ACK

Huh, I know several people in love with this game. One says Jydge is possibly his favorite eShop game and he plays nearly every one. They all basically say it's a rewarding, tactically minded twin-stick shooter with cool customization to lend addictive properties.

Haven't played it myself, though. Hope to soon!

Anyone remember Monster Truck Madness for N64? There was a power up that made your truck fly, spent way too much time trying to cheese the game and clip through objects with that one. But the best mode was royal rumble or whatever it was called... It was basically Monkey Fight from SMB where you had to ram your buddies off a platform and stay up there the longest. Cool game.

This game deserved more love when it released last year, so it's wonderful to see it find some success with this late port. Brilliant concept, incredible soundtrack, and solid survival gameplay that manages to stay compelling even with the repetition endemic to the genre.

In fact, I think it's much more suited to portable play, as it plays best in bursts rather than long sessions. There are lots of easy stopping points, such as embarking to or from an island. And there is an immediate draw to explore what lies ahead when you pick it back up.

Additionally, I see it as the kind of game you pick up a few times a week over a long period, accumulating resources and attempting further runs. Simply plowing through the story diminishes the underlying value to me. Rather this game will be most appreciated by those looking to come back and make another try down the river, whether success or failure.

I'm all in. Confident it will be good, but could be great, though I'm more of an arena guy. Hopefully this finds the right middle ground. Can't wait to see it come together!

@rjejr Well It's all subjective. I meant low price relative to retail competition, whether or not it is profitable to launch on Switch physical for $20.

Also I simply meant a notable indie release, but who knows? Have you played Poi? For example, Ori does nothing for me, but I really don't like Axiom Verge either, so that doesn't stand out to me... I'm particular about Metroidvanias, I guess.

Your only comparison that made sense was Jett Rocket, a 40mb-ish, nearly 8 year-old Wiiware release. What about the 3D platformers at Wii retail? Like I said, in the case of Poi (and others) it's a digital-retail bargain the publishers make... No doubt they could/would be cheaper if they chose digital only. Wiiware releases have little relevance here.

@rjejr Those comparisons are silly, conflating entirely different situations.

Most of these $30 indies are simply retail releases and that is apparently an accepted price point for physical releases to be both profitable and competitive. It's an early market, so success or failure will bare out the ideal range and overall viability.

Why aren't some digital versions cheaper? Not sure what the policies are fully, but likely these publishers want to increase the incentive for consumers to buy a physical copy rather than undercut with digital when they have invested in production and distribution. Wading into retail means inherent risks and it's incumbent upon these companies to mitigate that rather than compound it.

Anyway, this all comes down to opportunity. The relatively barren Switch retail market has emboldened these smaller publishers and indie developers to take a chance. It's not a bad idea, filling the holes with fairly low-priced indie standouts where the middle-tier market used to be.

And considering how many gamers I know who on all consoles absolutely refuse to download games instead relying entirely on physical copies... I think this is a good trend that could be beneficial for both sides. The only downside are subjectively inflated prices that are prone to come down anyway.

Like others noted, it's just a shame Poi couldn't get out even just a few weeks sooner. That said, I don't think It's too big of a problem as all those Mario Odyssey players will likely want more 3D platforming eventually... And Poi will be uniquely positioned to capitalize as one of the first available, even if initial sales suffer due to competition from the juggernaut.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE We'll see how it plays, could be a key aspect of the authentic feel. If the game feels bad and looks bad then it's just a silly gimmick.

It looks questionable, in the sense that I question how much I hate and/or love the look...

But I'll probably bite, I mean I'm still in love with the 90s and of course enjoy nonsensical violence, both of which lie pretty at the core of the beat 'em up genre. And this game appears to only double down those aspects, so... Hope it plays well!

I'm in, more of this please.

Looks great to me, not an endless runner guy, but this looks more a shmup mixed with a side scrolling hack and slash/beat 'em up. Love the aesthetic.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE I highly recommend it, but It's hard to say who will love it and who will find it too frustrating to bother. It's hard, but fair and true to the old Arcade days where learning from mistakes would save future quarters. The controls feel perfect and the level design is right on, offering trials that don't overstay and rewarding secrets/optional routes.

One thing to know going in, you are going to die. Probably on the first stage. Maybe twice... no, maybe ten times. Then again on stage 2, etc... That is the way of Volgarr, but the game makes you relish in it and even replaying stages doesn't seem to get old.

@SuperCharlie78 It comes down to whether or not you value these indie gems being burned on a cart rather than potentially lost to digital obscurity. I do, but luckily there are no shortage of cheaper, digital-only options. Check out Volgarr, if the price is a sticking point.

However, it is unfortunate that the digital versions aren't discounted compared to physical, but a publisher like Nicalis is attempting to carve out a retail niche, which means they need those physical copies to move and orders to be placed.

I like Tiny Barbarian a lot and the co-op is great, but Volgarr does it a little better for me. I think the power up structure lends a sense of momentum, comeback feel, and risk/reward to finding secrets that Tiny Barbarian generally lacks.

Makes Volgarr a joy to start over and work your way up, while TB is more of a plow through... I guess, Volgarr's levels and loop seem more novel, while TB becomes sort of rote. That said, the co-op adds a lot and TB has the benefit of recalling a menagerie of classics, while Volgarr mostly just apes one.

Most importantly, it's just a real joy to get two genuine throwbacks so close together. They both deserve a ton of credit for nailing the gameplay so expertly.

@OorWullie There's also Wonderboy, Volgarr, and Tiny Barbarian DX. All excellent options.

Really happy to see solid games like this are finding an audience on Switch.

I understand why they are drowned out on other platforms, but NueroVoider has the gameplay to stand with the best of the genre. No doubt, one of the best co-op games in the Switch eShop.

Guys, it's really good. Co-op is ace.

That said, typical Nicalis buggy launch nonsense... Still love 'em though!

@PanurgeJr With you 100%. PAN-PAN is a gem, all at once charming and relaxing and perplexing. For only $5, it's one of the easiest recommendations for a rainy day game to practically anyone.

Sometimes it does seem the same few games are touted to excess and it becomes tiresome. There are plenty of other great games more fitting other tastes beyond the typical popular choices. Those games also deserve some attention, too, and honestly something like PAN-PAN may be a better choice over, say, Stardew Valley while being cheaper and less time consuming.

Bit of a tangent, but I feel sort of the same way about Volgarr right now, even though I know that game is niche by design. However, it fulfills that niche perfectly as a true arcade throwback with fantastic level design and compelling difficulty. Of course it gets no love with the gauntlet of games released alongside it, but for a select few I am sure it will be the most memorable.

@Fitkong Wii Music was a brilliant piece of software to learn the basics of composition, performance, and improvisation. Not a great "game," but actually something more. Kind of like how Pikmin, yet as a traditional "game," reinforces the laws of nature and concept of ecology.

Hope his ambition pays off, as a musician most rhythm games bore the bell out of me. This seems more in my wheelhouse.

NeuroVoider, BUTCHER, Thimbleweed Park, PAN-PAN, and Golf Story are all easy recommendations. Great additions to the Switch lineup and some good variety.

Wish a developer would make a good basketball game. Also not a front for microtransactions.

Awesome news, day one. Though in serious need of a deal on eshop cards...

Solid game, but it was so good with Wiimote aiming... With no gyro, I'm not sure if I need it again. The Co-op is a lot of fun though.

Love these games, so happy to get a localized version.

@Windy I think that's OK, though. I assume you have access to a plenty large collection of games amongst Wii and 3DS... I know I have more than enough games in my meager collection to last me until death and I enjoy those older games just as much as most newer. Trying to keep up really only generates a backlog, which can be a boon or a hindrance. And I replay my old favorites regularly, so that backlog is never going away...

That said, while I still take a 3DS everywhere and play my old Wii often, the nimble utility and overall practicality of a Switch makes all those old systems seem so clunky and rigid.

@Windy Everything about the 3DS is terrible compared to Switch and I love my 3DS(s) as much as anybody.

For me Volgarr is the easy standout, can't wait to devote my breaks to truly beating it! (Won't ever happen.)

Pretty intrigued by Ninja Shodown as it looks right up my alley and could be a go-to for playing with my son if it turns out as I hope.

I also want Earth Atlantis to be great, but I have concerns.

My whole family loves some Lovers... And my wife and kids are excited about Stardew Valley. I'll probably buy Oxenfree again, but the price stings after getting it previously for a small fraction. Good week!

@SolarJetman It's not especially like either of those games, that said, there are various difficulty modes to either render you a bullet sponge or extremely fragile.

I'd say one of Butcher's best qualities is how it balances balls-to-wall destruction and chaos with tactical considerations, such as utilizing cover, or luring, or leveraging traps. The levels are all neatly and cleverly designed, so each enemy encounter is designed sort of like a set piece with different variations of obstacles and enemies. Don't expect thrilling setups, the novelty comes from using the evironment to turn the odds into compulsive violence.

@SolarJetman But the game forces a story upon you. Isn't that the point? It would be better with no dialogue?

Personally, the story did help turn me off AV... Felt like it was wasting my time.

It's a pretty good game, but I wouldn't recommend it. At least, the feeling of mystery heralded by the review wasn't my experience.

@NEStalgia Well, I've always wanted a Metal Slug-type game with twin stick aiming, tougher enemies, rocket jumping and large, circuitous levels with strange architectures and lots of hidden areas. You know, kinda in the vein of Quake or Unreal.

The Doom comparison doesn't work all that well for me because the style, aesthetic, and controls are clearly more Quake than Doom. That said, mostly it's the feel of using the sticks to aim with the triggers to jump/shoot and the general corridor-death arena-restock progression of the levels that lends the FPS nature and spirit. It is pretty novel for those with an inclination and I think co-op arena/horde mode could have put this game on another level.

Definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a bite-sized adrenaline rush.

Butcher has a great feel and excellent level design. I completely understand if the gore or premise is not for you, but it lends a real satisying impact and momentum to your action. And the levels are all chock full of perfectly placed obstacles and traps to leverage for cover and carnage. It really does feel like a 2D version of a 90s' Quake-style FPS.

My only real complaint is the premise itself, it is a little off-putting and wouldn't really suffer from some alterations (like make the Butcher made by humans to fight the aliens, maybe). Also, the home screen icon gives my wife and kids the creeps... They always tell me to hide it, or make it go away...

I'm just gonna say this, if it leads to other companies like Sega, Capcom, Namco, etc. to unload their arcade libraries on the Switch... I think it could be the best VC.

@bezerker99 Any lag would be introduced through emulation regardless of the hardware. Realistically, the only to limit latency issues is to play the original hardware on a CRT TV. It will likely never be the same on flat displays...

That said, I have access to both the original hardware on CRT and NES Classic on LCD calibrated to lowest possible latency and I never had any notable problems with button lag on the Classic. At least, I can replicate my high-score runs on a game like Zanac, so it serves the purpose well for me.

@Shiryu The NES classic could technically run some N64 and PS1 games on forked emulators, but not consistently well if I remember correctly.

As for the storage, I'm very interested in the requirements of the save replays and resulting limitations...

@gatorboi352 Yeah, sometimes I forget that everyone who plays Nintendo games and systems is a member of Nintendolife. Would commend this site for pulling a monopoly if only we weren't such an impoverished few...

I understand the drawbacks to this version, but any parent who encourages his or her kids to use touchscreen FPS controls over buttons should probably reconsider their parenting choices. Might as well enroll your kid in clown college, far as I'm concerned.

Of course the 3DS controls are not ideal, but that's how you raise 'em rugged... Like learning to play Soccer with hobbles on.

This news is both so great and so out of left field, I wouldn't have even dreamed of it! I don't know who you are, Zerodiv, but keep this up and I will be a big fan.

Truth is, I've always been a Psyiko and Compile shmup fanboy at heart.

I'll be there, once NoA confirms.

I can't get over the Isaac face in the top left. Played too much BoI, I guess...

Though I really don't like the artstyle of Shu. I also find chase levels in platformer to be the least interesting. To me only the DKC Returns games really made them great.

Not sure if this is the place to ask, but I need to take every opportunity to mention that gyro support would be greatly appreciated, especially by Nintendo fans where the option has long been standard in first party games.

Good work, Panic Button. You are like heroes to us, coming to help save this first Switch holiday. Mark me down for two copies of each, please.

Also, Astro Duel Deluxe is an excellent local multi time waster. More people should give it a chance, particularly those looking for quick, competitive arcade-style games to play against friends.

@H1B1Esquire My bad: https://help.mojang.com/customer/portal/articles/2865993

I may have missed it, but I don't think Nintendolife ever posted an article about transferring Minecraft saves from Wii U to Switch and the process. I have done it myself with no issue, but I imagine there are some players who could find the info useful. Also if you buy Minecraft now you will ultimately have access to both the Switch version and the Better Together version, just in case of any unique aspects, alterations, or preferences.

Anyway, very happy to have our Wii U worlds playable on the Switch version. Kudos to 4J for keeping us Wii U players in mind.

Hmm, I thought the first one was too boring, easy, and short. This review didn't really erase my doubts... Still sounds pretty tedious and unchallenging.

I mean, there was absolutely nothing driving me to finish the first game. What am I missing?

Please release before Halloween!

I prefer games with more gameplay, but I have a soft spot for horror experiences that allows me to give a pass to horror games even if they are short on legit mechanics.

However, jump scares are not really horror to me and I'm a bit worried about the performance of this one...

@Menchi187 Ha, the game just won't sell. It's the other way around, Nintendo has trained the "Nintendrones" to expect a full package. Because Nintendo knows their fans don't appreciate the way gamers are treated on other platforms.

For me and many the 32gb isn't an issue. Micro SD cards are pretty cheap. It's having to download many gigs after buying a physical cartridge.

This is on Take Two, do you suggest the Switch use discs? Do you really think the difference in cartridge cost between 8gb and 16gb is prohibitive to these 3rd parties?

It's bewildering when people shout down from their pedestal with enlightened morsels of perspective as if Nintendo fans live in a bubble.

@Cyberbotv2 I see a lack of confidence, otherwise they would have released on a 16gb card. This is a solid port, nothing more. But if they were confident in sales they would have absorbed the small cost of a bigger cartridge.

Now they have a convenient excuse if it doesn't sell to expectations. Except they won't blame themselves, they'll blame the Switch market.

I worry if this sells well it'll only embolden publishers to pull these cheap tactics to get out from absorbing the cost of a larger cartridge. Really poor form.

Are they gaining, what, $1 or 2 per sale?