- Splatoon 3, same as it ever was
If it ain't broke…
- Some sort of Kirby game that looks like a reskin of Mario Odyssey
As a massive fan of both Kirby Star Allies and Mario Odyssey, this has our five-year-old very excited. I'm waiting for a fan-cut of the trailer with desaturated visuals and the Last of Us soundtrack over it, though.
- They're releasing N64 and Megadrive ROMs on the Switch Online service and almost unbelievably the bastards are planning to charge you more for them
Let's be honest, this is pretty on-brand for Nintendo's online approach. Have they said how much extra it's gonna cost yet?
I was on duty for the Direct yesterday (left the office at 2am). I bought this the second it went live on eShop just after 1. Circle of the Moon is my favourite non-Symphony Castlevania game.
I haven't played any of the GBA games so I'm definitely interested in this. How do they hold up on the Switch screen / TV screen? Are there any filters or scanlines or anything to soften the impact of all those massive pixels?
Good to hear that Metroid Dread is looking decent, I really want it to be good but I just had that slight reservation at the back of my mind.
- A remaster of ActRaiser - never played it
I played this obsessively on the SNES - it was one of the gambles that paid off in the "I can only afford three games a year including birthdays" period of my life. I have very fond memories of it.
I imagine it plays awfully today and therefore remake/master/whatever is in theory a good idea, but this looks awful and it's 25 (twenty five!) quid!!(!!) At a tenner, I might have been tempted to try it out, but no chance at that price.
- Triangle Strategy - yes please
Finally watched the trailer for this - it looks interesting, but I really wish it looked brighter and sharper. I'm pretty sure I'd have stuck with Octopath Traveller for longer if the thing didn't also look like a muddy, vaseline-smeared mess.
this looks awful and it's 25 (twenty five!) quid!!(!!) At a tenner, I might have been tempted to try it out, but no chance at that price.
Agreed. It's Square Enix in full-on 'Hey, we know how to remaster our classics!' and then fucking it directly into the bin, just as they have done 99% of the time in the past (the only exception being the small part of FFVII they've done so far).
I haven't played any of the GBA games so I'm definitely interested in this. How do they hold up on the Switch screen / TV screen? Are there any filters or scanlines or anything to soften the impact of all those massive pixels?
It looks fine on my Lite, just like a bigger GBA. No idea on a TV, but it's probably acceptable. There are no filters, but then that's fitting with how the game looked on the original format rather than through an emulator… I hate that one that rounds off the pixels and makes everything look like it's coated in Vaseline.
It has three screen settings: Standard (which enlarges the dimensions to fit the Switch screen vertically, leaving gaps at the side), Pixel Perfect (which is the real aspect ratio, leaving gaps on all four sides) or Full (which stretches it to fill the whole screen ugh no thank you). Default controls are odd, as it puts the menu buttons on Y/X so I keep pressing them by accident. I'll get used to it though, or I could just change them.
I was grinning at the (obviously) Rise announcement until it said 'Summer 2022'. Seeing as Summer 2021 technically ended two days ago, that's a bit vague/far away for my liking.
Other than that I'm basically indifferent about everything but Bayonetta and maybe Triangle strategy. Metroid Dread is also sort of on my radar, but seeing as I've basically never played (and certainly never completed) any other Metroid games it's not really quite a must-have for me. I also only finally started Hollow Knight last night, and as such am fine on the Metroidvania front for a bit (even if you ignore The Pile of Shame, and I really shouldn't).
I'm still assuming the Mario movie is some weird collective fever dream.
That new flagship monster they showed looks insane
It has three screen settings: Standard (which enlarges the dimensions to fit the Switch screen vertically, leaving gaps at the side), Pixel Perfect (which is the real aspect ratio, leaving gaps on all four sides) or Full (which stretches it to fill the whole screen ugh no thank you). Default controls are odd, as it puts the menu buttons on Y/X so I keep pressing them by accident. I'll get used to it though, or I could just change them.
My parents have spent the last 30 years watching every old TV show stretched. They're always surprised how thin people look on newer shows.
How is Civ 6 on Switch? (Specifically handheld, if anyone knows.)
It’s on sale for 7 quid, but I imagine the load times are awful?
I've played it on Xbox, so I can confirm that the game's made a pretty graceful transition to console at least, the controls are sensible and while there is less information on the screen at any time, once you get used to digging through menus it is possible to find everything you need. I mean it's obviously better on PC, but I'm much more likely these days to get stuck into a long session while chilling on the sofa than I am perched at a desk, so I'm glad I double-dipped.
I've played it on both Xbox One X and Series X, and the load times on One X are astronomical. Over ten minutes from clicking the icon to actually playing the game, once you've been through all the different splash screens and menus. On Series X the load times are perfectly fine. Both consoles perform perfectly with no further loading once you're actually up and running.
Can't speak to the Switch conversion specifically but I've heard it's pretty good, bogs down a bit in the later game as you'd expect, and I'd probably expect the loading times to be a bit better than they are on the One X simply because you're not dealing with a mechanical drive… I'm sure someone on YouTube has done an exciting video that'll demonstrate how long it takes.
Consider getting the version with the expansions if you're tempted, though - they make a big difference to this game. Vanilla Civ 6 is a little dry.
Not seen the direct but excited by any type of Kotor. Still not got an order for the Oled anywhere yet but more determined too than ever, as the little one is playing a lot of Animal Crossing on Switch on the tele and this has promoted the missus to also start replaying in the evenings so not getting a go currently.
Might just grab a lite if I can't get an oled.
If you’re playing primarily handheld I’d definitely recommend the Lite. The lightness of it makes a huge difference, and the OLED is even heavier than the base model.
I wanted the bigger screen though originally. Even if only a slight upgrade. I will see what happens in the run up and with potential deals on the lite etc.
Lite is best. I wouldn't play nearly as much Switch if I didn't have one.
Mentioned this before but can't play my Switch without the Satisfye grip, so worry that having to get one for the Lite too would negate some of what others like about it.
I just watched a trailer for Metroid: Dread. It looks really stressful!
Buckled and ordered the OLED as they were taking orders again on Amazon. Won't be here for 1-4 weeks.
Satisfye already announced a grip for it so will order that later as not out till end of next month.
I see Nintendo has confirmed that all the games included in their N64 "expansion" for Nintendo Switch Online will be 60Hz versions. Which was a pretty key concern. N64 was hit particularly hard by the "shitty PAL conversion" issue.
I'm going to end up getting this and becoming part of the problem, aren't I?
Even at 60 Hz is there anything worth playing in the N64 catalogue?
Launch line-up is as follows:
Super Mario 64
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Mario Kart 64
Lylat Wars
Sin and Punishment
Dr. Mario 64
Mario Tennis 64
Operation: WinBack
Yoshi's Story
Several in there that I'd play again, and I'm sure they'll add more over time. I'll be holding out for F-Zero X, Wave Race 64, Pilotwings, the original Paper Mario, the best version of Mario Golf, maybe even Diddy Kong Racing if we're really lucky.
So, yes. I think there are also some games coming from some little-known machine called "the Megadrive" but no-one cares about those.
I see Nintendo has confirmed that all the games included in their N64 "expansion" for Nintendo Switch Online will be 60Hz versions. Which was a pretty key concern. N64 was hit particularly hard by the "shitty PAL conversion" issue.
This is what happens when people put two and two together to get a tractor. Assumption on the part of users pisses me off.
I personally always assume that Nintendo will deliver high quality versions of their retro product library based on their flawless track record in this area.
How is Civ 6 on Switch? (Specifically handheld, if anyone knows.)
It’s on sale for 7 quid, but I imagine the load times are awful?
And I missed this - I have it on Switch and it's great. Gets a little chuggy when things get busy and playing Civ generally on a pad can be a chore at times, but I think it's a good conversion.
The internet has made Metroid Dread sound like the second coming of Super Metroid/Metroid Prime and more essential than oxygen, so my hand has been forced to get it asap and if it's not the game of the decade I will develop very serious long lasting trust issues.
I personally always assume that Nintendo will deliver high quality versions of their retro product library based on their flawless track record in this area.
Sick burn, as I believe the kids say.
The internet has made Metroid Dread sound like the second coming of Super Metroid/Metroid Prime and more essential than oxygen, so my hand has been forced to get it asap and if it's not the game of the decade I will develop very serious long lasting trust issues.
I’m always a bit wary of jumping on the bandwagon with this sort of thing but… I think this might be the best one in the series? Certainly when it comes to the 2D games. I’m not that far in but the atmosphere and pacing of the whole thing have both been absolutely pitch perfect so far. A real accomplishment.
EMMI sequences aside, which are fantastic, I still think Super Metroid has superior atmosphere but I don't think I'd argue anyone saying it's the best 2D one, best Metroid full stop though…gonna' probably replay Prime right after this if I can, because in my mind that's still one of the best games ever, let alone Metroid, willing to eat my words though.
But this is probably like, Top 3 game on the Switch now? The movement is perfect, especially the complete analog firing, the parrying is satisfying and I've never felt during a chase sequence that I couldn't do any slick wall jumps and slides I needed to do to evade an EMMI. Speaking of which, they're a real highlight, especially when you get the ability to hide from them and they become like the SA-X on steroids. Dispatching them by slowly charging the beam as certain death creeps closer and closer is really tense.
The boss fights are the best they've ever been in the series in this? Just beat the second boss and it was cool as hell. Samus is DEFINITELY the coolest she's ever been though, definitely not breaking down in tears thus far that's for sure. Also, I wasn't exactly panning the game before but after getting further into the game this game absolutely has great atmosphere, it's a very pretty game in places.
I'm at the second boss myself, finding it a real challenge though so I'm just looping back round the areas I've opened up in order to hunt for missile expansions and energy tanks.
Love the pacing leading up to this section though:
Spoiler - click to showYou spend what seems like ages with hardly any upgrades at all, facing off against a couple of EMMIs and feeling distinctly underpowered… then it gives you the Wave Beam, Morph Ball and Varia Suit in rapid succession. Three massive, iconic upgrades that really make you feel like the tables have turned, and open up the map enormously.
It's curious how many of the features in this, like the 360 degree aiming and the melee counter, were introduced in Samus Returns on the 3DS… but where that game was plodding and a bit repetitive, this is really fast-paced and fun. My only criticism is that the areas are a bit samey, there's not really much there to differentiate them and I'm doing most of my navigation via the map.
FINE. I've bought it. God.
We probably need a Metroid Dread Metroid Thread. Unfortunately I don't think there's any easy way to split posts off from an existing thread.
Anyone getting the expansion upgrade? Was thinking if it but that seems too steep for me.
Probably not? I need online, but I'd be the only one who even cares about the retro stuff (which I can play elsewhere) and I'll get a code for the ACNH DLC. Will probably stick with regular, eveb despite my discount.
I might. I fancy revisiting some of those N64 games and a lot of the Megadrive stuff is new to me. I do have a family subscription (with a few freeloaders) so it's £££ - I haven't decided yet.
I might. I fancy revisiting some of those N64 games and a lot of the Megadrive stuff is new to me. I do have a family subscription (with a few freeloaders) so it's £££ - I haven't decided yet.
We could combine? I have five people on mine, but one can come off (my eldest daughter doesn't need to be on there), leaving four slots. Might be an idea.
I'd only be interested in 1 or 2 games is my issue. Never play my Switch online except for the occasional go of Tetris 99.
We could combine? I have five people on mine, but one can come off (my eldest daughter doesn't need to be on there), leaving four slots. Might be an idea.
Annoyingly I’ve got five people on mine that really need to stay there, so that exceeds the limit. Nice idea though.
(Any Soc members who want a slot, just shout)
(Any Soc members who want a slot, just shout)
How does this work? I have an Individual membership that expires in Feb, but I’d happily chuck you some monies if it’s a simple enough set-up?
Would I have to lose my gamer tag, or whatever the word is?
No, just wait for your regular one to expire then give me a shout and I’ll add your gamer tag to my “family”. Should be seamless from your side.
Oooh excellent! If anyone gets there before me in Feb let them have it, of course, but otherwise sounds good, thanks!
My family are pretty excited for the upcoming Animal Crossing update. I think I have about a thousand flowers to dig up.
Speaking of Animal Crossing, I decided to re-download it after the new update was unveiled. I've bought a new Switch since I last played, but assumed cloud saves would be simple enough.
After about an hour reading online and even calling Nintendo, I gave up and started a new island. I'm reasonably tech savvy and I didn't have the first clue how to do it. How they can make something like this SO complicated in this day and age is beyond me, especially when the cloud-save infrastructure already exists.
And yeah, I'm not planting any flowers this time. They're a bloody nightmare.
On another note, Metroid Dread is incredible isn't it. Just gob-smackingly good. I'm completely lost (a door shut behind me at the end of the second level, and the third level only has like one room I can access), but it's a blinder. I'm even getting quite good at countering the EMMIs (because I've been caught so many times…)
I'm so glad MPH has finally found a forever home with Garwoofoo.
I think I have about a thousand flowers to dig up.
And yeah, I'm not planting any flowers this time. They're a bloody nightmare.
I use a blank/transparent tile over about 80% of my island's "free" space to limit weeds and flowers. It took forever to lay them down, but it makes my occasional forays back to the village much less time-consuming.
I use a blank/transparent tile over about 80% of my island's "free" space to limit weeds and flowers. It took forever to lay them down, but it makes my occasional forays back to the village much less time-consuming.
This works. The only downer is the noise - you normally get a sound effect related to running over the related material (sand, stone, grass, whatever), but those get cancelled by the rubber noise a placed design creates. Not the end of the world, but it annoyed me…
Speaking of Animal Crossing, I decided to re-download it after the new update was unveiled. I've bought a new Switch since I last played, but assumed cloud saves would be simple enough.
After about an hour reading online and even calling Nintendo, I gave up and started a new island. I'm reasonably tech savvy and I didn't have the first clue how to do it. How they can make something like this SO complicated in this day and age is beyond me, especially when the cloud-save infrastructure already exists.
I wish you'd said, I could have mentioned it. I spent sooooo long slaving over the disclaimers on our website about this… there are reasons it doesn't work with cloud, but it's too long and laborious to go into here.
I'm completely lost (a door shut behind me at the end of the second level, and the third level only has like one room I can access), but it's a blinder.
Try shooting the raised floor in that one room. I ran into the same dead-end, but it's not as dead as it looks. 
Yeah, literally just blast every wall from every angle with Missiles, since the game rains an infinite amount on you at every turn and you'll be surprised how many walls are secret blocks for later upgrades. I think I managed to counter an EMMI about 3 times the entire game, pretty sure they vary the spike timing on purpose too, just meant those times I DID do it I popped off pretty hard.
Switch OLED has arrived today then, everyone is very ill so it's gone on the shelf in it's box. For the time being I have ordered a 'Skull & Bones' grip from the States, as the Satisfye groups aren't shipping till late December and that one looks like it will be here before then. I can't find anything for them in stock in the UK that is similar.
