[Review] Runner3
Posted on 6 years ago by Jakob Vujovic(@jakovujo) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments
System: Switch
Release date: May 22, 2018
Developer: Choice Provisions
Publisher: Choice Provisions / Nicalis
The Bit.Trip series has had an interesting aesthetic progression. Starting out as an assortment of simple WiiWare rhythm games with mock Atari 2600-style visuals, it treated a few simple gameplay concepts with a kind of low fidelity presentation suitable for the WiiWare service’s strict file size limitations. Out of this collection, Bit.Trip Runner found the most success. Being the least abstract of the series, the autorunning rhythm platformer was fashioned after Pitfall, if Pitfall had trance-inducing chiptune music. Runner2 released with a revamped 3D art style and a musical style that was appropriately more sophisticated. In most ways, Runner3 is a natural progression from Runner2, cutting down on superfluous gameplay concepts and evolving the Bit.Trip formula to an impressive degree. Its control nuances and smart level design makes for one of the least stiff and most improvisational autorunning games that I’ve played.
More: Choice Provisions, highlight, Nicalis, Runner3, top
[Review] Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
Posted on 6 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, Reviews | 0 comments
System: 3DS
Release date: May 15, 2018
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus
Shin Megami Tensei’s extensive and illustrious history since the late 80s (as Megami Tensei) and early 90s has rightfully set it as one of gaming’s original RPGs that established trends and influenced a multitude of games that succeeded it. What’s also made it so great is that outside of its mainline titles, the myriad of spinoffs have tackled various genres and have been consistently great with addictive yet intuitive demon taming and fusion mechanics. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux now brings new life to 2009’s Strange Journey by adding tons of quality of life enhancements, a new storyline and character(s), new apps, endings and tons more to make it one of 3DS’s best dungeon-crawling titles, and yet another gem for Atlus.
[Review] Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Posted on 6 years ago by Philip(@P_Trah) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments
System: Switch
Release date: May 15, 2018
Developer: Airship Syndicate
Publisher: THQ Nordic
With the Switch’s boom in popularity over its past year, more and more developers are clamoring to get their games onto Nintendo’s newest hardware. While it’s an absolute treat to see indies and third-party developers finally wanting to invest in Nintendo, sometimes the rush to get onto the market can lead to problems along the way. While Battle Chasers: Nightwar has the makings of a solid little JRPG, it feels like it could’ve used a little bit more time before making its debut on the Switch.
Hamster on the process of making Arcade Archives Mario Bros. for Switch, working with Nintendo, future, much more
Posted on 6 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch eShop | 0 comments
A little while back, Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream conducted a lengthy interview with Hamster CEO Satoshi Hamada. There was some very interesting discussion about releasing Arcade Archives Mario Bros. on Switch, including why it was selected first out of all Nintendo titles, how it even happened in the first place, working with Nintendo, and the intricate process used to bring it to the console.
The discussion started with Nintendo Dream thanking Hamster for bringing Arcade Archives to Switch. This marks the first time arcade titles from Nintendo have been completely ported, the first one being Mario Bros. Hamada explained that Arcade Archives was born from the desire to let as many people as possible to know about the past arcade games, and he also wants to expand it to many game consoles, including Switch.
More: Arcade Archives, Hamster, highlight, interview, top
[Let’s Talk] Reacting to this week’s Nintendo Switch Online news
Posted on 6 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk, Switch | 0 comments
During its latest financial results briefing, Nintendo said that new information about Nintendo Switch Online would be provided this month. The company delivered on its promise, updating its website with the latest details.
One big aspect we learned is that by paying for the service, you’ll be able to access cloud saves. It could especially come in handy to ensure that your save data is backed up online, and can be easily recovered in the unfortunate event that your system breaks.
More: highlight, Nintendo Switch Online, top
[Interview] Blade Strangers director teases Story Mode, talks making an accessible but deep fighter, more
Posted on 6 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Interviews, Switch | 0 comments
At E3 last year, a surprising crossover fighter was announced for Switch. Studio Saizensen is working together with Nicalis on Blade Strangers, a game that features characters from Cave Story, Code of Princess, Sayonara Umihara Kawase, and more.
We recently had a chance to speak with director Toshinobu Kondo to learn more about Blade Strangers. Kondo talked with us about topics such as the game’s Story Mode, trying to create an accessible but deep fighter, and more. We also asked about keeping online lag to a minimum and making use of Switch’s features.
Our full discussion with Toshinobu Kondo can be found below.
More: Blade Strangers, highlight, Nicalis, Studio Saizensen, top
[Let’s Talk] What are you playing? – May 2018
Posted on 6 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 0 comments
This past week, a new month rolled right on in. Now that we’re in May, we want to know what you’ve been playing.
Have you started up something entirely new for the month? Are you playing through the new Switch version of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze? No matter the case, let us know in the comments below.
[Let’s Talk] Pokemon Switch hopes and dreams
Posted on 6 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk, Switch | 0 comments
There are many, many Switch games to look forward to, but there’s one in particular that’s a very big mystery. Announced at E3 last year, Pokemon is coming to the console in some fashion. Aside from the fact that it’s a core RPG experience, almost nothing is known.
Since little has been said about Pokemon’s first true experience on Switch, that leaves the doors open to endless possibilities. And hopes and dreams!
What are you expecting out of Pokemon on Switch? What’s a feature that you’d personally like to see? Do you believe it’ll launch this year or in 2019? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
[Let’s Talk] Which character do you want to see in Smash Bros. Switch?
Posted on 6 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk, Switch | 0 comments
We’re not exactly sure what sort of game Smash Bros. will be on Switch. After all, Nintendo didn’t have too much to say after it was announced during the Nintendo Direct in March. Of course, the real blowout will be at E3 in June.
There is at least one thing we know about the new Smash Bros. title – there will be new characters. Inklings are joining the fray, first of all. Link was also depicted with his look from Breath of the Wild. What could that mean?
And so it’s time for a Let’s Talk discussion many of you probably could have seen coming. With a new Smash Bros. game on the horizon, we want do know: which character do you want to see in the game? It could be someone realistic, or even a character unlikely to be added to the roster. Let us know in the comments below.
[Review] BAFL: Breaks Are For Losers
Posted on 6 years ago by Vincent Ward in News | 0 comments
System: Switch (eShop)
Release date: April 19, 2018
Developer: Playdius
Publisher: Oudidon
BAFL: Breaks Are For Losers is a title that strives to deliver classic “old school arcade racing games” vibes on the portable system we’ve all come to love. After previously appearing on Steam, it seemed like more than a fitting enough release to be added to the Switch’s library. But does BAFL successfully capture the rush and fun of classing old school racing games, or is it actually just something for the losers?
