[Review] Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Posted on 3 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments
System: Switch
Release date: March 16, 2021
Developer: 38 Studios / Big Huge Games / Kaiko
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Some games are like fine wine and age better with time whether through sheer nostalgia, groundbreaking ideas, or art direction while others are lost in the wind or just manage to barely stay alive through a small but dedicated fanbase. Despite originally being published by EA, Kingdoms of Amalur leans more towards the latter of having that cult following. While there are many reasons for this, the game was well-received at the time, though it wasn’t exactly brought up in conversation when discussing popular western or medieval RPGs. But now thanks to THQ Nordic, Kingdoms of Amalur gets another shot in modern times with a remaster that’s worthy of a second chance, even if it is visually untouched outside of polish – at least on Switch.
Project Triangle Strategy dev on why it’s a tactical RPG, how long it’ll take to beat, when we’ll hear more
Posted on 3 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch | 0 comments
One of the more exciting announcements from last month’s Nintendo Direct was Project Triangle Strategy. The game builds off the success of Octopath Traveler by adopting the same art style, but the format has changed to a tactical RPG.
During Game Live Japan, a Q&A was published with producer Tomoya Asano. Asano was asked about the game’s genre, length, and when more information was shared.
Here’s a full translation from Nintendo Everything:
More: highlight, Project Triangle Strategy, Square Enix, top
[Review] Monster Hunter Rise
Posted on 3 years ago by Amit Dhindsa(@Agnezenn) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments
System: Switch
Release date: March 26, 2021
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Monster Hunter Rise has been a long time coming. With the continued success of the series on 3DS and the immediate, roaring success of Switch as a handheld and home console hybrid both in Japan and around the globe, a new entry in the series early in the console’s life cycle seemed like a given. While the system did receive an enhanced port of Monster Hunter Generations awhile back, the original Monster Hunter so many expected eluded the system for a number of years. Now finally, four years later, Monster Hunter Rise is set to deliver on those expectations.
More: Capcom, highlight, Monster Hunter Rise, top
[Review] Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
Posted on 3 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments
System: Switch
Release date: March 23, 2021
Developer: Marvelous
Publisher: XSEED Games
Farming simulators are games that you either get or you don’t, and the evolution of technology has led to an expansion of the genre that has gone beyond the typical routine that involves simply planting a seed and selling crops. We’re now visiting these worlds where farming is complementary to everything else you can do rather than being the core focus. After having revisited the likes of Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town and Return to Popolocrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale, it’s clear that Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is moving forward and embracing growth and change now more than ever, which mostly works to its benefit. However, there are clear inspirations from other titles that feel like a dull copy rather than a platform to launch off of. Either way, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town does well to incorporate new ideas and polish up the old, while having a serene time playing in an environment I keep thinking about and coming back to, even if it’s far from perfect.
[Interview] Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World dev on how the game came to be, decision to remake Monster World IV, series’ future, more
Posted on 3 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Interviews, Switch | 0 comments
Ahead of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World’s upcoming release, director Ryuichi Nishizawa was kind enough to answer some of our questions as part of a new interview. Nishizawa talked about the game’s origins including how long it’s been in the works, why the team decided to remake Monster World IV, and more. Nishizawa also spoke more generally and commented about what could come in the future.
You can find our full Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World developer discussion below.
What Super Mario 3D All-Stars’ limited release could mean for The Legend of Zelda’s 35th anniversary
Posted on 3 years ago by Bryce(@brodee922) in Features, Switch, Videos | 0 comments
In another segment in our discussion video series, we take a look at the reasons as to why Nintendo pursues limited releases and talk about if they will continue to go down that path with future games. Specifically, we speculate if we could see some limited releases for The Legend of Zelda’s 35th anniversary, and what games could potentially be made available and later delisted.
Check out the full video feature below and feel free to add to the conversation in the comments!
[Review] Sea of Solitude: The Director’s Cut
Posted on 3 years ago by Campbell(@CampbellSGill) in Reviews, Switch | 0 comments
System: Switch
Release date: March 4, 2021
Developer: Jo-Mei
Publisher: Quantic Dream
After making only the faintest of splashes in its initial release on other consoles in 2019, the emotional indie game Sea of Solitude has returned on Switch. However, bearing the familiar “Director’s Cut” subtitle that can be found on so many other Switch ports, this re-release promises to add new features like rewritten scenes, additional voice acting, and refined mechanics to the base game. Whether this will be your first time setting sail or you’ve already voyaged with the game, the question remains: does Sea of Solitude’s Director’s Cut make waves in its Switch debut, or is it best left stranded at sea?
[Interview] Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville dev talks Switch port, Frostbite, offline play, more
Posted on 3 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Interviews, Switch | 0 comments
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville originally released towards the end of 2019, but the game is just now about to make its debut on Switch. EA will be releasing the title next week and it will arrive as the first Frostbite engine-enabled title on the platform. It’s more than just a simple port, as the team implemented features like motion controls and ensured that most of the experience can be played offline.
As we were eager to learn more about Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on Switch, we recently spoke with Melvin Teo. You can read our full discussion below, which touches on topics like Frostbite, how it was adjusted for the console, and more.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World dev explains the art style and why it isn’t 2D
Posted on 3 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Switch | 0 comments
There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the art style employed by Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World since the initial reveal. Rather than going for a pure 2D look, the game is instead using something that many have referred to “2.5D”. It’s quite a bit different compared to other recent entries in the series like Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom.
Speaking with Nintendo Everything, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World director Ryuichi Nishizawa provided an in-depth explanation as to why the team settled for this approach. He pointed to a few different reasons, such as how it can be easier to work with 3D assets and not having access to top-notch artists.
Nishizawa’s full words:
[Let’s Talk] Your favorite Mario game
Posted on 3 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Let's Talk | 0 comments
MAR10 Day took place earlier this week, so now’s as good a time as ever to discuss the simple topic of favorite Mario games. Super Mario has been around for 35 years now, and aside from the core platforming titles, the IP has expanded in so many different ways. The franchise has been a part of racing, sports, mini-game partying, RPGs, and more.
With that in mind, what’s your personal favorite Mario game (or games)? Do you have any particular memories you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.
