In their last Nintendo Direct broadcast, Nintendo confirmed that they would be hosting another Nintendo Direct presentation at E3. They have now released information regarding the dates and times for this event in various regions.

Here are your key times for this year's presentation - Tuesday 11th June 2013 at 3pm BST (that's UK time) and 7am PT (that's US time) and of course, 4pm CEST in Europe that is.

Nintendo are yet to make confirmations as to what will appear at this presentation. However, it looks like this will be Nintendo's main show at E3 this year. What would you like to see make an appearance at this year's E3 presentation?

Source: Twitter

Following the upcoming release of previous Earthbound games on the Wii U Virtual Console, Amazon UK has listed a new game in the series to be released on Wii U. However, it's quite unsure as of yet what exactly this game will be.

Amazon have been known in the past to make big mistakes with their video games listings, however, the prospect of a new game in the Earthbound series still gets us very excited. Would you like to see a new addition to this legendary series?

Source: Amazon UK

How many times do you encase an innocent little Pokemon in one of those Poke Ball things, but have you ever taken a moment to think about what the conditions are like for them in there? Well, the folks over at Movoto have put together this lovely Infographic.

Take a look at the interesting Infographic and let us know what you think. We'll certainly take a second thought when capturing Pokemon in X and Y, not unless that said Pokemon is Geodude.

Source: Movoto Blog

The video games industry undeniably runs on competition. When Nintendo announced and released their brand new Wii U, it was inevitable that it would face fierce competition from the likes of Microsoft and Sony in their bid to join the next generation race. In fact, in a live presentation today, Microsoft announced their next major home console, the Xbox One, it seems to have alot to offer, but will it pose a threat for the Wii U?

Microsoft made it very clear in the presentation that their new console will be alot more than just a video games console. Xbox One will be a home media centre and will offer many more forms of media content, which could possibly be alot more than Nintendo's Wii U has to offer.

We're not overly clear on how Microsoft will bring together all this media yet, but they have promised it will be something spectacular. However, perhaps the most worrying perspective for Nintendo is that Microsoft's new console will feature seamless cross platform support. It will hold access to major TV services across the world and will also hold compatibility with award winning services like Skype and Internet Explorer. We fear that Nintendo's native video calling services and internet browser will provide no competition for Microsoft's.

Furthermore, the design of the One is strikingly quite prominent indeed. Our initial thoughts were it was quite similar to the NES, but could it's edgy design attract gamers to it more than the Wii U? It will purely be a matter of personal preference in terms of design, whether gamers head for the straight edged design of the One or the more curved sleek design of the Wii U.

However, it's not all bad news for Nintendo's Wii U. Some current Xbox gamers are destined not to be keen on the direction that Microsoft have taken with their new platform. Many gamers will be looking for a much more pure gaming experience and not the new multimedia device that Microsoft are offering. For that reason, many Xbox gamers are likely to flock to the Wii U, with it's rising third party support.

On top of this, a new generation of consoles will bring about a new generation of games. Many big blockbuster titles will be made with the new Xbox in mind and could possibly be later ported to Nintendo's Wii U.

Also, let us not forget all the unique features that the Wii U has to offer. Nintendo's Wii U still holds one of the most innovative accessories in video games, the Gamepad. On top of this, Microsoft have not mentioned much about their online infrastructure, and it's going to be hard providing much competition for Nintendo Network and the marvelous Miiverse.

In conclusion, it's hard to ignore the fact that the Xbox One is undeniably going to provide a huge amount of competition for the Wii U. However, in some respects, the odds are on the Wii U's side. In this generation, Nintendo are offering up a much more core gaming experience and that could really play on their side. The Wii U is an extremely innovative console, just as the Xbox One is going to be. Does the powerhouse that is the Xbox One have the ability to kill Nintendo's Wii U?

Many don't believe that technology can proceed any further than from what it already is and many would agree, but with the new technological advances arriving this year, for example Google Glass, they are proven very wrong. Last year, Oculus created a Kickstarter to fund the development of the Rift, and it was a total success. Now the Rift is a reality, boasting stereoscopic 3D virtual reality gaming. So far it is only in the development stages and only for P.C with a very limited amount of software, but loads of people, whether they're developers or not, are bagging themselves a taste of the future. However, the geniuses at Oculus have said they will add compatibility for other consoles, but will Nintendo agree?

Nintendo aren't known for adding third-party compatibility for other consoles/devices. Only recently have they created software for third-party devices, and even then it was only one game that was only released in Japan for iPhone. The decision must be very hard for Nintendo, if they miss out they could end up a decade behind the opposing companies, yet they may have to make a new console to bring compatibility to the Nintendo games. Plus, with the Wii and Wii U the way to get the Oculus plugged into the Wii would be very hard to figure out.

The Oculus comes with a tonne of wires and with the wide variety of moves to use, the Wii remotes players may get tangled or end up pulling (or even worse, snapping) the wires. Worse, with the goggles on the players may end up stumbling around the room and crashing into things. The Wii U Gamepad is a better option, but only one player will be able to view the VR awesomeness at a time. As of the 3DS, it's already stereoscopic 3D and a gyroscope. It would just add one thing, but I guess it would be good to add the extra feature.

In conclusion, with this game-changing tech on the horizon it's only natural that all these games companies great Rift support but for Nintendo it'll be a bit harder to find a solution to the problem that is finding away to create a controller or console to adapt to the Oculus. Sony and Microsoft have mainstream-style controllers so making a place to plug in the goggles without hassle will be a doddle for them. Still, I'm sure Ninty will find a way around it and allow the Rift to work it's magic on Mario and co.

WayForward have confirmed via their official blog that the original Shantae game will be arriving on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console in all regions on June 20th. The company hinted at this release date throughout their blog entry.

The original Shantae, often referred to as the Game Boy Color's "swan song" will be belly dancing her way onto Virtual Console soon. Just take a gander at that shiny new box art! This beloved bit of gaming history was previously only available in North America. Not this time! Shantae will be making appearances in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand; wherever good times are had. Unfortunately we will not be able to announce a specific release date (June 20th) at this time. Check back angrily and often at www.wayforward.com to discover the Shantae's secret release date (that's June 20th) in the days and weeks ahead. See you on June 20th!

Shantae was a true hit of the Gameboy Color era and we can't wait to play it all over again. Look out for our review soon. Will you be picking this one up?

Source: WayForward

The Wii U's Virtual Console service launched fairly recently, and with it, brought a handful of well-known and popular titles, including fan favourites such as Super Mario World. However, what we're looking at here is probably the strangest addition the aforementioned line-up; Mario's Super Picross. Let's just say it doesn't exactly come to mind when thinking of great Mario titles. It's definitely one of the most obscure Mario games I can think of (or not think of, sometimes).

Before we go any further, I should probably explain Picross. You're given a grid with a number of rows and columns (easier levels have five rows and five columns, later ones have fifteen). Columns and rows are given numbers. For example, if one row was given the numbers "6 1 5" it would mean that there are six blocks, then a gap of unknown length, then one block, another gap, then five blocks. And basically, once you've filled in every row and column correctly, an image will have been formed by the blocks you filled in. These are usually pretty random; anything from dolphins to satellite dishes make an appearance. If this makes no sense whatsoever, I'd advise you to pick up the cheapest Picross game out there (possibly this one, actually) and you'll soon get the hang of it.

Something else you may not realise before buying the game is that this is the Japanese version, mainly because this game never actually got this released in Europe when it was released on the SNES. So Nintendo decided to just add the Japanese version to the eShop, because, let's face it, you don't need to know how to read Japanese to solve Picross puzzles. Except for a couple of occasions where Mario and Wario talk (via on-screen speech bubbles), there's no reason why this game can't be played by a non-Japanese speaker.

You might be wondering why Wario's here in the first place, though. It's because Mario and Wario's levels are different difficulties. Basically, Mario's levels have a time limit and penalise you (time-wise) if you make a mistake in the puzzle, such as placing a block where there shouldn't be one. Wario's levels, however, don't have a time limit, but they also don't let you know if you've made a mistake, so you might think you're doing the puzzle correctly, only to realise right at the end that you messed up. If you've ever played Picross e on the 3DS eShop, Mario's levels are that game's 'Normal Mode', whereas Wario's levels equate to the 'Free Mode'.

The controls are straightforward to understand; the D-Pad moves the cursor around, the A button marks the block you're highlighting, and B marks squares with an X (so you know there are no blocks there). The gameplay itself can be quite difficult, especially Wario's levels. Sometimes you'll be pulling your hair out in frustration because you just can't figure out how to start puzzles off.

Something I'd like to point out, especially if you've played other Picross games, is that the numbers on the side (that relate to the number of blocks in that row/ column) don't automatically mark themselves off. For example, in other Picross games, let's say a row has five blocks in it, and you fill in five blocks. The number five will cross itself out or fade slightly; something that lets you know that you've already done that part. However, for whatever reason, Mario's Super Picross makes you do it yourself, which can be really quite annoying at times.

Mario's Super Picross's old-style SNES music really does get into your head, it's catchy, and can be listened to for hours on end. Which, you'll definitely have to if you plan on playing through every puzzle in this game. Graphically, it's not too different to newer additions to the Picross scene, after all, how fancy do you want the graphics to be in a game that's all about small blocks? Something about the game makes it harder to play than Picross e, whether it's the dark colours, the lack of a stylus control scheme or that it's not a 3DS eShop game (I personally prefer handheld puzzle games to console based ones like this).

In conclusion then, Mario's Super Picross is a Picross game, featuring Mario. That's about it, really. Something feels wrong about it somehow, maybe it's just because I'm used to Picross e and its control schemes. There're better Picross games out there, Picross e, Picross DS, even Mario's Picross, a 3DS Virtual Console title, are all better in some way. So yes, I do recommend Mario's Super Picross. It's an excellent game, but I can't shake the feeling we've been spoiled by other Picross titles. + Daniel Godfrey

7/10 - Mario's Super Picross is an excellent Picross game, and while we do recommend it, there are better out there. If you love Picross, you'll have no problems warming to Mario's Super Picross.

Review copy funded by Nintendo Feed

Scoring policy

It's Kirby all round on the Nintendo eShop this week and it's just tough if you don't like the little pink dude! Let's take a proper look at this week's Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop downloads...

European Downloads

Kirby's Dream Course (Wii U Virtual Console) - £5.49 - Nintendo

Kirby Super Star (Wii U Virtual Console) - £5.49 - Nintendo

Resident Evil Revelations (Wii U Retail Download) - £39.99 - Capcom

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Wii U Retail Download) - £39.99 - Warner Bros.

Swords & Soldiers 3D (3DS Download Software) - £5.90 - CIRCLE Entertainment

Air Battle Hockey 3D (3DS Download Software) - £4.49 - Agetc

Groove Heaven (3DS Download Software) - £3.59 - Teyon

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (3DS Retail Download) - £34.99 - Nintendo

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars 3D (3DS Retail Download) - £17.99 - Ubisoft

Project X Zone (3DS Demo) - Free - Namco Bandai

Rabbids Rumble (3DS Demo) - Free - Ubisoft

North American Downloads

Available later this week...

There's quite a mixed bag this week and as always, they will all be available to download this Thursday. Will you be snapping any of this little lot up?

"y cant metroid crawl?" - A Miiverse post from a bedraggled Wii U owner after playing the initial stages of Super Metroid on the Wii U Virtual Console. This statement and many others like it, demonstrate the true extent of how many modern gamers are struggling to make stable foot-way into the fantastic but punishingly difficult adventure that is Super Metroid. For that reason, is Metroid too difficult for modern gamers?

We're not going lie here and pretend that we can ace Super Metroid in one go, because, let's be honest, who actually can? Super Metroid is without a doubt excruciatingly difficult, but perhaps, that's exactly why we love it so much?

Since the game went live on Nintendo's Wii U eShop on Thursday, a flurry of perhaps newer and younger gamers have taken to Super Metroid's Miiverse community to seek help, as spotted by a NeoGAF forum member. There's no hand holding in Super Metroid, you're left to figure everything out for yourself and many gamers soon realised that, as they screenshotted their problems and shared them with the world.

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After fury takes over, alot of gamers found it only natural to start looking for reasons why they could not complete a certain task, with one gamer suggesting that a glitch was preventing their progress.

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However, perhaps the most iconic issue one gamer exclaimed was this; "y cant metroid crawl", as this particular gamer found it extremely difficult to get to grips with the crawling mechanism that is present in this title, a school boy error?

Click to Enlarge

For gamers new to the series, it's quite understandable for there to be a somewhat large amount of confusion in the general prospect of this title. Super Metroid is an unbelievably difficult game that can even put seasoned gamers' abilities to the test. However, do these gamers know too little about such a classic video game to even be classified as gamers?

It all boils down to an extremely familiar question, have video games become far too easy? Child of the 80s or 90s? You'll surely remember how the video games of your era would leave you infuriated. However, the rise of casual and family gaming, has changed the appeal of most video games. A much easier game is surely much more appealing to a larger audience and will most probably sell better.

For that reason, developers are scaling down the difficulty level in video games, leaving the gamers of today lacking substantial knowledge of such a high difficulty level.

In conclusion, Super Metroid is undeniably a classic title, however, it shows us how video games have changed drastically. Extreme difficulty is no longer a selling point, as it was in the 80s and 90s. Do you think Super Metroid is far too difficult for modern gamers? Do you think that the change in the level of difficulty in video games is a good thing? Voice your opinions below...

Look out for our Wii U Virtual Console review of Super Metroid will be available on the site very soon, where we put this classic through it's paces.

Donkey Kong Country Returns saw an out of the blue release on the Nintendo Wii back in 2010, despite large advertising efforts on Nintendo's part, and even promotion from Ant and Dec, Donkey Kong Country Returns fell short to the popularity of titles such as Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M, both of which were also released in that very same year.

Therefore, when Nintendo announced that they would be revitalising the Donkey Kong Country series once again on the 3DS, we were extremely excited to find out more. Perhaps something we loved most about the original was the gorgeous and luscious graphics and presentation, so to see Nintendo rework those such graphics into 3D here, is a thing of true beauty.

Other than a forest themed graphical treat, what we have in Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is an as hard as nails platformer that will please both new and old Nintendo fans alike. If you're unfamiliar with the prospect of Donkey Kong Country (you really ought to leave, in our opinion), it plays very differently to that of the original arcade Donkey Kong titles. This one sees you play on a side scrolling platform, much like Mario and Kirby, however, also very differently to Mario and Kirby titles, which is most likely where the series' strengths come in to play.

You play as Donkey Kong initially, who else could you possibly start with? The kong himself controls like a breeze and is a true pleasure to work with. You'll be swinging from trees, smashing barrels and collecting various gubbins. The mechanics in which Nintendo have designed Country Returns 3D to work with are absolutely awesome and quite profoundly, flawless.

You'll also be jumping on Diddy Kong's back from time to time, which will extend the amount of lives that are accessible to the player, aswell as providing the player with added abilities to contend with.

As aforementioned, the environments provided in Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D are truly gorgeous and warming affairs, that are made even better through the new found 3D graphics. Colour and vibrancy is the theme throughout here, and perhaps that's what makes this game so appealing to us.

We've previously touched on the true extent of Country Returns' difficulty level, recognising that this may have been an issue in the Wii title, Nintendo were quick to jump in here with a slightly easier mode, that will surely be alot more accessible to series newcomers. This "New Mode" gives players an extra life to play with, along with a whole heap of added extras.

Furthermore, Nintendo have extended the content on offer here, to make the package appealing to veterans of the series, who inevitably purchased the Wii title back in 2010. The Cloud Gateway is a nice little addition, that adds some extra levels to the main wealth of gameplay, however, will only likely be accessible by seasoned fans of the series, with the extreme difficulty to contend with.

Presentation is key here and Nintendo have again cut no corners. Content is presented beautifully through excellent navigation screens and a theme that remains consistent throughout. The control scheme here is also watertight, with little known flaws. In our opinion, a combination of the 3DS' buttons and the extremely responsive circle pad, provide this version with much better controls than the original Wii title.

Now though, it would be almost impossible not to mention the beautiful music and sound that remains present in Country Returns 3D. You know what soundtrack we're talking about, right? Yep, the classic Donkey Kong Country soundtrack. We bet you're literally breaking into a humming rendition right now, just as we were when we sat down to compose this review.

Local Multiplayer was a true strength in the first title and it makes a welcome return here. However, the only flaw is that both players must own a copy of the game to participate. Still, this adventure remains one that is worth completing on one's own.

In conclusion, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D capitalises on the true beauty of the original Wii title. This adventure may be one of true difficulty, but it also presents what true beauty is within video games. It may have been over three years, but it's nice to see that the Kong has kept in great form. + Josh Moorcroft-Jones

9/10 - Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is without a doubt flawless, just as the original Wii title was three years ago. It's difficult to understand the beauty of this game until you actually grasp it in your hands. Even if you have previously adopted the Wii title, this is an adventure absolutely worth playing again.

Review copy provided by Nintendo

Scoring Policy

When the Wii U eShop was revealed one of the most anticipated games for release was Two Tribes' Toki Tori 2. We enjoyed the game greatly when we reviewed it back in April and now courtesy of Two Tribes we have 4 copies of the game to give away in our Podcast.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the absolutely awesome game, just head over to our May 2013 podcast page and have a listen to the podcast. Within this month's podcast, we'll give you a code to enter when filling out the entry form on that page.

The competition closes on the 31st of May and we will announce the winners in our next podcast, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. Good luck!

Remember you can also subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, plus you can also stay up to date with every episode through our Podcast's feed.

Following Nintendo Directs announcements on Friday 17th May, it was unveiled that Nintendo and previous rival company Sega has signed a worldwide 3 game partnership concerning the Sonic The Hedgehog series.

The 1st is currently entitled Sonic Lost World and will exclusively launch on the Wii U and 3DS later this year and will be closely followed by a new installment in the 'Mario and Sonic' sport event minigame compilation  Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will also be launching exclusively on the Wii U and might possibly be the consoles only fresh sport game left in upcoming line ups after gaming giant EA no longer supporting it.

@blazehedgehog I'm thinking we could finally settle some arguments, Who'd really win a kart race...
— Steve Lycett (@S0LSUM0) April 26, 2013

Whilst a 3rd game is yet to be announced, rumors have been circulating about a possible team up between our famous plumber Mario, and the blue hedgehog Sonic following the successes of All Stars Racing and Mario Kart. These mostly come from tweets from developer Sumo Digital's Steve Lycett to a follower concerning a follow up to All Stars Racing Transformed.

Source: Twitter

Yesterday's Nintendo Direct presentations brought a flurry of new Nintendo news with them, and you can check back on Nintendo Feed for all the major headlines. If you missed the shows, you can watch them right here however.

European Presentation

North American Presentation

Both presentations are well worth a watch if you missed them live yesterday. Let us know of your thoughts in the comments below...

It's taken a good while for Nintendo to bring a main series Pokemon game to their 3DS, and the bad news is, you're going to have to wait a little longer. Until October, in fact. However, Nintendo have vowed to tide fans over with yet another entry into the somewhat just as enjoyable Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series. What we have here is essentially a 3D reworking of the Mystery Dungeon series.

Gates to Infinity pretty strictly follows the formula set down by previous games in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series. This formula being majorly different to that of your standard Pokemon game, mainly in the respect that you'll actually be taking control of a Pokemon and not a trainer.

I remember little from the initial moments of the game, other than this; I was a Tepig and I was falling from the sky, I'm pretty sure that's not how Pokemon games normally start? Anyway, you'll be greeted with a few brief but subtle questions as you load up the game for the first time. This is pretty much just your name followed by what you look like, at this point, you'll be choosing from a very select range of Pokemon, which thankfully does include Pikachu.

Without giving too much away, you're a human trapped inside a Pokemon body. You'll use your new found abilities as a Pokemon to venture the land and attack various different other Pokemon. These attacks are carried out through a very hands-on manner and much unlike the turn based battle system of main series Pokemon titles. We both love and hate this, whilst it's nice to see a fresh approach to battle, it's a little less welcoming to newcomers and battle controls feel a little awkward.

Hand-holding is quite an issue throughout the initial stages of Gates to Infinity, with the game wanting to tell you a bit too much. We can understand how this may help some younger gamers, but we struggle to comprehend how anyone quite needs this much assistance in a video game. It would be a much better idea if Mystery Dungeon was to let players go and make their own adventure, so to speak.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is visually, extremely pleasing, and we can see it clearly laying the framework for X and Y's aesthetics. It's bright and colourful nature will be instantly appealing to the younger generation, whilst also keeping things fresh for veterans of Pokemon and the Mystery Dungeon series.

The only small problem presented here is the presentation, which feels a little rough at times. With some cheap fonts used on Nintendo's behalf and less flashy menu screens, a few corners were clearly cut in terms of presentation here.

On top of the main bulk of story, Nintendo have also been extremely considerate in including various little add-ons to keep you going after the main story is polished off. The most prominent of these being the excellent AR functionality which allows players to discover new dungeons and content and Nintendo have also added further framework to expand the game more with downloadable content, which is something that we're seeing alot more consistently these days.

Support for local multiplayer is also packed in here, which is quite a lovely little addition. However, each of the four players must own a copy of the game and we have to say that this adventure is one which is much more enjoyable by one's self.

In conclusion, unless you're a self confessed Poke-Maniac, we can't see you rushing out to buy this one instantaneously. However, if you're a fan of all things Pokemon and you're looking for something to tide you over until Pokemon X and Y, Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity may be a great package for you. + Josh Moorcroft-Jones

7/10 - In comparison to a main series Pokemon title, most gamers are likely to pass Gates to Infinity by. However, on it's own, this is a great title with a true wealth of content, that is accessible to even the youngest of players.

Review copy provided by Nintendo

Scoring Policy

We've given up scrambling for sun here in the UK, so we've decided to just stay inside and play some games this weekend. Here's our post May Nintendo Direct issue of games we're playing this weekend...

Josh Moorcroft-Jones - It's an overly busy weekend for me this weekend, but I'll still be attempting to cram some time in for gaming. First up, I'll be hopping onto my Wii U to pick up Super Metroid, it's a classic that I've always wanted to try out, and at £0.30, who can resist? Furthermore, if I get a chance, I may pick up Super Mario Bros. 2, it's not my favourite Mario game, but it's worth having my my collection.

I'll also be picking up my 3DS when I have a chance to get some handheld gaming in. Whilst I'm not overly keen, I'll be playing a little more of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity before polishing up my review, which will hopefully be live over the weekend.

Daniel Godfrey - This weekend, I sadly won’t have much time at all to play a lot of games; I’ll be spending the majority of time going through exam papers in preparation for the six A-level exams I’ve got coming up. That doesn't mean I won’t be playing games though, I can’t spend all my time revising! I know I’ll definitely be playing some Animal Crossing: Wild World, as recently I've gotten back into the game due to New Leaf being less than a month away. Sticking with the topic of the DS, I’ll probably also play a bit of Super Princess Peach, which I picked up recently. It’s a pretty good platformer, I have to admit. I might also play some Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move at some point, although I’m getting to the really difficult puzzles now.

With regards to the Wii U, I doubt I’ll be spending much time with it; I might give LEGO City Undercover a go at some point. Other than that, I’ll definitely be picking up Super Metroid for 30p. On top of that, I’m going to try to play some more Mario’s Super Picross before I review it (which I will manage to write at some point, I promise you). Overall though, it’s probably going to be a very work-based weekend for me, sadly.

Scott Everly - This weekend marks the beginning our vacation to the Outer Banks, so we will be spending a lot of time with our friends at the beach house.  However, on the chance I will have some game playing time I hope to upgrade my Ice/Fire/Water Switch Axes and start knocking out all of the Village Quests so I can start farming Ala for his axe.  I also decided to break the bank and spend $0.30 on Super Metroid so I will be taking that for a spin as well.

Thomas Heath - It's the weekend once again and I, as usual, have a lot of gaming lined up. First up, it'll have to be Luigi's Mansion AGAIN. Guess what? I still haven't done the quiet please level. At least I didn't cheat. The real problem with this game is the difficulty, but I'm either terrible at gaming or Nintendo need to lower the difficulty.

Next is another great Retro game, Pokemon Leaf Green. I received this title when I ordered Pokemon Emerald on Amazon, but the cheeky so-and-so who sold me it gave me Pokemon Leaf Green instead (or he just can't read). Still, I completed it, got to the special islands and generally felt good. Sometimes scams aren't so bad after all.

Bailey Walker - After polishing off my newly published Color Commando review, I will be painting the last few crucial blob creatures to perfect my game save. In my hometown of Leicester, the sun may have finally come out but that will not stop me from having a nice and cool INDOOR gaming session as I go head to head with Dracula in an attempt to unlock new weapons and armour in Castlevania Lords Of Shadow: Mirror Of Fate. I have found myself lost (literally) in the game during Part 3 and have absolutely no idea of what to do and where to go.

This game has been sitting in my cartridge case since getting hooked to the excellent Luigi's Mansion 2 and I have been meaning to finish it for some time. However, as our editor Josh can tell you, there is just not enough time in the day. Finally, I will be smashing my way through the streets of what looks like New York in my new review copy of Crash City Mayhem (expect a review and interview soon..) courtesy of the lovely people at Ghostlight.

That's what games we're playing this weekend, it's quite a tasty bunch eh? However, we bet you're playing your fair share of games too, we want to know what games you're playing this weekend. Fire away in the comments below...

Perhaps the most exciting piece of news from the recent Nintendo Direct presentation was a solid release date for Pikmin 3 in Europe, which will be launching on Wii U July 26th, according to Nintendo.

There is no word of a North American release date as of yet, however, we presume it will be around relatively the same time.

During today's Nintendo Direct presentations, Nintendo have confirmed the release dates for Game & Wario on Wii U. The title will be launching in Europe on June 29th and North America slightly earlier on June 23rd.

The title will be available both at retail and on the Nintendo eShop, and the pricing for North America will be $39.99. On top of this, Nintendo have also released a new trailer for the title, which you can of course view below...

Nintendo of America have announced that The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons will be launching on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on May 30th.

There is currently no word of a release date from Nintendo of Europe yet, however, we do know that they will be available at a reduced price for a limited time.

Nintendo have today confirmed that a new Mario and Sonic game is heading to their Wii U. The title will be developed by SEGA and will focus on the upcoming Winter Olympic games.

Very little news regarding the title has been confirmed yet, and we're sure to see more information arise at E3 this year. However, we do know it will feature HD graphics and utilize the Game pad.

With today's Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo have confirmed that New Super Mario Bros. U DLC, New Super Luigi U will be launching on the Nintendo Wii U eShop on June 20th in North America and Europe.

Furthermore, Nintendo have announced that they will be releasing a boxed version of the game that will make it playable for those who don't have internet access or didn't buy the first game. This will be available on 26th July in Europe and some time in August for North America.

Nintendo will also allow you to play as Nabbit in Multiplayer. Nabbit isn't able to use powerups but will take no damage, so is perfect for younger players.

Nintendo have just announced in a Nintendo Direct presentation that they will be partnering with SEGA to create a new Sonic title named Sonic Lost World. The game will launch exclusively on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and there are very little details regarding the title yet, but Nintendo have promised more at E3.

After numerous non-announced games for the Wii U, games giant EA has announced it has no plans for developers to make any titles for the Wii U. Despite today being the consoles big day, with Nintendo Direct broadcasting at 3pm, this will mean that many highly anticipated titles such as Battlefield 4 and Fifa '14 will not be supporting it. EA was one of the consoles many launch partners, releasing titles such as Mass Effect 3 and Need For Speed for many Nintendo fans to enjoy. Despite this, the hopes of many Wii U owners have been crushed and will now be forced to buy competing consoles to play some of these big titles.

Nevertheless, hopefully today's announcements could change that. Rumours are circulating about footage from the highly awaited untitled Smash Bros. Game and Mario Kart U due to E3 not being the home for Nintendo's big announcements.

Do you think this is acceptable from such a big publisher like EA? Write your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: BBC NEWS

Just as we were thinking, it's been a little while since we've sat down and enjoyed a Nintendo Direct, Nintendo confirm yet another broadcast for tomorrow, 17th May 2013. The broadcast will focus on upcoming Nintendo Wii U and 3DS software.

The presentation will take place at 3PM UK Time, 4PM European Time, 10AM Eastern Time and 7AM Pacific. This presentation will be held by Nintendo of Europe, whilst Nintendo of America have promised that they will be holding a similar event before E3 2013.

We'll be back after the even to deliver you with all the gossip as usual. What exciting new titles are you wanting to see from the Big N tomorrow?

With Pokemon X and Y just around the corner, Nintendo have confirmed yet another limited edition 3DS XL to add to the line-up in Japan. This special "Eevee" themed console will be available in limited numbers through a lottery in Japan.

There is currently no word of the limited edition console seeing the light of day outside of Japan, however, we'll keep you posted. Would you like to play X and Y on this beauty?

Source: Serebii

Despite Scibblenauts Unlimited not having seen the light of day in Europe yet, 5th Cell have been quick to confirm yet another Scribbleanuts title for Nintendo platforms. Unmasked will feature a variety of characters from DC comics.

The title will be launching this fall on Nintendo Wii U, 3DS and PC. With Nintendo plaftorms being the only consoles that the title will be playable on. Take a look at this interview portion from the game's developer talking to Polygon about the title...

Initially we had 1,200 characters, and then we just kept finding more and more characters and more variations, and eventually we wound up with more than 2,000,

...So when you play Scribblenauts for the first time and you spawn a cat, that's usually when people are like, 'Oh my god, this game has a cat! That's awesome!' Then you type in dog, and the dog appears and starts chasing the cat," he said. "In Unmasked, we have a Red Lantern that is a cat — Dex-Starr — so if you spawn a dog, and then you spawn a cat, Dex-Starr will appear, and when the dog tries to chase him, he'll beat up the dog.

The title will also allow gamers to share their Scribblenaut creations online and will be a a great addition to the wonderful series. Are you excited, or are you still holding out for Unlimited?

Source: Polygon

When the DSi launched in 2009, it awoke with something of the first of its kind; the DSiWare shop, where freshly made independent games were waiting to be downloaded with the unique Nintendo points currency. This was a golden opportunity for individual groups to gather, create and release their own games for a little cost. However, 4 years on and we find the DSiWare section on the 3DS's eShop filled with shovel ware, money grabbers and phonies; rare to find a hidden gem in the pile of scandals. Despite that, it is not impossible and, as with this game, they are still appearing in the blue.

Color Commando is a puzzle/platformer that offers a short but sweet offer of tactical levels and infuriating puzzles as you walk to the chest of gold whilst collecting coins along the way. Sounds simple? Every level features a colourful blob creature that attempts to block your way, making you detour from your originally thought route to go in search for a small blob of the same colour that allows you to make them blend into the atmosphere, allowing you to pass.

Your character is either controlled by your D-Pad or alternatively if you are using a 3DS, your Circle Pad, with no A, B, Y or X button commands. How do you jump? The answer: you don't. Instead, you use conveniently placed ladders that help you in your aid to manoeuvre upwards and simulate the power of jump. Despite this, touchscreen controls are the prominent element in this title. As mentioned earlier, to place the blob of colour and blend the creature into the atmosphere, you must remove your forgotten stylus, brush off the clump of dust and thoughtfully place where you want the colour to go. It may be a simple premise, but accuracy is critical as one false move could make you restart the level.

Graphics hint SNES's 16-Bit inspiration, the levels designed as if it was a plan to recreate the golden age of platforming. The many zany blobs of color are designed as if the technology is still not available for fully 3-Dimensional sprites and your player strolls around the level like there is no advanced framerate available for the ability to run in color. Normally games designed like this are received to be mocking the era, however, with this game, it seems new yet somehow like I have already played it before.

This may only be all of 200 points, although, it's not exactly boasting in length  with only 25 levels included; with half that can be done almost instantly. This is due to the simple yet puzzling layouts that may offer a challenge to those whom are new to the level but sadly fail to even challenge the thought of replay value. After leaving it and coming back to it, I soon felt that what had originally felt like a masterpiece had now turned into a drag; not even reaching near to the 2 hour gaming session I originally spent on it. If you are looking for anything other than a quick game to waste away your train or bus journey, look elsewhere  this just isn't going to cut it.

In conclusion, Color Commando nearly hits the league of masterpieces, mixing unique touchscreen painting techniques with joyous 16-bit graphics creating a modern twist on all time classics whilst keeping afresh and current with many current eShop releases of its time. At a mere 200 points though, a thought of replay value is almost non-existent due to the low level skill sets needed to solve the puzzles. + Bailey Walker

8/10 - Color Commando offers fun retro-like gameplay and beautiful controls but is flawed by low amount of levels and no replay value.

Review copy provided by CIRCLE Entertainment

Scoring Policy

It's Adventure Time! During a press release with Cartoon Network, it was announced that once again D3 Publishers, the team behind many popular video games based upon children's TV programs, will be teaming up to release yet again another Adventure Time video game.

WayForward Technologies will again be taking the helm as they work with series creator, Pendleton Ward, to release this 'action game with 4 player coop' to all major gaming platforms  including the 3DS and Wii U. It is currently entitled Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON'T KNOW! and is scheduled to hit North America this fall. Here are the first few details:

"In a completely new storyline and adventure and featuring the voices of the show’s most popular characters, fans will have to save the Candy Kingdom by exploring the mysteries surrounding a massive Secret Royal Dungeon deep below the Land of Ooo. Select from an assortment of fan-favorite characters from the show, including Finn, Jake, Marceline, Cinnamon Bun, and more, and team up with your friends in four-player co-operative multiplayer as the Adventure Time world comes to life."

The last Adventure Time game, released exclusively on the 3DS and its predecessor, was never released in any other region, excluding European fans around the world. Importing is possible, but many hesitate at the sight of importation costs. Leaving many fans dissapointed, there may still be hope for international release.

After these announcements, do you hope this game makes it to Europe? Write your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: Go Nintendo

For us, October really couldn't come soon enough, and we're sure you're pretty much the same. That's because Nintendo will be releasing two brand new Pokemon games, Pokemon X and Y. To tide you over, here's a flurry of new information.

In the press release, Nintendo have confirmed the new Pokemon game will take place in the brand new Kalos region and will feature many never before seen pokemon. Take a look at the press release and pick out the juicy gossip.

LONDON, UK —May 14, 2013— When Pokémon fans begin their thrilling 3D adventure in Pokémon X or Pokémon Y  this October, they will be transported into an entirely new region called Kalos. A mysterious place that is shaped like a star, Kalos is a region where players will encounter beautiful forests, thriving cities, and many never-before-seen Pokémon. The central city of this breathtaking region is Lumiose City, a metropolis featuring a tower that is set to become an iconic structure in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.

While exploring the Kalos region, Trainers will encounter many new Pokémon that they can battle, catch, and add to their Pokédex. A Trainer is only as good as the Pokémon he or she befriends. Seven new Pokémon debuting in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y were introduced earlier this year—and today, four additional Pokémon are being revealed for the first time. These Pokémon add to the more than 640 Pokémon that have been encountered in previous games.

The cowardly Pokémon Helioptile, a Normal- and Electric-type Pokémon, can generate enough electricity through sunbathing to power machinery. But wise Trainers won’t be deterred by Helioptile’s lack of bravery. It knows Parabolic Charge, a brand-new move where Helioptile attacks everything around it. Helioptile's HP is restored by half the damage taken by those hit.

Fletchling, a Normal- and Flying-type Pokémon, sings with a beautiful chirp that is sure to delight any Trainer. Although it is known to be very friendly, Fletchling will suddenly unleash relentless attacks once it’s in battle. For example, when it uses its Fire-type move Flame Charge in battle, in addition to doing damage, Fletchling’s Speed increases every time.

With a leaf always in its mouth and an intimidating glare that is rarely effective, Fighting-type Pokémon Pancham shows its playful side when it lets out a little smile when its head is pat. Pancham can learn a brand-new move, Parting Shot, which not only lowers an opponent’s Attack and Special Attack, but also allows Pancham to switch out for another Pokémon in a Trainer’s party during battle.

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y introduce a new method of transportation—riding the brand-new Pokémon, Gogoat. This large Grass-type Pokémon is a reliable way to travel certain parts of Lumiose City. In battle, it can use Horn Leech to recover HP equal to half the damage dealt by this move.

These brand-new Pokémon and others caught in the Kalos region will be added to a player’s Pokédex that, for the first time, will be divided into three unique areas within the region. There is much to explore in the Kalos region, and many Pokémon to encounter when Pokémon X and Pokémon Y debut worldwide this October. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!

For more information about Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, including an official map of the Kalos region and Pokémon art, Pokémon X and Pokémon Y package shots, and a special video featuring Helioptile, Fletchling, Pancham, and Gogoat, please visit Pokemon.co.uk.

On top of a whole heap of new information, Nintendo have also provided us with a brand new gameplay trailer for the title, aswell as the pack shots (see above). Enjoy...

We're even more excited for Pokemon X and Y's release now! What are you most excited about from today's big news?

Retail downloads have grown hugely on the 3DS and Wii U eShops in recent months, with download figures rocketing sky high and Nintendo taking huge bids to increase this further. However, have Capcom just taken the next step in bringing forward the prospect of retail downloads?

Just hours ago, Capcom unveiled the thrilling news that Ace Attorney 5 or Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies will be making it's way to western regions this fall. However, the internet went wild when Capcom didn't mention a full retail release, just advertising that the game will be available to download from the 3DS eShop.

Kotaku reached out to Capcom to seek confirmation of this plan and Capcom were able to provide this piece of vital information, here is their statement...

Historically it’s been tough to attract long term retail support for Ace Attorney titles. With the release of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies we wanted as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the game for as long as possible. With that in mind we have opted for a digital only release via the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

We understand that this decision may upset fans who wanted to have a physical version of the title to add to their collection but we believe this direction is the best to take to ensure that fans are able to enjoy the game at their own leisure.

We will be confirming details on the price point soon so please stay tuned for more information on the latest in the Ace Attorney series.

For a large number of years, the Ace Attorney series has been quite popular on the retail title scene for Nintendo platforms, so Capcom's decision to go download only is one of many surprises. However, we can understand Capcom's reasoning, in a way.

It would be wrong to deny that the Ace Attorney series isn't hugely popular in the west compared to titles such as Professor Layton, whilst it does have quite a cult following. Therefore, it would be quite a financially risky decision for Capcom to head into retail with a title that comes with the risk of not selling. On the other hand, distribution on the eShop is much less risky and production costs are much thinner.

The saved costs in retail production will also allow Capcom to pass the savings onto fans. Whist Capcom are yet to confirm a price point for the title, we're expecting it to be considerably lower than the average retail download title. We'll be extremely surprised to see the price rise above £20.

This will further allow Capcom to pump more funding into advertising for the game and other sectors that will surely reward fans.

However, some issues do arise with Capcom's decision to go download only with their latest Ace Attorney Game. The first being that some gamers will sadly miss out on the latest entry to the series, this may be because of a number of reasons. Some gamers are surprisingly still living in the stone age with a lack of access to the internet, whilst others will not have access to a Credit Card to purchase the title.

Furthermore, Ace Attorney games have become something of a collector's item in recent years, and a digital copy of the game will most likely not satisfy some fans of the series, so this will be quite a disappointing prospect for them.

Like it or not, Capcom are clearly paving a pathway with Ace Attorney. It's very likely that many other titles will follow this new model of download only. For us, it's an attractive prospect that we're excited to see more of. Could we be looking at no Nintendo games on our store shelves within 10, 5, or even 2 years?

Whatever happens, it will be interesting to see if Nintendo and Capcom go about this new download model in the right way. Will Nintendo take the decision to cut prices drastically and will they still be available as download codes at the very least? It's an exciting prospect that will surely split opinions, where do you sit on this very unclear fence?

At Nintendo Feed, we do get quite excited when hear about a new Ace Attorney game. However, when Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies for 3DS was announced, we were skeptical to see if it would see the light of day in the west. However, Capcom have covered our doubts in a recent press release.

In the press release, Capcom have announced that the game will be launching in Europe and North America this Fall, and will currently only be available as an eShop download...

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies, previously announced for the West as Ace Attorney 5, sees the return of courtroom hero Phoenix Wright. Set eight years since his last appearance in the courts, the first case in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies sees the action start in a destroyed court room. It’s down to Phoenix Wright and his team at the Wright Anything Agency to discover the cause of the destruction. Players will have to battle it out in court against Gaspen Payne, the younger brother of Winston Payne from previous Ace Attorney titles, as they defend the accused.

The much loved gameplay and features from previous titles in the Ace Attorney series return but for the first time with stunning 3D graphics, bringing the courtroom and characters to life and putting players directly in the heart of the action. Players will need to investigate each crime scene with dynamic 3D visuals, making it possible to change views and zoom-in on areas to uncover any hidden evidence or clues. The drama continues in the court room as players present their evidence, challenge witnesses and begin to unravel the truth behind each of the cases in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies.

Joining Phoenix is the young Attorney Apollo Justice and new Associate Attorney Athena Cykes. Athena’s unique ability to psychoanalyse witnesses introduces a brand new element to proceedings. Using Athena’s ‘Mood Matrix’ players can detect the emotional state of a witness and tell whether they’re surprised, angry, happy or sad. Players can compare these feelings with the statement given by the witness, point out any contradictions between the two and challenge the witness testimony.

This is brilliant news for fans of the series and ourselves for that matter! Are you happy to see this new title in the series receive a western release?