2013.12.23 nintendo remix 4 copy

In the wake of the exciting new video game systems hitting stores this season, our reliable Japanese friend Nintendo is taking us onboard the nostalgia express train with a Wii U game that puts a new spin on 16 well-known NES (or Famicom in Japan) games, like Super Mario Bros. and Excitebike. Besides turning these popular games into mini-game levels where players challenge their own high score, NES Remix changes these games up a bit with new challenges, like playing Donkey Kong in the dark or playing tennis against an invisible opponent.

In “NES Stage” mode, players can relive their childhood console adventures through a single level that has similar gameplay, but focuses on just one part of the game.

▼ In the Legend of Zelda stage, the player has to defeat all the enemies without sustaining any damage

2013.12.23 nintendo remix 6 copy

The “NES Remix” mode takes these games and puts a new challenging twist on them, like playing Super Mario Bros. in a familiar, but unexpected monochrome black-and-white scene or hitting a pitcher’s disappearing ball in Baseball.

▼ A new Excitebike thrill: riding in the dark with only your motorcycle’s headlamp to guide the way

2013.12.23 nintendo remix 2 copy

▼ Link crosses video game dimensions to defeat Donkey Kong

2013.12.23 nintendo remix 3 copy

Here is a full list of the 16 NES games featured in the game:

2013.12.23 nintendo remix 1 copy

The game, available now as a download for 1,500 yen (US$15), took Japanese net users by surprise by requiring a whopping 830 MB of empty space on a Wii U console. Netizens couldn’t believe that “just 16 NES levels” could need that much room. Although some Japanese netizens were looking forward to getting in touch with their memories of the 1980s, many saw this as another attempt by Nintendo to cash in on its rich legacy of gaming history instead of true innovation.

So I bought a next-generation console to play the last generations’ games?

Seems like Nintendo is intent to keep living in the past.

This is just for old farts who want to relive their childhoods. No thank you, not for me.

Leaving these naysayers aside, are you going to check out NES Remix or do you prefer to play the real thing on your old NES? Take a look at the video below of the levels in action and let us know what you think!

Source: Hachimakikou
Images/Video: YouTube (Nintendo)