Do You NintenKnow: February 2024

Below is a set of clues for games that have a notable US release date anniversary (5, 10, 15, etc.) in the current month. See if you can figure out the title before clicking the blurred image to find out if you were correct! Head down to the comments when you’re finished and reminisce about the personal memories that were dredged up. Remember that these are going by the release date in the United States. Have fun!

February 1999

Hudson Soft released this N64 multiplayer-focused title set in the world of the Mushroom Kingdom. It features a whole slew of mini games to compete with your friends – and probably start an argument! Players move along on a board by rolling dice and try to collect the most stars. This was the first title in what would become a long-standing series so there were a few bumps – or should we say blisters – in the road. Some mini games had the player rotate the N64 analog sticks at high speed. Instead of using the thumb, many players used their palm for increased speed and reportedly got blisters, friction burns, and other maladies. Fear not, as Nintendo of America agreed to provide an estimated 1.2 million gloves to save your palms. Hooray!

February 2004

Nintendo graced GBA owners with this remake of the first title in their space bounty-hunter series originally on the NES. There are new story pieces, items, additional areas, mini-bosses, and a whole new section without the Power Suit. Originally, it was criticized for a shorter length compared to other games of that time, but that complaint has mainly fallen by the wayside. It’s now regarded as one of the best remakes of all-time and makes it really hard to go back to blasting space pirates in the original game.

This GameCube spin-off RPG was the first time this Square series was on a Nintendo home console since the sixth installment of the main series on the SNES in 1994. Gameplay is more action-oriented and leaned heavily on multiplayer. While in dungeons, the player must stay inside a safe zone created by a vessel that keeps the poisonous Miasma at bay. If you’re familiar with GoNintendo Podcast lore, this is the game where RMC famously finished the game by himself, leaving his comrades to forever be in the dark as to how the game ends. Shame. SHAME!

Electronic Arts developed and published this GameCube spy title featuring the famous British agent. It eschewed the usual first-person view for third-person with a focus on using cover. All the usual gadgets and vehicles are here to boot. The title actually marks Pierce Brosnan’s final performance as the main character.

February 2009

Two years after releasing in Japan, this DS title finally made its way to the US allowing players to control a young boy or girl who must play a selection of “old” games at the behest of Demon Arino. The game has a connection to Shinya Arino’s show GameCenter CX and he had heavy involvement in its creation. The games within the title are similar to actual ones that released on the Famicom (or NES) of various genres like shmups or racing. There are fake gaming magazines that provide tips, tricks, and occasional cheat codes to help you on your way. Kacho on!

It took 17 years, but US fans of the classic Enix RPG series were able to play the fifth installment at last due to this remake for the DS. Originally released on the SNES in Japan in 1992, programming issues prevented it from being released in America. You’re able to see the main character progress over a period of about 30 years including getting married and having a family. There’s a monster-collecting aspect which was quite novel at the time of original release. This remake added an extra member to the party, bringing the total to four while also featuring an additional marriage prospect.

Another DS remake here, this one going all the way back to the original game of Intellgent Systems’ swords and sorcery tactical RPG series. After being introduced to Marth way back in Super Smash Bros. Melee, fans could finally find out his story! The development team added the Weapon Triangle which was now an expected part of the series but was not part of the original game. They also added a single mid-battle save to help newcomers (and series veterans) to avoid having to restart entire battles if a favorite unit dies. No optional permadeath here!

THQ published this Wii exclusive video game where you control either a scorpion or tarantula and fight other critters. The scorpion is more action-oriented while the tarantula features more stealth gameplay. Along with common enemy animals, there are also bosses to fight such as a rattlesnake or the dreaded human. Speaking of humans, there’s a story based around two humans looking for buried gold from the American Civil War. If that’s not interesting enough, the humans are voiced by Dennis Hopper and Billy Bob Thornton!

February 2014

Nintendo published this Retro Studios platformer where you can roll, bash, and throw enemies as the famous tie-wearing ape. He’s not alone with Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky coming along for the ride – each with unique skills. The game is spectacular and is pointed to as one of the best examples of the entire 2D platforming genre. Let’s not forget the music either, as David Wise reprised his role as composer after a nearly 20-year absence from the series. And boy, did he deliver! Seriously, this soundtrack is one of the best ever and a fitting accompaniment to the wonderful game. The only disappointment for me was the lack of Kremlings.

Square Enix published this 3DS RPG in Japan while Nintendo handled those duties elsewhere. Well, to be more specific, the title released in the US was actually an expanded edition of the original quest to reclaim four crystals from the darkness. Speaking of four, the game started out as a sequel to Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light. The battle system is one of the main draws to this game, allowing the ability to perform multiple actions in a single turn using “not cowardly” points. I’d use the name, but that would literally give away the game’s title. While we’re on the note of titles, the original 3DS game in Japan had the Flying Fairy subtitle. Good thing I don’t have to talk about the sequel names here!