I hope Kirby Air Riders can keep its online presence alive for a while, because I don’t want to be playing with bots 80% of the time or see its Machine Market grow stale, even if it would make custom machines much more affordable.
But, yeah, Nintendo obliterates the competition in Japan like playing Gigantes in City Trial!
I’m more inclined to think it’s the real-world problems of politics and economics than the first-world problems of gaming enthusiasts. I’m not much of a Switch 2 fan despite owning one and liking it well enough, but it’s done pretty well this year all things considered. Despite the online moaning and groaning, many enthusiasts have still stepped up.
Like I posted before, Year 2 will be the real test, and I am getting concerned about Nintendo’s first-party lineup. Animal Crossing is just getting a New Horizons refresh. 2D Mario is just getting a refresh as well with Wonder. A big, new Zelda is years away. Super Smash Bros. might just be getting started and is years away as well. We had Mario Kart from the get-go.
That leaves 3D Mario, which I’m not even so sure of that unless DK was made by an offshoot from the main team. I don’t just want Odyssey 2 or Galaxy 3, and I believe Nintendo doesn’t want that, too. What new form could it take, then?
I plan on getting Mario Tennis Fever through gift money, because otherwise it's a maybe for me after the underwhelming Mario sports games of the Switch 1 era. I had a decent time with Aces, but it didn't last long at all.
I really wanted a S2 edition of Mario Wonder so I can give the game another chance. I'm hoping that playable Rosalina is true and there's more bosses. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book just needs to be better than Crafted World to be a win for me.
Tomodachi Life is my second most hyped game behind Splatoon even though it's a Switch 1 game. I adored the 3DS game and this looks to be a bit more ambitious, so I just want to see a more advanced Mii creator right now.
@Cakefish Yeah, I forgot about that, but that's about the only other new game announcement I'm hoping for. I'd love to see Super Mario Maker 3, but Nintendo might think we'll have enough 2D Mario with more Mario Wonder even though it's just an edition.
I wouldn't change a thing about Splatoon Raiders' shock announcement now. It was awesome and very in-character with Splatoon 3's chaotic nature!
It's my ray of hope for Nintendo's 2026 right now, because to be frank, I'm getting concerned about the first-party lineup. A lot of "smaller" games to me (I'm not into Fire Emblem or Pokemon) and nothing that strikes me as a Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza. I'm not even confident about a 3D Mario next year. Sure, Splatoon Raiders might just be another "smaller" game as well, but I want to believe it's secretly bigger than we expect.
Merry Big Run! Or Fishmas, I guess some call it. Any way you call it, I'm playing Big Run in Splatoon 3 more than anything. When I want a break, I'll mostly play Wario World, Mario Kart World, or Super Mario Galaxy 2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is just routine.
Feels like Nintendo wants Sakurai to get a move on with the next Smash game if you ask me.
It’s no Mario Kart, but I definitely respect what Nintendo and Sakurai set out to do with Kirby Air Riders. A clear, focused, polished sequel to an under-the-radar game with some clear passion put into it. Not a surprise for someone who got to work with his baby again!
Giving Luigi more screentime is one step in the right direction. Looks like it’ll be even more action-packed than the first movie, too. Fine with me, especially since I liked the "final boss battle" in Brooklyn!
As a Rick player, I'm disappointed, but not surprised. I rotate between him and Green Kirby, Waddle Dee, Taranza and Susie anyway.
I want to earn more miles. I've been hating the Machine Market system for pricing me out of so many machines I want to buy, but grinding takes a horribly long and boring time in any mode. I really hope a Stage Builder in a future Super Smash Bros. game doesn't use a system like this for sharing content. Then it'll be like an expensive real estate market!
I really just want Donkey Kong 64, Super Smash Bros., and Diddy Kong Racing for N64 now. I actually have hope they will all make it eventually, even that last one.
I mostly listen to my Favorites and personal playlists more than anything. It’s why it thinks that my top playlists are the Special Releases for Kirby Air Riders or Super Mario Party Jamboree. I guess only official playlists count.
My top games being Donkey Kong Country 3, Wii Channels, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Donkey Kong Country, and Super Mario Galaxy sounds about right. Even Aquatic Ambiance for 582 minutes.
I’d listen to Splatoon 3 much more… if they can just add the rest of the soundtrack!
Ever since it was updated to allow it or at least make it easier, I've always gone to bed with Nintendo Music playing for half an hour. As a result, my favorite tracks according to this are my favorite bedtime tracks, like Aquatic Ambiance from DKC1, Forecast: Nighttime from Wii Channels, Forest Interlude from DKC2, Crystal Chasm from DKC3, and Space Junk Road from Mario Galaxy.
I highly recommend listening to Forecast: Nighttime in general, actually. It's a truly pleasant tune.
EXCELLENT! I love this game so much! This made my night!
This was my first Wario game, and the one that introduced me to the WarioWare series through the Game Boy Advance cable. From the over-the-top cartoon violence, wonderful Wario weirdness, to the creeptastic bosses, this game is a personal classic. It's only downside? Too short. But it's sweeter than garlic!
Never heard of Tonic Trouble but definitely Rayman 2.
The latter was a leaked game from that one blurry video screen, so we’re one more step to Donkey Kong 64! It’s just been the Japanese anniversary of DK64 according to Nintendo Today. There goes that excuse…
Just secured mine earlier. I’ve always been curious about the VB, apparently enough to splurge on this. I didn’t want to go cheap with cardboard. Looking forward to Wario Land and Mario Clash the most!
@YoshiAngemon I actually didn’t care for them making Tiny grow up and not Tiny anymore, but here’s what I’ve thought about future statues.
1. Funky Kong & Candy Kong
2. Bazaar (or Swanky Kong) & Kiddy Kong
3. Kaptain K. Rool & Baron K. Roolenstein
4. Tiny Kong & Wrinkly Kong (as a ghost)
5. Professor Chops & Tiki Tong
6. Bashmaster & Lord Fredrik
There could easily be a whole year’s worth of events, and we already had three in these final months!
@HammerGalladeBro Don’t forget Tiki Tong. I don’t see it happening in a game, but I’ve actually daydreamed of DK fighting all of his foes in a likely Donkey Kong movie. It wouldn’t just have Kremlings or tikis.
Loved Jungle Beat. The game had no story whatsoever with DK just leaving his island to go beat the stuffing out of a bunch of red-eyed enemies and stuff his face with fruit, and he was literally the only familiar character in the game. But I couldn’t help but appreciate Jungle Beat’s absurdity and I ignored the blowback to DK’s redesign at that time as well as his new voice.
Ninja Kong was my favorite Kong boss and the whole Durian Kingdom was just so cool anyway. The Ghastly fight was pretty vicious, too.
The most disappointing update yet if you ask me. WOOLLY World is one of my most wanted soundtracks. Crafted World might’ve been a decent game, but its soundtrack is grating and forgettable. “What’s It Gonna Be?!” is so obnoxious. Try listening to that even for just five minutes...
Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders are both excellent 9 out of 10 games, but both crumble before Donkey Kong Bananza. I know Bananza isn’t perfect with its terrible performance during certain major boss battles and the DLC, while a good, fun challenge with lots of fan service, is an overpriced add-on that should’ve been in there from the start. In spite of that, it’s still a 10 out of 10 for me just for the experience alone, especially as a DK fan. It’s exactly the kind of game you wish you could forget just to experience it fresh all over again.
The story is a fun, twisty journey that makes me want multiple playthroughs in the years to come. The finale is nothing short of spectacular with one my favorite final boss battles ever. DK controls like a total powerhouse, unsurprisingly, but a flexible one. It’s impressive how many moves I can pull from DK’s skill tree. Breaking rocks and digging through dirt and more makes you feel like a kid in a sandbox again. The game looks fantastic with good attention to detail, like DK’s footprints being left on top of Banandium gold he walks over. DK and Pauline prove to be a better dynamic duo than I was expecting. I’ve always liked Pauline, but even though this was back when she was a kid, this game has pretty much made me a new fan of her.
I could go on and on, but Bananza more than lives up to its punny name. Between getting a new character design and a grand game like Bananza, this year simply belongs to DK. This fan couldn’t be prouder!
I still need to beat Road Trip in Kirby Air Riders, so I’ll work toward that instead of being too distracted by the Machine Market and making machines for now. I even got done with the latest online event last night. Otherwise, I want to return to Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch 2 so I can beat it by New Year’s, hopefully well before then.
Oh no, don’t get this K. Rool fan’s hopes up. He’s just part of the daily animation for that theme, which should pay tribute to the whole DK series anyway. K. Rool’s and Void’s actors could just as easily have voiced background characters. But now I can’t help fantasizing about King K. Rool eating a kabob and turning into Kaptain K. Rool at Wario Shipyard or eating popcorn and turning into Baron K. Roolenstein at Boo Cinema. Thanks a lot…
DK and Pauline having only ONE costume is truly suspicious though. I just don’t expect Mario Kart World to have a paid DLC expansion until later next year.
My Switch 2 is still in perfect condition and playing the Pro 2 controller still feels like a dream. I don’t buy many games anyway, especially with today’s prices, but I don’t think 2’s Year One lineup was ever going to top 1’s. It’s admirable how well it’s doing though. It’s not going to slow down at all.
Nintendo’s few heavy hitters this year have still been heavy for sure. Mario Kart, DK, and even Kirby Air Riders have been such amazing experiences that it’ll personally be hard for next year’s games to top or match those three for me. 2026 seems to have a lot of “smaller” or filler games. Only Splatoon Raiders truly excites me right now, and that one should be bigger than we expect!
I haven't played in weeks (and I actually love Mario Kart World) thanks to Kirby Air Riders, but I'll come back for this out of curiosity. Nice to see that the ridiculous grind for Fish Bone at the hot springs like I had to do in mock local multiplayer is finally gone.
Oooh, I’ll be having this DK theme for sure. I’ve just had Splatoon since the beginning. The Snowmads are perfect timing considering I’ve just gotten my first real snow of December. Maybe I’ll alternate between Splatoon and DK depending on the month?
I’m still torn as ever between ranking Kazooie or Tooie higher, but Tooie is truly a splendid game. Grander scale, bigger stages, epic boss battles, equally good music, and keeping the charm intact despite the darker undertones, not to mention that FPS minigame. Just certain Jiggies and its performance compared to the buttery smooth Kazooie hinder it for me.
This game doesn’t get talked about enough here. Yes, I’d love another City Trial map too, as well as more race courses and characters. It’s truly one of Air Riders’ few downsides. Having a complete package of a game at release in this day and age is great, but for an online multiplayer game like this, it’s disappointing to know that there’ll never be something new to look forward to and more classic characters like Nago, Ribbon and Elfilin will never be playable in this game.
I’m not really worried about the online scene fading anytime soon. Making, sharing, and buying custom machines alone should keep some people’s interest for a while!
I’m playing Salmon Run in Splatoon 3 to attempt to get the gold badge for Jammin’ Salmon Junction.
I still have to beat Road Trip in Kirby Air Riders. I got worn out from grinding miles to buy a beautiful Paper Star of Ribbon from Kirby 64, but I don’t want to go through something like that again! You better hurry to buy a new machine you like before it gets popular and stupidly expensive. I could really use some tips for farming miles in Air Riders. Pretty sure I played dozens of Air Ride and Top Ride races and just a few City Trials…
And I still need to get the Lanky Kong statue in Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s WAY harder than the first event, but considering the rewards, I shouldn’t be surprised.
Good article, this is my second favorite Mario & Luigi behind Superstar Saga and one of my top DS games. Always felt it was underrated. I didn’t even know there was complaining about long boss battles. The one I really struggled with as a teen was Princess Shroob, which was just trickier than I thought.
Nintendo's increasingly deep relationship with Bandai-Namco over the years doesn't make this a surprise. I look forward to seeing their work on Splatoon Raiders and Splatoon 4 in the future!
I'm familiar with Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, but I never got past that horrible Minotaur boss. He was just the first boss, too! I know the game gets better after that, much like the first game got better after the Underworld. It's a shame that Uprising doesn't consider that game canon just because it never released in Japan.
I’ll get mine anytime now after preordering on Amazon when it was first available. Should be good to occasionally revisit just like Nintendo’s art books from Dark Horse I’ve gotten. Not having the new final chapter is a shame knowing how good it is, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Mario Party games usually have long OSTs and I'm sure there's some bangers in here, but I haven't played Jamboree as much as I've wanted to. Just like Kirby's Dream Buffet, I'll have to do some serious listening to figure out my top three and five. I can enjoy the remixes of older Mario Party music, at least.
My only cons so far are the relatively few tracks in the game, Skyah being the one and only stage for City Trial, the character roster being smaller than expected, and the machine customization being weirdly restrictive despite still being good. I haven’t unlocked everyone, but it already seems like quite a few fan-favorite characters have missed out and will never be in this game because of no DLC.
My Machine only allows 20 decals, the camera is wonky, and there’s not a way to make objects thicker or thinner vertically, not just horizontally. Hasn’t stopped me from making a trio of lovely machines of Splatoon’s Deep Cut, with more to come!
9. I have almost zero history with Air Ride, only familiar with its music over the years. But as a Kirby fan as well as much of Sakurai’s work, I wanted to take the plunge, and I’m so glad I did!
This game is a blast. A must-play for any Kirby fan. Sakurai scores again! Fun, lots of content, great for pick-up-and-play, stunning cutscenes, excellent soundtrack, and rewardingly deep gameplay for those patient and intentional enough to stick with it. It helped that I got my bearings in the Test Ride demo first.
Top Ride is addicting. Making custom machines has been a bigger hit than I thought. Road Trip seems rather repayable with its multiple paths. And I haven’t even played online yet! Trust me, don’t dismiss this game or give up on it too easily.
Now that my recent wild work days are behind me, I can concentrate on Kirby Air Riders! I'll still make time for my usual Animal Crossing and Splatoon, but Kirby obviously gets the fire lion's share of my playtime for being a new game. A new game packed with content!
Nope. It’s not just sticker shock, it’s highway robbery. Maybe once they collect too much dust on store shelves and hooks, places like GameStop might make them go on sale? But I probably still won’t be interested. I’d want more unique characters to have amiibo than just Kawasaki.
I’m sure someone’s made them already, but I want to make my own machines based on each member of Splatoon’s Deep Cut: Shiver Star (no relation to the snow world from Kirby 64), Frye Star and Big Man Star.
Maybe I'm just biased as a big DK fan, but Bananza is absolutely phenomenal. Never a dull moment. One of the best 3D platformers ever. A total love letter to the DK series that goes above and beyond what fans could ever hope for.
It's one of those games you wish you could forget so you could experience it all over again. THAT finale. Can we talk about it yet without spoiler tags? It's simply unforgettable.
I'd say the biggest things that somewhat unnerved me were venturing inside Banjo's burned-out house with its sad theme playing, meeting the plesiosaur that looked like a total boss at first until you find out you had to help it with stomach ulcers, and feeling bad for Klungo getting abused by Grunty whenever he failed beating Banjo and Kazooie and looking visibly worse every time I fought him.
I was actually kind of interested in zombified King Jingaling for his mumbling about the game's bosses. Mr. Patch was just a silly, Yoshi-like monstrosity. The two dragons were so cool, even after they were revealed to have cute, little bodies underneath their impressive heads and necks! Those two alone probably serve as a great example for this game's dark, yet still silly tone.
Besides, he must be at least a little humble if he always accepts Nintendo telling him to work on Smash Bros. over and over again, or even Air Riders, apparently. Still find it hard to believe Air Riders was Nintendo’s idea, not Sakurai’s.
Good for him trying to stay humble even though he does put himself out there a lot. It would be too easy to have an ego with his kind of accomplishments. More people should share his thoughts on interviews….
Not surprised by the divisive, but still mostly positive, reception considering the first game, but even just from the demo, this seems to be a game that could reward you handsomely if you stick with it. I know I will. If I ultimately liked the demo despite its flaws, I won’t be surprised if I’m blown away by the full game!
Never seriously played Air Ride, but I jumped on this game because it’s made by Sakurai and his Sora team, it’ll have loads of new content BECAUSE it’s made by Sakurai and company, and it’s clearly a must-have for any Kirby fan. Even just listening to the music on Nintendo Music has been a unique way to get hyped.
I got a head start from the demo thanks to starting out poorly, but winning a few Stadiums and almost all the races in the end, so I’m not intimidated by the learning curve. Challenge accepted!
Comments 101
Re: Japanese Charts: Switch 2 And Mario Kart World Continue To Obliterate The Competition
I hope Kirby Air Riders can keep its online presence alive for a while, because I don’t want to be playing with bots 80% of the time or see its Machine Market grow stale, even if it would make custom machines much more affordable.
But, yeah, Nintendo obliterates the competition in Japan like playing Gigantes in City Trial!
Re: The US Suffered Its Worst November Since 1995 In Terms Of Hardware Sales
I’m more inclined to think it’s the real-world problems of politics and economics than the first-world problems of gaming enthusiasts. I’m not much of a Switch 2 fan despite owning one and liking it well enough, but it’s done pretty well this year all things considered. Despite the online moaning and groaning, many enthusiasts have still stepped up.
Like I posted before, Year 2 will be the real test, and I am getting concerned about Nintendo’s first-party lineup. Animal Crossing is just getting a New Horizons refresh. 2D Mario is just getting a refresh as well with Wonder. A big, new Zelda is years away. Super Smash Bros. might just be getting started and is years away as well. We had Mario Kart from the get-go.
That leaves 3D Mario, which I’m not even so sure of that unless DK was made by an offshoot from the main team. I don’t just want Odyssey 2 or Galaxy 3, and I believe Nintendo doesn’t want that, too. What new form could it take, then?
Re: Nintendo Music Update Adds Super Mario's OG Game Boy Outing, Here's Every Song Included
Can't get much shorter and sweeter of an OST than this!
Top Five
1. Chai Kingdom
2. Muda Kingdom
3. Birabuto Kingdom
4. Easton Kingdom
5. Ending
Re: 35 Upcoming Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Games To Look Forward To In 2026
I plan on getting Mario Tennis Fever through gift money, because otherwise it's a maybe for me after the underwhelming Mario sports games of the Switch 1 era. I had a decent time with Aces, but it didn't last long at all.
I really wanted a S2 edition of Mario Wonder so I can give the game another chance. I'm hoping that playable Rosalina is true and there's more bosses. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book just needs to be better than Crafted World to be a win for me.
Tomodachi Life is my second most hyped game behind Splatoon even though it's a Switch 1 game. I adored the 3DS game and this looks to be a bit more ambitious, so I just want to see a more advanced Mii creator right now.
Re: 35 Upcoming Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Games To Look Forward To In 2026
@Cakefish Yeah, I forgot about that, but that's about the only other new game announcement I'm hoping for. I'd love to see Super Mario Maker 3, but Nintendo might think we'll have enough 2D Mario with more Mario Wonder even though it's just an edition.
Re: 35 Upcoming Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 Games To Look Forward To In 2026
I wouldn't change a thing about Splatoon Raiders' shock announcement now. It was awesome and very in-character with Splatoon 3's chaotic nature!
It's my ray of hope for Nintendo's 2026 right now, because to be frank, I'm getting concerned about the first-party lineup. A lot of "smaller" games to me (I'm not into Fire Emblem or Pokemon) and nothing that strikes me as a Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza. I'm not even confident about a 3D Mario next year. Sure, Splatoon Raiders might just be another "smaller" game as well, but I want to believe it's secretly bigger than we expect.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th December)
Merry Big Run! Or Fishmas, I guess some call it. Any way you call it, I'm playing Big Run in Splatoon 3 more than anything. When I want a break, I'll mostly play Wario World, Mario Kart World, or Super Mario Galaxy 2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is just routine.
Re: Kirby Air Riders Team Disbanding Soon, Game Updates Also Ending
Feels like Nintendo wants Sakurai to get a move on with the next Smash game if you ask me.
It’s no Mario Kart, but I definitely respect what Nintendo and Sakurai set out to do with Kirby Air Riders. A clear, focused, polished sequel to an under-the-radar game with some clear passion put into it. Not a surprise for someone who got to work with his baby again!
Re: Super Mario Galaxy Movie Gets A New Teaser Trailer At The Game Awards
Giving Luigi more screentime is one step in the right direction. Looks like it’ll be even more action-packed than the first movie, too. Fine with me, especially since I liked the "final boss battle" in Brooklyn!
Re: Kirby Air Riders Updated To Version 1.2.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
As a Rick player, I'm disappointed, but not surprised. I rotate between him and Green Kirby, Waddle Dee, Taranza and Susie anyway.
I want to earn more miles. I've been hating the Machine Market system for pricing me out of so many machines I want to buy, but grinding takes a horribly long and boring time in any mode. I really hope a Stage Builder in a future Super Smash Bros. game doesn't use a system like this for sharing content. Then it'll be like an expensive real estate market!
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch 2 GameCube Library With Wario's 3D Outing
@Bentleyma Yeah, I got a kick out of that being left in. They don't bother translating Japan-only games, after all!
Re: Your Nintendo Switch 'Year In Review 2025' Won't Arrive Until Next Month
I thought it came way too early last year. This is OK. We had our first divided year between Switch 1 and 2.
Re: ICYMI: Here's What Else Might Be On The Way To Switch Online's N64 Library
I really just want Donkey Kong 64, Super Smash Bros., and Diddy Kong Racing for N64 now. I actually have hope they will all make it eventually, even that last one.
Re: Nintendo Music's 2025 'Year In Review' Is Now Available, See Your Most-Played Songs
I mostly listen to my Favorites and personal playlists more than anything. It’s why it thinks that my top playlists are the Special Releases for Kirby Air Riders or Super Mario Party Jamboree. I guess only official playlists count.
My top games being Donkey Kong Country 3, Wii Channels, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Donkey Kong Country, and Super Mario Galaxy sounds about right. Even Aquatic Ambiance for 582 minutes.
I’d listen to Splatoon 3 much more… if they can just add the rest of the soundtrack!
Re: Nintendo Music's 2025 'Year In Review' Is Now Available, See Your Most-Played Songs
Ever since it was updated to allow it or at least make it easier, I've always gone to bed with Nintendo Music playing for half an hour. As a result, my favorite tracks according to this are my favorite bedtime tracks, like Aquatic Ambiance from DKC1, Forecast: Nighttime from Wii Channels, Forest Interlude from DKC2, Crystal Chasm from DKC3, and Space Junk Road from Mario Galaxy.
I highly recommend listening to Forecast: Nighttime in general, actually. It's a truly pleasant tune.
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch 2 GameCube Library With Wario's 3D Outing
EXCELLENT! I love this game so much! This made my night!
This was my first Wario game, and the one that introduced me to the WarioWare series through the Game Boy Advance cable. From the over-the-top cartoon violence, wonderful Wario weirdness, to the creeptastic bosses, this game is a personal classic. It's only downside? Too short. But it's sweeter than garlic!
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's N64 Library With Two Classic Platformers
Never heard of Tonic Trouble but definitely Rayman 2.
The latter was a leaked game from that one blurry video screen, so we’re one more step to Donkey Kong 64! It’s just been the Japanese anniversary of DK64 according to Nintendo Today. There goes that excuse…
Re: Reminder: Virtual Boy For Switch And Switch 2 Are Available On The My Nintendo Store
Just secured mine earlier. I’ve always been curious about the VB, apparently enough to splurge on this. I didn’t want to go cheap with cardboard. Looking forward to Wario Land and Mario Clash the most!
Re: Dig Into Donkey Kong Bananza's Third DLC In-Game Event Next Week
@YoshiAngemon I actually didn’t care for them making Tiny grow up and not Tiny anymore, but here’s what I’ve thought about future statues.
1. Funky Kong & Candy Kong
2. Bazaar (or Swanky Kong) & Kiddy Kong
3. Kaptain K. Rool & Baron K. Roolenstein
4. Tiny Kong & Wrinkly Kong (as a ghost)
5. Professor Chops & Tiki Tong
6. Bashmaster & Lord Fredrik
There could easily be a whole year’s worth of events, and we already had three in these final months!
Re: Dig Into Donkey Kong Bananza's Third DLC In-Game Event Next Week
@HammerGalladeBro Don’t forget Tiki Tong. I don’t see it happening in a game, but I’ve actually daydreamed of DK fighting all of his foes in a likely Donkey Kong movie. It wouldn’t just have Kremlings or tikis.
Re: Dig Into Donkey Kong Bananza's Third DLC In-Game Event Next Week
This is at Landfill, hm? Oh, Peekabopoids…
Loved Jungle Beat. The game had no story whatsoever with DK just leaving his island to go beat the stuffing out of a bunch of red-eyed enemies and stuff his face with fruit, and he was literally the only familiar character in the game. But I couldn’t help but appreciate Jungle Beat’s absurdity and I ignored the blowback to DK’s redesign at that time as well as his new voice.
Ninja Kong was my favorite Kong boss and the whole Durian Kingdom was just so cool anyway. The Ghastly fight was pretty vicious, too.
Re: Nintendo Music Adds Another Yoshi Soundtrack, Here's Every Song Included
The most disappointing update yet if you ask me. WOOLLY World is one of my most wanted soundtracks. Crafted World might’ve been a decent game, but its soundtrack is grating and forgettable. “What’s It Gonna Be?!” is so obnoxious. Try listening to that even for just five minutes...
Re: Community: It's Time To Rate Your Switch 1 & 2 Games Of The Year
Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders are both excellent 9 out of 10 games, but both crumble before Donkey Kong Bananza. I know Bananza isn’t perfect with its terrible performance during certain major boss battles and the DLC, while a good, fun challenge with lots of fan service, is an overpriced add-on that should’ve been in there from the start. In spite of that, it’s still a 10 out of 10 for me just for the experience alone, especially as a DK fan. It’s exactly the kind of game you wish you could forget just to experience it fresh all over again.
The story is a fun, twisty journey that makes me want multiple playthroughs in the years to come. The finale is nothing short of spectacular with one my favorite final boss battles ever. DK controls like a total powerhouse, unsurprisingly, but a flexible one. It’s impressive how many moves I can pull from DK’s skill tree. Breaking rocks and digging through dirt and more makes you feel like a kid in a sandbox again. The game looks fantastic with good attention to detail, like DK’s footprints being left on top of Banandium gold he walks over. DK and Pauline prove to be a better dynamic duo than I was expecting. I’ve always liked Pauline, but even though this was back when she was a kid, this game has pretty much made me a new fan of her.
I could go on and on, but Bananza more than lives up to its punny name. Between getting a new character design and a grand game like Bananza, this year simply belongs to DK. This fan couldn’t be prouder!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th December)
I still need to beat Road Trip in Kirby Air Riders, so I’ll work toward that instead of being too distracted by the Machine Market and making machines for now. I even got done with the latest online event last night. Otherwise, I want to return to Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch 2 so I can beat it by New Year’s, hopefully well before then.
Re: Is Mario Kart World Getting Donkey Kong Bananza DLC? Datamines Have Fans Speculating
Oh no, don’t get this K. Rool fan’s hopes up. He’s just part of the daily animation for that theme, which should pay tribute to the whole DK series anyway. K. Rool’s and Void’s actors could just as easily have voiced background characters. But now I can’t help fantasizing about King K. Rool eating a kabob and turning into Kaptain K. Rool at Wario Shipyard or eating popcorn and turning into Baron K. Roolenstein at Boo Cinema. Thanks a lot…
DK and Pauline having only ONE costume is truly suspicious though. I just don’t expect Mario Kart World to have a paid DLC expansion until later next year.
Re: Talking Point: Six Months Since Launch, How Would You Rate Switch 2?
@OldGamer999 Agreed. I’m expecting Luigi’s Mansion 4 next October. Considering how gorgeous 3 looked on Switch 1, 4 will be jaw-dropping on 2!
Re: Talking Point: Six Months Since Launch, How Would You Rate Switch 2?
My Switch 2 is still in perfect condition and playing the Pro 2 controller still feels like a dream. I don’t buy many games anyway, especially with today’s prices, but I don’t think 2’s Year One lineup was ever going to top 1’s. It’s admirable how well it’s doing though. It’s not going to slow down at all.
Nintendo’s few heavy hitters this year have still been heavy for sure. Mario Kart, DK, and even Kirby Air Riders have been such amazing experiences that it’ll personally be hard for next year’s games to top or match those three for me. 2026 seems to have a lot of “smaller” or filler games. Only Splatoon Raiders truly excites me right now, and that one should be bigger than we expect!
Re: Mario Kart World Has Been Updated To Version 1.4.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
I haven't played in weeks (and I actually love Mario Kart World) thanks to Kirby Air Riders, but I'll come back for this out of curiosity. Nice to see that the ridiculous grind for Fish Bone at the hot springs like I had to do in mock local multiplayer is finally gone.
Re: Nintendo Today! Mobile App Update Adds A New Donkey Kong Theme
Oooh, I’ll be having this DK theme for sure. I’ve just had Splatoon since the beginning. The Snowmads are perfect timing considering I’ve just gotten my first real snow of December. Maybe I’ll alternate between Splatoon and DK depending on the month?
Re: Random: "Splendid Game" - Shigeru Miyamoto Was A Fan Of Banjo-Tooie
I’m still torn as ever between ranking Kazooie or Tooie higher, but Tooie is truly a splendid game. Grander scale, bigger stages, epic boss battles, equally good music, and keeping the charm intact despite the darker undertones, not to mention that FPS minigame. Just certain Jiggies and its performance compared to the buttery smooth Kazooie hinder it for me.
Re: Opinion: City Trial Is Kirby Air Riders At Its Best, But It Needs More Maps To Thrive Long-Term
This game doesn’t get talked about enough here. Yes, I’d love another City Trial map too, as well as more race courses and characters. It’s truly one of Air Riders’ few downsides. Having a complete package of a game at release in this day and age is great, but for an online multiplayer game like this, it’s disappointing to know that there’ll never be something new to look forward to and more classic characters like Nago, Ribbon and Elfilin will never be playable in this game.
I’m not really worried about the online scene fading anytime soon. Making, sharing, and buying custom machines alone should keep some people’s interest for a while!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (29th November)
I’m playing Salmon Run in Splatoon 3 to attempt to get the gold badge for Jammin’ Salmon Junction.
I still have to beat Road Trip in Kirby Air Riders. I got worn out from grinding miles to buy a beautiful Paper Star of Ribbon from Kirby 64, but I don’t want to go through something like that again! You better hurry to buy a new machine you like before it gets popular and stupidly expensive. I could really use some tips for farming miles in Air Riders. Pretty sure I played dozens of Air Ride and Top Ride races and just a few City Trials…
And I still need to get the Lanky Kong statue in Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s WAY harder than the first event, but considering the rewards, I shouldn’t be surprised.
Re: Feature: The Tightest, Briskest Mario & Luigi Game Turns 20 Today And Deserves More Love
Good article, this is my second favorite Mario & Luigi behind Superstar Saga and one of my top DS games. Always felt it was underrated. I didn’t even know there was complaining about long boss battles. The one I really struggled with as a teen was Princess Shroob, which was just trickier than I thought.
Re: Nintendo To Acquire Bandai Namco Studios Singapore As A Subsidiary
Nintendo's increasingly deep relationship with Bandai-Namco over the years doesn't make this a surprise. I look forward to seeing their work on Splatoon Raiders and Splatoon 4 in the future!
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's NES And Game Boy Library With Four More Titles
I'm familiar with Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, but I never got past that horrible Minotaur boss. He was just the first boss, too! I know the game gets better after that, much like the first game got better after the Underworld. It's a shame that Uprising doesn't consider that game canon just because it never released in Japan.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting A Copy Of Rosalina's Storybook?
I’ll get mine anytime now after preordering on Amazon when it was first available. Should be good to occasionally revisit just like Nintendo’s art books from Dark Horse I’ve gotten. Not having the new final chapter is a shame knowing how good it is, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Re: Nintendo Music Update Adds Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV Album
Mario Party games usually have long OSTs and I'm sure there's some bangers in here, but I haven't played Jamboree as much as I've wanted to. Just like Kirby's Dream Buffet, I'll have to do some serious listening to figure out my top three and five. I can enjoy the remixes of older Mario Party music, at least.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Kirby Air Riders?
My only cons so far are the relatively few tracks in the game, Skyah being the one and only stage for City Trial, the character roster being smaller than expected, and the machine customization being weirdly restrictive despite still being good. I haven’t unlocked everyone, but it already seems like quite a few fan-favorite characters have missed out and will never be in this game because of no DLC.
My Machine only allows 20 decals, the camera is wonky, and there’s not a way to make objects thicker or thinner vertically, not just horizontally. Hasn’t stopped me from making a trio of lovely machines of Splatoon’s Deep Cut, with more to come!
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Kirby Air Riders?
9. I have almost zero history with Air Ride, only familiar with its music over the years. But as a Kirby fan as well as much of Sakurai’s work, I wanted to take the plunge, and I’m so glad I did!
This game is a blast. A must-play for any Kirby fan. Sakurai scores again! Fun, lots of content, great for pick-up-and-play, stunning cutscenes, excellent soundtrack, and rewardingly deep gameplay for those patient and intentional enough to stick with it. It helped that I got my bearings in the Test Ride demo first.
Top Ride is addicting. Making custom machines has been a bigger hit than I thought. Road Trip seems rather repayable with its multiple paths. And I haven’t even played online yet! Trust me, don’t dismiss this game or give up on it too easily.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (22nd November)
Now that my recent wild work days are behind me, I can concentrate on Kirby Air Riders! I'll still make time for my usual Animal Crossing and Splatoon, but Kirby obviously gets the fire lion's share of my playtime for being a new game. A new game packed with content!
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting The New Kirby Air Riders amiibo?
Nope. It’s not just sticker shock, it’s highway robbery. Maybe once they collect too much dust on store shelves and hooks, places like GameStop might make them go on sale? But I probably still won’t be interested. I’d want more unique characters to have amiibo than just Kawasaki.
Re: Kirby Air Riders: The Best Custom Machines We've Seen So Far
I’m sure someone’s made them already, but I want to make my own machines based on each member of Splatoon’s Deep Cut: Shiver Star (no relation to the snow world from Kirby 64), Frye Star and Big Man Star.
Re: Kirby Air Riders Players Are Creating 'Micro Bikini' Machines, But Nintendo's Having None Of It
Who needs Bikini Kawasaki when you can have Macho Dedede? That one could actually stay on there.
Re: Game Of The Year Nominee Donkey Kong Bananza Wins Critics' Choice Award
Maybe I'm just biased as a big DK fan, but Bananza is absolutely phenomenal. Never a dull moment. One of the best 3D platformers ever. A total love letter to the DK series that goes above and beyond what fans could ever hope for.
It's one of those games you wish you could forget so you could experience it all over again. THAT finale. Can we talk about it yet without spoiler tags? It's simply unforgettable.
Re: Kirby Air Riders In-Game Events Are Planned To Run For A Year After Launch
Yet another Smash reference! And just like Smash, these will repeat after they're all done.
Loving the game. If it wasn't for work so much, I'd be diving in harder and I know for sure I will tomorrow.
Re: Opinion: Banjo-Tooie Is Pure Nightmare Fuel, And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
I'd say the biggest things that somewhat unnerved me were venturing inside Banjo's burned-out house with its sad theme playing, meeting the plesiosaur that looked like a total boss at first until you find out you had to help it with stomach ulcers, and feeling bad for Klungo getting abused by Grunty whenever he failed beating Banjo and Kazooie and looking visibly worse every time I fought him.
I was actually kind of interested in zombified King Jingaling for his mumbling about the game's bosses. Mr. Patch was just a silly, Yoshi-like monstrosity. The two dragons were so cool, even after they were revealed to have cute, little bodies underneath their impressive heads and necks! Those two alone probably serve as a great example for this game's dark, yet still silly tone.
Re: Sakurai Is Keen To Live An "Unassuming Life", Despite His Fame And Prestige
Besides, he must be at least a little humble if he always accepts Nintendo telling him to work on Smash Bros. over and over again, or even Air Riders, apparently. Still find it hard to believe Air Riders was Nintendo’s idea, not Sakurai’s.
Re: Sakurai Is Keen To Live An "Unassuming Life", Despite His Fame And Prestige
Good for him trying to stay humble even though he does put himself out there a lot. It would be too easy to have an ego with his kind of accomplishments. More people should share his thoughts on interviews….
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Kirby Air Riders
Not surprised by the divisive, but still mostly positive, reception considering the first game, but even just from the demo, this seems to be a game that could reward you handsomely if you stick with it. I know I will. If I ultimately liked the demo despite its flaws, I won’t be surprised if I’m blown away by the full game!
Re: Review: Kirby Air Riders (Switch 2) - Incredibly Chaotic, But Satisfyingly Deep & Rewarding Racing
Never seriously played Air Ride, but I jumped on this game because it’s made by Sakurai and his Sora team, it’ll have loads of new content BECAUSE it’s made by Sakurai and company, and it’s clearly a must-have for any Kirby fan. Even just listening to the music on Nintendo Music has been a unique way to get hyped.
I got a head start from the demo thanks to starting out poorly, but winning a few Stadiums and almost all the races in the end, so I’m not intimidated by the learning curve. Challenge accepted!