TOTK. It didn’t appeal to me at all when it first came out; the assembly mechanic, the massive open world, it just seemed too much game and I wanted something more contained. For no particular reason, a couple of months ago I changed my tune and jumped in, and boy oh boy, I’m glad I did. What a masterpiece. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but in case there’s one more human being out there who needs convincing, this is an experience not to be missed.
Granted, it sucks to lose one’s job, and it’s nice to see how compassionate people on this site are for them. That said, these layoffs comprise about 2% of SE’s global staff, and the precise nature of jobs they are isn’t clear; could be redundant middle managers who don’t add sufficient value to the company to justify their salaries, rather than 80-hour week programmers pouring their hearts into making great games. Many companies hoarded staff in the last few years having been stung by a tight labor market, but now are finding that they no longer need to. Let’s drop the kneejerk reaction that firing employees is always evil and bad. If a company can’t stay competitive, then they go the way of Acclaim, Hudson Soft, Interplay, etc.
All the pictures I saw of this game made me think it was going to better than it ultimately was; gorgeous pixel work, but the game never quite clicked with me when I finally did play it.
I was sitting on an unused voucher for a while and finally cashed it in for TOTK. While my tastes tend to shy away from massive open world games, the unanimous praise for this one, coupled with Nintendo’s general track record for unparalleled inventiveness and game design, convinced me to take the plunge. Only a couple of hours in so far, but it’s excellent.
The original Legend of Zelda beckoned to me unexpectedly, and I couldn’t resist. I’m glad I grew up at a time in which other people were playing it, so we could learn from each other which obscure bushes to burn, how to get through the Lost Woods, how to access Level 6, and where to find the Master Sword. Its opaqueness is a joy to me, and further adds to its dark allure and enchantment.
Tried Metro 2033 Redux and couldn’t stand the intentionally bad controls and visibility (fun!). Warioland 4 was just the right tonic to blur my memory of bad game design.
A good game, for sure, and a little weird with a number of inventive ideas, showing Nintendo at what they tend to do best. While it’s an overrated-underrated game in my view (and the music is just okay), I appreciate its originality.
Pilotwings always mystified me, being at once a calm, casual game with lovely waiting room Muzak, while being incredibly difficult after the first few courses.
I’ve been on a no-new-game fast for a few months so I can work through my backlog and replay some gems already in my collection. This weekend will be DKC: Tropical Freeze (I forgot how challenging it can be!) and maybe Sonic Mania.
@Qwiff Thanks for posting. Learning about under-my-radar games like The Drifter is one of the two main reasons why I like this weekly NL feature so much. Happy gaming.
Returning to Animal Well after having put it down months ago for reasons having nothing to do with the game’s quality. Wow, what a fantastic game this is! While I find that many “must-have” games are overrated, this one is definitely not. An absolute masterpiece.
Just finished Dawn of Sorrow, thus completing the wonderful trio that is the Dominus Collection. This was my first time with all three games, and Portrait of Ruin came out on top. Dawn felt like a slog in the second half, with too much “go here, now go way over there” perfunctory gameplay across unimaginative map layouts. Haunted Castle Revisited was a fantastic epilogue, and just what I needed after finishing Dawn.
Next, I’ll be working through more of Konami’s yesteryear output with the Cowabunga Collection. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally make it past the underwater bomb sequence.
Played it on 3DS. Although it was hailed by some at the time as a return to form for SE on a Nintendo platform, I found it to be a rather forgettable experience. One of those games you couldn’t wait to just finish and get on to something better.
When I read “Little Nemo” and “hand drawn,” I immediately thought of the incredible work of Winsor McCay. Suffice it to say, I was rather disappointed.
Once Silksong is released, I hope Team Cherry shares some kind of behind-the-scenes documentary of their journey on this game. Making the decision to completely redo, expand, etc., various aspects of the game must have been carefully considered, each of which also leave multiple alternative versions of the game in imagination land.
I’ve been really disappointed with my Switch Pro controller. The D-pad has an unresponsive downward arrow and the sticks are too tall. For an expensive controller like this, you’d think they’d get it absolutely right.
Not sure I agree, but I love the argument, and that something so seemingly mundane in game design garners such intense debate among our special NL community here.
The original was my one foray into SG games; despite loving JRPGs, I am not the target audience. I have the impression that SG games have a niche diehard audience, so I’m glad they have their fix.
Comments 539
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's NES And Game Boy Library With Four More Titles
Solid additions. With the rewind feature, I might actually stand a chance at finishing these classics.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (15th November)
TOTK. It didn’t appeal to me at all when it first came out; the assembly mechanic, the massive open world, it just seemed too much game and I wanted something more contained. For no particular reason, a couple of months ago I changed my tune and jumped in, and boy oh boy, I’m glad I did. What a masterpiece. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but in case there’s one more human being out there who needs convincing, this is an experience not to be missed.
Re: Random: Steam's Brand New Game Console Sure Looks Awfully Familiar
Apple released the Power Mac G4 Cube before the Nintendo GameCube. Why aren’t we all whining about poor little Apple getting copied?
Re: Nintendo's Black Friday Offers Include Deals On Switch 1 Games, amiibo, And More
@AllBLK Yes, absolutely right on. I’m amazed that no one in the previous 24 comments said the same thing.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Dragon Power (NES)
The Japan design is superior on this one, but the NA box art just captures 1980s NES feel perfectly.
Re: Square Enix Hit By Mass Layoffs As Part Of Global Restructuring
Granted, it sucks to lose one’s job, and it’s nice to see how compassionate people on this site are for them. That said, these layoffs comprise about 2% of SE’s global staff, and the precise nature of jobs they are isn’t clear; could be redundant middle managers who don’t add sufficient value to the company to justify their salaries, rather than 80-hour week programmers pouring their hearts into making great games. Many companies hoarded staff in the last few years having been stung by a tight labor market, but now are finding that they no longer need to. Let’s drop the kneejerk reaction that firing employees is always evil and bad. If a company can’t stay competitive, then they go the way of Acclaim, Hudson Soft, Interplay, etc.
Re: The Legend Of Zelda Movie Is Now "In Production" In New Zealand
@GoldenSunRM
God, yes. Easily the most obnoxious 1-dimensional character trope in that movie.
Re: Samus' Game Boy Outing Metroid II Returns In Latest Nintendo Music Update
This is a fantastic soundtrack! Doubters, just give SR388 Main Theme a spin for 20 seconds, and you’ll believe too.
Re: Anniversary: SNES Action RPG 'Terranigma' Is 30 Years Old Today, And It's Still A 10/10 In Our Book
All the pictures I saw of this game made me think it was going to better than it ultimately was; gorgeous pixel work, but the game never quite clicked with me when I finally did play it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th September)
A little NES Legend of Zelda and a little TOTK, quite wonderful.
Re: Nintendo Download: 25th September (North America)
Do we know why Hades II is more expensive on S1 than S2?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th September)
I was sitting on an unused voucher for a while and finally cashed it in for TOTK. While my tastes tend to shy away from massive open world games, the unanimous praise for this one, coupled with Nintendo’s general track record for unparalleled inventiveness and game design, convinced me to take the plunge. Only a couple of hours in so far, but it’s excellent.
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's GBA Library With Two More Titles
Is this the game that gave all those people cancer?
Re: Nintendo Wins $2 Million Lawsuit Against 'MiG Switch' Distributor
Irreparable, huh? Gosh, that sounds really bad. I hope Nintendo will be okay.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th September)
The original Legend of Zelda beckoned to me unexpectedly, and I couldn’t resist. I’m glad I grew up at a time in which other people were playing it, so we could learn from each other which obscure bushes to burn, how to get through the Lost Woods, how to access Level 6, and where to find the Master Sword. Its opaqueness is a joy to me, and further adds to its dark allure and enchantment.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Harvest Moon (SNES)
Pleasantly surprised to see that the nighttime cover is in the lead. Faith in humanity.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (23rd August)
Tried Metro 2033 Redux and couldn’t stand the intentionally bad controls and visibility (fun!). Warioland 4 was just the right tonic to blur my memory of bad game design.
Re: Captain Toad Returns In This Week's Nintendo Music Update
A good game, for sure, and a little weird with a number of inventive ideas, showing Nintendo at what they tend to do best. While it’s an overrated-underrated game in my view (and the music is just okay), I appreciate its originality.
Re: Pilotwings SNES, N64 And 3DS Albums Soar Onto 'Nintendo Music' In New Update
Pilotwings always mystified me, being at once a calm, casual game with lovely waiting room Muzak, while being incredibly difficult after the first few courses.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (2nd August)
I’ve been on a no-new-game fast for a few months so I can work through my backlog and replay some gems already in my collection. This weekend will be DKC: Tropical Freeze (I forgot how challenging it can be!) and maybe Sonic Mania.
Re: Stunning Retro Throwback 'Terminator 2D: No Fate' Suffers Minor Delay
Take your time, get it right.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th July)
@Qwiff Thanks for posting. Learning about under-my-radar games like The Drifter is one of the two main reasons why I like this weekly NL feature so much. Happy gaming.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (12th July)
Finished Animal Well and am returning to Red Dead Redemption after many months away from it. Wow, such great games.
Re: iFixit Performs A Full Teardown Of Nintendo's "P**s-Poor" Pro Controller
The Switch 1 Pro Controller’s awful d-pad has made it a huge disappointment for me, makes me wary of getting a S2PC.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th July)
Returning to Animal Well after having put it down months ago for reasons having nothing to do with the game’s quality. Wow, what a fantastic game this is! While I find that many “must-have” games are overrated, this one is definitely not. An absolute masterpiece.
Re: Metroid Fans Rejoice, New Switch Icons Are Now Available Just For You
Rejoice, new icons? lmao
Re: Video: Digital Foundry Tests Out Switch 2's Free Switch Game Upgrades
@Exerion76
Thank you.
Re: Chained Echoes 'Ashes Of Elrant' DLC Arrives On Switch In August
Very overrated RPG; it was a slog to finish.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (21st June)
Just finished Dawn of Sorrow, thus completing the wonderful trio that is the Dominus Collection. This was my first time with all three games, and Portrait of Ruin came out on top. Dawn felt like a slog in the second half, with too much “go here, now go way over there” perfunctory gameplay across unimaginative map layouts. Haunted Castle Revisited was a fantastic epilogue, and just what I needed after finishing Dawn.
Next, I’ll be working through more of Konami’s yesteryear output with the Cowabunga Collection. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally make it past the underwater bomb sequence.
Re: Review: Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster (Switch 2) - A Solid Refresh For A 3DS RPG Gem
Played it on 3DS. Although it was hailed by some at the time as a return to form for SE on a Nintendo platform, I found it to be a rather forgettable experience. One of those games you couldn’t wait to just finish and get on to something better.
Re: Review: Survival Kids (Switch 2) - Konami's NS2 Debut Is Cosy, Competent, Kid-Friendly Co-op
Looks terrible. Makes my decision to not buy it very easy, so thanks, developers.
Re: Random: One GameStop Apparently Stapled Receipts To Brand New Switch 2 Boxes, And Guess What Happened...
I’ve got no special love for GameStop, but this is a case of a stupid employee, not some terrible top-down corporate policy.
Re: Adorable 'Little Nemo' Metroidvania Wakes Up On Switch Next Year
When I read “Little Nemo” and “hand drawn,” I immediately thought of the incredible work of Winsor McCay. Suffice it to say, I was rather disappointed.
Re: Feature: "It Was Always About Surviving Together" - Why Konami Chose This Forgotten IP For Switch 2's Launch
Yikes! The new version looks gross. flush
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (31st May)
Portrait of Ruin. Despite Ecclesia having the better reputation, I’m enjoying Portrait more.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (31st May)
@ParsnipHero
Second that. Unlike SMB 2, 3, or World, every time I start a new game of 64, I lose interest within an hour.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: Kirby's Star Stacker (Game Boy)
It seems I’m often in the minority on these votes. That sits just fine with me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (24th May)
Portrait of Ruin for babe
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Duel: F-Zero X
Box Art Brawl has really opened my eyes to how many Japan covers are just a mush of every character in the game jumping at the viewer.
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl: Mario Party 3
Whoa, the Japanese version had every character in the game in a group pose! Total surprise.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th May)
Portrait of Ruin for babe. Just finished Order of Ecclesia; working my way through the Dominus Collection.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (3rd May)
Order of Ecclesia for babe
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong Will Be Playable At An Australian Museum In September
Once Silksong is released, I hope Team Cherry shares some kind of behind-the-scenes documentary of their journey on this game. Making the decision to completely redo, expand, etc., various aspects of the game must have been carefully considered, each of which also leave multiple alternative versions of the game in imagination land.
Re: Nintendo Today Video Showcases The New Switch 2 Pro Controller
I’ve been really disappointed with my Switch Pro controller. The D-pad has an unresponsive downward arrow and the sticks are too tall. For an expensive controller like this, you’d think they’d get it absolutely right.
Re: Poll: After One Month, How Often Are You Actually Using 'Nintendo Today'?
Everyone I’ve talked to says that they absolutely hate this app, everything about it. Maybe it’ll improve over time?
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's GBA Library With A Classic Fire Emblem
Is this the one that made all those people throw up?
Re: Opinion: It's Time To Get Rid Of Fall Damage
Not sure I agree, but I love the argument, and that something so seemingly mundane in game design garners such intense debate among our special NL community here.
Re: Star Wars Outlaws Switch 2 Release Date Revealed At Star Wars Celebration
Yikes, this game looks awful!!!! Yikes.
Re: Nintendo Download: 18th April (North America)
Very glad to see so many votes for Lunar. It’s an absolute must-buy for babe.
Re: Review: SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered (Switch) - A Solid Port Of A Great JRPG
The original was my one foray into SG games; despite loving JRPGs, I am not the target audience. I have the impression that SG games have a niche diehard audience, so I’m glad they have their fix.