LifesAHammer Reviews: 2013

Thursday, December 26, 2013

ARTICLE: Has Sheik Been Cut From Super Smash Bros?

Last night, Masahiro Sakurai revealed the veteran fighter Princess Zelda on the Super Smash Bros. website. To many, this was no surprise, as A Link Between Worlds was released in Japan today and Sakurai tends to make his reveals coincide with game releases. However, just because Zelda herself was no surprise does not mean the reveal wasn't full of them.

Princess Zelda in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / 3DS

As you can see above, Princess Zelda retains her Twilight Princess design that was used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. This was surprising to many fans, who believed that she would either revert back to her Ocarina of Time design due to Ocarina of Time 3D's release a couple years ago or take on her Wind Waker or Skyward Sword looks, as those games have been released more recently. Her Twilight Princess design seems to have been tweaked slightly to make her more colourful and look slightly younger.

There was also a picture shown on Zelda's profile page that has spun much speculation among the Smash Bros. community:

Zelda commanding the Phantom

The above picture seemingly shows Princess Zelda commanding her Phantom minion from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. However, if Princess Zelda is commanding the Phantom, this would mean that he is a new move, which would mean one of her moves needs to have been cut. The most common idea is that Zelda no longer transforms into Sheik using her down-special, but instead summons the Phantom.

What does this mean for Sheik? Well, I have come up with quite a few possibilities on exactly what the picture above may entail for Princess Zelda and Sheik.

The first possibility is that Phantom is no more than an Assist Trophy. While it would seem strange for Mr. Sakurai to upload a misleading picture like this onto Zelda's profile, it is entirely possible. The picture below shows Zelda in the same commanding pose as the picture above, however, the Phantom is not present. This could mean that Zelda is simply using a taunt and Sakurai strategically placed the Assist Trophy as a reference to Spirit Tracks.

Zelda in the same commanding pose

Another possibility is that the Phantom is Zelda's new Final Smash. It wouldn't be too strange for Sakurai to revise or change some characters' Final Smashes. However, the Light Arrows are much more iconic for Princess Zelda and she does not seem to have the Final Smash aura around her when she is commanding the Phantom, so this is unlikely.

There is also the possibility that the transformation to Sheik has been changed to the taunt buttons, similar to how Samus transforms into Zero Suit Samus in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. This would allow for both Sheik and Zelda to have complete movesets but still be able to change into one another. In addition, their transformation could also be triggered by their Final Smashes, also similar to Samus and Zero Suit Samus in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Sheik in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Assuming that the Phantom does replace Sheik as Zelda's new down-special, there are a couple possibilities on the fate of Sheik as a character. For one, Sheik could potentially be completely removed from Zelda and become her own separate fighter. However, Sheik does not seem important nor relevant enough to the franchise to actually represent it as their fifth fighter.

Another possibility is the introduction of Toon Zelda. Toon Zelda could retain the transformation mechanic and become Tetra, who would mimic Sheik's moveset. However, it would seem strange that Zelda would have the Phantom over Toon Zelda when Toon Zelda is the incarnation that actually possessed the Phantom in the games.

Toon Zelda & Tetra

Additionally, it could be possible that Tetra herself will be a character without the Toon Zelda transformation, and simply take Sheik's moveset with an added down-special. This is quite possible because Tetra is a popular character in the Zelda franchise and Wind Waker HD was just recently released. Furthermore, the art style of Wind Waker has already been introduced into the game in the form of Toon Link.

Another possibility is that the fifth Zelda representative will be Impa. Impa has appeared in the most Zelda games next to Link, Zelda and Ganon, so it would seem perfect for her to be the fifth representative of the franchise. Since Impa is a Sheikah just like Sheik, she could easily reuse Sheik's moveset as a separate character. Impa also most recently appeared in Skyward Sword and A Link Between Worlds, which means she is relevant at the current moment. However, Impa's art style does not match the other Zelda characters, which means Mr. Sakurai would have to take a realistic spin on her Skyward design to make her fit in with the other characters.

Impa from Skyward Sword

The last and most depressing possibility is that Sheik and her moveset have simply been cut from the entire game. This would seem a poor choice on Mr. Sakurai's part to remove a two-time veteran for a move devoted to a minor handheld Zelda title.

Hopefully Sheik's status is confirmed very soon and hopefully it is one that we can not only live with, but be happy about.

Article By:
Giuliano V.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

7 Nintendo-Based Collaborations We Want To See

After the announcement of Hyrule Warriors, a collaboration of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors, we have decided to make collaborations with Nintendo titles of our own. Some will simply borrow gameplay elements like Hyrule Warriors is, while others will merge the universes of the two games such as other Nintendo collaborations like Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem and Pokemon Conquest.

Super Mario & Sonic

We have seen collaborations between the Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog universes before in the form of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. However, what we are talking about here is a complete collaboration that uses elements, worlds and characters from both franchises. In this game, Mario's segments would use his series' gameplay but in the world of Sonic and Sonic's segments would use the gameplay of his series in the world of Mario. Sometimes, the gameplay could even be mixed, which would make for some unique platforming that takes the best of both series.

Metroid x Halo

This game would also merge the universes of the two franchises. Master Chief and Samus would embark on some sort of mission together that would put them into an open world like Metroid Prime, but have more depth to the combat like Halo. While this would not be anything necessarily new or innovative, it is a collaboration we would love to see, even though there is absolutely no chance it would ever happen.

Pikmin Wars

This one is a little interesting. StarCraft is an RTS game where you use multiple units to build your army and go to war. This would work perfectly with Pikmin. The Pikmin could collect resources to build more onions and go to war with other players' Pikmin armies. It would give a whole new meaning to Pikmin and would make for an addicting and unique spin on the franchise.

Pokemon x Digimon

I'm sure everyone has dreamed of this collaboration. The merging worlds of Pokemon and Digimon into one giant game with over a thousand little monsters to battle and train. Basically, it would be a Pokemon-styled game but with the addition of Digimon. The gameplay might not be original, but the appeal would be absolutely fantastic.

Lylat Effect

Imagine a game that crosses over the glorious action and RPG elements of the Mass Effect series with the ship battles from Star Fox. What you would get would be Lylat Effect, a game where your choices determines what happens in the Lylat System with tons of squad mates to battle beside like Falco, Slippy, Krystal, Peppy and Katt. This collaboration would be a glorious one to play, as the Star Fox universe is so big and full of mystery that it could easily be a Mass Effect-scale title.

The Sacred Triangles

Every Zelda fan has wanted a game like this for a long time. A first-person, open world game where you travel across the vast land of Hyrule performing tasks and stopping evil. Instead of tons of dungeons, it would be made up of smaller ones like in the Elder Scrolls games and would have tons of different factions and quests to do. Maybe Link wants to join the Hyrule army. Or maybe he wants become a member of the Goron tribe. It would be an extensive, limitless game like The Elder Scrolls, only using the Zelda lore and universe.

Grand Theft Wario

This one is definitely my favourite collaboration, and if it ever happened, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Imagine a game where you play as Wario, walking around the Mushroom Kingdom being able to do whatever you want. You could beat up some Toads on the street and steal their coins. Or maybe you are planning a huge heist on Bowser's Castle with your partner-in-crime: Waluigi. Stealing some Mario Karts, terrorizing the Mushroom Kingdom and just doing what Wario does best: being a criminal. Please make this game Rockstar & Nintendo.

Article By:

Giuliano V.

ARTICLE: What Each Newcomer Says About Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS

Hey everyone. Today I have an analytical article that will cover exactly what each newcomer that has been revealed for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS says about the game's development and character selections. Of course, all of this is speculation, however, it could be worth a good read.

What Mega Man Says

1. Third-parties are still a thing

Perhaps most obviously, Mega Man's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS tells us that the game's director, Masahiro Sakurai, is still willing to include new third-party characters. This could lead to the inclusion of other third party characters such as Bayonetta or Pac-Man.

2. Icons are relevant

Mega Man's inclusion also tells us that Mr. Sakurai is not only aware of gaming icons, but is willing to implement them into the game. This could indicate the inclusion of other iconic characters, such as the extremely iconic veteran Solid Snake.

3. The past is not forgotten

Mega Man's inclusion also shows that Mr. Sakurai has not forgotten about the popularity of characters or franchises from the past, and shows he has no problem reviving certain characters or franchises for this game. This could lead to the inclusion of older or forgotten characters such as Takamaru.

What Villager Says

1. Past statements mean nothing

In an interview around the time of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mr. Sakurai had stated that the Villager would not be a good fighter, as he believed him to be "too peaceful." The fact that the Villager has been included into Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS shows that Mr. Sakurai's mind on certain matters can change, and that his past statements may not mean what they previously did. This makes way for characters such as Ridley, whom Mr. Sakurai had previously stated would be difficult to implement because of his size.

2. Non-distinct characters can still be fighters

There is no one clear Villager in the Animal Crossing series due to its heavy focus on customization. Regardless, the Villager was included. This means that even customizable characters could find a standard form to be represented in this game, such as Miis or the Avatar from Fire Emblem: Awakening.

What Wii Fit Trainer Says

1. All Nintendo franchises are important

The inclusion of the Wii Fit Trainer shows how Mr. Sakurai acknowledges that all Nintendo franchises are important, even if their franchises are smaller or their characters are not traditionally seen as fighters. This makes way for characters from smaller Nintendo franchises such as Golden Sun or Custom Robo.

2. There are still surprises

Mr. Sakurai stated that one of the main reasons he chose to include the Wii Fit Trainer as a fighter was because nobody would have ever guessed her inclusion. This shows that Mr. Sakurai is not afraid of throwing curveballs into Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS as he did in the past with the inclusion of Mr. Game & Watch and R.O.B.

What Rosalina Says

1. Similar appearances do not mean similar movesets

A common belief among Super Smash Bros. fans was that if Rosalina were included into the game, she would simply be a Peach clone. However, Mr. Sakurai has proven through her inclusion that just because two characters have similar body structures or appearances, does not mean they have to be clones. This can potentially mean the inclusion of characters such as Krystal or Dark Samus without copying the exact abilities of other fighters.

2. Nobody is too new

Rosalina is a relatively new character in the Nintendo universe with very few appearances. Despite this, she was able to make it as the fifth representative in Nintendo's biggest franchise. This shows how Mr. Sakurai does not care how new a character is and that their impact and role in the series matters more. This could potentially mean the inclusion of newer Nintendo characters such as Chrom or Shulk.

3. Popularity and requests are being heard

Rosalina has had a faster growing popularity than any character introduced into the Super Mario series since Yoshi. She was also requested quite a bit for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS. This proves that Mr. Sakurai is listening to the fans, both through the popularity of characters and requests from fans. This could lead to the inclusion of popular characters such as Mewtwo or highly requested characters such as King. K Rool and Palutena.

Whatever Mr. Sakurai decides to do with the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS roster, I hope he makes the right decisions. There is so much potential that is evident through these four newcomers that I hope he succeeds to meet.

Article By:

Giuliano V.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Top 10 Merchants in Gaming

Every world has its hero who uses a bow, or a sword, or a rocket launcher to save the world. But let's not forget those who supply our heroes with their various items and weapons. Here are the Top 10 Merchants in Gaming.

Honorable Mentions

Deku Shrubs - The Legend of Zelda

Toads - Super Mario

Tingle - The Legend of Zelda

Beedle - The Legend of Zelda

Moogles - Final Fantasy / Kingdom Hearts

Goblins - World of Warcraft

Volus - Mass Effect

Number 10

Fawful

Game(s): Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Wares: Badges

Number 9

Drebin

Game(s): Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Wares: Weaponry

Number 8

Ravio

Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Wares: Weaponry

Number 7

Tom Nook

Game(s): The Animal Crossing Series

Wares: Household Items

Number 6

Marcus

Game(s): Borderlands 2

Wares: Weaponry

Number 5

ShopKeeper

Game(s): Star Fox: Adventures

Wares: Various Items

Number 4

Vulgrim

Game(s): The Darksiders Series

Wares: Upgrades, Weaponry

Number 3

The Merchant

Game(s): Resident Evil 4

Wares: Weaponry

Number 2

Moneybags

Game(s): The Spyro Series

Wares: Routes, Passages, Portals

Number 1

Happy Mask Salesman

Game(s): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Wares: Masks

Article By:

Giuliano V.

Riley D.

Top 20 Most Memorable Deaths in Gaming

There have been so many deaths in gaming. Some are sad, some are badass, and some are just straight up unforgettable. Here are the Top 20 Most Memorable Deaths in Gaming.

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS EXTREME SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING SERIES:
-Assassin's Creed
-Batman: Arkham
-Gears of War
-Halo
-Half Life
-inFamous
-Kingdom Hearts
-The Legend of Zelda
-The Last of Us
-Mass Effect
-Metal Gear
-MOTHER
-StarCraft
-Warcraft
-The Walking Dead

Number 20

"I wanted to see Roxas."

Axel

Game: Kingdom Hearts II