Post by: Daan on January 13, 2017, 12:03:00 PM
Six minigames that helped me to understand the JoyCon a whole lot better.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/43981/1-2-switch-hands-on-preview
Minigame collections are often a target of derision but if they are done correctly they can offer insight in what a system is capable of. 1-2 Switch goes for this approach and tries to deliver on a social experience that is uniquely its own. While I can say that I had a goofy grin on my face during gameplay, that doesn't mean that I love what this game tries to accomplish.
The main goal of 1-2 Switch is being a showcase for what the Joy-Con can do. With capabilities like HD Rumble and motion control, they have a lot going for them. During my Nintendo Switch event, there were six different minigames on display. Each sees you doing silly motions and cause hilarity to ensue.
The first minigame was Milk, where we actually had to milk a cow. We would first firmly place our hand on the SL button and make a thrusting motion downward. Once you are halfway down, you had to press the SR button as well to get the maxium amount of milk out. This process would repeat for about 30 seconds, and then a winner would be decided. These games encourage you to look each other in the eye, just in case you are wondering.
Samurai Training, Quick Draw and Copy Dance are very similar at their core. You are asked to do a certain motion at a specific time, the opponent has to react accordingly and then we have a winner. They were all more quick fire games that you wouldn't play for too long in a single go. I appreciate the interaction and communication aspect between players a lot, but it seems they will grow old quickly.
Ballcount is where things become intriguing. You will have to wave the Joy-Con around and use the HD Rumble to decide how many balls are hiding in a bag. You take as many time as you like and the trick to bluff and show confidence in your own guessing skills. I had one round close to the end where I almost immediately made a decision. The face of my rival was absolutely priceless.
Finally, there is Safe Crack. Once again, the HD Rumble is being used to its full potential. You will need to move the Joy-Con around and find three weak spots with which the safe can be opened. The first couple of rounds we would nail the placement quite quickly, mostly because we would look at the screen to finalize positions. We made it special in later rounds by turning our back to the television and try to figure it all out on feel alone. It was pretty magical.
Ultimately, 1-2 Switch has the chance to be a fun party title, but don't expect anything deeper than that. It showcases what the Joy-Con can do, which it does respectfully. While I do wish that some of the games were a bit bigger in scope, 1-2 Switch is good for some easy laughs. With the right crowd, it could be a wild night with friends and family.
Post by: Leo13 on January 14, 2017, 10:14:17 PM
