eShop Sales - Merry Pre-Christmas!

Nintendo/eShop sales?  It's almost unheard of not very long ago, but clear the cobwebs from your eyes as there are a number of games on sale until 1/2 or 1/3!  So was I tempted to become even more incomplete?  Hit the jump:

Animal Crossing - the Digital Push

Skipping my epic lack of posts, I've been considering Animal Crossing: New Leaf a good bit lately and beyond the decision of buying it in general I'm also left considering retail vs digital.  Nintendo is pushing the digital version fairly hard based on the genre angle and I have to admit that it might make more sense than other titles.  Lets run through pros of each option.

Deals that Got Away

It's been one of those weekends with lots of travel, driving, stress and to top it off I missed out on a number of great gaming deals.  Let's pour a cup of your favorite beverage and go through the list.

Fall Update

So it's been a bit since I posted, ok, more like four months since anything substantial.  I've been very busy with the new house, work and ramping up for the holidays, but thought I would slam some gaming updates into a single post before the end of the year.

Here we go..

August Game Acquisitions

I suppose August isn't over yet so there could be more purchases to add to my backlog with no intention to finish.  You'd think it was a theme around here or something....  Besides my NSMB pre-order, I just picked up three more games last week.  Without further delay hit the jump for more details:

New Trailer - New Super Mario Bros 2

A new 'New SMB2' trailer was uploaded to YouTube today.  Overall the website and information we've seen has basically stayed the same, though several items were new to me.  Catch the video after the break for more details:

New Super Mario Bros 2 eShop Price

 You've heard it here first.....  or maybe not, but if you haven't read elsewhere it appears that New SMB2 will be priced at $39.99 as a digital download on the eShop.

**7/8 Update:  It now has TBD on the eShop. **

Iwata has stated that there wouldn't be much of a difference between digital and retail and now we see there's no difference.  Oh wait, that's right, I pre-ordered the retail version for $29.99.

I'm trying to not be too pessimistic, but I hope the digital sales are in good numbers and don't turn Nintendo away from continuing their efforts.  I can hear it now:  well, we offered the same game in digital form and retail continued to dominate.  Of course it did guys.  There has to be a balance of convenience vs price vs flexibility in the title not being locked to an account/device and you didn't achieve that...

What do you think of the price and if you were to lower it, what would you suggest?  $29, $35, etc.?

NewEgg Pre-Order deals

As reported on GoNintendo there are currently two pre-order deals with $10 off. Too bad I didn't know about last week's $10 off any pre-order...

**Update: These expire on 7/4**
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance - $29.99 Promo Code: EMCNCNG69
Release: July 31, 2012

New Super Mario Bros. 2 - $29.99 Promo Code: EMCNCNG236
Release: August 19, 2012


So why did I just re-post their information, am I that desperate for traffic?  Actually no, I just pre-ordered New SMB 2 for $29, that's why!!  This seemed like a good enough deal especially with getting physical media at a reduce price.  (this is the part where I moan about having to cart around the cart.. :D )


Is anyone else going to get this game and/or perhaps you've already taken advantage of the offer?  What do you think?

New Super Mario Bros 2 Website

What's this, another post within a day?  There must be something to that Mayan prophecy...

If you hadn't noticed there's a new official website for New Super Mario Bros 2.  (and boy am I tired of typing that title)  Besides some nice looking screen shots that we've already seen and some pre-order now links what does it have to offer?  Well, there's a paragraph at the bottom that seems new to me so I thought I would mention it.

Team up with a friend for local wireless multiplayer, and challenge friends via the StreetPass™ feature in Coin Rush mode. Get ready for the gold standard in platforming fun—only on Nintendo 3DS!

So while I'll probably never have a chance to do local multiplayer, at least it's there and there will be some kind of friend challenge.  The key phrase for me is streetpass and not spotpass.  While real online multiplayer is what I think would be great, exchanging coin rush scores/times/etc. and competing with your friends remotely is what they need to do.  Don't disappoint us Nintendo..

Also, it seems the retail version will be the standard $39.99, but I couldn't find a price on the eShop version. For some reason $29 seems like a better fit at the moment, but that could just be me accounting for known DLC from the start.  :)

(still undecided about the eShop download and am leaning towards retail)

Nintendo Direct - A Few thoughts

We've all pretty much seen the Nintendo Direct on 6/21 by now and had a chance to digest it a bit.  Here are some quick thoughts on the matter before I run out of time:

April 25th 3DS Thoughts

With today's 3DS firmware update and several other announcements, it's further encouragement that the 3DS and eShop is continuing to move in a positive direction.  I don't often have the time or energy for a post, so let's quickly get to it before that changes:

Home Menu Folders:

This is something people have been wanting for a long time on the Wii and I can't honestly blame them.  (hint: it's not too late Nintendo)  My 3DS screen was getting quite cluttered especially with all the demo and video titles.  Overall this is a great implementation with the minor quibble that it automatically names the folder then you have to go back to edit.

How's mine now?  I'm too lazy to post a screenshot, so here's the basic idea:

• Cartridge Launcher (don't think you can move it), eShop, Settings
• Mutant Mudds and Swapnote for easy access.
• Folders: Demos, Videos, System (all the other 3ds "stuff") and finally a generic one to collect the rest of my eShop games.

I can see this leading to an overly-clean/folderized layout, but is that such a bad thing?  I really like this feature and the ability to keep things on one screen.  Having the option of customizing the icon size per folder is also cool.

eShop:

There doesn't seem to be anything major, but I do like the dual-row layout and the fact that it sets us up for DLC and patching.  I guess the recommendations section may be helpful, though I can't say I ever use that sort of thing much.  One cool thing is that they featured Jools Watsham in a "Pro Pick" feature.  

The other item I didn't see mentioned much is the new QR code scan under Settings.  I guess is this their first step into faster purchasing, but I'd rather just buy via computer.  Then again, maybe they're going to use it for something else.

3D Updates:

Apparently CaveStory is getting an update to replace the DSiWare version which adds 3D and many features/content that were already in other versions such as WiiWare and CaveStory+ on Steam.  Since I've held off on every other version to date I'm pretty excited about this news.  Ok, sure, they already have the code and art assets so it's not a huge leap and adding 3D is probably going to create some buzz and drive sales.  From a strictly selfish standpoint I'm fine with that and will be purchasing.

Another interesting update is for Might Switch Force which apparently adds some content, adds a retry feature and improves 3D.  All in all very cool and while I've held off on this game so far, it's certainly on my radar.  Possibly a bit higher now.

That's all I've noticed at the moment and will be updating this post if I find anything else.

What are you thoughts on the firmware and game updates?

April Update

So I posted a 'Hiaitus' entry in December followed by 6 more posts, then don't do anything for over two months. Go figure...

What's been going on?

Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Impressions

First off I really want to write something about Mutant Mudds, though we're getting closer to the end of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition being free, so I wanted to throw out some quick impressions.  If you read nothing else of this post, by all means download this game to your 3DS/DSi before 2/20/2012!  It's not clear at this point if they're going to pull it for good or turn around and offer it for sale.  Considering their lack of movement on selling the ambassador titles, I wouldn't be surprised if it was yanked for at least 6 months or more.

For the impatient:  This game is loads of fun, deceptively lengthy and is FREE!

Other thoughts.....

3DS Game Demos

With the release of the RE: Revelations demo today and talk of other titles (mario & sonic, Metal Gear), is Nintendo on the right track?  Here's one hint:  don't prematurely remove the demo from the shop so people can continue to check it out regardless of when they visit.  With their limit of 30 launches (for RE at least) I get the feeling that the demos will stay since they have a measure to prevent perpetual demoing.

I've read a number of complaints on this, but honestly 30 is plenty.  Hell, my most launched game (Mario Kart 7) is only at 37 followed by Link's Adventure DX at 27.  Plus you can play as much as you want while it's launched and it doesn't decrease your demo count.  If you don't know if you want the game by then or feel entitled to perpetually demo then that's just sad.

Though with that said, what about RE?  I've only had a few minutes to look around and get a feel for the game and controls.  Immediately I was struck with how good it looks (i've yet to try the "extra" 3D modes) and how polished everything is.  I suppose the controls are ok as they're making sense and there are some alternate button schemes as well.  As for everything else:  I haven't much of a clue as I'm not that far along yet and have no experience with other RE titles.  Perhaps that's a good thing to take a fresh look without the baggage.

For now I think $50 is a bit much for me so while this looks very enticing, I'm probably going to wait.

Are you looking forward to RE Revelations and/or have tried the demo?

3DS Ambassador Games for General Release

Initially I naively assumed that all Ambassador NES and GBA games would be released "at some point" for the rest of us to purchase.  After searching a bit more the initial word is that this isn't the case.  From what I can tell some or all of the NES games will be released, but not the GBA games.

[Begin Rant]

Sale: Super Mario Galaxy

I usually don't post these sorts of things, but it seems that Amazon has Super Mario Galaxy (Selects) for sale for $14.99 right now.  This is the lowest I've seen it sold from Amazon so far and I'm a bit tempted even though it might be a month or two before I get my Wii back.  Considering SMG2 is still $40+ I think this is a great price point to get started with the series.

Hey, I've been good so far with the Steam Christmas sale and haven't purchased anything.  That's not like me at all!  :D  Then again I have dropped a good bit of cash on retail 3DS titles in the past 2.5 months. (~$115)

Anyone else tempted???

Merry Christmas!

I know it's a day late, but Merry Christmas everyone!!  I hope everyone had a great holiday with memorable times with family and friends and perhaps even snagged some cool games along the way.  Our oldest is 2 now and it was great to really see her enjoy Christmas morning along with starting to say more real words.  That in of itself is plenty of gifts for me.  On the food front we enjoyed some epic smoked prime rib and have tons left for future use.

We also decided to buy a decent DSLR camera earlier this year and to skip gifts for each other so I have no real gaming news to report.  Though as I've written in the 3DS SwapNote app, I'll probably treat myself to some eShop titles.  (also have $200 in amazon for me and the kids, but may save that for a retail game in 2012)  It's been a little slow going in looking at my options so here are some thoughts.  Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions and what your gaming Christmas consisted of!

Top of the List:

• Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
• VVVVVV (12/29 release)
• Pushmo
• Zen Pinball (maybe a January release in the US)

Not sure:

• Kirby:  The original looked incredibly clear for a game of that era and the 3D remake certainly was vivid.  Though from a few reviews this may not be the best use of my money as I don't have any nostalgic attachment to the series.
• Blaster Master Enemy Below
• Tetris:  Come on, it's a classic.  I played the original GB so much as probably everyone did being packed-in.
• Bionic Commando:  More nostalgia here, though I wish it was the NES version.
• Adventure Island

Club Nintendo Coins:

I was going to have an entirely separate post for this, though the idea of spending coins on downloadable games is cool.  (albeit painfully overdue)  Super Mario Kart, Fluidity, Xevious 3D and Mario vs Donkey Kong are the current four titles for 100-150 coins.  I'm going to skip the dollar vs coin math for now and just land on the fact of getting something for our purchases.

I'm a bit undecided on Xevious and MvsD with the overall feel that Fluidity is the best buy in this group.  Am thinking I may wait until the next group of games appear.

Retail:

I do keep my eye on a number of retail games for both 3DS and Wii, though have no plans to jump on anything in the immediate future.  Zelda 3D OOT, MK7 and Super Mario 3D Land is a good bit for now.

Hiatus / Quick Impressions

In contrast to the massive volume that clearly I'm known for, the near future is probably going to be a bit slower.  Our second child (boy) was born almost three weeks ago and to say things are busy is quite an understatement.  Gaming has been pretty slim, I mean, not everyone can be coffee.

Overall we are getting an ok amount of sleep; it's just rough when it's broken up throughout the night.  It certainly puts a new twist on my late night gaming routine.  Had to go to bed at 9:30 last night; the lack of sleep was catching up with me.

Anyway, I have a number of posts in mind, but here are a few quick game impressions from what I've been able to squeak in.

NightSky headed to 3DS?

   Just like my own personal field of dreams where I was wishing NightSky on 3DS were an option; I see this on twitter. Pretty cool actually, though I'll hold my full enthusiasm for the price point. I'm sure we're looking at something more like $7-15 vs the awesome $2.49 I swooped up on Steam the other day.

   I'm certainly encouraged by this and several other efforts by Nicalis such as Cave Story 3D for retail and the VVVVVV port to 3DS. Let's hope this momentum continues to grow and other developers will also bring their titles over. The "trickle in some VC titles" bit is growing old... (not to mention that we don't need overpriced episodic releases of "House MD")

  Pretty sure VVVVVV is going to be a release-day or soon thereafter purchase and from what I've experienced with NightSky on PC, I'd certainly like that on the 3DS.  Have to wait and see on Cave Story 3D due to the high retail price.

Is anyone else looking forward to NightSky or other titles from Nicalis?

Super Mario 3D Land: Pre-Ordered

Typically I don't pre-order or purchase on launch day, but I've bit the bullet for Super Mario 3D Land today. I decided to go with Best Buy with an in-store pick-up option to avoid shipping delays.  Needless to say I'm excited about Sunday and while I've watched quite a few videos, read dozens of impressions articles I'm trying to keep away from too many spoilers.


Considering how typical 1st party Nintendo titles go, I can't see there being much of a price drop over the next year and I don't want to wait that long.  I also hate to "reward" them for holding out on prices, but if a game is a real hit they aren't going to lower it.  Just look at Super Mario Kart Wii ($40+ 3.5 years later), Mario Kart DS along with the New Super Mario for DS and Wii.  They aren't exactly sporting bargain bin prices some 3-6 years later. It should be interesting how many gameplay hours I get out of it for a $30-40 retail title vs something like Donkey Kong on VC for $3.99. (sunday purchase)


I was also reading a wired article featured on GoNintendo today and they make some good points.  I hardly ever purchase anything on steam unless it's 50% off or more and it seems to pay to wait for the various GOTY or bundles where DLC is included.


Is anyone else planning to buy Super Mario 3D Land either on launch or at some point?  Also, what are your thoughts on waiting for price drops?