Hwatt

Curious to what they actually resolve with each update on a system that feels very smooth.

Feels like I’ve been reading for the past 3 years “updates to improve stability”.

Maybe they can update to e-shop to be less resource intensive. That store is definitely not stable. Feels like I am walking on a tight rope above a pool of acid and broken glass every time I try to scroll through…

Maybe in a year or so when it goes on sale for a whopping $55 CAD.

Nothing wrong with the game but 2022 was opportune for it. 2023 is quite loaded with titles and with TotK and Pikmin 4 coming out over the next few months, I don’t mind holding out.

I have Black Hole Sun on GBA, Days of Ruin on DS and Battalion Wars on GC.

Days of Ruin I have around 200+hrs so it’s not even a question if I am a fan or like the series. I just think due to extremely unfortunate circumstances, they missed a good launch window.

I hope those who have never played an Advance Wars game jump in and enjoy. The original games were exceptional and it seems that the experience has more-or-less been translated to the Switch.

@Pho

Much appreciated. I thought a Paper Mario x King of the Hill collaboration was much needed in our universe.

Still can’t believe both Fusion and Prime came out, on the SAME day, 20 years ago.

Highly recommend fusion as your first 2D Metroid. It’s a great introduction IMO, even if it is #4 in the 2D timeline.

It’s short, controls are tight, the world is engrossing, and most importantly SA-X is terrifying. At least, it was to me when I was young and I had to face this demon on the Gameboy Advance.

Grabbed my copy today (pre-order from EB Games). Cover is reversible and it's the alt image shown in the banner image embedded at the beginning of the article. Nice little perk.

Wish there was a manual, like I do for every other physical copy Nintendo Switch game but I digress.

@UsurperKing

Ah that's interesting Thanks for flagging and confirming that the feature is still available on dual stick controls.

They mentioned, which I was I recommended watching the video, that is likely disabled (by default) because the dual sticks mitigate the need to reposition the camera. However, when you enable original controls, the automatic camera adjustment (downward) is still present.

The video analysis / tech review is very good. Objective and poignant. I wouldn't be too focused on the negatives. I would focus on the positives as there are a metric TON.

However, the main main criticisms were:

• Light sources from the arm cannon when firing a projectile aren't as dynamic as the original. You would see light being cast onto more surfaces in the original vs. the remaster. Could be too hardware intensive on the remaster.
• The cannon bobbing (when moving) has been drastically reduced. Subjective but I agree.
• Reflections on some elements (reflective surfaces) no longer show Samus. Watch the video, it explains why.

There are some other minor ones, like Samus not looking down when platforming on the dual stick controls, but there is context to why DF believes it was removed and why its still present if you play with the original "tank" controls.

Those criticisms pale in comparison to all the good they have done. Honestly, the game looks fantastic and I can't wait for my copy next week.

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.

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.

Nice. I pre-ordered the physical edition. Haven't played this in probably 15 years. My absolute favourite game. Glad it made it to Switch and got the attention it deserves.

Considering grabbing a mayflash adapter to plug in my gamecube controllers...

@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

@zgillet

Wouldn’t the cooler temps simply eliminate any thermal constraint and allow the CPU to run faster? Only thing that slows down under extreme cold temperatures to my limited knowledge would be storage. Not sure how memory (RAM) behaves under / zero temps.

‘Cool’ story. Would love to learn more about these bugged out initial Gamecube consoles.

First time reading that initial consoles were borked and devs had to rewrite their code to circumvent this.

Double dipped on PC while I wait for my Switch physical VHS version.

Played Arcade mode for 4 hours straight with my friend. 2 hours just ourselves and 2 hours with +4 randoms. Great times.

Highly recommend

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...

@CANOEberry

Yes please! Of course they would give Mario a flow and busted chiclets... it would be great.

@MatoFilipovic

Because score doesn't include context. Some people read the review and can discern if the game is right for them.

Besides, reviews are subjective. If I don't intend on using the main feature they're pushing for this game, it may not be a 9 for me. Do I want to pay $80 CAD to find out? No. So I will wait.

Thanks for the review I was looking forward to trying the game but the demo required a Nintendo Online subscription.

I really have no interest in online play for this game. So for an offline / local player, doesn't sound like there is enough content yet.

I'll watch this one closely. Maybe it will make sense down the road.

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.

It’s a premiere. BotW 2 has already had a premiere. Look elsewhere, it’s likely a entire unannounced title. Hence “premiere.”

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

@Gamer_Zeus

The fact that they sold any copies is disgusting. That is my point. This should not have been released, let alone ported from mobile for UE4…

They apologize after they took your money

Maybe they should of reviewed internally their strategy and avoided de-listing the originals and building games based on mobile ports.

You would think from one of the wealthiest game companies in existence would treat the "definitive" version of some of their most iconic games a bit more seriously...

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.

Home Circuit sounds fascinating but I imagine the dog will make short work of it. If I had kids, that would probably be top on my list.

How about we stop adapting every franchise into different forms of media?

Can we let a video game just be a video game? Is that too much to ask?

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.

All cloud games should be in that "Expansion Pack".

The idea of "purchasing" a cloud version is absurd. A fee to access the game makes more sense.

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.

Quickly, someone get him in a VO booth and record every possible combination of sounds and syllables. Save that data and you will never have to replace Charles

It’s only a few months. No biggie. Time flies so fast its almost already November people.

Take a step back and let the devs polish the game. It will be for the better.

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?

Would have love to been able to get one. But damn this product sold out faster than NL can pump out another Switch OLED article.

I’m happy for those who got one. Enjoy

Investment drift

Nice! Glad they didn't botch it. I'll pick it up later this year. Can't wait to play it on an OLED (TV or Switch OLED).

@fafonio

You may be right but it's unlikely I would actively go out and buy a DS game and play it in 2021. I'd rather them put out a new title on Switch. Let's hope the series come back to life.

@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...

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.

So HDR is a thing now, right?

Looks great!

I never played the first title so I am eager for this release. I only have Black Hole Rising and Days of Ruin (DS).

Days of Ruin is easily the best, including the sound track.

Was Days of Ruin the last one? Feels like a lifetime ago…

@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…)

@Audiogore0733

They must have serious balls to try and make a new MGS. No, I think they aren't THAT stupid. If it's just a remaster and doesn't involve a revision to the creative / direction, it should be a pretty safe bet.

Remasters / Remakes are insanely profitable right now and I'm sure they are drooling at that missed opportunity... $$$$$

They have a lot of work to do. Regaining the trust of their core audiences with these IPs may be a good start or foolish risk.

Only time will tell but I'd rather them take the risk. I wonder if they are able to successfully hire and retain new talent that can deliver.

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.

I wish they went “Ultimate” with this series.

Why only 5 boards? If it’s a celebration of all the Mario Party series, unlock the constraints.

Even if it’s unavailable at launch, that is OK but communicate the road map.

I’m all for jumping into Mario Party again (first time in 20 years) but for $80 CAD, I have a lot of options available this fall.

If I could buy the book with a reprint of the games... that would be a great gift!

@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.

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…

@jello64 Maybe... they may have blew their budget on trying to remove GFWL from the source code

As long as it runs at a decent frame rate, it should be good on the Switch. Highly recommend the series but I'm curious to why they omitted Cold War for the re-release.