Comments 697

Re: Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Trailer Gives First Official Look At The New Console

HexagonSun

What we have here is a Gameboy to Gameboy Color situation. I never expected anything radically different. It looks like a solid upgrade and I'll be there for it day 1.

I don't understand all the complaints. The Switch has been a fantastic console. Why reinvent the wheel?

The mouse functionality adds new gameplay. That's probably not the only surprise, but even if it is, Nintendo shouldn't stray too far from a winning formula.

I'm looking forward to the full reveal and I can't wait to see what new games will be shown off.

Re: Talking Point: Would $499 Be Too Much For 'Switch 2'?

HexagonSun

I can't imagine Nintendo charging $500 for a game system with the economy the way it is. Even $400 is pushing the envelope. Nintendo has always done well keeping their systems affordable.

Personally, I don't really care if the Switch 2 is only a marginal step up in power.

The Switch is like the modern equivalent of the original Gameboy. An affordable handheld with modest power, incredible library and excellent battery life. It shouldn't have to compete in terms of power.

I just want a Gameboy Color equivalent. Several small improvements will do. It should still be an excellent portable. Steam deck may be way more powerful, but it pays for that power at the cost of size and battery life. Simply put, it's not as good at being a handheld game system.

I just hope Nintendo takes a page from it's past and makes the Switch successor enticing without asking too much from the consumer. Ultimately, that just comes down to the games. Power is becoming more and more redundant with each generation. Having must play exclusive games seems far more indicative of success. The Switch has already proven that.

Re: Poll: Which Is Your Favourite Nintendo Game Cartridge Design?

HexagonSun

I have cartridges for most of these systems in abundance. NES and SNES (NA) are the easiest to browse through. They're all fun and satisfying to use, though.

As much as I love N64, the cartridges can be a bit of a pain to browse. Same with all of the Gameboy systems.

There's nothing like booting up your favorite games just as they were intended to be played when they released.

Not just cartridges, but disks too. I love GameCube disks as much as my cartridges.

Re: Poll: Are You Ready To Move On From The Switch?

HexagonSun

I'm excited for a new Nintendo console, but I'm also very happy with the Switch. I still have a ton to play on it. Hopefully, backwards compatibility is a thing for the next system.

Either way, I have a heart condition that requires I have the latest Nintendo creation in my hands as soon as it's made available. I hear my condition could be fatal, but I've been lucky so far.

Re: Nintendo Expands 'Controller Button Collection' In Japan With SNES, N64 & GameCube Keychains

HexagonSun

For a moment, I thought these were My Nintendo rewards. I was about to rush over and spend all of my platinum coins trying to get them all. It's too bad. I have a decent amount of coins saved up. They've had some pretty cool keychains here in the states. I still love my N64 box art keychains. Oh well. As much as I want them, I doubt I would be willing to spend whatever scalpers are charging for them.

Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Nervous To Replay In Case They Don't Hold Up?

HexagonSun

I've always been a Nintendo first sort of gamer. I used to have PlayStation as a secondary console until I felt it lost me with the PS3 (still have it hooked up for Metal Gear).

I started collecting all of the classics again instead of having a secondary new console. I never looked back. I still play classic Nintendo games from the NES all the way through the Wii U. With the wealth of FPGA consoles and fantastic HD adapters, I can play all of these on my 4k TV in much the same way I played them in years past.

As a result, I play as many classic games as I do new ones, so I'm not too fussed about so called dated graphics or archaic gameplay. It's all still relevant to me.

I still play through games like Super Mario Bros. 2, Shadowgate, Donkey Kong Country, Final Fantasy II (SNES), Mario 64, OoT, Super Monkey Ball, MGS Twin Snakes, HotD 2 & 3 and many more regularly.

I still love the classics. Many of them hold up very well.

With all of that said, I can understand why some gamers don't have the patience for older games. Different strokes.

Re: What Review Score Would You Give Luigi's Mansion 2 HD?

HexagonSun

Forgetting the price, it's easily a 9 for me. For the life of me, I can't understand why the first one wasn't included. It would of made the full price feel justified. It only needed to be a straight port. I guess my GameCube copy will still be getting playtime.

Still, the full game is on the cartridge and it's a good HD makeover. One for the collection.

Re: Review: Luigi's Mansion 2 HD (Switch) - The Best Version, But Lacks Extras To Make It Essential

HexagonSun

I'm a sucker for remastered Nintendo games on Switch, so I'll definitely be picking it up. I never did play though till the end on 3DS.

It seems like a missed opportunity that the original wasn't included with this or at least released on the eShop. The 3DS port was inferior, so it would have been nice to have it on Switch with all the other GameCube ports/remasters. Guess I'll just have to boot up the old GameCube when I want to play it. Still, it would have been nice to have the trilogy on Switch.

Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door?

HexagonSun

Having both versions now, I think there's no wrong way to play this stone cold classic. My only caveat with the Switch version is that I couldn't get the nostalgic tunes badge fast enough. The original soundtrack remains definitive, in my book.

The remastered graphics look great on Switch, but I'm still just as happy to play the GameCube version. I get why Nintendo chose to update the graphics. To the uninitiated, TTYD might as well be a brand new game. It's aged that well!

I'm really glad that a new generation gets to enjoy one of my all time favorite RPGs.

Now remaster Chibi Robo, Nintendo! It deserves another shot.

Re: Video: Nintendo Shows Off The World Of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

HexagonSun

As someone who owns and plays through the original on my GameCube fairly often, I can tell they put a lot of work into overhauling the graphics. Everything looks wonderful. Not that I had a problem with the original.

Only time will tell which version is truly better. I'll definitely be picking this up for the portability factor alone. It will be interesting to see which version will be definitive for me ten years down the road.

Re: Talking Point: What's Your Personal Favourite Super Mario Game?

HexagonSun

For me, it's Mario 64 (the N64 original). It set the template for nearly every 3D action game that followed it. Provided you play it with an N64 controller, it holds up surprisingly well. It's one of the few games I play through at least a few times a year.

When it comes to Mario, all of the mainline games are so good. It's hard to find much fault with any of them. It remains one of my favorite series since I got my NES as a kid.

Re: Don't Expect A Remake Of Final Fantasy 6 Soon, If Ever

HexagonSun

I'm not too fussed about it, as I still have the original SNES version to play on my Analogue Super NT. It's still the same fantastic game it was in the 90's.

I would definitely take an hd-2d remaster, but I wouldn't want a full remake like final fantasy vii. I still enjoy my turn based battles.

Re: Feature: 25 Nintendo 64 Games We'd Love To See Added To The Switch Online Expansion Pack

HexagonSun

As much as I've enjoyed N64 games on NSO, I'm much more excited about the Analogue 3D than any new games coming to the service.

Up until now, I've had my N64 fix on a combination of NSO and my N64 hooked up via an Eon Super 64. The adapter works well enough for expansion pak games. NSO takes care of the rest, mostly.

It will be nice to have the entire catalog of N64 games playable on my 4K TV. I love my other fpga clone systems. They've brought new life to my collection that I no longer have space for keeping the original systems hooked up to a CRT.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 6th)

HexagonSun

I'm mainly playing Dragon Warrior III on my Analogue Pocket and Chrono Trigger on my Super NT. Playing a bunch of smaller games on my RetroUSB AVS. Super Mario Bros, Pinball, Kid Icarus and Donkey Kong Classics.

Clearly, I'm in a retro mood. I haven't hardly touched my Switch for a week. Just enjoying the classics.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2023 Edition)

HexagonSun

I'm in a retro mood right now. I'm mostly playing Dragon Warrior III GBC on my new Analogue Pocket. I'm also playing Castlevania Double Pack GBA and Wario Land GB.

When I have time for playing on the TV, I'm playing the odd NES or SNES game. Games like the original Castlevania, Super Mario Bros 2 and Final Fight.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful holiday!

Re: Soapbox: Ocarina Of Time's Water Temple Was Tough, But It Doesn't Deserve Its Reputation

HexagonSun

I couldn't agree with this article more. It's one of the many reasons why I find the N64 original to be the definitive version of OoT. As much as I love the 3DS version for it's mesmerizing 3D effect, too many of the puzzles were dumbed down. Every achievement in the original felt well earned and contributed to the feeling of being on an epic adventure.

For those who haven't experienced the original, I highly recommend the NSO expansion with the official N64 controller. The game was built around the N64 controller, so I wouldn't recommend playing it with anything else. I can't wait to play it on the Analogue 3D when it releases.

Re: Talking Point: Does Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Need A Full Remake?

HexagonSun

I love OoT. I play through it a couple of times a year. In every way that matters, it still feels like a modern game. Graphics have since gotten more detailed. Game worlds are much larger. But, the core of what makes a modern 3D game great is all accounted for in OoT.

Mario 64 and OoT became the DNA of modern action adventure games. Things like precision movement in a three dimensional space, free camera control, locking onto enemies, interesting exploration and engaging combat had their beginning in games like these and others.

Because of this, there will always be a place for the originals. Unfortunately, because of the uniqueness of the N64 controller, these games are often misunderstood by those who try to play them with a modern controller. For that reason alone, a remake would have its place as well.

Younger gamers should experience the magic that influenced nearly every 3D action/adventure game to follow. Whether that means sprucing up the graphics and adding QoL features, or remaking the game from the ground up is debatable. I trust that no matter what happens, Nintendo would treat a project like that with the greatest of care.

Re: Site News: Nintendo Life Turns 18 Today

HexagonSun

I started coming here way back in 2007. I didn't sign up and start commenting until 2011. Thank you NL for many years of entertainment and information. There truly is a great community here. I hope I'm enjoying NL for years to come.

Re: Review: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 - An Extensive But Imperfect Compilation Of Classics

HexagonSun

Even though I have the entire series, including the NES games, GBC game and Twin Snakes, I can't help but get this on Switch, despite the shortcomings. I've wanted Metal Gear on Switch since day one. As it is, this collection will be relegated to mostly portable play. It will be nice to not have to dig out my PSP to play MGS portably or my 3DS to play Snake Eater portably. When all is said and done, the Switch collection will be the best way to play these games portably. I'm sure they'll look great on the OLED screen.

Re: Feature: Game Boy Color - A Quarter Century Of Colour Nintendo Handhelds

HexagonSun

My first portable was the DMG in '89, so I was a young adult when I picked up the Gameboy Color. I remember playing a lot of Wario Land, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe and Dragon Quest. Great little system. My biggest memory with all the Gameboys before the SP was finding that perfect spot near a lamp that illuminated the game without causing glare. Nostalgic to recall, but I'm glad those days are over. I have back light modded Gameboy systems, a Super Gameboy and a Gameboy Player for replaying those games now.

Re: Analogue's CEO Reckons Not Even Nintendo Could Beat Its New 'N64'

HexagonSun

I couldn't be more excited for this. N64 is notoriously difficult to get a good picture on anything but a CRT. I have mine hooked up with an Eon Super 64 adapter and it works well enough. Compared to my other HD solutions (AVS, Super NT, Retrobit Prism) it's still lacking. I've been waiting for FPGA tech to catch up to the N64 for years. Will definitely be picking this up.

Re: Soapbox: 'Switch 2' Doesn't Really Need Backwards Compatibility

HexagonSun

I sure hope it is backwards compatible. I have hundreds of Switch games. I would really hate to start from square one with a new console. Switch is just large enough for me not to want to carry it and the successor console at the same time. I want access to my library without having to dust off another system. It would be a foolish move on Nintendo's part, because I would be hard pressed to buy any of these games again. I hope you're wrong about this one.

Re: Feature: Is 8BitDo’s N64 Controller Mod Kit A Better Buy Than Nintendo's Switch Online Pad?

HexagonSun

That's great news! I've been thinking about picking a couple of these mod kits up. I have a couple of N64 controllers with worn out joysticks. I already have two official NSO N64 controllers, but I'd like to have a full set of four for multiplayer games. The expansion pass really is a great service if you love N64. But perhaps, more than any other system, N64 needs an original controller to be fully appreciated. With the limited stock of NSO N64 controllers, it's really nice to see a good alternative.

Re: Round Up: The Previews Are In For Super Mario Bros. Wonder

HexagonSun

These previews have me excited for Wonder in a way I haven't been since reading previews for Super Mario World in Nintendo Power. Modern 2D Mario has always been solid with quality content, but despite "New" being in the title for so long they haven't really felt like new experiences. More like retreading past glory. It's about time Nintendo brings some innovation and creativity to 2D Mario again.

Re: Poll: What Did You Think Of The Super Mario Bros. Wonder Direct Showcase?

HexagonSun

I thought Wonder looked great! I'll definitely be picking it up day one. The original SMB is what really got me into gaming and Nintendo so many years ago. It's awesome that Nintendo is still doing new things with 2D Mario. Unlike a lot of modern games, Mario is still about pure fun. It's a shame to see so many are disinterested just because it's a side scrolling platformer. It looks like a lot of creativity went into Wonder.

Re: Switch Online's N64 Update Is Live (Version 2.11.0), Here's What's Included

HexagonSun

My N64 is hooked up to my 4k TV via an Eon Super 64 adapter. Still, NSO is the best way to officially play N64 games on an HD TV. That is, provided you have the official wireless N64 controller. I have two. The emulation is leagues better than the Wii or Wii U Virtual console ever was. One of the advantages of the subscription model is that it gives Nintendo an incentive to continuously improve it. We never really owned VC games anyway. Best to just get an actual N64 and cartridges if you really want to own them. I'm still holding out hope that Analogue will eventually make an FPGA N64 clone.

Re: Poll: Do You Think Switch Can Catch PS2's Total Sales Before 'Switch 2' Arrives?

HexagonSun

I think Switch could easily hit this goal if Nintendo releases a Switch mini. Something that could easily fit in the pocket. I would definitely buy one for quick gaming sessions. I still carry my small model New 3DS for just that reason.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter though. Switch has been a huge success. Especially when you look at the attach rate of games sold. I'll be playing Switch games for many years to come.

Re: Soapbox: Modern Zelda Dungeons Are, In Fact, Divine

HexagonSun

What I haven't heard much mention of is how many dungeon-like experiences there are in TotK. I've only done the Wind Temple, so far. Getting there was half the dungeon. Some of the caves and sky island groupings are just as expansive as any earlier Zelda dungeon. Sprawling mazes that require puzzle solving and skill to get through. A lot of those even have boss battles at the end.

What I've always loved about Zelda is how it makes the player feel like they're on an adventure. TotK does this in a way no previous Zelda game has. You never know what you will find yourself involved in next. Not even someone who's completed the game could say. Everyone's adventure takes a unique shape based on the player's decisions.

As much as I adore the earlier games in the series, this is a worthy evolution of Zelda.

Re: Video: Everything That Could Go Wrong With The Switch's Successor

HexagonSun

I'm personally hoping for a transition similar to Gameboy to Gameboy Color. Less of a full on successor and more a substantial upgrade. Many new games still playable on OG Switch with additional functionality playing on the new hardware. 100% backwards compatibility. Perhaps an optional dock that increases specs for playing on TV.

Honestly, as a long time Nintendo fan, I'm a little nervous about what's coming next. I'll buy it regardless, but they have a winning formula, so I hope they don't stray too far from what makes the Switch great.

Re: Best Of 2022: How's Your Switch Holding Up After 5 Years?

HexagonSun

I take really good care of my electronics, so besides the battery not holding a charge quite as well, my og switch is in great shape. I did upgrade to the OLED when it released. The screen and battery life are amazing.

Keeping a Switch nice is only a matter of taking a few precautions. I use a screen protector and slim grip case for playing handheld. I keep it zipped up in a case whenever I'm not using it. Easy.