I play the first few chapters of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End in the video below.
Category: Features
Gamecast: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE – How to Defeat Abel
Can’t get hold off Persona 5? Try Tokyo Mirage Sessions on the Wii U instead. Here’s how to beat Abel and complete Touma’s last side story.
Gamecast: Worms W.M.D PS4 – How to Complete the ‘Blast Off!’ Challenge
Here’s how to defeat Bo Peep in Challenge Mission 6 in Worms W.M.D PS4. Tip: Dynamite jumping is your friend!
Gamecast: Super Bomberman R Nintendo Switch Gameplay Footage
We tried out the co-op story mode for Super Bomberman R on the Nintendo Switch. Check out the lovely footage of us being beaten below.
Gamecast: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 – Mario VS. Luigi
The Mario brothers battle it out, Tekken style. Can Luigi take this one?
Viewpoint: Forget All The Negativity Around The Switch, Here’s What Nintendo Has Done Right
There’s been a lot of negativity around the Nintendo Switch since its launch. Some of the negativity is valid, some of it isn’t.
What’s valid then? Well, the high price of the console, its games and accessories, the hardware issues with the left Joy-Con, and the lack of other games that aren’t The Legend of Zelda. These are the key points that are mostly justified. Although I don’t think the left Joy-Con issue is as widespread as many believe – it would seem the minority are being louder than the majority whose Joy-Cons are actually working.
However, while I think these are reasonable points to be made, I’m not sure the actual positive points about the console are being spoken about enough. Taking a balanced view here, we need to include those too.
What’s good about the Nintendo Switch then? Well, coming from someone that actually owns one, quite a few things.
First, the core concept really works: you can quite seamlessly take console-level games on the go with you, around the house; on the toilet (do people actually do this?). The whole idea is far more liberating than can be described.
The build quality of the console is some of Nintendo’s best work too. The Switch feels and looks like a premium Apple device, the 720p screen is truly excellent and makes the colours in games beautifully stand out, and the Pro Controller is one of the best ‘normal’ controllers out there, it feels great in the hands.
The region-free nature of the console means that you can access any online eShop you want after you’ve made yourself the respective accounts. It’s very easy to setup. Not to mention, of course, that the Switch will play any physical game bought from any country too. Want to import a game from Japan? You can.
The UI, while being a bit minimal (what happened to the menu music?), is super quick to get around. Applications load up within seconds and the menus are easy to navigate. As for it not offering much, certainly in the way of multimedia, Nintendo will add Netflix, Spotify and more to it over time. What console has launched with all of these out of the box anyway?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Yes, I know you can buy it for the Wii U, but seeing the game running on that 720p screen while lying in bed at night, or on the train home, is quite the spectacle. If anything, Zelda feels like it was made for the Switch – exploring Hyrule wherever you want is not something the Wii U game can offer. I think it’s fair to say you’re getting the definitive edition of Breath of the Wild, with its improved performance on the Switch, as well.
In terms of the Switch having no games – the curated Nintendo Switch eShop already has quite a few essential games on it. Fast RMX is packed with content, looks stunning and offers online and local multiplayer. Blaster Master Zero is an extremely polished blast from the past, and Snipperclips is just pure fun, the perfect game for a couple to laugh and fight over. There’s plenty more titles I haven’t mentioned either, and plenty more coming.
Nintendo has made some mistakes with the Switch, sure, but there’s loads the console has going for it. The much better than expected launch sales have certainly defied the odds in this regard. By the end of the year we’ll have a growing library of quality games, more reasonable prices, an updated OS, and Super Mario Odyssey, which should all ensure its momentum for years to come.
We haven’t seen anything yet folks.
Gamecast: Resident Evil 6 PS4 – How to Unlock Sherry in Mercenaries
Here’s how to unlock Sherry Birkin in Resident Evil 6 ‘Mercenaries mode’ on the PS4 – the best thing about the game.
Gamecast: Fast RMX Nintendo Switch 1080p Footage
Here’s Fast RMX for the Nintendo Switch running at 1080p, 60fps in docked mode. It’s one of the best looking launch games on the new hybrid console. With all the content the game provides, it’s also great value for money. Got a Switch? Head to the eShop now.
Gamecast: Uncharted 2 – How to beat Lazarevic on Crushing difficulty
Want to beat Lazarevic on Crushing difficulty? We hear you. It’s not easy. Or is it? Not so tough now Lazarevic. Cue silly music and our guide.
Gamecast: Dragon Quest Heroes 2 Nintendo Switch Footage
Want to see Dragon Quest Heroes 2 running on the new Nintendo Switch? Of course you do, check it out below.
Nintendo Wii U FAQ
You saw the E3 2011 conference live or heard about the console as the news broke, and then you thought: “What’s going on, is this a controller, a console, what exactly does it do?” Fear not, you’re not alone. Meet the Wii U.
The Wii U caused quite a lot of confusion when it was unveiled on June 7th at Nintendo’s E3 conference. Specs were slim to none, and for many, the console remains a mystery. This is where we come in. We’ve created a comprehensive FAQ answering the most common questions about the Wii U, along with everything we know about the system. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Is the Wii U a controller for the existing Wii, or a new console altogether?
It’s certainly not a controller for the Wii. The Wii U is Nintendo’s next home console that features a unique touchscreen controller called the GamePad.
What does the GamePad do, how is it different?
The GamePad controller is the next natural upgrade from the Wii. It keeps the motion sensing abilities of the Wii, but adds in a 6.2 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analogue Circle Pads. The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus.
What other ways can the Wii U GamePad be utilised?
The Wii U has the ability to interact with what is happening on screen, such as aiming and flicking with the touch screen to strike targets on the TV screen. The Wii U can also stream games from the TV to the screen on the controller. This gives players the option to switch to the controller if the TV is being used by other people.
When does it launch?
The Wii U will launch November 30th, 2012 in Europe.
In what colours?
White and black: white will be the console colour for the Basic Pack, while the Premium Pack gets a black console.
How much does it cost?
The first price so far is £199.99 for the Basic Pack, and £279.85 for the Premium Pack in the UK. Updates will follow.
What about the games?
The confirmed Wii U games are:
Assassin’s Creed 3 (Ubisoft, Release: November 30th)
Batman Arkham City Armoured Edition (Warner, Release: November 30th)
Darksiders 2 (THQ, Release: Launch title)
Game and Wario (working title) (Nintendo, Release: 2013)
Just Dance 4 (Ubisoft, Release: Launch title)
LEGO City Undercover (Nintendo, Release: November 30th)
Mass Effect 3 (EA, Release: November 30th)
New Super Mario Bros. U (Nintendo, Release: November 30th)
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge (Nintendo, Release: November 30th)
Nintendo Land (Nintendo, Release: November 30th)
Pikmin 3 (Nintendo, Release: 2013)
Project P-100 (working title) (Nintendo, Release: Launch window)
Rayman Legends (Ubisoft, Release: November 30th)
Scribblenauts Unlimited (Warner, Release: Holiday 2012)
SiNG (working title) (Nintendo, Release: Holiday 2012)
Trine 2 (Frozenbyte, Release: Launch title)
TANK TANK TANK (Namco Bandai, Release: Launch title)
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Namco Bandai, Release: TBA)
Wii Fit U (Nintendo, Release: Launch window)
Wii U Panorama View (working title) (Nintendo, Release: Holiday 2012)
ZombiU (Ubisoft, Release: November 30th)
How about the online, any friend codes?
The Wii U is powered by an integrated social network system called Miiverse. This allows users to chat with one another through text as well as through video and online voice chat, (VoIP).
Friend codes are said to be returning but in a different form seen previously on the Wii and 3DS.
What about local multiplayer? Do I have to buy another GamePad controller to play 2/3/4 player games?
This depends on what the game supports. The console itself can support two GamePad controllers, 4 Wii U Pro Controllers and is also compatible with Wii Remotes, Classic controllers and other accessories.
Can I play my Gamecube games on it?
No, the Wii U will not play Gamecube games. It will, however, be backwards compatible with all Wii games.
Is the console as small as the Wii?
No, it is slightly bigger, measuring horizontally at approximately 1.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide and 10.5 inches long. The Wii was, by comparison, less than two inches tall, 6 inches wide, 8.5 inches long.
Can I upload my original Wii system’s memory onto the Wii U?
Nintendo has said WiiWare and Virtual Console purchases can be transferred to Wii U. Expect more details at a later date.
Is there going to be a Virtual Console/WiiWare service?
Yes, the Wii U will have its own virtual eShop similar to the 3DS.
Nintendo has announced that users will have three ways of purchasing content on the Wii U eShop. The three purchase options are:
- Purchase directly from the Wii U eShop via credit card.
- Purchase via a download code that you have received or bought from someone.
- Pre-paid download cards that can be purchased in video game stores and online
Amber McCollom, Nintendo of America’s director of entertainment, has also said that selected Gamecube games will be ready to download on WiiWare, (presumably this means the Wii U’s eShop).
Will it play DVDs, Blu-ray discs?
No, neither. The Wii U will use its own proprietary 25GB discs, as confirmed by Nintendo designer Katsuya Eguchi.
Does it support High definition?
Yes. The Wii U supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI, component, S-video and composite.
What audio does it use?
Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI.
Does it have a hard drive (HDD)?
The Wii U will have internal flash memory like the Wii did, as well as the option to expand its memory using either an SD memory card or an external USB hard disk drive.
How powerful is it then?
No one can say for sure at the moment, but we gather that it will be at least on par with PS3 and Xbox 360 visuals, perhaps even better. The CPU, for example, is an IBM Power-based multi-core microprocessor with a custom AMD Radeon GPU. It should be very capable.
Any other features?
The Wii U has four USB 2.0 connector slots and is backwards compatible with most of the Wii accessories, including the Wii Remote Plus.
The GamePad can be used as a TV remote and there will be browser support as well.
The Wii U also features Near Field Communication technology located on the Wii U GamePad itself. This allows users to import content from supported cards and figurines, and conduct wireless transactions.
Nintendo confirmed at E3 2012 that they are working with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and YouTube to bring streaming digital movie and television content.
Anything we missed?
Please let us know and we’ll update the feature accordingly.