Had some stars expiring this month so went for the mk8 soundtrack last week, but still have enough for one of these, or do I hold on. I was hoping for the replica snes pad to come back on.
Just been into my local Game store and the shelves are packed with amiibo. Finally the supply issues seem sorted and I got a Rosalina, Ike, Ganondorf and Ness to add to the collection.
Quite simply, it's my all time favourite game. Have already spent all morning playing through with each character. I could complete this game a hundred times and still not tire of it. In fact I probably have done.
@AyeHaley I imagine the demo is being used as an opportunity for Nintendo to test run the multiplayer servers, so limiting the time you can go on means more people at the same time to give them a proper test. With all the recent launch problems with games on other consoles that feature significant online elements, it actually seems like rather a canny move by Nintendo. Basically a Nintendo version of a beta test.
@stipey As well as what @lazyinsu said, I also love the track for time trials. I've spent far more time on the original version trying to shave milliseconds from my personal best than any other Mario Kart track. It's simplicity makes it all about getting the very best racing line.
@Rob_mc_1 There is no minimum threshold anymore. Nintendo changed the policy around the launch of the Wii U. So any sales mean money. Whether that transfers into profit for the developer is another matter entirely.
SOR2 may not be the best game ever, for any number of reasons, but it's damn well my favourite. Much like very few people would choose 'War and Peace' as a favourite book, or 'Citizen Kane' as a favourite movie, despite their undoubted genius, I am well aware in SOR2's case there are many technically and mechanically better games out there. But despite its flaws, if someone to ask, I would tell them it was my favourite every time. A lawererge part of that is nostalgia, but at the end of the day I have been revisiting that game every few months for over 20 years. If I'm not bored of it now I never will be.
I can see this going the same way as the last thread, but at least this alternative view is being aired a bit more clearly. As a teacher, parent and gamer myself I made similar points to what is said above on the last article. But by the time I had read the article and posted my comments, the thread had long since moved into territory that had little to do with what the story was about.
The key thing here is that this really is not an attack on gamers. Admittedly the initial letter could have been worded in a different way to make it more about raising the issue, but thinking that there is no issue would be the big mistake here.
I agree with you, that's what parents should do. That is a caring parent who makes sure that their child knows right from wrong. But not all would and that is where it becomes neglectful.
But as for attacking the teachers over it, as I said above, we've been put between a rock and a hard place. We are now potentially criminally responsible for not reporting these things, in this case the group of schools were advised by the council who run social services that they should report, if they don't they potentially land in it.
I actually bought this up in my staff room today and it was universally agreed that the whole thing is a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but it's not the teachers that want to be put in that position, it's the government and councils forcing them to be.
I've come to this thread quite late, but as a parent, gamer and (shock and horror!) a primary school teacher, I feel the need to clarify a few things.
Firstly, at no point has the Nantwich Partnership made a correlation between these games and increased violent behaviour. As a gamer this kind of lazy blame throwing, targeting videogames as the root of all violent acts by young people gets my goat as much as the next person. But the letter, which I have read in full, does not make that link, rather it acknowledges that by playing them the children are potentially exposed to violent or sexualised images at a young age. As far as I can see this cannot be disputed, you play a violent videogame as a child, or as an adult, you are exposed to violent images. Attacking the schools and teachers for saying there is such a link is putting words into their mouths.
Secondly the letter states that this may be reviewed as neglect. There appears to be some confusion here with what that means. Neglect is not intentionally harming a child, that is abuse. Rather neglect is putting a child at harm through inaction. This may be obvious, such as not feeding a child, but can be less clear cut, such as a parent not accepting the consequences of a child's medical condition and failing to seek help, or a parent that allows a potentially dangerous adult into the life of their child. That doesn't mean that the parent does not love that child, but rather that they are being neglectful in their duties as a parent first.
Whether you view allowing an underage child to play a game as neglect is open to debate. Personally I think it is wrong that children as young as 8 at my school are playing Call of Duty or GTA, and believe me they are, but I also accept that the age ratings are a guidance and an older teenage child may well play something they are not quite the right age for, with an informed parents consent. I know I did as a teenager. But I would not allow my son, who is 7, anywhere near my mature games, but I do feel it is alright for him to play Smash Bros, with a rating of 12. I know that he is mature enough in himself.
But the point that seems to be upsetting most here is the idea that the schools are becoming the ones policing parents. But you have to understand the position the schools are in. Following the recent historical abuse allegations and the big cover ups in some cases, particularly Rotherham, the government has made it clear that any one in a position such as care, who does not report any concerns for abuse or neglect, can be held criminally responsible. But beyond that no guidance has been given to what degree this needs to be done. The Nantwich Partnership actually state in their letter that they are doing this on the advice of the councils safeguarding team, i.e. the same people responsible for social services. The school has little choice now but to report these.
Now it is highly unlikely that one report of a child playing COD underage is going to result in that child going into care. What will happen instead is that the school, social services and the police will instead look to see if there is a pattern emerging with a child. For example, is that child who played COD also constantly hungry, withdrawn socially and have a medical condition which the parent is not seeking help for. Then you have a pattern of neglect.
Like it or not as gamers, but I have seen children who have unhealthy obsessions with certain games, but it is never the only reason for concern.
So in looking at this, please bear in mind the full context around what has actually been done here and don't get sucked into thinking, by the same media that would blame videogames for every death caused by a teenager, that this is an attack on gamers or caring parents.
Wonder Boy was a very influential game for me. On holiday as a 7 year old there was a Wonder Boy arcade cabinet I must have played everyday. This would definitely be a must have.
@Giygas_95 I ended up spending about 150 hours by the time I was done, including side quests and maxing everything out. Of that, I didn't see the main quest ending until about 100 hours in. You could go through quicker, but the world is so engrossing, and the side quests cleverly layered alongside, you'll want to take your time getting there, so I'd say 100 hours for the main game is about right. I'm also not one to usually worry about 100 percenting games, but even after those 100 hours I wanted more. Needless to say, I'm very excited for X.
Have had MH3 installed since I got it as a free bonus game last year, but couldn't bring myself to tackle it. Just happened to start again last night, to see if 4 is worth getting hyped for, or not. These tips couldn't come at a better time, as I'm clueless right now.
I had one of the cancelled pre orders and as a result I'm not a happy bunny right now. Got the email last night and switched my order to the Mario amiibo bundle (which has fortunately despatched). But it now means I won't be able to use one of the key game features of 8 player smash. Through various controllers I have access to 6 that will work, but with 2 old GameCube controllers I had in the loft, that would have gone to 8. I'm not going to buy more controllers when I have some here. I am fuming at Amazon though. A far as I see it, my business is with them. Don't take our pre order if you can't fulfill it. First time I've pre ordered anything, won't ever bother again.
Well I pre ordered from Amazon and as yet nothing. My amiibo were shipped as expected, but game and adapter bundle not yet. Currently showing an expected delivery of tomorrow but as it's not shipped I'm not holding my breath. Personally I blame Amazon. They knew how much stock they ordered. Don't keep accepting pre orders if you can't cover them.
Only silver lining is I'm spending so much time on Hyrule Warriors, I still haven't touched Bayonetta, so shouldn't run out of games.
As an alumni of the university where the Mario research was conducted, I have to say I couldn't be more proud of the students dedication to the Nintendo cause.
As a primary teacher and the school IT coordinator, responsible for sourcing software for this sort of thing, this sounds like a great title. Thanks for the review. Being able to give a child, that doesn't engage with reading, a 3DS to use will be a great resource.
Reviews of the other 2 volumes would be greatly appreciated.
@Einherjar The extra exposure can only be a good thing and I do believe it will lead to new audiences. In the past month I've spent more time playing Hearthstone than any other game. I previously had no interest in World of Warcraft whatsoever, but having been thoroughly sucked in by the tcg, I am planning on giving it a try. Absolutely the same thing can happen here.
@GloverMist Oddly enough, despite having always been a Nintendo gamer and having had every system since the nes, Pokemon always passed me by and I'm only a recent convert myself. Watching my son play made me wish I'd paid attention a bit sooner.
Just introduced my 6 year old to the world of Pokemon yesterday. He already seems to be enjoying the world but there is so much complexity in there that it amazes me kids get so much out of these.
Navigating the e shop with the pro controller will be welcome, as I often go to do it with little luck. The system transfer doesn't seem particularly helpful though, seeing you need a working console to transfer from. It better not be a way of putting the unified account off even longer.
I've been busy trying to get through some of my backlog but after completing Earthbound and Armillo this week I fancied some online karting this weekend. Timing couldn't be better, but might need to practice a bit.
@shigulicious The small screen puts me off too but really like the sound of smash run mode. Little bit torn .... so I'll probably end up with both anyway.
My son has just massively got into Mario in the last few months and my 3 year old daughter loves watching him play. Going shopping last weekend she had a crowd of customers in stitches mimicking all the characters. "Princess Peach spin jump!"
Comments 114
Re: 3DS Saber Rider Game Back In Development, Kickstarter Campaign Mentions Wii U, PC Engine, SNES And amiibo
Never going to happen!
Re: Awesome Mario Kart Trophies Are Now Up for Grabs on Club Nintendo in Europe and Australia
Had some stars expiring this month so went for the mk8 soundtrack last week, but still have enough for one of these, or do I hold on. I was hoping for the replica snes pad to come back on.
Re: Mewtwo Still Looks Just As Fearsome As A Packaged amiibo
Just been into my local Game store and the shelves are packed with amiibo. Finally the supply issues seem sorted and I got a Rosalina, Ike, Ganondorf and Ness to add to the collection.
Re: Review: 3D Streets of Rage 2 (3DS eShop)
Quite simply, it's my all time favourite game. Have already spent all morning playing through with each character. I could complete this game a hundred times and still not tire of it. In fact I probably have done.
Re: More Club Nintendo Goodies Coming To The European Stars Catalogue
This is what I've been waiting for. Zelda case and coasters for me. But my son would love that captain toad lamp, so that will get priority.
Re: Splatoon Mii Fighter Outfits Coming to Super Smash Bros. in the Summer
@AyeHaley I imagine the demo is being used as an opportunity for Nintendo to test run the multiplayer servers, so limiting the time you can go on means more people at the same time to give them a proper test. With all the recent launch problems with games on other consoles that feature significant online elements, it actually seems like rather a canny move by Nintendo. Basically a Nintendo version of a beta test.
Re: PAL Gamers Can Brighten Their Day With This Club Nintendo Majora's Mask Light
Very tempted, but think I'm going to hold out just a little longer.
Re: Official Nintendo UK Store Announces Pre-Order Launch Times for New Wave of Super Smash Bros. amiibo
In slightly related news, just got my mewtwo smash bros download codes through. So much for painting the hallway.
Re: Official Nintendo UK Store Announces Pre-Order Launch Times for New Wave of Super Smash Bros. amiibo
I'm only interested in the Ganondorf one, so don't need to get into the scrum today. Will be interested in how it works out though.
Re: Nintendo of Japan Confirms the Tracks in the Upcoming Mario Kart 8 DLC
@stipey As well as what @lazyinsu said, I also love the track for time trials. I've spent far more time on the original version trying to shave milliseconds from my personal best than any other Mario Kart track. It's simplicity makes it all about getting the very best racing line.
Re: The Man Who Created Trollface Wants A Cut Of Meme Run's Earnings
@Rob_mc_1 There is no minimum threshold anymore. Nintendo changed the policy around the launch of the Wii U. So any sales mean money. Whether that transfers into profit for the developer is another matter entirely.
Re: Retrospective: Sega's Streets of Rage Series
SOR2 may not be the best game ever, for any number of reasons, but it's damn well my favourite. Much like very few people would choose 'War and Peace' as a favourite book, or 'Citizen Kane' as a favourite movie, despite their undoubted genius, I am well aware in SOR2's case there are many technically and mechanically better games out there. But despite its flaws, if someone to ask, I would tell them it was my favourite every time. A lawererge part of that is nostalgia, but at the end of the day I have been revisiting that game every few months for over 20 years. If I'm not bored of it now I never will be.
Re: Let's Educate Parents About Mature Titles, Suggests Game-Loving Teacher
I can see this going the same way as the last thread, but at least this alternative view is being aired a bit more clearly. As a teacher, parent and gamer myself I made similar points to what is said above on the last article. But by the time I had read the article and posted my comments, the thread had long since moved into territory that had little to do with what the story was about.
The key thing here is that this really is not an attack on gamers. Admittedly the initial letter could have been worded in a different way to make it more about raising the issue, but thinking that there is no issue would be the big mistake here.
Re: Head Teachers in the UK Issue Warning to Parents on 18-Rated Games Being Played by Children
@VR32F1END
I agree with you, that's what parents should do. That is a caring parent who makes sure that their child knows right from wrong. But not all would and that is where it becomes neglectful.
But as for attacking the teachers over it, as I said above, we've been put between a rock and a hard place. We are now potentially criminally responsible for not reporting these things, in this case the group of schools were advised by the council who run social services that they should report, if they don't they potentially land in it.
I actually bought this up in my staff room today and it was universally agreed that the whole thing is a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but it's not the teachers that want to be put in that position, it's the government and councils forcing them to be.
Re: Head Teachers in the UK Issue Warning to Parents on 18-Rated Games Being Played by Children
I've come to this thread quite late, but as a parent, gamer and (shock and horror!) a primary school teacher, I feel the need to clarify a few things.
Firstly, at no point has the Nantwich Partnership made a correlation between these games and increased violent behaviour. As a gamer this kind of lazy blame throwing, targeting videogames as the root of all violent acts by young people gets my goat as much as the next person. But the letter, which I have read in full, does not make that link, rather it acknowledges that by playing them the children are potentially exposed to violent or sexualised images at a young age. As far as I can see this cannot be disputed, you play a violent videogame as a child, or as an adult, you are exposed to violent images. Attacking the schools and teachers for saying there is such a link is putting words into their mouths.
Secondly the letter states that this may be reviewed as neglect. There appears to be some confusion here with what that means. Neglect is not intentionally harming a child, that is abuse. Rather neglect is putting a child at harm through inaction. This may be obvious, such as not feeding a child, but can be less clear cut, such as a parent not accepting the consequences of a child's medical condition and failing to seek help, or a parent that allows a potentially dangerous adult into the life of their child. That doesn't mean that the parent does not love that child, but rather that they are being neglectful in their duties as a parent first.
Whether you view allowing an underage child to play a game as neglect is open to debate. Personally I think it is wrong that children as young as 8 at my school are playing Call of Duty or GTA, and believe me they are, but I also accept that the age ratings are a guidance and an older teenage child may well play something they are not quite the right age for, with an informed parents consent. I know I did as a teenager. But I would not allow my son, who is 7, anywhere near my mature games, but I do feel it is alright for him to play Smash Bros, with a rating of 12. I know that he is mature enough in himself.
But the point that seems to be upsetting most here is the idea that the schools are becoming the ones policing parents. But you have to understand the position the schools are in. Following the recent historical abuse allegations and the big cover ups in some cases, particularly Rotherham, the government has made it clear that any one in a position such as care, who does not report any concerns for abuse or neglect, can be held criminally responsible. But beyond that no guidance has been given to what degree this needs to be done. The Nantwich Partnership actually state in their letter that they are doing this on the advice of the councils safeguarding team, i.e. the same people responsible for social services. The school has little choice now but to report these.
Now it is highly unlikely that one report of a child playing COD underage is going to result in that child going into care. What will happen instead is that the school, social services and the police will instead look to see if there is a pattern emerging with a child. For example, is that child who played COD also constantly hungry, withdrawn socially and have a medical condition which the parent is not seeking help for. Then you have a pattern of neglect.
Like it or not as gamers, but I have seen children who have unhealthy obsessions with certain games, but it is never the only reason for concern.
So in looking at this, please bear in mind the full context around what has actually been done here and don't get sucked into thinking, by the same media that would blame videogames for every death caused by a teenager, that this is an attack on gamers or caring parents.
Re: Review: OlliOlli (Wii U eShop)
Was accidentally up until 2.30 on Saturday morning, because I just had to have one more go. Only planned on playing for 10 minutes before bed.
Re: Sega's Wonder Boy Lives On In Monster Boy, And He Could Be Coming To Wii U
Wonder Boy was a very influential game for me. On holiday as a 7 year old there was a Wonder Boy arcade cabinet I must have played everyday. This would definitely be a must have.
Re: More Details Emerge on Xenoblade Chronicles X and Its Non-Linear World
@Giygas_95 I ended up spending about 150 hours by the time I was done, including side quests and maxing everything out. Of that, I didn't see the main quest ending until about 100 hours in. You could go through quicker, but the world is so engrossing, and the side quests cleverly layered alongside, you'll want to take your time getting there, so I'd say 100 hours for the main game is about right. I'm also not one to usually worry about 100 percenting games, but even after those 100 hours I wanted more. Needless to say, I'm very excited for X.
Re: Feature: 20 Wii Games We'd Love To Download From The Wii U eShop - Part Two
Great bunch of games, although I do have most sitting on my shelf, so voted for those I don't have, I want to see. Really keen to play Muramasa.
Re: Capcom Offers 5 Beginner Tips On How To Become A Better Monster Hunter
Have had MH3 installed since I got it as a free bonus game last year, but couldn't bring myself to tackle it. Just happened to start again last night, to see if 4 is worth getting hyped for, or not. These tips couldn't come at a better time, as I'm clueless right now.
Re: Nintendo Download: 15th January (Europe)
Axelay has been top of my Virtual Console wishlist since the service launched. Happy days!
Re: New Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Edition Promotion is Suddenly Available to More Club Nintendo Members
Just got the email through today. Seriously torn though, as I intended on getting the XL model, but this may be too tempting.
Re: Amazon UK Is Cancelling GameCube Adapter Orders Due To Lack Of Stock
I had one of the cancelled pre orders and as a result I'm not a happy bunny right now. Got the email last night and switched my order to the Mario amiibo bundle (which has fortunately despatched). But it now means I won't be able to use one of the key game features of 8 player smash. Through various controllers I have access to 6 that will work, but with 2 old GameCube controllers I had in the loft, that would have gone to 8. I'm not going to buy more controllers when I have some here.
I am fuming at Amazon though. A far as I see it, my business is with them. Don't take our pre order if you can't fulfill it. First time I've pre ordered anything, won't ever bother again.
Re: Inflated Prices and Limited Stock Cause Frustration with the Wii U's GameCube Controller Adapter
Well I pre ordered from Amazon and as yet nothing. My amiibo were shipped as expected, but game and adapter bundle not yet. Currently showing an expected delivery of tomorrow but as it's not shipped I'm not holding my breath. Personally I blame Amazon. They knew how much stock they ordered. Don't keep accepting pre orders if you can't cover them.
Only silver lining is I'm spending so much time on Hyrule Warriors, I still haven't touched Bayonetta, so shouldn't run out of games.
Re: Science Tries To Ruin Our Fun As Zelda's Hookshot And Mario Galaxy's Planets Come Under Scrutiny
As an alumni of the university where the Mario research was conducted, I have to say I couldn't be more proud of the students dedication to the Nintendo cause.
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
I think this event may have just put nintendolifes membership through the roof. Welcome all!
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
@insaneadiction Sorry, just sent last one. Hope you get one.
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
@Karp Well my Chocobo loving friend, code is yours.
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
@johanmani Code sent. Enjoy
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
@alexknighter Just emailed the code. Enjoy! 2 more European codes off anyone wants them. Just reply with email.
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
Ok, I'm home from the shopping and have 3 eu codes. First three emails can have them.
Re: Demo for Super Smash Bros. 3DS Announced for North America and Europe
Just got an email through, so will post the spare codes shortly.
Re: Review: Phonics Fun with Biff, Chip & Kipper: Vol. 1 (3DS)
As a primary teacher and the school IT coordinator, responsible for sourcing software for this sort of thing, this sounds like a great title. Thanks for the review. Being able to give a child, that doesn't engage with reading, a 3DS to use will be a great resource.
Reviews of the other 2 volumes would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Play & Win: Join the UK Mario Kart 8 Championship First Heat - Today!
That's me done. After a decidedly average performance I'm off to watch the footy.
Re: Play & Win: Join the UK Mario Kart 8 Championship First Heat - Today!
@S3OL Just spotted you. Good luck!
Re: The Pokémon Trading Card Game Is Coming To iPad This Year
@Einherjar The extra exposure can only be a good thing and I do believe it will lead to new audiences. In the past month I've spent more time playing Hearthstone than any other game. I previously had no interest in World of Warcraft whatsoever, but having been thoroughly sucked in by the tcg, I am planning on giving it a try. Absolutely the same thing can happen here.
Re: Charming Zelda-Themed Carry Case Appears on European and Australian Club Nintendo Catalogue
I've been holding out for the SNES style controllers to come back on but that sure is tempting.
Re: Nintendo Download: 14th August (Europe)
Just went and bought both AC games on Friday as physical copies. Never mind, at least they won't take up the precious disk space.
Re: Feature: The Ten Best 3DS Games For Your Kids This Summer
@GloverMist Oddly enough, despite having always been a Nintendo gamer and having had every system since the nes, Pokemon always passed me by and I'm only a recent convert myself. Watching my son play made me wish I'd paid attention a bit sooner.
Re: Feature: The Ten Best 3DS Games For Your Kids This Summer
Just introduced my 6 year old to the world of Pokemon yesterday. He already seems to be enjoying the world but there is so much complexity in there that it amazes me kids get so much out of these.
Re: Nintendo Download: 7th August (Europe)
Have been holding off Scram Kitty but will be grabbing it at that price.
Re: Latest Wii U System Update Allows Console To Console Data Transfer
Navigating the e shop with the pro controller will be welcome, as I often go to do it with little luck. The system transfer doesn't seem particularly helpful though, seeing you need a working console to transfer from. It better not be a way of putting the unified account off even longer.
Re: Nintendo of Europe Distributing Tomodachi Life: Welcome Version Through Its Newsletter
I too got the code a month ago but haven't played it yet, although my son's been loving it.
Re: Play: Time for Another Nintendo Life Community GP - 12th July
I've been busy trying to get through some of my backlog but after completing Earthbound and Armillo this week I fancied some online karting this weekend. Timing couldn't be better, but might need to practice a bit.
Re: Learn How To Be a Fighting Game Master With This Free eBook
I'll bite. Always wanted to try and improve my fight skills but never really knew where to start.
Re: First Impressions: Going Portable With Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
@shigulicious The small screen puts me off too but really like the sound of smash run mode. Little bit torn .... so I'll probably end up with both anyway.
Re: Nintendo Download: 10th July (Europe)
Yes! I love Twinbee. What a lovely surprise for a Monday. So now in terms of classic SNES shooters I just need Axelay. The campaign starts here.
Re: Review: Armillo (Wii U eShop)
Whilst I downloaded Guacamelee last night, I was waiting on the review for this as my backlog is insane at the moment. Think I'm sold though.
Re: Pier Solar HD Delayed, Wii U Version Will Now Come With Built-In Achievements
Microsofts archaic, anti-competitive parity clause strikes again
Re: Reggie Fils-Aime Highlights Importance of Children to Nintendo, Reveals Kids & Parents Web Portal
My son has just massively got into Mario in the last few months and my 3 year old daughter loves watching him play. Going shopping last weekend she had a crowd of customers in stitches mimicking all the characters. "Princess Peach spin jump!"