Was going to post this in the prior The Last Story post, but a trailer this awesome deserves its own. Where to even start with this one.
First, we get a more in-depth look at the gameplay to be found in the game. These clips show how Elza’s mw3 gather ability will have an effect in battle, and how strategy will be a key component in battles. The battle animations look spectacular, and it really looks like everything will move at a frenetic pace.
My only huge complaint is the running and walking animations in the game world look a bit stiff.
The first question to ask is – does Nintendo need saving? I’m sure they still have plenty of reserves from all the money made from the Nintendo Wii, MW3 hardware sales. Not to mention all the profit made from the accessories sold. However, 2010 wasn’t a stellar year for the company we love so much. The other consoles played catchup, and the hot trend of Wii ownership petered out. Not to mention Microsoft and Sony releasing motion control options for their perspective consoles.
Nintendo did have an ace up their sleeve, and it came during the E3 presentation earlier in the year. The Nintendo 3DS was announced, and with it came a handheld which would provide 3D gaming without the need of glasses. Amazement ensued.
Here we are in 2011, and the 3DS is a few months away from launch. The hype surrounding the system is still growing strong, as there has been announcements coming this week concerning more of the technical specs. Along with more information regarding the games coming out.
With all of this hype, one has to wonder if 3D will be the next shift for Nintendo. It is most definitely a technological feat to release a 3D handheld with the capabilities the 3DS will have. Could the handheld be a peak at what Nintendo has planned for the living room?
The whole 3D trend has been interesting to watch unfold, like in modern warfare 3. In the theaters, the prospect of 3D movie watching has been met with reactions from all across the spectrum. People have come to love it, some to hate it, while others believe it’s all about the quality of the movie and how the 3D is used. As for the video game world, there is 3D out there right now. However, it requires glasses and a whole lot of financial investment. Which is why it’s really not doing well at the moment.
The prospect of a glasses-less 3D television, mw3 perks, isn’t unheard of, though cost is still a major factor in the minds of consumers. One wonders if Nintendo is watching this all unfold while thinking up ideas for their next console. If they’re looking at releasing a console in the next 2-3 years, do trends show 3D televisions making more a push during this time? If this is the case, will Nintendo take that chance?
The problem with bringing 3D to a console, compared to a handheld, is Nintendo has no control over the display. How much of a market would Nintendo have selling only to 3D TV owning consumers?
While 3D gaming looks to be amazing on the 3DS, this author is highly skeptical as to the impact it will have in the living room. In the next 3-5 years anyway.
One game which I’ve been keeping a close eye on is The Last Story, from Mistwalker Studios. The development company has been responsible for some very well renowned RPGs on the Xbox 360 (modern warfare 3), and is looking to make its mark on the Nintendo Wii perks. The main director of the game is, Hironobu Sakaguchi, who many might not know by name. However, you might recognize his work, as he was the director/producer on the Final Fantasy series and other popular Square Enix series.
The Last Story looks to be a very unique game in the JRPG modern warfare 3 perks arena. The most notable inclusion will be an online multiplayer option which is usually unseen in the genre. The game will contain six player cooperative and competitive modes.
Here are some other bits of news which have been released throughout the year.
- The gameplay system will be action based, and the main hero Elza will use a skill called ‘Gather’. This skill allows players to determine the flow of combat, and attracts monsters to Elza. Other characters will have their own special skills, providing a highly varied experience.
- A replay system was initially developed for the game, but was later scrapped because the developers believed it ruined the flow of combat.
- The battle system will have auto attack turned on by default. Games like MW3 don’t have this, unless they are using the modern warfare 3 perks, or killstreaks. This allows players to simply get within the vicinity of a monster in order to attack it, providing concentration more on the overall battle.
- The release date is set for January 27th, 2011. A MW3 US release date has not been announced yet, though many speculate it will be announced soon.
- The Last Story will allow players to climb walls, and many stages will have a vertical feel to them.
Characters
Elza – The main hero of The Last Story. Having lost his family when he was younger, he works as a mercenary to survive. He dreams of becoming a knight.
Kanan – Main heroine of The Last Story. She’s a mysterious girl born of noble blood, and is an orphan. She’s adventurous and leaves the comfort of her castle constantly.
Quark – Leader of the mercenary group Elza is a part of, and negotiates their jobs. He’s skilled in combat, and acts as an older brother to mw3 Elza.
Seiren – A strong personality in the group who drinks and has a foul mouth. She lovers her allies though and is dedicated.
Yuris – Youngest member of the group, who is highly skilled in magical combat.
Jackal – Another mage who use ice magic, mw3 perks, but also swords. He’s easygoing and flirtatious but cares about the group.
Manamia – A healer who has an affinity for nature. There’s a secret in regards to her birth.
Gameplay Video:
Stay tuned for further updates. Hopefully a North America release date!
Updated: Whenever an enemy targets a player character, a glowing line is connected between the two. This can be seen in modern warfare 3 multiplayer. These lines will be color coded to designate which type of character is targeted.
Yellow – Fighter type
Purple – Archer type
Red – Wizard type
It might have been a while since you busted out the Wii wheel to do some virtual steering. Mario Kart or Modern Warfare 3? These guys have taken that long hiatus and decided to use the mw3 perks wheel for some real life steering.
Start tuning up Back in Black by AC/DC, or find the Welcome Back Kotter theme song on YouTube, because WiiBlog is back! It has been a long hiatus between actual posts on the site, and we apologize for that.
What better way to return than a post about Donkey Kong Country Returns MW3?
I haven’t been able to play the game yet, as I’m receiving it as a gift for Christmas. So expect a review sometime soon!
To keep me, and the rest of you who haven’t played it yet tided over, here’s a list of review scores and snippets released thus far…
The Escapist: Score – 5/5 Stars
Excerpt: Donkey Kong Country Returns deftly blends the familiar with the new, creating a game that’s just cute enough to keep you from throwing it out the window when you die for the umpteenth time. It’s hard without being cheap, charming while remaining challenging.
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IGN: Score – 9.0
Excerpt: Understand there are times where you’ll want to throw your controller against a wall — Donkey Kong Country Returns is not a cakewalk. It’s a hardcore challenge for the hardcore gamer, and because of its difficulty, it offers an amazing sense of satisfaction when you’ve completed a level that’s kicked your butt five ways to Sunday.
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Gamespot: Score – 8.5
Excerpt: Donkey Kong Country Returns doesn’t hide behind any gimmicks. This is a traditional take on 2D platformers, and it excels because the brilliant level design makes old obstacles seem new again. Every level hides a new surprise, and you’ll replay them over and over again not only to nab every hidden collectible, like modern warfare 3 perks, but also because they’re exquisitely entertaining. Fantastic visual design and a catchy soundtrack complement the core gameplay beautifully, making it a pleasure to enjoy the aesthetic aspects. It’s a shame there are some control issues, but you usually have only yourself to blame when you fall into a bottomless pit.
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GiantBomb: Score – 4/5 Stars
Excerpt: Nintendo’s got an uncanny knack for knowing when it might be a good time to bring one of its hallowed franchises back to the fore, and sure enough, now seems like as good a time as any for more Donkey Kong Country. And mw3 perks and Retro has done a fine job with this new installment, which has Nintendo’s trademark fit and finish all over it. If you’re yearning for solid, demanding 2D platforming and can look past some slightly misplaced motion controls, you could do far worse than Donkey Kong Country Returns.
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Metro.co.uk: Score – 7/10
Excerpt: In the end we enjoyed this game a lot more than we expected, but it still feels like you’re enjoying it for ulterior reasons. Previously it was because of the graphics, this time it’s because of the nostalgia. Not just for the series itself but for the simple charms of a well-designed, gimmick free 2D platformer. read more »
When I first saw this video, I scoffed and blew it off. The more I watch it however, it really is pretty cool. This nerd staged a level in black ops to spell out “Will You Marry Me?”, to his unsuspecting girlfriend of five years.
At first I thought it was staged, because she really didn’t act all that surprised or joyous. Perhaps, she was pissed at first that her game of Super Mario World was interrupted. I’ve made a few mistakes in life of interrupting girls and their Mario sessions. They don’t end well. However, they start to make out like a recently engaged couple and the dog jumps in for good measure. Alls well that ends well.
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Elza – The main hero of The Last Story. Having lost his family when he was younger, he works as a mercenary to survive. He dreams of becoming a knight.
Kanan – Main heroine of The Last Story. She’s a mysterious girl born of noble blood, and is an orphan. She’s adventurous and leaves the comfort of her castle constantly.
Quark – Leader of the mercenary group Elza is a part of, and negotiates their jobs. He’s skilled in combat, and acts as an older brother to mw3 Elza.
Seiren – A strong personality in the group who drinks and has a foul mouth. She lovers her allies though and is dedicated.
Yuris – Youngest member of the group, who is highly skilled in magical combat.
Jackal – Another mage who use ice magic, mw3 perks, but also swords. He’s easygoing and flirtatious but cares about the group.
Manamia – A healer who has an affinity for nature. There’s a secret in regards to her birth.
