Top Story
Splatoon’s New Year message contains SOS for “save our salmons”
The official Splatoon Twitter account recently tweeted a picture wishing their followers a happy new year, with a hidden cry for help!
The text says ‘Have a Great 2020’, but a lifesaver obscures the last zero in the reflection of the number, causing it to spell out SOS – and that’s not all. Look closer at the waves around the reflection, and you’ll find the words “save our salmons”.
Nintendo’s EAD and EPD teams created Splatoon
Salmon Run is a co-op mode where players fend off waves of Salmonids to collect Power Eggs and Golden Eggs. It’s easy to assume that they are bad guys, since you’re charged with defeating them and stealing their eggs – but maybe not?
In any case, it’s certainly possible that there’s a new Splatoon in the works. Both Splatoon games did pretty well, the first selling around 5 million units and the second one shifting around 9 million, so Nintendo’s probably not letting the series drift away.
Time For A Quick Daily Quiz?
What year was Final Fantasy VII released in North America?
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
The answer will be revealed at the bottom of today’s issue. Join up with our community on Twitter and Facebook to discuss what the answer could be.
News Bits
Dataminers find “many signs” of PC code in Final Fantasy VII Remake demo
Will PC gamers be able to enjoy Square Enix’s eagerly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake? Probably, according to dataminers delving into the demo that recently leaked.
There are apparently code paths for both Nvidia and AMD GPUs, but PlayStation 4 features an AMD GPU. During E3, Square Enix claimed that there were “no plans” for a multiplatform release, but judging by the game’s cover art, it’s a timed exclusive.
Analysts expect Nintendo Switch to stay best-selling console in 2020
Nintendo shareholders can rub their hands with glee, as industry analysts expect the Switch to keep its “tremendous momentum” and stay the best-selling console in the market. The Switch Lite will launch in China this year, and there is also furious speculation about a Switch Pro – although many analysts believe the Switch Lite and the new flagship model means Nintendo wants to avoid fragmenting the user base.
Daily Fact
Sonic the Hedgehog’s original rabbit design became quite the star in Ristar
You might remember that Sonic the Hedgehog was originally supposed to be a rabbit with the ability to lift and throw objects. However, Sega wasn’t too happy with the pacing and decided to ditch the throwing ability and focus on going fast and smashing through enemies. The bunny design was ditched, but made another appearance in a prototype called Feel.
That prototype eventually developed into the side-scrolling action game Ristar, which appeared on Genesis/Mega Drive in early 1995, and it made the poor rabbit into a star – literally.
During development, the poor bunny gradully lost its long ears and fluffy tail and eventually devolved into an athropomorphic cartoon star. Such are the vicissitudes of stardom! Much like Kirby, the international version of the character sports a grumpy frown, while the Japanese version is a happy camper.
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