An Hour with Xenoblade Chronicles

I had the privilege to attend my first MCM Expo over the weekend. Never being much of a manga, anime or comic fan, I made my way straight towards the Games Expo where Nintendo were in attendance amongst others.

Only being confirmed for Europe two months ago, I was genuinely surprised to see what looked like a fully localised version of Monolith’s Xenoblade Chronicles taking centre stage at Nintendo’s booth. In fact, I’m sure I played a near-complete build of the same game we’ll be seeing this September in Europe. Read more »

Project Café to be Revealed June 7th

Nintendo will hold its annual E3 presentation on June 7th at L.A.’s Nokia Theater. In addition to hearing about upcoming games for the Wii (the few that actually remain), DS, and 3DS, viewers will get their first glimpse of the Wii’s successor, Project Café. Read more »

Eurogamer Expo 10: Q&A: Nintendo’s Rob Lowe on Donkey Kong Country Returns

One game I couldn’t wait to get my hands on at the Eurogamer Expo was Donkey Kong Country Returns. The king of the jungle had been missing in action since the days of the N64 and I was in need of some answers. We caught up with Rob Lowe, Nintendo UK’s Marketing Manager on what to expect when the ape comes swinging in an all new adventure this December.

Bit Thirsty: Donkey Kong has been out of the spotlight for a long time, ignoring the Konga and Jungle Beat series of course, with his last hardcore outing dating all the way back to the N64. What made Nintendo return to the Donkey Kong series?

Rob Lowe: When you look at the success of the New Super Mario Bros. titles on the DS and the Wii, I think it’s clear to see that 2D platforming is very popular again. We feel people like the accessibility, the fact that it brings back nostalgic feelings, I think it felt like the right time to bring back Donkey Kong and give him his own AAA title. Read more »

Metroid: Other M Gets Live-Action Spot

With the release of Metroid: Other M only days away, Nintendo of America have taken it upon themselves to run a live-action ad for the upcoming action-adventure. The moody sixty second spot sees a Zero Suit Samus reflecting on her past, and if the commercial is anything to go by, Other M will live up to its promise to deliver the best story-driven experience ever to grace a Metroid title.

Metroid: Other M for the Wii will release later this month in North America (Aug 31), and early next month in Europe (Sept 3).

Donkey Kong Country Returns This Fall

Another day, another rumor confirmed at the Electronics Entertainment Expo. The newly announced Donkey Kong Country Returns does exactly what the titles says, revisits one of the most beloved Nintendo franchises. The game is being developed by Retro Studios (of Metroid Prime fame) and looks to be receiving the NSMB treatment with the 2D gameplay being given that extra special splash of 3D. Diddy Kong will also be tagging along for the adventure using his backpack as a jetpack or his ability granting peanut gun.

You can expect to see Donkey Kong Country Returns on store shelves this Fall. Check out the official E3 tailer after the break!

New Zelda Rumours Emerge

New rumours on the next Zelda title have been revealed and boy do they sound good.

The game will apparently have no subtitle, and will be called simply The Legend Of Zelda. The game’s story takes place several hundred years before Ocarina of Time and tells the tale of the Master Sword. The fairy-like girl (above) goes by the name of Zordiana and plays an important role in the game, think Midna or Navi.

The Hookshot makes a return with new abilities, reminiscent of the Grappling Hook in Wind Waker, it will now allow you to swing between platforms. At certain points in the game you’ll have to “draw” specific symbols onto doors (with your sword) to open them. The Bow and Arrow will control similar to that of Wii Sports Resort’s Archery, we’re guessing that means the new Zelda *fingers crossed* will support Wii MotionPlus. Read More »

First Bit: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Ever found yourself on the fence about buying a new game? This should get you off it! Watch the opening minutes of Super Mario Galaxy 2 after the break. Read More »

Here’s Some Red Steel 2 Footage

Didn’t manage to get my hands on the Wiimote seen as a lot of people were already in line waiting anxiously, so I decided to just watch from the sideline. The game itself looks bloody awesome and led me to purchasing a Wii MotionPlus the second I got home. Being dragged through the desert in first-person almost makes the game worth the 40 quid alone. You, the last remaining member of “The Protectors” are on a mission to avenge your fallen clan, revenge begins this Spring. Hit the jump for the video! Read More »

A Few Words on the New Mario Bros. Wii

We caught up with a Nintendo Rep at the show to get some details on Mario and the gang’s new adventure which will land on the Wii this fall. With up to four joinable players it’s guaranteed to be a family favourite in the living room this holiday season, as well as being the first side-scrolling Mario console platformer to hit since the SNES back in the early 90′s!