Comments 1,478

Re: Surprise! Pikmin 4 Is Getting A Free Content Update On Switch Next Month

Mana_Knight

"New Creature Activity Levels: Move at your own pace and enjoy the new Relaxed mode, where creatures won’t attack unless you attack them, or kick things up a notch in the fiery Fierce mode. These modes can be selected when starting a new game or changed at any point after from the game’s settings."

As someone who quit playing Pikmin after the first game, for the very reason that I find it too heart breaking when they die, this appeals to me!!! I can actually consider another Pikmin game after 24 years! šŸ˜†

Re: Nintendo Expands Switch 2's GameCube Library Next Week With A Spooky Classic

Mana_Knight

Yippee! I got it on day one of the PAL release, and it still haunts in my memory in the best way. It was unfairly criticized at release for not being a Mario game, but honestly, who cares? It's a classic. I was just thinking this morning about when the next one would drop for GameCube NSO. Sure, I could just hook up the GameCube, but this is such a more convenient way to play nowadays. Happy Halloween!

Re: Anniversary: SNES Action RPG 'Terranigma' Is 30 Years Old Today, And It's Still A 10/10 In Our Book

Mana_Knight

It’s a true gem. Released during that peculiar lateish SNES era when focus was starting to shift to what the future held with the N64, just as many developers seemed to really harness the full potential of SNES programming! Compare the early Snes 90s games to the tail end and it is very noticeable how they look and sound. It is curious this has never been released.

Re: Talking Point: How Do You Play NES Games These Days?

Mana_Knight

I often comment on the "WHAT ARE YOU PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?" articles, usually about NES games on NSO. Today, I’ve been really enjoying Kung Fu Heroes.

It’s clear that Mario inspired it a bit, from smashing blocks for power-ups—complete with familiar sound effects—to a power-up that changes your color and lets you throw fireballs, and even hidden warp zones! But I digress.

The NES was my first console when I was 4 years old, and I think that’s key to my appreciation for it. I understand that younger people might not feel the same appeal, but the NES has plenty of quality titles. Like any console, there are good and bad games, and a lot depended on how experienced the developers were or how well they understood the hardware. Some are unplayable and frustratingly clunky, but others are super smooth still. In summary, I still play it often and am grateful for NSO! I do have my original NES in the cuboard though.

Oh, and Mario Bros 2 was my first ever game, so I actually prefer it to 1 and 3 to this day!

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th October)

Mana_Knight

Hi All,

Last evening, I started playing 'KUNG FU HEROES' on NES (NSO) for the first time and ended up really enjoying it. I completed the first world and plan to play more this weekend. It’s nothing too flashy—you’re in a single-screen room where enemies and traps come and go. Top down view. You just need to defeat enough enemies to open the door to the next room. The controls are tight for the time, and the sprites are detailed and chunky! The hit detection can be a bit off, but sometimes that works in your favor to avoid getting hurt! 😁 Levels take about 2–5 minutes to beat, making it perfect for short sessions. I imagine it won't be too appealing to anyone who did not grow up with the NES and can't stand any clunk, but have a look if you are open minded on them. 2 player co-op as well. Have a good weekend all!

Re: Review: Absolum (Switch) - Evolves Arcade, RPG & Roguelike Formats Into Something Fresh & Exciting

Mana_Knight

@Tom-Massey What a shame. Makes me wonder if they just had staff members with no prior experience handle some of them to save some money, or really did get professional actors who just...weren't great. That said, RARE developers mostly voiced their games during their golden age, and the results were fantastic—like Chris Seavor with Conker and most of the other male characters he voiced in CBFD!

Re: Review: Absolum (Switch) - Evolves Arcade, RPG & Roguelike Formats Into Something Fresh & Exciting

Mana_Knight

A well-written review! The game looks interesting! It reminds me a little of that Hercules game on the Saturn, at least visually. Hm. It's disappointing that some parts have flat voice acting, especially since these look like parts most VAs would have a field day with! But I am an actor, so probably more critical for that aspect. It will just make me think 'Tut. I could have done that better!' šŸ˜†. Still, it doesn't seem to take away from the overall experience too much going off the score. I've added it to my Switch wish list to keep an eye on and will check out the demo.😁

Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's SNES Library With Three More Titles

Mana_Knight

@Serpenterror But how does letting people play some Bubsy help persuade them to play more Bubsy 🤣. No, I am glad they added it. I have slight fondess for them, but more so for the 2nd one, as I do remember dying ALOT and not getting far in the first one. So glad we can play with rewind on it now. Maybe I can beat it now.

Re: Nintendo Expands Switch Online's SNES Library With Three More Titles

Mana_Knight

Did the Bubsy team know about this when they released their collection? I mean, they obviously agreed to it, but I’m not sure if they had any input on the timing. Lol. Still, maybe now I can play it and finally beat it with rewind!

Wario and Mario! Such a great pick. I’ve never played it, of course, but it looks like something I’d really enjoy. Haven’t tried Sw2 mouse controls yet, so wish me luck!

Re: Nintendo Calls On 'Stranger Things' Star To Promote Its New PokƩmon Adventure For Switch 2

Mana_Knight

@Pillowpants It feels a bit too chaotic for me, and I don’t think I could keep up with it. I really enjoyed the strategic planning and sweating to make the right moves while deep in a cave or base, running low on supplies and PokĆ©mon. In the games before you could just access all your Pokemon anywhere anytime, at least. I’m sure it will be good, but the battles honestly put me off!

Re: Feature: Get A Job - 30 Years On, Seiken Densetsu 3's Class System Is Still One Of The Best

Mana_Knight

@Wewewi I don't know the exact numbers, but it is buttery smooth. Nintendo Life did do an article where it mentioned hidden Switch 2 upgrade games and it was one mentioned. There are a handful that have had quiet under the hood improvements, but the companies didn't see fit to mention!

But yep, the transition from battle to field is seamless. It is very noticeable how much better it plays.

Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th September)

Mana_Knight

Same as past month for me!
Kirby and Forgotten Land DLC + CHIBI-ROBO!

Done the main extra level/starry collection/boss beating in Kirby, but still a few figures of the 2nd collection to find. Plus, the new Arena mode too.

Chibi-Robo is dragging a bit at this point, as not always clear where to go, but I enjoy it when making progress! I need to find the leg for Giga Robot to help the aliens (a weird plot twist in an already weird game) but not a clue where to go next.

Hope to clear at 1 of these 2 so I can be free to focus on the GBA titles coming next week. Happy gaming all!

Re: Nickelodeon Splat Pack Revives Multiple SNES Titles In One Retro Collection

Mana_Knight

@Zach Came here to say the same thing.
I don't care if it takes under an hour to beat. It is the bomb. There were so many R+S games on the SNES, most bad, but this Mega Drive one was just the best. Heavy Co-op emphasis. Loved playing with my brother. Would be tempted if they did an update and it got added.

Seriously, why was this the only Ren and Stimpy game that thought about 2-player?

Though, as others have pointed out, there were many many Nick toon games in the 16 bit/32 bit era. The Gameboy colour saw a lot too, I think. I don't know how the rights work...but surely they own them? Feels like there are a few more they could easily add to this.

Re: Opinion: I'm Celebrating Super Mario Bros.' 40th Anniversary By Finally Finishing It

Mana_Knight

Jim, you made me realize I’ve never actually beaten it! I’ve had it on the NES since I was about six years old. I got to World 8-4 both on this version and the All-Stars remake, but the maze of pipes always tripped me up. I tried again on NSO a few years ago and ended up stuck in the same spot.

So, inspired by your article, I gave it another shot and succeeded this time! I totally agree—it doesn’t feel like it’s 40. There are so many NES games released years later that feel much more archaic and dated.

It is a classic for a reason.

Though, I will always prefer Mario Bros 2. That was my first ever video game aged 4. That I beat many times and revist often šŸ¤—.