Displaying items by tag: Mario

Hi, you know I'm a fan of Nintendo "I" - Richard. I write most of these beautiful articles that I am so proud of. Thanks to BOTRL and its community I can have fun with writing.

It was no secret to anyone, not to me for sure. The fact that the N64 was added to the Switch Online subscription was the next logical step.

The surprise for me? The price increase, which is justified and I will come back to it later. The other surprise, for me again, the addition of Sega Genesis games!

Yes we will be entitled to Ecco, Sonic and so many other Sega icons on our Nintendo Switch. I'm talking to the future but this all came out on October 26th folks! So if you don't have it yet or are looking to be convinced, I'm here for you.

Now let's talk about the price, how it has changed and why I think the price is justified to change.

First of all, the addition of games and especially two different consoles is quite significant. We are immediately entitled to Ocarina of Time, Lylatwars, Yoshi’s Island and others when it comes to the N64. Then we have Sonic (the 2nd), Street of rage, Phantasy Star IV and many others concerning the Sega.

They are games loved by everyone, which we can already enjoy without worry. So there are 9 games at launch for the N64 and 14 games for the Genesis. This brings more than 20 games from the start and we know that the catalogs will quickly evolve. This will allow you to enjoy more and more old-school games and while the new games are worth the effort, there are some must-haves to play even if "you're not of this generation".

While saying this I am thinking precisely of games like the old Sonic, Ocarina of Time or Banjo-Kazooie for example (not yet available on the other hand, yes please calm down). There are some games that are timeless, whether the old-school gameplay, or the graphics are not todays standards, no problem. These games are worth it anyway.

One great news about this expansion is that you can play online. Yes, you read that right. We can for example play Mario Kart 64 (yes go crazy it is part of the launch catalog) at 4 on 4 different consoles and even each at home. It's just great because it brings real modernity to this catalog of old games.

That's not all, for my part I find that the previous arguments are sufficient to explain the price increase, but there is still more. Fans of Animal Crossing New Horizon, I am talking to you. AND there are many of you, really. There will be an add-on called "Happy Home Paradise!" You need to have the initial game to enjoy it, so you can show off your beautiful creations and play (to some extent) your favorite game online.

Note that if you are not interested in the subscription, you can purchase from the store and therefore download this extension separately. Not insignificant for those who are not interested in the rest of the add-on pack.

With these fairly large additions I find the price difference worth it. For the standard subscription, we therefore go from € 19.99 per year to 39.99. We still stay at a very reasonable price.

By adding consoles to the subscription, we have to think that new controllers will be available. And you would be right to think so.

Indeed a new N64 controller and a Mega Drive (with three and not six buttons) will be / are available. The one for the N64 should already be available but at the time I am writing this I see that it cannot be ordered because it is "currently unavailable". As for the one for the Mega Drive, it is not possible to purchase it at the moment nor is it rated as "unavailable". It should therefore be available in the coming weeks.

For my part, the additional pack has already been taken, the price varies depending on your current subscription and the initial date. So you only pay the difference and that's great news.

I was convinced by these additions knowing also that it was going to evolve. The only small negative point to note would be the different buttons between N64 and Switch. Indeed to easily play Lylatwars for example you have to be very careful to master the combination of buttons.

It's not very simple and the N64 controller will be a real positive contribution to smoothly play the games of this legendary console.

I hope you will have found answers to your questions and that you will be able to make the choice that is best for you!

In the meantime, good game to all!

We are entitled to a beautiful presentation. We had been waiting for such a moment for a while. It is an understatement to say that we were treated to some surprises and other very nice announcements! We also quickly get to the heart of the matter with a game presented in the first seconds.

Fire Emblem Warriors, Three Hopes

The success of Hyrule Warriors gave ideas and the Fire Emblem franchise has been given the same treatment!

We witness very beautiful graphics. Dynamic and classic battles of the genre. We recognize the franchise in the style of character design in a blink of an eye. It's a good idea to have taken this franchise for this "Warrior-style" facelift. The images presented are salivating.

Hordes of enemies, duels and a refined design! This pretty candy is coming fast: Expected release: 24.06

Advanced Wars

This game is shown for which news had already been presented in the past. We are entitled to a little game play, new commanders will be available. Multi online will also be available. A pack will be available. The 1 + 2 in a pack will be for purchase on 08.04

No Man's Sky

The game is presented for the Switch. We have the right to a little game play and information more or less already known. Planets and animals, space pirates, exploration, everything is presented in brief images.

It must be said that the images promise a certain amusement for those who love exploration, grinding and creating bases. Nintendo players will be able to take advantage of it, but we still have to wait.

The game will be available in summer. Until then, more info should be obtained!

Mario Striker Battle League

Explosive trailer for the game! All the iconic characters are featured. Tackles, Super Strikes, Items. It's all good to win. Equipment changes stats and hyper strike are the most important points.

If we are free we can charge a superb strike which is worth 2 goals. A maximum of 8 players on a Switch will be able to play this game together. An online club mode will be available, which promises fierce games in advance. An online ranking will be available. 20 players max per club possible, club to create yourself to play in competitive mode.

10.06 the game will be available with pre-orders possible today. I admit that this game already makes me languish and I hesitate to pre-order it!

A short video for Splatoon is now available to us. This little trailer where nasty little monsters are presented. The characters fight as always with paint their enemies. “Salmon run” game mode. You have to collect and put in a basket a maximum of eggs of the bad guys to win, basically.

A franchise that no longer has much to prove and that still gives as much pleasure. This mode is a continuation of this philosophy.

Front Mission 1st

This classic Tactical RPG deserves a revival. The game features fighters with mechanical robots. As usual for this kind of games, we will be able to improve the equipment and prepare the tactics to use to win. The remake of 1 and 2 are to follow. The 1 arrives this summer.

Disney Speedstorm.

This racing game is Mario Kart like, that's for sure. This with objects to win, crazy circuits and of course iconic characters from Disney and Pixar. The game will be entitled to an Online Multiplayer and will be released in the summer.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

The game will be entitled to a new release and this for the Nintendo Switch therefore. We are entitled to gameplay, locally we can play against friends. This 2000s classic goes on sale April 20, so it's coming fast.

Assassin's Creed Ezio Collection

Fans of the genre and especially of this franchise can be happy. The game will be available on the Switch to dive or dive back into on 17.02 so a little patience it happens very quickly!

Chrono Cross the Radical Dreamers Edition

This classic released at the end of 1999 on Playstation has the right to its facelift and its hopefully triumphant return. The 40 characters of this emblematic game will arrive on 07.04 and pre-orders available today.

Here is a small list of the improvements available with this remaster:

・3D models converted to HD

・Refined character illustrations

・Higher-quality background music

・Switch enemy encounters on or off

・Background filter feature

・Battle enhancement features to make combat easier

・Auto-battle function

・Switch between imitation pixel font and HD font

・Change screen resolution

It really promises new sensations to discover with a great classic. A little extra candy, RADICAL DREAMERS - The Forbidden Treasure is the game that inspired Chrono Cross. This game will be available in audio book and we will all have the right to dive back into a magnificent universe!

Kirby and the forgotten world

It must be said that this game presented again with a new trailer always makes you want. Always so beautiful, funny and colorful. We see the Mouthful mode, Kirby swallows large objects like a car or swallow water to move forward. We see the Waddle Town that we can evolve and expand. Attacks can be seen as spitting fire, ice. Items that give specific attacks.

This game in a 3D world seems really very interesting and makes you want to be played. I must say that Kirby is not the franchise I have played the most. Well this game, I really want it. It's great and more on March 25 the game will be released and pre-orders are already possible!

The Show 2022

The franchise of MLB (American baseball) will be available friends. And yes The Show 22 is coming in early April. With Road to the Show create your players to play an MLB career, the Diamond Dinasty mode in which you get cards to create a virtual team. The online mode which will be available in cross platform in addition to that. So to your bats, at the beginning of April it will heat up.

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts packs will be available tomorrow (10.02). This huge classic that we all know can be played from 10.02.2022.

There are many who have loved, love and absolutely want to play it again everywhere. Although you need a (stable) internet connection, you can play it on a handheld or in the dock-in Station. Indeed it is a game to be played by the cloud.

Portal: Companion Collection

Another classic celebrates its arrival on Switch with its iconic Portal Gun! Local, online and split screen multiplayer! Unfortunately, we don't have a date but we will be entitled to it this year.

Live A Live

It will be available on Switch. Beautiful pixel art graphics. There are different timelines with very different characters. We have a brief presentation of the characters and it sincerely promises to provide a lot of emotions. But that won't be until summer. Indeed the game will be released on 22.07 and pre-orders are already available!

Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports will make its arrival. A great evolution of Wii Sports! Directly inspired by this predecessor, the joy cons must be used for the different games. Even with feet for football! Badminton, bowling, volleyball and tennis for example are available as well as the chambara!

You can play online against strangers or against friends! We even have the right to a volleyball match to see how it works! The game play is quite simple but looks very fun!

Mr. Koizomi and Mr. Takahashi play together, some unexpected images! on 29.04 the game will be released! Updates are already planned to improve football and the addition of golf!

From February 18 to 20, an online play test will take place for people who have a switch online subscription by registering in advance!

Taiko no Tatsujin Rhythm Festival will be available this year! No more information but I know that many are fans of rhythm games.

Triangle Strategy

This game with graphics very close to Octopath Traveller and shown again. Demo available today! So enjoy, you never know, a new love might be born for this upcoming game.

Metroid Dread

An update for Metroid Dread coming soon. Dread Mode! – Death in one shot. There will also be Rookie Mode for players unfamiliar with the franchise. This will cost no extra.

Earth Bound and Earth Bound Beginnings

These games are coming today in the Switch Online Bundle! The cult game will be part of the long list of games available in the pack including NES and SNES games! We are entitled to a few images, a real boon for nostalgic and all those who have never known the franchise!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Little news for Mario Kart! Paid DLC will be available with remastered iconic tracks for the franchise's latest racing game! 6 waves are coming, with 8 races for each wave! There will therefore be additions until 2023 to be expected!

There will be two ways to take advantage of these waves: 25 € or free if you have the subscription with the expansion pack of the Switch online!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Little news for Mario Kart! Paid DLC will be available with remastered iconic tracks for the franchise's latest racing game! 6 waves are coming, with 8 races for each wave! There will therefore be additions until 2023 to be expected!

There will be two ways to take advantage of these waves: 25 € or free if you have the subscription with the expansion pack of the switch online!

The first wave arrives next 18.03 with these races:

Golden Dash Cup:

• Paris Promenade ( Mario Kart Tour)
• Toad Circuit (Mario Kart 7)
• Choco Mountain (Mario Kart 64)
• Coconut Mall (Mario Kart Wii)

Luck Cat Cup:

• Tokyo Blur (Mario Kart Tour)
• Shroom Ridge (Mario Kart 7)
• Sky Garden (Mario Kart Super Circuit)
• Ninja Hideaway (Mario Kart Tour)

Last announcement:

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

So there friends I'm like crazy. I noticed how much I loved this universe and this franchise with this presentation. Because indeed from the first glance I recognized the trademark of this franchise for me emblematic.

Beautiful graphics in this trailer, this world so huge and revisited with this game. This time there are also monsters, magic and it seems that the hom have improved weapons to fight the mechons.

This game looks very promising and mouth-watering! But we haven't had enough for my taste. We don't know at all what it will be, but it seems to be in the future of the stories already known to the franchise!

Game available in September! I cannot wait. I'm going to geek out the existing games thoroughly to prepare for the release of this game.

That's all for me and I hope I have inspired you.

Have a good game everyone!

May 2002 gave us an imperishable, iconic gift that will remain forever etched in our memories. For the less old this console must also resonate in them because it is one of the consoles that everyone must know.

Altough, we don't judge, but if you don't know her... it's a bit... anyway. We don't judge! We just don't find it normal. Of course, jokes aside, this console is a real success for me. It has seen the birth of a multitude of great games, a controller engraved in our memories. And for those who don't see what controller I'm talking about, I'll let you know a little later.

I asked the friends of the association to give me some games or other information that marked them to honor this console on this 20th anniversary.

I start with our president Alex:

To put it simply, we are going to talk about Skyes of Arcedia, a great game, really incredible. Phantasy Star Online, a game dried in coop (with me the bro) and other friends. Without forgetting the legendary Super Smash Bros Melee (thanks to the controller) which was just amazing. And then the magnificent Mario Kart Double Dash, which is a real novelty in the game.

He is right the president, great games. It is true that these choices are superb. Double Dash is still one of my all-time favorites to this day.

I continue with Patrick our treasurer:

Our president hit the nail on the head with Skies of Arcadi and Phantasy Star Online. I will add Super Mario Sunshine, the atmosphere of the game that makes you want to travel, sun and holidays. All this mixed with the fun of a Mario close to perfection!

Our treasurer has good taste! Sunshine, this Mario was remarkable for its unique gameplay! A great game and a really nice plot! In addition, the game is available in the Mario 3D collection by Nintendo, something to delight anyone who wants to play it again or play it for the first time!

Jo our Community Manager joins our two friends:

I follow Alex and Patrick with Double Dash and Sunshine! For my part I add Mario Striker! This soccer game with Mario characters is just awesome. Its mechanics give it a plus so that it is not just “football with Mario”

Once again a great choice! Jo adds Striker which is indeed a superb game, perhaps less iconic but of an equally excellent quality!

So for my part, I have a lot of things that come to mind. The games and memories fuse!`

I'm going to talk about a few things, but first let's get back to the controller. And yes, for those who love Super Smash on Nintendo Switch, many choose the “Battle Pad” controller, well it is neither more nor less than the official Game Cube controller.

With Alex, we had the two controllers with the colors, I would say, basic. The console was initially released in purple and black. It must be said, in purple it was something magnificent! I remember another detail about this controller, yes it was the first wireless controller for us!

So no, it was wired, but Nintendo released the same controller in gray which was wireless! There was a receiver that you plugged into the controller input in the console. There was a wheel to choose between position 1 to 4. The joystick then synchronized and presto! wireless controller!

It was superb, efficient and had a fairly long charging time! For me, it is a memory engraved forever!

For the games I will not cite any games already mentioned, although some are among my favorites. I told you that the console was iconic, it's naturally due to its games! So here are some of them:

First there is Metroid Prime, the first Metroid in 3D quite simply. Complicated, beautiful, immersive. Superb gameplay and 3D that works (I personally find). In fact, this is the first Metroid game I've played. It's an understatement to say that I loved the franchise from the start.

Then I will add Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle. Did you really expect me not to put a Final Fantasy in it? Although the game play is not at all my favorite, you can quite easily get used to it by immersing yourself in its story. Plus you can play it in co-op and that was great. Very poetic, complex and moving, from this point of view it is a total success.

Then I will talk about Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. 3D, Sonic, robot speed and total fun! The "Halloween" level with Knuckles still gives me cold sweats today! For the time it was beautiful and so fluid. It was a total pleasure to play it and replay it.

I will end with the games already mentioned: I really miss Mario Kart Double Dash, Phantasy Star Online was a dream game that I will never forget, it had to come out!

Do not hesitate to give us your opinion and your list of Game Cube games!

Have a good game everyone!

The Nintendo Direct of September 13 was rich in information. Here is what I learned and noted (almost everything yes)

We start with a presentation of Fire Emblem Engage. We are given the tone. Heroes called the "Emblems" saved the world alongside armies from the continent of "Elios" consisting of four realms and a sacred point at its center. A cobra-headed dragon threatens the continent and thanks to the heroes peace has returned.

A thousand years later, the threat rumbles and concern wins the heart of the woman who tells us this story. The heroes "wake up" to end the threat.

The cinematic is beautiful. The animations are superb and we recognize the style of a franchise that has been able to renew itself continuously. The "classic" strategy mode fights are well shown. We immediately recognize the emblematic style of Fire Emblem.

The protagonist has a ring that allows him to be connected to Marth. This hero so known to the franchise. The same goes for other heroes. We therefore understand that these rings are the key to the game. Release for January 2023 planned.

We arrive at the traditional sequence of presentations.

It takes two is shown. The co-op game is presented with its different worlds. You can play it locally or online for two. Released for November, the 4th. So there is still a little time to wait before enjoying it on Big N's hybrid console.

The forbidden story begins. That sets the tone. Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is presented with a catchy phrase that makes you feel unconfortable. A game that keeps you in suspense and plans to thrill you. We try to find lost, violent or frightening spirits with a special and dedicated camera. We will be entitled to this game in 2023. It's a long time, but from what we've seen it seems promising.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 expansion pass number two is introduced. Ino the new heroine will be available. Once the quests concerning her have been completed, you will be able to play with this character. She seems to have a mechanical body. A wave battle challenge is also presented. A next expansion scheduled for October 13.

Sponge Bob will be entitled to a game on the Japanese console. This with the original vocals! The game is coming next year.

A rhythm game is featured with: Fitness Boxing, Fist of the North Star. A game with which you have to keep the rhythm and throw punches in the right tempo! There is even a battle mode with the same gameplay.

Oddballers is then in the spotlight. Funny arenas, to be played with 6 players. The game is coming in 2023. A game that combines dexterity, fun and the rules of Dodgeball. All this with funny objects and in arenas for the less original.

Tunic, the Zelda-like action/adventure starring a fox is coming to the Switch. The game arrives on September 27.

Front Mission and Front Mission 2 are entitled to their Remake. The first, in which you can guide military robots to fight turn-based against enemies. Robots can be upgraded and tested in the Coliseum. In the 2 the goal is the same, with many additional improvements. The remake of the three will arrive next year. As for the first two, their releases will follow one another during the end of the year.

Story of seasons: A wonderful Life is then highlighted. We find ourselves in Forgotten Valley, in which we inherit the farm from our father and which we will have to maintain. We have to maintain it, expand it, take care of the animals. Becoming friends with neighbors will be important and even having a family will be possible. We get older and we even see the evolution of everyone's age. We will be entitled to the game in the summer of 2023

Splatoon 3 arrives without warning in the presentation. We are presented with the "Splatfest" theme dated 9/23 at 5 p.m. and 9/25 at the same time. We are notified of further updates to come.

A Square Enix game is coming. We immediately recognize the style of Octopath Traveler. This is indeed the sequel. At first glance, you immediately recognize that the graphic style is maintained with a slight change in depth. We are introduced to the different characters. The same profiles are present, warrior, thief, hunter, etc. It's perfect as it was already well done on the first opus.

The stories of the different protagonists seem well done and in a few seconds you can identify with the characters. A vast world will be available with awesome quests, beautiful characters and epic battles.

The game is scheduled for the end of February 2023 and we are already looking forward to it.

New games are presented. Starting with Faefarm. You can play solo or locally or online with up to 4 players. The seasons change, they make it possible to change the way of managing the farm. Managing it allows you to learn many movements and other magic. Many enemies will be defeated through many journeys. The game is coming for Spring 2023.

Thearrhythm: Final Bar Line. The FF franchise is getting a rhythm game for the 35th anniversary of the franchise. We are presented with a catalog of more than 380 songs that will be playable in this game with cute graphics. It will even be playable with friends. Something to delight the neighbors.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Ubisoft's crazy game is presented, once again. We can see a little more gameplay side, out of combat. Like the shops, the recruits. The game arrives for October 20, we are presented with the Gold Edition and the pre-order is already available.

Rune Factory 3 Special is coming to console. The game is coming in 2023, but that's not all. A new franchise game is in development.

We are now presented with a few Nintendo 64 games that are making their way into the pack. Like Mario Party games, Pokémon Stadium and others. The games are coming in two waves. Part this year and part next year.

Then there is a special mention that gets started. Simply with the legendary GoldenEye! on N64. It will come with an online mode! Just that.

An immersive RPG is presented next with the game :Various Daylife. The game arrives the same day of the announcement. But we don't really learn more.

We then see the game Factorio. Following a crash with the ship, you have to rebuild it and survive. You have to mine, create machines, a base protected from monsters and that until you finish the creation.

A 2nd free update is available to Mario Striker players. Pauline arrives with Diddy Kong! New stadiums and equipment are coming in September.

A new JRPG / adventure. Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. The adventurers will discover the origins of alchemy in order to save their island. The open world to discover alongside 11 different characters, each with their specificities. On February 24, 2023 the game makes its arrival.

We are presented with a (small) part of wave 3 of Mariokart 8 Deluxe's ​​Booster Course Pass. There will be a race from MarioKart Tour and one from MarioKart on DS. The rest is a mystery but it will surely be good in view of what we have already had so far.

Pikmin Bloom is then shown. Like Pokémon Go. With today's location and technology, you can find Pikmin and the items they collect outside. The further you walk, the more you can find, just like the items the Pikmin find. We are then shown the map of the world which is discovered where we walked.

Pikmin 4 is then presented. In 2023 the game will be able to make its arrival. We have no right to gameplay. Just an image where we can see that we can play with the perspective of a Pikmin.

Just Dance 2023 is coming. We can even play with friends online. A special recommendation will also be available in the game. Ubisoft is preparing the game for November this year.

Harvestella is then presented. The "Season of Death" is coming and a way must be found to stop it from doing its thing. A demo is already available (since September 13) and the game in November.

Bayonetta shows up with a small presentation of the first two opuses. In the third, she must defend humanity against man-made robots/monsters. We will be entitled to this opus on October 28th. More gameplay and a new trailer on Nintendo's youtube channel is to be discovered.

Resident Evil Village in Cloud Version is coming to console. The game will be available on October 28. With this they also announced three more Resident Evil that will be available (the recent remakes)

Crisis Core, Final Fantasy VII – Reunion will be coming to Switch. The FF VII prequel will be entitled to its Nintendo version. We can play Zack alongside Sephiroth and Cloud on December 13.

Tales of Symphonia arrives in Remastered version. One of the most successful games of the Tales of franchise, deserves a well-deserved comeback. We find Lloyd and Colette in this action RPG. The epic battles and this poetic story arrive at the beginning of 2023.

In the last video we are entitled to a new trailer of the great saga The Legend of Zelda. We understand that this is the long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild. Well it won't just be "2" but the game will have its own name "Tears of the Kingdom"

We don't see much there, except that we can jump from islands in levitation, that there are flying platforms and that we can always climb and equip ourselves in different ways. With the date at the end, May 12, 2023.

Let's not forget that it has been a bad habit for a while that the dates are not respected, so let's not be too impatient all the same.

Well that was a wealth of information. While waiting for new information to be given, I wish you a good game!

Super  World

In the presentation we are welcomed by Shigeru Miyamoto exciting from a tube like in the Mario games, revealing afterwards the well-known castle from Mario64 (with the originally music). We are standing in a faithful and beautiful lobby, with some paintings. This gives you the impression, to be in the game, the paintings are even changing depending from which side you are looking at them. The speech motivates us to visit the Mushroom Kingdom, which we already want to go as soon as possible.

The exterior setting is breath-taking. It is so well made that you think you were directly teleported into the game. Everything is designed to perfection. The animatronics are more than realistic. Everything goes perfectly together and you can clearly see what Nintendo tried to achieve. You can immediately see that the parc is divided by different themes. You can see Bowsers` castle and some mountains with the Thwombs. Even the lamps are magnificent. They clearly have dig deep in the Mario games for the décor to represent every aspect of what we know so far, and it is executed awesomely. Some parts of the décor are even moving, such as the “POW” button or Yoshi. Sadly, this takes out some naturality of Yoshi, but none the less we must admit that it still looks great. You even see some Koopas, Piranha plants and much more.

Furthermore, we get the explanation that you can interact with the décor of the parc, which is interactive. For instance, you can push the “?” block.  All over the parc are plenty of “activities” to discover. They show us the “Power-up” bracelet, which is clearly inspired by the different characters out of the games. This bracelet helps you to find secrets in the parc or to interact with the décor. It even tracks down your activity in the parc and you can synchronise it, with help of a QR-code, with your smart phone. Which is convenient as you can see where exactly you are in the parc. Afterwards M. Miyamoto gives us a small demonstration, where he taps on a block and he gets a coin, recognisable due to iconic sound. On your phone you can then see that you have earned one coin. You can also see that there are other symbols in the app for your smartphone, so that you can interact with plenty things in the parc. In the end we get the information, that these bracelets, also function as amibos and that you can use them at home.

A genuinely nice Piranha plant is shown to us, without revealing the secret behind it. We get the explanation, that it is one the “activities”. Surely more exciting, then just collecting a coin and definitely more impressive.

By walking through the parc we bounce into a décor with “POW” buttons. A key is visible on top of the décor, close to the guest. By holding your bracelet to the button, you activate the game. The “POW” block illuminates. A green shell appears through a tube and you have to push the block in the right moment to win the game.

We get the information, that there are different “activities”, which are more or less complex. By winning such games, three times, you get access to the “Boss” Bowser Jr. We get no more details on this.

The décors are sublime and the musical ambiance lets you emerge completely into the world of Mario. Then we are in a labyrinth, styled as in the underground levels of the games. The visit continues, and we find a block made out of bricks, where we can collect several coins. Mario symbols are visible on the walls and interact with the bracelets. Furthermore, we see a picture of Bowser, like in the old times, and that is it. Afterwards, we are face to face with Bob-ombs, which illuminate and seem to explode at any time. The décor gets smaller progressively, so that you really think you the footsteps of Mario. We do not see all the details the rest of this Labyrinth and it is there where we switch to another area.

Afterwards, they present to us, a building called “Factory”. Those buildings are simply the merchandise shops. We get a quick overview of the goodies, which you can buy. The merch itself looks really amazing and well crafted. They present the Tokotoko Mario, a funny gift nothing special. Furthermore, they show us a popcorn bowl made like a star. Even the places, where you can eat, are in the style of the Mario games. Those places are called, “Kinopio´s Café”. Mario and Luigi are seen in person, so that we can actually meet them in the parc.

Finally, we see the interior of those “Cafés”. A monitor is seen, on which  you can interact with your bracelet and get a gift. Those restaurants are managed by Toads. On the screen a Toad is introducing itself as “chef Toad” and we see an overview of the menus. But the focus is more on the décor of the restaurant and on the tables. Everything is wholesome designed with the well known colours of the Mario universe, which lead to pure joy. Even the food is designed in that way. Few examples are presented, you can have the Mario Burger, the super Mushroom Pizza bowl and even two different deserts, which look delicious.

The opening will be on the 4^th of February 2021 in the Universal Studios in Japan. In addition, they tease us, by saying that the whole presentation was just a glimpse of the actual parc and that a lot more awaits us in there. Of course, there will be special Covid precautions. They are even looking to open two other Mario Worlds, such as in the USA and Singapore, as that there are already Universal Studios.

In addition, we get a nice view on Bowsers´ castle. We accompany Shigeru Miyamoto into the corridor and the stairs of the entrance, where a marvellous statue of the main villain is seen. Then we recognize the different, and well known from the Mariokart collection, trophies.

As you already figured out, it is karting circuit, of course designed like the games. We get a quick view on the cars and the helmets. The karts resemble to those of Mariokart 8 (Deluxe). For the circuit itself, not much is presented, only the cars side by side. The helmets have kind of special visor. Could it be some kind of augmented reality? Honestly we think yes, because otherwise how will you be able to drive through the item boxes and collect/throw shells, bananas and mushrooms? It also seems that the drivers are a kind of team, as they say, “Can Team Mario really win on a course that Bowser knows every detail about?”

That’s it for the presentation of the parc, which is good so that the surprise for the rest will be even more epic. Honestly it was wisely to not show too much, because when the parc will open, social media are going to be flooded with content of the attractions.

Lucky those who can visit quite soon the parc, as what we have seen in the presentation looks more than promising with all the effort put in. For a geek or Mario lover a must visit!

Clearly one of my future big travels (big in the meaning of budget, stay time and emotionally) will be japan. In addition to my love to the story and culture of all countries, comes my passion for video games, so it is quite obvious that I am so excited that I am just drooling by thinking of this journey. In hope that those feelings are the same for other game enthusiastic and that the parc has the success with its opening as wished, we are eager to visit this parc more than once. Why not to dream big? XD

Franchises I love

Mario

I’m going to talk about one of the most iconic franchises. I don't know a person who hasn't played one of these games at least once. While I say that, maybe there is my father. On the other hand he was playing Balloons on NES, which is super cool too.

Mario is everywhere in my life. I have a Nintendo Switch Mario Odyssey Edition. I have pretty much every game in the franchise. I have a painting on a metal plate, cushions, controllers, chargers etc. So really Mario is very important to me. Smaller, my favourite character in the franchise was Yoshi. This awesome little dinosaur made me love it. I even remember the game on Game Boy Advance. The cartridge was bigger because it had a gyroscopic device for a rather innovative game play.

Subsequently, there was Super Smash Bros Melee on Game Cube. So yes it’s not a game in the franchise, but with this game I started to be crazy about Luigi. It was also a time when I took more time to play and we were several friends with my brother to play like crazy at this game. So for the Mario franchise I chose this character more and more.

And yes, I'm the little brother, so Luigi was a forced choice when we played together. But the PLAYER 2 that I am fully assumes it. This character is awesome and set apart in Super Mario Bros 2. Excuse me, but these jumps still give me nightmares. Plus if you think about it, Yoshi has that jump right now. A pedal movement with the feet and a glider effect. Remember that the Super Mario Bros 2 game was released in Japan in 1988. So if you are thinking but this style of jumping is super cool! Remember we are talking about game play that is over 30 years old! So no this jump was not the big thing.

Growing up with these consoles was handy, obviously I was able to play all of the Mario games. Almost at least. However, it was mostly with the Nintendo 64 that I got the most out of the franchise. The Mario Party were fabulous, what great memories! These games are magic! Mario Tennis also remains a great series of games. However, I must admit that the version released on the Switch did not please me at all. It’s really not what I expected. There are some cool points but overall I just didn't like this game.

Of course there is also the oh so exhilarating but the oh so frustrating Mario Kart. These games were so great. So much fun experienced with these games. I think I've rarely even laughed so much on a game as this one. His rival being Mario Party, that’s obvious. Still a pretty good player, no rage for this kind of game.

I'm not sure if many people will agree, but the best memories possible with a Mario Kart game are undoubtedly Mario Kart Double Dash. What an innovation to be able to play two on a car, on a screen without it being shared !!! It was totally awesome !!!! To be able to collect two weapons by switching drivers between player 1 and 2. That was awesome. I remember summers playing together. The whole family. In addition to being able to play at 4 with a split screen only in two !!!! Yes I might be getting a little too excited and I realize that I am starting to get old ...

In short, this franchise has always been able to innovate and do new, unexpected things. I take the example of Mario Maker, although it was released on Wii U dung, which I knew I liked. This game was a nugget. Mario Maker allows us to be able to create levels ourselves, to share them on the internet. And when we see the levels created by the players and especially the levels completed by the players we can say that the players are sadistic, gifted and full of resources.

The ever more innovative Nintendo consoles also allow all the games of the Mario franchise to know how to renew themselves. The Nintendo Switch made it possible to give even more great possibilities to the games of this franchise. Mario Odyssey has been able to bring great novelties with the cap to give further impetus to the main game range. Super Smash Bros Ultimate and the huge (even too many) number of playable characters, battle surfaces have given the game a great buzz. Then there are the different game modes which are still quite new, fresh and really add something to this game. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is quite simply a totally crazy planetary success. For example, it is the best-selling racing game in history in the United States, and has been in the top 5 for video game sales in France for almost two years in a row. The latest Mario Party has yet to be tested (by me) but it shows great promise.

I see nothing that can stop this franchise from bringing fun to people of all ages. I can't wait to be able to keep playing some of these games, to be able to tell you about them, to be able to test new things.

In the meantime, play well, play together, be happy. And long live Mario!

A genre that goes well with others. Totally iconic characters. Whether we are talking about platform games or a mix of platform and action or adventure, there are a lot of games.

Here's a little list to see just how much this genre has created iconic characters:

Mario, Sonic, Crash Bandicoot, Samus Aran, Spyro, Rayman, Mega Man, Donkey Kong and more.

Mario is probably the best known of all. The little guy who makes his way through dangers with fireballs, red, green or blue shells etc.

Crash Bandicoot which was reborn after a magnificent Remaster and a brilliant 4th opus. Rayman who with his particular style can make us angry but continually love his stories.

Donkey Kong, although already in the video game scene has a huge notoriety too (maybe especially) thanks to his games on Super Nintendo.

Sonic who has become such an unmistakable and recognizable character. It remains one of a kind to this day.

Spyro what can I say, this fiery little dragon who must help his fellows when he does not yet really know how to fly. Will we be entitled to a new opus on Next Gen? It would be nice.

Samus Aran who knew how to impress everyone because until the end of the (first) game you couldn't tell she was a woman. She became a real icon of the video game world. A new game is coming soon (it's about time)

Mega Man who is certainly recognizable and known to players, it is perhaps less so to people who do not play regularly. This character remains a reference all the same.

This genre has bound to be a part of my life since playing video games. Sometimes impossible to follow, other times too simple. The developers always do everything they can to be able to confuse you and make you angry. Let's face it, there is a bit of nastiness behind it all. They love to see us suffer.

We must also say that we want more. This genre has been around for so long. If we take Mario as an example we are in 35 years of agony, rage and questioning about life. I'm exaggerating a bit, it's true.

Remember your last games on this kind of games. There is some truth to it.

Recently I got back to Metroid on NES and SNES. I have these games via my Nintendo Switch. Thanks to the subscription I even bought the controllers to have the same feeling as in the past.

If you have any doubts about the quality, check out my article on controllers. I say more. Honestly, we can easily find ourselves 25 years back. These games remain fun to play and their story is well written.

We continue to have a lot of fun. Like a lot of people I also have the new versions of Crash and Spyro. Games that I loved replaying and can't wait to pick up again just by writing these few lines.

What makes these games enjoyable lies precisely in the difficulty and the pace. You have to be sure to jump, run or attack at the right time. All of this is a real challenge and gamers love to take on challenges.

The pace is pretty brisk too, cut off by boss fights, where  it's more a matter of what moves the opponent makes in order to be able to counter them or not get ripped off. We also have bonus stages, like having to fly with Spyro, through rings and in a time limit.

Also having so many different worlds, levels, stages in these games that renew the desire to play and to succeed. The more we advance, the easier it is not to be fooled by monsters, robots or other adversaries.

As gamers who got to play the early games of these characters and saw the birth of some, it's a real pleasure to see that platform games continue to be so popular.

Only the Crash and Spyro Remasters prove it. Both "old" and young gamers agree on these games and that's great news. While some, like Mario, are so iconic that every game will be a success, other games like this exist and they have their own well-deserved glory.

So don't hesitate, if you want to take on a challenge, if you want to rage or live unforgettable adventures, platform games are for you!

Don’t hesitate to give it a go and have a good game!