Category: Nintendo News

Nintendo News

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Random: A Look Back at Altered Beast, The Game and Album

The world of games and music often tend to cross paths; for most of us they are both hobbies we enjoy. From the earliest days, the two just seemed to go together. Games like Guitar Hero and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker have tried to mix game and music – to varying levels of success. But, these are examples of the music world entering the games world. What about the opposite? One of the earliest cases of games influencing music goes back to Altered Beast. 

Altered Beast was a fairly successful arcade game. Older gamers will remember that the game served as the first foray into 16-bits for many, as the pack-in title for the Mega Drive / Genesis in many regions. While the game is short and simple, getting the power-ups to change form and see that bright, brilliant flash of colours really was an amazing sight way back when.

Altered Beast eventually got replaced with Sonic The Hedgehog. It was a brilliant marketing move, the opening salvo of the Console Wars, and honestly a much better game. After 1991, Altered  Beast quickly became forgotten as newer and better games filled the shelves. 

There was one person out there though who was a huge fan of Altered Beast – a singer/songwriter named Matthew Sweet. In 1993, Altered Beast (the album) hit music stores and singles from that album made their way to rock and alternative radio as well. While it had been a few years since Altered Beast (the game) was relevant, Sweet made it known in interviews that he loved the game and that the name was directly inspired by it. Sure, today you hear all sorts of celebrities talk about being gamers in their free time, but in 1993 it really stood out to hear such a thing.

Time moved on and since then, the Altered Beast story has become something of lore in both gaming and music circles. To see more about this crazy coincidence, as well as yet another blown Sega Forever marketing move, check out the video below.

Be sure to check out GTV for more fun things about retrogaming!

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TIME Names Nintendo Switch as One of the Best Inventions of 2017

TIME magazine has a certain level of prestige, and so when it does its end-of-year lists they get circulated and seen a lot. It’s a nice win for Nintendo, then, that the Switch has been named as one of the 25 Best Inventions of 2017 by the publication.

It’s another reminder of how positively the little system has been received, and how the simple concept (in theory) of a tablet device that intuitively plays through the TV is such a winner. It’s classic Nintendo and represents the company at its best – take established technology and a simple idea, sprinkle it with magic dust (and add Joy-Cons) and wow the world. It’s one of the reasons so many follow and adore the company.

It’s a nice honour for the Switch, though we will say the list is pretty erratic. It outlines transformative technology like a craft that can explore Mars and sustainable crops, but also features fidget spinners and an $80 self-heating coffee mug.

In any case, well done Nintendo Switch, we love ya.

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Shigeru Miyamoto is Now 65 Years Young

On 16th November Shigeru Miyamoto turned 65 years old, a landmark that in some countries represents retirement age. The legendary game designer doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, however, as he now leads the next generation of Nintendo creators as the company’s Creative Fellow.

In his younger years Miyamoto-san was a hands-on driving force in many of Nintendo’s most iconic games and franchises. He’s known as the father of Mario, of course, and from his design of the original Donkey Kong arcade onwards he became embedded in Nintendo and gaming history. His creative spark is seen in the history and ongoing evolution of franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Pikmin and more, while he’s directed and produced a number of the industry’s most influential and admired games.

Perhaps he was ready to step back once – a few years ago rumours of retirement caused a brief dive in Nintendo’s share value. He’d been integral in the success of the Wii and DS generation, but often spoke of passing the torch to younger generations. When his friend Satoru Iwata tragically passed away, Miyamoto-san was then part of a management restructure that saw him become ‘Creative Fellow’, with a remit to oversee the company’s creative output while also thinking about the future. We suspect that a dual role of mentoring exceptional young talent and exploring new ideas suits Miyamoto-san rather well.

In recent times we have seen younger generations of staff produce and direct games like Splatoon and Super Mario Odyssey, among many others. Nevertheless the impact of Shigeru Miyamoto is still felt, and will be long after he decides to move into retirement.

Further reading:

Feature: Shigeru Miyamoto – The Father of Modern Video Games

We tip our hat to Shigeru Miyamoto, a gaming icon and legend.

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Superbeat: Xonic Studio Is Bringing Musynx To Switch Next Year

Superbeat: Xonic developer PM Studios has revealed that it is bringing another music title, Musynx, to Switch in 2018.

The game will be available in Q1 and will launch in physical and digital formats. It contains 50 songs in a wide range of genres, including pop, classical, trance, vocaloid and many more. DLC is also expected. The game originally launched on smartphones, just like fellow music game VOEZ.

Are you ready for another music-based action title on your Switch? Will you be dancing to the tune of Musynx come Q1 2018? Let us know by strumming a few notes in the comments section below.

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Don’t Worry, Switch WWE Fans – 2K Hasn’t Forgotten About You

WWE 2K18 may be out on other systems, but Switch owners are still waiting for a solid release date, and the lack of a confirmed day has led some to speculate that the game may even slip into 2018.

To add to this confusion, Amazon has been contacting those who have preordered the game in the UK with some rather dire news. One of the Nintendo Life team was sent the following email:

Hello,

We regret to inform you that we have been unable to source the following item:

WWE 2K18 (Nintendo Switch)

Our supplier has informed us that this item is no longer available.  This item has now been cancelled from your order XXXXXXXXXXXXX and we can confirm that you have not been charged for it.

We apologise for the length of time it has taken us to reach this conclusion.  Until recently, we had still hoped to obtain this item for you.

You may visit the product detail page(s) above to see if these item(s) are available from other sellers.

2K has clearly picked up on all of this uncertainty and has issued a tweet to calm the nerves of WWE fans all over the world:

Furthermore, GoNintendo got an official statement from 2K on the game:

WWE 2K18 remains in development for Nintendo Switch and is currently scheduled for release in Fall 2017.

What do you make of all of this? Have you also received a cancellation email from Amazon regarding your order? Let us know with a comment.

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Evidence Points To November 21st Release For Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Since Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp’s limited access soft-launch a short time ago the rest of the world has waited patiently for its chance to join the fun, and evidence would suggest that moment isn’t far away.

Nintendo has always maintained that the game would launch globally in November, but has so far refused to give a solid date. Now, a series of events have combined to give us a pretty good idea of when the day will be: November 21st.

The game’s current login bonus schedule is the first hint; it ends on November 21st. Then we have the ongoing Google Play campaign in Japan, which ends on November 20th, the day before. The third piece of the puzzle is the Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Friend Finder web game, which gives you a set amount of time to unlock all the wallpapers. Yep, the time ends on November 21st.

It would seem that Nintendo is getting everything in order to launch the game fully, as all of these campaigns ending would suggest that a new phase in the game’s life is about to begin. Are you excited? Let us know with a comment. And if you still can’t wait, then check out our guide on how to get the game right now.

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Guide: The Top Nintendo Black Friday 2017 Deals in the UK

It’s that time, once again, for Black Friday, when shoppers around the world prepare to brave the crowds in search of bargains. Though originally an American tradition, like Big Macs and over-sized soft drinks it’s been exported around the world, for better and worse. UK retailers have had a mixed relationship with the discount phenomenon in recent years, but seem to be going all in this time around. The official day is Friday 24th November, but discounts arrive over the broader Black Friday ‘weekend’.

From a Nintendo perspective this festive season has a few big hitters aside from the obvious with the incredibly popular Nintendo Switch. One of which is the Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition, which has unfortunately been difficult to track down after initial stock sold through; more is promised before Christmas. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is also big news, and as a result 2DS and 3DS bundles and deals are sure to be prominent. On top of that, game discounts and neat merchandise will be ever-presents for Nintendo.

We’ve compiled some of the best deals and most useful links for Black Friday so far, but we’ll be updating frequently through the day and the following weekend.

We’ll be updating this guide every few hours as the discounts pick up speed.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale which helps support the site. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

Hardware Deals

4K Televisions

Full HD Televisions

Game Deals

3DS Games

Accessory Deals

Switch Accessories

Found a deal we don’t have? Tell us about it so we can add it!

Here are some quick links to UK retailers with the biggest deals:

Nintendo Switch Black Friday Deals

The Nintendo Switch has been hot all through the year. Launched back in March, the portable console hybrid has really begun to pick up pace in recent months. While we doubt there will be any crazy deals on Switch hardware this year, you may well be able to get a good deal on a bundle that includes some games.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition – Will I Be Able to Get One?

If you want a SNES Mini all hope is not lost, but it’s going to be difficult. More stock roll-outs are expected through December, so it’ll be a case of keeping vigilant and being ready to pounce. Sites like Amazon and the official Nintendo UK Store will be worth following, and we’ll keep an eye out for stock updates.

Don’t give up yet!

New 2DS XL or New Nintendo 3DS? Which is the Best Deal?

For the most part the ‘original’ 3DS and 3DS XL aren’t seen too often nowadays, though some XL models may be available at bargain prices.

The choice of whether to go for a New Nintendo 3DS model is about convenience, primarily. If you have amiibo and enjoy those features, New systems are ideal with their in-built scanner, whereas the older 3DS XL and 2DS require an accessory to use the figures and cards. Aside from that the main benefits of the New 3DS (that are actually used) are improved 3D stability, making it far more effective than older models, and slightly quicker performance with eShop downloads.

New this year is the New 2DS XL, with a price that sits snugly between the standard 2DS and the New 3DS XL. It has all the same functionality as the New 3DS XL with the exception of 3D visuals on the top screen, and Nintendo will likely push hard with this model. 

If you can live without those New extras or are buying for a young gamer in particular, the 2DS is still a good bargain option. With a low price and deals / bundles taking it lower, it strips away the 3D effect and clamshell design but delivers a sturdy and solid bit of kit.

When Is Black Friday 2017?

The big day is set for Friday, 24th November – a day after Thanksgiving in the US. That said, there are some pre-Black Friday deals kicking around, especially online; we’ll report some of the better deals in news articles. Cyber Monday is also a time for discounts, which will take place on Monday, 27th November.

Looking for PS4 bargains? Our buddies at Push Square can help you with their UK Black Friday PlayStation Deals guide.

As always, point us to any great deals that are missing, and we’ll update this guide right up to and during the big day.

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Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Are Getting Poké Bank Support Later This Month

Though it may be a little unwieldy, the Poké Bank was one of Game Freak’s best ideas in recent times, neatly sidestepping the trading issue that has existed in these games for years. No longer do you have to pass Pokémon through a few games via a lengthy and inefficient process, they can simply be uploaded via one game and downloaded via another (with some caveats). The problem comes with support for the service; Pokémon Sun and Moon took a couple months before they were compatible with the Poké Bank.

That apparently won’t be an issue with Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, as it’s been confirmed that they will be adding support for the service by the end of the month. It’s unknown why the original releases were so slow on the uptake, but fortunately it won’t be long until you can import your favorite team.

What do you think? Are you getting Ultra Sun or Moon? How much do you use the Poké Bank? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Review: UNO (Switch eShop)

Digital card games have had a significant rise in popularity in recent years. These modern variations commonly feature online play, micro-transactions, thousands of unique collectible cards and often require hundreds of hours to properly understand the intricacies. Given the hype surrounding this specific type of card game, you’d be forgiven for thinking classic variants of the genre had gone the way of the dinosaurs. Fortunately, this is not the case.

UNO – developed and published by Ubisoft – acts as a reminder that classic card games are still fun to play. The biggest barrier to overcome with a game like UNO is its requirement of two or more people in order to be enjoyed. The beauty of the digital version is you no longer need family or friends to participate in the action. With the Switch port you can play UNO on the go or within the comfort of your own home on the big screen any time you like.

For those who haven’t ever played the American card game, originally developed in 1971 and acquired by the Mattel toy manufacturing company in 1992, UNO is a real gem. Like all timeless games, it’s easy to learn and hard to master. It’s also very addictive once you get the hang of it. The object is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards in each round and score points for the cards your opponents are left holding. Points in rounds accumulate and the first player to reach the set amount of points wins. In the digital version there’s a single round option as well.  

To play UNO, each player receives seven cards at the start of the game and the remainder are placed facedown to form the draw pile. One card at the start of the game forms the discard pile. From here, the player left of the dealer starts play. The aim is to match a card from your hand to the card on the top of the discard pile either by the number, colour or symbol (with symbols representative of the action cards). If you are unable to match a card from your hand with the one on top of the discard pile, you must take a card from the draw pile in the hope you’ll then have a matching card. As a player discards their second last card, they must yell “UNO” signifying they have only one card remaining. If they fail to do this and another player catches them out before their next turn, they must draw two cards for their mistake.   

In its simplest form, this is how UNO works. Each of these explained steps in the digital version of the game happen very fast. You’ll need to adapt quickly and pay attention to keep up with what exactly is happening on-screen at all times. What’s convenient about UNO as a digital title is how it makes players more aware about what exactly they have to do. Not only does the game prompt the player when it’s their turn, but it will also fade out your cards if you are unable to make a move, or a card is played where you or the opposition must draw more cards, miss a turn or the colour has been changed with a wild card. There’s no longer any human error during these types of phases. Arrows surrounding the discard pile also make it easier for players to keep track of whose turn it is next when a series of reverse cards are played. 

What you will need to keep a close eye on is what button to press when an opponent has made an error during their turn and you wish to challenge them. You’ll also need to remember to tap a button in order to call “UNO” – the requirement to press buttons for these types of calls keeps the important human element of the game intact. 

The extra layer of depth in UNO is tied to knowing when to play certain cards. Better players are able to have a subtle influence on the outcome of turns and can often manipulate the game to their liking. Mastering each of the action cards can be the key to success. In many cases, a high percentage of luck will also provide you with a greater advantage. This luck and understanding of the game can be combined together to at least somewhat increase your chances of winning rounds on a regular basis. 

To add to the excitement, Ubisoft has also placed themed decks in the game based on its own IP. These include Rabbids, Rayman and Just Dance. Within these decks are unique active cards that change the predictability of the game. Before playing a game, there is also an extensive list of house and classic rules you can enable or disable – these include stacking, 7-0, jump-in, force play, no bluffing and draw-to-match. The activation of these more advanced rules will depend on how serious you want your UNO sessions to be.

The social element of UNO is obviously what makes the experience so enjoyable. In the Switch iteration there are a number of ways to play the game. Locally you can take on the A.I. – that seem to have good and bad days – or you can team up with a friend or family member on the same system to take on the the computer. Unfortunately, if you want to play against another person locally you’ll need to have access to more than one Switch. 

The online mode where you take on up to three players isn’t the smoothest experience, but is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. Occasionally you will suffer from the odd disconnect or even the rare crash which returns you back to the Switch HOME Menu. Load times in-between turns aren’t always the best, either. Apart from these minor issues, this mode does an admirable job being as thrilling as the actual card game. Probably the biggest concern about the online is linked to the sustainability of the game’s community. Provided you’re patient you should be able to find a game or host one that brings in at least two to four players. Vacant spots are automatically filled with A.I. As host of an online game you can also enable and disable the rules which can have an impact on the length and level of challenge provided. To round this off, there’s leaderboards, an emote system and medals to unlock which you can display during matches. 

As Ubisoft has the rights to the UNO licence, the presentation of this digital incarnation generally aligns with the theme of the classic game. The colourful and animated themed decks created by Ubisoft are a nice inclusion, too. The only criticism linked to this area of the game are the framerate issues. It’s nowhere near as smooth as a basic card game like this should be. Compared to existing releases on the likes of the PC, the Switch version suffers from the occasional drop in frames – which is particularly noticeable on boot-up. At times there’s the odd pause loading the game’s menus, too. Once you’re into a game though, the framerate is not really as concerning because it is a card game, after all. The title also seems to perform better in handheld mode; a patch could easily iron out these problems in the future. On a more positive note the classy music, sound of the cards being shuffled and in-game noises are very fitting. 

Conclusion

Even if you don’t have fond memories of UNO – or any memories of it at all – as a digital adaptation on the Switch it’s quite satisfying to play. Although there’s no workaround to take on another player on the same system and the online experience can be a bumpy ride – along with slight technical performance issues – UNO on the Switch still manages to emulate what makes the original card game so addictive. This version allows you to play the game on the go or have fun in front of your television with another person for hours on end. When no one you know is available for co-op, you can always attempt to find a match online or hone your skill against the A.I.

If you’re seeking a digital card game based on a classic that is pick-up and play, and stays true to the source material despite the technical shortcomings, UNO is the one for you. Just be careful as you may lose track of time with this particular card game. 

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Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are available now!

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are available now!

The latest games in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, are OUT NOW exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Some new features in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon include:

  • A brand-new story — In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, a brand-new story unfolds featuring Necrozma alongside the Legendary duo Solgaleo and Lunala. Ominous dark clouds begin to spread and the secrets of Necrozma and the Alola region, which were never disclosed in the previous games, will finally come to light.
  • Different Pokémon — As you explore Alola in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, you’ll meet Pokémon in the region that didn’t appear in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. You’ll see some familiar faces, too, alongside some newly discovered Ultra Beasts.
  • New areas to explore — Discover new areas across Alola like Pikachu Valley, new beaches and more, as well as the worlds that lie beyond the Ultra Wormhole. Players can ride on the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala to travel through the Ultra Wormhole to reach the various worlds that lie beyond it.
  • New Z-Moves — In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, players will discover a new Z-Power Ring which, when activated, allows them to use an even wider variety of Z-Moves. There is a variety of brand-new Z-Moves for players to discover on their adventures.
  • Exciting new gameplay features — Players can take to the waves with Mantine Surf, take amazing pictures in the Alola Photo Club, fight their way through the new Battle Agency and more on their adventure through the Alola region.

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are available to purchase now at retail and Nintendo eShop. For more information about Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, please visit: Pokemon.com/UltraSunMoon.

Games Rated:

Mild Cartoon Violence