I can just imagine the board meeting at Nintendo UK now, all the serious suits sat around a large oak table, publicity and marketing discussing impact, promotion and reach.
I'm really glad the publishers didn't survey the NintendoLife comments section before deciding to port Doom or not.
Q1: You can have Doom, possibly on the only console you own, but it won't look as good as other versions and the frame rate will be lower. It'll still play the same though. Should we?
A: Nah, don't bother. I'd rather not have it if it looks not quite as good as other versions. Cos I'm shallow and game play isn't as important as looks.
@Alikan - thank you for that post, it was an interesting counterview.
I have the original Doom, but FPSs aren't really my thing. I was tempted by this though - the hype, the shiny big name game I can finally play (I've been Nintendo only since the PS2[!]) and the need for a new game now I've beat Calamity Ganon and Thimbleweed, but yeah, I think I'll hold my wallet for now, there are so many other good games coming out soon.
I've sunk 500+ hours into Real Racing 3 on mobile (and not spent a penny) so I have my fingers crossed for this. The cars don't look hugely brilliant though, in the video.
I found Corpse Party unremittingly grim, a slog not a pleasure.
Really enjoyed the little of Luigi I played, the exploration, but then I died and couldn't be bothered going through all that again. They didn't think the save points through (in my opinion, other options may differ).
Castlevania - one of the best games on the 3DS I think. The ending is a bit weak but I've played through it several times, it didn't get the credit it deserves.
The Zero Escape games are just... wonderful. More on Switch please.
Resi - never got around to completing it, meant to before I bought my Switch, but I sold it to CEX for £4 and will start again on Switch.
@gamermole - I've only played Thimbleweed Park of those three, but I'm nine hours in and enjoying it immensely.
I don't know your age or gaming history, but be aware it's very 1987. The pace can be very slow, the interface annoying just like it was back in the day (click on 'look at', look at something, have to click on 'look at' again to examine something else in the room - and there are lots of things to examine.)
But it's funny and the dialogue is snappy, and unlike in the good old days you won't be spending frustrating hours in, er, frustration, because we have Google now when you reach a point when you get stuck.
There is a gentle satisfaction in solving the puzzles, and if the graphics and concept appeal I'd say it won't disappoint.
I slogged on because I wanted to see how the story panned out, but reached yet another point where I could cope with most things I encountered in the field to being wiped out by the next boss, and just can't be bothered to grind to level up again.
I must admit, I tried Chronicles on the 3DS and didn't enjoy it.
I sunk about sixty hours into it, the story engaged me but the battle system left me utterly cold. Maybe because it was played after the Bravelys and Dragon Quests, but I found it really unsatisfying.
I'll hold my hands up, it was probably cos I couldn't be bothered with crystals etc, but I could never seem to get a good chain attack going.
I'd crack on, do well, meet a boss then have to grind like a grindy thing to level up.
I can appreciate why some love the depth, but it never 'clicked' with me.
Must admit, most of these games feel like 'stocking fillers' while I wait to open the main Christmas prezzies.
I'm not complaining at all - sometimes you want a quick Mcdonalds rather than wait for a steak, to mix my metaphors, but maybe because I lived though an age where 2D platformers were state of the art these games don't interest me much now.
But it's all good, that the games and choices are out there.
UltimatePlayTheGame were so mysterious at the time, the games coming in a black box with a sticker of the cover art and no game photos (if memory serves).
Knowing it was from Ultimate, you knew it was going to be good and indeed, Knightlore was stunning, never done before. Exciting times, genuinely new stuff coming out regularly.
It cost though! A massive £9.99 when other games were around £5. (Or £1.99 from Mastertronic - the eshop of the day, indie (read one kid in a bedroom) games of varying quality and some utter gems.
It's not as easy as "let's make more" though is it? Nintendo had projections of how many units they'd sell (luckily they don't read this forum or they would have run out on day one) calculated long in advance.
Deals would have been made with suppliers, who can't just magic more stock on shelves. As for making the Switch - Nintendo can't simply lay on an extra shift, you need workers for that, logistics, the sums to add up for all that. How long will this rate of demand last? What do they do if it drops - lay people off and say to the suppliers "Sorry, we don't need all those components now... what do you mean we still have to pay?" I can understand their caution.
Though I think it's a poor situation personally, as someone now actively looking to buy a Switch and can't.
Now, I don't want to get all hippy tree hugger about this, but kids (and consoles), celebrate what you are rather than worry about what you are not.
We aren't going to get shooty pow pow games, nor, apart from the odd blip, Resi, Tomb Raider, Assassins Creed et al - it's a deal you accept when you buy Nintendo.
Yes, I'm sad about that - imagine a Tomb Raider running on the Breath of the Wild engine... But dry your eyes.
Also, can someone explain to me why certain people knock the Switch for being underpowered yet are clamouring for dated Virtual Console games?
As for Netflix, apps... if only someone would invent Tablets or Internet ready televisions.
There is a list of genres and games I'd love on the Switch, but it's looking unlikely I'll be well catered for. However, what the Switch does/will give me trumps what Sony or Microsoft can offer me, personally.
So I vote with my wallet. And don't moan about it.
After E3 I decided today is the day for a little Father's Day treat to myself and I'd buy a Switch. (My wife has one, but I want to be able to save games on my own Switch.)
Local shops are sold out. Not local shops are sold out. Amazon UK had no stock until July 10.
I know the 3DS Castlevania had varying reviews, but it's one of my favourite games on the system. I thought they got the game play and difficulty curve spot on, I used to get frustrated with the bosses but it had that "just one more go" appeal.
I can remember a time when graphics and games like that were so Next-Gen it made my mouth dry at the wonder and technology. I wanted a system that could play games like that so much!
But now, Hmmm. Like the switch being a Neo-Geo emulator, I just don't get the retro love.
I mean, good game play is timeless, a good game is a good game but I'm not inspired to put my hand in my pocket and give money.
(Having said that I am definitely buying Bloodstained if it reviews half decent.)
I know nothing about Syberia, what the game play is but I'm intrigued.
Racing games with proper cars (and no flippin' shells) are my favourite genre, so I'm excited about Gear club.
And Flashback? That Flashback that I played on the Amiga with its groundbreaking graphics and rock-hard game play? Never finished it. No Internet walkthroughs in those days.
@Damo - thank you for that piece, certainly brings it home that Nintendo scepticism is nothing new.
I was always a PlayStation fan, Nintendo was... for kids and passed me by. I mean Legend of Zelda, it even sounds childish - who wants to play a game as a character called Zelda when you can be playing adulty stuff?
Then I met a girl. She was a big Nintendo fan. I'd watch her play on her DS, and yeah it was OK. I'm old enough to have been amazed when the first Donkey Kong replaced Space Invaders in the table top arcade machine at the pub my parents and friends used to go to on a Saturday night, so I still had some affection for Nintendo.
Have to admit too, it was kinda handy, being able to play anywhere. So I got a DS, though I was determined not to enjoy it.
Ninja Gaiden, 999 and Grand Theft changed my mind. They were brilliant.
Then came the 3DS. I was cautious again, but a supermarket was offering a deal on a 3DS and Ocarina, I bought on the spot. And oh! It is not childish. Especially when... that thing... happens and everything changes. It was a moment.
And that is what the best games and consoles do. They give us moments. Feelings. Escapism, immersion, fun.
The 3DS went everywhere with me. My first Street pass was at a Motorsport event at Silverstone. I showed my girl... who is now my wife.
The 3DS has been a brilliant thing. Resi, DQs, the Bravelys, Animal Crossing, Castlevania, Zero Time Dilemma, Ace Attorney, Layton... so many moments.
@bimmy-lee - from sad experience with playing ARMS I can assure you that mindless waggling/punching because you have more ambition than talent will indeed result in you getting crushed.
ARMS is a new kind of thing, a new twist. Like the best games it will take time to learn - the 'slowness' isn't a fault, it's a integral part of the strategy.
I can assure you, seeing a fist flying in on a springy arm from distance makes you think expletive and "what have I got to counter?" or "can I counter because I've rushed and launched a punch of my own?"
Different skill set to other games. Neither the 'best' compared to the other, but fun to learn.
I've only played it briefly so my personal judgement is still pending, but to dismiss it for being "slow" or whatever... maybe it's designed to be slow? That's part of the strategy and game play? React and counter... Or the pain of waiting for the hit to come.
I know as a consumer I have a different spreadsheet to a publisher who has to spread varing development costs over several games, but Breath of the Wild gives hours of game play per pound spent.
Not sure ARMS will.
Looking at my 3DS -
650 hours on animal crossing
110 on DQ7
12 on Castlevania (which I love, by the way, looking forward to playing through again).
I think Nintendo have let themselves down a bit by not demonstrating the controls more.
Now, I've said before that I found the left Joycon slightly unresponsive during one game, but that could be down to my reactions. So let's talk the actual controls.
To be clear I played it months ago and my memory isn't what it was (I don't actually remember what it was, but I think it was better) so some of this may be inaccurate.
Here we go then. Joycon in each hand. Tilt them parallel left or right to move left or right.
Punch to punch, rotate your fist on a vertical axis to put a bit of action into it.
Time it right... You can even punch and stop an incoming punch.
With different fists you can kinda do a set-up attack then launch your big-boy.
Make a cross with your fists to block.
Um... Maybe press a button to jump.
Most satisfying when you get it right - thrust both fists out at the right time to grab your opponent, pull them across the arena and unleash pixelated fury.
Now, you may think you'll feel a right idiot doing that... but it's fun! Like... Guitar Hero is just flapping a paddle and pressing buttons in time... but it was brilliant fun, addictive, the need to do better.
Like... bowling or wake boarding on the Wii is stupid... but gawd it was a giggle.
That's ARMS. Just a game. Just a bit o' fun. Remember doing things just cos they are fun?
@ThanosReXXX - my 'banging my head against a wall' quota is currently being filled with trying to understand the battle system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3D so I'm loathe to dive in here again!
However... I think people are doing this game a disservice by asking about button controls or dismissing it as a fighter/not enough like a fighting game (delete as applicable).
My impressions from playing it was that it's a new approach, it's designed as a motion control game, to play with motion controls and using the motion controls is a big part of the appeal.
I'm trying to say - it's a fun game that is supposed to be fun to play with motion controls. I believe motion control was quite popular on a certain console called the Wii?
If it's not what people want it to be then tough. But play it - it needs to be tried - then form your opinion.
Once in a while I like a really good steak (blue please, just show it the flame) but that doesn't mean I can't crave and enjoy a Mcdonalds once in a while too.
You know, it's absolutely fine to say it's not your type of game and you aren't going to buy it.
I can't comment on how it works playing using the buttons.
But don't say it isn't Punch Out, DoA, whatever. It isn't. It's not supposed to be.
It's a new game where you move side to side by tilting your hands in tandem, where you block and grab through a combination of movements and button presses... Where you punch to punch with added twisty fist skill techniques.
It's a new thing. And it's just a game to buy or not - try it if you can, then make your decision on what it actually is, not what it is not.
Now I'm not going to say it's a perfect, day one buy after a few plays, but I will say it was very much a pleasant surprise. It's one of the few games you really need to play to get a grip on (no pun intended).
It's easy to see it as a game where you just throw your hands out in a more physical version of button mashing, but there is patience and strategy needed, reacting to what is happening on screen rather than flailing blindly.
What I'm trying to get across is that it has depth. Types of punch, blocking, jumps... on first play I admit I wasn't that effective because I hadn't got the rhythm right but I got the impression it'd be rewarding and satisfying to learn the nuances, like in all good games.
Annnnd let's address that big old elephant in the room. Motion control.
Childish, innit?
Well no.
Y'see, I got into games to have fun and escapism. To be challenged at times, and as games get more sophisticated, to be moved emotionally too.
ARMS is definitely fun. It's fun holding the controllers and interacting, it adds something else to the experience.
The nearest thing I can think of is Guitar Hero - which is a stupid concept, but I sweated over that lump of plastic trying to improve my score. It was fun. Playing against someone even more so.
I'll be open here and say one of the joycons seemed a little sluggish though that could just be my timing and reactions - but please, be open minded, and if you get chance give it a try rather than judging after watching a video.
@Tetsuro - well now. I'm very much an adult, who spends his days doing important and responsible adulty type thingies, often under pressure.
When I find time to chill at the end of the night sometimes I want to play something that's easy going fun. I'm not saying Cooking Mama, but a cross between Fantasy Life (oh how I loved that game) and Ocarina sounds like it'd hit the spot.
@ThanosReXXX - thank you for the House of the Dead: Overkill reminder! That was a gloriously horrendous and hilarious game. The ice cream van cut scene still makes me giggle at the memory of it.
I really like the idea of FPSs, ever since I played this new game called Doom, but unfortunately I'm awful at them. Don't gave the patience to be stealthy nor the skill to go berserker.
2000AD and Rogue Trooper were part of my childhood though... so this is a must buy.
Really enjoyed the fighting mechanic of Dead or Alive on the 3DS - the actual game play not the puff puff bits, Tekken on PlayStation, Mortal Kombat on the Amiga (ask your parents) and even Way of the Exploding Fist on the Spectrum (ask your grandparents).
But Street Fighter... I dunno. Graphics, controls... I just never gelled with it. I can never seem to get a 'flow' going.
Not blaming the game of course, but it doesn't seem to fit me.
Comments 378
Re: Nintendo UK's Official Store Launches Amazing 'Mario Christmas' Competition
I can just imagine the board meeting at Nintendo UK now, all the serious suits sat around a large oak table, publicity and marketing discussing impact, promotion and reach.
"Should we include Ireland in the competition?"
"SLIGEACH_EIRE lives in Ireland."
..
..
..
"OK, we don't include Ireland, he might win it."
Re: Digital Foundry Gives Its Full Analysis of DOOM on Nintendo Switch
I'm really glad the publishers didn't survey the NintendoLife comments section before deciding to port Doom or not.
Q1: You can have Doom, possibly on the only console you own, but it won't look as good as other versions and the frame rate will be lower. It'll still play the same though. Should we?
A: Nah, don't bother. I'd rather not have it if it looks not quite as good as other versions. Cos I'm shallow and game play isn't as important as looks.
Re: Review: DOOM (Switch)
@Alikan - definitely not Mario Kart!
Racers are my thing, but I bloomin' hate the shell mechanism.
Resi will be my next purchase I think, or LA Noire. Maybes Gear.Club or The motocross game, pending reviews.
Skyrim is on the list too, but it looks a bit earnest and browned out after Breath of the Wild.
Re: Review: DOOM (Switch)
@Alikan - thank you for that post, it was an interesting counterview.
I have the original Doom, but FPSs aren't really my thing. I was tempted by this though - the hype, the shiny big name game I can finally play (I've been Nintendo only since the PS2[!]) and the need for a new game now I've beat Calamity Ganon and Thimbleweed, but yeah, I think I'll hold my wallet for now, there are so many other good games coming out soon.
Re: Nintendo Wants Everyone In Your House To Have Their Own Switch
We have two in the house, one for me, one for my wife. I'm currently a Stardew Valley widower.
It's rather brilliant though, cos it means two docks, one for the main TV and one in the bedroom for lazy Sunday mornings.
We are still discovering new things in Breath of the Wild, when we watch each other play.
Re: Video: Gear.Club Unlimited Gets New Trailer And Altered Release Date
No in-car views?
I've sunk 500+ hours into Real Racing 3 on mobile (and not spent a penny) so I have my fingers crossed for this. The cars don't look hugely brilliant though, in the video.
Re: Feature: Ten 3DS Games That Are Perfect for Halloween
@fafonio - was that a 3DS game? Look at the article title again.
Re: Feature: Ten 3DS Games That Are Perfect for Halloween
I found Corpse Party unremittingly grim, a slog not a pleasure.
Really enjoyed the little of Luigi I played, the exploration, but then I died and couldn't be bothered going through all that again. They didn't think the save points through (in my opinion, other options may differ).
Castlevania - one of the best games on the 3DS I think. The ending is a bit weak but I've played through it several times, it didn't get the credit it deserves.
The Zero Escape games are just... wonderful. More on Switch please.
Resi - never got around to completing it, meant to before I bought my Switch, but I sold it to CEX for £4 and will start again on Switch.
Re: Animal Crossing for Mobile is All Set for a Nintendo Direct Reveal This Week
I don't know if I can bring myself to watch it.
My SD card corrupted and I lost 650+ hours of New Leaf. It still hurts.
Sniff.
Re: Batman - The Telltale Series Finally Gets Release Date Confirmation for Switch
November is bringing a bonkers few weeks for game releases.
Yeah 'ports', yadda yadda, but they are new to me. Tis all good.
Re: Reminder: Don't Forget This Week's Early Switch eShop Releases
@gamermole - I've only played Thimbleweed Park of those three, but I'm nine hours in and enjoying it immensely.
I don't know your age or gaming history, but be aware it's very 1987. The pace can be very slow, the interface annoying just like it was back in the day (click on 'look at', look at something, have to click on 'look at' again to examine something else in the room - and there are lots of things to examine.)
But it's funny and the dialogue is snappy, and unlike in the good old days you won't be spending frustrating hours in, er, frustration, because we have Google now when you reach a point when you get stuck.
There is a gentle satisfaction in solving the puzzles, and if the graphics and concept appeal I'd say it won't disappoint.
Re: NSFW: Wolfenstein II's Launch Trailer Shows The Many Ways To Skin A Nazi
@darkswabber - fair point!
Re: NSFW: Wolfenstein II's Launch Trailer Shows The Many Ways To Skin A Nazi
At 1min 12 seconds - no mention of the Switch? Just PC, Xbone and PS4.
Re: Doom Will Bring Hell to Switch This Holiday Season
Tch. More ports.
And it's brilliant news!
I'm seriously excited by this. Not all of us have access or indeed want multiple gaming systems, so all this is new to me.
It's all going to be OK, the Switch is going to be OK. Nice one Nintendo.
Re: F1 And Micro Machines Studio Codemasters Is Keeping An Eye On The Switch
Hold on, weren't Codemasters shown as a developer for Switch on that pre-launch infographic thingy, showing Software partners?
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Teaser Website Goes Live
@PanurgeJr - I'm glad it's not just me!
I slogged on because I wanted to see how the story panned out, but reached yet another point where I could cope with most things I encountered in the field to being wiped out by the next boss, and just can't be bothered to grind to level up again.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Teaser Website Goes Live
I must admit, I tried Chronicles on the 3DS and didn't enjoy it.
I sunk about sixty hours into it, the story engaged me but the battle system left me utterly cold. Maybe because it was played after the Bravelys and Dragon Quests, but I found it really unsatisfying.
I'll hold my hands up, it was probably cos I couldn't be bothered with crystals etc, but I could never seem to get a good chain attack going.
I'd crack on, do well, meet a boss then have to grind like a grindy thing to level up.
I can appreciate why some love the depth, but it never 'clicked' with me.
Re: Feature: The Big Nintendo Switch Nindies Showcase Summary - Summer 2017
Must admit, most of these games feel like 'stocking fillers' while I wait to open the main Christmas prezzies.
I'm not complaining at all - sometimes you want a quick Mcdonalds rather than wait for a steak, to mix my metaphors, but maybe because I lived though an age where 2D platformers were state of the art these games don't interest me much now.
But it's all good, that the games and choices are out there.
Re: Nintendo Switch Screen Supplier, Japan Display Inc., is Facing Tough Times
It may be a "cheap" screen - but 10 million units of new business... What's their turnover if 10 million new sales is insignificant?
Re: Acclaimed Isometric Adventure Lumo Is Coming To The Nintendo Switch
@Dudikowski - yes, I remember Knightlore!
UltimatePlayTheGame were so mysterious at the time, the games coming in a black box with a sticker of the cover art and no game photos (if memory serves).
Knowing it was from Ultimate, you knew it was going to be good and indeed, Knightlore was stunning, never done before. Exciting times, genuinely new stuff coming out regularly.
It cost though! A massive £9.99 when other games were around £5. (Or £1.99 from Mastertronic - the eshop of the day, indie (read one kid in a bedroom) games of varying quality and some utter gems.
Re: Nintendo Switch Has Sold 4.7 Million Units Worldwide
@TheMadPolarBear -
Try this stock checking site too -
http://m.stockinformer.co.uk/checker-nintendo-switch?ref=20&kwa=nintendo%20switch%20console%20stock
I was watching last week when new stock was arriving (next batch mid-August?) and some shops were selling out in minutes!
Re: Nintendo UK Reiterates That Switch Demand Has "Surpassed" Global Estimates
It's not as easy as "let's make more" though is it?
Nintendo had projections of how many units they'd sell (luckily they don't read this forum or they would have run out on day one) calculated long in advance.
Deals would have been made with suppliers, who can't just magic more stock on shelves.
As for making the Switch - Nintendo can't simply lay on an extra shift, you need workers for that, logistics, the sums to add up for all that. How long will this rate of demand last? What do they do if it drops - lay people off and say to the suppliers "Sorry, we don't need all those components now... what do you mean we still have to pay?" I can understand their caution.
Though I think it's a poor situation personally, as someone now actively looking to buy a Switch and can't.
Re: Soon You'll Be Able To Wear The Street Fighter II Jeans You've Wanted Since You Were 11
Are they Hadoken resistant?
Re: Nintendo Apologizes for Switch Shortages, Promises an Increase in Production
Amazon UK currently say they'll have stock on the 10th July, the Nintendo store has no stock (mid July) and the physical shops around here have none.
Re: Editorial: Nintendo Switch is About Colour, Fun and Sharing Games, For Those Unsure of Its Purpose
Now, I don't want to get all hippy tree hugger about this, but kids (and consoles), celebrate what you are rather than worry about what you are not.
We aren't going to get shooty pow pow games, nor, apart from the odd blip, Resi, Tomb Raider, Assassins Creed et al - it's a deal you accept when you buy Nintendo.
Yes, I'm sad about that - imagine a Tomb Raider running on the Breath of the Wild engine... But dry your eyes.
Also, can someone explain to me why certain people knock the Switch for being underpowered yet are clamouring for dated Virtual Console games?
As for Netflix, apps... if only someone would invent Tablets or Internet ready televisions.
There is a list of genres and games I'd love on the Switch, but it's looking unlikely I'll be well catered for.
However, what the Switch does/will give me trumps what Sony or Microsoft can offer me, personally.
So I vote with my wallet. And don't moan about it.
Re: Poll: What Did You Think of Nintendo at E3 2017?
After E3 I decided today is the day for a little Father's Day treat to myself and I'd buy a Switch. (My wife has one, but I want to be able to save games on my own Switch.)
Local shops are sold out.
Not local shops are sold out.
Amazon UK had no stock until July 10.
Marvellous.
Re: Video: The Top 5 Most Embarrassing E3 Moments by Nintendo
@ThanosReXXX - La la la, not listening to Wikipedia - allow me to be a grumpy old man over this!
Well, if you're ever in England and in the area I'm sure we could have a little game session and set the world to rights.
Re: Video: The Top 5 Most Embarrassing E3 Moments by Nintendo
@ThanosReXXX - off topic but did you get to try ARMS during the test punch?
Re: Video: The Top 5 Most Embarrassing E3 Moments by Nintendo
Glisters! Glisters!
Re: Video: The Top 5 Most Embarrassing E3 Moments by Nintendo
@ThanosReXXX - it's a Shakespeare quote.
And also one of my pet hates when it's misquoted to "all that glistens isn't gold".
So respect to @Alex_Olney for the glisters!
My blood pressure says thank you.
Re: Random: This €369.00 Zelda: Breath of the Wild Leather Jacket is Perfect for a Mid-Life Crisis
I'm 46.
I'm very content in my life. So content Zen comes to me for advice on how to live well.
I want that jacket.
Re: 505 Games Unleashes New Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night E3 2017 Trailer
Looking forward to this one, must admit.
I know the 3DS Castlevania had varying reviews, but it's one of my favourite games on the system. I thought they got the game play and difficulty curve spot on, I used to get frustrated with the bosses but it had that "just one more go" appeal.
Re: Blasphemous, a "Dark and Brutal 2D Non Linear Platformer", is Coming to Switch
I can remember a time when graphics and games like that were so Next-Gen it made my mouth dry at the wonder and technology. I wanted a system that could play games like that so much!
But now, Hmmm. Like the switch being a Neo-Geo emulator, I just don't get the retro love.
I mean, good game play is timeless, a good game is a good game but I'm not inspired to put my hand in my pocket and give money.
(Having said that I am definitely buying Bloodstained if it reviews half decent.)
Re: Microïds Confirms Six Games for the Nintendo Switch
Oh this is good, really good.
I know nothing about Syberia, what the game play is but I'm intrigued.
Racing games with proper cars (and no flippin' shells) are my favourite genre, so I'm excited about Gear club.
And Flashback? That Flashback that I played on the Amiga with its groundbreaking graphics and rock-hard game play? Never finished it. No Internet walkthroughs in those days.
Good stuff.
Re: Check Out Last Resort, the Latest Release in the ACA Neo Geo Series
Heh. Papa Roach.
Nice work there @Mitch
Re: Retrospective: The Awkward Birth of the DS, Nintendo's Most Successful System
@Damo - thank you for that piece, certainly brings it home that Nintendo scepticism is nothing new.
I was always a PlayStation fan, Nintendo was... for kids and passed me by. I mean Legend of Zelda, it even sounds childish - who wants to play a game as a character called Zelda when you can be playing adulty stuff?
Then I met a girl. She was a big Nintendo fan. I'd watch her play on her DS, and yeah it was OK. I'm old enough to have been amazed when the first Donkey Kong replaced Space Invaders in the table top arcade machine at the pub my parents and friends used to go to on a Saturday night, so I still had some affection for Nintendo.
Have to admit too, it was kinda handy, being able to play anywhere. So I got a DS, though I was determined not to enjoy it.
Ninja Gaiden, 999 and Grand Theft changed my mind. They were brilliant.
Then came the 3DS. I was cautious again, but a supermarket was offering a deal on a 3DS and Ocarina, I bought on the spot. And oh! It is not childish. Especially when... that thing... happens and everything changes. It was a moment.
And that is what the best games and consoles do. They give us moments. Feelings. Escapism, immersion, fun.
The 3DS went everywhere with me. My first Street pass was at a Motorsport event at Silverstone. I showed my girl... who is now my wife.
The 3DS has been a brilliant thing. Resi, DQs, the Bravelys, Animal Crossing, Castlevania, Zero Time Dilemma, Ace Attorney, Layton... so many moments.
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
@bimmy-lee - from sad experience with playing ARMS I can assure you that mindless waggling/punching because you have more ambition than talent will indeed result in you getting crushed.
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
@MarcelRguez - again, beautifully put.
ARMS is a new kind of thing, a new twist. Like the best games it will take time to learn - the 'slowness' isn't a fault, it's a integral part of the strategy.
I can assure you, seeing a fist flying in on a springy arm from distance makes you think expletive and "what have I got to counter?" or "can I counter because I've rushed and launched a punch of my own?"
Different skill set to other games. Neither the 'best' compared to the other, but fun to learn.
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
Well put @MarcelRguez
I've only played it briefly so my personal judgement is still pending, but to dismiss it for being "slow" or whatever... maybe it's designed to be slow? That's part of the strategy and game play? React and counter... Or the pain of waiting for the hit to come.
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
And so where do they figure on the £/hour value scale?
About 3 hours on Street Fighter 3DS by the way. Awful, clunky flick-book graphical thing.
DoA kept my attention for many multiple hours of that, 16 from memory (so £2 per hour-ish) because I enjoyed the game play.
So to get the same monetary value out of ARMS... well, you can do the sums I'm sure.
This disregards subjective enjoyment, though, of course.
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
@gcunit - yes, £50 is a bit of a showstopper.
I know as a consumer I have a different spreadsheet to a publisher who has to spread varing development costs over several games, but Breath of the Wild gives hours of game play per pound spent.
Not sure ARMS will.
Looking at my 3DS -
650 hours on animal crossing
110 on DQ7
12 on Castlevania (which I love, by the way, looking forward to playing through again).
Yet all were roughly the same price.
The £/hour of game play is interesting.
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
I think Nintendo have let themselves down a bit by not demonstrating the controls more.
Now, I've said before that I found the left Joycon slightly unresponsive during one game, but that could be down to my reactions. So let's talk the actual controls.
To be clear I played it months ago and my memory isn't what it was (I don't actually remember what it was, but I think it was better) so some of this may be inaccurate.
Here we go then. Joycon in each hand. Tilt them parallel left or right to move left or right.
Punch to punch, rotate your fist on a vertical axis to put a bit of action into it.
Time it right... You can even punch and stop an incoming punch.
With different fists you can kinda do a set-up attack then launch your big-boy.
Make a cross with your fists to block.
Um... Maybe press a button to jump.
Most satisfying when you get it right - thrust both fists out at the right time to grab your opponent, pull them across the arena and unleash pixelated fury.
Now, you may think you'll feel a right idiot doing that... but it's fun! Like... Guitar Hero is just flapping a paddle and pressing buttons in time... but it was brilliant fun, addictive, the need to do better.
Like... bowling or wake boarding on the Wii is stupid... but gawd it was a giggle.
That's ARMS. Just a game. Just a bit o' fun. Remember doing things just cos they are fun?
Re: Feature: The Big ARMS Direct Summary and the Key Question - Did It Win You Over?
@ThanosReXXX - my 'banging my head against a wall' quota is currently being filled with trying to understand the battle system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3D so I'm loathe to dive in here again!
However... I think people are doing this game a disservice by asking about button controls or dismissing it as a fighter/not enough like a fighting game (delete as applicable).
My impressions from playing it was that it's a new approach, it's designed as a motion control game, to play with motion controls and using the motion controls is a big part of the appeal.
I'm trying to say - it's a fun game that is supposed to be fun to play with motion controls. I believe motion control was quite popular on a certain console called the Wii?
If it's not what people want it to be then tough. But play it - it needs to be tried - then form your opinion.
Once in a while I like a really good steak (blue please, just show it the flame) but that doesn't mean I can't crave and enjoy a Mcdonalds once in a while too.
Stop thinking. Just play.
Re: Talking Point: ARMS Has Plenty to Prove In Its Nintendo Direct
You know, it's absolutely fine to say it's not your type of game and you aren't going to buy it.
I can't comment on how it works playing using the buttons.
But don't say it isn't Punch Out, DoA, whatever. It isn't. It's not supposed to be.
It's a new game where you move side to side by tilting your hands in tandem, where you block and grab through a combination of movements and button presses... Where you punch to punch with added twisty fist skill techniques.
It's a new thing. And it's just a game to buy or not - try it if you can, then make your decision on what it actually is, not what it is not.
Re: Talking Point: ARMS Has Plenty to Prove In Its Nintendo Direct
Edited my post cos I hit reply before I finished.
Which cack-handedness may explain why my wife kicked my bottom at ARMS...
Re: Talking Point: ARMS Has Plenty to Prove In Its Nintendo Direct
@ThanosReXXX - you called?
Yes, I've played ARMS.
Now I'm not going to say it's a perfect, day one buy after a few plays, but I will say it was very much a pleasant surprise. It's one of the few games you really need to play to get a grip on (no pun intended).
It's easy to see it as a game where you just throw your hands out in a more physical version of button mashing, but there is patience and strategy needed, reacting to what is happening on screen rather than flailing blindly.
What I'm trying to get across is that it has depth. Types of punch, blocking, jumps... on first play I admit I wasn't that effective because I hadn't got the rhythm right but I got the impression it'd be rewarding and satisfying to learn the nuances, like in all good games.
Annnnd let's address that big old elephant in the room. Motion control.
Childish, innit?
Well no.
Y'see, I got into games to have fun and escapism. To be challenged at times, and as games get more sophisticated, to be moved emotionally too.
ARMS is definitely fun. It's fun holding the controllers and interacting, it adds something else to the experience.
The nearest thing I can think of is Guitar Hero - which is a stupid concept, but I sweated over that lump of plastic trying to improve my score. It was fun. Playing against someone even more so.
I'll be open here and say one of the joycons seemed a little sluggish though that could just be my timing and reactions - but please, be open minded, and if you get chance give it a try rather than judging after watching a video.
Re: First Impressions: Exploring a New Land in Ever Oasis on 3DS
@Tetsuro - well now. I'm very much an adult, who spends his days doing important and responsible adulty type thingies, often under pressure.
When I find time to chill at the end of the night sometimes I want to play something that's easy going fun. I'm not saying Cooking Mama, but a cross between Fantasy Life (oh how I loved that game) and Ocarina sounds like it'd hit the spot.
Re: Video: Brush Up On Your Rogue Trooper Knowledge Ahead Of The Redux Remaster
Is Red Steel worth a play? I picked it up for £2 about three years ago, I was really looking forward to playing it but have never got around to it.
So many games, so little time.
Re: Video: Brush Up On Your Rogue Trooper Knowledge Ahead Of The Redux Remaster
@ThanosReXXX - thank you for the House of the Dead: Overkill reminder! That was a gloriously horrendous and hilarious game. The ice cream van cut scene still makes me giggle at the memory of it.
I really like the idea of FPSs, ever since I played this new game called Doom, but unfortunately I'm awful at them. Don't gave the patience to be stealthy nor the skill to go berserker.
2000AD and Rogue Trooper were part of my childhood though... so this is a must buy.
Re: My Nintendo Beefs Up With Street Fighter Discounts in North America and Europe
I must admit I never 'got' Street Fighter.
Really enjoyed the fighting mechanic of Dead or Alive on the 3DS - the actual game play not the puff puff bits, Tekken on PlayStation, Mortal Kombat on the Amiga (ask your parents) and even Way of the Exploding Fist on the Spectrum (ask your grandparents).
But Street Fighter... I dunno. Graphics, controls... I just never gelled with it. I can never seem to get a 'flow' going.
Not blaming the game of course, but it doesn't seem to fit me.