Rumor: Pokemon Stars Coming to Nintendo Switch

Another Pokemon title to look forward to?

With the release of Pokemon Sun and Moon in full peak, a curious new rumor has emerged regarding Pokemon’s presence on the upcoming Nintendo Switch. According to Eurogamer, it seems that GameFreak is developing a new, upgraded version of Pokemon Sun and Moon called Pokemon Stars.

The new entry will reportedly be a third version, similar to how the Pokemon games were structured before Pokemon Black/White/B2/W2. It will be on the Nintendo Switch and “feature the same map – the same routes and cities – and the same art style, although be built using separate, higher-resolution assets,” according to the report. Pokemon can also be traded between the 3DS and Switch versions through Pokemon Box. GameFreak may also be creating new features and Pokemon for the new entry.

The inclusion of a third entry in the Alola region would be a welcome return to form for the franchise, since the last entries to do this were Pokemon Diamond/Pearl and eventually Platinum. Pokemon Black/White had full-fledged sequels and Pokemon X and Y never saw the release of a third entry, going directly to the Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire remakes (OmegaRuby and Alpha Sapphire, respectively).

For those of you reconsidering purchasing Sun/Moon, the rumored Pokemon Stars will reportedly not be available at Summer 2017 at the earliest, with the possibility of being delayed further. So if you’re excited to jump into the Alola region, go ahead and nab a copy of Pokemon Sun and Moon.

GameFreak did announce before that they had a Pokemon title in development for the Nintendo Switch (referred to at the time as the NX). Pokemon Stars may very well be that game. It would certainly be a much-needed launch title for Nintendo’s next system.

What do you think of an upgraded version of Sun and Moon? Are you enjoying Pokemon Sun and Moon, which released today? For more on the new Pokemon titles, check out Cube Command’s coverage of the starter Pokemon’s reveal trailer. Additionally, you can read Cube Command’s summary of the Nintendo Switch reveal.

Don’t forget to check out the first episode of the Cube Command Podcast: Nintendo Switching Gears, where I analyze the Switch reveal trailer and what it means for the future of the Big N.

Xbox One Backwards Compatibility Update

As of November 2016, the Xbox One can now play Skate 3, a skating simulator, and Scary Girls, an adventure-platformer. Alongside those titles, the Xbox One can also play Guardian Heroes, a side-scrolling beat ’em up from 1996 and OFP: Red River, a first-person shooter. It should be noted that these games are only able to be played on the Xbox One if they are the physical disc versions.

These are Xbox 360 titles that Microsoft has given Xbox One support to. They join a long list of games that is expanded continuously. You can find the full list here, on Cube Command.

Microsoft has confirmed that more games, including three Bioshock games (Bioshock, Bioshock 2 and Bioshock Infinite) are on their way to the Xbox One. Are there any titles that you would like to see added to the future? Let us know in the comments below!

Super Mario Run: Release Date and Price

Just one month to go.

Nintendo recently dropped a trailer and new info on their upcoming mobile title, Super Mario Run. The game is set to release on December for iOS devices in 151 countries and regions. It is being made by an experienced team of developers, including the director Takashi Tezuka, who worked with Shigeru Miyamoto on the original 1985 classic Super Mario Bros.

Apparently, the first part of the game is free to download on any iPad, iPhone, or iTouch devices that run iOS 8.0 or any later versions. Once you try out the game’s three modes, you have the option to purchase the full version for $9.99.

You can check out the new trailer for Super Mario Run, which was uploaded today:

The game plays like you would expect from a modern Mario game, except with a few gameplay changes that come from being on a mobile device. Super Mario Run is an auto-runner, which you can play with one hand. Just tap the screen to make Mario jump while the level auto-scrolls. Do a quick tap to make the plumber hop and a long tap to make him jump higher.

If you don’t own an apple device, you may still be able to play it for yourself in the future. Nintendo has stated that it intends to put Super Mario Run on Android devices, too. They also stated that they plan to make Super Mario Run as popular as Pokemon GO. With the widespread popularity that the Mario franchise possesses, it may not be too hard to do.

Are you excited for Nintendo’s next addition to their mobile library? Let us know in the comments!

PS4 Owners Get Call of Duty VR Game For Free

Something PSVR owners won’t want to miss out on.

Call of Duty fans are no doubt excited about the release of Call of Duty: Infinite Warefare and Call of Duty: Modern Warefare Remastered late last week. Along with the release of those two games, Activision has shed some light on how they will distribute the Playstation VR extension of Call of Duty: Infinite Warefare.

A while ago, Activision stated that people who had a PS4 and a Playstation VR headset would be able to play the Call of Duty VR game, Jackal Assault, provided they purchase Call of Duty: Infinite Warefare for PS4.

But just recently, Activision changed that policy. Now, Any PS4 owners who possess a Playststion VR have free access to Jackal Assault. If you want this new title for your PSVR, you no longer have to purchase a full game to do so. Who would turn down a free game, and a free VR game at that?

The name Jackal Assault comes from the warship of the main character, which he calls Jackal. Back in September, Activision announced it during the Call of Duty XP Event and described that it “immerses you in the cockpit of a Jackal, the personal, multi-role fighter jet”. Another title to add to the small library of PSVR games is never bad for those who want to get the most out of Sony’s virtual reality headset.

Remember, Call of Duty: Infinite Warefare and Call of Duty: Modern Warefare Remastered just released. The PS4 versions have two bundles with the system. The “Standard Edition” includes a 500GB PS4 Slim with Uncharted 4, a controller, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warefare for PS4. The “Legacy Edition” includes a 500GB PS4 Slim with Uncharted 4, a controller, Call of Duty: Infinite Warefare, and Call of Duty: Modern Warefare Remastered for PS4. The bundles are currently priced at $352.91 and $378.88 respectively, with both having free shipping.

The Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Legacy Edition bundle for PS4, courtesy of Amazon

 

Are you excited for the new releases? Have you tried Jackal Assault on PSVR? Let us know in the comments!

Get a Free Genesect This Month!

Each month, Nintendo distributes a free legendary Pokemon to players. This month, you can go to any  participating Gamestop or GAME locations to snag a code for a free Genesect if you have Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, or Alpha Sapphire. This offer is only available from November 1, 2016 to November 24, 2016, so you’d better hurry. This 20th Anniversary Pokemon event is the same worldwide.

 

Genesect, the Paleozoic Pokemon

To get the Genesect, first you have to is connect your 3DS system to the internet. After opening the game, select “Mystery Gift”, then choose “Recieve Gift” and “Get With Code”. All you have to do from there is put in the code you got and start your game. Find the nearest Pokemon Center and talk to the delivery person standing inside to receive Genesect. Along with Genesect, you will also get a Wonder Card, which you can find in the Card Album in the Mystery Gift menu. Keep in mind though that you can only hold 24 Wonder Cards in one Pokemon game cartridge.

Genesect is a Dual Bug/Steel type. The one you will receive is already Level 100 and has the ability Download, which adjusts the Pokemon’s stats based on their enemy’s stats. It has the moves Techno Blast, Magnet Bomb, Solar Beam, and Signal Beam. The Genesect will not hold any items upon receiving it.

What are your thoughts on this deal? Tell us in the comments below. Also get ready for December, because next month’s free legendary is Meloetta. Once this Pokemon is available details will be provided right here at Cube Command!

Allen Adham Has Returned to Blizzard

The co-founder returns.

Allen Adham is the co-founder of gaming developer Blizzard, who left the company back in 2004. At the beginning of BlizzCon 2016, Blizzard has announced that Adham has indeed returned to the company. In an interview with Polygon, Blizzard president Mike Morhaime had to “reacquaint” Adham with the studio, which has changed a lot since his departure over a decade ago. Morhaime describes this process as “pretty elaborate”.

Image result for blizzard entertainment

Having been at Blizzard for only a few months, Adham is already working on new projects. He won’t say what they are just yet. But Adham did touch on this detail in the interview, saying “I’ve been coached not to say too much, especially given the role that I’m in.” He did say “We are working on a bunch of cool new stuff”, though. What could it be?

Are you excited about Adham’s return? Curious about the new projects he has planned? Tell us about it in the comments!

 

Coming Soon: The Cube Command Podcast

The Cube Command Podcast is coming soon! The official podcast for Cube Command will feature myself, Tommy Savoia, giving my opinion on the latest gaming news and reviews! Each podcast will usually vary from 10 to 20 minutes in length and will feature one topic per episode.

Be sure to check it out once the first episode releases! Episode 1 has already been recorded and is in post0-production. The topic for Episode 1 is the Nintendo Switch!

Backwards Compatible Xbox 360 Games on the Xbox One

Back in November of 2015, Microsoft allowed backwards-compatibility for the Xbox One. This meant that you could play your favorite Xbox 360 titles on the One. Below is a list of the 360 games currently backwards compatible with the One:

  • A Kingdom for Keflings
  • A World of Keflings
  • Aegis Wing
  • Age of Booty
  • Alan Wake
  • Alan Wake’s American Nightmare
  • Alien Hominid HD
  • Altered Beast
  • Anomaly Warzone Earth
  • Arkanoid Live
  • Assassin’s Creed
  • Assassin’s Creed II
  • Asteroids & Deluxe
  • Aqua
  • Babel Rising
  • Banjo Kazooie: Nuts n Bolts
  • Banjo Tooie
  • Banjo Kazooie
  • BattleBlock Theater
  • Battlestations: Midway
  • Bayonetta
  • Bejeweled 2
  • Bejeweled 3
  • Bellator: MMA Onslaught
  • Beyond Good & Evil HD
  • Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
  • Bloodforge
  • Blood Knights
  • Blood of the Werewolf
  • BloodRayne: Betrayal
  • Bomberman Live: Battlefest
  • Boom Boom Rocket
  • Borderlands
  • Bound by Flame
  • Braid
  • Brain Challenge
  • Call of Duty 2
  • Call of Duty 3
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops
  • Call of Duty: World at War
  • Call of Juarez Gunslinger
  • Capcom Arcade Cabinet
  • Carcassonne
  • Castle Crashers
  • Castlestorm
  • Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
  • The Cave
  • Centipede & Millipede
  • Comic Jumper
  • Comix Zone
  • Condemned
  • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
  • Crazy Taxi
  • Crystal Quest
  • Crystal Defenders
  • Dark Souls
  • Dark Void
  • de Blob 2
  • Dead Space
  • Deadliest Warrior: Legends
  • Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue
  • Defense Grid
  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution
  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut
  • Dig Dug
  • Dirt 3
  • Dirt Showdown
  • Discs of Tron
  • Disney Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
  • Domino Master
  • Doom
  • Doom II
  • Doom 3: BFG Edition
  • Doritos Crash Course
  • Double Dragon: Neon
  • Dragon’s Lair
  • DuckTales Remastered
  • Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
  • Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara
  • Dungeon Siege III
  • E4: Every Extend Extra Extreme
  • Earthworm Jim HD
  • Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard
  • Encleverment Experiment
  • Fable II
  • Fable III
  • Faery: Legends of Avalon
  • Fallout 3
  • Fallout: New Vegas
  • Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon
  • Feeding Frenzy
  • Feeding Frenzy 2
  • Final Fight: Double Impact
  • Flashback
  • Flock
  • Forza Horizon
  • Fret Nice
  • Frogger
  • Frogger 2
  • FunTown Mahjong
  • Galaga
  • Galaga Legions
  • Galaga Legions DX
  • Garou: Mark of the Wolves
  • Gatling Gears
  • Gears of War
  • Gears of War 2
  • Gears of War 3
  • Gears of War: Judgment
  • Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
  • Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime
  • Golden Axe
  • Go! Go! Break Steady
  • Grid 2
  • Gripshift
  • Gunstar Heroes
  • Guwange
  • Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax
  • Halo: Reach
  • Halo: Spartan Assault
  • Halo Wars
  • Hardwood Backgammon
  • Hardwood Hearts
  • Hardwood Spades
  • Heavy Weapon
  • Hexic 2
  • Hexic HD
  • Hydro Thunder
  • I Am Alive
  • Ikaruga
  • Interpol: The Trail of Dr. Chaos
  • Iron Brigade
  • Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad
  • Jet Set Radio
  • Jetpac Refuelled
  • Joe Danger Special Edition
  • Joe Danger 2: The Movie
  • Joust
  • Joy Ride Turbo
  • Jurassic Park: The Game
  • Just Cause 2
  • Kameo
  • Kane & Lynch 2
  • Killer Is Dead
  • The King of Fighters ’98
  • Lazy Raiders
  • Left 4 Dead
  • Left 4 Dead 2
  • Lego Batman
  • Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
  • Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
  • Lode Runner
  • Lost Odyssey
  • Lumines Live!
  • Magic: The Gathering 2012
  • Mars: War Logs
  • Mass Effect
  • The Maw
  • Metal Slug 3
  • Metal Slug XX
  • Might & Magic Clash of Heroes
  • Mirror’s Edge
  • Missile Command
  • Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine
  • Monday Night Combat
  • Monkey Island: SE
  • Monkey Island 2: SE
  • Motocross Madness
  • Ms. Splosion Man
  • Ms Pac-Man
  • Mutant Blobs Attack
  • MX vs. ATV Reflex
  • N+
  • NBA Jam: On Fire Edition
  • Neogeo Battle Coliseum
  • Nights Into Dreams
  • Of Orcs and Men
  • Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
  • The Orange Box
  • Outland
  • Pac-Man
  • Pac-Man C.E
  • Pac-Man CE DX+
  • Pac-Man Museum
  • Peggle
  • Perfect Dark
  • Perfect Dark Zero
  • Phantasy Star II
  • Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds
  • Pinball FX
  • Plants vs. Zombies
  • Portal: Still Alive
  • Portal 2
  • Prince of Persia
  • Putty Squad
  • Puzzle Quest (added October 13, 2016)
  • Puzzle Quest 2
  • Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
  • QIX++ Puzzlegeddon
  • Rage
  • Rayman 3 HD
  • Rayman Origins
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Red Faction: Battlegrounds
  • R-Type Dimensions
  • Runner 2
  • Sacred 3
  • Sacred Citadel
  • Saints Row IV
  • Sam & Max: Beyond Time & Space
  • Sam & Max Save the World
  • Samurai Shodown II
  • Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co.
  • Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World
  • Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage
  • Shadow Complex
  • Shank 2
  • Shred Nebula
  • Silent Hill: Downpour
  • Skullgirls
  • Small Arms
  • Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
  • Sonic & Knuckles
  • Sonic CD
  • Sonic The Fighters
  • Sonic The Hedgehog
  • Sonic The Hedgehog 2
  • Sonic The Hedgehog 3
  • Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 1
  • Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II
  • Soulcalibur
  • Soulcalibur II
  • South Park: The Stick of Truth
  • Space Giraffe
  • Spelunky
  • Splosion Man
  • SSX
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
  • Super Meat Boy
  • Supreme Commander 2
  • Syberia
  • Tekken Tag Tournament 2
  • Texas Hold ‘Em
  • Ticket to Ride
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas
  • Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2
  • Torchlight
  • Tour de France 2009
  • Tour de France 2011
  • Toy Soldiers
  • Toy Soldiers Cold War
  • Toy Story 3
  • Trials HD
  • Tron: Evolution
  • Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon
  • Unbound Saga
  • Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown
  • Viva Piñata
  • Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise
  • The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
  • Wolfenstein 3D
  • World Puzzle
  • XCOM: Enemy Unknown
  • Zuma
  • Zuma’s Revenge!

This list features the most recent additions as of October 31, 2016. Microsoft confirmed that more, including Bioshock, Bioshock 2, Bioshock Infinite, and Skate 3 are headed to the Xbox One. What are your thoughts? Any suggestions for games to add in the future?

Shovel Knight Soundtrack Headed to Vinyl and CD

With new artwork and commentary by the composers

The popular game Shovel Knight by developer Yacht Club Games has one heck of a soundtrack. That said, it’s no surprise that the full soundtrack to the Indie title is coming to Vinyl and CD, by Brain Wave Productions. It will be called “Shovel Knight The Definitive Soundtrack”.

Not only that, but Shovel Knight The Definitive Soundtrack will also feature new artwork by Pokemon and Mega Man artist Hitoshi Ariga, as you can see below. The soundtrack will feature composer commentary by Jake “virt” Kaufman and Manami Matsumae, the composers for Shovel Knight.

Image result for shovel knight definitive soundtrack
Artwork for Shovel Knight The Definitive Soundtrack, by Hitoshi Ariga

 

The 2-LP Vinyl version (blue) can be purchased on BigWax for 32.00 euros. The CD version, which includes 2 discs, can be pre-ordered on Brain Wave. The CD version sells for $18.00 and the exclusive artwork features two posters – “For Shovelry” and “Bonfire Blues” – which can be purchased for $20.00 a piece.

Shovel Knight has a bright future ahead of him, with his soundtrack getting released and the announcement that he will be a guest character in Playtonic Games’ upcoming 3D platformer Yooka-Laylee.

Will you be purchasing the official soundtrack?

Nintendo Secretive About Japanese Exclusive 3DS Game “Miitopia”

It’s coming Holiday 2016, but what is it?

Japan is getting a mysterious new 3DS title this holiday, called “Miitopia”. No details have dropped recently as to what it is, though.

First announced by Nintendo during a Japanese Nintendo Direct last month, all that is known about the title is that it will be both digital and physical, and that it obviously includes Miis in one way or another. Perhaps it is a game similar to the Mii minigames in the 3DS Streetpass Mii Plaza app?

President of Nintendo Tatsumi Kimishima mentioned it during a financial meeting for Nintendo in Japan recently. “Miitopia, for which we have only announced the title, will be released by the end of this year,” he said. He went on to describe it as an “exciting title” that will have more press at “a later date”.

 

miitopia

 

Hopefully we’ll get some more news soon enough, seeing as the game is very close to its Holiday 2016 launch date. For those of you not residing in Japan (myself included), there may be a chance that the game will see the light of day in other countries. We’ll just have to be patient.

It seems that Nintendo is definately confident in the game, but is not quite ready to announce anything for the time being. They have a lot on their plate right now, with the recent announcement of the Nintendo Switch sending everyone into an excited frenzy. That and the release of Pokemon Sun and Moon coming November 18, less than a month away. A new trailer just dropped for the game, revealing new characters and ‘mons.

What are your thoughts on the plethora of Nintendo announements recently?