It still baffles me how people act like Scarlet and Violet weren't many steps in the right direction, specially compared to the previous entry. Sure, they did have problems that shouldn't have in terms of performance and room to improve but still had a good open world, better pokemon animations, actual dynamic battle backgrounds that changed with the location, engaging gameplay and a great story. That hate should have been directed to Sword and Shield, which not only ran poorly despite of being way smaller, they were also the games with the worst animations, annoying characters, linear places to explore, mediocre story and ridiculously easy.
This game looks very promising and I think that at this point it's more of a tendency to hate on Pokemon games and other popular things. People don't even know why they are whining about so much anymore they just can't stop and seem to find more entertainment in hating and being aggressive.
As a fan of the pokemon games since Red and Blue, Scarlet/Violet have been the most fun I had since Silver/Gold/Crystal. All they need is more significant places to explore like factories, towers, etc. And no, open door houses in towns really didn't add much as people suggest online. They were almost the same, had an individual or two saying something with little to no relevance and the occasional item to get.
@Chlocean Thanks for clarifying that! I'll still give it a shot, I'll just avoid wasting a lot of time on free roaming and focus more on the story progression.
@Indielink Thanks, hopefully it's the case. I'd love to try this one.
@Gamer666 I'm aware that they are regarded as very good games and that people play them for many hours, but it doesn't mean that it has to be because of a vast, open world that is full of secrets. Many RPGs don't offer much exploration and yet require lots of hours because the story is long, there's lots of optional content to do, different builds to grind, etc. I don't have any problem with the battle system, it's only the open world that looks like it's potential isn't fully exploited to me every time that I checked them. I mentioned in my comment that the quests seemed to be concentrated on cities/towns and that a lot of the point of exploration seemed to revolve around monsters so what you are saying isn't really proving that I have the wrong idea about it and it seems more like a confirmation. Again, as I mentioned in my comment those playthroughs probably haven't done justice to it.
Even if in the end it isn't more than what I'm already seeing in that regard, I'm sure that the game has other strong aspects that make them so well received, like the combat, the story, music, art direction, etc. I'm just pointing out an aspect that hasn't looked great for me but that I'm open to change my mind about it once I play it and even if I don't, it has a good chance of still being a great game to me. The Phantasy Star Online/Universe games didn't do much with their stages either and I still loved them and played them for many hours for example.
I'm interested in these games but the free roaming looks somewhat boring. From what I've seen, there's not much to find other than monsters. I don't see items, hidden quests or something that entices exploration. It just seems like it's just there to traverse and complete missions assigned from cities/towns. To be fair there's probably some of this stuff and it just so happens that it isn't shown on the gameplay videos I've seen, but still it looks like... those things might not be sprinkled enough around the map? I don't know.
Also, while I don't mind framerate unless it's absolutely terrible, I feel like these games get a constant free pass while others get teared apart for similar performance.
@Novamii I don't think that's much of a problem in this site. The silksong fanbase on Reddit might be a better audience although that ship has sailed a long time ago. Considering how differenttly they handled communication compared to Hollow Knight with 2 years and counting of radio silence and about six years passing since it was announced, I don't think that there's a way that the final product will reach expectations no matter how good it is.
I'm betting that they'll finally give a date of release or even release it directly at the Switch 2 Direct in April. It may have started on Steam but it was a huge success on Switch so I think it's very likely that they are waiting for that and that's why they haven't said anything in such a long time.
@Scollurio Dynasty Warriors 8XL. Runs really well on Switch, has a massive amount of content (all DLC) and the story is told fast through short cinematics and loading screens. There's briefing parts between missions to talk a bit with characters but you can talk instantly to the designated character that starts the mission and you won't lose a thing. As someone who got bored with 3 hopes and Strikers, the pacing in this game is much better. Also, there's 80+characters and as long as you don't change their main type of weapon, not a clone in sight.
@Yalloo AoC is my favourite of these kind of games. Unlike Persona Strikers and 3 Hopes, it's pacing isn't ruined by the mechanics that are added from those games. I know that there's a lot of interaction in those franchises and I'm a fan of both, but when I'm playing a hack n' slash I don't expect to invest so much time on that. They should be a Warriors game first and foremost. AoC on the other hand, integrates the Zelda mechanics through combat and item management and uses entertaining cinematics that last a couple minutes each time to advance the story.
If you are left craving for more after that game, Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends is a fantastic option with lots of content that runs really well on Switch. The first Fire Emblem game is also much better pacing wise if you don't mind the underwhelming story.
@N00BiSH It did, and it blew the DS Zeldas out of the water. It was a really well made game and as a fan of Okami since the PS2 release, a really good sequel.
@Anti-Matter Yeah, swim suits and other outfits might be the reason as Rune Factory isn't overly sexual or anything. It's a pretty tame series in general.
What a coincidence, I just got DW8 XL a couple days ago and was thinking about what would come next for the franchise since I've been having a really good time with that one.
@JohnnyMind There's this site called "One Pace" that supposedly removes all the unnecessary filler. I haven't seen these series either but found it since it's been recommended to me but it's a big commitment. The game is good though, but I guess it's way more enjoyable if you are actually a fan.
I wasn't expecting Hello Kitty and Breath of the Wild to have something in common, but here we are. Glad to see that they delivered as many people were expecting it. I do see why Butters prefers it over World of Warcraft.
@MirrorFate2 The background effects aren't static. The only change I have noticed is one person not moving in Times Square but it's honestly something quite small considering how well it runs. Other stages look without changes.
@rvcolem1 Yeah, there really isn't a need for the social aspect. You can play Arcade, survival and practice on dojo on both free mode or with tutorial and missions. I've been practicing with characters and having a blast since the day it came out so I'd say it's definitely enjoyable alone, although I do plan to play online eventually.
This one looks interesting but I still need to play the first one.
On a side note, I never do this as I understand that you don't have to review every game, but aren't you planning to review Guilty Gear Strive? There's no review of any major site or YouTuber and it has been a few days since it came out. Considering that this is one of the most popular fighting games of the moment, that they did a fantastic job with the port and that smaller fighting games have gotten coverage, I think that it deserves attention.
As others have mentioned, the reception that it's getting is because of the underwhelming reveal. Once we actually see the new games and get a better idea of the power difference, then it will get hyped again. Well, assuming it does a good job in that.
As for leakers, I think that they actually got people more hyped. It's just that Nintendo took too long to reveal it Also, I don't think that waiting until April to reveal more is a great idea and that it would probably have worked better in February/march. It's a long time for leakers to do their thing again, and they will.
I'm happy to see that they didn't change the console's design just to give us a cheap gimmick like some people wanted. Retrocompatibility confirmed in both formats is also very good. However, I won't be truly excited until they reveal the new games.
@YunoboCo I'm not impressed with the graphics either, but that doesn't mean that people are "acting". They might feel genuinely different to you about them.
@KritterXD As professional reviewers, they are expected to evaluate the game in the most objective way possible, with reasoning behind their scores and knowledge on different topics like performance, gameplay and graphics. A background check on stuff like the credits, working environment, scandals and other aspects isn't required at all and shouldn't be expected from a reviewer. If they know about that and decide to include the information, that's certainly great, but personally I wouldn't question a reviewer's professionalism based on something like that.
@KritterXD Or different reviewers. Or they took into consideration that after people mentioned it. It's important that people understand that they are humans and sometimes they might end up not noticing something or simply don't care as much as other people about some things. As objective as reviews try to be, they are still based on an opinion.
@Fulgor_Astral I guess that it might be boring for some considering that Nintendo can be quite creative, but I prefer that they stick to a great design unless there's an actual way to innovate and not just some kind of gimmick. Hopefully, the specs will make the upgrade worth it.
Comments 2,032
Re: Opinion: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Looks Cool, But It's Lacking Arceus' Unique Style
It still baffles me how people act like Scarlet and Violet weren't many steps in the right direction, specially compared to the previous entry. Sure, they did have problems that shouldn't have in terms of performance and room to improve but still had a good open world, better pokemon animations, actual dynamic battle backgrounds that changed with the location, engaging gameplay and a great story. That hate should have been directed to Sword and Shield, which not only ran poorly despite of being way smaller, they were also the games with the worst animations, annoying characters, linear places to explore, mediocre story and ridiculously easy.
This game looks very promising and I think that at this point it's more of a tendency to hate on Pokemon games and other popular things. People don't even know why they are whining about so much anymore they just can't stop and seem to find more entertainment in hating and being aggressive.
As a fan of the pokemon games since Red and Blue, Scarlet/Violet have been the most fun I had since Silver/Gold/Crystal. All they need is more significant places to explore like factories, towers, etc. And no, open door houses in towns really didn't add much as people suggest online. They were almost the same, had an individual or two saying something with little to no relevance and the occasional item to get.
Re: Round Up: Every Switch Game Featured At Xbox's Indie Showcase (February 2025)
All of these games look interesting. Specially the Tanuki and Patapon spiritual successor.
Re: '90s Anime 'Samurai Pizza Cats' Is Getting The Action RPG Treatment Next Year
Saw the trailer about an hour ago on YouTube. I loved this show and the game looks pretty awesome so I'm definitely interested.
Re: Random: Zelda Fan-Project Turns 'Breath Of The Wild' Into Stunning Anime Opening
@Tyranexx Seconded
Re: Video: Let's Compare Xenoblade Chronicles X On Wii U And Switch
@Chlocean Thanks for clarifying that! I'll still give it a shot, I'll just avoid wasting a lot of time on free roaming and focus more on the story progression.
Re: Video: Let's Compare Xenoblade Chronicles X On Wii U And Switch
@Samalik That sounds very promising. This is the entry that I wanted to play the most (mechas) so I'll definitely give it a try.
Re: Video: Let's Compare Xenoblade Chronicles X On Wii U And Switch
@Indielink Thanks, hopefully it's the case. I'd love to try this one.
@Gamer666 I'm aware that they are regarded as very good games and that people play them for many hours, but it doesn't mean that it has to be because of a vast, open world that is full of secrets. Many RPGs don't offer much exploration and yet require lots of hours because the story is long, there's lots of optional content to do, different builds to grind, etc. I don't have any problem with the battle system, it's only the open world that looks like it's potential isn't fully exploited to me every time that I checked them. I mentioned in my comment that the quests seemed to be concentrated on cities/towns and that a lot of the point of exploration seemed to revolve around monsters so what you are saying isn't really proving that I have the wrong idea about it and it seems more like a confirmation. Again, as I mentioned in my comment those playthroughs probably haven't done justice to it.
Even if in the end it isn't more than what I'm already seeing in that regard, I'm sure that the game has other strong aspects that make them so well received, like the combat, the story, music, art direction, etc. I'm just pointing out an aspect that hasn't looked great for me but that I'm open to change my mind about it once I play it and even if I don't, it has a good chance of still being a great game to me. The Phantasy Star Online/Universe games didn't do much with their stages either and I still loved them and played them for many hours for example.
Re: Video: Let's Compare Xenoblade Chronicles X On Wii U And Switch
I'm interested in these games but the free roaming looks somewhat boring. From what I've seen, there's not much to find other than monsters. I don't see items, hidden quests or something that entices exploration. It just seems like it's just there to traverse and complete missions assigned from cities/towns. To be fair there's probably some of this stuff and it just so happens that it isn't shown on the gameplay videos I've seen, but still it looks like... those things might not be sprinkled enough around the map? I don't know.
Also, while I don't mind framerate unless it's absolutely terrible, I feel like these games get a constant free pass while others get teared apart for similar performance.
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong Briefly Vanishes From US Switch eShop, But It's Back Now
@Novamii I don't think that's much of a problem in this site. The silksong fanbase on Reddit might be a better audience although that ship has sailed a long time ago. Considering how differenttly they handled communication compared to Hollow Knight with 2 years and counting of radio silence and about six years passing since it was announced, I don't think that there's a way that the final product will reach expectations no matter how good it is.
Re: Hollow Knight: Silksong Has Vanished From US Switch eShop
I'm betting that they'll finally give a date of release or even release it directly at the Switch 2 Direct in April. It may have started on Steam but it was a huge success on Switch so I think it's very likely that they are waiting for that and that's why they haven't said anything in such a long time.
Re: Review: WARRIORS: Abyss (Switch) - Middling Musou With A Dash Of Diablo & Hades
@Scollurio Dynasty Warriors 8XL. Runs really well on Switch, has a massive amount of content (all DLC) and the story is told fast through short cinematics and loading screens. There's briefing parts between missions to talk a bit with characters but you can talk instantly to the designated character that starts the mission and you won't lose a thing. As someone who got bored with 3 hopes and Strikers, the pacing in this game is much better. Also, there's 80+characters and as long as you don't change their main type of weapon, not a clone in sight.
Re: Review: WARRIORS: Abyss (Switch) - Middling Musou With A Dash Of Diablo & Hades
@Yalloo AoC is my favourite of these kind of games. Unlike Persona Strikers and 3 Hopes, it's pacing isn't ruined by the mechanics that are added from those games. I know that there's a lot of interaction in those franchises and I'm a fan of both, but when I'm playing a hack n' slash I don't expect to invest so much time on that. They should be a Warriors game first and foremost. AoC on the other hand, integrates the Zelda mechanics through combat and item management and uses entertaining cinematics that last a couple minutes each time to advance the story.
If you are left craving for more after that game, Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends is a fantastic option with lots of content that runs really well on Switch. The first Fire Emblem game is also much better pacing wise if you don't mind the underwhelming story.
Re: Sorry Okamiden Fans, It Sounds Like The Okami Sequel Will Basically Ignore The DS Follow-Up
@N00BiSH It did, and it blew the DS Zeldas out of the water. It was a really well made game and as a fan of Okami since the PS2 release, a really good sequel.
Re: 'Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma' Spreads The Love With New Romance Candidate Trailers
@Anti-Matter Yeah, swim suits and other outfits might be the reason as Rune Factory isn't overly sexual or anything. It's a pretty tame series in general.
Re: 'Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma' Spreads The Love With New Romance Candidate Trailers
Love Rune Factory, I get the feeling that this will be one of the best entries. The cast of characters looks pretty solid.
Re: Random: Takaya Imamura Wants To See Star Fox: Assault On Switch 2
I love Star Fox Assault so much. I'd love to have it on Switch/ Switch 2.
Re: Nintendo Download: 13th February (North America)
I'm interested in Amber Island but I need to see the Switch's performance.
Re: Koei Tecmo Shadow Drop 'Warriors: Abyss' Arrives On Switch This Week
What a coincidence, I just got DW8 XL a couple days ago and was thinking about what would come next for the franchise since I've been having a really good time with that one.
Re: Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance Brings 2D Ninja Action To Nintendo Switch This August
This looks really good. Loved Shinobi 3 on the 3DS so I'm definitely interested.
Re: One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 Is Getting New DLC, Will Be Decided By Fan Votes
@JohnnyMind There's this site called "One Pace" that supposedly removes all the unnecessary filler. I haven't seen these series either but found it since it's been recommended to me but it's a big commitment. The game is good though, but I guess it's way more enjoyable if you are actually a fan.
Re: Metroid Prime First 4 Figures Samus Phazon Suit Sneak Peek, Pre-Orders Open Soon
That "4" in the title was diabolical
Re: Feature: Nintendo Life eShop Selects (January 2025)
Voting for Guilty Gear Strive.
Re: Review: Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Switch) - A Cute Social Sim That Takes Notes From Nintendo's Best
I wasn't expecting Hello Kitty and Breath of the Wild to have something in common, but here we are. Glad to see that they delivered as many people were expecting it. I do see why Butters prefers it over World of Warcraft.
Re: Capcom Is Relying On Monster Hunter To Achieve Its FY2025 Financial Goals
I'm pretty sure that it will accomplish (and probably exceed) those expectations.
Re: Review: Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch) - A Fine Port & A Bold New Step
@MirrorFate2 The painter does move, I just checked it again. As for story mode, I haven't seen that one.
Re: Review: Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch) - A Fine Port & A Bold New Step
@MirrorFate2 The background effects aren't static. The only change I have noticed is one person not moving in Times Square but it's honestly something quite small considering how well it runs. Other stages look without changes.
Re: Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Taking Action Against Inappropriate Conduct
Hopefully they'll finally catch those Team Rocket guys
Re: Review: Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch) - A Fine Port & A Bold New Step
@rvcolem1 Yeah, there really isn't a need for the social aspect. You can play Arcade, survival and practice on dojo on both free mode or with tutorial and missions. I've been practicing with characters and having a blast since the day it came out so I'd say it's definitely enjoyable alone, although I do plan to play online eventually.
Re: Review: Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition (Switch) - A Fine Port & A Bold New Step
Fantastic game. I can't believe how good this port is. Thanks for the review!
Re: Review: Tails Of Iron 2: Whiskers Of Winter (Switch) - A Brutal Sequel That Just About Squeaks By
@Olliemar28 Thanks!
Re: Review: Tails Of Iron 2: Whiskers Of Winter (Switch) - A Brutal Sequel That Just About Squeaks By
This one looks interesting but I still need to play the first one.
On a side note, I never do this as I understand that you don't have to review every game, but aren't you planning to review Guilty Gear Strive? There's no review of any major site or YouTuber and it has been a few days since it came out. Considering that this is one of the most popular fighting games of the moment, that they did a fantastic job with the port and that smaller fighting games have gotten coverage, I think that it deserves attention.
Re: Nintendo's Switch 2 Announcement Reportedly Impacted Steam Deck Sales
Personally that's why I haven't got one.
Re: Nintendo Download: 23rd January (North America)
Got Guilty Gear Strive. Pretty excited about finally playing it.
Re: Mortal Kombat 1 Conan The Barbarian DLC Update Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
@MirrorFate2
Fun: Subjective. As a fighting game fan, it has been pretty fun for me.
Popular: Sold more than 4 million units, just like Street Fighter 6. Good numbers for fighting games.
Not seeing how the other person is the unaware one.
Re: Banjo-Kazooie Has The Potential To "Rival 3D Mario", Says Ori Dev
I mean, you could say that about every platformer. They all have the "potential", but it's easier said than done. Way easier.
Re: Talking Point: Did All The Switch 2 Leaks 'Damage' Nintendo Or The Console's Reveal?
As others have mentioned, the reception that it's getting is because of the underwhelming reveal. Once we actually see the new games and get a better idea of the power difference, then it will get hyped again. Well, assuming it does a good job in that.
As for leakers, I think that they actually got people more hyped. It's just that Nintendo took too long to reveal it Also, I don't think that waiting until April to reveal more is a great idea and that it would probably have worked better in February/march. It's a long time for leakers to do their thing again, and they will.
Re: Poll: So, What Did You Think Of The Switch 2 Reveal?
I'm happy to see that they didn't change the console's design just to give us a cheap gimmick like some people wanted. Retrocompatibility confirmed in both formats is also very good. However, I won't be truly excited until they reveal the new games.
Re: Switch 2 Will Be Backwards Compatible With Physical And Digital 'Switch 1' Games
This is pretty much a mayor reason to purchase for me.
Re: New Mario Kart 9 Teased For Switch 2
@YunoboCo I'm not impressed with the graphics either, but that doesn't mean that people are "acting". They might feel genuinely different to you about them.
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Trailer Gives First Official Look At The New Console
About time. Kinda bummed to have to wait until April for more information though.
Re: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind Adds Online Play In Latest Update
Nice, finally. I've been postponing playing it because of that.
Re: Review: Blade Chimera (Switch) - A Ridiculously Fun, Combat-First Metroidvania
Looks very nice. The character's movement reminds me of Alucard in Symphony of the Night which is a good thing.
Re: Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro Classic
@KritterXD As professional reviewers, they are expected to evaluate the game in the most objective way possible, with reasoning behind their scores and knowledge on different topics like performance, gameplay and graphics. A background check on stuff like the credits, working environment, scandals and other aspects isn't required at all and shouldn't be expected from a reviewer. If they know about that and decide to include the information, that's certainly great, but personally I wouldn't question a reviewer's professionalism based on something like that.
Re: Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro Classic
@KritterXD Or different reviewers. Or they took into consideration that after people mentioned it. It's important that people understand that they are humans and sometimes they might end up not noticing something or simply don't care as much as other people about some things. As objective as reviews try to be, they are still based on an opinion.
Re: Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) - Aping A Retro Classic
It's a fantastic game but it's too expensive. And I rarely complain about prices.
Re: Alucard And Richter Return In 'Castlevania: Nocturne' Season 2 This Week
Nice, I've been waiting for this.
Re: Oops! EVO 2025's Lineup Has Accidentally Been Revealed
Glad to see MK1 there.
Re: 'Switch 2' Replica Showcased By Accessory Maker Genki At CES 2025
@Fulgor_Astral I guess that it might be boring for some considering that Nintendo can be quite creative, but I prefer that they stick to a great design unless there's an actual way to innovate and not just some kind of gimmick. Hopefully, the specs will make the upgrade worth it.
Re: New 'Tails Of Iron 2' Trailer Brings The Violence Ahead Of Switch Release
@JohnnyMind I suppose that people aren't used to a positive, active user. It's a rare ocurrence on the internet. Keep up the good energy, mate.
Re: Tencent Labeled A "Chinese Military Company" By US Government
@Magician Remember that we have a meeting with our overlords next Saturday, Tenno. Long live the Chinese Republic!