The only one I would even consider getting is Eldin Ring, as that's the only game that's ever made me jealous of a non-Switch console. Although to be honest I feel like I hardly hear anyone talk about it anymore.
Really enjoyed Sonic Superstars as the most original 2D Sonic in decades, but still can’t shake the feeling that it’s constantly referencing the Genesis era games (how many “casino” type levels go we need?? And the final boss was like a reimagining of S&K too..) still, it was fun and I might try the unlocked mode.
Otherwise playing Cadence of Hyrule with my young brother-in-law. This is one I tried a few years back and did not enjoy one bit, but discovering multiplayer made me give it another go and it’s a nice time.
Finally, I’m still creeping through my first playthrough of Tactics Ogre: Reborn at like 95 hours… I’ll complete it some day I suppose.
@Tyranexx I’ve always felt it was a mistake to place Oracles as the LttP Link because she obviously introduces herself to him when she appears in that game. In other regards it does fit though, when considering the Triforce is united and accessible to Link, Ganon is dead, and Hyrule is at peace. Just doesn’t need to be the same Link, or Zelda, or both.
@JohnnyMind I’ll repeat my previous assertion that the “limiting creativity” line is just an excuse. There’s no mechanic, enemy, or dungeon that couldn’t be applied to whatever timeline plot you want. You could have Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, Recall, and LBW wall-merging all on the BotW engine and still set the story as a sequel to Twilight Princess or Oracles. Because by their own admission the plot isn’t a major focus. So why would it limit what they can do in other regards?
I wish Nintendo would stop commenting on the timeline if they don’t actually care about it. Don’t get me wrong, I love piecing it all together into a coherent timeline and would be thrilled for Nintendo to clarify if they actually made effort. But multiverse thinking is the lamest of creative crutches and presently, fans do a better job than Nintendo at actually forming coherence. Nintendo should commit to an actual plot or leave it to fans, not try to have it both ways.
Also, don’t buy their narrative about story limiting their creativity, because you can fit any kind of plot into whatever gameplay they come up with. They could easily have made BotW or TotK as a sequel to any previous game they wanted with only minor tweaks in the plot.
These “there is no timeline” hive-minders are a drag, man. True that Nintendo doesn’t really care about lore in their games, but until the past few entries there was evidence enough to make a nice picture. They ruined it with the whole “downfall” concept.. multiverse storytelling is just the worst. (As @Oracles_fanboi points out)
For me, the most essential clue in timeline theory has always been Ganon himself — whether he is living or not. Ganon dies at the end of LttP and does not appear in LBW. Will the Ganon we see in the opening be revived from the dead, freed from imprisonment, or a new incarnation altogether? The existence of gerudo in this game could mean he’s a reborn version, though the porcine form is usually something that he gains in desperation from the Triforce of power, so maybe it’s an encore appearance.
Another key is the state of the Triforce: is it whole? Is it in the real world or hidden in some other dimension?
These questions will tell us a lot, but based on a single trailer I’m going to say some time after LBW as @TourianTourist has pointed out, until we get more information. Come on Nintendo… don’t be careless about it please 😅
I can’t believe I just saw a new 2D Zelda announcement and am not totally excited, but I hate that Fisher-Price LA19 art style, and I’m not much in to building things, so….. I hope it’ll be good
@NTDO89 while I agree with the preaching sentiment, and I do get tired of this same copy+paste representation shtick in media journalism, saying you’re done with NL is a bit of throwing out the baby, I’d say. Articles with political overtones are like .001% of the content here.
Nice read and I’m happy for your redeemed experience! I think this often happens with hyped up games when we jump in knowing their reputation (I was pretty underwhelmed by ChronoTrigger, for example), and sometimes a fresh take can give us our own unique adventure.
Always interested in play time; would also be interested in peoples to ten favorite titles on the switch, and something about first party buy-in.
Maybe surveying how many of us played through each of the best sellers.
Also, frequency of total 100% completion, mostly completing, just seeing credits, and dropping part way through.
On one hand, I guess a standard feature of “art” is that the artist has sole creative control (not usually interactive). On the other hand, video games might be compared to architecture or landscaping — art in which the observer controls their perspective and interaction.
Anyway, shows, film, and phones definitely rot the brain more than most video games. At least you have something to do with your brain besides just stare and contemplate. Nature probably wins in that regard, although as a conversation piece I’m not sure. There are so many facets of evaluation for pastimes.
Hang on Animal Well, I will be there for you and am very excited about it, but I can’t tear myself away from Unicorn Overlord, which just never stops being fun.
@Arkay honestly me too; too much time has passed since Undertale wowed me with its plot and themes. but since I have the first two chapters anyway I may as well give it a go.
To me the cord organization with remote-controlled switch is the most impressive part.
@its_luke_c Nintendo has never once showed it like that! I guess theres a chance it could slide out if someone bumped it, but the same could be said for toppling it when set vertically. I'm trying it out now and it seems fine if a bit funny-looking.
I beat him after about 200hrs; ended with like a 95% completion! I would like to face him again, as I don’t feel like I really understood how to fight him and basically brute-forced it with meals. For now though, I’m occupied elsewhere. But I’ll be back for that sweet 100% (I hope) and a second victory some day.
Still in the thick of Unicorn Overlord and excited to start Animal Well soon… mayyybe not this weekend though. There are so many awesome games out there right now!
I wish they had clarified the reason. I’ve never used Twitter but I get annoyed at all the netizen hive mind acting like Musk is some villain and that has anything to do with this change.
Can’t say I relate to most of this as I’m not into racing and I’ve never fought true depression, but it was a fascinating read all the same. You described your mental processes clearly and I’m glad you are on the upswing now.
@Octane I agree, 3 Deluxe was an awesome experience for one or two players. 4 was good but inferior in both regards imo. No reason to accomplish multiple things in a day is just not Pikmin to me.
@Banks I enjoyed the character development of Samus and the structured plot beyond just going where you can go next because you got a new ability. Yeah it’s linear but worth it imo.
“Linear” gets a bad rap these days but I don’t have a problem with it I guess.
Comments 461
Re: Back Page: Dark World, Lorule, Termina - A Voyage Home To Hyrule Via Zelda's 'Other' Worlds
I think Labrynna has the most potential for expanded lore, followed by Holodrum and Lorule. Twilight Realm needs some attention too.
Re: Talking Point: What Game Should Be 'Switch 2's 'Skyrim Moment'?
The only one I would even consider getting is Eldin Ring, as that's the only game that's ever made me jealous of a non-Switch console. Although to be honest I feel like I hardly hear anyone talk about it anymore.
Re: Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Details Role Of Longtime Recurring Character
I’d rather see Tingle, Maple, Malon, Kass, or Salvatore, personally; but Dampé’s character evolution is something to see.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (7th September)
Really enjoyed Sonic Superstars as the most original 2D Sonic in decades, but still can’t shake the feeling that it’s constantly referencing the Genesis era games (how many “casino” type levels go we need?? And the final boss was like a reimagining of S&K too..) still, it was fun and I might try the unlocked mode.
Otherwise playing Cadence of Hyrule with my young brother-in-law. This is one I tried a few years back and did not enjoy one bit, but discovering multiplayer made me give it another go and it’s a nice time.
Finally, I’m still creeping through my first playthrough of Tactics Ogre: Reborn at like 95 hours… I’ll complete it some day I suppose.
Re: 50 Best GameCube Games Of All Time
Prime above WW..?? That’s absurd
Re: Zelda Timeline Featuring Breath Of The Wild And Tears Of The Kingdom Spotted
@Tyranexx I’ve always felt it was a mistake to place Oracles as the LttP Link because she obviously introduces herself to him when she appears in that game.
In other regards it does fit though, when considering the Triforce is united and accessible to Link, Ganon is dead, and Hyrule is at peace. Just doesn’t need to be the same Link, or Zelda, or both.
Re: Zelda Timeline Featuring Breath Of The Wild And Tears Of The Kingdom Spotted
@JohnnyMind I’ll repeat my previous assertion that the “limiting creativity” line is just an excuse. There’s no mechanic, enemy, or dungeon that couldn’t be applied to whatever timeline plot you want. You could have Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, Recall, and LBW wall-merging all on the BotW engine and still set the story as a sequel to Twilight Princess or Oracles.
Because by their own admission the plot isn’t a major focus. So why would it limit what they can do in other regards?
Re: Zelda Timeline Featuring Breath Of The Wild And Tears Of The Kingdom Spotted
I wish Nintendo would stop commenting on the timeline if they don’t actually care about it. Don’t get me wrong, I love piecing it all together into a coherent timeline and would be thrilled for Nintendo to clarify if they actually made effort. But multiverse thinking is the lamest of creative crutches and presently, fans do a better job than Nintendo at actually forming coherence. Nintendo should commit to an actual plot or leave it to fans, not try to have it both ways.
Also, don’t buy their narrative about story limiting their creativity, because you can fit any kind of plot into whatever gameplay they come up with. They could easily have made BotW or TotK as a sequel to any previous game they wanted with only minor tweaks in the plot.
Re: Soapbox: The Trauma Of Giygas & Growing Up In EarthBound
Well that was a thoughtful analysis!
Re: Soapbox: 20 Years After His Last Mainline Appearance, Tingle Deserves A Comeback
Never understood the hate he got.
I mean, I don’t want him taking center stage really but he fits in with Beedle, Kilton, and other kooky characters.
Re: Dragon Quest Creator On The Challenge Of Silent Protagonists In Modern Gaming
I like the Wind Waker approach
Re: Best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Games, Ranked - Every TMNT Game On Switch And Nintendo Systems
Wow there are a lot of TMNT games.
Re: Reminder: Zelda Switch Lite 'Hyrule Edition' Pre-Orders Are Now Live, Will You Be Getting It?
Never have I ever wanted a Switch that doesn’t actually switch.
Re: UK Charts: Switch Games Take Up Eight Of The Top Ten
@InTree Do you know Eek the Cat?
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition?
I'm not at all interested. I could see it being a fun party game once in a blue moon, but I'll leave that to whoever hosts the party.
Re: Feature: Where Does 'Echoes Of Wisdom' Fit In The Zelda Timeline? Here Are 3 Theories
These “there is no timeline” hive-minders are a drag, man. True that Nintendo doesn’t really care about lore in their games, but until the past few entries there was evidence enough to make a nice picture. They ruined it with the whole “downfall” concept.. multiverse storytelling is just the worst. (As @Oracles_fanboi points out)
For me, the most essential clue in timeline theory has always been Ganon himself — whether he is living or not. Ganon dies at the end of LttP and does not appear in LBW. Will the Ganon we see in the opening be revived from the dead, freed from imprisonment, or a new incarnation altogether? The existence of gerudo in this game could mean he’s a reborn version, though the porcine form is usually something that he gains in desperation from the Triforce of power, so maybe it’s an encore appearance.
Another key is the state of the Triforce: is it whole? Is it in the real world or hidden in some other dimension?
These questions will tell us a lot, but based on a single trailer I’m going to say some time after LBW as @TourianTourist has pointed out, until we get more information. Come on Nintendo… don’t be careless about it please 😅
Re: Video: 10 Exciting New Games Coming To Nintendo Switch In July 2024
The near future is looking busy for me with Echoes of Wisdom, Y’s X, and the Dragon Quest III remake… I’ll pass on new releases until then.
Re: Poll: What's Your Switch Game Of The Year Of 2024 So Far?
Unicorn Overlord was fantastic! Looking forward to a harder playthrough some day.
Re: Gallery: The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Is A Glorious Mix Of Old And New
I’m not in to building mechanics, and that plastic art style is so irritating, but hopefully I’ll like this one and it’ll build the series lore.
Re: New 2D Adventure 'The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom' Announced For This September
I can’t believe I just saw a new 2D Zelda announcement and am not totally excited, but I hate that Fisher-Price LA19 art style, and I’m not much in to building things, so….. I hope it’ll be good
Re: Capcom's 'Super Elections' Reveals Fan Favourite Characters, Games And More
What nonsense is this about X being more popular than Zero?
Re: Best Star Wars Video Games, Ranked - Switch And Nintendo Systems
I always thought I hated Episode 2, but on a rewatch last year I decided it’s actually one of my favorites.
Re: Talking Point: HD-2D Or 3D - How Should Square Enix Remake Chrono Trigger?
I was a bit disappointed when I got to try this game, given its reputation. That said, I think a hand-drawn looking style would be best.
Re: The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak Demo Now Available On Switch eShop
Looks alot like Y's VIII to me
Re: Soapbox: Nintendo Needs More Characters Like Paper Mario's Vivian
@NTDO89 while I agree with the preaching sentiment, and I do get tired of this same copy+paste representation shtick in media journalism, saying you’re done with NL is a bit of throwing out the baby, I’d say. Articles with political overtones are like .001% of the content here.
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Define 'Retro'?
I’d say two console generations prior. Wii is slightly retro, GCN is pretty retro, N64 is really retro..
Re: Talking Point: What Other LEGO Zelda Sets Would You Like To See After The Deku Tree?
Forget LEGO, let's get Fisher-Price's Great Adventures series on this!

Re: Poll: So, What Are Your First Impressions Of LEGO's Zelda 'Great Deku Tree' Set?
I just don't get Lego — especially these sets with so many custom pieces — it may as well just be a traditional model to assemble.
Re: Soapbox: After Restarting My Save File, I Finally 'Get' Hollow Knight
Nice read and I’m happy for your redeemed experience! I think this often happens with hyped up games when we jump in knowing their reputation (I was pretty underwhelmed by ChronoTrigger, for example), and sometimes a fresh take can give us our own unique adventure.
Re: Random: Sakurai Likens Boss Battles In Nintendo Games To Tutorials
I don’t want all one or the other, really
Re: Site News: Suggest Questions For Our Upcoming Switch Summer Survey
Always interested in play time; would also be interested in peoples to ten favorite titles on the switch, and something about first party buy-in.
Maybe surveying how many of us played through each of the best sellers.
Also, frequency of total 100% completion, mostly completing, just seeing credits, and dropping part way through.
Re: Talking Point: 'Remake' Vs. 'Remaster' - What's Your Definition?
I don’t care about assets, but to me a remake means there’s something different about it than before — not just visuals, UI, QoL things.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door For Switch?
Never played the original, though I enjoyed the N64 Paper Mario. so I’m interested but not exactly in a hurry
Re: Mailbox: 'Switch 2' Launch Ports, Soulslikes For Beginners, Poké Parks - Nintendo Life Letters
On one hand, I guess a standard feature of “art” is that the artist has sole creative control (not usually interactive). On the other hand, video games might be compared to architecture or landscaping — art in which the observer controls their perspective and interaction.
Anyway, shows, film, and phones definitely rot the brain more than most video games. At least you have something to do with your brain besides just stare and contemplate. Nature probably wins in that regard, although as a conversation piece I’m not sure. There are so many facets of evaluation for pastimes.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th May)
@DemonKow love Ultimate Chicken Horse with 4 players!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th May)
Hang on Animal Well, I will be there for you and am very excited about it, but I can’t tear myself away from Unicorn Overlord, which just never stops being fun.
Re: Toby Fox Shares New Development Update On Deltarune Chapter 4
@Arkay honestly me too; too much time has passed since Undertale wowed me with its plot and themes. but since I have the first two chapters anyway I may as well give it a go.
Re: Toby Fox Shares New Development Update On Deltarune Chapter 4
@VoidofLight that’s good to know because I’ve been holding off on any of it until it’s complete. Maybe I should just try whatever’s there.
Re: Every Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy (Color) Game Ranked
Slightly warm take but the Oracle games are better than Link’s Awakening in every regard except for plot.
Re: Random: Sakurai's Game Storage Solutions Are A Sight To Behold
To me the cord organization with remote-controlled switch is the most impressive part.
@its_luke_c Nintendo has never once showed it like that! I guess theres a chance it could slide out if someone bumped it, but the same could be said for toppling it when set vertically. I'm trying it out now and it seems fine if a bit funny-looking.
Re: Talking Point: One Year On, Has Everyone Beaten Ganondorf In Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom?
I beat him after about 200hrs; ended with like a 95% completion!
I would like to face him again, as I don’t feel like I really understood how to fight him and basically brute-forced it with meals. For now though, I’m occupied elsewhere. But I’ll be back for that sweet 100% (I hope) and a second victory some day.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th May)
Still in the thick of Unicorn Overlord and excited to start Animal Well soon… mayyybe not this weekend though.
There are so many awesome games out there right now!
Re: Nintendo Switch Ending Support For Social Media Platform 'X' Next month
I wish they had clarified the reason.
I’ve never used Twitter but I get annoyed at all the netizen hive mind acting like Musk is some villain and that has anything to do with this change.
Re: Switch Online's Missions & Rewards Adds Zelda Icons You Can Only "Get By Playing"
@JohnnyMind oh! I could’ve been adding those all along? …
Re: Switch Online's Missions & Rewards Adds Zelda Icons You Can Only "Get By Playing"
I know I’m wayyyyyy late to the party but what are icons used for..?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (4th May)
Glad to hear you’ve clicked with Hollow Knight, Jim! One of my all time favorites.
For me it’s just Unicorn Overlord and a smattering of Tears of the Kingdom when my daughter asks to see Link feed the dogs and ride the horses.
Re: BlackMilk's New Range Of Zelda Clothing Drops Next Week
I'm a big Zelda fan but... none of these
Re: Soapbox: During A Mental Health Crisis, It Wasn't Cosy Games That Helped
Can’t say I relate to most of this as I’m not into racing and I’ve never fought true depression, but it was a fascinating read all the same. You described your mental processes clearly and I’m glad you are on the upswing now.
Re: Best Pikmin Games
@Octane I agree, 3 Deluxe was an awesome experience for one or two players. 4 was good but inferior in both regards imo. No reason to accomplish multiple things in a day is just not Pikmin to me.
Re: Feature: Can We Track Down Every Cart In Our Top 50 Game Boy List In One Week?
@Banks I enjoyed the character development of Samus and the structured plot beyond just going where you can go next because you got a new ability. Yeah it’s linear but worth it imo.
“Linear” gets a bad rap these days but I don’t have a problem with it I guess.