Daily Nintendo

Reviews Surfing - Band Hero (Wii)

2009-11-10T15:57:47Z

Band Hero is Guitar Hero with less guitar.

Say what you want about the glut of music games like Guitar Hero or Rock Band—the genre is white hot and you know it. This is why Activision is striking continuously riding while the wave is at its zenith. One of the top publisher’s latest outings is Band Hero, which is actually a spin-off of Guitar Hero. So what’s the difference between Band Hero and Guitar Hero? Band Hero veers away from the focus on lead guitars, and is replaced by kid-friendly tunes. What do the critics think of the Wii version? See the reviews after the jump.

VideoGamer: (70%) “Band Hero is strikingly close to Activision’s former release; it’s a game that comes across more as GH with a different musical focus, rather than as a new IP in its own right. Band Hero is far from being a bad game, but somewhere along the line it seems the new franchise’s focus became a little confused.”

IGN: (83%) “Band Hero is an impressive game, but it does take a hit for not feeling that unique because this is really just Guitar Hero 5 with a pink/purple motif. In the end, this is one of the examples people will point to when they talk about Activision milking the Guitar Hero franchise for all it’s worth – even though this time the milk is quenching the thirst of every Taylor Swift fan out there with a plastic guitar.”

Digital Chumps: (78%) “So, all things considered, if you’re in the market for a pop-centric concert simulation music game targeted at young teens or families looking to jam, Band Hero is your current best option. It isn’t perfect, and it certainly isn’t revolutionary, but it is the first and only fully-featured fusion of the popular formula with the top 40 format.”

The main selling point of Band Hero is its kid-friendly pop focus. If you or the children in your household are into Hilary Duff, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, or the Spice Girls, then Band Hero might just be what you’ll be getting this holiday season. If you’re looking for a heavier playlist, then you might want to look someplace else.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii to outsell Modern Warfare 2

2009-11-09T12:15:10Z

Reggie: NSMBW to outsell MW2!

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has thrown down the gauntlet. The challenge: Reggie believes that the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii is going to outperform Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. But before shooter fanboys start screaming heresy, there’s a catch—Reggie is sure that the new Mario game would outsell either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 version, but isn’t promising to beat both.

And you know what? It’s a pretty solid claim.

The last major Mario-only game on the Wii was Super Mario Galaxy, and we all know how that turned out. considering the Wii’s install base has grown since 2007’s Super Mario Galaxy, that claim might be decided sooner than we think. Then again, the PS3 and Xbox 360’s numbers have increased greatly as well since their respective price cuts so it’s going to be an interesting match of marquee titles.

Reggie added another stipulation: we have to look at the entire holiday season so the numbers would include January NPD data. Of course, it’s not so cut and dry. We have to consider that the data would be limited to NPD (i.e. North America) figures, where as you know, shooters reign supreme.

So which game do you think is going to be ahead when the January NPD numbers are shown? Expect us to look closely at the results.

Source

No More Heroes 2 gets another playable character

2009-10-26T09:48:43Z

More heroes in No More heroes 2.

Here’s a big surprise: remember Travis Touchdown? It looks like the anti-hero of No More Heroes won’t be the only hero in No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, an upcoming action game for the Wii. The latest No More Heroes 2 trailer introduces Henry, a key character in the original game. Based on what you’ll see in the video, Henry is going to be a playable character in the sequel. Don’t believe me? Check it out after the jump.

It gets interesting—according to Joystiq, Henry is voiced by Quinton Flynn, the same actor behind Raiden from the Metal Gear Solid series. Fortunately, Henry isn’t as despicable.

NES cartridge plays NES games

2009-10-26T08:59:57Z

No NES necessary here.

We all know how it gaming is supposed to work: insert the cartridge or disk in the console and play countless hours. But have you ever imagined doing it the other way around? Welcome to the world of modding, where anything is possible. Ben Heck forum member “airz” decided to literally make his NES cartridge playable—without the NES.

My nesP is basically a noname china brand portable media player, with the advantage of being able to play nes roms, and a nes controller hacked to the controls. First off the buttons on the original media player just sucked, they were so small and tight that my fingers could not easily push them. So I got the idea of modding a nes controller to it, that’s when I remembered about the above mentioned mod, and thought maybe I can cram this inside of a cartridge case with the controller. Well it worked perfect, it was like it was made to fit, I didn’t use any hot glue or anything other than some double sided tape to hold the battery in place. It’s a really tight fit though. It’s got 4gb built in memory, with a sd card slot in the inside so you could expand the memory if needed, and not only does it play nes games, but it also plays gameboy and gameboy color roms as well. 2.8” TFT LCD, built-in rechargeable lithium battery, Video player, MP3 player, FM radio, Picture viewer, Audio recorder, it’s got a camera and video camera (but I disabled them to fit in the case), built in speaker, and the best part… TV-OUT !!! so you can play on the big screen! The unit has 2 additional buttons on the front, ones power, and the other is used to navigate the main menu, basically it’s a ‘back’ button. And there is a small hole drilled in the back with a reset button behind it. The unit has 3 plug ins on the right side, AC power (to charge the battery) Mini USB (to put files on the thing) and the TV-OUT plug. I also spent some time and redid the images used for the main menu and the game selection screen.

Unfortunately, the NES cartridge isn’t for sale. There’s a bug that needs to be fixed, but who knows? It all might change soon. But have you ever wondered what would happen if you inserted the same NES cartridge in an NES?

Me neither. I think my head would explode.

Review - Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (DS)

2009-10-22T13:02:19Z

Only a carpet would ever like Roxas in this KH installment.

Hearts—it’s all about the hearts. The title refers to hearts; the characters are on a quest to get hearts. Welcome to Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, an action RPG for the Nintendo DS. You’ve probably learned by know that the Kingdom Hearts series is well-liked to say they least. The first two PlayStation 2 games sold for a combined 9.2 million copies or so, while the new DS release is moving almost a million units as of this writing, and it’s not even out for over a month yet.

So what’s the deal with Kingdom Hearts? Why is it insanely popular? Two things: Final Fantasy and Disney. But is the underlying game in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days as prodigious as its commercial success? We find out.

If you hated the card-based battle system in Chain of Memories on the GBA, then great news: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days uses a real-time combat system similar to the PS2 original. Most of the time, your hands stay on the buttons as it should be. I said “most” because the stylus is used as a secondary option to move the camera around. The main means to operate the camera is through the shoulder buttons. There are a couple of camera settings, but they’re both badly implemented. The R serves two purposes: move the camera and lock-on the enemy. In the heat of battle, pressing R would yield varying results. There’s an auto-aim function, but it doesn’t work as well as the manual lock-on, especially when many enemies are swarming around you.

Familiar Disney characters make an appearance.

The main problem with the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days combat is its simplicity. It’s all a matter of targeting an enemy, approaching it, and continuously pressing attack until it’s down. For variety, you can use spells or add new moves as you progress through the game. However, these little tweaks do nothing to keep the fights interesting.

Like any Square Enix game, the customization in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is a game unto itself. You’ll have to tailor-fit panels that Roxas, the main character, carries around with him. These panels serve as slots to fit abilities, spells, and items that you can change in between missions. A certain level of planning is needed to fit everything in, but you eventually get more space as Roxas levels up.

If you haven’t played a Kingdom Hearts game before, then you might not understand or even appreciate what happens in the story. The characters are boring; all they do during story sequences is mull over their hearts to a sickening degree. Square Enix might call this “characterization,” but there is utterly nothing compelling that would keep you hooked. It certainly doesn’t help that Roxas is just a mere shadow of the droll and colorful character we saw in Kingdom Hearts II. Because of this, the overall progression is agonizingly slow and boring. The pace may pick up ever so slightly when you reach the latter parts, but good luck staying that long.

Fortunately (or unfortunately if you can’t stand the story and/or combat), the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days adventure lasts for up to 30 hours. This of course would depend on the effort you exert on completing missions and optional levels. You can add even more hours with the local multiplayer, but it doesn’t really help because the combat is tedious to begin with. Whether you choose cooperative or competitive, the multiplayer is as unrewarding as the story mode.

Multiplayer CANNOT save this game.

While its visuals are obviously inferior to the original PS2 games, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is quite the looker. The levels may look somewhat familiar (i.e. reused), but that’s what makes them remarkable—this is a portable game we’re talking about after all. Hyperbole aside, the quality of the cutscenes gives the PS2 versions a run for their money. The music is pretty much the same as well, and it’s actually a good thing because they’re likable. Voice acting is limited but when you hear them, they’re excellent.

So what good is an action RPG if the action part is mind-numbing and the story is dull? Nothing much. From the ground up, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is intended for fans, and perhaps that’s how it should stay. Alas, no amount of cutting-edge DS visuals, Final Fantasy lore, or Disney characters is going to save this game. If you’re not an aficionado, then maybe you should stay away from this Kingdom Hearts installment because it won’t spark your interest for the franchise.

6/10

Reviews Surfing - Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (DS)

2009-10-21T12:13:03Z

Back in the 90s, the console war was between Nintendo and Sega, among Mario and Sonic. As luck would have it, the two companies and their mascots teamed up in last year’s Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for the DS and Wii. Unfortunately, the partnership wasn’t exactly well received, garnering mixed reviews from the gaming critics.

The unlikely duo returns for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Does this sequel have what it takes to exceed its predecessor? We check out the DS reviews and see if we truly have a better game on our hands.

Official Nintendo Magazine UK: (91%) “Believe it or not, if you have both a Wii and a DS and you’re not really bothered about multiplayer action, we’d recommend you pick up the DS version of this instead of the Wii one. It’s not quite as retro-heavy as the Wii game but the Adventure Tours mode gives it more depth for anyone playing the game on their own.”

IGN: (75%) “It’s fun to see Mario team up with Sonic, even if the story in Adventure Tours mode doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, and the events–while still hit or miss–offer far more compelling gameplay mechanics and a whole lot more depth. Both the DS and Wii versions of this franchise are going to sell like hot cakes every time a new Olympic season rolls around, but at least players will have a reason to keep coming back to the DS game long after the waggle-fest on Wii wears thin.”

Cheat Code Central: (84%) “Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games is a fun, enjoyable, and approachable experience that improves upon last year’s Summer Games outing. The variety of both game types and style make for a highly enjoyable experience. Just don’t be fooled; this isn’t a hardcore game of any sort - it’s essentially a collection of Mario-fied mini-games themed around the Winter Olympics. But with its brimming supporting cast pulled from both Mario and Sonic’s past, gamers have an instantly recognizable world full of character to explore. Its non-violent and engaging gameplay is sure to appeal to many, while the multiplayer design of the events make it a prime travel or “pass the time” option. It’s obvious that developer SEGA Japan put a lot of time in the Nintendo DS version, crafting an experience that stands proudly on its own two feet.”

Are you surprised? I am. Between multiplatform games, it’s the DS that normally gets the short end of the stick. Based on the reviews (at least according to the ONM article), the DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games is better. Aside from the obvious perks like playing the game on the go, the DS version’s Adventure Tours mode looks a lot of fun to play. Check out this new Mario and Sonic team up, it just might be as good as advertised.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii is tough as nails

2009-10-20T08:57:51Z

You're all in the same boat--literally.

Are you one of the gamers who found New Super Mario Bros. on the DS too easy? Great news: the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii is going to be so hard your self-esteem is going to drop like a rock. At least, that’s what the game journos at MTV Multiplayer and Joystiq said. MTV thinks New Super Mario Bros. Wii is “as hard as Contra,” while Joystiq expects people playing the game’s coop mode to turn homicidal.

If like me, you find the idea of exasperating, controller-hurling gameplay a thrill, then you’re probably aching for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. While you’re waiting for the November 15 launch to arrive, watch the game’s latest trailer—maybe you’ll find something that strikes your fancy.

A snowball-shooting Mario costume? I can’t wait to freeze other players.

Review - Tales of Monkey Island: Lair of the Leviathan (WiiWare)

2009-10-15T15:56:35Z

One of Guybrush's tasks include playing cupid.

The first two episodes of Tales of Monkey Island were good, but not great. They’re quite disappointing, especially when you consider the series’ impressive pedigree. However, don’t cross out Tales of Monkey Island just yet—there are still several more chapters to go. The next episode is Lair of the Leviathan, and it’s the best installment in the series so far. Just how good is chapter three? It’s good enough to make up for the shortcomings of the previous episode.

As the episode’s title suggests, Guybrush Threepwood is stuck in the stomach of a giant manatee, which swallowed his ship in the previous chapter. Your mission is to escape from the beast’s belly and find the magic sponge that can cure a nasty pox. Of course, it’s not going to be easy. The only guy who knows where the sponge can be found is missing, or is he?

Telltale Games finally mixes up the settings in Lair of the Leviathan. You’ll be spending most of your pirating adventures in a dark, dank, and occasionally disgusting manatee stomach, on your ship (the Screaming Narwhal), and deep underwater. Fret not! Guybrush can hold his breath for ten minutes. The puzzles this time are noticeably different than the previous two installments, relying more on the selection of key dialogue phrases and less of inventory combinations. Because of this, the solutions feel more logical and less tedious.

Can you guess who this character is?

Lair of the Leviathan is easily the funniest of the episodes so far. Compared to the earlier chapters, episode three comes with more laugh-out-loud moments. The dialogue is more humorous and the situations are sillier—stretching all the way to the end. I won’t spoil anything for you, but let me just say, Lair of the Leviathan’s end credits are one of the best ever in a video game.

Obviously, Lair of the Leviathan behaves very much like its previous chapters, control-wise and such. That means you still move Guybrush around using the Nunchuk’s analog stick, the framerate isn’t topnotch, and the WiiWare version’s overall look isn’t as clean as the PC edition. On the flipside, the character models in Lair of the Leviathan no longer look alike—each has his or her own visual style that shines through, even if their name isn’t Guybrush. The lip synching is occasionally inexact, but it’s never completely distracting to affect the delivery of the jokes. As always, voice acting is believable and funny. Unfortunately, there are a few off-putting spots when the music abruptly changes, particularly when the scene shifts to dialogues.

The latest chapter is every bit as good as its predecessors: it’s hilarious, clever, and better designed overall. If you’ve played the previous episodes, then you won’t need any additional push to get Lair of the Leviathan or any of the succeeding installments. If you’re still on the fence regarding Tales of Monkey Island, then Lair of Leviathan should change your mind. Whoever said “adventure gaming is dead” should get their eyes checked.

8.5/10

Reviews Surfing - Wii Fit Plus (Wii)

2009-10-13T12:29:51Z

Wii Fit Plus is an enhanced version of Wii Fit.

Is your Balance Board gathering dust? Considering that there aren’t too many games that support the Wii peripheral, it’s entirely possible. If you own a Balance Board and you’re looking to bring it out of the closet, then you’re in luck—Wii Fit Plus is out.

What exactly is Wii Fit Plus, you ask? It’s an enhanced version of Wii Fit. It comes with all the Wii Fit exercises, plus the following:

3 yoga and 3 strength-training activities
15 balance/aerobic exercises.

The best part: all normal exercises are unlocked from the get go. So how exactly is Wii Fit Plus doing ratings wise? Find out after the jump:

1UP: (91%) “Wii Fit Plus is a better product, but keep in mind that it’s not a sequel. Like the second edition of a book, it looks and feels exactly the same as before, but the additions effectively make the previous version obsolete. And it’s $20 by itself, which helps even more if you still have a Balance Board lying around. Still, things have changed in the year since the first Wii Fit, with multiple exercise games that just keep coming, and are more targeted at people who want nothing but to lose weight. Games like EA Sports Active are made by Americans and likely with Americans in mind, whereas Wii Fit Plus tries to go for a culturally-neutral — though still Japanese-leaning — approach, where traditional ideas of exercise seemingly clash with the practical (not that flapping away like a chicken to land on targets isn’t appealing). In short, there still isn’t much more focus or guidance in Wii Fit Plus, but the ease of use and greater number of enjoyable, not so “exercisey” games within, make it worth it. Personally, I can see myself putting another year in.”

IGN: (82%) “Whether you already own Wii Fit or find yourself completely new to Nintendo’s best-selling phenomenon, Plus is great way to burn some calories while having fun. Every last feature of Wii Fit is copied over to Plus, and Nintendo has also added in six new exercises and 15 new balance board games on top of a calorie tracker, customized workout programs, a local multiplayer mode and, of course, the ability to weigh your pets. There’s still some issues — BMI is inaccurate as a measurement system, the lack of online leaderboards or challenges is a major oversight at this point, some of the added exercises and games fail to compare to the others, and the virtual trainers’ dialogs repeat too often. Still, Plus is much cheaper than a gym membership and if you use it right, with proper diet, you can lose weight or tone muscle and have a good time while you do.”

Cheat Code Central: (84%) “To sum it all up, Wii Fit Plus is worth the cash. If you never owned the game before, you can buy it with the Balance Board for 100 bucks. On the other hand, if you already have the other game, you can just buy the new disc for $20, which is not a lot to pay for these valuable improvements. Sure, your old Wii Fit game will become a mere drink coaster when you grab the new one, but you can also just trade it in or give it to that niece who just bought a used Balance Board. It’s all about being creative, right? My only gripe is that this game is everything the first Wii Fit should have been, and it took a second try to make things right, taking a toll on our pockets. If you’re not too mad about that and are willing to shell out the extra money, you should definitely go ahead and improve your Wii Fit experience right now.”

If you somehow missed out on the original, then Wii Fit Plus is the version you should get. However, at Wii Fit Plus’ $20 price tag, it’s still pretty tempting even if you already own Wii Fit and a Balance Board. If you’re not decided, do try out Wii Fit Plus and tell us what you think.

A Boy and His Blob shows promise for the Wii

2009-10-12T15:26:09Z

A Boy and His Blob should be a Wii sleeper.

Whoever said the Wii doesn’t have enough quality games should get their eyes checked. Granted, there are guaranteed clunkers like Project Runway, but there are still gems in Nintendo’s console—you just need to know where to look. Case in point: take the new A Boy and His Blob. Sure, the 2D platformer isn’t out yet (as of this writing), but its gameplay videos should make you want to preorder it.

Don’t believe me? Watch the clip after the jump and see what I mean.

The Wii version of A Boy and His Blob is similar to its NES predecessor of the same name. As the name suggests, you play “the boy” and feed the titular blob with different jelly beans. Each jelly bean grants a different ability, but as you see in the video, the boy won’t turn into a one-man army. You’ll need to use the jelly beans to negotiate the game’s many different puzzles.

The best part: no waggle.

A Boy and His Blob is coming out in North America on Tuesday, October 13. Better mark your calendars—this game is showing tons of promise and close-to-zero hype.