Still holding out until there is something I REALLY need to play right now that I absolutely cannot wait for... Hyrule Warriors was a close one. Mario Kart and DK Bonanza as well as other obvious Switch 2 upgrades and editions are very welcome but not necessary to upend my backlog at the moment.
Additionally, I’m waiting considering the LED screen model can vary (from the launch editions) and would rather guarantee the better version, not to mention I have a preference to OLED now, but I reckon that variation in model will be a few years away.
However, having played a lot of my mates I am impressed all the same. I can’t wait to get it eventually.
Nice, glad this lives up to the Switch 2 version (which it should… considering this is the base game product anyway). I won’t be playing this on SW2 and have my OLED and TV ready, thus I wont have comparison envy thankfully. As far as I am concerned as long as it’s 60FPS and looks on par with Prime 1 Remastered then I’m golden.
@HammerKirby there is another reason for physical collectors that they may want to purchase Switch 1 versions - the beautiful box art is not overcrowded with a ridiculous amount of Switch 2 Edition tags, labels, and worded texts boxes and disclaimers.
@Yoshi3 nah it’s cool I get it 🙂 I mean you know my particular stance on Zelda… I’m a bit of a sucker for openness if it’s something I get lost in under the right circumstance (but on the flip-side it is fatiguing to think about playing multiple different open world experiences from game to game).
You are correct about my comparison actually. I think I was thinking of Metroid Prime’s landing areas and adjacent rooms (being on the cusp of some (but not all) biome areas with this new hub acting in a similar way as I recall retreading there often.
The Biomes in general used to be very interconnected, in past games, I suppose this did branch off a bit in Prime 3, so maybe that’s why this title continued along that path? As I mentioned somewhere above in the comments, maybe it would have been cooler to have this large overworld on top, keep it dense, then layer the game downwards with biomes to more effectively connect the land and depths and give reason for secrets and exploration.
But hey… i dunno, we Wouldn’t get Viola I suppose and they really pushing for the cool bike this time 🤣
@yoshi3 I get where you are going with this, but Modern Metroid (Prime 4) isn’t open world, I mean, not really. If that’s the case, then we may as well be saying retro Zelda titles with large field maps are also open world experiences.
Whilst a lot of reviews have opted to click bait many to dismay in the subtitles at it being an open world disappointment, they all say the same thing in the fine text, “semi open” “wide linear” “desert zone” “large connective hub map”.
They,ve just taken the landing area from any old Metroid game and turned it into a massive desert to justify the locations to travel to across the planet. Could it have been done better? Probably, I’ll have more thoughts once I’ve had a go, but is it redefining the core structure of Metroid? No, not really, they’ve just expanded the elevator cutscenes into a playable portion of the game.
I don’t think “open areas” are necessarily a bad thing for the franchise. It’s moreso the how and why it’s incorporated into the base structure of the game.
The open map seems to scream more classic Zelda like Wind Waker in terms of scale than anything needless like BOTW/TOTK.
What I do think is a missed opportunity here is that they opted to connect the proper Metroid biomes at the edges, hence the vast trips on the bike (Prime 3 just used the ship to fast travel to planets than explore space after all).
I think what would have been more interesting is having a semi large open desert on top, and then interconnecting it to all the biomes below the surface (as traditionally, we’ve gone deeper and deeper into a planet).
Not only could you make multiple entrances and secrets to and from the surface, but it would be densely packed to reward those returning to the surface overworld to explore.
@Yoshi3 don’t worry, i don’t think they’ll really infuse it as a proper open air experience on a scale like BOTW.
The reviews make it sound more like the “overworld” is a more of a hub with these mini dungeons/shines (to me it seems more akin to The Great Sea from The Wind Waker as a more apt comparison) the main bulk is still likely the classic interconnected metroidvania areas we know and love 🙂
At the moment Metroid Prime 4 sits a single point above OTHER M on metacritic.
You could say “that is wild” but I love OTHER M, so I’m pretty sure this will be my jam as well.
The fact that the interconnected overworld is an expansion of the usual (and often disjointed) segways / elevators AND has shrines to explore like BOTW just makes it all the more enticing for further Metroid styled exploration and immersion.
Nice. It sure sounds like the concerns of the federation team overstepping and quipping too much were nothing to be concerned about after all. God bless internet hyperbole.
It doesn’t need a “Switch 2 Edition” with tweaks, save that for Xenoblade 3.
Xenoblade 2 really needs needs a “Definitive Edition” released on Switch 2, much like the original and X got.
There’s a lot of stuff to address that could turn an 8/10 experience into a 10/10 one. I love Xenoblade 2 by the way - it has A LOT - but it suffers from the team trying to reinvent and appropriate change where it doesn’t pan out (see field skills, applying and navigating multiple blade menus, low quality graphical issues in handheld, and the infamous navigation system). All this sort of stuff was fixed and refined across XC1DE, XCX and XCXDE. So personally speaking, it would be awesome to see a similar treatment get put to work on this for a new Switch 2 re-release.
I remember playing this game and seeing it through to the end because I had too. “Brevity” (no matter how true of it that is in context of the other two) this game certainly did not feel to me.
And here come the “oh so it could have fit in a 64GB easily cartridge” commenters that have obvious tech engineering experience to push unwarranted discourse.
I should add, I hate Game Key Cards too (and Ubisoft for the most part - I won’t be white knighting that company).
I’d rather the publisher put these out as physical products than lazily take the GKC route for cheapness if it is possible.
BUT larger games made for more powerful systems frankly take up more resources - it is what it is. If developers can barely get a game onto an expensive Switch 2 Card, and said cards aren’t as optimal for processing speed delivery to give the player the best experience (and you really want that game on this system) you have to meet the developer halfway - hence the Game Key Card compromise. No two games are the same, nor is the developer expertise in getting these titles shrunk down to run smoothly I’m sure.
It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s better than crap game performance, or owning a plain digital copy without the physical box + key to resell the game if/once you are done.
@Striker21 better still, Rare / Microsoft should just outsource to Playtonic given that’s where most of the original dev crew ended up anyway.
When you consider the considerable successes of Yooka Laylee essentially carrying the torch, just get the band all back together with learnt experiences for a proper quality next gen Banjo.
Unsurprising, considering the first title pretty much did the same on release.
Air Ride/r’s is not a mainstream/popular enough spinoff idea to be enjoyed and absorbed by most, but it also offers way too much to do outside of everything to be considered a write off multiplayer experience at the same time.
I loved the first game, but it was also a nothingburger of a game at the same time with so much and so little to do. Riders looks like they really doubled down on everything to make it just as amazing and weird once more.
The Platformer had its GOTY spotlight last year (which was nice, even if going to Astro was slightly undeserved IMO). So although DKB deserves it more in that sense, the competition is a little greater here. Although I’m very surprised Split Fiction isn’t actually on the GOTY listing, that’s a phenomenal co-op experience and should have been on here just to level out the playing field.
Weird seeing link in a green tunic & no blue over-hood after 10 years. XD At least there is no green cap - it would not translate well except for a gag perhaps.
Zelda's travelling wardrobe from BOTW looks spot on though.
TBF, Digital Foundary are objectively correct on this. Outside of the character model designs and the Pokémon’s, the game does mostly look like it creeped out of a console from many generations ago, much like Arceus before it, it’s a very poor looking title, no matter how charming it might appear to be.
But this is true of all of Gamefreak’s Pokémon titles on the Switch, and It’s lucky that a Switch 2 edition exists to at least boost performance, but it’s also sad that we have real lookers like New Pokémon Snap or Pokken to really show the mainline games in a bad light.
Still, doesn’t stop them all being fun. 🤷🏻♂️
It’s just the same old same old argument. Gamefreak clearly don’t have enough staff / capabilities / resources & budget to produce something that very clearly could be of higher quality, and The Pokèmon Company won’t funnel more money into the actual games that make the brand because they know full well it will sell regardless of quality and controversy. I don’t doubt that as developers, GF want every title to be better - but if they don’t have the resources to do it, then we get what we get.
Yup, had to be TOTK (or BOTW) at #1. I don’t think I’ve ever invested as much time into any game in my entire life as those two (especially TOTK). Pretty much became gaming euphoria getting lost in a world I’d always dreamed of deeply exploring. OOT is incredible and it’s always going to be there, but it was also really a 3D interpretation of ALttP. It took Nintendo to break conventions to really make something revolutionary with its complex chemical engine in TOTK. It’s not for everyone for sure (no game is) but it’s a history staple nonetheless in what can be achieved in gaming.
Side note: Galaxy 2 beating out Galaxy is pretty wild to me. I could personally repeat play Galaxy 1 over and over, but Galaxy 2 (much like the new Astro Bot) is a fantastic example of ultimate first time experience (one hit galaxies) with very little replayabily, with the tedium regrettably setting in with poorly implemented Green Star Campaign). But hey, opinions be opinions.
It's a non-bother for me, but I understand the concern considering the usual schtick is Samus isolated with little to no interaction (apart from Adam or Boss characters).
Judging from the overview trailer it does point to at least another 5 or 6 marines that are stranded, and it will be down to Samus to save / escort / work together with them, so maybe not quite the lonesome journey this time?
Ok, so as expected, the desert / hub is basically like the 'Hyrule Field' of past Zelda games. That should settle the purists down a little bit if they were worried this was going too far along the lines of a huge "Open World / Zone" like experience which it clearly isn't doing. Whilst I think it's important to have expansive areas for the world building, it equally important to have those isolated and intricately mapped areas to explore as well.
I am finding myself excited we're getting a full voice cast here as well (much like they dabbled with in MP3 and Other M) with Samus making some other buddies that are stranded. Some of these look like familiar characters from Other M (which is set after the Prime Series I believe), so that's come cool continuity if true.
Will be interesting to see how the Switch 1 version holds up considering that's the base platform, so I'm not expecting much difference in performance (obviously minus 120FPS mode and 4K), but as long as it looks and runs as smooth as Prime Remastered then we're golden.
This has to be intentionally awful. Whilst the context of that was never picked up on for the DK Rap (despite it actually being quite good), just is just outright poor.
I don't really know if the marketing move to be 'hilarious' will work here. Guess time will tell.
Nice, almost perfect casting with Brie as Roaslina. Where she's practically a Nintendo ambassador already, this just makes so much sense (plus she's been great in all I've seen).
@Nintendontyouknow hopefully. I do agree the season pass is too much actually. Although I'm not biting on that until there is a sale, I can play those extra tracks for free online until then anyway
No idea who Tangle and Whisper are (and I say that as a lifetime Sonic nerd), but good for those that like them I guess? Crossing comic characters over makes sense I guess considering the Crossworld thing (that said, it's also surprising they were included before the likes of Chaos 0, Ray, Mighty, Trip, Nack the Weasel, etc... you know, officially recognised Sonic game characters). XD
That said... The remaining 6 free characters hopefully will be filled with the likes of those, or returning veterans from the last games like Ristar, Vyse, Billy Hatcher, etc... (free courses or more paid season passes featuring these wouldn't go amiss also).
@Nintendontyouknow is over 1 million player not enough? That said a sale would certainly help - not that I felt the game was overpriced in the first place (I got it for less than £50 on launch, and as a middle tier priced racing game it's justified IMO.
A Switch 2 edition is entirely unnecessary monetising as it’s already “Definitive”. They just need to get on and implement the free 60FPS update for Sw2 like their other Nintendo titles that received free revisions, especially if the Datamining is to be believed.
The highest investment in this poll is presently “I’m not interested either way”.
I’d wager TPC are betting the audience view this title in a similar light, and know this isn’t going to be a massive seller, hence the Game Key Card and lack of bothering to spend out.
And, to be perfectly frank - I actually thought this was just a random digital / mobile title that was coming to the Switch as a bonus anyway (like some of their prior mobile/console ports).
He has excellent taste. I'll likely do a third round on BOTW once I have a Switch 2 before going for a third run on TOTK.
On top of everything else, the games have maximum escapism vibes, so I can see why it's a comfort game. Nintendo finally gave fans Hyrule in as an ultimate explorable landscape.
(That said, a new map / location wouldn't go amiss next time please Nintendo)
Ooo Star Festival... which make sense. Hopefully they'll reveal Rosalina's VA in this Direct too (and Bowser Jr if the leaked art logo is to be believed).
@kal_el_07241 completely agree with this. I really want certain things to come together for Gen 10 from the legends games.
Whilst I much prefer the open exploration, story and world of Sc/Vi - everything else was left to be desired. If they could just bring the excellent catching and battle mechanics over from these two legends titles, get Monolithsoft helping with world building or resourcing… could be a blinder.
@kal_el_07241 genuinely, I had no idea that was known information for over a month, nor seen this discussed which is very odd.
Regardless, that actually makes it somewhat worse that it’s considered acceptable. It’s a shame that one of the main elements of this title (the city - not a very interesting place already) is reused as an inverted version to explore for £25 paid DLC - that’s what quite deplorable IMO (and why many suspect this was originally planned as post game content). But TPC be the TPC.
I’m sure it will be fun ‘an all, it’s just a shame it has to come at a higher cost.
For what it’s worth I felt previous DLC extensions to the mainline series where at least worth your buck (no matter what people thought about gameplay / performance), and it’s great that a Legends game is seeing an add on to add to it’s lifespan... but so soon? And before the holiday period is over? Very odd.
Essentially, the handling of DLC extension has been very poor with this one, hence the suspicion of malpractice behind the scenes.
@Willo567 it's because it's TPC (not Gamefreak). You just can't put anything past them these days in terms of management and how they handle the game series to swindle users.
They weirdly announced it ahead of time (which is still not a good look for any game), and I suspect that this is now why. Showcasing a trailer for something that doesn't appear to be worth the value after a lot of people have pre-purchased it is pretty naff if you ask me.
Ultimately, when you look at the offerings, the price, and what has come before with previous Pokemon DLC, it's a money grab for something that looks like it would have been a post game scenario.
Now, I can't prove that, and I'm not saying this won't be fun, but the TPC are adept on rinsing customers out of pocket for lacklustre returns based on their history.
Ultimately, it's makes little difference at the end of the day, we'll complain, still buy it, and the circle will endlessly go round...
WOAH. Nooo. I'm sorry to say, but this is incredibly lame/stingy.
1) It's just Minus World / inverse areas of Luminose City... really? So much for the exciting city excursions, maybe my expectations were set too high?
2) This is out a little over a month from the main game. Why does this deserve to be £24.99 DLC? It is just recoloured assets with added Pokemon and story elements.
In comparison consider that Scarlet & Violet got two entirely new maps / over-worlds for £31.49, and Sword and Shield's expansion pass was £26.99 for two entirely new island / locations.
Honestly speaking, this reeks so heavily of original postgame content, that I wouldn't be surprised that an upper management / publisher level decision to reap more money caused a change in direction to make this a separate bolt on product. This shouldn't be sold as DLC, not especially at the price of asking.
Sweet - AOC had an impressive soundtrack that built on some of the melodic bangers of BoTW. TotK was even more memorable, so I can’t wait to hear what the NIER soundtrack team have done with the themes of that game with their original pieces and rearrangements.
It’s almost a relief to hear that this is “Canon” to the first two games.
TBH though, with where they went by the end of AOC I don’t think it would have made any difference continuing onwards from there in a similar manner anyway - the same story ultimately would have probably played out but 100 years years earlier leading to the same events and reveals etc…
BUT, at least we don’t need to be concerned with the AOC timeline tangent.
Absolutely mental. I have friends that pay the subscription fee as well and I just don’t understand why (well, I DO understand why, but not for a game like this).
The TCG addiction is real, even in digital format sadly.
@SlimeDragon no worries 🙂 but yeah, all the free SEGA IP characters, music, and karts they are providing you’ll receive as soon as you turn the game on 😉
@Suketoudara gotcha, saw this article before anything else so was perplexed. That makes a lot more sense (well, apart from these sorts of updates being free for other select titles).
I suspect this was done to stave off any new Animal Crossing game coming to Switch 2 for the foreseeable.
So basically if you own the game already on Switch 1 which is getting the 3.0 update as well (for free) there is zero reason to buy the Switch 2 edition or upgrade it for switch 2… Or am I missing something? 🤔
Take a breather people. As is traditionally forgotten, this is an averaged ranked list based on YOUR ratings for the Pokémon games on this site over the last checks comments 8 years (?!?).
Anyway, it’s not Nintendo Life’s choice picks.
That said, it is highly interesting seeing ZA right at the bottom (and suspiciously interesting that Arceus is at 5th) but that’s just how them user votes work. Bomb it, plug it, or be honest… that’s up to the audience
It's still amazing to me that they've maintained keeping four Zelda games within the span of 10 years within the same era/setting with the same cast.
It's very unlike Nintendo... but hopefully it has also proved to them that it's important to build character foundations for player investment with your characters & story as well as with unique gameplay mechanics.
Hopefully whatever comes next still keeps the same cast and era, but relocates elsewhere. Whilst we certainly don't need to see "this" Hyrule for a 5th time, I'd argue that strengthening the core cast of characters amongst a brand new land of adventures is just as important as an entirely new title altogether.
As a “Direct” it’s fine. Showcasing all the features and modes over two split hours kinda makes it a (enjoyable) but glorified instruction manual.
But in terms of hyping the game, then yes - it’s a sure fire 10.
There is an evidently a hell of a LOT of content and effort put into this game. Sakurai and the team really understand the importance of customisation and options, especially given what you can do to show yourself off online which can greatly extend enjoyment and longevity.
(Also helps that they added in the entirety of the original Kirby Air Ride main tracks and brought back top down courses as well)… and a story mode.
Man, they had one job and completed half a dozen instead.
@Chimichanga ironically, it’s quite the opposite looking at the revealed charts for September and them revealing sales numbers.
Also worth bearing in mind that it took its predecessor (Team Sonic Racing) over a year to sell the same amount.
For balance, I’ll say again; this is nothing in comparison the MK World sales (but no alternate kart racer is going to top that juggernaut).
A kart racing game from SEGA’s perspective selling this much is far likely much more of a success than you perceive it to be. Without knowing what the development costs are we’ll never really know of course. But so far all the indicators are pretty positive.
Comments 657
Re: Talking Point: Six Months Since Launch, How Would You Rate Switch 2?
Still holding out until there is something I REALLY need to play right now that I absolutely cannot wait for... Hyrule Warriors was a close one. Mario Kart and DK Bonanza as well as other obvious Switch 2 upgrades and editions are very welcome but not necessary to upend my backlog at the moment.
Additionally, I’m waiting considering the LED screen model can vary (from the launch editions) and would rather guarantee the better version, not to mention I have a preference to OLED now, but I reckon that variation in model will be a few years away.
However, having played a lot of my mates I am impressed all the same. I can’t wait to get it eventually.
Re: Mini Review: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Switch 1) - An Impressive Version If You've Yet To Upgrade
Nice, glad this lives up to the Switch 2 version (which it should… considering this is the base game product anyway). I won’t be playing this on SW2 and have my OLED and TV ready, thus I wont have comparison envy thankfully. As far as I am concerned as long as it’s 60FPS and looks on par with Prime 1 Remastered then I’m golden.
@HammerKirby there is another reason for physical collectors that they may want to purchase Switch 1 versions - the beautiful box art is not overcrowded with a ridiculous amount of Switch 2 Edition tags, labels, and worded texts boxes and disclaimers.
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
@Yoshi3 nah it’s cool I get it 🙂 I mean you know my particular stance on Zelda… I’m a bit of a sucker for openness if it’s something I get lost in under the right circumstance (but on the flip-side it is fatiguing to think about playing multiple different open world experiences from game to game).
You are correct about my comparison actually. I think I was thinking of Metroid Prime’s landing areas and adjacent rooms (being on the cusp of some (but not all) biome areas with this new hub acting in a similar way as I recall retreading there often.
The Biomes in general used to be very interconnected, in past games, I suppose this did branch off a bit in Prime 3, so maybe that’s why this title continued along that path? As I mentioned somewhere above in the comments, maybe it would have been cooler to have this large overworld on top, keep it dense, then layer the game downwards with biomes to more effectively connect the land and depths and give reason for secrets and exploration.
But hey… i dunno, we Wouldn’t get Viola I suppose and they really pushing for the cool bike this time 🤣
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
@yoshi3 I get where you are going with this, but Modern Metroid (Prime 4) isn’t open world, I mean, not really. If that’s the case, then we may as well be saying retro Zelda titles with large field maps are also open world experiences.
Whilst a lot of reviews have opted to click bait many to dismay in the subtitles at it being an open world disappointment, they all say the same thing in the fine text, “semi open” “wide linear” “desert zone” “large connective hub map”.
They,ve just taken the landing area from any old Metroid game and turned it into a massive desert to justify the locations to travel to across the planet. Could it have been done better? Probably, I’ll have more thoughts once I’ve had a go, but is it redefining the core structure of Metroid? No, not really, they’ve just expanded the elevator cutscenes into a playable portion of the game.
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
I don’t think “open areas” are necessarily a bad thing for the franchise. It’s moreso the how and why it’s incorporated into the base structure of the game.
The open map seems to scream more classic Zelda like Wind Waker in terms of scale than anything needless like BOTW/TOTK.
What I do think is a missed opportunity here is that they opted to connect the proper Metroid biomes at the edges, hence the vast trips on the bike (Prime 3 just used the ship to fast travel to planets than explore space after all).
I think what would have been more interesting is having a semi large open desert on top, and then interconnecting it to all the biomes below the surface (as traditionally, we’ve gone deeper and deeper into a planet).
Not only could you make multiple entrances and secrets to and from the surface, but it would be densely packed to reward those returning to the surface overworld to explore.
Re: Review: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2) - Samus Returns In Prime Form
@Yoshi3 don’t worry, i don’t think they’ll really infuse it as a proper open air experience on a scale like BOTW.
The reviews make it sound more like the “overworld” is a more of a hub with these mini dungeons/shines (to me it seems more akin to The Great Sea from The Wind Waker as a more apt comparison) the main bulk is still likely the classic interconnected metroidvania areas we know and love 🙂
Re: Review: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2) - Samus Returns In Prime Form
At the moment Metroid Prime 4 sits a single point above OTHER M on metacritic.
You could say “that is wild” but I love OTHER M, so I’m pretty sure this will be my jam as well.
The fact that the interconnected overworld is an expansion of the usual (and often disjointed) segways / elevators AND has shrines to explore like BOTW just makes it all the more enticing for further Metroid styled exploration and immersion.
Re: Review: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2) - Samus Returns In Prime Form
Nice. It sure sounds like the concerns of the federation team overstepping and quipping too much were nothing to be concerned about after all. God bless internet hyperbole.
Re: New 'Sonic Universe' Movie Spin-Off Announced For 2028
It’s amazing just how well this movie franchise has done considering the first trailer for Sonic 1.
It had every reason to flop… and yet here we are, 3 movies and one series on, with further movies and expanded universe things on the horizon.
Take good notes, Nintendo!
Re: New 'Sonic Universe' Movie Spin-Off Announced For 2028
GUN: The Movie
Re: Anniversary: Monolith Soft Celebrates Xenoblade Chronicles 2 With A Post, But We're Desperate For A Switch 2 Revamp
It doesn’t need a “Switch 2 Edition” with tweaks, save that for Xenoblade 3.
Xenoblade 2 really needs needs a “Definitive Edition” released on Switch 2, much like the original and X got.
There’s a lot of stuff to address that could turn an 8/10 experience into a 10/10 one. I love Xenoblade 2 by the way - it has A LOT - but it suffers from the team trying to reinvent and appropriate change where it doesn’t pan out (see field skills, applying and navigating multiple blade menus, low quality graphical issues in handheld, and the infamous navigation system). All this sort of stuff was fixed and refined across XC1DE, XCX and XCXDE. So personally speaking, it would be awesome to see a similar treatment get put to work on this for a new Switch 2 re-release.
Re: Feature: The Tightest, Briskest Mario & Luigi Game Turns 20 Today And Deserves More Love
I remember playing this game and seeing it through to the end because I had too. “Brevity” (no matter how true of it that is in context of the other two) this game certainly did not feel to me.
Re: Assassin's Creed Shadows' Beefy Switch 2 File Size Has Been Revealed
And here come the “oh so it could have fit in a 64GB easily cartridge” commenters that have obvious tech engineering experience to push unwarranted discourse.
I should add, I hate Game Key Cards too (and Ubisoft for the most part - I won’t be white knighting that company).
I’d rather the publisher put these out as physical products than lazily take the GKC route for cheapness if it is possible.
BUT larger games made for more powerful systems frankly take up more resources - it is what it is. If developers can barely get a game onto an expensive Switch 2 Card, and said cards aren’t as optimal for processing speed delivery to give the player the best experience (and you really want that game on this system) you have to meet the developer halfway - hence the Game Key Card compromise. No two games are the same, nor is the developer expertise in getting these titles shrunk down to run smoothly I’m sure.
It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s better than crap game performance, or owning a plain digital copy without the physical box + key to resell the game if/once you are done.
Re: Opinion: Banjo-Tooie Is Pure Nightmare Fuel, And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
@Striker21 better still, Rare / Microsoft should just outsource to Playtonic given that’s where most of the original dev crew ended up anyway.
When you consider the considerable successes of Yooka Laylee essentially carrying the torch, just get the band all back together with learnt experiences for a proper quality next gen Banjo.
It’ll never happen, but one can hope.
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Kirby Air Riders
Unsurprising, considering the first title pretty much did the same on release.
Air Ride/r’s is not a mainstream/popular enough spinoff idea to be enjoyed and absorbed by most, but it also offers way too much to do outside of everything to be considered a write off multiplayer experience at the same time.
I loved the first game, but it was also a nothingburger of a game at the same time with so much and so little to do. Riders looks like they really doubled down on everything to make it just as amazing and weird once more.
Re: "Consumers Generally Do Not Care" About AI In Games, Says Former Square Enix Exec
Wow, talk about comparing Apples to Orangoutangs. He know's not what he talks about.
The Steal a Brainrot "game" is satire based on meme - it is just an unlikely craze / faze of its time for young children that don't know better.
It is NOT a AAA game using AI to produce garbage intentionally.
Such a stark difference of concepts that I struggle to believe he was even a Director of Business.
Re: The Game Awards Nominees Announced, Donkey Kong Bananza Up For GOTY
Looking at best game adaption to media, it looks like they either forgot to include or just outright snubbed the Sonic 3 movie which is wild.
Re: The Game Awards Nominees Announced, Donkey Kong Bananza Up For GOTY
The Platformer had its GOTY spotlight last year (which was nice, even if going to Astro was slightly undeserved IMO). So although DKB deserves it more in that sense, the competition is a little greater here. Although I’m very surprised Split Fiction isn’t actually on the GOTY listing, that’s a phenomenal co-op experience and should have been on here just to level out the playing field.
Re: Official Zelda Movie Photos Give Us Our Best Look Yet At Link And Zelda
Weird seeing link in a green tunic & no blue over-hood after 10 years. XD At least there is no green cap - it would not translate well except for a gag perhaps.
Zelda's travelling wardrobe from BOTW looks spot on though.
Re: Digital Foundry Covers The "Disappointing Tech" In Pokémon Legends: Z-A
TBF, Digital Foundary are objectively correct on this. Outside of the character model designs and the Pokémon’s, the game does mostly look like it creeped out of a console from many generations ago, much like Arceus before it, it’s a very poor looking title, no matter how charming it might appear to be.
But this is true of all of Gamefreak’s Pokémon titles on the Switch, and It’s lucky that a Switch 2 edition exists to at least boost performance, but it’s also sad that we have real lookers like New Pokémon Snap or Pokken to really show the mainline games in a bad light.
Still, doesn’t stop them all being fun. 🤷🏻♂️
It’s just the same old same old argument. Gamefreak clearly don’t have enough staff / capabilities / resources & budget to produce something that very clearly could be of higher quality, and The Pokèmon Company won’t funnel more money into the actual games that make the brand because they know full well it will sell regardless of quality and controversy. I don’t doubt that as developers, GF want every title to be better - but if they don’t have the resources to do it, then we get what we get.
Re: Top 100 Nintendo Games, As Chosen By Nintendo Life & IGN
Yup, had to be TOTK (or BOTW) at #1. I don’t think I’ve ever invested as much time into any game in my entire life as those two (especially TOTK). Pretty much became gaming euphoria getting lost in a world I’d always dreamed of deeply exploring. OOT is incredible and it’s always going to be there, but it was also really a 3D interpretation of ALttP. It took Nintendo to break conventions to really make something revolutionary with its complex chemical engine in TOTK. It’s not for everyone for sure (no game is) but it’s a history staple nonetheless in what can be achieved in gaming.
Side note: Galaxy 2 beating out Galaxy is pretty wild to me. I could personally repeat play Galaxy 1 over and over, but Galaxy 2 (much like the new Astro Bot) is a fantastic example of ultimate first time experience (one hit galaxies) with very little replayabily, with the tedium regrettably setting in with poorly implemented Green Star Campaign). But hey, opinions be opinions.
Re: Preview: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Great, But I Want To Kill One Of Its Characters
It's a non-bother for me, but I understand the concern considering the usual schtick is Samus isolated with little to no interaction (apart from Adam or Boss characters).
Judging from the overview trailer it does point to at least another 5 or 6 marines that are stranded, and it will be down to Samus to save / escort / work together with them, so maybe not quite the lonesome journey this time?
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Gets The Trailer We've Been Waiting For
Ok, so as expected, the desert / hub is basically like the 'Hyrule Field' of past Zelda games. That should settle the purists down a little bit if they were worried this was going too far along the lines of a huge "Open World / Zone" like experience which it clearly isn't doing. Whilst I think it's important to have expansive areas for the world building, it equally important to have those isolated and intricately mapped areas to explore as well.
I am finding myself excited we're getting a full voice cast here as well (much like they dabbled with in MP3 and Other M) with Samus making some other buddies that are stranded. Some of these look like familiar characters from Other M (which is set after the Prime Series I believe), so that's come cool continuity if true.
Will be interesting to see how the Switch 1 version holds up considering that's the base platform, so I'm not expecting much difference in performance (obviously minus 120FPS mode and 4K), but as long as it looks and runs as smooth as Prime Remastered then we're golden.
Re: Video: Nintendo's Just Dropped Its Best (Worst?) Song Since DK Rap
This has to be intentionally awful. Whilst the context of that was never picked up on for the DK Rap (despite it actually being quite good), just is just outright poor.
I don't really know if the marketing move to be 'hilarious' will work here. Guess time will tell.
Re: Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Reveals Rosalina, Bowser Jr., And More
Nice, almost perfect casting with Brie as Roaslina. Where she's practically a Nintendo ambassador already, this just makes so much sense (plus she's been great in all I've seen).
Re: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Free Characters Update, Coming Soon
@Nintendontyouknow hopefully. I do agree the season pass is too much actually. Although I'm not biting on that until there is a sale, I can play those extra tracks for free online until then anyway
Re: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds New Free Characters Update, Coming Soon
Niiiiice. Totally here for NiGHTS and Aiai.
No idea who Tangle and Whisper are (and I say that as a lifetime Sonic nerd), but good for those that like them I guess? Crossing comic characters over makes sense I guess considering the Crossworld thing (that said, it's also surprising they were included before the likes of Chaos 0, Ray, Mighty, Trip, Nack the Weasel, etc... you know, officially recognised Sonic game characters). XD
That said... The remaining 6 free characters hopefully will be filled with the likes of those, or returning veterans from the last games like Ristar, Vyse, Billy Hatcher, etc... (free courses or more paid season passes featuring these wouldn't go amiss also).
@Nintendontyouknow is over 1 million player not enough? That said a sale would certainly help - not that I felt the game was overpriced in the first place (I got it for less than £50 on launch, and as a middle tier priced racing game it's justified IMO.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Switch 2 Compatibility Update Released
A Switch 2 edition is entirely unnecessary monetising as it’s already “Definitive”. They just need to get on and implement the free 60FPS update for Sw2 like their other Nintendo titles that received free revisions, especially if the Datamining is to be believed.
Re: Pokémon Pokopia Is Seemingly Nintendo's First Game-Key Card Release
The highest investment in this poll is presently “I’m not interested either way”.
I’d wager TPC are betting the audience view this title in a similar light, and know this isn’t going to be a massive seller, hence the Game Key Card and lack of bothering to spend out.
And, to be perfectly frank - I actually thought this was just a random digital / mobile title that was coming to the Switch as a bonus anyway (like some of their prior mobile/console ports).
Re: Random: "It's Just My Comfort Game" - Stranger Things Actor Is On His Third Playthrough Of Zelda: TOTK
He has excellent taste. I'll likely do a third round on BOTW once I have a Switch 2 before going for a third run on TOTK.
On top of everything else, the games have maximum escapism vibes, so I can see why it's a comfort game. Nintendo finally gave fans Hyrule in as an ultimate explorable landscape.
(That said, a new map / location wouldn't go amiss next time please Nintendo)
Re: Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct Announced For Wednesday, 12th November
Ooo Star Festival... which make sense. Hopefully they'll reveal Rosalina's VA in this Direct too (and Bowser Jr if the leaked art logo is to be believed).
Re: Nintendo Music Update Adds Another Kirby Soundtrack
Now that is a soundtrack! I do love this little game - a really fun one to play with my kid to boot.
Re: Poll: What Do You Make Of The Mario Galaxy Movie's Leaked Yoshi Design?
It’s meh, Passable. THAT SAID, these all looked much better in motion than static during the first film also I expect it will be the same again.
Re: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Performance And Resolution Revealed
Excellent stuff! It was a “passable” downport on Switch 1, but at least now it can go toe to toe with the excellent PS5 performance / visuals.
Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC Scores December Release Date
@kal_el_07241 completely agree with this. I really want certain things to come together for Gen 10 from the legends games.
Whilst I much prefer the open exploration, story and world of Sc/Vi - everything else was left to be desired. If they could just bring the excellent catching and battle mechanics over from these two legends titles, get Monolithsoft helping with world building or resourcing… could be a blinder.
Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC Scores December Release Date
@kal_el_07241 genuinely, I had no idea that was known information for over a month, nor seen this discussed which is very odd.
Regardless, that actually makes it somewhat worse that it’s considered acceptable. It’s a shame that one of the main elements of this title (the city - not a very interesting place already) is reused as an inverted version to explore for £25 paid DLC - that’s what quite deplorable IMO (and why many suspect this was originally planned as post game content). But TPC be the TPC.
I’m sure it will be fun ‘an all, it’s just a shame it has to come at a higher cost.
For what it’s worth I felt previous DLC extensions to the mainline series where at least worth your buck (no matter what people thought about gameplay / performance), and it’s great that a Legends game is seeing an add on to add to it’s lifespan... but so soon? And before the holiday period is over? Very odd.
Essentially, the handling of DLC extension has been very poor with this one, hence the suspicion of malpractice behind the scenes.
Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC Scores December Release Date
@kal_el_07241 the DLC was in the DLC description month ago...? Apologies, I'm missing the context.
Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC Scores December Release Date
@Willo567 it's because it's TPC (not Gamefreak). You just can't put anything past them these days in terms of management and how they handle the game series to swindle users.
They weirdly announced it ahead of time (which is still not a good look for any game), and I suspect that this is now why. Showcasing a trailer for something that doesn't appear to be worth the value after a lot of people have pre-purchased it is pretty naff if you ask me.
Ultimately, when you look at the offerings, the price, and what has come before with previous Pokemon DLC, it's a money grab for something that looks like it would have been a post game scenario.
Now, I can't prove that, and I'm not saying this won't be fun, but the TPC are adept on rinsing customers out of pocket for lacklustre returns based on their history.
Ultimately, it's makes little difference at the end of the day, we'll complain, still buy it, and the circle will endlessly go round...
Re: Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC Scores December Release Date
WOAH. Nooo. I'm sorry to say, but this is incredibly lame/stingy.
1) It's just Minus World / inverse areas of Luminose City... really? So much for the exciting city excursions, maybe my expectations were set too high?
2) This is out a little over a month from the main game. Why does this deserve to be £24.99 DLC? It is just recoloured assets with added Pokemon and story elements.
In comparison consider that Scarlet & Violet got two entirely new maps / over-worlds for £31.49, and Sword and Shield's expansion pass was £26.99 for two entirely new island / locations.
Honestly speaking, this reeks so heavily of original postgame content, that I wouldn't be surprised that an upper management / publisher level decision to reap more money caused a change in direction to make this a separate bolt on product. This shouldn't be sold as DLC, not especially at the price of asking.
Bad Pokemon company, bad!
watches as everyone buys it anyway
Re: Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment's Ace Soundtrack Comes Courtesy Of NieR Composers
Sweet - AOC had an impressive soundtrack that built on some of the melodic bangers of BoTW. TotK was even more memorable, so I can’t wait to hear what the NIER soundtrack team have done with the themes of that game with their original pieces and rearrangements.
Re: Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment (Switch 2) - A Stunning Slice Of Musou, Worthy Of The Zelda Canon
It’s almost a relief to hear that this is “Canon” to the first two games.
TBH though, with where they went by the end of AOC I don’t think it would have made any difference continuing onwards from there in a similar manner anyway - the same story ultimately would have probably played out but 100 years years earlier leading to the same events and reveals etc…
BUT, at least we don’t need to be concerned with the AOC timeline tangent.
Re: Pokémon TCG Pocket Pulled In Almost $1.3 Billion In Its First Year Alone
Absolutely mental. I have friends that pay the subscription fee as well and I just don’t understand why (well, I DO understand why, but not for a game like this).
The TCG addiction is real, even in digital format sadly.
Re: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Is Getting Another Free Guest Character Next Week
@SlimeDragon no worries 🙂 but yeah, all the free SEGA IP characters, music, and karts they are providing you’ll receive as soon as you turn the game on 😉
Re: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Is Getting Another Free Guest Character Next Week
@SlimeDragon festival events are just online gameplay modes. Characters are automatically added to the roster forever when you turn the game on.
Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Nintendo's Cheapest Switch 2 Edition Yet
@Suketoudara gotcha, saw this article before anything else so was perplexed. That makes a lot more sense (well, apart from these sorts of updates being free for other select titles).
I suspect this was done to stave off any new Animal Crossing game coming to Switch 2 for the foreseeable.
Re: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Nintendo's Cheapest Switch 2 Edition Yet
So basically if you own the game already on Switch 1 which is getting the 3.0 update as well (for free) there is zero reason to buy the Switch 2 edition or upgrade it for switch 2… Or am I missing something? 🤔
Re: Best Pokémon Games Of All Time
Take a breather people. As is traditionally forgotten, this is an averaged ranked list based on YOUR ratings for the Pokémon games on this site over the last checks comments 8 years (?!?).
Anyway, it’s not Nintendo Life’s choice picks.
That said, it is highly interesting seeing ZA right at the bottom (and suspiciously interesting that Arceus is at 5th) but that’s just how them user votes work. Bomb it, plug it, or be honest… that’s up to the audience
Re: Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment Trailer Sets Up The Imprisoning War
Incredibly excited for this.
It's still amazing to me that they've maintained keeping four Zelda games within the span of 10 years within the same era/setting with the same cast.
It's very unlike Nintendo... but hopefully it has also proved to them that it's important to build character foundations for player investment with your characters & story as well as with unique gameplay mechanics.
Hopefully whatever comes next still keeps the same cast and era, but relocates elsewhere. Whilst we certainly don't need to see "this" Hyrule for a 5th time, I'd argue that strengthening the core cast of characters amongst a brand new land of adventures is just as important as an entirely new title altogether.
Re: Kirby Air Riders Direct #2: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate it?
As a “Direct” it’s fine. Showcasing all the features and modes over two split hours kinda makes it a (enjoyable) but glorified instruction manual.
But in terms of hyping the game, then yes - it’s a sure fire 10.
There is an evidently a hell of a LOT of content and effort put into this game. Sakurai and the team really understand the importance of customisation and options, especially given what you can do to show yourself off online which can greatly extend enjoyment and longevity.
(Also helps that they added in the entirety of the original Kirby Air Ride main tracks and brought back top down courses as well)… and a story mode.
Man, they had one job and completed half a dozen instead.
Re: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Team Open To More DLC: "Tell Us What You Want"
@Chimichanga ironically, it’s quite the opposite looking at the revealed charts for September and them revealing sales numbers.
Also worth bearing in mind that it took its predecessor (Team Sonic Racing) over a year to sell the same amount.
For balance, I’ll say again; this is nothing in comparison the MK World sales (but no alternate kart racer is going to top that juggernaut).
A kart racing game from SEGA’s perspective selling this much is far likely much more of a success than you perceive it to be. Without knowing what the development costs are we’ll never really know of course. But so far all the indicators are pretty positive.