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