Wii-U thoughts so far

[wclem]

Is it a runner game? Just laughed when I realized it was a real game LOL

[ElkinFencer10]

It looks like a platformer.

[wclem]

It looks like a platformer.

It seemed like the screen never slowed down, reminded me of bit.trip.

[TEKTORO]

Is anyone else really excited for the Wii U exclusive Epic Dumpster Bear? No lie...It looks pretty awesome...

Looks like it's based off a true story as well, I'm being honest.

[prfsnl_gmr]

It looks like a platformer.

It seemed like the screen never slowed down, reminded me of bit.trip.

It is not a runner. It is an old-fashioned 2D platformer...but with cutting edge 3D graphics... There is only one review available, and it indicated that the game is about 5-7 hours long and <gasp!> pretty good. I'll give it a shot tonight and report back.

[Sarge]

What... what did I just watch?

[ElkinFencer10]

What... what did I just watch?

Possibly the greatest game of our time. Like prfsnl, I'll be downloading this tonight and playing it.

[jmbarnes101]

That looks really interesting. I'll wait for a sale but I'll put it on my watch list.

There is a large Spring sale going on right now. Might be worth checking out, I know I want to grab Duck Hunt.

[prfsnl_gmr]

I played the first few levels last night. Epic Dumpster Bear is actually a pretty solid, if somewhat basic, 2D platformer that plays very similarly to games from the 16-bit era. Epic Dumpster Bear controls a bit like games in the New Super Mario Bros. series, but jumping is very (and perhaps a bit too much) dependent on momentum, like games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Accordingly, it took me a little while to get used to the controls, which feel a bit imprecise . (I felt that way about Electronic Super Joy and Rayman Origins when I first played them, however, and they are two of my favorite games in the genre. I am sure I will adjust to the controls here too.) The game is also quite challenging, and the levels are well-designed. The game also appears to have a lot of well-hidden secrets and unlockable levels, and I look forward to seeing what else it has to offer.

Most notably, however, the game is wrapped in a bizarre Goat Simulator/The Zoo Race aesthetic. The sprites are animated and rendered poorly, and the game is full of corny stock sound effects. (For instance, when your poorly animated bear jumps on a cow, it moos, lays down awkwardly, and then explodes.) The backgrounds look like screen savers from the mid-1990s, and the game provides (occasionally bizarre) bear safety tips during its loading screens. You perform a belly-flop onto a giant target at the end of each level to earn Miiverse stamps - I earned a dumpster stamp when I beat the first level! - and you get a golden, glowing salmon at the end of bonus levels. I admire the developer's commitment to the game's *ahem* "unique" art direction, and my four-year-old found it hilarious. (Seriously, he fell off the couch laughing.) Finally, the game has a shockingly good OST.

In sum, Epic Dumpster Bear is a cross between a solid 2D platformer and an absurdist comedy piece. I am not yet convinced it is worth its $10 price tag, but my opinion may change as I get further into the game.

I hope that helps anyone interested in this unique, Wii U-exclusive killer app!!!

.....

Also, as jmbarnes101 mentioned, there is a pretty big sale in the eShop right now. There are a lot of discounts on some pretty solid games. Unfortunately for me, Extreme Exorcism was the only one without a physical release that I did not already own. Those of you who have not yet delved into the eShop's selection of great indie games, however, should be able to get some pretty awesome games.

[ElkinFencer10]

I decided to hold off on downloading it for now. I really shouldn't be spending more money I don't have with four tires, taxes, and a transmission already on my credit card.

Me, making good financial decisions? Who'd have thought?