I still love the system's classy design, of course, but I like my pink-and-white XL nearly as much--and, really, who needs to own two different XLs?
The Animal Crossing 3DS XL's European and North American release was announced during a pair of Nintendo Directs that aired earlier this morning, by the way. You can watch them here and here, respectively, if you'd like. A Japanese Nintendo Direct (deemed the "Luigi Special 2") went live at the same time and can be viewed here.
Japan's getting a Luigi-branded 3DS LL--Haven't Japanese gamers received enough limited edition LLs? I guess not, as another one--featuring a number of green Luigi silhouettes--will be released there alongside Mario & Luigi RPG 4 (aka Mario & Luigi: Dream Team) on July 18.
Another Mario Party? Yawn--What can I say? I'm not all that interested in this long-running series. In fact, I don't think I've played a Mario Party game since the second one. That said, I know a lot of people still get a kick out of them, so I'm glad another is being prepped for release.
AHHHHHHHH!!!--That was the gist of my reaction to the news that we'll soon be getting a new entry in the Yoshi's Island series, by the way. Although I wasn't sure what to think of the new art style at first, it's since grown on me and now the game is at or near the top of my "most wanted" list for whichever year it winds up being released.
I think I've changed my mind about Sayonara Umihara Kawase's graphics--I've been pretty down on this game in the recent past, despite my love for previous Umihara Kawase titles, but the gameplay snippet shown during the Japanese Nintendo Direct prompted me to do a 180, as they say. Now, I still don't consider it gorgeous, by any means, but I do think it looks better in motion than it does in statis screenshots. Assuming its gameplay holds up to prior iterations, I have a feeling this will be a 3DS game well worth owning.
You had me at A Link to the Past 2--So, those devious designers and developers at Nintendo are busy working on a follow-up to one of my all-time favorite games, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. I couldn't be happier. Well, OK, maybe I could be happier if the game was sprite-based rather than polygon-based, but that's probably asking a bit much in this day and age. Also, this sequel earns bonus points for employing an art style that somehow reminds me of (a prettier) Super Mario RPG.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy it is (I think)--You know how I just said I couldn't be happier? I was lying, as this piece of news was responsible for bringing the biggest smile to my face while watching today's Nintendo Directs. Sadly, it won't hit store shelves here until 2014, but I have a feeling it'll be worth the wait. By the way, does this mean the folks at Nintendo and Square Enix--who will be publishing the game in tandem, it seems--have decided to stick with the Japanese name? I sure hope so.
Now that I've had my say, what did all of you think of this morning's reveals? Did they satisfy you, or did they leave you wanting more?
As eager as I am to play Bravely Default, the Link to the Past sequel was easily my favorite item from the presentation. The 3D video posted on the eShop makes me want to play it even more. I would've settled for a 3D Classics remake of LttP on the 3DS, but this is even better news.
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking forward to trying Earthbound when it lands on the Wii U's Virtual Console.
Oh, yes, A Link to the Past 2 looks great. Won't argue with you there. Kind of funny that it'll come out here before Bravely Default, though. Oh, well, I have plenty to play between now and then.
ReplyDeleteAlso, yes, EarthBound hitting Wii U VC is great, great news. I'll definitely pick it up once I finally get a Wii U.
I wasn't expecting anything of interest, so Bravely Default was a nice surprise, and if nothing else, it's good to see Nintendo publishing more RPGs. Maybe it means that Dragon Quest VII has a chance (and Terry's Wonderland 3D and even Rocket Slime 3?).
ReplyDeleteYes, Bravely Default was a very nice surprise, IMO. You aren't interested in Yoshi's Island 3 or A Link to the Past 2, though?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a feeling we'll definitely get Dragon Quest VII, Matt, although it's looking like next year at this point. I'm doubting Terry's Wonderland 3D and Rocket Slime 3, though :(
I just HAVE to buy the Animal Crossing 3DS XL even though I already own a Pikachu 3DSXL. I never believed in miracles and then this Nintendo Direct Video came along. Those fantastic news are overwhelming! I'll defenetly buy the AC 3DS XL, the Earthbound VC-version, Yoshi's Island 3DS and Prof Layton and the Azran Legacy. I nearly wrote off SMT IV and Bravely Default and those EU announcements surprised me the most. THE BEST NINTENDO DIRECT EVER!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad to hear you were so happy with these NDs, Lizzi. So was I! I really wish I could force myself to buy the AC XL, but I just can't. Which is OK. I'm glad you'll be getting one, though!
ReplyDeleteI didn't like Yoshi's Island for DS and as somebody who didn't play A Link to the Past and has routinely disliked each Zelda game I've tried, the announcement doesn't excite me. It's certainly a cool surprise for Zelda fans though.
ReplyDeleteBut we have to get Rocket Slime 3. :( I just played through and loved Rocket Slime on DS. I don't own a single game for my 3DS. Haven't I trudged through enough Nintendo games to finally get something I actually want?
I'm going to have a breakdown in this Disqus box. (Kidding, but yeah, I don't think we're getting it either--it's been, what, two years since it originally released?)
I've never played Yoshi's Island DS for whatever reason, Matt, but the original is so wonderful that there's no question I'll be picking up the 3DS sequel.
ReplyDeleteAs for A Link to the Past 2: I understand not being a fan of Zelda games. Hell, I haven't liked one since Wind Waker, or maybe Ocarina of Time. That said, ALTTP is the only one I've ever loved (OK, along with the original), so I'm all in for this one, too.
I really, really want to believe we'll get Rocket Slime 3 someday, Matt, but I just can't do it. The original didn't sell all that well here, and this sequel didn't sell well in Japan, so I have to think it isn't coming.
I may pick up the Japanese version someday soon, though, if I can find it for a good enough price. (I refuse to spend $60 or more on it.)
If you do decide to buy Rocket Slime 3, I hope you'll do a writeup on it. Outside of a 1UP video, there aren't any English impressions of the game, and I enjoy reading your impressions.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just to save face a bit, I am rather excited for DKCR 3D.
ReplyDeleteOh, you know I'll do a write-up on it, Matt! And, really, I have to imagine I'll buy it eventually. The DS version has quickly become one of my all-time favorite games, after all :)
ReplyDeleteReally? You know what? I'm not interested in it at all! I rather liked the Wii version, but that was enough for me. Did you play the Wii version yourself?
ReplyDeleteI think I've mentioned this before, but I've never owned a Nintendo home console (which is perhaps the primary reason I'm disinterested in their franchises), so this'll be my first time playing the game. It seems that a lot of people aren't too interested in it for the same reason you mentioned, but as the only person who didn't own a Wii, I'm more than happy to get Wii ports.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, you did mention this earlier. Sorry for not remembering. In that case, I think it's great that you're interested in it. I certainly found it to be an enjoyable enough game, so hopefully you'll enjoy it, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to be a long time gamer, watch these directs, and not to start predicting the kinds of complaints that haters will come up with. "Oh they're making a sequel to LTTP, so that'll definitely be called a rehash even though they don't even know what the game looked/played like back on the SNES, or maybe they'll compare it to some indie game they downloaded which already borrowed elements from LTTP, they might even call it a rip off of that!"
ReplyDelete"Oh, they've announced a big bundle for SMT4, there's one that the haters are going to assume will be ported to other consoles, just as they assume Bayonetta 2 will be"
"A virtual console announcement, that's obviously going to be given the "Why buy when I can get it for free" treatment.
I mean sure, the number of haters out there is quickly extinguishing, and the real gamers are spending their time actually playing these games (I haven't been able to get enough of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate myself), but that just means that the haters that are left are going to be louder and angrier to reach each other. There's one guy who spends his full daily allotment of comments on the SMTxFE announcement video on Youtube, spamming the same line over and over again, with little changes so that he doesn't get auto-tagged for spamming. I didn't even know there was a daily limit to how many times you could post until he demonstrated it!
I only hope these flagrant demonstrations of how not to be a gamer, drive more third parties to bring their games to the Wii U and 3DS and get away from that odious group of barbarians.
I'm also Earthbound has been given the green light. I wonder how much of it they had to change (or how many legal hoops they had to jump through) to get it okayed for worldwide release.
Hey there, Q! I love your username, BTW :) As for the haters: ignore them, I say. I certainly do my best to do that. I honestly don't care if some folks don't like the same systems or games that I like. That's their prerogative, of course--although I don't have to spend my time listening to them!
ReplyDeleteAs for EarthBound coming to the VC: yes, it'll definitely be interesting to learn what had to be done in order to secure it's release outside of Japan. Hopefully NOE or NOA will share those stories with us eventually.
So much awesome news!!! I have the AC bundle preordered so I can finally join the ranks of the cool XL kids! ^^ Also, I dunno how I feel about the new Zelda and Yoshi's Island games being polygonal... but I'm trying to keep an open mind! Also YAAYYY to Bravely Default coming here! :D:D:D:D (Oh! Did you happen to snag some PAX tickets BTW?)
ReplyDeleteMarty! So happy to see you here again :) Not that I don't see you on FB from time to time, of course, but it's nice to interact with you here, too.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, that's great that you snagged yourself an AC XL bundle. Woo hoo!
I'm not sure how I feel about Zelda and Yoshi being polygonal either, but I'll keep an open mind about both games just like you are.
As for PAX Prime tickets: nope :( I tried, but failed. That said, it may be for the best, as August is going to be a brutal month for me, schedule-wise. We have guests coming early in the month and in the middle of the month, and we're also going on a bit of a vacation at the end of the month. If I'm around, though, I'd certainly love to meet up with you (assuming you snagged some tickets yourself).
I was doubly surprised that Bravely Default will be out in euro regions BEFORE the US!! Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteSMT4 confirmed for euro too is also very nice.
Yoshis island - I'm neutral about this. I remembering playing first one, finishing it that first night (it felt like it didn't take much effort at all) then returned for refund following day.
In my fb group it was interesting to read comments, people saying they were disappointed/put off by the graphics.
Mario party could be cool. I haven't played them in a while (really enjoyed first 3 games). Online mode would be cool if they are doing it.
Can't wait for Mario & Luigi RPG :)
Link to past - I would say neutral at this point considering my past with this game.
Forgot to add:
ReplyDeletethe Luigi XL makes me just.... ;_;
Damn you for showing it....
I would've been blissfully ignorant of it....
Yeah, Bravely Default hitting Euroland before the US in interesting. Oh, well, as long as we get it eventually, I don't care about the 'delay.'
ReplyDeleteRE: your experience w/ Yoshi's Island: I'm guessing you didn't try to get every coin in every stage, did you? That's where the challenge lies--kind of like in Kirby's Epic Yarn. Regardless, if you're not into the series, you're not into the series.
Me, I can't say I'm in love with this version's graphics at the moment, but I like what they seem to be trying to do with them. It'll be interesting to see if it looks at all different (i.e., better) by the time it's released.
I won't be getting Mario Party regardless, but an online mode would be welcome.
I'm looking forward to Mario & Luigi RPG 4, too. In fact, I think this will be my first game from that series!
Ha! Sorry about that Igor. Who knows, maybe it'll eventually be released elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteI want that Luigi 3DS! So awesome! When I first saw the video for the LttP sequel, I booed. I HATED the art style. HATED IT! I thought it looked cheap and ugly, but...............I gave it another look, and I think I'll get over it. Maybe if I look at it again, I'll actually like it! But...I'm sure the gameplay will be DYNAMITE. So...yeah...there's that.
ReplyDeletedid you download the 3D video from the eShop Justin?
ReplyDeletehaha :)
ReplyDeleteas an aside, I just finished Luigi's Mansion!! woohoo!
Now I can focus on Fire Emblem :)
Oh, that's great! And I'm guessing you enjoyed it? As for Fire Emblem: I have a feeling you'll enjoy that one, too. I've enjoyed it so far, although I have to admit I haven't played it as much as I should have by now...
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone in not loving the art style used in LTTP2, Justin. For me, all I could think about at first was that we were getting a LTTP sequel. It was only later that it hit me that I didn't completely love the art style. I'm personally hoping they add a little pizazz to it before the game releases, but even if they don't I'm pretty sure the gameplay will more than make up for it.
ReplyDeleteI did, Igor, and it definitely looked great in motion and on a 3DS. I still think the art style is a bit uninspired, but it's not going to keep me up at night or anything like that :)
ReplyDeleteLuigi's Mansion 2 >>>> Paper Mario Sticker Star.
ReplyDeleteI know this quite a digression but to do a quick comparison, I think Luigi is so much more better than Paper Mario - the characters (Kersti is a bitch, E Gadd is lovable crazy uncle), the setting, the "lite" story (tho I think Paper Mario was paper thin ha!), and more importantly Luigi has better puzzles in that you dont need to waste anything to solve it or be a mind reader
Well, that's good to hear, as I can't say I was all that captivated by what little I've played of Paper Mario: Sticker Star so far. I think I'll have to get to Luigi's Mansion sometime next week :)
ReplyDeleteFor me its like half and half. On the negative it looks too plastic-like (like bad 3D CG from the late 90s), but I do like the top down 3D effect
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with the plastic-like comment. Which I wouldn't mind, actually, if the overall art style were more interesting. In this case, it's just kind of bland. Oh, well, I'm still not going to get too worked up about it, as I won't be surprised if things change slightly in that regard before the game is released. And if not? No biggie.
ReplyDeleteYeah, sorry I've been super busy with school and behind on my commenting! lol
ReplyDeleteYes! My awesome boyfriend scored us tickets while I was asleep! lol So I'm one of the fortunate ones to have actually gotten some. That's too bad you will be busy this time around but sounds like you'll have a ton of fun with guests!
Yeah, for sure if you happen to have some free time we should hang out! :D
Yeah, it's too bad I'll be missing it again this year, but NEXT year I'm not going to allow this to happen. No guests, no vacations, no NOTHING that time of year.
ReplyDeleteI will have fun with our guests, of course, but I'll also be slightly stressed out (I worry about people not having fun, not getting enough of my/our attention, etc.). So, in a way I'll be happy when it's all over with, too.
Anyway, when PAX Prime time finally comes around, I'll bet sure to let you know via FB if I'll be free on any of the days you'll be here, as I DEFINITELY want to meet you in person. Finally!