Can you believe it's February already? It's a great time to be a Switch owner; 2017 saw the release of lots of amazing games and there's even more to look forward to this year.
So, what's on the horizon for Nintendo Switch fans, then? We've complied a list of all the good stuff coming out at retail in February and March, so you don't miss a single thing.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Bayonetta 2 + Bayonetta - 16th February
With the titular gun-toting witch polishing her pistols for a third round of acrobatic gunplay in Bayonetta 3, Nintendo Switch owners will have time to practice their combos with Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 getting the port treatment in one tidy package. They’ve both already done the rounds on Wii U, but there’s no getting past the fact both remain some of the best titles PlatinumGames have ever made.
Payday 2 - 27th February
Dallas, Wolf, Chains and Hoxton are breaking into the vault that is Nintendo Switch, and they’re bring new character Joy (a month-long platform exclusive, no less) for the ride. Overkill’s FPS is a shooter like no other as you scope out jewellery stores, banks and security trucks then attempt to pull off the ultimate heist with guns, drills and all the masks you could possibly ask for. Teaming up with friends via Crime.net makes for the ultimate con.
Kirby Star Allies - 16th March
The pink ball with an unending appetite is preparing to make his Nintendo Switch debut and he's bringing some pals along for the ride. It's still your usual Kirby platforming fare, only now you can play with up to three other players locally (or go solo with AI at your side). Abilities can still be eaten and acquired, but now you can combine them with your allies to create unusual combos for puzzle solving and platforming alike.
More Awesome Nintendo Switch Games
Other than Bayonetta 2, Payday 2 and Kirby Star Allies there are lots more Switch retail games which might take your fancy in February and beyond.
Awesome Accessories For Your Switch
We saw a whole slew of interesting accessories released for the Switch in the past few months, but more are on the way. Here are some tantalising accessories coming up in February and beyond which we found for your consideration.
So that's it for February and March - did we miss anything? Let us know with a comment and also tell us if you've preordered any of these goodies!
Comments 132
Kirby: Star Allies is probably the standout title.
I wonder if "Blade Strangers" will hold onto that release date. We'll have to wait for the Nicalis trailer on their youtube page
So Switch is getting Minecraft themed accessories real soon, yet still no words on a physical cartage. (Console or Better Together.)
These are the type of games that soccer moms buy for their children.
You know some kid asked for Mario Odyssey for his birthday but gets Chicken Range instead.
Bayonetta 2 (w/ Bayonetta) is £42.85 at Base.com if anyone's on the fence about picking it up.
Add the Daisy amiibo to accessories. It is useful in Bayonetta 2 for Switch
The only reason I can see adding Redout to this list, considering that it most likely won't be released in March, is that it makes everything line up evenly. That's acceptable in my book
Bayo, blade strangers, builders, and KIRBY. See this is why I have no money.
Bayonetta 2 was the standout title on the Wii U for me, so it’s a must on the Switch. I wonder if it will be as suited to portable play however with those fragile little joycon....
Builders, blade strangers, attack on Titan and monster boy are day one buys for me.
Kirby is the only new game.
Bayo, DQ Builders, and Attack on Titan for me. Nothing huge
Huh. I didn’t know anything about Payday 2. Might have to check it out. Also, I was planning on getting Wonderboy. Glad I waited, now I can get the physical version!
Physical copy of rocket league for me. Kirby seems too similar to return to dreamland. Waiting on yoshi.
bayo and kirby here
I have my fingers crossed that Monster Supercross game is good. Edit* Just read my post and now I wish it actually had monsters in it lol.
Bayonetta 1+2 and Kirby Star Allies is what I'm picking up.
Overcooked is awesome!! Most co-op fun I had with my girlfriend so far. It’s available on eShop for a while now, I guess the date is for physical.
I also pre-loaded Dragon Quest Builders. People are speedrunning the game in something around 6 hours, which looks like a great challenge! But the game is just as good for relaxing moments and getting creative with architecture.
I’m on the fence with Bayonetta 2. I will probably wait for Bayonetta 3 instead, because I don’t think I’m dedicated enough to play more than one of the games in the series.
Slim pickings quite honestly. KIRBY STAR ALLIES is the only game I'll be buying on cart at retail during the first 3 months of 2018. Thankful the eShop continues to provide some options that will get me excited albeit if I'm financially relieved at not having to find the money for full price games every week, month.
I'm getting Kirby Star Allies! Red out! Max! Scribblenauts! I also got the collector's edition of Longest 5 minutes!
It's a good start for me!
Bayonetta, Blade Strangers, Kirby Star Allies and Dragon Quest Builders are on the list.
Nothing of interest for me here. I'll get by with eshop Indies. Worst case I'll try a game I missed out on from last year, like Mario + Rabbids or Splatoon 2. Could be worse...
It seems I'm in the minority in feeling that I'm drowning in titles. I'm getting DQ Builders, The Longest Five Minutes, and Bayo 1/2 - three games in a week, not counting download titles like Mercenary Saga. The Switch keeps me busy and constantly forces me to decide quickly if a game is worth playing.
I'll believe Redout when I see it.
Dragon Quest Builders (for the sake of portability), Kirby Star Allies, and Atelier Lydie & Suelle are definite buys for me, regarding releases in Feb and Mar. It may not look like much, but I'm okay with it since my wallet's been [BURP]ed in 2017, thanks to the Switch.
Regarding Blade Strangers, although I have it on preorder, I'm starting to become worried about the game since I barely heard much info since its announcement back in June/July. I may not be as hyped for it (especially with Street Fighter 30th not too far ahead), but I don't want to see it get cancelled
It's going to be Bayonetta, The Longest 5 Minutes, Kirby, Blade Strangers, and Penny Punching Princess for me. Depending on the Monster Supercross reviews, I may pick that up to. A lot of really good games coming up here.
Runner3 is $40? Will it be half that digitally?
Who finds it funny that Redout is going to release a full YEAR after it was supposed to? A delay is one thing. A full year is another.
This is a list that looks better if you make it smaller. So many of these look like Wii shovelware returning. NOT a happy thought. But there's good stuff in here if you filter those out. Payday is interesting, Bayo is great if you don't already have it or don't mind breaking your joycons portably, DQ: Builders I'm excited for, Kirby is freaking Kirby.....
Monster Energy Drink Official Game, though....I think I gagged a little. I'm not sure if it's because of the game or the flavor of Monster Energy Drink, though.
Longest 5 Minutes....looks both great and terrible all at once. Not sure what to think of it. But I have it on preorder. Help.
Kirby is Definitely day 1.
I'll get Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 some point.
Of this list I'm getting Payday 2 and Kirby. Not feeling Bayonetta since I still have it for the Wii U.
The two games in this list that excite me the most are Kirby and Runner 3.
I'm excited for Aegis Defenders, but otherwise, I'm apparently looking at two very quiet months on the Switch.
@NEStalgia It's not out yet mate lol.
@MoonKnight7
"Of this list I'm getting Payday 2"
Risk taker eh?
@Ralek85 - Look at that as a backlog opportunity.
For me, looks somewhat active. Picking up some older games, Bayonetta set and Blade Strangers. First Nintendo game a month beings Feb, and continues through May. Looks good.
Not fascinating, but good. Like the May-Sept of 2017 good.
I think a lot of Debbie Downers on here are totally unaware of Penny Punching Princess and The Longest 5 Minutes, both of which look extremely entertaining. Also going to get DQ Builders, Kirby, Bayonetta, Runner 3 (another new game). Scribblenauts could be cool... not sure, gotta see more on that one.
I miss having enough time that this kind of list was 'slim pickings' for me.
And if we want to compare and contrast, I can't think of any game coming to PS4 I'd want in the next two months.
That's a lot of shovelware.
@Paraka It certainly is that. I just started playing Horizon Zero Dawn for real like two days ago!
I still hope that Aces will be more early'ish spring than late, not because I'm desperate looking for something, anything to play, but because I really want a good (fingers crossed) arcade tennis game again.
Also, I agree, I'd be all over Bayonetta, if I didn't already own it on the WiiU (and the first one on PS3/Xbox). Gr8 games, and I might even get them again at some point, but not at full price, and not right now. Once Bayonetta 3 is out, I might want to take the opportunity to replay the series in it's entirety, and I bet one or the other sale will come around then as well.
Having said all that, I do hope that this 'backlog opportunity' is only temporary. The Switch has a great deal of momentum, but that can also dissipate. On top off that, I really think Nintendo needs to start thinking about store curation. With the influx of games we are seeing - many of which do at times make me recall the Wii shovelware rush - is kinda cloging the e-shop. That's not a trivial problem, because quality games need to be visible, otherwise sales will drop, and the current enthusiasm of esp. the indie developer community, will drop right with it.
That's a different topic of course though
Affiliate links article ahoy!!
@Ralek85 Heck, I still have tons of Rabbids left after Odyssey and DQ:B is out next week (didn't get on PS4 to get on Switch.) And I haven't even OPENED L.A. Noire or XC2 yet. And I played like 2 hours of Skyrim and then back burnered it for Odyssey...
And then I'm working on my PS4 backlog. I never finished Mirrors Edge, and I love that game. Haven't opened HZD yet....soon.
@Nintendoforlife
Well I have a bday coming up around then so why not take a chance!
Runner 3 for me. Admittedly I never got FEW or played XC2.
@NEStalgia Yup, no doubt, overall none of us is going to run out of quality games any time soon I have to say, that I haven't gotten Odyssey yet. I'm still undecided whether it is for me or not. I'm not a fan of platformer/jump'n'run games so ... yeah. Still, I liked the exploration in Zelda alot, and I think from that standpoint, Odyssey has probably a fair bit to offer beyond for example SM 3D World. We'lle see ^^
On the other hand, I've already managed to somehow burn like 180h or so on XC2!
Just picked up Doom in the sale so I'll be playing that first. Still got some stuff in the backlog too (Dragon Ball, Shovel Knight, Shantae DLC, Zelda DLC, etc).
Interested in Kirby and double dipping on Bayonetta. Probably won't do so right away however. Enjoyed the DQ Builders demo but I think I'll wait for the sequel
The switch really needs virtual console and more Wii U ports
@Ralek85 Odyssey is fairly unique. It's a run & jump platformer, yes, but it's an open world exploration game featuring run & jump mechanics. More like Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie than 3D World or even Galaxy. BUT it's still a platformer at its core, so the more linear segments will require you to polish your NES jumping skils (literally, in some cases where it's actual MSB1 2D sections ) and doing more than minimum moons does expect creative jumping. It controls so well, and has so much to explore...but if your'e not into precision jumping, you may not get on with it.
I really do have to get into XC2. I'm hoping it irons out some of the handheld framerate issues by spring/summer. It would be a good game to play more handheld if it actually ran ok. But first, Mirrors Edge, and I don't know what's next....AC:Origins, HZD, FFXV. Skyrim...Such a backlog....
I’m not really excited about any of these titles really... it’s suck TBO. I would like to try out Kirby and Payday 2 to see if I like them, but other than that I’m not overly enthusiastic about anything else. Luckily I have a HUGE backlog of switch games to keep me occupied, so no worries here! 😃😃😃
@Ralek85 - Well at this time last year we had two solid confirmed games for Switch coming from Nintendo. This year, avoiding re-release, Nintendo has essentially 3. Kirby, Yoshi and Tennis with a soft 4th of Pokemon. Nintendo has averaged out just over 1 game released a month since its launch. The "disparity" you're seeing is most likely a subjective one since only July and January had no releases from Nintendo. And most releases have garnered a much broader reception being ported over from Wii U.
You may not find a personal interest in it, but it'd be stupid to correlate that to somehow losing momentum.
Hell some of our bigger exciting games weren't shown til after Switch Launched.
@NEStalgia Yeah, that's what I figured about Mario. I think I'll definitely give it a shot at some point in the future. I was okay with SM64 at the time, but I really loved Banjo Kazooie, although looking back, most of that was probably not so much due to the mechanics, but just the world and the characters. It was all very ... likeable. Quite honestly, more likeably than the Mario 'universe' as such.
I played almost all of XC2 in portable mode. There definitely issues not only with the framerate, which sometimes drops quite a bit, but also the dynamic resolution scaling. In short, the game at times in battle looks ugly and runs everything but smooth. That is a shame of course, but it did not happen THAT frequently, that I would consider it game breaking. Also, normally in battle you are distracted anyways, so it's not that big a deal. Still, for a first party Nintendo game, it was quite shocking to be frank.
My problem with XC2 is more due to the (imho) more severe issues with the combat system. I still stuck with it, because it was fun in many ways, but ultimately, I came away a bit disappointed by it. Or to put it differently - and I'm not trying to throw shade at the game - if it hadn't been on a portable, I would have probably never finished it. No, I'm almost certain I would have lost interest at some point, and gave up on it in favor of something like Horizon, Nier Automata or Persona 5 or a bunch of other stuff. Being able to play it whenever, wherever and really just when watching NEtflix on the side, gave it the edge over other content though.
Bayonetta 2 is a system seller in my circle of friends. Most of them did not have a Wii-U and loved the first game, so they're excited to pick it up because it's new for them. In the case of three of my friends, Bayonetta 2 is the tipping point that's finally pushing them to buy a Switch (the portability and back catalog are also helping, but Bayonetta 2 definitely tipped the scale for them).
Admittedly this probably doesn't translate to the larger gaming market, but it's nice to know that where many Wii-U owning Nintendo fans see disappointment in these Wii-U ports, the vast majority of people who skipped Wii-U see them as new games.
@Paraka I was trying to be doomy or gloomy. But still, I have serious doubts about the way in which Kirby and Yoshi will be able to carry the momentum created by BotW for instance. The same thing goes for any and all WiiU ports, maybe besides the inevitable SSB port.
What I'm trying to say is that last year, Nintendo had big games to go up against the big guns of their competitors. I'm not sure yet, how that will play out this year. There will be no Horizon Zero Dawn, but there will be a Red Dead Redemption 2 for instance.
Don't get me wrong, this is at the end of the day not about units sold, but about who is dominating the public perception. That is what I mean by momentum, and that is purely an incidental, basically emotional aspect.
I fully expect more games, 1st and 3rd party, to be announced for release this year. I don't think it'll be Pokemon or Bayonetta 3 or Metroid Prime 4 though. It might very well be Fire Emblem though for instance.
So, to make it short, the line-up for this year, based on what we know or can reasonably expect, is not blowing me away quite yet, and it's not on par with last year either. Hence yeah, the Switch's momentum could be slowed down by a perceived lack of original and "fresh" content.
That's a lot of boxed goods!
And that Monster Energy cover layout is just about the worst thing I have ever seen.
@Ralek85 Interesting feedback on XC2 portable. Maybe it'll be playable then. Having played the last 2 XC games I definitely understand what you mean about portability being essential. The combat system is kind of tedious across the whole series, and the questing is so MMO-grindy that I couldn't see myself loving it too much on console. XCX worked because of its structure, but XC1, I actually played on N3DSXL and can't imagine having played it on Wii, despite it being prettier there.
My personal favorite RPG (so far) of the last decade remains Tokyo Mirage #FE. I'm REALLY hoping the Switch sequel rumors pan out. Though I suspect it won't live up to the original. It was a fun mix of flash, fun characters, fun world, addictive battle system that you always felt capable and powerful while still having to focus, and excellent pacing that left me wanting more when it was over. I keep playing RPGs hoping for that same rush. P5 may deliver. SMT5 may. Oh, yeah, P5...the OTHER mega supersized game in my backlog......
@link3710 @Tedikuma @NEStalgia @yeayeanaynay As others have said, Redout was supposed to come out on 30th March.... 2017
There has been no response from them when asked on facebook what’s happening with the game and their twitter doesn’t seem to give much of a response when people ask either... on a side note it’s been on the list of Switch games from Nintendolife several times with virtually no coverage of the game... clearly just an advertisement for Amazon by Nintendolife.
Nothing for me. Not a kirby fan.
Just stick with MHW in February. Yakuza6, NinoKuni2 and Alliance Alive are all in March. So should save my cash anyway.
@Ralek85 I'm still expecting Pokemon and would be shocked if it didn't happen. The announcement last year sad "may be more than 1 year"....Holiday 2018 would be almost a year and a half from them saying that. Pokemon usually releases holiday, and they usually have a Pokemon. Ultra SuMo was such a clear rushed half hearted cash grab while we know they're working on Switch. If they were previously making it as a possible 3DS game prior, they may have been very deep into the game design, new gen 'mon design etc and only had to port the engine and mechanics up and add some new systems. GameFreak games are rarely state of the art graphically. Despite no announce (that would be an E3 level announce/reveal if ever there was one, home console Pokemon) I'm going on assumption it is happening this year.
Honestly if it is, E3 needs only consist of "Nintendo E3 Digital Event Tuesday 8:00am-8:01am PT", with a red backdrop, Switch logo, and Pikachu image on it, Reggie steps out, holding a mic and says "December." and the "Thank you for watching" text comes up. At that point Nintendo wins E3 and Sony packs up the orchestra, dragging their PSVR banners behind them as they exit.
@Ryu_Niiyama As you may recall, I have been a keen follower of your Perfume avatar changes since I came to this site, and then your last one... I don't know, I don't mean to offend, but it just didn't work for me.
And now this one... and you're right back on track
@Ralek85 - The only games that "carried" a momentum that people use for that example is Mario and Zelda. Everything else gets dismissed all things considered. Even Splatoon 2 gets snubbed though it broke a million in Japan. Some that rarely happens in gaming there. But even then that's only three games. Three.
You can try to compare it, but even added Mario Kart as a port continued that sales climb. DKCTF will probably be another merely on nostalgia of the DKC series alone.
But last humor the idea ports don't impact. For March we had Zelda, and May Splatoon. This year, though many WANT to disagree, will probably be Labo to a market all its own in design. With Kirby, Tennis and Yoshi being 2018's Arms, Rabbids, Fire Emblem Warriors. We know little of anything after May and patterns suggest we got a Direct by March. Which is where we were met with a bulk of Nintendo's plans going into 2017.
And we know of Fire Emblem is being made for Switch as well. So there is that too, which we learned from a specified Direct.
I should also mention I am merely adding perspective to this. It's hard to be positive of any success, be it from one's favorite games company to personal achievements when there is very viable goalposts.
@gcunit @Ryu_Niiyama Now you've done it. Now she's going to change it again....
@gcunit The one with them laughing? I really liked that one...which is why I kept it for so long. On the day I change I go through a few to make sure they fit the way I want (because they are forum avatars so they don't always fit the comments avatars on the site....)
I think this one is funny but because any Perfume fan knows they don't do the half naked (aside from Nocchi's hotpants) thing for fame. However I think non Perfume fans don't get that so they get the wrong idea, so I never keep this one for long.
@NEStalgia Heading to google to get a new one just for you.
@Paraka Don't forget SMT5 which may or may not be 2018 in the West but will be in Japan. And we don't know the status of DQ11 either for Switch or for the West in general (I doubt Squeenix is dangling that past E3), both major games, one of which is exclusive. Plus other rabbids Nintendo pulls out of their hat. And of course the very strong potential of Pokemon, the bigger Mario.
@Ryu_Niiyama It's sad that the standard assumption if you're not familiar with the idea that a group doesn't perform half naked is that they do. What does that say about popular music in ANY country?
Kirby! Woo!
Not gonna be a day one purchase for one reason only: Freaking Labo has stolen my heart as wallet.
@NEStalgia Not trying to go there but I think that says more about how women are still sexually objectified than anything else. We can agree to disagree to keep it from turning into a wall of text if you like (you remember what happened the last time...our convo brought all the nuts out of the woodwork). I've already got about 3 people I'm about to toss on my ignore list as is...not trying to add more today from peanut gallery comments lol.
Oh. Changed it for you... and this one matches the site...although I'm reminded of how long they have been together. Makes me nostalgic. Hope Nintendo has them promote the switch. I would lose my mind.
@NEStalgia - I am merely discussing the merits of Nintendo alone. That means partnerships and collabs as well. Stuff Nintendo is directly influence of.
Bayonetta for me. Never played any of the series so a great time to jump in before 3 gets released.
@NEStalgia I'm not a big Pokemon (basically I played alot of Red, way back then, I tried to like X, but couldn't - that's my whole history in a nutshell ^^) fan, so I did not pay close attention to Gamefreak or their usual schedule.
Hence, I have no really personal 'stake' in this, but I do have a reason for not necessarily being optimistic about a 2018 release. First of all, state of the art or not, jumping from the 3DS to the Switch, is a big leap, as is jumping from 2D to 3D. Gamefreak, from what I can tell, bearing in mind, I'm not really inmately knowledge about their history, they has very little experience with either 3D or HD development.
That in itself could spell a prolonged production cycle, but I think equally important is - again from my limited perspective - the matter of mechanics. I presume that it cannot just be me who expects more out of a homeconsole Pokemon game than improved visuals and a big 3D world. I mean, maybe that WOULD be enough to sell a gazillion copies, quite possibly, but from where I stand, that would be a disappointment, and certainly not enough to entice me back in.
What I'm saying is that I for one expect the game to be a complete redesig in about every aspect. That stuff takes time, and I think that goes way any other generational jump the series has seen so far.
I'll also say that it wouldn't be the end of the world if the world had to wait a few months longer into 2019 for a new Pokemon game
@Ryu_Niiyama Yeah, best not to end up with THAT thread again!
I'll add only that, it's not always a one way street. I dabbled into K-Pop and as objectified as the female performers are (and are willing to be...why not, they make more money and live better than we average prudes will make in 10 lifetimes...if I could be a model instead of a gamer nerd, maybe I'd do a calendar shoot and retire to Maui or something ) the most RABBIDLY objectifying seemed to be the female fandom fawning over the male performers! It makes the other way around look tame! Yikes! It's unique to pop where selling the "object" is as, or more, important than the music. You don't see many cellists or trupeters in hotpants. (or course this is the internet, and there will be a gif in 10 minutes I'm sure.)
@Ralek85 XY and then SuMo had a 3D-2D kind of world, but it was 3D. GF has always been pretty conservative with their graphics.....they could easily port a 3DS concept game to look prettier but be the same game overall and call it a day. It won't impress the core, but it would make money out the wazoo....and that's what GF really does these days. Safe, profitable games.
Other thing they could do is, like DQ11 have both a 3DS and Switch version of the same game with totally different graphics.
Either way, I think GameFreak would target Holiday no matter what. If it's not Dec 2018, it'll be Sept 2019.
As usual there are lots of ports. Now their adding retail versions of already released games. I’m not really complaining, it’s more of an observation because, honestly, this is a solid lineup to start the year.
Getting the bayonetta, but I know there will be more games than that.
@NEStalgia Well, if they decide to essential just port over and scale up the next 3DS Pokemon game, they absolutely can get that out this year. I have no doubts about that. And yeah, I agree it would still sell, but I also feel like it would be wasting an incredible opportunity for the franchise to reinvent itself and broaden it's appeal. If it's not happening now, with this game ... I dunno, it might never happen. I'm still holding out hope, that they'll find new and exciting ways to tweak their formula. We'll see. If the game makes it out this year, it'll definitely dampen my expectations, due to what I mentioned early.
Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 are hype. One of those super top shelf games, was one of the highest scoring games of the generation in fact. Almost as many 10/10 as Zelda and Mario.
Kirby Star Allies is hype- finally a proper HD Kirby title that follows the main series formula.
Dragon Quest Builders is such a great game too. This one looks like the PS4 version but includes portability like the Vita... gotta have it hybrid. That should be a motto: gotta have it hybrid. Do we want these games? Yes! But we gotta have it hybrid.
Think Hyrule Warriors is also coming in March? If so that's definitely a buy. So much content from 3DS version and Wii U. Nice to have a proper portable version this time.
Also getting a crap load of other games. Atelier Lydie and Suelle, Blade Strangers, Runner 3, Portal Knights, Attack on Titan 2, Payday 2, etc etc.
Not a huge, mind blowing Q1 but, a decent spread of quality games. My real excitement is for DKC Tropical Freeze, Dark Souls, Valkyria Chronicles 4, Fire Emblem, SMTV, The World Ends With You, Y's VIII, DQ Builders 2, Dragon Quest XI, Mega Man 11, Street Fighter Collection (gotta have that SFIII trilogy!) and whatever other gems are thrown our way this year.
@NEStalgia Wow, finally someone who liked SMT#FE as much as I did. I would have never thought, that I could enjoy a game that mixes SMT and FE with jPop culture this much, but it was really a very, very solid game. And yeah, the combat system was good as well, it was accessible, yet had some depth, it looked great, flashy in fact, but the pacing was never weighed down by that, and you always had something to do, you felt like you were making crucial decisions at every turn, and I also liked how it had this ... 'grounp of friends' character.
I really felt like an imaginery group of friends battling together, assisting each other, defending each other, standing up for each other, and so on and so forth.
I had no idea there were rumors about a sequel. I would absolutely love that. SMT and FE are two of my favorite franchises ever, and I was glad that the fusion worked so well (and wasn't cancelled despite some apparent issues and readjustments during the development).
Speaking of portability, I'm looking forward to SMT (V?) very much, as I do to Ocopath Traveler.
As for Xenoblade, the issue I had with the combat was that - unlike in SMT#FE and similar games - I never had the feeling that I made crucial decisions. In fact, most fights could be won doing absolutely nothing - the only downside was that it took forever to finish the enemy. Once my team was properly set up (tank, dd, heal), I could easily just engage an enemy and then, well, leave the room and come back later to see the fight finished thanks to auto-attack and the AI.
Another issue was the lack of immediacy. Every intentional action during combat you took, basically took a lot of time building towards. Rarely could you immediately 'react' to an enemy's action. I found that very frustrating because I meant that there was no point in paying much attention to the enemy.
The game broke down to you finding a good team and damage rotation for yourself and just doing that over and over and over again, with no regard to who or what you were fighting, and with no sense of having any kind of tactical plan.
In short, most jRPG systems have a puzzle-like effect to them, and you can influence what's happening in a direct manner, but in XC2, it was just a button smashing experience of sorts. It still was fun in the strange way these games can be fun (I don't want to compare it to a musou game, because the difference are there obviously, but the act of playing it, felt quite similar, as I played alot of FE Warriors watching Netflix on the side as well ^^).
Btw, if you like, feel free to add on the Switch (FC is listed in my profile!)
Just games with amazon links are ones to look forward to. ok?
The Fall 2 Unbound is the game I'm most looking forward to in Feb/March.
EDIT: 'retail games' article
please tell me my asian eyes aren't deceiving me and that I really saw a release date for Blade Strangers!! Also...ooooh, Redout!!! And yes, of course I'm excited for titles like Bayonetta and Kirby!!!
DO NOT BUY THE RETRO BIT POWERSTICK. I bought the same one for the mini NES and the joystick has a huge deadzone when pressing down. I discovered it playing Pac-Man..nearly impossible to correctly go down , which resulted in a deaths galore. I switched it out with a real NES Advantage Joystick and the problem instantly disappeared. The joystick simply does not recognize pressing down well at all...so I had no problems with Galaga, which is left/right only,, but Pac-Man was unplayable.
@Paraka All of this is about perspective, I dare say, as none of us can see the future, or has the 'true' gauge of the past!
Anyways, I think it's worth pointing out that BotW did not carry any momentum, but it pretty much created it. Odyssey picked up on that in a big way, as did Splatoon 2. BotW was a game, at least from what I can tell, that reached far beyond other excellent first-year Switch games, even furher than Odyssey. I'd say that game had real culture impact, and almost single-handedly created a narrative of success for Nintendo.
It was exactly what they needed, when they needed it. Everybody with a remote interest in games, or really pop culture, at some point heard about it or talk about it, or even played it, or at least watched a stream or something. And while not everyone loved it (hey Mr. Sterling), the overall resonance was overwhelmingly positive to say the least.
I mean, let's be very clear here, there is a reason that Nintendo kept their WiiU-ports to a minimum in 2017. They knew full well, that WiiU ports where not the way to go when their goal was to create a new narrative, that was utterly divorced from the WiiU failure, certainly in terms of communcation and marketing.
I mean, the quality of the WiiU games was never the problem after all. That's worth keeping in mind. Tropcial Freeze was not bad on WiiU, neither was Pokken, Mario Kart, Splatoon or a bunch of other games.
So I am not saying that ports don't have an impact, they certainly can, just look at Mario Kart in terms of commercial success, but the first two or so years of a console are driven by perception.
The perception of the Xbox One for example was horrid. It was apparently overpriced, Kinect was a gimmick, Microsoft apparently anti-consumer with stuff like always on, and no used games and what not. It's not like their launch line-up was super inferior, or that their hardware was super inferior. Microsoft is still fighting this perception in many ways.
I'm more or less positive that the whole backwards compability feature was essentially meant to combat the narrative of Xbox being more restrictive or value orientated than Sony, same goes for GamePass. Obviously, it was also meant to patch over some glaring holes in their exclusive line-up, that opened up with the cancellation of stuff like Scalebound and Phantom Dust and Fables.
So yeah, I'm not sure that the Switch momentum, or narrative if you will, is already strong enough to perpetuate itself, if the schedule switched purely to 3rd-party and WiiU ports. I know Nintendo feels the same way, but as I said, we'll see what Yoshi and Kirby can do, and what else they have up their sleeves.
Plus, any momentum lost can also be regained, it's harder to regain it than sustain it, I would argue, but there position is so excellent, that I'm not worried we'll see another WiiU, not at all. That's not the issue. But with Sony and Xbox no doubt gearing up for some big stuff in the next two years, they probably need all the momentum they can get.
@Ralek85 - As one who has been in the marketing scene, it is suicide to try and garner momentum in the same way year over year as the year of the products release. In fact, lulls within two separate years would spark interest in the product when the image makes a comeback. But the latter is often user unfriendly as a grander scheme.
Nintendo didn't intentionally slow down Wii U ports cause of image. They already had a stellar workforce with releases ready. And I suspect Mario Maker 2 will probably see a release late 18 if a port is not already been announced by April. That is another major hauler in sales as well. And a shoe-in during this lifetime.
I have too many good games on my system already and just bought Night in the Woods, but still interested in Kirby, Payday, and DQ Builders. The latter looked great and was well recommended. Demo pushed me over the line. Really fun.
i'll wait for a sale on games like kirby and yoshi (later when it's released) but bayonetta 1/2 is a day 1 for me.
nintendo world report has a preview of the bayonetta package and it sounds like it's going to be sweet.
then it'll be march for hyrule warriors.
as for momentum; i dunno. i keep up with games a bit even not owning xb/ps4 (pc for my 'graphics' needs) and i haven't seen much for them either. it's that time of year when sales slow and everyone waits for E3.
@NEStalgia As always when I make a statement about how females are treated I'm never saying that males are excluded from similar treatment ...although they seem to not have to deal with it as badly (usually if you do a clothing comparison women still have to show more skin even though it is socially acceptable for males to walk around topless) and while I can't speak to it I don't think that hetero women tend to have as much nearly naked imagery of guys or expect that to be the default appearance of males they find attractive. Granted I played sports in highschool, if some women had their way y'all would walk around in speedos and socks (shudder).
Anywhoo, Moral of story. Perfume is awesome.
Bayonetta, Blade Strangers, and Runner 3 for me.
@savage_celery penny pinching princess looks dope.
If it was 1/2 price, I would pick up The Longest 5 Minutes.
Everything else... pass
Wait, is Bayonetta not getting a physical release? I thought you got 2 on the card and it came with a download code for 1?
1. Portal Knights !!!
2. Overcooked Special Edition
Two games for me on February 2018.
Btw, Does Portal Knights USA version released on 13 Feb 2018 or 28 Mar 2018 ?
Because i saw from Playasia it written 28 Mar 2018 for USA version, 9 Feb 2018 for Europe version.
@LUIGITORNADO
What a Shovelware comments....
@Heavyarms55
It is. Can preorder it just about anywhere.
Japan Climax edition even comes with a physical game for the first Bayonetta. I preordered it, just hoping it has an English option. No confirmation on that yet.
The only games I'm really looking forward to here are Bayo and Kirby... those would be the two that I would play right away. Otherwise, in my insane, collection building mentality I'm interested in several more just to have, namely Dragon Quest Builders (which I do plan on playing at some point actually, but I've already played it on PS4, so), Wonder Boy (which I already have digitally but would like to pick up physically), Soldam (same, but I'm assuming this is the PAL release because it's already out physically in NA - I'm just waiting for the price to go back down to Black Friday levels when I unfortunately couldn't get a copy), and Runner3. Might also consider Scribblenauts way down the line, I had fun with Unlimited back in the Wii U's early days.
But yeah, this is mostly filler, even if it is filler I might/will pick up.
@Anti-Matter You can't tell me that Vegas Party, Chicken Range, and Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame aren't shovelware. NL could have saved themselves a whole row by omitting those three gems from the lineup but I suppose they need the Amazon affiliate kickback. Someone, somewhere, is buying their kid Chicken Range instead of Mario Odyssey because it'll be cheaper presumably (if not at launch then in a few weeks) and I feel sorry for that kid.
@TheLobster
When i saw Chicken Range cover, i was thinking What the heck was that game.
Looked crappy after i watched it.
Psst... be prepared for upcoming UIG games for Switch.
@Anti-Matter I know, I saw those. Dark days indeed. Brings me back to the Wii era and not in a good way.
I completely forgot about Redout
@JaxonH the Japanese eshop lists English as a supported language. You should be good.
@TheLobster
Monster Energy Supercross looks legit though.
I'm not saying it'll for sure be a great game, but I wouldn't write that one off quite yet. We especially could use a good dirt bike game after the shoddy effort behind MXGP3
@JaxonH I wish Nintendo would bring back the Excite series of games.
Wonder Boy: Dragon's Trap, Lost Sphear, Redout, and Blade Strangers are on my physical wishlist for this year alongside Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Ultimate Day One Edition. It's going to be a good start of 2018 for me.
I'll be getting kirby, everything else is bad.
I don't know why people don't appreciate Bayonetta. It's easily one of the best (if not the best) action series. I already have it preordered.
I also completely forgot about Blade Strangers. It looked like a competent fighter, from what I remember. I'll wait for some reviews. Hoping for the best!
I get that this is a retail-only list, but... why? Almost all the awesome stuff is happening on the Switch eshop. This way it reads more like an ad for you guys to get affiliate money through Amazon. Which is fine, just be more open about the point of the article?
I am really waiting on a new Nintendo Direct because Nintendo really needs some big games like Zelda or Mario to keep their momentum going this year.
I'll be honest, not an awful lot that interests me on there
We certainty have a lot of stuff for the Switch, but most of it is rather expensive indi games in a box with a higher price than the game is worth. Wonder boy £35, twice the downloaded price for a six hour game.
Wii u games ported over at full price. And old games that were once hits on the PS4 and xbox.
Mario Odyssey seemed to be bought played and finished very quickly and now it seems a long wait until March and Kirby.
The Wii u games been give a second chance on the Switch is fine for new gamers who did not bother with the Wii u, but the rest of us are being asked to pay full price again to replay it. 😮
To include Bayonetta and the other Wii u games in a whats coming in 2018 games list does make the list look longer, but the loyal Nintendo gamers are not fooled.
My attention goes to Bayo (already preordered), Wonder Boy (EU gets some retail-love, at last). If money isn't an issue (alas, it alway is) I think I'll pay visit to my long lost pink chubby friend, Kirby
Only Kirby peeks my interest; my Bayo first print edition means no double dip. But I still have Skyrim and XC2 to pick up so I'm all good for some time.
I'm definitely getting Builders, Bayonetta, Payday, Attack on Titan and Kirby !
I was really excited for Runner 3, but after the delays and higher than expected price it will have to be impressive to seem worth it now
If you haven’t played Bayonetta 1-2, they are must buys. Amazing action game. Please note B1 is MUCH harder than B2. Loved both (probably B1 a little more).
I too have been holding my breath for RedOut. Preordered it nearly a year ago. I suppose not buying an immediately available, less expensive copy for Xbox One makes me a fan boy....so be it.
Just Bayonetta for me till a direct (hopefully) comes.
Bayonetta 1 and 2. I already have them on the Wii U (and 1 on the 360) but they are so good that I have to get them for the Switch.
Then bring on Bayonetta 3.
Kirby for sure (even though I'm a little surprised it's a premium-priced game). Maybe Bayonetta.
Bayonetta is a lock for me. Loved the first one and never got round to the second despite being one of the few Wii u owners. Kirby is a wait on review job. Could be amazing like planet robobot and triple deluxe but the fear is that it’s similar to the newest 3ds one. Will wait and see. Still wish there was more 3rd party stuff to pad this all out though
Not complaining, because I have a huge backlog, but the 2018 Switch lineup is quite sparse for me. There are some games that I am somewhat interested in, but they are mainly re-releases or indies that I own elsewhere. Hoping there's quite a bit new announced in the next direct.
I have pre-ordered Bayonneta 1 + 2 collectors edition + I have pre-loaded Kirby Star Allies on my Switch.
DQ: Builders is the only definite upcoming purchase for me, but other contenders include Penny Punching Princess, Kirby Star Allies and The Longest Five Minutes. I'll be curious to see how those are reviewed
Two months in to 2018, and things arn't looking good!
@yeayeanaynay I'm not. I still haven't been able to afford a Nintendo Switch.
I'm oddly more hyped for runner 3 than anything else...
Love me some music games
@JTMnM I think in general pseudo-fighting game combo-sequence-based games are going to be a small niche no matter how you slice it. It's not free-form action but combo-based arena duels like a sequential fighting game.
Also it's MURDER on thumbsticks
I'll believe Redout when it actually releases not just faux announcement dates. Loved Fast RMX minus the difficulty spike. I want more on the go
My Nintendo Switch is going to be collecting more dust than my Wii U ever did. With all these ports of older Wii U games. I only own Mario Odyssey, Zelda Breath of the Wild, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe only for the real battle mode.
I had no idea Runner3 had a release date.
@Ryu_Niiyama To be fair, males with any half decent taste prefer clothed women. I imagine it's instinct driven. The half naked women present an image of promiscuity which projects an image of likely disease....not terribly attractive on an animal instinct level.
Of course lots of men do NOT have particularly good taste. But I'm unconvinced a greater portion of women do either (including the vast number that seem to enjoy sending the image of half nudity....) And the poor taste pairs match well enough.
And for the record, I can say, like your sports associates, going back to high school, through today, I can say that by far the most raunchiest, most base, objectification and beyond conversations I've ever heard have all been from the female demographic.....at least in my own experience the guys have never come CLOSE to the level of graphic depravity the gals have....I'm convinced rule 34 was invented by high school girls. I'd be stunned if it were not.
I can't decide if I need to buy Bayonetta because I have 4 games pending for completion. I hate stacking up games.
Highly looking forward to Payday, Kirby and AOT.
Bayonetta collection and payday 2 for me.
Bayo 1 & 2, day 1 for me.
@yeayeanaynay err, ryu was talking about her perception of women being objectified in media as it relates to the above comments on pop performers and the assumption they are expected to perform half naked as default..... Not marriage. You're on a whole other conversation
Does anyone know if the ported Wii u games Bayonetta, Donkey Kong and any others will have improved graphics or are the graphics just transferred to a card as is.
I did read somewhere that Lego City for the Switch had the same Wii u graphics with no improvement, but did manage a full price, price tag.
Bayonetta 1+2, Kirby Star Allies, and Runner3 for me.
My top picks are:
1. Kirby Star Allies
2. Bayonetta
3. Runner 3
As much as I really want, nay, NEED these three games, I’m guessing that – considering it’s a Nicalis published title – Runner 3 will be prohibitively expensive.
I’m one of those rare types who’s Switch library is 100% digital. Therefore, there isn’t the additional attraction of getting an instruction booklet etc for me. Besides, I’ve never understood why Nicalis doesn’t apply a slightly lower price for eShop versions of their games?
It’s precisely because of this that Ittle Dew 2+ and Tiny Barbarian are still on my wishlist. Though I just couldn’t resist the lustre of having The Binding of Isaac and Cave Story on my Switch homescreen!
Shantae's release date got changed silently from March 30th to nobody knows when. A shame.
And Wonder Boy in Europe has no date yet, which is strange.
I think RBI Baseball 2018 is due out March 20th. I am looking forward to it. Any one know of any football games for the switch?
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