@Kiz3000 "Completely screwed over through no fault of my own"
You can see the upcoming boss three rounds in advance, and you get two shops to prepare for it. It may seem unwinnable at first, but Balatro is a fair game, you can learn how to deal with every situation over time.
Yeah, 20 is too much - GBA games used to cost 10 on the Wii U eShop more than a decade ago - and it's odd that each language is a separate purchase. It's not worth it for me.
Too early to say, but I haven't had this much fun with a Mario Tennis game since Power on the GC/GBA. I've been playing a lot of online ranked, the physics and the fever mechanics are really clicking with me, loading times are near-instant and there's very little lag compared to Aces.
I'm not tired of the style, if it looks good, it looks good. And I don't care about the title.
Sticking with the chatty fairy companion, on the other hand, has the potential to bring down the whole experience if she doesn't turn out to be a very good character.
> "opting for far more linear biomes that feel more approachable to newcomers"
The whole game is built under this premise, but in my opinion, it's completely wrong. We deluded ourselves into thinking that newcomers are "brainrotted," that they can't stand getting stuck or lost, so the level design should be as straightforward as possible and NPCs should hold their hands at all times.
But if that was the case, how do you explain Hollow Knight - a game directly inspired by classic Metroid that doesn't hold your hand in the slightest - being so popular among newcomers? What about games with difficult combat like Dark Souls? What about games with difficult exploration and difficult combat, like Silksong?
I think newcomers deserve more credit than that. Sure, some of them may bounce back, but I believe that lots and lots of players - young and old alike - are just looking for good games. Metroid Prime 4 isn't bad by any means, but it tries too hard to appeal to this flawed idea of the "dumb newcomer," and in the process, forgets makes Metroid good.
Beautifully written piece, and the best argument in favor of GameChat I've read so far. Open games like Silksong, Elden Ring, Breath of the Wild, or even Zelda 1 really lend themselves well to being played with friends, sharing tips and stories along the way.
@MarioLinkSamus unless it's a particularly story-driven game, I would consider my friends' playthrough like an extension of mine. I wouldn't want to let the fear of spoilers get in the way of a fun time.
"A knife can be used for cooking or as a weapon" true, I just don't trust them to know where to draw the line.
I wouldn't bat an eye if they said they used AI to organize their documents. But if they use it to generate art, music, writing, etc I'm out.
@Dman10 The problem with your examples is that warehouses and checkout aren't art. They can and should be automated, because they don't need taste, opinions or real life experience to be interesting.
@Bass_X0 CGI is still crafted by real animators, just with a different technique.
Using gen AI is like asking someone else (something) to make it for you. Something that doesn't have real taste or imagination. To me it doesn't matter how much it will improve - because of course it will - it just doesn't make sense to engage with something that nobody made.
"Actually playable" may be hyperbolic, but I could feel the input lag when I played it, and it was really turning me off from trying out games like F-Zero GX. Stick sensitivity and overly aggressive deadzones were also an issue.
No offense to the Reddit poster, but I'd much prefer to see a comparison with actual numbers. Hopefully it's really improved now.
Based on some of the reviews, I'm worried about the characters and the lack of an interconnected world, but as a huge Metroid fan I need to play it and see it for myself.
You can easily pinpoint a flaw or two in Partners in Time, but it's so good and unique in terms of atmosphere and story. It's not my favorite Mario & Luigi game, but I love it.
The first two cons are pretty much the same and don't seem like cons at all in the first place. What's the problem if there's a learning curve? Is the process of learning not fun? Are the tutorials bad?
Good. Art is the expression of human creativity, there's no way around it. I have no time or interest for AI generated content, no matter how pretty it looks.
Every time I see this list I think it's funny how different versions of the same game are so far apart from each other. Like, sure, Platinum improves over Diamond/Pearl, but 2nd vs 16th?
Edit: also, so many people don't realize this is based on user scores
They were $20 each on the Wii U eShop. They know they can double the price because the people who were playing them on the Wii U in 2015 are a vocal minority. Unfortunate.
My money is on Mario Maker 3 with mouse support, perhaps with a new mode based on SMB35. But I also need more weird Mario in my life. Weird original worlds and characters.
The game looks adorable. It's crazy how the console has been out for almost 2 months and so many devs - even those with a history of releasing good games on Nintendo platforms - are still waiting for a dev kit. Even crazier considering they're targeting exclusively the Switch 2.
I find it suprising that Sunshine is so low - 8.2 currently - perhaps people are scoring it harshly in comparison to the likes of 64, Galaxy and Odyssey, but even a relatively weaker 3D Mario game is still one of the best games of the generation.
The problem is definitely there. Some people may not notice and still enjoy the games, which is valid, but the problem is there. I'm sure you would notice the difference if they fixed it.
For me the input delay and stick sensitivity are very noticeable. Games that require timing and precision, like F-Zero - which gets pretty difficult in story mode - don't feel nearly as good as they should. N64 games also share the same problem.
I'm talking about single player, sadly, the online netcode is another can of worms. I think we should expect more from the service we're paying for.
This article kinda makes it sound like widescreen mode is an NSO feature, but they always had widescreen in the first place.
@Angelus3K I mean, this is a GameCube emulator we're talking about. Could the Switch 2 also emulate Wii and Wii U? Probably, but that's a completely different beast
Comments 65
Re: Capcom Spotlight Taking Place Later This Week, Here's A Teaser Trailer
Ace Attorney 7 summoning circle
Re: Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Pokémon Pokopia
Crazy that this is the highest metascore in the series' history now
Re: Poll: So, Which Starter Will You Choose In Pokémon Winds & Waves?
Browt is my guy, but I like all three. They look as clean as possible while also being clearly recognizable, which is the trademark of a good design.
Re: Balatro's Back To Steal All Your Spare Time In New Switch 2 Version
@Kiz3000 "Completely screwed over through no fault of my own"
You can see the upcoming boss three rounds in advance, and you get two shops to prepare for it. It may seem unwinnable at first, but Balatro is a fair game, you can learn how to deal with every situation over time.
Re: Poll: Will You Be Getting Pokémon FireRed Or LeafGreen On Switch?
No. It should have been...
A) Part of NSO like every other Nintendo published GBA game
or
B) A proper collection with both games included, concept art, quality of life extras, etc. like Castlevania, Mega Man, Rayman.
Pokemon is not special. There's no reason why it should charge more while offering less.
Re: Pokémon FireRed And LeafGreen Officially Revealed For Switch
Yeah, 20 is too much - GBA games used to cost 10 on the Wii U eShop more than a decade ago - and it's odd that each language is a separate purchase. It's not worth it for me.
Re: Hold It! Among Us And Capcom Have Teamed Up For Another Ace Attorney Crossover
Capcom will literally do anything before Ace Attorney 7
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Mario Tennis Fever?
Too early to say, but I haven't had this much fun with a Mario Tennis game since Power on the GC/GBA. I've been playing a lot of online ranked, the physics and the fever mechanics are really clicking with me, loading times are near-instant and there's very little lag compared to Aces.
Re: Review: Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2) - Slim For Singles, But An Addictive Core Gives It Online Legs
"Adventure mode is disappointingly short and rather basic" as a fan of the old RPG adventure modes, this hurts a little bit
Re: Square Enix Is Making Changes To Its New HD-2D Game Based On Demo Feedback
I'm not tired of the style, if it looks good, it looks good. And I don't care about the title.
Sticking with the chatty fairy companion, on the other hand, has the potential to bring down the whole experience if she doesn't turn out to be a very good character.
Re: Nintendo Announces Launch Line-Up For Switch Online Virtual Boy
The unreleased games are an awesome addition
Re: Talking Point: Metroid Prime 4 And The Burden Of Being 'Good Enough'
@Reprise
> "if you judged the games purely by the comments here alone, you'd think people absolutely hate it and think it's an awful game"
Every comment above called it "average." Why is "average" being interpreted as "awful" and "people absolutely hate it"?
Re: Talking Point: Metroid Prime 4 And The Burden Of Being 'Good Enough'
> "opting for far more linear biomes that feel more approachable to newcomers"
The whole game is built under this premise, but in my opinion, it's completely wrong. We deluded ourselves into thinking that newcomers are "brainrotted," that they can't stand getting stuck or lost, so the level design should be as straightforward as possible and NPCs should hold their hands at all times.
But if that was the case, how do you explain Hollow Knight - a game directly inspired by classic Metroid that doesn't hold your hand in the slightest - being so popular among newcomers? What about games with difficult combat like Dark Souls? What about games with difficult exploration and difficult combat, like Silksong?
I think newcomers deserve more credit than that. Sure, some of them may bounce back, but I believe that lots and lots of players - young and old alike - are just looking for good games. Metroid Prime 4 isn't bad by any means, but it tries too hard to appeal to this flawed idea of the "dumb newcomer," and in the process, forgets makes Metroid good.
Re: Opinion: Playing Silksong In Co-Op Was A 2025 Hivemind Highlight
Beautifully written piece, and the best argument in favor of GameChat I've read so far. Open games like Silksong, Elden Ring, Breath of the Wild, or even Zelda 1 really lend themselves well to being played with friends, sharing tips and stories along the way.
@MarioLinkSamus unless it's a particularly story-driven game, I would consider my friends' playthrough like an extension of mine. I wouldn't want to let the fear of spoilers get in the way of a fun time.
Re: "A Knife Can Be Used For Cooking Or As A Weapon" - Level-5 Boss Defends GenAI In Game Development
"A knife can be used for cooking or as a weapon" true, I just don't trust them to know where to draw the line.
I wouldn't bat an eye if they said they used AI to organize their documents. But if they use it to generate art, music, writing, etc I'm out.
@Dman10 The problem with your examples is that warehouses and checkout aren't art. They can and should be automated, because they don't need taste, opinions or real life experience to be interesting.
Re: Talking Point: Does It Bother You That Big Games Companies Are Using GenAI?
@Bass_X0 CGI is still crafted by real animators, just with a different technique.
Using gen AI is like asking someone else (something) to make it for you. Something that doesn't have real taste or imagination. To me it doesn't matter how much it will improve - because of course it will - it just doesn't make sense to engage with something that nobody made.
Re: Talking Point: Does It Bother You That Big Games Companies Are Using GenAI?
I'm afraid the witch hunt is getting out of hand, but yeah, no, I don't think AI and art should be mixed in any way, shape or form.
The whole point of art is to see the result of people's ideas and imagination. If you take that away, I just don't care, even if it looks pretty.
Re: Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Updated To Version 1.3.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Makes you wonder why do they even bother to release patch notes
Re: Pikmin 4 Has Been Updated To Version 1.1.1, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Awesome, they fixed the auto target lock, I believe you can set it to be identical to the older games now
Re: Users Are Reporting "Greatly Reduced" Input Lag On Zelda: Wind Waker For NSO
"Actually playable" may be hyperbolic, but I could feel the input lag when I played it, and it was really turning me off from trying out games like F-Zero GX. Stick sensitivity and overly aggressive deadzones were also an issue.
No offense to the Reddit poster, but I'd much prefer to see a comparison with actual numbers. Hopefully it's really improved now.
Re: Kirby Air Riders Team Disbanding Soon, Game Updates Also Ending
I hope this was the plan all along, and it's not because the game flopped or anything like that. The game is great.
Re: Your Nintendo Switch 'Year In Review 2025' Won't Arrive Until Next Month
Good, I don't know why so many companies do it early in December. My 2025 is far from over, I'm still playing Kirby and Metroid.
Re: Poll: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Out On Switch 2 And Switch This Week, Will You Be Getting It?
You bet. I've been waiting for so long.
Based on some of the reviews, I'm worried about the characters and the lack of an interconnected world, but as a huge Metroid fan I need to play it and see it for myself.
Re: Mario Kart World Has Been Updated To Version 1.4.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
One step closer to leaving early access
Re: Feature: The Tightest, Briskest Mario & Luigi Game Turns 20 Today And Deserves More Love
You can easily pinpoint a flaw or two in Partners in Time, but it's so good and unique in terms of atmosphere and story. It's not my favorite Mario & Luigi game, but I love it.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting The New Kirby Air Riders amiibo?
I never owned an amiibo and this is certainly not a good time to start.
Re: Opinion: Banjo-Tooie Is Pure Nightmare Fuel, And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
The underwater section of Jolly Roger Lagoon is positively unsettling and I love it. The game has some issues, but it's oozing with charm.
Re: Review: Kirby Air Riders (Switch 2) - Incredibly Chaotic, But Satisfyingly Deep & Rewarding Racing
The first two cons are pretty much the same and don't seem like cons at all in the first place. What's the problem if there's a learning curve? Is the process of learning not fun? Are the tutorials bad?
Re: Two PS1 Curios From 'Doshin The Giant' Creator Are Heading To The Switch
This is awesome, I remember watching Kyle Bosman's playthrough of Tail of the Sun many years ago. That game still lives rent free in my brain.
Re: "We Would Rather Cut Off Our Own Arms" - Demonschool Studio Necrosoft Lets You Know What It Thinks About Using AI
Good. Art is the expression of human creativity, there's no way around it. I have no time or interest for AI generated content, no matter how pretty it looks.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 System Update 21.0.0 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
They literally added polish
Re: Best Pokémon Games Of All Time
Every time I see this list I think it's funny how different versions of the same game are so far apart from each other. Like, sure, Platinum improves over Diamond/Pearl, but 2nd vs 16th?
Edit: also, so many people don't realize this is based on user scores
Re: Kirby Air Riders Direct #2: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate it?
I remember when the Mario Kart presentation aired, and it was mostly repeat information and just not very appealing in general.
This Direct was perfect. Jam packed with new information, the game looks great, and I love Sakurai's genuine style of presenting.
Re: Opinion: Pokémon Legends Z-A Is The Creepiest Entry Yet, Not In A Good Way
"NPCs have always been averse to movement in Pokémon games" I feel like even in gen 1 most NPCs walked back and forth or at least turned randomly.
Re: Poll: Is It About Time Game Freak Added Voice Acting To Pokémon?
Yes, it was time 10 years ago
Re: Poll: So, Did You Get Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 For Switch?
No, I already own 3D All-Stars and I feel like 40 is too much for Galaxy 2.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Checking Out Switch Online's Virtual Boy Service?
I'd definitely play VB Wario Land, the Mario games and some other stuff if there was a workaround. There's no way I'm buying an accessory.
Re: Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Prices Are Live, And It's Sticker Shock Time
They were $20 each on the Wii U eShop. They know they can double the price because the people who were playing them on the Wii U in 2015 are a vocal minority. Unfortunate.
Re: "I Have No Words" - Silksong Fans Are Losing Their Minds Over One Bench
I just played this part a few minutes ago and I died to it. It was very funny.
Re: Poll: When The Heck Is Metroid Prime 4 Actually Launching?
They should take all the time they need to make the best possible game.
Re: Anniversary: The First DS Castlevania Game Turns 20 Today
Underrated masterpiece imho. This, Aria of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin and Order of Ecclesia are just as good if not better than Symphony of the Night.
Hollow Knight fans should absolutely check out the Dominus collection if they haven't already.
Re: Hollow Knight Has Now Sold Almost 15 Million Copies
Crazy how Hollow Knight is directly inspired by Metroid, and yet the best selling Metroid game (Dread) only sold 1/5 of Hollow Knight
Re: Nintendo Won't Let Charity Speedrunning Event Use Its Games Without Permission, Because Of Course
I hope this never happens to Games Done Quick. Nintendo would never allow mods, rom hacks and randomizers, which often make for some of the best runs.
Re: Feature: What We Expect From Nintendo For Super Mario Bros.' 40th Anniversary
My money is on Mario Maker 3 with mouse support, perhaps with a new mode based on SMB35. But I also need more weird Mario in my life. Weird original worlds and characters.
Re: 'Mouse Work' Gets Second Trailer, But Can't Release Until Creators Get Switch 2 Dev Kit
The game looks adorable. It's crazy how the console has been out for almost 2 months and so many devs - even those with a history of releasing good games on Nintendo platforms - are still waiting for a dev kit. Even crazier considering they're targeting exclusively the Switch 2.
Re: Every Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Game On Switch 2, Ranked
I find it suprising that Sunshine is so low - 8.2 currently - perhaps people are scoring it harshly in comparison to the likes of 64, Galaxy and Odyssey, but even a relatively weaker 3D Mario game is still one of the best games of the generation.
Re: Video: Switch 2's GameCube Emulation Apparently Has Underlying Issues Nintendo "Desperately Needs To Fix"
The problem is definitely there. Some people may not notice and still enjoy the games, which is valid, but the problem is there. I'm sure you would notice the difference if they fixed it.
For me the input delay and stick sensitivity are very noticeable. Games that require timing and precision, like F-Zero - which gets pretty difficult in story mode - don't feel nearly as good as they should. N64 games also share the same problem.
I'm talking about single player, sadly, the online netcode is another can of worms. I think we should expect more from the service we're paying for.
Re: Sega Knows You Hate Mario Kart's Blue Shells
Good.
Hot take: any item that causes you to stop isn't fun at all, especially if it takes no effort from the user. Blue shells, red shells, lightning, etc.
My favorite kind of item is the one that gives the user a power up, rather than slowing down or outright stopping the opponent.
Re: Best Sonic Games Of All Time
Where's Sonic CD?
Re: PSA: Select GameCube Games Can Be Played In Widescreen Mode On Switch 2
This article kinda makes it sound like widescreen mode is an NSO feature, but they always had widescreen in the first place.
@Angelus3K I mean, this is a GameCube emulator we're talking about. Could the Switch 2 also emulate Wii and Wii U? Probably, but that's a completely different beast