Comments 11,068

Re: Opinion: Resident Evil Requiem Represents A Turning Point For Switch 2

GrailUK

I think it will be more common having day and date releases. But it all depends on the developers doesn't it. If they don't have the man power, then they'll make the game fit on Switch 2 after they have finished the other versions. And to be honest, I'd rather a game come out complete, patched and optimised for Switch 2 way after initial release than to have it day one and suffer the usual 'sacrifices (tm)'. Their release schedule is lumped in with Nintendo's and unlike Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo are very prolific. Dunno if Nintendo actually curtates / spaces out third party releases in some way, it certainly feels like.
Personally, I'm happy with Nintendo's strategy of first party, indies and proven third party games. Anything more than that is a bonus and Switch 2 is more than positioned to allow it.

Re: Nintendo Is "Acting To Protect The Industry" With Switch 2 Game Key Cards, Says Ex-Capcom Composer

GrailUK

Nintendo is a very conservative company. Their huge cash reserve is often misconstrued as greed. They are actually (as the old addage goes) saving up for a rainy day. That is, if the provebial hits the fan they are covered. Conversly, the more common practice of operating in debt to enable quick expansion and cut costs to allieviate the interest rates (not to mention share holders) is considered intelligent and not simply getting rich quick. And inthis case, when the provebial does hit, jobs are usually the first to go. Heck, and when this does happen, how many times does 'old money' simply lean on tax payers for a lifeline. But no internet, keep thinking Nintendo is just being greedy...I stopped caring about that opinion moons ago. They think long term about their business. Remember, the companies floated on the stock market invariably have a wealthy family still owning 51%. It's not really owned by everyone. And that family will always be thinking of an exit strategy at some point.

Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Gets A Release Date, Open World Confirmed

GrailUK

Right, this needs saying because I'm seeing a lot of people bemoaning Nintendo's advertising for the game. Metroid Prime remaster was cheap and released in a minor month (February was it?). In Nintendo's eyes, it's not deemed a big seller. Metroid Prime 4 is releasing in December. Another difficult month to sell games because people are skint. But that's for the mainstream blue ocean audience. Fans are going to buy it regardless of what month it comes out. I'm sure it will be a great game. But they aren't going to be doing anywhere near the same marketing as they did for Mario Kart or Donkey Kong. There is time for another Metroid Direct. But look at the amount of love they put into that remaster (to the point of people wondering if it actually was a remake lol!) and the fact that they cancelled development because it wasn't good enough, hardly means they don't value the franchise or indeed, the fanbase.

Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Gets A Release Date, Open World Confirmed

GrailUK

I'm reserving judgement till we have details on how they are using this open world (or maybe section.) There is a lot of potential for it, but granted it is a departure from Metroid's usual intimate isolation - which I think has led to a general knee jerk reaction of it looking naff.
Ultimate;y, all they showed was traversal. And having a bike to slog over long distances isn't rubbish. But the open world needs to be meaningful. We'll see.
I've played a lot of Cyberpunk. And I have to confess, I don't fast travel. I much prefer riding through the city on...a motorbike. And one thing the teaser did highlight was motorbike combat. So already, it's promising as they have obviously thought about gameplay
Maybe when folk are begging for a sequel all they really are asking for is more of the same lol. Hope not. That's depressing..

Re: Nintendo Direct September 2025: Every Announcement, Game Reveal, Trailer

GrailUK

Pretty much what I was expecting. It was a good un. Not the best. But by no means crap. There were some media / youtubers citing this as the most important Nintendo Direct ever. Now...if you haven't twigged by now that they say this EVERY Direct, then there is no helping you.
The new Yoshi game looks adorable,
Metroid Prime 4 was not very Metroid lol
Virtua Fighter nuff said
Hyrule Warriors looks incredible (as does their origins game to be fair!) In fact KT are really behind Switch 2. Nice to see.
Capcom look like their engine is a nice fit.
More Final Fantasy 7.

I mean, very Japanese centric and folk seem to be chiomping at the bit over western games like Red Dead 2, Mass Effect, Baldur's GAte 3 etc etc. And as for those insiders harping on about Microsoft games coming, well, maybe they are...but it did nothing for helping everyone be disappointed,

Overall 7/10. There is tons to play and we still have to wait for Nintendo's big franchises / games. Mario Kart and DK will drive the holiday. So Nintendo fans should be more than happy but the people considering themselves Gamers are going to have to wait for the Switch to hit it's stride.

Re: Cyberpunk 2077 Receives Another Update On Switch 2, Here Are The Patch Notes

GrailUK

I know Keanu Reeves has said he'd love to reprise his role as Johnny for a sequel (I mean...actor says he would love a job isn't news lol!) but I hope they don't make the sequel about Johnny again. I want something different. By all means, add a rockerboy lifepath and have a cameo or something. (Shame they are moving to UE5. Hope it doesn't look like a generic engine game. Despite it's quirkyness, redengine gave it it's own feel.)

Re: Nintendo's Patent On 'Sub Characters' Could Have Some Dire Ramifications

GrailUK

@Mgalens Yeah, it's an interesting one. I can think of a bucket load of smart bomb style elements involving creatures, but that's a different gameplay concept to pokemon. It depends how far you want to go in deconstructing the artform. Any difference between Pokemon fighting turn based or a warrior / wizard. I guess it's the imaginary construct of capturing and summoning they want to protect. And like I said, before Pokemon, I don't think I ever played anything that did that.

Re: The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games

GrailUK

I can't express how good Cyberpunk is. A cinematic dystopia where the best outcome is only taking one sleeping pill at night...instead of feeling like taking a handful! It's sublime how the choices steer different minded people towards the same grimness. Night City is the real antagonist. It chews you up and spits you out and the only real way to beat it is to leave.
Gameplay totally lets you tackle missions how you want. A Solo that's an armoured tank, armed to the teeth, a Street Samurai that's lightningly fast and untouchable, or a Ghost in the machine, untraceable and no one sees coming. You can go full on cyberpsychotic or not depending on how you spec and your upgrades. Playstyle is so varied you are in danger of wanting to do too much with a single character, but even then, a jack of all trades, master of none is an equally viable way to play.
I'm not usually a fan of actors in games, but Keanu Reeves playing a legendary rock star is a stroke of genius making the character feel well known.
The soundscape and ambience makes the city feel alive. There are tons of incidental events not tied to anything really, just add to the immersion.
The story is a masterclass. And the world is littered with extra lore building in emails, shards, text messages. You can read an email later in the game and it could totally change your perspective on a previous decision. And those decisions usually have consequences for the npcs, anywhere from taking over a gang or ending up wearing concrete shoes in a river (waiting for you to accidentally discover!) It makes the whole story, hollistically compelling on so many levels.
Aaand the game is complete on a shard, chooms. How preem is that? My new fave game of all time. What a turn around from launch eh?
10/10 - gotta delta.