Features

Posted on 1 year ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments

System: Switch
Release Date: January 20, 2023
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo

Fire Emblem Engage comes just three years after the success of Three Houses, and though this seems like a quick turnaround for a series that has been known for its richness and depth, the new game streamlines a lot of mechanics and capabilities to make it much more intuitive and approachable without having to sacrifice any of the quality the franchise has seen with each new entry. It’s certainly a different flavor, tone, and direction, so those new to the series – or even long-time fans – may feel an odd sense of having to “relearn” Fire Emblem this time around. However, it’s yet another fantastic addition to a series that seems immune to any type of mediocrity.

Read More

More: Fire Emblem Engage, highlight, Intelligent Systems, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Nicholas Serpa in Reviews, Switch eShop | 0 comments

System: Switch
Release Date: February 1, 2023
Developer: SURT
Publisher: tinyBuild

It takes a certain type of creative mind to look at the vegetables on display in their grocery store produce aisle and decide, “finally – the protagonist for my story-driven rhythm game!” That level of kookiness is the driving force behind Rhythm Sprout, a delightfully bonkers rhythm-action game in which an onion wearing headphones and a tracksuit slaughters various edible enemies to the beat of a wide range of music. As the debut release from Norwegian developer SURT games, Rhythm Sprout’s creative concept has maintained my interest ever since its initial reveal, but how does its beat-based gameplay live up to the rest of the experience?

Read More

More: highlight, Rhythm Sprout, SURT, tinyBuild, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk, Switch | 0 comments

Following the February 2023 Nintendo Direct, we want your reactions and thoughts about the presentation.

A ton of games were shown in the event that was about 40 minutes along. From Nintendo itself, one of the major reveals was Metroid Prime Remastered, which immediately released. We also got new looks at Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Pikmin 4. On top of that, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance have joined Nintendo Switch Online. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp will finally launch in April following previous delays.

Read More

More: highlight, Nintendo Direct, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Tom in Features, Switch, Videos | 0 comments

One of the best trailers we saw at the latest Nintendo Direct was a release date trailer for the long awaited Pikmin 4. Resident Pikmin ecologists Sam and I break down every shot from the latest video, seeing what secrets there are to uncover.

You can check out the full video below. It contains theories about the various main objectives, returning mechanics from Pikmin 2, and the zombie horde of red eye Bulborbs.

Read More

More: highlight, Pikmin 4, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Tom in Features, Switch, Videos | 0 comments

At the end of the latest Nintendo Direct, we finally got a meaty look at the heavily anticipated sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. What secrets lie beyond in this 2 minute and 16 second trailer? Sam and I break down every frame to find out.

You can check out the full video below. It contains theories about Zelda’s role, possible new mechanics, important character reveals, and story themes abound.

Read More

More: highlight, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Tom in Features, Switch, Videos | 0 comments

February is usually special for Nintendo fans, as it typically spells the ringing of a new Direct. That held true with yesterday’s presentation, as Nintendo revealed its upcoming slate for the first half of the year with quite a few surprises to come over the next few months.

As the Nintendo Direct was happening, Sam and I reacted to some of the best reveals, including Pikmin 4, Metroid Prime Remastered, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Check out our highlights video below.

Read More

More: highlight, Nintendo Direct, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Tom in Previews, Switch, Videos | 0 comments

Nintendo recently held a short media preview demo for Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe ahead of its upcoming release on Switch. The original Wii game is an all-time Kirby classic, so having it on the hybrid platform at all is compelling. Set to release on February 24, 2023, the title is soon to hit store shelves without us knowing a ton about what’s new.

In this video preview, Sam and I have an in-depth discussion about some of the game’s new features, visuals, and gameplay. We’ve included further bulleted highlights below.

Read More

More: HAL Laboratory, highlight, Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Nicholas Serpa in Podcast, Switch | 0 comments

While the return of E3 is still a few months away, the long-running gaming convention made the news this week after a report alleged that Nintendo, as well as Microsoft and Sony, are all reportedly skipping the event. In this week’s episode of Nintendo Everything Refresh, join your hosts Nick, Nicolas and Dennis as they discuss E3’s future and the unknown variables of this year’s show. They’ll also discuss the recently announced Disgaea 7 and Rhapsody games coming from NIS, the return of Switch Online Game Vouchers in North America, the impending death of Knockout City, and more!

Read More

More: highlight, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Edan(@@Virtualboi92) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments

System: Switch
Release Date: January 31, 2023
Developer: FuturLab
Publisher: Square Enix

At various points during my time with FutureLab and Square Enix’s PowerWash Simulator, I was struck by a sort of banal existential dilemma. During these episodes of clairvoyance, I’d become blisteringly aware of the fact that in the only physical lifetime I will ever have – in my one and single corporeal opportunity – I was opting to blast a digital stream of H2O across a fictional individual’s RV/bungalow/penny farthing. Did these sudden jolts of awareness drive me to get up and do something “worthwhile” with my time instead? No, no they didn’t. PowerWash Simulator has its hooks in me now, and I’m shackled to these blue overalls by a mix of catharsis and compulsion – but boy does it feel so good. Truth be told, this isn’t even a new development. I’ve been a slave to the machinations of the game’s grubby world since it originally launched into Steam’s Early Access model. Valve’s digital storefront seemingly recognized how dull of an individual I am, and algorithmically shoved the game in my face on the day of its release – so that was my original date of incarceration. With the game now arriving triumphantly on Switch, it feels like PowerWash Simulator has reached its final form. It’s ready to engulf your attention in ways we haven’t seen since paid actors sat slack-jawed in front of SNES’s during 90s video game commercials.

Read More

More: FuturLab, highlight, PowerWash Simulator, Square Enix, top

Posted on 1 year ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 0 comments

A new month started up this week. Now that we’re in February, we want to know what you’ve been playing.

Have you been playing Fire Emblem Engage? Or how about GoldenEye 007 on Nintendo Switch Online? Maybe you’re catching up on something you have in your backlog? No matter the case, let us know in the comments below.

Read More

More: highlight, top