The emulation world just witnessed a surprising announcement. Citra, the renowned open-source 3DS emulator, is set to embark on a new frontier as it introduces CitraVR, a native OpenXR application designed for the Meta Quest platform. Scheduled for release on January 20th, 2024, this transformative step promises to deliver an immersive experience for gaming enthusiasts seeking to explore the vast library of Nintendo 3DS titles in a virtual environment.

As reported by UploadVR, CitraVR’s beta launch will be facilitated through SideQuest and GitHub, bypassing Steam due to legal challenges faced by the Dolphin emulator. The application offers users the opportunity to play 3DS titles legally by enabling game dumping through a modified 3DS. While downloading ROMs is an option, it’s important to note that Citra does not endorse or encourage such practices.

Navigating CitraVR on the Meta Quest platform will be a seamless experience, allowing users to select their games through a visible 2D panel in the Quest’s home interface. Once in-game, the perspective seamlessly transitions into a full 3DS display, creating an authentic gaming atmosphere within the virtual realm.

Developer Amanda Watson emphasizes that the performance of CitraVR will be contingent on the specific game being played. Additionally, Watson clarified that the emulator will not support original Nintendo DS titles. This development follows Citra’s previous expansion to Android in 2020, where it garnered acclaim for its comprehensive support and functionality.

CitraVR represents a significant stride in the convergence of emulation and virtual reality, providing users with an innovative way to engage with classic Nintendo 3DS titles. As the beta version takes its inaugural step into the Meta Quest landscape, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the possibilities and experiences that CitraVR will unlock in the realm of virtual Nintendo adventures.

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In a move anticipated since Nintendo’s earlier announcement, the company has now restricted new users from accessing online features on both the 3DS and Wii U gaming consoles. Originally slated for “early April” 2024, this decision was seemingly implemented quietly in late December 2023, as reported in a comprehensive blog post on Pretendo.

As of late December 2023, new users attempting to engage in online play on the 3DS or Wii U are met with error codes ‘006-0303’ and ‘106-0303,’ respectively. These codes signify a disconnection from the servers, indicating that new accounts are no longer synchronized with Nintendo’s online infrastructure. This move is part of Nintendo’s broader strategy to conclude “online play and other functionality” dependent on online communication for these legacy consoles.

The gaming community was taken aback in early December when Super Mario Maker players began experiencing a disruptive ‘Error Code 106-0502’ while attempting to engage with the game’s servers. This unexpected development raised concerns among enthusiasts, prompting a closer examination of the situation and its potential implications.

The specific nature of the ‘Error Code 106-0502’ remained a point of curiosity and frustration for Super Mario Maker players, as it hindered their ability to seamlessly connect to the game’s servers. Users, both new and existing, found themselves grappling with this issue, leading to a collective sense of uncertainty and inquiry within the gaming community.

While these changes mark a significant step towards the planned shutdown of online services for 3DS and Wii U in April 2024, existing users are currently unaffected. The upcoming cessation of these services has prompted discussions within the gaming community about the evolving landscape of Nintendo’s online ecosystem and the implications for players who still engage with these classic platforms. As the gaming industry embraces newer technologies and platforms, Nintendo’s decision reflects the company’s focus on shaping the future of its online gaming infrastructure.

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The yin to Mario’s yang, Wario is an established member of Nintendo’s zany cast of characters. From side-scrolling adventures to micro-game madness, the treasure-hungry antagonist has taken the reins on an array of strange and wonderful games. With the mustachioed maniac’s new release just around the corner, I’ve decided to rank the top 10 Wario games.

10. Wario Land: Shake It!

The Wiimote was divisive. While it did allow anyone to engage, it also led to a number of games dumbing down their controls with motion mechanics. Wario Land: Shake It! managed to nail its implementation. Keeping the platform premise at the forefront, you shake your Wiimote to perform certain actions which helps to create a fun, unique adventure.

9. Wario World

Although painfully short, Wario World is a blast from start to finish. Sure, it’s conventional but the game has buckets of character and looks great on the GameCube. Often forgotten, this dusty gem is definitely worth seeking out.

8. Wario Land 4

Leaning more into the Metroidvania style of gameplay Wario Land 4 strays away from its predecessors to form its own identity. Its stand-out visuals and music are a highlight of the game and help to make this a memorable experience. 

7. WarioWare: D.I.Y.

WarioWare is all about strange micro-games. How can you crank the insanity up? Well, give players the tool to create their own. While a game like this would have exploded on the Switch, it still did extremely well and is widely considered one of the best games in the series.

6. WarioWare: Get it Together!

Get it Together! moves away from the formula by combining traditional platform mechanics with the bonkers scenarios. Each character moves in a specific way and you must complete the micro-game using their method of traversal. It’s still crazy and manages to capture that great couch co-op feeling that Nintendo is famous for.

5. Wario Land 3

While Wario Land 4 went on to develop the structure further, I believe that the third entry was superior. The level design is fantastic and is full of innovative elements that make the moment-to-moment gameplay feel great. 

4. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!

A remake of the GBA classic, Mega Party Game$! is an absolute blast! The originality in this game is second-to-none and was a party centerpiece at many households. Although the format has evolved into more motion-based micro-games, there’s still a place for a game like this.

3. Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land

The first title with Wario as a playable character is one of the best. While held back by the power of the GameBoy, each level is still full of clever ideas that make each step in the world an absolute joy. Don’t be deterred by the dated visuals, go back and check out this classic.

2. WarioWare: Touched

Touched transcended the fanbase and became a hit with casual gamers too. Due to the DS touchpad, this was easy for anyone to pick up and play. The ridiculous scenarios that require quick reactions were insanely addictive and made this one of the best games in the franchise.

1. WarioWare: Smooth Moves

Arguably the best use of Wiimotes can be found in Smooth Moves. Nintendo took what worked on Touched and developed this for the Wii. The absurd microgames were well-designed but also hilarious to watch others play. Performing comical actions to complete a task helps to make this the perfect party game. As a result, Smooth Moves takes first place for the best game featuring the crazed character.

Well, there you have it. Do you agree with the list? What would you change? Do you think the next game in the franchise will be better than the titles above? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.

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If you possess even a modicum of familiarity with the legacy of Satoru Iwata, the beloved President of Nintendo who tragically departed in 2015, you’re likely well-acquainted with the enduring rumor that swirls around his involvement in the creation of the iconic 1999 titles, Pokémon Gold and Silver.

The tale weaves a narrative where Iwata ingeniously devised a compression code, a digital wizardry of sorts, that dramatically shrunk the size of these games. This feat, according to the rumor mill, enabled Game Freak, the developer behind Pokémon, to not only incorporate the newly introduced Johto region but also seamlessly integrate the original Kanto region.

While this narrative had garnered some level of credibility over time, bolstered by aged interviews and subtle in-game references in subsequent Pokémon titles, fresh insights from the YouTube channel DidYouKnowGaming have illuminated a different facet of Iwata’s contributions to Pokémon Gold and Silver.

The video linked above provides a more comprehensive exploration of the subject, but in essence, it posits that Iwata’s algorithm, nestled within the game’s code (a tweaked iteration of a similar algorithm found in EarthBound and other HAL Laboratory games), was not primarily aimed at reducing the game’s size but rather enhancing its velocity. These optimizations, though seemingly minuscule—mere fractions of a second in various instances, such as when a battle commences or when an opposing Pokémon materializes on-screen—culminate in a noticeably smoother and more streamlined gaming experience compared to earlier iterations.

In essence, this revelation implies that the inclusion of the Kanto region in Pokémon Gold and Silver was an achievement accomplished by the game’s developers, despite Iwata’s algorithm, which did, indeed, manage to pare down the overall storage size by a modest percentage. Consequently, while Iwata’s role may not have been as groundbreaking in terms of game size reduction as previously speculated, his contributions undeniably played a pivotal role in sparing players from protracted loading times, enhancing the overall enjoyment of these classic titles.

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In a significant announcement, Nintendo confirmed the cessation of online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U in early April 2024. This encompasses online play, functionality, and communication, impacting both legacy systems and the New Nintendo 3DS, including the Xenoblade Chronicles 3D port.

Once the online support vanishes, online co-op play, internet rankings, and data distribution will become relics of the past. Nintendo plans to unveil the precise shutdown date at a later juncture. It’s worth noting that any unforeseen events hindering service continuation could prompt an earlier closure.

An exception amidst this shutdown is Pokemon Bank, which will persist. However, Nintendo has cautioned that its support may eventually meet the same fate. Nevertheless, post-shutdown, players can still enjoy features and game modes reliant on local communication, such as StreetPass.

Regrettably, SpotPass, dependent on online services, will become inaccessible. On a brighter note, the ability to download updated data and redownload purchased software and DLC from the eShop will remain intact.

This year has witnessed a series of closures, with Nintendo shutting down the 3DS and Wii U eShops earlier, and Microsoft announcing the impending closure of the Xbox 360 Marketplace in July 2024. As the gaming landscape evolves, these transitions are a reminder of the ever-changing digital realm.

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There are award shows and annual debates over which game is the best. While there are often overlapping opinions in those camps, what game is “best” is often very subjective. Some institutions like the Strong National Museum of Play try to make things more official with the World Video Game Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Alongside Ocarina of Time, they also inducted Ms. Pac-Man, Dance Dance Revolution, Sid Meier’s Civilization. The first Legend of Zelda game had also be added to this Hall of Fame several years ago, among other iconic titles, such as GTA III, Pong, The Sims, Space Invaders, and many others.

The debate of the best LoZ game is an ever-waging war. Whether you are a backer of Breath of the Wild, Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, or Majora’s Mask, Ocarina of Time is always up there.

The Strong National Museum of Play says, in part, “Released in 1998 for Nintendo 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was the first of the series to feature 3D graphics. Led by Shigeru Miyamoto, Ocarina of Time set a new standard for games with its freedom of movement in a three-dimensional world that felt expansive and vast, laying the foundation not just for the action games that would follow it, but for the gaming industry as a whole.”

So many gamers have such personal memories of this game. The fact that Nintendo keeps releasing it on nearly all of its platforms is a testament to its timelessness… and I bet it makes a lot of money. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is available on N64, Game Cube, Wii U, 3DS, and Nintendo Switch Online.

Which is you favorite Zelda game? Let us know in the comments below.

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This current situation with Nintendo is a bit of a mystery. For the past few days, there’s been a service that has been down: the Wii, and DSi shop channels.

Currently, this appears to be a global situation. As in, this has occurred not only in the North American regions but also within places such as Europe as well. There are no error messages given when access is attempted, which is the most baffling part- all that happens is a blank screen.

It’s a fairly odd situation, as no warning was given by Nintendo, and currently, there has been no word if the shops will even come back. As Eurogamer pointed out, this has been going on since March 16, 2022, making it four days as of this writing since this situation has arisen.

Though, it is worth noting that no one has been able to buy anything from the Wii store since 2019, and the DSi store since 2017. Still, there was no announcement or warning. This means that those that still use the service have not had the time to download difficult-to-find games from the server, or otherwise ensure there was access to their past purchases.

Funny enough though, if looking through the help pages, there does seem to be some indication of plans for both shop channels to go down at some point. For example, it reads this on the DSi store page: “The ability to re-download purchased content or transfer content to a Nintendo 3DS family system will continue after the Nintendo DSi Shop closure for an as-yet-unspecified amount of time. If you are thinking of transferring your DSiWare content to a Nintendo 3DS family system, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience while the service is still available.”

And on the Wii shop channel help page, it reads as: “However, for the time being you may continue to re-download content you have purchased or transfer that content from a Wii system to a Wii U system. Be aware that these features will eventually end at a future date.”

So, we did know that there would be a closure, but not that it would be at this time. Still, there have been reports from players using third-party tools that they have been able to access and even download games. This indicates that the servers are not down completely, just the storefronts. Whether this means the two stores are down for good though, is currently unknown.

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Much to fans surprise (and delight) there has been an announcement concerning the Shin Megami Tensei series. It turns out that a spin-off of the series will be coming out this year.

Soul Hackers 2 is said to be coming out on August 20th, 2022. The original series called Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers, had originally been released in 1997 on the Sega Saturn, and then later re-released on the Nintendo 3DS in 2013.

As for the current game that will be coming out in Summer 2022, we still know little about the game itself, other than what was seen from the trailer. It appears, combat-wise, that it will be similar to the Persona and other Shin Megami Tensei series- that is, that there is the summoning element- for Soul Summoner, devils so far- as part of combat, with the ability to combine devils to create new summons, as seen in games previous. Whether there is a dating element, or exploring other characters’ stories has yet to be seen.

However, it does appear that there is some of the story at least, some of the story that is known. According to the trailer (which is age-restricted from YouTube, as the game has been rated Mature for violence, strong language, partial nudity, blood, and gore), the story centers around two spheres.

One is a war between two Devil Summoner factions, the Yagaratsu and the Phantom Society. The other, Ringo and Figue, are two beings born from a realm of streaming information. They appear to be super-intelligent beings known as “Aions” and come to the world of humidity to stop the end of the world.

It does appear that players will be controlling Ringo, at least for the most part, and be able to roam through the city, buying items, visiting landmarks, and visiting with other characters.

Interestingly enough, when the game is released on August 26, 2022, internationally, Atlus will also release Soul Hackers 25th Anniversary Special Edition Box Set. So if you’re a big fan of Shin Megami Tensei, or if you’re intrigued by Soul Hackers, be sure to check it out! We’ll give you more information as it releases.

Soul Hackers 2 is set to come out on PC (Steam), Xbox One, Xbox X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

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Nintendo, earlier this week, has announced that 3DS and Wii U eShop stores will be slowly closing down. The online stores should be closed by 23rd May 2022, and funds will be slowly phased out by March 2023. It’s been confirmed that, in total, there will be a thousand titles that are digital-only, and will vanish permanently.

And there are a lot of people who are unhappy with the lack of accessibility to past games. And, interestingly enough, so are some video game archivists. The Video Game History Foundation, which takes a non-profit organization that preserves games and hardware, is very upset about this move. In particular, they are unhappy with Nintendo because they “actively funds lobbying that prevents even libraries from being able to provide legal access to these games”. The foundation continued on Twitter, with their statement:

“While it is unfortunate that people won’t be able to purchase digital 3DS or Wii U games anymore, we understand the business reality that went into this decision. What we don’t understand is what path Nintendo expects its fans to take, should they wish to play these games in the future. As a paying member of the Entertainment Software Association, Nintendo actively funds lobbying that prevents even libraries from being able to provide legal access to these games. Not providing commercial access is understandable, but preventing institutional work to preserve these titles on top of that is actively destructive to video game history. We encourage ESA members like Nintendo to rethink their position on this issue and work with existing institutions to find a solution.”

The Video Game History Foundation actively goes out of its way to ensure the history of video games and advocates for historical preservation. Their stance is to keep what video game history we have, as there has already been much of it lost.

Perhaps, they may be able to point out that Nintendo may be able to make a profit off of its games in the distant future- as some have done with previously unreleased games. But we will have to see what Nintendo plans to do, especially in the face of this backlash.

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Nintendo is putting an end to the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops. Sometime in “late March,” any digital-only games will basically stop existing on those platforms. Seeing any storefront go down is genuinely terrible as there is a host of games many will never have access to again.

The shutdown is a multi-step process that goes like this:

• May 23, 2022: It will no longer be possible to add funds using a credit card to a 3DS/Wii U eShop account.
• August 29, 2022: It will no longer be possible to use an eShop card to add funds. However, it will still be possible to redeem download codes.
• Late March 2023: It will no longer be possible to make purchases, download demos or themes, redeem a download code, or add funds.

At least we are getting a notice, and those interested can act accordingly.

Thankfully, users will still be able to download and play content they already own. They will just be unable to purchase new content.

A now-deleted statement from Nintendo about how Nintendo Online is good enough for classic games read like this:

“We think this is an effective way to make classic content easily available to a broad range of players. Within these libraries, new and longtime players can not only find games they remember or have heard about, but other fun games they might not have thought to see out otherwise.”

I can’t say I agree with Nintendo here. Them dropping random games every few months is not a replacement for being able to purchase a seemingly endless amount of classic games.

What do you think of eShops shutting down? Do you think Nintendo Online is good enough for classic games? Let us know in the comments below!

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If you’re looking for a new handheld, your only option is Nintendo’s various Switch consoles. The 3DS is dead as far as new releases are concerned, and Sony’s PS Vita was discontinued almost as fast as it was released. As a result of low support from big companies, we’re starting to see small startups take a crack at handhelds.

Panic Inc, in collaboration with Teenage Engineering (the folks behind popular music devices such as the Pocket Operator series and the OP series), is releasing the Playdate. The company’s first handheld features a 1 bit 400 by 240-pixel screen, a 180 MHz Coretex M7 processor, Game Boy-Esque controls and strangest of all, a crank that we’ll get back to in a second. Those specs might not sound very impressive, but a lot can be done with it considering the 1-bit screen. The benefit is also a battery life of 8 hours and 14 days of standby time. The display isn’t particularly impressive, as pixels can be only on or off with no in-between, but it will definitely get the job done. The most important thing, however, is the software.

Promising 2 new games every week for 12 weeks as well as a developer studio for community builds, the Playdate has one more trick up its sleeve. Using the Playdate’s developer studio, James Daniel recreated the DSi’s Flipnote studio on the new handheld. Using that magical crank, you can scrub through each frame at a speed set by your cranking hand! Unfortunately, you must retrieve the files from a DSi as the Playdate doesn’t have a touchscreen but it’s possible Daniel releases some kind of compromise, be it either a desktop studio like the one he’s already created, or some kind of D-pad and crank etch-a-sketch style drawing studio on the Playdate itself.

Set to launch later this year, the Playdate can be had for $179. Are you interested in this device at all? Do any of the games look interesting? Let us know in the comments!

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On September 2nd, Steam players will finally be able to play Square Enix’s critically-acclaimed release: Bravely Default II.

Bravely Default II is a turn-based RPG that sees players taking on the roles of four heroes: Seth, Gloria, Adelle, and Elvis. It’s a relatively straightforward affair, with plenty of main and side quests for players to sink their teeth into. But Bravely Default II’s gameplay is where it shines brightest; The typical attack/guard system being replaced with one that lets players store actions to use them later, all at once. Combine this with the four party members, each one able to store/use actions separately, leaves a ton of room for flexibility in how you want to play.

Until recently, the game has been exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. With this added reach, more players than ever will be able to dive into Bravely Default II’s world and characters. This kind of expansion is uncharted territory for the Bravely Default series – when the original game was released almost nine years ago, it was exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS. And to date, it’s never seen any official released outside that platform. The game’s sequel, Bravely Second: End Layer, shared this issue.

But now, the exclusivity to Nintendo platforms is no longer an issue. They certainly picked an excellent platform to expand onto – Steam’s playerbase is absolutely massive, and with the prominence of Japanese RPGs in this space (Square Enix’s own Final Fantasy 14 MMO comes to mind), Bravely Default II is sure to find a home in many player’s libraries. It’s even possible that a move like this could lead to more people owning the original games, but that’s something we’d need to wait and see for.

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If you are a gamer and a holder of a Netflix account or have access to one, you probably have more devices that can access Netflix than you know what to do with. Let’s see, you might have Netflix on your TV, PC, phone, tablet, and pretty much any console from the past 10 years. Unfortunately, you will have to scratch a couple of those devices off that list now. As of June 30th, Netflix is no longer supported on any Nintendo 3DS or Wii U model.

The 3DS first came out in 2011 and was finally discontinued in 2020. The Wii U, on the other hand, had a much shorter lifespan, lasting from 2012 to 2017.

On December 31st, 2020, the Netflix app was removed from the Nintendo eShop for those consoles and six months later, service had ceased. This affects all models of both consoles, including the 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL, Wii U Basic, and Wii U Deluxe. If any of these devices was your primary platform for watching Netflix, you may have to join the rest of us in 2021, or 2014 at the very least.

Though this may be sad news for owners of Wii U and 3DS, there is a silver lining. There’s this other Nintendo product called the Switch. I can be a handheld console AND a TV console! AND it supports Netflix! There are also some pretty good games on it, if you want to use it like that. RIP 3DS. You will be missed. RIP Wii U. We hardly used ye.

Did you watch Netflix on either of these devices? Let us know in the comments below.

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Are you in the market for a new gaming headset without completely breaking the bank? I might have just the headset you’re looking for. The Recon 500 is a brand new, wired, multiplatform headset from Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach has been developing gaming headsets for over 15 years and are known for balancing quality with affordability. This particular headset will launch this month for an MSRP of $79.99 (USD)/$99.99 (CAD). Here are my thoughts on the Recon 500.

One Headset For All Your Gaming Audio Needs

As mentioned before, the Recon 500 is a multiplatform headset. This means that right out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the headset on any device that has a 3.5mm connection. The Recon 500 even includes a hand Quick Start guide that offers clear instructions on how to get the most out of your headset depending on the device. For example, to get proper 3D audio on your Xbox Series X, you’ll want to change your headset format to Windows Sonic for Headphones. And since it’s wired, you won’t have to worry about syncing your headset with a specific console or controller. While I do appreciate the freedom I get from using my wireless Astro A50’s, I have to admit that going back to a wired headset was hardly a deal breaker – plus, there’s no need to charge them!

The Recon 500 audio quality is excellent. The headset features 60mm Eclipse dual drivers – a new audio delivery system that separate’s high and low frequencies that helps diversify sounds more than traditional headsets. For testing purposes, I played Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War (Xbox Series X) and The Last of Us Part II (PlayStation 5). In both games, directional audio is an absolute must and the Recon 500 delivered beautifully. In The Last of Us Part II, every conversation was crystal clear, allowing me to fully immerse in the story without missing any dialog – even during some of the more intense action scenes. But what truly blew me away was how amazing some of the ambient audio sounded. I recall this one moment where a storm starts in-game, but I could only hear it – not see it. It sounded so authentic I actually took my headset off because I thought the storm was outside my window. In Black Ops Cold War, I could clearly hear the footsteps of nearby opponents, allowing me a better chance to get the drop on them. I could clearly determine which direction my opponents were coming from or if they were above or below me. In addition, I used Black Ops Cold War as a test for the Recon 500’s chat functions. I had no issues hearing my other party members in chat, and they let me know that I sounded great to them. The Recon 500 excelled in every scenario I threw at it, regardless of the console or game.

They Actually Fit My Ears

Let’s talk about the brilliant design of the Recon 500. What I loved most was the size of the ear cups. I have relatively big ears, and they fit perfectly around them, completely enclosing my ears from the world. This allowed me to fully enjoy every single sound without anything sounding muffled. It also helped prevent any outside sounds interfering with my gaming. Just putting them on, it felt like I was wearing noise-canceling ear muffs. And the generous amount of padding around made for a comfortable fit at every point of contact on my head. I had some gaming sessions that lasted for three to four hours and I could hardly tell I was wearing them.

I really only have two issues with the headset. The first is the mute function. To mute your chat audio, you must press the button on the left ear cup. Rather than provide any sort of audio clue, the button will be slightly depressed if you’re muted. However, since the height difference between muted (depressed) and not muted is relatively minor, it was difficult for me to tell if I was in fact muted or not. The second issue I had was with the detachable mic. It works fine, but being detachable, I fear it could end up lost at some point. I much prefer the way my Astro A50’s swing the mic boom up and down (which also is how that mic’s mute function works, providing a clear indication when my chat audio is muted).

The Turtle Beach Recon 500 is an excellent multiplatform headset. It worked great on both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The sounds were very clear and produced excellent 3D audio effects, perfect for games requiring directional audio. The headset is very comfortable and the ear cups completely covered my large ears, creating an added noise canceling effect while providing crystal clear sound. I had some issues with the mute function and I would have preferred if the mic boom was permanently fixed onto the headset – but these issues are relatively minor and might not impact your decision on purchasing. If you’re in the market for a headset, but don’t want to spend big money on a product like the Astro A50’s, then I would highly recommend the Recon 500’s.

***Turtle Beach Recon 500 headset provided by manufacturer***

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Character customization is one of the best parts of any game. For me at least, my investment in a game can be dramatically increased with a good character creator. Miitopia takes this concept and runs with it, letting you cook up the entire cast from scratch. Whether you want to put all your friends and family, or just a carnival of unspeakable horrors, in the starring roles? Well that’s up to you. I’m not sure that Miitopia has much more than that to offer. I’m also not sure the game needs anything else.

An unspeakable villain has stolen everyone’s faces! It’s up to you and your merry band of heroes to get those faces back and save the day! There’s more to the story than that, but I couldn’t retain it. The main narrative is crazy dull, acting as a thin cardboard container for the game’s core activities. Although you’re traipsing around the country retrieving faces, your main focus ends up being your party. Hopes, dreams, and common interests are all slowly uncovered as you go on your journey. Who will form lifelong bonds with who? Which one of you has developed a taste for goblin ham? Who has the most spine for scary movies? While I couldn’t get invested in the main story, Miitopia’s side content ended up pulling me right in.

More Tiny Side Stories Please

While on your travels, members of your party will chat with one another. During their many, many stops at various inns, bonds are formed and strengthened. Miis will train together, eat together, exchange gifts, trade secrets, and go on leisurely outings. In the midst of all this, you’re treated to a steady stream of cute, clever dialogue. This, in my mind, was the real story of Miitopia. Everything else, the epic quest, the fierce battles, the various exotic locales, all of that was just brightly colored filler. The main quest feels like something you endure while waiting for the actual story to resume. I wanted to see what my party got up to, what they dreamed of, what they hated. I wanted to see where these blossoming friendships would go. I wanted the results of my haphazard pairings, slowly brought to life through a string of quiet evenings in the inn. Kings and dark lords be damned, this was the story for me.

Of course, I chose to tell this story with a parade of weird horrors. The best part of Miitopia plays out before you even start the game. There was easily an hour and a half between starting it up and getting to the prologue. That entire period was spent crafting Miis, most of whom were not meant for the cold light of day. It turns out there’s a lot of wriggle room buried in those sliders and screens. If my enjoyment of this game is a pie chart, a full 50% is dedicated to character creation. Ghouls, wraiths, faded starlets, stoners, grandparents, and straight up demons – nothing is beyond the reach of this system. I’m delighted to report that the full range of possibilities is well beyond my meager skills. There are 500 slots for Miis available, enough for every character – no matter how minor – in the entire game. You can pad out that roster however you wish. This, more than any other feature, ensures that Miitopia has some real replay value going forward.

The Miis Of Your Dreams (Or Nightmares)

It occurs to me that an actual RPG is buried somewhere beneath the comradery and character creation. The system at work is perfectly serviceable. You don’t need to do any level grinding, healing items are plentiful, and the AI that controls most of your party is pretty snappy. If you’re truly not invested in the battles, your character can also be set to auto battle, leaving you with more processing power for things like dates and favorite foods. Things do get a bit tougher in the last half, but it’s nothing to balk at. My zealous attention to personal bonds and retail therapy meant that everyone was more than up to the task. Truly, you’re free to dedicate as much – or as little- focus to the battles as you wish. Miis with strong connections to other party members gain fistfuls of bonuses for every fight. This way, players more invested in the inn sections can still succeed. It’s a flexible system that vindicates my preference for the non-combat, non-story sections of the game.

Personal freedom and flexibility are essential components in any good RPG. Miitopia has this in spades, yet it’s sorely lacking in some other key areas. Things like the main narrative and the RPG portion are relatively threadbare. Even so, the highlights are charming enough that you’re not so concerned about that. In some respects, there’s barely a game here at all. And yet, I’m still charmed by what I consider to be the core gameplay. Not the tedious battles or the humdrum story, but the interpersonal bonds and endless customization. If you’re looking for some laid-back fun in short chunks, this will be perfect for you. On the other hand, the game is missing big sections of what makes a good RPG. So long as you’re up for a leisurely tour through an endless succession of inns, Miitopia will be a great time.

***A Nintendo Switch code was provided by the publisher***

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Earth Day is coming up, but how are you supposed to celebrate when we’re all supposed to stay indoors? The pandemic means that large gatherings outside are frowned upon, if not outright banned, and that means the big tree-planting efforts are hard to participate in. Though let’s be honest, most of us gamers were just going to donate money from the safety of our own homes anyway. Whatever the case, Shaw chose the perfect time to unveil a new Earth Day initiative: the Tree Spree Challenge. All you have to do is plant a tree in a game of your choice, screenshot it, and post the pic on social media with #ShawTreeSpree, and the internet giant will match it with a real tree.

Gamers, this is our moment! If you’ve ever wanted to give back to the planet, prove that you’re better at planting trees than anyone else, or just an excuse to decorate your Animal Crossing island, Minecraft homes, or Stardew Valley farmsteads, now is the time to do it. Flood Twitter with the evidence. Let’s get as many trees out there as possible. Last time, the challenge ended with a total of 4,000 trees, but we think you guys can leave that number in the dust.

The event’s call to action states that: “People can post a screenshot of their in-game tree on social using the hashtag #ShawTreeSpree, and Shaw will plant a tree in real life for them, too. The initiative will run until the end of Earth Month(April 30th) and is open to any game where you can plant a tree.”

How many games can you plant trees in, we wonder? Now is an excellent time to find out.

The Shaw Tree Spree Challenge will run from April 22nd (Earth Day) to April 30th, 2021.

How many trees did you plant? Let us know down in the comments, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook.

SOURCE: Press Release

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Now that the Legend of Zelda franchise is old enough to have at least one persistent body ache, let’s rank all the games! For the full story behind these rankings, check out the latest episode of Press X to Podcast! Fair warning, it’s a flurry of Strong Opinions from here on out.

18/17: Four Swords / Four Swords Adventures

The bottom two slots are basically interchangeable. They’re both only Zelda games in the strictest sense of the word. Link is there (several times!) and there are enemies to slay, along with lots of puzzles to solve. For absolute diehards and completionists only.

16: Triforce Heroes

Triforce Heroes has pretty much the same problem as Four Swords. It’s an online multiplayer version of an extremely single player experience, and it shows. I’m not even sure you can still finish this game anymore. Without a robust player count, you’d just be touring a ghost town, marveling at all the locked doors and boarded windows.

15/14: Spirit Tracks / Phantom Hourglass

Spirit Tracks is only technically worse than Phantom Hourglass due to its lack of originality. Both games use the stylus for any and all controls, both games feature exhausting progression mechanisms, and both games aged rather badly. But, hey! At least Spirit Tracks has trains! Fun fact: I almost split my copy of Phantom Hourglass in half with an axe, only to be stopped by a friend who offered to buy it off me. That final dungeon is no joke.

13: Skyward Sword

Skyward Sword just brims with wasted potential. The music? Haunting and powerful! The graphics? Absolutely lovely! The narrative? Touching! And yet, the gameplay is an exhausting slog from beginning to end. Everything annoying about Zelda games is shined up and set on display in this title. It makes perfect sense that the home console follow-up was such a massive departure in every way. Thankfully, the upcoming Switch port is ditching the motion controls at least. Executing a complicated series of sword strikes and blocks with a wiimote is just as frustrating as you’d imagine it to be.

12: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

The second Zelda game ever made suffers from serious Sequel Syndrome. It’s crammed full of ideas, many of which don’t work as intended. Multiple gameplay perspectives, complex combat, an experience point system, and an open world should have been amazing. Instead, it’s just sort of… obtuse? Also pretty frustrating. If you don’t have a walkthrough open, The Adventure of Link is a convoluted mess. On the other hand, there are moves introduced here that persist to this day. Who else was rocking a solid downward stab this early on? No one, that’s who.

11: The Oracle of Ages / The Oracle of Seasons

The Oracle games also suffer from non-intuitive design, albeit to a lesser degree. They’re also better balanced, more accessible, properly translated, and anchored by unique ideas. Travelling through seasons and time is a great way to subtly alter the landscape, which is an essential element of so many Zelda games. Solving a small problem by changing the entire weather system or travelling through time is a brilliant way of making a tiny world feel big.

10: The Legend of Zelda

The original, the progenitor, the start of something tremendous. Wheels were set in motion with this game that continue to spin over thirty years later. So many of the games on this list are built from the bones of the original release. And yet, it’s a bit tough to go back to. Not as hard as you would think! Which is a tremendous hat tip to Zelda prime, all things considered. From this point onward, things get quite granular. After number ten, the differences between these titles are utterly miniscule. Each one is an absolute banger by any other, non-Zelda metric. The list continues on page 2!

The post Let’s Rank All The Legend of Zelda Games, From Worst to First appeared first on COGconnected.

Pokemon turned 25 this week! In honor of this momentous occasion, let’s take a moment and consider the humble Pokeball. Actually, it’s more like the entire system of capturing and storing Pokemon. Let’s examine that just a tiny bit. When you capture a Pokemon, it’s shoved into an object the size of a baseball. In fact, in the anime, it shrinks to the size of a golf ball when it’s not in use. No matter what size said creature was originally, it’s now being carted around like a piece of sports equipment. Since said Pokemon doesn’t come out of the ball looking like it was hit by a hydraulic press, we can assume they’re being harmlessly held and released. But how?

The answer lies in the Pokemon storage system. Since you can access your Pokemon from any computer in any town, it seems like they’re being transported from a nebulous z-space to your inventory. And since people eat Pokemon in this universe, we know they’re not digital monsters or anything. Mostly. So Star Trek transporter tech is in this world? And that same tech is so common you can sell it to children for like 200 poke, or yen, each. Just fish out some pocket change and pick up a portable device that can re-arrange living beings into a highly compressed form capable of instantaneous, data-style transmission across great distances.

The best part is that people are almost certainly using the technology in this way already! Think about it. There are no cars in Pokemon games. Roads and pathways are exclusively for trainers to go on their Pokemon master journeys. Bikers, swimmers, and hikers only exist because they’re also Pokemon trainers. Boat travel is an extravagant luxury. The first bike you encounter sells for a million bucks. This means that the common, unspoken method for travel for the rest of society involves this same teleportation/transporter tech. If you developed this kind of power there’s literally no way everyone on Earth wouldn’t be using it constantly.

And yet, none of the adults acknowledge this. Everyone makes you, the protagonist, traipse around on bikes or hot air balloons while they’re zipping from place to place at the speed of light. Maybe people with developing brains can’t be transported? Of course if that’s the case, then what the hell is it doing to your Pokemon? Also, if this is actually Star Trek transporter tech, the kind that obliterates you and recreates you at the new location, does that mean it’s purging you of disease at the same time? That would explain why Kanto only has one graveyard, and why said graveyard is only for Pokemon. But then what’s keeping the population from exploding? What kind of world exists beyond the borders of the games? Good God, Game Freak, you can’t just unleash this kind of terrifying power on a populace without consequences! Anyway, have fun following the implications of this tech to its logical conclusions! Hope you’re able to sleep tonight!

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Happy birthday Zelda! The Legend of Zelda franchise celebrated its 35th anniversary yesterday! Though you wouldn’t know it, according to Nintendo’s social media accounts. Everyone else spent the day fondly remembering their happiest Zelda moments, while Nintendo dropped a single tweet about Part Time UFO. So… no presents then?

Though it’s not the biggest franchise Nintendo has, it’s comfortably in the top four. Hell, Nintendo announced some special edition Joy-Cons a few days ago, and they sold out in minutes. As a matter of fact, there was SOME Zelda news just before the anniversary. It’s Skyward Sword again! So, they celebrated the 35th and the 25th with the exact same game. But, there’s still hope!

After all, The Legend of Zelda is 35 for a whole year. So as long as some cool Zelda stuff happens in the next 364 days it still counts, right? It seems like Nintendo is really hoping we think so. There is the possibility that we get Breath of The Wild 2 news or some other anniversary celebrations in the next little while. Until then, at least the fans remembered this one. Here’s hoping this article ages quite badly in the next couple of weeks.

SOURCE

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Nintendo held their first full-length Direct in over a year and a half this week and the internet at large seems pretty disappointed. Many fans were expecting the Direct to focus on the imminent 35th anniversary of the iconic Legend of Zelda franchise, a milestone the company is currently celebrating for the Mario franchise. After sitting through 40 minutes of ports and a handful of interesting new titles, Eiji Aonuma appeared to reveal an HD Remaster of the controversial and often maligned The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword alongside a gorgeous new pair of Zelda-themed Joy-Cons. A handful of DLC for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity was revealed, before Aonuma appeared to mention that there wouldn’t be any new information released regarding the Breath of the Wild sequel during that direct. Sufficient to say, this is not the Direct that many Switch owners were looking for.

The expectations of a slew of Zelda content weren’t set by Nintendo themselves. Those expectations grew from fan and media discourse, and this pattern is familiar to anyone who follows the industry on a regular basis. While these predictions are often wishful thinking, they also come from industry experts discussing what they think would be the best business moves for Nintendo when it comes to releasing products for consumer purchase. From an outside perspective, there really is a ton of absolute no-brainer, guaranteed-mountains-of-money moves that Nintendo could make. Fans aren’t shy about what they’d like to play next, so you can find them in just about any Nintendo-related Twitter thread or fan forum. When Nintendo releases a Direct that doesn’t include almost any of those things, you get social media timelines full of disappointment, while others take a defensive posture on behalf of a multibillion-dollar company.

Hello, Anybody Home?

The reason for such widespread disappointment is that it shows Nintendo isn’t listening to their community. And why would they? More often than not, discourse around Nintendo and their products is devoid of even the gentlest criticism, as their fans are some of the most die-hard the industry bears witness to. Additionally, the Switch was the best-selling console of 2020 by a long shot, partially due to people trying to keep themselves entertained or socialize with friends during the ongoing lockdowns and quarantining. Three of the top ten best-selling games of 2020 were Nintendo first-party titles – Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Mario 3D All-Stars, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

All of this makes perfect sense given that Nintendo has the widest appeal of any game developer or console manufacturer. Their name is synonymous with video games, and Mario is essentially the face of the medium. Their games are ingrained in the memories of older gamers and continue to appeal to today’s youth simply by being safe and colorful family-friendly games. The vocal die-hards of the internet make up such a small portion of Nintendo’s sales, why would the developer bother listening to them when doing whatever they want continues to reward them handsomely?

Something else to take into consideration is the long-rumored and much-desired 4K Switch hardware upgrade. This is an interesting and bizarre piece of the Nintendo business plan puzzle because they continue to shoot down these rumors, instead of embracing the market that wants games with higher graphical fidelity. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have been selling out in seconds consistently since their launch back in November (for better or worse), and the PC gaming crowd continues to grow with players hellbent on staying on the bleeding edge of gaming technology. All of that hardware is marketed on their ability to produce incredible 4K resolution and higher frame rates that often do affect the gameplay and presentation in a tangible way.

Time for a Shake-up

I recently started up the Bowser’s Fury portion of the Super Mario 3D World re-release, and immediately noticed the massive visual difference compared to other recent titles. I could see the jagged edges of every model and the smudgy blurs of every mesh. The map looked huge until I finished the first area and more of the playable area revealed itself to be spares bits of land spread out over a stretch of water that actually wasn’t very big at all. Finally, when Bowser sprung out of the sludgy oil and I grab the Giga Bell to transform into Kitty Kaiju Mario, the game interrupted this exciting and climactic moment to display a loading screen that brought the momentum to a screeching halt.

Of course, these aren’t deal-breakers, and I’m in the minority crowd that will actually notice these things as unpleasant or hindrances to the experience. But compared to the seamless dual-world gameplay of The Medium on Xbox Series X/PC, or better yet, the exceptionally impressive real-time world-changing of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on the PS5 – the Switch is definitely showing its age.

Despite Nintendo’s insistence that they don’t have plans for an upgraded hardware version of the Switch, fans and media alike are still pretty confident that one will be announced or released by the end of 2021. That same crowd is similarly confident that Nintendo will release Switch ports of the Wii U remasters of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess later in the year as part of Zelda’s 35th anniversary.

If all of these things do come to fruition then it’ll be a great year for Nintendo fans, but I just don’t know if I can count on Nintendo to pull it off correctly. Not because I don’t believe they can, but because I don’t really trust them to. Between releasing games for arbitrarily limited windows of time, selling literal cardboard to people, and adding uninteresting titles to the Switch Online Virtual Console (which is a whole mess on its own), I just don’t trust Nintendo to give fans what they openly want instead of cooking up some monkey’s paw version of a good idea. And honestly, I haven’t hoped or been this eager to be proven wrong in quite some time.

Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.

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Having customizable main characters is not a novel idea. A ton of games have character customization screens that you can pour an hour into and then cover them with armor so that you never see your creation again. Nintendo is taking that concept a step further with a re-release of Miitopia by allowing players to design not just your own character, but almost every character in the game, as well as the big bad. This game came out at the tail end of 2016 in Japan and in 2017 worldwide, but it will now get a second chance this year.

Back when the Wii launched, everyone had fun making their Miis. Miitopia was one of Nintendo’s games where you could import your Miis’ likeness and take them on an adventure of knights and wizards. In the Nintendo Switch version, players will have more opportunities to detail and customize their Miis. Make-up and wigs will help you add more glam and hair options than the 3DS version. The trailer focuses on these additions, as well as the importance of relationship-building between Miis. Strong connections will aid them in battle while poor ones will be a detriment.

If characters in adventure games of years past have disappointed you, then Miitopia should solve that problem. Miitopia will be coming to Nintendo Switch on May 21st.

Did you play Miitopia when it came out in the 3DS? Let us know in the comments below.

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Pikmin 3 Deluxe has officially become the best selling Pikmin title in Nintendo’s home country of Japan. Pikmin 3 Deluxe sold over 170,000 copies in Japan during its first week and according to compiled sales data from Japan, Pikmin 3 Deluxe has sold 513,225. The original Pikmin title was the second best-selling title in the series in Japan, selling 502,996 while Pikmin 2 sold 483,027. Pikmin 3 Deluxe is available right now exclusively for Nintendo Switch.

According to Japan game sales data for the Pikmin series, Pikmin 3 Deluxe sold 513,225, while Pikmin sold 502,996, and Pikmin 2 rounded out the top three with 483,027. New Play Control! Pikmin 2 on the Wii sold a less impressive 237,064. The original release of Pikmin 3 didn’t sell quite as much as Pikmin 3 Deluxe, selling only 232,313 in Japan to date on the Wii U.

The Pikmin series has been a staple for Nintendo since 2001, and the original Pikmin re-released on the Nintendo Wii as New Play Control! Pikmin which only sold 170,866 units in Japan, a clear contrast from the recently released Pikmin 3 Deluxe. Finally, Hey! Pikmin on the Nintendo 3DS (which took the series to 2D platformer levels) sold 157,007 units since it released in 2017, setting the lowest bar for the series as Pikmin 3 Deluxe now set the highest bar.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe continues to prove that re-releasing Wii U titles on the Nintendo Switch is a profitable idea for Nintendo and something that consumers are interested in. Which title or titles in the Pikmin series have you purchased since the original released in 2001? Have you been playing Pikmin 3 Deluxe like so many Japanese gamers? Let us know in the comments below!

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Back in 2019, Japanese publisher Hobonichi released a compilation of President and CEO of Nintendo Satoru Iwata’s “Iwata Asks” interviews known as Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom. This collection of interviews is being translated for English to be released in the US on April 13th, with a later release expected for the UK. Since Satoru Iwata regretfully passed away a few years ago, this compilation of interviews is a great way for Nintendo fans to remember him. Nintendo Switch Online is available right now for $19.99 per year.

English-speaking Nintendo fans can enjoy Satoru Iwata conversations that featured conversations with people like Shigeru Miyamoto and Shigesato Itoi to name two of the highest-profile Iwata Asks guests over the years. Satoru Iwata tragically passed away in 2015 and before this English translation, Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom was only available in Japan. This collection of interviews includes a variety of conversations that encompass more facets of life than just gaming.

Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom is approximately 176 pages and it’s being published by Viz Media in the west, where publishing in Japan was handled by Itoi’s company Hobonichi. While the original interviews with Satoru Iwata are still up on Nintendo’s official website, Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom is a great way for Nintendo fans to spread the joy of Iwata to their friends and family. Considering Satoru Iwata was widely beloved beyond Nintendo and Japan, this book will likely receive a strong reception when it releases in the US on April 13th.

Are you planning to buy Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom or do you prefer to watch the late President and CEO in video format? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nintendo have largely avoided the console wars. Whereas Sony and Microsoft have historically released their consoles at around the same time, Nintendo has tended to take the approach of releasing a new console during a different period; The Switch was released four years ago, well before either the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Rather than a focus on graphical advances and technology (not to say that games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild don’t look phenomenal) Nintendo has tended to focus more on the novelty value, whether that’s a heavy focus on motion controls or touch screens or even 3D gameplay.

The Switch’s big selling point was (at least originally) the fact that it can switch from being a traditional console to a handheld one. Despite being in what Nintendo are calling the console’s midpoint demand is still high, perhaps because of its lower cost in comparison to the PS5 or Xbox Series X, coupled with Nintendo’s traditionally family-friendly fare.

If this is the midpoint for the Switch’s lifecycle we can assume that Nintendo’s next flagship console will launch sometime in 2024, and Nintendo are likely hard at work in coming up with some bold new innovation, but where else could they go from here? The obvious answer would be something with a heavy focus on VR, or else a greater emphasis on motion control than we’ve seen since the Wii. Sadly, we’re not likely to see them bring the 3DS’s 3D innovations brought forward to traditional consoles, but Nintendo have a history of coming up with surprising innovations, that they’re likely to continue going forward.

What do you think Nintendo have in store? Let us know down in the comments, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook.

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YouTube has officially confirmed that Minecraft is the most-watched game of 2020, edging out others such as Fortnite and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. YouTube confirmed the impressive Minecraft feat during a recent blog, saying that it has reached 100 billion hours watched across over 40 million active channels. This accounts for around 201 billion views over 2020, triple second place position Roblox which drew in 75 billion views. Minecraft is available right now for last-gen consoles, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, mobile, PC, and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

While Roblox managed to draw in a respectable 75 billion views next to Minecraft’s massive 201 billion views, some noteworthy games were still mentioned in YouTube’s recent blog. Garena Free Fire, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Fortnite were all name-dropped. Epic Games’ battle royale apparently failed to reach 70 billion views throughout 2020, though the recent release of Chapter 2 Season 5 could boost these numbers for the final month of the year. Minecraft drew in a whopping 40% of the views from all top five games combined despite having released over a decade ago.

Minecraft is dominating hours watched on-demand, but fans of the creative game might wonder how it stands with live broadcast viewership. Minecraft retains the number one position for live broadcasts as well, with Garena Free Fire as the second most-watched, and Roblox falling to the fifth spot. This viewership is consistent with Twitch numbers as well, showing that Minecraft remains relevant across the board. It’s quite a coincidence that Minecraft viewership increased across the board, however, around the same time that PewDiePie returned to the game.

Did you watch a lot of Minecraft videos or livestreams during 2020? What content do you prefer to watch? Let us know in the comments below!

SOURCE

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