IGN.com - Wii U

LEGO Ideas Metroid Set Reveals Huge Ridley Add-On in Fan-Created Project

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 03:14:27 GMT

A fan-created LEGO set featuring characters from the Metroid franchise received another milestone update today as Ridley has now been added to the project. It features fully articulating arms, legs, a tail, and head, and can even grab minifigures in its hands. Ridley has been one of bounty hunter Samus Aran's longtime arch nemeses throughout the series dating back to the original NES/Famicom title, appearing in many subsequent games and even becoming a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after being one of the most-requested characters for years. But this LEGO creation might be one of Ridley's coolest iterations yet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=lego-metroid-fan-project&captions=true"] The project by user L-DI-EGO actually began in May 2020, but has received a steady stream of updates as more supporters have backed the project, including multiple helmet styles for Samus, space pirate variants, and an alternate Hunter-class gunship variant seen in the Metroid Prime series. LEGO Ideas is a website where master builders can submit their ideas and if 10,000 people support the project it will be reviewed by a panel of LEGO experts and potentially be made into a real set. At any given time there can be hundreds of pop culture-inspired submissions that fans have created. One of the more popular LEGO Ideas to gain traction recently and become an official set was the Friends-themed Central Perk set that was released in 2019 to celebrate Friends' 25th anniversary. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=17-images-of-the-friends-lego-set&captions=true"] Merely gaining 10,000 followers doesn't guarantee an official set will be produced, however. A LEGO Ideas creation featuring a small diorama from Untitled Goose Game achieved the needed backers, but was ultimately passed on by The LEGO Company after review. Nintendo surprised many when it announced a Super Mario-themed LEGO crossover series of interactive playsets last year. A new batch of LEGO Super Mario expansion sets were announced recently that are expected to launch this year and will include Chain Chomps, Wigglers, a Tanooki suit, and more. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/17/lego-super-mario-series-2-expansion-sets-trailer"] Many longtime Nintendo fans were delighted to receive an official LEGO playset featuring an NES complete with controller and Super Mario Bros. cartridge along with a "playable" retro-style TV that released last year, as well. If you want to support this Metroid-themed LEGO set in the hopes that it may one day become a reality make sure to head over to the LEGO Ideas page and show it some love. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matthew Adler is a Features, News, Previews, Reviews, and Wikis writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

An Early Build of Ocarina of Time Allowed Link to Turn Into Navi

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:52:24 GMT

A development build of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been discovered and it reveals an in-progress look at Kakariko Village, an early archery test, and that Link could have turned into Navi via the Soul Medallion. As reported by Eurogamer, this demo, which was shown off at Spaceworld '97, was found on an old N64 development cartridge that was used to hold F-Zero X. Once further inspected, the Zelda demo build was found, and although it was partly saved-over, there was still plenty to see. Shared by Forest of Illusion on Twitter, one of the most surprising reveals was Link being able to turn into Navi via the Soul Medallion. As you can see in the images below from @MrCheeze and @Zeru64, he would have been able to fly around the map and would still have his Master Sword and Hylian Shield; Other medallions would have let him cast and dispel fire at will, warp when in danger, and more. We also get a glimpse of a different looking Hyrule from @MrTalida: A more basic and less developed Kakariko Village from @shanebattye: An archery test where you are also riding Epona from @MrTalida and @xdanieldzd: Here, we get a glimpse of what could have been Link's Pegasus Boots from @zel640, which appear to have made the final game as the slightly tweaked Hover Boots: Some of the translated text also hints that the story of Ocarina of Time originally played out a bit differently. One says that the Deku Tree was set to be a prison for fairies where Link would have to go free Navi. For more on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, check out our original review, a modder's new adventure created in the Ocarina of Time engine, and other Ocarina of Time discoveries from the Nintendo Gigaleak - which is different from this. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/15/why-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-is-still-a-masterpiece-20-years-later-nvc-ep-433"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

The Man Who Created Captain Falcon, Fox McCloud, Majora's Mask and More Has Retired from Nintendo

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:33:25 GMT

Takaya Imamura, the Nintendo artist and designer who gave us characters like Captain Falcon and Fox McCloud and more – not to mention the name and visual identity of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask – has retired from the company. As reported by Kotaku, Imamura announced that it was his last day working at Nintendo on his Facebook page, after 32 years with the company. “This is my last day going to work. I took a selfie with the empty office. I guess I won’t be coming in here anymore. As you’d expect, I’ll miss it,” Kotaku's translation of his commemorative Facebook post reads. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/11/13/star-fox-zero-introducing-star-fox-trailer"] Imamura worked on character designs across the F-Zero and Star Fox series, creating iconic Nintendo characters like Captain Falcon and Fox McCloud among many more. More recently, he directed two Steel Diver games, and was a supervisor on the last two Smash Bros. releases. He was also the art director of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, responsible for the design of the eponymous mask and the game's name, as well as the character Tingle. It's worth remembering that, according to Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma, Imamura came up with the word 'Majora' by combining his own name with 'Jumanji'. In other Nintendo news, recent reports from industry analysts suggest that a Nintendo Switch Pro could be on the way. A hacker has also created an exercise bike game using Nintendo Labo, Ring Fit Adventure and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Stardew Valley: Complete Gift Guide For Every Villager

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 23:00:23 GMT

Axiom Verge Gets Its First Free Update Six Years After Release

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:58:19 GMT

Axiom Verge — the critically-acclaimed Metroidvania — has released its first free content update six years after its release, a Randomizer Mode for all the speedrunners out there. Developer Tom Happ is busy working on the sequel Axiom Verge 2, but as a recognition of Axiom Verge’s popular speedrunning community, he has released a Randomizer Mode as a free update. The mode will let players randomize the items they get as they progress in the game. But instead of just a simple jumbler, the mode is “smart enough to know that in certain areas you need weapons with certain characteristics to progress.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/10/axiom-verge-2-announcement-trailer"] As par for the genre, players will need certain items to backtrack and access previously inaccessible areas. And the Randomizer will take this into account while still adding an element of chaos and difficulty for speedrunners. The Randomizer Mode is currently only available on Epic Games Store and Steam copies of Axiom Verge, with a console release slated for a later date. Epic Games Store users will find a beta version of Axiom Verge with the new mode automatically in their library. On Steam, players will right-click their copy of Axiom Verge in their library, go to Betas, and select the new version with the Randomizer update. Happ says he’s adding the “finishing touches” to Axiom Verge 2 and there will be an update on it soon. Check out IGN’s review of Axiom Verge for more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Awesome Games Done Quick 2021 Raises Over $2.7 Million for Charity

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 02:23:54 GMT

All Games Done Quick 2021, the video game speedrunning marathon that raises money for charity, has just raised $2,758,847 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Games Done Quick announced the incredible news on Twitter, while also thanking everyone involved and promising that news its next big event - Summer Games Done Quick 2021 - will be coming in the future. AGDQ 2021, which ran from January 3-10, saw 25,651 donors from around the world make 42,089 donations to reach the impressive total amount.

Just some casual Saturday afternoon Beat Saber. #AGDQ2021 pic.twitter.com/9Qjfy7rMTZ
— Games Done Quick (@GamesDoneQuick) January 9, 2021

There were 157 total runs that had speedrunners playing through such games as Final Fantasy VII, Super Mario 64 (blindfolded!), The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Beat Saber, and much more. While AGDQ 2021 may have not raised as much money as AGDQ 2020's $3.13 million, its important to note that this event was entirely online unlike last year's. Summer Games Done Quick 2020 was also online, and that event raised $2.3 million. For more on speedrunning, check out our series that has developers reacting to their games being speedrun. We've done such games as Hades, Doom Eternal, and the original Halo. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/24/original-halo-developers-react-to-legendary-speedrun"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

How One Modder Discovered Nintendo's Most Advanced Miis Hiding in Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 17:19:41 GMT

After two generations at the centre of Nintendo’s consoles, Miis seemingly took a back seat for Switch. You can still design a Nintendo-themed avatar on the handheld hybrid system, but Nintendo games support them far less frequently, with token appearances in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate their most notable appearances. It led many to believe the age of the Mii was over, but a new discovery seems to show that Miis are secretly at the heart of one of Nintendo’s most beloved Switch games – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You just wouldn’t necessarily know that at first glance.

On January 4, Mii modder HEYimHeroic posted a discovery that seemed to confirm that Mii-like parameters had been used to create NPCs in Breath of the Wild, by using modding to inject custom Miis’ details into the game and seeing their familiar cartoon faces rendered as Hylians in Breath of the Wild’s art style. Those results seem to prove that Breath of the Wild’s NPCs are a form of advanced Mii - a point the game’s code helps support by referring to them as ‘UMiis’.

Hi, Mii expert here. Turns out, the NPCs in TLoZ:BotW use an advanced version of the Mii format. This means that with modding, you can inject Miis into the game. :)
Thinking about opening commissions for Mii injects, both screenshot/images of your Mii and mod downloads! pic.twitter.com/8NfVr4zyqA — i'm alice (@HEYimHeroic) January 4, 2021

HEYimHeroic has been researching Miis for around a year, starting the in-depth Wii Facts Plus Twitter account and a library of all Nintendo-created Miis along the way. Speaking to me over Twitter, they explain that the Breath of the Wild modding community had theorised that Miis could be related to Breath of the Wild’s NPCs since shortly after the game launched, even finding the term UMii related to NPCs when combing the game’s files. However, that search seemed to have died down in the intervening years: “The modders I've spoken to assumed that it was only just a name, after a while, and that was pretty much where the similarities ended,” explains HEYimHeroic. “No one had ever actually attempted to port Miis into the game... and I did that out of sheer curiosity!”

The breakthrough was in realising that UMiis share ID values for parts of their construction with traditional Miis: “Every type of mouth, eyes, hair, etc. all have a certain ID value attached to them with Miis. The big thing here is that UMiis also share the exact same ID values, so this part's probably the easiest - just copy and paste the ID value from the Mii into the UMii!” HEYimHeroic then discovered that Mii colour values are drawn from altered Wii U versions of the avatars, rather than the original Mii Studio and (with an anonymous friend’s help) discovered how to convert and assign those properly. Mii sizing is one of the more confusing elements, with existing values not always corresponding with how they turn out within Breath of the Wild. “More testing is needed,” explains the modder, “but we know enough about them to port Miis in most of the time!”

[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=HEYimHeroic%20thinks%20Nintendo%20used%2C%20%E2%80%9Ca%20manual%20creation%20tool%2C%20like%20Mii%20Maker.%20Or%2C%20maybe...%20UMii%20Maker%3F%E2%80%9D"]

The upshot was that, on December 30, HEYimHeroic managed to inject their own Mii design into the game and - with the help of a Breath of the Wild modding server - managed to create a UMii version of an existing Mii. “Looking back, now that I know more about the format,” they explain, “I definitely could've improved more, but at the time, it was more than enough to convince people that Miis and UMiis aren't that different after all.”

What HEYimHeroic had discovered was that - aside from key characters like Link and Zelda - Nintendo had seemingly used the UMii system to create every NPC in the game. While non-humanlike races such as Gorons use a very limited set of variable, human-like races Hylians and Sheikah use many of the same kinds of backend values as Miis in their creation. Every NPC appears to be custom-built, rather than generated, which HEYimHeroic thinks means Nintendo used, “a manual creation tool, like Mii Maker. Or, maybe... UMii Maker?”

also, here are the full screenshots of the four Miis i posted in that main tweet. pic.twitter.com/lAYScS43eF
— i'm alice (@HEYimHeroic) January 4, 2021

If a formal UMii Maker does exist, its differences from the classic Mii Maker are as interesting as its similarities. For example, the option to add moles to Miis aren’t supported for UMiis, and not all Mii hairstyles are replicated (although the game will automatically convert an unsupported hairstyle into a similar one). “Glasses size, position, and mustache position are also all removed,” adds HEYimHeroic. “These values are no longer manually set, but the game automatically determines them based on the rest of the face. For example, if you move the mouth lower on the face, then the mustache will be automatically moved lower on the face, too.”

Despite those changes, there appears to be far more nuance to how a UMii can be created when compared to a Mii. “This is easily the most intricate usage of Miis yet,” explains HEYimHeroic when I ask if this is the most advanced version of Mii they’ve discovered. “In fact, it's so complex, it's hard to still call them ‘Miis’ anymore. Depending on how strict your definition of what a ‘Mii’ is, you could say these aren't even Miis at all! Previously, I thought the most interesting use of Miis was actually in Super Mario 3D Land, of all games, where some levels you get are based on your Mii’s favorite color. But this takes the cake!”

[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=This%20is%20easily%20the%20most%20intricate%20usage%20of%20Miis%20yet.%20In%20fact%2C%20it's%20so%20complex%2C%20it's%20hard%20to%20still%20call%20them%20%E2%80%98Miis%E2%80%99%20anymore."]

At time of writing, many of the new features for creating NPCs remain unknown, but HEYimHeroic is on a quest to document them. “For example,” the modder explains, “there's about 4 more values that only exist to control the NPC's pupils. [And] there's only 12 favorite colors Miis support, but I've seen UMiis go up to 14, possibly higher! [...] There are a lot more color options than the game's currently letting on, so I'd really like to dig into those. Also figuring out some of the unknown values (like the 4 pupil values) would really allow for editing the subtle details, that would really add to the magic of the UMiis.”

There’s a long way to go, but there appears to be no doubt that UMiis are indeed a step beyond the Miis we know. Which begs the question - is it possible we could see UMiis used in other Nintendo games, or even get to create them ourselves in a non-modding context? HEYimHeroic has bad news on that front:

“Most likely, no. Well, we might see UMiis return in Breath of the Wild's sequel... but as far as completely different games go? No. There's way too [much] BotW-specific stuff here, it's difficult to imagine that UMiis were made for a ‘general use’ sort of deal. In fact, we believe the name ‘UMii’ stems from [Breath of the Wild’s] internal name found in the files: UKing. So, the name ‘UMiis’ might literally mean ‘Breath of the Wild Miis’, but there's not a way to know for sure on that one!”

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/03/02/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-review"]

If that’s the case, what about Miis in general? What does the world’s now most notable Mii modder see as the future of Nintendo’s increasingly invisible mascots?

“Before finding all of this, I wouldn't have given you a very optimistic answer. But that was because I didn't even know Nintendo was willing to transform Miis like this! I have a good feeling Miis will at least make an appearance on the next platform, but I can tell Nintendo's running out of reasons for them to stay, which is very unfortunate. However, as long as they're willing to make things like UMiis that have plenty of Mii DNA in their files, I'll be able to find workarounds eventually, and get Miis into games that shouldn't even have them. At least then, we still have Miis in some form.”

Even if we are looking at the final piece of Mii evolution, this feels like something of a fitting tribute. Miis represent so much of Nintendo’s recent past, becoming the friendly face of Nintendo gaming for well over a decade, and becoming icons in the process. They’re as much a part of the company’s visible history as Mario or Link themselves. It seems only fair, then, that they make up an integral (if almost invisible) piece of perhaps Nintendo’s greatest game of that same period.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Super Nintendo World Website Now Live, Offers New Details of the Theme Park Attraction

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 01:32:00 GMT

A special website detailing the attractions at Super Nintendo World is now live, giving additional information on the rides, activities, dining options and merchandise that will be available at the new themed area when it launches at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka on February 4. Read on for details, and also be sure to check out our article on the ways Super Nintendo World has been gamified for even more new details on the rides and unlockable achievements awaiting guests at the park.

A video featured on the new site shows what visitors can expect from the area’s two rides, including a mock-up of the AR visuals and projection-mapping incorporated into the ambitious Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ride, along with the first concrete glimpses of the Yoshi’s Adventure ride, which a USJ spokesman described to us as an all-ages family attraction in the vein of Disneyland’s It’s A Small World. The site lists some basics about each ride, revealing that duration for each will be roughly five minutes, along with useful details such as height restrictions. Check this article for many more details.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-in-universal-studios-japan-sneak-peek&captions=true"]

In addition to the previously announced Kinopio Cafe dining area, the new website shows that there will also be Yoshi’s Snack Island food carts in the Nintendo area, serving a noodle-filled calzone shaped like a Koopa Shell as well as mango- and melon-flavoured lassi drinks. The site also shows photos of the two types of popcorn buckets that will be on sale – a Mario Kart bucket with glow-in-the-dark wheels, and a fully glow-in-the-dark Super Star bucket. The previously announced 1Up Factory gift shop will also be joined by a second store, Mario Motors.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/super-nintendo-world-reveal-trailer"]

Regarding COVID-19 countermeasures, the USJ spokesman told us that entry to the Nintendo area will be restricted to avoid overcrowding, and that advance registration will be required, available within the USJ app or via a travel agent.

Super Nintendo World is due to open on February 4. However, while COVID-19 numbers in Japan remain considerably lower than in the United States and much of Europe, a recent steady rise in cases has prompted the declaration of a State of Emergency in Tokyo and some surrounding prefectures, starting January 8 and expected to last for up to a month. While Osaka is currently not included in the list of affected prefectures, the USJ spokesman noted that the opening date is currently under internal discussion.

At any rate, Japan is currently not granting tourist visas until further notice, so if you plan to visit Super Nintendo World, you may have to wait. At least the new website will help you to plan for when you get there.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/18/super-nintendo-world-direct-presentation"]

For even more on Super Nintendo World, check out the recently revealed area map plus some of the exclusive merchandise on sale at the park, a guided tour from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, and the already-open Mario-themed cafe and shop at USJ.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan. Follow him on Twitter for a glimpse into life and games in Tokyo.

8 Ways Your Visit to Super Nintendo World Will be Gamified

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 01:31:03 GMT

When Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Japan on February 4, it will be the largest themed area at the Osaka park to date. But more than that, the new Nintendo area promises a level of interaction that draws from the video game antics of Mario and friends in meaningful ways, developed with input from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and the creative team at Nintendo.

With a ton of new information dropping today at an exclusive media briefing attended by IGN Japan, read on for eight ways that Super Nintendo World will gamify the theme park experience.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/super-nintendo-world-reveal-trailer"]

1. Rides

Both Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure showcase a level of interaction that really set them apart from other theme park rides.

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is an on-rails experience with four riders per kart, and a blend of AR and projection mapping to bring the ride to life. Better yet, each rider in Mario’s team has their own steering wheel, which they must turn in time with arrows that appear on their adorable Mario hat-shaped AR headset; timing each turn just right nets a coin. Similarly, riders will pick up Green Shells from item boxes along the course, which they can aim at enemies in the AR headset by turning their head towards them – a direct hit will also earn a coin. Each team of riders will have to collect a set number of coins during the five-minute ride to beat Bowser’s team – and the game comes with good and bad endings depending on whether your team wins or loses.

[caption id="attachment_2458403" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Count us in.[/caption]

We saw a video showing a mock-up of the AR visuals that will appear in the headset display: as familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad zigzag around you in their karts, enemies such as Bullet Bill and Boo will get right up in your face, while at one point a set of windshield wipers struggled to keep CG raindrops from obscuring the view of the course. All of this is set against a projection-mapped real-world background for what looks like a chaotic drive through the Mushroom Kingdom.

Yoshi’s Adventure is a lot more relaxed, but still includes interactive elements. As explained to us by a spokesperson from USJ, this five-minute ride is aimed at families with young children, and focuses on discovery – in a similar vein to Disneyland’s It’s A Small World attraction. Each carriage on the gentle ride is shaped like Yoshi, with two guests sitting on the loveable dino’s back, taking a cute and peaceful tour above the park. But there’s a twist: riders must search for Captain Toad’s coloured eggs that have been hidden around the course, and report their findings using the corresponding coloured buttons inside the Yoshi carriage.

[caption id="attachment_2458431" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hey kid - he's right there.[/caption]

2. Power Up Bands

You might already have seen that visitors at Super Nintendo World will have the option of buying a Power Up Band in one of six designs (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi and Daisy), priced at 3,200 yen each (about $31 USD/£23). Yes, that’s a lot on top of a park ticket, but these bands bring a ton of functionality that will appeal to gamers visiting USJ. Each band has a QR code on the back, which can be used to connect with the USJ smartphone app – which will track a number of neat things, from the virtual coins you collect to your place on leaderboards to various unlockable achievements. Of course, you can keep the Power Up Band for your next visit and keep building up your scores.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-power-up-bands-area-map-merchandise-and-cafe-items&captions=true"]

Oh, by the way: If you meet a life-size Mario or Luigi mascot at photo spots in the park, you’ll notice that they can speak, uttering pre-recorded phrases. But if you are wearing a Power Up Band, the conversation might take a different course – with each different coloured band unlocking different phrases. (Peach and Toad mascots will also be on hand for photos, but sadly they remain mute.)

3. Coins

Once you have your Power Up band, you can collect coins as you venture around the park – just like Mario. The most obvious way is to punch a Question Block or Brick Block. (Yes, we winced when we saw Shigeru Miyamoto smacking his fist into these blocks in his tour video last month, and we dread to think how many people will bloody their knuckles collecting coins.) Just like in the games, one punch gets you one coin – and while there is nothing to stop you repeatedly hammering the same block over and over, the USJ spokesman explained that each block will stop dispensing coins after a certain number of hits from the same guest – just like in the games.

Coins can also be won from activities and Key Challenges around the park (more on that below), on the rides as mentioned above, and by visiting during seasonal coin bonus campaigns throughout the year. Your coins are stored in the Power Up Band, and can be viewed on the app.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/18/super-nintendo-world-direct-presentation"]

4. Key Challenges

Key Challenges add an extra layer of complexity to the Power Up Band interaction. There are five challenges in the park, and successfully beating them will win you virtual keys that are required to face the boss battle with Bowser Jr (see below). You may have seen Miyamoto trying his hand at the Koopa Troopa POWer Punch challenge in his USJ tour video: A Koopa Shell scrolls left and right through a T-shaped pipe, and hitting an adjacent POW Block at just the right time will redirect the shell up through the top of the pipe to collect a key.

A more difficult challenge awaits in the Piranha Plant Nap Mishap: As explained to us by the USJ spokesperson, here players must silence 12 oversized alarm clocks by hitting them all within a strict time limit, before they awaken a massive Piranha Plant – a mission that looks harder than it sounds. Other Key Challenges are the Bob-omb Kaboom Room, Thwomp Panel Panic and Goomba Crazy Crank, pitting players against familiar foes from the Mario universe. It’s pretty cool to see large physical props merge with digital interaction in this imaginative way.

5. Boss stage

It wouldn't be Mario without a boss stage. We were shown a video of the newly revealed Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown activity, in which players who have collected enough keys from Key Challenges can face off against Bowser Jr on a life-size 2D scrolling Mario stage, which is projection-mapped onto a wall. The players’ silhouettes appear on the screen too, thanks to some well-placed back lights, and their shadows can interact with the game: collect powerups such as a Fire Flowers to shoot flames in real-time by flinging your arms towards the screen, progressing through the stage to attack Bowser Jr as he floats around in his Junior Clown Car. It remains to be seen how well this will work in a crowded theme park, but it definitely looks like fun.[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=Players...%20can%20face%20off%20against%20Bowser%20Jr%20on%20a%20life-size%202D%20scrolling%20Mario%20stage%2C%20which%20is%20projection-mapped%20onto%20a%20wall."]

6. Leaderboards

So, you’ve been busy collecting virtual coins during your trip to Super Nintendo World. Now what? Well, the first cool thing that happens is that everything is fed into a series of leaderboards, which can be checked at any time on the USJ app. So long as you bought a Power Up Band and linked it to the app, your coins will be fed into a daily ranking that shows how you are competing with other visitors that day. Also, depending on which of the six character bands you bought, your score will also contribute to a team ranking based on visitors to the park that day. There are separate leaderboards for the Bowser Jr boss battle and Mario Kart ride too, while your personal coin total will show up in the all-time leaderboard. If you really want to chase your ultimate high score, we’d suggest moving to Osaka and getting an annual USJ pass.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-in-universal-studios-japan-sneak-peek&captions=true"]

7. Achievements

This is where things get next-level, hardcore gamified. Yes, Super Nintendo World has achievements.

Again tracking your interactions via the Power Up Band and the app, you will be able to unlock digital stamps of Mario-related characters, with each stamp unlocking under specific conditions. For example, reaching the Top 10 in each of the leaderboards will unlock the corresponding stamps, as will finding a Blue Egg in the queue for Yoshi’s Adventure, or hitting Bowser with a Green Shell during the Mario Kart ride, or scoring a Super Mushroom from a Brick Block, and so on. Other achievements will require you to visit between certain date ranges.

You can see the silhouettes of stamps that you haven’t got yet, and tapping on these will give you a hint on how to earn it, so that you can plan your next goal – last time you made Top 10 on the leaderboard for Mario Kart, so maybe on the next trip you’ll aim to do the same for the Bowser Jr boss battle, and so on.

Every stamp you get gives you a stack of coins, boosting your standing in the leaderboards, while the stamps themselves are endlessly collectible. Well, almost endlessly – there will be a whopping 174 stamps available when Super Nintendo World opens, with more to be added later. It goes without saying, this is a Nintendo completionist’s fever dream.[poilib element="quoteBox" parameters="excerpt=There%20will%20be%20a%20whopping%20174%20stamps%20available%20when%20Super%20Nintendo%20World%20opens..."]

8. A 360-degree Mario world

Of course, visiting Super Nintendo World will be rewarding in its own right. The fully enclosed area of the theme park offers a 360-degree view plucked straight out of the Mario universe, from the moment you step through the Warp Pipe at the entrance and emerge from a replica of Princess Peach’s Castle from Super Mario 64.

By now you’ve already seen the huge statue of Bowser inside his atmospheric castle and drooled over exclusive merchandise and food items available at the gift shops, cafe and food stalls. So here’s a new one for you. At the media briefing this week, we learned that there is even an underground area loosely based on World 1-2 from Super Mario Bros, with hidden 8-bit character sprites that can be revealed by touching a Power Up Band on M panels on the wall. Bob-ombs are dotted around the corridors, and as you approach the end of the first room, you will get caught in an explosion, triggering the familiar sound effect of Mario getting smaller. Now, in the next room, all of the wall blocks and Question Blocks appear oversized, offering a new perspective on how Mario must feel when he’s little. That’s just one neat touch in a theme park that truly strives to transport gamers old and young to the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-direct-screenshots&captions=true"]

Super Nintendo World is scheduled to open at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka on 4 February. For more on Super Nintendo World, check out some more details we learned when the park’s official website went live today, our report from the Mario Cafe & Store in the main area of the park and IGN Japan’s video showing the inside of Bowser’s Castle.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan. Follow him on Twitter to find out which Power Up Band he ends up getting.

100 Billion Hours Were Spent Watching Gaming Content on YouTube in 2020

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 18:00:42 GMT

Over 100 billion hours were spent watching gaming content on YouTube this year, with Minecraft leading as the most-watched game. YouTube Culture and Trends has released an annual gaming report, and the company revealed that viewers watched over 100 billion hours of gaming content on the site, which is the equivalent of traveling to Neptune and back 475,000 times. This makes 2020 YouTube Gaming's biggest year yet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/15/2020-game-of-the-year-igns-nominees"] "YouTube Gaming has its biggest year, ever, in 2020 with 100B watch time hours and 40M+ active gaming channels," YouTube Head of Global Gaming, Ryan Watt, said. Of those 100 billion hours, Minecraft was the single most-watched game, with over 201 billion views. That's more than the double the amount of views the second most-watched game of 2020 received, which was Roblox at 75 billion views. Garena Free Fire, Grand Theft Auto V, and Fortnite came in third, fourth, and fifth place at 72, 70, and 67 billion respectively. YouTube also revealed the top ten creators in terms of gaming views for the year: FGTeeV, Jelly, Flamingo, Robin Hood Gamer, ItsFunnneh, LazarBeam, Slogo, Mikecrack, Arab Games Network, and Vegetta777. Over 80,000 content creators hit 100,000 subscribers, more than 1000 creators reached 5 million subscribers, and over 350 creators crossed the 10 million subscriber mark, according to YouTube. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-video-game-story-of-2020&captions=true"] "We've also seen gaming creators give back in incredible ways this year," Watt said. "The gaming community has always been willing to lend a helping hand when needed. This year, many of YouTube's gaming creators and partnership tournaments raised awareness and money for several causes." That includes Jacksepticeye raising over $660,000 in 12 hours for COVID-19 relief efforts, CouRage raising over $500,000 during a 12-hour charity stream for the CDC Foundation, and many tournaments hosted by YouTube Gaming to raise money for organizations like the Call of Duty Endowment, the World Health Organization, and the United Children's Fund. "And just last week, The Game Theorists' MatPat and Stephanie Patrick hosted a 10-hour charity live stream event to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," Watt said. "They tripled their goal and raised $3 million with the help from other large creators and gamers like Markiplier, The Game Grumps, Mr. Beast, and more." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/15/best-playstation-games-2020-igns-nominees"] You can read more about YouTube Gaming's 2020 in their blog post that breaks down things like most-liked and most-viewed videos. For more about this year in gaming, check out IGN's 2020 Game of the Year nominations for a look back at some of the year's best games and then check out some of the other categories like best PlayStation exclusive, best Xbox exclusive, and best Switch exclusive. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Someone Added Realtime Ray Tracing to SNES Games

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 21:00:45 GMT

Ray tracing is one of the biggest advancements in gaming technology and is utilized by high-end PCs, the PlayStation 5, and both the Xbox Series X and S. Oh, and also some Super Nintendo games thanks to one incredible modder. Ray tracing is a rendering technique the simulates the way light bounces off objects, which can create much more realistic shadows, reflections, and lighting effects, and game developer and software engineer Ben Carter of Shironeko Labs took on the challenge on making it work on the SNES with his SuperRT chip. You can see it in action here. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/18/the-100-best-games-of-all-time-in-10-minutes"] Carter wanted to do something similar to Nintendo's Super FX chip that was used in games like Star Fox to add advanced 3D graphics and special effects, and created a new field-programmable gate array (FGPA) chip that would render the ray tracing for the SNES, or more specifically Carter's Super Famicom. The SuperRT chip can produce single-bounce reflections and direction light shadows, and Carter made it possible by removing the top case of the Super Famicom to make room for cabling and sacrificing an "awful Pachinko game" to allow the Super Famicom to connect into a DE10-Nano FPGA development board with a Cyclone V FPGA," which is a similar chip to the one being used for the upcoming Analogue Pocket. For more on Super Nintendo, check out our top 100 SNES games of all time and what game IGN readers think is the best of the '90s. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/05/rating-all-20-snes-games-on-switch-in-a-single-minute-ign-now"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Zelda BotW Map: Memory, Shrine, and Fairy Locations

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 06:00:28 GMT

Zelda BotW: Guides for Every Shrine

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:37:09 GMT

Super Nintendo World's Area Map, Merchandise, and Cafe Items Revealed

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:39:30 GMT

Universal Studios Japan has released an area map for its forthcoming Super Nintendo World area, themed around characters from the Mario games and their universe of spinoffs. Starting today, the park has been inviting selected Club Universal members and annual pass holders to experience the new area firsthand ahead of its February 4 2021 opening.

Super Nintendo World is the most complex area at USJ to date. We had already seen glimpses of the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi's Adventure rides (and IGN Japan previously published a video showing the inside of Bowser’s Castle); now USJ has shared some details of the menu at the Kinopio Cafe (Kinopio is the Japanese name for Toad), which includes a Bacon & Cheese Mario Burger, Piranha Plant Caprese and Question Block Tiramisu. Merchandise to be sold at the 1Up Factory Shop includes Mario themed hoodies, moustachioed glasses and gloves, as well as the cute Tokotoko Mario toy shown off by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto during his video tour of the park released last weekend. Check out images of some of the food dishes and merchandise below.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-area-map-merchandise-and-cafe-items&captions=true"]

In addition to the large-scale facilities and attractions, there will be activities where guests can collect virtual coins and play against enemy characters using a Power Up Band (3,200 yen including tax, or about $31/£23) that can be linked to a smartphone app. These will include activities and challenges whose Japanese names translate to “Aim! Koopa Troopa POW Block Punch” and “Stop! Piranha Plant Alarm Panic”.

There will also be a Meet & Greet photo spot, where visitors can meet Mario and Luigi, take photos together with them and even engage them in conversation.

Japanese superstar YouTuber Hikakin was appointed a partner of USJ, and he has published a sponsored video of his experience at Super Nintendo World on his channel that shows a little more detail.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/super-nintendo-world-reveal-trailer"]

Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka, Japan. Super Mario World was originally slated to open last summer, but was delayed to its current February 4 2021 opening date in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan is currently not granting entry to foreign tourists until further notice, so Nintendo fans outside of Japan will have to wait before they can visit – though a Super Nintendo World area will eventually be added to Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood, Florida and Singapore.

For more on USJ’s collaboration with Nintendo, check out our report from the Mario Cafe & Store in the main area of the park, which is already open, selling specially designed exclusive snacks and goods themed on Mario and friends; and a look around Bowser’s Castle and a sneak peek at the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ride.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Daniel Robson is Chief Editor at IGN Japan. Follow him on Twitter for all your Japan gaming theme park tokotoko needs.

Super Nintendo World Direct Announced for December 18

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 03:17:16 GMT

Nintendo has announced that a roughly 15-minue Super Nintendo World Direct will take place on December 18 at 3pm PT/6pm ET/11pm GMT that will show more of Universal Studios Japan's newest theme park area. Nintendo also was careful to mention that "no game content will be featured," so it looks to only show more of the much-anticipated theme park area that is set to open to the public on February 4, 2021. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/super-nintendo-world-reveal-trailer"] IGN Japan and other members of the press were able to get a sneak peak at Super Nintendo World last month, and got a glimpse of Bowser's Castle and where guests will line up for the Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge ride. The Mario Kart-themed ride will put visitors in the driving seat and includes AR and projection mapping to bring the beloved action of the Mario Kart series to life, all through the help of a wearable Mario's hat that has a built-in AR screen. Super Nintendo World was set to open ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Summer 2020, but it was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, a Mario-themed cafe and store inside Universal Studios Japan did open and gave guests a glimpse of what they can expect from this new area. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-in-universal-studios-japan-sneak-peek&captions=true"] Super Nintendo World will also feature interactive attractions that will allow guests to use their Power Up Bands to collect digital coins and unlock achievements. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

The Biggest Nintendo Surprises and Disappointments of 2020 - NVC 539

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:00:43 GMT

Welcome to Nintendo Voice Chat! This week, Seth Macy is joined by Peer Schneider, Zach Ryan, and Tom Marks to discuss the biggest surprises and disappointments from Nintendo in 2020. Join in as the NVC crew recaps some of the major Nintendo happenings this year, including the Nintendo Switch shortage and Super Mario's 35th anniversary. Plus, hear reactions to this week's Indie World presentation, the new NES and SNES Switch Online games, and much more. Finally, we wrap up with another round of Question Block.

NVC is available on your preferred platform!

You can also Download NVC 539 Directly Here

You can listen to NVC on your preferred platform every Thursday at 3pm PT/6pm ET. Have a question for Question Block? Write to us at nvc@ign.com and we may pick your question! Also, make sure to join the Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast Forums on Facebook. We're all pretty active there and often pull Question Block questions and comments straight from the community.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Logan Plant is the Production Assistant for NVC. You can find him on Twitter at @LoganJPlant.

Donkey Kong Country 3 Leads December 2020's Nintendo Switch Online Games

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 04:58:47 GMT

December 2020's Nintendo Switch Online Games are NES' Nightshade and SNES' Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, The Ignition Factor, SUPER VALIS IV, and Tuff E Nuff. Announced by Nintendo, all of these games will become available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers on December 18, 2020, and follow September 2020's games that included Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest and Mario's Super Picross. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/15/nintendo-switch-online-december-2020-game-updates"] Nintendo also released a "Classified Information" video that features codes for Donkey Kong Country 3, The Ignition Factor, and Super Valis IV. These codes include bonus rooms, level selects, and more. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/15/nintendo-switch-online-december-2020-classified-information"] Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! was released in 1996 and sees both Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong go missing. It's up to Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong to find and rescue them. The Ignition Factor was released in 1994 and is an intense firefighting game that has you saving people from towering infernos and flame-filled factories. Super Valis IV has players taking on the role of Lena, the only warrior able enough to wield the Valis sword against the forces of evil in this action platformer. The longer it takes you to beat a level, the harder the bosses at the end will become. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-top-25-switch-games-fall-2020-update&captions=true"] Tuff E Nuff is an action game that has four champions seeking to challenge the great tower. Fight your way up to Jade, the self-proclaimed Fighting King. It also features an instant replay feature to allow you to watch the last moments of a fight play out. Nightshade is the only NES game in this bunch of Nintendo Switch Online games, and has players becoming Mark Gray under the guise of Nightshade, who is the last person standing between Sutekh and total control of Metro City. The gameplay is a combination of point-and-click and action. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection Reboot Announced for Switch, Coming 2021

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:39:44 GMT

Ghosts 'n Goblins is back and coming to Nintendo Switch in 2021 with a new reboot called Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection. Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is described as a reboot that pays "homage to Ghosts 'n Goblins and Ghouls 'n Ghosts." The reboot delivers classic 2D side-scrolling action with a new art style. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/11/ghost-n-goblins-resurrection-reveal-trailer"] Arthur returns as a knight on a mission to fight the Demon Realm. Ghosts 'n Goblins is infamous for its difficulty, and Capcom is looking to capture the classic feel for returning fans. Face classic enemies like Zombie, Skeleton Murderer, Pigman, and Red Arremer as they likely kill you again and again. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ghosts-n-goblins-resurrection-game-awards-trailer-screenshots&captions=true"] For more from tonight's Game Awards check out IGN's live blog with all the latest news and announcements. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

See Every Character You Can Unlock in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 02:00:03 GMT

What Will Nintendo Announce at The Game Awards? - NVC 537

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 23:00:51 GMT

Welcome to Nintendo Voice Chat! The Game Awards are next week, and Daemon Hatfield, Zach Ryan, Janet Garcia, and Seth Macy are here to predict what Nintendo will reveal at the big show. Plus, hear about the new Switch update, Super Nintendo World's opening date in Japan, Doom Eternal's Switch release date, and a whole lot more. Timecodes!

00:00:00 Welcome!
00:00:51 Nintendo's Game Awards reveal
00:18:49 The new Switch update
00:25:34 More news
00:37:36 Games out this week
00:41:50 What we're playing
00:51:51 Question Block!

Games out this week:

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack, $49.99
Immortals Fenyx Rising, $59.99
Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, 12/04, $5.99
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise, 12/04, $49.99

NVC is available on your preferred platform!

You can also Download NVC 537 Directly Here

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Logan Plant is the Production Assistant for NVC. You can find him on Twitter at @LoganJPlant.