San Diego Comic Con 2011 Game Coverage: Part 3

Whether you were a gamer in the early 80’s, or are just breaking into the scene now, you probably know one brand above all others. Arguably the most innovative video game hardware developer out there, with some of the most successful game franchises of all time, this company has earned its rank. Whether you consider their latest console, or their much anticipated follow-up, a work of genius or an inevitably passing trend, one thing is certain: you can never count them out, because they will never cease to astound. By now you must know that I am referring to the one, the only, Nintendo. Since they already revealed their next console to the world during E3, Nintendo’s San Diego Comic Con display had its focus elsewhere, in an area possibly in need of more immediate attention.

Nintendo came armed to the teeth with A-list games for the final part of 2011, ready to blow the doors off of any expectations attendees may have set in place for this year. Not only did Nintendo have a booth on the main exhibit floor, but right next door to the convention was an over 10,000 square foot gaming lounge. Even with its over 80 game stations, the game lounge was always packed; lines were excruciating but, at long last, the demonstrations were well worth it. Being the Nintendo fanboy that I am, I was second in line on the first day the lounge was open. I immediately ran to the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword demo (of which you can read my more in depth preview here), and began my lengthy day of taking in what should only be known as the Nintendo experience. 

The best demo on hand, without a doubt, was Super Mario 3D Land for the Nintendo 3DS. The game blends elements of Super Mario 64 and Mario Galaxy perfectly, and it even brings back nostalgic boss fights aboard Bowser’s Airships, against various members of his evil offspring… the Koopalings! Yes, you heard right, the Koopalings have returned yet again! As if that were not enough to tickle your Italian plumber-esque fancy, there’s more: the fabled Tanooki suit is back! The Tanooki suit was last seen in Super Mario Bros 3 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, and was similar to the Raccoon leaf except it was a full body suit. The suit is dissimilar from past incarnations as it does not allow the player to fly so much as provide a brief hovering ability, which mostly aids in bounding across chasms due to the ability to more or less spot out a landing. It does still allow for a spin attack, but you won’t be the only one with this incredible power! Goombas throughout the level will also be wearing the stylish striped tail, and now have the same abilities as Mario when seen with the power up! This game far exceeded any expectations I had for it, and the 3D effect looks amazing to say the least. Super Mario 3D Land will be flying onto shelves in North America in early November, exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS.

Speaking of long awaited, Kid Icarus: Uprising was in full effect at this year’s convention. Although it is supposed to have a late 2011 release, rumor has it that Nintendo will have to push back the game’s release to early 2012 due to certain issues with the multiplayer. Coincidentally, this was the only mode not available in the demo I had the chance to play, but was made up for by the great story and stunning visuals. This game is fast paced, action packed and tons of fun! This game continues the epic story of Pit, the hero from past Kid Icarus games, in his battle against the evil Medusa. The game utilizes the touch screen as a primary form of camera control for air battles, and the analog slide pad for land battles. The game controls are smooth and easy to grasp, but this game will definitely offer up a challenge to even the most experienced gamer! Kid Icarus: Uprising will be a must have for any 3DS owner, and I suggest you keep your ear to the ground, because this is one you won’t want to miss. 

Mario Kart 7, which is actually the ninth game in the series, is a fun twist on a classic title. Offering numerous multiplayer options, massive amounts of replay value, and a great game that you can play for hours or jump on for a quick race around the track, this game is another home run for Nintendo’s line-up this year. The game will be familiar to enthusiasts from past Mario Kart games, but will offer a few fun additions to change up gameplay, and keep this game feeling fresh. The addition of both hang glider and propeller gadgets, for both air and under water racing respectively, will give players new challenges. Additional changes include Kart customization, which will undoubtedly switch up gameplay even more. Seemingly less item heavy than its Wii brother, Mario Kart 7 is more balanced and more dependent upon racing skill than sheer luck. This game will make the ability to race online with friends and competitors from around the world both portable and eye catching. Mario Kart 7 will release in early November, racing to stores just in time for the holiday season.

This concludes our coverage of Comic Con, part 3, with the highlights from Nintendo’s gaming lounge. Next time: Sony’s Uncharted 3 demo and other details from the convention! Thanks for reading!

Submitted by: Corey Hall (Employee)

This Week in Famitsu

Weekly Famitsu #1178

Cover Story

This week Famitsu takes a look at Rockstar's ambitious detective thriller, L.A. Noire. While the game has been out for some time back in the States, it is not releasing here in Japan until July 7th. Famitsu takes a look at some of the different characters you will encounter, covers some basic plot details, and side-quests. It also outlines the 5 different divisions of LAPD you play throughout the game, along with the partners who will accompany you. The article also pays special attention to the amazing period-specific details that are present in the game. Since the game has already been released in the US, though, there's really not a lot else to say.

However, this does give us a good opportunity to talk about something: the 'Western game' in Japan. For a long, LONG time Western games have been looked down upon over here. Slowly but surely that has been changing; in fact, since moving to Japan 2 years ago, we have seen a marked increase in the number of Western games being featured in Famitsu and given prominent advertizing campaigns here (both in print and in retail). Unfortunately, most Western games are still viewed by the gaming public, by and large, as being nothing more than just your standard, cookie-cutter, carbon-copy shooter. However, games like L.A. Noire, which have intricate and complex stories, are starting to change that. So much so that when Famitsu reviewed L.A. Noire in this month's issue, they gave it a 39/40 (four reviewers each rate the game on a scale of 10), which is very impressive. It missed the “Perfect” score by only 1 point, and as Famitsu has only ever given 15 Perfects in their entire 25 year history, that's nothing to laugh at.

Featured Games

Mobile Suit Gundam: New Gihren's Ambition (PSP): Gihren's Ambition is a turn-based strategy game, very similar in style and gameplay to that of the Fire Emblem series, based on the original Gundam anime. This particular Gundam series saw its first game based on it released on the Sega Saturn in April 1998. In the original title, players took control of either Federation or Principality of Zeon forces. In New Gihren's Ambition, you still have the option of choosing your side, but now you can also play from the perspective of a single pilot or a commander, in addition to the conventional approach of taking control of the full battle. Pilot and commander scenarios include many of the popular characters from the series, and the game will be presenting the story through both CG graphics and actual scenes from the anime.

Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS): Kid Icarus returns to the 3DS after a 25 year hiatus from gaming. While the original Kid Icarus was a blend of platforming and 'shooting', Uprising puts more attention on the shooting. The game is a fast-paced action game featuring a variety of weapons, including Pit's classic bow and arrow. New to the mix are close combat claws, a mixture of heavy and light guns, and magical attacks. The game will also feature a robust 3v3 online multiplayer mode. Probably the coolest thing about Uprising, though, is that it will support the AR Cards (one of the 3DS's best features in our opinion) to create a card battle game using the characters featured in Uprising!

Weird Games Found Only In Japan

AKB48 1/48: When You Fall in Love With an Idol in Guam (PSP): Just what is AKB48 you ask? Well, that's simple: it's an all girl music group comprised of 48 school girls, and they are one of, if not the biggest, music group in Japan now. Yes, you read that right. 48 girls...it wasn't a typo. As there are so many of them, it's the perfect source material to make a dating sim game from!

In the original AKB48 1/48 game for the PSP, players were bombarded by the advances of ALL 48 members of AKB48, and it was up to you to complete the arduous and painstaking task of selecting only one girl to be the recipient of your affection. In actuality it turned out to be more of a dumping simulator, but that didn't matter because it had 48 girls that you could dump! 48 of them! It sold half a million copies here in Japan, so it was pretty much a sure thing that it would be getting a sequel.

The sequel is set in..... wait for it..... wait for it.... Guam! Once again, the players finds themselves being pursued by all 48 members of AKB48, but this time they are in bikinis....it's different because of the bikinis. Just like the first game, the sequel will be sold in a variety of offerings including

the “First Run Limited Edition” version that comes with a copy of the game, a 120 minute UMD with outtakes, 420 minute making-of and “fashion collection” (that's code for video of the girls in their bikinis) DVD set, a set of pics, a Team 4 special DVD (because there are some many of them the girls are divided up into “teams”), 48 small posters, a download code for 48 different custom themes, and a Blu-ray film of all cut-scenes from the first game. I kid you not, there were customers getting into altercations while waiting for the first game because the “First Run Limited Edition” was so sought after. Look for this game to come out in the US when we make our own 48 member all girl group.

Hardware Sales: Week of 6/13-6/19

• Nintendo 3DS – 41,086 units
• PSP – 28,026 units
• Playstation 3 – 14,327 units
• Nintendo DS – 7,892 units
• Wii – 7,031 units
• Xbox 360 – 2,465 units
• Playstation 2 – 1,230 units

Top 5 Selling Games: Week of 6/13-6/19

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (3DS) – 182, 998 units sold
• Danball Senki (PSP) – 163,834 units sold
• Yakuza: Of The End (PS3) – 48, 252 units sold
• Steins Gate: Hiyoku Renri no Darling – 40, 473 units sold
• Steins Gate Double Pack (360) – 10, 803 units sold

Top 5 Most Anticipated Games: Based on survey results from 6/16-6/22

• Tales of Xillia (PS3)
• Dragon Quest X (Wii)
• Final Fantasy: Type-O/Agito (PSP)
• Final Fantasy XIII-2 (PS3)
• Photo Kano (PSP)

We hope you enjoyed this week's 'This Week In Famitsu'. See you next time!

Submitted By: Aaron McKeever & Sherrie Blackwell