Thanks for the informative preview, PJ! I've had my physical Titanic Scion preordered since early July or so, and it looked like the game was shaping up nicely for mecha fans, but this write-up really cinches it! It sure sounds like this is going to be glorious robot fun - I just hope I have time enough to devote to it and spec some mechs properly. I'm just getting into UFO 50, have yet to finish Cyberpunk or DK Bananza, and the fall onslaught of games is nearly upon us. Including another mecha must-buy for me: Super Robot Taisen Y! @_@;
But cheers to Marvelous for bringing this game West, and on a true physical S2 cartridge!
Japan, easily. You can’t vote against Takahashi-meijin, Japan’s biggest celebrity gamer!
He famously won Hudson’s national Star Soldier competition with his incredibly rapid rate of fire. Hudson then hired him for celebrity endorsement and advisor, named the Adventure Island games after him, and made him protagonist for the hit series. I think all that interesting context was scrubbed from the Western versions of the games, sadly.
After a busy few weeks the kiddos just want to stay home and chill today, so there should be time to play some more UFO 50 and DK Bananza. I may try to rally the kids to go to the local observatory with me tonight though, to stargaze and appreciate the Milky Way a bit. We’ll see….
In the kids’ absence I’ll want to sink more time into Raiden NOVA - it’s always so satisfying to zap hordes of enemies in a storm of vulcan fire or with your big bendy purple plasma ray. Or I might return to Cyberpunk 2077, as, fortuitously, the armored berserk hammer lady who kept wrecking me got caught in a glitch and just hopped around defenseless while I unloaded about a hundred shotgun rounds and finally won for once! What a gonk victory. I’ll take it, though! 😂 I’m just glad to be free to roam the streets of Night City again.
I absolutely love the concept behind UFO 50, and was waiting impatiently for it to make it to Switch. It’s a brilliant game that tickles the nostalgia for all us kids of the eighties, and a fun study of game design and discovery for all ages.
I’ve already double-dipped - eshop insta-buy last week, and preordered the nice Deluxe Edition physical due out in Feb next year from Fangamer.
@LastFootnote Excellent suggestion! I didn’t even think to use my NES controllers for UFO 50. I will definitely charge them up and try!
Well that would be a pleasant surprise. I’ve heard that they patched the games pretty hard since release, so if all 3 games and the patches are all on the cart, I’d invest! Probably just wishful thinking, though…
Amidst the outdoor activities and usual weekend chores, I’ll try a few more runs in the Splatoon 3 roguelite DLC, trying to find that magic mix of permanent upgrades and synergized ability boost drops that’ll help me climb the tower one last time and earn the final unlockable weapon. After all the cake walks with full stat boosts to earn the other weapons, you’re nerfed with this final weapon loadout. I’ll need luck and persistence and really have to sharpen my faded Splatoon skill to beat this challenge.
Meanwhile UFO 50 beckons me to “play forever,” and I probably could, based on the little taste of the game I’ve had thus far. What an imaginative way to recreate that 80s kid experience of sitting cross-legged on the floor with a TV, an NES or Master System, and a magical little pile of games to play! We’d have fun with the older, simpler faves, the novelty of something borrowed or rented, and were wowed by the more sophisticated newer releases, all the while daydreaming of what games we would design if we could. What a treat it’ll be, uncovering the history of this 8-bit console that never existed!
Love this, Hamster - keep ‘em coming and I’ll keep buying! In my college years I had a friend who actually owned a NEOGEO, so each visit I’d get treated to some KOF or Fatal Fury, or admire Pulstar from afar. 😁
I think on Vol. 7, I’ll be most keen to play King of the Monsters 2, or just chill out with Puzzle Bobble. Vol. 8 is all about my old arcade fave ‘Nam 1975 for me, but I’ve heard Blue’s Journey is also quality.
@TYRANACLES I agree, can’t wait for Magician Lord to someday get into one of these compilations!
@PKDuckman I actually don’t mind the randomness of titles on each volume - it’s like walking up to a NEOGEO machine in an arcade and seeing which games are installed. Though if there is a specific game I want to play, finding it can be a bit of a chore. 😅
It's always neat to hear the inspirations behind great works of art! I'm glad he shared this true story (maji hanashi).
I wonder if Hip Tanaka now is around the age of this older debugger person who was his muse. That would really make one feel the passage of time and post sentimental stories.
39 years. It does feel like a lifetime ago. I was at a friend's house in front of his console TV and the Metroid end battle and escape were harrowing. But the triumphant music kicked in and boy what a shock when we saw Samus revealed in that twist ending!
Just checked out that Moji Yūgi (Word Play) trailer above and that looks intriguing, too. I’m not sure my kanji-reading is up to the task, but it would be good Japanese practice! 🤓
UFO 50! That’s all I needed to see to make this a winning showcase. I’ve waited so long to play this game! I will double-dip on a physical if it ever comes.
As is often the case in these Indie Directs,, there were a bunch of enticing games on display. I can see myself picking up Mina, Ball Pit, Well Dweller, and maybe Neverway. And Is This Seat Taken looked fun too, very Snipperclips look to it, hmm…
But what I really need are UFO 50 and Minishoot’ Adventures for Switch/S2 someday. I don't use Steam or other consoles and I'd love to play either of those games.
Also, I sure would like to get a Spelunky / Spelunky 2 physical release. Didn't LRG drop hints years ago that they were working on that?
Thanks for the additions! Mark of the Ninja was one I was trying to think of! (I don’t own it) The Ninja Gaiden Trilogy certainly qualifies, though I was thinking mainly of 2D run&slash games. Those others I’ll have to look up! Furry tanuki ninjas, maybe?
I’m already overinformed on games to play, and I wonder if many of the Japan-exclusive games I love would fall outside of this app’s range. Still, I imagine this would be a fun way to window-shop, maybe find a few unknown gems, or just pick what to play next when you’re paralyzed for choice!
Could Hades II be in here headlining, or is it too major these days? How sweet would it be if Mini Shoot Adventures and/or UFO 50 finally got ported over to Switch or the Deuce? I’d be ecstatic for either one.
I hope we get some exciting Indie announcements after last week’s underwhelming Partner Direct. The S2 is going to need continued strong indie support - and keep printing Switch cartridges so we can get some physical releases, too! The indie studios aren’t going to be paying for 64GB media.
What a pity I missed out on all those Gamecube-era LOTR games, as I resided in Japan in those days and they were never localized, as far as I know.
At least I enjoyed the LOTR Adventure Card Game on Switch. It’s got really quite beautiful painted art, and the card play and deck-building was fun enough.
I’d welcome the Shadow of Mordor games, too, if ever they come to S2.
I commented not long ago that it was Yuzo Koshiro’s soundtrack for Revenge of Shinobi on the Genesis that first opened my ears to how good home video game music could be. But I misspoke. Listening to Nintendo Music recently reminded me that there were, in fact, a few NES games which caught my attention a few years before the 16-bit era. A couple of my NES faves were Hip Tanaka’s work on Kid Icarus and Metroid. Just brilliant work on both of those, that transcended what I thought was possible on the humble little NES.
I’m glad the legend is back in the studio! Hopefully we’ll get some of his new projects on Switch or the Deuce soon.
Sweet! Reads like it’s gonna be a nice addition to the shelf, along with the new Shinobi.
What will be the Switch Ninja game to rule them all??
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Cyber Shadow
Ninja Jajamaru Legendary Ninja Collection
Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors
Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn
The Messenger
I completed the survey yesterday and explained my strong preference for physical over games keys and digital in no uncertain terms. It's promising to see Nintendo give us a window to voice our opinions. I'd love to see the results! I'm sure Game Key Card = "much less likely to buy" for the (vast?) majority of the respondents.
I watched Zion's video yesterday, too, and 100% agree with the sentiment there.
Right now, clearly, the GKC controversy is a bad look and a thorn in the Switch 2's side. Nintendo was always a staunch supporter of physical game sales. Now, they are probably worse than Sony!
Nintendo has to be alarmed that 90% of 3rd party "physical" games on Switch 2 thus far are game keys, and that the core Nintendo gamers are not exactly embracing the things. Most likely, physical game sales on S2 are down relative to the Switch, perhaps without an offsetting increase in digital. In that scenario, Nintendo may even try to lessen the cost for 3rd parties to publish full physical games.
Last weekend I predicted playing Cyberpunk 2077 and DK Bananza, but I ended up sinking a whole week of gaming time (so far) into Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC. It’s because my “game + expansion pack” cartridge arrived from Japan, and also bc I needed a break from the wall I hit in Cyberpunk. For me, a good roguelite like Hades, Enter the Gungeon, or (happily) this Splatoon 3 DLC really captivate me like nothing else. They just delight that arcade kid in me, still trying to stretch out every coin as long as possible.
Even so, after this Splatoon gamecation I will return to the streets of Night City and take down that gonk boss lady that is giving me such trouble. @Rainz Thank you for the advice last weekend! I’ll try to change tactics a bit.
@Solid_Python I was responding to your comment as it is now, but no worries. We’re here to talk about the games we like, not quibble over the small stuff. I hope the eShop version is listed cheaper than the physical, even though I won’t be buying it there. I guess we’ll know soon enough!
@Solid_Python I’d just say slow your outrage until they announce the eShop pricing. Also, you did notice that VGP lists Canadian prices? Converted to USD, this Mortal Kombat ROM is $47 on Switch, $65 on S2. Not ideal, but better than $80, right?
Either way, you shouldn’t begrudge people their shopping preferences. I don’t go after people who like buying digitally, but call me just a paranoid lover of plastic and I will get defensive. 🤷🏻♀️
@Solid_Python “If I can’t buy a physical copy of my game just because corporations have convinced enough young people that ownership doesn’t matter, that is bs right there.”
But I wouldn’t fret - digital prices aren’t really tied to physical retail prices. After a few weeks, the title will be discounted on the eshop, probably on sale for 50% off after a year.
Great news from a couple of kool kompanies - Digital Eclipse and VGP. I’ll be preordering this on S2 as soon as we get official confirmation that the software is actually, like, ON the cartridge. It’s an important distinction!
It's nice to see some familiar, appropriately giant robots in the second trailer. The mini-mech Guyver suits are fun and all, but giant, pilotable mechs is what I look for in my robot games.
But that fusion system looks creepy as heck. No good ever comes from gene-splicing.
I'm really thinking I have to go back and play the first DxM game before September, as I never properly got into it.
Whoomp there it is! It truly was now or never time if we were going to have a July Direct.
This should be an interesting watch. I hope an abundance of game key cards doesn’t ruin it for me! Although, publishers most likely won’t even discuss “physical” releases - they’ll just let those details quietly slip out later.
@sdelfin Even if Matt Murdock doesn’t make it into this Cosmic Invasion game, you’re absolutely right in that his skill set is perfect for a 2D beat em up! Maybe we can get a future game that’s less cosmic and more gritty and street smart, starring DD, Elektra, Moon Knight, Luke Cage, and such? Something where you take down The Hand, or Kingpin, or Hydra instead of some Secret Invasion vs Annihilus or Thanos. 😅
Capcom had just such a themed game with their Punisher arcade game years ago, which is a standout addition to their Marvel vs Capcom Collection on Switch. That release is another treat for Marvel fans, if you haven’t checked it out! The lack of Daredevil in all those collected games will probably annoy you, though.
@sdelfin You’re welcome! Marvel UA is top-down and plays differently from side-scrolling beat em ups, but I’d say it is a decent time for and worth playing for Marvel readers. The roster is really expansive, so it’s fun enough going along just unlocking characters. I only wish they’d released an all-in-one edition, because the FF and some other characters were only available as DLC and not on the cartridge I bought.
Nice! This is looking like another quality beat em up and a worthy sequel to the first game. The Super Ultra Edition is overkill for me, but put me down for a Deluxe Edition - I’ve gotta get this sweet-sounding Anamanaguchi OST on CD! Best shop music in video games. 😆 It’s going to be a long wait for this physical, though, knowing LRG. Hopefully a physical for Marvel Cosmic Invasion comes out sooner, to scratch that beat em up itch.
Buying on Switch, of course - a Switch 2 cart would probably cost $70-80 unless it’s another lousy game key. Honestly, I’m more than fine with games of smaller file sizes like this continuing to get physical releases on Switch, since S2 physical media apparently is so poorly suited to the job. I wonder if the fine folks at Supergiant and Team Cherry are weighing this decision now for Hades II and Silksong - affordable S1 physical, unaffordable S2 physical, or S2 game key?? It’s a pity Nintendo is putting 3rd parties into such a pickle.
Grownup responsibilities notwithstanding, I’ll continue indulging in some DK Bananza while the kids are about and a little Cyberpunk 2077 when on my own.
I didn’t touch Bananza all week and haven’t even met.Pauline yet, so I’ve got a lot of smashing left to do.
In Cyberpunk I’ve kind of hit my first wall, in the shape of a jacked-up beast mode boss lady who zips around and hammers my poor little netrunner character dead in like 2 hits. My trusty “sting them from afar” tactics are useless. I probably have to turn tail and go see a ripperdoc to get cyborged up, and finally learn how to slide and dodge. Ah well.
@sdelfin Just curious, are you aware Daredevil is a playable character in Marvel Ultimate Alliance on Switch? He was one of my fave heroes to use in the game, as I loved reading his comic back in the 80s-90s.
Oh wow, Norin Radd and Beta Ray Bill?? This game has gone from a must-buy to a MUST-must-buy for me. This is a dev team that knows how to do licensed games and appreciates their subject matter.
I haven’t been this excited for a beat em up since Dotemu did Shredder’s Revenge (and SoR4, before that).
I imagine DLC will be inevitable for the game, so I’ll make the request now - how about a Fantastic Four pack for us True Believers out here? It’d tie in nicely with this summer’s movie, and who better to fight that negative zone creep Annihilus than Marvel’s first family?
(IIRC, Annihilus debuted in the pages of the FF.)
Grounded was neck-and-neck with Unicorn Overlord for my most-played game of 2024. I had such a wonderful time with it - exploring, gathering, crafting, and building bases and wireway towers all over the place - it was easily my favorite survival game on Switch since Subnautica. I played entirely offline and had fun with it, despite the less than optimal performance. I didn’t even know they patched in gyro! I’ll have to go back and try it now on the Deuce.
I’m all for periodic updates and future-proofing, even if none of it is on my cartridge for the game. I’ll take it! And I certainly would check out the sequel on S2 someday.
Nice additions that will bring some of us WAY back to the day. I imagine people can use these tracks to sprinkle a lot of variety and fun interstitials into their custom playlists.
Oh this is actually quite awesome! I wouldn’t have expected such a collab. It’s going to be great playing 2600 Pac-Man again. For at least 60 seconds - then I’ll remember just how awful a port it was!!
Today I’ve got one sad obligation (funeral) and one happy obligation (going to see the Superman movie), but tomorrow is forecast to be a rainy day, perfect for bananas and chooms (aka DK Bananza and Cyberpunk 2077).
Shadow Labyrinth looks at me forlornly from the shelf, but don’t worry, my little pac buddy - I’ll make time for you soon!
Also I guess I’ll try not to say “Ooh, BA-NA-NA!” too much this weekend. The kids think I’m a crazy enough geek as it is.
I guessed right! This review read like this was a “7” game. Good enough! 😁
I’ve loved “7” ranked games in the past and I’m sure Shadow Labyrinth will be fun for me. I’ve enjoyed a few modern reimaginings of classic games on Switch lately - mainly Atari games like Yar’s Rising and Lunar Lander Beyond - and doubtless this Pac-Man homage will be a happy addition to my game shelf.
Cor blimey! A few of us American kids got to watch DM on Nickelodeon back in the early-mid 80s I think. It was a goofy show, but no toilet humor! This game must be based on a reboot. Color me mildly interested.
Enjoying this huge game and it’s nice to see the ongoing support! I’ll try out that autodrive feature for sure, so I can just sit back occasionally to enjoy the Night City scenery. 😎🌆
Edit, 7/17/25 (DK Banaza Day):
I see this update for Cyberpunk is already live on S2. That was a short wait! I have to try out a robotaxi ride (I half hope the navi glitches and freaks out, since this isn’t real life!)😜
Nice, relatable opinion piece! I certainly have more than enough games to play, and a gap of 6 weeks between major 1st party releases flies by at my age. DKB could come out next month and it wouldn’t faze me - I’m already neglecting S2 games as it is!
While my dance card may be filled, though, that’s not the case for everyone. I think there is impatience out there for upcoming S2 games, especially 3rd party stuff.
I wonder if this unease is due in part to the Deuce’s June release, and folks’ tendency to compare it to the OG Switch’s incredible launch year. The Switch Uno came out in March and had 3 more months to pile up game announcements and get ready for the crucial year-end period. Plus, Nintendo in 2017 really came on with a vengeance, a fierce fresh start following the disastrous Wii U era. I don’t know if Nintendo can ever replicate such a year. Are we subconsciously holding the Switch Deux to such a high standard?
I’ll continue to feel no remorse whatsoever for not spending a moment’s time with your RPG franchise. Too many titles at this point, too little time, and too much else to play to be bothered.
@SplatRay001 Sadly, no physical release in the West. The Japanese physical, though, does have text in multiple languages, and voice acting in either English or Japanese.
@SpaceboyScreams Oh there’s certainly no debating your point - the trend is clearly more and more games get patches and DLC these days, and we almost never get the complete, patched games on physical media.
But maybe I misunderstood your comment last week? In my response, I was just trying to say the following: If we get a playable, complete base game in a physical release, then that cartridge or disc holds intrinsic, tangible and persistent value for me. (I’d say more value than a nontransferable, revocable license to play aka “digital game” does.)
Of course the value of that physical game diminishes if it doesn’t contain subsequent DLC or important patches, as you reminded us. But I’ll gladly take a less-than-perfect physical copy of a game over a digital download (or game key) any day.
All the publishers are pushing us towards an all-digital future (mainly to enrich themselves). It’s probably inevitable, as you say. I’ll be checking out of modern gaming then, to enjoy my retro physical games, not unlike a vinyl record collector or reader of paper-bound books. But I’ll take my small victories for now, like this physical copy of Fantasy Life i. 😁
Comments 2,855
Re: Preview: Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - A Smart Evolution For Mech Fans, And A Good Early Test For Switch 2
Thanks for the informative preview, PJ! I've had my physical Titanic Scion preordered since early July or so, and it looked like the game was shaping up nicely for mecha fans, but this write-up really cinches it! It sure sounds like this is going to be glorious robot fun - I just hope I have time enough to devote to it and spec some mechs properly. I'm just getting into UFO 50, have yet to finish Cyberpunk or DK Bananza, and the fall onslaught of games is nearly upon us. Including another mecha must-buy for me: Super Robot Taisen Y! @_@;
But cheers to Marvelous for bringing this game West, and on a true physical S2 cartridge!
Re: Kirby Air Riders Direct Revealed for Tomorrow, 19th August 2025
Hyped!
I’m sure Sakurai-san and co. will bring us a fun game.
45 mins though? He sure is a thorough guy!
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Super Adventure Island (SNES)
Japan, easily. You can’t vote against Takahashi-meijin, Japan’s biggest celebrity gamer!
He famously won Hudson’s national Star Soldier competition with his incredibly rapid rate of fire. Hudson then hired him for celebrity endorsement and advisor, named the Adventure Island games after him, and made him protagonist for the hit series. I think all that interesting context was scrubbed from the Western versions of the games, sadly.
Re: Feature: 32 Games We're Dying To See On Switch 2
The continuing absence of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on any Nintendo system is a crime against humanity.
I’d also love to get PS4 era titles like the Shadow of Mordor games, or Mad Max.
But fun list! Switch/S2 are basically my only modern consoles, so port away! Hopefully we’ll get to cross some of these titles off the list over time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th August)
After a busy few weeks the kiddos just want to stay home and chill today, so there should be time to play some more UFO 50 and DK Bananza. I may try to rally the kids to go to the local observatory with me tonight though, to stargaze and appreciate the Milky Way a bit. We’ll see….
In the kids’ absence I’ll want to sink more time into Raiden NOVA - it’s always so satisfying to zap hordes of enemies in a storm of vulcan fire or with your big bendy purple plasma ray. Or I might return to Cyberpunk 2077, as, fortuitously, the armored berserk hammer lady who kept wrecking me got caught in a glitch and just hopped around defenseless while I unloaded about a hundred shotgun rounds and finally won for once! What a gonk victory. I’ll take it, though! 😂
I’m just glad to be free to roam the streets of Night City again.
Wishing everyone a fun weekend! 🕹️🪐🛸
Re: Review: UFO 50 (Switch) - A Wondrous Smorgasbord Of Retro Delights
I absolutely love the concept behind UFO 50, and was waiting impatiently for it to make it to Switch.
It’s a brilliant game that tickles the nostalgia for all us kids of the eighties, and a fun study of game design and discovery for all ages.
I’ve already double-dipped - eshop insta-buy last week, and preordered the nice Deluxe Edition physical due out in Feb next year from Fangamer.
@LastFootnote
Excellent suggestion! I didn’t even think to use my NES controllers for UFO 50. I will definitely charge them up and try!
Re: Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Appears To Now Have A Proper Physical Switch Release
Well that would be a pleasant surprise. I’ve heard that they patched the games pretty hard since release, so if all 3 games and the patches are all on the cart, I’d invest!
Probably just wishful thinking, though…
Re: Nintendo Expands Switch 2's GameCube Library Next Week
Exciting! I’ve never played but have been curious about Chibi Robo for a long time. I’ll have to try it out. 🤖
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (9th August)
Amidst the outdoor activities and usual weekend chores, I’ll try a few more runs in the Splatoon 3 roguelite DLC, trying to find that magic mix of permanent upgrades and synergized ability boost drops that’ll help me climb the tower one last time and earn the final unlockable weapon. After all the cake walks with full stat boosts to earn the other weapons, you’re nerfed with this final weapon loadout. I’ll need luck and persistence and really have to sharpen my faded Splatoon skill to beat this challenge.
Meanwhile UFO 50 beckons me to “play forever,” and I probably could, based on the little taste of the game I’ve had thus far. What an imaginative way to recreate that 80s kid experience of sitting cross-legged on the floor with a TV, an NES or Master System, and a magical little pile of games to play! We’d have fun with the older, simpler faves, the novelty of something borrowed or rented, and were wowed by the more sophisticated newer releases, all the while daydreaming of what games we would design if we could. What a treat it’ll be, uncovering the history of this 8-bit console that never existed!
Wishing everyone a fun weekend! 🕹️👾
Re: SNK Announces ACA NEOGEO Selection Vol. 7 And Vol. 8 For Switch
Love this, Hamster - keep ‘em coming and I’ll keep buying! In my college years I had a friend who actually owned a NEOGEO, so each visit I’d get treated to some KOF or Fatal Fury, or admire Pulstar from afar. 😁
I think on Vol. 7, I’ll be most keen to play King of the Monsters 2, or just chill out with Puzzle Bobble. Vol. 8 is all about my old arcade fave ‘Nam 1975 for me, but I’ve heard Blue’s Journey is also quality.
@TYRANACLES
I agree, can’t wait for Magician Lord to someday get into one of these compilations!
@PKDuckman
I actually don’t mind the randomness of titles on each volume - it’s like walking up to a NEOGEO machine in an arcade and seeing which games are installed. Though if there is a specific game I want to play, finding it can be a bit of a chore. 😅
Re: Random: Metroid Composer Was Just Trying To Impress Someone With Ending Theme
It's always neat to hear the inspirations behind great works of art! I'm glad he shared this true story (maji hanashi).
I wonder if Hip Tanaka now is around the age of this older debugger person who was his muse. That would really make one feel the passage of time and post sentimental stories.
39 years. It does feel like a lifetime ago. I was at a friend's house in front of his console TV and the Metroid end battle and escape were harrowing. But the triumphant music kicked in and boy what a shock when we saw Samus revealed in that twist ending!
Re: Nintendo Indie World Showcase August 2025 - Every Announcement, Game Reveal & Trailer
Just checked out that Moji Yūgi (Word Play) trailer above and that looks intriguing, too. I’m not sure my kanji-reading is up to the task, but it would be good Japanese practice! 🤓
Re: Nintendo Indie World Showcase August 2025 - Every Announcement, Game Reveal & Trailer
UFO 50! That’s all I needed to see to make this a winning showcase. I’ve waited so long to play this game! I will double-dip on a physical if it ever comes.
As is often the case in these Indie Directs,, there were a bunch of enticing games on display. I can see myself picking up Mina, Ball Pit, Well Dweller, and maybe Neverway. And Is This Seat Taken looked fun too, very Snipperclips look to it, hmm…
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo Indie World Showcase Predictions - What Do You Hope To See?
Hades II and Silksong are gimmes, of course.
But what I really need are UFO 50 and Minishoot’ Adventures for Switch/S2 someday. I don't use Steam or other consoles and I'd love to play either of those games.
Also, I sure would like to get a Spelunky / Spelunky 2 physical release. Didn't LRG drop hints years ago that they were working on that?
Re: Review: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (Switch) - A Gorgeous & Gory Return To The Series' 2D Roots
@TYRANACLES @jfp
Thanks for the additions!
Mark of the Ninja was one I was trying to think of! (I don’t own it)
The Ninja Gaiden Trilogy certainly qualifies, though I was thinking mainly of 2D run&slash games.
Those others I’ll have to look up! Furry tanuki ninjas, maybe?
Re: Ludocene, The Deckbuilding 'Dating App For Games', Launches Today
I’m already overinformed on games to play, and I wonder if many of the Japan-exclusive games I love would fall outside of this app’s range. Still, I imagine this would be a fun way to window-shop, maybe find a few unknown gems, or just pick what to play next when you’re paralyzed for choice!
Re: Surprise! Nintendo Announces Indie World Showcase For Thursday 7th August 2025
Silksong!!
JK 🤣
Could Hades II be in here headlining, or is it too major these days?
How sweet would it be if Mini Shoot Adventures and/or UFO 50 finally got ported over to Switch or the Deuce? I’d be ecstatic for either one.
I hope we get some exciting Indie announcements after last week’s underwhelming Partner Direct. The S2 is going to need continued strong indie support - and keep printing Switch cartridges so we can get some physical releases, too! The indie studios aren’t going to be paying for 64GB media.
Re: Best Lord Of The Rings Games, Ranked - Switch And Nintendo Systems
What a pity I missed out on all those Gamecube-era LOTR games, as I resided in Japan in those days and they were never localized, as far as I know.
At least I enjoyed the LOTR Adventure Card Game on Switch. It’s got really quite beautiful painted art, and the card play and deck-building was fun enough.
I’d welcome the Shadow of Mordor games, too, if ever they come to S2.
Re: Pilotwings SNES, N64 And 3DS Albums Soar Onto 'Nintendo Music' In New Update
Awesome! I know what I’ll be chillin with this week 😎
Re: Tetris & Metroid Composer 'Hip' Tanaka Is Getting Back Into Video Game Music
I commented not long ago that it was Yuzo Koshiro’s soundtrack for Revenge of Shinobi on the Genesis that first opened my ears to how good home video game music could be. But I misspoke. Listening to Nintendo Music recently reminded me that there were, in fact, a few NES games which caught my attention a few years before the 16-bit era. A couple of my NES faves were Hip Tanaka’s work on Kid Icarus and Metroid. Just brilliant work on both of those, that transcended what I thought was possible on the humble little NES.
I’m glad the legend is back in the studio! Hopefully we’ll get some of his new projects on Switch or the Deuce soon.
Re: Review: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (Switch) - A Gorgeous & Gory Return To The Series' 2D Roots
Sweet! Reads like it’s gonna be a nice addition to the shelf, along with the new Shinobi.
What will be the Switch Ninja game to rule them all??
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Cyber Shadow
Ninja Jajamaru Legendary Ninja Collection
Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors
Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn
The Messenger
(Did I forget any??) 😅
Re: Nintendo Sends Out Second Game-Key Card & Physical Game Survey
I completed the survey yesterday and explained my strong preference for physical over games keys and digital in no uncertain terms. It's promising to see Nintendo give us a window to voice our opinions.
I'd love to see the results! I'm sure Game Key Card = "much less likely to buy" for the (vast?) majority of the respondents.
I watched Zion's video yesterday, too, and 100% agree with the sentiment there.
Right now, clearly, the GKC controversy is a bad look and a thorn in the Switch 2's side. Nintendo was always a staunch supporter of physical game sales. Now, they are probably worse than Sony!
Nintendo has to be alarmed that 90% of 3rd party "physical" games on Switch 2 thus far are game keys, and that the core Nintendo gamers are not exactly embracing the things. Most likely, physical game sales on S2 are down relative to the Switch, perhaps without an offsetting increase in digital. In that scenario, Nintendo may even try to lessen the cost for 3rd parties to publish full physical games.
One could hope...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (2nd August)
Last weekend I predicted playing Cyberpunk 2077 and DK Bananza, but I ended up sinking a whole week of gaming time (so far) into Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC. It’s because my “game + expansion pack” cartridge arrived from Japan, and also bc I needed a break from the wall I hit in Cyberpunk. For me, a good roguelite like Hades, Enter the Gungeon, or (happily) this Splatoon 3 DLC really captivate me like nothing else. They just delight that arcade kid in me, still trying to stretch out every coin as long as possible.
Even so, after this Splatoon gamecation I will return to the streets of Night City and take down that gonk boss lady that is giving me such trouble.
@Rainz
Thank you for the advice last weekend! I’ll try to change tactics a bit.
Wishing all NL friends a fun weekend! 🕹️👾
Re: Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection Gets Proper Physical Release On Switch 2
@Solid_Python
I was responding to your comment as it is now, but no worries. We’re here to talk about the games we like, not quibble over the small stuff. I hope the eShop version is listed cheaper than the physical, even though I won’t be buying it there. I guess we’ll know soon enough!
Re: Mortal Kombat's Legacy Kollection Might Actually Get A Proper Physical Release On Switch 2
@Solid_Python
I’d just say slow your outrage until they announce the eShop pricing. Also, you did notice that VGP lists Canadian prices? Converted to USD, this Mortal Kombat ROM is $47 on Switch, $65 on S2. Not ideal, but better than $80, right?
Either way, you shouldn’t begrudge people their shopping preferences. I don’t go after people who like buying digitally, but call me just a paranoid lover of plastic and I will get defensive. 🤷🏻♀️
Re: Mortal Kombat's Legacy Kollection Might Actually Get A Proper Physical Release On Switch 2
@Solid_Python
“If I can’t buy a physical copy of my game just because corporations have convinced enough young people that ownership doesn’t matter, that is bs right there.”
But I wouldn’t fret - digital prices aren’t really tied to physical retail prices. After a few weeks, the title will be discounted on the eshop, probably on sale for 50% off after a year.
Re: Mortal Kombat's Legacy Kollection Might Actually Get A Proper Physical Release On Switch 2
Great news from a couple of kool kompanies - Digital Eclipse and VGP.
I’ll be preordering this on S2 as soon as we get official confirmation that the software is actually, like, ON the cartridge. It’s an important distinction!
Re: Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Drops Two New Gameplay Videos
It's nice to see some familiar, appropriately giant robots in the second trailer. The mini-mech Guyver suits are fun and all, but giant, pilotable mechs is what I look for in my robot games.
But that fusion system looks creepy as heck. No good ever comes from gene-splicing.
I'm really thinking I have to go back and play the first DxM game before September, as I never properly got into it.
Re: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Announced For Tomorrow, 31st July 2025
Whoomp there it is! It truly was now or never time if we were going to have a July Direct.
This should be an interesting watch. I hope an abundance of game key cards doesn’t ruin it for me! Although, publishers most likely won’t even discuss “physical” releases - they’ll just let those details quietly slip out later.
Re: Review: Tales Of The Shire: A The Lord Of The Rings Game (Switch) - The Hobbit, Or "There It Crashed Again"
I don't know half of this game half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of it half as well as it deserves.
Game development is a nasty business, Mr. Frodo.
Thanks for the entertaining review though, Kate!
Re: Marvel's New Beat 'Em Up 'Cosmic Invasion' Reveals Two More Playable Characters
@sdelfin
Even if Matt Murdock doesn’t make it into this Cosmic Invasion game, you’re absolutely right in that his skill set is perfect for a 2D beat em up! Maybe we can get a future game that’s less cosmic and more gritty and street smart, starring DD, Elektra, Moon Knight, Luke Cage, and such? Something where you take down The Hand, or Kingpin, or Hydra instead of some Secret Invasion vs Annihilus or Thanos. 😅
Capcom had just such a themed game with their Punisher arcade game years ago, which is a standout addition to their Marvel vs Capcom Collection on Switch. That release is another treat for Marvel fans, if you haven’t checked it out! The lack of Daredevil in all those collected games will probably annoy you, though.
Re: Marvel's New Beat 'Em Up 'Cosmic Invasion' Reveals Two More Playable Characters
@sdelfin
You’re welcome! Marvel UA is top-down and plays differently from side-scrolling beat em ups, but I’d say it is a decent time for and worth playing for Marvel readers. The roster is really expansive, so it’s fun enough going along just unlocking characters. I only wish they’d released an all-in-one edition, because the FF and some other characters were only available as DLC and not on the cartridge I bought.
Re: Scott Pilgrim EX Brings More Beat 'Em Up Action To Switch In "Early 2026"
Nice! This is looking like another quality beat em up and a worthy sequel to the first game. The Super Ultra Edition is overkill for me, but put me down for a Deluxe Edition - I’ve gotta get this sweet-sounding Anamanaguchi OST on CD! Best shop music in video games. 😆
It’s going to be a long wait for this physical, though, knowing LRG.
Hopefully a physical for Marvel Cosmic Invasion comes out sooner, to scratch that beat em up itch.
Buying on Switch, of course - a Switch 2 cart would probably cost $70-80 unless it’s another lousy game key. Honestly, I’m more than fine with games of smaller file sizes like this continuing to get physical releases on Switch, since S2 physical media apparently is so poorly suited to the job.
I wonder if the fine folks at Supergiant and Team Cherry are weighing this decision now for Hades II and Silksong - affordable S1 physical, unaffordable S2 physical, or S2 game key?? It’s a pity Nintendo is putting 3rd parties into such a pickle.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (26th July)
Grownup responsibilities notwithstanding, I’ll continue indulging in some DK Bananza while the kids are about and a little Cyberpunk 2077 when on my own.
I didn’t touch Bananza all week and haven’t even met.Pauline yet, so I’ve got a lot of smashing left to do.
In Cyberpunk I’ve kind of hit my first wall, in the shape of a jacked-up beast mode boss lady who zips around and hammers my poor little netrunner character dead in like 2 hits. My trusty “sting them from afar” tactics are useless. I probably have to turn tail and go see a ripperdoc to get cyborged up, and finally learn how to slide and dodge. Ah well.
Wishing everyone a fun weekend! 🕹️🍌🦾
Re: Marvel's New Beat 'Em Up 'Cosmic Invasion' Reveals Two More Playable Characters
@RainbowGazelle
You are wise!
Meanwhile I will be buying this game physically probably 3 times. 😵💫
Re: Marvel's New Beat 'Em Up 'Cosmic Invasion' Reveals Two More Playable Characters
@sdelfin
Just curious, are you aware Daredevil is a playable character in Marvel Ultimate Alliance on Switch?
He was one of my fave heroes to use in the game, as I loved reading his comic back in the 80s-90s.
Re: Marvel's New Beat 'Em Up 'Cosmic Invasion' Reveals Two More Playable Characters
Oh wow, Norin Radd and Beta Ray Bill?? This game has gone from a must-buy to a MUST-must-buy for me. This is a dev team that knows how to do licensed games and appreciates their subject matter.
I haven’t been this excited for a beat em up since Dotemu did Shredder’s Revenge (and SoR4, before that).
I imagine DLC will be inevitable for the game, so I’ll make the request now - how about a Fantastic Four pack for us True Believers out here? It’d tie in nicely with this summer’s movie, and who better to fight that negative zone creep Annihilus than Marvel’s first family?
(IIRC, Annihilus debuted in the pages of the FF.)
Re: Grounded "Is Not Going Anywhere" As Obsidian Gears Up For Survival Sequel
Grounded was neck-and-neck with Unicorn Overlord for my most-played game of 2024.
I had such a wonderful time with it - exploring, gathering, crafting, and building bases and wireway towers all over the place - it was easily my favorite survival game on Switch since Subnautica. I played entirely offline and had fun with it, despite the less than optimal performance. I didn’t even know they patched in gyro! I’ll have to go back and try it now on the Deuce.
I’m all for periodic updates and future-proofing, even if none of it is on my cartridge for the game. I’ll take it! And I certainly would check out the sequel on S2 someday.
Re: Nintendo Music Update Adds 26 "Old-School" NES And Famicom Game Albums
Nice additions that will bring some of us WAY back to the day. I imagine people can use these tracks to sprinkle a lot of variety and fun interstitials into their custom playlists.
Re: Atari 50 Is Getting Yet Another DLC Pack, This Time Focused On Namco Titles
Oh this is actually quite awesome! I wouldn’t have expected such a collab.
It’s going to be great playing 2600 Pac-Man again. For at least 60 seconds - then I’ll remember just how awful a port it was!!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th July)
Today I’ve got one sad obligation (funeral) and one happy obligation (going to see the Superman movie), but tomorrow is forecast to be a rainy day, perfect for bananas and chooms (aka DK Bananza and Cyberpunk 2077).
Shadow Labyrinth looks at me forlornly from the shelf, but don’t worry, my little pac buddy - I’ll make time for you soon!
Also I guess I’ll try not to say “Ooh, BA-NA-NA!” too much this weekend. The kids think I’m a crazy enough geek as it is.
Wishing everyone a fun weekend! 🕹️🍌🍌
Re: Review: Shadow Labyrinth - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Sometimes 'Good Enough' Is Just That
@kuu_nousee @Ellie-Moo
Confirmed - I just checked Amazon JP’s listing, and Shadow Labyrinth S2 edition is simply a CODE IN A BOX. Buyer beware!
Re: Review: Shadow Labyrinth - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Sometimes 'Good Enough' Is Just That
I guessed right! This review read like this was a “7” game. Good enough! 😁
I’ve loved “7” ranked games in the past and I’m sure Shadow Labyrinth will be fun for me. I’ve enjoyed a few modern reimaginings of classic games on Switch lately - mainly Atari games like Yar’s Rising and Lunar Lander Beyond - and doubtless this Pac-Man homage will be a happy addition to my game shelf.
Re: Danger Mouse Is Back With A New Game Tie-In For The Switch
Cor blimey! A few of us American kids got to watch DM on Nickelodeon back in the early-mid 80s I think. It was a goofy show, but no toilet humor! This game must be based on a reboot.
Color me mildly interested.
⚡️FRUIT DROPS!⚡️
Re: Cyberpunk 2077 Update Announced For Switch 2, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Enjoying this huge game and it’s nice to see the ongoing support! I’ll try out that autodrive feature for sure, so I can just sit back occasionally to enjoy the Night City scenery. 😎🌆
Edit, 7/17/25 (DK Banaza Day):
I see this update for Cyberpunk is already live on S2. That was a short wait! I have to try out a robotaxi ride (I half hope the navi glitches and freaks out, since this isn’t real life!)😜
Re: Review: Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2) - Absolutely Smashing, But Can It Beat Mario Odyssey?
Looking forward to going BA-NA-NAS!
DKB sounds like it’ll be a fun romp - hopefully I can get my kiddos to play co-op with me.
Re: Opinion: Honestly, I'm So Glad We Had To Wait For Donkey Kong Bananza
Nice, relatable opinion piece!
I certainly have more than enough games to play, and a gap of 6 weeks between major 1st party releases flies by at my age. DKB could come out next month and it wouldn’t faze me - I’m already neglecting S2 games as it is!
While my dance card may be filled, though, that’s not the case for everyone. I think there is impatience out there for upcoming S2 games, especially 3rd party stuff.
I wonder if this unease is due in part to the Deuce’s June release, and folks’ tendency to compare it to the OG Switch’s incredible launch year. The Switch Uno came out in March and had 3 more months to pile up game announcements and get ready for the crucial year-end period.
Plus, Nintendo in 2017 really came on with a vengeance, a fierce fresh start following the disastrous Wii U era. I don’t know if Nintendo can ever replicate such a year. Are we subconsciously holding the Switch Deux to such a high standard?
Re: Square Enix Rules Out Switch 2 "Upgrade Path" For Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
Boo! Hiss! 👎🏼
I’ll continue to feel no remorse whatsoever for not spending a moment’s time with your RPG franchise.
Too many titles at this point, too little time, and too much else to play to be bothered.
Re: Fantasy Life i Switch 2 Physical Release And Photo Mode Update Announced
@SplatRay001
Sadly, no physical release in the West.
The Japanese physical, though, does have text in multiple languages, and voice acting in either English or Japanese.
Re: Fantasy Life i Switch 2 Physical Release And Photo Mode Update Announced
@SpaceboyScreams
Oh there’s certainly no debating your point - the trend is clearly more and more games get patches and DLC these days, and we almost never get the complete, patched games on physical media.
But maybe I misunderstood your comment last week? In my response, I was just trying to say the following:
If we get a playable, complete base game in a physical release, then that cartridge or disc holds intrinsic, tangible and persistent value for me. (I’d say more value than a nontransferable, revocable license to play aka “digital game” does.)
Of course the value of that physical game diminishes if it doesn’t contain subsequent DLC or important patches, as you reminded us. But I’ll gladly take a less-than-perfect physical copy of a game over a digital download (or game key) any day.
All the publishers are pushing us towards an all-digital future (mainly to enrich themselves). It’s probably inevitable, as you say. I’ll be checking out of modern gaming then, to enjoy my retro physical games, not unlike a vinyl record collector or reader of paper-bound books. But I’ll take my small victories for now, like this physical copy of Fantasy Life i. 😁