Davestator

"Digital products, on the other hand, generally don’t have a lifespan."

Sure. Because servers are never taken down, and hard drives never fail.

Like dude, myspace botched a server migration years ago and over 90 percent of the data is lost forever. Millions upon millions of songs, lost forever.

@KevinP

I just think you're on a weird hill, man. You certainly like to generalize. None of what you said applies to me, and doesn't apply to most gamers on here.

I definitely do not need sexuality in a game to enjoy it, and I don't feel the need to get my "rocks off" either. I'm just not put off or offended if I see a pair of boobs in a game, or a ripped guy's abs, or whatever. Bodies are bodies. We are humans, and sex is in things because people like sex.

I do agree with you that some of the characters in video games look a bit young, especially from Japan, but a lot of older people "look young". And there is a big problem over there with some promoting that type of thing - that said, accusing Sunsoft, or any party of promoting such a thing, without sound evidence, is unethical unto itself. There are other companies out there you could direct your feelings towards.

@KevinP

A thirty-second look on your comment history is hardly a deep dive. Also, you're the one just bringing up the subject of underage girls and body parts, and at no point has Sunsoft implied that any of their characters are under the age of consent. The reality that you're bringing up such a stretch at random is telling. And all just from that half a minute of what I saw on your comment history is constant whining about anything and everything.

I'm going to really go out on a limb here.

They are going to announce remakes of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn.

I mean, they aren't. But that's my wild guess anyway.

@KevinP

What are you even on about? This is the company known for Blaster Master and lots of good licensed games in the 80's and 90's. Also, looking at your comment history, it seems your actual issue is with any games that come from Japan....and well, just about everything else as well.

A long, long time ago, I used to rent the first Bubsy game. I kinda enjoyed it for what it was. It was frustrating, and I think the levels and gameplay just couldn't work with the hardware limitations.

The main drawback was not having a good view to see obstacles and plan ahead. If they remade the first original with the camera panning out, and made Bubsy more capable of taking hits, it would be an otherwise decent game.

But I played through that game, and started to memorize the stages, and thus it became playable to me. The game did have good graphics and music for the time.

I still wouldn't recommend them to anyone who doesn't have masochistic tendencies.

The sequels were all progressively worse.

@Smithicus

There have been several Metroidvanias over the years, that I have enjoyed and replayed more than Hollow Knight - Infernax and Astalon: Tears of The Earth being my favorites. Hollow Knight for sure is good, but I agree with folks who say it isn't the "be-all-end-all" metroid-style game.

Yet another game I've chosen to purchase on the PS5 instead of Switch or Switch 2. I'm playing Dragon Quest 3 HD2D on PS5 right now. It's really good so far, so I'm definitely getting 1 and 2. (Dragon Quest 1, a.k.a. "Dragon Warrior" was my first rpg, and it came with a subscription to Nintendo Power in the U.S. - for fifteen dollars).

At least I can still enjoy my copy of Dragon Quest 11 on switch. It's still a good way to enjoy the game if anyone wants some quality Dragon Quest action on a Nintendo console.

@electrolite77

"The naivety is that so many focus on one issue that is fashionable to complain about while ignoring another that is worse. It also covers those who think GKC disappearing will mean a return to full games on a cart when it won’t, it will mean more digital only releases."

That's possible. I can't confirm what the outcome will be from that. I do not that more people are complaining about the key card lately, because it was just introduced. Code in a box was hated too, but it's not new, so naturally less people are going to be commenting about it.

Personally, I think it's all terrible. And on that note, I will posit that buying game key cards will most likely not aid in influencing publishers to release the full game on cartridge, but that supporting game key cards will encourage these publishers to adopt this format as a new (and lowered) standard for "physical" games.

I'm glad I held off buying this for switch (I did borrow it from the library and played through it).

I'm betting this looks gorgeous in 4k. I will probably be getting it at some point.

@electrolite77

Can you elaborate a bit on your argument a little bit? It doesn't make sense. How do you know that people didn't complain about code in a box? Last time I checked, that was also very unpopular. And key cards are arguably even worse.

And how does any of this make consumers naive? Key cards are not legit physical versions, since they have little to no real game data. So, I just don't see any validity or soundness to what you're trying to convey.

@Burning_Spear

Same here. I used to look for a copy on switch first, but now I go straight to ps5 or ps4 for anything that's not first-party.

@Saints

I'm backing up my CD collection right now. All files to lossless flac format. I have some that are around thirty years old now.

I stream music on my phone all the time, but it sounds like crap compared to CD. CD's have a much higher bit rate than compressed mp3. In terms of gaming, Mega Man 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3 still play the best on the original NES console. I still have most of my cartridges. They are beautiful.

A great way to preserve these things is to take care of them. It's quite effective.

@jojobar

I know it, and I really dislike this. I've always seen falcom as one of the "underdogs" of the gaming industry. Their games rarely sold as well as the competition, but they kept at it and brought their own unique flavor and combat that stands apart from other RPGs.

When I say that not purchasing their new output is bittersweet, I mean it. The key cards and lack of legit physical availability is just something I refuse to support. If other people are okay with it fine, but for me, nope.

I think it was already bad the way falcom released a new version with no upgrade path from the beginning. Perhaps they are in dire financial straits, but their recent practices are disappointing to say the least.

@topsekret

Good idea. If that's the case, I will definitely get it. Ys games have their own unique style, and I enjoyed the demo for X. Lots of companies do this "scarcity" tactic and release for other consoles later, so my fingers are crossed and I hope it makes it on disc.

@topsekret

Same. And I was really committed to getting it before I heard this. Ys VIII is one of my favorite games of all time, and Ys IX was good fun.

Also, I was just going to get the ps5 version, but they announced today that the ps5 will not get Proud Nordics....so it's either this or PC....

so it's a skip for me.

This looks amazing. I grew up with He-Man and She-Ra toys and cartoons, and I love the Golden Axe games, so this checks all the right boxes for me.

@Expa0

Having played through the first Dark Deity on switch, and all of the GBA Fire Emblem games, I must admit that it's not quite on par with FE.

That said, almost everyone I've talked to regarding the second game has said that it addressed all of the flaws of the original.

I'm willing to give it a chance. I still enjoyed the first Dark Deity, and it didn't regret playing through it, though I admit it had its share of flaws.

@Ellie-Moo

You're welcome. I hope you like it. It does have all the wild enemies and banging music that DD is known for, so maybe you will enjoy it.

@Exerion76

Yeah, that stage is awful if you play it last or next to last - and Anubis is actually tough as nails at full power.

@Ellie-Moo

It is. However, if you're expecting it to play like the older Double Dragons (like Super and DD2), you might be disappointed. It plays a lot differently. There is a certain rhythm to this game, and you have to learn to fall into that rhythm to appreciate what it offers. I recommend getting it on sale, that way you won't have to much remorse if it's not your cup of tea. As for me, I bought the physical version, I've put nearly forty hours in, and I don't regret it.

I saw this update on my ps5 last night. Just another reason to break out this game. It's a lot of fun.

Castlevania Advance Collection, specifically Aria of Sorrow. I played through it on switch, now on PS5 and hoping to get the platinum trophy by Halloween (I don't game as much as I used to).

@HeadPirate

Your comparison is invalid. Your argument implies that digital-only and key-card releases are superior to full physical releases. Key cards are a step backwards in several ways*, whereas going from 8-track to cassette, and then compact disc saw a massive improvement in sound quality and usability.

There is no inherent advantage to having a key card that requires moving physical media, without the benefits of that physical media semi-permanence. It's costing more to manufacture, it's worse for the environment, it negates the enjoyment of collecting, and it's flat out lame.

These companies could at least just put the full game on the cartridge and raise the cost if they're so focused on their bottom lines.

Truth be told, when I hear people say "these anti-key card arguments are getting on my nerves", what's really being said is "I'm okay with disappointment and lowered standards, and you should be too". Also, I'm hearing "corporate profits are more important than your enjoyability".

As if many of these companies aren't swimming in dough from expanded and collector versions marked up for a few cheap pieces of plastic or releasing wave after wave of dlc isn't allowing these companies to make money hand over fist. And in my opinion, that's fine, but those standards are as low as I'm willing to go. The key-card situation is greed, plain and simple.

@Max_the_German

Get used to them. It's a terrible, anti-consumer practice, and people are rightfully defiant against it. Just because you're okay to accept lowered standards, doesn't mean the rest of the world is - and we'll push against it as long as we feel the need to.

@jaughndis

Just the lone fact that the live action movie has Mary Elizabeth Winstead cast as Ramona negates your thesis.

Also, maybe it's not for you.

This looks fantastic. That said, I may wait until two years after the release, when the "ultimate edition" with all dlc comes out. Yes, I am a cheap-ass.

@HammerKirby

Exactly. It's like they are trying to sound like politicians. Just give it to us straight.

@Patchanka

I'm going to sort of agree with both of ya'll on this. The combat is hella stiff at first, but gets better as you level up. Once the characters are buffed, the game "plays properly". So, imo, ya'll are both right.

I do think that having some louder "hit noises" / feedback to feel more weight on attacks would help the combat overall. Games like Final Fight and Double Dragon understood this from the start.

@DaGoldenBoo

For its time, it was amazing. I was there with the DKC preview VHS, and DKC2 still felt like an upgrade in every way. That said, I feel like Tropical Freeze is the best of the 2d games with all nostalgia aside.

DKC2 still holds up beautifully though.

Tropical Freeze is the goat, and Jungle Beat should be higher. GB Donkey Kong is a little too high - good game, and the best of the "classic" style of DK, but nowhere near the top five. Of course, video games like music are very subjective, so here's my opinion for the pile.

I am playing Cookie Cutter, a rather tough, but rewarding Metroid-style game.

I am tempted to play through Infernax again, since Cookie Cutter has sharpened my reflexes and given me some decent gaming teeth.

Then again, I might just keep it simple and play through one of the many variants of Street Fighter 2.

@Exerion76

Same, and I LOVE Ys. It's just such a unique series that has that old school vibe and super-smooth combat, banging music. But yeah, I will be waiting at least two years for every falcom release hence.

@Grandiajet

Ys 3 on SNES was my first. I've played through 1 and 2, Memories of Celceta, IX, and a few others. VIII remains my favorite. I thought IX was pretty good, but couldn't quite keep up with VIII.

I tried the demo for X, but will probably get X Proud Nordics on another platform. It's already bad enough the way falcom has handled the releases of this game, but this game key thing is a nail in the coffin for me.

I cancelled my preorder again. The console looks just fine, and the games look good - I'm looking forward to getting one, but I'm holding out until early next year.

I think the launch was handled well. There were lots of chances to preorder, and plenty of consoles were around my area on launch week. I was a young lad in my twenties when the Wii was released, and that was a nightmare - I went to five different stores on launch day, and didn't find one in the wild for nearly a year.

Path of Radiance is fantastic, as well as Radiant Dawn. I'd love to see them both as a remaster in one single game.

I loved Undertale enough to buy it three times. I played through about an hour of Deltarune a year or so ago, and decided that since I enjoyed it so much, I had better wait until the whole thing is finished. So, I'm waiting, impatiently.

@sethfranum

How is that so? Most ps5 games have the base game on disc. Updates and more come later, but in most cases the game is still playable from disc without any connection. Even if that weren't the case, I can still go online and download ps3 games today. I can't say the same for my wii U and 3ds consoles.

@DTfearTheBEARD

Minus the series X, because I don't have one, this is my strategy. I have the ps5 for third-party games, and switch 2 will be my nintendo exclusive and indie machine. I'm not buying anything with a key card.

I've always loved the Splatoon characters and style, but never liked how hectic online was, so I might be willing to give this a try. It looks very pretty, like a kind of tropical sea adventure or something.

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones on GBA, and Beach Buggy Racing 2 on PS5 (It was on sale and is actually pretty good).

Dragon Warrior 1 was my first RPG, so I'm really tempted to get this....for PS5. No way in hell I'm buying a key card game.

I just wait about four or five years to buy any fighting game now. Street Fighter V Champion Edition was on sale with all the DLC for like ten bucks on psn not too long ago, so I nabbed that. I did the same with Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate Edition, with Robocop and all that.

Mortal Kombat on 11 was "the last straw" for me, because I had bought the game, and then all the DLC came out and then the price was marked down, and yeah....I was done.

I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with buying a key card game...if that works for you. I'm speaking for myself in saying that I'm not playing that game right now, figuratively and literally.

P.S. I'm looking forward to buying Street Fighter VI and Mortal Kombat 1 "ultimate editions" in three or four years. The games do look like a lot of fun.

I played the demo for Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo. It was really fun and felt really polished, like a lost SNES or GBA game that never saw the light of day. I might get it.

@Solomon_Ramblingj

It's interesting that you see it that way. It felt like a major upgrade to me in almost every way, but enjoyability of Mario Kart games is very subjective.

Double Dash had amazing coop. We had the four controllers, and it was just real. We had to replace some of those controllers with all the rage going on.

Rhythm Heaven Groove should be my last switch game. The one on wii was so good, and I regret not buying a copy when I had time.

Anyway, I don't think development will last too long on switch 1 - I think it will last two years, tops. Despite claiming otherwise, Nintendo shut the 3ds down pretty hard after switch took off. But hey, I'm not a seer - I'm just going by what the trends have been for the past decade or so.

Awww man, this world needs some Viewtiful Joe. Those games were so good. I never played Red Hot Rumble, but I still have 1 and 2 on gamecube, and those games still hold up.

I think that "playing it safe" is a wise move. I really enjoyed the Wii and Wii U for the wild deviations they were, but it seems to be like they are learning from past trends....

Sorta unrelated complaint though: I wish this console had built-in streaming to youtube and twitch. It's so easy for me to stream and upload gameplay sessions on the PS5, with no capture card needed. I'd really like to see that feature on switch 2.

I'm still excited for this console, mostly because of the games, but also to see those games in 4K and/or with higher frame rates. It really does make a difference, and seeing Nintendo games really pop and "look new" again is going to be cool.

Gaming has started to take more of a back seat in my life for a few years. It was already starting to change, because I've been working on cars and gardening, and finding other things to do that "yield more fruit", or give a greater sense of accomplishment.

That said, I do still enjoy video games, and make room for about an hour a day, and maybe two or three hours on Saturdays and Sundays. It's a great way to unwind, but for me it's like sugar - better in small doses.

The increase in prices makes me feel like investing in games even less, maybe just getting the heavy-hitters like Mario Kart and Metroid. And there is a massive backlog of classics to fall back on. I bought Stellar Blade two months ago, and still haven't finished it, so I'm not in a rush to buy a ton of games, especially if they're going to get in the way of financial goals.