@rjejr
If I remember correctly your posts used to be more balanced a while back (at least they used to be some of those I felt were more worth taking note of than others). What happened? I feel genuine concern for you (seriously, I'm not being sarcastic). I can't believe that this can upset anyone so much. It's marketing, not some universal truth to be pondered. It's a product you may or may not be interested in, but why fret over it so much? Does it really affect your personal life in anyway if nintendo releases this product or not, and how they go about marketing it to find people that might in fact like it? I'm not saying that what you wrote is not true, but it may not be worth getting worked up about so much... Otherwise please never mind me.
I like the design a lot and think the product makes a lot of sense (updating the 2DS with the extra features of the New 3DS). However, this product is cleary not for me. I love the "3D" in "3DS" too much to ever consider a 2D iteration. 3D is one of the reasons why I will be coming back to 3DS time and time again, despite the Switch (well, that AND my huge backlog in 3DS titles I mean to tackle eventually). For my tastes there are already too many titles in the 3DS library that don't use 3D at all, but that'S of course a very personal opinion.
@Tsurii @Damo
Though I do love the versatility of the Switch and certainly put gameplay and art direction above mere graphics fidelity, this would probably not be my first choice for Switch. For one I cannot imagine playing this for shorter sessions (on the go for example), it can be quite time consuming, and then the PC version just looks so darn good in 4K (despite being an older title). Not saying that I can't do without 4K though. In fact I got Setsuna for Switch, because I felt that it just belonged there, and there are a number of titles on my Steam wishlist that are now on hold (despite frequent sales), in the hope that they might be ported to Switch when it is successful enough (Seasons after Fall being one such example). But Dragon's Dogma somehow doesn't give me this "Yay for Switch" vibe... if that makes any sort of sense.
EDIT: Other than that: Bring it over! The more games on Switch the better! The above really only describes my personal situation. I'm aware that not everyone already has this on PC...
Nice effort, but these really do not convince me for lack of detail, I'm afraid. I'm not trying to discredit this, mind you. Might just be better to make only one figure/set, e.g. a guardian, but with greater attention to detail. The Lego Ideas Wind Waker set a while back on the other hand convinced me completely (looked very true to the game, and was playable with a small Isalnd that opened up to be a cave), and though that one gathered 10.000 supporters, it didn't pass the review phase by Lego unfortunately (my guess would be license problems, either Nintendo has no interest, or they want too much money, I could imagine both). Now that one would have been a no-brainer for me, and I'm sad it didn't make it...
@MarioPhD That's something I also don't get really, but I'd like to meet this with reasonable positivity (or with indifference at worst), it's just who I am. We've been discussing this in part under the MK8 review (and very elaborately so)... lol. There are some attempts at explanation, but much of it remains shrouded in... MYSTERYYY! (eerie voice, heavy reverb, ominous hand gesture)...
@nhSnork I suddenly wonder if the ones criticizing the Switch as potential "port machine" are the same people that complain about VC not being present from the start. There must at least be some overlap, which would be quite ironic...
@MarioPhD Thanks for the implied kudos, but don't say that. It doesn't help cooling the emotions, really. It's always worth the effort imo. We all should try to use reason and think things through as best we can, though I admit it's real easy to get derailed when things get too emotional.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Your original post said that you think the Switch already has a reputation as a port console. Pointing out that other consoles also had mainly ports at launch disproves this and is a valid argument against this hypothesis, because otherwise PS4 and XBone would also be preceived as simple port machines, which I am pretty certain they aren't.
This is not about if having so many ports at launch is a good or bad thing (not even by your original post), but in accordance with your own words if the console has a reputation as port-console only. And some here believe that's really not the case., or that it is much too early to tell. That's all they're saying.
@electrolite77
Yes, that's exactly who and what I meant. I understand the different sorts of reasoning behind it, and could imagine as much. Thanks for elaborating on this though. However, it still doesn't make sense to me really. These are really only explanations after all, not an excuse. There's a difference to my mind. All this misery of theirs seems to be just the result of some kind of twisted perspective - glass-half-empty insisters if you will. I usually like to offer a different perspective, though I'm aware that in many cases this is a futile effort, as they must then decide if they're willing to see light where all they can see are shadows. And more often than not they apparetly feel threatened by a more positive view. It's a perfectly normal thing, too, if you view your perspective as sort of "property". Changing it (giving it up) then feels like personal loss (not only losing an argument, but something more solid than that).
And since you bring it up (and offering a different perspective on that, too): I understand why for Nintendo the Wii U might have been a commercial flop. But on a personal level for Wii U owners I do not understand the sentiment. Last I counted I had over 60 titles for Wii U across retail and digital, and most of them really exceptionally good games, which presented me with countless hours of joy and happiness, certainly good entertainment. This certainly does not feel like the system has failed me.
How many games must you be able to own and play for any one system to feel like it was worth it (in which case you really have no reason to complain)? That's the different perspective I offer in this case: What the system was for Nintendo and what it wasn't is really not important to me on a personal level (of course I want Nintendo to do well, so they can continue to do what they do best: innovate in hardware, make some of the greatest games of all time, and generally bring us happiness).
I really do not feel that the Wii U was a failure. I love the system and had so much fun with it, as the perople we're talking about apparently do and have, too. Is it still supported? Not so much, that's true. But has it brought me joy while it was still alive and kicking (or struggling)? Tons! Certainly enough to make owning it worthwhile (and I'm not done with the system, even though I have other systems to play) and be content.
It's not so hard to view it from that perspective, and just be happy what the console has meant to you during its active years. And then there's really no reason to complain. Gaming consoles are not so expensive as for it to make a big difference if their life-span is five years or only four I believe (if you put away only 1 (insert currency of choice) each month you can afford a new console every three years, if you put away 2 currency, you can even own every iteration of two different consoles. That's really not so much.
I guess all I'm saying is that all this could be seen much more relaxed. It's only gaming after all.
@roadrunner343 Agreed. There's exceptions to every rule, and in order to get a point across one do tends to generalize. Me, too. I understand what you're getting at, and I think my point is probably just that they're not just saying "this is not for me" and that's it (ideally adding a thought-through and fair "because..."), but that they're somehow angry with this discovery and decision and need someone to blame, voicing their disdain so matter-of-factly, as if everyone else who thinks otherwise must be utterly nuts.
As for the pricing of ports and that double-dipping would probably be mich more frequent with a lot of people: I'm with you on this 100%. Heck, I was a console gamer for most of my life, and when I got a new and resonably powerful gaming PC a few years back, the first thing I did was to get a lot of PC ports of my favorite 360 games for €5 or so, just to play them a bit with better graphics. Didn't matter if I didn't finish them completely again, because I didn't pay too much for them. So yeah, this basically works, too. But I do want Nintendo to do well with the Switch. They're nearly the only creative, imaginative and innovative left in the industry (not to mention the risks they take with that stance), and that deserves our support in my eyes... (and of course their products are also just really, really good...)
Well, I HAVE just purchased the Wii U Pro controller (before it's discontinued). Never felt I needed it really, all games I played seemed to control perfectly well with the Gamepad, but as it is with new hardware or accessories: They like to be played, and I actually felt I might just give the Wii U some more playtime once I have it... It certainly deserves it. (so many games still on backlog...)
@roadrunner343 True, the categories have been somewhat simplified for sake of argument and clarity, and there could be more sub-categories (Wii U and Switch owners who already have the game for Wii U as oppoesed to those that don't for example), but from a certain perspective they will still be part of another group, and may not be relevant for my point. Which is: Make up your mind ("is the upgrade worth the asking price?") and stand by your decision. You for example have apparently made up your mind (for very individual reasons, like everyone else), and do accept the consequences. It's your own decision after all. I'd say by that you fit into group c.1. You might have arrived at that decision grudginly (of course I would also be happy to pay less, who wouldn't), but that's irrelevant. You can never complain about your own decision. And YOU don't, apparently, which is good and fair. But some make such decisions and then gripe about it, telling everybody else how bad it is... That's the kind of behaviour I don't get. a wise person once said: Change what you cannot accept, and accept what you cannot change. Based on that (but not only that) I tend to make my decisions - and carry them with all consequences. I am the only one responsible for them. Noone else is to blame, not Nintendo, not fellow gamers.
In any case, I was getting the feeling that for some reason some Wii U only owners are the most vocal with these complaints, which is funny of course. So my other major point was: Keep in mind that this is not a Wii U Update, but a game for the Switch.
@FX102A Exactly my feelings for a lot of games these days, be they Wii U games or even Steam releases on PC (some of them would be so at home on the Switch, like Seasons after Fall for example)... If Switch takes off, many of the Indies could decide to port such games, especially if they're in Unity or UE4. I guess for many titles it will be a game of waiting (for a while at least).
Seriously, I don't get how some people can be put off by this release and its price. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. There can be only three sorts of people. a) Those who own only a Wii U, b) those who own only a Switch, and c) those who have both. The latter can be split into two sub-groups, c.1) those who feel the portability, technical improvements and extra content is worth double dipping, and those who think it rather "meh".
None of those people really have a reason to complain, to be "left out", or to feel cheated by Nintendo (or simply "miffed"). Why?
Group a) isn't interested in Switch at this time apparently. So this game is not for them anyway. Keep in mind: It's not an update for the Wii U Nintendo is asking full price for, it's a Switch game. Why complain about details or price of a game you can't, don't want to and will not buy/play? It Makes no sense. Might as well complain that Multiplatform titles cost the same for all consoles (more or less), and you don't get a discount for the PS4 version if you already own it on XBone. Or that a Blu-ray with the same movie costs slightly more than a DVD with the same movie, but with higher rez and additional extras (or 3D for that matter), if you own only a DVD player, why complain about Blu-ray prices (and ponder them in the first place)? For this group it also doesn't matter if they already own MK8 or not. If they have it already, they can be content, if they don't they can still get it for their system.
Group b) is the main target audience. To them it's a completely new experience, and certainly a mighty fine one, worth asking full price for.
And Group c)? Well, depending on the sub-group they just need to make up their mind and all is set. They can then either dig in and be happy, or ignore it. But complaining about something they have no interest in (c.2) is not only pointless, but also illogical to my mind.
@Maxz Thanks for the confirmation and kind words. And your explanation for the lengthening katakana "ー" makes perfect sense, too, especially being used like that (in the middle of the hiragana). I thought it might be something from colloquial/spoken language, but really didn't make the connection to something like that (commentator voice/style). Kudos for getting that!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE "it's a great game but it's not another €60 great" is only a personal opinion though, isn't it?
For some previous owners that might apply, and for some it might not (like me) for some reason or other (portability probably being a big factor here for many). They may still double dip.
And THEN there are all those millions of potential customers for whom it's simply not "another" 60 (input currency of choice here), but the FIRST 60 they spend on it. I believe it's fair to them (as is this review), and those who already do own it on Wii U just make up their own minds if the admission price is worth the slight technical upgrades and portability. I know I have (and yes, it is clear that you have, too; to each their own I say), others may just want to wait for the Selects version a couple of years from now (or be swayed when additional DLC is announced).
@PtM Yeah, I couldn't find the word "brainless" in there anywhere... some translation error, I believe. I've had difficulties with "のびーる" myself however (because part of it is usually not used in hiragana, but only katakana, but not by itself or in between hiragana), but then my Japanese might be a little rusty, or it might be some contemporary/colloquial use, I am not aware of.
I can't seem to get any farther than the beginning of the third mission with one credit, not even on easy with 5 lives. :/
But (for now) I refuse to use continues (using easy difficulty feels enough like cheating already), and hope I get better with perseverence and repeating the first levels. One day I swear I will see level four! Not frustrated yet.
@JaxonH Ah, yeah. While I was writing the above and reviewing your post doing so, I had considered that possibility, too, but wasn't exactly sure. Sorry then... Anyway, we agree, which is the main point, and we've both had the chance to elaborate a bit. lol.
@JaxonH
That said, on PC that's exactly what I do, actually: Wait for really good deals. Partially because with age comes patience (I don't need to play all the blockbuster games immediately anymore), and partially because my X360, PS3, Wii U, 3DS, Steam and now even Switch backlog is already miles long and good for the whole of retirement (which is still a bit off, mind you). If there's a chance that I'll not have enough time to play a game anyway, but I still really want it, better to just pay less (on Steam for example). Though Nintendo games have always been the great exception from that rule: Here I really like to get the games "while they're hot". Strange how that is. But I do love my Switch, and could currently play it exclusively...
@JaxonH Maybe you misunderstood. I'm completely with you. Hence the "I don't understand the sentiment" brackets... It's just that it's the sort of comments I'd expect to see here, if new DLC for the Switch version was announced, but I certainly do not share the feeling, nor do I get why some people feel entitled to a discount, just because they own the game on another system already, and stomp their feet or hold their breath violently (or don't, depending on the figure of speech) if they can't get one ("But, but, but... I've already seen the movie in the theater, why do I have to pay full price for the DVD/Blu-ray/Streaming/rental! I should be getting a discount! No fair!!").
Personally I will not hesitate to double dip, even if I already have the Wii U version and all DLC. Makes no difference to me. It's all about the additional entertainment and fun I'm going to get out of the Switch version even after I've stopped playing the Wii U game, and I figure it will still go a long way. As I've pointed out on an earlier occasion: Just make up your mind if the admission price is worth it to you. If it is: pay up and enjoy, if it's not: skip it but don't whine about it. It means accepting the consequences of an educated decision you can make yourself... To me it is. End of story. I'll be having fun!
@JaxonH
Those are the key selling points at the moment alright. And to me they're valid ones. And just recently I thought: Since all DLC from Wii U is already included, what's to stop them from making new DLCs of the same sizes for the Switch iteration? The track catalogue across all previous entries is certainly good for lots more... I'm willing to bet that's gonna happen, and they will be Switch exclusive. Sure, another reason for Wii U-only owners to feel burnt (though basically this is a sentiment I'll never understand, but that's another story), but I'd say it's also another reason to switch to Switch!
Anyone else have a problem with progress not always saving? Basically it happens to me a lot when I go back to a cup I've already placed 3rd or 2nd in and improve my rank. As long as I'm still in the game it will register and also show the progress % increase, but sometimes when I quit and restart another day the progress is gone again. The only way to really make sure progress like that is saved correctly seems to be by finishing a cup you did not finish before after improving the rank on a cup you already did finish... Anyone else experience something like that?
Wow, I just realized that The Stonecutter is actually rated the same as BotW is...in the mind of some Metacritic users, who claim that they know the truth. And since BotW is objectively really a great game, it must mean that The Stonecutter is at least as good, with the same scale and polish, and with just as much work, love, heart and soul put into it, doesn't it? Doesn't it?? (Hmmm... I can't shake the indistinct feeling that there is some kind of flaw in this resoning, but alas, just what somehow keeps escaping me...)
Well, it's "only" Monopoly, and I've never been much of a fan of this game (I've always felt that it brought out the worst in people, if you know what I mean...), but from what could be seen in the Direct this iteration appears to be visually appealing at least, with much going on on the screen and reall looking nice. I'm not certain if that will be enough to sway me though... May also depend on the pricing.
@Ryu_Niiyama Ha, just clicked your profile (somehow it never occurred to me before). It could have been so easy...
I have been out of touch with the latest Perfume for a while, I think the last two albums I bought were LEVEL3 and JPN. My favorite album up to then is definitely still Delta though. Has some nice nods to '84 and '87 styles...
Well, time for grocery shopping. Guess what I'm going to listen to on the way now...
@Ryu_Niiyama Thanks for the new avatar. It saves me some "work" I never got around to.
Let me explain: From the first time I saw one of your avatars (and this must already be some years back) I thought: "My, that looks like it could be Perfume, funny that someone in such a forum would be using this as an avatar. Need to find out if it's really them, just to be sure and then I'm gonna comment him on that: Nice Perfume avatar..."
And each time you updated it I thought: "Oh yes, THERE is something I still wanted to do". But, oh well, you know how it is with these small things...
So now, finally: Nice avatars, all of them! Reminds me to spin up some Perfume on my player...
@Pod
I agree, the minibuild exploration makes the loading times a bit more tolerable. Now, if it wasn't for the missing Gampad... Well, I just might pick it up in another few years when it's cheaper. Might have forgotten more of it by then, too (it felt VERY familiar when I started it up on Wii U again last night to see if it would be worth it)...
I had originally considered double dipping, especially with a smoother performance and higher resolution (loading times a minor issue for me), and fired up the Wii U version yesterday to find out if I would still enjoy it after 100%ing back then. I found that the Gampead was used very well in this game. Now I'm not certain if the lack of this wouldn't put me off too much... I now, first-world problems.
@Zach777 I noticed that, too, but then I took a closer look: It's probably because the new version has a more comprehensive lighting system and something that looks like SSAO. While in the Wii U version many things look equally bright from all directions, which is unnatural, objects now apparently look darker where there is less light. That's my theory anyway.
You haven't read my post completely, have you? I admit, it's long, sorry for that, but please do read it before replying.
You've missed my second most important point, which is funny, because I put it at the very top: You're still assuming that the "average consumer" is someone who doesn't own anything of the sort yet (neither console, handhald, tablet or PC), and has a) already made up their mind that they want only a stationary console, but is b) otherwise completely uninformed.
The issue with this concept of yours, upon which your whole argument is based, is not only that it partially contradicts itself, so that I do not believe that such a person exists.
If a) were true, it would only prove my point that they need not think about Switch in the first place, so this "average" consumer of yours is irrelevant for Nintendo, and incidentally also for your own argument really, because to them there is no benefit of the hybrid concept (the concepts do not compete!). They do not need the unbelievably small form factor, the built-in screen (which is extremely good by the way) and battery, or the detachable controllers. But because that is so, a comparison between the systems and their prices is utterly futile and pointless.
And if b) were true, which in this day and age I believe might only be the case for grandparents buying for their grandchildren, i.e. the consumer walking into the store is so utterly uninformed that they do not take into account the various different factors that can influence a gaming experience (stationary vs. handheld, or the most basic question: what sort of games do I prefer to play!?), the first question would certainly not be "which is the most powerful?", as they wouldn't have a concept of why this should be important in the first place. They would rather ask "which is the best" or "what's the difference. Then it's up to the sales person... but that's another story.
You underestimate the average consumer, I believe. Unless you're referring only to children, to whom schoolyard bragging rights are the most important thing in the world. Then again, these are hardly the "average consumers" with their allowance, are they? You're basically saying that your "average consumer" is unable to make a rational decision by weighing the pros and cons of completely different systems. What's next? Making jokes about the "average consumers'" mothers? Just kidding. But the average consumer certainly has more brains than you... give them credit for. (okay, I apologize for that, too; it was just too tempting while typing it; sorry).
As for my movies analogy: But you do go to the movies every once in a while? Then it proves my point. And if you don't, it does so, too. That's the beauty of it! And I am not saying that I don't think the ticket prices are too high. I am saying that if I am prepared to do one (even grudgingly), I can't complain about the other. It's as simple as that.
@PlywoodStick @NEStalgia @JaxonH
Your efforts are truly commendable... Let me chime in:
@impurekind
You're asking the wrong question, I believe, and this might be the reason why people here don't get you.
You're assuming that the only people that could possibly be interested in the Switch are people that do not own any other console at the moment and haven't owned one in a while, and only right now are thinking about getting one, any at all, no matter the concept (stationary vs. hybrid). And I think that while there might be a small minority like this, it will not be the relevant group.
The only larger group with similar thoughts may be parents getting something for their kids right now and having to decide what they want for them, and they will probably neither know or care about the GPU power or hard disk size, but think about versatility and family-friendliness.
Your whole argument that the Switch "is too expensive in comparison to [insert other system of choice here]" is irrelevant. Because what you're forgetting is that there is really no competition between the systems: People that want ONLY a stationary console with lots of GPU power already have a PS4 and will think about getting a PS4 Pro before they think about the Switch at all. Such people are completely out of the equation, and they do not have to think about the Switch or its price point at all.
People that want to play not only at home, but also on the go, will have to consider if they buy a hybrid, or a home console and a tablet/handheld separately, while the second option limits them to playing different games at home and on the go. In fact: Only now do they have such a choice! And a separate system means separate games and separate costs (so which will ultimately be more expensive?).
It's one of the Switche's strongest selling points I believe: I can continue on the go whichever game currently excites me most, instead having to resort to "smaller" games on the handheld (which are also purchased separately) until I get back home.
The Switch with its concept is thus not competing directly with the other consoles, so there is no need to compare prices. Ultimately it will always come down to an INDIVIDUAL personal opinion/decision about one individual product: Is the asking price for what is on offer worth it to ME? And for most people here that is apparently a big YES. Reasons may vary.
Personally I do sincerely believe that the price is absolutely fair for what we get (and what we will still get in its lifetime).
My favorite analogy when I am pondering the price tag of new entertainment stuff: If I don't have a problem spending 10-15 € for a movie ticket (two hours of passive entertainment, making that 5 € per hour of fun at the lower end), I cannot seriously claim that games (or gaming systems) are too expensive. They're even interactive and offer countless hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Heck, even if the Switch was only a Zelda-machine, it would already have been worth its price by this analogy (110h and still going strong). And there is so much more to come. I own it only for a month, and already it's fulfilled its lifetime promise, from here on it will only keep giving...
Sure, it's only an analogy, basically a reminder to myself to check my own values before I complain, but for me it works.
@Ernest_The_Crab You may be right, the "next project" for the BotW Team might just be the Winter DLC though. Depending on what that's gonna be it might absolutely make sense to keep improving the engine... I think it's too early to give up hope for further technical improvements. That said, the game is a blast either way. After 100+ hours it's still such a jaw-dropping experience at points, and I still discover new things all the time.
@Zeargo @BigBadJohn
In the German eShop it's apparently a top 15 list (not sure if in the UK it's just shorter, or NL just didn't give the full llist), at least here Setsuna is in the 11th spot, Master Blaster made the top 14. Here's the complete listing:
1. Snake Pass
2. Snipperclips
3. Fast RMX
4. Zelda BotW
5. Shovel Knight Treasure Trove
6. Human Resource Machine
7. Super Bomberman R
8. World of Goo
9. Metal Slug
10. Little Inferno
11. I am Setsuna
12. Has-been Heroes
13. 1-2-Switch
14. Master Blaster 0
15. Metal Slug 3
I have no problem with the rain. I think it balances Link's impossible climbing skill nicely. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that I can climb anything and anywhere, but it's quite an overpowered skill, tbh. The rain forces me to re-arrange my plans, get creative, find another way, or do something else, come back later. It's not like there isn't anything else you can do in Hyrule while waiting for the rain in a certain area to stop.
I had only one instance so far where I really cursed the weather system: Needed to scale a wall for a Korok challange. At the bottom the forecast showed sunny for the next three hours, once I was half way up the wall, there must have been an area border, and the forecast display switched to all rain, and I started to slip. Back at the bottom it was all sunny again... So I couldn't even plan when to start, and basically it came down to luck. THAT was a bit unfair, but other than that I think it only adds to the game that there are (temporary) limits to how far you can go with your "climbing superpower".
OzHuski had reported some insider info from TT before my post 126 that this might indeed have been only a misprint. The respective comments are apparently now deleted, but that's what I had been reacting to.
I stand by my last sentence in that post and humbly include my own self...
@Fuz
Well, to be fair, I believe the accent was not chosen to sound particularly "British" per se, but probably to sound aristocratic (and well-bred, so to speak), which of course makes sense, Zelda being a princess with aristocratic upbringing and all.
I also believe that the voice acting is okay, though I HAVE heard better voice acting that went more under my skin without even trying... But in some instances I believe Patricia has done a fine job, the resignation in her voice in the first memory cutscene comes to mind. Liked that. But then again, I'm not English (nor American) so who am I to really judge that...?! (I do have an ear for that sort of stuff though, and will always rejoice if the voice acting triggers genuine emotions within me, no matter which language).
Oh yes, British accent... Has anyone noticed that despite day and night cycle and all the various weather in BotW it has so far not once been Reyn Time in Hyrule? At least not in my playthrough so far. Seriously, I'm not certain Zelda is really feeling it...
@OzHuski Could this be true? I had considered this option, because I usually prefer a "wait and see" approach to such news, but thought it unlikely, because seriously, what sort misudnerstanding at TT could possibly lead to such an error? Unless of course they had in fact considered the option at one point but later decided against it. That would at least be plausible.
Well, I hope your mate is indeed right about this. Should teach us all a lesson if it's true though... lol!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE With this I do not agree. I had thought about this, too, but came to a different conclusion. Sure, Nintendo may force 3rd parties to use a cartridge of adequate size for retail releases to prevent such practices, but at the same time they must make concessions to keep the 3rd parties happy, at least for now (though once it's established it will be hard to turn back). I believe you of all people here know why. So I really cannot blame them.
At the same time I cannot blame WB either for using such a loophole to cut costs, especially as long as they cannot be sure how well the title will fare at retail... It is a tough choice for both companies. I do not believe in "blame" btw, it's something that rarely helps a discussion, nor does it help you to be happy with what life presents you. It's how it is, and all parties involved had their reasons for their decisions. We - the gamers - will vote on their decisions with our purses, and hopefully they will draw the right conclusions for future decisions...
That said I still think it's a bad decision though, as I feel it might become a self-fulfilling prohecy. WB might see the title not selling well at retail, thinking they were right to make this choice, but who knows if it wouldn't have sold better as a true retail card? Nobody will be able to tell for certain, so how to avoid something like that?
The other day I used table top mode on the commuter train. Switch almost tipped over (to the back, over the kick stand) when the train accelerated. I set up table top mode again now on my desk, and nudged the Switch slightly. It does indeed feel much more stable now... or am I imagining this??? On the other hand my desk at work does not have the habit of accelerating, so who knows...
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I agree that it's probably down to cartridge costs. But it's a gamble on their part either way. You wrote " And what happens then if the game doesn't sell?" in regard to the higher costs for the larger game card and respectively higher losses, I assume. This is certainly a valid concern for them. At the same time they need to worry about turning off potential buyers with the current practice. I am now thinking about it twice, not out of spite or because I feel "betrayed" or disappointed, but for much more practical reasons.
I usually do not fret much about such issues like downloads and installs, and for me it's really not about the money, but for full retail price I usually prefer retail game cards if at all possible, because they're (more) future proof. Digital to me feels much less "concrete", so I go digital only with smaller games (Indie) or irresistable Steam sale offers, which are too good to be ignored (the risk isn't so great for small-price purchases either).
Here "half digital" might as well be "full digital" however, as others have already pointed out. It might as well have been a DL code only. I played this title on Wii U already (100%ed it actually), but seriously thought about double dipping (thinking about better performance). This now makes the thought much less attractive. Might just fire up the Wii U version once more instead...
If however the performance is much better than on Wii U and there is extra content, I might still be inclined again, who knows. Waiting for the review now.
I'm still worried that this could indeed become a trend and affect the "third-party for Switch issue" perception negatively. I'd rather pay a little more and have a working retail game card, and I'm really not sure about this "experiment".
I'm chill about the testfire and haven't even downloaded it, because I'm already convinced: loved the original on Wii U (and actually still do) and will fire up the full game day one for sure. Great stuff, I'm certain, but can wait until then (with age comes patience...)
@UK-Nintendo
Thanks for the feedback. I'm happy it worked out for someone else. I really hoped it would, which is why I reached out to NL with it instead of just posting it in the forums. Thought it might be more public that way and reach more people, as I was sure I couldn't be the only one experiencing this. Apparently @jestermx6 was right btw: Not only does the connecting attempts slow down the system considerably, but since I am playing with WiFi off completely I really do have the feeling that Zelda runs much more smoothly in most areas, slow-downs seem to be rarer. This is something I didn't even expect and that's not so apparent as the heavy stutter, and I really can't measure it, but it certainly feels that way. Would make sense, too. So it's a clear recommendation to play with WiFi of if not needed, at least for Zelda. Would be interesting if Digital Foundry picked this up and checked this again. May this WAS an issue when they made their comparison...
@NEStalgia Well, if I remember correctly they weren't very specific, but just indicated it was a "firmware issue" that affected performance of the game, but of course these might indeed be two completely different issues. Related or not, this was a puzzle piece for me that did help me pinpoint the issue and resolve it (no more periodic stutter in FRMX or Setsuna, definitely smoother in Zelda). It's a work-around, and a more permanent and convenient solution will be welcome, but it does work.
Comments 302
Re: Poll: What Do You Think of the New Nintendo 2DS XL?
@rjejr
If I remember correctly your posts used to be more balanced a while back (at least they used to be some of those I felt were more worth taking note of than others). What happened? I feel genuine concern for you (seriously, I'm not being sarcastic). I can't believe that this can upset anyone so much. It's marketing, not some universal truth to be pondered. It's a product you may or may not be interested in, but why fret over it so much? Does it really affect your personal life in anyway if nintendo releases this product or not, and how they go about marketing it to find people that might in fact like it? I'm not saying that what you wrote is not true, but it may not be worth getting worked up about so much... Otherwise please never mind me.
EDIT: Spelling.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think of the New Nintendo 2DS XL?
@EternalDragonX
I shook my head and said boy this comment is stupid.
(Sorry, it was just too tempting...)
Re: Poll: What Do You Think of the New Nintendo 2DS XL?
I like the design a lot and think the product makes a lot of sense (updating the 2DS with the extra features of the New 3DS). However, this product is cleary not for me. I love the "3D" in "3DS" too much to ever consider a 2D iteration. 3D is one of the reasons why I will be coming back to 3DS time and time again, despite the Switch (well, that AND my huge backlog in 3DS titles I mean to tackle eventually). For my tastes there are already too many titles in the 3DS library that don't use 3D at all, but that'S of course a very personal opinion.
Re: Capcom Wants You To Know That It's Taking The Nintendo Switch Very Seriously
@Tsurii @Damo
Though I do love the versatility of the Switch and certainly put gameplay and art direction above mere graphics fidelity, this would probably not be my first choice for Switch. For one I cannot imagine playing this for shorter sessions (on the go for example), it can be quite time consuming, and then the PC version just looks so darn good in 4K (despite being an older title). Not saying that I can't do without 4K though. In fact I got Setsuna for Switch, because I felt that it just belonged there, and there are a number of titles on my Steam wishlist that are now on hold (despite frequent sales), in the hope that they might be ported to Switch when it is successful enough (Seasons after Fall being one such example). But Dragon's Dogma somehow doesn't give me this "Yay for Switch" vibe... if that makes any sort of sense.
EDIT: Other than that: Bring it over! The more games on Switch the better! The above really only describes my personal situation. I'm aware that not everyone already has this on PC...
Re: Capcom Wants You To Know That It's Taking The Nintendo Switch Very Seriously
Hah, of course the major msytery title can only be Star Gladiator HD Remix Deluxe! That's it, I called it. Heard it from me first!
Re: Fan-Made Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Lego Set Builds Up Support
Nice effort, but these really do not convince me for lack of detail, I'm afraid. I'm not trying to discredit this, mind you. Might just be better to make only one figure/set, e.g. a guardian, but with greater attention to detail. The Lego Ideas Wind Waker set a while back on the other hand convinced me completely (looked very true to the game, and was playable with a small Isalnd that opened up to be a cave), and though that one gathered 10.000 supporters, it didn't pass the review phase by Lego unfortunately (my guess would be license problems, either Nintendo has no interest, or they want too much money, I could imagine both). Now that one would have been a no-brainer for me, and I'm sad it didn't make it...
Re: Silicon Studio Extends Support For Its YEBIS Post Processing Effects Middleware To Switch
@MarioPhD
That's something I also don't get really, but I'd like to meet this with reasonable positivity (or with indifference at worst), it's just who I am. We've been discussing this in part under the MK8 review (and very elaborately so)... lol. There are some attempts at explanation, but much of it remains shrouded in... MYSTERYYY! (eerie voice, heavy reverb, ominous hand gesture)...
Re: Silicon Studio Extends Support For Its YEBIS Post Processing Effects Middleware To Switch
@nhSnork
I suddenly wonder if the ones criticizing the Switch as potential "port machine" are the same people that complain about VC not being present from the start. There must at least be some overlap, which would be quite ironic...
Re: Silicon Studio Extends Support For Its YEBIS Post Processing Effects Middleware To Switch
@MarioPhD
Thanks for the implied kudos, but don't say that. It doesn't help cooling the emotions, really. It's always worth the effort imo. We all should try to use reason and think things through as best we can, though I admit it's real easy to get derailed when things get too emotional.
Re: Silicon Studio Extends Support For Its YEBIS Post Processing Effects Middleware To Switch
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Your original post said that you think the Switch already has a reputation as a port console. Pointing out that other consoles also had mainly ports at launch disproves this and is a valid argument against this hypothesis, because otherwise PS4 and XBone would also be preceived as simple port machines, which I am pretty certain they aren't.
This is not about if having so many ports at launch is a good or bad thing (not even by your original post), but in accordance with your own words if the console has a reputation as port-console only. And some here believe that's really not the case., or that it is much too early to tell. That's all they're saying.
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
@electrolite77
Yes, that's exactly who and what I meant. I understand the different sorts of reasoning behind it, and could imagine as much. Thanks for elaborating on this though. However, it still doesn't make sense to me really. These are really only explanations after all, not an excuse. There's a difference to my mind. All this misery of theirs seems to be just the result of some kind of twisted perspective - glass-half-empty insisters if you will. I usually like to offer a different perspective, though I'm aware that in many cases this is a futile effort, as they must then decide if they're willing to see light where all they can see are shadows. And more often than not they apparetly feel threatened by a more positive view. It's a perfectly normal thing, too, if you view your perspective as sort of "property". Changing it (giving it up) then feels like personal loss (not only losing an argument, but something more solid than that).
And since you bring it up (and offering a different perspective on that, too): I understand why for Nintendo the Wii U might have been a commercial flop. But on a personal level for Wii U owners I do not understand the sentiment. Last I counted I had over 60 titles for Wii U across retail and digital, and most of them really exceptionally good games, which presented me with countless hours of joy and happiness, certainly good entertainment. This certainly does not feel like the system has failed me.
How many games must you be able to own and play for any one system to feel like it was worth it (in which case you really have no reason to complain)? That's the different perspective I offer in this case: What the system was for Nintendo and what it wasn't is really not important to me on a personal level (of course I want Nintendo to do well, so they can continue to do what they do best: innovate in hardware, make some of the greatest games of all time, and generally bring us happiness).
I really do not feel that the Wii U was a failure. I love the system and had so much fun with it, as the perople we're talking about apparently do and have, too. Is it still supported? Not so much, that's true. But has it brought me joy while it was still alive and kicking (or struggling)? Tons! Certainly enough to make owning it worthwhile (and I'm not done with the system, even though I have other systems to play) and be content.
It's not so hard to view it from that perspective, and just be happy what the console has meant to you during its active years. And then there's really no reason to complain. Gaming consoles are not so expensive as for it to make a big difference if their life-span is five years or only four I believe (if you put away only 1 (insert currency of choice) each month you can afford a new console every three years, if you put away 2 currency, you can even own every iteration of two different consoles. That's really not so much.
I guess all I'm saying is that all this could be seen much more relaxed. It's only gaming after all.
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
@roadrunner343
Agreed. There's exceptions to every rule, and in order to get a point across one do tends to generalize. Me, too. I understand what you're getting at, and I think my point is probably just that they're not just saying "this is not for me" and that's it (ideally adding a thought-through and fair "because..."), but that they're somehow angry with this discovery and decision and need someone to blame, voicing their disdain so matter-of-factly, as if everyone else who thinks otherwise must be utterly nuts.
As for the pricing of ports and that double-dipping would probably be mich more frequent with a lot of people: I'm with you on this 100%. Heck, I was a console gamer for most of my life, and when I got a new and resonably powerful gaming PC a few years back, the first thing I did was to get a lot of PC ports of my favorite 360 games for €5 or so, just to play them a bit with better graphics. Didn't matter if I didn't finish them completely again, because I didn't pay too much for them. So yeah, this basically works, too. But I do want Nintendo to do well with the Switch. They're nearly the only creative, imaginative and innovative left in the industry (not to mention the risks they take with that stance), and that deserves our support in my eyes... (and of course their products are also just really, really good...)
Re: Review: Sky Force Anniversary (Wii U eShop)
Well, I HAVE just purchased the Wii U Pro controller (before it's discontinued). Never felt I needed it really, all games I played seemed to control perfectly well with the Gamepad, but as it is with new hardware or accessories: They like to be played, and I actually felt I might just give the Wii U some more playtime once I have it... It certainly deserves it. (so many games still on backlog...)
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
@roadrunner343
True, the categories have been somewhat simplified for sake of argument and clarity, and there could be more sub-categories (Wii U and Switch owners who already have the game for Wii U as oppoesed to those that don't for example), but from a certain perspective they will still be part of another group, and may not be relevant for my point. Which is: Make up your mind ("is the upgrade worth the asking price?") and stand by your decision. You for example have apparently made up your mind (for very individual reasons, like everyone else), and do accept the consequences. It's your own decision after all. I'd say by that you fit into group c.1. You might have arrived at that decision grudginly (of course I would also be happy to pay less, who wouldn't), but that's irrelevant. You can never complain about your own decision. And YOU don't, apparently, which is good and fair. But some make such decisions and then gripe about it, telling everybody else how bad it is... That's the kind of behaviour I don't get. a wise person once said: Change what you cannot accept, and accept what you cannot change. Based on that (but not only that) I tend to make my decisions - and carry them with all consequences. I am the only one responsible for them. Noone else is to blame, not Nintendo, not fellow gamers.
In any case, I was getting the feeling that for some reason some Wii U only owners are the most vocal with these complaints, which is funny of course. So my other major point was: Keep in mind that this is not a Wii U Update, but a game for the Switch.
Re: Review: Sky Force Anniversary (Wii U eShop)
@FX102A
Exactly my feelings for a lot of games these days, be they Wii U games or even Steam releases on PC (some of them would be so at home on the Switch, like Seasons after Fall for example)... If Switch takes off, many of the Indies could decide to port such games, especially if they're in Unity or UE4. I guess for many titles it will be a game of waiting (for a while at least).
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
Seriously, I don't get how some people can be put off by this release and its price. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. There can be only three sorts of people. a) Those who own only a Wii U, b) those who own only a Switch, and c) those who have both. The latter can be split into two sub-groups, c.1) those who feel the portability, technical improvements and extra content is worth double dipping, and those who think it rather "meh".
None of those people really have a reason to complain, to be "left out", or to feel cheated by Nintendo (or simply "miffed"). Why?
Group a) isn't interested in Switch at this time apparently. So this game is not for them anyway. Keep in mind: It's not an update for the Wii U Nintendo is asking full price for, it's a Switch game. Why complain about details or price of a game you can't, don't want to and will not buy/play? It Makes no sense. Might as well complain that Multiplatform titles cost the same for all consoles (more or less), and you don't get a discount for the PS4 version if you already own it on XBone. Or that a Blu-ray with the same movie costs slightly more than a DVD with the same movie, but with higher rez and additional extras (or 3D for that matter), if you own only a DVD player, why complain about Blu-ray prices (and ponder them in the first place)? For this group it also doesn't matter if they already own MK8 or not. If they have it already, they can be content, if they don't they can still get it for their system.
Group b) is the main target audience. To them it's a completely new experience, and certainly a mighty fine one, worth asking full price for.
And Group c)? Well, depending on the sub-group they just need to make up their mind and all is set. They can then either dig in and be happy, or ignore it. But complaining about something they have no interest in (c.2) is not only pointless, but also illogical to my mind.
EDIT: Deleted duplicate paragraph. Sorry.
Re: ARMS Brawler Mechanica Is A Normal Human In A Mech Suit
@Maxz
Thanks for the confirmation and kind words. And your explanation for the lengthening katakana "ー" makes perfect sense, too, especially being used like that (in the middle of the hiragana). I thought it might be something from colloquial/spoken language, but really didn't make the connection to something like that (commentator voice/style). Kudos for getting that!
Re: Review: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
"it's a great game but it's not another €60 great" is only a personal opinion though, isn't it?
For some previous owners that might apply, and for some it might not (like me) for some reason or other (portability probably being a big factor here for many). They may still double dip.
And THEN there are all those millions of potential customers for whom it's simply not "another" 60 (input currency of choice here), but the FIRST 60 they spend on it. I believe it's fair to them (as is this review), and those who already do own it on Wii U just make up their own minds if the admission price is worth the slight technical upgrades and portability. I know I have (and yes, it is clear that you have, too; to each their own I say), others may just want to wait for the Selects version a couple of years from now (or be swayed when additional DLC is announced).
Re: ARMS Brawler Mechanica Is A Normal Human In A Mech Suit
@GoldenGamer88
Sarcasm? What's this "sarcasm" everyone is talking about??
Re: ARMS Brawler Mechanica Is A Normal Human In A Mech Suit
@PtM
Yeah, I couldn't find the word "brainless" in there anywhere... some translation error, I believe. I've had difficulties with "のびーる" myself however (because part of it is usually not used in hiragana, but only katakana, but not by itself or in between hiragana), but then my Japanese might be a little rusty, or it might be some contemporary/colloquial use, I am not aware of.
Re: ARMS Brawler Mechanica Is A Normal Human In A Mech Suit
Auto-Translate apparently. My take on the original would be more like:
"Mechanica herself is a girl who doesn't have the ability to extend her ARMS. She fights in a self-made Power Suit!" (literally: "Powered Suit")
Re: Review: Metal Slug (Switch eShop / Neo Geo)
I can't seem to get any farther than the beginning of the third mission with one credit, not even on easy with 5 lives. :/
But (for now) I refuse to use continues (using easy difficulty feels enough like cheating already), and hope I get better with perseverence and repeating the first levels. One day I swear I will see level four! Not frustrated yet.
Re: Video: Let's See How Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch Compares to the Wii U Original
@JaxonH
Ah, yeah. While I was writing the above and reviewing your post doing so, I had considered that possibility, too, but wasn't exactly sure. Sorry then... Anyway, we agree, which is the main point, and we've both had the chance to elaborate a bit. lol.
Re: Video: Let's See How Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch Compares to the Wii U Original
@JaxonH
That said, on PC that's exactly what I do, actually: Wait for really good deals. Partially because with age comes patience (I don't need to play all the blockbuster games immediately anymore), and partially because my X360, PS3, Wii U, 3DS, Steam and now even Switch backlog is already miles long and good for the whole of retirement (which is still a bit off, mind you). If there's a chance that I'll not have enough time to play a game anyway, but I still really want it, better to just pay less (on Steam for example). Though Nintendo games have always been the great exception from that rule: Here I really like to get the games "while they're hot". Strange how that is. But I do love my Switch, and could currently play it exclusively...
EDIT: Minor corrections.
Re: Video: Let's See How Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch Compares to the Wii U Original
@JaxonH
Maybe you misunderstood. I'm completely with you. Hence the "I don't understand the sentiment" brackets... It's just that it's the sort of comments I'd expect to see here, if new DLC for the Switch version was announced, but I certainly do not share the feeling, nor do I get why some people feel entitled to a discount, just because they own the game on another system already, and stomp their feet or hold their breath violently (or don't, depending on the figure of speech) if they can't get one ("But, but, but... I've already seen the movie in the theater, why do I have to pay full price for the DVD/Blu-ray/Streaming/rental! I should be getting a discount! No fair!!").
Personally I will not hesitate to double dip, even if I already have the Wii U version and all DLC. Makes no difference to me. It's all about the additional entertainment and fun I'm going to get out of the Switch version even after I've stopped playing the Wii U game, and I figure it will still go a long way. As I've pointed out on an earlier occasion: Just make up your mind if the admission price is worth it to you. If it is: pay up and enjoy, if it's not: skip it but don't whine about it. It means accepting the consequences of an educated decision you can make yourself... To me it is. End of story. I'll be having fun!
Re: Video: Let's See How Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch Compares to the Wii U Original
@JaxonH
Those are the key selling points at the moment alright. And to me they're valid ones. And just recently I thought: Since all DLC from Wii U is already included, what's to stop them from making new DLCs of the same sizes for the Switch iteration? The track catalogue across all previous entries is certainly good for lots more... I'm willing to bet that's gonna happen, and they will be Switch exclusive. Sure, another reason for Wii U-only owners to feel burnt (though basically this is a sentiment I'll never understand, but that's another story), but I'd say it's also another reason to switch to Switch!
Re: Mr. Shifty Devs Tackling Frame Rate Issues After Initially Suggesting You Should Pick Steam Over Switch
Team "Shifty"? Doesn't that say it all already??
Re: The FAST RMX Update Has Almost Crossed the Finish Line
Anyone else have a problem with progress not always saving? Basically it happens to me a lot when I go back to a cup I've already placed 3rd or 2nd in and improve my rank. As long as I'm still in the game it will register and also show the progress % increase, but sometimes when I quit and restart another day the progress is gone again. The only way to really make sure progress like that is saved correctly seems to be by finishing a cup you did not finish before after improving the rank on a cup you already did finish... Anyone else experience something like that?
Re: Nintendo Download: 13th April (Europe)
Wow, I just realized that The Stonecutter is actually rated the same as BotW is...in the mind of some Metacritic users, who claim that they know the truth. And since BotW is objectively really a great game, it must mean that The Stonecutter is at least as good, with the same scale and polish, and with just as much work, love, heart and soul put into it, doesn't it? Doesn't it?? (Hmmm... I can't shake the indistinct feeling that there is some kind of flaw in this resoning, but alas, just what somehow keeps escaping me...)
Re: Monopoly Coming To Nintendo Switch With HD Rumble Dice Rolling
Well, it's "only" Monopoly, and I've never been much of a fan of this game (I've always felt that it brought out the worst in people, if you know what I mean...), but from what could be seen in the Direct this iteration appears to be visually appealing at least, with much going on on the screen and reall looking nice. I'm not certain if that will be enough to sway me though... May also depend on the pricing.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Composer Confirms Soundtrack Is Practically Complete
@Ryu_Niiyama
Ha, just clicked your profile (somehow it never occurred to me before). It could have been so easy...
I have been out of touch with the latest Perfume for a while, I think the last two albums I bought were LEVEL3 and JPN. My favorite album up to then is definitely still Delta though. Has some nice nods to '84 and '87 styles...
Well, time for grocery shopping. Guess what I'm going to listen to on the way now...
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Composer Confirms Soundtrack Is Practically Complete
@Ryu_Niiyama
Thanks for the new avatar. It saves me some "work" I never got around to.
Let me explain: From the first time I saw one of your avatars (and this must already be some years back) I thought: "My, that looks like it could be Perfume, funny that someone in such a forum would be using this as an avatar. Need to find out if it's really them, just to be sure and then I'm gonna comment him on that: Nice Perfume avatar..."
And each time you updated it I thought: "Oh yes, THERE is something I still wanted to do". But, oh well, you know how it is with these small things...
So now, finally: Nice avatars, all of them! Reminds me to spin up some Perfume on my player...
Re: Video: Let's See How LEGO City: Undercover on Switch Stacks Up Against the Wii U Original
@Pod
I agree, the minibuild exploration makes the loading times a bit more tolerable. Now, if it wasn't for the missing Gampad... Well, I just might pick it up in another few years when it's cheaper. Might have forgotten more of it by then, too (it felt VERY familiar when I started it up on Wii U again last night to see if it would be worth it)...
Re: Video: Let's See How LEGO City: Undercover on Switch Stacks Up Against the Wii U Original
I had originally considered double dipping, especially with a smoother performance and higher resolution (loading times a minor issue for me), and fired up the Wii U version yesterday to find out if I would still enjoy it after 100%ing back then. I found that the Gampead was used very well in this game. Now I'm not certain if the lack of this wouldn't put me off too much... I now, first-world problems.
@Zach777
I noticed that, too, but then I took a closer look: It's probably because the new version has a more comprehensive lighting system and something that looks like SSAO. While in the Wii U version many things look equally bright from all directions, which is unnatural, objects now apparently look darker where there is less light. That's my theory anyway.
Re: Nintendo Switch Teardown Suggests Production Cost Is Around $260 Per Unit
@impurekind
You haven't read my post completely, have you? I admit, it's long, sorry for that, but please do read it before replying.
You've missed my second most important point, which is funny, because I put it at the very top: You're still assuming that the "average consumer" is someone who doesn't own anything of the sort yet (neither console, handhald, tablet or PC), and has a) already made up their mind that they want only a stationary console, but is b) otherwise completely uninformed.
The issue with this concept of yours, upon which your whole argument is based, is not only that it partially contradicts itself, so that I do not believe that such a person exists.
If a) were true, it would only prove my point that they need not think about Switch in the first place, so this "average" consumer of yours is irrelevant for Nintendo, and incidentally also for your own argument really, because to them there is no benefit of the hybrid concept (the concepts do not compete!). They do not need the unbelievably small form factor, the built-in screen (which is extremely good by the way) and battery, or the detachable controllers. But because that is so, a comparison between the systems and their prices is utterly futile and pointless.
And if b) were true, which in this day and age I believe might only be the case for grandparents buying for their grandchildren, i.e. the consumer walking into the store is so utterly uninformed that they do not take into account the various different factors that can influence a gaming experience (stationary vs. handheld, or the most basic question: what sort of games do I prefer to play!?), the first question would certainly not be "which is the most powerful?", as they wouldn't have a concept of why this should be important in the first place. They would rather ask "which is the best" or "what's the difference. Then it's up to the sales person... but that's another story.
You underestimate the average consumer, I believe. Unless you're referring only to children, to whom schoolyard bragging rights are the most important thing in the world. Then again, these are hardly the "average consumers" with their allowance, are they? You're basically saying that your "average consumer" is unable to make a rational decision by weighing the pros and cons of completely different systems. What's next? Making jokes about the "average consumers'" mothers? Just kidding. But the average consumer certainly has more brains than you... give them credit for. (okay, I apologize for that, too; it was just too tempting while typing it; sorry).
As for my movies analogy: But you do go to the movies every once in a while? Then it proves my point. And if you don't, it does so, too. That's the beauty of it! And I am not saying that I don't think the ticket prices are too high. I am saying that if I am prepared to do one (even grudgingly), I can't complain about the other. It's as simple as that.
Re: Nintendo Switch Teardown Suggests Production Cost Is Around $260 Per Unit
@PlywoodStick @NEStalgia @JaxonH
Your efforts are truly commendable... Let me chime in:
@impurekind
You're asking the wrong question, I believe, and this might be the reason why people here don't get you.
You're assuming that the only people that could possibly be interested in the Switch are people that do not own any other console at the moment and haven't owned one in a while, and only right now are thinking about getting one, any at all, no matter the concept (stationary vs. hybrid). And I think that while there might be a small minority like this, it will not be the relevant group.
The only larger group with similar thoughts may be parents getting something for their kids right now and having to decide what they want for them, and they will probably neither know or care about the GPU power or hard disk size, but think about versatility and family-friendliness.
Your whole argument that the Switch "is too expensive in comparison to [insert other system of choice here]" is irrelevant. Because what you're forgetting is that there is really no competition between the systems: People that want ONLY a stationary console with lots of GPU power already have a PS4 and will think about getting a PS4 Pro before they think about the Switch at all. Such people are completely out of the equation, and they do not have to think about the Switch or its price point at all.
People that want to play not only at home, but also on the go, will have to consider if they buy a hybrid, or a home console and a tablet/handheld separately, while the second option limits them to playing different games at home and on the go. In fact: Only now do they have such a choice! And a separate system means separate games and separate costs (so which will ultimately be more expensive?).
It's one of the Switche's strongest selling points I believe: I can continue on the go whichever game currently excites me most, instead having to resort to "smaller" games on the handheld (which are also purchased separately) until I get back home.
The Switch with its concept is thus not competing directly with the other consoles, so there is no need to compare prices. Ultimately it will always come down to an INDIVIDUAL personal opinion/decision about one individual product: Is the asking price for what is on offer worth it to ME? And for most people here that is apparently a big YES. Reasons may vary.
Personally I do sincerely believe that the price is absolutely fair for what we get (and what we will still get in its lifetime).
My favorite analogy when I am pondering the price tag of new entertainment stuff: If I don't have a problem spending 10-15 € for a movie ticket (two hours of passive entertainment, making that 5 € per hour of fun at the lower end), I cannot seriously claim that games (or gaming systems) are too expensive. They're even interactive and offer countless hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Heck, even if the Switch was only a Zelda-machine, it would already have been worth its price by this analogy (110h and still going strong). And there is so much more to come. I own it only for a month, and already it's fulfilled its lifetime promise, from here on it will only keep giving...
Sure, it's only an analogy, basically a reminder to myself to check my own values before I complain, but for me it works.
Re: Video: Digital Foundry Puts Version 1.1.1 of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the Test
@Ernest_The_Crab
You may be right, the "next project" for the BotW Team might just be the Winter DLC though. Depending on what that's gonna be it might absolutely make sense to keep improving the engine... I think it's too early to give up hope for further technical improvements. That said, the game is a blast either way. After 100+ hours it's still such a jaw-dropping experience at points, and I still discover new things all the time.
Re: Nintendo Switch eShop Adds Charts Listing to Show What's Hot in the Download Store
@Zeargo @BigBadJohn
In the German eShop it's apparently a top 15 list (not sure if in the UK it's just shorter, or NL just didn't give the full llist), at least here Setsuna is in the 11th spot, Master Blaster made the top 14. Here's the complete listing:
1. Snake Pass
2. Snipperclips
3. Fast RMX
4. Zelda BotW
5. Shovel Knight Treasure Trove
6. Human Resource Machine
7. Super Bomberman R
8. World of Goo
9. Metal Slug
10. Little Inferno
11. I am Setsuna
12. Has-been Heroes
13. 1-2-Switch
14. Master Blaster 0
15. Metal Slug 3
And there you have it.
Re: Realistic Puddles Are Reason #243 That Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Is Awesome
I have no problem with the rain. I think it balances Link's impossible climbing skill nicely. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that I can climb anything and anywhere, but it's quite an overpowered skill, tbh. The rain forces me to re-arrange my plans, get creative, find another way, or do something else, come back later. It's not like there isn't anything else you can do in Hyrule while waiting for the rain in a certain area to stop.
I had only one instance so far where I really cursed the weather system: Needed to scale a wall for a Korok challange. At the bottom the forecast showed sunny for the next three hours, once I was half way up the wall, there must have been an area border, and the forecast display switched to all rain, and I started to slip. Back at the bottom it was all sunny again... So I couldn't even plan when to start, and basically it came down to luck. THAT was a bit unfair, but other than that I think it only adds to the game that there are (temporary) limits to how far you can go with your "climbing superpower".
Re: Realistic Puddles Are Reason #243 That Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Is Awesome
Had just noticed it last night, and incidentally in the exact same spot as in the images above, too! Lol. Thought the same thing: "How cool is that!?"
Re: Lego City Undercover Box Reveals a Mandatory 13GB Install
@NEStalgia
Hear, hear!
OzHuski had reported some insider info from TT before my post 126 that this might indeed have been only a misprint. The respective comments are apparently now deleted, but that's what I had been reacting to.
I stand by my last sentence in that post and humbly include my own self...
Re: Random: Princess Zelda's Voice Actor Had To Pay For Breath Of The Wild Just Like Everyone Else
@Fuz
Well, to be fair, I believe the accent was not chosen to sound particularly "British" per se, but probably to sound aristocratic (and well-bred, so to speak), which of course makes sense, Zelda being a princess with aristocratic upbringing and all.
I also believe that the voice acting is okay, though I HAVE heard better voice acting that went more under my skin without even trying... But in some instances I believe Patricia has done a fine job, the resignation in her voice in the first memory cutscene comes to mind. Liked that. But then again, I'm not English (nor American) so who am I to really judge that...?! (I do have an ear for that sort of stuff though, and will always rejoice if the voice acting triggers genuine emotions within me, no matter which language).
Re: Random: Princess Zelda's Voice Actor Had To Pay For Breath Of The Wild Just Like Everyone Else
Oh yes, British accent... Has anyone noticed that despite day and night cycle and all the various weather in BotW it has so far not once been Reyn Time in Hyrule? At least not in my playthrough so far. Seriously, I'm not certain Zelda is really feeling it...
Re: Lego City Undercover Box Reveals a Mandatory 13GB Install
@OzHuski
Could this be true? I had considered this option, because I usually prefer a "wait and see" approach to such news, but thought it unlikely, because seriously, what sort misudnerstanding at TT could possibly lead to such an error? Unless of course they had in fact considered the option at one point but later decided against it. That would at least be plausible.
Well, I hope your mate is indeed right about this. Should teach us all a lesson if it's true though... lol!
Re: Lego City Undercover Box Reveals a Mandatory 13GB Install
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
With this I do not agree. I had thought about this, too, but came to a different conclusion. Sure, Nintendo may force 3rd parties to use a cartridge of adequate size for retail releases to prevent such practices, but at the same time they must make concessions to keep the 3rd parties happy, at least for now (though once it's established it will be hard to turn back). I believe you of all people here know why. So I really cannot blame them.
At the same time I cannot blame WB either for using such a loophole to cut costs, especially as long as they cannot be sure how well the title will fare at retail... It is a tough choice for both companies. I do not believe in "blame" btw, it's something that rarely helps a discussion, nor does it help you to be happy with what life presents you. It's how it is, and all parties involved had their reasons for their decisions. We - the gamers - will vote on their decisions with our purses, and hopefully they will draw the right conclusions for future decisions...
That said I still think it's a bad decision though, as I feel it might become a self-fulfilling prohecy. WB might see the title not selling well at retail, thinking they were right to make this choice, but who knows if it wouldn't have sold better as a true retail card? Nobody will be able to tell for certain, so how to avoid something like that?
Re: Nintendo Switch OS Version 2.1.0 is Now Live
The other day I used table top mode on the commuter train. Switch almost tipped over (to the back, over the kick stand) when the train accelerated. I set up table top mode again now on my desk, and nudged the Switch slightly. It does indeed feel much more stable now... or am I imagining this??? On the other hand my desk at work does not have the habit of accelerating, so who knows...
Re: Lego City Undercover Box Reveals a Mandatory 13GB Install
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I agree that it's probably down to cartridge costs. But it's a gamble on their part either way. You wrote " And what happens then if the game doesn't sell?" in regard to the higher costs for the larger game card and respectively higher losses, I assume. This is certainly a valid concern for them. At the same time they need to worry about turning off potential buyers with the current practice. I am now thinking about it twice, not out of spite or because I feel "betrayed" or disappointed, but for much more practical reasons.
I usually do not fret much about such issues like downloads and installs, and for me it's really not about the money, but for full retail price I usually prefer retail game cards if at all possible, because they're (more) future proof. Digital to me feels much less "concrete", so I go digital only with smaller games (Indie) or irresistable Steam sale offers, which are too good to be ignored (the risk isn't so great for small-price purchases either).
Here "half digital" might as well be "full digital" however, as others have already pointed out. It might as well have been a DL code only. I played this title on Wii U already (100%ed it actually), but seriously thought about double dipping (thinking about better performance). This now makes the thought much less attractive. Might just fire up the Wii U version once more instead...
If however the performance is much better than on Wii U and there is extra content, I might still be inclined again, who knows. Waiting for the review now.
I'm still worried that this could indeed become a trend and affect the "third-party for Switch issue" perception negatively. I'd rather pay a little more and have a working retail game card, and I'm really not sure about this "experiment".
Re: Poll: Is the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire Boosting Your Nintendo Switch Hype?
I'm chill about the testfire and haven't even downloaded it, because I'm already convinced: loved the original on Wii U (and actually still do) and will fire up the full game day one for sure. Great stuff, I'm certain, but can wait until then (with age comes patience...)
Re: Nintendo Switch Wi-Fi Issue Could Be Why Your Games Keep Dropping Frames
@UK-Nintendo
Thanks for the feedback. I'm happy it worked out for someone else. I really hoped it would, which is why I reached out to NL with it instead of just posting it in the forums. Thought it might be more public that way and reach more people, as I was sure I couldn't be the only one experiencing this. Apparently @jestermx6 was right btw: Not only does the connecting attempts slow down the system considerably, but since I am playing with WiFi off completely I really do have the feeling that Zelda runs much more smoothly in most areas, slow-downs seem to be rarer. This is something I didn't even expect and that's not so apparent as the heavy stutter, and I really can't measure it, but it certainly feels that way. Would make sense, too. So it's a clear recommendation to play with WiFi of if not needed, at least for Zelda. Would be interesting if Digital Foundry picked this up and checked this again. May this WAS an issue when they made their comparison...
Re: Nintendo Switch Wi-Fi Issue Could Be Why Your Games Keep Dropping Frames
@NEStalgia
Well, if I remember correctly they weren't very specific, but just indicated it was a "firmware issue" that affected performance of the game, but of course these might indeed be two completely different issues. Related or not, this was a puzzle piece for me that did help me pinpoint the issue and resolve it (no more periodic stutter in FRMX or Setsuna, definitely smoother in Zelda). It's a work-around, and a more permanent and convenient solution will be welcome, but it does work.