Warp Zoned Presents
Author: Mike Ryan
Nintendo of America Needs To Fix Club Nintendo
Nintendo confuses me at times. On one hand, their studios are among the best. Nobody can deny that when an official Nintendo game is released, it will likely be a great title. On the other hand, some of their internal practices are questionable at best. Case in point: Nintendo of America’s handling of Club Nintendo. Many diehard fans (myself included) have been left scratching their heads at some of the Big N’s decisions. What started off as an amazing way to get Nintendo swag has devolved into a barren wasteland of repeating digital games and greeting cards.
That’s not to say it’s all bad. The digital offerings we get every month are appreciated (although I would like to have more third party Virtual Console titles), and they are reasonably priced. The limited-edition freebies, such as the Smash Bros. soundtrack and Hyrule Warriors DLC are a step in the right direction, but with Nintendo’s merchandising partners and deep pockets, one wonders why the physical rewards are near non-existent. Do they not feel physical rewards are economically viable? Are they just liquidating old inventory before bringing out a new wave of products? Did they run out of ideas, or do they just not care anymore? The truth is that we’ll never know why Nintendo is giving their North American fans the cold shoulder. We may never see an actual renaissance of Club Nintendo rewards, but here are a few ways Nintendo could fix Club Nintendo in the eyes of many gamers. (more…)
The Walking Dead Season 2: Amid the Ruins Review: The Dark Before the Dawn
In the television world, the finale is perhaps the most important episode of the season. It needs to be exciting and emotional. It needs to provide closure, while at the same time end on a cliffhanger and leave unanswered questions. How else could we remain interested in the show during that excruciating, seven-month wait until the next season? This rings true for the current season of The Walking Dead TV series. Rick and the gang are once again in a dire situation, and we don’t know what’s going to happen next. What happened to Beth? What do the residents of Terminus want? Will we riot if Daryl dies? See, now I’m getting anxious just talking about it. OK, back on track.
In order for the season finale to pack a punch, you need the prior episode to provide a good set up – which usually means a duller entry. This is not bad; it just slows down the momentum a bit. But it is necessary in order to make the finale that much stronger. A calm before the storm, if you will. Ergo, Season 2 of the The Walking Dead video game is no different from its television counterpart. As we draw ever closer to the conclusion of the season, we need to have the penultimate preparation episode – as we get ready for the end. Episode 4 follows this same mantra, giving us a notably slower episode, but still enjoyable in its own right. (more…)
Eight-hour, Super Smash Bros-centric stream hitting Twitch on Friday
Nintendo’s Treehouse branch (get it?) announced that an eight-hour long stream of Super Smash Bros. For 3DS will air this Friday, September 12th at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time). Not only will you get more Smash than you could ever hope for, the Big N is also planning on showcasing several upcoming holiday titles for both the 3DS and the Wii U. Rumor also has it that we will finally get a release date announcement for Super Smash Bros. For Wii U, so keep your fingers crossed for that.
You can view the entire stream on Twitch or Nintendo’s official site.
Posted in 3DS, News, Wii U
Tagged Super Smash Bros. For 3DS, Super Smash Bros. For Wii U
Nintendo shows off new 3DS XL models based on an NES controller, Smash Bros, Persona Q
Nintendo just announced three new models for the popular 3DS XL. The first is the previously Japan-only and North American-rumored Super Smash Bros. For 3DS model. This version of Nintendo’s handheld, releasing on September 19th, comes in both red and blue and features the game’s fighters on the cover. If you notice, that’s several weeks before the launch of the game so this bundle, which is priced at $199.99, will not include Super Smash Bros. For 3DS.
Next up is the Persona Q Edition, a 3DS XL model based on Atlus’ upcoming game Persona Q: Shadow of the Labrynth. As you can see, the hardware is painted with Persona’s Grimoire tome, and includes character art on the back. This system is set for release on November 25th and is a GameStop-exclusive. Once again, the handheld has been priced at $199.99 and does not include a copy of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labrynth.
The final new 3DS XL model, the NES Edition, is based on the original NES controller. The system’s box itself is decorated to resemble the NES system. The NES Edition is another GameStop exclusive and will be available through the retailer (for $199.99) on October 10th.
“More than 12 million systems in the Nintendo 3DS family have been sold in the U.S. alone,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “These new models give shoppers even more choices during the holiday shopping season. Based on past experience, these special editions likely won’t stay on shelves for very long.
Also, to clear up any potential confusion, these new 3DS XL models are NOT the “New 3DS” systems that Nintendo recently announced for the Japanese market. The Super Smash Bros. Edition, the NES Edition, and the Persona Q Edition are all the same 3DS XL systems that we’ve been playing for over two years.
Posted in 3DS, News
Tagged Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, Super Smash Bros. For 3DS
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Review: Look Out!
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is one of 2014’s biggest movies, and with any summer blockbuster movie comes the inevitable video game based on said blockbuster movie. And as any self-respecting gamer should know, movie-based games are not of the highest quality. In fact, a majority of the time they just plain suck. Such was not the case in 2012, when the first Amazing Spider-Man game was released to positive reviews. Now that the sequel is out, gamers everywhere hoped that the Amazing Spider-Man 2 would be of the same quality as the first game. While it is an OK game, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 doesn’t quite do everything a spider can. (more…)
Joe Danger Vita announced alongside September’s PlayStation Plus titles
That’s right folks, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for… the unveiling of next month’s PlayStation Plus games! Starting September 2nd, the following titles will be free – so long as you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber:
PlayStation 4
- Velocity 2X
- Sportsfriends
PlayStation 3
- PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
- Hoard
PlayStation Vita
- Joe Danger
- TxK
As you may have noticed, the list includes Hello Games’ Joe Danger. The indie publisher’s stunt sim will be available for the Vita for all on September 2, but only Plus subscribers will be able to download it for free.
Posted in News, PS3, PS4, Vita
Tagged PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, Sportsfriends
Do the math… Big Hero 6’s Hiro and Baymax + Disney Infinity 2.0 = new trailer
Disney just released a video showcasing characters from their upcoming animated film, Big Hero 6, as they will be featured in their upcoming video game, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (AKA Disney Infinity 2.0). The figures are based on the movie’s protagonists, Baymax and Hiro, and they’ll be available in stores soon.
And because we here at Warp Zoned love you just so much, the trailer for the movie is available after the break. Disney Infinity 2.0 (AKA Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes) hits stores on September 23. Big Hero 6 opens in theaters on November 7. (more…)
Meta Knight officially on the Super Smash Bros. 4 roster
OK Smash fans, you can breathe a sigh of relief – Meta Knight has been officially announced as a playable character for Super Smash Bros. For Wii U and Super Smash Bros. For 3DS. The Kirby anti-hero tops Super Smash Bros. Brawl‘s tier list, and is a favorite among many fans of the Wii outing. Let’s just hope he’s a bit nerfed this time around – he was an absolute beast in the last game.
Super Smash Bros. For 3DS will be released on October 3 with the Wii U version following later in the year.
Posted in 3DS, News, Wii U
Tagged Super Smash Bros. For 3DS, Super Smash Bros. For Wii U