Comments 1,027

Re: Nintendo of Japan is Putting on a Massive 5th Anniversary Sale on the 3DS eShop

HandheldGuru97

Damn.....its been five years???? Wow. I still remember that first day the eShop went live! I bought my DSi in 2009 largely for the DSi Shop, which was (at the time) really, really awesome for my younger self! The 3DS eShop blew it clean out of the water. Still, five years since the 3DS came out and...six years since e3 2010, with the 3DS announcement. Damn. Getting on up there 3DS, and I still love that machine to death. Hope this sale (or at the very least some discounts) come westward!

Re: Video: CoroCoro Releases Its Own Pokémon Sun and Moon Trailer

HandheldGuru97

@CB85 Damn...now that makes me feel old...my first Pokémon game, already 10 years old and aiming next for a remake. Still remember getting on my tenth birthday back in '07, good times. However, I'd rather it wait until 2018-2019, let the NX handheld get established and let the 8th Generation of Pokémon begin before DP remakes.

Re: Gallery: Take a Closer Look at the Pokémon Sun and Moon Box Art and Starter Pokémon

HandheldGuru97

Rowlet is amazing. Seriously! Easily the most hyped I've been for a new starter in God-knows-how-long!!!!! It's a bloody owl, grass Pokémon...he's just so cute! Love the look of the Alola region so far too...it will definitely be a lot bigger than this one island (the docks, size and the Honolulu-ish city means there will be more, I think!)
Moon's Legendary is also quite fascinating. Sun's is cool, but a fire lion? Kind of lame, if you think about it, it's a common trope. But a dark looking bat/demon...thing that is Moon's Legendary? Nice. Maybe not my favorite box Legendary, but it looks unique enough to make me curious as to what the story will be like! Excited to see more in the future, Gen VII is going to be really awesome!

Re: Talking Point: Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem Could Provide Nintendo's Mobile Breakthrough With Fans

HandheldGuru97

Animal Crossing is a bold and very key move for Nintendo. That series (whether you like it or not) is a major seller on most consoles it has come to. New Leaf alone, despite being 3+ years old, will still pop up in the Top 20 over in Japan every now and then! That is absolutely insane considering how much the game has already sold. Happy Home Designer (Which despite some drawbacks, I myself rather enjoyed it!) sold major numbers over in Japan, look at the recent financial report, that game really out did any and all expectations! I think...if Nintendo plays their cards right on AC Mobile, they could have a major, major hit on their hands. Even if it isn't a massive hit stateside (which it really should and most likely will be) Japan will eat it up!
Fire Emblem...I'm not quite sure on that one yet...it too us a rather bold and gutsy move. It shows that Nintendo isn't just focusing on "casual" franchises for mobile, but is willing to go more "hardcore" games. Fire Emblem Mobile, I'll keep an eye on it...

Re: 14 Titles Across Wii U and 3DS Were Million Sellers in the Last Year

HandheldGuru97

Among all the doom and gloom, some very welcome news! Splatoon and Mario Maker sales are quite impressive. Looks like, Mario Kart 8 is the best selling Wii U game, which I would say is more than welcome, best MK game by a mile!!! Back on the 3DS, seems like Nintendo still did pretty good in a lackluster year. I know some people might not like Happy Home Designer, but I enjoyed what little was there, Japan really, really liked it too. I also loved Super Mystery Dungeon, not as good as Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky, but a welcome near-return to form for the spin off, that really deserves the sales!

Re: The Legend of Zelda for Wii U Will Be The Only Playable Nintendo Game at E3

HandheldGuru97

Wait, wait, wait! Nintendo, what in the hell are you doing!?!?!!!? No NX and only Zelda U?!? The Wii U and 3DS are dead to them it seems. I wonder what this means for games like Pokémon Sun and Moon, the DQ 3DS titles. Pokémon is Gamefreak, but those Dragon Quest titles aren't being brought over by Square. This could be a disaster for them, or maybe it'll pay off. I'm not usually this pessimistic about Nintendo, but this time...

Re: SNK Playmore Rebrands As Plain Old SNK

HandheldGuru97

Glad to see that SNK is well, back to being just 'ole SNK. Hopefully, we'll see some NX support from these guys! Always been a little disappointed that Neo Geo Pocket Color games never hit the 3DS VC service, sure there aren't many, but what's on the NGPC...damn. Some of the finest handheld fighting games out there, great sports games, a fantastic Pac-Man port, and a few great RPG's (mostly Poké clones, none the less very excellent games) I suppose there is still time too!

Re: Review: SEGA 3D Classics Collection (3DS)

HandheldGuru97

"For some, the inclusion of Puyo Puyo 2 alone will make Sega 3D Classics Collection a must-buy." *Looks up and down at myself...yup.

Seriously, even though I already own Sonic and Galaxy Force II, M2 deserves every penny I have. They are complete masters at their work, and if any of the other 3D Classics (that I have downloaded) are any indication of the quality these titles will have, then $30 is a small price to pay. Fantasy Zone II W and the Master System version of II, Tears of Opa Opa are huge selling point next to Puyo Puyo 2

Re: Poll: The Utterly Charming Animal Crossing Series Is 15 Today, But Which Is Your Favourite?

HandheldGuru97

This question is like asking me to choose one between my two favorite children....I have a lot of love and nostalgia for Wild World. My first Animal Crossing game, easily my most played DS game, lots of great memories from that. However, New Leaf is really what made me buy the 3DS in the first place. Or at least the E3 2010 Tech Demo showing a (then) Next Generation AC game. What that humble little demo evolved into was the best 3DS game hands down. Wild World may win in the nostalgia field, but New Leaf cleans house on everything else.

Re: Feature: How One Man Saved Kyoto - And Video Games - From The Atomic Bomb

HandheldGuru97

Hm, this is still a contentious debate, 70 years removed. That is so very important, however, I do not want to argue, so let me say this. As a historian this is a fascinating and very touchy subject. I've know for a long time that Kyoto was one of the top targets for dropping of the Atom bomb (as was just about any other major, Industrial Japanese city that hadn't been wrought with destruction from Firebombing's by 1945.) I did not know this piece, about why a city so important as Kyoto was struck from the list. Let it be clear, the bombs were meant to, swiftly end the war and brake Japan mentally. As such, I will do my own research and come to my own conclusion, that is how we determine and make analysis on these subjects. Even still, I do not know whether dropping the bomb was a necessary evil or one to scare the Japanese and Soviet Union.
In history, we always ask the what ifs. What if Kyoto had been bombed? What if Kokura, the original target on August 9th had been the scene of Atomic Destruction? What of all the lives that were lost? What of all the lives that could have been lost? @Damo, I will say, there is a little bit of clickbaitness, but he does touch on that. That is, what this article is about, the what if? I know Nintendo fans are fickle, but when you think Kyoto, many think...Nintendo. What would have happened? What if? This is a hard subject to talk about, but it is an important one. I think as most of us are Westerners (Americans/British) those "Allies" the ones who won the war, there will always be some contention and dissociation from this terrible event. As an US citizen, I most certainly would say this was one of our darkest moments. Yet there are always, many, many sides to a story, such as this. Read about it, and understand it, accept the differences. Make your own inferences and try as best you can to make a complete argument for this terrible event. That is all, thank you for reading (if you did).

Re: The Nintendo DSi Shop Shuts Down Next Year

HandheldGuru97

I'm a bit late to the party, but I feel that I should comment. Say what you will about the DSi and the DSi Shop, but I doubt I'd be the Nintendo fan (or HandheldGuru) that am today, with out that little handheld. I remember seeing it announced back in October or so of 2008, and I was hooked. My DS Lite...was...well, pretty abused by my younger self. Gameboy Advance SP, the DS Lite was not!
I set aside money from my birthday and Christmas. The DSi became the first video game console I bought with my own money, and you never forget the first handheld you buy with your own money. Hell...we had to drive all over town to find one (this was about a week after the launch in April 2009)
Now, lets bring it back to the DSiShop, I quickly feel in love with the elevator music and weekly updates. I was missing something though and that was a place to find out about DSiWare games that were coming out in the near future! That led me...to this very site. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2009/04/asphalt_4_elite_racing_gets_esrb_rated
Yup Asphalt 4: Elite Racing, was what led me to Nintendo Life, some 8 years ago...jesus...has it been that long??? Well, no matter...it is hard not to get a twinge of nostalgia, from those days. To the DSiShop, thanks for the memories, you may not have been perfect, but the memories made...made it all sweeter.

Re: Nintendo Download: 24th March (North America)

HandheldGuru97

Also, for anyone wanting to get Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX (and also be aware that this is coming from someone who isn't a huge vocaloid fan) I really can't recommend it enough. There is a unbelievable amount of content, the soundtrack is great and it is so damn cute!

Re: Nintendo Download: 24th March (North America)

HandheldGuru97

Put aside an eShop Card for Earthbound three weeks ago, so I'll get that today. I never got it on the Wii U, in the (at the time) vain hope that it would come to the 3DS, and look where we are. Glad my patience paid off, can't wait to play that gem. After my paycheck comes on Friday...I'll definitely get Streets of Rage 2 and Gunstar Hero's, the sale was live last night too and they are $3.99. I'll also probably get DK down the road too...

Re: Scribblenauts Studio 5th Cell Is Closing Its Doors

HandheldGuru97

Hey guys, better update the article. Major layoffs, which is so very brutal too...5th Cell is a great studio. I loved Scribblenauts and Super Scribblenauts didn't play to much of Unlimited, but...maybe I'll pull the 3DS version out and play through it again. Sources for updated info:
http://nintendoeverything.com/scribblenauts-developer-closing-its-doors/
http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/21/11279936/developer-5th-cell-lays-off-staff-as-scribblenauts-fighting-words

Re: Poll: Which Is The Best Mario Spin-Off Series or Game?

HandheldGuru97

Looks like I'm in the 1% that voted for Mario Picross It is a very under appreciated game, and one of the very best Gameboy games out there. Planning on tracking down and importing the sequel one of these days.
Mario Golf is easily the best sports series (next to Kart...if Kart is part of the wider "sports spinoffs), the handheld versions are very deep and very, very relaxing. Not a fan of 'real' golf, but 'Mario' Golf is a guilty pleasure of mine.
Um...I didn't vote for Mario Kart because I didn't...see it there...but I would have! Heehee...
Anyway, that means that my final vote went to another under appreciated series, the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Series. The games are all really tight, silly and damn good puzzlers. Really enjoyed the DSiWare release and GBA release.

Re: SNES Games Finally Arriving on the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console

HandheldGuru97

I do have some complaints, especially considering there is no cross buy discount...so until they (maybe, hopefully) roll that out, no Super Mario World, and besides my GBA version still works just fine! I'll probably pick up Earthbound and the Donkey Kong Country games, those will be great to have on the handheld and I never got around to picking them up on the Wii U! (And F-Zero too..maybe)

Re: Pokémon Sun And Moon Confirmed For 3DS Release This Holiday Season

HandheldGuru97

Well, well, well! Gen VII indeed I suppose! Again seems some people are forgetting two things, one this direct did specifically state that it was a direct for Pokémon's 20th Anniversary and it succeeded in that part. Number two! The Pokémon Company/GameFreak is infinitely more secretive then Nintendo! We got next to zero info on ORAS for the first two months or so after the announcement in May of 2014! I think this is going to be pretty awesome, but I need more info!!!!! The rapid fire screen grabs I took on my phone will only fill me with rampant speculation for so long!

Re: Trademarks And Logos For The Next Pokémon Game Surface Online Ahead Of Tomorrow's Nintendo Direct

HandheldGuru97

Wow, lots and lots of negativity, for no reason!!!! Not a Gen Six game, negative. A Gen VII game, Negative!
Guys, we have no idea what these logos mean!!! So let me infer, what this could be.
The Third/Fourth Pokémon X and Y game
I've always had a hunch that due to the low New Pokémon count (excluding Megas) maybe we'll get Pokémon Gen 6.5 based on Western Germany. This would be the most likely path...but interesting that'd really change up the names like that...
NX Pokémon game, THAT WONT BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW!!!!
This could very well be a Future NX release and we very well could get Z tommorow. Why???? Simple, it makes some sense. These logos could have been accidentally leaked for all we know and these are the NX's Pokémon games. So we will see.
Gen VII Now everyone is saying "why would Nintendo release a main line Pokémon game on a dead handheld??" Um guys, God have we forgotten....Black and White!?!?!? Gen V!?!?!? Yes that, would make VII a shortened Generation, like V. But it makes sense. This could make the 3DS viable for about a year or more. It would make more money for Nintendo, just like the DS with Black and White.
Still charge for tomorrow!!!!!!

Re: Poll: Vote for Your Favourite Main Series Pokémon Games - 20th Anniversary Edition

HandheldGuru97

Oh ho...you guys are really making me do this??? Hehe...well I should explain myself then and my favorite games.
Pokémon Diamond: Gen IV gets too much hate, however I must say time has certainly made people take a fonder look at it. No, no for me what matters most is that this was my very first Pokémon game. 10th birthday, 2007. Now that was the time. Diamond not only introduced me to Pokémon, but got me interested in Nintendo and handhelds in general. That game was simply awe-inspiring to my ten-year-old self.
Pokémon SoulSliver: As some have said above me, this game is the greatest Pokémon game on the DS and (likely) of all time. It took everything from Silver and took it from a 10 to a 100. The graphics are charming Johto is stunning on the DS. The large wealth of gameplay can't be ignored either. And the music! One of the best Pokémon sound tracks ever. While I can't decide if this is my favorite Pokémon game, it very well might be.
Pokémon Sapphire: So why this instead of AlphaSapphire? For one, Sapphire was my second Pokémon game after Diamond, so rosy tinted. Also...I think Sapphire was the better game. It is missing the Day/Night cycle, Pokémon are missing, but there is still some charm to it all. Hell, maybe nostalgia is talking here, but that is my list!

Re: Review: Project X Zone 2 (3DS)

HandheldGuru97

I rather enjoyed the first Project X Zone, however I might put this one off until the summer. More money and a smaller backlog being the two reasons, still glad to here this one has plenty of improvements to the first game!

Re: Dragon Quest VII Set for a Summer Release in North America

HandheldGuru97

It's about time My God how long we have waited...tis truly a glorious day indeed...Now considering Nintendo is reaffirming this game is coming summer (and I believe DQ VIII is holding at 'Late' 2016) I hope that means we are getting this one in say, late May or June (instead of late August early September)

Re: Nintendo Dominates Festive Sales in Japan as 3DS and Wii U Lead the Way

HandheldGuru97

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/S/


Anyway, I hope this goes to show you all, handhelds are still a dominant tour de force, especially for Nintendo. We still don't know what the NX is(!!!!!), but the 3DS's success in Japan can't be over looked, when looking at the NX. Also I hope we'll see a new Splatoon game in the future, the success of that game can't be over looked either!!!!!!!

Re: Feature: A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 4 - 2006-2010

HandheldGuru97

Ah...Generation IV, I know it is far from the popular opinion, but I adore Gen. IV. Of course...that might be, because my very first Pokémon game from Gen. IV Pokémon Diamond, which I received fittingly enough, on my 10th birthday back in 2007. There are a handful of games I can say changed my life, Diamond certainly did. It was the first major JRPG I ever played, or beat, I was engrossed with the game and the story like no other game before it. Diamond is why I am not only a Nintendo fan, but a handheld fan, an RPG fan, and a fan of one Serebii.net Pokémon Explorers of Time is another hugely important game, and remains one of my favorite DS games. Definitely still the best Mystery Dungeon game (and I really still need to get Sky...maybe next year after I'm done with Super...) Oh and Shadows of Almia often doesn't get quite as much love, but I really enjoyed it, but not to the extent of Time and Diamond.
I haven't even hit Platinum or SoulSilver yet! SoulSliver, is easily one of (if not) the best Pokémon game ever, such an amazing adventure. Really a game I can't recommend highly enough. Platinum, I really enjoyed, but I think by 2009 the magic of Pokémon had faded. (There is always that joyous period of childhood, you know??)
So the end all to take from this, Gen IV, it wasn't so bad, and for me...it remains one of the most important and cherished period of my childhood.

Re: Review: Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (3DS)

HandheldGuru97

Just want to put my two cents in here really quick. I am a huge Mystery Dungeon fan and Explores of Time is easily in my top 25 games of all time, it was a defining and important game for me all those moons ago.


For those asking how it stacks up to the older games, allow me easily assure one thing, it is better than Gates to Infinity. Now I didn't hate Gates to Infinity like everyone else, but I will admit it was a pretty weak game, due to lacking roster and slow text speed. I'm still in Super's very lengthy tutorial, but already the improvements are there and they are exactly what needed to change, better roster and text speed is sped up. The story...seems a little weak at the moment, but I have a feeling that will change. The difficulty is back, and it is definitely a welcome change from Infinity, glad hunger returns in this one too. Now....is it better than Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky??? I can't (and likely won't) be able to answer that for now, hell even after I beat the game, I doubt I'll be able to decide.


Overall, I'd give super from my first few hours an 8.5/10, difficult, but not punishingly so, the music is amazing, the best part of Infinity (the Graphics Engine), is improved, which is great! Story...little lacking, but I'll still reserve judgement for later into the game. To those who were fans of Explorers Time/Darkness/Sky, or even Infinity go for it! If you enjoyed those games, you will enjoy Super Mystery Dungeon.

Re: Dragon Quest VII And VIII Both Confirmed For Western 3DS Release In 2016

HandheldGuru97

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
OH. MY. GOD. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK THE HIGH GODDESS ABOVE FOR OUR SAVIOR HAS RETURNED, THANK YOU SE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ahem, oh my god. Oh my god. The 3DS is going to have a great (and bankrupting) year next year. I can't believe we have finally lived to see the day Dragon Quest returns to the states. Thank you Nintendo and thank you Square Enix. Pre-ordering both ASAP.

Re: Feature: A Pokémon Retrospective: Generation 3 - 2002 to 2006

HandheldGuru97

My second Pokémon game was Pokémon Sapphire, I got it for Christmas 2007 after I got Diamond on my 10th birthday in November. It still to this day is one of my favorite games on the Advance and of all time. I got into Pokémon in Gen. IV the years when Pokémon was "uncool" like really uncool. Pokémon Ranger was another early gem on my DS. Not my favorite game, but another soft spot for me. God, I do love Gen III and Gen IV, definitely some of the most defining video games I have played.