Comments 189

Re: Google Reveals Stadia, Its Vision Of A Cloud Gaming Future

Mallow

Beyond bored by that presentation. The spec-fetishists seemed most happy. 198K and 1 zillionFPS...but what about the, er, games?

I will never understand the appeal of handing over total autonomy to a company so they can own the entire infrastructure of your hobby.

Why hand so much power to Google and your ISP? As soon as the customer is locked in to this infrastructure, prices may rise, content will shift (as we've seen with Netflix as contracts expire and competitors launch their own services for a piece of the pie) and adopters will be completely dependent on Google to game. Not owning games, reliance on ISP and shoddy connections, the list goes on.

Not to mention privacy/ data-gathering practices, which will no doubt factor into this service.

I still dont understand why consumers chose to abandon physical media. It frees us from eternal dependence on Netflix, Spotify, etc and from what THEY choose to offer or carry (which has so many implications). All for some convenience? Not worth the trade.

Re: Talking Point: Should Nintendo Be Concerned About Google's Play For Gamers?

Mallow

I will never voluntarily let this company further infringe upon my life and invite them into my television/gaming habits.

I am sure there will be some invasive data collection about every action performed, every game viewed, and advertising nonsense entwined with this enterprise, since Google is essentially a glorified advertising agency.

If this is the "future" of gaming, I'll be content to let the Switch be my final console and just play retro.

Re: Talking Point: Could Nintendo Ditch Physical Media With A 'Switch Lite?'

Mallow

If players care about longevity of their systems and playing them years down the road, thank Nintendo for at least going with cartridges for the Switch.

If your system doesnt have an optical drive, you dont have to worry about it failing, or disc rot. The early disc gen consoles are atrocious from a preservation perspective. Finding playable PS1 physical copies is becoming a challenge. At least the Switch's physical games will be playable in the future, apart from downloaded-updates that may not be preserved (another issue). Even if your Switch's internal storage fails or your SD card becomes corrupted, the cartridges can be played on a new system with no issues.

Consumers should vote with their wallets now and try and influence what is increasingly going to become a "forever rental" model.

Re: Looks Like The Daemon X Machina Demo Will Be Removed From The Switch eShop Next Week

Mallow

I really really wanted to like this game. I was excited for it ever since the E3 trailer. I loved the look of it, the concept seemed cool, and I had it penciled in on my list of games I wanted. Then I played the demo...

Maybe because the demo lacked the context of some larger overall story but I was just disappointed in the blandness of the gameplay. it felt so slow, the world seemed lackluster. I don't know. Unless the game is very different in its final form, I'll probably end up passing on this, which bums me out. I had a similar excitement for Astral Chain and hope that one can deliver.

Re: Feature: The Big Nintendo Direct Summary - 13th February

Mallow

It was a great direct in terms of announcing actual games coming to the system.

It was less great knowing the Switch is going to be fairly dry until the summer (at least for the games shown here).

Summer and beyond though will be absolutely jammed-packed with intriguing games. By the end of the year the library will be very solid.

Re: Takahashi And Miyamoto Talk About Nintendo's Ability To Respond To A Variety Of Consumer Preferences

Mallow

Many people here are treating Nintendo customers as a single entity that have uniform tastes and preferences. This is obviously not true. It is difficult for a company to meet each and every demand, especially with a customer base spanning many generations, each with different gaming experiences.

Personally, I dont see the need for Nintendo to engage with adding media apps like Netflix to the Switch. There are numerous other devices, including televisions, that already have this. Id rather they put more time into the meat and potatoes of IP and R&D, not copying what has been done a million times.

I do get frustrated with their hubris over keeping their back catalogue accessible in a way that makes sense, but this is a business, and all investments need to have a return. Is there going to be a huge return in 2019, in the world of fortnite, to give us Mother 3 or (insert retro port) on the Switch? I would hope so, because a good game is a good game, but unfortunately there are shareholders to appease.

Outside of the online service and lack of their first party retro offerings, Nintendo is largely doing a great job. Its only been a recent slip in the past couple months, with the lack of communication about 2019 that has been annoying. I dont know if this has to do with the new president or not.

Re: Nintendo Planning Ways To "Boost The Appeal" Of Switch Online Service On A Yearly Basis

Mallow

I think many of us are willing to be more patient on this service if in fact the Switch is here to stay for a longer turnover than the typical 5/6 year generation run. If Nintendo is taking time to build a service that will exist for the long-term with tiered pricing and won't reboot once another generation is released, then fine.

It is shocking however, how some of their classic games post SNES are virtually unavailable for younger players or people who don't have a show-off game room with every legacy console hooked up. The retro gaming market is an inflated joke, pricing out many players.

The music industry is shameless in its reissuing of albums on every format. While I don't want that approach, why can't Nintendo give us a cart or download of the NES or SNES classics (of their first party titles - I get there are rights issues at play)? Why not reissue classic games outside of the service?

As video game history expands, it is absolutely crucial that "classics" or the "canon" is available to newer generations and games (beyond just the obvious Mario titles) aren't relegated to obscurity or piracy.

Many of us are hoping this "silence" is Nintendo quietly listening and developing something special, however, as lack of Directs and engagement continues, it seems like more and more that there is no real plan and it's being made up on the fly. Which is disappointing.

Re: Nintendo Planning Ways To "Boost The Appeal" Of Switch Online Service On A Yearly Basis

Mallow

I bought the yearly membership when the service launched, the NES controllers, and largely took a "wait and see" approach to Nintendo's longer-term plans for the service.

While I am completely sick of the overreaction from fans and the constant, repetitious NL articles like this, asking "for our thoughts" (which are always the same litany of emulation demands), I am growing frustrated with Nintendo's lack of movement in improving the service, or even special offers.

2 NES games a month is not good enough, as others have said, but there is a larger problem at Nintendo. This "drip-feed" of content seems to apply to their software development for the Switch as well. Are they short staffed? Clearly modern games require longer dev time, larger budgets and staffing resources, but they have a genuine opportunity to take the brilliant concept of the Switch to the next level, and I am hoping they don't rest on their laurels.

I don't believe that Nintendo should just blindly throw free IP at their fans, but there are plenty of tiered options they could explore (and very well may be), but they are losing the PR battle on this one. I hope they can turn it around and realize that what they are currently doing is not going to hold the community's long-term interest in the service.

Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About The Metroid Prime 4 Delay?

Mallow

@MrMetroid
Creative changes and delays happen all the time, in every industry. Should we be outraged (as if there isnt enough of that in the world)? Would you have us boycott Nintendo because they decided to shift directions and take more time to develop one of their main franchises?

They didn't rip anyone off, mislead, or outright lie (like recent EA and Bethesda controversies).

As for "Nintendo get a pass ON EVERYTHING from fans," I would encourage you to look at most threads on this site. Nintendo is routinely slayed here (and elsewhere) for their Online Service, lack of VC, etc., so not sure what universe you've been inhabiting.

Re: Talking Point: How Do You Feel About The Metroid Prime 4 Delay?

Mallow

Due to the lack of info and updates on this game, I think many of us expected this to be pushed from 2019 anyways. I'm glad that Retro is involved moving forward.

My only concern is that this game was already under massive expectations. A delay like this will put even more pressure on the outcome to be exceptional. I hope they can pull it off.

And this will come out on the Switch (some form of it). I think this life-cycle will surpass the normal 5/6 year mark.

Re: Talking Point: What's Next For Nintendo After Switch?

Mallow

The Switch has not even begun to reach its true potential. The hybrid concept has been the best gaming innovation since the home console and I hope Nintendo runs with it indefinitely.

This system has the potential (and already is showcasing) to be the place that houses a vast library of gaming history...from Nintendo IPs past and present, to the retro additions I thought I'd never see on a Nintendo system (Final Fantasy series, Crash, etc), let alone the indie titles and system exclusives. Having those at your fingertips at all times is worth more than increased CPU, 4K, and the fetishization of tech specs. If there is one thing gaming history has taught us, it's that power does not equal quality or longevity (this is why we remember the Game Boy and not the Lynx).

Sony and Microsoft can keep the "streaming" model. Network throttling, constant connection required, no ownership of titles, indefinite dependency on their service, etc are only a few of issues plaguing that idea, which only benefits these corporations and ISPs.

Nintendo has many cards left to play on the Switch, including its legacy content, and I hope they continue to run with this system, which this article correctly observes, bridges their hardware and conceptual history in a brilliant way.

Re: Atlus Teases Persona 5 R, More Information To Be Revealed March 2019

Mallow

There are rumors of an early January direct coming around 1/10. If there is any Switch announcement, i would expect it here. There is a lot that is a total secret right now: online service NES lineup for 2019/additional systems added, solid release dates for a number of 2019 games, updates on ports like the FF games and Dragon Quest 11, etc.

The hype train is entering the station soon...

Re: Switch Has Outsold The Original And Slim PlayStation 4 In Japan

Mallow

It's portability, but it's also software. It's more convenient to play a few rounds on the go of Splatoon, a few battles of Smash, collect a few moons in Odyssey, run a few courses in Mario Kart, or explore a few areas/shrines in Zelda than sit down for the bloated, hyper-realistic, cinematic epics that dominate the PS4.

People with lives don't have time to devote 70+ hours to every game. Nintendo's software options, combined with the hybrid console, have given consumers more options to game in accessible chunks.

Re: Video: Nintendo Really Wants You To Buy The Wireless NES Controllers For Switch

Mallow

I have been thoroughly enjoying my controllers. They feel great, and it's nice to have a proper D-pad to play these games.

I guess I am one of the few people left (judging on this site) that still respect and find the NES enjoyable, so I am an outlier. "Adventures of Lolo" is one of my favorite NES titles and it's been great playing it on the go. I understand why the cost of these may seem too much to people. Having not bought a NES classic however, these have scratched an itch for me.

I think the lack of an announcement about what is coming to the service in January (and beyond) says a lot. I think that rumors of an e-shop update, along with vague 2019 release dates is pointing towards an early-January Nintendo direct. I think we are going to get a massive upgrade to this service this year, with more NES and SNES titles than anticipated. (Those who took Reggie's words about "not all the NES games" literally were trolled pretty hilariously. He and everyone else knows not every single NES game is in scope for this)

I think Nintendo's strategy has been smart. Hold back the retro IPs and let the Switch exclusives and indie scene flourish, and as the generation moves forward and more competition emerges, play the VC card and start introducing the retro IP back into the mix. The question is, will everyone be happy when they get the oft-requested N64 and GameCube games or just complain when they start seeing the price tags?

Re: Reggie And Geoff Thank Fans For Watching This Year's Game Awards

Mallow

@Cobalt - A troll of the lowest order. Further demonstrated by your mass murderer gif (lulz welcome to the internets amirite?)

I am not sure why people were expecting the game awards to turn into a Nintendo direct. This show was on the eve of their biggest game release of the year. They are totally focused on Smash, not starting the hype train anew for another first party title. It is simple business practices. They are focused on Smash until the holidays are over, hence the Dlc announcement.

The Smash release period will settle down and then Nintendo will come out with Metroid, etc.

Re: Sakurai Reveals Why Kirby Was The Only One Who Survived The Smash Ultimate Apocalypse

Mallow

@Cobalt
Thanks, as usual, for clueing us into the "real reason" (i.e. something you just invented).

The community thanks you for your diligence in exposing what is clearly part of the larger Nintendo conspiracy to spin their basic, simplistic "optimisation" into an actual story-related point. We should never allow the global juggernaut to continue to force-feed and oppress us with such favoritism towards a cute, pink, fluffy thing, and call them out for the charlatans and devious fiends they truly are. Thank you, comrade!

Re: Pokémon: Let's Go Sales Hit 1.5 Million In US Alone, Super Mario Party Surpasses 1 Million

Mallow

The Switch is my favorite console in decades, so this is great news!

Setting aside fanboy allegiances, this is even better news for the entire gaming industry. Multiple successful consoles means more games and a variety of experiences for gamers.

30 years after getting my NES, I never would have expected to be checking daily news on Nintendo or anticipating games the way that I am. The Switch has brought some joy into the world. That is no small feat nowadays.

Re: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Faces Massive Online Data Dump

Mallow

Who is even remotely surprised? For every major movie, tv show, and game there are loads of aspiring spoilees, desperate for 10 mins of internet attention and cred, dying to “make a name” for themselves amongst the toxin-plagued sewer of fanboy culture. To aspire to the claim of “first” is only seconded to the inevitable (knowing the great anticipation) hot take labeling the game a disappointment and garbage (for missing x,y, and z).

Re: Soapbox: Don't Listen To The Pokémon: Let’s Go Haters - The Game Has Definitely Found Its Audience

Mallow

You can dislike the game, but what ends up being disingenuous from haters, because now the story is "sales don't matter, people buy crap all the time."

But as soon as Switch numbers slow down, the comments are "see, look at the sales slowing…Switch is in trouble." or "LOL, Nintendo won't release the Online subscriber numbers because they're terrible."

So when it's something that sells well but they dislike...the sales don't matter. When sales reflect their agenda however, they are the first to point to them.

Re: Soapbox: Don't Listen To The Pokémon: Let’s Go Haters - The Game Has Definitely Found Its Audience

Mallow

Nice work, Joe - but welcome to our post-fact, post-truth world, where toxicity and anonymous trolling reign supreme. A world where every single fanboy's specific needs, fan-fiction requirements, character requests, and features must be accommodated in order to prevent organized online hate campaigns. These are often branded as "criticism" (despite lack of thought, analysis, or intelligent points) or "listening to fans" to disguise the tantrums and myopic perspectives for what they truly are.

No amount of logic can cut through the "sky is falling" crowd (as we've seen in this forum on a weekly basis). Legit critiques and opinions are one thing, but what we've seen from this game, and other recent events (Last Jedi rings a bell) demonstrate something else.

Best to just remember that this is the toy department of life, and of no consequence to the real world, and move on.

Re: Unlocking All Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Should Only Take A Couple Of Hours

Mallow

@Yorumi

As previously stated, for some games, there exists the "option" for games to become easier (or even, more difficult, if you choose). But this does not mean the overall game does not offer serious challenges or deep exploration for advanced players.

"Celeste" is a good example. You can leave the normal setting, and within that parameter, choose to collect every B-side, strawberry etc...making it more challenging. You can also ignore these while on the same normal setting and just try and advance through levels. On top of this, exists the option to just turn on invincibility etc for an easier overall experience. Does this make "Celeste" an easy overall game?

I find it ironic you bring up NES games...as many on this forum have done nothing but disparage their inclusion on Switch Online...but yes, some NES games like "Ghosts N Goblins" are almost renowned foremost for being "very difficult." In the 30 years + since its release, developers have realized that offering easier options is positive for overall inclusion.

The industry has evolved. Do not mistake this for "it's become mediocre" simply because additional options are available now for players, whereas they weren't as visible before (or were regulated to cheat codes).

Re: Unlocking All Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Should Only Take A Couple Of Hours

Mallow

@Cobalt

You are out of your depth and making a fool of yourself with your comparisons. Your vegan analogy is terrible for reasons I won't even explain because it's so obvious.

"Easy modes" are a "disaster of today?" Disaster? Really? The only disaster I see is a lack of perspective on your part. Nobody has removed challenges from games. You don't seem to grasp this and keep eluding to some fantasy time that did not exist.

Re: Unlocking All Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Should Only Take A Couple Of Hours

Mallow

@Yorumi

I'm not sure if you've read the comments here, but most seem to be "most Nintendo games have enough depth and challenge to offer something to BOTH casual and serious gamers."

Want to find all of the power moons or korok seeds? Want to play Tropical Freeze on easy? Do it. Don't want to? Don't. Choice. It's easy. So I'm not sure how these Nintendo games are "ignoring" one class of gamer. The evidence doesn't support this.

The Switch library has enough for all types of gamers.