Looks like a Zora, Swims like a Goron

What on earth is going on with the swimming mechanics in Majora's Mask 3D? I heard some stories that they weren't as good as the Nintendo 64 version, but I can barely control the bloody thing on 3DS.

The camera seems to wander wherever it likes when swimming underwater, if it was directly fixed behind Link there wouldn't be a problem, but it's like the cameraman forgot his flippers and is struggling to keep up. 

The extra joystick on the New 3DS doesn't even help. I'm already holding my thumb down on the A button to make Link swim; so I have to do some impressive thumb/finger gymnastics just to reach the joystick to have minor control over the camera. I have no idea if it's any better on the previous 3DS.

When I thought things couldn't get any worse, along came a mini game where you have to swim through numerous rings in a certain order. Oh joy. And just to make sure you're having the most hideously agonising time imaginable; all the rings have been rendered as solid objects rather than markers to simply pass through. So unless you pass through the ring's centre with reasonable accuracy Link glitches into it, until he's spat out, leaving you to slowly maneuver your way back for another go.

And another thing; why are the vertical controls for swimming inverted?! Link's meant to have transformed into some kind of fish/man hybrid, not an aeroplane!

Maybe I'm being too negative but I'm nowhere near finishing this segment of the game, so I have at least another 1-2 hours of this to go. Best get the coffee on. 

Skull Kid Figurine Unboxing

                                     

According to The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, the world needed to be saved in 72 hours. Well, this figurine took 2 weeks to arrive so it's a good job there isn't an angry moon crashing toward us.

The figurine however, is finally here so let's take a closer look!

The figurine comes packaged in a very plain white box, as Nintendo seem to package all of their figurines/trophies/toys, but it would have been nice to see some graphics on the box to liven things up. Once opened you'll find the figurine in a plastic cover which is easy to remove. 

The figurine itself is beautifully detailed but it seems quite fragile. It's made of plastic and upon closer inspection there's a been slight break on part of the Skull Kid's hat, which is a bit of a shame, so my advice is to take care and handle this figurine as little as possible.

                               

The base has the Majora's Mask logo across it, but the figurine can't be removed from the base.

All in all the figurine is great, with the detail on the mask being exceptionally well done, and it was an unexpected bonus, so I'm really pleased. ^_^

Now I leave you with a view of the rear.

On the Lookout

I'm actually downsizing my games collection at the moment but there's always something I'm on the lookout for. Whether it's because of curiosity, or just something I've never been able to get my hands on, there's always something I'm searching for; so let's take a look.

The Firemen- I've played this before, and featured it in 100 Happy Gaming Days, but I've wanting to find a copy to play on my SNES. A Japanese copy is very easy to come across (but I can't read the language, although I'm learning), I've never seen an American copy and a European copy commands extortionate prices. 

I might have to face the facts, I may never track this one down. :(

Panzer Dragoon Saga- I want to play this one mostly because of it's reputation. It was a Sega Saturn exclusive RPG that spanned a whopping 6 disks and was meant to be brilliant, and again, commands high prices. You're lucky to find a copy with all of the disks intact.

Shaq-Fu- just kidding.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past- I already own a copy of this on the GBA, and I could just download it on Wii U, but I like to the play games on their native systems as I enjoy the experience. I would like a boxed SNES version, with the map and booklet, perhaps I could ask my parents to reinstate my pocket money.

Majora's Mask First Impressions

It's strange to think that to sell Nintendo's (sort of) New 3DS they bundle it with a 15 year old game. Sure, fans were pleading with Nintendo to re-release Majora's Mask, but is it the must have title/console seller Nintendo hopes it will be?

Well Majora's Mask has undergone a complete graphical overhaul, it looks incredibly sharp and the world of Termina looks wonderful, right down to the smallest detail. The characters have also been re-modelled and look indistinguishable from their Nintendo 64 counterparts.

The music of the Legend of Zelda series has always been a focal point, and MM is no different. You'll feel overwhelmed at the sheer volume of music present in the game, and it sounds brilliant in this remake.

I've mentioned before that I didn't play MM the first time around, so when the 3DS edition was announced I tried the GameCube port of the Nintendo 64 original. The save system in the port was a little confusing; with certain saves only lasting until I turned the game back on, and this coupled with a faulty memory card didn't help matters. Luckily every save point in the 3DS version is a definite save point, so no losing progress unnecessarily, and it certainly helps the games transition from the home console to the handheld platform.

The controls are very straight forward, MM is very easy to just pick up and play. The only frustration is that your inventory is only accessible via touch screen/stylus, and it really disrupts the flow of gameplay. So keep your stylus drawn at all times cowboy cos you're gonna to need it.

Majora's Mask was a stand out for the series thanks to it's foreboding undertones, which has been the subject of some great gaming theories, so it may be a draw for those looking for something different from the franchise. Plus Majora's Mask is chock full of unlockables and side-quests to keep you going for months, so I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Can't Mask the Excitement

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Special Edition arrived one day early...YAY!!! So let's take a look at the extra goodies on offer:

• SteelBook
• Double Sided Poster
• Majora's Mask Pin Badge

Steelbook Case

I don't own any SteelBook's but this is pretty nice. A lovely detailed image of Majora's Mask on the front, Skull Kid on the Back, and what appears to be an image of a map on the inlay. It's beautifully presented but I'm unlikely to use it as the game comes in its original packaging alongside the SteelBook, one for the collectors I guess.

Double Sided Poster

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, but this is printed on very high quality paper and looks fantastic. I might get it framed and pop it on the wall.

Majora's Mask Pin Badge

I take back what I said in November because this pin badge is absolutely gorgeous. It comes in a great little presentation box, the engraving is incredibly detailed and it's been polished to the nth degree. Seriously, a lot of care and attention has been put into this.

Well, enough blogging about it because now I'm going to play it. Catch you guys tomorrow. ^_^

Zelda on TV?

There's rumours afoot that Netflix are developing a live action Legend of Zelda series!

Not much is known about the project at the moment, I can't even find where the rumour started, but all we know is that it's being pitched as 'Game of Thrones for a family audience'. So most likely no sex, violence or another opportunity to watch a long winded death scene starring Sean Bean (aww).

While I would like to be excited about a Zelda TV show; part of me is filled with dread. Nintendo's track record with film and television isn't exactly great, mostly consisting of nostalgic (yet cheesy) cartoons from the 80's/90's and the Super Mario Bros Movie...

There's also the question of where to start? The series timeline spans across centuries, splitting into several different timelines according to the Hyrule Historia, and stars a different Link and Zelda in pretty much every installment. Seeing as this could become very convoluted very quickly we'll most likely be treated to a brand new story; an exciting prospect for fans of the series and a great way to introduce a new audience to the world of Hyrule.

And if the series does get off the ground; we can hope it will receive the same high level of production as the likes of Game of Thrones. There's potential for some great costume and prop design (you can bet your last rupee there will be merchandise), a wealth of locations to consider, and no shortage of characters, beasts and monsters to bring to the screen. Plus a killer soundtrack!

One thing though, what's the script for Link going to be like?

Link - Hurr, rawr, hurr, HYAHHH!!!!

A Link Between Worlds Soundtrack

I was surprised to find the soundtrack to The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds had arrived in the post yesterday. I'm playing it while I write this blog and the quality is absolutely stunning.

Since 'A Link Between Worlds' was the sequel to the phenomenal 'A Link to the Past' released back on SNES in 1992, there's delightful mixture of nostalgia balanced with entirely new music. 

The composer, Ryo Nagamatsu, mentions in the liner notes that he felt 'A Link Between Worlds' should be equally enjoyable for fans of the original SNES title; as well as those who were being introduced to the series.

Here you'll find very dark and exciting battle themes, uplifting orchestral arrangements and melodious ditties guaranteed to make you smile. ^_^

The only criticism I can make of this double CD set is the score excerpts, it would have been so much better to have a separate booklet for these rather than printing them on the back of the CD inlay.

Now I just need to find out where my Super Smash Bros. Soundtrack has got to?

Free Skull Kid Figurine?!

Nintendo sent me an email and apparently I'm eligible for a free Skull Kid figurine! ... as long as they have the stock, of course.

If you buy any New 3DS console, including the Ambassador Edition, with The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D, you'll be able to qualify.

If you already have the console and the game on pre-order from Nintendo's UK store; you'll receive the Skull Kid figurine at the same time or a few days after it's been delivered.

If you're planning to get the console and the game from Nintendo's UK Store, you'll need to order them before Saturday 28th February 2015.

And if you've pre-ordered the console and the game from somewhere other than Nintendo's UK store, you'll have to register everything on Club Nintendo by Saturday 28th February 2015.

Now if only I had somewhere to put this thing...

Hey! LISTEN!

Good news for European Club Nintendo members as we see a new item added to the Stars Catalogue; The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds soundtrack!

The double CD soundtrack is made up 89 tunes, plus 16 Milk Bar Musician pieces. Not only that, but for all you musicians out there the game's composer, Ryo Nagamatsu, has thrown in 12 score excerpts for you to play.

Club Nintendo is set to vanish for good this September. Will you be picking up this desirable soundtrack? Or will you risk saving your Star points for a future item?

Hyrule Warriors First Impressions SPOILER ALERT

Over the weekend we picked up a copy of Hyrule Warriors, a spin-off title in the Zelda franchise that mixes gameplay from Dynasty Warriors with the Zelda universe.

I have never played Dynasty Warriors and I was skeptical about Hyrule Warrors, as some of the gameplay trailers were impressive but it felt like a bridge to the new Zelda title coming out later this year. After having a blast playing on the Wii U over Christmas however, we were looking to expand our library of multiplayer games, and we're also big Zelda fans, so we decided to embark on yet another journey to Hyrule.

The game focuses on epic battles so each map is populated with hundreds of enemies for you to cleave your way through, but there is some strategy involved. The aim is to control as much of the map as possible, and to do this you need to take over enemy keeps and outposts by defeating their captains. Each map also has its own objectives and victory conditions, e.g defeating bosses, collecting items etc, but if you control more of the map the easier completing these objectives will be.

Hyrule Warriors is brimming with Zelda fan service. There's levels set in eras all over Hyrule's timeline,  fantastic weapons and items plucked from pretty much every game in the series, and warm, fuzzy nostalgia taking you all the way back to the Legend of Zelda for NES. You can even play as a wide range of characters (besides Link); including Zelda, Ganondorf, Impa, Fi, Midna and so many more you'll feel spoiled for choice.

In multiplayer one person uses the television and controls their character using a Wii Remote/Nunchuck or the Pro controller, while the second person uses the gamepad, allowing each player their own screen. Apparently the graphic quality is dumbed down to allow for the additional player, I couldn't tell the difference, but there was occasional lag when certain bosses arrived on the battlefield.

I can imagine Hyrule Warriors being pretty dull when going through the game solo, at its core it's a basic hack 'n' slash fest, and being a Zelda fan is essential before even considering buying it. So if you and a buddy are completely barmy about the world of Hyrule, and you have always dreamt of battling hordes of demons and monsters on a GARGANTUAN scale, then Hyrule Warriors will certainly be your cup of tea. ^_^ 

Day 97 of 100 Happy Gaming Days: Amiibo

Merry Christmas everybody!

As you see we got a whole bunch of amiibo's for Christmas; Mario, Luigi, Link, Zelda, Fox and Yoshi.

You scan amiibos into various games using your Wii U gamepad, or your 3DS, to access new features. Smash Bros imports a copy of your scanned character into the game for you to train and do battle against your mates, whereas Mario Kart 8 unlocks additional outfits for your Mii.

We've had a bit of a debate and Fox McCloud is arguably the best one here, there's so much detail on the figure in comparison to the others, Zelda and Link probably tie for second. The only figure leaving a little to be desired is Luigi, why not have him pose with his Poltergust rather than doing a planking meme, it would have looked so much better!

Well, I'm going to go back to stuffing my face with sweets and chocolate, and maybe play a little Smash Bros. Hope you're all having fun. \ (^_^) /  

Day 87 of 100 Happy Gaming Days: Zelda Wii U

Another sneak peak from the game awards; Mr Miyamoto and Mr Aonuma decided to bring along some early gameplay footage of Zelda Wii U! Unfortunately we could only look at the footage from a distance, most likely because this is an early build of the game, but anything is better than nothing I suppose.

We got to see the size of the map and it's looking bloody enormous, perhaps not on the scale of an Elder Scrolls title, but certainly big enough to get lost in. Thankfully Epona returns to help us traverse this world and Nintendo have made some significant improvements to her behaviour. For instance horses generally don't run in to trees and smash their brains in, so now Epona automatically avoids such obstacles allowing ranged attacks from horseback to be much easier.

The only issue I had with the footage was the use of sound effects. When an enemy has been hit successfully you hear a sharp metallic sound, but I usually associate this noise with an arrow or sword repelling from a shield, meaning no damage would have been dealt.

It was also mentioned Majoras mask will be released first, then Starfox on Wii U (YAY), and finally Zelda Wii U, so I imagine Zelda will be with us around Nov/Dec 2015.

Here's a link so you can check out the footage for yourself. ^_^ 

Day 73 of 100 Happy Gaming Days: The Legend of Zelda

On New Years Eve 2013 I made a number of resolutions. One of those was to finish every game in the Zelda franchise...suffice to say I've failed, but I did play through a few of them. Let's see, I've finished...

The Legend of Zelda
A Link to the Past
Ocarina of Time
Four Swords (GC)
Four Swords (GBA)
Minish Cap
A Link Between Worlds
Skyward Sword

I've still got a few to go but for today's blog however, I want to focus on the first of the series.

The Legend of Zelda was released on NES in the UK in 1987, and was regarded as an absolute masterpiece, thanks to its grand scale and allowing players the freedom to approach the game in whatever way they wanted. You could tackle the dungeons in any order, explore Hyrule till your heart's content or perhaps increase the challenge by not allowing yourself to use the sword.

I on the other hand didn't need to increase the challenge because the game drove me utterly mad! I was constantly getting killed, I never had a clue where to go, a walkthrough was never more than a few inches from my face and those Keese/Bat things have to be the most hated characters in gaming, ever!

...so why is this a happy gaming day?

When you gather the scattered fragments of the triforce, make your way to the enemies lair, defeat Ganon and save the Princess...it feels so rewarding. The Legend of Zelda rewards exploration, experimentation, and overcoming seemingly impossible odds. Yes, the game is horrendously difficult, but it laid the foundations for an entire franchise that generations have come to enjoy, and thankfully the principle of rewarding a players curiosity and ingenuity has lasted the entire series.

Hopefully this will still be the case when the new open-world Legend of Zelda title hits the shelves in 2015.