Task 2 – E-zine Article

New Super Mario Bros. U (only on Wii U)

http://www.johnlewis.com/231813935/Product.aspx

New Super Mario Bros. U is compatible with two different controls. The first being the Wii U Control Pad. When playing alone with the control pad, the directional buttons, analogue sticks and touch screen can be used to highlight options. Pressing the A button will select the option and pressing the B button will cancel and exit options.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.abload.de/img/

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Game Pad controls during gameplay: the A and B buttons make Mario jump, holding the X or Y button allows Mario to run and the directional buttons move Mario left, right and can make him do a ground-pound attack. Shaking the Game Pad or pressing ZL or ZR will make Mario do a spin jump.

http://masonicgamer.com/reviews/new-super-mario-bros-u-review-wii-u/

When playing multiplayer, tapping the touch screen will create floating platforms for the other players to use to their advantage.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Super-Mario-Bros-Wii/dp/B00844Q4EA

The game’s learning curve is very forgiving, as its controls are still similar to other games in the series and simple for newcomers to pick up. Story mode starts off with easy levels that get progressively harder. This mode is made with experienced and casual gamers in mind. Challenge mode, however, is for gamers who are much more experienced at Super Mario games. This game is rated 3+ by PEGI.

This game is the first Mario game to feature 1080p. 720p and 1080i are also optional, but do not show as much graphical detail as 1080p.

What I have learned overall from choosing this game: New Super Mario Bros. U appears to attempt to appeal to as many audiences as possible, with two different yet simple control types to choose from, the different modes that are designed for specific players and enhanced HD visuals.

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (only on Nintendo 3DS)

http://gstylemag.com/ 2012/10/29/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask-downloadable-puzzles/

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is an entirely touch screen-based game. tapping icons, dragging the Stylus around to investigate environments and writing are required from the player.

http:// www.vooks.net/video-game-review/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask-3ds-review/?replytocom=2359

http://www.gamerpops.com/2012/12/professor-layton-and-the-miracle-mask-review/

The graphics are cell-shaded 3D, with optional 3D mode. It allows certain objects to stand out more than others, giving the player the feeling of having the 3D object right in front of them. In cut-scenes, however, the game uses 2D hand-drawn Japanese animation with voice acting.

http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/professor-layton-3ds-trailer-wants-you-to-meet-the-masked-gentleman/

http://www.gamedynamo.com/game/show/1/560/review/en/nintendo_3ds/professor_layton_and_the_miracle_mask

The game is aimed towards people who enjoy challenging and intricate puzzles, as well as a mystery/drama-style story. Those under the age of 7 may not find interest, and the ability to read is essential, as it is mostly a text-based game. Also, the 3D mode is not recommended for children whose eyes are still developing. Also, the dialogue is very British, as some characters may speak like they’re from a specific part of England or Scotland. This game is rated 7+ by PEGI.

The game’s learning curve is easy to overcome, but the difficulty of the puzzles may vary depending on how many Picorats (points earned in the game) it is worth. It is considered fairly hard to progress through the game, with most puzzles testing the knowledge and analysis skills of the player.

What I have learned from choosing this game: Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask offers a wide variety in both gameplay and interaction, despite being an entirely touch screen-based game, and may appeal more towards teenagers and adults due to its complex puzzles and deep story that would otherwise not appeal towards most audiences under the age of 7+.