"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

Twenty-one years. It's been twenty-one years since the last installment of the Kid Icarus series was released. On March 23 (22nd in Japan.) Kid Icarus: Uprising was finally released. So it's fitting that my first game review is of a series coming out of retirement! ...right? Either way, I'll be reviewing Kid Icarus: Uprising for Nintendo 3DS!

First, a brief history lesson on the series. As his first game project ever, Toru Osawa was assigned to create a new game. Osawa wrote the story himself, being inspired from his love of Greek mythology. He also drew the characters and started basic design. After Metroid was released, the team on that moved to the Kid Icarus project. It was at this point that they decided to make the story humorous. Credit cards, wizards that turn you into an eggplant, even cameos by the metroids themselves, these people were having fun. The plot was basic. You're an angel, Pit, who needs to save the goddess Palutena from the evil goddess Medusa. Wow...Mario and Link save princesses...while Pit saves goddesses! Point goes to Pit! Well, the game was released in 1987 (86 in Japan.) to less than stellar reviews...well, with what view reviewers there were in the eighties. Anyways, the game was a modest success, and the team moved on. Oh yeah, on a humorous note, the Japanese version of the game did not have staff credits, they were added in for the international release. I find that ironic. Japan would not see a sequel for twenty-six years...but us Americans, and Europeans, got a sequel in 1991 for Game Boy, called Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters. There's...not much to say about the game. It is very similar to the original, but has improved almost everything. Save feature, reduced difficulty, and more. It's actually harder to find and less remembered than the original. All in all, both games were...mediocre. When you got down to it, they were your average action platformers, albeit with an interesting setting and sense of humor. So...why did people beg for a sequel? Honestly, not really too many people, with the exception of fans of the original, asked for one, until Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Brawl reintroduced Pit as an accomplished fighter. Suddenly, smash fans and young ones were wondering, as they had wondered about Marth and Ice Climbers before, just who this character was, and why he wasn't in any games since. This led to many new fans of Kid Icarus, and soon the internet was buzzing. Nintendo was practically overwhelmed with requests for a new Kid Icarus game, and the fans wouldn't let up. E3's came and went with no sign of the little angel...until 2010, with a trailer that had Pit fly down and say, "Sorry to keep you waiting!" ...and people wonder why I love Nintendo! Anyways, the fandom was ecstatic, and we all waited until the launch! Well...I had to wait until my birthday, but I was only a month late! Finally, the Kid Icarus series was back! But...is it any good? Here's a hint...YES! 

Ok, let's break this down right. First, the story. Upon first glance you'd think that this has almost no story. And...that's almost true. In the beginning, the story is very basic. Good, but basic. However, there are some great plot twists that really do expand the story AND the universe. There are s few characters that seem wasted, but very few, and every character has depth...that was an unintentional joke. Also, there is a shockingly accurate depiction of the mythological Greek gods. Well, I'm not sure if they got the actual names or personalities right...a little rusty on Greek mythology...but the spirit of them is dead on. The Greek gods were constantly bickering and fighting. Some thought the humans were inferior, most didn't care, and few fought for them. That sort of complex mytholgy is dead-on here. So, it may be basic, but the plot twists make it worth it! 8.5/10!

But what's a story worth if the writing and performances are sloppy? Many games...the Sonic series comes to mind...have great stories, but the writing and performances make them seem...less than perfect. Honestly, this is the area I worried the most. After watching the original trailer, and the lack luster performances in it, I had low hopes. But, I was wrong. Dead wrong! This has some of the funniest and best writing and performances I've ever seen in a game! Every character is unique, every joke is fresh, and all the voice acting is great! Honestly, this game gives Portal a run for it's money in humor! There are many fourth-wall breaking jokes, hilarious banter between all the gods and goddesses and Pit, funny scenes where characters question game logic, and more! Oh yes, one thing...the entire game is one long cutscene! Ok, not quite, but it feels like it. The narrative is ongoing throughout, and the story unfolds realtime! Yes, there are cutscenes, but they mostly serve as bookends between chapters. Honestly, that's actually an original thing this day and age! I love it! 10/10!

Now we get to presentation! Since this is on 3DS, it is expected that there be 3D effects. Thankfully, it's not a gimmick here! Honestly, the 3D is great BECAUSE it isn't over emphasized! It feels like you're looking in on this world, not that somethings coming out at you. In games, that's the way I like it. The graphics are on par for the system...which ironically means that it looks better than the Wii most of the time. A couple of character models are a little...fake, but graphics wise it's pretty good. Now, a couple problems do exist. Since the story unfolds realtime, the bottom screen shows images and dialogue...which you can't see since you need to pay attention to the top screen. It's not much of an issue if you turn up the sound, but something to keep in mind before you play it on a bus... But the music is fantastic, and even includes some 8-bit songs! The effects in game are super, as is the atmosphere. The chapter divisions are perfect for the handheld system, since it's easy to pick up and play. All in all, great to look at, hear, and play! 9/10!

Of course, we need to talk about gameplay. This was another aspect I was worried about. The original games had basic platforming, and this showed off shooting. ...it wasn't adding up for me. But, even if it doesn't feel like playing the old game, it feels GREAT! The on rails flying segments are fantastic, feeling almost like Star Fox...only better. Yes, I said it! Albeit, it does take a little bit of time adjusting to the new control scheme, and from what I heard it's worst for lefties, but you do get used to it. It comes with that stand thing, but I never used it. Sure, Club Nintendo survey, I bought the game mainly because of the stand! Seriously, who would do that? The on foot segments are fun, too...and you can tell the creator of Smash Bros. designed this game... Sliding harder makes you dash, like Smash Bros., and even doing melee attacks feel like Smash Bros. Sometimes this becomes a problem, such as when you start falling off platforms because you accidentally dash, but these problems come rarely. The camera...you get used to. It isn't good, but you do adjust. The problem is that you use the touch screen to move the camera...while also using the touch screen to aim. It gets a little frustrating in the beginning, but you do grow into it. The driving segments are...out of place. Seriously, even the characters say so! They aren't bad...but almost completely unnecessary. The few time you need them are out of place. Also, this game has the BEST difficulty settings ever. it goes from 1.0 to 9.0, and if you die it will go down about .5, and you'll lose some hearts. So if you go for 9.0, you could technically finish it at about 2.0...if you die a lot. It's very original. So, it may not play like the original games...but that's what makes it so great! 8/10!

Now, there are also bonuses! Multiplayer is one of them. So far, I've played three matches, and had a lot of fun. I only tried the free for all, so I haven't tried the 3 on 3 thing. But free for all is great, and there was no internet lag. You use the weapons you find in game, and you can even find new weapons here to use in game! There is also an AR card system, where you can collect cards and watch them fight! I...haven't tried it out yet. It seems interesting, but more of a throw away. You can fuse weapons to create better weapons, trade hearts in for new weapons, break down weapons for hearts...WHEW! There is a lot of customization when it comes to weapons! You can collect trophies...I mean "idols". Seriously, they're the same thing as trophies from Smash Bros. Neat little trick, you can use the touch screen to screw with the menus. It's useless, but fun. There's more, such as music player, streetpass, portraits that get slowly revealed when you unlock stuff in game, a strange offering thing that I have no idea what it's supposed to do, treasure hunts, and more! Seriously, there is more here than meets the eye! Oh...that line is in the game. Yep! They reference Transformers in this game...I love it! So yeah, LOTS of extra content! 9.5/10!

So, final thoughts? This game...is my favorite original game on the 3DS. Seriously, this game is amazing! I never particularly cared about Kid Icarus before, but this game has me excited for the next game in the series. And yes, there definitely will be a next game. This game is honestly too good for there to NOT be another! This series has the potential to become one of Nintendo's top tier series! As long as the humor and production values remain, I happily look forward to the next entry in one of my new favorite Nintendo series! And if it takes another twenty-one years..."I'm Finished!"

Word of Warning: Honestly, not much to say! This game is E 10+, but I have trouble seeing why! There is no harsh language...or even slang! Worse you'll get is a dang or darn. There is a lot about Greek mythology, gods and goddesses, even Hades himself. But seriously, if you have a problem with Greek mythology you may want to examine yourself a bit. Seriously, no one actually believes this "religion" is true. Even back in the day it was fiction. Anyways, there is violence, and talks of death and souls, but it's all presented in a cartoony manner. I don't see how it could...but if this bothers you or your kids, you have been warned. 

Final Verdict: 9.75/10! (And my special seal of MUST BUY!)

I am The R2 Dude, and this is The R2 View!

RIP Spider-Man

Today I'm gonna review a comic...Ultimate Comics: The Death of Spider-Man.  First, a few things to get out of the way. My FAVORITE super hero of all time is Spider-Man...but I haven't really followed all of the main series, and none o the Ultimate series. Most of my Spider-Man love comes from the cartoons, movies, and summaries about the comics. I read this comic because I saw it at the library and it caught my interest. I am reading the hardcover collection...and I LOVE the front cover. It is very touching. This WILL have spoilers...but I'll try to keep them to a minimal. Of course, the title alone is a spoiler...

Now, for you guys not in the know, the Ultimate universe isn't the mainstream Marvel universe. In 2000 marvel decided to try to attract new readers by creating the Ultimate line of books, with such titles as Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men, and Ultimate Fantastic Four, along with others. The new Ultimate universe became very popular, and continues to this day. These new lines were of a completely new continuity, which allowed the writers to try a lot of different things , such as Spider-Woman being the clone of Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four being teenagers. It also meant that they had freedom to kill off big characters permanently, which was seen GREATLY in Ultimatum, an event that was basically an excuse to kill a lot of characters. But Linkara already talked about that book. I'm here to talk about The Death of Spider-Man (In case you forgot.).

Since this book came out in...I believe last summer...I will give a summary of the plot. Spoilers heavy here, so skip paragraph if desired. This book starts off with Peter Parker on a date with Mary Jane, when Captain America shows up to train him.  After Cap leaves due to an emergency call, Pete gets a phone call from Mary Jane, telling him that Norman Osborne, the Green Goblin, and five other villains escaped, and want revenge on Spider-Man. Peter goes home to warn Aunt May, and Gwen Stacey, to escape the house and get out of town. They do so, and Spider-Man goes off in search of the villains. While searching, Spider-Man  sees Captain America about to be shot, and takes the bullet for him. Spider-Man wakes up alone and in pain, and decides to go see a doctor about the bullet wound. However, he sees the Sinister Six...minus one...heading toward his house. He decides that he needs to top them, no matter what shape he's in, and follows them. When he arrives, the five have defeated Human Torch and Iceman, who were staying with Pete, and Spider-Man fights them. Aunt May gets a call about Peter, who is fighting unmasked, being severely injured. She returns in time to save Peter, but the Green Goblin still stands, and attacks Peter. In the end, though, Peter wins, but at the cost of his life. He tells Aunt May how happy he is that he saved Aunt May's life when he couldn't save Uncle Ben's...and he dies in Mary Jane's arms. Norman Osborn smiles in triumph as he passes away as well.

For starters, the idea of killing Spider-Man, whether mainstream Marvel or not, makes me sad. But, if done right, I can accept it. This book...sorta does it right. Actually, parts of it I think are very nice. Let's start with my positive view...as usual. I appreciate the idea of having Spider-Man sacrifice himself to save Aunt May, even if I don't want him to die. His line about making up not being able to save Ben by saving May is very nice, and even sad. In fact, the cover to the hard cover edition really sums up everything GOOD about the decision. Also, the art's great, the writing's excellent, and the characters are believable. There are also a few moments that I LOVE! One, Doc Ock decides that he's sick of being a criminal and wants to return to his life of science...and he gets killed by Green Goblin. I love it because it shows that Goblin is menacing, and that he'll kill his friends and comrades to get revenge. Also, it shows that villains are people, and that they can become tired of being a villain and repent. Second, I love Human Torch and Iceman's conversation as they walk inside Pete's house. There's just something about the two of them hanging together that I like. Thirdly, Mary Jane sneaking out of her house and DRIVING A TRUCK INTO GREEN GOBLIN! That scene is just...epic. Especially Peter's reaction. "You're insane. Did you steal this van?" I love it! Fourthly, Peter's finishing line before he beats Goblin. Goblin tells him that he'll kill everyone Peter knows, and Peter yells out "Could you do it quietly!" as he bashes the truck into the Goblin. Good ole Spidey, jokester to the end. Fifthly, Pete's neighbor quoting Terminator. Enough said. Lastly...Aunt May! Seriously, Aunt May is AWESOME in this book! A few highlights, she turns her car around suddenly when she hears Peter's dying, she does leave when Peter asks him too...and sh KILLS Electro. She SHOOTS HIM IN THE BACK WITH A REVOLVER! I'm serious! In the Ultimate Universe, Aunt may is packing! Gwen Stacey put it best, "That was...the definition of--of--of AWESOME!" Yes indeed, Gwen. Yes indeed...

Now...to the negatives. Number one...PETER PARKER DIES! Granted, it's a comic book, which never seems to keep characters dead...but still, they killed him! I know, what did you expect, but still...they killed him! Ok, now that my inner fanboy has had his say, I will say that at LEAST they made this a whole arc about the death of one beloved character, instead of having an event DEDICATED to killing beloved characters! I'm looking at you, Ultimatum...But, back to Spider-Man. Again, haven't read much in the Ultimate universe, but I was surprised about how many people knew Peter was Spider-Man. Heck, even J. Jonah Jameson knew! I...don't really like that. I mean, the fact that his girlfriend and Aunt knows is understandable...but J.J.? Doesn't settle well with me...but again, I don't read the Ultimate line, so I am sorta biased about these things. Also, I don't like the fact that Peter dies from a gunshot. Yes, it means Peter ultimately decides to help others instead of himself, but I still wish they had him die another way (Or, NOT AT ALL!...I'm done now.). Look at Superman's supposed death. He was "killed" by a monster stronger than him, something that could make him bleed. Superman ultimately had to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the world, his life. Now that being said, I applaud the fact that it was a more personal stake, the life of his Aunt, when they could have done the cliched "Gave his life to save the world" story. But, I still think that the bullet wound is a little unfair...but that's my opinion. Also, I HATE this Green Goblin. Again, not an Ultimate fan, but this Green Goblin is not for me. He's like the hulk, in that he;s a man becoming a monster, and he keeps talking about killing Peter as a "Mission of God!" I have no idea what that's about, but I hate it. Also, I feel like this story should've been longer. I now there was a prologue and a conclusion series, but they aren't in this collection.

In conclusion...it's a good story, despite some flaws. Most my faults are purely opinion, and won't effect my score. Honestly, the only major flaw was the fact that he died from a gun wound. Ok, that's still opinion...but I think they should've figured something out. Regardless, it is an exciting story, beginning to end. It is a fitting tribute to one of Marvel's greatest heroes, and a fitting end point to this era of Ultimate comics. Also...AUNT MAY WAS PACKING!

But...you probably got some questions! Let's see if I can answer some...First, this isn't the end of Spider-Man, just Peter Parker as Spider-Man. A new Spider-Man, Miles Morales (The first African American Spider-Man, but the second hispanic Spider-Man.), has already started his own adventures as the wall crawler...and he's thirteen. Why would they make a middle schooler Spider-Man? Also, he has a new suit...which is mostly black. I think Marvel has been taking racial relations lessons from Zordon. Second, there are more stories that are tie ins that explain the story better and from different sides, but they are missing from the collection I have. Lastly, yes, The Punisher shot Spider-Man. What wasn't included was how Frank Castle through down his guns and asked S.H.I.E.L.D. to kill him, to "PUNISH" him, for killing Peter. Nice touch...except that FRANK CASTLE WOULDN'T SHOOT AT CAP! Ok, maybe in the Ultimate universe...but it still ticks me off. Still, a good read, especially for Ultimate fans.

Warning: This book is T+, basically PG-13. It isn't for kids, it OBVIOUSLY has death in it, a lot of blood, minor swears throughout, a strangely religious Green Goblin (Which is also VERY demonic.), and a few crude jokes. You have been warned!

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 (My inner fan-boy wants it to be 7/10, but I won't let it.)

I am The R2 Dude, and this is The R2 View!