Drama'N'Drablands | 01.29.2016 + From the Source: Nintendo eShop Action!

It's Friday already? Oh... snap, we've been too busy to notice the days flying by. So many games to play, including Just Cause 3 and the PC release of Rise of the Tomb Raider... etc. So if you'd excuse me, it's game time!

Jan. 28, 2016 14:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

In FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS, master more than 20 jobs, each offering unique ways to defeat or even recruit the realm's mightiest monsters. (Photo: Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • FINAL FANTASY EXPLORERS – Master more than 20 jobs, each offering unique ways to defeat or even recruit the realm’s mightiest monsters. Players will have the ability to call upon the powers of eidolons like Ifrit and Bahamut, as well as transform into legendary characters from the FINAL FANTASY series via the Trance ability.
    
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • LEGO^® Marvel’s Avengers – The best-selling LEGO Marvel video game franchise returns with a new action-packed superhero adventure on the Wii Uand Nintendo 3DS systems. LEGO Marvel’s Avengers features characters and storylines from the critically acclaimed Marvel films, additional classic Avengers characters featured in Marvel Comics, open-world game play and the introduction of dynamic new Team-Up Moves.
    
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Shadow Puppeteer – Invite a friend to explore the strange, yet beautiful, world of darkness and light in Shadow Puppeteer, an award-winning local co-op adventure. Work together as a boy and his shadow, manipulating light to solve puzzles that bring you closer to finding the evil shadow puppeteer.
• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • FINAL FANTASY Tactics Advance – When Marche and his friends open an ancient magical tome, their small town is transformed into a fantasy-filled kingdom known as Ivalice. In this Game Boy Advance RPG classic, guide Marche and his clan against countless foes, and discover the wonders of Ivalice. Build up your party, master abilities and summons, and learn tactical combat to win in battle.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • It’s the last week of the Winter Warm-up Sale! Check out this week’s deals and save up to 30 percent off select games. The sale ends Feb. 4 at 8:59 a.m. PT.
  • 99Moves, Darts Up 3D and more games from Enjoy Up are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 25.

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • TNT Racers – Nitro Machines Edition is more than 35 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 11.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Art of Balance TOUCH! is 25 percent off (reduced from $6.99 to $5.20) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 18.
  • Classic Games Overload: Card & Puzzle Edition is 50 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $14.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 22.
  • The Magic Hammer is 40 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 25.

Also new this week:

• Hello Kitty’s Magic Apron (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• RV-7 My Drone (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• The Magic Hammer – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Joe’s Diner (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Level 22 (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• MINI-GAMES MADNESS VOLUME: #1 – HELLO WORLD! (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Crazy Train (DSiWare on Nintendo DSi)

Drama'N'Drablands | 01.15.2016 + From the Source: Nintendo - eShop action!

It's Friday already... and Blu's Birthday was on the 12th, but since it was the middle of the week, its safe to say that we are going to party this weekend. The way we do best.

Jan. 14, 2016 14:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

In Metroid: Zero Mission, space bounty hunter Samus Aran is sent on a lone mission to infiltrate the fortified planet of Zebes. (Photo: Business Wire)

• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • Metroid: Zero Mission – Space bounty hunter Samus Aran is sent on a lone mission to infiltrate the fortified planet of Zebes. In this Game Boy Advance classic, traverse through the mazelike base of operations for the Space Pirates, gaining access to powerful upgrades and items for your weapons and suit. Locate Mother Brain, and put a stop to the replication of Metroids!
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Lionel City Builder 3D: Rise of the Rails – Create your own world and drive your custom-built train right through it in theLionel City Builder 3D: Rise of the Rails game, released exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS system. The game’s innovative design includes a creative virtual sandbox, strategic missions and city simulation, all of which are perfect for train lovers and gamers alike with a dose of Lionel fun that is guaranteed to be off the tracks. Click here to view a trailer for the game.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Winter Warm-Up Sale! – Warm up your new year with three weeks of savings in the Nintendo eShop! You’ll get up to 30 percent off select games in a new genre each week, including action, platforming and adventure. Don’t miss out – check back each week to see what’s on sale. This week’s deals start Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. and end Jan. 21 at 8:59 a.m. PT.
  • Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 25.
  • Kung Fu Rabbit (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS), Puddle and more games from Neko Entertainment are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT onJan. 28.
  • Spot the Differences: Party! (Wii U), Talking Phrasebook – 7 Languages (Nintendo 3DS) and more from Sanuk Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 21.

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Family Tennis SP is 25 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $3.74) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 4.
  • Cubemen 2 is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 28.
  • Knytt Underground is 30 percent off (reduced from $12.99 to $9.09) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 21.
  • Kung Fu FIGHT! is 25 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $1.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 18.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Toys vs Monsters, Fantasy Pirates and more from EnjoyUp Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 11.
  • Code of Princess and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker from ATLUS are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT onJan. 25.

Activities:

• You have a new client waiting! Louie is looking for a home designer to help decorate his place. In the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer game, you can fulfill Louie’s request and receive new and unique items for your catalog. This gorilla, who is a fan of the Mushroom Kingdom, is available for a limited time via the SpotPass feature, so check the in-game Nintendo 3DS system on the second floor of Nook’s Homes to meet him and take him on as a client.

Also new this week:

• Near Earth Objects (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Space Hulk (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• The Perplexing Orb (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Wicked Monsters BLAST! HD+ (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Slice It! (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• The Keep – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

Drama'N'Drablands | 01.08.2016 + From the Source: Nintendo- Store Massive Makeover & Atlus action!

The writing below may sound like it came from RkRk... but its not! :p

ACE Team and ATLUS are Putting the "B" in  B Movie* with a ~33% Launch Discount! 

*B in this case meaning Budget

Stop the presses! The Deadly Tower of Monsters director Dan Smith is at it again. He wants to make his sci-fi spectacular accessible to as many people as possible, so he's demanding that the studio cut prices to his film*! Is this truly the work of a passionate visionary director or just another diabolical marketing scheme by those despicable fat cat movie executives?

I don't know one way or the other, but the fact is that The Deadly Tower of Monsters will get a special 2-week price discount when it launches! When the game launches in the Americas and Europe on Jan. 19, it will be discounted ~33% until Feb. 2 for PS Plus subscribers and Steam users. Plus, the Steam version of the game will also include a bonus "Scarlet Nova" digital calendar! While the price will revert back to normal after the promotional period, the calendar will be a permanent bonus for Steam purchases! 

Plus, we're taking review code requests now! We're expecting to distribute code by 1/14, so to streamline things, please fill out the short review survey below.

The Deadly Tower of Monsters crash-lands onto PC and PS4 on Jan. 19, 2016in the Americas and Europe! 

Want more? Here is a faux movie poster that you can save... print and put on your wall.

Hey... down here!

Jan. 6, 2016 13:00 UTC

Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Plaza Gets a Massive Makeover

More Immersion, More Fun … More Nintendo!

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Jan. 19, the iconic Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza in New York will temporarily close its doors for a major renovation. When the store reopens on Feb. 19, it will do so with a new look and a new feel. The powered-up overhaul will include an updated interior design, new Wii U and Nintendo 3DS demo units, a 15-foot gaming screen and more fun elements and surprises. In addition, a large bronze coin installed at the store entrance will display the store’s tagline: “Where everyone comes to play.”

On Jan. 19, the iconic Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza in New York will temporarily close its doors for a major renovation. When the store reopens on Feb. 19, it will do so with a new look and a new feel. (Photo: Business Wire)

The weekend of the reopening (Feb. 19-21), the newly branded Nintendo NY store will host a series of reopening activities, including giveaways (while supplies last) and appearances by costumed characters like Mario and Luigi. The store will also sell exclusive souvenirs that can only be purchased that weekend, including a limited-edition T-shirt featuring Mario or Link. Fans who want to try out some of Nintendo’s latest games are in luck, as new and upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games will be available to play.

“Nintendo is constantly evolving its experiences for fans,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “The new Nintendo NY store is a must-see location for anyone that has a memory of Nintendo, or who wants to see what Nintendo has in store for the future.”

Located in Manhattan’s historic Rockefeller Plaza, the Nintendo store is a huge, two-floor space dedicated to all things Nintendo. Whether people want to purchase cool Nintendo gear that’s not available anywhere else or just stop by to play some of the hottest upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, fans of all ages will have a blast when visiting. The store originally opened in 2005.

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

In Hogan’s Alley, use your split-second reflexes and sharp-shooting skills in the practice shooting range. (Photo: Business Wire)

• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • Hogan’s Alley – Use your split-second reflexes and sharp-shooting skills in the practice shooting range. Use the Wii Remote controller to aim and shoot at the old-timey gangsters as they turn, while avoiding the innocent bystanders. Or in another mode, shoot cans and keep them in the air until they reach the platforms.
  • The Adventures of Bayou Billy – Godfather Gordon has stolen sweet Annabelle Lane. But Bayou Billy won’t rest until his girlfriend is back home safe – even if he has to wrestle crocodiles, beat up Gordon’s goons and endure a shootout! You can even play shootout scenes with the Wii Remote controller.
  • Wild Gunman – Go back in time or relive it in today’s future with the classic Wild West shootout of Wild Gunman. Keep your hand steady on the Wii Remote controller and get the outlaw before he gets you. If you think you can win the battle against one outlaw, try winning against all of his friends.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • GravBlocks+ is more than 70 percent off (reduced from $3.49 to $0.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 21.
  • Rock Zombie, Unepic and more from EnjoyUp Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Feb. 4.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Aqua Moto Racing 3D is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 14.
  • Glory of Generals The Pacific is more than 40 percent off (reduced from $6.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 28.
  • Quell Memento is 30 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $2.79) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Jan. 28.

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

• New themes this week include:
  • Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX “Paper Craft”

Also new this week:

• MY PETS (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Ocean Runner (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• AVOIDER (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Bigley’s Revenge (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Discovery (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• SDK Spriter – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• TABLETOP GALLERY (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)

Happy New Year Message + Drama'N'Drablands + Yadda Yadda Yadda | 01.01.2016

Happy New Year lads! Make this year more kick a__ than ever before, by... being a little less of an a__ in the ways that are nothing more than a waste of time. Make these days count... (for real) because you never know when its time to check out of this life, so you might as well game hard and enjoy the people who you enjoy having around most.

Ditch the potential regrettable moments for the memorable ones... if you can help it... and game on!

If you haven't seen... The Game Awards 2015, check it out below (just hit that full screen button to get the "Big Picture")! :p

If you want to check out the... Sony PlayStation Experience 2015, here ya go!

Drama'N'Drablands | 12.25.2015

By the way, here is some "Let's Play... Zombie Party!" action for your viewing pleasure. Game on!

Drama'N'Drablands | 12.18.2015

Drama'N'Drablands | 12.11.2015

Zelda Triforce Heroes… reviewed!

Pretty good game that could use more… pretty good players.

The Toon Link world is sweet, and the 3D view is solid and clean (though I'd expect no less of Nintendo... while appreciating the results of this Co-Developed project. I hope they do more of them and may they not be centered around working with JP developers for the most part.)

Zelda Triforce Heroes looks nearly as good in 2D as it does 3D (but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy some of the visual in 3D a lot more). Filling the shoes of… Toon Link and now Toon Linkle, you make your way into the Drablands… in style, in the name of fashion (I kid you not).

I say style, because suiting up is a big part of the adventure, allowing you to take advantage of each suit’s… ability. Suits don’t substitute one’s ability to play the game though… and unfortunately I wish it did in some cases. Why? Well… since there isn’t exactly a practice area, you may find yourself encountering quite a few unknown heroes who need a bit more experience or at least lack an interest in playing with progression in mind.

Luckily you have various options of playing this game, whether it is with unknown heroes, friends, or with… dolls (yes dolls). I will get back to the dolls in a second, but… I want to speak about these multiplayer options quickly.

I like the multiplayer options of this game… and you aren’t just stuck with playing offline or online, or even with people who have the game… you have the option of download play as well. Thumbs up to Nintendo on giving gamers the option of adapting to the situation of multiplayer, because not everyone has someone locally to play with, and not everyone has internet.

Multiplayer Options are as follows:

Local Play – Create or Join a team.

Download Play – Create or Join a team.

Online – Play with Unknown heroes or Friends.

So you aren’t out of luck if friends have a 3DS (or 2DS) and you want to kick back locally chomping on some good eats while slashing your way through the Drablands with one copy of the game (or even during a long commute)… so game on!

On the single player side… the dolls are optional team mates when you desire to play by yourself, and the challenge is increased because you will literally have to control each doll as well as yourself separately (unless you totem it up). To be successful with the dolls, you will have to get adjusted to bouncing Link’s soul between his body and the dolls, and Nintendo knows it isn’t a walk in the park because they give you the option to skip areas of a level if needed.

Levels are segmented in this game into areas sending you from start to Triforce teleportation station… and then on to the next with various puzzle/skill challenges in between. The elements add to the challenges in a number of Drabland areas, so expect… to experience some hot areas, cool areas, etcetera.

This game comes alive for me when you have a great team in a heated battle. One of my favorite moments thus far (without spoiling it) involves… a battle of the bombs.

Beyond the Drablands, the little Kingdom is… nifty, with little things that occur as you progress. I would’ve liked to see more in the area, but for now what they have does the job with buildings that serve various purposes. Outside of the castle, you have the shops… like the ever stylish Madame Couture’s boutique where you go with items you obtain from the Drablands, and enough gems to cover the cost and the creation of your costumes. You also have the daily prizes in the shop just in front of the boutique that literally reminds me of many mobile games that have daily prizes… in the name of keeping the players on repeat. It’s a pretty good incentive, while the photo shop to me… doesn’t really gain my interest. For fans of Miiverse and sharing gameplay images though… this is the place to be when you want to share/show off your adventures in the Drablands.

There are cons in this game… and they primarily center on fellow gamers who don’t go online with the intent to play. Yes, bad gamers have also managed to slither their way onto this game also, doing things like picking up team mates and intentionally throwing them off of cliffs or trying to stifle gameplay. There are also the players that manage to sign online to play, and then they just… stand there (perhaps inspired by the dolls), while others really want to play online but their bad internet connection makes it a LAGtastic experience. I also… most absolutely cannot forget about the players that sign online to play, their area isn’t chosen, and then they leave (talk about annoying).

Another con in some ways is… the dolls, because the single player experience could’ve been a bit different. It’s not a mode that I find myself venturing in that often, but another con results in me utilizing it here and there.

The next con (again) really isn’t a big con, but when you want to complete all the areas of a Drabland’s location… sometimes it boils down to you being lucky enough to have your selected area chosen via a roulette system when the decision isn’t unanimous. No doubt playing with friend’s locally will allow for an easier choice on the preferred area… but also playing locally gives way to the potential of even greater strategy (through your conversion with each other).

I have to bring up the plus of… local “conversation” because the in game emoticons do a good job, but they still can’t replace basic communication when you need to explain something. That’s why fans of the game may be able to appreciate the Friday “Drama’N’Drablands” posts.

Overall, this is a great handheld game that can be enjoyed by both hardcore and casual gamers that are fans of Zelda games. It will challenge some casual gamers a bit more than the games usually considered… casual, but you're able to get in and play a section of an area in a short period of time. If you happen to add this game to your collection, you will be able to enjoy the replay value as well as the fun factor. Trust me, with the various areas you have to access individually... replay value has no choice but to be there if you want to move forward, and even going back to play some of the previous areas can happen so that you get your hands on treasure that you may have missed... not to mention the Drabland Challenges! 
(For the record) The audio gets a thumb up also… especially with headphones, and price wise it works… though a sweeter price would’ve been $24.99. Anyway, my 3DS is calling my name (though not really or else I'd be freaked out, but... you know what I mean), game on!

Fun factor: 5
Visually: 5
Replay value: 5
Price: 5

"5 / 5 Mushrooms"

Drama'N'Drablands | 12.04.2015

 

 

By the way... don't miss out on the recent Zelda Triforce Heroes update! It's time to go to Trial. ;)

 

[Straight Outta Drablands]