Episode 60: A New Spin on Things

Whether it’s the reimagining of 8-bit classics or the reinterpretation of a speedy blue hedgehog, sometimes change is good. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we share impressions of two Wii U titles that shake up classic franchises: NES Remix and Sonic Lost World. We first kick off the episode with a roundup of the latest Nintendo Direct, discussing everything from new crossover title Hyrule Warriors to the growing roster of Super Smash Bros. fighters. We also examine Nintendo’s recent online infrastructure woes and the one form of connectivity that Nintendo continues to get right, StreetPass. Do you think the new twists of NES Remix and Sonic Lost World do justice to their franchises? Let us know by commenting at the bottom of this post. As we close out 2013, we’d also love to hear what you think of our past year of episodes! Feel free to leave a comment, tweet us @RandomNintendo, or post a review (and subscribe!) on iTunes. As always, we have provided links below for more information on all the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp to easily locate the show segments that most interest you. Enjoy and Happy New Year! News [0:03 – 1:22] Nintendo Direct – 12.18.2013 (Nintendo.com) [0:25] Zelda Returns in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U (Nintendo World Report) [0:30] Rainbow Road Stage Confirmed For Super Smash Bros. 3DS! (Official Nintendo Magazine) [0:44] Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Nintendo Answers Our Burning Questions (GameInformer.com) [1:22] Nintendo delays launch of Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter (Polygon) [1:25] PokeBank Hilariously Fails to Stop Hacked Pokemon (Kotaku) [1:31] Nintendo Acknowledges Network Issues and Suggests Patience (Nintendo Life) [1:39] Scavenger Hunts, Crossword puzzles could come to Nintendo’s StreetPass service (Polygon) [1:42] How the 3DS National StreetPass Weekend is Nintendo’s secret marketing weapon for the holidays (GamesBeat) Games [1:45] NES Remix (Official Site) [0:13 & 1:57] Sonic Lost World (Official Site) [0:03] Hyrule Warriors (IGN Game Page) [0:20] Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS (Official Site) [0:32] Mario Kart 8 (IGN Game Page) [0:38] Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Official Site) [0:49] Wii Sports Club (Official Site) [0:53] Dr. Luigi (Nintendo.com Game Page) [1:03] Chibi-Robo: Photo Finder (Official Site) [1:09] Kirby: Triple Deluxe (Nintendo.com Game Page) [1:13] Yoshi’s New Island (IGN Game Page) [1:17] Bravely Default (Official Site) [1:22] Pokemon Bank (Official Site)