Splodge

Maybe this is how I can finally get Flimbo into Smash.

But seriously, while it is PR speak, it is a nice of them to write it. Back in the 90's I sent a game idea to Nintendo and I got back a similar letter, on green paper with a picture of Donkey Kong on it. And as a child, I was thrilled just to hear back. It is a nice gesture.

Sadly, these ports have been very sloppy. I bought Jedi Outcast on launch day but couldn't play it for a month because there was no option to invert the y axis until it was patched in (something I don't think was even mentioned in the NintendoLife review, grumble grumble). That kind of thing can make a game completely unplayable. So, I've been skipping most of these releases.

I loved the idea of 3DS cover-plates. I didn't love most of the ones they put out but some were nice. I'm really hoping aftermarket cover plates take-off in the same way that aftermarket Gameboy shells and parts have. But, that's probably never going to happen.

As for the Switch, I need folders. Or even just one folder to put the games I've finished in.

They have a feature for archiving games where the data is deleted but the icon stays in the menu. I want the complete opposite - keep the data but hide the icon for games I've completed.

I love Majora's Mask, playing through it again right now coincidentally.

It might not have been intentional but it shares a lot with Link's Awakening, the other weird Zelda. They both have the same sense of melancholy, the sense that we're seeing the last days of a world about to end. And both games have a stronger focus on characters and theme (compared to ALTTP and OoT). I really care about the NPCs in those games.

It seems like, once Nintendo have established the new status quo for Zelda in a generation, they're freed up to do something new and weird. Both Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time told the standard princess-rescue story and established the rules of Zelda for their respective generations. So, Majora's Mask and Link's Awakening were free to be more experimental with their stories. I'm hoping the same will happen for BOTW2 - the first one can be the flagship Zelda switch game. The new one can do it's own new thing.

I think part of the problem is that Nintendo doesn't seem to really care about story, characters or world building. They are focused on gameplay and developing new game mechanics more than anything. This means that if they have a new gameplay idea, they'll use it for an existing franchise rather than something new. The creation of new worlds and stories doesn't seem to appeal to them (to Miyamoto, at least).

The hat/possession mechanics of Mario Odyssey could easily have been used to develop a new IP. Same for the gravity platforming in Galaxy - that in itself could have been another separate game series. Mario is a long-running series with a lot sequels. But from another point of view, Nintendo has developed a lot of new ideas and new franchises, but they are all disguised as Mario games.

Having said that, I do agree with the article. I would like something new, maybe something radically different from anything they've done before. I don't know what but I guess for Nintendo that would mean something with a stronger focus on story, maybe something more adult and emotional.

@TeamRocket47

It's a matter of preference really. If you've got a good SP with a good screen and you're happy with it, it might be enough for you.

Even if your SP is not in good shape - there's a lot of mod kits available now - you can reshell it and give it an IPS screen (and a flash cart if you want). Doing all of that is probably a lot cheaper than this and it might cover everything you want. I've got a nice SP and that will probably always be my walking-around gameboy.

But I have ordered a Pocket. For me, it's because I'm interested in everything else it can do - I think it has a second fpga just for homebrew developers to play with; I'd really like to see what comes from that. And I'm interested in the adapters - I've got a some pc engine games here and I want to get into other handhelds too. It's expensive (especially buying separate adapters and accessories) - that's the main thing going against it. But, I expect it to be good quality based on what they've done before.

But it really depends on what you want. If you just need a nice gameboy for DMG, GBC and GBA, a nice SP might be better.

@Tempestryke Yes, that's what I said. My point was that although they brought them back, the performances were different. Cullen deepened Optimus' voice a lot because the movie version was much taller. And likewise Welker also developed a new Megatron voice. There's some good videos on YouTube where they go through the differences between G1, Bay, and Transformers: Prime, in terms of the characterisations.

My point was that, Martinet is also probably talented enough to do the same with Mario. If the voice he uses in the game doesn't work for whatever reason (if it doesn't work for full sentences or becomes annoying), he can adapt it or create a new version that does work but still has the DNA of his original version.

A lot of people saying that Martinet's Mario voice wouldn't work for full sentences or that it would become unbearable over the course a full film.

But he's a good actor and he has range - his second most famous role is Paarthunax from Skyrim, which is completely different from his Mario. So, I think he'd definitely be capable of adjusting the performance or changing the voice to make it work in a different medium. It might even only take small adjustments.

Not a great example, but some of the original Transformers actors returned for the Michael Bay movies. But when they came back, they didn't just do the cartoon voices again - the voices were modified and developed to fit the movies (because the movies called for different characterisations and also because the size of the robots was different etc.).

Voice actors are immensely talented and adaptable (it seems you have to be to keep working in that field). So I really think Martinet could reinterpret Mario for film. I have a feeling they'll recast like with Sonic but I do hope they consider him.

Edit: If they did have to recast, I'd hope they'd go for someone like Roberto Benigni. An actual Italian would help prevent it from becoming a stereotype and his voice isn't a million miles away from what we think of Mario.

Excellent. Though, I will have to find a new excuse for losing now.

Great video but Jon is being far too kind to Knuckles Chaotix. The use of momentum is interesting and there are good ideas. I even like the characters (thanks to being a massive Sonic the Comic fan at the time). But the levels feel really empty and lifeless - mostly down to there being almost no enemies. The zones feel unpopulated and really uncomfortable to move through. It does resemble a classic Sonic game - but only on a surface level. Where those games were brimming with life, this one feels dead, almost like an unfinished tech -demo.

@Switcheroot

Yes, it does seem that they are taking the feedback well and acting on it. And I'm glad they're doing a rom release this time too. It is a good sign that, rather than being defensive, they are taking criticism well.

So, I was probably overly harsh. I think I was just a bit annoyed at seeing the quality of the games they were releasing Vs the prices. (I can see the submarine and football games are still on their website for 50 euro each).

But hopefully, the feedback helps this one work out better.

This does look interesting and I'll definitely keep an eye on it.

But sadly it looks like their other games have been very bad, (with a couple of exceptions).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLepAgeE7EY

And the company itself doesn't fill me with confidence. They seem focused on creating a premium product - expensive physical only releases - but less focused on quality; from that review, it seems like the packaging is poor and the cartridges are cheap (no save battery in games that sorely need one) and the games themselves mostly don't play well. It seems like they think the exclusivity and expensiveness is enough to make it worthwhile.

I don't think that's enough anymore - especially with companies like Spacebot Interactive and other independent developers on itch.io on the scene - there's a lot of great gameboy homebrew out there now - high quality games available on cartridges and as roms for decent prices.

I hope this game is good though - trailer does look interesting - but I'd be wary of supporting them.

It's strange that this article doesn't mention that Etsunobu Ebisu actually did work on the Goemon series - I think he even based Ebisumaru on himself. That'd probably be why this new game looks gives a Goemon feel.

@Private-Pegasus That's a real pity if it's true. Especially because I have zero interest in Cave Story 3D. I really don't like what they've done with it.

Still no Cave Story on DSiware! Thought it was coming Q4 2011. I hope it hasn't been cancelled for Europe.