Unlock Metal Mario in Mario Tennis Open

Mario Tennis Open hasn't proven to be a system-seller, though its still a fine distraction for Mario-loving gamers looking to hit the court. The game's coolest feature is definitely the variety of unlockable characters hidden within the game, many of which require the discovery of QR codes in the real world to be added to the cartridge. So, if you've been hoping to play as Metal Mario, watch to the end of this trailer and scan the code you see there. 

One question though. Is Mario more metal than Ozzy?

Via: Unlock Metal Mario in Mario Tennis Open

Marvel Pinball 3D launches this Thursday

Today Zen Studios confirmed that Marvel Pinball 3D will release this Thursday, June 28 on Nintendo eShop in North America and Europe.

Players can now enjoy the Iron Man, Blade, Fantastic Four, and Captain America tables on the handheld. The game will cost $7.99 and will feature online leaderboards, local multiplayer, Hero Score and Team Force, and rewards for completing missions.

The developer also announced that new tables were slated for Zen Pinball mobile platforms on the same day.

The Captain America table will be available for Zen Pinball THD (Android) for $1.99, and players can pick up the Fantastic Four table for Zen Pinball iOS for the same price.

Zen Pinball for mobile is a free download and comes with the Sorcerer’s Lair table at no charge.

Follow @wita on Twitter for tales of superheroes, plumbers in overalls, and literary adventures.

Via: Marvel Pinball 3D launches this Thursday

Wreck-It Ralph set for video game release exclusively on Nintendo Wii, 3DS, and DS

Wreck-It Ralph is an upcoming Disney animated film that centers around the "villain" of an old arcade classic off on an adventure across various games after he decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. Ralph, the misunderstood villain in the classic arcade game "Fix-It Felix, Jr" sets out to prove he can be a hero too. In short, it's a movie about games whose trailer actually showed some of video games' most recognizable bad guys all in one place - so is it any surprise that Activision and Disney Interactive have just announced a collaboration to created a Wreck-it Ralph video game?

Described as a "classic arcade video game with a whole new modern look and feel", Wreck-It Ralph will be a story extension to the upcoming film that sets to inspire a "whole new generation of young gamers".  It will debut this Fall, coinciding with the release of the movie, exclusively on Nintendo products like the Wii, 3DS, and DS. There was no mention of the Wii U.

"Wreck-It Ralph, as a brand entity, is perfectly suited for video game stardom," said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision Publishing.  "With the fantastic characters and creative atmosphere envisioned by Walt Disney Animation Studios, we know fans are going to love seeing their newfound favorite characters embark on an all-new side scrolling adventure."

The game picks up where the movie leaves off, and if you don't want any spoilers I suggest you stop reading here. Unfortunately, the movie was now spoiled for me thanks to the press release, but here goes: *SPOILER* Ralph partners with Fix-It Felix and sets out to save their friends and home from a huge Cy-Bug invasion.  Pounding through all-new levels in the "Wreck-It Ralph" universe, like Sugar Rush, Hero's Duty, and Fix-It Felix, Jr., players will have to use Ralph's destructive strength to beat by the Cy-Bugs, while switching back to Felix to repair the damage.  With story campaign and two-player co-op on the Wii platform, players can switch between Ralph and Felix to solve action-packed puzzles and collect "Hero Medals".

And here I thought that Fix-It Felix would somehow wind up as the bad guy in the end of the film. Guess not.

Via: Wreck-It Ralph set for video game release exclusively on Nintendo Wii, 3DS, and DS

Heroes of Ruin trailer shows off 37 "cool things"

We're not sure exactly what the number 37 signfies for Square-Enix's upcoming 3DS dungeon crawler Heroes of Ruin, but that's how many "cool things" are showcased in this new trailer for the game. We're definitely hoping this 4-player romp proves to be as cool as it looks. Will you be checking out the multiplayer action?

Game info: War raged for over a hundred years until strong, powerful Lords emerged from the fighting to bring a fragile peace to the land. This peace is threatened when one of the Lords, Ataraxis, ruler of the city of Nexus, is taken ill by a deadly curse. A call is sent out, promising rewards beyond measure for anyone who finds a cure. Four mercenaries, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and motivations answer the call. One uses forbidden spells to rain death on her foes, one has guns and bombs to blast his way through, another has a mighty sword capable of slicing through entire packs of enemies, and one other gains strength from savagely tearing through anything that stands in his way with brutal, bladed fists. These unlikely heroes can choose to create a fearsome alliance or venture forth from the city alone. Beyond the safety of the city the land is filled with strange and dangerous creatures, but none as deadly as the evil force behind the curse, which the heroes must eventually confront and destroy.

Via: Heroes of Ruin trailer shows off 37 "cool things"

Kingdom Hearts 3DS trailer showcases "Flowmotion"

It used to be that the game industry had a new buzzword for every dumb piece of tech. "Blast processing," "emotion engine," etc. Now we have Square-Enix's "Flowmotion," which seems to be fancy talk for the fact that the game's combat system is pretty fluid. Call it what you want, Kingdom Hearts fans are sure to eat it up regardless. Will you be checking out Dream Drop Distance when it, well... drops? 

Game info: In KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance], heroes Sora and Riku take the action to another level with Flowmotion. A brand new system for the series, Flowmotion makes every world your playground: spin around lampposts, grind along rails and kick off of almost any surface to explore environments and battle enemies with seamless speed and style!

Via: Kingdom Hearts 3DS trailer showcases "Flowmotion"

The GameZone app is here, giving you all the latest info on the go

We at GameZone strive to bring you the latest coverage of the video game industry. Be it in the form of breaking news, game previews, GameZone originals or our honestly honest reviews, there is a lot of information we want to convey to you on a daily basis.

But what if you're not at your computer?!

Thanks to our new GameZone app, you can get all the gaming coverage that you could possibly ever need, on the go! That's right, whether it's the latest reviews, one of our thought provoking originals, a trailer for the latest GTA game, or a news piece about the latest patch in Diablo, our new GameZone app has it all!

You can download the app to your iTunes through This Link or just search for GameZone on your iOS device.

Via: The GameZone app is here, giving you all the latest info on the go

New Super Mario Bros. 2 trailer shows off Coin Rush mode

After the success of Super Mario 3D Land, it seems almost disapointing to head back into 2D for Mario's next 3DS outing. Still, if the game lives up to the excellence of the original platforming titles, I'm sure no one will complain. This new trailer shows off Mario's ability to collect insane amounts of coins in the new game. Meanwhile, the new Coin Rush mode is like a time trial where collecting coins is the biggest path to victory. With online leaderboards, it could be a ton of fun. Are you looking forward to this coin frenzy?

Via: New Super Mario Bros. 2 trailer shows off Coin Rush mode

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes review

The LEGO games are known for their brilliant use of pantomiming to deliver story. While this is tradition for all of Traveller's Tales' LEGO games, this is one point where the original LEGO Batman suffered. Noticing this setback, TT for the first time has added voice acting in LEGO Batman 2.

I initially feared I'd miss the cuteness of pantomime and LEGO facial expressions, but upon playing, I realized that the humor is still present. If anything, character voice-overs add to humor, as the banter between the various heroes provide some witty dialogue. Not to mention, the gestures of our mini LEGO heroes remains hilarious.

One thing dialogue does allow is a coherent narrative, but while given the ability to deliver now, I can't say it really made that much of a difference. I understand that the plot can't be too complicated due to the relative simplicity of the concept, but I don't honestly feel the voice-overs contributed to the shallow chase of Batman and the Joker. It's a nice addition, but not something the story required.
Gameplay remains the same as previous LEGO titles, for the most part. You play through linear levels filled with LEGO-based puzzles. These typically include smashing constructed LEGOs and rebuilding them into useful objects or unlocking the different character suits that are used to solve future puzzles.

Some LEGO games focus on action, some on puzzles; LEGO Batman 2 leans more towards the latter. Every level involves some sort of simplistic action, but the puzzles, on the other hand, can be quite challenging. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this, but I have to say some of the puzzles in the game stumped me for quite a while — and with no help system in place, I admit I was frustrated at some points. I can't imagine a child maintaining the attention span to solve some of them. It doesn't help that at times the practically static camera doesn't provide the necessary view to help you get a better vantage point of where to go or what to do next.

Of course, there is much more to do in this game aside from playing through the levels and solving puzzles. Scattered throughout the levels are your typical hidden Minikits, gold blocks, and tons of LEGO pieces to destroy. This provides a decent amount of fun that can be played separately from the story. And with the introduction of an open-world environment, you are more free to explore than ever before. While LEGO Indiana Jones 2 explored this idea, LEGO Batman 2 fully introduces the concept. The entire city can now be explored with tons of hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.

You are now able to traverse the world through many of Batman's fun vehicles or through the powers of the DC characters — though many of them aren't available until the later stages. It's nice to have the added freedom to explore and find hidden objects, but it can get kind of repetitive to an extent. As you begin to learn the tricks in LEGO Batman 2, you begin to learn that many of the hidden objects are hidden much the same way.

The highlight in LEGO Batman 2, for me, was utilizing the many suits of Batman and Robin. Whether for puzzles or uncovering hidden objects scattered throughout the city, the different suits provide a nice change of pace to an otherwise redundant gameplay experience.

To the same degree, The Justice League adds an entirely new element. Whether you're soaring over Gotham as Superman or speeding through the city as Flash, the other DC characters are a great addition to the game that I would've liked to see more of. Unfortunately, as this is primarily a Batman game, the other DC characters are reserved until the final stages and mostly post-story fun.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes still has that same LEGO game charm. It's a fun game with new additions that, for the most part, make the experience a better one. It has a decent story length with added replayability thanks to hidden objects and the exploration added through open-world gameplay. As with all LEGO games, LEGO Batman 2 can get a little repetitive, but these added additions make it a fun playthrough that is definitely worthwhile — especially for fans of the LEGO game franchise.

Via: LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes review

Professor Layton comes to 3DS searching for the Miracle Mask

Prof. Layton is back, ready for his first ever forray onto the Nintendo 3DS. As this trailer will show, the animated sequences are better than ever, though we've got to admit that we're even more excited for the gameplay. The 3DS's 3D capabilities could lend themselves to some truly fiendish puzzles, and we can't wait to see what Level 5 cooks up. Check out the storyline trailer, and let us know if you'll be grabbing this one when it comes out later in the year.

Via: Professor Layton comes to 3DS searching for the Miracle Mask

Mario Tennis Open Review

Instead, I got a humdrum golf game with Mario characters. I played it maybe twice and never touched it again.

It's sad to note that developers Camelot still haven't found much to do with the Mario franchise, failing to create anything more ambitious than by-the-books sports titles with Mario characters seemingly thrown in at random. Such is the case with Mario Tennis Open for the 3DS, a game which despite having plenty of great examples to follow from (Virtua Tennis, Mario Tennis GBC) decides to play it far too safe, resulting in a game with some decent multiplayer and little else.

The game modes are sparse, with the single player tournament mode nothing more than a series of bracketed competitions played across varying terrains. The gameplay will be familiar to anyone who's played a tennis game before: run over to where the ball is and press buttons to hit it back the opponent. Mario Tennis Open spices this up slightly by letting players deliver special skill shots, showing where the ball is about to land and which "color" return to use for maximum effect. The problem is that this dumbs the competition down to a color matching game, and running over to differently colored circles and pressing the appropriate colored pad on the touchscreen feels like a game for primary school children.

The weirdest game feature is the tilt sensor controlled gameplay, which is automatically turned on by default. If this is honestly how Camelot expected people to play the game, it's time to hire some actual focus testers. The feature is utterly bizarre, requiring players to first hold the system at the right angle, then swivel it to aim their shots. To make up for your inability to properly control your player while jerking the system around like a moron, Camelot has made it so your player automatically gets under the ball regardless of where you are on the court. For fun, you can run all the way over to one side of the screen, then jam on the return button to immediately teleport to where the ball is. It's downright silly, and a great example of effort wasted on something nobody wanted.

Truth is that the game has two redeeming features. One is that playing against actual human opponents is decently fun, while one of the included minigames lets you play the original Super Mario Bros. by slamming a tennis ball at a projected level, collecting coins and overhanding baddies to extend the timer. This minigame is perhaps the closest Camelot gets to doing something unique with the license, and it's tragic they didn't have similar thoughts for the main game. After all, this is Mario, one of the most unique gaming licenses ever. So why is this game so mundane? Throw some coin blocks on the court, let me serve up some fireballs, have Bowser stampede through the middle of a rally and set the net ablaze. Something! Anything!

Point is, Camelot could've had some fun with this one. Instead, we've got a mediocre tennis game where you can play as Yoshi. For $40, that just isn't going to cut it.

Via: Mario Tennis Open Review

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] demo available on Nintendo eShop

Nintendo 3DS owners who just can't wait until the release of Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] can now get a small dose of it through the Nintendo eShop.

Square Enix has released the demo which takes place in Traverse Town, where Sora meets Neku from the popular DS title The World Ends with You. In this demo you will encounter creatures new enemies called Dream Eaters, who are split into two categories: Spirits (allies) and Nightmares (enemies). Sora is able to recruit spirits like Meow Wow and Tama Sheep as allies and link with them to perform powerful attacks to defeat enemy Dream Eaters. The demo also gives you the opportunity to experience new gameplay features like "Flowmotion", which can be seen in the video, and "Reality Shift".

In Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] Sora and Riku enter the Sleeping Worlds to complete the Mark of Mastery exam in an attempt to become true Keyblade Masters.

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] is available now for pre-order. If you purchase Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] before its July 31 release date, you can get a set of three augmented reality cards which will allow players to unlock the previously mentioned rare Dream Eaters and a 360 degree viewing stand to take a closer look at them from all angles. It doesn't matter if you purchase the standard edition for $39.99 or the "Mark of Mastery" Collector's Edition, which comes with all sorts of goodies, for $59.99.

Via: Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] demo available on Nintendo eShop

Nintendo Direct broadcast to focus on Wii, 3DS, and DS

Nintendo has announced that their next online broadcast, scheduled for June 21 at 9 pm PT (12 am ET), will focus on the Wii, 3DS, and DS systems.

Unfortunately, that means we will get no more information about the Wii U. Seeing as how their last Nintendo Direct broadcast, just two weeks ago at E3, focused largely on the Wii U GamePad tablet controller, this isn't really a surprise.

With all of the attention on the Wii U, it's nice to see Nintendo supporting its other products. The 3DS was largely ignored at E3, although Nintendo did hold a separate online briefing for their handheld system afterward where they revealed a lineup of upcoming games. While the DS and the Wii seem to be on the way out, it doesn't look like Nintendo is ready to say goodbye to them. Given the Wii's success and global reach, can you blame them?

You can tune in to the NIntendo Direct broadcast when it airs tonight.

Via: Nintendo Direct broadcast to focus on Wii, 3DS, and DS

Nintendo 3DS XL revealed, coming in August

During its Nintendo Direct broadcast last night, NIntendo revealed a new version of the 3DS featuring larger screens and a better battery life.

The new 3DS XL will be released on August 19th in America, coinciding with the launch of New Super Mario Bros. 2.

With an updated form factor and screens that are 90% larger than the original 3DS, your handheld gaming experiences will be "more intense and more engrossing than ever before," according to Nintnedo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime.

The system's top screen is now 4.88 inches, while the lower screen measures at 4.18 inches. Reggie didn't give an exact battery life, but did say that it outperforms the original 3DS which lasted anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours. It also comes bundled with a 4GB SD card making it "perfect for downloading content".

The 3DS XL will launch in North America (Aug. 19) for $199.99 in either red or blue color. It will release on July 28th in Europe with an optional third color, silver.

"Nintendo 3DS XL lets you get the most out of everything the Nintendo 3DS was made to do. The launch of Nintendo 3DS XL and New Super Mario Brothers 2 marks the beginning of a huge push for Nintendo 3DS that will last for the rest of the year and beyondl," said Reggie.

Via: Nintendo 3DS XL revealed, coming in August

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS development is officially underway

At E3 2011, Nintendo threw us for a loop when they not only announced their new system, but they in fact announced that a Super Smash Bros. game would be coming out for it, as well as the Nintendo 3DS. When E3 2012 came around, I attended the Nintendo Press Conference and eagerly awaited some sort of footage or screens from the upcoming Smash game, only to find out that there wasn't a single mention of it anywhere.

Nintendo has said however that it will be revealing more details for the Wii U and 3DS in the coming months via Nintendo Direct, and thanks to last nights video, we not only got to see an unveiling of the new 3DS model (which by the way still doesn't have a second circle pad) but we finally got some solid information about the new Super Smash Bros. game.

While no videos or screenshots were shown once again, it was confirmed that this time around, Namco Bandai (or Bandai Namco depending on where you're from) will be taking over development under the lead of Masaya Kobayashi and Yoshito Higuchi, while Masahiro Sakurai will still be acting as Game Director.

Masahiro Sakurai himself has stated:

It's my personal belief that the only time a creative product really resonates is in that first moment when it's actually in front of you.

With that said, I've realized that if we keep the new Super Smash Bros. title's development structure secret, it'll only create more and more speculation, and I won't be able to develop the game with any freedom. That's why I've decided to announce this news right now, even though it's still very early on.

What this means is that the sequel to Super Smash Bros. Brawl still looks like its ways away, but hey, at least we have concrete evidence that it's actually being worked on right? Right?!

 Masahiro Sakurai's and Masaya Kobayashi's full statements can be found here HERE.

Via: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS development is officially underway

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask confirmed for 3DS in North America

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, which was released in Japan as a launch title for the 3DS, will be headed to North America. It is the first installment of this portable puzzle franchise developed exclusively for Nintendo 3DS, and it will launch here in North America in November.

"Known for mixing mind bending brain teasers with top notch production values, this game builds on that reputation," said Nintendo of America senior product marketing specialist JC Rodrigo during the Nintendo Direct broadcast.

Fans who pick up Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask can expect a new adventure with Layton and Luke and find out the story of Layton's high school days. The game released in Japan with 150 puzzles in addition to 365 made available for download via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Those in America who have their 3DS system connected to the internet will also be treated to those 365 additional puzzles. Nintendo will be releasing one downloadable puzzle a day for an entire year starting immediately after Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is released, at no additional cost.

Via: Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask confirmed for 3DS in North America

New Super Mario Bros. 2 succumbs to DLC

Not even a classic franchise like Mario could stave off downloadable content. Confirmed during Nintendo Direct, New Super Mario Bros. 2 for 3DS will be the first Mario game to offer DLC.

DLC for the upcoming title will be made available after the game launches, although development on the extra content will not begin until the main game is finished. At least, that's what European Nintendo president Satoru Shibata is telling fans.

The DLC will center around additional stages for the game's new Coin Rush mode. The additional mode offers players three random maps to mine for money, separate from the game's main story. Coins collected will be added across the three levels with your total being shared via StreetPass for others to beat.

Pricing and release details for the DLC were not announced.

Via: New Super Mario Bros. 2 succumbs to DLC

Pokemon Black & White Version 2 enhanced experience with 3DS and 3DS XL

While there is a lot of Nintendo 3DS news coming from Nintendo Direct, we shift our attention to the Nintendo DS with some upcoming Pokemon news.

The first ever sequel to a handheld Pokemon RPG, Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2 will be available this fall. The adventure takes place two years after the events from the first games, and players will once again be adventuring through the Unova region. The game will be packed with Pokemon both new and old, so be sure to look out for your favorite original Pokemon (here's looking at you Psyduck!) as well as new Pokemon Trainers and new Gym Leaders to battle.

And while gamers will only be able to play it in 2D, those who will be playing it on their 3DS will have some unique features open to them, in the form of two titles that can be downloaded from the eShop, and will work in conjunction with White and Black Version 2.

Pokemon Dream Radar will be an augmented reality game which will let you use your 3DS or 3DS XL to search around your surroundings for hidden Pokemon. These Pokemon can then be caught and transfered to your White and Black Version 2 games. Dream Radar will feature hard to find Pokemon, that players might have trouble catching in the DS game, and some of which will only be found through Dream Radar.

Pokedex 3D Pro, which will apparently be the more comprehensive version of the already available Pokedex 3D, will work simultaneously with your game to track all the caught Pokemon in your Black and White Version 2. It will highlight when Pokemon evolve, what moves they can learn, and more. Through AR, you'll also be able to take pictures of your favorite Pokemon in the real world. Nifty!

Via: Pokemon Black & White Version 2 enhanced experience with 3DS and 3DS XL

Fire Emblem: Awakening due out 2013

Fire Emblem: Awakening, a strategy role-playing game for Nintendo 3DS, will be coming to North America sometime in 2013.

Released in Japan  this past April, Nintendo announced that Fire Emblem: Awakening will make full use of the 3DS's handheld wireless feature to provide paid DLC. StreetPass and SpotPass functions will allow for interaction between players and access to new downloadable content. StreetPass will also be used to collect your friends' characters, allowing them to join your army's ranks.

Nintendo also announced a ton of other 3DS news last night during their broadcast, most notably the arrival of the 3DS XL, a larger version of the current 3DS with bigger screens and a better battery life.

Via: Fire Emblem: Awakening due out 2013

Nintendo eShop upcoming deals and details

If you're pumped about the upcoming Nintendo 3DS XL, but you're thinking to yourself, what am I going to do to hold myself over until then?! Nintendo has you covered with some upcoming deals and releases coming to the eShop.

Starting June 22nd and ending on the 24th, you'll be able to purchase the classic Super Mario Land, which coincidentally is Mario's first ever handheld adventure, for a discounted rate of $2.99.

If you're a fan of retro games, Nintendo's got you covered. Starting July 5th and against until August 1st, you'll be able to download two new Virtual Console games every week. Some of those classics will include The Legend of Zelda for NES, Kirby's Pinball Land for Gameboy, and Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 for Gameboy.

For photographing aficionados that love seeing their pictures in 3D, Nintendo is making the whole experience more social. Starting July 2nd, 3DS users will be able to submit their photos HERE, which is a curated online photo gallery, where users can submit and vote on favorite pictures that can ultimately become '3D Photos of the Week', and will be easily shared through other social media outlets.

Via: Nintendo eShop upcoming deals and details

Throw your money at this awesome Spider-Man shirt

Gear up for the upcoming release of The Amazing Spider-Man with this awesome t-shirt brought to us by the fine people at welovefine.com. The shirt is called 'Spidey Nouveau' and it's designed by ninjaink. It has Spider-Man giving a thumbs-up while hanging from a strand of web between the sexy Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy. Above the art it says "does whatever a spider can." I'll tell what he can do... both of them. KA-POW!

You can head over to welovefine.com and buy it for $25. It comes in coffee (fancy for brown) and red.

It's the perfect nouveau tribute to Peter Parker! (Plus it makes both MJ and Gwen fans happy. Eyyy! ;) ) -- their description... not mine.

You can follow Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He also like t-shirts... send him t-shirts. KCCO.

Via: Throw your money at this awesome Spider-Man shirt

Fire Emblem: Awakening set for US release

Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has confirmed a North American release for Fire Emblem: Awakening for 3DS.

The game is already out in Japan and has experienced strong sales. Recent domain registrations previously hinted that the game was coming to the US, but now it's official.

Follow @wita on Twitter for tales of superheroes, plumbers in overalls, and literary adventures.

[Kotaku]

Via: Fire Emblem: Awakening set for US release

Project Happiness is coming for 3DS and mobile

Natsume revealed a teaser trailer for Project Happiness this week at E3.

Project Happiness (working title) is an upcoming sim for 3DS and mobile that puts players in charge of an ever-expanding store. Harvest Moon creator Yasuhiro Wada is working on the title.

Pokemon illustrator Atsuko Nishida is designing the game’s characters, and Nobuo Uematsu is composing its soundtrack.

The announcement originates from E3 Daily magazine and now appears publicly on Natsume's Facebook page.

Natsume is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Harvest Moon this year.

Follow @wita on Twitter for tales of superheroes, plumbers in overalls, and literary adventures.

[Siliconera]

Via: Project Happiness is coming for 3DS and mobile

First trailer revealed for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate

The premiere trailer for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate (quite the mouthful) for 3DS reveals the magical properties of the titular artifact.

Mirror of Fate is separate from the other new Lords of Shadow game currently in development — a sequel for consoles that's also coming from developer MercurySteam, which released the original in 2010.

The game is "initially" set 25 years after the first Lords of Shadow and tells the story of "Gabriel’s descendants, as they battle their own destiny in each era only to discover their true, shocking fate."

Mirror of Fate is scheduled for a fall release. What do you think of the game's art style?

Follow @wita on Twitter for tales of superheroes, plumbers in overalls, and literary adventures.

Via: First trailer revealed for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow: Mirror of Fate

Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion confirmed for November

The side-scroller Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion is headed to 3DS on November 18 — the same day The Power of Two will hit consoles.

The game is a spiritual successor to Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, originally released for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive.

The original Epic Mickey came out from Junction Point Studios in 2010.

Follow @wita on Twitter for tales of superheroes, plumbers in overalls, and literary adventures.

Via: Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion confirmed for November

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will be available as a download title

Nintendo has confirmed that Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will be available in the eShop for 3DS later this year, when the game releases during the holiday season.

Dark Moon will also hit stores with standard copies.

According to the company, Super Mario Bros. 2 for 3DS will also arrive in the eShop on the same day it comes to retailers.

Follow @wita on Twitter for tales of superheroes, plumbers in overalls, and literary adventures.

Via: Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will be available as a download title

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon on Nintendo 3DS

Today at Nintendo's E3 press conference, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon was confirmed for the 3DS. The game will utilize what the 3DS has to offerby being rendered in 3D and using the motion technology of the handheld.

This time Luigi will be traveling through multiple mansions, each with specific missions. Players from the original Luigi's Mansion will find the game slightly more difficult this time around due to new puzzles and a heavy emphasis on ghost-catching. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon will show off new types of ghosts that require special strategies to beat and capture.

Expect to see Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon available this holiday season for the 3DS.

Via: Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon on Nintendo 3DS

Photos from E3 2012: Day 1

Day 1 did not disappoint us and the GameZone crew is working hard to bring you all of the coverage from E3 2012. Here are some photos from our Day 1 walkthrough.

Shigeru Miyamoto starts off the Nintendo Press Conference at E3.

Fan Favorite Reggie Fils-Aime talks about all of Nintendo's new lineup.

Super Mario U is going to be an awesome twist on the old game for the new Wii U.

Show favorite ZombieU is taking the zombie market to a new level with its innovative play style.

Call of Duty Black Ops 2 kept things hush hush at their revel at E3.

Activision does nothing less than big here at E3.

Square Enix booth draws a crowd.

Star Trek fans wait to see the new game and hopefully get a play through.

Spec Ops The Line has a creative way to show their game and has a ton of people talking about it.

Borderlands 2...enough said!

Get your Alien on with some Colonial Marines Cos Players.

Madden '13 lines were packed with sports fans flocking to see their new favorite players and graphics.

Hitman Booth shows its true colors.

Players get to play some Hitman at the booth as well.

Tomb Raider is also a fan favorite also here at E3.

Bethesda shows off Elder Scrolls online behind closed doors.

Resident Evil had some "unique" marketing strategies during the show.

Don't Forget to follow us on Twitter @gamezoneonline for all E3 news, previews and updates!

Stay tuned for GameZone's Booth babe gallery and see which one of your favorites makes the cut.

Via: Photos from E3 2012: Day 1

Nintendo highlights Kid Icarus multiplayer strategies in new trailer

In Kid Icarus: Uprising, Pit must defend himself against the dark goddess Medusa and her malevolent Underworld Army. With help from Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, he battles enemies in the air and on the ground as each chapter is divided into Air Battle and Land Battle stages. Players can enhance the action with a nearly unlimited arsenal of collectible weapons, from Bows to Cannons to Claws, each with their own unique characteristics and play style. Players can also fuse weapons together, resulting in a single weapon that takes on some of the characteristics of the original two.

Point is, all of this makes for a very addictive multiplayer experience. Best your opponents with this video's tips, as provided by Nintendo's top players. Good luck!

Via: Nintendo highlights Kid Icarus multiplayer strategies in new trailer

Paper Mario: Sticker Star due out this holiday season

Nintendo has confirmed Paper Mario: Sticker Star for 3DS.

The game boasts a "simple but strategic new element" — stickers. Players can pull them off the scenery and use them as commands in battle. A shoe sticker tramples an enemy, while a hammer stick whacks them.

Sticker Star also contains new secrets and hidden items.

The game will land on 3DS in both retail and digital editions this holiday season.

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Via: Paper Mario: Sticker Star due out this holiday season

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] boasts impressive lineup of voice talent

Star Trek star Leonard Nimoy (Spock) will be reprising his role as Master Xehanort in upcoming game Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance], Square Enix announced.  Xehanort is the main antagonist of the Kingdom Hearts series and archenemy of Sora and Riku.

Joining Nimoy will be The Sixth Sense child star Haley Joel Osment who is returning to play Sora, the games main protagonist, to complete the Mark of Mastery exam and become a true Keyblade Master.

In addition to those two, Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] boasts an impressive lineup of supporting characters that includes Hayden Panetierre as Xion, Jesse McCartney as Roxas and Ventus, Quinton Flyn as Axel/Lea, and David Gallagher as Riku.

Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] sees Sora and Riku enter the Sleeping Worlds to complete the Mark of Mastery exam.  In the game they will encounter new enemies and make new friends in worlds never set foot in as they journey to become true Keyblade Masters.  Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] will be available on Nintendo 3DS for $39.99.  The "Mark of Mastery" Collector's Edition is available for $59.99.

Via: Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] boasts impressive lineup of voice talent