Seeing as I wrapped up the incredible Donkey Kong Bananza just last week, I may as well try the new DK Island DLC and check out the Emerald Rush content. I think it looks super fun.
Other than that, I was planning to go back for another run through the Mario Wonder campaign, but now that it’s getting the Switch 2 Edition + [insert preposterous title] treatment, I may as well wait.
With Mario Galaxy 2 (the only mainline Mario I’ve not yet played) less than three weeks away, I may as well go to Super Mario 3D All-Stars and play the first Mario Galaxy for the first time on Switch 2. At least that way, it might stop me from buying both Galaxy games just for the 4K resolution and added story book pages. Then again, who am I kidding?
Oh and I almost forgot, I’m also just over halfway through the Kirby and the Forgotten Land campaign. It’s the first time I’m playing it since the original release, which I played entirely in handheld mode while on my last holiday abroad back in 2022. It’s still great to play in handheld – especially in bed – and once that’s done, I’ll go straight to the new Star-Crossed World content. Such a fun, chill game, this.
I’ve been obsessed with Donkey Kong Bananza since finally getting to it in early August. I really don’t know how, but I somehow managed to spend 105 hours on my way to running credits and starting the post-game content. Such a great game. I kinda got addicted to simply smashing stuff and collecting tons of gold. Although Mario Odyssey is still the pinnacle of the genre for me, Bananza is comfortably one of my favourite ever 3D platformers.
Despite beating the original Switch release at launch, I’ve now moved onto Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and decided to start a fresh save file before sampling the new Star-Crossed World content. After playing through Odyssey yet again when I initially got my Switch 2, Kirby is now the third 3D platformer I’m playing in succession.
[EDIT] One last thing I feel compelled to mention is that up until yesterday I’d not yet played my Switch 2 in handheld mode. It’s just sat in the dock for TV play ever since I set it up. And yet… I wanted to start Kirby in handheld, and upon starting up the game, I noticed there’s a SCRATCH on the screen. It’s only small, but I’m so, so upset. How could this have happened?? 😭
I really want to pick this one up, but with no Switch 2 optimisation whatsoever, this is a ‘no purchase’ for me right now. Of course, I could always just grab it on PS5, but this is a game that would suit handheld play.
@obijuankanoobie I watched a review for the PS5 version over the weekend. I’m 99% sure he said yes, there is an option to turn off blood. If you want to check yourself, the YouTube channel is Happy Console Gamer. Hope this helps.
As a Direct, I’d give it like a 5/10. But as a game, it’s looking like a solid 9 to me. I just hope it’s as fun as MK8D and not too bogged down by trying to be something that reinvents the wheel.
I’m also hoping the game will get free updates with more tracks and characters. I mean, for the price, I think the game needs ongoing support for at least a couple years.
Right now, I have the Nintendo bug pretty bad and the Switch 2 reveal has totally pulled me back into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Alongside that, I’m also playing the odd match in the surprisingly super fun Mario Strikers Battle League. My PS5, on the other hand, isn’t getting so much as a look, especially as my DualSense has the worst drift ever! Way worse than any of my JoyCon ever have.
Seeing as I bought it at release and still hadn’t played it, I finally started Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe this week. Currently 4hrs in and really enjoying it. Hopefully I’ll have it wrapped up before the year is out.
Over on PS5, I’m playing another game that I bought ages ago and have only just started. This one is Devil May Cry 5 and it’s awesome. Such a fun game to blast through. I also just wrapped up the Winter Wonder level in Astro Bot. It’s such a great game that makes me yearn for a Mario Odyssey 2 or Galaxy 3 on the next Switch console. Here’s hoping!
At 51 years of age, I’ve been gaming for as long as I can remember. And yet, despite all that experience, I’ve not noticed a single frame drop. I’m not saying frame rate issues aren’t there, I’m just saying my eyes don’t pick them up. And for that, I’m so thankful.
I’ve not had much time for gaming these past couple weeks due to family commitments, but I have been finding the odd twenty minutes here and half an hour there to make some headway into Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. Been playing exclusively in handheld mode (which is rare for me) and really enjoying my first Mario RPG since Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. Looks great on the OLED, too!
It’s incredible to me that Tears of the Kingdom is only 11.25m units shy of Breath of the Wild. I’m sure it’ll never catch up, but considering there’s six years between their respective release dates, that’s super impressive.
It’s also interesting that they both sold around the same 200,000 units last quarter. I’d have expected TOTK to have sold more than BOTW, but it was actually the other way around by about 10,000. Hence why I can’t see TOTK catching up.
I’m still working my way through my backlog of games that I never got around to finishing the first time around. With Metroid Dread and Luigi’s Mansion 3 wrapped over the past few weeks, I’m now ready to move onto the next game. And I’m thinking something Game Cube flavoured.
After only getting around five hours into it at release last year before getting distracted by something else, Metroid Prime Remastered is definitely a strong candidate, but I’m actually leaning towards Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. It’ll be my first Mario RPG since Partner’s in Time, which I adored, and I really want to see if this one also clicks with me.
After restarting it a couple weeks ago, I finally finished Metroid Dread this week. When I played it at launch, I never got past half-way, so I started a whole new save file and loved every minute. What an amazing game! So, with restarting backlog games that I never actually finished the first time around now being the order of the day, next up is Luigi’s Mansion 3. I’ve reached the 10th floor already and I’m having a blast.
I don’t care how upset we are that LM2HD is a full £50/$60 game, it doesn’t deserve an 'abysmal'. And yet three of the 14 people to submit a rating (so far) disagree. Sure, give it 6 or even a 5. But a 1/10?
Conker has to come to the Mature N64 app at some point, right? I’ve never played it, but always wanted to. Here’s hoping. Also, as someone who recently finished the RE2 remake on PS5, I’d love to check out the N64 port, too.
This is the one. I really feel this is the Direct where we finally get The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD announcement we’ve been waiting forever for. I can feel it in my bones!
I also wouldn’t say no to Yoshi’s Woolly World or even a third release of Kirby’s Epic Yarn. In fact, scratch that, give us Kirby Planet Robobot on Switch and I’ll be super happy! Oh and I’d love a new Pullblox/Pushmo title, too.
Seeing as I leant it to my brother whilst I was only halfway through back when it originally released, I finally revisited the incredible Metroid Dread yesterday. I thought it best to start a brand new save file and I’ve just beat the first boss. Having a blast, too. This is peak gaming right here!
After a few months away, I’ve got back into Switch this past week or so. Been playing Animal Crossing and mopping up collectibles in Mario Wonder. I may well pick up Paper Mario, too.
I’ll never forget May 12th 2023 and the launch of Tears of the Kingdom. Over the three months that followed, I didn’t once touch my PS5 or Series X and played literally nothing else, accruing more than 290 hours in the game, comfortably eclipsing the 225 that I have in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I simply adored the game and, at the time, proclaimed it the greatest video game ever created.
I definitely still stand by that statement, but as the ensuing nine months have passed, I must admit that my passion for the game has cooled somewhat. I do pop back in every once in a while for the odd hour, but I doubt I’ll ever go back for a full second playthrough. Maybe, just maybe, should it ever get a 4K 60FPS update on Nintendo’s next console, but even then, I kinda doubt it. I’d far sooner look back upon those three perfect summer months with great fondness than risk tainting such wonderful memories.
However, one thing is absolutely beyond any shadow of doubt. I’ve never before or since completely and utterly immersed myself in a video game world like I did with Tears of the Kingdom’s Hyrule. And for that, I shall be forever grateful.
I hadn’t really touched my Switch since Mario Wonder and even then it was exclusively in docked mode. But this past week, my wife and I went to Amsterdam for a few days, so I had two four-hour Eurostar rides to reacquaint myself with the OLED handheld.
I played a mixture of Animal Crossing: New Horizon’s, Dead Cells and Vampire Survivors, and I had an absolute blast. So this weekend will be more of the same. Especially Vampire Survivors. Man, that is one addictive game, which at just £3.99, I highly recommend.
The breakdown of Hogwarts Legacy sales only adds up to 96%, so where’s the other 4% come from? 🤔
[EDIT] Just noticed there’s no Series X|S in the breakdown, so it must be that. Only goes to show just how poor Xbox are in boxed sales. Pun definitely intended.
Makes no odds to me because all three of the GAME stores I go to have shut down! Haven’t seen a single store anywhere in months! Besides, their prices for new games are absolutely awful.
Merry Christmas everyone! Whatever you’re doing, I hope you have a wonderful day. I’m going to play some Mario Wonder before we head off to my brothers place for dinner and gaming with his family. Unfortunately, my eldest can’t make it because she has Covid and she’s got it bad. Won’t be the same without her.
Next week will mark the 25th anniversary of my mum’s passing. And a month after that, it’ll be the same 25 years since my dad left us, too. It took me two decades to be able to enjoy Christmas again, but it’s a time for family, and I want to make the most of the beautiful people in my life. I have an amazing wife and two incredible daughters, but for far too long, I forgot how much good I have in my life.
Whether your family is big or small, I hope you get to spend time with them, love them, and appreciate them. Just never take them for granted.
Wishing everyone here a day of love, laughter and joy. And all the very best for 2024.
I bought Pikmin 4 at release and still haven’t played it, so that’s definitely on the agenda at some point this weekend. Over on PS5, meanwhile, I’ll be wrapping up Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has been a blast. Roll on Rebirth.
TEN YEARS ALREADY!? All these years later, and despite the brilliance of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, A Link Between Worlds is still my favourite game in the entire franchise. In fact, for my personal tastes, it’s one of the most perfect video games ever made!
Great review! I’ve been interested in this ever since it became something of a sensation for SteamDeck players earlier in the year. Now I know the port stacks up on Switch, I’ll have to pick it up.
@somnambulance Oh man, Final Fantasy XVI is easily my Game of the Year. You’re right, it isn’t for everyone, but it was definitely a game for me. Fantastic combat, wonderful characters and my favourite boss fights in all of gaming. A truly incredible game that surprised me in all the best ways. Mario Wonder, Pikmin 4 and especially Tears of the Kingdom were also standout games this year.
I actually spoke to the devs a few weeks back and specifically asked for the Vampire Survivors logo to be added to the home screen icon. So we may very well have me to thank (or criticise) for that!
@Zach777 I’m with you, brother. Sonic Mania bothers me quite a bit actually, and don’t get me started on that RE4 icon.
The biggest surprise for me is Sega releasing Sonic Superstars so close to Mario Wonder. Personally, I’ll be going with Mario, but if the latest 2D Sonic feels even half as good to play as it does to look at, I’ll definitely end up grabbing it at some point. Fingers crossed, I guess.
Well, after getting on for 300 hours of gameplay and more than three months of playing nothing but Tears of the Kingdom, I finally beat it yesterday evening. Now that I’ve finished what I feel is comfortably the greatest game ever made, I’m left feeling a little lost. So who knows what I’ll be playing this weekend?
Maybe I’ll go back and finish the Resident Evil 4 remake, which I haven’t touched since TOTK released. I wasn’t that far from the end, so it may only take a couple of sittings, and I might even manage to start Pikmin 4, which I’ve had downloaded since it released last month.
I’ve put almost 300 hours into Tears of the Kingdom and I’ve only just beat the game today. The most time I’d ever previously put into any game (other than Animal Crossing at 220 hours) was around the one hundred hour mark. That’s been the case with quite a few games, but even then, that game time was spread out over multiple months, if not years.
What I’m trying to say is for me to average one hundred hours per month, for three consecutive months, with just a single game, and without playing anything else alongside it no less, is completely unprecedented. Especially as it made me completely drop Capcom’s fabulous Resident Evil 4 remake. But that’s just how utterly sublime Tears of the Kingdom is.
It would seem to be a shoe-in for my game of the year, but I haven’t yet played Baldur’s Gate. Now I’ve finally beaten Zelda, I’ll definitely have the time to check it out when it launches on PS5 next month. Though it’ll need to be one hell of a game to pip Link’s latest adventure to the post. Either way, I excitedly look forward to seeing how it all pans out come year end.
I’m still chipping away at Tears of the Kingdom and, after 260 hours of play, I’m finally on home straight to finishing it. Currently 109 shrines, 60 light roots and all four temples down. I’m still playing completely blind and have no idea what’s ahead… and I’m loving every last second of it!
Oh man, Dead Cells is comfortably my favourite indie of all time. I’ve put more than 130 hours into the Switch version, around 50 on PS4 and a further 5ish since it got a free PS5 upgrade. Return to Castlevania is the best DLC yet, and I can’t wait to see what Motion Twin do with the game in the months ahead. Utterly spectacular game!
Over the moon that Tears of the Kingdom is doing so well. My playtime currently sits at 235 hours, with the end still nowhere in sight. What a truly astonishing, remarkable game, and it deserves all the success in the world.
With the exception of two games that were generous gifts (Metroid Dread and Fire Emblem Engage) my Switch collection is 100% digital. So, thankfully, I’ve not experienced this. Absolutely horrible for those who have though.
For the twelfth straight weekend since its release, I’m still playing Tears of the Kingdom and literally nothing else.
I’m not using any guides and simply having a fantastic time completing all the side quests and discovering everything above and below Hyrule purely organically. With that in mind, I’m now 215 hours in and 95 shrines and three temples down. Clearly, I’m really taking my time and am nowhere near ready to finish the story.
Considering I was one of the few Zelda fans who wasn’t particularly excited for Tears of the Kingdom in the run up to its eventual release, I’m overjoyed to have been so wrong about what is, for me at least, the finest video game ever created.
While I bought it digitally myself, I’m so happy to see Pikmin 4 make such a strong start following its release last week. The game deserves all the success in the world.
Meanwhile, I’m really hoping that its current – and lowest yet – 4th place isn’t the beginning of the end of the chart-topping dominance of Tears of the Kingdom. At least, not yet anyway. It’s not only my game of the year, but in my opinion, the greatest video game ever made.
Great review @PJOReilly. This will be my first ever Pikmin game and I’m really looking forward to playing the full game on Friday. The visuals in particular look absolutely gorgeous!
By the way, the game isn’t even out yet and it’s somehow got a 6.7 from three user ratings.
Comments 1,691
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th September)
Seeing as I wrapped up the incredible Donkey Kong Bananza just last week, I may as well try the new DK Island DLC and check out the Emerald Rush content. I think it looks super fun.
Other than that, I was planning to go back for another run through the Mario Wonder campaign, but now that it’s getting the Switch 2 Edition + [insert preposterous title] treatment, I may as well wait.
With Mario Galaxy 2 (the only mainline Mario I’ve not yet played) less than three weeks away, I may as well go to Super Mario 3D All-Stars and play the first Mario Galaxy for the first time on Switch 2. At least that way, it might stop me from buying both Galaxy games just for the 4K resolution and added story book pages. Then again, who am I kidding?
Oh and I almost forgot, I’m also just over halfway through the Kirby and the Forgotten Land campaign. It’s the first time I’m playing it since the original release, which I played entirely in handheld mode while on my last holiday abroad back in 2022. It’s still great to play in handheld – especially in bed – and once that’s done, I’ll go straight to the new Star-Crossed World content. Such a fun, chill game, this.
Have a great weekend, folks!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th September)
I’ve been obsessed with Donkey Kong Bananza since finally getting to it in early August. I really don’t know how, but I somehow managed to spend 105 hours on my way to running credits and starting the post-game content. Such a great game. I kinda got addicted to simply smashing stuff and collecting tons of gold. Although Mario Odyssey is still the pinnacle of the genre for me, Bananza is comfortably one of my favourite ever 3D platformers.
Despite beating the original Switch release at launch, I’ve now moved onto Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and decided to start a fresh save file before sampling the new Star-Crossed World content. After playing through Odyssey yet again when I initially got my Switch 2, Kirby is now the third 3D platformer I’m playing in succession.
[EDIT] One last thing I feel compelled to mention is that up until yesterday I’d not yet played my Switch 2 in handheld mode. It’s just sat in the dock for TV play ever since I set it up. And yet… I wanted to start Kirby in handheld, and upon starting up the game, I noticed there’s a SCRATCH on the screen. It’s only small, but I’m so, so upset. How could this have happened?? 😭
Re: Review: SHINOBI: Art Of Vengeance (Switch) - A Beautifully Crafted Return For Joe Musashi
I really want to pick this one up, but with no Switch 2 optimisation whatsoever, this is a ‘no purchase’ for me right now. Of course, I could always just grab it on PS5, but this is a game that would suit handheld play.
@obijuankanoobie I watched a review for the PS5 version over the weekend. I’m 99% sure he said yes, there is an option to turn off blood. If you want to check yourself, the YouTube channel is Happy Console Gamer. Hope this helps.
Re: Rumour: A Nintendo Direct Is Set To Take Place Later This Month, It's Claimed
Please be true! We really need a Direct to find out what we have to look forward to in the next 12 months.
Re: Nintendo Direct: Mario Kart World: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate It?
As a Direct, I’d give it like a 5/10. But as a game, it’s looking like a solid 9 to me. I just hope it’s as fun as MK8D and not too bogged down by trying to be something that reinvents the wheel.
I’m also hoping the game will get free updates with more tracks and characters. I mean, for the price, I think the game needs ongoing support for at least a couple years.
Re: Game Vouchers Won't Work On Switch 2 Exclusives, Says Nintendo
I guess this is proof that Switch 2 exclusives will be $70 unfortunately.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?
Of course 9% say it’s Abysmal. Why am I not surprised? I’m not saying it’s a 10/10, but it’s definitely not a 1/10 either.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th January)
Right now, I have the Nintendo bug pretty bad and the Switch 2 reveal has totally pulled me back into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Alongside that, I’m also playing the odd match in the surprisingly super fun Mario Strikers Battle League. My PS5, on the other hand, isn’t getting so much as a look, especially as my DualSense has the worst drift ever! Way worse than any of my JoyCon ever have.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (Christmas 2024 Edition)
Seeing as I bought it at release and still hadn’t played it, I finally started Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe this week. Currently 4hrs in and really enjoying it. Hopefully I’ll have it wrapped up before the year is out.
Over on PS5, I’m playing another game that I bought ages ago and have only just started. This one is Devil May Cry 5 and it’s awesome. Such a fun game to blast through. I also just wrapped up the Winter Wonder level in Astro Bot. It’s such a great game that makes me yearn for a Mario Odyssey 2 or Galaxy 3 on the next Switch console. Here’s hoping!
Have a great Christmas everyone!
Re: Poll: Are You Bothered By The Frame Rate In Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom?
At 51 years of age, I’ve been gaming for as long as I can remember. And yet, despite all that experience, I’ve not noticed a single frame drop. I’m not saying frame rate issues aren’t there, I’m just saying my eyes don’t pick them up. And for that, I’m so thankful.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (10th August)
I’ve not had much time for gaming these past couple weeks due to family commitments, but I have been finding the odd twenty minutes here and half an hour there to make some headway into Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. Been playing exclusively in handheld mode (which is rare for me) and really enjoying my first Mario RPG since Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. Looks great on the OLED, too!
Re: Here Are The Top Ten Best-Selling Nintendo Switch Games As Of June 2024
It’s incredible to me that Tears of the Kingdom is only 11.25m units shy of Breath of the Wild. I’m sure it’ll never catch up, but considering there’s six years between their respective release dates, that’s super impressive.
It’s also interesting that they both sold around the same 200,000 units last quarter. I’d have expected TOTK to have sold more than BOTW, but it was actually the other way around by about 10,000. Hence why I can’t see TOTK catching up.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th July)
I’m still working my way through my backlog of games that I never got around to finishing the first time around. With Metroid Dread and Luigi’s Mansion 3 wrapped over the past few weeks, I’m now ready to move onto the next game. And I’m thinking something Game Cube flavoured.
After only getting around five hours into it at release last year before getting distracted by something else, Metroid Prime Remastered is definitely a strong candidate, but I’m actually leaning towards Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. It’ll be my first Mario RPG since Partner’s in Time, which I adored, and I really want to see if this one also clicks with me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th July)
After restarting it a couple weeks ago, I finally finished Metroid Dread this week. When I played it at launch, I never got past half-way, so I started a whole new save file and loved every minute. What an amazing game! So, with restarting backlog games that I never actually finished the first time around now being the order of the day, next up is Luigi’s Mansion 3. I’ve reached the 10th floor already and I’m having a blast.
Re: What Review Score Would You Give Luigi's Mansion 2 HD?
I don’t care how upset we are that LM2HD is a full £50/$60 game, it doesn’t deserve an 'abysmal'. And yet three of the 14 people to submit a rating (so far) disagree. Sure, give it 6 or even a 5. But a 1/10?
Re: Feature: 9 'Mature' Games We'd Love To See On Nintendo Switch Online's New N64 App
Conker has to come to the Mature N64 app at some point, right? I’ve never played it, but always wanted to. Here’s hoping. Also, as someone who recently finished the RE2 remake on PS5, I’d love to check out the N64 port, too.
Re: Talking Point: What We Expect From The Upcoming June Nintendo Direct
This is the one. I really feel this is the Direct where we finally get The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD announcement we’ve been waiting forever for. I can feel it in my bones!
I also wouldn’t say no to Yoshi’s Woolly World or even a third release of Kirby’s Epic Yarn. In fact, scratch that, give us Kirby Planet Robobot on Switch and I’ll be super happy! Oh and I’d love a new Pullblox/Pushmo title, too.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (1st June)
Seeing as I leant it to my brother whilst I was only halfway through back when it originally released, I finally revisited the incredible Metroid Dread yesterday. I thought it best to start a brand new save file and I’ve just beat the first boss. Having a blast, too. This is peak gaming right here!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (25th May)
After a few months away, I’ve got back into Switch this past week or so. Been playing Animal Crossing and mopping up collectibles in Mario Wonder. I may well pick up Paper Mario, too.
Re: Video: One Year Later, Our Video Team Share Their Thoughts On Zelda: TOTK
I’ll never forget May 12th 2023 and the launch of Tears of the Kingdom. Over the three months that followed, I didn’t once touch my PS5 or Series X and played literally nothing else, accruing more than 290 hours in the game, comfortably eclipsing the 225 that I have in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I simply adored the game and, at the time, proclaimed it the greatest video game ever created.
I definitely still stand by that statement, but as the ensuing nine months have passed, I must admit that my passion for the game has cooled somewhat. I do pop back in every once in a while for the odd hour, but I doubt I’ll ever go back for a full second playthrough. Maybe, just maybe, should it ever get a 4K 60FPS update on Nintendo’s next console, but even then, I kinda doubt it. I’d far sooner look back upon those three perfect summer months with great fondness than risk tainting such wonderful memories.
However, one thing is absolutely beyond any shadow of doubt. I’ve never before or since completely and utterly immersed myself in a video game world like I did with Tears of the Kingdom’s Hyrule. And for that, I shall be forever grateful.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th May)
I hadn’t really touched my Switch since Mario Wonder and even then it was exclusively in docked mode. But this past week, my wife and I went to Amsterdam for a few days, so I had two four-hour Eurostar rides to reacquaint myself with the OLED handheld.
I played a mixture of Animal Crossing: New Horizon’s, Dead Cells and Vampire Survivors, and I had an absolute blast. So this weekend will be more of the same. Especially Vampire Survivors. Man, that is one addictive game, which at just £3.99, I highly recommend.
Re: Community: What's The Best Switch eShop Game We Missed? (February 2024)
Penny’s Big Breakaway, Balatro and Pentiment for sure.
Re: UK Charts: Mario vs. Donkey Kong Swings Past The Competition In Its Debut Week
The breakdown of Hogwarts Legacy sales only adds up to 96%, so where’s the other 4% come from? 🤔
[EDIT] Just noticed there’s no Series X|S in the breakdown, so it must be that. Only goes to show just how poor Xbox are in boxed sales. Pun definitely intended.
Re: Nintendo Reveals New Pastel Pink Switch Joy-Con Set
Erm, about (Show)time!
Re: GAME Apparently Ending Physical Trade-Ins From Next Month (UK)
Makes no odds to me because all three of the GAME stores I go to have shut down! Haven’t seen a single store anywhere in months! Besides, their prices for new games are absolutely awful.
Re: Editorial: Happy Holidays, Nintendo Lifers
@Neckcrane @Lady_Galadhiel Thank you guys, that means a lot. Wishing you both – and everyone here – an amazing day! ♥️
Re: Editorial: Happy Holidays, Nintendo Lifers
Merry Christmas everyone! Whatever you’re doing, I hope you have a wonderful day. I’m going to play some Mario Wonder before we head off to my brothers place for dinner and gaming with his family. Unfortunately, my eldest can’t make it because she has Covid and she’s got it bad. Won’t be the same without her.
Next week will mark the 25th anniversary of my mum’s passing. And a month after that, it’ll be the same 25 years since my dad left us, too. It took me two decades to be able to enjoy Christmas again, but it’s a time for family, and I want to make the most of the beautiful people in my life. I have an amazing wife and two incredible daughters, but for far too long, I forgot how much good I have in my life.
Whether your family is big or small, I hope you get to spend time with them, love them, and appreciate them. Just never take them for granted.
Wishing everyone here a day of love, laughter and joy. And all the very best for 2024.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (December 9th)
I bought Pikmin 4 at release and still haven’t played it, so that’s definitely on the agenda at some point this weekend. Over on PS5, meanwhile, I’ll be wrapping up Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has been a blast. Roll on Rebirth.
Re: Anniversary: Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Is 10 Years Old Today
TEN YEARS ALREADY!? All these years later, and despite the brilliance of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, A Link Between Worlds is still my favourite game in the entire franchise. In fact, for my personal tastes, it’s one of the most perfect video games ever made!
Re: Nintendo Announces Indie World Showcase For Tomorrow, November 14th
I’m guessing this is why Braid: Anniversary Edition wasn’t announced for Switch the other day.
Re: Talking Point: If 'Switch 2' Is Backwards Compatible, What Will You Do With Your Switch?
Oh I’d definitely trade my OLED in part exchange! Yes, even if the new console is only LCD. I play 99% docked anyway.
Re: Review: Dave The Diver - One Of The Best Games In A Year Of Greats
Great review! I’ve been interested in this ever since it became something of a sensation for SteamDeck players earlier in the year. Now I know the port stacks up on Switch, I’ll have to pick it up.
@somnambulance Oh man, Final Fantasy XVI is easily my Game of the Year. You’re right, it isn’t for everyone, but it was definitely a game for me. Fantastic combat, wonderful characters and my favourite boss fights in all of gaming. A truly incredible game that surprised me in all the best ways. Mario Wonder, Pikmin 4 and especially Tears of the Kingdom were also standout games this year.
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Sonic Superstars?
There’s always someone who can’t help themselves but vote for Abysmal. Why?!
Re: Review: Sonic Superstars - A Fine, Authentic-Feeling Return That Runs Great On Switch
You’ve actually kinda made me want this now, @Olliemar28. Great review!
Re: Community: 28 Switch Games We Missed, As Recommended By You
@dartmonkey You’re a gentleman. Thanks, Gavin!
Re: Community: 28 Switch Games We Missed, As Recommended By You
Okay, this is the THIRD time, my entry for Super Crate Box has been ignored. Kinda taking it personally now. Hard not to really.
Re: Community: Played A Great Switch Game We Missed? We Want To Know!
I’ve submitted Super Crate Box twice already and it’s never been featured. For under £4 it’s a no brainer!
Re: Vampire Survivors Switch Icon Updated In Latest Patch (Version 1.6.108)
I actually spoke to the devs a few weeks back and specifically asked for the Vampire Survivors logo to be added to the home screen icon. So we may very well have me to thank (or criticise) for that!
@Zach777 I’m with you, brother. Sonic Mania bothers me quite a bit actually, and don’t get me started on that RE4 icon.
Re: Round Up: All Nintendo Switch Games From Gamescom Opening Night Live 2023
The biggest surprise for me is Sega releasing Sonic Superstars so close to Mario Wonder. Personally, I’ll be going with Mario, but if the latest 2D Sonic feels even half as good to play as it does to look at, I’ll definitely end up grabbing it at some point. Fingers crossed, I guess.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 19th)
Well, after getting on for 300 hours of gameplay and more than three months of playing nothing but Tears of the Kingdom, I finally beat it yesterday evening. Now that I’ve finished what I feel is comfortably the greatest game ever made, I’m left feeling a little lost. So who knows what I’ll be playing this weekend?
Maybe I’ll go back and finish the Resident Evil 4 remake, which I haven’t touched since TOTK released. I wasn’t that far from the end, so it may only take a couple of sittings, and I might even manage to start Pikmin 4, which I’ve had downloaded since it released last month.
Re: Talking Point: Zelda: TOTK Isn't A Shoo-In For GOTY 2023, And That's A Good Thing
I’ve put almost 300 hours into Tears of the Kingdom and I’ve only just beat the game today. The most time I’d ever previously put into any game (other than Animal Crossing at 220 hours) was around the one hundred hour mark. That’s been the case with quite a few games, but even then, that game time was spread out over multiple months, if not years.
What I’m trying to say is for me to average one hundred hours per month, for three consecutive months, with just a single game, and without playing anything else alongside it no less, is completely unprecedented. Especially as it made me completely drop Capcom’s fabulous Resident Evil 4 remake. But that’s just how utterly sublime Tears of the Kingdom is.
It would seem to be a shoe-in for my game of the year, but I haven’t yet played Baldur’s Gate. Now I’ve finally beaten Zelda, I’ll definitely have the time to check it out when it launches on PS5 next month. Though it’ll need to be one hell of a game to pip Link’s latest adventure to the post. Either way, I excitedly look forward to seeing how it all pans out come year end.
Re: Talking Point: After Three Months, What's Your Zelda: TOTK Completion Percentage?
I’m at 270 hours or more, with 109 shrines and all four main temples done. The home straight is in sight my guys! Or is it?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 12th)
I’m still chipping away at Tears of the Kingdom and, after 260 hours of play, I’m finally on home straight to finishing it. Currently 109 shrines, 60 light roots and all four temples down. I’m still playing completely blind and have no idea what’s ahead… and I’m loving every last second of it!
Re: Anniversary: Dead Cells Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving Five Years On
Oh man, Dead Cells is comfortably my favourite indie of all time. I’ve put more than 130 hours into the Switch version, around 50 on PS4 and a further 5ish since it got a free PS5 upgrade. Return to Castlevania is the best DLC yet, and I can’t wait to see what Motion Twin do with the game in the months ahead. Utterly spectacular game!
Re: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Sells More Than 18 Million Copies In Two Months
Over the moon that Tears of the Kingdom is doing so well. My playtime currently sits at 235 hours, with the end still nowhere in sight. What a truly astonishing, remarkable game, and it deserves all the success in the world.
Re: Poll: Have You Ordered Physical Switch Games That Came With The Cart Missing?
With the exception of two games that were generous gifts (Metroid Dread and Fire Emblem Engage) my Switch collection is 100% digital. So, thankfully, I’ve not experienced this. Absolutely horrible for those who have though.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 29th)
For the twelfth straight weekend since its release, I’m still playing Tears of the Kingdom and literally nothing else.
I’m not using any guides and simply having a fantastic time completing all the side quests and discovering everything above and below Hyrule purely organically. With that in mind, I’m now 215 hours in and 95 shrines and three temples down. Clearly, I’m really taking my time and am nowhere near ready to finish the story.
Considering I was one of the few Zelda fans who wasn’t particularly excited for Tears of the Kingdom in the run up to its eventual release, I’m overjoyed to have been so wrong about what is, for me at least, the finest video game ever created.
Re: Mini Review: Patrick's Parabox - An Exemplary Puzzler That Thinks Outside The Box
I love a good puzzle game, and this looks right up my street. Been looking forward to this one!
Re: UK Charts: Pikmin 4 Storms To The Top, Beating The Sims 4 And Zelda
While I bought it digitally myself, I’m so happy to see Pikmin 4 make such a strong start following its release last week. The game deserves all the success in the world.
Meanwhile, I’m really hoping that its current – and lowest yet – 4th place isn’t the beginning of the end of the chart-topping dominance of Tears of the Kingdom. At least, not yet anyway. It’s not only my game of the year, but in my opinion, the greatest video game ever made.
Re: Review: Pikmin 4 - Relaxed, Refined Real-Time Strategy, Ready To Crack The Mainstream
Great review @PJOReilly. This will be my first ever Pikmin game and I’m really looking forward to playing the full game on Friday. The visuals in particular look absolutely gorgeous!
By the way, the game isn’t even out yet and it’s somehow got a 6.7 from three user ratings.