What If Catherine Seduced Vincent Brooks…At The Arcades?

Since the PC port of the original Catherine is titled “Catherine Classic”, I would not be surprised if an official arcade port would be titled “Catherine Arcade” [7]. I posted a poll on Twitter not too long ago asking my followers if they would like to see an official arcade version of Catherine and the results were fifty/fifty [25]. Despite the mixed results, I would actually love to witness a Catherine-theme arcade machine in my state sometime after 2019 as it would be quite a good expansion on the Catherine franchise, as well as a method of expanding the possibilities in arcade gaming. As many of Catherine crusaders in the West wait for the English dub of Catherine: Full Body while plenty of others are into “Catherine Classic” for the PC [7] [8], Even though it is not official and it might not happen anytime soon, I shall discuss how a good arcade adaption of the sexy but scary tale.

Can’t get enough seduction and suspense after Catherine: Full Body? Well, perhaps an arcade port ought to satisfy your specific gaming needs? [7]

Since there were often children and teenagers in arcades, there is a chance that there would be plenty of restrictions on what content to feature. The horror within the nightmares would remain unaltered since there are plenty of violent and scary first-person shooters in arcades these days. What about the profanity? Well, at some point in the Tomb Raider reboot from 2013 and its definitive edition, Vladimir points his gun at Lara and says “Don’t you f***ing move.” after knocking her to the ground [4] [19]. But in the arcade version of it from 2018, he says ‘’Don’t you move”, which is a sign of rather legitimate censorship [23]. Furthermore, the Brookster better watch his mouth. Again, there are often minors in public arcade places. As for Catherine’s seductive appearance, I would not really complain about that too much since there were fully live-action samples of cheerful women in provocative outfits in Super Bikes 2 [20] [21]. A small amount of censorship can make the arcade port of Catherine acceptable to public arcades, but not to the point when too much of what made Catherine notable for being mature is lost, thus making the outcome not as recognisable.

Won’t somebody PLEASE think of the children?! [7]

Speaking of carefully selecting content, which cutscenes shall be featured once the player inserts a coin? Trisha can give a brief summary of the plot, but it can be skippable. The moment when Vincent and Katherine McBride dine at the Chrono Rabbit would definitely be featured in one chapter for establishing a few character traits [9]. There have been some erotic arcade games throughout the history of gaming [18], but I honestly do not think including that much erotica would fit the standards of the public arcades in my state today. Likewise, the moment when the Brookster wakes up next to a fully nude Catherine would probably not be featured, despite how it is an important aspect of the story [6] [7]. Nevertheless, one cutscene in the cabinet can be when the seductive blondie meets him at the Stray Sheep [6] [7]. Featuring only a couple of cutscenes would not only steadily shorten the story, but prevent any censorship issues regarding how the premise would be established. It is best to not make the port too long for arcade admirers. With a few cutscenes carefully selected for each chapter to build the purpose of the nightmares, the player can also focus on the gameplay…for dear life!

LISTEN TO ME!!! Or no dessert for you, mister! [7]

Do we really need to explain what happens afterwards again? [6]

But before we discuss the gameplay, what can be featured on the design of the cabinet for an arcade port of Catherine? If Rin ought to be featured on either side as a shout-out to Catherine: Full Body [8] [15], I guess the pink-haired pianist ought to be the one posing with a miniature Vincent [15]. We all know what happened with Katherine and Catherine’s suggestive posing at one point during the marketing the original Catherine for the PS3 and Xbox 360 [6] [7]. Speaking of Full Body, it is a bummer that it will not be available for the Xbox One [8], but the PS4 cover of it would be another good option for one side of the cabinet. The best choices for the controls would be a joystick for moving and climbing from block to block, a button for grabbing blocks and another button for undoing a move [22]. There should be enough room for two of each so that the game will be available to play with another fellow arcade admirer. Aside from a faithful and appealing design for the cabinet, the most important aspect to bring to the arcades would be the unique tower climbing gameplay, along with acceptable controls.

We don’t have to display my boyfriend climbing towards my booty? Oh thank Atlus! [7]

It’s raining sheep! Hallelujah, it’s raining sheep! [8] [15]

I definitely would like the gameplay of the arcade port to be based on Babel or Colosseum Mode, so that it would definitely be available for two players [5] [11]. So how many stages shall be in a shorted adaption for arcades? A fair amount of the stages for an arcade port would be:

• The Prison Of Despair [13]
• The Torture Chamber [16]
• The Inquisition [12]
• The Clock Tower [10]
• The Cathedral [17]

For a bonus chapter or alternative mode, the additional playable characters ought to be the ones who are playable in the DLC of the Japanese version of Catherine: Full Body [8]. Hopefully, the DLC will also in the English version of Catherine: Full Body. And as for a likely arcade port, perhaps it could be featured in a special edition that would be quite like the special edition of Deadstorm Pirates [1] [2]. Whatever happens in its gameplay, let us hope that the difficulty in an arcade version of Catherine will not be too extreme [7]. The decision to only base the outcome on Babel or Colosseum mode in order to make it seem like a mature multiplayer arcade game would definitely make seem representable for expanding on the Catherine franchise in arcades.

The thought of dying in the nightmare is baaaaaaaaad! [5]

I think I know what plenty of our fellow Catherine crusaders are thinking. An arcade port of Catherine? Why not just make a real-life version of Rapunzel [14]? You know, the minigame that takes the techniques of the main game [14]? Well, I suppose a real-life version of the arcade game from the Stray Sheep would be great for any cosplayer who chooses to cosplay as Vincent in his regular attire. However, I believe that many arcade admirers who never played Catherine would just see it as a rather random adaption of the classic story of Rapunzel unless the cabinet indicates that it is a game from Catherine, thus giving them a better understanding of it. Furthermore, I believe a port of the main gameplay of Catherine would be a better choice for marketing since the legacy of the strange tale has been fairly popular for eight years [7].

The Brookster about to play Rapunzel. [14]

Remember when mass-produced and commercially available arcade gaming spawned with Computer Space and Pong back in the early 70s [3]? Well, a carefully planned out arcade version of Catherine can not only be quite a unique specimen of a modern arcade game, but further prove that appeal of arcade gaming shall last so much longer. It could also give the mature side of gaming in the 2020s a good impression after the success of Catherine: Full Body. I guess there is always something new for many intellectual properties, as long the passion for each of them can be maintained for future generations of gaming. I would definitely spend at least one British pound on trying to guide the handsome Brookster or any of his allies to the top of the tower of blocks. An official arcade of adaption of Catherine has not been officially confirmed by Atlus, but I just thought I might discuss a possibility with my fellow readers and gamers. Stay golden.

It seems today that all you see is violence in arcades and sex on PC. But where are those timeless gameplay values that we adored long ago? [7] [24]

References

1. Bandi Namco Entertainment. (2010). Deadstorm Arcade. Tokyo. Arcade.
2. Bandi Namco Entertainment. (2014). Deadstorm Arcade Special Edition. Tokyo. Arcade.
3. BMI Gaming. (2002). The Birth of Video Games and Computer Games : The Late 1940's and 1950's . Available: https://www.bmigaming.com/videogamehistory.htm. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
4. calloftreyarch. (2014). Tomb Raider Definitive Edition Death Montage.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeG9MuzUppM. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
5. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Babel. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Babel. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
6. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Catherine. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
7. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Catherine (game). Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine_(game). Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
8. Catherine Wiki. (2017). Catherine: Full Body. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine:_Full_Body. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
9. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Chrono Rabbit. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Chrono_Rabbit. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
10. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Clock Tower. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Clock_Tower. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
11. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Colosseum Mode (Tournament Play). Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Colosseum_Mode_(Tournament_Play). Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
12. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Inquisition. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Inquisition. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
13. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Prison of Despair. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Prison_of_Despair. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
14. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Rapunzel. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Rapunzel. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
15. Catherine Wiki. (2017). Rin. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Rin. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
16. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Torture Chamber. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Torture_Chamber. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
17. Catherine Wiki. (2011). The Cathedral. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/The_Cathedral. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
18. Free Play Arcade. (2018). NSFW 18+ Pornographic Erotic Arcade Game! | Gals Panic II Documentary. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=objL2hGAEgU. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
19. GameKiller346. (2013). Tomb Raider All Death Scenes Compilation.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qfDiULrnjI. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
20. Gamezinvaders. (2015). Sega Super Bikes 2 Thailand Track. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoQfUBlPv74. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
21. Gartenschlauch Gaming. (2017). SUPER BIKES 2 - Arcade Machine @ Gamestate Kerkrade / Netherlands. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THMoSgBRvQc. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
22. StrayShadow100. (2013). Let's Play: Catherine - Part 1: Welcome to the Golden Playhouse (No Commentary). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysbHcozyaQA. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.
23. Square Enix. (2018). Tomb Raider. Arcade. Tokyo Japan.
24. Williams, L. (2019). Family Guy Theme Song (GameFace Show Parody). Available: https://www.wattpad.com/712071626-laura%27s-song-parodies-volume-15-family-guy-theme. Last accessed 31st Mar 2019.
25. Williams, L. (2019). LauraOnDuty. Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1111917141643661312. Last accessed 7th Apr 2019.

Catherine: Full Body - A Remake With Possibly Full Maturity

Disclaimer:
This article will discuss revealed examples of content within an upcoming port of a game that contains erotic content and moments of horror. Reader discretion is advised.

Minasan, Kon’nichiwa! It is time once again to discuss how Catherine: Full Body is highly likely to welcome the cowardly, but determined Vincent Brooks back to the more mature side of the gaming industry in the best way yet whilst staying faithful to what made the original Catherine for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 a seductive success back in the earlier 2010s [4] [5]. Vincent may be a bit of an alcoholic man-child who is rather dissatisfied with his life [11] [17], but perhaps the additions of the original’s story could increase his small amount of likeability. There is strong hope that the original voice actors will reprise their roles for the English dub, as well as the new sexy events in the expanded plot and gameplay difficulty options being outstanding evidence of why the port’s title includes the term “Full Body” [4]. With its promising expansions on the plot that fascinated many of our fellow Catherine fans and the art style that many Persona fans love, will it be able to horrify many PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita players in a charming and thrilling way in 2019 and so on [4]?

The official cover for the PS4 version of Catherine: Full Body. [4]

A few ways to make a few differences to the nightmare gameplay can make it more tame or interesting, depending on the player’s preferences [4] [7]. One of the new alternations will be Autoplay Mode, which seems like a method of making the process of guiding the lost lamb through the shortest route very efficiently [4]. Another alternation will be Safety Mode for coping with the block-climbing without the time-limit and “Love Is Over” screen [4]. Not only will there be new gimmicks and the option to alter the gameplay’s difficulty that can make the challenge fairer for many Catherine players, but there will possibly over 500 stages in the entire port [4]. Wow, now that is lots and lots of stages – twice the amount of stages in the original Catherine! Quite unfortunately, a larger amount of stages within the main story mode will make the game far more time-consuming to complete, compared to the original Catherine [4]. But all the same, new sets of challenges can increase the thrill and also help the premise remain fresh. No matter which mode is chosen, how difficult the progress of guiding Vincent to the top seems and how long the progress is, just do not die.

Autoplay Mode, huh? [4]

There shall to be some new small aspects of the daytime gameplay in the enhanced port as well. Some whole new patrons will be up for a little chat with the Brookster at the Stray Sheep, so Rin will not be the only Full Body exclusive character [4]. Holy cracked sheep skulls! In the official second trailer, there will definitely be a moment when Vincent’s friends are seen in their swimsuits, along with Vincent wearing a weird eye mask [4] [14]. Those smaller ram horns attached to it could apply that it might be a nightmare version of the bar gameplay or simply an accessory that the player can make Vincent wear to witness something rather humourous [14]. Aside from Vincent’s new strange accessory, it is likely that Rin shall receive his phone number. If the pink-haired pianist will be occasionally absent from the Stray Sheep, the seemingly sweet and innocent newbie could start sending him text messages that will be perhaps not as overbearing as Katherine’s messages and not as provocative as Catherine’s messages [7] [15]. Perhaps there could be a few other new little features in the daytime gameplay so that the overall remake can feel more…well…full-bodied.

Vincent’s allies in their swimsuits, thanks to a new strange accessory with sheep horns. [14]

As I mentioned in my previous article about Catherine: Full Body, Vincent will have another love interest named Rin, otherwise known as “Qatherine” on the official Catherine website, who has been rumoured to be a transsexual or transgender character [1] [4] [9]. Another interesting fact about the pink-haired pianist that backs up the theory of possible transgenderism would be how that cute pink hairstyle and those blue and white clothes match the colours of the Transgender Pride flag [9]. There was even some small speculation about Rin possibly being an angel sent from above as there are two little angel wings on the back of that sailor collar [9]. I honestly do not think that Rin will be a male cross-dresser because the Japanese voice for the new star of Vincent’s story sounds far too feminine. And yes, Rin needs to be at least between 22 years old and 32 years old, at least physically, so that the new romance will be at least legitimate. Since “Rin” is a Japanese name, there is a possibility that Rin will be also named “Qatherine” in the English release for the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Seriously, what is up with the groovy bracelet?

Ummmm…you can stand up now Qatherine. [4] [9]

In the official second trailer, we see Rin in some adorable PJs hugging Vincent, applying that there will indeed be some positive aspects of their relationship [4] [9] [14]. Even though Rin seems like a gentle and friendly individual, there will need to be some flaws within the development of Rin and Vincent’s relationship, so that the players who buy and play the remake in 2019 will not sense any bias from the developers when it comes to choosing any of the three different lovers. The differences between Katherine’s caring and Catherine’s flirtatiousness were developed to be “black and white”, right [5]? Rin’s role in the nightmares is a healing presence for Vincent, which makes Rin’s development seem more unique [9]. Despite how clumsy the pink-haired co-star can be sometimes [9], we are yet to see what aspects of overall character development will make the co-star at least likeable and unique, aside from a special occupation as a pianist at the Stray Sheep. Since Rin will have amnesia and receive some help with fitting in, can Vincent help his fifth dear remember some valuable aspects of the past again [9]?

Let us simply drink some coffee at peace, you handsome transphobe. [9]

Well, what do you know? The enhanced port shall feature Vincent and Katherine when they were in high school. Teenaged Katherine seems to be a cheerleader who does NOT want any pervert to look up her cheerleader attire, similar to how Juliet Starling from Lollipop Chainsaw could try and prevent the play from looking up her skirt [13]. Could that pretty girl with long blonde hair in a white dress be Catherine in the form of a photogenic high schooler? It would also be interesting to be what Erica was like during the time when she was a teenaged boy named “Eric”, despite how a romantic relationship hit rock bottom and a terrible rumour of “Eric” committing suicide occurred [6]. Some back story of the characters when they were younger might make them more relatable to some players who still remember certain moments of their high school days. Even though it seems not highly likely to occur, a gameplay section featuring a teenaged Vincent in his high school could also make the remake more ambitious when it comes to expanding on the characters’ developments and such.

Vincent Brooks and two of his friends in their high school days. [4] [11]

Holy shipping any of the three lovers with Vincent! We get to see examples of added erotica and horror aspects in the upcoming port’s second official trailer [14]. Looks like there will be a flashback of Vincent and Katherine getting really close to each other in the nude after their high school years and before their early thirties [8] [11]. In the expanded present, Vincent could either be in a sauna or restroom with Catherine that might increase the plot’s steaminess [3] [4] [11]. Vincent and Rin can be seen running away for their lives from presumably a giant woman, which could perhaps be part of a new nightmare [14]. Speaking of Rin and a new nightmare, could Rin cause a new boss to try and kill Vincent? There shall be even a moment when things get rather gory and brutal with Katherine and Catherine [3] [4] [8] [11] [14]. Looks like you made them go Juliet Starling, Alice Liddell and Jack Torrance on you, Mr. Brooks! With a few new sexy moments, some hints of new nightmares and an additional cutscene featuring splats of blood from Catherine’s hostile side, not only will the expanded story seem more erotic, but more suspenseful.

Good grief! [3] [4] [8] [14]

There are also a few new neat aspects of the upcoming remake. Oh my godly door to reality! The karma meter, also known as “The Mysterious Meter” that determines Vincent’s eventual destiny is yet to be cracked and altered, possibly implying that a few new choices may lead to Vincent staying with Rin [10]. There will be an option to change the voice of the seductive temptress in the Japanese version of the upcoming remake [4]. The chosen voice actresses have all played the role of a seductive character, so the option makes sense. Wow! Trisha, the hostess of Golden Playhouse gets a new look [4]. And let us not forget that there will be some Persona 5 content for many Persona 5 players out there, including Trisha witnessing the presence of the Phantom Thieves [4] [14]. Isn’t it neat how there will be a remix of the original’s theme song “Yo!” with female vocals [2]? As usual, featuring plenty of new aspects in a remake of a game will not only fascinate those who remember fondly playing the original, but it may interest those who are completely new to the franchise without any experience.

The glamorous and lovely Trisha’s new look. [4]

The mysterious meter going a little crazy after Vincent pulls down one of the ropes. [4] [10]

The love triangle from 2011 shall soon become a love square. I know that has already been said, but it cannot be any truer. With three love interests at once, Vincent could be the next Don Lothario [12] [16]. Nonetheless, he does not really have a similar romance aspiration to your average romance sim, aside from how he will simply depend on the player to choose his destiny. Which of the trio will the player try and choose as Vincent’s ideal sweetheart throughout the whole week by the time after Catherine: Full Body hits the market? It sadly appears that the full release of the remake may not be available for the PlayStation Vita outside of Japan, but there can only be strong hope that it will happen for our fellow Vita misters and sisters, as well as the returning characters’ original voices making grand returns [4]. We will see the gorgeous and anxious Brookster climbing for his life in every stage of “The Woman’s Wrath” and trying to choose the ideal sweetheart in the “dump of a city” on the 14^th of February 2019 in Japan and a little later in Western states [4]. Stay golden, fellow gamers.

Come at me Brooks! [4] [9]

References

1. Atlus. (2017). Catherine: Full Body. Available: http://fullbody.jp/. Last accessed 14th Jan 2018.
2. Blazzer Sora. (2018). Catherine: Full Body - Opening Movie (1080p 60fps). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faFuDKBpDRA. Last accessed 25th Sept 2018.
3. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Catherine. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Catherine. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
4. Catherine Wiki. (2017). Catherine: Full Body. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Catherine:_Full_Body. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
5. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Catherine (game). Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Catherine_(game). Last accessed 27th Sept 2018.
6. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Erica Anderson. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Erica_Anderson. Last accessed 27th Sept 2018.
7. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Gameplay. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Gameplay. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
8. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Katherine. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Katherine_McBride. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
9. Catherine Wiki. (2017). Rin. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Rin. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
10. Catherine Wiki. (2011). The Mysterious Meter. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/The_Mysterious_Meter. Last 27th Sept 2018.
11. Catherine Wiki. (2011) Vincent. Available: http://catherine.wikia.com/wiki/Vincent_Brooks. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
12. Electronic Arts. (2004). The Sims 2. Microsoft Windows. California. United States.
13. HappyThumbsGaming. (2012). Lollipop Chainsaw: I Swear! I Did It By Mistake! Trophy/Achievement - HTG. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpskZcuEtao. Last accessed 27th Sept 2018.
14. Izuniy. (2018). Catherine: Full Body New Trailer + Persona 5 DLC (PS4) 2018. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NOl76nPFnI. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
15. PewDiePie. (2015). GETTING IT ON! -- Catherine -- Part 5. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YswpifZJrUE. Last accessed 17th Sept 2018.
16. The Sims Wiki. (2008). Don Lothario. Available: http://sims.wikia.com/wiki/Don_Lothario#Relationships. Last accessed 27th Sept 2018.
17. WatchMojo.com. (2016). Top 10 Worst Heroes in Video Games. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs6mKkrX7vE. Last accessed 25th Sept 2018.

Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is the upcoming port of New Super Mario Bros. U for the Nintendo Switch that was announced in September 2018 [4] [5] [7]. The title says all that is needed to describe a somewhat upgraded chapter of Mario and Luigi’s lives. In all honesty, I think the “U” in the port’s title does not seem very necessary since we are not really in the days of the Wii U’s cred anymore. But nevertheless, it is indeed to show that it will be an official port of the base game that will already consist of the content of New Super Luigi U [4] [5] [7], so I guess there is some need for the “U”. After all, Super Mario 64 DS was a remake of a successful Nintendo 64 game for the Nintendo DS that kept the number 64 in its title [11]. I like how the golden font of “Deluxe” is wedged between the two joy cons to represent its full compatibility with the Switch. Of course, a port’s title with the word “Deluxe” must lead to a few marvelous expansions [11]. The port shall be released worldwide in January 2019 [4] [5] [7].

The New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe cover. [7]

The two loveable plumbers are yet to spring in action once again on the Switch [4] [5] [7]. The noble Yellow Toad who was first playable in New Super Mario Bros. Wii still remains as one of their daring assistants [4] [5] [7] [14]. As a new member of the subseries saviours, Toadette will now also participate in the quest to head back to the castle [4] [5] [7]. It would be interesting to see her in her new outfits from receiving:

• A Fire Flower
• An Ice Flower
• A Propeller Mushroom
• A Penguin Suit
• A Super Acorn
• A P-Acorn

As much as several of us are up for a spoonful of female empowerment with Toadette, some of us will certainly miss playing as Blue Toad as it appears that he may not be fully playable in the port’s outcome [4] [5] [7]. Nabbit will once again be on Luigi’s side, despite how he is well-known as a cunning thief [4] [5] [7]. Originally exclusive to the stages of New Super Luigi U, the purple menace will be available to roam through the stages of the original New Super Mario Bros. U [4] [5] [7]. Mario and friends, at ease…until New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe hits the market.

Mario, Yellow Toad, Toadette, Nabbit and Luigi, the main playable characters for the upcoming port. [7]

Behold, the newest transformation in Super Mario history, Peachette [9]. Toadette can receive a Super Crown from a block, approach it and wear it to become Peachette [10]. The fusion of Toadette and Princess Peach really does have a Steven Universe vibe. Toadette’s Peach disguise can help her flee from falling into a pit [4] [5] [9] [10]. Furthermore, Peachette can float in the air after a single jump, like the plumbers and Toads in their Flying Squirrel suits [10]. If you really think about it, the Super Crown that makes Toadette transform into Peach is similar to how Yoshi can wear Mario’s cap to transform into a visual of him in Super Mario 64 DS [11]. Even though Peachette’s overall design seems like something a young artist would simply do for fun on DeviantArt, it is still lovely and adorable. It is possible that Toadette viewed the princess in pink as a role model at some point during the history of their chemistry [13]. Let us hope that Peach will not be…well…freaked out when she gets rescued by a strange clone of herself instead of her mustached knight. Oh, and have you noticed that the Super Crown also inspired the Bowsette trend in social media [2]?

Toadette can put on a Super Crown to become Peachette. [9] [10]

The most important aspect of the upcoming port would be ensuring that the controls will be as practical as the controls for the original Wii U version [6]. First of all, the method of controlling any one of the playable characters with the left joy-con or right joy-con can be very similar to the method of using a Wii Remote during the Wii and Wii U days [6] [8]. Secondly, the way of playing the deluxe version with the Joy-Cons attached to the tablet will need to be similar to controlling with the Wii U GamePad in the original [6] [8], so that there can still be an option to play the game without making a family member miss their favourite television program. And thirdly, playing the enhanced port with a Switch Pro Controller or the Joy-Con Grip will need to feel exactly like playing the original with a Wii U Pro controller [6] [8]. More than one method of playing the game joyfully and comfortably must be present for the port’s final outcome, so that it can stay true to what made both the Wii U and Switch ambitious for a variety of Nintendo nerds.

The 2D artwork of the four heroes playing the game shows how the experience could be exactly like the original New Super Mario Bros. U. [7]

First Mario Kart 8, now New Super Mario Bros. U. What’s next? Super Mario 3D World Deluxe? With a few exceptional control methods for our fellow Switch lovers, many of them can soon get ready for a great mission to rescue Princess Peach or a good old coin battle [7]. After the release of New Super Mario Bros U. Deluxe, it would be best for Nintendo to lay off the re-releasing of Wii U titles for perhaps a few years, so that there will be new and refreshing opportunities for the plumber in red, his brother and his allies in the near future. Nevertheless, a few re-releases can somewhat make up for how the Wii U sadly turned out to be the worst selling Nintendo console in gaming history before the Switch arrived on the market in 2017 [1] [3].  With a few promising additions, including Toadette’s first official platforming experience [7], the upcoming port of New Super Mario Bros. U for the Switch seems like Super Mario Bros. Deluxe, the enriched port of the original Super Mario Bros. for the Game Boy Colour from 1999 all over again [11].

The glorious logo of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. [7]

References

1. Duwell, R. (2017). The Wii U ends its life as the worst selling Nintendo console, just 13.5 million lifetime sales. Available: https://www.technobuffalo.com/2017/02/02/the-wii-u-ends-its-life-as-the-worst-selling-nintendo-console-just-13-5-million-lifetime-sales/. Last accessed 24th Sept 2018.
2. Know Your Meme. (2018). Super Crown - Bowsette. Available: https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1412465-super-crown. Last accessed 23th Sep 2018.
3. Mahmood, S. (2017). Nintendo Wii U is Officially Nintendo’s Worst Selling Console. Available: https://segmentnext.com/2017/02/01/wii-u-officially-nintendos-worst-selling-console/. Last accessed 24th Sept 2018.
4. Nintendo. (2018). New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wTFy-pJFMI. Last accessed 23rd Sept 2018.
5. NintendoAU. (2018). New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – Nintendo Switch Announcement Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLPdj-E2Q_Y&feature=youtu.be.  Last accessed 23rd Sept 2018.
6. Super Mario Wiki. (2012). New Super Mario Bros. U. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/New_Super_Mario_Bros._U. Last accessed 20th Sep 2018.
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Go Vacation: Reliving The Kawawii Island Dream Soon

A V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N might ring a bell for some of those who loved the Nintendo Wii era from late 2006 to late 2013 [1] [7] [14]. An adventurous alternative to Wii Sports Resort by the name of Go Vacation made its way to the Wii library back in late 2011 [4] [14]. While many casual players were cool with earning stamps by doing activities and arranging furniture in their villas [14], some even questioned a few examples of bizarre physics that killed a fraction of the game’s realism [7]. Surprisingly, a port of the adventures in Kawawii Island is yet to come to the ambitious Nintendo Switch next month in order to bring back memories of four different resorts and a variety of activities [8] [14]. If the developers from Bandai Namco Entertainment have put enough effort in what made the original Go Vacation a passable experience, it could be worth having another relaxing and ambitious vacation on the island of anime-like people who communicate by making squeaky horn noises this year, despite the original version’s fairly mixed reception.

The Go Vacation logo in the official announcement trailer for the Nintendo Switch port of Go Vacation. [8]

Even though Go Vacation was not really part of the mainstream crowd during the early 2010s, it would have been memorable enough for plenty of casual gamers for allowing one to four players to explore four beautiful resorts [7] [14]. And not to mention that the power of artificial intelligence could make a buddy and a dog follow the player and copy their actions [14]. There were six marvellous locations in the original game, including the small neighbourhood of villas and an island beyond the Marine Resort [3] [5]. Global warming did not stand a chance in the Snow Resort. Perhaps there could be a new exclusive activity in each resort of Coconore Island for the Switch version of the game so that the island will finally be remembered for more than just surfing [3]. Those who return to Kawawii Island can once again explore each resort and possibly perform creative acts of roleplaying, such as hilariously re-enacting Grand Theft Auto with off-road cars in the Mountain Resort and witnessing a beautiful wedding between two players in the City Resort.

There is always a first time. [1]

Posing for the camera back in the good old days. [1]

According to the announcement trailer, the graphics of the environments from the original version seem to have increased definition for the upcoming port in order to give it a remarkable “HD” vibe [8] [11]. The graphics in the upcoming port’s trailer look sharper, compared to the graphics from the original version’s trailer [2] [8]. This should not really be a surprise since we are currently in a generation of very high expectations of realistic and vibrant graphics, especially in video games and animated films. It would be wonderful to take a calming gaze at the beautiful ocean in the Marine Resort again but in a darker shade of blue [8] [11]. It was sometimes a little tiring, having to roam around each resort to get a host of an activity during the days of playing the original Wii version of Go Vacation, but the way how the graphics have received a small upgrade for the current era of Nintendo would add some more irresistibility to looking at them while controlling a Mii or avatar.

A comparison between the graphics from the two ports of Go Vacation. [2] [8] [11] 

It would be important to ensure that the controls for the Switch version of the game will be as player-friendly as the controls in the original Wii version. Steadily moving the Wii Remote and Nunchuck left and right to steer an ATV and flicking your forearms upwards while holding them to jump were examples of the simple methods that made the original version’s controls practical for exploring each resort [7] [10]. Taking each control routine for every type of gear from the original version and adapting them to the power of motion control within the joy-cons would be the key to a fully playable port. Since the Nintendo Switch is an ambitious hybrid or a home console and a handheld console, it would be also ideal if there could be ideal control methods for when a player wants to play the upcoming port on the go or when a player chooses to play with the joy-con grip [9]. The Switch’s controllers may be small, but sticking to the same control methods, as well as some new ones for the upcoming port can make the next vacation big.

Two female Miis on roller skates in a copy of the original Go Vacation back in 2012. [12]

As the vacation progressed in the original version for the Wii, players got to dress their Miis and avatars in a variety of different outfits. Does anyone else remember starting off in the Marine Resort in a red swimsuit or pair of dark green trunks [7] [10]? Any female gamer who loves feeling the princess would admire the princess dress from the Mountain Resort [7]. I would not recommend roller skating or skateboarding while wearing a long formal dress because it looks quite ridiculous and impractical [12]. Perhaps some new clothing items can be unlocked exclusively for the Switch so that the port can introduce something at least completely new. In addition to this, there could be an option to put hats and other accessories onto a Mii’s head since Miis could not have head accessories in the original version [7]. Despite this, simply having the same variety of clothing styles and colours with enough experience from playing the port can still increase the player’s ability to portray themselves in the vacation. Be sure to keep cool in the Marine Resort and warm in the Snow Resort when the time to visit Kawawii Island again comes.

Two female Miis wearing lovely princess dresses back in 2012. [13]

There could be another kind of new feature or aspect exclusively for the upcoming port for the Switch. For those who remember trying to find all of the treasure chests hidden in each area of each resort, there could be a few extra treasure chests to make the challenge of finding them all extra adventurous [12] [13] [14]. There could also be some extra challenge stars in each resort so that the upcoming port can be more refreshingly familiar with some new dares and tasks. As for the loading screen, perhaps the programmers will not forget to include the option to print more than just adorable dog faces all over it. Some very small exclusive extras can make the Switch version of Go Vacation sweetly surprising for those who still hold onto those lovely memories of playing the original version of Go Vacation on the Wii. But ultimately, anyone who is willing to play the new port of Go Vacation in the current generation of gaming can still enjoy the memorable moments, even without any new aspects added to it.

Two female Miis heading towards a treasure chest back in 2012. [13]

Perhaps foxes can be invited as furry friends under the influence of AI in the Snow Resort for the upcoming port? [8]

Aside from placing completely new titles on the competitive market, it is nice to have a little rehash of radical and casual memories of some games from the previous generations of gaming. We may not be in the days of early 2010s gaming anymore, but there is always time to look back on lovely and drastic memories, including being greeted by the sweet and friendly Lily [6] [10] and the somewhat unnerving first-person view of a bungee jumping event [7]. For those who miss being younger and carefree in the Nintendo Wii era, the new version of Go Vacation that will make its way to the Switch library could be an example of how to have a rehash of those carefree days. If you remember playing the original Go Vacation and are looking forward to visiting Kawawii Island for the second time, be sure to help your avatars and Miis pack their suitcases for their next big break in the late 2010s.

Kawawii Island, we cannot wait to see you again. [8]

References:

1. AZ5TYLEJP. (2012). GO VACATION Opening Movie. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS4TWHIkq4E. Last accessed 2nd June 2018.
2. CoinOpTV. (2011). Go Vacation Official Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7caOHkL2Q. Last accessed 7th June 2018.
3. Go Vacation Wiki. (2012). Coconore Island. Available: http://govacation.wikia.com/wiki/Coconore_Island. Last accessed 29th May 2018.
4. Go Vacation Wiki. (2012). Go Vacation. Available: http://govacation.wikia.com/wiki/Go_Vacation. Last accessed 7th June 2018.
5. Go Vacation Wiki. (2012). Kawawii Island. Available: http://govacation.wikia.com/wiki/Kawawii_Island. Last accessed 18th May 2018.
6. Go Vacation Wiki. (2012). Lily. Available: http://govacation.wikia.com/wiki/Lily. Last accessed 1st June 2018.
7. Namco. (2011). Go Vacation. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
8. Nintendo. (2018). GO VACATION Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDG_siAbPQE. Last accessed 17th May 2018.
9. Nintendo. (2017). Meet Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/features/. Last accessed 9th Jun 2018.
10. NintendoNWRExclusive. (2011). Go Vacation First Hour (Wii). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-_SUesnhnI. Last accessed 6th June 2018.
11. PNF404. (2018). Go Vacation Switch (2018) vs Wii (2011) | Nintendo Switch Graphics Comparison ゴーバケーション. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEBcgPBB4iw. Last accessed 6th June 2018.
12. TotallyLisaCartoons. (2012). Go Vacation City Resort Treasure Chests. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-xeXrBCJG8. Last accessed 9th Jun 2018.
13. TotallyLisaCartoons. (2012). Go Vacation Mountain Resort Treasure Chests. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn1bLgwglCE&t=66s. Last accessed 7th June 2018.
14. TV Tropes. (2011). Video Game / Go Vacation. Available: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/GoVacation. Last accessed 2nd Jun 2018.