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FInal Fantasy VII Rebirth director had no idea about Sephiroth's Smash Bros. Inclusion
A well-kept secret
By now Super Smash Bros reputation precedes itself, it’s one of the biggest gaming crossovers and was thusly prone to lots of rumors and leaks whenever a game was in active development. With so many prying eyes on the series it’s only natural that eventually something would fall through the cracks and leak to the public before Nintendo wanted, but it’s also just as impressive when an announcement is made that no one was expecting.
One such announcement was that Sephiroth would be joining the roster as part of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter’s Pass Vol. 2. Announced during the 2020 Game Awards, many fans were shocked by this inclusion as rumors and speculation was not pointing to Sephiroth or anything else from Final Fantasy VII at the time. Turns out another group that was just as shocked were people who were more familiar with Sephiroth than anyone else in the gaming industry, the developers of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
In an Interview with Kinda Funny Games, game director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that neither him nor anyone on the dev team was aware of Sephiroth joining the battle and found out at the same time as everyone else. You can read his full words down below.
So, actually, um, with sort of Sephiroth in Smash Brothers, it was actually extremely confidential that he was even going to be in it…So, none of the dev team knew, including myself. So it was more like when the whole world knew it, and that’s when we knew it like, ‘Oh! I had no idea!’
Given the iron grip Nintendo tries to maintain on Smash’s development this makes sense. Information on Smash fighter’s development is on a need-to-know basis and the developers of a game featuring the character wouldn’t need to know at all as funny as that may sound.
You can watch the full interview with Hamaguchi on Kinda Funny Games’ YouTube Channel down below!
Latest Episode of The Simpsons references Mario Kart
I sleep in a Mario Kart, do you?
The Super Mario series, and by extension, Mario Kart is no stranger to being parodied. Things like SNL’s gritty HBO Mario Kart sketch show that the series is well known not just by Nintendo fans but by the greater entertainment industry. This is all to say that it’s no surprise that the latest episode of ‘The Simpsons’ would also parody the series.
The episode entitled “Lisa gets an F1” (Season 35 Episode 12 to be exact) features Lisa becoming a pro kid go-cart racer and Homer fearing for her safety. Homer’s concern leads to a nightmare sequence in which Homer dreams himself as Wario tossing a bomb at a Mario-esque Lisa and knocking her off Rainbow Road, Homer even straight up calls himself Wario in the dream and does the iconic “WAH!”.
The nightmare also features other cameos like Milhouse as Yoshi and Nelson as Bowser and it also gets referenced later on in the episode as one big Mario Kart reference by Lisa, a fact that is completely lost on Homer. You can watch all the clips down below.
Devolver Digitial releases SNES-styled online manual for Pepper Grinder
Digging up memories!
In our current digital age many nostalgic memories of gaming past have fallen to the wayside, traditional game manuals being an oft discussed one, but every now and then a company like Devolver Digitial puts the extra effort to bring the magic back. The company has released an online manual for their upcoming release Pepper Grinder done in the style of classic Super Nintendo Manuals.
While this obviously isn’t a full replacement for an actual printed manual included with the game, it’s nice to see the extra retro effort thrown in for what seems to be a very retro-inspired title. If you want to read the manual for yourself you can check it out on Devolver’s website by following the link below!
Heavenly Bodies floats onto Switch February 29th, 2024
Take that Newton!
We’ve known that that the free-floating physics game Heavenly Bodies was bound for Switch sometime this month but now we can confirm that it will land on Switch February 29th, 2024 at the price of $19.99.
Challenge your mind, body, and the physics of space in this unique puzzle game inspired by the efforts of real life space explorers. You can check out a trailer for the game as well as an official overview down below.
Discover the ever-changing nuances of weightless motion in this challenging physics game. Wrangle control of your cosmonaut’s arms with the left and right thumbsticks to push, pull, and clamber through fully physically simulated scenarios aboard a scientific research station.
You have been entrusted to bring into operation Earth’s proudest feat of engineering. With only radio contact with mission control as your aid, you will have to use your sharp mind and dexterous limbs to assemble space telescopes, maintain delicate solar arrays and research cosmic botany. But without gravity, nothing is still, nothing is secure, and nothing is simple.
Key Features
- A collection of stellar scenarios inspired by the feats of space explorers and researchers throughout history.
- Expressively control every limb of a weightless cosmonaut to perform challenging and delicate maneuvers.
- Play single player or with a friend via local-coop. You’ll be able to play missions either solo or with a space friend.
- Play online with Steam’s Remote Play Together.
- Manipulate incredibly expensive space vehicles and elaborate machinery.
- Stylised 70s visual aesthetic influenced by archival space photography and technical illustration.
- Customisable control mode difficulty
Switch firmware version 17.0.1 gets a "rebootless" update
The banned words list grows
The Nintendo Switch has been updated to version 17.0.1 and with it dataminers have taken to the files to see what has changed. As usual it seems the only updates are to the Switch’s ever growing roster of banned words the full list is as follows:
- The words “Hate” or “H8” combined with minority groups
- Various Japanese death threats
- The phrase “トモダチヤメ” which translates to “stop being friends”
It’s a pretty run of the mill update all things considered, thanks to Oatmeal Dome for always providing timely information on these updates when they drop.
More episodes of Pokémon Concierge now in Production
The relaxation continues!
Pokémon has taken to Twitter/X to reveal that new episodes for their Netflix series, Pokémon Concierge, are now in production.
Pokémon Concierge launched late last year to near universal praise from fans with the only complaint being that the series was only four episodes long, a problem that shall now be rectified. There’s no telling when these new episodes will be ready as stop-motion animation takes quite a bit of time but we did receive a new piece of concept art showing Haru and Psyduck hard at work animating the new episodes.
We will keep you updated with news on Pokémon Concierge as it comes out.
New Illustration shared for Splatoon 3's Upcoming 'Best day of the Weekend' Splatfest
Octolings and Gentlesquids... The Weekend
The official Splatoon Account has shared a new illustration commemorating the upcoming Splatfest which is a battle to determine which day of the Weekend is best. Will you side with Shiver on team Friday? Fight with Frye on team Saturday? Or maybe battle it out with Big Man on Team Sunday? Whatever day of the weekend strikes your fancy you can hop into the game and start playing the event right now!
We’ve reported in the past about Gelato Pique’s Super Mario collaboration line, a deluxe collection of comfortable lounge and sleep wear decked out with everyone’s favorite Mushroom Kingdom residents. While the Mario collaboration has only been available via Japanese Import for the longest time it now seems to be making it’s debut in the states.
Nintendo NY has posted that the apparel line will be available at the Nintendo NY store February 16th. While we don’t know the full details of this release yet it seems that this will be focused on the latest addition to the line which includes Bowser. You can see the full range of products on Nintendo’s Japanese website here.
We will keep you posted on any additional information on the American launch of this line as it becomes available.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II makes it's mark on Switch February 15th
The mystery continues
Horror Visual Novel Spirit Hunter returns with Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II coming to Switch on February 15th, 2024.
Solve a new mystery with familiar faces and engage with new 2D exploration sequences as you work to unravel the truth behind the disappearance of students at Konoehara Academy.
You can read a full overview down below or click here to check out the game’s official website.
Return to H City!
The latest installment to the Spirit Hunter Series – Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II – finds Kazuo Yashiki back in H City to investigate supernatural occurrences at Konoehara Academy. Posing as a teacher, you will search the school and surrounding area for any clues to the mysterious disappearances of the students.
As in previous games in the series, the developers have drawn on Japanese myths and folklore to create an immersive and nuanced tale of terror. Some old faces return to aid Yashiki in his quest, and a 2D side-scrolling mode offers a new way to explore locations.
Be ready, for when a spirit does attack, crucial mistakes mean certain death.
KEY FEATURES
• Solve the mysterious deaths with help from many of the original characters from the first game - Spirit Hunter: Death Mark
• Choose who will accompany you from a designated selection of characters to help you solve the mystery and accompany you in all new 2D exploration gameplay.
• All new artwork from the same team of the first 2 games – Spirit Hunter: Death Mark & Spirit Hunter: NG
Animal Crossing 'February Birthday' Switch Icons Available
The month of love
February is here and Animal Crossing ‘February Birthday’ icons are now available for Nintendo Switch Online members. Like always If you log into your Switch Online account on your Switch console, you can use your platinum points to purchase these icons. You’ll have from now until March 4th at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET to snag these icons, so get while the getting’s good!
As per usual, the character icons themselves are all 10 platinum points, while the borders and backgrounds are 5 platinum points a piece.
Peacemaker’s debut in Mortal Kombat 1 has been delayed to February 28th. Warner Brothers Games reported the delay on X/Twitter as you can see in the post below.
Now Peacemaker will debut alongside Mortal Kombat 1’s Season 4 update and Warner Brothers Games says that fans can expect news on both later this month.
You can, as always, expect us to cover the news on the next Season and Peacemaker’s debut when they drop.
Commercial for 'Knuckles' Paramount+ series to air during Super Bowl
The new echidna on the block
Super Bowl LVIII is right around the corner and as always companies are lining up to put their ads on the big game. We reported before on how Knuckles featured in a Super Bowl ad for Paramount+, but it seems we might finally be getting our first look at the Echidna’s long awaited spin-off for the service during the big game if Variety is to be believed.
While the 6 episode series was announced a while ago we still haven’t had any official look at the show yet. It would make sense for Knuckles to make his small screen debut to one of the biggest audiences in America.
The Knuckles spin-off series features the return of Idris Elba as the titular character as well as Tika Sumpter from the Sonic the Hedgehog film series. Taking place between the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 the series is set to tell the story of Knuckles training deputy sheriff Wade Whipple in the ways of the Echidna warrior.
Invector: Rhythm Galaxy Blasts onto Switch February 8th
Ride to the Rhythm
Hello There Games and Warner Music Group have announced that their rhythm game Inspector: Rhythm Galaxy is coming to Switch on February 8th.
Blast through a galaxy of chart-topping beats or compete in local multiplayer, you can read a full official overview down below.
About
From Warner Music Group and award-winning indie game studio, Hello There Games, comes the next exciting chapter of the critically acclaimed rhythm game series, Invector: Rhythm Galaxy.
Navigate breathtaking, celestial worlds to the beat of chart-topping hits from today’s most popular artists, including PinkPantheress, Charlie Puth, Duran Duran, and more. Discover fresh new tracks from tomorrow’s biggest stars on a cosmic trip where every note guides your way.
Play solo and master the beat of every song or put your party in hyperdrive with up to 4-player local multiplayer, where exhilarating head-to-head competition comes to life in your living room. And with a range of difficulty levels to choose from, Invector: Rhythm Galaxy offers a fun challenge for players of all skill levels.
Turn up the volume and light up the stars.
Artists
- Adam Lambert
- Alec Benjamin
- Anne-Marie
- Bausa
- Beka
- Berner
- Blasterjaxx
- Burns
- Charli XCX
- Charlie Puth
- Dan + Shay
- Disturbed
- Dropgun
- Duran Duran
- Fifty Fifty
- Gabry Ponte
- Garmiani
- Greeicy Rendón
- Griff
- Gucci Mane
- Kailee Morgue
- Kojey Radical
- KSI
- Knucks
- Liam Gallagher
- Linkin Park
- Lumix
- Maná
- Merk & Kremont
- Mike Bahia
- Mike Shinoda
- Nathan Dawe
- Paolo Nutini
- Paramore
- PARTYNEXTDOOR
- PinkPantheress
- Priya Ragu
- Quarantino
- Royal Blood
- Sam Gellaitry
- Sam Ryder
- The Spinners
- Tiësto
- Tina Turner
- Tom Grennan
- Wiz Khalifa
- Zuna
Songs
- Adam Lambert – “Holding Out for a Hero”
- Alec Benjamin – “Let Me Down Slowly”
- Anne-Marie – “Ciao Adios”
- Bausa & Zuna – “Biturbo”
- Beka – “Tears”
- Blasterjaxx – “Legion”
- Burns – “Talamanca”
- Charli XCX – “Boom Clap”
- Charlie Puth – “Attention”
- Dan + Shay – “Glad You Exist”
- Disturbed – “Down with the Sickness”
- Dropgun – “Earthquake”
- Duran Duran – “Notorious”
- Fifty Fifty – “Cupid”
- Garmiani – “Ava”
- Greeicy Rendón & Mike Bahia – “Esta Noche”
- Griff – “Black Hole”
- Gucci Mane – “Classical”
- Kojey Radical feat. Knucks – “Payback”
- KSI feat. Tom Grennan – “Not Over Yet”
- Liam Gallagher – “Wall of Glass”
- Linkin Park – “Lost”
- Lumix & Gabry Ponte – “Monster”
- Maná – “Oye mi amor”
- Merk & Kremont – “41 Days”
- Mike Shinoda & Kailee Morgue – “In My Head”
- Nathan Dawe feat. KSI – “Lighter”
- Paolo Nutini – “Shine a Light”
- Paramore – “Ain’t It Fun”
- PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Her Way”
- PinkPantheress – “Boy’s a Liar”
- Priya Ragu – “Adalam Va!”
- Quarantino – “Broken Love”
- Royal Blood – “Come On Over”
- Sam Gellaitry – “New Wave”
- Sam Ryder – “Space Man”
- The Spinners – “I’ll Be Around”
- Tiësto feat. Charli XCX – “Hot In It”
- Tina Turner – “The Best”
- Wiz Khalifa feat. Berner – “Bluffin’”
By now, Palworld’s reputation precedes it. It was released earlier this year to much criticism levied at the game’s monster designs which bared more than a passing resemblance to certain Pokémon.
Pokémon is no stranger to having imitators but the design similarities have sparked a wave of controversy that doesn’t seem to be letting up soon. While The Pokémon Company said that they intend to look into the matter further it seems other Japanese companies are already preparing for the fallout.
Reports are circulating that an unnamed Japanese talent agency has informed it’s clients to be careful not to mention Palworld on their social media accounts so as not to jeopardize future collaborations with Pokémon.
While these are just rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt it certainly would make sense considering the buzz Palworld has made in the gaming space. It’s hard to predict what exactly will happen next but we will be sure to keep you updated with more news as it develops.
Get ready to ride the rails because Trackline Express is charging full steam ahead onto NIntendo Switch.
This new release from Bluebird Studios tasks players with building a successful railway that can survive all kinds of chaos such as barbarian attacks and wildfires. Players will need to gather and manage their resources and time to the best of their ability to make sure the train makes it to it’s destination.
While there’s no word on a release date as of yet we do have an official overview of the game down below, stay tuned for more news on Trackline Express’ release as it develops.
Get your tickets to ride the Trackline Express today! Small disclaimer: there might be some missing rails sections. And occasional barbarian attacks. But don’t worry, our trains are the most reliable out there. Some just require a few upgrades here and there. Other than that, a perfectly fine ride is awaiting for you!
Did we mention wildfires?
Trackline Express is a train builder where you need to reach the stations while keeping your passenger safe from attacks and wildfires. Gather wood, rocks, ores, coal, and then transform them into various resources to create new buildings and equipment using blueprints that you unlock along the way.
The game offers a unique blend of gameplay elements that could appeal to players who enjoy strategy and resource management and to those looking for a more relaxed and cozy gaming experience with occasional exciting twists.
There aren’t many resources in the desert, so you’ll have to think about how to use them in the best possible way.
You’ll need to collect enough coins to unlock blueprints in order to build anything. Once a blueprint is unlocked, it’s freely available. Coins are rare around there, so use them wisely.
With enough resources and the right blueprints, you can create multiple buildings and equipment to help you keep going forward and survive. What will you build first? A mine to get the coal for the train? Or maybe a well for your water tank? Unless you choose equipment to defend yourself against an upcoming threat… Each game is different and might require different prioritizations. Adaptation is key.
Attacks are frequent. You’ll have to fight to protect your convoy. Fortunately there are a few items you can use. As more passengers arrive, you’ll have to be more creative with how you use them.
Feed your train with coal, build new wagons and new equipment to defend against, well, basically everything. Try to automate things to keep moving as the game gets harder and harder with time and distance.
You just want to play during a short break? We got you covered! The game comes with a Daily Challenge mode. Every day, a new randomly generated map will be available for everyone, so you can challenge yourself and your friends!
Key Features
- high replayability value
- many items to gather and craft
- multiple game modes
- mini quests to complete
- random deterministic map generator