Why Nintendo Makes the Same Video Games Every Year and We Still Love Them

Nintendo Direct 3-3-16

Without question I consider myself a Nintendo fan. Compared to any other developer, I spend most of my time playing and/or getting excited for what I will soon be playing on my Nintendo Wii U or 3DS. Some experiences can only be on PS4 and what not like last year’s Fallout 4, but with Nintendo I have always felt they’ve done something special with their games… they’ve remained fun! Throughout the years and even during the short time I’ve been on this blog I’ve seen a handful of Marios, Zeldas, Pokemons, and many other Nintendo greats come and go. They’ve consistently been what I expect and then some, but nothing has been wholly “new” (with the exception of last year’s Splatoon.). After seeing Thursday’s Nintendo Direct, I’m excited for what the future holds: more of the same great faces Nintendo has always offered. But is that enough? Should Nintendo be focusing on something new rather than giving the fans more of the same? Hmm… (more…)

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Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright is Exactly What I Want from a Fire Emblem Game

Fire Emblem Fates Birthright Art 1

The burning question after the release of Fire Emblem Fates was certainly which version to buy, Conquest or Birthright. Playing through the game’s first couple chapters it was clear to see the Nohr of the Conquest game were more in line with the “bad guy” mentality, and the Hoshido of Birthright were the “good guys”, but neither side was a paragon of either. You’ll have to play both games to fully understand and experience the entire story of Fire Emblem Fates. At first thought this seems like a gimmick for Nintendo to make more money of its loyal fanbase, but seeing how the game has played out so far from just one side of the tale, I’m aching to even get a glimpse of what would have occured had I chosen the other! And before you click to read any more, yes, the game is great and wholly worth your time! (more…)

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Video Review: Little King’s Story

Often called one of the Wii's best hidden gems, is Little King's Story worth all they hype? Watch my latest video review and find out! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sPnVHHuins&w=560&h=315] Laters, Jsick

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Sunday Roundup: 2/14/16

New Games (2-14-16)Way back in 2013 when I was just visiting California I decided to check out one of the local used game stores. While I found some games there and the owner had an impressive selection, I never decided to go back there once I moved here because of the prices. They weren’t terrible, they were just fair. And while fair is fine, I’m not usually looking for fair (I’m looking for great!). This week I decided to check out Game World once again, hoping maybe some things had changed. Well, the place was just as cramped and overflowing as before, and the prices were just the same. Regardless, maybe I’ll have to check out the place more simply because it’s really the only place to get PS2 and earlier era games! Let’s take a look at this week’s haul.

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Review: Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Mario and Luigi Paper Jam - Goombas

Crossovers are noteworthy for bringing together two unlikely universes into one. Normally you wouldn’t find the likes of Spider-Man teaming up with Ryu, but that’s what has been happening in Capcom’s acclaimed Marvel vs. Capcom series for years. It makes for a game that appeals to two target audiences at once. So what happens when a game crosses over with pretty much the same game only made of paper? Well, you get Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam on the Nintendo 3DS. Combining Nintendo’s two RPG series’ headlined by the famous Mario, Paper Jam still appeals to the two target audiences by successfully capturing what made the Mario & Luigi series noteworthy and what made the Paper Mario games standout for all this time. It’s also a fun, and surprisingly challenging, game!

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Sunday Roundup: 2/7/16

Culdcept Saga Xbox 360 Release Date: February 5th, 2008 Purchased at: GameStop (Campbell, CA - $9) Wow, such a cool find at this store! I've heard of the Culdcept series before,…

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Sunday Roundup: 1/31/16

New Games (1-31-16)A handful of DS games and a duo of games I’ve literally been spending years trying to track down finally fell into my collection this week! After our move, I’m living closer to a different GameStop than before, but seeing as I still work at the same Target, I happen to be close to that ol’ GameStop of mine. And man, this week they delivered: apparently a “regular” who goes to this store often turned in dozens of great DS games. They were all loose, but some of them had incredible prices! I couldn’t say no to these and a few duplicates for possible reselling. Hmm… maybe I’ll finally start getting into that this year…

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The Epic Battles of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Mario and Luigi Paper Jam ArtIf you haven’t noticed, Nintendo has had two successful role play games starring Mario. Sadly none of them are in conjunction with Square, but they are excellent in their own right. The Paper Mario series has been going strong since the Nintendo 64, and the Mario & Luigi series has been successful since the days of the Game Boy Advance. Both have adventures taking place in the Mushroom Kingdom, but until very recently they have stayed away from one another. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam brings both games together and, somehow, managed to capture the essence of both series’ in one complete adventure. However, there’s something that stands out more than the interesting premise and adorable mashup of visual styles… the boss battles in this game are insane! (more…)

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