TORONTO – While the Nintendo Switch has seen its share of new games starring Mario, Link and other video game stars, it’s also been a platform for overlooked older titles to find a new audience.
Mega-hit “Mario Kart 8” and popular titles “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” and “Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker” are among the games that have found new life on Nintendo’s hybrid console.
The latest to get the Switch treatment is “Pikmin 3 Deluxe.” Originally released in North America in August 2013, the new version of the game includes all the after-release downloadable content from the original, as well as new side story missions and the ability to play the main story in co-op mode.
The main story mode of “Pikmin 3” centres on three intrepid space explorers from Koppai, a planet facing a food crisis due to a booming population and bad leadership. In search of a planet with a reliable food source, the heroes’ ship crashes on a strange world, where they befriend the cute plant-based creatures known as Pikmin.
The explorers can gather a horde of Pikmin and command them to harvest fruit, remove obstacles, build bridges or fight enemies. The creatures come in a few different varieties, each with its own strengths. Red Pikmin are immune to fire and strong fighters, while Rock Pikmin can’t be crushed by leaping enemies and can smash through glass or crystal structures.
Resource management is key in “Pikmin 3.” You can only have 100 Pikmin active at a time, which can be split between the explorers. It takes multiple Pikmin to accomplish individual tasks, such as bringing giant pieces of fruit back to the explores’ ship or harvesting seeds or defeated enemy to create more Pikmin (it’s less disturbing than it sounds).
Players will find an interesting world to explore but there is little time for idle sightseeing. Each day has a time limit, and any task not completed before sundown will have to wait. Any Pikmin not sagely at home base or under the player’s control when night comes will be eaten by the planet’s predatory wildlife. This time limit is pretty forgiving, however, and there is the option to replay the day for those unhappy with their results.
You assign tasks by literally throwing Pikmin at the problem. To do that you move a cursor around the screen and then lock onto the object or enemy that you want your Pikmin to interact with. Then throw as many Pikmin as necessary to accomplish the task. The game will normally tell you how many Pikmin are needed to move or carry an object.
While players will have hordes of Pikmin at their disposal, with more available through harvesting, some care will be needed to keep a healthy squad. Hazards such as water and fire are lethal to Pikmin who are not immune. And enemies pose a constant threat and can be hard to take down without losing a few plant protagonists in the process.
The explorers each carry a whistle that brings any wayward Pikmin back into line. This can be used to call back Pikmin that are drowning in water or wandering around aimlessly. Holding down the button to activate the whistle increases its range.
This system is not without its growing pains. Some minor pathing issues make it difficult to bring wayward Pikmin back to the flock. And those not used to the whistle’s range may end up unintentionally calling for Pikmin from the other side of a hazard and have them walk right into it in an effort to reach you. These issues become less frequent after some trial and error.
Those wanting a break from the story mode can play missions, where players have a limited time to harvest resources or defeat enemies, or a head-to-head mode called “bingo battle,” where players race against each other to harvest treasures and fill out their bingo cards.
“Pikmin 3” was praised for its graphics in its original release, and the improved visuals on the Switch version come across nicely. The planet boasts a wide range of environments, from desolate tundra to teeming jungles. The whimsical art direction should appeal to players of all ages.
A few minor control issues aside, “Pikmin 3 Deluxe” is a chance for Switch owners to try an overlooked title from the Wii U days. With the extra content in the deluxe version, as well as the ability to play through the story with a friend, those who enjoyed the original might also find a reason to give this title a second look.
“Pikmin 3 Deluxe” is rated “E,” suitable for all players, and has a suggested retail price of $79.99. A free demo is available on the Nintendo eShop.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 2, 2020.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
