@Smithicus Kind of a vibe of a really good cosplay, but that's about it. I suppose as an actress she's not always that convincing which may be contributing to the feeling.
Little harsh on Dbrand. Not every company needs to communicate like corporate drones, and if they make a decent product to back up their words, fair play to them.
I have a weird hankering to return to Donkey Kong Country 1 and/or 2 on my SNES. Couple of the finest platformers ever IMO, especially the 2nd one.
Otherwise I'm still playing Age of Imprisonment, which is quite enjoyable. And I must admit all the assets it uses from the BOTW/TOTK games makes me want to maybe revisit those too sometime...
Just finished MP4 for the time being, and my partner got me Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment as an early Xmas gift, so I'm a few hours into that at the moment.
Never played it, but everything I've ever heard (and seen) of the game just didn't fill me with any confidence.
The funny thing is I've always been a massive Elder Scrolls fan (hence the Elder part of my username), so you would think something that might be ES in space would appeal. I dunno, any Starfield fans that can convince me it's worth a shot?
The ports of this game and the likes of Skyrim it seems, should have been cooked longer. But I guess they really wanted to get those Christmas sales...
There will of course unfortunately still be GKCs, like in the technical case of Outlaws. Actually maybe in that specific case I shouldn't say "unfortunately", as I suppose it's better than digital only especially for re-sale purposes.
But great to have the extra options and let's hope for more proper physicals.
Haven't been able to get into either game yet, who knows if I ever will, but super happy for Team Cherry, especially being humble Aussie game devs, and they seem to have such great attitudes.
I must admit I freely felt like a bit of a plonka that I'd put so much of my justification into getting a Switch 2 for Metroid Prime 4 when it's a Switch 1 title as well, but honestly I'm not really regretting it, it looks and runs so superbly at 120fps it's quite a treat.
I feel that, for games actually optimized properly for it, we'll see even more impressive games and/or ports on the Switch 2 in future.
@The_Nintendo_Expat I'm kinda in the same camp, just reversed, as I have the Switch 2 but no Steam Deck, but when I can afford one I'd love to get one as well. Or hopefully a renewed/beefed up version of a Steam Deck.
The first party Nintendo games run amazingly (other than maybe Pokemon but I'm not up with that, so could be wrong now), and there's a few obviously very good third party ports, but also some stinkers unfortunately. No fault of Nintendo, I guess, besides maybe the dev kit thing?
Anyway hopefully the third party side of optimization improves, because the hardware is good. That said, I personally won't rely on the Switch for third party games anyway, as I also game on PC (and can do so portably through Sunshine/Moonlight streaming, to my phone, unpatched Switch 1 or laptop etc if I want to) and if I eventually end up getting a Deck of course as well, I think my Switch 2 will be relegated to mainly first party Nintendo titles, which is fine, not like there's a shortage of those.
Metroid Prime 4 still. I'm not far off the end I think, but I'm trying to take it slow and get everything, as I think I'm in the minority of players that's having a real blast with the game, I don't want it to end yet ;_;
@The_Nintendo_Expat "Expertly sabotaging their best franchises is among Nintendo's many talents."
How sadly true!
@Shhh
Well, it certainly speaks to subjectivity between players. I've never been able to stick with Hollow Knight and find enough fun with it (I've really wanted to), yet I'm having a blast with MP4 despite some notable flaws that it has. Neither of us are wrong, we just find enjoyment in different areas/things.
Even acknowledging a few flaws compared to the masterpiece that is Prime Remastered, I'm loving Prime 4.
But I'm also a weirdo that loves taking my time in a Prime game and scanning absolutely everything, learning the lore piece by piece and taking in the ambience in between battles etc, so maybe I'm just the ideal type of fan for the series.
It's a shame the series (Metroid in general) doesn't always sell very well, but it is what it is. Plus Nintendo's marketing (or lack thereof) for this game was pretty awful and I really don't know what they were thinking.
Nothing surprises me with Bethesda anymore. Given their track record over the more recent years, I do worry how Elder Scrolls 6 will turn out, if they ever get to it, but I hope they will give a brand new flagship title the effort and respect it deserves.
Bethesda being Bethesda I guess, as others have said, the console has more than enough power, they just haven't put in the optimization effort.
Thankfully for me I've had the game in all it's forms on PC for years so it doesn't affect me, but for those wanting a Switch version, it sucks it's not better.
@John_Deacon yeah and the NPCs still arguably speak and have way less direct involvement with the player than most games out there.
It's a strange one. It's like there's a lot of people really wanting to nitpick as much as possible with this game. Maybe a victim of all the wait time and hype, perhaps. On it's own merits, it's a fine game.
I was waiting for this game for ages and didnt exactly temper my expectations, so to be enjoying it this much is great.
I can't understand the kiddies that say it looks like a PS3 game etc, most of the time it looks absolutely stunning and I've found myself just staring out into the biome, wondering around taking screenshots etc. Somehow the HDR is so good it even looks amazing on my QLED TV that has really almost no HDR ability (only 350 nits). I can only imagine how good it looks on a proper HDR, OLED TV.
@Galaxy2IsTheGOAT I agree. And this is coming from someone that at first, didn't like Dread at all. I thought it was probably a decent action platformer in itself, but not a great 'Metroid' game.
I came back to it though and stuck through it, and I'm glad I did, as my opinion completely flipped. One of the very finest Metroid games IMO, and a great game in general.
I'm really enjoying it so far. Not even Myles bothers me too much. The only downside is the guy talking so much kinda makes it more obvious how Samus generally DOESN'T talk, which can seem a bit weird as she's not a mute like Link. But that's a minor thing, not really a gripe as much as an observation.
Yeah I'm not typically big on the pre-ordering these days, but for MP4 I had to make an exception. I was waiting for this game even before the Switch 2 was a thing.
Not for me being both key-card and I... just can never get into Souls games personally, but great for those waiting for it. Sounds like the extra time to let it cook is worth it.
@JohnnyMind I'd say this game is more spooky than scary. I'm not great with games that are outright scary, like being relentlessly chased etc, but this game isn't really that. More environmental puzzles and spooky atmosphere. But if someone just outright isn't into any sort of horror I guess it might not be their jam, but I would say for those that might struggle with most horror games, this one is quite manageable.
EDIT: Although I just realised the one I played was the original from 2016. Not sure how different this one is...
It's fine to enjoy a game if it otherwise runs well and you don't mind a few missing little details, you find it fun etc etc.
DF's analysis has nothing to do with that. Their technical deep dives are for people looking for those fine grained details and honestly, if they help keep devs honest and call out shortcuts or lack of optimization etc, that's a good thing.
@John_Deacon yeah it's pretty crazy. Mofos like me struggle to beat Ninja Gaiden at normal pace, using actual eyes, and these guys are doing it in record time and blind.
Interesting. But then myself and others didn't think much of some of the initial looks at Donkey Kong Bananza and thought it would get old quickly, and look how that turned out
Niche perhaps, but anyone that thinks the market for this is non-existant or pointless, needs to get out of their Nintendo fanboy bubble. There's a lot of people looking forward to this and Valve wouldn't do it if there wasn't a market.
The question for me personally will be pricing and upgradeability. I'm already comfortable both building PCs and running Linux, so whether I would buy one of these or just essentially make one is the thing.
I've already played through this on PC, but I can certainly recommend the game. It took a little to grow on me compared to Persona 4 Golden, and Tartarus can definitely be repetitive and a bit of a slog at times, but it's a great game overall.
Emulated NES games were a massive part of my childhood, all I had at the time was an old clunky beige Pentium 100, 16MB RAM PC which was already way outdated itself, but as a not very wealthy kid I didn't care or know the difference, but even that could handle NES games in DOS powered emulators.
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Re: Sophie Turner Looks Incredible As Lara Croft In Amazon's Tomb Raider Series
@Smithicus Kind of a vibe of a really good cosplay, but that's about it. I suppose as an actress she's not always that convincing which may be contributing to the feeling.
Re: Disappointed In The Switch 2's Joy-Con Colours? Dbrand Has You Covered
Little harsh on Dbrand. Not every company needs to communicate like corporate drones, and if they make a decent product to back up their words, fair play to them.
Re: Poll: So, Now The Dust Has Settled, How Did You Find Myles MacKenzie?
He was fine. If they could have an option to turn off his desert hints, would probably solve a lot of problems for people.
Otherwise I think people just look for things to hate on, it's the way of the world lately.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (3rd January)
Well besides Age of Imprisonment still, I've been and will be playing Ring Fit Adventure.
Which may or may not be because of a recent article on here...
Re: Video: It's Time To Say Goodbye To The Lovely Felix-From-Nintendo-Life
<insert Darth Vader noooooooooo .gif>
Re: Nintendo Comments On Metroid Prime 4's Placement In The Metroid Timeline
Nintendo don't like to be too tight on timeline accuracy, so I won't overthink it lol
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (27th December)
I have a weird hankering to return to Donkey Kong Country 1 and/or 2 on my SNES. Couple of the finest platformers ever IMO, especially the 2nd one.
Otherwise I'm still playing Age of Imprisonment, which is quite enjoyable. And I must admit all the assets it uses from the BOTW/TOTK games makes me want to maybe revisit those too sometime...
Re: Nintendo Suggests Metroid Prime 4's Tortured Development Meant It Was "Divorced From The Changing Of Times"
Well, I for one enjoyed it. Is it perfect? Heck no, but it's a fine game (IMO), and surprisingly so given the turbulent production.
It does have many elements that make it feel like a game from previous generations of console, but for me, that's a good thing and a nice change...
Re: Horror Dev Bloober Team On Its New Exclusive: "This Is A Vision That Could Only Exist On Nintendo Hardware."
Consider me intrigued
Re: Opinion: Who Needs Link? This Top-Down Metroidvania Is The Best Zelda Game Of 2025
The urban style kinda reminds me of Earthbound
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (20th December)
Just finished MP4 for the time being, and my partner got me Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment as an early Xmas gift, so I'm a few hours into that at the moment.
Re: Rumour: Bethesda's Newest IP Is Still Reportedly On Course For Switch 2
Never played it, but everything I've ever heard (and seen) of the game just didn't fill me with any confidence.
The funny thing is I've always been a massive Elder Scrolls fan (hence the Elder part of my username), so you would think something that might be ES in space would appeal. I dunno, any Starfield fans that can convince me it's worth a shot?
Re: Review: System Shock (Switch 2) - Performance Woes Tarnish A Classic
The ports of this game and the likes of Skyrim it seems, should have been cooked longer. But I guess they really wanted to get those Christmas sales...
Re: Beloved Superhero Comedy Dispatch Is Flying Onto Switch 2 Next Year
@DAHstroy This is the best Charles White game of All Time.
Re: Rumour: A Game-Key Card Alternative? Nintendo May Have Smaller Switch 2 Carts In The Works
There will of course unfortunately still be GKCs, like in the technical case of Outlaws. Actually maybe in that specific case I shouldn't say "unfortunately", as I suppose it's better than digital only especially for re-sale purposes.
But great to have the extra options and let's hope for more proper physicals.
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong Expansion Coming 2026, Hollow Knight: Switch 2 Edition Also Announced
Haven't been able to get into either game yet, who knows if I ever will, but super happy for Team Cherry, especially being humble Aussie game devs, and they seem to have such great attitudes.
Re: Digital Foundry's 'Graphics Of The Year Awards' Nod To Some Switch 2 Beauties
I must admit I freely felt like a bit of a plonka that I'd put so much of my justification into getting a Switch 2 for Metroid Prime 4 when it's a Switch 1 title as well, but honestly I'm not really regretting it, it looks and runs so superbly at 120fps it's quite a treat.
I feel that, for games actually optimized properly for it, we'll see even more impressive games and/or ports on the Switch 2 in future.
Re: Review: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (Switch 2) - A Hard Pass For A Great Game
@The_Nintendo_Expat I'm kinda in the same camp, just reversed, as I have the Switch 2 but no Steam Deck, but when I can afford one I'd love to get one as well. Or hopefully a renewed/beefed up version of a Steam Deck.
The first party Nintendo games run amazingly (other than maybe Pokemon but I'm not up with that, so could be wrong now), and there's a few obviously very good third party ports, but also some stinkers unfortunately. No fault of Nintendo, I guess, besides maybe the dev kit thing?
Anyway hopefully the third party side of optimization improves, because the hardware is good. That said, I personally won't rely on the Switch for third party games anyway, as I also game on PC (and can do so portably through Sunshine/Moonlight streaming, to my phone, unpatched Switch 1 or laptop etc if I want to) and if I eventually end up getting a Deck of course as well, I think my Switch 2 will be relegated to mainly first party Nintendo titles, which is fine, not like there's a shortage of those.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (13th December)
Metroid Prime 4 still. I'm not far off the end I think, but I'm trying to take it slow and get everything, as I think I'm in the minority of players that's having a real blast with the game, I don't want it to end yet ;_;
Re: Japanese Charts: Sorry Samus, Octopath Is The Best-Selling New Release This Week
@The_Nintendo_Expat "Expertly sabotaging their best franchises is among Nintendo's many talents."
How sadly true!
@Shhh
Well, it certainly speaks to subjectivity between players. I've never been able to stick with Hollow Knight and find enough fun with it (I've really wanted to), yet I'm having a blast with MP4 despite some notable flaws that it has. Neither of us are wrong, we just find enjoyment in different areas/things.
Re: The Game Awards GOTY For 2025 Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Not a Nintendo game but I was really hoping Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 would get more love. Gem of a game.
Re: Surprise! Capcom Is Bringing Pragmata To Switch 2, Demo Out Soon
@IronMan30 The internet gets mad over some weird things
Re: Best Metroid Games Of All Time
This is a case where I think I'd prefer the NL ratings over the user ratings
Re: Japanese Charts: Sorry Samus, Octopath Is The Best-Selling New Release This Week
Even acknowledging a few flaws compared to the masterpiece that is Prime Remastered, I'm loving Prime 4.
But I'm also a weirdo that loves taking my time in a Prime game and scanning absolutely everything, learning the lore piece by piece and taking in the ambience in between battles etc, so maybe I'm just the ideal type of fan for the series.
It's a shame the series (Metroid in general) doesn't always sell very well, but it is what it is. Plus Nintendo's marketing (or lack thereof) for this game was pretty awful and I really don't know what they were thinking.
Re: Mini Review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (Switch 2) - Just Hugely Disappointing
Nothing surprises me with Bethesda anymore. Given their track record over the more recent years, I do worry how Elder Scrolls 6 will turn out, if they ever get to it, but I hope they will give a brand new flagship title the effort and respect it deserves.
As for this one, hopefully they fix it.
Re: Video: Skyrim Still Isn't 60fps On Switch 2, But Here's How It Fares Against Switch 1
Bethesda being Bethesda I guess, as others have said, the console has more than enough power, they just haven't put in the optimization effort.
Thankfully for me I've had the game in all it's forms on PC for years so it doesn't affect me, but for those wanting a Switch version, it sucks it's not better.
Re: Metroid Prime 4 On Switch 1 Impresses Digital Foundry - "Nigh-Imperceptible Dips"
@John_Deacon yeah and the NPCs still arguably speak and have way less direct involvement with the player than most games out there.
It's a strange one. It's like there's a lot of people really wanting to nitpick as much as possible with this game. Maybe a victim of all the wait time and hype, perhaps. On it's own merits, it's a fine game.
Re: Metroid Prime 4 On Switch 1 Impresses Digital Foundry - "Nigh-Imperceptible Dips"
I wish more game devs took a page out of Retro's book when it comes to optimization and frame consistency, they do an amazing job
Re: Poll: What Review Score Would You Give Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?
9 so far.
I was waiting for this game for ages and didnt exactly temper my expectations, so to be enjoying it this much is great.
I can't understand the kiddies that say it looks like a PS3 game etc, most of the time it looks absolutely stunning and I've found myself just staring out into the biome, wondering around taking screenshots etc. Somehow the HDR is so good it even looks amazing on my QLED TV that has really almost no HDR ability (only 350 nits). I can only imagine how good it looks on a proper HDR, OLED TV.
Re: Feature: My NES Longing, My Son's Terrifying Switch 2 Obsession
Wowee, if a Switch 2 appeared under the Xmas tree it sounds like he might just die from excitement!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th December)
@Discostew Reminds me, I need to (likely) re-cap my SNES at some point, the left audio channel is out.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (6th December)
Metroid Prime 4, of course!
Re: Metacritic Shares Updated List Of "Every Metroid Game, Ranked"
@Galaxy2IsTheGOAT I agree. And this is coming from someone that at first, didn't like Dread at all. I thought it was probably a decent action platformer in itself, but not a great 'Metroid' game.
I came back to it though and stuck through it, and I'm glad I did, as my opinion completely flipped. One of the very finest Metroid games IMO, and a great game in general.
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Has Been Updated To Ver. 1.1.0, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
I'm really enjoying it so far. Not even Myles bothers me too much. The only downside is the guy talking so much kinda makes it more obvious how Samus generally DOESN'T talk, which can seem a bit weird as she's not a mute like Link. But that's a minor thing, not really a gripe as much as an observation.
Re: Poll: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Is Out On Switch 2 And Switch This Week, Will You Be Getting It?
I pre-ordered it day 1.
Yeah I'm not typically big on the pre-ordering these days, but for MP4 I had to make an exception. I was waiting for this game even before the Switch 2 was a thing.
Re: "One Of The Best-Looking Games On Switch 2" - Digital Foundry Dives Into Metroid Prime 4
Retro sure know how to cook. As it's already been said, I'm not surprised given how amazing Metroid Remastered was on the humble OG Switch.
Re: Review: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2) - Samus Returns In Prime Form
Oh I am so in. I mean I already was, but...yeah. I'll be able to dust off the Switch 2 and really put it through its paces.
Re: Here's Another Look At Elden Ring Running On Switch 2
Not for me being both key-card and I... just can never get into Souls games personally, but great for those waiting for it. Sounds like the extra time to let it cook is worth it.
Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Meet The Team
I'm pumped in any case. Amazing to think that we're actually getting a new Metroid game.
Re: Exclusive: Bloober Team Is Bringing Layers Of Fear To Switch 2 Next Month
@JohnnyMind I'd say this game is more spooky than scary. I'm not great with games that are outright scary, like being relentlessly chased etc, but this game isn't really that. More environmental puzzles and spooky atmosphere. But if someone just outright isn't into any sort of horror I guess it might not be their jam, but I would say for those that might struggle with most horror games, this one is quite manageable.
EDIT: Although I just realised the one I played was the original from 2016. Not sure how different this one is...
Re: Digital Foundry Dives Into Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's "Big Downgrades" On Switch 2
It's fine to enjoy a game if it otherwise runs well and you don't mind a few missing little details, you find it fun etc etc.
DF's analysis has nothing to do with that. Their technical deep dives are for people looking for those fine grained details and honestly, if they help keep devs honest and call out shortcuts or lack of optimization etc, that's a good thing.
Re: Huge Super Mario 64 Trick That Will Change Speedruns "Forever" Has Been Discovered
@John_Deacon yeah it's pretty crazy. Mofos like me struggle to beat Ninja Gaiden at normal pace, using actual eyes, and these guys are doing it in record time and blind.
Re: The Game Awards Nominees Announced, Donkey Kong Bananza Up For GOTY
It'll be E33, but for me personally its KCD 2
Re: Round Up: The Final Previews Are In For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Interesting. But then myself and others didn't think much of some of the initial looks at Donkey Kong Bananza and thought it would get old quickly, and look how that turned out
Re: Random: Steam's Brand New Game Console Sure Looks Awfully Familiar
Niche perhaps, but anyone that thinks the market for this is non-existant or pointless, needs to get out of their Nintendo fanboy bubble. There's a lot of people looking forward to this and Valve wouldn't do it if there wasn't a market.
The question for me personally will be pricing and upgradeability. I'm already comfortable both building PCs and running Linux, so whether I would buy one of these or just essentially make one is the thing.
Re: Metroid Prime 4's Sweet New Trailer Builds The Hype For Next Month's Launch
Can't wait, have it pre-ordered already. This game was one of the main reasons I got a Switch 2.
Yes I know, not very sensible when there's a Switch 1 version of the game as well, but I'm not always sensible.
Re: Resident Evil Pro Controller Is Available To Pre-Order, But Its Price Is Terrifying
Pretty underwhelming for the price IMO.
Re: Kirby Air Riders Direct #2: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate it?
MKW is gonna have some catching up to do
Re: Review: Persona 3 Reload (Switch 2) - A Great Remake, But Still Not Definitive
I've already played through this on PC, but I can certainly recommend the game. It took a little to grow on me compared to Persona 4 Golden, and Tartarus can definitely be repetitive and a bit of a slog at times, but it's a great game overall.
EDIT: Eh yeah, key card warning too. Grr.
Re: Talking Point: How Do You Play NES Games These Days?
Emulated NES games were a massive part of my childhood, all I had at the time was an old clunky beige Pentium 100, 16MB RAM PC which was already way outdated itself, but as a not very wealthy kid I didn't care or know the difference, but even that could handle NES games in DOS powered emulators.
These days, its either NSO or my homebrew 3DS.