Nintendo Switch

Mario Kart 9 is “In Active Development” will also feature “A New Twist”

Video game analyst Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games has mentioned in a recent article that the next installment of the popular kart racer franchise, Mario Kart 9 is progressing in development and that Nintendo could very well start to tease it as of later this year.

The current Mario Kart game that’s on the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which was released back in 2017, is a revised port of the original Mario Kart 8 which was launched on the Wii U console that was a very critically acclaimed entry for the series, that was released back in May of 2014.

Dr. Serkan Toto says that the next game in the series features a unique twist. Nintendo has been working alongside DeNA on the successful Mario Kart Tour for iOS and Android which has surpassed over 200 million downloads back in April of 2021.

“I am aware Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still selling well on the Nintendo Switch, but Mario Kart 9 is in active development (and comes with a new twist) and Nintendo could tease it this year.”

Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games

SOURCE

ESA Has Confirmed “E3 will Not Be Held in Person in 2022”

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed down by a long shot. For the past 2 years, the pandemic has really impacted many video gaming events, including the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or as its known as E3. E3 2020 was even cancelled, and E3 2021 ended up being a digital-only event after being absent for a year. As of today, there has been a update on if E3 will be a thing this year.

The ESA has issued a statement, saying that:

“Due to the ongoing health risks surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on the safety of exhibitors and attendees, E3 will not be held in 2022. We remain incredibly excited about the future of E3 and look forward to announcing more details soon.”

As for a digital-event, they told VentureBeat that they are “excited about the possibilities of an online event,” but they did not say that one is happening.

SOURCE

Thoughts & Opinions: 2021 Game Awards Reveal Predictions

Welp, it’s that time of the year in video game world, and it’s the Video Game Awards show time! I’m personally am a bit indifferent about this show for this year and kinda stumped on what they could possibly show. I do have some bits of ideas that’s been mostly rumors that’s been put out for awhile around the Internet.

So, with all of that in mind, here are a few Game Awards announcements/world premieres, some feel like fairly safe bets, while some others may be some big swing type predictions that I’m more hopeful will be in there.

CHRONO CROSS REMASTER/REMAKE REVEAL

It’s been leaked a while ago that a BIG PlayStation game will be getting a remake from months ago. As of recently, it’s been revealed (or leaked) that the big PlayStation game getting the remake/remaster treatment will be the 1999 Chrono Trigger sequel, “Chrono Cross.”

There’s been a lot of smoke with this game in particular as of recently. Where there’s smoke there’s usually some fire. My gut is telling me that this game is real, though it could be possible that it may be a bit too early to show off or do a some big blowout. Though, brief teaser will suffice for most people and to tell us which platforms the game will eventually be available for. Chrono Trigger deserves its sequel to be acknowledged by Square, if you are an RPG fan or just  play video games, mostly everyone knows the story of the first Chrono Trigger, but not many even know that there even was a sequel. To see that Chrono Cross will finally be getting some recognition at a big platform like the Game Awards will be a very welcomed surprise to Chrono fans and to JRPG fans.

SONIC FRONTIERS

So, this one may be one of the more obvious predictions. As of yesterday, the Sonic Twitter account and Geoff Keighly had some interactions online teasing that Sonic will be involved with the Game Awards in some way. It’s been confirmed that the Sonic 2 movie trailer will officially be revealed there, but what about Sonic Frontier, the upcoming 3D outing. After how disastrous, the last Sonic outing was, with Sonic Forces, it seems like SEGA is going all-in on this particular Sonic game. It needs all the push it can get.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD 2

As far as Nintendo announcements go, something on Breath of the Wild 2 seems the most likely to show up. The last time we’ve seen something about this game was at E3 of 2019. Its about time we at the very least get the name so we can stop calling it Breath of the Wild 2.

While yes, they could just save news of Zelda in a direct, but its been almost two years since we’ve seen anything of this game. They could just reveal the title here and then have blowout at a Direct, at least revealing the title of the sequel would get people excited again while going into next year. Hopefully, we can also get a reveal date as well, along with the name.

FINAL FANTASY XIV

This one may be the far out there one, if Square is going to reveal something at the Game Awards, I’d be surprised if we end up getting two reveals from them. Of the two, I do think a teaser of Chrono Cross is more likely than Final Fantasy XIV. Again, I think we get one or the other, just not both. Though, Final Fantasy XIV is another game we haven’t seen that much of.  It didn’t even show up at the Tokyo Game Show this year, and Final Fantasy XIV does have a lot of hype around it, the next major venue to show something would be the Game Awards to get people to start talking about it again.

XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 3

This is probably my high in the sky hopeful, but I’ll take it if it shows up here. I don’t think Monolith Soft has yet to really appear in the Game Awards, but I’ll be ecstatic if XC3 shows up here. It’s also possible that we could be getting this game sometime in 2022. So, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, would be a great place to start drawing up hype for it. The Xenoblade IP has been growing within the past couple of years, and showing something. As far as Nintendo announcements go for the show this one may be the most out there one. Though as of recently, Nate the Hate and Jeff Grubb apparently believes that it’s even the most likely option as a Nintendo reveal.

RESIDENT EVIL 4 REMAKE

While the recently VR version of Resident Evil 4 has been the closest we’ve gotten to an actual Resident Evil 4 remake, it still does seems like Capcom still intends to fully remake the beloved game of the franchise.

Its been a debate on whether or not that rumored remake will actually make any significant changes to the original gameplay, but again it seems like Capcom may be getting to the point where they’re ready to reveal this project that we all know is coming at this point, it’s just the matter of when and where.

GOD OF WAR RAGNAROK

God of War was one of the game that defined the PlayStation 4 with its breathtaking visuals, outstanding gameplay, and its emotional story that came from the franchise. God of War is taking some risks by moving on to the Norse pantheon mythology with Kratos as a father, but hey it worked out really well. God of War Ragnarok is also up for Most Anticipated Game for next year, because it already has a huge following and an established IP, and fans are waiting to see more from this game.

So, these are the announcements that I think will more than likely and are hopeful that could show up this year as a world premiere at the 2021 Game Awards! The show will be a livestream event that will be held on December 9th at 8 P.M. EST.

SQUARE-ENIX: NEO: The World Ends With You “Has Under-performed Our Initial Expectations”

About 4 months ago, Square-Enix had released the 2007’s Nintendo DS classic, the World Ends with You sequel, “NEO: The World Ends with You.: The sequel’s game is available on PC, the Nintendo Switch, and on the PS4.

Unfortunately, for the games sequel, Square Enix has revealed that the game hasn’t done that well with it’s sales.

Square-Enix had recently held their November 2021 financial reports briefing. During they talked about how NEO: The World Ends with You has done in sales. According to Square-Enix, “while “NEO: The World Ends with You” was well received by players, it has under-performed our initial expectations.”

RUMORS: Square-Enix’s Chrono Trigger’s Sequel Chrono Cross Might Be Getting A Remaster

It’s being rumored that the PlayStation sequel to the iconic and well-beloved JRPG game, Chrono Trigger’s, “Chrono Cross ” might be getting a remaster.

Chrono Cross, was released for the original PlayStation console in 1999, and it’s one of the many unannounced titles that’s been listed in that Nvidia database leak from September. The company Nivida has even admitted that the leaked list was real, and has even said the games just don’t necessarily exist as of yet.

According to XBoxEra’s co-founder Nick Barker, the remake in question is Chrono Cross Remastered.

“Chrono Cross Remastered, I think, was already on the Nividia leak list, so the game shouldn’t be a surprise-it was on Nividia’s list. But I was told that VGC’s article is about Chrono Crosss Remastered,” this was said on the latest XBoxEra Podcast.

“What else I was told-because everyone’s working under the assumption that it’s a PlayStation exclusive-I’ve been told that it’s not. The only word that was used was multiplat.”

“Now when I hear JRPG and multiplat, I automatically assume PC, PlayStation, Switch that’s my assumption. That’s not what I was told, that’s just my assumption. All my source said to me was ‘multiplat.’ That’s what they said, told me it wasn’t PlayStation exclusive.”]

Here’s the video of the XBoxEra Podcast, the Chrono Cross rumor gets bought up in the Rumor Mill section of the video:

So far, neither Square-Enix has nor PlayStation has no events confirmed for Christmas at this time, but the Game Awards 2021 is set to take place at December 9th and could more than likely be announced there.

NINTENDO DIRECT MINI: Partner Showcase Recap (July 2020)

Nintendo has debuted a new Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, which was a video presentation that focused on upcoming Nintendo Switch games from Nintendo’s third party development and publishing partners. The video is the first in a series of upcoming Partner Showcase presentations that will be released this year.

Highlights of the debut showcase include details about two new games in the popular and acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei RPG series – a high-definition remake of Shin Megami Tensei III, a beloved classic in the series, coming Spring 2021, and a new game in the main numbered series, Shin Megami Tensei V, which will have a simultaneous global launch on Nintendo Switch in 2021.

The Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase also revealed three new paid DLC packs for Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda, adding new characters, modes and maps. Additionally, the video showed off action-packed gameplay for two upcoming Nintendo Switch games, Rogue Company and WWE 2K Battlegrounds.

“With this new Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, we are delighted to be shining a spotlight on great games from our development and publishing partners,” said Steve Singer, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Publisher and Developer Relations. “With multiple showcases this year, we can continue highlighting the breadth of games and the variety of experiences all types of players can get on Nintendo Switch.”

You can check out the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase video in its entirety, here:

Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

  1. Shin Megami Tensei V: The next numbered entry in ATLUS’ beloved Shin Megami Tensei series is coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch. In this epic role-playing game, order itself has crumbled and chaos reigns over all. Shin Megami Tensei V will have a simultaneous global launch on Nintendo Switch in 2021.
  2. Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster: It’s been 17 years since the original release of Shin Megami Tensei III, known in the U.S. as Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. Now, the apocalyptic legend returns in a full high-definition remake of the classic game, coming to Nintendo Switch in spring 2021.

3. Rogue Company: A stylish new shooter lands on Nintendo Switch! Lay waste to opponents with an arsenal of weapons and abilities in this online multiplayer third-person shooter from First Watch Games. Clash with other players in competitive and casual game modes, or rise to the challenge against AI opponents that surely bring the heat. If players fall in battle, their teammates can revive them, letting them immediately jump back into the fray. Cross-platform play and cross-save are also supported from day one, along with support for motion-controlled aiming. More information about Rogue Company will be revealed later today!

4. WWE 2K Battlegrounds: The world of WWE is your battleground with all-new, over-the-top, in-your-face arcade action, as your favorite WWE Superstars and Legends battle it out in outlandish interactive environments. Both casual gamers and long-time wrestling fans will love the easy, pick-up-and-play multiplayer experience when WWE 2K Battlegrounds launches for Nintendo Switch on Sept. 18.

5. Cadence of Hyrule Season Pass: Three paid DLC packs are coming to the Cadence of Hyrule – Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda game, with the first pack launching later today!

Pack 1: Character Pack – In the first pack, five additional characters join the game’s ensemble, including Impa, who excels in ranged attacks with the Naginata weapon, and Aria, perfect for players who like a challenge. It’s game over if you take one hit or miss a beat with her.

Pack 2: Melody Pack – After purchasing this pack, 39 songs will be added to the game, including remixed versions of the game’s background music. Players can change the background music at any time so they can listen to their favorite songs while journeying through Hyrule.

Pack 3: Additional Story Content – Symphony of the Mask – Play as the mysterious Skull Kid and venture through a new map in the third DLC pack, complete with new songs and a new story. Skull Kid also possesses the power to change abilities based on the masks he dons.

DLC Pack 1 will be available to purchase later today for $5.99. The second DLC pack will be released before the end of October for $5.99. The third DLC pack will also be released before the end of October, and will be available for $9.99. A Season Pass containing all three DLC packs as they release will be available to purchase starting today for $14.99. People who purchase the Season Pass will also receive bonus costumes for Link and Zelda. A physical version of the game that contains the main game and all three DLC packs will launch on Oct. 23 for $39.99.

Details about the next Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase will be revealed in the future.

SOURCE

DIARY ENTRY #6: The Frustration with the Paper Mario Series

The Paper Mario series has been a pretty interesting topic, especially as of today. Paper Mario will be seeing a new installment for the series called, “Paper Mario: The Origami King” which will be released as of tomorrow, as the time this will be up, the game will more than likely would be released. It’s not too surprising to see a game be somewhat on the Hot Seat especially on the day before it’s actual release, but it’s not in this kind of way.

As of today, Paper Mario series team, (mainly Kensuke Tanabe) from Nintendo and Intelligent Systems who develops the Paper Mario series has been on somewhat of a press tour about the release of the Origami King. The game so far as early reviews seems to be getting mostly positive reviews. While you can question the quality of the game on your own once it gets released tomorrow, the frustration by fans of the series comes from the mindset of the team and what they’ve been doing with the Paper Mario series in general and possibly going forward into the future.

The series, has gotten a bit downplayed by fans especially the ones who love the original Paper Mario games, Paper Mario 64 and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door specifically. An interesting quote that’s been floating around on Twitter comes from Kensuke Tanabe who is the producer of the “Paper Mario: The Origami King.”

Kensuke Tanabe interview on the Paper Mario series

The reason why this quote is getting so much attention and backlash is because the series in general, seems to have started to lack in originality when it comes to making new characters for the Paper Mario games. This lack of originality about modifying characters seems to start from the game, Paper Mario: Sticker Star.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star barely had many characters that had any kind of personality or even some kind of modification from the usual Goomba or Koopa Troopa from both from someone that you can recruit into your party or from a minor back ground character. The reception was almost repeated again, though in a better next installment after Sticker Star being, “Paper Mario: Color Splash,” from the Wii U. Color Splash received this same kind of treatment pre-release and even when it was first shown off back in 2016 for the Wii U.

Another quote that’s also been getting a lot of attention from this interview has been that the story of Paper Mario hasn’t been interesting, more specifically with Super Paper Mario. I would argue that for that game in particular in regarding to the fans that was one of the best elements of Super Paper Mario. I personally liked Super Paper Mario for it’s story.

Just looking these quotes, this just seems like the Paper Mario team is just completely disconnected and out of touch from what the fans of the Paper Mario series really want. Personally, I don’t think I like where the series has been heading within it’s last couple of years. While I did like Color Splash, but didn’t like Sticker Star, it just worries me about where the series is going in terms of originality. This was one of my first RPG series that I’ve started playing when I was younger and it’s just upsetting into looking inside on what the developers even think about the series. It’s like they can’t allow to have original characters or even having much of a story even matters, then what’s the point of having Mario being an RPG series if you don’t have an interesting story plot or characters for your party (if there’s even one)?! Those are some of the BIGGEST elements for making an RPG!

If your going to ask me now, if I’m still going to get The Origami King? Yes, I am still going to get it, but this interview has not heightened my hope for the future of the Paper Mario series. It seems like this series along with another particular Mario RPG series, being Mario & Luigi, is just meant to be bare bones. This just once again shows how out of touch the Paper Mario creators and developers are of their fanbase if they really do think having a story or even interesting characters with personality basically don’t matter or won’t be well received.

INTERVIEW: SOURCE

Image

Nintendo Switch Games Line Up 2020 🔥🔥🔥

Nintendo has made this release graphic of what to expect so far in 2020 from both first and third party, and they are also teasing many more announcements to come.

There’s a good mix of games here so far! Though, it is more or less lacking on the first party side from now, and a direct at this point can’t get here soon enough, so that we can know more about what’s going on the first party side of things. Though, we do have Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX and of course the biggest first party release at the moment being, Animal Crossing: New Horizons which both comes out in March.

We also got some big hitter third party titles, being, Bravely Default II, DOOM Eternal, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition which is coming this Summer. While it does look a bit bleak, there are some things to still look forward to for everyone.

As said earlier, Nintendo did say that they did teased that they still have more to come that hasn’t even been announced yet. So, we could still look forward to some more surprises as the year goes on! We’re still hoping for a BIG January direct to happen sometime, but, it’s possible that it may not be this month, but there is still some little time left.

Status

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore Is Available NOW!

As of Friday, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore has been released for the Nintendo Switch! I’m so glad this game was ported over to the Switch.
I did originally played this on Wii U last year for a little while. Looking forward to playing through it on the Switch with even more content!
Happy Gaming! 🎮❤️

Byleth from Fire Emblem joins Super Smash Bros Ultimate on January 28th

The Super Smash Bros Ultimate DLC fighter video presentation is underway and it has been unveiled that Byleth from the acclaimed Fire Emblem: Three Houses will join Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Byleth isn’t quite ready to join the fight just yet so we will have to wait a little longer to get our hands on the character as Byleth will be available on January 28th.

More details from Nintendo of America:

  • Garreg Mach Monastery stage

Combat class is in session! Byleth, the renowned mercenary and professor from the Fire Emblem series, is ready to teach Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players a lesson in battle. In a video released today, Masahiro Sakurai, the director of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, unveiled for the first time the battle-hardened Fire Emblem character in action, who will enter the arena on Jan. 28 as the game’s newest fighter. Sakurai demonstrated Byleth’s unique ranged play style, and revealed the Garreg Mach Monastery stage and 11 new music tracks from the Fire Emblem series, all coming to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game for the Nintendo Switch system later this month.

NOTE: All of this new content will be available to players who own the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass or purchase Challenger Pack 5 separately.*

In addition to Byleth’s reveal, new details were announced about the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Vol. 2, which will include six more fighters currently under development. By purchasing Fighters Pass Vol. 2 for a suggested retail price of $29.99, players will get access to six more yet-to-be-announced Challenger Packs as they release. Each pack includes one new fighter, one stage and multiple music tracks.

Those who purchase Fighters Pass Vol. 2 will also receive an exclusive costume for Mii Swordfighter, the Ancient Soldier Gear from the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game, available in-game starting Jan. 28.

To view the video in its entirety, visit https://www.youtube.com/nintendo.

“As Super Smash Bros. Ultimate continues to inspire friendly competition and heated matches on Nintendo Switch, the addition of Byleth from the beloved Fire Emblem series, along with the announcement of six more upcoming fighters, represents our commitment to supporting the game with new content that further enriches the overall experience,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will continue to welcome both newcomers and veteran players alike to enjoy the thrill of battle while exploring its unparalleled lineup of gaming icons.”

Byleth joins the ranks as the 80th legendary video game character included as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which features the biggest crossover of video game characters in history. Drawing upon Byleth’s chivalric exploits, their inclusion in the roster will change the tide of every battle they appear in, with clever strategic choices motivating each defensive posture and offensive attack in their move set. With a sword, axe, lance and bow in hand, prevailing in combat will often come down to selecting the right moments to hold ground or advance.

Byleth’s accompanying stage, the Garreg Mach Monastery, also features a variety of cameos from popular characters in the Fire Emblem series, including Edelgard from the Black Eagles, Claude from the Golden Deer and Dimitri from the Blue Lions.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will also receive a new Spirit Board, which features some of the other popular characters from the Fire Emblem series, along with a new classic mode route, “A Heroic Legacy,” which highlights classic Fire Emblem stages throughout the series’ storied history.

Additionally, new Mii Fighter costumes inspired by Cuphead, Rabbids, Altair and various Mega Man games will be available for purchase on Jan. 28. Players who purchase the Cuphead Mii Fighter costume will also receive a new music track, Floral Fury, which was originally featured in the game’s classic Cagney Carnation boss battle.

Finally, two fighters from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will have amiibo figures available for purchase at select retailers beginning on Jan. 17: Samus’s mysterious doppelganger, Dark Samus, and Simon Belmont’s whip-wielding echo fighter, Richter.

Additional new fighters, stages and music will also be coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate through the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Players can also continue to purchase the current Fighters Pass for a suggested retail price of $24.99 to gain access to the first five Challenger Packs. Playable fighters Joker, Hero, Banjo & Kazooie and Terry Bogard are all available now, with Byleth joining on Jan. 28. For only $5.99, players can also purchase the packs individually.