Harvest Moon: Tale of Two Towns

The Harvest Moon series is alive and well for nearly three decades, at least in Japan. With countless releases, it has been an almost constant and always fixed on the Nintendo console, without ever disappoint their fans. The Harvest Moon games in the series have never pretended to be hailed as masterpieces, but they have always been able to chill and have fun serving as quiet games, able to immerse the player in nature and in a country made up of cultivated fields, orchards, cows and villages from the simple life. In spite of the headlines so much adrenaline going out of fashion today, there are still people who want to play something quiet and soon will have the opportunity to do it again on the DS and 3DS.

As in all games of the series, Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns propose the usual gameplay fund that has always been a big hit with fans. On the other hand, if the tradition is already working so well, there is no reason to change it. In all episodes the actions to perform are more or less always the same, although, from time to time by introducing small innovations, the difference from the first episode is pretty obvious to those of today and the pot has been enhanced quite a bit.

One of the things that change from time to time is the plot that is the background to the country life of the protagonists, who will see time at center stage, as title, two villages. The first, clearly inspired by Asian, called Kokohana, while the second, decidedly Western style, will be named Bluebell. As a result of disagreements due to a dispute over who produce the best food, find the two countries fighting each other. The inhabitants of the first will not want to just learn to have contacts or exchanges of merchandise with those of the second, and vice versa. Our job, after having created a virtual alter ego choosing the sex of and put him at the helm of a farm, will be to restore peace between the two villages to trade mutual opening them and making sure that someone reopens the tunnel connecting them.

To do this we engage in this saga that has always used, or take care of our business. We grow many species of plants and vegetables taking into account the rhythms of the day, night and seasons, and breed various species of farm animals such as cows, chickens, pigs and more. All this without forgetting the personal relationships with our neighbors, even if these objects with assorted vegetables and even their interweaving of real and personal relationships that could lead to marriage and the creation of a family of our own, which of course does not contribute little to the expanding our farm and to its success.

At the beginning of the game, after creating our protagonist, we'll also choose which of the two countries to live and then where to start. Not being able to be halfway, so we will probably make a decision that will affect our gaming experience, because the two villages of the countryside will be very different. Kokohana will be more pro-agriculture, while Bluebell will be more focused on breeding. Choosing the first we will have a larger field for our vegetable seeds and some extras, while choosing the second we will have a stall where we will have a bigger cow and a chicken. There are also some farmed species present only in Bluebell. After a little time will still be possible to change the city, but no matter where we choose to live, you can visit at any time to have relations with another country and its inhabitants.

There will be many mini-games, and to improve our relationships with people, rather than sell our crops at random, we can inform and give a certain type of vegetable to those who seek him. Of course, things to do are many and varied, but the pace of play will always remain quiet and calm as usual, making this title suitable for children or those looking for relaxing gaming experience.

The game was developed simultaneously on the two Nintendo handheld consoles currently on the market, DS and 3DS. The differences to tell the truth are very few, and apparently it will be virtually the same game. The 3DS version can of course count on its 3D effect well done and very tiring. The new handheld console, Nintendo may also make use of the functionality Pass Street, and choosing which crops and vegetables can give, then by passing to another person with the console held at rest and put the same game, will be an exchange of objects.

The 3DS version also seems to include a mini-game where we take care of various farm animals. Removed so the 3D effect, the mini-game and functionality Pass Street, the games will be roughly identical. The technical department will rely on the usual bucolic music and colorful graphics and cheerful. On the top screen will be the action that a view from above, while statistics and options will appear below.

Not only all the elements in Harvest Moon: Tale of Two Towns are perfect for children but also for those who simply want a relaxing game but with a unique style and still full of things to do. The wait will continue for some months, since the DS is scheduled for release on September 13 while the 3DS has not yet been set but will probably soon after, and then we can get our hands on this interesting yet another Harvest Moon. Stay tuned for upcoming news on.

Luigi's Mansion 2

As we all know Mario has a brother named Luigi, a worthy shoulder that accompanies his big brother for many years. GameCube era, the smallest of the brothers, had the honor of being the protagonist of a game of its own, a production at the time very different from the usual and that made way into the hearts of millions of players. Today, after many years from the first chapter, go back to speak with great joy, plumber dressed in green with its 2 Exclusive Luigi's Mansion Nintendo 3DS. Special catch ghosts with a vacuum cleaner is not a job for everyone, is a job not for the faint of heart. So, let's find out why the chicken Louis was forced back in this situation.

The demo at booth Nintendo has thrown in the laboratory of Professor Strambic, quick to inform us of a very powerful presence inside the house spirit. Louis is then teleported to the address required to fulfill its task of ghost hunter. The first impact with the game is like a homecoming. The control system has remained virtually unchanged from its predecessor as well as its unique gameplay. In the garden of the villa you could try the good old 3000 Poltergeist ready to suck everything on our way. Dear Louis is a hopeless coward, inevitable scene in which the usual approaches full of fear to a big door to enter the key in the lock behind hoping that there are evil ghosts. Inside the building you can see the first major change such as the size of the environment explored. A very serious fault in the first Luigi's Mansion it was not exceptional longevity also joined a number of backtracking steps. With this sequel to the developers seem to have learned from their mistakes and magnifying the location of the most promising to explore a haunted house. The first encounter with a ghost is inside the garage and, as always, you have to wait until the spectrum is visible on the screen and then light it with your flashlight to discover his true heart, this is done, can be drawn from the 3000 and Poltergeist sealed forever.

As mentioned above, and the gameplay of the game, at least in this first test, is exactly the same that many of you have enjoyed years ago. Exploration of the rooms, ghosts more or less difficult to capture on the basis of their size and strength, expressed in numbers on their heads, special keys to open locked doors and occasionally a boss to deal with. Although a formula is entertaining and practical hope for real news and additions to the gameplay and not merely a sop to fans who can finally wear again the role of Louis and catch ghosts in profusion. There will be coins, paper money, bullion and other valuables to be sucked by vacuum trusted Dr. Strambic: same argument with regard to many secret areas to discover aspiring small objects impossible or activating mechanisms through the force of aspiration of our trusted companion. The demo ended in a library where the boss was trying to turn all the way to surprise us from behind scaring and hitting Louis. Even while we were being captured by throwing books trying to hit us like a banshee. The battle was long, but finally has prevailed over evil ghost Spaziogames taking home the green badge of honor.

Luigi's Mansion 2 offers a remarkable technical sector, not only for the particular design of environments, but also for a powerful graphics satisfactory. The 3D effect adds depth to the environments that before the game made it look like a side-scrolling title. Not only that, the new technology also allows you to calculate and understand the distance between a ghost and the protagonist, especially in the heat of the capture. The product lets you play Nintendo smoothly without a hitch or any kind of frame rate drops, the 3D effect is very enjoyable especially during the short cut scene where Louis is the protagonist. The control system is simple and straightforward to learn. The only initial difficulty may be represented by pointing the flashlight which requires a certain degree of precision to frame and capture the ghosts. A little time and a lot of noise did not allow a perfect listening to the soundtrack, some funny sound effects were taken together by his predecessor but, unfortunately, the audio was not enough to express a gut feeling.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a title released for Nintendo 3DS. The above is a modification of the Mercenaries mode is available in other titles in the series main offering some additional options. One of the features of the game that has more "shocked" gaming is certainly the view of saving the permanent in this game can not cancel the save and start again from scratch. But let's look at the other points in this Game.

Unlike the main saga that offers a more complex history, Resident Evil Mercenaries 3D there is a storyline to follow, but will only be available to accomplish the missions. The goal of these, but the first that will be the tutorial, it will always be the same, or kill as many zombies as possible in the allotted time. Unfortunately there is not even a story that is the background of all, once you start playing you can not do anything but follow the missions.

Here too, the new title of Capcom reveals different from the classic Resident Evil, before each mission you can choose a character and "change", changing his skills and weapons. The abilities you earn by completing missions, or satisfy certain requirements and they increase the level of gaining experience points during each mission. When a skill reaches the maximum level, get a side effect, such as the ability "Doctor", the first level increases the healing power of herbs, the third level, this effect also applies to the partner when playing in pairs. There are a variety of skills in the game that have many different effects, such as increasing ability with firearms and those that increase the skill with physical attacks. In addition, the ability to assign a character that will not be automatically applied to others. Each character has a set of three weapons, though some have two, they can be changed with the coins that you can get pass with the street, so you can change the weapon set, a character with that of another. Once you have chosen and changed the character, start the mission. At the top of the screen you can see the allotted time, the mission may end in two ways, either by killing enough zombies, or when the timer reaches zero. There are various ways to save time, around the map there will be red crystals that you can break by pressing the Y button, after doing this you will be assigned the second, but even with physical attacks on the enemies you will save time, less than the crystal of course. To initiate a physical attack there are several ways, one is to launch a bomb that blinds the enemy, after having thrown if you get close to a zombie, you can physically attack him by pressing Y. Another way is to shoot enemies on the legs, get close and press Y. To aim you will not have to do is press the R button on the side, after you pressed Y to fire the shots or reload your weapon with B. To see the energy of your character and shots available, you will not have to do is look at the indicator in the lower right corner of the upper screen.

When the energy is very low, you have to repeatedly press Y to recover, you can freely use immediately after a healing herb by pressing A. Always on the top screen, top left, you can see the numbers, what is the indicator score, while the upper right corner will appear the number of combos that you will do. To perform a combo you will not have to do is kill more zombies in a row. During the mission you can find an item that increases the maximum time before the combo is interrupted. In order to change weapons during the game, you can use the keypad of the D - Pad, under selection with the weapon that is below the one you are using, if pigerete the button above, you will select the one that is over, of course you can also switch weapons the touch screen, pressing the image of the weapon you want. Sometimes defeating zombies you can find herbs and other objects, like bombs or ammunition. Also in the map there will be explosive barrels that are used to kill more zombies in one hit, a very useful tactic to make long combos. You can also turn quickly to your shoulders, bringing down the sliding pad and pressing B, very useful if you do not want to waste time. There are several enemies in the game, in addition to the normal zombies, some will be more difficult to defeat, or use of weapons. Indeed, in some missions will be a zombie of dynamite in his hand, if you can shoot it, the damage will blow the other zombies nearby. Some enemies have weaknesses that need to hit if you want to kill them first, and there are some that will explode when you kill them. In addition there will be some missions where there will be the "boss", in these you will find the right way to be able to find their weak point. Initially, the enemy AI is not very high, it will not attack much, will run towards you, but then will stay for a couple of seconds before attacking. Obviously this will change with the new missions, increasing the difficulty. The final degree of the mission depends on the score that you obtained during the mission, get a degree may be a requirement to unlock a certain skill, character or costume. In addition, satisfying certain conditions, you can unlock medals, these are useless in practice, only prove that you have succeeded in a particular company. The way Co - Op works so you can play with their friends is registered in the list of 3D, which together with persons unknown, both in Wi - Fi locally. In this mode you can replay some missions also available in solo mode, but with other players. Fortunately, this mode has no delays or problems of any kind, offering a pleasant experience. One of the most "burning" of the game is that you can not cancel the save, this topic has caused no little stir in the gaming world.

The longevity of Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D is theoretically infinite, in fact you can re-do all the missions as many times as you like, in order to score maximum points or to increase the level of skill or to unlock the medals. But we must say that you will end pretty soon all the missions, since the difficulty is not too high, the hard part will get a high score and unlock more medals to complete missions. But just because the game is repeated indefinitely, the player may get bored quickly.

Nintendogs + Cats

As a veritable tribute to the so-called casual gamers, the dogs were the Nintendo one of the main reasons for the worldwide success of the DS. Depopulated from the beginning: it was an enriched version of the tamagotchi, virtual quell'animaletto grow and love to take care with the satisfaction of seeing him die and not wean. However, while the creature was the protagonist of the tamagotchi usually a chick with Nintendogs we were dealing with a really nice puppy belonging to the species of man's best friend. It was inevitable, given the resounding success, that Nintendo also propose an enhanced version of the title for his fledgling handheld console, the surprising 3DS. Let's see exactly what's involved and what this new title brings back.

The main novelty, no doubt, be deduced from the title: it comes to cats. Yes, there will also be on 3DS cats, to the delight of all their fans. However it is an addition marginal, because if there are dozens of dog breeds, cats will be represented by only three. An acceptable choice: after all, the game is still focused on dogs and cats are just an addition to and do not forget anything and to bring a breath of fresh air. We must say that those who have tried the game, however, was slightly disappointed in the characterization of the feline. Any owner of both animals in question (the real version, of course) can tell you that it is profoundly different species, especially from the point of view of character and the way we relate to the master. In Nintendogs + Cats, however, the kittens behave and react to stimuli (such as throwing a toy, or petting) in much the same way as do the dogs: a choice probably due to the fact of maintaining the required qualification and playable even when it has to do with an animal like a cat, dog by nature more reserved.

In terms of gameplay, the new features are few: after all, why upsetting a formula that has done so much happiness to millions of people? Once you choose the breed of the puppy to occupy us, we will give it a name and spend time with him growing up, making him play and feeding them. You can choose some clothes dog (collars, sunglasses, hats) to be put on our favorite, and at that point it will be pleasant to spend time with him. This is not a game with a beginning and an end, and does not fall within the canons of the vast majority of titles on the market: no missions, no adventures. Nintendogs could define more like a pleasant, relaxing and gentle pastime.

All the features of 3DS were obviously put in the service interaction with our furry friends: the stylus, as you might imagine, can be used to make pet and "scrapers" to the little guy in question, throwing various objects (balls , toys, even a boomerang) and maybe keep the leash in case we decide to take him for a walk. The three-dimensional potential on the top screen will be used to make us feel a greater physicality of our puppy, and the microphone can be used to call him and bring him closer to us. The camera will also be used, and if you put your face closer to the screen will fill our little dog (so to speak) of parties and licks. We will also take pictures and play with our puppies through the cards in augmented reality.

The hardware architecture of 3DS, surely more powerful than its predecessor, will be thankfully used to create a game world much more realistic than before, and even polygonal models Aegli animals, as well as their features, their fur and their movements will be more credible (and compelling) than before. Also, coming into contact with another bearing the 3DS game in question, you can exchange it with photos, objects, trinkets and more.

The title will be available in three versions, and each one will provide us with breeds other than those available in the other two: Nintendo wanted to offer its users the opportunity to choose the game based on our personal tastes, and it is not excluded that some enthusiastic dog fanciers can buy virtual versions even more. In addition to the three cat breeds, apparently present in all versions of the game, the three most representative dog that stands on three covers, are the golden retriever, the French Bulldog and Miniature Poodle. Of course there will be other popular breeds (Beagle, maltese, chihuahua, the akita inu, the Labrador, and many more for a total of nine per game) unlockable reaching certain goals and / or winning a few mini-games.

In short, with all the possibilities of interaction offered by the 3DS and the possibilities in hardware, we are sure that Nintendogs + Cats will no doubt attract the attention of all the players more or less young, who feel the desire to try something new , or even all those who loved the episodes for the Nintendo DS and want to savor the pleasure and relaxation that can give a title unpretentious, carefree and tender as this.

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

After missing the Nintendo finally the last chapter of Capcom's fighting for excellence has deigned to turn up, accompanying the launch of the Nintendo 3DS. After all, the N was the ideal candidate to host a game like that, not only for its portable nature, but also for its excellent online capabilities and graphics capabilities of which he is able. The software company Nippon however not merely a simple conversion, but has successfully implemented many of the features of the console, introducing new modes and extras designed for the occasion. So let's see what he has to offer this new 3D Edition Street Fighter.

The origins of SFIV are rooted in the past. The style, the gameplay, everything is easily traced back to the cabin 90, where the two-dimensional fighting games that law. Subject to fleeting appearances on home consoles, this game genre has gone slowly fading from the landscape, giving way to three-dimensional fighter, that most attracted the masses. Of course, the return of one of the greatest classics in the history of the arcade has enhanced not a little more elderly players. And after the blaze seen on HD consoles, this transposition for the handset N. One thing the old SF distinguished: a board with fewer than 6 keys, 3 used for punches and kicks to 3. And if the classic controller pads can be replaced from Arcadia, which faithfully reproduces the original mapping, the same can not be said of 3DS.

The controls are still the major stumbling block when porting work like that, but fortunately the design of mobile N and the ability to customize the pattern of the keys has not created a big headache. The possibilities are expanded by the presence of both the sliding of the pad-pad, but if you are not lovers of the fighting game, Capcom is to meet new users with an intelligent implementation of the touch screen. Similarly to what we saw in Bleach the Blade of Fate, on the bottom screen there are 4 buttons, which you can freely assign key combinations, special attacks taken or activated with a simple touch. If you think this could unbalance the gameplay, think again, as they have been designed two styles of play: Lite, for beginners, you can also use the Super Combo and Ultra, and Pro, for experienced players, who can access only short sequences of basic techniques and attacks. This setting is also active during online play, so that you are not to mix the two categories. In short, if you fear the presence of touch-abuser, you can rest easy.

As is well known, the augmented reality offered by 3DS amplifies the depth of the environments, making better sense of distance and allowing you to enjoy the open spaces. Following this logic, what will be the result if applied to a title two horizontal axes? Simple: there is absolutely useless. Activate the stereoscopic effect can observe the playing field as an open box, nearly a diorama, but due to the drop in frame rate is difficult to fully appreciate this feature. If we consider that the eyes are kept focused on combatants, rather than the background, you realize that all plays to the disadvantage of their sight. In summary, a brief training session in 3D can give some satisfaction, but it held off for the rest of the time as unnecessary for the title.

Capcom should have had the same feeling during the making of the game, so he planned on doing a good alternative way to exploit properly the 3D Dynamics appointed. This is the classic Versus, the difference is in sight, which will pass on the shoulders of the player (a bit like a PLC). From this point of view, the 3D is more effective, and even visual disturbances and slow fade. This nice extra is also enabled for local multiplayer, and it may seem pointless, it shows the commitment by the development team globally to exploit the features of the console, which would be wasted in part for structural reasons.

It very well could lose hours of gameplay in speaking of cleaning, inspections and the accuracy of collision, or the way in which every move of every character perfectly blends with the entire structure of the game. Street Fighter proves once again how the King of fighting, and the work done by us to fit the small screens of the 3DS is nothing short of awesome, so as to enable it to compete with their counterparts without too many restrictions housewives. The polygon models of the wrestlers are beautifully manicured, as well as their many animations and special effects abound in a riot at the screen that masterfully exploits the potential of the laptop. Graphically, the difference from HD is short, unfortunately, when you convert something has lost his way. During the heated confrontation is difficult to notice it, but it is certainly disheartening to see the stillness of the arenas, usually full of life. And so the magnificent scene in the foreground with a background has to live off, sad and melancholy, as even the older episodes boasted animated background. A choice dictated by the fear of perhaps make too much hardware, and given the 60 frames in action you can share this, but the disappointment remains. From the point of view instead of the soundtrack has been eliminated the possibility of dubbing the original set, the rest sound effects, voices and songs work wonders, even if they spend enough in the background during play.

And if the loners of irons in the fire there for weeks if not months, extending the longevity of the multiplayer experience Capcom nearly dizzying peaks. In addition to the classic deathmatch local (also via game-sharing), in fact there is an extensive online mode. The evidence to date there were no slowdowns or lag whatsoever, and that within Europe, while the rest of the globe with some slight delay, however insignificant. The result of each match will be carefully recorded, and acquiring a certain reputation to unlock exclusive games to personalize your profile.

At this point it seems appropriate to say a few words for the Live Channel SFIV. One of the peculiarities of fighting games in the arcade had the chance to get in a lot of others, and challenge him for the privilege to continue where you left off. So why not relive those moments while playing on the couch or while strolling with their console? While you play it in arcade mode it is possible to activate the wireless capabilities and wi-fi 3DS, which will allow players to close or network access to your meeting and launch their challenge. Of course it will be nostalgic for a sinking heart, and increases the already excellent connectivity of this title.

Finally another exclusive portable version of Street Fighter: the Pass and Street models. Fighting or by four steps, you can accumulate points that will be spent on a slot machine dispensante models, scale models of the wrestlers, each with specific statistics. In all, 500 to collect, and in addition to being freely exchangeable, it can choose up to 5 that will form your "team walking". 3DS meeting other two teams will clash in a few moments, without the user noticing it, and if you win you get points for the models of the opponent and increase their degree. Another found the whole superfluous, but ideal if you are used to carry around the console.

35 characters whose mastery of the style of combat, gameplay filed over the years and now on the threshold of perfection, a mammoth amount of content and a multiplayer mode, and articulated by many facets. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition shows you the best of the portable fighting game, as deep as an ocean, immediate and fun. Without a doubt the most effective way to launch the line-up, and still the most complete game room in the 3DS, able to make my throat not only to fans of the genre, but also to new users, thanks to introductions taken to make this masterpiece as accessible without distorting it in any way. Unless you have already fleeced to the bone from living his version, it is hard to resist this game, and is currently the only one that enhances the portable Nintendo as it should, except for a 3D unremarkable (for reasons congenital). Competition with Dead or Alive Dimensions is pitiless, Street Fighter, but the check for more technical combat system and clean, as well as soul remained intact after more than 20 years since the dawn of the saga. Do not miss.