Category: Posts

XIII

Cult Shooter XIII Returns This November

by Nitchigamer, posted in Posts

Cult shooter XIII — from 2003 — is returning in the form of a remake, not a remaster, this November. The surprising announcement concerning the obscure title first appeared on PlayStation’s official blog here. 

XIII wasn’t your typical FPS — not at all. Instead, it utilised stylish cel-shaded graphics combined with an engaging conspiracy story that featured ‘XIII’, a soldier who loses his memory and has been accused of killing the President of the United States.

The only clue XIII has to go on? A small key and a mysterious tattoo. Here’s a teaser to whet our appetites:

Back in the day, XIII featured an impressive 34 levels in the solo campaign — it was loved, by the few who bought it, for its intense gunplay and often brutal takedowns.

“This remake’s idea came naturally as we felt this unique kind of story-driven FPS experience was missing in today’s gaming landscape.

Our goal is to bring XIII’s compelling story to a new generation of players with the best possible graphics and animation.”

The XIII remake is being developed by Playmagic and will be published by Microids for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. It’s released, if you haven’t already guessed, on November 13th.

The weirdest thing of all? This writer was thinking about the game and the possible future of the franchise just last week. Freaky.

Mario Odyssey And Breath Of The Wild Will Feel The VR Love

by Nitchigamer, posted in Nintendo, Posts, VR

We just had April Fool’s Day, so the revelation that both Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are getting official VR support may come as quite the surprise.

Yes, through the enhanced functionality of the Toy-Con VR Goggles, you’ll get to play both of these games from a new dimension.

Mario Odyssey and Zelda VR

Odyssey is getting a small update in which you’ll be set challenges in three new mini-missions that involve collecting coins and music notes, and will no doubt have you wondering about the future of Mario in VR.

While the bigger surprise is that Breath of the Wild will be fully playable in VR — no, not just a small section of the game, the complete experience.

To get it all up and running you’ll need the Nintendo Labo: VR Kit that’s out on April 12th. The Kit starts at £34.99 for the basic set and £69.99 for the complete set.

The VR updates for Odyssey and Breath of the Wild go live on April 25th.

So, given the relatively weak power of the VR Kit compared to the others out there, it’s undoubtedly going to be of great interest to see how these games translate over. With that said, early hands-on reports indicate that Labo VR is proving to be better than expected, although it’s not clear how comfortable it is for long sessions.

It’s even more interesting to see Nintendo, who was once seemingly unfazed and somewhat distant about the technology, add it to its two flagship franchises.

The idea of the next Mario and Link games on a fully featured VR-enabled Nintendo system suddenly isn’t that implausible. And that would be quite something indeed.

Final Fantasy VII Switch

Final Fantasy VII Is Out On Switch Today

by Nitchigamer, posted in Nintendo, Posts

The beloved Final Fantasy VII finally hits the Switch today… I can already hear you asking: how is this newsworthy?

Final Fantasy VII Switch

Well, it’s the first time the game has been released on a Nintendo console, and that’s a pretty significant milestone considering it originally started life as a SNES title.

You see, back in 1994 Square moved production of Final Fantasy VII to the PlayStation 1 after technical issues and a series of delays plagued their development on SNES.

In addition to that, there was the allure of the shiny new CD-ROM format being offered by Sony with increased storage options — long story short, it was hard for Square to resist a change in direction.

It’s worth mentioning that the following extra features are included in the Switch edition out today:

  • A 3x speed mode
  • The ability to turn battle encounters off
  • A battle ‘enhancement’ mode

You can check out the launch trailer for Final Fantasy VII below:

So, this particular slice of gaming history will set you back £12.79 in the UK and $15.99 in the US. It’s never too late to jump in if you haven’t already, right?

Mice On Venus – A Singular Vision

by Jack Boyles, posted in Indie, Posts

It’s always day time here, especially during the night. The artificial sun rays saturate my room from the surrounding buildings, displaying all the shades of red, blue and green.

Laying here, I stare at the waltz dance of the swaying dust particles illuminated by the hues; it’s not long until my meditation is broken. A repetitious blinking light protrudes from the corner of my room, begging for my attention like a child to their mother. I quickly stand and move to mother the console, for I have heard the child’s cry, the cry of a job… The only cry I receive.

A cry for a missing package. Let’s hope the destination remains the same. To the bar, I go and speak with the client, see if I get any leads from him.

It’s a methodical job; tracking the civilians of this grand city. The mundane lives brought by the industry – wake up, work, home, pub, mistress; the same day in, day out. Not I, I would rather be dead… hell, I actively search it at times.

Stepping into the sunstroke streets, I inhale the dense fog into my lungs, the damp air solidifying on my lungs. The city glows from the neon lights humming in the fog and reflecting from the rain-soaked pavement. An outsider would say it looks beautiful, like a painting of Valhalla.

Yes, video game Mice on Venus is being developed by Callum Hancock. An ambitious project, it’s shaping up to be something interesting.

It’s a detective simulation game about investigating cases with ambiguous morality.

Mankind has left Earth, setting up colonies floating in the upper atmosphere of the planet Venus. You play as a PI, and you need to solve cases assigned to you by the world’s citizens. It’s up to you how to go about solving each of the cases.

Each case plays out as a routine, where the world’s citizens follow their own simulated schedules throughout each day. The player must navigate these routines to intercept targets, follow leads and gain information.

I can’t wait to hear more about Mice on Venus.

Indie Games Switch Spring

New Indie Games Coming To Switch Spring 2019

by Nitchigamer, posted in Indie, Nintendo, Posts

To tie in with the Game Developers Conference 2019, Nintendo put on a spring showcase for some exciting indie games coming over to the Switch.

But what were the key announcements from the showcase?

Indie Games On Switch Spring 2019

You can find all of the indie games shown at the presentation below along with their expected release dates:

  • Cuphead – April 18th
  • Overland – Fall
  • My Friend Pedro – June
  • Neo Cab – Summer
  • The Red Lantern – 2019
  • Darkwood – May
  • Katana ZERO – April 18th
  • RAD – Summer
  • Creature in the Well – Summer
  • Bloodroots – Summer
  • Pine – August
  • Super Crate Box –  April
  • Nuclear Throne – Out now
  • Ultra Bugs – 2019
  • Swimsanity! – Summer
  • Blaster Master Zero II – Out now
  • Stranger Things 3 The Game – July 4th
  • Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the Necrodancer – Spring

It wasn’t that long ago, January in fact, that we had a dedicated ‘Indie Highlights’ presentation from Nintendo (they need to stick to one name with these, surely?), so it’s another presentation from the company that wasn’t entirely expected.

Key announcements like Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the Necrodancer and Cuphead are more than welcome, while Blaster Master Zero II, My Friend Pedro, Overland, and The Red Lantern prove that the Switch is becoming a place for more than just a smattering of indie games.

It’s worth mentioning that Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, a refreshing take on XCOM which released last year, was also announced separately for Switch and is due out June 25th — that’s as well as Castle Crashers Remastered, coming to both Switch and PS4.

We’re also going to see a set of Konami classics heading to PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch too. And yes, Castlevania is in there.

Nintendo Labo VR

Nintendo Labo VR Is Basic VR For Kids (And Bigger Kids)

by Nitchigamer, posted in Nintendo, Posts, VR

At the start of the month Nintendo decided to announce the ‘Nintendo Labo VR Kit’, and, as you can imagine, explosive energy was immediately felt coursing through the internet.

The energy felt wasn’t just for the strange timing and complete absence of it in their recent Nintendo Direct. It was more: Nintendo is doing VR again.

An Introduction To VR…?

A ‘rival to Sony’s PS VR’ some predicted, while others made sweeping, bold statements about how Nintendo was fully embracing the world of VR. They’re not really.

In fact, I immediately saw it as a basic VR Kit for kids and families, because that’s what it is. It’s the sort of gadget you buy for someone small (and new to VR) but not quite ready for the challenge of a PS VR or HTC Vive.

Nintendo Labo VR
Nintendo does VR?

Nintendo has positioned themselves as such so they can target that younger age bracket to increase the adoption of VR in general. It’s from there, if at all, we’ll see the company fully engage in VR again. Remember the Virtual Boy in ’95? They’re probably not keen to repeat that.

So What Exactly Is Nintendo Labo VR In Reality?

Well, obvious comparisons are being made to Google Cardboard, which served a similar purpose: it was a low-cost system designed to generate initial interest in VR. Couple that with Nintendo’s creative DIY style of Labo products and add in the Switch to the mix.

It’s fair to say that not everyone is overly ecstatic with the idea though — some developers are worrying that it might even limit people’s perceptions of what VR is truly capable of. That’s certainly a moot point.

Not to mention that the Labo VR Kit is the fourth Labo kit, an initiative which hasn’t been doing great for Nintendo and will probably be one of the last if the meagre sales continue.

So, there are two Labo VR Kits available next month: one that includes all the Toy-Con creations, and one that consists of a smaller selection of projects to get started. However, both contain the Blaster.

Nintendo Labo VR
Two options, but the Blaster is in both.

Funds permitting, this writer might pick one up when it launches April 12th out of pure curiosity more than anything else, although, I won’t go in expecting a visually stunning experience. That’s already been taken care of with the Vive et al, and really? I think that’s the point.

Into The Dead 2 Switch

Into The Dead 2 Is Bringing The Apocalypse To Nintendo Switch

by Chay Madison, posted in Indie, Posts

Versus Evil has announced that it will publish Into The Dead 2 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by PikPok, Into The Dead 2 started as a mobile-only title and this will mark the first time that the game will release on a video game console. The franchise has been downloaded over 100 million times on mobile phones.

Into The Dead 2 Nintendo Switch

Known for its exciting gameplay and visually stunning graphics, Into The Dead 2 puts you in the middle of an endless zombie apocalypse.

You must journey through to save your family. Unlock and upgrade various types of weapons to show those zombies who’s boss. The game comes complete with seven chapters, sixty stages and hundreds of challenges to complete. Multiple endings mean multiple ways to own zombies.

Into The Dead 2 has not received a release window at this time. For now, check out the original announcement trailer below:

Resident Evil 2 Remake Switch

Resident Evil 2 Remake’s Chances On Switch Look Slim

by Nitchigamer, posted in Nintendo, Posts

Those of you that have played the recent remake of Resident Evil 2 will know what a horrifically good game it is. I’m still dipping in and out of the gore-soaked world myself.

Naturally then, some have wondered about the chances of seeing the game on Nintendo Switch.

The bad news? It’s looking increasingly unlikely.

It’s not a title that most would have expected for a while on the mobile platform, but Capcom UK’s community manager has now pretty much ruled it out:

The news is even more of a blow to Switch owners when you consider that Resident Evil had a strong history with Nintendo consoles at one point.

For example, Resident Evil 4 was, for some time, an exclusive on GameCube. Resident Evil Zero and the ‘Re’make of the first were the same, and Resident Evil: Revelations was exclusive to 3DS until later on. The DS even received Deadly Silence.

Without a doubt then, these aren’t the types of games Nintendo should be missing out on.

Can It Run It?

It’s likely it comes down to the fact that the Switch would struggle to run the game in the first place.

As much as we enjoy Nintendo’s innovations, you’d think giving the hybrid enough power to run key AAA games would be non-negotiable. It’s even more interesting if you remember that Capcom asked Nintendo to up the Switch’s RAM to 4GB, which they did.

Playing the Resident Evil 2 Remake anywhere you want, (or just on the couch) would be awesome. Well, don’t get too used to that idea — not until a possible Switch Pro is announced anyway.

Resident Evil on Switch

In the meantime, ports of RE4, RE0 and the Resident Evil 1 Remake will be available on Switch on the 21st May. You didn’t already have RE4 now did you?

Reggie Leaves Nintendo

Reggie Leaves Nintendo This April, Bowser Takes Over

by Guest Writer, posted in Nintendo, Posts

It what comes as the most surprising news of the month, Reggie Fils-Aime is leaving Nintendo.

The Nintendo of America president, known around the world for his meme-creating presenting style, has served 15 years in the position — it feels like longer — and will be replaced by the amazingly named Doug ‘Bowser’. (Nominative determinism anyone?)

Doug Bowser next to Bowser
Doug Bowser will lead NOA

Bowser is the company’s senior vice president of sales and marketing and has been mentored by Reggie for the last four years. Doug will be taking over from April 15th, which means the Regginator, sadly, won’t even be making another E3.

A Brief History Of Mr Fils-Aime

Reggie’s time at Nintendo has stretched across numerous consoles, including the following:

  • Game Boy Advance
  • GameCube
  • Nintendo DS
  • Nintendo 3DS
  • Wii
  • Wii U
  • Nintendo Switch

His grand entrance was in May 2004, at Nintendo’s E3 press conference, in which he said:

“My name is Reggie, I’m about kicking ass, I’m about taking names, and we’re about making games.”

Reggie’s exit is being marked with a goodbye message to his fans:

“I leave in good health and in good spirits, and believe me, my body is still ready.”

Bowser, no doubt, will be doing his best to take over the world and kidnap the prin… sorry — lead Nintendo of America.

Fork Parker’s Crunch Out For SNES Shows The Pressures Of Video Game Development

by Chay Madison, posted in Indie, Posts

Devolver Digital, Mega Cat Studios and Take This Inc. have come together to release a brand new SNES title to raise awareness about time crunching in game development.

All of the proceeds from the game will assist Devolver Digital and Take This in combating mental health issues.

The game follows Devolver Digital CFO Fork Parker as he does whatever it takes to hold onto his indie gaming market share. A new indie publisher comes forward, and Fork must motivate his team to meet deadlines by any means necessary.

Crunch out 2.gif

Features

Crunch Out looks to portray a fun story with an even deeper meaning. Check out the following details below:

  • Furious task management and questionable motivation tactics are your tools. Coffee, discipline, and shock treatment are all in play if your team slips off their production schedule.
  • Spend your profits from each game wisely – do you invest in a new espresso machine to keep your dev team happy, or buy some winged wingtips to help you zip around the office?
  • Deploy strategic power-ups, like unpaid interns working for exposure and mandatory overtime to stay on track and hit that release date.
  • Take executive action in exciting and intense mini-games to keep the office in order. When the internet drops out, or your beloved wife calls in, only Fork and his pet piggy bank, Pork Farker, can save the game and the bottom line!

Crunch Out 4.jpg

Fork Parkers Crunch Out is limited to just 1,000 copies and is available now from The Mega Cat Studios website.

It comes complete with a playable cartridge, a full-colour manual and classic SNES-style box. It retails for $49.99.

Metroid Prime 4 Delayed And Rebooted

by Nitchigamer, posted in Nintendo, Posts

Metroid Prime 4, a title we knew nothing about anyway, is being rebooted, Nintendo has announced today.

It’s a move that is both welcome – Retro Studios and original producer Kensuke Tanabe will lead the project – and unwelcome too, development time will be extensive.

In classic (and somewhat admirable) Nintendo fashion, the event is being taken very seriously:

It’s a significant blow for Prime fans, and it could be years before we see game 4, but it should more than deliver when it arrives.

You better keep yourself busy for the next 48 months.

Indie Highlights Presentation

Indie Highlights Presentation Shows Off Wargroove, Double Kick Heroes, More

by Nitchigamer, posted in Indie, Posts

Nintendo’s Indie Highlights Presentation showed off some diverting looking independent titles today, including Wargroove, Double Kick Heroes and Inmost.

You can watch the full presentation below:

Personal standouts for this writer? Strategic thinker Wargroove, the atmospheric horror game – which looks like it has quite the story to tell – Inmost, and Image & Form’s latest SteamWorld title, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech.

What appealed to you? Let us know in the comments below.