As Mario would say… LETSA GO!!! The new Super Mario Bros.2 will be launching this Saturday the 18th of August for the Nintendo 3DS, and what better way to celebrate than to head down to The Nintendo Experience in Melbourne for a golden afternoon of fun and games.
If you’re located in Melbourne check out the details for where, when and what’s going to happen on the day:
Where: The Nintendo Experience, EB Games, 67 Swanston St When: Saturday 18th August, 12pm – 3pm What: Gameplay, Trivia, Prizes, Competitions, StreetPass, Cosplay, Mario appearances, FUN!
The what part above sounds like fun, with Nintendo advising that there will be prizes to be won all throughout the afternoon with Mario Trivia and give-aways, plus if you think you’ve got what it takes you can also put your skills to the test in the new Super Mario Bros. 2 Coin Challenge!
Anyone attending will also have a chance to experience and play Super Mario Bros. 2 on the new Nintendo 3DS XL which will be launching on the 23rd of August (the XL as mentioned in previous articles is boasts a 90% larger screen that the Nintendo 3DS)
And don’t forget while you’re there you can also take advantage of the StreetPass feature and pick up some more Mii’s, complete any puzzles you still might need and also try and finish a StreetPast Quest or two. So if you’re in Melbourne on Saturday 18th August make sure you head on down and enjoy the day and maybe win a prize or two along the way. YIPEEE!!!
An allege Xbox Durango Development Kit has been sold on Ebay for $20,100. A total of 43 bids were confirmed for the black tower PC looking device which may or may not be the Xbox 360’s successor. The listing by Ebay user ‘superdae’ describes the item as used and:
This item comes with powercables, and a wired controller.
Most defiantly an exciting description.
Now two things can come of this. It’s proven to be fake which is probably the most likely outcome, as development kits are strictly controlled and monitored.
However with that said, remember that guy who lost the iPhone 4 prototype in a bar back in 2010? Yeah strictly controlled and monitored…
However if this listing proves to be real (which is highly unlikely) we could learn the upcoming console’s specific tech details and hardware capabilities in full.
Spoiling Microsoft’s big unveil at a future press conference.
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends Developer: Slightly Mad Studios Publisher: Atari (US), Bluemouth Interactive (AU) Platforms: Playstation 3 (reviewed), Xbox 360, PC Release Dates: 3/07/2012 (US), 15/08/2012 (AU) Price:
Overview
In 1929, a man by the name of Enzo Ferrari founded Scuderia Ferrari for motorsports. In 1947, the business expanded into street legal cars. In 2012, Slight Mad Studios brings the world Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends. Published by Atari, Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends brings out sixty five years of Ferrari into one video game. The slick look of the cars are accompanied by the beautiful sound of their roaring engines. However, will a few flaws stall the game like stalling a manual car?
Gameplay
Realism is the name of this racing game as Slightly Mad offers something for the veteran racer. The cars do feel good to drive. Handling is a mixed bag, depending on the car chosen to drive with, but most are good, since Ferrari do offer excellent cars with great handling. There is a sense of being behind the wheel of these cars as they are taken on the tracks. What is done right here, though, can be hindered at the same time. Driving aids are available for those who are not so skilled with racing games, as well as lower difficulty levels to be more accessible. The driving aids can get in the way with enjoyment, which is a real shame.
The main mode of gameplay is the campaign mode. In this mode, the player relives the glory days of Ferrari through three different eras. The Golden Era (1947-1973) covers the beginning of the Ferrari juggernaut with cars such as the 125 S and 125 F, their first F1 car. The next era, the Silver Era (1974-1990) goes into the age of the Testarossa and the F40. The third and final age, the Modern Era (1991-2011) brings the more modern cars such as the Spider and the Enzo into the player’s focus. Each era has a set of missions that must be completed, complete with a main objective and a bonus objective. This should have been the crowning jewel of the game, seeing that the player goes through the existence of Ferrari. However, the whole campaign just feels shallow. The objectives do vary but they will repeat often. The story tacked on every era wasn’t necessary either. It didn’t give any motivation to complete the mission and felt too basic. With that said, it is necessary to complete it as it is the only way to actually unlock all of the locked cars and tracks for use in the other modes.
Speaking of the other modes, Test Drive offers more modes for the player to indulge in. Of course, quick race is available, where the player simply jumps into a race. Of course, the car, tracks, opponents and time of day can be chosen by the player. The ability to choose the type of cars used can also be chosen, although that is limited in itself. Players can also go through a time trial with similar options available. Multiplayer is also available, but this is where it becomes a little unforgiving. It isn’t the gameplay during multiplayer, it is the fact it is only online multiplayer, so anyone with a desire to play split-screen will be out of luck. The split screen multiplayer is staple in the racing genre and for Test Drive to forgo that is surprising. If there is split screen, then it is not made clear, which is also disappointing.
Another problem also seems to be the difficulty level, especially in the campaign mode. While the beginning of the Golden Era does its job into easing in the player, down the line, there will be a sudden spike in difficulty, even on the easiest difficulty. There is really only one way to describe this particular element of game design: poor. It is punishing for someone to have it easy at the beginning only for the difficulty to take a sharp spike upwards, increasing frustration for the player. The player is supposed to ease into an increased difficulty. If the player feels that the crash is because of their poor driving, that happens to be a good thing. Frustration occurs when the game is to blame.
Visuals and Audio
The visuals for Test Drive Ferrari aren’t as spectacular as watching a F430 speeding down the straight, but still holds itself. The detail of the body work of the cars is quite amazing as they recreate the famous cars to the finest detail. The tracks aren’t bad either, with some of them looking spectacular. However, the heads up display (or HUD) is scattered all over the screen. Too much information that isn’t required cluster around the screen, providing an annoyance. The guys at Slightly Mad, however, did allow the simple press of the d-pad to turn off the HUD, providing the player with a clear frontal view of the track. The menus are quite basic. What is also quite important for the cars is how they sound. Ladies and gentlemen, Slightly Mad has nailed the sounds of Ferrari. The roar of the engines is beautiful for the car loving gamer. It is done so well, one could create the Ferrari symphony just using the sounds made in the game. Outside of the cars, the music isn’t too bad. Pretty stocky, actually.
Overall
It’s hard to recommend Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends for anyone who isn’t exactly a fan of both the racing genre and the Ferrari brand and that is still a stretch. While the gameplay brings realism to the beautiful cars, it is missing the fun of driving at 250km/h, a feat no game can bring when compared to actually driving one. The tracks are beautifully recreated, but the campaign feels shallow with repetitive objectives and the spike in difficulty, even in the easiest setting. A lack of a real showcase section in the game is minor, but it is a game full of Ferrari cars. While those who love realism in the driving games will enjoy the collection of Ferrari cars and the game, it may not be the game for anyone else.
Chimpact Developer: Yippee Entertainment Publisher: Chillingo Ltd Platforms: iPhone (reviewed), iTouch, iPad Release Date: August 9, 2012 Price: $0.99 – Available Here
Overview
Flying through the jungle collecting bananas and gems while avoiding spiders and other dangers? Sounds like an iOS app. Especially with the super cute Chimp that is at your control who does a little dance every time you finish a level successfully and is rocking an adorable mohawk. Is Chimpact your standard aim and shoot platformer or does it establish itself with something different?
Gameplay
The gameplay for Chimpact is quite simple; you send your chimp flying from vines that are at intervals through the map by tapping the vine and dragging it back. An arrow will show up on the screen, showing you which way your chimp is being sent, as well as the strength you’re sending him flying with. In some cases you’ll get a hint about which direction to go in, but if you need a hint then you probably need to play faster.
Initially the levels are very straightforward and not difficult to make your way through and the gems are in fairly easy to find places, but as they go on it will get more difficult and getting all the gems might take you doing a level more than once because you’ll find yourself rocketing past one without the ability to go back and aim for it. A lot of them are hidden in bushes, which isn’t that much of a hassle, but some of the trickier ones might cause some raging out. There are also some parts where, unless you get it just right, you’ll keep hitting branches and rolling back onto the same vine, which is also cause for some raging.
While the idea behind it is quite simple, there’s no doubt you’ll have plenty to do because not only is there a Gem Quest mode where you hunt down gems and make your way through levels. There is also a Totem Trail mode, which has a range of challenges for you to complete, all of them being time sensitive. The challenges range from having to reach a set number of things in a limited time, to racing against the clock to finish a level, to limiting the amount of vines you use. There are five challenges in each totem, but you don’t have to finish all five to get to the next totem so don’t worry, if you aren’t good at a certain type of challenge then you won’t be stuck with it. As well as having five distinct challenges there are also a few different types within those five that keeps it fresh. Like the Totem Trail, you don’t have to collect all the Gems on each level to move on, you just need a minimum amount to unlock levels.
The great thing about Chimpact is that it has a really good learning curve that isn’t too steep. While it obviously doesn’t have very difficult gameplay there are also little tactics and game knowledge that you pick up along the way, which gets doled out to you in a steady and good way.
Overall the gameplay is fun and fast-paced, and it doesn’t require too much replaying of levels to continue on.
Visuals
The graphics are cute and cartoony with a high level of detail and are quite nice to look at. Everything moves smoothly and I didn’t encounter any issues or glitches with it while playing. It’s just a good looking app and one that will make you grin like a kid at the cuteness of it.
Audio
Unsurprisingly the soundtrack is full of jungle noises. While the menu might be a bit full on with the range and loudness of sounds, the game itself is a bit more toned down and only has the random animal sounds that you’d expect. Plus some random jungle cat sounds which sort of worry me about the chimp’s safety, but it seems to do okay.
Overall
Chimpact is definitely an app to look at getting if you like these sorts of level platformers. It gives a bit of a challenge, while still maintaining aspects that will make it easier for those who aren’t experienced, like allowing you to go through without gathering all the achievements you can. It does get quite addictive and you might find yourself a few hours later still playing and flying that little chimp through the jungle branches.
Chimpact is definitely a must buy for those who like a challenge with a steady and fair learning curve, with the added bonus of a super cute main character.
EA have just released the latest trailer showing off the new Skill Games within FIFA 13. By taking advantage of the player impact engine, players can try out a number of different challenges that focus on all the core elements within FIFA13, such as passing, dribbling, shooting, free kicks and penalty kicks to help you learn more about the game and also have fun along the way. Some of the challengers are very basic such as simply dribbling between cones, but will increase in difficulty to challenge the more experienced players.
Another skill game featured is the penalty kick mechanic where you will learn how to aim and shoot and place your shots like a professional. There are many more exciting and challenging features to experience, check out the trailer below and see for yourself.
Who’s looking forward to playing FIFA13? Let us know leave a comment below.
If you like explosions and animated chaos, you are in luck this week as the eShop has some new offerings up for anyone with some eCash to burn. First up comes Agetec’s Touch Battle Tank 3D, which is about how it sounds. Players can battle tanks in over 50 stages and 20 bonus stages while utilizing the intuitive circle pad controls in this romp for $4.99.
Next up is something for Contra fans of sorts known as Commando: Steel Disaster. Released for the eShop as well as the DSiWare, this title is priced at $7.99 and looks to be worth every penny as the art style is quite detailed and full of those Metal Slug/Contra charms, yet is still quite unique on it’s own.
The final game as far as “games” go is for the Wii’s Virtual Console. Real Bout Final Fury Special is a NEOGEO classic, and is priced at the usual 900 point price-tag that we typically see for the platform.
eShop owners can also download a New Super Mario Bros. 2 video that shows off the Warp Cannon Courses, as well as a stop-motion 3D sports clip that has been lego’d to go along with the Olympic festivities.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo have offered Fluidity as a reward for Club Nintendo, but it is another chance to snag up one of the Wii’s finest digital titles for cheap. If you have 150 coins lying around in your Club Nintendo account, you can snag up this motion-based puzzler on the cheap, until August 19th.
The Game Boy version of golf is also lingering around as a reward for 3DS owners, and has been set at the same 150 coin value for the time being. Now, get to downloading and check back, as these rewards will be changing shortly and we will bring more updates out as those changes are delivered. Now we just need ToeJam and Earl to get the reward status and I will be one happy camper.
Since it was released in Japan for Club Nintendo, us in the west have drooled over that beautiful golden nunchuck controller and have yearned for it to come stateside as a reward. Well, our prayers to the Nintengods have been answered as Nintendo have now thrown up the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword related peripheral as a reward.
Yes, it doesn’t quite say the game’s name or feature a logo, but if you happen to have a golden Wiimote from the bundle, this is the only way you can get a matching nunchuck for 900 points. Hope you were saving, as while this is high in value, there is no doubt it will go quick so cash in while you can.
Adidas micoach Developer: 505 Games Publisher:505 Games Platform: Xbox 360 (Kinect required) Release Date: 25 July 2012 Price: $39.99 (HERE)
Overview
Adidas miCoach tries to get gamers with Kinect into shape and enlists a slew of celebrity sportsmen and women in order to achieve that objective. With a broad range of motion-tracked exercises to take part in and high profile backing, could this be the game that gets us off our butts and onto the exercise mat?
Gameplay
For better and for worse, miCoach uses the Kinect as its one and only gameplay input and menu navigation tool.
The game worked well with the controversial Microsoft peripheral when I was doing what anyone would buy the game for: exercising. It did an excellent job of tracking my movements and reps as I performed one of the many workout routines available, and there are some available for almost any sport you can think of.
Interested in football? Rugby? Basketball, running, American football, tennis, or just general fitness? Well, there’s a workout for you. And given that there are over 400 different exercises and stat tracking across the miCoach website and portable app, you’re not going to run out of things to do for a long while.
Your coaches on your journey of calorie burning discovery are famous faces from the various sports programs included in the game, such as Gareth Bale, Kaka, Ana Ivanovic. The list goes on, and it is impressive. Jose Mourinho is also thrown in there, though having the Real Madrid manager telling you how to do your workout is a bit odd given he spends the 90 minutes of a football match pacing up and down the sidelines.
Regardless, the athlete’s backing of this game really lends some clout to what you’re doing, especially as they explain why you’re doing certain exercises and how they help strengthen your muscles.
The various training plans vary their routines through sub-classifications such speed, strength, and general training. miCoach will tell you how long each program will take, as well as the equipment you might need, such as fitness balls or dumbbells. While it’s odd that you need equipment that you might not have readily available at home, it pays off when you’re actually doing the exercises. If an exercise is giving you trouble, or if the Kinect sensor is having a bit of trouble picking up your movements for a particular set, you can always skip it or remove it from the routine altogether. miCoach isn’t a game with a lack of ways to play it.
Nor is it a game that was made to make housewives feel better about being home all day. You will actually work up a sweat while playing (if it indeed can be called playing) through the game. Good luck trying to keep your eyes on the screen while exercising though, it’s a task of Herculean difficulty.
Where the game fails in its use of Kinect is in the menu navigation. You’ll wing your arms wildly, approving annoying “are you sure you want to do this?” messages that are probably only in there because the developers realised people would accidentally select incorrect exercises given the shodiness of the menu navigation. This really just feels horrible. It’ll be half a work out just getting from menu to menu, before you’ve even begun your fitness routine. Unfortunately, this severely hampers the game’s otherwise good use of the Xbox peripheral.
Audio & Visual
The graphical design of the game is a generally sterile pallet of whites and greens in the menus, with gyms and training houses serving as the backdrop. The exercises are presented by filmed athletes, no graphical renditions here, and they take place in stadiums, gyms, etc. But honestly, once you begin working out, you won’t be looking at the screen much, you’ll primarily be focused on (you guessed it) working out. The game’s art design never takes you out of the fitness mentality, and the colour scheme of the menus actually make up what could be called a “fit aesthetic”.
The audio consists mainly of the celebrity athletes talking to you about your current exercise routine, though there are also bios in which the players will talk about themselves and their careers. And that’s about all you really need in a game made not to blow you away with its presentation, but to make you get up and move.
Overall
miCoach is a fitness game that will make you get off the couch and genuinely strengthen your body and improve your fitness. In that it succeeds. Where the game fails is in what most games have mastered: navigation. The frustration of not being able to get to the work out you want, or having one of the exercises fail to be picked up by the Kinect borders on hysteria. Wild, arm-flapping hysteria.
You’ll work up a sweat, but half of it will come from maddeningly waving your hands as you try to reach your fitness routine.
It seems that Microsoft has saved the best for last with their Summer of Arcade promotion, because Humble Hearts, developer of the title, has released a launch trailer for Dust: An Elysian Tail. The trailer can be seen below and you may just want to prepare yourself first, because the trailer may just make every other XBLA game released so far to shame.
Dust: An Elysian Tail will follow the story of Dust, a warrior looking to recover his memories and also put an end to the monsters roaming the land. Alongside him is an ancient sword called Ahrah and a flying companion named Fidget. The title will be released next week on August 15th for 1200 MSP and looks like it will be well worth the cost.
