Comments 350

Re: Metroid Prime Engineer "Let Down" By Exclusion Of Original Credits In Remaster

Hwatt

Normally I would not bat an eye but the context is important. This is one of the most influential games in Nintendo's history. The success of the remaster is two fold:

1. How well did the new developers bring back the title into the modern era. Example: Art, 3D, performance, audio, coding etc.
2. How well they honored the source material / original game.

Given how the remaster so closely follows the original design... it should be clear that both sets of developers should be credited.

I don't believe this is a mountain out of an mole* hill situation... but it just seems short sighted. With so much positivity around this title, I think Nintendo can do a quick PR to address it. It's not an unreasonable request.

Re: Nintendo's Investor Q&A Promises Switch Isn't Dead After Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Hwatt

A new console is inevitable. They likely won't ANNOUNCE anything until early next year. My guess is that they have one or two more first party titles ready for a fall / holiday release and they don't want to lose that momentum by announcing a console too early. Probably a major series + one surprise / off beat title. Mario seems unlikely but Mario movie is coming out so who knows... Metroid Prime 4 will be on the next system for sure... There is no way that thing is exclusively for the Switch.

I would take a calculated guess that the new consoles' release date will be firmly planted in calendar year 2024. Or in other words, FY25 (April 1st 2024 - March 31st 2025).

They need tech to drive it and mass consumers to have appetite for hardware, which may be tough to deliver right now considering all the larger issues in the tech industry.

I'm not sure if the new switch, assuming its still hybrid, will leverage Nvidia Ampere / Ada Lovelace Tegra chips but it would be interesting to see.

I'd rather them push in a different direction and let the Switch be a Switch but we all know they want that revenue stream from handheld + home consoles.

Re: Random: Metroid Prime Devs Kept A GameCube In The Freezer To Run Patch Code

Hwatt

@Mortenb

Quick summary:

  • One dev kit they [Retro Studios] owned had the “bad CPU”.
  • They froze this dev kit to identify the cause and solve the issue.
  • The issue was only exposed or experienced by consumers who had a retail gamecube with this bad CPU.

That is the best way I can summarize it.

My question: How come we’ve never heard of this before?

Full nerdy details:

The issue was that the write gather pipe on these broken CPU's wouldn't stall when it was full or properly report its status, so we had to keep inserting NOPs in the code to slow it down just enough to stop stalls from happening, but not so much to slow down the game. 7/7

Re: Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - The Best Turtles Beat 'Em Up Ever Made

Hwatt

Nice. Thanks for the review

I don't have the arcade nostalgia but I used to play TMNT on NES when I grew up with a friend many years ago. I really loved the CO-OP. It's not a mind blowing experience, but playing together was a blast.

Never played Turtles in Time but I've heard its a classic.

So this time around, I ordered the "VHS" edition from Limited Run Games.

Figured this would be one to hold onto for a while and pass it down to my kids when they will want to play with their friends.

May double dip on PC while I wait X months for the order...

Re: A New Smash Bros. Would Need A Smaller Roster, Admits Sakurai

Hwatt

I disagree with one comment. The vision.

The creative vision needs to come from one individual. What needs to improve is the ability to communicate that vision to the team so they’re more effective to implement it.

Ultimate would not be Ultimate without Sakurai. Ultimate is ultimate. You likely can’t surpass it. So please don’t try to, Nintendo.

Take it in a new direction.

More importantly, the sequel / follow up / next entry needs that clear direction. Otherwise, it will fall short.

Maybe the next creative director can improve the quality of their communication and project management skills so they can avoid carrying all the weight.

Anyway, I am grateful for Ultimate. It does everything smash needs to do.

Re: Feature: Our Verdict On Mario Golf: Super Rush's Version 4.0 Update - The Final New Characters, Courses And Modes

Hwatt

I’ll say this.

  • I was originally excited for this title. (I love Toadstool Tour)
  • I passed when I saw the consensus of reviews
  • I’ve seen many updates and wanted to understand if that would sway my opinion
  • I appreciate the follow up article

I think with the above said, I’m fairly confident I will pick up the title. However, I’ll wait for it to be on sale or pick it up used rather than skipping.

Thanks NintendoLife

Re: Rumour: Metroid Prime Switch Remaster Is "Wrapped Up" According To Industry Insider

Hwatt

Honestly, lets just wait and see.

So much judging on what we “should” be getting based on rumours on top of rumours.

Metroid Prime (1) is one of greatest games of all time. Whether the entirely trilogy or just a single game comes to Switch is irrelevant.

If this rumour is true, can’t we just be glad that Nintendo / developers are putting time and effort into reviving a 20 year old game series for a new audience?

Metroid Prime will always remain my favourite video game. So much that it reinforced the idea and drive to work in the game industry. So yes, I’ll be excited if it does make it to the Switch. But not for myself.

It’s for the kids who will play this for the first time and don’t have access to a Gamecube.

Re: Nintendo Shuts Down Offices In California And Toronto

Hwatt

Yes, WFH is a thing and these are marketing offices, it makes sense given how expensive rent is in Toronto and California (LA?).

Rent (monthly) in downtown Toronto is up to $50 per sq.ft. with tax, maintenance, and insurance. Depending on building/ exact location.

50 people x 100 rentable sq.ft per person = 5,000 sq.ft. x $50 = $25,000 per month.

If these were development studios, I would be surprised as even with flexible work solutions available, most studios want a presence for in person collaboration.

Re: Poll: Pikmin Is Now 20 Years Old - Which Is Your Favourite Game In The Series?

Hwatt

The only Pikmin game I have, 3 (Deluxe).

I kicked myself in the arse not purchasing the original on Gamecube when it was released. I was extremely interested in the series when I was younger but I never ended up picking it up.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe recently went on sale in Canada and I corrected that mistake. Haven’t had time to play it (beyond the first few levels in the demo). However, it was plays out better than I could imagine.

I love a tough Nintendo game and Pikmin definitely offers a unique challenge while also being adorable and accessible.

Re: PSA: Don't Worry, You Can Order The Switch OLED Dock's Rear Cover

Hwatt

I love the OLED but the dock detachable rear cover sucks. It feels quite cheap and a step backwards vs an already successful design.

Also, Nintendo marketing team (while I am ranting), where's my multipurpose flat cable? Clearly that family is enjoying the docked switch with HDMI, power, and data all being delivered through a single flat cable. Right? RIGHT?

Re: Advance Wars' Switch Box Art Recreates The Original GBA Cover

Hwatt

@fafonio

Nope A friend had it but I was never a fan of the art style. I was given or I had bought Black Hole Rising from a friend and that got me into the series. Don't remember the details.

However, when Days of Ruin came out, I bought it immediately. The dark / moody / post-apocalyptic atmosphere peaked my curiosity. However the depth and stat tracking kept me sucked in for years.

I think I have 200+ hours on that game. It consumed me for a long time...

Re: Soapbox: 10 Reasons Why Metroid Fusion Is The Best Game In The Series

Hwatt

I remember buying my Gamecube / Metroid Prime combo system + Metroid fusion when I was younger.

First Metroid games I owned and while Prime remains my all time favourite video game, Fusion is just excellent.

I've replayed it various times and I love the whole premise of it. My only gripe with that game in comparison to others titles in the series, are the repeating / industrial environments. They never really stood out. Beyond that, it's a great game.

Re: Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games And Accessories For October And November 2021

Hwatt

@IceClimbers

Highly recommend Village. One of my favourite game of the year so far (PC).

I’m a huge Metroid fan but… I’ll wait before diving into Dread. Definitely getting the OLED. May purchase Warioware or Mario Party but TBD.

I’m still working on my backlog so I’m not in any rush (Into the Breach, Pikmin 3, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Links Awakening…)

Re: Patent Reveals Nintendo Is Working On Upscaling Technology

Hwatt

I think we all know the OLED was meant to be a PRO.

Nintendo sent dev kits to a few developers last year. Supply constraints worsened... Nintendo revised approach. Announced an OLED model.

If we still see a Switch Pro, I would be surprised. I think the tech may just be implemented in the next console. Whether its a Super Switch or simply a new piece of hardware.

The theory supports both "Nintendo's PR" and rumours in my mind. Dev kits usually go out a year+ before consumers get their hands on the retail version.

Re: Video: Want More Switch OLED Comparison Footage? Feast Your Eyes On This

Hwatt

@Gwynbleidd

HDR isn’t automatic. It will require effort from an artist / art team to correctly implement the feature. If the game is believed to induce seizures for people with epilepsy due to lighting effects, HDR or not, a warning is typically deployed. Or it’s flagged for review internally before its released and mitigated with an alternative design.

Besides, “MOST” AAA studios hire external consultants to review their games for another level of quality control. Whether its political, racial, and/or accessibility (epilepsy).

Not to mention games are submitted to Nintendo/Microsoft/Sony for review. You know, the whole “gone gold / approval”…

Do mistakes happen? Yes - Look at Cyberpunk release (journalist experienced seizure).That being said, the situation you described is very unlikely.

Re: Video: Want More Switch OLED Comparison Footage? Feast Your Eyes On This

Hwatt

Playing Hades on a LG C9 (OLED) via PC is beautiful. Now to have a similar experience while undocked… I am ec-static!

I hope for those who can’t afford or accommodate a large OLED display get to try this console.

Maybe we will receive games with HDR support in the future, even if the dock can’t output it to the TV (TBD?). One can dream…

Re: Gallery: Nintendo Reflects On Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Ahead Of The Final Fighter Reveal

Hwatt

I find it fascinating how the series has evolved. I still love the N64 title the most - simply because its core experience and roster is so simple.

However, as you follow the series, you begin to understand how it’s more than just Nintendo fighting game.

It’s a celebration of gaming including its culture / values, all wrapped up in a mega collection of stages, characters, music, collectables (in-game) and community events, discussions, competition, and fandom.

Heck, look how passionate people still are about character reveals! It’s insane. I haven’t booted up Smash in maybe two years yet the community keeps going

Curious to see how the series continues to evolve after Ultimate.

For a guess on the last fighter. Needs to be someone epic. I doubt it’s a Nintendo IP and will need to appeal to both Western and Eastern audiences. If it’s not Sora or Knuckles… i’m going with Solaire from Dark Souls XD

Praise the sun!

Re: The First Switch OLED Comparison Video Has Surfaced

Hwatt

@BloodNinja

If it's any consolation, I didn't perceive your comment as "demotivating". I thought you were simply expressing your opinion in a reasonable way.

No one cares that I pre-ordered a Switch OLED. I'm just excited and I wish to express and share that excitement with others.

Lets put it this way: If people don't express their opinions (or vote with their wallets) for newly announced products, how do we expect Nintendo to improve going forward? Whether it's positive or negative. It's all constructive feedback..

Re: The First Switch OLED Comparison Video Has Surfaced

Hwatt

@cleveland124 It’s marketed as “infinite” because individual pixels can turn off. A black pixel will have a luminance of zero (0). Anything divided by 0 is infinite… I guess.

Not every panel can obtain the same brightness. Just as some stars are brighter than others…

Re: The First Switch OLED Comparison Video Has Surfaced

Hwatt

@cleveland124

Higher peak brightness + OLED = better contrast. Peak brightness is important on OLED to make sure brights are bright. Even if you set overall brightness lower.

This is especially important when other portions of the frame are dark or black.

I’m also a sun so there may be bias in my response.

Re: The First Switch OLED Comparison Video Has Surfaced

Hwatt

2017 Switch owner here... I can't wait for the OLED!

Double battery life + bigger OLED screen (and hopefully less drift) is going to be fun!

All the other stuff, I don't really care about. A bigger plastic stand or a LAN port doesn't really spark my plugs.

I have a feeling the larger screen will help with a lot with indies / small UI.

Example: Hades. I love that game on Switch but sometimes I have a difficult time seeing hwatt is happening.

Re: Mario Party Superstars Includes 100 Minigames - Here's The Full List

Hwatt

Wow! What a list! For some reason, I thought the 100 games were limited to past N64 titles.

As an owner of Mario Party 3 and my experience being limited to N64 (Party 2 and 3), I'm glad there is a wide range across all titles.

Also... with so many classics from Mario Party 3... I'm excited.

Vine with me
Eatsa Pizza
Spotlight Swim (lol)
Hide & Sneek
Tidal Toss

So many good ones!