MKWorld is such a fascinating case, because with every QoL update that feels like they should've been included at launch, you get the sneaking suspicion that they put all their energy into making the base game as polished and "content complete" as possible, while kicking every less important thing down the road.
It would explain why it's effectively a $50 game if you get it bundled with your console, and only offered for a short amount of time...
@SBandy1 Feels like part of the problem is that devs (or more likely, publishers) are getting a bit too comfortable having consumers subsidize their storage space (and graphics cards in PC gamers' case) rather than take further steps to optimize their games.
Of course, the original FF7 was so big, it notoriously had to be split across multiple discs... Which I dont think I'd actually mind returning to over GKCs, if it had to be an either/or.
@a1904 You keep throwing around "odd" and "weird", but that doesn't really articulate why that's necessarily a bad thing. And considering how gaming as a whole is (and always has been) "weird", it seems like the issue is more the flavor of weirdness than weirdness on the whole. Like, this is the same site that has no issue covering games like Lollipop Chainsaw, Bayonetta, and even Senran Kagura.
Heck, I've been on here long enough to have seen the fallout in the comment section when NLife reported on Xenoblade Chronichles X (Wii U) removing the "breast slider" (And looking back, it's funny to see arguments about how representation suddenly mattered on that front from more than a few people).
It seems more weird that THIS would be the line, if I were to give the benefit of the doubt.
@a1904 So the question I would then ask is: How much "sense" does it have to make to certain people before such a point of contention is considered a valid enough to be entertained? I also dont see what's so "odd" about what's been mentioned in the article... but that could be me having a much higher threshold for what others consider "odd".
Zooming out a little, I do think some camps dont quite know how to sit with their feelings long enough before they try to articulate them (or simply choose not to die on certain hills); hence why comment sections like these become so curated.
@Munchlax Exactly. It's not even a trend unique to the LGBTQ+ community. There's a parallel where black/PoC fans in certain fandoms will also adopt non-human fictional characters (Piccolo and Knuckles are classic examples).
It makes for an interesting and ultimately harmless conversation about representation and unique perspectives regarding franchises we all enjoy. And it's often ironic how quick reactionaries are to slap that down, despite them ALSO appreciating representation themselves (but dont have to think about it because it's usually a given for them).
@Samalik The kicker about the whole "Luddite" insult is that the Luddites weren't "anti-technology" AND they were right to be concerned about the socioeconomic consequences of the tech being pushed to undermine both laborers and consumers of the textile industry. History is basically repeating itself!
But yeah, the current breed of tech bros are much closer to the types who follow a religious faith blindly than they are to whatever flavor of "futurist" they think they are. It's a shame they suck up so much oxygen from a topic that is going to impact everyone's lives.
In a vacuum, $100 is definitely a lot. But when compared to a standard Pro2, an extra $10 isn't too egregious.
That said, I do take issue with such a simple design at that price. Feels like it needs a bit more stuff going on. At least more standout colors or something; even if it was just matching the color of an actual newspaper a bit more.
@Samalik It's a solid response to those who are already looking to justify the tech, as there's no real convincing them without more tangible consequences.
It's more the fence-sitters who need it spelled out for them, because it's specifically inaction from a would-be opposition that the tech bros are banking on.
@MasterGraveheart No need to be sorry about that. The brakes need to be pumped AT BEST.
It's clear that there's no altrustic future waiting for us on the other side with this type of tech with the amount of downsides we've already seen from it. And not enough people are getting angry enough over the fact that a minority of wealthy/powerful individuals expect us to suck it up so they can siphon that much more money and influence at our expense.
EDIT - Also, very tired of the "It's a tool" talking point from people outside of a respective field. Saying that does not make it immune to scrutiny. AI being a boon for the medical field doesnt magically make it acceptable in the creative/etc. field.
As someone still gunning for a 100% retail amiibo collection, but not a fan of horror games, here's hoping whatever RE9's set will be wont be too creepy or grotesque.
I fully own that is a biased and selfish ask, coming from someone who wont even be getting the game itself.
On top of every other reason why AI is a flawed premise no matter how "good" it gets (the lack of ethics, the lack of compensation for data collection, lack of transparency, potential economic upheaval, copyright concerns, the carbon footprint, demand near-exclusively on the supply side, etc.), another potential point of failure is the sheer lack of interest in seeing just what devs and artists actually need BEFORE thrusting this tech upon them.
No one knows better about what it takes to make something than the people who are in the weeds doing the actual work. They should have more of a seat at the table, and their opinions should carry more weight in all this.
I know it's gonna be an outlier (assuming his arm isn't twisted by higher-ups), but I really would like to see a return to this practice across the industry.
Some games make sense to have updates and roadmaps, but some should absolutely be complete packages, where the sequels are the "updates".
The price is still a tough pill to swallow, but seeing them in the Direct suddenly made sense why they have a higher asking price.
Feels like amiibo really are becoming luxury figures to display, rather than cute knick-knacks to collect. And ironically, at those prices, I'd be hesitant to take them out of the box.
I figured a delay was coming if no official release date was mentioned at this point. But I'm glad for it, because it's legit one of the games I'm looking forward to playing (again).
It reflects well on From Software (and more so Bandai Namco) that they're not rushing this out the door just to make the holiday season.
Dang. I'd like to think I was partly right about Nintendo never doing anything without reason (seeing as they're pointing towards their app and studio), but I fully concede to those who argued this wasn't leading to anything bigger!
What's kinda funny is that animations are kind of a no-brainer for Nintendo's brand. The fact that shorts, shows, and movies are still such a rarity from this company is kinda wild, considering their entire bread and butter is branding and IPs. But maybe it helps to avoid oversaturation and dilution of those IPs.
Oh hey, would ya look at that! Nintendo being as unpredictable as I said they often are in that other comment section!
I'm holding back being more insufferable just yet, because this doesnt actually confirm any bigger project or product so far (much less the Mario connection theory). But Thursday IS usually the day Nintendo drops a lot of their new games...
Not saying it's that, though. I'm suddenly getting "new mobile game/app" vibes from this, and I wouldnt mind being wrong there.
@N00BiSH The "major franchises" argument is fair, BUT Nintendo definitely isn't a stranger to vague marketing. While more niche, the "Who is Emio?" teaser from just last year had folks wondering what Nintendo was up to for an entire week, before it was revealed to be a new entry in the Famicom Detective Club series.
Who's to say this isn't also something along those lines? And how would doing so stop them from doing traditional marketing later? How many times do we think we have Nintendo figured out before they subvert expectations in some way? Them dropping an animated short on a random Tuesday with zero fanfare or context absolutely falls within that territory. And the one constant is that they rarely do something for zero reason.
I guess my last supporting point is that, if there was nothing else to this beyond just a cute little art house type deal, we'd at least see some credits or the usual stuff in their video description section like with their other shorts. The lack of even the most basic information (and especially showing up in their Nintendo Today! app) is what leads me to believe they're up to something. But again, I'll fully own up if this doesn't lead to anything.
@N00BiSH That "minor facial change" was still informed by the proximity of the first movie's release, despite having nothing to do with it. So I'm not saying, "This short confirms how Rosalina will literally look in the next movie!"
I'm saying, "What does it mean that this baby that looks so much like [a stylized version of] baby Rosalina is interacting with what's clearly a Pikmin?"
I fully concede that it could very well have nothing to do with the next film (or anything), but I don't see why suggesting there's any intent or connection behind all this sounds so farfetched when we're talking about a company that's always in Marketing Mode and loves to hold their cards close to their chest.
@N00BiSH It may not explicitly tie into the Mario Galaxy movie, but it also doesn't feel like a "The curtains are just blue" kind of deal. There's also no rule saying one can't break styles or characterizations across media (the Princess Peach Showtime cover art being a smaller example of this).
I guess I'm more operating off how Nintendo is trying to tie Galaxy into Mario's 40th anniversary (next year also makes Pikmin's 25th anniversary). But I'll begrudgingly eat my words if it doesn't lead to anything bigger.
The Pikmin stuff is kinda the low-hanging fruit. The bigger question is why, among any character they could interact with, does the baby look like an infant Rosalina? (Something others have mentioned in the other article)
And especially when you consider Nintendo isn't really one to drop cryptic stuff that doesn't circle back into marketing material... What's their end-game?
I dont know how to interpret that as anything BUT baby Rosalina. The hair swoop is one thing, but she straight up has the same eye color too!
Assuming this isnt just some artsy one-off, this very much feels like marketing for the Mario Galaxy movie, while soft confirming the idea that other IPs will play a role beyond cute references.
I've never been a huge fan of gaming discourse orbiting so hard around how much "better" a fan-designated underdog game is compared to its contemporaries that are still relevant and popular (dormant series are a whole other matter).
I don't doubt Sega/Sonic Team knocked it out of the park this time, but I worry for Crossworld's longevity, because I've seen the same story play out where the new hotness is quickly forgotten once it's no longer fun to use it as a bludgeon against the more popular/familiar/evergreen IP.
It comes off as high praise on the surface, but unless people keep uplifting those games down the road, it does a disservice to their legacy.
@IronMan30 I have a good feeling we might start seeing amiibo prices drop if stock and recent retail discounts are anything to go by.
This week, GameStop was offering some of the $30-$40 amiibo for as low as $16 only about 3 months since their release. If the Air Riders and Mario Galaxy amiibo see the same outcome, that might be a clearer sign for producers to lower the MSRP a bit.
Shoot, if Nintendo ever stopped producing 1st party amiibo, Capcom could carry the brand based on their output alone.
I wonder why no other major 3rd party is taking part? I doubt it's because Nintendo's locking them out when Activision and Yatch Club were able to get in on it.
It's been a while since I've been excited for a game update! A better way to track progress in Free Roam was basically at the top of my wish list!
It would've been nice to have slightly more thorough system, but this does a lot to reduce the friction in trying to find P-Switches and Medallions.
Only other QoL update I want now is just a Jukebox/Playlist mode. The game has a lot of amazing songs, but sometimes you just want a shortlist of a certain style (or have one on repeat).
It's a rough tear: While it's cool to see the series have enough legs to seem to want to tell deeper stories, it seems like they keep moving further away from the shounen anime campiness of the first game. And the whole "monsties" naming convention feels off when they're no longer chibi.
Still, I'm on board and curious to see where this entry goes!
While I personally felt the Star Force series struggled to fill the shoes Battle Network left behind (which IMO, contributed to the Mega Man fatigue in the the late 00s/early 10s), it's a net positive that the series is finding new life beyond the DS; Which means a fresh chance for folks to fall in love with this.
Now with that said... it's officially become hilarious how much Capcom has danced around Legends to give us just about every other mainline series. I'm hoping it's just a matter of "saving the best for last", but they're really not beating the grudge allegations atm.
I'm choosing to die on the hill that I wish they wouldnt keep bringing back Story/Adventure mode for these sports games if they're not gonna be much more than elaborate tutorials with serviceable story beats in between.
This is me playing armchair dev, but that dev time could be used for more replayable parts of the game, or even a slightly lower price tag overall (assuming this winds up being a $70-$80 game).
I'm excited we finally have what might as well be a new Yoshi Story (with a solid aesthetic to boot!), but tempering my expectations that it's more gonna be a vibes-based adventure, rather than a platformer with challenge.
Which, nothing wrong with the former, if that's what you're looking for.
This suddenly explains why the base game was $70 compared to MKWorld and the other Switch 2 Editions.
That said, I cant hate there being an evergreen reason to load back up Bananza after 100%ing it so quickly. Though, the fact that Nintendo is using roguelikes for DLC content AGAIN is also kinda funny.
Cynically, what good is cool new hardware without enough attractive exclusives to play on it?
If they're still moving a lot of their biggest games (of the few they ever release these days...) to other platforms, there's not much reason to jump specifically on a Sony console outside of, respectfully, being a Playstation fan.
Wow, a smaller publisher doing "full game on cart", no Switch Tax™️, AND releasing for lower than the average MSRP??
I understand every situation is different, but this kinda undercuts the speculation that Switch 2 data carts are too expensive for larger publishers. Either they must've gotten cheaper, new storage options, or game-key cards really were a cost-cutting option publishers were too excited to jump on.
Oh no... Am I gonna have to eat my words?? I was feeling pretty confident that Bandai Namco had this in the bag.
I was already prepared to double dip in some format (with portability being the biggest reason), but if it's gonna somehow be a lesser experience than my PS4 run, I might have to shift this purchasing decision to PC.
'B to dig down' 1000% makes sense in theory and design... In practice, 'B to Jump' is just too hardwired in my brain, and probably why I didn't like my first impressions all too much back in April.
Really glad we had the option to swap inputs, because it felt like I was able to find my flow in the game way sooner than I would've otherwise.
I've been high-key rooting for a Bubsy comeback story for years, and my gosh, the IP holders finally understood the assignment: Less memes and "nostalgia", and more a sincere effort from a competent dev!
I would've preferred they not lean sooooo much on the"laughing stock of gaming" jokes, but hopefully that's just a trailer quirk. And if they can land the characterizations and give the supporting cast some depth, I think we could finally and unironically say, "Bubsy's back, baby!"
November baby Nintendo fans stay winning with at least one guaranteed game (and sometimes console) releasing around their birthday due to being so close to the holiday season...
And sometimes when the stars perfectly align, one releases right on your birthday! It's kinda less exciting when you're an adult with disposable income and more financial obligations, but might as well find the joys where you can!
FINALLY, a crossover that feels reasonably reserved for once!
They're often oversaturated with so little rhyme or reason these days, that it feels like such a breath of fresh air to see one that keeps it as simple as "two IPs from the same publisher". Really hoping the other two are also Sega villains!
I wish we could see the full context that even resulted in that image showing up. It has more of a cheeky tone you'd get from a slide during a fan-run panel than something I'd think TPC would spend any time on.
This is also the last of the previously released Switch 1 games that were announced to get a Switch 2 Edition. Makes me wonder if Nintendo is going to have a "Batch #2" ready to announce real soon?
I'll also take more free S2-compatible updates like they had around launch.
Switch 1 cart + a Switch 2 upgrade path not only sounds like a no-brainer, but would also be cheaper in the long run than having to print two separate SKUs. It's what Nintendo is currently doing with their Switch 2 Editions of Sw1 games.
The only other explanation I can imagine is that they predict bigger profits from having two different physical releases.
Edit: But apparently, a different SE game is getting an upgrade path?? These inconsistencies are gonna drive me up the wall, man...
Some things caught my eye (MH Stories 3, new Katamari, Pacman World 2, Hela, etc.), but a bit underwhelming as a presentation.
I was at least hoping we'd get more dates for 2025 Switch 2 games that were announced back in the April Direct. Just kinda felt like the obvious move...
At the very least I just want a date for Elden Ring. Anything else would be a bonus.
But if I can dream a bit bigger: Monster Hunter Wilds port or Rise upgrade for Switch 2, Hi-Fi Rush port, and a non-cloud version of the Kingdom Hearts collection
I'm also betting there's gonna be a "One last thing..." reveal.
I find the comparisons to 'Snipper Clips' to be kinda funny, because it feels way more inspired by 'Part-Time UFO' with the whole odd job concept and some physics-based mini games.
That said, both are great games, and this is looking to be right at home with them.
This is legit one of the launch window games I'm most excited for. I went and sold my PS4 copy early, because I'm so confident Bandai Namco's gonna do a solid enough port job that I'll have no reason to go back.
Also, lifting my hands to the sky to say Please don't be a game-key card Please don't be a game-key card Please don't be a game-key card
The $20 price tag, and eShop exclusivity isn't instilling a ton of confidence that this will be a particularly deep game... Which isn't inherently a bad thing, if that's the case.
The core game is fun enough in its own right (having got to try it back at the April NYC event), but it feels like the blueprint is already there to add things like a racing, extreme sports, and Battle Mode mini game to round it out.
Comments 943
Re: Mario Kart World Has Been Updated To Version 1.4.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
MKWorld is such a fascinating case, because with every QoL update that feels like they should've been included at launch, you get the sneaking suspicion that they put all their energy into making the base game as polished and "content complete" as possible, while kicking every less important thing down the road.
It would explain why it's effectively a $50 game if you get it bundled with your console, and only offered for a short amount of time...
Re: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade's File Size On Switch 2 Is Making Us Sweat
@SBandy1 Feels like part of the problem is that devs (or more likely, publishers) are getting a bit too comfortable having consumers subsidize their storage space (and graphics cards in PC gamers' case) rather than take further steps to optimize their games.
Of course, the original FF7 was so big, it notoriously had to be split across multiple discs... Which I dont think I'd actually mind returning to over GKCs, if it had to be an either/or.
Re: Feature: How Mega Starmie Became The Internet's New Queer Icon
@a1904 You keep throwing around "odd" and "weird", but that doesn't really articulate why that's necessarily a bad thing. And considering how gaming as a whole is (and always has been) "weird", it seems like the issue is more the flavor of weirdness than weirdness on the whole. Like, this is the same site that has no issue covering games like Lollipop Chainsaw, Bayonetta, and even Senran Kagura.
Heck, I've been on here long enough to have seen the fallout in the comment section when NLife reported on Xenoblade Chronichles X (Wii U) removing the "breast slider" (And looking back, it's funny to see arguments about how representation suddenly mattered on that front from more than a few people).
It seems more weird that THIS would be the line, if I were to give the benefit of the doubt.
Re: Feature: How Mega Starmie Became The Internet's New Queer Icon
@a1904 So the question I would then ask is: How much "sense" does it have to make to certain people before such a point of contention is considered a valid enough to be entertained? I also dont see what's so "odd" about what's been mentioned in the article... but that could be me having a much higher threshold for what others consider "odd".
Zooming out a little, I do think some camps dont quite know how to sit with their feelings long enough before they try to articulate them (or simply choose not to die on certain hills); hence why comment sections like these become so curated.
Re: Feature: How Mega Starmie Became The Internet's New Queer Icon
@Munchlax Exactly. It's not even a trend unique to the LGBTQ+ community. There's a parallel where black/PoC fans in certain fandoms will also adopt non-human fictional characters (Piccolo and Knuckles are classic examples).
It makes for an interesting and ultimately harmless conversation about representation and unique perspectives regarding franchises we all enjoy. And it's often ironic how quick reactionaries are to slap that down, despite them ALSO appreciating representation themselves (but dont have to think about it because it's usually a given for them).
Re: Bandai Namco, Square Enix And Other Japanese Publishers Aren't Happy About OpenAI's Sora 2 Generative AI Tool
@Samalik The kicker about the whole "Luddite" insult is that the Luddites weren't "anti-technology" AND they were right to be concerned about the socioeconomic consequences of the tech being pushed to undermine both laborers and consumers of the textile industry. History is basically repeating itself!
But yeah, the current breed of tech bros are much closer to the types who follow a religious faith blindly than they are to whatever flavor of "futurist" they think they are. It's a shame they suck up so much oxygen from a topic that is going to impact everyone's lives.
Re: Resident Evil Pro Controller Is Available To Pre-Order, But Its Price Is Terrifying
In a vacuum, $100 is definitely a lot. But when compared to a standard Pro2, an extra $10 isn't too egregious.
That said, I do take issue with such a simple design at that price. Feels like it needs a bit more stuff going on. At least more standout colors or something; even if it was just matching the color of an actual newspaper a bit more.
Re: Bandai Namco, Square Enix And Other Japanese Publishers Aren't Happy About OpenAI's Sora 2 Generative AI Tool
@Samalik It's a solid response to those who are already looking to justify the tech, as there's no real convincing them without more tangible consequences.
It's more the fence-sitters who need it spelled out for them, because it's specifically inaction from a would-be opposition that the tech bros are banking on.
Re: Bandai Namco, Square Enix And Other Japanese Publishers Aren't Happy About OpenAI's Sora 2 Generative AI Tool
@MasterGraveheart No need to be sorry about that. The brakes need to be pumped AT BEST.
It's clear that there's no altrustic future waiting for us on the other side with this type of tech with the amount of downsides we've already seen from it. And not enough people are getting angry enough over the fact that a minority of wealthy/powerful individuals expect us to suck it up so they can siphon that much more money and influence at our expense.
EDIT - Also, very tired of the "It's a tool" talking point from people outside of a respective field. Saying that does not make it immune to scrutiny. AI being a boon for the medical field doesnt magically make it acceptable in the creative/etc. field.
Re: Resident Evil Requiem Pre-Orders Live, Switch 2 Pro Controller And Amiibo Confirmed
As someone still gunning for a 100% retail amiibo collection, but not a fan of horror games, here's hoping whatever RE9's set will be wont be too creepy or grotesque.
I fully own that is a biased and selfish ask, coming from someone who wont even be getting the game itself.
Re: EA Staff Are Reportedly Less Than Happy With Their Much-Hyped AI "Helpers"
On top of every other reason why AI is a flawed premise no matter how "good" it gets (the lack of ethics, the lack of compensation for data collection, lack of transparency, potential economic upheaval, copyright concerns, the carbon footprint, demand near-exclusively on the supply side, etc.), another potential point of failure is the sheer lack of interest in seeing just what devs and artists actually need BEFORE thrusting this tech upon them.
No one knows better about what it takes to make something than the people who are in the weeds doing the actual work. They should have more of a seat at the table, and their opinions should carry more weight in all this.
Re: Sakurai Has No Plans For Kirby Air Riders DLC: "Everything Is Here"
I know it's gonna be an outlier (assuming his arm isn't twisted by higher-ups), but I really would like to see a return to this practice across the industry.
Some games make sense to have updates and roadmaps, but some should absolutely be complete packages, where the sequels are the "updates".
Re: Three More Kirby Air Riders amiibo Have Been Announced
The price is still a tough pill to swallow, but seeing them in the Direct suddenly made sense why they have a higher asking price.
Feels like amiibo really are becoming luxury figures to display, rather than cute knick-knacks to collect. And ironically, at those prices, I'd be hesitant to take them out of the box.
Re: Elden Ring Delayed On Switch 2 "To Allow Time For Performance Adjustments"
I figured a delay was coming if no official release date was mentioned at this point. But I'm glad for it, because it's legit one of the games I'm looking forward to playing (again).
It reflects well on From Software (and more so Bandai Namco) that they're not rushing this out the door just to make the holiday season.
Re: Sorry, Nintendo's Recent Pikmin Videos Aren't Hinting At Something More
Dang. I'd like to think I was partly right about Nintendo never doing anything without reason (seeing as they're pointing towards their app and studio), but I fully concede to those who argued this wasn't leading to anything bigger!
What's kinda funny is that animations are kind of a no-brainer for Nintendo's brand. The fact that shorts, shows, and movies are still such a rarity from this company is kinda wild, considering their entire bread and butter is branding and IPs. But maybe it helps to avoid oversaturation and dilution of those IPs.
Re: Nintendo Updates Animated Short Film 'Close To You' With Some Familiar Faces
Oh hey, would ya look at that! Nintendo being as unpredictable as I said they often are in that other comment section!
I'm holding back being more insufferable just yet, because this doesnt actually confirm any bigger project or product so far (much less the Mario connection theory). But Thursday IS usually the day Nintendo drops a lot of their new games...
Not saying it's that, though. I'm suddenly getting "new mobile game/app" vibes from this, and I wouldnt mind being wrong there.
Re: Poll: Do You Think Nintendo's New Animated Short 'Close To You' Is Pikmin Related?
@N00BiSH The "major franchises" argument is fair, BUT Nintendo definitely isn't a stranger to vague marketing. While more niche, the "Who is Emio?" teaser from just last year had folks wondering what Nintendo was up to for an entire week, before it was revealed to be a new entry in the Famicom Detective Club series.
Who's to say this isn't also something along those lines? And how would doing so stop them from doing traditional marketing later? How many times do we think we have Nintendo figured out before they subvert expectations in some way? Them dropping an animated short on a random Tuesday with zero fanfare or context absolutely falls within that territory. And the one constant is that they rarely do something for zero reason.
I guess my last supporting point is that, if there was nothing else to this beyond just a cute little art house type deal, we'd at least see some credits or the usual stuff in their video description section like with their other shorts. The lack of even the most basic information (and especially showing up in their Nintendo Today! app) is what leads me to believe they're up to something. But again, I'll fully own up if this doesn't lead to anything.
Re: Poll: Do You Think Nintendo's New Animated Short 'Close To You' Is Pikmin Related?
@N00BiSH That "minor facial change" was still informed by the proximity of the first movie's release, despite having nothing to do with it. So I'm not saying, "This short confirms how Rosalina will literally look in the next movie!"
I'm saying, "What does it mean that this baby that looks so much like [a stylized version of] baby Rosalina is interacting with what's clearly a Pikmin?"
I fully concede that it could very well have nothing to do with the next film (or anything), but I don't see why suggesting there's any intent or connection behind all this sounds so farfetched when we're talking about a company that's always in Marketing Mode and loves to hold their cards close to their chest.
Re: Poll: Do You Think Nintendo's New Animated Short 'Close To You' Is Pikmin Related?
@N00BiSH It may not explicitly tie into the Mario Galaxy movie, but it also doesn't feel like a "The curtains are just blue" kind of deal. There's also no rule saying one can't break styles or characterizations across media (the Princess Peach Showtime cover art being a smaller example of this).
I guess I'm more operating off how Nintendo is trying to tie Galaxy into Mario's 40th anniversary (next year also makes Pikmin's 25th anniversary). But I'll begrudgingly eat my words if it doesn't lead to anything bigger.
Re: Poll: Do You Think Nintendo's New Animated Short 'Close To You' Is Pikmin Related?
The Pikmin stuff is kinda the low-hanging fruit. The bigger question is why, among any character they could interact with, does the baby look like an infant Rosalina? (Something others have mentioned in the other article)
And especially when you consider Nintendo isn't really one to drop cryptic stuff that doesn't circle back into marketing material... What's their end-game?
Re: Nintendo Goes Full Pixar In Strange New Animated Short Film, 'Close To You'
I dont know how to interpret that as anything BUT baby Rosalina. The hair swoop is one thing, but she straight up has the same eye color too!
Assuming this isnt just some artsy one-off, this very much feels like marketing for the Mario Galaxy movie, while soft confirming the idea that other IPs will play a role beyond cute references.
Re: Opinion: Sonic Racing Crossworlds > Mario Kart World, And It's Not Even Close For Me
I've never been a huge fan of gaming discourse orbiting so hard around how much "better" a fan-designated underdog game is compared to its contemporaries that are still relevant and popular (dormant series are a whole other matter).
I don't doubt Sega/Sonic Team knocked it out of the park this time, but I worry for Crossworld's longevity, because I've seen the same story play out where the new hotness is quickly forgotten once it's no longer fun to use it as a bludgeon against the more popular/familiar/evergreen IP.
It comes off as high praise on the surface, but unless people keep uplifting those games down the road, it does a disservice to their legacy.
Re: Capcom Teases Brand New amiibo For Monster Hunter Stories 3, Here's A Look
@IronMan30 I have a good feeling we might start seeing amiibo prices drop if stock and recent retail discounts are anything to go by.
This week, GameStop was offering some of the $30-$40 amiibo for as low as $16 only about 3 months since their release. If the Air Riders and Mario Galaxy amiibo see the same outcome, that might be a clearer sign for producers to lower the MSRP a bit.
Re: Capcom Teases Brand New amiibo For Monster Hunter Stories 3, Here's A Look
Shoot, if Nintendo ever stopped producing 1st party amiibo, Capcom could carry the brand based on their output alone.
I wonder why no other major 3rd party is taking part? I doubt it's because Nintendo's locking them out when Activision and Yatch Club were able to get in on it.
Re: Mario Kart World Has Been Updated To Version 1.3.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
It's been a while since I've been excited for a game update! A better way to track progress in Free Roam was basically at the top of my wish list!
It would've been nice to have slightly more thorough system, but this does a lot to reduce the friction in trying to find P-Switches and Medallions.
Only other QoL update I want now is just a Jukebox/Playlist mode. The game has a lot of amazing songs, but sometimes you just want a shortlist of a certain style (or have one on repeat).
Re: Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Dev Reveals Another Jet Set Radio-Style Game
Oh man, I'm so on board for this! Had a great time with BRC, so I have a lot of confidence in Team Reptile!
Re: Another Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Collab Appears To Have Been Revealed
Mannnn, that only makes me wish more that the crossover roster just stuck with video game properties and deeper Sonic pulls...
I know I keep whining about this, but the Nicktoons inclusion, for as cute as they are on paper, just throws off the cohesion.
Re: Monster Hunter Stories 3 Will Roar Onto Switch 2 In March 2026
It's a rough tear: While it's cool to see the series have enough legs to seem to want to tell deeper stories, it seems like they keep moving further away from the shounen anime campiness of the first game. And the whole "monsties" naming convention feels off when they're no longer chibi.
Still, I'm on board and curious to see where this entry goes!
Re: Mega Man Star Force: Legacy Collection Brings DS RPGs To Switch In 2026
While I personally felt the Star Force series struggled to fill the shoes Battle Network left behind (which IMO, contributed to the Mega Man fatigue in the the late 00s/early 10s), it's a net positive that the series is finding new life beyond the DS; Which means a fresh chance for folks to fall in love with this.
Now with that said... it's officially become hilarious how much Capcom has danced around Legends to give us just about every other mainline series. I'm hoping it's just a matter of "saving the best for last", but they're really not beating the grudge allegations atm.
Re: Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave Charges Onto Switch 2 In 2026
If this has ties to Three Houses, it'd be awfully nice if it could get a Switch 2 update for those of us who've been putting off playing through it!
Re: Mario Tennis Fever Hits Switch 2 Next February
I'm choosing to die on the hill that I wish they wouldnt keep bringing back Story/Adventure mode for these sports games if they're not gonna be much more than elaborate tutorials with serviceable story beats in between.
This is me playing armchair dev, but that dev time could be used for more replayable parts of the game, or even a slightly lower price tag overall (assuming this winds up being a $70-$80 game).
Re: A Brand New Yoshi Adventure Is Heading To The Switch 2
I'm excited we finally have what might as well be a new Yoshi Story (with a solid aesthetic to boot!), but tempering my expectations that it's more gonna be a vibes-based adventure, rather than a platformer with challenge.
Which, nothing wrong with the former, if that's what you're looking for.
Re: Virtual Boy Is Being Added To Nintendo Switch Online
I've been eyeing buying a Virtual Boy for collection's sake for years, so this would make for a good workaround if the price is right.
But dont miss the fact that this accessory lives and dies by a subscription to Nintnedo's online service and current console dimensions.
Re: Surprise! Donkey Kong Bananza Is Getting DLC, And It's Out Today
This suddenly explains why the base game was $70 compared to MKWorld and the other Switch 2 Editions.
That said, I cant hate there being an evergreen reason to load back up Bananza after 100%ing it so quickly. Though, the fact that Nintendo is using roguelikes for DLC content AGAIN is also kinda funny.
Re: Rumour: Sony Is Gunning For The Switch 2 With A Handheld, Dockable PS6
Cynically, what good is cool new hardware without enough attractive exclusives to play on it?
If they're still moving a lot of their biggest games (of the few they ever release these days...) to other platforms, there's not much reason to jump specifically on a Sony console outside of, respectfully, being a Playstation fan.
Re: Yooka-Replayee Appears To Be Getting A Proper Physical Release For Switch 2
Wow, a smaller publisher doing "full game on cart", no Switch Tax™️, AND releasing for lower than the average MSRP??
I understand every situation is different, but this kinda undercuts the speculation that Switch 2 data carts are too expensive for larger publishers. Either they must've gotten cheaper, new storage options, or game-key cards really were a cost-cutting option publishers were too excited to jump on.
Re: Video: Uh Oh, Elden Ring On Switch 2 Has Issues In Handheld Mode
Oh no... Am I gonna have to eat my words?? I was feeling pretty confident that Bandai Namco had this in the bag.
I was already prepared to double dip in some format (with portability being the biggest reason), but if it's gonna somehow be a lesser experience than my PS4 run, I might have to shift this purchasing decision to PC.
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza's Dig Button Placement Is All Thanks To Miyamoto
'B to dig down' 1000% makes sense in theory and design... In practice, 'B to Jump' is just too hardwired in my brain, and probably why I didn't like my first impressions all too much back in April.
Really glad we had the option to swap inputs, because it felt like I was able to find my flow in the game way sooner than I would've otherwise.
Re: Atari Announces Bubsy 4D From 'Demon Turf' Developer Fabraz
I've been high-key rooting for a Bubsy comeback story for years, and my gosh, the IP holders finally understood the assignment: Less memes and "nostalgia", and more a sincere effort from a competent dev!
I would've preferred they not lean sooooo much on the"laughing stock of gaming" jokes, but hopefully that's just a trailer quirk. And if they can land the characterizations and give the supporting cast some depth, I think we could finally and unironically say, "Bubsy's back, baby!"
Re: Kirby Air Riders Zooms Onto Switch 2 This November
November baby Nintendo fans stay winning with at least one guaranteed game (and sometimes console) releasing around their birthday due to being so close to the holiday season...
And sometimes when the stars perfectly align, one releases right on your birthday! It's kinda less exciting when you're an adult with disposable income and more financial obligations, but might as well find the joys where you can!
Re: Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance To Get Classic SEGA Villains Stage DLC Next Year
FINALLY, a crossover that feels reasonably reserved for once!
They're often oversaturated with so little rhyme or reason these days, that it feels like such a breath of fresh air to see one that keeps it as simple as "two IPs from the same publisher". Really hoping the other two are also Sega villains!
Re: Random: The Pokémon Company Is Putting This Pronunciation Debate To Bed
I wish we could see the full context that even resulted in that image showing up. It has more of a cheeky tone you'd get from a slide during a fan-run panel than something I'd think TPC would spend any time on.
(Not even a bad thing; it's just funny).
Re: Kirby And The Forgotten Land Switch 2 Trailer Showcases More New Mouthful Modes
This is also the last of the previously released Switch 1 games that were announced to get a Switch 2 Edition. Makes me wonder if Nintendo is going to have a "Batch #2" ready to announce real soon?
I'll also take more free S2-compatible updates like they had around launch.
Re: Octopath 0 Is A Game-Key Card On Switch 2, And Square Enix Has "No Plans" For A Switch 1 Upgrade Option
Switch 1 cart + a Switch 2 upgrade path not only sounds like a no-brainer, but would also be cheaper in the long run than having to print two separate SKUs. It's what Nintendo is currently doing with their Switch 2 Editions of Sw1 games.
The only other explanation I can imagine is that they predict bigger profits from having two different physical releases.
Edit: But apparently, a different SE game is getting an upgrade path?? These inconsistencies are gonna drive me up the wall, man...
Re: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase July 2025: Every Announcement, Game Reveal, Trailer
Some things caught my eye (MH Stories 3, new Katamari, Pacman World 2, Hela, etc.), but a bit underwhelming as a presentation.
I was at least hoping we'd get more dates for 2025 Switch 2 games that were announced back in the April Direct. Just kinda felt like the obvious move...
Re: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Announced For Tomorrow, 31st July 2025
At the very least I just want a date for Elden Ring. Anything else would be a bonus.
But if I can dream a bit bigger: Monster Hunter Wilds port or Rise upgrade for Switch 2, Hi-Fi Rush port, and a non-cloud version of the Kingdom Hearts collection
I'm also betting there's gonna be a "One last thing..." reveal.
Re: 'Mouse Work' Gets Second Trailer, But Can't Release Until Creators Get Switch 2 Dev Kit
I find the comparisons to 'Snipper Clips' to be kinda funny, because it feels way more inspired by 'Part-Time UFO' with the whole odd job concept and some physics-based mini games.
That said, both are great games, and this is looking to be right at home with them.
Re: 'Mouse Work' Gets Second Trailer, But Can't Release Until Creators Get Switch 2 Dev Kit
@JuanGartner IIRC, this was never part of the Switch 2 Direct. And checking NoA's channel real quick, there's no trailer posted there.
Any marketing and coverage seems to be Nitrome hovering around the Switch 2's hype.
Re: Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Release Date Could Be Revealed Soon, As Switch 2 Rating Spotted
This is legit one of the launch window games I'm most excited for. I went and sold my PS4 copy early, because I'm so confident Bandai Namco's gonna do a solid enough port job that I'll have no reason to go back.
Also, lifting my hands to the sky to say
Please don't be a game-key card
Please don't be a game-key card
Please don't be a game-key card
Re: Drag X Drive Switch 2 eShop Price Revealed
The $20 price tag, and eShop exclusivity isn't instilling a ton of confidence that this will be a particularly deep game... Which isn't inherently a bad thing, if that's the case.
The core game is fun enough in its own right (having got to try it back at the April NYC event), but it feels like the blueprint is already there to add things like a racing, extreme sports, and Battle Mode mini game to round it out.