From the Source: Nintendo Games & Contests + Dragon Quest XI for NX + Review action

Here are updates from Nintendo... but since multiple things have been repeats... (which include a lot of games) we haven't really posted the highlights because we'd rather move forward (unless new updates come about with an existing game). This had to be brought up... because Nintendo canNOT play around with developers and offerings. There cannot be a repeat on the Nintendo NX... (just... No), can't happen, I really really hope they've learned and are actually listening.

There are talks about some Nintendo games becoming an annual thing. You know how bad that sounds... to me? I think of a loss of quality to get things out to meet a year release date the way EA does with sports games (granted updated rosters)... and the way they tried to release shooters that way until it the quality came crashing down.

I'm glad various teams work on individual Call of Duty games, but it would be great to see what they could do together to deliver. They have their business model for annual releases between COD adventures, but I could just imagine if... that were simply one focus making the most technically advanced COD game to date. It would take the right structure so that there just aren't a bunch of people getting in the way of each other... but it could work.

Anyway... an annual release is a scapegoat to get out of creating new IPs in some cases, and there are enjoy companies doing it. I don't want to see this from Nintendo, but lets see what the NX will bring.


Speaking of the NX... Tyler R. hit us up around the beginning of this month about the Dragon Quest XI: In Search of the Departed Time game... coming to the Nintendo NX, 3DS, and PS4. It excited him... in regards to the NX because the PS4 version will be using the Unreal 4 Engine, so he can't help but wonder what that means for the NX (along with the 3DS version featuring full 3D on the top screen).

What does it mean for the Nintendo NX? It could actually mean various things, because a game can be made to fit a platform if the developer chooses, even making a 2D version... of a 3D game.

Aug. 13, 2015 13:00 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 Wind-up Knight 2, play as Sprint, the clockwork knight who just … can’t … stop. (Photo: Business Wire) Nintendo eShop on Wii U

• • Wind-up Knight 2 – In this relentless action platformer, play as Sprint, the clockwork knight who just … can’t … stop. Your skills will be pushed to the absolute limits as you jump, swing, roll, attack and endure countless dangers, including traps, cliffs and assorted enemies.
• • Pandora’s Tower – Pandora’s Tower tells a haunting tale about a cursed young woman’s slow transformation into a hideous beast, and the lengths to which the man she loves will go in order to save her. The stylish action RPG originally launched for the Wii console and is now available to download in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U.

Nintendo eShop Sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • 3D Game Collection (Nintendo 3DS), Murder on the Titanic (Nintendo 3DS) and Suspension Railroad Simulator (Wii U) from Joindots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
  • Bombing Bastards (Wii U), Spot the Differences: Party! (Wii U) and Talking Phrasebook – 7 Languages (Nintendo 3DS) from Sanuk Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 20.

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • TNT Racers – Nitro Machines Edition is 37 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 13.
  • Blocky Bot and Paper Monsters Recut from Mobot Studios are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
  • Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and more titles from Nordic Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
  • Stone Shire is 25 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $5.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on October 1.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Excave II: Wizard of the Underworld is 50 percent off (reduced from $10 to $5) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 20.
  • Alien on the Run, Undead Storm Nightmare and Jump Trials Supreme from G-style are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 27.
  • Nano Assault EX is 25 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $7.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Sept. 3.
  • Van Helsing Sniper Zx100 is 47 percent off (reduced from $6.66 to $3.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Sept. 10.

Activities:

• Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire - Get Shiny Rayquaza with Dragon Ascent – Soar into battle with Shiny Rayquaza, available now via the Nintendo Network. This Shiny Rayquaza is not only rare, it is also amazingly powerful. Shiny Rayquaza knows the Dragon Ascent move, which allows it to Mega Evolve and dominate its opponents. This Shiny Rayquaza will be available via Nintendo Network until Sept. 14, so don't miss this limited opportunity! For more details, go to Pokemon.com/Rayquaza.
• Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. “Second Star” Tournament – See how your squad stacks up online in Nintendo’s Public Tournaments. Top players earn unique titles that are visible online and earn major bragging rights with your friends and around the world. The new “Second Star” tournament runs Aug. 14 through Aug. 17. Opt in via the SpotPass feature for notifications about future tournaments. Good luck, agents!
• Pokémon Shuffle Summer Special – Buy Jewels and Get Six More Free! – Now until Aug. 16, when you purchase six or more Jewels in the Pokémon Shuffle game with your Nintendo eShop funds, you’ll be eligible for a one-time gift of six additional Jewels for free. For more details, head to http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/a-deal-on-pokemon-shuffle-jewels.
• Art Academy: Home Studio Art Contest – It’s not too late to enter the Art Academy: Home Studio art contest for your chance to win a $20 Nintendo eShop Card! Upload a time-lapse video of your work to YouTube using the “Recordings” feature in the game and tweet us @NintendoAmerica with a link to your video and the hashtags #ContestEntry and #NintendoArtContest until Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. PT. Check here to view a video about the contest.
  • NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Must be a legal resident of US (incl. DC) or Canada (excl. Quebec) 18+. Deadline: 8/20/15. 25 winners receive a Nintendo eShop Card code (ARV $20 ea). Additional terms and conditions apply. Click here for official rules. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

Also new this week:

• Best of Arcade Games – Air Hockey (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

• Best of Arcade Games – Bubble Buster (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Garfield Kart (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• I Love My Dogs – Demo Version (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Paddington: Adventures in London (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Brave Tank Hero (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS) 

Aug. 11, 2015 12:00 UTC

Play Nintendo 3DS Game Little Battlers eXperience with Game Experts from Nintendo

Launch Event Features Fun Giveaways and an Exclusive Screening of Two New Episodes of the LBX: Little Battlers eXperience Show

--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nintendo:

Nintendo hosts an exclusive screening of two new episodes of Nicktoons' LBX: Little Battlers eXperience TV show on Saturday, Aug. 22, Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza (Photo: Business Wire)

WHAT:			Get the family together and head to the Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 22nd, for an exclusive screening of two new episodes of Nicktoons’ LBX: Little Battlers eXperience TV show. The new season of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience premieres Sunday, Oct. 18th, so you’ll be among the first to see the new episodes before they air. After the screening, stay to play the new Nintendo 3DS game based on the show with experts from Nintendo, and enter an on-site drawing for a chance to win a cool mini robot figure!
			A game expert from Nintendo will be on hand to introduce Little Battlers eXperience. The new game lets players customize their own mini robots using more than 4,000 parts and battle other players’ robots. Players can also battle against their friends or team up with in-game characters that are also from the TV series for local 3-on-3 battles. Attendees will be able to try out these different game-play features at the event.
			In the new season of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience, Van Yamano is on his way to the exclusive release of a ground-breaking new prototype when the onslaught of unknown enemies and machines that seem to think for themselves make the threat of impending chaos greater than ever. Thankfully, the next generation of LBX players is on the horizon. With his friends and a new LBX by his side, Van is ready to battle on!
WHO:			Nicktoons spokesperson, Nintendo representatives, Nintendo fans, families
WHEN:			Saturday, Aug. 22nd
			Screenings of two new episodes of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience: 10 - 11 am 2 - 3 pm 6 - 7 pm
			Little Battlers eXperience Nintendo 3DS game play: 9 am - 9pm
			*Mini robot on-site drawings will follow the screening times and run for approximately two hours.
WHERE:			Nintendo World
			Rockefeller Center
			10 Rockefeller Plaza
			New York, NY 10020

VISUALS:

• Families battling each other in Little Battlers eXperience for Nintendo 3DS.
• Fans of all ages gathered to watch new episodes of LBX: Little Battlers eXperience weeks before they air on television.

________________________________________________

Aug. 6, 2015 13:00 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:

The Splatoon game for the Wii U console just got a massive free content update. (Photo Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Super Smash Bros. DLC – Fans of the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games can now add even more fun with several free updates and new DLC for purchase on both versions. Free updates include a K.K. Slider costume for Mii Fighters, plus new Community Tournament and Regular Tournament modes and the ability to upload saved replays to YouTube. Players can also purchase new Mii Fighter costumes, from Samus’ Armor to an SSB-logo Hoodie, as well as Peach’s Castle and Hyrule Castle stages from the original Nintendo 64 version of the game.
• Wii U
  • New Splatoon Update – The Splatoon game for the Wii U console just got a massive free content update. The update includes two new modes: Squad Battle and Private Battle. Squad Battle lets players create a squid squad with friends and head into Ranked Battle modes together, while Private Battle lets two to eight friends battle together in customizable matches. There are also new weapons, level-cap increases, more than 40 new types of gear and more to come throughout the rest of the summer.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight – Experience a new story with a fixed party, voiced dialogue and animated cut scenes in the incredible world of Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight. Or revisit the original Etrian Odyssey 2 game with updated graphics and a full roster of classes. Whichever path you choose, there will be exciting dungeons and frightening enemies!
  • Pokémon Rumble World Update Bonus – Download the latest version of the Pokémon Rumble World game for your Nintendo 3DS system today! Once you do, you’ll be able to visit a new area and get bonus items. First, take a ride on the newly added Lucky Balloon. It will take you to a mysterious area called Changing Land, where you’re more likely to meet Pokémon you haven’t yet caught. The Lucky Balloon will be added to the hot air balloons available in the shop. It’s free, but you’ll need to have reached Adventure Rank 40 to ride on it. Enter the following password into your game to receive 100 Poké Diamonds after you update: 48213190. You have to reach Adventure Rank 4 before you can enter the password. 
• Virtual Console on Wii U
  All throughout August, classic games for hard-core gamers are coming to the Virtual Console on Wii U, starting with these Game Boy Advance RPGs:
  • Golden Sun: The Lost Age – It is the dawn of a new age. The heroes of Golden Sun have been abandoned, and the land is falling into darkness. Now the world’s final hope may also be its doom. Manipulate the environment with psychic energy and fell whatever beast stands in your way to safeguard humanity before the heroes of the originalGolden Sun can stop you. 
  • ONIMUSHA TACTICS – Prepare to be thrust into massive, old world feudal battles in which every move is a struggle for power in this Game Boy Advance strategy game. Join Onimaru, a young Ogre Clan warrior on a mighty quest to defeat Nobunaga and his enemy Genma armies.

Nintendo eShop Sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Citizens of Earth on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS is 66 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $4.99) which is pretty good... but it's a limited time.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • GetClose: A game for RIVALS is 66 percent off (reduced from $2.99 to $0.99) for a limited time.
  • Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones is 50 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $7.49) for a limited time.
  • Blok Drop U, Spikey Walls, TOSS N GO and more titles from RCMADIAX are on sale for a limited time.
  • Plenty of Fishies is 40 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.99) for a limited time.
  • Tiny Galaxy is 33 percent off (reduced from $5.99 to $3.99) beginning August 7 until September 30.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl is 50 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $14.99) until Aug. 10.
  • Brunch Panic, KAMI and Sweet Memories – Blackjack from Circle Entertainment

Activities:

• Art Academy: Home Studio Art Contest – Enter the Art Academy: Home Studio art contest for your chance to win a $20 Nintendo eShop Card code! Upload a time-lapse video of your work to YouTube using the “Recordings” feature in the game and tweet us @NintendoAmerica with a link to your video and the hashtags #ContestEntry and #NintendoArtContest.
  Click here to view a video highlighting this contest.
  • NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Must be a legal resident of US (incl. DC) or Canada (excl. Quebec) 18+. 25 winners receive a Nintendo eShop Card code (ARV $20 ea). Additional terms and conditions apply. Click here for official rules. Sponsor: Nintendo of America Inc.

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

• New themes this week include:
  • Aeternoblade
  • Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition

Price reduction:

• A-Train 3D: City Simulator has been reduced to $19.99 (from $29.99).
• Shin Megami Tensei IV will be reduced to $19.99 (from $29.99) beginning on Aug. 10.

Also new this week:

• Astral Breakers (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Kung Fu FIGHT! (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Best of Arcade Games – Brick Breaker (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Best of Arcade Games – Tetraminos (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey to Kyoto – Full and Demo Versions (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Jewel Quest 4 Heritage (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• PICROSS e6 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

Review & Unboxing action!

Also... don't forget to check out the review of the Sentey Harmoniq Pro (gaming headphones) on www.sdgtstudio.blogspot.com

Sentey Harmoniq Pro Gaming Headphones… reviewed!

Recently the noise coming from my office was a bit too much, and my studio headphones were not going to cut it at all. Even turning down the volume wasn’t going to work, so I had to figure something out.

There was no way I was going for really expensive headphones, but I couldn’t just go for any headphones either, so the best choice for me was the Sentey Harmoniq Pro gaming headphones.

The quality was there, along with the reasonable price, and I’m not talking about the $120 retail price. I was able to score them for $49.99.

The box is quality, something I don't really expect from headphones in this range, but Sentey didn't hold back on in their push to win gamers over. The headphones are solid and the cord is threaded with a nice length. Just a heads up though, these headphones have a USB connector, not the standard audio jack. Another thing is... if you get these used and there isn't a driver CD included (or you lack a disc drive) you might have to fish around online.

After listening to various surround sound tests I can say that these headphones deliver well. The swappable ear cushions are comfortable also, and you have two ear cushion options (if you’d prefer not use the leather ones), and there are some cool features like the surround sound volume controls. Don't get caught off guard thinking that your PC volume is separate from the headphone's master volume. You control the PC volume from the headphone master volume, so learn from my mistake because I had to snatch the headphones off one day after the sound hit my eardrums hard.

I like that they have lights on the headphones in certain areas without overdoing it. I probably would’ve had them on the logo only, but that’s just me in regards to the basic design. One specific light that I do appreciate over the others (that could stay as far as a revision is concerned), is one that serves a purpose...  and that's the light on the tip of the mic light. When it's on you'll know, instead of checking to see if a switch is on or off.

One of the biggest things that stood out for me to make the purchase was a simple one... and that was the tolerance to wear them for a long period of time. I can wear them longer than my other headphones, and it just made sense because I needed that. A cool look doesn't cut it if headphones aren't good and comfy. 

They go over the ears, not directly on them, which I love because my ears have a low tolerance when it comes to being pressed, and for those of you with a piercing on the upper areas of the ears... trust me when I say... it doesn’t feel too good to have them pressed for a long duration of time. You shouldn’t have to take earrings off just to enjoy your headphones. We all have our preferences for the type of headphones we may like, while some prefer no headphones at all, but if you need them (in order to keep the noise down) and you want a comfortable pair of headphones with good quality sound that go over the ear, I think you’d be pleased with the Harmoniq Pro.

One option I would’ve loved to have in at least an alternate version of these headphones is a wireless feature. So if I could suggest anything to Sentey, it would be to create a wireless version that can also be connected by a cord. Even a non-wireless pair with a detachable cord just in case it gets snagged, but for what its worth I’d rather have quality headphones with an attached cord instead of a detachable pair that completely suck.

I played a little Borderlands 2, and you definitely know what direction an enemy is coming from (most of the time). I prefer playing the sniper role, and then I run and gun close quarters when I have to, but being able to hear if an enemy is approaching from behind is always a plus. Either way, the sound is really good so far, and I look forward to playing more games and seeing how awesome they are with movies.

You get true 5.1 surround sound, and that's what you see on the package, but if you access the software settings you also get 7.1 digital surround sound, along with other features like a voice changer.

Quality: 5
Price: 5
Comfort: 4
Visual appeal: 5

4.75 / 5

Brought to you by the... Baby Fu Clothing Co!

Terraria gameplay + Take the "U" off of ZombiU and you've got... Zombi! + Grandia II is back!

I'm going to start this off with the announcement of... Zombi.

Ubisoft goes back in... re-releasing ZombiU for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One. While this is cool... I seriously hope that Ubisoft takes the updates and also applies them to the Wii U version. I'm sure owners of that version would appreciate more options to survive... (no offense Mr. Cricket Bat), not to mention faster load times, and all that other good stuff.

By the way... there will obviously be no multiplayer similar to Wii U (because there will not be a second screen), but they could add in a tablet if they wanted to. Worth the development time? Ummmm... nahhhh.

It would be great to see a multiplayer component to this game, but perhaps something like that could come in the form of a multiplayer sandbox... that allows gamers to tinker around and challenge others to survive in their builds. Now that I think about it... would I be wrong when I say that this game should have Steam Workshop? Maybe, but... I can just imagine what some of you can do if they don't give it that well deserved... oomph.

It's cool though... if they can deliver this re-release at a fair price, thumbs up! I can appreciate single player games... as long as the story and quality are strong.



Terraria: To The Stars and Back

There are so many games to play... and I probably sound completely crazy when I say this, but Terraria has been at the office long before it was played. It's quite fun... if you're into building and exploring. Check out the gameplay below (There will be parts 1 - 4 uploaded as soon as possible).

Part 1

 

Part 2

 

 Part 3

 

Part 4

 

 

Grandia II HD is coming... to Steam!

Some of you might be shrugging your shoulders wondering what the hell is Grandia II, while some of you are smiling from ear to ear looking forward to the re-release... in HD! This game was released on Dreamcast originally, and I still have a mint condition copy of that version... along with the OST that came with it. I had the surround sound cranked up, and would set the commands up... before watching everything play out (sigh)... it was awesome. The story is good... and ended in a way that I appreciated.

This HD version is headed to Steam thanks to the responses of a recent survey. See... all companies have to do is listen some time and... I hope this release does very well. Thanks... GungHo Online Ent.!