By Shane Ferguson
Salutations, Circlerees and Circlerettes, Shane here with another Roundup. This week we have a new Nintendo Direct Announcement, Super Mario 64 Online, and an Apple exclusive game from the developers of Journey. The Switch has been getting a lot of attention this week. With it getting a full complete version of NBA 2K18 and my birthday coming up soon, it’s looking like I might have to throw the semi-new hybrid on my wish list.
In this week’s Roundup. . .
Samit Sarkar gives us a new announcement from the latest Nintendo Direct presentation. With Virtual Console still absent, Nintendo has introduced a new Arcade Archives program. Coming to the Switch as soon as September 27th will be classics such as Mario Bros, Vs. Pinball, Vs. Punch-Out. Nintendo boasts that these versions of the arcade classics will have subtle differences that make them unique from other ports. No prices have been announced yet, but get the full story and game list here.
Allegra Frank tells us about Apple’s new exclusive game title Sky. Thatgamecompany, the creators behind the hit Journey, presented their new offerings at Apple’s iPhone event. Coming exclusively to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, Sky combines exploration and social experience that has its roots in Journey. Impressively, Sky will support an up to eight player worldwide online multiplayer. See the trailer and more here.
Gita Jackson provides us with a long, but informative presentation on the newly announced Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for Nintendo Switch. Get up to date on all on the new systems and mechanics in this dense, 8-minute teaser. This announcement geared toward all the die-hard Xenoblade fans out there. Nonetheless, you might want to tune in if you’re a Switch owner looking for a new RPG to get into. Check it out here.
Sherri L. Smith offers up all the intel she gleaned about Destiny 2. Check out her guide to leveling up faster, finding better gear and being more prepared for raids. Get an edge on the competition with these 11 great tips and make the most out of Destiny 2’s leveling system. Trust me, she doesn’t skimp on the advice. Check out her tips here.
Our Donovan Floyd and Jeffrey Mizrahi are having an enthusiastic conversation about Destiny 2 right here at the Circle site.
In news beyond the Circle …
The N64 classic Super Mario 64 got an online mode this week thanks to a few modders named Melonspeedruns, Kaze Emanuar and Marshivolt. PC lovers can now play a variety of different activities include racing, fighting, and hide-and-seek. The mod also brings 24 playable characters into the mix, making for an all new Mario experience altogether. I love these kinds of stories. Mods like this keep the spirit of these classics alive. Check out the full story and instructions on how to install the mod here.
In some insidious news, Pewdiepie Felix Kjellberg is in the news again and surprise, it’s for being racist. While live streaming Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds Kjellberg says, “What a f***ing ni**er” to a player on the opposing team. He then apologizes and corrects himself with “What a f***ing asshole”. This incident has polarized the Youtuber community with some feeling Felix has just made another mistake. Felix has since issued an apology stating “in the heat of the moment, I said the worst word I could possibly think of, and it just sort of slipped out.”
Interestingly Sean Vanaman, a game developer and co-founder of Campo Santo (The studio behind the New York Game Awards-winning Firewatch) ranted about the incident in a series of tweets. He stated “We’re filing a DMCA takedown of PewDiePie’s Firewatch content and any future Campo Santo games.” He continued, saying, “He’s worse than a closeted racist: he’s a propagator of despicable garbage that does real damage to the culture around this industry.” This has since started a debate regarding the morals, ethics and legality behind livestreaming gaming content. Check out Sean’s tweets here and the full story here.
Good news! Nintendo is bringing back the NES Classic Edition in 2018. So now, maybe some of us can actually get our hands on one. That’s not all either, Nintendo will also be increasing production on the SNES Classic Editions into next year. It’s a great idea for both the business and consumers. I’ve personally been waiting on this move from Nintendo. Hopefully, this discourages re-sellers and makes the extremely popular console more accessible to the fans.
Get the full scoop here.
And that’s it for this week’s roundup. See you again next time!
Shane Ferguson is one of our New York Videogame Critics Circle writer/interns.
