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The next Super Mario Bros. game announced at Nintendo Direct

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Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario RPG And Many More Games Announced For Nintendo Switch!

In the latest Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo revealed a wide variety of new games and content arriving for Nintendo Switch throughout 2023 and beyond, with Mario and friends featuring prominently in the line-up.

Highlights included Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario RPG, a visually enhanced version of Luigi’s Mansion 2, WarioWare: Move It! and a new game starring Princess Peach as the main character. The presentation also featured a range of games from Nintendo’s development and publishing partners, including Batman: Arkham Trilogy, Palia and DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince.

Here’s more information about the featured games:

  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The next evolution of 2D side-scrolling Super Mario Bros. games is headed to Nintendo Switch. When you touch a Wonder Flower in the game, the wonders of the world unlock – pipes could come alive, hordes of enemies may appear, characters might change their looks for example – transforming the gameplay in unpredictable ways. Excitement and different surprises await in each course. Super Mario Bros. Wonder features Princess Peach, Princess Daisy and Yoshi as playable characters, in addition to familiar characters like Mario, Luigi and Toad. Plus, Super Mario Bros. Wonder sees the debut of Mario’s newest power-up, which allows him to transform into Elephant Mario. What other wonders could this game contain? More details will be shared at a later time. Super Mario Bros. Wonder launches for Nintendo Switch on 20th October.

  • Super Mario RPG: Originally only released in Japan and North America on Super NES, Super Mario RPG has been overhauled with new graphics. Join Mario, Bowser, Princess Peach, and original characters Mallow and Geno, in an RPG filled with twists, turns and treasure. Mario must team up with his allies to face down a menacing force known as The Smithy Gang in order to recover seven stars and repair the Star Road. Whether you played the original game or have yet to take the journey, you can dive into this Nintendo Switch version of the very first RPG in the Super Mario series. Super Mario RPG launches for Nintendo Switch 17th November.
  • A visually enhanced version of Luigi’s Mansion 2, originally released on Nintendo 3DS, is currently in development for Nintendo Switch. Can Luigi summon the courage to save Evershade Valley? Explore haunted mansions full of spooky spectres and bone-chilling challenges next year.
  • Princess Peach will star as the main character in her own new game, which will be available in 2024.
  • Pikmin 4: Welcome to the Rescue Corps. In this game, you are the newest recruit, and you’ll customise your character before setting off to meet the capable Rescue Pup Oatchi and the plant-like creatures called Pikmin. New to the series? Don’t worry – this is a great entry point for anyone that wants to learn more about Pikmin. Collect treasures around the planet to fix the Rescue Corps’ spaceship’s radar and open new areas to explore, including underground caves, where an environment that’s completely different from the surface awaits. Pikmin 4 also features Dandori Battles – try to collect more objects than your opponent within the time limit to win and save the castaway. Plus, for the first time in the Pikmin series, you can eventually set out for night expeditions. But nightfall sends creatures into a frenzy, so stay alert. Thankfully, you’ll come across the new Glow Pikmin to drive them away. Much more awaits on this uncharted planet. Discover it when Pikmin 4 lands on Nintendo Switch 21st July. Plus, a demo of Pikmin 4 will be available in Nintendo eShop on 29th June.
  • Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2: HD versions of the first two Pikmin games, originally released on Nintendo GameCube, will launch on Nintendo eShop later today. The games will be available individually or in a bundle that contains both games. A physical version that includes both games will also be available on 22nd September. With the inclusion of these two games on Nintendo Switch, all four main games in the Pikmin series – Pikmin 1, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3 and, as of 21st July, Pikmin 4 – will be playable on one console.
  • The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet: More Pokémon, places and stories await in this two-part DLC*3 for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. In this story, you’ll be leaving the Paldea region and delving even deeper into the world of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Part 1: The Teal Mask has a planned release date of spring 2023 and Part 2: The Indigo Disk has a planned release date of summer 2023. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is available for purchase now on Nintendo eShop.
  • Detective Pikachu Returns: Discover the origin of the great detective Pikachu! Partner with the tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu who calls himself a great detective to unravel multiple mysteries across Ryme City. With the help of many other Pokémon, Tim Goodman and his talkative Pikachu partner work together to solve a series of mysterious incidents in this cinematic adventure game. Track down Detective Pikachu Returns when it launches for Nintendo Switch on 6th October. Pre-orders begin later today on Nintendo eShop.
  • WarioWare: Move It!: Get ready for more microgame mayhem in the latest WarioWare game. Hold a set of Joy-Con controllers, then move your body to take on a flurry of lightning-fast microgames. React quickly with the right movement, and you’ll be on the road to victory. Sync up your actions to beat each microgame. Plus, up to four players can live it up across various minigames in Party Mode locally. Get your body moving to over 200 microgames in WarioWare: Move It!, launching on Nintendo Switch 3rd November. Pre-orders begin today on Nintendo eShop.

  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: New amiibo of Zelda and Ganondorf are planned for release in summer 2023. A vast number of players are currently exploring Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and this journey can be enhanced by scanning select amiibo figures to unlock valuable in-game items, as well as special fabric for the paraglider, to help Link in his adventure.
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 5: Squeaky Clean Sprint, a new course, is racing into Wave 5 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC. More characters are also being added: Petey Piranha, who originally hit the track in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!; Wiggler, from Mario Kart 7; and Kamek, from Mario Kart Tour. Wave 5 zooms onto Nintendo Switch this winter. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass includes six separate waves, with eight courses each, which will all be released by the end of 2023. Buy the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass separately in Nintendo eShop, or enjoy it for no additional cost as part of a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
  • Splatoon 3: The next Splatfest for Splatoon 3 has been confirmed: Which flavour of ice cream is best? Vanilla? Strawberry? Or Mint Chip? This Splatfest will be held from 15th July at 10:00am AEST / 12:00pm NZST until 17th July at 10:00am AEST / 12:00pm NZST. Guide your favourite flavour to victory. Plus, get splatting in themed battles with Challenges.
  • Batman: Arkham Trilogy: Become Gotham City’s ultimate protector in Rocksteady’s critically acclaimed trilogy, headed to Nintendo Switch in one complete package, including all DLC. The hit-and-run skirmishes of Batman: Arkham Asylum escalate into the devastating conspiracy against the inmates in Batman: Arkham City, and culminate in the ultimate showdown for the future of Gotham in Batman: Arkham Knight. Tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of Gotham City in the ultimate and complete Batman experience coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch this spring.
  • Palia: This charming free-to-play adventure sim offers a breath-taking world where you can build the life and home of your dreams. Unravel the mysteries of this always-evolving adventure and meet new friends along the way, from in-game villagers to players from all over the world. Create a customisable character and gather materials around the landscapes and biomes of Palia to craft your ideal home. Palia is a cosy massively multiplayer online game, so friends can visit each other’s homes and adventure the world together in a welcoming, playful and friendly community. Palia launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
  • Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: The Last Spark Hunter: Introducing the newest paid DLC for Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. In The Last Spark Hunter, Mario and friends journey to a musical planet, filled with new areas to explore and new enemies to battle. Discover the wonders and dangers that await you in this world of melodies. The Last Spark Hunter launches later today. A demo of the main game is also available now on Nintendo eShop.
  • DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince: Follow Psaro, a cursed prince, and his companion Rose as they travel through the demon realm of Nadiria. Explore and scout monsters, freely combine raised monsters to create more powerful allies and take on enemies with your powerful dream team through changing seasons. DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince comes to Nintendo Switch on 1st December.
  • METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1: The origin of stealth action comes to Nintendo Switch. Experience the thrilling cinematic story of the METAL GEAR series as you infiltrate enemy fortresses and complete your mission to stop those wielding weapons of mass destruction from triggering total war. This collection features Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, along with the games that started the series – Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, and the NES versions of Metal Gear and Snake’s Revenge –  plus plenty of bonus content. METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1 launches on Nintendo Switch 24th October. Pre-orders begin today on Nintendo eShop. Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater will also be available for purchase individually on Nintendo eShop.
  • Sonic Superstars: Spin dash with Sonic and friends through the mystical Northstar Islands in this new high-speed, 2D side-scrolling platformer game. Speed through 12 new zones as one of four playable characters and the return of an old nemesis. Harness seven new Emerald powers to move and attack in dynamic ways like climbing waterfalls, multiplying and more. And for the first time in the series, you can play through the entire campaign with friends in local co-op, available for up to four players. Combine your powers against Dr. Eggman and Fang when Sonic Superstars launches on Nintendo Switch this spring.
  • Just Dance 2024 Edition: The popular music video game franchise is back with its latest update – Just Dance 2024 Edition, featuring 40 songs from new hits to beloved classics. Connect with up to five friends and family members as you experience the never-ending dance party via online and local multiplayer. Every season will bring new content – like songs, a dedicated progression track and rewards. Win avatars, backgrounds, name badges and aliases to personalise your Dancer Card and show off your personality in the game. Plus, the Nintendo Switch version of the game will include one-month free access to the Just Dance+ streaming service, giving you access to hundreds of songs and exclusive seasonal benefits. Just Dance 2024 Edition launches 24th October.
  • MythForce: Journey through crypts and castles with your friends in this first-person melee roguelike inspired by Saturday morning cartoons. Brave the dungeon alone or join forces with up to three friends in online drop-in co-op to take on the ever-changing Cursed Lands. It’s up to you to stop the evil Deadalus from taking over, but it won’t be easy. Make use of medieval weaponry and legendary magic to smite hordes of enemies. MythForce launches on Nintendo Switch this year.
  • Penny’s Big Breakaway: In this 3D platforming adventure from the team behind Sonic Mania, you’ll explore the bright and colourful world of Macaroon as Penny and her newly animated friend, Yo-Yo. Perform stylish, acrobatic tricks to avoid the clutches of the grouchy Emperor Eddie and his massive horde of pushy penguins in Story Mode. Power up Yo-Yo to protect Penny and put your speed running skills to the test in Time Attack Mode to unlock special items and complete secret stages. Penny’s Big Breakaway launches on Nintendo Switch early next year.
  • Fae Farm: Your magical home awaits in this multiplayer, cosy, farm-sim RPG. Craft, cultivate and decorate to grow your shared homestead and explore the magical island of Azoria. Create your character and customize your adventure with new outfits and decorations for your farm. The cosier your home, the more rewards you’ll unlock! Cultivate an enchanted farm with up to four players in local or online multiplayer. You can even share your progression by crafting items, tending crops and exploring your surroundings together. Fae Farm launches as a console exclusive on Nintendo Switch 8th September. Pre-order the game on Nintendo eShop to receive the exclusive Cozy Cabin Variety Pack.
  • STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R: For the first time, Nintendo players can experience the visually explosive and fast-paced action battles of the second instalment in the STAR OCEAN series. After a mission goes wrong, federation officer Claude is stranded on an undeveloped planet. There, he meets Rena, who possesses mystical powers. Play as either Claude or Rena and make decisions that will impact your destiny. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is a full remake of the 1998 science-fantasy RPG, rebuilt with striking graphics that combine 3D environments and 2D pixel characters. Plus, new combat features let you execute battles with strategic precision. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R launches on Nintendo Switch 2nd November.
  • Persona 5 Tactica: The Phantom Thieves return in this tactical spinoff of Persona 5. Assemble a beloved team of heroes in a new story in this thrilling combat adventure set in Persona’s iconic universe. After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary rescues them and offers a deal in exchange for their help. Build your three-hero squad from eight playable characters, equipping an assortment of weapons to wipe out oppressive armies in turn-based battle. An emotional uprising begins when Persona 5 Tactica launches on Nintendo Switch 17th November.
  • Vampire Survivors: The devils are here and there’s no place to run or hide. Survive a 30-minute onslaught of monsters who grow increasingly stronger the longer you hold out. Gather treasure from defeated enemies to acquire upgrades in your attempt to outrun death. With couch co-op, up to four players can run, die and build their power together. Do you have what it takes? Find out when Vampire Survivors launches on Nintendo Switch 17th August.
  • Silent Hope: Seven wordless warriors must work together to find the reclusive King. In this action-RPG, you’ll explore the Abyss and its ever-changing dungeons with seven silent heroes, each with their own abilities and fighting styles. After each dungeon run, you’ll return with your treasures and craft better equipment to dive deeper and grow stronger, levelling up your heroes to tackle the challenging bosses lurking in the depths. Silent Hope launches on Nintendo Switch 3rd October.
  • Headbangers Rhythm Royale: Play online in this rhythm-based battle royale and aim to be the last bird standing. Up to 30 players can ruffle each other’s feathers in more than 20 musical minigames. Get ready to shake those tail feathers when Headbangers Rhythm Royale bops its way onto Nintendo Switch 31st October.
  • Gloomhaven: Lead your mercenaries to riches or doom in this adaptation of the hit board game, featuring turn-based card battles with RPG elements. You’ll explore cursed dungeons with unsavoury mercenaries – choose from 17 different characters and master more than 1,000 unique abilities. Hone your deck, set up synergies and face an ever-growing challenge where each choice matters. Gloomhaven launches on Nintendo Switch 18th September. Pre-orders for the Mercenaries Edition and Gold Edition begin today on Nintendo eShop.
  • Manic Mechanics: In this chaotic co-op game, you and up to three friends are cast as travelling mechanics who must repair vehicles quickly to earn points and work your way through the town of Octane Isle. Repair as many cars, trucks, choppers (and tractors, mini-subs and UFOs …) as possible before the timer runs out. The faster you work, the more chaos you’ll unleash – fuel spills, exploding tires, short-circuiting robots, stampeding cows and even alien abduction. Get your crew in the shop when Manic Mechanics launches first for consoles on Nintendo Switch 13th July. Pre-orders begin later today in Nintendo eShop.
  • HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – TURBOCHARGED: The world’s raddest cars are back and taking fun to the next level! Zoom into wild racing action with over 130 vehicles and pull off outrageous stunts to avoid obstacles, find shortcuts and knock your rivals out of the way. Unleash your creativity by modifying your vehicles and building your own tracks. Race locally with friends in split-screen co-op or up to 12 players can hit the track online. Grab the wheel when this game speeds onto Nintendo Switch 19th October.



Review: Replikator on Xbox Series X|S

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Replikator: A Retro-Inspired Space Adventure with a Formidable Challenge

Ahhhhh, Ratalaika Games have been impressing gamers with its recent releases, offering low-budget indie games and nostalgic favorites. Among its collection, Replikator, developed in collaboration with R-Games and Meridian4, stands out as an affordable gem. This procedurally generated adventure challenges players to overcome a world dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) through sheer force. With intense action, customizable gameplay, and a retro vibe, Replikator offers an engaging experience for space shooter enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the thrilling amalgamation of exploration, combat, and survival in this throwback-style game.

Unleashing the Mercenary:

In Replikator, players assume the role of Khan, a skilled mercenary, tasked with investigating a fatal accident at a space research facility. As part of a team, Khan must uncover the cause behind the tragedy that claimed the lives of all personnel. The game sets the stage with a semi-animated cut scene and introduces the main character in a meeting hall, where interactions with other members of the team are possible. This initial area serves as a training ground, allowing players to become familiar with the controls and mechanics.

Challenging Gameplay and Intense Action:

Replikator offers a unique control scheme that combines movement and aiming mechanics. The left analog stick enables character navigation, while the right analog stick facilitates aiming from both close and long distances. With enemies relentlessly attacking, players must utilize ZR (on the Nintendo Switch) to open fire strategically, mindful of conserving ammunition. Careful resource management becomes crucial, as running out of ammo necessitates scavenging for supplies or seeking out terminals to make purchases. The L button provides a punch attack, enabling destruction of the environment to uncover hidden rooms and potential rewards.

Immersive Retro Graphics and Atmospheric Sound:

Embracing its retro-inspired roots, Replikator showcases visually detailed graphics that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The game employs a top-down perspective, effectively conveying the claustrophobic sensation of navigating confined spaces within a vessel. The enemies vary from flying drones and laser-firing poles to grotesque creatures reminiscent of the facehuggers from the Alien film series. Notably, only the current area is visible, while adjoining sections remain concealed in darkness, unveiling themselves as players enter. The atmospheric soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, transitioning between silent moments and intense action sequences. Accompanied by well-executed sound effects, such as laser guns, explosions, and opening doors, the audio complements the game’s overall ambiance.

Strategic Exploration and Resource Management:

Replikator encourages strategic exploration through its zoom-out feature, accessible by pressing the Y button. This function unveils a map highlighting item locations, aiding players in their quest to gather essential resources. However, the map does not reveal the positions of enemies, adding an element of surprise and tension. Noteworthy icons within rooms indicate collectible items, fostering an engaging gameplay loop of risk versus reward. Throughout the game, players encounter ammo packs, additional energy reserves, and blueprints for superior weapons that can be acquired later. Collectible cubes and in-game currency enable interactions with terminals, providing opportunities to recharge energy or replenish ammunition.

Perseverance and Progression:

Replikator’s challenging nature demands perseverance and adaptation. Frequent deaths are to be expected, but each defeat provides valuable lessons. Upon dying, players return to the main staging area, where collected cubes can be utilized for upgrades. Additionally, one or two free upgrades are available per life, enhancing the effectiveness of current gameplay. The sense of progression and the desire to overcome obstacles motivate players to keep pushing forward. Completing a level rewards access to a store, where cubes can be exchanged for credits to purchase health and ammo.

Conclusion:

Replikator successfully channels the spirit of classic retro space shooters while offering a formidable challenge and an engaging gameplay loop. The fusion of exploration, combat, and resource management keeps players immersed in an intriguing sci-fi world dominated by AI. With its visually appealing retro graphics, atmospheric soundtrack, and intense action sequences, Replikator captures the essence of the genre. Despite its occasional frustrations and shorter gameplay duration, the game’s affordable price tag and wealth of hidden goodies make it a worthwhile experience for space shooter enthusiasts and those seeking a nostalgic gaming journey. Embark on a daring adventure in Replikator, where survival hinges on your combat prowess and strategic decision-making.



Disclaimer: The Xbox review code for Replikator was provided by PR Hound.

New POKÉMON Gear Is Coming…😍

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Yo POKÉMON fans, now you can wear clothing based on this ever popular franchise!

The cool folks at BlackMilk will range the entire POKÉMON clothing collection on their site, which drops at 7:00am, June 20th!

What are you waiting for, mark your calendars now and set your alarms!

image source: BlackMilk



Become The Master of Flow with PinBuilder

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Become the next Master of Flow

Now this Steam title, PinBuilder, by Propulsion Studios is right up our alley! Consider our interest piqued!

If you ever dreamed of designing your very own pinball machine, then dream no more, as PinBuilder (Early Access) is now available on Steam!

So if you want to become the next Steve Ritchie, Jack Danger, Keith Elwin or John Borg, then hop (or should that be tilt?) to it!

Details:

  • Title: PinBuilder
  • Developer: Propulsion Studios
  • Price: AU$43.95

image source: PinBuilder on Steam



Replikator – Twin Stick Roguelite Shooter Releases This Friday!

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Twin stick shooter ready to duplicate itself all over consoles this week

  • Price: $9.99 / €9.99
  • Release Date: 26th May 2023
  • Platforms: XB1, XBX/S, PS4/5 & Switch
  • Genre: Overhead shooter/Twin Stick Shooter

Indie publisher Ratalaika Games and Meridian4 join forces with Indie developer R_Games to announce the forthcoming release of Replikator, a challenging, eventful and addictive overhead shooter. Launching on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch on May 26th 2023, this roguelite presentation combines fast gameplay in an ongoing experience of discovering a mystery of a deadly saga of what occurred at a research complex.

Death Walks Beside you

Replikator offers shooter fans a sci-fi setting where gameplay centres around exploring the intricate labyrinths of space stations and fighting with hordes of enemies. Dozens of weapons and implants (passive skills) help the player but a sharp eye and evasive movement are also required to avoid hail of bullets and monsters that lurk. If the player’s character dies, then he will be reborn at the very beginning, but thanks to the resources found, he will be able to buy permanent improvements that will help him move forward in the next run.

Disaster Strikes

It appears that an accident occurred at the classified research complex, which led to the death of all personnel but all is not quite clear. A group of mercenaries led by the smuggler Khan will have to find out the reason for what happened.

To keep explosive action ‘unpredictably’ challenging, station mazes and items in them are generated procedurally, so each attempt is essentially unique. Gradually, the player will find blueprints of new items as well as finding entries from the crew of the complex which will reveal what happened here. At the same time, the player has the main goal – to get to the Replicator and defeat it.

Inside Information

  • Dynamic battles. You will have to constantly move and aim well to survive!
  • Danger at every turn. Many different enemies and traps will not let you get bored.
  • Dozens of upgrade items. Explore stations looking for new upgrades for your character.
  • Meta progression. In this game, each death will only make you stronger, because after death you will be able to buy permanent improvements for your character and the hub ship.
  • Procedural generation! The location of rooms, enemies and traps, as well as weapons and all items, are generated procedurally.
  • Space raccoon! and three more playable characters. All of them differ in starting characteristics, preferred weapons and special techniques.
  • Intriguing story. Explore the abandoned science complex and find out what happened here!

The player needs to complete 12 levels, including 5 bosses and as the player progresses the challenge becomes harder so many attempts may be required! Constant battles with ‘bosses’ with new attacks and moves as they become stronger will have to be faced! During the exploration of the stations, the player will find nanocubes that remain with him after death. They can be spent on the purchase of permanent improvements – for example, you can increase the maximum supply of ammunition or open access to a new workbench to improve weapons.

Replikator delivers masses of new content as the game progresses, and action is unashamedly fast, precise and deadly!. This twin stick shooter is red hot with hordes of crazy and blood thirsty enemies out to get you or one of the playable characters you select – of which there are 4! Top down action has never been so demanding, so can you win out?

‘The game is designed for one player. Approx 8-9 hours will be enough to defeat the last boss, however, it may take 30 or more hours to study all the content’ , R_Games.

Keep Moving, Shoot Straight… Survive!💀
Explore the complex & reveal what happened to its denizens!



[press release supplied]

FREE Video Games in May on Prime Gaming!

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This is more of a PSA (that’s Public Service Announcement) for PC gamers (with an Amazon Prime sub) out there!

The list of free titles during the awesome month of May reads like a who’s who of video games – from STAR WARS™: Rogue Squadron 3D (on May the 4th!), to the retro gaming splendour of NEO GEO titles like Last Resort, Super Sidekicks, King of the Monsters 2 and Robo Army to name just a few!

Better clear your diary, as you’ll be playing video games quite a bit.

List of free games on Prime Gaming during the month of May:

  • May 4: STAR WARS™: Rogue Squadron 3D — Save the Rebel Alliance from imperial onslaught in this thrilling flight simulation game where players take on the role of Luke Skywalker and assemble their Rogue Squadron team to fly into battle, engage in intense, fast-paced space and planetary missions to continue the fight for freedom.
  • May 4: Super Sidekicks — Dribble, pass and use a variety of techniques to compete against the best teams from around the world as players battle for the SNK Cup.
  • May 4: Samurai Shodown IV — Test your samurai skills using powerful attacks to wage intense battles and defeat Amakusa before he conquers the modern world.
  • May 11: Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition — Explore the planes, survive dangerous combat scenarios and solve mysterious puzzles in this story-rich, tactical role playing game set in the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse.
  • May 11: Lake — Take on the role of Meredith Weiss and take a break from the big city to decide how you want to experience the beautiful Providence Oaks, featuring its iconic lake and scenery.
  • May 11: Robo Army — Take on high-powered collisions in this beat ’em up title as players crush and destroy their enemies to restore peace from the robot corps known as Hell Jeed.
  • May 11: Last Resort — Save humanity’s first hotel on Mars by taking down hordes of aliens in this small co-op shooter game.
  • May 18: Kardboard Kings — Own the best card shop in town by earning a reputation with customers, beating your shop goals, unlocking new decorations and more!
  • May 18: The Almost Gone — Unlock intricate dioramas to experience the plethora of connections of your life in this narrative puzzle game about death, loss and mental health.
  • May 18: 3 Count Bout — Become the world’s strongest wrestler by learning the moves and winning hard fought battles to take the champion’s throne for yourself.
  • May 18: Alpha Mission 2 — Recapture the universe from the seven star alliance by utilizing 11 types of various power armor in this vertical scrolling arcade game.
  • May 25: Lila’s Sky Ark — Protect a psychedelic world from bizarre beasts and punishing bosses in this poetic mystery filled with secrets, puzzles and music.
  • May 25: Agatha Knife — Embark on a whimsically twisted adventure with Agatha, as players join her in exploring her love for eating meat and her friendships with animals.
  • May 25: King of the Monsters 2 — Become the undisputed king of the monsters as players take on earthshaking battles against a plethora of behemoths.
  • May 25: Kizuna Encounter — Engage in intense battles as players use both weapons and fists alike to win in single-round sudden death tag-team matches.



We Need a Good ‘Hitman’ Movie

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

With “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” breaking records at the global box office, it makes me wonder why it took Hollywood so long to produce such a successful film based on a video game property. There have been other films based on video games that have made money (“Sonic the Hedgehog” and its sequel), but nothing like the grosses of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” It’ll easily pass the $1 billion mark worldwide.

I caught the “Hitman” films on cable recently, and as someone who loves the games, one thought raced through my mind: How did they screw this up? The 2007 “Hitman” film, starring Timothy Olyphant as the assassin, had no redeemable value whatsoever…it’s a violent mess that gets mindbogglingly boring by the third act. And the villains were cartoons. When I saw it in the movie theater, I was peering at my watch, waiting for the credits to roll. Olyphant is an immensely talented actor; he couldn’t even save the film.

The 2007 Hitman film starring Timothy Olyphant was a violent mess

The “Hitman” world from the games is so rich and sprawling. Producers and Hollywood executives had enough material from the iconic game for five movies. Or they could’ve taken all the great parts of the games and put them in one film.

When I heard the news that Rupert Friend was set to star in “Hitman: Agent 47,” I had hoped that the film could be exceptional. I was a fan of Rupert Friend’s performance on the Showtime series “Homeland.” He was terrific as CIA operative Peter Quinn. The British actor was miscast as the assassin. I remember being confused by the muddled opening credits that had clips that were more interesting than most of the action sequences in the film. It didn’t help that every actor and actress in the movie seemed extremely wooden.

“Hitman 2: Silent Assassin” is one of my favorite video games. The IO Interactive developed, stealth video game had the best storyline of any “Hitman.” Back in the early 2000s, I played “Silent Assassin” on my GameCube. The story of Codename 47 who comes out of retirement when his friend, Reverend Emilio Vittorio, is kidnapped by unknown assailants, could make a great plot for a “Hitman” film. It’s not an origin story, but it could be an excellent spine for a screenplay. 47 resumes work for the ICA in hopes of finding his close friend.

I doubt a studio will finance another “Hitman” film after the dismal box office returns of the previous two. However, the “Hitman” games are so iconic, there must be a filmmaker who can put their own imaginative spin on the vast property.



An ‘SNL’ Sketch Sold a ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ Unit

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Two weeks ago, I bought a copy of “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” because of “Saturday Night Live’s” “HBO Mario Kart Trailer” sketch.

Pedro Pascal is one of my favorite actors. His performance on the Netflix series “Narcos” is incredible, and when his character, Javier Pena, was no longer on the hit series, I stopped watching. When I saw that he was hosting “Saturday Night Live,” I was excited and instantly thought to myself, what took so long?

In my freshman year of college, my roommates and I would play “Mario Kart 64” on Nintendo 64 for hours after classes. We would often bet a six-pack of beer on a race. Sometimes the person who came in last would have to buy a 24 case for the other racers to share. Everyone was on a college budget, so you really didn’t want to finish last.

I haven’t played the game in a few years, but when I watched the great “SNL” sketch, it piqued my interest again in the iconic game. The sketch was one of the funniest things that the writers have come up with this season; and it’s been an exceptional season. The spin on Pedro Pascal’s involvement in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and a dystopian “Mario Kart” world was brilliant and cleverly funny. When I first watched the sketch, I thought, that’s going to go viral. Since it’s airing, the sketch has had 12 million views on YouTube.

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking over all the Nintendo Switch games at my local Best Buy. My mind went to the “SNL” sketch, and I realized I didn’t own a single “Mario Kart” game. That afternoon, I purchased “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” and played the game for hours when I arrived home.

I’m sure “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” will have numerous references to “Mario Kart.” I just hope they somehow include my favorite racetrack in the film, Sweet Sweet Canyon…but I doubt it.



Hijinx Hotel – The Best Place to Play, Not Stay

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Now this is something different and quite cool – the Hijinx Hotel has now opened in Chadstone’s The Social Quarter – their new entertainment precinct.

So what is Hijinx Hotel then? Well, rather than us paraphrasing, here it is from the horses mouth:

Hijinx Hotel is an immersive interactive game experience housed within the theme, wonder and theatre of a quirky New York style hotel where the rooms are reimagined into quick play, challenge rooms. Leave the suitcases at home – these are rooms where you play, not stay.

Each of the hotel wings home highly fun & experiential, game-afied rooms made up of 5 different collaborative games. Hijinx is perfect for the young and the young at heart, for groups, on a date or just out with a mate.

As lovers of escape rooms, we are very intrigued by this take on the hotel game-fueled concept which drips a lot of nostalgia. The company behind the Hijinx Hotel is Funlab, who also operate Strike, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, so they know a thing or two on how to create fun for adults!

If you are intrigued, like us, then check out the Hijinx Hotel website to see what you can experience at this very unique hotel.

image source: Hijinx Hotel



Jirard Bought EVERY Nintendo Wii U & 3DS Game Before the Nintendo eShop Closes

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Jirard “The Completionist” Khalil has spent a smidgen under US$23,000 (~ AU$34,300) buying EVERY available Wii U and 3DS game before Nintendo shutters these respective eShops at the end of this month (March 2023).

This is definitely one way to preserve games, but let’s face it, we don’t all have tens of thousands of extra dollars sitting around, waiting to be used to buy up every game for these now deprecated Nintendo systems. We can’t even imagine the storage required to save and store all of these games – that’s a lot of microSD cards and solid-state drives!

Jirard should be commended, as he could have easily chosen the dark path, piracy, to achieve a similar result.

Completionist by name, completionist by nature, we salute you Jirard!

PS: When you are done watching the vid, read Kelsey Lewin’s Twitter thread on how this could solve the whole “preservation of games” puzzle.


source: Jirard The Completionist on Twitter