Topic: The Nintendo Switch Thread

Considering Splatoon 2 thrives despite most of the point being in online battles, I don't think it'd affect fallout 76 fans much

@Knuckles-Fajita Greninja was from an established IP however. Plus, there was no doubt that Pokemon XY would see release, it wasn't exactly experimental.

@link3710 It was experimental in that at the stage they opted for it they had no idea what its moveset would beyond Water Shuriken, leading to a lot of improv, and they didn't know if it would even be popular as it hadn't even been revealed.

So thats quite experimental.

So guys, I have 30 "free" bucks to use on Amazon: what game do you recommend for that price? I like action/adventure. I was thinking maybe the Splatoon expansion, Sonic Mania, or some of the Mega Man stuff. I have most of the other major releases except for Treasure Tracker. Anything else I'm not thinking of?

I'm amazed at how good Dragonball FighterZ is. Now that the network seems to be working, I've put in several hours of fighting action online. I know nothing about these characters or the franchise, but I can tell you this: as a fighting game fan this game really kicks ass.

Anyone who hasn't downloaded the beta should give it a try while it's still live this weekend.

This is an excellent 3rd party game for the Switch and one of the most exciting fighters I've played in awhile. Buying this one for sure.

@Tsurii
That's a bummer. I was lucky enough to play online with a family member. We set up a private one-on-one lobby and battled uninterrupted for hours. I did play a few public matches and found the lobby wait times a bit long, as you wait your turn. But the private matches are ace.

Wowsers. Played a couple of matches this morning and DBFZ is reeeeeally good!

The type of online is different, compare The Division to Splatoon 2 for example. Splatoon 2's online is contained, you get put in a matchmaking lobby, play a match when it's found enough players and then repeat or quit once finished. Meanwhile The Division's online is open after you've done a kind of tutorial area, one giant world where everyone playing is connected without any matchmaking required.

From what I understand Fallout 76 has a similar online environment to The Division, Destiny, Forza Horizon 4, etc. and that's why I think it won't come. Nintendo's online infrastructure even after the paid Switch service goes live probably isn't good enough to handle this type of online experience.

@Knuckles-Fajita oh agreed, but I'm just saying there's a difference between 'will this be popular' and 'will this be released'.

Ah I see. In that case I agree Fallout 76 is unlikely to come to the Switch, but on the other hand, Dragon Quest X is on Switch, and even Wii and Wii U, in Japan. I'm not entirely sure how DQX works but doesn't it have a similar always-online structure?

I don't think the type of online infrastructure would be a barrier for Switch. The reason we're not getting games like The Division and Forza is because they really push the graphics to the extreme and developers aren't willing to risk the time or money to downgrade everything and then port it. That and being constantly online uses more system resources, which are more are limited on Switch when compared to other current consoles.

I'm pretty sure Nintendo's way of doing online in their games would affect third parties...

Okay I just bought Okami HD on the Switch and at the same time, Bomb Chicken while it was on sale in UK eShop. Really excited to play these 2 games, despite still not finishing Octopath Traveler or even starting Ys VIII. My backlog is just growing by the day.

@Dogorilla Fallout 76 wouldn't run on Nintendo's servers to begin with. At least, I think it's safe to assume Bethesda has their own servers.

@FragRed Near the end of Ys VIII. It's absolutely fantastic. I've been trying to hold off on Okami HD until I finish that game, but it's hard!

Once Valkyria Chronicles 4 launches, though, I'm playing it as soon as it launches, regardless of what else I'm playing at the time.

@Ralizah Have you tried the demo for Valkyria Chronicles 4 or you been holding off? I am really tempted to get that game if reviews are good. I have seen a bit of the first game on Game Xplain but didn't watch too much in case it came West on the Switch.

@FragRed Already fully completed the demo. It plays almost exactly like the first game. On one hand, some design evolution from a game that first came out in 2008 would have been welcome. But it's still quite fun.

I don't expect to like it as much as the first game, though, as the characters and plot build-up don't seem quite as carefully crafted. Valkyria Chronicles took its time to introduce and establish its fantasy World War 2 setting and flawed but deeply relatable cast of characters. This one sort of throws you in, like it already expects the player to be acquainted with the world established by the first game. It explains the basics, so you won't be lost, but it's not as gradual an introduction.

It's not a huge deal, though. The core gameplay loop, a well-constructed mix of action, strategy, and RPG elements is what matters most, and this is preserved in the demo for the newest game. It's also quite a looker in handheld mode: one of the previews for the game had talked about how downgraded the game looked, but its performance is roughly on par with the PS4 version. There are some changes to in-game shadows, geometry, and foliage density, but they're minor and impossible to notice without directly consulting comparison shots with the PS4 game.

And, you know, maybe I just need time to adjust to the new cast: I wasn't in love with the VC1 characters after two missions either.

Either way, I'm quite excited for this!

EDIT: If the first game comes over, DEFINITELY pick that up, too. It's a classic.

@Ralizah Thanks for the in depth preview on the demo and it's background, it is greatly appreciated. I think I will try the demo, see how it plays. It is surprising the first game hasn't been announced for the west despite the forth game coming over. Hopefully a Direct will announce it soon.

I am glad to hear that despite the fact the game kinda throws you into the game, it still explains things. Also in a way I am happy that this isn't a direct follow on from the first game in terms of characters and plot. From what I saw of the first game, I understand what you mean about not being in love with the characters right away. I also noticed Alicia seemed a bit OTT in her accuracy in shooting.

@FragRed The scout class in general was kind of OP in the first game. I've heard this one balanced that out a bit more, especially when it comes to S-ranking missions (in the first game, all you had to really do to S-rank a level was complete it really quickly). It also seems like snipers have had their accuracy nerfed across the board. My snipers have missed more often in this demo than they ever did in the first game.

As to continuity... it kind of takes place in the same time frame as the first game, and it chronicles the same conflict, but from a very different vantage point. It's definitely an approach I can get behind.

I'm also surprised Sega hasn't announced a localization of the first game's Switch port. Hopefully they do so soon, as it'd be wonderful to have a fully portable version of that game.

It is safe to assume that. In fact, it is safe to assume that with every game regardless of console.

Just came across my first significant annoyance with the Switch. I have just recently got a Sonos Beam which is their new mini-soundbar thing. I paired it with two Play 1s which I already had to create what is effectively a wireless 5.0 surround sound setup (no sub but there's plenty of bass and the Sonos Sub is REALLY overpriced). Tried out a few movies on it and it's pretty fantastic.

Now here's where the Switch comes in. Under sound settings you have the option for Surround, Stereo or Mono so I swapped this from Stereo to Surround. Nothing from the rear speakers. So I do some internet research for a bit and (re)discovered are few things:
1. HDMI ARC (which most soundbars use) only does Dolby Digital 5.1 (i.e compressed)
2. TVs don't convert PCM to DD 5.1
3. The Switch (as well as the Wii U before it) only does PCM

So because I don't have a "proper" surround setup and am using a soundbar I'm stuck with ARC. Which is perfectly fine for TV and movies and pretty much every device I can connect to my TV. Except for the Switch which doesn't support Dolby Digital output. Basically, because Nintendo's consoles don't playback DVDs Nintendo can avoid this licence fee which means I don't get surround sound.