samus
Latest
Hey Nintendo, where's 'Metroid Prime 4'?
If you've been patiently waiting since last year's E3 conference for the reveal of the new Metroid Prime 4 game, we're sorry. The hotly anticipated next iteration of Samus Aran was nowhere to be seen during Nintendo Direct, the venerable gaming company's main announcement video that broadcast live this morning.
'Rocket League' hits Nintendo Switch November 14th
Car soccer fans who've been itching to take their Rocket League fun on the go are about to be rewarded for their patience. The popular competitive video game is set to release on the Nintendo Switch on November 14th for $20.
New Nintendo eShop releases: More of the Samus, please
$10 for the Metroid Prime: Trilogy on Wii U with apparently faster load times? Om nom nom. While we're talking, Nintendo, any word on a new Metr-hello? Anyone there? Oh well. So, check out this week's full list of new eShop releases below the break, as well as the last week of Nintendo's Throwback sale here. And a reminder: After 9AM PT/12PM ET on February 5, Metroid Prime Trilogy goes up to a regular price of $20. Get it while it's hot!
Double-cannon Samus Amiibo fetches $2,500 on eBay
A defective Samus Amiibo proved this week that double the firepower can translate into many more multiples the cash. After discovering the potentially one-of-its-kind figure with two arm cannons rather than the regular one, a lucky Best Buy customer turned his $13 purchase into a $2,500 golden ticket on eBay. Nintendo's Amiibo range launched last month, providing Wii U users with Skylanders-like toys that are compatible with games including Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8. As GameSpot reports, Adam Truesdale was one of many customers who bought the Samus Amiibo, and he was all ready to rip into the case until a friend pointed out the defect.
Platinum gets conceptual with Bayonetta's Nintendo costumes
You can channel Nintendo's heroines (and Hyrule's hero) while unleashing crazy combos in Bayonetta 2, but it's worth taking a break from witchcraft to see how the collaboration came together in the first place. As Platinum Games detailed in a recent blog post, Bayonetta's first borrowed garb was the result of director Hideki Kamiya asking Platinum's Yong-Hee Cho to draw Bayonetta in a Princess Peach outfit. The above image and the full gallery below shows some of Cho's conceptual interpretations, but Kamiya pushed to keep the dress closer to Peach's original style. After tying Bayonetta's hair up, adding a Mario charm and some forearm flair, Kamiya and Cho were pleased with the results. Kamiya's direction similarly led to the Samus costume resembling the bounty hunter's initial venture on the NES, but the development of Bayonetta's tunic is interesting: After Kamiya approved Cho's traditional take on Link's classic attire, Cho turned the designs in to Nintendo for approval. They were returned with a suggestion that Cho open the tunic's top a little more. Bayonetta's Nintendo-themed wardrobe is available in both Bayonetta games on the Wii U, and in the case of Bayonetta 2, Contributing Editor Earnest Cavalli's review remarked that it's a "grand sequel that overshadows the most gleefully over-the-top aspects of its predecessor with entirely new levels of awe-inspiring spectacle." [Image: Platinum Games]
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate gets a Metroid injection
It's more of the Samus, but not as you might expect. As revealed in today's Nintendo Direct for Japan, the latest Nintendo collaboration for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate brings Metroid-style gear to Capcom's multiplayer action-RPG. Capcom Unity along with Nintendo of Europe then indicated the Metroquipment is headed to the Western versions of the 3DS game, too. Details are sparse at present, but as Siliconera reports, Nintendo's Direct stream tied the collaboration to Wii title Metroid: Other M. According to Siliconera, players can undertake quests to hunt down what's needed to make both the Varia and Zero suit as well as the Arm Cannon-like weapon featured in a new trailer - you can check out the vid below the break.
'Y can't Metroid crawl?' Smash Bros. has the answer
If you ever found yourself wondering why Metroid's Samus can't crawl, Nintendo has issued an explanation: because she doesn't need to. The above screenshot from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (via @Electivirus) references an infamous Miiverse post from a player confused by the first hour of Super Metroid. Skipping out on the Morph Ball power-up led some to question how to navigate an early passageway, and many (presumably younger) players took to Miiverse to vent their frustrations following Super Metroid's Wii U Virtual Console release. The phrasing of this particular question was pretty much perfect, though, instantly solidifying its meme status. Nice work, Nintendo. We see what you did there. [Image: Nintendo / @Electivirus]
Here's what makes Bayonetta's Nintendo costumes special
Bayonetta 2's special brand of absurdity includes a few nods to Nintendo's roster, but its outfits are more than just reminders of Link, Samus and Princess Peach's existence. Isao Negishi, director of the Bayonetta Wii U port that will be bundled with Bayonetta 2, wrote out a few details about the garments, covering summons, sword-based attacks and a prime method to disarm tension. Princess Peach and Bowser disagree on the romantic qualities of kidnapping, but channeling Peach's fashion sense as Bayonetta lets players summon the spiky-shelled antagonist. As seen in the above image, Bowser will stuff his limbs through portals to knock around enemies, leaving coins as remnants of the carnage. Donning Link's tunic adds the Master Sword to Bayonetta's arsenal, but it also recalls iconic audio samples from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Negishi specifically mentions the triumphant sound that plays while opening a treasure chest, but he notes that there will be other audio-based cues as well. Negishi's post finishes with the Samus costume, which reflects the bounty hunter's original suit of armor by request of Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya. While arm cannon-oriented details weren't offered, players will be able to toggle Samus' visor up or down, which Negishi adds is surprisingly amusing when "endlessly going up-down-up-down during the game's more serious moments." Considering Bayonetta's one-liners and the new portal-punching Bowser, it's tough to remember serious moments even exist in this universe. [Image: Platinum Games]
Transmog while you wait for Warlords
We're all looking for something to keep us busy while we wait for Warlords of Draenor. Why not spend sometime making ourselves look good? Many of us at WoW Insider have been obsessed with the transmogrification feature ever since it has been implemented, so let's take a moment to look back on some of the fashion options available. Superheroes in Azeroth Avengers, assemble! Our most popular transmog post ever. Transmogging DC Comics' greatest heroes Transmogging more of the women of DC Comics More superhero outfits for your nerdy pleasure Here are the Masters of the Universe, if you're into that Follow us behind the break for sets to match gaming icons from Nintendo and beyond, tributes to Azeroth's greatest heroes, class-based transmogrification inspiration, and guides to gathering tier armor of expansions past.
Samus and Link Figma figures articulating stateside this fall
Remember that totally boss Metroid: Other M-style Samus action figure that Figma put into production last year, and how it was only sold in Japan? Well, no longer will you have to go to great personal expense to buy one in a used games store in Akihabara – not that any of us have done that or anything. Varia Feature Samus, fabric-doesn't-work-that-way Zero Suit Samus and Skyward Sword-era Link are all receiving new production runs for sale in the US this fall, though no specific release date has been given. Varia Samus and Link can both be pre-ordered for about $50 a pop, while Zero Suit Sammy rings up at a whopping $100.
WoW Meets Nintendo: Make your group stand out with transmogrification
Back when I used to cosplay, I absolutely loved cosplaying in a group. Not only does it ensure you'll always have a friend to help you get through doors, but cosplay ensembles are guaranteed showstoppers. There's just something about strength in numbers that gets the one-up over even the most expertly crafted costume. So the other day I had this thought: Why not transmog as a group? With your guild or maybe just a few friends, you could pick out a transmogrification theme and then do some activities together -- maybe hit up the Raid Finder and carry the group with your sheer awesomeness. As for a theme, it could be anything that suits your fancy. Maybe a novel series, or a historical era. Hmm ... Maybe your favorite video game characters?
This retro Metroid cosplay is without equal
It's almost Halloween, and it's likely you're pretty much set on what you're dressing up as this year. If you're thinking Samus, think again: Dan Cattell's sprite-based Samus and Chozo Statue costumes are without equal. In fact, they're even featured in the latest issue of Nintendo Power.
The other M is for 'MacBook' in this Samus laptop mod
Samus Aran's armor has been largely a mystery since the introduction of Metroid's lead character, but in this case mod, we can clearly see the technology behind her armor: a MacBook Pro. A "games oriented developer" known as gltovar commissioned Xtreme Kreations to alter the case of his MacBook; the result being the slick airbrushed Samus image seen above with some light-up armor elements (using the lights that normally illuminate the Apple logo on the case). It must have taken more than two hours to assemble, or Samus wouldn't be wearing her armor in the image. Luckily for us, gltovar took lots of pictures of the process and result, so we can enjoy the effect without "enjoying" the deconstruction and artful slicing of our own premium laptops. Check out the video after the break.
Samus won't be playable in Dead or Alive Dimensions
Recent Dead or Alive Dimensions gameplay footage revealed the presence of a Metroid-themed level, complete with Ridley getting all up in the fighters' business. At the end of the clip, a spheroid Samus rolled in, leading many to believe she was being teased as a playable character for the 3DS fighter. Speaking to Eurogamer, Team Ninja leader Yosuke Hayashi countered this assertion. "This time she's not playable," Hayashi said. "But Samus Aran will be shown in the game. She comes to help the player. That's the collaboration shown there [in the trailer]." Hayashi suggested that a playable Nintendo character ran counter to the team's goal with Dimensions, which is "basically to create the best version of Dead or Alive." As for that non-playable appearance, it'll be an unlockable bonus. Hayashi encouraged players to find out how to unlock the bounty hunter helper on their own.
Dead or Alive Dimensions has Ridley stage, Samus cameo roll
Nintendo's collaboration with Tecmo's Team Ninja didn't end with last year's Metroid: Other M. A new trailer for 3DS fighter Dead or Alive Dimensions reveals a dangerous arena encircled by lava and stalked by Ridley, the winged nemesis of Samus Aran. He's not one for mild-mannered spectating, instead spitting fire and taking an unfortunate combatant for an undignified tour around the ring. The trailer also shows that Samus has been authorized to drop a power bomb in the middle of the stage. It's flashy, and detonated without the preface of trashy fighting words -- umm, not that any DOA fighter could handle the deadpan delivery of her Other Monologues. See the video after the break, along with a trailer that shows off more gameplay and many of the game's slightly more realistic environments. You'll probably recognize a few from Dead or Alive 3 and Dead or Alive 4.
Father-son team build Samus Aran arm cannon for Halloween
Looking for a little inspiration for your Halloween costume? Then you might not want to read any further, as you'll likely only find yourself struggling to match the Samus Aran costume that 11-year old Joseph DeRose and his father are building. That costume apparently only consists of an arm cannon at the moment, but it's certainly an impressive arm cannon -- it packs an array of LED lights with various settings (controlled by an Arduino, naturally), not to mention an assortment of sound effects from the Metroid games. Those not concerned about being upstaged can check out a video of the build process after the break.
Father and son create elaborate Samus arm cannon
11-year-old Joseph DeRose decided he wanted to (cross) dress as Samus Aran for Halloween this year. So he and his dad set out to build a replica of Samus's Metroid Prime-era Varia Suit, starting with the arm cannon. The final cannon has a speaker and LED lights controlled by an Arduino microcontroller, so it can be made to fire simulated Power Beam, Plasma Beam and charged shots. Joseph even has to correctly "log in" to use it! The rest of the costume is still incomplete, but at this point Joseph has a perfectly acceptable backup costume: "Guy With This Awesome Arm Cannon."
Cartroid: Samus built from old Nintendo cartridges
We've all got old, crummy games laying around. You could either throw those away or you could make a nice piece of folk art, like this sculpture of Samus created by JJ Hendricks. To check out more shots of the Plastic Varia Suit version of Samus, hit up the link below.
Metroid Prime model gunship boasts 'unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy'
For $300, you get a spaceship that benefits from the most attentive and accurate craftsmanship. It's not quite what intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran paid when she commissioned her gunship, but then ... this one is quite a bit smaller. And it's only a model (shh!). As part of only 750 units shipping in Q2 2011, this Metroid Prime ship model from First 4 Figures boasts a height of 12 inches, a swivel joint on its base, an elaborate sequence of LEDs and "unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy," thanks to its slavish recreation from the original game files and canon. Note: The rear-mounted plasma beam cannon is probably less functional in this instance. If you're in the position to order one of these (and you can opt for a three-month payment plan if need be), don't forget to leave space on the mantelpiece for future entries in the Metroid gunship line. First 4 Figures is probably working on a miniature of the Metroid: Other M gunship already, complete with Confession Time booth and compartments for Samus' cyber-diary and violin.
Super Mario Crossover would have killed us in 1989
Sometimes, we wonder what it would be like if versions of ourselves from the past could be magically transported to today and have their minds blown by all the technological advances in video gaming technology. We have a feeling that they'd be disinterested in our "movement controllers" and "big definition graphicals," and would instead become entranced by a new Flash game by Exploding Rabbit that's sweeping the nation at terrifying velocities: Super Mario Crossover. The premise of the game is simple: It is the original Super Mario Bros., only your choice of playable characters isn't just limited to squat, Italian plumbers. You can also wreck Goombas while playing as Link, Mega Man, Samus, Simon Belmont or Bill (you know, from Contra). You could also just be Mario, but why would you do that, when you could be Bill from Contra? Stop being so silly. [Thanks, Eric]
