Welcome to the Ninfest News Page!

New Poll :: Do you own an iPhone or iPod Touch?

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:50:07 -0500

It seems all we care about these days is what you guys buy. Well, in one word, yes. To dive deeper here though is the rumblings Apple has created in the gaming industry. Nintendo continuously shrugs off any notion that they are worried but iPhone gaming has already passed the PSP and has taken 5% of Nintendo's handheld market from them. With Nintendo still owning 70% of that space, you can see why they aren't worried just yet. So let's see how many of us find other means for portable gaming. Head on over to the Poll Channel and vote!

-streex

Poll Results :: Do you own a Xbox 360?

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:28:57 -0500

The poll is now over and the votes have been tallied on if you own a Xbox 360. Here are the results:

1st > No, and I don't plan to buy one - 44%
2nd > Yes, an elite model - 43%
3rd > No, but I plan to buy one eventually - 9%
4th > Yes, a pro model - 3%
5th > Yes, an arcade/core model - 1%

For the record my vote was no, and I don't plan to buy one. This poll started before the Xbox 360 Slim was announced which is why it is not included. Because the new slim model impresses me, I've had a few thoughts about getting one. This marks the second poll in a row that decided the victor by 1%. What we can take from this poll is that many of you that visit Ninfest also own a Xbox of some sort. If we hadn't split up the versions, the majority vote would have tilted in Microsofts favor. But today, the non Xbox owners take the crown. Thanks to everyone who voted. Check out the Poll Channel to put in your vote on the latest poll.

-streex

Thor coming to Wii and DS next summer

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:08:37 -0500

Sega and Marvel studios are teaming up to bring the latest superhero to life on you Wii and DS. Coming Summer 2011, Thor will wield a mighty hammer and crush all those who oppose him.

Experience a spectacular, epic-scale original adventure in Thor's first standalone game as he battles through numerous worlds of Norse mythology to overcome monstrous foes lifted from the pages of the comics. Wield Mjölnir, Thor's legendary hammer, to fight enemies on an immense scale while controlling the elemental storm powers of lightning, thunder and wind to vanquish foes. Battle against legendary enemies including Ulik, Ymir and Surtur in conflicts that span realms ranging from primal worlds of fire and ice to extraordinary planets inhabited by Frost Giants, Trolls, and other monstrous denizens.

Enchanted Uru Hammer: Feel the surging power of a Norse superhero as you devastate multiple enemies with melee combo attacks and hammer throws, utilizing Thor's elemental storm powers of thunder, lightning, and wind.

Epic Enemies: Take on an array of titanic enemies dozens of feet tall weighing over 20 tons using multiple strategies including grappling, vaulting and elemental attacks.

Level Up: Acquire new abilities, powers, and weapon upgrades as Thor earns Valor points through his exploits.

Immortal Heritage: Step into the role of the son of Odin, Asgard's divine ruler, wielding the mighty hammer Mjolnir that gives you control of elemental powers.

Original Storyline: Delve deeper into the heroic tales of the Thor universe with an original story created specifically for the video games.

Maybe those of us that wish Project H.A.M.M.E.R. wasn't scrapped will finally get to wield that hammer!

pr email
Thor website

-streex

Get to know The Last Story supporting cast

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:16:14 -0500

The Last Story is shaping up to be a very deep and engaging game due out later this year. You will play as Elza, the main character of the game. But what is an RPG without a team of adventurers at your side? We have a few details on three of those allies, Quark, Seiren, and Yuris. You have to love those names. Just wouldn't be an RPG without a cast featuring names you've never heard of before! Color me excited. This should be on everyone's wish list.

Quark- Mercenary leader - Met Elza when he was young - Accompanies him as an older brother

Seiren- Mercenary mood walker - Has a foul mouth - Kind and considerate to friends

Yuris- Youngest of the mercenaries - Capable of performing well in battle - Magic user

LINK

-streex

Super Street Fighter IV coming to 3DS

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:59:58 -0500

Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter IV missed the Nintendo boat but Capcom is going to jump on the next one. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is currently 10% complete and they are hoping to include original content. Saving attack, ultra combo and all 35 characters will be included. To make it fresh and an original experience on the 3DS, Capcom is looking at ways to include the use of the touch screen and Slide Pad such as using the touch screen to simulate multiple button presses or using the Slide Pad to execute special moves.

"We thought about a DS or PSP port when we were considering porting SSFIV to a portable system, but neither system would've been able to produce a port that I would be satisfied with. That's around the time when the 3DS was announced to us, and we decided that we could produce Street Fighter on that system well enough that everything fun about the series would shine through. There was also the fact that we could use all of its network abilities to help gamers communicate with each other." -producer Yoshinori Ono

LINK

-streex

Will US Kirby be pissed again in Epic Yarn?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:14:40 -0500

It seems that Japan strongly believes that Americans don't like a Kirby that doesn't give off the violent vibe. Kirby games over the years have displayed a happy go lucky Kirby on the box art of Japanese games. The American box art counterparts always show Kirby in an angry mood of sorts, like something has really ticked him off. Take a look at some of these comparisons. Are you more reluctant to buy the angry looking Kirby games or is this Japan being a little silly? Let's find out if this trend continues when Kirby's Epic Yarn launches stateside.

LINK

-streex

Flashback :: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:17:40 -0500

In 2000, Activision decided to show some love for the Nintendo 64 by porting over the PlayStation hit Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. It quickly became the version to play thanks to the revisions and extra elements Activision put into it. The Tony Hawk franchise quickly became the hottest skateboarding game on the market and saw 2 sequels on the Nintendo 64, 2 on the GameCube, and a host of other Tony Hawk games that can be found on today's consoles. The franchise has lost a bit of steam with peripheral experiments like the motion pak and skateboard, but it has cemented itself into gaming lore as the title that kept skateboarding alive and well for many years. If you'd like to try this game out, you can find it in the Ninfest Amazon store for only 2 cents.

-streex

Deal of the Wiik :: Biggest Loser

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:56:05 -0500

Head on down to your local Best Buy if you are ready to get into shape. Biggest Loser is seeing a $20 price cut so you can walk out the door with it for only $20. Just Dance and The Last Airbender are getting some modest $10 price cuts while 10 Minute Solution: Knock-Out Body drops by $5 to make it a measly $15. Hope you find something here that appeals to you. You can also find Biggest Loser new for $34.54 or used for $13.49 in the Ninfest Amazon Store.

Biggest Loser (Wii) :: $40 - $20 :: save $20
Just Dance (Wii) :: $40 - $30 :: save $10
The Last Airbender (Wii) :: $40 - $30 :: save $10
10 Minute Solution: Knock-Out Body (Wii) :: $20 - $15 :: save $5

LINK

-streex

2D games winning back gamers hearts

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:42:58 -0500

When 3D games first started hitting the industry, an evil took some of us. An evil so vile it made us forget what made games fun. That evil my friends, is the graphic whore demon. Nintendo was part of the blame with that crazy hot game Super Mario 64, but the virus didn't stop there. Developers everywhere were leaving 2D games behind and focused all efforts on cutting edge graphics and 3D gaming and told us...this is what makes a game good. Some were led astray, we know them as the graphic whores of today, but there is an uprising in the 2D community headed by the lineup of strong titles on Wii and those announced at E3. Now it seems we have reached the tipping point. 2D gaming is cool once more.

-streex

I miss the F-Zero GP Legend cartoon

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:32:17 -0500

There haven't been too many Nintendo related cartoons that I've watched. There was The Super Mario Bros. Super Show, The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, and Captain N the Game Master, but the last one I watched regularly was F-Zero GP Legend. It was canned after a 13 episode season even though 51 episodes exist in Japan. It didn't get promoted very well and the voice overs were not very good either. Honestly it was a pretty bad show. So bad, it's good. Is there any company out there that can get the rights to this and put it all nicely together in a DVD box set? Shout perhaps? I should just give up on this and pick up Captain N.

-streex

Voice acting still silent in Skyward Sword

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:45:01 -0500

Nintendo is always hesitant about putting voice acting in their games. The reasons given in the past was to allow the gamer to create the voices in their minds and to avoid possibly ruining the moment if the voice acting was not right. Because of this, Skyward Sword will not have voice acting, reason given that it wouldn't fit in the series and that Miyamoto hasn't upended the tea table...yet. Confirmed to be in the game is Zelda, but no comment on the existence of Ganon. I would expect Ganon to be in the game but if not, the new ringleader has some big shoes to fill. Finally, the new beetle seen at E3 will possibly be used in racing challenges.

Nintendo Power magazine

-streex

Puzzle Agent coming to WiiWare

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:40:33 -0500

With gameplay inspired by the Professor Layton series, Puzzle Agent, our dark and twisted puzzler starring Department of Puzzle Research agent Nelson Tethers, is headed to platforms beyond the PC and Mac. The Telltale gang is feverishly at work on the WiiWare version of Puzzle Agent, so you'll soon be bending your mind on the couch. We expect to announce availability soon - stay tuned!

pr email

-streex

Master timeline for Zelda exists, not for our eyes to see

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:08:54 -0500

Gamers across the globe have worked furiously for years and years, trying to piece together the order of the Zelda games, but no one can come together and agree. It's been said in the past that there is no certain timeline, but hold the press! Eiji Aonuma has revealed that a timeline for Zelda DOES exist but you and I will never see it. Only those closest to the franchise are privy to that knowledge so they can fit in new games where they see fit. He also confirms that the upcoming Skyward Sword comes before Ocarina of Time.

“Yes there is a master timeline but its confidential document! The only people to have access to that document are myself, Mr. Miyamoto and the director of the title. We cant share it with anyone else! I have already talked to Mr. Miyamoto about this so I am comfortable in releasing this information – this title [Skyward Sword] takes place before Ocarina of Time. if I said that a certain title was ‘the first Zelda game’, then that means that we cant ever make a title that takes place before that! So for us to add titles to the series, we have to have a way of putting the titles before or after each other.” - Eiji Aonuma

LINK

-streex

Video :: Wii Bowling Ball unboxing

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:35:06 -0500

There have been many reports of Wiimotes flying through TV screens when gamers let it slip in a game of bowling. If you haven't yet, are you up for this challenge? Slap your Wiimote in this bowling ball to give you a more realistic experience. Make sure to put on that wrist strap! This thing weighs a bit more and will surely cause some damage. There is a 1 year warranty on the ball, but I can assure you that it won't cover damage to your TV, just the bowling ball.

-streex

Video :: Mega Man Universe trailer

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:05:21 -0500

Mega Man Universe is coming to PlayStation Network and Xbox Live but being that Nintendo fans are big Mega Man fans, I thought I'd like to share the latest trailer with you guys. Not coming to WiiWare, Mega Man Universe is going to be something completely new for the franchise. Even though this is Mega Man's Universe, it seems Capcom character favorites Ryu from Street Fighter, and Sir Arthur from Ghosts n' Goblins fame are going to be involved somehow.

-streex

Flashback :: Jet Force Gemini

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:57:56 -0500

In 1999, Rare had already proved what they could do with charming characters and a whimsical story, now it was time to get a bit darker. Jet Force Gemini for the Nintendo 64 went a more dark and violent route than Rare's previous titles and the results were outstanding, although under appreciated. It was a sci-fi themed third person shooter that featured an all new cast of characters never before seen. What makes this game stand apart from many was the co-op mode where two players could battle together through the main story. Not many games to this day have this feature. This was a true hidden gem on the console and gets my highest recommendation. If you'd like to try this game out, you can find it in the Ninfest Amazon store for only $2.99.

-streex

Deal of the Wiik :: DJ Hero

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:39:58 -0500

Toys R Us is the place to look this week for all the best deals. For one, you can get DJ Hero with turntable for only $40, a 50% price cut! Now you can get the peripheral and game for less than most Wii titles. Also on select games you can get a $10 gift card for buying one or a $50 gift card if you buy two. Then there is the $20 gift card you'll receive for picking up Wii Fit Plus with balance board. Lots of great deals! You can also find DJ Hero new for $49.99 or used for $29.99 in the Ninfest Amazon Store.

DJ Hero w/turntable (Wii) :: $80 - $40 :: save $40
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, Shrek Forever After, The Last Airbender, Toy Story 3 (Wii) ::
$50 - $100 - $40 - $50 :: save $10 - $50 on future purchase with gift card (buy 1 for $10 gift card, buy 2 for $50 gift card)
Wii Fit Plus w/balance board (Wii) :: $100 - $80 :: save $20 on future purchase with gift card

LINK

-streex

New Poll :: Do you own a PlayStation 3?

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:42:02 -0500

Multi console owners, here's your chance for your voice to be heard. The PlayStation 3 may be the third runner up in the console race but the addition of Move to the hardware lineup, a handful of the first 3D console games and a free online service has it breathing down the Xbox 360's neck. When it comes to reliability, the failure rate is very low, assuring owners that an investment may last for many years to come. Head on over to the Poll Channel and vote!

-streex

Poll Results :: How many of the main Pokemon series games have you owned?

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:16:48 -0500

The poll is now over and the votes have been tallied on how many of the main Pokemon series games you have owned. Here are the results:

1st > A good number; between 8 and 11 - 28%
2nd > A few of them; between 2 and 7 - 27%
3rd > Just one was enough for me - 17%
4th > I've never owned a single Pokemon game. Ever. - 12%
5th > All 16 translated ones, from Red/Blue to HeartGold/SoulSilver - 10%
6th > All 17, I even own the original Japanese-only Green! - 4%
7th > Too many; between 12 and 15 - 2%

For the record my vote was a few of them; between 2 and 7. I've only owned 4 of the original series. I sold off 1 since I only wanted it for the wireless multiplayer adapter bundled inside. The four I've owned are RubyRed, LeafGreen, Diamond and SoulSilver. Beat 2, sold LeafGreen, and yet to jump into SoulSilver. This was the closest race so far with most of you owning between 8 and 11 Pokemon titles, just 1% more than the owners of 2 to 7. To the 4% that own every single one, very impressive. You are truly Pokemon fans. Thanks to everyone who voted. Check out the Poll Channel to put in your vote on the latest poll.

-streex

Aero the Acrobat coming to Virtual Console

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:56:09 -0500

SUNSOFT'S SUMMER Wii TRIPLE PLAY

Redding, CA – July 15, 2010 – Sunsoft, a division of SUNCORPORATION (JASDAQ: 6736) in conjunction with GAIJINWORKS, announced today that they are continuing their support of the North American Wii Virtual Console with not one, not two, but three of their fan's most-requested titles, including one never-before released in North America.

First up is Aero the Acrobat™, the action platforming game created by David Siller (of Maximo fame) for Sunsoft on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The madman Edgar Ektor has taken control of the World of Amusement, and Aero must navigate the amusements using all the skill he can muster to defeat Edgar and his deranged minions. Featuring over 20 unique levels divided into zones and acts, plus special bonus stages, Aero took the "mascot game" to new heights with inventive, challenging gameplay. As a result, it was honored by magazines like Electronic Gaming Monthly. It's not hard to see why fans have been wanting to scratch their Aero itch on a current console. It will be available for 800 Wii Points.

The next release will be Ufouria™:The Saga. Also known as Hebereke in Japan, it's a highly-regarded action/adventure game that was never released in North America and also one of the top fan-requested releases for the Virtual Console. Players will be delighted by the gameplay featuring a large world to explore with crazy, inventive lock-and-key style exploration that some have called "Metroid-lite". The game features four different and very unique characters. All of the characters must work together to conquer the game. With bright, colorful gameplay, a soundtrack called one of the best on the NES, and a cute, relaxing quest, Ufouria™:The Saga is a real treat. It's easy to see why 1UP.com's Retronauts said, "...one of my favorite games for the NES." It can finally be purchased and enjoyed for less than the king's ransom the vintage import sells for on eBay. A bargain at only 600 Wii points.

The third fan favorite release will be Aero the Acrobat™ 2. One of the rare sequels where everything great about the first game is improved and amplified, Aero the Acrobat™ 2 features 45 levels including special Bonus Rounds, Chance Stages, and Hidden Chambers. Aero has also had skills and abilities upgraded so he can perform feats that were impossible in the first game. All of those skills will come in handy because he will be facing off against resilient repository of evil intent, Edgar Ektor, who will try every trick in the book, including "Plan B", to stop Aero. The game will sell for 800 Wii points.

All three games will be released on the Nintendo Virtual Console during the Summer, starting with Aero the Acrobat in July, 2010.

About SUNCORPORATION. Located in Aichi prefecture in Japan, SUN CORPORATION has been innovating electronic equipment and software for almost forty years. Their corporate slogan, “Dream, Challenge, and Creation” perfectly summarizes the spirit that gave birth to their software company Sunsoft. Worldwide, Sunsoft has developed or published almost 100 games for both consoles and arcades. They also publish for iPhone and Windows mobile platforms.

About GAIJINWORKS. GAIJINWORKS was founded by Victor Ireland after spending more than 15 years as President of console game publisher Working Designs, where he innovated deluxe packaging, special premiums, pack-in soundtracks and game documentaries for their RPG product. Many of the practices he innovated have become standard in the RPG segment, and console video games in general. GAIJINWORKS is focused on continuing a tradition of fanservice for game fans.

Information about the rating for these games can be obtained at www.ESRB.org.
Direct media inquiries to press@sunsoftgames.com
“Aero the Acrobat” and "Ufouria" are trademarks of Sunsoft
© 2010 Sunsoft

pr email

-streex

BioWare is "blown away" by 3DS

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:49:57 -0500

In a recent interview, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk shared his thoughts of meeting the 3DS for the first time at E3. He talked about his impressions, and the possible future of creating games for the handheld. Maybe an MMO? Lord have mercy! Every developer that has touched the 3DS has had nothing but great things to say and so many of them are on board creating games for it as we speak. Let's see if BioWare once again returns to the Nintendo handheld hardware.

“We could [make a 3DS title] because we’ve done a DS game before. So imagining it, it’s pretty similar. It will depend. The thing I’m curious about on 3DS is, what else does it bring to the table? Is it going to be wireless? What kind of backend connectivity are they going to do? That is what excites me. I loved it. I saw it at E3 and I was blown away. I’m not sure if it’ll bring that much more to the table. But that’s going to be enough to reinvigorate the DS market. For us to want to jump in, you largely have to have a lot more online stuff going on there. You’re clearly limited in how flexible you can be on the backend. We always joked about a DS MMO at some point…It would be brilliant. But the problem is it’s not patchable. That’s the thing I’ve learned working on MMO stuff. You have to be able to update. But it would be a pretty cool concept…And that [more online integration] opens up those kinds of windows. And suddenly, even just imagine that.”

LINK

-streex

DS weathers the Xbox 360 slim sales in June

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:31:41 -0500

It took the release of a new model for the Xbox 360 to finally take some command on the sales charts. It climbed to the number 2 spot but the DS could not be denied. When the Xbox 360 slim was released, Microsoft saw sales rise by 500%. Everyone that had been waiting for a 360 that would hopefully be void of the red ring of death, massive console size, cooling problems, loud noise, and large power supply rushed out to pick it up quickly. Not to mention finally offering built in Wi-Fi. The rush lasted only a week so July numbers should go back to normal. On the game charts Nintendo had over half of the top ten, of which half were third party games. Here's the top selling consoles and games for June.

Nintendo DS 510.7K
Xbox 360 451.7K
Wii 422.5K
PlayStation 3 304.8K
PSP 121.0K

RED DEAD REDEMPTION 360 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE May-10 582.9K
SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2 WII NINTENDO May-10 548.4K
RED DEAD REDEMPTION PS3 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE May-10 380.3K
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII WII NINTENDO Nov-09 200.9K
JUST DANCE WII UBISOFT Nov-09 174.8K
WII FIT PLUS W/ BALANCE BOARD WII NINTENDO Oct-09
TOY STORY 3 NDS DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS Jun-10
UFC 2010: UNDISPUTED 360 THQ May-10
LEGO HARRY POTTER: YEARS 1-4 WII WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE Jun-10
UFC 2010: UNDISPUTED PS3 THQ May-10

LINK

-streex

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future launches Sept. 12

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:40:40 -0500

The future will arrive sooner than expected for fans of LEVEL-5’s acclaimed Professor Layton video game series. Nintendo of America has announced a new launch date of Sept. 12 for Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, a new hand-held adventure created exclusively for the top-selling Nintendo DS family of portable game systems. Previously scheduled for release on Sept. 20, the game will now be available a week earlier, treating newcomers and experienced players alike to a mesmerizing mix of mystery, time travel and puzzle-solving fun.

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future places the professor and his trusted apprentice at the center of a spellbinding adventure after they receive a strange letter sent from 10 years in the future. Players must wind their way through more than 165 mind-bending puzzles as they decipher clues and strive to unlock a time-twisting mystery that threatens to plunge London into chaos. Featuring richly rendered graphics and an engaging storyline, the Professor Layton game series has sold nearly 1.4 million units in the United States.

pr email

-streex

Sakaguchi says The Last Story may be his last

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:22:07 -0500

“me and my team poured 120% of our energy into this title. ...I am completely pouring everything into this one, there is a strong feeling this may be my last work.“

Could it be? The Last Story will be the final hurrah for the great Sakaguchi? Those of you that remember another game he worked on, Final Fantasy, are probably laughing right now. Final Fantasy was said to be the last game from Square before it went on to a ridiculous amount of sequels. So will The Last Story truly be the last game for Sakaguchi? If it's successful, I'm betting he'll be back in the trenches in no time.

LINK

-streex

Video :: Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City trailer

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:16:50 -0500

A brand new trailer for Atlus's new RPG Etrain Odyssey III: The Drowned City, above all things, displays some truly amazing music. A much better way to market the game than the gameplay video we featured weeks earlier that had some of the worst voiceovers. I'm almost certain those voices are not in the game. If you get lost in this game, you only have yourself to blame as you are encouraged to hone in on your map making skills. Game comes out on the DS September 21st.

-streex

Monster Hunter Tri proved MMO on Wii possible

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:52:28 -0500

After reading many gamer testimonials about Monster Hunter Tri, it appears I have put this game on hold for far too long. The ability to use WiiSpeak and a Keyboard to have conversations with others along with all the deep, endless gameplay puts this game as close to an MMO as you can get without being officially considered one. This game however is made by Capcom and not Nintendo. Once again it seems Nintendo is being outshined on its own console by another developer, much like SEGA did on the GameCube with Phantasy Star Online. Why is it taking Nintendo so long to get it in gear when it comes to online gaming? What they've provided has been serviceable and fun most of the time, but far from a robust MMO experience. They promise with future consoles they will go in a bolder direction, but seeing what Monster Hunter Tri has done with the Wii and no promise of a new console soon, why not now? If there is a Nintendo franchise out there that is screaming for the MMO treatment, it would be Pokemon.

-streex

Prepare for redesigns of 3DS in future

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:31:10 -0500

Nintendo's Hideki Konno was interviewed by Wired and was asked if they could possibly make the 3D screen bigger. His was response was that they could make it larger but what was shown at E3 is going to be the final shape when it launches. I take this as another generation of portables from Nintendo, like the DS, that will see a number of redesigns come out after the initial launch. Some gamers think the closed look of the 3DS looked a little awkward with the top lid a bit larger than the bottom, much like the bottom lid larger than the top of the DS Phat. Plus the stylus is once again located at the top. Taking all that in consideration, I can already see the first redesign making the handheld look sleek on all sides and moving the stylus back to the side, with another redesign making the 3D screen larger. This isn't confirmed but I can definitely see the 3DS evolving in this manner. Why doesn't Nintendo just come out with the sexy large 3D screen design the first time? To keep costs down may be the main issue but I still would like the top and bottom lids to be the same size to start with. It's still a great looking handheld but I think we'll be buying 2 or 3 upgrades by the time the next generation handheld comes out.

LINK

-streex

Sonic Colors "franchise changing" news coming Thursday

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:12:10 -0500

SEGA is grabbing headlines again for their upcoming title Sonic Colors. Today they announced that tomorrow they will be sharing an update for the game. Probably your standard game info details that are normally shared by developers, but there is one more thing. The SEGA Europe community manager also went on record to say that on Thursday even more important news will be revealed, so big that it will be franchise-changing news. Sounds big. It will be only 3 short days before we know if this big news is about the Wii or 3DS version of the game. I'm very excited to get my track shoes wet again in the franchise and hope this announcement lives at least halfway up to the hype.

LINK

-streex

Deal of the Wiik :: Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:23:47 -0500

I heard rumors that sales at Best Buy aren't as hot as they once were. Maybe that's why another big sale is dropping this week. Remember two weeks ago when they held the buy 1 Wii game, get a second 50% off deal? Well that deal is back, but this time with all DS games. I'd say pick up Dragon Quest IX and another $35 game to get a whopping $17.50 in savings. I'm in, are you? Also if you are lucky, you will get a free Slime hat with your purchase. Sweet! Hopefully they still have some when you get there. You can also find Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies new for $34.99 or used for $31.00 in the Ninfest Amazon Store.

****Buy 1 DS game, get a 2nd 50% off. Save up to $20!****

LINK

-streex

Flashback :: Mario Golf

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 22:07:17 -0500

In 1999, Nintendo wasn't satisfied with their main mascot Mario just adventuring about. It was time to see if the world was ready for Mario to try his skills at sports. Enter Mario Golf for the Nintendo 64. The game featured Mario and many of his pals as they took to the green. With excellent play control and real world physics, this quickly proved to be one of the better golf games ever created. Besides the standard 18 holes, bonus games like Ring Golf and Speed Golf extended the life of the game with many more hours of replay value. Due to the success of Mario Golf, Mario has tried his hand in many other sports since, on all succeeding Nintendo consoles and portables. If you'd like to try this game out, you can find it in the Ninfest Amazon store for only $6.90.

-streex

Podcast #15 :: The Prescription is Fun

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 23:08:50 -0500

E3! Nintendo catered to the hardcore gamers this year and the results were phenomenal. Return to the big show with us this webisode. This month we talk about what was just added to the website, what games we are playing, big stories of the week, new releases, poll results on if you still own a Nintendo Entertainment System, Wario Land Shake It game review, top 5 Wii exclusive games, an E3 detailed report, Dr. Mario retro review, and your emails. Find the new podcast in the Podcast Channel. You can also subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. An easy way to do this is by hitting the subscribe button near the top of the main Podcast Channel page. Want to be in our next podcast? Send us any questions to ninfest@me.com and we'll read and answer them on the next show. Also if you'd like to be included in the podcast send us a video or audio file and we'll put you in! Hope you all enjoy it. Play on, player.

-streex

What to make of exclusive titles

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 22:27:30 -0500

A game being exclusive to a certain console is a great accomplishment to the guys at the big 3. While watching E3, each company made sure to include the word exclusive when talking about a game you can only find on their machine. It means if someone really wants to play that game, they have to buy that system. Fanboys of one console treasure the word immensely and go into rage when a game loses the right to carry that title.

For consumers, exclusivity can hurt. If the game you want to play is not on your console, you have to buy another expensive machine. In Nintendo's case, part of theie success might be linked to exclusive titles. Not just for the games Nintendo makes, but the titles that are built for motion control that aren't likely to be ported. Going with a completely new way to play games automatically created a haven for exclusivity. The other consoles are very similar in what they provide so a game you can find on the PlayStation 3 may very well be on the Xbox 360. This may be one reason many gamers have a Wii and one of the other consoles.

While there are those that love exclusive titles on the console they own, it really doesn't matter to me. If a game on the Wii makes its way elsewhere, kudos to them. The more consoles a game is on, the more accessible it is, meaning more gamers are having fun with it. Plus if a game isn't doing so hot on the Wii, the developer needs to get paid somehow. Porting it over gives it a chance to succeed. I've never understood the hatred that is spewed on the interwebs when a game goes multi-platform. How do you feel about exclusive titles?

-streex

3DS may have 3G

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 22:12:00 -0500

The 3DS has already been confirmed to have Wi-Fi that will allow you to download new content automatically, but a recent statement suggests that it may also feature 3G technology. Nintendo is ready to make a bold leap in the online space and with 3G, they could make the online features literally always on. This rumor comes from the president at Japanese wireless company NTT DoCoMo Ryuji Yamada, who said they were speaking with a handheld console manufacturer about including 3G in their upcoming device. We know that Nintendo has one coming for sure, and Sony may announce a new handheld soon, so it could be for either one. No comment yet from either camp.

LINK

-streex

Video :: Dragon Quest IX commercial with Seth Green

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 21:50:22 -0500

Nintendo is putting a lot of marketing behind Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies to get the attention of American gamers to let us know that this is not one to miss. To help, they have enlisted Seth Green as the star power in the new line of commercials. The first one featured him talking to 3 girls about the game, in this one a guy can't decide what to wear. Seth Green knows the answer! My question, is Seth Green the man to get us to pick up this title? We'll know soon. The game launches in 3 days.

-streex

Devs die when they say bye to Nintendo

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 22:45:27 -0500

Nintendo is hands down the best game developer out there, but it's third party support that keeps consoles ahead of the competition by giving consumers more solid product to choose from. Once in a while though, some of these third party developers think they don't need Nintendo anymore to make it in this great big world and take their works with them to competing consoles....only to find out the world can be a cold and cruel place when your aren't under Nintendo's wing.

Let's start with Factor 5. They were pushing some of the best graphics on Nintendo's console, some truly amazing games. As soon as they jump aboard the PS3 the quality of their games drops significantly. So much in fact that they had to close up shop. Rare was with Nintendo ever since the NES came out. Hit after hit for decades. Rare could do no wrong. When they decide to fly from Nintendo's nest over to the Microsoft camp, game quality takes a nose dive and the once proud team at Rare has to sit back and watch other companies take their babies like Retro and make them fly again. Slowly Rare's significance is fading. Finally there was the classic breakup between Nintendo and Square, resulting in the Final Fantasy franchise moving to the Sony camp. For some strange reason the next game out was considerably more boring than any of the others and currently the mighty franchise is not as mighty as it once was (I shouldn't speak too much on this since I'm not a fan of the franchise to begin with). Square Enix has slowly started to support Nintendo once again with some rereleases and spinoffs, along with other franchises so all is not lost. By repairing their relations with Nintendo, the future of Square Enix has a light at the end of the tunnel.

There are other companies that have deserted Nintendo and I'm sure you know who they are and what their current resume of games looks like. Is it a curse? If I was a dev, one thing is for sure. I would never cross Nintendo the wrong way. My success could be on the line.

-streex

Vektor Tank 3D+ exploding onto 3DS

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 22:27:37 -0500

Bplus is not one of the big developers, but they are getting ready to get their feet wet in the new console with Vektor Tank 3D+. The game is due out Q2 2011 and we are not sure whether this will be a retail title or for 3DSWare. The screenshot above is an early shot and looks very reminiscent of a polygonal title like Star Fox. While the graphics look like good clean fun, the control scheme sounds even better.

Thanks to the completely new developed 3D+ control interface, your Nintendo 3DS becomes a virtual camcorder right in your hand. With the new handheld's advanced cameras and motion sensors, the game recognizes every single of your movements and maps them directly onto the camera in the game. Watch around the virtual reality and aim for enemies and targets. Your Nintendo 3DS is your window into the cyber world.

This sounds like you'll be turning in your real life environment to look around in the game. Might not be the best game to play on the bus or plane, but color me excited.

pr email

-streex

Video :: Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies trailer

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 21:32:18 -0500

Epic! That's the only word I can think of to describe this new trailer for Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies for the DS. The music, the gameplay, and the cut scenes all wrapped together deliciously in this trailer. Nintendo will be releasing this game for Square Enix on July 11...only 4 days away. What looks like a big draw is the ability to team up with 3 friends and experience this game together. Don't look over this title America, Japan is addicted.

-streex

Video :: Kirby's Epic Yarn footage

Mon, 5 Jul 2010 21:55:14 -0500

He's pink, he's round, he's made of yarn, and he's the perfect fit for core gamers. Whut up, Pink! Kirby's Epic Yarn has a very unique artstyle as Kirby makes his anticipated return to the home consoles. On the outside it may look like a game you pass off to your younger siblings, but the core gameplay is something all gamers are going to find addicting and fresh. For many of us this will be the first time we do anything with yarn. The game arrives this fall.

-streex

Video :: Nintendo Week for July 5th

Mon, 5 Jul 2010 21:13:21 -0500

Gary and Alison return today with an extra special Nintendo Week devoted all to the new RPG Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies for the DS. Since the series has had its struggles in the US, Square Enix has enlisted the help of Nintendo to not only publish the game, but put some advertising under it. This show is sure to appeal to fans of the series and it may bring in some new blood too. Look for it to hit shelves on July 11th.

-streex

Deal of the Wiik :: The Last Airbender

Sun, 4 Jul 2010 14:08:41 -0500

You guys bought Best Buy out of house and home. No deals for Wii owners this week from them. Have no fear! Toys R Us has a few deals that can take care of you while you are off work on Monday. Buy The Last Airbender and get a $15 gift card right on the spot. Also if you pick up the new LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 you can pick up one of the other LEGO games for only $5! You can also find The Last Airbender new for $36.99 or used for $34.65 in the Ninfest Amazon Store.

The Last Airbender (Wii) :: $40 - $25 :: save $15 on a future purchase with the $15 gift card
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Wii) :: $20 - $5 :: save $15 with purchase of LEGO Harry Potter
LEGO Batman (Wii) :: $20 - $5 :: save $15 with purchase of LEGO Harry Potter
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (Wii) :: $20 - $5 :: save $15 with purchase of LEGO Harry Potter

LINK

-streex

Flashback :: Super Smash Bros.

Sun, 4 Jul 2010 12:41:15 -0500

In 1999, Masuhiro Sakurai and Satoru Iwata collided their clever brains to bring a new fighting game to the table, but one that would separate itself from the clones. With four player brawling action, and making Nintendo's cast of characters the fighters, Super Smash Bros. became a huge success in Japan. It was not long after that gamers in North America would get their chance to fall in love too. Instead of a life bar, each player has percentage points that go up as you get hit. The higher that number the easier it is for you to get knocked off the platform. Two sequels have since been made that have cemented Super Smash Bros. as one of the best social fighting experiences available. If you'd like to try this game out, you can find it in the Ninfest Amazon store for only $18.00.

-streex

Your feedback for Codemasters new game greatly appreciated

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 23:42:35 -0500

Codemasters has put out a survey and they would love your feedback to help guide them in their investigation on new ideas for upcoming games. The way the survey is laid out, it seems as if they are working on a new strategy title. Since this is info they are collecting to help them create a new game, there is no word on what that game is or what system it will be coming to. Codemasters has yet to bring a strategy game to the Wii so the chances of this future title coming to Wii are slim. They have supported the Wii and DS with numerous games so in regards to that support, please help them in their efforts by taking a few minutes to fill this out.

LINK

-streex

Furry Legends brushed off Mondays release list

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 23:15:08 -0500

Gamelion Studios just revealed that Nintendo has pushed back the release date of their WiiWare title Furry Legends: Chapter One. It was originally scheduled to launch this Monday and now has a date of 'coming soon'. Gamelion believes that we should know the new release date sometime next week. In the meantime, head on over to their Facebook page and enter their contest. You could win a free copy of the game when it becomes available. Furry Legends is a platform adventure game with physics based puzzles, all within a humorous 3D world. You control the fluffy characters, each with their own abilities, and come across some of the wackiest creatures you've ever encountered. Look for it soon!

LINK

-streex

Video :: Miyamoto says maybe on Super Mario World 3DS

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 22:59:49 -0500

In this interview conducted by IGN, gamers were allowed to ask Miyamoto some of the tougher questions we'd like to know. This includes some promise of a better online structure for the Wii in the future along with a response on whether Nintendo will ever make a device that will allow the player to interact with the game using taste. When asked if a Super Mario World 3DS would be coming, he simply said "I don't know...maybe." Sounds like a yes to me!

-streex

Sony doesn't like Nintendo bashing 3D with glasses

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 22:33:09 -0500

Sony must feel pretty wounded right now. Instead of the usual downplaying and bashing of Nintendo products, they are hoping Nintendo would stop bashing 3D that requires 3D glasses. This is because they are rolling out more games that are 3D for the PS3 that require the glasses. Personally, I don't think Nintendo is bashing the glasses as much as they are proud that they are able to achieve the effect without them. Sony had this to say:

"I have hope that they have a broader perspective with 3D. When you listen to what they are saying about the effect of 3D perspective to the games, they are saying the same message we are, but they don't have to bash some small part of what the other company is doing. I think as an industry we should preach this new perspective, from a very large cinema screen to a small portable, because that helps advancing the games and the game industry," he said. "We'd like to work together to promote 3D. If you really want a big theater experience, of course you have to wear glasses. With the latest technology, the glasses are light and you kind of forget you're wearing them after awhile." - Sony's Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida

This is an unusual response from Sony which makes me feel like they think Nintendo is really onto something big here. In the past it was either calling the Wiimote a lollipop and 'who wants to play a game with a lollipop', or jabbing Nintendo with the 'PSP is taking portable gaming out of the gutter' comment. Is this Sony throwing up the white flag?

LINK

-streex

Mario hugs gamers to world record

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 22:18:59 -0500

Nintendo is getting people in shape, improving their eyesight, selling more consoles than any other competitor, and now they put another record in the books. Today Super Mario Galaxy 2 was launched in Australia with a special event. Mario was on hand to give out hugs to as many gamers as he could in 20 minutes. He hugged his way to 172 people making him the mascot with the most hugs in 20 minutes. Each person also got a picture of himself/herself hugging Mario. One lucky plumber fan received a copy of Super Mario Galaxy 2 signed by Shigeru Miyamoto. Luigi and Peach were also on site just in case you wanted to give one of them a hug also. I feel the love Nintendo! Here's Nintendo on the world record:

The hugging record is in the process of being formally registered with The World Record Academy, the leading international organization which certifies world records.

LINK

-streex

club.nintendo awards are now available

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 22:04:58 -0500

The club.nintendo year which goes from July 1st to June 30th the following year has just ended. Promptly Nintendo has rolled out this years rewards for those that reached gold and platinum status. If you reached gold, once again you can grab a calendar, but if you registered a ton of games and took the surveys, you get this sweet Super Mario character figurine. Bowser, Peach, Luigi, Mario, Yoshi, Toad, and even Little Goomba all get immortalized on this collectible. No other choices like last years downloadable game Doc Louis' Punch-Out!! so the deciding what you want pressure has been lifted. Does this satisfy you platinum members or were you hoping for something better?

LINK

-streex

New character in works; related to Miyamoto's new hobby?

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:22:42 -0500

At a recent shareholder meeting, lots of new info was passed around. Some of the juiciest was Miyamoto sharing that its been 10 years since he created Pikmin and it's time for Nintendo to roll out a new character, possibly next year. He has also taken up swimming. As you know, Miyamoto's new hobbies in the past have turned into blockbuster titles. When he took up gardening, Pikmin was crafted. When he brought home a new puppy, Nintendogs became a DS system seller. So perhaps this new character could be the spawn of Miyamoto's latest hobby doing the backstroke in the pool. It's about time Nintendo added a AAA aquatic character to stand shoulder to shoulder with Fox, Link, Mario and Donkey Kong. Here's what went down at the meeting.

- Miyamoto wants to make Pikmin available quickly 
- Miyamoto feels a new character needs to be made since it’s been 10 years since Pikmin 
- 3DS might display play time like the Wii 
- Nintendo not planning a theme park, wouldn’t be a traditional theme park even if Nintendo did so 
- When asked about what he’s working on: Miyamoto has been very interested in swimming lately 
- Miyamoto also a member of a youth guidance organization and spends time with school children 
- Even with the 3DS, Nintendo is always thinking about making new things 
- 3DS was at this event 
- One demonstration showed flowing water and a wine glass in E3 
- Manipulate camera view with d-pad or slide pad 
- Mario figures, Mario Bros. sequence, Yoshi sequence, three Pikmin in the grass also shown 
- Lastly, a clip of Twilight Princess Link slashing his sword was shown

Nintendo on Ocarina of Time 3DS, when asked if it’ll be like the demo of Twilight Princess Link swinging his sword/if the polygon visuals will be different…
“We can’t share details, but it does have expressive capabilities…This is because the capabilities are of course higher.”

Miyamoto on the new game character…
“It’s about time for a new game character. Perhaps this can be delivered next year.”

Miyamoto on his time with the 3DS, who said he’s busy with the system…
“I’ll suddenly have ideas, so being busy now is a good condition.”

Iwata on the possibility of releasing software for the iPad…
“We have absolutely no plans to offer software.”

LINK

-streex

THQ will help Nintendo grab mature audience with 3DS

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:50:27 -0500

Poor Nintendo. Ever since the beginning of handheld gaming with the GameBoy, Nintendo has gotten the image of being too kiddie or casual. Nintendo has even stated that they don't do well in the mature space and hope that others will bring those games to their consoles to remedy their shortcomings. THQ is answering that call by preparing Saint's Row: Drive By for the launch of the 3DS. Nintendo is fully prepared to show that they want the mature titles on the 3DS from the start to remind gamers that they have that type of content available as well as the family friendly titles.

“Nintendo particularly wanted an ‘M’ rated game for 3DS’s launch. We had it in production – we were doing a 3D version on XBL of Saint’s Row: Drive By.” -THQ VP Danny Bilson

IG: I think of the reaction when my colleagues and I saw the Saints Row announcement for the 3DS was that we were a little bit surprised, because if you look at something similar like the GTA Chinatown Wars on DS, there was a feeling that that kind of property can’t really succeed. It doesn’t seem to fit the audience. Do you feel that audience has shifted a little bit because it’s the 3DS it’ll have to go more to the hardcore?

DB: Nintendo really wants to launch with a very balanced portfolio. They really don’t want it to feel like a kiddie platform. They were very clear: they really wanted Saints Row on it. Now, we know how those go sometimes: sure, the first party wants it, but is it really going to work? The interesting thing about the game is we were already making it. We were already making it as our Xbox Live game and in 3D also. It’s designed for 3D already. So the 3DS version is an incremental cost. It’s not a big startup cost. Anything in a transmedia play has a column called marketing in it. It’s also a marketing tool. So how does that game model for us? I believe it will do great, especially if Nintendo is going to go mature and really do a big mature campaign on it. It’s a killer game. It’s got all the weird humor of Saints Row, and also its existence is part of the marketing plan to sell Saints Row 3. Also, all these games have hooks where, if you play it, it unlocks things in Saints Row 3. If you play Saints Row 3, it will unlock things in the 3DS game or the Xbox Live game. I don’t know if I was clear about that, but all of our extension properties all connect and unlock things in each other.

IG: That’s cool.

DB: To give motivation to play.

IG: Right. That’s a good idea. It’s interesting when you talk about Nintendo “going mature,” I almost wonder, though, if they can successfully pull that off. Even if they want to do that, they’ve been so focused on that casual, kiddie, whatever-you-want-to-call-it audience for such a long time, especially in the handheld market, going back to the Game Boy way, way back. And even now with the Wii, they’ve sort of been pigeonholed into that market. I’m wondering if they can sort of break out of that and attract that more mature audience.

DB: I kind of think that if those guys set their minds to it, they can do it. I mean, they’ve done some amazing things over the years.

IG: That’s true.

DB: A lot of times people thought, “oh, Nintendo’s dead.” And they’re just really smart. You know what I love about them? Innovation. They’re just not afraid to innovate and if they can apply some of that innovation to attracting mature gamers that would be great. I mean, they really want mature games on there, but of course we all say it, you’ve got to support it. They’re saying they’re committed, but what I’ve got on there is no risk, because that Saints Row thing is a really cool game; again it’s a marketing tool for us. If it helps them launch the platform, I’m sure it’s going to look fantastic on the 3DS, so I think we’re going to be good.

LINK and LINK

-streex

Tournament of Legends may lose Wii exclusivity

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:56:37 -0500

Tournament of Legends by High Voltage right now is an exclusive gladiator/fantasy brawler for the Wii. This is because of the control scheme that they implemented in the game that only the Wiimote can provide. However when lead designer Pat Dolan was asked about it being Wii exclusive his response was "It is right now!", followed by a laugh. The reason for his response was that they are currently looking into Kinect and Move motion control to possibly make the brawler a multi platform game. I, for one, am always for titles going multi platform so everyone has a chance to play the game and gives developers the opportunity to get the most back for their product. Good luck High Voltage in your endeavors. Tournament of Legends is set to launch July 6 by Sega.

LINK

-streex