Grazza

Hmm, a very interesting point. Has anyone noticed how many series are seeming at home on the 3DS now we have a handheld roughly as good as the GameCube? There's this and Animal Crossing, just to name two. Can't wait for this, by the way. A must-buy!

Regarding all this "adult" content, wouldn't it be easier to leave it out of their press conferences and Nintendo TV episodes? I'm all for people being able to play what they like (which they're not anyway - try putting sexual content on there!), but it just seems wrong to me to sit down for Nintendo's E3 conference, get an "18+" notice and see ridiculous amounts of blood in a Ninja Gaiden trailer. Just a thought.

The problem is, could you really call the early sections of Twilight Princess "gameplay"? Everyone agrees (presumably) that Link to the Past and Link's Awakening have great pacing. They give you a sword or shield immediately and from then on, every moment is gameplay - not just the first dungeon/castle (or wherever you have to go), but the journey there. In those 2D games, every button press made something happen. With the 3D games though, so much time is spent on tutorials and story set-up (I don't actually have a problem with help/hints), that newcomers could be forgiven for thinking Zelda gameplay = walking round a town, talking to people and pressing the "A" button. In fact, you could even argue their lack of immediacy is less good for casual players, as they don't see the results of their actions or any real "gameplay". I genuinely knew people who saw Twilight Princess as a story to play through, breaking it up by certain scenes (which they were stuck on) like the fishing or visits to the castle rather than the dungeons/overworld. Zelda games have always had a story - in fact, I'd argue, LttP and LA are better than the NES games partly because they have more story - but now, especially with TP and Skyward Sword, it's actually like you're playing through a story scene-by-scene. To me, that's too much.

Oh dear, have I made a "Super Metroid is a man" type mistake? I just assumed it would be Hattie Hayridge as I forgot that Norman Lovett came back.

Pacing... @Hero\-of\-Time are both right, it's just that I don't think it has an enormous effect upon whether or not any given Zelda is a true great (see my "league table"!) Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker are not exactly Link to the Past or Link's Awakening in how they start, yet are still as great, in my opinion. On the other hand, the tutorials/beginnings have been too much since Twilight Princess, and I think that did lessen the games. Voice-acting... Have you ever played an RPG where the NPCs repeat the same phrase (or a series of phrases) every time you speak to them? It breaks the immersion, even if it's done well. There's just something about hearing (as opposed to reading) repetitive phrases (no jokes about my posts on here please!) that makes it more jarring. I have only seen voice-acting done well once and that was Dragon Quest VIII. Even then, it was a highly-talented British team (including an actor from Alan Partridge!), whereas the Japanese release didn't have voice-acting at all. The point here is that it would be extremely difficult for Nintendo of Japan to set the voice-acting in the right tone, then repeat that properly for every accent in the world. At the very least you'd have to have European and American, otherwise Americans would think they were in Britain rather than Hyrule (so would I, frankly). In short: good voice-acting would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Art style... What bothers me about art styles is the feeling they are experimenting just for the sake of experimenting. For example, Wind Waker and Twilight Princess both felt like they were trying to provide better graphics, just that one was cartoony and one was realistic. Skyward Sword didn't feel like they were trying to be better, just different. More than that, it felt like they were too scared to pick a side and decided to occupy the middle ground. Now we have a culture where people want a different art style every game, with some suggesting the "Kirby's Epic Yarn" look for Zelda. I'm sorry, but no!! On the positive side, the E3 2011 Zelda demo was exactly right (someone clearly knows what they are doing), and I still think they could take the Wind Waker look even further and make it even more gorgeous and cartoony. Watch as Nintendo does neither! Anyway, it's time for... The Grand Zelda League Table League 1 Wind Waker Ocarina of Time Majora's Mask Link to the Past Link's Awakening These are all outstanding and I'm happy for them to define Zelda, whether 2D or 3D. Some have better pacing than others, but none of them has "problem" pacing. League 2 Twilight Princess Minish Cap Phantom Hourglass Spirit Tracks The games in this league are very good, it's just that there are aspects that feel a little bit "off". League 3 Skyward Sword Legend of Zelda Zelda II ...These are the "bad" or "outdated" games. Whilst I can understand that about the NES games, it is indeed disconcerting that the latest title falls into this category. What they all have in common is that they are more of a pain to play than a pleasure. I'm not going to say the motion control doesn't matter, because it does. The thought of clashing my sword against all those Moblin/Lizalfos shields makes me think "forget it". But there were also a lot of problems not associated with the motion control. I won't make a long list for now, but I'll just say this: Next time, I hope the designers think long and hard about what would create compelling atmospheres and a feeling of "magic". Every game that focuses on controller gimmicks (or even just "features", if you prefer) is a missed opportunity for another game that truly draws you into its world and is cherished for years.

OK, I'm glad to be wrong. I'm watching in SD, so hopefull I'll notice the improvements when I see it in HD. Anyway, I loved episode 2! Unlike most people here I really, really loved the "Are Chinese Whispers racist?" joke. I thought it was a beautiful bit of humour; so poetic. Lister calling himself a bum was also brilliant - so much truth and pathos to it. Like some others, I half expected the whole "Pree" thing to be a ruse, but no. Also, I agree that Lister saying something like "I'm doing what you two should have done all along", rebooting Holly and her saying "Hello Dave" would have got a big cheer.

Well, I'm not sure I'm getting one, but this is what I'm thinking at the moment: 1. If I buy a Wii U, it'll be because that'll be the only way to play Zelda. Metroid would provide a secondary reason; 3D Mario, not so much. But I do like Nintendo games in general, so the short answer is "Nintendo exclusives". 2. It's different from SNES, N64 and GameCube (plus Game Boy, DS and 3DS) because they definitely had games I really wanted - and if they weren't available at launch, there was plenty of solid evidence they were on their way and what they'd be like (eg. early footage of Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker...) It is similar to the Wii (with the exception of Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3), in that I had to buy it on faith and, with hindsight, I could have done without it. With the Wii U, I'll have to see what happens. If Zelda uses motion control and is like Skyward Sword, I'm not interested. 3. Attachment rate would probably be pretty high. I buy a lot of games for any console, just to try out the "gems". 4. I don't plan on getting an Xbox 3 or PS4. It would entirely depend on what software there was. Unfortunately, Japanese games haven't been at their best this generation (look at how the PS2 had ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, yet the 3rd game still isn't here). If Level-5 made a single-player Dragon Quest for any of the three consoles, I couldn't buy one quick enough.

With Mario the priority is to set it at 60fps, so 1080p in addition to that would be surprising.

Typically good Merlin last night. The sets and scenery are probably more spectacular than ever! Although only the 1st part of a 2-parter, it never lacked narrative drive.

To me, it hasn't felt right since they changed to film and made it more cinematic. Personally, I wish they would look into high-framerate video, but that's just me. Anyway, I've watched Episode 1 and... I loved it! Lister's determination to get the Stirmaster and the line about how they just hosed Kryten down (beautifully delivered by Chris Barrie) were my highlights. Generally, it just gave me such a good feeling, like I was back in the '90s. I thought Red Dwarf got better and better up to and including Series 6 (still don't know how they intended to get out of that cliffhanger!) but then Rob Grant left and it was never the same. They changed to film, used a lot of CGI and it generally didn't feel like the same sitcom any more. Red Dwarf X though? Wow, I never thought it would be this good again. It's easily the best since Series 6, in my opinion. It's funny, it's imaginative sci-fi (but not necessarily "cinematic", in that it doesn't take itself too seriously), it has a studio audience... Bravo! It just goes to show you can get things right if you're careful enough and look at why it worked in the first place. If only they'd get Rob Grant back and, as I say, change to high-quality video, it'd be perfect, but they've done a darn good job nonetheless.

I've got a lot of sympathy with a teacher who genuinely falls in love with a pupil (say, a 15- or 16-year old). If someone destroys their career and invites a criminal record just for love, I think it's safe to assume they're head over heels. Unwise, yes, but passion is the opposite of rationality. Furthermore, a 15-year old could be more mature than a 19-year old in every possible way. "If there's grass on the pitch..." may be flippant, but it resonates for a reason. Paedophiles, on the other hand, are completely different. If someone deliberately seeks out children, just for their own gratification, without caring about their feelings, of course they're a paedophile; a molester. Do you know what I dislike just as much as paedophiles? The culture of cover-ups. The culture of people in high places pulling strings for their mates. If the Jimmy Savile case has confirmed one thing, it's not just that there are dirty old men, but also that the masses are never really told the truth about the world until it's far too late.

The only information I can find is that Denpa Men is directed by (former?) Dragon Quest programmer Manabu Yamana, who directed Dragon Quest VII. Whether he had any involvement in IX I can't find any evidence for. http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/07/genius_sonoritys_denpa_ningen_no_rpg_heading_to_the_west Genuinely didn't notice the Tingle similarity! But yeah, an army of Tingles.

Get stuck halfway down a zip slide? [spoiler=]http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/olympics/4466576/Olympics-2012-London-Mayor-Boris-Johnson-gets-stuck-on-zip-wire-over-Victoria-Park.html

Many of us are hoping (or perhaps it's just me!) that this is a spiritual sequel to Dragon Quest IX, albeit mixed with some odd character designs, admittedly. The dungeon style, at least, looks very reminiscent of DQIX's Grottoes. Either way, I'm getting it as soon as it's released, and I also believe Denpa Men 2 exists in Japan. (I want another Dragon Quest so much! )

Well, that wasn't bad at all! Paper Mario and Denpa Men are the two I'm definitely going to get. I'm also interested in Virtue's Last Reward and Devil Survivor - at the very least, it's encouraging that those two are being localised. Same goes for the "Guild" games, although I will have to learn more about those. I'd prefer Code of Princess and Etrian Odyssey IV to most of these games, but I suppose they'll be here when they're ready. Minor grumbles: 1) There was nothing at all about the Virtual Console, yet there are still a lot of VC games I would love to buy, personally, like Oracle of Ages/Seasons, Shantae, Dragon Warrior I-III, GBA games, SNES games... 2) This may be hard to understand but I'm finding the eShop too "3D". Most developers seem to be going for "poor 3D" when they could have "good 2D". Take Liberation Maiden, for instance. I had a look at it and it didn't seem too hot, whereas if it was a modern, luxurious, vertically-scrolling sprite game like Axelay or Twin Bee I'd probably have bought it already. When I heard about the eShop I imagined all sorts of 2D platformers along the lines of Zelda II or Wonder Boy (but modernised), but what we're getting is very primitive-seeming 3D games.

I have a theory that for each of Nintendo's famous, controversial innovations, there is a smaller, better one. Nintendo Direct is one of the latter. They know how much we like conferences, but also how frustrating the waits are. That's the good thing about Nintendo Direct - you find out about them a few days before they're on. It's great if you can watch them, but you're not too bothered if you can't. We keep hearing that E3 is not really for avid gamers any more (whether that's true I'm not sure), so Nintendo Direct is the chance to tell us things that we care about, but might seem small and insignificant to the wider press. Hopefully tonight won't prove me wrong!

This is the New Super Mario Bros series all over... its strength is its weakness! They are very good - excellent, even - but they are basically the same formula polished to perfection, which means they are good every time, but there's not much chance of any of them becoming a "classic". For example, I love New Super Mario Bros 2 on the 3DS, but it supersedes the original DS game so much I have no regrets that I no longer own that. Not really a problem, but it does make me not bothered if I miss out on some of them. Considering this is not making me want a Wii U (not at current prices, anyway) and the fact the game itself will probably never have a price cut, I can see myself sticking to the handheld iterations.

Hmm, no DLC for me. £2 per pack is not bad, but if there are eventually three sets at £6 each (and I've done my maths right), you'd end up paying £18 for the whole lot. What are the chances you'll really think it was worth paying £18 just to expand your game a bit? I'm sorry, I know it's optional, but I hope it's not a sign of the future. The only one I'm tempted by is the Gold Rush pack, but I'd be paying real money just to get virtual money. The more I think about it, the more I think the coin-collecting aspect of NSMB 2 is an enormous experiment in satire!

I see your point, but isn't it better to upscale at source? If I play my Virtual Console games in "Wii Mode", I suspect it will be up to the TV to upscale it (which it might not be good at), whereas the Wii U Virtual Console will (presumably) prepare everything for an HDTV natively. The fact that there is even a "Wii Mode" makes me think there will be at least something better about the files and emulators on the Wii U, even if they're the same games.

Just seen this news: http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/10/3ds_eshop_set_for_maintenance_in_europe_right_before_nintendo_direct So... 1) The eShop is receiving maintenance on the day of Nintendo Direct 2) It's on a Thursday - the day they release eShop titles Denpa Men incoming?!!

If it's just for Europe it'll probably be release dates for Paper Mario, Luigi's Mansion 2, Animal Crossing, Power of Illusion, Code of Princess and some of the eShop titles like Denpa Men and Unchained Blades. Even better, it could potentially be localisations for Japanese games like Etrian Odyssey and some of the Dragon Quest spin-offs. As much as I'd love Zelda, I think we'll have to wait for GDC.

Thanks for the suggestion, but it would be the 50hz PAL version (which I've had before) and I also want to leave the Wii Virtual Console behind now. I'm hoping when Link to the Past next becomes available, it will at least be the 60hz version (which I think would happen on the 3DS) or 60hz and HD, which might happen on the Wii U. I do want to build up a big SNES collection, but only on the 3DS or Wii U.

Hmm, I did have my doubts about Hotel Transylvania, but I appreciate you chaps alerting us to the game. Shame, because I really do like the genre. More Shantae and Metroid please!

I'm just going Zelda-crazy at the moment. Completed: Ocarina of Time 3D Legend of Zelda Zelda II Minish Cap Link's Awakening (review on Retro Board) I really want Link to the Past and the Oracle games! Will buy them immediately if they become available on the eShop!

It's 1993, I was a mid-teenager and eager to play the follow-up to probably the best game I had ever played - Zelda: A Link to the Past. Link's Awakening did not disappoint. Played on my original Game Boy (and later the Game Boy Pocket), it was like entering another world. Fast-forward to 1999. Link's Awakening DX arrived, which I did not buy as I still owned the original. Approximately half a decade later I borrowed my friend's Game Boy Advance SP and the game but, somehow, I wasn't enchanted. It's not that it had suddenly become bad; more that I wasn't in the mood. Furthermore, I did not think any of the new features enhanced the experience, even the colour. Not on the side-lit (stay with me on this...) GBA SP anyway which, unless I'm mistaken, was the last machine that could play the original cartridge. Fast-forward to 2012. I have played Ocarina of Time 3D, I have played all my Ambassador Zeldas and I'm trying to send Nintendo the message that I would like more! What better way to do that than to buy Link's Awakening DX from the eShop? The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Review (Sorry to be grandiose!) The first thing I noticed was the colour. It is absolutely stunning on the 3DS screen. The Game Boy Micro, DS Lite, DSi and 3DS have all had fantastic, back-lit screens, but this is the first time Link's Awakening has officially graced them. Furthermore, I have it on the 3DS XL, which is surely the best way Link's Awakening has ever been presented. Zelda IV (as it used to be known) starts just as well as Zelda III. It's not long before you've got a handful of items and are heading to the first dungeon. This one, like a few of the others, is appropriately short. Link's Awakening was made in the days when Zelda games were allowed to have short, introductory dungeons, as opposed to everything having to be long and epic! That's not to say it's easy, as the first boss is one of the biggest difficulty spikes (you only have three hearts, after all). Generally speaking, Link's Awakening is firmly "16-bit" in its attitude to difficulty - that is to say, there are moments where you meet stiff challenges, but it's never frustrating. Once you've worked out what to do, you're fine. The more I progressed through the game, the more I liked it. This was the Link's Awakening of my teenage years, just made more vivid. The overworld, dungeons and bosses are all perfect. Of particular note are the items and weapons. Not one of them feels superfluous, with the Hookshot and a particularly powerful version of the Boomerang being highlights. Not only that, but many of them can be upgraded, marked with an unpretentious "L-2" by their side. You might think someone had thought long and hard about how to make the perfect Zelda, but I rather suspect it was just sheer instinct. So what of the DX version, specifically? Well, I still think the extra content doesn't fit perfectly into the game. The Photographer is all very well, but sometimes the scenes he sets up are quite out-of-character, eg. Link being scared of Bow-Wow (after he's taken him for a long walk) or Richard sending you on an errand then catching you up momentarily just to pose for a photo! No, I rather suspect this was implemented just to support the Game Boy Printer - how unlike Nintendo! The other addition, the extra dungeon, also feels out of place, although the Legend of Zelda NES music is nice, and who's going to refuse a Blue Tunic? (I think the Red one probably makes you too powerful.) At the end of the day, these are bonuses that purists can feel free to ignore. The most important thing is that this is Zelda - real Zelda - and in my opinion, only the second truly good entry in the series. Link to the Past and Link's Awakening absolutely defined my idea of what Zelda should be... until 1998, of course, but even the mighty Ocarina of Time can't render those two games obsolete. Link's Awakening is rightly praised for its haunting story and, as the credits roll, it's hard to know which is sadder - that, or the fact that they really, really don't make 'em like this any more.