Quick thoughts on Super Mario 3D World

I've been climbing up walls and pouncing on Goombas in Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U. Here are some thoughts on the game.

With all the launch mayhem between the PS4 and Xbox One, the struggling Wii U gets what I think is the best game release this holiday season. 3D World is a colorful and amazing sequel to 3D Land on the 3DS, and each level stands out on its own. You'll have a hard, hard time stopping.

Multiplayer is even better thanks to more open space to run around in, so you don't accidentally bump into others like in New Super Mario Bros (unless you do it on purpose, which is just mean). Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad have their unique abilities like in Super Mario Bros 2, and I found that each character works well on mostly all the levels.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Pokemon X and Pokemon Y

I've been catching lots of Pocket Monsters in Pokemon X and Pokemon Y for the 2DS/3DS. Here are some thoughts on the game.

The formula hasn't changed much over the years, but there's still something addicting about booting up a new mainline Pokemon game and starting a brand-new adventure to become the best trainer in the world. X and Y feature updated visuals and much-needed pizzazz during battle sequences, helping make this set of releases the best Pokemon games in years.

Online is a huge part of the Pokemon world, and developer Game Freak has improved on this experience. You can easily trade and battle with friends and strangers, and the Wonder Trade option lets you fill up your Pokedex easily by making blind trades with anyone in the world.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Mario, Sonic highlight Wii U games this holiday season

While all the talk this holiday season is Microsoft and Sony releasing new hardware -- the Xbox One and PS4, respectively -- Nintendo is focusing on games starring a couple of popular characters to boost Wii U sales.

I recently played several upcoming Wii U titles when the Nintendo Airstream stopped by in Dearborn, Mich. Recent releases like "Pikmin 3," "The Wonderful 101" and "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD" have kicked off a much-needed steady flow of games for the struggling console, and after getting a hands-on look at some major releases coming soon, I can safely say the constant waiting is finally over.

The biggest of these releases comes Nov. 22 with "Super Mario 3D World," the follow-up to the successful "Super Mario 3D Land" on the 3DS. I was a bit skeptical of it at first glance since it reminded me a little too much like the handheld game, but that changed after playing a couple levels with three other people.

This is the first multiplayer 3D Mario platform game, and Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad have their special abilities like in "Super Mario Bros. 2" from the NES days. While Mario is an all-around type, Peach can float in mid-air while Luigi has a super long jump and Toad is a speedster. The Cat power-up is the new hyped-up ability, allowing the player to climb up walls to secrets, claw at enemies, smack baseballs around, and conveniently climb up the classic flag pole to nab an easy extra life. Other power-ups include cherries to duplicate characters.

One level we played featured clear pipes to zoom through, some with enemies to dodge and multiple exits. Like the New Super Mario Bros games on the Wii and Wii U, it's hectic fun to play with others. Unlike the 2D side-scrollers where accidently (or purposely) bumping others into bottomless pits and enemies happens quite frequently, there's much more room to maneuver around on the 3D playing fields.

Releasing sooner on Oct. 29 is Sega's "Sonic Lost World," exclusive to the Wii U and 3DS platforms. Playing it gives off a "Super Mario Galaxy" vibe where Sonic runs around a variety of spherical worlds, collecting rings and kicking enemies while advancing through stages.

The new control system allows for more fluid movement, especially during running, which, of course, is what Sonic is known for. Past games would halt the hedgehog if he ran into a wall or other obstacles, ruining the flow. Now, holding down a trigger button lets Sonic run up walls and trees, and it works very well. A mix of 2D and 3D levels keeps things interesting as well.

The Mario & Sonic Olympic video games sell in the millions, and with the Sochi games happening in February comes the latest in series. "Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games" releases Nov. 15 and offers online play for events like Ski Cross and Short Track Speed Skating. A unique feature involves the player winning points for his/her home country that are viewed through online rankings.
I tackled the Bobsledding event, where I steered it using the GamePad while my partners lined up behind me with Wiimotes to help shift the weight around. It was quite an experience to say the least, but we didn't exactly break records since I missed a few speed boosts. We ended up winning the bronze medal.

I also played "Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze," which was expected to release this holiday but now will launch in February 2014. I was disappointed in that news since this was my favorite Wii U game I demoed. Even though it plays pretty much like "Donkey Kong Country Returns" on the Wii, it looks amazing on HD. It's filled with color and detail, the music is catchy and it's just plain fun.

"Wii Party U" releases Oct. 25, the sequel to "Wii Party." One of its mini-games is called Water Runners, where players scoop water from a stream displayed on the GamePad and must carry it to a pitcher on the TV. The physical version of the game comes with a Wii Remote Plus controller and a horizontal stand for the GamePad for easier use of certain games like Tabletop Baseball.

October is filled with third-party titles as well. These include "Just Dance 2014," which released Oct. 8, and "Skylanders SWAP Force" on Oct. 13, "Lego Marvel Super Heroes" on Oct. 22, "Batman: Arkham Origins" on Oct. 25 and "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" on Oct. 29.

"The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds"

Prior to my Wii U experience I sat down with a 3DS to try out this next Zelda game releasing Nov. 22. It immediately brought me back to the days of "A Link to the Past" on the Super Nintendo, which is what the game is designed around. Link's new ability to move along the walls really opens up gameplay possibilities, like being able to clear certain gaps to nab treasure or Pieces of Hearts, and getting past obstacles on moving platforms. Using the hammer to smack pegs into the ground and launch Link upward looks really neat with the 3D effect on.

The game also features Ravio, a new character who lets players rent or buy items before heading into another dungeon. This allows them to explore dungeons in any order they want.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on NHL 14

I've been getting physical in NHL 14, now out for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Yes, this is a very physical game when you hop onto the ice, thanks to the NHL Collision Physics system. Players feel weighty and move realistically. Fighting along the boards to gain possession of the puck can be a challenge, but it's very satisfying when successful.

While there are some tweaks, added polish and neat gameplay features, the casual player might not notice them that much if they played NHL 13. Annual releases of sports games like these keep feeling the same for me, especially during these last couple years as the current console generation dragged on. I'm very looking forward to an NHL 15 that's primarily focused with next-gen consoles in mind.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Rayman Legends

I've been rescuing hundreds of Teensies from the nightmares in Rayman Legends. Here are some thoughts on the game.

I've been playing the Wii U version of the game, which was initially an exclusive for the system during its launch period. One of the notable additions to Rayman Legends is the use of the Wii U GamePad for the Murfy sections, where you use the touchscreen to slice ropes, activate mechanisms and other actions to get Globox to the end of the level. Ideally, you want to play this with co-op, but the AI is competent with minor hiccups. Sometimes the AI will open itself up to certain death or skip past a secret.

The UbiArt Framework engine looks amazing and makes owning an HD television worth it. The developer utilizes a full color palette for its cartoony, hand-drawn visuals. To simply put it, Rayman Legends is a very, very good looking game.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

PS4 launching Nov. 15 in North America; PS Vita price cut to $199

Sony just held their press conference at Gamescom 2013 and we finally know when the PS4 will launch: Friday, Nov. 15 in North America. I predict many three-day weekends. It will also launch Nov. 29 in Europe, and will be available in 32 countries. More than 1 million pre-orders have already been taken (but how many are from scalpers?)

In other news, the struggling PS Vita is finally getting a price cut to $199, and those expensive memory cards it requires will be dropping in price as well. This should boost sales, but it's still up against tough competition in smartphones and Nintendo's 3DS, which has seen a resurgence since its launch struggles. Sony highlighted several indie games it hopes will get the PS Vita back in the spotlight like the crazy-looking Murasaki Baby. Borderlands 2 will also come to the handheld, so hopefully that does well.

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, N++, The Binding of Issac: Rebirth, Volume, Fez, Wasteland Kings, and Rogue Legacy will launch first on the PS4 and PS Vita. Other games highlighted include Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, from the developers of Dear Esther, and Shadow of the Beast. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag got some love, and Minecraft is making its way to Sony, too. That game is everywhere these days.

In other news, Twitch streaming is coming to PS4, and Gran Turismo 6 will launch on PS3 on Dec. 6.

This should be a fun holiday season for gamers everywhere.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Rockstar releases details on Grand Theft Auto Online

Rockstar released the official gameplay video for Grand Theft Auto Online, which will launch Oct. 1 and is free with every copy of Grand Theft Auto V, which releases Sept. 17 on Xbox 360 and PS3. It's been a major focus in the development process.

Players will be able to work cooperatively to complete missions, and participate in activities like golfing, tennis, driving around and traditional online modes. A content creator lets you create your own races as well as deathmatches. Money earned from completed jobs can be spent on character customizations and even an apartment to hang out with friends at. New characters and missions can be accessed, and Rockstar is promising to create additional content to keep things exciting and fresh.

The online video has been viewed more than 2 million times on YouTube since it published a day ago. Gamers were upset when Grand Theft Auto V was delayed earlier this year, but the long wait may be worth it.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Rayman Legends to feature Mario and Luigi costumes on Wii U version

Rayman Legends will finally be releasing on Sept. 3 for the Wii U, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox 360 and PC. Exclusively to the Wii U version will be Mario and Luigi costumes, with Rayman dressed up as Mario and Globox as Luigi. A trailer Ubisoft released shows the costumed heroes in action, along with demonstrations on how the Wii U GamePad works with the game.

Quick thoughts on Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

I've been hopping into Luigi's dreams in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team for the Nintendo 3DS. Here are some thoughts on the game.

This is the fourth game in the Mario & Luigi series, and the gimmick in this one involves Luigi's dreams. It's a fun one, where you hop into dozens of dream worlds filled with surreal colors and music. This opens up a variety of special Luiginary Attacks and Luiginary Works you need to perform to solve puzzles and save Pi'illo characters. While the game plays similar to previous ones, this unique twist on dreams keeps things fresh.

The story takes roughly 40 hours to complete, not including side content like solving picture puzzles and other mini-games. However, it drags sluggishly in the beginning and near the end when you just want the game to finally end. Knocking away several hours of story would have been fine.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Pikmin 3

I've been commanding hundreds of cute, colorful Pikmin in Pikmin 3 for the Wii U, which releases Aug. 4. Here are some thoughts on the game.

To simply put it, Pikmin 3 is the best looking Wii U game to date, and probably will be for a while. While the ground textures aren't anything special, everything else is polished beautifully. Fruit looks very realistic, the lighting effects are superb and the frame rate doesn't miss a beat.

While the game can be controlled using just the GamePad, the most efficient way to play is with the Wiimote and Nunchuck. Pointing at the screen to aim Pikmin and round them up with the whistle is much smoother this way. But the GamePad does have its uses. You can see a map of the area on the touchscreen and it's a great way to send your explorers to a location automatically.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Gat is back in Saints Row IV

The lovable Johnny Gat is back and ready to kick some butt in Saints Row IV, releasing Aug. 20 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. I'm very glad he's back. To celebrate, here's a new trailer to watch.

DuckTales: Remastered releases Aug. 13 on PS3, Wii U, PC; Sept. 11 on Xbox 360

DuckTales was one of my go-to games back in my NES-playing days, hopping Scrooge McDuck around various levels, bouncing off baddies and collecting every jewel imaginable. After completing it, I would start it over and try to beat my current high score.

Soon it'll be time to visit Duckburg once again when Capcom releases DuckTales: Remastered digitally on Aug. 13 for the PS3 (PSN), Wii U (Nintendo eShop) and PC and Sept. 11 on Xbox 360 (XBLA). It will cost $14.99, and a PS3 retail version that includes a download code and exclusive DuckTales Disney collector's pin will be $19.99 and release Aug. 20.

Grand Theft Auto V the most ambitious GTA title yet

It's safe to say there will be a lot to do in Grand Theft Auto V, the next addition in the critically acclaimed GTA series by Rockstar Games, when it releases Sept. 17. The recently released official gameplay video gives everyone a good idea of what to expect. Since there will be three lead characters this time around, it shows us in action what it looks like to switch between Michael, Franklin and Trevor -- during teamwork missions and in the open world. It appears seamless with very little loading.

The world looks expansive with lots to do. There are cars to customize, sports like tennis and golf to play, ocean diving, animals to hunt and bounties to nab. Money can be spent on tattoos, clothes, real estate and even the stock market. A tease for online GTA is at the end, and looks very promising.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Goodbye, Ryan Davis

I never met Ryan Davis. He never knew me, although I tried to get him to. Thanks to Twitter where chatting with celebrities and anyone else is a few keystrokes away, I've replied to him several times on whatever he tweeted about. I can't remember specifics but I think one involved burnt salad.

But I really felt I knew Ryan, the funny, in-your-face co-founder of Giant Bomb. Part of my daily routine is to visit the website and see what the crew of co-founder Jeff Gerstmann, Vinny Caravella, Brad Shoemaker, Alex Navarro, Patrick Klepek and Drew Scanlon are up to next. To simply put it, it's a website focusing on the fun side of video games. Watching their Quick Looks and other videos and listening to their podcasts -- so young and carefree -- I felt a real connection with them, like everybody in their fan base.

That's why after the horrific news on Monday, it feels like something's been ripped out of me. There it was on the homepage: Ryan Davis, 1979-2013. I just stared at the computer screen in confusion. No way, I thought. He just got married. I saw those photos on Twitter of him so happy with life. This has to be a joke. But as the seconds turned into minutes into an hour and so forth, it was no joke. Crap. He's really gone.

A lot of well-deserved tributes and kind words have been written about Ryan, and more still to come. I just wanted to say he was an inspiration to me to start writing about video games, and I wish I got to meet him in person to say thank you for all the wonderful content and sharing his expertise with the world. Through tough times or after a hard day's work, listening to Ryan hosting the Tuesday podcast or performing a Quick Look always brightened my day. My condolences go to his new wife, family, friends and fellow Giant Bomb members for this sudden loss. That awkward cloud is going to hang above the Giant Bomb staff for who knows how long, but I'm confident in saying the show will go on -- Ryan wouldn't have it any other way.

He left us way too soon, and years of memorable moments will not be had. What's my favorite Ryan Davis moment? I can't pick one. There's too many to choose from. So here's a video of Ryan and Jeff cooking hot dogs. They look delicious.



Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Celebrate Independence Day with new Saints Row IV trailer

July 4 is coming, and what better way to celebrate it than watching the newest Saints Row IV trailer (mature audiences only). It looks super crazy, just the way I expected it to be. It releases Aug. 20 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Microsoft's sudden reversal on used game and Internet connection policies a smart move, but Sony still has them beat

Microsoft angered a lot of people with its controversial Xbox One policies restricting used games and always needing an Internet connection to play them. A LOT of people. And when Sony announced at E3 they were doing a complete opposite of that (putting Microsoft into the burn ward, no less), the troubles for Xbox One continued.

So it comes to no surprise that Microsoft decided to ease back on those restrictions, recently announcing changes to the Xbox One console. An internet connection will not be required to play offline games, and there will be no limitations to using and sharing games.

It's a win for the consumer (and GameStop). They're our games and we should do whatever we want with them. It's kind of sad that news like this is a relief, but that's the video game industry for you.

Still, Sony still has the Xbox One beat with the PS4, because in the end, price will matter. Sony's aggressive $399 price point for their new console beats out the $499 price tag on the Xbox One (mainly because Microsoft is still requiring the new Kinect for every console ... for now). $500 is a lot of money to throw down on a console, and that's without any games. Plus, the PS4 is more powerful at a cheaper price, and they seem to be focusing more on games and developers, like the big indie portion during their E3 conference.

Both consoles will likely release around the same time, so it'll be interesting to see who comes out the winner this holiday season. Sony has the more positive press now, so I expect them to pull ahead this year, putting Microsoft in a slight panic mode to start 2014. Plus, you can't forget about Nintendo and the Wii U, which is finally looking like games are coming out for it.

Let a new round of consoles wars begin. Enjoy the ride.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Nintendo plays it safe during E3 Nintendo Direct

It was going to be hard topping Sony's press conference where they showed off the new console, put Microsoft in the burn clinic, and announced a $399 price tag for the PS4 to the cheers of many. Nintendo decided not to waste money this year putting out a big fancy presser of their own, opting for the cheaper and successful Nintendo Directs they've done lately. It was short and straight to the point: Showing off games. And while there weren't many surprises, at least we have a glimpse at what the struggling Wii U's future will be. Finally, the games are coming.

The revived Bayonetta 2 got some love with the heroine in a new hairstyle and still kicking butt. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was officially announced, and looks to play very similar to Donkey Kong Country Returns, which recently received a 3DS version. Dixie Kong is also a character, which is nice.

Mario Kart 8 looks very cool with motorcycles and karts, and traveling along walls. This will be a hot seller for sure, along with Super Mario 3D World, which was revealed for the first time. It's inspired by the amazing 3DS game Super Mario 3D Land, and will feature 4-player co-op with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad, and a new cat-suit power-up where you can climb up walls. I was hoping the new 3D Mario game would have been more open like Super Mario 64, but I'll take it anyway.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD was also shown. It looks really nice, but I'm having trouble noticing the graphical updates from the GameCube version -- that one already looked good because of the cel-shaded graphics. I've also had my eye on Wonderful 101, which features up to five players in co-op mode. Art Academy is also being worked on. Wii Party U is releasing in October and Wii Fit U in the winter. Third-party games and the Wii U eShop were showcased, too.

From Monolith Soft was a trailer for X, which just looks awesome with its graphics and open world mecha. The finale was the expected Smash Bros trailer for the Wii U and 3DS, with both versions coming out in 2014. Revealed characters include The Villager from Animal Crossing, the Wii Fit Trainer and ... Mega Man! It looks awesome and the wait will be painful.

For the 3DS, Pokemon X/Y will be releasing in October. It includes new fairy type Pokemon, and this game will sell millions for sure. Other than that, there was no mention of a price cut to help boost Wii U sales. I'm totally expecting one now that the PS4 is $399. There is no way Nintendo can keep the Wii U premium at $350 after that announcement. Some time in the future, don't be surprised to see a cut to $300 for premium or maybe even lower.

Nintendo's put a lot of focus on the 3DS lately and has righted that ship. Now it's time to put Wii U in the spotlight. It needs it very, very badly.

Sony stuns gamers with $399 price point for PS4

Sony dropped a bomb on the gaming world by announcing the PS4 will launch this holiday season for $399, which should leave Microsoft executives sweating. That is $100 less than the Xbox One that was announced earlier in the day at E3, and the PS4 has much better tech inside it.

But that's not all. Sony announced the PS4 will have no used game restrictions and will not be required to be connected to the Internet to play, both of which are a big part of the Xbox One. Has the next-gen console winner already been decided? This is a huge blow to Microsoft and I'm not sure how they'll recover from it if they decide to stay the course. Sony has made the PS4 very user-friendly and simple to use, unlike the Xbox One which just seems to be a complicated mess right now.

Launch titles for the PS4 include Killzone: Shadow Fall, DriveClub and Knack. Multiple indie developers were in the spotlight as well during the Monday press conference showing off their unique-looking games. Other games announced include Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III, which got some applause. Bungie also revealed gameplay for Destiny, a futuristic first-person shooter. It looks really good and I've had my eye on this one for a while.

However some upsetting news, but not so much since we know the console's price. A PS+ subscription will be required to play games online, which costs less than $5 a month. From a business standpoint, this was a no-brainer since Microsoft raked in the dough from Xbox Live Gold. But being a PS+ subscriber has its benefits -- the Instant Game Collection lets gamers play games for free and DriveClub PS+ edition will be in it to celebrate the PS4's launch.

Overall, this is one of the more memorable E3 conferences in years, mostly because of the jabs Sony delivered to Microsoft. The next-gen console war has begun -- or is it already over?

Xbox One to launch in November at $499

Microsoft's E3 press conference finished a little bit ago and while games were a big focus, they finally let loose details on when it will launch and the price: In November (not shocking) at $499 (shocking).

It's definitely pricey. I was expecting between $400 and $500 since it comes with the new Kinect and new tech, but it's a risky bet for Microsoft. The Xbox One has received a lot of negative press lately for its policies on mandatory connection to the Internet and anti-used games sentiment. I could have seen them low-balling the price on the Xbox One to ease those pains...but nope.

If Sony plays their cards right with a lower price, they could take back the video game console crown they owned during the PS2 era.

As for games during the Microsoft conference, there were no short of them. Exclusive is Ryse: Son of Rome, which featured a Roman commander leading his troops in battle. It looked nice but had too many quick time events for my liking. Dead Rising 3 was also shown, which looks like a gritter version than past games. Forza 5 has all those shiny cars we wish we owned in real life.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain began the conference showing off the open world and stealthy gameplay from Konami. While World of Tanks is coming to the Xbox 360, Minecraft will be released on Xbox One. Next-gen blocks, hooray! We got a look at Battlefield 4, which looks eerily like Call of Duty, and Titanfall was showed off, a shooter featuring mechs and jet packs. Rare unveiled Killer Instinct with awkward banter between a couple of Microsoft producers; Quantum Break was shown, even though I have no idea what the game's about; and the magical Project Spark utilizes the Kinect and focuses on user-generated content.

Other games included Sunset Overdrive, The Witcher 3, Crimson Dragon (with an audio-less trailer, bad time for that glitch), and D4 from Swery 65. Footage for a game called Below was short but sweet.

Quick thoughts on Remember Me

I've been messing around with people's memories in Remember Me, the latest release from Capcom. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Remember Me is a visually impressive game. Developer Dontnod Entertainment utilizes a full-color palette to make the world of Neo-Paris 2084 stand out in a hurry. Digital signs pop up all around you. Robots and drones do their business as you walk by. The soundtrack is also impressive.

The combat system is not difficult to understand. You build customized combos with unlockable Pressens to fit your own style of combat. Power moves increase attack damage and Regen moves heal Nilin during fight sequences. However, meticulous timing is required to keep longer combo chains going, and groups of enemies constantly ruin the flow.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Resident Evil: Revelations

I've been playing the HD version of Resident Evil: Revelations on the Xbox 360. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Released in early 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS, Capcom has given Revelations the high-definition treatment by releasing it on consoles and PC. It's a return to classic Resident Evil gameplay that fans have been clamoring for. This is not Resident Evil 6 or Operation Raccoon City by any means.

Because of it being a port from a handheld, it's not the most visually impressive Resident Evil game out there, but overall it's suitable. Enemy visuals like the Ooze enemies who melt into the ground in a gooey mess could have used a little more polish.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Xbox One reveal light on games, big on console capabilities and used-game confusion

The long-awaited reveal of the new Xbox console from Microsoft happened May 21. It lasted roughly an hour and focused mostly on the console's capabilities. Many gamers seemed upset at this, but E3 is coming up and Microsoft is promising a heavier focus on games during their big presser there.

The Xbox One (interesting name) looks bulky. It will feature a Blu-ray drive, 8GB of System Memory, an 8-core CPU and a 500 GB HDD, along with a new and improved Kinect that will be bundled with every console. A big focus was on live TV, having the Xbox One hook up with cable and use the Kinect to change channels simply by saying a TV station. I'm very skeptical if it'll work that great, but it's very nice in theory. The controller looks nice, too.

Do you like sports? There was a lot of that. EA Sports games in the console's first year include Madden NFL 25, a UFC game, NBA Live 14 and FIFA 14. Interestingly enough, FIFA 14 will have exclusive Ultimate Team content on Xbox One, which could have huge implications over in Europe where the franchise is hot on rival Sony's PS3.

In my "WHAT!?!" moment of the reveal, Steven Spielberg announced he will be involved in bringing a Halo TV series exclusively to the console. I don't think any one really asked for this.



What about games? There was very little of that, although they promised 15 exclusive titles in the console's first year -- eight being new IPs. Remedy Entertainment showed off a peculiar trailer for Quantum Break, which mixes live footage and actual gameplay. Apparently it's about mastering time to survive the present and save the future. Forza Motorsport 5 made an appearance, as well as the expected Call of Duty: Ghosts. The new dog companion became a big hit online.

No price was announced (probably at E3) and the release date is sometime this year (a concrete date probably at E3).

Xbox One's ability to play used games, as well as having to always be online, were hot-button issues after the conference. Massive confusion ensued when media started reporting that users will have to pay a fee to play a used game on their account, but Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live, aka Major Nelson, commented on his blog that there are potential scenarios being discussed, and when playing at a friend's house, "there is no fee to play that game while you are signed into your profile." "Your profile" but not your friend's? That has fee written all over it. Hopefully everything becomes clearer come E3.

Quick thoughts on Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

I'm re-entering the world of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D for the 3DS. Here are some thoughts on the game.

This is a quality port of the popular 2010 Wii title that brought back the joys of the Donkey Kong Country games from the 1990s. Gone are the waggle controls that annoyed many. DKCR 3D controls only with the handheld's buttons, and they work great.

The visuals do take a small hit, though. The crisp, 60-frames-per-second graphics from the Wii version are not here, but you won't really notice it when playing in the foreground. When Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong get blasted into background areas, you'll notice some graininess.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move

I've been directing charming Nintendo wind-up toys to the goal in Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move on the 3DS eShop. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Nintendo could have released this game at retail for a much higher price than $9.99. It is jam-packed with content, featuring more than 180 stages and several sets of mini-games. It also comes with a level creator, offering up endless replayability since you can create your own puzzles and play what others have created online.

Dragging path tiles onto the grid with the stylus is very responsive, even during the more hectic times where a lot is going on. The visuals on the top screen are nice, but you'll hardly ever look at them since all of your attention will be on the bottom screen. Sadly, they feel kind of wasted.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

I've taken a trip back to the glorious 1980s in Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Here are some thoughts on the game.

As a standalone downloadable title from Ubisoft using the Far Cry 3 engine, Blood Dragon is a funny first-person shooter. It's chocked full of 1980s references from movies like "The Terminator" to adjusting tracking on a VCR. It does a good job at not taking itself too seriously.

However, Blood Dragon is short on content, which is expected due to its $15 price tag. The main story is only a few hours long, while extra side missions, which get repetitive, are another few hours. It's a good game to pick up if you have nothing to do on a Saturday.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Dead Island: Riptide

I've been furiously beating down endless amounts of zombies in Dead Island: Riptide. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Dead Island: Riptide feels more like an expansion of the original game than a full-blown sequel. It takes place right after events from Dead Island, and to simply put it, it looks and plays just like it. You still amass a collection of melee weapons and guns that can be upgraded and modded to your liking. However, I didn't really notice any pros or cons from one melee weapon to another when I was just mindlessly swinging away at zombies.

While the main missions keep things interesting, there are plenty of side missions to complete to rack up experience points. However, they are a drag to finish, since you're killing the same types of enemies every single time.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

New Legend of Zelda, Yoshi's Island, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team for 3DS highlight software-packed Nintendo Direct

Nintendo released another Nintendo Direct, and it didn't disappoint for 3DS owners. Here are some games expected for the 3DS in the future:

The biggest announcement was a new Legend of Zelda game that takes place in the world of A Link to the Past, the very popular SNES title. In this game, Link will be able to turn into a drawing and move along walls and through tight spots. It is expected to launch this holiday season.

A new Yoshi's Island is coming sometime in the future, and will feature flutter jumps, ground pounds and egg throws, as well as new moves. This will be the third installment in the franchise.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team will take place on a mysterious island, and will feature Mario traveling between the real world and Luigi's dreams to rescue Princess Peach. It will be released Aug. 11.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is the handheld version of the Wii title. It includes eight new stages, and a New Mode for handheld play with new items and mechanics. It releases May 24.

Exclusive to the Nintendo eShop is Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, which releases May 9. Featuring more than 180 stages in four modes, players will have to place tiles on the bottom screen to guide Mini Marios to the top. A stage creator allows players to share their creations across the world.

Mario Golf: World Tour is scheduled to launch this summer and will allow golfers to play competitive real-time matches against others online.

A new Mario Party game will release this winter and feature seven game boards, each with their own rules, and 81 new mini-games. AR Card games and StreetPass battles will also be available.

Bravely Default, from Square-Enix, will be published in North America in 2014. In this RPG, players can skip a turn to do more damage in later turns, and it also includes AR functions, multiple endings and wireless features.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy will include a whopping 500-plus puzzles. It has a 2014 launch.

Level 5 will release a trio of games to the eShop: The Starship Damrey, Bugs vs. Tanks!, and Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale.

When Shin Megami Tensei 4 from Atlus releases July 16, the Limited Edition Box Set will include a 176-page strategy and design book, containing the strategy guide and full-color artwork, a music CD and a collectible slipcase.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons games from the Game Boy Color days will be on the eShop May 30.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf will also be bundled with a special 3DS XL edition of the system, and will be available on June 9 for $219.99.

So what about the struggling Wii U? There was some news, but I suspect Nintendo may be holding off until E3 later this year. EarthBound is coming to the Virtual Console this year. New Super Luigi U will be DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U (game required), and include 82 updated stages and a new adventure featuring Luigi. Many stages start with 100 seconds on the timer, and there are more obstacles on quicker ones. Game & Wario releases June 23. Pikmin 3 will release Aug. 4, and now includes a flying Winged Pikmin. A new system update will shorten loading times when messing around the Wii U menu. The Virtual Console service will launch soon after the update, as well as Wii U Panorama View. A Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate update is now available, enabling off-TV play with the GamePad.