Topic: The Nintendo Switch Thread

But that's just three categories, Switch exclusive, multiplatform and RTS

We all know that Sony's endgame with PC is the same as Microsoft's, day 1 console + PC. Their strategy is all about gradually getting the PS userbase more used to smaller gaps over time so like HZD had a 3 year gap, Miles Morales will be a 2 year gap, Legacy of Thieves Collection will be close to 1 year, TLoU Part 1 will probably be a few months and then TLoU Factions 2 will be day 1 PS + PC.

I'd guess that GoW Ragnarok will be the last 1st party PS title that doesn't launch day 1 on PC. Of course there is a lot of catchup to do but that was the case with Xbox too, you had MCC come to PC 5-6 years after the Xbox release meanwhile games like Gears 5 were day 1 on XB1 and PC for example.

Switch release schedule for the rest of the year is still gonna take all my money. I’m shocked that the game awards has such a draw among actual gamers. I just want info on new games, who cares about some arbitrary popularity contest that isn’t balanced from the start. Perhaps I am old. I haven’t cared about that stuff since I stopped watching the kids choice awards in my teens.

Anyone getting kirby’s dream buffet day 1?

@DarthNocturnal
I actually agree. Galaxy never grabbed me the way it did for so many others. Not saying it isn't a great game- I can't really share an opinion on it because I haven't played much. It's super unique and I love that, but for me, navigating the spherical planets and stuff just didn't feel as good as the standard approach, with say Odyssey or 3D World. It's why I never beat Galaxy, despite beating 3D World and Odyssey.

But that's just my initial feelings based on what I've played. Enough ppl agree on it being one of the best games of all time though, that I feel that has to have some merit. Perhaps if I played more I'd be convinced. One day I intend to get back to it.

@Ryu_Niiyama
I think I'm skipping Dream Buffet. It seems largely multiplayer focused, so unless reviews reveal it can be enjoyed solo, I'll probably be skipping that one. It does look fun for local MP though.

@Ryu_Niiyama It's the announcements that give the show attention. For example with the Game Awards having major BotW info in 2014, 2016 and 2017 a lot of Nintendo fans will watch this year expecting BotW 2 news.

Don't think it will happen though, Nintendo announcements at the Game Awards appears to have mainly been a result of the connection between Reggie and Geoff. After Reggie left Nintendo, the presence of Nintendo announcements at Geoff's events were only 3rd party Switch console exclusives (e.g. Bravely Default II, MH Rise) and Sephiroth being announced for Smash.

Microsoft and Sony always have something 1st party present (e.g. last year had Hellblade 2 and Horizon Forbidden West trailers respectively) and most of the 3rd party games skew towards PC/PS/Xbox so that gets those crowds to appear.

As for Kirby probably skipping given the online focus, I get the feeling it would be hard to find matches once Splatoon 3 comes out.

One thing I do find annoying about the Switch (or just about any console platform, I guess) is the lack of any interaction option with my friends. Like, I'm glad people have added me as friends on Switch, but outside of Animal Crossing: New Horizons (which I've never touched for a year now and probably never will) and Pokémon games (which I haven't really bothered with for just as long, probably not gonna even buy Scarlet and Violet either), there's not much I could do with my friends. Specifically, there's no chat option like there is on Steam with your friends. And unlike Steam, you'll have to rely on a third-party platform like a Nintendo forum to have any form of interaction with your friends.

So yeah, a pretty redundant feature unless you play multiplayer games on the Switch (which I don't since I generally dislike multiplayers). The only thing I get to do when I see my friends come online is nod and acknowledge.

@Maxenmus
That's long been an issue for most ppl. I've been saying for years they should add friend messaging via the online app. It's so much easier to type messages on a phone, and you could use it while playing. It would also complement the integrated voice chat the app offers for some games. That would be an actual good use of the phone app.

But it is what it is. Splatoon 3 and Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak are the only games I play online and both feature player invites. I can chat in Discord or here if needed. Not that I still wouldn't like messaging in the app though.

While performance issues are still annoying, I am really quite enjoying my time with Cult of the Lamb. Certainly more than I expected to. Never much cared for the sort of village sim style game, but that aspect is surface deep. The kinds of things you are expected to do will not show up in say an Animal Crossing, so it keeps things more interesting to me.

The other thing it does really well, in some ways it regards me of Loop Hero in a lot of ways, in that initially you are overwhelmed by systems but they all feed into one another in a really tidy way. Unlike some roguelikes/lites/whatever that intentionally keep you stuck on the treadmill, but Loop Hero and COTL have short and long term progression paths, with a clear and reachable end goal so nothing feels a waste of time.

I know it is somewhat old fashioned now, but I will always prefer a character where every unlock is permanent and I have built them over time rather than the "Tik Tok of RPGs" that is a roguelike/lite/whatever

@DarthNocturnal

Literally a AAA RPG featuring several major Mario characters.

This is probably going to be one of the best games of the year, but it feels like a lot of people are sleeping on it.

@JaxonH The player invitation system in MHR sucks, unfortunately. What was that code you use as a password again?

@Ralizah
How so? You just go to the courier, and select friend list and send an invite. Done and done. I've never had any issues with it.

The code I use is 5477, btw.

@DarthNocturnal
I was just gonna say, Mario Rabbids is the closest thing we'll ever get to a Super Mario RPG sequel, but Ralizah beat me to it. It may be a strategy game, and without much RPG elements besides getting better equipment Monster Hunter style, but it's very good, and fills that void of AAA Mario RPG spinoff as well as we could feasibly hope.

Though I do hope Mario & Luigi returns under another developer.

Well, I mean, the general impression I've heard from other people is that it seems like just...more Mario + Rabbids. Not really much of a new hook to grab people thus far. I wouldn't know either way though since I bought the first one ages ago but have never gotten around to it.

I mean, even in terms of favorites, its difficult for me to be excited for a game that's just...more of a game I like, for example. There's rare exceptions but its almost always more exciting if there's something exciting and new on top of things for a sequel, almost regardless of how much I will or think I will actually enjoy it. (this is exactly my feeling of Splatoon 3 btw)

Also it feels like Ubisoft has quietly collapsed into somewhat irrelevancy and its not been marketed as well. Whereas Mario + Rabbids was this bizarre rumor that then had an all time great E3 reveal that then came out in the middle of Nintendo's unstoppable Switch year 1, on top of the novelty of it.

I think a Mario RPG is quite ambitious though for what it tries to do to shake up the Mario formula. Changing things up with long-lasting franchises has my support most of the times as long as they don't do anything that feels like a cheap cash-grab. I've never really been into Mario games, but a Mario RPG might be something I might try someday.

@kkslider5552000
It's true- it is just more Mario Rabbids, but no more than Bayonetta 3 is more Bayonetta, Zelda BotW 2 is more Zelda, or Splatoon 3 is more Splatoon. It's a full fledged sequel with new maps, new combat tactics, new changes and tweaks... it's no different than any other sequel, really.

Well I think Bayonetta showcased itself well enough with a focus on big kaiju battles to stand out from previous games, and BOTW already has a focus on being in the sky, making it even more novel in the entire open world action adventure area of gaming. There's a thing they showed that is there to tell you "oh this is why its something new", whereas Mario + Rabbids big "hey look a new thing" has merely been characters and Splatoon 3 has been um...the backgrounds tbh. There might be technically new things but if you just watch random trailers there's not much that screams "hey here's something that changes things, get excited".

Actually bringing up Bayonetta is perfect, because I am in fact more excited for Bayonetta 3, but am still probably going to like Splatoon 3 more.

Most of the Mario RPGs are pretty great so I'd highly recommend them.

@kkslider5552000
I think that's selling these games short.

Splatoon 3 for example has a ton of changes. Be it new maps, different returning maps from Splatoon 1, new fashion, new skills, new weapons, new specials, new subs, new moves like squid jump and the wall dash thing, new flair like tags and banners, new lobby system and a complete overhaul of online, Salmon Run open 24/7 with new maps, new mechanics (egg throwing, egg cannon), new Boss Salmonid mechanic, new Turf War rules with three teams and three way Turf War, new single player mode with new buddy, lockers with customization options and seasonal catalog to order from, custom win/loss animations, new modes like Anarchy... the game is well deserving as a sequel, especially to a game that released half a decade ago.

Mario Rabbids is the same way. New characters, new strategy mechanics, free camera, new world, new story, new maps, new enemies, new weapons... and we don't even have all the details yet. Like, what more could someone possibly want from a sequel, which again, is to a game from half a decade ago?

If you're looking for radical departures that scream things, that sounds like wanting a different franchise entirely or a spinoff. Sequels are by default intended to follow the blueprint of the series thus far. Some changes are small, some large, many in between. First glance impressions are skin deep- anyone forming a genuine analysis of a game isn't just judging it off radical departures that stick out like a sore thumb. Seemingly minor changes can have drastic impact on the gameplay experience.

DKC Tropical Freeze is a perfect example of how a sequel can make virtually no radical changes and yet still be one of the most hype, incredible must have games on a platform. Aside from short, quick 3D barrel segments, you could essentially say nothing different changes. The blowing mechanic became the pull mechanic. OK. But aside from that, it was different stages and different enemies (oh, they added Dixie and Cranky too, lest I forget). Doesn't sound like much on paper. And yet, the game is its own experience and the single greatest 2D platformer of all time. Which I think is a sterling example of why judging sequels based on how much of a radical departure they make is ill advised. Look at God of War Ragnarok and all the hype behind that. It's literally a copy-paste of the first game but set in a different area with different story and enemies. Nothing about it screams anything except "more of the same". And yet, that's enough for most ppl who enjoyed the first.

@JaxonH And then you still go through the normal process of actually joining a friend lobby anyway. It's mostly pointless.

@DarthNocturnal @kkslider5552000 The big difference, aside from the changes to movement during battles, is that in the original game, you were going through scripted battles on fairly linear maps. The new one seems to feature a heavier emphasis on exploration and battles with enemies that you need to initiate on the map, like in a Mario RPG.

There also appear to be sidequests now.

Literally just as much an RPG as the older Paper Mario games. And, IMO, looks like far more of an evolution over its predecessor than Bayonetta 3.

@Ralizah
Sure. But that's super easy and only takes a sec. As long as it notifies you someone is hunting and wants you to join them, and gives you a quick way to do so, seems sufficient to me. I suppose they could add an option that takes you directly into the lobby- I'd be down for that. But not having that feels rather trivial to me given how fast joining is.

Ok to be fair, I only half paid attention to the more recent news on Mario + Rabbids. Especially since its been weirdly absent from Nintendo's own events.

But my point is more on marketing sequels to look exciting and to have an immediate hook. The most consistent thing I've heard about Mario + Rabbids was based on the new characters in it, not anything else. I think of Splatoon 3 as another Splatoon, and I'm far from alone with that. I mean the first thing they showed was the interesting and jarring change in location, which excited people. Bayonetta 3 instantly in my mind is the kaiju one and BOTW2 is instantly the sky one, and they stick out for that. Obviously you don't have to sell your game on that or even make your sequel like that, but I feel like it would help. This is why I was originally against Nintendo abandoning their big E3 shows for Directs, because when the Wii U was already struggling, it felt so weird to present it as...not an exciting event with people cheering for how cool your video game looked. Controversial opinion: They should do the best job possible selling people on games I like instead of a worse job to the point that even I am fairly clueless about any details about this Mario game and I just hear about Rosalina rabbid forever.

A more general point about 3rd party releases but I think Partner Showcase vs. general Direct is a factor that will have affected the vast majority of the Partner Showcase announcements.

Capcom heavily promoted Sunbreak (it even started a showcase heavily focused on Resident Evil) so it got loads of attention anyway, Portal was a shadow drop so you could see it on the eshop and P3P/P4G/P5R were in the Xbox Showcase so a lot of people already knew that Persona was finally free from PS exclusivity.

Everything else in the Partner Showcase probably suffered from the Partner Showcase being a Partner Showcase and not a general Direct. Many more people watch general Directs because of 2 factors:
1. Big 1st party reveals like more Zelda
2. Livestream (the social side of being able to watch a Nintendo event with a community, the only Partner Showcase which got livestreamed was September 2020)

Partner Showcase still has the stigma of "not a real Direct" that formed when the infamous Partner Showcase that re-revealed SMTV happened.

I love Nintendo games