This Year's E3

E3 is just around the corner. This June, some of the hottest upcoming games are expected to make an appearance at the electronic entertainment expo. Ther'e big hype over Nintendo's Project Cafe because they are supposed to give us more details about the system there. There has also been talk about Microsoft unveiling a new system of their own. There is no evidence to support this claim however. One thing is for sure though, with Nintendo's announcement of a new system, Microsoft and Sony must be acting quite fast to get their new consoles out there soon as well. Meanwhile, will Nintendo dominate the market? Nintendo's aim with this new coonsole is to gain back some of the hardcore, serious players, not just the family friendly ones. Will it succeed? Many are skeptical and don't think Nintendo has what it takes, already ridiculing the name being considered for the system, Nintendo Stream. The 3DS launch went quite wel, but not as well as Nintendo had hoped for a lack of first party games that fans wanted. More games are coming for it soon so things should get better but lets hope Nintendo doesn't rush the launch of this new home console so that it is recieved better. Only time will tell what will happen to the new Nintendo console.

Naruto Shippuden CONR 4, Rumor or Fact?

One of the best Fighter on Wii, Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution series hasn't seen a new installment in about two years. Back in 2009, Naruto SHippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 was released for the wii with a boasting 40 characters and 40 battle stages to choose from. It also included wireless matches through Nintendo Wi-fi connection. It was a great title with too short a story mode. Last year, instead of the yearly installment of Clash of Ninja, Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles was released instead. It wasn't recieved very well however as many reviews claim it to be boring with very bland environments. Lately, there have been rumors of a Clash of Ninja Revolution 4 though. It is said that this game will have 68 characters from the Naruto Universe and will have a story from the beginning of Naruto (unclear if this means the first season where Naruto's young, or beginning of Shippuden with Naruto's return to the Hidden Leaf Village) all the way to the reunion of Team 7, Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke. Many fans expect this game to come out as Japan recently released the japanses counterpart of this game, Gekitou Ninja Taisen (Great Ninja Battle) Special. The U.S. games have been differing from the japanese ones lately with the inclusion of extra characters and different story modes. So we could see Killer Bee, Raikage, Ino and Minato who were present in Special, but we may also see those really wanted characters that were absent from the japanese game including, Karin, Jugo, Suigetsu, Konan, Pain, Mizukage, Tsuchikage, Danzo, and Madara. But as the title of this aricle mentions, this is all just speculation. We will find out this June at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)if there's any talk of a new wii Naruto fighter. All there is to do now is wait.

Sonic's 20th

This year is Sonic the Hedgehog's 20th anniversary and Sega is celebrating big time. To celebrate, Sega has a nnounced the game Sonic Generations. This game brings the modern hip sonic woth the shortr, chubbier classic Sonic. This game will bring the best of Sonic throughout all his 20 year adventures, beginning from his early genesis games to the more recent Sonic Colors. You can play as either modern or classic Sonic on all the stages which will be modeled after existing levels from Sonic's past. The first level is the all famous Green Hill Zone. All levels are playable by both Sonic's; when you choose classic Sonic, you play a 2.5D version of the levels like in the genesis days. When you choose modern Sonic, you play a 3D version of the levels like in Sonic Unleashed. Other characters make an appearance such as Tails, Knuckles and Shadow, but it Seems only modern and classic sonic are playable. Unfortunately, seems like wii owners will be left out of the loop on this once as it seems to be being released only for xbox 360 and PS3. Will Wii owners get a different game for the 20th celebration though? Meanwhile, enjoy the following video of Sonic Generations.

Wii 2?

There was news on ign.com this week on a supposed Nintendo Wii 2 or a successor to the now quite popular Nintendo Wii. According to ign, Nintendo has promised to give everyone a first look at the new gaming console at this years E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) in June. According to sources, the first thing Nintendo has said about the new system is that it will support High definition graphics, catching it up with its competitors in the field of visual impressiveness. It will also be backwards compatible with Wii software so curent Nintendo Wii owners can still play their Wii games on this new console. This short bit of information still leaves many questions unanswered however. Will the new system display 3D just like the new Nintendo 3DS handheld, or will Nintendo skip that this time? How will the motion sensitive games from the nintendo wii work on this new piece of hardware? In regards to backwards compatibility, what about those Nintendo Owners who still have Nintendo Gamecube games, will these no longer be playable on the new system and if so, will they be available for download on the wiishop channel? There's alot to consider with this new announcement. One thing we can have for certain is that if Nintendo is announcing a new system, Microsoft and Sony cannot be too far behind in announcing new systems for themselves either.

A game For the Anime Fans

With the Nintendo 3DS here, it's time to get those software titles rolling to get that game library full of tons og games of all genres.  Today, lets talk a little about the anime genre for all those anime and manga fane (myself included).   Naruto Shippuden: A New Era is the code name for this game.  In Japan it is called,  Naruto Shippuden Nin-rittai Emake Saikyou Ninkai Kessen.  This game isn't out anywhere yet, not even in japan, but with the huge fan base that the Naruto series has, it is sure to sell pretty well. 
Not too much more is known about this game however.  We can only guess about the story mode as there are screenshots including the Raikage and Mizukage characters from the series.  Those of you who watch the show may take this to mean that story mode will included the "Pain's Destruction of Konoha" and  "The Five Kage Summit" arcs in the story of the Naruto universe. 
We also know that this game will make use of the 3D gimmick of the Nintendo 3DS and will also implement the systems gyroscope sensors for some motion sensitive special techniques.  Other than this however, we are pretty much in the dark about this game.  No news on playable characters, although we do know there will be a character support system.  If you're a Naruto fan, you'll be sure to pick this game up on release date, otherwise you may want to wait to find out more on this game before dishing out the green for it as not all Naruto games may appeal to non-fans of the series.  For now enjoy this japanese trailer video (above) on the game found from youtube.com.

The 3DS is Here!!!

The Nintendo 3DS launched in the U.S. last Sunday alongside the launch title line-up.  I was able to pick up my Nintendo 3DS from my local Gamestop with a copy of Ridge Racer 3D and Super Street Fighter 4 3D edition.  So what's the verdict?  I believe the Nintendo 3DS is definitly worth its price.  The 3D  effect is really amazing but cannot be described through words.  You have to actually see it in front of you to know what I mean.  Also, the built in AR games are quite entertaining along with the mii maker and 3DS photo and sound.  
Many reviews haven't been very nice towards the launch titles of the 3DS and many fans are bashing on the system because of its very short battery life and lack of interesting games at launch.  Even games that are coming soon aren't anything new but just remakes of older titles.  While all this may be true, it doesn't make the 3DS fall short against competitors on any circumstance. 
Super Street Fighter 4 3D is regarded as the best launch title for the system but it has already been released before on xbox 360, PS3 and Arcades.  Reviews also say that it has a difficult control system for the 3DS and readers believe this.  I for one find this to be false as the controls and smooth and fluid.  Whether your good at the game or not is a completely different situation though. 
Another review took a look at ridge racer stating that it offers nothing new to the franchise and is comparable to the PSP ridge racer but with PS1 graphics.  I can't say about the new content as this is the first ridge racer I have ever played, but the racing action is very entertaining.  As for the graphics, on the video online, the game really doen't look good, but when you have it front of you the graphics are simply amazing.  These online videos don't do a good job of showing off the actual in game graphics.  Besides, future 3DS games graphics can only get better from here.
The remakes of Zelda, Starfox and others are something I'm very excited about.  True, many gamers are disappointed with the 3DS launch titles but we got to remember that Nintendo is a family system that appeals to everyone of all ages.  Pretty soon there will be enough games for every type of gamer for the Nintendo 3DS.  

Another Remake but Another Classic

Today I'll talk about Rayman 3D for the upcoming Nintendo 3DS.  Only 3 days and a few hours left before it's officially released here in North America, so let's go over this game.  Rayman 3D is yet another one of those remakes that is being released for the 3DS.  I am not, however, complaining about this.  Rayman 3D was originally released as Rayman 2:The Great Escape back when the Sega Dreamcast saw it's short span of glory.   In this game, a Pirate named Razorbeard leads a band of evil mechanical pirates to try and take over the world.  It's up to Rayman, a blob looking character with dis-embodied feet and hands to stop the pirates reign. 
Of course a port wouldn't be worth getting if it didn't have some improvements.  Graphics have been enhanced this time around as well as a few extra features.  Also, gameplay mechanics have been improved upon to suit the interface of the Nintendo 3DS. 
With all the classics such as Super Mario 3D, Mario Kart 3D, Rayman 3D, Starfox 64 3D, and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time 3D, I am pumped for these three days to pass and I can finally get my hands on my pre-order of the cosmo black Nintendo 3DS.  Thanks to ign.com for images and chack back next week as I will be writing about my own hands on time with the 3DS and my experience while playing.

3DS on its Way!!!

Only 8 days left for the long awaited Nintendo 3DS to arrive here in America.  It's something that many are expecting and Nintendo is partying in up too.  Gary and Alison from Nintendo's Nintendo Week got their hands on the Nintendo 3DS this last week and had loads of fun with the out of the box included content including Face-raiders, Augmented Reality games and more.  The 3DS Face-Raiders game allows you to take a photo of yourself or a friend and then play a game where you are being attacked by an onslaught on the person's face and you have to shoot the mobing targets.  Augmented Reality games are played with the support of the AR cards.  Place them on a table and use the 3DS's 3D cameras to watch amazing things happen before your eyes.  For example, watch as a dragon breaks through your living room table and you have to defeat it with the 3DS's lasers.  Another fun feature is the Mii Maker that allows you to create a Mii, or cartoonized version of yourself.   You can also make the Mii by taking a photo of yourself and allowing the automatic feature to compare the photo and make a Mii that matches the photo.  The 3DS is not only a new hand-held game system, it's a new platform altogether.  Here's a video from ign.com of some more of the the things included in the 3DS out of the box at launch.

More IGN Videos

Save Files? Who needs them?

Have you ever found yourself at a critical point in a video game where you have to make a vital decision? One that will change the ending of the game? And once you have chosen it, you realized it was the wrong choice and had to revert to a previous save to play that portion all over again?  It sort of sucks, doesn't it?  Radiant Historia is a game for the Nintendo DS that brings up this dilemma differently.  Here, going back to make a new decision isn't really going back, it's going forward, as Nintendo Week's Alison puts it. 
This game is a JRPG or Japanese Role Playing Game that brings a new twist to things.  JRPG's are known for there very predictable story plots but Radiant Historia isn't so predictable as you can change the events that occur by traveling back in time to make a different choice to save a comrade or take on a new job.  With so many decisions, the game branches off into multiple endings.  If you want to know the true ending however, you will have to keep playing to find which choices are the right ones.  It is truly an unbelievable game.

More Radiant Historia Videos

3DS Launches

The Nintendo 3DS launched in Japan last week and caused sensation.  Lines in front of gaming stores were not short at all as people camped out since the night before the release date in eager await to get their hands on the next generation portable gaming console.  The system sold thousands, as much as 400,000 Nintendo 3DS systems were sold and there were still people who left empty handed.  Some retailers avoided the mess created by the long wait lines by having it so only people who had pre-ordered the system would get one.  Other retailers had mainly pre-orders as well but only ordered a few extras for those who hadn't pre-ordered.   When I say a few, I mean a few.  This means that some retailers only ordered as low as 4 extra systems for those who hadn't pre-ordered the 3DS. So if you were un lucky enough to be that fifth person, you weren't going to get a 3DS, at least not at that store.  The Nintendo 3DS basically flew off the shelves in Japan and the same will probably happen when it hits the rest of the world later this this month.  Europe will get their hands on the 3DS on March 25th while North America can get it on March 27th.  Some people have already imported a japanese version of the system but others will wait for the localization.  This system is going to be big.  The onle question now is, how will Sony's NGP do at it's launch compared to the 3DS launch?  Only time will tell.

Another Classic: Long awaited Sequel

Last week I covered the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time being revived on the new Nintendo 3DS.  This week, Kid Icarus takes the spot light.  This game was considered a great success that many people remember from the early nintendo days.  However, Kid Icarus had been long forgotten by game developers until recently when the star of the game, Pit, appeared in the nintendo brawler, Super Smash Bros Brawl.  Now, the creator of that very game is making a sequel to the original Kid Icarus for the 3DS.  This installment will be named, Kid Icarus: Uprising.  Many people eagerly await this new installment to see what it's all about.  Game reviewers have tried the demo at Nintendo conferences and have very good things to say about it.  The controls are somewhat difficult to get used to and may have your hand cramping a bit, but you'll be having too much fun to really care about that as one reviewer puts it. 
In this new installment, Pit flies through the air and runs through the clouds in order to save the planet from evil.  Of course the graphics, gameplay and story are dramatically different from what people remember from the original 8-bit game for the NES, but the experience should prove as exciting as any game.  Nintendo fans, Pit has arrived.  "The Fight is On!"

Rebirth of Old School Classics

The Nintendo 3DS will be released a week from today in Japan and a month from that date in the United States.  Nintendo fans eagerly await its arrival and have already set their pre-orderd at their local video game store.  The 3DS is such an exciting piece of hardware, not only for its 3D and its power but because it will be bringing Nintendo 64 Classics and favorites to the platform with all new features.  Among them are Starfox 64, Paper Mario and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.  The latter will be today's topic. 
Ocarina of time was Link's first adventure in a 3 dimensional platform.  When I say 3D, I don't mean the type the 3DS offers but that the character was able to move left, right, forward and backward.  This game was a great success among Nintendo fans.  The legend of Zelda was already a popular series, but the jump into 3D made it even better.  This game sold millions of copies world wide  and now it will be re-released on the 3DS.   It has been re-released before on the gamecube, an exact port of the original, and then again on the Nintendo Wii's virtual console.  The 3DS version however, has enhanced modified graphics, new touch screen features as well as the 3D effect that should prove to revive an old experience.  The question is, will Zelda fans be willing to pay full 3DS software price, $39.99, to play a game that they can just as easily download on the Wii Virtual console for just $10.00?  We will see when the game releases which unfirtunateky will not be as soon as the 3DS launches.  We will have to wait for this one and for Starfox as well.  In the meantime, 3DS owners can brawl it out with Super Street fighter 4: 3D Edition.

Will Nintendo and Capcom finally meet?

Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series and Capcom's V.S. series; these are two types of games that a great majority (if not all) gamers know and love.  Super Smash Brothers brings the varying worlds of Nintendo together on an all out brawl with each other. Link, from the Legend of Zelda meets Mario and Donkey Kong on the same stage to see who is king of brawlers.  This game first came out for the Nintendo 64 over a decade ago with a limited number of playable characters and stages but since then has gotten better with the Super Smash Bros. Melee on the GameCube and even further with Super Smash Bros. Brawl on the Wii.  The Wii version made some gamer's dreams come true with the inclusion of Solid Snake form the Metal Gear games and also Sonic the Hedgehog which people had wanted to see face off with Mario for ages. However, some people were dissapointed to see that Capcom's iconic Megaman wasn't included in this installment.
Is this about to change however?  Capcom has its V.S. series where they have faced of against the Marvel comics super heroes and SNK characters as well among many others.  The characters included from the Capcom side of the versus series would do great facing off against Nintendo characters like in Smash Bros.  The question wether this was possible was brought up to the creator of Capcom who said that it was an interesting idea.  This somehow got out on the internet but was twisted around that made it seem like he was working on the game.  This is not so however and he has cleared this out now.  He had to go and apologize to the head if Nintendo.  This could start something though and all gamers who have been waiting for this face-off between Nintendo and Capcom characters in one game could see it coming soon, or not.  Only time can tell.  To see the video of the interview with Capcom from IGN.com click below.

More IGN Videos

Another Hand-held, Not a Rival?

Sony has announced that later this year it will be releasing their new portable gaming system codenamed NGP, short for next generation portable, in Japan.  This will be the successor to the prevoiusly popular Sony Playstation Portable, PSP. 
Not much has been said about the NGP however, there are only a few detailes that we currently know about it.  First, it will have a touch sensor built in and secondly that it will have dual analog thumb pads to simulate using a controller on a home console.  The last thing we know is that the NGP will not play UMD disks which is what's causing some fuss over in Japan.  The PSP has been very popular in Japan and the games that it plays are on the UMD disks that will no longer be compatible with the new NGP.  The NGP will use memory card cartridges similar to the Nintendo DS cartridges.  So what happens to that robust game library that PSP owners have collected over the PSP life span?  The developers over at Sony are looking into possible solution to that.  Perhaps having the games be downloadable on the Playstation network or just creating ports of some of the more popular PSP games for the NGP. 
Will the NGP be better than Nintendo's 3DS?  Many say that it will be better because the 3DS 3D gaming functionality is considered by many to just be a gimmick to attract buyers.  It may well be so, or might not but others also say that Nintendo has a greater advantage as it's being released much sooner than the NGP.  Currently Japan already had released the 3DS with the US being able to see it in their hands next month.  The NGP won't be released in Japan until the end of 2011 which means the US probably wont see it on their store shelves until 2012.  What does Sony have to say about this?  They want Nintendo to succeed because thay acknowledge that the 3DS and the NGP are directed at completely different audiences.  Also, both Sony and Nintendo probably realise that their true competition is in Apple.

The Third Dimension's New Dimension

The Nintendo 3DS was announced last week at the Nintendo Conference by Nintendo of America's Regie Fils-Aime, and caused many jaw dropping reactions. This device is the next generation in the Nintendo DS hand-held line-up but it goes much further than that.  The 3DS is a powerful piece of hardware that's capable of projecting 3 dimensional gaming without the use of the usual 3D glasses.  Not only does it show you 3D, but it also gives the power of 3D to your very hands with the built in camera lenses that allow you to take 3 dimensional photos. 
The Nintendo 3DS is a very powerful machine compared to its predecessors.  The Nintendo DSi was definitely very capable, yet the 3DS takes it further.  New to the 3DS that wasn't included with the Dsi is a 2GB sd card to store information, a new extending stylus, new "Home" button on the lower screen to reach the systems' main menu and the analog thumb pad for better gaming control. The 3DS also has some motion sensitivity to be used with some games.  There is much more to the Nintendo 3DS than what meets the eye.  Experience 3D gaming to a whole other level.  The 3DS will be available on March 27th for $249.99.