Paco Treviño 2015, 3DS, DLC, Download, eShop, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Nintendo, Video, Wii U

Video: TVG Talk – Nintendo Goes Digital.

Nintendo on digital gaming: Virtual Console, eShop exclusives, DLC and more.

We sit down for the very first TVG Talk video and we talk about Nintendo’s evolution on their digital front. Their Virtual Console, the eShop exclusive offerings and the first party DLC so far. plus we talk a little about other media available on Nintendo systems.

A couple weeks ago we talked about Nintendo’s evolution on DLC, now we take a look at their digital world as a whole and we share our thoughts on the subject.
Check out the full video right here:
Paco Treviño DLC, eShop, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Hyrule Warriors, Mario Kart, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros., Wii U

TVG Talk – Nintendo and its evolution on DLC.

Has Nintendo gone from a company that didn’t have any DLC, to one with some of the best?

Nintendo adopted DLC not too long ago, and yet, it seems that it has some of the best offers in the market. With extensive content for a reasonable price.


Villager amiibo has become one
of the rarest and most expensive
amiibo on the aftermaket.

Nintendo can be pointed at for some of their business decisions, with supply of amiibo and collector items not meeting with demand, their new Youtube program, lack of advertisement of their products, among other things. But when it comes down to their DLC, for the most part, has proved to be excelent. It has mainly to do with the fact that they’ve been releasing extensive amounts of content for very reasonable prices.

It’s important to notice first that before DLC arrives to a major game, it first releases a DLC, as some sort of test, Mario Kart 8 had the Mercedez Benz free cars. Hyrule Warriors had the free Ganondorf skin pack for people who owned it the first few weeks of release. And soon Super Smash Bros. will give away Mewtwo for free to owners of both the Wii U and 3DS versions. After releasing said free DLC, Nintendo then proceeds to deliver the paid DLC to said games.

Mario Kart 8 DLC pack has half the amount of tracks
the  retail game has for  a quarter its retail price.

Mario Kart 8 DLC packs 1 & 2, for example, together give you 16 new tracks and a handful of new vehicles and characters including Link of the Legend of Zelda and Villager and Isabelle from Animal Crossing for a quarter the price of the retail game.

Who knows if there’ll be any more DLC for Mario Kart 8, but many fans already have their lists of tracks and characters from previous entries in the series that they’d like to see make a comeback.

Link from Majora’s Mask is available
through Hyrule Warriors’ DLC

Hyrule Warriors is easily the Wii U’s most DLC-filled first party title to date, and its DLC doesn’t seem to be slowing down soon. Weapons, Costumes, Skins, Modes, Characters, the list is quite long, and while it isn’t as generous as Mario Kart’s offer, it’s also quite on a reasonable price, with maybe the exception of skin packs like those for Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf.

The list of DLC is so long now, that if you wanted to buy it all at once you would be paying just a bit short of the retail game, but for people eager to play more of Hyrule Warriors, the content is extensive and different enough to justify the buy.


Mewtwo was in the GameCube entry of the series,
Super Smash Bros, Melee, now is coming back as DLC.

We’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves when talking about Super Smash Bros. DLC. So far all there’s confirmed is the free Mewtwo we mentioned earlier, but honestly, it’s been hinted at so much in the past few months that its basically a fact that more DLC is coming. 

Whether it’s veteran fighters who didn’t return this for the latest entry (like the fan-favorite Mewtwo), stages from previous entries, or entirely new content, fans can’t wait to see what’s next for Smash.

Mario amiibo is one of the amiibo
compatible with the most games.

We touched earlier a bit upon the subject of amiibo, and they’ve turned into a popular new form of DLC, the interesting thing here is, these figurines have compatibility with different games, Mario amiibo, for example, is compatible with Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS, Mario Kart 8, and soon will be compatible with Captain Toad and Mario Party 10.

And they do different things in each game, in Smash, they turn into fighters you can train and level up. In Mario Kart they provide costumes for your Mii. In Hyrule Warriors, Link, Zelda and Sheik amiibo give you special items and all other amiibo give you Rupees or other goods. In Mario Party 10 they’ll unlock an amiibo-based mode. The list expands as new compatible games get announced and released.

It’s amazing how quickly Nintendo has adopted the concept of DLC on its releases in the past few years. These are but a few examples of this, we didn’t mention New Super Luigi U, or Pikmin 3’s DLC, or most of the upcoming titles that are compatible with amiibo. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Nintendo’s Official Amiibo Site

Paco Treviño 2015, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Mario, Splatoon, Star Fox, Virtual Console, Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles, Yoshi, Zelda

TVG Talk – the Wii U in 2015

The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, Mario Party 10, Yoshi’s Woolly World, StarFox, Mario Maker, Xenoblade Chronicles X.

Nintendo gave us a fantastic 2014 for the Wii U, and is looking like 2015 is going to be great too! But what exactly can we expect to see?
Splatoon
Splatoon is Nintendo’s latest IP, and it’s looking up to be a very unique Third-Person Shooter with platforming elements and customization. We’re particularly excited to see what it has to offer since it’s taking the summer spot that Mario Kart 8 took last year.

Yoshi’s Woolly World

Yoshi’s Woolly World is the first Yoshi title on a Nintendo home console since Yoshi’s Story back on the Nintendo 64, and it seems like it’s its first true sequel, the yarn textures on the game look gorgeous, and the 2-player co-op will probably bring the game to a high replay value.
The game was originally going to come out last year, but due to some delays it has been pushed to 2015, which is nice considering we won’t be getting many Nintendo 2D platformers this year.




Mario Maker

Have you ever wanted to create your own Super Mario Bros. level? Well, Mario Maker is exactly that! It allows you to create levels from the most iconic 2D platformer Super Mario games, which revealed so far are Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros U; which are arguably the most iconic in the whole series.
We aren’t so sure about the format of this game though, if it doesn’t get more options, or some sort of story mode or a set list of levels created by the developers, it’s probably going to be an eShop-only title or a budget release like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker when it came out last year.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles is arguably one of the best RPG’s for the Wii, and is no surprise that the reveal of a sequel on the Wii U has fans already hyped for it.
Weather we’ll be seeing again characters like Shulk is yet to be confirmed, but the gameplay seems familiar enough to make us feel safe, and the visuals stunning, and the story interesting enough to keep us excited.

Star Fox
Star Fox is easily one of the most recognizable franchises by Nintendo, and yet, is one that has had very few releases, and of those releases, some are very experimental like Star Fox Adventures, and it has so little releases, that the last true Star Fox game on a Nintendo home console came out back on the GameCube in 2005.
Another odd thing about it is that we know very little of it, in fact, there is no screen shots, not even a logo or teaser to go on from, that’s why we picked promo art from Star Fox 64 3D, all we know is that it’ll take advantage of the Wii U Gamepad’s features like the Touchscreen and the Gyro-sensor.
The Legend of Zelda
Even though we got an HD remake and a spin-off, the upcoming Zelda title marks the first true Zelda on the Wii U. and boy it’s shaping out to be a spectacular game!
Beautiful landscapes, exploration, huge open world, dungeons, and it takes advantage of the Wii U Gamepad in ways similar to the WindWaker HD.
Paco Treviño 3DS, GameCube, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros., Wii U

TVG Talk – The Controllers to Play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

The Wii U Gamepad, the Pro Controller, The Gamecube Controller, the Wii Remote, and many more.

When Super Smash Bros. came out on the Wii U, many people wondered what controller should they play with, should they stick with the controllers of previous generations? Or should they go with what the Wii U has to offer?


The Wii U Gamepad


When people think of the gamepad, a fighting game might not be their go-to genre, but Smash Bros. has implemented it in a way not too different to the way the Pro, Classic and Classic Pro controllers work, and while it might not be the best one on this list, but if you have a Wii U, chances are you have it since all new Wii Us come with one you won’t have to pay for one, and it’s definitely a good alternative, albeit a bit too heavy and bulky.

The Pro Controller
Probably the best offer from this generation, the Pro controller has that standard controller feel and look, it’s very lightweight, and the battery lasts many, many hours, most multiplayer games require this controller, particularly fighting games, the controller is $49.99 USD but it isn’t that expensive when compared to the Nunchuck, Classic, Classic Pro and Gamecube since you don’t need anything like an adapter or the WiiMote to play.
The Classic and Classic Pro Controllers
While today they’re almost obsolete, the Classic and Classic Pro controllers were the equivalent to the Pro controller on the Wii, but their compatibility goes a little further from that, since you can use them on the Wii U on Wii Mode and on some games compatible with the Pro controller, many people use these to this day.
The reason we’ve put them together on this list is that they are considered by many games to be the exact same controller and Smash Bros. is no different, whether you prefer the flat feel for your sidescroller fighting games or you prefer it with handles is the controller for you.
They aren’t very easy to find nowadays but if you had one from the Wii days or are lucky enough to find one on your local store, they’re a great way to experience Smash Bros. and all the other games compatible with them.
The Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) + Nunchuck
If you had a Wii, chances are you have these, and while these might not be the best way to play a fighting game like SSBU, it’s still descent, and if you want to play local multiplayer they’re great to fill up player spots.
The Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus (Held Sideways)
Easily the most limited way to play Smash Bros. since you don’t have the 4-button layout, nor the analog stick, nor the shoulder buttons, it’s one controller that all Wii and most Wii U owners have, we would suggest this controller if you’re on a budget or want to play 8-player Smash without buying any more controllers and have more Wii Remotes than Nunchucks.


The New 3DS, New 3DS XL, 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS with Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
While these aren’t the best way to experience Smash Bros., many players got used to them from the 3DS game and if you want to complete your controllers for Multiplayer Smash, these are good enough for the task.
3DS owners should be warned, you need Super Smash Bros. for 3DS to be able to play with your portable system as a controller.

The GameCube Controller (or WaveBird)
Longtime Smash Bros, fans consider this to be the ultimate controller to play with, and while the controller is more than a decade old, it still holds up well to today’s expectations, while it does lack pushable analog sticks, sets of 2 shoulder buttons per side, none of that is used in Smash Bros., but, while the nostalgia is strong with this one.
It’s also not that necessary if you have the Classic Pro or the Pro controllers since they both give a similar feel, the controller is a little expensive considering it’ll only work with Super Smash Bros. on your Wii U, and the Adapters are incredibly hard to find and when you do, they’re very expensive, for even more than $100 USD.
Considering it’s price and little compatibility with your Wii U, we’d only truly recommend if you already have one, and even then, you might want to wait until a new wave of adapters comes around.
So what controller will you be using? Are you going to buy new controllers? or stick with what you’ve got? Tell us in the comment section bellow.
Paco Treviño GameCube, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, News, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros., Wii U

TVG Talk – The Many Wii U GameCube Controllers

From PDP’s Fight Pad to Smash Bros’ Adapter, We Take a Look at All Licensed GameCube-Style Controllers.

It seems that Nintendo wants to please a very specific set of gamers lately, namely, Smash Bros. fans who prefered to use the GameCube controller on past entries of the series.
The use of this controller in the series dates back to Super Smash Bros. Melee’s original release way back on the GameCube, and when Super Smash Bros. Brawl came out on the Wii, and the Virtual Console release of the original Nintendo 64 title on the Wii, both which allowed the use of this controller, only fueled fans’ preference and use in competitive play.
So when the news arrived that Smash was coming to Wii U, it brought a lot of hype, but with it, the concern of fans that there was no way to use your ol’ reliable GC controller, but ever since, Nintendo has been bringing more and more ways to bring back the old play style.
The Wii U GameCube Controller Adapter and
GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros. Edition.

The Smash Bros. Adapter.

The first one we’ll be taking a look at is one that Nintendo developed themselves and that has brought joy to many fans.
The Smash Bros. Adapter allows you to plug in your GameCube and WaveBird controllers directly to the adapter which itself plugs to the Wii U via USB port.
The Adapter has a price tag of $19.99 USD on Amazon and each Smash-themed GameCube controller costs $29.99 USD in case of not having one already.
This is a perfect choice to truly bring back the play style enjoyed in Melee and Brawl, however, this comes with a price, since it’ll only work for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (At least won’t work with any existing titles nor Wii Mode) and it’s probably not worth it if you don’t have any GameCube or WaveBird controllers already.
The Mario-Themed PDP Wired Fight Pad for Wii U

The PDP Fight Pad

PDP is releasing a Fight Pad (Licensed by Nintendo) in the style of a GameCube controller developed specifically for Smash Wii U, it plugs directly into your Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus just like existing Wii Classic and Classic Pro controllers.
The controller also has a couple advantages over the GameCube controller, for example, it has two sets of trigger buttons instead of 1 and the Z button, the right analog stick and D-Pad are much bigger, and it has Start, Select and Home buttons, instead of just the Start button.
The Fight Pads will come themed after a famous Nintendo characters, the ones confirmed so far are Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Peach, and as mentioned before, will work with existing titles such as Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8 and all other titles that support Wii Classic and Classic Pro controllers.
The PDP Wii U Fight Pad is listed at $24.99 USD on GameStop with a release date of 2014.
The Luigi-Themed HORI Battle Pad for Wii U

The HORI Battle Pad

Yet another option for Wii U owners who want a GameCube-style controller (Officially licensed by Nintendo) is the Battle Pad for Wii U by HORI.
This controller too connect to your Wii Remote like the Wii Classic and Classic Pro controllers
The controller is made very closely in shape to a GameCube controller with very few differences, the first is that it has two sets of triggers instead of 1 and the Z button, it has Start, Select and Home buttons, and interestingly, is has a turbo button, with a switch for intensity of the turbo, the intensities are 5, 10, 20.
There’s two versions, one themed after Mario and the other after Luigi.
The HORI Battle Pad for Wii U is priced at $24.99 USD on Amazon.com with a release of November 21st.
Sources:
Paco Treviño Bayonetta, News, Nintendo, Wii U

New Bayonetta 2 Videos Released

Demo Out Now, Full Game Releases October 24

Nintendo of America’s Youtube Channel has recently released 2 videos for the upcoming game which feature the release date, announced the demo, plot details and some footage of it’s characteristic gameplay.

The game is the second title in Nintendo and Platinum Games’ deal of exclusivity, the first was 2013’s Wonderful 101 on the Wii U.

The Launch Trailer teases the main plot of the game, which has Bayonetta’s friend Joan got ripped from her soul and sent to hell, now Bayonetta has to embark on a journey to save her.
Both videos feature the gameplay, artstyle, boss fights, and combat mechanics made famous by the first entry on the series.
The TV Commercial reminds us that the game is bundled with a disc of the first Bayonetta, for the first time on Wii U.
To watch the videos click on the link below:
Paco Treviño http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, News, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros., Wii U

New Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Screens Released

Ganondorf Joins the Battle!

This is no news for owners of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, but this is our first look at the main villain of the Legend of Zelda series on the Wii U version of the title.
Ganondorf has always been one of gaming’s favorite villains and is no surprise that Nintendo has once again put him on the roster of their all-star brawler.
Nintendo has announced today through the official Smash Bros. Webpage the return of the evil wizard, but it’s noteworthy that they consider this to be a “Secret” character, even though we’ve seen him on previous entries of the series, plus on the 3DS version.
It’s nice to see Nintendo focusing more on the Wii U version now that the game is out on the 3DS, we’re sure to see more announcements like this in the future.
Paco Treviño DLC, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Mario, News, Nintendo, Wii U

More Mario Kart 8 Zelda DLC Details

Link’s New “Master Cycle” joins him on Mario Kart 8 DLC out this November.

Nintendo of America has announced trough their Twitter account a new vehicle available with the first pack of Mario Kart 8’s DLC, this time themed after the beloved Legend of Zelda Franchise.
File:BDasherMK8.pngThe bike is the third out of 4 vehicles available in the first pack, The first was the Blue Falcon of F-Zero and the B Dasher of Mario Kart DS.
The 3 characters that’ll be included in the pack are Link, Tanooki Mario and Cat Peach.
There is still no information on the tracks that’ll come with either set, only that there will be 8 per set.
The packs are available on the eShop for $7.99 USD each or $11.99 if you buy them in a bundle.
Each pack comes with 3 racers, 4 vehicles and 8 tracks (2 cups), both feature non-Mario characters, the first one has Link from Legend of Zelda, as previously mentioned, and the second one has Villager and Isabelle from Animal Crossing, the third racer is Dry Bowser.

If you buy them both, either in a bundle or separate, you’ll get 8 new colors for both Yoshi and Shy Guy.
The first pack, referenced by fans as the Zelda Pack, will come out this November, and the second one, known as Animal Crossing Pack, will come out May 2015.

We should find out more very soon since the first DLC pack is out next month.

Sources:
Paco Treviño Captain Toad, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Nintendo, Wii U

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Out This December

Coming to the US December 5th.

Nintendo of America has announced the release date though their official twitter account.
First introduced on Super Mario 3D World’s mini-levels, the gameplay of this game is a fresh take on platforming, from the franchise that probably does it best in the first place, and it’ll bring casual gamers with it’s charming presentation, and hardcore gamers with it’s progressively complex level design.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a title that at first raised many eyebrows when it was announced back on E3, but ever since it showed us it’s unique way of bringing puzzle and the interesting “jump-less” platforming together to bring a new gameplay mechanic has had us intrigued.

Additionally, it has been revealed that Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will support Amiibo figures in 2015.

Paco Treviño 3DS, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, News, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros., Wii U

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Release Date Announced!

The All-Star Fighter will Come Out This November.

Nintendo has announced today though the official Super Smash Bros. website that the Wii U version of the upcoming title will be coming out November 21st of this year.
Plus details on a second wave of amiibo figures.
The news come from the official webpage of the series, with a mini site coming on the way, along with this news, Nintendo has announced

details of several bundles for the game, one of them being the one we discussed a few weeks ago when Amazon.com leaked details, and a new one where you get an amiibo of Mario, though the price is yet to be announced.

Not only this, but 6  amiibo figures have been announced for the second wave, the characters for the amiibos are: Diddy Kong, Zelda, Luigi, Captain Falcon, Pit and Little Mac.
The first wave of amiibo figures will come November 21st, same as the game. and the second wave will come this December.
Both waves will cost $12.99 USD each upon release.
Amiibos are said to be compatible with the existing title Mario Kart 8, and the upcoming titles Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Mario Party 10, Yoshi’s Woolly World, and of course, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS.