I haven't read the review or any of the comments because I want to avoid as many spoilers as possible, but I also want to leave my opinion here before I play it.
I was going to get it no matter what because I'm a fan, but I've got to say that the novelties (bike, open field, talking NPCs, all that) actually make me want it more than when it was first revealed back in June last year. It looked fine back then, but the new stuff makes it more attractive. Retro and Nintendo earned my trust with three previous entries that I loved (I still own my old copies, bought all the way back in the 2000s), I'm pretty sure they'll be able to deliver a quality product regardless of which form it takes.
Everyone is entilted to their opinion, of course, but it would be a real pity if the developers start shying away from being more daring and creative because part of the audience thinks that the game wasn't "supposed" to be like this. They've got the right to break the rules, because they made them in the first place. They already kinda did so when they turned a sidescroller into an FPS. I think the best way to approach Beyond may be to carry no preconceptions and just have fun, or at least that's how I'm doing it. That's not meant to be condescending, I'm actually excited for what this game has to offer.
Welcome at last, MP4. I'm fully Primed to discover what you're made of.
Without having played any of it (which may invalidate everything said here, but still), I like the way MP4 looks.
The comparison with Hyrule Field definitely feels appropriate, and Vi-O-La's role in the game also seems very similar to Epona's in OoT and MM, or maybe Goron Link's rolling gameplay in the latter. It kinda makes sense, because it could be argued that the gameplay of the mainline Prime games is more of a first-person 3D Zelda game, the lock-on gameplay especially, than what a 2D Metroid converted to 3D would be like. Also, I remember reading that Echoes' dual-world gameplay was influenced by A Link to the Past, so there's a precedent of Zelda inspiring Metroid Prime games...
The complaints about the companions are kinda funny because I remember Corruption already received some similar criticism for featuring other characters despite Samus spending most of the game alone, and Echoes already had U-Mos, which wasn't exactly the same, but there was already a trend to introduce supporting characters in the Prime games. The idea doesn't seem inherently wrong to me. I don't have anything against it. Maybe i'll change my opinion when I play the game, but I'm kinda looking forward to meeting these new characters in Beyond. And frankly, I'm not fond of things being deemed "not Metroid" just because they don't fit a particular mindset of what Metroid should or shouldn't be; I believe that when MP1 was announced, there was some backlash of the likes of "they've turned Metroid into Halo", so apparently the accusation has followed the Prime series through its entire existence...
So, less than two days before launch, I'm optimistic. Vehicles, companions, open fields... it all sounds good to me. It's refreshing to have some changes. I very much look forward to playing MP4.
Donkey Kong Bananza being cheaper kinda makes me worried it will be a somewhat brief adventure, but at the same time it may help the game to sell better...
He's not wearing the overalls in this one. Looks good, colourful and cartoonish. And it looks like that purple crystal critter is going to be important...
Some parts look very Mario, but there were things with googly eyes that looked straight out of a Rare game. On the other hand, the pace of the game seems much more intense than any Mario game. Having fully destructible environments looks really fun. There was an ostrich, possible animal buddy. A stage that was a blatant DKC1 homage. And I do like that they went full cartoon with DK, lots of slapstick.
There were several ape/monkey characters (Kongs?), and I am NOT concerned by the lack of Rare-made characters, to put it succintly. I love those characters, but I can have a game, even multiple games, without them.
Very fresh, very vibrant, very nice stuff, the most refreshing take on DK in a long time. Really good feelings about this one.
Huge surprise, but in a good way. I knew there were rumours for a long time about EPD developing a new DK, but I didn't think they were true (I'm guessing EPD is handling it). 3D, with Splatoon/Mario/Jungle Beat-like aesthetics but cartoonier... kinda reminds me of Crash Bandicoot. And I do like DK's new design. It's as if they took DK64 and combined it with Jungle Beat. And "Bananza" is a silly title, but I can deal with it.
Turns out DK is going to be the launch platformer for Switch 2, not Mario. Actually excited for this one...
Wasn't expecting open-world gameplay, or something close to it, and I think I saw a circuit inspired by the arcade Donkey Kong. Looks like the biggest gameplay evolution for MK in a long time, really looking forward to it...
I like it, for what little I've seen of it. I also like the "old" Rare design, but I'm not averse to this new one - he looks somewhat goofier, but it a good way. I don't think it looks very similar to the DK in the Mario movie, it reminds me of DK's look in the original 1981 arcade game, particularly the NES version of it, and it also kinda brings to mind DK Jr. from the SNES Super Mario Kart... it's kinda like they decided to make a 3D version of the pre-Rare DK designs. I don't know if everything DK-related shall be redesigned too, but this doesn't look like a bad start...
What I hope is that the Mario movie didn't play a part in this redesign, I seriously do not want Nintendo's Hollywood ventures to start dictating the direction their games should take. I hope Nintendo themselves decide how their games and properties should be, not any external parties.
So whatever this means for DK, if it means anything, what I hope is that we get great games featuring gaming's most famous ape, no matter how he looks.
Aside from the obvious focus on the colour violet, there seems to be a floral motif going on: the architecture of the places seen in the trailer evokes images of flower buds, the planet itself is covered with vegetation, the aliens that seem to help Samus ("Lamorn", apparently) look like they have a blossoming flower with petals separated for a head, there is a boss fight agaist a creature that looks like a giant flower ("Carvex"), and even the background of the title logo seems to be a very stylized gaping flower bud seen from above.
The cover makes it clear that Psychic Abilities will be central to the gameplay; and in the extended version of the picture that can be seen on the Japanese website, there are some statues that seem to represent the Chozo (one of them is visible in the cropped version used as cover, just above Samus' arm cannon).
As usual for Retro's Prime games, the art direction is great - the building walls covered with vegetation, the use of sunlight, they make the environments look both beautiful and slightly unsettling...
The jungle area reminded me of MP3's Bryyo and MP1's Chozo Ruins - they were the first main areas after the prologues of their respective games, and the footage in this video seems to be an early part of MP4, too. The alien that talks to Samus reminded me of MP2's U-Mos, and her suit at the end of that game's Light Suit.
Some parts looked surprisingly sunny to me, but the music and gameplay were very similar to Retro's previous Prime games. I guess Psychic Abilities will be to this game what the Light-Dark Beams/Hypermode were to MP2/3.
MP4 is shaping up to be a very nice continuation of Retro's prior Metroid games. I'm already planning to get it but I can't wait to see more of it...
I hope MP4 gets an awesome trailer and a release date. I don't think it's realistic to expect MP2/3 Remastered on Switch, sorry; we will get those games a few years from now on Switch 2, individually.
Samus Returns and/or Kid Icarus: Uprising ports would be much appreciated on my part...
The case could be made that open-world game design is somewhat antithetical to Metroid's brand of action-adventure gameplay, which is about progressively unlocking the game world - I'm not saying they cannot mix, but they are somewhat opposite concepts.
Does MP4 feel unambitious? Obsolete? Do 3D games have to go open-world? Maybe. But keep in mind that Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4's remakes received critical acclaim and had great sales not long ago. I must admit that I haven't played them, but those weren't open-world either, right? Despite being modernised, they were based on old games, and yet they were considered some of the best games of their respective years, no? Or perhaps it would be more accurate to compare MP4 to RE7 and Village, which were first-person games; I haven't played them either, but I understand that they were successful too, at least commercially? Also, 2D Metroidvanias have become increasingly popular in the last decade or so (to the point where maybe it's starting to get old, which... goes against what I'm trying to argue, but whatever); here is a 3D, first-person take on that type of game design philosophy - isn't that, in a way, kind of modern? Kind of relevant to today's gaming sensibilities? What I'm trying to say is that there still seems to be a place in the market for this sort of game.
Personally, I feel that past the initial excitement, yesterday's trailer was a bit underwhelming, but I'm looking forward to MP4. Should it have been more spectacular? Eh. Grandiose cutscenes are nice, but, ultimately, what I care about is the gameplay. Substance is more important than style. Would it have been better if it was open-world? I don't know. The idea is attractive, but I don't want every Nintendo game to be BotW, either...
Looking back at old information, I think this is interesting - back in 2015, Kensuke Tanabe said that one idea for the game was to have a time-shifting mechanic. It is compared to Echoes' gameplay. I don't know if they're still going with that, but it's worth considering (he also mentions that Sylux would appear and that they'd keep the numbering, and both things happened):
By the way, this article tries to justify the similarities between MP4 and Retro's previous Prime games by saying that it is a continuation of a cliffhanger. This is not accurate. Retro's original trilogy had a storyline about Phazon that ended very conclusively with MP3. That game had an unlockable video that hinted towards a new storyline, but that is all. Metroid Prime 1, 2, and 3 form a self-contained trilogy within a wider series. This is not the next chapter, it's the next book. Sorry if I sound overbearing, but I felt it was necessary to state the facts.
Finally. And it looks like... Retro's other Metroid Prime games, which is great. The gameplay part reminded me of both MP1's opening, which was kind of slow and atmospheric, and MP3's opening, which was more frantic and action-oriented. I guess it too is an early part of this game... and the post-title part was just like when Samus arrives to a new location in the previous Prime games...
Really pushing the visual comparison between Samus and Sylux with those Metroids on the latter's shoulders... Sylux wasn't in Retro's previous MP games (except maybe in the 100% completion video for MP3), but the character seems to be this game's main antagonist...
And, regarding that title, "Beyond" what, exactly...?
Really looking forward to this, and really glad it wasn't relegated to Switch 2.
It seems to be more puzzle-oriented than other Zelda games, and I'm fine with that... aside from being a new take on the concept, it's nice to see that they gave it its own personality instead of just being Zelda with Link's moveset. I do hope it has moments where it picks up the pace, but I'm liking what I'm seeing...
I am very thankful for this. Not only that they ported it, but that they included the 3DS levels too. Now both Retro's DKC games are on the same console. Would love if they made a third game (or a fourth one, or as many as they can), but this is very nice.
I'm hoping to see Metroid Prime 4, for the Switch; I do think it's possible for it to be Nintendo's big game for this year. I don't expect MP2 or MP3 remasters, even if MP4 doesn't make an appearance; they will probably be released individually for the Switch's successor, but they won't be on Switch.
I'm also relatively hopeful for a localised Mother 3, no matter how unlikely it seems. It was released earlier this year in Japan, and I suspect they're going to reveal the Western version in this Direct. It may just be wishful thinking, but I think there's a chance it will happen.
Other than that... Link's Awakening-style remakes of the Oracle games or A Link to the Past would be nice, but I'm not expecting them. Wind Waker and/or Twilight Princess HD seem more probable. Samus Returns HD would be a pleasant surprise, but I don't think it will appear (would love it on Switch 2 though).
And last but certainly not least, I'm not expecting anything Donkey Kong-related, new or old. It would be great if there was something, but I don't think it's likely. Maybe on Switch 2...
The original is the only MvsDK game I've ever played, and it's surprising to see that it's getting a remake. It's an alright game; DK'94 was better, but I had fun playing it. I'd have preferred an entirely new game, but maybe this can serve as a basis for one?
Slightly-evolved version of the New Super Mario Bros. games, regardless of the name.
Graphics, music, gameplay, general feel, even the box art: all of it pretty much what I'd expect from a Switch-original NSMB, and that's fine by me, those games may not be as good as the classic 2D Mario games, but I wouldn't call them bad, in fact, I'd say they're above-average sidescrollers. I'm not thrilled about this game, but I still want to play it.
No matter how one feels about the NSMB games, I think the differences are minimal, and the similarities undeniable.
@michellelynn0976 Yes it does. Slightly different gameplay, fancier graphics/animations, but it's essentially what a Switch NSMB game would be like, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing.
I'm glad this is getting a port, and it would be awesome if Metroid: Samus Returns and/or Donkey Kong Country Returns would get ported too (In DKCR's case, with all the extra content found in the 3DS version, please).
I'm actually more interested in this than in SMB Wonder. By what little has been shown, it seems to be more laid-back than your usual Mario game. Is it being developed by EPD? In any case, nice to see Peach get her own 3D game just like Luigi and Toad did with Luigi's Mansion and Captain Toad. Looking forward to it.
Newer Super Mario Bros. (More psychedelic than usual). Looks alright, but it was a bit of a letdown, at least for me. Still looking forward to playing it, and I've got to admit Mario the Badass Elephant was surprising.
Looks interesting. I've never played the original but I know it has a dedicated fanbase, so congratulations, I guess. Maybe this could open the way for a sequel...?
-TotK DLC announcement with no date yet, nothing else Zelda-related (It's still too early to take the spotlight away from TotK).
-Big Mario game for this year's end. I know a 2D Mario has been rumoured but maybe it could be a 3D title; I also know there have been rumours about a DK game, but I think a Mario game is more likely.
-Maybe MP4 news, but no release date yet; I don't expect that game to release before at least Q2 2024. No MP2/MP3 remaster(s) either, they wouldn't want to release too many MP games before the next major instalment. Maybe a Samus Returns HD port, capitalizing on Dread's success.
-Maybe some surprise announcement, like a Kid Icarus: Uprising port.
I am definitely going to get it. These last few weeks have really increased my hype; I mean, I was already going to get it, but the third trailer and the new gameplay features displayed have made me want it even more.
I don't care if it looks too similar to BotW, it was stated from the beginning to be a sequel to that game specifically, and that's what it's shaping up to be, which I welcome, because the first game was such a drastic departure from the usual game structure of the series that a second installment was almost necessary to fully explore the shift in gameplay.
Maybe some feel that it changes too little for a game released six years after its predecessor, but, frankly, I'm rather sure there would also be controversy if it was too different from BotW (I'm thinking of the reception Wind Waker got back when it was first released). Nintendo has produced relatively straightforward sequels to highly acclaimed games that have been considered just as good or even better than the first installment, like Super Mario Galaxy 2 or Majora's Mask (well, maybe MM wasn't that similar to Ocarina of Time, but I think the point still stands), so I'm confident that TotK will be a great game.
I don't want the series to stay forever like this, and it probably won't; I hope that the next big Zelda game on Nintendo's next console is different in looks and gameplay (I'm rather sure the Switch won't get a third one), that it keeps evolving the series, but it makes sense for this game to be similar to BotW since they both appeared on the same console (BotW was also released on Wii U, but still). I think BotW and TotK will be associated with the Switch in the same way OoT and MM are with the N64, that they'll be considered a pair of must-have games for the console.
So, in conclusion, I'm very much looking forward to playing what I believe is going to be an awesome second part.
DK using the fire flower was surprising. Animation is good, I particularly like Bowser's body language. Humour still isn't very funny to me, but it's not terrible. Pratt's Mario voice is alright; I didn't have a problem with it beforehand and I think it may be a bit different now, but still, I think it's not bad. I'd prefer if Rogen's DK sounded a bit more gruff and serious, but it seems that his characterisation is going to be more laid-back and comedic than usual, so it's alright.
All in all, it looks like it'll be at least passable. What I hope is that the characters get some depth to them; nothing too dramatic, but I hope the movie is something more than just a collection of (visually impressive) action sequences and wacky hijinks.
@romanista @KingMike That's right; I don't know the exact details, but I understand that getting the approval to release Tetris games can be difficult. (Like how the Game Boy version was released for the 3DS Virtual Console and then delisted some years later.)
@JohnnyMind Taking into account that stuff like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC and a big game like Tears of the Kingdom (which will probably have DLC too) are scheduled to be released this year for the Switch, I'm pretty sure that Nintendo's next console won't arrive until at least Q1 2025; a soon-to-be discontinued console wouldn't be getting that much support. I could be wrong, but that's what I think. That said, it would be great if the Switch's successor had access to the NSO's game library from the beginning instead of having to rebuild it piece by piece.
Wonder if the final boss battle will take place on the moon? It looks like a relatively safe sequel to BotW, but still feels like a quality game. Looking forward to it.
Maybe this means MP4 is still relatively far away? Anyway, it's a great game so it's good to have it back. (I've still got the Gamecube original.) Remaster looked good, I guess the neons were inevitable, but they don't overdo it...
@Kyloctopus Oh, he definitely looks better with it; aside from making him look both funny and elegant, it's a simple yet effective way to give him a distinctive appearance, without it he'd look like a random gorilla.
@N00BiSH Just a little thing - the image you posted above is from the 1994 Donkey Kong for Game Boy; Miyamoto's artwork for the 1981 arcade game is this one, if I'm not mistaken:
However, Rare used similar artwork as reference when they where redesigning DK for Donkey Kong Country:
@Kyloctopus Heh, he didn't have it in the arcade games; he first started to wear it around 1994, when Donkey Kong for Game Boy and Donkey Kong Country were released... (Well, he may not be the same character in DKC given that Cranky is said to be the Donkey Kong from the arcade games, but whatever...)
All these Kong cameos make me wonder if there's a DK movie ready to be made if the Mario movie is successful... Also, Cranky seems to have been reimagined as the local ruler or something.
@N00BiSH I'm not sure if that's actually Kiddy, but given that Swanky is in the poster, we can't rule anything out...
@DashKappei Ah. My mistake, then. I was thinking of Rogen's statement during the trailer presentation, where he says "Ever since I was a kid, playing a Playchoice-10, I remember..."; but thanks for pointing it out.
When I see it in motion in that trailer, I don't see much difference between it and the DK in the games. It's mostly the eyes; in the games, the zone around them is somewhat different and he always has something of a frown... but in the movie trailer, when he emotes during the fight against Mario, he looks closer to his game look. Body proportions are somewhat different too, but the thing is that he looks good when he moves.
I hope that they don't change how he or the other characters look in the games, but the movie has its own art style and I think he looks good in it.
Cranky, Diddy, Dixie, and Swanky (in his DKC3 attire) appear on the bottom right of the DK poster.
By the looks of it, the place where DK and Mario fight seems to be a mix of the environments of the original arcade Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
@Joeynator3000 He looks better in the trailer itself.
Wonder what's going on with DK and Cranky, maybe Mario has never met them before he arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom? I liked DK's design, he looks somewhat less serious but he can still be imposing.
I didn't like the Mario Kart sequence much; I mean, of course there's going to be video game references but I don't want it to be just a bunch of game in-jokes, the movie has to be watchable on its own right. I also hope Bowser gets some proper characterisation instead of trying to conquer the world just because. Mario and Peach's voices sound alright; my biggest concern is that I don't find the humour very funny.
But the weirdest thing about the trailer is that Mario may be doing some actual plumbing...
By the way, a little heads-up about the article: Rogen said that he played a Playchoice-10, not that he owned one. Playchoice-10 were arcade machines, it would be odd if he owned one...
Looks more or less like what a Super Mario movie would look, a rather straightforward adaptation.
Visuals good but not groundbreaking (though I guess nobody expected that much), hot/cold, lava/ice contrast was a nice way of showing a bit of graphical artistry; voices were fine, I like that Bowser doesn't sound too cartoonish, and Mario sounds fine. Mario and Luigi's new designs look alright. Humour was a bit overdone and kinda fell flat to me, but it wasn't terrible.
All in all, it looks like at least it will be watchable. I hope it isn't very meta because that kind of "look, this is a game joke too!" humour could get tiresome rather fast IMO. Wonder if it will get actually dramatic at some point? Also looking forward to how DK and Cranky will look like. Perhaps the main criticism would be that it is too safe... We'll see, but movie looks at least fine to me.
"Tears of the Kingdom", "Breath of the Wild"... seems Zelda has taken an interest in bodily functions...
It's still eight months away, so there's still much time to reveal more of it; there'll probably be a dedicated Nintendo Direct or something early next year...
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed I only meant that we have different opinions about this and that I have nothing else to say. I didn't want to come across as overbearing and I'm sorry if I did.
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed That statement is so vague it could mean anything. On the other hand, I think the 23+ million copies Odyssey has sold speak louder than words.
It's taking over five years for BotW to have a sequel, I don't see why the same couldn't happen with Odyssey. EPD must've been doing something, and six years is too long without a new Mario.
I don't think Nintendo's next console will launch until 2025 or 2026 (and if it's 2025, it's going to have a rather empty first year), there's just not enough time to develop new games for it.
I don't want to argue this to death, but I'm rather sure a new Mario game will arrive next year, the movie's release makes it the ideal occasion. We could get an EPD-developed DK game someday, but 2023 is the time for a new Mario game, probably Odyssey 2. I could be wrong, but that's my opinion and I'm standing by it.
@DeusX Heh, New Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong 64 have both been out for some time now...
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed Well, I do think we'll get another 3D Mario for the Switch soon, just like we're getting BotW2 next year, and it will most likely be Odyssey 2, because the first Odyssey had great sales and the developers already have the experience and resources they gained from making the first Odyssey.
The Mario movie releases next year, and that's basically one big advertisement for Mario, so it makes sense to release a Mario game shortly after that; I think it will arrive late next year, six years after the original Odyssey, just like we're getting BotW2 six years after the first BotW.
I don't know how true those rumours about DK are, but I'm pretty sure we'll be getting a big new Mario game soon; maybe EPD will release a DK game after that, similar to how EAD released Jungle Beat after Sunshine (or Captain Toad after 3D World, for a more recent example), but I do think that a Mario game is more probable than a DK one. I could be wrong, but that's what I think.
Switch games sell well (some franchises, like Metroid or Kirby, are getting some of their best sales figures in their entire history), and gamers don't have to buy a new console. Where's the problem?
BotW2 is launching next year. Even if Nintendo's next console is backwards compatible, that means some years will pass before a new Zelda is announced. Kirby had a new game this year. Metroid Dread was released less than a year ago. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Splatoon 3 arrive in a few months. It will take time to develop new installments. Do we really want a new console that won't be getting any original games in the near future?
Nintendo stopped supporting the Wii U earlier than usual because it wasn't selling well. The Switch is successful, why shouldn't it have a longer-than-average life cycle?
I don't get it. Do people want to spend money on new hardware?
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Re: Review: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2) - Samus Returns In Prime Form
I haven't read the review or any of the comments because I want to avoid as many spoilers as possible, but I also want to leave my opinion here before I play it.
I was going to get it no matter what because I'm a fan, but I've got to say that the novelties (bike, open field, talking NPCs, all that) actually make me want it more than when it was first revealed back in June last year. It looked fine back then, but the new stuff makes it more attractive. Retro and Nintendo earned my trust with three previous entries that I loved (I still own my old copies, bought all the way back in the 2000s), I'm pretty sure they'll be able to deliver a quality product regardless of which form it takes.
Everyone is entilted to their opinion, of course, but it would be a real pity if the developers start shying away from being more daring and creative because part of the audience thinks that the game wasn't "supposed" to be like this. They've got the right to break the rules, because they made them in the first place. They already kinda did so when they turned a sidescroller into an FPS. I think the best way to approach Beyond may be to carry no preconceptions and just have fun, or at least that's how I'm doing it. That's not meant to be condescending, I'm actually excited for what this game has to offer.
Welcome at last, MP4. I'm fully Primed to discover what you're made of.
Re: Round Up: The Final Previews Are In For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Without having played any of it (which may invalidate everything said here, but still), I like the way MP4 looks.
The comparison with Hyrule Field definitely feels appropriate, and Vi-O-La's role in the game also seems very similar to Epona's in OoT and MM, or maybe Goron Link's rolling gameplay in the latter. It kinda makes sense, because it could be argued that the gameplay of the mainline Prime games is more of a first-person 3D Zelda game, the lock-on gameplay especially, than what a 2D Metroid converted to 3D would be like. Also, I remember reading that Echoes' dual-world gameplay was influenced by A Link to the Past, so there's a precedent of Zelda inspiring Metroid Prime games...
The complaints about the companions are kinda funny because I remember Corruption already received some similar criticism for featuring other characters despite Samus spending most of the game alone, and Echoes already had U-Mos, which wasn't exactly the same, but there was already a trend to introduce supporting characters in the Prime games. The idea doesn't seem inherently wrong to me. I don't have anything against it. Maybe i'll change my opinion when I play the game, but I'm kinda looking forward to meeting these new characters in Beyond. And frankly, I'm not fond of things being deemed "not Metroid" just because they don't fit a particular mindset of what Metroid should or shouldn't be; I believe that when MP1 was announced, there was some backlash of the likes of "they've turned Metroid into Halo", so apparently the accusation has followed the Prime series through its entire existence...
So, less than two days before launch, I'm optimistic. Vehicles, companions, open fields... it all sounds good to me. It's refreshing to have some changes. I very much look forward to playing MP4.
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Revealed For Wednesday, 18th June 2025
I like what I've seen so far of Bananza, and I hope it's an awesome Direct!
Re: Switch 2 Games Cost A Bit More Than You're Probably Expecting
Donkey Kong Bananza being cheaper kinda makes me worried it will be a somewhat brief adventure, but at the same time it may help the game to sell better...
Re: Check Out Donkey Kong Bananza's Beautiful Switch 2 Box Art
He's not wearing the overalls in this one. Looks good, colourful and cartoonish. And it looks like that purple crystal critter is going to be important...
Re: Donkey Kong: Bananza, A New 3D DK Adventure, Is Confirmed For Switch 2
Some parts look very Mario, but there were things with googly eyes that looked straight out of a Rare game. On the other hand, the pace of the game seems much more intense than any Mario game. Having fully destructible environments looks really fun. There was an ostrich, possible animal buddy. A stage that was a blatant DKC1 homage. And I do like that they went full cartoon with DK, lots of slapstick.
There were several ape/monkey characters (Kongs?), and I am NOT concerned by the lack of Rare-made characters, to put it succintly. I love those characters, but I can have a game, even multiple games, without them.
Very fresh, very vibrant, very nice stuff, the most refreshing take on DK in a long time. Really good feelings about this one.
Re: Donkey Kong: Bananza, A New 3D DK Adventure, Is Confirmed For Switch 2
Huge surprise, but in a good way. I knew there were rumours for a long time about EPD developing a new DK, but I didn't think they were true (I'm guessing EPD is handling it). 3D, with Splatoon/Mario/Jungle Beat-like aesthetics but cartoonier... kinda reminds me of Crash Bandicoot. And I do like DK's new design. It's as if they took DK64 and combined it with Jungle Beat. And "Bananza" is a silly title, but I can deal with it.
Turns out DK is going to be the launch platformer for Switch 2, not Mario. Actually excited for this one...
Re: 'Mario Kart World' Looks Absolutely Awesome In Debut Switch 2 Trailer
Wasn't expecting open-world gameplay, or something close to it, and I think I saw a circuit inspired by the arcade Donkey Kong. Looks like the biggest gameplay evolution for MK in a long time, really looking forward to it...
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's Redesign In Mario Kart 9?
I like it, for what little I've seen of it. I also like the "old" Rare design, but I'm not averse to this new one - he looks somewhat goofier, but it a good way. I don't think it looks very similar to the DK in the Mario movie, it reminds me of DK's look in the original 1981 arcade game, particularly the NES version of it, and it also kinda brings to mind DK Jr. from the SNES Super Mario Kart... it's kinda like they decided to make a 3D version of the pre-Rare DK designs. I don't know if everything DK-related shall be redesigned too, but this doesn't look like a bad start...
What I hope is that the Mario movie didn't play a part in this redesign, I seriously do not want Nintendo's Hollywood ventures to start dictating the direction their games should take. I hope Nintendo themselves decide how their games and properties should be, not any external parties.
So whatever this means for DK, if it means anything, what I hope is that we get great games featuring gaming's most famous ape, no matter how he looks.
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's Official Switch Box Art Is Absolutely Stunning
Aside from the obvious focus on the colour violet, there seems to be a floral motif going on: the architecture of the places seen in the trailer evokes images of flower buds, the planet itself is covered with vegetation, the aliens that seem to help Samus ("Lamorn", apparently) look like they have a blossoming flower with petals separated for a head, there is a boss fight agaist a creature that looks like a giant flower ("Carvex"), and even the background of the title logo seems to be a very stylized gaping flower bud seen from above.
The cover makes it clear that Psychic Abilities will be central to the gameplay; and in the extended version of the picture that can be seen on the Japanese website, there are some statues that seem to represent the Chozo (one of them is visible in the cropped version used as cover, just above Samus' arm cannon).
As usual for Retro's Prime games, the art direction is great - the building walls covered with vegetation, the use of sunlight, they make the environments look both beautiful and slightly unsettling...
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Gets A New Trailer, But No Release Date
No date yet probably means late-year release.
The jungle area reminded me of MP3's Bryyo and MP1's Chozo Ruins - they were the first main areas after the prologues of their respective games, and the footage in this video seems to be an early part of MP4, too. The alien that talks to Samus reminded me of MP2's U-Mos, and her suit at the end of that game's Light Suit.
Some parts looked surprisingly sunny to me, but the music and gameplay were very similar to Retro's previous Prime games. I guess Psychic Abilities will be to this game what the Light-Dark Beams/Hypermode were to MP2/3.
MP4 is shaping up to be a very nice continuation of Retro's prior Metroid games. I'm already planning to get it but I can't wait to see more of it...
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo Direct Predictions - What Do You Want To See?
I hope MP4 gets an awesome trailer and a release date. I don't think it's realistic to expect MP2/3 Remastered on Switch, sorry; we will get those games a few years from now on Switch 2, individually.
Samus Returns and/or Kid Icarus: Uprising ports would be much appreciated on my part...
Re: Random: Sakurai Sends Fans Into Meltdown Ahead Of Switch Direct
Kid Icarus: Uprising on Switch would be really nice...
Re: Soapbox: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Won't Be The Franchise's 'BOTW Moment', And That's Okay
The case could be made that open-world game design is somewhat antithetical to Metroid's brand of action-adventure gameplay, which is about progressively unlocking the game world - I'm not saying they cannot mix, but they are somewhat opposite concepts.
Does MP4 feel unambitious? Obsolete? Do 3D games have to go open-world? Maybe. But keep in mind that Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4's remakes received critical acclaim and had great sales not long ago. I must admit that I haven't played them, but those weren't open-world either, right? Despite being modernised, they were based on old games, and yet they were considered some of the best games of their respective years, no? Or perhaps it would be more accurate to compare MP4 to RE7 and Village, which were first-person games; I haven't played them either, but I understand that they were successful too, at least commercially? Also, 2D Metroidvanias have become increasingly popular in the last decade or so (to the point where maybe it's starting to get old, which... goes against what I'm trying to argue, but whatever); here is a 3D, first-person take on that type of game design philosophy - isn't that, in a way, kind of modern? Kind of relevant to today's gaming sensibilities? What I'm trying to say is that there still seems to be a place in the market for this sort of game.
Personally, I feel that past the initial excitement, yesterday's trailer was a bit underwhelming, but I'm looking forward to MP4. Should it have been more spectacular? Eh. Grandiose cutscenes are nice, but, ultimately, what I care about is the gameplay. Substance is more important than style. Would it have been better if it was open-world? I don't know. The idea is attractive, but I don't want every Nintendo game to be BotW, either...
Looking back at old information, I think this is interesting - back in 2015, Kensuke Tanabe said that one idea for the game was to have a time-shifting mechanic. It is compared to Echoes' gameplay. I don't know if they're still going with that, but it's worth considering (he also mentions that Sylux would appear and that they'd keep the numbering, and both things happened):
https://www.eurogamer.net/next-proper-metroid-prime-would-likely-now-be-on-nx
By the way, this article tries to justify the similarities between MP4 and Retro's previous Prime games by saying that it is a continuation of a cliffhanger. This is not accurate. Retro's original trilogy had a storyline about Phazon that ended very conclusively with MP3. That game had an unlockable video that hinted towards a new storyline, but that is all. Metroid Prime 1, 2, and 3 form a self-contained trilogy within a wider series. This is not the next chapter, it's the next book. Sorry if I sound overbearing, but I felt it was necessary to state the facts.
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Confirmed For Switch, Launching 2025
Finally. And it looks like... Retro's other Metroid Prime games, which is great. The gameplay part reminded me of both MP1's opening, which was kind of slow and atmospheric, and MP3's opening, which was more frantic and action-oriented. I guess it too is an early part of this game... and the post-title part was just like when Samus arrives to a new location in the previous Prime games...
Really pushing the visual comparison between Samus and Sylux with those Metroids on the latter's shoulders... Sylux wasn't in Retro's previous MP games (except maybe in the 100% completion video for MP3), but the character seems to be this game's main antagonist...
And, regarding that title, "Beyond" what, exactly...?
Really looking forward to this, and really glad it wasn't relegated to Switch 2.
Re: New 2D Adventure 'The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' Announced For This September
It seems to be more puzzle-oriented than other Zelda games, and I'm fine with that... aside from being a new take on the concept, it's nice to see that they gave it its own personality instead of just being Zelda with Link's moveset. I do hope it has moments where it picks up the pace, but I'm liking what I'm seeing...
Re: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Swings Onto Switch Next Year
I am very thankful for this. Not only that they ported it, but that they included the 3DS levels too. Now both Retro's DKC games are on the same console. Would love if they made a third game (or a fourth one, or as many as they can), but this is very nice.
Re: Nintendo Direct June 2024: Time, Where To Watch, What To Expect
I'm hoping to see Metroid Prime 4, for the Switch; I do think it's possible for it to be Nintendo's big game for this year. I don't expect MP2 or MP3 remasters, even if MP4 doesn't make an appearance; they will probably be released individually for the Switch's successor, but they won't be on Switch.
I'm also relatively hopeful for a localised Mother 3, no matter how unlikely it seems. It was released earlier this year in Japan, and I suspect they're going to reveal the Western version in this Direct. It may just be wishful thinking, but I think there's a chance it will happen.
Other than that... Link's Awakening-style remakes of the Oracle games or A Link to the Past would be nice, but I'm not expecting them. Wind Waker and/or Twilight Princess HD seem more probable. Samus Returns HD would be a pleasant surprise, but I don't think it will appear (would love it on Switch 2 though).
And last but certainly not least, I'm not expecting anything Donkey Kong-related, new or old. It would be great if there was something, but I don't think it's likely. Maybe on Switch 2...
Re: Another Code: Recollection Remakes Two Cult Classics On Switch in January 2024
I've never played these games, but I liked Hotel Dusk. I'm interested, and it would be great if Hotel Dusk and Last Window got remade too.
Re: Mario Vs. Donkey Kong Brings Some Platform Puzzling To Switch Next February
The original is the only MvsDK game I've ever played, and it's surprising to see that it's getting a remake. It's an alright game; DK'94 was better, but I had fun playing it. I'd have preferred an entirely new game, but maybe this can serve as a basis for one?
Re: Talking Point: Is Super Mario Bros. Wonder Really A Departure From The 'New' Series?
Slightly-evolved version of the New Super Mario Bros. games, regardless of the name.
Graphics, music, gameplay, general feel, even the box art: all of it pretty much what I'd expect from a Switch-original NSMB, and that's fine by me, those games may not be as good as the classic 2D Mario games, but I wouldn't call them bad, in fact, I'd say they're above-average sidescrollers. I'm not thrilled about this game, but I still want to play it.
No matter how one feels about the NSMB games, I think the differences are minimal, and the similarities undeniable.
Re: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, A Brand New 2D Mario Game, Is Coming To Switch
@michellelynn0976 Yes it does. Slightly different gameplay, fancier graphics/animations, but it's essentially what a Switch NSMB game would be like, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing.
Re: Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon Makes The Jump From 3DS To Switch In 2024
I'm glad this is getting a port, and it would be awesome if Metroid: Samus Returns and/or Donkey Kong Country Returns would get ported too (In DKCR's case, with all the extra content found in the 3DS version, please).
Re: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Wave 5 DLC Gets Squeaky Clean This Summer
Looking forward to this, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit disappointed that there were no playable Kongs. Hope at least Diddy makes it into Wave 6.
Re: Princess Peach Will Star In Her Own Game On Switch In 2024
I'm actually more interested in this than in SMB Wonder. By what little has been shown, it seems to be more laid-back than your usual Mario game. Is it being developed by EPD? In any case, nice to see Peach get her own 3D game just like Luigi and Toad did with Luigi's Mansion and Captain Toad. Looking forward to it.
Re: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, A Brand New 2D Mario Game, Is Coming To Switch
Newer Super Mario Bros. (More psychedelic than usual). Looks alright, but it was a bit of a letdown, at least for me. Still looking forward to playing it, and I've got to admit Mario the Badass Elephant was surprising.
Re: Super Mario RPG Is Getting A Remake This November, And It Looks Amazing
Looks interesting. I've never played the original but I know it has a dedicated fanbase, so congratulations, I guess. Maybe this could open the way for a sequel...?
Re: Nintendo Direct June 2023: Time, Where To Watch, Our Predictions
My (very cautious, boring) predictions:
-TotK DLC announcement with no date yet, nothing else Zelda-related (It's still too early to take the spotlight away from TotK).
-Big Mario game for this year's end. I know a 2D Mario has been rumoured but maybe it could be a 3D title; I also know there have been rumours about a DK game, but I think a Mario game is more likely.
-Maybe MP4 news, but no release date yet; I don't expect that game to release before at least Q2 2024. No MP2/MP3 remaster(s) either, they wouldn't want to release too many MP games before the next major instalment. Maybe a Samus Returns HD port, capitalizing on Dread's success.
-Maybe some surprise announcement, like a Kid Icarus: Uprising port.
Re: Poll: So, Will You Be Getting The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom?
I am definitely going to get it. These last few weeks have really increased my hype; I mean, I was already going to get it, but the third trailer and the new gameplay features displayed have made me want it even more.
I don't care if it looks too similar to BotW, it was stated from the beginning to be a sequel to that game specifically, and that's what it's shaping up to be, which I welcome, because the first game was such a drastic departure from the usual game structure of the series that a second installment was almost necessary to fully explore the shift in gameplay.
Maybe some feel that it changes too little for a game released six years after its predecessor, but, frankly, I'm rather sure there would also be controversy if it was too different from BotW (I'm thinking of the reception Wind Waker got back when it was first released). Nintendo has produced relatively straightforward sequels to highly acclaimed games that have been considered just as good or even better than the first installment, like Super Mario Galaxy 2 or Majora's Mask (well, maybe MM wasn't that similar to Ocarina of Time, but I think the point still stands), so I'm confident that TotK will be a great game.
I don't want the series to stay forever like this, and it probably won't; I hope that the next big Zelda game on Nintendo's next console is different in looks and gameplay (I'm rather sure the Switch won't get a third one), that it keeps evolving the series, but it makes sense for this game to be similar to BotW since they both appeared on the same console (BotW was also released on Wii U, but still). I think BotW and TotK will be associated with the Switch in the same way OoT and MM are with the N64, that they'll be considered a pair of must-have games for the console.
So, in conclusion, I'm very much looking forward to playing what I believe is going to be an awesome second part.
Re: The Final Super Mario Bros. Movie Trailer Is An Action-Packed Thrill Ride
DK using the fire flower was surprising. Animation is good, I particularly like Bowser's body language. Humour still isn't very funny to me, but it's not terrible. Pratt's Mario voice is alright; I didn't have a problem with it beforehand and I think it may be a bit different now, but still, I think it's not bad. I'd prefer if Rogen's DK sounded a bit more gruff and serious, but it seems that his characterisation is going to be more laid-back and comedic than usual, so it's alright.
All in all, it looks like it'll be at least passable. What I hope is that the characters get some depth to them; nothing too dramatic, but I hope the movie is something more than just a collection of (visually impressive) action sequences and wacky hijinks.
Re: Game Boy And GBA Coming To Switch Online Today
First of all, sorry for a late reply.
@romanista @KingMike That's right; I don't know the exact details, but I understand that getting the approval to release Tetris games can be difficult. (Like how the Game Boy version was released for the 3DS Virtual Console and then delisted some years later.)
@JohnnyMind Taking into account that stuff like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC and a big game like Tears of the Kingdom (which will probably have DLC too) are scheduled to be released this year for the Switch, I'm pretty sure that Nintendo's next console won't arrive until at least Q1 2025; a soon-to-be discontinued console wouldn't be getting that much support. I could be wrong, but that's what I think. That said, it would be great if the Switch's successor had access to the NSO's game library from the beginning instead of having to rebuild it piece by piece.
Re: Game Boy And GBA Coming To Switch Online Today
Non-Advance games not restricted to the Expansion Pass, that's good. Nice starting line-up (Tetris was somewhat surprising).
The fact that they're still actively updating Switch's online service makes me think Nintendo's next console won't be released until 2025-2026...
Re: New Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Trailer Shows A Flying Vehicle And Fresh Details
Wonder if the final boss battle will take place on the moon? It looks like a relatively safe sequel to BotW, but still feels like a quality game. Looking forward to it.
Re: Metroid Prime Remastered Confirmed For Switch, Launching Digitally Today
Maybe this means MP4 is still relatively far away? Anyway, it's a great game so it's good to have it back. (I've still got the Gamecube original.) Remaster looked good, I guess the neons were inevitable, but they don't overdo it...
Re: GoldenEye 007 Shoots Its Way Onto Nintendo Switch Online This Week
Glad you could make it, 007.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's New Look In The Mario Movie?
@Kyloctopus Oh, he definitely looks better with it; aside from making him look both funny and elegant, it's a simple yet effective way to give him a distinctive appearance, without it he'd look like a random gorilla.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's New Look In The Mario Movie?
@FatWormBlowsASparky Heh. They actually went to the Twicross Zoo to see how gorillas moved, but in the end they decided not to use it in the game.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's New Look In The Mario Movie?
@N00BiSH Just a little thing - the image you posted above is from the 1994 Donkey Kong for Game Boy; Miyamoto's artwork for the 1981 arcade game is this one, if I'm not mistaken:
However, Rare used similar artwork as reference when they where redesigning DK for Donkey Kong Country:
@Kyloctopus Heh, he didn't have it in the arcade games; he first started to wear it around 1994, when Donkey Kong for Game Boy and Donkey Kong Country were released... (Well, he may not be the same character in DKC given that Cranky is said to be the Donkey Kong from the arcade games, but whatever...)
Re: Random: More Kong Cameos Spotted In The Super Mario Bros. Movie
All these Kong cameos make me wonder if there's a DK movie ready to be made if the Mario movie is successful... Also, Cranky seems to have been reimagined as the local ruler or something.
@N00BiSH I'm not sure if that's actually Kiddy, but given that Swanky is in the poster, we can't rule anything out...
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's New Look In The Mario Movie?
@N00BiSH Yeah, I don't expect it to change either.
Re: Princess Peach And Donkey Kong Debut In New Super Mario Bros Movie Trailer
@DashKappei Ah. My mistake, then. I was thinking of Rogen's statement during the trailer presentation, where he says "Ever since I was a kid, playing a Playchoice-10, I remember..."; but thanks for pointing it out.
Re: Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's New Look In The Mario Movie?
When I see it in motion in that trailer, I don't see much difference between it and the DK in the games. It's mostly the eyes; in the games, the zone around them is somewhat different and he always has something of a frown... but in the movie trailer, when he emotes during the fight against Mario, he looks closer to his game look. Body proportions are somewhat different too, but the thing is that he looks good when he moves.
I hope that they don't change how he or the other characters look in the games, but the movie has its own art style and I think he looks good in it.
Re: Gallery: Nintendo Uploads New Mario Movie Posters
Cranky, Diddy, Dixie, and Swanky (in his DKC3 attire) appear on the bottom right of the DK poster.
By the looks of it, the place where DK and Mario fight seems to be a mix of the environments of the original arcade Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
@Joeynator3000 He looks better in the trailer itself.
Re: Princess Peach And Donkey Kong Debut In New Super Mario Bros Movie Trailer
Wonder what's going on with DK and Cranky, maybe Mario has never met them before he arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom? I liked DK's design, he looks somewhat less serious but he can still be imposing.
I didn't like the Mario Kart sequence much; I mean, of course there's going to be video game references but I don't want it to be just a bunch of game in-jokes, the movie has to be watchable on its own right. I also hope Bowser gets some proper characterisation instead of trying to conquer the world just because. Mario and Peach's voices sound alright; my biggest concern is that I don't find the humour very funny.
But the weirdest thing about the trailer is that Mario may be doing some actual plumbing...
By the way, a little heads-up about the article: Rogen said that he played a Playchoice-10, not that he owned one. Playchoice-10 were arcade machines, it would be odd if he owned one...
Re: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Teaser Trailer Is Finally Here
Looks more or less like what a Super Mario movie would look, a rather straightforward adaptation.
Visuals good but not groundbreaking (though I guess nobody expected that much), hot/cold, lava/ice contrast was a nice way of showing a bit of graphical artistry; voices were fine, I like that Bowser doesn't sound too cartoonish, and Mario sounds fine. Mario and Luigi's new designs look alright. Humour was a bit overdone and kinda fell flat to me, but it wasn't terrible.
All in all, it looks like at least it will be watchable. I hope it isn't very meta because that kind of "look, this is a game joke too!" humour could get tiresome rather fast IMO. Wonder if it will get actually dramatic at some point? Also looking forward to how DK and Cranky will look like. Perhaps the main criticism would be that it is too safe... We'll see, but movie looks at least fine to me.
Re: 'The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom' Launches In May 2023
"Tears of the Kingdom", "Breath of the Wild"... seems Zelda has taken an interest in bodily functions...
It's still eight months away, so there's still much time to reveal more of it; there'll probably be a dedicated Nintendo Direct or something early next year...
Re: Nintendo Has Filed A New Trademark For The Donkey Kong Series
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed I only meant that we have different opinions about this and that I have nothing else to say. I didn't want to come across as overbearing and I'm sorry if I did.
Re: Nintendo Has Filed A New Trademark For The Donkey Kong Series
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed That statement is so vague it could mean anything. On the other hand, I think the 23+ million copies Odyssey has sold speak louder than words.
It's taking over five years for BotW to have a sequel, I don't see why the same couldn't happen with Odyssey. EPD must've been doing something, and six years is too long without a new Mario.
I don't think Nintendo's next console will launch until 2025 or 2026 (and if it's 2025, it's going to have a rather empty first year), there's just not enough time to develop new games for it.
I don't want to argue this to death, but I'm rather sure a new Mario game will arrive next year, the movie's release makes it the ideal occasion. We could get an EPD-developed DK game someday, but 2023 is the time for a new Mario game, probably Odyssey 2. I could be wrong, but that's my opinion and I'm standing by it.
@DeusX Heh, New Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong 64 have both been out for some time now...
Re: Nintendo Has Filed A New Trademark For The Donkey Kong Series
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed Well, I do think we'll get another 3D Mario for the Switch soon, just like we're getting BotW2 next year, and it will most likely be Odyssey 2, because the first Odyssey had great sales and the developers already have the experience and resources they gained from making the first Odyssey.
The Mario movie releases next year, and that's basically one big advertisement for Mario, so it makes sense to release a Mario game shortly after that; I think it will arrive late next year, six years after the original Odyssey, just like we're getting BotW2 six years after the first BotW.
I don't know how true those rumours about DK are, but I'm pretty sure we'll be getting a big new Mario game soon; maybe EPD will release a DK game after that, similar to how EAD released Jungle Beat after Sunshine (or Captain Toad after 3D World, for a more recent example), but I do think that a Mario game is more probable than a DK one. I could be wrong, but that's what I think.
Re: Talking Point: As Switch Hardware Sales Slow, How Long Can Nintendo Delay 'Switch 2'?
Switch games sell well (some franchises, like Metroid or Kirby, are getting some of their best sales figures in their entire history), and gamers don't have to buy a new console. Where's the problem?
BotW2 is launching next year. Even if Nintendo's next console is backwards compatible, that means some years will pass before a new Zelda is announced. Kirby had a new game this year. Metroid Dread was released less than a year ago. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Splatoon 3 arrive in a few months. It will take time to develop new installments. Do we really want a new console that won't be getting any original games in the near future?
Nintendo stopped supporting the Wii U earlier than usual because it wasn't selling well. The Switch is successful, why shouldn't it have a longer-than-average life cycle?
I don't get it. Do people want to spend money on new hardware?