Work to fix a broken boom box in this music-based platformer in which staying in rhythm is key.

An obscure 2D fighting game for the Neo Geo with pre-rendered 3D graphics and characters based on Japanese folklore.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Ragnagard (known in Japan as <em>Shinohken</em>, which loosely translates to "God Phoenix Fist") is a 2D fighting game developed by <a href="/system-vision/3010-10253/" data-ref-id="3010-10253">System Vision</a> and published by <a href="/saurus-co-ltd/3010-5066/" data-ref-id="3010-5066">Saurus</a> for <a href="/arcade/3045-84/" data-ref-id="3045-84">arcades</a> (running Neo Geo MVS hardware) and the <a href="/neo-geo/3045-25/" data-ref-id="3045-25">Neo Geo AES</a> on July 26, 1996.</p><p>The game is known for its use of pre-rendered 3D graphics (reminiscent of the <a href="/killer-instinct/3025-1017/" data-ref-id="3025-1017">Killer Instinct</a> and <a href="/rise-of-the-robots/3025-2651/" data-ref-id="3025-2651">Rise of the Robots</a> series) and characters based on Japanese <a href="/mythology/3015-2051/" data-ref-id="3015-2051">folklore</a> (such as Shinto god <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susanoo-no-Mikoto" rel="nofollow">Susano</a>, Buddhist goddess <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzaiten" rel="nofollow">Benten</a>, and the mythological <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Wukong" rel="nofollow">Monkey King</a>). It is also the last game developed by obscure fighting game developer System Vision (whose previous games were <a href="/deadly-moves/3030-19025/" data-ref-id="3030-19025">Deadly Moves</a> and <a href="/battle-master-kyuukyoku-no-senshitachi/3030-42124/" data-ref-id="3030-42124">Battle Master: Kyuukyoku no Senshitachi</a>).</p><p>It was later ported to the <a href="/neo-geo-cd/3045-59/" data-ref-id="3045-59">Neo Geo CD</a> in Japan on August 23, 1996 and the <a href="/saturn/3045-42/" data-ref-id="3045-42">Sega Saturn</a> in Japan on April 4, 1997. The Neo Geo version was digitally re-released for the <a href="/wii/3045-36/" data-ref-id="3045-36">Wii</a> (via <a href="/virtual-console/3015-2925/" data-ref-id="3015-2925">Virtual Console</a>) on October 18, 2011 in Japan only.</p><h2>Characters</h2><p>The game includes eight playable fighters from the start and three boss characters, who can each be played using specific cheat codes in the character select screen.</p><ul><li>Susano</li><li>Benten</li><li>Chichi &amp; Nene</li><li>Gokuu</li><li>Binten</li><li>Syuten-Dozi</li><li>Seena</li><li>Igret</li><li>Behemoth (boss, playable with cheat code)</li><li>Eelis (boss, playable with cheat code)</li><li>Lucifer (final boss, playable with cheat code, has an alternate unplayable version named "Gilfer" that serves as the final boss for Lucifer)</li></ul>

Tales of Vesperia is a Japanese Role-Playing Game and the first entry in the long-running "Tales of" franchise on seventh-generation consoles.

<h2>Overview</h2><p><i>Tales of Vesperia</i> is a Japanese Role-Playing game from <a href="/namco-tales-studio-ltd/3010-381/" data-ref-id="3010-381">Namco Tales Studio</a>. It stars <a href="/yuri-lowell/3005-4202/" data-ref-id="3005-4202">Yuri Lowell</a> as the primary Protagonist. Yuri is an ex-knight of the strong but somewhat oppressive Empire who now spends his life living in the lower quarter of the capital, usually getting on the wrong side of the Knights during his crusade to helping the poor and proving their value is as important as the Nobles.</p><p>Along with a substantial cast of characters, the players are immersed once more in a world of magic, elemental spirits, and a cell shaded anime style presentation.</p><h2><b>Story</b></h2><p>The people of Terca Lumireis rely on Blastia, which are a form of technology made by inscribing a "Formula" on a blastia "Core". The people use these blastia to carry out different things that go on in their daily life. Cities use the blastia to draw water from the ground or to create fire from a stone. The knights and guilds of the land use blastia to carry out the sole duty to kill monsters that attack citizens. Blastia have been used to create barriers protecting these cities from impending monster attacks; however, they have kept most people from travelling outside the barriers to see distant lands.</p><p>In the beginning of the game, the aque blastia that provides water to the people in Yuri's hometown is stolen. He sets out to find it and in the process meets a large cast of characters and gets wrapped up in much larger plots that threaten the existence of all life.</p><h2><b>Characters</b></h2><h3><a href="/yuri-lowell/3005-4202/" data-ref-id="3005-4202"><b>Yuri Lowell</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285783-yuri.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285783" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.26900584795322" data-width="513" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 513px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:26.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285783-yuri.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285783"><img alt="Yuri" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285783-yuri.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285783-yuri.jpg 513w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285783-yuri.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a><figcaption>Yuri</figcaption></figure><p>The main protagonist of the game, Yuri is a young ex-knight who was born and raised in the lower quarters of Zaphias. Becoming frustrated with government corruption, he becomes a knight with his childhood friend Flynn. Attempting to work his way up the ladder and replace the corrupt officials, it soon dawns on him that his goal is nothing more than a romantic dream. He leaves the knights and returns to his old ways, longing for adventure outside the city's barrier. Upon waking up one day, he discovers that a thief has stolen the lower quarters fountain blastia. In an attempt to recover it, and capture the thief, he embarks on what will become an epic experience. Yuri chooses to fight with with <a href="/sword/3055-1/" data-ref-id="3055-1">swords</a> and <a href="/axe/3055-437/" data-ref-id="3055-437">axes</a>, while also utilizing various artes via his bodhi blastia bracelet. Strangely, Yuri does not actually wear his scabbard, instead choosing to carry his sword in its sheath in his hand at all times, discarding the scabbard at the beginning of battle. It is unknown why he would deliberately choose to do so.</p><p>In addition to Yuri's title skins the player can also use some modifiers to change the way Yuri looks. There are a variety of these modifiers in the game, and some are even unlocked for the entire party (like the canteens after the desert event), however the most common thing to change about Yuri is his hats.</p><h3><a href="/estellise/3005-4208/" data-ref-id="3005-4208"><b>Estillese Sido Heurassein</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285776-estelle.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285776" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.26810176125245" data-width="511" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 511px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:26.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285776-estelle.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285776"><img alt="Estelle" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285776-estelle.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285776-estelle.jpg 511w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285776-estelle.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a><figcaption>Estelle</figcaption></figure><p>The female lead of <i>Vesperia,</i> Estellise is introduced at the beginning of the game, becoming the players first party member. She claims to have an important message for <a href="/flynn-scifo/3005-4212/" data-ref-id="3005-4212">Flynn Scifo</a>, but being a noble, is not allowed to leave the castle without permission. This is when Yuri, who knows Flynn personally, decides to help her escape Zaphias Castle. Yuri later nicknames her "Estelle", which she soon grows fond of. Estelle specializes in <a href="/rapier/3055-1202/" data-ref-id="3055-1202">rapiers</a>, <a href="/mace/3055-724/" data-ref-id="3055-724">maces</a>, and rods in one hand, and shields in the other. A majority of her artes replenish HP for one or more party members, making her the primary healer of the group.</p><p>In addition to Yuri's title skins the player can also use some modifiers to change the way Estellise looks. There are a variety of these modifiers in the game, and some are even unlocked for the entire party, however, the most common thing to change for Estelle is to add a series of veils to her head.</p><h3><a href="/flynn-scifo/3005-4212/" data-ref-id="3005-4212"><b>Flynn Scifo</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285777" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.27005870841487" data-width="511" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 511px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:27.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285777"><img alt="Flynn" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg 511w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Flynn" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg 511w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285777-flynn.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Flynn</figcaption></figure><p>Flynn grew up in the poverty filled lower quarter alongside Yuri. Sharing the same unsatisfied opinions of the Empire, they both join the knights in an attempt to fix the broken system by becoming one of its leaders. Yuri soon realized that they may never achieve this, and abandoned his knighthood. Flynn continued to to move up the ranks, getting closer to the coveted high-power positions. Now operating on opposite sides of the law, Flynn and Yuri often must confront each other on their journeys. Although he plays a major role in the story, Flynn is not a playable character, save for one battle in which he aids the group. Flynn will, however, be selectable in the non-canon PlayStation 3 version of the game.</p><h3><a href="/repede/3005-4210/" data-ref-id="3005-4210"><b>Repede</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285781" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.27397260273973" data-width="511" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 511px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:27.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285781"><img alt="Repede" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg 511w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Repede" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg 511w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285781-repede.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Repede</figcaption></figure><p>Yuri's faithful sidekick, Repede is a four year old dog of unspecified breed. Raised by both Yuri and Flynn during their knighthood, he appears to have lost an eye during a fight with a monster. Although nothing is known of his previous owner, who apparently died prior to the beginning of the game, his pipe (which does not actually contain tobacco), chain, and weapon are apparently keepsakes of the man. His dislike of strangers is evident in his treatment of Estelle, though he does take a liking to Rita. Repede attacks with a dagger in his mouth, while also performing artes, usually in mid-air.</p><p>Repede has the highest variety of alternate costume modifiers. In addition to the canteen that he gets along with the rest of the cast after the desert event, Repede can get a small doll of the other 6 playable characters to go on his back during all scenes.</p><h3><a href="/rita-mordio/3005-4207/" data-ref-id="3005-4207"><b>Rita Mordio</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285715" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.2734375" data-width="512" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 512px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:27.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285715"><img alt="Rita" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg 512w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Rita" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg 512w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285715-rita.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Rita</figcaption></figure><p>Rita is a fifteen year old mage prodigy from the city of scholars, Aspio, where she specializes in blastia research. Although orphaned, her family origins are never clear. She is at first very anti-social, only caring about her blastia and research, but soon takes a liking to the main cast, Estellise in particular. Rita seems to be one of the only researchers who believes that blastia are alive, and should be treated as such. She uses artes, powered by her blastia circlet, to attack her enemies, along with a ribbon weapon to attack nearby foes.</p><p>Most of Rita's visual modifiers are things which can hang off of her back. She can get a series of different colored books or even a large scroll.</p><h3><a href="/karol-capel/3005-4214/" data-ref-id="3005-4214"><b>Karol Capel</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285779" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.27095516569201" data-width="513" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 513px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:27.1%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285779"><img alt="Karol" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg 513w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Karol" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg 513w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285779-karol.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Karol</figcaption></figure><p>Karol is a young boy with plentiful knowledge of guilds and his hometown, Dahngrest. When he first meets Yuri, he claim to have an abundance of guild experience. It is later revealed, that he has been discharged from many guilds, the last being the Hunting Blades. Through the game, he tries to prove his worth and bravery to a Hunting Blades member, <a href="/nan/3005-12044/" data-ref-id="3005-12044">Nan</a>, who he seems to be enamoured with. Although the main cast appreciates him, Rita treats him as a bratty little brother. Karol's weapons of choice are Hammers, Axes, and the contents of his bag, ranging from baseballs to bug spray.</p><h3><a href="/raven/3005-4218/" data-ref-id="3005-4218"><b>Raven</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285780-raven.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285780" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.27005870841487" data-width="511" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 511px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:27.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285780-raven.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285780"><img alt=""Raven"" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285780-raven.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285780-raven.jpg 511w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285780-raven.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt=""></noscript></a><figcaption>"Raven"</figcaption></figure><p>A strange man who begins following the party around, at first without any consent. He is a jokester, ladies man, and sometimes even perverted character. He introduces himself with an obvious pseudo-name, stating "'Raven' will be good enough". His true intentions are later revealed, along with his participation in The Great War. A running joke involves characters, including Raven himself, referring to Raven as an 'old man', despite Raven only being in his 30's. Raven chooses to fight with bows that can be split into daggers for close range combat, and there are a surprising number of stores in the world that carry variations on such a unique weapon. His arrows have multiple uses, such as healing party members, and being planted as mines.</p><h3><a href="/judith/3005-4217/" data-ref-id="3005-4217"><b>Judith</b></a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285778" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.271484375" data-width="512" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 512px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:27.1%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1285778"><img alt="Judith" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg 512w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Judith" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg 512w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1285778-judith.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Judith</figcaption></figure><p>A mysterious woman of the wise, reclusive race known as the Kritya, Judith first joins the party only to hunt down and destroy blastia. Most of her past is a mystery, causing the main cast to continuously question whether or not she can be trusted. Judith chooses to fight with spears, performing aerial <a href="/combo/3015-18/" data-ref-id="3015-18">combos</a> with ease.</p><h3><a href="/patty-fleur/3005-14166/" data-ref-id="3005-14166">Patty Fleur</a></h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1287734" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.49180327868852" data-width="610" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 610px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:49.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1287734"><img alt="Patty" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg 610w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="Patty" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg 610w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/3/32111/1287734-western_tov_release_hinted.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>Patty</figcaption></figure><p>A young pirate girl whose goal is to find the lost treasure of the legendary pirate Aifread and a way to recover her memories. Patty fights with guns and firearms, though as a pirate, she's equally skilled with knifes and other paraphernalia. Patty is exclusive to the the PlayStation3 version of <i>Tales of Vesperia</i>. She is hinted in the Xbox360 version through a pirate hat with the word "Pa..." found in Capua Torim. As you progress in the game, her story ties in with the original plot. She was likely meant to be in the game from the start, which was further proven when game data indicating her as a playable character was found.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p><i>Tales of Vesperia</i> uses an improved version of the <a href="/tales-of-the-abyss/3030-14210/" data-ref-id="3030-14210"><i>Tales of the Abyss</i></a> combat system which is now called the "Evolved Flex-Range Linear Motion Battle System". Also returning from <a href="/tales-of-symphonia/3030-21237/" data-ref-id="3030-21237"><i>Tales of Symphonia</i></a> and <i>Tales of the Abyss</i> is the ability to activate an <a href="/limit-break/3015-304/" data-ref-id="3015-304">over-limit</a> ability, enabling the person to continually slash an opponent as well as pull off a effective special attack which can be stacked in a single bar or spread out to different members of the party. When stacked it can be put up to 4 times giving various effects (To see more look at the Linear Motion Battle System in concepts).</p><figure data-align="left" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-223534" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.54609375" data-width="1280" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1280px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:54.6%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-223534"><img alt="A standard, if chaotic battle" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="A standard, if chaotic battle" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg 1280w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/149/223534-tv5.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></noscript></a><figcaption>A standard, if chaotic battle</figcaption></figure><p><i>Tales of Vesperia</i> uses a different type of GRADE points compared to other Tales games, Instead each member will have "Learning Points" or LP. Through fighting battles you will gain more LP points and putting them to unlearned skills and when enough of the points are required the skill is unlocked and can use it without having a type of weapon equipped for a certain number of "Skill Points" or SP. SP points are gained by leveling up from experience and a character with a certain skill to that weapon enabling to use that skill (The demo of this game only gives a set number of 20 SP points), Skill Changes are also enabled in the interface for the character enabling to switch up different skills to different enemies, if an enemy has a high knock-back attack a player will enable a skill such as "Quick Recover" so the user is able to jump back up after being knocked down, through using the skill change enough times, you will eventually learn that Arte or spell.</p><p>Throughout battles the player can raise a meter which progresses between battles by hitting enemies with basic attacks. This meter can fill itself up to four times. As long as there is one full bar the player can hit the directional pad in any direction to trigger Over Limit. While in Over Limit the character can repeatedly use whatever tech they have set to a hotkey with far less delay. The only limiting factor in Over Limit is that the techs still cost their regular amount of TP when used. This is an easy way to guard break an enemy.</p><p>Burst Artes are performed while in overlimit by using an arcane arte or a spell change. Depending on the overlimit level, the amount of time it takes increases allowing you to add more combo's and string together more powerful techniques. A player will also be able to make use of the "Fatal strike" system, being able to kill an enemy in one blow with just one swing of the weapon by a button combination.</p><p>Yuri gets a Sorcerer's Ring not too far into the game. This allows him (or whoever is the party leader) to shoot a ball of energy at enemies prior to battle. If hit, the enemy will either become staggered (allowing for an Advantage Encounter) or frozen for a short period of time. Less often, the enemy may become enraged and simply charge the party.</p><h3>Secret Missions</h3><p>Throughout the game there are a series of secret missions that can be completed in some of the boss battles throughout the game. These can range from hitting a boss with a specific tech at a certain time, to destroying certain artifacts on the battlefield before beating them. These offer no in game rewards except for achievements on the 360 version. There are no hints of any of these and some of them are practically impossible for a player to simply guess.</p><h2>Animated Movie</h2><p><i>Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike</i>, produced by famed anime stuidio Production I.G., was released in Japan on October 3rd 2009. The movie is set before the events of the game, filling in the details of Yuri's mysterious past as a Knight. Returning</p><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287735-tov_fs_poster.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1287735" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.415" data-width="200" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 200px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:141.5%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287735-tov_fs_poster.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1287735"><img alt="Official theatrical poster for the movie" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" data-width="200" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287735-tov_fs_poster.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287735-tov_fs_poster.jpg 200w"><noscript><img alt="Official theatrical poster for the movie" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287735-tov_fs_poster.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/3/32111/1287735-tov_fs_poster.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" data-width="200"></noscript></a><figcaption>Official theatrical poster for the movie</figcaption></figure><p>game characters are Flynn, Estelle, Rita, Raven, and Repede. The games theme song "Ring a Bell" by Bonnie pink will again be used for the soundtrack. The film's Blu-Ray release has been announced for May 2010, and will include <a href="/downloadable-content/3015-329/" data-ref-id="3015-329">DLC</a> for the PlayStation 3 version of the game.</p><p><i>The First Strike</i> was released in North America on June 26th in a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack.</p><h2>Premium Edition</h2><p>The Premium Edition of the game comes in a steelbook case and includes an extended manual with exclusive artwork and a copy of the <i>Tales 10th Anniversary Soundtrack Volume 1,</i> which contains tracks from several games in the Tales series. The Premium Edition also contains a code that can be used to redeem a copy of the <i>Tales 10th Anniversary Volume 2</i> CD from Namco Bandai.</p><h2>Xbox 360 Hard Drive Installation</h2><p>Tales of Vesperia requires 5.9 GB of hard drive space to be installed. Once installed, the load times decrease, but saving/loading can still sometimes be slow. The dashboard update in August of 2009 lowered this installation to 5.4 GB of hard drive space.</p><h2>PlayStation 3 Version</h2><p>The PlayStation 3 version of <i>Tales of Vesperia</i> was released on September 17, 2009 in Japan. Namco Bandai has neither confirmed nor denied that this version would be released outside of Japan. The PS3 version includes a new character, two new available party members (including the new character), and a completely voiced script, whereas the Xbox 360 version of the game voiced over important story elements only rather than things like small talk. The inclusion of these new characters does affect the story to an extent because of the nature of the returning character's involvement in the original story. All additional content seen in the PS3 version is as follows:</p><h3><b>Additional Content</b></h3><ul><li>Full voice acting.</li><li>New playable character (Patty Fleur).</li><li>Flynn as a playable character and party member (in comparison to one fight in the Xbox 360 version).</li><li>Tie-ins with the animated move, <i>Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike</i>.</li><li>New cutscenes.</li><li>New subplots.</li><li>New costumes.</li><li>New bosses (Including the Sword Dancer).</li><li>New dungeons.</li><li>New towns.</li><li>New Mystic Artes (including a dual Mystic Arte with Yuri and Flynn).</li><li>New skits.</li><li>New quests.</li><li>New sidequests.</li><li>New songs.</li><li>New Artes.</li><li>Repede becomes a selectable on-screen avatar.</li><li>Remodeled towns.</li><li>A scene-skip feature.</li><li>A Key Item known as the "Artes Ball," which allows characters to assign up to 8 Artes to the left stick, and 8 Arte Shortcuts to the right stick for a maximum of 16 Artes instead of 8.</li><li>Connectivity with <a href="/tales-of-vs/3030-25770/" data-ref-id="3030-25770"><i>Tales of VS.</i></a></li><li>Pre-order bonus ( <a href="/tales-of-the-abyss/3030-14210/" data-ref-id="3030-14210">Abyss</a>/ <a href="/tales-of-symphonia/3030-21237/" data-ref-id="3030-21237">Symphonia</a> costumes).</li></ul><h2>Possible Sequel</h2><p>At the <a href="http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/10/17/tales_of_vesperia_sequel_talk/" rel="nofollow">Tales of Vesperia : The First Strike release event</a> Tales of Vesperia's producer, Yoshito Higuchi, was asked if there was going to be a possible sequel to the game to which he replied that there is a lot of internal debate going around the studio about making a possible sequel to the game. "We're thinking about it," he closed.</p>

E3 2018: That Dog Has a Pipe in Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition

Games That Ask You to "Press Start" But Will Accept Other Buttons

enables you to create your own dungeon RPG, packed with traps, doors, rocks. BQM has a tile based wysiwyg editor

HIVE JUMP is a sci-fi action platformer for 1-4 players blending run ‘n gun gameplay with roguelike elements. 
The Wii U version will feature amiibo support.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Players control a team of expendable space marines called Jumpers, whose mission it is to clear out subterranean aliens hives to make the galaxy safe for human colonization. Players explore these alien hives, blasting bug-like creatures with sci-fi weaponry, collecting lost relics, and amassing stores of alien too to spend on upgrading their arsenals. The game features procedurally generated hives, local and online co-op for up to 4 players, boss battles, and a twist on permadeath that revolves around keeping a transponder backpack safe: as long as the backpack is alive, players can respawn indefinitely, but if the aliens destroy the backpack, the players are on their last lives.</p><p>Hive Jump is currently released as an Early Access title on Steam for PC / Mac / Linux platforms. Hive Jump's full release and Wii U port are planned for Q4 2016.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><h3>Mechanics</h3><p>As a 2D action platformer, the player's core abilities consist of: running, jumping, jetpack movement, 360 degree shooting, throwing grenades, carrying and throwing the transponder backpack, and using a variety of utility items.</p><h4>Transponder Backpack</h4><p>While exploring an alien hive, players begin their mission with a transponder backpack at full health. This backpack is automatically equipped to player one, and is protected from harm as long as it is equipped by a player. If the player carrying the backpack dies, the backpack will drop and become vulnerable to alien attack. If the backpack is destroyed, the team of players attempting the hive mission will lose a variety of beneficial effects: infinite jumper respawns, access to the S.T.O.R.E. to buy and upgrade weapons and items mid-hive mission, and the ability to call in a nuke for the Queen boss fight at the end of the hive. The backpack's health can only be restored by finding a rare relic, and once destroyed, cannot be restored. Players may attempt to continue with their mission and attempt to clear the hive even if the backpack is destroyed.</p><p>The transponder backpack also serves as a focal point for team gameplay. In local "couch" co-op mode, the player with the backpack has more control over where the game camera is, because the backpack must always be on-screen in that mode. In online co-op, players have their own cameras bound to their characters, but when players die their camera moves to the backpacks location, and their jumper respawns there.</p><h4>Loadout Customization</h4><p>Players may outfit their Jumpers with one of each type of equipment: <strong>rifle modification</strong>, <strong>grenade modification</strong>, and <strong>utility item</strong>. Rifle modifications change the type of projectiles that your Jumper's rifle shoots. Grenade modifications change what kind of explosive damage the player's thrown grenades do and how they are detonated. Utility items can be passive (always in operation), or activated on the player's command. Each utility item is unique and provides the player with a new ability that helps differentiate themselves from their teammates and assists in various aspects of combat or hive exploration.</p><p>A player may modify their equipment loadout before the beginning of a Hive Mission, as well as between every level of an alien hive as long as the transponder backpack is still alive.</p><h4>Relic Rooms and Bonuses</h4><p>While exploring an alien hive, players will discover special doors that lead to offshoot rooms in the hive. These rooms will not spawn alien enemies, but instead challenge the player with harder platforming segments with a guaranteed relic chest at the end of the room. These relic chests will spawn a random relic from the 20+ available relics in the game.</p><p>Each relic grants the entire team of players some form of stat bonus. Examples include increased health for each jumper, decreased weapon overheat rate, damage resistance against various types of damage, and more jetpack fuel. Some relics even grant additional benefits for that hive mission, such as constantly regenerating health, immunity to knockback, or a chance to resist fatal damage. One relic, the Necronomicon, actually confers a penalty to players in the form of increased chance to encounter fully-dark levels.</p><p>Relic bonuses only last for the particular hive mission they are discovered in. This allows the concept of a "run" to be built in the game. Players will have runs where their particular assortment of collected relic bonuses will be more or less helpful than other runs, due to the randomness of relic spawning and level layouts.</p><h4>Procedural Alien Hives</h4><p>An alien hive is a series of levels that spans multiple environment types based on the depth of the alien hive being explored. In the current Arcade and Challenge modes available in the Early Access version of the game, Hives are always 9 levels deep, and span 3 of 4 available environments. These environments include: crystal caverns, lava caverns, ice caverns, and mushroom caverns.</p><p>The different environments all have different hazards, special alien types, and unique bosses. For example, the crystal caverns have dangerous pools of acid, special crawler aliens that shoot bouncing electric projectiles, and the final challenge in the environment is the Crusher alien boss.</p><p>Hive levels are randomly generated from a list of hand designed modules in a style similar to the game Spelunky. The levels for each environment are also made up of modules of different dimensions, so environments like lava will feel more horizontally broad and cavernous, while the ice environment will feel tighter and more claustrophobic.</p><p>Each hive follows a pattern of two procedurally generated hive levels, followed by a third boss level or ambush encounter for that environment. This repeats until the full hive depth has been reached. There is a maximum of two relic room doors per hive level.</p><h4>Boss Fights and Ambush Encounters</h4><p>At the end of each hive environment, players will be challenged by either a boss fight or an ambush encounter. Boss fights feature large alien creatures with a predefined set of attacks, abilities, and weakpoints. Boss abilities will usually cover a large area of the boss arena, and their weakpoints are usually highlighted in a bright yellow color. When encountering a boss, players must defeat the boss in order to move onto the next hive level or complete the mission.</p><p>Ambush encounters begin by locking the players in a small hive room for two minutes while aliens spawn from indestructible portals. Players must survive for two minutes, as the frequency of aliens spawning increases faster and faster. At the end of two minutes, an exit door will be revealed and players may exit as aliens continue to spawn and hunt them. If players decide to remain in the ambush room, aliens will eventually stop spawning after another 30 seconds.</p><h4>Hive Threat</h4><p>Hive Jump features a unique enemy spawning system that draws inspiration from Gauntlet and Left 4 Dead. Each hive level is pre-populated with enemies that remain static and are placed when the level is generated, but then depending on certain factors that contribute to the player's hive threat level, additional hunting type enemies will be spawned from destructible spawners within the level.</p><p>Hive Threat is an abstract measurement of a variety of factors that include: number of players participating in the mission, the equipment level of those players, the number of aliens and eggs killed, as well as the time spent in the hive. This abstract hive threat number starts low, then begins to build higher and higher until a threshold is hit, and then it drops low again. When the hive threat is low, fewer enemies spawn and spawn less frequently. As the number increases, more and harder enemies are spawned, until at the highest point a swarming state occurs where all spawners constantly spit out high volumes of enemies for a brief period of time. After a swarm occurs, the hive threat is reduced, giving the players time to recover and explore.</p><p>If players destroy a large quantity of aliens or alien eggs in a very short period of time (mere seconds), the hive threat system will also spawn a "rush" of enemies nearby that attempts to retaliate against the players. Rushes consist of a pre-defined number of hunting aliens that all travel together as a wave.</p><h2>Economy</h2><p>Players amass in-game money in the form of alien <strong>goo</strong>. Killing aliens, alien eggs, and finding supply chests in the hive will give the players goo. Goo is the only form of currency in the game, and there are no in-game purchases using real money, or ways to convert real money into goo.</p><p>Players spend goo at the S.T.O.R.E., or Strategic Ordinance Exchange, in order to purchase and upgrade their weapons, grenades, and utility items. There are a finite number of unlocks available in the S.T.O.R.E., meaning players can eventually unlock everything and will cease having a use for goo.</p><p>When the Campaign mode, currently in development, is added to the game, players will have additional opportunities to spend their goo on certain context sensitive actions in the Campaign map.</p><h2>Challenge Modes</h2><p>There are currently two types of challenge mode in Hive Jump. Daily Challenge and Weekly Challenge. These game modes use a specific seed for the hives they generate, so that all players participating in these challenges get the same level layouts, relic chests, and boss encounters. When a player completes one of these challenge missions, their score results are posted to an online leaderboard visible in the game. Leaderboards for these challenges are sorted by score, which is an abstraction of various aspects of player performance in the game, such as: goo collected, aliens killed, bosses killed, ambushes survived, jumpers lost, backpacks lost, and completion time. </p><p>Daily challenges allow only one attempt per 24 hours, at which point the leaderboard resets and a new hive seed is distributed. The weekly challenge allows unlimited attempts and its leaderboard refreshes every seven days.</p><h2>Online Multiplayer</h2><p>Online Multiplayer in Hive Jump is handled using peer to peer networking, rather than a server-client architecture. This allows for up to 4 players to play Hive Jump together over the internet. Peer to peer networking means that all players must meet the minimum hardware requirements and have stable internet connections to one another in order for the game to perform well and stay synchronized. </p><p><strong>Current issues being resolved:</strong></p><p>The early access community and the developers are doing ongoing playtesting and patching to remove all causes of desyncs from the game and improve multiplayer stability. </p><p>If the game suffers a desync, players will still see each other in each other's instances of the game, but they will no longer have the same random elements in the game, quickly causing the state of the game to be very different for all players and the mission unbeatable. </p><h2>Development</h2><p>Hive Jump's development began in late 2013 and the project had two Kickstarter campaigns in 2014. The first campaign was cancelled after two weeks in February of 2014, and the second campaign was successful in September of 2014. </p><p>Hive Jump is currently still in development. It released as an Early Access title on Steam in June of 2016, and there is an ongoing effort between the game's developers Graphite Lab and the early access community to playtest the game, finish planned features, and release the game in Q4 of 2016.</p><h2>PC System Requirements</h2><h4>Minimum Specs:</h4><ul><li>OS: Windows Vista / 7</li><li>Processor: Intel Core™ Duo or faster</li><li>Memory: 2 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: 512 MB</li><li>Storage: 1400 MB available space</li></ul><h4>Recommended Specs:</h4><ul><li>OS: Windows Vista / 7</li><li>Processor: Intel Core™ Duo or faster</li><li>Memory: 4 GB RAM</li><li>Graphics: 1GB</li><li>Network: Broadband Internet connection (for online play)</li><li>Storage: 1400 MB available space</li></ul>

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey-2019-01-11

A remake of Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, with an additional story mode featuring Bowser Jr.

Mario, Luigi and the rest of the cast return for their HD debut in New Super Mario Bros. U with support for five players in boost mode, a Super Mario World-style world map with secret shortcuts and hidden levels, a brand new challenge mode and Miiverse integration.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>New Super Mario Bros. U is a <a href="/wii-u/3045-139/" data-ref-id="3045-139">Wii U</a> game developed and published by <a href="/nintendo/3010-90/" data-ref-id="3010-90">Nintendo</a>. It was released on November 18, 2012. It is the fourth game in the <a href="/new-super-mario-bros/3025-1546/" data-ref-id="3025-1546">New Super Mario Bros. franchise</a> and nearly the 200th game with a direct relation to the <a href="/mario/3025-1/" data-ref-id="3025-1">Mario franchise</a>.</p><p>New Super Mario Bros. U was revealed initially as New Super Mario Bros. Mii, a demo "experience" during the unveiling of the Wii U at <a href="/e3-2011/3015-6449/" data-ref-id="3015-6449">E3 2011</a> and was never confirmed to be an actual game. Later in the year, <a href="/nintendo/3010-90/" data-ref-id="3010-90">Nintendo</a> announced that it was indeed a full title that would be shown again at <a href="/e3-2012/3015-7024/" data-ref-id="3015-7024">E3 2012</a> as the new Mario game for the Wii U.</p><h2>Story</h2><p>In New Super Mario Bros. U, Bowser takes over Princess Peach's castle, throwing Mario, Luigi and the toads to the far edge of the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario and Co. must work their way back towards the castle, defeating the Koopalings, Bowser Jr. and many other enemies along the way.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png" data-ref-id="1300-2378769" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.47249434815373" data-width="2654" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 2654px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:47.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png" data-ref-id="1300-2378769"><img alt="Mario and Co. have complete freedom to move about each world." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png 2654w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3830/2378769-nsmbumushroomkingdom.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a><figcaption>Mario and Co. have complete freedom to move about each world.</figcaption></figure><p>Gameplay is similar to other Mario platforms, with it's closest relation being to that of <a href="/new-super-mario-bros-wii/3030-26841/" data-ref-id="3030-26841">New Super Mario Bros Wii</a>. The game features an enhanced <a href="/cooperative-play/3015-108/" data-ref-id="3015-108">four-player cooperative mode</a> which integrates the <a href="/off-tv-play/3015-7482/" data-ref-id="3015-7482">GamePad</a> as the user can create platforms to help collect items for other players. A new squirrel suit (triggered by an Super Acorn) has been added, which lets Mario glide. The game also refers to fan-favorite Super Mario World with its world-map design. The map features multiple branching paths that can be freely chosen, with the ability to explore at all times and does not feature segmented levels like previous games in the New Super Mario Bros. franchise.</p><p>When playing as one player, either a Wii Remote or the GamePad can play through the entire game. The GamePad allows for off-TV play, however the Boost Mode will only work if the first player uses a Wii Remote.</p><p>If a player loses a life or presses "A" on their Wii Remote during a multiplayer session, they will be trapped in a bubble and can only be freed by other players or from the Boost Mode player by simply tapping on them. If all players lose a life/get trapped in a bubble, or if a player in a Single Player game loses a life, the player(s) are sent back to the world map.</p><p>Other multiplayer functions include the ability to carry and throw other players which have additional benefits. This can allow for others to jump atop to gain extra height or if one player with a Starman power grabs another player, they can then share the power-up. If all players on screen perform a ground pound at the same time, this performs a Double Ground Pound that defeats all enemies on screen.</p><p>When viewing the touch screen during Boost Mode, the GamePad player can also stop obstacles or startle enemies. The tablet can also showcase blocks that can be revealed, such as blocks with a Crescent Moon symbol that act as a regular block which rewards Cresent Moon items. When collected, they provide three 1-Ups. If players hop on 10 Boost Blocks consecutively, a Boost Star will appear for the Boost Mode player to tap. This grants the Boost Mode player the ability to tap on enemies to defeat them.</p><h3>Playable Characters</h3><p>Like <a href="/new-super-mario-bros-wii/3030-26841/" data-ref-id="3030-26841">New Super Mario Bros. Wii</a>, the game features <a href="/mario/3005-177/" data-ref-id="3005-177">Mario</a> and <a href="/luigi/3005-370/" data-ref-id="3005-370">Luigi</a>, as well as Blue and Yellow <a href="/toads/3015-3369/" data-ref-id="3015-3369">Toads</a> as playable characters in all modes. Players can also opt to play as their <a href="/mii-support/3015-270/" data-ref-id="3015-270">Mii</a> in Boost Rush, Challenge Mode and Coin Battle. Mario is always the first player during the story mode.</p><h3>Power-Ups</h3><p>Almost all of the <a href="/power-up/3015-700/" data-ref-id="3015-700">power-ups</a> from New Super Mario Bros. Wii return in this incarnation (only the <a href="/propeller-mushroom/3055-3057/" data-ref-id="3055-3057">Propeller Mushroom</a> does not make an appearance). The <a href="/penguin-suit/3055-3056/" data-ref-id="3055-3056">Penguin Suit</a> is exclusive to Challenge Mode.</p><figure data-align="left" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/135472/2227551-newsupermariobrosu8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2227551" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/135472/2227551-newsupermariobrosu8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2227551"><img alt="Super Squirrel Squad" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/13/135472/2227551-newsupermariobrosu8.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/135472/2227551-newsupermariobrosu8.jpg 800w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/13/135472/2227551-newsupermariobrosu8.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/13/135472/2227551-newsupermariobrosu8.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a><figcaption>Super Squirrel Squad</figcaption></figure><p>New to the game is the Super Acorn, an object that will grant the <a href="/flying-squirrel/3015-4602/" data-ref-id="3015-4602">Flying Squirrel</a> Suit. This form is similar to past games' flying/gliding powers, such as <a href="/super-leaf/3055-3909/" data-ref-id="3055-3909">Raccoon Mario</a> and <a href="/feather-cape/3055-525/" data-ref-id="3055-525">Cape Mario</a>, but also allows clinging to certain surfaces, and an additional <a href="/double-jump/3015-1/" data-ref-id="3015-1">air jump</a> whilst gliding by shaking the Gamepad or Wii Remote.</p><p>The P-Acorn is a special variety of Super Acorn that allows continuous flight by allowing you to shake the Gamepad or Wii Remote to gain height, similar to the <a href="/p-wing/3055-4364/" data-ref-id="3055-4364">P-Wings</a> of older games.</p><p><a href="/yoshi/3005-700/" data-ref-id="3005-700">Yoshi</a> makes a return in certain levels. Players can hop on Yoshi, eat enemies and flutter jump to reach new heights. Yoshi will also eat berries that hang from bushes within levels. Eating five berries causes Yoshi to lay an egg that hatches an item.</p><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png" data-ref-id="1300-2378772" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.69807228915663" data-width="4150" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 4150px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:69.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png" data-ref-id="1300-2378772"><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/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 4150w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 4150w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_super/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 960w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3830/2378772-toad_and_blue_baby_yoshi.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>Baby Yoshi also returns from Super Mario World. However there are now several colored Baby Yoshis with specific powers that will accompany the players should they run into a Baby Yoshi on the World map. Magenta Baby Yoshis will cause it to balloon up and allow the player to float in the air by shaking the controller. You will gain addition height so long as Baby Yoshi has air left within it. Blue Baby Yoshis will spit bubbles that will trap enemies, turning them into coins. Finally Yellow Baby Yoshis emit light once shaken. This can be used to startle enemies by shining bright light in their faces, leaving them vulnerable to attack.</p><p>Once a level is completed, Yoshi and Yellow Baby Yoshi will stay behind, with Yellow Baby Yoshi providing the players with a 1-Up. Magenta and Blue Baby Yoshis may be carried over into other levels however.</p><h3>Miiverse</h3><p><a href="/miiverse/3015-7470/" data-ref-id="3015-7470">Miiverse</a> functionality provides players the chance to post a response or an image on a level via a prompt that will appear if players do not take damage, lose several lives, collect all three star coins or other several conditions after completing a level. The game will also show balloons with Mii faces showcasing select Miiverse posts. If the Wii U console is offline, this feature will not work.</p><h2>Game Modes</h2><h3>Story Mode</h3><p>Play through eight worlds and rescue the princess. Player one must play as Mario, while the other players can select Luigi, Blue Toad or Yellow Toad.</p><h3>Challenges</h3><p>Complete a level that features specific conditions such as surviving for a period of time, finishing a level quickly and more. A replay of your best efforts are saved once a challenge is completed that can be viewed any time. This mode can only be played with at least two people, with one player on the GamePad</p><h3>Boost Rush</h3><figure data-align="left" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1806007" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="928" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 928px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1806007"><img alt="Mii characters are playable during the special game modes." 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/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg" data-srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg 928w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Mii characters are playable during the special game modes." src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg" srcset="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg 928w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_medium/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg 480w, https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/2/26317/1806007-wiiu_mario_5.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Mii characters are playable during the special game modes.</figcaption></figure><p>Players will run through a select group of levels with the goal is to complete the group of levels in the shortest time possible. The screen will automatically scroll to the right and will scroll faster based on how many coins are collected. Failing to collect coins or Star Coins after a period of time or losing a life will cause the screen to scroll slower. The speed is indicated by a Speedometer located at the top of the screen.</p><h3>Coin Battle</h3><p>A versus game mode where players attempt to collect the most coins before finishing the levels.You can select from eight specifically designed levels or any level from the main Story Mode. This game mode requires at least two players on Wii Remotes.</p><h2>Updates</h2><p>As one of the first ever Nintendo console game to receive downloadable updates, NSMBU has introduced some small but useful new features. The first was the addition of sub-sommunities for the in-game Miiverse posts, so that they don't clutter up the general community any longer. All Miiverse posts created from within the game will now be posted in that community.</p><p>Along with the release of the <a href="//www.giantbomb.com/new-super-luigi-u/3030-42657/" data-ref-id="3030-42657">New Super Luigi U</a> DLC, an update will introduce the much requested <a href="//www.giantbomb.com/wii-u-pro-controller-support/3015-7591/" data-ref-id="3015-7591">Wii U Pro Controller support</a> for both the original game and the DLC addition. It has not been detailed how the motion control elements of the game will work on the Pro Controller which does not have any motion sensing capabilities.</p><h2>Reception</h2><p>New Super Mario Bros. U has sold 5.45 million copies worldwide as of September 30 2016.</p>