WiiU art

I've been having a lot of fun creating with the WiiU gamepad

Fable Anniversary

Announced just recently by Lionhead studios, 'Fable Anniversary' is the dubbed HD remake of the classic adventure game. Said to be a remastered release of 'Fable: The Lost Chapters' (Which in all fairness was already a remastered version of the original), 'Fable HD' will only be releasing on Xbox 360 and not PC interestingly enough.

Official Box Art

Graphics are not the only overhaul, there will also be achievements included as well which were not present in either of the original Xbox/PC releases.

Side-by-side screenshot comparison

'Fable Anniversary' will release later this year.

Which Version? Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii or 3DS

Retro studios truly rose above and beyond when they released Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii back in 2010. The game was a masterpiece that welcomed the return of the Donkey Kong Country series. Fast forward a couple of years later and we have a version of DKCR for the 3DS as well. But which one should you get? Which one is the better release?

There is no straightforward answer, so instead I'll break it down and compare the two against each other under these categories:

Graphics

Let's start with the graphics. The Wii version, while not HD resolution, noticeably appears sharper and textures are also more detailed. The 3DS version on the other hand, while not as nice to look at, bears enough of a resemblance to it's counterpart to still do the game justice. Understandably it has been optimised for a less powerful device and a smaller screen. That taken into account, there is the added benefit of the 3D, which works well with the games layered scenery and level design. Lastly, the games has been reduced to run at 30fps on the 3DS as opposed to the original's very smooth 60fps.

Wii

3DS

Gameplay

Gameplay remains largely unchanged, though the 3DS ditches motion controls for a more tactile experience. Instead of shaking the Wii mote, you now press a button to roll etc. apart from the controller scheme, nothing else differs.

Content

The 3DS contains slightly more bang for your buck. There is an appropriately dubbed 'New Mode' that provides less of a challenge for newcomers, new items for purchase at Cranky's store, and a new set of levels to play through. Overall though, Wii owners won't be missing out on the core experience.

New Mode on the 3DS

Having played each version of the game, I easily say that both have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses. If you like better visuals and smoother gameplay, the wii version is the way to go. The 3DS makes the game more accessible, adds,new content and introduces a nice 3D effect as you traverse the levels. Which one will you choose?

Oracle of Ages & Seasons out Now for the 3DS

The classic gameboy colour Zelda titles; Oracle of Ages & Seasons, are now available for download on the 3DS e-shop for $6.50 each (limited time only). Definitely a worthy purchase for any 2D Zelda fan. Highly recommended!

Stay tuned for more Zelda news as we head towards E3 with Zelda: Wind Waker WiiU and a new 'Link to the Past' style 3DS game on their way!

Gaming Myths & Trivia - The mysterious Black Yoshi

Did you know...

In Yoshi's Story for the N64, you can play as a black Yoshi? Black Yoshi can be found in large eggs hidden on pages 2-1 & 2-4. They enjoy eating all fruits (even peppers) as well as some enemies that regular Yoshi's can't.


Beat the game with the Black Yoshi and when you start a brand new game you'll be able to play as him for the rest of the game.

Other secret coloured Yoshi's found in the game include white and purple.

Luigi's Mansion 2 Review

When Gamecube first released, everyone was expecting the launch window to include the next Super Mario 64 or Ocarina of Time. Nintendo surprised everyone with the offbeat smash hit Luigi’s Mansion, the first game to star Mario’s Brother as the lead. Luigi’s Mansion was quirky, atmospheric and downright fun. Years later we have a sequel, only instead of arriving on a home console, Luigi’s Mansion 2 comes to us in hand held form on the 3DS.

Story

Poor Luigi, he always seems to draw the short straw compared to his brother

For his latest adventure, Luigi is pulled from the comforts of his own home by Professor E.Gadd when then dark moon crystal is shattered. This causes the once docile ghosts to go into a frenzy, causing havoc amongst the many mansions of Evershade Valley. Each Mansion is varied, with their own stories and mysteries to uncover, along with many secrets. The story sets up the main quest as you hop from mission to mission to in order retrieve fragments of the dark moon crystal from each of the mansions bosses.

Gameplay

Different enemy types will require a different tactical approach before you can  vacuum them up

Those who have had the pleasure of playing through the first Luigi’s Mansion will be familiar with Luigi’s trusty ghost busting vacuum, now equipped with a flashlight add-on! The bulk of the combat revolves around stunning your enemies with a flash and sucking them, tug-of-war style, with the vacuum. Each enemy type behaves differently, which spices up the combat and causes you to think strategically on the fly. Different gadgets mix this up as well, in particular the dark-light attachment for your flashlight that reveals hidden objects and ghosts.

There are a number of context sensitive scenarios that are scattered plentifully around the environments. There are also heaps puzzles that will put your vacuum to good use in innovative ways. Quiet moments will see you searching rooms for secrets and treasure as you progress through each stage. Gameplay is broken up into missions that suit the 3DS pickup and play style, with the average mission lasting around 20 mins. At the end of each mission you are ranked on collectables found, enemies defeated and damage taken. This adds to the  replay value of the game as you try and best your previous score.

Presentation

You'll want to explore every mansion from top to bottom 

Presentation is where Luigi’s Mansion 2 really shines. Everything is amazingly detailed, the atmosphere is spooky, animations are smooth and varied... In short this is one of the best looking games on the 3DS and one could argue that it is very close to a console quality experience. Music and sound design is also top-notch. Ambient tracks add to the spooky atmosphere, and small touches such as Luigi’s DS ringtone in game add a great sense of character and immersion. Menu's are well designed and themed appropriately, jumping into a level and checking up on your progress is simple and straightforward.

Conclusion

Luigi's Mansion 2 is quite simply one of Nintendo's most refined adventure games in recent history. I never expected such quality out of a handheld title. I was constantly surprised and delighted by gameplay additions and the level of presentation. The pacing was spot on, with great action mixed with the right amount of exploring and searching. I cannot recommend this game enough!

Story: 8

Gameplay: 9

Presentation: 10

Overall: 9 out of 10

Zelda Game Announced For 3DS!

Last night Nintendo hit us with a slew of information regarding upcoming releases for the 3DS. A major reveal at the end of the event was that a new Zelda title would be coming to the portable system, along with some video footage.

Details were scarce, but what we know so far is that it the game will universe as the fan favourite ‘A Link to the Past’ for the SNES, with a completely original story.

The game will be the traditional top-down perspective of the classic games, though all assets will be rendered with 3D models. LInk adopts a look very familiar to those who have played the original titles, and the art style looks very crisp and vibrant. 

Gameplay wise, the game seems to be keeping the true-but-trusted combat that has remained throughout the series. Weapons shown off in the game the staples, sword and bow as well as a hammer that will be used for puzzles and switches in dungeons. An interesting mechanic introduced will allow link to transform into a wall painting on a 2D plane and traverse the walls to reach hidden areas.

The game will play to the strengths of the 3DS with vertical movement between dungeon levels and some other fancy 3D effects. Enemies include the familiar bats, crows, chuchus and Stalfos, as well as a giant centipede as seen from the footage. 

There is yet no title for the game. Is it a sequel or prequel to ‘A Link to the Past’? Only time will tell. Expect to hear more information around and After E3 later this year. Release date was said to be Holidays, 2013. Check out the reveal and gameplay footage below!

Bioshock Infinite Review

After a short delay, Bioshock Infinite, one on the most anticipated titles this year finally arrives on PC, PS3 and Xbox360. A successor to the original Bioshock and Bioshock 2, Infinite borrows many themes and gameplay ideas with a different story and setting from the first two but is very much its own game.

Story

Without revealing too much, the story follows main protagonist Booker DeWitt, ex Pinkerton agent, who is looking for a means to find an end to his "debt". He is tasked with scouring the forgotten city of Columbia for a girl called Elizabeth, that will help him start afresh. "Find the girl, wipe away the debt". Easy enough right? Well things are never that simple. For one, Columbia is a floating city high up in the clouds that has been cut off from civilisation and doesn't take too kindly to outsiders. And secondly Elizabeth isn't your ordinary young woman.

Things get far more complicated once you arrive to Columbia. You discover that Elizabeth is locked away in a stone tower on a remote floating island, guarded by Columbian government forces and the eerie Songbird creature. She is constantly referred to as the "Lamb" or "Seed" of Columbia by city's ruler and prophet, Zachary-Hale Comstock. Elizabeth is the intended of savior of the city, and is being protected and groomed by Comstock until she is ready to take the throne.

On Bookers’ arrival, things seem all fine and dandy on the surface of Columbia, that is until he is found by the people to bear the mark of the "False Shepard", foreseen by the almighty Comstock. Soon enough he is being chased down by every man and dog while he attempts to break Elizabeth free from her prison. 

Believe me when I say there is a whole lot more to the story, but you’ll have to play the game to find out for yourself. It’s is absolutely mind-melting and beautifully crafted!

Presentation

Story aside, Columbia is one of the richest and diverse gaming worlds since the original Bioshock. Columbia is definitely no rapture, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out from its predecessors. Vibrant skylines are decorated with large islands full of towering buildings are scattered across lush clouds... it is truly a sight to behold. Attention to detail is second to none, and exploring the city is an absolute blast. The art style is also very well refined with some striking architecture, imaginative character design topped off with a powerful dose of 1920’s steampunk goodness!

All of this is such a striking contrast to the dank and dingy depths of Rapture of the first two games, I found it all very refreshing and satisfying. But it’s not long before Columbia rears its own dark and mysterious origins don’t you worry.

There are also some really dark themes explored in the game, a bold move on the developers behalf. Politics, religion, racial and class discrimination all play an important role in the story arc and really separate this apart form your run-of-the-mill first person shooter. Parts of Columbia’s history are not only revealed through the sights and sounds, but also the deep character interactions within the world itself. The star of the show is Elizabeth herself who acts as your companion for the good part of the game.

Gameplay

All of this is built on top of a solid foundation of satisfying gameplay. Combat is deliciously entertaining. The shooting mechanics are very capable, and while the mix of weapons are your standard affair (pistols, rifles, shotguns and rocket launchers) each pack their own punch and deliver the goods. Where it gets interesting is Bioshocks use of other weapons that come in the form of vigors. Guns are controlled in your right hand while vigors are activated on your left. Vigors are essentially powers that let you shoot out lightning, fire, electricity and even crows from your fingertips. Things get really interesting when you mix these up during combat in conjunction with other vigors and guns. 

Traversing Columbia is made easy with the skyhook. An interesting contraption that you get early on that allows you to ride the skylines that hook up each of Columbia's’ floating islands. While zipping across the skylines you can partake in combat, as well as deliver a devastating melee blow from above. The skyhook can also be used on the ground in close hand-to-hand combat. It’s all great fun taking out the varied and interesting mix of enemies that Columbia has to offer.

Conclusion

Bioshock Infinite does a lot of thing right. The story is spot on, gameplay in fluid and fun, the visuals are beautiful and captivating. There is so much to like, and it’s all too easy to be immersed and suck into this rich world that the developers have created. Long time Bioshock fans might be slightly disappointed in its slightly more linear and streamlined approach, but overall it makes for a tighter game that pulls you along at a break neck pace. This isn’t to say that the game is too short by any means, If you soak in all the sights and sounds Columbia has to offer you can easy spend 16-20 hours before the ride is over. “1999 Mode” (a reference to Bioshock’s spiritual predacessor System Shock), is activated after the first play through and ramps the difficulty and reduces the appearance of ammo and medical kits. Trust me you’ll want to visit Columbia again once the credits roll! 

Story: 10

Presentation: 10

Gameplay: 9

Gaming Myths and Trivia - Mew in Pokémon Red, Blue & Yellow

For years and years gamers have discussed the many myths that reside in the original Pokémon games for the gameboy. One of my favourite and most popular in the Pokémon community is the appearance of Mew. Can you catch it wild? If so where is he found? Can you win him or find him? Does he require a cheat code or glitch? Find out in the video below

Coming Soon - The Secret of Mew in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

What is the truth behind Pokémon #151 in the original Gameboy games? The Answer and more coming soon!

Confessions Of A Gamer

We all have deep dark secrets, even when it comes to gaming. I've documented a few of mine, so here they are. Enjoy!

They're not that shocking... honestly Luigi, calm down

Being a Nintendo fan boy
Yes I admit (If you didn't already figure this out), I absolutely love anything and everything made by Nintendo. Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong etc... and Zelda, if I didn't mention that one already. I still however enjoy and play lots of other games and consoles made by other companies.

Being a n00b online
I've played a lot of games online, and while I'm not terrible... I'm not that great either. Sure, if I practise a game for so long I'm decent, but I lack that competitive streak that makes you want to climb to the top of the leader boards.

I love & hate achievements/trophies
This a hard one to describe,  but while I try to collect as many achievements as I can, and I think they are great for the longevity of games... the problem is that I get so ridiculously frustrated when I can't achieve/obtain them... I know right, it drives me INSANE!

I Cannot play games out of order
So, I can't play sequels to games without playing the previous titles. Exceptions of this rule are games that don't have any particular order or timeline.

I don't care much for Final Fantasy
Before you start hating me, I have nothing against the games themselves personally. I'm not sure if it boils down to the fact that I'm not really into hardcore RPGs, or that I just don't care much for turn-based gameplay. I can definitely appreciate the game design, visuals and art direction of each game... just can't seem to get overly excited for them.

I really don't care for COD
If the previous confession didn't shock you, here is yet another. Call of Duty is kind of boring... I've played my fair share of COD, but don't think there is anything impressive about the games. I understand that what they do (first person shooting), they do well. But they just don't seem to bring anything original to the table, or anything new...

Well there you go, my deepest darkest gaming secrets... nothing too sinister, but I wouldn't openly confess to these either.

What are your gaming confessions?

Top 10 First Person Shooters

First Person Shooters, at the moment they are probably one of the most popular genres in gaming. And there are hundreds of titles out there, but which ones stand out of the crowd?

I wanted to do a top 5 list of First Person Shooters (or FPS), and realised how hard it is to only come up with 5. Here is my top 10 instead, I’ve spent a while trying to decide where I should place each game and finally decided on all their positions. Here they are:

          10. Black

Pew, pew pew... bullets, explosions and boddies!

This game came out for the xbox and ps2 a fair few years ago. This game is all about shooting. Incredible gun effects and sounds which overshadows the bare-bones story, but who needs a story with guns like these. This is as pure a shooters come and an absolute blast to play.

Top moment: Every time you reloaded, watching everything blur and focus in on the glistening and shiny weapons. These are some of the most beautifully detailed rifles and machine guns in any game.

       9. Far Cry: Instincts

Ahhh... another day in paradise!

There a now a few titles in the far cry series. Having played them all, my favourite definitely has to be Far Cry Instincts! You have a beautiful tropical island to explore, with lots of baddies to kill. The addition of super human powers, stealth mechanics, explosive weapons and vehicles all add to the fun.

Top Moment. Clawing enemy mercenaries into the air with your beastly powers! Ohhh yeahh!

       8. Oddworld: Strangers Wrath

Wasps and Fuzzles do not enjoy being in the same crossbow together

The Oddworld series holds dear to gamer’s hearts. Oddworld: Strangers Wrath was a true departure to the original side scrolling platforming of the originals, but a fantastic game none-the-less. The main character, “Stranger” is bounty hunter who hates guns. Instead he hunts his prey with a crossbow that fires an assortment of bugs and animals at foes with devastating and hilarious results. The whole game plays like a western movie, and the story will keep you hooked with mystery, intrigue and plot twists.

Top moment: setting up a trap of spiders that will wrap up and unsuspected enemy with webbing, then ambushing them with a fury of rapid-fire wasps!

7. Perfect Dark

The name's bond... oh wait a... no, no it's not

You play a female secret agent Jonah Dark through levels of espionage and hi-tech gadgetry, unravelling conspiracies along the way. While the single player & co-op missions hold up well on their own, the local multiplayer is were Perfect Dark really shines. While it uses its spiritual predecessor Goldeneye as it foundation, Perfect Dark adds a tone of extra modes, characters, weapons, maps as well as AI bots to the mix.

Top Moment: Playing as aliens in classic Goldeneye maps. Pure Awesome!

6. Team Fortress 2

It' looks cute, but it is not a kiddies game

Team Fortress 2 is the sequel to a popular mod that was thankfully realised and lovingly brought back to life by Valve. It is hands done one of the greatest class based multiplayer games of all time. Add in zany and distinctive characters, cartoony visuals and strategic gameplay that proves to be more than the standard run and gun affair. If your looking for a competitive yet team based shooter that is a mark above the rest, look no further. It'll be some the most fun you'll have online.

Top Moment: Taking down a target with the sniper class and then taunting them with your characters outrageous Aussie accent.

5. Metroid Prime Trilogy

A game that presses all the right buttons

Initially met with skepticism due to it's jump from traditional 2D platforming, the Metroid Prime games proved that the wheel can be re-invented. I wasn't able to choose just one game, as they all are just as fantastic as each other. The first introduced us to Samus in a first person, the second brought a darker tone to the series, while the third improved on every aspect and faithfully concluded the series. All the games manage to move forward from you typical shooter affair by offering environmental puzzles, exploration and platforming to mix it all up. If you can I urge you to buy the complete trilogy bundle for the Wii!

Top Moment: switching between Samus's morph ball mode to maneuver around the environment and deliver fatal bomb blasts.

4. The Battlefield Series

Hmm.. Me vs. chopper, who will win?

Military shooters are becoming so common nowadays that they can all tend to come across as more of the same. While such can be said about the single player aspect, each and every Battlefield game has delivered an exceptional multiplayer experience that I believe trumps all other military shooters (you heard me COD fans!). It's not just about head shots and killstreaks. The Battlefield series main hook is that it incorporates tactical squad based gameplay with its four character classes. Add vehicular combat, huge sprawling maps and a top-notch action, and you have yourself a recipe for a constantly successful series that delivers with each and every game.

Top Moment: knifing a seemingly unaware sniper who has positioned himself behind enemy lines, and then claiming his dog tag.

3. 007: Goldeneye

Is that a gun in your pocket?

What can I really say that hasn't already been said before about this game? 007: Goldeneye defined the first person shooters for consoles. Everything about this game was revolutionary, and while its success has attempted to be mimicked by it's remakes, nothing can match what it did for the genre. Fluid and seamless first person shooting in a fully realised 3d environment (on a console nonetheless), an extensive campaign with open ended mission, and an addictive split screen multiplayer that was the first of it's kind. All other condole FPS have Goldeneye to thank for their existence and success.

Top Moment: sneaking through the ducting in the facility and then proceeding to kill the soldiers in the restroom. Hehe.

2. Bioshock

The force is strong with this one

A spiritual successor to the original System Shock, Bioshock exceeded all expectations when it released. This game is truly captivating, everything from it's dynamic underwater setting, powerfully motivated characters, unique combat and RPG elements. Bioshock is just dripping with atmosphere and there is so much narrative in every detail of its environments. So if you haven’t played Bioshock before, would you kindly do yourself a favor?

Top Moment: Experimenting with weapon and plasmid combos, truly electrifying!

1. Half Life 2

Giant portal opening in the sky... that can't be good

If there were one game to take the throne of Best first person shooter, Half Life 2 would have to be my choice. Half Life 2 is quite simply a technical masterpiece. Everything from its gritty realistic graphic, amazing physics engine, dynamic lighting and the way everything in the environment reacts to one another. It’s is absolutely one the most immersive and rich gaming experiences of its decade. To top it all off, you have terrifying and varied enemies (From the combine foot troops to those pesky headcrabs), an interesting and satisfying arsenal (Gravity Gun) and characters and a story that will keep you hooked all the way through its episodic chapters. If only Valve could count to 3…

Top Moment: Gravity Gun… enough said.

There you have it folks. What are your favourite First Person Shooters of all time?

Coming Soon: My Top 10 First Person Shooters

Brace yourself! Coming soon is my personal list of the best First Person Shooters.

What is your number 1?

Gaming Myths & Trivia - Super Mario Bros. 2

Mario games have such a rich history spawning decades of little secrets and lots of trivia. revolves around the second instalment of the franchise, which is either one of two games depending on which region you reside. Let me explain...

After the critical success of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System it was not long until a follow up was released... though in Japan only. This game was Super Mario Bros. 2. Not to be confused with the later american release of the same name (or Super Mario USA as it was referred to in Japan). Actually confusion is quite justified in the case...

Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan) was originally released in 1986. It was built on a similar version of the Super Mario Bros. game engine. A lot of the sprites and assets from the first game were reused and gameplay remained pretty much the same. The differences came from newly designed levels and revamped difficulty. Yes this game is really really hard! Nintendo of America thought the Western audience wouldn't warm to the sequel due to the challenging nature of the game, and therefore decided not to release it to the Western countries.

Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan)

As an alternative, nintendo adapted a popular Japanese game called Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic using Mario and friends replacing the original characters in the game. This adaption was re-released and retitled Super Mario Bros 2 (or American Super Mario Bros. 2) in America and the rest of the Western countries.

Super Mario Bros. 2 too... or is it Doki Doki Panic?

Two Mario games, two regions, both with the same name.

Years later a famous compilation released outside of Japan called Super Mario Allstars (Featuring remade versions of Super Mario Bros 1,2 & 3) would also come complete with the japanese version of Super Mario Bros. 2, though under the title Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels. The game along with the other titles in Super Mario Allstars, received a graphical update as well (see the pic below).

They couldn't let America have two Super Mario Bros. 2.
 The Lost Levels it is then! (Gr

So there you have it folks! To this date there are those who like to argue which release is the true sequel. I like to enjoy both games, both widely different from one another but respectable in their own right. Stay tuned as I will eventually do an article on the American Super Mario Bros. 2, how and why it was made, what it brings to the series and why it is regarded as the black sheep of the Mario Bros. Family.

Until then, happy gaming!

Wii U Announcements!

The last 24 hours saw a live video stream from Nintendo where a number of announcements for made for their Wii U system. Where do I start?

March Game Releases

Firstly nintendo confirmed Pikmin 3, Game & Wario, Lego City Undercover and The Wonderful 101 for a March release.

Wii U System Updates

Faster Loading Screens and other performance updates inbound as of spring

Miiverse Updates & Mobile App

• Enhancements to the Miiverse experience usability and accessibility
• Mobile app in development
• New Filtering system and more communities
• Miiverse web browser access also coming soon

WiiU Virtual Console

• Virtual console coming to WiiU in the form of NES, SNES and Gamboy Advanced games
• Enhanced versions of classic games with Miiverse incorporation and remote play on the WiiU gamepad
• Game prices announced with special discounts to those who already purchased virtual console games on the wii
• Special monthly deals on selected NES/Famicon titles for the Famicon 30th Anniversary

Incoming Wii U Games

• Bayonetta 2
• Fire Emblem cross over title
• New Mario Kart title
• New 3D Mario Title
• New Smash Brothers game
• WiiU Party

Yoshi WiiU Game

In development by the team behind Kirby's Epic Yarn". A spiritual successor to Yoshi's Story for the N64. Gameplay and screenshots shown off (see below)

Cute as a button

Legend of Zelda Wii U

A brand new Zelda adventure is being made for the WiiU. The zelda formula will again be shaken up as they incorporate less linear dungeons and gameplay. Nintendo is also rethinking the single player conventions.

Wind Waker HD Remake

• Remastered graphics with a new lighting engine 
• Extra content
• Remote gameplay on WiiU controller
• Out before the end of the year (Autumn in America) 

Screenshots were show off that look absolutely stunning! (See below)

Looking good Link!

There it is all is in a nut shell. Watch the full presentation here! What are you most looking forward to on the WiiU?