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Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby Released

Nintendo recently released Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby for the 3DS. I purchased both games to share with my son. He decided to start playing Omega Ruby, so I have begun playing Alpha Sapphire. I remember playing Pokemon Sapphire years ago on my Gameboy SP. I really enjoyed the game, as I have been enjoying Pokemon games since I started playing them before my son was born, which has been over 10 years now.

I was looking forward to the new games and enjoyed the little bits of news I found out about them. Nintendo sent me a download code for the demo almost a month ago. While I spent only a little time playing the demo, my son played it quite a few times. The... Read All Nintendo recently released Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby for the 3DS. I purchased both games to share with my son. He decided to start playing Omega Ruby, so I have begun playing Alpha Sapphire. I remember playing Pokemon Sapphire years ago on my Gameboy SP. I really enjoyed the game, as I have been enjoying Pokemon games since I started playing them before my son was born, which has been over 10 years now.

I was looking forward to the new games and enjoyed the little bits of news I found out about them. Nintendo sent me a download code for the demo almost a month ago. While I spent only a little time playing the demo, my son played it quite a few times. The demo mentioned that you could transfer any Pokemon you find to the game when it was released, although I have not yet tried to do that.

The new games are not just ports and don't even look like the original games. They look like Pokemon X and Y. The games didn't just get a graphical upgrade, but they also contain new features including Mega Evolution, which was introduced in X and Y. The original music seems to still be in the game, which is great.

While I have only spent a few hours in the game and haven't even obtained my first gym badge, I wanted to share my initial impressions. I found myself very impressed with one of the new features of the game called the DexNav. While walking around in the game, you can select it or the map on the bottom screen. It shows the route you are on, but the image is from the original version of the games. It shows shadows of Pokemon that you have seen, but not yet caught. The shadows are revealed after you catch a Pokemon. It can also give you a bit of a radar, that lets you know a Pokemon is nearby. When you are close enough, you will see the top part of a Pokemon hiding in the grass on the top of the screen. It can also give you hints about the nearby Pokemon such as its type. By gently pushing the control stick (not the D-pad) in the direction you want to walk, you can "sneak" up on on a Pokemon. If you walk or run too fast, the app will tell you to walk slowly. Once you find all of the Pokemon that are in a certain area, the app will tell you. The app apparently can also be upgraded. I really enjoy this new feature as it makes finding all the Pokemon in an area much easier, therefore less blind grinding.

I remember on the main menu of Pokemon X and Y there was a "Mystery Gift" option. I used that to receive a Torchic that contained an item for it's Mega Evolution by using the download code that came with the game. I noticed this was also on the main menu of Alpha Sapphire and I decided to check it out. It connected to the Internet to check for a gift and I got a shiny Beldum that contained an item for it's Mega Evolution.

I'm looking forward to playing this game more and I know my son is already enjoying it. If I found out more about the game as I play, I will post in the comments of this post.

Super Smash Bros. Wii U Released

Super Smash Bros. was recently released for the Wii U and it looks absolutely awesome on a big screen TV in high-definition! One of the main differences you will notice from the 3DS version is that the graphics do not look the same. This is only one of the differences between the two games. While both games feature the same characters, each version of the game has different stages, although there seems to be some that are shared between the two. Both games also have similar and different game modes that are available.

Unfortunately, the game lacks the story mode similar to Brawl's "Subspace Emissary," and cut-scenes have apparently been removed according to some... Read All Super Smash Bros. was recently released for the Wii U and it looks absolutely awesome on a big screen TV in high-definition! One of the main differences you will notice from the 3DS version is that the graphics do not look the same. This is only one of the differences between the two games. While both games feature the same characters, each version of the game has different stages, although there seems to be some that are shared between the two. Both games also have similar and different game modes that are available.

Unfortunately, the game lacks the story mode similar to Brawl's "Subspace Emissary," and cut-scenes have apparently been removed according to some sources. I have not played the game enough to verify this and it seems to contradict what I briefly saw when my son was playing the game.

Both the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game can interact. You can use the 3DS as a controller or copy your customized characters between the two. This feature is easily accessible by an icon on the main menu of each game. Speaking of controllers, you can also use GameCube controllers with a new adapter for the Wii U.

Along with the Wii U release, Nintendo has also released the first set of amiibo figures, with more sets coming later. These figures can be selected on the character selection screen by placing them on the Wii U GamePad on the bottom left-hand side. They fight on their own, acting as a CPU player. The amiibo character can be customized by selecting the in-game character's color set, equipment, and moves. The amiibo figure stores this information along with the character's level. By playing in the game, they gain experience and can reach level 50.

By registering both games on Club Nintendo, you will receive the soundtrack for the game (two CDs) for free when it is released in March 2015. You will also receive a code for the Mewtwo DLC when it is released next Spring.

Visit the official Super Smash Bros website for more information: http://www.smashbros.com/us/
Visit the official amiibo website for more information: http://www.nintendo.com/amiibo

Mario Kart 8 DLC Released

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Mario Kart 8 is a really fun game for the Wii U and was released this summer. It includes new tracks, new characters, and much more in high-definition. The game also contains DLC which can be purchased at the Nintendo eShop. The first DLC that was released for the game includes Mercedes-Benz karts and is available for free.

The second DLC, The Legend of Zelda pack, has just recently been released. It includes three new characters; Link, Tanooki Mario, and Cat Peach. It also includes eight new tracks with two new cups. Four new vehicles are available with this pack and while searching for images of the game online, I saw an Epona vehicle.

The third DLC, the Animal... Read All

jdodson Admin wrote on 11/21/2014 at 02:39am

Interesting as I don't remember Nintendo getting into the DLC business before. That said, I wished I could have extended the life of Mario Kart Wii a bit more and 8 new tracks per DLC sounds amazing.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 11/21/2014 at 03:33am

DLC seems to be a new thing with Nintendo. Hyrule Warriors has DLC, which I purchased as well. I think it's cool that they've extended the life and play-ability of both games. It makes me wonder what could be in store for future games, especially Smash Bros., which comes out tomorrow (which I have pre-ordered along with two amiibo figures and the two new Pokemon Games for the 3DS). Oh, now I'm getting to talking about the new Smash Bros. for the Wii U. I saw that some of the original games that introduced characters will be playable from within that game. So, games within a game. I believe I also saw something that said they've already started working on (or planning for) the next console.

Azurephile Super Member Post Author wrote on 11/23/2014 at 12:09am

I just finished both of the new cups as Link on 50cc. It's really fun and I'm really glad Link joined the race. Still, it seems weird that he's in Mario Kart since he's not in Mario games. The first new cup is Yoshi Cup and the second is Triforce. In the first one, Wario's mine returned from the Wii version of the game. This time, anti-gravity parts were added and bumping into mine carts gives you an anti-gravity boost. There was also an Excite Bike track. The final track of the Triforce Cup is a Hyrulian themed track and is pretty cool. The gold coins were replaced with green rupees and the chomp plants were replaced by the ones we see in Zelda games. I also like the new The Legend of Zelda themed carts.

Using an amiibo with the game unlocks a Mii custom for whichever character the amiibo is. So, I unlocked the Link costume by using my Link amiibo.

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The Legend Of Zelda Monopoly CE Unboxing

Oh that sweet Hyrule board game unboxing. The game looks beautiful, I just wish it weren't Monopoly and I would actually pick it up. Like some kind of Hero Quest adventury game featuring different colored Links working together in some kind of threaded mission based game?

That said, if you are a Monopoly and Zelda fan, this seems like the right kind of Christmas gift for you.

Strap In For a Doom 2: Hell On Earth Speed Run in 23 Minutes

Zero Master recently dropped a speedrun of Doom 2: Hell on Earth in 23 minutes and 3 seconds. The run is masterful and features a nice blend of map bugs and amazing shooting. I recommend you watch at least a few minutes of it.

From the video:

"This improves the previous record by Looper (30uv2325) set in Dec. 2010. by 22 seconds. Previous record before that was by Radek Pecka (30uv2609) set in Dec. 2003

So this is the second improvement in the last 10 years, though I don't think we will have to wait that long before we see the 23 minute mark broken."

Diablo 3 2.1.2 Patch Brings New Treasure Goblins, Gems ++

YouTube sensation Rhykker released a video outlining the upcoming Diablo 3 2.1.2 patch. The new patch features 3 kinds of Treasure Goblins, two new gems and a new zone. They are also adding new legendary affixes, items and ancient items.

Blizzard is doing much to keep Diablo 3 updated and address player feedback. Will any of these changes get you to come back to Diablo?

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/18/2014 at 03:50am

Sweet! Now I'm wondering if it will fix the issue I'm currently having where the Gibbering Gemstone isn't being dropped very often by Chiltara, the last item I need to make the Herding Staff. Apparently, the drop rate was 100%, but then was decreased. I saw where some people were complaining about the decrease and Blizzard said it would fix it in a later patch.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/18/2014 at 03:55am

Hopefully that is rolled up in this patch as part of the bugs they fix. What is the new drop rate for that gemstone?

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/18/2014 at 05:02am

I'm not sure, but it's definitely not common, neither is the monster that spawns it. I'd say the monster is more common because I've defeated it plenty of times now.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/18/2014 at 11:12pm

I like that the game is still getting updates and more things to do. I like that Blizzard keeps giving us more reasons to get back into the game. I only recently got back into the game after finding out about the "cow level," Whimsyshire. Since then, I've been working on obtaining the ingredients to create the Herding Staff, so I can get there. If you want to follow that discussion, check it out in the forum post I made.

I've only played two classes so far, Barbarian and Crusader. The Barbarian was the first character I created and as I'm working on my current "quest" (mentioned above), I've been using him. Sometime I may pop back in the game as my Crusader to finish what I was doing with him, which was just playing the game with that class. I am still aware of the other classes and I am interested in playing them. This video (above) made me want to play some of the other classes as well.

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Interview With Tim Morton On Legacy Of The Void

PC Gamer has a good interview with Tim Morton about Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void. They talk about the new Archon mode as well as new game units such as the Zerg Lurker. They cover many of the details that were already discussed, but since it's fun to keep talking about Legacy of the Void and consume every bit of information it's fun watching interviews like this.

That said, Tim mentioned that they are going to launch the beta in the first half of 2015 and I image the game will come out some time thereafter. Here's to a speedy 2015 launch!

Previously Recorded: The Mirror Is Under The Table

Jack and Rich are back for a new episode of Previously Recorded covering the classic NES game Zelda II: The Adventures of Link. I owned the original Legend of Zelda and played it a ton as a wee lad. I never had Zelda II but did play it quite a few times with friends.

Did you play Zelda II and if so what were your memories of it?

Convinced: Castle of Illusion

This is the continuing saga of Convinced, the RetroLiberty series where he reads the text and pictures off the box all in hopes that you would have bought the game. Castle of Illusion wasn't a game I played but it's always interested me.

Were you _CONVINCED_?

What Are You Playing Right Now?

Curious what everyone is playing right now? Feel free to let me know in the comments.

Games I am playing right now?

Starship Rubicon - We are in beta right now SQUEEEEE!

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls - Before BlizzCon I decided to play this again and am having lots of fun.

Risk of Rain - I can now, most of the time, beat level one with an epic build. Level two kicks my ass. I you Risk of Rain, even though you are so very difficult.

Eldritch - Way more fun than I expected to have. It plays great with a keyboard & mouse and controller. The mood of the game is superb.

Earthbound - So fun, but I am taking forever to complete it.

What are you into right now? Anything... Read All

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/11/2014 at 08:29pm

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls - Because I found out about Whimsyshire and decided to collect the ingredients for the staff to get there. However, I later found a Rainbow Goblin, which lead me there.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 11/11/2014 at 11:45pm

I, sadly, haven't been playing much lately. I managed to play a little GTA Online the other night with a friend, and that's about it besides a quick Risk of Rain run here and there.

Missile_Drop_Kick wrote on 11/12/2014 at 10:44pm

Shadow of Mordor
NBA2k15
Marvel Heroes
Sunset Overdrive

Zach_Foster wrote on 11/15/2014 at 03:21am

My gaming has slowed down recently because i've been working a lot, but right now i'm in the middle of
Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask,
Deus Ex: Human Revolution,
Maximum Carnage (sega genesis),
and Pokemon Yellow.

sure doesn't look like i've slowed down...

vdogmr25 wrote on 11/19/2014 at 02:05am

Binding of Isaac
Smash Bros. for 3DS
Theme Hospital (Thanks to current gog sale)
Starcraft
Catherine (On 3rd playthrough. Can't get enough.)
Civ 5
LoL

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/19/2014 at 03:24am

@vdogmr25 Binding of Issac Rebirth or the original?

Starcraft 2 or the original? If SC2 are you playing multiplayer or singleplayer?

vdogmr25 wrote on 11/19/2014 at 07:50am

Original on both. Been on my 6 year old macbook and it can barely handle anything more than that.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 11/19/2014 at 03:41pm

Awesome.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 11/23/2014 at 12:32am

Since I finished what I was doing with Diablo 3 (getting to Whimsyshire), I thought I'd update my comment here to reflect what's new.

Super Smash Bros. Wii U
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
Mario Kart 8 (new DLC)
Hyrule Warriors (new DLC)

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