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Play Nintendo's Dillon's Rolling Western Review (Nintendo eShop)

2012-03-03T14:05:00.001-03:30

Dillon’s Rolling Western (known as just The Rolling Western at the time) was revealed at last year’s E3 2011 event and it was intriguing right from the start. It is a game with attributes that Nintendo fans wanted; a new IP exploring a new genre. Nintendo isn’t known for defense tower games, but they are known for action adventure which is probably why they decided to combine the two. Understandably, even though the game looked fresh, there would still be some concerns. Fast forward to February 22 when Nintendo surprised fans during their Nintendo Direct video by announcing that Dillon’s Rolling Western is available on the Nintendo eShop. Early reviews were quite harsh on the game, and seeing that Nintendo is asking $9.99 for the game, reviews are important. You may say that ten bucks is no big deal, but the eShop has multiple games of great quality for less than that; it is inevitable that the ten 10 dollar game will be put under the microscope even more, but I’m here to say that I believe these harsh reviews to be unjust.

Dillon’s Rolling Western tells a great little story that follows Dillon and his ranger partner, Russ, on their adventure to save the west from a new threat known as the Grocks! Dillon and Russ go to towns in need and help them fight off the Grock invasion. Each town’s livelihood is being threatened by the Grocks, and if the rangers can’t successfully fend them off, the town’s livestock known as the Scrogs will be eaten. In addition to the basic story, each town has a mayor that will trade well written dialogue with Dillon and Russ that tells of their struggles, which inspires me to help them. Each mayor is complete with a unique personality which makes for some interesting exchanges and adds a nice touch to the simple premise.

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Play Nintendo's Crush 3D Demo Impressions

2012-03-02T11:34:00.000-03:30

I will admit that I wasn't interested in this title, but when the demo was announced yesterday I knew I had to try it out for an impressions article. After playing the demo, I want more. Nintendo, that is the power of having demos on your consoles; I would have skipped over this game without blinking otherwise, now when I can, I will buy this game.

That's all great and stuff, but what exactly is Crush 3D? The best way to describe this game is that it's a puzzle platformer, much in the same vein as Pushmo. Pushmo had you pushing and pulling blocks to create a path to the goal, while Crush 3D will have you crushing the landscape (the landscape will transform into 2D platforms that open new paths) to do the same thing. There is more than just crushing the landscape to Crush 3D and the demo just gives you a small taste (1 tutorial level and three regular levels) of what's to come.

An example of how the crush power works.

The objective of each stage is to collect the required number of marbles (can be found in amounts of 1,5 and 10) then reach the end goal. You will have to carefully examine your environment to judge when it is the best time to use the crush power, which is activated by pressing L. Pressing the D-Pad directions allows you to switch your perspective, which will be needed to create new paths to marbles and even the exit. You may see marbles, but can't get to them; however, when you crush the environment, you have now created a path to them. You can't crush into bricks, so that limitation will force to look for a way around them. Jumping also plays a big role in moving across gaps and even upwards, so you will have to be familiar with that Jump button (A); moving Danny (the main character) around with the slide pad is also a must. There will also be items that you can push around the environment with X, which will also be useful for creating a step to higher environments; there was also a button for crouch (B), but I didn't use it in the demo; I don't think it was even available to use.

Another example of what you'll be expected to do in Crush 3D

It was nice to see a little bit of plot for the game as well. Danny is are being used in an experiment for a device called C.R.U.S.H. This device allows people to enter their own brains and find and fix problems that they may not know about. This creates a very dream-like feel for the game and gives you a good reason to navigate the levels and a motive to complete the game.

Visually, the developers really drew upon the whole dream-like feel which allowed them to create a variety of different levels with various colors, shapes, etc. I didn't really see a problem with the graphics whatsoever, they aren't perfect by any means, but I thought the art direction really complemented the 3DS and 3D effect well. The 3D effect while good, is a little more subtle than other games I've played on the 3DS, but it does add that sense of depth that the Nintendo 3DS is known for.

An overhead view, which can also be crushed

Overall, I couldn't be more excited for this game now. I'm glad I took the time to download and play this demo and recommend this to puzzle lovers and most definitely recommend that Pushmo fans check this out. It will be available in retailers on March 6th (next Tuesday), so if you're interested you can get it as early as next week!

Here is a link to the official webpage for the game if you want more information, trailers and screenshots for the game.

Play Nintendo's PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond Review (Wii)

2012-03-01T23:09:00.003-03:30

PokéPark 2 is a sequel to PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure and even though I haven’t played the first one, after a little bit of research, I can say that both seem similar. You will get to battle plenty of Pokémon (complete with weaknesses and strengths that we know and love), chase way too many of them and compete in a variety of mini-games, or attractions if you will. So, if you’ve played the first one you know exactly what to expect, however, for newcomers, what can you expect with this game?

The game begins with the legendary Pokémon, Reshiram and Zekrom, foretelling of a great disaster and almost as soon as that begins, it ends. This plays out in one of the many cut-scenes in the game, and while they may not be amazing, they serve their purpose well. You will also encounter plenty of dialogue which is well written and easy to follow, yet quite wordy for creatures that can only utter their own name. After this little scene plays out, you will be thrown into a tutorial almost instantaneously.

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Nintendo Download for March 1, 2012

2012-03-01T09:50:00.000-03:30

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD HIGHLIGHTS NEW DIGITAL CONTENT FOR NINTENDO SYSTEMS - MAR. 1, 2012

March 1, 2012
This week's Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Nintendo eShop
Crush™3D (demo version) – Over 50 levels of mind stretching puzzles spread across four stunning environments, each recreating a specific aspect of Danny's inner world. This demo is now available on Nintendo eShop. (For Nintendo 3DS™)

Nintendo eShop
Metroid™ – Packed with high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and hideous alien creatures, the first installment in the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. (For Nintendo 3DS)

Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare™
Aahh! Spot The Difference – Demonstrate your powers of observation in this engaging "spot the difference" game. Complete 40 challenging levels in four unique scenarios by spotting the differences between the upper and lower screen. (For Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo DSi™)

Also new this week:
Aya and the Cubes of Light (demo version) (WiiWare™)

To view this week's Nintendo Download in its full graphical version, please visit:
http://www.news2know.net/nintendo/downloadz3FN8s7e.php

Featured Club Nintendo Games for March 2012

2012-03-01T08:33:00.002-03:30

Nintendo has updated the Featured games over at Club Nintendo and this month we can get our hands on three new titles. Two Game Boy games and a WiiWare title will all be available for 100 coins. Not particularly an exciting month if you've no interest in puzzle/strategy titles, but there is some fun to be found here. These games will expire on March 31st, so be sure to check back on April 1st to get the new featured games listing.

Art Style: CUBELLO - WiiWare - 100 Coins
Mario's Picross - 3DS VC - 100 Coins
Radar Mission - 3DS VC - 100 Coins

Get your Club Nintendo Rewards Here

Nintendo Rejects The Binding of Isaac for Nintendo 3DS Release

2012-02-29T09:54:00.001-03:30

Maybe I'm too much like Zelda? OK, so I'm a shooter and Zelda isn't

Unfortunately, we have learned this morning that The Binding of Isaac (developed by Super Meat Boy's Edmund McMillen) will NOT be coming to the Nintendo 3DS. Apparently the reasoning for this has to do with Nintendo not being comfortable with the "questionable" religious content of the game, therefore they don't want to have it on Nintendo consoles.

It's a little disappointing to see that Nintendo has opted to let this little gem gather Steam ($4.99) instead of a place on the Nintendo eShop.

Source

Retro Game Master DVD coming to North America!

2012-02-29T09:42:00.000-03:30

Play Nintendo readers that were around last Summer know that I'm a huge fan of the Retro Game Master (Game Center CX) television show and video game (Retro Game Challenge). Well, you can imagine my delight to find out that Discotek Media will be releasing a DVD that compiles the 12 episodes that aired on Kotaku last year. There will be two audio tracks available including the translated versions and the original Japanese tracks (with subtitles of course).

The Kotaku episodes were both a success and disappointment in my mind. A whole new audience were introduced to Arino with an English translation of the video game sections of the TV show. However, quite a bit of the show was cut due to licensing issues, which is fine and all, but those missing sections made the Kotaku versions feel incomplete. It's still good to see the project getting a release on DVD!

Source 1/2

Mario Party 9 Story and Bosses Trailer

2012-02-28T19:08:00.000-03:30

Direct Link

This trailer comes from Nintendo of America and showcases the story mode and bosses found within the game. Looks like Bowser is up to no good, as per usual. I'm unsure about the boss battles at the moment, but I'm looking forward to them regardless.

Mario Party 9 Launch Trailer

2012-02-28T15:41:00.000-03:30

Direct Link

This is the European launch trailer, but it still gives us a great idea of what the game will be like when it launches in North America two weeks from now. Boss battles are definitely a cool addition, boards are looking top notch, it looks like there are new strategies to be formed with the vehicle. Definitely one worth trying.

Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2 Teaser Trailer

2012-02-28T13:31:00.001-03:30

Direct Link

New mysteries await us, eh? Well, there's not much else in this trailer other then a confirmation that these games will be coming this fall. Are you Pokemon fans excited? Sound off in the comments!

First Hour of PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond

2012-02-28T08:07:00.000-03:30

Here is the first hour of PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond. I split this into two parts to make sure I could get it uploaded as fast as possible. The gameplay is a little... boring. In fact, I must have bored someone from my subscriptions so bad that I got a dislike on the second part's first view, Achievement unlocked! That's got to be an achievement, no?

Mario Party 9 North America TV Commercial

2012-02-27T23:42:00.000-03:30

Direct Link

This is a charming little commercial and one that gets me excited for some more Mario Party action! I know the series has taken a little dip in recent entries (though there is definitely fun to be had), but I'm hoping Mario Party 9 will break that trend. I'm a little disappointed that there is no online, but this commercial really brings back the great memories of playing in the presence of others.

Pokemon News: PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond Hits Retailers Today!

2012-02-27T14:51:00.001-03:30

PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond is released to retailers today! So, if you enjoyed the first game, or you want some Pokemon action to hold you over until Pokemon Black 2/Pokemon White 2, this may be for you. I recommend everyone check out my review before making a decision on this one.

Sick of Pokemon yet? Well, there's still a little more coverage coming from me including the first hour of PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond and the review, so stay tuned!

Pokemon News: Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2 Coming to North America this Fall!

2012-02-27T10:37:00.000-03:30

Sick of seeing these guys yet? Only days after Nintendo's huge announcement of Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2, we now have a confirmation for a North America release this fall. A release date is still up in the air at the moment, but we now know it will come later this year!

Source: Nintendo Press Release

Future of Play Nintendo Statement

2012-02-27T00:04:00.000-03:30

Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere! I plan to blog about video games for as long as possible! I also plan to improve Play Nintendo on a consistent basis. I am at the stage now where I am looking to go beyond Blogger and use my playnintendo.ca domain. I've dropped my magazine idea to get the ball rolling on Play Nintendo and to get the PlayNintendo.ca domain up for E3 2012, which may be a lofty goal, depending on how this goes.

With that said, I wanted to let you all know that I will be trying a new ad network to publish a few ads on the blog. I'm thinking a maximum of two ads with a minimum of one; I want to keep the blog as clutter free as possible to keep the best possible experience.

This new opportunity I'm exploring will help me propel Play Nintendo forward. I'm not asking anything of my faithful readers, other then some feedback! If these ads devalue your Play Nintendo experience, let me know how I can improve it for you in the comments. This has become somewhat of a full time job for me and I really want to make that next step.

I just wanted to give you a heads up of what to expect in the next couple of days as to not piss you all off; you people are amazing and I thank you for coming back to Play Nintendo! Ads are somewhat of a touchy subject for me. I've tried them in the past and they looked absolutely awful on Play Nintendo, however, I believe I have found a service that will offer the best possible solution. Ads have become somewhat necessary to survive hosting costs and I'm looking to get a head start.

Sorry for the wordy post, but I just wanted to be up front with you and not surprise you with ads the next time you check out a review or two.

Thank you for your patronage!

-Robert Park"o"

Mario Tennis Open Box Art

2012-02-26T23:03:00.000-03:30

I'm really digging this box art and feel that Nintendo is on a roll with great art work in general. I've always been a fan of box art, so anytime an aesthetically eye pleasing piece comes up, I immediately take notice.

For examples of recent, yet fantastic box art see: Rhythm Heaven Fever, Mario Party 9, Kid Icarus Uprising and Xenoblade Chronicles.

Pokemon News: Pokemon.com Confirms Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 for North America

2012-02-26T15:46:00.000-03:30

After last night's shocking reveal of Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2, Nintendo of America confirmed that the games will be coming to North America with a listing on Pokemon.com. A release date isn't mentioned, but it does say that one will be coming soon. Look for more information on these games in the coming weeks.

Source

Play Nintendo's Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Review

2012-02-26T01:06:00.000-03:30

Rated M

Nintendo fans haven’t been able to get their hands on many Metal Gear Solid games, so for those that don’t know, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D is a port (with a few things redone to accommodate the dual screen 3DS) of the fan favourite Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater for the PS2. Snake Eater 3D takes place in 1964 during the Cold War and stands as the origin story for the series.

Snake Eater 3D follows Snake on his mission to survive through the jungle, confront the Cobras, infiltrate Groznyj Grad and destroy a nuclear weapon. As this is the origin story, it is a good point for newcomers to start the series, so Nintendo fans shouldn’t worry about playing any of the others yet. All the characters have great dialogue and voice acting and I also enjoyed the cut-scenes as well. They may be a bit long at times, but this is a trademark of the series and Hideo Kojima; besides you learn more about the role each character plays and their glowing personalities. Overall, Snake Eater 3D has a very enjoyable story experience.

During the real Cold War, spies and espionage were the name of the game, making this plot perfect for the stealthy Metal Gear Solid gameplay. Snake can crawl around, sneak up on guards and use a variety of items, weapons and other stealth tactics which have come to be expected from the series. Stealth maneuvers feel great when executed well and is one of the reasons this game is fun to play. Playing with a stealthy style is the recommended way to play, you can rush through some parts, but you may be overwhelmed by guards; overall I’d stick with stealth. Snake Eater 3D also introduced some new things to the series, but before getting to that stuff, I want to review the controls first, as this has become somewhat of a popular topic among Nintendo 3DS users as of late.

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Pokemon News: Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 Announced

2012-02-25T21:24:00.000-03:30

I usually don't post international Nintendo news, but this one was too interesting to pass. Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 have been announced for the Nintendo DS, yes, you read that right. The games will release in Japan this coming June and will have special features exclusive to the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo 3DS.

This is a new twist on the way we have received Pokemon games in the past; instead of the inevitable Grey (third) version, or at least most of us thought it was inevitable, Nintendo will release new versions of both Pokemon Black and Pokemon White. Both Pokemon pictured above are new forms of Kyurem with their names being announced at a later date.

No release date has been set for North America, but I'm sure we will hear more in the near future.

Source

Pre-Order Xenoblade Chronicles and get an Exclusive Art Book

2012-02-25T13:09:00.002-03:30

Nintendo of America announced on their Twitter feed that gamers pre-ordering a copy of Xenoblade Chronicles at Gamestop would get an exclusive art book as a bonus item. The tweet also says that the art book is for US only, so it is unknown Canadians will also get the bonus item.

I think it's worth noting that Xenoblade Chronicles is currently the best selling Wii video game in Canada at EB Games/Gamestop.

I've got Video Game Music Stuck in my Head: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D - Main Theme

2012-02-25T00:08:00.000-03:30

Every now and then a certain song will come along and get stuck in my head. Today it's the little ditty above from Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, you jerk.

OK, so the above is the PS2 version, but the 3DS version is identical. Regardless, this song wraps up everything that is Metal Gear Solid; an epic espionage tale of a potential nuclear war with lots of sexy spread throughout. This song really comes alive with an amazing lyrical performance by Cynthia Harrell. In fact, the lyrics aren't only beautifully sung by Cynthia, but they tell the tale that's yet to happen.

The old school 60's vibe that the song gives off combined with lyrical perfection is absolutely intoxicating, even after listening to the song 15 times. This song is a great way to open the game and a great song to listen to while writing a review ;)

It's a SECRET to everybody: Super Castlevania IV - Fully Equipped Before Dracula

2012-02-24T19:45:00.000-03:30

This is a secret that I remember from when I used to watch my older cousins play Super Castlevania IV. The game can be quite tough on you at times, so it's nice to know that Konami is willing to help you along the journey. If you're having a little trouble fighting Dracula, you can actually get fully equipped right before entering the final boss chamber by finding this secret item drop.

All you have to do is jump to the left, you will land on one invisible platform, jump left again to find the item drop; make sure you go all the way to the left to trigger the madness. You will receive 99 hearts, two whip upgrades, a cross boomerang, and a II & III icon (allows you to toss three sub-weapons), and if you're hurting a health power-up will drop. After getting this secret item drop, you will have the most optimal setup for defeating Dracula.

Nnooo Bringing Critically Acclaimed escapeVektor to the Nintendo 3DS

2012-02-23T23:08:00.000-03:30

Indie developer Nnooo announced today that they are bringing their critically acclaimed WiiWare game, escapeVektor, to the Nintendo 3DS and Play Station VITA. Originally conceived to be a four chapter experience, Nnooo has decided to bring the full game to the new handhelds. Here is a trailer of the WiiWare version to give you an idea of what to expect in this arcade like game:

Direct Link

Source

Greatest Levels of Gaming: Super Mario Bros. World 1-1

2012-02-23T15:01:00.002-03:30

World 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. is probably the most important and definitely the most iconic level in gaming; for many gamers it is also the first level they ever explored. World 1-1 offers up some easy platforming to help you learn the gameplay, but it also yields some nostalgic secrets that every gamer should know. Who could forget discovering the 1-UP Mushroom before the very first pit? What about discovering that pipes can be entered by pressing down?

World 1-1 also gives gamers plenty of opportunities to break bricks, collect coins, discover power-ups and encounter the first ever flagpole in the Super Mario series. Goombas and Koopa Troopas also patrol the level, so you will have to defeat, or avoid them when they attack, if you could call it that. Overall, World 1-1 is extremely easy to complete, but its design and influence make this one a classic.

Watch me play World 1-1!

Want me to demo a certain level? E-mail me at parko(at)playnintendo(dot)ca with the subject line Levels, and if I own the game or have access to it, I will consider doing that level.

Play Nintendo Blog Update

2012-02-23T12:27:00.000-03:30

Hey there everyone!

I just wanted to drop in and fill you in on some of the plans I have changed. I recently decided to do a magazine, but after some thought, I think it is best if I focus all my time on the blog instead. The magazine was coming along OK, even if a bit slowly, but I think it's best to focus on the Play Nintendo blog. I have received incredible support from affiliates and readers, so I would like to dedicate my time to making this the best possible Play Nintendo.

There are a few new ideas that I was going to put in the magazine, however, now I will be bringing them to the blog! Here is a short description of what will be coming here soon:

I will be doing a monthly feature called Gamer Profile that will highlight gamers that read this blog and those I discover around the Internet. Could be through Let's Play channels on YouTube, Twitter, in the comments, or even through suggestion.
Another new feature would be called: Greatest Levels of Gaming. Greatest Levels of Gaming will be a weekly/bi-weekly feature where I will pick a level that I've played through at some point, write a little feature for it and record a video of me playing through the level. GameTrailers does something similar called Level, which is good, but I hope to bring a different approach to the idea. I will also ask for suggestions on this as well.
I will also do another feature called: Secret. Secret will showcase cheats, hidden levels, easter eggs, or whatever one could consider a Secret in a video game.

I will start off by introducing Greatest Levels of Gaming later today.

All of these new features will be in addition to Showdown, I've got Video Game Music Stuck in my Head, Play Nintendo Retro, and reviews for current Nintendo games, and of course the best Nintendo news that I can find!

That is all for now, Paratroopa has a message for you before you leave: