RipTen Videogame Blog » Nintendo

Nintendo Download 2/9/2012

Justin Berube — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:23:38 +0000

More titles have been added to Nintendo’s digital shops!

3DS eShop
Maru’s Mission (Game Boy Virtual Console)

Nintendo Video
Dinosaur Office: Romance (available Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. PST)

DSiWare(and 3DS eShop)
40-in-1 Explosive Megamix

WiiWare
BurgerTime World Tour

For more information on any of these titles be sure to check out 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 Nintendo Download this week!

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS – FEB. 9, 2012

Feb. 9, 2012

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo Video™
Dinosaur Office: Romance (available Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. PST) – Craig deals with matters of the heart. Rawr! (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Nintendo eShop
Maru’s Mission™ – Play as the ninja Maru in this action-packed side-scrolling game that will take you on a journey across the world. To rescue his girlfriend, Maru must face a number of mythological monsters. (For Nintendo 3DS)

WiiWare™
BurgerTime World Tour – This new version of the arcade classic features an innovative 3D environment and elevated retro game play. Enjoy challenging platform elements, boss characters and more than 20 meaty levels. (For Wii™)

Also new this week:
• 40-in-1 Explosive Megamix (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare™)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloaddab83T65.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Nintendo Gets First Ever “Spokesdog”

Justin Berube — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:42 +0000

Move over Reggie, Nintendo has a new spokesman…err dog. That’s right, a spokesdog. Uggie, as the Jack Russell terrier is known, was also the co-star of The Artist. However, now it looks as though Uggie has moved on to bigger and better things as he and his owner will help promote nintendogs + cats on the 3DS, as well as the Pearl Pink 3DS hardware.

For more information on Uggie be sure to read the official press release below!

CANINE SUPERSTAR UGGIE LANDS EPIC ROLE AS NINTENDO’S FIRST-EVER ”SPOKESDOG”

Four-Legged Star of The Artist Delays Retirement to Fetch Awareness for nintendogs + cats Game During Responsible Pet Ownership Month

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 8, 2012 – In a move that’s got tails wagging from Hollywood to Manhattan, Nintendo of America is teaming up with Uggie, the talented Jack Russell terrier known to moviegoers as the canine co-star of The Artist. Starting today, Uggie will sink his teeth into a memorable new role as Nintendo’s first-ever “spokesdog,” spreading the word about the interactive fun of nintendogs™ + cats for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system.

To help celebrate February as Responsible Pet Owners Month, Uggie will lend a paw by showing how the game includes valuable tips on how people can maintain happy, healthy relationships with their furry friends in real life. Though he previously announced plans to retire after this year’s awards season, the chance to team up with Nintendo was too doggone good for Uggie to resist.

Uggie is no stranger to the spotlight, having appeared in numerous television commercials and films during the last decade. As Nintendo’s spokesdog, he’ll appear alongside his owner Omar Von Muller to promote nintendogs + cats and the Pearl Pink Nintendo 3DS system, which offers a wide range of wireless features and entertainment experiences that can be enjoyed in 3D without the need for special glasses. In particular, Uggie and his owner will show consumers how nintendogs + cats can not only provide players with an adorable, customizable companion but also teach them skills that can translate to real-world dog or cat ownership. With February as Responsible Pet Owners Month, it’s the perfect time for this partnership.

“Uggie didn’t have to sit up and beg for his role as Nintendo’s spokesdog,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “It’s truly our pleasure to work with a star of Uggie’s magnitude, especially to help animal lovers and portable gaming fans discover the fun of nintendogs + cats.”

With nintendogs + cats, players can use the Nintendo 3DS system’s built-in touch screen, camera and microphone to interact with their dog or cat in amazing ways to form a lasting friendship. Players can feed, train and care for their choice of more than 27 breeds of puppies, and can also care for a variety of lovable kittens. If they take their Nintendo 3DS systems when going out, players can exchange Mii™ characters, puppies, kittens and presents with other nearby players via a wireless connection using the StreetPass™ feature. Nintendo will soon be adding a free playable demo of nintendogs + cats to the Nintendo eShop, so players can download the game and check it out at no cost.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

For more information about nintendogs + cats, visit http://nintendogspluscats.nintendo.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.9 billion video games and more than 620 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

The King Nintendo Fanboy’s Collectors Journal 2/7/2012

Justin Berube — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:36 +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 Collectors Journal

The Nintendo Collectors Journal is back and I hope everyone enjoys it! If anyone has questions about these items be sure to ask.

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!

Sony: Re-branding the Way We Talk About the Way We Talk

Michael Futter — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:30 +0000

When you wake up on Wednesday, February 8, and stumble to your Playstation 3, you’ll notice something a little different on your XMB.

Sony recently announced a re-branding of the Playstation Network. The online service, which enables gaming over the internet on the PS3, along with music and movie streaming, will be re-branded as the Sony Entertainment Network. This change will impact only the Playstation 3 and the Vita , but not the PSP. It’s a confusing move for those that don’t plan on upgrading to the new handheld right away.

You won’t need to do anything. Your password, games and saves will all be exactly where you left them. The purpose, according to a Sony rep, is to unify the gaming services with other Sony products… except for the PSP.

I was struck, though, by how similar the name sounded to Nintendo’s first home console. Perhaps Sony is planning on dumping the Playstation brand for something else. Could the “Sony Entertainment System” be looming in our future?

Geeked Out: Olly Moss Re-imagines Super Mario

Catherine Cai — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:48 +0000

Whether or not you know Olly Moss by name, you’re probably familiar with his work. He’s the guy behind the Victorian silhouette paper cuts of video game classics and the simplistic, yet gritty orange tinged design of Resistance 3‘s logo.

His latest work is fan art for the classic Super Mario, which re-imagines a darker version of the original story. Princess Peach’s face is hidden in shadow as Bowser, in ultra sinister fashion, hangs over her. The posters come in both black and white with red letter, or red with black and white lettering.

Personally, I think the red makes the scene (and my childhood) more ominous than I’m comfortable with.

Source Olly Moss via /gamer

Dr. Mario Wants Princess Peach to Bend Over, and Cough?

Michael Futter — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:30:34 +0000

OK… I almost went with, “Close Your Eyes and Say, ‘Aaahhhh’ for Dr. Mario,” but thought that a family site like RipTen just wouldn’t tolerate that level of vulgarity. What’s that? I’m wrong? I’ll keep that in mind the next time we get a peak at some dirty gaming art.

For now, feast your eyes on the work of Donald Kennedy, a Nintendo fan with a flare for custom toycrafting. His work was recently featured in the Iam8bit store. Unfortunately for Mr. Kennedy, his piece featuring a lecherous Dr. Mario and a micro-skirt wearing Peach, didn’t sell. Fortunately for you, though, you can win the unique work by visiting the artist’s website at www.kodykoala.com and following a few simple instructions.

All you need to do is comment on the sculpture giveaway post with an idea for Donald’s next custom work. Only one entry per person, please. The winner will be chosen at random on February 27th.

Feel free to suggest all sorts of crazy things like Link and Sheik kissing or Kirby eating King Dedede or Diddy Kong walking in on Donkey Kong naked (without his tie, I mean). Sky’s the limit, really.

2012: The Year of the Nintendo 3DS?

Brandon Fenty — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:00:08 +0000

It would be hard to argue that the 3DS was well-received in the US. Nintendo didn’t provide a compelling reason to upgrade to the new system at launch; no Mario, no Zelda, no Pokemon. The support continued to be abysmal, with some of the biggest titles for the system being remakes of N64 games. While Star Fox and Ocarina of Time were great additions to the library of games, they are remakes of 10 year old games and not flagship titles. It wasn’t until late last year that titles such as Mario Kart and Mario 3D Land hit the console and provided a good reason to own the system.

Now we’re in 2012, and the horizon is looking much brighter for 3DS owners. With games like a real Resident Evil title coming to the system and Metal Gear Solid 3D not far behind, there are definitely a selection for the more mature audience. Kid Icarus is looking to be another solid title as well, and all of these are being released in the space of just 2 months; it’s making me start to eye my wallet and wish it were a little fatter.

Argue all you want, the addition of the second circle pad will be a good thing in the long run for the 3DS (though the Gamestop exclusive part of the equation is a bit concerning). Having two sticks is a must for most modern gaming setups, and the fact that it was omitted originally was another flaw in the 3DS’ design in the beginning. At least the Big N can admit that it made a mistake and provide a peripheral to remedy it.

One thing that would give the 3DS a boost would be the addition of 3D movies to the Netflix library already available on the system. The tech is there, all ready to go. While you may disagree about 3D movies in general, you’ll have to admit that they are becoming ever more prevalent, and people are paying to go see them. Having that experience as a portable would definitely help to move systems and be a cool selling point for Netflix on the device.

Is all of this enough to compete with Sony’s shiny new Vita? Time will tell. Nintendo is definitely doing a lot of things right with the 3DS, and 2012 just might be the year the system really shines.

Nintendo Download 2/2/2012

Justin Berube — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:03 +0000

More titles have been added to Nintendo’s digital shops!

3DS eShop
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword

Nintendo Video
“Drown in the Now” by The Crystal Method (Available Feb. 3rd at 3 p.m. PST)

DSiWare (and 3DS eShop)
GO Series: Undead Storm

WiiWare
Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Great Gateway Grab

For more information about any of these titles be sure to check out the official Press Release below!

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS – FEB. 2, 2012

Feb. 2, 2012

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword™ - Travel a world rife with beauty and danger to rescue the legendary Princess Cherry Blossom. Her kidnapper has placed dozens of blade-wielding henchmen in your path. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
GO Series: Undead Storm – Six months after a mysterious meteorite strike, the undead have awoken and are taking over the city. What lies behind this zombie epidemic? Only you can uncover the truth. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Nintendo Video™
“Drown in the Now” by The Crystal Method (available Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. PST) - UVPHACTORY created a graphic black, white and red New York neighborhood that has been infested by small robots. The video culminates with Matisyahu’s rescue via boat by The Crystal Method. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Iwata Asks
Swapnote™ – Read the latest edition of Iwata Asks for an inside look at Swapnote, a new application that allows Nintendo 3DS owners to write, decorate and send handwritten 3D notes to people on their friend lists via SpotPass™ and StreetPass™. Swapnote is available to download from the Nintendo eShop at no cost.

Also new this week:
• Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Great Gateway Grab (WiiWare™)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/download3Cb1LaF8.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

Free Arceus Is Now Available To Pokémon Black and White Players

Justin Berube — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:30:28 +0000

A free Arceus is now available to Pokémon Black and White players via the Pokémon Global Link. To obtain the Pokémon with the highest combined base stat total in the history of the series, log into the Pokémon Global Link and enter the Password: “ARCEUSVOTE”. From there, follow the instructions on how to get Arceus from the Dream World to Pokémon Black or White games.

This promotion will be available until May 1st, 2012.

Source

Rhythm Heaven Fever Launch Event Announced

Justin Berube — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:30:38 +0000

A Rhythm Heaven Fever launch even has just been announced! Nintendo is going to team up with iam8bit and Giant Robot to throw a launch party for the upcoming Wii game Rhythm Heaven Fever on February 10th, 2012 at 6:00 pm at the iam8bit Gallery in LA.

It sounds like there will be lots of cool swag being given out too, which I will sadly miss out on. For more information on this exciting event be sure to read the official Press Release below!

NINTENDO INVITES FANS TO FEEL THE BEAT AT THE RHYTHM HEAVEN FEVER LAUNCH EVENT

L.A. Consumers to Experience New Rhythm-Based Game for the Wii System with Hands-On Demos and Prize Giveaways on Feb. 10

WHAT: Nintendo is teaming up with iam8bit and Giant Robot to invite consumers to celebrate the release of the Rhythm Heaven™ Fever game for the Wii™ console. With its quirky graphics and catchy music, Rhythm Heaven Fever is the perfect game to bring video game fans and art lovers together.

This party will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will have the chance to get hands-on time with the game in advance of its Feb. 13 release. In addition guests will enjoy game play, food, beverages and music throughout the evening.

Attendees can also film and submit clips to be included in a special Rhythm Heaven Fever interactive video experience posted at http://rhythmheaven-jointhegroove.nintendo.com.

T-shirts, posters and other premium items customized for the event will be given away while supplies last.

Rhythm Heaven Fever is a unique game that lets players find the beat and prove they’ve got the groove. With irresistibly catchy music and quirky graphics, the game puts a new spin on more than 50 easy-to-learn, tough-to-master minigames. More information about Rhythm Heaven Fever is available at http://rhythmheavenfever.nintendo.com.

WHO: California video game fans and music and art lovers of all ages

WHEN:

Friday, Feb. 10
6-10 p.m.

WHERE:

iam8bit Gallery
2147 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

VISUALS:
• Video game fans grooving to the beats of Rhythm Heaven Fever for Wii at a hip L.A. venue
• A photo play set with a backdrop, costumes and props inspired by the game

Club Nintendo Adds Three New Rewards

Justin Berube — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:32 +0000

Three new rewards have been added to the North American Club Nintendo site. For starters, two new digital games are now available replacing last month’s games. Club Nintendo fans can now choose to download Mario Party 2 (N64) on their Nintendo Wii console for 150 Coins, and 3DS fans can download the DSiWare title Art Academy First Semester for 150 Coins. Both of these digital games will be available to purchase until February 29th, 2012.

And finally a new physical reward has been added. For 250 Coins club members can pick up a 3DS Game Card Case. This case can hold up to 18 3DS or DS game cards and comes with four double sided covers! These covers include themes such as Mario and Zelda, so you know this will likely be a sought after reward!

For more information be sure to check out the official Club Nintendo site at http://club.nintendo.com.

Iwata: Not All Wii U Games Have to be in HD

Sam Naylor — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:27 +0000

Speaking to investors, Nintendo‘s President Satoru Iwata has said that not all Wii U games have to be in full HD.

When asked about development for the Wii U, Iwata said:

Looking at the software for home console systems, there are certainly the software titles for which very rich graphics must be reproduced on HD displays… But we do not think that any and all the software must be created in that fashion.

He went on:

Rather, we have to create the dynamic range of appeals that the consumers can appreciate… As we will showcase the Wii U at E3 in June this year, the detailed announcements must wait until then, but we are aiming to make a system which shall not be forced into competing with the others where the contenders can fight only with massive developer resources and long development times as their weapons.

Iwata made it clear that titles like The Legend of Zelda will be treated to full HD, as the fans will expect it of them at this point. Still, it seems very odd that in this day and age there would still be issues with making every game in HD. You would think they’ve got it sorted by now- though maybe Nintendo doesn’t have as much practice as the other developers.

Via [Gamingbolt]

Edit: I realise how this looks- thanks to some snide comments below- and think I should clarify. When I wrote “HD” I was referring to high definition as a concept, rather than a screen resolution (i.e 720p, 1080p)- you can read for yourself in the quoted sections what Iwata means. I understand that my writing could be clearer on this occasion, and seek to improve at any opportunity. I’ll leave the post as it is for history’s sake.

Rumor: Nintendo Condsidering Name Change for Wii U

Sam Naylor — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:45:23 +0000

Sources close to Nintendo are suggesting that the company is reconsidering the Wii U‘s name.

CVG reports that after public confusion about the difference between the DS and 3DS, Nintendo are in talks with a view to a Wii U name change. It’s no wonder, really- given that Nintendo had to resort to adverts that stated ‘It’s not a DS, it’s a 3DS.’

With the new console using the same grey-on-white colour scheme as the Wii, as well as the single leter difference between the names, it’s easy to see why this is happening. Hopefully this rumour is a true one, and we get a decent name that Nintendo will be able to sell.

Nintendo Download 1/26/2012

Justin Berube — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:00:21 +0000

The latest additions to Nintendo’s digital shops is here!

3DS eShop
Mutant Mudds
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (demo version)

DSiWare (and 3DS eShop)
Lola’s Alphabet Train
Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish

WiiWare
Newton vs. The Horde

For more information on any of these titles be sure to read the official Press Release below!

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS – JAN. 26, 2012

Jan. 26, 2012

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
Mutant Mudds™ – Armed with a heavy-duty water cannon, Max must vanquish his nemeses, the Mutant Mudds, by blasting and hovering his way across the soiled landscape to seek out mysterious Water Sprites. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games™ (demo version) - Join Mario and Sonic in the world’s greatest sporting competition. With more than 50 playable events, the Olympic Games have never been so much fun. This demo is now available on Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS)

WiiWare™
Newton vs. The Horde - Scientists are being attacked by a horde of vicious monsters. Use physics to squash, skewer and explode those nasty creatures and do whatever you can to help our scientist friends survive. (Wii™)

Also new this week:
• Lola’s Alphabet Train (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare™)
• Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)

To view this week’s Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit: http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloadw4Yq21e6.php.

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.

RipTen Review: Tetris (3DS Game Boy Virtual Console)

Justin Berube — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:46 +0000

The original Game Boy version of Tetris was the very first portable game that I owned. Opening that Game Boy up on Christmas morning in 1990 was one of the best moments of my childhood. But that was a long ago. Is this classic Game Boy version of Tetris still From Russia With Fun?

Once the game is booted up players will be treated to the classic music of my portable youth as well as the option for 1 or 2 Players. Unfortunately right from the start a common Game Boy Virtual Console criticism arises. There is no way to select a 2 Player game on this Tetris port because there is no way to classically link up the hardware. For whatever reason Nintendo just quickly ports these Game Boy titles over and doesn’t even include some sort of new wireless way to enjoy the game’s Multiplayer mode with others that have downloaded the software. It just seems a bit lazy.

Single player mode, however, retains all of its glory. Before the game is started the player is given the option of either A-Type, or B-Type. A-Type is Tetris as most know it, while B-Type allows the player to select a difficulty where random Tetris junk pieces are scattered around the play area at the start of the game.

Also from the main screen is the option to choose between four different music types. A-Type (the classic GB Tetris theme), B-Type (my favorite), C-Type, or just Off. This is a nice little option since hearing the same song every game may get annoying.

Then there is one more set of options to choose from. Players can choose what level they will start at between 0 and 9 (starting speed of the falling Tetriminos, AKA Tetris pieces). If game B-Type is selected then it is possible to also choose a difficulty 0-5 of how difficult the scatted Tetris junk pieces will be.

From then on out it’s Tetris as usual. The seven different Tetriminos randomly fall and it’s up to the player to create lines in order to clear them as well as rack up a high score! The more lines that are cleared after a single Tetriminos placement is placed increases the amount of points earned, but going for the ultimate Tetris (clearing 4 lines at once) is risky buy rewarding. If a piece hits the top of the play area the game is over and the score can then be recorded to the game.

This version of Tetris is very simple but also has a rich history. Nintendo securing the ability to release Tetris for the Game Boy is an epic story, which gives this version of Tetris a history unlike most (really go look it up!) Additionally this exact game is what put Nintendo on the path to portable dominance in the gaming industry, a place that it has arguably been for the last 22 years! If this game didn’t come out, and wasn’t packaged with the Game Boy, than Nintendo may have had to wait until Pokémon (if it even made it that far) before they gained a stronghold on the portable gaming market.

With that said, this is still a very simplistic, yet fun, version of Tetris. It also has an arguably high price point of $3.99. While that may not initially sound like much, if you look on the eShop it’s possible to buy Tetris Party Live (originally for DSiWare) for $4.99. I don’t know how that game fares up to this classic Tetris title, but Tetris Party Live looks like it has more options and does feature an online mode and only for a dollar more.

Overall the classic Game Boy version of Tetris is still fun after all these years but may not be the best value as far as Tetris games on the eShop are concerned. However it will fill the hearts of many players with nostalgia and it’s still one of the most influential versions of Tetris ever made making it a must play for those interested in the history of gaming.

Here’s The Rundown:

+ Still From Russia With Fun!
+ Great for those interested in gaming history.
+ Lots of nostalgia for those that played it back on a Game Boy.

- Not many features.
- No two player mode.
- Other versions of Tetris on the eShop may be a greater value.

To keep up with my latest reviews and more Follow me on Twitter @KingNintendoFan or Like Me on Facebook.

Tetris was developed by Nintendo and Bullet-Proof Software and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Game Boy and rereleased on the 3DS eShop. The game was released in North America on the eShop on December 22nd, 2011 with an MSRP of $3.99. The copy used in this review was provided by the publisher. The game was played by the reviewer for over 20 years.

Mewtwo is Back, Available for Black & White in February

Sam Naylor — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:56 +0000

That’s right, one of the most iconic and famous Pokémon ever designed will be making his way to Pokémon Black & White in February.

For a “limited time” starting on February 12th this year, Mewtwo will be available via the Nintendo WiFi download service. More details on his move set will be released closer to the release date.

Before you even start to imagine about thinking it, I want to debunk the idea that the first gen Pokémon were better. I want to, but I just can’t. Charizard and Mewtwo alone are cooler than most of the modern cast- though I’m not saying there aren’t some brilliant designs these days either.

Kid Icarus: Uprising – Exciting New Story and Gameplay Details

Garrett Hartman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:00:17 +0000

Via Press Release, Nintendo has released new details about the storyline and single-player gameplay for their upcoming adventure Kid Icarus Uprising.

The story starts with the return of the dark goddess Medusa and her Underworld Army.

“With the help of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, the heroic angel Pit must combat the forces of darkness as he battles Medusa and her minions by air and by land.”

Here are a number of good details also gleaned from the press release:

Fiend’s Cauldron: The Fiend’s Cauldron is an incredible new system that allows players to customize their play experience by adjusting the intensity level. Intensity ranges from 0.0 – 9.0 for each individual Chapter. As the intensity increases, players will be able to earn more Hearts and more powerful weapon drops from defeated enemies. Hearts also can be used to purchase new weapons. The standard intensity setting is 2.0, but players can precisely adjust it by increments of 0.1. In order to increase the intensity, players must bet by placing an increasing number of Hearts into the Fiend’s Cauldron. If the player is defeated during the Chapter, some Hearts will be lost and the intensity will be lowered.

Weapons: A wide variety of collectible weapons offers an extraordinary amount of replay value. With nine different categories of weapons, ranging from Bows to Claws, players can learn the unique characteristics of each weapon and determine which is best suited for each battle and their style of play.

Vehicles: During certain parts of his adventure, Pit will have access to special vehicles such as the Exo Tank. Pit can use the tank’s powerful drift ability to boost over jumps or defeat enemies with the tank’s ramming horn.

Stand: Kid Icarus: Uprising uses a control scheme designed to fit the game’s unique blend of flight, shooting and melee combat, and offers tremendous precision and depth for dedicated players. The left hand uses the Circle Pad while the right hand uses the stylus. Every copy of the game will come with a free stand that holds the Nintendo 3DS at an angle above any flat surface, providing players with a new kind of gaming experience.

Circle Pad Pro: Kid Icarus: Uprising is compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory, offering an alternate control scheme for left-handed players. With the Circle Pad Pro, players hold the stylus in their left hand and use the Circle Pad with their right hand.

Pre-orders from selected retailers will receive a bonus download code for the 3D Classics: Kid Icarus.

We will keep you updated when more details become available for Kid Icarus: Uprising before it releases on March 23rd.

Original Kid Icarus to be Kid Icarus: Uprising Preorder Bonus in North America

Justin Berube — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:45:06 +0000

Nintendo.com has just revealed that 3D Classics: Kid Icarus will be a Kid Icarus: Uprising Preorder bonus in North America. Here is the direct text about this bonus from Nintendo.com:

Additionally, consumers who pre-order at select retailers will receive a bonus download code for the 3D Classics: Kid Icarus™ game, a re-mastered 3D version of the NES original. The download code will be delivered with the purchase of Kid Icarus: Uprising. A deposit may be required for pre-order. Kid Icarus: Uprising will carry a suggested retail price of $39.99 in the United States.

Geeked Out: World’s Largest NES Controller Brings New Meaning To Co-op

Michael Gruver — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:30:58 +0000

This piece of retro gaming hardware is not only super cool looking, it’s fully functional too! The super-sized controller was revealed at London’s St. Station to help launch the Guinness World Records 2010 Gamer Edition. The genius behind this is 23-year-old Ben Allen, who’ just so happens to be studying engineering in the Netherlands.

The audience was free to give it a try, but every valiant participant soon discovered what Rob Base and DJ E Z Rock already knew, it takes two to make a thing go right. Seeing as this behemoth sizes in at 144.1″ by 62.6″ by 20.1″ with a whopping weight of 252lbs!

Ben, the mad scientist behind this geeked out invention, stated the following:

“This is really a labour of love. We’re passionate about gaming and wanted to honour its most iconic device; the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) joypad … We put our heads together in the pub and decided to create this absurdly large working version! It’s such a rush to know we’ve made history and are being included in the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition.”

I don’t know about you, but i really want to try this giant controller out for myself!

Hungry for more hand-made swag? Take a leisurely stroll through our Geeked Out collection.

Nintendo Download 1/19/2012

Justin Berube — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:23:07 +0000

More titles have been added to Nintendo’s digital shops!

3DS eShop
Lock’N Chase (Game Boy Virtual Console)
Resident Evil Revelations (Demo Version)

DSiWare (and 3DS eShop)
Gaia’s Moon
Anne’s Doll Studio: Gothic Collection

WiiWare
Stonekeep: Bones of the Ancestors

For more information on any of these titles be sure to check out the official Press Release below!

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS – JAN. 19, 2011

Jan. 19, 2012

This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop:
Lock’N Chase – This classic arcade game invites you to play as a thief who’s trying to score big by collecting his weight in gold. Duck in and out of alleys while scooping up coins along the way. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

WiiWare™:
Stonekeep: Bones of the Ancestors – The legend of Stonekeep requires a new hero: you. Explore creepy dungeons, defeat monsters and take their loot in this fantasy RPG. (For Wii™)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
Gaia’s Moon – Something strange is causing changes to the balance of energy in Gaia. Use your skills to discover who’s behind these changes and return harmony to the Gaia system. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Nintendo eShop:
Resident Evil® Revelations (demo version) – An abandoned cruise ship holds the secret to a global bio-terrorism conspiracy in Resident Evil Revelations. A demo version is now available in the Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Also new this week:

• Anne’s Doll Studio: Gothic Collection (Nintendo eShop / Nintendo DSiWare)

In addition to video games available at retail stores, Nintendo also offers a variety of content that people can download directly to their systems. Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS™ system, to the Nintendo DSi™ Shop for the Nintendo DSi system and to the Wii™ Shop Channel for the Wii console at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Thursdays.

The Nintendo eShop is a cash-based service and features games, applications and videos in both 2D and 3D. Users can add money to their virtual wallets using a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo 3DS Prepaid Card at a retail store and entering the code from the card.

The Wii Shop Channel offers games and applications and uses Wii Points™, which can be purchased via the Wii Shop Channel. The Nintendo DSi Shop offers games and applications and uses Nintendo DSi Points™, which can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Wii Points Card™ and Nintendo DSi Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one card must be redeemed in either the Wii Shop Channel or the Nintendo DSi Shop, respectively. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii, http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/ds/systems/dsi.