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Cave Story hitting EU WiiWare on December 10

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California-based Nicalis has confirmed its WiiWare platformer Cave Story will launch on December 10.

It said in a tweet:

Yes, Cave Story on WiiWare IN EUROPE December 10th.”

Cave Story is a properly retro 2D platform that takes its bow from previous titles of its kind. Give it a whazz, eh?

Thanks, TSA.


NightSky PC release bumped to satisfy fans

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The beautiful 2D platformer NightSky was fated for a console debut later this year, but developer Nicalis couldn’t resist the puppy-dog eyes of eager gamers. In what must be one of the year’s earliest launches, NightSky will release on PC this Thursday.

The surprising decision to decouple the platform launches was announced via the developer’s Twitter.

“We haven’t forgotten about NightSky for console, but we can’t keep fans waiting,” Nicalis chirruped.

The PC version is due on January 6 via digital distribution, with an OSX port to follow.

“We’re doing Mac too, hopefully through the new Mac Store,” Nicalis explained; Apple’s new service also launches on January 6.

NightSky was originally slated to turn up on WiiWare. A new teaser trailer has been released to ahead of Thursday’s launch; view it below.

Lovely indie platformer NightSky gets a demo

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Nicalis has released a demo for its gorgeous-looking 2D platformer, NightSky, in case you would like to try it out before you buy it.

The full game will run you £10, and was released last week.

Nicalis still has plans for a console release, as well as a Mac version in the works for the format’s new store.

Thanks, RPS.

Cave Story 3D given June release date

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Cave Story’s WiiWare edition may have taken its sweet time on the launch pad, but the little-platformer-that-could’s 3DS conversion seems to be making up for that in a big way. Speaking with Siliconera, NIS America pegged the game with a June 28 release date. Pretty snappy, seeing as Cave Story 3D was only announced a couple months ago.

If the words “Cave Story” and “3D” aren’t enough to coax your wallet out of its dark, lint-ridden lair, then grab a soul and check out this trailer.

Quick Quotes: Nicalis on 2D sprites in Cave Story 3D

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“When we started on the project back in December, I really wanted to find a way to make 2D characters also work in 3D space. Being a Cave Story fan myself, I thought other fans would probably appreciate it too. Anyway, we’ve spent a lot of time testing and making sure it works right, but now we have 2D characters in the 3D game. This includes the main character, Curly, all the Mimiga– literally every character and boss in the game as 2D sprites in a 3D world. What you won’t see, due to the fact that it’s a new engine and differences between the hardware, are the environments in 2D or the WiiWare sprites and art.” – Tyrone Rodriguez, producer and music director on Cave Story 3D (via D’toid).

Rock-hard indie VVVVVV coming to 3DS

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Notoriously difficult indie platformer VVVVV is coming to a platform you could conceivably break in a temper tantrum.

Eurogamer reports the Nicalis published title, which gets its name from the V-like spikes covering most surfaces, will be available on the 3DS e-Shop some time this year.

No pricing has been set yet, but the 3DS version of Captain Viridian’s adventures will sport six new levels and a map on the second screen, as well as the obligatory 3D effects.

Nicalis has said extra content will release post-launch, too.

Despite its rage-inducing trickiness, VVVVVV was hailed as one of the best indie releases of last year. It’s available on PC for $5.

Cave Story DSiWare delayed in Europe

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Nicalis has confirmed that Cave Story for DSiWare has been delayed. The developer said on its Twitter in response to a fan that it went to certification, but that it failed to pass it “for some really minor crap with the manual.” It was noted that recertification would be attempted later on this month. The DSiWare version of the action-adventure sidescrolling RPG was announced two years ago.

Thanks, GoNintendo.

3DS and Wii U to receive remake of Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes

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Nicalis have announced that a remake of the 8-bit homage Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes is in the works for 3DS and Wii U, featuring all new visuals and sound.

Entitled 1001 Spikes, the new version will feature new art, new graphics, new music, and new sound. The remake will also include local multiplayer support for up to four people.

The remake is said to live up to the devilishly hard difficulty of the original and expected to hit the 3DS eShop later this year. The development team are intending to have the Wii U version available upon the console’s launch.

Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes was originally released as an Xbox LIVE Indie title by 8bits Fanatics at the start of last year.

Thanks, GoNintendo.


VVVVVV finally releasing in Europe May 10 through Nintendo’s eShop

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VVVVVV will finally release in Europe on 3DS, according to the game’s publisher, Nicalis. Those in the US have been playing the Terry Cavanagh title since last year. Expect it to land on the eShop May 10. Thanks, NintendoLife.

La Mulana western WiiWare release cancelled, PC version still on the cards

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Nicalis has cancelled the European and US release of Nigoro’s WiiWare platformer La Mulana. The publisher told GoNintendo the “steep decline” of WiiWare sales coupled with long delays prompted the decision. A PC version is on the way, and Nigoro hopes to make an announcement soon, as it’s currently overwhelmed by requests for more information.

Thanks, Indie Games Magazine.

Cave Story+ coming to 3DS eShop in the next month

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Nicalis’ Tyrone Rodriguez has said Cave Story+ will be heading to 3DS eShop within the next month or so. Rodriguez told Destructoid would be separate from Cave Story 3D and not an update, meaning past purchasers of 3D will have to purchase +. He further teased upcoming updates for the Steam version, noting: “How do online leaderboards for the challenges sound?”

La Mulana WiiWare shelving blamed on DLC, certification difficulties

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Director Takumi Naramura has said the cancelled western WiiWare release of La Mulana came about because of differing territorial expectations and Nigoro’s insistence on getting extra content in.

Speaking to IndieGames, Naramura revealed that the three-man team at Nigoro was responsible for interfacing with Nintendo of Japan, while Nicalis handled the certification negotitations of the European and US versions.

“We have responded quickly and in good faith. We are puzzled that the matters pointed out received through the lot check of NOA / NOE is different from Nintendo Japan,” Naramura said.

As well as the difficulty of balancing the two territories’ requirements, Nigoro stubbornly refused to cut its plans to release DLC for the game – an ambition it nurtured as a way to circumvent the strict download size limit of WiiWare, which would otherwise have resulted in significant content cuts.

“Unfortunately we wanted to release DLC, but we were supposed to cancel the DLC because of a number of factors and Nicalis’s request. If there is a person who has neglected their duties, it would be us,” the director said.

Naramura had nothing but praise for Nicalis despite the failed collaboration.

“I believe Nicalis had a sense of responsibility as a publisher in good faith, too. If there was no offer from Nicalis, we would not have remade La Mulana. We are grateful to Nicalis even now,” he said.

“Before an offer from Nicalis came, we did not even know how to enter the consumer world. Because we have spent a lot of time in the making of the original La Mulana, we did not intend to remake it as our first consumer game.”

A PC release of La Mulana is expected to be detailed soon.

Thanks, Destructoid.

NightSky rated by ESRB for eShop, Aussie rating pending

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Nicalis has announced via Twitter that NightSky has been rated by the ESRB. The action-physics puzzler was released earlier this year by the developer on PC so fans could finally get their hands on the game while the console version was being sorted. Currently, the rating for Australia and New Zealand is pending. Hopefully, once Nintendo approves, it will be released through the 3Shop soon. The firm will be showing the eShop version of the game as well as Cave Story at E3 next week. Thanks, NintendoLife.

3DS eShop, Wii U store appeal to independent developers

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Despite the poor reputation of existing services, developers seem genuinely enthusiastic about the 3DS eShop and the Wii U’s unrevealed digital storefront service.

Speaking to Gamasutra, a number of independent developers had plenty of praise and positivity for Nintendo’s digital offerings.

“The eShop, I feel, has really turned things around for Nintendo on the digital side because the storefront is heavily feature-driven,” Tyrone Rodriguez of Cave Story publisher Nicalis said.

“Much has been said about WiiWare and DSiWare, but basically what irks me the most is that [Nintendo] never updated WiiWare based on player and developer feedback,” Collin van Ginkel of Toki Tori developer Two Tribes added.

“You can already see that the 3DS eShop is being developed much more actively, and I hope they will continue that for Wii U’s online store as well.”

Gaijin Games co-founder Alex Neuse said upcoming title Bit.Trip Runner 2 will launch the Wii U’s digital store, and that Nintendo is a pleasure to work with.

“Dan Adelman at Nintendo is a champ. He’s reaching out to a lot of indies,” he said.

Renegade Kid boss Jools Watsham echoed this opinion; the developer has alread had 3DS eShop success with Mutant Mudds and Bomb Monkey.

“I think many people think Nintendo is very difficult to work with. My experience working with them has been great. If I have questions or need something, I contact them and get what I need. And, if they need something from me, they do the same,” he said.

“If there are enough people actively purchasing games on the eShop, we might have a chance to rely solely on the eShop as a business model, enabling us to continue developing original content without the constraints typically brought upon us by the broken retail business model,” he added.

In the first two pages of the feature article, linked above, various developers discuss both their frustrations and successes with the WiiWare and DsiWare services. It’s quite interesting stuff, especially the comparisons to Apple’s App Store.

King of Fighters veterans behind Nicalis’s Yatagarasu

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Yatagarasu is a fighting game destined for the European and US 3DS eShops thanks to Nicalis. Siliconera reports the brawler was developed by Circle Edge, a three-man team with serious fighting chops thanks to a history with the King of Fighters franchise. It boasts eight playable characters; training, replay and versus modes in addition to the usual solo campaign; and optional trash-talking commentary. No release date as yet, but a trailer through the break and you can try it out at PAX Prime.


Ikachan to release on eShop and DSiWare, Nicalis has announced

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Ikachan, the underwater freeware adventure title from Cave Story creator Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya, will be released on 3DS and DSiWare, Nicalis has announced.

Two different versions of the game will be released in order to take advantage of the hardware contained within 3DS and DSi.

“The DSi has a resolution of 256×192 (top screen) while the 3DS has a resolution of 400×240 (let’s say 320×240 for this discussion),” said the publisher. “What that means is that if we want DSi games to run full-screen on a 3DS, they need to be stretched by an additional 25 per cent over the maximum.

“It seems like a damn shame to play a 2D pixel-art game with a blurry screen. Sure, you can hold the Start button or whatever the method is to boot in native resolution, but then you end up with a tiny screen on the 3DS and particularly on the 3DS XL.

“This is literally the only reason I decided to port Cave Story to the 3DS… I think we’re the only developers doing this and it’s probably because it’s a lot more work, but definitely worth it.”

In Ikachan, the player plays a squid who swims around an underground cave, meeting and helping other creatures after an earthquake causes social and political upheaval.

Thanks, Eurogamer.

NightSky dated and priced for Euro 3DS eShop

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Nicalis has announced a release date and price for the 3DS version of the gorgeous NightSky. The 2D platformer will cost €10 and hits the European eShop on February 21, the publisher said on Twitter. Australian and New Zealand release is expected not too far behind. Nightsky is the product of Kyntt Underground developer Nifflas and has been released on Linux, Mac and PC as well following an aborted WiiWare launch as “Night Game”.

1001 Spikes is a “cruel” and challenging platformer from Nicalis hitting Vita this year

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Nicalis has announced 1001 Spikes and its coming to Vita this year. The team used Spelunker and Challenger as inspirations, but don’t let the retro 8-bit art style fool you: this will be an “incredibly difficult platformer with very precise controls requiring pixel-perfect inputs,” according to the developer.

“On the surface, the short levels seem minimalistic, but at the core, they’re loaded with strategically placed obstacles hidden to the naked eye,” reads the entry on the PS Blog. Literally every detail of the game was meticulously planned and thought out, tested, tuned and retested.

“Broken down to its most basic design, the goal in 1001 Spikes is to find the key to open the door to the next level. Each level will present a different challenge both in the procurement of the key and then making it to the door alive. Although some levels look impossible at first, the determined gamer will prevail.”

In the game, you play as Aban Hawkins who packs around an unlimited amount of throwing daggers to fight off enemies. In 1001 Spikes you throw daggers, short jump, and high jump – but there will be disadvantages to both jumps.

“In fact, there are areas where you’ll have to use one jump versus the other to advance,” the blog states.

The game will conatin six worlds with multiple levels leading to more than one finale, and it includes unlockable guest characters and authentic 8-bit style cutscenes. There will also be three multiplayer modes in both co-op and versus.

“We know our game is cruel, and know that the players of today are up for the challenge,” said Nicalis’ Tyrone Rodriguez. “With many games purposefully made to be easy and accessible, 1001 Spikes was an opportunity to make a game that is anything but that, yet still make it fun and meaningful.

Gamers have to be comfortable with the idea of dying… a lot.”

1001 Spikes releases later this year.

The Binding of Isaac Rebirth teaser trailer will give you nightmares

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The Binding of Isaac Rebirth is coming in 2014, and tide you over a new teaser trailer has emerged that will probably scar you for life and possibly make you fear cats.

Told you.

The Binding of Isaac Rebirth is essentially a remake of Team Meat’s original. That game put a lot of strain on Flash. Nicalis is handling the remake and rebuilding it in a new engine. The art will be completely replaced, introducing 16-bit sprites of Isaac and terrifying crew.

The Binding of Isaac Rebirth is due to hit Steam in 2014. Good luck sleeping tonight.

Thanks, PCGamer.

VVVVVV confirmed for release on VVVVVVita

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VVVVVV will be heading to Vita after all, Nicalis’ Tyron Rodriguez has announced. After teasing the possibility on Twitter earlier this month, on the PS blog Rodriguez went over the gameplay mechanics of the Terry Cavanagh title, but failed to provide a release date. Just know it’s official and it’s coming to PS VVVVVVita.

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth launching just in time for Halloween

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The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth delivers a staggering amount of new content at the spookiest time of the year.

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth is a much-anticipated expansion to The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, the terrific remake of Edmund McMillen’s twin-stick rogue-like. As the trailer below reveals, it can be yours on October 30.

At present our only platform guidance is that Afterbirth is launching on “Steam and other platforms”, so if you’re on 3DS, PS4, Vita, Wii U, Xbox One you may be waiting a little longer.

Afterbirth adds over 100 hours of content, according to developer Nicalis, including the following:

  • Greed Mode: a whole new game mode with a heavy focus on risk/reward that is a completely new way to play that features new endings and a final boss.
  • Expanded main game: a new final area has been added to the main game along with another new final boss and ending.
  • Daily Runs: compete for highscore / best time on the leader boards in these daily seeded runs.
  • Ten totally new and awesome challenges
  • 1000+ new rooms, as well as new tiny rooms, closets and giant arching hallways
  • Totally new playable character, Lilith, mother of demons
  • 120 new items, not counting tons of new pickups, chests, pills, bombs, cards etc. taking the item count up beyond 525
  • Four new alternate chapters with new chapter specific enemy types visual themes and surprises
  • New seed code combo page, as well as a butt ton of new seed codes that mod the game
  • Expanded soundtrack
  • New room types like, trap rooms, double treasure rooms and ultra rare closets
  • Greatly expanded and updated HUD system
  • Tons of new secret transformations
  • Eight new bosses
  • 25+ new enemies
  • Updated weapon combo system
  • Far too many new achievements
  • 20 million new co-op babies

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is coming to Steam in January – maybe even Switch in the spring

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The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ has finally been given a release date for Steam.

According to a post on the game’s blog, the developers said the first week of release that those who already own Afterbirth can pick Afterbirth+ for $6.99 instead of the standard expansion price of $9.99.

Here’s a list of features:

  • Full access to mod tools ( so you can design, edit and play and endless number of mods, features and whole new games that the community will no doubt eventually design.. )
  • 67 new items, 27 new trinkets and 10+ new pickups! (hows that for specific huh!?)
  • A new final chapter
  • A new final boss
  • A new playable character
  • A new “greedier” greed mode
  • A shit ton of new achievements (62 to be exact)
  • Five achievement “challenges”
  • 100s of new rooms (tons of new ultra rare rooms )
  • New victory lap feature (allows the game to continue when finished)
  • Bestiary (enemy collection page that keeps track of everything you kill in game)
  • Five new challenges
  • Two new transformations
  • Small monthly content updates (every month after release we will be updating the game with our favorite fan made designs, monsters, items maybe even challenges – who knows… we may also toss a few of our own modded designs in if you are good)
  • Four+ new bosses and a new alt forms for existing bosses!
  • A handful of new enemies, features and new champion forms!
  • ZNew cut scenes and music tracks!
  • Other stuff

Nicalis noted this is a “slightly smaller Afterbirth expansion,” but it since it comes with mod tools, these can “potentially make it 20 times larger.”

If that weren’t enough, it seems the game “may” be coming to Switch if this theory regarding a set of tweets from Nicalis co-founder Tyrone Rodriguez are any indication (thanks, Nintendo Everything). It looks that way, but you be the judge.

The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ will be released on Steam January 3, and will arrive on consoles in spring 2017.


Ikaruga is coming to Nintendo Switch with vertical scrolling support

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Classic shoot-’em-up Ikaruga has been announced for Nintendo Switch.

The Treasure top-down arcade shooter has been asked for on Switch by fans since the console’s release, and publisher Nicalis has now confirmed that Ikaruga will be making its way to Switch on May 29.

The Switch version includes all five stages of the game, and supports local co-op. Arcade and Prototype modes return, as do the the game’s three difficulty settings.

The biggest surprise, though, is that Switch players will be able to replicate the arcade experience by playing the game vertically on the console. This can also be done horizontally, but being able to tilt the Switch screen and removing the Joy-Con controllers for a 100% vertical experience is a welcome addition.

Though it wasn’t announced today, a recent rating board leak suggested that Ikaruga could be coming to PS4. This may still be in the works and will be announced at a later date, but don’t hold your breath.

Ikaruga will be priced $15 when it hits the Switch eShop come May 29.

The post Ikaruga is coming to Nintendo Switch with vertical scrolling support appeared first on VG247.

The Binding of Isaac: Repentance DLC detailed, listed for December 2020

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There’s another huge update coming to The Binding of Isaac and, apparently, this one will really be the final update for the game.

Named The Binding of Isaac: Repentance, the new update is – to quote creator and mastermind behind the dead baby rogue-like, Edmund McMillen – “yet another FINAL FINAL FINAL mega expansion” to the game.

“It’s basically a sequel at this point, and it’s fucking amazing!” says McMillen over on the game’s Steam page.

The game is currently over 90% done, according to the developer, who has been working closely with the team to ensure that this is the “Sequel DLC” that many players have been hankering for since the release of The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth + some five years ago.

McMillen notes that the game will be coming to PC and ‘consoles’, but he’s in the dark about the process on that side of things.

Expect more information coming via the game’s Steam page and blog “in the second half of October”.

“Experience the modern classic, The Binding of Isaac, like you’ve never seen it before,” says the DLC’s official Steam page.

“It’s a game too big to be called a sequel: Repentance takes Isaac to new heights of roguelike dungeon adventure, as the brave boy descends into the basement for his greatest challenge yet!

“Isaac’s new quest takes him to unknown places he’s never been, filled with horrible new enemies and bosses, weapon combos you’ve never synergized before and items he’s never seen… unholy terrors from his wildest dreams and worst nightmares!”

The release date for the DLC is pegged as 31 Dec 2020 on the Steam page, but that’s not set in stone – as you can see from the tweet below.

The post The Binding of Isaac: Repentance DLC detailed, listed for December 2020 appeared first on VG247.





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