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Amazon sale on 3DS games: Fire Emblem: Awakening, Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers and more
Whew! E3, huh? Right? Y'all remember when that guy said that stuff, and then all the things happened? What a crazy week! We don't know about you, but we're feeling like it might be time to unwind from this week's insanity by catching up on our gaming backlogs while we wait for all these sick-looking next-gen jams to drop. Fire Emblem: Awakening, Mario Kart 7, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers, Super Mario 3D Land and a mess of other great 3DS games have all been dropped to around $30 on Amazon, which is convenient since we were just saying how we need to catch up on our backlog. Weird! Head past the break for the full list of games and their pertinent purchasing links.
Paper Mario $20, Kid Icarus $15, Darksiders 2 $15 at BestBuy.com [update: moar!]
BestBuy.com wants you to start your weekend with some much needed self-indulgence, because, like a supermodel slathered in megaprettyoxide-infused war paint, you're worth it. So why not treat your beauticious self to Paper Mario: Sticker Star, going at $19.99, or Kid Icarus: Uprising for $14.99?Of course, you might feel you're worth that and quite a bit more. If so, you could always plump for Epic Mickey 2 on Wii at $11.99, or Darksiders 2 on PS3 or Xbox 360 at $14.99.Update: As you eagle-eyed commenters spotted, Professor Layton and Miracle Mask, which was sold out at the time of writing, is available once more at $14.99. Also going at $14.99 is Pokémon Black/White 2.
Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2012
Joystiq is revealing its 10 favorite games of 2012 throughout the week. Keep reading for more top selections and every writer's personal, impassioned picks in Best of the Rest roundups. Kid Icarus UprisingI tried not to push Kid Icarus Uprising on my coworkers, despite enjoying it more than anything else I played this year. It's ... not the friendliest game, and requires an investment to enjoy that maybe I wouldn't have put in, had I not reviewed the game. I hated it until I loved it.The insane, uncomfortable control scheme is a massive turnoff for the first few hours of gameplay, though I swear it clicks later (and is deeply customizable). The script is goofy to the point of being embarrassing, though it also swung to "hilarious" as the game went on. And the multiplayer takes a lot of "training," being based on the same weird control scheme as the ground battles from the single-player game – and it became the only online multiplayer game I cared to put hours of my own time into in 2012.Kid Icarus Uprising's high barrier to entry makes it very un-Nintendo-like, and the kind of game I usually wouldn't deem worthy of a second look. I'm the kind of person who doesn't want to play a game if I have to wait for it to get fun. But Uprising's payoff is so worth it.
Kid Icarus: Uprising studio Project Sora closed
Project Sora, the studio responsible for Kid Icarus: Uprising, has closed its doors. A short message on the studio's website, translated by Andriasang, states that the company was closed on June 30 and that the website will shut down on July 31. Project Sora was started by Masahiro Sakurai, the brains behind Super Smash Bros, back in 2009.Kid Icarus: Uprising, the only title released by the studio, debuted to reasonably strong sales and critical praise this past March. Sakurai is currently working on the next iteration of Smash Bros for the Wii U and 3DS with Namco. We've reached out to Nintendo for more information on Project Sora's closure.
Kid Icarus: Uprising sequel not likely, Sakurai says
Despite strong sales and positive reception, it seems a Kid Icarus: Uprising sequel just isn't in the cards right now. Masahiro Sakurai, the game's director, has said that it's possible we could see another Kid Icarus game in the next 25 years, but not from his studio, Project Sora."If by 'lasting universe' you mean to ask if there's a sequel, the answer is no," Sakurai told IGN, "because we pushed a lot into the game in order to let people have this short yet deep experience, but the novelty of that would likely grow thin in the next game. For now, my thought is that perhaps we'll see someone else besides me make another Kid Icarus in another 25 years."25 years is a long time, but we're sure Kid Icarus: Rerising will really rock the 8DS when it drops in 2037.
Sakurai explains Kid Icarus: Uprising's contentious controls
The thing about Kid Icarus: Uprising is that, even though it induces carpal-tunnel syndrome, it's just so gosh-darned fun. Developer Project Sora's director Masahiro Sakurai has offered some insight into the control scheme and some tips for a more comfortable gaming experience – beyond "use the stand," that is."I think any game needs to provide new experiences and stimulating things to discover, but if we provided run-of-the-mill controls for it, that cuts down on the game's potential," Sakurai told IGN. "If a player used to touchscreen-based aiming played against someone used to right-analog control, the first player would probably dominate. The speed is on a whole different level."As for the pain in your hand, Sakurai has an easy solution: relax. "If there are players who say that it makes their hand tired, that's because you're applying too much force. Try to relax and work on building a rhythm to your control. Place the pen in the middle of the touchscreen; when you're flicking it, take the pen off the screen as you're sweeping with it, and stop right there. That's the basic idea." So in short, don't press too hard and try to be more elegant in your wrist control – it takes practice.Oh, and if you're a lefty, just know how lucky you are to be able to play Kid Icarus: Uprising with a Circle Pad Pro – left-handed controls almost didn't make their way into the game. "Considering how close to the limit we pushed the 3DS during development, it's a miracle that we were even able to provide support for left-handed controls at the point of completion. Providing support for independent analog control was something that was technically impossible."
Nintendo Direct time travels with news tonight, tomorrow, yesterday
Nintendo Direct, the all-Nintendo-news, some-of-the-time video series from official Nintendo headquarters, is hitting the airwaves tonight. Technically, it's noon EST tomorrow, April 21, but folks in the US can expect announcements from the Japanese feed starting at 8:30 p.m. PST tonight, Friday, April 20. The European announcements will hit at 1 p.m. CET (4 a.m. PST), April 21.Nintendo hasn't revealed what it will discuss tonight, but it has left us a trail of clues. CEO Satoru Iwata sent out invitations to this weekend's Nintendo Direct on 3DS' Spot Pass, showing him with a giant, suspicious Kirby plushie. Kid Icarus: Uprising's Masahiro Sakurai tweeted to expect Uprising news and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy's Masanobu Suzui suggested fans should watch the feed, Andriasang translates.We'll have our eyes and fingertips ready to roll for any breakout Kirby-Kid-Icarus-Theatrhythm crossover news tonight, because really, it's not like we had any plans on a Friday night or anything.
Pick up some Kid Icarus AR cards today at GameStop
Kid Icarus: Uprising AR cards are hard to come by unless you go to conventions or press events, but if you can brave a crowd of kiddos, you may be able to pick some up at a local GameStop today.Nintendo and GameStop are holding demo events in "select GameStop locations" today from 1-4PM, during which you can try out the game if you haven't yet, and pick up some cards if you have. Reader Andrew tells us that the cards include the Eggplant Wizard, Fiends Cauldron, Skyscraper Club, Firework Cannons, and Minos, along with possible random packs.Check GameStop's site to see if your local store is participating, and then look deep into your heart to decide if you want to be the person who goes to a GameStop just to pick up some video game cards. It's okay to be that person occasionally – especially when it leads to some possible Kid Icarus multiplayer.[Thanks, Andrew!]
NPD: Kid Icarus Uprising sold 140K units in March, Resident Evil Revelations sold 122K
The NPD has informed Joystiq that Kid Icarus: Uprising sold approximately 140,000 copies in the US in March. Last night, analyst Anita Frazier reported that "In a list of the top 10 SKU's for the month (as opposed to top titles as listed here), 3DS Kid Icarus: Uprising would have been among the top selling individual SKU's for the month of March." In other words, Kid Icarus was one of the ten best-selling games on a single platform.It's not a Mario-level sales explosion or anything, but certainly not bad for a 3DS debut, and not bad for eight days of sales. By the way, Kid Icarus: Uprising is wonderful.Meanwhile, February release Resident Evil: Revelations sold around 122,000 in March, the NPD told us. All we know about its February performance is that it was somewhere in the top 25 games.Update: We're asking the NPD for clarification regarding the Revelations sales numbers, as questions have arisen as to the possibility that it could be life-to-date rather than March. We'll update accordingly when we hear back.
Nintendo's Kid Icarus: Uprising cosplayer is Pit (and not the pits)
Normally we wouldn't post about a single cosplayer found at PAX East, much less one there at a publisher's request; however, this Kid Icarus: Uprising Pit costume, designed and worn by PikminLink, is too amazingly accurate to ignore. The wings! The weapons! The character-accurate bike shorts! The reflective tape to create a glowing effect when a camera flashes! (See after the break). Anyway, if we can't post impressive cosplay once in a while, what's the point of coming to PAX?Even though PikminLink is an "official" costumed character present at Nintendo's booth, Nintendo reps told us that she designed and created the costume herself. Nintendo helped her by providing design reference.
Mario Tennis Open, Spirit Camera playable at PAX East
You'll be able to try Nintendo's upcoming 3DS lineup at PAX East. This morning, the publisher announced that it's bringing Mario Tennis Open and Spirit Camera to the convention, playable by all attendees, alongside a selection of released games. The eShop title Ketzal's Corridors can also be sampled at the event.Along with game demos, Nintendo is also holding a series of special Kid Icarus Uprising events, including ... a scavenger hunt for AR Idol Cards and a multiplayer tournament on Friday night. If you want to join the battle, bring your game and 3DS, and equip your very best weapon and powers.
Kid Icarus: Uprising prototype began on Wii and PC
Before Kid Icarus: Uprising became the carpal tunnel syndrome-inducing good time it is today, it began development on the PC and Wii. In a new Iwata Asks column, designer Masahiro Sakurai shares the story of development and some neat prototype videos showcasing Kid Icarus: Uprising as it was way before its E3 2010 unveiling. At the outset, Sakurai's company Project Sora didn't even have 3DS dev kits, so they had to start on PC and Wii.The videos -- uploaded to YouTube by Siliconera and embedded above and past the break -- were created to illustrate Sakurai's vision to new dev-team members coming onto the project. Iwata admits the reason it took so long to get Kid Icarus: Uprising out the door was having to port the already established work on PC and Wii over to 3DS.%Gallery-145129%
Joyswag: Kid Icarus Uprising AR Idol Cards
The "AR Idol Cards" for Kid Icarus: Uprising are pretty hard to find: Nintendo's only giving them away at certain retailer/publisher/industry events. But we know where ten of you can find a sealed pack of random cards: right here!Just tell us your favorite meal featuring eggplant, and you can enter for some cards to enhance your Kid Icarus experience. Enjoy the launch trailer above, read our review, then use the Power of Flight to soar past the break, and find the full rules.
Kid Icarus Uprising review: Uplifting
Kid Icarus: Uprising for 3DS is more than the return of a long-dormant Nintendo franchise; it's effectively the birth of a new franchise that feels nothing like anything else in Nintendo's lineup. It's fresh, exciting, funny, and has the ability to be customized deeply to the player's interest and comfort level.It is, in short, an excellent game. And it's one I almost didn't bother to play, because -- to put it charitably -- its controls are a barrier to entry that is uncharacteristic for Nintendo. To put it bluntly, the controls are uncomfortable and hard to get used to. Nintendo is aware of this, hence the stand. I was fully ready to write the game off based on the controls, if only it weren't so consistently awesome in every other way.%Gallery-145129%
Kid Icarus: Uprising's 3DS stand holds up to scrutiny
To help players operate Kid Icarus: Uprising with its unconventional (and uncomfortable) circle-pad, L button, and stylus-based control scheme, Nintendo has packed a 3DS stand with every copy of the game. That way, you don't have to awkwardly support the whole weight of the system with your left hand while aiming with your right.The motivation may be unfortunate, but the accessory itself is quite nice, securely holding the 3DS in place when in use -- with rubber pads to keep the system from sliding around -- and folding flat when not. See for yourself in our gallery. Kid Icarus: Uprising (and this stand) arrive in North America this Friday.%Gallery-151019%
Feeling the 'Intensity' of Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kid Icarus: Uprising lets you change the difficulty of every level on a sliding "Intensity" scale, affecting not just how painful a level is, but how much loot you can get out of it. This video offers an example of how the "Intensity" level can change gameplay, using a snippet from Chapter 1. Not pictured: the shame of having the Intensity automatically drop down when you die and retry.
Here's how you'll get those Kid Icarus AR cards
We've known for a while that Kid Icarus: Uprising will play host to hundreds of AR cards but, until now, we've been fuzzy on just how eager 3DS owners would get their hands on them. With the release a little over a week away, Nintendo has announced where and when you can snag some for yourself.First of all, Kid Icarus: Uprising itself will include six randomly chosen cards from a set of 20 possible cards. Second, Club Nintendo members can pick up three cards for free -- i.e. no coins required -- by visiting this website right now. Cards will also be included in the April issues of Game Informer (subscribers only, apparently), Nintendo Power and Best Buy's @Gamer magazine.GameStop will be giving away cards during Uprising play sessions on April 14 from 1 to 4pm. Those who purchase the game from the Nintendo World store in New York on launch day (March 23) get the Three Sacred Treasures card as a bonus. Finally, Nintendo will be giving away packs of cards at WonderCon, PAX East and during tournaments to be held at GameStops in New York and Los Angeles (two of which have already taken place).Find details on available cards after the break.
Kid Icarus: Uprising has hundreds of AR cards, make space in your binder
Each copy of Nintendo's Kid Icarus: Uprising for 3DS will include six AR cards, but as far as Nintendo sees it, that hardly makes it difficult enough to catch "collect them all." Nintendo has announced there will be "hundreds" of AR cards available and it will host special events for players to trade, share and obtain new cards after the title's launch on March 23.The cards can be placed facing each other and the AR figures will battle, which we think is cooler than just watching Pit preen his feathers -- but you can totally do that too. We assume.
Nintendo Direct trailer roundup! YEEHAW!
Today's Nintendo Direct presentation shot out trailers and gameplay videos fast and furious. Once the coffee kicked in and we had a little time to organize, we got them together for you (yes, personally, for you!) in this handy-dandy post. Check out videos for Kid Icarus: Uprising, Mario Tennis Open, Spirit Camera and Dillon's Rolling Western here.
Kid Icarus: Uprising 'Sacred Treasures' trailer is a callback
Medusa's freaky self is back in Kid Icarus: Uprising, causing all kinds of trouble for our intrepid, toga-sporting protagonist Pit. According to the relaxing disembodied voice in this trailer, Pit needs to reacquire three Sacred Treasures used to defeat Medusa in the first Kid Icarus game.
