***I would like to make note that this review was written before Pokemon Black/White was even announced***



Pokemon has got to be one of Nintendo's most valuable franchises. They have proven time and time again that no matter how much we boo and hoo each time they create a new entry with 100 some odd new Pokemon, no matter how much we vow to rage quit because they are making our hard work obsolete, no matter how much we said "that is IT!" we always end up buying the new game anyway, and playing it to death. Not only that, they have now proven twice, once with FireRed and LeafGreen, and now with HeartGold and SoulSilver that they can make us buy a game we already bought a few ears ago by making it shinier and including a new peripheral. I'm not sure rather to rejoice or complain about that, to be honest.

HeartGold and SoulSilver are DS remakes of the original Gameboy and Gameboy Color Pokemon gold and Silver games. The graphics have been totally redone, and it has been made compatible with the 4th generation games as well. Of course, all the Pokemon introduced since then have also been included. These are some of the best graphics in the hand held Pokemon games. It uses the isometric viewpoint of generation 4, but there are a couple of rendered cut scenes that are pretty cool as well. The in battle graphics are the same as usual. Flat sprites with a short animation when they first enter the battle.



The story is the same as the original Gold and Silver. You are a trainer. You want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is your real test. To train them is your cause. You will travel across the land, searching far and wide. Teach Pokemon to understand the power that's inside. In the world of Pokemon, trainers battle their trained Pokemon for supremacy, and by defeating gym Leaders in officially sanctioned battles, trainers earn a badge. Badges serve as status symbols, and without all 8, trainers are not allowed to battle the elite 4 to claim the title of Champion. This is the main plot, but there is more however. Team Rocket is up to no good again, but they are just as dumb as always, equipping their recruits with such useful creatures as Zubats and Raticates.

Though the majority of the original remains intact, a few things have been added or changed, but they are small things. Some of them are cool, like using the newer generation's PC systems. The first Pokemon in your party now follows you like Pikachu in Pokemon Yellow, and I think it is pretty neat.



When Nintendo remade the first generation for the Gameboy Advance, they included a small infrared wireless adapter, allowing players to battle and trade without a link cable. This remake, they included a new device called the Pokewalker. The Pokewalker is a small, pokeball shaped pedometer like device. using an infrared signal, you can transfer a Pokemon from your game onto it. as you walk, the you collect watts, which can be spent on various things within the device, which can then be transferred to the game with the Pokemon. The Pokemon also gains a bit of experience this way.



Although I feel Pokemon has been going down hill for some time, HeartGold and SoulSilver are nostalgic romps for those of us that grew up in the series' golden age (pun unintended). In fact, the only thing more nostalgic that playing these remakes is playing the originals. Even if you've been out of touch with Pokemon for a while, if you played Gold and Silver, you should give the remakes a go.

Metroid has come a long way in recent years. Though it has always been somewhat of a third wheel when it comes to Nintendo games, the Prime series brought in many new fans, and though it was quite different from the 2D counterparts, it still managed to bring that sense of isolation and loneliness we've come to expect from the series into a new realm. With the Prime trilogy completed, many gamers wondered what was next for the series. They didn't have to wonder for long.


At E3 2009, Reggie Fils-Aime unveiled Other M with a teaser trailer, and fans couldn't wait. Now that its finally here, the game has met with much criticism, and has received a very mixed response. Here is what I think.


Other M is an attempt to “return Metroid to its roots”. It utterly fails in this department, as it is nothing like any other Metroid I've played. You still have your exploration, and your item collection, but Metroid is far from the only game that has this. You can't slap energy tanks and missile packs in a game and say “There, now it's just like Metroid!”


The game tries to combine 2D and 3D elements, but ends up just being 3D in the end. This isn't really a problem, but considering they were attempting to return the series to it's roots and all, shouldn't they want it to feel 2D?


Then there is the combat. I'm torn on this one, myself. Although it is cool to see Samus dodge a charging beast, and then shove her arm canon down its throat, combat just feels too tacked on. The game has an auto aim system that is extremely flawed, and it is almost impossible to pick one enemy over another when in 3rd person. By aiming the controller at the screen, you switch into an first person view, letting you aim with the wii remote to pick certain enemies, and lock onto them. This is also the only way to fire missiles. While in first person view, you cannot move, and this can sometimes be extremely frustrating.



Which brings me to controls. The game is controlled using a single wii remote held on it's side like an NES controller. This would have been an excellent choice had they actually made the game as if it were 2D like they were supposed to. This game, as much as it doesn't want to be, is a 3D game. 3D games need analog control! As I mentioned, you can enter first person by aiming at the screen, and this is just a frustrating way to handle that.


The game also likes to throw in segments where you are forced in a first person view and must play a game of Where's waldo to find God knows what, because they never tell you what it is you're supposed to be looking for. This wouldn't have been so terrible if they weren't so vague 90% of the time, and if it weren't so game breaking. You could be thrown into one of these segments after a lot of combat, or immediately after an action packed cut scene, and it just doesn't work well.


Speaking of things that don't work, lets talk story. Samus has just woken up some unspecified time after defeating Mother Brain in Metroid III(Super Metroid). During her time in this facility, she had a dream or flashback, depicting the end of that battle, and how the baby metroid sacrificed it's life for her. After going through some training to make sure she was healthy enough to be let go, Samus hops into her ship and goes on her way. While traveling through space, she receives a distress signal from a vessel called the 'Bottle Ship”. Because of it's annoying high pitch, she names this signal “Baby's Cry” and zips down to help. After entering the vessel, she runs into her old father figure/love interest/who gives a crap what he is, Adam, as well as his crew. Now, Samus Aran is a pretty amazing person. She is strong, has a suit made by an ancient warrior race, and is allegedly one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy. You actually start this game with EVERY ability in the game. This is true for most game sin the series, and every time, she loses them due to some sort of explosion or similar effect. Apparently, they were getting sick of that idea, and instead, she now simply refuses to use them until Adam authorizes them. This is stupid and goes completely against her established character. While somewhat understandable in some cases, I refuse to accept that while traveling through a high temperature, magma filled room, and effectively dying of heat stroke, Samus would not activate her varia suit defenses because she was not told to do so. As for the crew that was with Adam, we never really learn much about any of them, because most of them are there to serve no purpose aside from dying. Of course, no one cares that they are dead, because no one cares about them as characters. Except for Anthony Higgs. He deserves his own series.


The game isn't all bad though. The graphics are pretty, and it is in fact, one of the best looking wii games. Unfortunately, this has no bearing on the game play. The music is kind of nice, but there are hardly any of the classic Metroid songs or jingles, which is a real drag. Even the classic item noise is absent. In fact, the most recognizable song I heard was a remix of the Ridley battle song, and that was a little late to the party. It still brought back memories, though.



The voice actors are pretty flat and horrid, and the absence of an original Japanese voice option is disappointing. While this doesn't quite feel like a Metroid game, and certainly is not the Metroid you know and love, it is still a pretty enjoyable experience in the wii's library. I'm not sure why it's still fun despite all of these complaints, but it is. Let's hope Samus has a better outing next time, but in the mean time, Other M is still worth a buy even given all it's problems.


I think Other M is destined to be the equivalent of Starfox Adventures. It would've been that much more passable had it not had the name “Metroid” on it. But it did. And those are some big shoes to fill.

VERSION HISTORY
V. 1.0 - created 11/22/09
V. 1.1 - updated 3/31/11, corrected grammar and spelling.
V. 1.2 - updates 5/15/12, corrected more grammar and spelling. May add photos of connector pin replacement.

INTRO
I decided to write this FAQ because my NES means a lot to me, as it once belonged to my uncle, and was the first system I ever played. NES systems, especially the front loaders can have quite a number of problems, most of them due to aging. I hope I am able to help someone out with this.


CLEANING CARTRIDGES

Cleaning an NES cartridge is quite a simple procedure. At one time, Nintendo had cartridge cleaning kits, although you'd be hard pressed to find one now. Cleaning the cartridge could possibly resolve blank screens, scrambled screens, flashing screens, or games that like to crash.

The best thing to use when cleaning an NES cartridge is a q-tip. The best cleaning fluid to use is a solution of 50% alcohol and 50% water. The water dilutes it enough to be safe. you may also want to try Windex, though I don't use it personally.

You've probably already figured out the procedure by now. just dip the q-tip in the water/alcohol solution, and rub it along the connector pins. You should repeat the process until the q-tip comes out clean.


CLEANING THE SYSTEM

Sometimes, the problem is with the actual system itself. nine times out of ten, the problem is, more specifically, with the connector pin(the thing your cartridges plug into). To clean this, you will have to take apart your NES. all you need to do this is a phillips head screw driver. It's very very simple to do, just unscrew the outside, and lift off the top. You will see a metal shield covering the insides, which you will also need to unscrew and remove. It is safe to remove anything from the NES and long as you are careful, and remember where it belongs. There are many guides throughout the internet, most including images, to help you do this.

Once you can clean the connector pin, it is best to used the same 50% water, 50% alcohol solution I mentioned in the cartridge cleaning section. You may use a q-tip for this as well, but I would suggest something more coarse such as a tooth brush, or even a fingernail scrubber.

If the system is still giving you problems, you should probably replace the connector pins. They can be found on sites such as eBay and amazon for around $10.00 U.S. and it is a very simple procedure.

If you have never played this game in any other incarnation, this review is not for you. This is for those who have played Ocarina of Time in the past.

The Legend of Zelda is a series that really needs no introduction. It has, ironically, become a legend in its on right. The first title in this series to grace the N64 was "Ocarina of Time", which became heralded as one of the best games ever made. Does the remake stack up to the original? Is it worth owning if you already own the original? If you have wondered either of those things, this review is for you. In this review I will be comparing the remake to the original, not to prove one over the other, but to help you make the decision of rather you should purchase it or not.

No doubt the first thing you are wondering are the new graphics. OOT3D's visual style is a touch more vibrant than before, but not to the extreme. Colors are a little more vibrant, and everything now moves at a smooth 60 FPS(frames per second). Shops and other such locations are now less barren, making them look more like an actual shop. As for the characters, they now see to have much more personality while remaining true to their original models. Perhaps the coolest graphical enhancement is the fact that there are absolutely zero pre-rendered backgrounds! You ca now see the ring of smoke over Death Mountain slowly circling, and that Death Mountain is exactly the same Death Mountain you will be visiting. It's a small, but very nice touch, and it makes Hyrule feel a bit more alive. As for the 3D effect, I regretfully inform you that while this is the best use of 3D on the system so far, you may find yourself playing in 2D more often. Most of the time, everything will be clear, but in a few problem areas, there may be "bleeding", meaning one eye is no longer differentiating from the other, causing a double image. The game may not bleed often, but when it does, it does it pretty bad. The 3D effect in this game is also quite straining. I found myself slowly sliding the effect lower and lower until eventually I was just playing in 2D after about half an hour.


That mountain you see the exact same model you will be walking on later.


New character models are more detailed, including things missing originally, such as the belt around Link's shoulder. More emotional facial animations are also used.

The 3DS version of Ocarina of Time has the best control scheme possible for this game. It's even better suited to the game than playing the Collector's Edition Gamecube version. The A button is your primary button, used for reading, lifting, grabbing, and rolling. B is always assigned to your sword. Additional items may be assigned to both the X or Y buttons, and the "I" and "II" touch screen buttons. While having two item slots moved to the touch screen may seem like a hindrance, "I" and "II" are located at the right edge of the touch screen, where they can be easily tapped with your finger (or stylus if you are picky) with ease. The 3DS slide pad seems almost like it was made to control Link in this game. It's even smoother than the Gamecube's control stick on the Collector's Disc, and my thumb never got tired. Another cool new feature is that, when aiming something such as the bow, you can move the DS itself instead of using the slide stick. It's very quick and useful, and even more accurate than the Wii remote in Twilight Princess. Your inventory and gear screens are now accessible through touch screen tabs, and pressing start or select at any time will allow you to save. When not under one of these tabs, the bottom screen displays the map as well as your health, magic, and other such statistics. Furthermore, The Iron Boots and Hover Boots are now items as opposed to gear, meaning they can be assigned to a slot and easily equipped. The ocarina now has a permanently assigned tab at the bottom left of the touch screen, meaning you no longer have to pick a button for it. Furthermore, the Ocarina is now controlled with the X,Y,A, L, and R buttons.


The menu is now a lot more streamlined.


The ocarina is now assigned a permanent activation button on the touch screen and is played with the X, A, Y, L and R buttons. Notice that the buttons displayed here, playing Zelda's Lullaby, are played int he same order as the C-buttons originally used to play that same melody on the 64.

For those of you who hate censoring, I have some bad news. This is without a doubt the most censored version of Ocarina of Time ever. In case you are not sure what I'm talking about, let me give you a brief history lesson. When Ocarina of Time was originally released (the version we call 1.0), there were a few things that some deemed offensive. First of all, the Fire Temple had chanting in the music. An Islamic group claimed that it was an Islamic prayer, and they were angered that it was being used to basically worship the temple's boss. Islamic groups also Furthermore, at the end of the game, Ganon coughed up blood upon his death. Soccer moms everywhere cried foul, as this was an E rated title. Nintendo addressed these issues by releasing a censored version (known as version 1.2, a previous update, 1.1, was released to fix some glitches) in whihc the Fire Temple's music was simply a remix of Shadow Temple music and Ganon coughed up green blood. You'd think such censorship would end there, but no! When the game was released on the Gamecube with Master Quest and on the Zelda Collector's Disc, the censored the Gerudo symbol, a moon and star, to the sort of diamond symbol used in Majora's Mask. That means the symbol sued on Gerudo flags, blocks and even the mirror shield became censored. This was done because of the symbols resemblance to many middle eastern countries' flags. So, does the remake contain these edits? Every single one of them and more. The bottom of the Well mini-dungeon has been cleaned of the blood that was once on the walls and floor at the entrance, and they even censored Princess Ruto. Her scales now form a sort of dress so that she is not nude, and while I personally think it looks great and adds to her design, others seem to dislike it simply because it's different than before.


Examples of the v1.0(top) and v1.2(bottom) blood color change, which is present in 3D.


Examples of the v1.0(top) and v1.2(bottom) Gerudo symbol censorship, which is also present in 3D.

Aside from fixing a couple of major glitches, they left most of the game the same. If a rock was in a location on the N64, it is in the exact same spot on the 3DS. Every line of dialogue was left the same as it was, and every character performs the same animations. This is, without a doubt, the most accurate and true remake I have ever played of any game. They included the Master Quest (hard mode), unlocked after completing the game once, and have also added a new boss run mode. Furthermore, Sheikai stones in the Temple of Time and Kokiri Forest serve as a hint system for players who become stuck. I think this is the best "ease of access" Nintendo has implemented in their games so far. Unlike New Super Mario Bros. or Donkey Kong Country Returns, it does not play the game for you, but rather shows you a vision that tells you where you need to go, or what you need to do. Ocarina of Time will always be remembered, and now it can be experienced by a whole new generation, and it will be just as magical for them.

So, if you want to see OOT with a fresh coat of paint, this game is definitely worth buying. If you just want a portable version of the game, it's also certainly worth a purchase. If the only version you like is 1.0, then you should probably stay away, because you will hate it just as much as v1.2 before it. If you want to buy the deepest and most satisfying game in the 3DS' library, then this is the definite choice at the moment. Some will always prefer the original, and they are entitled to that. I personally find the streamlined system, updated visuals, and awesome controls appealing, and this is easily my favorite way to play Ocarina of Time.

So, I'm part of the review team on Nitnendo Fan Forum and I also submit my reviews to GameFAQs. I figure I might start posting at least a few here as well.


Starfox 64 is legendary at this point. Not only is a hugely popular game with a dedicated fan base, it has also become an internet icon through the endlessly quotable memes it has sparked. The last time we saw a Starfox game was on the DS, and that one came out less than spectacular. Fans were not happy with its multiple endings, and questioned the future of the series. With no sequel on the Wii, or 3DS and no apparent plans for one, Starfox 64 3D may be as close as we get for some time. Is it better than the original, though?



The most obvious improvement to the game is the graphics. I have to say, this is one of the best looking games I've seen on the 3DS and the 3D is most impressive. Things are a bit brighter than they were before, and the models have been totally redone. even though things look much more modern, the effects still have a vintage 90's feel. The graphics hit a perfect balance between nostalgically simple and elegantly modern. The environments arguably got more of a makeover than anything, and really feel like actual planets. The 3D effect, as mentioned, is very impressive, and actually has impact on the game. When an enemy is tailing you, it blocks your view. You may also be able to see some enemies coming from behind or to your sides when in all-range mode if you have 3D turned on. Unlike some other 3DS games, I experienced no "bleeding" images, crossing over of images or even a small amount of blur or eye strain. On most 3DS games, I have to have the slider on low intensity, and can only tolerate that for approximately half an hour at the most. In Starfox, however, I can turn the slider on the highest intensity and play endlessly with no problems.


Quite a difference

The music seems to be ripped straight from the original game, and the sound effects are nearly identical if not perfect replicas of what they were before. The entire script, however, has been re-recorded. Slippy and Fox sound almost perfect, but something seems a tad off about Peppy and Falco. New voices aside, all of those memorable quotes are intact. From "Do a barrel roll!" to "Can't let you do that Starfox!", the script is unchanged.


You know you want to...

The controls mimic those of the original SNES game, Starfox. Unlike that game, there are only 2 layouts, however. I opt to play wiht option A, in which the a button is fire, b is brake, x is boost and y is bomb. No matter which control scheme you select, L and R cause you to veer in that direction and double tapping either induces a barrel roll. The slider is used for movement and aiming, of course. Unlike the control stick, t takes a bit of getting used to having to line up your shots, or at least it did for me. The Arwing is jsut as responsive, but something just felt different. Somersaults and U-Turns are handled by pressing the boost button in tandem with up or down. Alternatively, they are mapped to the up and down buttons on the d-pad.

The story is, of course, unchanged. Prior to the games events, Andross, a scientist from Corneria, is exiled to planet Venom after nearly destroying Corneria. The Starfox team, then consisting of Peppy Hare, James MCCloud and Pigma Dengar is sent in to investigate the planet. Pigma, however, betrays James and Peppy, causing them to become captured by Andross. James them sacrifices himself to allow for Peppy's escape. Five years later, the new Starfox team is called in again when Andross launches an attack on the entire Lylat solar system. This time the team consists of Peppy Hare of the original team, Fox McCloud who is James' son, Falco Lombardi and Slippy Toad.


Why do the developers look so confused by the games re-release? even Shigeru Miyamoto, the series creator, has a look of "Oh...uhhh...ok...."

Fans of the original will be happy to know that the entire Lylat System is intact. Every level, every enemy, and every alternate path is just the same as before. Would we have it any other way?




Starfox 64 3D is nearly identical to the original. The only real difference is the voice actors and the graphics. That being said, it goes back to my original question. Is it worth buying over the original? My answer is that it is very situational. If you do not own a Nintendo 64 or a Wii, then this would of course be your only option, and you'd be a fool to pass it up. However, if you do own an N64 or a Wii, the question comes down to how much you value portability. If you want the game in portable form, then again, 3D will be your only option. Other than that, it really doesn't matter if you get this, the N64 original, or the Virtual Console ROM. They are all the same basic experience. Starfox 64 is a classic in many ways, and if you have not played it for yourself then it is certainly a game you need to check out. If you already own the original, however, there is no reason to bother purchasing this remake, especially at the $40 price tag. I managed to find a copy in a bargain bin at Books-a-million somehow for $20, but even still I feel as if I wasted my money because there is no new content.