Not only has another week passed us by, but an entire year has been and gone quicker than a Toad with a Golden Mushroom. We've been celebrating in style with a look back at Nintendo's 2019 - and Nintendo's whole decade - as well as all sorts of Game of the Year and Game of the Decade discussions, but now it's time to get back to our regular game sessions.
Members of the Nintendo Life team have jotted down their weekend gaming plans below, and we'd love for you to get involved too via the poll and comment sections. Enjoy!
Gavin Lane, staff writer
I hit the sales over the holidays and found myself with a half-dozen new games. Incredibly, I managed to play and actually complete Ape Out in a fun couple of hours (hurray!), so only five more to go. I started Dead Cells a few nights ago and it had me hooked, so I’m jonesing to get back to that.
I also revisited Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on DS for our Star Wars game feature before Christmas. What a cracking little game that is! Time permitting, I’m looking forward to putting another hour or two into that on my cherry DSi XL, too.
PJ O’Reilly, reviewer
The first week of a new year. My body and mind are swollen and slow, the result of a two week Xmas diet of port, ham and very smelly cheese. And yet somehow I struggle on, there are games that must be played and no amount of newly gained Xmas beef is going to stop me.
This weekend I’ll be jumping properly into Pokémon Sword for the first time, helping my son fill up that Pokédex and Dynamaxing my brains out. I’ve also given into temptation in the wake of the excellent TV series and picked up The Witcher 3, which is nothing short of a miracle in handheld mode. Here’s to a New Year, a new decade and the hope that my gym membership doesn’t expire before I manage to right
the many, many wrongs I’ve done to myself this holiday season.
Ryan Craddock, staff writer
I've finally got around to starting Luigi's Mansion 3 and thank goodness I did. After a slightly slow start, the game's really coming into its own and I'm loving exploring every last nook and cranny of each of the hotel's floors as I progress.
The game's reminding me of the original Luigi's Mansion on GameCube, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I played a bit of Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon on 3DS but I didn't enjoy as much as the first game - luckily, this one seems to have brought back the general feel that I loved from that first entry. So, to answer the question, I'll be playing more of Luigi's Mansion 3.
Gonçalo Lopes, contributing writer
I cleared a bunch of backlog of shame games during the holidays but none of them were DAEMON X MACHINA or Astral Chain so here we go again! I haven’t mentioned before but today is my 79th consecutive day of Ring Fit Adventure so my arms and shoulders have become lethal weapons and I even have a sort of six-pack situation going on.
But now I will also begin sharpening my brain with Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training on the Switch, a title I played for well over two years back on DS before upgrading to a 3DS. The surprise arrival of Ultracore yesterday and my continued exploration of SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays rounds up this weekend efforts.
My game of the week is the low poly world of Ashen. I waited a bit to read PJ’s review before committing into it and I’m well and truly hooked. Happy New Year, folks!
Austin Voigt, contributing writer
Lately, with all of the holiday vacation time, I have been on a completionist roll. I finished Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Pokémon Shield over the holidays, and I can’t give up on my backlog now! I’m determined to get through Luigi’s Mansion 3 this weekend, as well as a bunch of post-game missions in all of my games. I might also pick up Dragon Quest XI S now that it’s on sale (I’d only ever played the demo).
Feels good to finally complete everything - but it’s also a little bittersweet; I usually end up with these ridiculous backlogs because I hate when games end... but we undoubtedly have many more coming this spring, so I’d better get over it and keep moving.
Ollie Reynolds, reviewer
After a surprisingly very busy Christmas and New Year, I'll be kicking back with one of my favourite pastimes at the moment: playing retro collections. Specifically, I'm very much getting back into the delightful Castlevania Anniversary Collection, which might have something to do with the new Dracula series on TV... Now, how about a GBA/DS collection, Konami?
Otherwise, I've started back on Animal Crossing: New Leaf in an effort to prep myself for the eventual release of New Horizons. I forgot just how darn relaxing and charming that game is, and I can't wait for the next entry!
As always, thanks for reading! Make sure to leave a vote in the poll above and a comment below with your gaming choices over the next few days...
Comments (106)
Finished Rabi-Ribi last night which was pretty fun. I think I’m getting towards the end of Steins;Gate 0 so I’m going to mainly focus on that until I finish it rather than starting anything new on the side. Maybe squeeze in a bit of Groove Coaster and Risk of Rain 2.
Since i have PS3 Slim last Sunday, i played Final Fantasy XIII PS3 & Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time PS3 this morning.

Finally i can play PS3 games after failed attempt on year 2014. 😄
Gotta keep focus on my Calendar projects that still unfinished.
I have been playing the DS version of Chrono Trigger on my 3ds. All of these years later and it is still an amazing game.
This week I will be mostly playing
Pokémon Platinum/Diamond
Pokémon HeartGold (easier way to catch Munchlax than this Honey Tree nonsense)
Tetris Attack
Just finished Demon's Crest and Into the Breach for the first time. This weekend I'll be looking to finishing DOOM 3 Resurrection of Evil.
I’m going for a run, in the real world. After that, I really want to get through Astral Chain before taking on Link’s Awakening or DQ XI S or Into the Breach. Might squeeze in a couple of Baba is You levels, though.
On the Switch front, mostly Pokemon Sword and Spyro meanwhile more Halo (MCC and 5) on the XB1 front.
1. Shovel Knight Treasure Trove on the Switch!
2. Disciples Sacred Lands on PC!
Battlefield 1!! £4.49 on origin 😱🤯
A bit of Ring Fit Adventure as I really need to get back into it, for sure. I'm currently playing through Fire Emblem: Three Houses again to try and see as many support conversations as I possibly can and beat the only path I haven't seen yet. I'm also likely to play some more co-op Luigi's Mansion 3 and finish mopping up a few gems and boos. I'm tempted to pick something up in the eShop sale (Octopath Traveler, Dragon Quest XI?) but I'm loathe not to buy the physical copy if it's available.
I picked up Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night over Christmas, but am struggling to get on with it. The lack of a roll move drives me nuts, presumably because I am also still playing Dead Cells. And that is what I will be playing this weekend. Am finding Very Hard mode impossible, but am still having a blast with it. 😊 And... Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that you all have a great one!
For me it's going to be super contra and earthbound on the snes mini. Maybe a bit of smash. And botw cos I really need do get started on that game. 🤔👍
Atelier Ryza!!!!! Epic RPG!!!
OCTOPATH TRAVELER played this game for a week now, so addictive.
And second smashbros.
Since being given it for my birthday back in November I can't stop playing Days Gone.Ace game
I really need to get back to Dragon Quest Builders 2 which I'm about 90 hours into.
As for Switch, Luigi Mansion 3 and Asphalt 9 will be grabbing my attention this weekend.
New super luckys tale with my son. He’s loving it so far.
Some Resident Evil 6 Coop Action with a friend.
And on Sunday all the bargains: Ori, Giana Sisters, Unravel 2, etc.
Street Fighter Collection (if my pad turns up!) and Luigi's Mansion methinks...that one level that reminds me of Wind Waker.
Just finished Pokémon Sword story. Might do some more.
Also play some brain food games. Picross, Baba and Puyo.
And just started Kawashima Brain Training.
Overwatch this weekend
I traded in Pokémon Sword this morning and picked up Dragon Quest XI S on sale for next to nothing with the store credit so I’ll be playing that.
I enjoyed the DQ demo more than I enjoyed the entirety of the new Pokémon so it was kind of a no-brainer.
Continuing Astral Chain, what an amazing game, and probably playing some more Overwatch, because i just can't stop playing it
Probably some Luigi's Mansion 3, some Dead Cells and a few rounds of Steredenn: Binary Stars.
Star Wars Jedi all the way! Havng too much fun with the game and its photomode
I was playing Pokemon Sword and although I really liked collecting Pokemon I wasn't really motivated to push through the story and gym battles.
So instead I'm now about 10 hours into Shin Megami Tensei IV and I'm having MUCH more fun.
I'd heard a lot about how tough the first boss was so I probably over prepared for it. I'm managing to hold my own so far.
Might finish off Yooka-laylee and the impossible lair. However I started Children of Morta last night and loving it... Instantly hooked. So probably playing that.
Mario + Rabbids finally decided to get the game after 2 years
Witcher 3. I think I'm going to be in for a long ride with this one.
DQXIS hopefully I am a session away from grinding my team up enough to beat the final big bad. Fresh and ready to start a new run on Three houses on my days off of Monday and Tuesday
@shinesprites cheers! The Honey Tree concept is okay (I think marginally better than G2 head butting), but the ridiculous hoops to jump through for a Munchlax is utterly insane. Thank goodness I’m not bothered about it being Shiny...
NFL Wildcard Weekend!!!!
I stated my morning off with Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, I was feeling the need for an old school fighting game, and this most definitely fit the bill. Having said that, I'm now currently back into playing Sonic Mania, which IMO is a fantastic game, that I really enjoy playing.
Super Metroid and Yoshi's Island on the SNES app are in heavy rotation with Super Mario Odyssey. Doing Gameboy mods these days, so testing countless of the old classics there as well.
Fire Emblem and Pokemon, oh and Brain Training too (My brain age result wasn't great)
Dragon Quest XI and Pokemon Omega Ruby for me this weekend. Possibly a bit of Golf Story too. Had my eye on that forever and with my gold coins I could get it for nothing during the sale. Played a few rounds so far which has been great fun, but yet to start the story mode.
DQ XI S is consuming my time.
Mario + Rabbids Donkey Kong Dlc for me. Also enjoying Wipeout Omega Collection on ps4, which is a great example of a remaster(s) done right.
Gonna grab Atelier Ryza after my birthday lunch today. Really excited to put a bunch of time into another RPG after Dragon Quest XI. We also have Tokyo Mirage Sessions in just two weeks!
@Tourer145 good luck! That's a tough fight!
Astral Chain and Smash Bros
I’ll be playing mostly Pokémon Shield on Switch- it’s actually pretty good! Only have one badge so far though. Otherwise I’ve been playing the campaign in Star Wars Battlefront 2 on Xbox- so fun! I just completed the main story and gonna jump into the resurrection chapters.
Just about got a VGC team together for Pokemon Sword - just in time for Season 2.
Downloading The Witcher 3 - let’s see what all the fuss is about.
Oh, and got a bit further in Bravely Default. Over 17 hours in and apparently that was the prologue. 😳
Current rotation.
Witcher3
Alien Infestation
Grid Autosport
Gem hunting in LM3
Rocket League
Some ranked battles in Shield, continue my play through of Stick of Truth which I am actually really enjoying and most importantly - delving into The Witcher for the first time.
After finishing “The Touryst,” I needed a break from platforming and went for “Demon’s Tilt.” I am so glad I did. It absolutely has that “just one more time” hook to it, and I am slowly improving and getting higher scores each time. Just a gem. Next will be the Dragon Quest XI demo, as another change of pace.
I got Luigi's Mansion 3 for Christmas, and I'm currently on the 6th floor. Thankfully, it's more like the original game. I personally couldn't stand Dark Moon (I did finish it but it's one of my most disappointing games of all time), and I was craving a proper sequel to the first game. The focus on exploration this time is so satisfying.
I also got a Sega Genesis Mini for Christmas, so I'm really looking forward to playing some Road Rash 2 soon. And I got my wife a Switch and Ring Fit Adventure for Christmas. She's loving them, and I'm really interested in giving Ring Fit a shot too at some point.
I’m in the mood for a good but not bullet hell too down shooter.
I’ve played the 1945 games to death.
Any recommendations?
O/w get above 68% on the touryst and I really should try and get into the Witcher ....
Destiny 2 on Xbox One X.
@gaga64
I recently came across a game breaking bug while replaying SoulSilver. A key item didn’t appear in my bag - the Silver Wing from Goldenrod Tower. You might wanna check your Item Bag for the HeartGold equivalent before saving too just in case.
I will be starting up Dark Souls Remastered and continue to play Link's Awakening.
Ai:the Somnium Files for me this weekend
Getting back into STARLINK and TERTIS EFFECT has been dominating my TV time. Need to finish FALLEN ORDER......
October, November, December and January have been dominated by the Witcher for me. Exploring every square inch of that marvellous game
I've been fully engulfed in the witcher 3. Haven't played anything else since I started it. If i get some free time, i might chip away at sword a little more.
@KIRO Gunbird, Aerofighters, and Samurai Aces are my top recommendations for top down on Switch. The SNK collection also has Bermuda Triangle which I think is awesome fun.
Gears of War series, Atari Anniversary, and NES games is what this weekend will consist of for me.
Back to school in a few days, so I'll be revisiting some games I haven't played in a while (probably Octopath, Yoshi's Crafted World, and Captain Toad) while getting some more time in with the games I ended up with for Christmas (namely Pokemon Sword, Link's Awakening, Monster Boy, and Ori, though Castle Crashers, Mario Tennis Aces, and Okami HD aren't out of the question either). I'll also be playing some stuff on 3DS.
Already played some Asphalt 9. May play some Crash Team Racing or Mario and Sonic at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but those aren't set in stone yet as I have a feeling I'm going to be a bit busy today.
Timesplitters Future Perfect
Divekick
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Started mutant year zero, and its a really good game. I'm totally down with the sacrifices it takes to get a game on switch. Been playing a lot of games I wouldnt be playing otherwise.
Children of Morta, Diablo 3 seasons, and the usual run based stuff.
I'll be breaking in this lovely new machine:

(Most of these games were picked up over time and, for the most part, were obtained as gifts, discounts, or sales)
I've kicked things off with some SteamWorld Dig 2 and may delve into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as well this weekend. If I can tear myself away from the Switch, I'll also fit in a little more A Link to the Past on my SNES Classic.
On the 3DS front, I recently finished Monster Hunter Stories and may (depending on the above) start playing the powerhouse that is Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. I promised myself that it would be my "long" JRPG for this winter season.
So many games, so little time. Have a great weekend! Welcome to 2020!
Ni no Kuni. Just love that game. I picked up Mario Rabbids in the sale and I’ve been having a blast!
Also a bit of Monster Hunter 4 on my 3ds. I’ve almost finished it and I want to see the credits roll.
Finishing up the last 4 chapters of Octopath Traveler for the rest of my party, after some 18 months of grinding through it, putting it down and picking it up. Otherwise, some Super Smash, Witcher 3, Dragon Quest if time allows, & definitely some Cuphead now that I've picked it up!
@Anti-Matter nice looking ps3, and good games as well 👍
I’m playing resident evil zero on switch. Love it!
@guamyankee heck yeah let’s go Pats!
Astral Chain is still taking up a good portion of my time still and so is Daemon X Machina’s online multiplayer. I like getting together to take down big bosses. I also do some Earthfall.
Finishing Ori and the Blind Forest. Also just picked up Luigi's Mansion 3, Astral Chain, Witcher 3 and Link's Awakening.
I'm almost done with Dragon Quest 11 S, so that should be finished by the end of the weekend. I also need to get back on Witcher 3 (30 hours in) and I have a long way to go still.
I'll be playing Luigi's Mansion 3! Really enjoying the game. Looks great on the Switch's screen
The Legend of Zelda: BotW and Golf Story. I won't myself play more than 2 games at a time. I've been making the very same mistake for a long time and left many games unfinished. Not this time...
... in March though... it may change with a small exception///
Neck deep in BotW for the third time. Gonna be 600 hours before I know it.
send help...
@Illusion many thanks! I will go and check these out. I came to say hi and thanks then spotted this:
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/esp_ra_de_psi
Finally downloaded Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator recently and so far it's been amusing so I have little issue outside of the fact I wish it had more customization options, ha.
@Anti-Matter have you played this?
I'm playing my hacked megadrive mini, Its good but I wish it came with Desert Strike, all good though.
I want to get my fire badge in Shield after work today. I only play in brief spurts and spent several hours fishing to get a decent water team.
I also plan to play The Sims 2 or 4. TS3 takes too long to load and was uninstalled when I was forced to reset my laptop (so many downloads lost 😢). I also need to reinstall The Sims: Complete Collection and make it able to run on Windows 10 again.
The Ninja Saviors. Once the flow of the violence clicks, it’s a joy to play. Also the wonderful Demon’s Tilt, on Xbox not Switch because Game Pass, and similarly Untitled Goose Game on there which I’ve just finished but am not that impressed with.
A bit of Ring Fit Adventure and some Shovel Knight King of Cards.
The Rocket League
The Trials Rising (5 new tracks added)
Maybe some of The Splatoon 2
And I'll be jealous of @Anti-Matter 's Ratchet & Clank.
@Glitchling78 dang. Wish DQ was on sale here. Ran to the site to see how much I could get for trades, but then sadness.
@Woomy_NNYes
I have reached Odin Cave, met with General Azimuth and still have to get rid the Crocodiles army. I really depend on Mr Zurkon, a robot i summoned from my weapon list to help me in shooting the enemies since i was a terrible shooter with accuracy shooting about 50%. 😅
I oftenly used Mr Zurkon until already upgraded into Max level combined with Constructo Pistol and Constructo Bomb.
@Mgene15 @Kaori-chan
Thank you. 😀
@Lalivero
Dad Simulator ?
Not yet.
Just finished King of cards last week and picked up Yooka-Laylee and the impossible lair a couple days ago on sale so I'll be playing that for a bit. The wife got overcooked 2 for Christmas so there will probably be some kitchen chaos co-op play with us as well.
@Anti-Matter Ouch FF13... hard times.
Tetris 99, & I was blessed with the surprise of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Happy New Year 2020, & New Decade 2020!
Gears 5(Finishing the campaign)
Dragon Quest 8(Playing it on the 3DS XL because the game is amazing)
Luigi Mansion 3(I might be playing this game until I get everything)
@Lalivero
After you’ve finished Dream Daddy maybe watch this play through with Nich and Steph it’s absolutely brilliant - https://youtu.be/9VB6v_wJpQw
Wargroove online matches, and hopefully some Ni No Kuni.
Since the GameStop at the Mall nearest me is closing, I had to get Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove at 40% Off! It was the last copy in stock!
I bought Collection of Mana in the eshop for 50% off so I’ve been playing that. Also more Shovel Knight. Mario Maker 2 as well. When you get a decent connection, multiplayer is a blast.
@Tyranexx That’s awesome. Those are some real time sinks you have got there. Your year (or 2) looks pretty much covered 😄.
@NintendoByNature I don’t typically like dialogue heavy RPGs, but the Witcher 3 has some really fantastic writing and awesome characters. Like you’re playing through a really good miniseries. That part of the game is so good, you start forgetting about the other shortcomings.
Diablo 3 and Baba Is You
@NotTelevision Thanks! I know I'm definitely set for awhile lol. I went a tad over my intended starting game quantity, but I gave in to a couple of sales and received two of the timesinks (Skyrim and Xenoblade Chronicles 2) for Christmas.
I also went a little crazy with 3DS purchases earlier last year since the system was on its way out and luckily secured most of the games I still wanted before they skyrocketed in price. I'm definitely changing up how I purchase games for a little while so that I chew through some of my backlog. All in all, it's a good problem to have.
Fire Emblem Three Houses
Splatoon 2
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. This game is so good. I’d be happy if a new Star Wars game came to Switch.
@NotTelevision surprisingly i love the dialogue too. It's actually really funny and Geralt is hilarious. The "lumberkinn" scene was a little too real tho 😜
@NintendoByNature Haha. That’s a dark turn that storyline takes. Kind of feel strangely sympathetic to that pitiful man by the end though.
Picking up Let's GO Eevee, and Lego DC Super Villains today so ill be hanging out around Gotham with the wife. We normally don't do too well with co-op in Lego games, but gonna give this one a whirl. Our last attempt was with Lego Star Wars: The Original Trilogy back on GameCube.
Lucky's Tale, a really good (and not too hard) 3d adventure game.
Rocket League, always fun for a few matches.
Like others here, I got Mario + Rabbids with the great sale. I can definitely understand why the game is 9, and I really like parts of it, but it just doesn't grab me to where I want to keep playing it. I can't quite figure out why, but maybe I will revisit it later.
1. Disco Elysium
2. Random game on XCloud preview (just to help test)
3. Bordelands 3
Waiting for my next Switch game from GameFly. So it is sitting the next few days out.
Switch - I have finally gotten around to Luigi's Mansion 3. I am on the 8th floor and really liking what I have played.
3ds - getting closer to finishing dq 9. Had to change vocations a grind a little since I am stuck on one of the late game bosses
Hilariously enough, could have been Pokemon Sword at long last if I had bothered to check my balance and find the earnings I didn't expect until Monday - looks like the almost nationwide day-off juggle extended to our university's partner bank, too. But the weekend wasn't too shabby anyway - Bloodstained, Isaac, BotW (still stuck on the beginning trials but almost made it this time) and I even finished Bleed earlier today. Not to mention that these holidays have seen me through the endings of Bad Dream Fever (some find it inferior to Coma, but my impression was ultimately the opposite - and Ella was probably among the most memorable video game characters I encountered in 2019, which is saying something) and Dual Destinies. The latter isn't quite complete since I finally got and started the DLC case as well (seriously, though, 3DS in-app purchases became a hassle since you can only add funds via website or tied Switch eShop now, and in-app DLC won't give you a "required amount only" option) but already over in terms of the main plot - and, safe to conclude, another top fave of mine in the series, joining T&T and Investigations 2. What a damn ride.
Hilariously, I've been playing a lot of Final Fantasy VIII. Bought it out of nostalgia but good lord, the gameplay is so delightfully broken. You can get so overpowered in this game so early, it's super addictive.
Bit late, but I've been playing snes Zelda and Enter the Gungeon.
Not going to hide it, we finally added a PS4 Pro to the mix ($300 new was too hard to pass up). Picked up some super cheap exclusives: Spidey and Horizon Zero Dawn. ($10 each on sale) Also, SW Jedi: Fallen Order. ($45 on sale)
Forgotten how quickly these games sink in value. Just being a year or so late gets you in at 1/5 the price. Being a few weeks late gets you 25% off.
Anyway, they are all great, great games, actually, with Jedi: Fallen Order giving me Metroid+Zelda vibes in a Star Wars setting being my personal highlight — even though it stands on its own and I still want more Metroid and Zelda! (Yes, PS5 is coming this year, now, but I already got full value out of the PS4 — $365 for 3 exclusive games I'm completely satisfied with so far)
With all of those, though, Zelda Link's Awakening completely won me over (as a gift, I did not compare prices). I love that aesthetic and the fun old school top-down Zelda gameplay. Totally holds up against the AAA behemoth exclusives on the PS4 in its own charming way.
That and Astro Duel Deluxe on Switch was on ridiculous sale, so I finally picked it up and it is, indeed, a great little local-play party game. Really great. Also, Enter the Gungeon on Switch a bit with my son and we enjoy that quite a bit.
(Anyone else have trouble going back and forth with the select/confirm and cancel/back buttons swapped between Nintendo and Sony, though? It has been a long time since I did PlayStation...)
My kids have been playing Spider-Man and Horizon Zero Dawn (and I watched a ton of both — very entertaining to just watch Spider-Man, especially!) and playing Jedi: Fallen Order and Zelda: Links Awakening**and had planned to play *Astro Duel**on the weekend. (and *Dungeons and Dragons tabletop for the first time as a family!)
@CosmoXY Playing Jedi: Fallen Order right now, too. It's fun as a Nintendo fan to see the influence of Nintendo games (Metroid Prime and Zelda specifically) on these AAA games. It has been a challenging game and it took me some to learn not to try and defeat enemies that are above my in-game skills when I don't have to. The hit your killer once and get away to retain your experience works well enough, along with the respawning enemies when you rest — but it is often an awkward choice, and I find it hard to walk away from a challenge.
Man did I feel like I was playing a Zelda temple the first ancient temple with the spheres. I even did the classic missing that, along with other changes from a trigger, a door opened and then ran around all over the whole temple looking for another solution.
Tap here to load 106 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...