Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance - A Review

It's often button-mashy, and the storyline is absurd, but Nintendo 3DS game Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance has a lot of good things going for it.

Now that I've told you straight up some things I don't like about this game, let's talk about something I do like. I like the overall presentation in Kingdom Hearts 3D. The player controls characters Sora and Riku in a quest to unlock seven sleeping worlds to become true keyblade masters. The graphics are really excellent and some of the best on the Nintendo 3DS. And though I detest the plot, it unfolds in a better manner than in any previous entry to the series. Gone are the inconsistent text bubble segments that could have and should have been voice acted. In fact, I don't remember seeing or reading from a single story-essential text bubble in the whole game, and it's a very welcome improvement to the series.

Gameplay in Kingdom Hearts 3D also impressed me. Button mashing is still a problem, like in every other Kingdom Hearts game, but KH3D adds a few twists that do an admirable job at keeping the combat fresh and exciting. The first of those is called flowmotion. Using the "Y" button, the player can send Sora or Riku into walls, poles, and enemies to perform impressive acrobatics. Within battle, flowmotion unleashes devastating attacks against enemies. Outside battle, flowmotion can be a quick, entertaining way to get around. A second gameplay addition called reality shift lets the player interact with certain elements on the touch screen. Each of the game's worlds has a particular brand of reality shift. While some are better than others, all provide a satisfactory break in the monotony of combat.

Unfortunately, Kingdom Hearts 3D continues the series tradition of digging itself into a twisted, not-the-least-bit-captivating storyline. I stopped caring about Sora as a character a long time ago. And Xehanort, the main villain, doesn't evoke even the smallest shred of fear in me. The game attempts to create suspense, only to cause confusion. It endeavors to surprise, only to bore, because anything that can happen, does happen! There are no surprises left!

Conclusion
Though it's clear by now that I have come to dislike the Kingdom Hearts storyline, I hope you realize that that didn't stop me from really enjoying Kingdom Hearts 3D. Yes, the combat is ultimately button-mashy, but a couple of tactful gameplay twists keep it exciting. The 30+ hours it took to beat it felt well-spent. All in all, I recommend this game.    

Random thoughts on upcoming 3DS game Code of Princess

Sometimes I feel like these games come from out of nowhere! Whether that's true or not, I think we can all agree it's often a good thing.

So! Code of Princess. According to the official site, it's a beat 'em up with RPG elements, due for a Nintendo 3DS release on October 9th, developed by Atlus and Kinu Nishimura. I'm afraid to say that name doesn't mean much to me, but you get a pretty keen sense of her creativity and imagination just by looking at the concept art.

There are some gaming realms I have yet to really dive into, and the beat 'em up genre is definitely one of those. Maybe it's just me, but Code of Princess seems to throw together a lot of elements that you wouldn't normally expect to see together. When I think "beat 'em up", I think buff guy in some big city, takin' out bad guys. Am I wrong? Most likely. Anyway, beat 'em up + RPG + fantasy storyline that involves monsters and massive swords...it just doesn't seem to add up. However, I must say I'm intrigued by the whole idea.

And beyond that, there isn't much else for me to say. I love it, though! The gaming industry holds so much magic and variety, I wonder if I'll ever get bored or run out of new things to try! What are your thoughts on Code of Princess?  

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Thoughts on Nintendo TVii

Hey all! Did you have a good weekend? We're back with another post on the upcoming Wii U console.

Much time was dedicated during the recent Nintendo Direct to a Wii U feature dubbed Nintendo TVii. Using the Gamepad in conjunction with the TV screen, users can access TV, movies, and sports from sources such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video. A short, three-step process illustrates the convenience of Nintendo TVii: first, find something to watch (only those things from your available sources will appear). Second, choose a source and watch it. Third, engage with what you're watching. The Gamepad can provide instant access to IMDb while watching a movie, for instance.  Or you can access stats and player info. while watching football. Thanks to the Wii U Gamepad, the possibilities are extensive, to say the least.

I'm dedicating a whole post to just Nintendo TVii because I think it's a great concept. Leading up to this most recent Nintendo Direct, the company made some pretty big statements about how Wii U will change the way we interact with not just video games, but entertainment in the general. Nintendo TVii is shaping up to be an admirable fulfillment of that promise. What do you think?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Nintendo Land and Other First Party Wii U Games

Peach vs. Daisy

Ever since Mario existed, so has Princess Peach, but what about a gal for Luigi? That's where Daisy comes in! Princess Daisy is a Nintendo character who first appeared in Super Mario Land, where she is the princess of Sarasaland, and was captured by Tatanga and rescued by Mario. Are you surprised that it was actually her who Mario had saved? Unfortunately, that was the last appearance by Daisy for over 10 years (with the exception of her role as Luigi's caddy in NES Open Tournament Golf.)

Although Daisy is not as big to the series as Peach, Daisy is still a loved character. She is always an essential in almost all of the Nintendo sport games, and also in some of the Mario Parties. The question is, is Daisy a more favorable character than Peach?

This is really a personal opinion (please answer it yourself in the comments below!), so I shall state mine! Daisy is better than Peach; it's as simple as that. Did anyone think that perhaps she isn't in the plat formers because she's too awesome to get captured a second time? After it happened the first, and only, time, she knew how to keep it from happening again!

I guess I'm also biased because I love sports, and Daisy seems to be more of a tomboy. Peach, on the other hand, seems to be the opposite of that; a.k.a. a girly-girl. I also love Luigi, and Daisy is the other half of Luigi.

If you have more questions about Daisy, please feel free to ask in the comments; or check out this website: http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Princess_Daisy
It gives you some nice little information about Princess Daisy. Well, I hope you have a great day!

Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Nintendo Land and other first party Wii U games

During yesterday's Nintendo Direct, a lot of emphasis was placed on the launch game Nintendo Land, and specifically on the Metroid-based game within, Metroid Blast. In it, the player with the Gamepad takes control of Samus Aran's ship, while Wii remote users fight a land-based battle in the shoes of the great bounty hunter herself. And by the way, the mix of Mii style and power suit style yields some pretty cute results. But back to the subject at hand...this basic scheme of things is the foundation of a few play modes that include the cooperative Assault Mode, a competitive ship vs. ground units mode, and a multiplayer free-for-all mode. Only Assault Mode was demoed at the presentation, but I'm certain there's a lot more variety in just this one game than meets the eye.

A second first party launch title, New Super Mario Bros. U (maybe you've heard of it), didn't get as much attention as Nintendo Land, but we did learn a thing or two. First, that only some of the levels will allow the player to don the Mario overalls as their own Mii character. Second, a rush mode in the game will see the player through scrolling levels that increase speed as more coins are collected, also increasing the challenge. Third, the game features "challenges" with special, often challenging (go figure), objectives. And of course, your mad Mario skills can be shared with friends via Miiverse if you so desire. New Super Mario Bros. U is shaping up to be another strong entry in the iconic franchise.

The Wii U exclusive LEGO City Undercover stars Chase McCain, an undercover crime fighter dispatched to take on Rex Fury. Players who pre-order the title can get their hands on a LEGO mini figure of Chase McCain. And a Wii U game previously known as Project P-100 has received its final title: The Wonderful 101. Click here to see the trailer. Personally, I think it looks like a pretty cool game!

What do you think about the first party titles coming to the Wii U?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Thoughts on Nintendo TVii