Joseph Coluccio, Author at Pixelpine

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Joseph Coluccio

What Games Need a Remake?

Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci once stated that “Art is never finished,only abandoned.” This is especially true as many movies, television shows, and games from the past have gotten a remake or reboot of some sort this past decade. Last year, the trailer for the remake of Final Fantasy VII was revealed, to great applause. This year, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess received an HD remake. Each entry seeks to improve the original’s design, as today’s technology allows designers to tweak past creations.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time was a Super Nintendo classic that was remade in 2009.

However, many within the community debate: Are these projects the attempts of publishers trying to generate profits off of preexisting properties? Or, are they Art that has been abandoned as Da Vinci once observed?

Let us know your opinions in the comment section below.

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Joseph Coluccio

Star Fox Prepares For Launch!

During today’s Nintendo Direct, Nintendo has announced that Star Fox Zero has an official release date of April 22, 2016. During the news conference, designer Shigeru Miyamoto revealed additional footage showing the improvements that have been made in the recent months since it was delayed last November.

At E3 2015, Star Fox Zero received somewhat of a lukewarm reception as the less than stellar graphics and the confusing user-interface failed to generate enthusiasm for most fans. However, Nintendo has taken the fans reactions into account as the company spent the last several months adding polish to the game. The footage shown used 1080p/60 frames-per-second, illustrating the HD capabilities of the Wii U. The result gives the Arwing and the galaxy and a sleek luster that accentuates Star Fox’s distinct art style.

Another feature that amplifies the experience is that the voice-over work in the game comes from the Wii U GamePad. Although a small detail, it helps simulate the feeling that the player is Fox sitting within the cockpit. Star Fox Zero is also bringing back the multiple paths feature that was in Star Fox 64. Older players will remember this feature as it gives the player more freedom to explore the level and adds greater incentive for a replay.

With all the improvements since the delay, Star Fox Zero is ready for takeoff this Spring.

Posted on February 9, 2016February 10, 2016 by Joseph Coluccio

Old Wolf, New Tricks

Last November, Nintendo announced that the classic Gamecube title, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,will be receiving an HD remake for the Wii U. Released nearly 10 years ago,Twilight Princess offered a more somber take on the Zelda universe,while also incorporating elements of dark fantasy reminiscent of Majora’s Mask.

Nintendo is improving on the past by tweaking with several elements of the game to offerplayer’s a smoother playing experience. For example, Director Eiji Aonuma has stated that the controls have been improved,which will allow Link to move more comfortably while in water as well as being on horseback. Differing further from the Gamecube title, the Wii U version will allow Link to instantly transform into a wolf simply by using the Gamepad, rather than having to engage in a conversation with Midna.

Amiibo functionality has been added to the game to enrich the player’s experience within Hyrule. Several of Zelda Amiibo will add different dimensions to the experience, such as:

Link and Toon Link Amiibo: Replenish Arrows when tapped on the Gamepad.

Zelda and Sheik Amiibo: Replenish depleted Hearts when tapped on the Gamepad.

Gannondorf Amiibo: Link’s Hearts will turn blue, which will cause Link to take twice as much damage from enemies.

Wolf Link Amiibo: Will unlock the Cave of Shadows Dungeon, a new addition to the game where Link is confined to his Wolf form and must run a gauntlet of enemies. Upon completion, Link will be awarded the Bottomless Wallet, a wallet that can hold 9,999 Rupees.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is scheduled for a North American release date of March 4th, 2016. A bundle containing the game, a Wolf Link Amiibo, and a copy of the games soundtrack will be available at launch.

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio — 2 Comments

Bayonetta Dances Into Battle!

Nintendo announced yesterday during a Nintendo Direct broadcast, the company has revealed that will be added to the roster. Nintendo has stated that Bayonetta was the overall top pick in the Smash Bros. fan poll held earlier this year.

Bayonetta’s package will also include her Umbra Clock setting as a playable stage, as well as new music tracks and several costumes.

Nintendo has announced that Bayonetta will be priced at $5.99 individually for the Wii U or 3DS. or for $6.99 as a bundle for both systems.

Although no specific release date was revealed, Nintendo is targeting a February 2016 launch. Bayonetta was an exclusive for the Wii U in 2012, as well as Bayonetta 2 which was released last October for the console.

Posted on November 12, 2015November 16, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio

Cloud (Limit) Breaks in to Super Smash Bros.!

The hero of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife, will be joining the roster of Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U and 3DS as a playable character.

Revealed earlier today during Nintendo Direct, Cloud will come fully equipped with his iconic buster sword as well as wearing his combat fatigues from his debut on the original Playstation.

Cloud will also come with an alternate costume that was featured in his movie debut Final Fantasy: Advent Children. Cloud’s arsenal includes his famous Limit Breaks as well as his Odin summon.

Also shown during the trailer, the city of Midgar, made famous by Final Fantasy VII, will also be a playable level. A Chocobo costume was also revealed for Mii fighters.

This is shocking news as Final Fantasy VII has never made an appearance on a Nintendo console, even though the series itself began on the Nintendo Entertainment System.

It was not specified when Cloud will be available for downloaded.

Stay tuned for more news.

Posted on October 29, 2015October 30, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio

Nintendo introduces new loyalty program ‘My Nintendo’

During an investors conference held yesterday, Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima has announced to investors that Nintendo is offering customers a new membership program, called My Nintendo.

Buy Nintendo games, earn Nintendo awards.

My Nintendo will be the company’s new loyalty program, succeeding the previous Club Nintendo service that was shut down earlier this year. My Nintendo will improve the company’s social media experience by connecting with your friend’s via Nintendo hardware or another smart device. Also, users can earn points that can be redeemed for digital content, Nintendo merchandise, or discount coupons. Through My Nintendo, customers can also receive updates, personal offers, and various add-on content.

Nintendo has stated that this program will launch simultaneously with their new mobile game, Miitomo, in March 2016. My Nintendo is a part of a larger initiative that will connect the company’s software over consoles, PC’s, and other smart devices.

Posted on October 14, 2015October 14, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio

Legend of Zelda Symphony is going on tour across North America in 2016

The Legend of Zelda has some of the most iconic music in gaming and that music is heading to stages across North America and Europe in 2016. The ensemble recently performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert generating a great amount of publicity for both Tri Force Heroes and their upcoming string of performances.

For those who love the style of music and want to get that special nostalgic feel first hand Symphony of the Goddesses has released their full list of shows for 2016:

Nashville, TN, Schermerhorn Symphony Center; January 21, 22
Boston, MA, Symphony Hall; February 23
Costa Mesa, CA, Segerstrom Center for the Arts; March 8
Toronto, ON, Sony Centre; March 19
Jacksonville, FL, Moran Theatre; March 24
Kansas City, MO, Music Hall Kansas City; March 26
Memphis, TN, The Orpheum; March 31
New Orleans, LA, Saenger Theater; April 1
Columbus, OH, Ohio Theater; April 3
Charlottesville, VA, JPJ Arena; April 8
London, UK, SSE/Wembley Arena; April 23
Guadalajara, MX, Auditorio Telmex; May 11
Monterrey, MX, Arena Monterrey; May 13
Mexico City, MX, Arena de Ciudad; May 15
San Antonio, TX, Majestic Theater; May 21
Los Angeles, CA, Dolby Theater; June 13
Austin, TX, Long Center; June 23
Montreal, QB, Place des Arts; June 25
San Francisco, CA, Davies Symphony Hall; August 21
Atlanta, GA, Cobb Perf. Arts; September 10
Edmonton, AB, Southern Jubilee; September 21
Vancouver, BC, Queen Elizabeth Theatre; September 23
Paris, FR, Palais Des Congres; October 8
Lisbon, PT, Coliseu de Lisboa; October 14
Essen, DE, Grugahalle; October 15
Chicago, IL, Chicago Auditorium; November 12

Designed to be as epic as the fantasy series itself, Symphony artistically combines Zelda’s classic scores with cinematic scenes from games such as A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker, and many others.

Goddesses has been approved by longtime series producer Eiji Aonuma and veteran Zelda composer Koji Kondo. Goddesses is a complete 4 movement symphony, worthy of the princess herself.

Posted on September 20, 2015September 20, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio

Star Fox Zero Not In Flight Until 2016

Star Fox Zero has been delayed until 2016. The new title was to be the star showcase of Nintendo’s fall lineup, but has been delayed to further polish the experience. Shigeru Miyamoto spoke to fans on Nintendo’s official facebook page:

“Although we felt that the development had been progressing well, we now believe that we will need a little more time to work on areas such as the unprecedented discovery that we want players to experience in the game by using two screens, and further polishing the level designs and perfecting the tone of the cut scenes.”

The news should not come as a surprise, as the Nintendo philosophy regarding game design merits this course of action. Miyamoto has been quoted in the past ” Nintendo’s philosophy is never to go the easy path; it’s always to challenge ourselves and try to do something new.”

Star Fox Zero is currently working to incorporate the Wii U’s controller screen concurrently with the television screen to deliver a unique gaming experience. In order to fully realize the game’s potential, further development is the only sensible decision.

Posted on August 25, 2015September 4, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio — 1 Comment

Wii U experiences surge of popularity in recent months

It is no secret that Nintendo’s Wii U has struggled to find its balance. The Japanese gaming console has been the slowest selling console in the company’s history. However recent sales figures have brought a bit of good news. The Wii U’s home country, Japan has seen a surge of popularity these pasts few months.

Sales figures released by Media Create, a Japanese data research firm, has confirmed that Nintendo has sold 2,508,312 units in Japan since it’s November 2012 release. From last November until the present day, Nintendo has sold an impressive 500,000 Wii U’s.

In comparison, Sony’s PS4 has sold a respectable number of units in Japan — estimated to be 1.6 million consoles. As these Japanese consoles continue to enjoy great success in their native country, the American originated Xbox One struggled to even make a dent in the market there. The Xbox One has sold roughly 50,000 — 10 times less than the Wii U has sold there in just the last year.

The Wii U console is still struggling in the global market with even its creators not speaking to highly of it, waiting for it to make a similar turnaround

“…this system and this approach didn’t mesh well with the period in which we released it.” – Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director of Nintendo

Can this turnaround in Japan lead the Wii U to a comeback? Or will Nintendo’s in-development “NX” console keep consumers holding off?

Posted on August 5, 2015August 5, 2015 by Joseph Coluccio

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Gets a Release Date

Early Tuesday during Gamescom Nintendo announced that Zelda’s latest iteration of the franchise, Tri Force Heroes, will release on the 3DS October 23, 2015.

The game was originally announced at E3 2015, but it wasn’t until now that a release date was unveiled.

This new action-adventure dungeon crawler will have a greater emphasis on multiplayer contrary to most previous Zelda games.

Tri Force Heroes offers the ability for three players to play simultaneously online in order to solve numerous puzzles throughout the game. The most noteworthy aspect of the multiple characters is their distinct abilities that differ depending on which outfit is being worn. Each outfit has a specific boost that can be swapped for another in the game world.

Although the focus is on a three-person multiplayer, a single player option is also available.

Nintendo has also confirmed Tri Frorce Heroes will not have Amiibo support.

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is one of many games that Nintendo will be pushing to make up for the downward-sliding sales figures that the company has been experiencing as of late.