Do You NintenKnow: October 2023

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!

October 1988

Nintendo developed and released this NES follow-up to arguably the most famous video game of all-time…but this “sequel” was actually an adaptation of a separate game that was re-skinned to fit the world of Nintendo’s favorite plumber. The real sequel was released in Japan, but not in other territories until much later because it was deemed too difficult and frustrating. Instead, this title featured four playable characters, each with different skills including the ability to float or jump higher. Picking up items and throwing them was a core gameplay mechanic here. In fact, you could pick up enemies and throw them at other baddies! There are plenty of enemies and characters who made their debut in this title including Birdo. There’s no way we can finish this hint section without saying what game this was based on, so here it is – Doki Doki Panic.

October 1993

The SNES saw the release of this Square action RPG that allows for two or three (with help of a multitap) players to jump in for some co-op action. This is a sequel to a Game Boy title, but you wouldn’t know that by the name since the previous game was attributed to another Square series in the USA…and had a separate name altogether in Europe! The “Ring Command” menu allows the player to pause the action mid-battle and make decisions. Make use of the eight different weapons along with eight separate Elementals on a quest that involves a legendary sword. Looking at the name of the title, it may very well be The Rock’s favorite game.

October 1998

DMA Design, now known as Rockstar North, developed this “body-swapping” platformer for the N64 featuring a host of robotic animals to control. Following a spaceship crash, Dan Danger is trapped and needs Evo the robot’s help – but Evo’s body was destroyed in the crash. Hence, the need to control the animals to complete tasks and repair Evo’s body! And no, the game is not set in the Northern California innovative technology hub despite the name.

October 2003

Take control of Joe in this Clover Studio side scrolling beat ‘em up title for GameCube which was part of the fabled “Capcom Five”. Use Joe’s special abilities – known as VFX – in a romp through Movieland to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. The game has an all-star crew including director Hideki Kamiya and producer Atsushi Inaba. “Henshin a go-go, baby!”

Nintendo published this HAL Laboratory GameCube racing title that starred the lovable pink puffball. The game was originally being developed for the N64 but saw numerous revisions and was even cancelled for a time before finally making its way to our favorite (and only) home console with a handle. In an unusual twist for the racing genre, the character moves forward automatically with the control stick used to steer and the A button performing other actions in the game like sucking in nearby enemies. This is the last title in the series that was directed by creator Masahiro Sakurai.

October 2008

Konami’s third DS title in its spooky-themed long running series featured the addition of a “Glyph System” to equip the main character, Shanoa, with Glyph symbols to perform special powers and skills. The game continued in the “search-action” vein of the previous titles also produced by Koji Igarashi. The Belmont clan has vanished, and someone is trying to bring Dracula back. Again. What else is new?

October 2013

After sticking with the large install base of the DS for the fifth generation of its highly successful monster hunting franchise, Game Freak finally jumped to the 3DS for this sixth generation of companion titles. This time, explore the France-inspired Kalos region and try to put an end to the scheming devils known as Team Flare. Mega Evolution was the main gimmick for these titles and breathed new life into past fan-favorite “monsters”. A brand-new Fairy-type was also introduced, forcing players to memorize another set of strengths and weaknesses.

October 2018

The blue bomber is back! Capcom finally continued the main series with this Nintendo Switch title that played much like the previous 10 mainline games. Blast your way through eight stages and defeat the Robot Master at the end of each level to gain their powers. These power-ups can be used to gain an advantage on a different Robot Master. A new addition here is the Double Gear system which allowed the player to slow down time or increase your attack power – although this could be ignored completely if you want the old-school challenge. C’mon Capcom, just give us another one of these or a new entry in the X Series…it’s been five years!

Ubisoft released this space-faring Switch title that is probably best-known for the Star Fox crossover content exclusive to Nintendo’s platform. The game sold poorly and could freely be found in the bargain bin. Maybe it was the optional toys-to-life elements? Oh well, I got the bundle with the Arwing figure for less than $10!

Bonus

Nintendo released this revision console on October 15, 1993. The biggest changes were the redesigned “dog bone” controller and the fact that the cartridge slot was now on top of the console. Maybe you didn’t have to blow on your cartridges so much with this version?