@Jey887 I preferred Yooka-Laylee to A Hat in Time personally. 8/10 from me. Impossible Lair is a 9 or 10/10 mind you. Both great games in their own right.
Give the original a shot. I nearly didn’t after seeing poor reviews but I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Just like this article, I used to think I was great on the n64 back in the late 90s. However, since watching people online these days I’m pretty darn average.
And come to think of it, I was never that good in the first place. I could never ever get past Villa in Perfect Dark hard mode (perfect agent).
Difficulty is a balancing act and that’s why I love it when games have difficulty modes. I really enjoy Zelda but Wind Waker and Twilight Princess are just too easy for my tastes and it knocked the enjoyment a little for me. I heard the HD games on Wii U had a harder mode? I look forward to trying them out if they ever get released for Switch.
I completed Ori and the Blind Forest on hard mode on first playthrough. I died over a thousand times but I persevered and I loved the challenge. Maybe I should have played on normal for my first play through and then played through again in hard for the second playthrough? I’m currently doing this with the sequel.
Difficulty modes are great though. Going back to Perfect Dark/Goldeneye they did it perfectly (no pun intended). I completed them in agent, then in secret agent and then had a crack in perfect/00 agent. Couldn’t complete them in hardest mode but at least I’d already got hours and hours of enjoyment from them.
@JBone You wouldn’t beelieve it but I’ve only gone and done it tonight. 28th attempt and with 43 bees. I had zero bees left for final showdown and I managed it. Lost Laylee on the escape but managed to pull through...!
I eventually completed Donkey Kong Country 2. Well, defeated K.Rool that is. Only got about 4 DK coins. May have to go through getting all them at one point.
Started Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Loved the first game, currently enjoying this one. Played the first game on hard but this one one normal and it defo feels easier because of it. Will finish on normal and then complete a second play through on hard at one point.
Still can’t beat the Impossible Lair. May need to get the last 5 bees to help me out...!
World 7 (pipe world) in Super Mario Bros 3. Enjoying the game but think I prefer DKC2. Great game though.
Other than that I’ve been busy buying more games on sales like Okami so my backlog is getting much bigger. Also, started Overcooked All You Can Eat with the Mrs but that came to a quick abrupt halt when she injured the thumb.
I don’t get people that DON’T replay games. Most games are even better on second playthrough.
I have to say though, I’ve grown fond of games in the 10-30 hour mould. Anything over 30 hours starts to drag. I think I’d rather play a 30 hour game twice through than a 60 hour game once through.
1) Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
2) Perfect Dark (2000)
3) Metroid Prime (2002)
4) Banjo-Tooie (2000)
5) Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Since then, I have fallen in love with the original Super Mario Bros (All-Stars Version) and DKC games (1 and 2, not played 3 yet) on NSO. Also loved Ori and the Blind Forest and Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Unsure if any of those 5 games crack my top-5 but they are up there.
Since being back at work and back on the golf course I’ve struggled to get much Switch time in.
The time I have got it in is still shared by Mario Bros 3 (up to world 6), Donkey Kong Country 2 (up to Angry Aztec) and Impossible Lair (up to 40/48 bees).
Nearing the end of each of them and still bloody loving them.
Also, couldn’t resist myself in the sale and bought Golf Story for £6. Dipped my toes into it as it seems rather fun.
@Lony85 yeah I’ve been going through them steadily and really enjoying both games (DKC2 and SMB3).
I’ve started Super Mario World before but then thought I ought to play through in chronological order.
I don’t know where my love of 2D platforming has suddenly came from (bought the switch mainly for Breath of the Wild but not a fan of it) but the Switch is a haven for the genre.
Back to work this week means less time for Switch play.
However, still managing a little time to go through three superb platformers for the first time.
Super Mario Bros 3
Up to World 5. Got up into the clouds before I got game over.
Donkey Kong Country 2
Eventually got past a stretch of levels where I’d been slightly struggling, Levels 26-29. Beat Parrot Chute Panic and now onto level 31, Web Woods.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
34/48 bees saved. 139/200 Twit coins found.
Still think Yooka is the best of the three and is criminally underrated. Enjoying all three games immensely. Will be sad when they are completed.
Well actually, I’ll be straight onto Donkey Kong Country 3 and Super Mario World. That £15.99 purchase of Bioshock Collection will have to wait, for I am addicted to 2D platformers! Even the Mrs is getting into it as she’s eyeing up Yoshi’s Crafted World which is currently on a deal.
@Giygas_95 I concur. The Galaxy game plays much better on the switch. Never completed the game before on the Wii as the shaky waggle motion controls annoyed me.
Glad, I got the pleasure to play it as it’s a good game. Only problem is that the game was just starting to get good...and then the end boss comes. After only 60 stars. Was anti-climatic. Would have preferred the stars to be 80 or something before taking on Bowser. Sure, I could go back to the game and collect all the other stars - but why would I? Bowser has already been defeated.
Not a fan of little planets though as I’m a big fan of sandbox 3D platformers ala Banjo so think Odyssey will be my favourite. Still not played it yet.
My rankings for the games I have played;
Mario 64 (9/10) 10/10 back in the day but the camera angles and slippy controls are a little dated playing it today.
Mario Sunshine (9/10) controls better than Mario 64 but game felt a little rushed. Would have preferred all the levels to not kick you out on this one and all shines to be available in one go. Bianco Hills shines for example...
*1 Shadow Mario on the Loose
You’ve chased Shadow Mario into this location, so naturally you’ll chase him from the off. You don’t need chase him straight away if you don’t want to but he’ll be here until you beat him for the shrine. Once you beat him, he scampers away (until you see him at Ricco Harbour).
*2 Road to the Windmill
Windmill is blocked off. Clean it off to get a shine.
*3 Down with Petey Piranha
Now you can get to the windmill you can defeat Petey.
*4 Petey Piranha Strikes Back
Once you defeat him at the windmill for a shrine he relocates to the little platform. Where you can defeat him for another shrine.
*5 Hillside Cave Secret
*6 Dirty Lake Secret
Both these can be accessed anytime and the secret wouldn’t be so obvious as to have the camera pan to it at the start of the level, so it would become more of a secret lol. Maybe you could get a clue for each of them by talking to some of the villagers.
*7 Red Coins of the Windmill
*8 Red Coins of the Lake
Both these can be accessed anytime. Maybe with a red coin switch that makes them appear.
There you go, bang, all done. All can be accessed in one go without being booted from the level. Would make for a far better flow/game.
Mario Galaxy (9/10) some cool levels here and mega fun in places but I prefer exploring in my 3D platformer. Can see why some would rate it 10/10 but not my 3D platforming taste.
If Nintendo 64 were made available on for Nintendo online I will go bananas. Come on Nintendo, you know it makes sense...!
Most of the time I spend on my switch currently is playing Mario All-Stars and Donkey Kong Country. Give me Perfect Dark Ocarina of Time and I’ll be set...!
Once I complete Breath of the Wild (if I ever do, the game is a massive disappointment. Weapon durability urgh) then I will start going through Zelda games in release date order. Looking forward to getting to Links Awakening (will play the switch version). If only for the Ballad of the Windfish! What a tune!!
Not really played the 2D games so pretty excited about playing them. Nothing beats Ocarina and Majoras for me so far.
Yooka-Laylee (up to 57 pagie’s) bought for £8.74. Having a great time. 8/10 game.
Batman Telltale Series (completed) played in shadows mode. Bought for £3.80. Good story. 7/10 game.
Unravel Two with the girlfriend. Only started it the other night. Not got very far but seems like we’ll have some fun. Bought for £6.50.
All the while continuing Breath of the Wild first playthrough. Stuck in both Goron and Zora Devine beasts. Got me stumped. Never been stumped like this in Zelda before. But I’m not one of guides so will work it out eventually.
And also, the odd attempt at the original Super Mario Bros in All-Stars version. Never completed this game without the use of continues before. Trying to do it level by level without warp pipes to future levels. Can’t ruddy do it, but it’s great fun.
The beauty of the Zelda series is that everyone has a different favourite. Currently 25% through Breath of the Wild and it’s pretty darn good. Could it challenge Ocarina for my favourite? Remains to be seen.
Would love to vote on this but I’ve only ever played the 3D games.
However, the blessed Switch I bought three months ago has made playing the classics accessible for me so have started the 2D playthroughs.
Quick question: I’m at World 8-1 on Super Mario Bros. (NES) using save states. Is this cheating? I’ve managed to get to world 4-1 so far without a save state. I’m not very good but I am getting better. Do I only properly complete the game if I do it without save states, like the original was programmed?
I’ve just beaten the Stone Temple on Majoras Mask, on the n64 version...it’s a great game but the laggy frame rate can be annoying.
So I would eat up an Ocarina of Time/Majoras Mask HD set on the Switch.
I also enjoyed Wind Waker and Twilight Princess back in the day but thought they were too easy combat wise, so would eat up the HD remasters on the Switch also as they have hero mode from the off.
Ocarina of Time HD / Majoras Mask HD bundle
Wind Waker HD / Twilight Princess HD bundle
Skyward Sword HD standalone
Would eat these three up in a heartbeat on the Switch.
Well, I was late to the Switch party as I purchased one with the girlfriend in October. Was playing through all the Mario 3D games which tugged at my nostalgic heartstrings. Near the end of Sunshine until covid got in the way and the switch has been at my girlfriends house since December.
So in the meantime, I’ve busted out the n64 and been replaying Majoras Mask and Banjo-Tooie. Incredible games. Never played the remastered versions, so hoping they come to the Switch at one point. Also, playing Hollow Knight on the PS4. Another belter.
Moving into new house with the girlfriend next week where I will get the switch back with a brand new copy of Breath of the Wild, so that along with Mario Galaxy should keep me busy for a while. Just got to finish Majoras Mask and Banjo-Tooie this coming week...
Comments 128
Re: Yooka-Laylee Is Getting Its Own Tabletop Game And A Brand New Soundtrack
@Jey887 I preferred Yooka-Laylee to A Hat in Time personally. 8/10 from me. Impossible Lair is a 9 or 10/10 mind you. Both great games in their own right.
Give the original a shot. I nearly didn’t after seeing poor reviews but I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Re: Talking Point: How Good Are You At Games?
Just like this article, I used to think I was great on the n64 back in the late 90s. However, since watching people online these days I’m pretty darn average.
And come to think of it, I was never that good in the first place. I could never ever get past Villa in Perfect Dark hard mode (perfect agent).
Difficulty is a balancing act and that’s why I love it when games have difficulty modes. I really enjoy Zelda but Wind Waker and Twilight Princess are just too easy for my tastes and it knocked the enjoyment a little for me. I heard the HD games on Wii U had a harder mode? I look forward to trying them out if they ever get released for Switch.
I completed Ori and the Blind Forest on hard mode on first playthrough. I died over a thousand times but I persevered and I loved the challenge. Maybe I should have played on normal for my first play through and then played through again in hard for the second playthrough? I’m currently doing this with the sequel.
Difficulty modes are great though. Going back to Perfect Dark/Goldeneye they did it perfectly (no pun intended). I completed them in agent, then in secret agent and then had a crack in perfect/00 agent. Couldn’t complete them in hardest mode but at least I’d already got hours and hours of enjoyment from them.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 5th)
@JBone
You wouldn’t beelieve it but I’ve only gone and done it tonight. 28th attempt and with 43 bees. I had zero bees left for final showdown and I managed it. Lost Laylee on the escape but managed to pull through...!
What a game. Unbeelievable 10/10!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 5th)
I eventually completed Donkey Kong Country 2. Well, defeated K.Rool that is. Only got about 4 DK coins. May have to go through getting all them at one point.
Started Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Loved the first game, currently enjoying this one. Played the first game on hard but this one one normal and it defo feels easier because of it. Will finish on normal and then complete a second play through on hard at one point.
Still can’t beat the Impossible Lair. May need to get the last 5 bees to help me out...!
World 7 (pipe world) in Super Mario Bros 3. Enjoying the game but think I prefer DKC2. Great game though.
Other than that I’ve been busy buying more games on sales like Okami so my backlog is getting much bigger. Also, started Overcooked All You Can Eat with the Mrs but that came to a quick abrupt halt when she injured the thumb.
Re: Talking Point: Do You Replay Games?
I don’t get people that DON’T replay games. Most games are even better on second playthrough.
I have to say though, I’ve grown fond of games in the 10-30 hour mould. Anything over 30 hours starts to drag. I think I’d rather play a 30 hour game twice through than a 60 hour game once through.
Re: Team17 Switch Sale Slashes Game Prices By Up To 90% (North America)
@JBone my thoughts on Yooka-Laylee exactly. Much better than the reviews I read too. 8/10 from me.
Impossible Lair is 10/10 from me. Incredible game.
Re: Team17 Switch Sale Slashes Game Prices By Up To 90% (North America)
@pixelpatch Impossible Lair is best, but honestly, both are worth picking up at that those prices.
Re: TimeSplitters Fans Rejoice - Work On A New Game To Begin In The "Coming Months"
Only played Goldeneye and Perfect Dark on the n64.
Missed the Timesplitters games. How do they compare?
Re: Talking Point: When Was The Last Time A Game Cracked Your Top Five?
@TheBigK nice list but would love to see your top 5 Super Mario games and top 5 DKC games...
I’m currently playing through both series. Currently near the end of both DKC2 and SMB3... I just prefer DKC2 to SMB3 but both are superb.
Re: Talking Point: When Was The Last Time A Game Cracked Your Top Five?
I wrote these as my top 5 back in January...
1) Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
2) Perfect Dark (2000)
3) Metroid Prime (2002)
4) Banjo-Tooie (2000)
5) Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)
Since then, I have fallen in love with the original Super Mario Bros (All-Stars Version) and DKC games (1 and 2, not played 3 yet) on NSO. Also loved Ori and the Blind Forest and Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. Unsure if any of those 5 games crack my top-5 but they are up there.
Re: Rumour: The Next Donkey Kong Is Being Developed By The Super Mario Odyssey Team
I’d love a new 3D DK game. Just like I’d love another new 2D Metroid game.
But I’ll bet we’ll get them the other way around.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 24th)
Since being back at work and back on the golf course I’ve struggled to get much Switch time in.
The time I have got it in is still shared by Mario Bros 3 (up to world 6), Donkey Kong Country 2 (up to Angry Aztec) and Impossible Lair (up to 40/48 bees).
Nearing the end of each of them and still bloody loving them.
Also, couldn’t resist myself in the sale and bought Golf Story for £6. Dipped my toes into it as it seems rather fun.
Re: F-Zero Isn't Dead - It's Just Sleeping, Says Nintendo Legend Takaya Imamura
An online remastered port of F-Zero GX I would buy in an instant. No need to reinvent the wheel. Come on Ninty, sort us out...!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 10th)
@Lony85 yeah I’ve been going through them steadily and really enjoying both games (DKC2 and SMB3).
I’ve started Super Mario World before but then thought I ought to play through in chronological order.
I don’t know where my love of 2D platforming has suddenly came from (bought the switch mainly for Breath of the Wild but not a fan of it) but the Switch is a haven for the genre.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 10th)
Back to work this week means less time for Switch play.
However, still managing a little time to go through three superb platformers for the first time.
Super Mario Bros 3
Up to World 5. Got up into the clouds before I got game over.
Donkey Kong Country 2
Eventually got past a stretch of levels where I’d been slightly struggling, Levels 26-29. Beat Parrot Chute Panic and now onto level 31, Web Woods.
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
34/48 bees saved. 139/200 Twit coins found.
Still think Yooka is the best of the three and is criminally underrated. Enjoying all three games immensely. Will be sad when they are completed.
Well actually, I’ll be straight onto Donkey Kong Country 3 and Super Mario World. That £15.99 purchase of Bioshock Collection will have to wait, for I am addicted to 2D platformers! Even the Mrs is getting into it as she’s eyeing up Yoshi’s Crafted World which is currently on a deal.
Re: Feature: Best Nintendo Switch 2D Platformers
Much love for Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. One of the best games I’ve ever played.
Re: Surprise, Surprise! Super Mario 3D All-Stars Prices Skyrocket As Scalpers Set Up Shop
Looking forward to the shop adding these titles in the near future;
Super Mario 64 £9.99
Super Mario Sunshine £19.99
Super Mario Galaxy £29.99
Super Mario Galaxy 2 £29.99
Re: Talking Point: Are You A 'Complete-In-Box' Or 'Loose Cart' Retro Gamer?
Had a collection of 23 n64 games. Binned the boxes in a house move 5-10 years ago. Big mistake looking at the prices. Regret it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (March 20th)
Finished Donkey Kong Country the other day. Never played it before. It’s brilliant. On to DKC2 now.
Re: Get Ready For Zelda: Skyward Sword HD's "Smoother And More Intuitive" Controls
Unsure whether to buy this one as I already own it on the Wii. For £30 I probably would. For £50? No chance.
Re: Feature: Every 3D Super Mario Game Ranked
@Giygas_95 I concur. The Galaxy game plays much better on the switch. Never completed the game before on the Wii as the shaky waggle motion controls annoyed me.
Glad, I got the pleasure to play it as it’s a good game. Only problem is that the game was just starting to get good...and then the end boss comes. After only 60 stars. Was anti-climatic. Would have preferred the stars to be 80 or something before taking on Bowser. Sure, I could go back to the game and collect all the other stars - but why would I? Bowser has already been defeated.
Not a fan of little planets though as I’m a big fan of sandbox 3D platformers ala Banjo so think Odyssey will be my favourite. Still not played it yet.
My rankings for the games I have played;
Mario 64 (9/10) 10/10 back in the day but the camera angles and slippy controls are a little dated playing it today.
Mario Sunshine (9/10) controls better than Mario 64 but game felt a little rushed. Would have preferred all the levels to not kick you out on this one and all shines to be available in one go. Bianco Hills shines for example...
*1 Shadow Mario on the Loose
You’ve chased Shadow Mario into this location, so naturally you’ll chase him from the off. You don’t need chase him straight away if you don’t want to but he’ll be here until you beat him for the shrine. Once you beat him, he scampers away (until you see him at Ricco Harbour).
*2 Road to the Windmill
Windmill is blocked off. Clean it off to get a shine.
*3 Down with Petey Piranha
Now you can get to the windmill you can defeat Petey.
*4 Petey Piranha Strikes Back
Once you defeat him at the windmill for a shrine he relocates to the little platform. Where you can defeat him for another shrine.
*5 Hillside Cave Secret
*6 Dirty Lake Secret
Both these can be accessed anytime and the secret wouldn’t be so obvious as to have the camera pan to it at the start of the level, so it would become more of a secret lol. Maybe you could get a clue for each of them by talking to some of the villagers.
*7 Red Coins of the Windmill
*8 Red Coins of the Lake
Both these can be accessed anytime. Maybe with a red coin switch that makes them appear.
There you go, bang, all done. All can be accessed in one go without being booted from the level. Would make for a far better flow/game.
Mario Galaxy (9/10) some cool levels here and mega fun in places but I prefer exploring in my 3D platformer. Can see why some would rate it 10/10 but not my 3D platforming taste.
Re: Soapbox: I'm Tired Of Ports And Remakes - Where Are All Nintendo's New Ideas?
You say this but...
If Nintendo 64 were made available on for Nintendo online I will go bananas. Come on Nintendo, you know it makes sense...!
Most of the time I spend on my switch currently is playing Mario All-Stars and Donkey Kong Country. Give me Perfect Dark Ocarina of Time and I’ll be set...!
Re: Feature: Why Zelda: Link’s Awakening Is Literally My Dream Game
Once I complete Breath of the Wild (if I ever do, the game is a massive disappointment. Weapon durability urgh) then I will start going through Zelda games in release date order. Looking forward to getting to Links Awakening (will play the switch version). If only for the Ballad of the Windfish! What a tune!!
Not really played the 2D games so pretty excited about playing them. Nothing beats Ocarina and Majoras for me so far.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 27th)
Been playing some bargains from the eshop.
Yooka-Laylee (up to 57 pagie’s) bought for £8.74. Having a great time. 8/10 game.
Batman Telltale Series (completed) played in shadows mode. Bought for £3.80. Good story. 7/10 game.
Unravel Two with the girlfriend. Only started it the other night. Not got very far but seems like we’ll have some fun. Bought for £6.50.
All the while continuing Breath of the Wild first playthrough. Stuck in both Goron and Zora Devine beasts. Got me stumped. Never been stumped like this in Zelda before. But I’m not one of guides so will work it out eventually.
And also, the odd attempt at the original Super Mario Bros in All-Stars version. Never completed this game without the use of continues before. Trying to do it level by level without warp pipes to future levels. Can’t ruddy do it, but it’s great fun.
Re: Feature: We Worked Out The Best Zelda Game Once And For All, Using Maths
The beauty of the Zelda series is that everyone has a different favourite. Currently 25% through Breath of the Wild and it’s pretty darn good. Could it challenge Ocarina for my favourite? Remains to be seen.
1: Ocarina of Time (10/10)
2: Majora’s Mask (9/10)
3: Twilight Princess (9/10)
4: Wind Waker (9/10)
5: Skyward Sword (8/10)
I need to play the 2D Zeldas. Fact.
Re: Poll: What's The Best 2D Mario Game?
Would love to vote on this but I’ve only ever played the 3D games.
However, the blessed Switch I bought three months ago has made playing the classics accessible for me so have started the 2D playthroughs.
Quick question:
I’m at World 8-1 on Super Mario Bros. (NES) using save states. Is this cheating? I’ve managed to get to world 4-1 so far without a save state. I’m not very good but I am getting better. Do I only properly complete the game if I do it without save states, like the original was programmed?
Re: Video: Here's What The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time 3D Could Potentially Look Like On Switch
I’ve just beaten the Stone Temple on Majoras Mask, on the n64 version...it’s a great game but the laggy frame rate can be annoying.
So I would eat up an Ocarina of Time/Majoras Mask HD set on the Switch.
I also enjoyed Wind Waker and Twilight Princess back in the day but thought they were too easy combat wise, so would eat up the HD remasters on the Switch also as they have hero mode from the off.
Ocarina of Time HD / Majoras Mask HD bundle
Wind Waker HD / Twilight Princess HD bundle
Skyward Sword HD standalone
Would eat these three up in a heartbeat on the Switch.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 16th)
Well, I was late to the Switch party as I purchased one with the girlfriend in October. Was playing through all the Mario 3D games which tugged at my nostalgic heartstrings. Near the end of Sunshine until covid got in the way and the switch has been at my girlfriends house since December.
So in the meantime, I’ve busted out the n64 and been replaying Majoras Mask and Banjo-Tooie. Incredible games. Never played the remastered versions, so hoping they come to the Switch at one point. Also, playing Hollow Knight on the PS4. Another belter.
Moving into new house with the girlfriend next week where I will get the switch back with a brand new copy of Breath of the Wild, so that along with Mario Galaxy should keep me busy for a while. Just got to finish Majoras Mask and Banjo-Tooie this coming week...