Proposal

What I am going to make for my project is an interactive online game reviewing magazine, I am aiming to create a unique Nintendo magazine that will be used just like any other magazine but with interactive features such as a slideshow for the images, videos and many more features as I go along. I will be aiming to make this magazine regularly when I obtain the software at home. I am going to be reviewing all types of Nintendo games from old to new, along with previews of unreleased games and finally I will be offering helpful tips for games that have been released too.

What has inspired me to do this? Well I have been collecting the Official Nintendo Magazine for years, if I recall I started collecting them back in 2002. By reading their reviews and seeing what content they have, I can adapt with what they have created within their magazine and add new features to mine which they do not have. By doing this I can show I am capable of making my own magazine.

The way I am going to accomplish this is by playing a lot of Nintendo games, completing them and then reviewing the sections in detail, by doing this I will be able to put together a good enough review, also I am going to get plenty of screenshots within the game but I am going to put them on a slideshow which will save more room, I might even put videos on the page to show how the gameplay works and how the music sounds. I am aiming to get quite a few reviews done each week, if not then I will get other features up and running. I am also going to do an art section of my style to show off some of my image manipulation. I am mainly going to use InDesign and Photoshop for this project. I am going to do all my artwork and front cover pages through Photoshop and I will be using InDesign to put the whole magazine together. For the next eight weeks I am going to get all my reviews, previews, tips and other features written out, and the last few weeks I am going to put everything together and include all the videos.

I am going to be releasing my work onto blogger and spreading around links everywhere such as Facebook, forums, other bloggers and going to ask to give feedback, what to improve, what they like about the magazine and what could be added for the next issue, by doing this I will be able to identify what I have done wrong and what I need to do to improve my magazine.  Also I am keeping track of everything through blogger which is like a planned section for me. Also I will review the magazine myself to see how professional it is and how I can improve it, I will be comparing it to other magazines.

 
An example of my time plan is:
Week 1-8: Complete all written work on reviews, previews, tips.
Week9-16: Put together everything and make interactive pieces and slideshows plus videos.

Review The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword

The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword


Console: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Adventure
Multiplayer: 1 Player
Wi-Fi: No


The newest edition to the Legend of Zelda family released for the Nintendo Wii. Skyward Sword takes place before Ocarina of Time within the Zelda timeline. For first timers to the Zelda series, you play as Link who starts off in a quiet village which is located within the sky, no one within the village has ever been able to go to the surface of the planet, then something happens like one of your friends are kidnapped, and go after them, which usually leads you to going on a big quest trying to save the world. Within Skyward Sword, you have to do various tasks such as finding Zelda and competing on your giant bird known as a Loftwing. After completing the challenge, you and Zelda are flying casually when a black tornado appears and pulls Zelda into the surface. You then end up finding the Goddess Sword and the emerald tablet, which opens a gap within the clouds to get to the world below, which is where your adventure begins.

The mechanics within the game has changed slightly, you now by shields which can be upgraded, your shields however have a stamina bar which if it depletes completely then your shield brakes, if you manage to parry the enemies attacks, then the shield will remain undamaged. Also instead of having to roll everywhere, you now have a stamina bar which you can now run, roll, climb and run up walls a few steps. Due to limited stamina, there is stamina fruit throughout the game which will fill your stamina to full without waiting for the recharge limit. The new features and controls work extremely well. The sword style is pretty much swing in the direction and that is how you attack, also if you hold your Wii remote up then your sword will charge, which you can release for a air slash. You can also spin attack horizontally and vertically within this game.

The graphics are truly stunning, the style of the graphics are a mix between the styles of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. Just stop within each area and scan the place, you will see how detailed and amazing the graphics truly are. The soundtrack, like all Zelda games are amazing, never a let down, nothing boring, nothing dull, just true masterpieces right there. The gameplay is flawless, I cannot see anything wrong with this game, you could spend days trying to complete this game first time around, trying to uncover every chest, help every person and collect every heart piece. Speaking of heart pieces, within Skyward Sword, the amount needed for a new heart container has returned to four again.

Some of the new items are just pure genius. Who else would have thought of a flying beetle that can grab bombs and drop them onto unsuspecting enemies. This has taken out the need for bomb arrows though, which I have always loved. Of course there is the return of the bombs and bow and arrows. These two have always been the two most featured weapons, not including the sword of course. Being able to use all the items to their full potential is essential for completing Skyward Sword at 100%. This should be the goal of every die-hard Zelda fan. Just completing Skyward Sword isn't enough, you must get 100%.

This time around you get pockets for holding your items such as medals, shields, bottles and ammo for bombs, arrows and more. You start off with four slots, as you progress, you can buy more slots and increase the amount you can store with you. The maximum you can store is eight slots. This should be enough as you really only need one shield, about three bottles and maybe three different medals. Yeah I should really explain the medals for the people who don't who what they are. You collect medals along the way, when you carry these with you, grants you certain effects like enemies drop hearts more often and even one that acts as a heart container. Don't worry about not being able to carry everything, there is a free storage at your home town. You will be heading back to your home town quite often anyway as this is the main place to travel to different sections. Also it is home to all the shops too.

You can no longer save while pausing the game, instead just like Majora's Mask, instead around the region you will see many statues, these statues are your save points and also your key to returning back to the sky. There are a lot of brand new dungeons ready to confuse you, with each dungeon being trickier than the previous one. So many confusing and challenging puzzles, the boss fights are also more challenging within Skyward Sword. Definitely one of the more challenging Zelda games within the series.

Overall possibly the best game there is on the Nintendo Wii, this game is just a true masterpiece, extremely addicting and definitely worth the price, which was also available in a special pack, you get the game, a special CD of orchestrated Zelda music from the past up to now And a special gold Wii remote the the Legend of Zelda logo within the center of the remote. A plus note is that this game requires Wii Motion Plus. The most recommended game needed for adventure gamers.

Overall Score: 98%

Review Super Smash Bros Brawl

Super Smash Bros Brawl


Console: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Fighting
Multiplayer: 1-4
Wi-Fi: Yes


One of the most anticipated games for the Wii during the consoles release. Although Smash Bros was released two years after the Wii has been released, it has been revealed and due to the huge hit Super Smash Bros Melee had on the GameCube, there is no surprise on the uproar about Brawl. Also with online play and an increase in characters, along with a brand new story mode, so many features have been included within this game. First of all I better explain what this game is like to those who have never played Super Smash Bros before. Super Smash bros is a beat'em up type of game with up to four players. The aim though instead of reducing the health bar to zero, the characters start with 0%, the more damage inflicted on the character, the higher the percentage increases, the aim is to knock your opponent off the stage, the more they have on their percentage, the further they fly off from attacks, but just simply knocking them off isn't enough, your opponent is capable of attempting to recovering back to the stage with mid air jumps and certain attacks.

First of all, one of the new features is being able to use up to four different types of control methods. You can either use the Wii remote on its side, the Wii remote and nunchuck, the Classic Controller or the Nintendo GameCube Controller. From my experience I tried out all four but I stuck to the GameCube Controller which I find easier as I have played the Melee version for years. It is a simple two different attack buttons, move, jump, shield, grab and taunt. The attacks vary depending on the direction you are holding on the joystick. Also while shielding you can preform rolls and dodges by tapping the joystick in that direction.

The characters are all based off Nintendo characters with an exception of two which Nintendo have been given permission to use. These characters are Sonic the Hedgehog and Snake from Metal Gear. Some of the characters that have been included within Brawl are Mario, Bowser, Link, Zelda, Ike, Samus, Fox and many more characters. Of course there are many characters to unlock as well but I am not going to spoil that for you. Several stages have also made a return as well as new stages, also you are now able to create your own stages! This can be done within the create stage section, you are given a few bits to create your stage, you also unlock more parts while completing various things.

Included within Smash Bros is now a check list of various tasks to complete, you complete a task and you are rewarded, the rewards vary from a sticker to a new stage. The collection is huge within this game, you can collect stickers, music, trophies, characters and stages. Also within the extras there is a mini game which you launch the coins you have collected to earn more stickers and trophies, this is another way to increase your collection.

Within the single player mode (which you are able to play with a friend on most of the modes anyway) classic mode returns which is pretty much beat your opponent and advance with a few other challenges such as break the targets. Then there is the story mode called Subspace Emisarry, which you play as the characters within the story, win fights and run through stages beating enemies along the way, also collecting trophies, stickers and CD's for your music. Also after completing the sections with new characters, you unlock them to be able to play as in other modes. Of course training mode has returned too, which helps brush up on your skills. Multi Man Brawl is pretty much Multi Man Melee which is an endurance test, varying from defeat ten opponents, to one-hundred, to surviving fifteen minutes with endless enemies. Home run contest which is to damage the sand bag as much as you can within the ten seconds before you launch it as far as you can. And of course Smash Targets is back which is to break ten targets as fast as you can.

Multiplayer, which is of course, the best feature within Smash Bros games is all customisable matches which you can set from one to four players, you can set any items on, how often they appear, you can set a time limit match, a stock match or a coin match. There is also a handicap option for the new players. Just beating your friends on Smash Bros is one of the most satisfying feelings within the gaming world. Multiplayer offers hours of endless fun.

The online mode is just as great, you are able to go up against anyone online, you have the option to go against your friends online or you can go up against three random strangers, either way the match should be challenging enough. You are able to give yourself a nickname and have a little display picture of one of the characters within the Smash Bros game.

Finally there are three new items that stick out, these items are called the Smash Ball, Assist Trophy and the Dragoon. The Smash Ball floats around the stage at random times, you need to attack it a certain amount of times to acquire the Smash Ball, which you then just simply press the secondary attack button and this activates your characters special move. The Assist trophy works by simply picking it up, which a random non playable character appears to help you out for a set time. Finally the Dragoon works by collecting all three parts, once acquired, you aim at your opponent, which if you hit will knock them out of the stage instantly.

Overall this is is simply one of the best games ever. The graphics are so detailed, the gameplay is flawless and the multiplayer is so addicting. After this game, I cannot wait to see what the next Smash Bros has in store, there is a lot to compete against previous titles, which Nintendo has managed to do within each sequel. This is a must have for Nintendo gamers.

Overall Score: 97%

Intro

Welcome to the very first issue of Gamer Base! This magazine is purely based on Nintendo based games along with Monster Hunter games. I shall be previewing unreleased games but I will also be reviewing any game that has been currently released within the UK. Our star game of this month has to be our cover star The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword. As usual Nintendo always manages to impress again and again. I have honestly never felt let down while playing a Legend of Zelda game! Other titles that will be featured within this magazine are Metroid Prime and Pokemon Crystal, along with many more! Also we have an online section that will be expanding more and more within future issues, so join in and have fun! After the first issue I am hoping for our readers to submit their art for the gallery page which the best will be picked and featured! Many helpful tips will be featured within the magazine too!

Since I am on my own for this issue I am hoping to acquire a team after issue two. We will also have an email section too within the next issue. Bust on with this issue, there are so many games out there that it is impossible to review even a small portion! So I will be picking some of my favourites plus a few random ones to balance it out. Any suggestions can be submitted to gamersbase@hotmail.co.uk.

~Adam Everson

Review Practice Mario Kart 7

Mario Kart 7

Console: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: Racing
Multiplayer: 1-8
Wi-Fi: Yes


Mario Kart 7 is the... well... 7th addition to the Mario Kart series, which has to be one of the best of the series. On the top screen is all the racing action while the bottom screen is the map for the game. again the game is following the same mechanics with eight cups again. Each cup consists of four tracks, the first half of the cups are all brand new tracks, while the others are old tracks which have been remade with ramps and jump pads and also fitting the graphics with the older Super Nintendo and the Game Boy Advance versions. Some new mechanics have been added such as vehicle customisation and now there is gliding too.

The new gliding feature is one of the main parts of the game, which is activated when you jump off a green ramp, the glider is automatically activated and you control it as you would with driving except there is a inverted way to steer up and down through the air. The vehicle customisation is great, you can choose the frame, the wheels and the glider, this way you mix and match which changes your stats, which can benefit you in the way you like to drive best. You also unlock more parts the more coins you collect, yes that's right, the coins have made a return in this game which adds up in the end, the more coins, the more you can unlock, there is also eight new characters to unlock which can be accomplished by winning certain cups.

By winning a cup, a rank is determined by from one to three stars, the better you do, the more stars you earn, when you earn that many stars on every cup, that becomes your rank. This game features online gameplay again which again is competitive, battle mode also makes a return. The items are all great too. One of the new features that stick out is if you press up on the d-pad, you will enter first person view, with this you can steer by tilting the 3DS in the direction you want to go, with this feature this opens up a new way to play.

Spot pass is included within this game too, all you have to do is activate it on your 3DS, then walk past someone with the same game and then you will exchange data. This is a great way to improve online play. The graphics are as always, stunning for the 3DS, the 3D is amazing and all the details on each track, on each character and each item.

The multiplayer has always been the best for Mario Kart, and this is no exception, the multiplayer is so competitive and competitive is what you need within a game. Which can consist of up to eight players. With that many it is sure to be great fun and so amusing all the time. Also as long as your friends have a 3DS, they do not need a copy of the game to race on, download play is featured within the game which means only one game card is needed. The only thing is that all players without the game can only play as shy guy and cannot customise the vehicle. All the more reason to own the game.

Overall an amazing game! If you are a huge race fan or a huge Mario fan then this is a deffinate! You can get hours of fun, the difficulty is mediocre but that doesn't matter, the online can be very addicting, one of the best titles on the 3DS. The only downside is that Dry Bones has not been made a playable character, but still, buy it!.

Score: 94%

More research

Game Reviewing
To review a game, a lot of studying has to be made on a game, this game needs to be played a considerable amount of time, all the areas are needed to have been explored and the game needs to be completed. If the game has not been completed then you cannot explore the game fully to review it, also the game needs to be released or close to its release date, within a month at the most. The main aspects of a game to be reviewed is the gameplay, the graphics, the controls, the music and the lifespan of the game. Also multiplayer and extra features is an essential if they are featured within the game.

Game Previewing
For a preview, owning the game is not a priority. You can preview a game just with researching with demo videos, looking at peoples opinions who have played with demo games or people that have got their hands on the game already in maybe Japan or the US. Trailers are usually my way for reviewing games.

Game Tips
To give tips on games you have to explore and create new ways to play, new ways to discover how to do things, such as finding secret areas, solving puzzles easily, beating bosses easier or even explore glitchy sections of games, also easter eggs can be put into the tips section. Sometimes unlocking stuff can be put into tips too. Anything that can help a player can be considered a helpful tip.

Preview Practice - Fire Emblem 3DS

The new Fire Emblem that is scheduled for release in Japan around March. Which I have to admit, looks amazing! You can now pair up two of your units for a tag team against the computer player. For those who are new to the Fire Emblem series, this is a strategy game, you have a small bunch of units against your opponent which has ridiculous numbers compared to you. At the beginning it is usually seven units vs about twenty. After playing Radiant Dawn, near the end it can be roughly ten units vs around eighty. The goal is to either defeat the boss, clear all enemies or capture the area, which is pretty much defeat the boss and claim his square. Once you lose a unit, you lose him/her for good. No coming back, no fainting, just death.

The graphics are really up to date for the 3DS, truly spectacular. Everything has improved, from the simple birds eye view grid to the stunning critical hits. The 3D looks amazing, every little detail just looks amazing, the characters look great too. This is the first non remake Fire Emblem game that has been released since 2008 which was Radiant Dawn. Also Fire Emblem is the first game with the Nintendo DLC (Downloadable Content) which is like a beta test for future games.

The only thing about the Fire Emblem series is the time it takes to be released within the UK and the US. The main character which has blue hair which may be a descendent of Marth, the original character from the first Fire Emblem. Although the timeline isn't confirmed yet. The main character also appears to be wielding the Falchion which was Marths sword too.

Overall it is shaping up to be a classic of the Fire Emblem series, I for one cannot wait for this game, the online play sounds great, the storyline looks amazing and the return of roaming the map and fighting/training without following the storyline will really make competitive play more interesting. I really do recommend this game for anyone that likes strategy games, I for one am not a fan of of strategy games but I do love this game so pick it up and give it a try when it is released, if you cannot wait then play any other Fire Emblem games, all of them are amazing so you cannot go wrong!

The Audience

The aim of this magazine is for targeting the big gamers, mostly for Nintendo gamers as this is what I specialise in, what I know best as I have been a big Nintendo gamer ever since I was young, which is why I am inspired to start a magazine with mostly Nintendo products. I am also a big Monster Hunter fan which is what I would like to review too. So I would say the audience is for big Nintendo gamers.

Brain storm evidence

I have now designed a spidergram to help me think of ways on what I can include within my magazine. By making a spidergram I have been able to learn how to improve what I can include within my magazine and get the general idea of how the magazine will look. Here is my spidergram.

Practising tips, Freedom Unite

Stuck on Monster Hunter Freedom Unite? Need some tips to help you out? You have come to the right place! Here are some tips on how to improve your skills and beat monsters easier!

Blocking Roars - First of all, this gets really annoying when a monster roars, this leaves you open for an unavoidable attack. You will want to block these. There are four different ways on how to avoid the roars. First of all you can get the skill ear plugs, this can block all the low roars, but won't work on other monsters. This is when you use the upgraded version, the high grade ear plugs. Secondly if you are using a Lance, Sword and shield, Great Sword, Gun Lance or Heavy Bowgun, you can block the roar with your shield. Thirdly you can run out of its range. Lastly you can chance it by trying to stun the monster, with flash bombs or even hitting it and making it flinch.

Sleep Bombing - This is one of the easiest ways to defeat a monster, especially in a big team. Use sleep coatings, sleep shots, sleep inducing weapons or sleep knives to put the monster to sleep, then bomb it in its weakest place with Large Barrel Bomb+, when they are asleep, the first hit they receive does double damage. Repeat the process until the monster dies.

Diablos easy kill - I know some people that struggle on the Diablos, but with the technique, it will be easy! This works best in the desert during the day or night, make sure you are in area 7. You will want adrenaline 2, any ice bow and power coatings. First of all, get damaged until adrenaline kicks in, then hide behind the rock in the centre of the area while the Diablos is in the area, wait for it to charge, it will get stuck in the rock, make sure power coatings are equipped and aim for the tip of its tail, which is its weakest point, repeat this and it will be dead in no time. This works with Black Diablos too.

Unlock Fatalis quests - The Fatalis trio is the hardest of all monsters within the game, including Ukanlos that is, Fatalis can be fought within high rank and G rank quests. This is how to unlock them.

High Rank:
Fatalis - Clear the first 10 training quests with the same weapon.
Crimson Fatalis - Slay the Fatalis at least once.
White Fatalis - Slay five of each elder dragon, 3 Fatalis and 3 Lao Shan Lung.

G Rank:
Fatalis - Complete all the G rank training with at least one weapon.
Crimson Fatalis - Slay the G rank Fatalis and complete all the G rank elder dragon quests.
White Fatalis - Slay the Crimson Fatalis and complete all G3 epic hunting quests.

The most recommended meal to eat has to be any meat aka King Turkey, Dragon Head or Dragon Meat with either Fatty Tomato or King Truffle. This will give you +40 health and a small attack boost. Have with with one nutreants and you will be at maximum health with an attack boost. Always eat before a big fight, this will give you a big advantage and better survival.

Sometimes, the best way when fighting a new monster is to learn how to avoid the moves, focus on dodging without attacking, when you feel comfortable then go in for the attack, always keep in top health too if you are unsure on the damage you will receive. Remember to bring plenty of potions and mega potions too.

Plans of what to include

For my magazine I am planning of doing more than game reviewing, I am going to do tips, console history and more as I come up with stuff. Also I am going to do previews of games that haven't been released yet. Unfortunately I cannot test the games so it will be based off of the information of controls and screenshots and leeks. Here is what I have come up with so far.

Intro - discuss what the magazine is about.   _/

Reviews: (going to try to do around 4ish)
The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword   _/
Super Smash Bros Brawl   _/
Mario Kart 3DS   _/
Pokemon Black and White


Tips: (about 1 game)   _/
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite   _/

Previews: (about 2)
Monster Hunter 4
Fire Emblem 3DS   _/


Console History: aka consoles top games.