I have already had several people ask me why I'm not playing it already, considering it is one of the most anticipated games... probably ever. Well, that question has a few answers. 1) I'm a bit broke this week compared to usual. A pair of unexpectedly huge bills and a pair of cats needing trips to the veterinarian's office did not help matters. At all. But, I have a birthday within the week, and my dad usually springs to grab me a game. While I'm interested in Dragon's Dogma and a few other titles, I think point 2) is that I'll let someone else buy Diablo for me. 3) I have way too much going on at work these days to tempt myself with a shiny new game that could lead to me trying to take a few days off. Just seems like a recipe for disaster.
Moving on, there was a 3DS update last night/this morning, and I had no idea what it was about until I read the Nintendo press release, so I thought I would share with the rest of the class:
15 th May 2012 – Nintendo of Europe today announces that it has made an update available for Mario Kart 7, which will eliminate the ability to exploit shortcuts when playing Online Multiplayer on the courses "Wuhu Island Loop," "Wuhu Mountain Loop," and "GBA Bowser Castle 1".
The Mario Kart 7 Update data are available for free via Nintendo eShop from today, after performing the latest system update to make sure that your Nintendo 3DS system is up to date.
Mario Kart fans who have not downloaded these Update data will no longer be able to play Online Multiplayer; but don’t worry if you are unable to connect to the Internet and download the update immediately, as you will still be able to take part in Local Multiplayer and Single Player races without the update.
To download the Mario Kart 7 update make sure that you have performed the latest system update for your Nintendo 3DS and then visit the Nintendo eShop to download the Mario Kart 7 Update data. For more information on Mario Kart 7 and how to download the Update data please visit http://www.nintendo.co.uk/mariokart7
And then, a couple of Magic: The Gathering notes. First, of the video game variety, but I was sent this in my email this morning and thought it was interesting:
At E3 2012, in
Los Angeles Wizards of the Coast will be unveiling the next instalment of
Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 that will be launch on Xbox Live Arcade,
Sony Entertainment Network, PC download and iPad in summer 2012. The original Duels and Duels 2012 have been downloaded well over 2
million times combined since its launch in June 2009 and have become Top 10
sellers in the sales charts for Xbox Live Arcade.
About Duels of the
Planeswalkers 2013
Hot on the heels
of the wildly successful Duels of the Planeswalkers and Duels of the
Planeswalkers 2012 video games, the Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 game
features:
- Players Face a
Greater Challenge - Magic’s ultimate evil mastermind, the dragon Planeswalker
Nicol Bolas!
- 10 Fresh
Decks
- Multiplayer Game
Mode – Planechase
- Fresh Puzzle
Challenges
- Optional Manual
Mana Tapping
- Integration between the digital and paper product offering – Duels of
the Planeswalkers players get the first look at cards from the upcoming Magic
2013 Core Set releasing this summer
Duels 2013 will
also feature strategic single player campaign game scenarios as well as
competitive play, robust community features and unlockable content. More
information can be found at www.duelsoftheplaneswalkers.com.
And then last, but not least, I got to join my coworkers for our first night of playing Magic after hours here at work, and that was a lot of fun. We logged about three hours, I got to try out seven different decks (I had made 14 in preparation - I like variety!). I lost the first 3, won the remaining 4. The whole night turned for me on the above card. I was losing my 4th match there, and pulled that guy with just enough land to cast him. It was over 2 rounds later, and I won out the rest of the way. Lots of fun!
I haven't purchased D3 either (ha, imagine that), but it does look pretty cool. Probably not a bad idea to wait until Blizzard gets through this 'break-in' period to work out their load/traffic issues.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of the always-on DRM thing and while missing LAN options in SC2 doesn't actually affect me (due to lack of use), I think it should still be an option.
But I actually came here to post on MK7, so: yeah, cool update. :D
I downloaded it, but hadn't gone online yet. It's great to see them actually be able to roll out this update to a retail game. Unfortunately this is only for online where I would like to see this also apply to local and timetrials as well.
I'm left wondering exactly how far they can patch retail with this 'add-on' concept. I mean, are they simply loading DLC content on the side to replace maps or can they replace/patch code in the game? eg: Enable new features along with fixing bugs in the code that a map content update can't handle.
"I may be a bit light on posting over the next few weeks. I'll have a few things scheduled, Diablo III."
ReplyDeleteThe ONLY reason that needed to be stated is Diablo III, it's okay...I have friends that are on the same substance, so I shortened your first paragraph for you. :)
@Robert:
"I'm left wondering exactly how far they can patch retail with this 'add-on' concept. I mean, are they simply loading DLC content on the side to replace maps or can they replace/patch code in the game? eg: Enable new features along with fixing bugs in the code that a map content update can't handle."
Well, if Nintendo has a competent online and programmers(snickers) they should be able to patch the game, ENTIRE game. This is 2012, and with the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC games offering patches to fix issues in single and multiplayer...Nintendo has no excuse (unless they pull the, "We are in a bunker waiting on the Mayan prediction to come true." then MAYBE), though I'm sure a smiling Reggie Fils-Aime will calm us all at E3 with the marketing machine!
*checks to make sure the Full Skeptic outfit is ready for E3!
@Coffee: Exactly. PC games have had updates for decades now and the current gen consoles have as well.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm sure Reg will have big talk about the Wii U, they haven't fully convinced me with this 3DS patch. (more like add-on DLC that can supersede existing content.) But I'd still love to be wrong.
I think the fact it's taken Nintendo this long to give us a patch is annoying. Thank goodness the whole Wuhu Mountain cheaters thing is over :P
ReplyDelete@Coffee: 100% agree. Now, where's my DLC?
@Robert: Ditto.
Evenin', guys! Thanks for commenting! No D3 for me yet - but I'm anxiously waiting. I am looking forward to getting it, but don't know about waiting another week and a half. That could be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteThe Big N has a lot of work to do on the entire 'online' front, whether it's interacting w/ other players, offering some sort of achievement/trophy system, game chats/better messaging, or proper updates (seriously? That metroid 'fix' for Other M where you had to save your game to an SD card and mail it into Nintendo to get it fixed, and then sent back? Really...?)
Wii U could be interesting, but I too am skeptical of their online approach and want to see what they are offering.