@OorWullie 120fps is just lovely. I am a racing game enjoyer and it's absolutely the business. LCDs have come a long way, and a 120Hz HDR display is great news. Aparently it even has VRR, variable refresh rate, according to some press I've seen. That's better than my telly, which is an oldie-but-goodie 4K60 HDR.
I've never looked forward to a Donkey Kong game more, it looks like a blast. Nor have I ever looked forward to racing on a boombox as a cow more than I do right now, but that's for different reasons.
If I had to hazard a guess, probably more likely to be the other way around i.e. ~4K/60fps and 1080/120fps docked, and let's for arguments sake say 1080/60 and 720/120 handheld. If I remember correctly, the Metroid 4 clip in the Direct stated 4K/60 docked and 720p/120 handheld, as an example. All I can say to this is, wow, that'll be very, very enjoyable.
One thing that I've noticed from using a high refresh rate display (120Hz or higher) on a laptop, is an only just tangible improvement in apparent fluidity even at lower framerates. A bona fide 120fps is absolutely buttery, of course. However a game running at 60fps (locked) looks and feels smoother when the display is refreshing in the 120Hz mode than it does when the display is set to output at 60Hz, at least to my eyes. A fresh frame is created at the same rate, that is 60fps, or every 16.6ms - however it is actually drawn on the screen faster, and the system as a whole has more of an opportunity to detect an input, so input lag seems reduced as well.
So, I'm cautiously optimistic that the 120Hz display on Switch 2 can run at such an output in handheld, even for a 60fps game, ideally as a choice for the user because the higher refresh rate would also mean a slightly higher rate of battery drain. Bonus points for including a 40Hz mode, as per the current trend of "balanced" graphics on the other games consoles.
Whatever they do, either at launch or patched in the future, Switch 2 looks very impressive to me, has just the right amount of Nintendo-ness, and I'm really looking forward to it.
@ancientlii Pop a ruby on a shield and it'll keep you warm. It just has to be on your back. Melts ice very efficiently too.
I use a two-handed weapon to make the ruby shield last, otherwise you get a rather expensive explosion. Fuse a different shield to the two-handed weapon and you can parry with that instead, like in the trailer.
I'd imagine a sapphire might keep you cool as well.
What a pleasant surprise @ThomasBW84 - great read!
250+ hours for me - more than 10 entire days and nights in Hyrule! First playthrough was absolutely stunning - the combination of a fresh feeling game on a marvel of a console was intoxicating.
Managed to stay on the wagon and play a bit of Golf Story and Garou before the expansion pass was fully released, then replayed the entire thing in master mode. With my knowledge from the first playthrough, plus the trials and the champions ballad, I was in gaming nirvana all over again. I think I played this game for 6 months in total. And I mean exclusively. I'm surprised the cart hadn't fused with the Switch itself, it had been in there that long. I probably wouldn't have been bothered if it had.
The sheer excellence of craft is evident, and influential. Thank goodness AC Odyssey had an "exploration" mode for quests - made the game far more enjoyable for me. That was another 140 or so hours.
I wanted to recapture the eye opening magic of OoT on the N64, and I wasn't disappointed. Expectations were exceeded. The game is pure child-like joy, innocent escapism, and Thomas is right - as an entertainment experience this is unrivalled. It was an event.
I can't wait for the sequel. It'll be lovely to get lost in Hyrule for months on end again, then emerge back into the world, blinking at the light, to see what I've missed and then pick it up on sale.
@Noid Tiny bespectacled creature sitting on a cloud, in a pram, driving up a waterfall? Skeletal dragon on a wooden rocking horse, in outer space, lobbing squid at rival racers? Not weird at all. Standard
@lemonjellydude Very don't make it obvious but they will take a one off card payment. You have to register, then avoid the big "sign up for credit and save money" buttons and look for the link to pay now with credit or debit card. Be warned though, they take the money immediately, not on dispatch. Ordered my copy at 12:30pm today. Says 100+ ordered in the last hour.
Regarding this review. Team 17 are the publisher, not the developer. They've released The Room, My Time at Portia, Escapists, Yooka-Laylee etc. so going in expecting Overcooked just doesn't do this game justice.
If you like games such as Opus Magnum and Shenzhen I/O then you may well like this one as well
@Sim1 Like a sad song when you're down, sometimes a demanding game can be cathartic at the end of the day. Games where you have to think procedurally can help the brain warm down
In my opinion this kind of thing should not be encouraged, and is a terrible service model. Say goodbye to the last pretence of ownership. I'd rather have a port, like Doom, with all of its inherent limitations than streaming artifacts and lag.
Also, isn't the extra RAM in the Switch there at Capcom's behest, to support the RE engine? Oh wait... maybe they meant for this instead...
When did this become such a blatant copy/paste exercise? I used to enjoy the little write ups with NL's take on things. I only need to go on the eShop if I want the text provided here. And I think it is unclear which game most of the Switch DLC belongs with.
Smithing is great. Can improve armour and make things to sell. Focus on combat at first as far as skills and perks go. Difficult to knacker your character development after that. Don't underestimate how useful crafting and alchemy can be. Early on, stick to roads and get in with a few of the major factions. Leads to development and companionship. The world levels with you. If you're getting a kicking, pull a Brave Sir Robin and fight again another day. Pick every lock. Using skills levels them up. Watch out for traps.
These games are fantastic for their target audience. True labours of love produced to a high standard. I picked up the 2016 version on Android for 10p and even that is excellent. Yes, the difficulty curve is massive, requiring real commitment, but I still found it fun and it isn't even my thing.
I would love to see my guilty pleasure, Truck Simulator, on Switch, but there aren't enough buttons. Would need some kind of touchscreen support.
Also, @ballistic90, all power to the parents who play this with their kids. When they're done driving their shiny red tractors into rivers, they will more than likely appreciate where their food comes from and learn valuable lessons.
I love the parallel here - Switch for me is rekindling the feeling of being blown away by the revolutionary Ocarina of Time and Mario 64 twenty or so years ago.
I also love the symmetry of the Zelda team being inspired to push the boundaries of OoT by the quality of M64 back then, and now we have the Mario team inspired to deliver their best by the sheer quality of Breath of the Wild.
If only I wasn't so busy this weekend. It'll be like leaving the biggest, heaviest present under the tree for a few days past Christmas.
@dres Fair enough man, I'm just thinking out loud.
I wasn't really talking about always online originally. More along the lines of registering your cart to your Nintendo account (similar to redeeming gold coins to your account) which would then allow you, and only you, to get a key (also tied to your account) to redeem the game online and have a download option as well as physical.
I would speculate that the second hand buyer wouldn't be able to redeem the gold coins for My Nintendo, and the same protection could well apply to the digital download to help prevent a chain reaction of people exploiting it.
Or possibly if the cart is loaded into another system with a different Nintendo account then it would disable the original download, until the cart is used to verify it again on the system with the original account. Steam library sharing works in a similar way - I can share almost any game with a family member but once I launch it myself on the original system the other party gets kicked after a 5 minute warning.
I remember years ago I was able to register the CD keys for most of my retail PC games in Steam so they appeared as digital downloads in my library. The CDs and DVDs were then sent to the old retirement home in the loft.
It would be brilliant if Nintendo would allow owners of a physical cart to also download their game from the eShop. Would be a nice gesture for the customers, and if you are away from home without a particular cart you would have the option to download.
Personally I'm okay as I haven't filled the slots in the case yet, but one day a tough choice will have to be made
Anyway, it feels like the day before Christmas Eve for me right now...
Edit: The physical copy is also £42 on Amazon IIRC
My PC's Xbox 360 pad is crying out to be supported by XInput API on Switch. I know it'll probably never happen, but it would be nice. It would only be missing the capture button.
@ThomasBW84 @AlexSora89 It's the few spoiling it for the many. When these videos start trending due to people who can't resist spoilers they tend to pop up on recommended lists.
Hopefully the muppets will be rooted out and the more respectful outlets (such as this one) won't be tarred with the same brush and penalised unfairly.
I love how Switch is super responsive. Gaming is up and running in seconds, and the easy switching between games and settings / album / news / eShop is sublime. KISS exemplified.
The exploit angle with third party apps seems entirely plausible. Perhaps Nintendo are trying to perfect locking eShop streaming apps down to prevent access to the kernel. It is after all best to get it right first time. I lost count of how many times Amazon video completely crashed the PS3 in the early days.
Hopefully though they'll pull their finger out before my ageing LG smart TV stops supporting streaming apps. YouTube is already on its last legs stability wise and Netflix has been misbehaving a lot lately. Hey Nintendo, if you need a beta tester...
Edit: Having had my wee nephew visit, I'd love to see a "find my joycon" feature in the controller settings, by making it vibrate out of its skin for example.
My first Zelda game was OoT on the N64. It was a superb, engrossing and fun game. BotW is also a superb, engrossing and fun game.
Nintendo have, again, deftly used contemporary gaming techniques and ideas when creating this new Zelda open air game from the ground up. For me, it recaptured the magic of my first playthrough of OoT on N64.
Strange comment ref. Atari 2600. Feels a bit like one of those "It grows on you. But so does fungus - you don't have to like it" turns of phrase. Perhaps context has been lost in print.
Love the enthusiasm here. Cross-table play sounds fascinating. Really enjoyed Remedy's Death Rally so this is one to watch for me, for sure. It is my kind of game.
Who needs Micro Machines, eh? Sorry Codies, you've sat on the fence too long and missed the boat.
It feels like a land of plenty to me. Yes, the eShop needs a bit of a revamp, more categories to increase and extend visibility, but sales will speak volumes and the cream will rise to the top. Hopefully the Indie devs will continue to work on Switch for the life of the system, and won't be put off by the cries of "too many games".
Perhaps those people have only ever owned consoles, but I'm used to using Steam as well. While sometimes I have ended up with a backlog (usually after one of their sales) it has been brilliant to go through my library and have plenty to play at the times I have had to be more careful with my pennies. Perhaps those people need a slight attitude adjustment - all of these games don't have to be bought straight away. They can be parked on the watchlist to be picked up and enjoyed later on, when time and money allows. I know I'd rather be spoiled for choice than the alternative.
Brilliant fun so far. Tickles my funny bone. Charming and fun to play, easy to get to grips with. I'm all fore it. Bought it over Thimbleweed Park and don't regret it one bit.
I personally have but one gripe - the rumble is very intense in portable mode, especially vs. the Pro controller (which is perfect). Wouldn't mind so much but it vibrates every single time you press A to advance dialogue. In an RPG style game it's a bit much.
I'd like to see it disabled for dialogue and possibly also reduced in intensity when in portable mode (or menu options to that affect). It's a shame because the rumble is so good outside of the dialogue.
Fond memories, sitting with my brother passing the pad back and forth trying to beat the more fiendish Super Meat Boy levels, laughing at the humourous cutscenes, crazy replays and warp zones, wondering how the hell we managed to pull off certain moves and beat bosses. Can't wait for this.
Side note for those put off of this by the endless runner thing - if you played the original, when exactly did you stop running? If you wanted to beat the par times, you pretty much had to hold the sprint button down for dear life.
Couldn't bring myself to ask my parents for a Game'n'Watch or GameBoy, but they seemed magical. Coveted my cousin's NES. First console I ever bought for myself was N64. When the step kids abandoned the GameCube for PS2 I gave it a good home. See, I've always gamed on home computers such as the Speccy and PC but Nintendo to me seemed like the epitome of console gaming. Such character and spirit, forging their own way.
Nintendo have a certain special flavour that I believe will see them endure beyond the generic. Companies have risen and fallen but Nintendo seem to always be there, doing their own thing and doing it well. Each time a new generation of Nintendo hardware is released I cannot help but think "The King is dead. Long live the King!"
Wii(-U), 3DS and now Switch have brought my family together in gaming, something I didn't think would happen, especially with regard to having the hardware in common. I'm forever grateful for that. Truly a lifelong love affair for me, and I look forward to what comes next.
@Bunkerneath Right underneath the QR code is an option to enter it manually. If you're using Google authenticator on the device you access the website on it is automatic when you click on the link given under the code.
Works like a charm. Instructions are nice and clear. If you already have the Google authenticator app installed and do this on your phone, it takes a minute or so. I recommend 2FA with every service that allows it.
My ageing PC uses a 30fps lock when rendering a 1080p output (internally scaled down to 80% or an effective 864p) at a mixture of low/medium settings. It is my compromise between sharp image quality and playable framerate. The temporal AA is magnificent and makes a world of difference on my 42" telly.
Performance is a solid 30 in outdoor scenes and depending on how busy it is indoors can ramp all the way up to 60, but ~45 is typical. The transition between these is smooth in the excellent engine but I tend to lock it at 30fps anyway. Loading times are VERY long between levels, but they aren't too frequent. And yes, that controller stick does get hammered mercilessly for the glory kills.
So, particularly with regards to playability I'm optimistic that they will deliver a very enjoyable version of Doom on Switch. I love playing it on PC even with the above limitations 🤘
With this, the thanks message in the Pro controller, the embedded message in the NES Mini code, and the hidden breakout game on 3DS, Nintendo are really adding that heartfelt and personal touch.
@Tibob I'd say BotW was years in development and Nintendo are known for their refined releases. Playgrounds and Bomberman were considerably less ambitious IMHO.
This is a huge game, with features on a parity with every other platform. It seems rough around the edges, but from what I know the core gameplay is great. Personally I'd class it as an experiment for 2K - they're testing the waters here - and such a complex project no doubt had their Switch team working long hours to meet the release date at all.
I for one understand the score pending situation, but only at this particular time. A fine line needs to be walked here. Devs are effectively in uncharted waters with Switch, especially with big AAA franchises like this one. I would like to encourage them to look positively to the future, rather than having the bean counters decide it isn't worth the hassle and merely give us warmed over mobile games like RBI.
It's like praising a child for what they have done right, explaining to them what they have done wrong, and having the leniency and patience to let them correct themselves and improve. For me the content of the review does all of this.
Having said that, this pending score policy is acceptable to me in these early days, but as the system matures it should not continue. You can only give them so much rope, after all.
Comments 221
Re: First Impressions: Nintendo Switch 2 'Wows' Most When You Go Back To Your Old Switch
@OorWullie 120fps is just lovely. I am a racing game enjoyer and it's absolutely the business. LCDs have come a long way, and a 120Hz HDR display is great news. Aparently it even has VRR, variable refresh rate, according to some press I've seen. That's better than my telly, which is an oldie-but-goodie 4K60 HDR.
I've never looked forward to a Donkey Kong game more, it looks like a blast. Nor have I ever looked forward to racing on a boombox as a cow more than I do right now, but that's for different reasons.
Re: First Impressions: Nintendo Switch 2 'Wows' Most When You Go Back To Your Old Switch
@OorWullie "BOTW/ TOTK at 4K 120fps/ 1080 60fps?"
If I had to hazard a guess, probably more likely to be the other way around i.e. ~4K/60fps and 1080/120fps docked, and let's for arguments sake say 1080/60 and 720/120 handheld. If I remember correctly, the Metroid 4 clip in the Direct stated 4K/60 docked and 720p/120 handheld, as an example. All I can say to this is, wow, that'll be very, very enjoyable.
One thing that I've noticed from using a high refresh rate display (120Hz or higher) on a laptop, is an only just tangible improvement in apparent fluidity even at lower framerates. A bona fide 120fps is absolutely buttery, of course. However a game running at 60fps (locked) looks and feels smoother when the display is refreshing in the 120Hz mode than it does when the display is set to output at 60Hz, at least to my eyes. A fresh frame is created at the same rate, that is 60fps, or every 16.6ms - however it is actually drawn on the screen faster, and the system as a whole has more of an opportunity to detect an input, so input lag seems reduced as well.
So, I'm cautiously optimistic that the 120Hz display on Switch 2 can run at such an output in handheld, even for a 60fps game, ideally as a choice for the user because the higher refresh rate would also mean a slightly higher rate of battery drain. Bonus points for including a 40Hz mode, as per the current trend of "balanced" graphics on the other games consoles.
Whatever they do, either at launch or patched in the future, Switch 2 looks very impressive to me, has just the right amount of Nintendo-ness, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Re: Talking Point: What Classic Sega Franchises Do You Want To See Rebooted?
After Burner, Ecco the Dolphin, and Super Hang-On...
Re: Feature: 21 Amazing Shield Fuse Combos In Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
@ancientlii Pop a ruby on a shield and it'll keep you warm. It just has to be on your back. Melts ice very efficiently too.
I use a two-handed weapon to make the ruby shield last, otherwise you get a rather expensive explosion. Fuse a different shield to the two-handed weapon and you can parry with that instead, like in the trailer.
I'd imagine a sapphire might keep you cool as well.
Re: Site News: After Our Best Year Yet, Things Are Changing Here At Nintendo Life
So pleased to see @ThomasBW84 back! Good luck to all for a great 2021!
Re: Feature: Game Of The Decade Staff Picks: Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
What a pleasant surprise @ThomasBW84 - great read!
250+ hours for me - more than 10 entire days and nights in Hyrule! First playthrough was absolutely stunning - the combination of a fresh feeling game on a marvel of a console was intoxicating.
Managed to stay on the wagon and play a bit of Golf Story and Garou before the expansion pass was fully released, then replayed the entire thing in master mode. With my knowledge from the first playthrough, plus the trials and the champions ballad, I was in gaming nirvana all over again. I think I played this game for 6 months in total. And I mean exclusively. I'm surprised the cart hadn't fused with the Switch itself, it had been in there that long. I probably wouldn't have been bothered if it had.
The sheer excellence of craft is evident, and influential. Thank goodness AC Odyssey had an "exploration" mode for quests - made the game far more enjoyable for me. That was another 140 or so hours.
I wanted to recapture the eye opening magic of OoT on the N64, and I wasn't disappointed. Expectations were exceeded. The game is pure child-like joy, innocent escapism, and Thomas is right - as an entertainment experience this is unrivalled. It was an event.
I can't wait for the sequel. It'll be lovely to get lost in Hyrule for months on end again, then emerge back into the world, blinking at the light, to see what I've missed and then pick it up on sale.
Re: Former Mario Kart Devs Launch The Spell-Slinging Tag-Team Racer Gensou SkyDrift This December
@Noid Tiny bespectacled creature sitting on a cloud, in a pram, driving up a waterfall? Skeletal dragon on a wooden rocking horse, in outer space, lobbing squid at rival racers? Not weird at all. Standard
Re: Former Mario Kart Devs Launch The Spell-Slinging Tag-Team Racer Gensou SkyDrift This December
@Bobb Exactly - "Mari Circuit", mushrooms, eek. When the plumber outfit DLC lands there'll be trouble
Re: Daemon X Machina's Soundtrack Now Available To Stream Or Buy On Physical CD
Nice! Astral Chain would also be very welcome.
Re: PSA: Remember To Update Your Joy-Con And Pro Controllers Today, As Well As Your Switch
Is it possible they're patching to mitigate this issue?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/08/new-attack-exploiting-serious-bluetooth-weakness-can-intercept-sensitive-data/%3famp=1
https://www.bluetooth.com/security/statement-key-negotiation-of-bluetooth/
Re: Round Up: Is Astral Chain A "Platinum-Plated Masterpiece" Or "Flavourless Disappointment"?
@ClaytThaGreat Both options are valid. No need to be insulting.
Re: Guide: Where To Pre-Order The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening's Limited Edition
@lemonjellydude Very don't make it obvious but they will take a one off card payment. You have to register, then avoid the big "sign up for credit and save money" buttons and look for the link to pay now with credit or debit card. Be warned though, they take the money immediately, not on dispatch. Ordered my copy at 12:30pm today. Says 100+ ordered in the last hour.
Re: Review: Automachef - Considerably More Complex Than Using A Microwave
Regarding this review. Team 17 are the publisher, not the developer. They've released The Room, My Time at Portia, Escapists, Yooka-Laylee etc. so going in expecting Overcooked just doesn't do this game justice.
If you like games such as Opus Magnum and Shenzhen I/O then you may well like this one as well
Re: Review: Automachef - Considerably More Complex Than Using A Microwave
@Sim1 Like a sad song when you're down, sometimes a demanding game can be cathartic at the end of the day. Games where you have to think procedurally can help the brain warm down
Re: Resident Evil 7 Is Coming To Nintendo Switch In Japan
In my opinion this kind of thing should not be encouraged, and is a terrible service model. Say goodbye to the last pretence of ownership. I'd rather have a port, like Doom, with all of its inherent limitations than streaming artifacts and lag.
Also, isn't the extra RAM in the Switch there at Capcom's behest, to support the RE engine? Oh wait... maybe they meant for this instead...
Re: Review: Urban Trial Playground (Switch)
Looks very similar to those Trials games on 3DS
Re: Nintendo Download: 15th March (Europe)
When did this become such a blatant copy/paste exercise? I used to enjoy the little write ups with NL's take on things. I only need to go on the eShop if I want the text provided here. And I think it is unclear which game most of the Switch DLC belongs with.
Re: Hardware Review: 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Gamepad: The Best Switch Pro Controller?
Yum yum yum. The versatility makes this a near future purchase for me. Nom nom nom...
Re: Guide: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Top Tips And Tricks
Smithing is great. Can improve armour and make things to sell.
Focus on combat at first as far as skills and perks go. Difficult to knacker your character development after that.
Don't underestimate how useful crafting and alchemy can be.
Early on, stick to roads and get in with a few of the major factions. Leads to development and companionship.
The world levels with you. If you're getting a kicking, pull a Brave Sir Robin and fight again another day.
Pick every lock. Using skills levels them up. Watch out for traps.
Re: Review: Farming Simulator: Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch)
@gcunit Very well said.
These games are fantastic for their target audience. True labours of love produced to a high standard. I picked up the 2016 version on Android for 10p and even that is excellent. Yes, the difficulty curve is massive, requiring real commitment, but I still found it fun and it isn't even my thing.
I would love to see my guilty pleasure, Truck Simulator, on Switch, but there aren't enough buttons. Would need some kind of touchscreen support.
Also, @ballistic90, all power to the parents who play this with their kids. When they're done driving their shiny red tractors into rivers, they will more than likely appreciate where their food comes from and learn valuable lessons.
https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/farming-simulator-17-review-toddler-edition
Re: Review: Kirby Battle Royale (3DS)
Ah, Pulp Fiction, love it
Re: Talking Point: The Case for Super Mario Odyssey as the Greatest Mario Game
Joyful, delightful game. Always brings a smile to my face.
Re: EA Says It's Still Too Early To Judge Demand For More Games On Switch
Pivot on this, EA
Re: Review: Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
Great read
I love the parallel here - Switch for me is rekindling the feeling of being blown away by the revolutionary Ocarina of Time and Mario 64 twenty or so years ago.
I also love the symmetry of the Zelda team being inspired to push the boundaries of OoT by the quality of M64 back then, and now we have the Mario team inspired to deliver their best by the sheer quality of Breath of the Wild.
If only I wasn't so busy this weekend. It'll be like leaving the biggest, heaviest present under the tree for a few days past Christmas.
Re: The Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Free Gift Should Help You With Ethical Fishing
Dynamite fishing FTW. Free bait.
Re: You Can Now Pre-Load Super Mario Odyssey From The Switch eShop
@dres Fair enough man, I'm just thinking out loud.
I wasn't really talking about always online originally. More along the lines of registering your cart to your Nintendo account (similar to redeeming gold coins to your account) which would then allow you, and only you, to get a key (also tied to your account) to redeem the game online and have a download option as well as physical.
Re: You Can Now Pre-Load Super Mario Odyssey From The Switch eShop
@FragRed True, some people would.
I would speculate that the second hand buyer wouldn't be able to redeem the gold coins for My Nintendo, and the same protection could well apply to the digital download to help prevent a chain reaction of people exploiting it.
Or possibly if the cart is loaded into another system with a different Nintendo account then it would disable the original download, until the cart is used to verify it again on the system with the original account. Steam library sharing works in a similar way - I can share almost any game with a family member but once I launch it myself on the original system the other party gets kicked after a 5 minute warning.
Re: You Can Now Pre-Load Super Mario Odyssey From The Switch eShop
I remember years ago I was able to register the CD keys for most of my retail PC games in Steam so they appeared as digital downloads in my library. The CDs and DVDs were then sent to the old retirement home in the loft.
It would be brilliant if Nintendo would allow owners of a physical cart to also download their game from the eShop. Would be a nice gesture for the customers, and if you are away from home without a particular cart you would have the option to download.
Personally I'm okay as I haven't filled the slots in the case yet, but one day a tough choice will have to be made
Anyway, it feels like the day before Christmas Eve for me right now...
Edit: The physical copy is also £42 on Amazon IIRC
Re: Nintendo Switch v4.0.0 Update Brought Surprise GameCube Controller Adapter Support
My PC's Xbox 360 pad is crying out to be supported by XInput API on Switch. I know it'll probably never happen, but it would be nice. It would only be missing the capture button.
Re: Video: A New Theory on How Pauline Got Her Name
@ThomasBW84 @AlexSora89 It's the few spoiling it for the many. When these videos start trending due to people who can't resist spoilers they tend to pop up on recommended lists.
Hopefully the muppets will be rooted out and the more respectful outlets (such as this one) won't be tarred with the same brush and penalised unfairly.
Re: Talking Point: The Nintendo Switch is Modernising, But Has a Long Way to Go
@Hughesy Are they high impedance? If they are, say, 64 Ohms, they're designed to be used with a hi-fi separate that has an active headphone amplifier.
Re: Talking Point: The Nintendo Switch is Modernising, But Has a Long Way to Go
Excellent article.
I love how Switch is super responsive. Gaming is up and running in seconds, and the easy switching between games and settings / album / news / eShop is sublime. KISS exemplified.
The exploit angle with third party apps seems entirely plausible. Perhaps Nintendo are trying to perfect locking eShop streaming apps down to prevent access to the kernel. It is after all best to get it right first time. I lost count of how many times Amazon video completely crashed the PS3 in the early days.
Hopefully though they'll pull their finger out before my ageing LG smart TV stops supporting streaming apps. YouTube is already on its last legs stability wise and Netflix has been misbehaving a lot lately. Hey Nintendo, if you need a beta tester...
Edit: Having had my wee nephew visit, I'd love to see a "find my joycon" feature in the controller settings, by making it vibrate out of its skin for example.
Re: Super Meat Boy Releases on Switch This Year
Don't know if my nerves can take it a second time around, but what a game.
Re: Soapbox: Breath Of The Wild Is Amazing, But Is It The 3D Zelda That Enthusiasts Expected?
My first Zelda game was OoT on the N64. It was a superb, engrossing and fun game. BotW is also a superb, engrossing and fun game.
Nintendo have, again, deftly used contemporary gaming techniques and ideas when creating this new Zelda open air game from the ground up. For me, it recaptured the magic of my first playthrough of OoT on N64.
And that was all I could ever have asked for.
Re: Random: Here's The 'Switch Visor' - For The Lazy Players
I guess 3D printing is the contemporary version of toilet rolls, washing up liquid bottles and sticky-back plastic.
Re: Injustice 2 Director on the Possibility of Bringing the Game to Switch
Strange comment ref. Atari 2600. Feels a bit like one of those "It grows on you. But so does fungus - you don't have to like it" turns of phrase. Perhaps context has been lost in print.
Re: The Latest Zelda: Breath of the Wild Free Gift Actually Has a Fun Tip
I usually throw a rusty old bomb at them, and get a shiny new Octorok gut as a reward
Re: Feature: VooFoo Studios On Why It's Full Speed Ahead for Mantis Burn Racing on Switch
Love the enthusiasm here. Cross-table play sounds fascinating. Really enjoyed Remedy's Death Rally so this is one to watch for me, for sure. It is my kind of game.
Who needs Micro Machines, eh? Sorry Codies, you've sat on the fence too long and missed the boat.
Re: Get Cap-tivated by This Extended Super Mario Odyssey Overview Trailer
Looks amazing. I'm bowler-ed over. Can't wait to get stuck into this
Re: Developers Discuss the Switch eShop 'Gold Rush'
It feels like a land of plenty to me. Yes, the eShop needs a bit of a revamp, more categories to increase and extend visibility, but sales will speak volumes and the cream will rise to the top. Hopefully the Indie devs will continue to work on Switch for the life of the system, and won't be put off by the cries of "too many games".
Perhaps those people have only ever owned consoles, but I'm used to using Steam as well. While sometimes I have ended up with a backlog (usually after one of their sales) it has been brilliant to go through my library and have plenty to play at the times I have had to be more careful with my pennies. Perhaps those people need a slight attitude adjustment - all of these games don't have to be bought straight away. They can be parked on the watchlist to be picked up and enjoyed later on, when time and money allows. I know I'd rather be spoiled for choice than the alternative.
Re: Super Castlevania IV and Rival Turf Join the MSU1 Audio Club
Streets of Rage 2 made my Megadrive sing. Amazing soundtrack.
Re: Review: Golf Story (Switch eShop)
Brilliant fun so far. Tickles my funny bone. Charming and fun to play, easy to get to grips with. I'm all fore it. Bought it over Thimbleweed Park and don't regret it one bit.
I personally have but one gripe - the rumble is very intense in portable mode, especially vs. the Pro controller (which is perfect). Wouldn't mind so much but it vibrates every single time you press A to advance dialogue. In an RPG style game it's a bit much.
I'd like to see it disabled for dialogue and possibly also reduced in intensity when in portable mode (or menu options to that affect). It's a shame because the rumble is so good outside of the dialogue.
Re: Feature: Dashing Through Super Meat Boy and Catching Up with Tommy Refenes
Fond memories, sitting with my brother passing the pad back and forth trying to beat the more fiendish Super Meat Boy levels, laughing at the humourous cutscenes, crazy replays and warp zones, wondering how the hell we managed to pull off certain moves and beat bosses. Can't wait for this.
Side note for those put off of this by the endless runner thing - if you played the original, when exactly did you stop running? If you wanted to beat the par times, you pretty much had to hold the sprint button down for dear life.
Re: Nintendo is Now 128 Years Old
Couldn't bring myself to ask my parents for a Game'n'Watch or GameBoy, but they seemed magical. Coveted my cousin's NES. First console I ever bought for myself was N64. When the step kids abandoned the GameCube for PS2 I gave it a good home. See, I've always gamed on home computers such as the Speccy and PC but Nintendo to me seemed like the epitome of console gaming. Such character and spirit, forging their own way.
Nintendo have a certain special flavour that I believe will see them endure beyond the generic. Companies have risen and fallen but Nintendo seem to always be there, doing their own thing and doing it well. Each time a new generation of Nintendo hardware is released I cannot help but think "The King is dead. Long live the King!"
Wii(-U), 3DS and now Switch have brought my family together in gaming, something I didn't think would happen, especially with regard to having the hardware in common. I'm forever grateful for that. Truly a lifelong love affair for me, and I look forward to what comes next.
Re: You Can Now Enable Two-Step Authentication For Your Nintendo Account
@Bunkerneath Right underneath the QR code is an option to enter it manually. If you're using Google authenticator on the device you access the website on it is automatic when you click on the link given under the code.
Re: You Can Now Enable Two-Step Authentication For Your Nintendo Account
Works like a charm. Instructions are nice and clear. If you already have the Google authenticator app installed and do this on your phone, it takes a minute or so. I recommend 2FA with every service that allows it.
Re: First Impressions: Hell in a Handbasket - DOOM on Nintendo Switch
My ageing PC uses a 30fps lock when rendering a 1080p output (internally scaled down to 80% or an effective 864p) at a mixture of low/medium settings. It is my compromise between sharp image quality and playable framerate. The temporal AA is magnificent and makes a world of difference on my 42" telly.
Performance is a solid 30 in outdoor scenes and depending on how busy it is indoors can ramp all the way up to 60, but ~45 is typical. The transition between these is smooth in the excellent engine but I tend to lock it at 30fps anyway. Loading times are VERY long between levels, but they aren't too frequent. And yes, that controller stick does get hammered mercilessly for the glory kills.
So, particularly with regards to playability I'm optimistic that they will deliver a very enjoyable version of Doom on Switch. I love playing it on PC even with the above limitations 🤘
Re: Rumour: Switch's Hidden NES Golf Game Is A Tribute To The Late Satoru Iwata
Lovely.
With this, the thanks message in the Pro controller, the embedded message in the NES Mini code, and the hidden breakout game on 3DS, Nintendo are really adding that heartfelt and personal touch.
Makes Switch seem even more special to me.
Re: Review: NBA 2K18 (Switch)
@Tibob I'd say BotW was years in development and Nintendo are known for their refined releases. Playgrounds and Bomberman were considerably less ambitious IMHO.
This is a huge game, with features on a parity with every other platform. It seems rough around the edges, but from what I know the core gameplay is great. Personally I'd class it as an experiment for 2K - they're testing the waters here - and such a complex project no doubt had their Switch team working long hours to meet the release date at all.
Re: Review: NBA 2K18 (Switch)
I for one understand the score pending situation, but only at this particular time. A fine line needs to be walked here. Devs are effectively in uncharted waters with Switch, especially with big AAA franchises like this one. I would like to encourage them to look positively to the future, rather than having the bean counters decide it isn't worth the hassle and merely give us warmed over mobile games like RBI.
It's like praising a child for what they have done right, explaining to them what they have done wrong, and having the leniency and patience to let them correct themselves and improve. For me the content of the review does all of this.
Having said that, this pending score policy is acceptable to me in these early days, but as the system matures it should not continue. You can only give them so much rope, after all.