This is great news. I really wanted to love the first one but it just didn't click for me. This though has looked right up my street from the get go. I guess some retro styles are best left in the past but DKC gameplay is timeless.
@ozwally I can appreciate the art style is not for everyone. Over the decades Dragon Quest has developed a really distinctive look, so much so that if they ever did alter the look of the slimes (the blue blobs) for example then the fans would be in uproar. You raise a good point actually about whether Dragon Quest has painted itself into a corner with their simple cartoon-like designs being so synonymous. Final Fantasy has always changed and adapted its art style so that now in the age of HD they can create super detailed more 'realistic' looking characters without losing the FF identity. Dragon Quest simply cannot do that.
@sixrings The problem is though that EA use Fifa sales figures as 'proof' that it isn't worth their time to bring other, more complete games to the Switch. Not that we're particularly missing out on anything I suppose.
I'm not sure this actually counts as 'review-bombing' as normally that means unfairly giving a low score for an unrelated reason whereas here the zero scores seem thoroughly deserved.
@KnightsTemplar Not every game needs to hold your hand you know. The sense of isolation and disorientation is entirely deliberate and in keeping with the atmosphere of the game. Just fully explore the map and you'll be fine. There is no need to discover every secret on a first playthrough.
@Ziondood I could probably part with half my liver for that collection on the wall behind you. Actually, how about a video some time where you show off some of your collection? Looks like you've got some good stuff there, would be interesting to see it.
Mine is sitting on my office desk right now and I cannot wait! I have resisted the urge to open it so far but from the photos above even the interior packaging looks gorgeous!
@PorllM Yeah it adds 4 modes. There's a marathon mode for single players and an offline Tetris 99 with Bot opponents. The other 2 modes are for multiplayer but with your friends instead of randoms. For me it's not worth the £8.99 (I think it costs?) but I would like the marathon mode.
Good God my poor wallet! Zelda, Ni No Kuni, Luigi Mansion, Ori (very welcome news about the demo)!
@sanderev The grey looks really good in person actually. Initially I thought it was fairly plain but it's actually really smart.
@PorllM You are right that the base game is free to subscribers. This edition basically bundles together the annual membership with the offline DLC. it equates to a saving of a couple of quid or so. It's a superb game at any price however.
@Spideron Lost World and Jurassic World are different films. Lost World is Jurassic Park 2 whereas Jurassic World is the fourth film. Now I have written it down I can see that it is a bit confusing.
I would agree that Jurassic World is a better film though.
@HappyMaskedGuy Why? It's not as if they are going to stop making 'proper' games like BoTW 2. Nintendo's invention has always been their strength, hell it's the very reason the Switch has been so successful - because Nintendo have always been prepared to take a risk and try something different. Invention and creativity should be celebrated especially when it brings in a wider audience to video games.
@Suicune Your well thought out and well reasoned arguments have no place here! Be gone with you!
To be fair I think it was Kotaku that defended the depiction of the girls' disorders as a genuine attempt by the game to put across a half decent message. I agree that it is an incredibly difficult balance though but hopefully shows that this sort of game can strive for more than just a tawdry thrill. There is no reason that games like this can't also be fun to play and with good mechanics. Having some big anime boobs shouldn't be enough by itself.
You are right that they need to be more inclusive too. Games like this just serve to further the anime fan stereotype. Why not take the sex game into the mainstream with a quality made dating sim/life sim or something aimed at all genders and sexualities instead of this weak nonsense?
I love boobs and personally would give them a perfect 10/10 review score! However I would suggest there are many better ways to enjoy them than some cheap, sub-shooter that sounds about as hot and steamy as a cold cup of Bovril.
The issue for me is nothing to do with the content, it's that it's just a rubbish video game. I think there certainly is a place for sexual content (anime or otherwise) in games but why should we sacrifice quality and gameplay in order to enjoy it? It's refreshing that Nintendo are now embracing 'adult' content these days so why not take the opportunity to demand more from sex games instead of just blindly rejecting any criticism of them, no matter how just?
As awesome as Ultimate is Nintendo have kind of backed themselves into a corner for future titles. Personally I would be content to just keep expanding Ultimate with new characters/modes/stages ad infinitum and only release new software when it is required to run on the next gen console.
The other option would be for the next game to be radically different in some way so as not to draw direct comparisons. Personally I would welcome this but unfortunately it would most likely be criticised by most for not being "true Smash'"
@Dogorilla Agreed. Was it only the DS that had that feature? Also I still dream of a Mario Kart with an Adventure Mode like Diddy Kong Racing had. That game was far superior to Mario Kart 64 and I will fight anyone who disagrees!
I can fairly confidently predict that it will sit at 80 on metacritic. General praise across the board with criticisms being that it's too faithful to the original and a bit short.
And I for one couldn't care less because I will play the hell out of it and love every single minute.
@Tandy255 Sadly you are correct. I popped in there the other day and it's a fantastic selection of games. The SP editions are a brilliant addition too. If Nintendo released all the same games as a collection on a cartridge for the same price as an annual membership people would call it amazing value.
And let's not forget that Tetris 99 is worth the price of admission by itself!
@Kalmaro can't we all just take a minute to relish in the options the Switch gives us? You'll get no argument from me that games like The Witcher, Skyrim and Doom are probably best experienced elsewhere if you have that luxury, but for the rest of us the Switch really has been a revolution.
Incidentally I mostly play handheld mode even when I'm at home so it frees up the telly for my wife to watch whatever nonsense it is that she watches. Oh and Dragon Quest btw is perfect for handheld. It's the only way I will ever come close to finishing one of these giant JRPGS.
@roboshort Exactly. Personally I think 30 hours is pretty much the perfect run time for most games. As long as they are paced correctly and don't drag on like some RPGs can.
We really need to move away from run time being used as an indicator of value. I would happily pay $50 for a 30 hour game if it kept me engaged and entertained without overstaying it's welcome.
@BenAV That is a lot. I never understand why publishers don't plan their releases better. So many great games don't get the attention they deserve.
Still, for me Zelda is always at the top of any list but I can't wait for Luigis Mansion either and Astral Chain looks more impressive every time I see it. Chuck Pokemon in there too and I was actually kind of glad the Animal Crossing got delayed.
@BenAV Personally I could never risk missing out on a new Zelda (even if it is a remake). I understand completely the fears that it may prove a bit short, especially if compared with other recent full price Zelda games, but if you are waiting for a price drop you will be waiting a long time as with any Nintendo published game. I reckon you'd be better off sticking with your preorder and then trading in as you will get a big percentage back, saving you more than if you waited for a price drop.
@Alundra-1998 Damn, you've bought Pokemon 4 times just to get all three steelbooks?! Fair play to you that's some hardcore collecting. Although thinking about it as first-party (ish) Nintendo games I guess you can trade them in immediately for almost full price.
I assume you have the Mario maker steelbook, were you disappointed like me that the plastic sleeve had half the design on it and not the metal case?
I've been conned - I paid 12 quid the other day for this! To be fair the Arwing model looks really nice and is probably worth the price alone to put on your shelf (it's now the same price as a gen 1 Amiibo after all).
Cool, so is this the whole game - single player and everything? I really enjoyed the demo version so will definitely check out the full game. Smart move this from Nintendo as I'm sure plenty of people will end up shelling out at the end of the period in order to keep their progress.
@SlyPlayr09 It's nice to have a comments section where people can actually have sensible discussions!
I have spent money myself on microtransactions for free to play mobile games because I felt the Developer deserved a bit of payment for the number of hours I had put in, but that was free to play. I think the reason this rankles so much is that these were added after the fact, which suggests that they hadn't made as much money from sales as they hoped so now they are trying to squeeze out as much as they can from people who have already shelled out for the game. Pretending that it is somehow pro-consumer in that it offers a choice to speed up unlockables is also particularly repugnant.
I have no issue with paying for DLC whatsoever but that is a one-off purchase, microtransactions are designed to constantly bleed you of money relentlessly over time.
@SlyPlayr09 I fear you're missing the point. These microtransactions are not aimed at moderate, level-headed adults like you and me, they are aimed at kids and people with addictive personalities that will just buy everything regardless without thinking and rack up massive, unnecessary costs.
It's great that you are enjoying the game and if you feel like dropping an extra five quid or so because you are happy to give something back for a game you consider excellent value then that's brilliant, more power to you. Unfortunately though you are not the target, it's the vulnerable members of the audience that are targeted and exploited. It's sad and it needs to stop.
Loved these games on 3DS, especially the artwork when finishing a level. I 100%ed the first 2 entries but I've never played Academy - is it worth getting the collection just to play that?
Comments 603
Re: Official Pokémon Sword And Shield Jerseys Are Coming And We Wanna Buy 'Em All
Have they made Sobble even sadder? Look at that poor little guy. I would follow him to hell and back I would.
Re: Review: Yooka-Laylee And The Impossible Lair - A Delicious Mix Of Donkey Kong And Zelda
This is great news. I really wanted to love the first one but it just didn't click for me. This though has looked right up my street from the get go. I guess some retro styles are best left in the past but DKC gameplay is timeless.
Re: Here Are The Top 20 Best-Selling Switch eShop Games In Japan For September 2019
@Anri02 Oh I agree entirely, that's why I'm a Nintendo fan as they understand that good art design beats good graphics any day of the week.
Re: Here Are The Top 20 Best-Selling Switch eShop Games In Japan For September 2019
@ozwally I can appreciate the art style is not for everyone. Over the decades Dragon Quest has developed a really distinctive look, so much so that if they ever did alter the look of the slimes (the blue blobs) for example then the fans would be in uproar. You raise a good point actually about whether Dragon Quest has painted itself into a corner with their simple cartoon-like designs being so synonymous. Final Fantasy has always changed and adapted its art style so that now in the age of HD they can create super detailed more 'realistic' looking characters without losing the FF identity. Dragon Quest simply cannot do that.
Re: Review: Amnesia: Collection - A Masterclass In Horror That Has Aged Better Than You'd Think
I know horror games are meant to be dark and moody but those screenshots are pitch black!
Re: UK Charts: Zelda: Link's Awakening Drops To Second As FIFA 20 Shoots and Scores
@sixrings The problem is though that EA use Fifa sales figures as 'proof' that it isn't worth their time to bring other, more complete games to the Switch. Not that we're particularly missing out on anything I suppose.
Re: The UK's Pop-Up Pokémon Store Will Stock An Exclusive London City Pikachu Plush
Is that a psyduck umbrella? Spiffing!
Re: Metacritic Review-Bombers Strike Again With FIFA 20 On Switch
I'm not sure this actually counts as 'review-bombing' as normally that means unfairly giving a low score for an unrelated reason whereas here the zero scores seem thoroughly deserved.
Re: Nintendo Goes Discount Crazy With Up To 80% Off 150 Switch Games (Europe)
@KnightsTemplar Not every game needs to hold your hand you know. The sense of isolation and disorientation is entirely deliberate and in keeping with the atmosphere of the game. Just fully explore the map and you'll be fine. There is no need to discover every secret on a first playthrough.
Re: Nintendo Goes Discount Crazy With Up To 80% Off 150 Switch Games (Europe)
If anyone here does not own Hollow Knight £6.59 is such a steal it should be illegal. Download it now. Right now.
Re: Random: Slowpoke Becomes Pokémon Ambassador Of Japanese Prefecture, Kagawa
Just when you thought you couldn't love Japan any more, this happens!
Re: Video: Unboxing Zelda: Link's Awakening Dreamer Edition (AKA: The Less Exciting One)
@Ziondood I could probably part with half my liver for that collection on the wall behind you.
Actually, how about a video some time where you show off some of your collection? Looks like you've got some good stuff there, would be interesting to see it.
Re: Gallery: Unboxing Zelda: Link's Awakening Limited Edition On Switch
@617Sqn And yet you still clicked on the article...
Re: Gallery: Unboxing Zelda: Link's Awakening Limited Edition On Switch
Mine is sitting on my office desk right now and I cannot wait! I have resisted the urge to open it so far but from the photos above even the interior packaging looks gorgeous!
Re: Nintendo Download: 19th September (Europe)
@PorllM Yeah it adds 4 modes. There's a marathon mode for single players and an offline Tetris 99 with Bot opponents. The other 2 modes are for multiplayer but with your friends instead of randoms. For me it's not worth the £8.99 (I think it costs?) but I would like the marathon mode.
Re: Nintendo Download: 19th September (Europe)
Good God my poor wallet! Zelda, Ni No Kuni, Luigi Mansion, Ori (very welcome news about the demo)!
@sanderev The grey looks really good in person actually. Initially I thought it was fairly plain but it's actually really smart.
@PorllM You are right that the base game is free to subscribers. This edition basically bundles together the annual membership with the offline DLC. it equates to a saving of a couple of quid or so. It's a superb game at any price however.
Re: Review: LEGO Jurassic World - A Recooked Package That's Right At Home On Switch
@Spideron Lost World and Jurassic World are different films. Lost World is Jurassic Park 2 whereas Jurassic World is the fourth film. Now I have written it down I can see that it is a bit confusing.
I would agree that Jurassic World is a better film though.
Re: Review: LEGO Jurassic World - A Recooked Package That's Right At Home On Switch
Whoa wait a minute, Jurassic Park 3 was great! Far better than Lost World.
Re: Guide: Where To Pre-Order Ring Fit Adventure
@HappyMaskedGuy Why? It's not as if they are going to stop making 'proper' games like BoTW 2. Nintendo's invention has always been their strength, hell it's the very reason the Switch has been so successful - because Nintendo have always been prepared to take a risk and try something different. Invention and creativity should be celebrated especially when it brings in a wider audience to video games.
Re: Review: Gun Gun Pixies - A Pitiful Perv-Fest That Also Fails As A Video Game
@Suicune Your well thought out and well reasoned arguments have no place here! Be gone with you!
To be fair I think it was Kotaku that defended the depiction of the girls' disorders as a genuine attempt by the game to put across a half decent message. I agree that it is an incredibly difficult balance though but hopefully shows that this sort of game can strive for more than just a tawdry thrill. There is no reason that games like this can't also be fun to play and with good mechanics. Having some big anime boobs shouldn't be enough by itself.
You are right that they need to be more inclusive too. Games like this just serve to further the anime fan stereotype. Why not take the sex game into the mainstream with a quality made dating sim/life sim or something aimed at all genders and sexualities instead of this weak nonsense?
Re: Review: Gun Gun Pixies - A Pitiful Perv-Fest That Also Fails As A Video Game
I love boobs and personally would give them a perfect 10/10 review score! However I would suggest there are many better ways to enjoy them than some cheap, sub-shooter that sounds about as hot and steamy as a cold cup of Bovril.
The issue for me is nothing to do with the content, it's that it's just a rubbish video game. I think there certainly is a place for sexual content (anime or otherwise) in games but why should we sacrifice quality and gameplay in order to enjoy it? It's refreshing that Nintendo are now embracing 'adult' content these days so why not take the opportunity to demand more from sex games instead of just blindly rejecting any criticism of them, no matter how just?
Re: The First Three Dragon Quest Games Are Coming To Switch In Europe And North America
@NotTelevision In Japan they are downloadable separately and each have a different price (DQI is cheapest and DQIII is most expensive).
Re: Hardware Review: The Genesis / Mega Drive Mini Finally Does Sega's History Justice
I am certainly tempted. Does anyone have the Megadrive games collection released for Switch? How does that compare?
If only Quackshot had been included it would have been a no-brainer, but then I really do want to play Castle of Illusion again...
Re: There's "No Way" Future Smash Bros. Games Will Have As Many Fighters As Ultimate, Says Sakurai
As awesome as Ultimate is Nintendo have kind of backed themselves into a corner for future titles. Personally I would be content to just keep expanding Ultimate with new characters/modes/stages ad infinitum and only release new software when it is required to run on the next gen console.
The other option would be for the next game to be radically different in some way so as not to draw direct comparisons. Personally I would welcome this but unfortunately it would most likely be criticised by most for not being "true Smash'"
Re: Mario Kart Tour Will Have Special Bonus Challenges Not Seen In Main Series Games
@Dogorilla Agreed. Was it only the DS that had that feature? Also I still dream of a Mario Kart with an Adventure Mode like Diddy Kong Racing had. That game was far superior to Mario Kart 64 and I will fight anyone who disagrees!
Re: The First Zelda: Link's Awakening Switch Review Is Now In, And It's Looking Good
I can fairly confidently predict that it will sit at 80 on metacritic. General praise across the board with criticisms being that it's too faithful to the original and a bit short.
And I for one couldn't care less because I will play the hell out of it and love every single minute.
Re: Nintendo Download: 5th September (Europe)
@wazlon I reckon he's completing his currydex
Re: Nintendo Direct Confirmed For Tomorrow, 4th September
@Tandy255 Sadly you are correct. I popped in there the other day and it's a fantastic selection of games. The SP editions are a brilliant addition too. If Nintendo released all the same games as a collection on a cartridge for the same price as an annual membership people would call it amazing value.
And let's not forget that Tetris 99 is worth the price of admission by itself!
Re: Nintendo Direct Confirmed For Tomorrow, 4th September
Get in there my son!
I can't believe there's anything left to show. What a time to be a Nintendo fan!
Re: Mario Kart Double Dash's Special Items Are Making A Comeback With Mario Kart Tour
I loved Double Dash!! and the unique items were a big reason why. It added an element of strategy that is otherwise lacking.
For what it's worth I always went with Paratroopa's three red shells and Toadette's gold mushroom for my team. What about you guys?
Re: Gun Gun Pixies Eyes Up A Release On Switch Next Week
@CharlieGirl if you think anime only does binary then I've got some pretty freaky videos I can show you that prove otherwise!
Re: Video: Explore Dragon Quest XI S With The Series' Creator And Download A Demo Now
@Kalmaro can't we all just take a minute to relish in the options the Switch gives us? You'll get no argument from me that games like The Witcher, Skyrim and Doom are probably best experienced elsewhere if you have that luxury, but for the rest of us the Switch really has been a revolution.
Incidentally I mostly play handheld mode even when I'm at home so it frees up the telly for my wife to watch whatever nonsense it is that she watches. Oh and Dragon Quest btw is perfect for handheld. It's the only way I will ever come close to finishing one of these giant JRPGS.
Re: Video: Explore Dragon Quest XI S With The Series' Creator And Download A Demo Now
@Kalmaro At least the mob outside his door will be able to play Dragon Quest in handheld mode!
Re: Video: Explore Dragon Quest XI S With The Series' Creator And Download A Demo Now
@LUIGITORNADO I think you've stumbled onto the wrong website mate. But yes we are all very impressed with your powerful PC. Well done.
Re: Review: ONINAKI - A Decent Daemon Distraction
@roboshort Exactly. Personally I think 30 hours is pretty much the perfect run time for most games. As long as they are paced correctly and don't drag on like some RPGs can.
We really need to move away from run time being used as an indicator of value. I would happily pay $50 for a 30 hour game if it kept me engaged and entertained without overstaying it's welcome.
Re: Learn More About Pokémon Sword & Shield By Visiting A Galar Visitors Center In Real Life
@Xelha @Archius9 Don't forget about the pop-up Pokemon centre in Westfields in London.
Re: Pokémon Sword And Shield Info Drop Reveals Battle Stadium, New Abilities And More
@Lizuka I came here to write that very thing! Gotta love that giant sea slug.
Re: Nintendo 'Indie World' Showcase Announced For Monday 19th August
Hollow Knight Silksong
Hollow Knight Silksong!
HOLLOW KNIGHT SILKSONG!!!!!!!!!
Release date please
Re: Zelda: Link's Awakening Pre-Orders Updated With Extra Freebies On Nintendo UK Store
@BenAV That is a lot. I never understand why publishers don't plan their releases better. So many great games don't get the attention they deserve.
Still, for me Zelda is always at the top of any list but I can't wait for Luigis Mansion either and Astral Chain looks more impressive every time I see it. Chuck Pokemon in there too and I was actually kind of glad the Animal Crossing got delayed.
Re: Zelda: Link's Awakening Pre-Orders Updated With Extra Freebies On Nintendo UK Store
@BenAV Personally I could never risk missing out on a new Zelda (even if it is a remake). I understand completely the fears that it may prove a bit short, especially if compared with other recent full price Zelda games, but if you are waiting for a price drop you will be waiting a long time as with any Nintendo published game. I reckon you'd be better off sticking with your preorder and then trading in as you will get a big percentage back, saving you more than if you waited for a price drop.
Re: Luigi's Mansion 3 Glow In The Dark Steelbook Now Available To Pre-Order In The UK
@Alundra-1998 Damn, you've bought Pokemon 4 times just to get all three steelbooks?! Fair play to you that's some hardcore collecting. Although thinking about it as first-party (ish) Nintendo games I guess you can trade them in immediately for almost full price.
I assume you have the Mario maker steelbook, were you disappointed like me that the plastic sleeve had half the design on it and not the metal case?
Re: Luigi's Mansion 3 Glow In The Dark Steelbook Now Available To Pre-Order In The UK
@Alundra-1998 That's a good point. I can hear my wallet screaming in pain already though!
Re: Luigi's Mansion 3 Glow In The Dark Steelbook Now Available To Pre-Order In The UK
Darn, I really wanted this steelbook but I can't justify spending an extra tenner just to get it.
Or can I...?
Re: Deals: Starlink: Battle For Atlas Starter Pack Drops To A Ridiculous £10.99 In The UK
I've been conned - I paid 12 quid the other day for this! To be fair the Arwing model looks really nice and is probably worth the price alone to put on your shelf (it's now the same price as a gen 1 Amiibo after all).
Re: New Nintendo Switch Game Trials Programme Will Let You Play Mario Tennis Aces For Free
Cool, so is this the whole game - single player and everything? I really enjoyed the demo version so will definitely check out the full game. Smart move this from Nintendo as I'm sure plenty of people will end up shelling out at the end of the period in order to keep their progress.
Re: Crash Team Racing Will Soon Allow Players To Buy Wumpa Coins With Real Money
@SlyPlayr09 It's nice to have a comments section where people can actually have sensible discussions!
I have spent money myself on microtransactions for free to play mobile games because I felt the Developer deserved a bit of payment for the number of hours I had put in, but that was free to play. I think the reason this rankles so much is that these were added after the fact, which suggests that they hadn't made as much money from sales as they hoped so now they are trying to squeeze out as much as they can from people who have already shelled out for the game. Pretending that it is somehow pro-consumer in that it offers a choice to speed up unlockables is also particularly repugnant.
I have no issue with paying for DLC whatsoever but that is a one-off purchase, microtransactions are designed to constantly bleed you of money relentlessly over time.
Re: Crash Team Racing Will Soon Allow Players To Buy Wumpa Coins With Real Money
@SlyPlayr09 I fear you're missing the point. These microtransactions are not aimed at moderate, level-headed adults like you and me, they are aimed at kids and people with addictive personalities that will just buy everything regardless without thinking and rack up massive, unnecessary costs.
It's great that you are enjoying the game and if you feel like dropping an extra five quid or so because you are happy to give something back for a game you consider excellent value then that's brilliant, more power to you. Unfortunately though you are not the target, it's the vulnerable members of the audience that are targeted and exploited. It's sad and it needs to stop.
Re: Review: Mighty Switch Force! Collection - A Great Bundle From A Classic Series
@OdnetninAges Thanks pal, I'll hold on. Hopefully they sell well enough without me for us to get a full sequel. Well overdue for one.
Re: Journey To The Outer Worlds When Obsidian's Space RPG Lands On Switch
Wow really?! This is great news. I had written this off immediately as having no chance of coming to Switch. Happy to be proven wrong!
Re: Review: Mighty Switch Force! Collection - A Great Bundle From A Classic Series
Loved these games on 3DS, especially the artwork when finishing a level. I 100%ed the first 2 entries but I've never played Academy - is it worth getting the collection just to play that?