Challenge your friends and let battle commence! It’s time to find out who’s the toughest Kirby of them all, when Kirby Battle Royale releases in Australia and New Zealand on the 4th of November 2017, exclusively for 3DS and 2DS.

A free demo version which lets players try three of the game’s 10 different battle modes is available now on Nintendo eShop, and by transferring their demo save data across to the full game once launched, budding battlers will be able to unlock the mysterious Meta Knight as a playable character.

Kirby Battle Royale is a fast-paced 3D action game in which players take on the role of Kirby and go head-to-head against other Kirbies. There are 10 different battle modes and 13 Kirby copy abilities to unlock, all of which can be enjoyed across online multiplayer**, local multiplayer and a single-player Story Mode. The game also supports Download Play, so up to four players can battle it out using a single copy of the game. Each of the 10 varied battle modes is designed for four combatants, either in two-versus-two or every Kirby for himself.

Players will earn Battle Coins for their in-game accomplishments, such as advancing through the leagues in Story Mode, and these can be spent on a wide range of in-game collectibles, including headgear for Kirby to wear. The game is also compatible with Kirby series amiibo, which add extra items to the collection. For example, tapping the Kirby amiibo figure will unlock the Ultra Sword Hat. Players can experiment with the other Kirby series amiibo once the game launches to see what they unlock!

To give a taster of the upcoming action, a free demo version of Kirby Battle Royale is available now on Nintendo eShop. Players can dive straight into the melee mayhem of Battle Arena and Apple Scramble, with the frantic challenges of Crazy Theater also unlockable. Anyone who’s enjoyed the multiplayer fighting fun of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe should be sure to give the Kirby Battle Royale demo a whirl. What’s more, demo players who purchase the full game and transfer their save data across will unlock Meta Knight as a playable character, usually only unlockable after advancing to the final league in Story Mode.

Can you rise to King Dedede’s challenge? Can you survive in a Kirby-eat-Kirby world?

The post IT’S KIRBY VERSUS KIRBY! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The first Splatoon on the Wii U was one of 2015’s freshest games. It took the multiplayer online shooter genre and completely reinvented it, applying that Nintendo magic to create an accessible, original but still deep experience. At its core lay a solid set of innovations that was only hampered by the somewhat limited scope of the original game. It opened up the entire genre of shooters to a new audience with a system that allowed anyone to contribute to team success, whatever your skill level is.

Fans have eagerly awaited a sequel ever since, and now with the release of Splatoon 2 for the Nintendo Switch, we finally have our chance to see how the game has evolved. Has it moved past the limitations of its predecessor, or is this a re-release under a different name? Let’s find out.

Splatoon 2 features the same basic layout of the original, and will be instantly familiar to veteran players. From a central hub you can purchase new gear, enter single player or multiplayer, post messages and drawings and see avatars of other squidkids. Fundamentally this is the same game, but with enough tweaks, upgrades and additions to justify its “2” moniker. It would have been easy to port the original game to the Switch, a la Mario Kart 8 and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but I am glad there is enough for veteran players to warrant an upgrade.

The single player campaign was a vastly underrated part of the first game, and is a whole new experience. As in the first, you must completed 6 levels in each world to face the boss. You must shoot, grind, squid and jump your way through a huge range of wacky levels that are bursting with new ideas that are as quickly thrown out as they are introduced. It also introduces a couple of new mechanics. For example, you can now grind on rails of ink rather than just travel through them. This opens up new shooting and jumping possibilities, making the Levels that focus on them more like like a platformer than a shooter. Don’t expect anything revolutionary than the standard Nintendo game design pattern though (as outlined in this excellent video by Mark Brown) but when they’re bursting with more fresh ideas and mechanics than most of the rest of the industry combined, they’re still enormously enjoyable. Single player also serves as a good introduction to the game as a whole for players new to the series, from how to move, to positioning, using your weapons and fighting enemies.

Speaking of, a highlight of the single player campaign are the bosses. While they also follow the same “find the boss’ weakness and hit it three times” Nintendo formula, they are in design and mechanics much more varied and interesting than most Nintendo bosses in many years. Whether fighting a monster wielding a paint roller riding a unicycle or a possessed bread oven, they are all exciting, difficult and delightfully laughable.

As good as the single player campaign is, multiplayer is still the heart of Splatoon. Turf War, where you must cover the maps with more ink than the opposing team to win, returns as the premier mode, but the most significant addition is the “Salmon Run” co-operative horde mode. This mode, faces teams of four squids against a range of fishy foes in waves, with bosses appearing regularly to take down. Grab the golden eggs from bosses within the time limit and you win.

It can be played with friends or with matchmaking, but in matchmaking there’s no communication with randoms except for “Over here” or “Booyah”, which although it helps, could be improved. It seems like it’s a deliberate move by Nintendo though, so I don’t expect it to change. Overall it’s a welcome addition to the game, and plays differently enough that it makes a decent break. That said, at least on the easier Levels it isn’t as deep or complex as something like Gears of War’s popular horde mode.

Other modes return as ranked battle exclusives, and this is where some of the improvements to the original game begin to peter out. Limiting modes to a certain rank is troublesome, and limits some really great experiences behind a scary “ranked” section that many will likely never click on. I feel Nintendo should have taken note from its own recently-released ARMS or the juggernaut that is Overwatch, and cycled through the three main modes in both ranked and unranked matches. Not only would this make the game more interesting, but the modes are so different from one another that going into them untrained in a ranked match can be frustrating.

But when you do get into a match, there are some new weapons and abilities. A favourite of mine are the Dualies, two relatively weak automatic pistol type weapons that give you a double dodge roll, which is extremely useful for getting out of tight situations. There are new perks for weapons and new abilities, including some fun special attacks. Splat chargers, the equivalent to sniper rifles, receive a buff but still feel less than they could be.

Despite being told by a Nintendo representative at the Switch reveal event back in January change was coming in Splatoon 2, you still can’t swap weapons between or prior to consecutive matches. Some maps are made for or are much better with certain weapons, making this oversight maddening. While you can save armour and weapon loadouts with Amiibo, you still have to go back to the lobby to do so. It’s another one of those simple game design changes that players have been clamouring for since the original’s release that have gone unaddressed. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but one of the signs that Nintendo is still unsure of how to approach online even fifteen years since Xbox Live was launched.

Splatoon 2 defaults to motion controls, which feel better than using the Wii U’s Gamepad, and I was grateful that you now have the option of playing with a variety of controller types. You can also specify different sensitivity for playing in handheld, tabletop and docked modes, which is extremely welcome. This means that in handheld mode you can have higher sensitivity, so you don’t have to tilt the screen out of comfortable viewing angles.

The music and soundtrack of Splatoon 2 is also excellent, with a range of energetic tunes that cover more genres than the original’s. You can play a music rhythm music game or just listen to tracks from the game, which really should be its own standalone game.

Resolution has been increased compared to the original too. Splatoon 2 features a dynamic resolution mode that prioritises maintaining 60FPS but can go all the way up to 1080p. There’s more detail in textures, and various effects have been improved. Ink has a slick new look, with upgraded lighting and even specks of metallic highlights.

Splatoon 2 takes advantage of the Switch’s unique features, such as local wifi play. There’s also LAN play with adapters, and online solo and team play. Voice chat makes its debut on the Switch with Splatoon 2, but it’s implemented in the worst possible fashion. It forces you to use a smartphone app for voice chat, with game audio still coming from the Switch itself. You must invite people in game to join you in app, where you can then try and join up in game again. It’s a mess, and frankly I’m hoping for a complete refresh of this functionality in the future.

A bright, fast-paced, gorgeous game, Splatoon 2 is sure to be on high rotation on player’s Switches for months or years to come. It takes the original game, polishes it and adds just enough new features to make this a must-own game. It falls short in almost anything to do outside matchmaking (which has been almost completely rock-solid), but remains different enough to make a distinctive mark in a world filled with very high quality competitors.

It’s a standout title, that works just as well on the large TV as in the palm of your hand. The pitch sounds so simple – “take Splatoon, make it prettier, slap together a new single player and make it portable” but that is utterly compelling in a way that all the best Switch games are. It’s a must-buy for Switch owners, even those who usually shy away from competitive online games. Nintendo have proven that this is a franchise that deserves to stay, grow and splat its way to victory.

The post Splatoon 2 (Switch) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

When civil war threatens to bring destruction to the realm, long-lost childhood friends with secret pasts must gather forces, reunite, and bring peace to the continent when Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia launches on Nintendo 3DS on the 20th of May 2017. Remade, remastered, and releasing outside of Japan for the first time, this reimagining of Fire Emblem Gaiden provides Australian and New Zealand players with a brand new Fire Emblem adventure with a revered past.

This game is the latest in the long-running and growing strategy RPG series, and comes hot on the heels of the recently released free-to-start title Fire Emblem Heroes on smart devices. Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia will see players take control of the two separate armies of Alm and Celica as their differing quests attempt to achieve the unified goal of bringing peace to the land of Valentia. Battles in the Fire Emblem series see players take their small force of recruited soldiers against increasingly powerful armies in turn-based battles that require careful tactical planning, as mistakes or failed attacks will see units become exposed and vulnerable to enemy attack.

Should a unit be cut down in the midst of battle in Fire Emblem’s traditional Classic Mode, they’ll either become too injured to ever return to the battlefield, or will be fatally wounded. In Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, players can use Mila’s Turnwheel to rewind the player’s last few turns, giving them a chance to reverse tactical errors and reconsider their next strategic move. Should players not wish defeat to be permanent, they can play through the game in Casual Mode, which allows fallen allies to be revived after each battle, letting players progress through the story more comfortably.

Players will also be able to enjoy expanded story content to propel them further into the intertwining adventures of Alm and Celica, including new recruitable heroes, new villains to defeat, and a new prologue that explores the previously hidden history of Alm and Celica. For the first time in the Fire Emblem series, all character dialogue for main story scenes is fully voiced in English, while beautifully animated cutscenes from movie animators Studio Khara will allow budding tacticians to soak in the story as never before.

In another first for the Fire Emblem series Alm and Celica can freely explore caves and dungeons in three dimensions, allowing them to see enemies before battle: players can gain a vital advantage by attacking enemies in these areas, causing them to begin the conflict with reduced health. Inside each dungeon is a Mila’s Statue, which can be used to promote characters and change their class, while some contain Sacred Springs, which can grant heroes with permanent stat increases.

When it launches on the 20th of May, Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia will be available as a solus game and special Limited Edition, featuring the packaged game with reversible titlesheet, an artbook, metal pixel pin badges of Alm, Celica, and Marth and the Sound Selection CD. The Limited Edition will launch exclusively via EB Games Australia and New Zealand for SRP AU$99.95. Also launching on the the same day are the Alm and Celica amiibo figures. When used, these amiibo will each activate their own exclusive dungeon, allowing heroes to earn items and level up their armies further by defeating bosses.

By selecting Mila’s Turnwheel from the menu on the overworld map, players will also be able to activate their Alm and Celica amiibo to use in battle. During combat, players can sacrifice a portion of Alm or Celica’s health in order to summon a computer-controlled Illusory Hero, which will act as a temporary ally for a single turn. As Alm and Celica get stronger, their stats can be saved to their respective amiibo, allowing their Phantom Helper to grow in strength alongside them.

In addition, amiibo of Marth, Roy, Ike, Robin, Lucina, and even the upcoming Corrin amiibo can be used to summon an Illusory Hero of that character, allowing players to seek assistance from spectral visages. All other currently available amiibo are also compatible, and will summon an additional monster to the battleground to assist players on the battlefield, proving some much needed help in case of a strategic emergency.

The fate of a continent is in your hands when Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia releases!

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The post THE FATE OF A CONTINENT IS IN YOUR HANDS… appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today’s launch of the Nintendo Switch video game console means that home console-quality gaming is no longer tethered exclusively to the living room TV. Nintendo Switch lets players enjoy their favourite games anytime, anywhere and with anyone. It comes in two colour options: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con controller.

Nintendo Switch connects to a TV at home and can instantly transform into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch high-definition screen. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on their social media pages. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can approximate the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. Both Joy-Con include motion controls and an advanced HD rumble feature. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, sold separately, includes all the same features (minus the IR Motion Camera) and comes in a more traditional form factor.

Today also marks the launch of the first epic Nintendo Switch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which breaks new boundaries while honouring the origins of the acclaimed series. The game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U. New compatible amiibo launching today for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild include Link (Rider), Link (Archer), Zelda, and a Bokoblin amiibo. A massive new Guardian amiibo is also available today.

Also launching today is the head-to-head party game 1-2-Switch. From Wild West gunslinging to safecracking to competitive cow-milking, the 28 games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Joy-Con features, such as motion controls, HD rumble and the IR Motion Camera. In a video game twist, the game asks players to look at each other instead of at the TV, creating a fun atmosphere that will liven up any party.

But today is just the start. A steady supply of games will arrive for Nintendo Switch throughout the rest of the year. Other first-party Nintendo Switch games on the horizon include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (28th April 2017), ARMS (autumn), Splatoon 2 (winter), Fire Emblem Warriors (spring), Super Mario Odyssey (the 2017 holiday season) and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017).

Nintendo eShop, Nintendo’s online storefront for downloadable games, will also be available from launch day. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2-Switch are available for purchase and download today.

Also available on Nintendo eShop today is Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!, exclusive to Nintendo eShop. Two players cut their paper characters into new shapes to solve dynamic puzzles in a wonderfully creative and imaginative world. Nintendo eShop also provides access to a constantly updated library of great games from independent developers and publishers. Some of the games available for purchase today include FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia, and both Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games.

Nintendo Switch is supported by world-class third-party publishers, including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Third-party launch titles include Skylanders Imaginators, Just Dance 2017 and Super Bomberman R, plus players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter, with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers releasing on May 26th, 2017. Nintendo Switch software is not region locked.

Nintendo Switch comes packaged with the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), a HDMI cable and an AC adapter.

The post Nintendo Switch is Here! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Nintendo had their usual Treehouse setup at E3 2016 and their prize gem, Zelda at the top of their showcase.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild represents the next great boundary breaking adventure from Nintendo. The game marks a new pinnacle for the franchise, and today Nintendo gave the world its first look at the immense, living and breathing world of the Wii U version of the game at the E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles. The game challenges and surprises players at every turn, while giving them incredible freedom to explore the massive world found in this open-air adventure.

Nintendo gave fans just a taste of how The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes the franchise to new heights. As E3 attendees investigate Hyrule, they can explore the game any way they want because the world is so vast and players are not required to take a pre-determined path. This sense of freedom and vastness will truly come alive in the final game when the experience isn’t limited by the restrictions of a show floor demo. During a Nintendo Treehouse: Live demo, Nintendo showed that heroic Link needs to be resourceful as he explores his environment. It’s important for players to become familiar with their surroundings so they can find weapons or collect them from defeated enemies.

Food helps Link sustain his hearts and can give him a temporary boost or ability that will sustain him. The game breaks with some conventions from the series. For example, many of the minor enemies are no longer scattered randomly around the world, as many now live together in colonies. Link can climb towers and massive structures to get a bearing on his surroundings. He can even reach the top of mountains – any mountain he can see, he can climb. He can paraglide to lower areas or even use his shield to slide down a mountain. Link will travel across fields, through forests and to mountain peaks. The game’s wild world surrounds Link, and he must pay attention to changes in climate, as a shift in weather or temperature can affect the environment and his ability to survive in it.

A sudden downpour might douse a roaring campfire or a lightning storm might be attracted to Link’s metallic weapons. Players might need to bundle up with warmer clothes or change into something better suited to the desert heat.

More than 100 Shrines of Trials dot the landscape, waiting for players to discover and explore them in any order they want. As players work their way through the traps and puzzles inside, they’ll earn special items and other rewards that will help them on their adventure. Puzzles in the game often have multiple answers, and secrets can be found everywhere. Exploration and discovery are a huge part of the fun. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is scheduled to launch simultaneously for both the Wii U console and Nintendo’s next system, code-named NX, in 2017.

The game also includes compatibility with amiibo, which are sold separately. Nintendo announced a new series of amiibo figures specific to the game that includes Link with a bow (“Archer”), Link on horseback (“Rider”), and a “Guardian” that is the first amiibo with flexible parts. The existing Wolf Link amiibo works with the game as well: when players tap a Wolf Link amiibo to the Wii U GamePad controller, Wolf Link will attack enemies on his own and help players to hunt.He has three hearts, unless players carry over save data from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. Wolf Link disappears when his hearts run out.

While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is clearly the star of Nintendo’s presence at E3, Nintendo Treehouse: Live also gave Pokémon fans something to go wild about this morning: the world premiere of live gameplay from Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, the seventh, and newest, era of the core Pokémon series. The games, made for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, include new Pokémon, a new Pokédex, a new region and a new battle format to enhance the Pokémon experience in almost every way.

In the Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon games, players embark on a new adventure as a Pokémon Trainer. They catch, battle and trade new Pokémon characters on the tropical islands of the Alola Region, which is comprised of four islands rich in natural beauty and an artificial island. Players can choose from one of three new Partner Pokémon (Rowlet, Litten and Popplio) and discover the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon (Solgaleo and Lunala) Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 18th, 2016.

Previously announced Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, including Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE (launching on June 25th, 2016), Monster Hunter Generations from Capcom (launching on July 16th, 2016), Paper Mario: Color Splash (launching on October 8th, 2016) and Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (2016) also made a feature and were playable. Additionally, a first look at a new Mario Party game for Nintendo 3DS that includes additions and changes to make it much more fast-paced and portable-friendly, is also viewable. Players no longer have to wait for their turn, as everyone moves at once. Mario Party Star Rush launches in Australia and New Zealand on October 8th, 2016. Also on October 8th, 2016, Nintendo will launch new amiibo in the Super Mario series.

The collection will feature the debut of amiibo figures for Daisy, Waluigi and Boo – and the Boo amiibo figure glows in the dark! The collection also introduces new poses for Wario, Rosalina, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Launching first on October 8th, 2016 in Australia and New Zealand will be Boo, Donkey Kong, Rosalina and Wario, followed by Waluigi, Diddy Kong and Daisy on November 5th, 2016. As a special treat for fans, Nintendo eShop is offering discounts of up to 50% for some of its most popular games until June 23rd, 2016. Discounts have been applied to dozens of games, including multiple games in The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon series, as well as a number of Virtual Console games. In addition, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U is 35% off on Nintendo eShop until June 21st, 2016, and users with a Nintendo Account who have subscribed to Nintendo’s promotional emails at the moment of purchase can get an additional 10% “Just for You” discount on the reduced price, for a 41% discount in total.

So now’s a good time to get those Nintendo games you have been putting off.

The post Nintendo @ E3 2016 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Planet Popstar is being invaded by the Haltmann Works Company and its robotic army, and only Kirby can put a stop to their machinations in Kirby: Planet Robobot, releasing exclusively for  Nintendo’s 3Ds / 2DS console in Australia and New Zealand on June 11th, 2016. Enemies better beware, as not only has Kirby got a range of both new and returning Copy Abilities, but the Robobot Armour that Kirby can pilot can make use of Scan Specs too!

In Kirby’s latest platforming adventure, Kirby can now explore Planet Popstar in brand new ways, as he can move scenery, access new areas, and uncover secrets by using the Robobot Armour’s handy Wrench. That’s not all it can do either, as by scanning enemies, it can unleash more powerful versions of some of Kirby’s well-known Copy Abilities, some of which change the platforming action in brand new ways. By analysing an enemy with the “Jet” Scan Spec, Kirby’s Robobot Armour will engage Jet Mode, causing it to fly across the screen in shoot-‘em-up style, while the “Wheel” Scan Spec activates Wheel Mode, turning Kirby’s Robobot Armour into a car that races between the foreground and background.

Kirby himself also has a few new Copy Abilities which bear more than a passing resemblance to his competitors in the Super Smash Bros. series. Swallowing certain enemies will allow Kirby to unleash the power of his mind with the “ESP” ability, or throw pills and attack with a clipboard as “Doctor” Kirby. By scanning in the Kirby amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Collection* our pink hero can also become “Smash Bros.” Kirby for the first time since Kirby and the Amazing Mirror. With this newly updated Copy Ability, Kirby can unleash the powers that make him such a formidable fighter, like the Hammer Swing, Final Cutter, and the Stone attack, as well as the ability to shield from enemy attacks..

Other Copy Abilities can also be awarded via any currently available amiibo, often bestowing Kirby with an ability based on the character that was tapped. Become “Fire” Kirby with any Mario amiibo, let loose with the Parasol by scanning Princess Peach, send Sparks flying with Robin, or show off your swordplay with one of the other Fire Emblem character amiibo.

Releasing alongside Kirby: Planet Robobot will be the Kirby Collection amiibo, consisting of Kirby, King Dedede, Waddle Dee and the mysterious Meta Knight. Tapping the latter three amiibo will grant Kirby a unique ability and a change of costume based on the character scanned, while the new Kirby amiibo will give our hero the UFO ability, allowing him to float in the air indefinitely and unleash powerful Heat Beams on unsuspecting foes. Fans eager to get their hands on this ability can also choose the Kirby: Planet Robobot – amiibo Bundle, which includes a copy of the game and a Kirby Collection amiibo of Kirby.

The Kirby Collection amiibo will also give Kirby a collectible sticker that can be used to customise the Robobot Armour. Additional stickers can be found by exploring each stage, or received via StreetPass from other players with a copy of the game By searching each level, Kirby can also find hidden Code Cubes, which will unlock additional stages after a certain amount are collected in each area.

But there is more! One new mode is Kirby 3D Rumble, a single-player isometric action-puzzler which tasks our hero with sucking up objects or enemies and eliminating all foes in as few moves as possible. By sucking up multiple enemies at once, Kirby can then unleash a powerful Star Bullet that will plough through any remaining foes caught in its blast and maximise his score.

Another new mode comes in the form of Team Kirby Clash, an action game with RPG elements which allows players to play with CPU-controlled team-mates, or join up with up to three other players via local multiplayer or Download Play** to take down a more powerful enemy as soon as possible. Kirby can choose between four classes based off of traditional RPGs, like the Sword Hero, Hammer Lord, Doctor Healmore, and the Beam Mage. After each battle, each Kirby will gain experience and has the potential to level up, improving stats that will aid in subsequent battles. During battles, enemies also have the chance to drop four pieces of a magical tablet, which when gathered together will allow players to unleash special co-operative attacks.

It’s the rise of the Robobots when Kirby: Planet Robobot unleashes robotic fury. The game will also launch as an amiibo Bundle on the same date alongside the Kirby Collection amiibo.

The post SAVE PLANET POPSTAR FROM A ROBOTIC ARMY IN KIRBY: PLANET ROBOBOT! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Activision Publishing continues to blaze the toys-to-life trail with Skylanders franchise firsts, racing and online multiplayer gameplay on console in Skylanders SuperChargers, developed by Vicarious Visions.

Whether fans prefer co-operative play in Adventure Mode or competitive multiplayer with up to four players in Racing Mode, Skylanders SuperChargers’ online gaming is fueled with adrenaline-pumping action right out of the box.

Skylanders’ all-new Racing Mode, playable in Land, Sea and Sky environments, features supercharged racing combat, layering in even more depth and excitement to the game’s online multiplayer component.

The high-octane mode is further amplified with all-new time trials, which include three-lap races that take friendly competition up a notch as players battle for the best time score on the leaderboard.  All Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Packs will come loaded with six dynamic race tracks – two each for Land, Sea and Sky.

With hidden routes, power-ups, and diverse locations, Racing Mode offers completely new ways to enjoy the game. Whether played in offline split-screen or online multiplayer, gamers can choose the best route to finish a race, trying to avoid attacks along the way as they navigate through dynamic environments. Voice-chat is available with friends for an added layer of excitement.

“Skylanders fans told us they wanted to go head-to-head in online multiplayer with their friends and family, and we delivered. Skylanders SuperChargers enables gamers to race against friends all over the world and brings an exciting new expansion to the Skylanders gameplay experience,” said John Coyne, senior vice president of consumer marketing, Activision Publishing, Inc.  “We continue to be firmly committed to driving Skylanders’ spirit for providing originality, innovation, creativity and fun with each game.”

Skylanders SuperChargers continues to rev its engine with the addition of Skylanders SuperChargers Racing Action Packs at launch and beyond.

These optional expansion packs, one each for Land, Sea and Sky, unlock even more thrilling racing content for Portal Masters. Each pack comes loaded with three special toys, including a SuperCharger, its signature vehicle and a villain trophy. The villain trophy unlocks two new tracks and new modes, including SuperVillain Cup, Boss Pursuit and Mirror Cup.

There are 12 boss villains across all three packs, with four in each pack, which players can defeat and play as. Fans can then store these boss villains on their villain trophy toy to play at a friend’s house.

Fans can augment their SuperCharger experience with a complementary, dedicated racing combat game; Skylanders SuperChargers Racing — for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. All-new tracks, augmented with power-ups, boosts, hazards and more, offer up to 50 different and exciting gameplay experiences.

On Nintendo 3DS, gamers can go head-to-head with competitive multiplayer via local play or online with up to four players. Iconic Nintendo character Bowser and his Sky vehicle, Clown Cruiser are available in the Skylanders SuperChargers Racing Starter Packs for Wii and Nintendo 3DS and can also be played on the Wii U.

The Supercharged character not only works in Skylanders SuperChargers Racing, but also as amiibo in compatible Nintendo games, so players can store their saved data in both modes with a simple twist of the figure’s base.

The post Skylanders Charges into Gamescom 2015 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

From the 3rd of October 2015, Animal Crossing fans with a penchant for interior or exterior design can go all out with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer for the Nintendo 3DS / 2DS.

Join the Nook’s Homes family business and make hundreds of your favourite animals happy by designing their dream home – some might even ask you to spruce up their garden! Go beyond home decor and try your hand at bigger projects like a school or a café and assign unexpected roles to some of your favourite animal friends.

At launch, a limited number of copies of the game sold in stores will come with one special amiibo card that allows the player to call up the card’s character and let their imagination run wild designing a house for them.

What kind of home would you build for Tom Nook or Isabelle? Additional amiibo cards will be sold separately in packs of three. Out of these three, one card will always be a special amiibo card, meaning it features a character whose house you won’t be able to build without using its amiibo card. Each card can be used across multiple copies of the game, so they’re perfect for collecting and trading with friends.

Owners of New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo 3DS XL systems can tap the amiibo card to the NFC area on the bottom screen, while owners of original Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL or Nintendo 2DS systems can purchase the NFC Reader/Writer accessory to enjoy amiibo functionality in compatible software.

Also coming later in Q4 2015 in Australia and New Zealand is the New Nintendo 3DS + Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer Pack: a white New Nintendo 3DS system with a pre-installed digital copy of Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, a unique set of Cover Plates and one special amiibo card.

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To celebrate the launch of Super Mario Maker for Wii U on the 12th of September, 2015, Nintendo Australia is launching all-new hardware and software bundles to give existing fans and new players alike a variety of options to enjoy the unique flagship Wii U title for this year.

The next evolution of the Super Mario Bros. series, Super Mario Maker for Wii U lets you not only play but also create and share brand new courses. The game wowed the crowds at the annual E3 expo in June and is set to unleash the creativity of generations of Mario fans as it launches just in time for the 30th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game.

Super Mario fans can keep their eye out for  the Super Mario Maker Wii U Premium Pack which is a black Wii U Premium console with a physical copy of Super Mario Maker, a Hardcover Artbook and a Classic Colours Mario amiibo from the Mario 30th Anniversary Collection.

Aswell as the Premium Pack there is also, alternatively the Limited Edition Pack which contains a physical copy of Super Mario Maker, a Hardcover Artbook and a Classic Colours Mario amiibo from the Mario 30th Anniversary Collection or there’s the Standard Edition with a physical copy of Super Mario Maker and a Hardcover Artbook.

The Classic Colours Mario amiibo from the Mario 30th Anniversary Collection will also be available on its own from the 12th of September, while the Modern Colours variant will be available from the 24th of October, 2015.

In addition, those who preorder the Super Mario Maker Limited or Standard Edition Packs from EB Games will receive a bonus Super Mario Maker Magnet Pack.

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This year Mario reaches an impressive milestone in video gaming: 30 years as a leading man in Nintendo’s timeless Super Mario Bros. series.

At E3 2015, Nintendo celebrates Mario’s longevity with a new instalment in the series called Super Mario Maker, one of many games at the show that transforms familiar characters and their games with unique new looks, styles and gameplay features.

Players will see new instalments of beloved series like Star Fox, Yoshi, Animal Crossing, Mario & Luigi, Xenoblade and Metroid, and enjoy the reimagining of Bowser and Donkey Kong as Skylanders figures that also have amiibo functionality with compatible Nintendo games.

During the Nintendo Digital Event video on the opening day of E3 2015 in Los Angeles, Nintendo announced games launching in the near future, with a focus on what fans can enjoy in the second half of 2015 and early 2016.

Here’s a round-up of some of the news and games Nintendo showed at E3 2015:

Wii U

Super Mario Maker: The next evolution of the Super Mario Bros. series lets people’s imaginations run wild. For the first time ever, friends can have fun playing through levels they create for one another. The Wii U GamePad controller makes it so easy for anyone to create Levels; it may feel like simply sketching out ideas on paper.

Players can enjoy a seemingly endless supply of inventive Mario Levels from players around the world. The game includes a Hardcover Artbook totaling about 100 pages that illustrates the boundless possibilities in Super Mario Maker. Nintendo will also release two special Mario amiibo figures, one of which will be part of a limited edition software bundle, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game.

Tapping these amiibo in Super Mario Maker adds a Big Mushroom power-up to your course, allowing Mario to grow big, bust blocks from any direction, as well as adding a retro visual filter to the game, reminiscent of older cathode ray tube televisions.

In addition, many other amiibo will also be compatible with Super Mario Maker through the use of a new item called the Mystery Mushroom. This item allows Mario to take the appearance of many other characters, such as Link, Kirby, or Wii Fit Trainer, complete with character-specific animations and sound effects. These character costumes can be unlocked by completing the 100 Mario Challenge mode and many can also be unlocked if the player taps the amiibo of the character to the Wii U GamePad.

To coincide with the Super Mario Bros. anniversary, the Super Mario Maker game, which includes the Hardcover Artbook, will launch on 12th of September, 2015. On the same day Nintendo will also release a limited edition Super Mario Maker bundle that includes the game, Hardcover Artbook, as well as a Mario (Classic Colours) amiibo from the Mario 30th Anniversary Collection.

Both amiibo from the Mario 30th Anniversary Collection will also launch as standalone amiibo during summer 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.

LetsSuperMario.com website: To continue the celebration of Super Mario’s 30th anniversary, fans around the world are encouraged to create personal “Let’s Super Mario” video tributes that showcase their love for the legendary series.

The videos can be submitted to a dedicated website which can be found HERE.

Whether it’s through song, dance or reliving favourite moments, Nintendo will honour Super Mario by showcasing the creativity of our fans. In the spirit of Nintendo’s mission of putting smiles on the faces of everyone that experiences our products, Nintendo’s share of any ad revenue generated from the Let’s Super Mario 30th Anniversary videos will go towards a donation Nintendo is making to Operation Smile, a global surgical charity dedicated to healing the smiles of children around the world suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate.

Star Fox Zero: Fox, Falco, Peppy and Slippy are back in a new adventure. Players pilot an Arwing in the traditional style of TV gameplay and, in a new twist, players can use the cockpit view on the GamePad to aim and shoot enemies using the gyro controls.

Having two unique viewpoints offers distinct gaming advantages and frees up the TV for more cinematic moments in the title’s brand-new all range mode. Scheduled to launch in Q4 2015, Star Fox Zero includes a new Walker transformation for the Arwing, a new Gyrowing vehicle and the return of the Landmaster Tank.

Skylanders SuperChargers from Activision: Both Donkey Kong and Bowser guest star in the next Skylanders game, complete with their own vehicles and move sets that celebrate the lore and legacy of their 30+ years in the video game universe.

As an added bonus, the Turbo Charge Donkey Kong and Hammer Slam Bowser Skylanders SuperCharger characters also work as amiibo in compatible Nintendo games, so players can store their save data in both modes with a simple twist of the figure’s base. The game is anticipated to launch on the 24th of September, 2015.

Just Dance 2016 from Ubisoft: Just Dance 2016 is the latest instalment in the best-selling music game franchise of all time. Launching on both Wii and Wii U, the game features tracks from artists like Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor and Lady Gaga. This year, the free Just Dance Controller app enables Wii U players to use their smartphones to play.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Amidst an intergalactic war between aliens and human survivors, players fight for survival while exploring the massive expanses of an unknown planet.

Weaponised mechs called “Skells” let players access every location they see. Players also can customise a lethal skill set of combat and defensive skills, called Arts, to strengthen their strategies and defeat enemies efficiently.

The game launches in December 2015.

Animal Crossing – amiibo Festival: Animal Crossing amiibo figures and cards get their own party game. Players are challenged to collect the most Happy Points by the end of a dynamic board game.

The board layout can remain the same, but the spaces and even the environment change, depending on which month players choose for their game. As in otherAnimal Crossing games, players can buy turnips and use strategy to decide when to sell them for big money. Scheduled to launch in Q4 2015, Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival will release as a bundle that includes the game, two amiibo figures and three amiibo cards.

Genei Ibun Roku #FE (name not final): Set in modern Tokyo, young people come together to weave an epic tale alongside heroes from an alternate world. This brand-new RPG, developed by ATLUS, is infused with elements of the popular Fire Emblem series. In the struggle between the worlds of glamour and darkness, these young heroes rise to face the challenge.

The game is scheduled to launch in 2016.

Mario Tennis – Ultra Smash: Up to four players can compete in tennis matches that could only take place in the Mushroom Kingdom. With the addition of Jump Shots to hit high balls overhead, or Giant Mushrooms that when picked up make characters bigger, this Mario Tennis is reborn with features enabling players to aggressively go after higher balls.

The game is scheduled to launch in Q4 2015.

Yoshi’s Woolly World: Collect, cooperate and get crafty with Yoshi in a world made completely from yarn, felt and other fabrics and textiles. Pulling on strings in the game usually leads to discoveries, while new transformations include Moto Yoshi, Mole Yoshi and Sky Pop Yoshi.

The game’s simple platforming adventure challenges players to find hidden secrets. Tapping select amiibo characters to the GamePad creates new patterns for Yoshi, while new Yarn Yoshi amiibo let players control two Yoshis at the same time. This first-ever two-player co-op Yoshi game includes Mellow Mode, which gives Yoshi wings, and is perfect for players who just want to hunt for treasure, or newcomers who want to get the hang of the game.

The game launches on 25th of June, 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.

Nintendo 3DS

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: Three players take on the role of individual Link characters and team up to solve puzzles and battle bosses in dungeons.

The game features the same top-down view and visual style of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Players must work together, as the group shares all hearts. All three Links can stack on top of one another to create a Totem to reach new locations and solve puzzles or fight enemies. Different outfits offer unique abilities.

The game is scheduled to launch in Q4 2015.

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: The player transforms into one of 20 Pokémon as he or she sets out on an adventure in a world inhabited solely by the 720 discovered Pokémon, including Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.

This game boasts hours of replay-ability by randomly generating each dungeon, so players will never explore the same dungeon twice as they unravel this tale of adventure and mystery.

The game is scheduled to launch in early 2016.

Animal Crossing – Happy Home Designer: One of the favourite activities in the Animal Crossing series now gets a full game. With more options than ever, players design interiors and exteriors of homes for hundreds of animal characters, and can even design a garden.

They can choose where to place the home, and then pick out a house style and colours for the roof, door and fence before getting to work on the interior. Tapping compatible amiibo character cards brings favourite Animal Crossing characters with their separate personalities and design requests into the game, which launches with a complimentary amiibo card on the 3rd of October 2015.

A bundle will launch the same day and include the game, one amiibo card and the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer accessory.

YO-KAI WATCH: This game sold millions and became a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Now players in Australia and New Zealand get to experience the fun of hundreds of sometimes cute, sometimes spooky, and usually mischievous Yo-kai that inhabit our world. Players explore using their Yo-kai Watch to find Yo-kai, then befriend them and turn them into a team to battle other Yo-kai.

The game is scheduled to launch in 2016.

Fire Emblem Fates: Two versions of the franchise’s new instalment offer players an unprecedented choice: fight an opposing force or join the other side and try to make changes from within.

For the first time in the series, players take on the role of the main character and command an army, while struggling to decide which path to follow: helping blood relatives or the family that raised him or her.

The game is scheduled to launch in 2016.

Mario & Luigi – Paper Jam Bros.: Paper Mario jumps out of the book and into the bizarre adventures of Mario & Luigi, resulting in hilarious and dangerous hijinks. Become the superstar team of Mario, Luigi and Paper Mario to take on quests, take down enemies and untangle these two unique universes in this playful new entry in the Mario & Luigi series.

The game is scheduled to launch in autumn 2016 in Australia and New Zealand.

Hyrule Warriors – Legends: The Wii U version of Hyrule Warriors comes to the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. In the portable version, experience new story elements and playable characters inspired by The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

New features allow players to enhance their tactics and switch between different characters on the fly as they explore and battle in Hyrule’s most famous locales.

The game is scheduled to launch in Q1 2016.

Metroid Prime – Federation Force: Up to four players can connect online or locally to take on co-op missions in this first-person sci-fi adventure set in the Metroid Prime universe. Players don a mech suit and work together as a team to clear out enemy-infested bases and complete objective-based missions.

After completing the missions, up to six players can compete in Metroid Prime: Blast Ball, a three-on-three game that requires players to shoot a ball into their opponents’ goal.

The game is scheduled to launch in 2016.

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