There's already plenty to use within the Mario universe and taking a everyone is here for Mario characters approach in this Mario World for this entry makes sense. I think that mainstays from previous games like Diddy or Petey Piranha should be added in future updates, and recent additions like Kamek or Poochie.
In terms of non Mario characters, as much as I could see them adding new zones from other IPs, not sure if they want to take the SEGA approach at this time unless it was substantial enough. If they were to do paid DLC, they could reserve crossovers for that, but after the booster pass and everything they could add from previous Mario Kart games in this new style, I don't know if that would be a priority for them.
If they took that approach, they would essentially be locked into a Smash Bros like who is the next Collab situation rather than just stick to expanding what they are already focusing on. As there are so many Mario characters and courses they could add, I'm not that bothered about collabs. Kirby Air Riders needs it's time to shine and if there is any hope of getting another racing game like F-Zero, better to have these games exist together rather than cameo everything in Mario Kart if it doesn't really need it.
So glad to see they are here. After Cranky and the Diddy redesign, it seemed inevitable with a new DK game that they would be here but still great to see they will help out.
I think similar to the Returns games, they definitely want DK to be the star of the game as the all powerful, chaotic hero, that has the power to do what he can that no one else can achieve, with a nice sidekick role for Pauline who hasn't got the spotlight ever.
DK got sidelined hard in the original DKC trilogy and DK64 with the amount of different characters or removing him entirely, so this is a very good call on Nintendo to want to celebrate DK in this way with a new platformer.
To cap things off, it would be surprising to not get Funky Kong to include all the Kongs they recently featured, so we will have to see if there is a place for Funky to help out with some new invention or shop to help DK.
In terms of K Rool being featured, I personally think the new cast of baddies are great so far and unless there was a big twist where the Kremling crew appears, I don't see that happening, but maybe he is the big bad behind the scenes. It definitely seems to be taking a Jungle Beat Kong Vs Kong approach, so not confident in that. Haven't watched the footage but there will need to be a primary villain, so curious if this could feature K Rool or even Mario.
I hope that Diddy and especially Dixie are added to MK World after her exclusion for MK8 Booster Pass after featuring in Tour. Also the lack of Baby Pauline does give me hope that this version of Pauline will also be added. Funky being featured in Bananza would cap things off but it would be a lot to expect 4 new racers in a post launch update so at least Diddy would be great. Of course more costumes for DK and Pauline are definitely needed at least.
I am honestly surprised to see people assume this is the complete list of upgraded games. Like sure there will probably be paid upgrades for games like Luigi's Mansion 3 and Pikmin 4 but there is almost no way that the Xenoblade games aren't getting updates. I assume this is a launch lineup and even if slow, they will occasionally announce more upgrades in future Directs to stagger renewed interest for different games between new ones. I just hope we will get different games beyond first party like Astral Chain.
Personally, it has been many years since Rare parted ways with Nintendo.
The idea that Nintendo with a new generation isn't allowed to update the design of DK to fit their new branding and games is weird. Like Zelda as a series is much bigger and redesigns for different Link's are accepted. Kind of reminds me of Toon Link during GameCube era after OoT and at the time, people turning their nose up at the design, despite how expressive the model was in game.
If DK didn't look fantastic in Bananza (haven't been looking at MKT footage), I would be concerned at the direction, like OG Sonic movie design, but it feels like it is much more in line with the other Mario characters. After decades, it did feel like they had embraced the Rare design across many different games, but also after so many years, they probably wanted to do more with the character and eventually have a new design.
Normally I wouldn't like removing icons, but as free default icons, small updates that retain the same feel as the original, isn't that big of a deal. There were Returns HD icons recently and they created that new cover art with the original design.
I still like all the games in this collection as a new era of Ace Attorney, particularly Apollo's journey (although it's far from concluded).
Despite what some of said, I think I overall still liked SoJ the best across the game as a whole, despite the late development of the prosecutor. There are individual cases and the prosecutors from Apollo Justice and Dual Destinies that I love but I do think there are also some weaker cases that made the pace of the story a bit more uneven than SoJ. Generally I think Apollo Justice starts strong and maybe gets a bit weaker as it goes on despite some good moments. Dual Destinies starts pretty strong but some of the middle isn't quite as good but picks up more by the end and especially the DLC case.
From the main story, to the side stories that mostly help to develop all the main team, I just thought overall the cases in SoJ were really good, with some special, memorable moments. Like even Turnabout Storyteller has one of the best witnesses in the series and a great partnership solving the case, making sure to not outstay it's welcome which was also good.
Compared to Dual Destinies, where some characters got a little one note and villains too silly, there are some really fantastic characters in SoJ that really stuck with me and thought it builds off of the previous two games very well, along with linking in with the original trilogy in the context of this being years later from the those events and things have moved on from then. I hope SoJ gets a new found appreciation for this new trilogy release.
Kenichi Hashimoto really hit the nail on the head with Turnabout Reclaimed being the best case. It really is such a fantastic standalone case, with a great mystery, setting, cast of characters and great conclusion. If you consider it officially the third case of Dual Destinies, it might be one of the best and break the 3rd case syndrome that the series has had.
@Lizuka I personally agree that the first game is probably the weakest in the series but against all odds the second game might be one of the best. It's the biggest crime of the series that fans don't have an official way to play it and the purchase of that game would be worth it alone.
Considering all the free DLC making Shovel Knight a great package, spending a bit more money for these extra features and figure isn't unreasonable especially when they want to keep stock available at all times.
I would say this style of game would fit best on Nintendo platforms but SEGA is doing business and Game Freak are keeping quiet. Can't say its the most appealing game depending on the price and how engaging it is over its length. Let's hope it isn't a forgettable game that turns up in a free game reward or sale quickly after launch because it has potential.
@sdw4527 Yeah was going to mention them alongside the end sequence. Its the middle that could have been changed with some new areas and bosses. It would have really made the difference. I can't wait for this game as hopefully that one major gripe can be fixed this time around by at least making sure every chapter has something new to offer.
Can't wait to finally pick up Phoenix Wright Trilogy. Never played them except for watching SuperJeenius's lets play of the first few chapters of the original and loving it. My last pick up of the year.
Nintendo's great work this year has paid off. Bayonetta should have won but it is very out there. It could have increased sales to further highlight its excellence in reinvigorating the genre but oh well. I'm not sure if Dragon Age should have been game of the year considering how the actions of building up everything doesn't amount to much in the end. The micro transactions with that coop or multiplayer mode that was very pointless and underdeveloped to focus on buying stuff in game also wasn't good at all. Still a great game but yeah.
Honestly if things were fairly judged, its only the action award and remaster that would be hard for Nintendo based products to win. I'm hopeful because MK8, Smash, Bayo 2 and Pokemon are packed with quality content and Nintendo as a company should win hands down.
@unrandomsam Honestly I loved Bravely Default even if the middle of the game needed to be original content and the twist should have been rapped up quicker. The ending sections are all worth it though.
I've had no problem with Sonic Team with Unleashed, Colors, Generations and Lost World Wii U. I really liked Transformed as a celebration of SEGA's finest franchises. Its only DIMPS going off of Sonic Teams ideas that creates uninspired rushed games. I don't mind the gameplay as a fan of Jak and Daxter, Rayman 3, Sonic and Ratchet and Clank as they were my childhood but it looks so lifeless without much going on like Big Red Button didn't try. If they didn't try perhaps from them having a deadline before Smash and the TV show continues any further then why should I? Graphics don't make a game but when an early 360 game back in 2006 like Sonic 06 looks on par with this thats a serious problem. At least with the forementioned Sonic Team games, they were full of life, animated and had kickass soundtracks. This is for young kids, that's it. I hate that excuse but that literally is a fact as it doesn't seem to incorperate any sense that it wants to appeal to anyone else like the wider appeal of Mario or even Sonic Team's efforts that aren't aimed at young kids but definitely appeals to them. There is also polish in presentation and frame rate in those games despite still retaining some flawed design such as the Wisps and bosses in Lost World and spending way too much time making long Werehog stages in Unleashed.
@ricklongo Yeah I'm contemplating whether to get the DKC SNES original trilogy or Shovel Knight as I was going to get the trilogy as I wasn't sure if it would get past final testing by the end of the year when my Platinum membership runs out. I might get both and forget about Megaman X as I've played the original 6 NES games so I don't want to start something where I only play the original due to the first being the most influential. Had to forget the original DK Land game for this as well. ;(
Bayonetta 1/2, Sonic Boom, Captain Toad next year, Smash and Shovel Knight. Looking forward to 3ds stuff like Sonic Boom, Phoenix Wright Trilogy and Pokemon.
I'm also set on Bayonetta 1 and 2 to support it here in the UK. Smash 3ds isn't really my thing. Portability isn't important to me but I'm definitely getting Smash Wii U this holiday season. Got to support the more obscure titles that deserve more than anything else on the market like Destiny or FIFA.
People at college ask me if I've gotten FIFA last weekend and packs to go with it and to them I say no. Its a scam at this point. Loving playing Hyrule Warriors. UK baffle me but I'm content in knowing the quality on Wii U is assured for this holiday season and onwards as a small minority.
Hope to see more set pieces from both games in this stage(s). Great to see The Thousand Year Door as you would think they could have just included Super Paper Mario instead but chose this. Perhaps they learned that if there was going to be a Paper Mario game on Wii U, it should be more like TTYD. I like all Paper Mario games but the environments, characters and RPG elements were striped back for trial and error gameplay that follows the same old story that the series attempted to stay away from. Maybe the success of Dream Team might show how on the other side of the RPG Mario games it felt familiar but also added something new and fresh that didn't streamline and go against the early screenshots. Anyway, Glitzpit should be included. FEEL THE RAWK!!!
@Einherjar It might be the most unoriginal game ever but it isn't a bad game. I've played through all the levels and didn't think it was a complete waste despite it being so similar to the original, you might as well play that.
@SavoirFaire I suppose having the 3DS XL helps and I usually pick up control schemes very quickly. Took a couple of hours but after 50+ hours playing, they become second nature to me. It can strain your hands so taking short breaks is adviced. Seriously though, the XL helps tremendously. I remember first setting down in the burning town and not being able to control the camera while moving. I couldn't aim and kept doing the sliding dodge instead of running normally, but as the intensity and need to explore the environment opened up, so did my understanding and bearings on the controls. Don't get me started on the first time I had to control that motorcycle in the Labyrinth.
@SavoirFaire Not to blame you but that lack of acceptance in learning a control scheme that I found fine but was passable still for those who stuck with it, is why one of the best revivals of a series go underappreciated. A modern gem.
Comments 27
Re: Where Are Mario Kart World's Non-Mario Racers? Producer Kosuke Yabuki Has The Answer
There's already plenty to use within the Mario universe and taking a everyone is here for Mario characters approach in this Mario World for this entry makes sense. I think that mainstays from previous games like Diddy or Petey Piranha should be added in future updates, and recent additions like Kamek or Poochie.
In terms of non Mario characters, as much as I could see them adding new zones from other IPs, not sure if they want to take the SEGA approach at this time unless it was substantial enough. If they were to do paid DLC, they could reserve crossovers for that, but after the booster pass and everything they could add from previous Mario Kart games in this new style, I don't know if that would be a priority for them.
If they took that approach, they would essentially be locked into a Smash Bros like who is the next Collab situation rather than just stick to expanding what they are already focusing on. As there are so many Mario characters and courses they could add, I'm not that bothered about collabs. Kirby Air Riders needs it's time to shine and if there is any hope of getting another racing game like F-Zero, better to have these games exist together rather than cameo everything in Mario Kart if it doesn't really need it.
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Hasn't Forgotten About Diddy & Dixie Kong After All
So glad to see they are here. After Cranky and the Diddy redesign, it seemed inevitable with a new DK game that they would be here but still great to see they will help out.
I think similar to the Returns games, they definitely want DK to be the star of the game as the all powerful, chaotic hero, that has the power to do what he can that no one else can achieve, with a nice sidekick role for Pauline who hasn't got the spotlight ever.
DK got sidelined hard in the original DKC trilogy and DK64 with the amount of different characters or removing him entirely, so this is a very good call on Nintendo to want to celebrate DK in this way with a new platformer.
To cap things off, it would be surprising to not get Funky Kong to include all the Kongs they recently featured, so we will have to see if there is a place for Funky to help out with some new invention or shop to help DK.
In terms of K Rool being featured, I personally think the new cast of baddies are great so far and unless there was a big twist where the Kremling crew appears, I don't see that happening, but maybe he is the big bad behind the scenes. It definitely seems to be taking a Jungle Beat Kong Vs Kong approach, so not confident in that. Haven't watched the footage but there will need to be a primary villain, so curious if this could feature K Rool or even Mario.
I hope that Diddy and especially Dixie are added to MK World after her exclusion for MK8 Booster Pass after featuring in Tour. Also the lack of Baby Pauline does give me hope that this version of Pauline will also be added. Funky being featured in Bananza would cap things off but it would be a lot to expect 4 new racers in a post launch update so at least Diddy would be great. Of course more costumes for DK and Pauline are definitely needed at least.
Re: Zelda Fans Are Concerned About The Free Switch 2 Updates, But Don't Worry
I am honestly surprised to see people assume this is the complete list of upgraded games. Like sure there will probably be paid upgrades for games like Luigi's Mansion 3 and Pikmin 4 but there is almost no way that the Xenoblade games aren't getting updates. I assume this is a launch lineup and even if slow, they will occasionally announce more upgrades in future Directs to stagger renewed interest for different games between new ones. I just hope we will get different games beyond first party like Astral Chain.
Re: Mulitple Profie Icons Revamped In Latest Switch Firmware Update
Personally, it has been many years since Rare parted ways with Nintendo.
The idea that Nintendo with a new generation isn't allowed to update the design of DK to fit their new branding and games is weird. Like Zelda as a series is much bigger and redesigns for different Link's are accepted. Kind of reminds me of Toon Link during GameCube era after OoT and at the time, people turning their nose up at the design, despite how expressive the model was in game.
If DK didn't look fantastic in Bananza (haven't been looking at MKT footage), I would be concerned at the direction, like OG Sonic movie design, but it feels like it is much more in line with the other Mario characters. After decades, it did feel like they had embraced the Rare design across many different games, but also after so many years, they probably wanted to do more with the character and eventually have a new design.
Normally I wouldn't like removing icons, but as free default icons, small updates that retain the same feel as the original, isn't that big of a deal. There were Returns HD icons recently and they created that new cover art with the original design.
Re: Feature: "We Were Aware Of The Fans' Wishes" - Rescuing The 3DS Games For Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
I still like all the games in this collection as a new era of Ace Attorney, particularly Apollo's journey (although it's far from concluded).
Despite what some of said, I think I overall still liked SoJ the best across the game as a whole, despite the late development of the prosecutor. There are individual cases and the prosecutors from Apollo Justice and Dual Destinies that I love but I do think there are also some weaker cases that made the pace of the story a bit more uneven than SoJ. Generally I think Apollo Justice starts strong and maybe gets a bit weaker as it goes on despite some good moments. Dual Destinies starts pretty strong but some of the middle isn't quite as good but picks up more by the end and especially the DLC case.
From the main story, to the side stories that mostly help to develop all the main team, I just thought overall the cases in SoJ were really good, with some special, memorable moments. Like even Turnabout Storyteller has one of the best witnesses in the series and a great partnership solving the case, making sure to not outstay it's welcome which was also good.
Compared to Dual Destinies, where some characters got a little one note and villains too silly, there are some really fantastic characters in SoJ that really stuck with me and thought it builds off of the previous two games very well, along with linking in with the original trilogy in the context of this being years later from the those events and things have moved on from then. I hope SoJ gets a new found appreciation for this new trilogy release.
Re: Feature: "We Were Aware Of The Fans' Wishes" - Rescuing The 3DS Games For Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Kenichi Hashimoto really hit the nail on the head with Turnabout Reclaimed being the best case. It really is such a fantastic standalone case, with a great mystery, setting, cast of characters and great conclusion. If you consider it officially the third case of Dual Destinies, it might be one of the best and break the 3rd case syndrome that the series has had.
Re: Feature: "We Were Aware Of The Fans' Wishes" - Rescuing The 3DS Games For Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
@Lizuka I personally agree that the first game is probably the weakest in the series but against all odds the second game might be one of the best. It's the biggest crime of the series that fans don't have an official way to play it and the purchase of that game would be worth it alone.
Re: Yacht Club Games Unveils Full Details of Shovel Knight amiibo
Considering all the free DLC making Shovel Knight a great package, spending a bit more money for these extra features and figure isn't unreasonable especially when they want to keep stock available at all times.
Re: Game Freak’s Director Explains Why TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT Isn’t Coming to Nintendo's Digital Platforms
I would say this style of game would fit best on Nintendo platforms but SEGA is doing business and Game Freak are keeping quiet. Can't say its the most appealing game depending on the price and how engaging it is over its length. Let's hope it isn't a forgettable game that turns up in a free game reward or sale quickly after launch because it has potential.
Re: New Trailer For 3DS RPG Bravely Second Launches In Japan
@sdw4527 Yeah was going to mention them alongside the end sequence. Its the middle that could have been changed with some new areas and bosses. It would have really made the difference. I can't wait for this game as hopefully that one major gripe can be fixed this time around by at least making sure every chapter has something new to offer.
Re: Impressions: Nintendo Made The Right Call With Its Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Demo
@PolarKoalaBear I'd recommend Resident Evil Revelations too.
Re: Nintendo Download: 11th December (North America)
Can't wait to finally pick up Phoenix Wright Trilogy. Never played them except for watching SuperJeenius's lets play of the first few chapters of the original and loving it. My last pick up of the year.
Re: Nintendo Wins Four At The Game Awards 2014, While Shovel Knight Scoops Best Indie Prize
Nintendo's great work this year has paid off. Bayonetta should have won but it is very out there. It could have increased sales to further highlight its excellence in reinvigorating the genre but oh well. I'm not sure if Dragon Age should have been game of the year considering how the actions of building up everything doesn't amount to much in the end. The micro transactions with that coop or multiplayer mode that was very pointless and underdeveloped to focus on buying stuff in game also wasn't good at all. Still a great game but yeah.
Re: Nintendo Secures Plenty of Nominations in The Game Awards 2014
Honestly if things were fairly judged, its only the action award and remaster that would be hard for Nintendo based products to win. I'm hopeful because MK8, Smash, Bayo 2 and Pokemon are packed with quality content and Nintendo as a company should win hands down.
Re: Nintendo Secures Plenty of Nominations in The Game Awards 2014
@unrandomsam Honestly I loved Bravely Default even if the middle of the game needed to be original content and the twist should have been rapped up quicker. The ending sections are all worth it though.
Re: Video: Early Sonic Boom: Rise Of Lyric Footage Hints At Game-Breaking Bugs
I've had no problem with Sonic Team with Unleashed, Colors, Generations and Lost World Wii U. I really liked Transformed as a celebration of SEGA's finest franchises. Its only DIMPS going off of Sonic Teams ideas that creates uninspired rushed games. I don't mind the gameplay as a fan of Jak and Daxter, Rayman 3, Sonic and Ratchet and Clank as they were my childhood but it looks so lifeless without much going on like Big Red Button didn't try. If they didn't try perhaps from them having a deadline before Smash and the TV show continues any further then why should I? Graphics don't make a game but when an early 360 game back in 2006 like Sonic 06 looks on par with this thats a serious problem. At least with the forementioned Sonic Team games, they were full of life, animated and had kickass soundtracks. This is for young kids, that's it. I hate that excuse but that literally is a fact as it doesn't seem to incorperate any sense that it wants to appeal to anyone else like the wider appeal of Mario or even Sonic Team's efforts that aren't aimed at young kids but definitely appeals to them. There is also polish in presentation and frame rate in those games despite still retaining some flawed design such as the Wisps and bosses in Lost World and spending way too much time making long Werehog stages in Unleashed.
Re: Shovel Knight For Wii U & 3DS Launches In Europe And Australia This November
@ricklongo Yeah I'm contemplating whether to get the DKC SNES original trilogy or Shovel Knight as I was going to get the trilogy as I wasn't sure if it would get past final testing by the end of the year when my Platinum membership runs out. I might get both and forget about Megaman X as I've played the original 6 NES games so I don't want to start something where I only play the original due to the first being the most influential. Had to forget the original DK Land game for this as well. ;(
Re: Feature: The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014 - Fall Edition
Bayonetta 1/2, Sonic Boom, Captain Toad next year, Smash and Shovel Knight. Looking forward to 3ds stuff like Sonic Boom, Phoenix Wright Trilogy and Pokemon.
Re: Feature: The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014 - Fall Edition
@SmashFabulous Don't trust reviews. Go off of your own instincts.
Re: Feature: The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014 - Fall Edition
@BensonUii Yeah definitely getting Shovel Knight. The wait has been unbearable.
Re: Fantasy Life Makes Top 10 UK Chart Début as Hyrule Warriors Loses Its Base
I'm also set on Bayonetta 1 and 2 to support it here in the UK. Smash 3ds isn't really my thing. Portability isn't important to me but I'm definitely getting Smash Wii U this holiday season. Got to support the more obscure titles that deserve more than anything else on the market like Destiny or FIFA.
Re: Fantasy Life Makes Top 10 UK Chart Début as Hyrule Warriors Loses Its Base
People at college ask me if I've gotten FIFA last weekend and packs to go with it and to them I say no. Its a scam at this point. Loving playing Hyrule Warriors. UK baffle me but I'm content in knowing the quality on Wii U is assured for this holiday season and onwards as a small minority.
Re: Nintendo Confirms a Huge Range of eShop Discounts to Celebrate Super Smash Bros.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend Kid Icarus Uprising. Its one of the best Nintendo games I've ever played.
Re: Multi-Generational Paper Mario Stage Confirmed for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Hope to see more set pieces from both games in this stage(s). Great to see The Thousand Year Door as you would think they could have just included Super Paper Mario instead but chose this. Perhaps they learned that if there was going to be a Paper Mario game on Wii U, it should be more like TTYD. I like all Paper Mario games but the environments, characters and RPG elements were striped back for trial and error gameplay that follows the same old story that the series attempted to stay away from. Maybe the success of Dream Team might show how on the other side of the RPG Mario games it felt familiar but also added something new and fresh that didn't streamline and go against the early screenshots. Anyway, Glitzpit should be included. FEEL THE RAWK!!!
Re: You Won't Need To Track Too Much Treasure To Buy Captain Toad
@Einherjar It might be the most unoriginal game ever but it isn't a bad game. I've played through all the levels and didn't think it was a complete waste despite it being so similar to the original, you might as well play that.
Re: Star Fox on Wii U to Support Local Co-Op With GamePad Player as Gunner
@SavoirFaire I suppose having the 3DS XL helps and I usually pick up control schemes very quickly. Took a couple of hours but after 50+ hours playing, they become second nature to me. It can strain your hands so taking short breaks is adviced. Seriously though, the XL helps tremendously. I remember first setting down in the burning town and not being able to control the camera while moving. I couldn't aim and kept doing the sliding dodge instead of running normally, but as the intensity and need to explore the environment opened up, so did my understanding and bearings on the controls. Don't get me started on the first time I had to control that motorcycle in the Labyrinth.
Re: Star Fox on Wii U to Support Local Co-Op With GamePad Player as Gunner
@SavoirFaire Not to blame you but that lack of acceptance in learning a control scheme that I found fine but was passable still for those who stuck with it, is why one of the best revivals of a series go underappreciated. A modern gem.