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Nintendo financials fall 50% short of target, ¥7 billion profit in 2012

24 Apr

Nintendo has posted full-year profits of ¥7 billion for 2012, which is half of the company’s ¥14 billion projection. Regardless, this is an improvement over last year’s loss of ¥43.2 billion. The projection slump has been attributed to weak global sales of both Wii U and 3DS .

In short…

FY’13 sales of ¥635.4 billion, which is less than the company’s January prediction of ¥670 billion.

However, despite the slump Nintendo made a profit of ¥7 billion for the year, which is half of its ¥14 billion projection.

Nintendo only sold 390,000 Wii U consoles worldwide in the last three months. It expects to sell 9 million units in FY’14.

With 3DS, Nintendo hopes to sell 18 million handhelds and 80 million 3DS games in FY’14, and has issued a long list of new games on the horizon. Read below to see them all.

GI.biz reports that Nintendo has only sold 390,000 Wii U consoles worldwide in the past three months, while lifetime 3DS sales have surpassed 31 million.

Overall Nintendo has posted sales of ¥635.4 billion ($6.3 billion / £4.1 billion) which again falls short of the company’s January projection of ¥670 billion. There was also an operating loss of ¥36.4 billion ($364 million / £239.5 million).

Nintendo had expected to sell 4 million Wii U consoles by now, but it fell short at 3.45 million units. To date it has sold 13.42 million games for the system. By comparison Nintendo has sold some 95 million 3DS games to date and 14 million 3DS handhelds in 2012 alone.

Surprisingly, America was Nintendo’s top-performing region, with net sales totalling ¥236,665 million, with European sales of ¥169,887 million and Japanese sales of ¥208,944 million following.

The company now predicted it will sell 9 million Wii U consoles in financial year 2014 and 38 million games on the format. It also expects 3DS console sales to hit 18 million and predicts it will sell some 80 million games.

Projected net profits for financial year 2014 are now ¥55 billion and sales of ¥920 billion, suggesting Nintendo has some big IP on the way. We’re yet to see a new, 3D Mario game on the format, and there is also Pikmin 3, Zelda Wii U and a new Smash Bros. to look forward to.

The report says of new software, “During the next several months, Nintendo expects to launch new titles in the Mario Kart (Wii U), Super Mario Bros. (Wii U), Wii Fit (Wii U), Pikmin (Wii U), The Legend of Zelda (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS), Mario & Luigi (Nintendo 3DS) and Pokémon (Nintendo 3DS) franchises.

“These games, along with titles from Nintendo’s third-party publishing partners, will help drive hardware momentum and introduce new audiences to the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms.”

Software stats show that New Super Mario Bros. 2 was Nintendo’s big win for the year at 6.42 million units sold worldwide, while Animal Crossing: New Leaf has sold – in Japan alone – over three million units, suggesting it could be a huge smash once it launches globally.

Here’s an infographic with more stats. Let us know what you think of the numbers below.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 – Review

22 Aug

Pling! 

The sound of another gold coin added to Mario’s wallet has been firmly ingrained in our minds since the mid-80’s. Collecting coins is just as much a part of Mario games as jumping on Goombas and saving princesses, it just wouldn’t be the same without it. New Super Mario Bros. 2 takes this to a whole new level by offering more loot to collect than ever before, tasking you with eventually depositing a cool million in Mario’s bank account. So is this latest romp through the Mushroom Kingdom the start of a new gold rush or are we all being tricked by some fool’s gold?

The game opens with… you know what, I don’t think I have to repeat what happens next. In fact I’m pretty sure that everyone who picks up this game expects the princess to be kidnapped at one point. This happens so much in Mario’s world that it almost feels like it's being parodied in New Super Mario Bros. 2, but here we are. Bowser and the Koopalings (it’s so nice to have them back) have taken Peach to their castle and Mario is hot on their tail. The hook here is that the land is now littered with more gold coins than ever before and you will need almost all of them if you are going to unlock everything in the game.

As far as the gameplay is concerned, I’m sure you know the drill here: move to the right and jump on whatever doesn’t have a spike on its head, that simple. The controls are relatively unchanged from past titles in the New Super Mario Bros. series, my only complaint is that using the Circle Pad to control Mario can make for some awkward landings, although this can easily be avoided by switching over to the Plus Control Pad. Also, for anybody who’s played a lot of New Super Mario Bros. Wii (like me!) you might get the urge to shake the 3DS in hopes that Mario will jump just a bit further. Well trust me, he won’t - my 3DS’ hinge will attest to this.

NSMB 2 Rev. 03

If there is one thing that Nintendo has always delivered on in its Mario games, it's top notch level design, a fact that is well on display here. You simply will not find such well designed levels in any other franchise, especially on a portable console. The quality is definitely there, and the game’s 80-odd levels are all imaginative and don’t often task you with doing the same thing twice. The new coin-centric gameplay also makes for some brand new experiences within the Mario universe, like rings that turn all the enemies gold and make them spout coins once defeated to POW blocks that cause cascading coin waterfalls to drench Mario in loonies.

That being said, New Super Mario Bros. 2’s influences are very plain to see. From the very first level you will see that Super Mario Bros. 3 had a huge impact on this title. From little things like the bolted blocks dotting the landscape to bigger issues like the almost identical world layout the game is very lacking in the originality department, an issue that has been plaguing the ‘New’ Super Mario Bros. series since its first sequel on the Wii. And while some of these issues can be put on the backburner for now, they're just going to get more glaring as the launch of New Super Mario Bros. U approaches. It’s not all doom and gloom however, as the game also borrows somewhat from BIT.TRIP: Runner, one of the best 2D platformers in recent memory. Now the warp zones, which normally would just send you straight to a new world can only be unlocked by going through a ‘runner’ style level where you can only control Mario’s jumps. It’s not much, but these levels do standout in particular and make me wonder just how awesome a full ‘Mario Runner’ game would be.

One area where the game does attempt (and mostly succeed) to keep things fresh is in the powerups department, and New Super Mario Bros. 2 definitely isn’t short on those. Outside of the staple of the Mushroom, Fire Flower and Starman are recurring series favourites, the Mini Mushroom and the Mega Mushroom from New Super Mario Bros. One thing that I was happy to see return from Super Mario Bros. 3 is the raccoon leaf that allows Mario to fly in pretty much the same style he did back in 1989, annoying sound effect and all. The game also adds its own powerups, though they’re used more for amassing coins than defeating foes. The first is a block that Mario wears on his head and when he runs causes dozens of coins to spill out. The second, and my personal favourite, is the gold flower which obliterates everything in its path, rewarding you with coins for every enemy it downs and turning every block into a coin.

NSMB 2 Rev. 04

In addition to the single-player quest for a princess, New Super Mario Bros. 2 also features several new gameplay modes and while none add anything groundbreaking to the formula, it’s still nice to have the options. The first and best of these modes is the Coin Rush mode. Here you are given a short amount of time to run through three random levels collecting as many coins as possible. In fact all the coins you collect in the game, whether in the story mode or Coin Rush are added to an overall tally with the eventual goal of reaching one million coins.

Coin Rush mode is essential if you are planning on collecting that hefty sum since a standard run through the game netted me in the neighbourhood of 25 000 coins. The problem here is that some of the levels just don’t offer that many coins to collect and when the game randomly selects three you might be stuck with one or two stinkers in your lot. Now this may not seem like a huge deal but these scores can be transferred via StreetPass to other users and if you have a higher coin count then them you will ‘win’ that round and earn even more coins. So getting ‘good’ levels with upwards of 500 coins per level is essential.

Returning from New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the (love it or hate it) co-op multiplayer. However this time instead of the four-player throw your mom in the pool of lava while your brother ruins your carefully timed jump ordeal that was New Super Mario Bros. Wii (sorry, family issues), it’s just Mario and Luigi set to tackle this adventure. Unfortunately this co-op mode has one of the most frustrating design elements that I’ve ever seen. You see, despite the fact that both you and your friend each have your own screen; the game still forces the camera to follow the ‘lead’ player. To top that off, the camera doesn’t pan out when you get separated and you still occupy the same space, so all the head bouncing and pushing into crevasses from the Wii outing is still here in full force, just on a smaller playing area.

NSMB 2 Rev. 02

I’ve spent a fair bit of this review talking about the games that have influenced New Super Mario Bros. 2. Well one of the biggest knocks I have against this game is that the art style and graphics are nearly identical to what we saw in New Super Mario Bros. Wii which of course was heavily based on a Nintendo DS game from 2006. Now don’t get me wrong, this game does not look bad, in any way, it just doesn’t (and ironically) look new. A few new frames of animation and backgrounds are nice but after looking at basically identical levels for almost six years a change in art direction would be greatly appreciated, though from the looks of it, it seems I’ll just be repeating myself once New Super Mario Bros. U releases later this year.

The same could be said about the game’s soundtrack, which apart from a few variations on older tracks is basically the same as it has been since New Super Mario Bros. This leaves me completely bewildered as every main Mario game has added its own ‘sound and style to the franchise yet the ‘New’ series seems completely stuck in the past. Again though, and I want to be clear on this, the music isn’t bad, in fact it’s pretty catchy and Charles Martinet as Mario and Luigi is still impeccable and will bring a smile to even the most jaded of gamers. The problem here isn’t the quality, this is a good soundtrack - the problem is that the very same soundtrack was good in 2006.

One thing which I did find to be pretty terrible here is the 3D effect, in that there barely is one. A 2D platformer should be the perfect genre to pop off the screen and add a real sense of depth to the game. Instead what happens when you turn your 3DS’ depth slider to the max is that the (admittedly nice) backgrounds get all blurry and distorted giving you a faint ‘3D’ effect. This is so far the only 3DS game that I played with the 3D mostly turned off which is a huge disappointment considering how great Super Mario 3D Land looked when running in the full third dimension.

NSMB 2 Rev. 01

Another thing that got to me is just how easy this game is, especially when compared to its most direct predecessor; New Super Mario Bros. Wii. It’s a combination of several things that make this one of Bowser’s least threatening obstacle courses yet. The long countdowns (600 seconds?!), the tried and true gameplay (we all know how to jump on Goombas), the plethora of green mushrooms and of course, the fact that 100 coins still grant you a 1-up. Now in the first level alone I collected well over 500 coins and finished with nearly 25 000. That’s 250 lives right there! I honestly doubt that I will ever see this game’s Game Over screen, and yet the game still offers a Super Guide in the form of a golden leaf suit to get you past hard parts. I don’t understand why they kept 100 coins as the cost of an extra life but it really did suck a lot of the challenge out of this game, whatever little there was.

Simply rescuing the princess and restoring order to the Mushroom Kingdom’s six main worlds won’t last you more than five hours, which is an awfully short time, especially when compared to a couple of recent titles: Super Mario 3D Land and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Of course there is much more for you to do, like looking for the secret exits, collecting all the star coins and most importantly finding the three hidden worlds. Nintendo has also promised to offer downloadable content in the next few months to keep your game file going, so don’t worry about not having enough of a 2D Mario fix on the go just yet.

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ has been the benchmark of curmudgeonly old folks for as long as I can remember; unfortunately it also seems to be the philosophy behind Nintendo’s handling of the ‘New’ Super Mario Bros series. Now I’m not saying the game itself is bad… per se, in fact I doubt you will find a better crafted portable platformer on any system. It’s just that this ‘new’ series is frankly starting to feel old, choosing instead to borrow heavily from Mario’s past than to invent and push the series forward in a meaningful way.

This review is based on a retail copy of New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Nintendo 3DS.

This story was originally featured on gamrReview, read the full version here - New Super Mario Bros. 2 - Review

Related Games:
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

Top 5 Games of August – Article

31 Jul

New Super Mario Bros. 2
Release date: 19th August



Recently, Nintendo announced they were making a 2D Mario that was a direct sequel to the best-selling 2006 New Super Mario Bros. game for the DS.  Yes, that’s right.  2006.  It has been six years since we’ve had a new 2D Mario platformer on the handheld.  While this is technically the third in the New SMB line, it is in every way much more of a sequel to the DS game than the 4 player Wii version.

Read the preview

 

Guild Wars 2
Release date: 28th August

The sequel to ArenaNet's 2005 hit MMORPG, Guild Wars, finally lands this August. Taking place in the high fantasy world of Tyria, 250 years after the players' defeat of the Great Destroyer, Guild Wars 2 looks well placed to shake up the world of MMORPGs where those before it have fallen by the wayside.

 

 
Persona 4 Arena
Release date: 7th August



The first thing you should know about Persona 4 Arena is that the developer pedigree is one of the best you can ask for. Arc Systems Works - the creators of the Guilty Gear and Blazblue - man the helms for this title brilliantly. It's really impressive how they can make something that feels like an accomplished and tournament-worthy fighter, yet has such simple controls that the bar for entry is Dead Sea low.

Read the preview



Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Release date: 21st August



Not really a sequel to the ever popular Counter-Strike: Source, it is more of a refinement, update and improvement rather than a brutal re-imagining. Why fix what isn't broken? It's still one life and you're out, unforgiving for new users and utterly, utterly addictive.

Read the preview




Sound Shapes
Release date: 7th August



Sound Shapes is our wild-card pick for August. Of all the titles on this list it's undoubtedly the most understated and least publicised. At its core, Sound Shapes is a uniquely stylish platformer whose soundtrack is affected by the way you play. Featuring a comprehensive level editor, and wonderful and varied level design, Sound Shapes has been shaping up nicely over the course of its extended development and is well worth a look for PlayStation Vita owners looking for their next handheld fix.

Read the preview

This story was originally featured on gamrReview, read the full version here - Top 5 Games of August - Article

Related Games:
- Guild Wars 2 (PC) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Sound Shapes (PSV) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (PC) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (X360) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (PS3) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Persona 4: Arena (PS3) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Persona 4: Arena (X360) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

E3 ’12: Nintendo’s 3DS Game Presentation

8 Jun
ViewMedia.jpg Nintendo had so much to say at E3 this year that they couldn't squeeze it into one simple press conference. So they had a special video presentation, and two separate press presentations. They mentioned a few 3DS games at their main presentation at the Nokia Theater, but saved the rest for a separate 3DS presentation the following evening. Unfortunately, there were no real surprises here — all the games mentioned had already been announced — but there was some new information scattered here and there (although with one major omission), so I've got the whole rundown for you on the next page...

gamrReview – Fly like a Squirrel in New Super Mario Bros Wii U – Preview

6 Jun
Oh I can hear you now internet.  More like OLD Super Mario Bros Wii 2, amiright derp derp derp?  Ok, while I’ll admit that it has the exact same physics and flow to it that New Super Mario Bros Wii did, there is enough new here to deserve your consideration. First off, playing a 2D Mario in true HD is one of those wow moments gaming gives you every once in a while.  While Mario’s world is not full of hyper realistic elements and you can’t see the individual fibers on his coveralls this cartoony world has a living glow.  Everything seems to have been polished to the point you almost forget that these are just pixels and code moving on the Tv.  Like a 1930’s Disney cartoon flowers bob and sway to the ever classic Mario music.  It’s...

Read More: Fly like a Squirrel in New Super Mario Bros Wii U - Preview on gamrReview

Related Games:
- New Super Mario Bros. (DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. U (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

Nintendo E3 2012 Conference Wrap-Up – Article

5 Jun

Console launches are always a special time for gamers but it always seems that whenever new Nintendo hardware is getting set for launch the internet goes wild with speculation, hopes and ideas. At last year’s E3 Nintendo introduced us to the concept of the Wii U and its controller, now it was time for a true reveal. What wonders did the big ‘N’ have in store for us at their pre-E3 press conference? Read on to find out.

Pikmin 3

Nintendo kicked off their show with what many fans were both expecting and hoping for - an announcement of Pikmin 3 for the Wii U. The conference began with an amusing skit with Miyamoto backstage, with all of his Pikmin helping him get ready for the big show. After making it on stage to an enormous round of applause, Miyamoto went straight into Pikmin 3 gameplay - no beating around the bush with an announcement trailer with no gameplay. 

Pikmin 3 appears to have the same gameplay that fans have come to love about the series. This time around, no Captain Olimar (reasons for which Nintendo has yet to reveal). Instead, Pikmin 3 will feature up to four-playable characters, as well as four player co-op, with one player on the Wii U’s Game Pad and the other three using Wiimotes. 

Another cool feature was the movement of the onscreen map and HUD to the Wii U Game Pad’s screen. Not only does this un-clutter the screen to allow more attention for the gorgeous art-style, but also to allow for easier micro-management of all of your various types of Pikmin with the touch screen capabilities (tangent: RTS’s for the Wii U have the potential to be amazing). 

Afterwards, Miyamoto pulled out a Pikmin plushy from his pocket, and motioned that he was about to throw it to the audience. The crowd went crazy, but it turns out Shigeru psyched everyone out. Buzzkill, Miyamoto. Buzzkill. 

New Super Mario Bros. U

With every new Nintendo platform announcement immediate attention and speculation turns to what will happen with the next Mario title. Last year’s New Super Mario Brothers Mii tech demo seems to have evolved into a full fledged release titled New Super Mario Brothers U. The video they showed demonstrated a host of new power-ups including a flying squirrel suit, Baby Yoshi, and one that seemed to allow players to encapsulate foes within bubbles. The game supports four players just like past titles. They also showed off an ice level, a cloud level, and one unusual level that seemed reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s painting Starry Night with the moon in the background. They also stressed Miiverse integration into New Super Mario Brothers U. Real time comments will appear letting you know what others think of specific levels, allowing them to offer advice or high scores for comparison’s sake. No specifics about a release date were announced; fingers crossed that it releases on or close to the launch day of the Wii U.

Lego City Stories Undercover

The other big Wii U title that showed up in a more evolved state since its original reveal at last year’s E3 was Lego City Stories Undercover. This game, developed by Traveler’s Tales, seems to be an open world Lego game where you assume the role of all-round excellent officer McCain. The trailer they showed went over really well among those in attendance. The gameplay consists of platforming, melee, arresting criminals and going undercover in order to solve crimes. The game features voice acting in an apparently humorous story complete with vehicle sections as well as traditional Lego block building gameplay. They also announced that a special Nintendo 3DS version of Lego City Stories Undercover will be available as well, complete with its own unique storyline and missions to enjoy. The trailer ended with officer McCain assembling a bunch of green blocks into a pipe from Mario’s universe which he subsequently traveled down complete with appropriate sound effects.

New Super Mario Bros. 2

Nintendo’s focus was almost solely on Wii U titles during their press conference. A separate event dedicated solely to 3DS games is scheduled for Wednesday night and will be streamed online as it happens. However, they did make time for a Nintendo of America representative to show off three first party Nintendo 3DS titles set to launch this year. The first was New Super Mario Bros. 2, which was the second 2D Mario title announced within the span of a few minutes. Still, Nintendo made a point to stress that the Wii U and 3DS titles would offer unique experiences. New Super Mario Bros. 2 emphasizes gold coins. They showed stages where Mario collected a ridiculous amount of coins and power-ups such as a golden flower that seemed to transform regular blocks into, you guessed it, gold coins. The game looked as fun and tightly executed as any other Mario platformer but it makes you wonder if you will need at least 1000 coins to earn a 1-up or else you’ll find yourself with a ridiculous amount of lives.

Paper Mario Sticker Star

Next they showed Paper Mario Sticker Star, set to launch this holiday season. The game continues the role-playing within a whimsical shoebox diorama-like world. Not only does the world gain more depth on the Nintendo 3DS thanks to the 3D screen but Nintendo also revealed that stickers will play an essential role in the gameplay, hence the title. Mario will pull stickers off of nearby surfaces and use these as the basis for his battle commands. The demonstration showed the player employing a boot sticker in order to stomp on some Goombas and a giant fan in order to influence the wind in your environment. 

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon

The last 3DS title they showed was the new Luigi’s Mansion game, newly titled Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon. This time Luigi will have to traverse multiple mansions and you will have tactical strategies to lure and trap insidious ghosts. Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon will also be released this holiday season. Afterwards Nintendo presented a sizzle trailer showing off some of the third party titles headed to the 3DS. The montage featured games such as Kingdom Hearts: Dream, Drop, Distance, Scribblenauts: Unlimited (see below), and Castlevania Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate.

Scribblenauts: Unlimited

Warner Bros. continued the Wii U love with a demo and trailer for Scribblenauts: Unlimited, a game that promises to take the already very ‘creative’ concept of the original games to a whole new level. Now you will be able to create your own words and items and not only use them in the game but share them with friends and bring them into their games. No release date was mentioned but a Nintendo 3DS version was also teased.

Wii Fit U

Nintendo also showed off their latest entry in the Wii Fit series, creatively titled Wii Fit U. The new game will use the same Wii Balance Board that came with the original but also come packaged with the new Fit Walker, a pedometer-style device that will allow you to track your workout outside of the house and transmit it directly to the Wii U Gamepad.  Of course the games will also feature a whole new slew of physical activities and Mii based games to keep you working towards those Nintendo brand biceps. My body is ready. Is yours?

SiNG

We already know about a lot of different Wii U features but a karaoke machine? Well Nintendo sure thinks so with the upcoming SiNG. The game will attempt to bring a Wii U style and interface to the classic ‘drunken’ art of karaoke. The lyrics will be displayed on the Wii U controller and group parts on the TV screen so your party can really come to life.

Two Gamepads

A quick note: Nintendo also put to bed the rumours that the Wii U would only be able to support one tablet controller, although no games in the current line-up showcase the ability to use two Wii U gamepads.

Nintendo Land

Nintendo’s final announcement of the day was for the Wii U launch title Nintendo Land. A theme park… themed game that will feature attractions based on 12 different Nintendo franchises like Animal Crossing, Zelda and Luigi’s Mansion. From the demo and trailer that we were shown it seems that the attractions serve as individual mini-games based on the various series. A demo was shown for the game based on Luigi’s Mansion which played like a sort of reverse Pac-Man where four players (using Wii Remotes) were trying to track down one ghost player using the Wii U Gamepad. No date was given for launch but Nintendo promised to have Nintendo Land available at launch for the Wii U and we were told they would be revealing more information on the title during E3.

Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition

Nintendo promised a plethora of third party support for the Wii U, and we got our first look at the various ports coming to the console, and Warner Bros. started it off with Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition. Featuring not only a new set of armor for Batman, but also incorporation of the touch screen into Batman’s gadgetry. With the new touch screen controls, players will now have more precision over Batman’s moveset, such as Batarang and explosive gel placement. 

Third Party Stuff

Nintendo continued their showcase of third-party support with a montage featuring upcoming games such as Darksiders II, Avengers: Battle for Earth, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, as well as ports of Mass Effect 3 and Ninja Gaiden 3. Mass Effect 3 seems like an odd choice, however, as Wii U owners will doubtfully have a way to experience the whole series on the console. 

Ubisoft

Ubisoft focused a lot on their Wii U support at their press conference yesterday, and continued to show off their support during Nintendo’s conference today. We got a montage showcasing the new Rabbids, Rayman Origins, Assassin’s Creed III, and Just Dance 4. 

Ubisoft also showed a bit more of Zombie U, the Wii U exclusive zombie game announced yesterday. It was a good showcase of what a core first person shooter game could like on Wii U, but there’s a little concern, as the Zombie U trailer had a bit of a “2005 Killzone 2 trailer” look to it, and may have been pre-rendered. 


So that’s our wrap-up of Nintendo’s pre E3 press conference, and remember to keep your browsers locked to gamrReview.com for further E3 2012 coverage.

Nintendo E3 2012 Conference Wrap-Up - Article on gamrReview

Related Games:
- Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Assassin's Creed III (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. U (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Scribblenauts: Unlimited (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Wii Fit U (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

gamrReview – Nintendo E3 2012 Conference Wrap-Up – Article

5 Jun
Console launches are always a special time for gamers but it always seems that whenever new Nintendo hardware is getting set for launch the internet goes wild with speculation, hopes and ideas. At last year’s E3 Nintendo introduced us to the concept of the Wii U and its controller, now it was time for a true reveal. What wonders did the big ‘N’ have in store for us at their pre-E3 press conference? Read on to find out. Pikmin 3 Nintendo kicked off their show with what many fans were both expecting and hoping for - an announcement of Pikmin 3 for the Wii U. The conference began with an amusing skit with Miyamoto backstage, with all of his Pikmin helping him get ready for the big show. After making it on stage to an enormous round of applause, Miyamoto went straight...

Read More: Nintendo E3 2012 Conference Wrap-Up - Article on gamrReview

Related Games:
- Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Assassin's Creed III (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. U (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Scribblenauts: Unlimited (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Wii Fit U (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (WiiU) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

Top 10 Most Anticipated Nintendo 3DS Games of E3 2012 – Article

29 May

With the 2012 edition of the Electronic Entertainment Expo just around the corner it’s time we started looking forward to all the big games we’ll be playing in (hopefully) just a short while. So as a bit of a primer to all the shiny new games you'll be salivating over in the coming days we've decided to take a look at some titles that have already caught our eye and should definitely be on your radar.

So without further ado, here are gamrReview’s top 10 most anticipated Nintendo 3DS games of E3 2012. 

10 - Fire Emblem: Awakening

3DS E3 preview 11

Let’s start this list off right, with a 3DS game that I have been personally drooling over for the past few months: Fire Emblem: Awakening. The series has been known to deliver the goods when it comes to hardcore strategizing and intense turn based battles, now combine this with new features like DLC, customisable characters and even marriage and you have a 3DS title that any gamer would be hard pressed to pass over. Our friends over in Japan have been enjoying this title for weeks now and it’s about time North America got some Fire Emblem love too (especially considering the last entry in the series skipped us over completely). 

9 - Luigi’s Mansion 2

3DS E3 preview 08

Ever since it was announced during Nintendo’s pre-E3 press conference last year we have heard barely a whisper about Luigi’s next haunted outing. Details may be scarce concerning Luigi’s Mansion 2 but from what we do know this long awaited sequel will deliver more of everything that fans loved from the Gamecube original and some new surprises along the way. Here’s hoping this will be the year that we will finally get some serious hands on time with one of the 3DS’ biggest upcoming titles

8 - Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

3DS E3 preview 10

Whoa fanboys and girls whoa, just calm down for a second, yes I know it’s Kingdom Hearts and it has the number three in the title but just take a deep breath. OK? While we all await the next main instalment in the Kingdom Hearts franchise let’s tide ourselves over with the series’ 3DS debut in Dream Drop Distance, a game that promises to take everything that we have come to expect from a Kingdom Hearts title and ratcheted it up to 11, with multiple scenarios, AR support and the ability to recruit allies to your cause this may just be the best Kingdom Hearts yet. 

7 - Animal Crossing (3DS)

3DS E3 preview 07

One of my personal guilty pleasures (right after Wendy’s Baconator) has got to be the Animal Crossing series. I don’t know why but after blowing up alien worlds, grinding it up in MMO’s and getting owned in online shooters, there is nothing I like more than to water my virtual flowers, decorate my virtual house and pay my virtual mortgage (my real rent, on the other hand…). Animal Crossing (3DS) looks to deliver on all the series' classic staples but also shake things up with new gameplay mechanics (like allowing you to play as the mayor and giving you a secretary), as well as a much needed visual overhaul.

6 - New Super Mario Bros. 2

3DS E3 preview 02

What’s better than a 2D Mario platformer? Wendy’s Baconator you say? Well fine, but 2D Mario games are still amazing even after more than 25 years of stomping Goombas. We know very little about the recently announced New Super Mario Bros. 2, other than it will play similarly to its predecessors on the DS and Wii and it will feature the proper return of the leaf and raccoon tail from Super Mario Bros. 3, which alone should be enough to get you excited. Add to that this will be the first game from Nintendo that will be available as both a fully boxed release and as a downloadable copy and you have one more reason to visit the Mushroom Kingdom once again.

5 - Professor Layton VS. Ace Attorney

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Combining the puzzle-adventures of the Professor Layton series with the courtroom antics of Phoenix Wright seemed like a match made in heaven when it was announced way back in 2010 and everything we’ve heard so far (which is very little) has us even more excited for this crossover of investigative minds. Professor Layton VS. Ace Attorney is probably the title on this list that we know the least about, but that only has our expectations and imaginations running wilder. Hopefully more news on this fan-fiction turned reality title comes through at E3 2012. 

4 - Bravely Default: Flying Fairy

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Another upcoming 3DS title that we know very little of, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy may just be the favourite to take home the ‘most ridiculous title award’ at this year’s E3. While the game has been described as a ‘standard RPG’ by its developers, that may be selling it short as it’s being handled by the same team that worked on the under-appreciated Final Fantasy: The 4 Warriors Of Light and is said to feature the same battle system as Final Fantasy V. Let’s hope that Square-Enix will deliver a game that is anything but ‘standard’; the title is a good start.

3 - Monster Hunter Tri-G (and/or) Monster Hunter 4

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Capcom had already been providing Nintendo fans with countless hours of monster hunting goodness before they announced not only a remake of the spectacular Monster Hunter Tri for the 3DS but also a fully blown sequel for the portable as well. While Monster Hunter Tri-G has been entertaining the masses over in Japan since December, no word on a North American release has been given, and nothing has been said about number four since it was announced. E3 would be the perfect time to finally give us a release date so we can sharpen up our blades and roast some meat in preparation for monster hunting on the go.

2 - Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion

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Very rarely will you see a game where just a few screenshots will sell you on the idea, yet here we are with Disney Epic Mickey: Power Of Illusion for the Nintendo 3DS. A 2D hand-drawn platformer, it's a spiritual sequel to the amazing Castle of Illusion for the Sega Genesis and features classic 2D gameplay mixed with the paint and thinner mechanics from the original Epic Mickey. How can anyone not be excited for that!? While we have yet to see the game in motion, developer Warren Spector has an impeccable track record and we have full confidence that Power Of Illusion can even give the console sequel a run for its money.

1 - Paper Mario (3DS)

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Well here we are, our most anticipated Nintendo 3DS game of E3 2012: Paper Mario (3DS). The game was announced two years ago and so far we have only seen a handful of trailers, but our excitement cannot be abated. The past three titles in the series have been simply spectacular and the promise of a new Paper Mario adventure, complete with the unique gameplay and quirky humour that the series is known for is more than enough to guarantee this RPG a spot on our list. The fact that we can take it wherever we want whenever we want vaults it into number one.

With E3 2012 just a few days away make sure to stay tuned to gamrReview.com for even more E3 coverage.

Top 10 Most Anticipated Nintendo 3DS Games of E3 2012 - Article on gamrReview

Related Games:
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Paper Mario (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Animal Crossing (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Luigi's Mansion 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Monster Hunter 3G (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Monster Hunter 4 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Fire Emblem: Kakusei (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

gamrReview – Top 10 Most Anticipated Nintendo 3DS Games of E3 2012 – Article

29 May
With the 2012 edition of the Electronic Entertainment Expo just around the corner it’s time we started looking forward to all the big games we’ll be playing in (hopefully) just a short while. So as a bit of a primer to all the shiny new games you'll be salivating over in the coming days we've decided to take a look at some titles that have already caught our eye and should definitely be on your radar.So without further ado, here are gamrReview’s top 10 most anticipated Nintendo 3DS games of E3 2012. 10 - Fire Emblem: Awakening Let’s start this list off right, with a 3DS game that I have been personally drooling over for the past few months: Fire Emblem: Awakening. The series has been known to deliver the goods when it comes to hardcore strategizing and inten...

Read More: Top 10 Most Anticipated Nintendo 3DS Games of E3 2012 - Article on gamrReview

Related Games:
- Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Paper Mario (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Animal Crossing (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Monster Hunter 3G (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Monster Hunter 4 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- Fire Emblem: Kakusei (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) - review - sales - walkthrough - cheats

Kirby Is Almost To Drinking Age!

24 Apr
kirbyann.jpg Nintendo announced a bunch of games on the horizon, including a special collection to celebrate the 20th anniversary of everyone's favorite pink blob, Kirby! The little guy still isn't legal drinking age here in New York, but there's going to be a special anniversary Wii game that will contain a variety of fan-favorite Kirby games collected onto one disc. It'll likely be similar to the Mario one they released, but more details are coming later. There's also New Super Mario Bros. 2, a traditional side-scrolling adventure game for the Nintendo 3DS that's due out in North America in August. But if you need a little Mario fix before then, you can try Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS on May 20. This time around, you can even play as your Mii characters, and use the hundreds of special items to customize your appearance. And you can play local or wireless internet multiplayer! Also on tap for the 3DS is a system update scheduled for April 25 which will let you create folders on your home screen to organize your content. Finally! I can put all my GBA games in one folder and GB ones in another and not have to scroll across three screens to get to some of them! The update will also add eShop recommendations as well as the ability to update select software. Like with the Mario Kart 7 update scheduled for mid-May that will resolve shortcut exploits in the game. Hopefully this won't lead to a bunch of unfinished games with bugs being released because now they can be patched later... I hate that. Oh, and if you were a fan of the Kid Icarus anime videos that were released to promote the new game, they're coming back to Nintendo Video on April 28. Personally, I'm just glad they released a new puzzle for Puzzle Swap. I know it's just a Mario Tennis Open one to promote the new game, but I absolutely love the puzzles. More than Find Mii! And since I was able to finish the second batch of new puzzles at PAX East (conventions are awesome for StreetPassing!), I was sad because there were no more puzzles. Hopefully the releases will continue!