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Another weekend another recap of some this weeks top stories. We learned about a few new unlockable characters in Super Smash Bros., Sauron get’s his sweet revenge in Shadows of Mordor and Xbox Japan isn’t exactly ecstatic about their new console sale numbers. Those stories and more on this weeks top 5 can be see below and follow the link to view the whole stories. Let us know what you thought topped this week and give us some love in the comment section below!
Number 5
Three Unlockable Fighters for Super Smash Bros Revealed
Super Smash Bros is out today with 37 characters available to play from the get-go, but you’ll have to fight for three more, Nintendo tells us.
Though Nintendo’s revealed the trio on the game’s official site (complete with a spoiler warning), there’s not quite any clues as to how to unlock them or how they’ll handle on each system. With neither the 3DS nor the Wii U version of the game owning any exclusive characters, most assume there’ll be few differences in terms of gameplay.
Earthbound’s Ness makes his fourth appearance since his debut on the original Super Smash Bros. on N64 while Falco will make his third since Melee and Wario his second, six years after his entrance into the Smash Bros. universe in Brawl for Wii.
All three characters are in the 3DS game, now out everywhere games are sold. We thought the game’s demo, also out on the Nintendo eShop, was rather interesting.
The characters will appear in the Wii U version of the game, the release date of which has yet to be announced despite rumors pointing to a November release later this fall. National Smash Bros. tournaments have been further organized by Nintendo to celebrate the two games’ release with cash prizes for only the best Smash Bros players .
Number 4
Sauron Casts His Shadow Over Mordor’s Season Pass
The eye of Sauron will gaze only upon a season pass and a season pass alone in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Amidst the rigamarole of online leaderboards, challenge maps, and bonus runes aplenty, the dark lord of Middle-earth himself will be available exclusively as DLC as well as the One ring to bind them.
Celebrimbor, Talion’s wraith companion, will also be along for the ride if you pay up front. Celebrimbor carries with him a burden far greater than money: he stands as the unwitting accomplice to Sauron’s reign through his creation of the rings of power through which the Lord of the Rings ruled.
If you opt into the season pass, you’ll be able to play Celebrimbor as the great Elven leader was in the second age armed with the One Ring itself to bind them all.
Number 3
Sony Increases PS Plus Prices in Certain Countries
PlayStation 4 owners across the globe are furious to have discovered that Sony is stealthily increasing the cost of PS Plus membership in certain regions. South Africa, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and select states in India have all seen price hikes. These are not insignificant changes either. The cost of a three month PS Plus subscription in South Africa has increased by 50% to R219 ($19.55).
Sony has explained that the rise in prices is due to ‘various market conditions’. The company has stressed that they have no plans to increase prices in North America but this will provide little comfort for PS4 owners in the regions affected.
Number 2
Nathan Drake Gets His Close-Up in Uncharted 4
Amidst celebrating its 30th anniversary with an art show at the Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA, Naughty Dog has shown us the latest face-to-face screenshot of Nathan Drake’s latest look up close and personal.
Though it unfortunately mirrors a bit of the background, the pic’s more than good enough to showcase every bit of Nate’s manly stubble and perfect (if not a slightly grungy) GQ hair.
Number 1
Xbox Japan Is Very Unhappy With The Xbox One Performance
As we reported last month, the Xbox One is performing dismally in Japan and Microsoft is not happy about it. So far the console has sold just over 30,000 units in its first three weeks on the market. However, over 80% of those sales came in the first few days after launch. Last week the Xbox One sold just 1,113 units in Japan according to Media Create.
In an interview with Famitsu, Microsoft’s head of Xbox Japan Takashi Sensui said that “It’s not as though we’re satisfied with the current sales state. We hope to continue through taking user feedback and improving [the Xbox One] and offering content that everyone can enjoy . We are also aware that reaching out to let more people know about the Xbox One is vital.” Despite the console’s horrific sales so far, Sensui still has some hope for the future. “The current console generation has become very long, we hope to lay out a long-term vision and to focus on publicity for our console” he said. “Taking the first step was very important, and as for how to permeate the market from here, we hope to continue to do our best.”
Honorable Mentions
This week had a lot of big news and the news staff and I found it hard to narrow it down to the usual five stories:
- PlayStation Plus – October’s Free Games Lineup Video
- Project Cars Aims For 1080p/60fps On Both Xbox One and PS4
If you have suggestions for future entries, feel free to email me at jeremy.tyler@bagogames.com
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