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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Star Fox Reboot In Emergency Star Fox Direct

« on: May 07, 2026, 08:23:58 PM »

When it comes to the art style, I’ll tell you this, Miyamoto and presumably others within Nintendo view Star Fox as a “realistic” franchise. The first time I was given this notion was either Smash Melee or Brawl. I believe it was Melee, one of the later Event Matches. Event 33, I just looked it up.  The description is “Nintendo’s realistic fighters!” These
Fighters include Samus, Link, Zelda, Captain Falcon and yup Fox. Teenage me was like Fox?! Then I thought about the war setting and it made a little sense.

Do you all remember the Crystal interviews? How Miyamoto wanted a sexy character in Star Fox? So she was then carried into Assault? Yes it’s out there I promise! Not to mention Miyamoto’s insistence that story for a Star Fox game is ok lol. Despite cartoony depictions the games themselves are played pretty straight as far as their characterizations and story beats involving death and such.

Fox needed to fit in with the Mario cast so of course within that art style he’d look like that. However, ever since Zero’s character renders it looked to me like the characters were getting closer to a realistic art style. Not too much but far and away more gritty than 64 3D’s art style or Commands.

Much like Zelda never really being able to sit too long in a single style I imagine the artists at Nintendo wanted to go ham now that they had technology that is somewhat cutting edge. Remember when Aonuma wanted to convey NES Zelda artwork into a real game? I bet the developers looked back at the real life puppets and realized they could go beyond that now.

At the very least isn’t this at least more visually distinct from Nintendo’s usual offerings? I love that Star Fox is finding a new identity with this super realistic look. Though admittedly outside of the characters being animals this art style might fit in well with any old realistic 3rd party offering. Still, I keep seeing Rocket Raccoon and the other Guardians. Gosh I hope Donkey Kong and Zelda lean in towards the realism. Doesn’t have to be this realistic but more of what I imagined Country and Ocarina of Time would be by now in this day and age.

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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Star Fox Reboot In Emergency Star Fox Direct

« on: May 07, 2026, 03:49:42 PM »

Sorry to double post but my last one was so long I thought it best to separate these topics.

I see a lot of comments online of people comparing the graphics to the puppets from the SNES Star Fox marketing.  I don't see that at all.  Never made the association until someone suggested it.

For me it's the overtly realistic and somewhat dirty quality this new game seems to share with the SNES puppets. The new artwork doesn't seem to be as dingy but in game shots depict a dark dinginess that gives it a really cool SNES edge. And honestly I LOVE it! It really separates Star Fox from Nintendo's usual bright and colorful lineup.

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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Star Fox Reboot In Emergency Star Fox Direct

« on: May 07, 2026, 03:22:00 PM »

@Broodwars

I haven’t played many remakes besides Mario RPG lately or I guess Let’s Go Eevee. However the way you describe Resident Evil 3 from my perspective is basically a brand new game narrative or not. That’s how I see Zero. The stage objectives, gameplay, graphics and voice work are all completely new. It’s a brand new game essentially following a similar narrative. Story wise it’s a remake but otherwise it’s a totally different game. If it wasn’t there wouldn’t be nearly as much backlash. I’d much much much rather have a new game but I’d rather have this than another Assault or another Zero(which I had an amazing time with but admittedly the barrier to entry was too much for most).

@Iansane & Broodwars - I’ve been chatting with you two on these boards since we were teenagers. I’ll be 40 in a few weeks. Lord have mercy… The Star Fox IP has been mishandled to high heaven. And there 20 years olds today who never got to experience Star Fox the way we did. I believe I understand exactly what Nintendo is up to and yeah it leaves us old school SF64 players a little high and dry but the bigger picture is setting us up good for the long run. My 11 year old saw this and flipped out. He tried playing 64 on NSO but he couldn’t get past the graphics. Listening to the chatter in my Mario Galaxy viewing Fox got everyone excited.

Judging by interviews I think this game was a done deal AFTER it was decided that Fox was going to be in Mario Galaxy. At that point Nintendo may have had to make a decision about what they could do quickly enough be in sync with the Galaxy release. The game itself already had its core and they built up around it for a relatively quick turn around. This is all my assumption of course.

A new game/new adventure could still accomplish the same things but maybe this was their best course of action to set the series up for the next 20 years. Like Metroid 2 Samus Returns being that remake testing ground for Mercury Steam before Dread. I’m fully expecting a new game within the next 4 years.

Whatever the case you best believe I’m going run defense for this game! As BlackNMild once put it, enjoy the Expect Less Express! My Hype Train is on full speed ahead! These ultra realistic graphics are so unlike Nintendo, it’s turning heads already. The expansion to the story is going to cement the narrative for future games and almost certainly a movie. As the “beginning” with regular aspirin controls, new fans know what to expect going forward. And now with a seemingly good effort in online multiplayer, those who purchase can get competitive with their skills in a way that I used to dream about! I dreamed about it last night in fact! Oh and it’s a budget title! Just purchased mine for $50. I’m going to get it physical as well and make a Star Fox section on my wall like one of the gentlemen from the Nintendo World Report staff. You might think I’m part of the problem but my efforts are going to help make Star Fox great again!

I’m watching y’all’s players log. Iansane are we friends on Switch/Switch2? Soon as I see you got the game I’m inviting you to online matches with my Leon avatar on Gamechat.

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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Star Fox Reboot In Emergency Star Fox Direct

« on: May 07, 2026, 03:12:54 AM »

YOOOOOOOO!!!!!! This looks good!

I got texts out of the blue from a lapsed gamer like "did you see this?!"

Everyone needs to stop lumping Zero in with 64. Those stages are designed and played COMPLETELY differently. Honestly the stage layout in Zero is better than 64 in some cases. Star Fox Zero was an entirely new game with a similar narrative. The vast majority of you couldn't deal with the Gamepad so here we are again. Same goes for Star Fox SNES, that is not Star Fox 64 in the slightest. Similar story(if you could even call it that) with planets going by the same name. Everything else is completely different.

I would have preferred an entirely new game but holy moly am I all in on this! That fleshed out multiplayer is calling to me! Only 8 players is slightly disappointing but I imagine it will get expanded over time. I have a good feeling people are going to get insanely hooked on this. The base movement in 64 looks to have remained the same and in multiplayer settings it is so satisfyingly frantic. You can increase the speed of multiplayer as well. Not sure what that means but faster is faster!

You old grumps didn't show up for Zero so you need to just wait a little longer for a new game. Fox just got reintroduced to millions of young'ns and old'ns alike. The quality of this game and the expanded multiplayer will earn Star Fox new fans. This will get us a new game in the next 4 years I'm sure of it!

We got the spirit of the uncanny puppets back and a huge expansion on the narrative. This is Nintendo's first game that truly looks next generation. This whole thing seems very un-Nintendo like and I am so here for it!

The new Star Fox crew in the next Smash is gonna be wild!

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch 2

« on: April 26, 2026, 07:50:35 PM »

Just finished Resident Evil 9. Had a great time with the game. The atmosphere, graphics and story sell me more than anything else. Gameplay is good, but for my tastes it only stops at good because I'm so used to games like Mario, Zelda or Donkey Kong which allow me to interact with the environment much more significantly. Still I'm sold enough to go back and get into Village and that other one available. Worth every penny.

Just started FFVII Remake and holy moly is the presentation blowing me away. I walked Cloud into a corner and looked deep into his in game eyes and I was stunned. Switch 2 can do this?! Between the Wii U and Switch I've been stuck on PS360 level hardware for ages, so for me this is a massive jump. I never really looked at the previews or gameplay, I just knew I wanted the game eventually. Clouds face and eyes look almost real to me. I can't imagine how it looks for you XBox or PS5 players. So glad I went through the original PSX version before I jumped in.

Man Square and Capcom… Between them, Bananza and potential Star Fox, I feel like I got my spiritual successor to the Super Nintendo already.

Oh and hey! Gamechat is actually really good and functional. Especially if you are trying to teach someone something or learn secrets from a friend it is really useful. If anyone ever wanted to Gamechat me Romancedawn online, I’m open to it. Video or just voice. I know when Smash comes out I’m going to be using it so much. When
people figure out advanced techniques it’s going to be so much easier having them show me first hand rather than chatting back and forth in discord or message boards.

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TalkBack / Re: Pokemon Winds And Waves Announced For 2027 Release

« on: March 03, 2026, 12:29:19 PM »

As long as they bring back the co-op, that's all I really need.

Let's hope. You know with Gamefreak it's ALWAYS 2 steps forward 3 steps back. Unless of course it comes to breeding and IV management then the quality of life features stack every generation.

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TalkBack / Re: Pokemon Winds And Waves Announced For 2027 Release

« on: February 28, 2026, 02:50:20 PM »

Visually the game has passed it's first test. Seems to be generally loved or at the very least acceptable across the internet. Odd that this game is what is giving me "next gen" vibes more than any other Nintendo published title so far. Presentation wise there is still a chance for the game to disappoint with lame cut scene or gameplay animations. There is still the slightest hint of run, stop, turn, run in the last few games. I hope Pokemon reside on roof tops, tree branches, walls, etc. Each game tries to do a little more with that like Applin on tree branches or spider pokemon walking across walls. I was genuinely surprised to see Ariados hanging from its webbing in the sewers of ZA. Seeing Pokemon do real world, animal like activities goes a long way to make the games feel real.

Gameplay wise please give us something meaningful to do outside of battles. Ride Pokemon may be out. Take a look at those little boards the human characters carry. My guess is they will transform into a skate/hover board, a hang glider, a sea scooter and some kind of a grip/sickle for climbing walls. I hope not as I'd rather have a Pokemon do these things for me while I control it but lets see how it turns out.

Pokemon Gameplay that I long for consists of meaningful control and action outside of battle. There has already been little hints and nudges in past generations and then it disappears while that dang ol' Rotom takes over again. Each of these abilities could grow more powerful or useful with more badges, higher levels, etc.

Riding & Jumping - If it's big enough let us get on top. There are so many large horse, dog and cat shaped pokemon that could easily allow us to hitch a ride with our favorites.
Climbing - Plenty of Pokemon learn Rock Climb. Let us latch on to their backs and away we go.
Gliding - Large winged Pokemon we can ride on. Smaller winged Pokemon, the human holds on to their feet.
Sensing - Allow us to control a Pokemon and use its senses to seek out aromas, ghosts, or navigate darkness through their eyes.
Smashing/Cutting/Digging - Manually control your chosen Pokemon to break through, cut through and dig through things to find secret items, passages, caves, etc.
Hot & Cold System - You don't just go walking through a volcano without an Ice or Water type at your side to keep you cool. When in the snowy mountains make sure there is a fire type near by if your winter clothes aren't enough.
Field Attacks - Control a Pokemon and just randomly let it throw a flamethrower or punch at your whim. Could activate puzzles, start battles, whatever.

So much more could be done to immerse the players. Remember in Lets Go you could ride almost any Pokemon if it was big enough? Then never again. All that doesn't even include what the human could be capable of. Let's get some Arceus style dive rolling and sneaking around. Not to mention manually throwing balls. Though judging by the way Pikachu was captured I think that's out but we'll see. Tell me you wouldn't enjoy some of these things.

My 39 year old body is still conditioned for N64/Gamecube/Wii/Wii U droughts. I still can't get used to something decent almost every month. So this coming in 2027 is like wow that's not so bad, plus it gives more time to polish. First gen in a long time to wait roughly 5 years after the previous one. You know Nintendo cracked the whip after they had to publicly apologize for the state of Scarlet and Violet. Look at that landscape, you know Monolith is in the kitchen somewhere.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: What will Nintendo release in 2026?

« on: February 16, 2026, 04:37:04 PM »

Is anyone on the fence about Fever? I've been waiting to see one of you online playing but alas I am alone. This game is absolutely incredible if you enjoy Tennis in general or have always wanted to enjoy Mario Tennis but some ol' bullship like racket breaking got in the way. This game is a return to form. Single player(not so much story mode yet) has been pretty engaging and multiplayer online and off has had my home erupting in screams and laughter. This game is legit!

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Gets Surprise Update To Add Dixie Kong, Switch 2 Enhancements

« on: January 24, 2026, 12:55:15 PM »

Yabadabadoooooo!!!!!!

I finished my 200% play through last year but my son and I never finished our co-op adventure. With co-op fixed and Dixie Kong added it's time to return to Returns.

The upgrades and clarity in the visuals is a great bonus and for my super trained DK eyes, very noticeable. Despite finishing hard mode while achieving Gold/Shiny Gold in every single stage and boss fight, this new super speed mode does not appeal to me. Not yet anyway. Not a fan of a game like this on Dodrio Mode.

Lastly but most importantly... Do you all notice the ongoing attempt in bringing the DK brand back into S-Tier?! This has been a continuous slow burn for over a decade now culminating in the theme park and Bananza and I'm so glad to have DK treated like a top tier franchise again. Remember how Nintendo introduced Dixie Kong in Mario Kart Tour? Now look at what we are getting here! It's not the biggest thing but still! It's like getting Knuckles in Sonic 2! Sonic 1 & 2 these days! As THE prominent female figure in the Donkey Kong series they have been pushing her as one of the faces of the franchise and I couldn't be happier! Now that Nintendo internally took over DK, you watch Smash is gonna get so Donkified including Dixie as a newcomer! Mark my words!

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond [Insert thinly veiled Back to the Future reference here]

« on: December 06, 2025, 02:35:16 AM »

The game is good, it is enjoyable but this formula hasn't evolved enough. Many of us noticed it in the first and second trailers. Honestly the gameplay feels dated. Enjoyable but dated. I was really hoping that this game would allow tons more movement options and the ability to interact with the environment with a little more substance.

Link, Mario and Donkey Kong are athletes with tons of movement options and can interact with the environment in a meaningful way. Samus has all the agility of Mario, fighting hands as good as DK, with all the same gadgets as Link, yet she can't do half of what they do in the Prime games.

This example is extreme but Prime 4's movement is behind Dread's the same way DK64's movement is behind Bananza's. Too stiff with too much context sensitive abilities.

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond [Insert thinly veiled Back to the Future reference here]

« on: December 04, 2025, 11:28:24 PM »

I've just completed my first 2-3 hours, haven't gotten the bike yet but did have a decent run with Myles. I've been a bit bored of the Prime formula since 3 but this is hitting really nice.  All that hysteria over that Myles tutorial? PUH-lease! It was over before it even started. I think the dialogue and animations are well done so far and adds to the wider universe of Metroid.

The previews made it sound like he was talking nonstop during this portion. Every line I heard in the previews I experienced for myself. Again I'm thinking to myself, was that what all the fuss was about? Ya'll weak. Now maybe later it will get worse but so far I'm enjoying this continued direction.

At one point Myles even said something that was pretty intriguing to me. He wondered why a much more modern piece of tech(the save station) was amongst the older ruins and machinery. And see I'm an ancient-aliens-Prime-lore-lovin' type and that question really peaked my interest. Later I actually had to press pause and radio Myles because I forgot what I had to do.

There is plenty of isolation. A word ain't no body said or thought about until that one Metroid review from 50 years ago.

Also... Does anyone else see female anatomy absolutely EVERYWHERE in this game?!

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond [Insert thinly veiled Back to the Future reference here]

« on: November 20, 2025, 02:49:32 PM »

When I first saw and heard Myles I did for a moment think his tone was too out there for a Metroid title but I didn't think the acting or dialogue was bad. As far as I'm concerned it's better acted than what was in Prime 3 and the animations are far more realistic. Just dialogue that is seemingly different for the series. Then I looked back at Prime 3 and there were a decent amount quips and one liners thrown our way via the other hunters.

When it comes to hand holding I think we need to take into account that we are in our 30's, 40's and 50's and actually played all 3D Metroid titles. Adults who are now 20 years old were only 2 or 3 when the last Prime released. I don't think a tutorial where a character tells you how to save is unwarranted. If it's the entire game ok but I think we all know it won't be. Despite having a COMM in her helmet I don't expect a Navi, Fi or Midna in the slightest. The majority of the footage has been Samus up and about on her own rolling through tiny holes and I imagine it will stay that way until the big story beats. Even then Dread, Fushion and Prime One had some sort of character or Power Suit AI telling Samus, "I think you want to go here" remember? It hasn't been totally hands off for a very long time.

And I wish there was a better synonym for "isolation" cause I am sick of hearing it. We may appreciate being alone the majority of the game but if that was really something special maybe more people on the planet would actually buy Metroid. We like Metroid because it feels good to run around as Samus, blowing things up, flipping, flying and swinging all over the place while discovering new weapons and passages. That is why we like it.

This is Nintendo's attempt at making Metroid more mainstream and I'm all for it. This would be the 3rd time they've done something like this and maybe this time the Trojan Horse will work for the masses. I wan't more Metroid games, I want the developers to do well and make more of what I want. I want the universe fleshed out and there to be actual characters.

Prime 1 was lonelier than the Holy Grail that is Super Metroid. In Super we see a scientist shaking hands with Samus and we got Animal Buddies teaching Samus techniques who can later be rescued at the end. Prime 1 didn't have anyone gentle to Samus and that sold like 2.8 million on Gamecube. If that formula was so great Prime 2 wouldn't have sold less than half at 1.1 million. Even with the Wii explosion the formula introduced during Prime 1 could barely bring in 1.4 million with Prime 3. It was a slight boost from Prime 2 but for whatever reason Metroid does not appeal to that wide an audience. Them trying to introduce new characters and gameplay styles to flesh out the universe is something I've wanted more of for ages. If the bike is fun, feels good and brings in new people hooray! If Myles, Sylux and Galactic Debo turn some heads in the right direction I'll be happy. Of course I say this so long as we can continue to have what we like, being able to run around as Samus, blowing things up, flipping, flying and swinging all over the place while discovering new weapons and passages.

This is already way too long but please indulge the mindset of younger me.

As a 7 or 8 year old kid Super Metroid scared me to the point that I would only watch. But I tell you what, Ridley on the box art and that opening scene captivated me. I'd make Ridley like tails out of foil pretending to be him. When Prime came out the manual had my imagination going with that Chozo image and back story. I had to go back and find every Metroid manual lore drop I could find. I was obsessed with the Chozo and the back story to Samus. Every new game that came out, I'm like where are the Chozo?! I want Samus to find her bird family! Zero Mission added that aggressive Chozo thing at the end and I was like what is this?! What was the game that had the concept art? showing 2 Chozo tribes as unlockable art? Then it looked liked something sinister happened as the art turned red? Was it Metroid 2 remake? Then we got Dread, we saw multiple living Chozo, got to interact with them, try to protect and fight them and for me that was a dream come true.

I like these sentient beings in Metroid. At the end of Zero Mission I enjoyed seeing Samus at the bar, just lounging in her casual clothes. That told me there is a whole Star Wars like universe out there full of the mundane as well as the extreme and I want to know about all of it. When they add these elements no matter how small to the franchise I really appreciate it. That kind of thing will or rather it could appeal to the masses. Certainly Other M only did harm but I bet if the gameplay was spot on 100% of the time people would have looked passed some of those odd story choices. Wii mote sideways, flip it around for 1st person, pixel hunts, never discovering new weapons but being allowed? Nah it was cumbersome half the time despite being very fun outside of that.

When the Metriod movie gets the green light you all won't be taken so aback by Samus living in her cosmic apartment, brushing her teeth with space paste, waiting for the intergalactic beeper to go off from the Federation.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush (Switch 2) Review

« on: November 20, 2025, 01:38:02 PM »

Great review that plays through it in its entirety and gives this mode it's due! Thank you!

And I'm not saying because I'm a Donkey Kong fanatic because this was not what I was looking forward to when this was first revealed. However, Emerald Rush is so fun, plays so different from the main game, it's addicting as heck, super challenging and with tons of content to play through!

At 75 hours I 100%'d the main game, 1000 Banandium Gems. Now I'm at 150 hours and the rest of that was purely on Emerald Rush and I'm still not finished!

There are records on these forums of us Planet GameCuber's competing for high scores in Jungle Beat. This is the Jungle Beat of the new age!

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TalkBack / Re: Next Nintendo Direct To Air September 12

« on: September 10, 2025, 02:08:54 PM »

I've found myself in an interesting position since Bananza was announced. I've been waiting so many years for a 3D DK follow up, it has been my number 1 wish since the last days of Space World, E3 and since Directs began. Ridley in Smash was another one of my Jr High wishes finally come true.

So with that said, I just find myself not caring quite as much when Directs get announced. Don't get me wrong, I'm there minute one during every stream but I am coasting on fulfilled dreams right now.

I could go for some Bananza Downloadable Kongtent. But the game is still so fresh I really could wait a good while for that.

I suppose my biggest wishes now are Dixie Kong in Smash, Sonic getting its act together, Star Fox getting its act together, F-Zero, 3rd person Metroid and 3D Yoshi.

I know im going to love Zelda, Prime and Mario. Can't wait to see them but they've never felt like straight up winning the lottery when they come around.

Anyone else find themselves in an odd state of contentment?

@IANSANE - You don’t want to try Donkey Kong? Or have you yet? It’s such a good game and while I don’t know your tastes any longer I think you would absolutely love it. Phooey on that 8.5! That game is a solid 9.99999999 all the way around! And I don’t just say this as Donkey Kong nutcase, it is really a great game!

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TalkBack / Re: Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (Switch 2) Hands-on Preview

« on: September 02, 2025, 04:27:57 PM »

Ok this is the first unbad news of the Switch 2 build I'm seeing. My hopes have restored some. Keeping an eye on future coverage because I really want to try this game.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Direct Recap

« on: June 18, 2025, 10:12:04 AM »

Wow that got me a little emotional for a moment there. Nintendo trying to legit tell a story in platformer is neat novelty.

The Bananza transformations look to take the place of Animal Buddies with their functionality. I'd rather be riding Expresso but this does look really good! I mean look at the booty! Also at the very least Rambi is ridable in those Diddy + Dixie challenge sections. So you know maybe there is hope for other Animal Buddies with a similar role.

The opening narration makes me think K Rool is in the game.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct Set for This Week

« on: June 16, 2025, 11:07:19 PM »

I really didn't expect this game to get a direct. Like Odyssey I felt if it didn't have a really involved level up/skill tree system, tons of multiplayer options or some really wacky new gameplay mechanics for audiences to wrap they heads around, then a trailer in a general Direct would have been enough.

But then again there are a lot of people worried that the destruction will be mindless and ruin the level design. So this is their chance to put those fears at ease.

Not for me though! I was sold the moment I saw those banana shaped rocks.

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TalkBack / Re: Switch 2 Sells 3.5 Million Units In First Four Days To Become Fastest Selling System In Nintendo

« on: June 16, 2025, 12:54:09 AM »

What's interesting to me is the discussion of game pricing. At some point too much is too much but I really don't think we are there now. I remember many discussions revolving around Pokemon specifically. Every generation the games went up and the idea of going from $39.99 3DS Pokemon games to $59.99 Switch Pokemon games had some people up in arms. Obviously there wasn't much uproar outside of Pokemon communities and not to mention console games were already $60 for ages by that point. Still some people were convinced there was no way Pokemon games would be able to reach the sales heights of R/B/G/Y or even G/S/C. Lo and behold a full gen later we would see that even the questionable quality of Sword and Shield surpassed Gold and Silver! Then lo and further behold Scarlet and Violet with it's own major controversies surpassed Gold & Silver along with Sword and Shield within the same generation.

It's certainly a reasonable assumption that higher priced games will sell less but man I really don't know. There could be some perceived premium value associated with the higher prices and some people(in the case of the Switch generation MORE people) are just willing to pay.

The extra budgeted Prime Remastered certainly didn't light up the charts but Retro's other title, Donkey Kong Country Returns, upped in price and did pretty well lol. Granted I understand there are huge differences between the IP's, marketing etc. However I think there is something to be said about the online discourse of both. The $40 Prime Remastered was just sure to get the Switch effect with that budget price point and take the series to new heights. The $60 Donkey Kong Country Returns was overly priced, sure to bomb and further disgrace the "forgotten" series.

My entertainment budget is like 80% video games. Occasionally taking my family to the movies and whatever silly streaming services we have. If push came to shove I'd prioritize my Nintendo any day of the week. Smash, Mario/Kart, Zelda, Donkey Kong, F-Zero and Tetris are just too difficult for me to put down. I'll sacrifice my movie and streaming dollar for my gaming dollar. For my personal needs the gaming dollar gets carried a heck of a lot further than my theater dollar. 

I suppose I'm saying that like with anything else people will adjust to the rising costs around them and be more selective with their expendable dollar. Does that mean less games or gaming services? Or maybe less streaming, 1 less super deluxe coffee in a given week, or one less trip to the movies?

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Nintendo Gaming / Re: Nintendo Switch 2

« on: June 09, 2025, 12:31:50 PM »

I've been hearing that the Switch2 feels more like a premium product than the last Switch and I'd say that is definitely true. Feels sturdier, looks a bit sleeker and just functions more efficiently.

I was waiting for a Xenoblade X patch to finish my run of the game but decided to play anyway. Holy smokes, the resolution and the frame rate! I can clearly make out the creatures and armor sets now! I was not prepared for darn near every game getting some form of a boost in a generic resolution and/or frame rate boost. It really is an amazing plus especially since I have so many games just sitting unfinished.

I tell you what though, Mario Kart World really is something special. I remember being wowed by Mario Kart 8's visuals on the Wii U so long ago but that was about where it ended. I enjoyed my time with Mario Kart 8, but haven't LOVED Mario Kart since the DS version. I buy all of them, I play them when there is nothing else to play and it serves it's purpose as a family game to bond with everyone.

Now though? Nah bruh, this Mario Kart? I haven't smiled so hard or laughed this much with a game in a very long time. There are a few moments during races where I am in awe. The spectacle and presentation really hits me hard sometimes! There are some really cool tracks in 8D,  but with this game there is real context of where everything is and later on if I want to I can go there, so these tracks don't just feel real, they are real!

The wide open spaces do not detract from the experience. Not when there are 23 other racers trying to clobber you at every moment. Not to mention the wild life, road hazards and local vehicles going to and fro. I am always jumping, dodging and moving my butt to keep from being annihilated.

And with so many tracks like Big Blue and Mount Wario I am in absolute love! For my tastes this is just what the doctor ordered! A race around the world like Flash vs Super Man. I don't mind 3 lap traditional races but man am I glad this is no longer the majority of races any longer.

The item balance isn't nearly as maddening as it once was! I mean you get hit over and over but the recovery of the vehicles is just better! Charge jumping can get you out of a few jams if you are skilled enough and reliably dodging blue shells with mushrooms is so much easier now!

And Donkey Kong looks like sentient being again. Thank God!

Just let me adjust the music volume! That music is so good I really want to hear it without all the frantic engines and items all over the place. Oh and there is no way to join friends while they are playing randoms online. Hopefully they add that in like it was in 8D.

Anyone try Gamechat? I see a few of you online with your chats set up and eventually I'm gonna send you a chat request. We've been on these boards typing since we were in our teens and now that I'm nearing my 40's you should all enjoy my receding hair line! Game Chat works really well, and it's surprisingly a seamless and pleasant experience. I did not think I would be into it but playing while chatting with one of my buddies was really nice.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Announced for Switch 2

« on: May 27, 2025, 02:04:47 AM »

I thought the intro looked pretty engaging with a little mystery to see what’s coming next.

On another topic… I’m only realizing today that when Nintendo uploaded the trailer to Nintendo News the trailer was edited. Not on YouTube but only the Nintendo app, there is a quick scene of DK giving Cranky some high fives. I can only imagine much like Sakurai and his ear to the ground for us ravenous Smashers, the Bananza team knows what DK fans are concerned about. At first glance when you watch that trailer it feels a lot like Jungle Beat where there is seemingly very little connection to previous games. I think they wanted that, they wanted players to find relief with Cranky and spread the word during the Treehouse segments. As time went on there were a lot of little Easter eggs and direct references to past games. I’m guessing there are going to be massive amounts of call backs to every era of DK.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Announced for Switch 2

« on: April 22, 2025, 01:47:19 PM »

I saw someone playing this and DK's movement options look so fun! The trailer didn't really convey exactly what I saw recently at one of the Nintendo events. Maybe because most of the shots showed DK smashing and bashing but I saw other footage of DK running, jumping and climbing in long strides along with his smashing abilities. It looks so good!

There are other classic characters here too. Cranky and Rambi are confirmed. Naughty's are referenced as fossils and I believe Professor Chops as well. Not to mention the Crocoid skeletons look straight up like DK64 Kremlings in skeletal form. There is a lot of neat little nods that point to even more classic characters appearing including Expresso and K Rool and I just can't wait!

Man I hope Diddy and Dixie can be apart of this gameplay! Dixie is generally viewed as having more raw strength than Diddy because of that amazing hair so I could see this gameplay justified with her in it. Diddy might be a little harder to justify but he's always been strong but just not as strong! Ripping smaller chunks from walls and maybe takes a few more hits to smash things might be all that's needed. 

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TalkBack / Re: Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Adding Switch 2 Exclusive GameCube Library

« on: April 07, 2025, 01:15:34 AM »

I don't have evidence, but I always equated Soul Caliber II with killing off F-Zero. Or at least put it into that coma it only recently awakened from.

These 2 games released within days of each other. And trust me, allllllllllllllllll the hype went to Soul Caliber. We were starved of a realistic Link due to the Space World Zelda demo filling our head with dreams and and ending up with Wind Waker. The promise of realistic Link in this amazing fighting game series coming to Nintendo was the talk of the town. Soul Caliber changed my life so I am far more grateful for it than I am slightly resentful hehehe.

I find it so funny that of the 3 games launching the Gamecube on NSO, all 3 are entwined in the fall of F-Zero.

Granted I understand there are a million aspects that COULD HAVE equated to GX underperforming. Lack of online, marketing, etc. Whatever. The fact is I was there Nintendo World Report. We were all there. We know the truth...

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TalkBack / Re: Will Mario Kart World Satisfy My Single-Player Demands?

« on: April 06, 2025, 11:11:44 PM »

Caterkiller say's yes! Yes it will! I never get too excited for Mario Kart, I buy them all, I play them, but ever since Diddy Kong Racing I have just never been too thrilled with the series. This open world stuff gives me serious Diddy Kong Racing vibes! I know we haven't seen bosses or missions or anything like that but I have a good feeling this open world is going to be utilized greatly.

Mario Kart always just kind of found its winning formula very early and the best ways to seemingly iterate on it was to just make that formula a little bigger. More characters, more tracks, more opponents per race, online. I didn't expect much going into this game beyond that so my eyes went wide during the Direct.

Open world, traveling between tracks and just being able to screw around with friends? Holy moly that alone has me ready to go! I can't imagine we won't be able to do "things" within the single player. Significant "things" that would make playing alone feel oh so satisfying.

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TalkBack / Re: EA, 2K Loading Switch 2 Up With Sports And Entertainment

« on: April 06, 2025, 07:31:28 PM »

Wow, to think there hasn't been a Madden on Nintendo for over a decade. Also to think the switch did as well as it did without a Madden!

Watching all these graphical comparisons between Switch 2/PS5/XboxX/PS4pro/XboxS of 3rd party games I am thrilled that the Switch 2 is a comparable power house. Or rather it can keep up well enough to what's available now using it's own unique techniques instead of with brute force.

Madden will look comparable to Sony and Microsoft, that's something that people can be excited about.

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TalkBack / Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Announced for Switch 2

« on: April 06, 2025, 06:35:36 PM »

The more I look at this game the more infatuated I become. DK is my boy! I love love love Donkey Kong! When I first witnessed the commercial for Donkey Kong Country in the 2nd grade I made it my mission to be able to comfortably run on my hands and feet like an ape. By the end of high school I looked quite the fool but I looked totally at home in Kongo Jungle.

I can see a little bit from every Donkey Kong here. Some of the arcade, some of Rare's Country, DK64, Jungle Beat and Retro's Country. It's a wonderful amalgamation for what came before.

During my 200% run of Returns HD, I would begin to really analyze every single level. Retro made a real working world. There is so much logic and reason behind nearly every platform and peace of terrain. Floating barrels aside, there was a logical "realism" to nearly every set piece.

After a while I began to ask myself, how does this island sustain itself? Everywhere Donkey Kong goes, the place is left in absolute shambles. I can't imagine EAD took inspiration from Retro's bombastic set pieces but there really is a nice bit of cohesion between Retro's 2D games and this 3D game. Darn near everything is reduced to rubble in Donkey Kong's wake.