reggie will hopefully provide some new details on the service, with the Nintendo...

  • News Unchipped Kickstarter Aims To Capture The Magic Of NES Music

    "8-bit NES themes brought to life with today's technology"

    A new Kickstarter project has been launched which intends to celebrate the authentic sound of NES music. Unchipped - 8-Bit Music Reborn is the work of Brad Tratzinski, and has a modest goal of just $4,000. Tratzinski - who also plays in the band Splitbelly - reveals that the project came...

Wednesday19th Dec 2012

  • Review Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Wii U)

    Always outnumbered, never outgunned

    Black Ops was a remarkable achievement for Treyarch. By finally carving out their own vision of the franchise, one steeped in Cold War history and with narrative focus, the studio broke out from under Infinity Ward's imposing shadow and pulled off one of the most compelling games in the series. It was a breath of...

  • News Nintendo Is Sorry For Wii U Load Times, Is Working On A Fix

    Satoru Iwata apologises for lengthy waits when switching between applications

    Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has publicly apologised for the lengthy loading times endured by Wii U users when moving around the console's operating system. The comments were delivered in a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast. Iwata admitted that the load times were an...

  • Feature The Confusing World of Mega Man Spin-Offs - Part 1

    Stay with us

    We've already talked about the ten numbered console games in the Classic Mega Man series, but as you are no doubt aware that barely scratches the surface when it comes to Capcom's classic franchise. We could spend several weeks spotlighting all of the titles released across all platforms — and, believe us, we'd love to — but we...

  • News Wii U TVii App Goes Live in North America on 20th December

    Twitter and Facebook integration included

    TVii, the app that was introduced with much fanfare at Nintendo of America's Wii U launch reveal earlier in the year, will go live on the system from 20th December. It meets Nintendo's promise that the service would arrive stateside during the course of December, though a couple of supported features will...

  • News Fresh Figures Suggest Nintendo DS Is The Most Popular Console Of All Time

    Overtakes the PS2 in global sales

    According to VGChartz, the Nintendo DS is now officially the most popular games console of all time. Updated sales state that Nintendo's dual-screen handheld has shifted an amazing 153.69 million units worldwide, while the PS2 has sold 153.68 million. The DS - which hit the market in 2004 - has sold 56.47 million...

  • Developer Interview Shin'en Multimedia on the First Days of the Wii U eShop

    Neo beginnings

    Shin'en Multimedia is a developer likely to be well-known to Nintendo download enthusiasts, with the company having made multiple appearances on Wii and 3DS, in particular. Some of its releases, such as Jett Rocket and Art of Balance TOUCH!, have been among the best titles on WiiWare and the 3DS eShop, respectively, while the small...

  • Review Wizard Defenders (DSiWare)

    We have but a fool's hope

    On the surface, Wizard Defenders seems like a promising blend of match-3 puzzling and tower defence; in its best moments it's a concept that works well. Unfortunately these moments are rare, and despite its budget price this title lacks the magic to make a gamer happy. This is a good example of a reasonable idea being...

  • News 7000 Wii U Systems Stolen in Seattle

    Nintendo will be sleepless tonight

    Earlier this week there were initial reports in local press that thousands of Wii consoles had been stolen from a distribution warehouse in Seattle, though now the story has spread wider and it's transpired that they were Wii U systems that were seized. If the stock is never retrieved, then it's a loss for Nintendo...

  • Review Zombie Skape (DSiWare)

    There is no eskape

    If you haven’t noticed by now, then we’re just going to have to come right out and say it: zombies are popular. There’s no real way to trace the resurgence that zombies have had in popular culture, but it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. That being the case, there have been a whole lot of video games featuring zombies in...

  • News Space Harrier 3D Is Real, Hits Japanese 3DS eShop Next Week

    Welcome to the fantasy zone

    Back on November we reported on a rumour that stated SEGA was about to bring some of its classic arcade titles to the 3DS with fancy 3D visuals, and that Space Harrier was set to see release first. Turns out it was more than just a rumour, and SEGA is launching Space Harrier 3D on the Japanese 3DS eShop on December 26th...

  • News 3DS Continues To Dominate Sales In Japan

    Not even Wii U can stop it

    Last week Wii U launched in Japan and clocked up some impressive sales, so impressive that it even outsold the 3DS, which has been dominating hardware sales in Japan for a sustained period and outselling the competition by 2.5 times. However, the Wii U wasn't on top for long as this week the 3DS came back with a...

  • News Namco Bandai Impressed By Western Interest In Project X Zone

    Chance for an English-language version yet?

    Cross-over RPG Project X Zone launched on the 3DS in Japan earlier this year but hasn't been granted a western release as yet - despite the efforts of Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada. However, some people at Namco Bandai are at least aware of the demand for this game in this part of the world - including...

  • News THQ Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

    Upcoming games are safe

    THQ has been sailing through some stormy seas recently. The developer currently has $16.4 million outstanding on its facility and recently entered into a forbearance agreement with the finance company Wells Fargo Capital Finance. The waves don’t seem to be easing up for the company as it has today filed for Chapter 11...

  • News Atlus Is Bringing Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers To North America

    Shin Megami Tensei fans, rejoice

    Atlus has confirmed that Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers will be getting a North American release in Spring 2013. The 3DS exclusive is an updated version of the Saturn original which appeared in 1997 and was subsequently ported to the PlayStation two years later. The Japanese 3DS release took place...

  • News Capcom's Projections Tumble As Monster Hunter 4 Is Delayed In Japan

    3DS smash hit now set for summer debut

    Capcom has confirmed that Monster Hunter 4 will miss its March 2013 release date in Japan. The company has revealed that the eagerly-awaited game will be pushed to a vague summer launch, and added that the delay was "based on the decision that further quality enhancements are needed in order to meet the...

Tuesday18th Dec 2012

  • Review Hydroventure: Spin Cycle (3DS eShop)

    Water way to go

    2010 WiiWare title Hydroventure (or Fluidity as it was known in North America) was a fine example of how to harness the unique properties of a console’s hardware to deliver a refreshingly original experience. The water-based gameplay was accentuated by clever puzzles and hidden collectables, making it one of WiiWare’s undisputed...

  • News UK Press Pins Blame For Sandy Hook Massacre On Video Games

    Call of Duty and Dynasty Warriors both named and shamed by tabloid papers

    UK newspapers The Sun and The Daily Express have laid the blame for last week's tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut squarely at the feet of violent video games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Dynasty Warriors. 20 children and six adults were ruthlessly gunned...

  • Review Gardenscapes (3DS eShop)

    Hidden Horticulture

    Who hasn't dreamed of leaving it all behind, of quitting the city and hopping a train to the glorious green of the countryside? Gardenscapes plays off of this desire, casting you as the young inheritor of your grandfather's country home and garden, now both sadly in disrepair. Restoring the once-beautiful garden will require some...

  • News Kojima Productions: We Aren't Thinking About Metal Gear Rising On Wii U

    No solid hope for conversion

    Early next year, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners will get the chance to sample the latest instalment in the Metal Gear series, with Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance arriving on their consoles. The game is a co-production between Kojima Productions and Platinum Games, and boasts a compelling mixture of sword-play and...

  • Developer Interview Neko Entertainment on the First Days of the Wii U eShop

    The cat meows

    Neko Entertainment has been ever-present on Nintendo consoles since it was formed in 1999. Based near Paris, France, the developer has created both retail and digital download games for most major systems of the last decade, from Nintendo 64 right through to Wii U. In something of a coup for the outfit, Neko secured a place in Wii U...

  • Feature Mega Man Retrospective - Part Two

    Back to the future

    Yesterday we brought you part one of our Mega Man retrospective, where we looked at the first five main entries in the iconic series. It's all in honour of the Blue Bomber's 25th Anniversary, with this segment spanning the NES to Wii eras of Nintendo systems, with some non-Nintendo systems making a brief appearance. Mega Man 6...

  • News The Cave On Wii U Is "Pretty Much" Like Other Versions

    Double Fine aiming for parity across platforms

    Double Fine's first Wii U game The Cave is due on the eShop early next year, and the company has been showing off what makes the Nintendo version so special. The GamePad's screen is used for character selection, and can also be used to focus the in-game camera on a certain individual by double-tapping...

Monday17th Dec 2012

  • Review James Bond: 007 Legends (Wii U)

    Thunderbore

    With the new James Bond film Skyfall currently rocking movie theaters across the globe, you might expect this year's 007 game to be all about the present. Instead, Eurocom's swansong digs into the franchise's rich 50-year legacy, updating some of Bond's more memorable moments for the modern era. With the successful re-imagining of...

  • Review Real Bout Fatal Fury (Wii Virtual Console / Neo Geo)

    In the beginning...

    After several releases in the Fatal Fury franchise, SNK decided to create a sub-series with the release of Real Bout Fatal Fury. The game didn't deviate too far from the experience that fans had come to expect, but there was a certain intensity and flair that needed to be explored and perhaps that was the reasoning behind the...

  • News Microsoft's Application For Killer Instinct Trademark Is Denied

    New instalment in development at Rare?

    Although it's not something that is likely to impact the production of a new Killer Instinct title for Nintendo consoles - the IP is owned by Rare (and, by extension, Microsoft) so that's not going to happen any time soon, sadly - but interesting news has filtered through about a possible new entry in the...

  • Developer Interview Frozenbyte on the First Days of the Wii U eShop

    A not-so frosty reception

    Over the last few months, Nintendo has displayed a significant shift in its attitude towards digital distribution and online in general. On 3DS we've seen the addition of downloadable retail games, a more regular stream of demos and downloadable content for first party titles. Wii U looks set to extend this approach...

  • Nintendo Download 20th December 2012 (Europe)

    Escaping vektors, Clive in the Wild West and heroes in castles

    It's the final Nintendo Download update before Christmas, so Nintendo's got a helping of festive cheer for us to download. Only Wii is left out to ask Scrooge for some new content, with both handhelds getting new games and Wii U joining in with some juicy price reductions. Let's get to...

  • News Capcom Releases New Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Wii U Gameplay Videos

    Includes humongous swords

    As a special pre-Christmas treat, Capcom has released a series of three gameplay videos via its community blog for the upcoming Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on Wii U. The videos contain battles with three brand new beasties; the Lagombi, Zinogre and Brachydios, with all three battles taking place on very different terrains...

  • Feature Mega Man Retrospective - Part One

    25 years young

    Twenty-five years ago today, the world was introduced to a super fighting robot — the Blue Bomber himself — Mega Man. Known as Rock Man in his native Japan, Mega Man earned global fame and popularity, introducing gamers to a unique and challenging franchise that, unsurprisingly, became a piece of classic gaming history. Looking...

  • News New Japanese Trailer for Dragon Quest VII 3DS Remake

    Slime-o-riffic

    Square Enix of Japan has unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming 3DS remake of the PlayStation classic Dragon Quest VII. While the 3DS remake will remain largely true to its predecessor, we reported earlier this month that there will be visible encounters rather than random battles, which can be seen in the trailer. According to CVG

  • News Mega Man 1 to 6 Blasting Onto 3DS Virtual Console

    No need to be blue

    In early November we reported that Capcom was aiming to bring the NES Mega Man games to the 3DS Virtual Console, and it's now been confirmed that this will be a reality. With all of the NES titles already released in Japan and the original Mega Man available on the European eShop, the time for North America to join in has now...

  • News Wii U Software Falls Off The UK Charts

    Nintendo Land the only survivor

    Last week we reported on some struggles for Wii U software in the UK all-format charts, with various possible reasons behind the lack of impact of the system's games. There's a low install base, for one, meaning that it's too early to proclaim the console to be in any kind of trouble; with that said there seems to be...

  • News Mario And Friends Wish Us All Happy Holidays

    Oops, we forgot to send a card back...

    As part of the festive season it's time to exchange messages of kindness and friendship with some cards. Mario and the gang have gone for the electronic approach — a whole forest would have been lost to send cards to every Nintendo gamer — with a dedicated web page to wish you Happy Holidays. If you want to...

  • News Mario Voice Actor Charles Martinet To Lend His Talent To BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2

    It's a me...Commander Video?

    Gaijin Games has announced that its upcoming title, BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, will be narrated by none other than Mario voice actor Charles Martinet. The renowned voice actor will be voicing seven cut-scenes that appear in the downloadable game. Rather than lending his voice to a new...

  • News Job Losses Rock LostWinds Developer Frontier

    The Nightmare Before Christmas

    LostWinds developer Frontier Developments has made 14 of its 233 staff redundant, Eurogamer has revealed. The Cambridge-based studio - which expanded its operations in North America earlier this year - is letting the staff go at 6pm on Friday 14th December - just 11 days before Christmas.