Nintendo Power Holiday 2009 (Zelda - Spirit Tracks, NSMB, Monster Hunter)

tetrisgrammaton · (11-13-2009, 05:15 AM)

It seems I've been getting my Nintendo Power subscription early recently, so I figured I'd make the thread.

Overall, a fairly good issue, with 4 page features on Spirit Tracks and Monster Hunter.

The issue also contains an interview with George Kamitani of Vanillaware, although I've read too many of these lately to bother with NP's interview, which are typically insipid.

There's also a baffling retrospective on the DS of all systems_ must be running short on material.

Mr. Phil T. contributes a delightful look back at Golgo 13 for NES.

Now on to the stuff you care about:

Reviews
Mario - 9.0
+improves on NSMB DS in every way
+less linear levels and world maps
+best multiplayer in a mario yet
+some of the advance play videos are amazing to watch (sounds like DK:JB)
-waggle to spin, sometimes happens by accident
-doesn't like the save point structure

Silent Hill - 8.0
+good use of wiimote
+graphics
+psychological profile which affects game based on choices
+creative and varied puzzles
-not scary, lacks sense of danger

Shaun White 2 - 7.0

Call of Duty: Reflex - 9.0
+huhhhhhhhh

RE: Darkside - 8.0

Need for Speed Nitro - 7.0

Rabbid Wii & DS - 7.0

C.O.P. - The Recruit - Starlet of Nintendo's E3 Conference - 4.0

NEWS (i haven't been following that closely so i don't know how new this really is):

Spirit Tracks
-Link must dodge evil trains as he travels between map locations on the tracks, sounds like an old arcade game
-do not have to replay any section on the hub dungeon, although you can to find secrets
-apparently Link only escorts Zelda in the hub dungeon
-elsewhere Zelda plays the Navi role

Pokemon Rumble
-Recommended by reviewer
-1500 points
-a demo will be available
-available Nov. 16th
-exclusive Nintendo Power Pokemon Venusaur, code is 1589-3955

There's a cliched little retrospective on TG-16. This probably means nothing, but, I found it interesting that there is a screenshot for Rondo of Blood. Every other game screencapped has been released on VC.

I AM JOHN! · (11-13-2009, 05:17 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Silent Hill - 8.0
-not scary, lacks sense of danger

That's not exactly a great quality for a horror game...

Bebpo · (11-13-2009, 05:19 AM)

Originally Posted by I AM JOHN!:

That's not exactly a great quality for a horror game...

I think without combat this was kind of inevitable. The fear in SH comes from the OH CRAP THE COMBAT IS SO CLUNKY I CAN'T HIT THIS SCARY THING RUUUUNNNNNN

Well that and the whole sense of dread/mystery/fear that builds up to these encounters that you DO NOT WANT

Andrex · (11-13-2009, 05:20 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Mario - 9.0
+improves on NSMB DS in every way
+less linear levels and world maps
+best multiplayer in a mario yet
+some of the advance play videos are amazing to watch (sounds like DK:JB)
-waggle to spin, sometimes happens by accident
-doesn't like the save point structure

Silent Hill - 8.0
+good use of wiimote
+graphics
+psychological profile which affects game based on choices
+creative and varied puzzles

Yay!

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Silent Hill - 8.0
-not scary, lacks sense of danger

Call of Duty: Reflex - 9.0
+huhhhhhhhh

Huuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Luigiv · (11-13-2009, 05:20 AM)

Originally Posted by I AM JOHN!:

That's not exactly a great quality for a horror game...

Horror games, movies and books are a myth. They don't actually exist.

Oyashiro · (11-13-2009, 05:21 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Call of Duty: Reflex - 9.0

schuelma · (11-13-2009, 05:22 AM)

Anything interesting in the Monster Hunter feature?

sk3tch · (11-13-2009, 05:22 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Reviews
Mario - 9.0
+improves on NSMB DS in every way
+less linear levels and world maps
+best multiplayer in a mario yet
+some of the advance play videos are amazing to watch (sounds like DK:JB)
-waggle to spin, sometimes happens by accident
-doesn't like the save point structure

Any details on the problems with the save structure? Does it make it too hard? Lots of repeating??

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Call of Duty: Reflex - 9.0
+huhhhhhhhh

Wow...with the PC debacle...best version confirmed?? ;)

JDSN · (11-13-2009, 05:23 AM)

Id be really hilarious if Climax's attempt to make the game more scary and tense by taking up the combat ends up being the reason of why its not scary. Did I say hilarious? I meant unfortunate. :(

Oblivion · (11-13-2009, 05:24 AM)

Quote:

-Link must dodge evil trains as he travels between map locations on the tracks, sounds like an old arcade game

Lol.

Quote:

-apparently Link only escorts Zelda in the hub dungeon

Well, now doesn't that sound exciting.

Man God · (11-13-2009, 05:24 AM)

So what did they say about Reflex?

It is a competent port of a well regarded game after all, so a high score here or there shouldn't be too shocking.

tenritsu · (11-13-2009, 05:25 AM)

Man, I was actually kind of excited about COP. Guess I should channel my excitement somewhere else now :(

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 05:26 AM)

Quote:

Silent Hill - 8.0
+good use of wiimote
+graphics
+psychological profile which affects game based on choices
+creative and varied puzzles
-not scary, lacks sense of danger

Oh, good. That means I can play it.

Mega Mike · (11-13-2009, 05:27 AM)

I am really interested in the interview with George and what has to say. Perhaps this interview could mean the sign of him working on a new game for the wii?

Nessus · (11-13-2009, 05:27 AM)

Re: Call Of Duty

Anyone actually watch the side-by-side comparison video that's out there?

I mean, obviously it doesn't have all the lighting effects and the textures are lower resolution, but I was surprised how closely it resembles the PS3/360 games.

I won't be getting it as I have the PS3 version. If only they'd just skipped the first one and made a same day release of 2 they might have managed some decent sales.

A far better port than Dead Rising at any rate.

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 05:28 AM)

Quote:

Spirit Tracks
-Link must dodge evil trains as he travels between map locations on the tracks, sounds like an old arcade game
-do not have to replay any section on the hub dungeon, although you can to find secrets
-apparently Link only escorts Zelda in the hub dungeon
-elsewhere Zelda plays the Navi role

Like Phantom Hourglass, this sounds like it will make me vomit with rage.

Jade Knight 08 · (11-13-2009, 05:31 AM)

Mario? I'm not sure which full title are you talking about.

John Harker · (11-13-2009, 05:33 AM)

How can there be nothing on Crystal Bearers? It comes out next month!

Also, any more details one could share on the Shattered Memories score?

tetrisgrammaton · (11-13-2009, 05:34 AM)

Originally Posted by sk3tch:

Any details on the problems with the save structure? Does it make it too hard? Lots of repeating??

They said you can only save mid-world and after clearing a world, until after you complete the game, after which you can save anywhere. The implication is that it makes it too hard.

Thats something else they mentioned. It's probably the hardest Mario ever.

Originally Posted by Man God:

So what did they say about Reflex?

It is a competent port of a well regarded game after all, so a high score here or there shouldn't be too shocking.

I seem to recall something about excellent multiplayer, 5 on 5, when I skimmed it over.

ivysaur12 · (11-13-2009, 05:34 AM)

I'm getting excited for Spirit Tracks, but the rest of the info in the magazine doesn't seem too interesting.

What's next month's issue?

ChoklitReign · (11-13-2009, 05:36 AM)

What the hell @ Silent Hill not being scary. You have no fucking weapons so you have to run and hide from enemies. Not only are their designs creepy they hunt you down when you hide. By my logic it should be one of the scariest in the series. How far did he play?

tetrisgrammaton · (11-13-2009, 05:37 AM)

Originally Posted by AniHawk:

Like Phantom Hourglass, this sounds like it will make me vomit with rage.

but there's a charming evil antagonist who looks like a leprechaun with two hats

tetrisgrammaton · (11-13-2009, 05:42 AM)

Originally Posted by ivysaur12:

I'm getting excited for Spirit Tracks, but the rest of the info in the magazine doesn't seem too interesting.

What's next month's issue?

250th issue special.
The teaser has the NES Mario sprite X 250; Mario x 250.

Mega Mike · (11-13-2009, 05:43 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

250th issue special.
The teaser has the NES Mario sprite X 250; Mario x 250.

This is where they announce 2d revival of Zelda!

Andrex · (11-13-2009, 05:50 AM)

Originally Posted by Mega Mike:

This is where they announce 2d revival of Metroid!

Or perhaps...?

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 05:52 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

They said you can only save mid-world and after clearing a world, until after you complete the game, after which you can save anywhere. The implication is that it makes it too hard.

That's bullshit. Why back in my day, if you got a game over, you were made to start from the very beginning. What a loser.

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 05:54 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

but there's a charming evil antagonist who looks like a leprechaun with two hats

I didn't know what you meant so I googled zelda villains and saw this really cool trailer that had some great music and now I actually want to play the game but I still don't know what you mean.

ShockingAlberto · (11-13-2009, 05:56 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

250th issue special.
The teaser has the NES Mario sprite X 250; Mario x 250.

It's probably for the score they'll give Sin & Punishment 2

250/10

FootNinja · (11-13-2009, 05:58 AM)

What does it say about monster hunter?

Regulus Tera · (11-13-2009, 06:00 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

They said you can only save mid-world and after clearing a world, until after you complete the game, after which you can save anywhere. The implication is that it makes it too hard.

Thats something else they mentioned. It's probably the hardest Mario ever.

they serious man

they serious

Rash · (11-13-2009, 06:00 AM)

"Do not have to replay any section on the hub dungeon."

SOLD. Putting secrets into the game as an incentive to backtrack through the dungeon is actually a sensible design decision. Thanks, Nintendo!

Oh, and holy crap at the positive reception of COD4: Reflex. It's interesting how things have changed since people originally saw the pre-alpha screens.

Regulus Tera · (11-13-2009, 06:03 AM)

Originally Posted by ShockingAlberto:

It's probably for the score they'll give Sin & Punishment 2

It's the amount of copies it will sell actually.

vectorman06 · (11-13-2009, 06:04 AM)

Originally Posted by Regulus Tera:

It's the amount of copies it will sell actually.

It will sell 250X250 copies?

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 06:07 AM)

Originally Posted by vectorman06:

It will sell 250X250 copies?

It should sell more than 500 copies.

sprsk · (11-13-2009, 06:12 AM)

What do they say about monster hunter?

Regulus Tera · (11-13-2009, 06:13 AM)

Originally Posted by vectorman06:

It will sell 250X250 copies?

62,500

Let me be honest, I'd be marvelled if it did that in a year.

GCX · (11-13-2009, 06:14 AM)

Originally Posted by AniHawk:

I didn't know what you meant so I googled zelda villains and saw this really cool trailer that had some great music and now I actually want to play the game but I still don't know what you mean.

Surgeon Rocket · (11-13-2009, 06:14 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

C.O.P. - The Recruit - Starlet of Nintendo's E3 Conference - 4.0

What the hell

tetrisgrammaton · (11-13-2009, 06:15 AM)

Originally Posted by AniHawk:

I didn't know what you meant so I googled zelda villains and saw this really cool trailer that had some great music and now I actually want to play the game but I still don't know what you mean.

The new central villain is Chancellor Cole, and he looks like a leprechaun except he wears two hats. I don't really know what to make of him. He looks too cute to be a bad guy.

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 06:16 AM)

Originally Posted by GCX:

worst game ever

Tenbatsu · (11-13-2009, 06:17 AM)

Originally Posted by sprsk:

What do they say about monster hunter?

.

GCX · (11-13-2009, 06:18 AM)

Originally Posted by AniHawk:

worst game ever

How about this?

sprsk · (11-13-2009, 06:20 AM)

Shut up about Zelda what do they say about mh3

djmattiepoo · (11-13-2009, 06:21 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

They said you can only save mid-world and after clearing a world, until after you complete the game, after which you can save anywhere. The implication is that it makes it too hard.

Thats something else they mentioned. It's probably the hardest Mario ever.

Well there is a quick save feature in case you have to turn it off or something.

zoukka · (11-13-2009, 06:21 AM)

Wow a Silent Hill game that's not scary... what's there to play it for?

AniHawk · (11-13-2009, 06:22 AM)

Originally Posted by sprsk:

Shut up about Zelda what do they say about mh3

Well it can't be as bad as Zelda did you see that leprechaun thing

Originally Posted by zoukka:

Wow a Silent Hill game that's not scary... what's there to play it for?

The whole game watching you element is very cool. They could have put that in a game that's completely void of entertainment value like Gran Turismo or F-Zero or something and I would have bought it just for that.

andymcc · (11-13-2009, 06:24 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

This probably means nothing, but, I found it interesting that there is a screenshot for Rondo of Blood. Every other game screencapped has been released on VC.

goddamnit.

tetrisgrammaton · (11-13-2009, 06:31 AM)

Originally Posted by sprsk:

Shut up about Zelda what do they say about mh3

Just your very general previewy type thing. Nothing about online setup, release date, etc.

Besides saying the graphics are among the best they're seen on Wii (how many times have I heard that?,) they seem very neutral about it. No great hyperbole here. There's some lovely game art though.

Tenbatsu · (11-13-2009, 06:53 AM)

Originally Posted by tetrisgrammaton:

Just your very general previewy type thing. Nothing about online setup, release date, etc.

Besides saying the graphics are among the best they're seen on Wii (how many times have I heard that?,) they seem very neutral about it. No great hyperbole here. There's some lovely game art though.

The graphics are the best I've seen on Wii.

Luigiv · (11-13-2009, 07:30 AM)

Originally Posted by Tenbatsu:

The graphics are the best I've seen on Wii.

While the graphics are good, I wouldn't say they're the best. Circular shadows and 16:9 shortscreen hold it back in my books.