My favorite game of all time. It is my perfect video game, and I feel very privileged to have experienced playing this so early in my life. I could go on for hours probably citing what's so damn good about it, but I'll save everyone the excessive reading
Congrats to the "Dream Team" for putting together such a masterpiece!
From what I have seen happen with a lot of video game reviews and the attempts at discussion over said reviews via comment sections and the like, the usage of any sort of grading system (especially numeric scoring) is nothing short of pointless. (no pun intended)
Instead of these game reviews serving the purpose of providing perspective on how enjoyable a video game can be based on a given reviewer's written experience with it, more people tent to focus too much on the score/grade attached at the end of all of it without proper context. As a result, the review fails in trying to accomplishing it's original task, and ends up turning into a tool used by video game publishers for marketing, or as ammunition used by trolls/die-hard fans for instigating non-constructive arguments.
A numeric score/grade tends to register with many people as some form of objectivity in these reviews, yet these reviews are ultimately subjective as based on personal experiences.
I would rather see all video game reviews get rid of such rating systems, and place the focus on the written experience with the game. For those people who make the argument of wanting a rating system of some sort due to not having time to read an entire review, I would say let the review have a bullet-point list or brief summary at the end of it to get across the overall gist of it. It would be far more informative and less likely to be misinterpreted. Or as some others here have suggested, a simple "Buy it, Try it, Ignore it" verdict could also be used at the end since it would again, prove far more informative over all.
While I can't say which Smash is considered the "best" per say (again, no one can truly provide such an answer alone), I can say that my favorite thus far would have to be the Smash Bros. for 3DS. Even though the Wii U version has more content/features to it (I love the My Music feature in particular), I really enjoy having Smash Bros. on the go along with fact that I prefer the stage selection in that game overall (I enjoy damn near every stage they put into the 3DS one). And while other people may be over it, I still get a lot of enjoyment playing the Smash Run mode.
The Wii U version of course would take a very close 2nd place to it, while Brawl (for having Solid Snake and the Subspace Emissary) would fit in as 3rd favorite.
I'm going with Wii U and 3DS as my main platforms of choice, what with all the great exclusive titles both systems have, and then using my old PC to play all the interesting indie games that don't get brought over to those systems otherwise. It covers pretty much all the bases when it comes to most interesting and entertaining games out there currently for me.
Not at bad list. I would've added Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters and Metroid 2 to it, but that's just me.
As for best to try out, can't go wrong with Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. A stand out adventure for sure in the Zelda series and technical marvel on the classic Gameboy.
1) A Link to the Past (The game that showed me the greatness of the Zelda series)
2) Four Swords Adventure (Multiplayer goodness with classic 2D overview-style Zelda gameplay)
3) A Link Between Worlds (An excellent followup to A Link to the Past)
after that, any/all of the other games would take the 4th favorite spot.
That being said, I find the idea of polling for the "best" Zelda game to be kinda impossible at this point, given the series is chock full of games that pretty much are on par in terms of overall quality. Because of this, everyone can only really chose their "favorite" game, and not so much the "best" game, objectively speaking. The series overall is just that damn good.
I'm still playing through Bravely Default, with hopes of playing some Rusty's Real Deal Baseball and going through a bunch of streetpass data I acquired recently. Plus, I might get into playing a few PC rogue-lite/like titles I purchased.
I'm gonna try and finish up more of Bravely Default which I'm loving right now, and hopefully I can try out Rusty's Real Deal Baseball. Otherwise, I might play some more Steel Diver: Sub Wars, and play through a bunch of games I just got new Streetpass data for while on vacation.
Although it depends on the type of game to determine the type(s) of multiplayer options which best support the gameplay, the idyllic general solution for most games I feel should be providing local and online multiplayer with the later option granting players the direct ability to host their own servers in order to play. Official dedicated servers could be provided by the dev/publisher if they so chose, but should they ever decide to shut them down at any point, at least the players won't be denied the online option entirely.
Sure it will likely be costly and time consuming to implement, but at least players then can have peace of mind knowing the games they invest in won't suffer from diminishing returns in the overall experience, and in turn be received more favorably and maintain a more memorable lifespan.
Otherwise, just give me offline local multiplayer. I always love playing that way when I can.
What do I expect from the Nintendo Direct? Nothing.
I'll just let Nintendo show whatever it is they want to show, and if there is something of interest, then I'll get excited. If not, then it's no big deal. They have all of 2014 to surprise me with stuff.
I plan on trying to get a 100% completion hero mode run in Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds this weekend, along with getting around to playing the Bravely Default demo. Plus, I might try to finish up the last stage on Super Mario 3D World and/or start another playthrough of Wonderful 101. And squeeze in the usual Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
I'm trying to finish up Mario & Luigi: Dream Team now with the hopes of moving on to The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds which I got in the mail yesterday. Since my copy of Super Mario 3D World hasn't arrived yet, I might play some Super Mario 3D Land instead, or possibly Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on my SNES. And my usual playthrough spurts of Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
Suffice to say, I (unlike many people on the internet) didn't encounter a problem with my Wii U "having no games". If anything, I find it funny that I now got a backlog already to try and get through at this point. To be fair, my 3DS ended up stealing a lot of playtime from my Wii U over this year. Thankfully, I was able to make time recently to sit down with it again and experience the fantastic Wonderful 101 (which is now the top runner for my game of the year, unless Super Mario 3D World can somehow best it). That game alone though justified my purchase of the system.
To think that next year, I can look forward to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the new Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, Bayonetta 2, possibly "X" and Shin Megami Tensai X Fire Emblem, as well as several awesome indie titles makes me feel like the Wii U will have no problem keeping me entertained in the foreseeable future.
Gonna try and make more progress on Pokemon X (I can only seem to find time to play it on weekends), along with the usual Animal Crossing: New Leaf and spurts of Super Mario 3D Land. May play some Wonderful 101 or Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD if I get time on my Wii U.
I'm hopeful in trying to snag a copy of Pokemon X tomorrow in stores (It will be the first time since the original Pokemon Blue that I actually played through a Pokemon game!). Otherwise, more Animal Crossing: New Leaf as well as Super Mario 3D Land (to help scratch my itch for wanting Super Mario 3D World very badly). If time allows it also, I may play more Wonderful 101 (Just beat the game earlier, and it's my current top contender for Game of the Year, it's sooooooooo good!)
Still trying to complete Project X Zone, with hopes of moving on to Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, along with the usual Animal Crossing: New Leaf and more Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (Trying to unlock the final Hero's Trial chamber). And I may get to playing some Rogue-lite games (Legend of Dungeon, Rogue Legacy, Binding of Isaac, etc.)
Still cracking away at trying to finish Project X Zone, while also looking to play some Zelda Four Sword Anniversary Edition for my quick Zelda fix along with playing some Rogue Legacy on PC, and maybe start on Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
...And of course a dash of Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
Aside from my daily Animal Crossing: New Leaf fix, I hope to finish up Project X Zone (on chapter 33 now), and start playing Ducktales Remastered, Pikmin 3, and possibly some other stuff on Wii U. I also may play fair bit of Rogue Legacy on PC (I would love to see this end up on Wii U also! It's so good!)
When it comes to region locking on game hardware, I'm not too concerned if said hardware has it or not. Usually all of the games I want on a given platform tend to get released here anyways so I am able to buy and play them with no hassle. I have imported games in the past, but I do realize that it was not a large number of games overall, so the benefits of region lock removal don't seem like much of a big advantage in the grand scheme of it all. Instead of complaining about region locking, the gaming community should be getting vocal about more game localization efforts, as it would certainly be more beneficial to them given the opportunity to play the games they want to without any language/technical barriers to impede the experience.
I too will be getting my Animal Crossing: New Leaf doses throughout the week, while playing heavy amounts of Project X Zone. And I may delve into one of the earlier Mario & Luigi games as I've yet to play one and I am feeling pretty hyped up for Dream Team at this point.
Like damn near everyone else, Animal Crossing: New Leaf has it's claws in me and it looks like it won't let go anytime soon. However, I'm also managing to play my way through Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D and just entered into the Forest Stage. I may try to play up the last remaining times I have left of the Project X Zone demo since the full version will be heading my way next week.
A good list overall. Can't really disagree over the selection. That being said, my top 10 thus far would be:
1) Kid Icarus: Uprising (I highly doubt there will be a game to topple this from being my favorite original 3DS game of all time)
2) Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
3&4) Super Mario 3D Land/Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (Both games are interchangeable for these spots on the list, as I find them equally great)
5) Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
6) Etrian Odyssey IV: Legend of the Titans
7) Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater
8) New Super Mario Bros. 2
9) Star Fox 64 3D
10) Super Street Fighter 3D Edition
I'll be interested to see how much my list changes by the end of this year. (Waits patiently for Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Project X Zone)
I still need to finish Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, and I'm not sure what else I might try playing after that. Maybe more Kid Icarus: Uprising, maybe Pandora's Tower, maybe some WarioWare.
I hope to get in alot of playtime with Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (4th Mansion in single player and clear a 25 floor scarescraper online), as well as finishing up HarmoKnight (going for great ratings on all stages) and perhaps giving Pandora's Tower a go. (And mabey try to squeeze in some Kid Icarus: Uprising if possible)
All sound choices in the list. As for my personal list:
1)Chrono Trigger (My favorite game of all time) 2)Final Fantasy 3/6 3)Earthbound 4)Secret of Mana 5)Super Mario RPG 6)Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 7)Super Mario World 8)Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island 9)Super Metroid 10)Legend of the Mystical Ninja/Mega Man X/Actraiser (Too tough to call which would take the final spot, so I'll let them all have it)
Having heard all this talk from people online about how Nintendo should develop for other hardware platforms apart from themselves, I can't help but think Nintendo and it's games would suffer horribly from making such a transition.
The fact of the matter is the reason why Nintendo franchises like Mario, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and such have endured for so many years and are almost universally revered by gamers and critics alike, is that Nintendo made these games innovative and creative based on the hardware THEY made. When you read interviews with Nintendo regarding what goes into creating their games, it's often brought up how the technology and hardware they make plays a deciding factor in the overall design of the game. For Nintendo, it sounds as though the intimate knowledge they have of the hardware is very much a big proponent to what makes their games unique and special. If that element is taken out of the equation, I can't help but feel the quality all these people expect to come out of these games (if ported to other platforms) would be lacking a great deal, if not altogether lost.
I would rather let Nintendo stick to what they do best. I trust Nintendo to make the best games they can possible with the hardware they feel most comfortable developing for, ...their own.
Comments 27
Re: Chrono Trigger Turns 20, but is Ultimately Timeless
My favorite game of all time. It is my perfect video game, and I feel very privileged to have experienced playing this so early in my life. I could go on for hours probably citing what's so damn good about it, but I'll save everyone the excessive reading
Congrats to the "Dream Team" for putting together such a masterpiece!
Re: Poll: Do Video Game Reviews Need To Have A Score?
From what I have seen happen with a lot of video game reviews and the attempts at discussion over said reviews via comment sections and the like, the usage of any sort of grading system (especially numeric scoring) is nothing short of pointless. (no pun intended)
Instead of these game reviews serving the purpose of providing perspective on how enjoyable a video game can be based on a given reviewer's written experience with it, more people tent to focus too much on the score/grade attached at the end of all of it without proper context. As a result, the review fails in trying to accomplishing it's original task, and ends up turning into
a tool used by video game publishers for marketing, or as ammunition used by trolls/die-hard fans for instigating non-constructive arguments.
A numeric score/grade tends to register with many people as some form of objectivity in these reviews, yet these reviews are ultimately subjective as based on personal experiences.
I would rather see all video game reviews get rid of such rating systems, and place the focus on the written experience with the game. For those people who make the argument of wanting a rating system of some sort due to not having time to read an entire review, I would say let the review have a bullet-point list or brief summary at the end of it to get across the overall gist of it. It would be far more informative and less likely to be misinterpreted. Or as some others here have suggested, a simple "Buy it, Try it, Ignore it" verdict could also be used at the end since it would again, prove far more informative over all.
Re: Poll: Which is the Best Super Smash Bros. Game?
While I can't say which Smash is considered the "best" per say (again, no one can truly provide such an answer alone), I can say that my favorite thus far would have to be the Smash Bros. for 3DS. Even though the Wii U version has more content/features to it (I love the My Music feature in particular), I really enjoy having Smash Bros. on the go along with fact that I prefer the stage selection in that game overall (I enjoy damn near every stage they put into the 3DS one). And while other people may be over it, I still get a lot of enjoyment playing the Smash Run mode.
The Wii U version of course would take a very close 2nd place to it, while Brawl (for having Solid Snake and the Subspace Emissary) would fit in as 3rd favorite.
Re: Talking Point: The Wii U May be Best as One of Two Consoles, Just Like Wii
I'm going with Wii U and 3DS as my main platforms of choice, what with all the great exclusive titles both systems have, and then using my old PC to play all the interesting indie games that don't get brought over to those systems otherwise. It covers pretty much all the bases when it comes to most interesting and entertaining games out there currently for me.
Re: Feature: Ten Must Play Titles on the Game Boy
Not at bad list. I would've added Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters and Metroid 2 to it, but that's just me.
As for best to try out, can't go wrong with Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. A stand out adventure for sure in the Zelda series and technical marvel on the classic Gameboy.
Re: Poll: Which Is The Best Legend Of Zelda Game?
My top 3 favorite Zelda games are:
1) A Link to the Past (The game that showed me the greatness of the Zelda series)
2) Four Swords Adventure (Multiplayer goodness with classic 2D overview-style Zelda gameplay)
3) A Link Between Worlds (An excellent followup to A Link to the Past)
after that, any/all of the other games would take the 4th favorite spot.
That being said, I find the idea of polling for the "best" Zelda game to be kinda impossible at this point, given the series is chock full of games that pretty much are on par in terms of overall quality. Because of this, everyone can only really chose their "favorite" game, and not so much the "best" game, objectively speaking. The series overall is just that damn good.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Twenty Three
I'm still playing through Bravely Default, with hopes of playing some Rusty's Real Deal Baseball and going through a bunch of streetpass data I acquired recently. Plus, I might get into playing a few PC rogue-lite/like titles I purchased.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Twenty Two
I'm gonna try and finish up more of Bravely Default which I'm loving right now, and hopefully I can try out Rusty's Real Deal Baseball. Otherwise, I might play some more Steel Diver: Sub Wars, and play through a bunch of games I just got new Streetpass data for while on vacation.
It's looks to be a full 3DS weekend for me!
Re: Soapbox: The Nintendo Wi-Fi Disconnection Reminds Us Why Local Multiplayer Still Matters
Although it depends on the type of game to determine the type(s) of multiplayer options which best support the gameplay, the idyllic general solution for most games I feel should be providing local and online multiplayer with the later option granting players the direct ability to host their own servers in order to play. Official dedicated servers could be provided by the dev/publisher if they so chose, but should they ever decide to shut them down at any point, at least the players won't be denied the online option entirely.
Sure it will likely be costly and time consuming to implement, but at least players then can have peace of mind knowing the games they invest in won't suffer from diminishing returns in the overall experience, and in turn be received more favorably and maintain a more memorable lifespan.
Otherwise, just give me offline local multiplayer. I always love playing that way when I can.
Re: Talking Point: What We Expect In Nintendo Direct - 13th February
What do I expect from the Nintendo Direct? Nothing.
I'll just let Nintendo show whatever it is they want to show, and if there is something of interest, then I'll get excited. If not, then it's no big deal. They have all of 2014 to surprise me with stuff.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Twenty One
I plan on trying to get a 100% completion hero mode run in Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds this weekend, along with getting around to playing the Bravely Default demo. Plus, I might try to finish up the last stage on Super Mario 3D World and/or start another playthrough of Wonderful 101. And squeeze in the usual Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
Re: Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon Figurine Spooked Off Club Nintendo
Thankfully, I was able to get enough coins together in time to get a pre-order in. Now, to just wait...
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Twenty
I'm trying to finish up Mario & Luigi: Dream Team now with the hopes of moving on to The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds which I got in the mail yesterday. Since my copy of Super Mario 3D World hasn't arrived yet, I might play some Super Mario 3D Land instead, or possibly Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island on my SNES. And my usual playthrough spurts of Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
Re: Happy Birthday, Wii U - You're One Today
@SavantSupreme
As far as retail releases go, I got:
while with the eShop, I got:
Suffice to say, I (unlike many people on the internet) didn't encounter a problem with my Wii U "having no games". If anything, I find it funny that I now got a backlog already to try and get through at this point. To be fair, my 3DS ended up stealing a lot of playtime from my Wii U over this year. Thankfully, I was able to make time recently to sit down with it again and experience the fantastic Wonderful 101 (which is now the top runner for my game of the year, unless Super Mario 3D World can somehow best it). That game alone though justified my purchase of the system.
To think that next year, I can look forward to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the new Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, Bayonetta 2, possibly "X" and Shin Megami Tensai X Fire Emblem, as well as several awesome indie titles makes me feel like the Wii U will have no problem keeping me entertained in the foreseeable future.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Nineteen
Gonna try and make more progress on Pokemon X (I can only seem to find time to play it on weekends), along with the usual Animal Crossing: New Leaf and spurts of Super Mario 3D Land. May play some Wonderful 101 or Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD if I get time on my Wii U.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Eighteen
I'm hopeful in trying to snag a copy of Pokemon X tomorrow in stores (It will be the first time since the original Pokemon Blue that I actually played through a Pokemon game!). Otherwise, more Animal Crossing: New Leaf as well as Super Mario 3D Land (to help scratch my itch for wanting Super Mario 3D World very badly). If time allows it also, I may play more Wonderful 101 (Just beat the game earlier, and it's my current top contender for Game of the Year, it's sooooooooo good!)
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Seventeen
Still trying to complete Project X Zone, with hopes of moving on to Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, along with the usual Animal Crossing: New Leaf and more Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition (Trying to unlock the final Hero's Trial chamber). And I may get to playing some Rogue-lite games (Legend of Dungeon, Rogue Legacy, Binding of Isaac, etc.)
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Sixteen
Still cracking away at trying to finish Project X Zone, while also looking to play some Zelda Four Sword Anniversary Edition for my quick Zelda fix along with playing some Rogue Legacy on PC, and maybe start on Mario & Luigi: Dream Team.
...And of course a dash of Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Fifteen
Aside from my daily Animal Crossing: New Leaf fix, I hope to finish up Project X Zone (on chapter 33 now), and start playing Ducktales Remastered, Pikmin 3, and possibly some other stuff on Wii U. I also may play fair bit of Rogue Legacy on PC (I would love to see this end up on Wii U also! It's so good!)
Re: Soapbox: Why Region Locking Is A Total Non-Issue
When it comes to region locking on game hardware, I'm not too concerned if said hardware has it or not. Usually all of the games I want on a given platform tend to get released here anyways so I am able to buy and play them with no hassle. I have imported games in the past, but I do realize that it was not a large number of games overall, so the benefits of region lock removal don't seem like much of a big advantage in the grand scheme of it all. Instead of complaining about region locking, the gaming community should be getting vocal about more game localization efforts, as it would certainly be more beneficial to them given the opportunity to play the games they want to without any language/technical barriers to impede the experience.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Fifteen
I too will be getting my Animal Crossing: New Leaf doses throughout the week, while playing heavy amounts of Project X Zone. And I may delve into one of the earlier Mario & Luigi games as I've yet to play one and I am feeling pretty hyped up for Dream Team at this point.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Fourteen
Like damn near everyone else, Animal Crossing: New Leaf has it's claws in me and it looks like it won't let go anytime soon. However, I'm also managing to play my way through Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D and just entered into the Forest Stage. I may try to play up the last remaining times I have left of the Project X Zone demo since the full version will be heading my way next week.
Re: Feature: Our Top 10 3DS Games - Summer 2013
A good list overall. Can't really disagree over the selection. That being said, my top 10 thus far would be:
1) Kid Icarus: Uprising (I highly doubt there will be a game to topple this from being my favorite original 3DS game of all time)
2) Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
3&4) Super Mario 3D Land/Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (Both games are interchangeable for these spots on the list, as I find them equally great)
5) Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
6) Etrian Odyssey IV: Legend of the Titans
7) Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater
8) New Super Mario Bros. 2
9) Star Fox 64 3D
10) Super Street Fighter 3D Edition
I'll be interested to see how much my list changes by the end of this year. (Waits patiently for Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Project X Zone)
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirteen
I still need to finish Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, and I'm not sure what else I might try playing after that. Maybe more Kid Icarus: Uprising, maybe Pandora's Tower, maybe some WarioWare.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Twelve
I hope to get in alot of playtime with Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (4th Mansion in single player and clear a 25 floor scarescraper online), as well as finishing up HarmoKnight (going for great ratings on all stages) and perhaps giving Pandora's Tower a go. (And mabey try to squeeze in some Kid Icarus: Uprising if possible)
Re: Feature: Nintendo Life's Staff Favourites - Super NES
All sound choices in the list.
As for my personal list:
1)Chrono Trigger (My favorite game of all time)
2)Final Fantasy 3/6
3)Earthbound
4)Secret of Mana
5)Super Mario RPG
6)Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
7)Super Mario World
8)Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
9)Super Metroid
10)Legend of the Mystical Ninja/Mega Man X/Actraiser (Too tough to call which would take the final spot, so I'll let them all have it)
Re: Investors Urge Nintendo to Develop for Smartphones
Having heard all this talk from people online about how Nintendo should develop for other hardware platforms apart from themselves, I can't help but think Nintendo and it's games would suffer horribly from making such a transition.
The fact of the matter is the reason why Nintendo franchises like Mario, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and such have endured for so many years and are almost universally revered by gamers and critics alike, is that Nintendo made these games innovative and creative based on the hardware THEY made. When you read interviews with Nintendo regarding what goes into creating their games, it's often brought up how the technology and hardware they make plays a deciding factor in the overall design of the game. For Nintendo, it sounds as though the intimate knowledge they have of the hardware is very much a big proponent to what makes their games unique and special. If that element is taken out of the equation, I can't help but feel the quality all these people expect to come out of these games (if ported to other platforms) would be lacking a great deal, if not altogether lost.
I would rather let Nintendo stick to what they do best. I trust Nintendo to make the best games they can possible with the hardware they feel most comfortable developing for, ...their own.