Nintendo unfolds a whimsical journey in the latest Paper Mario installment for the Nintendo Switch. The kingdom faces an origami threat, and it's up to Mario and his new partner, Olivia, to battle folded soldiers, repair the landscape, and rescue Princess Peach's castle from King Olly.
The game shines with its engaging storyline that's both unique and humorous. Olivia adds charm and wit, enhancing the narrative as paper and origami worlds collide in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Visually, the beautiful graphics bring the paper-crafted world to life. From scorching deserts to the high seas, each meticulously designed environment invites exploration.
The innovative combat system introduces a circular arena, blending puzzle-solving with traditional RPG elements. Players strategically line up enemies and plan attacks, adding depth and keeping battles engaging.
Exploration is rewarding, with a large overworld filled with hidden secrets, encouraging players to venture off the main path. The game is rich in humor and charm, featuring witty dialogue and memorable characters that appeal to both new players and long-time fans.
However, some drawbacks exist. The combat system can become repetitive, potentially making battles less engaging over time. The game may also lack the depth and complexity of earlier titles, possibly disappointing fans seeking a more intricate RPG experience.
The linear progression might limit the sense of freedom, with straightforward paths that can detract from the adventure feel. Additionally, there are pacing issues early in the game, as the story takes time to gain momentum.
Expand your collection with these colorful pastel Joy-Con™ controllers. Games come to life through easy-to-use motion controls and HD rumble—advanced vibration features built into each Joy‑Con controller. Depending on the game, you might use a single Joy‑Con in each hand—or even give the second one to a friend.
Pros
Aesthetic Appeal: The pastel colors are visually appealing and add a fun, vibrant touch to your gaming setup.
Versatility: Each Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand or shared with a friend for multiplayer games.
Motion Controls: The easy-to-use motion controls enhance gameplay, making it more interactive and immersive.
HD Rumble: The advanced vibration features provide a more tactile and realistic gaming experience.
Comfort: The included wrist straps add an extra layer of comfort and security, preventing accidental drops.
Cons
Price: Joy-Con controllers can be relatively expensive compared to other gaming controllers.
Drift Issues: Some users have reported issues with Joy-Con drift, where the analog sticks register movement even when not being touched.
Battery Life: The battery life may not be as long as some other controllers, requiring more frequent charging.
Size: The small size of the Joy-Con controllers might be uncomfortable for users with larger hands during extended gaming sessions.
With the television and the Wii U GamePad working as two integrated screens, Wii U creates unique possibilities for gaming, allowing ''asymmetric'' game play where each player can have different goals, challenges and views within the same shared gaming experience. Miiverse is a brand-new network communication system that lets gamers from around the world share experiences, discuss games and discover new content. Using their personalized Mii character, players enter Miiverse and see games, applications or entertainment content that either they have interacted with recently, expressed interest in learning more about or that their friends are using or discussing. In addition to the previously announced touch-screen and motion controls, the Wii U GamePad was redesigned and improved from its reveal in 2011. The new form factor offers players dual analog stick controls and can be used as a remote control for users' TVs, even while the Wii U console is turned off. Nintendo also announced availability of the Wii U Pro Controller as a separate peripheral. All game discs for the Wii system are compatible with Wii U, and the system will support controllers for the Wii system. Launch date: November 18, 2012.
"Wii Sports Resort is a new collection of fun sports games anyone can pick up and play,” Nintendo proudly proclaims. The sequel to Wii Sports will come bundled with the MotionPlus adapter, which enhances the receptivity of the Wii Remotes. This promises to add great depth and accuracy to movement in games involving sword play, cruising on a water scooter, and throwing a Frisbee-like disk to a dog. Launch date: Spring 2009.
Just as the Nintendo Wii redefined game control, the upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory will push it even further. The accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and tracks players' arm position and orientation. Every slight movement made with the wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen.
Nintendo’s Wii is distinct from other video game consoles because it has the wireless Wii Remote. This device detects motion, so that game-players can simulate the movement of their game rather than just press buttons. Players whose game character is swinging a sword, for example, make swinging motions to get their character to act. With a BM PowerPC-based CPU, a Wii Optical Disc, 512MB Internal flash memory, and online services such as Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console and Wii Channels, Wii also delivers great performance. Launch Date: November 19, 2006.
From the creator of SimTunes, Toshio Iwai´s newest game, Electroplankton, allows players to interact with different musical marine life, creating a symphony or dissonance depending on the player’s choices. Made for Nintendo DS and currently only available in Japan, this musical game is one to watch.
Similar to the other main Pokémon titles, the story for Pokémon: Emerald takes place over land and sea and pits the player against the Team Aqua and Team Magma from Sapphire and Ruby. This time around, Pokémon will show off their moves prior to battle, as a sort of taunt. Nintendo also added some new options to the game, including a new Battle Frontier area that engulfs seven big battles. The Battle Dome is for tournaments in which only three Pokémon can participate at a time. The Battle Tube has three entrances through which players must then attempt to make their way to their goal. Special Trainers called Frontier Brains have been added, and the rare Pokémon Rayquaza is sighted.
After defeating Bowser and rescuing Princess Peach in his last adventure (six years ago), Mario sets off to a tropical island called Isle Delfino for a well-deserved vacation. Before he even sets foot on the beach, Mario is called into action. Isle Delfino is being defaced by a mysterious Mario imposter who is leaving a trail of paint and graffiti everywhere, and Mario is blamed! Mario is powered up with a brand new water-pack that allows him to perform some truly amazing feats, and Yoshi is back with all-new abilities. This game supports Dolby Surround Pro Logic II sound, and is so far only available on the GameCube.
The Game Boy Advance SP is the world’s smallest video-game platform, but despite its size the system is stocked with a multitude of features. -- Game Boy Advance SP was a top selling travel toy on KBtoys.com in April 2005. -- Out of 81 reviews on Amazon.com, this product averaged 4.5 stars out of a possible 5. -- Wikipedia.com lists Game Boy as the best selling game system to date.
Using dual screen technology, this new handheld video game console comes with PictoChat software allowing users to draw, write and send messages wirelessly to each other within a few miles. The touch screen also includes a planner feature. The system plays old and new games, which sell on average for $40 a piece, complementing the $150 console. For roughly $200, the system comes with a case, car charger and a game along with the system itself. - Norma Yacoub.
Nintendo´s original franchise character returns in his first musical adventure. The famous ape at the center of this musical game can compete with up to four different players simultaneously. The new Bongo controller provided with the game is literally a set of electronic drums that allow players to sync to the music DK plays onscreen. The game features 30 popular songs, three levels of difficulty, and five modes of play. (GC; $49.99, Rated E for Everyone)