The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the Nintendo 3DS Review

     It's been a long time since the original release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, but it still touches the hearts of many gamers worldwide. It brought something new to the franchise, something that that previous game didn't accomplish. This year, A Link Between Worlds came out, taking place in a universe very similar to the A Link to the Past. 

Gameplay

     This game plays a lot like A Link to the Past. It's from a top down perspective, which hasn't been used in a while in the franchise. What's interesting about this game is that you have access to all the items towards the beginning of the game. You can rent them (as long as you have the money). This allows you to tackle the dungeons in any way that you choose. The dungeons don't really have any items anymore, and also, if you die in the dungeon, you lose all the items that you've rented, so there is a lot of strategy in the game. The puzzles in the game are very unique and entertaining, and one of the hardest in all of the games.

Controls

     The controls of the game are easy enough so that anyone can pick it up. The designers have made it easier by letting sort your items out in real time, so that you're not always pausing the game. Also, Link gains a new ability in the game: turning into a painting. With the tap of the A button, Link will magically become one with walls. This offers some pretty cool puzzles and game mechanics. 

Entertainment

     A Link Between Worlds has a very good storyline with plot twists and suspense. You need to save Princess Zelda from a new villain, Yuga. You also visit a new world, Lorule, which is Hyrule's polar opposite. The ending to the game is pretty shocking, but I won't give anything away. In conclusion, this game is one of the best games of 2013. You will always feel challenged and entertained when you have this game on. If you have a 3DS, you have to buy this game.

Pokémon X and Y Review for the Nintendo 3DS

     Pokémon is one of top selling video game series of all time. Everything about this series is enjoyable for everyone. The main series games have always been on Nintendo handhelds, and they've always been in 2D. Now, our wait is finally over, and we have a 3D Pokémon game. This game is a perfect transition, and now veteran and new players can enjoy a brand new game with a brand new region and pokémon to find.  

Gameplay

     Nothing has really changed since the last games, except the fact that it's all in 3D. Each pokémon has fully rendered movements during battle, and it adds to the effect of the pokémon feeling real. There are also neat features like Pokémon-Amie that let you pet your pokémon, and Super Training that lets you raise you team's EV stats. You also have roller skates that provide quick travel throughout the region. You can also ride certain pokémon like skiddo and rhyhorn, which again add to the effect of the pokémon feeling real. All of these touches make the game better, and add more things to do other than battling.

Gameplay

     The game shouldn't be too hard to handle for anyone playing it. It plays like a standard RPG, so during battle, you have to pick the moves you want to attack with. Maneuvering around the region shouldn't be too difficult, but the camera angles can get a little annoying. Other than that, anyone can pick this game up and play with ease.

Entertainment

     This game has a charming storyline. You are a young trainer traveling throughout the new region of Kalos, which is based off of France. While you are on this journey, you will cross paths with the stylish Team Flare and try to thwart their plans. There has also been a newly discovered pokémon type, the Fairy type. This type is impervious to Dragon types, so it adds a whole new battling strategy. The region of Kalos is as beautiful as ever. There is the Prism Tower (AKA the Eiffel Tower) and many castles to visit. Everything about this game puts a smile on your face, and old and new players will enjoy this fresh edition to the franchise. 

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Review for the Nintendo Wii U

     When The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was first showcased, Zelda fans were enraged because of its graphics. Before then, Legend of Zelda games' graphics tried to look realistic, but Nintendo took a whole new route when creating this game. When the game was finally released, people instantly fell in love with it. Now, after ten years, Nintendo has ported this Gamecube masterpiece to the HD Wii U.

Gameplay

     This game plays like a typical Legend of Zelda game. You explore many dungeon with varying themes, each having a boss at the end. One of the twists is how you travel throughout the game. You use a boat and sail from island to island using a wind baton to control the wind. There are many other things you can do with the baton, or Wind Waker, but I don't want to spoil too much. The controls for using each item are very easy to maneuver, and I don't think anyone will have a hard time trying to figure out the game.

Controls

     The game's use of the Wii U control pad is what makes the game better than its original. You are now able to control your collection of items and switch while you are controlling your character, eliminating the use of opening the start screen. You are now able to take cooler pictures using the pictograph. Selfies can now be taken and posted to Miiverse. Link can make funny faces, and it just adds even more humor to this already great game. Also, you can play the whole game on the Wii U gamepad, but I personally think that its meant to be played with the gampad and the TV.

Entering the Forbidden Woods #scary

Entertainment

     Overall, this one of the best games on the Wii U. The storyline is as enjoyable as ever. The land of Hyrule is no more. The gods have flooded the land with Ganondorf at the bottom, and the remaining people are living on islands above the water. You are a young boy named Link, and you find out that Ganondorf has returned. It is your job to put an end to him and save everyone. Now that's an adventure. Another thing that makes this game unique is Link's facial expressions. Its the first time that you actually see Link feel something. You see when he is scared and when he is happy, and that just adds to the mood of the game. In conclusion, this fresh reboot of the old gamecube classic is something that everyone should play and enjoy.

Mario and Luigi: Dream Team Review for the Nintendo 3DS

     The Mario and Luigi series is not one of the most popular sub-series from Mario, but I think that it deserves more credit than it is already given. Its original debut was on the gameboy advance, and since then, Nintendo has made a Mario and Luigi game for every handheld console since. This light and funny RPG is amgame that everyone should play, and it shows to have made a good comeback on the 3DS.

Gameplay

     This game plays like a modern RPG. You attack from a menu and select from a list of attacks. You can also execute special attacks that both Mario and Luigi can both execute. The overworld is explored from a semi top-down perspective. When you are in Luigi's dream world, you then explore in a side scrolling adventure. There are also special actions the Bros can do in the overworld and dream world, like turn into a tornado or ball. In the dream world, Luigi can possess certain things that affect the landscape or Mario. He can slow time down, or slingshot Mario to a place he needs to go.

Controls

     The game's controls are easy to follow. You use the A button to control Mario, and you use the B button to control Luigi. During special attacks when you have to really use those buttons, as they require precise timing and rhythm. That's what makes the game so fun. When Luigi possesses things in the dream world, you also use the bottom screen to mess with Luigi while he's sleeping, which is as fun as ever.

Entertainment

     Overall, this game is extremely enjoyable, and I think everyone should pick it up and play it. The dialogue is really funny. Not many games actually make me "laugh out loud," but this one did. The storyline is simple. The Mario Bros. visit Pi'ilo island and have to save it from the new villain, Antasma. The difference is Luigi gets a pretty important role in the game. Mario and Luigi have to travel in the dream world the defeat Antasma, and the only one that can open a portal is Luigi. In conclusion, this game is a must have for the 3DS and really brings out Luigi's personality. Sleep tight, Luigi!

Pikmin 3 Review for the Nintendo Wii U

     

     Pikmin is not an old game. When the original Pikmin came out in 2001, it was unlike anything that anyone played. Then, Pikmin 2 came out three years later in 2004, with better controls and new pikmin types. We've waited almost 10 years for Pikmin 3, so a lot depends on this game. I can reassure you that this game is worth it. Nintendo did a great job on this Pikmin game, and I hope that a new generation will enjoy it as much as I have.

Gameplay

     The gameplay in this game is solid. You command a tiny group of creatures called Pikmin, which vary in types and abilities, as they help you defeat enemies and collect items. There is a time limit to each day, so at the end of the game day you have to call all your Pikmin to leave the planet. To extend your time limit, you can collect fruit and go up to 99 days. You control three captains, unlike the last game when you only controlled two. This leads to some interesting puzzles and some funny dialogue between all three captains. Another interesting feature is that you can use your gamepad (A.K.A the KopPad) to take snapshots of the environment through the eyes of the captains. This is a neat little feature. Here is a picture taken by the KopPad below.

How cute!

Controls

     You can play the game in three ways, using the wii remote, which I would recommend, while the gamepad is used as a map, the Wii U pro controller, and the Wii U gamepad by itself, which both feel like a gamecube controller. This gives a little more freedom on how to play. The controls aren't too hard to master, but I would recommend playing with the Wii remote and nunchuck for a better experience. Controlling each captain has never been easier, and I think no one should have a hard time controlling the characters.

Entertainment

     The game's storyline is light and cute. A planet named Koppai is running out of food, so Koppai sends three captains to an unknown plant called PNF-404 to collect fruit to bring to Koppai. Many other things happen, but I don't want to spoil too much. You meet five kinds of Pikmin on your adventure, each having different abilities that aid you on each of the five areas of the planet. I found myself chuckling at the dialogue between each of the three captains, and I have to say that this has some pretty good writing. My one and only complaint on the game is that I felt the story was a little too short, but it makes up for this on mission and bingo battle mode, which both have great replay ability. In conclusion, I think this is a great game, and long time Pikmin fans MUST buy this game.

EarthBound Review for the Wii U Virtual Console

     

     I've played many RPG's in my time, and the ones that stand out the most on the top of my head are Pokemon and Final Fantasy. If you ask most people about this game, they may not know much about it. This game sold extremely well in Japan, but did not do so well here in America. It's a shame, because it is really good game, and now that Nintendo released it on the Wii U Virtual Console, and i think it will allow a new generation to enjoy and experience this great game. This is an RPG that is unlike no other and should be given more credit than it already has.

Gameplay

     

     This game's controls are like no other. You traverse a diverse overworld filled with unique monsters and funny characters. Another thing that is different about this RPG is the combat system. You don't see the characters while you're fighting, instead, all you see are the enemies and a colorful background. All of the players are unique in how they fight as well, one is more useful in psychic attacks, while another likes to use guns. Another thing that makes it unique is that when you're stronger than an enemy, the enemies run away from you, letting you avoid pointless encounters.

Controls

     This game has standard RPG controls. You have a menu when you're fighting, so you can run, fight, or use items. Traversing the world is as easy as ever. It is a bit weird when you're interacting with overworld things, as you do have to bring up a second menu, but this is fixed when using the L button shortcut. The game's controls are simple, and you won't leave you smashing the controller because the controls are too hard.

Entertainment

     What can I say about this game. It's light, funny, and a bit dark sometimes, but will always leave you with a grin on you face.The storyline is one of the best storylines in any RPG, and all the characters are interesting and funny. You'll find yourself coming back to this game frequently because of how fun it is, and I know that if you purchase this game, you won't regret it. In conclusion, this game is one of the best Virtual Console games on the Wii U and I think everyone should experience this RPG. Everybody say "fuzzy pickles!"

Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review for the Nintendo 3DS

     Sometimes you need to take a break from saving the princess or saving the world. You need to have some time to relax and and maybe take up a hobby. Maybe you want to go fishing or go collect some seashells on the calm shore of a beach. Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS lets you do just that. This game has no plot. You just live your own life, and live it however you want to. This game allows you to do more and more as you continue playing it, and trust me, you will become addicted to this game. This simple, but fun game is an enjoyable experience that everyone should enjoy.

Gameplay

     The game plays extremely well and flows smoothly and naturally. Nothing about the game feels rushed. The game's slow pace allows you to fully enjoy the game's environment and what it has to offer. The way everything is set up in the game really lets you explore all of it while also letting you take your time. For a whole day, you can just go fishing, while throughout the next day you can lounge around the Tropical Island if you get tired of your own town. The Tropical Island is one of the highlights of this game. There, you can participate in a wide array of tours, which are mini missions, (e.g. a scavenger hunt) or go diving for rare fish. Many species of bugs and new fruit can also be collected from the island as well. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is game that anyone can enjoy, old or young.

Controls

     The game's controls are one of the easiest controls on any 3DS game. Picking up the fruit and seashells from the ground become second nature to you. Catching the bugs and fish in the game do require some patience however, as some do need you to creep up on them slowly and quietly. This game is a game that needs to be taken slowly. Don't try to do everything in one day. Pace yourself. Running in the game causes flowers to disappear and scares away the fish and bugs, which is why it's better to just walk. The people and places aren't going anywhere. If you miss something you can always try it again the next day, or the day after that. Everyday is a new day in this game. Someone new might move into town or you might find that a new shop has opened on Main Street, the equivalent of the City in the past games.

Entertainment

     This game is enjoyable as an Animal Crossing game can be. From the fuzzy characters you meet, to the new features such as customizing you character down to their socks, this game will lighten up anyone's heart. Like I said before, this game needs to be taken slowly. As you continue playing each day, you will find yourself gathering items for your house and the local museum, buying clothes, and making friends with everyone you meet in the game. This game is extremely rewarding. Talk to a certain character each day and you can unlock a special item. Wrapping this all up, I recommend this game to everyone, new or veteran gamer.