SwitchedOn_Games

@JaxonH Who’s said its crap? It’s fun to play.

@Gerald Just had another look and no, absolutely not. Really naughty really for Nintendo to allow it. Look to be high res PC shots, Switch nothing like that.

Perhaps if you squint tight and look at them again, that would be more representative!

@GrailUK yep it is. There was Gear.Club but that was more street tracks, albeit a more serious take compared to say Mario Kart. If you can ignore the smeary graphics then it certainly plays well.

Watching football at the moment but certainly thinking about the next time I’m going to play it excitedly.

@Dualmask or too be fair to them, perhaps just not as talented as other devs. Doesn’t mean they are lazy or phoned it in. Not all devs are as talented as others.

@Audiobrainiac Yup, 2 first person views in

@Audiobrainiac I'll go check for you.

@Bod2019 I'm not sure what your beef is with it? Its had 28/6 release date for ages!?

@Audiobrainiac Not tried it myself, but yes I assume so as there is a button for camera views.

@Bod2019 Not really a stealth release! LOL Its been on the 'coming soon' section of the eshop for ages and they've released no end of teaser trailers on YT for the Switch version.

NL even did a 'behind the scenes' video for it a while back. Its hardly dropped out of nowhere today!

Ok tried docked now. Its not that much better - definitely a resolution bump (not much lol) but I did notice a couple of stutters that I'm pretty sure were not there handheld.

Overall, for me at least, I'm happy with it. Feels like a technical achievement to get something like this on Switch and run more or less solidly smooth. Yes it looks awful and I have no doubts people are going to crap all over it, but the actual racing itself I've found really exciting so far and its just brilliant to have a sim on the Switch!!

I've played it on handheld so far. Good news, and bad (bear in mind, this is 3 laps worth of play in 'tutorial').

It looks like hot garbage and I think Reddit in particular are going to kill it. I wouldnt like to say what the res is, but its like 320 or something lol. Can barely make out any details on your rider.

Preface this with the fact I'm by no means a graphics elitist and very much a Switch apologist. I thought Doom looked and ran brilliantly for example, whilst most of Reddit crapped on it from a great height. Once you are riding along, I really dont think its an issue - but as I say, take that with a pinch. You have to realise its not going to be 1080, especially handheld.

I believe from what I've seen that docked looks better - I wont be able to test this right now.

Now... the good. I think it runs really well so far. Smooth frame rate (felt like a solid 30 - but again, only me on track so wait to see what a race is like) and controls felt snappy enough.

In summary, despite the horrid vasoline-ish handheld visuals, I enjoyed it A LOT....

Oh and load times seemed fine.

EDIT: Tried a grand prix at USA with a field of 16 and all seemed fine. FPS was solid and ran fine. Still ultra low resolution though.

Took the punt on the paid one on launch and not disappointed. Really excellent game and if the rumoured patch fixed up some of the niggles on the 27th then will be even better!

PS4 wireless works great and voice chat works in Fortnite.

@FrankoAmmo Yea, Mantis is awful. I bought it on the strength of the NL review and I hate it.

@Mopati Honestly, I love NL overall, but their scoring system is all over the place.

Still hate the 9/10 for Mantis Racing FFS.

@Dreamcaster-X Yup same. Really liked the look of this initially, then more I read on it, I just looked at my library chocked full of these sort of games that don't get played much and its just a waste.

I love Isaac, but even great games like Gungeon I just cant muster to play their rogueyness structures.

Amazing how popular Splatoon 2 is still! I maintain it’s the very best game on the switch (and I’ve played a lot of them and currently own around 130 games embarrassingly).

Anyways, apart from that, I’ll be playing some new additions to my library this week:- immortal redneck, raging justice and world conqueror.

And just because I wanna 4th, playing lots more FM18

@Spectra How was World dire? Geniunely interested - I've not been playing MH games too long and really liked World.

(FWIW, I also play MH on iOS using a MFI and i imported XX from Japan, but even though the game is great I couldnt get past the language)

7 is really quite harsh. It’s such a good game with a lot of replayability, especially for the low price. Hope the score doesn’t put people off as it really should be a must have.

Defo do more of these please! I was super busy the weekend so couldnt find the time to get a score up, but will in the future. I've got like 80% of the tables available, so would be happy to open it up to a wider choice of tables.

I've watched a few different reviews of this game over the last couple of weeks and not seen any praise it to 9/10 levels. I do love you NL, but sometimes you hand out 9/10s like candy!

Interesting the review says its ill fitted for the Switch, particularly using a controller? That’s exactly where I’m having the most enjoyment!

I also have this on an iPad Pro and whilst it runs a bit smoother overall on that platform, being limited to touch screen is really awkward for FM18 due to the number of tiny arrows and sliders etc.

Using the controller feels just right. There is a mouse cursor if you need it, or you can use the well thought out hot keys and dpad to get around. Once you get used to it you can really fly.

Making subs is a breeze on the Switch compared to how fiddly and annoying it is on touch screen.

Superb game, easy 9/10 for me.

This game was kind of a 'Holy Grail' game on the Vita - in the UK at least. I only had a LRG game physical release and was only on the USA PSN store, meaning it was hard to get over here.

On ebay, it would regularly sell for £70+, so I'm happy to see the digital version is a sensible low price. I dont think the game is all that too be honest from the reviews I watched, but I'll probably still pick it up.

@joey302 yea 18 is definitely better. As I say, 17 isn’t as bad as people make out IMO. I’m a big baseball fan and ok, it’s no Show obviously, but it’s a nice quick to play alternative.

If you considering it though, I’d probably wait for 18 for an improved experience.

@joey302 apart from RBI... 18 is pretty decent on iOS but keeps getting pushed back on Switch (latest estimate is 29/5).

I couldn’t wait any longer and got 17 over the weekend. Definitely scratching the baseball itch for me.

@Shiryu It really is - I'd say its borderline unplayable on iOS - at least to the level you can play it on Switch.

I'm grateful GoF2 on iOS has MFI support as it is the better game (depth wise).

Definitely another great game on Switch. What a library we have access to eh?

FWIW, I gave it an 8 first thing this morning when adding it to my NL 'collection', so good to see we on the same wavelength

And for those worrying, its definitely worth the price vs the 'free' mobile game. If you paid for the same features you have on the Switch version, it would work out a lot more expensive.

Plus on Switch you have access to TV play, physical controls (as of now, the iOS version doesnt have MFI support oddly).

The devs are going to release this Switch version as a 'premium' product on iOS shortly as well. Be interesting to see if they match the Switch pricing, but I'm guessing it will be £9.99 on iOS.

This had to have been ready to review having been pulled just hours from launch.

Wonder if NL are going to post their review any time soon?

@DrJiggle The iOS version is IAP heavy, but this is a pay once - which the devs have hinted they are going to change the iOS version too (or at least release THIS switch version on iOS) once the Switch version is done.

@Defeated_Hero Ace, good job on fixing it up reasonably swiftly too!

Glad I kept my pre-order and didnt seek a refund - looking forward to playing next week

@Nintendo-or-Noth in what way?

Kept fancying this on the store and expecting it to be awful but the good review and comments here have changed my mind.

Yea was really looking forward to it and had it pre-ordered.

In 2 minds really - apparently the rumoured bug isnt until a way into it, so could they have released it and worked on a patch so we could still play some of it on launch? Or would that have generated a worse press because they released a buggy game?

I've kept my pre-order and just hope it gets suited pretty soon. Taunting me sitting pre-loaded on my Switch UI!

Not read all the comments - but does anyone think we'll get a surprise release today? The direct is being done on a traditional release day/time for the eshop update.

I'm gonna take a punt on "Hotline Miami" surprise dropping.

@EasyDaRon You know this means its time to buy a second switch!!

Its what I had to do. I had my Switch, my GF was a bit meh towards it. Then I got Minecraft. Thats when I lost my switch for large parts of the day!!

In the end I relented and got her her own Switch and MC and was good as we could play co-op on our Switches.

I know its a big investment and not everyone can afford 1 Switch, let alone 2, but its definitely been fun for us to play MP games with.

@wizlon THANK YOU! Nobody understands when I try to voice my concerns about placing your entire emergency services at the whim of a bunch of talking dogs. Its asking for trouble.

I'm Team CATastrophe Crew anyways. #VivaMayorHumdinger!

LETS TAKE TO THE SKIES!!!

(yes, I have a 4 year old)

@EasyDaRon Well that is just crazy. Splatoon 2 is one, if not THE best game on the Switch. What a crazy reason to pass on it.

@Slapsillium Where was that confirmed about the version number?

I've got this pre-ordered regardless and really looking forward to it. The Reddit thread is really blown out of proportion (shock). 99% of people slating the game, the 1 person that actually has a copy says its ok. Wheres the logic?!

The Tag Climax mode is only in Bayo 2 right??

@seb5049 Hmm I was thinking more 8.23/10 ?

@Fake-E-Lee Yup same here really. Had it when it was a free PS+ game and didnt give it more than 2 minutes.

Got it on the Switch Saturday and I think its awesome now. Super smooth online (cross play is a nice bonus), always finds matches quickly and you get some really tense matches played out.

Feels pretty badass to slide across half the pitch, nab the disc milimeters from the line, then lob it over the opponent standing at the net!

Another favourite technique of mine is lob the disc short, then rush the net, put your shield up and let them crash it into your shield.

Its a great 'sports' game and yea, I'd score it at least an 8, 8.5 if halves counted!

@SLIGEACH_EIRE ARGH!!! No way just bought Premium Pool ffs... anyways, here are my thoughts;

I dunno... I can see some people HATING it and I feel like its going to get bad review scores, but if you temper expectations its a decent package. The physics are not super realistic really, think Arcade Pool by Team17 from back in the day. Its a decent representation, but dont expect to be wowed by how the balls move... they feel a bit heavy I guess.

There is an annoying trail behind balls when you hit them that you cant turn off. Again, nothing you wouldnt know if you watched the trailer. Be a nice option to disable though (like on Pinball FX3).

It does have a decent amount of content though, despite the lack of online.
Single match
Tournament - (play through 3 matches in knockout format against varying AI - about 8 levels here, so plenty to beat).
Timed - see how quick you can clear the table
Local multiplayer
Daily Challenges - looks like these rotate daily to earn XP and are things like "pot 100 balls"
Also there is a "shop" for you to buy new cues and balls using in game currency. There are no IAP, this is just earned through playing matches and unlocking achievements etc.

Controls could have been done better. That is pretty much the mantra for the entire game I'd say.

Is £8 too much?... possibly. Its the sort of game you can get for 99p on iOS (or its actually £1.69 on Steam with online MP), but the portability and form factor of having it on Switch and TV is nice.

I'm at peace with it as I knew it wasnt going to be amazing, so its met my expectations and I'm also a sucker for top down pool games.

@Jayenkai yea no worries. I dived in anyways. It’s not too bad. Looks a decent amount of content.

Any more thoughts on this. @Jayenkai? I'm sorely tempted to get it...

Whats the longevity like in;

Daily Challenges
Challenges
Unlocking stuff/trophies
vs AI mode - different difficulties?
Is there a tournament mode vs AI? Anything apart from 1 single matches

Thanks!

@gamermole At least that confirms it, well done for taking "one for the team"

Be interested to hear what you think of the gameplay tho and if it has much longevity etc.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE ...also, I'd say thats the Steam trailer...

@SLIGEACH_EIRE Not on the eshop it isnt! Looks like its cropped out and as I say the only other mention is "play against your friends at home" which is a very specific thing to say.

Have you got it and actually seen online multiplayer?

@SLIGEACH_EIRE Ah is there actually online in the Switch version? Doesnt mention it on the eshop listing or the trailer (where it specifically says "Play against a friend in your house" or something as weird).

If its got online, I'm biting.

@needmorecowbell i have 74 Switch games right now...

Its... 'ok', just hasnt clicked with me totally yet.

Obviously looks brilliant and the music is great (although to me at the moment, all the songs sound very similar and not many are sticking in my head).

Gameplay feels a bit button mashy, but there is definitely a deeper system to be uncovered underneath. I usually prefer my rhythm games to have timed prompts to follow (ala Rock Band etc) so this total free-form approach is not my ideal.

For all that slightly negative comment, I do like it... just not sure why!