@JaxonH Disagree all the way. The new controls are slippery and awkward. I much much prefer the original physics - to the point where this might be a deal breaker for me. In fact, while playing NES Remix today one of my biggest peeves was that you could tell the in-game physics for Mario weren't the same and it messed with my timing. Hugely disappointing!
That said, it's all a matter of personal preference and what you get used to. I grew up spending countless hours playing the original NES games so it's no surprise that I prefer those controls. People who grow up with NSMB games will likely differ.
I get what people are saying about entitlement and appreciating what's offered. I do appreciate getting a free game (NES Remix in my case).
But this is still a disappointing year of rewards. Nothing exclusive, nothing physical, and a selection of games that many Platinum members probably already own. It's awesome of Nintendo to give prizes away, but this is the least appealing year for me since Club Nintendo starting giving away prizes.
That said, given their current financial situation (not awesome) and the fact that coins are easier to get than ever before (so probably more people able to claim rewards) I understand why the prizes are what they are.
There were only 2 games that I don't already own and have any interest in at all... and 1 of those games (DKCR) I already own on a different platform.
Yes, the selection is "good", but the more games you own the less helpful that is. Yes, a free game is "good", but especially for people like me who aren't keen on digital downloads this is a huge disappointment.
Oh well. I guess hoping for one of Nintendo's wonderfully orchestrated game soundtracks really was too much.
Bad news for Wii U gamers - and probably for sales figures of the Wii U version.
Will there be an additional marketing push when the Wii U release comes out? Will people still care about the game? When games get released on other platforms first, the answer is usually "not really".
Great price for Ghost Recon on 3DS - easily worth that much for any turn-based strategy fans. Glad to re-add that game to my collection after having sold my retail copy earlier.
None of the Wii U games are cheaper than retail versions if you shop around... but at least the digital pricing is comparable while the sale is going on.
@PlywoodStick Realistically, he's probably neither a 6 nor a 2. It's most likely that this one action isn't indicative of anything larger than the act itself. But I'm not a psychologist.
@rp17 ... or, assuming you believe in Kohlberg's stages, he could be acting at a low enough stage of reasoning that he hasn't reached conventional moral reasoning.
My opinion: what he's doing simply doesn't matter. There is no meaningful benefit to society and no significant harm (outside of maybe incurring some cost to taxpayers for removal/new signs). What he's doing isn't due to a sense of justice - instead it "just is". That's why I consider it a selfish act instead of anything motivated by higher reasoning.
But hey, to each their own. It's not hurting anything and gives us something to talk about, right?
I guess I don't really get it. The Nintendo-themed images are cool, but not really fitting thematically for the signs so they just look out of place to me. I'd rather just see the characters put up as graffiti somewhere in this case.
That said, the vandalism doesn't look worse than those super creepy original signs. I don't think I'd want to live in a community filled with weird red houses where the occupants had nothing better to do than spy on others all day...
Here's hoping for physical releases in the West as well! I'd MUCH rather have the game on disc than as a downloadable version.
Ideally, people who want digital can buy digital and get a download code for the first game while people who buy on disc can get both games on disc. Everyone walks away happy.
(It's a freebie, so not really worth complaining about... but I'm staunchly pro-physical when it comes to games so this is unfortunate news for me because the freebie went from "super awesome news" to "I'm sure others will be happy with it". Shame they couldn't have made the physical version all physical and the digital version all digital to keep both camps happy.)
@Marshi
Not sure about the "prefect strategy"... that would probably involve having third party support to fill the gaps. But you've got a fair point about them spacing the major titles and keeping owners excited about the future.
Actually, I really don't mind waiting for this game and would rather wait another year (or more) than have the game rushed out early. As long as it does arrive eventually! News of a Xenoblade sequel was the reason I bought a Wii U though, so clearly I'm excited for the day to arrive.
Requisite "told you so" post directed at all those people insisting the game was going to arrive in 2014. But it is crushing news. Would much rather have been wrong and see the game release this year...
Always felt like not having access to the original Bayonetta was a pretty big miss for this title... but was willing to give Bayonetta a shot anyway. Finding out the original game is included is a HUGE bonus.
Meh. The TellTale game never came out on a system I could play so the license doesn't do much for me. Zen Pinball games are generally pretty awesome (some better than others) but I think they'd do MUCH MUCH better releasing a license that Nintendo fans care about on Wii U instead of a table based on games that many Nintendo gamers haven't played.
Yeah, restricting the final 1/3 of The Hobbit to DLC add-on content absolutely killed my interest even before the quality concerns were reported. What a shame. I understand that they don't want to release movie-based content before the movie comes out... but it still makes the game much less desirable to me.
@AJTsuki Totally agree. I don't like suggesting (or usually backing) KickStarter projects... but that publishing model seems like the ideal case for a project like this.
I agree with Vallu. It would be nice to be able to change the background color, or maybe have it change dynamically to avoid matching colors used in the puzzle. You know, because you probably don't have enough work to do on the game already.
@rjejr Hahaha. Or you could just practice a little bit to improve your skill level before moving on. If you gave up after 2-2, why do you think you'll do any better on harder levels if given a "level skip" option? I harbor strong doubts that you'd continue playing in either case...
Recently downloaded Mega Man IV hoping it would be fun. I'm not having fun... but that's because somehow my B button has stopped responding half the time. Not being able to shoot consistently when you want to makes Mega Man games feel HORRIBLE... it's like I'm gaming on an iPhone or something with controls like this.
@HaThready
Canada usually gets the same games as the US... but not always. Kokuga still isn't available in Canada, which is a real shame because that game looked really cool. Pricing is different in some cases (becoming much more common lately) and sales aren't always the same.
Worth noting that today is a holiday in Canada, so maybe the game will show up later on. Or maybe not. Who knows.
Meh... the negativity is great click-bait, and that's how those sites get paid.
That said, I'm shocked to find out that Toad and Toadette are considered humans. I always considered them intelligent mushrooms.
@lividd3ad
Of course a black character wouldn't hurt, but it's also not a requirement. More to the point, adding a token character who has no relation to the franchise just to provide "diversity" is (IMO) the wrong approach.
What makes more sense to me is the active inclusion of Mii characters as selectable and/or AI racers. Or add characters that are based off real-world Nintendo-related personas (like Reggie). That way everyone would get meaningful characters - people who you know or have some identification with - that represent many different groups of people showing up in the game instead of just getting empty avatars that don't really fit into the game hoisted on you.
But hey... that's just one opinion. You are free to disagree.
Edit: Huh... seems like you said something similar above about token characters being a poor solution. My apologies for missing that post.
Anyone who missed the original on WiiWare should definitely pick this up. It's a fantastic game (although apparently the 3DS port has some serious issues... shame about that).
Do I want another port? Not sure I care that much since I own the original... but that just means I'm not the target audience.
So what does this mean for Rock Band DLC content. Will it still be accessible if we want to buy more tracks? What about re-downloading content that was already purchased?
People can grouse over EA being a lousy company, but they've published some excellent games. The Beatles: Rock Band is one example: easily one of the coolest games released last gen and something that will be tremendously fun to play for years to come.
Oddly, the biggest thing that Nintendo needs to get in line (my opinion, of course) before their next handheld/home console release are consumer-friendly digital profile systems. The actual hardware improvements are far less exciting to me than what account/service changes might be made.
Maybe people are tired of carrying cartridges... but until the "all downloads are tied to a single piece of hardware" model goes away, I'm not keen on jumping in to the digital world.
(Sony's model for PSN is fantastic, for example, so obviously this can be done.)
I don't know why people get so excited. New Nintendo hardware at E3 is likely a revised controller, a new peripheral, or some kind of minor redesign. This event is almost certainly too early to present a replacement console - although who knows what might be shown behind closed doors.
Child of Light looks gorgeous. Very keen to find out more about the game... but at $15 for a beautiful RPG like that, might not bother waiting for reviews. The only question if whether I have enough HD space available.
Having the third chapter only available as DLC is a deal-breaker for me. I don't trust DLC, especially with Nintendo's hardware-based accounts. So a one week delay doesn't really worry me too much.
I wonder if remaking Xenoblade as an HD title would ever be financially viable though - there is just so much content they would have to create new art assets for, and JRPGs (even great ones like Xenoblade) don't appeal to a huge segment of the market. The sequel might be as close as we ever get?
I really hope that Hex Heroes makes it, but am feeling nervous. The game looks awesome to me, but others don't seem to share my excitement. It's clearly made with Wii U specifically in mind... so why doesn't it get more love?
Eh, I thought the first one was funny enough and doesn't require any apology. All the things mentioned would be cool, but we know they just aren't happening.
Unfortunately the second tweet wasn't really cute or clever, and reads very poorly (unless it was intended as a direct shot at the Wii U console). Whoever is in charge of the twitter feed should've known better - or maybe they did, and someone with less sense made an unauthorized post?
@Buduski Which is "better" is a tough call. Depends on what you want. I prefer Toki Tori 2+ and think that it's not even close... but others feel differently. My thoughts about both games are offered below.
In the original Toki Tori game, each level is a single and self-contained stage where you have to figure out the right actions to let you collect all of the eggs without dying or getting trapped. Levels start our just one screen in size (if I remember correctly) and later grow to be quite large, but the goal always remains the same. It also gives Toki Tori a certain number of special abilities that can be used each level to reach his goal - which usually gives you some hint of what needs to be done - and more guidance about how things work in the game world. One downside with this game is that early on you can often brute-force puzzles because there are relatively few options available, while late in the game any small mistake will force you to restart the (sometimes lengthy) level from scratch which can be frustrating.
Toki Tori 2+ is very different: no special abilities outside of a butt-stomp and a whistle, no individual levels because the entire world is connected, and very little hand-holding. In my mind, this is a far better game because I really like the exploration and how you need to observe the environment and experiment to learn new things. As you play longer, the game becomes more interesting and rewarding because you've figured out so much on your own - the open world also will let you figure out puzzles in different areas at different times. The downsides include back-tracking (sometimes you won't even know there was a puzzle waiting to be solved your first time though an area) and vaguely defined goals (you really have to enjoy figuring out things for yourself).
Caveats: I've completed Toki Tori, but haven't finished Toki Tori 2+ yet. Also, I've never tried the original release of Toki Tori 2 - only the "plus" updated version that makes some things easier for players (pointing you towards the next big objective in a more clear fashion than the original did).
Local multiplayer using gamepad sounds like a fantastic feature add. I've already got the Wii game and don't need another version... but this is pretty tempting. Interested to hear what the pricing will be.
Toki Tori 2+ is brilliant. The game starts out easy - almost too easy and simplistic - but slowly introduces new concepts entirely by encouraging you to observe what's happening in the environment and then experiment. Eventually you realize there were puzzles and pathways where you didn't even think to look originally. It can be tough at times and there is backtracking required, but so far (I haven't finished yet, but am getting close) it's a fantastic game and has always been fair.
This type of puzzle game won't appeal to everyone due to the open world structure, and I can totally understand that. Some people undoubtedly feel burned by the lack of a level editor, despite Two Tribes giving out free Steam codes with level editor to any Wii U owners who requested one. And saying it's too hard is no crime. But one thing this game is not: poorly designed.
Comments like those from @ACK make me sad about the state gaming. "Embarrassingly obtuse game design"? If you don't like the game, that's fine... but game design prowess for Toki Tori 2+ isn't what's lacking.
All of that said, the twitter comments do seem kind of snotty. Not sure if it's just someone venting their disappointment, a reflection of the negativity they seem to have received (just look at comments here), or despair after a title that they worked extremely hard on and feel passionately about failed. Maybe it's just second-language/communication issues. Still seems like poor customer relations though.
Comments 918
Re: Ace Attorney Trilogy Will Boast Visual and Dialogue Tweaks, $29.99 Price Tag
I'll hold out for a retail release. If that happens then I'll happily buy; if not then I'll happily pass.
Pricing seems fair considering the content, but I'm just not a fan of digital content.
Re: Nintendo Download: 17th July (North America)
SteamWorld Dig discount is awesome if you don't already have the game.
Re: Dig Your Claws Into The Cat Mario Show On Your 3DS Or Wii U
My kids would love this. I hope it comes out here (North America).
Re: Takashi Tezuka: Mario Maker Won't Move Quite Like the Original Mario Bros.
@JaxonH
Disagree all the way. The new controls are slippery and awkward. I much much prefer the original physics - to the point where this might be a deal breaker for me. In fact, while playing NES Remix today one of my biggest peeves was that you could tell the in-game physics for Mario weren't the same and it messed with my timing. Hugely disappointing!
That said, it's all a matter of personal preference and what you get used to. I grew up spending countless hours playing the original NES games so it's no surprise that I prefer those controls. People who grow up with NSMB games will likely differ.
Re: eShop Funds Now Buyable or Giftable via PayPal in UK
Cool. Not a big fan of PayPal... but sometimes get stuck with payments there. Always nice to have more ways to spend it.
Re: Nintendo Goes Download-Only With The 2014 Club Nintendo Elite Rewards
I get what people are saying about entitlement and appreciating what's offered. I do appreciate getting a free game (NES Remix in my case).
But this is still a disappointing year of rewards. Nothing exclusive, nothing physical, and a selection of games that many Platinum members probably already own. It's awesome of Nintendo to give prizes away, but this is the least appealing year for me since Club Nintendo starting giving away prizes.
That said, given their current financial situation (not awesome) and the fact that coins are easier to get than ever before (so probably more people able to claim rewards) I understand why the prizes are what they are.
Oh well. Life goes on.
Re: Nintendo Goes Download-Only With The 2014 Club Nintendo Elite Rewards
There were only 2 games that I don't already own and have any interest in at all... and 1 of those games (DKCR) I already own on a different platform.
Yes, the selection is "good", but the more games you own the less helpful that is. Yes, a free game is "good", but especially for people like me who aren't keen on digital downloads this is a huge disappointment.
Oh well. I guess hoping for one of Nintendo's wonderfully orchestrated game soundtracks really was too much.
Re: Wii U Version Of Project CARS Drops To The Back Of The Starting Grid
Bad news for Wii U gamers - and probably for sales figures of the Wii U version.
Will there be an additional marketing push when the Wii U release comes out? Will people still care about the game? When games get released on other platforms first, the answer is usually "not really".
Re: Feature: The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014 - Summer Edition
Bayonetta, Captain Toad, and Affordable Space Adventures all look good to me. Will be buying at least one at launch, maybe more.
C'mon 2015! That Xenoblade sequel can't get here fast enough.
Re: Ubisoft Runs Another eShop Discount Bonanza in North America
Great price for Ghost Recon on 3DS - easily worth that much for any turn-based strategy fans. Glad to re-add that game to my collection after having sold my retail copy earlier.
None of the Wii U games are cheaper than retail versions if you shop around... but at least the digital pricing is comparable while the sale is going on.
Re: Weirdness: Classic Game Characters Part of Artist's Neighbourhood Watch Makeover
@PlywoodStick
Realistically, he's probably neither a 6 nor a 2. It's most likely that this one action isn't indicative of anything larger than the act itself. But I'm not a psychologist.
Re: Weirdness: Classic Game Characters Part of Artist's Neighbourhood Watch Makeover
@rp17
... or, assuming you believe in Kohlberg's stages, he could be acting at a low enough stage of reasoning that he hasn't reached conventional moral reasoning.
My opinion: what he's doing simply doesn't matter. There is no meaningful benefit to society and no significant harm (outside of maybe incurring some cost to taxpayers for removal/new signs). What he's doing isn't due to a sense of justice - instead it "just is". That's why I consider it a selfish act instead of anything motivated by higher reasoning.
But hey, to each their own. It's not hurting anything and gives us something to talk about, right?
Re: Weirdness: Classic Game Characters Part of Artist's Neighbourhood Watch Makeover
I guess I don't really get it. The Nintendo-themed images are cool, but not really fitting thematically for the signs so they just look out of place to me. I'd rather just see the characters put up as graffiti somewhere in this case.
That said, the vandalism doesn't look worse than those super creepy original signs. I don't think I'd want to live in a community filled with weird red houses where the occupants had nothing better to do than spy on others all day...
Re: Bayonetta Anime Film Will be Distributed in United States and Canada
Eh. Well, if I'm buying the game (and the recent 2-for-1 announcement convinced me to) then I might as well watch the anime too. In for a dime...
Re: Free Copy of Bayonetta Comes as a Separate Disc With Bayonetta 2 in Japan
Here's hoping for physical releases in the West as well! I'd MUCH rather have the game on disc than as a downloadable version.
Ideally, people who want digital can buy digital and get a download code for the first game while people who buy on disc can get both games on disc. Everyone walks away happy.
Re: Wii Owners Are Upgrading To PlayStation 4, Claims Sony
Very interested in the source of these statistics. Hearing that very nearly 50% of the PS4 install base never owned a PS3 is astounding.
Re: Bayonetta Download Code Included With Retail and eShop Copies of Bayonetta 2
Digital download instead of being on a disc? Boo!
(It's a freebie, so not really worth complaining about... but I'm staunchly pro-physical when it comes to games so this is unfortunate news for me because the freebie went from "super awesome news" to "I'm sure others will be happy with it". Shame they couldn't have made the physical version all physical and the digital version all digital to keep both camps happy.)
Re: Nintendo Download: 12th June (North America)
Interested to see pricing for Cave Story and Nightsky - might double-dip and pick up one for 3DS if the price is appealing.
Re: E3 2014: Monolith's X Becomes Xenoblade Chronicles X, Locked In For 2015 Release
@Marshi
Not sure about the "prefect strategy"... that would probably involve having third party support to fill the gaps. But you've got a fair point about them spacing the major titles and keeping owners excited about the future.
Actually, I really don't mind waiting for this game and would rather wait another year (or more) than have the game rushed out early. As long as it does arrive eventually! News of a Xenoblade sequel was the reason I bought a Wii U though, so clearly I'm excited for the day to arrive.
Re: E3 2014: Monolith's X Becomes Xenoblade Chronicles X, Locked In For 2015 Release
Requisite "told you so" post directed at all those people insisting the game was going to arrive in 2014. But it is crushing news. Would much rather have been wrong and see the game release this year...
Re: E3 2014: Bayonetta 2 Comes With The Original Game, As Well As Link And Samus Costumes
Always felt like not having access to the original Bayonetta was a pretty big miss for this title... but was willing to give Bayonetta a shot anyway. Finding out the original game is included is a HUGE bonus.
Re: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Case Begins on 3DS eShop in Winter 2014
If there is a physical release, I'll grab it. Otherwise I'll stick to the DS releases instead.
Re: Zen Studios Collaborates With Telltale Games and Creator of The Walking Dead to Create Themed Pinball Table
Meh. The TellTale game never came out on a system I could play so the license doesn't do much for me. Zen Pinball games are generally pretty awesome (some better than others) but I think they'd do MUCH MUCH better releasing a license that Nintendo fans care about on Wii U instead of a table based on games that many Nintendo gamers haven't played.
Re: Review: LEGO The Hobbit (Wii U)
Yeah, restricting the final 1/3 of The Hobbit to DLC add-on content absolutely killed my interest even before the quality concerns were reported. What a shame. I understand that they don't want to release movie-based content before the movie comes out... but it still makes the game much less desirable to me.
Re: Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham Wants To Bring Retro Game Challenge 2 To The West
@AJTsuki
Totally agree. I don't like suggesting (or usually backing) KickStarter projects... but that publishing model seems like the ideal case for a project like this.
Re: Interview: Goodbye Galaxy Games on Tappingo 2 Improvements, With Hints at What's Next
Eight hours is great value, but it's always "too short" when you are having fun...
Re: Interview: Goodbye Galaxy Games on Tappingo 2 Improvements, With Hints at What's Next
I agree with Vallu. It would be nice to be able to change the background color, or maybe have it change dynamically to avoid matching colors used in the puzzle. You know, because you probably don't have enough work to do on the game already.
Re: Nintendo Releases Unlock Code Hint for NES Remix 2
@rjejr
Hahaha. Or you could just practice a little bit to improve your skill level before moving on. If you gave up after 2-2, why do you think you'll do any better on harder levels if given a "level skip" option? I harbor strong doubts that you'd continue playing in either case...
Re: Video: Capcom's Mega May Spotlight Shows Off The 3DS Virtual Console Mega Man Releases
Recently downloaded Mega Man IV hoping it would be fun. I'm not having fun... but that's because somehow my B button has stopped responding half the time. Not being able to shoot consistently when you want to makes Mega Man games feel HORRIBLE... it's like I'm gaming on an iPhone or something with controls like this.
Re: Photos With Mario Available for Free Now in North American eShop
@HaThready
Canada usually gets the same games as the US... but not always. Kokuga still isn't available in Canada, which is a real shame because that game looked really cool. Pricing is different in some cases (becoming much more common lately) and sales aren't always the same.
Worth noting that today is a holiday in Canada, so maybe the game will show up later on. Or maybe not. Who knows.
Re: Photos With Mario Available for Free Now in North American eShop
@PHDragoon:
Just came to post the same thing - this is (apparently?) only in the US because it's not in the Canadian eShop.
Re: Reaction: Mario Kart 8 Accused Of Poor Sales Potential, Ruining Battle Mode And Racism
Meh... the negativity is great click-bait, and that's how those sites get paid.
That said, I'm shocked to find out that Toad and Toadette are considered humans. I always considered them intelligent mushrooms.
@lividd3ad
Of course a black character wouldn't hurt, but it's also not a requirement. More to the point, adding a token character who has no relation to the franchise just to provide "diversity" is (IMO) the wrong approach.
What makes more sense to me is the active inclusion of Mii characters as selectable and/or AI racers. Or add characters that are based off real-world Nintendo-related personas (like Reggie). That way everyone would get meaningful characters - people who you know or have some identification with - that represent many different groups of people showing up in the game instead of just getting empty avatars that don't really fit into the game hoisted on you.
But hey... that's just one opinion. You are free to disagree.
Edit: Huh... seems like you said something similar above about token characters being a poor solution. My apologies for missing that post.
Re: Preview: Swords & Soldiers HD
Anyone who missed the original on WiiWare should definitely pick this up. It's a fantastic game (although apparently the 3DS port has some serious issues... shame about that).
Do I want another port? Not sure I care that much since I own the original... but that just means I'm not the target audience.
Re: EA Releases Lengthy List of Online Services to be Shut Down on DS and Wii
So what does this mean for Rock Band DLC content. Will it still be accessible if we want to buy more tracks? What about re-downloading content that was already purchased?
People can grouse over EA being a lousy company, but they've published some excellent games. The Beatles: Rock Band is one example: easily one of the coolest games released last gen and something that will be tremendously fun to play for years to come.
Re: Talking Point: What We Want To See From Nintendo's Next Handheld
Oddly, the biggest thing that Nintendo needs to get in line (my opinion, of course) before their next handheld/home console release are consumer-friendly digital profile systems. The actual hardware improvements are far less exciting to me than what account/service changes might be made.
Maybe people are tired of carrying cartridges... but until the "all downloads are tied to a single piece of hardware" model goes away, I'm not keen on jumping in to the digital world.
(Sony's model for PSN is fantastic, for example, so obviously this can be done.)
Re: Spike Chunsoft Wants To Release 3DS Title Attack On Titan In North America
Recently noticed the show was on Netflix. Will have to stream a few episodes and see what all the fuss is about.
Re: Rumour: Nintendo Will Reveal New Hardware At This Year's E3
I don't know why people get so excited. New Nintendo hardware at E3 is likely a revised controller, a new peripheral, or some kind of minor redesign. This event is almost certainly too early to present a replacement console - although who knows what might be shown behind closed doors.
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th April (North America)
Child of Light looks gorgeous. Very keen to find out more about the game... but at $15 for a beautiful RPG like that, might not bother waiting for reviews. The only question if whether I have enough HD space available.
Re: New Instalment In The Popular Fatal Frame Franchise Coming To Wii U
Very excited about this news, but nervous about whether NoA will even bother to release the game after skipping the Fatal Frame 2 remake on Wii.
Re: Nintendo Download: 17th April (North America)
FlowerWorks sounds kind of interesting... will definitely look into it further.
Re: Nintendo of America is Cutting the Price of Five Top 3DS Games
Never did buy Super Mario 3D Land, despite being interested in playing the game. A price cut might finally get me to jump on board.
Re: Super Mario 3D World Double Disc Soundtrack Arrives on Club Nintendo
@Starwolf_UK
@Emblem
Thanks for the clarifications. Seems like a reasonable price based on what other rewards cost in Club Nintendo here. Cool beans!
Re: Super Mario 3D World Double Disc Soundtrack Arrives on Club Nintendo
Does anyone have a rough idea of how stars (Europe) compare with coins (North America)?
This looks like a fantastic reward. Hopefully it becomes available in North America too!
Re: Wii U Version Of LEGO: The Hobbit Taking Slightly Longer To Go There And Back Again In North America
Having the third chapter only available as DLC is a deal-breaker for me. I don't trust DLC, especially with Nintendo's hardware-based accounts. So a one week delay doesn't really worry me too much.
Re: Video: What Could Xenoblade Chronicles Look Like In HD?
HD or SD, this game remains stunningly beautiful.
I wonder if remaking Xenoblade as an HD title would ever be financially viable though - there is just so much content they would have to create new art assets for, and JRPGs (even great ones like Xenoblade) don't appeal to a huge segment of the market. The sequel might be as close as we ever get?
Re: Feature: Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 6th April
I really hope that Hex Heroes makes it, but am feeling nervous. The game looks awesome to me, but others don't seem to share my excitement. It's clearly made with Wii U specifically in mind... so why doesn't it get more love?
Re: EA Boss Peter Moore Apologises For Frostbite's "Stupid" Wii U April Fools Prank
Eh, I thought the first one was funny enough and doesn't require any apology. All the things mentioned would be cool, but we know they just aren't happening.
Unfortunately the second tweet wasn't really cute or clever, and reads very poorly (unless it was intended as a direct shot at the Wii U console). Whoever is in charge of the twitter feed should've known better - or maybe they did, and someone with less sense made an unauthorized post?
Re: Two Tribes Confirms Permanent Price Drop of its Classics Range in North America
@Buduski
Which is "better" is a tough call. Depends on what you want.
I prefer Toki Tori 2+ and think that it's not even close... but others feel differently. My thoughts about both games are offered below.
In the original Toki Tori game, each level is a single and self-contained stage where you have to figure out the right actions to let you collect all of the eggs without dying or getting trapped. Levels start our just one screen in size (if I remember correctly) and later grow to be quite large, but the goal always remains the same. It also gives Toki Tori a certain number of special abilities that can be used each level to reach his goal - which usually gives you some hint of what needs to be done - and more guidance about how things work in the game world. One downside with this game is that early on you can often brute-force puzzles because there are relatively few options available, while late in the game any small mistake will force you to restart the (sometimes lengthy) level from scratch which can be frustrating.
Toki Tori 2+ is very different: no special abilities outside of a butt-stomp and a whistle, no individual levels because the entire world is connected, and very little hand-holding. In my mind, this is a far better game because I really like the exploration and how you need to observe the environment and experiment to learn new things. As you play longer, the game becomes more interesting and rewarding because you've figured out so much on your own - the open world also will let you figure out puzzles in different areas at different times. The downsides include back-tracking (sometimes you won't even know there was a puzzle waiting to be solved your first time though an area) and vaguely defined goals (you really have to enjoy figuring out things for yourself).
Caveats: I've completed Toki Tori, but haven't finished Toki Tori 2+ yet. Also, I've never tried the original release of Toki Tori 2 - only the "plus" updated version that makes some things easier for players (pointing you towards the next big objective in a more clear fashion than the original did).
Re: Swords & Soldiers HD Catapulting Its Way Onto The Wii U eShop Next Month
Local multiplayer using gamepad sounds like a fantastic feature add. I've already got the Wii game and don't need another version... but this is pretty tempting. Interested to hear what the pricing will be.
Re: Two Tribes Shoots Down the Possibility of Toki Tori 3
Toki Tori 2+ is brilliant. The game starts out easy - almost too easy and simplistic - but slowly introduces new concepts entirely by encouraging you to observe what's happening in the environment and then experiment. Eventually you realize there were puzzles and pathways where you didn't even think to look originally. It can be tough at times and there is backtracking required, but so far (I haven't finished yet, but am getting close) it's a fantastic game and has always been fair.
This type of puzzle game won't appeal to everyone due to the open world structure, and I can totally understand that. Some people undoubtedly feel burned by the lack of a level editor, despite Two Tribes giving out free Steam codes with level editor to any Wii U owners who requested one. And saying it's too hard is no crime. But one thing this game is not: poorly designed.
Comments like those from @ACK make me sad about the state gaming. "Embarrassingly obtuse game design"? If you don't like the game, that's fine... but game design prowess for Toki Tori 2+ isn't what's lacking.
All of that said, the twitter comments do seem kind of snotty. Not sure if it's just someone venting their disappointment, a reflection of the negativity they seem to have received (just look at comments here), or despair after a title that they worked extremely hard on and feel passionately about failed. Maybe it's just second-language/communication issues. Still seems like poor customer relations though.