It’s been a rough year for Nintendo, undeniably. The handheld masters suffered their rockiest console launch in recent memory with the 3DS somewhat faltering out the gate like a new born horse that isn’t quite sure how to walk yet. (And while little horses stumbling about is undeniably cute, disappointing launch sales figures aren’t as adorable.) Compounding their problems in June, the big reveal of the company’s next home console, Wii U, prompted the industry to begin scratching their heads en masse. Why on Earth is it called Wii U? Is it just a peripheral? How powerful will it be? Are you actually going to have third party support this time? Very few of these questions have been answered and we’re likely going to have to wait until this year’s E3 to find out more information.
But this isn’t an obituary for Nintendo; far from it. As you may detect from the issue title, we have big hopes for Nintendo’s 2012. With the 3DS picking up momentum faster than a through-train on a sugar rush and a guaranteed console launch within the next twelve months, this year is Nintendo’s to win and we’re quietly confident that the PS Vita and rumoured Xbox 720 don’t stand a chance.
Back at the Dojo, we’re enjoying a similar bulletproofyness. (Which is now a word.) Not only will Eileen’s guide to viewing the world in a more hardcore way tide you over until Wii U, Katharine’s look at Robinson Crusoe and Metroid is sure to get you thinking about Samus like never before. To roll out at the week, Lewis Hampson’s Connection Error is joined by our final exciting column. Mel Turnquist’s Fan Service, a probing look at the world of fan boys, Nintenerds and general geekdom lands on Friday. But will it arrive by Arwing, Landmaster or Blue Marine? Only our Star Fox Derby can decide!
Enjoy,
Adam
Issue 87: Bulletproof Futures
How to be Hardcore by Eileen Cullen
“I pity the fool don’t show Kirby some respect yo!” said Eileen in her casual conversation voice.
Another Castle: (Space) Ship-wrecked by Katharine Byrne
Katharine muses on a kindred spirit of Samus Aran: Robinson Crusoe.
Star Fox Derby by Nintendojo Staff
Which ride is the tops, Arwing, Landmaster or Blue Marine? The staff come to blows.
Connection Error by Lewis Hampson
Lewis is having to post us this column. Typical.
Fan Service by Mel Turnquist
Our final columns lands at last. Unfortunately, it came via Planet Nerd.
Additional features in this issue…
Every Day I’m Newsing
- Nightly News Roundup by Nintendojo Staff
Wednesday
- Airship Travelogues 013 by M. Noah Ward and Marc N Kleinhenz
Saturday
- Week: End Game: On by Nintendojo Staff
Coming Up Next Week…
Issue 88: Broad Horizons
We find out why bad guys don’t die, how Mario Kart tuned itself into a gaming legacy and where all those absent video game parents are in next week’s issue.