Coffee Talk #486: Whataya Want From Nintendo at E3 2012?

After discussing Microsoft and Sony, let’s close out your E3 2012 wishes and predictions with Nintendo. Out of the three console manufacturers, Nintendo has the most to lose or gain at E3 2012. It’s the only company showing new hardware — the Wii U. After massive success with the Nintendo DS and Wii, Nintendo’s recent…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your reaction to the John Edwards trial, Randy Orton violating WWE’s wellness policy, or my awesome (unofficial) Chris Jericho t-shirt, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

After discussing Microsoft and Sony, let’s close out your E3 2012 wishes and predictions with Nintendo. Out of the three console manufacturers, Nintendo has the most to lose or gain at E3 2012. It’s the only company showing new hardware — the Wii U. After massive success with the Nintendo DS and Wii, Nintendo’s recent fortunes haven’t been as hot. The 3DS is selling well, but the company’s financials are way down. Many pundits believe that the Wii U won’t have the same success as its predecessor. What say you?

Personally, I’m still waiting for Nintendo to dazzle the world with the Wii Vitality Sensor. Remember that thing? Ha!

Anyway, now’s your turn to share your E3 2012 wishes, predictions, and expectations. Fire away in the comments section as you listen to Adam Lambert (please!).

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Renders

Here’s a trio of high-res parody renders Warner Bros. Interactive sent out to promote the upcoming LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. The LEGO versions of Catwoman, Joker, and Robin are obviously a nod to the outstanding Batman Arkham City. With more than 50 characters rumored to be playable, LEGO Batman 2 is a comic-book nerds dream! The rumored roster includes Batman, Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, Green Lantern, Superman, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Hawkgirl, Cyborg, Katana, Shazam, Zatanna, and Wonder Woman.

As a Nightwing mark, I get goofy every time he’s featured in a game. How about you? Now’s the time to out yourself as a closet Black Lightning fan! Which DC superhero would you like to play as in LEGO Batman 2?

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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Screens Show Character Team-Ups

The newest batch of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy screenshots show off the music selection and characters. As a longtime Final Fantasy nerd, I was particularly geeked out by the latter. I totally marked out seeing “chibi” versions of the Warrior of Lights, Bartz, Terra, Cloud, Squall, Tidus, Zidane, Firion, and more sharing the same screen. I want this game now!!!

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

After several relatively slow weeks, the ides of May takes the gaming world by storm. Blizzard’s Diablo III leads the way; millions of gamers have been waiting for this one for years and it’s almost here! Also high on many a gamers wish list is Rockstar’s Max Payne 3. With the show’s second season kicking all sorts of ass, Atlus should enjoy brisk sales of Game of Thrones. While I still have problems accepting that the movie actually exists, the companion videogame Battleship has me thinking about the impossibility of Rihanna and Turtle from Entourage joining the Navy. One of the oldest driving-game series makes a return in Test Drive: Ferrari Legends. Lastly, Mario Tennis Open has caused many of my friend to figure out where the hell they put their Nintendo 3DS systems.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Latest Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Screens Show Game System

Square Enix has released a bunch of screens for its upcoming rhythm-music game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. Previous screens showed the game’s colorful environments, cute characters, and general gameplay. The new screens show the mechanics behind the gameplay. Check out how stats, abilities, and spells are used in the gallery below. Judging from the images, it appears that Theatrhythm Final Fantasy will have a lot more going on in the background that most music-rhythm games.

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Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Screens

Here are some screenshots and artwork for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance for Nintendo 3DS. The game is part of the seemingly never-ending march to Kingdom Hearts 3. It’s out in Japan now and will be available this summer in other territories. Sora and Riku are the playable characters in Dream Drop Distance, with the pair visiting the worlds of Tron: Legacy, Pinocchio, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Fantasia (the movie, not the American Idol songstress), and more. Kindly check out the screens and let me know what you think!

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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Coming to America This Summer

Square Enix has announced that Theatrhythm Final Fantasy  for Nintendo 3DS will be available in America this summer. This adorable music/rhythm game features characters and settings from numerous Final Fantasy games. I’ve been high on this game since seeing videos of it last year. According to the press release, the game contains “more than 70 musical scores” from 25 years worth of Final Fantasy titles. I’m so psyched for this 3DS game and would love to hear what you think of it. Check out the screens and artwork below.

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

This week marks the return of Kid Icarus! Originally released in 1986, the franchise hasn’t seen a sequel since 1991. All that changes with Kid Icarus Uprising. Speaking of sequels, Ninja Gaiden 3 hits shelves this week; this is the first modern Ninja Gaiden game made without the controversial Tomonobu Itagaki. In less interesting sequel news, Armored Core V will (maybe) satisfy gamers looking for giant-robot action. Capping things off is a pair of survival-horror games. Silent Hill HD Collection remasters some of the games that made the genre so popular. Finally, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City adds some team-based flavor to this longrunning series.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

This Week’s Videogame Releases

It’s a pretty exciting week for February! SSX makes a triumphant return and lots of people are saying that it’s a thrilling ride. Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition is out this week too…just don’t tell RPadholic Big Blak. Sega’s Binary Domain is flying under the radar if you’re looking for some Gears of War-like gameplay. Hardcore Japanese RPG fans will want to pick up Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk-II. It’s not for Pokefanatics like RPadholic bsukenyan, but millions of gamers are sure to love PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond. The Nintendo DS gets some demonic excitement with Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2.

Normally, I don’t include DLC in this roundup, but I’m completely excited for the downloadable Final Fantasy XIII-2 goods hitting this week. Sazh Katzroy — the coolest single-father in gaming? — returns in an add-on adventure. And yes, I’m totally downloading Serah’s beachwear costume. At least I can admit it.

How about you? Any new games for you this week?

This Week’s Videogame Releases

Obviously the big deal this week is the full North American launch of the PlayStation Vita. Sony’s newest portable gaming system is supported by several excellent titles. My writer friends seem to be enjoying Uncharted: Golden Abyss the most. For home consoles, Asura’s Wrath is out this week. My industry friends mostly love this game, lauding it for being fun, creative, and different. A few of them have dinged it for offering only five hours of gameplay. Syndicate is also out this week and I know of at least one RPadholic (Hi Sandrock!) that’s excited for the return of this classic gaming franchise. Last, but not least, is Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D. If you have a 3DS then I highly recommend picking this game up.

Any of you buying new games this week?