Oh, the possibilities...

Last night I spent some time at a friend's house, watching a movie. Afterward, we decided to relax and watch YouTube videos on the TV screen. I noticed that it was a pain to navigate the on-screen keyboard in order to search for videos. I got my Nintendo 3DS out to fill in the gaps, and that's when it hit me: a strong desire to control what was happening on the TV screen with my 3DS. The typing would be a lot more efficient if I could just use this little touch screen in my hands. Using my 3DS to watch videos in the eShop brought another interesting thought to my attention: "I wish I could show this game trailer to everyone in the room by, I don't know, flicking it onto the TV screen maybe?"

So what if the Wii U controller isn't as revolutionary as the Wii Remote! It's still got enormous potential pertaining to the way we control our entertainment. I feel like the Nintendo 3DS doesn't live up to Nintendo's claim that it would extend beyond video games in terms of entertainment. But with enough online capabilities, Wii U could rise above and become the easiest way to get all your entertainment in one package. Something to think about! Have a great two days!

All about mwah! Meet a Nintendo Lifeline author

Basics
Name: Mary
Location: Utah, United States
Interests: Reading, writing, drawing, cooking, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and of course playing video games!

Favorites
Games: Final Fantasy VII, Soul Calibur II, Mario Kart Double Dash, and many MANY more!
Console: Super NES
Character: Dart (The Legend of Dragoon)
Item/Power Up: Tent or Cottage
Controller: Gamecube paddle
Peripheral: Guitar for Guitar Hero
Song: Time's Scar (Chrono Cross opening theme)
Quote: "My memory...since when? If everything is a dream, don't wake me" Cloud Strife
Currency: GP (most RPG games)

Fun Facts
Playing Right Now: Final Fantasy IV
Systems Owned: Super NES, Gamecube, Nintendo 64, Playstation, Playstation 2, DS, Gameboy Advanced, Gameboy Color, and Genesis
Time taken to beat Chrono Trigger (No New Game+): 32 hours; 17 minutes; 101 saves
Number of Super NES games currently owned: 67
Game I really want: Final Fantasy Dissidia
Console I really want: PSP
I currently own: 105 video games all together
The person I'm best with in Soul Calibur II: Talim
The longest I've ever gone without playing Nintendo: 2 weeks

Another great thing about Ocarina of Time 3D

Remember that shop in Ocarina of Time in which you could earn a larger quiver by participating in a shooting game? I don't know about anyone else out there, but I found it a little difficult to aim accurately with a joystick. I always thought that was part of the challenge, but Ocarina of Time 3D begs to differ. Thanks to the Nintendo 3DS system's gyro sensor, aiming projectiles in Ocarina of Time 3D is easy as moving the system about.

Oh, does this new method of control feel slick! Aiming projectiles has never been simpler, even on Wii. Trust me, I would know. So that's your tantalizing taste of Ocarina of Time 3D for today! Be patient...my full review will come soon enough! Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to the game!

One great aspect of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

I haven't had the game for very long, so I don't yet feel ready to give it a full-fledged review. After just a few hours, however, at least one thing is clear.

For someone who can beat the original Ocarina of Time with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back, a lot of things could have gone wrong with this remake. I mean, this is no simple port! The original has been completely remastered for the Nintendo 3DS version. The miracle of it all is that this game stays so true to the original in all the ways that matter. The essence of the original remains intact, even through major visual and control updates.

I've already decided to give this game a stellar review. Stick around for a while to find out why!

StreetPass: A First

My new friend and myself.

I have finally achieved what I thought would be impossible: I've had a StreetPass encounter.

It was completely arranged, of course. I suspect that is the reason why I feel a little let down. As I've said before, Mii characters acquired through StreetPass participate in your Mii Plaza games. Unfortunately, my recent StreetPass encounter didn't yield new puzzle pieces, and use of my new warrior in "Find Mii" was incredibly anti-climatic.

Chrono Trigger - to easy?

Chrono Trigger for the Super Nintendo is, of course, a blast! The only question is: Was it just too easy? I don't know about you but I absolutely love challenging games!!! The kind that really make you work hard and actually strategize. In most RPG games you may only have three people that you stick with the entire time. They are the highest leveled and have the best equipment. That's where this game changes the rules.

You can do special Techs, or Techniques, with different sets of characters. This gives you a one up with most enemies, but you have to strategize or else it's all for naught. That is what makes Chrono Trigger so challenging and fun. Then you get to the point where you have your favorite combination of three with the Techs that can do it all. They can heal, damage, and protect. Due to that, they are just so very strong. So then it becomes so simple, you just wish you had a "That Was Easy" button. That's when the game gets boring and you want it harder.

Of course it doesn't stay like that for long. When you finally get those amazing Techs that can do pretty much anything (that's it, I'm calling them Supermans from now on because lets admit it Superman can do ANYTHING!) your main character, Chrono, disappears from the picture. This forces you to put a different third party member in, screwing up the awesome thing you had going. Therefore it makes the game harder.

How could that make it harder? Well first you now have to level up your other characters. You know,the ones you barely use, because you don't know who's going to be there one second and then suddenly be a rainbow of crystals the next! When you finally get someone to a sufficient level, you can start playing the game again. This is where it gets really difficult. At this point, you can choose to do side quests or save Chrono. The combination of these two vital tasks will have you running all over the place to keep it all together.

After you finally finish doing all the quests and getting Chrono back you can beat the game. That itself is pretty hard. So if you do all of that the game is pretty hard. So now you're thinking, "Then what the poop is the point  of this post?" Well here it is: The whole time you could have played on a New Game+. This allows you to start a new game with your old game data. Usually you can only do this after you beat the whole game. Once again though the Super Nintendo breaks this rule. From the very beginning you could have done it. This makes the game a whole lot easier! It's almost like cheating.

If you couldn't get past an ending guy well, looky here, start it over with New Game+ and all problems are solved. It becomes the easiest game ever. You can even start it while you're not very far into the game and you will still have a heads up on everything. So with that said, is this game too easy - or is it just right -  or even is it too hard? Looks like someone *stares at reader* just has to play the game to find out. Then after that go and try it on the Playstation. You see cool little video clips and it's a little more challenging because you don't have the New Game+ option from the very beginning. It's a very fun game!

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D released!

And to celebrate, I thought I'd share with you the song "Ocarina of Time Medley", which actually hails from Super Smash Bros. Brawl:

Music is a huge part of Ocarina of Time. With that title, what else can you expect? This medley is composed of a huge variety of songs that players actually learn in Ocarina of Time. Some tunes are hidden in short little riffs or even counter melodies, while most take center stage. Overall, it's a brilliant compilation that won't fail to send shivers down the spines of long-time Ocarina of Time fans.

I yearn for a brand-new Legend of Zelda game for the Nintendo 3DS, but a remastered Ocarina of Time is certainly the next best thing. I feel like I can review the game already, even though I have an agonizing week's worth of waiting to go. The main quest has been largely untouched, so I already know it'll be legendary. With the updated controls and graphics, this game can be nothing short of perfection...for me, certainly. Let critics be critics, but my high opinion of Link's great N64 adventure will never fall.

The Wii remote lives!

Personally, I love the Wii remote. And I was glad to see that it will carry over to Wii U, because I feel it hasn't yet lived up to its full potential. I received a Wii before the controller gel pads became standard. Heck, I had a Wii before Nintendo saw fit to issue stronger wrist straps. So, yeah, it's been a while. But the feeling I got when I first held a Wii-mote remains clear to this day. It just...fits. You know, in your hand. It's pure video game magic. And talk about versatility! Plug in a Nunchuck for complete control and also the ability to move both hands independent of one another. Flip the Wii remote to turn it into a classic NES-style controller.

Then, of course, there's the motion and point control. Steer, swing, point, shake, jab, and attack without the use of a single button. Wii MotionPlus, an add-on to the standard Wii remote, has gone largely unused during the duration of its existence. Wii U will give it the chance it so desperately needs at this point.

To pair the most versatile video game controller out there with what will be one of the most complex (the Wii U touchscreen controller) is a wise move on Nintendo's part. I, for one, am excited to see what this little stick of a controller still has up its gel pad.

Reasons why we should all remain optimistic about Wii U

Maybe I try too hard to see everything Nintendo dishes out in good light, because I have already begun to embrace Wii U, even as the rest of Nintendo's internet community remains skeptical. I'm a pretty big fan girl, I admit, but I do have some solid reasons in the defense of Wii U. First, that it unashamedly adopts the Wii. In case you're in the dark, here's the scoop: at the forefront of Wii U control is the Wii remote. In fact, each Wii U only has the capacity for one touchscreen controller to be synced to it. Seem lame? I see it as just the opposite of lame. The Wii remote + Nunchuck set-up is capable of everything regular "paddles" are capable of and more. You've got everything you need to control games. Why does Nintendo need a reason to change that? Wii owners can upgrade to Wii U and carry all their Wii remotes over in an easy transition. 

That brings me to the new controller. It is likely each Wii U system will come with one touchscreen controller, which, as I mentioned earlier, is all that is needed. Hardcore gamers who appreciate a deep, single player experience have all they need in one package, minus the actual games, of course. And Nintendo promises that games won't be an issue: third party support is at an all-time high for Nintendo with Wii U. 

As for all you Wii partyers out there, the new controller is guaranteed to provide new ways to have fun with friends and family. My personal favorite is the idea that one player can see something the other four cannot through the new controller. Just imagine the possibilities...seriously, take a minute right now to just think.

And that brings me to another aspect I admire about Wii U: a five player capacity for local play. Suddenly the number 5 seems like a great leap from the number 4. I'm planning the parties as I write. 

I feel like I've only scratched the surface of Wii U. I didn't even get to talk about the system's graphics. I suppose they speak for themselves once you learn more about Wii U. I remain ever-optimistic. Until next time on the Nintendo Lifeline!

Metroid Fusion and the dawn of familiarity

Well, the stars aligned for me to play the fourth installment in the Metroid series. Said installment is, of course, Metroid Fusion for the GameBoy Advance system. Two events that were necessary for me to really enjoy a Metroid game occurred just in time for Fusion. The first is that I built a strong enough foundation composed of Metroid series basics to avoid (much) frustration. The second is the game itself: Metroid Fusion has the smoothest control scheme of any installment that came before it.

Nearly every video game series, be it Mario or Zelda, has its own way of doing things. Coincidentally, I grew up with Mario and Zelda, so the basic principles of those games are stuck with me. I did not grow up with Metroid. But after playing the NES original and the SNES iteration, I've learned and solidified the basic principles. Samus Aran, a bounty hunter in a sci-fy space world, is always the main and playable character. She does a kind of spin through the air when she jumps diagonally. A host of power-ups and upgrades can be added to her suit through the course of any given adventure. If in doubt, bomb everything in sight, or use bombs to catapult Samus into hidden shafts. I get it now. And that foundation has enhanced the Metroid experience ten-fold for me. 

Still more important than that are the improvements made with Metroid Fusion itself. I distinctly remember the thrill I got when I first discovered Samus's ledge grip ability. Going back to previous Metroid games and finding Samus incapable of grabbing onto ledges made the gameplay feel incomplete indeed. The rest of the gameplay in Fusion feels flawless and comfortable, not to mention fun. Samus's ever-growing list of weapons and abilities are easy to manage and use.

This may shock you, but the next Metroid game I'll experience will be Metroid: Other M, which is the most recent installment. Sorry if that disappoints you, but I found a brand-new copy of the game for $20 (a steal!), and I can no longer let it sit dormant. See you in two days!

The new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Cheers!

Two days, too much to cover...but I'll try

Update: Here are the links to a handful of new trailers Nintendo has released at E3:
Paper Mario
Mario Kart
Animal Crossing
Super Mario
Ocarina of Time 3D

I'll get straight to it today: starting with the brand-new eShop for Nintendo 3DS. With this important system update, Nintendo offered 3DS users everywhere two free downloads. The first is 3D Classics: Excite Bike. The original NES title remains untouched except for the addition of 3D depth. And it just so happens that a cool 3D trick comes into play: as the player moves the 3D depth slider, the whole background image shifts along with the depth itself.

The second piece of free Nintendo goodness is the Pokedex 3D. Users will start out with a limited amount of Pokemon data, but more can be obtained through SpotPass and by other means. Pokemon can be viewed in full 3D and can also be placed in the real world through augmented reality. Also included is comprehensive info on each acquired Pokemon: types, stats, and moves are just a few examples of what players can expect.

As if that didn't take up enough space, those little tidbits are nothing compared to the flood of new details revealed from Nintendo's E3 media conference, which took place Tuesday morning. Here goes:

2011 is The Legend of Zelda 25th anniversary. Fans can expect a host of celebratory events to take place throughout the year, starting with the ability to download The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service. That'll be seven bucks, please! Next, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D will be released on the 19th of this month. Club Nintendo members will be treated to a complimentary copy of the game's official soundtrack for registering their game...offer valid while supplies last, people! The long-awaited Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will finally be released for Wii this holiday season. A special promotion will see fans with super-awesome gold Wii-motes with the Zelda crest on the front.

New trailers are available for the following Nintendo 3DS games: Mario Kart, Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Paper Mario, and more. In fact, 3D versions of said trailers can be downloaded for free on the Nintendo 3DS system. They all look amazing, by the way! The current Nintendo 3DS drought will be remedied by year's end, no doubt about it.

Readers, if you've made it this far, you're in for a treat, because Nintendo has pulled back the veil on their next home console. Rumors that the controller would have a built-in, 6-inch touch screen were, indeed, true (see the image on this post). The official name of the console is (drumroll, please)...Wii U! If Wii was able to capture the non-gamer market, then Wii U will capture the hardcore market. All thanks to a highly versatile controller and HD graphics capabilities. Non-gamer market, worry not: Wii U is backwards compatible with Wii games and accessories. In fact, Wii-motes will continue to be at the forefront of control with Wii U. The intention is that four Wii-motes and one touch screen controller can be used at one time. It's a new system, but incorporates the ol' Wii overtly, yet...subtly. Expect more details to emerge before the system's 2012 release. 

What in video games can provide the greatest satisfaction?

Reaching unbelievable heights in Excite Truck, sending an opponent flying in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, achieving perfection in Guitar Hero, finding a hidden secret in New Super Mario Bros. Wii...all of these are great ways to experience that soaring feeling in video games.

But there is one more example I feel transcends the rest. It's the feeling one gets from overcoming a difficult challenge or obstacle. From finding that hidden opening in Metroid Fusion to solving a particularly tough puzzle in Zelda, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction that accomplishment can bring. And if reaching unbelievable heights in Excite Truck or achieving perfection in Guitar Hero are challenges, great! That only adds to a store of potential satisfaction.

Of course, the more difficult the challenge, the more time spent on it, the sweeter the reward. My temper is quite fragile, so it's triply thrilling for me to maintain a cool head in the face of adversity, and then to come out on top.

Why Nintendogs+cats has a very small niche: A Review

I'll tell you right now the type of people this game is best suited to: First, those who desperately want pets, but aren't allowed them. And second, those who did not get to experience the original Nintendogs on the Nintendo DS system.

Of course, this game adds quite a bit to the original formula to spice things up. The graphics, for one, are about ten times more realistic. And I dare not forget to mention that it's all in stereoscopic 3D. The little pets are noticeably more responsive to voice commands. AR compatibility adds a special touch. Lets see...I guess that's about it.

Oh, wait, there is one more thing. Kittens, of course! How could I forget! I'll tell you how: they don't do anything! They just sit and...look cute. I suppose I'm being a bit harsh, though: kittens do add a welcome touch of variety. And it's not like I had to pay the $800 for one...

If there's one other thing I want to mention before this review comes to a conclusion, it's this: Nintendogs+cats is not for hardcore gamers who want that deep, satisfying plot with killer gameplay. It seems pretty obvious, but I did happen across an unhappy customer on my internet travels who sent the game back, calling it "booooooooring". Well, what did you expect?

Why Ridge Racer 3D deserves more attention: A Review

"Welcome to the next generation! Prepare to shift into...the next dimension!" These are the words gamers can expect to see when they start up Ridge Racer 3D, an Everyone-rated, Nintendo 3DS launch game from developer Namco Bandai.

I've never played a Ridge Racer game before, but I'm no stranger to arcade-style racing games. I've even been to an actual arcade before! And if you like arcade racing, Ridge Racer 3D is definitely worth checking out.

Two important gameplay mechanics come into play in Ridge Racer 3D. First, the ability to drift. Without this important skill, Ridge Racer cannot be fully enjoyed. Fortunately, the mechanic is very simple and easy to learn and practice: let off the gas as you approach a turn, then put it back on quickly. If the player chooses, he/she can opt for one-button drifting, which makes drifting as simple as a button press. Regardless of the way the player chooses to drift, it's when this skill is mastered that the satisfaction of it can be enjoyed. There's nothing quite like that motion of sliding through a tight corner, then steering smoothly out of it.

The second tactic is slipstreaming. Every competitor has a slipstream that extends behind them, and getting into it can increase your speed, giving you a crucial opportunity to pass opponents. Of course, opponents can enter and take advantage of your slipstream as well, so care must be taken.

The 3D effect in Ridge Racer 3D is very nice. Unfortunately, it cannot be appreciated as much as it should because that would mean being distracted from the actual racing. Still, it's a nice addition to graphics that are already quite beautiful without it.