<h2>Overview</h2><p>NEKO-NIN exHeart is an adult anime themed visual novel game developed by <a href="/whirlpool/3010-6671/" data-ref-id="3010-6671">Whirlpool</a> and published by <a href="/sekai-project/3010-10090/" data-ref-id="3010-10090">Sekai Project</a> for <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a>.</p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>PC Minimum</h3><ul><li>Operating System: Windows 7 or above</li><li>Processor: 1.2 GHz Pentium 4</li><li>Memory: 1 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: 1280 x 720</li><li>DirectX: Version 9.0c</li><li>Storage: 2 GB available space</li></ul><p> </p>

All Images, Yacht Club Games, PAX South 2017 Booth, PAX South 2017

A strategy RPG where players take on the role of a young Viking chieftain, leading your army to conquer England or change history

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/29889/1321184-1.png" data-ref-id="1300-1321184" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/29889/1321184-1.png" data-ref-id="1300-1321184"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/2/29889/1321184-1.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/29889/1321184-1.png 640w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/2/29889/1321184-1.png 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/2/29889/1321184-1.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a></figure><p>Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors is a 2D sci-fi fighting game developed and released by <a href="/sunsoft/3010-19/" data-ref-id="3010-19">SunSoft</a> for <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/arcade/3045-84/" data-ref-id="3045-84">arcades</a> (running Neo Geo MVS hardware) in January 24, 1995.</p><p>The first fighting game developed by Sunsoft (and their first Neo Geo game), Galaxy Fight pits eight futuristic warriors (including a variety of alien species) in numerous battles throughout a fictional solar system. It is one of the few 2D fighting games to feature endlessly-scrolling stages (similar to the 3D fighting game <a href="/tekken/3030-10081/" data-ref-id="3030-10081">Tekken</a>, released one month prior)</p><p>The game was released for the <a href="/neo-geo/3045-25/" data-ref-id="3045-25">Neo Geo AES</a> exclusively in Japan on February 25, 1995. It was later ported to the <a href="/neo-geo-cd/3045-59/" data-ref-id="3045-59">Neo Geo CD</a> worldwide on April 21, 1995, adding a new arranged soundtrack. It was used as the base for both the <a href="/playstation/3045-22/" data-ref-id="3045-22">Sony PlayStation</a> port (released in Japan and Europe) and <a href="/saturn/3045-42/" data-ref-id="3045-42">Sega Saturn</a> port (released worldwide) throughout 1996. The original version was also bundled with <a href="/waku-waku-7/3030-379/" data-ref-id="3030-379">Waku Waku 7</a> in the 2008 <a href="/snk/3010-616/" data-ref-id="3010-616">SNK Playmore</a> Japan-exclusive compilation <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/sunsoft-collection/3030-38017/" data-ref-id="3030-38017">Sunsoft Collection </a> for the <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/playstation-2/3045-19/" data-ref-id="3045-19">PlayStation 2</a>, adding <a href="/online/3015-559/" data-ref-id="3015-559">online multiplayer</a> support.</p><h2>Characters</h2><ul><li>Rolf</li><li>Alvan</li><li>Kazuma</li><li>Roomi</li><li>Juri</li><li>Gunter</li><li>Musafar</li><li>G. Done</li><li><a href="/bonus-kun/3005-7893/" data-ref-id="3005-7893">Bonus-kun</a> (sub-boss, only playable in the console ports with cheat codes)</li><li><a href="/yacopu/3005-27570/" data-ref-id="3005-27570">Yacopu</a> (sub-boss, only playable in the console ports with cheat codes)</li><li>Felden (final boss, only playable in the console ports with cheat codes)</li><li>Rouwe (hidden boss, only playable in the console ports with cheat codes)</li></ul>

Sunsoft's first fighting game pits eight of the fiercest warriors of a futuristic sci-fi galaxy against each-other.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Use Your Words is a party game developed and published by Smiling Buddha Games for PC, Mac, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. </p>

Use Your Words is a game that invites players to respond to a variety of mini-games and prompts with the funniest answers they can think of! Players play using their phones and tablets as controllers. Players who get stumped can use one of the hidden "House Answers" to lay a trap for their fellow players once it's time for everyone to vote for their favorite.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3
Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War III
Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 3

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Dawn of War III is a real-time strategy game currently in development at Relic Entertainment, taking place in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe created by <a href="/games-workshop-ltd/3010-1986/" data-ref-id="3010-1986">Games Workshop</a>. It is the third core game in the <a href="/warhammer-40000-dawn-of-war/3025-648/" data-ref-id="3025-648">Dawn of War</a> franchise.</p><h2>Development</h2><p>Early on, the game was speculated to be a free-to-play release in the vein of <a href="/company-of-heroes-online/3030-31544/" data-ref-id="3030-31544">Company of Heroes Online</a>. This sprung from a statement by THQ core games boss <a href="/danny-bilson/3040-14620/" data-ref-id="3040-14620">Danny Bilson</a> that, depending on CoHO's performance, Dawn of War III might follow suit. However, CoHO was later cancelled, making the move to a free-to-play model seem doubtful.</p><p>None the less, Danny Bilson again stated that the game is borrowing ideas from the original, its sequel, CoHO and the "Last Stand" mode, which was later incorporated into Dawn of War II via a patch, while also revealing that the game is going for a much larger scale. In his statement, he explained that the sequel will be "MMO-like" in that it will feature a persistent world, though the tactical squad-based action at the series' core will remain unchanged. Much like CoHO, the game will feature permanent upgrades for squads and heroes.</p><p>In 2013, <a href="/thq/3010-15/" data-ref-id="3010-15">THQ</a> filed for bankruptcy and all of its properties were sold at auction. <a href="/sega/3010-62/" data-ref-id="3010-62">Sega</a> picked up <a href="/warhammer-40000/3025-227/" data-ref-id="3025-227">Warhammer 40,000</a> for $26.6 USD. Any news about Dawn of War III disappeared until May 3, 2016 when Sega and Relic released an "announcement" CG trailer for the game.</p>

Dawn of War III is the 8th release in Relics esteemed Warhammer 40.000 RTS franchise and will have a much larger strategic component to it than previous titles, focusing on a more of a global battle while still retaining the squad-based action from previous titles.

Zombies Chasing My Cat is a voxel-based arcade-shooter-runner developed by Tiny Arts and published by Thumbspire for Android, iPhone, iPad, and AppleTV.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Batman: Arkham VR is an adventure game developed by <a href="/rocksteady-studios-ltd/3010-2576/" data-ref-id="3010-2576">Rocksteady Studios</a> and published by <a href="/wb-games/3010-4405/" data-ref-id="3010-4405">WB Games</a> for <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a> and <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a>.</p><h3>Announcement</h3><p>Batman: Arkham VR was confirmed at E3 2016 and is set to launch alongside Sony's PlayStation VR for the PS4 in October 2016. The game will sell for $19.99.</p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>PC Minimum</h3><ul><li>Operating System: 64-bit Windows™ 7 SP1, Windows™ 8.1 or later, or Windows™ 10</li><li>Processor: Intel™ Core™ i5-4590 equivalent or greater</li><li>Memory: 8 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce™ GTX 1060 / GTX 970 or AMD Radeon™ RX 480</li><li>DirectX: Version 11</li><li>Storage: 10 GB available space</li></ul><h2>External Links</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.batmanarkhamvr.com/en-us" rel="nofollow">Batman: Arkham VR Official Site</a></li></ul>

A post-apocalyptic massively multiplayer online car combat game.

Deathstate is a bullet hell RPG with roguelike elements and procedurally generated dungeons.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Eventide: Slavic Fable is a hidden object game developed by The House of Fables and published by Artifex Mundi for PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Xbox One.</p>

Eventide: Slavic Fable is a hidden objects game developed and published by Artifex Mundi for PC, Mac, Linux, and iOS platforms

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Puyo Puyo Tetris is a competitive puzzle game developed by <a href="/sega/3010-62/" data-ref-id="3010-62">Sega</a>'s <a href="/sonic-team/3010-781/" data-ref-id="3010-781">Sonic Team</a>. As its name implies, it is a crossover between the Alexey Pajitnov's legendary <a href="/tetris/3025-291/" data-ref-id="3025-291">Tetris</a> franchise and Sega's <a href="/puyo-puyo/3025-427/" data-ref-id="3025-427">Puyo Puyo</a> series. Players will be allowed to choose between the gameplay systems of Puyo Puyo (<a href="//www.giantbomb.com/puyo-puyo-2/3030-4929/" data-ref-id="3030-4929">based on Tsu</a>) and "classic" Tetris (based on the Super Rotation System that debuted in <a href="//www.giantbomb.com/tetris-worlds/3030-14116/" data-ref-id="3030-14116">Tetris Worlds</a>). It is possible for a Puyo Puyo player to battle a Tetris player, and several gameplay modes see players alternating between both styles.</p><p>The game was originally released on a multitude of platforms on February 6, 2014, with <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a>, <a href="/xbox-one/3045-145/" data-ref-id="3045-145">Xbox One</a> and <a href="/playstation-vita/3045-129/" data-ref-id="3045-129">Vita</a> ports coming that December. However, the game remained exclusive to Japan due to licensing issues where another publisher held the exclusive rights to publish Tetris titles in English-speaking territories. However, Sega was eventually able to procure the rights and, on January 12, 2017, announced that the PS4 version and a brand new version for the <a href="/nintendo-switch/3045-157/" data-ref-id="3045-157">Nintendo Switch</a> would be released internationally later that year.</p><p> </p><h2>Basic Rules</h2><p>In Puyo Puyo, players control multiple pairs of colored Puyo. Connecting four Puyo of the same color will cause them to pop, after which gravity will cause any aerial Puyo to fall to the ground. If this causes another complete set of Puyo to form, they will also pop, this time worth many more points than the first set. As this occurs, "Nuisance Puyo" is sent to the top of the opponent's tray, which fall as soon that the opponent drops their currently controlled set of Puyo. Nuisance Puyo cannot be matched with any other Puyo, but disappear when a Puyo adjacent to them pops. A player loses when a Puyo lands in front of an X placed at the top of the field.</p><p>In Tetris, players control tetriminos of varying shape. The player scores by forming complete horizontal lines, which will promptly disappear. If the player clears more than one line, garbage lines (lines that are complete with the exception of one random missing block) will form in the opposing player's field. By performing the "T-Spin" advanced technique, players can send even more garbage lines to the opponent. A player is eliminated when an incoming tetrimino overlaps with a currently-placed block.</p><p>Whenever a Tetris player battles a Puyo Puyo player, the Tetris player receives a vertical gauge beside their playfield. This gauge keeps track of the number of consecutive lines that the Tetris player has filled. Once the Tetris player's chain of filled lines ends, the contents of the gauge are converted into Puyo Puyo garbage via a currently-unknown formula. Visually, a Puyo Puyo player will receive individual clear blocks in their field from an attacking Tetris player, while a Tetris player will receive Nuisance Puyo-themed garbage lines from an attacking Puyo Puyo player.</p><p> </p><h2>Competitive Modes</h2><h3>Versus</h3><p>The standard competitive mode. Each player chooses whether they want to play Puyo Puyo or Tetris, and battle until only one remains.</p><p> </p><h3>PuyoTet Mix</h3><p>Players battle on a Tetris-sized field with both Puyo and tetriminos at their disposal. Tetriminos can only land on top of other tetriminos; any Puyo that a tetrimino passes through will be destroyed and quickly respawn once the tetrimino is placed. Occasionally, pieces that constantly alternate between a tetrimino and four Puyo appear. The four middle columns are marked with X's at the top.</p><p>This mode uses character-specific "dropsets", akin to those featured in Puyo Puyo's <a href="//www.giantbomb.com/puyo-pop-fever/3030-7226/" data-ref-id="3030-7226">Fever</a> and <a href="//www.giantbomb.com/puyo-puyo-7/3030-25766/" data-ref-id="3030-25766">Transformation</a> rules.</p><p> </p><h3>Swap</h3><p>Each player has two boards: one for Puyo Puyo and another for Tetris. Players battle as they do in Versus mode, but the active board switches every 25 seconds. If the player is controlling a piece when the boards swap, the player loses control but the piece continues to drop; this means that it is possible for players to attack from the inactive board.</p><p> </p><h3>Party</h3><p>The object of the game is to score as many points as possible until time expires; players do not lose when their field is clogged. Occasionally, items appear that can pass negative effects to the opposing player(s). Puyo Puyo uses character-specific dropsets in this mode.</p><p> </p><h3>Big Bang</h3><p>Puyo Puyo players immediately enter Fever mode, while Tetris players enter Lucky Attack; both modes are designed to allow players to quickly and easily clear their field. After 40 seconds, all fields are cleared by a series of black holes, a life bar appears for each player, and damage is taken depending on each player's progress. This process repeats until only one player remains.</p><p> </p><h2>Endless Modes</h2><p>Puyo Puyo Tetris includes a variety of endless score attack modes familiar to both Puyo Puyo and Tetris players. Endless Puyo Puyo and Endless Mini-Puyo challenge the player to clear as many Puyo as they can until his or her field clogs, with the latter mode giving players a 10x16 field as opposed to the standard 6x12. In Endless Fever, players enter Fever Mode and try to get a high score before time runs out. Tetris receives Marathon, 40-Line, and Ultra modes; these consist of a 150-line score attack, 40-line time attack, and 3-minute score attack respectively.</p><p> </p><h2>Player Characters</h2><p>Puyo Puyo Tetris features more than twenty characters. Each character has two unique dropsets: a Fever dropset and a PuyoTet dropset.</p><p>The Fever dropset, applicable to Party mode, is a 16-piece sequence that determines whether an upcoming Puyo piece will be a pair, L-shaped, J-shaped, two pairs, or a 2x2 giant Puyo. The PuyoTet dropset consists of a 6-piece Puyo sequence, followed by two random tetriminos. Though the final piece appears to be a tetrimino, it will either be an alternating piece or a Tetris piece with less than four blocks.</p><h3>Returning Puyo Puyo characters</h3><ul><li>Arle Nadja and Carbuncle</li><li>Draco Centauros</li><li>Suketoudara</li><li>Witch</li><li>Schezo Wegey</li><li>Rulue</li><li>Satan</li><li>Amitie</li><li>Raffine</li><li>Klug</li><li>Sig</li><li>Feli</li><li>Lemres</li><li>Ringo Andou</li><li>Maguro Sasaki</li><li>Risukuma</li><li>Ecolo</li></ul><h3>Tetris-themed characters</h3><ul><li>T</li><li>S</li><li>I</li><li>O</li><li>J and L</li><li>Z</li><li>X</li></ul>

<p> Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 deals with a war between 3 factions.</p>

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 is a first person shooter that mainly focuses on sniping like its predecessors. It is more open world this time around with different ways of going about missions.

Syberia III is the upcoming sequel to adventure games Syberia and Syberia II.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Syberia 3 is an adventure game developed and published by <a href="/microids/3010-800/" data-ref-id="3010-800">Microids</a> for multiple platforms.</p><h2>Development</h2><p>Syberia III was announced on April 1st 2009, and it was speculated that the entire announcement was an April Fools joke. According to a press release by Microids, Syberia III will be in real time 3D, unlike its two predecessors.</p><p>In a press release dated April 17 2009, Emmanuel Oliver stated that the game will be released on PC, but might not be available on PlayStation, due to problems with Sony. Sony had previously denied Microids to release PlayStation 2 versions of Syberia and other games by the company, in the US. Since then however, PlayStation 3 ports of Syberia 1 &amp; 2 have been published on the PlayStation Network by <a href="/nordic-games-gmbh/3010-8142/" data-ref-id="3010-8142">Nordic Games</a>, and Syberia III itself has been confirmed for a PlayStation 4 release.</p><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>PC</h3><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">PC Minimum</th><th scope="col">PC Recommended</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>Operating System: Windows 7+ 64bit</li><li>Processor: Intel Core i3</li><li>Memory: 4 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: AMD R7 260X - Nvidia GTX 550 Ti 2GB</li><li>DirectX: Version 11</li><li>Storage: 45 GB available space</li><li>Sound Card: Any</li><li>Additional Notes: A Controller is STRONGLY recommended to play this game.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Operating System: Windows 7+ 64bit</li><li>Processor: Intel Core i5</li><li>Memory: 8 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: Nvidia GTX 960 2 GB</li><li>DirectX: Version 11</li><li>Storage: 45 GB available space</li><li>Sound Card: Any</li><li>Additional Notes: A Controller is STRONGLY recommended to play this game.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Mac Minimum</h3><ul><li>Operating System: Mac OS X 10.8+</li><li>Processor: Intel Core i5</li><li>Memory: 8 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: AMD R7 260X - Nvidia GTX 550 Ti 2go</li><li>Storage: 45 GB available space</li><li>Sound Card: Any</li><li>Additional Notes: A Controller is STRONGLY recommended to play this game. Resolution max is 1920x1080</li></ul><p> </p>

<h2> Overview</h2><p>The Deer God is a platforming adventure game developed by <a href="/crescent-moon-games/3010-9244/" data-ref-id="3010-9244">Crescent Moon Games </a>and <a href="/cinopt-studios/3010-10902/" data-ref-id="3010-10902">Cinopt Studios</a>.  The game features a graphical style similar to <a href="/superbrothers-sword-sworcery-ep/3030-33139/" data-ref-id="3030-33139">Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP</a> that is complimented by a great soundtrack scored by Evan Gipson. </p>

A hunter is reincarnated as a deer in this tale of redemption and challenging perspectives.

<p>Choosing from six different stages, Dark Witch Zizou must recover the stolen Syega Crystals that give the witches of her world their power. This action-platformer meets light shoot 'em up features Japanese voice acting with English text. </p><p>Similarly to Mega Man, stages are themed to the boss. As a side-scrolling action game, the player runs, jumps, and shoots their way through enemies. Killing an enemy in the level rewards the player with "Tres" magic power—a currency that can be spent on a Gradius-like projectile upgrade system that includes increased movement speed, a floating jump, a double shot, and two different firing patterns. </p><p>After defeating the stage's boss witch, the player is rewarded with a new special ability and another currency that can be used to buy persistent upgrades. Power-ups such as extra hearts, lives, greater firepower, shields, and homing missiles can then be brought into both unplayed stages and repeated runs. </p><p>The game has multiple difficulty levels that range from extremely easy to punishingly difficult. The difficulty can be changed at any time during the game. </p><p> </p>

<p><strong> Overview</strong></p><p>Valhalla Hills is a building strategy game developed by Funatics and published by Daedalic. It's a game in the tradition of game classics like The Settlers 2 or Cultures. The story is about a group of Vikings who were thrown out from Valhalla and want to return to Odin's table. To do so they have to reach a magic portal on top of a huge mountain over and over again, until they've gained enough honour to please the father of the gods.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Development</strong></p><p>The Creative Director of Valhalla Hills, Thomas Häuser, also was the mastermind and head programmer of "The Settlers II – Veni, Vidi, Vici" in 1994. Now, more than 20 years later, he found it has become time to create a new game in the tradition of this unique game classic. The idea for a building strategy game in a real 3D environment had been born. Supported by publisher Daedalic, the Funatics team launched Valhalla Hills on Steam Early Access in August 2015, after approximately nine months of development. The unique art style is driven by Unreal 4.</p>

Valhalla Hills is a building strategy game developed by Funatics and published by Daedalic. It's a game in the tradition of game classics like The Settlers 2 or Cultures. The story is about a group of Vikings who were thrown out from Valhalla and want to return to Odin's table.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>What Remains of Edith Finch is game developed by <a href="/giant-sparrow/3010-7133/" data-ref-id="3010-7133">Giant Sparrow </a>for <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a> and <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a>.</p><p>The game is a collections of short stories based on a family from Washing state. You play as Edith Finch, coming back to the house your grew up in. As you explore the house you find stories of each family member and how they died.</p><h2>Story</h2><p>One of the developers, Ian Dallas, explained in an interview with Gamespot - when someone in the Finch family dies, the room they lived in has its door closed. This serves as a monument to that person. As time has gone on, the house was expanded to accommodate for this. Each floor of the house equates to one generation of the family, with a new floor being for subsequent generations.</p><p>One of the first stories in the game is called "The Hunger of Molly Finch". Molly, a 10 year old girl, wakes up starving. She's so hungry she starts to imagine her self becoming different animals. As her hunger grows, she continues to eat bigger and bigger prey.</p>

An upcoming game from Giant Sparrow, following a cursed family throughout the 1900s.

E3 2015: Someone May Die at the End of What Remains of Edith Finch

<h2>Overview</h2><p>At the start of the game, the player has an overhead view of a nearly empty city, with only an HQ (and the HQs of the opponents, if any) and a city council. The player must build construction facilities in order to create wood, concrete, bricks and metal, and in turn use these to create houses . These houses can be rented out to tenants, thus generating revenue. Tenants come in several different "levels", which will only live in the appropriate level of housing. They are also the game's main source of challenge, as they complain about a lot of things.</p><figure data-align="left" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/993/266686-constructor1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-266686" data-size="small" data-embed-type="image" data-ratio="0.75"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/993/266686-constructor1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-266686"><img alt="A typical street in Constructor" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/993/266686-constructor1.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/993/266686-constructor1.jpg 500w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/993/266686-constructor1.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/993/266686-constructor1.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a><figcaption>A typical street in Constructor</figcaption></figure><p>To come out ahead when playing against opponents, it becomes necessary to build Undesirables, minions with different skills that can wreak havoc on rival operations. These include Hippies, who can picket a resource building to halt production, Psychos who can scare away workers with their chainsaws and hockey masks, and more.</p><p>There are also special buildings that confer different benefits, like hospitals, schools, and a Mob HQ that gives access to gangsters.</p><p>But for the gangsters to be useful, Mob Favors are also needed. This is one of the things tenants can produce instead of rent. Tenants can also generate new tenants and workers.</p><p>The game has several modes of play with different objectives. There is also a "Build, Build, Build" mode, in which the restrictions from other modes are lifted to allow the player to make the best town possible.</p><h2>Types of Undesirables</h2><h3>Hippies</h3><p>Can be used to picket buildings, squat in empty houses and have street-parties.</p><h3>Thieves</h3><p>As the name suggests, they an steal anything from resources to a Gangster's weapon.</p><h3>Mr. Fixit</h3><p>Can "fix", ie sabotage, an enemy's house. Plumbing, electrical work and gas leaks are his domain.</p><h3>Thugs</h3><p>A group of people that like to party. Usually in the enemy's houses, of course.</p><h3>Psychos</h3><p>Chainsaw-wielding, hockey-mask wearing bikers who can destroy fences, or just scare away workers.</p><h3>Ghosts</h3><p>Can render people invisible, possess someone, or create a (rather harmless) army of zombies. Good for distracting the police.</p><h3>Clowns</h3><p>They can start fires in houses where Mr. Fixit has tampered with the gas oven. They can also distract guard-dogs, and bore away ghosts.</p>

Build homes, build facilities and crush your opponent using any means at hand in this building game.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Higurashi When They Cry Hou is an anthology that includes all of the previously released episodes, the Higurashi fandiscs and several new scenarios. The collection was developed by <a href="/07th-expansion/3010-7561/" data-ref-id="3010-7561">07th Expansion </a>and was released at Comiket Market in Japan on August 17, 2014.</p><p><a href="/mangagamer/3010-6725/" data-ref-id="3010-6725">Mangagamer </a>licensed Higurashi When They Cry Hou for English release and published each of the anthology's chapters as individual games starting with Onikakushi on May 15, 2015. The English versions do not use the scripts from Mangagamer's previous Higurashi releases but instead contained brand new translations and restore the games' original soundtracks. New character artwork has also been created for Mangagamer's releases and the games have been ported to <a href="/unity-engine/3015-5683/" data-ref-id="3015-5683">Unity</a>, allowing the player to switch between the old and new art, as well as the Japanese and English scripts, at any time.</p><h2>Content</h2><p>Higurashi When They Cry Hou contains 14 chapters in total, encompassing episodes from previous releases in the franchise as well as brand new content made specifically for the collection.</p><ul><li><strong>Higurashi When They Cry</strong>: Episodes 1-4</li><li><strong>Higurashi When They Cry Kai</strong>: Episodes 5-8</li><li><a href="/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-rei/3030-51460/" data-ref-id="3030-51460"><strong>Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei</strong></a>: A fandisc containing two side stories</li><li><strong>Higurashi Outbreak</strong>: A spin-off story first released as part of the <a href="/higurashi-daybreak/3030-25777/" data-ref-id="3030-25777">Higurashi Daybreak </a>soundtrack</li><li><strong>Higurashi Outbreak: Kamikanshi-hen</strong>: A brand new story premiering in Hou</li><li><strong>Hinamizawa Bus Stop</strong>: A game version of the original playscript prototype to Higurashi</li></ul><p> </p>

A collection that contains both story arcs from the original Higurashi as well as new side stories and spin-off scenarios.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616058" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2616058"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616058-8893701993-dvz42.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a></figure><p>Mario Kart 8 introduces gravity-based track design with vertical surfaces and upside down roads for the usual band of racers to drive on via magnetic wheels. Another new feature is Mario Kart TV which automatically creates a highlight reel of each race for users to share with their friends on <a href="/miiverse-integration/3015-7470/" data-ref-id="3015-7470">Miiverse</a> or YouTube. The Community features introduced in <a href="/mario-kart-7/3030-31747/" data-ref-id="3030-31747">Mario Kart 7</a> make a return, letting players set up tournaments and group races with an expanded set of custom rules. Up to 12 players are able to compete in the game's online mode, including two local players using the same console. There is also local support for up to four player splitscreen races.</p><h2>Presentation</h2><p>The game runs at a native resolution of 720p and refreshes 60 frames per second in singleplayer and two player splitscreen. In three or four player splitscreen, the game runs at 30fps. Mario Kart 8 is the first title in the series to feature live instrumentation for select course themes.</p><h2>Mario Kart TV</h2><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616061" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="left" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2616061"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616061-5692912205-qvayt.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a></figure><p>After finishing a race, players are shown an auto-generated clip of highlights from that race. This clip can be edited and shared online via Miiverse and/or uploaded to the user's own <a href="/youtube-integration/3015-5070/" data-ref-id="3015-5070">YouTube </a>account (in 720p). Players can determine various parameters for the clips such as clip length (30 seconds, one minute, or the entire race), which character the camera follows, and specific race events to showcase such as stunts, item usage, or last minute victories. Slow motion effects can be applied during the editing process. The game stores the last 12 full races which can then be edited and shared at the player's discretion. Mario Kart TV also records Battle Mode matches.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><h3>Anti-gravity</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616064" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2616064"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616064-0833752578-wiium.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>The biggest new gameplay feature of Mario Kart 8 is the anti-gravity mechanic which lets players race on the walls or ceiling in certain areas. During these anti-gravity sections, lightweight racers can run into heavyweights and benefit from a speed boost instead of spinning out and grinding to a complete halt. "Spin Boosts" can be used by all racers and can even chained together. Underwater and hang-glider sections both are again heavily featured in Mario Kart 8.</p><h3>Vehicles</h3><p>In terms of vehicles, karts and bikes make a return with ATVs (referred to as quads in Europe) jumping into the mix this time as a compromise between the former. Bikes better retain their speed in curves while karts have an advantage on straight passages. The bikes have lost their ability to do wheelies in this game, however. Players can again fully customize their vehicles by choosing various parts like in Mario Kart 7.</p><h3>Items</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616057" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="left" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2616057"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616057-4267584454-gclcb.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>Racers can now only ever hold a single item and no longer "bank" one by activating but not releasing it and driving over another item box.Only after the item has been fully exhausted can another one be collected. Coins also return and collecting them increases the racers speed for every additional coin collected (up to ten).</p><h2>Singleplayer</h2><h3>Grand Prix</h3><p>The traditional Mario Kart Grand Prix against 11 other racers. This mode features the traditional 50cc, 100cc, 150cc difficulty levels and Mirror Mode. With an update that was released on April 23, 2015, a new 200 cc difficulty was added to the game as well.</p><h3>Time Trials</h3><p>In the traditional time trial fashion, players can set personal records and race against their ghost driver and upload that ghost driver online. Special staff ghost data can be downloaded and upon beating said staff ghost, a special Miiverse stamp is awarded.</p><h2>Multiplayer</h2><h3>Local Grand Prix</h3><p>For the first time ever, the game's Grand Prix mode can be played by up to four players simultaneously via splitscreen. A full set of 12 racers with a maximum of four human players.</p><h3>Online Grand Prix</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616067" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2616067"><img alt="Even the airspace gets crowded." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Even the airspace gets crowded." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616067-6484082440-wiium.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Even the airspace gets crowded.</figcaption></figure><p>Mario Kart 8 again features online races for up to 12 players with the option for two local players playing from the same console, like in Mario Kart Wii. Similar to the previous game, race rules can be customized to allow only specific items or no items at all, for example. The online mode allows for worldwide, regional or friend-only races. Voice chat makes its Mario Kart debut and lets players talk to each other in friends-only lobbies (not during gameplay).</p><h4>VS Rating</h4><p>In keeping tradition with previous online entries in the Mario Kart series, MK8 again features a VS Rating (VR in short) keeping track of a player's wins and losses against their opponents in online races. VR stats are kept separately for Grand Prix and Battle Mode. New in Mario Kart 8 is the support for VR tracking for multiple users. If a second player is logged into their <a href="/nintendo-network/3015-7328/" data-ref-id="3015-7328">Nintendo Network ID</a> which has a Mario Kart 8 save tied to it with online data (must have completed at least one online race on the NNID) that player's VR rating will also be tracked when playing as a second player on another user's save file.</p><h3>Tournaments</h3><p>In addition to those, there is a dedicated Tournament Mode in which players can even launch custom tournaments. Players can create custom tournaments and specify time and date, item rules (such as "no items" or "frantic mode" which increases the chance to receive rare items), win conditions, teams, speed class, control options, CPU players, skill rank requirements, vehicles types and more. Tournaments can be public or limited to friends and they can also be set up to be recurring on daily, weekly, monthly cycles.</p><h3>Battle Mode</h3><p>The Battle Mode in Mario Kart 8 is mechanically based on the classic mode from Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64 in which it's all about destroying the other player's balloons in arenas. If a player manages to lose all three of their balloons, they now respawn as a ghost version and can still interfere in the match. However, a ghost player can no longer win. Battle Mode can be heavily customized to determine game length, courses, CPU opponents and various other variables.</p><p>Notable is that the courses in Battle Mode are not totally separate arenas but instead altered versions of courses from Grand Prix Mode.</p><h4>Battle Courses:</h4><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td>Moo Moo Meadows (Wii)</td><td>Dry Dry Desert (GCN)</td></tr><tr><td>Donut Plains 3 (SNES)</td><td>Toad's Turnpike (N64)</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Circuit</td><td>Toad Harbor</td></tr><tr><td>Sherbet Land (GCN)</td><td>Yoshi Valley (N64)</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Courses</h2><h3>Mario Kart 8 Cups:</h3><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Mushroom Cup</th><th scope="col">Flower Cup</th><th scope="col">Star Cup</th><th scope="col">Special Cup</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Mario Kart Stadium</td><td>Mario Circuit</td><td>Sunshine Airport</td><td>Cloudtop Cruise</td></tr><tr><td>Water Park</td><td>Toad Harbor</td><td>Electrodrome</td><td>Bone Dry Ruins</td></tr><tr><td>Sweet Sweet Canyon</td><td>Twisted Mansion</td><td>Dolphin Shoals</td><td>Bowser's Castle</td></tr><tr><td>Thwomp Ruins</td><td>Shy Guy Falls</td><td>Mount Wario</td><td>Rainbow Road</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Retro Cups:</h3><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Shell Cup</th><th scope="col">Banana Cup</th><th scope="col">Leaf Cup</th><th scope="col">Lightning Cup</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Moo Moo Meadows (Wii)</td><td>Dry Dry Desert (GCN)</td><td>Wario Stadium (DS)</td><td>Tick Tock Clock (DS)</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Circuit (GBA)</td><td>Donut Plains 3 (SNES)</td><td>Sherbet Land (GCN)</td><td>Piranha Plant Slide / Piranha Plant Pipeway (3DS)</td></tr><tr><td>Cheep Cheep Beach (DS)</td><td>Royal Raceway (N64)</td><td>Music Park / Melody Motorway (3DS)</td><td>Grumble Volcano (Wii)</td></tr><tr><td>Toad's Turnpike (N64)</td><td>DK Jungle (3DS)</td><td>Yoshi Valley (N64)</td><td>Rainbow Road (N64)</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Drivers</h2><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616066" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2616066"><img alt="All the Koopa Kids. All of 'em." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="All the Koopa Kids. All of 'em." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616066-4444079247-wiium.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>All the Koopa Kids. All of 'em.</figcaption></figure><p>Characters are yet again split into three tiers of light, medium and heavy weight classes which affect acceleration, top speed and other driving properties which will affect the performance in combination with the vehicle selection of the player. When choosing Mii characters, their class depends on the weight that was associated with that character during its creation process in the Mii Maker.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Light</th><th scope="col">Medium</th><th scope="col">Heavy</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Baby Mario</td><td>Mario</td><td>Wario</td></tr><tr><td>Baby Luigi</td><td>Luigi</td><td>Waluigi</td></tr><tr><td>Baby Peach</td><td>Peach</td><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Pink Gold Peach</td></tr><tr><td>Baby Daisy</td><td>Daisy</td><td>Rosalina</td></tr><tr><td><strong>NEW:</strong> Baby Rosalina</td><td>Yoshi</td><td>Donkey Kong</td></tr><tr><td>Toad</td><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Ludwig von Koopa</td><td>Bowser</td></tr><tr><td>Toadette</td><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Iggy Koopa</td><td>Metal Mario</td></tr><tr><td>Lakitu</td><td>Mii (Medium Weight)</td><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Roy Koopa</td></tr><tr><td>Shy Guy</td><td> </td><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Morton Koopa</td></tr><tr><td>Koopa Troopa</td><td> </td><td>Mii (Heavy Weight)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Larry Koopa</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Lemmy Koopa</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>NEW</strong>: Wendy Koopa</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Mii (Light Weight)</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><h2>Items</h2><figure data-ref-id="1300-2616053" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.png" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2616053"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.png 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.png 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2616053-5852064497-rgxzm.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><ul><li><a href="/koopa-shell/3055-309/" data-ref-id="3055-309">Green Shell</a></li><li>Triple Green Shell</li><li>Red Shell</li><li>Triple Red Shell</li><li>Spiny Blue Shell</li><li><a href="/golden-mushroom/3055-5394/" data-ref-id="3055-5394">Golden Mushroom</a></li><li><a href="/super-mushroom/3055-49/" data-ref-id="3055-49">Super Mushroom</a></li><li><a href="/lightning-bolt/3055-393/" data-ref-id="3055-393">Lightning Bolt</a></li><li><a href="/starman/3055-23/" data-ref-id="3055-23">Starman</a></li><li><a href="/fire-flower/3055-10/" data-ref-id="3055-10">Fire Flower</a></li><li><a href="/coin/3055-219/" data-ref-id="3055-219">Coin</a></li><li><a href="/blooper/3015-3654/" data-ref-id="3015-3654">Blooper</a></li><li><a href="/banana-peel/3055-239/" data-ref-id="3055-239">Banana Peel</a></li><li>Triple Banana Peel</li><li><a href="/bullet-bill/3015-1581/" data-ref-id="3015-1581">Bullet Bill</a></li><li><a href="/bob-omb/3055-480/" data-ref-id="3055-480">Bob-Omb</a></li><li><strong>NEW</strong>: Boomerang Flower</li><li><strong>NEW</strong>: Potted Piranha Plant</li><li><strong>NEW</strong>: Super Horn</li><li><strong>NEW</strong>: Crazy 8</li></ul><h2>Downloadable Content</h2><h3>Mercedes Benz x Mario Kart 8</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2667223" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="left" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2667223"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/8/82063/2667223-zkpspsh.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>As part of a free update, Nintendo released a set of Mercedes-Benz themed karts on August 27, 2014. The three karts are designed after the Silver Arrow, 300 SL Roadster and Mercedes-Benz GLA for a cross-promotion with Mercedes-Benz that also includes a GLA commercial featuring an actor in a Mario costume driving a GLA, getting out of the car and looking angrily at a CGI-Goomba. The DLC karts also change color depending on the driver selected, just like the regular karts.</p><h3>The Legend of Zelda x Mario Kart 8 Pack</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2674900" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2674900-10991121-1409070796-361669.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="1.0152284263959" data-width="591" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 591px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:101.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/8/82063/2674900-10991121-1409070796-361669.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2674900"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" data-width="630" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674900-10991121-1409070796-361669.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674900-10991121-1409070796-361669.jpg 591w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674900-10991121-1409070796-361669.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674900-10991121-1409070796-361669.jpg 591w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" data-width="630"></noscript></a></figure><p>The paid-for add-on content packs were revealed via Nintendo UK's web store on August 26, 2014.</p><p>Each pack includes two new cups with four new courses each, totaling at 16 new courses. Additionally, each pack includes three new characters and four new vehicles.</p><p>The first paid-for DLC marks the very first Nintendo franchise crossover in the Mario Kart universe by introducing a playable <a href="/link/3005-191/" data-ref-id="3005-191">Link </a>from <a href="/the-legend-of-zelda/3025-9/" data-ref-id="3025-9">The Legend of Zelda</a>-series as a driver and an <a href="/epona/3005-1968/" data-ref-id="3005-1968">Epona</a>-inspired bike called Master Cycle. On Hyrule Circuit, coins are replaced by rupees and triggering three specific boost poles in a row will temporarily reveal a shortcut accompanied by a classic chime. In addition, this DLC pack also features the <a href="/blue-falcon/3055-338/" data-ref-id="3055-338">Blue Falcon</a> from the <a href="/f-zero/3025-180/" data-ref-id="3025-180">F-Zero</a> franchise as well as an Mute City course that doesn't have any coins but players instead fill their coin count by driving over the power strips, like in the actual F-Zero games. <a href="/excitebike/3025-757/" data-ref-id="3025-757">Excitebike</a> is represented as well with Excitebike Arena, a very basic oval track similar to <a href="/mario-kart-double-dash/3030-18757/" data-ref-id="3030-18757">Mario Kart Double Dash</a>'s Baby Park. Notably, the location of ramps and speed boosts change every race, except when playing in Time Trial mode.</p><p>The pack is was release on November 13, 2014.</p><h4>New Drivers</h4><ul><li>Link</li><li>Cat Peach</li><li>Tanooki Mario</li></ul><h4>New Vehicles</h4><ul><li>Blue Falcon</li><li>B Dasher (from Mario Kart DS)</li><li>Master Cycle</li><li>Tanooki Kart</li></ul><h4>New Courses</h4><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Egg Cup</th><th scope="col">Triforce Cup</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Yoshi Circuit (GCN)</td><td>Wario’s Gold Mine (Wii)</td></tr><tr><td>Excitebike Arena</td><td>Rainbow Road (SNES)</td></tr><tr><td>Dragon Driftway</td><td>Ice Ice Outpost</td></tr><tr><td>Mute City</td><td>Hyrule Circuit</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8 Pack</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2674904" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674904-10991122-1409070673-879396.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="1.0152284263959" data-width="591" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 591px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:101.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674904-10991122-1409070673-879396.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2674904"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" data-width="630" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674904-10991122-1409070673-879396.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674904-10991122-1409070673-879396.jpg 591w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674904-10991122-1409070673-879396.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2674904-10991122-1409070673-879396.jpg 591w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" data-width="630"></noscript></a></figure><p>The second DLC pack introduces another franchise crossover. This time with <a href="/animal-crossing/3025-32/" data-ref-id="3025-32">Animal Crossing</a> in the form of the <a href="/villager/3005-27200/" data-ref-id="3005-27200">Villager </a>and <a href="/isabelle/3005-27181/" data-ref-id="3005-27181">Isabelle</a>. In addition to an Animal Crossing track that randomly changes its seasons every time it is played (and features coins made to look like Bells, the currency in the Animal Crossing series), a second track based on F-Zero makes an appearance. Big Blue is a point-to-point race like Mount Wario from the main game and features the same F-Zero series-gimmick of using power strips to gather coins instead of having them appear as physical pick-ups on the track itself.</p><p>The second pack was released on April 23, 2015 while originally being planned for May.</p><p>As a bonus for purchasing both packs either as a bundle or separately, players will receive eight different-colored Yoshis and eight different-colored Shy Guys that can be used right away. Purchasing both packs upfront will also be offered at reduced cost and, notable, leaves the door open for cancellation of the pre-order until the first pack is released.</p><h4>New Drivers</h4><ul><li>Villager (Boy and Girl)</li><li>Isabelle</li><li>Dry Bowser</li></ul><h4>New Vehicles</h4><ul><li>Streetle</li><li>City Tripper</li><li>P-Wing</li><li>Bone Rattler</li></ul><h4>New Courses</h4><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Crossing Cup</th><th scope="col">Bell Cup</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Baby Park (GCN)</td><td>Neo Bowser City / Koopa City (3DS)</td></tr><tr><td>Cheese Land (GBA)</td><td>Ribbon Road (GBA)</td></tr><tr><td>Wild Woods</td><td>Super Bell Highway</td></tr><tr><td>Animal Crossing</td><td>Big Blue</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><h2>Software Updates</h2><p>So far two updates for the game have been released which have had a significant effect on the gameplay though the addition of new features and enhancement of already existing features within the game.</p><h4>Version 2.0</h4><p>The first update to version 2.0 of the game was released on August 27th 2014 and introduced the following main changes to the game.</p><ul><li>Addition of option to display the course map on the TV screen.</li><li>A records section was added to the game showing various statistics including the total number of coins collect and online wins and losses.</li><li>The ability to save the last used vehicle combo (excluding DLC vehicle parts).</li><li>The ability for players to edit other players' highlight reels.</li><li>The maximum online race and battle ratings were increased from 9999 to 99999.</li><li>Alterations were made to the rating points allocation system in multiplayer.</li><li>In tournaments without race or battle limits players may now have a score of more than 1024 points as previously it would reset to 0 upon reaching this total.</li><li>Character icons on the HUD were altered.</li><li>The post-race options screen were switch around.</li><li>A Shop button was added to the main menu.</li><li>The online functionality of the game was improved.</li></ul><h4>Version 3.0</h4><p>The second update to version 3.0 of the game occurred on November 13th 2014 and included the following:</p><ul><li>Addition of amiibo support and functionality to the game (see corresponding section below).</li><li>Unlocked first downloadable content pack for those who purchased it.</li><li>The ability to save the last used vehicle combo for DLC vehicle parts and DLC characters.</li><li>Gameplay alteration of a light character bumping into a heavier character resulting in less of a push away.</li><li>Online battle and racing system changed to be less punishing to poorly performing players.</li><li>Players may now set up tournaments with cup limitations.</li></ul><h4>Version 4.0</h4><p>The third update to version 3.0 of the game was released on April 23, 2015 and included the following:</p><ul><li>Addition of nine new Mii costumes unlockable through various amiibo.</li><li>Unlocked second downloadable content pack for those who purchased it.</li><li>200cc class added. <ul><li>200cc Grand Prix unlock condition: win all cups in 150cc</li><li>Available right away in VS Race, Online Custom Rules, Friend Lobby.</li></ul></li><li>In 200cc mode, sparks will fly from tires when braking while drifting.</li><li>Braking is now possible while drifting using a Wii Remote by pressing the B, 1, and 2 button at the same time.</li><li>CPU players can now be added to Online Custom Rules (only human players count for scoring)</li><li>Pressing the minus button on Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Remote, Wii Classic Controller will now also bring up the map on the screen.</li><li>Seasons in the Animal Crossing course are random, except in Time Attack where it is locked to Summer.</li><li>Addition of 10 new Miiverse stamps.</li><li>Minor fixes and stability improvements.</li></ul><h4>Version 4.1</h4><p>Version 4.1 was released on May 1st, 2015 and allows players to select Mirror Mode and 200cc in Grand Prix mode without having to unlock them.</p><h2>amiibo Support</h2><p>To coincide with the release of the <a href="/amiibo/3015-8433/" data-ref-id="3015-8433">amiibo</a> figurines an update was released for the game adding amiibo functionality to the game. The update provides 10 unlockable Mii racing suits (as both Link and Toon Link unlock the same costume) corresponding to the various amiibo figures compatible with the game which players may use to dress their Mii's whilst racing. In addition to those initial 10, an update was later released alongside the second DLC pack that added another 9 amiibo costumes for players to choose from.</p><p>The list of currently compatible figures is as follows:</p><p>Set 1</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2708257" data-ratio="0.74955908289242" data-width="567" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 567px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2708257"><img alt="Showcase of the first set of Mii suits" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg 567w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Showcase of the first set of Mii suits" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg 567w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/23/234975/2708257-9074164748-Mario.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Showcase of the first set of Mii suits</figcaption></figure><ul><li>Mario</li><li>Luigi</li><li>Peach</li><li>Yoshi</li><li>Donkey Kong</li><li>Captain Falcon</li><li>Kirby</li><li>Samus</li><li>Fox</li><li>Link/Toon Link</li></ul><p>Set 2:</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2742747" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.55150214592275" data-width="932" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 932px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:55.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2742747"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.png 932w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.png 932w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/24/249540/2742747-6929705822-9bf15.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><ul><li>Toad</li><li>Bowser</li><li>Rosalina</li><li>Wario</li><li>Villager</li><li>Captain Olimar</li><li>Mega Man</li><li>Sonic</li><li>Pac-Man</li></ul><h2>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe</h2><p>When Nintendo unveiled the Switch, Mario Kart was briefly teased to show the consoles split-screen capabilities and Joy-Con multiplayer. In the Nintendo Switch January press conference is was confirmed that Mario Kart 8 would be coming to the Nintendo Switch under the name Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. </p><p>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an updated version of Wii U's Mario Kart 8. Deluxe includes all of the DLC that was released on the Wii U version and adds new characters, maps and modes. The new characters are the Squid Sisters, King Boo, Dry Bones &amp; Bowser Jr. New content include Balloon Battle &amp; Bob-omb Blast, new items and the ability to hold two items at anyone time. Unlike the original release Deluxe offers eight player local wireless multiplayer.</p><h2>Promotions</h2><p>Nintendo is launching a couple of customer reward promotions alongside the launch of Mario Kart 8 across all territories, all with minor differences.</p><h3>Retail Bundles</h3><figure data-ref-id="1300-2626854" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2626854-mk8wiiu.png" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-ratio="0.88215488215488" data-width="297" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 297px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:88.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2626854-mk8wiiu.png" data-ref-id="1300-2626854"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" data-width="297" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2626854-mk8wiiu.png" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2626854-mk8wiiu.png 297w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2626854-mk8wiiu.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/8/82063/2626854-mk8wiiu.png 297w" sizes="(max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" data-width="297"></noscript></a></figure><p>Firstly, there is the Mario Kart 8 console bundle. In North America, players can purchase a Wii U Deluxe Set that comes with a physical copy of Mario Kart 8, a Mario-themed Wii Remote Plus and a red Wii Wheel for $329.99 while Europe gets the Wii U Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack that comes with a physical copy of the game for €299.</p><p>Nintendo of Europe also offers a Limited Edition of the game that comes in a big box with a Spiny Shell figurine. A special offer in Nintendo UK's web shop adds a Mario Kart-themed T-Shirt and keychain to the Limited and Standard Edition for £59.99 and £49.99 respectively. Additionally, they split the console bundle into a Team Mario and Team Luigi offer that includes a Mario or Luigi hat, a Mario or Luigi Wii Remote Plus, a Mario or Luigi-themed Wii U GamePad protector and a physical copy of the Mario Kart 8 Game Guide from Prima for £299.99.</p><h3>Super Mario Kart Promotion</h3><p>In Europe, players who purchase <a href="/super-mario-kart/3030-19071/" data-ref-id="3030-19071">Super Mario Kart</a> on the Wii U Virtual Console will receive a £5.49/€7.99 discount if they proceed to buy Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo eShop before June 30, 2014.</p><h3>Club Nintendo Free Bonus-Game Promotion</h3><p>Finally, Nintendo announced a Free Bonus Game offer for <a href="/club-nintendo/3015-2341/" data-ref-id="3015-2341">Club Nintendo</a> members via a Mario Kart 8-focused Nintendo Direct on April 30, 2014. Players who buy Mario Kart 8 either at retail or on the Wii U eShop and register their game on Club Nintendo until July 31, 2014 will be able to choose between various Wii U games and receive a free eShop download code for their game of choice. In Japan, the promotion entitles players to pick two out of six games (full versions with a timer) which they can play for an entire month for free in addition to getting the chance to buy each for 40% off during the trial period.</p><h4>Europe</h4><ul><li><a href="/nintendo-land/3030-38549/" data-ref-id="3030-38549">Nintendo Land</a></li><li><a href="/new-super-mario-bros-u/3030-35574/" data-ref-id="3030-35574">New Super Mario Bros. U</a></li><li><a href="/game-wario/3030-38557/" data-ref-id="3030-38557">Game &amp; Wario</a></li><li><a href="/pikmin-3/3030-27930/" data-ref-id="3030-27930">Pikmin 3</a></li><li><a href="/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd/3030-41348/" data-ref-id="3030-41348">The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD</a></li><li><a href="/sonic-lost-world/3030-42655/" data-ref-id="3030-42655">Sonic Lost World</a></li><li><a href="/mario-sonic-at-the-sochi-2014-winter-olympic-games/3030-42658/" data-ref-id="3030-42658">Mario &amp; Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games</a></li><li><a href="/wii-party-u/3030-41350/" data-ref-id="3030-41350">Wii Party U</a></li><li><a href="/the-wonderful-101/3030-38553/" data-ref-id="3030-38553">The Wonderful 101</a></li><li><a href="/monster-hunter-3-ultimate/3030-36397/" data-ref-id="3030-36397">Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate</a></li></ul><h4>North America</h4><ul><li>New Super Mario Bros. U</li><li>Pikmin 3</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD</li><li>Wii Party U</li></ul><h4>Japan</h4><ul><li>Nintendo Land</li><li>New Super Mario Bros. U</li><li>Game &amp; Wario</li><li>Pikmin 3</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD</li><li>The Wonderful 101</li></ul><h2>Reception</h2><p>On top of being the best-reviewed Mario Kart game in franchise history, Mario Kart 8 also managed to snatch up the title of fastest-selling Wii U game and having the second best franchise launch in the UK. The game managed to sell 1.2 million copies worldwide within the first three days on the market, according to a press release by Nintendo. As of September 30, 2016, Mario Kart 8 has sold 8 million copies globally.</p>

Mario Kart returns and makes its HD-debut with gravity-defying hover vehicles, a new spin on the traditional track designs, ATVs, the return of classic Last Man Standing-Battle Mode, custom online tournaments and Mario Kart TV, which allows for sharing of highlight videos online.

Just a Friendly Reminder That Mario Kart 8 Is Out in Exactly One Month

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Set (Wii U x Mario Wii Remote x Red Wii Wheel Bundle)

An Idea Factory and Otomate visual novel due to come exclusively to the PlayStation Vita system

An expanded version of the Battle Royale mode of River City Super Sports Challenge: All-Stars.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>BlazBlue: Central Fiction (BBCF) is the fourth main iteration and seventh major update of the BlazBlue franchise that started with <a href="/blazblue-calamity-trigger/3030-21768/" data-ref-id="3030-21768">Calamity Trigger</a>.</p><h2>Story</h2><p>The arcade story of BBCF is told in three "Acts."</p><h3>Act I: Phantom of Labyrinth</h3><p>After the events of <a href="/blazblue-chrono-phantasma/3030-39225/" data-ref-id="3030-39225">Chrono Phantasma</a>, the Imperator was able to partially succeed in turning many remaining humans back into seithr. Though Ragna and the renewed Ikaruga Federation were able to defeat the Imperator, she simply vanished, drawing out Ragna's Black Beast from within.</p><p>Later, the Black Beast was sedated, and Ragna was somehow revived within Kagutsuchi. However, he appears to have lost his memory.</p><h3>Act II: Nightmare Memory</h3><p>The characters all reached their respective perfect world, only to be informed by Nine that what they see is merely one of many different possible worlds that may not even be real. Nine tells the player that "Izanami must be defeated. By your hands." Then the player finds themselves shifting into a different figment of reality.</p><h3>Act III: The Replacement Blue</h3><p>After the battle against Izanami the characters regained their memories now go after Noel for she is the one denying all of the entitled their wishes and also apparently being the Master Unit's core guarding some secret gate of the gods after seperating from Mu But Ragna and those who are close to her are going to protect her.</p><p> </p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>The basic gameplay of BBCF remains the same: 1v1 battles where each player must fight in real-time to reduce their opponent's life bar to zero, and do so enough times to win the match. However, there have been some new and updated elements introduced to this game that were not in previous versions of BlazBlue.</p><h3>New Mechanics:</h3><p><strong>Exceed Accel:</strong> A special type of Distortion Drive that can only be activated by pressing A+B+C+D while already in Overdrive. It begins with the character performing a specific attack in their moveset, and once it connects the rest of the background shatters away into the Overdrive background effect when the attack is performed. It dishes large damage, but immediately ends Overdrive.</p><p><strong>Active Flow:</strong> The opposite of Negative Penalty status, where a character who runs away for too long would start losing defensive power. A character that fights aggressively soon goes into an Active Flow, which boosts damage and recovery of the Burst Gauge. Active Flow also increases damage of Exceed Accel (and may add extra effects and animations for certain characters). When a character enters Active Flow, their emblem on the health bar becomes purple-pink.</p><h2>Characters</h2><p>At least 32 characters are confirmed to be playable in BBCF. The playable cast from the previous games returns, along with four new characters, including one who has not appeared in a BlazBlue game before.</p><h3>New Characters</h3><ul><li><strong><a href="/hibiki-kohaku/3005-32918/" data-ref-id="3005-32918">Hibike Kohaku</a>:</strong> Kagura Mutsuki's servant and Captain within the NOL. A member of the Kohaku family within the Duodecim, known for their stealthy assassins in that they are rarely mentioned in the history books, yet always seem to have a hand in shaping or observing events. A fast-moving ninja who can create temporary clones of himself with his <strong>Double Chase</strong> Drive.</li><li><strong><a href="/naoto-kurogane/3005-32944/" data-ref-id="3005-32944">Naoto Kurogane</a>:</strong> A high-school boy who possesses the "Hunter's Eye" that allows him to quantify the exact number of life points someone has when he looks at them. His life followed a similar path to Ragna, where his right arm and leg were cut off by an enemy and later replaced with an artificial one by Relius Clover. In battle, he uses mostly melee attacks. His Drive, <strong>Bloodedge</strong>, allows him to create temporary blades from his own blood.</li><li><strong><a href="/konoe-a-mercury/3005-31216/" data-ref-id="3005-31216">Nine the Phantom</a>:</strong> One of the legendary Ten Sages who introduced magic to the world, the original creator of the Nox Nyctores used to defeat the Black Beast, and later Jubei's wife and Kokonoe's mother. Despite supposedly dying during the Dark War, Nine has actually been kept alive as "Phantom" throughout the BlazBlue story as a servant of the Imperator. Now with all restrictions released, she can use all her powers in battle, but still retains some of her previous personality. Nine does not have a Drive (though some materials refer to it as <strong>The Abyss Driver</strong>), but can cast multiple elemental spells, having two slots to store different magic that can be unleashed on her opponent.</li><li><strong><a href="/hades-izanami/3005-32945/" data-ref-id="3005-32945">Hades Izanami</a>:</strong> The ultimate villain of BlazBlue. Using Saya, the Imperator, as a vessel, she managed to end the Continuum Shift by using Terumi to damage Amaterasu. Like her namesake in Shinto legend, Izanami seeks to create a world where death is permanent and everywhere. Her Drive, <strong>Exodus Arc</strong>, can be used to fire Magatama projectiles at the opponent, but she cannot block until her Drive is deactivated.</li><li><a href="/es/3005-29800/" data-ref-id="3005-29800"><strong>Es</strong></a>: A character from the Xblaze franchise</li></ul><h3>Returning Characters</h3><ul><li><a href="/ragna-the-bloodedge/3005-7830/" data-ref-id="3005-7830">Ragna the Bloodedge</a></li><li><a href="/jin-kisaragi/3005-7855/" data-ref-id="3005-7855">Jin Kisaragi</a></li><li><a href="/noel-vermillion/3005-7803/" data-ref-id="3005-7803">Noel Vermillion</a></li><li><a href="/rachel-alucard/3005-7821/" data-ref-id="3005-7821">Rachel Alucard</a></li><li><a href="/taokaka/3005-7608/" data-ref-id="3005-7608">Taokaka</a></li><li><a href="/carl-clover/3005-7859/" data-ref-id="3005-7859">Carl Clover</a></li><li><a href="/litchi-faye-ling/3005-7607/" data-ref-id="3005-7607">Litchi Faye-Ling</a></li><li><a href="/arakune/3005-7858/" data-ref-id="3005-7858">Arakune</a></li><li><a href="/iron-tager/3005-7856/" data-ref-id="3005-7856">Iron Tager</a></li><li><a href="/bang-shishigami/3005-7860/" data-ref-id="3005-7860">Bang Shishigami</a></li><li><a href="/hakumen/3005-11514/" data-ref-id="3005-11514">Hakumen</a></li><li><a href="/hazama/3005-11516/" data-ref-id="3005-11516">Hazama</a></li><li><a href="/tsubaki-yayoi/3005-12480/" data-ref-id="3005-12480">Tsubaki Yayoi</a></li><li><a href="/makoto-nanaya/3005-13475/" data-ref-id="3005-13475">Makoto Nanaya</a></li><li><a href="/valkenhayn-hellsing/3005-15849/" data-ref-id="3005-15849">Valkenhayn R. Hellsing</a></li><li><a href="/platinum-the-trinity/3005-15848/" data-ref-id="3005-15848">Platinum the Trinity</a></li><li><a href="/relius-clover/3005-16619/" data-ref-id="3005-16619">Relius Clover</a></li><li><a href="/amane/3005-24028/" data-ref-id="3005-24028">Amane Nishiki</a></li><li><a href="/bullet/3005-24030/" data-ref-id="3005-24030">Bullet</a></li><li><a href="/azrael/3005-24029/" data-ref-id="3005-24029">Azrael</a></li><li><a href="/v-13/3005-11515/" data-ref-id="3005-11515">Nu -No.13-</a></li><li>Mu -No.12-</li><li><a href="/lambda-11/3005-15623/" data-ref-id="3005-15623">Lambda -No.11-</a></li><li>Izayoi</li><li><a href="/kagura-mutsuki/3005-31215/" data-ref-id="3005-31215">Kagura Mutsuki</a></li><li><a href="/yuki-terumi/3005-32917/" data-ref-id="3005-32917">Yūki Terumi</a></li><li><a href="/kokonoe/3005-15004/" data-ref-id="3005-15004">Kokonoe</a></li><li><a href="/celica-a-mercury/3005-31214/" data-ref-id="3005-31214">Celica A. Mercury</a></li></ul>

The latest addition to the Arc System Works anime fighting game franchise, BlazBlue. Featuring new characters, new story, and a couple new game mechanics.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Zombeer is a comedy horror first-person shooter by Moonbite Games and Padone Games.</p>

A humorous first-person shooter, where the only way to stave off the zombie infection is to keep a constant level of alcohol in the blood.