Rainz

The Messenger has really been a nice throwback to the NES Ninja Gaiden series. Was pleasantly surprised by the switch up about mid way thru!

Vampire Hunters on Switch is a problem! In these times of high inflation , it offers superb value for its asking price! Highly accessible, it can be played with 1 thumb 😝

The Switch is insane. The fact it has BOTW and TOTK alone puts it amongst the greatest software libraries of all time. We’ve never been able to play this level of amazing games with this level of unlimited access, anytime, anywhere.

My Xbox Series X deserves some much needed love..it’s been rarely used! With Red Dead Redemption releasing on Switch, it’s a good time to get back to RDR2 and some Gamepass.

Strains on deck this week Organic Comatose, Dutch Hawaiian with some Island Pink 😎 !!!

Wish everyone nothing but a fun filled and relaxing weekend. Happy Gaming!

@MeloMan

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s utterly simplistic but deep, undeniably addicting. It shouldn’t be when you look at it …but it is! It’s more of a rogue like than rogue lite as it really does create its own unique experience. I don’t work for the devs 😝 but this game is an excellent example of less being more. It’s a nice change up from the AAA big budget titles, it just kind of reminds you gameplay is always King, a basic game can be as thrilling as a complex one.

I’m playing thru The Messenger as we speak. I had no idea about the pleasant surprise midway thru. I’m nearing the end but this game is legit. Those NES Ninja Gaiden reflexes are required here, I’d be down for a sequel 💯

@Magician

I completely forgot about that part!! Im looking forward to kicking that pesky hawk in its beak tho

First!! Ha been wanting to do that for awhile now! Anyway, the delay is so minimal I’ll still likely get this day 1! My backlog implores me too!

This game is more of a walking sim roguelite

@CharlieGirl

Same here, I almost never pre order digital but this game is an exception. I just adore the simplicity of this video game. The Switch is probably the perfect match for this gem! Somehow, I keep finding ways to buy games …I’m starting to think completing my backlog is an impossibility at this point 😂

I’m still enjoying my time with TOTK, I’ve finally unlocked all of the Lightroots in the Depths. I’ll complete the remaining side quests before slapping the ish out of Gannon.

I’ve kinda had my hand in a bit of everything.
GRID AUTOSPORT has been a pleasant surprise. I’ve also been playing THE MESSENGER…shout out to the NES Ninja Gaiden series! Splatoon 3 for some Splatfest and getting after that backlog.

Strains on deck…Island Pink, Melted Strawberries and some Chocolope!

Happy Gaming!! Life is short don’t forget to have fun!!

@MeloMan

It’s definitely a classic. This is a tough one, if you’ve never played before I can’t recommend the game enough. Some very memorable moments in gaming occur in this game. If you can play it on more powerful hardware that’s the best way to go. If they can pull this off performance wise it’ll be an excellent port of one of gamings all time greats now made fully portable. A win for Switch fans..but that $50 price is steep!!

@RetroGames
Yeah not implying that Nintendo pockets all the revenue from the Super Mario Bros movie. It’s just remarkable 1 company can develop an entire movie at essentially half the cost of what it took to develop 1 video game for another company. $212M Sony invested in Horizon Forbidden West appears bloated especially considering it’s not even a new IP but just a sequel. I don’t even feel Nintendo invested anywhere near $212M for TOTK. $212M for Nintendo is probably closer to their budget for something like R&D on a new system entirely lol

So Nintendo’s budget for their full fledged animated blockbuster Super Mario Bros was appx $100 M. That went on to gross $1.3 Billion and counting.

Sony spent $212M to develop Horizon Forbidden West , which is a sequel mind u! It hasn’t even sold $10M units yet. Just seems baffling how large the discrepancy is between how the companies operate in terms of philosophy, investment.

It’s still pretty astounding they achieved these sales without a single price drop. I’m not sure I’ve seen a console run this long without a single reduction in price AND continue to sell through. Personally I believe a late 2024 reveal and 2025 release for the Switch successor.

For those concerned about backwards compatibility, the Switch has now sold well over a billion units of software. I just can’t see Nintendo cutting off access to a legacy of wealth in software of that magnitude.

Strangely addictive gameplay with this game. The portability of the Switch seems like a perfect fit. Will definitely be double dipping on this one

It’s not on Switch and not really a game but imo the BEST cooking game was America’s Test Kitchen : Let’s Get Cooking! on the DS. I still use recipes off that game to this day.

@MeloMan

At this point Metroid Prime 4 makes sense to shift to the new console. Not to mention the next mainline 3D Mario game but I think they may wait to tie that one to the Mario movie sequel. Of course Mario Kart 9 at launch and it’s game over too. They can be well positioned when it comes to AAA launch software. I’m in no rush either, the Switch library is amongst the all time greats.

Finally upgraded to a 1TB SD card, so the majority of my library is downloaded! I’m still playing TOTK, I’ve also been progressing through HUNTDOWN and HOLLOW KNIGHT.

Strangely I’ve essentially stopped playing Splatoon 3 since TOTK released, and with my upgraded card tackling my backlog is about to get real!

Strains on deck are Comatose, Root Beer Float and MAC1

Comics!..gotta catch up on my X-Men and Wolverine runs as well as start the DC One Bad Day series.

Have a happy and fun filled weekend!

@Cashews
It’s been in my backlog for years, I’ve always known it’s highly rated and the continued support via these updates and the community appreciation for this game haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s finally creeping up the list , it’s really cool to see players still excited to return to the game, every chance they get!

This game..is still in the depths of my backlog.Eventually I shall find it’s light root and let it shine!

Jim Ryan, Sony and the FTC taking the L. It is beyond comprehension why the FTC became Sony’s lawyers and took the position of defending Sony’s market dominance over MS. They could and should have won this case, now Sony loses and has their dirty laundry on record now lol

Did nobody take in that HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST cost $212 Million to develop?? No way that’s sustainable, just goes to show how poorly mismanaged Sony truly is as a company.

The Super Mario Movie cost $100 Million for inquiring minds. I feel like $212 Million is what it cost Nintendo to develop a new console 😂

Selfishly as a Nintendo and Xbox gamer I’m fine with this acquisition. FTC deserved to lose the case, it was bizarre how they opted to build their case around COD and protecting Sony’s lead market share. The Console Wars continue!

@OorWullie
I almost forgot they’d upgraded the storage on the S! I’d still lean towards the X for the superior experience.

Say less!! Your strain game has earned my digital salute 🫡 Nothing but respect for your taste in state of mind 😆 I juuust finished off a batch of “Miss Kim” it’s Lilac Diesel x Cherry Cheesecake…it was a damn near perfectly balanced hybrid. Lilac Diesel is a fav of mine, I have an unsealed batch of Zkittlez as well.

DUSK…every time I get back to it I’m discovering some new secrets. Think I’m getting close to the end. That game has a vibe!…and it’s a messed up one!

@The_Pixel_King
I have the same dilemma , I love my series X…but it doesn’t get consistent play. It’s dusty compared my Switch. Need to start taking more advantage of Gamepass. I’m comfy as a Nintendo/Xbox gamer

@OorWullie
I’d def be getting the X if it’s the same price as the S. September is only 2 months away, not to mention Starfield is releasing soon after. Btw…I still need to finish DUSK!

@Shambo @Bucket
Huntdown is an excellent game, especially with 2 players. The game would have been sweet with an online co op mode. I’d love a Huntdown 2 , or I always felt Huntdown could have been a Robocop game. A Robocop DLC would have been dope.

Busy weekend, not much time for anything really. Still playing TOTK like the rest of the world. I’m considering picking up The Dredge on sale because my backlog apparently lacks a ‘sinister fishing experience’!

Strains on deck…Red Congo, Gelato 33 and a superb batch of LA Kush Cake!

Have a fun filled weekend!

@Cashews

30 years ago Nintendo essentially gave birth to Sony in the video game industry. If Nintendo had opted to go with CD over cartridge in the 90s, there would be no PlayStation as we know it. I’m not exactly sure what 30 years of Sony dominance you’re talking about. PS2 was a clear success…Nintendo had the Super NES, N64, Wii, now the Switch and they’ve completely owned and dominated the handheld market the last 30 years. Nintendo isn’t directly competing with Sony anymore they got out of the spec wars years ago. Not saying they don’t respect them as a competitor in the industry but their not focused on what Sony is doing.

You’d imagine we’d start hearing more concrete leaks about dev kits if they were planning a 2024 release. The system seems destined to surpass the PS2 and DS as the all time best selling console, it’s insane they’ll essentially achieve it without a price cut. The Switch’s library is no joke, my backlog should keep me busy until the new hardware is officially released

@Cashews

I believe Nintendo no longer even views Sony/MS as competition. Nintendo will continue to do their own thing at their own pace and let Sony and MS battle it out over specs. Let’s just say Nintendo continues to innovate while Sony/MS copy and paste! Even the current FTC/Sony vs Microsoft trial proves the industry (foolishly)doesn’t consider Nintendo a competitor to Sony/MS. It would be great for Nintendo to play mean for a change and really put their foot on the necks of the other guys…but they’re pretty much doing that already! 380k in 1 month in Japan …7 years in?? Japan’s All time best selling console in just 7 years? They are open handledly slapping the ish out of this gen.

@johnedwin

Yes Nintendo has just now officially entered the movie business with the success of the Super Mario Bros movie. You’re missing the point tho. They are primarily a video game company, all of their IP is drawn from video games. Sony and MS got into the video game market as an additional revenue stream. Video games are still Nintendo’s primary stream of revenue. Without the video games there are no movies or amusement parks

Playing Tears Of The Kingdom, such a blissful experience in gaming. It’s nice to be able to appreciate this particular masterpiece in software as we watch Sony/FTC vs Microsoft unfold. Nintendo has been eating a lot of popcorn 🍿 lately! It was interesting to hear MS predict the next gen starting in 2028…that’s right in line with Nintendo’s 10 yr Switch plan 😬. With a price cut they could easily extend the Switch’s lifeline. We should have all cleared our backlogs by the time Switch 2 is released 😂

Still playing Hollow Knight as well, so I’m enjoying 2 stellar games at the moment.

Finally got back to some comics, just read Punisher #12 ! It’s a busy weekend, will be sure to indulge in great food, amongst great friends.

Strains on deck this week are the excellent Root Beer Float, Miss Kim and MAC 1

Enjoy life!

Sony and Microsoft are 2 multi media companies in the video game business. Nintendo is an entertainment company that is and has been in the business of making video games. That’s the fundamental difference between them.

@BirdBoy16
Metroid is indeed female led, I was referring more so to the females in the Marioverse. As great as Samus is…she’s not really the face of the franchise, they’ve done a better job at drawing her story out but that Chozo Suit itself is more iconic. If you don’t know Metroid you’d never know it was a female in there.

@SiSilly_G
Wendys Revenge! They could kidnap all the males for once and have Peach and Co. go castle to castle to save them lol

It’s kind of surprising Nintendo hasn’t had a full fledged female led game. They could flip the Mario Bros concept on its head, and give some deserved shine to the Rosalina’s and Daisies of the world. A female Bowser boss would be fun too!

@ComfyAko
Definitely don’t judge this one by its cover. It’s a really good game, surprisingly addictive gameplay. It’s a great match for the Switch

Nintendo never publicly stated they wouldn’t have a summer Direct so I’m not too surprised here. What cracks me up is Nintendo’s continued relentless stance of always going last to present out of the “Big 3”. It’s so classic and they do deserve it being the true staple of the industry. As they say “they save the best for last!”

I have zero expectations so anything will be a surprise for me. It’ll be pretty hard topping TOTK at this point, any major announcements moving forward are just more icing on the Nintendo cake

Everybody has copied Nintendo in one way shape or form. I’m more shocked at how little respect Splatoon gets as a relatively newer IP with immense success. Let’s not forget Nintendo flipped the concept of multiplayer shooters on its face. They made it completely accessible to anyone. Not too mention it has one of the most underrated single player gaming option around, this amongst a multitude of finely honed multiplayer options…Turf Wars, Salmon Run, Anarchy, etc..Splatfest alone is another unique mode, it’s a massive draw and smart innovation of the game. The game receives continued support and has an extremely robust online gaming community. It’s stylish it’s addicting and manages to connect with all generations. It is extremely difficult to create a new IP in the shooting/PvP genre and achieve extreme success. Splatoon is essentially its own culture, that’s how big it is. There’s nothing wrong with competition and no one is scared about Foamstars. Good luck to Foamstars, it’s going to need a lot of it. Even it is a good game, it would take nothing away from Splatoon.

@BabyYoda71

Speak for yourself! 😂 I enjoyed the movie, it was a visual spectacle as it was intended to be. It’s grossed well over $1 Billion, now sits with some of the greatest animated films of all time. There’s a ton of ppl who are looking forward to a sequel

@Matroska
Most movies are adapted from their books. Not every movie has to have a heavy focus on storytelling and character development. This is a Nintendo movie, and the Mario universe has never had to explain itself , not to mention Miyamoto has stated repeatedly over his career that story is not his focus as a creator. So why would we expect the opposite? Besides, ppl are overacting as if there was absolutely no beginning, middle and end to this movie.

@cookiex
Of course movies are not video games. Can’t lose sight that’s it’s a video game being adapted into a movie. All of the source material is based off a video game that never relied on its story. There was never going to be some deep psycho analysis of the characters, it’s already a well established franchise, we already know who Mario is. The poor reviews are from those critics who don’t understand what Mario games are all about. Expecting a grandiose plot and storyline for a Mario movie/game is the wrong way to approach this franchise. The movies success reflects the same success of the video games as in the story is never the star.

I think there’s a bit of misconception about the heart and soul of the Super Mario Bros franchise, it’s never been about the story. No one is/has been heralding or replaying any Mario game for the story. It’s always been about the gameplay and the spectacle of the Mushroom Kingdom. Not sure why ppl were expecting this deep story with fully fleshed out characters with deep back stories. Story has never been the primary focus of any Mario game.

Until this is officially announced by Nintendo, keep your blood pressure low and take this with 1 grain of salt.

@Uncle_Franklin

Indeed! This game better include some Wilfred Brimley! His moustache alone could be DLC

@Olliemar28
Ouch! Brain glitches can be painful! You better get that patched…hopefully on the next update 😛

They could easily release a more traditional 2D top down Zelda based off the current BotW and Totk universes and maps. They’ve established enough complimentary characters to build a spin off storylines at this point. Either way it’ll be YEARS before we get a new mainline Zelda to fill the gap so this could be an option. They could easily plant the seed for spin offs or a separate entry via Totk DLC. Hopefully they take the series in a new direction after Totk

Tears of the Kingdom…it’s such a special piece of software. The Legend of Zelda series truly sits atop gaming royalty, this entry is yet another gem in its Crown!

Now with that said..I owe Hollow Knight an apology. I was amongst the “Hollow Haters”, never could get into the game. I tried to like it but just found it too drab and overrated. Prior to TotK’s release I gave it another go and it just clicked and now I’m loving the game! It’s a masterpiece in its own right, recommend anyone else who got stumped or perhaps never gave the game a fair shot to revisit the game. Now I’m that annoying guy that’s gonna be looking for Silksong with every Direct that’s announced lol. Yup..that’s me now.

TotK and Hollow Knight are my current gaming obsessions. I might not even come outside this summer.

Have a happy weekend! Happy Gaming! Happy Wife!!…pretty sure that’s what the Bible says too!

@FishyS
The service is coming along, they’ve definitely done a better job adding value to it. I’m thinking they’ll maybe try and tie in some Zelda TotK DLC to the online service, doubt it’ll be free but I could see them capitalize on the games success. Personally I see the service in its current state as a launch pad for Switch 2. I’d assume we see some GameCube and more N64 games moving forward and wouldn’t be surprised if they’ll eventually offer a Nintendo Movie streaming service. It’s not a cheap service but Atleast they have shown some commitment to improving its overall value proposition

@FishyS

Might as well! You’re already subscribing to NintendoLife why not subscribe to Nintendo themselves?

@123akis

The Painbrush!! Instead of ink it uses the tears of its victims!

Small typo in the article…the new brush is called the Painbrush not Paintbrush.

Wow, Nintendo is killing it right now. They are riding a massive wave of momentum at the moment. Mario movie success, Xenoblade 3 DLC was superb, now ToTK and keeping things fresh with another Splatoon update!

Nintendo is essentially releasing the greatest video game of all time tommorow!

I used to be in the camp that considered this game overrated. I tried and tried to enjoy the game but never could get into it. Recently I gave it a fresh start and it’s been an amazing experience since. Team Cherry can take their time with SilkSong!…as frustrating to some patient gamers that must be, the wait will be worth it.

I’m looking forward to TotK but I’m also prepared to temper my expectations of how this game will be reviewed and rated. I could see this game getting 8’s and 9’s compared the now standard Zelda 10! Not saying it’ll be a bad game, 8, 9 is still a very good score but I could see this being more of a Majoras Mask then Ocarina of Time. Still a classic but I believe those “Switch hardware limitations” will have this game characterized as having a bit too much “more of the same” syndrome. Won’t impact my enjoyment with the game but u know how reviews can impact how games can be perceived