Enriesto

Have a special Brazilian set of coffee beans to meet the special occasion. I will be enjoying the morning here in the Canadian prairies as though I were having a spa before the work day begins. Beyond excited ☕️🥳

@PessitheMystic I think what people remember so fondly about Croc was the atmosphere. Something was just so well captured in each of the regions you visited, largely through the audio I’d maintain. I sometimes even felt a sense of loneliness while playing, a kind of introspective sadness which few games up until today have done for me. It leaves a mark on you!

Could absolutely be rose-tinted glasses, the game is flawed after all. But even without being a Mario, Banjo, Crash, etc., it has something unique about it which some of us cherish today, which is just how much the game makes you feel while playing it. I personally cannot wait maybe you’ll come around to trying it again too!

Heartened to see so many people noting the nonsense of the online source and are celebrating what a great game it is. Having played all 3D Mario games in depth, it’s not a copy cat, full stop, and am glad so many Nintendo fans could not care less and are enjoying the game too.
Same will be said if we get a future banger out of Banjo Kazooie or Blinx, make it happen Microsoft!

@MSaturn I wouldn’t lose hope on Square yet. They’re having an important turning point in their business philosophy which isn’t far off from what capcom went through years ago. I’d even say they’re having a kind of “capcom moment” where they had to gather their resources and decide how to avert their focus in better ways with what they had? This was around the time of Resi 6, so look how far they’ve come since! Not perfect of course, but we’ve benefitted so much from their ability to center their talents on the valuable IP they possess. As for SqEnix, there’s loads of life left there, and I think we should be glad that they’re deciding not only to focus on their current properties as Capcom has, but to do away with timed exclusive nonsense so as many can enjoy their games as possible

Note: I get this move is based on profit drops and that they’re not doing this from a philanthropic wind, but let’s take what we can get and hope they can continue making better decisions than they have up to this point.

@OctolingKing13 it will come hang in there, we’re all in this wait together.

@OctolingKing13 while that would be amazing, it 100% will not happen. Retro is a Nintendo-owned studio (first-party, not a partner), and it would completely overshadow the third-party content being presented, defeating the purpose of a partner showcase. I would carry this hope with you to the next full Direct.

Got some Paper Mario vibes in addition to Banjo and Spyro. Looks absolutely wonderful, though the release date is tough as someone psyched for Rebirth. Will wish list and eventually try, very nice to see games like this being made.

I don’t understand the adoration for Link’s Awakening. Is it just nostalgia? I’ve played a couple of times (both GB and remake) and it’s just such a weak entry in the series to me. I like the story and concept, but the dungeons and world design are some of the worst in the series to me. Am I missing something? Maybe I just don’t get it.

That aside, LOVING Tears of the kingdom so far.

When I see the green and blue streams of air spiralling off in the distance…. I have to pursue, can’t help it 😅. Shrine after shrine for me, until I decide to pursue the main story.

@Ralizah wonderful and well said. Each game on this list (and the many greats not even listed) accomplished their own strengths within the confines of their artistic direction and goals. Ranking is ultimately absurd, but, a fun exercise I think! I have my own list which granted is so subjective to my tastes, but it’s nice to reflect on what makes these games so monumental. And, it gives people pause to consider games they have yet to play. Maybe it’s a guilty pleasure, but I genuinely enjoy looking at lists like this. I just wish the GQ article had put an effort into explaining why these games are great. Surely with the hundreds you consulted… you could have elaborated? 😅

My top 10 is different to be sure, but some respectful choices. From a Nintendo perspective, I think Galaxy 1 or 2 should be somewhere in there, it’s the peak of imagination in a Mario game to me. Halo games aren’t high enough either, I think the third title has a case in the top 10. Otherwise, I respect the list! The top 5 are all masterpieces, I love them dearly (including Tetris).

There’s quite a few! My number one choice would be Pikmin though, and it would be for a remaster. Modernize the controls, bring out the details visually, and it’s an instant buy for me.

@GrailUK this has been my thinking. Production is increasing and the Direct has shown us they’ve major hands to play this year, not just TOTK. I don’t know if they’ll surpass the PS5 consistently anymore in hardware, but they are serious about software this first half, not to mention the NSO Expansion pack is starting to really grow as an attractive option. I think we’ll be having some interesting end of 2023 chats, it’s exciting to see Nintendo have more up their sleeves.

Impressive yet unsurprising, it’s a hybrid console with an amazing library. And production is increasing for this year! The Switch is a legend, and is already my favourite console along with the PS2 and DS (which coincidentally are the best selling consoles… for now 😅).

@gq_foine I appreciate your consistency. Really, always refreshing on a gaming forum, I’d like to see it more.

I don’t think the examples I used were bad, given that both games are still held divisively among players. That’s why I chose them, they (BOTW and GOW 2018/Ragnarok) were departures from their respective franchise foundations. As a result, both series lost long-time fans because a number of new elements didn’t connect with them as they were playing. I’ve seen endless complaints online about BOTW not being a real Zelda game or how GOW needs to go back to what it was. Seriously, check Reddit threads if you don’t believe me - you’ll find no shortage of comments like that. Does that make these people not real fans? My opinion, it’s not up to us to decide. I don’t think someone who rated, say, Batman Arkham Asylum a 7/10 isn’t a real Batman fan. They rated it lower than I would, and I’d disagree over some points as to why. Are they a real fan though? No idea.

As for FE Engage, I think what matters most is how YOU are experiencing the game. Yes, cheesy… but true! And you’ve given it 9.5 so far, that’s awesome. Keep enjoying it, I am too, just not the same way you are. Experiences differ.

And for the record, I love both BOTW and GOW, just to be clear 😎

Enjoy Engage

@gq_foine is someone who gives BOTW less than a 8/10 not a real Zelda fan? Is someone who gives Ragnarok less than 8/10 not a real God Of War fan? Your opinion is your own, that’s fine, but there’s no need to dismiss other perspectives when they may have good reasons for rating a game differently. Also, many reviewers did give the game less than 8/10, so it’s not a wild opinion to have for Fire Emblem Engage.

So far, 7/10. On chapter 8, enjoying the gameplay a lot, but am not compelled by a single character. Just very generic. I also don’t care for the Somniel base function of the game, it feels like Fates (which I didn’t like) and TH where you’re doing and gathering the same things before the next chapter starts.

The story can obviously change and surprise me, but I’m not seeing some of the quality from past games in this one, especially when it comes to Somniel and the game’s characters.

Sekiro. The game’s brutality just undercuts your efforts so many times, not just in boss fights but in navigating the world in general. Demon of Hatred is the one boss that broke my spirit where I had to go for several walks to decompress after what appeared to be failures lacking progress. Even Malenia in Elden Ring didn’t do that to me, and I think it’s simply that you’re learning the mechanics all through the game and they don’t matter against this massive demonic spirit who rumbles and ravages the stage like it’s his sandbox. Extremely difficult for me (but I did beat him).

But, still love Sekiro, and am considering a replay soon. Just might skip the fiery spirit this round.

@Krambo42 I’m in the camp of this being a good thing, the series was always fine without the dating sim system. To each their own.

I would encourage you to get a physical copy of Awakening if possible! It’s starting to go up in value, and the base game will remain yours forever after the shop closes. And yes, relationships actually play a major role in the game’s side content. Do you!

Tunic was my indie game of the year, didn’t even know what the Metacritic score was. I’m still thinking about the game months later, couldn’t recommend it enough.

@IronMan30 that’s fine, and I do the same. Comparing stories, sales, multi-platform game overviews, and the author’s perspectives. I just don’t think it’s as bad on the other sites (like push square) as you think it is. I remember them giving a nod to the upticks in Xbox series sales before the holidays this year and ‘21. I also don’t think it’s even worth mentioning that the Switch is dominating in Japan. It’s a long established fact, not news to any of us really.

You should go and leave comments in PS! I love when people engage in disagreement so long as it’s not aggressive. It’s good, healthy! Maybe avoid posts about the “deal” that’s currently underway - I got bodied pretty hard on one post for being critical of Sony. 😂

@IronMan30 did you have a bad experience on Push Square? They actually often cover and give credit to other consoles. I’ve seen many times regarding Japanese chart sales that the Switch is THE console there. As for the general community… well, I’m on all 3 sites, I don’t see much difference in terms of bias and toxicity. Anyway, they do cover other consoles, especially Nintendo when it comes to Japanese charts.

Oh I get feels from this… and The Game Kitchen would be an amazing team for a project like this. We’ll see what happens after the Blasphemous sequel, who knows 🙂

Oh wow, I’m here for it. And not far off! Was this announced earlier in the year? Feels like something that escaped my radar. Looks really cool 😎

Just ordered my XC3 copy this week, should be arriving tomorrow just after I beat the second title. Adoring this series, I can’t wait.

@Bydlak I’m in the same boat as you, it’s curious why Nintendo thought to market these two games together so closely. Remember the gap between Triangle Strategy and Kirby in March? That would have been a better gap to use for many consumers. But I ain’t Nintendo - just my opinion!

Mario Kart DS 🙂

Has to be Galaxy. Such an evocative game that has yet to be matched in my view. The sequel and Odyssey came close, but I judge from my heart on this one - Super Mario Galaxy is my number one.

I can’t recommend this enough. Game’s world is hard to forget, it sits with you after completion. Combat is engaging and varied, strong story and characters. Background visuals are sublime at times.

Basically if you love Dread, you need to play this 😎

@Rainz @Ralizah thanks fam. I guess I know how I’m spending end of June. 😎

I still haven’t picked up Rise, because… I’ve yet to play a MH game 😅 and I’m not sure if it’s a good one to try first. I did watch the trailer yesterday and was very, very interested.

Also the free RE upgrades for PS5/XSX later this year is wonderful. Capcom is on fire 🔥

Droppin’ banana peels in Forza - make it happen Heather! Nothing gets past QA without a few blue shells.

@ArmenianJedi13 I don’t think anyone here believes there’s a “need” for it, but many of us (myself included) missed out on the Wii u generation. We didn’t get to play the HD remasters and would love to try them without… well, spending a lot more on the Wii U and WW/TP for Wii U. It’s far less affordable and convenient, not to mention Nintendo has actively been porting games over like Pikmin 3, Mario bros, and tropical freeze.

If you’re not crazy about a rumour like this coming true, no problem. It’s been beaten to death at this point. But I’m a huge sucker for WW and folks like me would buy it instantly. I don’t get tired of hearing about the ports because given Nintendo’s track record, it’s very possible it will happen on the Switch and be extremely successful in sales.

It’s a wonderful game from start to finish. Post-game content is very juicy, actually challenging! My Nintendo game of the year so far.

@Buizel Odyssey has a 2-player option

I know Luigi’s Mansion 3 has a coop option but it still feels more like a single player experience overall and would be included in this list for me. I’m biased - it’s in my top 5 Switch games ever.

I’ve never played Skies Of Arcadia, it totally escaped my radar in the GameCube days. That would probably be my number one, I’d love to try it. Paper Mario TTYD too because I, erm, sold mine… oops…

The name requires no explanation for me, never bothered me much. The adult focus point has me thinking:

“We tried to make such a complex subject as easy to understand as possible.”

Why? I thought this was adult focused? I won’t speak for everyone, but I know for myself, I don’t want a story spoon fed and drawn out for me. The game’s overall narrative is fine, but the writing and dialogue between the characters suffers from this “easy to understand” mentality. I’m sorry, but I do think this holds back what could have been a remarkable tale. Remember Vagrant Story? Xenogears? The first MGS? FFVI? That’s what I’m talking about. Complex subjects that respected you as an adult (or maybe younger) while you played and tried to uncover the plot for yourself. I think Triangle Strategy was watered down with this “easy” approach to subject matter. It could have otherwise been a great game for me. I’d go on, but I’ll stop.

Hopefully that’s not too hot of a take! I know a lot of people love this game, but I did give it an honest shot and can’t stand the story/writing approach they decided on. Made me long for the 90s age of jrpgs again.

@montrayjak I honestly think you’d be better off going ahead with Super Metroid. It’s the title that every other game uses as a foundation for its story, architecture, sense of exploration, etc. The original is very tough to get through today, in my view. But do you! The first game is still very original, I just preach the SNES version whenever a friend asks what to start with.

@P-Man it’s actually a good game! Very unique concept and story, with a lot of problem solving (different bugs require different solutions). It’s fun, I’d keep it on your radar.

@JeanPaul I definitely recommend the Hogwarts collection, even more so if you’re a fan. It often goes on sale as well. Check it out!

Coming off the Hogwarts collection recently, I’m so looking forward to this! I adore the humour in these games, I laugh regularly playing them XD so fun

Earthworm Jim 2!! Yes!! One of the first SNES games I ever played! (Odd, I know)

Time to head over to NSO, wooo 🥳

Oh wow, cool news! Leaning towards PS5 for now, but will reconsider if it runs well enough on Switch.

I wish all the best of fun to those who get to play it I was on the fence at first but think I will pass for now. Main complaint among a few reviews I read was that the storytelling and voice acting is weak, and that is a dealbreaker for me, even if the gameplay is great. I will keep my eye on it, but I’m waiting on Advance Wars for my tactical rpg fix.

Three Houses is my most played game aside from BOTW. If we hear about a new Fire Emblem, then I’ll walk away happy - even if we don’t hear anything about another Pikmin 🙁

I want more depth added to the cooking mechanic. Saving recipes, mixing boost results, garnish options for other benefits… cmon, it’s cooking. Sky’s the limit (pun intended).

I love this game, but it could be one of the weakest in the series. It was not a big jump from the SNES wonder we all loved, and the controls are still some of the worst in a kart game. It’s also graphically unimpressive given what else was releasing at the time on N64.

What keeps me coming back (especially with three other people) is the tracks. And Battle. I could still play this game endlessly with my friends huddled on a couch together until someone is responsible enough to say, “it’s 3am, we should probably call it a night.”

I wasn’t expecting much beyond a safe recreation of past games. Totally fine, love the boards and mini games. Will pick up tomorrow and play with some friends I haven’t seen in almost a year 😎 (thanks covid)

It’s 24.99 in Canuck dollars, so another 9.99 is what I’m expecting. If it’s 14.99 instead, I might still be inclined to go for it, but would hope that Nintendo is pretty aggressive in getting more n64/genesis titles within next year.