NES Remix Pack Impressions

I received NES Remix Pack (for Wii U) as a Christmas present. It’s a combo pack of NES Remix and NES Remix 2 (which were previously only available in the eShop) together on one Wii U disc. From the title screen, you can choose which one you want to play. I would have preferred if they were all integrated into one interface, but it’s not a big deal switching from one to the other.

Each game provides a collection of old-school challenges taken from classic NES games. Many of the challenges only take a few seconds, but they’re often presented one after the other in quick succession. In that respect, it’s reminiscent of Wario Ware.

NES Remix Pack Title Screen

NES Remix features many earlier NES games, starting out with Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Mario Bros., Excitebike, Balloon Fight, and Super Mario Bros. NES Remix 2 has some later NES games: Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, Dr. Mario, Kirby’s Adventure, and Wario’s Woods. Other games can be unlocked as you progress through the game; I’ve already unlocked Punch-Out, and I’m looking forward to seeing more.

There are several challenges from each game, and they start out very simple. For example, you may need to jump over three barrels in Donkey Kong or do a wheelie in Excitebike. Even if you’re not familiar with a certain NES game, you’re taught what to do one step at a time. There are also short demo videos that show how each game is played, in case you have trouble getting the hang of things. Of course, the challenges gradually get harder as you advance to higher levels.

But the highlight of the game is the remix stages. The remix stages may take elements from one game and place them into another, or it may add completely new challenges. For example, Kirby may need to collect coins in a Mario level, or you may need to race on an Excitebike track in the dark. Each challenge has a time limit, and you can earn 1-3 stars depending on how fast you complete the task.

nrp-ebI’ve spent nearly two hours with NES Remix Pack so far, and I’m not blown away or anything, but I am enjoying my time with the game. I particularly like seeing each new spin on the existing NES games, although the regular (non-remixed) challenges feel a bit like filler. And you’ll have to clear a number of regular challenges before you can unlock each new remix level. Granted, these challenges don’t take long to clear (especially if you’re familiar with the game already), but I wish the remixes made up the bulk of the gameplay.

nrp-kirbyBetween challenges, you may see some general hints displayed. But some of these “tips” are just common sense. Really, Nintendo?

tipOne other note. I know Miiverse can be helpful and fun at times. But I’ve long questioned why Nintendo feels a need to actively display other people’s comments within a game. I mean, is this really necessary?

nrp-boogersI’ll be playing much more of NES Remix Pack in the coming weeks. I’ll be sure to post a review when I’m done with it.

Buy NES Remix Pack at Amazon.com

Update: I just wanted to add a picture of the NES Remix Pack disc. It looks like a NES cartridge.

nesremixdiscUpdate #2: I’ve posted a gameplay video of NES Remix Pack.

Mario Kart 8 – DLC Pack #1

DLC Pack #1 (also known as the Legend of Zelda pack) is now available for Mario Kart 8 on Wii U. It includes three new characters: Link, Tanooki Mario, and Cat Peach. Four new vehicles are also included: The B Dasher, Tanooki Kart, Link’s Master Cycle, and the Blue Falcon from F-Zero. But the highlight (for me, at least), is the addition of eight new tracks–which make up two grand prix cups, the Egg Cup and the Triforce Cup. Here are my first impressions:

Egg Cup

mk8-eggcupGCN Yoshi Circuit: This is a returning track from Mario Kart: Double Dash on Nintendo GameCube. The track is literally shaped like Yoshi. There are very few straightaways here, it’s almost constant turning. It’s a decent track, but not my favorite.

Excitebike Arena: This track is based on the NES classic Excitebike, which also had a remake on Wii. The course is almost the complete opposite of Yoshi Circuit: It’s all straightaways except for the two necessary hairpins at each end. The interesting part is that the location of the ramps and speed boosts is random, and will change each time you play (except in time trials). Even though I like hearing the classic Excitebike songs again, I’m not sure this is a good match for a Mario Kart game.

Dragon Driftway: The entire course takes place in/on a Chinese dragon’s body. The course uses anti-gravity mode for virtually the entire track–everything but the very beginning and end of each lap. I enjoyed this track more than the first two tracks.

Mute City: The Egg Cup saved the best for last, with this futuristic F-Zero track. As you might expect, it uses anti-gravity mode for the entire duration of the course. There are lots of twists and turns, and ample speed boosts–this really feels like an F-Zero track. The energy fields, which would normally restore your health in an F-Zero game, will replenish your coins here. Nice touch. This track is really making me want a new F-Zero game for Wii U.

Triforce Cup

Mario Kart 8: Triforce Cup

Wii Wario’s Gold Mine: This was one of the better tracks in Mario Kart Wii, so I’m glad to see it make a return in Mario Kart 8. Part of the track takes place in anti-gravity mode, but it still feels pretty much the same as it did on Wii.

SNES Rainbow Road: The original Rainbow Road has returned, in all of its colorful, borderless glory. The thwomps now cause ripples in the track, so you have to be extra careful not to be thrown from the course. This track also appeared in Mario Kart 7, so I can imagine that MK7 players might think it’s too soon to see it again. But personally, I haven’t played Mario Kart 7, so I’m quite happy to see its return.

Ice Ice Outpost: The icon for this track shows a yellow Toad and a green Toad. The course takes place around icebergs, even going inside of some. The course splits into two paths–one yellow and one green. They go different routes, rejoin, and split again. Why not call it Lemon Lime Twist instead? It’s an enjoyable track.

Hyrule Circuit: The Triforce cup finishes up with this Legend of Zelda themed track. Here, coins are replaced with rupees and piranha plants are replaced with Deku Babas (the similar-looking creatures from the Zelda games). Inside the castle, you need to hit three switches to open up a shortcut that lets you jump by/through the Master Sword. Hitting them all can be tricky at times, but I’m sure it gets easier with practice. This is a fun track, especially for Zelda fans.

mk8-hyrule

Overall, I’d say the Triforce Cup is the stronger of the two cups, although Mute City is probably the best track from this DLC pack. I’m enjoying playing as Link on his Master Cycle. The controls are nice and tight, and there’s a very good chance I’m going to make Link my regular character (sorry Waluigi).

Here is a gameplay video of the Triforce Cup:

DLC Pack #1 is available for $7.99 to Mario Kart 8 players, and I recommend it. Even though I was hoping a “Zelda pack” would have more than one Zelda-themed track, the pack adds new life to Mario Kart 8 and it’s well worth the money.

Read my Mario Kart 8 Review – Buy Mario Kart 8 at Amazon.com

Splatterhouse Impressions

I still had some leftover credit in my Wii Shop channel account, so I decided to use it on a game that would be perfect for the Halloween season: Splatterhouse for TurboGrafx-16. This Virtual Console version costs 600 points, which is equivalent to $6.00 U.S.

Splatterhouse DungeonSplatterhouse is a 2D, side-scrolling action game in which you play as a big guy wearing a hockey mask–clearly inspired by Jason of Friday the 13th. You start out with punches and kicks as your only attacks, but you can also acquire other weapons such as a two-by-four or shotgun. You’ll fight all sorts of zombies, demons, and other monsters created in the research lab of the mansion. One detail I like is that your health is measured in hearts at the bottom of the screen. But they’re not the traditional heart symbols you’d see in a Zelda game, they’re actual hearts.

Splatterhouse SewerThe game is rated T for teens, as it is a bit gory and gruesome–at least by 16-bit standards. Chained-up corpses may vomit onto the ground, while other bodies will hang down from ropes around their necks. You’ll have to attack them, which causes their guts to spill out and their bodies to disintegrate. Still, the graphics are very dated and not realistic, so it doesn’t come anywhere near the gore seen in many games of today.

Splatterhouse Forest

Each level takes place in a different setting (dungeon, sewers, forest, etc.). Using all five of the allotted continues, I made it into the 4th level (of seven levels in total). The fourth stage is reminiscent of a funhouse, with a bunch of mirrors. But enemies will break through some of the mirrors to attack you; you just don’t know which ones they’ll pop out of!
Some parts of the game are a bit tricky, but it seems to be just a matter of trial-and-error to learn the patterns or the best place to stand. The in-game music is creepy and fits the mood quite well. While Splatterhouse hasn’t blown me away, I have enjoyed my time with the game. I’m looking forward to giving it another try and seeing how far I can get next time. If you enjoy playing “spooky” games in October, Splatterhouse would be a good choice.

Here’s a gameplay video showing the first two levels of the game: