I bought the Anniversary version on sale a couple months ago, and started playing it again in honor of my brother (we're big ES fans). It's not bad, runs well on NS2 for the most part. I'm not expecting grandiose CP2077 work, I know it's an OLD game, but it's fun enough.
With this talk of input lag (and more importantly storage space), I may have to pass on this upgrade until they fix these issues. It was already running just fine for me. Draw distance, particle effects, etc, don't bother me much. The basics are met, looks like I remember on PS3, and runs just fine. If I want "le epic port", I'll play Witcher 3 or CP2077 again (and I am, concurrently).
@basednrd And on an off-topic from the OP: can we get a REALLY good, proper Gundam game release in the US??? It feels like the last really good major one was Journey to Jaburo on the PS2. I know there's been a TON released, but the majority of the good ones are all JP exclusives, and require a cracked/translated ROM to play. I have a few on my Anbernic 406v, but man...I would LOVE some kind of Gundam game along the lines of FighterZ or Kakarot (main story would be UC, & could offer DLC's for the AU series like Wing, IBO, Turn A, G-Gundam, etc)
Give a revamped and upgraded version of Kakarot, better RPG elements, better graphics, and more story. I would love to be able to play through every main storyline (from Dragon Ball, through Z, Super, GT, DAIMA, and any extra stories). I would love something like that.
I may be in the minority, but I really loved Kakarot. Played through it 4 times, now. But I'm an RPG guy with no friends. Outside of playing with my kids, the fighting centered games are lower on the totem pole for me (that said...FighterZ is fantastic, and my 4yo LOVES "crushing me" in battles )
Glad to see a good review for this. I've been playing the EA footy franchise since the old PS3 days, almost every iteration, and FC 24 has been the choice for me (I left 25 alone since I had a hunch the NS2 would be out for 26, and I like to buy these digital so I don't fumble with a card every time I want to play). 30fps isn't a deal breaker for me (24 runs fantastic on my NS2 compared to OG Switch), FUT isn't my thing, and I don't have any friends who play anymore (my brother was the only one, and he's now passed). So for me, just playing career/manager/and rando kick-off matches in varying modes by myself or locally with the kids...this is 100% worth the price to me. It's a great way to blow off some steam, keep footy alive during the week (especially since Man United isn't in any extra comps this season), and take a quick break in the middle of the work day.
8/10 seems completely fair. Can't wait to pick it up this week (happy birthday to me).
@FormerGameAddict I agree, but it's an industry wide decision. Apple set the precedent: you can take it or leave it, but our hardware/software is the way it is, and if you don't like it there's other options.
One on hand: it's actually a pretty confident and commendable way of viewing your products and business. OTOH: it's pretty anti-consumer. Now...everyone does it.The problem is the games industry in particular is so fragmented and exclusivity is name of the game. When one company does it, that's fine...there are other options. When EVERY company does it...it's a problem. And all these companies are absolutely too big to fail. It's all or nothing...if every consumer said "screw you", they'd all go down and the entire multi-billion $ industry globally would die, something no one actually wants. There is no such thing, really, as "voting with your wallet" anymore. It doesn't work with an industry like this. So...we're all stuck with ***** practices and game key-cards and $80 games (which is actually less of a problem imo, but it's a sticking point here so I'm mentioning it lol).
The game key-card thing isn't a HUGE deal breaker for me personally, and I understand completely why people are pissy about it. But this...this is just anti-consumer. It makes literally zero sense. SE is literally going out of their way to be a-holes...
For the first Direct post-S2 launch, just viewing the recaps...it's a little underwhelming yeah. Expected things like EA sports franchises, and some more indie stuff, updates, etc. I know not everyone is stoked on the game key cards, but they don't bother me so much (I'll just buy a 1tb SD and go digital). The bigguns are coming, that's what matters.
Considering our household, and how we USE the NS2, it made sense to just grab the new Pro set (I snagged two, actually). Having that wake function is definitely a "first world problem", but one that saves us headaches when the 4yo wants to power on MKW or Mario Golf (or DBZ FighterZ) on her own. Was it expensive? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes (less so with Gamestop coupons). Worth it? Also yes.
Games as art is what has ruined gaming. Gaming used to have a simultaneous focus on gameplay and story, both in service to each other. Since "games as art" took hold in the industry, both have subsequently suffered, therefore games as a whole have suffered (outliers notwithstanding). It's why Nintendo games, even when utilizing the overall same formula (Zelda, Mario, etc) are consistently rated high among their peers, even when released on inferior hardware compared to current generation peers.
I would love to see a LOT of these options (create your own Knockout tour, a refined system for VS mode course selections, 3-lap classic and 200cc), but the two I would probably want the MOST (based on gripes in our family) are local multiplayer Free Roam and an equal amount of costumes for each character. I have two little ones (and I know I'm not the only one) who are constantly fighting over the controller for Free Roam when the adults don't want to or can't play MKW.
It also doesn't make sense that Peach gets a farmer or matsuri costume, and Pauline gets 1 (touring iirc). My wife's go-to is Pauline (they look exactly alike), and she's constantly disappointed in the lack of costuming for her. It wouldn't take much to toss out a costume for each area (Boo Cinema, Cheep Cheep, etc). DK needs some more love too in that department, as do a few others. I love the costume concept, and it's been addicting trying to get each one, but man...they really slipped on some of these characters.
@Rentaro I'll admit their brand of "snark" isn't for everyone, but you're definitely correct in that they shouldn't be blaming users for a design failure on the company's end. That said....someone else posted it, but the "you're holding it wrong" is probably a reference to the iPhone 4 debacle from years ago (which has since become a meme). Regardless of their intent and messaging style, it stil isn't appropriate.
Keep in mind- I'm not excusing their behavior, just shining some light on who they are so people better understand WHY they take some of the tone they do in their company messaging.
@Jayenkai Yeah this is their thing. Their verbiage across the company as whole is very snarky in tone. It's part of the reason I love them (their grip iPhone case is phenomenal, and I always get turned heads with the Warzone Damascus skin on it).
What people need to understand is DBrand has a very specific marketing schtick. Very irreverent, off the cuff, cheeky tones. Just go read a few sections of their website. They play into the "douchebag internet schizo" vibe, like their entire marketing team grew up on /b/ and made that early-00's 4chan board their etire personality as adults. It works for some people, and not for others (I find it hilarious and very "nail that sticks out", as a guy who works in marketing).
That said...this situation is one where they probably should have toned that down instead of being dicks to customers on the internet. Recognize the issue, apologize in a way that's both sincere and on brand, and make it right. Seems like they barely did that, and (if reports are true) openly antagonized their customer base. Probably not the best course of action.
I tried free roam on afternoon waiting on the wife and kids to get ready (we were going to a family event), thinking "Yeah I'll give it a go for 15m or so".
An hour and a half later, I realized how much I just enjoyed driving around, getting food, and enjoying the music. It's not for everyone, and it's NOT a selling point by any means, but it's enjoyable. We're mainly kickin teeth in the Grand Prix and Knockout modes, though. Might be my favorite MK game yet in that regard.
That said- I'm already hoping and looking forward to some DLC. Either new missions, upgraded FR mode, or some new characters/vehicles. Hoping they support this one for a long time.
@Jack_Goetz TomToc FTW. One of the best companies out there for tech cases/bags. I use them for almost all my stuff. My OG Switch used a TomToc case and silicone grip. I still use it for the kids (Switch 1 is now the kid's device).
I'll be taking my daughter to her first local Gamestop midnight launch the night before. I have to work the next day, but I'll probably cut out early and hop on for some MKW with the wife and kids. Definitely picking up some extra JC's, CP2077, and an SD card for sure (just gotta find the right one)
I got the PS4 version (non-Pro) release year, and never really experienced any game breaking bugs or glitches (took me 5mo before I hit a save game glitch, but I wanted to restart with a new class anyway). I always found the game gorgeous even then (yes I know...PC/PS5/XBS are much prettier), so this is just fine for me. I'm not planning to upgrade the PS any time soon, so the S2 version is absolutely PERFECT. Time to get back into Night City and 100% the whole damn thing (with DLC this time), if my kids will relinquish the TV long enough for me too.
@Ultimapunch You're not paranoid...you're correct. Every device with a microphone/camera is constantly recording you at all times. And it doesn't matter WHAT these companies say...it's all stored on servers. Period. They do the bare minimum to not be held legally liable, much like "organic" produce at the grocery store.
@NintendoWife Yeah exactly. I don't know what, exactly, people expected here. Long gone are the wild west days of shouting the worst things on COD/Halo, they've been gone for years and they're never coming back. The sooner people realize this, we can all move on.
Does it suck that 1984 surveillance exists all around us? Yes. Complaining about it on a niche vidya news site will literally change nothing. And people don't get internet clout for proclaiming "Well that's a no from me dawg bc privacy".
Here's my $0.02: I'm going to pay $500 for a system and $80 for a game that my family and I will play almost every day. We will play as a family, the kids will play on their own, the wife and I will play each other, etc. This game will be played for years, every day. To me...it's well worth the $80. Whether we "vote with our wallets" or not, these companies WILL be raising the price. If you go back to the 90's and early 00's, games were in that $50-60 range already. A single price increase after 20 years is actually pretty good. I understand the arguments against it, but IMO....you have to look at how much you'll play the game. If you're going to play it, beat it, sell it...then yeah...$80 isn't worth it. But for a game like Mario Kart World, which will be supported for years and perfectly playable for at least a couple years...it absolutely is worth the price.
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Re: Mini Review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (Switch 2) - Just Hugely Disappointing
I bought the Anniversary version on sale a couple months ago, and started playing it again in honor of my brother (we're big ES fans). It's not bad, runs well on NS2 for the most part. I'm not expecting grandiose CP2077 work, I know it's an OLD game, but it's fun enough.
With this talk of input lag (and more importantly storage space), I may have to pass on this upgrade until they fix these issues. It was already running just fine for me. Draw distance, particle effects, etc, don't bother me much. The basics are met, looks like I remember on PS3, and runs just fine. If I want "le epic port", I'll play Witcher 3 or CP2077 again (and I am, concurrently).
Re: New Dragon Ball Game Project To Be Revealed Early Next Year
@basednrd And on an off-topic from the OP: can we get a REALLY good, proper Gundam game release in the US??? It feels like the last really good major one was Journey to Jaburo on the PS2. I know there's been a TON released, but the majority of the good ones are all JP exclusives, and require a cracked/translated ROM to play. I have a few on my Anbernic 406v, but man...I would LOVE some kind of Gundam game along the lines of FighterZ or Kakarot (main story would be UC, & could offer DLC's for the AU series like Wing, IBO, Turn A, G-Gundam, etc)
Re: New Dragon Ball Game Project To Be Revealed Early Next Year
Give a revamped and upgraded version of Kakarot, better RPG elements, better graphics, and more story. I would love to be able to play through every main storyline (from Dragon Ball, through Z, Super, GT, DAIMA, and any extra stories). I would love something like that.
I may be in the minority, but I really loved Kakarot. Played through it 4 times, now. But I'm an RPG guy with no friends. Outside of playing with my kids, the fighting centered games are lower on the totem pole for me (that said...FighterZ is fantastic, and my 4yo LOVES "crushing me" in battles )
Re: Review: EA SPORTS FC 26 (Switch 2) - A Fantastic Football Game, Once You're Used To The Frame Rate
Glad to see a good review for this. I've been playing the EA footy franchise since the old PS3 days, almost every iteration, and FC 24 has been the choice for me (I left 25 alone since I had a hunch the NS2 would be out for 26, and I like to buy these digital so I don't fumble with a card every time I want to play). 30fps isn't a deal breaker for me (24 runs fantastic on my NS2 compared to OG Switch), FUT isn't my thing, and I don't have any friends who play anymore (my brother was the only one, and he's now passed). So for me, just playing career/manager/and rando kick-off matches in varying modes by myself or locally with the kids...this is 100% worth the price to me. It's a great way to blow off some steam, keep footy alive during the week (especially since Man United isn't in any extra comps this season), and take a quick break in the middle of the work day.
8/10 seems completely fair. Can't wait to pick it up this week (happy birthday to me).
Re: Octopath 0 Is A Game-Key Card On Switch 2, And Square Enix Has "No Plans" For A Switch 1 Upgrade Option
@FormerGameAddict I agree, but it's an industry wide decision. Apple set the precedent: you can take it or leave it, but our hardware/software is the way it is, and if you don't like it there's other options.
One on hand: it's actually a pretty confident and commendable way of viewing your products and business. OTOH: it's pretty anti-consumer. Now...everyone does it.The problem is the games industry in particular is so fragmented and exclusivity is name of the game. When one company does it, that's fine...there are other options. When EVERY company does it...it's a problem. And all these companies are absolutely too big to fail. It's all or nothing...if every consumer said "screw you", they'd all go down and the entire multi-billion $ industry globally would die, something no one actually wants. There is no such thing, really, as "voting with your wallet" anymore. It doesn't work with an industry like this. So...we're all stuck with ***** practices and game key-cards and $80 games (which is actually less of a problem imo, but it's a sticking point here so I'm mentioning it lol).
Re: Octopath 0 Is A Game-Key Card On Switch 2, And Square Enix Has "No Plans" For A Switch 1 Upgrade Option
The game key-card thing isn't a HUGE deal breaker for me personally, and I understand completely why people are pissy about it. But this...this is just anti-consumer. It makes literally zero sense. SE is literally going out of their way to be a-holes...
Re: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase July 2025: Every Announcement, Game Reveal, Trailer
For the first Direct post-S2 launch, just viewing the recaps...it's a little underwhelming yeah. Expected things like EA sports franchises, and some more indie stuff, updates, etc. I know not everyone is stoked on the game key cards, but they don't bother me so much (I'll just buy a 1tb SD and go digital). The bigguns are coming, that's what matters.
Re: Around 1 In 3 Switch 2 Owners Bought New Pro Controller Despite High Price Point (US)
Considering our household, and how we USE the NS2, it made sense to just grab the new Pro set (I snagged two, actually). Having that wake function is definitely a "first world problem", but one that saves us headaches when the 4yo wants to power on MKW or Mario Golf (or DBZ FighterZ) on her own. Was it expensive? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes (less so with Gamestop coupons). Worth it? Also yes.
Re: Miyamoto Views Games As 'Products', Not 'Works Of Art', Says Ex-Nintendo Dev
Games as art is what has ruined gaming. Gaming used to have a simultaneous focus on gameplay and story, both in service to each other. Since "games as art" took hold in the industry, both have subsequently suffered, therefore games as a whole have suffered (outliers notwithstanding). It's why Nintendo games, even when utilizing the overall same formula (Zelda, Mario, etc) are consistently rated high among their peers, even when released on inferior hardware compared to current generation peers.
Re: Feature: Three Laps, Two Players, One Vegas Jumpsuit - 10 Things We'd Love To See Added To Mario Kart World
I would love to see a LOT of these options (create your own Knockout tour, a refined system for VS mode course selections, 3-lap classic and 200cc), but the two I would probably want the MOST (based on gripes in our family) are local multiplayer Free Roam and an equal amount of costumes for each character. I have two little ones (and I know I'm not the only one) who are constantly fighting over the controller for Free Roam when the adults don't want to or can't play MKW.
It also doesn't make sense that Peach gets a farmer or matsuri costume, and Pauline gets 1 (touring iirc). My wife's go-to is Pauline (they look exactly alike), and she's constantly disappointed in the lack of costuming for her. It wouldn't take much to toss out a costume for each area (Boo Cinema, Cheep Cheep, etc). DK needs some more love too in that department, as do a few others. I love the costume concept, and it's been addicting trying to get each one, but man...they really slipped on some of these characters.
Re: Dbrand Admits Its Joy-Con Detachment Response Was "Spectacularly Terrible"
@Rentaro I'll admit their brand of "snark" isn't for everyone, but you're definitely correct in that they shouldn't be blaming users for a design failure on the company's end. That said....someone else posted it, but the "you're holding it wrong" is probably a reference to the iPhone 4 debacle from years ago (which has since become a meme). Regardless of their intent and messaging style, it stil isn't appropriate.
Keep in mind- I'm not excusing their behavior, just shining some light on who they are so people better understand WHY they take some of the tone they do in their company messaging.
Re: Dbrand Admits Its Joy-Con Detachment Response Was "Spectacularly Terrible"
@Jayenkai Yeah this is their thing. Their verbiage across the company as whole is very snarky in tone. It's part of the reason I love them (their grip iPhone case is phenomenal, and I always get turned heads with the Warzone Damascus skin on it).
Re: Dbrand Admits Its Joy-Con Detachment Response Was "Spectacularly Terrible"
What people need to understand is DBrand has a very specific marketing schtick. Very irreverent, off the cuff, cheeky tones. Just go read a few sections of their website. They play into the "douchebag internet schizo" vibe, like their entire marketing team grew up on /b/ and made that early-00's 4chan board their etire personality as adults. It works for some people, and not for others (I find it hilarious and very "nail that sticks out", as a guy who works in marketing).
That said...this situation is one where they probably should have toned that down instead of being dicks to customers on the internet. Recognize the issue, apologize in a way that's both sincere and on brand, and make it right. Seems like they barely did that, and (if reports are true) openly antagonized their customer base. Probably not the best course of action.
Re: Talking Point: How Are You Finding Mario Kart's Open World?
I tried free roam on afternoon waiting on the wife and kids to get ready (we were going to a family event), thinking "Yeah I'll give it a go for 15m or so".
An hour and a half later, I realized how much I just enjoyed driving around, getting food, and enjoying the music. It's not for everyone, and it's NOT a selling point by any means, but it's enjoyable. We're mainly kickin teeth in the Grand Prix and Knockout modes, though. Might be my favorite MK game yet in that regard.
That said- I'm already hoping and looking forward to some DLC. Either new missions, upgraded FR mode, or some new characters/vehicles. Hoping they support this one for a long time.
Re: Review: Genki Sleeper Case - A "Virtually Indestructible" Switch 2 Carry Case That Looks As Good As It Protects
@Jack_Goetz TomToc FTW. One of the best companies out there for tech cases/bags. I use them for almost all my stuff. My OG Switch used a TomToc case and silicone grip. I still use it for the kids (Switch 1 is now the kid's device).
Re: Poll: With One Week To Go, What Are Your Switch 2 Launch-Day Plans?
I'll be taking my daughter to her first local Gamestop midnight launch the night before. I have to work the next day, but I'll probably cut out early and hop on for some MKW with the wife and kids. Definitely picking up some extra JC's, CP2077, and an SD card for sure (just gotta find the right one)
Re: Hands On: Cyberpunk 2077 Might Pull A 'Witcher 3' On Switch 2
I got the PS4 version (non-Pro) release year, and never really experienced any game breaking bugs or glitches (took me 5mo before I hit a save game glitch, but I wanted to restart with a new class anyway). I always found the game gorgeous even then (yes I know...PC/PS5/XBS are much prettier), so this is just fine for me. I'm not planning to upgrade the PS any time soon, so the S2 version is absolutely PERFECT. Time to get back into Night City and 100% the whole damn thing (with DLC this time), if my kids will relinquish the TV long enough for me too.
Re: Nintendo May Record Video And Audio From GameChat Sessions On Switch 2
@Ultimapunch You're not paranoid...you're correct. Every device with a microphone/camera is constantly recording you at all times. And it doesn't matter WHAT these companies say...it's all stored on servers. Period. They do the bare minimum to not be held legally liable, much like "organic" produce at the grocery store.
Re: Nintendo May Record Video And Audio From GameChat Sessions On Switch 2
@NintendoWife Yeah exactly. I don't know what, exactly, people expected here. Long gone are the wild west days of shouting the worst things on COD/Halo, they've been gone for years and they're never coming back. The sooner people realize this, we can all move on.
Does it suck that 1984 surveillance exists all around us? Yes. Complaining about it on a niche vidya news site will literally change nothing. And people don't get internet clout for proclaiming "Well that's a no from me dawg bc privacy".
Re: Former Rockstar Dev Throws Shade At Mario Kart World, Says New GTA Will Be Worth The Price
Here's my $0.02: I'm going to pay $500 for a system and $80 for a game that my family and I will play almost every day. We will play as a family, the kids will play on their own, the wife and I will play each other, etc. This game will be played for years, every day. To me...it's well worth the $80. Whether we "vote with our wallets" or not, these companies WILL be raising the price. If you go back to the 90's and early 00's, games were in that $50-60 range already. A single price increase after 20 years is actually pretty good. I understand the arguments against it, but IMO....you have to look at how much you'll play the game. If you're going to play it, beat it, sell it...then yeah...$80 isn't worth it. But for a game like Mario Kart World, which will be supported for years and perfectly playable for at least a couple years...it absolutely is worth the price.