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Just Cause 3 hits the high seas + BATMAN review... coming! + Nintendo eShop action!


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 Tadpole Treble, get ready for a creative adventure as you swim through sheet music and avoid the ...
In Tadpole Treble, get ready for a creative adventure as you swim through sheet music and avoid the notes of the game's catchy soundtrack. (Graphic: Business Wire)
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • Tadpole Treble – Get ready for a creative adventure as you swim through sheet music and avoid the notes of the game’s catchy soundtrack. Along the way, you’ll encounter massive bosses, fully sung songs and plenty of unlockables, as well as an intuitive full stage/song creation mode using the Wii U GamePad controller.
  • Virtual Console on Wii U
    • Wave Race 64 – Choose one of four characters, each with his or her own unique abilities and style, and master the game’s excellent controls. Make your way through nine courses, each with its own challenges. Take a break from racing to try the Stunt Mode. Polish your skills pulling off handstands, rolls and flips.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Disney Art Academy – Demo Version – In the full version of the game, players can discover their inner artists to capture the stunning visuals of over 80 Disney and Pixar characters. With advice and lessons inspired by Disney art and Pixar animations, they learn to use a bundle of different drawing tools to create Elsa and Olaf from Disney Frozen, characters from Disney Inside Out, or characters like Mickey Mouse. They can even share their creations with their friends. The demo version gives players access to two lessons to try out: Mickey Mouse and Olaf from Disney Frozen. Game and demo in 2D.
  • Virtual Console on New Nintendo 3DS
    • Mega Man X – Hundreds of years after his death, Dr. Light’s final creation is discovered. Now, the future lies on the brink of destruction and X must use all of his newfound powers and abilities to hunt down the maverick Reploids and their leader, Sigma, before the human race is wiped from the planet.
  • Wii Retail Download
    • Mario Sports Mix – The game presents four familiar sports – hockey, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball – but with a Mario twist. Players can choose from a variety of playable Mushroom Kingdom characters or play as their own Mii characters. In any sport, power-ups can turn the tide of a game in an instant. And in over-the-top Mario sports fashion, each character can unleash a special move.
Nintendo eShop sales:
Also new this week:


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Time for Rico to reach the high seas!

 Just Cause 3's Sea... action has just been upgraded with the Bavarium Sea Heist. I won't get into full details about it at this time because we still have to review it, but on that note, it's now available. The Air, Land & Sea Expansion pass holders can just download it, while those of you who want to get out and... test the waters can download it for $5.99 / €5.99 / £4.99. On that note... check out the trailer below and see if it's something that tickles your fancy. Game on!

  • Liberate the Medici coastal waters of Scolio, home to Eden Research stations and the mysterious “Stingray” base.
  • Drive the deadly rocket boat “Loochador”, using its multi-lock missile launchers and mini-guns to defeat the formidable Black Hand Fleet.
  • Infiltrate the Stingray base to steal the deadly “Eden Spark” lightning gun and unleash elemental death on your enemies in all new story-line and missions.
  • Power up the Eden Spark further with mods earned in the “Boat Invader” challenge.


You know something... if the development team created an option for creative people (such as us) to make scenes in the world of Just Cause 3, something amazing could come of it (organically). I'd love to see what people come up, there are plenty of main NPC, basic NPC and ofcourse... Rico.

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We are going to be swooping into the world of BATMAN as told through the story crafting pro's at TellTale games. We look forward to reviewing this title as soon as humanly possibly and... we also are pushing a little something AWESOME... closer to launch. We've provided a question to our contact at TellTale to see if they've ever considered giving us the option of a VR view in games such as BATMAN... and The Walking Dead. I really think that they'd be able to take the cool to the next level because the depth (if you have the VR headset & compatible hardware) would go beyond a 10... in my opinion.





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Mobius Final Fantasy + Shantae and the Pirates Curse 3DS (Retail)


For all the 3DS owners looking to purchase a new game at retail pretty soon, look out for Shantae and the Pirate's Curse coming in late September 2016 in both North America & Europe. If you want to know why its worth getting a physical copy over a digital copy, the answer is simple. You will receive more content in the retail version and also the need to download isn't a necessity. I'm a bit of a minimalist, but I'd rather have retail over the frustration of trying to find space on a memory card. We are not fully aware of what the additional content is at this time, but I do hope its good.
If you'd like to take a look at our review of this game, click here.


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Another game that was released recently after a bit of build up, has been Mobius Final Fantasy on mobile. I thought it was going to be a bit more of a... free movement open world experience, but its like an on-rails RPG. Still, the game makes sense on mobile because it delivers an adventure that is straight to the point... to point... to point. It wouldn't really be a good console game with that set up, but it was developed for mobile anyway so no ports necessary unless its just that amazing of a story that it can be remade for PC & Console. I've logged a few hours in this game over the past few days and if you want to try it out, the links are below. Game on!






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What do you want from Nintendo's NX? + From the Source: Nintendo... eShop action + TellTaleGames goes hard!


New, old, discounted... eShop action! I don't want to overlook the downloadable games here (because there are some good ones... and variety is good), this isn't to minimize them... but I really do hope Nintendo brings a new energy and perspectives for the NX. 3rd party can take audiences where ever they go... (as a group) because the release windows are consistent as they bring their own individual heat.

1st party is... "stuck" in a sense (where they are unless they pull a... Sega), so there has to be more fire with the hardware they bring in order for 3rd party to show their stuff just as much as 1st party. Am I wrong? Check out our Poll on Google+ and we will be giving Nintendo the results... because at the end of the day they are seeking major success with their console, so even if you don't have to listen to every single little thing, it doesn't hurt to take heed to what gamers are looking for in console(s).



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Aug. 4, 2016 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:
Try the Style Savvy: Fashion Forward game before you buy with this free demo. (Graphic: Business Wir ...
Try the Style Savvy: Fashion Forward game before you buy with this free demo. (Graphic: Business Wire)
  • Virtual Console on Wii U
    • Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia – In the Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia game, you once again play as a Pokémon Ranger, working to help people, Pokémon and nature in a new area called the Almia Region. Starting out as a Student Ranger, you quickly earn the title of a full-fledged Pokémon Ranger. Along the way, you’ll meet and capture all kinds of different Pokémon.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Style Savvy: Fashion Forward – Demo Version – Try the Style Savvy: Fashion Forward game before you buy with this free demo. Master five different professions with their own game mechanics and challenges to take the fashion world by storm. Do you know fashion? Put your sense of style to the test!
Nintendo eShop sales:
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
    • Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 9.
    • Gardenscapes (Nintendo 3DS), Jones on Fire (Wii U) and more games from Joindots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PTon Aug. 18.
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • Star Wars Pinball is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 18.
    • Steel Rivals is more than 25 percent off (reduced from $6.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 25.
    • Midnight 2 is 20 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $1.59) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 25.
    • Ascent of Kings is 25 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $1.49) starting at 9 a.m. PT on Aug. 5 until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 15.
    • SDK Paint and Defense Dome are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 10.
    • Beatbuddy is 55 percent off (reduced from $8.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 8.
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Ash is 30 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $2.79) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 25.
    • My Pets is 70 percent off (reduced from $24.99 to $9.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Sept. 9.
Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:
  • New themes this week include:
    • Toy Story
    • Monsters, Inc.
    • Winnie the Pooh
    • Disney Princess
    • Tangled
    • Pokémon: Pokémon-Amie Substitute
    • Pokémon: Pair Art Set
Also new this week:
What better way to celebrate Kirby’s birthday than with a free demo of his new sci-fi adventure, Kir ...
What better way to celebrate Kirby’s birthday than with a free demo of his new sci-fi adventure, Kirby: Planet Robobot for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, alongside other great Kirby games. (Graphic: Business Wire)
  • Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
    • Kirby: Planet Robobot – Another year older, another year … pinker? What better way to celebrate Kirby’s birthday than with a free demo of his new sci-fi adventure, Kirby: Planet Robobot for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, alongside other great Kirby games.
  • Wii Retail on Wii U
    • Kirby’s Epic Yarn – When Kirby incurs the anger of a sorcerer, he is transported to a world made completely of cloth and yarn. In this Wii classic, guide Kirby through uniquely crafted levels in Patch Land as he takes on a variety of forms and transforming into powerful vehicles. A second player can also aid in the adventure by playing as the adorably named Prince Fluff (additional accessories required for multiplayer mode; sold separately).
  • Virtual Console on Wii U
    • Kirby Mass Attack – Gather a mob of Kirby characters and then lead them through this crazy Game Boy Advance adventure in which nothing can stand in your way. Send Kirbys swarming over enemies, fling them into the air to hit flying floes and even use them to take on challenges of strength. Don’t forget to collect medals hidden throughout various stages to unlock mini-games.
  • Virtual Console on Nintendo 3DS
    • Kirby’s Dream Course – Get ready for one of the most surprising Kirby games imaginable! In this fun Super NES golf game – yes, it’s a Kirby golf game – control the force and angle of your shot and sink Kirby for a hole-in-one. Play through various stages and acquire classic power-ups to get the lowest score possible. (In this game, a low score is a GOOD thing.)
Nintendo eShop sales:
  • Nintendo eShop on Wii U
    • Sketch Wars is 20 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 11.
    • Steel Lords is 50 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $7.50) until 8:59 a.m. PT on Aug. 18.

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The Bat is back in action... brought to you by... TellTaleGames!


I don't know about you but i'm extremely interested in this game... because TellTale is stellar at telling awesome tales (look at what they did what the Walking Dead... I mean, come on). The bat definitely deserves to receive a bit of that action... and I want to see how they rope gamers in making us hungry for season after season. The world of BATMAN has enough going on to keep us entertained for quite some time. You can expect this game on nearly every platform except for Nintendo systems.


And oh... man, it's back, TellTale on TellTale action following up one bomb with another like KA-BOOM w/ a side of KA-BAAM. The Walking Dead is back with a season 3 and even though my nerves are not completely ready for the twists and turns that TellTale is so good at delivering. I'm ready and I look forward to see how things are going with not so little anymore Clementine... who is now in her teen years. 


AJ, the little baby (aka Rebecca's son) from season 2 is no longer an arm baby, we have a little tyke on our hands... a bit younger than Clementine was in season 1. Man, where does the time go? 

Either way, I just hope that my heart isn't broken in season 3 (I won't give spoilers about past seasons, but tragedy after tragedy is nothing new in this series). 

I will need Blu's fruit snacks nearby... to calm my nerves. :p








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Nintendo NX + From the Source + Microsoft 10 updates WILL sabotage Steam?


The image you see here is a pretty good looking... concept, but it isn't the actual console or controller (though i'd want dual analogs and all that good stuff). I wish Nintendo were delivering something a bit more traditional, because the core adult gamers are the ones purchasing games more often... for the most part. I say that to say there are a lot of people who just prefer an even better... traditional experience (hence the major support for PS4), but if Nintendo can deliver the system in a way that gives access to core games... plus Nintendo's headliners, then kudos.

They can take it either way, but they have to remember what happened with the Wii U. The price point was not the problem, it was the product delivered at that price point. Hearing that the NX dev kits use the Tegra X1 chip similar to the Nvidia Shield makes me think that it has to be streaming. We definitely look forward to seeing what Nintendo will bring here and we'd expect the system to come in around $199.99 to open a few more wallets... but they have to have the right stuff.

They may be able to obtain more 3rd party titles this route if they are streamed, but we have to wait and see. Will there be a huge surge in sales? Who knows, but I think seeing the hardware would help with the determination of confidence when it comes to the decision of giving the system a whirl. I believe this decision is likely easier based on the eShop purchases vs retail if they go that way.

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From the source action:
Make Kamurocho Yours as Yakuza 0 Will Hit the Streets on January 24
Pre-Orders Are Now Available in the Americas and Europe!

It's time to put on your best white suit and glitter like gold, because Yakuza 0 will be available in the Americas and Europe on January 24, and pre-orders for the origin story to SEGA's long running gangster series begin today. Yakuza 0 will be released physically and digitally for $59.99 in the west (yes, that means physical copies for Europe too) for the PlayStation 4 system. (Reminder, even though it was released on PS3 as well in Japan, the game will come to the west ONLY on PlayStation 4.)

Although 1980s Japan appears to be a colorful wonderland on the surface, the bright lights and flashy clothes can only cover so much of the seedy Japanese underworld. It takes money, power, and respect to keep this alluring illusion running, and it just so happens that Yakuza 0's two gangster protagonists are hungry for it all. Players will follow the genesis of Kazuma Kiryu, the rising Dragon of Dojima, and Goro Majima, before he's known as the Mad Dog of Shimano, as they pursue the almighty Yen. The Japanese thug life isn't all disco halls and phone clubs, because Kiryu and Majima will need to pass hellish trials and tribulations in order to be considered honorable Yakuza.

Feast on the pics below! - RkRk







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                  Square Enix
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EPIC BATTLES AND CONSOLE-QUALITY GRAPHICS ON FULL DISPLAY WITH NEW MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY TRAILER
LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2016) – SQUARE ENIX® today unveiled a teaser trailer for the upcoming FINAL FANTASY® role-playing adventure game tailored for mobile platforms, MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY™. The game features fast paced action battles, deep character customization and console-quality HD visuals that push the boundaries of the mobile platform.

Coming to iPhone, iPad and Android devices on August 3, MOBIUS FINAL FANTASY tells the story of a man who wakes up in a world called Palamecia with no memory of his past. There, he finds himself tasked with bringing hope to the world by unraveling a mysterious prophecy around the legendary warrior of light. The game is being created by an all-star development team including producer Yoshinori Kitase and writer Kazushige Nojima – known for their work on the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII and upcoming FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE.

To celebrate and welcome new players to the game, fans will receive a variety of rewards, ranging from Elixirs, Crystals, Summon Tickets and other special in-game items, to prepare themselves for the epic journey ahead. Players are encouraged to pre-register as additional rewards will be added to celebrate the 150,000 pre-registered players. More information regarding the rewards can be found on the official site: http://www.na.square-enix.com/mobiusff/.


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Microsoft plans to negatively impact Steam? According to Tim Sweeney, yes!

You know... I did not feel right about updating to Windows 10. One system in the office has it and... that's probably how it's going to stay, why? Something that I was concerned about was brought up by Epic Games co-founder. Supposedly Windows 10 updates will eventually sabotage... Steam.

Tim says that Steam's storefront is one of Microsoft's first targets, and I can't say that it surprises me. Look at what happened with the Xbox One (and the temperature is going up as I type). If its one thing that I cannot stand... is that under handed force fed garbage that strips away options. WTF is that?

You know why I believe this? Well, think about it... Windows is a Microsoft OS, they were probably looking at the console market and realized that at this time PS4 is on fire and they need another way to make money so why not take advantage of their OS? It makes sense because it belongs to Microsoft, but PC is different... what's a personal computer that doesn't exactly feel... "Personal"?

Doing something like that will hopefully increase the OS competition bringing birth to comparable options and may it burn Microsoft the way they were burned with Xbox One so that they fly... fair for the customers. If its like that, why didn't they create a game maker out of Project Spark that allowed it to be an actual software to develop, publish and sell games? Even if its just on Xbox One & Windows 10 to increase the exclusivity, that would make more sense than burning gamers (pretty much) to burn a competitor in order to turn Windows 10 into a money machine.

That may appear to get the Windows 10 a win but it may be temporary... followed by a crash. Think about it seriously, how many people will jump back to Windows 7 or stick to it until the day its just that... obsolete if problems prevent them from making the most of the OS? How many people would just stop using Windows because they just don't want to deal with Microsoft... opting for something else because it gives them the functions they need to get by (even if limited because they just use their phone primarily)? 

I know several people who own consoles and game solely on consoles (most have a PS4) that specifically asked me about Chromebook options because PC isn't really something they use and have downsized (unlike myself).

I don't want to go in another direction with this, I just want to mention that... any intentions to sabotage are not going to help Windows 10 (in my opinion), especially when someone may have considered PC gaming... but hearing that the forecast looks bad (they may not even try or go for a Steam Machine or something). This is just a super face palm in the face of gamers and it sucks... and I hope its all just a big misunderstanding (even if that's a lie on their part that appears true because they scrapped a disastrous idea to maintain the public faith they do have). Don't do it Microsoft! 


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Hitman: Elusive Target... Gary Busey (Eliminated)

This was a pretty interesting target even if I would've preferred an even greater dial up on the complexity.

They threw in a splash of comedy for good measure as I came across actor Gary Cole dissing in-game co-star Busey.

Following Cole led me to Busey a little too easily, but taking Busey out was a different story. He keeps moving... so I acted fast to capitalize on a moment that would have gone... POOF in seconds.

So I took him out thinking I was 100% home free when it comes to the rooftop where I took the shot. So I go back inside and hide the rifle in the trash (right)... and then I went towards the door and used the instinct view. (DUDE) There were around 7 to 9 armed security running up the stairs to the safe house apartment/flat.

I was like... "oh snap (!)" and ran into the kitchen to hide. They ran out to where I initially was, while one stood near the doorway of the kitchen. It was a sticky situation... and I was wondering if I'd be able to make it out of there either fighting, shooting and/or just trying to run.

I thought they were just going to leave, but the ones on the deck turned around and made their way to the kitchen. OMG... talk about the panic, but what I had completely forgot was... I wasn't seen committing a crime, and... I changed my clothing to a guards attire. So when they came in I tried to slide by before anything went to hell... but it didn't. One of the guards told me to... be on the lookout. What a relief, I did what I could to make it downstairs and then into a car down the street to wrap things up.

While this mission could've ended in failure... it didn't,  and it was awesome to experience that situation that brought more strategy into play in. If I didn't change clothing, I would've likely been taken out. Game on! -Blu

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Nintendo NES Classic Edition is cool... BUT this is what would've been cooler!




If you've been doing a little less media this summer... you may have missed Nintendo NES Mini announcement.
They're giving gamers a blast to the past based on interest... and at $59.99... let's just say we see it doing well for those that don't do ROM via PC, those seeking nostalgia via a classic NES look... will tap in as well as collectors and new schoolers who want a taste of what they may have missed out on either because they couldn't find the games for the NES they got their hands on via purchase or something their parents handed down to them and... even those who were just not allowed to game as a kid (poor soul).
Nintendo is taking the smart approach releasing this during the holiday season... and even if we don't think this would've surfaced if the Wii U sold more units... it's not the worse decision. They are just going back... which we feel is due to the current challenges... and they want to be financially prepared for the pending Nintendo NX.
Again, I wouldn't thumb this down, but what I will say is that there could've been more done with this to make it WAY better.
A Super Nintendo RES... should've been the route taken (in my opinion). Why? Because... a Super Nintendo Retro Entertainment System... could've opened the doors to an even bigger audience.

We're not on Nintendo's payroll, but... if we were... (and we were some of the decision makers) a Super Nintendo RES would've been born... with:

The ability to play pre-installed SNES games (in addition to the listed NES games... seen below) because there are fantastic SNES titles that should've (like... seriously) been a part of this line up.

In addition to the retro games built into the device, there would've been cartridges with other game collections via SD cards or something even if they (the SD cards) were housed in a retro'ish cartridge.

The system can connect to your TV through HDMI which is cool, but... there should also be internet capability so that players could compete via scoreboards, as well a connection to the Virtual Console.

The SNRES would've also had something else... (wait for it)... hmmm... we would've made the system also capable of playing certain new school games also that were made for the sake of giving gamers a Retro'ish adventure. Then that would've also created an opportunity for more developers and opened that lane even further for the developers that love to develop these types of games.

What do you think about our concept? (Sound off in the comments below.)




The NES Classic Edition launches on Nov. 11th, and of course is a mini version of the NES (except with the inability to use cartridges and the old controllers and the NES Zapper), that's HDTV ready (sounds funny saying that... NOW but its giving you the option to play them on your HDTV or whatever you have that connects an HDMI cable to display things).

The console comes with an NES Classic Controller... which definitely gets a thumbs up for looking the part and... if you take a good look at the controller ports, they look like those of the current system (and the Wii)... which was smart because they allow you to use your Classic Controller (Pro) as well. If you don't have one... but want to have 2 player capability (on the games that allow such), the additional controllers are only $9.99 each. So basically its just another $10 because... it doesn't have some of the awesome 4 player co-op games like World Cup Soccer. #WTF

If you want to use the NES Classic Controller on your Virtual Console Games... its not rocket science, you just connect it to the Wiimote and there ya go!

The Regginator (Nintendo of America's COO) said "We wanted to give fans of all ages the opportunity to revisit Nintendo's original system and rediscover why they fell in love with Nintendo in the first place..."

I can totally respect that and i'm not coming down on Reggie for saying it, BUT... (and there are multiple gamers who agree with me on this) no one needs to be reminded of why they feel in love with Nintendo... in the past... because some people are looking for a reason (when it comes to Nintendo's pending hardware... the "Nintendo NX") to fall in love again (in the future).

Why did people fall in love with NES & SNES? It wasn't JUST because of the 1st party games, which have held up well... it was also because of the 3rd party support (which some of the games are available on this system), it was some kick a** 3rd party action going on there... so the reminder is cool (2 cheers for nostalgia) but there are gamers who want to feel that moving forward. Not in the retro sense.

Balloon Fight

Bubble Bobble
Castlevania
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Jr.
Double Dragon II: The Revenge
Dr. Mario
Excitebike
Final Fantasy
Galaga
Ghosts'n Goblins
Gradius
Ice Climber
Kid Icarus
Kirby's Adventure
Mario Bros.
Mega Man 2
Metroid
Ninja Gaiden
Pac-Man
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
StarTropics
Super C
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Tecmo Bowl
The Legend of Zelda
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link


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