The Festival starts off with a bang, just like the first one from 2007. Finally making its debut in Europe (After 12 years!) is the fantastic Square/Nintendo co-operation for the SNES, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. As the title might reveal, it is an RPG based around Mario and friends. They must, instead of defeating Bowser like in most Mario games, defeat the evil Smithy, a new villain, and his Smithy Gang. Super Mario RPG is praised among many Mario fans who've played it as one of the best Mario games ever made, and it's hard to disagree - It might not really be a hardcore RPG game, but the game has a ton of charm, fast and fun gameplay, and a killer soundtrack to boot. The game costs 900 Wii Points, as you might've guessed, due to the standard 100-point import fare.
Today's only other game isn't really new. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels was already available for 2 and a half weeks in 2007 as part of the first Hanabi Festival. However, after the US got it not too much later without a time limit, many Europeans were understandably agitated that they were not able to get the game if they missed out on it the first and only time. Thankfully it seems Nintendo of Europe has realized its mistake - The game is now available for download once again and will stay forever. If you missed out on it last time or don't know what it's about - It's the real sequel to the original Super Mario Bros. It basically has the exact same gameplay, with some new features, and overall, much, much harder levels. It costs 600 Wii Points, just like it did before.
We wonder what happens the following weeks - Surely, if the Hanabi Festival continues, the next week will have Virtual Console games as well instead of WiiWare games? Only time will tell!
Comments 304
Wha---? This nearly made my heart stop for a second. I wasn't expecting this one bit. I envy Europeans. Wonder if there'll be complainers?
Earthbound for next week?
cool, lets hope australia got all of these (or ill just change my wii region again!). This is a really REALLY good release!
Edit: Maybe the wii update in australia is slow, but we haven't got anything yet!! Is nintendo in australia about to have 6 angry nerds in glasses protesting outside?
Edit2: KawaiiPicachu is right! australia has a 1 hour delay, but we still got both!! HUZAH!
Suppose i should get this saying i got a rom before...
I was hoping for this before I moved! Earthbound next week would be a bonus.....
I wonder what the US will get on Monday.
Nintendo's probably saving this for the 250th game.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!111one.
Wooohooo! I hope we get DoReMi next VC update.
Very nice guys, very nice. (Embraces for impact of hoards of jealous/upset fellow US posters.)
No way, they release this just as I've spent all my points AND lost my Visa card so I can't buy any more
at last they have finally released super mario rpg its the first time that I have played it
GASP!!!!
I hate you guys.
Europe gets shafted all the time when it comes to game releases. It's good to see them get something before North America. With that being said, this game better be coming Monday.
If we don't get Mario RPG within the next two North American updates I will be seriously pissed. Congrats, though. You guys are in for one hell of an experience.
Ha-ha! I knew you Euro guys were going to get this first, and that was before I realised it was OFLC-rated only. I hope you guys enjoy it. I personally could care less about it, I'm not a big enough Mario fan to look past rather bland gameplay( from my standards at least).
@P. D4NG3R
Actually, EU does pretty good when it comes to VC releases, minus Axelay. Seriously, why isn't that game there yet?
Amazing! Can't wait to download it ;D
OMG...I am so happy for you guys!!!!
Wow....congratulations, folks. Wow....
@timp29
We Australians appears to get the new game an hour or 2 later then europeans even thru we are accessing the same servers & Adelaide time at least should get it at 10:00 AM half an hour away from the time of posting this .
Finally a game ive been waiting is out .
I i need to do now is decide what to deleta .
Don't worry i backed up everything to SD card .
Oh dear, I might have to hide from The Internet. With each passing week this doesnt come Monday the majority of North Americans are going to get really pissed. Although Im sure its coming in September....
Oh my Goc! I come home from a vacation and this is the news I see!
I hope North America will be getting this game very soon. I am happy for them. They never had a chance to play Super Mario RPG.
I expect North American gamers to whine even more now since Europe has Super Mario RPG.before they do.
I hope the 3rd Hanabi Festival continues because I want to see if their are any import tg-16 games being releases during the festival. It would give me an idea on what future tg-16 games that North America might be getting.
I don't think it's coming to NA any time soon, since Nintendo let the ESRB rating expire, or something like that.
We're not getting this game anytime soon.
So I hope people don't get their hopes up...
WTH?? I cant believe we've been let down yet again! I was expecting some realLy good games this week because of the festival and all we get is this crap, to hell with nintendo. lol im just kidding, an awesome week, cant wait to DL mario rpg
Hey, did SMB: The Lost Levels ever make to the PAL territories? If not, then this would be a perfect week for you guys, it was pretty good! Really, really hard though.
Holy crap!!!!!!! You guys got Lost Levels again! Hopefully you'll keep this time.
Oh and ... SMRPG...meh
Who knows when this game will make it to NA but I hope Europe enjoys Super Mario RPG since it'll be the first time the game's been released over there. It's a good-un that's definitely worth your Wii Points if you like RPGs and Mario.
I don't think it's coming to NA any time soon, since Nintendo let the ESRB rating expire, or something like that.
While that may have been true before, other games that left the ESRB came back. Im sure SMRPG already has come back in fact. I get the feeling that Nintendo is one of the heaviest supporters of hiding what games have been ESRB rated, so I expect it in September.
Just downloaded SMRPG because of all the hype you guys gave it. I'm enjoying it so far. But I like Paper Mario so I expected to like it anyway. Hope it comes to America on Monday.
Although I might add... where the heck is Sonic SMS? I wants it!!!!
Oh and Earthbound next week please... man I'm hard to please.
Wow i cant believe u guys got this game dang that came outta no where that was defentally under the radar. Now all i can hope is they release it in the US in the comin weeks.
@ Outrunner - You'll have to wait until the Hanabi festival is over.
Can somebody post the popular titles from an European country?
woahhhh!
Surprising!
WOW, the wait is over. I feel like this should cut out like a third of all VC related bitching and moaning...Oh, wait, not counting my fellow Americans. Anyways, I'll be skipping this one, still have two carts (probably should have sold one, too late now!) but its great to see a classic getting the light of day it deserves. Enjoy, all.
[edit] @Diablos79
LOL, yeah what a load of bull
I wonder how this Hanabi festival will affect the Wiiware/VC fortnightly cycle we seem to have in PAL lands.....
Surprised no Americans are complaining yet.
Congrats, fellow Europeans! You guys deserve this game.
I feel like this should cut out like a third of all VC related bitching and moaning...
You must be in some serious denial!
Hey, you think you'll get another late arrival? Maybe it'll be Earthbound this time! Or Ys, you people wanted Ys right? Or Shadow Dancer, well the hell is Shadow Dancer?!
@Storm101
Most people are convinced that because Europe got it, we'll be getting it soon after. I don't know why, usually when Europe gets something there's a very long wait until it reaches the States.
Huh? Wha...? Pfargtl?!? Nintendo got SquareEnix to agree to THIS? And, and, it's on VC, not DS... Is this a dream?
Gasp. This is a really pleasent suprise. I imagine I'll be downloading both of these later, once I've had some sleep.
And, dare I hope that Rondo of Blood could be released soon? This update is most pleasing.
I feel like this should cut out like a third of all VC related bitching and moaning...
Actually it'll probably cause it to triple.
Especially if the game doesn't come to America soon...
@Corbie
HAHA, could be. Maybe I'm just trying to will the bitching away. Y'know, the whole positive thinking thing.
But, it's true, there will always be more games to bitch about. I've already seen Earthbound mentioned like five times on this post.
@Final_Starman
It was already released in Japan, so we already knew it was coming to the VC at some point.
@lockelocke
Well, Earthbound is a really good game. Even Yahtzee liked it! I think it's warrented.
NOA counters attack by releasing Earthbound
We know thats not likely to happen though.
I wonder how NP voting thing is going to be like after Super Mario RPG is released here?
what a great week this has turned out to be
@Mickeymac
Oh yes, in fact its so good, that sometimes in my spare time, I pick up a Broken Bat and hit the streets looking for Spiteful Crows to beat down.
So this is a good sign... We should be getting RPG soon? And I had no idea we got Lost Levels first!
I wonder how NP voting thing is going to be like after Super Mario RPG is released here?
Simple.
1-Mother
2-Earthbound
3-Majora's Mask
4-Super Smash Bros
5-Yoshi's Island
Unless Chrono Trigger is still on it for whatever reason.
Its still on it because its not being released on the VC. Stupid, I know.
And I had no idea we got Lost Levels first!
Well..... we didnt. Europe had it first but it was taken down last October. This rerelease is for permanent.
Unless Chrono Trigger is still on it for whatever reason.
Why wouldn't Chrono Trigger be on the list....?
Does this mean Australia gets SMRPG too?
Becuz its being released for the DS.
Point being?
That just means SE will make money off the DS. By releasing Chrono Trigger on the VC after the DS version, they'll make money off the Wii too.
yep damn good week. first samurai shodown 4, king of fighters 98/99, metal gear solid, biohazard 2, einhander, last blade and now super mario rpg. now thats quite a week
@x.SuperMario.x
If they did that, then not only would they lose money on the rerelease, but future rereleases as well, since people would just wait for it to come to VC.
@AngelBlack187
Wait Europe got Einhander? And Last Blade?! Or did you just buy that yourself this week?
@ Mickeymac- Why do you insist on killing my dreams?
And if they release Chrono on the VC sometime next year, they'll already have made all the money they would've made on the DS.
So the VC game will pocket a few more bucks, and may even encourage people to buy it for the DS.
Because I, for one, would buy the DS game and download the VC game.
no, i got them of the ps3 japan store.
@Mickeymac post #38: You're right about that, for sure. Europe got Super Mario Picross a FULL YEAR ago and we still don't have it. Oh, well. That's not as important as SMRPG, and Nintendo will hopefully act accordingly (meaning releasing SMRPG, not making it wait even longer).
@Storm101 post #36: Didn't you notice Mr. Cheez, post #12, with his "GASP! I hate you guys!"? You don't call that complaining? I know what you mean, though. Overall, there's a lot less complaining so far than you might think. Just wait and see what happens if we don't get it on Monday, though. Probably break a record for angry posts or something. I'm willing to wait a little bit. I'm just glad the guys who never got to play a cartridge copy can play it now.
Einhander, now there's a good SHMUP
Except the DS and VC ones are exactly the same, I doubt people would get both, though you're right, if people are even somewhat interested, they'ed get the VC version. But still, they'd kill their profits from later rereleases, since everybody would just wait for the much-cheaper VC version, since their rereleases generally have very little additional content, most of which is unnecessary and disposable. Oh, and not trying to kill your dream, just don't want you to be disappointed.
Did you seriously get Einhander? Come on, all we got was Jeanne d'Arc, and I can get that cheaper at the store! Sony never gives NA anything good.
Oh man, I can't wait for this to reach the NA VC. I've been waiting so long and I've been saving my last 900 points for an occasion like this. Sadly, I'll need to move something for it to an SD card but it'll be worth it.
As disappointed as I am about not having gotten SMRPG here yet, I'm really happy that you guys across the pond are finally getting a chance to play this game after all these years. It may not be as challenging or as deep as other Square RPGs from that era, like FFVI or Chrono Trigger, but then again, few games have ever been as great as those two, but it's a still a very fun, charming, and polished experience that is instantly the best RPG option (well, IMO, anyway) available on the Virtual Console. I have a lot of great memories of that game and I hope you guys enjoy it too (and that we don't have to wait too long to get ourselves!).
Mickeymac same here in uk. the psn store sucks a"". the us one glows compared. its that bad here. but you can set up a japan psn store account easy if you want. just look it up on the internet. it explains how. then buy japanese store cards from playasia or ncsx. and use them the same way as wii points. the japanese are rolling in games. theirs hundreds of them. anyway im gonna shut up about ps3. back to mario
awww cant you just feel the love?
@AngelBlack187
Already have a Japanese account, and I'll try to see if I can grab a PSN card, thanks. Now back to Mario.
Well, I at the very least it got me to try RPGs like Chrono Trigger, Terranigma, and FF4, but by now, it pales in comparison. Even the other Mario RPGs are better. If you aren't into RPGs, go for it, I can't recommend it enough to you, but if you've played any other RPG before( minus PKMN and Paper Mario), then you'll probably will get bored with it very quickly.
Kudos to you guys, hopefully we get it in 2 weeks or atleast sometime September.
Hey, does this Hanabi Festival effect NA in any way? I was hoping for Final Soldier and Caslevania X: Rondo of Blood.
Not directly, though games being released during a hanabi festival generally means they're right around the corner in America.
Generally.
I'm happy for you guys and gals. Not only will Super Mario RPG satisfy a lot of people, Nintendo also did the right thing and made The Lost Levels available again. Great week.
Gahhh, I'm 100 points away from getting Lost Levels myself. Guess I'll just have to play the original to pass the time.
wait, what......I am surprised....In a good way
sniff This is almost historic. sniff
What's that I hear in the distance? The cheers of happiness? The music of Mario? It has to be, how can it not be--wait nevermind, it's just people crying out for Earthbound and Smash Bros.
Well, glad you guys got SMRPG over there. I can't say I think Lost Levels is a great rererelease (rerererelease if you want to add Super Mario All-Stars), but hey, that's just me and my hateful guts talking.
TOTALLY NOT COOL! ive been waiting and waiting and waiting for this game.....this is the first time in my life i wish i wasnt American
I guess its better than nothing....theres a good chance this will definetly come to america...right?
Did somebody say Einhander?
Jesus Christ that's awesome! Congrats! Now watch America whine and moan like we did with River City Ransom and Paper Mario!
Though to be frank, this game NEVER came out in Europe before, so I guess we got our just desserts, huh?
Einhander's a great game...don't need it on vc, though - already have it
Oh... my... God...
F***ING YES! YES YES YES YES YES!!!
SCREW GOING TO SLEEP! (Sets his Wii up and downloads IMMEDIATELY.)
When I theorised to myself that another Hanabi Festival might start today, I thought it was just wishful thinking. I DIDN'T KNOW I'D BE RIGHT!
I'm... so... happy, ;_;
Yes, and it goes for a pretty penny on Amazon( $50 was the lowest). Thankfully it's out on PSN, so anybody can get it for 6 measily dollars. It certainly sounds like a great game.
In any case, it's too bad it's night time in Europe, I was kind of hoping to hear what people thought about it before I went to bed.
I cant stand this anymore im moving to Europe lol i wish....
OMG!!!!!
FINALLY!!!!
Super Mario RPG
Is the only RPG for me
Also while we are at it.
I would also love before christmas this year these great RPG games
Final Fantasy 6 (FF3 USA)
Crono Trigger
Secret of Mana
I guess that is all.
@The Joker 72190
"I cant stand this anymore im moving to Europe lol i wish.."
Why so serious?
@ bb sting lmfao
well i guess we can only hope here in the us we will get mario rpg sometime in sept. if not this coming mon
Holy crap. Amazing week, Europe. I promise not to expect it immediantly but I still want SMRPG in NA soon. Let's say...by the end of September please. Then all we need is Earthbound, man! Wait, what if NA gets Earthbound and Europe has SMRPG (for now)? That'd be crazy!!
Wow, I didn't know that SMRPG never got released in Europe. Enjoy it, guys. It's one of my most favorite games. A little easy, though.
Ya know it figures. It's one of those things where I will probably go out within the next few days to buy Wii Points and expect SMRPG on monday, but it won't be there. Or I won't buy any Wii points and it will be there on monday, either way I lose.
By the way, I highly recommend SMRPG, as probably so does mostly everyone else who already posted. Seriously a great game.
It'd be nice if we got a few games before Europe. I don't begrudge them such a fine title to download but it's been a long time since the US did anything but play catch-up to the superior Europe line up. I'm not sure what happened but NOE grew a pair at some point and really started taking care of their customers. It'd be nice if NOA did the same. As it is, we'll have to wait as long for this one in NA as we did for Megaman after it's release in Europe, I predict.
@TBoneTony
As far as RPGs are concerned, all I want is Earthbound, Terranigma, Secret of Evermore, and Lunar: Silver Story. Although SMRPG would be nice too.
Edit: and Illusion of Gaia, even though it's more like Zelda.
Edit again: and Soul Blazer, it's just freakin' awesome!
Earthbound is also an Import game, so I hope to see it released. I'm buying SMRPG without a doubt, but I'll hold off on a points card until the festival is over, just in case
At least now Europe can stop with the We Don't have it Complaints and can now finally get to enjoy what Japan and USA liked about Super Mario RPG.
Next someone in USA will say Come on NOA release it already.As for me i am just happy that we got Mega Man.
Wow. Nice.
I want to be happy for you, but it is hard to overcome the jealousy
Have fun. This is one of my personal favorite games for sure.
Actually, we WONT be getting Earthbound. Our future releases are all things US has already:
Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa
Dig Dug
DoReMi Fantasy
Spelunker (WHY?)
As its all NES and SNES, why cant we get some Earthbound?
Nice surprise! A very nice completely new game for you! I do hope this means it'll come out anytime soon to US, I guess within the next year if Megaman is a reference
Excellent Mario week for you guys!
I'm surprised. When I first saw this topic, I looked twice because I thought this must really be a "games we want" thread, not an actual release. I guess VC can still (rarely) throw out a big game without warning.
@Ragnor
DoReMi Fantasy would be a good one. Too bad it's an import though, I'm just short of getting it myself.
Edit: Actually I was thinking about Bio Miracle, which is also good.
Holy crap! If only I checked this site sooner! Iv been wasting my time playing PC games all nite!! Rushing off to DL both now...
I've just immolated Croco, :3
Oh my Christ am I happy, <3
The button layout is fine. 'Run' is still in a bit of an arsey position (as on the SNES, it's Y, and 'Jump' is B, which isn't ideal on a GameCube controller), however, it's nowhere near as annoying as it is on Super Mario World.
Besides, IT'S SUPER MARIO RPG! I DON'T CARE!
I think I'll go and teach Mack a lesson before heading off to bed, >:3
WOOHOO!!!
I can't wait to read the review of SMRPG! There's a lot of stuff I wanted to know, albeit I did play the ROM, but only enough to get the feel before I moved on to more complex RPGs.
Edit: Wow, the moment I say that the review comes up! I'm surprised, I figured they would say that it didn't hold up quite as well, but in fact it's actually better now than it was then?
Awesome! I never played SMRPG before. But I only hear good things about it.
But those who think Chrono Trigger will be on VC can stop hoping. It's coming for the DS. So it would be stupid to also release it on VC since it would be just about the same game but for a cheaper price. So no CT on VC
I should have called in sick today...
It's gonna be a good weekend
damn, i bought metroid prime 3 yesterday so i don´t have any money left for SMRPG right now
It's about frikken time! It was wrong for NOE to tease Europeans by offering only a limited release, now they have realised that Europe has gotten the short end of the stick long enough!!!
Arrrrrrgg - Moving on to what is making me so jealous: I want SMRPG so bad I can taste it. I hope NOA don't wait over a year to give us this gem like they did with [cough] Megaman.
PS - Mario Picross would have been nice, also...
Oh no... if it was just SMRPG, I would have been puking my head off by now.
Thank God for The Lost Levels, in which I believe was taken off unfairly - I'm getting that as soon as possible before it gets taken down again!!
For the time being, I want to move to America to get away from this monstrosity of an RPG. I've stated my reasons for it, got bashed on reception, and I don't want to face that again
.@Rexy
I take it you don't like SMRPG, even though it was never released in Europe, so you probably haven't played it before.
Actually I did by emulation (as evil as that is, I had no choice). I was expecting something awesome like you guys were, so no surprises there. Yet, after facing quite a few RPG greats beforehand, I was sorely disappointed. To me it felt more like playing Final Fantasy Mystic Quest with Mario slapped onto it >.>
That's how I first played it, and I was impressed! But that was when I had played very few RPGs, and I was, of course, the intended audience. After I'd play a bunch of RPGs that far surpassed it, well, lets just say I haven't touched that Rom since.
@Rexy I respect your choice and ability to differ from the masses
@Article- Long shots to consider: usually when Europe/NA gets a game, the other gets it soon after (with exceptions); Ninty is saving it for No.250. (then earthbound at 300= NOOO!), SMRPG, while costing 900 pts in Japan and Europe MAY (but probably not) be cheaper (800) in NA. Why? In Europe, its import but it was released in Japan. Why 900 in Japan? Because 900 points=900 yen, which is close to US$8. GOOO Long-Shots~!
I shouldn't have talked so much about RPGs, now I want to play one, but I don't really have any! Also, our PSN conversation lead to realize that NA got Jeanne d'Arc today, which I have wanted for a long time. I can't get of course, so I checked Amazon, and after typing in the search, and a bunch of great RPGs come up. Now I'm overwhelmed by the urge to play an RPG! I guess I'm going to have to play that SMRPG rom again after all.
Note for September: BUY WIIPOINTS - EPIC!
If one's overwhelmed by the urge to play an RPG, I think Final Fantasy 6 would be my move personally - possibly one of my favorite games of all time (and the ROM is also equally accesible for that too if one doesn't have it). It's a shame it had to be one of the last great Final Fantasies and all
A very good release indeed! I predict that NoE will continue their every other week system. Next week will give us some WW and the week after that will give us DoReMi and DigDug or Bio Miracle. In that way they will be able to extend the Hanabi over a longer time.
Talking of the latter, I am SO excited over the prospect of Bio Miracle appearing on European shores - it better come in this week's festival! That's the moment I'm personally appreciating the most, as insane as it sounds
@Rexy
Actually, I hated Final Fantasy VI. The story was pretty dull, in my opinion(I love steampunk, but I'm sick of those evil empire stories), and even on the fastest setting the gameplay was too slow and frustrating, and there wasn't enough emphasis on exploration as I'd like, with dugeons that were too linear. I thought FF4 was much better.
@Jon
Personally I'd want DoReMi Fantasy( well for you guys to get, anyways). Bio Miracle looks great, but DoReMi has a certain charm to it that is irresistable! I think you could do without Dig-Dug, though.
Each to their own, so I appreciate what you're saying. Mind you, when you mention "slow and frustrating battles" the PS1 FFs keep coming to mind for me more often than not...!
They have put up that 4 more games are defiantly coming but none are Earthbound.
@Rexy
I'll remember to avoid them, like I have been for years. They must get worse every time, because I doubt they could do worse than 12( they had to bottom out eventually).
In any case, I decided to play Paper Mario instead. Maybe it's just the nostalgia, but I think PM was the perfect game. SMRPG? Puh-lease.
Edit: That lasted 5 minutes. I forgot I'm stuck fighting Kent Koopa. I guess I have to play SMRPG now.
Who-oooo! Yes I love Nintendo, you are the greatest thing since ummm... ever!
WTF? I haven't awaited this game being available before September... EVEN BEFORE AMERICA DOES!!!!
Damn, I hope this game isn't that big, so that I can buy Toki Tori too...
And finally we got SMB2:LL back! But it's a pity to see only new game for me this week, but since this game is great I won't blame Nintendo... Okay, I could complain about not haveing Earthbound yet to feed the Troll
I guess the following weeks we will get Maboshi (Wiiware Import), hopefully DoReMi, Bio Miracle and Dig Dug I guess. Hopefully we also get Earthbound, but it ahsn't been rated so I guess it won't And I guess they won't throw out Wiiware Games, that's why they started a half month earlier. Because of stillö alternating weeks
Good timing, as I got my brand new debit card only just yesterday...
Goes to Wii, uses new debit card to get Wii Points, downloads SMRPGSorry I was out! I just went to feed my goldfish...
What a surprise, Super Mario RPG,
I can hear the Hallelujah Chorus
Kinda odd to me how the USA, one of the onley regions to get Super Mario RPG, is the last one to get it for VC. (And yet there's still no news of when, or IF it even reaches our VC.) Seems latelly alot of good games are coming to the USA VC late, I wonder why. (Probilly not selling well.)
@ 122. Mickeymac: It is actually possible to get stuck on Paper Mario? Whoo-boy this is gonna be a long day at work before getting to go home (shut my phone) and DL SMRPG. 7 hours left....
Yes, that Kent guy is hard! Nothing seems to work on him either!
yeah, i too played the rom a while ago. i remember finding the bow and arrow boss to be tough.
Prediction on Monday: Ys book I&II and Samurai Shodown 2
Monday after Next: Some random NES game and SMRPG - 250th. People and their hatred for PSOne and PS2 Final Fantasy games. Personally my favorite FF games are: FFVIII, FFIV, FFX, FFIII, and FFVII. I'm glad that Europe finally got SMRPG. theory - Europe has had Vectorman for around a year now, so the US will get Vectorman soon. Then once Europe has had SMRPG for a year, US than will finally get it (Really hope I'm wrong).
I played recently on the VC and found it to be extremely easy (didn't die once), but I guess it helps me that I killed everything I saw and thus I was levelled up. Also it might not hurt that I finished the much harder sequel on the GameCube earlier.
I was right with my expectations, except for two games: Earthbound won't be released, but Spelunker therefore.
DoReMi will be a download for me, if my save allows it, Toki Tori reduced me to 72 blocks left
Damn I just relaized 80% of my games are imports
I was extremely surprised when I saw this up on Aussie-Nintendo. I had a feeling we'd see SMRPG sometime during September (wasn't gonna get my hopes up...), but then, this happened. Hooray!
@Bendover83
To each their own. Personally, the PSOne games were the reason I stayed away from the series for so long. I have a short attention span, and if it takes more than 3 seconds between each attack, I'm not even going to bother. I'll try FFX though, as long as you can skip the cutscenes. FF12 was fundamentally broken, though. A game that plays itself? No thanks.
In any case, I predict that we'll get Samurai Shodown II and DoReMi Fantasy this monday.
Being almost lost for words, I can only say that Super Mario RPG IS what I have been waiting for, besides Secret of Mana and some other pearls of course. And that more people will be able to enjoy the difficulty of Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels is also fun.
Thanks Nintendo, for finally bringing the masterpiece that is Super Mario RPG
Mickeymac: Ya, FFXII was retarded. "Hey y don't I walk up to these enemies and watch and see who wins without pressing a button." I'm also one of very few people who liked FFVIII more than VII. Another to each their own thing.
the points i've been keeping for Ys 1 & 2, which at first were supposed to go for this one, will be well spent today ^^.
I am sooooo happy! =D
I had just been playing some Persona 3 this night and thought I could just look at what VC-games that had came out. And to my surprise I sat in my sofa and screaming "Yes! Yes!" (but in swedish, of course).
This is really really great!
I love you, Nintendo. =)
What the Heck.....?
Whow! I go to the site, dont know what comes for Games and now this! I must go immediatly to buy Wii Points! Mario RPG is whow!
One of my favorite Games!
THX Nintendo
Bur Why we get The Lost Levels again?
Does anybody know about the Game Alcahest by Square Enix?
This is my favorite Import Game!
I just had to. =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiapRKY9rpY
Oh fantastic. This is awesome stuff, i'm really pleased. Thank you NOE, for finally realizing two mistakes.
1: Not giving us Super Mario RPG before now
2: Putting The Lost Levels on here permanently
I bet people are seriously gonna hope for Earthbound, i am. I would say Rondo of Blood but it seems to be games just for Nintendo consoles currently.
wow, what a wonderful surprise !
The confirmed games for the rest of the Hanabi (according to the announcement on the Wii Shop) will be:
Dig Dug (NES)
Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa (NES)
Spelunker (NES)
DoReMi Fantasy (SNES)
^Is it possible that we get more games besides that?
Bombshell update, had me chokin' on me morning porridge! Still, since it's Hanabi 'n' all, I'm going to stick to my points to see what the coming weeks bring...
Edit: Ho, I see. Hopefully we'll get some extra's with those imports, or it will mean we have two VC weeks with two games alternating the WW releases.
Well I still think Samurai Shodown 2 and Y's will come out this monday. But I will bet SuperMario RPG will in the US in September. I don't think it will take like a year or anything.
Once Earthbound and SMRPG come out what will people post about?
@148: Probably Adventures of Bayou Billy or something like that. Oh, and Final Fantasy, of course.
I'm getting a points card soon to buy SMRPG. It can't come soon enough. Oh well, Wii Fit arrives tomorrow for me, so i can wait. I can honestly say that i didn't expect another Hanabi Festival so soon considering the time between the last two.
why don't you just use your debit card? i'm using my visa electron just fine. and i'm thinking maybe we'll get a VC game next week along with our regular WiiWare games and the other three games the week after. And possibly Apocalypse, doubtful though.
@Apocalypse: We didn't the last time. I guess the first time we got some unexpected games, but those weren't great ones, so don't expect Great Games like Earthbound.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure we get Maboshi too, which hasn't been announced, since it's not really an Import, I guess. Maybe we'll even get it fully translated
@Tony: "Once Earthbound and SMRPG come out what will people post about."
Anything that they can think of thats not out yet.
250th - SMRPG, 300th- Earthbound, 350th- Majora's Mask
400th- Mario is Missing...?!?!? Ha.
"The confirmed games for the rest of the Hanabi (according to the announcement on the Wii Shop) will be:
Dig Dug (NES)
Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa (NES)
Spelunker (NES)
DoReMi Fantasy (SNES)"
All games America got months ago...
Looks like the wait for Earthbound will continue...
If Nintendo has announced four new titles, I'd expect two in two weeks and the other two in four weeks. They're starting Hanabi Festival 3 in August rather than September probably due to WiiWare taking up every other week, 'cos it looks like it's on a six-month rota (September/March).
(EDIT: Ignore that, it was in May - completely blanked on that.)
Will this be the last Hanabi Festival? Or is it possible that there are more to come?
Fantastic that we're getting DoReMi finally, I've wanted it for ages! ;D
Joy of joys, we got SMRPG (If, you know, you didn't realize from the news story and the other 157 comments).
I won't be getting the game as I find RPG's rather boring, but I'm still glad that Nintendo still have some liking for Europe!
Thanks Nintendo. Although I don't know when I will be downloading SMRPG... I would definitely rather see Secret of Mana or some such thing, but that is out of their power reach at the moment I guess. But, I am glad Mario 2 is out for good this time. I remember that on the SNES All Stars. Was much more difficult than the sooooooooooo easy original. So that makes Mario 2 reasonably hard. Good.
I have the odd feeling that NA will get Shining Force 2 Monday... I don't know why... but I do. Call it a gut feeling.
Congrats on getting RPG and the lifting of the limited time limit to download lost levels. That was completly bogus.
Everyone, seriously, dont get your hopes up for such a near NA release. Its possible that SMRPG will be 250...but what was No.200, anyway? And No.100 was reserved for...Zelda II? WTF
@Mickeymac My favorite FF from 1-12 is X ( i dislike 12 as well) but I dont think you can (Nor will you want to) skip the cutscenes. But you actually do combat, instead of watch it like in 12.
@spacebooger
I don't know Y's is back in Hudson's website for Monday 8/25. So I guess we'll have to wait and see
AMAZIN' What a pleasant surprise from NoE (...see you in another 6 months!). I've been waiting ages on these games to arrive on VC (or to re-arrive in the case of the Lost Levels - bad Nintendo).
Despite my eager anticipation, I must admit I haven't previously played either of them. So if they suck I will hold everyone here responsible!
Can anyone answer a question for me please? When you download a game on VC, can you download an electronic version of the user guide / manual to explain the game / controls etc.? If so, how or where? Thanks.
As this turned out to be a discussion which Final Fantasy is the best I'm gonna give my two cents. In my opinion VIII is the best (and I know it is not a popular one). I just love the plot, Squall is the so damn cool, limit breaks are the best ever and Triple Triad kicks ass. IX is the second best, then VII, VI, IV and so forth. I find that a lot of people over evaluate the SNES ones, I mean they are really good games and we have fond memories of them, but nowdays they really are not that enjoyable to play.
X is absolute carbage - Tidus is the most annoying videogame character ever, it has very poor voice acting, poor and very confusing plot and worst of all it is linear (that is not what Final Fantasy or RGP's in general are about). XII is bad, but it has it's moments.
3,43 hours till Mario pleasure begins...sight...
@ Bristol Red:
Yeah, you download an electronic manual when you download a VC game (note that the manual for WiiWare games can only be found on the Wii Shop Channel for some reason...); just press the Home button and you should see it. ; )
I'm still super excited that SMRPG was released today, it was so unexpected. = D
@164. Bristol Red: Yes you get an electronic manual with every game on the VC.
@ Mario maniac:
Thanks for this. I'll give it a go now that you've confirmed it will be there. Cheers!
@ William - The games are here to stay. It says so in a press release Nintendo of Europe sent out.
If Nintendo ever do relase extra memory for the Wii, do you think they could offer a download for anyone who has SMB, SMB:LL, SMB 2, SMB 3, and maybe SMW, and somehow merge them into one channel, with improved graphics, and presnt it as Super Mario All-Stars, to save memory space? the download could be about 400 points. Or would this be un-nesserserry?
I have many of the other Mario RPGs, and although this looks great, I am low on money, and will maybe download it at a later time. i just hope it will not be limited edition!
God I sound so neardy!
ZOMG!!!!! best surprise update ever. Glad The Lost Levels has finally been put up and for indefinitely. And SMRPG? this is too much. Its only two games but who cares
I doubt NA will get SMRPG on Monday so here's to hoping Ys Book I & II will finally be released this Monday. Come on Nintendo, don't mess this up now.
I enjoyed the game, despite the ridiculously awful intro.
Drink deep the gaming goodness, oh continent of Europe.
Well arent you special.
Even if it does hit the US though I dont have any wii points.
Is anyone else finding it impossible to actually get onto the wii shop channel because it keeps timing out? The internet connection's fine but the channel seems to be getting so many users its currently impossible for me to download super mario rpg!!
I don't care so much for Mario RPG. Why can't we get Axelay? It pisses me off.
(P.S. Einhänder sucks! I'm selling my copy of it
You figure if this game, MM2 and MM9 arrive in the US in September its going to be a pretty good month. Maybe we'll get some imports like Gradius 2
"Pretty good" sounds like an understatement. Three highly anticipated videogame titles makes it more of an explosive week for gaming, unless of course like with Megaman 1's relase on Monday, we're most likely to get a few complainers because Megaman 2 "was already on a collection".
But let me put it this way. If you think SMRPG, MM2 and MM9 together is "pretty good", then what would you think would be "so awesome you'd skive off work for weeks on end"?
@Psyduck: They have some legal problems in Europe.
You can get it by changing your region to Australia, but remember that your Wii points will get lost. The best would be getting a credit card, changing region (in your Wii of course) to Australia, buying 1000 Wii points from the Wii shop, buying Axelay, changing back and losing 200 Points (or buy a 2000 Points card and buy two 600 Point games or Sin&Punishment (only 1200 points game so far) )
@Rexy: Afair that was only me (haven't read all the comments), and I was just joking around. Many complained about Metal Slug and Samurai Shodown being bad releases because they are already on a collection but asking badly for MM1 and 2 although it's completely the same, with the difference of a button switch. I just wanted them to taste their own medicine
Unlike the nay sayers in this forum, I find this release to give me more hope for a North American release sooner than later. I mean in Mega Man and Vectormans case, we got those games recently on compilation discs but Europe didn't. Also Japan only recently got Mega Man as well so I really think that was a special circumstance. There is no reason that Mario RPG shouldn't show up sometime in September, if not sooner.
Yeah, but let's look at it this way. When was the last time that us Europeans/Australians received something really special in the VC release roster? Nintendo's strategy is usually to do these kind of releases sparodically and usually tend to go for the bigger hitters out of desperation. Since you got Mega Man 1 last week, and with Mega Man 9 looming on the horizon, I wouldn't necessarily predict a this-Monday stateside release though I can predict seeing it coming at least in the next few weeks.
@Rapadash6: Sooner than September?
(Looks at calendar)
Is that possible?
still, i think given the choice, i'd rather have earthbound than super mario rpg.
Awesome!! Im not really into RPGs besides zelda, but Im happy about the lost levels coming back. I found the original SMB hard, i dont know how my controller is gonna survive this lol
With regards to the Final Fantasy discussion, may I first point out that declaring which game is the 'best' is stupid, as you're making out as though what you say is fact, when it's just an opinion.
My FAVOURITE Final Fantasy game is VI, just because it's aesthetically pleasing, it has characters you actually give a damn about, the character diversity is good (as opposed to SOME Final Fantasy games #coughXandXIIcough#), and there's a lot to do outside of the main quest (especially if you're playing the GBA remake).
The other podium places probably go to IX and V. IX because it's the ONLY 3D Final Fantasy game that returns to the SNES formula, and it works FANTASTICALLY, and V because I heart job systems and V's is beautiful in its simplicity. Plus, V's plot rawks, :3
As for SMRPG, I'm not saying that those who hate on it can't do so, as that would be stupid, but after reading all of the negative comments regarding it, it kinda' makes me feel bad for liking it. I mean, it's fair enough to not like it, but to make the people who do like it feel bad for liking it kinda' sucks, =/
Now that I've got my precious SMRPG, I'm not sure what to look forward to next on the VC, so I guess I'll just leave it be and see what crops up, =D
And for anyone who's interested, I've just entered Rose Town, :3
Everyone in Europe shold DL SMB:LL before it's too late again. Oh and congratulations.
no, they said on the page that it won't be taken down again.
Aye, the announcement in the Wii Shop Channel for this Hanabi Festival specifically stated that The Lost Levels is here to stay, as is everything else that is released.
@Lynx, comment #185: Nah, I'm not making you feel bad at all. People have opinions, and we aren't meant to shunt each other into the pits of oblivion, aren't we? It happens with pretty much every game in existance - I don't think there's a single one in which everyone loves or everyone loathes (ok, maybe except for Minesweeper, but that's not the point).
The point at hand is that people should appreciate what they want to appreciate, criticise what they want to criticise, and that they have the freedom to do so. Heck, I feel free enough by stating that I prefer Shimomura's works with the Kirby series over Sakurai's, but that surely won't bring down the fans of those that love Adventure, Superstar and the like.
Still, this is what's going to happen. If you love SMRPG, then fine, play it through. If you don't like it, don't play it, and if you feel the need to criticise at least state a decent reason other than bashing everyone that do like it. True gaming means freedom on what you want to play, not what people are forcing you to play.
I hate Minesweeper...
Wow wow, I didn´t see that one coming! Seems like Nintendo´s playing "good cop" with Samurai Shodown II recently and now this! Getting real short of storage now, but I´m not whining because this is AWESOME!
Dang i knew this was going to get flooded with comment and congrats EU.
Well, after that Final Fantasy discussion, my head hurts. I think at this point I just want an RPG that doesn't have so much G-D damned thinking involved. Bring on Super Mario RPG!
@ Rexy for me personally
The games that would make an awesome month would be Vectorman, Dracula X, Mario Allstars, Pro wreslting, Super Monico GP, Mario Kart, Contra Hard Corps, Castlevania Bloodlines.
I would have to take a third job just to keep up with the buying Wii points. Also I am not an RPG fan, so they don't float my boat to much. And yes I have played some of the big titles like KOTR
Any yes I too loathe minesweeper:)
An eight-game month would be impossible to see, but yeah, I'm down for Dracula X and Super Mario Kart at least I can see your understanding on the issue loud and clear.
AAHG! I need this! Bad NOE! Okay, actually I'm glad. US will get it eventually.
I know I will get bashed, but my fav. FF game was mystic quest...there I have said it..let the bashing commence.
The best European release since Mario World!! Blimey two Mario games in One week and all thanks to Hanabi. I hope America get this soon, if NOE are to be really clever they could release a guide book for us please? Today it feels like my Birthday, Thank-You Nintendo.
Good to see the Lost Levels make a return for you guys; it is so stupid that Nintendo got rid of it to begin with. I pray SMRPG comes out on Monday.
200!
If Nintendo gives us some tripe like Super Pitfall, World Heroes 2, or Digital Champ this coming Monday, I'm gonna hire a sniper to assassinate whoever's in charge of the American VC release schedule.
But I'm confident that we'll get SS II or some other quality title that day. And I hope you guys are enjoying SMRPG and The Lost Levels. Why did they get rid of them in the first place?
As for Einhander mentioned a little further up, I barely know anything about it, except that it's a side-scrolling sh'mup. What system is it on? Just curious.
@Rexy. Yeah, Minesweeper kinda sucks. Solitaire FTW!
Brave of you to say that, seeing as it's possibly one the least popular games in the entire Final Fantasy Franchise.
@Everyone who's mentioned Minesweeper.
It does suck. I prefer Solitaire. I heard there is a WiiWare Solitaire game being made.
Maybe you North Americans will have to wait twelve years to see Super Mario RPG on VC!
@spacebooger - I hope you are right!
@mr cheez - einhander is a ps1 game
@Terranigma. That's dumb. Why would anyone pay money and waste storage space on a game they can easily play on any MS computer for free? <Cocks eyebrow in sarcastic fashion.>
Edit: Then again, given all the people who throw money away on crap like SPOGS and Pong Toss, I could sell.
@Mr. Cheez
Well exactly. I researched further just now and discovered that while there is one, it's a Japan exclusive. What about the rare few who don't have a computer but have a Wii? What about them? They'd buy it
I just bought it and it is and it is great(even though i dont normally like rpgs that much)
In the voice of Moe Sizlack as he checks what new games have been released for VC this week: WHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!???!?!?!???!!
@ Kelvin
I would fear for NOA's safety at that point:)
We wonder what happens the following weeks - Surely, if the Hanabi Festival continues, the next week will have Virtual Console games as well instead of WiiWare games? Only time will tell!
Didnt you read the update... it said in the next weeks: Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa and DoReMi Fantasy: Milon’s DokiDoki Adventure are coming in a few weeks...
I can honestly say that i don't think many people would have guessed that Europe got this before the US. STill, i'm gonna bask in the VC glow for now.
Wow i didn't see that comming...
A "VERY" good week!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i want my super mario rpg
Out of the FFs my fave would be IV, followed by VI, V, II, I, III, then VIII. But I never really played VIII that much ( didn't get much farther than early disc 2) because it was on the PS that I got around a year ago and haven't used much. If it was playable on the DS like all the earlier releases I would've played more. Last thing FF related, personally I think VI is a liitle overglorified, it's an excellent game but I don't see it as a top 10 videogame like many lists.
Anyways I'm guessing on Monday were getting Ys I&II, alongside SS2.
@Terranigma: Actually, Will predicted it (if somewhat jokingly) a while ago. He claimed he'd laugh if Europe got it first, and yet hasn't mentioned it here. Guess he's too busy enjoying the game this time. But I sort of believed him, even though I don't know why. Still, he was right! And after a 12 year wait to play it at all, I'd say it was more than fair.
And why does everybody hate FFXII so much? I thought it was a great game, and I spent a total of almost 200 hours doing absolutely EVERYTHING in the game! I also really like X (I don't understand ANY of the bad things people have said about it here) and IV. I've done relatively little with the rest (except 1 & 2, which obviously aren't "Favorite" material at all).
Back to Mario. SMRPG may be kinda simplistic, but it's still one of my favs, and I play a range of RPG's that goes all the way to Disgaea. Also, I can't believe anyone would compare SMRPG to FF:MQ. At least Mario has a good story and characters you can care about!
Mystic Quest was awful.
That's all I really have to contribute. I'd just like to see this thread bumped to 300 replies.
"@Terranigma: Actually, Will predicted it (if somewhat jokingly) a while ago. He claimed he'd laugh if Europe got it first, and yet hasn't mentioned it here. Guess he's too busy enjoying the game this time. But I sort of believed him, even though I don't know why. Still, he was right! And after a 12 year wait to play it at all, I'd say it was more than fair."
Wahey! cant believe you remembered that! And yes, there was and is much laughter today! Big smile face! (sticks thumb to nose, waves fingers and blows raspberry in westernly direction)
Just my luck. I sit on 1900 points for two months, complaining about the lack of SMRPG. Then I spend all my points (Zelda, Zelda II, and Super Metroid) and six days later SMRPG hits Europe. Hopefully it won't be Japan all over again where North America waits yet another few months for this game.
@ Digiki: Actually, I always thought that FFVI was *under*glorified. Everyone just faps over FFVII, =/
(Not that FFVII isn't awesome, but it's HIGHLY overrated.)
In the Forest Maze. WHAT A TUNE! <3
@Stuffgamer1, comment 215: I have my reasons for comparing it to Mystic Quest, and it's not my way of disregarding it completely. Both games are classified "Beginner's RPGs", with simplistic plots, underdeveloped characters (maybe except for Mallow, but Geno's backstory was almost non-existant and was there for the point of being "cool", and the Smithys? I can't see them as decent villains without any kind of motive to capture Bowser's castle to begin with), short completion times and little level grinding. That's how I saw the resemblance.
@Lynx, comment 219: I hear you, I don't understand why people like FFVII so much - the graphics aren't that great, the battle system is much slower than on the SNES incarnations, and I can't really associate with any of the characters at all. Plus, Kefka is a way better villain than the tool that is Sephiroth
Congratulations Europe for finally getting this game. But I do have to admit I am very jealous. Since this game was released so late in the SNES life the best I ever did get to do was rent this game before I sold off my SNES. I really hope that this game gets released next week on the VC here in North America or soon. I doubt it though but one can only hope. Once again though congratulations.
What sucks though is I have been sitting on 1900 points since Feburary finally lose hope for Super Mario RPG and downloaded Star Poldier (sorry if I spelt it wrong). Not that I dislike the game its a ton of fun but this screws up my points now. I should've waited and I want to get Mega Man 9 on Wiiware instead of on PSN.
Oh, congrats EU! I personally love SMRPG, but I feel some of you may be disappointed, especially those of craving deeper RPG fare. The soundtrack for the game, however, composed by the superb Yoko Shimomura, is well worth playing through the game for. Definitely in my Top Five favorite video game soundtracks
... And please, please, please let this be released in the US soon, in any format... I know I rant on here many weeks about leaving the past behind and discovering new games instead of craving games you've already played... But I could really use me some SMRPG game time! I guess I could hook up my Super to play it... But that would be too easy now wouldn't it?
@Stuffgamer1: I also liked XII. I liked building a party of strong characters to tear through a pseudo MMORPG landscape, leaving nothing but money and spoils in my wake. I also thought the attention to detail in environments and graphics is second to none on the PS2, not to mention the refreshingly political story... Rather than some whining piddly mess about emotional, hollow characters , or destroying some world religion. The only FF I dislike is II. VII is overrated, and VIII was cool, but the Junction system is too micromanage-y for me
Oh look at that; Already talking about SMRPG and FF! Sorry folks!
@Offtopic: Yeah, I liked Minesweeper, but Hexmines is way better (it uses hexagons instead of squares, which feels more natural for some reason). Solitaire is über boring, but my mother and my fiance both love it.
@Rexy: I know you hate SMRPG and think it is lame, but the Paper Mario series is really the only rpg series that I have ever enjoyed at all. I have tried the NES Zeldas and Final Fantasies (on ROMs), and couldn't figure out what to do to save my life. Once I picked up Ocarina of Time (the only game of all time that recieved a "perfect 10" on IGN) on my N64 and felt it was a chore to play (I got as far as the boss in the Doku Tree), so I sold it back. I tried SMRPG (on an emulator) for a couple of hours and loved it (got to the part where you meet the chancellor), then I accidentally lost my savRAM by hitting the RESUME STATE key. It had all of the genius, charm, and Square brilliance that "Mario&Luigi: Superstar Saga" didn't. And the battle system in "Partners in Time" is practically broken. So for somebody that loved both the Paper Marios, but who finds most RPGs (both modern and old) too complex to understand and hard to play, SMRPG is just the perfect game.
I'm not saying that I find it "lame" or anything, but I'm just confused over how it ended up with a lot of acclaim for being - as I stated above - a "Beginner's RPG". You stated it right there - those that aren't too much into the genre would have room to appreciate it, and I would agree with you there. But with Square selling a huge number of RPG titles like pineapples on the beach, how is it even possible for the softer-core titles to gain more acclaim?
Seriously mind blowing news, I guess Earthbound really IS coming out here! I finally get a chance to play it!
As good as Super Mario RPG is, I think I'll just stick with my trusty snes version for now-I played the game just way too many times already! You got to love the Axem Rangers.
I wonder if Terranigma will ever be released conversely on the US VC market...?
@Rexy: It got acclaim not because it was, as you claim, a "beginner's RPG," but because of the unique things it did at the time, some of which haven't really been duplicated since. First off, it has Mario. That's already enough to make a lot of people love it. It has the timed button press system. I may be wrong, but as far as I know, Mario RPG's (SMRPG, Paper Marios, and Mario & Luigis) are the only RPG's to have this feature. It makes the battles more interesting than your average RPG. It also has a good story, perhaps not in the sense of the depth you want, but definately in the comedy factor. Too many RPG's take themselves a bit more seriously than they really need to, and SMRPG was one of the first big ones to dare to be funny. Plus, it does have amazing music.
I kinda agree about Geno, though. First thing I get Bowser on my team, he's outta there, and I don't look back. But Smithy's the kind of villian who needs no reason to do evil. He just does it. And I think he's kinda cool.
Points taken with the appeal through Mario, the button presses and the music (even though I still think Yoko's best SNES work was Live-A-Live). I understand the attempt for pulling in RPGs to the masses with ways to get people into the genre. Yet, I find it hilarious that SMRPG succeeded while FFMQ failed.
Concerning Smithy though, villains that do things "for the sake of it" tend to get my goat as it makes it feel as if they were just randomly thrown in, if you know what I mean. All I can see that was going for Smithy and his gang was their resemblance to weapons - sure, they may look intimidating, but I can't remember many scenarios when they fought intimidatingly at the same time. I'd rather see this as one of the many ways that Square started to lose its cool during the 90s. o_O
FFMQ failed because it was a stinky game with far less of a story than SMRPG, no lovable characters at all, and significantly less interesting gameplay (and far stinkier graphics, if you care about that sort of thing). I don't see as SMRPG's success where FFMQ should be hilarious at all. It makes perfect sense. One thing that always helps is knowing your audience. Nintendo and Square hit pure gold with SMRPG because it was the best for almost everybody. There really don't seem to be as many naysayers as there are fans, and there's a good reason for that. If you don't like it, that's okay. I wouldn't delude myself into thinking it was the universally great game. I just can't stand it being compared to utter trash like Mystic Quest.
@mayhem64
It's always a possibility but nothing about a potential release has come to light yet. I certainly hope it gets released. I wonder why it got released in Europe and Australia but not America. It's usually the other way round. Anyhow, lets hope that's not the case for if it does get a VC release
Well, when you base a game around Mario, you can't let it become too dark due to the fact that then it becomes uncharacteristic of the franchise. I agree that SMRPG is more of an 'entry level' RPG, but it's definitely less of one than Mystic Quest, which quite literally spoon-fed you everything (then again, despite the fact that I'll probably be stoned for this, I actually find Mystic Quest to be quite a fun little RPG to play).
What does it for me with regards to SMRPG is just the overall look and feel of the game. Sure, it's nowhere near as deep as any of the Final Fantasy games, but it was great to see a well-built RPG based around a series of characters that we all know and love already. After all, it not being revolutionary doesn't stop it from being well-built, =P
The graphics are lovely, especially when you take into consideration what console this was originally for, and the dialogue is witty and zany enough to lure out a laugh or two every now and then.
I think the main problem people have is that they're looking for a serious RPG to play, and so when they see that this isn't such an RPG, they ignore it and go for something else. However, if you're just looking for a game which is well-made and fun to play, then this game is definitely a champion choice. It all depends on whether you want to play a game for fun, or to become embroiled in a deep plot. There's nothing wrong with either, but that, as I see it, is where this game stands.
BTW, I'm lost in the Forest Maze, XD
I keep following Geno but then he disappears, =S
And I don't want to use an FAQ, 'cause I'd feel dirty, XD
I do however understand that it is meant to be a very light hearted franchise, so I appreciate it there. However it doesn't mean it can't have its darker moments here and there - the Paper Mario series at least had a few from what I can recall. Thus, l feel a better combination of such moments would do a better job at preventing alienation of certain gaming parties here, taking the setting into account of course.
Paper Mario has certainly had it's darker moments, particularly in Super Paper Mario
I can't wait until NA gets SMRPG!!!
@Danieru Lynx
Well I was talking about critical aclaim when I said VI was overglorified, but you are right about VII being overglorified by lots of gamers
I actually think SMRPG outs most "serious" PRG:s when it comes to characters and dialogue. While many RPG:s just hand us the cliche´s, SMRPG adds personality to characters that never even had any! (Mario games are seldom centered around story).
It´s good that Square added own elements to the Mario universe (Geno, Malon), I miss those things in Paper Mario N64 which limits itself to using enemies as (rather dull) side characters.
@That Guy from Faxanadu
Totally agree with you. I remember playing Paper Mario and thinking who cares what characters get added to my party, they seem so bland. Also, RPG had great dialogue, "Princess Peach your eyes are leaking."
@Rexy
To tell you the truth, I hate RPG's except for the Paper Mario series. I hate the whole "you hit me and then I'll hit you formula". Everyone goes on and on about the Final Fantasy series, but those games are in my opinion boring. I also hate all of the Metroidvania games in the Castlevania series except for SOTN. I wish we could have a pre-IGA game from the NES or SNES era made for WiiWare. I love the 3 Paper Mario games, and I know I would love SMRPG. Please come out on Monday, no more Neo Geo games Nintendo, if for just one week.
I reckon Next week we'll get DoReMi and Spleunker. What do you guys think will be released, granted that the festival isn't interrupted by WiiWare only weeks.
I actually enjoyed Super Paper Mario just because it toned down the RPG elements. That was an excellent game too!
Super Paper Mario, while decent, actually wasn't much of a proper RPG but more like some kind of glorified explorative platformer. I would have thought The Thousand Year Door was the cream of the crop concerning Mario RPGs anyway, but what do I know...?
Anyway, next week (fortnight?) Nintendo would attempt to throw in some sour grapes with Spelunker, that's for sure (how that ended up on the shortlist is beyond me, lol). Since most people around here aren't very crazy on arcade ports, Dig Dug would most likely come alongside it. And then there'll be people screaming their heads off for Earthbound, in which we might not get for a long time.
.Still, if you guys are wanting SMRPG to arrive in the states, then so be it. Besides, once it arrives, the weekly bitchfests concerning the releases on either side of the pond will finally get to calm down, or so I think.
I think the whole "bitchfest" thing has been vastly exaggerated recently.
Nobody on here is hating on Europe because they finally have the game.
Just whenever something happens to one region, people make the assumption the other side will riot endlessly.
As for Super Mario RPG, a majority of people like it, including myself.
Certain views or opinions won't change my mind, no matter how often they're brought up.
And I look forward to playing this game whenever it comes to North America.
"And then there'll be People screaming their heads off for Earthbound, in which we might not get for a long time"
Maybe we won't get it soon but it would be brilliant if we did. It is the right timing but personally, i reckon that (assuming Nintendo have no surprises in store) we will have to wait until Hanabi IV. Same for (i Want This badly, have got Arena) Custom Robo V2 if there ever decide to release it on the European/American VC. Although, seeing that it's been Nintendo games then Sega/Hudson Games and Nintendo Games again, NOE might do a Hanabi Pattern and we'd have to then wait for Hanabi V for Earthbound
@ MaxPlastic #222: "I also thought the attention to detail in environments and graphics is second to none on the PS2, not to mention the refreshingly political story... Rather than some whining piddly mess about emotional, hollow characters , or destroying some world religion."
I felt the same way for XII, its just that the battle system got boring pretty fast for me especially after playing around 200 hours and having everyone at lvl 75. I never did beat that one boss that I think had 50 million HP. The boss that was the very last Mark.
@Tony
I enjoyed Super Paper Mario too. I still think The Thousand Year Door was the best, but SPM is in a close second. I loved platformers, the puzzle-solving was great, and I actually thought the story was pretty good, and I have high standards.
In any case, Super Mario RPG: Not my favorite, but still good. It has a deeper story for people who like that stuff, and the combat is actually better than Paper Mario in certain areas. It seems a little generic, at least compared to the other Mario RPGs, but still good overall.
@x.SuperMario.x
Well said.
to quote futurama's jurassic bark "I will sit and wait for you" SMRPG.
How many blocks does SMRPG take?
64 blocks, but that's not counting the save data (which is presumably 1 block).
Ah... it's better than I expected. I really ought to stop playing it and get my homework out of the way...
#250 Woohoo!
@ Mario maniac: Thx.
I should still have room for Y's and MM9. If not, I have a handy dandy SD Card.
We are not getting SMRPG Tomorrow Bendover83 and don't hold your breath for it either.We have a better chance at getting Clayfighter 63 and 1/3 before we get SMRPG or SSB.
@WolfLink22: Well, you're a friendly little pessimist, aren't you? Can't you PLEASE let us hope for the best for once? I, for one, believe that Nintendo would have to stoop to as-yet-unseen and even unfathomed levels of stupid for us to not get SMRPG at LEAST before the end of September. Theoretically, there's a limit to how stupid any company can be, and I choose to hold to the hope that Nintendo can't and won't cross that line. You're right about SSB, though. At this rate, it'll never come out. I don't care too much, though, as long as we actually get the awesome RPG's we've been waiting for since Wii's launch.
@WolfLink22: Did I say SMRPG is coming out tomarrow. nope. I might of implied it. I just wanted to know how much space it took, and guess how much those other two might take to see if I had room left. SMRPG will eventually come out, it might take a day, week, or month, but we will get it. If it never does come out than Nintendo will officially be Communist. Like I said way back on comment 131: "Prediction on Monday: Ys book I&II and Samurai Shodown 2."
@WolfLink22
As much as I want to see SMRPG on Monday, I just remembered that Mario Super Sluggers is coming out this week. I can't see them giving us a big name VC game along with a big name Wii title as well in the same week. Hope I'm wrong though, LOL!
Like I said above, I can't imagine SMRPG following immediately after Megaman 1; maybe within the next few weeks though. I'm prepared to receive a boot to the head if I prophesized incorrectly though.
Well rexy, I certainly think a reality check and an avoidance of people getting their hopes up may avoid some winging. Good work
And the weekly bitchfest will stop when SMRPG is released, for a week or maybe two, but there is alway another game people want. Lets face it, the nintendo game library (in fact any system game library) is several gems amongst a sea of crap, so disappointment is inevitable, as is winging.
And the weekly bitchfest will stop when SMRPG is released
Where was the "bitchfest" this week?
Or maybe I missed it...
Congrats Europe!
I don't think you'll have to get hit by a boot in the head, Rexy
It's nice that Europeans can now play Super Mario RPG, but this is also a wake up call for NOA to release this game for the North American VC.
supermario, no bitchfest this week with supermario rpg and lost levels for europe... (america has their hopes up), but once the novelty factor of hanabi dies off... flame on (especially when/if super mario rpg is not released in north america in the next 2 weeks). And if it is, then it will take a few more weeks before the cries for earthbound/mother/chrono trigger/whatever get loud
I believe the bitchfest is about to officially begin here in the US.
I bloody well hope not - you guys wanted Ys and Samurai Shodown 2 so badly, and to be frank, so do I. Why did I have to be a British citizen rather than an American one? >.>
Europe is so lucky. Why didn't we get SMRPG?
Well, i didn't expect that the US would get it but i did have a feeling that Samurai Shodown II would appear.
Wow. I used to love SMRPG...but now i see all of these people with negative comments about it...It makes me wonder if i should even bother with downloading it. i mean, i believe that the game had it's share of flaws, but what game doesn't?
@Tweek
Have you read the review yet? Apparently it's aged very well, I didn't even hear a single complaint, other than the fact that it isn't the most complex RPG ever made, which is by no means a bad thing.
Hating on SMRPG is a cool thing to do. It gets a lot of hate on various sites despite still being an extremely good game.
Try comparing SMRPG with at least TTYD and you'll see what I mean when some people get frustrated over the mere simplicity of it. We wouldn't "hate" (term used loosely) without comprehension on the subject, right?
@ Mickeymac
I see your point, but i've played plenty of great RPGs before; FF6, Secret of Mana, and Chrono Trigger to name a few, and i'm wondering if SMRPG can satisfy the way that those games did.
Well, what exactly was it you liked was it you liked about those games? I've played all those you mentioned, and I was still able to enjoy SMRPG.
My completely opinionated, super-ultra-biased view on SMRPG:
As far as most other RPG's of the time were, SMRPG is pretty easy and short, but it's battle system was great. The minigames were awesome too. It just has a charm that i haven't seen in any other games. Despite it's flaws, i think i'll get it when it comes out.
As should most of the population. We need to d/l this game to let Nintendo know that this is the true Mario RPG game we want to see, not Paper Mario.
@XCWarrior
Actually, I'd rather have a new Paper Mario game, if that's what you're talking about. I liked Super Paper Mario, but it was lacking PM's usual humor and charm, and TTYD improved on PM1's battle System by leaps and bounds, and I'd really like to see where a true sequel would go with it( maybe give you three characters, like SMRPG).
Of course, that may be due to the fact that I played Paper Mario first. SMRPG is good, and I suppose a direct sequel would be pretty cool, but it won't really stifle my plea for a new Paper Mario.
Oh, and if they do make a Super Paper Mario 2, I hope they at least take out the RPG elements all together, so people don't expect it to be an RPG like the rest of the series. It was more of a Platformer-Adventure, which is something that I love, but might not appeal to the rest of the Paper Mario fanbase.
I'm with you Mickey. I feel that Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is the so-called "higher tier" of the Mario RPGs to date personally, and if anything's missing, it's a true follow-up in that kind of fashion. (It'll make more sense too - I feel the battle system there is a lot deeper than whatever else we've seen in a Mario RPG.) We were kind of there with the character roster in Super Paper Mario, yet that turned out to be more like a spin-off rather than a proper game.
This is probably the best week for the VC so far in Europe. I agree with XCWarrior here. I like the Paper Mario series and its platforming, story, and battle system, but when it comes to Mario RPG's, SMRPG is #1 with PM:TTYD coming in with a close #2. Lucky Europe.
Eh? Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING, tops the release of Mario 3 IMO. The fact that it's still THE best selling VC game as of now still speaks volumes over how that is - a true timeless classic.
Rexy-
I hafta agree with you there. There are a lot of classics on the Virtual Console (it has it's fair share of useless crap as well), but Super Mario 3 is still the game that i end up playing most. It's commonly referred to as the best NES title of all time for a good reason.
I remember the commercial for this game when it first came out. Grandpa was telling about the "Legend of the Seven Starrrrrrrrrs! Brbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbbr!" and the guys on there were like "Woah! Grandpa's freaking!" I loved it!!!
Oh well, too many other news items... I always hoped this news post would crack 300 comments. We'll just call it a day at 280. Is this #1??
Ha ha, Iv been keeping a close eye on it myself secretly hoping it would indeed hit the magic 300 mark I didnt just wanna post rubbish to bump it to 300 though. If it hits, it hits. But if the "SMRPG finally released on VC!!!!" thread dont hit 300....... nothing ever will
So anyone think if SMRPG and Paper Mario's releases were switched, the hype wouldve been reversed?
@Digiki, ah, see the thing about SMRPG is that nobody here ever got to play it before. Where as if you really wanted Paper Mario, chances are you would find the cartridge in the bargin bin. Or E-bay somewhere. But true, if we didnt already have Paper mario on VC posters would be going nuts with demands for it, I would think
please come to america tomarow
Keep hoping Carson.... but I think it will be another fortnight before you see SMRPG in NA
"Hating on SMRPG is a cool thing to do. It gets a lot of hate on various sites despite still being an extremely good game."
WHAT?!
<Storms out the door with Sephiroth's Masamune>
Anyone want to bet what #250 will be?
A game that hardly anyone played or a game that millions have played.
@Will
Well Paper Mario wasn't really that big either, I would've missed it completely if my mom hadn't seen it in a Future Shop flyer and told me.
Looks like Carson got what he wanted.
Yeah carson got what he wanted, along with half of the VC fanboys in NA. I was wrong, nuff said :/ But at least theyre all happy
Glad you all can finally try Super Mario RPG after 12 Years way too long for yo to wait. 5!
Oh well they were wrong to take The Lost Levels away from you and keep you from having Mario RPG for 12 Years. I would have died with the thought of never getting to try it. Best week for Europe Ever.Why is USA the only one to get it for 800 Wii Points?
Wow, I can't believe this game got released in NA today! I'll probably get it this weekend.
The reason why we're the only ones to get SMRPG for 800 instead of 900 was because we are the only ones that originally got the game.
What a great choice for the 250th title! I really wish I would had hold on the 800 Wii Points to this game and not spend it on Super Mario World. Next Wii Point card I get the game is mine!
Tabbyluigi the reason why we Americans get the game was because we had the game before. (I never though this was only released in Japan.) Thats what Mr. Cheez said.
Please note that spamming will not be tolerated. Consider this to be a warning.
haha tabby luigi got owned and lost his 300th post
but damo you have to admit, the smrpg news post deserves 300 comments... consider it a tribute to this great game
Its probly gonna hit the 300 mark properly now, nice to see. I dont think the US thread will go as high though. Im finding SMRPG to be a little short Im by no means tearing through it, but I already have four of the star pieces. However, this feels like the kinda game that once you finish, you immediatly want to start again Iv actually laughed out loud more then once playing this game, not an easy thing for a video game! There are so many funny moments Id like to post here, but I dont want to spoil the surprises for anyone
Yep, I knew that was gonna happen. Nice try though, Tabby. However, now this thread is at 299 there's only one more to go!
Awwwwww yeah! I hit 300, and no spammig was required! Bring on the confetti and noisemakers!
@Tabbyluigi. BURN!
I'm still not sure, should I get that SMRPG, or hold off until Final Soldier comes out? Nah, I'll probably go with SMRPG so I don't have leftover points, though I'm sure Final Soldier is goint to come the moment I get a point card.
Over 300 Posts? That's nearly unheard of.
I'm waiting to get SMRPG and lost levels... i've just bought zelda-four swords off ebay, so ill be saving my money for a bit but smrpg and lost levels will be downloaded of a certainty!
And Mr Cheez... sif not edit post 299 ya cheater!!
Oh and @ will, i think if any US post deserves to hit 300 that would be the y's and shodown II thread. Thats an awesome set of games to be released on the same day.
VC is awesome, but on ebay you can get many GC games for less than some of the VC/WiiWare titles... its killing my bank account :/
Well looks like Ys thread has died down, but US SMRPG is still going strong!
I didn't get zelda four swords :/ Instead I spent some coin on the metal slug anthology which was well worth it US SMRPG thread is going to surpass this one, even though the release wasn't as good as this one :/
Ho hum....
Rexy (post #277): "Eh? Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING, tops the release of Mario 3 IMO. The fact that it's still THE best selling VC game as of now still speaks volumes over how that is - a true timeless classic."
Maybe this will make you change your mind about coming to America, because our virtual console lists SMRPG as the #1 game, knocking Mario 3 down to #2 on the totem pole, for the first time since it's release last Christmas season.
first post in 5 months
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