Nintendo Labo proves fun and innovative, but not flawless

Zach Landau | Editor-in-Chief 04/26/2018 Back in the yesteryears of this past January, I wrote about my unfettered excitement for Nintendo’s latest doohickie, the Nintendo Labo. The hybridization of video games and model kits, Labo promised to justify all of the bells and whistles crammed into the Nintendo Switch console. How? By building toys out of cardboard and other bits and pieces. Is it fun? … Continue reading Nintendo Labo proves fun and innovative, but not flawless

Nintendo Labo resurrects old-fashioned play

By Zach Landau | Editor-in-Chief 01/25/2018 Nintendo has proposed some weird stuff before. Once upon a time, for example, the company announced a sensor that would measure gamers’ heartbeats and their level of relaxation (this was never released). More recently, the Nintendo 3DS was shipped with cards that the system would read and produce 3D, augmented-reality photos. And who could forget the never-seen knitting machine … Continue reading Nintendo Labo resurrects old-fashioned play

'Pokémon'

Retro Review: ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ stand-out entries in JRPG genre

Grant Stoner | Staff Writer 10/26/17 I have always been a fan of the Japanese role-playing game genre. Having the capability to customize my party’s move-sets and items, while tactically planning my next action in a turn-based battle, is like an exhilarating game of chess. Yet, my journeys tend to become monotonous, as most titles only feature a very limited roster of characters. Fortunately, with … Continue reading Retro Review: ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ stand-out entries in JRPG genre

'Gold' and 'Silver'

‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ still top 20-year-old franchise

By Grant Stoner | Staff Writer 09/28/17 On Friday, Nintendo rereleased the original Pokémon: Gold Version and Pokémon: Silver Version on the 3DS’ Virtual Console. Upon being asked to review the second generation of my favorite franchise, I immediately said yes. After all, it’s not like I needed an excuse to beat these titles for the 38th time. Developed by Game Freak and originally released … Continue reading ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ still top 20-year-old franchise

'Metroid: Samus Returns'

Nintendo continues to shirk accessibility

By Grant Stoner | Staff Writer 09/21/17 Nintendo, I think it’s time that you and I had a little chat. I’ve been a devoted fan throughout my entire gaming life. I’ve purchased every system (including the egregiously inaccessible Wii) knowing that your vast array of titles will keep me entertained. However, your recent inabilities to accommodate disabled players has left me sick to my stomach. … Continue reading Nintendo continues to shirk accessibility

Magikarp Jump

Despite setbacks, Nintendo is effortlessly breaking the gender mold

Zach Landau | A&E Editor The gender revolution is underway in the world of video games, and an unexpected leader is quietly forging the path for trans inclusivity. And who is this vanguard of radical feminist ideology in an industry infamous to anyone not conforming to a strict gender binary? Why, it’s the House of Mario itself: Nintendo. With the release of Magikarp Jump (which … Continue reading Despite setbacks, Nintendo is effortlessly breaking the gender mold

Switch does not account for disabled gamers

By Grant Stoner | Staff Writer My gaming career began on a Super Nintendo Entertainment System. As I’ve grown, so too has my collection of Nintendo consoles and handhelds. Despite my physical limitations, particularly concerning the strength of my hands, I have always been able to play the vast amount of Nintendo franchises, and yes, that even includes titles on the movement-based Nintendo Wii. So, … Continue reading Switch does not account for disabled gamers

‘Breath of the Wild’ delivers ennui and malaise in empty space

By Zachary Landau | Staff Writer I would not be the man I am today if it was not for “The Legend of Zelda.” I don’t say that in some sort of sappy, wholesome way. I mean this in the “this is the series that gave rise to the cynicism and bitterness that binds me to this mortal coil” way. In those younger, more vulnerable … Continue reading ‘Breath of the Wild’ delivers ennui and malaise in empty space

‘Heroes’ brings classic ‘Fire Emblem’ experience with a dash of tedium

By Zachary Landau | Asst. A&E Editor If nothing else, “Fire Emblem: Heroes” is an interesting barometer for Nintendo’s mobile efforts. It is the first in the company’s line-up of mobile games to most accurately replicate the source game’s, well, gameplay. “Super Mario Run” is an auto-runner as opposed to a platformer, and “Pokémon GO” is a flaming pile of trash compared to the series’ … Continue reading ‘Heroes’ brings classic ‘Fire Emblem’ experience with a dash of tedium

Nintendo reveals more details on Switch console

By Craig Taylor | Staff Writer Nintendo has revealed a ton of new information about their home console/portable console/handheld hybrid, the Switch. The company hosted a press conference last Thursday detailing the specifics of their upcoming system, including its price, functionality and some of the major titles expected to ship within the first year. The Switch will launch on March 3 at $299 with two … Continue reading Nintendo reveals more details on Switch console