Yea, I got that Crimson Shroud game due to high reviews on Nintendo Life. I have yet to play it but if it entertains me as much or near the level as Denpa Men then I should have a good time.

That Tokyo Crash Mob game seems like someone made it while tripping on acid.

I dwladed Crimson shroud, its good, but prepare yourself for text and static 3D grafix

Doesn't bother me too much.  When I play Advance Wars or Fire Emblem I turn the battle scenes off.  I mainly play those games for pure strategy aspect. 

Castlevania: Mirror of Fate receives an M rating from ERSB

Content descriptors: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Rating summary: This is an action-adventure game in which players assume the roles of several members of the Belmont Family as they battle evil forces in a supernatural setting. Players use whips, chains, axes, and other bladed weapons to attack a variety of fantastical creatures (e.g., zombies, werewolves, vampires, harpies). Boss battles contain more frenetic action, with interactive sequences that allow players to stab creatures close-up (e.g., cutting off creatures limbs/torsos; stabbing monsters in the eye). A handful of cutscenes depict human characters getting stabbed with large stakes. Enemies emit splashes of blood when struck, and some enemies burst into pieces when killed. During the course of the game, an extended sequence depicts a female vampire seducing a character while caressing a woman's thigh. A handful of creatures briefly appear topless in battle, and a male werewolve character appears to have an appendage/genatalia between its legs.

http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=193676

Game Devs pick their favorite games of 2012 (check link to see other picks; only Nintendo-related picks listed)

Fire Emblem: Awakening
Tomoya Asano, Producer, Square Enix

A new spin on an old series, beautifully done. The marriage system is truly effective. It’s a really fun game, and the DLC opened up a host of new possibilities.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Hiromichi Tanaka, consultant, GungHo Online Entertainment

Just overwhelmingly full of content. This is what Nintendo is capable of when it gets serious! The online element has changed from previous installments, advancing enough to allow huge numbers of fellow players to communicate and interact. I wonder if Nintendo have finally turned a corner in their approach to online integration.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
Takumi Iguchiya, Director, Arc System Works

I thought the ‘brave’ and ‘default’ system was marvellous. To be perfectly frank, I’ve avoided Square Enix games up until now. It might be that I’ve always rooted for the underdog, but I always thought of them as games for middle schoolers, or those stuck in that mindset.

I can only apologise. The strategic, yet easy to understand battle system, combined with the wealth of character customisation options, is great fun. With well-paced boss battles and exciting ability unlocks, the motivational cycle between character development and battling is brilliantly matched. And I think Idea-chan is cute!

http://www.edge-online.com/features/something-about-japan-inafune-itagaki-nagoshi-and-many-more-name-their-games-of-2012/

Rumor: Nintendo working on a special cartridge that allows Wii U and 3DS video streaming

http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=193656

Don't forget about the Fluidity sequel that is now on the 3DS eshop.

http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/eshop/hydroventure_spin_cycle_eshop

9/10

I haven't seen this posted. It's probably bogus, but a fun read nonetheless.

An anonymous tipster recently leaked a slew of “details” for the upcoming Zelda game for Nintendo’s Wii U. The tipster claims to work for Nintendo, and sent us a list of news in complete confidentiality. Before reading any further, it’s important to remember that this tipster is anonymous—We cannot trace him nor confirm his validity. In other words, these details are probably completely bogus.

Some of these leaked details line up with the last set of rumors we heard for the next Zelda title, while others send us quickly to skepticism. Nonetheless, it’s interesting to see what they say, and if they turn out to be true, we can always look back and think, “I remember when we thought this was a load of bull.”

• 1. The game will be revealed in some form at E3 2013. The game most likely won’t be released until early 2014 (it’s still in the early development stages). We may see an eShop demo in late 2013.

Shocking, right? Don’t worry, it gets juicier.

• 2. The game will feature a different art style than the HD tech demo shown off when the Wii U was unveiled. Early concept artwork looks like they’re sticking with Skyward Sword‘s style for now.

This aligns perfectly with what we’ve heard in the past, but that doesn’t give either assertion any more credibility. If these guys are for real, then it makes sense. If not, this one is probably staying true to few past rumors to give an undeserved air of authority.

• 3. Nintendo of Japan prefers Skyward Sword‘s motion controls to the GamePad. However, they are aware that some fans still prefer traditional buttons or will want to use the GamePad.

No big surprise here. The important thing to note is that this directly conflicts with the previous tipster’s assertion that Zelda U will feature full GamePad controls throughout the game with new setups unique to each dungeon.

• 4. Nintendo of Japan was surprised at how well-received the romance was between Link and Zelda in Skyward Sword and intends to flesh it out further for Zelda U. Because this dynamic was favored more in the West than by Japanese audiences, Nintendo of America is looking to popular American romance stories. Names like Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey have popped up in conversation, but the extent to which they will inspire the next Zelda is unknown.

This is where things start to get dicey. First of all, Nintendo would not seek to cater to Western audiences after acknowledging that it may alienate fans in Japan. Not only does this sort of approach go completely against Zelda’s past focus, but Nintendo has always been about satisfying everyone as best as they can—Nintendo as we know it would probably try to pull off a balancing act.

And I think I speak for everyone when I say that I pray to the goddesses Twilight was mentioned sarcastically.

• 5. Developers are weighing the pros and cons for both full voice acting and whether or not Link will speak.

This is entirely reasonable. Nintendo has come under criticism lately for the direction they’ve taken Link as the series progresses—While he was once a blank avatar character, he has more recently begun to express emotion throughout the stories while remaining a silent protagonist. Some fans claim that this indecisiveness makes him both a terrible avatar and a terrible protagonist, rather than doing either one well.

It would make sense that Nintendo should reconsider this strategy going forward, especially if they hope to regain the strong install base Zelda lost between Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. On the other side of the coin, full voice acting just feels like a natural step for the series, so there’s really very little to question here.

• 6. A well-known character from a past game is returning in some way. This character may or may not be the in the same role and/or form as they was in the past.

The tipster claims to know who this character is, but says “all hell will break loose if I say who it is.” Again, this is a completely reasonable claim and only makes me wonder if this is true… who could it be? Kaepora Gaebora? Navi? Majora? Midna? Ghirahim? Just about every character in the series has a good shot of making it back—Zelda is all about reinvention. We could write a whole article for each of these selections and plenty of others, explaining why the make perfect sense. So it boils down to opinion: Who are you hopeful for?

There are two big conflicts between this leak and the last major one, further suggesting that neither should be trusted. First of all, the last set of rumors claimed that Zelda U began development in 2010, before Skyward Sword was even completed, whereas this leak claims the game is still early in the development process. Just as important is that this leak claims the development team is still somewhat unsure of the control scheme, while the past leak confidently asserted that the game would feature full GamePad integration.

Ultimately, it’s fun to anticipate, but don’t take any of these details to heart—they’re probably nothing more than speculation.

http://www.zeldainformer.com/news/comments/more-rumors-surface-for-zelda-u

Dragon Quest VII Remake features

Japanese gaming publication Game Watch Impress has just posted a batch of new information regarding the forthcoming Dragon Quest VII remake for the Nintendo 3DS. Thankfully, a member of Neogaf has translated some of the new features that can be found in the game. Dragon Quest VII is due for release on February 7th, 2013 in Japan.

• The Monster Park is still in it.
  
• Like in the original game, sometimes when you beat up a monster it’ll get back up and you can recruit it to the Monster Park, and you can find design docs across the world to help expand your Park with new biomes.
• You can talk to the monsters you’ve recruited.
• There’s now a mysterious cave in the Park. To explore it, you have to create a party of up to three monsters you’ve recruited and send them in. Inside, you can obtain Streetpass Shards. I’m gonna assume monster classes for the party have been excised in favor of this system.
• The Streetpass Shards can be used in the Immigrant Town (the Immigrant Town is also back) to access new dungeons/areas/storyline
• Apparently once you get a Tavern open in the Immigrant Town, you can start passing things via the Internet?

Nintendo Download: 3rd January 2013 (North America)

Posted Thu, 03 Jan 2013 | 15:00 GMT by Damien McFerran
The 3DS eShop gets its first download-only retail release

The 3DS eShop gets its first download-only retail release

Welcoming in the new year with some downloadable goodies

It's quite a big week for the Nintendo Download, as it sees the arrival of the first "retail" download in the shape of XSEED Games' Unchained Blades. That's not the only reason to be cheerful though, as you can see from the selection of games below.
3DS download software

Unchained Blades (XSEED Games, $29.99) - It has taken its sweet time getting here, but this lush dungeon-based RPG is finally available on the 3DS eShop. Its appearance is significant in other ways, as its the first download-only 3DS retail title - hence the high price. We'll be casting our eye over the game shortly, so stay tuned for a review.

Gunman Clive (Hörberg Productions, $1.99) - A cowboy-themed tribute to classic action platformers like Mega Man, Gunman Clive has been ported from mobile phones to the 3DS with amazing success. In our Gunman Clive review we decided that it offered "terrific run and gun action at a steady tempo, with distinctive and gorgeous audio and visual presentation". You can't say fairer than that, really.

Air Battle Hockey 3D (Agetec) - This futuristic sports title has come out of nowhere and taken us a little by surprise. It looks a lot like the Dreamcast cult classic Cosmic Smash and boasts a head-to-head two-player mode. We'll have a review live on the site as soon as we've put it through its paces.
3DS Retail Software

Code of Princess (ATLUS) - Created by some of the same talented chaps behind the Sega Saturn fighter Guardian Heroes, this amazing 2D title has already thrilled 3DS owners at retail - something you'll be acutely aware of if you've consulted our glowing Code of Princess review. Needless to say, if you haven't sampled this already then now is the perfect time to remedy that oversight.
DSiWare

Galaxy Saver (G-Style, $1.99 / 200 points) - Fans of 2D vertical shooters will want to check this one out. With several gameplay modes and some eye-catching visuals, this could be another DSiWare gem. Expect a review in the very near future.

Snowboard Xtreme (EnjoyUp Games, $1.99 / 200 points) - This appears to be quite a simplistic snowboarding simulation, with various courses to negotiate and hazards to avoid. Our review will be taking to the slopes as soon as it's ready.
Nintendo Video

Best of 2012 - To quote Nintendo: "Nintendo Video is bringing you the very best comedy and music videos from 2012. Don't miss special re-airings of your favorite 3D videos!"

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/01/nintendo_download_3rd_january_2013_north_america

Fire Emblem: Awakening Download Takes Up Almost 8,600 Blocks

Posted Tue, 15 Jan 2013 | 14:20 GMT by Andy Green

Fire Emblem: Awakening will use up over a GB

It's set to be a blockbuster

Strategic RPG Fire Emblem: Awakening will be unleashed on the 3DS in North America from 4th February, and will be available in both physical and downloadable form.

If you're looking to download a copy from the 3DS eShop you'll need 8,579 available blocks on an SD card - that's slightly over 1GB. This figure is quite high compared to other titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Super Mario 3D Land, both of which only take up half that amount. Fire Emblem: Awakening's behemoth file-size does sound about right, however, considering just how expansive the series' games usually are.

The special Fire Emblem: Awakening bundle, which comes with a limited edition 3DS, is packaged with a 4GB SD card - which is a good job really. Incidentally, Nintendo of America has confirmed the suggested retail price of the upcoming bundle is $199.99.

What are your thoughts on Fire Emblem: Awakening's file size? Will it put you off downloading the title? Let us know in the comments section below.

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/01/fire_emblem_awakening_download_takes_up_almost_8600_blocks