Tag Archives: nintendo

Remake Fever in the Gaming Industry

September 4, 2015 Alex McCumbers

Nostalgia is a powerful force, so much so that designers often revisit past projects to bring experiences to a new generations of players, often with better technology than the original development. The concept of a remake is nothing new to game development, but what makes an exceptional example of such? To find out, I’ll be exploring a wide array of remakes from the Super Nintendo to as recent as the Xbox One.

This screen still remains as one of the most memorable title screens ever.

One of the first remakes I can remember was Super Mario All Stars, specifically the new coat of paint Super Mario Bros 3 was given. Everything popped with new color, but the controls and gameplay were still familiar, if not almost identical. The game also had three other Mario games, each with updated graphics, one of which was Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, a game that hadn’t been released in the West prior.

Bringing classic experiences into a new generation of graphics and music seemed like a no-brainer to me, even as a child. As if all of my favorite games should just grow up with me; however, wouldn’t I eventually become bored with the same games, no matter how well they were designed?

Resident Evil HD Remaster — Notice the lighting engine and how it comes from the equipment. This would’ve been accomplished with a static light source in the original game.

Remakes also have the chance to expand upon gameplay elements or update controls. One of the best examples of this is Capcom’s Remake of the first Resident Evil, known as Resident Evil HD Remaster. This game recreates all of the static backgrounds with full 3D modeling, to ensure that the lighting was perfect. Combine that with an optional, modern control scheme makes this groundbreaking game less stiff to a new audience. Also, this remake seems minor compared to the graphical overhaul of the game when it was brought to the Gamecube back in 2002.

Yeah, Capcom knows where they come from. It’s hard to let go of the past.

Capcom has a firm understanding of how to remake its games in an effective manner and have had plenty of practice to the point of ridiculousness: adding a parody of itself in Dead Rising 3‘s DLC. I did always enjoy Capcom remakes more than its newest games, simply because I felt that there was tighter design in those early titles. Speaking of which, I would love to see Demon’s Crest be brought into a new age, but I digress.

Even more recent was Epic Games’ remake of the first Gears of War on the Xbox One. This Ultimate Edition brought Marcus and the rest of his thick-necked squad into higher resolutions, with new mechanics (developed throughout the franchise) being utilized as well. Marking targets, which was seen in Gears 3, is now a staple of staying alive on the multiplayer battlefields. Speaking of multiplayer, the Gears franchise was one of the few that could combat the juggernaut that was Halo as one of the most played games on Xbox Live. With these two shooters being exclusive to the Xbox, Microsoft ruled the online space with the 360 console and could very well do the same in the current console generation, especially with Halo 5 looming just over the horizon.

Yet, Ultimate Edition is a good example on how companies can ride out the wave of nostalgia on a board of missed opportunities. For example, many of the animations in the Xbox One Gears was pulled straight from the original. These movements seem stiff by modern comparisons, or even when compared to Gears of War 3. It was also a bit of letdown when looking at the modes offered. Even though Horde mode hadn’t been invented when the original Gears launched, it would have been an excellent addition to this Ultimate Edition.
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All in all, it was great to see the COG go up against the Locust on the Xbox One with nicer graphics, but there could’ve been some more features added to make it feel more ultimate than it claims to be. Although, it’s also important to note that players who try out this version will be getting the entire Gears franchise for free. Unfortunately, while there’s much to be enjoyed in Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, it seems like an attempt to make some quick cash for Gears 4.

Remaking a game to truly capitalize on what makes these sort of memories special takes complete dedication with goals that align to the players, not profits.

Sora can't believe the whole game was remade either. — Sora can’t believe the whole game was remade either.

One of the best examples of this surprisingly comes from Square Enix, a company horribly guilty of shelling out remakes for a quick buck. Nonetheless, the amount of care and polish that was put into Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix is astounding. Much of the original files that were used to create the first Kingdom Hearts on the PlayStation 2 were lost. Therefore, to give Kingdom Hearts the remake it deserved, Square Enix’s team re-recorded all of the music in a studio, remodeled all of the graphics, and tightened up the gameplay to be more consistent with the franchise as a whole. What resulted was an absolutely excellent release.

Not only was the game completely remade, but elements from the elusive Kingdom Hearts Final Mix were also included. Final Mix was actually the first imported game I had ever seen. This was when I learned that consoles could be modified and how region locking affected what could and couldn’t be played. This lack of knowing the Japanese language, coupled with my love for the series, made Kingdom Hearts 1.5 a must have game in my library.

There are many more remakes worth mentioning, but what can be taken away from remakes as a whole? For developers, there is much to be utilized from tapping into their players’ nostalgia. Its a feeling that can leave audiences speechless or giggly from reliving fond memories. However, there is a fine line to be tread: each remake must be given great attention. Even new developers can use nostalgia to their advantage in ways that can skyrocket small teams into having more resources. Shovel Knight is a great example of this as its design is similar to several older games, but remains unique.

Yes, gamers remember Super Mario Bros 3 or Resident Evil because they were great feats in game design. Yet, know that as a medium there is so much that developers haven’t discovered. New possibilities lie hidden, beneath the surface of what has already been done. As new technologies emerge and game design becomes more available, games will continue to be that defining art form which demands so much time and sweat, but ends up being an expression of those who made them and those who play them.

Games and Software, Industry Now, Pop Culture

How Nintendo Could Make A MOBA

August 3, 2015 Alex McCumbers

Gaming trends come and go. Hell, when Doom appeared, developers frantically emulated that iconic first person style. For many years, FPS games were referred to as Doom Clones. When a game truly perfects a style and is wildly successful, developers will inevitably put their own spin on it or sometimes shamefully try to make a quick buck.

Nintendo seems to ignore these trends in the industry. In fact, it’s just now getting into the mobile-gaming scene, years after Apple and Google created an environment, which generates tons of revenue. What’s sad is that there are many Nintendo franchises that can easily be used in interesting ways. I’m not saying it should just copy everything that becomes popular, but there are whole genres being developed that could use that Nintendo touch, just for the sake of the genre.

This is why Nintendo needs to make a MOBA.

Before I go any further, let me first say that I am in no way a MOBA fanatic. In fact, the only MOBA I regularly play is Smite and its a prime example of what can be done with the style. That being said, I have immense respect for what MOBA games have done for that style of game, the heightened awareness of competitive gaming that comes with its popularity.

Without MOBAs like League and DOTA 2, this wouldn't be possible. — Without MOBAs like League and DOTA 2, this wouldn’t be possible.

While trying to come up with the general concept for a Nintendo MOBA, I spent hours thinking of how it could be done without it being too much like Super Smash Bros. Using that sort of model, a MOBA by the Big N would simply be an extra mode for Smash, something that wouldn’t really take advantage of the mechanics of the genre, a rushed multiplayer mode on a clearly single player experience if it were.

That's right Bioshock 2! I'm looking at you. — That’s right Bioshock 2! I’m looking at you.

Then, a revelation occurred while playing my DS. What other Nintendo franchise has a vast history, tons of characters, and a strategy-centered gameplay? Fire Emblem.

Fire Emblem has a vast history and cast that can be pulled from to make a truly awesome MOBA experience.

Think of it this way. How simple would it be to replace all the characters in Smite or League with characters from Fire Emblem? Even that simple act alone would still be an interesting way to play. Add in some locales from various games and let the money roll in. However, something that simple wouldn’t take advantage of the concept, even though it would inevitably be profitable.

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This Fire Emblem title could also make interesting use of the Wii U gamepad or the dual screens of the 3DS. Not only could maps be presented, but players could also ping locations, and mark out strategies; pretty much anything that could be done with a PC is possible. This would also give Nintendo a chance to add more voice chat support to its games.

One of the defining features of Fire Emblem is that characters can upgrade their class. This could be done mid-game, allowing players to choose to upgrade after reaching level ten. Players could also hold back on upgrading for the extra stats as well, just like in the source material. This could create many interesting decisions from players and develop unique abilities for characters. Add in characters that can choose between a few classes will make things even better.

As another interesting spin, most MOBA games are played in real time, while every Fire Emblem title is turn based. Thus a MOBA could be created in a turn-based system, fitting more with the style of the source material, while experimenting with the genre. This could also be played against friends similarly to the Civilization series that enables players to play a single game over several days, if not longer. That sort of play could also be ported over to smart phones with little difficulty.

A Fire Emblem MOBA could also give players a chance to create their own champions, due to the classes of the games each having unique looks and skills. Players could choose a class, edit a model, and gank lanes as their own characters. Most characters would be the iconic characters throughout the series and could have powers unique to their stories or design, retaining the general idea of their respective class.

Even though I can see this sort of project being immensely amazing for fans of Nintendo, MOBA games, and the Fire Emblem franchise, I don’t see this sort of thing happening for a while. Nintendo really doesn’t like to take risks with its franchises. Although, sometimes those titles such as Metroid Prime or Wind Waker, prove to be some of the most interesting. In fact, maybe Retro Studios need to head this project. Seriously guys, this could be a great chance to get Nintendo into MOBA games or even the PC market. Call me if you need a project leader.

Or fans should start making this a reality. Of course Nintendo would cancel it, but hey, it’d be fun for a while.

Until I can have Lyn take out monsters in the jungle, I can be found putting some serious hours into Shadow Dragon on the DS.

Game File, Games and Software, Industry Now

Remembering Satoru Iwata

July 13, 2015 Alex McCumbers

Nintendo has always been full of quirky folks, ones who have overwhelmed these many years of gaming with an abundance of creativity and whimsy. Unfortunately, there’s only so much a single person can contribute. On July 11, 2015, Satoru Iwata suddenly passed away from an illness that he had seemingly defeated. He was 55.

While there is much sadness in the gaming world, I want to make a recommendation. Let us play the games he helped produce and remember all of the joy these titles brought. Here, I will list some of the greatest achievements of Mr. Iwata.

Rollerball (NES)

Rollerball was the first game in which Iwata was credited for being a producer, and it was his first game on the Nintendo Entertainment System. To be honest, I had never heard of this game before researching his massive list of projects he had worked on. Rollerball was a pinball game for the NES that had multiple boards, which stretch multiple screens. Even though it is just pinball, the music and the feel of the game makes it fun and humbling. This simple game was the gateway that led to many other classics for Nintendo.

Earthbound (SNES)

Earthbound is a game that continues to inspire people to this very day. It takes all the workings of a Japanese role-playing game and applies them to Americana. Throw in comments on psychology, excellent story telling, and off beat humor. Earthbound is not only one of the best SNES games, but also of all time. Fans of the series are still asking for more since there have been only three entries, one of which Westerners have yet to play as an official port.

If it wasn’t for Iwata and his team at Hal Laboratories, Earthbound (Mother 2 in Japan) may have been cancelled. The development process was grueling and Iwata helped alleviate that workload to help the game see release day. What sort of wonder did those men and women feel as they crafted what would be known as a timeless classic?

The game never sold as well as other Nintendo franchises, but it had so much heart that it has never truly left the minds of gamers. Even though we may never play another new title in the series, Ness and Lucas continue exploring the world in Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros (Nintendo 64)

Speaking of Smash, Iwata was also the producer of Nintendo’s greatest fighting game, putting all the characters from across the platform into one game. The game broke the conventions of typical fighting games and has rapidly evolved into one of the most complex games around. There are still players out there playing the first Smash competitively, to outstanding use of the game’s mechanics.

Super Smash Bros was the first game I bought for the N64; it essentially sold me the console. I didn’t like Mario running in circles, but I did like the idea of Mario battling against Pikachu. In fact, I waited months after buying an N64 before getting Smash. My family could barely afford the console, so I waited patiently to earn enough money for the game. Needless to say, I have the entire box of the system memorized. Smash was not only one of my favorite games for years, but it also pointed me to other Nintendo characters I had never seen. Playing Smash led me to discover the Metroid games and sent me on a quest to find out who the hell Ness is. I loved every second of it, and I owe a large part of that experience to Iwata.

Animal Crossing (Nintendo Gamecube)

There is a simple joy to Animal Crossing. No monsters chase the player. No princesses are in danger. No realms are being razed by evil kings. There’s simply a community of animals and the player that lives among them. The neighborhood is filled with unique personalities and lots of things to do to bring them together. It’s not about getting a high score; it’s about enjoying life by catching bugs, remembering old experiences, or just growing a garden.

Unfortunately, the Gamecube classic is a little hard to find and can be expensive to buy. Luckily, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is available on 3DS, and taking the experience on the go feels more natural. While I haven’t had the chance to play many of the Animal Crossing games, I’ve always had immense respect for them and what they’ve accomplished. Such simple designs can bring great joy to everyone, and that’s something that I think Iwata truly wanted to deliver.

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The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (Nintendo Gamecube)

I can only imagine how Iwata must have felt when the harsh criticism came to light on this game. I’ll admit that I was one of those gamers who felt anger towards the way the game looked when compared to Ocarina of Time. I wanted Link’s world to be more detailed, but I and everyone else were completely wrong. Wind Waker is a beautiful game that captures all of the staples of the Zelda franchise, while adding the freedom of sailing. This version of Link may have been less detailed, but he was more expressive than ever before.

Many franchises were reborn on the Gamecube. Wind Waker is one of those gambles that resulted in one of the most regarded Zelda games. It is so good, that just updating the graphics made it seem like it had been made for the current generation of consoles. Iwata must have known that Link as a character had more going on than heroism. He is much more complex than that. The struggle to show this side of such a well-loved character could’ve been the reason for such a stark change in presentation. Iwata and his team took a bold chance and the world of gaming was made the better because of it.

Wario Ware Inc: Mega Party Game$ (Gameboy Advance)

To truly understand the simple joy Iwata brought with his design, one must spend at least an hour with any of the Wario Ware games. They are sheer absurdity in a frantically paced mess, yet they remain overwhelmingly hilarious and fun. These sort of games are the kind that people want to share, just to bring laughs. I used to look down on this franchise, but did eventually try it out on the DS years ago. I laughed so hard that I practically wet myself and proceeded to play for several hours.

This franchise reminds me of being a kid who wanted to make people laugh, no matter what sort of weird, embarrassing act it took. Many of the game’s laughs are crude or random, which fit into that childish sense of humor that makes many of us laugh at farts and dirty jokes. Wario Ware takes an establish Nintendo villain and makes him the embodiment of humor, which is something everyone could use more of.

Iwata helped make the world laugh, not only in his games, but in his nature. He was naturally a funny guy and that came out during his appearances at E3 and Nintendo Direct presentations. I also have a feeling that he was funny in person.

A Conclusion of Wonderful Memories

I may never have personally known Mr. Iwata, but the games he helped create brought me smiles for the entirety of my life. The games he and his team created explore everything it means to stay youthful and having simple joys in life. These games have brought together people of all ages and all nationalities to simply have fun.

So yes, I have never met Satoru Iwata, but I do feel a closeness to his ideals and dreams. I feel sadness in his passing, as if he had been a family friend. However, it’s this sadness that reminds me of the things he had accomplished and the mass amounts of joy he left for everyone in his games.

Let his whimsical nature live on in the people he’s touched over the many, many years of game development.

On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer. – Satoru Iwata

Rest in peace, Satoru Iwata, you will be missed and remembered.

Game File, Games and Software, Industry Now

The Best of E3 2015

June 22, 2015 Alex McCumbers

E3 has always been one of the most exciting events for gamers everywhere. It’s a prime opportunity for developers to show their latest work and for journalists to become nocturnal. Ever since the days of G4, in which Sessler and Webb reigned supreme, I’ve huddled around the tv, full of anticipation. Each expo brings showmanship, new technology and, most importantly, more games.

Although E3 has settled down over the years due to it being closed to the public, it remains the most exciting event in the industry. The following list is a collection of things that blew me away this year, but feel free to share with us your favorite moments.

5). Minecraft Hololens

Hololens was announced before E3, but never before had a live audience been able to experience this amazing tech. By using a special camera that projected the experience, Microsoft proves just how capable and viable Hololens is. This presentation also showed off the showmanship of the Microsoft staff, making them fun to watch. Buying this intellectual property was a good move for the company as Minecraft has been a milestone in gaming history; Hololens will hopefully take that one step further.

4). Horizon: Zero Dawn

One of the most unique games to come out of E3 2015 was Sony’s reveal of Horizon: Zero Dawn. Thematically, the game combines elements from prehistoric times and a bleak, robot ruled future. The gameplay shown is awe-inspiring as the main character stalks what is presumably a food critter, only to be intercepted by a metallic T-Rex. Battle ensues, as the heroine is forced to take the beast down. It appears players will have to use weapons created from scraps scattered around the world and slowly dismantle the defenses of large creatures, all while trying to survive. Hopefully more information on this dynamically different game will be revealed soon.

3) Nintendo World Championships

Before the days of online multiplayer and getting pentakills, players had to physically attend tournaments, often traveling thousands of miles and having to record their skills on tape to enter. One of the most notorious of these early events was the Nintendo World Championships. These competitions had players playing a special tournament cartridge with several challenges built in. These cartridges are now sought after by collectors, being some of the most expensive games on the system.

Unfortunately, the World Championships faded into nostalgic obscurity, the last one held in 1990. However, in 2015 Nintendo comically announced the classic event is coming back. It was awesome.

Players, hand picked by Nintendo for various reasons, competed in Splatoon, Metroid Prime: Blast Ball, Mario Maker, and more to be crowned the champion. Each player brought out awesome skills for each game, making every moment exciting.

Hopefully this event becomes an annual tradition.
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2) Final Fantasy VII

Sony floored its audience with a single trailer.

While most believe this reveal to mean that one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time will finally get a remake, I’m convinced that there could be more to the story. I’ll elaborate more on my theories in a later post. More official information will be shared this winter.

Fallout 4

Before E3 officially began, Bethesda held its press event—one of the best presentations I’ve seen in a long time—showing off titles like Dishonored 2 and Doom. Their energy was abundant, the games were fantastic, and the fans were loving every second of it. Of course, everyone patiently waited for Fallout 4.

I had my doubts about the project after the trailer was released. However, I was completely blown away by what was shown at E3. The sheer amount of content being jammed into this game is staggering. Combat will be streamlined, fitting more in line with a shooter than an RPG, while retaining the classic elements established in past installments. Random junk is no longer just fun to horde as each piece can be used to construct other things. Many, many aspects of the game can be personalized from armor to weapons and beyond. Mods will also be playable on the console versions, even though the Xbox One will be getting them before the PS4.

While my list of improvements may seem like a lot, the official list of what’s being added is several pages long. Seriously. Not only that, but the collector’s edition of the game comes with a working Pit Boy that can be connected to a smart phone. Its everything I’ve ever wanted from the Fallout franchise, presumably. We won’t know till the game comes out in November, but its not going to stop this title from being another Bethesda masterpiece.

To truly experience what’s been revealed for Fallout 4, watch the video below.

Now that E3 has come and gone, I feel that there are true strides being made in the gaming industry. I do wish someone would teach Square Enix how to do a proper gaming presentation, but I digress.

Action, Adventure, Game File, Games and Software, Otaku, RPG

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – More Excellent Remakes from Nintendo

November 28, 2014 Alex McCumbers

Nintendo has a knack for creating fantastic remakes that ooze nostalgia, but still hold up among other games. One of my favorite DS games was Pokemon Soul Silver, due to my love for the original Silver Version and from just awesome content overall. Now a new game has crested the horizon.

I got to play the Ruby Version on my GBA in middle school. It was a strange and dark time, when bullies would pick on Pokémon players, yet it was during this time more people picked it up. Friends who I didn’t know played video games were suddenly asking me to evolve their Clamperl. Oddly enough, even though I sunk hundreds of hours into the game, I considered Ruby and Sapphire to be a weak upgrade from Silver.

Hoenn is mostly water, letting trainers explore the seas atop their Pokemon or by diving below the surface.

My main issue with the original games is the scope of the game. The Johto Region is huge, and after beating the Elite Four players, one could visit the Kanto Region to beat up classic Gym Leaders. By comparison the Hoenn Region feel small and the towns are small and condensed.

This is where Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby shines. Not only has Mauville City been completely redone, but also many areas feature larger set pieces and sweeping camera angles. Add this with the ability to soar through the sky makes Hoenn feel vast and vibrant.

Pokemon-Omega-Ruby-and-Alpha-Sapphire-Will-Enable-Players-to-Fly-Through-Hoenn-462157-2 — Soaring adds a whole new level to the region.

Aside from the sheer expansion of the world, the new games add all the lovely features from X and Y. Pokémon Amie, Super Training, and the Player Search System are all conveniently under one tab on the touch screen. Players can also use a DexNav, which lets trainers see what Pokémon is shaking the bushes. The more the trainer encounters the same Pokémon, the more information becomes available during a scan. It’s a really cool feature I believe will be abused to gather the ultra rare Shiny Pokémon.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire also enhance the way players interact. Using the move Secret Power on specific spots lets the player create a Secret Base. After setting it up with traps, dolls, and more, players can then share their base with others. The coolest way to do this is by creating a QR code which can then be saved on the system’s SD card.

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secret-base-artwork-pokemon-omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire — Secret Bases let players make their own gym, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Scouring the internet for Secret Bases is awesome and extremely rewarding for both the finder and the hider.

These games retain the colorful presentation of X and Y. The backgrounds are gorgeous and the special effects are really cool. New Mega Evolutions have also been added, giving new forms to old favorites, including the starters Sceptile and Marshtomp.

mega_sceptile__lightning_rod_by_wyvernsmasher-d7mau29 — Mega Sceptile becomes a Grass/Dragon type.

So far, I’ve had a blast reliving this memory. I can’t wait to finish the main game to see what lies beyond. Pokémon fans will want to pick this up as soon as possible, but I’d also recommend it to anyone with a 3DS and a love for RPGs.

Groudon and Kyogre were the first Legendary Pokemon to have a large impact on the game's world. — Groudon and Kyogre were the first Legendary Pokemon to have a large impact on the game’s world.

Raise your fists high, Pokémon has never been better.

Looking for some Friend Codes? Here’s mine: 5472-7523-9877 – Alex. Be sure to contact me on Twitter with your code. Also, send me tons of QR bases. It’s my favorite feature so far.