Showing posts with label Super Mario. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Super Mario. Show all posts

Thursday, 13 February 2014

NEWS: Gameboy Advance Games Coming To Virtual Console

Titles from the GBA library will be added to the Wii U Virtual Console.


Nintendo has confirmed Gameboy Advance games are to periodically release on the Virtual Console starting in April 2014.

The first games to be released are Metroid Fusion, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, and Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3.

Currently, it appears the games will only be available through the Wii U but we shouldn't rule out plans for 3DS compatibility just yet.

Monday, 10 February 2014

NEWS: EU Nintendo eShop Update - February 10 2014

This week's update sees both Mario brothers fight off various diseases, as well as some promising 3DS and Wii U titles.
Nintendo has shared details regarding this week's eShop update, including an offer of a free download of Dr Mario if you purchase Dr Luigi before February 20. Other highlights include The Lego Movie Videogame on both 3DS and Wii U - for a full list of new releases and prices, see below.

New Releases

Inazuma Eleven 3: Team Ogre Attacks! 
3DS
£29.99 / €34.99

Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!
3DS
£34.99 / €39.99

The Lego Movie Videogame
3DS / Wii U
£34.99 / €39.99

Spot the Differences! 
3DS
£8.99 / €9.99

Games Festival 1 Demo 
3DS
FREE

Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party
Wii U
£8.00 / €8.99

Dr Mario
Wii U (NES Virtual Console)
£3.49 / €4.99 (free if purchased before February 20)

Monday, 23 December 2013

NEWS: EU Nintendo eShop Update - December 23 2013

The final week of the year offers another batch of games on Nintendo's European eShop, including Pokemon Bank and NES classic; Super Mario Bros 3. 
Nintendo have updated the eShop, marking the last update of 2013 - and it doesn't disappoint. The long-awaited Pokemon Bank is included and will officially become available to download 27 December, whilst other classic titles such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and Mario Tennis are also up for grabs, among others. Check out the new releases below.

New Releases

Pokemon Bank
3DS 
£4.99 / €4.99

Poke Transporter
3DS
Free

Super Mario Bros. 3
Wii U / 3DS
£2.79 /  €3.99

CastleStorm
Wii U
£7.99 /  €9.99

Cocoto Magic Circus 2
Wii U
£24.99 /  €29.99

EDGE Two Tribes
3DS
£1.79 /  €1.99

Bird Mania Christmas 3D
3DS
£1.79 /  €1.99

Mario Tennis
3DS
£4.49 /  €4.99

Sunday, 24 November 2013

PREVIEW: Mario Party Island Tour Launch Trailer

With its recent release in the US, Nintendo have released a launch trailer showing off the game's various levels and mini-games.


Footage shows the numerous playable boards players can get their hands on and their respective individual traits, as well as various strategies that will come in to play. 

Much like previous Mario Party games, the ultimate objective is to reach the end of a board in order to win, whether it be using weapons, power-ups, and so forth.

A total of 8 characters are playable, although initially there will only be 7 due to Bowser Jr. being unlocked upon finishing the new single-player mode; Bowser's Tower. These include fan favourites and instantly recognisable Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Wario, Waluigi, Yoshi, Boo, Toad, and as mentioned earlier; Bowser Jr.

There are 81 mini-games to take part in, including Role a Slope, in which players must navigate a wall to reach the bottom whilst avoiding any obstacles that get in the way. 

A more interesting mini-game titled The Choicest Voice allows players to imitate certain characters voices, and then will be judged to see how alike the impression is.

A European release date is set for January 14 and is exclusive to the 3DS. Check out  the launch trailer below and leave your impressions in the comments.

Thursday, 21 November 2013

NEWS: New UK Wii U Bundle Includes Super Mario 3D World

All ready for Christmas, Nintendo are releasing a bundle including some of the Wii U's best games.
Amongst other goodies, the highlight of this newly announced bundle will include the soon-to-be released Super Mario 3D World

Titled the 'Mario Mega Bundle', also included is the Wii U Premium Pack, New Super Mario Bros. U, New Super Luigi U, a replica of Mario's trademark hat, and finally a Mario-themed Wii Remote Plus.

Pre-orders are now available through the official UK Nintendo store and will cost £299.99. The bundle will launch November 29, the same day as the release of Super Mario 3D World.

Friday, 15 November 2013

NEWS: Super Smash Bros. 4 - Mario Galaxy Stage Revealed

A Mario Galaxy stage has been announced, and will be accompanying the current roster of playable levels in the game.


Masahiro Sukarai, director of Super Smash Bros. 4 has released a 'pic of the day' over at the Miiverse website, showcasing an extremely colourful and vibrant playable stage based on the Mario Galaxy series. Players can expect gravity to play a role in the level:

"The pull of gravity emanates from the center of the planet. so this will require using brand-new tactics."

Sukarai posted another image showing fan-favourites Super Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Pikachu standing on a curved part of the stage - which isn't suprising considering the Galaxy franchise contains tons of levels based on a sphere design. Check it out below.


The game still has no release date, but can be expected 2014, and will release on both the Wii U and 3DS. Newcomer playable characters include Villager, Mega Man, Wii Fit Trainer, and Toon Link based on the GameCube game Wind Waker. Full list of can be viewed on the official site.

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

NEWS: Super Mario 3D World Pre-Order Bonus Detailed

Exclusively available at gaming retailer GAME, UK gamers can get extra goodies upon pre-ordering the upcoming Mario game.


GAME has announced that the people who have pre-ordered their copy of Super Mario 3D World will be receiving a free key ring of Mario in the new cat suit - an item also available in-game. The cat suit will allow Mario to literally pounce on enemies and scale walls.

As well as the key ring, the game will come in a cat suit-themed sleeve, complete with a fur-like texture. If you have already pre-ordered the game before this announcement, the same bonuses will still apply.

The game is set for a November 29 release, just in time for the Christmas season.

Sunday, 3 November 2013

PREVIEW: Mario Party: Island Tour - New Mini Games

Nintendo has revealed some of the mini-games players can expect to play in the 3DS handheld; Mario Party: Island Tour.



If you're familiar with the Mario Party series, you'll know the concept - roll the dice and reach the end of the board, whilst taking part in often hectic mini-games in between, resulting in either further progression or the opposite.

The new teaser trailer shows that the game will have a total of 7 boards, each with their own set of rules, unique to that particular board. There will be 80 mini-games, including racing on both ground and underwater, a battle tank-style game, navigating a line of Koopa's through various obstacles, and so on.

Satoru Iwota describes the mini games as a test of "Speed, concentration and luck", the game is to be released on the 2DS and 3DS November 22 in the US, whilst recent news shows the European version will be delayed until early 2014.

Thursday, 24 October 2013

NEWS: Luigi-Themed 2DS Becomes Highly Possible

1-UP for Luigi? After images were sent to Kotaku, the chances of a Luigi-themed 2DS bundle becomes very likely.


With the recently announced Luigi-themed 3DS XL, it wouldn't be too surprising to see a 2DS counterpart - especially since its the year of Luigi, marking 30 years since his first appearance in Mario Bros.

Someone sent in images revealing what the handheld will look like - a white and green coloured 2DS with a silhouette of Luigi himself on the back. Said images can be seen below.

Front of the box displays "The Year of Luigi" slogan as well as the actual 2DS.
Inside the package - the 2DS with the Luigi silhouette engraved on the back.

The 2DS turned on, showcasing various applications.
Back of the box, showing a description of the handheld, amongst other information.

Nintendo have not confirmed if this is true or not, but with images like these, it's difficult to not to believe.

Monday, 21 October 2013

NEWS: No More Wii Production in Japan

Official Japanese Wii website confirms that the console will no longer be produced throughout Japan.

Releasing back in 2006 (really, that long?...), Nintendo's Wii took the world by storm, offering casual and party-like games for the whole family, with the odd "hardcore" game here and there. Since its release, it has shipped over 100 million units, and sold roughly 873 million games (since June 2013).

Nothing has been mentioned regarding production for the rest of the world, but with Nintendo focusing on the Wii U mainly, it wouldn't be too surprising to see a worldwide end to Wii production.

And now, the console will no longer be produced in Japan according to the official Japanese Wii website - a translation reads "生産終了", meaning "production ended."

Nothing has been mentioned regarding production for the rest of the world, but with Nintendo focusing on the Wii U mainly, it wouldn't be too surprising to see a worldwide end to Wii production.

Thursday, 3 October 2013

PREVIEW: Super Mario 3D World - New Gameplay

Nintendo has revealed a glimpse into Mario's next adventure, featuring Luigi, Peach, and Toad.


The "Nintendo Minute" episode released today showcases some brand-new gameplay of the upcoming Wii U game; Super Mario 3D World. Strange how a 3DS version hasn't been announced, especially with "3D" being in the title.

Right off the bat, we see a new power-up - The Double Cherry, and what this does is creates an identical copy of the character a player is using, in this video it happens to be Luigi, once the cherries are consumed, another Luigi appears and follows the original Luigi, much like a conga train.

It is also said that if the player collects even more of these cherries, even more duplicates can be made - can you imagine a Super Mario train? That'd be awesome. Of course, players do have the option to separate the clones in order to reach certain areas in the level.

You'll probably notice another new power-up, in which players can physically pick up a Piranha Plant and use it to eat enemies that make their way into the plant's path

Ever wanted to pick up a Piranha Plant and
use it to your advantage? SM3D World let's you do just that.
In all the levels shown we see level designs that completely take advantage of the 3D element - whether it be navigating certain corridors, fighting enemies that are charging you from the top of the screen, and so on.

In terms of co-op play, like recent Mario titles - this option will be fully available for up to 4 players using different control schemes such as the Wii U Pro controller or the Wii U Gamepad. Although co-op is an option, each player can add competition by collecting more coins, gaining the most score from enemies, and so fourth, all of this adds up at the end of a level and displays the best player.

Players are able to collect power ups, store them and use them when they are needed the most, for example - you might already have a fire flower so you could still collect that item and use it if you happen to lose the one you already have.

Honestly, the first level shown does look a little on the bland side with no real Mario charm we've all grown to love, however the gameplay mechanics seem really interesting and look fun to take part in. That being said, the dark shadowy level later in the video does look great, and looks like a cross between Bowser's castle and a Ghost house.

Something that really stood out was the shadow gameplay, in which the players navigate through a section of the level using just their shadows, with a huge Piranha Plant shadow trying to kill you - very cool.

The game will release November 22 in US and November 29 throughout Europe. Check out the video below and leave your comments.

Saturday, 28 September 2013

NEWS: Wii U - People Unaware It's A New Console


This issue actually started way back in May of this year, when Nintendo actually sent out messages to Wii users via the WiiConnect24 service regarding the Wii U, saying:

"It's not just an upgrade - it's an entirely new system that will change the way you and your family experience games and entertainment."

But still, Nintendo seem to still be having problems making people aware of the Wii U - UK marketing director Shelly Pearce had said:

"There was a big misconception at launch about what Wii U is. And one of the big messages is that this is a new console and a new controller. There are many people out there that don't know what this is."

Maybe Nintendo didn't market the Wii U properly, or maybe they did because personally it was pretty obvious that it was a new console and not just an upgrade, but evidence shows a lot of people still don't recognise this.

Here in the UK, Tesco are working with Nintendo with a plan to distribute 300,000 leaflets to the customers who have previously bought a Wii, in an attempt to increase recognition of the Wii U.

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

FEATURE: E3 2013 Highlights - The Games

Tons of games were shown at E3, so read on as Gaming Till Dawn recaps on the highlights.


A lot has been happening at this year's Electronic Arts Expo at the  Los Angeles Convention Center - new titles announced, new features, and so on - I'm going to be giving you a breakdown of the games that have been shown and what we can expect in the future for gaming.

Gameplay Reveal - Destiny
Destiny will be the first game Bungie are making after their departure from Microsoft, and it promises to be something special and unique in every sense of the meaning.

Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Genre: Role-Playing, Action Role-Playing, First Person Shooter
Release Date: Late 2013 or Early 2014

Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Stunning Visuals
  • Vast Landscapes
  • Leveling Up System
  • Co-Operative Play 
  • Revive System
  • Player Skills & Abilities
  • "Fallen" Enemies Introduced
  • Boss Battle Shown
  • Character Customization
  • Loot Drops
  • Weapon Modifications
  • Airborne and Ground Vehicles
  • Online Play - "Public Event"
  • Enemies Health Is Displayed
Gameplay Reveal - Wolfenstein: The New Order
Ah, Wolfenstein - what started off as a small project within the walls of ID has now evolved into an FPS franchise that keeps on giving and giving. And I'm fine with that.

Developer: Machine Games
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Genre: First Person Shooter
Release Date: December 2013

Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Mechanical Enemies - Most Likely Robots
  • New York Bombed - Possibly A Playable Location
  • Nazi Warfare
  • New Weapons
  • Melee Attack
Gameplay: Watch Dogs
Watch Dogs looks to be one of the most interesting games of E3, in the past we've seen snippets of the game and its narrative, but after watching the gameplay, I'm positive you'll be wanting more.

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: Windows, PS3, PS4, WiiU, 
Genre: Action-Adventure, Sandbox/Open World, Stealth, 3rd Person Shooter
Release Date: November 2013 / Late 2013 for PS4/Xbox One

Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember: 
  • Mini-Map with Waypoints
  • Beautiful Weather Visuals
  • Incredible Audio 
  • Numerous Hacking Devices and Other Gadgets
  • Practically All Electrical Items Can Be Hacked 
  • Aiden Works With Someone - Neither Friend or Foe
  • Able To See People's Information (Age, Occupation, Income, Blood Type, etc.)
  • Able To Determine How Violent Someone Is
  • Can Control Trains, Traffic Lights, and Bridges
  • Melee Weapons and Guns
  • Wears Mask, Hat, and Trench Coat For Stealth
  • Manipulate The World Around You
  • Slow-Motion Shooting
  • Can Rescue Civilians
  • Joseph Demarco - One of Many Villains
  • Police Chases
New Game Reveal: Ray's The Dead
One of the new games announced at E3 this year was Ray's The Dead, which looks to be very interesting - instead of fighting against the zombies, you are the zombie....

Developer: Rag Tag Studio
Publisher: N/A
Platforms: PS4
Genre: Action, Puzzle, Strategy
Release Date: TBA
Watch the trailer here:

Things To Remember:
  • "Ray" Wears A Device On His Head - Converts Humans Into Zombies
  • Can Convert Animals Into Zombies
  • Able To Command Zombies 
  • Zombies Able To Destroy Obstructions (Cars, Blockades, etc)
  • PlayStation 4 Exclusive
New Game Reveal: The Order: 1886
One of the most promising games this year was The Order: 1886, expect to play with history in this alternate  timeline of the industrial revolution - this time around you're fighting against inhumane enemies with what the revolution has to offer.

Publisher: Ready At Dawn
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment 
Platforms: PS4
Genre: Third-Person, Action-Adventure, 3rd-Person Shooter
Release Date: TBA
Watch the trailer:

Things To Remember:
  • Quote At The Beginning Is From Real Literature
  • Set in London
  • Alternative History
  • Advanced Weaponry
  • Two Men in the Carriage - Twins?
  • Man and Woman in Carriage Look More "Modern" Than The Two Men
  • Enemies Move Fast and Able To Climb
Gameplay Reveal: The Evil Within

A lot of people are saying The Evil Within is the next step in survival horror, with it's gritty visuals and eerie gameplay, watch the video and decide for yourself.

Publisher: Tango Gameworks
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: Windows, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Genre: 3rd-Person, Survival Horror, Action-Adventure
Release Date: 2014 (No specific date)

Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Minimal or No HUD 
  • Main Character - Sebastian/Police Detective
  • Gameplay Takes Place In An Asylum
  • Mix of Survival And Action
  • Must Be Resourceful - Weapons/Ammo Not Too Common
  • Emphasizes On The Survival Horror Aspect
  • Headshots Don't Kill Enemies Instantly
  • Enemies "Play Dead"
  • "Chainsaw Guy" - Instant Kill (Much like the Chainsaw Ganados From RE4)
  • "Safe Man" - Most Likely A Boss or Mini-Boss
  • Player Can Be Victim To Various Traps
  • Barbed Wire Is A Common Theme
  • Numerous Types of Enemies
  • Possibly Real-Life Cutscenes
Gameplay Reveal: Batman: Arkham Origins
There's been a lot of comic franchise video-games, and when I first heard another Batman game was being made, I was skeptic to the idea of it actually being good, considering past Batman games were pretty bad. But when the Arkham series showed up, all those negatives were ruled out, as it turned out to be one of the best video-games ever made, at least in my opinion. And at this year's E3, we were treated with gameplay from the latest in the series; Arkham Origins.

Developer: Warner Bros. Games Montreal
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: Windows, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U
Genre: Action-Adventure, 3rd-Person, Comic Book
Release Date: October 25, 2013

Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Prequel To Asylum/City
  • Bruce Wayne Has Only Been Batman For 2 Years
  • The Notion of Batman Is Still A Myth
  • The Joker Is Back
  • Batman Is Considered An Outlaw and/or Vigilante
  • Game Is Set on Christmas Eve
  • "The Black Mask" - Major Villain 
  • Total of 8 Assassins Hired To Kill Batman
  • Playable World Is Bigger Than Arkham City
  • Batman Drops From An Airborne Vehicle - New Method of Transport?
  • New Movement Styles
  • Experience Gained Is Broken Down Into Categories - "5 Enemy Kills", "Throwable Object", etc.
  • You Get Graded On How Well You Do
  • "Most Wanted" Campaigns - One of Many Side-Missions
  • "Martial Artist" - New Type of Enemy
  • Able To Double-Counter Attack
  • Each Encounter Has a "Threat Level" - Higher It Is, Harder The Battle Will Be
  • Able To Reconstruct A Crime-Scene - New Addition To Detective Mode
  • New Gadget - The Remote Claw
Gameplay Reveal: Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Another MGS? Apparently so, I genuinely thought the series would have finished with Guns of the Patriots, but I'm not complaining - the game is both a sequel and a prequel in the sense it takes place after the events of Peace Walker (1975 to be precise), but also acts as a prequel considering other MGS titles. Big Boss is back, and what we've seen at E3 promises to be something very special.

Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox, Xbox One
Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth, 3rd-Person
Release Date: TBA
Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Big Boss Is The Main Character - Now Known As "Punished Snake"
  • Big Boss Has A Mechanical Left Hand/Wrist
  • Kiefer Sutherland Will Voice Big Boss, Not David Hayter
  • Kazuhira Miller, Ocelot, And Huey Emmerich Make Apperances
  • Huey Emmerich Is The Father of Hal Emmerich
  • Introduces New Character "Quiet" - A Silent Sniper
  • Introduces New Character "Eli" - Young Kid
  • Introduces New Character "Skull Face" - Carries A Ghostly Presence
  • Introduces New Character "Code Talker" - An Extremely Old Wise Man
  • Sequel to Peace Walker
  • Incredible Graphics
  • Amazing Lighting-Effects
  • Distinct MGS-Sounding Music
  • Kids Are Being Taught How To Shoot Weapons
  • Major Terrorism Themes
  • Horses Are A Form of Transport
  • Able To Drive Vehicles
  • Afghanistan Is A Playable Location
  • The First Time MGS Has Gone Open-World
  • New Methods of Stealth
  • The Weather Is Real-Time
  • Real-Time Day Progression - Morning To Night
  • Close Quarters Combat Is Back - More Diverse
  • Weapons Being Made To Surpass Metal Gear
Gameplay Reveal: Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
I say this is a "gameplay reveal" but I'm almost certain most gamers played Final Fantasy X/X-2 when they were first released, at E3 we got to look how the remastering of Final Fantasy X has turned out, and it's really quite impressive. I first played Final Fantasy X when it first came out and was hooked instantly, so being able to re-play it again will trophy support will be a very satisfying experience. Re-watching the learning to laugh scene in Luca in glorious HD will certainly be something.

Developer: Square-Enix
Publisher: Square-Enix
Platforms: PS3, PSVita
Genre: Role-Playing, J-RPG
Release Date: 2013 (No specific date)

Watch the gameplay here (2 parts):

Things To Remember:
  • Fully Remastered Audio
  • Fully Remastered Graphics and Visuals
  • Redefined Character Models
  • Bundle Comes With Both FFX and FFX-2
  • International Version of FFX (Was Never Released In The Us, But Was In EUR/UK)
  • International Version of FFX-2 (Only Available In Japan Before)
  • FFX-2 Comes With "Last Mission" (Only Available In Japan Before)

Gameplay Reveal: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
The original launch of Final Fantasy XIV wasn't anything to brag about, it's clear the game had a lot of bugs, glitches, whatever you want to call it - Square Enix showed the latest gameplay of "version 2" of Final Fantasy XIV if you will. I actually never played the original so I can't give a comparison that gives the game justice. However, after seeing the new gameplay, I am definitely buying this at launch.

The PS3 beta is currently open for applications right HERE

Developer: Square Enix Product / Development Division 3
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: Windows, PS3, PS4
Genre: MMORPG, RPG
Release Date: August 27th (PS3 and Windows) / 2014 (PS4)

Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Game Practically Completely Re-Done
  • Stunning Visuals From A New Graphics Engine
  • Air Transport
  • Final Fantasy VI's Magitek Technology Implemented
  • Final Fantasy VII's Limit Break System Implemented 
  • Final Fantasy VII's Materia System Implemented
  • Feels Like A Final Fantasy Game, Not Just Another MMORPG
  • PS3 Gamers Can Carry On Through Their PS4
  • Player Can Summon "Primals" i.e. Ifrit
  • Unique Weapons And Familiar Weapons From The Series
  • The Story Continues From The Original FFXIV
  • Companion System - Chocobos Can Fight By Your Side
  • Bahamut Plays Very Important Role Within The Main Storyline
  • New Classes: Scholar and Summoner
Gameplay Reveal: Final Fantasy XV
Initially, when this was called Final Fantasy Versus XIII, I thought it was another spin-off from Final Fantasy XIII, but I sit here corrected - it's actually a completely new Final Fantasy in the works. I have to admit, I didn't like Final Fantasy XIII all too much, it was fun and I like the experimentation of the battle system, but to me it didn't feel like a true Final Fantasy, so I am hoping Final Fantasy XV will bring me back into the series and leave me as excited to play it as I was with the older Final Fantasy games back in the day. Decide for yourself what to think of it below with the newest trailer and gameplay from E3.

Developer: Square Enix 1st Production Department
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
Genre: RPG, Action-RPG
Release Date: TBA
Watch the gameplay here (2 parts):

Things To Remember:
  • Two Known Kingdoms - Lucis and Niflheim
  • Lucis Translates To "Light" In Latin
  • Lucis Is The Only Kingdom That Has "The Crystal"
  • All Other Kingdoms Used To Have Crystals In The Past
  • Incredible Visuals and Audio - Making The Most of the Technology
  • Characters:
  • Noctis Lucis Caelum - The Main Character/Protagonist
  • Stella Nox Fleuret - Often Battles Against Noctis
  • King Regis Lucis Caelum - Father of Noctis/King Status
  • Gladiolus Amicitia - Best Friend of Noctis/Acts Like His Brother
  • Prompto Argentum - Friend of Noctis and Bad Influence
  • Ignis Stupeo Scientia - Childhood Friend of Noctis and Personal Advisor
  • Mechanical Vehicles Can Be Used In Battle
  • Chocobos and Airships Return As Forms of Transport
  • Highly Interactive Field-System
  • Real-Time Battle System - No Loading Between Battles
  • Max Battle Party of 3
  • Battle Actions Include: "Warp", "Attack", "Linkform", "Item", and "Magic"
  • Sometimes Able To Use Enemies Own Weapons Against Them
  • No MP
  • Noctis Can Dodge Attacks And Teleport From Side To Side
  • Noctis Can Have 8 Weapons Equipped And Can Switch Seamlessly
  • Gladiolis Specialises In Heavy Weapons and Bare Hand Combat
  • Prompto Specialise In Guns and Able To Aim In 3rd-Person
  • All Playable Characters Can Use Magic
  • "Warp" Command Allows Noctis To Lock Onto Objects Or Enemies And Teleport There
  • "Linkform" Command Allows Noctis To Use All 8 Weapons At Once
  • Event Sequences - Scripted Battle Sequences
New Game Reveal: Halo 5
No official logo yet.
With the Xbox One announced, it's only fitting a new Halo is made - I am a big fan of the Halo franchise, and have been since Halo: CE and it's been pretty interesting to see the series evolve, I've enjoyed each and every Halo, and although it probably won't be as good as the first three games in the series, I still look forward to each new release. Check out the latest and only trailer-teaser for Halo 5 below.

Developer: 343 Industries
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: Xbox One 
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Release Date: TBA 2014
Watch the trailer here:

Things To Remember:
  • Chief Is Wandering A Vast Desert - Almost Looks Post-Apocalyptic
  • No Cortana - Master Chief Is Alone
  • Chief Is Wearing A Coat/Poncho Even Though He Has Full Body Armour
  • Gigantic Forerunner Structure or Enemy Rises From The Ground

Gameplay Reveal: Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2
After finishing the first Lords of Shadow, all I've been wanting is more in terms of both gameplay and storyline, the ending to the first game was annoying - annoying in the sense I knew I'd have to wait for the next part of the story in this incredible series. Now the wait is almost over, at E3 we got to see some nice new gameplay and I can safely say I'm very excited for its release.

Developer: Mercury Steam
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: Windows, PS3, Xbox 360
Genre: Action-Adventure, 3rd-Person
Release Date: Winter 2013
Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Quote At The Beginning Is From A Real Philosopher 
  • The Quote Represents Gabriel - "He Who Fights Monsters Should Be Aware, Lest He Become A Monster Himself."
  • The Belmont Clan Returns
  • Gabriel Is Now A Fully-Fledged Dracula
  • Gabriel Is Relatively Older
  • The Past Haunts Gabriel Constantly
  • Vengeance Drives Gabriel
  • Alucard and Simon Belmont Are Possibly Playable Characters
  • Symbolism of Satan Can Be Seen
  • Gigantic Fortress-Like Enemies Return
  • Will Be The Last In The Shadow Series
Debut Trailer: Kingdom Hearts III
It's been a very long time since the last proper Kingdom Hearts game, yes there's been spin-offs and what have you but finally we got to see an actual glimpse into Kingdom Hearts III - this game will have a lot to answer for in terms of the narrative of the series as a whole, and I personally can't wait to get stuck in. It was announced that the franchise will be making it's way onto the Xbox One as well as the PlayStation 4. 

Developer: Square Enix First Production Department
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
Genre: RPG, Action-RPG
Release Date: TBA
Watch the trailer here:

Things To Remember:
  • Sora Returns As Main Character/Protagonist
  • Highly Possible Other Characters Return
  • Story Continues From Dream Drop Distance
  • Final Game In The Main Series
  • NPCs Can Join In To Help You In Battle
  • Improved Enemy AI
  • Still Very Early In Development (Don't expect a release date any time soon...)
New Game Reveal: Super Mario 3D World

I'll be honest, I still haven't got a 3DS or a Wii U but I have played Super Mario 3D Land and New Super Mario Bros. U and they've been extremely fun. The latest in the Mario series doesn't seem to disappoint, and I find myself wondering if now is the time to buy a Wii U.

Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Wii U
Genre: Platformer, 3D
Release Date: December 2013
Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • 4 Player Co-Op 
  • Playable Characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad
  • Each Character Has Unique Traits:
  • Mario - Average Speed/High-Jump
  • Luigi - High-Jump/Falls Slow
  • Peach - Jump and Float
  • Toad - Fastest Speed
  • Sequel To Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
  • Free-Roaming Gameplay
  • Cat Suit Introduced - Allows Player To Climb Walls, Run Faster, And Perform Unique Attacks
  • Wii U GamePad Allows Player To Reveal Hidden Objects
  • Off-TV Play Also Available
Gameplay Reveal: Sonic: Lost World
The Sonic franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs, with the fantastic earlier games on the MegaDrive and Master System to the not so great games (Shadow The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2006) - then we were given the likes of Sonic 4: Episode 1 and 2 and Sonic Generations. which in my opinion brought the series back to its roots and allowed fans of the original games fall in love with Sonic all over again. It looks like the series is only getting better and better now, with the announcement of Sonic: Lost World, the future for the franchise is looking very bright. I'll be looking at the Wii U gameplay, not the 3DS.

Developer: Sonic Team (Wii U) / Dimps (3DS)
Publisher: Sega / Nintendo (Europe)
Platforms: Wii U, 3DS
Genre: Platformer
Release Date: Late 2013
Watch the gameplay here:

Things To Remember:
  • Sonic and Eggman Work Together As A Team
  • The Main Enemy Are The "Deadly Six"
  • Wisp Ability Returns From Sonic Colours
  • Side-Scrolling Levels
  • Linear Levels
  • Able To Control Sonic With The Wii Remote and Nunchuck
  • Fully 3D Gameplay
  • Supports Off-TV Play
  • Local and Online Multiplayer
  • 3DS Version Isn't A Port - Original Game
  • Collecting Red Coins Unlocks Additional/Bonus Content
  • Finding Gold Cannons Unlock Alternative Paths
  • Sonic's Speed Depends On How Much The Directional Button Is Pressed
  • Able To Run Up Walls / Run On Side of Walls

Well, that's it from me - it's been an incredible E3 this year, with some really incredible games finally being shown off, new games announced, and so fourth. There were many other games at E3, but like I mentioned at the start of this post, the games you see above are the games I'm most excited about, and I think a lot of gamers will be too. Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts and opinions. Feature1`