The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: Dreamer Edition

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: Dreamer Edition for the Nintendo Switch released on September 20, 2019.  The Dreamer Edition includes the game and an art book.  At the time I wasn't the biggest Link’s Awakening fan, nevertheless I was still excited to get this game because of the Nintendo Direct release trailer; which featured an anime video of Link being shipwrecked.  I bought the special edition the day it released and also the lone Link amiibo as well.

Flash forward years later, and I have played the game already and my opinion of the game has changed dramatically.  Initially I really hated the game because the maze like dungeons confused me a lot.  I can’t change my first impressions, however the real value of this game is the re-play.  And it’s in the re-play that I have fallen in love with this game.  Once you know what to do, and where to go you achieve a sort of buzz from the flow of the game.  Despite the updated graphics and console, the game still plays exactly the same as the original release; making this a bonafide timeless classic.  Link’s Awakening is now my favourite 2D Zelda game.

The Legend of Zelda: www.zelda.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nognSBwk9m0

NES Nintendo Coasters

These Nintendo coasters are so dope!  I wanted them for a while but unfortunately they were hard to find in my area, and I didn’t want to import them.  I was actually concerned that the quality wouldn’t be so good because I assumed they were as fragile as paper coasters.  I didn’t want them to be a one-time-use thing.  Thankfully, now that I own them and have used them a few times I gotta say they have far exceeded my expectation.  They’re made using a thick cardboard material and have a nice wax coating at the top and bottom to protect them from moisture.  I’m so happy I got these because these mini NES game coasters are so cute to use.

Paladone: www.paladone.com

YouTube: https://youtu.be/03QqIoYIsX8

My Metroid Video Game Collection

 

Here’s my Metroid collection:

1. Metroid (1987 NA)

2. Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991)

3. Super Metroid (1994)

4. Metroid Prime (Nov 17, 2002)

5. Metroid Fusion (Nov 17, 2002)

6. Metroid: Zero Mission (Feb 9, 2004)

7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (Nov 15, 2004)

8. Metroid Prime Pinball (2005)

9. Metroid Prime Hunters (2006)

10. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007)

11. Metroid: Other M (2010)

12. Metroid Prime: Federation Force (2016)

13. Metroid: Samus Returns (2017)

14. Metroid Dread (2021)

Metroid: https://metroid.nintendo.com

YouTube: https://youtu.be/XG2VUwtkeo8

Super Mario Bros 3 Remake

One of my favourite illustrators is Yōichi Kotabe.  Not only is he responsible for one of my favourite anime’s, “Heidi, Girl of the Alps”; but was also the primary artist on early Super Mario video games.  His work is simply gorgeous, colourful and groundbreaking.  When it comes to Nintendo, his most recognizable artwork is the cover and manuals of Super Mario Bros on the Famicom (Japanese edition), Super Mario Land on the Game Boy, and of course Super Mario Bros 3.  I have been mesmerized by Kotabe’s version of Mario ever since I saw the cover of Super Mario Bro 3.  His illustrations breathed life into Mario at a time when technology simply did not match Shigeru Miyamoto’s vision.  I would think to myself, why couldn’t Kotabe’s illustrations be the version used in the game? 

Thankfully we now live in a time when technology allows creators to put their visions into video games the way they dreamed of.  Even though video games with cartoon graphics have existed for years, (such as Dragon's Lair, Wario Land: Shake It! and Ducktales Remastered) this art style didn’t become popular until the release of Cuphead.  This game popularized the animated cartoon video game genre, and influenced other video game developers to modernize old classics into modern cartoon video games (Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom).  So my hope now is for Nintendo to do the same and re-master Super Mario Bro 3 in an animated cartoon version using the original designs created by Kotabe.

Yōichi Kotabe Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dichi_Kotabe

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

Continuing the long list of Wii U ports to the Switch is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.  But unlike other Wii U ports, this version comes with additional new content which is Bowser’s Fury; a new story where you get to help Bowser Jr.

This game released on February 12, 2021.  I usually wait until games go on sale to buy them, but because EB Games (Gamestop) was giving out a pre-order bonus (gold collector coin) I decided to buy it on release.  The gold coin is beautiful and comes with an image of cat Mario, or Super Meowrio (sorry bad joke).  I’m a fan of these kinds of pre-order bonuses so of course I’m happy with my purchase.

Nintendo: https://supermario3dworld.nintendo.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F--vwbrYypE

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon for the Nintendo 3DS released on March 24, 2013 in North America.  It`s the sequel to Luigi's Mansion on the GameCube.  When the first game released, I was not a fan because I wanted a Mario game not a Luigi game. But as soon as I started playing Luigi's Mansion, I enjoyed it so much that I became a fan and I understood why Nintendo made it a GameCube initial release game.  The graphics were good, the puzzles were clever, the music was memorable and the game was fun.  So I`m glad that Nintendo decided to keep supporting the franchise and release a sequel (and third game) because to me, Luigi's Mansion is a solid franchise.  Update:  This game really sucks.  Honestly it's the worst game I have ever played.  It's got bad controls, no mid-game saves so if you die you have to start from the beginning of a level, and the graphics aren't as  good as  the first game.

Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon:  https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/luigis-mansion-dark-moon-3ds/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4LO92cPGsw

Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Super Mario 3D All-Stars for the Switch is a collection of Super Mario games that include games such as Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.  This Mario collection released on September 18, 2020 and Nintendo made it a limited time physical and digital release.  While many people weren’t happy with it being limited, there are still plenty of copies left in the stores.  Many people also didn’t appreciate that the graphics weren’t remade, but I prefer games to be left as close as possible to the original when I replay them.  My only criticism of this collection is the lack of a physical manual, which unfortunately is now the standard.  I think if someone buys a physical game it should always include a manual and inserts, otherwise I would just get it digital.  Hopefully Nintendo comprehends the importance of manuals to collectors and starts including them next year.

Nintendo: https://mario.nintendo.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK3m_dOY0gQ

Current State of Game Collecting June 2020

A few weeks ago I was looking online for games when I happen to notice that my current Nintendo 3DS model (Pokémon 20th anniversary bundle) was selling really high on eBay.  This concerned me because I felt that I couldn’t use it anymore as my everyday beater handheld.  Besides the monetary price, I was also afraid that if I ever did lose it or if it broke, I wouldn’t be able to find a new one at a good price.  That’s when I decided to act swiftly and find a 2DS XL model while they were still available at retail.

To my surprise I was able to find one on sale, however when I got home and did a little research on this model I discovered that it was also being discontinued.  This meant that this would be the last Nintendo handheld from the DS lineage.  Ever since then, Nintendo has always had a handheld alongside their consoles; and with the Switch it would no longer be needed.  While I did initially purchase this 2DS as a beater, I also feel like its significance will also make it very collectable.  Its gaming library is pretty large ranging from the original DS 2004, to 3DS games 2011, and of course the numerous games you could download.

While I am happy that I was able to get a 2DS XL, I’m also amazed at the current state of game collecting and how popular Nintendo games have become.  Most GameCube games have skyrocketed in price, and the Switch is selling like hotcakes.  I do recognize that most of it is because of the pandemic, but I still think that prices won’t be going down much either.  I can’t image what it would be like to start collecting games right now.  However this 2DS XL also proves that even in a crazy pandemic, there are still deals to be had.

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJds37JOGAs

S.H. Figuarts Luigi

On February 14^th 2013 during a Nintendo Direct, Satoru Iwata declared Nintendo would be celebrating the Year of Luigi.  This was to honour the 30^th anniversary of Luigi’s first appearance in Mario Bros. the arcade game.  At the time it was a weird decision because Luigi had been ignored by most fans; always in Mario’s shadow and relegated to younger siblings who had no choice in player selection.  Yet this celebration of Luigi marked a turn in his inferiority, as Iwata started a movement of Luigi fandom where game’s starring only Luigi were released and people (myself included) starting appreciating and loving Luigi more.

Besides the games I now also collect Luigi merchandise, such as this S.H. Figuarts toy.  These figures used to be Japan only releases, but are now being imported by Bluefin Toys in North America.  Although they are expensive toys, they’re totally worth it (at least at retail price) because the quality is amazing (painted well and lot's of articulation).  I just love having Luigi displaced on my shelf; he brings a smile to my face every time I see him.  For as many wonderful things Iwata did, I’m glad he was also able to show us all how Luigi was destined to shine. 

S.H. Figuarts:

www.shfiguarts.com

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/vSPVbsLFolM

Luigi’s Mansion 3DS

When Nintendo announced that Luigi’s Mansion was going to be ported to the 3DS I was excited because I was a fan of the original game on the GameCube.  While the game was never a huge hit like a Mario or Zelda game, having it ported over to the 3DS meant Nintendo was still interested in the series and also in continuing the series with the announcement of the development of Luigi’s Mansion 3.  With the original being ported and developed to the 3DS by Grezzo meant more people could discover this hidden gem and have the fandom grow for this series.  Luigi’s Mansion for the 3DS released on October 12^th, 2018.

Luigi’s Mansion 3DS:

https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/luigis-mansion-3ds/

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/wq5t7FW5k7w

Luigi's Mansion GameCube

When the GameCube released back in 2001, I was not a video game fan.  I had other interests at the time such as school, dating, television and just exploring life in general.  I was basically disinterested in video games and felt I had moved on.  Thankfully this video game hiatus didn’t last long because when the GBA SP was released I came back to gaming.  The retro bug had hit me and I also used the subway a lot so I needed something to pass the time away.  Eventually I did get a Wii and I started to play the games I had missed out on over the years.

One of my most memorable games was Luigi’s Mansion.  Admittedly at first I was turned off by it because it had childish graphics in a time when shooters and mature games were the most popular.  I also hated the controls.  Thankfully I grew to appreciate and love the graphics and also cope with the controls.  It’s now become one of my favourite GameCube games and I look forward to Nintendo continuing the scary and spooky series.

Luigi Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luigi's_Mansion

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/MtfcL3t2i3o

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

When the Nintendo Switch was announced I was curious how the Joy-Con controllers would work.  Following the failure of the Wii U and its gamepad, I had deferred to playing games using the Wii U Pro controller.  The Wii U gamepad wasn’t bad, but it just didn’t feel as natural to play for extended periods of play as a regular controller.  So when the Switch was announced I was understandably worried that Nintendo would once again give us an awkward controller.  Thankfully they announced that a Pro controller would also release with the Switch, for players that wanted a traditional controller.

When the Switch finally released I was amazed at how natural and comfortable I felt using the Joy-Cons.  I liked them so much that when I did buy the Switch Pro controller, I didn’t even bother opening it.  Eventually I did and now that I have had a chance to use them, I have to say I am very impressed by the Pro controller.  The quality is top notch and the battery lasts a very long time.  With so many great games about to release this year and next, I can’t wait to play them all with my Pro controller.

Nintendo Accessories:

https://www.nintendo.com/switch/buy-now/accessories/

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/-urz9fa8La4

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Switch Remake

Wow!  What an amazing Nintendo Direct to start off the year.  The surprise announcement of Link’s Awakening remake for Switch was of course my favourite part.  The game looks fun and similar to A Link Between Worlds; with a more Chibi art style.  I just hope Nintendo decides to include the anime in the game as well, it was beautiful.

Zelda:

www.zelda.com