Star Fox Zero, Star Fox Guard
With the approaching release of Star Fox Zero, reviewers have by now seen the credits sequence of the game. In it, a touching nod to late president Satoru Iwata is given through the following tribute sentence, which I though would be nice share – “This game is dedicated to our wingman who fell in battle.”
Meanwhile, Nintendo has released two new commercials for the game in Japan, which you can find below:
https://youtu.be/YRFg760-L9o
https://youtu.be/Zhy1uie8z0s
In North America, Kit and Krysta showed off the co-op mode in Star Fox Zero, via the latest episode of Nintendo Minute. You can watch it below:
Finally, you can find some more footage of Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard in the videos below:
Kirby: Planet Robobot
During the week, Nintendo dumped a lot of new info and media on us regarding Kirby: Planet Robobot.
First, we have a PR announcement by Nintendo of Europe which recaps most known information, but adds a few new tidbits, including the fact that Europe will be getting an amiibo bundle, consisting of the game and a Kirby amiibo. You can find the overview below:
15th April 2016 – Planet Popstar is being invaded by the Haltmann Works Company and its robotic army, and only Kirby can put a stop to their machinations in Kirby: Planet Robobot, releasing exclusively for Nintendo 3DS family systems on June 10th. Enemies better beware, as not only has Kirby got a range of both new and returning Copy Abilities, but the Robobot Armour that Kirby can pilot can make use of Scan Specs too!
In Kirby’s latest platforming adventure, Kirby can now explore Planet Popstar in brand new ways, as he can move scenery, access new areas, and uncover secrets by using the Robobot Armour’s handy Wrench. That’s not all it can do either, as by scanning enemies, it can unleash more powerful versions of some of Kirby’s well-known Copy Abilities, some of which change the platforming action in brand new ways. By analysing an enemy with the “Jet” Scan Spec, Kirby’s Robobot Armour will engage Jet Mode, causing it to fly across the screen in shoot-‘em-up style, while the “Wheel” Scan Spec activates Wheel Mode, turning Kirby’s Robobot Armour into a car that races between the foreground and background.
Kirby himself also has a few new Copy Abilities which bear more than a passing resemblance to his competitors in the Super Smash Bros. series. Swallowing certain enemies will allow Kirby to unleash the power of his mind with the “ESP” ability, or throw pills and attack with a clipboard as “Doctor” Kirby. By scanning in the Kirby amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Collection* our pink hero can also become “Smash Bros.” Kirby for the first time since Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. With this newly updated Copy Ability, Kirby can unleash the powers that make him such a formidable fighter, like the Hammer Swing, Final Cutter, and the Stone attack, as well as the ability to shield from enemy attacks..
Other Copy Abilities can also be awarded via any currently available amiibo, often bestowing Kirby with an ability based on the character that was tapped. Become “Fire” Kirby with any Mario amiibo, let loose with the Parasol by scanning Princess Peach, send Sparks flying with Robin, or show off your swordplay with one of the other Fire Emblem character amiibo.
Releasing alongside Kirby: Planet Robobot will be the Kirby Collection amiibo, consisting of Kirby, King Dedede, Waddle Dee and the mysterious Meta Knight. Tapping the latter three amiibo will grant Kirby a unique ability and a change of costume based on the character scanned, while the new Kirby amiibo will give our hero the UFO ability, allowing him to float in the air indefinitely and unleash powerful Heat Beams on unsuspecting foes. Fans eager to get their hands on this ability can also choose the Kirby: Planet Robobot – amiibo Bundle, which includes a copy of the game and a Kirby Collection amiibo of Kirby.
The Kirby Collection amiibo will also give Kirby a collectible sticker that can be used to customise the Robobot Armour. Additional stickers can be found by exploring each stage, or received via StreetPass from other players with a copy of the game By searching each level, Kirby can also find hidden Code Cubes, which will unlock additional stages after a certain amount are collected in each area.
But there is more! One new mode is Kirby 3D Rumble, a single-player isometric action-puzzler which tasks our hero with sucking up objects or enemies and eliminating all foes in as few moves as possible. By sucking up multiple enemies at once, Kirby can then unleash a powerful Star Bullet that will plough through any remaining foes caught in its blast and maximise his score.
Another new mode comes in the form of Team Kirby Clash, an action game with RPG elements which allows players to play with CPU-controlled team-mates, or join up with up to three other players via local multiplayer or Download Play** to take down a more powerful enemy as soon as possible. Kirby can choose between four classes based off of traditional RPGs, like the Sword Hero, Hammer Lord, Doctor Healmore, and the Beam Mage. After each battle, each Kirby will gain experience and has the potential to level up, improving stats that will aid in subsequent battles. During battles, enemies also have the chance to drop four pieces of a magical tablet, which when gathered together will allow players to unleash special co-operative attacks.
It’s the rise of the Robobots when Kirby: Planet Robobot unleashes robotic fury on Nintendo 3DS family systems as it launches across Europe on 10th June. The game will also launch as an amiibo Bundle on the same date alongside the Kirby Collection amiibo.
Next, we have some extra details coming from the Japanese website.
These details are about copy ability and Robobot Armor modes.
Nintendo has shown the Esper (ESP in the English version) copy ability. With psychic powers, Kirby can make himself disappear, or attack with electric energy. There will be over 25 copy abilities in the game, including new and old ones.
Here’s a roundup of information about new Robobot Armor modes (over 10 in total):
– Spark Mode: Launch a single piercing attack with shockwaves
– Jet Mode: Transform into a jet fighter, fly in the sky and instantly lock-on to enemies
– Cutter Mode: Slice through enemies with blades that look like giant sawteeth
– Bomb Mode: Attack continuously by releasing the Walker Nitros
– Wheel Mode: Thrust forward like a racer with the Full Turbo Accel
The game also features 200 kinds of stickers that can be placed on the robot for customization, and you can find these scattered throughout the various levels.
Here’s a video look at some of the content mentioned above:
Later in the week, Famitsu introduced even more information about the game.
The issue covers more details about Robobot Armor modes and Meta Knight and King Dedede.
Here’s a summary of three more robot modes:
– Stone Mode: Can punch with giant hands. Other than that it can also punch the ground for a wide-range attack, or use the giant hands to defend from enemy attacks.
– Mic Mode: Attack with ear-splitting sounds from 4 big speakers. The damage range is very far.
– Esper/ESP Mode: Attack with Psycho Thunders thrown from the Robobot’s hands. By launching four giant electric balls at once, it’s possible to attack multiple enemies simultaneously.
Famitsu also introduces a gimmick that can be moved with the Robobot. Insert the Robobot’s arm into a screw hole that will rotate a platform, then spin the Circle Pad according to the direction given at top left to actually rotate it.
Lastly, it shows how Kirby will get to fight with Meta Knight and King Dedede. For Meta Knight, it looks like he was captured and controlled by the enemy using a device attached to his mask. As for Dedede, it’s actually a clone created from his cells, which considers Kirby his greatest rival, and will attack him as soon as he is found.
Besides all of this, you can find below several new screenshots, artwork, trailers and footage from the game.
https://youtu.be/dQP3wHvUW5A
Fire Emblem Fates
Nintendo UK has released two new promo videos for Fire Emblem Fates. Check them out below:
Splatoon
During the week, Splatoon’s latest version was made available, bringing the game up to version 2.7.0. 764MB are needed for the download.
Here’s the patch notes for the new version:
New weapons
- Eight new weapons added, available in the weapon shop Ammo Knights
- Please note: the new weapons will appear in the shop following the release of the software update.
Splatfest adjustments
- Changed the initial Splatfest Power value for rank S+
Weapon adjustments
- Adjustments to main weapons, sub weapons and special weapons, as well as changes to attacks that reveal enemy positions. Click here for more information.
Stage adjustments
- Saltspray Rig: Adjustments to prevent players from taking certain shortcuts in all modes.
- Bluefin Depot: Fixed a problem where players could go inside a certain object in Rainmaker mode.
- Flounder Heights: Adjustments to prevent users from taking certain shortcuts in Tower Control mode.
Fixes for issues in battles
- Fixes an issue wherein players could perform a Super Jump while holding the Rainmaker if their connection speed was exceptionally slow.
- Fixes an issue wherein on rare occasions players near to a Splash Wall wouldn’t suffer damage, even before the Splash Wall is activated.
- Fixes an issue wherein if a placed Suction Bomb comes into contact with a Splash Wall and explodes, sometimes the blast damage would go beyond the Splash Wall.
- Fixes an issue wherein opponents completely hidden by obstacles in the way could be hit by an Inkzooka or Rainmaker attack fired upwards.
- Fixes an issue wherein Splash Walls would sometimes not take damage when hit by an Inkzooka or Rainmaker attack.
- Fixes an issue wherein players could hit opponents on the other side of a Splash Wall with a Rainmaker attack, depending on the position where it hits the Splash Wall.
- Fixes an issue wherein if multiple players set an Ink Mine at the same time, they would sometimes explode on their own, despite not being painted in the opposing colour, no opposing players being close and their maximum time before automatically exploding not being reached.
- Fixes an issue wherein players could take damage from a friendly Ink Mine, depending on their relative position.
- Fixes an issue wherein when aiming at a Kraken on the ground the display wouldn’t change to a cross to indicate it would hit, despite the crosshairs being over the target, and where Seekers would not follow Krakens.
Other changes
- Introduces several enhancements to improve the user’s experience and enjoyment
Additional information
- This update is required in order to play online.
Nintendo also highlighted four more Splatoon inclusions from Sheldon’s Picks Vol. 1 during the week, a set of eight weapons being added to the game with this version 2.7.0. You can the overview and screenshots for each of the 4 below:
Soda Slosher
The Soda Slosher is based on a regular ol’ Slosher, but with some adjustments to the setup. Splat Bombs support the basic strategy, and the addition of the Inkzooka provides ranged power lacking in other models. And the bucket colors are pretty sweet too. Just sayin’.
Bamboozler 14 Mk III
According to Sheldon, this set REDEFINES what it means to be a Bamboozler! Do you think you’re ready? The Bamboozler 14 Mk III takes the Mk I and swaps out the barrel for a different bamboo pipe. This set’s selling point is how the main weapon and the Burst Bombs can really hammer your opponent! That’s not to mention the Inkstrike, which can make life difficult for even far-off enemies.
Refurbished Mini Splatling
No prawn shop jokes please! The Refurbished Mini Splatling is made from the remains of a tragically destroyed Mini Splatling…It features Burst Bombs as the sub weapon and packs a Bomb Rush as its special. That’s a lot of inkage happening in a hurry! Sheldon recommends this one for splatters who wanna leave everyone and everything in sight dripping with ink!
Tempered Dynamo Roller
Meet the Tempered Dynamo Roller. This heavy-weight roller gained mobility to quickly run up to the front lines by adding the Seeker as a sub weapon. The quiet but tasteful color tone might lull your opponents into a sense of security before BAM! Killer Wail! Pile on the pressure!
You can also take a look at version 2.7.0 and all of Sheldon’s Picks in the videos below, thanks to Nintendome and GameXplain.
Besides releasing the new patch, Nintendo also announced the next Splatfest event for all regions.
The 13th Splatfest for Japan, will begin on April 23 at 9 AM local time, and once again features a partnership with 7-Eleven. It pits two versions of onigiri up against each other, the mayonnaise tuna and mature red salmon.
Meanwhile, the 13th Splatfest for North America and Europe will also be taking place during the weekend of April 23, but it features a special theme based on SpongeBob SquarePants. Players will be asked to side with either SpongeBob SquarePants or his starfish sidekick, Patrick Star.
The Splatfest will be held at the following times:
– 6 AM PT (April 23) – 12 PM PT (April 24)
– 9 AM ET (April 23) – 3 PM ET (April 24)
– 2 PM in the UK (April 23) – 8 PM in the UK (April 24)
– 3 PM in Europe (April 23) – 9 PM in Europe (April 24)
It’s also noteworthy that this is the first Splatfest in which players from North America and Europe can be matched together.
Here’s the full announcement:
On April 23, Nintendo is partnering with Nickelodeon to bring a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed Splatfest competition to the Splatoon game for the Wii U console. Players will be asked to declare their allegiance to either the world’s most lovable sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants, or his starfish sidekick, Patrick Star, from Nickelodeon’s animated television show SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob and Patrick will feel right at home in the squid-themed Splatoon game. Squidward was not invited.
“Two international pop culture sensations meet when the SpongeBob SquarePants Splatfest comes to Splatoon,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Fun partnerships like this take advantage of the crossover appeal that family-friendly franchises like Splatoon and SpongeBob provide. Personally, I’m team SpongeBob all the way.”
Splatfest is a recurring online competition that asks players to pick a team – in this case, either SpongeBob or Patrick. Once players choose a side, they’ll receive a free in-game T-shirt adorned with an image of SpongeBob or Patrick for their character to wear as they compete in the online multiplayer Turf War mode to see which team comes out on top. At the end of the Splatfest competition, the side with the most points is awarded Super Sea Snails (no relation to SpongeBob’s pet, Gary), items that allow them to upgrade gear in the game. The SpongeBob SquarePants Splatfest competition kicks off in Splatoon on April 23 at 6 a.m. PT and runs until April 24 at 12 p.m. PT. This also marks the first Splatfest in which players from North America and Europe can be matched together. Splatfest is open to all Wii U owners who have the Splatoon game and an Internet connection.
Splatoon, which is exclusive to Wii U, represents Nintendo’s take on the action-shooter genre. Characters called Inklings can transform into non-Squidward squids as they attempt to cover the play area with their team’s colorful ink and splat opponents. Using an array of inventive weapons, players cover the playing surface with as much of their team’s colorful ink as possible before time runs out. More than 4 million units of the game have been sold worldwide. For more information about Splatoon, visit http://splatoon.nintendo.com/.
SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a global pop culture phenomenon since first premiering on Nickelodeon in July 1999. The series has been the most-watched animated program for more than 14 consecutive years, and is seen in over 185 countries and translated in more than 50 languages. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurably optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.
Super Mario Maker
Polygon has released the latest episode in its “Devs Make Mario” video series. In this episode, Kenji Saito from PlatinumGames creates a level in the game. Give it a look below:
Pokémon 20th Anniversary
The Pokémon Company has shared yet another developer message to celebrate Pokémon’s 20th Anniversary, this time from Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who discusses his involvement with the games early on. Check it out below:
Pokémon Sun & Moon
In the last month’s issue of CoroCoro, the magazine announced that its coverage of Pokémon Sun & Moon would start with this month’s issue. However, the only scan of said issue related to the games doesn’t reveal much at all. In fact, it is just a tease of next month’s issue, where apparently the game’s covers and some information will be revealed. The game’s covers are shown in this issue but with a stron glare over them, which makes it impossible to discern anything that might be drawn on them.
Meanwhile, the movie section of the magazine revealed that Magearna, which will probably be part of this next generation of games, is in fact a Steel/Fairy type, like most fans of the series had speculated until now.
You can find the relevant magazine scans below:
The official Pokémon site says this of Magearna:
Known as the Artificial Pokémon, Magearna is a Steel- and also a Fairy-type Pokémon. With a beautiful metallic body, Magearna is a Mythical Pokémon constructed by people 500 years ago.
Magearna
Category: Artificial Pokémon
Type: Steel/Fairy
Height: 3’3″
Weight: 177.5 lbs.
For another look at Magearna and Volcanion in action, you can also watch the latest trailer for Pokémon: The Movie – Volcanion and The Ingenious Magearna.
Pokkén Tournament
A new update for Pokkén Tournament was released during the week, bringing the game up to version 1.2. The download takes 14MB of space.
Here are the update notes from Nintendo:
– Correct the issue that enables Shadow Mewtwo to force opponents to continually block by using certain moves repeatedly.
– Adjust the battle balance of the Support Pokémon Reshiram.
– Repair several other bugs.
And a list of all other changes according to Serebii:
Besides this, a pair of Pokkén Tournament videos were released by Nintendo UK, showcasing all of the matches from Hypespotting V (Scotland’s biggest fighting game tournament) and some fan reactions.
Pokémon Comaster
Pokémon Comaster, the previously announced mobile Pokémon board game, is now out in Japan for Android, with iOS soon to follow. The objective of the game is to beat your opponent’s figurines with your own and take over the board. The game is free-to-play, but microtransactions will give you a chance at getting better figures. The game supports both online and local multiplayer.
You can find some gameplay footage below, courtesy of TiLMENDOMiNATiON:
Pokémon GO
The Pokémon GO field test demo has been updated, and it has now received some new features. Most notably, gyms are now enabled in the app.
From the newly leaked information from the field test, it seems that rather than turn-based battles, Pokémon GO offers real-time combat instead.
Here’s a roundup of details from Reddit:
– 3 teams exist: red, blue, yellow
– You are asked to join one of these three teams
– Train at friendly gyms
– Players are paired with random “Computer Player” Pokémon to fight
– They attack and and you attack back in real time
– Training is not turn based, it’s an all out brawl
– In wild encounters, the color of the shrinking circle indicates the difficulty of the catch
– Starts off as red and then approaches green, which is a higher probability of catching the Pokémon
– Use the ring to make it more green by feeding the Pokémon berries (allowed only once per encounter) and using a higher level PokeBall
– Pokémon can become “injured” after training
– Heal them with a “health spray” (likely a “potion”)
– You can see each Pokemon’s HP in a bar while battling
– Hyper Potions and Max Revives are showing up at PokeStops
– The Gym Leader’s avatar is displayed (large) behind his/her Pokémon at the Gym
– Other players will see the Gym Leader’s username and their Pokémon/CP when approaching a friendly Gym to train
– It’s assumed non-friendly Gyms will see the same
– There is a “crown” for the Gym Leader
– When you claim a Gym, you select your Pokémon to defend it
– To Train, you fight that Pokémon with another one of your own Pokémon
– When starting a training session, a random Pokémon in your team is selected to fight with
– Can change this by tapping on it in the screen before combat begins
– In training combat, the opponent’s attacks are shown “targeting” with a red crosshair that closes in on your Pokémon
– This appears to be so you can decide to “dodge” or take the hit
– Dodge by swiping left or right
– Can dodge all the way behind an opponents back if you’re quick enough
– Attack by tapping (quick attack) or pressing and holding (for the charge attack)
– There’s a stamina bar of sorts that is broken in two halfs, underneath your HP bar
– It refills about 20% per second, and appears to be boosted forward when you are hit to refill faster
– When executing a charge move, it appears to use up 50% of your stamina
– Types affect damage
– For example, the “It’s not very effective” message appears above attacks when water vs. water
– “It’s super effective” shows when using a type advantage
– Individual Pokémon’s CP does not appear to be affected by combat at present
– Defeating the defending Pokémon by bringing it’s HP to 0, awards 50xp and the gym goes up 50 pts. in prestige
– You can “Lose” at training when your Pokémon hits 0 HP and faints
– You can also “exit” training before your Pokémon faints
– This saves you from having to use a Revive
– Damage done in training persists after training (even when exiting training before a KO)
– You need items to heal up (no PokeCenters to be seen in this game)
– If a Pokémon faints, a Revive or Max Revive is necessary to bring them back
– Level 1 Gyms allegedly increase to Level 2 Gyms at 500 Prestige points
– Level 2 Gyms are confirmed to increase to Level 3 Gyms at 1000 prestige points
– Level 3 increase at 2000 Prestige points
– Jumps are not confirmed as present or missing yet
– The Defending Gym Leader’s Pokémon goes back to full HP after a training session
– PokeStops now tend to give out about 2 items, occasionally 3
– There is a “Camera” switch, allegedly for AR mode in Training
– If not enabled, you battle on top of the platform shown on the map
You can find some extra details about the updated Pokemon GO field test over here.
Animal Crossing 15th Anniversary
Animal Crossing originally debuted in Japan on April 14, 2001, so the series is celebrating its 15th anniversary this week.
Nintendo didn’t forget about this Animal Crossing milestone, and released a new commemorative video to celebrate the occasion. You can find it below:
Virtual Console Trailers
Below you can find several new trailers for Wii U and New 3DS Virtual Console games.
Yoshi’s Story (Europe, N64, Wii U)
Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! (North America, DS, Wii U)
Pokémon Ranger (Japan, DS, Wii U)
Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Donkey Kong Country 2 (North America, SNES, New 3DS)
Miitomo
Nintendo released three new Miitomo rewards on the My Nintendo rewards program during the week. The Super Famicom hoodie, Bee suit and Viking helmet set cost 200 Platinum Points each, and will be available until June 1st of this year.
A new video about Miitomo, which shows off the game’s features, was also uploaded to the Nintendo Mobile Youtube channel. You can take a look at it below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMxnB3fodjk
Besides this, SurveyMonkey shared an early analysis of Miitomo. Thus far, the site says the app has been “crushing it” and is “a hit”.
Miitomo saw 2.6 million downloads last week, according to SurveyMonkey’s data, and received an average of 370,000 daily downloads. About two-thirds of that amount were on iOS with the remaining third on Android.
SurveyMonkey’s report continues by saying that “Miitomo currently has 4 million monthly active users” as well as “about 1 million daily active users”. Users tend to check in for two to three sessions each day for a total of 7-8 minutes.
Finally, Survey Monkey states the following regarding Miitomo’s revenue:
Making it rain – $280,000 per week
Monetization has also increased steadily and we estimate that the game is now making $40,000 combined per day across iOS and Android. Roughly 80% of the revenue is from iOS with Android only contributing 20%.On a per-user basis, we estimate the app has an ARPDAU (Average Revenue Per Daily Active User) of 3-4 cents. While low compared to mid-core games like Supercell’s Clash Royale, this is actually a healthy number for a more casual game like Miitomo, especially early on.
Nintendo Badge Arcade
In Japan, Nintendo recently released a new sticker book based on Nintendo Badge Arcade. You can now get a closer look at the item in the video below, thanks to Nintendo In Time:
Rumour: Wii U Games receiving NX ports, NX more porwerful than PS4
NeoGAF’s 10k has posted several rumors about the NX in the last few days, and they’ve been verified by a moderator supposedly, and some are coming from multiple sources saying the same thing.
Here’s a roundup of the major details (as always, take it with a grain of salt):
– NX is more powerful than PS4 by a noticeable amount
– Splatoon and Mario Maker ports are in development (which doesn’t mean they will be released for sure, because Nintendo is having some trouble with the process)
– Smash and Zelda ports are also coming, but this isn’t new information
– NDAs are very tight and Nintendo and other developers are being rather cautios
– SDK’s are out there, and the architecture is also under NDA
– NX seems to have an handheld component, but no one knows about the real handheld (if there is one) since it isn’t the current main focus
– Luigi’s Mansion 3 is in development for the NX
– Most dev kits won’t be given to developers until Nintendo officially reveals the NX
– There are a lot of NX games in development, some of which are new IP
For even more rumours and a more detailed version of the ones I listed above, you might want to check out this thread on NeoGAF.