The translation staff at NIS America clearly had fun localizing Trinity Universe, breaking the fourth wall multiple times and
making references to other games and anime series.
Zenith is a game that is a complete opposite of this trend, as it focuses on delivering an entertaining story with humorous writing and
several references to other games and series like Final Fantasy, Skyrim and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Now, from reading the gamesTM review of the title I knew this game was going to be packed full
of references to other games (jokingly estimated to be «billions» by Kotaku) but I was still surprised at how thick and fast they came along.
Also does this take place after everything from all the previous games, or is it put somewhere awkwardly in the timeline that's going to have
strong references to other games that I won't recognise?
From
subtle references to other games, films or anything in - between to whole levels imitating a particular section of another title, finding these surprises might seem trivial to -LSB-...]
The Bucket is only used in the first stage, Yōsei no Mori - other stages besides EXTRA have different head objects, which are
usually references to other games in the series.
There are loads of
comedic references to other games, and the cheerful pixel art style and chirpy 8 - bit audio imbue it with a sense of nostalgia - this is a celebration of classic gaming rather than a bitter poke in the eye at more modern gaming.
While the plot is considered dark by Mario standards, as in earlier Paper Mario titles, humorous dialogue and
references to other games, nerd culture, popular culture, and even mythology abound.
Several billboards feature hilarious texts which are
references to other games or pop culture, and there is even a tiny bit of a level inspired on the world's most famous birds!
Quick links: Overview / Story / Gameplay & Controls / Characters / Items, Objects & Powerups / Enemies & Bosses /
References to other games / Mentions in later Nintendo titles / Videos - Gameplay, Trailers & Commercials / Development / Reception / Boss Fight Books: SMB 2 / Trivia & Facts / Reference & Information / Media & Downloads
The developers added some jokes here and there and
references to other games from the past, but it still didn't save the story.