I've been back to writing for Infendo for a while now. Usually, I'll post a news story to Infendo, then post about the same thing here, but with extra, more personal thoughts alongside. Today, however, I'm just gonna hand you the Infendo article on a platter:
This is definitely something to get excited about. I mean, like the
Pokemon X and Y Direct and the Wonderful 101 Direct that came before,
this is an entire Nintendo Direct dedicated to just two games. Two games
that are arguably more anticipated by fans than Pokemon or The
Wonderful 101. According to the official Nintendo Direct site, the Smash Bros. special will reveal new details
about the two games. And if tradition holds, the broadcast will be
around 20 minutes long. A lot can be revealed in 20 minutes. What are
you hoping for out of the upcoming Direct?
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?
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?
Sorry you all, but I didn't give any prior notice about today's Nintendo Direct, which was so packed with news I'll be talking about it for days to come. It took place at 10:00 AM Eastern time this morning (8:00 for me), with a singular theme: Wii U. Today I'll be talking about the essential info. that we've been waiting on for a long time:
Launch date: November 18, 2012
Launch prices: Basic Set - $299.99; Deluxe Set - $349.99
You're probably wondering about the basic set vs. the deluxe set. Here's the rundown:
Basic Set
Color: White
Includes:
Wii U console
Gamepad controller
AC adapter
HDMI connection
Sensor bar
Deluxe Set
Color: Black
Includes
Everything listed above for the basic set
Gamepad charging cradle
Console stand
Gamepad stand
32 GB storage
Nintendo Land game disc
Enrollment in the Deluxe Digital Promotion, which rewards points for digital purchases
First of all, I'm very impressed with the price points. Before today, I was certain of one thing: the Wii U wasn't going to be $249.99, which was the launch price of the Wii. Still, for an HD console and its controller-with-a-six-inch-touch-screen, $299.99 comes off as very fair. Add a game, a stand for the console, etc. for just $50 extra, and you won't see me complaining. As for the release date, I'm basically indifferent, aside from the fact that my birthday comes 8 days after.
I have to confess, I find it odd that the two launch colors correspond only with their respective sets. If I had my way, I would be able to get the deluxe set in white. Maybe that's just me...
Now I've told you what I think, so I would love to know what you think! Is the launch price too expensive in your opinion? Will you go with a basic set or a deluxe set? Let me know your thoughts in a comment!
Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS is the topic of today's Nintendo Direct 6.21.2012 post. There is not yet a whole lot of info on the games, but any info at all is noteworthy. The best and most reassuring bit is the return of Masahiro Sakurai as director. This we have known for some time, but it's important when you've come to expect so much greatness from a series!
In other news, Namco Bandai Studios has put together an all-star team for the development of SSB Wii U/3DS. If you would like, you can read all about it right here, where you will find messages from both Sakurai and Namco Bandai's Masaya Kobayashi.
With so little to go on, right now it's just guessing and speculation with the highly anticipated Wii U/3DS iterations of the beloved Super Smash Bros. series. Fans have found it particularly fun in the past to guess which Nintendo characters will snag a coveted spot in the game's roster. With Kid Icarus: Uprising still fresh on my mind, I'm inclined to hope Magnus will make the cut.
Any thoughts on what has been mentioned today? Let your voice be heard in a comment!
Hey guys, Holly here. Before I get into today's topic, I want to let you all know that the blog will continue, and with my class being over, I'll be getting back into my old posting rhythm.
And what better way to celebrate my return than by discussing the latest edition of Nintendo Direct! Nintendo delivered a 20-minute long video this time around, and it contained no shortage of great news. In fact, it had so many things for us to talk about, I'm going to take it piece by piece, day by day.
The video began with the announcement of a Nintendo 3DS redesign, dubbed the Nintendo 3DS XL. The new model will boast screens that are 90% larger than those of the original Nintendo 3DS, improved battery life, and an "updated form factor." The release of the Nintendo 3DS XL is set for August 19th of this year, coinciding with the release of New Super Mario Bros. 2, which I'll talk about in a future post. The 3DS XL will sell for a suggested retail price of $199.99.
Though I would love to have a Nintendo 3DS XL of my own come August 19th, it is a very unlikely prospect. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the likelihood is 0%. But I do believe I'm allowed to say that I think the redesign looks pretty snazzy. One thing that has always bothered me about the original 3DS is the surface area surrounding the upper screen: it's about as reflective as your average mirror, which can be an irritation. The 3DS XL clearly solves this problem, among others.
Is anyone planning on getting a 3DS XL of their own? Or are you like me and planning to pass? Feel free to let us know in a comment.
Haven't guessed yet? I'll just go ahead and tell you, then! The answer is: "I am E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) 2012." How 'bout that? Nintendo Lifeline has a thing or two to say about this year's expo, so read on!
Pre-E3 Video by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata
Click here to whet your appetite with a video from Satoru Iwata dedicated to the Wii U system. I don't know about anyone else, but it has me excited! Nintendo must have a lot of news about the Wii U if they need a half-hour before the expo even gets started. I'm particularly fond of the connectivity the Wii U will apparently have...Miiverse looks pretty sweet.
Our Hopes and Predictions
New game trailers are the most exciting part of E3 to me. Is that strange? Anyway, I wanna see new trailers for games that have already been announcedand, of course, games that will be announced for the first time at E3. If I could have all my dreams come true, I would like to see a new Pokemon RPG announced for the Nintendo 3DS system. I held out on Pokemon Black and White with the expectation that the third installment in this generation would be on the Nintendo 3DS. I was entirely wrong. Even Pokemon Conquest (which got 9/10 in Nintendo Power magazine, by the way) ended up on the DS! I don't care what kind of Pokemon RPG ends up on the 3DS, I just want it!
Maybe it's too early to hope for this, but I want to see a Nintendo 3DS redesign at E3. I have come to dislike the current Nintendo 3DS system design. How the top flap sticks out slightly over the bottom, how the stylus holder is in a very inconvenient position on the back of the system, how the surface surrounding the 3-D screen is unnecessarily reflective and inconsistent with the rest of the system. Ugh...I'm getting worked up now! I guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow!
What are you looking forward to the most with this year's E3?
Club Nintendo offers game downloads for coins
I know, I know...old news. But, hey, I never even mentioned it on my blog. Yes, Club Nintendo has been offering game downloads as rewards. These downloads are actual DSiware, WiiWare, and Virtual Console titles. They change every month and are surprisingly cheap at 100 or 150 rewards points (or coins). Some samples include Super Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and Dr. Mario Online RX, none of which are available anymore. Until February 29, you can snag Mario Party 2 for Wii or Art Academy: First Semester for DSi, each at 150 coins. As for my thoughts? I think this tidbit of news speaks for itself. I don't need to tell you how AWESOME it is. Game demos grace the Nintendo eShop
I guess it was kind of a big deal that gamers could download and play demos for Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Resident Evil: Revelations. Since this trend began, demos for Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D and Nintendogs+cats have also become available. I only tried one: Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I suppose I'm getting kind of old for colorful, simple minigame collection-type games, because it bored me nearly to tears. And that's about all I can say about these game demo things. Hulu Plus available on the Wii system
I really like this news! Even though I'm not a Hulu Plus member, I think it's great that the Wii has gained this crucial ability. The only problem? Well, the Wii is nearing the end of its life. Isn't it, I dunno, a little late for something like this? Better late than never, I suppose. Nintendo Direct 2-22-12 video explodes with news...watch out
As you can see from the full Nintendo Direct 2-22-12 video above, the first bit of great news regards the Nintendo eShop title Dillon's Rolling Western. It's now available! I haven't downloaded it yet, but I hope to do so eventually thanks to this great review on Infendo! We've known for a while that Kid Icarus: Uprising is going to come with a little pack-in: a Nintendo 3DS stand, which is featured in the video. This being the first time I have mentioned it, these are my thoughts: it's an odd accessory, but if someone out there finds comfort from using it, great! Next, we have a release date for the long-anticipated Mario Tennis Open for Nintendo 3DS: May 20. The only tennis game I've ever played was Wii Sports tennis, so I can't say I'm particularly excited about Mario Tennis Open. We'll see what happens! April 6 is the official North American release date for Xenoblade Chronicles. Oh, and I pre-ordered the game, so that's the happy ending to that story!
And finally, the Wii game The Last Story is headed to North America. Um...I can't imagine why this is such a big deal, because even in all my internet travels, I haven't come across much information about this game. It's an RPG from the creator of Final Fantasy. Yep. I hope everyone who has been clamoring for The Last Story enjoys it!
