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Kirby Mass Attack Snack Attack Trucks Touring U.S.

Justin Berube — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:14:42 +0000

Nintendo of America has announced that Kirby Snack Attack Trucks will be touring the U.S. to help promote the upcoming DS title Kirby Mass Attack. These trucks will give out frozen fruit treats to fans that visit. Sounds delicious! A list of the stops these trucks are making are below!

Kirby Snack Attack Truck Stops

Sept. 14: Rockefeller Plaza, New York City

Sept. 14-15: San Francisco Bay Area

Sept. 16-18: Upper Kirby neighborhood, Houston

Kirby Mass Attack will be available for the Nintendo DS on September 19th, 2011. For more information on Kirby Mass Attack or the Snack Attack tour be sure to read the official press release below!

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about the Kirby Snack Attack tour!

NINTENDO MARKS LAUNCH OF KIRBY MASS ATTACK GAME WITH CUSTOMIZED KIRBY SNACK ATTACK TRUCKS

Sept. 7, 2011

One of the most unique characters in the world of video games is about to give hungry fans a fun way to attack snack time. To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Kirby™ Mass Attack video game for the Nintendo DS™ family of hand-held systems, Nintendo is deploying customized Kirby Snack Attack Trucks to deliver frozen fruit treats to consumers and fans in select U.S. cities. While enjoying these tasty snacks, participants can enjoy hands-on demos of Kirby Mass Attack, in which gobbling up fruit allows players to accumulate a mass of up to 10 Kirbys at a time. The week before the game’s Sept. 19 launch, the trucks will be making stops near New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza, the San Francisco Bay Area and the aptly named Upper Kirby neighborhood of Houston.

In Kirby Mass Attack, players join the iconic pink hero for a wild new adventure to save planet Popstar from darkness. Using the intuitive touch-screen controls of the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ or Nintendo DSi XL™, players can fling, dash around or gather as many as 10 Kirbys simultaneously. As players use their mob of Kirbys to bash through obstacles and defeat various enemies, players can even collect medals from numerous stages across five colorful, side-scrolling worlds to unlock fun extras and mini-games.

Kirby Snack Attack Truck Tour Schedule
Sept. 14: Rockefeller Plaza, New York City
Sept. 14-15: San Francisco Bay Area
Sept. 16-18: Upper Kirby neighborhood, Houston

Visit Nintendo of America’s Twitter page (@NintendoAmerica) for details on exact times and locations. For more information about Kirby Mass Attack, visit http://kirbymassattack.com.

Kirby TV Channel Coming to European Wiis Tomorrow

Sam Naylor — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:59:21 +0000

A Wii channel dedicated solely to the televisual delight that is Kirby will be available free in Europe from tomorrow.

Nintendo say the channel will be available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Greece, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Australia and New Zealand in English, German, French and Italian- and will play host to over 50 Kirby TV episodes.

“Every week, two new episodes will become available – one on a Monday and one on a Thursday.

“The episodes will be available to view for two weeks before being archived to make way for new episodes. Episode 1 is permanently unlocked.”

It seems completely and utterly mad, but brilliant at the same time. I can’t think of a character better suited to this treatment than Kirby, simply because the sort of people who religiously watch Kirby TV shows are the same people who buy Kirby games. It’s a genius marketing exercise.

Plus Kirby is wicked yo.

Kirby Mass Attack Shows The DS Ain’t Dead Yet (Hands-On)

Justin Berube — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:36:34 +0000

Kirby Mass Attack will be one of the last titles for the original Nintendo DS. Some other sites kept saying that the DS would be dead after Okamiden (*cough* IGN), but I kept saying that Kirby Mass Attack as well as some of the other titles seen at E3 this year would keep the system going for a little while longer.

Kirby Mass Attack looks like a traditional Kirby game in many ways but is actually vastly different. Controlling the game seemed to rely completely on the touch screen. If the player wished for Kirby to move right all that the player would just have to hold the stylus on the right side of the screen. The touch screen also gave Kirby the ability to be flicked at objects and enemies.

Kirby can also be moved around in a way that reminded me of Kirby: Canvas Curse. If the player is to hold the stylus on Kirby a line can then be drawn in which Kirby slowly floats to. This makes it possible to get to certain areas that a simple flick couldn’t reach.

What makes this Kirby title very unique is that up to 10 Kirby characters can be controlled at once. Throughout the stage there are various fruits hidden and scattered about. After each piece of fruit is picked up a meter fills up. When the meter is full the game grants the player another Kirby!

Once massed together these Kirby characters can use their combined strength to do things a single one couldn’t. In the demo this involved ganging up on enemies, by tapping them with the stylus, to do a massive group slam attack. This Kirby mass could also use their weight to pull vines within the level environment to find hidden objects. These vines often required a set amount of Kirby characters to be on them or it wouldn’t budge.

The controls in Kirby Mass Attack took some getting used to but I quickly caught on. When massed up it’s easy to move all the characters around by having the characters walk, or just by moving them as a group with the new line drawing technique that I mentioned earlier.

While most people are clearly focused on the new 3DS software everyone should also be paying attention to Kirby Mass Attack as well as some of the other Nintendo DS titles announced at E3. Even though I only had a short period of time with the demo I thought that Kirby Mass Attack showed me that it has the potential to be a great game. Kirby Mass Attack is clearly a title that both DS and 3DS owners should keep an eye on.

Kirby Wii May Be The Game Kirby Fans Have Been Waiting For

Justin Berube — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:56 +0000

Kirby is back in yet another Wii title. Kirby Wii is a more traditional Kirby game over the Wii title the pink puffball appeared in last year, Kirby’s Epic Yarn. In fact, Kirby Wii may be the Kirby game that fans have been waiting for that was seen briefly, in the form of a trailer, on the GameCube but never saw a release.

As mentioned earlier Kirby Wii plays just like a traditional Kirby title. Kirby moves around in the side scrolling platformer levels and has the ability to suck up enemies and to take their powers.

New to this Kirby game are Super Abilities. Upon sucking up special enemies, Kirby will gain Super Powers that can be used a set amount of times, as displayed by the on screen meter. One of these abilities, known as the Super Sword, allowed Kirby to swing a giant blade close to the size of the screen that would destroy enemies and break just about anything.

One other Super Ability that I saw let Kirby shoot out a horizontal stream of fire across the screen. This stream had the ability to destroy enemies and to cut trees, some of which were in Kirby’s way, in half!

Stages in Kirby Wii also had hidden areas that needed to be completed quickly since the deadly left side of the screen would slowly inch its way to the right. I think, but I’m not completely sure, that one of the stages that I played also featured an alternative route thanks to one of these hidden areas and would ultimately lead to a different boss fight at the end of the level.

Each stage in Kirby Wii has items to collect as well. This insures that the final game will have some replayability.

The greatest addition to Kirby Wii is the multiplayer which I thought was very fun. At any time during normal gameplay up to three friends can join the Kirby player in the action as one of three characters, King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Waddle Dee. Each of these characters has their own unique moves and abilities, though none can use any copy abilities like Kirby.

King Dedede used his famous hammer to dish out some slow but powerful moves. I think playing as King Dedede was the most fun out of all the new characters.

Meta Knight would use his famous Galaxia sword to dish out damage. Meta Knight played a lot like he does in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. I even found out how to perform his Shuttle Loop technique by holding down, then mashing up and attack at the same time!

Waddle Dee was also cool. He carried around a spear and I found him to be, perhaps, the most useful character of all, not counting Kirby of course. Running and then attacking with Waddle Dee caused him to throw three spears at once, all at different distances, in front of him.

Each character was awesome to try out and working with friends will clearly be a blast. I hope that the final game offers more characters to choose from as well.

The downside to multiplayer is that Kirby is still the star of the game. If anyone but Kirby dies it just takes one life away from the community set of lives and the game continues. However if Kirby dies everyone must start over again at the last checkpoint in the level.

One other minor complaint in the multiplayer is that there is a way for non Kirby players to cheat a bit. If a non Kirby player notices they are running low on health it’s possible for them to drop playing the game and the to join back in and have a full health bar. I hope this is an issue that is addressed in the final product because it seems like a cheap tactic.

Overall Kirby Wii looks as though it will be a fun, although easy, Wii title. It will no doubt be a great game to play with friends that aren’t that into gaming or just with some friends that lack a hardcore gaming skill. I can’t wait to get a group of friends together to play the final product, which is scheduled to hit store shelves later this year.

E3 2011: Kirby Wii – Details and Trailer

Garrett Hartman — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:17:32 +0000

Kirby’s Epic Yarn who? Figured you’d want to forget about that game. HAL Laboratory will release Kirby Wii for the Nintendo Wii this Fall.

Kirby Wii will have four player co-op support and players can play as Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede or Waddle Dee.

Watch the super cute trailer below and check out the details below the video:

FEATURES:

Kirby’s powerful Copy Ability returns, allowing him to inhale, spit and transform as he encounters enemies.
Players can deploy classic and new abilities, including: Sword: Kirby dons a green cap and wields a sword. Beam: Kirby wears a jester hat and can shoot energy from a magic wand.Whip: Kirby wears a cowboy hat and can lasso enemies.Leaf: Kirby is surrounded by a whirlwind of leaves.
The game also introduces new Super Abilities, which are activated when Kirby inhales special enemy characters. For example, the “Super Sword” Super Ability allows Kirby to swing a giant sword and wipe out an entire screen’s worth of foes.
Up to four players can enjoy the action together. (Additional controllers required and sold separately.) They play cooperatively to progress through the game and collect Point Stars and Ability Stars. Players can join and leave the game at any time.

The King Nintendo Fanboy’s E3 2011 Wii Predictions

Justin Berube — Mon, 30 May 2011 13:00:37 +0000

Trying to predict Nintendo’s E3 plans is usually impossible. Everyone knows Nintendo is very secretive and keeps their lips unusually tight regarding unannounced titles. With that said it’s still possible to make some educated guesses on what Nintendo is planning to showcase at the show.

Project Cafe Predictions

Nintendo 3DS Predictions

Nintendo DS Predictions

Nintendo Wii

This will likely be the Wii’s last significant year at E3 as the device is reaching the end of its product life cycle. There is, however, the potential for the Wii to have an excellent first party showing at E3 2011.

The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword
Probability: 100%

There is no doubt that Nintendo will be showing off the Wii’s most anticipated title at E3 this year. Nintendo offered a hands on demo last year and I expect an even better demo to be shown this year. This Zelda title will be the most interactive entry in the series to date and I expect a lot of Wii Motion Plus activities to be shown off.

Wii Play: Motion
Probability: 100%

Nintendo announced this mini game collection only a few weeks ago and it’s scheduled to be released in North America on June 13^th, 2011. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Nintendo will have this title, which takes advantage of the Wii Motion Plus, on the show floor.

Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident
Probability: 100%

Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident was announced at the same time as Wii Play: Motion. Nintendo was also able to give this title a release date of June 27, 2011. With the game coming out so soon I would bet a lot of money on it being shown off in some way at E3 2011.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Probability: 100%

Nintendo is publishing this game in Japan, which is why it’s on the list. This is yet another given to be shown off at E3 2011. Kids love the Mario & Sonic series and Nintendo and Sega would be foolish not to show it off to the press and investors at the big show.

Kirby Wii
Probability: 90%

Kirby Wii was announced earlier this year for Japan but still very little is known about the title. Unlike Kirby’s Epic Yarn, which released on the Wii last year, this Kirby title is more traditional. I feel that Nintendo will announce that this game is coming out in regions outside of Japan at be playable at E3 2011.

Xenoblade Chronicles
Probability: 75%

Xenoblade Chronicles is an RPG for the Wii developed by Monolith Soft. This game was first shown off at E3 2009 and came out in Japan last year but was just called Xenoblade.

Xenoblade Chronicles has been announced for a release in Europe, but North America is waiting. I’m worried that this title may end up being one of those Wii games that is released in every region in the world but North America, but only time will tell.

Nintendo of America has pulled this off their release North American forecast in their financial reports which worries me. If this title isn’t shown off at E3 2011 I think North American can say goodbye, but I’m still somewhat hopeful.

The Last Story
Probability: 60%

The Action RPG developed by Mistwalker and AQ Interactive known as The Last Story could also be seen at E3 2011. The director of this title, Hironobu Sakaguchi, is famous for creating the Final Fantasy series. The Last Story released in Japan earlier this year.

Nintendo hasn’t said much about this title making its way overseas. Nintendo has, however, registered TheLastStory.com and it currently redirects visitors to Nintendo.com. This little fact is what made me boost the probability of it at E3 from 50% to 60%.

Many RPG fans around the world want to play this title and I hope Nintendo doesn’t let them down.

Rhythm Heaven
Probability: 50%

Rhythm Heaven is a crazy rhythm game that is a ton of fun! I feel that the DS version is amongst the best titles the system has to offer and I would love to see Rhythm Heaven make it overseas for the Wii.

With that said, Rhythm Heaven wasn’t the biggest seller on the DS, but it didn’t do too badly either. There is still a chance that this title will make it out on the Wii and I really hope it does.

Pandora’s Tower
Probability: 40%

Pandora’s Tower is another Action RPG. For whatever reason, I just don’t feel like this one is going to make it outside of Japan. It would be nice to see it, and it’s certainly possible, my guy just tells me no. That is why I’m only giving Pandora’s Tower a 40% probability of showing up at E3.

Pokémon Wii
Probability: 50%

This game hasn’t even been officially announced, just officially mentioned. Nintendo stated that they were working on new Pokémon titles for both Wii and 3DS months ago, so it’s very possible that we will see the new title at E3 2011.

Dragon Quest Collection
Probability: 75%

This collection, meant to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Dragon Quest, is supposed to have the NES and SNES versions of Dragon Quest, Dragaon Quest 2, and Dragon Quest 3 on one disc. Nintendo has been publishing many of the Dragon Quest games in North America so it wouldn’t surprise me if Nintendo announced plans to publish it at the show.

Dragon Quest X
Probability: 35%

Dragon Quest X was announced to be coming to the Wii in 2008. Not much news has been heard about the project since, but I think having it release during Dragon Quest’s 25^th anniversary would be nice.

It is also likely that Nintendo could be publishing this title outside of Japan which is why it made this list. The odds of seeing this title at E3 are low, but I thought it deserved a mention.

Nintendo is also likely to have a few Wii surprises up their sleeves for E3 this year. The Big N has previously stated that they will be celebrating Zelda’s 25^th Anniversary this year in some way, so some sort of compilation is possible amongst other things.

Pikmin 3 is also a distinct possibility but I think that Nintendo may push this semi announced Wii title over to Nintendo’s next home console, currently known as Project Café.

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The King Nintendo Fanboy’s E3 2011 DS Predictions

Justin Berube — Sun, 29 May 2011 14:30:33 +0000

Nintendo 3DS Predictions

Nintendo Wii Predictions

Project Cafe Predictions

Nintendo DS

Many are claiming that the Nintendo DS is a dead platform, but I really don’t think that Nintendo is ready to let this popular device die just yet. In fact, I think they will show off a few titles for their older portable to cater to the large user base that still doesn’t have a 3DS.

Atsumete! Kirby
Probability: 80%

The new Kirby game, which Nintendo has announced for a Japanese release several months ago, will likely be announced for a North American release at E3 2011. A game like this shouldn’t be too hard to localize and I see no reason why Nintendo of America would just skip over this title.

Battle & Get! Pokémon Typing DS
Probability: 40%

This Pokémon title, which comes with a wireless keyboard, is all about teaching the player how to type. I’m honestly not sure if this game will be released outside of Japan due to the fact that localizing this title may be tricky.

There is probably a market for it though, so there is a chance it will be on display at E3 2011. I’m sure parents would love to have their kids do something a bit more educational in regards to Pokémon.

Professor Layton and the Last Specter
Probability: 70%

I’m still not convinced that Nintendo will be localizing this particular title. From my understanding, Level-5, the developer of the Professor Layton series, wants to start localizing their games for themselves. Still, the Layton series could still be published by Nintendo, but only time will tell.

Regardless of the situation I would love to see Nintendo localize the fourth Layton game and it will likely be seen, regardless of the publisher, at E3 2011.

This may be the last E3 for any significant Nintendo DS titles. Luckily fans of the platform have a few more solid titles that they could hope for. Maybe Nintendo will also surprise fans by announcing plans to localize some previously unreleased titles outside of Japan. E3 2011 can’t come soon enough! I’ll see you there!

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The King Nintendo Fanboy’s Collectors Journal 2/17/2011

Justin Berube — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:57:41 +0000

Many people know that I’m a big Nintendo Fanboy and that I collect Nintendo games, goods, memorabilia, and more. If it says Nintendo on it, and it’s official, I want it. That’s what the Nintendo Collectors Journal is all about. From this point on I’ll be documenting all the exciting Nintendo items I gather on my travels. I come across things both new and old so be sure to check back to see what I’ve come across.

Previous: The King Nintendo Fanboy’s Collectors Journal 1/25/2011

Next: The King Nintendo Fanboy’s Collectors Journal 1/3/2011

This time I have several items to show everyone since my last Collectors Journal video was made. A lot of Game Boy and Game Boy Advance goods, Nintendo Power Issue 264, various Club Nintendo Rewards, Pokémon from giveaway events, Mario Sports Mix, Dragon Quest VI, a Dragon Quest Slime plush, and more!

Want to see when I add new items to my Nintendo collection? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook for updates on the next Nintendo Collectors Journal. Be sure to give me tips on where to get some sweet Nintendo swag as well!

3DS Augmented Reality Cards Revealed

Justin Berube — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:55:20 +0000

Photos of all six of the Augmented Reality cards that will be bundled with the 3DS have been revealed and contain many major Nintendo characters. Seen on these cards are Mario, Link, Kirby, Samus, Pikmin, and the previously known Question Block card.

More details on the games that use the five newly revealed cards are currently unknown, but I think it’s a safe bet to say we MAY see some of these major characters appear in some of the Augmented Reality launch titles that will be pre-installed on every 3DS!

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo and 3DS news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about these new Augmented Reality cards.

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What Wii Could Expect In 2011

Justin Berube — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:59:17 +0000

Right now there aren’t many games that are scheduled to release on the Wii in 2011 for North America. Although there are many interesting titles that could be released in this region, and others around the world, within the year. Here is a list of what is currently known to be coming out in North America and a list of Wii Games that could be coming out here.

Coming Out On Wii In North America In 2011:

All games listed here have been on Nintendo’s North American release line up found in their Supplementary Information for their Earnings Release last quarter.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Release Date: 2011

This is the most obvious title and clearly the most anticipated title coming to the Wii as of right now. Zelda: Skyward Sword will reinvent the way gamers experience a Zelda title by adding motion controls enhanced by the Wii Motion Plus.

Monado: Beginning of the World (AKA: Xenoblade)
Release Date: TBA
Japan: June 10, 2010

Monado: Beginning of the World is an RPG for the Wii developed by Monolith Soft. This game was first shown off at E3 2009 and came out in Japan last year but was called Xenoblade. Nintendo still has this title on their North American release schedule under the name of Monado: Beginning of the World and has been sitting there for quite some time with little buzz.

Line Attack Heroes
Release Date: TBA
Japan: July 27, 2010

Line Attack Heroes is a WiiWare title that has already been released in Japan and has also been on Nintendo’s North American release line up for quite a while.

When players defeat enemies in this game they can convert them to their own side, which adds them to the player’s line. As this line grows the player will be able to unleash more powerful attacks. Each character has a different attack and only the line leader can unleash this special attack via Wii Remote waggle. The game allows players to change who the line leader is with the press of a button.

Once players have a line they can’t just keep it however. Taking damage may cause certain characters to switch sides!

Could Be Out On Wii In North America In 2011:

None of the games listed here are confirmed for a North American release, but each title has a chance.

The Last Story
North American Release Likelihood: Medium
Japanese Release Date: January 27, 2011

The Last Story is an Action RPG developed by Mistwalker and AQ Interactive. The director of this title, Hironobu Sakaguchi, is famous for creating the Final Fantasy series.

The gameplay in The Last Story includes some exciting online modes. Fans around the world have been waiting to see if this title will make it outside of Japan and it has a good chance of making it overseas.

Rhythm Heaven
North American Release Likelihood: Medium

Rhythm Heaven is a crazy rhythm game that is a ton of fun! Those that have played the DS version of this title, which was release in North America, should be excited to get their hands on the new Wii version.

In the DS title, for example, one stage (a factory) required players to flick a cylinder through two blocks at the correct time in order to make a finished product. The movement of the blocks would make music and failure to create the final product would result in a disruption of the tune. If done correctly an additional sound effect would be added. It sounds strange but it is very addicting and satisfying.

Fatal Frame 2 Remake
North American Release Likelihood: Low

Nintendo published Fatal Frame 4 in Japan but never brought the title out overseas. It’s probably safe to say that the remake of Fatal Frame 2 has a very low chance of releasing outside of Japan.

The reasons why Fatal Frame 4 never released outside Japan were never disclosed, but I have a few theories. My main theory is that Nintendo just doesn’t want to publish Mature titles in North America.

While this title is unlikely to be released in this region I still felt it deserved a place on the list since it still has tiny chance.

Kirby
North American Release Likelihood: High

Just last month Nintendo announced a new Kirby title that will be heading to the Wii. This time Kirby won’t be yarn. Kirby fans looking for a more traditional Kirby outing should keep their eyes glued on this game!

Pokémon
North American Release Likelihood: High

Nintendo has also revealed that they are working on a new Pokémon title for the Nintendo Wii. Further details are unknown at this time so feel free to speculate.

Pandora’s Tower
North American Release Likelihood: Unknown

Pandora’s Tower is another game that Nintendo announced is in development for the Wii. Unfortunately virtually no information is known outside of that. Nintendo has just shown an image of a girl along with the game’s title on a teaser site.

Pikmin 3
North American Release Likelihood: High

While this game has never been officially announced, Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto has mentioned it several times over the past few years. If Nintendo is really still planning on releasing a new entry in the Pikmin series for the Nintendo Wii, this may be the last year to do it!

Personally I’ve had enough of the teasing about this title and I’d love to finally see it!

Want to stay up to date on the latest Ninetndo news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know about other Wii titles you’re looking forward to in 2011!

Club Nintendo Offers Kirby Patch Replacements

Justin Berube — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:44:48 +0000

One month ago RipTen reported that there was a grave error in the Kirby patches being sent out to Club Nintendo fans. The error on the original patch, which can be seen in the original report, was that Kirby’s eyes were colored incorrectly on the patch. Today I personally received a replacement patch set with a bonus patch that isn’t available from Club Nintendo.

Nintendo also sent out a kind letter apologizing for the entire situation. Nintendo has once again proven that their customer service is top notch and that they truly appreciate their dedicated fans! A copy of the letter can be seen below.

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo, Club Nintendo, and Kirby news and information? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about this awesome move by Nintendo!

New Kirby Game Coming To Wii (Trailer)

Justin Berube — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:35:33 +0000

Nintendo has announced that a new Kirby title will be hitting the Wii this year in Japan. There is currently no word of a release outside of Japan but it is highly likely. Could this be the canceled GameCube Kirby title making a comeback? While that information is unknown readers can check out a short trailer of the Wii game below.

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo news, information, editorials, and more? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to tell me what you think about this new Kirby title for the Nintendo Wii!

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Club Nintendo Reward Kirby Patch Set Error

Justin Berube — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 19:55:44 +0000

It would appear that one of the latest rewards offered by Club Nintendo has an error. As you can see the actual reward (pictured left) has Kirby’s eyes upside down. The picture of the reward from the Club Nintendo Rewards Catalog (pictured right) features Kirby’s eyes in the correct position. I have both sets of Kirby patches currently offered from Club Nintendo and can tell readers that only the regular Yarn Kirby patch has this error.

If you have received this flawed, and sure to be collectable, reward and want to tell Nintendo what you think, you can. There is currently a thread that has been started discussing this issue on Nintendo’s Tech Support Forums which can be viewed here.

Want to stay up to date on the latest Nintendo and Club Nintendo news? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook. Be sure to let me know what you think about this error!

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Yarn Kirby

Dylan Duarte — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:00:59 +0000

Kirby breaks down all of my manliness, and when he’s made of yarn and standing in an adorable diorama, I began to weep tears of pure joy. What is happening to me?!

Five O’Clock Fan Art is perfect for wrapping up the work day. You don’t want to think anymore, you just want to look at awesome things. And there’s nothing more awesome than a well crafted piece of videogame fan art. If you don’t agree, what the hell are you doing at a gaming blog?

Today’s piece of expert craftsmanship comes from vikung-fu.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn Coming to Europe in February

Sam Naylor — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:00:26 +0000

Nintendo have finally announced the European release date for Kirby’s Epic Yarn: February 25.

Seriously, Nintendo? This is like the bad old days of Nintendo releases in Europe. Remember when it took Animal Crossing for GameCube two years to come to Europe?

As much as I love Kirby, and the look of this game, Nintendo continue to infuriate with their release schedules. This is 2010- games come out worldwide now, in case nobody at Nintendo had noticed.

What’s Next For Nintendo DS?

Justin Berube — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:17:27 +0000

These days everyone is talking about Nintendo’s next handheld, the Nintendo 3DS, and forgetting about the classic Nintendo DS. Yes, the Nintendo 3DS’s big release may be just around the corner, but the Nintendo DS isn’t going to die the day it comes out. In fact the Nintendo DS has plenty of quality titles coming out in 2010 and 2011.

All of these classic Nintendo DS titles will be playable on the Nintendo 3DS and are worth taking a look at even if they won’t be taking advantage of the new technology found within the Nintendo 3DS. You see, a good game is good forever regardless of the tech behind it.

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!
Developer: Nintendo Software Technology
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Puzzle
Release Date:
November 14, 2010 (North America)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is a puzzle game where players try to navigate Mini Mario toys, via the stylus, to the level exit without getting them destroyed. There are also optional items to collect within each stage that add a layer of challenge for players wishing to fully complete the title.

Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! is one of the best DSiWare titles to this day. Once I sat down with the DSiWare title I was hooked and wanted to really complete the game, which I eventually ended up doing.

Because of my love for the previous title I am really looking forward to the upcoming fourth installment of the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong series in Mini-Land Mayhem! Mini-Land Mayhem! also brings back the level editor from the previous installment and Nintendo has promised to have level design contests within the game!

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: RPG
Release Date:
October 28, 2010 (Japan)
November 29, 2010 (North America)
December 10, 2010 (Europe)

Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age are two of the most popular RPG’s on the Game Boy Advance. Fans of the series have been waiting for another installment for years and they are finally about to get their wish when Golden Sun: Dark Dawn is released for the Nintendo DS.

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn takes place 30 years after the ending of the second title and features some of the offspring of characters from the original games. This is one title that RPG fans will not want to miss!

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded
Developer: h.a.n.d.
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: Action RPG
Release Date:
October 7, 2010 (Japan)
January 11, 2011 (North America)
January 14, 2011 (Europe)

Kingdom Hearts fans have something to look forward to with Kingdom Hearts Re:coded on the way. Kingdom Hearts Coded was originally released in Japan as an episodic cell phone game. This cell phone game never made it outside of Japan. Now the original game is getting an overhaul and being put on the Nintendo DS and released in all major regions!

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded takes place after the events of Kingdom Hearts 2. Jiminy Cricket is looking at his journal when he notices a strange message. From there he and King Mickey are determined to figure out what it means.

Pokémon Black & White Versions
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company
Genre: RPG
Release Date:
September 18, 2010 (Japan)
Spring 2011 (North America)
Spring 2011 (Europe)

Pokémon Black & White Versions mark the fifth generation of Pokémon. This game has been on every Pokémon fans radar for quite some time and is going to sell more copies than you can imagine.

Pokémon Black & White Versions feature over 150 new Pokémon and several new features. One new feature allows friends to video voice chat when both are using a Nintendo DSi system. Another feature allows users to upload Pokémon to the Internet for use on an official website.

It has also been confirmed that players can, after certain requirements are met, bring their Pokémon from the previous generation to this title. I personally can’t wait to bring my favorite Pokémon, Mewtwo, over so that I can cause some chaos!

Ōkamiden
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date:
September 30, 2010 (Japan)
2011 (North America)
2011 (Europe)

Ōkamiden is the official sequel to the hit game Ōkami and is only available on the Nintendo DS! Ōkamiden’s main character, Chibiterasu, is the child of the star of the previous title, Amaterasu.

The game will once again feature the ability to draw with the Celestial Brush. This time, however, drawing with the Celestial Brush will be made easier thanks to the Nintendo DS’s touch screen.

Chibiterasu will often times have a partner riding her back. This partner can be removed and moved around with the stylus creating several two character puzzle scenarios. Fans of the original title should be watching out for this game.

Kirby
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Release Date:
2011(Japan)

Very little is currently known about the new Kirby title coming to the Nintendo DS. What is known is that it appears as though up to 10 Kirby’s will somehow be playable at once.

This title has yet to be announced for release outside of Japan, but I think it’s very likely that it will happen.

Battle & Get! Pokémon Typing DS
Developer: ?
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Typing?
Release Date:
2011 (Japan)

Much like the new Kirby title, very little is known about Battle & Get! Pokémon Typing DS. The title will come with a wireless keyboard and will probably just be a typing tool for children. I still think this is a title to look out for just for the novelty of having a keyboard for the Nintendo DS and who knows, maybe players will be able to obtain some Pokémon for the main games within it?

This game has yet to be confirmed for release outside of Japan. I do feel the game does have a chance to make it overseas due to the vast amounts of Pokémon fans all over the world.

Professor Layton and the Specter’s Flute
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: ?
Genre: Puzzle/Adventure
Release Date:
December 19, 2009 (Japan)

The Professor Layton series is, without a doubt, one of the best series of games for the Nintendo DS. Professor Layton and the Specter’s Flute will be the fourth installment in the series but takes place long before the previous games. The first three Professor Layton games are the first trilogy and this title will be the start of the prequel trilogy.

Professor Layton and the Specter’s Flute will no doubt feature several puzzles to solve while a great mysterious story plays out. The story in previous Professor Layton games entices players to work hard to solve puzzles so they can figure out what’s going to happen next.

This title has yet to be officially announced for regions outside of Japan but there is evidence to support that it is coming. At E3 2010 it was announced that Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle would be coming to the Nintendo 3DS platform. Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle takes place after The Specter’s Flute. If anyone thinks they are going to skip over a game they are crazy.

Fire Emblem: Shin Monshō no Nazo: Hikari to Kage no Eiyū
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Tactical RPG
Release Date:
July 15, 2010 (Japan)

This game has yet to be announced for any region outside of Japan but I thought it would be worth a mention. You see Fire Emblem: Monshō no Nazo was released for the SNES and contained a remake of the original Fire Emblem and an entire new game that was the sequel to the first. These halves of the game were called Book 1 and Book 2 respectively.

In 2009 a remake of the first Fire Emblem game (Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon) which features Marth of Super Smash Bros. fame came out in North America for the Nintendo DS. This would mark the first time fans outside of Japan have been able to play the game and it’s the first time players could experience the tale of Marth.

Fire Emblem: Shin Monshō no Nazo: Hikari to Kage no Eiyū is a remake of Book 2 from the SNES Fire Emblem: Monshō no Nazo. I think it’s time that Nintendo allowed the rest of the world to experience the next chapter of the story. Ever since Marth was put into Super Smash Bros. Melee fans have wanted to know more. This is the perfect opportunity.

In addition Fire Emblem: Shin Monshō no Nazo: Hikari to Kage no Eiyū has a bonus feature that has a remake of BS Fire Emblem: Akaneia Senki. BS Fire Emblem: Akaneia Senki was available to play over the now defunct Nintendo Satellaview service for the Super Famicom and there is currently no real way to play the game fully on that system. The remake within this latest Fire Emblem title for is the only real way to play it today.

Nintendo should really release this game outside of Japan and there is still hope that it could hit in 2011. If it doesn’t hit then I’m sadly positive that players outside of Japan will have to wait a long time for this installment in the series.

Is there a Nintendo DS title that you’re anticipating that I missed? Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like me on Facebook and be sure to tell me about it so that I can add a mention of it to the list! Long live Nintendo DS!

New Kirby And Pokémon Games Coming To Nintendo DS UPDATED

Justin Berube — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:15:05 +0000

Nintendo displayed two new games for their traditional Nintendo DS hardware. The first game is a new entry in the famous Kirby franchise. In this game it appears that several Kirbys will be on screen at the same time. How this affects the gameplay is currently unknown, but it appears to be a major part of how the game will work.

The new Pokémon game is called Battle & Get! Pokémon Typing DS. Players will have to type out words in order to fight against other Pokémon in the game. Nintendo will include a wireless keyboard with every copy of the game.

No word on a release outside of Japan for either title yet but I would say chances are high for both titles to make it to other regions.

UPDATE: A new image has surfaced that shows off the wireless keyboard that will be bundled with Battle & Get! Pokémon Typing DS.

Source

New Japanese Kirby’s Epic Yarn Trailer Will Melt Your Heart

Garrett Hartman — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:59:04 +0000

While I can’t understand or read Japanese, the universal message of this new trailer released by Nintendo of Japan is clear: Kirby is cute … sickeningly so.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn has received much attention since being formally announced at E3 a few months ago. While Kirby fans have been clamoring for a new game, many surprised fans found they’re favorite character had been changed into yarn.

This new approach is reminiscent of Sony’s Little Big Planet with texture fabric realistic graphics. Kirby, while now made of yarn, is much cuter (as if that were possible).

Kirby’s Epic Yarn is due for a Wii October 17th release in North America. Enjoy Kirby’s heart-melting cuteness in the Trailer below.

Five O’Clock Fan Art: Nintendo Katamari

Dylan Duarte — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:52 +0000

Looks like the Prince took a roll through the Mushroom Kingdom! And Hyrule. And the world of Pokemon. And Metroid. There’s even a Tetris block in there!

I really can’t tell if artist Tom Preston loves Nintendo or really, really hates them and wants to crush all of their properties up into a little ball.

Why Nintendo “Won” E3 2010

Sam Naylor — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:38:51 +0000

Welcome to the third in our multi-part series on E3 2010, and who the “winner” is. One writer will take each company, and argue why they “won” the show. In the words of a great man (well, a man, at any rate): “We may or may not feel that they won on all levels, however it is our job to convince you that they won based on the foundation of our piece.” Couldn’t ~~be bothered to~~ say it better myself.

My job, obviously, is to argue that Nintendo “won” E3 2010. Not only have Nintendo conquered the minds of the casual market, but they appear to have won back the minds of the hardcore market, too. How have they managed this? Well, they did so by putting on the best E3 press conference that I’ve seen in many years.

It wasn’t perfect- there were some low points. Perhaps touting the new Wii GoldenEye game as a proper successor to the N64 version was a bit misguided, given that the new one looks absolutely dreadful (in terms of recreating the original). However, I can’t hold this against Nintendo themselves, just whoever decided the content of the conference. Absolutely everything that Nintendo are involved with this year is already looking fantastic. Whatever your criteria for the “winner” of E3 are, surely the quality of the games is number one.

They began with a brand new Zelda title for Wii. One that looks even better than Wind Waker, and with the style of Ocarina of Time. A new Zelda is grounds enough to declare that they’ve pulled it out of the bag, but the fact that they’ve not only made what is probably the best looking Zelda game ever, but appear to have fixed the major problems with Twilight Princess’ controls, is just icing on an already delicious and fulfilling cake. Miyamoto explaining the game and then appearing on stage to show it off? It reduced me back to the state of wonder I fell into when he first wielded that sword and shield on stage.

By this point I was already ready to accept Nintendo back as my favourite thing in the world, but there was so much more to come. Kirby’s Epic Yarn was shown off, and gamers like me went crazy. It has an art style capable of creating joy where there was only misery, and gameplay that looks like a cross between Paper Mario and Kirby: Canvas Curse on the DS. Anyone who even looked at Kirby back in the day is already looking forward to this game, I’m sure of it. Obviously I’ve not had a chance to play it, but if I was going on the trailer alone, Kirby’s Epic Yarn would be the game of the show.

Not content with winning us over with adorable Kirby games and new Zelda titles, Nintendo then began to hit us over and over again with great-looking Wii titles. I felt like the N64 kid at Christmas when I saw the new Donkey Kong Country game- the SNES original was one of the best games on the system, and I’m sure than if this one is even half as good as that, it’ll be mind-blowing. We already knew about Metroid: Other M, but the trailer showing first-person and 2.5D platforming has made me look forward to a game I had no interest in; for the first time for a long time, Nintendo have managed to ignite a lost cause in me. For me, this shows that Nintendo have done better than the other companies, who floundered about failing to make me interested in stuff I already had an interest in.

Mario Sports Mix was shown as well, and the Mario Sports track record is not to be sniffed at- I don’t think this one will disappoint. As a party game it’ll be a lot of fun. Speaking of parties, Wii Party was also announced. I think a lot of people have let it slip under the radar, but think of it like this: it’s Mario Party, but you can play it with your family. Just because it uses Miis does not mean it should be brushed aside as a casual game; I genuinely think that it will be a hit with both types of gamer (as will the new Professor Layton game, which still looks brilliant).

Of course, the real star of Nintendo’s show was the 3DS. It looks like a DS, but it’s a whole new bit of handheld hardware. Nintendo were the only company to reveal a new console this year, and I think that’s definitely grounds to grant them the “winner” crown, but the 3DS deserves much more than that. Not only does it display 3D images without those stupid glasses, but the support for the system is phenomenal. Kid Icarus returning, an Ocarina of Time remake, Metal Gear, Saint’s Row, DJ Hero, a Harmonix Music game, and loads more games from huge franchises are all coming to the 3DS. For a console to have such widespread support at this point is brilliant for gamers, and is just another reason why Nintendo have “won” this year’s E3.

The crux of this argument is essentially that Nintendo have announced a huge volume of stuff that I, and many others like me, really do want to play. Not just a lot of stuff, or a few things that I really want- but a lot of stuff that I really want. What more could you want from E3? If the point is to get us excited about games, then Nintendo have clearly “won”. I haven’t been this excited about a console release since the original DS released for the first time, and Nintendo have recaptured that excitement with the 3DS and the lineup of games. If I haven’t convinced you yet, just remember that Nintendo have also created the best gaming advertisement in a very, very long time.