KIREEK

Haven't played a Paper Mario game I didn't like. Even Sticker Star. Can't wait!

They will not be putting the genie back in the bottle. If that's their intention, they failed miserably and acted far too late. If the takedown news bothers you, take solace in that fact.

@crimsontadpoles Would be cool if the amiibo cards unlocked a pattern of clothing for your character. Then again, cosmetics are the only things I can think of that don't make Amiibo unappealing to me from a digital content standpoint.

Black standard size model 3DS announced for the US. Dark Samus (opaque black with transparent blue color visor) faceplates and new 2D metroid bundled in... is me talking about things that are not going to happen.

Do all the online features of any 3DS game have to operate through the Nintendo Network? I love the idea of level sharing and literally the only downside I can think of is if Nintendo ever decides to pull the plug on its own servers (see Nintendo Wifi) and that feature going poof way down the line.

@hel105 Appreciate the reply!

Thinking about finally picking up 3DS version of Terraria. Read a few reviews and such, but anybody else have good experiences with it? Just have the itch to play it on the go.

Sad, but is anybody really surprised? It's pretty funny that Nintendo waited until the final product (as in a complete version, not that it wouldn't have continued to receive updates/tweaks) was released though. Good luck putting that genie back in the bottle.

@secret333 Oh yeah, completely agreed on the not expecting special treatment part. You're exactly spot on about Bethesda games being created with PC in mind. It's why I don't mind so much if we don't see any of their titles on the NX. If the hardware is going to make the NX versions vastly inferior experiences to their console/pc counterparts, I'm OK with their absence on the NX.

Would just be a really pleasant surprise if they created something special for the NX IMO (though very, very unlikely).

Hopefully we see some Bethesda games specifically tailored for the NX. One thing I actually would prefer not to see is multiplatform games (I.e. PS4 and XB1 games without any real changes) on the system as straight ports. If the NX is going to be a new way of merging portable and home consoles, I'd rather see developers invest time into the NX. Hopefully it gains a massive install base early on to make it appealing for them to do so.

I call dibs on the sign!

I woke up and got Hitmonlee followed by Jigglypuff today. Felt good.

@JaxonH I'm not aware of a SegaCD version, but I I could certainly be wrong. I know there were remakes of Phantasy Star I and II that were released as something called the Sega Ages collection for the PS2. We never got those over here but I have yearned for an official localization.

I can attest to the decency of the PSP/Vita play of the "Sega Genesis Collection" (a backward compatible PSP title). The PS3 version is also great for home play. From what I remember, all four of the original games are included (but I could be wrong about the inclusion of Phantasy Star 1).

Regarding PSO and its single player appeal, I think it's fantastic. There is a branching story that gives you enticing hints about what's going on in the world, some surprisingly deep characters and a genuine sense of achievement when you level up (particularly after you hit level 100) .

The nice part about the gamecube version is that it features split screen local multiplayer. This is one of the reasons that it is considered one of the best versions of the games released. You can also connect to private servers to this day with ease on the gamecube version so long as you have the Gamecube or Wii broadband adapters. Not sure if home-brew is required on the latter but the gamecube can still connect without any home-brew whatsoever.

There are also two slightly different versions of the gamecube version, the standard game and "Episode I&II Plus". "Plus" corrected an item duplication glitch and included on-the-disc quests that could previously only be downloaded.

@JaxonH I would highly recommend playing II (which over time I've considered to be my personal favorite) but ironically I wouldn't start there. While II has the best story (in my opinion of course as I prefer dark and bleak fare), it's very difficult. Check out IV if you have the opportunity without having to deal with some archaic design choices and really REALLY unforgiving battles (II is notorious for that). IV really showcases the best of everything about the series and it has a stand-alone story so no need to worry about missing a major arc from the earlier games.

III is notoriously hated by a good amount of Phantasy Star fans, though I like it a lot. It makes some very unique design choices that I won't spoil. PS1 also falls into this category to some extent. A good way to play the first three games in one convenient place is the Game Boy Advance "Phantasy Star Collection".

As far as the Online games (basically everything after 1999), I love the original PSO to bits. It (and every other online iteration, pretty much) is basically completely unrelated to the single player games. You can actually play the original for free on the PC via high-regarded and reputable private servers - this version is known as "PSO Blue Burst". It's very much like monster hunter in a lot of ways and excels both in terms of coop and single player progression. The games that came after PSO Ep I and II (except for PSOIII which was a card battle game, and a surprisingly damn good one) built off of this formula. Strangely enough, I think the original one holds up so well that it can actually be categorized as a timeless classic. The more recent ones are also excellent but PSO is better than excellent in my biased opinion.

Sorry for writing so much- felt like giving a thoughtful answer ^^.

@JaxonH I've played quite a few in the past. They just don't seem to do it for me (a lot of it has to do with the atmosphere) and leave me wanting more PSO. Ironically PSO got stagnant for me with the Portable series until Phantasy Star Zero came along (this was long before PSO2). This game gives me PSZero vibes. I'm very particular about what I want from grind-heavy games.

Edit: I can definitely understand why people love the games in the series thus far though. They are fantastic games and very addictive.

This is the only Monster Hunter game I have had any genuine interest in. I want it so, so badly.

I hope Nintendo abandons this model (of tying the content to the toys exclusively). I'd like to be able to buy the extra content via other means and have zero desire to collect Amiibo anymore.

I adore the art style.

Nice review Steve. Though I loved 7 and 8, I can see why lots of people didn't.

Let's hope they mean quality in the gameplay and not in the cutscenes and edgy character design.

@GH05T Agreed. Though I must say I do wish the analog nubs were red.

The visual aesthetics were not what made Other M bad. This is a great looking figure.

I think it's going to be really something amazing, unexpected and different. No sarcasm. I think the NX is going to be another golden age for Nintendo. Puts all the chips in

"As always, it's highly informative and well worth a watch, so grab yourself a hot drink and enjoy."

I honestly would have done this but before I can watch the video, I have to listen to a youtube ad about how a unicorn poops out ice cream then goes on to advertise more poop related propaganda. Not anybody's fault/complaining, just saying. Maybe I'll return later and have better luck.

Hey Sega, KIREEK here.

Remember Phantasy Star Online? The best MMARPG ever created? Time to re-release it on the 3DS with improved graphics and P2P connectivity. No need to thank/pay me.

Your pal,

The Black Hound

Can't wait for mine to arrive. Really beautiful book.

This looks really amazing. Had no idea it even existed. Thanks for this man.

360 degree camera (with circle pad pro nub support) while exploring.

Gonna keep my coins for as long as possible. I certainly see no reason whatsoever to pick up the digital DS games considering the N3DS (well the entire 3DS line in general) is backward compatible with physical DS games.

I've never been much a fan of picross so that's out.

The themes are tempting because they're truly exclusive to My Nintendo. Then again, they're themes -_-.

Bottom line: Boy do I miss physical rewards. Would LOVE if they put some My Nintendo branded draw-string soft cases up. Or maybe some My Nintendo exclusive 3DS cover plates. The coins would be spent.

@sWiTcHeRoO This is a pretty big deal breaker for me too. I love buying physical. As long as the game is bought new in the retail space (and not out-of-print/third party means), I'm still supporting the company. I don't understand the choice to not include point vouchers in physical releases. I don't think used games are going to be including any unclaimed codes in my experience (never had unused Club Nintendo points in any used games I've purchased) so I don't think they're worried about the second hand market. I'm not sure if they're actively trying to phase out customer interest in physical copies with this decision, but the tradeoff is just not worth it to me to switch to digital just to earn points for this reward system.

@Butter I'll wait until right before the cutoff date (where points expire) and spend them all then unless I see something I'm sure is worth spending them on. As of right now I don't see anything worth spending points on.

@GH05T

Pretty much agreed.

We should have a Legendary-Pokemon-based real world global economy.

Really wishing Miitomo had more Miiverse functionality. Tons of friends on Miiverse and yet we have to rely on Facebook and Face to Face features to add friends. Not complaining, per say, but it would be nice if Nintendo took its own social media service into account when it made this app.

Let's see what happens. Hopefully it ends up being something great. Lots of customer-friendly improvements can be made in this area of their business. The ball is in the company's court.

I love the 3DS and jumped in day 1.

I remember in the months where the system came out I kept reading doom and gloom stories on certain gaming websites (where I comment a lot) about how the system was essentially a bust. I remember when Nintendo, after implementing a price drop, treated its early-adopter customers right by offering an Ambassador program.

I remember the wonder of experiencing the 3D effect and thinking to myself "wow, this is one of those things that you can't really describe to anybody". It really had to be experienced. I still think this is a fantastic feature and I recall how much it actually helped in certain games like Mario 3D Land where I could better gauge my jumps by being able to see depth.

I remember when I lost my copy of Contact for the original 3DS and after numerous years picked up right where I left off when I found it behind my dresser. I have played so many of the original DS games on the system and the backward compatibility is something which I am eternally thankful to Nintendo for including.

My favorite game? It's tough to choose but Bravely Default is certainly a contender. Mario Kart 7, Final Fantasy Explorers, Donkey Kong Country Returns, both Majora's Mask AND OOT in 3D with updated visuals, Animal Crossing New Leaf, Mario and Luigi Dream Team & Paper Jam, Kirby Triple Deluxe, Yoshi's New Island - these are just SOME of the fantastic and timeless games that adorn my Club Nintendo card cases.

The 3DS will be a tough act to follow and we should all be glad to be a part of it in its glory days.

I highly recommend the smaller New 3DS. I was so excited it came to the United States at all and when it did I immediately put my Majora's Mask New 3DS XL on the shelf where it continues to enjoy its retirement.

With the smaller New 3DS you get:

Swappable Faceplates (many of which look above average and jive well with either the black or white hardware).

Themes to accompany said faceplates on the e-shop.

A smaller form factor that actually lets you hold it in your pocket easily.

Better pixel density for ambassador GBA games.

Better pixel density for original Nintendo DS games.

I adore the N3DS. I just wish Nintendo a) made it a standalone product in the USA rather than a bundle and b) we got some more color options rather than white. I'd happily buy a second black one if it ever were released here.

@Chandlero Very good point.

How cool would it be if Star Fox 2 ended up on the eShop? Or maybe an unlockable bonus in Star Fox Zero?

Ninja Five-O is, without a doubt, one of the most under-appreciated video games of all time (maybe tied with the Game Boy Color version of Daiktana). Not underrated by critics, mind you, but completely under the radar. Picked it up a few years after it came out and it's easily my favorite non-rpg GBA game.

Perfect game.

Completely agreed with your editorial. It comes down to this: options are a good thing.

@MarioPhD You got it! It's me man . Joined up the day of the site's redesign to express how much I liked it. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Great games which have aged well. I only wish it were possible to trade/transfer between games on a single console given the lack of an online trading feature. That being said, wireless trading is nice.

Also a tip: If you're planning on getting all 151 in the originals AND buying all three versions, make sure you get Porygon on the Blue version. It's like 2,500 coins cheaper and will save you some stress.

If they didn't set a precedent by offering (at the very least) reduced pricing for re-buying your Wii virtual console games on the Wii U, this wouldn't sting as much. However, that happened. There is zero excuse as to why we would pay full price in this case. One could make the argument that we're paying for convenience, but given other options it takes some serious gall to charge customers full price for the same game they've bought multiple times. Seems that those who thought the new Nintendo Account system would prevent this from continuing to happen will be sorely disappointed.

@Toincoss Appreciate it.

@Xaessya lol yep.

Guilty of collecting a few Amiibo statues but I just do not find these cards (and the concept behind them) appealing.

On a completely unrelated note, I love the redesign of your site. Figured I'd finally register .