Epic Mickey 2: Power of Two 10 minute gameplay

Disney Epic Mickey 2Gameplay footage of Epic Mickey 2 finally hits the web. Now gamers might shy away by the fact that it's a Mickey Mouse game and all, but Epic Mickey has always been an amazing game thanks to its great level design and concept. That's one mans opinions, plus the Wii needs some love before it gets replaced by the Wii U.

This gameplay footage was from the Wii version of the game.

Epic Mickey 2 is aiming for a release sometime this September for Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. Even though the sequel is going mult-platform, the Wii will still be its leading console.

Pandora's Tower teaser trailer

mutant chick With this, Operation Rainfall is a success in a very major aspect as we finally get a "trailer" for Pandora's Tower.

Now, while Xenoblade Chronicles will be coming to North America in April and the announcement of The Last Story coming to the US this year, Europe will get the first taste. Still, if Pandora's Tower doesn't get a US release, at least the game has an English iteration and that is surely better than having it in Japanese only.

This isn't really a trailer nor would I call it a real teaser but the video shows what looks to be the collector's edition of Pandora's Tower. Pretty standard fare, steelbook case, a copy of the game, and a dinky art books. Very similar to The Last Story's CE with the exception of the game's OST being included.

Alright Wii owners, we got what we wanted. Rejoice!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3DJpTVdm_Q[/youtube]

The Last Story trailer... in English?!

ENGLISH Can it be? Are we going to get The Last Story in English? Please let it be true!

The Last Story, created by the father of Final Fantasy himself Hironobu Sakaguchi, is one of the "Swords" from Operation Rainfall (a community formed to supposed the internation localization of 3 Japanese Wii games).

Xenoblade got a European release and will soon get an American release in April, 2012. Now that is all well and good and I will definitely find a way to score myself a copy of Xenoblade but The Last Story was the top game that I wanted localized from the 3 game being pushed by Operation Rainfall. With this English trailer it looks like I'm getting my wish. I hope that Pandora's Tower also gets localized because I am also very interested in that game.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC3XUvF_Vlg[/youtube]

Rayman Origins out now, a full retail game?

Rayman OriginsRayman Origins is out but for some reason I always thought it was coming out as a downloadable game for PSN and Xbox Live. Never crossed my mind that Ubisoft went retail with a 2D Platformer. These games are rare, so if you're a fan of the genre(like myself) then you should consider this to keep these games alive.

I remember seeing the demo on Game Trailer's live streaming of this year's E3 and was underwhelmed because I thought it was another downloadable game worth 14.99. It being released as a full game got me curious. When I found out it was a full retail game, I started doing research on what else it offers. Tons of collectables, and I mean tons! Is it enough for a game to have its very own disc? For a platformer, yes, what else do you need really? As long as its challenging, easy to maneuver, and have incentive to replay stages, you're set.

Rayman Origins is getting positive reviews thanks to its beautiful art design, four player co-op feature, and solid controls. . You can never go wrong with platformers. Games such as Super Meat Boy, Outland, or even the classic Mario bros. are tons of fun and this should be no exception.

Sadly this might be ignored since it doesn't provide the Full Package(game having online) that every game developer provides nowadays. With a 2D Platformer priced as a full game, it's definitely a hard sell, but kudos for Ubisoft for taking on the risk.

Playing with a friend or family member in Rayman Origins seems to be the way to go, so if you want a casual game where anybody can join in on the fun, this will do. If ever I get this, I'm going to include my 5-year old nephew in on the fun to introduce him to 2D Platformer at its best.

Rayman Origins is out now for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii.

 

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Impressions

right handed link A lot of people say that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the greatest Zelda game of all time.  But with Nintendo’s latest Zelda incarnation, some people are saying that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword can rival or even exceed the greatness of Ocarina of Time. Now that’s a pretty big claim but after playing a bit of Skyward Sword, I can definitely say that it’s giving Ocarina of Time a run for it’s money.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the latest Zelda game that Nintendo has graced us with and was released on the year of Zelda’s 25th Anniversary. Taking a mix of both the art styles of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, we have a grown-up Link done in a very gorgeous cell shaded style. I think this is a great middle ground between the light heartedness of Wind Waker and the dark and gritty theme of Twilight Princess and it suits the Zelda franchise very well.

Despite being properly proportioned (lol Wind Waker melon-head kid Link), characters show a great deal of emotion and it really brings out a lot of personality in this game. I found it funny when a shop keeper sighed and frowned as I walked away from his shop while not buying anything. The graphics of this game also pushes the Wii’s ability to its peak. Environments are very bright and colourful and are generally just fun to run around in.

motion plus

Combat was never really something to talk about in previous Zelda games. In the 2D ones you’d just press a button and Link would swing his sword where he is facing. In past 3D Zelda’s you’d have the Z targeting and just mash B till the enemies died. Future people, takes notes cause this is how motion control is done. Skyward Sword still has Z targeting but since we have a legitimate right-handed Link and 1-to-1 motion control with the Wii Motion Plus, combat is a little more interesting this time around. Link would swing his sword in accordance with the direction you swing the Wiimote for the most part feels very good and responsive. What also adds to the tension of combat is that your shield has a durability gauge  so aside from having to watch your opponent, finding their weak point, and striking with the right slashes, you also have your shield durability to worry about. Oh and taking damage from enemies costs 1 full heart. Swordplay in past Zelda games wasn’t really bad but it was mostly just more of the same and sometimes a chore but in Skyward Sword’s case, it’s pretty interesting and keeps you on your toes.

Some controls do feel a little awkward at first such as having to hold the sprint button, run and then shake the nunchuck to roll is still a bit confusing to me as I have to do all that while watching the spring meter at the same time but I’m sure it’s something that I will get used to.

I’m about maybe 3+ hours in so far but I am having a blast which is more than I can say for Twilight Princess’ first few hours. If you own a Wii and haven’t picked this up yet then what the hell is wrong with you? Go out there and get this game now because it is not something you want to miss.

If you are worried about not having a motionplus, you can pick up a bundle of the game with comes with a golden Wiiremoteplus (the wiimote with the built-in motionplus) and I think also includes an orchestrated soundtrack as well as an art book and a cloth map. Speaking of soundtracks, this game has a kickass one.