I for one was all aboard the hype train and trying desperately to manage my expectations pre-release, so as to not be let down. However I knew within the first couple of hours that this was a refreshing take on gaming in every sense of the word. From the learn by doing tutorial style to the sheer scope of the lovingly crafted world, it oozes style and grace. It definitely takes practice, you're right, but I can't play it for even an hour without utilising the entire skillset in one way or another.
Over 50 hours in, no rush to take on the fourth divine beast and I'm still excited to pick the game up every single time. Nothing feels like a chore, even hunting various critters etc. to upgrade my gear, because the environment presents diverse challenges and distractions at every turn. There's so much to do but it doesn't overwhelm you with icons.
As someone who is now (but was not always) physically challenged (not just a clever name, see) I can no longer go rock climbing or fell running but my thirst is sated by this wonderful game and it's seeming endless sense of adventure. So many hours in and still so much to see and do. I can't wait to see what the next 50+ hours bring.
@Amsterdamsters
No scratches here. In and out of the dock at least once a day - I mostly play in portable mode and dock it to charge. I put the slightest pressure towards the back of the Switch when docking i.e. away from me. At most I've noticed a slight smudge at the bottom left of the screen, but only in the bezel. It polishes out with a lint free cloth.
I like the dock because it allows sufficient airflow and keeps the Switch relatively cat proof. Laying it on it's back would make me concerned that it would get badly scratched or overheat.
@beazlen1 Kindred spirit! Nice avatar Mine is the great Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca, in 2010 I think. Fans could send in a photo and they chose a bunch to adorn his bike that weekend. I was under his left knee on the petrol tank
Being 8 bit and monochrome didn't hold the Game Boy back in the days of 16 bit home consoles. There won't be such a large gap between revisions either. The versatility of the system will likely see it through. It's a world beating handheld and Nintendo's best home console yet.
As well as third party support it also needs more first party IPs to make a welcome appearance. I personally hope to see F-Zero, Wave Race, 1080°, Excitebike, Punch Out and Pilotwings this time around.
Perhaps they're cutting their teeth on a port of Demon's Souls as a first project on Switch, so they don't bite off more than they can chew. Or maybe they'll start with Dark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition.
I would also like to see some kind of anti-theft software at a level hidden from the user.
You could call Nintendo or login to your account in a browser to inform them it is lost or stolen. The next time the Switch with your account and / or unique serial number is booted up and scans for / connects to Wi-Fi, it logs and reports back the IP address (and from that a rough location as well). It could also log the account ID of the unauthorised user.
It would only attempt location logging and reporting once it is flagged as lost or stolen, so there isn't so much of a privacy issue.
Bonus points for the hindrance of being unable to connect to the eShop for downloads, and being unable to update / patch software on a hot Switch without giving yourself away.
Not foolproof but better than nothing for a portable device.
@manu0 Instead of drawing lots of hearts, the one with the number represents that many hearts, so a 5 heart plus 3 more hearts will give you 8 hearts. You can look at the top left health meter while choosing a meal and it will show you the effect you will get. If, in this case, you have a limit of less than 8 hearts then the health meter will just fill up.
You really had to be there when Ocarina landed on N64. Blew my mind, from the opening music with Link riding Epona across Hyrule field, to the variety in exploration and gameplay. Along with Mario 64, Goldeneye, Wave Race, F-Zero and Starfox it completely justified the expense for me. I can see Switch giving me that same sense of wonder and enjoyment. Two more sleeps!
Great review! Far more balanced and researched than some I've read (Ars' gaming editor was "baffled" by the anti grav spinning, and as seems typical with anything Nintendo he had a faintly detectable negative slant on it)
Tense matches in PGA Tour Golf II with my Dad; getting bludgeoned with a pipe by my Mum over a roast chicken in Streets of Rage 2 (accidental, she said); split screen racing with my brother in Sonic 3; 2 controller ports ON THE CART for 4 player Micro Machines; Brutal fistfights in NHL; Benny Hill style referee chases in FIFA; Street Fighter 2 Special Champion Edition for a tenner (boxless) out of the local Tandy store - what a bargain. The Megadrive never left me wanting, even when my love affair with Nintendo began with the N64...
Having played the original on N64 over a decade ago, then the 3DS version, Thomas is absolutely right in his review. Zelda: OoT set the benchmark for engrossing, charming, memorable adventure gaming. On the 3DS it has that wonderful "rose tinted glasses" impression, and it plays like a dream. Miss this and rue the day...
Why oh why isn't the jump control mapped to a shoulder button, with a context sensitive fire? Maybe a south paw setting or two, like Goldeneye N64? Could've been better. Shame.
Well, spent a good few hours on this now, and found it just as exciting as NFS Hot Pursuit or Split Second. Great graphics, great sound, great seat-of-the-pants gameplay. TONS of content, and drifting varies from standard easy physics to demanding dynamic physics, depending on chosen vehicle and upgrades.
As for the 3D, what a benchmark to set! Brings this classic arcade game back to life. Graphics look even sharper in 3D, and if you're having a hard time adjusting, then simply adjust the slider. I'd give it 8, and while multiplayer is absent the AI is challenging later on, thankfully not suffering from the dreaded rubber band syndrome that plagues NFS and Split Second.
Only trouble is you can't really bob your head to the (mostly) excellent music without straying from the viewing sweet spot ;-D
Comments 227
Re: Editorial: Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Most Accessible of Nintendo Switch Games
Brilliant editorial, thanks.
I for one was all aboard the hype train and trying desperately to manage my expectations pre-release, so as to not be let down. However I knew within the first couple of hours that this was a refreshing take on gaming in every sense of the word. From the learn by doing tutorial style to the sheer scope of the lovingly crafted world, it oozes style and grace. It definitely takes practice, you're right, but I can't play it for even an hour without utilising the entire skillset in one way or another.
Over 50 hours in, no rush to take on the fourth divine beast and I'm still excited to pick the game up every single time. Nothing feels like a chore, even hunting various critters etc. to upgrade my gear, because the environment presents diverse challenges and distractions at every turn. There's so much to do but it doesn't overwhelm you with icons.
As someone who is now (but was not always) physically challenged (not just a clever name, see) I can no longer go rock climbing or fell running but my thirst is sated by this wonderful game and it's seeming endless sense of adventure. So many hours in and still so much to see and do. I can't wait to see what the next 50+ hours bring.
And that trailer STILL gives me chills...
Re: GameStop Executive Believes Switch Sales Could Outpace the Wii
@beazlen1 See you on the grid! Can't wait for Mario Kart as well
Re: Video: How To Completely Avoid Scratching Your Nintendo Switch's Screen When Docking
@Amsterdamsters
No scratches here. In and out of the dock at least once a day - I mostly play in portable mode and dock it to charge. I put the slightest pressure towards the back of the Switch when docking i.e. away from me. At most I've noticed a slight smudge at the bottom left of the screen, but only in the bezel. It polishes out with a lint free cloth.
I like the dock because it allows sufficient airflow and keeps the Switch relatively cat proof. Laying it on it's back would make me concerned that it would get badly scratched or overheat.
Re: GameStop Executive Believes Switch Sales Could Outpace the Wii
@beazlen1 Kindred spirit! Nice avatar Mine is the great Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca, in 2010 I think. Fans could send in a photo and they chose a bunch to adorn his bike that weekend. I was under his left knee on the petrol tank
Re: Vroom in the Night Sky Update Adds A Magical Driving School
I haven't played this, but I can't help thinking what happened to the quality over quantity stance? Looks like an iffy Steam effort.
Re: GameStop Executive Believes Switch Sales Could Outpace the Wii
Being 8 bit and monochrome didn't hold the Game Boy back in the days of 16 bit home consoles. There won't be such a large gap between revisions either. The versatility of the system will likely see it through. It's a world beating handheld and Nintendo's best home console yet.
As well as third party support it also needs more first party IPs to make a welcome appearance. I personally hope to see F-Zero, Wave Race, 1080°, Excitebike, Punch Out and Pilotwings this time around.
Re: Rumour Buster: No, GameSpot Didn't Just Reveal Dark Souls 3 For Nintendo Switch
Perhaps they're cutting their teeth on a port of Demon's Souls as a first project on Switch, so they don't bite off more than they can chew. Or maybe they'll start with Dark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition.
Re: Nintendo Switch Cloud Save Video Gets Hopes Up, But Is Apparently Debunked
I would also like to see some kind of anti-theft software at a level hidden from the user.
You could call Nintendo or login to your account in a browser to inform them it is lost or stolen. The next time the Switch with your account and / or unique serial number is booted up and scans for / connects to Wi-Fi, it logs and reports back the IP address (and from that a rough location as well). It could also log the account ID of the unauthorised user.
It would only attempt location logging and reporting once it is flagged as lost or stolen, so there isn't so much of a privacy issue.
Bonus points for the hindrance of being unable to connect to the eShop for downloads, and being unable to update / patch software on a hot Switch without giving yourself away.
Not foolproof but better than nothing for a portable device.
Re: Guide: How To Cook Like A Pro In The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
@manu0 Instead of drawing lots of hearts, the one with the number represents that many hearts, so a 5 heart plus 3 more hearts will give you 8 hearts.
You can look at the top left health meter while choosing a meal and it will show you the effect you will get.
If, in this case, you have a limit of less than 8 hearts then the health meter will just fill up.
Re: Feature: Some of Our Favourite Legend of Zelda Games
You really had to be there when Ocarina landed on N64. Blew my mind, from the opening music with Link riding Epona across Hyrule field, to the variety in exploration and gameplay. Along with Mario 64, Goldeneye, Wave Race, F-Zero and Starfox it completely justified the expense for me. I can see Switch giving me that same sense of wonder and enjoyment. Two more sleeps!
Re: The FAST RMX File Size Won't Stop You From Reaching the Podium on Nintendo Switch
How to do it right. Will be picking this up as soon as I'm able to.
Re: Bethesda's Todd Howard "Can't Say" If Skyrim on Switch is the Special Edition
A GOTY version is key, special edition not so much. Mod support would be nice, so it can be patched properly
Re: It's Time to Claim Your Nintendo Account User ID for Nintendo Switch
Thanks for the heads up. BustedUpBiker is my handle
Re: Talking Point: Considering Nintendo's Portable Future
@cfgk24 or maybe Nintendog'n'bone
Re: Amazon UK Confirms Time for Nintendo Switch Pre-Orders
92 reviews by 11pm GMT lol
Re: Amazon UK Offers Bargain Prices to Shift Its White 8GB Wii U Bundles
Wowser, especially the Mario Kart bundle
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)
Great review! Far more balanced and researched than some I've read (Ars' gaming editor was "baffled" by the anti grav spinning, and as seems typical with anything Nintendo he had a faintly detectable negative slant on it)
Re: Hardware Classics: Sega Mega Drive
Tense matches in PGA Tour Golf II with my Dad; getting bludgeoned with a pipe by my Mum over a roast chicken in Streets of Rage 2 (accidental, she said); split screen racing with my brother in Sonic 3; 2 controller ports ON THE CART for 4 player Micro Machines; Brutal fistfights in NHL; Benny Hill style referee chases in FIFA; Street Fighter 2 Special Champion Edition for a tenner (boxless) out of the local Tandy store - what a bargain. The Megadrive never left me wanting, even when my love affair with Nintendo began with the N64...
Re: Watch the European 3DS Nintendo Direct Here
Giganto green shell trophy attack!!!!
Re: Watch the European 3DS Nintendo Direct Here
Looks like Nintendo just put another 50p in the meter
Re: Watch the European 3DS Nintendo Direct Here
Anyone else think the 3D cameras on the Pikachu 3DS are well placed to look like nipples? Maybe the PEGI 16 rating wasn't high enough
Re: Watch the European 3DS Nintendo Direct Here
And we're off!!
Re: Review: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)
Having played the original on N64 over a decade ago, then the 3DS version, Thomas is absolutely right in his review. Zelda: OoT set the benchmark for engrossing, charming, memorable adventure gaming. On the 3DS it has that wonderful "rose tinted glasses" impression, and it plays like a dream. Miss this and rue the day...
Re: Review: Successfully Learning English: Year 2 (DSiWare)
Happy 15th review
Re: Review: Dancing Academy (DSiWare)
Love the Billy Idol tagline
Re: Review: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D (3DS)
Why oh why isn't the jump control mapped to a shoulder button, with a context sensitive fire? Maybe a south paw setting or two, like Goldeneye N64? Could've been better. Shame.
Re: Review: Ridge Racer 3D (3DS)
Well, spent a good few hours on this now, and found it just as exciting as NFS Hot Pursuit or Split Second. Great graphics, great sound, great seat-of-the-pants gameplay. TONS of content, and drifting varies from standard easy physics to demanding dynamic physics, depending on chosen vehicle and upgrades.
As for the 3D, what a benchmark to set! Brings this classic arcade game back to life. Graphics look even sharper in 3D, and if you're having a hard time adjusting, then simply adjust the slider. I'd give it 8, and while multiplayer is absent the AI is challenging later on, thankfully not suffering from the dreaded rubber band syndrome that plagues NFS and Split Second.
Only trouble is you can't really bob your head to the (mostly) excellent music without straying from the viewing sweet spot ;-D